The day it happened.

The view comes alive to the lush backdrop of a sprawling city park. Birds are chirping, sunlight is filtering through the trees, and children can be heard laughing in the distance. After adjusting the camera angle, my face appears on the screen. My confident smirk is impossible to miss.

"Hey fam, it's Leon, coming at you live from Centennial Park. Ready for today's treat?"

[YoYoJoe: 'This better be good. I ditched another stream for you.']
[AngelicAria: 'Damn Leon, outdoors today? Hyped!']
[DarkDesire69: 'Ugh. Is this another one of your dumb stunts?']

Rolling my eyes, I let out a laugh. "DarkDesire69, always the fan, huh? Can't help but watch my streams? It's cute how you're always here."

[DarkDesire69: 'I'm just here to see if you'll finally fail miserably. One can hope.']

Glancing through the comments, I can't help but feel that itch of annoyance. I should be used to it by now, but some days, like today, it digs a bit deeper.

[MysticMolly: 'Heard you're one of the "blessed" ones. Show us!']
[BoomBoomBen: 'Let's see that so-called "magic" of yours.']
[IceFireX: 'Been seeing so many fakes lately. Prove you're legit.']

"Alright, alright," I say, feigning patience. "You want a show? Here we go."

With a casual flick of my wrist towards the water fountain, it begins to freeze solid. The crystallization starts at the base and swiftly moves upwards, turning the flowing water into a glimmering statue.

[TechnoTerry: 'Whoa! No way!']
[MoonGoddess: 'That's beautiful...']
[DarkDesire69: 'So what? My grandma's freezer can do that. You're no special snowflake.']

Trying to keep my cool — pun intended — I focus on another part of the park. "You want more, DarkDesire69? Watch closely."

The camera captures a nearby rosebush as I send a gust of cold towards it, the red petals quickly becoming encased in shimmering ice.

[FireBlaze: 'Damn, Leon's legit!']
[NightNymph: 'I stan Ice King Leon!']
[DarkDesire69: 'Bet you can't freeze my cold heart. Oh wait, you'd actually have to have talent for that.']

I can feel my pulse in my throat. Just breathe. She's just one of many. I smirk, "Keep those comments coming, fam. Whether you love or hate, you're still here with me."

The comments roll in thick and fast, but amidst the flood, I catch a shining notification: a massive donation from a familiar face.

[GoldenGamer: 'There's a reason he's the king! $500 for you, Leon. Shut the haters up!']

A genuine smile stretches across my face, though it's infused with a dash of smugness. "GoldenGamer! Always coming in clutch. Appreciate the love, bro."

[DarkDesire69: 'Probably just paying you to shut up.']

[GoldenGamer: '@DarkDesire69, still here bitching? Why don't you crawl back under whatever rock you came from?'] 

[DarkDesire69: 'Stay out of this, GoldenIdiot. No one asked for your two cents.']

As the two go back and forth, I can't help but let their feud inflate my ego. I wave my hand, and a statue of me made entirely of ice rises from the ground. Its regal pose and towering height make it impossible to ignore.

"Look at that, fam," I boast. "A testament to my power. And for those who still doubt, maybe you just need a cooler perspective."

I smirk, turning the ice sculpture's arm to point directly at the camera, giving the viewers a close-up of the meticulous detail I've infused into the artwork.

[TechnoTerry: 'Damn, that's some insane detail!']

 [MoonGoddess: 'A masterpiece!'] 

[GoldenGamer: 'Only a blind idiot wouldn't see how talented you are.'] 

[DarkDesire69: 'Still a block of ice. Nothing special.']

My chest tightens. Why does this troll keep getting under my skin? I need to rise above it, to let it go. But today, it just doesn't seem possible.

"DarkDesire69," I seethe, "you're obviously jealous. Maybe if you had a life beyond this chat, you'd be less of a hater."

[GoldenGamer: 'Burn!'] 

[DarkDesire69: 'Maybe if you had any real talent beyond freezing water, you'd have real fans, not just paid minions.']

That's it. I snap. With a flourish, I encase the camera in a layer of frost, obscuring the view.

"You want to see what I can really do?" I growl, voice dripping with menace. I send a series of intricate ice patterns sprawling across the ground, encircling the entire park in a web of shimmering frost.

*[YoYoJoe: 'Leon, chill!'] 

[AngelicAria: 'This is getting out of hand...'] 

[GoldenGamer: '@DarkDesire69, see what you did?! Happy now?!']

With a deep exhale, I try to center myself, mentally discarding the annoyance that is DarkDesire69. But when it comes to trolls, they have a persistent itch to scratch. And DarkDesire69 is the itchiest of them all.

"Alright, alright," I say, shaking off my frustration. "Let's shift the focus, fam. You all know I haven't really tested the full extent of my ability. So let's see just what I'm capable of, shall we?"

I stride confidently through the park, my audience watching with rapt attention as the scenery behind me changes. Before long, the unmistakable sound of rushing water reaches my ears, and a stunning waterfall comes into view. A smile tugs at my lips. This is the perfect stage.

"Check this out," I announce, concentrating all my energy on the cascading water.

Slowly but surely, the waterfall starts to freeze, water particles suspended mid-air, crystallized in a breathtaking dance of nature. The entire structure transforms into a magnificent, frozen piece of art, glistening under the sun's rays.

[TechnoTerry: 'Holy hell, that's insane!'] 

[MoonGoddess: 'It's like something out of a fantasy movie!'] 

[GoldenGamer: 'Your power never ceases to amaze me, Leon!']

But, of course...

[DarkDesire69: 'Wow, way to kill the environment, you self-centered idiot.']

A snicker leaves my lips before I can contain it. "Look, everyone! Our resident eco-warrior is back. Didn't take you for the nature-loving type, DarkDesire."

[DarkDesire69: 'You're such a moron. You think freezing a waterfall is cool? You're just destroying nature for your own ego. Pathetic.']

I roll my eyes, trying hard not to let it get to me. "Alright, Captain Planet, it's just a bit of ice. It'll melt. Chill out. No pun intended."

[GoldenGamer: '@DarkDesire69, why don't you go plant a tree instead of bitching here?'] [DarkDesire69: 'Why don't you go deep freeze yourself in Leon's ego? It's large enough.']

I stifle a chuckle. As aggravating as DarkDesire69 is, they have some zingers.

I straighten up, puffing out my chest. "Okay, guys, let's see what else I can find to dazzle you wi-"

-

Dark clouds churned menacingly over the towering spires of Iridia, casting an ominous shadow over the grand metropolis. People paused in the streets, craning their necks skyward with unease. Suddenly, and without warning, a blinding crack, like a fissure in the fabric of reality itself, slashed through the city's core. From this crack, creatures of horror spilled forth. Their bodies were a grotesque blend of scales and ooze, with multiple, asymmetrical eyes that glowed a ghastly yellow. These aberrations moved with alarming speed, lashing out with whip-like tentacles that left decay in their wake.

In Lumora, as the serene villages succumbed to an unnatural twilight, the first signs of unease emerged. Households were filled with whispered concerns, and soon the usually calm night was permeated by a palpable tension. But true terror set in after dusk when those who had gone to sleep began to twitch and convulse. From their gaping mouths, thick tendrils erupted, reaching out hungrily, while their eyes oozed out as gelatinous spheres that sought new hosts.

Sahelar's Crimson Sands, which once sang tales of ancient civilizations, now bore witness to fresh horrors. The sands themselves seemed to writhe, and from them erupted fleshy, pulsating mounds. Each mound split open to release a creature that resembled a walking stomach, its mouth a cavernous hole lined with needle-sharp teeth.

Highreach's majestic cities carved into cliffs trembled, not from quakes, but from the unspeakable creatures that emerged from the crevices, their bodies like molten wax, constantly dripping and reshaping, leaving a trail of putrid residue.

Ostara's Lustrous Plains no longer shimmered with beauty. Instead, grotesque, land-bound jellyfish with bones protruding like exterior skeletons swept across, absorbing everything in their path.

In the icy expanse of Frosthold, the glaciers rumbled and broke open. But it wasn't water that spilled out; it was amorphous, shimmering entities, their very form causing frostbite to everything near, rendering the resilient inhabitants into frozen husks of despair.

Solara's mirages morphed into grotesque realities. The very air thickened, becoming a pulsating mass that sought out the living, enveloping them before they could scream, leaving behind only a churning mist of what once was.

In Nimbria's Astralpeak, where the night sky was once admired, now falling orbs of translucent goo rained down. On impact, they sprouted limbs and began their relentless march, consuming everything organic.

Vespera's pristine coastlines convulsed as the waters bulged and from them rose behemoths of rotting seaweed and coral, their mouths gaping voids of endless hunger.

The once-majestic cities of Aurelia turned into mausoleums of despair. Every street echoed with screams, every corner held new nightmares. Buildings became breeding grounds, as from every shadowy nook, the sleeping were transformed, their bodies grotesquely reconfigured, turned into hosts for the emerging horrors.

Throughout Ataraxis, the once harmonious hum of life was replaced with cacophonies of chaos. The radio waves, which previously spread melodies, now only conveyed screams of terror. Messages of entire cities vanishing came through the telegraphs.

-

The park's tranquility is abruptly interrupted by a distant explosion. The shock ripples through the ground, nearly knocking me off my feet. Panning the camera, I capture the horrifying image of Iridia's skyscrapers engulfed in flames, billowing smoke blurring the city's once proud silhouette.

"Whoa, what the hell is that?" I exclaim, struggling to hide the tremor in my voice.

[AngelicAria: 'Leon, get out of there now!']

[YoYoJoe: 'Dude, that looks serious!']

[DarkDesire69: 'Karma's finally catching up, huh?']

Amidst the shock and chaos, a sinister thought worms its way into my mind. This could be my golden ticket — a chance to be the hero, to be showered with fame, admiration, and of course, riches.

[TechnoTerry: 'Leon, this isn't a joke. The same is happening everywhere. It's like an apocalypse or something!']

I smirk to myself, "Apocalypse, huh? Perfect time for a hero to rise."

With a deep breath, my focus sharpens. The initial fear is replaced by a cunning excitement. This could be the performance of a lifetime, and what better stage than a city in chaos? A city waiting for a savior. A city with wallets waiting to be opened for the hero.

[GoldenGamer: 'Man, use your powers! Do something!']

[DarkDesire69: 'Or just run away like the coward you are.']

Determined, I dash towards the city, the landscape transforming before my very eyes. Streets crack open, revealing the underbelly of the city's depths. Abandoned cars lie in a chaotic jumble, some still blaring alarms, while others are consumed by flames. The atmosphere is thick with panic, and every corner seems to reveal a new nightmare.

[IceFireX: 'Leon, be careful!']

[BoomBoomBen: 'Dude, are you trying to save the city or get more viewers?']

With the chaos providing the perfect backdrop, I decide to stage a grand demonstration of my powers. A freezing gust flows from my fingertips, encasing a nearby streetlight in ice. The intricate patterns shine brilliantly against the backdrop of destruction.

"Might as well make this apocalypse look cool," I jest, admiring my work.

[FireBlaze: 'Dude, not the time for puns!']

[MysticMolly: 'My whole neighborhood is in ruins! Do something useful!']

The comments keep rolling in, a mixture of fear, admiration, and anger. In the midst of all this, one message catches my eye, the dollar sign a beacon amongst the chaos.

[GoldenGamer: 'Saving the world and streaming it? Only Leon can do it. Here's $1000. Show them what you're made of.']

My heart skips a beat, and my smirk widens. This is it — the validation, the fame, and the potential fortune. Everything I've been dreaming of.

[DarkDesire69: 'Using a tragedy to get rich? Classic Leon.']

I chuckle, "When life gives you lemons, or, you know, world-ending monsters, make lemonade."

But just as the euphoria begins to swell, a monstrous roar pierces the air. Turning, I find myself face-to-face with a creature straight from nightmares. Its gelatinous body undulates, eyes floating and shifting on its surface. The streets around it decay at its mere touch.

[TechnoTerry: 'LEON! RUN!']

I stumble back, the reality of the situation crashing down. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. The fame and fortune suddenly seem a lot less appealing when faced with imminent death.

[GoldenGamer: 'Get out of there, man!']

[DarkDesire69: 'Guess this is where the show ends, huh?']

Cold sweat drips from my brow as I come face to face with the monstrosity in front of me. It's nothing I've ever seen before. Its stone-like skin glistens wetly in the city's dim light, giving it the appearance of a creature carved from wet, slippery rock. Those deep-set, glowing eyes are mesmerizing in the worst way, their baleful glow filled with nothing but malice.

"What the hell is this grotesque thing?!" The revulsion I feel is like a physical blow, my stomach threatening to expel its contents on the spot. "God, I'm going to hurl. Seriously, this is what I have to face? No way I'm dying to this ugly lump!"

Swallowing my disgust, I try to put on a brave front, focusing on the camera. "Hey, guys. Look at this monstrosity! If you ever wanted to donate and support the channel, now's the time! Your favorite streamer is risking his life here, and a few bucks would be nice, you know?"

"Come on, Leon. This is your time to shine. I've got powers that others can only dream of. It must be destiny or something. Maybe these abilities were given to me to deal with these...things."

Taking a deep breath, I unleash a torrent of cold, trying to encase the creature in a block of ice. But instead of freezing solid, the toad-like beast merely trembles, its stony skin resisting the cold. It retaliates with a powerful tremor, knocking me off balance. I barely manage to get back on my feet when another shockwave sends me sprawling.

[TechnoTerry: 'Man, this isn't a game! Get out of there!']

[GoldenGamer: 'Come on, Leon! Show that thing who's boss!']

My stream's chat is an amalgamation of concern, excitement, and mockery. It fuels my determination.

"This is more difficult than I thought." Rising once more, I attempt to create sharp icicles, launching them at the creature with all my might. They merely bounce off or shatter on its thick hide.

[DarkDesire69: 'Oh, wow. The mighty Leon getting his ass handed to him by a glorified frog.']

"Shut up, DarkDesire! You try dealing with this thing!" I snap back, more to myself than the stream.

I attempt a different tactic, trying to freeze the ground around the beast, hoping to hinder its movement. Yet, every time I think I have it pinned, the Tremor Toad generates another localized tremor, breaking my icy shackles.

Each failed attempt chips away at my confidence. The once cocky streamer is now filled with genuine fear, seeing death in the baleful eyes of the monstrosity. But amidst the fear, a flare of stubborn determination remains. I can't let this creature be my end. Not when fame, fortune, and my own pride are on the line.

Rallying my energy, I send out a final, desperate wave of cold, stronger than anything I've summoned before. This time, instead of attacking the creature directly, I freeze the very moisture in the air around it. Everything turns to frost and then solid ice. The beast struggles, but the encroaching cold is relentless. Slowly, it becomes encased in a solid block of ice.

I fall to my knees, exhausted but victorious. "I did it... I actually did it!" I pant, staring in awe at the frozen beast in front of me.

[TechnoTerry: 'That was way too close! You okay, man?']

[MoonGoddess: 'So proud of you, Leon!']

And, of course...

[DarkDesire69: 'Congrats, you froze a frog. Want a medal?']

I laugh weakly, relief flooding my system. "Thank you, fam, for sticking with me. Let's hope there aren't many more of these things around, or I'm gonna need a lot more donations!"

Basking in the glory of my apparent victory, I stand tall amidst the frozen wasteland of the beast's entrapment. "Hahaha, did you see that? I am unbeatable! With power like this, I'll be the most influential and wealthiest person of our generation!" I declare, flourishing dramatically for the camera.

"Don't worry, fam!" I assure my viewers with an exaggerated wink. "With me around, these monsters don't stand a chance. Keep those donations coming!"

The messages flood in, boosting my already inflated ego.

[MysticMolly: 'Leon, you're fucking awesome! Here's $50 for your bravery!']

[GoldenGamer: 'Our savior! Here's another $500! Keep it up!']

[FireBlaze: 'The military can't even handle these monsters, but you're doing it! You're the hero we need! Fucking useless military just taking our money.']

[TechnoTerry: 'Just heard on the news! Several other power users tried to stop these things and got killed! You're the last hope, man!']

A smug smile stretches across my face. All these donations, the praise, the fame — it's everything I've ever wanted and more. "This is it. My golden ticket to a life of luxury and prestige." My heart thrums with excitement as dollar signs practically dance before my eyes. I can already imagine my mansion, my cars, my global stardom.

[IceFireX: 'Leon, be careful! They might not be as dead as you think!']

But I'm too lost in my reverie to pay heed. "Oh, come on, IceFireX. Doubting me now? Haven't I proven myself?"

Suddenly, my euphoria is shattered by an unmistakable crackling sound. My head snaps towards the frozen beast, my eyes widening in horror as fractures begin to spiderweb across the icy prison. Before I can react, the beast breaks free, its sharp, elongated tongue lashing out with terrifying precision.

A white-hot pain sears through me as the tongue impales me through the stomach, lifting me off the ground. Blood gushes, staining the icy ground below. The intense pain and shock leave me gasping for air, every breath a fiery agony.

"No, no, no, no, no!" My mind screams in panic. "This can't be happening! I'm special, I'm the hero! I can't die like this!"

Desperate, and with my last ounce of strength, I focus my powers on the beast's tongue. It quickly encases in ice, freezing solid. The monster releases a guttural cry, retracting its tongue and inadvertently freeing me. I collapse onto the ground, clutching my impaled abdomen, blood pooling around me. The world blurs, and darkness encroaches at the edges of my vision.

"I'm scared. I don't want to die. Not like this."

Through the haze of pain, I notice a substantial donation notification.

[DarkDesire69: '$7000 - Take my life savings. You can't die now, my 'favorite' streamer.']

[DarkDesire69: (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥]

The sheer amount and the unexpected source of the donation bring a tear to my eye. Whether it's from gratitude, pain, fear, or anger I'm not sure. I try to whisper a thank you, but my words are lost in the gush of blood pouring from my mouth.

"I need to survive this... for them, for me. I'm not done showing the world what I can do." But as unconsciousness looms, I'm not sure if I'll ever get that chance again.