"I've been watching two Heretic Gods battle. Did you see me looking afraid at all?"
He didn't truly reply but posed a question in return.
"Huh, I guess not."
Athena stared into Rei Ao's eyes.
"Deep and tranquil eyes, carrying a hint of amusementlike you're treating their fight as a show. Indeed, you're simply enjoying the spectacle."
As expected of the Goddess of Wisdom, she perceived at a glance that Rei Ao was taking pleasure in it all.
No matter how frightening Verethragna or Melqart might appear, to him they were mere playthings he could toy with at will.
And the same held true for Athena herself.
Being inspected and trivialized like that didn't upset Athena.
"Human, could you return the Gorgoneion in your hand to me? It belongs to me."
"Heretic God Athena, you want it to restore your power, right?"
Erica's eyes were sharp.
"Athena, Medusa, Metistogether, they form the triple deity. They were worshiped around the Mediterranean. Athena's origin was a North African goddess. If you recover the Gorgoneion, in essence you'll retrieve Medusa's portion. Then you'll revert to your triple divinity!"
Having explained all she knew about Athena, Erica declared firmly,
"So we're not handing it over!"
Her reasoning was simple:
Heretic Gods are disasters, dangers, enemiesto be destroyed.
Letting Athena regain her triune godhood would be giving power to an enemy.
That would be foolish.
But suddenly, a graceful arc flashed before Erica's eyes.
"Here you go."
Tap.
Athena lifted her hand and caught the object tossed her way:
The Gorgoneion!
"???"
Erica stared slack-jawed, turning blankly toward Rei Ao, who wore a slight smile.
"It belongs to her, doesn't it? So let's return it and be done with itback to its rightful owner."
~~~
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Chapter 499: Athena's True Form!
"Rei Ao-kun! How can you do that?!"
Erica's face was filled with anxiety. She didn't even dare imagine the extent of Athena's power once she reclaimed her Triune Godhood. But it was already too late to stop anythingthe Gorgoneion was back in Athena's possession.
""
Athena examined the Gorgoneion, confirming that it hadn't been tampered with. Her expression was difficult to read. The idea of using darkness to seize the stone by force faded quietly from her mind.
"You Why did you return it to me?"
She didn't understand. If he knew she was a Heretic God, he should also know the harm a Heretic God could bring. Giving her the Gorgoneion so easily would only endanger himself, wouldn't it?
Fubuki: "Based on Erica's earlier words, this is basically aiding the enemy, isn't it?"
Frieren: "Right. It doesn't seem like something Rei Ao would normally do!"
Bibi Dong: "How shortsighted. Rei Ao-sama is simply confident in his own power. After all, what is a Heretic God? If they're merely on the level of the two we just saw, not one of them could stand up to him in a fight."
Like a thousand level-60 Soul Emperors confronting a level-99 Limit Douluoa gulf that can't be bridged. Bibi Dong spoke the truth.
"I'm just very sure of my own strength," Rei Ao said with a grin.
[Heretic God]: Melqart
[Level]: 37
[Abilities]: "Divine Word," "Storm Authority"
[Possessions]: "Sacred Tools: "Driver," "Chaser"
[Heretic God]: Verethragna
[Level]: 43
[Abilities]: "Divine Word," "Ten Incarnations Authority"
King of Gods Melqart and Invincible Warrior God Verethragna were somewhat formidable, but only to that extent. They were merely manifested beings from mythologynot wielding the fullness of true divine might. The same went for Athena.
[Heretic God]: Athena
[Level]: 28
At present, without her Triune Godhood, Athena's power fell short of the other two.
"Athena, go onrestore your divine rank so I can see your Triune form. Then I'll conquer you."
Conquering a goddess. Just the thought of it gave a thrilling rush, and Athena was already on his list of targets. Too bad the Athena standing before him was a heretical avatar, not the true being from legend.
"'Conquer me'?"
Such words were shockingly disrespectful to a godespecially Athena. By all rights, he ought to face divine punishment. Yet Athena showed neither anger nor fury, only a hint of curiosity.
"Human, even with all my wisdom, I can't fathom how you dare boast of conquering me and my divine rank. Though I'm only treading the earth right now, once I reclaim my Triune Godhood, I'll still have enough might to devastate the world."
She gave a faint smile.
"Since you've challenged a god as boldly as a heroic champion would, I have no choice but to answer."
Spreading her arms, Athena let the Gorgoneion hover before her chest. Her hair fluttered even with no wind, and her lips parted softly:
"I chant, invoking the hymn of the Triune Goddess. Linking sky, earth, and darkness, bringing forth the cycle and its wisdom."
The Gorgoneion began to glow, responding to her voice, becoming a beam of light that melded into Athena's body.
"I chant, singing the hymn of a goddess once held in low esteem
A queen labeled a forbidden serpent, lamenting as a scorned ruler.
I chant, reciting the poem of a goddess whose heart was sundered
A sorrowful mother of the earth, whispering her grief."
"I am Athena, daughter of Zeus, guardian of Athens, eternally a virgin.
In ages past, I was the earth mother who gave birth to all living things!"
The earth cheered.
"In ages past, I was the queen of the underworld who governed darkness!"
Darkness enshrouded the sky.
"In ages past, I was the queen of wisdom who comprehended the mind of skies!"
Wind and clouds churned, and golden light descended upon the earth.
Athena's body rose into the air.
"Hm?"
In the midst of battle, Melqart and Verethragna both halted. Verethragna's eyes gleamed.
"It appears this will be a splendid fight indeed."
All eyes turned to Athena, glowing like a deity in the golden radiance. She slowly opened her eyes, a divine glimmer in their depths.
"I swear, Athena shall return to her original, primordial state!"
The celestial voice of the goddess drew a response from heaven and earth.
Athena transformed into a radiant sun shining overhead.
"Ugh! It's so bright!"
Utaha and the others shielded their faces. Rei Ao, however, made no move to block out the light; he never took his gaze off Athena for an instant. He clearly witnessed her body's magical change from child to maiden.
Moments later, the brilliance faded, and Athena's new divine form was revealed. She'd gone from a loli to a youthful girl with silver hair cascading to her waist. Dressed in white, she radiated both divine majesty and a heroic aura.
This was Athena.
Saeko Busujima: "So that's the Athena from mythology?"
Mai Sakurajima: "Correctionshe's Erica's world's Athena."
Fubuki: "I thought I heard something odd. Did she say she's an eternal virgin?"
Sui: "Uhweird. Why boast about that?"
Yomogawa Ayame: "Well, virginity can indeed be a point of pride, but I think giving all that is precious to the one you love is even more admirable."
Megumi Kato: "I don't think Athena's statement was meant as bragging."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "I believe it's simply a recitation of mythic lore. In Greek mythology, Athena is considered a virgin goddess who never takes a man. Her power arises from her purity. That's how our world's myths describe Athena; it might be relevant here."
Yukino's insight was accurateAthena was reciting her mythic epic as she reclaimed the Gorgoneion via her original divine incantation.
By drawing on her triune godhood, she restored both her status and her age. This was Athena in her newly regained form.
~~~
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Chapter 500: Enemies? You and him, Yes, her? Not really...
On the wide-open sea
A blond man lay sunbathing on a yacht.
He was Salvatore Doni, twenty-four years old, the sixth of the God Slayers, known as the "King of Swords" who leads the magic associations in Southern Europe.
All Demon Kings (Campiones) are lawless in their own right. It didn't matter which country's waters he was inhe would come and go as he pleased. Compared to some more uptight Demon Kings, Doni was the most laid-back and knew how to enjoy life.
He wore sunglasses, felt the sea breeze, soaked up the sun, and had subordinates on standby to serve him. Life was indeed blissful.
All of a sudden, his eyes narrowed.
He sat up abruptly, removing his sunglasses, his gaze drawn in surprise toward a certain direction.
An indistinct sense of presence tugged at his heart.
Over there
A Heretic God.
He didn't need to guesshe knew. A Godslayer and a Heretic God are inherently connected; hence he naturally sensed one's appearance.
"That locationSardinia."
Besides the sword, Doni had little knowledge in other areas, but he could at least identify directions and places.
Battlelust shone in his eyes.
"It's not far. Heh, Heretic God, here I come!"
"Lord Doni!!!"
Amid the cries of his followers, Doni threw off his T-shirt and leapt straight into the sea.
Immediately, he moved his arms, running across the water's surface. The sea parted around him as though making way, leaving frothing waves in his wake. In the blink of an eye, he had dashed hundreds of meters ahead, his voice echoing behind:
"I'm off to Sardinia for some fun!"
Such was the sheer impulsiveness of a Godslayer.
Meanwhile
[Heretic God]: Athena
[Level]: 52
Having returned to her original state, Athena's level soared from 28 up to 52, completely outstripping both Melqart and Verethragna.
"Triune Godhood"
Erica stared blankly at Athena. Simply standing there, Athena exuded a pressure so intense, it left Erica feeling suffocated and fearful.
At this moment, both Melqart and Verethragnawho had paused their own battleappeared on the scene.
"A Goddess of Wisdom, radiant and mighty. Will you do me the honor of a duel?"
Verethragna, ever the battle maniac, felt Athena's formidable aura and promptly issued a challenge.
"Hmph! You and I have not yet finished our fighthow dare you try to slip away? Are you looking down on me?"
Melqart radiated a fierce energy. Even though he already knew he was weaker than Verethragna, he had no desire to be taken lightly.
Verethragna regarded him calmly.
"I give all warriors the respect they're due, but in the eyes of this Goddess of Wisdom, I am now the challenger. King of Gods, I believe you too hunger for a battle with her?"
His passionate gaze remained on Athena's splendor.
He felt no fear in challenging a stronger foeon the contrary, nothing thrilled him more or set his heart aflame.
""
Melqart's own thoughts aligned with Verethragna's. Such is the nature of warriors.
"Our battle has yet to yield a victor, but the chance to challenge and slay an even mightier god might vanish if we hesitate."
He brandished his wooden club toward Athena.
"We can finish our fight another time. For now, I, the Dragon-Slayer, shall claim the head of the Goddess of Wisdom!"
"Hahaha, intriguing! King of Gods, your brave choice pleases me. I acknowledge you as a true dragonslayer, O Storm-King!"
Verethragna's battle spirit flared. The prospect of fighting Athena made his blood boil.
""
Athena merely glanced at the two of them before turning her gaze away. She had not expected it to be so easy to reclaim the Gorgoneionbut all thanks to him: Rei Ao.
Now she was more interested in seeing how this mortal who claimed he would "conquer" her in her restored form would act.
"Wow, are the three of them about to fight among themselves?"
A sudden exclamation shattered the tension. All eyes shifted at once.
"!!!"
Eriri hurriedly clapped a hand over her mouth. She'd just blurted out her honest reaction, but clearly realized too late that the timing was terrible. She couldn't take it back now.
The gazes of all three Heretic Gods fell on her at once, and her knees nearly buckled from the crushing pressure. Cold sweat formed at her temple. Little by little, she shuffled behind Rei Ao, clutching the hem of his shirt for a bit of safety.
"Fight among ourselves?"
Verethragna stroked his chin.
"An amusing turn of phrase. Does she see us as one group?"
He turned his smiling face to Rei Ao, who stood in front of Eriri protectively.
"Child of man, tell medo you regard us all as the same sort of enemy?"
From his perspective, the humans here were only Erica, who seemed like a witch, plus Utaha, Eriri, and Rei Ao, who looked like ordinary humans. But right from the moment he'd first laid eyes on Rei Ao, Verethragna had sensed a faint, dangerous aura. Now, facing three Heretic Gods, Rei Ao remained utterly calma fact that intrigued Verethragna greatly.
Athena, likewise, watched quietly, curious.
Everyone held their breath, awaiting Rei Ao's reply.
Mabel: "I have a feeling"
Thor: "What feeling?"
Mabel: "Rei Aohe's about to act all badass!"
Thor: "?"
"You ask if I consider you my enemies?"
Rei Ao gave a laugha snort of disdain, more accurately.
"You are not worthy to be my enemies."
He lifted his right hand. His extended forefinger pointed at Melqart. Rei Ao's lips moved:
"Him not worth mentioning."
"You"
His finger pivoted to Verethragna.
"You're no different from him."
"And her"
Lastly, he pointed to Athena, and gave a faint smile.
"She couldn't possibly be my enemy. She's simply the first goddess I plan on conqueringsleeping with a goddess. Bold, yes?"
Silence fell instantly.
Erica's eyes widened. What he'd just said was pure provocationand he'd basically dismissed all three of them as insignificant. Well, not entirelyhe'd singled Athena out for a different reason
Melqart, Verethragna, and Athena all froze in astonishment at his words. Only one thought swirled through their minds:
How brazen can one human be?!
~~~
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Chapter 501: Prepare to Face the Fury of Gods (Bonus Chapter)
Hearing Rei Ao's outrageous proclamation, the three Heretic Gods each wore an odd expression.
