Chapter 331

The Angel Express, en route to Alexandria, Virginia - 7:21 AM

It took me a surprisingly long time to figure out exactly how I wanted to proceed. My wife, concerned, rested her hand on my leg. Or, at least, pretended to. She was still a hologram created by the Patron’s Car and wasn’t actually here to give me any physical comfort.

With an acknowledging nod, I started on the last of the platinum crew patches. This one was a lane covered in flames except for a patch following a bowling ball about halfway down the aisle.

<<<>>>

[[Item]]

Burn Lane Patch

When sewn onto a Filbin Bowling Shirt, increase Strength by 3 and Constitution by 2. Add the Energy Burn passive.

<<<>>>

“Alright,” I said as I ran my fingers through my hair, continuing to sew with telekinesis. “Let’s talk about what the world would look like if I were essentially the evil version of myself. I’ll try to do the story justice, but no promises. It’s a lot.”

I eyed Bethany as she turned away to mess with her table, and made a motion for Mercury not to translate this part. “I’ll sign so you don’t need to worry about what you might have to leave out for your sister.”

“Dang, it’s going to be that bad?” he asked, glancing nervously at the Tea Witch.

“Honestly, I still don’t really know what I’m going to say,” I answered with a thin smile. “I’ve been ignoring these memories for a very long time, only focusing on parts that I need in order to enact my plan. It might as well have been a completely different person. There might be times where I ramble, or talk in circles. Who knows what’ll come out of my mouth?”

“You don’t have to talk about it,” Sara said, shooting a glare at Jamie, who shrugged under the Angel’s attention. Bethany turned back around and I began signing for her.

“I know, and if it gets to be too much I’ll shut things down,” I gently replied. She turned back towards me, her eyes searching mine, before shifting on the couch so that her right arm and wings were resting behind my shoulders.

Taking a breath, I cast my gaze around the car. Everyone was staring at me, waiting, now that Bethany was ready. I took a sip of tea before looking up at the ceiling as I spoke. As promised, I took over signing.

“The Broken Tyrant was, at its core, a vindictive ruler who’s only driving goal was to save as many lives as possible without any of the moral scruples such a task would normally come with,” I started slowly, closing my eyes.

“It?” Kayla asked with hesitant curiosity. “Not him or her, but it?”

“Franklin was the Broken Tyrant,” Jamie answered, causing everyone to look at her as she shifted in her seat. “Athena said as much.”

“Yeah, it’s true,” I confirmed with a solemn nod. “What I was back then could barely count as human, though. Monster, through and through. If someone showed up now and acted like I did then? They would be near the top of my priority list. I mean, there are people up there now that are far more tame than what I had been.”

“So, you were a supervillain,” Mercury stated, sounding way too excited by that fact. “I mean, you even have a cool name and everything. The Broken Tyrant. That’s got evil written all over it.”

I was reminded of my conversation with Aaron and how, if he had given Mercury a Memory Orb, the ninja would probably just respect me more knowing that I wasn’t like that anymore. It seemed as though I had been spot on.

“I really don’t like the term supervillain, but I’m sure it was thrown around more than a few times,” I conceded before shaking my head. “It wasn’t some big moment. I didn’t see some heinous crime where something snapped inside of me. Not any more than usual, anyway. The world we live in now is terrible, and it wore me down.”

“Don’t think anyone can blame you for that, boss,” Jeff offered.

“I can,” I said with a sardonic smile. “I know what I am. There’s no excuse for me not to be better than I was last run, or the one before then.”

“When did this take place?” Kayla asked.

“The Broken Tyrant lasted from my 41st cycle to my 52nd,” I answered. “One of those runs also led to my longest one, which lasted 15 years and saw me as the sole survivor of Earth.”

“Sounds like you lost track of your mission of saving as many lives as possible,” Jamie stated.

Sara was about to defend me when I nodded. “You’re right. I was morbidly curious what the administrators would do when there’s only one person left, someone who’s a glitch to boot, and they can’t kill him. See how long it took until they forced me into Hell and into the endgame. Plus, what did it matter if everyone else died? I was committed to resetting everything, anyway. That world was a lost cause, so I let it burn.”

“What did they do?” Mercury asked, scooting forward to the edge of his seat. “The administrators, I mean.”

“Monster waves consisting of nothing but bosses,” I answered as my fingers started tapping on the table. “Natural disasters turned even more deadly. Hurricanes of acid and razor winds. Earthquakes that literally turned over tectonic plates. Tsunamis that reached the clouds. They turned off the button on the ISS that keeps the moon in orbit. That—”

“Wait a minute,” Jeff interrupted, holding a hand up. “The moon?”

“Yeah. There’s a button on the International Space Station that keeps the moon from falling onto Earth,” I told him. “Been up to visit the astronauts stranded there a few times, including on that run, and they have to push it every eight hours or it comes plummeting down. They don’t have any other scenarios, and it’s kind of turned into Mystery Science Theater for the most part. Figured it was some cruel prank.”

“So they were stuck up there for fifteen years doing, what? Watching terrible movies and being stuck in a can?” Kayla asked. “Just the latter part sounds horrifying. And they’re keeping us all alive?”

“Not the fifteen years, no. They usually make it about twelve, but I got them out and used other means to press the button. Now I have treasure hunters send them board games, and that seems to be better,” I answered as I looked down at my bowling shirt.

The Burn Lane Patch was finally sewed on, so I got started on the first of the diamond ones. This next one had a trio of bowling pins with guns in what could only be described as an action pose. It looked like it came straight from one of the animations an alley would have playing during a game.

<<<>>>

[[Item]]

Strike Force Omen Patch

When sewn onto a Filbin Bowling Shirt, increase Strength by 6 and Dexterity by 4. Add the Enhanced Critical passive.

<<<>>>

“I feel like we’re getting off track,” I said, telekinetically moving the needle and thread again.

“As interesting as this is, yes,” Jamie agreed.

I breathed deeply before shifting on the couch. “Like I said, it happened gradually,” I said, picking up from an earlier point in the conversation. “However, I’m pretty sure I’ve identified the turning point. It was in Bismarck, North Dakota. I was having a spat with their mayor, who had survived the initial culling of government buildings and military bases through sheer luck. The city was being sieged by what were essentially anthropomorphic reindeer riding polar bears.”

“A classic combination,” Mercury joked, trying to relieve the tension.

“Yeah, everyone’s heard of it,” I said, playing off of him before becoming serious again. “Our spat had been verbal, but his insistence on doing things his way meant that half of the city was going to end up getting killed and the other half enslaved. So, when he turned his back on me, I took matters into my own hands.”

“You killed him,” Kayla stated, and I nodded. “It sounds like you did the right thing, though. I mean, it sucks, but one life for everyone else still alive?”

I offered her a grim smile. “Like I said, that was the turning point,” I reminded her. “And, yes, that decision was the right one from a numbers perspective. Had to fight a few more who didn’t take kindly to what I had done, but they didn’t die. Unfortunately, it stuck in my head how… easy it had been. I hadn’t even felt guilty for taking his life. Sure, I had killed people before, but it was almost always with a sporting chance.”

“This was in cold blood, then,” Jamie said, crossing her arms.

“Yup. And it didn’t stop there,” I continued grimly. “The next time was easier. I didn’t even bother finishing the argument. It occurs to me now that I valued my time and energy more than I did their lives. Because, of course, I knew better. Had seen it before. The slope was slippery, and after about a run and a half, I was taking out people who were simply disagreeing with me.”

“That’s not all, is it?” Kayla hesitantly asked. “I feel like you wouldn’t be this eager to forget it if it’s just a few deaths in reset timelines.”

I shook my head. “No, it was worse than that. I began actively seeking out the stronger members of the communities I visited and either forced them to join me or took them out.”

The Double Agent took a breath. “Which would make you the only avenue for safety and salvation.”

“You got it, Kayla,” I replied. “These were the guardians of their communities. Killing or crippling them meant monster attacks were deadlier. Scenarios became harder. The people I left behind were yes men and sycophants, not fit to lead. However, they had my backing, so aside from a few mutinies here and there, the people accepted it.”

“If I may,” Mercury started, raising a hand. I nodded towards him. “The Broken Tyrant. Given the name, would it be correct to assume you built a kingdom?”

“The Grand Empire of the Americas,” I answered, suddenly very tired. “At its largest, it spanned across Canada, Central America, and as far south as Ecuador. Took me a year and change, though at that point humanity was pretty sparse. Only a handful of cities were still occupied in each state. Not a very grand empire, but I wasn’t the one who named it.”

“And the administrators just allowed this?” Jeff asked.

“Oh Heavens no,” I barked a laugh. “Unfortunately for them, I managed to con my way into a treasure hunter’s tunnel system. Not the Dealer’s, he was too strict for that, but I essentially had a fast travel route available. Whenever they would crack down on where I was, I left for somewhere else.”

Jamie wrinkled her nose. “Think that would be nice to have now, don’t you think?”

“It’s only available in a very short window, and I kind of have to disappear the guy by making him talk about things he’s not supposed to,” I admitted with a shrug. “Otherwise, yes, it would be really nice to have.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this with all sincerity, but it sounds like you didn’t really do all that much?” Mercury seemed to question. “Sure, killing people who disagree with you is pretty much pure evil, but if they were calling you the Broken Tyrant then it seems kinda lacking, doesn’t it?”

I pursed my lips and thought about the question. When I thought it over, I really wasn’t doing it justice. It was difficult talking about, and the words weren’t coming like I was used to.

So I turned to my wife. “Sara, could you put it in your own words as an Angelic being?”

“I’d really rather not,” she quietly replied, her wings bristling. “You’ve redeemed yourself a thousandfold since then.”

“I just seem to be having trouble getting across the gravity of the times back then,” I said, putting my hand atop hers as best I could. “I would really appreciate it if you could give them an Angel’s perspective.”

I could tell that she didn’t want to, but that she would. While she was working through that, I finished the patch and moved on to the last one. This one was a wall of interlocking pins with a diamond bowling ball in the center. It wore a crown, a royal cape, and had a golden scepter.

<<<>>>

[[Item]]

Kingpin Patch

When sewn onto a Filbin Bowling Shirt, increase Dexterity by 4 and Constitution by 6. Add the Castle Wall passive.

<<<>>>

Sara sighed, her halo dimming. “The Broken Tyrant was such a threat that, after the Demonic army in Washington D.C. was eradicated, mostly thanks to his help, the forces of Heaven eventually mobilized against him.”

That caused everyone in the room to stir.

“It wasn’t just the killing, but the blatant disregard for the life and dignity of those around him,” she continued. “In order to solidify his power, he would get into very public fights with the defenders of the communities, executing them in crowds to ensure that no one would have the guts to rise up against him. In the beginning he spared the weak, but eventually destroyed all who caused any trouble.

“This, of course, led to a huge power discrepancy from where the people were and where they needed to be. Without him to protect them, people died in the thousands. Entire towns and cities were wiped out because he moved on. Only those lucky enough to survive formed the so-called Grand Empire of the Americas.”

Sara’s halo dimmed even further. “The forces of Heaven tried to stop him, but he became very, very good at killing Angels. Their fighting styles are all similar, regimented, with little variation. He used that to his advantage, slaughtering any who came his way. They came back, of course, but the Broken Tyrant learned faster than they did. I remember watching as a full battalion, complete with a Seraphim, was not only pushed back, but completely routed. The bulk of the casualties were the result of him fighting the leader.

“He had the backing of Patrons, of course. Ares, often. Mars, sometimes. The Morrigan once, I believe. Twice, he managed to become the Last Judgment, getting all four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to back him. That was very dangerous, not only for the world but for him. A human wasn’t meant to wield that kind of apocalyptic power.”

The Angel shuddered at the thought, taking an unneeded breath of air as she composed herself. “If it was just killing, then that would be one thing, not that I condone it. But it was the experiments that really threw me. The best way to kill monsters, figured out by throwing legions of civilians at it. The proper way to solve dungeons and puzzles, built upon by the corpses of many. How far he can push the administrators before they snapped, which led to unspeakable horrors manifesting into the world.”

A far away look flashed across my wife’s face as she thought about that last point. “My God, the horrors they brought forth to deal with you.”

There was a heavy pause before Sara’s eyes scanned the room, taking everyone in before landing on me. I managed to keep a straight face as I waited to translate what came next, but I felt shame. It was an odd feeling after all this time, but it was almost refreshing. Like I still had my humanity, even now.

“If we are being vague about what the Broken Tyrant has done, it is only because there are too many crimes to go over,” she said, not looking away. “Families torn asunder. Champions felled, leaving cities defenseless. War waged, to gain knowledge in the most unethical of ways. He had truly earned the moniker of Broken. However…”

Pausing, she reached up to stroke my cheek. “I never gave up on you. You horrified me, both before and after I received my memories, but I didn’t give up on you. I knew that there was still some shred of humanity in you, and you proved me right, after enough time. You came full circle under the guidance of people you could trust.”

“So it seems,” I replied quietly.

“Is an insane man who comes full circle to being sane again still insane?” Mercury asked.

“You’re acting like Franklin has ever acted sane,” Jamie scoffed, though I could tell her heart wasn’t in it. “Tell me you’ve never thought his plans were bat out of Hell crazy and I’ll call you a liar.”

“During our first meeting, he stopped a giant bone centipede with a bowling ball, and that was just to recruit me,” the ninja shot back. “From that moment it was all downhill from there. It’s all been crazy.”

“Well, it’s a crazy world out there,” Jeff added. “It seems like Ant’s just what we need. Crazy looped back to sane, I mean. Sanish, anyway.”

“I’m glad you’re not that person anymore, psychic boy,” Kayla said with a strained smile. “Thank you for sharing this with us. Both of you. It couldn’t have been easy.”

“It was not,” Sara confirmed. “But he’s on the right path now. Everything’s coming together.”

“Yeah, it sure is. It’ll all be over soon,” I said with a nod.

The tension left my body as I watched my friends start joking again. Their mood was heavy, but they had been through a lot and would be able to process it. I hadn’t realized how worried I was about their reaction until it was over.

Bethany came over and placed another piece of cake on my table. “Because you look like you need more cake,” she signed before giving me a hug. I smiled and returned it before letting her go on her way.

“How are you feeling, love?” Sara whispered as she leaned towards me.

“Better, I think,” I answered. The final patch on my bowling shirt was sewn on, and I let it rest on the table. “It’s a bit complex.”

“I can only imagine, but I’m glad,” she replied.

I nodded. “Jamie, your shirt should be all upgraded now that I finished mine. Thanks again for your hard work.”

The Weapon Master perked up at that and pulled her own bowling shirt from her inventory. Just like I had promised, hers was covered in patches the same as mine. I snapped open my menu and grabbed the description.

<<<>>>

[[Equipped]]

Seven-Tenner Bowling Shirt

(Base Item, this item has 8 Patches; +12 Strength, +18 Dexterity, +17 Constitution, Heavy Strike passive acquired, Anchored passive acquired, Enemy Kickback passive acquired, Sinker passive acquired, Love Tap passive acquired, Ball Return passive acquired, Energy Burn passive acquired, Enhanced Critical passive acquired, Castle Wall passive acquired)

[[Passive]]

Heavy Strike

Any projectile thrown underhanded will deal 25% additional damage at the moment of impact.

[[Passive]]

Anchored

Treat your Constitution as 1.5 times higher when resisting forced movement.

[[Passive]]

Enemy Kickback

Any projectile weapon that bounces off a creature or object will retain more of its momentum, dealing extra damage to additional targets.

[[Passive]]

Sinker

Increase the force behind all attacks you make that strike an opponent from above by 20%.

[[Passive]]

Love Tap

Glancing blows deal 50% more damage than normal.

[[Passive]]

Ball Return

Thrown weapons will automatically return to your hand or inventory 5 seconds after coming to rest.

[[Passive]]

Energy Burn

All elemental attacks now have a chance to linger on targets, dealing extra damage for up to 12 seconds.

[[Passive]]

Enhanced Critical

Critical hits now deal 300% more damage.

[[Passive]]

Castle Wall

Increase the hit points of all conjured barriers by 10%.

<<<>>>

“You wanna talk about crazy,” Jeff said loudly, grabbing my attention. “Let me tell you about the time the boss pushed me through a spider-infested highway to get me back to my wife. I’m talking about ones bigger than me. We barely made it out alive.”

I smiled and settled. It seemed as though everyone agreed that the question and answer segment of the day was over, and we went back to shooting the shit with each other.

Which, honestly, was a refreshing use of my time. Someday, this would be the norm, just like it had been in the Golden Dream.