In the dimly lit bar of a Caribbean island, the tv news is tell the new world important tv show. such how cool is the latest jets and tanks and implant technology who back in market. while brutal conflict between wanderers and blood khaganate in eastern wasteland is just a foot note on screen.
the menu boasts human meat and rat meat. A man with long hair and red glasses sips his bloodmilkshake. The impulsive desire to destroy and create something new—a 100% usable cow, courtesy of genetic mutation—hangs in the air. Every part of it can be consumed. but Let's skip the gory details.
The man is Panji, a name that stands out in these parts, especially since he’s got a young boy and girl tagging along. The girl, Nara, is a brimstone girl, and the boy, Svat, is short and stocky. Panji? He’s a mercenary, navigating the chaos of a world caught between two rival nations.
Welcome to Blue Nation territory, where technocrats believe in the transcendence of humanity through technology. The uneasy peace between the Blue and Red Nations has created a thriving environment for mercs and pirates during this cold war era.
The bartender, a woman with a weary smile and sharp eyes, finally made her way over after serving a couple of rowdy patrons. She leaned against the bar, giving Panji’s mechanical hand a once-over. "I like that finger," she said, her voice dry. "Much better than the last one. I like that top too.” She paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face. "What have you been up to, Panji?" She cut herself off quickly. "Actually, don't answer that. I probably don’t want to know." A bitter edge crept into her voice. "I'm sure it made you feel real big and strong."
Panji shrugged, unbothered. "Not really. This island bugs you. You don't even enjoy it. Why stick around?"
Her eyes hardened. "Can you do me a favor and stop preaching? I’m fine. I am what I am. For better or worse." She sighed, the tension leaving her shoulders. "Fair enough. A lifetime of trying to sort my brothers out has left me a little…sanctimonious. Forgive me."
A moment of silence passed between them before she asked hesitantly, "I'm sorry if this is a weird question, but… what was the war like?"
Panji’s gaze drifted to the muted news screen, a shadow falling over his face. "It was… great," he said quietly. "You got to see people turn into animals." He paused, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "And… close friends die."
"Sorry," bartender murmured, her voice filled with regret. "I knew it was a dumb question. It's just… I hoped it wasn't so awful for you."
Panji shook his head slightly. "No. It was… seeing your home destroyed. Seeing members of your family die." He stumbled over the next words. "My aunt… Chrome Mother… she was… she was…" He swallowed hard. "She was raped and murdered. I found him." His voice cracked. "Everyone thinks she died in a house fire."
bartender gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, Panji… I'm so sorry."
Panji looked back at the screen, his expression blank. "The world is hard."
bartender nodded slowly. "What are you going to do?"
Panji looked back at her, a small, almost wistful smile returning. "Maybe you're right. The war taught me a lot of bad things… but it also taught me to enjoy life."
bartender met his gaze, a hint of her old self shining through. "I like that."
“Something better is coming,” Panji says, his mechanical finger tapping his phone as he receives a call from one of his clients, Kassandra.
“Alright, Iron Hand,” Kassandra begins, her voice crackling through the line. “I’ve got an old friend who used to work in cinema propaganda. He’s retired now, but I need you to help him get his revenge. Who knows? We might even overthrow a government along the way!” A dry chuckle followed.
“Cinema propaganda,” Panji murmured to himself after the call ended. The phrase stirred something in the back of his mind. He vaguely remembered whispers of pre-war filmmakers, crafting narratives that could sway nations. Interesting. He tucked the thought away for later.
He glanced over at Svat and Nara, who were now engaged in a complex game of thumb war, their faces screwed up in concentration. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He placed a few credits on the bar, the metallic clink drawing the bartender’s attention. Svat and Nara, sensing the end of their game, scrambled to their feet.
As Panji turned to leave, the bartender leaned against the bar, a genuine smile gracing her lips. “You can do whatever you want,” she said, her tone light, “just… whatever it is, try not to regret it. and im fine okay? at least im not forced to bear children for elite couples in here” She winked and gave a playful two-finger salute. Panji returned a slight nod before heading out into the bright Caribbean sunlight.
As he stepped outside, the vibrant chaos of the island enveloped him. The sounds of laughter and shouting mingled with the distant roar of the ocean, He had a mission to fulfill, and the world outside was waiting.
Across the sea, in the Red Nation’s Florida territory, Smurf, a ridiculously wealthy retired boxing champion with a flair for propaganda movies in his younger days, was having a rough day. He stared at a flickering screen in his opulent mansion, the same Red Nation propaganda playing on loop. He switched channels, only to find another variation: smiling families praising Zion, heroic soldiers marching to victory. He slammed his fist on the remote, shattering the screen. "Enough!" he roared,
just few days ago, his dog has been kidnapped by an old rival for dog fights, and now he’s ready to start a gang war in the city, dragging Nara into the chaos as one of her first tests.
So, Panji, Svat, and Nara hop on a pirate ferry, sailing from the Caribbean Blue Nation to the bustling streets of Florida Red Nation. When they arrive, they spot Smurf—a muscular old man with a booming voice.
“Argh! All these cars! Motorization is unhealthy and should be banned!” Smurf bellows, rallying his goons to wreak havoc on the town. Panji and his crew jump in, ready to take on Smurf’s rivals, led by the notorious Fatty.
“Time to take out the trash!” Smurf declares, striking a retro American boxing stance, ready for action.
One of Fatty’s thugs, a skinny guy with a greasy ponytail, sneered, "Say that after I take your teeth out!"
After the dust settled – and several car alarms had been triggered – Loftis, a wiry guy who seemed to be Smurf’s right-hand man and sometime medic, patched up a few minor scrapes Nara had sustained during the brawl. He then offered her some ice cream, a peace offering of sorts.
"It's not safe outside. That's why I stick to the café. People just love to beat each other up because they’re frustrated with their lives," Loftis says with a shrug.
Smurf's gang then rolls up to a coal plant that Fatty uses for dog fights, where a woman named Roxy is lurking around.
"Roxy, quit stalking me!" Smurf snaps.
"You never told me why you dumped me!" Roxy shoots back.
"My dog didn’t like you, that’s why," Smurf replies, cold as ice.
"Argh! I hate you and your dog!" Roxy screams, clearly fed up.
After a scuffle with Roxy, they head to a secluded spot where Smurf's rivals are hanging out.
"Is this the right way to the coal mine?" Smurf asks, looking around.
A thug chimes in, "For you, old man, this is the right way to the graveyard!"
Smurf, unfazed, yanks the thug's teeth out and glances at the others. "I think we’re lost?"
More thugs show up, and Smurf grins. "If they’re here, then we’re definitely not lost."
As they move along, Smurf starts wrecking parked cars with his bare hands. Nara opens her mouth to ask why but is quickly silenced by Panji.
"Shhh, rule number one as a mercenary: Don’t question the client, no matter how weird they act," Panji advises.
The chaos catches the mayor's attention, prompting him to send riot police after someone complains about their car getting smashed by Smurf.
"There he is, officer! He’s the one who wrecked my car!" a citizen yells.
Smurf shoots back, "I destroyed your car. Now I’ll destroy your face!"
Finally, Smurf declares, "This is it. The coal mine. The den!"
In the center of the arena lies a dead dog.
"Oh no, boy. Is that you?" Smurf mourns, his voice heavy with grief.
Fatty, a hefty guy in a brown suit, struts to the center surrounded by his goons. "Your dog was killed minutes ago. He fought well and died. Like you will soon!"
The audience gasps, then erupts into cheers. Two human gangs enter the arena, and after a brutal fight...
"Please, no! Have mercy!" Fatty begs.
Smurf doesn’t hold back and beats Fatty to a pulp.
"That's not fair," Smurf grunts, panting.
In the VIP section, the mayor and several politicians watch the chaos unfold.
"Grrr, kill them!" Smurf commands, his eyes wild.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Panji taps his forehead, muttering, "Hmhm, here we go again." He then draws his pistol instead.
After the mayor bites the dust, Smurf demolishes the entrance to the cave. No one dares to report his actions, and honestly, the city residents weren’t fond of the mayor anyway. After a quick election, Smurf becomes the new mayor and bans all cars and electricity.
"Is this a happy ending for the city's residents?" Nara asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I don’t know, but it’s a happy ending for us because we got paid," Panji replies with a smirk.
Hmhm, Smurf wasn’t born in this city. Don’t be surprised if you see more folks hating tech in the future.
Every region in the Red Nation has its own set of rules, a direct result of Zion's early concept of vassalization during his nation-building phase. The downside? A chaotic mess in areas he hasn't fully annexed yet. But despite the turmoil, the Red Nation remains a strong and powerful force, thriving on the very chaos that surrounds it.
In the shadow of a city plunged into darkness, Panji's phone rang, cutting through the night like a siren. "Ahh, you called me at a rather inconvenient moment," he muttered, irritation creeping into his voice.
"What do you mean?" Kassandra's voice was curious, almost playful.
"I'm in a place where tech is banned, hehe," Panji replied, a smirk forming on his lips.
"Haha, oh, I see. So where are you now, hehe?" Kassandra's laughter echoed through the line.
"In the bathroom," Panji said, taking a sip of beer.
There was a brief pause before Kassandra spoke again, "..........oh okay....... by the way, it seems you're still looking after that wild girl. Heh, is she your girlfriend?"
"Quiet. She's more like a sister to me. I'm not in the mood for small talk. What do you want?" Panji's tone sharpened, cutting through the banter.
"You see, Zion's behavior is becoming increasingly worrying. As his secretary, I have to clean up his mess. Humpf..." Kassandra's voice dripped with frustration.
Panji replied. “It seems your little project was… effective. at least for now”
“Indeed,” Kassandra said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. “Now, for the main event. Do you remember New York?”
"Of course. There are tons of classic films and games about that ancient submerged city," Panji replied, his interest piqued.
"I want you to destroy one of the gangs in New York so we can get a better price from the brokers," Kassandra stated, her intentions crystal clear.
"Ahh, gang hunting, huh?" Panji's voice mixed amusement with anticipation.
"Yes, but let some factions remain. I just need you to reduce their numbers. Back in our glory days, the price of guns was the same as velvet cheese," Kassandra instructed.
"Why do you rely on the black market?" Panji questioned, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Ahaha, come on, you know the answer. What would the other major nations say if we suddenly increased our armaments?" Kassandra's laughter was sardonic.
"Alright, now let's talk about money," Panji said, shifting gears.
"If you succeed in taking down one of the influential gangs there, I'll pay you 1 billion credits. Plus, you can take their territory," Kassandra offered, raising the stakes.
"Brrrrrrr *sprays beer while drinking* 1 billion! You called the right person," Panji exclaimed, sealing the deal with enthusiasm.
"I think we have an agreement. See you later, handsome..." Kassandra's voice dripped with confidence as the call ended.
In Smurf's town in Florida, Panji was making his way through the dead of night. As he crept along, he spotted Smurf's goons setting fire to the tech shop and library, smashing TVs, radios, cars—anything tech-related. They even forced some poor souls with cyber implants to remove their limbs right there on the street.
Panji peeked out from the bushes, rubbing his mechanical finger. He couldn't help but wonder how someone like Smurf, a propaganda master who once thrived on technology, had turned into such a tech-hating fanatic. But he quickly shook off the thoughts and started navigating the environment like a ninja, with Nara and Svat trailing behind him.
After a close call, they managed to buy the last surviving boat and escape from Smurf's goons, who were hell-bent on banning all tech. Svat proudly introduced a new companion he found before the old folks blew up the mine den.
"I found him in the mine den before those old people blew it up. I call him... Dogi," Svat announced, grinning as he presented the dog.
"Aha! That's awesome... a new companion!" Panji replied, a smile breaking across his face.
With the engine roaring to life, Panji, Nara, Svat, and Dogi set sail, leaving the oppressive town behind.
As they departed, the boat dealer—a man of few words—offered a blessing. "And He has made ships to serve you, so that they may sail through the sea by His command, and so that you may seek His bounty. Perhaps you will be thankful."
Just then, Smurf's goons approached the boat dealer, their intentions clear. The dealer simply shrugged and said, "You're under arrest for using and selling tech."
"What tech? They stole my boat," the dealer shot back, a smirk on his face.
The goons exchanged confused glances. "Well, how can we catch them?"
"Hehe, if you can't use tech, just use a rowboat," the dealer suggested, his laughter echoing into the night.
"Aaa... you're crazy," the goons muttered, defeated.
"Who's really crazy here... hehe," the dealer replied, getting the last laugh.
On the boat, Panji, Nara, Svat, and Dogi set their sights on New York, the city of opportunity and danger.
A couple of hours later, Panji stood at the bow of the boat, the city's skyline a jagged silhouette against the horizon. "Alright, Nara, Svat, and Dogi, guard the boat. I'll check out the city alone," he instructed, his tone brooking no argument.
"Why can't I come?" Nara asked, her voice laced with disappointment.
"In the Red Nation, men and women are separated. Even though there are no government rules in New York, people there will target you because you're a rare commodity. And it would be awkward if I brought a girl to meet key people here, hehe..." Panji explained, his logic sound.
"Humpf, then what should I do here?" Nara huffed, crossing her arms.
"That's your problem. How about playing with Dogi?" Panji suggested, a hint of teasing in his voice.
"NO NONONONO," Nara exclaimed, her frustration palpable.
"See you guys later," Panji said, dismounting the boat with a chuckle.
"See you," Svat replied, immediately starting to fish, the tranquility of the water a stark contrast to the chaos they were sailing towards.
Dogi's "WOOF!" was the only farewell Panji needed as he stepped onto the dock, the city of New York sprawling before him, a playground for the bold and the desperate.
Panji leaped off the boat, landing with a splash on the submerged streets of The Watery Grave. The water was a murky green, the only light filtering through from the sun above. The drowned skyscrapers loomed like silent sentinels, the only sound the water lapping against their walls.
A cloaked figure perched atop a nearby building greeted him. "Nice boat you have there, matey. Where you from? Why bother with this cursed place?"
"Looking for the leader of this place," Panji replied, his voice steady.
"There's more than one leader here. Each tower has its own gang and territory," the cloaked figure explained.
"Do you need to meet each leader, mate?"
"Sure, kinda. You part of one of those factions?" Panji asked, curiosity piqued.
"I'm with The Watery Grave Pirate crew. I'm the first mate. We're one of the biggest gangs here, with territory in most towers. We've got peace treaties and alliances with some, but conflicts with others," the cloaked figure elaborated.
"My boss is always looking for new recruits. You look like you're after easy cash, right, matey?"
"Alright, sure. I've got plenty of experience," Panji acknowledged.
"Then follow me, matey... We'll introduce you to the boss," the cloaked figure said, leading Panji to a door and knocking four times.
The steel door opened, revealing an elevator with some nude graphic image. They stepped in and ascended.
panji lower his red shades then look at cloak when they ascend. cloak then give him a knowing smile “you know its was a brothel too.. you get the idea”
When the doors parted, Panji was greeted by the luxury of the room. A table sat in the middle, with two shadowy figures seated.
The cloaked figure whispered to one of the figures. "Mhmh. It's kinda funny you have your own palace in here. Hehe... You can call me Panji. I'm part of the Scarlet Moon merc."
"Welcome, Panji. I am Captain James The Red, leader of The Watery Grave pirate crew," a voice greeted him.
Captain James The Red stepped into the light, an eyepatch covering one eye.
"I heard you're a good mercenary. I need help with a conflict," James stated.
"Solving conflicts for a good price, for sure," Panji replied, businesslike.
"Excellent, mate. There's one crew that disrupts my business. Their captain is Blackheart. I need you to get rid of him so I can run my business in peace," James explained.
“So, what’s the state of play down here?” Panji asked. James gestured to the window overlooking the flooded city. “Think less Singapore, more Mad Max meets Waterworld. Gangs carved up what was left, some becoming organized crews. Each tower’s its own turf.. Many towers are safe zones or neutral zones. Alliances with rival crews are common," James detailed.
"This place is more like Somalia or a pirate island," Panji mused.
"So, about Blackheart," Panji prompted.
"Tough guy. Heads the Black Serpent Pirates. Controls a few towers, always raiding my territory," James explained. "He's my biggest headache."
"Alright, deal. I'll infiltrate him, find his weaknesses, and take him down," Panji said.
"Sounds good. There'll be a reward," James nodded. "Cloak, show him the ropes, get him introduced to Blackheart's crew."
"Right, follow me," Cloak said, turning to leave. James watched them go,
swirling the wine in his glass, his reflection distorted in the red liquid. “kassandra favorite toy huh?” he muttered to himself. "Can one man really fix this mess?"
They walked down a hallway with peeling wallpaper. "Before we go," Panji said, "wanna check out the view from the highest point. Where's that?"
Cloak pointed. "That's Red Dragon's Keep. Tallest building around. It should be high enough for you to enjoy the view. and It's Blackheart's place, though. Got security, AI defenses and guards."
"Blackheart's, huh? Even better. "Alright. Maybe it's hitting two birds with one stone. Guide me to that building," Panji said, interest piqued.
Cloak led him towards the imposing tower. It loomed over the surrounding buildings, even in its partially submerged state. "Might wanna bring your hacking skills," Cloak advised, glancing at the tower's visible security systems.
"Oh, fuck. I'm bad with tech. But I have this," Panji said, showing a grappling hook. "This should do. I'll see you again," he added, determined.
"Good luck, matey. May the water guide you," the cloaked figure said, watching as Panji used the grappling hook to scale the building and find a window.
Inside, it was dark and quiet, but Panji heard a noise from a corner where a figure sat cross-legged.
"Heh... so that's the sound I heard. I've been waiting for you," the figure said, his voice echoing.
"What? Are you a wizard or something? Hehe..., you better speak," Panji warned, drawing his pistol.
"Heh... I may look like a wizard, but I'm no wizard. I am Blackheart, leader of the Black Serpent Pirate Crew. I was expecting you, matey," the figure revealed.
"The leader himself? Cool. What do you want?" Panji asked.
"Hehe, I've been waiting for you. You're the man Captain James sent, am I right, matey? That's why you're here, isn't it?" Blackheart inquired.
"Ahah, haha... Kinda. But I'm still gathering information. I'm not sure which faction to work for," Panji replied, playing his cards close.
"Hahah... This place is a mess. So many crews and gangs. As an independent, you can work for anyone you see fit, eh? Haha... But I can make it simpler for you, mate. I can offer you two things," Blackheart proposed, confidently.
Blackheart leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "First, a place to reside in and stay. I'll ensure no one bothers you in my tower."
"And second, information for your search," he continued, smoothly.
Panji eyed him warily. "Alright. Why should I choose you over James?"
Blackheart chuckled, amused. "James is smart, a businessman. But I'm not like James. He focuses on business, while I care more about my men. You'll find more fun and excitement in my tower."
"We've got a gambling hall, fight club, even a red light district. All the fun things I can offer you," Blackheart boasted.
"And the best part... the reward. I can offer more than James can," he added, the promise of wealth hanging in the air.
Panji raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I can see if you like gambling. You're just a person who gets easily bored, isn't it? That's why you're waiting for me instead of ambushing me."
Blackheart laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room. "Haha... You see, mate, I like to know who I'm gonna deal with. And when I see you, I get the feeling you're the one I like the most. So I wait for you. Haha, I like your courage, matey. And I like your confidence and your guts. So... what's your answer, eh, mate? Do you want my place in my tower?"
Panji nodded, a decision made. "Alright. You might be smaller than James in some parts, but your spies are definitely all over James's place. So you're the one who has the upper hand here. Yeah, I'll be on your side instead."
"Alright, matey... Let me show you where you'll stay," Blackheart said, leading Panji to a large building that seemed empty except for him, some of his crew members, and his right-hand man standing beside him. Blackheart led Panji to a bare room: a stained mattress on the floor, a scattering of empty bottles the only décor.
"This is where you'll stay. Do you like it?" Blackheart asked, a note of pride in his voice.
Panji sat on the bed, getting down to business. "Alright. Here's the plan. Give me a fake blueprint and security detail about this place. When James is confident, we'll ambush him. That's how we'll do it."
Blackheart laughed, clearly amused by Panji's ambition. "Haha, I like your ambition, mate. I think I like you..." He took out one of his notebooks from his pocket. "Here's the fake blueprint, and here's the security detail I have. We'll have a lot more advantage now..."
Panji nodded, satisfied. "Alright. Why do you call yourself Blackheart? Hehe... It's kinda cringy..."
Blackheart chuckled, a story behind his eyes. "Haha... You see, mate, in the past, I had a different name, eh... But some people kept calling me 'blackhearted man,' and the name caught on. I've used this name ever since. Because to me, if you want to be successful in business, you need to have a heart of black stone. So I call myself Blackheart since then, eh... Haha..."
Panji nodded. "Alright. Hey, wanna check out the view from the highest point?"
"Sure," Blackheart said, leading Panji to the door and an elevator.
They rode to the top. The sky was clear and blue, dotted with clouds, and the view was impressive.
"Red Dragon's Keep. Best view in the city," Blackheart said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Panji hummed in agreement. "You could run a zipline from here. Hit any tower, even James's."
Blackheart chuckled. "Been there, done that. But hitting James now isn't smart. I'm waiting for the right moment. You find the weaknesses in his setup, and we'll strike."
"One decisive blow," Panji said.
"Exactly. I've got eyes inside his operation. They'll let me know when it's time. Just need your intel."
Blackheart leaned back. "So, where are you from, Panji? You've got an interesting vibe."
Panji shrugged. "Central Asia. Became a merc after the war."
Blackheart laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room. "Hahaha, I don't know, matey... It's just my instinct. It's been a long time since I've met someone like you..."
"Now, if you don't mind, may I know your name, eh?"
"Panji," he replied, his voice steady.
"Panji... Hmmm... Okay, buddy..." Blackheart mused, committing the name to memory.
"Now that I know you're working with me, in the meantime, can you get more info about James and his crew?"
"This is my order, matey... I expect you to return to me with info within two days, okay, buddy? I can tell you're a smart guy. That's why I trust you with this..."
Panji nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Alright. You won't regret hiring me, man... Hehe... See you later."
"Heheh... I like the confidence, my friend... See you later, buddy... And good luck with gathering info..." Blackheart said, watching as Panji left, a new alliance formed in the shadows of The Watery Grave.