With their attention back on the projection, they watched as a hunched figure stumbled his way toward the cave.
Unlike usual, this 'figure' wasn't... dignified, noble-looking, no, not even close.
The dude was swaying like he was one step away from eating dirt, each step looking more like a suggestion than an actual decision.
Fast, sure, but also clumsy—like he wasn't even sure where he was going, just that he had to keep moving.
For a solid minute, no one said a word.
Was it even him?
Malik?
Their Sultan?
The same man who sat on the throne like he owned the place?
This wasn't him. Couldn't be. This guy was… empty.
Like someone had truly ripped out his soul and left the rest behind to rot.
...He just looked so wrecked.
And the background wasn't helping his case.
Just endless gray, all muted and lifeless. Almost as if the landscape itself had given up on trying.
"Man, even the world's in despair."
"..."
"..."
"..."
No one laughed.
