Chapter 17: The Submission of the Southern European Magic Associations!
Since a single venomous snake had made things so difficult for these magi, there was no need for Shirou to summon the other five. With a wave of his hand, he let the snakes dissolve back into the black mist.
As the large area of black mist churned, several Grand Masters looked over in terror, fearing that some other terrifying creature would rush out again. A single weirdly shaped, snake-like creature was already more than they could handle; if a few more appeared, they would undoubtedly all die here today.
"I don't know how many monsters are hidden within this black mist, but just one was enough to leave us almost completely defenseless..." Trinid, the Grand Master of [Old Lady], spoke with a face full of shock.
Hearing Trinid's words, Paolo Blandelli of [Copper Black Cross], the Grand Master of [Whelp], and Erica standing nearby all wore grim expressions. Paolo Blandelli was the most heavy-hearted among them. He had once faced the six divine beasts summoned by the Heretic Triple Goddess Erinyes without flinching, even managing to stall and fight them for an entire day.
But now, he truly understood how foolish he had been to be so arrogant because of that feat. In the presence of a "Godslayer," his pride was easily blown away like dust.
At this moment, Paolo Blandelli looked at the "King" standing in the background, silently watching them.
"O King, are we now able to..." Paolo weighed his words carefully, terrified that a single wrong word would lead to eternal damnation.
Suddenly, the surrounding black mist began to dissipate. The Grand Masters present were surprised to find that, as the mist vanished, the original walls of the meeting hall and the circular table placed in the middle reappeared before them.
"We're finally back...!" The Grand Masters of [Old Lady] and [Whelp] were moved to tears upon seeing these sights, nearly crying from the emotion.
After experiencing the infinitely spreading fear within that realm of black mist, seeing everything in reality again made them feel as happy as someone putting on new underwear on New Year's Day; even the air felt incredibly fresh.
Then, Shirou spoke. "I can give you one chance, but if a similar situation occurs again, you should know what the consequences will be."
Upon hearing this, several Grand Masters immediately dropped to one knee, performing the knight's salute of fealty. Seeing their current respectful demeanor, Shirou nodded with satisfaction and turned to walk toward the exit. Diana Milito and Liliana quickly followed the King's pace.
As the King's silhouette gradually moved away, the four Grand Masters all breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing into their chairs as if they had lost all their strength.
Paolo Blandelli sat down with some difficulty.
"Uncle, how are you?" Erica asked quickly with concern. Her uncle, Paolo Blandelli, was her only living relative in this world; naturally, she didn't want anything to happen to him.
"A few broken ribs. The intensity of the subsequent battle was too much, and it seems to have aggravated the injuries. I'll need some time to recover now." Having said this, Paolo looked at his niece, Erica. "Erica, for now, you will take over the management of [Copper Black Cross] on my behalf. Until my injuries are healed, you shall go and be that King's knight, serving him."
Hearing Paolo's words, Erica was stunned for a moment, then quickly nodded. "I understand."
After finishing these instructions, Paolo Blandelli turned his gaze toward the "Purple Knight" hanging on the wall. The others, noticing Paolo's movement, also looked up at the "Purple Knight," who had already lost all signs of life. This Grand Master of [Lily City], a man who had become the "Purple Knight" at the age of thirty and was quite famous in the magic world, had died so casually today.
And the reason for his death was that he had offended a "Campione."
.
.
.
After dealing with the individuals who tried to defy him and taking the opportunity to "train" the Italian magic associations, Shirou returned directly to his villa in the city of Naples.
While enjoying a top-tier luxury lifestyle worthy of nobility, Shirou did not forget to research the advancement of Unlimited Blade Works and more combat methods.
A week passed by just like that. During this time, the Italian magic associations were obediently gathering news on "Heretic Gods," and it was said they had already found some clues.
After another night had passed, Shirou was awakened by the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. Coming to the floor-to-ceiling window, Shirou closed his eyes slightly, feeling the warm radiance of the early sun. After standing quietly for a while, Shirou left the room. The maid, Karen, was already waiting outside the door.
"O King, breakfast has been prepared for you."
Compared to the stiffness of the first day, Karen was no longer so nervous when facing Shirou; she appeared much more natural.
"Mm, let's go." Shirou nodded and headed toward the dining hall. Karen quickly followed his pace.
Arriving at the dining hall, Liliana was already there waiting and pulled out a chair for Shirou. "Good morning, my King."
Shirou did not stand on ceremony and sat down directly, beginning his meal. While bringing the delicious food to his mouth, he looked at Liliana, who had pulled out a chair and sat down across from him.
"Sir Liliana, has there been any news regarding the appearance of a 'Heretic God' lately?"
Hearing Shirou's question, Liliana answered quickly. "Indeed, news arrived today. Many abnormal phenomena have recently appeared at 'Mount Olympus' in Greece. It is highly likely they are related to a 'Heretic God'."
Hearing Liliana's words, Shirou showed a thoughtful expression.
"..."
The warning words from the "Goddess of Love and Beauty," Aphrodite, echoed in his ears once more, causing Shirou to narrow his eyes slightly.
"Primordial deities, the twelve Titans, the third generation of gods... which category will appear there?"
According to Shirou's guess, the deity appearing at Mount Olympus this time was most likely a third-generation god—one of the [Twelve Olympian Gods]. It was even possible there was more than one.
"In that case, it's necessary to go and take a look." Shirou put down his utensils and instructed Liliana beside him.
"Prepare the car. We leave immediately."
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