I Will Rule

Chapter 1: The Crystal of Agony

Chapter 1: The Crystal of Agony

'If I’m not mistaken, today was my 12th birthday,' thought a young boy, seated in the back of an incredibly luxurious car.

The vehicle was a sleek, black Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the epitome of luxury and comfort. The car's plush interior and advanced features made it feel like a mobile sanctuary, far removed from the chaos outside. The boy, Lincoln, looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

‘This car looks really expensive,’ he thought, still unable to grasp what was happening.

Lincoln glanced at the driver. ‘Is that Lori? No, it can’t be. Is it my dad? No, it doesn’t look like him.’

He peered out the window into the night sky. The darkness was thick and impenetrable. ‘Is it night already?’

The thought crossed his mind: ‘Have I been kidnapped?’ But even as he considered it, he was puzzled by his lack of panic.

He noticed the convoy of vehicles surrounding them. Four large SUVs flanked the Maybach, two on each side. They seemed to be filled with muscular men in black suits. The imposing SUVs moved with precision, a well-coordinated convoy that screamed wealth and power.

Flanking the Maybach were four imposing SUVs, each one a fortress on wheels. Two Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons led the way, their formidable presence clearing a path through the desolate night. Behind them, a Cadillac Escalade ESV and a Range Rover Autobiography followed closely, their tinted windows and sleek lines hinting at the muscle and precision within. This convoy moved with purpose and precision, an impenetrable shield ensuring Lincoln's safe passage to the mysterious mansion ahead.

The convoy came to a halt at the gates of a sprawling mansion. Lincoln, still in a daze, did nothing. He barely remembered his own name and the fact that today was his twelfth birthday.

The driver stepped out and opened the door for Lincoln. "Young master, you may exit now," said the driver, dressed in an impeccable suit with white gloves, his tall frame casting a shadow over the young boy.

"Okay," Lincoln replied numbly, following the orders without question. His mind was still foggy, and his senses were dull.

"Please, follow me," the driver said.

"Okay," Lincoln repeated, trailing behind the driver without thinking.

They entered the grand, opulent mansion, but Lincoln couldn’t appreciate its grandeur. His mind was focused solely on following the instructions given to him.

In the living room, seven men awaited him. Six appeared to be between 30 and 40 years old, while the seventh, who seemed to be their leader or perhaps their father, looked to be between 70 and 80 years old.

The six men wore expensive black suits that exuded an air of immense wealth. The eldest, dressed in white robes reminiscent of ancient Chinese royalty, sported long white hair and a matching beard. Despite his attire, he did not appear Chinese.

"Lincoln Loud, isn't it?" The old man addressed the boy, who still couldn't comprehend what was happening.

"I think so, maybe?" Lincoln responded, his mind still hazy.

"Oh, is he still drugged?" said the tallest of the six men, towering at seven feet (213 cm), his shadow looming over Lincoln.

"Rick!" shouted the same tall man.

"Yes, master," said the driver who had brought the boy to the mansion, snapping his fingers sharply.

At the sound of the snap, Lincoln felt a jolt, as if awakening from a strange dream. He looked around, his surroundings slowly coming into focus, and remembered being brought here.