Chapter 8: A World Beyond

Chapter 8: A World Beyond

"It has many names. But the most common one is The Umbraverse."

With that, Hela ended her explanation about her world. Her words lingered in the air for a moment, heavy with implications. Then she turned to Noir, her expression unreadable as she asked, "But why do you want to know about my previous world?"

Noir, who had been listening with rapt attention, didn't hesitate to respond. "You know, until about five years ago, I considered this world to be a peaceful one. I genuinely liked it. But as I grew older... I realized something. This world isn't meant for me. Or maybe—I'm not meant for it."

His voice carried a calm finality, the kind that could only come from deep reflection.

"You're a god too. You must know how exhausting it is to suppress your powers constantly. Pretending to be weak, pretending to fit in. It's all so dull now. Nothing excites me here anymore. I'm done being a simple human. I want out. I want to go somewhere else… somewhere that accepts my existence as I am."

He paused, his fingers curling slightly as if holding back a memory or a surge of energy. Even though he understood that Hela's world was chaotic—possibly dark, even evil—it didn't matter to him. Power or not, Noir was drawn to the unknown. A place where he didn't have to hide.

Hela listened silently, her eyes narrowing slightly as she caught a flicker of red in Noir's hair. His red eye had briefly taken dominance, a momentary shift in his aura. But as quickly as it came, it faded, and his normal state returned.

"I understand your point," she said slowly. "But you must also understand—I came here for a reason. Things are different now. If it were a few years ago, I wouldn't hesitate to take you with me. But now..."

Her voice took on a rare vulnerability, and then she met his gaze directly. "Everything has changed. Truly powerful gods have descended there recently. Gods who don't follow the old rules."

She hesitated again before continuing, her tone more serious than before. "The truth is, I was here to seek Yahweh's help. After all, he's one of the most powerful gods in existence. I thought, with his support, I could at least repel a few of the malevolent ones. But I couldn't find him. It's like he's vanished."

Noir leaned back slightly, processing her words. He could sense the danger, but it didn't sway him. Her reluctance to take him made little sense in his mind.

"Is this really about my safety?" he asked. "Because if it is, you don't need to worry. No matter how strong they are, they can't kill me."

There was no arrogance in his voice—just confidence. Calm, measured confidence.

Hela opened her mouth to reprimand him, but he cut her off with a single sentence:

"And I'm not bluffing."

His eyes met hers again—those strange, mesmerizing heterochromatic eyes—and this time, she couldn't deny what she saw: sincerity. An unshakable belief in himself.

She had been observing him for some time now, yet she still couldn't fully understand him. What exactly was he?

"Fine," she said at last. "I'll take you there. But your survival... will be entirely your own responsibility."

Noir nodded without hesitation. A thrill ran through him. Finally—finally—he would be able to visit another world. As for her warning? He brushed it aside mentally. He had never expected protection from anyone.

"Then whenever you're ready," she said, rising from her throne.

"I'll meet some people first. We can leave then." Noir replied. There were a few people he needed to see—his closest friends, and finally see.. the old man. It wasn't a farewell. Not really. With teleportation powers, distance was a minor inconvenience.

"Alright. We'll meet here again after you are ready."

Dark fire engulfed her form, and within moments, a majestic black phoenix burst forth. The divine creature gave one powerful flap of its wings—and then vanished, taking Hela with it.

Noir stood silently for a few moments, letting everything settle. Then he slowly descended to the ground. He looked down at his clothes—still wearing the academy uniform.

"That won't do."

He headed back to his apartment. There, he changed into something far more comfortable: a loose black t-shirt, black cargo pants, and white sneakers. His usual look. Familiar. Comfortable. His identity.

Once on the balcony, he whispered under his breath.

'Acquire: [Flight]'

---

New Power Acquired: [Flight]

[Flight]: The user can fly under any condition, ignoring gravity and other physical factors.

---

Information on how to use it entered his mind. It was quite simple to use.

Now that he noticed, he hasn't actually acquired any kind of power till now, which demanded his efforts.

He smiled at this thought.

With a mere thought, his body lifted into the air. He was already used to this due [Levitation] which he developed with [Absolute Mind]. He then bend his legs a little and like a missile, he rocketed forward. He felt like those superheroes in comes. The only difference being that he is capeless.

" Yahoo!" He was enjoying the feeling of air. It wouldn't have been possible before because of vast air resistance. But now after acquiring this power, he didn't feel even slightest resistance. He then increased his speed—his destination clear in his mind.

He appeared above a futuristic-looking house. Sleek, metallic, with solar panels integrated into the outer walls and defensive barriers cloaked in holograms—it stood out even among advanced homes.

Noir landed softly and rang the doorbell a few times. No answer.

Just as he was about to turn away, something caught his eye—a pamphlet stuck in the mailbox.

He pulled it out and read it.

A smirk crept onto his face. "So that's where you are…"

Without another word, he took to the skies again, heading in the direction printed on the flyer.

Soon, he arrived above a massive arena. The roaring of a crowd filled the air—cheers, chants, the thundering sound of fists meeting flesh.

A tournament was underway.

Superhumans were battling in the arena, testing pure strength—anything they had. A proper battlefield for rising warriors.

And the one who had organized this entire event... was his friend. One of the people he hadn't seen in years.

"Heh," Noir chuckled.

'Hey Akasha, do you think he'd still remember me? It's been five years.'

'We'll see then…'

He could have just appeared in front of his friend. But where was the fun in that?

Noir looked down at the two lines forming near the entrance: one for spectators, the other for participants.

Naturally, he walked toward the line for—

—participants.

Let the fun begin.

---

Hii, Author Here!

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you have any suggestions, feel free to use comments. And if you liked it, then do what you do.

Babaye~