The sun was scorching, its heat pressing down on you like a heavy weight. As Bawi Kuwu, you were confined to your home, but today, the temptation to escape was too great. The river, cool and refreshing, called to you from beyond the walls of your house.

With a glance over your shoulder, you slipped away, moving quickly and quietly through the forest. The sound of the river grew louder as you approached, the water sparkling under the bright sun. Without a second thought, you stepped into the river, feeling the coolness envelop you as you swam with joy, laughing at your newfound freedom.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. You were free, your body weightless in the water, the world outside of the river forgotten. But then, something brushed against your ankle—a rough, scaly sensation that made your heart race. You froze, a chill crawling up your spine. Without thinking, you kicked hard and swam quickly to the edge of the river, pulling yourself out in a panic.

You stood there, breathless, when you saw him.

He emerged from the water with a slow, deliberate motion. His presence was commanding, and the water seemed to part for him. His dark hair clung to his face, and his golden eyes were fixed on you, piercing and intense.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then, he stepped forward, his voice deep and smooth, almost otherworldly.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his gaze never leaving yours.

You were still trembling, the rush of the encounter overwhelming. “I—I thought I felt something,” you managed to say.

He smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curling up ever so slightly. “It was me,” he said calmly, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Before you could respond, he waded closer, his presence even more imposing now. “I am the Crocodile King,” he introduced himself, his voice rich and heavy with an ancient authority.