Shortly after, the two were seated face-to-face at one of the tables in Ginza West Aoyama Garden, one of Tokyo's most traditional and luxurious cafés, renowned for its artisanal cakes and sophisticated ambiance. The sweet aroma of vanilla and fresh butter lingered in the air, mingling with the faint bitterness of freshly brewed coffee.
Kazuya lounged in the cushioned armchair, a cup of coffee by his side and a plate with a generous slice of Shortcake, the famous Japanese strawberry cake. He cut into the cake calmly with his fork, as if the presence of the Infinite Serpent across from him was an everyday occurrence.
Ophis, in contrast, sat motionless, her hands delicately resting in her lap. Before her was a piece of Baumkuchen, the "tree cake" that the place served as one of its specialties. She didn't touch her plate, merely keeping her eyes fixed on Kazuya.
"…When are you going to help me?" she asked in her neutral tone, laced with what sounded like childish impatience. "Why not now?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, observing him closely.
"I can feel it, something tells me you're far stronger than Baka Red… Even though I can't sense anything from you…"
Kazuya paused his fork's movement for a moment, looking at her in silence. He was slightly impressed by how sharp her instincts were; after all, due to his Third Magic, it was simply impossible for beings of lower dimensions to sense any kind of power from him. Perhaps that was what had kept Ophis from seeking him out much earlier.
But today, she had been there at the parliament…
Coincidence?
No!
He could easily discern the reason through his [Omniscience]. She was simply in the city and decided to take a stroll while waiting for Vali and his team, who had something to do there… Knowing this, he chuckled softly, resting his chin on his hand as if he found her statement both flattering and inconvenient.
"Hah… are you serious?" he commented, smirking. "Ophis-chan, you really have a… direct way of asking for things…"
He set the fork down on the plate and leaned forward, meeting her gaze with a mysterious glint in his eyes.
"But I'll let you in on a little secret… even if I'm stronger than this 'Baka Red,' there are reasons not to go around defeating dragons in the middle of the afternoon, got it?"
Ophis blinked once but didn't respond. She simply continued staring at him with that silent intensity that seemed to pierce through the soul.
Kazuya smiled again, resuming cutting his cake as if nothing was happening.
"Have patience, Ophis. Everything has its time…" After saying this, he took another bite of the shortcake, chewing slowly as if the flavor were the real reason he was there. He closed his eyes and sighed exaggeratedly, clicking his tongue.
"Mmm… perfect. Just the right amount of sweetness, fresh strawberries, whipped cream light as a cloud…" He propped his elbow on the table, looking at Ophis with a mischievous grin. "And you want me to go play at killing dragons now? Seriously?"
Ophis tilted her head, her dark eyes fixed on him, almost like a child trying to solve a puzzle.
"…You said there were reasons."
"Exactly. The reason is right in front of you. This place closes soon, and you really want to trade a freshly baked Baumkuchen for a fight with Baka Red?" He raised an eyebrow theatrically. "I'm not an idiot. Priorities, Ophis-chan."
She lowered her eyes to her plate, as if only now noticing what was in front of her.
"…Priority?"
"Good food always comes before carnage, my dear." He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, his brown eyes gleaming with mischief. "Especially when we're talking about a cake that melts in your mouth."
Ophis blinked slowly.
"…I don't understand."
Kazuya laughed, shaking his head.
"Of course you don't. You seem like the type who's never sat in a café just to enjoy life." He gently pushed her plate closer to her with his fork. "Come on, try it."
She looked at the fork, then at him.
"…Why?"
"Because I'm telling you to." He grinned provocatively, holding out the utensil. "Or are you saying the almighty Infinite Serpent is afraid of a piece of cake?"
Ophis didn't respond but took the fork delicately, cutting a small piece and bringing it to her mouth. The sweet, soft flavor of the cake made her pause for a moment, as if her brain were struggling to process the new sensation.
"…It's sweet."
"Congratulations, you've stated the obvious." Kazuya laughed, leaning back in his chair. "But it's more than that, isn't it? Texture, lightness, balance… You can't just reduce a Baumkuchen to 'sweet.'"
Ophis chewed slowly, thoughtfully.
"…Good."
"Now that's progress." He raised his hand as if celebrating her achievement. "See? Better than getting all dirty fighting the red lizard."
The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable but carried that peculiar strangeness unique to Ophis. She continued eating in silence, cutting small pieces, each one slower than the last, as if analyzing every detail.
Kazuya watched her, amused by the scene.
"You know, you're almost cute like this. A quiet little girl eating cake in a fancy café. No one would ever believe you're the closest thing to infinity out there."
"…I *am* infinity," she corrected immediately, as serious as ever.
Kazuya burst out laughing, lightly tapping the table.
"And I'm the most handsome guy in Japan. I think we're tied in exaggeration."
She stared at him for a few more seconds before returning to her cake, as if she didn't have the energy to decipher that kind of response.
Kazuya, meanwhile, took another bite of his shortcake.
"So, Ophis-chan… what would you do if I said I'd never help you defeat Baka Red?"
She paused her fork, lifting her gaze.
"…I'd wait."
"That's it?" he arched an eyebrow, almost disappointed. "No 'I'll destroy you' or 'I'll curse you'?"
"…No."
"So boring…" Kazuya sighed, taking another bite. "But that kinda suits you. You've got all the time in the world, after all."
She didn't respond, just kept eating. Her silence, paradoxically, was an invitation for him to keep talking.
"See, that's the problem with you dragons and infinite entities: you take everything too seriously." He gestured theatrically with his fork. "Life's too short not to enjoy a decent coffee, a perfect cake, and good company."
Ophis blinked, still chewing.
"…Company?"
"Yup." He smirked. "You didn't notice? I'm complimenting you, Ophis-chan. It's not every day I have coffee with the Dragon who's the materialized concept of infinity and… how should I put it… delightfully eccentric."
She lowered her gaze to the cake, processing his words too literally.
"…I'm company."
"Exactly." He clapped his hands, satisfied. "See how fast you learn?"
She chewed another piece, unfazed by his sarcasm.
Kazuya leaned back, crossing his legs and sipping his coffee.
"So let's make a deal: first, we finish this cake. Then you tell me exactly why you hate Baka Red so much. Maybe I'll even help you, but only if the story's good enough."
Ophis lifted her eyes, staring at him with that neutral yet disarmingly innocent expression.
"…Alright."
Kazuya grinned widely, that smile blending charm and danger.
"Great." He raised his cup in an impromptu toast. "To cakes that save lives and Dragons who don't know how to smile."
Ophis blinked, not understanding, but took another bite of her cake.
A few minutes later, after a comfortable silence, Kazuya finished the last bite of his shortcake, wiping his lips with a napkin and leaning back in his chair, satisfied. He watched Ophis, who had now decided to try the coffee that came with her cake. She brought the cup to her lips delicately, as if unaccustomed to enjoying human beverages.
"…It's bitter."
Kazuya laughed, leaning forward.
"Yeah, but you get used to it. In the end, the bitterness pairs well with the sweetness of the cake. A kind of perfect balance, got it?"
Ophis looked at him for a moment, as if pondering his strange logic. Then she took another sip, more confidently this time.
"…Good."
"See? It's just a matter of practice." Kazuya raised his cup, lightly clinking it against hers in a silent toast. "To first human experiences and all the learning you're doing today."
Ophis blinked, showing no immediate reaction but allowing the clink to happen. Kazuya seized the moment of silence to shift the topic, his cunning gaze settling on her eyes.
"Now tell me… why do you want me to defeat Baka Red?" He leaned in, resting his chin on his hand, feigning intense curiosity.
She furrowed her brow, as if seriously reflecting on the question.
"…I want… the silence back."
Kazuya raised an eyebrow, surprised she didn't give a grandiose or philosophical answer.
"Silence?"
"Yes," Ophis replied bluntly. "Baka Red invaded my home. He's too noisy. I… want the silence back."
Kazuya chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms casually. "Oh, so it's not about revenge or destroying civilizations… it's just… silence?"
She nodded, as serious as ever. "Yes. Silence is important."
"Got it… makes sense." He scratched his chin thoughtfully before flashing another crooked smile. "You're way too practical, Ophis-chan. An infinite dragon who just wants a bit of domestic peace."
Ophis stared at him, her dark eyes unwavering, devoid of any trace of humor.
"And you? Could you help me?"
Kazuya shook his head slowly. "Look… I *could*, but taking out a Baka Red is a bit… you know? He's got an important role in this world, unfortunately…"
She frowned, confused. "…So you won't help me?"
"I will." He grinned, leaning forward conspiratorially. "But I've got a better idea. Instead of you trying to kill Baka Red, how about… you live with me for a while?"
Ophis blinked, surprised. "…Live with you?"
"Exactly." Kazuya replied, resting his elbow on the table and looking at her with that charming yet dangerous expression. "My place is quieter than you can imagine. Even more than the Dimensional Gap. You'd have all the silence you want, without worrying about a noisy Baka Red invading your life."
She paused, processing the proposal, her eyes slightly widened.
"…Silence?"
"Yup." Kazuya shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You want silence, right? So come to a place where it's guaranteed. And if you want, I can even teach you some coffee and cake tricks in the meantime."
Ophis leaned forward slightly, her fingers brushing the edge of her cup.
"…That would be… good."
Kazuya grinned widely, pleased with her reaction. "Perfect. Then it's settled."
She nodded slowly, a simple gesture carrying her approval.
Kazuya left some coins on the table, paying the bill with the ease of someone who did it every day, and stood up, stretching his back.
"Come on, Ophis-chan. Time to head to your… new 'silent home.'"
She stood without hesitation, following him with calm steps, her light dress swaying as she walked beside him.
"Wait." Kazuya paused for a moment and looked at her with that smile blending mischief and charm. "In exchange for living with me, I want you to help me out a bit."
Ophis raised a delicate hand, and with a simple gesture, a black snake made of magical energy coiled around her wrist, her dark eyes glowing faintly.
"I can give you this… in exchange for your silence."
Kazuya shook his head calmly, unfazed. "No need for the snakes, Ophis-chan. I just want you to help me with something when the time comes. Nothing extravagant or ghostly critters."
She blinked, processing that, but nodded. "…I'll help."
"Perfect." He smiled casually, as if they were settling something mundane. Then he stepped back, lightly extending his hand.
In an instant, without flashy effects or any spark, the two vanished and reappeared in an entirely different space, while the memories of everyone nearby about them were erased.
They were in a small, cozy house floating in what seemed like an absolute, dark void. The floor, the walls—everything seemed to stretch into infinity, yet somehow the atmosphere was warm and silent.
Kazuya leaned casually against a doorframe, crossing his arms. "There you go, Ophis-chan. Make yourself at home. Silence guaranteed, no Baka Red to bother you."
She took a few cautious steps into the space, the infinite darkness enveloping her like a silent embrace. Then she stopped, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply, savoring the still air, the absolute void. A delicate smile appeared on her face.
"It's… good."
Kazuya smiled, satisfied, watching her enjoy the moment as if it were the simplest and most perfect thing in the world. He had created this place with [Innovate Clear], which, being a subspecies rather than just a universe where he was a God, was actually several universes. The difference was that each one required magical energy to sustain, which wasn't an issue for his infinite reserves.
"Glad you like it."
Ophis opened her eyes and looked at him, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint smile. "Thank you… Kazuya."
He waved a hand dismissively, relaxed.
"No need to thank me. Just enjoy your time here and don't worry about anything else. When you need help, I'll show up…"
She nodded before taking a few more steps into the void, exploring the space with the attention and curiosity of someone discovering a new world.
Kazuya decided to say goodbye: "Alright then… enjoy, Ophis-chan. I'm heading out now. But don't worry, you won't lack for anything here."
She lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes faintly glowing in the infinite darkness. "…Alright."
With a casual wave, Kazuya disappeared as silently as he had arrived, leaving Ophis alone in the space that was now hers, in perfect peace. She took a few steps, closed her eyes again, and smiled, soaking in every second of the absolute silence she finally possessed.
___________________
(A/N: ✨ Extra Chapter Goals ✨
📚 For every 5 five-star reviews → +1 extra chapter released!(Only two left ~)
💎 For every 100 Power Stones → +1 extra chapter released!
The more support you give, the faster new chapters will arrive! 🚀🔥
Also, if you want to read up to 20 advanced chapters of the story and support the project, check out my Patreon:
My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon
📚 For $5.99, you get full access to ALL content, no holding back.
Thank you so much for your support, and see you in the next chapter!)