After two relentless years of training and planning within the Void, Nasir stood before Eberus, anticipation coursing through him. The god of darkness regarded him with an inscrutable gaze.
"The world isn't ready," Eberus intoned, his voice resonating through the emptiness. With a sweeping motion, the darkness around them began to swirl and coalesce, forming a series of shimmering portals, each pulsating with an ethereal glow.
"These," Eberus explained, "are gateways to various cities across your world. Choose your destination wisely."
Nasir's eyes scanned the portals, each offering a glimpse into bustling metropolises. One, however, stood out—a city drenched in neon lights, alive with energy and vice. A smirk played on his lips.
"Sin City," he murmured, stepping toward the portal leading to Las Vegas.
Eberus's chuckle echoed. "Fitting. But first, you might want to address your… appearance."
Nasir glanced down at himself. His clothes were in tatters, remnants of the rigorous training he'd endured. His hair was unkempt, a wild mane framing his face, and a coarse beard shadowed his jaw.
"Point taken," Nasir conceded.
With a nod from Eberus, a doorway materialized to Nasir's left. "Through there, you'll find what you need."
Stepping through, Nasir found himself in a dimly lit chamber. A modern bathroom awaited, complete with a steaming shower. Stripping away the remnants of his clothing, he stepped under the cascade of hot water. The sensation was almost foreign after years in the Void, but it invigorated him, washing away the grime and fatigue.
Emerging from the shower, he wiped the fogged mirror and took in his reflection. The transformation was staggering. At 21, his physique was chiseled, every muscle defined and honed to perfection. His light brown skin was flawless, a testament to his rebirth. But it was his eyes that captivated him most—once a deep brown, they now shimmered with a hazel hue tinged with a hint of purple, a subtle mark of the power coursing within him.
A neatly arranged set of clothing awaited him: a crisp white shirt, tailored black pants, and polished shoes. Dressing swiftly, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. A grooming kit lay nearby, and with practiced precision, he trimmed his hair and shaved, revealing the strong lines of his jaw. He stood in the mirror a refined man an imposing figure very handsome but behind the smile and captivating eyes was a venomous man.
Satisfied, Nasir returned to Eberus, who regarded him with approval. "Now, you're ready."
Without another word, Nasir stepped through the portal into the heart of Las Vegas.
The city's vibrancy was overwhelming—the cacophony of sounds, the kaleidoscope of lights, and the throngs of people moving with purpose and desire. Nasir inhaled deeply, absorbing the energy.
Yet, a challenge presented itself. He had no identification, no money, no phone, no official existence in this world. Navigating this would require cunning.
As he strolled along the Strip, observing and calculating, his attention was drawn to a man slumped against a lamppost. The stranger's disheveled appearance and despondent expression spoke volumes. Nasir approached, his presence commanding attention.
"Rough night?" Nasir inquired, his voice smooth.
The man looked up, eyes bloodshot. "You could say that. Im down to my last fifty bucks. Can't catch a break."
Nasir's lips curved into a knowing smile. "What if I told you we could turn that fifty into a fortune?"
Skepticism flashed across the man's face. "And how would we do that?"
"Trust me," Nasir said, extending a hand. "All I need is your cooperation."
After a moment's hesitation, the man who was scared to face his wife nodded, in his pocket thumbing his last bill. Together, they entered one of the grand casinos, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the scent of money.
Approaching a roulette table, the man placed the fifty-dollar chip on a single number. Unbeknownst to Nasir this was the same table he lost his kids college fund on less than an hour ago. The croupier raised an eyebrow but said nothing as the wheel spun.
Underneath everyone's nose Nasir reached out with his newfound abilities, subtly manipulating the shadows to guide the ball. It landed precisely where he intended. The payout was substantial.
The duo continued this strategy, parlaying their winnings, each spin a calculated move. Within hours, their initial fifty dollars had burgeoned into two hundred thousand.
Sensing the weight of their success and the prying eyes of the casino's security, Nasir suggested they cash out. The man eagerly agreed, they both walked to the cashier to turn in his chips for cash. The casino provided a duffel bag complementary.
Outside, the man turned to Nasir. "This is incredible! We make a great team."
Nasir's smile was enigmatic. "Indeed. Let's split the winnings and reconvene tomorrow. There's more to be made."
Greed flickered in the man's eyes. "Of course. See you tomorrow." The man had no intention of splitting the pot with Nasir. He had enough to pay back the money he gambled away and play a little more tomorrow. The man seeing a policeman walking up the strip got a great idea. HELP! POLICE!HELP! The policeman came over asked what the problem was.
Oh thank god I ran into you. Listen I just got lucky at the roulette table at the Sands. And he's been following me ever since. I need you to help me.
The officer looked at Nasir and asked for his identification. To which he had none. The officer looked annoyed and asked the man where he was staying to which he responded he had a suite at The Venetian .
The policeman asked Nasir to step to the side to which he did. The man was allowed to leave. While the policeman radioed for back up and was giving the description of Nasir to dispatch. The two men locked eyes and the officer was made nervous staring directly into Nasir's eyes looked away for a brief second. He looked up and Nasir was gone. Trying to find a shadow walker at night would be a difficult task for even the most trained eyes. The officer cancelled his request for backup he didn't want to explain another suspect getting away from him.
Utilizing his command over shadows, Nasir tracked the man to a lavish hotel. The man went to the bar brought a bottle. He confidently went to the elevator. He was out of debt and couldn't wait to count his earnings. He observed as the man entered his suite, locking the door behind him, believing himself secure.
Minutes later, as the man counted his ill-gotten gains, the bathroom door creaked open. Nasir emerged from the darkness, his presence a chilling contrast to the opulence of the room.
The man's eyes widened in terror. "How did you—?"
Nasir silenced him with a raised hand. Shadows coiled around the man, binding him to the chair.
"I offered you partnership," Nasir began, his tone cold. "Yet, you chose betrayal." The only reason you're alive is because you had faith. Faith in Eberus will always be rewarded.
The man stammered, "I-I need the money for my kids. Man you gotta believe me I'm a fuck up man. I need this money. You don't need me you have a formula"
Nasir's gaze bore into him. "You're right I don't need you. But Eberus is merciful. Tomorrow, 10 a.m., meet me here. We have a casino to break. Do not test me again."
Releasing the shadows' grip, Nasir collected the entirety of the money and departed, leaving the man gasping for breath and drowning in regret.
As dawn approached, Nasir stood atop a nearby building, overlooking the city that never slept. The game had begun, and he was ready to play.