God's Man

[Warning: Adult content 18+. Extreme violence, torture, and abuse.] "You are nothing but a toy—a plaything for the gods. Why resist the inevitable?" Alan's voice was laced with contempt. "For a man. For a woman. For a father. For a mother. For a son. For a daughter. For the broken. For the dreamers. For those who prayed and believed. I am their salvation," Hmu Hmo proclaimed. Alan's laughter erupted—Ha! Ha! Ha!—each burst sharp and mocking, amused by the man's resolution. "Salvation? No—you're their ruin. Their reckoning!" He seized the girl's hair, forcing her tear-streaked gaze to meet Hmu Hmo's eyes. "Death doesn't flinch before you...but—what about her?" —Schhhhrrkk. … They said the world is cruel and that the gods—or whoever is up there—are evil. But what is evil? Beasts devour beasts. Men slay men. Is the devourer evil? Is the slayer evil? Or was it the one who was devoured, the one who was slain, the one who lost? In every fairytale, the hero always defeats the villain. But was the hero always righteous and the villain always evil? Indeed, only the purest heart can receive the hero's calling or the blessing from the gods. But if the gods are evil, was it the villain who was called? This story follows the tragic lives of Hmu Hmo, Alan, and a dozen other characters—each connected to them in one way or another, or is essential to the unfolding events of the world. As these characters strive to achieve their goals, they may fall victim to the world's wickedness—or even become the embodiment of evil itself. They will accomplish feats worthy of song, yet commit crimes that make your skin crawl. As the story progresses, the line between hero and villain will blur. Was it Alan? Was it Hmu Hmo? Or was it someone else entirely—someone unexpected? Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of violence, including torture, slavery, sexual abuse, and self-harm. While these elements are not the central focus of the work, they are essential to the characters' experiences and development. Reader discretion is strongly advised.