A vast, empty void stretched infinitely, swirling with raw cosmic energy. 7 epics , the architects of existence, stood before the darkness, their eyes glowing with the power to shape reality itself. They were the Lower Epics, ancient entities with the knowledge to craft entire universes.
With a synchronized gesture, they initiated the creation of a new universe. Energy pulsated as planets, stars, and galaxies began forming. But then—something went wrong.
A miscalculation in their programming caused an unstable reaction. 50% of the black holes expanded uncontrollably, absorbing light, matter, and time itself. One among them, Simon, smirked in the shadows. His eyes gleamed like burning embers as he watched the chaos unfold.
This wasn't a mistake—it was his plan all along.
A single, seemingly insignificant black hole grew beyond expectation. It was no ordinary anomaly. It became so powerful that entire galaxies danced around it, helplessly drawn toward its event horizon. The Lower Epics had no choice. To stabilize their creation, they sealed the black hole's energy into a single being.
But the one who received its power...
was a man who wanted nothing more than to turn their beautiful world into hell.
GLADEARS
California, Earth – Present Day
"Well, well, well... I'm Johnny. Just a 20-year-old guy trying to survive in this messed-up world."
Johnny walked through the crowded streets of Sent Carta, California, carrying his bag lazily over his shoulder. The city was buzzing with life—cars honking, people rushing, the golden sunrise reflecting off the tall glass buildings.
He wasn't originally from here. His hometown, Carson City, was miles away, but for the sake of his studies, he had moved here. College wasn't exciting, but it was tolerable, thanks to one person.
"Where the hell is James?" Johnny muttered, scanning the crowd.
"Oi, Johnny!" A loud voice cut through the noise.
James jogged up to him, waving his hand with his signature cocky grin. Tall, broad-shouldered, and an absolute menace to society, James was Johnny's best friend.
Johnny sighed. "Where were you?"
James chuckled, leaning in. "Basketball club, bro. Checking out the girls."
Johnny rolled his eyes. "What do you even get from that? Do any of them even notice you?"
James smirked. "Better than you, loser. I actually talk to two of them."
Johnny scoffed but grinned. "Yeah, right."
As they walked toward their college building, a group of girls approached from the opposite side. One of them, a strikingly beautiful girl with long, flowing dark hair, glanced at Johnny and smiled.
Johnny, out of instinct, smiled back.
James stopped in his tracks, grabbing Johnny's shoulder. "Bro… Do you know who that was?"
Johnny shrugged. "No idea."
James exhaled dramatically. "That's Cassy. The most beautiful girl in this college."
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "So?"
James smacked his forehead. "So?! Dude, she's out of your league. And even worse… Calex has a crush on her."
Johnny frowned. "Who the hell is Calex?"
James' expression darkened. "Third-year student. The most feared guy in this college. His family's loaded, he's got connections, and he's a total psycho. If he finds out you even talked to Cassy, you're done for."
Johnny scoffed. "Relax, man. It was just a smile. Nothing's gonna happen."
James sighed. "I hope you're right."
Inside the lecture hall, the professor droned on about something Johnny couldn't care less about. His mind wandered until he felt eyes on him.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Cassy was looking at him.
The moment their gazes met, she quickly turned back. But it was enough.
A boy sitting a few seats ahead of them noticed the exchange. His face twisted into a knowing smirk as he quietly slipped out of the classroom.
In a dark corner of the campus, the same boy pushed through a crowd of students, making his way toward a group of intimidating-looking men.
"Boss," he said, his voice low and urgent. "His name is Johnny. Same batch as Cassy."
Sitting on a bench, lazily flipping a coin between his fingers, was Calex. His sharp features and piercing eyes made him look more like a predator than a college student.
He caught the coin mid-air and smirked.
"Hm… I'll deal with him tomorrow."
TO BE CONTINUED...