Years ago, people from many different dimensions started to appear from their original worlds, to this one.
This world, so advanced, that the residents of other timelines wouldn't be able to comprehend it.
A world where anything is possible, where fantasy, horror & fun clash together - Steeped in politics & mystery.
Now, I won't tell you who I am, all I can say is that I am the only free person in the entire world. Everyone else in this world is a slave.
I am a resident of this place, one with the power of teleportation. Basically, i'm just a simple person looking for freedom.
8 Years Later...
I didn't expect this to happen. I was able to teleport all across the country, but a kid, a little under age 13, was staring me in the face, with shock and awe.
"You... You're the Freedom Junkie!!!" He shouted out.
Oh... ever since that incident, the entire world knew who I was.
The Freedom Junkie! I had a reputation for being unruly & adrenaline addicted.
"Hey, kid? What do you want?" I replied with a smile
The kid looks at me, and shakes his head before saying, "Nothing, I just didn't expect to see someone so famous for being... evil."
Jesus, even the kids are scared of me.
Putting forth my best smile, I tried to get him to understand me.
"Look, I'm not evil," I say. "Those are just rumors. I'm actually pretty nice when you get down to it."
I hold out my hand to him, and try to console him, but he doesn't seem convinced.
Trying to salvage the scraps of my reputation, I ask him. "Do you need some food? I got a half-eaten candy bar, i'm pretty full after eating so much food."
The kid looks at me like I'd just committed an awful crime. "Why would I want a half-eaten candy bar? Gross."
"Do you want the food or not? You look like you need it!" I shouted out in annoyance
He stares at me for a second before taking the bar. He devours it.
"Hey, im gonna teleport to New America. You wanna come?" I ask, curious about this kid. I was making a genuine offer, since its been a long time since I've talked to anyone.
He gives a long pause before saying "Can I really come with? I mean, you're a wanted criminal"
Little jerk! I really wanna smack this kid right now.
"Look, i'm just offering, you don't have to go with me. And don't call me a criminal. I'm innocent!" I say, with my most convincing smile.
"You don't look innocent." He replies back with an almost snarky tone.
Okay, this kid may be a brat, but I don't want him to starve to death. Even so, he starts to speak.
"...Sure, let's go. I mean, I don't judge a book by its cover."
Laughing wildly at his interesting response, I immediately grab the kid, and jump instantly, warping space and arriving at my destination!
The kid is shocked, I bet he didn't expect me to do this.
The amazing night lights of New America shine in the blackness of night.
Giant mechs that tower the skies look as beautiful as ever.
"Woah... It's incredible."
Dark hues of red, gold, and purple illuminate the sky, as giant robots walk throughout the city.
"Well, how is it?" I ask, convinced that this kid would be impressed.
"Who... are you?" The kid asks in shock.
"I'm one of the celestial angels." I say, confidently.
"I thought you were a chaotic demon. That's what they called you on the news." The kid replies, definitely feeling hesitation from our interaction.
This kid did his research! I'm impressed!
I began to explain to him the reason I was called a Chaotic Demon.
"As you know, 8 years ago, people started transmigrating from other worlds to this world. At the same time, a different group of people also started to gain super powers, about 1% of the population to be exact. Those people were classified by how the world percieved them. The ones with an evil disposition were called Chaotic Demons, while those who were good were called Celestial Angels. You probably know this. But what is also commonly known is that these labels are just that. Labels. I don't consider myself a Chaotic Demon. That's just what people call me." I say out loud, proudly and confidently.
The kid shouts "But they said yo-"
I instantly interrupt him
"Chill. It was a certain incident that happened a while ago. But they lied about that incident. I don't really wanna talk about it, but I was trying to help someone I loved, and I failed. That's why the world labelled me as a chaotic demon."
As I finished the explanation, hunger ran through me.
"Anyway, im going to steal some food! Whatcha want?" I asked, pointing to the kid.
The kid looks at me frantically. "Wait! Stealing is wrong!"
Unfortunately, its the only way for me to eat.
"Would you rather starve?" I asked, ready to recieve some backlash.
"I have no money, its not much of a choice for me, sorry. Anyway, what's your name? I'll get you something as well. When I get paid, i'll buy it fair & square."
He looks at me with hesitation. "My name... is Kyle. When will you get paid?"
"Never!" I say, bursting out in a fit of laughter
"I'm broke and can't earn money because of my title as a Chaotic Demon."
Teleporting away, and getting some food, I teleport back, completely ignoring the kid's response.
The dish I took was a popular staple in New America. It was a sort of fried bread, sprinkled over something that resembled ice cream. It was very sweet, to the point where I spit it out.
"Ugh! Not my kinda meal."
"So, you hungry?" I give him the same, but he actually seems to like it.
He chows down, despite looking mad at me.
He looks up to me, and asks, "So, tell me more? Can Angels and Demons have more than 1 power?"
"No. Our names make us sound like gods, but we're just normal humans with powers. I've even heard of situations where some of us have lost our powers. In fact, its more trouble than its worth, with Demons & Angels naturally being attracted to each other, and their natural need to challenge authority. It would likely be better to be a normal person without powers." I responded as honestly and accurately as I could.
Although, that still technically wasn't true. I once fought a terrifyingly skinny anorexic guy who happened to have 2 powers, but that was a long time ago, and now, I find it doubtful that anyone is able to use 2 powers in this day and age.
Kyle looks at me "Do you ever miss being a normal person?"
Well, sometimes...
I just decide to lie to the kid, not wanting to tell him the truth.
"Not really, it doesn't cross my mind. I have a dream, of course. In order to achieve this impossible dream, I have to have as much power as possible. These powers make fighting for that dream a reality. I can actually do it, and be happy. Whether I succeed or fail in achieving my dream, whether I live or die, that doesn't quite concern me. As long as I can fight for it, I'll still be alive in spirit."
The kid looks at me with wonder in his eyes.
"So this dream, what is it? It sounds amazing!" He asks, a sparkle twinkling in his eyes!
I bop him on the head. "Don't worry, I'll tell you someday. Anyway, I gotta get going, see ya!" I shout out.
I have something I need to do. He's distracting me.
As I start to walk away, getting ready to teleport, Kyle shouts from behind "Wait! Take me with you!"
Shocked, I look back. I can see it in his eyes... This kid is serious. He actually wants to follow me.
"It's dangerous. You might die. I'm not gonna let a child follow me." I say, but then... I look into his eyes.
He's clearly not going to budge.
He speaks.
"This dream. I don't know what it is, but my entire life has been boring, and worthless, and I haven't even been able to enjoy anything in this world until today. I want to come with you..."
He continues to talk.
"What was it you said? Whether you die or not, its of no concern to you? Well, the same applies to me. I also have a dream I want to achieve, and with you, I might actually be able to accomplish it! Please, help me!"
I debate it before coming to a strict conclusion. No. I've already had a companion in the past, and dealing with her turned out horribly.
I start to walk away, but stop. This kid, what kind of life has he lived to want to travel with a wanted criminal. I have to know. I have to see who he really is. If he's truly like me, maybe we're destined to be together.
"Well, you coming? I don't have all day. I'm planning on going to places that would kill an ordinary human. If you still want to follow me, then go on ahead. I won't stop you, we will fight together!" I say with a smile
"Partners?"
"Where are we going?" Kyle asks anyway, not caring about my question.
"Why, isn't it obvious? We're meeting up with some people. Don't worry. I'll protect you, since you're such a baby." I laugh, trying to provoke him.
No response.
Annoyed that mocking him isn't even fun, I keep walking until we arrive at a large building. Standing in front of it, the danger finally hits me. And with it—excitement.
"Kyle. Stay outside. We're about to meet some really crazy people, and I want you safe." I say it, but I'm hesitant myself.
Kyle pushes past me. "If we meet them, I wanna be right by your side."
Strange. Why is so similar to...
"Alright, let's go in together, ya goof," I say, hiding my amusement.
Inside, the contrast from New America's shiny exterior is jarring—dark, damp, and lifeless.
"Where are we?" Kyle asks.
"This is just a building to access the place we actually need to be. I could teleport straight through, but our hosts wouldn't appreciate that."
We exit into the real destination—and the stench hits immediately.
Trash everywhere, AI robots scanning the streets, people strung out on drugs, rayguns in hand. Total chaos.
"Welcome to the slums of New America."
"What kind of place is this?" Kyle asks, clearly not grasping the danger.
"The worst part of New America. Years ago, they created sentient AI—true general intelligence. The robots rebelled. The military tried to wipe them out, but a few survived and built strongholds right here in the slums.
Now, it's a no-go zone. They have their own government, and kill military officials on sight. The military gave up trying. And now? It's humans and androids, all broke, fighting over scraps."
Kyle looks shaken. I try to reassure him.
"Don't worry. Most people here aren't good people. Some are straight-up psychopaths. They ended up here for a reason." Though, truthfully, some were just victims of circumstance—debt, corruption, bad luck.
"Let's go. The person we need is inside."
We enter another building and are immediately approached by a group of robots.
"Who the fuck are you?" one yells.
I meet its gaze, barely flinching. "I'm the Freedom Junkie. This is my little brother."
Recognition clicks. "Ah... You can meet him."
As we pass through, I spot two robots beating a human girl. I look away. Not my problem.
"Hey, are you just gonna ignore that?" Kyle says.
This kid... always thinking about others.
The girl is bloody, crying. I sigh and walk over. "Don't... do that."
One robot turns. "Oh yeah? Got any circuit fuel?"
They're threatening me.
The girl sneers at them. "You're just mad I stole your shit, circuits-for-brains!"
Damn it. Complicated.
I think about walking away—but Kyle's watching. I can't.
I grab the girl and teleport us out.
"You okay?" I ask.
She groans. "I was just about to pickpocket those bots! You suck, old man!"
This brat…
"Yeah, yeah. Don't cream your pants. I was just trying to help."
Looking at Kyle, I improvise. "Kyle, always protect a young woman in trouble." I hand the girl $60.
She scoffs. "Is that it? I was gonna steal from you anyway, broke loser!"
Unbelievable.
While she's ranting, I casually steal my money back. We leave, but not before Kyle stares at some weird markings on a nearby wall, trying to decipher what it means.
"Damn, that stupid girl wasted an hour! Trying to reason with her was pointless."
Truth is, I didn't want to get involved. But now they know who I am—the Freedom Junkie.
Worse, they might target Kyle.
As I stare at the weird markings, I sound out the letters above the markings.
"xr'k zphn. m fuiea kvdh szmpd sar gqzs izkghqvx."
I come to the conclusion that it's just complete garbage. Not of those stupid letters mean anything.
"Let's meet up with him now."
I grab Kyle and teleport us to a cold, wet room lined with torture tools.
"Who's that?" Kyle asks.
"That's him. The Perfect Human." I whisper.
Kyle doesn't know—but I do.
Fifty years ago, a boy was born. IQ 200 at birth. Learned 3 languages by age 5, and 2 more by 10. He was never sick.
His parents—New America's King and Queen—feared his obsession with killing small animals.
They tried to poison him. He survived without a symptom.
They tried to drown him—he held his breath longer than any human in history.
They tried to overpower him—his strength was inhuman.
They even sent assassins. He killed them first.
By 15, he vanished.
He could run 15 miles without sweating. He is perfection incarnate. Like a Chaotic Demon, or a Celestial Angel.
"Hello, Freedom Junkie. How was the trip? Have fun?" He told me, amused.
This guy is a problem. I've spent years thinking of how to stop him—but I haven't figured it out.
I could kill him with teleportation, but I don't want to… not unless I have to.
"Still chasing that pathetic dream?" he asks, face calm, beauty unreal. "I can help. But our friendship is transactional."
Of course. I expected this.
"There's a group of pirates across the sea. A powerful figure has emerged." He continued speaking without caring that I wasn't quite ready to listen.
No… it can't be...
"You're talking about—!?"
"Yes. The Pirate Queen."
"Who's the Pirate Queen?" Kyle asks.
"A Chaotic Demon. Rules the seas. Commands sharks and shit. She's super lame, like Aquaman, but y'know, dumber."
"Can't you just teleport and defeat her?" Kyle asks.
"It's not that simple. My teleportation has limits. If I don't know where I'm going, I could end up inside a rock. Or a tree. In the middle of the ocean."
Kyle laughs. "Teleporting into a tree? In the ocean? Senile old man!"
"Twenty! I'm twenty, you little dirtbag!"
The Perfect Human interrupts.
"Don't worry. I have someone to help you. She's been working with me for two years. Her name is Shelby."
Shelby? Wait…
Oh hell no. It's her—the stupid shoplifter!
"THIS is Shelby?! I'm not a damn babysitter!"
"I'm 20! I'm probably older than you!" she snaps.
Ignoring her, I turn to leave, but the Perfect Human stops me. "Do you want this or not?"
I pause. "Who is she? What's her significance?"
"She's the key to our future. A Celestial Angel with a unique power."
Interesting...
"What kind of power?"
"She's my daughter." He stated, ignoring my question entirely.
His daughter?! He knows we're enemies… so why?
Either he trusts me completely—or he doesn't care about her.
She's just a tool to him.
"I'll protect her with my life," I say.
She deserves better than this sociopath.
"She will have the power of endless speed." The Perfect Human retorts with a gleeful face.
"Someday? What do you mean?", I ask.
"I created her. She built my empire. And someday, she'll defeat you."
"That's impossible."
If he really genetically engineered her into a Celestial Angel... he might be too dangerous to live. But can I kill him? In front of Kyle?
No. I can't. Kyle would never trust me if that were to happen.
"Yes, we were shocked by you—the Freedom Junkie. Chaotic Demon. A man with an unattainable dream. The world admired and feared you after your actions in the War-Torn Nation."
"And that's why I made her. A weapon without free will. Lab-born. Altered. Engineered to defeat you."
"What a sick weirdo you are..." Kyle laments, spooked by this guy's strange tone.
I turn to Shelby. "Do you agree with him?"
She stays silent.
"You're just gonna live as his puppet? Pathetic."
The Perfect Human watches my rage.
"To you, she's a girl. To me, she's a tool. My daughter. The greatest weapon in history."
Kyle's fists tighten. He rushes forward, but I stop him.
"No. Don't challenge him. He's confident for a reason."
I ask, "Does she think she's a weapon?"
He looks away.
"Say what you really mean," he says.
"Why are you telling me all this? If I killed her now, would you stop me?"
"Stop you? You wouldn't. You love the fight. You live for excitement. And you won't kill her in front of Kyle."
"You don't know me!"
"Regardless of our spat, let's talk business. My daughter wants to go with you. Will you deny her freedom?"
"Of course I'll take her, but what's your end goal?"
He smiles. "To meet a certain person. I must become the most powerful being in existence. Only then will they acknowledge me."
A person? Who could that be?
This info is dangerous. He must be sure I can't use it against him—or he's bluffing.
Either way, I will stop him someday.
"Kyle. Shelby. Let's go."
"One more thing," he says.
He looks at Kyle.
"Do you trust the Freedom Junkie? He's a Chaotic Demon for a reason. Be careful."
Kyle looks confused.
"Let's go. We'll talk later." I whisper. I didn't really want to continue talking to this guy, especially since he annoys me.
We leave the slums.
"Hey, what did he mean when he said not to trust you?" Kyle asks.
"He's right. You don't know who I am," I reply, quietly. "But you know we're friends to the end. You remind me of my little brother."
"You had a brother?! Can he teleport too?"
"Well..." I hesitate. Might as well tell him a little.
"My brother was his own person. He also wasn't blood related to me, we were more like friends who had nobody else. But I still call him my brother. He had his own morals. I didn't influence him much. He wasn't just another tool for me to use."
I glance back at Shelby.
"He's kinda like you," I say with a smirk.
"Not a tool."