His fearsome reputation was widespread. Liliana Kranjcar didn't believe that being Voban's subordinate would earn her his approval.
To be honest, before her, countless subordinates had been turned into salt due to his unpredictable moods.
Liliana didn't want to become one of those salt statues, so she didn't dare relax in the slightest.
After a long while, Voban let out a grim chuckle and issued a deep, unquestionable command.
"Before meeting that youngster, why not add some stakes? Didn't a Japanese Miko escape four years ago? Go bring her here. Use her to summon a Heretic God, as a prize for my battle with this newcomer."
"Yes."
Receiving the order, Liliana controlled her breathing, not daring to take a deep breath, and slowly retreated from the castle hall.
Only after she was outside did she suddenly realize her back was soaked with cold sweat.
Looking back at the bronze doors, now closed, the massive gate symbolized the supreme being within.
'I always feel like I could die at any moment. I wonder if the new King is the same...'
Thinking to herself, Liliana quickly disappeared into the woods after leaving the castle.
…
Japan, at the Copper-Black Cross's detached residence.
Sitting on the sofa in the hall, enjoying afternoon tea, Yusei paid no mind to the alluring figure hovering around him.
Dressed in a maid outfit, a classic Western European beauty with blonde hair and blue eyes, a cute face, not to mention her curvaceous figure... Erica, who usually wielded swords, had today changed into a maid outfit, entered the kitchen, and made pastries for Yusei.
"Master, what flavor of cake would you like?" Erica asked with a smile, standing attentively beside Yusei.
"Whatever. By the way..."
After taking a sip of black tea, Yusei closed his eyes and spoke indifferently.
Seeing that Yusei wouldn't even look at her, a flicker of disappointment passed through Erica's eyes, but she rallied and smiled.
"Alright. Then it's chocolate cake. Chocolate is the best way to express love. My feelings will surely reach Master through the chocolate."
Yusei didn't respond, silently enjoying the afternoon tranquility.
These past two days, he had roughly organized the 'memories' in his left eye.
Currently, his left eye had memorized several decent abilities:
Melqart's tsunami and storm.
Verethragna's Warrior and Ram.
Other abilities, like the Netherworld Legion, overlapped with the abilities his left eye had copied.
Just as Yusei was sensing the power in his eye, the surrounding space suddenly changed… silent, soundless, and cut off from any external disturbance.
Seeing this, Yusei raised an eyebrow. He knew the only one who made entrances like this was her.
Sure enough, the next moment, a girl was sitting on the sofa opposite him.
Though 'girl' might be an overstatement, as she was more like a little girl.
Dressed the same as before, with a blue knitted cap on her silver hair, a thin sweater, a mini skirt, and black knee-high socks, she looked extremely cute.
"It seems you've gathered the information for me." Yusei smiled at Athena across from him.
Athena looked somewhat uncomfortable but nodded. Her gaze seemed to avoid Yusei's as she said, "Mhm, this one has gathered the information and learned that your purpose for seeking the History Compilation Committee is to seize Susanoo's Authority."
"And what about that old guy? I was a bit regretful he got away last time," Yusei pressed.
"He is hiding in the Netherworld, the boundary between life and death. You Campiones, after slaying Heretic Gods and obtaining Authorities, all go to that place to receive Pandora's ritual," Athena explained.
"Pandora?" Hearing this name, a memory flashed in Yusei's mind.
As it wasn't long ago and that memory was quite vivid, Yusei immediately recalled the twin-tailed girl who called herself 'Mother'.
"You mean that girl who likes claiming everyone as her child?" Yusei asked strangely.
"Claiming everyone? If she heard that, she would surely say she needs to teach her disobedient child a lesson... but it's somewhat accurate," Athena said.
After speaking, she looked at Yusei hesitantly again, her small, cute face full of complexity.
Before she could finish speaking, an object was thrown towards her. Athena instinctively caught the familiar [Snake]. The moment it touched her hand, she knew it was genuine, containing her power within.
Athena looked at Yusei in disbelief. She hadn't expected him to return her [Snake] to her so decisively.
'Could it be... what he said about me becoming his goddess was true?'
She wasn't a little girl, but this was her first time encountering something like a 'confession', which left her heart in turmoil.
Especially now, with him returning her power so readily, Athena felt her guard lower significantly and her favorable impression towards Yusei increase.
"Alright, the Gorgoneion is yours. So, regarding our previous agreement about becoming my goddess, have you thought about it?" Yusei asked with a smile.
Athena's expression became somewhat unnatural. Her small hand clenched the Gorgoneion nervously. Her heart was actually beating faster.
"Then... then this one wants to know why you suddenly thought of... making this one your goddess. We... we should have only met for the first time last time." Athena's voice came out in a murmur.
Yusei was a bit puzzled, 'Why? Of course, it's for the mission. And you're so cute, so anyone would want one, right?'
Although unsure why Athena asked this, Yusei was quite straightforward.
"Of course, it's because you're cute, Athena. And I think your personality is quite good too. Mhm, just those two points."
Yusei thought carefully, and it really was just those two points.
On one hand, cuteness. On the other hand, Athena's personality was the calm type, the wisdom of the Goddess of Wisdom... Having her as his god-servant could be a great help.
However, these words sounded different to Athena's ears.
She had some understanding of human love.
Appearance and personality were the criteria for most people choosing a partner.
Now, hearing Yusei say this, she became even more convinced that this young Campione must have suddenly fallen for her.
'What was that term humans used? It seemed to be... 'love at first sight'?'