Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

For example, about two hundred years ago, the oldest Campione, Marquis Voban, once rampaged through the Vatican. If he hadn't left out of boredom because he found nothing useful to him as a Campione there, the Vatican might have been destroyed two centuries ago.

From this, it's clear how pitiful an organization without a Campione's protection is in this world—especially one as vast as Christianity. They must tread carefully, terrified of offending some Demon King.

Footsteps echoed through the quiet library. Roy sat in a luxurious chair among the bookshelves, setting down the book in his left hand. He looked up at the warm sunlight streaming through the transparent glass ceiling and said lazily, "...Is there something?"

This library was Roy's favorite haunt. Unless something important came up, no one dared disturb him here.

"Lord Saint Child, we have news of the heretical Archangel Metatron."

The visitor was a young clergyman who dared not lift his head to look at Roy on the dais. He stood respectfully at the boundary between dappled sunlight and shadow.

"Oh? Where is Metatron?"

Hearing good news at last, Roy rose from his chair, turned around, and asked from on high.

Christianity truly lived up to its reputation as the religion with the most believers—its intelligence network was vast. If Roy had searched for Metatron himself, he might never have found him. But by leveraging the Church's power, he had news of that Disobedient God within days.

"Reporting to Lord Saint Child, according to intelligence sources, the heretical Metatron was discovered within Italy."

The young clergyman hurriedly replied.

"Ha, how bold! The supreme angel of Judaism dares to set foot in the land where Christian faith is strongest."

Roy sneered and continued, "...Just tell me the exact location. Italy is too big—this isn't the answer I want."

"This..."

Cold sweat dripped from the clergyman's forehead. His face showed panic, even fear.

Campione were all extreme in temperament, and the 'Lord Saint Child' before him embodied the terms 'Campione' and 'Demon King' to the fullest—utterly capricious and bound by no taboos.

This was Roy's core principle: always act in accordance with his identity. If he were a magician, he would hold himself to a magician's standards. Now that he was a Campione, he naturally followed a Campione's code of conduct.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not a demon from hell. As long as you give me a satisfactory reason, I won't take my anger out on you."

Roy's reassurance did nothing to calm the clergyman. 'Moody' was another label pinned on Campione. In fact, this clergyman felt that his 'Lord Saint Child' somewhat resembled the Demon King among Demon Kings, the oldest Campione, Marquis Voban.

"Although the Vatican is located within Rome, the most powerful force in Italy is the Magic Society Alliance known as the 'Seven Sisters.' If you wish to know Metatron's exact location, My Lord, you may need to use the 'Seven Sisters'' influence. The Holy See can only confirm that Metatron is in Italy, but cannot pinpoint the specific place."

Roy frowned. This was the most troublesome aspect of Christianity in this world: while its influence was far-reaching, its depth within each country was shallow. With so many Magic Societies everywhere, a strong dragon could hardly suppress a local snake.

"Since the 'Seven Sisters' can find Metatron for me, go inform them. Tell them to come see me."

"This..."

The clergyman wanted to say more, but when he looked up and met Roy's eerily calm Double Pupils, he swallowed his words and replied, "...Yes, Lord Saint Child! I will notify the 'Seven Sisters' immediately."

Chapter 12: Crossing the Abyss of the Campione

(I've been forcing myself to go to the gym every day lately. It's exhausting.)

Roy stood in the Vatican Palace, wearing a Cardinal's robe, holding documents on Italy's 'Seven Sisters Magic Society Alliance.'

The Vatican Palace was originally the Pope's residence, but after Roy took dominion over Christianity as the 'Saint Child,' it became his home.

In the Sistine Chapel, the ceiling and walls preserved Michelangelo's famous frescoes, 'Genesis' and 'The Last Judgment,' which took him four years to paint. The opulent hall, filled with works by renowned artists, exuded a sacred atmosphere.

"The Seven Sisters... Isn't that the name of the seven dominant teams in Italian football during the 'Little World Cup' era? I have to say, my memory of the Campione! story is already fuzzy, and I never finished it, but I can't help pointing this out."

Roy grumbled inwardly. His current body was only sixteen years old. The sixteen years of life in Toaru had blurred his memories from before the transmigration.

"Bronze Black Cross is AC Milan, Black Bronze Cross is Inter Milan, Old Lady is Juventus, City of Lilies is Fiorentina, She-wolf is Roma, Blue Eagle is Lazio..."

Roy set down the documents with amusement and fell into thought. While these seven Magic Societies clashed with his memories, making him find it interesting, they were undeniably the strongest forces in Italy's mystical realm.

"Aiwass, what's your analysis of Pandora's Dark Offering and the Disobedient Gods?"

Standing beneath the famous painting 'The Last Judgment,' Aiwass's radiant figure emerged behind Roy. He asked.

"I have reached conclusions on the form of existence of Disobedient Gods and their general origin. Humanity, through fear of the unknown and faith, created the concept of gods, then wove myths to assign each god their place. Under certain special 'magical' circumstances, a very small number of god-concepts break free from their myths, becoming Disobedient Gods on earth."

"...Disobedient Gods are more like avatars of gods, existing by virtue of a 'core.' Pandora's Dark Offering fuses this 'core' with a human, granting them the power of a god. Campione can be fully described as 'mimic gods.'"

Aiwass explained her research on the relationship between Disobedient Gods and Campione in detail.

"So, Disobedient Gods are essentially like Heroic Spirits, except that god-avatars are far stronger than humans who ascended to Heroic Spirits through great deeds. The conceptual information of gods exists within myths. A Disobedient God's descent is a process of using that information, under the combined effect of this world's rules and mana, to materialize and be born."

Roy nodded lightly, gaining a thorough understanding of the Disobedient Gods' form of existence. It was nearly identical to the concept of Heroic Spirits in the 'Fate' game he used to play. The difference was that Heroic Spirits' information was on the 'Throne,' while gods' information was in myths.

Both descended as avatars, with the 'Spirit Origin' as their core. Normally, whether a Heroic Spirit or a Disobedient God's avatar, they would vanish and return upon destruction. But Pandora's Dark Offering left the Disobedient God's Spirit Origin behind, fusing it with a human, thus creating a Campione.

In the world of Campione, there were no true gods at all. They were merely conceptual information sublimated from human faith within myths. When these concepts gained consciousness and descended to earth, they were Disobedient Gods. When they did not descend, they were gods bound by myths. This was a paradox: gods could never appear before mortals; only Disobedient Gods could.

"So, actually, completely eliminating gods isn't that hard. Because gods exist only due to the myths humanity weaves. We need to understand cause and effect, the order of precedence. Myths came first, then gods—not gods first, then myths. As long as humanity is wiped out, or Human History is erased, the gods will naturally vanish."

(Note: This is a direct quote from the Campione! source material: for gods to completely disappear, humanity must disappear.)

This information was crucial to Roy. He wasn't limited to killing Disobedient Gods for power; he would explore more fundamental truths.

Roy's goal was to 'raise the sword of rebellion against his Beautiful Father.' With the so-called power of a Campione he now possessed, before Aleister Crowley, it was as laughable as a child's toy.

Therefore, Roy had to turn these toys into real weapons.

"Aiwass, what are your thoughts on the flaws of the Campione?"

Roy asked again.

Although a Campione could elevate a mortal to heaven in a single step, leaping over countless ages of hardship to achieve greatness, their upper limit was far too low.

No matter how many Disobedient Gods you kill, the Magic Power you possess remains the same—it never accumulates, and the Authorities you hold never evolve, only increasing in number.

The gap between the oldest Campione and a newly born one lies solely in the number of Authorities and experience; Campione do not grow stronger over time, having long lost the 'infinite possibilities' of the future.

If compared to a game, a Campione is like a level-one mortal instantly boosted to level fifty, but that's where it ends. Even if you grant this Campione a hundred Authorities, their upper limit remains level fifty—allowing you to pull off various tricks, but in reality, you've never truly grown stronger.

This is the massive flaw in Pandora's Dark Festival, as Aiwass put it. Aside from the qualitative change brought by the first god-slaying, no matter how many gods are slain afterward, the Campione only gains new Authorities, with no fundamental change, forever unable to break past the level-fifty limit.

This is not what Roy wants. If left to his own devices, Roy would struggle to break through the Campione's shackles in a short time, but he has Aiwass's help. As the 'Secret Chief,' an existence on par with a Demon God's rank, Aiwass is far more powerful than all the gods of this world combined.

Compared to that mysterious space that lets him traverse worlds, Roy believes Aiwass is actually the greatest 'cheat' helping him.

"I need to combine the knowledge of this world with my own to improve Pandora's Dark Festival, allowing you, Roy, to break through this limit."

Aiwass responds to Roy.

"Mm, I'm counting on you, Aiwass! I'll also work hard to absorb knowledge so that your knowledge can be applied."

Roy lets out a light breath.

Though he has Aiwass's help, he can't just do nothing. It's like an elementary school student facing a university professor—he doesn't need to solve complex math problems, just write out the formulas as the professor dictates, but if the student doesn't even recognize basic math symbols, he can't write a single word even with dictation.

Before Aiwass, Roy is like that elementary school student. He doesn't aim to match Aiwass's knowledge level, but at least his knowledge must be rich enough to write out and recognize what Aiwass dictates.

'Turning Disobedient Gods into materials to break through the level cap—isn't that just Spirit Base Advancement? Or like every mobile game out there...'

Roy self-deprecates.

"Alright, knowledge needs to be accumulated slowly, and things need to be done one by one. I'd better go see Italy's 'Seven Sisters Alliance' in person. Those magic societies must be hesitating right now—it's not that they're unafraid of a Campione and dare to disobey my orders, but because of Salvatore Doni, the 'King of Swords,' they're caught between two Campione and can't make a choice."

He snorts lightly, right hand in his pocket, cardinal's robe swaying as his red figure leaves the Sistine Chapel.

"Tell me where the leader of Italy's Seven Sisters Alliance is—I'm going to meet them!"

Under the shock and horror of the clergy at the door, Roy speaks.

This clergyman never imagined that the 'King' would personally set out!

Chapter 13: The 'King' Arrives

On the streets of Rome, a luxury car drives by. In the back seat sit a middle-aged man and a young, beautiful maiden.

The middle-aged man, nearing forty, has a face as upright as a statue of David, exuding an air of intellect and elegance. He leans back in the car seat, his steady eyes fixed on the Roman scenery flashing past the window, lost in thought.

He is the supreme commander of the Italian magic society 'Bronze Black Cross,' Paul Blantree.

Summoned by the 'King' from the Milan headquarters in haste, Paul Blantree does not plan to go to the Vatican to pay homage to the 'King' just yet. Instead, he heads to the headquarters of the magic society She-wolf in Rome, first to hold a crucial meeting.

Beside Paul Blantree sits a radiant Italian maiden. She appears only fourteen or fifteen, but her figure is well-developed, with gorgeous golden hair flowing loose. She wears a red dress, her back straight, revealing snow-white shoulders and a stretch of pale skin at the collar, drawing attention with a maturity beyond her years.

The maiden sits upright beside Paul Blantree, her delicate face stern like an unsheathed sword, yet exuding a noble and elegant aura.

"Uncle, aren't we going to pay homage to the New King? This doesn't seem like the way to the Vatican, but to the She-wolf headquarters."

The maiden looks at the scenery outside the window, her delicate brows slightly furrowing as she asks in a pleasant, puzzled voice.

"Erica, before we pay homage to the 'King,' Italy's 'Seven Sisters' need to hold a meeting first. You've met the leaders of the other six magic societies, but you've never attended such a formal 'Alliance Meeting.' This is your chance."

Paul Blantree says gently. Though his words are simple, they reveal much information.

Erica Blantree smooths her furrowed brows, a hint of excitement hidden in her expression. Her uncle, the supreme commander of 'Bronze Black Cross,' bringing her to such an important meeting is a clear sign of his regard for her—perhaps the title of 'Crimson Devil' will finally be passed to her.

But soon, Erica suppresses her inner restlessness. Compared to the honor of defeating her competitors, the deeper meaning of this meeting concerns her more.

"Uncle, is it because of the New King and Salvatore Doni?"

Erica asks with hidden worry.

Paul doesn't speak, only nods slightly to confirm Erica's guess. The atmosphere in the car gradually freezes, and neither speaks again until the car drives into the She-wolf headquarters.

Beneath the red dress, a foot clad in a white wool sock steps onto a pair of equally vivid red high heels, the soles tapping 'click-clack' on the ground. Ignoring the looks of shock, awe, or admiration from the young mages in the She-wolf headquarters, Erica holds her head high and chest out, following her uncle into the meeting room.

Inside the She-wolf headquarters, the finest knights and mages of all Italy have gathered. In the center of the hall is a round table with seven seats, the positions of the 'Seven Sisters' leaders.

Five of these seven chairs are already occupied. The seventh magic society is in a period of turmoil, having yet to elect a new supreme commander, so it is excluded from this meeting.

Erica sweeps her gaze around the room and spots a familiar face.

A silver-haired Knight Princess stands solemnly behind a woman dressed quite young. She keeps her eyes straight and posture upright, possessing a similarly beautiful face but lacking a maiden's innocent and cute charm, replaced by the seriousness befitting a knight.

Liliana Kranichar, the eldest daughter of the prestigious Kranichar family of the magic world, belongs to the magic organization 'Bronze Black Cross.'

Though 'Bronze Black Cross' and 'Bronze Black Cross' are both part of the Seven Sisters Alliance, the two magic societies, both headquartered in Milan, have been at odds for centuries. Thus, Erica and Liliana have a good private relationship but are also rivals.

Seeing an acquaintance, Erica's elegant face shows a playful smile as she winks at Liliana.

Liliana only glares back at Erica, then continues to look straight ahead, ignoring her provocation.

Erica doesn't keep teasing Liliana. Soon, she too becomes serious like Liliana, standing behind her uncle.

In this meeting hall are all the notable figures of Italy's magic world. As a junior, she has no right to be too casual here—it would disgrace the 'Bronze Black Cross' and make her seem rude.

"Paul Blantree has arrived. Let's start the meeting quickly—don't keep the New King waiting too long."

The supreme commander of the magic society 'City of Lilies' speaks first. He is a young man under thirty, having abandoned his real name to inherit the name of every generation of 'City of Lilies' supreme commander—the Purple Knight.

The supreme commander of the magic society 'Old Lady,' Trino, chimes in: "...I think everyone is clear on the purpose of this meeting. Let's not waste time on details. I'll ask just one thing: does anyone have detailed information on the New King? This concerns our Seven Sisters Alliance—I hope no one holds back."

The supreme commander of 'Bronze Black Cross' is the young woman standing before Liliana, named Diana Milito. As Trino finishes, she interjects: "...'Old Lady,' you actually came out of your headquarters—seems the New King is putting a lot of pressure on you too... According to intelligence from the Vatican's Christianity, the New King is said to be a sixteen-year-old boy, only two years older than my Liliana."

"...As for the New King's Authorities, we can only roughly guess they are related to 'Michael.' Even those 'Idlers' at Greenwich haven't uncovered more detailed intelligence. This 'King' has no record of ever making a move, and the process by which he slew a god remains unknown. Since Christianity has recognized him as a Campione, we must respond with the attitude due a Campione—Christianity still has that much credibility."

"Those who slay gods are never merely powerful magicians..."

Paolo Blandelli spoke with refined elegance: "...I have had multiple contacts with England's Campione, the 'Black Prince,' and have witnessed firsthand the terror of a Disobedient God. Even with my strength, facing a Disobedient God leaves me as helpless as an infant. Never judge a god-slayer by his age. Campione are precisely this 'unreasonable'—beings utterly unrelated to us knights and magicians."

The meeting hall fell silent. Everyone's breathing grew somewhat heavy. Paolo Blandelli was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Italian knights and magicians, arguably the strongest among them. Yet even he spoke this way, filling the others with despair and sorrow toward Campione and Disobedient Gods.

Not everyone had seen a Disobedient God. Though they were natural disasters, years might pass without a single appearance. Even if one did appear, it wouldn't fall to these magicians to face it—a 'King' would personally intervene.

Even the young Supreme Commander of the 'City of Lilies' had never witnessed a Disobedient God with his own eyes, let alone the other young magicians present.

But precisely because they had never looked upon a Disobedient God, a faint, hard-to-detect 'defiance' festered in their hearts.

"Stop recounting your glorious deeds, Paolo Blandelli. This is no place to narrate your illustrious past!"

As a rival magical society, Diana Milito cut off Paolo's words, her tone quite sharp. "...Our information on the New King is too scarce. But from this meager data alone, the New King's personality is quite 'capricious'—we can chalk it up to youthful willfulness. Therefore, we are meeting here to cast a vote: do we continue supporting our Southern European Alliance Leader, Lord Salvatore Doni, or do we choose betrayal and throw ourselves into the New King's embrace..."

"Forgive me for interrupting your words, Lady Milito. Please hear me out, honored lords. Liliana and I have had contact with Lord Salvatore. His temperament is not suited for loyalty. Especially if the New King's nature is too indulgent and willful, defying his orders could invite retaliation! Moreover, Lord Salvatore is only our nominal Alliance Leader; the 'Seven Sisters' are not his true subordinates. This is not betrayal. Therefore, I suggest..."

Erica faced the scrutiny of many Italian magical world magnates, speaking out fearlessly and confidently. Her poised demeanor made the older magicians present nod inwardly, envying the 'Bronze Black Cross' for having such an excellent junior.

But before Erica could finish, the young Supreme Commander of the 'City of Lilies' interrupted: "...Lady Erica Blandelli, please mind the occasion. Though you are an outstanding junior of the 'Bronze Black Cross,' you have no right to speak here..."

This 'Purple Knight's' tone was extremely displeased.

Erica's face flushed red. All her words were choked back. She endured for a long moment, then finally sighed, bowed, and said: "...Erica spoke out of turn. I hope the honored lords will forgive me."

Paolo Blandelli was just about to comfort his niece when, at that moment, the door to the meeting room suddenly burst open.

Everyone frowned. No one else should have been coming here. Which magical society's member was so rude as to barge into such an important meeting?

Countless eyes turned toward the doorway. There stood a young man, clad in a Cardinal Robe, his right hand in his pocket, looking them over with evident interest.

"All my beloved ministers gathered in one place—how convenient, saving me the trouble of seeking you out one by one. I am quite pleased by your thoughtfulness... But when I summoned you to see me, why do I find you here, holding a meeting instead?"