Jaxon Black stepped through the doorway of the divine world, leaving behind the ethereal glow and timeless energy of the place that had granted him a second chance. A new life. The air changed instantly, thick with the smell of car exhaust and city life. As his vision adjusted, the towering buildings and bustling streets of New York City snapped into focus. The transition was seamless, yet it left him momentarily disoriented. Just moments ago, he had stood in the presence of gods; now he was on a dirty sidewalk, surrounded by honking cars and people who didn’t know him—and never would.
He turned around, half expecting the door he’d come through to still shimmer with divine energy. Instead, the sign above read “Discount Footwear,” in chipped white letters on a faded red background. A mundane shoe store. Not exactly the cosmic gatekeeper he imagined.
Jaxon frowned. His keen mind, always calculating, began running through possible explanations, but none of them eased the strangeness.
*I must’ve missed something,* he thought, opening the door and walking back in.
The musty smell of old shoes and cheap carpet hit him immediately. Behind the counter, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and glasses looked up from a newspaper, offering Jaxon a lazy smile.
“Back so soon?” the man asked, barely interested.
Jaxon blinked, his mind racing, already breaking down the room into fine details. There was nothing divine about this place—just rows of shoes, a few discount signs, and a scuffed floor. Still, he forced himself to ask, just to be sure.
“Did anyone else come through here?” Jaxon asked, his voice low and measured.
The man shook his head. “Just you, kid. You alright?”
Jaxon’s hand moved to adjust his black t-shirt, tucked neatly into his black suit pants, and glanced at his Rolex. He’d only been here for a few minutes, but he already felt a strange sense of displacement. He needed to move. To figure out the rules of this new world before he got caught off guard.
“I’m fine,” Jaxon said, shaking his head. “Sorry about that.”
“No worries, take your time,” the store owner replied, though he was clearly ready to return to his paper.
Jaxon turned and left, stepping out onto the crowded sidewalk once more. He paused for a moment, taking in the chaotic energy of New York City. Everything moved so fast here. Cars rushed by, horns blaring, while people shoved past him, eyes fixed on their phones. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to sidestep an oncoming group without thinking, his body already calculating the space between them.
*So this is my second life,* he thought, his sharp gaze taking in every detail of his surroundings. *I have what I wanted, but now what?*
He wasn’t sure where he was going, but his feet started moving, carrying him through the streets with an easy confidence that drew more than a few glances. Dressed all in black, with a Rolex gleaming on his wrist, his presence stood out against the rush of the city. He wasn’t trying to be noticed, but he couldn’t help it. He looked the part of someone important, and people instinctively reacted.
After walking for what felt like an hour, Jaxon found himself in front of a large Mormon church. Its pristine white spires stretched toward the sky, and the steady stream of churchgoers filing inside piqued his interest.
Jaxon didn’t plan to stay long. In fact, he wasn’t even sure why he had chosen this place. But something about the anonymity of the gathering drew him in. No one would know him here. He could blend in, just another face in the crowd.
He entered the church, his polished black shoes barely making a sound as he slipped into the back. Instantly, he felt the eyes of the congregation on him. He knew he stood out, not just because of his attire—his fancy black t-shirt, tucked into perfectly tailored pants—but because of the quiet aura of wealth and aloofness that clung to him. His jet-black hair, neatly styled with long bangs falling to each side, contrasted sharply with the traditional look of the other attendees.
A few whispers rose as he sat down. His nose piercing and earrings caught the attention of a few elderly churchgoers who gave him curious glances. One woman, sitting with her family, eyed his Rolex for a moment before turning back to her prayer book.
Jaxon leaned back in the pew, folding his hands in his lap as he waited for the service to start. He wasn’t here to worship. He wasn’t here for answers. He just wanted to observe—to understand this world better before deciding what to do next.
The service began, and Jaxon barely paid attention. His mind wandered as the preacher spoke. He could hear every word, but it washed over him, distant and unimportant. Instead, he studied the people around him. Their subtle glances. The way they whispered to each other when they thought no one was watching. His all-knowing mind, enhanced to process information with the speed of a supercomputer, made quick work of them. He could break them down in seconds—know their habits, their relationships, their fears.
But then, just for a moment, something broke his focus. A young woman walked in, her soft features drawing his gaze. She wore a simple dress, her hair loose and flowing. She wasn’t dressed to stand out, but there was something about her. Something familiar.
*No. Don’t get involved,* Jaxon warned himself. His mind, so precise and calculating, had been clear about one thing: falling in love would cost him. The divine had made it a condition, and the moment he started feeling anything, his abilities would begin to fade.
He tore his gaze away, shaking his head.
*Focus, Jaxon. You’re not here to feel anything.*
The service ended without fanfare, and the congregation began to disperse. Jaxon stood, ready to leave as quietly as he had entered. But before he could slip out the door, a hand caught his arm.
“Hey there, friend!”
Jaxon turned to find a smiling man about his age standing beside him. He had the clean-cut look typical of many in the church—short hair, buttoned-up shirt, and a tie. Behind him stood another man, slightly older, and a young woman, the one who had caught Jaxon’s eye earlier.
“We noticed you’re new here,” the first man said, offering his hand. “I’m Jared.”
Jaxon hesitated for a fraction of a second, then shook the offered hand. “Jaxon.”
The older man stepped forward, smiling. “I’m David. We just wanted to welcome you. It’s always nice to see a new face.”
The young woman gave him a shy smile, but didn’t introduce herself. She simply stood by David’s side, her eyes flicking curiously over Jaxon’s outfit and his earrings.
“Thanks,” Jaxon said, keeping his tone neutral. He wasn’t in the mood for a long conversation, but he also didn’t want to be rude. He was pragmatic—he knew it was easier to play along than to cause unnecessary friction.
“So, do you live around here?” Jared asked, his smile never faltering.
Jaxon’s mind raced. *Where do I live?* The realization hit him suddenly—he didn’t have a place. He’d only just arrived in this world, and the divine hadn’t exactly left him a roadmap. But his mind, sharp as ever, quickly found a solution.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“I’m...staying in the city for now,” Jaxon replied smoothly. “Looking for a place.”
“Nice! New York’s a great city. A bit expensive though,” David said with a chuckle.
Jaxon allowed himself a slight smile, glancing at the gleaming black American Express card in his pocket. Money wasn’t an issue. It would never be an issue.
“Yeah, but I’ll manage,” Jaxon said.
Jared glanced at his wrist, no doubt noticing the Rolex again. “I bet you will. That’s a nice watch. Must’ve cost a fortune.”
Jaxon gave a small shrug. “A gift,” he said, avoiding any further explanation.
“You know, if you need help settling in, we’d be happy to assist,” David offered. “Finding a good place, getting set up, whatever you need.”
The woman finally spoke up, her voice soft but clear. “Yeah, we can help with that. New York can be overwhelming, especially at first.”
Jaxon’s eyes flicked to her, and he felt that same unsettling pull. He ignored it, nodding politely instead. “I appreciate that. But I’ve got it handled.”
Jared wasn’t ready to give up, though. “You sure? We’d love to get to know you better. Maybe grab a coffee sometime, talk about life?”
Jaxon smirked inwardly. He knew what Jared was really after—a conversion. He wasn’t naïve, but he had no interest in their faith or their lifestyle. Still, there was no harm in humoring them. It made his life easier, and he could always slip away later.
“Maybe,” Jaxon said, noncommittal. “We’ll see.”
“Great!” Jared beamed, clearly taking that as a victory. “We’ll hold you to that.”
As they chatted, Jaxon’s mind continued to work behind the scenes. He needed a place to stay, a phone to use, and a plan for the days ahead. His wealth investment system was already in play, and he could access funds whenever he needed them. His black American Express card was more than enough to cover any immediate needs.
But as for who he was and where he came from, those were questions he wasn’t ready to answer—not yet, and certainly not to these three.
Jaxon Black walked alongside Jared, David, and the young woman—who still hadn’t introduced herself—toward a small restaurant they had suggested. The afternoon sun dipped behind the buildings, casting long shadows over the streets, but the city never really slowed down. It was alive with constant motion, just like Jaxon’s mind.
His stomach growled, a rare reminder of his human needs. He hadn’t eaten since…well, since before the divine had sent him back into this world. Time felt different when you had the knowledge of ages. It was strange to feel hunger, but at the same time, Jaxon welcomed it. It grounded him, tethering his new life to something familiar.
The restaurant was a small, unassuming place with faded red booths and the smell of fried food in the air. A far cry from the divine halls he had just left behind, but it had a comforting simplicity to it.
As they sat down, the group of Mormons remained full of curiosity. Jared, ever the eager one, immediately tried to steer the conversation back toward Jaxon’s background.
“So, Jaxon,” Jared began as they skimmed the menu. “Tell us a little about your family. Where are you from?”
Jaxon didn’t miss a beat. “I’ve been on my own for a while. Traveled a lot, so I don’t stay in one place for long.”
It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. The divine had placed him here, alone, and he had no intention of bringing up anything from his past life. It didn’t matter anymore. He wasn’t that person.
David looked up from his menu, his expression thoughtful. “That sounds exciting. Must be nice to have that kind of freedom. But don’t you miss having a home base? A place to call your own?”
Jaxon’s smile was faint, calculated. “I guess I never thought of it that way.”
They ordered their food, and as the conversation shifted, Jaxon noted the undercurrent of their questions. They were fishing for something—family, roots, a story that fit into their worldview. But Jaxon wasn’t interested in giving them that. He kept his answers brief, avoiding any details about his life before this world. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to play along; he just preferred not to.
The waitress brought their meals, and Jaxon paid for his without hesitation, slipping his black American Express card across the table. Jared and David exchanged a look, clearly impressed.
“Thanks, man,” Jared said, though there was a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “That’s really generous of you.”
Jaxon waved it off. “It’s nothing.”
But Jared couldn’t help himself. “You’re doing pretty well for yourself, huh? Must be nice.”
Jaxon shrugged. “I make do.”
It was vague enough to keep them guessing, and they clearly were. David raised an eyebrow, and even the young woman, who had been quiet so far, glanced at him with a look of curiosity.
The conversation continued, flowing from one topic to the next. Jaxon let them do most of the talking, nodding along at the appropriate moments. He could sense that they were trying to fit him into some kind of mold, but he wasn’t about to make it easy for them.
After the meal, they headed to a nearby phone shop, another necessary stop in Jaxon’s integration into this world. As they entered, the group’s curiosity about him grew even more intense.
“You really don’t have a phone?” the young woman finally asked, her voice soft but with an edge of disbelief.
Jaxon smiled faintly. “Never needed one until now.”
Jared chuckled, shaking his head. “Man, you must be from another planet or something. Who doesn’t have a phone these days?”
Jaxon picked out a sleek, high-end smartphone with barely a glance, handing over his card again to pay for it, along with all the accessories he’d need. The clerk, much like the others, gave him a surprised look when the payment went through without any issue.
David leaned closer to Jared, his voice low but not low enough that Jaxon couldn’t hear. “You think he’s some kind of runaway? Maybe a rich kid hiding from his family?”
Jaxon didn’t respond. He let them speculate. It was easier that way.
The young woman looked at him again, her gaze curious but kind. “It must’ve been hard, living without all the things people take for granted.”
Jaxon met her eyes for a moment, then looked away. “I’ve managed.”
The next stop was an apartment building not too far from the restaurant. It was modest, clean, and functional—exactly what Jaxon needed. As they stepped into the leasing office, David and Jared continued their quiet theorizing.
They checked his credit score, and when it came back with no history, the woman behind the desk gave him a strange look. “You’ve got no credit at all. Are you sure—”
Jaxon cut her off smoothly. “I can pay upfront.”
He produced the black card once more, and just like that, the apartment was his. No questions, no delays. Jared and David exchanged a glance, and the young woman looked even more intrigued.
As they walked to the elevator, Jared couldn’t hold back any longer. “You know, we’ve been trying to figure you out, Jaxon.”
“Oh?” Jaxon responded, raising an eyebrow.
“You don’t have a phone, no credit history, but you’ve got enough money to throw around like it’s nothing. It doesn’t add up.”
Jaxon didn’t break stride, his expression neutral. “What can I say? I’m a complicated guy.”
They rode the elevator in silence, the three Mormons still trying to piece him together. When they reached his new apartment, Jaxon let them inside. It was a simple space, but with his money, he could easily make it into whatever he wanted.
David sat down on the couch, looking around the empty room. “You really don’t talk about your family, do you?”
Jaxon shrugged. “Not much to say.”
Jared leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “We just want to understand you better. You’re an interesting guy, Jaxon. But you seem to keep everyone at arm’s length.”
Jaxon looked at them, knowing full well that this was the moment they’d push the conversation toward something more personal. He could already see where this was headed.
The young woman, who had finally introduced herself as Sarah, sat down beside David. Her eyes were gentle, searching for some kind of connection. “Maybe it’s just because we’re strangers, but we’d really like to know more about you. Your story.”
Jaxon remained silent for a moment, considering his options. Then he smiled, a little sly, a little teasing. “You want my story?”
They all nodded, leaning in just a bit closer, eager for any hint of who he really was.
Jaxon’s smile widened. “Tell you what—if Jared agrees to marry me, I’ll consider becoming a Mormon.”
The silence that followed was thick, stunned. Jared blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden proposal. David’s jaw dropped, and even Sarah’s eyes widened in surprise.
Jaxon knew full well that it was a roundabout no. He had no intention of converting, but he couldn’t resist playing with them a little.
Jared laughed awkwardly, trying to recover. “Wait, what?”
Jaxon’s gaze was steady, his tone playful yet direct. “I’m bisexual. If you’re serious about getting me into your faith, that’s my condition.”
Jared’s face turned red as he fumbled for a response, clearly not expecting that answer. “Uh, that’s…not exactly how it works.”
Jaxon chuckled, letting the tension dissolve with a wave of his hand. “Relax, I’m just messing with you. But seriously, I’m not interested in converting. I appreciate the offer, though.”
The group exchanged awkward glances, unsure how to respond. Jaxon stood, moving toward the door. “Thanks for your help today, really. But I think it’s time I settled in.”
David nodded, rising from the couch. “Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us.”
Sarah smiled softly, though there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “Take care, Jaxon. It was nice meeting you.”
Jaxon nodded, walking them to the door. As they left, he stood in the empty apartment, the weight of his new life settling in. He had what he wanted—freedom, wealth, a new start—but the complexity of this world, and the people in it, reminded him that even a bystander couldn’t escape the subtle pull of human connection.
For now, though, he would remain aloof. The world was still his to observe, and he intended to do just that. But deep down, he knew that the more he interacted with it, the harder it would be to remain a bystander forever.