Chapter 01: The boy who dreamed of power.
The first memory I have of my life… Yes, it may seem strange, but I still have it. I was six years old, or at least I think so. A bit late to realize my existence… Whatever.
A mansion, if it could be called that, hidden among the mountains, close to a small stream and covered by thousands of trees. A place where someone could easily get lost, because once inside the mountain there was no fixed path.
"If someone knows his place in the world perfectly, finding his home is very simple."
Novara used to say that, although it was obviously more of a way of convincing himself that that "small" abode was enough for him than an absolute truth. Funny.
The mansion was made entirely of wood, worked by the best craftsmen, polished down to the last foundation and covered with a material that looked like ivory, although it was more like quartz. It shone on its own. Inside, a labyrinth of countless rooms created a feeling of immensity.
He had his own viewing platform, cleverly hidden among the branches of the trees. However, with enough concentration, the gaps left by the leaves allowed him to see outside clearly. Of course, only if one got used to it. To any outsider, it would be nothing more than a cluster of flashing points scattered here and there.
But I was not a stranger.
Novara used to take me there. Or at least, I think so. As far as I remember, that mountain belonged to me.
Anyway, he enjoyed my company, or so he thought. Every day, at exactly 12:40 p.m.—I think— he allowed himself to tell me stories. Some long, some short.
Over time I came to the conclusion that he was making them up as he went along. He was right about that. It all depended on his mood at the time…although, on second thought, perhaps it depended more on his creativity.
But let's get back to the topic.
That's the first story I remember with complete clarity.
— Listen, Dyr…I have a story to tell you.
Novara's voice broke the silence while her gaze remained fixed on the horizon, on that viewpoint hidden among the branches.
— Story!? —The excitement made me turn around immediately, my eyes shining with expectation. — What will it be about this time?
— You know, Dyr…the world we live in is crazy.
Novara began to speak with unusual precision, as if each word had been carefully chosen.
— But I guess in a world of madmen, the only sane person is the one they call mad. Anyway… A long time ago, at the beginning of creation as we know it, God—the true God —chose his successors.
Men, women, animals, insects… any being was a candidate to become God. Once the "new" one was selected, all divine knowledge, as well as its omnipotence, would be inherited.
—It is said that God took seven days to create everything we know…and what we still don't know.
Novara's voice stopped for a moment.
— But... was it really only seven days?
— I have no idea!
The answer came immediately, accompanied by a smile from ear to ear, although the question was not even directed at me.
- I understand you.
The voice sounded calm, almost as if the answer was expected. There was a brief pause before he cleared his throat and continued.
—For a time, humans were able to resemble God…in a way. In appearance? No. In virtues? Neither. In power?
The eyes narrowed slightly, and then the voice gained strength.
— Yes. Capable of parting the seas, destroying worlds, forming storms capable of flooding everything, achieving enlightenment… rising from the dead!
With each word, the tone rose, as if the story took on a life of its own.
— THAT'S GREAT! I WANT TO DO THAT TOO!
Emotion surged through me uncontrollably, my eyes shining with wonder. My hands clenched tightly before bringing them together decisively, pretending to launch a devastating attack.
— TAKE THAT!
The echo of my own voice dissipated into the air, but the story was not over yet.
— But there is a problem with this last one…
The tone changed, becoming slower, heavier.
—There was a case in which the Son of God sacrificed himself to forgive our sins…out of pure love. But some time later, someone tried to replicate that act. The difference…is that he lied about his purpose.
The pause that followed felt heavy, as if what he was about to say had a different weight.
—To say it failed would be a lie. The resurrection was a success.
An icy current ran down my spine.
— But there was a problem.
The air around us seemed to tighten.
—As if it were a divine punishment, the resurrected person was trapped in the physical world… our world. Unable to transcend to the spiritual plane, whether heaven or hell, he was forced to wander for eternity… until the world forgot him.
Uncertainty hit Novara hard.
—How do you forget someone who can't die?!
Mimano instinctively stood up, as if the answer could be grasped in the air.
— No idea.
The expression remained unperturbed, as if that question had no answer.
—But once people close to us and strangers alike became aware of this event…they began desperately searching for a way to do the same.
Thoughts were spinning around in my head.
— For his part, that person, after experiencing everything, doing everything… ended up fed up with the curse that was eternal life.
The tone dropped, becoming barely a whisper.
— Why couldn't he transcend? Because his soul was fragmented. Without a complete soul, dying became impossible.
Something inside me stirred at those words.
—Surely someone had the power to kill him!
My scream came out with conviction, as if it were the obvious answer to everything.
- Maybe…
The answer came with a hint of mystery, as if the idea itself were possible, but not entirely true.
—But do you remember I mentioned that people could do amazing things?
The tone became slower, almost as if each word carried additional weight.
— The reason was the immortal himself.
The eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was remembering something very old.
—His blood was responsible for granting and distributing power, giving rise to what was known as the "New Age."
A chill ran down my spine, but the story continued.
— Still, don't think he did it out of goodwill. No. It was pure coincidence.
There was a brief silence before the voice resumed its rhythm.
—In one of his countless attempts to disappear from the physical plane, he jumped from this same lookout point.
Eyes drifted to the edge, where the void stretched beyond the trees.
—When he finally fell, his bones shattered into a thousand pieces. Because yes, he was immortal… but not invulnerable.
An image formed in my mind: a body mangled on the rocks, blood seeping into the earth, carried by the current of a nearby stream.
—His blood mixed with the water where people used to drink. And those who did so were "blessed."
The tone became more serious.
— One day, someone found the immortal gasping for help, barely clinging to life. They pulled him out of the stream, and over time, his blood was naturally cleansed from the waters.
The fingers intertwined calmly, as if the conclusion of the story had already been written long ago.
—So, over the years, the blessed people lost their heavenly abilities…without being able to explain why.
Uncertainty hung in the air.
— Until someone opened their mouth.
The tone dropped only slightly, but the tension in the room became more evident.
—There was talk of the unfortunate immortal…There were rumors…And then, several months passed until someone asked: "What if blood is the key?"
An almost imperceptible murmur seemed to repeat itself in my mind.
—"Yes! That must be it!" someone else shouted.
A shudder ran through my body, but the story did not stop.
—"Would they be able to drink human blood?"—exclaimed many others.
Novara's lips curved slightly in a smile that conveyed no warmth.
— Until the most rebellious made a decision.
The air felt thicker, as if the forest itself were holding its breath.
— They went to the place where that poor devil lay and, without hesitation, they bit him. They tore open his skin. They cut off his limbs.
My heart hammered in my chest.
— They began to devour it with the small hope of recovering that which brought them closer to God.
The voice did not hesitate.
— For his part, the immortal…felt every blow. Every stab. Every piece of flesh torn away. The image became unbearable in my head.
- All.
The echo of the word resonated in my mind.
— There was no trace of him left.
A cold breeze blew through the viewpoint.
—He thinks he is still alive…condemned to be scattered throughout the world, with the misfortune of not being able to die.
The silence that followed seemed heavier than ever.
—With this story I want to show you the greed of humans…when they pursue what they long for, but are unable to accept that it is out of their reach.
His gaze locked with mine.
— In a crude way.
The echo of those words slowly faded away.
—And how do I get a part of the immortal?
The smile spread across my face without me realizing it.
There was a pause.
An expression of disbelief crossed the face in front of me, a mix of confusion and exasperation.
And then, laughter broke out.
— It's a story, brat! Do you really think what I'm saying is true?
The hand fell hard on my head, ruffling my hair in a punishing gesture.
— You are more stupid than a dog!
— What?! So you lied to me, you decrepit old man?!
Outrage bubbled up uncontrollably, but all I got in return was a thunderous laugh.
—If you throw an invisible stone at a dog, it will get scared…just like you believing my stories!
The laughter intensified, resonating in the lookout like a mocking echo.
— I say a lot of real things and you come to believe the most far-fetched ones…
Before he could respond, a small sound interrupted the moment.
The eyes shifted to the doll.
— So late?
A flash of anxiety crossed his face for an instant, but I had other priorities.
— Now tell me how to get those powers!
Without thinking, I threw a direct punch, but a hand calmly rested on my head, stopping me effortlessly.
— I'm sorry, but I have to go home.
The tone was light, almost carefree.
— Do you think we can meet tomorrow?
My fists began to lose strength. Blow after blow, each time slower, weaker…until
that I finally stopped.
—Just tell me tomorrow how to get my powers!
— Hahaha! Fair enough.
The voice sounded distant as the silhouette began to walk away. A hand waved in the air in a farewell gesture, and in the blink of an eye, the lookout fell silent again.
My breath came out in ragged gasps as I leaned back on my knees.
- Excellent!
Emotion rushed through me, and unable to contain myself, I gave a great leap, raising my arms in the air.
- Yeah!
The landing was harder than expected, but even with the impact running through my legs, the smile was still intact.
* After that…he didn't come back the next day. Not the next. Not the next week. Not the next month. Not the next year. Not the next one. Not the next…not the next…**
The sun was shining. The rain was shaking the sky.
And the snow…
I love snow.
—Did he ever come back?
The voice interrupted my thoughts.
— Yes…or well, something like that.
The answer came out with a hint of melancholy, barely a whisper in the wind.
One day, like many others, the lookout became my refuge. I sat in the same place as always, with food spread around me. Since Novara stopped happening, I could make whatever mess I wanted without anyone scolding me.
The wind blew gently through the branches, and the rustling of dry leaves was the only sound that accompanied me… until a deep voice broke the tranquility.
— Dyr Yuuzora?
The tone was imposing, heavy, as if each word carried a weight he couldn't ignore.
Turning around, my eyes met the figure of a man in a black suit, dark glasses and a rigid posture that gave him an intimidating presence.
I didn't know him, but I wasn't afraid either.
— Mr. Novara asked me to come get you. Can you come with me?
The mention of that name was enough to make me stand up immediately.
Without thinking, I ran towards the stranger.
If Novara were here, she would surely have scolded me for following a stranger without asking questions. But at that moment, the excitement was stronger than any doubt.
The journey was a blur of unfamiliar images until we finally reached the city.
The tall buildings and the constant noise seemed strange to me, but what caught my attention most was the place where he took me.
A huge building, with a peculiar smell. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't familiar either.
Everything was white.
People dressed in white walked back and forth with serious expressions. Some were sitting on chairs with wheels, while others had rooms of their own.
And between all those doors…
There he was.
Novara's silhouette was found lying in one of those rooms, enveloped in an artificial light that made her skin appear paler.
The air caught in my throat for a second before my legs reacted.
I ran to him, my heart pounding in my chest, fury burning inside me.
— Old shit! Why didn't you come?!
The voice came out in a scream, but something else accompanied my words.
My face felt hot. At the same time, something cold was sliding down my cheeks.
As if it were raining.
— Dyr…?
Tired eyes rested on me with a spark of recognition.
— Oh, it's Dyr... Sorry, but I was busy.
The answer was so calm that it hurt even more.
— You could have warned me! I waited for you every day!
Novara's lips curved into a slight smile, but her eyes reflected something she couldn't decipher.
— Oh, yeah… Sorry, I was busy.
The silence stretched for a moment before the gaze softened.
— I see you've grown up. How old are you?
— Say…say…seventeen…
The voice cracked in the attempt to remain firm.
My fists clenched tightly, as if that could contain the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped me.
— How much time passed…?
The question hung in the air, laden with disbelief.
—Did you really wait for me all that time?
Novara's eyes narrowed, staring at me with something I couldn't quite place.
— It's been more than ten years... and you haven't forgotten old decrepit Novara...
The weight of a warm hand rested on my head.
— You are more persistent than I expected.
I couldn't answer.
I had no idea what he was saying.
The words floated around me, distant, meaningless.
All I could do was let out little moans as my tears fell uncontrollably.
— Dad…how do you feel?
Someone else's voice interrupted the moment.
Turning around, I saw a girl come in and head straight to Novara with a neutral expression, without even looking at me.
- Good morning.
The tone was cold, disinterested.
In his hands he held a small bouquet of flowers.
He passed by me as if I didn't exist.
— Sorry to interrupt. I'm leaving now.
I blinked, stunned.
Quickly wiping away my tears, I turned my head to look at her in more detail.
Long, silky hair, delicate features, skin as fine as silk…
His presence was perfect. Unattainable.
— Oh, I never told you?
Novara's tone shocked me.
—This is my daughter, Nanatori Novara.
My eyes widened in surprise.
— She's the reason I brought you here.
A hand slipped inside the robe she was wearing.
For a moment, everything was silent.
— I wanted to give this to you.
When the hand came back out, something rested in his palm.
A small piece of meat.
— Dyr…I want to give you this…
- Meat?
The surprise was genuine.
The piece of tissue rested in his hand like any other piece of meat, with nothing that made it special at first glance.
— No…It's a part of the immortal…
Novara's tone was serious.
A chill ran down my spine.
— Wasn't that a story you made up?
Novara's eyes locked with mine with an intensity that left me breathless.
— No…I just wanted to prepare you for this day.
The world seemed to become smaller.
— But you were very young… A child in every sense of the word.
The words were soft, but heavy as lead.
— Dangerous people found out that I have this…
A lump formed in my throat.
—I told you what people did for a miserable approach to divinity, didn't I?
Images of her story came back to me suddenly.
The immortal being devoured…
People blinded by greed…
The screams…
The pain…
— I don't need it!
The scream escaped my lips before I realized it.
— Novara, I'm not interested in that... It was the reason you didn't come back, so I don't want it!
The room was silent for a few seconds.
Novara sighed.
— It's not like that…
His voice grew softer, as if he understood my confusion.
— Dyr…I wanted to give it to you to give you a responsibility that does not correspond to you.
The air felt denser.
— I wanted you to take care of my daughter…
My heartbeat echoed loudly in my ears.
— I'm dying.
No.
— I can't do it anymore.
Not…
— Please, Dyr…
His eyes narrowed wearily.
— I tried to avoid giving you this suffering…but I can't anymore.
My body shuddered.
— I have no one to turn to…
A roar of frustration formed in my chest.
—Isn't the immortal bastard supposed to be…immortal?!
The scream tore through the room.
— He is…
Novara smiled bitterly.
— I'm just a human, Dyr… My legs were shaking.
— Eat your meat.
Time stood still.
—That way you won't have to run around for fear that someone will come looking for this treasure.
The words struck like knives.
— So you can gain power for a while…
The heart was beating so hard that it hurt.
— Enough to make my daughter disappear from the map…
Novara's fingers gripped my wrist in one last plea.
— I beg you, Dyr…