Erica knelt on one knee. Although she was currently wearing a pristine white princess gown, her etiquette was genuinely that of a knight.
Hearing Yusei's words, she visibly started, a flash of hesitation deep in her beautiful eyes.
However, it was quickly replaced by determination, followed by a soul-stirring, captivating glance.
"If that is your wish..."
Yusei, who had been watching Erica's eyes, understood but didn't comment further.
"I see. I accept you as my knight. So, will you, and the organization behind you, provide your full assistance to me?"
"That goes without saying. Then, please issue your first command, Devil King-sama."
"My name is Kazami Yusei. 'Devil King-sama' sounds strange."
"Then... Yusei-sama?"
Yusei nodded and continued, "Then my first command is to help me gather intelligence on the History Compilation Committee, especially regarding Susanoo. I want to seize his Authority."
"I'm glad Yusei-sama is so motivated. But given the current situation, the History Compilation Committee is on high alert. A direct assault wouldn't be advisable."
"So, there's no way to get to Susanoo?" Yusei frowned.
His primary goal in coming to this world was Susanoo and Takemikazuchi... Takemikazuchi was already dealt with, leaving only Susanoo.
"Absolutely not! Assisting you in hunting Heretic Gods is precisely our purpose. However, before that, we were hoping you could target... easier prey first?"
"Easier prey?" Yusei frowned.
"Yes. According to intelligence, a Heretic God is about to manifest on Sardinia Island, Italy. Perhaps you could set your sights there instead?"
"A Heretic God from Greek Mythology?"
"Precisely."
Yusei immediately shook his head, "No. Heretic Gods from Greek mythology are not within my consideration. The gods I hunt should only be from Japanese Mythology."
"Why?" Erica was stunned, not following Yusei's train of thought.
'This... this meant he was rejecting other potential Authorities, wanting only those from Japanese Mythology?'
"But, Yusei-sama, Authorities do not conflict. Regardless of the mythological system-"
"Enough. Don't say any more. I will not hunt gods from Greek Mythology," Yusei refused.
His goal was not to become a Campione, but to become a true God.
Campiones do not possess Divine Cores, but they do have something like a Divine Power origin. For example, both might have Thunder Authorities, but their origins are different.
If he wants to become a god later, such conflicts would be troublesome. Yusei was still contemplating the method to achieve godhood, but he believed the system would assist him.
Purity was better. That was Yusei's plan.
Hearing this 'eccentricity' of her Devil King, Erica could only nod helplessly.
"I... I understand."
Actually, the reason for wanting Yusei to hunt the Heretic God on Sardinia Island was also because the god's manifestation would cause a local disaster.
On one hand, they wanted Yusei to grow stronger by obtaining the Heretic God's Authority. On the other hand, they wanted Yusei to help them resolve this disaster.
Now, with Yusei showing no interest in the Authorities of Greek gods, Erica was unsure how to persuade this Campione to help them solve the impending disaster.
Seeing Erica's repeatedly hesitant expression, Yusei smiled frankly, "If there's something you need my help with, just say it directly. Although you are the knight and I am the king, our relationship feels more like a mutual transaction."
Erica's expression froze upon hearing this. An awkward smile appeared on her face, "[Copper-Black Cross] is, of course, loyal to you. And I became your knight because I admire you and applied for the position voluntarily."
"Let's leave it at that. Just tell me directly... what are your intentions?" Yusei said noncommittally, asking directly.
Seeing Yusei so blunt, Erica didn't hesitate either and directly relayed the intelligence they had gathered these past few days.
A Heretic God was about to descend on Sardinia Island. They hoped he would go there to hunt the Heretic God and resolve the disaster for the island's people.
Yusei listened and nodded, "I roughly understand the situation. But if I hunt the Heretic God, won't I just obtain their Authority?"
"That is correct. So, wouldn't it be good for you to become stronger this way?" Erica said with a smile.
"..." Yusei didn't reply. Instead, he stroked his chin, lost in thought.
This was indeed a problem. He wasn't arrogant enough to think he could casually control the battle to defeat the opponent without killing them.
You have to understand, the opponent is a Heretic God. It's either go all out to win, or face defeat.
"Forget it. I'll still make a trip to Sardinia. We'll assess the specific situation there. But I can only try my best to drive them away. Killing them is impossible… impossible for this lifetime."
Hearing Yusei agree, a brilliant smile bloomed on Erica's face.
"As you wish, my King."
…
Two days later, on a plane bound for Sardinia.
Yusei looked at the girl beside him, lightly coughed twice, interrupting her focused reading of a women's magazine.
"Cough, let me reiterate. I'll help you take down that Heretic God. Cleanly and efficiently!"
Erica, "??"
"Uh, alright. I couldn't be happier that you think that way."
Yusei smiled awkwardly, closed his eyes again to rest, but felt utterly exasperated inside.
Who was it that said yesterday, 'Impossible to kill them, impossible for this lifetime'? Ah, he doesn't remember.
Yusei decisively went back on his word, selectively choosing to forget.
As for the reason? It was, of course, because the system had suddenly issued a mission.
[Side Mission: Collect Divine Authorities]
[Objective: Defeat Heretic Gods, collect their Authorities. A storage method is provided. Authorities can be sealed into Divine Crystals.]
[Divine Crystal: The user of the crystal can obtain the corresponding Divine Authority contained within. The effect is the same as for a Campione.]
[Reward: Godhood Ascension Mission Unlocked]
The moment Yusei saw this mission, he understood. This was a benefit mission. It perfectly solved all the problems he was currently facing.
Maintaining the purity of his power origin, the follow-up mission for the path to godhood, etc.
Of course, the main thing, Yusei believed, was the Divine Crystal.
This Divine Crystal was simply too powerful. It meant that as long as he collected an Authority, even his powerless little sister, Shiro, could obtain a god's Authority.
This was practically urging him to go into the business of Authority trafficking!