I am Humanity's Last Hope?

Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Investigation



[Excerpt from the book of the Italian mage Alberto Ricardo, Demon King, 19th Century.]

For those who have accomplished the formidable feat of killing a God, we grant a title.

Campione - Godslayer -

Among all virtuous readers, some may believe I exaggerate with this title and furrow their brows, while others will think I'm making an undue fuss over it.

However, I want to emphasize this once more.

A Campione - a God Slayer - is the supreme ruler.

Since he can kill a celestial being, he can therefore summon the highly divine powers of the gods.

Campione - Godslayer - is a lord.

As the power to kill a deity is in his hands, he has the power to dominate mortals on Earth.

Campione - Godslayer - is a demon.

Thus, among all of humanity that lives on the earth, those who have the power to oppose them do not exist!

... ...

[Excerpt from the letter of Cardinal António Tevez, sent to the Vatican.]

Abandoning God, playing with the demonic knowledge of the mages, he received from them the title of King.

I dare say that all of you must have heard these titles at some point.

Campione.

Supreme Ruler.

The illegitimate son of Epimetheus.

The Demon King.

It is with deep sorrow that I affirm that mere mortals like us cannot fight against them.

The only ones capable of fighting them are other Campiones, the angels of our Holy Father, and the pagan gods who are taboos...

Excerpt on the Verification of the New Campione.

In Celtic mythology, Balor is a dark figure, leader of the Fomorians and bearer of a deadly eye that can destroy all that it sees. His legend is marked by the prophecy that he would be killed by his grandson, a prophecy fulfilled when Lugh, the god of light and the arts, defeats him in battle. Balor represents destruction and chaos, while Lugh symbolizes light and order, their fates eternally intertwined in a dance of opposition.

Balor was feared for his relentless destruction and associated with calamities, while Lugh, with his mastery of all the arts, brought prosperity and hope. The clash between them is a reflection of the conflict between darkness and light, chaos and order, a battle that defines the balance of the world.

These two Heretical Gods descended to the world to rewrite this myth.

It was after killing Balor and Lugh that the young Adam Victory became a Campione.

... ...

[Report on Adam Victory, Compilation of the Greenwich Assembly]

As already mentioned, after taking the powers of Balor and Lugh, the Sixth Campione ascended to his status.

An unbelievable feat of not killing one, but two [Heretical Gods] at once while still being an ordinary human, something only a fool's child would do.

The new King is named Adam Victory, someone born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was an orphan and by luck had won a lottery ticket that would take him on a sightseeing trip through Europe. His first stop was in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, as if fate wanted him to be there. While there, he managed to save all the people from the fury of the two [Heretical Gods].

And after the investigation, it was confirmed that the Sixth Campione killed these two [Heretical Gods], Balor and Lugh, to become a Campione.

Due to the enormous myths, tales, and epics surrounding these two Gods, it is impossible to guess the Authorities usurped by the Sixth Campione.

However, everyone, please do not forget.

Even though his powers are unknown, and he is still inexperienced, it cannot be denied that he is a Campione.

For fragile humans like us, he is still a demon above all living beings.

Moreover, Adam Victory, when he killed his first God, showed no knowledge of magic.

This may prove the theory someone once said: instead of claiming that the greatest presence among mages is the Campione, it is more accurate to say that, in the end, mages are mere imitations of Campiones.

After killing the Gods, reports indicate that he returned to Germany.

...

..

.

Three Days Later.

Berlin, Germany.

In a large building in the capital of Germany, one of the most vibrant metropolises in the world, the futuristic and luxurious design of the building dominated the landscape. On the top floor, a space reserved exclusively for one person offered a breathtaking view of the iconic Berlin TV Tower.

There, Adam Victory, the Sixth Campione, observed the city with a calm expression. His black hair fell along the sides of his face with beautiful features, some strands also falling over his perfect face, a face capable of making any woman fall madly in love with a single glance. His emerald green eyes shone with an almost hypnotic intensity, and his flawless white skin, he wore a black shirt and gray sweatpants.

Three days earlier, Adam had usurped the Heretical Gods Balor and Lugh, gaining powers that elevated him to the status of Campione. He had awakened in the forest consumed by the fury of the two Heretical Gods and the Grimoire he had found, a grim reminder of the power he had unleashed and the walking disasters that were the Heretical Gods.

After his awakening, Adam did not rush to seek out other gods or enemies. Instead, he allowed himself to explore his new existence, the freedom he had never known before. The feeling of flying through the skies in his [Brilliant Sun Chariot], unbound, was liberating. He did not regret his foolish actions in the eyes of many, what he truly regretted was losing his Grimoire.

The attempt to recover the Grimoire, after realizing its importance, was fruitless. He returned to the devastated area, but the artifact had disappeared, leaving only the echo of its presence.

He had been so excited when he woke up after becoming a Campione that he hadn't even realized this fact back then.

Deciding not to continue his journey through Europe with the winning ticket, he traveled to Germany, where he arrived with his [Brilliant Sun Chariot], making people believe the world was ending because in the sky it seemed as if there were two suns. He landed out of sight when he noticed this, but he had already attracted the attention of a magical organization that knew about his becoming a Campione — this news traveled fast — the name of the organization was [Millennium], a secular magical organization that quickly bowed to his presence.

For them, serving a Campione was a privilege, not an obligation. Adam, surprised by how easily he had gained their loyalty, accepted the services of [Millennium] and focused on absorbing the vast knowledge the organization held — in many different languages, it seemed the organization had great influence in other European countries. Through books, he was pleasantly surprised to discover he could speak many languages fluently, read and write as well. He assumed it was his gift upon rebirth in this world.

The building from which Adam observed was now his base of operations, a symbol of his newly established dominance. He had ordered [Millennium] to search for any signs of other Heretical Gods that might appear, while he enjoyed the luxuries and knowledge available.

With all the gathered knowledge, Adam reflected on his position in the world. He was the Sixth Campione, and from what he knew of the history of the Campiones, he had assumed this role at a crucial moment.

The Fifth Campione, John Pluto Smith, had become one six years ago, and the Fourth, the Black Prince Alec, just over five years ago.

Adam's position as the Sixth Campione gave him time to prepare for the future.

He knew of the future manifestations of Heretical Gods, such as Tezcatlipoca, Nuadha, Siegfried, and Veretharagna, who would be inevitable challenges. With that in mind, he decided to dedicate himself to strengthening and understanding the responsibilities of his new title.

He was determined to master every aspect of his new life, knowing that, as a Campione, he was a ruler. He had to assume that role...

As he put his thoughts aside, Adam Victory dressed casually and left the apartment, taking the elevator. The entire building had been reserved for him, and it was the perfect place to pass the time as he reflected on his new position.

As the elevator descended, his emerald green eyes, which seemed to shine with unmistakable power, found a group of people waiting for him.

Adam immediately realized it was an important meeting.

When the elevator doors opened, a voice could be heard. "It is an honor to see that you are well, Your Majesty."

In front of him stood several members of the magical association [Millennium], all bowing reverently.

At the forefront, an older man, around sixty years old, wore ancient ceremonial attire. His grandfather-like appearance was softened by the wisdom emanating from him, but something in his gaze made Adam know he was no ordinary person. He was Alex Reni Goldberg, the high priest and leader of the magical organization.

Alex immediately bowed, as did everyone else around him, in a deep reverence toward Adam's presence. The young Campione observed them with his penetrating eyes, taking a moment to analyze the situation.

"Did you locate any Heretical God?" Adam's voice, soft yet filled with immense pressure, cut through the silence.

Those words sent a chill through the mages around him. Even without releasing his Authorities, the sheer divine energy Adam radiated was oppressive, making any resistance impossible.

During the three days since Adam had revealed himself as a Campione, the mages had learned that he did not like distractions. Most of the time, he was secluded in the library, and whenever he left, it was to regain control of the situations that interested him most. They knew that speaking with the [King] should only occur for an important reason, and that any disrespect or insubordination would be punished relentlessly.

Anyone who tried to manipulate Adam or underestimate him would make a fatal mistake.

Even though he had been confined to a hospital room, Adam had learned a lot from the books he had read and knew that power would attract people who wanted to use him for their benefit or destroy him as a threat, so he set a thin line when the organization chose to serve him. All he did was crush the bones of one of the old men in the organization who had tried to use him, the vice-leader of [Millennium].

"I deeply apologize for this, but we have not yet located any Heretical God, Your Majesty. Please grant us more time, and we will bring the desired result."

Mr. Goldberg spoke fluently, quickly bowing even further as Adam, with a calm expression, looked at him. The respect from the organization was palpable, a reflection of the aura of power the young Campione exuded. Even without making an effort, his divine power asserted itself over all of them, and none would dare to disobey.

"I understand." Adam paused for a moment, his voice calm yet filled with authority. "Hurry up with this..."

He found it intoxicating to rule over others, to have subordinates. He had always dreamed of this while reading manga and being consumed by the disease in his past life. As someone who had lost social skills, he found it easy to communicate with people; it was something natural for a Campione.

"Understood, Your Majesty." Mr. Goldberg continued to bow while the other mages withdrew to carry out the orders.

Adam's power left them with no choices; they simply followed his orders with silent devotion.

The dark and ancient hallways of the building in Berlin seemed to resonate with the magical energy that permeated the place, blending with the sound of hurried footsteps from the servants who departed.

Noticing that the old man hadn't left, Adam looked in his direction, raising an eyebrow:"Do you need anything else?"

"If Your Majesty permits... there is someone I would like to introduce to you," Mr. Goldberg said calmly.

"Who?" The Campione asked tranquilly, his voice carrying authority.

"Please, come in." With the old man's request, someone emerged from the corridors.

What appeared was a young woman of stunning beauty, seemingly around the same age as Adam. Her flowing blonde hair shone like gold under the soft light filtering through the high windows of the room, while the first rays of morning in Berlin illuminated the environment, creating a contrast between the softness of the young woman and the hardness of the urban scenery. Her blue eyes, as intense as sapphires, captured the attention of anyone who looked at her. She wore a light blue dress with a soft neckline, paired with a light jacket that highlighted her effortless beauty. As an accessory, she wore a white star-shaped hairpin. This look, casual yet elegant at the same time, accentuated her graceful figure.

Despite her breathtaking appearance, she seemed almost unaware of the impact she caused. Her natural, unpretentious posture revealed that she had no awareness of how her features drew gazes and sighs. She seemed almost innocent...

In fact, if one paid attention, she had a carefree and kind air that made anyone feel comfortable in her presence.

Adam observed the young woman in silence, his eyes fixed on her a moment longer than necessary. He could not help but notice the strength emanating from her, camouflaged by her gentle and carefree appearance. The amount of magical energy she possessed was highly abnormal.

Of course, compared to a Campione's power, it was nothing, but within the human standards he had encountered, it was much greater. He had learned to deal with everything related to magic over the past three days, absorbing the knowledge his hosts had to offer about this mysterious field, and distinguishing someone's magical level was easy for him now.

"This is my granddaughter, Lavinia Reni, and I would like her to be your attendant from now on, Your Majesty," Mr. Goldberg said respectfully.

As if it were her cue, the young woman introduced herself, noticing Adam's gaze, but interpreting it as an analysis of her posture.

"My name is Lavinia Reni. It is an honor to be in your presence, Your Majesty."

She spoke politely and calmly as she made an elegant bow. There was nobility in her movements, but also a softness that exuded undeniable human warmth. Her aura was that of someone who, even surrounded by formality, did not lose the gentle, welcoming touch.

Her charm, the way she acted, along with her breathtaking beauty, would have been enough to enchant almost any man, as proven when several of the men around them were caught off guard upon seeing her.

In comparison, Adam merely looked at her calmly, feeling a certain familiarity with her.

Had he seen her somewhere before?

Setting that aside, he was able to perceive the old man's intentions from afar, looking in his direction, narrowing his eyes, and speaking in a tone tinged with coldness: "Attendant? Do you think I need a babysitter, Mr. Goldberg?"

The old man quickly shook his head in denial.

"Of course not, Your Majesty. I wouldn't be foolish enough to suggest such a thing. I simply believe that my granddaughter can serve you well."

"She is a powerful Hime-Miko with the abilities of a witch and a High Priestess. Among the Witches and Hime-Mikos, the only ones who can match her are the Witch of Sardinia and the White Princess. In fact, her talent is even greater than theirs."

"She can assist you, my King, ensuring everything you wish and dealing with minor problems that don't deserve your attention. That way, Your Majesty can focus on your own matters."

Mr. Goldberg spoke with utmost respect as he remained bowed before Adam, who sighed.

"Fine, do as you think is best. Don't make me regret this."

With those words, the Sixth Campione left the place, disappearing down the corridor while Mr. Goldberg and Lavinia stayed behind.

Lavinia watched Adam's figure as he walked away, feeling a mix of respect and curiosity toward the man she had just met. Despite his serious and distant demeanor, she noticed something in his eyes – a depth that intrigued her.

She bowed to her grandfather and followed him.


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