Chapter 18

For Domitius, growth was a concept that yielded immediate results.

It wasn't about being punished by someone; even with blood ties, if interests and power were threatened, they would instantly become enemies as if bound by a deep-seated hatred.

"My student, if you need help, please tell me, Domitius."

Domitius always felt Novia was rather ambiguous about such matters. What constituted correct behavior and what was wrong remained blurry until fatal consequences arose.

"Teacher, what you're saying is actually useless."

If you need help, tell me – those words from the silver-haired youth offered no sense of reality to Domitius.

"...So, the nights in Rome are actually that cold."

She still remembered uttering that unconsciously as she wandered the streets.

If she didn't have much to offer in exchange, she would eventually be discarded.

The anxiety from the day the young golden-haired girl was abandoned by her parents still lingered in her heart.

027: The Arrival of the Twenty-Seven Ancestors

"This... is a Dead Apostle."

The sun had already risen, and the scene revealed under its light caused Domitius to unconsciously murmur.

After three days in Antioch, Novia was ready to take her back to Rome. However, in a forest not far from a certain port, she witnessed such a scene firsthand—

An unknown village flowed with blood, scattered with about a hundred corpses, the ground stained crimson-black, and humanoid creatures, craving blood and emitting beast-like growls. Amidst this, ordinary humans appeared too weak.

Malice, brute force forcibly displayed before her, all of it eroded her body, making her emotions unstable.

Dead Apostles, Domitius had heard Novia explain, were fundamentally beings transformed through certain processes. They were emergency food prepared by beings called 'True Ancestors,' and while True Ancestors drank blood for "mental stability," Dead Apostles required it for "bodily preservation."

In other words, if it was mere recreation for 'True Ancestors,' for Dead Apostles, it was as essential as breathing for survival.

Somewhere along the line, Dead Apostles, who began drinking others' blood, developed a sense of superiority regarding the act itself, strengthening their abilities and reinforcing their willpower. Those who escaped 'True Ancestor's' dominion repeatedly engaged in blood-drinking to survive and blend into the human world.

This was the origin of Dead Apostles, the beginning of the Vampire Species composed of humans. Moreover, those Dead Apostles who escaped the dominion of 'True Ancestors' in the most ancient times were called the Twenty-Seven Ancestors.

Among Dead Apostles, there were also some who had no connection to True Ancestors. They had evolved into immortal beings in their pursuit of the ultimate goal of magecraft. They joined the society built by Dead Apostles, and though their origins differed, they were also considered part of the Vampire Species.

The one who slaughtered this village was merely a lowest-class Dead Apostle, a "Dead." It could be said that anyone with even a little knowledge of magecraft could easily deal with them. Within the nearly two million square kilometers of the Roman Empire, such incidents occurred from time to time. However, in cities, there were more or less Mages on guard, so things were usually fine. But in remote and impoverished areas, people could only watch helplessly as everyone was ruthlessly slaughtered.

"Five Dead, and sixty-seven households who met unfortunate ends. I've already contacted Mages from the nearest area to prevent secondary corpse revivals."

Domitius ceased her thoughts, her gaze still fixed on the Dead Apostle on the ground, her delicate eyebrows unwavering. Cold loathing resided in her pupils. Novia, who had swiftly eliminated the Dead, appeared before her and placed a silver cross on the ground, silently channeling his magecraft into it.

The current situation was vastly different from later eras. The magecraft foundation, considered humanity's greatest asset, had not yet been fully established. People who couldn't use magecraft, when faced with ordinary Dead Apostles, could only pray for the sun to rise quickly or for a kind Mage to appear. They were unable to defend themselves using only religious purification rituals.

"Fallen beings who consider themselves superior... I suddenly feel a bit sorry for them..."

The small village, ruthlessly massacred by Dead Apostles, was somewhat similar to the vying Roman court in a way, or perhaps it was a prototype of sorts. This gave Domitius a sense of reality, making her feel both sorrow for the innocent deaths of the populace and a subtle joy for these minute details.

Life was a matter of the victor taking all. To receive better treatment, to live a better life, one had to step on others without hesitation – this was the iron rule of the Roman court.

The vast empire existed because of its successful individuals, not some fairy tale where everyone was kind and gentle. Most people's kindness was only extended to those who posed no threat to them.

Being able to do what she believed was right at will – it seemed only at such times that the golden-haired girl felt her childhood anxieties slightly diminish.

"Those who deserve pity often have hateful aspects, and moreover, acceptance is different from forgiveness."

His silver hair swayed gently with the flames consuming the remains, and on Novia's face, his blue eyes gleamed, like a shimmering ice lake.

"Domitius, you should understand that Dead Apostles who intend to harm humans are evils that must be dealt with. Such hostility needs no reason, whether it stems from human dignity or your honor as royalty."

"You are right, Teacher."

The golden-haired girl's previously expressionless face now showed some looseness. In the quiet, somber air, she lowered her gaze.

Despite this, Novia merely glanced at her indifferently, continuing to place the bodies of those killed by Dead Apostles into the bonfire. The sizzling sound was the only noise, with no other disturbances.

And then, suddenly, a surging magical energy, approaching directly towards them, utterly unconcealed.

"This kind of energy... is it an Ancestor? If it was an ambush, it would be too easily seen through."

The silver-haired youth's gaze went directly towards the place emitting the ominous magical energy. It was an aura far exceeding that of ordinary Dead Apostles, but compared to the Divine Body Osiris, it was still quite a distance off.

"Fellow believer, you've misunderstood. It's just a coincidence. These are not my doing."

The voice that rang out was muffled, as if from afar.

"...Eh, eh, eh!"

At this moment, Domitius, who had been prepared after hearing her teacher's words, widened her eyes in surprise at the 'Ancestor' Novia mentioned. The primary reason for this was its appearance—

It wasn't human at all! It was a talking lock!

"Haha, this young lady seems quite surprised by my appearance. Well, it's a form I've been refining for a long time. By the way, is this your disciple, Fellow Believer?" The 'lock' seemed inexplicably happy and continued, "Right, allow me to introduce myself first, I am—"

"No need. I know you, because God has already told me."

Before the 'lock' could finish its introduction, Novia directly interrupted. The silver-haired youth said with a half-smile.

"After failing to challenge Crimson Moon shortly before the change of the Age of Gods, you were granted pure-blooded believers by him, and thus, unable to face your former companions, you've been secluded in an underground labyrinth, correct? Kouhaku Alcatraz."

028: I'll Use Your Future Sword to Cut Down Your Present Self

Before Domitius could hear Novia's next words, she heard the 'lock'-shaped Ancestor named Kouhaku chuckle softly. It was less of a laugh and more like just exhaling air from its lungs, like the sound of wind blowing through a dry cave. The girl formed this impression.

"Fellow Novia, I heard you were invited to Atlas Institute's headquarters earlier, is that right?"

Kouhaku didn't show any surprise or astonishment at Novia revealing his past so frankly. He simply stated briefly, starting a new sentence.

"That's correct."

Novia seemed to understand why Kouhaku was so unfazed. Perhaps he thought Novia only knew about him through Hermes Trismegistus, and thus considered him to be boasting.

After all, hundreds of years ago, Kouhaku was a disciple of King Solomon along with the Jeweler and the Head of the Clock Tower. King Solomon was genuinely blessed by God, and he performed a one-time miracle with the grace bestowed from heaven, establishing Magecraft—Phenomenon Manipulation, what later generations would call Magecraft. Before that, Magecraft was the domain of the gods, and ordinary people could hardly learn it.

His death accelerated the loss of mystery and the end of the Age of Gods.

In fact, when Novia himself faked a "miracle" in Britain, he wondered if the disciples of Solomon, like the Jeweler, would expose him. After all, they had personally witnessed the miracles created by Solomon, so the possibility of being exposed was quite high.

However, three years had passed, and Novia hadn't seen anyone. This meant that these people were either too lazy to intervene or hadn't seen through his deception.

Still, Novia had a way to persuade Kouhaku, just like Lucius—

"Then, Kouhaku Alcatraz," the silver-haired youth turned cold. "As a disciple of King Solomon, you've been hiding away for so many years just because you became a Dead Apostle. I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face to me now... Do you even deserve to call me 'fellow believer'?"

"Fellow Novia, as companions who believe in the same God, there's no need for—"

Just as Kouhaku was speaking to Novia's aggressive tone with his usual gentle demeanor, the next moment the silver-haired youth drew something from his back and hurled it directly at Kouhaku, who was in a 'locked' state.

Originally, with Kouhaku's strength, he could easily dodge simple physical attacks. However, when he clearly sensed the aura from the 'crucifix' item, he froze—

A metallic scraping sound was heard.

"This, this... it has the same aura as Teacher's ring... This is... a gift from God himself... How is this possible? The Age of Gods has already ended, how can God—"

At this moment, Kouhaku suddenly recalled his own speculation. The person executed by Jerusalem seventeen years ago... could it have been the genuine Son of God!

Then, wouldn't the old cult residing in Jerusalem have completely fallen into heresy, comparable to 'demons'?

But if it were truly the Son of God, how could he have died so easily?!

"Kouhaku, your actions have long defiled King Solomon, who was blessed by God." Novia picked up the 'crucifix' staff that Martha had given him from Kouhaku and planted it into the ground. "See? This is the staff the Son of God once used, and it now resembles the cross of His suffering. Do you know why?"

"Yes, I beg your pardon for my ignorance. Please enlighten me."

Although Kouhaku appeared as a 'lock,' Domitius standing nearby could sense that this progenitor of Dead Apostles was radiating extraordinary tension.

"Don't get me wrong, Kouhaku Alcatraz. If you remain like this even now, you don't deserve to be a believer in God at all!"

The silver-haired youth's brow didn't stir in the slightest, his blue eyes echoing the deep sea.

"I admit my sin. Even if I had my reasons, I still implore you for forgiveness."

"Kouhaku, the world was created according to the Creator's will. So were the components of humanity: soul, body, and spirit. We live because we are the embodiment of God's love. No matter how much suffering the world contains, it is also a form of God's love."

Novia's stern reply, though it sounded incomprehensible to Domitius.

But Kouhaku understood something from it. 'Demons' and 'God' were two sides of the same coin. Hunting these 'heretics' who did not exist in the original doctrine meant acknowledging their existence. But even if he had fallen into 'heresy,' it was a form of love for him, despite being a hardship. Yet he... had blamed himself for years over mere pride, ultimately leading to the Son of God's suffering.

Because this world was created by the Creator, and the earth was also enveloped by the Creator's love, humanity could not fathom the forms of divine love.

"Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, He naturally knew the wickedness of the old cult, but for the sake of the living people in the world, He willingly bore the sins and evils of humanity to ascend to heaven."

"I see. The Creator's love cannot be measured by humans. The world was made according to the Creator's thoughts, as were man's soul, body, and spirit. I understand, I have realized..."

Kouhaku muttered Novia's words repeatedly. After more than ten seconds, he finally spoke with genuine understanding.

"Thank you for your enlightenment. I understand now. You were saving me, weren't you?... Please rest assured, those who have fallen into heresy no longer deserve to occupy my teacher's Jerusalem. I will go shortly—"

"No need, Kouhaku. Cleansing the heretics occupying Jerusalem is a mission entrusted to me by God. I will contact you if necessary."

In truth, the main reason Novia could successfully deceive Kouhaku in this manner, besides using the staff used by Jesus and his incomplete explanations, was that most of what the silver-haired youth said was actually conceived by Kouhaku himself later on.

According to Novia's memory, Kouhaku completed Codex Trithemius around the year 1000 AD.

'The world was created according to the Creator's thoughts. If one thoroughly investigates humanity's composition—soul, body, and spirit—and writes it down meticulously, wouldn't that clearly reveal the Creator's love?'

The original Kouhaku had begun recording everything with such considerations, creating templates and exploring the forms of all phenomena, ultimately producing the blueprint of the universe, Codex Trithemius.

Novia's current 'revelation' would undoubtedly cause him to create Codex Trithemius several hundred years earlier, but it wasn't a significant problem. This was because Kouhaku was someone who would refuse to leave his labyrinth to protect Codex Trithemius, not out of fear of it being used for malicious purposes, but simply out of fear of it being stolen...

As for the possibility of the Box of the Enchanter story starting earlier, that was zero.

This was why the silver-haired youth acted as he did.

"Yes, I shall obey the divine will."

Kouhaku replied respectfully and then departed.

From Domitius's perspective, this inexplicable debate ended with her master Novia's overwhelming victory. Although she had many questions, she knew what she should and shouldn't ask.

Afterward, the two of them successfully returned to Rome. For Novia, everything was arranged at this stage; all he had to do was wait a few months for the weapon forged from the Dragon of Albion's head to be ready.

Four months after Novia's return to Rome, as he had predicted, Agrippina persuaded the old emperor Claudius to agree to her becoming empress.

At the same time, Domitius would be adopted by Claudius, and from then on, her name would be changed to—

Nero.

029: A Feat Dedicated to My Teacher

"Little Novia, you say Nero is too outstanding..."

In the Roman Imperial Palace, Novia sat facing Emperor Claudius. White flower petals drifted down from a nearby tree, covering the ground.

Ever since Agrippina became Empress, under her seduction, Claudius adopted Domitius and changed his name to "Nero" after the clan.

Although Claudius was momentarily confused, he quickly realized that his deal with Agrippina had gone terribly wrong. The reason he had insisted on making Agrippina Empress was that he needed the bloodline and lineage of the younger Agrippina as a tool to solidify his legitimate rule.

But this approach was clearly like drinking poison to quench thirst. Because once he admitted that marrying the younger Agrippina made his rule the most stable and legitimate, it was equivalent to admitting that he himself was not truly legitimate. In that case, his son Britannicus, with the "morally corrupt Messalina," would be even less legally sound than Agrippina's child, Nero. This is because Nero was older than Britannicus and should have been first in the line of succession. Furthermore, Nero was a descendant of Germanicus, Augustus, and Antoninus, making her lineage even more prominent.

This was somewhat similar to Tiberius's situation when facing Germanicus, but Claudius was even more unlucky than Tiberius. He wasn't even legitimately succeeding to the throne with the endorsement of the dynasty's founder. Facing Agrippina, who was adept at exploiting this advantage, he had no chance of winning on legal grounds.

What's more, Nero herself subsequently displayed her talents, becoming a beloved and capable magistrate. She had delivered speeches multiple times in the Senate in both Latin and Greek. Due to her fairness and competence, she was repeatedly brought into important lawsuits. Even though Emperor Claudius had forbidden her from participating in important lawsuits on multiple occasions due to her youth, he could not prevent her from gradually gaining immense popularity. Moreover, she was already renowned among the Roman populace as a disciple of Novia.

"Your Majesty, I advised you earlier that Agrippina is someone who needs more time to be observed. It was you, Your Majesty, who insisted on this course of action, even to the point of amending the law."

The biggest problem with Claudius marrying Agrippina was their uncle-niece relationship. Once revealed, it would violate Roman marriage law's prohibition against incest.

So, what was to be done?

In the end, Claudius thought of a solution. He issued an order to amend the marriage law.

Thus, the Senate drafted a decree according to the Emperor's wishes, permitting the Emperor to marry close relatives.

Although some in the Senate disagreed with the marriage, they turned a blind eye and did not interfere excessively to avoid offending the Emperor.

It could only be said that since Claudius could not control the former Empress Messalina, he was even less able to control the more cunning Agrippina.

"Alas, as their teacher, you must provide much assistance..."

"Naturally, Your Majesty. Please get some rest soon."

However, Claudius likely still believed that the Praetorian Guard, ruled by his confidant Brutus, would support his child. But the old emperor did not know that in a few months, Agrippina would employ the same tactic, using her beauty to win over Brutus, the commander of the Praetorian Guard, and reach a secret agreement with him, whereby Brutus would obey Agrippina's commands from then on.