Tokyo, Japan.
It was night. The sky, dotted with stars, competed with the artificial glow of the city below. The night air was cool, carrying with it the subtle aroma of cherry blossoms and the faint odor of asphalt warmed during the day.
The city of Tokyo at night was a luminous and vibrant metropolis, where darkness was softly invaded by the neon lights that dominated every corner. Tall skyscrapers rose against the sky, their mirrored facades reflecting the bright signs that advertised everything from traditional restaurants to the most modern technology stores.
The streets were full of life, with a mix of locals and tourists exploring the city that seemed to never sleep. In districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, crowded crosswalks were illuminated by enormous billboards displaying animations and videos in vibrant colors. The Shibuya crossing, in particular, was a spectacle of people moving in all directions, creating a synchronized ballet of hurried steps and flashing lights.
Away from the bustling center, the residential neighborhoods offered a quieter view of the city. Paper lanterns hung from the entrances of small restaurants and izakayas, inviting passersby to a warm meal. The streets were narrow and lined with trees, where serenity was only interrupted by the distant sound of a motorcycle or the soft murmur of a conversation.
The parks and traditional shrines were oases of calm amidst modernity. Illuminated by soft lanterns, these sacred spaces offered refuge for those seeking a moment of peace. The aroma of incense mingled with the cool night air, creating an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility.
The Sumida River reflected the city lights in its calm waters, while illuminated boats glided smoothly across the surface, offering stunning views of the urban landscape.
The Tokyo skyline was punctuated by the Tokyo Tower and the Skytree, both shining against the night sky, symbols of a city that embraced the future without forgetting its past.
Adam sat comfortably inside the luxurious interior of a limousine as the vehicle glided through the busy streets of Tokyo. The car's interior was decorated with black leather upholstery, polished wood details, and soft lights that created an atmosphere of elegance and exclusivity. A bottle of mineral water rested in a holder beside him, but Adam was focused, looking out the window as the city sped by.
He was impeccably dressed, wearing a black haori over a white kimono. Under the kimono, he wore a black t-shirt that fit snugly against his torso, secured with a black belt that kept the garment aligned. His white pants contrasted with the rest of the outfit, and he completed the look with black sandals, echoing tradition and modernism in harmony — he decided to dress appropriately in traditional Japanese attire, since he was visiting the country...
The reason for the visit?
It had to do with his search for [Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi] based on the information he had received the day before — he had come alone because Lavinia had been called back to Berlin by her grandfather, who needed her help with something important.
What was his plan?
Well, it was a simply barbaric action.
A Campione was a Devil King; he had forgotten that fact.
While planning some scheme to get his hands on the [Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi], he had an epiphany that made him simply ask politely for the History Compilation Committee to give him the sword. With his status and power, they were practically forced to comply, as refusing could offend him. And offending a Godslayer was a terrible idea; almost no one in this world wanted to mess with someone who killed [Heretic Gods], walking disasters capable of ending human civilization. Due to the method of obtaining their classification, Campiones are portrayed as evil tyrannical monsters by everyone in the magical world. It is also assumed that every mage fears their wrath and serves out of fear of the frequent evil they pursue.
However, this judgment is technically false.
Campiones are indeed dangerous and destructive, but that is only due to the fact that they fight or abuse their power. Some are indifferent to the concerns of others regarding their goals, but most of the magical world forgets that Campione are human by nature.
These human attributes are basically the key to defining which Authorities they have or will have. Furthermore, it doesn't matter if they have any skill in Magic or martial arts; a Campione is terrifying not just for having killed a God, but because their characteristics allowed their success. For example, he had proven he could do it because he didn't want to feel powerless again and wanted to become truly powerful, all the things he felt during the last few years in a hospital bed, feelings he didn't want to feel again, while at the same time seeking the life he'd read about in so many stories.
Anyway, regardless of their flaws, Campiones are great kings. Most of the magical world reveres them for achieving the impossible. So much so that all magical organizations consider attacking or threatening one of them as bravely suicidal, or a completely stupid decision. Anyone who does such a thing either earns admiration for bravery or is labeled an even bigger idiot than the kings they challenge.
If just being a Campione wasn't enough, he also had a record of killing several [Heretic Gods] in less than a year, having been the first to do so. Because of this, he became known as someone quite bloodthirsty and eager for battles...
According to his subordinates, just as his brothers and sisters had earned nicknames, he earned the nickname [King of Celestial Massacre] and they also called him [Evil Buddha] because rumors arose that he was a calm and relaxed person, but had a side that lived up to his other nickname.
In his opinion, his nicknames were a bit bland, but they suited him, as he really was a calm and relaxed guy who liked to fight against powerful enemies. He loved the adrenaline he felt when this happened, which was natural, since a Campione had a hundred times more than a normal human.
But leaving that aside, Adam thought about the information he had from the CHC, the Japanese magical organization.
In the midst of Japan, where the modern world coexisted with the shadows of the supernatural, a secret organization worked tirelessly to preserve balance and protect the general public from a reality they could not comprehend. The History Compilation Committee (HCC) had existed for centuries, manipulating events and hiding the truth behind a carefully constructed facade. Their mission: to keep the magical world out of the public eye, creating an invisible barrier between the extraordinary and the mundane.
Founded during the Meiji period, the Committee had its roots in the Four Ancient Families, which, since ancient times, had served the Japanese emperors with their magical abilities. The Sayanomiya, one of these families, was at the heart of the Committee's creation, forming the basis of its strategic thinking and historical manipulation.
The Sayanomiya, known for their erudition and ability to study magic, occupied a unique position among the Four Families. They were considered the "mind" behind the Committee, responsible for developing strategies, conducting studies, and formulating the narratives that the organization used to mask the truth of supernatural events. They were the architects of history, shaping events and creating versions of the past that were convenient for the Committee and, by extension, for Japan.
The Seishuuin, on the other hand, were known for their strength and military power, being the family with the greatest political influence in the world of magic. Its members were known for their combat skills and fierce loyalty to the emperor. When necessary, they were the Committee's soldiers, responsible for ensuring that no supernatural threat escaped control.
The Kuhoutsuka, a mysterious family with deep roots in Japan's shrines and temples, played the role of the Committee's spiritual guardian. They were responsible for maintaining the balance between the physical and spiritual world, ensuring that supernatural creatures were contained and that the power of the ancient gods was respected. In places like the Saitenguu in Nikkou, where the legendary Sun Wukong had been sealed, the Kuhoutsuka maintained constant vigilance.
Finally, the Renjou, the last of the Four Families, was responsible for the most hidden and secret aspects of the Committee. Known for their control over dark magic and the use of forbidden rituals, the Renjou often dealt with the most dangerous and unpredictable areas of magic, such as demonic creatures and forbidden artifacts.
The History Compilation Committee worked behind the scenes of Japanese society, ensuring that supernatural events were carefully distorted or erased from public memory. They used their influence over the media, politicians, and even the public's minds, creating a version of reality that kept Japan, and the world, in an illusory peace.
When supernatural phenomena appeared, or when extraordinary events occurred, the Committee members were always ready to intervene. Using powerful magic and hidden resources, they manipulated witnesses, erased memories, and forged historical documents that diverted attention from the truth. History, as the Committee knew, was fluid and malleable, and with their skills, they could mold it as they pleased.
However, not all members of the Committee agreed with the same approaches. Sometimes, the Four Families found themselves at odds over how to maintain control over supernatural events. Some wished to use the Committee's power to further consolidate their control over magical society, while others believed that the Committee should be more transparent, letting the public know a little more about the supernatural world, but always in a controlled manner.
Despite these internal differences, the Committee continued its mission with unwavering determination. As a hidden enterprise, the Four Families ruled their respective areas, but all were united by a common purpose: to ensure that ordinary humans never discovered the truth.
Inside the luxury limousine, Adam settled into his soft leather seat, his eyes fixed on the rapidly passing cityscape. The lights of Tokyo shone like fallen stars along the road, reflecting in the vehicle's windows. He watched in silence, absorbed in the busy streets and the hustle and bustle of the city at night, but his mind was distant, immersed in thoughts about his mission and the events that awaited him.
Adam shook his head and took a bottle of water from the small table in front of him, opening it with a soft pop. The cool water went down his throat, refreshing him as he leaned back in his seat. His eyes continued to be lost in the city lights, the sensation of the limousine's smooth movement transmitting a momentary peace; it had been a while since he'd ridden in human vehicles, lately only using his [Shining Chariot of the Sun] to travel through Europe.
The limousine continued its journey through the illuminated streets of Tokyo, and Adam, with one last thoughtful look out the window, put away the water bottle and prepared for what was to come. His destination was a discreet but imposing building, located in a quieter area of the city.
It was the headquarters of the History Compilation Committee (HCC), a place where important decisions were made in secret, away from the public eye.
The limousine slowed down gently and stopped in front of the building.
The driver got out, opening the door for Adam.
With an elegant movement, Adam got out of the car, adjusting his haori as he stood, his eyes fixed on the building's entrance. Around him, the Tokyo night was alive with the incessant glow of the city lights, while the full moon cast a soft glow over the urban scene.
The History Compilation Committee (HCC) building stood before him, an imposing structure that combined modern architecture with traditional Japanese elements. As he advanced through the main entrance, the sliding doors opened smoothly, revealing a spacious lobby illuminated by lanterns hanging from the high ceiling. The atmosphere exuded an air of respect and reverence, accentuated by the perfectly aligned tatami floor.
As Adam walked down the hall, the HCC members present began to bow in respect. Their heads bowed in unison, and the reverent silence that settled was almost palpable. Adam, known as the Sixth Campione, the "King of Celestial Massacre," was a figure whose reputation preceded his presence. His power and the number of [Heretic Gods] he had defeated in a short space of time made him a feared and respected entity.
At the end of the corridor, Sayanomiya Kaoru awaited. She stood out for her distinctive appearance: a young, fair-skinned redhead, dressed in an impeccable men's suit that gave her an aura of androgynous elegance. Her hair was styled to accentuate her male disguise, and the carefully adjusted tie completed her presentation. Kaoru was a polymath, an expert in various fields, recognized for her intelligence and strategic ability. Her reputation for playing pranks, especially involving her gender, was well known, and it hadn't been long since she had become leader of the HCC, replacing her father. But before Adam, she maintained a respectful and serious posture.
Kaoru bowed slightly in a gesture of respect as she approached Adam: "Adam-sama," she began with a soft smile that hinted at her playful nature, but maintained a tone appropriate for the occasion, "It is an honor to receive you here. Please, allow me to escort you to a more comfortable meeting room."
Adam nodded in agreement, his expression serene and impenetrable. He followed Kaoru down the hall, their footsteps echoing softly as they headed to a cozy meeting room. The room was decorated with comfortable leather sofas arranged around a low wooden table. Rice paper walls painted with scenes of natural landscapes contributed to the welcoming and elegant atmosphere.
Kaoru gestured for Adam to take a seat on one of the sofas, while she herself sat opposite him. "Your attire is truly remarkable, Campione-sama," she commented with an appreciative smile. "The way the haori and kimono complement each other is impeccable."
Adam inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment of the compliment. "I appreciate the compliment, Sayanomiya."
"Your Japanese is also very good." Kaoru smiled, pleased with the response. "Your approach is commendable. Now, I was surprised that Mr. Goldberg contacted me to arrange a meeting with you... He also spoke about your motives..."
Adam adjusted himself on the sofa, crossing his legs elegantly while keeping his gaze fixed on Kaoru: "So, you must know why I'm here, right? I'm here to take the Ame no Murakamo. In return, I promise three favors for you."
"If I may, Adam-sama…" Kaoru maintained a professional tone to ask, "How did you discover the identity of the divine weapon? Although we have concealed as much information as possible, it still leaked through some spies, but its identity is only known to me and its current chosen bearer."
"It was through the [Spiritual Vision] of one of my subordinates…" Adam said without going into much detail. He had full knowledge of this due to the memories of his past life, but he couldn't say that, so he invented this excuse.
It wasn't like it was a lie; Lavinia had glimpsed the weapon's identity after he spoke with her about it yesterday.
How had she done it?
She accessed the [Memories of the Void] through her [Spiritual Vision] in search of information about the weapon. Basically, the [Akashic Records] of this world that contains everything about the past, present, and future of everything that occurs in all worlds. This information can only be accessed by beings who are more spiritually sensitive, that is, who possess [Spiritual Vision], such as Priestesses, Witches, Divine Ancestors, among other beings.
Although Lavinia had only seen which God the Divine Weapon was related to through her [Spiritual Vision] and not its concrete identity, it still wasn't a lie. He could simply say that he guessed based on the information she gave him; after all, his past life was a secret he would take to the grave and never tell anyone.
"I understand. That answers my question." Kaoru nodded; she knew very well about this ability. In the end, she let out a sigh and spoke, "Adam-sama, you understand that the Ame no Murakamo is a powerful relic of great historical importance. It was given to one of our talented Priestesses by the ancient Heretic God, Susanoo."
"I am aware of that, but the price I am offering you is just as invaluable, and I am also proposing a peaceful agreement. Or do you prefer that I take the Sword by force…?" Adam said calmly while emanating a bit of his magical power, causing the woman to pale. The building began to tremble slightly, and the windows vibrated.
"Calm down, Adam-sama. We can reach a peaceful agreement…" Kaoru quickly spoke with a pale face. "Three favors, right? Our organization accepts the agreement…"
Previously, the beginning of the conversation was to attempt a negotiation that would favor them more; she was trying to increase the value of the exchange, but no one could blame her. The favor of a Campione was invaluable, whether to kill some [Heretic God] or politically as a threat to their enemies, but after Adam's subtle threat, she quickly abandoned her plans.
Adam controlled his magical power and nodded in satisfaction.
The atmosphere of the room, although formal, was marked by a discreet cordiality, as both discussed the details of the agreement.
After some time, Kaoru stood up, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your trust in our organization, Adam-sama. We are honored to be able to gain your favor in this way. If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us."
Adam also stood up, his gaze calm, he spoke: "I appreciate the support, Sayanomiya. I trust our collaboration will be fruitful. Tomorrow I will retrieve the Ame no Murakamo at your shrine. If you want to take advantage of my stay in Japan to collect one of the favors I promised, feel free."
With a final nod, Adam bid farewell to Kaoru and headed for the exit, got into the limousine that awaited him, and went towards a hotel to spend the night.
…
..
.
The next morning, the rising sun tinged the Tokyo horizon with soft shades of gold and pink, illuminating the city with a gentle glow.
Adam left the Aman Tokyo, one of the metropolis' most luxurious hotels, wearing his black haori over a white kimono again. Although it had the same appearance, it wasn't the same outfit as before; he had a few identical pieces.
He got into the black limousine waiting for him at the door, and the vehicle slid smoothly through the city's busy streets.
As the limousine moved forward, Adam watched the urban landscapes pass by through the window.
The streets were filled with hurried people, cyclists, and vehicles, all moving at a synchronized pace that reflected the tireless energy of the city. Neon signs and digital billboards shone even in daylight, while convenience stores, cafes, and fashion boutiques lined the sidewalks.
As the limousine moved away from the urban center and headed inland, the scenery began to change. Modernity gave way to a quieter and more serene landscape, where dense trees and gentle hills dominated the view.
After some time, the vehicle finally stopped in front of a red torii gate, marking the entrance to a shrine.
Adam stepped out of the limousine, his eyes fixed on the majestic Ise Shrine, one of the most beautiful and revered in Japan. With its traditional wooden buildings and thatched roofs, the shrine exuded an atmosphere of peace and spirituality. The stone path leading inside was lined with stone lanterns and cherry trees, whose petals fell softly to the ground, creating an almost ethereal scene.
Upon entering the grounds, Adam was greeted by a priestess in a white and red kimono, who bowed respectfully before guiding him along a path lined with manicured gardens and small ornamental lakes.
The soft sound of running water and birdsong filled the air, making the atmosphere even more calm and introspective.
The shrine also housed a training area for the History Compilation Committee (HCC), where young priestesses and mages practiced their arts under the guidance of experienced masters. In a large courtyard, several priestesses were gathered, practicing purification rituals and meditation. Their movements were graceful and precise, reflecting years of training and discipline.
Adam observed the scene for a moment before being led to a main building where Kaoru awaited him.
Upon entering, he noticed that the interior of the shrine was simply decorated, but with an elegance that reflected respect for tradition. Tatami mats covered the floor, and on the walls, scrolls calligraphed with ancient sutras hung alongside paintings of deities and natural landscapes.
Kaoru, dressed in an impeccable men's suit, greeted Adam with a slight smile. "Welcome to Ise Shrine, Adam-sama. Here, we train our priestesses and keep sacred relics, including the Ame no Murakamo."
She gestured for him to follow her to a simple but comfortable meeting room, where a low table was prepared with tea and traditional sweets. Adam sat down, accepting the cup of tea Kaoru offered him. As he took a sip, he felt the tranquility of the place enveloping him.
The room was softly lit, with a light that reflected on the dark wooden surfaces, bringing a warm and serene tone to the environment. Kaoru, with her impeccable posture, watched Adam with a discreet smile as he settled more comfortably on the cushion across the table.
The surrounding walls were adorned with traditional Japanese artwork, with scenes of samurai in battle, distant mountains, and cherry blossoms, which seemed to float in a painting.
She approached the table with a serene look, but her more informal tone of voice and the lightness in her gestures indicated an almost familiar approach, she said: "Please wait just a little longer. One of my subordinates is already bringing Susanoo's blade to you."
Adam, feeling at ease in the space, nodded, his expression relaxed. "No problem, I'm not in much of a hurry," he replied with a slight smile, reflecting the understanding that, at certain times, time does not rush.
The atmosphere remained calm, with only the soft sound of the air conditioner breaking the silence. Then, Kaoru, curious, leaned slightly forward. The relaxed way she held herself didn't detract from the seriousness of her presence. "How was your stay at the hotel, Adam-sama? I hope you found everything to your liking."
Adam smiled again before answering thoughtfully: "It was very good. Thank you for arranging such a pleasant place for me to stay. The view was spectacular, especially at night."
Kaoru smiled back, a glint in her eyes that denoted satisfaction.
"I'm glad to hear that," she said, her voice soft, but laden with a tone of pride. "It is an honor to be able to serve you, Adam-sama. We do our best to ensure that your wishes are met."
Adam nodded in gratitude, his eyes softening: "I appreciate it…"
With the atmosphere now more intimate, Kaoru, seeming even more involved in the conversation, leaned in a little further, her eyes watching Adam attentively. "And your stay in Japan so far? How has it been?"
Adam thought for a moment, his expression more relaxed, but with a dose of sincerity.
"Interesting," he said, his eyes gazing at the distant horizon as the words came out calmly, his voice a little softer, "I've always loved Japanese culture. It's fascinating to see how you balance tradition with modernity."
He wasn't lying; he loved Japan for its culture, especially for the manga and anime that were his only company in his past life. It was out of this gratitude that he wanted to resolve things peacefully with the CHC.
Kaoru, always observant, noticed the sincerity in Adam's words. She gave a slight smile, something between pride and amusement: "We are honored to receive someone who appreciates our culture so much. I hope your experience here continues to be enriching. How long will you be staying in Japan?"
Before Adam could answer, the soft sound of the sliding door interrupted their conversation.
A subordinate entered the room with firm, silent steps. He was dressed in a dark suit and wore a serious expression, and as he held it, with both hands firm, he seemed to be carrying something valuable. He carried a polished wooden box, wrapped in a red silk cloth, with delicate gold embroidery that reflected the soft light of the room, as if it were a relic of great importance.
Kaoru gave a slight nod, as if the arrival of the box was a confirmation of what was already planned.
The subordinate approached Adam's table, the box gleaming softly under the room's light. With a respectful gesture, he carefully placed the box on the table's surface, almost reverently.
"Campione-sama, Susanoo's blade," the subordinate said in a grave tone, reverence clear in his voice.
Adam, in turn, kept his gaze fixed on the box, his look focused. The feeling that something important was about to happen was palpable, and the energy in the room seemed to vibrate with the presence of the object now before him. He looked at Kaoru, his eyes now more attentive. "Thank you…"
Kaoru, with a smile of satisfaction, also observed the box with a gleam of respect.
"I hope this artifact serves you well in your future journeys," she said in a serious tone, but also with a hint of confidence.
"It will be very useful, I can guarantee it…" Adam said, looking at Kaoru for a moment.
The room fell silent, with palpable tension in the air. He, with his relaxed posture, looked at the box the subordinate had left on the table.
The red silk covered it immaculately. He observed the cloth for a moment before, with a calm gesture, pulling it back and opening the box, revealing Susanoo's blade, the [Ame no Murakamo].
The blade was impressive. Its golden hilt glowed softly in the light, but what really caught the eye was the blade itself: black as night, as if it were made of the very essence of darkness. At the center of the hilt, an intense red ruby pulsed with its own light, like a beating heart. There was something sinister and beautiful about it at the same time.
Adam observed it with silent attention, his hands approaching, touching the cold, imposing metal.
When he grasped the hilt, something changed. A strange sensation ran through his body, as if the blade were reacting to his presence. Suddenly, a wave of magical energy spread from the sword, causing the environment around Adam to pulsate in response.
The blade seemed alive, vibrating with immense and ancestral power.
The magical energy emanating from it had a dark purple hue, a color that seemed to crumble the boundaries between the real world and the unknown.
Kaoru looked on, startled, as she saw the blade begin to pulse with increasing force. She jumped up and took a step back, her eyes wide: "What's happening?!" She tried to yell, but the room seemed to tremble with the force of the energy being released from the sword.
Adam frowned, holding the blade firmly, but feeling a resistance he couldn't understand. His vision blurred, and suddenly, the blade moved on its own, as if being pulled, pulling Adam with it. He tried to resist, but the force was too great.
The sword went towards the floor.
Before he could react, a flash of dark light emerged beneath him, and a black portal opened, the darkness swallowing him quickly. Kaoru screamed his name, but Adam disappeared in a second, along with the blade, vanishing from the CHC leader's sight.
What followed was a dizzying and overwhelming journey. Adam felt his mind being dragged through a vortex of dark energy.
The space around him dissolved, giving way to a completely different place, far from everything he knew. The world around him seemed to extend infinitely, an absolute gray void.
A place that was both familiar and unfamiliar to him, as he had visited a few times when he killed the [Heretic Gods].
When his feet finally touched the ground, everything changed, as if he were pulled to a particular place. A cosmic domain that defied any attempt at comprehension.
The sky above his head was a mixture of dark colors, with distant stars twinkling with a dying light. The air was heavy, charged with a dark and suffocating energy. He didn't know where he was, but the feeling was clear: this was the Boundary of Life and Immortality, or Youmingjie — in some part of it at least.
And then he appeared.
An immense presence, something that would make even the strongest warrior hesitate. Adam looked ahead, and there he was: Susanoo, the God of Thunder.
His figure was imposing, with a muscular body that seemed more massive than any bodybuilder he had ever seen. Susanoo had the body of a middle-aged man, with muscles that seemed to put even the biggest weightlifters to shame. His hair was white, long, and flowed with the invisible wind that permeated that realm. He wore traditional oriental clothing, a silk tunic that seemed to glow with its own light, reflecting the mystical aura of the place.
Susanoo's gaze was one of fury and defiance, his eyes twinkling with an immortal flame that made the air around him tremble.
He was visibly irritated, his presence emanating a force that seemed to affect the very gravity around him, his eyes fixed on Adam as he said: "You, mortal, what are you doing with the sword I gave to Ena?" His voice was laden with fury. "How dare you take what does not belong to you!"
Adam looked at the blade in his hand, still holding it tightly. Before returning his gaze to the former [Heretic God] in front of him and saying: "I took it; now it's mine."
Adam's answer did not calm the God down. Instead, Susanoo seemed to become even more enraged, the earth around them beginning to tremble with the growing divine power: "You dare disrespect my gift like this?!"
"Indeed. Campiones are a threat, an affront to the divine order! You think you can take what is mine without consequences?"
The [Heretic God] before him shot towards him.
Adam watched the Heretic God with an unshakeable serenity, as if he were watching a clown trying to be funny. His posture was impeccable, his muscles reinforced with the magic that flowed through his body, making him more resistant and flexible, almost unbeatable. Each of his movements, calculated and efficient, demonstrated the greatness of his experience that he had acquired over the year he spent in this world.
After practicing magic for a year with the help of his [Master of a Thousand and One Skills] authority, he had acquired maximum proficiency in almost every spell one could imagine, and learned to reinforce his body to superhuman levels instantly.
Susanoo shot towards him, each movement heavy as thunder. His fist was launched in a massive arc, intending to crush Adam with all the force of a god.
But Adam, with a simple, fluid movement, dodged the blow with surprising agility. He used the [Ame no Murakamo] to deflect the force of the impact, the blade meeting Susanoo's punch and diverting the energy with deadly precision. The sword, despite its dark aura and struggle to not let him wield it, responded to his hands with an almost ethereal lightness, making the defense impeccable.
The Heretic God, surprised by the ease with which his blow was deflected, launched a series of rapid attacks, trying to hit him with his gigantic fists. But Adam, with the calmness of someone completely in control of the situation, continued to deflect and block Susanoo's blows with the sword, moving with the precision of a dancer. Every time Susanoo attacked, Adam simply reacted, his blade deflecting the blows as if he were playing with time and space.
After dodging the attack and pushing Susanoo away, Adam decided to end the fight. He was somewhat disappointed; he thought he might have a good fight. But the [Heretic God] in front of him seemed somewhat weak, perhaps because he rejected his nature? Or had he gotten stronger?
He let out a sigh, the air around him beginning to glow, a soft light that grew with each breath. Then, the [Primordial Light] authority he had learned to control activated.
His feet lifted off the ground as if the very weight of his existence were nullified by the pure force of light.
Susanoo stopped for a moment, surprised, watching the Campione float before him. But that was just the beginning.
With a fluid gesture, Adam extended his hands before him, and the energy began to concentrate between them. The air seemed to distort, vibrating with the intensity of the condensing light. Space itself seemed to heat up, and before Susanoo could react, Adam activated the fifth and final authority he had usurped from Lugh:
He named it [Lugh's Solar Perdition] (Cinn Chinn Naomh).
Adam's chant was murmured with an inaudible force, but the words resonated in the air with overwhelming intensity:
"O Light of the Sun, heed my call, shine brightly, condense, and destroy!"
The light that formed in Adam's hands was blinding, a sphere of pure energy, hot and destructive, growing in size until it reached the size of a solar fireball. The light pulsed, like a small sun in the palm of his hand. He looked directly at Susanoo, who was standing still, looking in his direction, and in a swift movement, he launched the sphere towards the Heretic God.
The sphere shot out with impossible speed, a burst of energy so intense that space itself seemed to distort around it. Susanoo tried to dodge, but the speed of the sphere did not allow him to react.
The small sun struck the God with a deafening roar, and the destruction was instantaneous.
Solar radiation, with the force of a sun about to explode, enveloped Susanoo. He tried to resist, but the wave of energy completely engulfed him, pulverizing his divine form.
Susanoo's body began to disintegrate, being reduced to atoms, the pure essence that had once been a [Heretic God] vanishing before the unbeatable force of sunlight.
The energy radiated by the explosion was so intense that the walls of the plane began to disintegrate, and the very ground seemed to come undone, melting under the heat of the blast.
Adam watched, implacable, as Susanoo disappeared before him. Nothing remained of the Heretic God except the pure solar radiation that continued to dissipate through space; he was not affected by it in the slightest.
When the explosion finally ceased, the energy field that had surrounded Adam dissipated. Silence hung in the air, as if the universe itself had paused to absorb the impact. Adam was panting, his body exhausted after releasing the energy of a sun in a single blow. His vision was blurred, but he still remained standing, Susanoo's sword in his hand. He knew the price of such power would be high.
The authority of [Lugh's Solar Perdition] had served its purpose, and Susanoo, the Heretic God, had been destroyed.
However, Adam felt the solar energy burning in his body, and a wave of fatigue hit him. He needed rest, but at that moment, what mattered was that he had won — the price of that authority was irritating; after using it, he would be vulnerable for a whole day and unable to use any authority.
But luckily, Susanoo's sword was now his.
He went through quite a lot to acquire this sword, but it was worth it.
The [Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi] is a divine sword imbued with capabilities that transcend the limitations of a mere artifact. Originating from Susanoo, the God of Steel and Storm, its powers are intrinsically linked to manipulating the weather, storms, and natural forces, but also to adaptation and amplification abilities that make it a formidable and versatile weapon. It has a direct connection with the winds and storms, allowing the wielder to manipulate the weather around them.
The sword can enhance the physical and mental abilities of its wielder, making them stronger, faster, and more resilient. This enhancement can be compared to the power of a Great Knight, allowing the wielder to perform feats beyond the reach of ordinary warriors, such as extremely fast movements, resistance to damage, and strength surpassing human capabilities.
The blade also has the power to cut or cancel spells, magical powers, and other supernatural effects. This includes not only cutting spells cast directly against the wielder, but also the ability to disintegrate magical barriers, curses, and even divine attacks. This ability is vital when facing enemies who rely on magic or supernatural abilities, making the Ame no Murakumo an almost invincible sword in combat.
But its main ability is the power to copy and manipulate the Authorities of the entities around it. This means that the blade can mimic the powers of other gods or Campiones, transforming the absorbed power into an ability of its own. For example, in the manga, upon coming into contact with Luo Hao's Wind Authority, the sword allowed the wielder to generate shock waves with their punches. Similarly, by absorbing lightning from another Authority, it can generate immense magnetic abilities. It also has the ability to absorb divine powers directed against its wielder, using this energy to strengthen its own power or to return the energy to the enemy. When a divine power attempts to harm the wielder, the blade can "absorb" that force and transform it into a source of power for the wielder, reversing the energy against the enemy.
Furthermore, by absorbing the Authority of a divine being or Campione, the sword can even create a new form of power from that energy, making the wielder even more formidable.
He could also sense that the [Ame no Murakamo] was self-aware because it tried to escape his hands during the fight. In the manga, it was stated a few times that it was originally a Subordinate God of Susanoo, although there aren't many details. It was an anomalous existence that no one knew whether to classify as an Authority, a weapon, or an ally.
"Be still…" Adam murmured, making his magical power flow into the sword. He wanted to open a portal to leave the Netherworld he was in. Despite its apprehension, the sword obeyed him and opened a black portal, taking him away from the place.
…
..
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When his senses returned, he found himself back in Tokyo. But the environment around him was blurry, as if an invisible mist covered his perception. His vision slowly adjusted, and he recognized the walls of his hotel room. The luxury of the place didn't matter at that moment. He could barely stand upright; opening a portal back consumed even more magical energy.
His head was heavy, and his body felt like it was burning with an energy he didn't recognize.
He staggered to the bed, feeling weak and exhausted.
The contact with the soft mattress was a relief.
He fell unconscious, feeling the call of [Pandora] and surrendering to that call.