Adam awoke slowly, feeling a familiar soft, warm touch on his head. When his eyes finally opened fully, he realized he was lying in Pandora's lap. Her domain was always a strange place, but now it seemed even further removed from the reality he knew.
The surrounding room was a vast but somber space. Shades of gray predominated, as if time and life itself were suspended within. There were no vibrant colors, no natural light.
Pandora, with her penetrating and ever-enigmatic gaze, sat comfortably with her legs crossed, her body slightly leaning forward as she observed Adam with a maternal smile. The unmistakable glow of her presence was the only contrast amidst the darkness that filled the space.
She gently stroked Adam's hair, her fingers sliding lightly over his skin. Her expression was affectionate, but there was a spark of mischief, as if she knew something he didn't yet fully understand.
"Ah, my little Adam," she said in a soft voice, but with a note of mild reproach. "It took you so long to visit me this time. I felt the intensity of your fight against Susanoo. If you were here, why didn't you come see me?" She paused, and her smile widened slightly. "As always, I'm the one who has to call you, aren't I?"
She sighed theatrically, her words laden with a playful tease, but with an undercurrent of truth. The way she addressed him carried a possessive tone, almost as if he were something she had cared for zealously, eagerly awaiting the moment he would return to her.
"Sorry, Mother. I ran out of magical energy," Adam said with a sigh.
Pandora, satisfied with his response, leaned slightly towards him, her eyes shining with a unique intensity. "Ah, I forgive you. But next time, come visit me without me having to call you..."
"Okay, okay. I'll visit you next time. Can we start?"
"Eager as always for your mother's lips, aren't you? My little Adam is so thirsty~"
With a kiss on his lips, the ritual of the [Usurpation Circle] began!
…
..
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The afternoon light slowly dissipated, the sky tinged with warm shades of orange and red as the sun hid behind the horizon. Long shadows began to lengthen, touching the concrete walls of the immense building in Tokyo. The city seemed to move at a frenetic pace, but the view of the landscape from the windows of the tall building conveyed a tranquility that contrasted with the urban chaos. The gentle wind swayed the curtains, bringing a momentary coolness that seemed to escape the pressure and heat of life outside.
Aman Tokyo is one of the city's most exclusive and luxurious hotels, offering a lodging experience that blends Japanese modernity with the sophisticated elegance of a contemporary retreat. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the hotel stands out for its minimalist and clean architecture, which conveys a sense of serenity and exclusivity, even amidst the vibrant chaos of the city.
The facade of the Aman Tokyo is imposing, with large glass panels that allow natural light to enter, providing spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding skyscrapers. The building itself is a modern masterpiece, with straight lines and wide spaces, reminiscent of the traditional Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and purity. The design utilizes materials such as dark wood, natural stones, and marble, creating a refined and calming environment.
Upon entering the lobby of the Aman Tokyo, it is impossible not to be enveloped by the atmosphere of tranquility. The space is vast and airy, with a play of soft lighting that highlights the wood finishes and meticulous design details. A large indoor garden, with exotic plants and carefully positioned rocks, brings nature into the environment, reinforcing the connection with traditional Japan. Water flows calmly in fountains, and the soft sound of ambient music completes the feeling of a calm refuge amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
The hotel features spacious suites, each designed to offer maximum comfort and privacy. The rooms combine modern elements with traditional Japanese touches, such as tatami mats and futons, creating a welcoming and serene environment. The use of neutral colors and natural materials, like light wood and stone, contributes to the feeling of peace. Panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the city, with the illuminated skyscrapers at night forming a fascinating contrast with the tranquility inside the hotel.
The Aman Tokyo experience is not limited to accommodation. The hotel offers world-class restaurants, serving contemporary Japanese and international cuisine, prepared by renowned chefs. The service is impeccable, with an attentive staff ready to meet all the guests' needs.
The Aman Tokyo spa is another highlight, with wellness treatments that combine traditional and modern techniques. The relaxation space includes a crystal-clear pool, saunas, and massage rooms, where guests can enjoy a true rejuvenating experience.
The location of the Aman Tokyo, atop one of the city's most sophisticated neighborhoods, offers easy access to cultural and commercial attractions, while the hotel remains a haven of peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. In a world where luxury meets serenity, Aman Tokyo is the perfect place for those seeking a unique experience, filled with comfort and exclusivity.
Inside the hotel's best room, the soft golden afternoon light still illuminated the space. The atmosphere was tranquil, with the shadows cast by the window creating a play of soft lights on the walls.
The room, although luxurious, seemed simple in its essence. A functional and comfortable place, with modern and practical furniture, but without many excesses. The only thing that stood out besides his bed was the work table, where books and papers were scattered, but the feeling of solitude and quietness pervaded the environment.
Adam lay in the double bed, sleeping peacefully. His fingers twitched slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes as he twisted his mouth and let out a sigh.
He could feel the authority that had been usurped from Susanoo, just one, and it was now inside his right arm. It was simply the [Ame no Murakamo] that he had come to Japan to retrieve; now, he had become its rightful owner. But he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed about it; was that the only authority he got? Pandora was getting increasingly stingy.
He felt the [Ame no Murakamo] rebuke him for being too greedy, something he completely ignored with a roll of his eyes; apparently, it now had a symbiotic connection with him.
Putting all that aside, he decided to relax — a promise he had made to himself when he came to Japan, to fulfill one of his teenage dreams from his past life, to experience the country's culture.
With that in mind, he contacted the HCC and explained the reason for his disappearance, saying that he just had a small problem with the [Ame no Murakamo]. He didn't want to talk about his fight against Susanoo, so he left that detail aside. He requested a limousine to accompany him for the afternoon, and they immediately fulfilled his request.
Adam left the Aman Tokyo and went to relax.
The afternoon sun hid behind the imposing skyscrapers as Tokyo's energy pulsed around him. He began his stroll through the Akihabara district, a place he knew to be the heart of the city's otaku culture, where tradition and technology meet in a unique and eccentric way.
Upon arriving in Akihabara, the first thing Adam noticed was the explosion of neon lights illuminating the streets, reflecting the enthusiasm and effervescence of the place. Shop windows were filled with products of all kinds – action figures, state-of-the-art electronics, anime and manga arranged in high stacks, ready to be devoured by avid fans. The sound of arcade machines and electronic music coming from video game stores created an immersive environment, as if he were inside a video game, surrounded by pop and modern culture.
After getting out of the limousine, he set off to explore this incredible place he had always dreamed of.
He passed a multi-story electronics store, where everything from the simplest gadgets to the most advanced were on display. Adam entered, curious, exploring the devices, interacting with artificial intelligence robots, and admiring the futuristic accessories. Even without delving into each item, he enjoyed the atmosphere, observing how technology was integrated into the daily lives of the Japanese in an almost supernatural way.
Next, he took a break to explore some of the anime and manga stores, where he encountered stacks of figures and posters of the most popular characters. Every corner of the store seemed to tell a story, as if the characters came to life within the comics and cartoons. Adam couldn't help but smile as he saw the young people chatting excitedly about their latest acquisitions and collections.
As afternoon turned into evening, Adam decided to explore further and felt that the Tokyo experience still had much to offer.
Taking the limousine, he headed to the Shibuya district, the famous intersection where crowds of people meet every moment, and there, he stopped at one of the many charming cafes scattered throughout the area.
Sitting by the window, he watched the crowd move in opposite directions, as if watching a carefully rehearsed choreography. The incessant movement of people, along with the sound of music and conversations, gave the feeling that Tokyo never rested, always in constant flux and change.
When the sky completely darkened, Adam decided it was time to experience the most authentic Japanese cuisine. He headed to a highly renowned sushi restaurant known for its impeccable quality and world-class service. The restaurant, with a discreet entrance, was located in a modern building, with soft lighting and a cozy atmosphere. The interior space was elegant and minimalist, with dark wood walls and tables arranged to provide maximum privacy. The fresh aroma of fish and seasoned rice filled the air, creating an instant sensation of freshness.
The maître d' led him to a sushi counter, where Adam was greeted by an experienced sushi master. The man, with agile and precise hands, prepared the sushi before him, using exceptionally fresh, high-quality fish. Adam appreciated every detail of the process, admiring the chef's dexterity as he precisely molded the pieces of fish, delicately placing them on small balls of rice.
The experience was a spectacle of flavors and textures. Adam started with tuna sushi, its soft and succulent flesh melting in his mouth, followed by salmon nigiri that brought a smooth, smoky touch that combined perfectly with the lightness of the seasoned rice. With each bite, he found himself more involved in the sensory experience, appreciating the unique combination of fresh and harmonious ingredients. The eel sushi, with its delicate texture and sweet flavor, was the highlight of the meal.
While eating, Adam took the opportunity to talk with the chef about the ingredients and techniques behind Japanese cuisine. He learned that each dish was a work of art, with years of practice and dedication behind the perfection of each piece of sushi.
The conversation about respecting tradition and the pursuit of excellence made Adam reflect on his own journey, on the constant search for improvement, whether in his skills, authorities, or his life experiences.
After dinner, Adam made sure to thank the chef and the restaurant staff, leaving a generous tip for the incredible experience. He walked through the streets of Tokyo, now illuminated by soft lights, while the distant sound of cars and conversations still filled the air. The city seemed to have transformed into something more intimate and welcoming as the night progressed. Even being in a place so far from his homeland, Adam felt at peace, absorbing the beauty of the moment and the magic of Tokyo in all its complexity.
He ended the night with one last stop at a quiet park, where he sat on a bench, looking at the starry sky and reflecting on everything he had experienced.
The serenity of the moment contrasted with the frenetic energy of the city, and he knew that, despite all his adventures, what most caught his attention was the simplicity and calm of the small moments.
This past year, he hadn't had many of these moments, only when he was with Lavinia. She gave him many experiences he never thought he could have in his past life; it was as if she introduced another world to him, and the complexity of her personality - submissive, kind, naive, and somewhat daring and wise at the same time - always left him disoriented. Sometimes he didn't understand what was going on in her mind; one of the things he liked most.
She always did her best to see him happy.
Many men would say that he won the lottery with that.
And from his perspective, he had!
The life he had lived in the past seemed so distant, like a shadow erased by the intense light of his new existence.
However, those memories didn't dissipate easily. He still remembered the immense loneliness that accompanied him during his childhood. His parents disappearing without explanation, the childhood stolen by pain and humiliation, and the illness that brought him to the brink of death.
During the years he struggled with his body, he was forced to confront the void of existence. Sadness was a constant presence, and death seemed to be the only possible escape for him. But then, something else emerged.
The memory of the battles he fought with all the [Heretic Gods] flashed in his mind, the immensity of the struggles still reverberating in his thoughts. He had become everything he always dreamed of, someone who transcended the pain and fragility that had been his limits in the past. He had killed gods, not with anger, but with the experience acquired throughout all his misery. Each blow he struck in those fights was not just a physical struggle, but a representation of the strength he had built within himself. A strength shaped by loss, loneliness, and death, but now channeled for a new purpose.
At one point, he wondered if the death that led him to this new life in the world of Campione was, in fact, a blessing. The physical pain and mental agony that consumed him for so long had disappeared. His body, now stronger, more immune to those limitations, was a machine of power.
He had the power to defy fate, not just to defend himself, but to shape his own story.
Adam stood up, leaving the memories of the past behind, and faced the future. He took the limousine and headed towards the hotel room where he had spent the last few days.
…
..
.
The next morning, Adam awoke to the soft morning light filtering through the hotel window in Tokyo. He got up slowly, feeling the weight of his body as if he were carrying something much heavier than just bones and muscles. He looked at the bedside table, where the romance novel, with its pages almost turned, seemed like a relic of a past life.
That book and his own story, now part of something bigger, were almost forgotten in his mind.
The clock struck the hour to move on. When he returned the previous night, he had called Lavinia to talk and told her he would return today, but he wouldn't go with the [Shining Chariot of the Sun]. He wanted to go mundanely, so he asked her to arrange a private jet for him to return — she said she would take care of things so he could leave early this morning.
He took a shower, dried himself, and then put on his favorite outfit, consisting of a long, voluminous cloak, predominantly black, which seemed to be made of a heavy fabric, giving it an imposing presence. The cloak had a high, voluminous collar, adorned with a white sheepskin trim that ran along the entire contour, offering a striking contrast to the rest of the outfit.
The cloak was closed at the top but opened slightly from the waist, revealing an underlayer of dark fabric that covered his legs. There was a lighter-colored band tied around his waist, a beige or cream color, which added a visual highlight and adjusted the cloak to his body's silhouette. The outfit had subtle details, such as discreet metallic buttons or ornaments on the cloak, visible in some parts of the garment.
Under the cloak, he wore a tight-fitting black shirt, without much adornment, that fit perfectly against his torso, highlighting his silhouette. The shirt had a moderate V-neck, partially revealing his neck but maintaining the sobriety of the ensemble.
The pants followed the same pattern, made of white fabric that seemed to be slightly adjusted to be larger, providing an elegant and fluid look. The pants didn't have any flashy details, keeping the focus on simplicity and the contrast with the voluminous cloak. On his feet, he wore sturdy black leather boots with a minimalist but clearly functional design. The boots had thick soles, suggesting durability and firmness. They were fastened with laces, which were discreet and tightly tied, ensuring comfort and mobility. The combination of the shirt, pants, and boots created a solid and functional base for the outfit, complementing the majestic cloak.
Finished dressing, after talking to Lavinia, he walked towards the hotel exit and took a taxi to the airport. On the way, he contacted the HCC and informed them of his departure...
He arrived at the airport.
The sun was high, and the wind at the Tokyo airport seemed gentle, with a moderate breeze touching his face as he climbed the stairs of the jet. The interior of the plane was impeccable, with refined leather seats and an atmosphere of comfort that seemed befitting his status as a Campione. He settled into a seat that seemed tailor-made for him, the softness of the cushion welcoming his body.
The flight would be long, but the environment was ideal for reflecting on the past few days and on what the future might hold.
Minutes turned into hours as the jet crossed the skies, and Adam remained in a state of semi-rest, immersed in his own thoughts.
The landscapes below were a blurred line of blue and white clouds, like a distant painting. He thought about his recent experiences while at the same time making plans for the next few months. He wanted to focus entirely on forging his own [Usurpation Circle] and training.
After a few hours in the air, the plane began to approach Germany. The clouds parted, revealing Berlin's cloudy sky. The horizon seemed grayer than usual, but that didn't seem to bother Adam; by now, he was used to Berlin's skies.
Upon landing, the jet touched down smoothly at Berlin Airport, and Adam left the plane with the same serenity with which he had entered it.
The airport, although busy, didn't cause the same feeling of agitation as other cosmopolitan cities. The German capital was full of contrasts: modern and historic, bustling and calm, with its wide streets and imposing buildings.
Outside, in the arrivals area, a familiar figure waited for him. Lavinia stood there, her presence serene amidst the flow of passengers hurrying along their routes. She wore a light gray wool coat, her blonde hair fluttering slightly in the wind, and her sapphire blue eyes shone under the light of Berlin's gray sky. She seemed oblivious to the rush of the world around her, as if time had slowed down around her, everything waiting for Adam.
Adam walked towards her, his pace calm and controlled, as always, but a slight smile appeared on his lips.
He gave Lavinia a light kiss on the lips before they exchanged a discreet smile. It wasn't a meeting overflowing with effusiveness, but the connection they shared was evident.
During the journey to the exit, the two exchanged casual observations about the flights and traffic, keeping the mood light and comfortable. Lavinia commented on the variety of people passing by and asked for details about his trip, to which Adam replied with a smile and also asked about everything that had happened in his absence.
The walk to the car was quiet, both already so accustomed to the comings and goings of the city. The rhythm of their conversations followed the fluidity of movement through the streets of Berlin, with Lavinia suggesting they stop for coffee later, perhaps to rest and enjoy the city a little.
As the car drove through Berlin's busy streets, Lavinia told him why her grandfather had called her back. Apparently, he wanted to start training her to take over the mantle of the magical organization. She would be busy for the next two years.
Adam, in turn, began to talk about his plans for the following day, what he needed to take care of, and how his schedule was a little fuller than expected. But it wasn't a tense speech; he described everything in a more relaxed way, almost as if he were mentally organizing the steps of his next move.
Lavinia, with her usual calmness, listened and, instead of commenting on what he had to do, suggested small activities to relax between appointments, such as a walk through a neighborhood with fascinating architecture or a visit to a different restaurant.
During their outing, they explored different areas of the city. Lavinia showed Adam some of the most exclusive shops and smaller streets, where tourism didn't dominate, but where Berlin's charm truly manifested itself.
The day was cloudy, but the clouds didn't hide the city's beauty. They passed along grand avenues, where cars glided smoothly over the asphalt, and down small side streets, with cozy shops and cafes. The smell of fresh coffee hung in the air, mixed with the aroma of typical food coming from the small canteens and restaurants along the way.
The wind blew again, and the smell of food intensified as they passed by an elegant restaurant. They entered, without any other intention than to enjoy the experience, as if they were just allowing themselves to be part of the city's flow for a moment.
The restaurant, decorated with classic touches of European design, was welcoming, with soft lighting and a tranquil atmosphere. The waiter led them to a table by the window, where the street view slowly passed before their eyes. The streets of Berlin seemed like a movie passing by them, and Adam allowed himself to be immersed in that moment, in silence, feeling the peace of a place that, although new, somehow felt welcoming.
They didn't need to talk much during dinner. The silence between them was comfortable, and Adam allowed himself to relax, something rare for him. The food, well prepared and rich in flavor, was a spectacle in itself. The slightly sweet red wine accompanied the meal, and Adam, for the first time in a long time, felt calm. He didn't think about battles, he didn't think about gods or the future. He was simply there, sharing the quietude of Berlin with Lavinia.
After dinner, they continued their stroll, now through streets illuminated by soft streetlights. The sky was still cloudy, but the city lights seemed to transform the environment into something magical. Adam and Lavinia walked leisurely, crossing the city on foot. Soon, they arrived at the main building that served as the headquarters of the Millennium organization.
The next morning, after waking up completely naked next to Lavinia, he took a shower with her, they got dressed, had breakfast, and parted ways to do their own things.
As always, he went to train for a while at the training ground, then returned and went to read in the library, which he was far from finishing reading everything in. Then, when Lavinia returned to meet him, the two went to a restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, Adam went to a blacksmith shop that he had asked his subordinates to acquire in Berlin as well and spent the rest of the day working on his project of creating his own [Usurpation Circle].
And with this routine, he continued for the following months.