A Certain Cross-Anime's Divine Right

The cute little girl held her head high and declared in a clear, tender voice like a lark's. Then, she stepped through the door with her delicate feet, closing it behind her.

The howling wind and snow outside stopped. The cold air was swallowed by the flames burning in the room. The noise disappeared, and the environment became quiet again. However, this overly quiet atmosphere made Liliana and Erica feel uneasy. Being so close to a Disobedient God in such a small room gave them a faint sense of fear, like being trapped in a dark room and losing their freedom.

Erica and Liliana tightened their grip on their beloved swords, their palms soaked with sweat. But even so, they dared not make any move, only watching with their eyes the adorable little girl they couldn't look away from. They watched her walk on her overly slender legs and sit down opposite Roy.

"I am not Athena right now. I have lost my status as the Queen of the Trinity. All that remains in my memory are my mother's sighs, the Queen's shame, and the old woman's wisdom."

"...My glory is broken, leaving only a little bit of resistance against the thunder and sun ruled by the King of the Heavens. Therefore, all I desire is the Gorgon Stone. O Campione, can you give me that stone?"

She was asking for something, and as soon as she got the Gorgon Stone, she would regain all her power. Yet, this upright request for something she desperately needed from her enemy, when spoken by Athena, didn't make her seem foolish. Instead, it showcased her profound wisdom and fearless courage.

"Lord Roy, we cannot give her the Gorgon Stone! The current Disobedient Athena is at her weakest. You should kill her now and usurp her Authority!"

Erica and Liliana quickly said aloud.

"Speaking of matricide in front of a god is a great offense, and you will be cursed by the gods."

The petite Athena glanced at the two maiden knights. Although her power was extremely weak now, she was still a Disobedient God. Even in her weakened state, mortals could not defy or resist her.

At Athena's glance, Erica and Liliana gasped, their faces turning pale. However, the two maidens were geniuses of this era. Magic Power surged within them, suppressing the instinctive fear.

Roy stood up and walked in front of Athena, blocking her gaze and relieving his two knights. Then, he bent down and brushed off the snow that had gotten on Athena's clothes.

Athena wore a white long-sleeved shirt, a beige knitted cardigan, and a girlish bow at her collar. She wore a knee-length black pleated skirt and blue stockings, creating a tender absolute territory like twilight snow.

Overall, her color coordination was quite strange. If another woman wore this, she would look very tacky. But on Athena, it exuded nobility and elegance.

People say clothes make the man, but for gods, even the ugliest clothes would make them appear superior when worn.

"If this knitted cardigan gets snow on it, it will get soaked when the snow melts. You'll easily catch a cold in this cold weather. It's best to clean it off. Of course, warming yourself by the fire would be even better."

Roy's tone was gentle, and his movements were even gentler. After cleaning the snow off Athena, he stood up and returned to his seat.

Athena hadn't expected Roy's actions at all. She stared with her gem-like amber eyes, and after a long while, she chuckled, "...I am a Disobedient God. I don't catch colds."

"Ah, sorry. Seeing your cute and beautiful appearance, Goddess Athena, made me forget your identity as a Disobedient God. I even felt an urge to take you home and raise you."

Roy sat opposite Athena and shrugged.

Athena's sharp and beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly. "...I feel like your words are an insult, but I don't feel very angry."

"Because these words are a compliment. As a goddess, you should be able to hear the sincerity in my words. There is no insult or sarcasm in them, only praise for you, Goddess."

Roy said with a sincere expression.

Athena nodded slightly, with a hint of reserve. "...I do feel praised in your words. Since that is the case, as the goddess who governs heavenly wisdom, I will gladly accept."

Erica and Liliana on the side were a bit stunned. Hearing their conversation, they felt that Roy, the Campione, and Athena, the Disobedient God, had different thought processes from ordinary people.

"Don't just stand there, Lily! With the Goddess gracing us with her presence, our small villa is truly honored. Your current demeanor is not how a host should behave. Hurry and get our Goddess a cup of our Italian cappuccino!"

"...Compared to overly strong and bitter coffee, cappuccino, with its added milk and foam, is more suitable for girls to drink."

Hearing Roy's command, Liliana snapped back to attention. She responded and quickly went to prepare the coffee.

Athena, sitting opposite Roy, said in a high-pitched tone, "...Don't treat me like a little girl. It makes me unhappy."

Her angry expression was incredibly cute, her small face flushed. At the same time, the reason for her anger was very strange.

"Don't get agitated, Goddess Athena! There's a saying in the East: courtesy before force. Isn't it a greater display of your magnanimity as a goddess that the Campione can sit here and chat freely with a Disobedient God?"

Roy smiled and stopped Athena, who was about to stand up, gesturing for her to sit down.

Athena frowned slightly but slowly sat back down.

Chapter Seventy-Six: You're Accompanying Me Tonight

"Your coffee!"

Liliana gently placed a cup of frothy coffee on the table in front of Athena. Then, she quickly retreated behind Roy, standing shoulder to shoulder with Erica, her hand once again gripping the hilt of her sword.

Even though she knew her vigilance and alertness were meaningless against a Disobedient God, this was the duty of a knight. Even if Roy ordered her to fight the goddess to the death, she would not hesitate to oppose her.

Athena cupped the warm coffee cup with both hands, brought it to her moist cherry lips, and took a gentle sip. White foam remained on the corners of her mouth. She stuck out her small pink tongue and licked the foam clean, her amber eyes narrowing slightly, revealing a cute, kitten-like expression.

"Allow me to introduce myself. A Campione completely different from those I've seen before. I am a Disobedient God by the name of Athena. Before we fight, we should know each other's names."

Athena held the coffee cup with both hands and said in a serious, high-pitched tone.

"My name is Roy Crowley. Remember it, Goddess Athena! This may be a name you will never forget in your life!"

Roy also dropped his smile, his tone as serious as Athena's, like two generals reporting to each other before a battle. However, Roy soon relaxed his body and smiled, "...Judging by your words, Goddess, it seems you've met other Campiones before. But in the known three hundred years, no Campione has ever fought Athena."

Roy said this, but his tone was strange. The word 'Goddess' was usually used by goblin simps. Saying it himself made Roy feel inexplicably awkward, but he had to admit that the girl in front of him was indeed a 'Goddess.'

Before Athena could reply, Roy closed his left eye. It was as if he was using that eye to trace back the past. He suddenly realized, "...So that's how it is. Goddess Athena is not a newly descended Disobedient God, but a goddess who descended thousands of years ago and has been in slumber."

Roy's words displeased Athena again. The dignified and wise goddess spoke, "...Which god's Authority did you usurp to gain this 'Spark of Wisdom'? It's truly a detestable ability, to trace back the past and see others' private affairs. Even I feel uncomfortable about it."

Taking a deep breath, Athena continued, "...As you said, Roy Crowley, I am a goddess who descended to this land thousands of years ago. I once fought a certain Campione. Although I killed that Campione, one of his Authorities stole the Gorgon Stone from me, causing me to lose most of my power and fall into slumber. I only recently awoke upon smelling the scent of the Gorgon Stone."

Knowing that Roy could see the past, Goddess Athena no longer hid anything. She told Roy almost everything that had happened thousands of years ago.

Human civilization back then was still very primitive, naturally not as detailed as it is now. Both Campiones and Disobedient Gods were objects of fear and worship for humans, so no records of Athena's battle remained.

"So, I ask again, where is the Gorgon Stone?"

"Look, it's right here."

As soon as Athena finished speaking, Roy flipped his wrist, and an ancient stone badge appeared in his palm. Upon seeing the stone badge, the goddess's amber pupils contracted, and joy flickered in her eyes. She then looked up and met Roy's gaze, a deadly aura appearing on her delicate and lovely face.

"My wisdom as Athena tells me that you are an extremely dangerous Campione. With my current strength, I am definitely not your opponent. However, all I seek is the Gorgon Stone. Even if I know this is a trap, I will fearlessly and bravely step into it!"

"...I am the goddess who presides over battle and wisdom. Forgive me! You can either fight me, or I can execute you and take back the Gorgon Stone, or you can kill me and usurp my Authority. There is no other path! Of course, if you are willing to obey my command, then it would be a happy ending for all. But given the nature of a Campione, that is an absolutely impossible option."

Goddess Athena's sharp gaze pierced Roy. Her amber pupils gradually transformed into cold, inverted snake eyes, each displaying mystery and strangeness alongside Roy's double pupils.

Erica and Liliana were on high alert. Although they believed Roy's strength would surely overcome the currently weakened Athena, battles between Disobedient Gods and Campiones always held surprises, so they could not let their guard down.

"Let's fight, 'Child of the Fool' Roy Crowley. My fighting spirit is already burning. It is the instinctual hostility of a Disobedient God towards a Campione. Let me see what color the cursed blood of the one who slays our kin is. This is our destiny!"

Divine power surged around Athena. Although she was radiant, the light around her seemed to be absorbed and turned into darkness, dimming even the light of the firewood burning in the middle of the villa.

"I hate the word 'destiny'! It's as if no matter what I do, I can't escape its judgment, living forever in stifling confinement."

Roy interrupted Athena. His body also surged with a Magic Power far exceeding Athena's, suppressing her divine power.

"Don't lie to me, Athena! Is your Disobedient Body truly developing a will to fight against my existence!"

A Campione possesses a powerful, instinctual desire to fight Disobedient Gods, akin to a rush of blood to the brain. As long as there is a Disobedient God nearby, a Campione is the best radar.

Conversely, Disobedient Gods also have this impulse towards Campiones, thus any Disobedient God and Campione will end with the death of one party.

However, Roy did not like this fixed destiny. After obtaining the Authority "Face of God," he delved deeply into its understanding and utilization. This Authority could transform into a curse-like power that altered others' perception of him, sanctifying or distorting him in their eyes.

However, such an outward curse could easily provoke the hostility of a Disobedient God. Therefore, after further utilizing this Authority, Roy used it to change himself rather than alter others' perceptions, thereby minimizing the instinctual hostility between Campiones and Disobedient Gods. Otherwise, he would not have been able to interact closely with King Solomon, who had become a Disobedient God, in Jerusalem.

This was the effect of "Face of God." He used this ability to maintain his sanity when encountering Disobedient Gods and to allow Disobedient Gods to communicate rationally with him.

As expected, as Roy's words fell, Athena's divine power receded. She nodded in confusion, saying, "...You are indeed entirely different from the Campiones I have seen. I cannot feel that fated hostility towards you. Even the battle I preside over is wavering."

"...I can only act out of my own will, but I cannot muster the animosity that comes from being a Campione and a Disobedient God."

Roy's expression was blank. He threw the Gorgon Stone in his hand onto the table, saying, "...Your compatibility with me is truly poor. Killing you would not benefit me much. This is the Gorgon Stone. If you want it, take it. However, you must fulfill a promise and make an agreement with me."

Roy raised his hand to stop Erica and Liliana's anxious advice, his gaze fixed on Athena.

Athena's gaze fell on the Gorgon Stone on the table. She pondered for a moment, saying, "...My wisdom tells me this might be a good proposal. First, tell me what promise and agreement you want. If it aligns with my interests, I will agree to anything. If it does not, then we shall settle our differences here."

Roy looked out the window, tapping his fingers on the table. "...The wind and snow are quite heavy today, making it unsuitable for battle. So, I want your promise to be that we will not fight today. Even if we are to fight, let it be tomorrow. And you, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, will stay here with me tonight."

Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Goddess's 'Love'

"Lord Roy!"

Upon hearing Roy's words, Erica and Liliana cried out anxiously.

To mortals, Disobedient Gods are natural disasters, invincible calamities. To Campiones, Disobedient Gods are destined enemies, a matter of life and death.

Throughout the countless years of history, no Campione has ever dared to declare "companionship" to a Disobedient God like Roy.

Having a Disobedient God live in one's residence was, in Erica and Liliana's view, an absolute terror.

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

Even Athena did not expect Roy to say such a thing. She widened her amber eyes, which resembled both snakes and owls, and her slightly parted lips exhaled a fragrant breath. She was utterly dumbfounded.

"This is the first time I have ever heard such an absurd and audacious statement. Roy Crowley, I must declare that you possess the bearing of a hero and the power of a Demon King. If you lived in ancient times, a person like you would surely be a great hero, a mighty warrior, a leader with an indomitable spirit."

"...To dare to propose sharing a room with a Disobedient God as a Campione, should I call you bold or foolish? Or perhaps, like Zeus, who wields the sun and thunder, you are overcome by lust and harbor improper desires for me."

A hint of mockery and sarcasm flashed in Athena's deep, wise eyes. "...The male Steel Hero defeated us Earth Mother Goddesses, demoting us to Dragon-Serpents, making us either their wives or their children. This situation has not changed after all these years."

Hearing Athena's words, Erica also showed a look of doubt. In their over a year of interaction, she had come to know that Roy did not live a chaste, ascetic life but was a Demon King loyal to his desires. In some aspects, he was even quite perverse, such as ordering her and Liliana to serve him simultaneously. Roy could say such things without hesitation, leaving them with no room to refuse.

However, directing this desire towards a Disobedient God was somewhat terrifying. Campiones could not possibly harbor any desires towards Disobedient Gods other than 'defeating' them, as it was their instinct, their destiny with Disobedient Gods.

"Goddess Athena, are you perhaps too narcissistic? Look at my two knights. In terms of figure, can you compare to them?"

Roy pointed at Erica and Liliana, especially scrutinizing their chests, then looked at Athena with a mocking gaze.

"Hmm... This body is not my true form. If you were to see my true form, you would never dare to have such thoughts."

Athena's cute, crystal-clear face contorted with annoyance.

She was a noble goddess, one of the few virgins in Greek mythology. Even if Roy was a Demon King on Earth, a king who slew gods, such teasing of an ancient goddess was disrespectful.

"Alright, I'll just ask if you will accept this promise."

Roy said impatiently.

Athena's expression calmed down. Her wise eyes looked at Roy, and she lightly parted her cherry lips, asking, "...Living in the same place as me, aren't you afraid I'll suddenly attack you?"

"Look at these snow-capped Alps, the beautiful scenery. As I said before, this promise is that we won't talk about fighting today, only about romance. But that's only for today."

Roy gestured with his eyes for Liliana to warm up another cup of coffee for him.

Athena neither denied nor affirmed, but continued to ask, "...Then, besides this promise, what is the agreement you mentioned?"

"It's simple. As long as you fulfill the promise, I will give you the Gorgon Stone, allowing you to regain your true form as 'Athena.' Then, we will have a great battle as a Campione and a Disobedient God. If I kill you, I will usurp your Authority. If I defeat and capture you, you will become my prisoner and my possession for the rest of my life!"

"...Similarly, if you kill me, then we will end as a Campione and a Disobedient God inevitably do. If you defeat and capture me, I will become your possession for the rest of my life. How about it, Athena? Isn't that fair!"

Roy leaned forward, approaching Athena's delicate and beautiful face. The faint floral scent emanating from her filled his nostrils as he spoke word by word.

Athena didn't feel shy at all. She stared directly into Roy's Double Pupils and said sharply, "...You've indeed developed improper thoughts about me."

"I won't deny that. Just like your father Zeus in Greek mythology, I also aspire to become the master of the sky, wielding thunder and lightning! Furthermore, the prerequisite for all this is to defeat the opponent and capture them. This is much harder than simply killing them. What? Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War, are you afraid to make this wager with me?"

Roy raised his eyebrows and spoke arrogantly, provocatively.

"You don't need to use provocation on me. I am the goddess of heavenly wisdom and would never fail to see through your thoughts. I know for a fact that there are traps and schemes in your words. However, wisdom tells me this is the easiest way for me to reclaim the Gorgon Stone. After that, it will only be a battle between a Campione and a Disobedient God..."

"...However, I am Athena, the Disobedient One, the Queen of the ancient Mediterranean. In a distant era, I personally beheaded the Child of the Fool. Since you wish to contend with me for victory through force, as the 'Goddess of War,' how could I possibly refuse!"

Although Athena's voice was childish, it was stern and proud, majestic and carrying an ancient gravitas, a stark contrast to her petite body and appearance.

Athena's decision amazed Roy. He smiled and asked, "...Goddess Athena, aren't you afraid I'll go back on my word?"

"It matters not. If you go back on your word, I will kill you. The outcome will be the same... Besides, I've said it many times, I am the goddess of wisdom. I can easily discern a person's character!"

"...Roy Crowley, I can see through your character. Although you harbor the ambition of a Demon King and immense desires, you are a man who will not easily break his promises, much like the heroes of ancient epics. Even when facing death, you would not betray your commitment. Forgive me, I will grant you the glorious death befitting a hero."

Athena's tone was sincere, with a hint of regret. Although she detested the Steel Hero, she did not deny the heroic conduct of the Steel Heroes; instead, she praised it greatly.

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

Roy touched his nose, as if feeling shy. "...I also acknowledge your character, Goddess. I believe you will not go back on your word."

"That is only natural. I am Athena, not those ugly evil gods who spew lies and know nothing of honor. I will keep my promise, or Athena's Divine Spark will fall!"

Goddess Athena stated resolutely, her lips parting to utter decisive words.

"Rest assured, Goddess Athena. Although I am a Campione, I am still mortal. My life will last at most a few hundred years. When I die after a few hundred years, you will regain your freedom."

Roy's arrogant words made Athena laugh. The goddess retorted in her childish voice, "...You seem to think you've already defeated me. This arrogance is an insult to me. However, please rest assured, if I truly fall into your hands, I will not cling to life when you die. As a goddess with the power of the Underworld, I will also descend to the Underworld to accompany you!"

"This declaration of love is a bit much for me, Goddess!"

Faced with Athena's bold statement, Roy flinched backward.