"I was looking for answers," says the man. "About the nature of the universe. Seeking knowledge isn't a crime, but the superheroes of my time thought it was." The man sneers. "They feared anyone besides themselves potentially gaining power."

He tugs at his bonds fruitlessly.

"And because they liked to delude themselves into thinking they were morally superior, they left me trapped like this, so they didn't have to get blood on their hands by killing me the way they wanted to."

He adds, "There are many treasures and secrets in this place, hidden away, but finding them is risky. If your will is subsumed by the Sourcewall, you'll end up just like everyone else that's trapped here. I can help you find your way. If you free me."

Or they can risk finding it on their own.