Adam, still in Nathan's body, looked at the busy streets of Los Angeles even though it was late at night. His eyes scanned every corner of the city, amazed and confused. The streetlights lined up neatly, casting a golden glow that shimmered in the night air. Cars moved without stopping, engine sounds mixing with horns, creating a rhythm strange to his ears.
"These buildings are like the palaces of Elberia," he murmured softly, looking up at the towering structures, much taller than the castle towers in his hometown. "Tall… even taller than that!"
Adam ran lightly on the sidewalk, as if afraid the beauty would disappear if he stared too long. The blinking lights of advertisements reflected in his eyes. That night, Los Angeles felt like a dream world.
"Nathan!"
A woman's voice broke his daydream. Adam turned. A blonde woman with wavy hair stood not far behind him. Her smile was friendly, and her eyes sparkled with recognition.
Adam did not know the woman, but she was Nathan's apartment neighbor, Sophia, an American who had scolded Nathan a few times—when Nathan's mind was still his own—both in the apartment hall and at the office.
"Are you going on a date with Julian?" Sophia asked, glancing at Adam, neatly dressed in a black shirt.
Adam's eyes narrowed, and his gaze became sharp. "Julian? Oh, no. I'm going on a date with a woman tonight!" he said firmly.
"Oh?" Sophia raised her eyebrows. "No longer with Julian?"
Adam shook his head and walked away without further explanation. Sophia stood there, puzzled by the very different attitude of 'Nathan.'
While walking, Adam thought to himself, 'I have to find a woman to keep me away from Julian, or anyone who thinks I like the same sex… But who?'
His eyes scanned the sidewalk and cafes still open. But no woman caught his attention until a voice called from behind.
"Hey!"
Adam turned. A woman with a slim body, fair skin, and full chest approached confidently. Her lips curved seductively.
"Yes? What is it?" Adam asked.
"You seem to be walking around," the woman said, looking him up and down. "Do you like entertainment women, sir?"
"Entertainment women?" Adam repeated, confused.
The woman smiled and extended her hand. "My name is Natalie. Yours?"
"Nathan," Adam answered briefly.
"An entertainment woman is someone who entertains a man," Natalie explained softly but with intent. "Especially a man who seems full of thoughts like you. You look stressed. Want to talk in a hotel?"
Adam nodded without much thought. He didn't fully understand what a hotel or an entertainment woman was, only that this woman was beautiful and might help him with his plan. They went to a hotel. Once in the room, Natalie started unbuttoning Adam's shirt.
"You are quite handsome. Your body is nice, very sexy," Natalie whispered, letting her fingers trace Adam's chest.
In his mind, Adam realized, 'Oh, so this is what they call an entertainment woman. Just like slaves in Elberia.' He pulled Natalie's chin and kissed her lips. They kissed passionately. But soon, Adam pulled away with a cold sigh.
"Not going to happen," he said coldly.
Natalie looked at him in surprise.
Adam buttoned his shirt again. "You better not do this again, Natalie."
As he turned his back, Natalie secretly reached into her bag and pulled out a folding knife. "You don't want to pay?" she asked threateningly.
Adam shook his head, still facing away. But his instincts sensed the deadly intent coming. Just before the knife struck his head, Adam turned, caught Natalie's wrist, and twisted it hard.
"Aaakh!" Natalie screamed as the knife dropped to the floor.
"Tch, I thought you were a decent woman," Adam said coldly.
Natalie laughed through her pain. "Hahaha! In Los Angeles, there are no good women! Especially prostitutes!"
Her words stabbed Adam's pride. "In the Kingdom of Elberia, I was never treated like this."
"The Kingdom of Elberia? You're crazy," Natalie mocked.
Adam felt angry, like with Julian. He became furious and was about to stab Natalie. But Natalie's fear awakened something inside him. Something burning, the source of all sources. Magic. Adam dropped the knife and fell beside Natalie. He just cried in fear.
"So that's how it is." Adam realized something very important. He looked at Natalie and calmly said, "I forgive your life this time." Then he walked to the door.
But as soon as his hand touched the handle, Natalie screamed, "YOU DIE!" and ran to stab him.
Adam turned quickly. "Jasticus Selentum!" he shouted, his hand moving swiftly.
DUUAASHH!!
Natalie's body slammed against the wall, her organs—especially intestines—destroyed instantly. Blood splattered on the floor. "S-sshit …"
"Seems like humans in this world cannot withstand magic attacks," Adam murmured, staring at the corpse. "Poor slave." He left the room without looking back. "Fear is the key—" Outside the hotel, he bumped into Julian.
"Hey, freak!" Adam called with a sly smile.
Julian glared. "W-what did you say?"
Adam stepped closer, voice challenging. "Now it's time to show you the magic you called stupid!" He raised his hand at Julian. "Jasticus Selentum!"
Nothing happened.
"AAAA!! IT'S GONE!?" Adam shouted frustrated. The magic in him seemed gone again.
"So tiring…" Julian sighed. "Do you want to go home or not?" He held out his hand.
Adam looked at him. Julian's smile at that moment, though simple, radiated a warm light rarely found in this world. There was sincerity there, like a campfire protecting from the night cold. 'His smile is like… Isna…' Adam thought. "Alright! Let's go home," he finally said, taking Julian's hand. They walked together, their steps in sync.
When they arrived at the apartment, the room was quiet. The chandelier glowed softly, lighting up a simple yet cozy living room. Julian opened the door and looked at Adam, now in Nathan's body.
"This is our apartment. I hope you remember that we live together," Julian said flatly, his voice still carrying a mix of tiredness and slight annoyance.
Adam didn't answer. He walked straight to the kitchen, opened a drawer, and took a kitchen knife. The metallic sound made Julian stop. He was still talking about what had happened in the laundry room earlier.
Suddenly, without warning, Adam pushed Julian hard onto the sofa.
BRAKK!
The sound of Julian hitting the sofa made it shift slightly. "Hey!"
Adam immediately leaned over Julian, staring with cold and meaningful eyes.
"E-eh? What's wrong, Nathan?"
Julian stuttered, heart racing. Adam didn't answer. He moved his face close, lips nearly touching Julian's. Meanwhile, his hand slowly drew the knife from his back pocket. The glint made Julian freeze.
"I have sworn to kill you," Adam whispered softly, his voice sharp like poison.
Julian swallowed. But instead of panicking, he smiled faintly. His voice became calm and confident. "I'm not afraid. I know you are trying to scare me. But really, I am not afraid."
The knife came closer to Julian's neck, the cold metal touching his skin. Adam hissed, "In the Kingdom of Elberia, same-sex love is a disgrace. They oppose the Holy Church of Saint Peter. They are executed before the King and the priests. Do you think I am afraid to slay you, foolish human?"
Julian paused, then looked at him courageously. "If that's true, then in the past, you didn't follow the teachings of the scriptures."
Adam frowned. "What do you mean?"
In a soft voice, Julian quoted, "1 John 4:7–8: Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Adam was silent. His eyes softened, and slowly he placed the knife on the table. He breathed heavily, looking shocked. "The Bible… still exists today?" he asked, like a child discovering something new.
Julian nodded.
Adam finally sank onto the sofa, letting his body fall back. He stared at the ceiling and sighed. "I am sorry for what I said."
Julian smiled gently. "So it's true… you're not Nathan?"
Adam could only shake his head. That was enough as an answer.
Julian took a deep breath and stood. He went to the kitchen, poured hot water into two glasses with a sachet of milk, and brought them to Adam. "Drink this," he said, placing a glass in front of him.
Adam looked at it, confused.
"Oh… it's a glass. The glass is…"
Adam sighed, cutting him off. "I know it's a glass. I mean, what is this drink?"
Julian thought Adam didn't know a glass. He chuckled softly. "It's hot chocolate. Be careful, it's hot."
Adam sipped slowly and frowned. "Hmm, it tastes like baby milk!" he said annoyed, then quickly added, "But it's good. Thanks, Ian. I'll call you Ian—it's shorter," Adam said with a faint smile.
Julian nodded. "Sure." He then sat next to Adam, watching curiously.
A short silence filled the room before Adam spoke again. "Ian, about the real Nathan… I mean, his soul."
Julian swallowed, then nodded slowly. "I'm curious. What really happened?"
Adam sighed, placing his glass on the table. "Here's the story. I am Adam, a wizard once trusted by the King of Elberia. But I died when Logia, a dragon created by the dark god Ash, attacked and destroyed the royal feast."
Julian listened seriously, leaning slightly forward.
"I died because my magic ran out," Adam continued softly. "And at the exact same moment, you and Nathan had an accident. You collided." He looked at Julian, pausing for him to absorb the sentence.
Julian's eyes widened. "So… that's why?"
"Yes," Adam nodded firmly. "Ian, Nathan is no longer in this world. Remember what you said at the hospital? About… umm… the coma?"
"Coma state." Julian nodded quickly.
"Yes! During the coma, his soul actually met mine in a celestial realm, where Goddess Hestia dwells. The Goddess liked Nathan and gave permission for him to return. But during the soul synchronization into our bodies, something unexpected happened. I woke up in Nathan's body, while Nathan's soul went into my body in Elberia."
Julian's eyes widened, his breath caught. "Wait… So Nathan is in Adam's body now? In Elberia?"
Adam smiled faintly, nodding. "Finally, you understand. Yes, exactly. Right now Nathan is struggling there, in my body."
Julian was silent, his face troubled. The reality was too hard to accept. 'Have I really lost Nathan? Forever?' he thought in turmoil. Adam saw his worry and suddenly held Julian's hand tightly. Julian was surprised, face red at the gentle gesture he didn't expect.
"You don't need to worry so much, my friend," Adam said seriously, his voice full of confidence. "Nathan will be fine. I believe he can survive there. Sooner or later, there will be a way for us to return to our own places. I just don't know when… the time will come."
Julian lowered his head, lips trembling, but he finally nodded slowly.
Morning in the Kingdom of Elberia
"Isna!" Nathan's voice rang loudly from the inner room. His body was Adam's, but the soul was Nathan's. Isna came lightly, holding a pair of leather shoes she had just polished.
"I knew you were looking for this, right, darling?" she said with a warm smile.
Nathan nodded quickly, taking the shoes. "Exactly." His thin smile tried to mimic Adam's usual calm expression, though he still felt awkward inside.
It had been a week since Isna lived with the man she thought was Adam—her husband. She had no idea that in front of her was only Adam's body with a soul that wasn't his.
"It's only eleven in the morning. Where are you going, darling?" Isna asked gently, adjusting the collar of her husband's shirt.
Nathan smiled faintly, this time more sincerely. "I'm going across the city. There's someone I must meet. Her name… Miranda."
Isna paused. The name raised her suspicion. "Miranda? Who is she? Why do you need to meet her?"
Nathan patted her shoulders lightly. "I will ask Miranda because the people at the tavern said she knows about the attack last week."
Her expression softened. "Oh, okay. Don't come back too late, darling." But in her heart, she still had questions, especially because Nathan's outfit seemed too casual for a long journey. She waved as he walked away, sighing deeply.
"Ah, poor Isna, if only Adam's soul was here."
Walking across the city was exhausting. After an hour, he collapsed under a shady tree, panting. Then he shouted, "I miss Juliaaaaan!!!" breaking the midday silence. "I want to go back! I need a car, bike, or even an ATM here!!!"
He lay on the grass, staring at the sky, rambling to the clouds. "Why isn't there a magic broom for transport? Or something more fantasy-like?" His lips pouted. "And who is this Miranda anyway? Made-up name, yet trusted by Adam's wife."
Remembering something, his face turned sour. "It's been a week since the incident and four days since I slept with her. Ugh, disgusting." He tugged at his own hair. "I don't want to sleep with a woman! Last night, Isna… crazy, she offered herself to me… ew."
"My… bird wouldn't even stand looking at a woman!" He pointed down, grinning lewdly. "But the guys here… hmm, quite handsome. Muahahahaha!" He laughed loudly, fortunately, no one heard. "If there's a muscular guy shaped like a wolf, bear, or cat… wow, so fantasy."
Suddenly, a hoarse cry for help came from the path. "Heeellppp!" A young woman limped, her face pale, almost collapsing.
Nathan jumped up and ran to her. "Are you okay?"
The woman looked up, eyes wide. "ADAAAMMM!!!" she screamed hysterically.
"GODDESS!!!" Nathan yelled just as hysterical. Both shouted almost together.
Quickly, Nathan hugged her tightly. "Goddess! Goddess Hestia!" Tears fell from his eyes.
The Goddess hugged back tightly. "This… it feels like a dream…" she whispered with a heartfelt smile.
"Wait… Adam?" Nathan released the hug, face tense. "It's me, Nathan!"
"EEEEHHHH?!" The Goddess stared, shocked. Her body trembled. "Nathan? How… you…"
"Huewww!!" Nathan sobbed, tears breaking. "Goddess, send me back to Los Angeles now!"
The Goddess looked stunned. "Then… who's in your body now?"
"Adam," Nathan said between sobs.
The Goddess covered her mouth, almost in disbelief. "Your souls… swapped? How can this be?"
Nathan cried even harder, his voice high-pitched. "Hueeee, give me back!!!"
The Goddess didn't pity him, instead she laughed loudly. "Bahahaha! I didn't expect to see Adam cry like such a drama queen!"
Nathan's cries grew louder. "Give me baaaaack!!!"
"Noisy!"
BLETAAK!
The Goddess slapped his head hard.
"Aww!" Nathan grimaced, holding his head.
"Annoying enough. Your voice is too manly to cry like that."
Nathan roared again, even grabbing the Goddess' shirt collar until his white shirt tore. The stitching hung loose. The Goddess was now half-naked.
"Eh…." They both froze.
"Eh…" They looked at each other, confused.
Bamm bamm bamm!
Nathan's head was hit repeatedly. "You fool! This is expensive heavenly cloth! And you…!"
"Huweee, sorry Goddess! Huweee huweee!" Nathan whined, like a child.
The Goddess snorted and let go of her collar. "Enough of this silly act! I'm serious now."
Her words were enough to make Nathan stop. Though still sobbing, he finally held back.
The evening wind blew gently, bringing the scent of wet earth from Elberia's forest. Under a shady tree, two figures looked exhausted, a young man still awkward in his new body, and a Goddess who seemed annoyed.
"Ahem…" Hestia cleared her throat, folding her arms. "Create some water so I can drink."
Nathan's eyes widened, shaking his head strongly.
"What do you mean? You can't?" Hestia leaned forward, disbelieving.
Nathan shook his head again. "I don't know magic."
Hestia slapped her forehead hard. "Oh no, this makes it even harder…" she groaned. "I have almost no magic left and for some reason my power is gone. I used everything just to walk from a desert somewhere unknown! And only drinking water from magic! IT TASTES SO SAD!" she screamed hysterically. "No flavor, no—"
"Then why did you drink water from your magic?" Nathan interrupted innocently.
"You fool!" Hestia slapped his head. "Water created by your own magic is different from water from someone else's magic!"
Nathan grumbled. "I didn't know, ugh…"
Hestia sighed, a little regret on her face. She reached out and stroked Nathan's hair gently. "Alright, I'll teach you."
Nathan looked up, eyes shining slightly.
They moved to a shadier spot under the tree. Hestia sat against the trunk while Nathan stood in front of her. "Because my energy is low, I can't help much. But you can follow my instructions," Hestia said, raising her hand slowly.
"Okay. I'm ready," Nathan said firmly, though his heart raced.
Hestia took a deep breath and began to explain. "In your world, Isekai is probably very common, right?"
Nathan nodded quickly. "I watch anime a lot, so I know."
Unfortunately, Hestia's face grew more serious. "In this world, it's not that simple."
Nathan softened his gaze, leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
"Magic in this world is called ether. Like mana. The difference is, ether here depends on my power. They always say 'in the name of the great Hestia' or 'blessed by Hestia beyond all,' something like that."
Nathan leaned against the tree. "Then, if Goddess Hestia is here… they would be confused to cast magic, and…"
Hestia froze, face tense, then looked down. "I didn't think of that, Nathan…" she whispered bitterly. There was a look of failure in the Goddess of Life's eyes.
Nathan looked at her long. "Ether is not only determined by you. There must be another way…"
Slowly, a smile returned to Hestia's lips. "True. Ether is produced from memories, from recollections in the mind. From there, ether will grow."
Nathan was silent. In his mind he thought, 'Ether from memory? Maybe I can…'
"Now," Hestia continued softly. "If my blessing is not with you, you can say this mantra and ask for help from another God or Goddess." She closed her eyes briefly, then whispered, "I pledge to the great Sky God. Praised is He who sits on the heavenly throne. Then, after that, recall your memory. Understand?"
Nathan nodded firmly.
"Then, after saying the words of reverence, speak the spell, Aquos Senctra. Understand?"
"Okay." Nathan nodded again. Slowly, he raised his hand towards Hestia. Eyes closed. "Words of reverence, right?" He remembered all memories, all moments that mattered. A long breath.
"I praise You who sit above the sky as the support of the throne, the vast Sky God…" Suddenly, a ball of water formed in the air. But memories jumped to a warm moment. Julian's lips pressed against his. Soft, sweet, like melting ice cream. 'Julian…' The water ball grew bigger, vibrating steadily but looking deadly.
"Eee… Nathan…" Hestia's voice was small, trembling.
Nathan didn't listen. He was immersed in his memory. "Aquos… Senctra!"
BLLAAAR!!
The water explosion hit fiercely, throwing Hestia backward. "AAAA!" she cried. She was thrown far, her white clothes soaked, long hair stuck to her face.
Nathan opened his eyes just as Hestia ran back, angry. Her hands immediately grabbed Nathan's shirt collar.
"Nathaaaaaaannn!"
Nathan cried, tears streaming. "Sorry, Goddess! I was too absorbed!"
To be continued…