In the forest behind Abel, Metis, who had witnessed his mighty power, looked at him thoughtfully.
After thinking for a while, she looked towards a certain place, then transformed into a black snake and vanished from the spot.
Sensing Metis's departure, Abel stretched lazily. 'Done. I'll follow her later.'
Salvatore Doni and Athena came to Abel's side.
Looking at the aftermath of the battle, Salvatore Doni couldn't help but exclaim, "As expected of my friend. You dealt with Perseus so quickly."
Abel smiled and said casually, "It's alright, but Perseus isn't dead yet, though he's not far from it."
Salvatore Doni was a bit puzzled, but he quickly dismissed it.
After a brief chat, Salvatore Doni left alone, postponing his planned battle with Abel.
He only liked fighting, he wasn't brainless. As long as Abel wore that golden armor, he definitely couldn't beat him. He still needed to train.
As Salvatore Doni left, Abel turned to look at Athena. "I wonder what my servant has to offer me, who has triumphed over a God?"
"Indeed, for a hero who has defeated evil, a beauty's blessing is quite fitting."
Saying that, Athena wrapped her arms around Abel's neck and kissed him.
...
Outside a ruin.
As a dazzling light converged, Perseus appeared there. He leaned against the wall, feeling his broken body, blood slowly dripping from the hem of his clothes.
This was Perseus's resurrection ability, 'The Sun,' which could only be used once a day.
"To be utterly helpless, such a situation never occurred even in the mythological era I lived in."
"Just you wait!"
"This matter isn't over yet. Once I obtain my full power, Abel..." Perseus said through gritted teeth.
His top priority now was to recover from his injuries and then fully restore all his power.
At this moment, Perseus's steps halted. A phantom behind him transformed into a human figure.
He turned around, and a dark version of Athena stood behind him.
Perseus looked at Metis, his expression serious.
Sensing the aura of the young girl before him, he knew who she was, but still intentionally asked, "You… who are you?!"
"I am…"
Before Metis could finish speaking, Perseus drew his sword and struck.
Swish!
The two crossed paths ans Perseus's arms were neatly severed. Behind him, Metis stood still, holding a blood-dripping scythe.
"I am a snake—Metis."
"Oh, hero who slays serpents, become my nourishment."
Saying that, Metis's body shifted, then transformed into a snake and devoured him.
After Metis devoured Perseus, her body slightly expanded, and her power rapidly increased.
She reverted to her maiden form. "My power has recovered somewhat… but I still need more. I still need 'Steel'."
"Once everything is gathered, my dear daughter Athena, become one with your mother." Metis said, her eyes gleaming with avarice.
Once I become complete, I will go find that interesting Campione, devour him, then devour all things, leading this world to destruction.
At this moment, a gentle breeze blew.
Metis seemed to sense something and turned to look. She saw Athena and Abel suddenly appear behind her.
Abel looked at the two who were identical except for their colors, and nodded in satisfaction.
Then he looked down at the ground and saw a puddle of blood and a severed arm clutching Perseus's sword. It seemed he had already been swallowed.
"Athena, and the Campione." Metis looked at the two, a bit annoyed,
She said with a smile, "The plan has to be interrupted. Since that's the case, then let's reclaim the power first."
"Athena, return to your mother's embrace. Together, we will turn this world into eternal darkness."
Listening to Metis, Athena's expression remained neutral.
"Indeed, that's a very good idea. As expected of me. But I refuse."
Metis froze for a moment, then burst into maniacal laughter.
If that's the case, then I can only forcibly absorb my dear daughter.
"Athena! Return to your mother's embrace!"
Metis reached out her hand, and Perseus's sword began to vibrate, immediately flying into her hand and starting to twist. Finally, it transformed into a black scythe.
"Athena, do you need my help?"
"My Lord, lend me a weapon."
With a flash of light in Abel's hand, Excalibur appeared in his grasp.
"Catch." He tossed the sword to Athena.
Athena gripped excalibur and caressed the blade.
"Oh, Sword of Stars, please, change your form."
As she spoke, Excalibur began to twist and transformed into a scythe. Its color was the opposite of Metis's, emitting a golden glow.
Metis looked at the scythe in Athena's hand, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes.
What excellent 'Steel'. Once I absorb Athena, it will be mine.
"Come, my delicious daughter!"
With that, she brandished the black scythe, striking at Athena with fierce momentum.
Athena's lips curved upwards and she also charged forward, holding her scythe.
The two scythes collided in mid-air, sparking dazzling fireworks.
Abel watched silently from the side.
Once Athena was defeated, it would be convenient for him to intervene.
In the sky.
Amidst the showering sparks, Athena and Metis both secretly competed in this brief stalemate, trying to suppress each other with greater force.
Metis looked into Athena's eyes and laughed sinisterly. "Daughters should listen to their mothers. Why do you defy your mother?
Isn't it good to become one with me and then let the world fall into darkness?
Moreover, your life was bestowed upon you by me."
Athena showed disdain. "Don't think you can arbitrarily take my life just because you are my mother. Why don't you enter my body and let me see a bright future?"
Saying that, she began to exert force, then forcefully swung Metis away.
After many exchanges, Athena was slightly out of breath, but Metis seemed unaffected, not even panting a little.
Metis looked at Athena, rubbing her head helplessly. "Such a disobedient child. I'll just knock you down and devour you."
Metis's figure flashed, rushing towards Athena, the scythe in her hand aiming straight for Athena's throat.