Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

Roy did not block Michael's longsword, because doing so would cost him his last chance.

He straightened his chest and shifted his position slightly, not letting the longsword pierce his heart, merely allowing it to run him through beside it. If this longsword were still the 'Sword of God', the magic power on it would have been enough to kill Roy instantly. But under the influence of 'Angel Fall', the sword had temporarily become the 'Sword of Man', no longer sufficient to slay him outright.

Though Roy's injuries were severe, they would not kill him immediately, buying him a moment to struggle before death.

And Roy, as the longsword pierced him, pressed the Spear of Longinus Fragment in his right hand into Michael's heart.

Then, the 'Angel Fall' ritual was dispelled, Michael's status returning from 'man' to 'god'. The 'Holy Spear Fragment', which had once killed the Son of God but was merely a sharp lance to humans, erupted fully.

In a single second, Roy delivered the killing blow into Michael's 'core'. The trait capable of killing the 'Son of God' exploded within Michael's body like the Big Bang.

The one-in-a-billion miracle appeared here.

The fearless angel, his handsome and beautiful face showing a moment of shock, then burst into loud laughter: "...Well done, Child of the Fool! This is the end I have longed for—to return to the Lord's embrace, to uphold the rule of the Heavenly Father at His throne!"

"...I am Michael, the 'God-like Being', the angel of 'Certain Victory'. I bestow upon you, Child of the Fool, both blessing and curse!"

"Go forth with my Certain Victory, go forth with my fearlessness to annihilate all, until the final end arrives!"

In a daze, Roy seemed to hear Michael saying something, but by then, he had already fallen into complete unconsciousness from his severe injuries.

Chapter 7: Pandora's Dark Offering

Roy was awakened by the soft touch on his head and the faint fragrance in his nostrils.

He opened his eyes and warily looked around.

This was a world of only gray—a gray space stretching to the horizon, empty, silent, yet exuding a mysterious eeriness.

Then Roy realized he was lying on something. Startled, he instinctively tried to sit up.

But a pair of small hands pressed down on his shoulders, pushing him back down.

Only then did Roy look up and meet the eyes of their owner.

This was a maiden who appeared to be only thirteen or fourteen years old. She had light purple hair tied in twintails, an eerie color reminiscent of the famous Greek monster Medusa. Her delicate features formed a cute, doll-like face, full of a maiden's innocence and liveliness, yet there was also a seductive quality to her youthful, adorable appearance, making one forget her apparent age and naturally think of the term 'mature woman'.

She wore a thin white dress, her figure slender—almost excessively so.

And Roy was lying here with her lap as his pillow.

Roy felt a bit awkward, but he was no pure-hearted youth who had never touched a girl's hand and blushed at the sight of a woman. He quickly calmed down and asked warily, "...Who are you? Where is this place?"

In truth, Roy already knew who the woman before him was—the origin of everything in the Campione World, the creator of the Dark Offering ritual, the first woman given to humanity by the gods in Greek mythology: Pandora!

It was only now that Roy understood why Aiwass had earlier told him not to know everything about a world in exhaustive detail, and not to proactively seek understanding.

Because if humans know too much, they instinctively become arrogant, naturally placing themselves in a superior position and looking down on others. This is very dangerous behavior.

If Roy carelessly revealed that he knew Pandora's identity or said more, making Pandora curious or even suspicious of him, causing her to refuse to perform the Dark Offering for him, Roy would lose big. His hard-won success in killing a god would be wasted.

After all, stealing authority by killing a Disobedient God was not a rule of this world itself, but a ritual belonging to Pandora. This ritual was essentially a Great Magic, but its activation conditions were too harsh—requiring personally killing a god and using the god as a sacrifice to succeed.

Therefore, Roy did his best to appear confused and at a loss.

Pandora had no suspicion at all. She simply looked at Roy with intense curiosity and said with an alluring smile, "...I'm your 'Mom'~~~~ As for where this is, well~ I don't mind telling you. You'll forget soon enough anyway."

"...This is the Realm of Life and Death. In Greek terms, it's the World of Thought; in Persian terms, the World of Mind. You've come here by initiating the ritual through the great deed of killing a god, becoming my 'son'. Come on, call me Mom and let me hear it."

Roy looked at Pandora's expectant eyes and mischievous smile, just curling his lip and ignoring her.

Daring to call herself his 'Mom'—that was quite bold. After all, the father of this body was Aleister Crowley. If that malicious man knew of her existence, poor Pandora would probably be caught by that evil man, taken to the 'Building with No Doors or Windows', and stuffed into a jar full of formalin for research. That man would definitely do that.

Roy silently grumbled to himself.

Seeing Roy ignore her, Pandora pouted as if angry and snorted, "...As for who I am, I'm Pandora—the Pandora you're thinking of. Explaining why you're seeing me is too troublesome, so I won't. You'll understand everything soon enough anyway. The next time you come here, you'll know it all."

Pandora had none of a goddess's dignity; she was like an ordinary middle school girl, with a touch of willfulness.

But soon, she put on an expression of sorrow—whether 'genuine' or 'feigned'—and said, "...In this era, the seventh Campione has already appeared, and the strongest Steel is about to awaken. My youngest child, your luck is somewhat poor. You won't be able to enjoy everything this great deed of killing a god brings you before you have to face the end."

Pandora's words stirred something in Roy. Though few, they revealed a lot of information.

For instance, he was the seventh Campione. According to Roy's memory, the original protagonist of Campione should have been the seventh, meaning he had arrived in this world's timeline before the original Campione story, but not too far off, since the first six Campione had already been born.

'I really have an affinity with the number seven.'

Roy's expression was strange, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Roy moved his head to lie more comfortably. Now that he knew the person before him was Pandora, he had no fear of the unknown. He looked at Pandora with great interest, feeling his eyes were much more pleased.

She was undoubtedly a beautiful woman. In Roy's thirty-plus years across two lives, aside from his sister Laura, he had never seen a woman more beautiful or more alluring than Pandora. Of course, Roy knew this was because he hadn't seen much of the world.

"Oh? What a special child. Your rationality and wisdom really don't suit a Campione. Yet your 'foolish' actions when facing a god make you a qualified 'Child of the Fool'."

Faced with Roy's unflappable, calmly observant attitude, Pandora said with some exasperation, "...Why don't you speak? Making me perform a monologue like this makes me look stupid."

"Interrupting someone is very rude, Pandora. I just didn't want to interrupt you."

Roy finally spoke. He really didn't want to chatter with Pandora here; he just wanted her to finish the ritual quickly so he could obtain the power he craved.

"Calling me Pandora is too distant. Call me Mom, Mom~~ If you call me 'Mom', I'll give you a special reward."

"...Looking closely, my youngest child is quite handsome and young. Much cuter than that silly boy before."

Pandora's hand gently smoothed Roy's messy silver hair that reached his ears. Though she appeared to be a young female on the outside, she exuded a gentle feeling called 'motherly love'.

Roy raised an eyebrow slightly. He just wanted Pandora to end this idle chatter quickly, so he indulged her directly: "...Mom."

"Heehee~ It's about time. This is a special reward."

With that, Pandora's slender fingers cupped Roy's cheeks as she bent down.

Before Roy's surprise, a fragrant breeze swept over him.

At the same time, the great ritual magic of god-slaying, Pandora's Dark Offering, began!

Chapter 8: Authority, "Divine Right"

Roy opened his eyes once more.

He realized he'd spent these past days constantly closing and opening his eyes, shuttling back and forth in a short span of time.

He was still in the same desert where he'd slain Michael. The blazing sun hung high overhead, but its glaring light no longer stung his pupils. The scorching sand beneath him was searing hot, yet that slight warmth could no longer burn his body.

Roy knew he had undergone a transformation—a true leap to the top, from a mediocre magician into a Campione, one who could rival the gods.

Pushing himself up from the sand, Roy looked down at his tattered clothes. If not for the protection of the Book of Law original text, he might have ended up standing naked in the desert, even as a newly-minted Campione.

Lowering his head to reflect, Roy was surprised to find that he remembered everything that happened when he met Pandora in the 'Realm of Life and Death' with crystal clarity, without a single lapse.

He smacked his lips. A warm touch lingered on them, and his mouth was filled with a sweet taste, like lily of the valley exuding a charming fragrance. Even Pandora's startled expression and his own bold exploration into her mouth, seeking the warmth of her tongue, were still fresh in his memory.

"Aleister had a profound study of 'phases.' The 'Realm of Life and Death' you just reached is one type of phase. Having fully comprehended Aleister's magnum opus, The Book of 777, you are capable of resisting the negative effects brought by different phases."

Just then, as if sensing Roy's question, the "Holy Guardian Angel" Aiwass behind him answered in her characteristic, static-laced voice.

The Book of 777 was the condensation of Aleister the 'Beast's' thoughts. That book contained no detailed records of any magical rituals, only Aleister's 'philosophical thoughts.'

Thus, even after fully comprehending The Book of 777, Roy hadn't grown stronger directly or mastered any powerful spells. Yet he could manifest his body before Aleister's 'Imaginary Phase.'

But this book gave Roy an opportunity—a chance to use the philosophical thoughts in The Book of 777 to create his own powerful spells, much like Aleister's spell 'Spirit Binding.'

However, Roy had previously been deep in insight but lacking practical ability—a classic 'giant in thought, dwarf in action.' Now, having successfully slain a god and become a Campione through Pandora's Dark Offering, he finally gained the capacity for action.

"Aiwass... did you go to that 'phase' too?"

"Sensing your 'spirit' heading to that phase, I grew worried and went to check."

Roy's lips twitched. Why did this angel have to phrase it so ambiguously, even saying things like 'grew worried'?

"Pandora didn't notice you?"

"With her rank, it's impossible for her to discover me."

That single sentence told Roy that neither Pandora nor the Disobedient Gods of this world could compare to this angel from the higher-phase world of the Kabbalah Tree of Life.

"This is a novel world. The ritual used by that woman named Pandora happens to align with this world's origin. However, her ritual has significant flaws. She could have done better, but that's as far as it goes."

Aiwass's expression held no contempt or mockery, but her brief words revealed her uniqueness. With just a glance, she could grasp the core of Pandora's Dark Offering and point straight to its flaws.

Roy had tried hard to observe the operation of Pandora's Dark Offering, but with his knowledge, he could only vaguely see a tiny fraction.

Soon, Roy felt this wasn't such a big deal. Aiwass was the "Secret Chief" symbolizing the number '93,' the one who 'preserves knowledge' and 'imparts knowledge.'

"Aiwass, can you analyze Pandora's Dark Offering? Even... perfect it?"

Roy was very curious about Pandora's ritual.

"Theoretically, it can be done. It's just a 'ritual magic' adapted to this world's rules. But I need more time to observe this world. Different worlds have too many variations in 'variables' to be generalized entirely."

"...I understand your meaning, Roy. Even if you didn't ask, I would try to analyze this ritual. I always have a strong interest in observing the unknown and the interesting."

"Ha, just like me and my father Aleister? Because you find it interesting, you observe, even stepping in yourself."

Roy wasn't questioning; he was stating a fact in a calm tone.

Aiwass didn't answer, because she had already shown Roy her answer through her actions.

Sometimes Aiwass loved to hide secrets, unwilling to say anything. But other times, this angel was especially honest, using actions to reveal her choice.

"Let's first look at the authorities I've gained as a Campione. Pandora's Dark Offering can be a long-term research topic."

With that, Roy closed his eyes, sensing the changes in his body.

After killing a god and using it as a sacrifice for the ritual, an immense surge of 'Magic Power'—or rather, extremely high-quality magical energy—erupted within Roy's body.

At the same time, his body underwent massive changes. The most significant was 'Magic Resistance,' which had reached an almost absurd level. Ordinary magic couldn't affect or harm him at all. Even Great Magic was greatly weakened before his 'Magic Resistance.'

This was why even powerful magicians couldn't oppose Disobedient Gods. Disobedient Gods were almost completely immune to mortal magic, with only a few powerful spells having any effect.

Compared to magic resistance, a Campione's growth in 'Physical Resistance' wasn't as exaggerated. Their stamina and physical strength far surpassed ordinary humans, but it wasn't insurmountable—powerful magicians could train to that level too.

In short, while a Campione's physical abilities were strong, they were still within the range of 'human.'

But Campione didn't rely on physical prowess anyway; that was just the foundation of their foundation. Their true strength lay in the authorities stolen from the gods!

After killing a god and completing the god-slaying ritual, Roy instinctively knew the effects and usage of his authorities.

"The authorities usurped from gods are closely tied to the Campione's own traits and affinities. Even if two Campione kill the same god, the authorities they gain aren't necessarily the same... And I, having comprehended The Book of 777, have a deep connection with the number 'seven.'"

Roy's expression was quite strange. The Book of 777 recorded Aleister's thoughts, its actual content being a blasphemy against the perfect meaning in the Christian Bible.

Yet the god he had slain was the strongest and most glorious angel in Christianity, also most closely linked to 'seven.'

Roy had gained seven authorities at once. Their comprehensiveness and power amazed even him. But just like the protagonist in the original story, because he gained too many authorities at once, they came with usage restrictions.

Each of the seven authorities had its own name. Roy thought for a moment and said, "...Michael is the 'God-like Being,' seated at God's right hand, an angel 'equal to God.' 'Right' in Christianity also means 'equal in honor.' So, let these seven authorities be collectively called 'Divine Right'!"

# Chapter 9: "Jacob's Ladder"

Campione—the slayer of gods—is a king, for they slay the heavenly deities and seize the supreme divine powers held by those gods—

Campione—the slayer of gods—is a tyrant, for they wield the authorities stolen through god-slaying and use them to dominate the mortals of the earth—

Campione—the slayer of gods—is a demon king, for no mortal living in this world possesses the power to stand against them!

Within the Sand Sea, a youth dressed in tattered clothes resembling strips of cloth trudged forward on foot. From appearance alone, he looked like a down-and-out traveler lost in the desert, struggling against this terrible natural environment with sheer willpower, as if he might Lose Life at any moment.

But if one drew closer, they would see that this youth was full of energy. Even under the scorching sun, he had barely any sweat stains, striding forward with his head held high and chest puffed out.

"Metatron has no idea where they've run off to. It's very possible they've already fled far from here."

Walking through the Sand Sea was naturally Roy, who had just completed his god-slaying. A Campione had a strange sense toward Disobedient Gods—once they met, they would immediately recognize each other. Thus, Roy walked through this Sand Sea hoping to find traces of Metatron's presence.

Metatron had been severely wounded in their battle with Michael. Based on Roy's analysis of his own authorities, unless Metatron possessed some kind of resurrection or healing authority, fully recovering would take a very long time. This was the best opportunity to slay a god, and Roy certainly didn't want to miss it.

However, given the current situation, he had wasted too much time performing Pandora's Dark Offering. Metatron had likely already fled far away.

Unless one had a special authority, trying to find a hidden Disobedient God across the 510 million square kilometers of Earth's land was a difficulty beyond even a Campione's capabilities.

Since Metatron had been seen by Roy, a Campione, he absolutely would not let them go. That 'Celestial Scribe' had become Roy's next target for slaying.

"I can't find Metatron relying on myself alone. I need enough manpower."

Roy rubbed his chin. Now that he was a "king" of the earth, if he announced that he needed subordinates, countless magical associations would come to apply, becoming his loyal lackeys.

But Roy wasn't someone who accepted just anyone. Even for subordinates, he needed them to have sufficient influence—at the very least, great sway in both the mystical world and the secular world.

Creating his own organization from scratch would naturally be the best option, but Roy didn't want to waste that time. With the absolute power of a Campione, he didn't need to worry about his subordinates' loyalty either.