Multiverse's Holy Right

"Lord Roy!"

Upon hearing Roy's words, both Erica and Liliana cried out in alarm.

To mortals, Heretic Gods were calamities—unstoppable disasters. To Campiones, they were fated enemies, locked in battles of life and death.

Throughout the countless millennia of history, never had a Campione dared to make such a declaration of 'companionship' to a Heretic God as Roy had just done.

To allow a Heretic God to reside within one's own dwelling was, in Erica and Liliana's eyes, an absolute terror.

At this moment, they were utterly stunned by Roy's words.

Even Athena had not anticipated such a statement from him. Her amber eyes—reminiscent of both a serpent and an owl—widened in shock. Her slightly parted lips exhaled a fragrant breath as she stood frozen in disbelief.

"Such absurd and audacious words—this is the first time I have heard them. Roy Crowley, I declare this: you possess the bearing of a hero and the might of a demon king. Had you lived in ancient times, one such as you would undoubtedly have been a great hero, a peerless conqueror."

"...For a Campione to dare issue such a declaration—to share a chamber with a Heretic God—should I call you bold or foolish? Or perhaps, like Zeus, who wielded the sun and thunder, your lust has stirred, and you harbor improper desires toward me?"

Athena's deep, wisdom-filled eyes flashed with a hint of mockery and scorn. "...Male Gods of Steel have triumphed over us, the female Earth Mother Goddess, degrading us into dragons and serpents, or making us their wives or daughters. Even after all these years, this pattern remains unchanged."

Hearing Athena's words, Erica couldn't help but show a doubtful expression. After more than a year of interaction, she had come to understand that Roy was no ascetic monk living a chaste life, but rather a Demon King who indulged in his desires—even to the point of perversion in some aspects. For instance, he would unhesitatingly demand that both she and Liliana share his bed, leaving them no room for refusal.

But to direct such desires toward a Heretic God was terrifying in its own right. Campiones were not supposed to harbor any desires toward Heretic Gods beyond the instinct to "defeat" them—it was their nature, the destined relationship between Campiones and Heretic Gods.

"Goddess Athena, aren't you being a bit too narcissistic? Look at my two knights—can you even compare to them in terms of figure?"

Roy pointed at Erica and Liliana, his gaze lingering particularly on their ample bosoms as if measuring them meticulously, before turning a mocking look toward Athena.

"Hmph... This form is not my true self. Were you to witness my real body, you would never dare entertain such thoughts."

Athena's delicate, crystalline face twisted slightly in displeasure, even anger.

She was a noble goddess, one of the rare virgin deities in Greek mythology. Even if Roy was a Demon King of the earth, a sovereign who slew gods, to tease an ancient goddess like this was nothing short of disrespect.

"Enough. I only ask if you will agree to this promise."

Roy spoke impatiently.

Athena composed herself, her wise eyes settling on Roy as she parted her cherry lips. "...If you share a dwelling with me, do you not fear that I might strike you down unexpectedly?"

"Look at the snow-capped Alps, the breathtaking scenery. As I said before, today's promise involves no bloodshed—only romance and poetry. But that applies only for today."

Roy gestured for Liliana to pour him another cup of coffee.

Athena neither rejected nor accepted, instead continuing, "...And apart from this promise, what is the other condition you mentioned?"

"Simple. If you fulfill your promise, I will hand over the Gorgon Stone to you, allowing you to regain your true form as 'Athena.' Then, as a Campione and a Heretic God, we shall battle. If I kill you, I will naturally usurp your authorities. If I defeat and capture you, you will become my prisoner, my possession for as long as I live."

"...Likewise, if you kill me, we end things as fate dictates between a Campione and a Heretic God. If you defeat and capture me, I will become your possession for as long as I live. How about it, Athena? Fair, isn't it?"

Roy leaned forward, closing the distance between himself and Athena's petite, enchanting face, inhaling the faint floral fragrance that emanated from her as he spoke each word deliberately.

Athena didn't show any shyness either. She stared directly into Roy's double pupils and said sharply, "...So you've indeed developed improper thoughts about me."

"I don't deny that," Roy raised his eyebrows and spoke with arrogant provocation. "Just like your father Zeus in Greek mythology, I too aspire to become the master of the sky, wielding thunder and the sun! Moreover, all this comes with one prerequisite—to defeat and capture the opponent, which is countless times more difficult than simply killing them. What's the matter? Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, are you afraid to accept this wager?"

"There's no need to use provocation on me. As a goddess possessing heavenly wisdom, it's impossible for me not to see through your intentions. Moreover, I know full well there must be traps and schemes in your words. Yet wisdom tells me this is the easiest method for me to reclaim the Gorgon Stone. After that, it will merely be a battle between a Campione and a Heretic God..."

"...Very well. I am the Heretic Goddess Athena, the ancient queen of the Mediterranean, who once personally beheaded the Fool's Child in distant ages. Since you wish to contest with me through force, as the 'Goddess of War,' how could I possibly refuse!"

Athena's voice, though youthful, carried a solemn and haughty tone, exuding majesty and the weight of ancient times—a stark contrast to her petite form and appearance.

Roy couldn't help but marvel at Athena's decisiveness. With a smile, he asked, "...Goddess Athena, aren't you afraid I might go back on my word?"

"It matters not. Should you break your promise, I will slay you—the outcome remains the same... Besides, I have said it many times: I am the Goddess of Wisdom, capable of easily discerning a person's character!"

"...Roy Crowley, I can see through your nature. Though you possess the ambition of a demon king and vast desires, you are a man who does not lightly break his word. Like the heroes of ancient epics, even in the face of death, you would not forsake your oath. Forgive me, for I shall grant you the glorious death befitting a hero."

Athena spoke earnestly, with a hint of regret. Though she despised the steel-wielding heroes, as a goddess, she would not deny—but rather praise—their heroic virtues.

"Ha, to be praised so highly by Goddess Athena, I'm almost embarrassed."

Roy rubbed his nose as if shy. "...I also recognize your integrity, Goddess. I trust you will not break your word."

"That goes without saying. I am Athena, not one of those deceitful, honorless vile gods. I shall keep my promise—lest the divine essence of Athena be tarnished!"

The goddess declared resolutely, her delicate lips parting with unwavering resolve.

"Rest assured, Goddess Athena. Though I am a Campione, I am but mortal, with a lifespan of mere centuries. Once I pass in a few hundred years, you will naturally regain your freedom."

Roy's arrogant words drew a scoff from Athena. The goddess retorted in her youthful voice, "...You speak as though you've already defeated me. Such arrogance is an insult. But rest assured—should I truly fall to you, on the day of your demise, I shall not linger either. As a goddess with dominion over the underworld, I shall descend to Hades to accompany you!"

"Such a bold declaration of love is a bit overwhelming, Goddess!"

Faced with Athena's audacious statement, Roy recoiled slightly.

***

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