To be honest, only after flying around Heaven for about an hour was I finally able to completely calm down and pull myself together. Ever since my very first appearance in this universe, I'd felt "out of my element." Despite being one of the most powerful beings in this place, I was afraid of every rustle and couldn't think coherently.
This thought occurred to me when I pondered: wouldn't I give myself away if I flew around for too long? And then something more fundamental dawned on me.
Adam was a headstrong guy who did what he wanted, as long as he didn't break the laws. And me? In my life, I was that guy who was afraid of offending someone or getting in the way… Give way to a stranger? Naturally. Stand at a pedestrian crossing, waiting for the cars to finally end? Only way. Help someone? Already on my way…
And now I have to portray a narcissistic asshole. And, frankly, my very nature rebels against it. That's why there are mood swings (well, that and Adam's personality, which weighs on me every second), stupid decisions, and mistakes I could have avoided altogether.
On top of all that – the feeling of unreality, amazement at the wonders surrounding me, the incredible power within me that I can't yet control… In short, the full package for dizziness and bewilderment.
But now, listening to some pleasant song while flying, I was finally able to gather my thoughts. The flight cleared my head of unnecessary worries and allowed me to look at everything more rationally.
I wasn't always this… pathetic.
At a younger age, I demanded obedience from people, the fulfillment of my desires. I was strong.
And then came the understanding that my strength was worthless if a "weakling" suddenly had a knife or a gun. That forced me to change. That, and a bunch of various isekai literature, reading which I saw examples of true strength. The kind with which you can demand, control, influence.
I won't become that narcissistic teenager I once was. And I won't become that narcissistic Adam who previously owned this body. But I'm not going to remain a fucking doormat who's scared of everything either!
First, I'll study this world. At least minimally. Then I'll find some arena and train until I hone my skills. I'm not going to tremble in fear before some Seraphim. In the animated series, it was said that Adam and Lilith were their equals as the first humans. And the strong will never fear an equal. That's my final word.
And though I said that, upon returning home, fatigue washed over me. Not physical – that seemed to be completely switched off. I felt neither tiredness nor discomfort. But morally… Basically, I was fucking exhausted.
Traditionally, there are several ways for moral rest: sex, communication, entertainment, or sleep. There's also food, but I'm not going to ruin my perfect body by turning into a hog. I had enough problems with that in my past life – gained 20 kilograms after an injury, lost my shape… Ah, to hell with that past!
Sex is not an option. Simply no one to have it with: you need to trust your partner, and I have… none. Of course, there's Charlie – she's a kind girl, no rottenness in her, but our relationship isn't like that.
Communication has the same problem. It requires honesty and openness, and right now, I'm not ready to show them.
That leaves entertainment and sleep.
Sleep – that's understandable. I'll definitely need to sleep when night comes… Does night even happen in Heaven?...
And entertainment… As I said, I love to read. I love learning about new universes, their lore, and plots. And now I can combine pleasure with utility: learn more about Adam's past, and also get distracted from my own shitty past.
Exactly. Sounds like a plan!
Well, before that, I still need to get myself something, tea, popcorn, goodies, in short.
I entered the house through the balcony, because why not? It was very conveniently located, and going down the stairs when you can impressively step into the room with a gust of wind behind you is much more interesting. But the kitchen, in theory, should be on the first floor. Although, I should probably inspect the whole house. What if I find something interesting? And I need to know about my domain.
The quiet rustle of my slightly unfamiliar attire disturbs the serenity of the bedroom as I slowly get out of bed. The floor underfoot is pleasantly cool – smooth marble with golden veins. A light scent of vanilla and white lilies hangs in the air… Interesting, how do I even know these scents? I never knew anything about this stuff. Maybe Adam did?
Gently pushing the massive door, I step out into the second-floor corridor. The walls are adorned with delicate stucco and paintings with portraits of… me. I mean, Adam. Though, perhaps, now me too. Self-admiration had reached a whole new level. Along the corridor, wall sconces flicker with a soft light, creating a cozy but slightly pompous atmosphere.
Alright, let's inspect the second floor.
The first thing that catches my eye is the guest room – the door is ajar, perfect order reigns inside. A white canopy bed, a mirror in a gilded frame, and light, almost weightless curtains on the windows create a feeling of lightness and… some cloying perfection. I wonder if it has ever been used? Or is it just a beautifully decorated storage room for air?
Next is the study, which also seems to have been a small library. Ancient books and an inkwell with a golden quill are scattered on the massive desk. The shelves are lined with volumes in white and gold bindings. A faint smell of paper and wood hangs in the air. The atmosphere of an intelligent but very busy person. I'll have to inspect everything here...
Two bathrooms. Both in marble, mirrors, warm light – everything as it should be in decent places for morning contemplation of existence.
I approach the mirror, look at myself. Apart from the robe that hides my body, I'm satisfied with everything. Light brown hair, golden eyes, a slight stubble… Can it be removed? In my past life, I often fought with facial hair, but at some point, I just gave up. I wonder, what if…
Putting a bit of light into my desires… How strange that sounds… I touched my goatee and swiped my hand across it, as if brushing off dirt. Hmm, the goatee was gone. Now I look younger… About 25, probably. I've never been good at guessing age by face. Oh well.
Now it's time to go downstairs.
I place my hand on the smooth railing of the staircase. It's wide, white, with ornate golden inserts. Each step sounds muffled, slightly echoing in the spacious hall. Downstairs, a magnificent view of the living room opens up.
My eyes immediately fix on the fireplace with a massive mirror above it. I wonder why there's a mirror here? Maybe something like a TV? Noble elegance reigns in the living room: a soft cream-colored sofa, a grand piano in the corner, sunlight playing on the polished surface of the marble floor. Luxurious. Damn luxurious.
I slowly walk past the music room. A special atmosphere reigns here – sheet music, a harp, string instruments on stands, soundproofing cubes. It's as if echoes of melodies still linger in the air. This place will clearly help me later to learn one of the important skills: playing instruments.
But back to the goal. The kitchen.
I peek into a small toilet on the first floor – bright, refined, but I don't linger; it strongly resembles what was upstairs.
Continuing my search, I finally find myself in the kitchen.
Warm sunlight floods the marble countertop. Snow-white cabinets with golden patterns shimmer in the morning light. In the center of the kitchen stands a table with bar stools, and above it – a sparkling chandelier, casting a play of reflections on the ceiling.
A mini-bar in the corner catches my eye – a chic glass stand with exquisite bottles. I run my fingers over the smooth glass, wondering what one could find here. The refrigerator nearby, impressively sized, like a vault of treasures. I carefully open it. Inside – an assortment worthy of a restaurant: fruits and fresh produce for every taste. And there's the popcorn. You can tell right away they don't just have dinner here, but also host movie marathons.
I stop, slowly examining the room, inhaling the light aroma of vanilla. It's cozy, warm, although there's a feeling that this place lacks a hostess. Such is the life of a lonely rock star in Heaven.
Let's get cooking.
The kitchen filled with the aromas of fresh bread, sausage, and the barely perceptible smell of tea. With a light rustle, I tore open the cheese popcorn package and tossed a few airy pieces into my mouth. Crunch. The taste was a bit bland, but still pleasant.
Tea. Tea bags, of course. In Heaven. Where, it would seem, everything should be perfect. With some disappointment, I dropped a tea bag into a mug, poured boiling water over it, and sniffed. The aroma of Earl Grey tea slightly soothed my indignation. At least something familiar.
Now for sandwiches. I methodically sliced bread into small pieces, added thinly sliced sausage, and topped it with circles of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. This whole picture looked appetizing enough to make me wonder for a second: do I even need to eat? After all, I'm in an angel's body, and I don't feel physical hunger… But out of habit, I took a sandwich and took a bite. Delicious. So, for now, I can afford such a luxury. Besides, the toilets, along with showers and bathtubs, were in every bathroom, which kind of hints at it...
As I was about to leave, I stopped for a moment and looked at the refrigerator. Raising my palm, I concentrated, and the refrigerator door slowly opened. Inside, bottles with different drinks stood neatly. Milk, juices, mineral water… And wine. I took a dark bottle; there was something in Latin on the label. Maybe some elite heavenly wine? Well, we'll check later.
So as not to carry everything in my hands, I used light: a slight mental effort – and the plate of sandwiches, popcorn, cup of tea, and bottle of wine hovered in the air, neatly following me. Convenient. The main thing is not to drop them like some clumsy half-baked magician.
Returning to the bedroom, I gently landed on the bed and allowed all the items to settle on the bedside table. Oh yes, this is real comfort. Lying down, snacking, and immersing myself in reading.
So, where did I leave off last time?...