"I've felt something was off for a long time. There always seemed to be another consciousness about you—so it was this peculiar spirit."
The goddess of wisdom gazed at Aiwass as she spoke.
She couldn't quite comprehend Aiwass's manner of existence. It should have been a higher being than herself, yet Athena found nothing particularly noteworthy—the Aiwass before her truly possessed no power. She could swat it away like a fly at any moment.
"You heard everything I just said to Aiwass?"
Roy had known of Athena's arrival all along, aware she'd been eavesdropping outside the door.
"I heard it all. So you're not from this world after all. As for worlds beyond this one, I've grown quite interested."
A bright smile played at the corners of Athena's lips. She wasn't a Magic God and didn't understand how precious this singular opportunity—marked "300"—truly was. Yet she knew it must be something extraordinarily rare.
"Have you truly decided, Athena?"
Roy asked cautiously once more, "...To be honest, if you really leave this world with me, I can't guarantee what might happen."
"Then let me pose a question to you instead."
"Go ahead!"
"What about taking Erica with you?"
"Her power is too weak, her knowledge insufficient. She wouldn't be a good choice. The same goes for Liliana and Alice."
"What about Luo Hao then?"
"My sister has enough strength—she stands at the pinnacle of Campione, with vast knowledge and experience. But her temperament would be a major liability, prone to causing mishaps! And I fear we'd end up fighting each other if we disagreed. If you're about to suggest Lady Aisha, forget it—she's even more of a troublemaker!"
Roy declared decisively.
"What about Salvatore?"
"Sorry, I don't like men!"
Roy's response drew amused smiles from both Athena and Aiwass.
"You see? The only one you can truly trust is me."
Athena's smile faded as she spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Roy realized it was true. Though violent in battle, Athena in daily life truly embodied the wisdom goddess—composed, understanding of greater matters, unlike the eccentric problem children that were Campione. Especially now that she'd shed her Heretic God nature, she seemed more like a proper goddess rather than a maddened deity.
Seeing the shift in Roy's expression, Athena knew he'd reached a decision. Smiling faintly, she said, "...You've come to recognize my merits, haven't you? Besides, if you don't take me with you, without you by my side, I fear my Heretic God nature might return."
"Since you put it that way, what choice do I have? I'll just have to take you along."
Roy shrugged and laughed heartily.
Truth be told, even if Athena hadn't come, his decision had long been made. If this world required choosing just one companion, Athena was undoubtedly the only choice.
"Now that it's decided, let's leave quickly!"
Roy urged impatiently.
"So soon?"
Athena found Roy's haste somewhat peculiar.
"Look!"
Roy pointed downward. Following his finger, Athena saw a trail of water connecting his feet to the wall—where an electrical socket sat waiting.
"This villa is where I live, built and designed with the utmost strictness. While it's not impossible for leaks to occur, the probability is less than one in ten thousand. And for a leak to coincide with electrical wiring—the odds of both happening together are even lower. Yet now, my 'misfortune' has turned even the probability of being struck by a meteorite while stepping outside into a certainty. If I stay in this world any longer, I'll be driven mad!"
Roy gritted his teeth in frustration. The 'Curse of Human Order' was truly infuriating—so much so that he felt like burning away the entire human order of this world just to rid himself of the curse.
Athena gave Roy a sympathetic glance. While this 'misfortune' wouldn't kill him, it was certainly enough to drive him up the wall.
"So, you're just going to leave this world behind? Don't you need to say anything to anyone?"
"Do you feel attached to this world, Athena?"
"I am a goddess. Why would I feel attached to this world?"
"Exactly. There's no need for me to explain much to others—it would only create more complications. Given the difference in time flow, I can just return periodically to visit and stay for a while. Even someone as close to me as Erica would simply assume I'm restless and traveling around for leisure."
Roy paused before continuing, "...With Luo Hao's example of secluding herself for two centuries without a word, and Salvatore's habit of running around like a monkey, no matter what I choose, others will find it perfectly normal."
"...Besides, with the Last King dead and fate disrupted, Pandora can now control the Circle of Usurpation herself. According to her, she won't allow any new Campione to emerge for the time being. She fears too many Campione would introduce too many variables to this world, potentially giving rise to another Last King."
"And if any Heretic Gods descend upon this world again, while Lady Aisha and my sister can't be relied on, that sword-obsessed Salvatore and Annie Charlton are still dependable. So, this world won't face any major dangers."
Seeing that Roy had already thought everything through so clearly, Athena realized there was little left for her to add.
After a moment's consideration, she simply asked, "...And what about the others? Are you prepared to abandon them all?"
If only one person in a world could be saved, what would happen to the others close to Roy? Athena was curious about his choice.
"I'm currently developing a powerful spell—temporarily named 'Gold.' If one day this spell is completed, I believe this problem will be effortlessly resolved. Devout believers always speak of 'being with God,' but I will make them 'be with me' instead!"
Roy declared with grand ambition.
Just then, Aiwass suddenly murmured, "...But what if you fail to develop this spell? I roughly understand your idea, but even I can only theorize about it—I can't guarantee it's possible."
Hearing Aiwass's words, Roy fell silent.
He turned silently, hands clasped behind his back as he gazed upon the world, upon the land of Rome beneath his feet. Watching the gentle breeze rustle through the verdant forests, he spoke softly, "...If that day truly comes, I shall not hesitate in the slightest—decisive when action is needed! My path will carve through thorns and brambles, advancing with triumphant song, never faltering for the sake of mere personal attachments!"
"...I will strive with all my might for them to walk beside me. But if fate truly decrees my failure, if they cannot keep pace with my steps and choose to abandon the path themselves, then I shall cast them aside like worn-out shoes without a second thought!"
"Abandoned by heaven, one may yet be forgiven; but to abandon oneself—that is inexcusable!"
I am the king, I am the conqueror, I am the one who slays gods, and thus I shall be the tyrant among men, the tyrant among gods!