The Divine Right of a Certain Anime and Manga

"Consider it a benefit from the loser to the winner."

She thought this, then leaned closer into Roy's embrace, her eyes wide as she stared at the ceiling.

A night of rest had finally restored some of Athena's divine power, but the sense of weakness caused by the "Light of the Right" still lingered.

Just as Athena had realized when she was defeated, the "Light of the Right" was a power that completely eliminated all factors related to 'victory' from an enemy, leaving only 'defeat' as a possibility.

If your energy is the condition for victory, it will reduce your energy to zero.

If your divine power is the condition for victory, it will reduce your divine power to zero.

If your Authority is the condition for victory, it will seal all of your Authority.

Even if waiting for rescue is your condition for victory, the "Light of the Right" will twist fate and reverse causality, preventing anyone who could possibly come to your aid from arriving for various reasons, like a world-controlling restraining force.

In short, once all external and internal factors that allow you to achieve victory are resolved, the probability of victory becomes zero, which is absolute defeat.

This was why Athena called the "Divine Right" incomprehensible, and why she refused to accept such an outcome, simply because Roy's right hand was completely unreasonable, like cheating in a game.

"You're awake, Athena... How was your rest?"

Roy was woken up by Athena's body twisting in his arms. He slowly opened his eyes and yawned, nuzzling Athena's silver hair as if he were holding a cat, which earned him a hint of displeasure from the goddess.

"It's alright, I've recovered some strength. At this rate, it should take about two more days to fully recover."

Athena frowned as she checked her body. She wasn't injured, just 'defeated.' Her current recovery wasn't so much healing an injury as it was the influence of the "Light of the Right" fading, and the 'victory elements' Athena had lost were gradually returning to her.

Stamina, energy, divine power, Authority, and even concepts like friendship and bonds were all returning.

"Since you've recovered enough, get up. We'll go explore Athens after we eat."

Yesterday, Roy hadn't been too unrestrained in the washroom; he had simply rested and enjoyed himself in the bath.

"I am a wandering Disobedient God; it doesn't matter where I go."

Athena's voice, as pure and elegant as a stream, held no sadness, merely stating a fact.

Although she was the most famous goddess in Greece and the patron deity of Athens, she actually had no special feelings for Athens. It was, after all, just a myth woven by humans, a divine role forcibly bestowed upon her.

Of course, as the patron deity of Athens, if she were to fight there, she would receive a territorial bonus, making her even more powerful.

Disobedient Gods and Heroic Spirits were entirely different existences. The stories of Heroic Spirits happened first and were then given mythical color, while the stories of Disobedient Gods were given myth first, and then became the fact of their divine role. The causal relationship was the exact opposite.

Seeing that his flattery had missed the mark, Roy shrugged. He hadn't expected Athena to have so little attachment to Athens, but he was indifferent. "...I've never been to Athens before either, so let's go take a look."

In his original world, Roy had been someone who enjoyed traveling, but at that time, due to constraints of time and money, he couldn't visit places all over the world. In the world of A Certain Magical Index, it was a time of war, and his life was even more precarious. He had to take care of his sister and help others write letters to make ends meet. Besides the street he lived on and the nearby church, Roy wasn't even very familiar with London, where he lived.

Now, in this modern society, he had power and influence, and no longer worried about money. Although he usually spent most of his time staying at the villa or reading in the Vatican, now that he had free time, he didn't mind traveling around.

"Okay, I'll listen to you... Although I am not a knight who will pledge loyalty to you as my master, I will do my best to treat you as my Sovereign."

Athena jumped off the bed. The goddess's body didn't need cleaning, and she was ready to leave the bedroom.

"Wait a moment, Athena."

Roy called out to her.

"Is there anything else, Roy...?"

Neither a respectful address nor a formal address of his full name, her casual tone, like that of a friend, made Roy feel a little closer to the goddess.

Athena tilted her head, a few strands of her hair falling down, her amber eyes looking at Roy with confusion, like an exquisite doll.

"Change your clothes. That outfit you're wearing is really... too old-fashioned."

Roy looked strangely at the loli-like Athena's outfit with its extremely peculiar color scheme. Fortunately, she was a goddess with an elegant aura; otherwise, wearing such a color combination would make her look like a country girl.

"The clothes are over there. I had someone from Switzerland bring them yesterday."

Roy pointed to the sofa, and Athena then saw a white dress with lace ruffles folded on it.

"Is it... ugly?"

Athena looked down at her own attire and asked hesitantly.

These were clothes she had chosen herself. If Roy said they were ugly, it would shatter the goddess's confidence.

"I wouldn't say ugly, but how should I put it... This outfit is a bit too mature for your current appearance. Since you've become a child, you should dress cutely to match your status. Actually, your outfit when you were in your complete form was quite beautiful, with a strong ancient Greek style."

Roy put on his clothes and said with a smile.

Athena had intended to refuse his suggestion. She was a willful goddess and wouldn't change her mind based on others' opinions, but after a moment of hesitation, she said, "...Then you can go out."

"What?"

"I'm going to change. Do you want to watch me change?"

Athena glared at Roy.

Roy had intended to say, 'I'd actually like to watch you change,' but upon seeing a faint, almost imperceptible blush on Athena's fair, flawless face, he swallowed back his teasing words and walked towards the door with a helpless smile.

Their relationship wasn't close enough for that yet; it was best not to anger this goddess.

"I'm not Aphrodite, who would dress up for men."

As he passed Athena, Roy heard her muttering.

"The goddess of love, Aphrodite? You mean Venus... Judging by your tone, you seem to dislike her quite a bit?"

Roy asked curiously.

"That kind of promiscuous woman is the type that a self-respecting goddess like myself hates the most. A good-for-nothing who can only rely on other male gods by selling her looks to solve problems! Let's not mention her. Roy, you should leave quickly."

Athena's tone was impatient, even urging him with annoyance.

The reputation of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, in mythology was indeed not great. She was perceived as a coy goddess who seduced men with her appearance and charm. Athena, on the other hand, was seen as simple, decisive, and a goddess who solved everything with her own strength.

One could say these two goddesses were distinct representatives of modern women.

Although Athena in mythology could also be ruthless and manipulative towards humans, this was a common trait among Olympian gods. In Greek mythology, which was extremely chaotic in terms of private lives, the fact that only Hestia, Athena, and Artemis were virgins showed Athena's uniqueness.

At the dining table in the restaurant, Athena had changed into an elaborate and gorgeous Baroque-style dress. She wore white stockings on her straight legs and a flower crown on her head, identical to the one Athena wore when she grew up.

Roy felt that the flower crown on Athena's head had a strong girlish aura. Without it, something always felt missing.

Athena seemed unaccustomed to such overly ornate clothing, constantly frowning and fidgeting with it.

"Lord Roy, this is a personal letter from the Campione of North America, John Smith. He wishes to borrow your power to help him resolve a troublesome matter. Lord Smith said he should have come to Italy to invite you in person, but he is currently unable to leave North America and can only request it by letter. He hopes you can travel to North America, and he will personally visit to apologize once you arrive."

Every day, Erica would report the latest major events in the supernatural world and any matters concerning Roy during breakfast, acting like a personal secretary.

Roy had grown accustomed to Erica handling these tedious affairs for him. Sometimes he wondered if he would feel awkward if Erica were no longer around.

"John Smith? I don't know him, and I'm not interested in traveling that far to help him solve a problem. Just refuse him and say I'm busy."

Roy said without thinking.

It was a joke. To be summoned to help with just a letter and a few words? Roy was not that kind of warm-hearted person.

"Understood. I will politely decline Lord Smith's invitation."

Erica nodded in agreement, showing no surprise at Roy's decision.

When a Campione like Smith sought help, ordinary magical societies would absolutely not be able to refuse, nor would they dare to. But Roy was different. Roy was also a Campione, and one whose notoriety was as fierce as the Eastern Cult Master. He could easily dismiss John Smith's request with a wave of his hand.

As a subordinate of such a renowned Campione, the entire magical society of Italy could stand tall and look down on their counterparts from other countries. Erica did not need to show any fear when facing other "Kings," as she represented Roy.

"Wait a moment, Erica, don't refuse just yet!"

Roy raised his hand. His Clairvoyance magic had found something that piqued his strong interest. This time, Smith's request for help led Roy to discover that it was related to a certain item, an item that was legendary – the Holy Grail!

Chapter 91: Only Fake Athenas Need to Be Protected

"What does John Smith's matter have to do with me, Roy Crowley? She's asking for my help, not the other way around. Let her wait in North America! When I have the free time, I'll go over. Maybe by the time I get there, she'll have already solved the problem herself!"

Despite his casual words, Roy headed to Athens instead of going directly to North America.

Although Roy had seen the golden legend of the Holy Grail through his Clairvoyance, an item that 'Black Prince' Alexander Gascoigne had been relentlessly pursuing but could not obtain, Roy's Clairvoyance could only see the past, not the present or the future.

Therefore, all he could do was infer the facts based on past information. Knowing that the North American Campione's request involved the Holy Grail this time, Roy actually wanted to stand by and watch, only revealing himself at the moment the Holy Grail and its master appeared.

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, located at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. In the past, it was Marquis Voban's territory. After the Marquis's defeat and disappearance, the magical societies of the countries he led were like dragons without a head, and they all began to pledge allegiance to Roy.

Roy could not place the same level of trust in these magical societies as he did with the Italian 'Seven Sisters,' but he figured these magicians wouldn't dare to deceive or trifle with him, their "King."

Just as presidents and prime ministers are welcomed by governments when they travel to other countries, as a "King," wherever Roy went, local magical societies would come to hear his royal decree once his itinerary was confirmed.

"Lord Roy, I think I heard you referring to John Smith as 'her'?"

Compared to the more reserved Liliana, Erica preferred to assert her presence. This Italian 'Bronze Black Cross' successor, with her stunning looks and perfect figure, was like a dancer center stage, drawing attention wherever she went, adept at social graces.

"John Pluto Smith's real name is Annie Charlton. Beneath that mask and armor is a woman. A Campione like her, who is so reserved, low-key, and unwilling to even reveal her true face, has been the only one from ancient history to the present... In that regard, she is also an incredible person."

Roy carelessly exposed the truth that the North American Campione had desperately tried to hide. Before his Clairvoyance, secrets simply did not exist.

"Lord Smith is actually a woman? This is the first time I've heard such a secret."

Liliana showed a surprised expression. Erica's eyes lit up. While she was also surprised, what surged within her was the joy of knowing a hidden secret of this world. As a magician and a Great Knight, she was at the most passionate age and loved to explore ancient mysteries like an 'explorer.'

Even though the Campione Annie Charlton was born relatively recently, the "King's" secret was as profound as any ancient ritual.

Behind Roy and his entourage, the leader of a local Athenian magical society was accompanying them on their tour of Athens. Upon hearing the secret Roy spoke, he felt no joy in knowing it. Instead, his heart filled with fear, even worrying if the North American Campione might silence him.

After all, the North American "King" had hidden her identity and gender, and even used a pseudonym, which must have had its reasons. Knowing a "King's" secret, without possessing equivalent status, was not a fortunate thing.

"Speaking of which, the eras of Campiones are truly distinct. Marquis Voban, the Eastern Cult Master, and Lady Aisha of India were born around two hundred years ago. The remaining four Campiones, including myself, were born within the last ten years, with a clear generational divide."

"...Even when I trace back the past, I haven't found more than four Campiones in any era. This means that in Marquis Voban's generation, the Last King should have appeared and killed them all. Yet, surprisingly, it wasn't until now that seven Campiones were born."

Roy said this to Athena beside him, his voice low, so as not to be heard by Liliana and the others. It was best to keep the 'Last King' a secret from as many people as possible for now.

The goddess, dressed in a gorgeous Baroque-style dress and wearing a flower crown, exuded an elegant and proud aura despite her youthful appearance, adding a touch of cuteness to her exquisite beauty. Her delicate feet moved, and her beautiful legs clad in white stockings could incite the covetous gaze of any man. Upon hearing Roy's words, the goddess merely snorted and said mockingly, "...The Last King has also become lazy."

The fact that the Campiones of the previous era were not killed was definitely not because the Last King was defeated, but simply because he had not fulfilled his mission.

"Those three Campiones are truly lucky. They should have died a hundred years ago, yet they clung to life until now."

Roy shook his head and smiled. It seemed that the Last King's efforts over thousands of years had also tired him out.

"However, this is not good news for me. So many Campiones living in the same era is unprecedented. The Last King's 'Great Covenant Law' will be raised to an unprecedented level... I have a bold idea. Although the probability of success is not high, if it succeeds, I can resolve the Last King. If this method fails, I may truly only have the path of killing all the other Campiones left."

The Last King was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over his head, an obstacle that Roy had to overcome. No matter the time, he had to think about how to deal with him.

"I don't care what method you use, whether it's insidious and cunning or open and aboveboard, it's all a manifestation of wisdom. As a goddess of wisdom, I will support you. Just remember the promise you made with me, the promise to sever the final steel together, and I will protect you!"

Athena said with a high-pitched tone.

"It should have been me 'protecting Athena,' but now it sounds like 'Athena is protecting me.' Don't worry, Goddess 603, I will always remember our promise."

Roy joked.

"As the goddess of war and wisdom, Athena needs no one's protection. If Athena needs someone to protect her to survive, then she must be a false Athena!"

Athena's lips curved slightly, and a serene, noble smile appeared on her cute face, carrying both Athena's pride and her approval of Roy.

Just then, Athena's beautiful eyebrows furrowed, and a look of clear disgust appeared on her face.

"What's wrong, Athena?"

Sensing the change in the goddess's expression, Roy took her small, fair, and tender jade hand, feeling its coolness and smoothness, and asked with concern.

Athena tugged at her hand, finding that Roy's grip was very strong and tight, making it impossible for her to pull away. After glaring at him, she gave up and said in a low voice, "...I smell a disgusting odor, the scent of the Lord of Rakshasa. The smell is faint, but it's growing stronger."

The Lord of Rakshasa is a title for a Campione. The fact that a Disobedient God could smell a Campione meant that a Campione was nearby.

A Campione's senses weren't particularly strong; even two Campiones might not recognize each other if they met face-to-face. However, it was different for Disobedient Gods. They could sense the presence of a Campione even from a great distance. Athena could be said to be a high-performance radar for detecting Campiones.

Chapter 92: Lady Aisha

Roy subtly scanned his surroundings but found nothing related to a Campione.

Aiwass, can you tell me where the Campione Athena mentioned is?

Since he couldn't find it himself, and Athena couldn't pinpoint the location, Roy directly asked Aiwass via telepathy.

[That Campione is not in this world. To be precise, she is not in this timeline. She is returning from another time. This world is truly wondrous, to be able to open the path of the river of time so easily.]

As expected, when encountering something uncertain, it was best to ask Aiwass. Although this "Holy Guardian Angel" didn't know everything and couldn't do everything, most problems could be solved with her help.