I am Humanity's Last Hope?

Naples, Italy.

Naples can only be described as a vibrant city steeped in history, situated on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the south of the country. Founded by Greeks and later influenced by the Romans, Naples carries centuries of cultural richness, which can be felt in its cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and iconic monuments.

The city is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with Mount Vesuvius dominating the eastern horizon and the sparkling Gulf of Naples to the south. Islands like Capri, Ischia, and Procida dot the azure sea, providing spectacular views. Hills and urban plains alternate, offering a dynamic vista, especially at sunset when the city lights reflect in the tranquil waters of the gulf.

The heart of Naples beats in places like the Historic Center, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys filled with small markets, famous pizzerias, and craft shops. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the center is a unique blend of historic buildings, lively squares, and magnificent churches like the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), home to relics of the city's patron saint.

Imposing castles, such as the Castel dell'Ovo, situated on a small island, and the Castel Nuovo, on the waterfront, remind visitors of the city's medieval and Renaissance past. The Royal Palace of Naples in Piazza del Plebiscito is another impressive landmark reflecting the opulence of the dynasties that ruled the region.

The circle of magical organizations in Italy was controlled by seven influential groups known as the [Seven Sisters]. These magical organizations were the [Copper Black Cross], the [Bronze Black Cross], [She-Wolf], [Young Lady], [Capital of Lilies], [Blue Sky Eagles], and [Aegis].

Among all the magical organizations in Italy, these seven were at the top, managing the country's vast historical wealth, including God Artifacts like grimoires and other objects of power found throughout the centuries. However, the relationship between them was anything but harmonious. Fierce rivalries permeated their interactions, with each group seeking to increase its influence over the others.

At that moment, the headquarters of the [Bronze Black Cross], located in the heart of Naples, was the setting for an important meeting. The main hall, adorned with ancient tapestries and a vaulted ceiling decorated with mystical symbols, was filled with the best knights and mages from all over Italy.

In the center of the hall, an imposing round table was surrounded by seven chairs, each reserved for the leaders of the Seven Sisters. However, two of these chairs remained empty.

A man with a striking presence entered the hall, attracting everyone's attention. He was tall and muscular, appearing to be in his forties, but his imposing posture and emanating strength belied his age. His appearance was comparable to the iconic statue of David, with sculpted features and an aura of raw power.

This man was Paolo Blandelli, known as the [Diavolo Rosso], the strongest knight of the [Copper Black Cross] and its leader. His reputation preceded him, being widely considered the greatest knight in all of Italy and one of the most powerful human figures in the magical world. Only the Campiones and the Gods were above him.

Paolo walked with determination to occupy one of the empty chairs. One of the [Seven Sisters] organizations was in the midst of an internal crisis and had not yet elected its new leader, which is why one chair remained unoccupied.

As soon as Paolo sat down, the atmosphere became even more serious. All the knights and mages present knew that the matter at hand was of utmost importance.

"Since Paolo has finally arrived, let's get straight to the point," declared the [Purple Knight], head of the [Capital of Lilies] organization. Despite being young, just over twenty years old, his authority was unquestionable, and his title was passed down through generations within his order.

The next to speak was the leader of the [Young Lady], an equally notable figure. He stood up and said firmly, "The purpose of this meeting, as everyone knows, is the recent emergence of a [Heretic God] here in Naples."

The atmosphere in the hall became tense. It had been decades since the last manifestation of a Heretic God in Italy, and the sudden appearance of one in the city had put all organizations on high alert.

"Yes, about a year ago, the Heretic God Minos manifested in Crete and was quickly eliminated by the late Black Lightning Prince," said the Purple Knight, referring to the recent actions of a Campione. "Now, another Heretic God has emerged!"

"Do we already know the identity of this God?" asked Paolo, his deep voice echoing through the hall as his eyes assessed the leaders present.

Diana Milito, a woman of elegant appearance and mysterious air, rose from her chair. Leader of the [Bronze Black Cross], she was known for her sharp intelligence and exceptional magical abilities. Dressed in a long, flowing gown decorated with golden runes, she seemed to carry the very history of Naples with her.

"Yes, as head of the organization that uses this city as its base, we have identified the Heretic God who has appeared."

The entire hall fell silent, as everyone eagerly awaited her words. The tension was palpable, as they knew that the emergence of a Heretic God brought with it not only chaos but also dangerous opportunities for those willing to face it.

Diana continued, her voice firm but with a touch of caution: "The entity that has manifested in Naples is known as… Midas."

Faced with the woman's serious statement, everyone's expressions turned to surprise and tension.

"King Midas manifested several hours ago out of nowhere. Since then, he hasn't come out to wreak havoc, staying near the Royal Palace of Naples where he manifested. However, his presumed Authority from his legend has been turning everything that approaches into gold, a curse that seems to be increasing in area as time passes…"

"Our organization has been doing everything possible to contain the damage, but even many renowned knights have turned to gold the moment they stepped onto King Midas' territory. All we've been able to do so far is evacuate people from the area as much as possible."

Everyone listened to the woman's words as tension washed over them.

The legend of King Midas is one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology and deals with the dangers of greed.

Midas was the ruler of Phrygia, known for his immense wealth and love of gold. One day, he helped the satyr Silenus, a friend and companion of the god Dionysus, after Silenus got lost and became intoxicated. As a token of gratitude, Dionysus offered Midas the fulfillment of one wish. Midas asked that everything he touched turn to gold.

Dionysus granted the wish, and initially Midas was ecstatic to see ordinary objects turn to pure gold at his touch. However, his joy soon turned to despair when he realized he couldn't eat or drink, as food and water also turned to gold.

The culmination of his tragedy was when Midas, upon embracing his daughter, transformed her into a golden statue. Desperate, he begged Dionysus to reverse the curse. The god, moved by Midas' repentance, instructed him to bathe in the waters of the Pactolus River to purify himself. Midas followed the instructions, and the power was taken from him. As a result, the river became rich in gold particles, explaining the presence of gold on the banks of the Pactolus in ancient times.

The leader of the She-Wolf shifted in her chair, her expression marked by unease. The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy with tension.

"But why hasn't the Heretic God moved?" she asked, her voice laden with perplexity. "They usually cause chaos and destruction. Why is Midas just standing still?"

"That doesn't matter!" declared the Purple Knight firmly. "What matters now is how we're going to deal with this before it's too late."

The threat was clear. If everything continued as it was, Naples could be devastated. The city, with all its history and beauty, was at risk of being turned into a golden tomb by Midas' curse.

"But we, as mortals, can't do anything," said Diana Milito. Her voice was firm, but there was a tone of resignation in her words. "Even with the best knights and mages at our disposal, we can't even cross the cursed land he created. And even if we could, we would be annihilated. We are no match for a God."

The statement caused the room to sink into a heavy silence. Knights and mages, despite being the pinnacle of mortal power, were insignificant before a Heretic God.

"What we can do is ask for the support of a Campione," Diana continued, her words echoing in everyone's minds.

The mention of a Campione brought hesitation and slight fear.

"That's dangerous," said Paolo Blandelli, breaking the silence. "A Campione is anything but normal. They are forces of nature. I've had contact with the Black Prince, the Campione of England, when he was alive and I witnessed how terrible their power is."

He paused before continuing, "Even with all the strength I possess, I would be crushed effortlessly by one of them."

Paolo's words echoed through the room, bringing a feeling of helplessness. The mere idea of summoning a Campione was both their only hope and a frightening choice.

"Stop talking about your great achievements, Paolo Blandelli," Diana retorted irritably. "Now is not the time to exalt your past."

Despite the rivalry between their organizations, Diana knew Paolo was right about the power disparity between mortals and Campiones.

"We need to decide which king to beg for help," she said.

"The Ruler of the Martial Realm will probably ignore us," said one of the knights, referring to the Second Campione, known for her pride and detachment from the problems of mortals.

"Requesting the help of the Marquis Voban would be suicide," added another, the mention of the oldest Campione's name sending shivers through those present. "He's as dangerous as any Heretic God. Perhaps more so."

"Madame Aisha is still missing," commented Paolo, shaking his head. "Her movements are as unpredictable as those of a wandering wind. We can't count on her."

"With the Fourth Campione dead, that leaves us with two options," Diana concluded, "The Fifth and the Sixth Campiones."

"But the Fifth Campione is in Los Angeles, and we don't have a way to contact him. All we know is that he's the local masked hero…" the head of [Aegis] said seriously to everyone.

"All we have left is the Sixth Campione, the [Evil Buddha]."

A deep silence filled the hall when the Sixth Campione was mentioned.

The Campione who had emerged recently but was already climbing to one of the highest positions among the Campiones. He had the highest kill count of [Heretic Gods] and there were rumors he was able to face the Second Campione; no one knew how the battle ended, but the Greenwich organization mentioned that the [Evil Buddha] encountered the [Ruler of the Martial Realm] and the two had a dispute that destroyed everything around Beijing.

Furthermore, other rumors emerged that the Second Campione left her isolation to go after him a few times, seeming as though they formed a kind of alliance; the [Millennium] didn't want to release information about it.

"Information about the Sixth [King] is scarce. All we know is that he was an orphan who was lucky enough to win a lottery ticket with a trip through Europe, achieving the incredible feat of killing not one but two Heretic Gods upon becoming a Campione."

"The Heretic God, Lugh. A versatile God, associated with various skills and aspects of life, often considered a god of light, sun, and mastery in various arts, and also the Heretic God, Balor, considered the God of Destruction and Chaos, in addition to the destructive aspects of the Sun. He was the embodiment of the winter drought according to some Celts…"

"Some time later, he killed Baldur, followed by Iddun and Perun, a feat known as 'Loki's Chaos' in their records. He then killed the Two Dwarves, Modsognir and Durin, and Rudra. Later he killed Odin and although there is no confirmation, he killed Lancelot du Lac in the incident that resulted in the death of the Fourth Campione. Besides, more recently, he killed three Aztec Gods in an incident known as 'Mexico's Doomsday', Xolotl, Mextli and Tlazolteotl."

"Furthermore, it was confirmed that the reason the Sixth [King] fought against the Second [King] was because of a [Heretic God] who appeared in western China, whose identity is apparently Baihu, the Guardian of the West…"

"Information about the [King]'s personality is limited. He seems to be someone calm and relaxed but possessing the heart of a tyrant in the making, since those who cross his boundaries have their bones broken or are killed without mercy. He also doesn't seem to care much about humans, but he enjoys battles against Heretic Gods immensely. And he is a free spirit by nature, not tied to his territory and doesn't mind invading the territory of other [Kings]…"

The reports were given by the [Capital of Lilies] organization which was known for its great information gathering capabilities.

"As far as we know, the [King] is currently at the Paradise Island Resort and Spa in the Maldives; he's been there for a month. Apparently, he's taking a vacation."

"Due to Adam Victory's personality, it's possible that he would help us. Because of his location, it's likely that the [King] would still take a while to assist us. If he uses his [Chariot of the Sun] authority, he'll arrive quickly. As this would be the first time someone asks for his help, perhaps we would have to offer something in return. We would have to agree to his whims."

With everyone listening to Diana's words, silence reigned before Paolo spoke.

"But it's not like we have a choice, it's either this or the destruction of our domain. We must contact [King] Adam Victory and be willing to pay whatever price is necessary for his help."

Hearing the words of Italy's greatest Knight, everyone nodded firmly.

They had to beg the [King] for help and minimize the number of victims for the next twenty-four hours until his arrival.

However, the price to pay for making a wish to the Devil King could be too high.

…

..

.

Paradise Island Resort and Spa, Maldives.

Morning.

The resort is situated on a private island surrounded by brilliant turquoise sea. Lush vegetation mingles with soft sand, creating an idyllic setting. The sight of palm trees swaying in the wind and the gentle sound of the waves provide an immediate sense of tranquility and seclusion.

There were various accommodation options, from overwater villas to beach bungalows. Each villa is decorated with a touch of tropical luxury, with exotic wood furniture, light fabrics, and large windows that offer panoramic ocean views. The villas feature private hot tubs and spacious balconies, perfect for relaxing at sunset.

Not to mention that there were several restaurants offering a variety of international and local flavors. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, Italian, Asian, and Maldivian specialties.

As it was morning, the sun shone brightly in the blue sky, and the temperature was ideal, around 30 degrees Celsius. The soft sound of waves lapping the shore created a relaxing soundtrack. The resort was a haven of tropical beauty, with tall palm trees swaying gently in the wind, while vibrant flowers dotted the landscape.

In the resort's exclusive area, there is a private beach with sand that feels like talcum powder, fine and white. Scattered along the shore are luxurious teak loungers, covered with soft cushions lined in white and blue fabrics reflecting the colors of the ocean.

Beach cabanas offer shade and privacy, with voile curtains fluttering gently, providing an oasis of tranquility.

In the center of this serene scene, a sun lounger stands out. Made of polished teak wood, it is wide and welcoming, with a reclining backrest. The cushions are so comfortable they give the feeling of being embraced.

A relaxed young man's face rests on the lounger, caught in a moment of peace. He wears a light shirt and shorts, with dark sunglasses protecting his vibrant blue eyes from the sun's glare.

His loose, slightly messy hair reflects the sea breeze. He has an expression of tranquility, his lips slightly curved in a smile as he indulges in a state of peace.

Beside him, a refreshing drink in a crystal glass, complete with a small paper umbrella, sits chilled, the ice-cold liquid condensing on the outside, covering the glass with water droplets.

In front of the chair, the ocean shimmers like a cloak of sapphires and emeralds. With each breaking wave, small splashes dot the sand, while seagulls fly effortlessly above.

This young man was Adam Victory, the Sixth Campione.

It had been almost six months since he fought the Ruler of the Martial Realm. During that time, all he did was train with Lancelot and sometimes with Luo Hao, who came after him – she was obsessed with him, that monster always pushed him to his limit, the two were so evenly matched that what separated victory from defeat was chance, or the lack of either of them wanting to kill the other –, he also continued seeking knowledge and honing his skills in the best way he could. In addition to training and studying, he enjoyed his time with Lavinia in various parts of the world, and with Lancelot sometimes.

He also visited Pandora a few times to improve her sullen mood, which she had had since he killed the Fourth Campione and made his own [Circle of Usurpation], which could usurp authorities from his brothers and sisters. The Mother Goddess of the Campiones was very bubbly, saying he had entered his rebellious phase. She was quite upset about it, but after learning that he planned to deal with the [King of the End], she fully supported him. In fact, he dares say he was Pandora's "Favorite Son."

The mention of the [King of the End], the one who manifests at the end of time to exterminate the Campiones, was something that always kept him alert. As arrogant as he was in his confidence, a Campione, a God Slayer, knew well that the existence of the [King of the End] was an inevitable danger.

The one who carries the mantle of ending the Devil Kings was not a mere myth. He was the manifestation of the cycle, of the balance imposed on those who dare to challenge and steal the power of the gods. But for Adam, what was most intriguing was the absence of the King of the End in this specific era.

Currently, the world had five living Campiones, a number never seen before. A fact that, in itself, defied all the odds of fate.

The Predatory Wolf, Marquis Voban.

The Ruler of the Martial Realm, Luo Hao.

The Eternal Beauty, Madame Aisha.

The Masked Hero, John Pluto Smith.

And the Evil Buddha, Adam Victory, in this case, him…

Never before had so many Campiones coexisted at the same time. They were five kings, each with their own domain, each representing a challenge to the order of the world. However, the absence of the King of the End, the one destined to destroy them, was an anomaly that no one could ignore.

Adam knew that this absence was not caused by some error in fate or a change in the rules of the world. No, the [King of the End] had not manifested not because he couldn't defeat the Campiones, but because he simply hadn't bothered to appear.

He was a lazy butcher. After centuries of exterminating Campiones, it seems he grew tired of the job.

Indeed, the first three Campiones—Voban, Luo Hao, and Aisha—had existed for over a hundred years. In any other era, the [King of the End] would have emerged to slaughter them, fulfilling his role as the reaper of Devil Kings. But, for some reason, he simply hadn't.

It was as if the One Who Manifests at the End had decided to take a vacation. Perhaps he was bored with the work of destroying Campiones. Perhaps he was waiting for something more interesting, a challenge worthy of his title.

But this absence, this delay in the cycle, had created an unexpected side effect: it allowed the emergence of the largest number of Campiones in history.

The [King of the End] was certainly the Sword of Damocles hanging over his head, the ultimate enemy he had to defeat.

As a [God of Steel], his skin was extremely resistant, surpassing all others of his kind. Even Authorities and divine weapons had trouble merely scratching his skin; even Luo Hao, with her divine strength capable of crushing heaven and earth, had not been able to scratch him.

As the Strongest Steel, all other Steels were subordinate to him; that's why lesser Steel could be captured by him when they fell, then resurrected to serve as his allies. They became weapons, in place of the swords and arrows he would give up to shape them once more. Many of the knights part of the Round Table in later years were actually fallen Steel gods who had been resurrected to serve.

One god was enough to be troublesome, regardless of how powerful they were. Several gods were even more of a headache, but they tended to be too independent to work together. However, subordinate gods, especially powerful ones under a single, more powerful deity, that was another matter.

In addition, the [King of the End] possessed his [Divine Sword of Salvation], which would come to be known as King Arthur's sword—[Excalibur].

After all, once upon a time, the [King of the End] defeated a Campione in England many centuries ago, and his legend was the prototype for the legend of King Arthur.

The legend of Excalibur echoes in every corner of the world, and even before receiving that name, it was recognized as the greatest of weapons. It is the Strongest Steel of all, but it is also part of the [King of the End], so the title belongs to both of them.

A weapon destined to kill the Devil Kings that roam the world, so it is especially dangerous against them.

Against all other enemies, Excalibur is a deadly weapon, capable of summoning stars from the sky to fall upon its foes, or invoking bursts of light capable of destroying cities or annihilating mountains.

Against the Children of Pandora, it invokes the Divine Lightning of Salvation, a steel-tipped lightning bolt that is poison to Devil Kings and can suppress their divine vitality. Even with a simple blow, the sword Excalibur is powerful; a single strike can radiate enormous heat waves to scorch the earth and destroy entire forests.

Of course, that's all without even mentioning the true form of the [Divine Sword of Salvation], which was something he didn't even want to remember.

And of course, in the end, there was the [King of the End]'s greatest trump card, his strongest Authority.

The [Great Ritual of the Ancient Covenant].

This was the Authority that allowed the [King of the End] to become the strongest blade, allowing him to increase his power until he could match that of all the God Slayers living in the world.

The Great Ritual was a conceptual ability that reacts to the existence of God Slayers. The [King of the End] would immediately gain power equal to their combined strength. Since he was supposed to take down the Children of Pandora when their numbers grew too large and they went mad, it was the Authority intended to ensure that they couldn't overpower him with numbers.

It certainly had a high price to use, but once that price was paid, the King of the End would be only a step or two away from being invincible.

Of course, it was the basic nature of a Campione to be able to overcome the odds; after all, if they couldn't, they wouldn't have been able to kill a deity in the first place.

Of course, there also came a point where absolute power created a barrier of its own, one that even the fate-defying power of a God Slayer couldn't surpass.

He knew the [King of the End] was powerful, but from what he knew, the Strongest Steel had already been defeated several times in the past, by gods and Campiones.

Even with the [Great Ritual of the Ancient Covenant], a Campione in the past almost managed to win, leading to a draw with both defeated.

But he had never been usurped by any Child of Pandora.

Even if killed, the [King of the End] would go to sleep within his [Divine Sword of Salvation], and as long as this eternal weapon existed, the Hero could never truly die and would always be resurrected to continue his celestial mandate.

Knowing all this, he knew that the [King of the End] was not totally invincible, just damn close to it.

However, there had never been so many Campiones in a single Era.

The [Great Ritual of the Ancient Covenant] would reach a level never seen before.

In the original story, the [King of the End] was never defeated. Godou used Aisha's [Fairy Corridor] to send all the other Campiones to other worlds, thus nullifying the [Great Ritual of the Ancient Covenant].

Even so, Godou had never managed to defeat the Strongest Steel and ended up killing the Primordial Goddess of Fate and removed the [King of the End] from the destiny of exterminating the Campiones.

He already had plans in motion regarding this. Since he captured Guinevere and made Lancelot du Lac his subordinate about a year ago, he wouldn't let the [King of the End] kill him.

The [Great Ritual of the Ancient Covenant] was also one of the reasons he made the [Circle of Usurpation] despite its limitations; killing his brothers and sisters at some point to acquire their authorities would be ideal…

He picked up the refreshing drink beside him and took a sip as he pulled down his sunglasses slightly and saw his assistant coming towards him. She had gone to answer a phone call. She wore a light blue bikini that contrasted beautifully with her fair skin, the delicate details of the fabric highlighting her slender and elegant silhouette, her perfect and sexy body. Her blonde hair shimmered in the sun, swaying slightly in the wind, and her sapphire blue eyes were fixed on him, a hint of amusement dancing in her gaze and a bit of concern.

She carried a small beach towel over her shoulder and a playful smile on her face. Each step left a delicate footprint in the sand, and as she approached, Adam looked up from his drink, watching her with interest.

"Having fun, lazy king?" she asked with a slight tease, her lips curving into a smile.

After years together, she treated him more casually and not as she did initially, despite his position as Campione.

Adam let out a peaceful sigh, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I'd say the scenery just got even better."

Lavinia rolled her eyes, though the slight blush on her cheeks betrayed the impact of his words. "You never change, do you?"

She tossed the towel onto the chair next to him and leaned down slightly to take the drink from his hand. Adam watched her calmly, appreciating her spontaneity. Lavinia sampled the drink with a short sip, wrinkling her nose at the coolness.

"Not so bad," she commented, handing the glass back to him before sitting down in the chair next to him.

Adam smiled with amusement. "I would have brought one for you if I knew you were going to steal mine."

"I hate to end our fun and vacation, but…" Lavinia said, letting out a sigh and continuing, "The phone call I received was from the [Seven Sisters]. They want you to go to Italy to kill a [Heretic God]…"

"Oh?" Adam looked at Lavinia, visibly interested in what she said. "Do they know its identity?"

"Apparently it's King Midas, whose touch turns everything to gold. A good part of the city of Naples has turned to gold along with countless people, mages, and knights. It's only a matter of time before the entire city is swallowed by the curse and soon even Italy…"

Adam took a sip of his drink, his vibrant blue eyes gleaming calculatingly as he rose from his chair and removed his sunglasses, saying, "Then I have work to do…"

Before Lavinia could ask anything, Adam extended the glass towards her.

"Finish this for me," he said with a gentle smile.

Lavinia raised an eyebrow, but took the glass without question. "Leaving the responsibilities to me, as always? I wanted to go with you to help, don't forget that I'm a powerful [Witch]..." she commented playfully, though there was a touch of melancholy hidden in her voice.

"I know, but facing Heretic Gods is a level that only Campiones can reach, so I ask you to stay here. Don't worry, I'll be back soon." After Adam said that, he leaned down, gently cupping her chin with his fingers before tilting her face up to kiss her. It was a calm kiss, unhurried, but full of meaning, like a silent promise.

When he pulled away, Lavinia looked at him with a mixture of affection and understanding. He placed his sunglasses in her lap and gave a slight smile as well. "Take care of these too, they're my favorite and cost a fortune…"

"Take care," she said, smiling at his words, her voice a little softer than usual.

Adam gave a light smile, his eyes sparkling with a touch of amusement. "Always." He turned away, walking across the warm sand towards the beach.

As he approached the sea, the waves came to lick his feet, leaving ephemeral trails in the sand. Adam kept his gaze fixed on the horizon, the wind ruffling his hair. He seemed serene, but in his mind, he was already planning his next steps, what awaited him beyond that moment of peace.

As Lavinia watched him leave, still holding the drink in her hands, she couldn't help but smile slightly. She knew he was like the wind—impossible to hold, but always returning somehow.

Adam took a deep breath and drew his magical energy from within his body to shape the authority he had usurped from Xolotl as he spoke the incantation: "Shadow, emerge…"

Suddenly, Adam's shadow expanded abnormally, growing as he moved. The shadow seemed to have a life of its own, distorting, stretching, and engulfing everything around it. Adam's body, previously illuminated by the soft sunlight, was slowly consumed by that growing darkness.

Like a dark, dense wave, the shadow curled around his feet, rising up his legs and wrapping around his waist, taking shape with a disquieting force. Even in its irreversible nature, Adam didn't seem afraid. His gaze remained fixed on the horizon, as if he already expected this, or as if he himself had given permission for it to happen.

The shadow, like a black, living serpent, continued to envelop his body, its extremities contracting towards the center. The light around him began to disappear, the sand beneath his feet becoming a dark reflection of the darkness consuming him.

He vanished.

…

..

.

Naples, Italy.

Naples, usually lively and effervescent, was now strangely silent. Its historic stone streets, which always echoed with the sound of hurried footsteps and cheerful laughter, were deserted. The closed shops and empty chairs on the sidewalks told a story of sudden abandonment, as if life had been ripped from the city in an instant.

The wind blew through the alleys, carrying loose papers and dry leaves, creating a disturbing sound that echoed against the walls of the old buildings. Sunlight illuminated the colorful facades and flowered balconies, but there was no one to appreciate them. Ornate fountains continued to gush water, but the sound of the running water seemed louder than normal, highlighting the surrounding emptiness.

Suddenly, a specific spot in a discreet alley, surrounded by ochre-toned buildings and weathered wooden shutters, was enveloped in an unusual darkness. At first, it was just a black, discreet spot, which soon began to grow, spreading like spilled ink on the fabric of reality.

The shadows began to writhe, climbing the walls and enveloping the stone floor as if they had a life of their own. In a matter of seconds, a figure emerged from that pulsating darkness. Adam Victory appeared, upright and imposing, as if he had just passed through the veil between two worlds. His presence was a stark contrast to the sunny brightness of the Italian streets; his calm gaze seemed to absorb the energy of the surrounding place.

"It really is the best authority for long trips when you're in a hurry…" Adam smiled slightly as he stretched. He was still wearing a light shirt and only shorts, but he didn't care about it in the slightest.

He called the Authority he had just used [Twin Stars], which gave him two special powers.

The first was the ability to teleport to anywhere he wanted through shadows. The limitation was that the locations would have to have a nearby shadow, and he had to vividly imagine the place. Moreover, the farther the distance, the more magical energy it consumed. Besides this useful ability, he could also manipulate shadows however he wanted; he named this [Lord of Shadows], which had the chant he used previously.

Xolotl, the Aztec god of death, fire, and misfortune, is often associated with the underworld and darkness. Some myths interpreted him as accessing the underworld or opening paths, like a guide, through shadows. Although the original myths do not explicitly describe this kind of power, his connection to Mictlan (the Aztec underworld) and his role as guide to the souls of the dead gave him this aspect in modern interpretations of the Aztecs.

The first power also gave him the ability to deteriorate everything around him, including objects and life. Although associated with death, Xolotl could also be seen as a god who controls the natural cycle of healing and decay; he was also the shadow of the underworld. When this Authority was activated, he was also protected from most melee and close-range attacks, mainly because everything within a specific range of him rapidly decayed and disintegrated before actually making contact, even Luo Hao's [Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl] authority dissipated when it got close to him when using this authority.

He also gained [Perception Without Eyes] which resulted from one of Xolotl's most famous myths. When the fifth world was created, all the Aztec deities wagered that they would have to sacrifice themselves to make the fifth Sun or Nahuaollin move. Xolotl did not want to be sacrificed and cried so much that his eyes popped out, leaving him completely blind. This manifested in an ability that allowed him to see the three-dimensional space around himself with great precision at a much higher level than a typical human would perceive with optical vision. He could perceive very fine textures and details.

The second power of this Authority was that he could manipulate movement, which could achieve very different results, despite only giving him control over one specific element: movement. This allowed him to freely manipulate the movement of anything within a certain distance of him. Just like in the concept of ball games, Xolotl was considered a "representation" or personification of movement, or Ollin in the Nahuatl language, in many aspects, such as earthquakes, the orientation of the Sun and souls to the underworld, childbirth because Xolotl, alone or with the help of Quetzalcoatl, resurrected all of humanity after the great flood, the concept of aging, and how space-time is interconnected because time is always making the universe older as it "moves forward," and whatever else you want. This is why Xolotl is so deeply affiliated with movement.

Due to his [Perception Without Eyes], Adam could see everything that was happening in the city through his mind. He didn't take long to orient himself and disappeared in a burst of speed towards King Midas, a movement technique he had created after copying Luo Hao, which he called [Shundo]. It mixed the Martial Realm Ruler's martial movement abilities with his magical and martial knowledge.

Meanwhile, the Royal Palace of Naples, once a magnificent work of architecture symbolizing the region's wealth and history, was now unrecognizable. Its entire structure had been consumed by a supernatural golden glow. The columns, windows, and vaulted ceilings were completely transmuted into pure gold, reflecting an opulent and cruel sheen under the sunlight. What was once a work of art and culture had become a monument to destruction.

Around the palace, a vast cursed land spread for dozens of kilometers.

The ground, once fertile and covered with verdant grass, was now a golden desert. Every leaf, stone, and nearby building had been transformed into gold, creating a surreal landscape. However, this dazzling beauty was disturbing, as its origin was imbued with curse and destruction.

Golden statues, representing people, knights, and mages, seemed incredibly detailed and terrifyingly realistic. Their expressions of despair, determination, and courage frozen in time were a heartbreaking sight. But the most disturbing thing was that these statues were not static. With rigid, mechanical movements, they marched towards the edge of the cursed land, as if they had a will of their own, obeying an invisible force.

As they advanced, the assembled knights and mages outside desperately tried to contain the advance of these golden statues. Spells were cast, blades gleamed in the sun, and battle cries echoed across the golden landscape. The statues, however, were relentless, their movements slow but steady, as if fate itself was pushing them forward.

The real threat, however, came not only from the statues but from the gold that accompanied their steps. With each movement, the cursed gold spread across the ground, transforming everything it touched. Trees, stones, and even the warriors themselves who couldn't retreat in time were consumed, their forms frozen and transformed into new golden statues, eternally trapped in the moment of their defeat.

The mages shouted commands to their companions, conjuring magical barriers in an attempt to contain the spread of the curse. However, the gold advanced with unwavering determination, destroying and transforming everything in its path. Some knights tried to confront the statues directly, their blades striking the goldenmetal, but their weapons proved useless. One by one, they fell, their bodies swallowed by the curse before even hitting the ground.

The destruction was unstoppable, and the Royal Palace, at the center of this golden chaos, seemed to pulsate with an aura of evil power. It was as if the very heart of the curse was there, controlling everything, a grim reminder that this was now the domain of the [Heretic God]'s authority, King Midas.

Several Knights and Mages fought against the golden statues with all their might to try to stop them, with many succumbing to the battle.

Leading all the knights were the leaders of the [Seven Sisters]. Paolo Blandelli stood out as he used the [Reinforcement] magic to enhance his physical attributes and the [Leap] magic to increase his speed.

He also used the [Sacred Privilege of Extermination], the final ritual of European magic that granted the power to fight on equal footing with Divine Beasts.

Combining this with Paolo's extraordinary sword skills, he was exterminating many of the statues and retreating before the curse consumed him.

It had only been half an hour since they contacted the Sixth [King]'s assistant, and the situation had worsened dramatically. The golden statues came to life and came at them.

While desperately trying to fight, even someone as powerful as Paolo had his limits.

But then, something happened…

The golden statues, which until then had marched tirelessly, suddenly froze mid-motion. It was as if an invisible force had pressed the pause button on a scene of chaos and destruction. The frozen expressions of determination and terror remained etched on the faces of the golden figures, but no sound or movement emanated from them. Even the cursed gold, which had previously spread like an unstoppable tide, stopped abruptly, leaving an oppressive silence in the air.

The knights and mages present on the battlefield were paralyzed by surprise. Their breaths, previously ragged with despair, were now held as their eyes scanned the scene for answers. Paolo Blandelli, the Great Knight of Italy, maintained his firm stance, but his eyes were wide, reflecting the disbelief that everyone shared.

It was then that the atmosphere changed. An overwhelming presence took over the area, like an invisible storm pressing down on every being present. It was a force that transcended mortal comprehension, an energy so intense that it made the strongest knights feel their knees weaken.

"Even if you are great mages and knights, dealing with Gods is beyond you..."

A cold, imposing voice echoed through the region, reverberating like thunder. It was a calm voice, but imbued with unquestionable authority, causing all eyes to instinctively turn towards the direction from which it came. Paolo felt his heart race as the weight in the air increased. The magical energy around them felt like an invisible tide engulfing everyone and everything, making it difficult to even breathe.

The Great Knight turned slowly, his eyes fixing on the approaching figure. The man emerging from the city's outskirts, the opposite side of the cursed land, was unmistakable. Tall, with black hair that seemed to absorb the light around it, and blue eyes so vibrant they seemed to contain the sky itself within them. His beauty was extraordinary, almost ethereal, as if sculpted by the gods.

The man's posture was something no one could ignore. Each step he took was laden with a natural majesty, the authority of someone who didn't need to demand respect because it was automatically given. His presence dominated the area, reducing the previous chaos to a mere murmur. He was not just powerful; he was the living embodiment of power.

"The Sixth Campione…" Paolo whispered, barely containing the tremor in his voice.

Adam Victory continued his slow advance, his steps neither hurried nor slow, but measured with the precision of one who holds absolute control. When he finally stopped a few meters from Paolo, his voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade:

"Paolo Blandelli, withdraw your men from here. I will take over now."

The order was given with a calmness tinged with emotion, but there was still no room for objections. It was the declaration of a Supreme King, someone who spoke and expected to be obeyed without question.

Paolo, who previously commanded the scene with authority, now felt small before Adam's overwhelming presence. He didn't need anything more to know that the only sensible thing to do was obey. Bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect, he turned to the knights and mages under his command and raised his voice:

"Everyone, retreat immediately! Withdraw from the area now!"

The knights hesitated for a moment, looking at the army of frozen statues and then at the Campione, but they quickly began to move. Adam Victory's name was known to everyone there, and no one would question his authority.

As Paolo's men retreated, Adam continued walking. He didn't look back, nor did he acknowledge the evacuation effort. His eyes were fixed on the frozen golden army before him, and his presence seemed to dominate not only the field but the very environment. The magical energy around him was like a silent, invisible whirlwind, but undeniably overwhelming.

The last knights left the battlefield, and now Adam was alone before the Royal Palace transformed into gold and the vast cursed land. Silence fell over the area once again, but it was a silence laden with tension, like the calm before a storm about to explode.

Adam stood silently before the frozen army of golden statues. His blue eyes sparkled like embers under the golden light reflected from the cursed surroundings. He raised a hand, his fingers moving smoothly, almost as if conducting an invisible symphony. The air around him seemed to darken, and the shadows that had previously rested silently on the ground began to stir, rippling like living smoke.

"Shadow, pierce…" An incantation left his lips.

The shadows spread across the ground like sinuous serpents, moving with supernatural fluidity. They seemed to ignore the laws of physics, gliding over the golden surfaces with speed and precision. Each one was sharp as a blade, carrying with it the intent of destruction.

Adam, unhurried, gestured with his index finger. It was enough. In an instant, the shadows rose like gigantic spears, piercing the golden statues one by one. The sound that followed was dry, like metal breaking. Statues that had marched with such majesty moments before now fell to pieces, their perfect forms reduced to golden shards.

The destruction was methodical, almost artistic. Each shadow hit its target with surgical precision, piercing torsos, limbs, and heads with devastating force. Some statues tried to move, as if there were still some vestige of life in them, but they had no chance. The shadows not only pierced them but consumed them, leaving behind only warped and darkened fragments.

The cursed gold on the ground was also affected. The shadows slid over it, corroding its surface. The advance of the curse, which had previously seemed unstoppable, was completely halted. It was as if Adam's presence, combined with the power of the shadows, was erasing the very essence of what Midas had left there.

Adam watched everything with absolute calm. His face showed no apparent emotion. He was like a conductor leading an orchestra of destruction, each movement controlled, each strike calculated.

When the last statue was destroyed, Adam slowly lowered his hand. The shadows, obedient to his will, retreated like a tide, disappearing back to where they came from. The battlefield was unrecognizable. Where golden statues had once marched, now only scattered pieces and an unsettling stillness remained.

Adam stepped forward, the shards of gold beneath his feet crunching with a light sound. He looked up at the Royal Palace of Naples, still radiant in its golden form, but now without the army that had once guarded it. Midas' curse was still present, but its advance had been contained thanks to his authority.

But the fight wasn't over. He could sense the Heretic God inside the Royal Palace of Naples; he could see him due to [Perception Without Eyes]. He was sitting on his throne.

Adam advanced through the golden ruins surrounding the Royal Palace of Naples, each step echoing through the cursed vastness of the environment. The ground, covered by a thick layer of solid gold, reflected the light in warm, opulent tones, but it also gave the impression of being morbid, a corrupted beauty. As he approached the main entrance, the golden doors, which seemed to weigh tons, opened by themselves, as if even the palace itself recognized the authority emanating from him.

The air inside the palace was heavy, almost suffocating, laden with magical energy. The interior was a labyrinth of gold-lined corridors and halls, with walls intricately carved with mythological scenes, all glorifying the ancient king who had cursed the place. Golden statues lined the corridors, each representing knights, mages, or simple victims transformed into eternal art.

Adam walked with firm, controlled steps. He seemed completely oblivious to the oppressive grandeur around him, his expression remaining impassive. He knew that the heart of this curse lay ahead, in the main hall, and that's where he was headed.

Upon entering the grand throne room, Adam paused for a moment to observe. The vaulted ceiling was magnificent, covered in gold and encrusted with precious stones forming brilliant constellations. In the center of the hall, seated on a throne that seemed sculpted from a single block of solid gold, was Midas. The cursed king was an imposing figure, his body gleaming as if made of living gold. He wore a golden robe that seemed to emit its own light, and his crown, studded with brilliant jewels, was a testament to his sovereignty.

The [Heretic God] Midas' golden eyes opened slowly, and he fixed his gaze on Adam. For a brief moment, silence reigned in the hall, as if even time had stopped. Then, Midas spoke, his voice echoing deeply through the space, reverberating like contained thunder.

"Ah… a Campione," he said, in a tone that mixed disdain and curiosity. "The usurper, the thief of divinities. What brings a false king like you to the presence of the True King?"

Adam continued to stare at him calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips. He took a few more steps, stopping in the center of the hall. "You are responsible for this. I was called here to kill you," he said, gesturing with a slight nod towards the devastated lands outside the palace. His voice was calm but laden with authority. "For transforming lives and dreams into dead gold. Your curse has spread too far."

Midas laughed, a deep laugh that sounded like the clinking of falling coins. "You, who call yourself king, come to judge me? Isn't that a delicious irony? I am Midas, the one blessed with the golden touch by the gods. My power is a divine gift, a testament to my greatness. You, mortal, are nothing but a thief who usurps what does not belong to him."

Adam took another step forward, the sound of his sandal echoing in the silence. "Enough talk. I didn't come to judge… I came to destroy."

Midas' golden eyes glowed intensely. He rose from his throne, his tall, imposing figure seeming to dominate the hall. "So you wish to face me, Campione? So be it! But remember, I am not a mere mortal. I am a god, and you will face the weight of my curse!"

As Midas prepared himself, the gold around him began to react to his presence, flowing like liquid lava and taking shapes that seemed alive.

Adam, however, remained motionless, watching with coldness and amusement.

"Sorry, but I have a vacation to enjoy. So, I'll finish this quickly…" Adam observed Midas as the cursed god invoked his golden aura, transforming the surroundings into a sea of boiling liquid gold. Golden statues emerged from the walls, like soldiers ready to protect their master, while Midas himself seemed to grow in power, his presence becoming overwhelming. But Adam didn't flinch. His blue eyes gleamed coldly as he spoke an incantation: "O Spear of Destiny, awaken thy power, That only the chosen one may wield thee. Burn the wicked, strike down evil, Rip through time, pierce the astral. Longinuslanze Testament!"

Finally, he extended his hand, and from the void, a spear began to materialize. It was the [Longinuslanze Testament]. As soon as it appeared, the air around them changed, as if the world recognized the presence of something that should not exist.

Midas' golden eyes widened slightly as he felt the overwhelming energy emanating from the weapon. "That spear…" he murmured, his tone filled with disbelief. "You dare summon such a weapon against me?"

Adam raised the [Longinuslanze Testament], holding it firmly as it emitted a brilliant aura that cut through the golden glow of Midas' curse.

Midas roared, unleashing all his power. The gold around him began to move like furious waves, advancing to consume Adam. But before it could reach him, Adam hurled the Longinuslanze with devastating force.

The spear cut through the air like lightning, destroying the golden waves in the process.

When the Longinuslanze struck Midas, the impact was instantly cataclysmic. An overwhelming light exploded through the hall, illuminating every corner with a brilliance so intense that it seemed as if the sun itself had descended to earth. Midas' golden curse began to unravel, melting like wax before a divine flame. Midas' body was pierced by the spear, and he screamed, not in pain, but in surprise and defeat.

"Impossible… my power… my legacy…" Midas stammered as his golden form began to dissipate, transforming into golden dust that was carried away by the wind.

The [Longinuslanze Testament] remained embedded in the ground behind the throne, shining with a serene light, as if satisfied with having fulfilled its purpose.

Adam stood silent, watching Midas disappear and the curse end. The gold that had consumed everything began to recede, undoing itself and revealing the palace's true structure. The frozen statues turned to dust, releasing the souls that had been trapped.

All the cursed golden land vanished…

The throne room was now completely silent, except for the distant sound of the wind. Adam turned his back on the empty throne and began to walk out of the palace, as if the act of destroying a god were just another task completed.

The Campione had spoken.

And the god had fallen.