Chapter 157: Overture
Things were hectic for the rest of the day, but Kaizer was eventually able to drag his weary body back home. He did not remember the last time was when he stepped into the shared villa between himself and Rina, but coming back now, he felt a bit nostalgic.
The interior of the villa was quiet, still holding the cool chill of late evening, and Kaizer could hear every soft click of his boots as he stepped inside. The moment the door shut behind him, the noise of the world was finally cut off... no more screaming fans, no hovering drones, no reporters flinging microphones into his face or hands trying to pull him every which way.
Just silence.
Sweet, blessed silence.
Kaizer stood there for a moment in the hallway, breathing in the familiar scent of home. There was Rina’s sandalwood shampoo mixed with his own faint aftershave while the faint hum of the air condition system kicked in, allowing him to drop his shoulders in relief.
The living room had barely changed. Rina’s ridiculous oversized beanbag still took up one corner and his books on psychic theory as well as metaphysics were still neatly arranged along the floating shelves. Someone—probably Sophia or Maria—had left a congratulatory cake box on the table with "OVERLORD" written in icing and way too many exclamation marks.
He smirked at it, then made his way to the bathroom.
His body still ached. Every joint, every muscle, every nerve fiber and as he passed by the mirror, he caught sight of his reflection and paused.
Dirt streaked his cheeks, his lips were split while his jacket was half burned, singed and ragged from the final clash with Rina. The Esper Crown still rested on his head, a faint glow pulsing from it like it was synced to his heartbeat.
Kaizer stared at himself for a long moment.
"...Huh."