Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

Facing Marquis Voban's killing move, he had no choice but to activate the sixth Authority of "Divine Right"—"Sword of Judgment"!

"Who is like the 'Beast'? Who can wage war against it?"

He recited a new Word Spirit once more.

"Who is like the 'Beast'? Who can wage war against it?"

This Word Spirit, like a self-questioning answer, came from Revelation, proclaiming to the world that only the supreme Archangel Michael could fight against Satan's red dragon, against the 'Beast' that opposes Christ.

A blood-red long sword shaped like a cross was held in Roy's hand, identical to those depicted in countless statues and murals of Michael in churches. Surging Magic Power condensed on the blade—this was the sword that judges sin.

"You are guilty!!"

Roy raised the long sword, its tip pointing at the massive wolf head in the sky, pronouncing its crime!

The Sword of Judgment is a tool for judging sinners. If it judges the earth as guilty, it can cleave the earth; if it judges the sky as guilty, it can tear the sky.

This is an Authority that forcibly assigns guilt to an opponent—whether matter, concept, organic, or inorganic—and then judges and severs them. What can be assigned guilt depends entirely on Roy's understanding and the amount of Magic Power he invests.

Concepts like "time" or "world" were beyond his current Magic Power and understanding to sever, but if it was merely one of Marquis Voban's Authorities, it was enough to tear it in two.

"Aoooooooooo——"

The wolf head in the sky finally stopped expanding after reaching a diameter of a hundred meters. It was a massive wolf-shaped skull, a completely different species from the werewolf Marquis Voban had transformed into earlier. Roy had no doubt that if the Marquis fully unleashed the power of this Authority, its range would be enough to cover an entire city.

However, such an ultra-wide-range Authority actually decreased in power when facing Campione or Disobedient Gods. That was why the Marquis had condensed the wolf head's coverage to within a few hundred meters, using compressed Magic Power to increase the Authority's potency.

If that wolf head were allowed to fall, this entire district would be reduced to dust.

"Boy, let me, as your elder, teach you some manners!! Devour it all, Doomsday Wolf!!"

The massive wolf skull opened its giant maw, within which seemed to harbor a black hole. A terrifyingly powerful suction erupted from its mouth, tearing high-rise buildings into fragments that were sucked into the wolf's jaws. Even asphalt roads, trees, and utility poles were uprooted and swept into that 'black hole.'

People on the streets screamed in terror, but against the Marquis Voban's mighty Authority, human resistance was meaningless. They were merely swept into the sky like ants, becoming nourishment for the wolf head.

Roy exerted force and found that the terrifying suction had pinned him In Place, making it difficult to move. As the wolf head descended, Roy's Campione instincts made his hair stand on end. He believed that if he were sucked inside, he would be reduced to ashes, completely shredded.

"Doomsday Wolf? The 'Fenrir' from Norse Mythology that devoured Odin? The Council of Sages has no record of Marquis Voban possessing this Authority. Did he slay a god somewhere unnoticed and never use this Authority since?"

Though Roy was somewhat surprised that Marquis Voban had unleashed an Authority he knew nothing about, he was unafraid. Because this wolf head, symbolizing Ragnarok, had already been judged as 'guilty'!

The "Sword of Judgment" could only judge one thing as guilty per day, but once it was judged guilty, this cross-shaped long sword could easily sever the 'sinner' upon contact. In Roy's view, this ability was more like one that altered 'priority order.' Before this sword, strength or weakness didn't matter, because it could manipulate 'order.' Just as a mortal's spear could slay the Son of God, before 'order,' everything was as thin as paper—even a feather could easily kill a human.

However, this Authority currently had major drawbacks. First, Roy could only change one priority order per day. Second, to sever the target, he had to make close contact. If Aiwass's 'Pandora's Dark Festival' could improve it, this Authority would have immense room for evolution.

The massive, terrifying wolf head descended from the sky, swallowing the sun and plunging everything into the darkness of twilight. If it reached the ground, it would likely leave a blank void across all of Tokyo.

Roy took a deep breath, gripped the long sword, and flapped his wings. Like the sacred murals in churches, the angel charged forward without hesitation, bravely rushing toward the demon king, then using the long sword in his hand to cleave the demon king apart!

"Accept judgment, Wolf of Ragnarok! This is the sword of condemnation!"

Roy's body shot forward to the wolf's maw. Just as the terrifying suction reached its peak, the cross-shaped long sword in his hand traced a red arc as he slashed down with force.

"Riiip——"

It was the sound of tearing silk.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh——"

Immediately followed by Marquis Voban's agonized scream. The Fenrir skull, capable of devouring gods, was neatly split in two from top to bottom by Roy.

The massive wolf head and the black hole-like suction vanished. This district of Tokyo was saved, but in that brief instant, countless people had perished.

The angel and the werewolf continued to fight and destroy, like a war erupting within Tokyo. From the torn Fenrir skull, the werewolf Marquis Voban reappeared, crashing down to the earth with a thunderous roar.

A deep gash ran from the werewolf's head to its abdomen, but Roy's Sword of Judgment hadn't completely severed it. His sword had cleaved 'Fenrir,' not 'Greedy Wolf Pack.' Without the Authority's empowerment, the sword in Roy's hand was merely an extremely sharp Divine Artifact. Using it alone to easily kill Marquis Voban's werewolf form was still difficult.

Though the muscles were torn, the werewolf form's regenerative ability was extremely strong. After spraying a gush of blood, the torn muscles began to slowly heal.

"Boy, you've thoroughly angered me!"

The werewolf howled at the sky, and instantly the heavens were shrouded in boundless dark clouds. Wind, rain, and thunder roared in unison. Gale and rain, mixed with lightning spat from the werewolf's maw, became the fury of nature, recreating the natural disasters of ancient myth.

This was Marquis Voban's signature Authority, the same as his werewolf form, called "Gale and Tempest" by the Council of Sages. It was said to have been stolen from killing the trinity of 'Wind Master,' 'Rain Master,' and 'Thunder Duke' of Korea. Though Roy suspected these gods should be from China, in the end he could only sigh at the universe's number one country's ability to shamelessly fabricate and alter myths.

Roy loosened his right hand, and the cross-shaped long sword disappeared. Though the sword was a powerful Divine Artifact even without the Authority's empowerment, Roy was nowhere near a "Sword Saint." He had no sword skills at all and couldn't become the Sword Saint of Avalon, so it was better to stick to being his Fist Emperor.

" 'Moses Parts the Sea'!"

He raised his left hand like a blade and slashed down with force. The palm strike capable of parting the sea directly split the gale and rain, creating a clear, rain-washed gap between himself and Marquis Voban.

Roy activated Divine Speed, darting through the gap to appear beside Marquis Voban.

"Boy, you're asking for death!"

The werewolf Marquis Voban opened his sharp fangs and lunged at Roy, biting fiercely.

" 'Ten Plagues Coercion'!"

Roy suddenly withdrew his fist, shifting from offense to defense. This was the only counterattack method within "Jacob's Ladder."

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In the Bible, Moses led the chosen people across the Red Sea to the Land of Canaan, while God used the 'Ten Plagues' to coerce Egypt's Pharaoh, making him witness the greatness of the Divine.

Roy had appended this biblical story to "Jacob's Ladder." The essence of this technique lay not in the 'Ten Plagues' but in 'Coercion'—the divine wrath that threatened to bring calamity upon Egypt if the Pharaoh prevented Israel's people from journeying to Canaan.

As a Campione and a beast of the wolf, Marquis Voban sensed the danger hidden within Roy's move. He stopped just in the nick of time, his wolf fangs a hair's breadth from Roy's arm. He had a premonition: if he bit down, he might wound Roy, but the 'Ten Plagues' curse would counterattack, leaving him far worse off.

Seeing Marquis Voban halt at the critical moment, Roy couldn't help but admire the man's combat instincts and experience. This foiled his plan to trade a small injury for a major one. With that, Roy shifted from defense to offense, transforming "Ten Plagues Coercion" into "Abraham Sacrifices His Son"!

He extended two fingers, piercing through Marquis Voban's werewolf hide like tofu, gouging a bloody hole in his chest.

The pain drove Marquis Voban into a frenzy once more. Blinding lightning erupted from his body, connecting with the thunder beneath the dark clouds. With a deafening roar, it struck at Roy like a Heavenly Tribulation.

Activating his Divine Speed, Roy dodged the lightning bolts faster than the lightning itself. Yet one bolt still caught him, sending pain and numbness through his body. He grunted but gritted his teeth, closing in on Marquis Voban again. His hands shifted between palms, fists, fingers, and blades as he engaged in a brutal close-quarters brawl.

Relying on the perfect control of his "Lord of Light" Authority, Roy weaved and dodged within an incredibly tight space, like a butterfly flitting among flowers or a bee's stinger, appearing left and right. Using the power of "Jacob's Ladder," he fought Marquis Voban at point-blank range.

The Marquis struggled to keep up, roaring in fury. Under Roy's relentless assault, his body was left with hardly a single unscathed spot, covered in wounds.

Roy dared not put distance between them. If he fell into the Marquis's "Gale and Tempest," he would lose his mobility. If the Marquis used that weather-controlling Authority to wear him down, Roy would soon run out of steam and face defeat.

Only by staying in close combat could Roy prevent "Gale and Tempest" from trapping him. The hurricanes and lightning, too close to unleash their full power, gave him room to maneuver.

Moreover, Roy had noticed that Marquis Voban fought purely on instinct as a Campione and a beast. His human technique was lacking, giving Roy an opening.

Two hundred years ago, when Marquis Voban was still an Ordinary Person, he had been neither a magician nor a powerful knight or martial artist. His talent in those areas was weak. All he could rely on in battle were his Authorities.

Though Roy had never trained in swordsmanship or fist techniques, "Jacob's Ladder" had granted him the insight of 'the pinnacle of martial arts.'

Before Sect Master Luo Hao and Salvatore—both prodigies who were masters of swordsmanship and palm techniques before becoming Campione—Roy's insight might pale in comparison. But bullying Marquis Voban was more than enough.

After a fierce onslaught, Roy paused his Divine Speed dashes, needing a moment to recover his stamina.

He seemed to have the upper hand in this fight, but Roy knew he couldn't sustain it. He had to end it quickly. Marquis Voban wasn't just a punching bag; occasionally, he would counterattack with a trade-off of injuries. A wound on Roy's abdomen, torn open by the Marquis's wolf claws, had been forcibly sealed with Magic Power.

A battle between Campione was all about allocating and applying Magic Power and Authorities. Take Roy's "Jacob's Ladder"—every punch and palm strike consumed Magic Power. If it ran dry, the Authority would become unusable.

The total Magic Power of Campione didn't differ much. The key to victory lay in how to distribute limited Magic Power across different Authority combinations.

"Boy, your fighting style reminds me of that old rival of mine. It's the method I dislike the most!"

Marquis Voban, still in werewolf form, was panting just like Roy. Their fight had been blow for blow, short but explosive.

"You mean that Eastern Sect Master of the Five Prisons, Marquis."

Roy didn't need to think twice. The only one whose fighting style resembled his was the Sect Master who ruled the Ancient Eastern Kingdom.

At the same time, Roy realized his greatest weakness: his body was too fragile.

Though a Campione, his physical durability far surpassed an Ordinary Person's, but among Campione, he was on the weaker end. He was like a high-attack, high-agility assassin in a game—a glass cannon. If he took a hit to a vital spot like the head, it could kill him outright.

Marquis Voban, on the other hand, was clearly built to take punishment. Despite Roy's fierce assault, the Marquis was wounded but showed no signs of collapse.

"Hmph! That troublesome woman. But she is indeed my greatest foe."

Marquis Voban's expression was cold, clearly holding no fondness for Sect Master Luo Hao.

"You launched such a fierce attack without any probing. It seems you can't sustain a long fight."

"I recall you've only slain two gods: Michael and Metatron. That Authority you used at the hotel came from 'Metatron,' and these abilities you're using now come from 'Michael.' I don't know why killing 'Michael' gave you so many powers, but these Authorities must have limits. From your fighting style, I can tell—'time' is your biggest constraint."

...Seeking Flowers...

The voice from Marquis Voban's wolf head was savage and cold. He kept his head lowered, refusing to look Roy in the face. From the earlier ambush, he had already guessed the trigger condition for Roy's "Face of God." Throughout the fight, he had fought purely on instinct, eyes averted.

"To think a junior like me would earn the attention of an elder like you, Marquis Voban. Should I consider that an honor?"

Roy had now steadied his breathing. His muscles were taut, and he had no intention of wasting more words with the Marquis. He couldn't afford to squander precious time on idle chatter.

"Boy, you're suddenly so polite. Is it because you know you can't beat me and want to beg for mercy? But whether I spare you depends on my mood!"

Marquis Voban laughed loudly. His wolf body suddenly leaped backward, clearly planning to use a delaying tactic to wear Roy down.

Marquis Voban was a cunning wolf, not a fierce tiger. He didn't mind his fighting style. Knowing Roy's weakness, he wouldn't be foolish enough to pit his weakness against Roy's strength. Even if this delaying tactic tarnished his reputation as the oldest Demon King, for a cunning wolf, victory was all that mattered.

Roy's heart tightened. These Campione were no easy marks. Even an ancient Demon King could set aside pride and choose the most effective method.

"Annoying as a fly buzzing around, this bird-man. But boy, let me show you the depth of an old man on the brink of death!"

Earlier, Roy had used his Divine Speed and flight advantage to corner Marquis Voban, forcing him into direct confrontation. Now, the Marquis activated a new Authority—"Chanted Grimoire"!

A strange Grimoire appeared before Marquis Voban, flipping open on its own. From it, a powerful spell emerged—a 'Flight' spell that only high-ranking magicians could use. With the support of a Campione's Magic Power, the Marquis could fly for extended periods, gaining aerial capability.

When the battlefield shifted from a flat plane to a three-dimensional sky, it gave the Marquis more room to maneuver, making it easier to drag out the fight.

"Do you think I'd give you that chance! Marquis, let me show you a fist technique designed specifically to counter magic!"

Roy activated Divine Speed again, charging into the sky. Seeing the Marquis use a new Authority, he felt not fear but excitement.

Almost there, almost there. The pieces were coming together. When that incredible Authority activated, victory would surely be his!

Closing in on Marquis Voban, Roy's right hand formed a claw, viciously swiping at the empty air before the Marquis.

The fifth form of "Jacob's Ladder's" seven techniques—"Tower of Babel"!

Chapter 43: A Man Should Be Bold

Genesis in the Bible records that after the Great Flood, God made a covenant with humanity. At that time, all people spoke the same language and had the same accent.

The people united to build a tower reaching toward heaven. Because they shared a common tongue and worked together in harmony, the city of Babylon flourished in beauty, and the tower pierced the clouds.

But this act alarmed God. He believed His oath was being doubted, which He would not permit. Therefore, God changed and divided human languages, scattering people across the earth so they could no longer understand one another. The Tower of Babel was left unfinished, and from then on, humanity struggled to communicate.

This original language was called 'Adam's Tongue,' holding immense symbolic power in the occult. Every word, every syllable of this primordial speech carried magic—it was the language of God, absolute Word Spirit. Countless mages have pursued 'it.'

Whether in the East or West, magic has one essential element: incantations and Word Spirit. Modern humans use simplified languages to chant spells, bestowing mystery upon them. God's act of dividing languages effectively scattered mystery, separated magic, and made it impossible for modern humans to manifest the secrets of the Age of Gods—because they have lost even the language to wield those divine mysteries.

'Jacob's Ladder "Four-Zero-Seven" Limbs,' Fifth Form: 'Tower of Babel'—this was Roy imbuing that mythic power into his fists and palms, scattering hearts and sundering magic.

With one grab, Marquis Voban's body jolted. A series of popping sounds, like bubbles bursting, rang out around him. The magic layered on his form instantly failed, and even the Grimoire summoned by the Marquis's Authority wailed as it dissipated.

As the flight magic failed, Marquis Voban, suspended a hundred meters in the air, suddenly lost the ability to 'fly.' His body plummeted straight down, the roar of a cannonball crashing under gravity's acceleration.

"Boom--------"

A civilian house below was shattered by Marquis Voban's ten-meter-long Werewolf body, and a deep crater was smashed into the earth. If the Marquis weren't a Campione and hadn't activated his 'Greedy Wolf Pack' Authority, an Ordinary Person would have been flattened into a meat patty.

"'Chanted Spellbook' is an Authority usurped from the evil god 'Baphomet.' It forcibly seizes knowledge from mages for your own use, providing great convenience for a Marquis who knows no magic... But Marquis, this Authority has very little effect on Campiones and Disobedient Gods. How could mortal magic work against gods!"

"You may have many Authorities, but most are only good for slaughtering ordinary people. How many do you truly have that can fight against gods and Campiones!"

"If these are all the abilities Marquis possesses, then today, you ancient Demon King, taste the bitterness of being defeated by a newcomer!"

Roy shouted from midair, descending like a meteor. Vast Magic Power gathered in his Limbs, thundering onto the earth.

The crater Marquis Voban had smashed burst open again, the entire surface collapsing inward.

'Jacob's Ladder' and 'Lord of Light'—the combination of Divine Speed and Bible-infused fists was Roy's favorite combat style in his normal state. While his other Authorities had immense power as killing moves, in battle, it was the 'basic attacks' that posed the greatest threat.

"Arrogant, ignorant brat. Let this old man see just how long you can hold out!"