Chapter 186: Back To The Human World For Another Date
At this moment, Adam stood in front of the mirror in his room, preparing to leave for the Human World.
His evolution was complete, leaving him with a host of upgrades and new abilities to experiment with. One of them was a power known as <Actualization>.
And seeing as tonight's event had a gothic theme, he figured, why not dress for the occasion?
"Actualize: Casual Goth Clothes."
With those words, Adam invoked his will, subtly commanding the world around him. Reality bent to his voice, reshaping the fabric of existence to fulfill a minor wish.
It was a powerful ability, formidable, even with its current limitations. While it couldn't rewrite the world wholesale (yet), the versatility of actualizing small desires made it far more dangerous than it first appeared.
After all, power isn't always about destruction and glamour, sometimes it's how you use it.
And in this case he was using it to get dress.
In the moment, the world bend to Adam's will, filling the detail of his simple desire.
First, black jeans stitched themselves around his legs, the fabric matte but detailed with subtle dark patterns that shifted when the light caught them just right, it had stitching of roses, bones, and runes of them.
Meanwhile a silver chain snaked itself across his hip, ending in a gothic cross.
Next came the shirt...tight-fitting, sleeveless, and black with deep red threading along the seams. An emblem, something arcane and barely perceptible, etched itself across the chest like a ghost's tattoo. A thin mesh undershirt manifested beneath it, giving texture and contrast.
His nails, already sharp and darkened from evolution, glinted faintly as he adjusted his cuffs, a few leather straps clicking into place across his forearms like a natural part of his design.
While he wore a black pair of sneaker, with red socks. Meanwhile his long hair, now straighten out, instead of plaited. Cover his golden eyes, the dark scelera giving it a prominent and scary glare.
His tail, tangible and non-tangible, now came out of sight, as he can summon it as he will.
"Not bad, although, black isn't for me sigh... Still it's just for tonight to go out with Nyx."
Adam said as flash of green, went off in the room, when it cleared up, Adam was no longer in his room. Rather he was now sitting on his throne as a flash of green light bleed into the halls of the throne room, his form present for everyone to see.
Soon, a familiar voice came from the hallway.
"My king...
"Hmmm...
Adam spoke just as a flash of green light went off in the room. When it cleared, he was no longer there. Instead, he now sat upon his throne, the green light bleeding into the grand halls of the throne room, announcing his presence for all to see.
Moments later, a familiar voice echoed from the hallway.
"My king...
"Hmmm...
Adam murmured as his eyes fell on Berreta. She was carrying a series of books, several glowing trails of light following behind her. These lights belonged to the Sidhe assistants she had personally selected to help manage the kingdom. Their tasks varied, and some carrying scrolls Berreta couldn't handle alone due to her full hands.
"Berreta."
Adam said flatly.
They barely spoke to one another these days...after all, he was the one who killed her husband and orchestrated the betrayal that tore them apart.
After Alustus's fall, Berreta survived, and Adam took the throne. Since then, she had avoided him as much as possible, only speaking with him when necessary.
And this visit was one such occasion.
"Berreta, why the sudden visit?!"
"My apologies, my king."
She said with a respectful bow.
"...But I bring urgent news from the North. One of our announcements has finally reached different domains. Seeing that you killed Alustus, my husband."
She paused, then continued.
"...And became king, they now recognize you as the rightful heir to his treaties and alliances. However... since you're an unknown variable in the current united treaty, each faction has formally requested to meet you."
She paused before adding.
"The first visit is already scheduled. The Royal Guard Commander of the Cain Family, Krifil Fallenblood, sent a letter. He and his delegation will be making landfall via teleportation... in the next hour."
"What?!"
Adam blinked in surprise.
"They're coming now?"
"I'm afraid so, my king."
Berreta answered honestly.
Adam sighed inwardly, rubbing his forehead as he thought.
"Shit... but I had a date planned tonight. I can't break my promise to her."
"My king."
Berreta interjected gently.
"If your not seeing the big picture here, let me paint it out for you... Ignoring this summons could lead to a grave misunderstanding between powerful factions. It may spark conflict or even war."
Adam stop for moment to think, his reply swift.
"I know, damn it, I know....
Adam exhaled.
"Lucky for me, I have just the solution. I'm still going on that date with Nyx... and I'll meet this Krifil guy too."
"Ha! How do you plan to pull that off?"
"Simple."
Adam said as he split one of his tails in two. One transformed into an exact replica of himself, perfect in appearance and movement. A simultaneous body he could control alongside his own.
"This... is new."
Berreta said, eyes wide in shock.
Adam grinned.
'I'm leaving behind this clone. And with it, I'm entrusting the Box of Worth, an ability containing the stolen fates and powers of many. It should be more than capable of combat when I take control.'
Satisfied with the replica, Adam gave the command:
"Take this double with you. Help it prepare for our undead guest."
"A little rudimentary... but it'll do. Come, clone Adam, let us prepare."
Without another word, Berreta grabbed the clone and hurried off, dragging it toward the dressing room along with her assistants.
Two minutes later, Nyx arrived in the throne room, dressed differently this time.
Adam's eyes lit up with amazement as he saw her new outfit, her face more visible than ever.
"Wow...
"Hehe~ I"ll take that as you like it?"
"That is a yes from me. You look incredible. Honestly, I don't think you need the veil, I really love seeing your eyes. They're just like Minerva's... only violet."
Adam smirked.
"Also, those curves... and those horns, damn. That sexy modern Japanese uniform is a total turn-on."
"Hehe~ I'm glad you like it. Me and the girls started a band back in high school, and this uniform kinda became our logo."
"Ahh, I see. That sounds fun."
"Yeah, high school and university were simpler, more fun times. Those were also the years I developed my Metahuman powers and eventually became an Apostle of the Monster Lord of Nightmares, Shinso Minerva, of the Lineage of the Fantasy."
"Sounds like your younger years were an adventure too... But enough about the past, don't you think?"
"You couldn't have said it better, babe. Still, they were fun days indeed."
"Anyway... ready to go? I can take us there, you know."
"Ohhh, really, hmm I could do the same but if you are offering, go ahead."
At these words, Adam simply opened a swirling green portal, using his Memory Point. It led directly to the Hellsing Hotel.
"Oooh~♡ Hmph, you're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
"Can't reveal all my cards, you know. Either way, ladies first."
"Hmph, very well."
Without another word, Nyx stepped into the portal Adam had made.
Adam followed closely behind, the two vanishing into the Human World.
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FLASH!!
A green portal opened in front of the penthouse kitchen counter.
From it, both Nyx and Adam stepped through, landing with a soft thud as they crossed over into the Human World.
"We're really here?"
Nyx said, a bit surprised at just how capable Adam truly was, especially for being the youngest among the Shinso.
"Why would I lie about bringing us here?"
Adam replied, turning his head to meet her gaze.
Nyx looked at him and smiled.
"Hehehe… You really are amazing, babe. Still, let's get moving, we don't want to be late."
"Sure."
Moments later, they made their way down the skyscraper via elevator. Eventually, they reached the ground floor and exited the building.
It was nighttime in the Human World. The moon hung high and bright in the sky, stars twinkling above. The city was full of people of all kinds, young teens hanging out, seasoned adults moving about their night, neon lights casting long reflections on the pavement.
As they walked, Nyx clung to Adam, holding his hand affectionately.
"So?"
Adam began.
"Tell me about your band. I never really took you for the music type."
Nyx chuckled and began her reply.
"Haha, back when I attended Khan's Academy, we had to complete 450 hours of club activities each school year. As fate would have it, I ended up joining a rock club. We entered a competition, won first place, and that was the start. Our band was called Skinless. After that, it was gig after gig. We got pretty popular around the world, you know."
"Is that so, what fascinating story, you guys must have been rather wild in your younger days, don't you think?"
Adam commented.
Meanwhile... Nyx giggled and gave Adam a flirty look.
"I still am."
"I Bet you are indeed."
Adam smirked.
"Though I do wonder, if you're so popular, why perform at such a small venue?"
"Oh, that's because the owner of that place is my bestie from high school. I helped her out a lot, even going as far as the invest heavily on the her bussnuiess, so that Obsidian Rose could become a successful private restaurant and bar."
Adam raised a brow in surprise at these words.
So much so, he questioned.
"Wait... for real?"
"For real."
Nyx confirmed with a confident nod.
'This AU is just full of surprises... but hey, I'm not complaining.'
Adam mused to himself before continuing aloud.
"I take it you're glad to finally talk face-to-face with this so-called bestie?"
"Hmph, yeah... The last decade of my life has been nothing but constant training and work, but I still make it habit to make time to see her here and there."
"You seem close."
"Very."
Nyx confirmed, and Adam said simply.
"Nothing wrong in having a close friend I guess."
"Fufufu."
The rest of the walk passed in companionable silence until they finally reached a striking building with a lavish entrance. Two large bodyguards stood at the doors, watching over the long line of people patiently waiting their turn to get inside.
Adam looked up, eyes catching the elegant, gothic-style neon sign above. It depicted a thorny rose entwined with script that read.
[Obsidian Rose]
Nyx kept dragging Adam along until they reached the front. One of the bodyguards instantly recognized her and, without hesitation, allowed them both to pass through.
But peace was short-lived.
"Hey! What the hell? Why does she get in first?!"
A guy from the line shouted, clearly irritated.
However neither Adam nor Nyx paid him any mind as they passed through the doors and entered the Obsidian Rose.