Johnny had always known poverty. Born into the slums of the city, he and his little sister, Emily, had learned to survive on scraps and intelligence. Their parents had died young, leaving Johnny, at only ten years old, to take care of his five-year-old sister.
Despite their struggles, Johnny never let despair consume him. He was intelligent, far beyond his years, and determined to give Emily a better life. His sharp mind earned him a scholarship to a prestigious school where he met the person he believed was his best friend—Ethan Kingsley.
Ethan was everything Johnny was not. Born into wealth, his family owned businesses, politicians bowed to them, and his life was one of luxury. Despite this, Ethan never treated Johnny poorly. He welcomed him, shared his wealth, and even helped Johnny and Emily whenever they needed food or clothes.
For years, Johnny believed Ethan was his true friend.
But everything changed on Ethan's fifteenth birthday.
---
The Night of the Betrayal
The Kingsley mansion was grand, filled with high society's finest people. The ballroom glittered with chandeliers, and the tables overflowed with gourmet food. Johnny had been invited, and while he felt out of place, Ethan had insisted.
Emily, now thirteen, had come with him, wearing a simple dress Johnny had bought with his savings. She looked happy, her eyes shining as she admired the splendor.
But then Ethan pulled Johnny aside, his usual smirk on his lips.
"You know," Ethan said, sipping his drink, "I never really cared about you."
Johnny frowned. "What?"
Ethan chuckled. "Did you really think a Kingsley would ever be friends with someone like you? No, Johnny. I only tolerated you because of your sister."
A cold shiver ran down Johnny's spine. "What are you talking about?"
Ethan leaned in. "Emily… she's beautiful. I've wanted her for years. And tonight, I'll take her."
Rage exploded inside Johnny. "You bastard!" He grabbed Ethan by the collar, but before he could do anything, strong hands yanked him back.
Ethan's personal bodyguard, a mountain of a man named Viktor, pinned Johnny to the ground.
"Let me go!" Johnny roared, but Viktor only pressed a boot against his chest.
Across the room, Emily screamed. Ethan had grabbed her wrist, dragging her toward a private lounge.
"EMILY!" Johnny struggled, but Viktor pressed harder, making it impossible to move.
Tears streamed down Emily's face as she fought, kicking and clawing. "Johnny! Help me!"
Ethan smirked. "You should be honored, Johnny. Your sister will belong to a Kingsley."
Johnny's vision turned red. "I'll kill you!"
Ethan only laughed.
And then, Viktor pulled out a gun.
A single gunshot echoed through the mansion.
Pain exploded in Johnny's chest. His breath caught. He looked down. Blood. So much blood.
His body grew cold.
Emily's screams faded. The world blurred.
And then… darkness.
---
Rebirth in a New World
Johnny opened his eyes to a vast, endless sky. Golden clouds swirled above, and a powerful presence surrounded him.
"You have suffered a cruel fate, child."
A deep, godly voice echoed in his mind. Johnny turned, and before him stood a being of light, neither male nor female, yet radiating divine power.
"Where… am I?" Johnny's voice was hoarse.
"You have died," the being said simply. "But fate is not yet done with you."
Memories flooded Johnny's mind. Ethan. Emily. The betrayal. His death.
Anger burned inside him. "I need to go back! My sister—"
The divine being shook its head. "Your world is beyond reach. But your soul is strong, filled with determination. I shall grant you a new life… in a world unlike your own."
Johnny clenched his fists. "A new world?"
"A world where gods, demons, and humans exist in a delicate balance. You shall be reborn, but your destiny is yours to forge."
Johnny took a deep breath. "Then let me be strong. I won't be powerless again."
The being smiled. "You shall have your chance."
Light consumed Johnny.
And he was reborn.
---
A New Life Begins
The first thing Johnny felt was warmth. A gentle embrace, soft hands cradling him. A woman's voice, filled with love.
"My son… my beautiful son."
His vision was blurry, but he saw her—a breathtaking woman with long silver hair and eyes that glowed like the stars. Her touch was comforting, her presence divine.
"You will be strong," she whispered. "You will be great."
Johnny, now a newborn in this strange world, felt something he hadn't in a long time.
Hope.
---
To be continued…