As if someone had hit pause, the bustling crowd and their chattering discussions fell silent in an instant.
The elite mages of Rome turned in unison.
Due to the chaotic divine power fluctuations from the nearby battle, their senses had been obscured.
Only now did they notice a massive source of magical power standing before them.
The figure had an Asian appearance, not exactly rare in Rome but certainly uncommon.
Especially for a member of the mystic community from Asia, who would typically need to report to the local mage association's leader to avoid conflicts.
His build was unremarkable, his features refined yet carrying an odd sense of ordinariness, as if one might forget his face after seeing it.
This peculiar sensation, once experienced, was unforgettable.
"Don't know what you're all discussing—mind if I join in?" Lucius tugged at his collar, a faint, mocking smile on his lips.
Arrogant yet not conceited in high places, humble yet not diminished in low ones.
Fearful yet not panicked in danger, despairing yet not defeated in desperation.
He could adapt to any situation.
"It's you?" Liliana, who had crossed paths with Lucius twice before, reacted with a soft gasp of surprise.
Then, everyone's expressions shifted.
They had already heard of a certain someone tied to the Wolf God of the Huns, who had defeated Liliana and headed to Mars' temple.
Now, with Lucius's appearance, one thing was clear.
But to confirm, the leader of the Female Wolf mage association stepped forward.
"Your Excellency, may I ask about the Heretic God who descended—"
She knelt on one knee, head bowed, as if不敢直视 Lucius's face.
This elderly mage, renowned in Italy and the global mystic community, adopted an exceptionally deferential posture.
If not for concern about her frail health, Lucius might have impulsively shouted, "Look at me, mortal!"
"The Heretic Mars, you mean?" Lucius's smile was warm and gentle. "He's returned to the myths."
Though he hadn't undergone Pandora's ritual, his strength was no less than that of a Campione—perhaps even greater.
So, letting others assume he was a Campione wasn't a bad move. After all, their reverence for Campiones stemmed from both awe and the need for them to confront Heretic Gods.
Since he'd likely hunt Heretic Gods for their divine power in the future, these mage associations, though not much help in terms of strength, could save him trouble in smaller matters as local players.
With this in mind, he bothered to deal with them instead of leaving immediately.
After all, most of this world's mystic community left a bad taste in his mouth.
As Lucius's words landed, the street seemed to fall silent for a moment.
Though they had suspected as much, hearing the confirmation from Lucius's mouth still sent a jolt through their hearts.
"Italy's Seven Sisters Alliance, Rome division—" These usually haughty mystic figures knelt in unison. "We greet the Seventh King!"
The seventh, huh.
Lucius narrowed his eyes slightly, musing to himself. Seems the so-called plot hasn't started yet?
"Please, rise."
Lucius's smile remained warm as he gestured for them to stand.
His mood was indeed quite good.
Since the plot hadn't begun, it meant the two Heretic Gods that might appear on Sardinia wouldn't go to waste.
Unlike this world's Campiones, who gained little magical power from slaying additional gods beyond a new Authority, Lucius couldn't gain Authorities through Pandora's ritual. But the divine power of the Heretic Gods he killed would be fully absorbed.
The divine power of two Heretic Gods was highly tempting.
Of course, he'd need to be cautious to avoid any slip-ups.
Though he could release Mozlis from the bottle for help in a pinch, in Lucius's view, it was best if that little demon stayed obediently inside.
So, before encountering another Heretic God, he'd better collect more divine artifacts to bolster his strength.
"No need for such formality. We may have plenty of time to work together in the future," Lucius said mildly. "If you keep up these formalities, our interactions might get rather tedious."
"Yes, thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty." The leader of the Female Wolf, head still bowed, felt cold sweat bead on her forehead.
Plenty of time together?
Was this newborn Campione eyeing Italy's mage associations?
From Lucius's words, she sensed something but prayed her guess was wrong.
After all, this was the Sword King's territory.
Though he wasn't here now, if this seventh Campione aimed to claim the loyalty of all Italy's mage associations, a clash between the two Campiones was likely.
The outcome for the Campiones was uncertain, but those caught in the middle would surely suffer.
Lucius could roughly guess their thoughts but didn't care.
He was greedy, unwilling to let any advantage, big or small, slip by.
He was selfish, caring only about achieving his goals, indifferent to others' opinions.
To be a wolf that grows rampant with success carried a mocking tone.
But as long as he could succeed without losing himself, what was wrong with a little rampancy?
"So, I have some small matters where I could use your help. What do you say?"
Lucius's tone was calm, his demeanor harmless.
But a faint trace of malicious magical power seeped from him.
"Whatever Your Majesty commands, we will serve with our lives."
The elite mages of Rome's mystic community bowed their proud heads.
***
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