The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of Johnny's room. Birds chirped outside like the world had no idea of the chaos that was about to unfold. On the surface, today was just another normal day—a school tournament, some friendly competition, and laughter. But Johnny knew better. Deep down, he could sense the shift. Today was the beginning of something far bigger. Something dark. Something planned.
A knock echoed from downstairs. Johnny, standing shirtless in front of the mirror, stared at his own reflection. His sculpted body, battle-scarred and lean, reflected the storms he had already endured—and the war he was yet to face. He grabbed a loose black hoodie and jogged down to the door.
James stood outside, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets. His usual laid-back expression was tinged with an edge of curiosity. "Yo," he greeted casually.
Johnny didn't waste a second. "We're going."
James raised a brow. "Tournament, right? Why the hell do you look like you're going to war?"
Johnny turned, walking ahead. "Just follow me. And James… don't open your mouth until I tell you to. Not a word."
James scoffed, jogging to catch up. "I'm not your damn servant, man."
Johnny stopped in his tracks, his eyes sharp. "Do you want to die?"
James threw up his hands dramatically. "Bro, what the hell is wrong with you? Chill out a little. It's just a tournament!"
Johnny didn't reply. He simply kept walking. Something in his demeanor silenced James. The usual playful banter between them now felt one-sided—James throwing jokes at a wall of silence.
As they reached the school grounds, the tournament setup looked normal. Too normal. A crowd had already gathered. Calex and his group of seniors leaned near the entrance, laughing about something. But as Johnny walked in, Calex's smile faded.
James leaned in, whispering, "These guys look way too calm."
Johnny nodded slightly but didn't break his pace. Calex stepped forward, arms crossed, with that annoying smirk he always wore.
"Johnny," he said mockingly. "Glad you showed up. We've got a special match planned for you."
James frowned. "Something's off."
Suddenly, before either of them could react, arms grabbed Johnny from behind. Ropes tightened around his wrists. Several seniors, already positioned for this setup, pushed James aside.
"What the hell are they doing?!" James shouted.
Johnny shouted "Leave me, spare my life"
They dragged Johnny into a large dark room behind the main building—a hidden area, probably unused for years. In the center stood a massive wooden frame, its splintered surface towering like a crucifix. They threw Johnny against it, tying his hands above his head, shirt ripped off, exposing his toned chest and abs.
Sweat mixed with the trickle of blood as the beatings began.
One punch. Then another. Kicks landed on his ribs. Wooden rods slammed against his back. Johnny didn't scream. Not once.
James was forced to sit on the side, hands trembling, rage boiling in his eyes.
"Johnny… why aren't you fighting back?" he muttered, helpless.
Then—
BOOM.
A loud gunshot shattered the silence. Smoke spread across the ceiling.
Everyone froze.
Several men in black stormed the room, armed with sleek, futuristic-looking weapons. Laser scopes lit up the walls. Their leader raised a hand, and instantly, all the seniors dropped to their knees in fear.
From the smoky doorway, a gust of wind blew through.
Daniel entered.
He spun his gun once in the air and caught it casually. Dressed in all black, hair slicked back, and eyes blazing with silent fire, he walked like the devil had given him permission.
Calex's mouth fell open. People from his father? Then he's done for.
Daniel didn't even look at him. Instead, he marched straight to Johnny, and every man in his team—including Daniel—knelt before him.
James gasped. "What the—"
Johnny turned his bruised face, smirked through the blood, and said, "James, untie me."
A guard brought two chairs. James cut the ropes hastily, eyes still wide in disbelief. Johnny dropped down, flexed his wrists, and pulled Daniel up.
"Dude, you're my friend. Why the hell are you bowing to me?"
Daniel smiled. "Sorry, bro. Old habits."
They embraced briefly before sitting on the chairs, side by side like kings returning to their thrones. Calex was now seated at a perfect ninety-degree angle to Daniel's right, trying not to breathe.
Johnny and Daniel shared a quiet conversation, looking into each other's eyes like brothers who had fought a hundred battles.
Then—
Daniel stepped forward, eyes softening as he looked at Johnny—bruised, bloodied, yet standing tall like a storm that refused to break.
Daniel: "Johnny... how have you been?"
Johnny gave a faint smile, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His voice was steady, but behind it was a flood of questions.
Johnny: "I'm holding up. But tell me... what about the others? The Benchrockers? And... how's Father?"
Daniel's expression tightened. A flicker of pain crossed his face.
Daniel: "Lord Gline is doing well... as strong as ever."
Johnny's gaze sharpened.
Johnny: "The Benchrockers?"
Daniel looked down for a moment, then met Johnny's eyes.
Daniel: "It's just as you feared... They're gone."
Silence. Heavy. Crushing.
Johnny clenched his fists, jaw trembling—not from fear, but from something deeper. Resolve.
He looked out the window, into the night that whispered of war.
Johnny: "Then I'll bring them back... all of them."
Calex opened his mouth. "What the hell is happening—"
BANG!
Without looking, Daniel raised his gun and shot Calex in the head. The room went dead silent.
Blood splattered. Calex fell sideways, lifeless.
The same guy who had told Calex about Johnny stood silently in the corner, his hands gripping his throat in fear. His head was lowered, sweat dripping down his face. His teeth clenched tightly as he bit down in panic, too scared to even look up. The room was filled with fear, but all eyes silently knew — he was the one.
Johnny didn't flinch. Neither did Daniel.
They continued talking, as if nothing had happened.
Daniel: "Listen, kid. If even a word of what happened here gets out... I swear, I'll destroy everything you love. No one will be spared. Got it?"
Later, the three—Johnny, Daniel, and James—left the building. Shadows had lengthened. The sky turned orange with sunset.
Johnny's house was dimly lit as they entered. James was still trying to process everything.
Johnny sat them both down and began explaining everything. The ring. The other universe. The real war.
Johnny took a deep breath, turning to James, who was still visibly shaken.
Johnny: "Look, James... I hid my real identity from you, and for that, I'm sorry. But I'm not just anyone. I'm the son of a god. I was sent here to stay hidden... far away from the chaos of the universe."
He held up the ring on his finger, its glow faint but pulsing with power.
Johnny: "You once asked me about this ring... It's the key. The key to unlocking my powers. And now... I can't stay here any longer. I have to leave."
Daniel folded his arms, watching the two silently.
Daniel: "They know now, Johnny. We should take him with us. But... your call."
James blinked, stunned, his voice breaking into a mix of rage and disbelief.
James: "What the actual fuck is going on?! This some kind of twisted prank? And who the hell is this guy with the stupid anime hair?! What are you even saying, you clown?!"
Daniel: (calmly) "The name's Daniel."
Johnny snapped, his patience thinning.
Johnny: "Both of you—shut up. Now."
Daniel's gaze darkened, and he pointed at James, voice razor-sharp.
Daniel: "Either silence him, Johnny, or I'll rip his mouth off right here. I don't care who he is."
James stepped forward, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
James: "Who the fuck do you think you are?! You think you can just take my best friend away from me, you piece of shit?! Get lost!"
Johnny stepped between them, voice booming.
Johnny: "Enough! Both of you, shut the hell up!"
Silence dropped like a hammer. Both froze.
Johnny turned to James, his tone softer now, but firm.
Johnny: "Look... I have to go. Whether you're coming with me or not—that's your choice. Tell me by tomorrow. Until then... go home. And don't you dare tell anyone about this. Got it?"
Night came.
Johnny lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind was spinning. But before sleep could take him—
"Johnny! Johnny!!"
A girl's voice.
He jumped up. Looked out the window.
Cassy.
She was running near the street, barefoot, panic on her face.
Behind her—
Something monstrous chased in the shadows.
Johnny didn't waste a second.
He leaped out of bed and bolted for the door.
The storm had just begun.
To be continued...