I am Humanity's Last Hope?

Marquês Sasha Dejanstahl Voban, the First and oldest Devil King.

Lord Salvatore Doni, the Seventh Devil King and the youngest.

The Masked Hero, John Pluto Smith, the Fifth Devil King.

These names, once synonymous with power, living legends among humans and mages, echoed through the ages as witnesses to the unshakeable dominion of the Campiones. The deeds of these three were known in every corner of the magical world, whether for the destruction of [Heretic Gods], acts of heroism, or stories that painted them as reckless Foolhardy Children, worshipped and feared in equal measure.

But, like a sudden thunderclap, [Greenwich], the world's most reliable and influential magical organization, announced news that would shake the foundations of the magical world: the three Devil Kings had perished!

The revelation spread like wildfire. From the bustling streets of metropolises to isolated villages, there wasn't a single magical being who didn't whisper about the fall of these titans. The death of a Campione was an extremely rare event—until then, recorded only once, when the Sixth King, Adam Victory, defeated the Fourth King.

But this time, the impact was far greater: Adam Victory had eliminated all three at the same time, just as he had once done with the legendary Black Prince, Alec.

This feat not only crowned him the strongest among the Campiones, but consolidated him as an unparalleled force, something beyond what the world had ever known.

Adam Victory's name crossed borders, surpassing even the notoriety of the celebrated Leader of the East.

He was no longer just a Devil King; he was the absolute symbol of power and invincibility.

In the years that followed, the magical world witnessed something even more surprising. After the fall of Sasha, Salvatore, and John Pluto, Adam began his ambitious territorial expansion. Under the command of his powerful assistant, the legendary [Strongest Ice Princess], Lavinia Reni, and the enigmatic [Silver Knight], Lance, Europe was conquered swiftly and absolutely.

In less than a year, all of Europe knelt before the Sixth King. Adam Victory was officially proclaimed the [King of Europe], establishing a new magical empire. During this conquest, the magical organization that served him, called [Millennium], absorbed several others, including the legendary [Seven Sisters], re-emerging under the name [Pleiades]. Under the leadership of Lavinia Reni, the [Pleiades] became the largest and most powerful magical organization in Europe, a direct reflection of Adam's absolute dominion.

With the territory unified under his rule, Adam Victory brought an unprecedented transformation to Europe, creating an environment that more closely resembled a utopia. Under his command, armed conflicts ceased, hunger was eradicated, and even wars, once constant, became distant memories. Prosperity and stability flourished not only thanks to Adam's absolute power, but due to his infinite wealth and carefully crafted strategies.

Through his leadership and the impeccable actions of the magical organization [Pleiades], the continent achieved a balance that previously seemed impossible. Resources were distributed effectively, infrastructure advanced at an accelerated pace, and the quality of life for ordinary people, oblivious to the supernatural, improved day by day.

These people, who once suffered from inequalities and hardships, now lived with comfort and renewed hope.

The impact of the [Pleiades] was not limited to the magical world. In the ordinary world, the organization became the largest corporation in Europe and, in a short time, a global power. Its influence was visible in all areas: technology, commerce, infrastructure, and even humanitarian assistance.

For ordinary people, the [Pleiades] was not just a company; it was a symbol of progress, innovation, and well-being.

Another piece of news that swept the magical world like a storm was the apparent relationship between the Ruler of the Martial Kingdom, Luo Hao, and the King of Europe, Adam Victory. The two, both legendary figures in the world of the Campiones, were seen together on several occasions. The joint appearances quickly fueled rumors, and speculation began to arise, suggesting that they might have formed a "conjugal" alliance rather than a military pact.

The idea didn't seem so absurd, considering recent events. Many believed that this explained Adam's apparent lack of interest in eliminating Luo Hao, even with his reputation for not sparing other Campiones. While he had eliminated four of his brothers and sisters without any hesitation—including the Black Prince Alec, Sasha Dejanstahl Voban, Salvatore Doni, and John Pluto Smith—he had taken no action against Luo Hao, despite her being a rival in power. For observers, there was only one logical conclusion: she was his wife.

This narrative became even more compelling with the disappearance of Madame Aisha, leaving Luo Hao as the only surviving Campione besides Adam. Her survival seemed to defy Adam's pattern, who appeared to harbor an aversion to his Campione "siblings." However, this intriguing relationship generated more questions than answers.

It was difficult for many to understand how such a proud and haughty figure as Luo Hao, known for her disdain for others and her dedication to the Martial Kingdom, could accept such a union. At the same time, Adam Victory, now the most feared and respected among the Campiones, seemed to find in Luo Hao a reason to curb his apparent ambition to eliminate his equals.

The mystery surrounding this "alliance"—whether it was a marriage or just a strategic partnership—fueled discussions in magical circles. Regardless of the truth, one thing was certain: the link between Adam and Luo Hao further consolidated their position of dominance, uniting two of the greatest powers in the magical world and leaving all others, humans and deities, at the mercy of their will.

Between these rumors and the rise of Adam's territory, four years passed.

...

..

.

Four years later.

Sardinia, Italy.

Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of the most enchanting regions of Italy. Located south of Corsica and west of the Italian peninsula, it is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture.

The island boasts a breathtaking coastline, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as the famous Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda), which attracts visitors from all over the world. Among the most beautiful beaches are Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and La Pelosa. The rock formations, cliffs, and small islands around create a paradisiacal setting.

Inland, Sardinia is mountainous, with hills covered by Mediterranean vegetation and forests. The Gennargentu mountains are the highest point on the island and offer spectacular panoramic views.

Cagliari, the capital, is a vibrant city with historic streets, markets, and attractions such as San Michele Castle and the Castello district. Other important cities include Alghero, famous for its Catalan influence, and Olbia, the gateway to the Emerald Coast.

Walking through the city streets was a young man in his early twenties. His black hair, slightly disheveled by the wind, fell over his forehead, but his vibrant blue eyes drew all the attention. They shone like two rare jewels, more intense and mysterious than any known gemstone. The color of his eyes seemed almost supernatural, as if they could penetrate people's souls.

His appearance was inhumanly perfect, and the way his body moved was fluid and agile, as if sculpted from marble. His physique was impressive, each muscle sculpted so harmoniously that it seemed to defy the laws of nature, as if he were a living work of art. He wore a tight, short-sleeved shirt that molded his torso and white martial arts pants, a simple outfit, but one that accentuated his figure in a sublime way, giving him an air of authority and mystery.

People passing by couldn't help but stare, but they quickly turned away, sensing something deeper and dangerous in his aura.

This was the Sixth Campione, Adam Victory.

He paused for a brief moment, massaging his neck, thinking about how tedious his four years had been—unfortunately, he had to work like a true King, solving the problems of his territory, something Lavinia had forced him to do because she was upset with him. Of course, he didn't blame her; it was a result of his actions.

After hearing about the destruction of several cities in his battles against the Campiones, while those cities in Hungary had been completely wiped out, and the city of Los Angeles was becoming habitable again, she seemed saddened by the countless lives lost in this way.

Something he didn't care about.

And Lavinia knew that. She didn't feel any aversion or fear in their relationship, despite his Devil King-worthy actions.

Although part of her forcing him to work like a real Devil King, as if punishing him, stemmed from this, he knew it was only part of the reason.

He was almost certain it was jealousy too.

Why?

It all started with training alongside Luo Hao in the Himalayan mountains. After years together, he was starting to enjoy the delirious company of the second Campione, and she helped him a lot to hone his martial skills and not get rusty, so there were benefits to having her around. One thing kind of led to another, and the two had a moment of passion—he ended up sleeping with Luo Hao.

These memories were fresh in his mind. The intense connection he had shared with her was in every detail—from the exchanged glances to the image of her perfect, naked body. The biting cold of the mountains contrasted with the heat that radiated between them. It was intense...

Don't get him wrong, he wasn't unfaithful or anything. Lavinia had talked to him about this kind of thing and declared that she didn't care if he slept with other women; for her, it would be good if everyone around her was happy. But she seemed somewhat angry at being left out because of this, since this "moment" of passion was extended for more than a month....

Luo Hao became somewhat "competitive" when she couldn't defeat him in this aspect either. As a very proud person, she wanted him only for herself, but ended up giving in after losing, as it was part of the bet they had made. That's how he tamed the proud and beautiful [Ruler of the Martial Kingdom], who became quite obedient to him.

As if it were a prelude to something bigger, he had also confirmed his relationship with Lancelot; she had become his lover. Unlike his two other women, who had a moment with him in cabins in the snow, he had done this during one of his visits to Rome. The two ended up doing it at the Hotel de Russie. One thing led to another, and she ended up being extremely submissive to him and doing everything to please him that night.

Part of him still found it strange, having three girlfriends, but in this world, it was apparently somewhat common for Campiones to have more than one wife, since they were true Kings, their lives defined by this fact. But as a man, he admitted, it was nice to have several women at his disposal, and he was enjoying spending his nights with Luo Hao, Lavinia, and Lancelot in his bed. It was a whole new world...

But back to the matter at hand, being King was boring. Dealing with paperwork and decisions that affected his territory was tiring, luckily the [Master of a Thousand and One Skills] made him a master in this aspect as well.

Despite this, he had to admit, Lavinia knew very well how to punish him...

His personal life aside, the training continued non-stop. Every day, he trained and fought with Luo Hao or Lancelot somewhere to improve his skills and use of Authorities. His studies also continued; he had acquired much additional knowledge thanks to the merger of several magical organizations into the [Pleiades]. One example of what he learned was to speak all languages known to mankind, even dead languages. Deciphering any kind of writing from ancient times was easy too.

As Adam walked, lost in his own memories and thoughts, his attention was captured by a young woman who unexpectedly appeared in front of him. She was incredibly beautiful, almost ethereal in appearance. Her delicate figure, barely over 5'3", wasn't imposing in height, but the dignity emanating from her posture and her presence radiated something noble and intimidating. Her long blond hair swayed gently in the breeze coming from the sea, reflecting the golden hues of the sunset. The red dress she wore seemed to further enhance her graceful figure, contrasting with the golden sheen of her hair like fire amidst pure gold. The intensity of the sunset tinged the scene with an almost surreal beauty, intensifying the impression of the scarlet flame of her dress. Her features were so flawless that they seemed sculpted by divine hands. A perfect balance of strength and delicacy, her beauty was beyond any ordinary description. It was the kind of face that would forever be etched in the memory of anyone who saw it.

She bowed her head slightly as a sign of respect before speaking. Her voice was clear and polite, the refined tone of someone accustomed to circles of prestige and power.

"Forgive me for appearing before you without prior notice, King Adam," she said, her eyes fixed on his with a reverence that seemed genuine. "I am a knight of the [Merope]. My superiors were informed of your arrival and asked me to escort you."

Adam held his gaze on her for a moment, assessing both the woman and her words. He had come to Sardinia to kill two [Heretic Gods] who had manifested a few hours earlier, a reflection of the beginning of the manga's story. Godou was supposed to have come to Sardinia to face one of the gods and thus become a Godslayer. However, this destiny was deliberately prevented.

The events that led to this were closely linked to the [Grimoire of Prometheus], a legendary artifact capable of stealing the Authorities of a fallen [Heretic God], which had come into the possession of Kusanagi Ichirou, a relative of Godou. The [Pleiades] organization had discovered the location of the grimoire and, after skillful negotiations and persuasion, taken possession of it. This was the only reason Godou would have had to set foot in Sardinia, but now the grimoire was under control, eliminating any need or justification for his interference.

As for the name [Merope] that the girl had spoken, it was part of the [Pleiades] who served him. It was the largest magical organization in Italy, composed of the former [Seven Sisters] and a few other small organizations. It was one of the divisions responsible for this part of his territory, led by Paolo Brandelli. And considering her appearance, the one before him was the future leader of the organization, Erica Blandelli, a Great Knight—as a King who had worked for the last four years, he literally knew the names of all his subordinates.

But leaving that aside.

"I don't exactly need a babysitter, but being accompanied by a beautiful woman is something I can't refuse." Adam inclined his head slightly, his tone laced with natural charm, while his vibrant blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "You can start by telling me your name. I can't just keep calling you 'beautiful blonde,' can I?"

The slight smile that curved Adam's lips seemed almost dangerous, a smile that carried a devilish beauty, capable of disarming even the firmest souls. Erica, however, was not just any woman. Although a slight rosy blush appeared on her cheeks in the face of the intensity of his presence, she quickly regained her composure, displaying a graceful smile that highlighted her confidence and elegance.

"I certainly wouldn't mind, King Adam," Erica replied with a provocative tone. "However, you are correct. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Erica Blandelli, Great Knight of the [Merope] division."

Her tone was respectful, but it carried a hint of boldness, typical of someone who knew exactly what she was worth. Her movements were refined, as if she were born to occupy that space beside a king, and the title "Great Knight" seemed a natural complement to her impressive presence.

Adam kept his gaze fixed on the young woman before him, her perfect features accentuated by the sunlight. He tilted his head slightly, a gesture that seemed casual, but carried an implicit weight of authority.

"Erica Blandelli, huh? A name as impressive as your appearance," he replied, the smoothness in his voice making the words sound almost like a provocation.

Erica maintained her smile, though her cheeks were still slightly flushed. She knew she was in the presence of someone far beyond what any ordinary mortal could comprehend—a [Campione], the killer of gods. Still, there was no hesitation in her demeanor; she was a Blandelli, after all.

"Thank you for the compliment, King Adam," she replied with a certain shyness.

Adam smiled slightly at her words, then said, "Now, let's get down to business. I received information about the descent of two Heretic Gods a few hours ago here in Sardinia. They fought and then retreated somewhere."

From what he knew from the information received about two hours before his arrival in Sardinia, two Heretic Gods had manifested, and the situation was far from simple.

The first was a God of the Wind. Reports indicated that he had revived the ancient Ruler of Evil Spirits, Baal-Zebul, only to engage in a fierce battle with him shortly afterward. Baal-Zebul, the Prince of Hell, was seriously injured and forced to retreat to recover. However, Baal-Zebul's recovery process was not without consequences. He had broken several avatars of the God of the Wind while seeking to restore his strength.

The analysis of the events pointed to a peculiar pattern. Considering the giant animals manifested during the confrontations and cross-referencing wind gods who could control them, the results were vast. However, when filtered to include only a god who could control all of them simultaneously, a clear answer emerged:

The ancient Persian God of Victory, Verethragna.

Despite it being another God revived by Verethragna, it still indicated a certain level of familiarity with the manga he had read. As for the meaning? Well, Verethragna liked to revive powerful opponents to fight; that explanation was enough.

The reason he had taken two hours to come and hadn't come sooner and killed the two [Heretic Gods] was that he had been busy with Luo Hao and Lancelot; that demanded his priority.

Erica looked towards his vibrant blue eyes and spoke in a more serious tone: "According to reports, locusts are eating all the vegetation, eating everything, supposedly to help Baal-Zebub recover. Meanwhile, the other God seems to have been seen in the city, but strangely hasn't caused any damage..."

She began to explain everything she knew about the two [Heretic Gods] and what had happened over the past two hours.

After learning the details, Adam nodded as he put his hand on his chin and pondered. He extended his senses of [Perception Without Eyes] to cover the island and quickly located the two. A slight smile appeared on his lips as he stated, "Well, I think I have an idea where they are..."

"Really, King Adam?" Erica said with a glint in her eyes. "As a knight, it is my duty to protect ordinary civilians from harm, even putting my life at risk. Forgive my insolence, but I ask you to take care of the Heretic Gods. I will help you in any way I can..."

Adam looked at the girl with some amusement. She really had a courageous, passionate, and stubborn personality, being a "Great Knight" and not showing fear even in the face of a Godslayer or a Heretic God. It's no wonder she was the main heroine of the Campione! manga. He became interested in her.

"Relax, my dear knight. With me here, everything will be fine..."

It was then that something unexpected happened. A sudden change in the weather transformed the Sardinian sky. Dark clouds formed almost supernaturally, blocking the sunlight that had previously illuminated the Mediterranean landscape. The wind began to blow strongly, bringing a smell of wet earth that precedes storms.

Soon, the rain came down intensely. It shouldn't have been raining in that region, much less at this time of year. As far as Adam remembered, the weather forecast had predicted a completely sunny day. The contrast between the forecast and reality was alarming.

But there was no denying what they were experiencing: a torrential downpour that seemed charged with something beyond the natural. The impact of the drops against the stone pavement of the streets echoed a constant and heavy sound, and small rivers formed along the sidewalks, carrying leaves and debris.

Adam looked up at the sky, the drops sliding down his face without him seeming to care. It wasn't a simple change in weather; he felt it in his body. Did the [Heretic Gods] seem to be moving again? Did his presence alert them? He smiled slightly and said, "Let's go, Erica..."

After nodding to her [King] and agreeing, Erica followed Adam towards the city exit, their steps heavy on the wet ground as the rain continued to fall in a cold, incessant curtain. The humidity made the environment gloomy, the mist rising in the streets as if the city were sinking into the natural chaos unfolding.

The long, silent walk in the rain finally ended when they reached the city limits. The sound of the drops hitting the leaves of the trees and the stones of the road mingled with the distant roar of thunder echoing through the nearby mountains.

Above her, Erica could now see, with her eyes fixed on the sky laden with dark clouds, a giant goat hovering in the air. Its body seemed made of pure shadow, only the lightning illuminating its form, creating ghostly outlines that cut across the sky. It floated just below the clouds, leaping from one point to another with absurd agility for its colossal size. With each movement, lightning emanated from its feet, cracking the sky and shooting towards the earth below.

The lightning bolts struck the ground with terrifying precision, causing the surrounding fields to tremble and the trees to ignite. The vegetation of the forest within the goat's reach was instantly destroyed, a burst of electrical energy burning everything it touched. The lightning focused on a mystical swarm of black locusts, sinister creatures that clustered to devour the surrounding vegetation, their presence only increasing the aura of destruction.

"Why is the Goat attacking the swarm of locusts?" Erica asked the young man beside her, feeling no fear. She was a strong knight and was in the presence of the strongest existence in this world; there was no reason to be afraid.

Adam smiled as he answered her question.

"It's still part of the god. Even as a separate entity, it must have recognized that the swarm is part of its enemy."

When almost half the swarm was decimated, the locusts began to retreat, but the goat did not cease its fury. It continued to fire lightning bolts that streaked across the sky, threatening to hit a road congested with cars and people.

Erica positioned herself, her muscles tense, ready to advance and face the threat with her sword. She could feel the energy flowing from her blade, a burning desire to stop the massacre. However, before she could make any move, Adam made his.

He stepped forward, a slight, calculating smile crossing his lips, the presence of his power almost palpable around him. Without a word, he raised his hand, the air around him vibrating with energy about to be released.

"Come, Baihu!" Adam's voice resounded through the air, clear and imposing. It was an incantation that carried the authority he had usurped from the Chinese God of the West, a summons that echoed through the storm.

The name of Baihu, the White Tiger, reverberated through the environment, as if the world itself were awaiting the arrival of the divine beast.

In response to the call, the earth beneath them trembled. The rain seemed to stop for a brief moment, as if time itself had slowed down before the magnitude of what was to come. And then, out of nowhere, a massive presence made itself felt, like a colossal shadow covering everything around.

From the center of the storm, a figure began to materialize, large as a nightmare, but with terrifying grace. The White Tiger appeared, its immense paws striking the ground with a force that shattered the surrounding rocks. It was a creature of pure ferocity and majesty, its fur shining with a metallic white hue.

The more-than-thirty-meter tiger roared, a deep sound that reverberated through the air, like the roar of a beast that possessed the power to bring down mountains. Its claws, sharp as blades, touched the ground with a snap, and its yellow eyes shone with a ferocity that could make even the bravest hesitate.

This authority was called [Strength of the King of the Mountains]. It was the Authority usurped from the Chinese god Bai Hu in his incarnation as the White Tiger, one of the Four Celestial Gods of China.

Bai Hu protects the teachings of Buddha and humanity. He is the King of Animals and the lord of the mountains, being the incarnation of a god of war who destroys demons and the dead.

This Authority can take different forms based on his desires. Its main form consisted of summoning Baihu as a Divine Beast that served his will, a White Tiger that could alter its size from that of a normal tiger to over thirty meters tall. As a Divine Beast, it is more ferocious and powerful, with the strength to fight against Voban's [Wolf] form.

Its skin possessed the invulnerability of [Steel], since Bai Hu ruled over [Metal], and its ferocity and power are worthy of a god of war and the King of Animals.

Another manifestation of this Authority is where he becomes covered in black markings, gaining a gigantic increase in his physical capabilities. His physical strength equals and even surpasses that of Luo Hao's [Divine Power of Vajrapani], also granting extremely sharp combat instincts, and due to Bai Hu's connection with [Steel], granting a pseudo-invulnerability of [Steel].

A contrary effect of this Authority is that when manifested as a Divine Beast, Baihu can escape his summoner's control if the summoner doesn't have the willpower to tame him. And when used to increase physical capabilities, his mind becomes filled with Baihu's bestial instincts, which, if overused, can turn him into a 'furious beast'—something he had learned to deal with over the past few years. He had also beaten the divine beast until it became obedient.

Without warning, Baihu roared with a force that made the ground tremble, a wave of pressure that cut through the air with the violence of thunder. He lunged forward, his razor-sharp claws tearing through space as he shot towards the goat with the speed of lightning.

The goat, still with lightning leaping from its hooves, tried to react with a last-ditch effort, its body spinning as it fired bursts of lightning at Baihu, intending to drive him away. The lightning disintegrated in the air with a shrill sound, but the White Tiger moved with the agility of a predator, its snow-white fur reflecting the light of the lightning bolts that passed through it.

Baihu remained indifferent as the lightning struck his [Steel] body. The earth trembled beneath his paws as he continued his relentless assault. Without giving the goat time to plan another attack, he leaped skyward and began to run towards the goat.

The goat, realizing that its defense was failing, tried to quickly regain its composure, its huge paws beating the ground as it tried to gain altitude. Its body, covered in a cloak of electrical energy, prepared to unleash a deadly discharge. But it was too late.

With a ferocious roar, Baihu leaped again, its giant claws stretching forward. It launched itself like a divine beast towards the goat, which tried to use its agility and launch a final blow. But Baihu was much faster.

In a single precise movement, Baihu struck the goat's weak point with its sharp claws, tearing the flesh of the wind god with terrifying ease. The claws sliced through its body as if it were made of paper, and a burst of energy erupted as the goat's lightning collided with the devastating force of the attack.

The goat tried to scream, but didn't have time. Baihu, with its supernatural power, drove its claws even deeper, pulling with immense force and ripping the heart of the giant creature from within its chest. An electric glow enveloped the goat's body as it began to disintegrate, its lightning fading in a final crackle before disappearing completely.

The lightning had stopped, and the rain seemed about to cease, the weather beginning to return to calm. Baihu descended from the skies and stopped behind Adam with a crash of its enormous paws hitting the ground.

The humidity still hung in the air, but the worst was over. Erica, who until then had been absorbing the energy of the combat and the magnitude of what she had just witnessed, felt the relief of the rain finally subsiding. She was about to turn and speak to Adam, but before the words could escape her lips, the atmosphere around them changed.

It was a presence that cut through the air like a sharp blade. Something that could not be ignored, a sensation that chilled her to the bone and caused a growing pressure on their bodies. Gravity seemed to have momentarily intensified, as if the earth were pulling harder to drag them down. The air became dense, almost unbearable, as if the environment itself were trying to strangle them with its oppression.

Erica couldn't help but take a step back, instinctively clenching her fists as the winds increased. What had previously seemed like just an ordinary rainy day now became an omen of something far more menacing. A gale appeared out of nowhere, roaring violently, with the force of a miniature hurricane. As if obeying a will of its own, the wind condensed into a mass that quickly began to form, taking a definite shape.

From the whirlwind, a tornado formed and stretched until it finally took on the appearance of a young man. His black hair barely touched his shoulders, a light, tousled fringe that seemed to dance with the wind that surrounded him. His skin, white as polished ivory, contrasted with the intensity of the gale. His eyes were a deep, shimmering green, like emeralds reflecting an uncompromising pride, the light of a being who knew what he represented in the world. It was a beauty that surpassed the simple concept of human, an androgynous appearance of inhuman perfection. In his presence, everything else seemed secondary.

Erica felt a shiver run down her spine as the Heretic God looked at them with an aura of superiority. He approached, as if the space around him bent to his authority, and his voice emerged with a confidence that seemed to disdain everything around him.

"One of the Foolhardy Children, they say you were born to kill our kind. I believe you are a worthy opponent." The god's voice sounded like the sound of the cutting wind, light, but imposing. He didn't seem to care about their presence, more like he was toying with the idea of a fight. His expression was amused, but it carried a touch of indifference, as if he'd seen this kind of confrontation before.

Adam, however, didn't seem to feel the same pressure. His posture, calm as ever, was that of someone who already expected something like this. He slowly turned his head to the god, his blue eyes still intact with a penetrating glint, without a hint of fear. There was something intriguing in his expression, something that indicated that he already knew who was before him.

"Verethragna, it's a pleasure to meet you," Adam said with a monotone that didn't do justice to the intensity of the situation, his soft tone contrasting with the gravity of the moment.

The wind continued to swirl around the god, as if it were his very essence. Verethragna's forms were multiple, a manifestation of the god of victory, an expression of invincible light. Each of the forms represented aspects of his nature: the impetuous wind, the powerful bull, the glorious horse, the unshakeable camel, the unstoppable boar, the irresistible youth, the swift raptor, the inflexible ram, the righteous goat, and the heroic warrior—all these forms made up the totality of this being.

Verethragna smiled almost arrogantly when he realized that Adam had identified his true identity. He spread his arms in a grand gesture, as if truly enjoying the situation.

"Oh! You discerned my identity! Wonderful!" Verethragna laughed, the amusement resonating in his voice with an unusual tone, as if he were almost excited by the prospect of fighting someone so powerful. He moved even closer, the pressure of his presence becoming palpable in the air. "Now, Godslayer, how about we fight until we quench our thirst for combat! Don't you feel your blood rushing? Doesn't your heart beat with joy? A worthy opponent is here! An enemy has arrived! Prey you must hunt! Foolhardy Child!"

The provocation hung in the air like a challenge, and the wind seemed to sharpen every word he said, as if the environment itself were an extension of his will.

The fight was about to begin.

"Baihu, protect Erica..." Adam said with a smile, giving a command to his [Divine Beast].

The enormous White Tiger immediately obeyed and caught the girl by surprise. She let out a cry before being thrown onto the back of the enormous tiger, which sped away from the scene like lightning.

"Ahahahaha! Don't mind the witch!" Verethragna laughed amusedly. He looked at the young man and said, "Let's focus on our fight. I have no interest in the girl..."

The excitement in his eyes was palpable.

In his myth, he is the god of war and the invincible hero. And since descending to the mortal realm, Verethragna had proven his myth true.

He had been reviving Gods for decades, even centuries, and had defeated them in every confrontation. Even when his enemy was more powerful than him, the God of Victory had never been defeated.

It was an unquestionable fact: the God of Victory had never known defeat. His presence in battles was like a beacon, guiding the path to victory with his unbeatable strength and indomitable courage. But, over time, this began to become a curse for him. For, in his heart, Verethragna felt a deep emptiness. He longed for something he had never experienced: defeat.

He wanted to feel the pain of failure, the bitter taste of loss, because only then could he fully understand what it truly meant to win. But he never found a worthy opponent, someone who would force him to reach the limits of his own abilities. He defeated everyone, without exception. Until, one day, he felt a presence that was different from all the others. Something that challenged his very essence.

It was then that the scent of battle reached him. The aura of the Godslayer, an entity created to destroy gods like him, emerged in his mind like a spark of hope.

That was what brought him to Adam, standing before him.

"You wanted my attention, you have it now..." Adam said with a smile. He could feel the excitement of the [Heretic God] in front of him.

The two looked at each other with palpable emotion.

The tension between them increased with every second, an imminent battle preparing to erupt like a storm.

But before either of them could move, an even more insidious presence materialized.

The atmosphere around them seemed to distort, as if reality itself were being torn apart.

From the void that formed, a figure of strange and disconcerting appearance emerged. A tall, thin young man, with a presence that was both menacing and disinterested. His hair was messy and disheveled, as if it had been torn from a nightmare. His eyes, black as the deepest night, seemed to absorb all the light around them, reflecting a disturbing darkness.

He wore a loose, flowing black shirt, with a purple cloth tied with a sash on each side of his shoulders, falling to his thighs. The color combination was somber and disconcerting, a visual representation of his nature. At his waist, a black cord tightened his clothing, and the wind caused the cord to sway gently, as if the atmosphere itself were bowing to his presence.

His legs were wrapped in wide black leggings, with mid-calf lace-up boots that seemed made for tireless combat. But most impressive were the creatures that followed and surrounded him. Flies buzzed around him deafeningly, and locusts appeared in droves, eating everything that came near his line of sight. With every step he took, the surrounding vegetation deteriorated rapidly, consumed by the hordes of insects.

This was the second [Heretic God] who had manifested, revived by Verethragna for a fight. His name was Baal-Zebub, someone who was known primarily as Lord of the Flies or Baal of the Fly. His myths were numerous. He was the Fallen Angel of flies, pestilence, and famine. Known as one of the Seven Princes of Hell and the leader of the powers of the air. Originally a Seraph, he is currently one of the supreme leaders of Hell.

The name Baal-Zebub appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings 1:2-3, which recounts the story of King Ahaziah of Israel. Ahaziah, after falling from his palace, sends messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to learn whether he would recover from his injuries. This action was seen as a grave sin, as Ahaziah should have consulted Yahweh, the God of Israel, instead of a foreign god.

In 2 Kings 1:2-3:

"And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber, which was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease."

As Judaism consolidated itself as a monotheistic religion, the figure of Baal-Zebub was reinterpreted as a demonic deity.

This demonization culminated in the transformation of Baal-Zebub into Beelzebub, a central figure in Christian demonology. In Christian tradition, Beelzebub became one of the princes of demons and was often described as the leader of hell or the ruler of evil spirits. In some versions of Christian theology, Beelzebub is considered second in command in hell, just below Lucifer.

In other words, the myth of Baal-Zebub evolved from a Canaanite figure associated with health and fertility to a demonic divinity, a symbol of impurity and idolatry.

The chaos he brought with his flies and locusts made any movement uncomfortable, weighing down the battlefield, as if eventhe air was suffocating under his influence.

Baal-Zebub stopped a few dozen meters from the other two, his deep, apathetic gaze observing Adam and Verethragna. He showed no emotion, but his tone was calm and controlled, with an erudition that shone through every word. The flies buzzed around him, and locusts moved voraciously at his command, eating everything around them. He was clearly aware of his position, his power, and as always, seemed to treat everything as an experiment, as if the battle were just another one of his curious investigations.

"Interesting…" Baal-Zebub said, his voice soft but filled with a chilling coldness. "What do we have here? A Foolhardy Child and a god who seems incapable of handling the taste of defeat. Verethragna, who revived me to fight, you haven't forgotten that we still have our fight, have you? Well, as a pompous idiot addicted to battles, it was rather obvious you would rush here as soon as you sensed the Godslayer's presence. Easy to deduce…"

He looked at the god of victory with an ironic smile.

Verethragna, who until then had been silent, stepped forward, his posture erect and his presence overwhelming. He smiled at the Fallen Angel, his eyes gleaming with malicious enthusiasm.

"Of course I haven't forgotten our fight. Let's get this over with quickly. I have no more interest in you… I want to fight the child of Pandora here…"

Baal-Zebub tilted his head slightly, as if pondering his words. His hands rested on a skull-topped staff that had appeared out of nowhere during the conversation, crossed over it like a master observing his subjects from afar. He paused, his gaze turning to Adam with slight curiosity. "I see why this idiot is interested in you, Godslayer. What do you hope to achieve here? Victory? Or amusement?"

Adam, until that moment, had been silent, observing the interaction between the two gods. He, as always, was calm, but inside him a flame burned.

"I came to do my job and kill you both," Adam replied, his voice calm and filled with unshakeable confidence. "How about you both come at me? It'll be more fun that way!"

Verethragna, hearing Adam's words, smiled wider, clearly excited about what was about to happen.

"You are audacious, Godslayer. And I like that. It will be an interesting fight, without a doubt." He looked at Baal-Zebub, and his smile broadened. "I, at least, am eager to see how far you can go. Obviously, I won't be joining this idiot. Oh, you defeated Fallen Angel, you aren't too concerned about the battle, are you? Your mind is already distant, perhaps thinking about what next 'experiment' you will conduct afterward." He looked at the Fallen Angel with an expression of disdain, as if dismissing him.

Baal-Zebub merely shrugged, his indifference evident.

"I do not fight for pleasure, like you, Verethragna. What is about to happen is just another… study." He looked at Adam again, with slight curiosity. "Let's see how the Godslayer fares, then. Since you have challenged me, I will accept, but I won't be joining this idiot either."

The tension between the three became unbearable for a brief moment.

"Then let's begin," Adam said, the energy around him intensifying, an aura of power that could crush the very air. "I will make you both understand the meaning of defeat."

With those words, the battle began!

…

..

.

The region of Sardinia, once a peaceful and fertile land, was now unrecognizable.

The titanic battle between the two gods and Adam left a trail of destruction so profound that it seemed as if the very fabric of reality had been torn apart. The ground was completely shattered, with enormous fissures stretching for kilometers, as if the earth had been ripped apart by the powerful waves of energy unleashed during the confrontations. The vegetation, which once covered the landscape with vibrant green, had been reduced to ashes and charred fragments. Centuries-old trees were uprooted, their enormous masses fallen like broken monuments scattered throughout the region.

The mountains that had witnessed the conflict were now partially destroyed, their peaks cracked and crumbled, with pieces of rock falling as if the very ground were trembling. The air was thick, laden with the smell of scorched earth and the faint touch of celestial blood.

Adam stood amidst this devastation, his presence almost in contrast to the destruction around him. His clothes were torn, the fibers of his shirt and pants partially destroyed by the wounds and blows he had suffered. The blood of both himself and his enemies stained his skin and clothes. However, he was calm, his eyes fixed on the scene of the battle that was finally coming to an end. Although wounded, there was an intense flame in his gaze, a flame that would never be extinguished, as if he were absorbing all the energy around him, once again defying the gods.

Baal-Zebub, the Fallen Angel, had already fallen. His form, which once emanated an aura of infernal power, now crumbled into golden dust. What remained of him was nothing more than a fleeting memory that dispersed in the wind, like a shadow disappearing at dawn. He, who was once a feared and respected god, was now nothing but a speck of dust in the history of the fight.

Verethragna, the god of victory, remained standing. But his posture was no longer as glorious as before. The invincible god, who had never known defeat, was gravely wounded. His body was marked by deep scars, and the brilliance that once radiated from his presence was now diminished. However, he was smiling, as if savoring something that only he could understand. He looked at Adam with an expression that mingled respect and affection, as if he had finally found the only being capable of giving him the defeat he so desired.

"For this incredible battle, I will hear your name, child of Pandora," the God asked with a smile.

"Adam Victory," he declared aloud.

"I shall remember that name!"

"Adam Victory, I shall grant you my blessing, you who were the first to usurp the authority of the god of victory!" Verethragna said with a smile, his deep voice laden with a peculiar kind of gratitude. "You shall have my body and invincible power! I hope you become even stronger and remain undefeated until the day we meet again!"

He looked at Adam one last time, and the god of victory, for a brief moment, seemed more human than ever. In his eyes, there was a calm satisfaction, as if he had finally found a worthy successor, someone capable of carrying the weight of his strength. Then, with a final sigh, his entire body transformed completely into darkness. His body fragmented into pieces of dark light, as if his existence were being erased by an invisible cosmic force. What remained was only the memory of his presence, disappearing forever, like a star that fades in the vast universe.

Adam watched the scene in silence, feeling the presence of both disappear completely. He felt the Authorities he had taken from the two Gods. Technically, a Campione doesn't need to visit Pandora after killing a [Heretic God] unless she wants him to, and since he had visited her a few times during these four years, she didn't summon him this time, knowing he would visit her again sometime.

From Verethragna, he had obtained only a single Authority that he called [Ten Incarnations], since it was the same Authority that Godou had usurped in the manga, including the same limitations to his surprise. And from Baal-Zebub, he had gained only one Authority as well, with aspects very similar to his other Authority from the Persian God, which he decided to call [Three Aspects].

He smiled slightly and walked back towards the city, having preserved the civilians with the help of Baihu, something to please Erica.