Chapter 1: The Father, the Hunter, and the Child
The cathedral of Solaria knew no shadows. Beneath its dome of pure crystal, the light of the Eternal Sun was filtered into a divine radiance, bathing the marble floor in a constant warmth. At the center of this sanctuary stood a man, hands clasped, motionless—like a statue of devotion before a great silver cross. To any observer, he looked like nothing more than a devoted priest.
He wore a pitch-black priest's robe, its fabric seemingly absorbing the surrounding light, creating a striking contrast with the silver crucifix resting on his chest. His hair was deep jet black, with golden roots. His sculpted face bore a smile of infinite gentleness—the smile of a loving father, of a shepherd watching over his flock. His eyes, clear, pure, and innocent, resembled those of a child.
Adam, the Sun God, felt strangely out of place.
"It has been five years since I awakened in this world that was once only fiction… I have become the Sun God, and my appearance is that of the former Sun God. At first, I thought I had awakened in the world of Lord of the Mysteries as 'him,' but I am actually in the world of Honkai: Star Rail*. Unlike 'him,' I have no race to slaughter and no humanity to save."*
"This universe is filled with advanced civilizations, Aeons, and Paths that grant immense power. Destroying planets as if it were nothing… A genocide of non-humans would only bring chaos, not the order I seek. After awakening on this planet, I began building my churches and expanding my anchors—allowing me, despite my state, to retain a semblance of humanity. My church grows, my anchors take root in this world… but for what ultimate purpose?"
"In my previous life, I was just a student whose only concern was exams. I was cheerful. I joked. I was alive. But here… I feel nothing."
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light footsteps echoing across the marble—hesitant steps, accompanied by the soft rustling of a small dress.
Kafka stood at the entrance, her usual confidence tinged with a hint of curiosity. Beside her, a small girl hid behind her legs. She had dark violet hair, almost plum-colored, and eyes that sparkled with precocious intelligence—a direct inheritance from her mother.
"Adam," Kafka began, her voice carrying that smooth, teasing nonchalance. "It's been a while—five years, isn't it? Let me introduce you to our daughter—your daughter. Her name is Elara. She just turned five, and I brought her here so she could meet you… she really wanted to. I also want you to take care of her. I'll be very busy soon—you know my line of work. She's a bit too… noticeable for my current lifestyle."
As Kafka finished speaking, she continued observing the man before her—the man with whom she had spent a single night, the one who had left her pregnant. After five years, he had changed. His appearance seemed altered, yes—but what intrigued her the most was his aura. Standing before him felt like standing before the sun itself.
She had noticed it the moment she arrived on this planet: the ecosystem was perfect, the resources seemingly endless. She had conducted research on both the man and this world. On the surface, it appeared to be an ordinary planet. But after his arrival, everything had changed. Churches began to rise, and a Sun God started to be worshipped.
Even with the help of Silver Wolf, no concrete information could be found. Their last attempt had even come at a cost—Blade had been severely burned. According to him, he had seen… a massive sun.
Even Elio had warned them to stay away from him. And yet, Kafka's curiosity toward this priest—or perhaps this angel—had only grown.
Moreover, since entering this church, something else had unsettled her: despite the many guards outside, the interior was completely empty… except for him.
Adam slowly turned his head. His smile did not falter, but his golden eyes scanned the little girl. Those same eyes radiated an unwavering warmth, like an inner sun—yet remained as innocent and clear as those of a newborn.
"After five years, you finally decide to come back to see me—and you didn't come alone. A child of ours? And you chose to bring her to me now…" Adam said. His voice was a complex melody, both smoothing and warm. "You seem quite certain that I would accept. Very well, I accept your request. I am, in fact, quite curious about her myself."
Kafka smiled charmingly and crouched down toward the little girl, who had until now only listened to the conversation between her two "parents."
"Go on, Elara. Say hello to your father. He's a very important man. He'll be your guardian from now on."
The little girl took a hesitant step forward, her small hands clutching the hem of her dress. She looked up at Adam, intimidated by his dark figure and the aura that pressed down on the room like an unbearable atmospheric weight.
"My mom said you're my father… Are you… are you an angel? Aunt Silver Wolf told me angels are just myths and don't exist…" she whispered, her voice trembling, yet filled with vibrant curiosity.