A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 1587 - 1065: The Times Have Changed_2

The Demon Chess Pieces operate on the concept of Western chess, while Angel reincarnation utilizes poker cards. Ann’s reincarnation is the Ace of Hearts—she likes this, saying it’s a symbol of her becoming Lord Michael’s Trump Card.

Of course, for Duanmu Huai, it doesn’t matter...

"What were you doing yesterday? Why did you come back so late?"

"Lord Michael entrusted me with a very important task, ah, but now’s not the time to talk about it, Lord Duanmu, please accept this!"

As she spoke, Ann extended her hand and passed something over. Duanmu Huai curious took it, discovering it was a round stone disc about the size of an average person’s palm, engraved with strange statues.

"Whew... finally delivered."

Seeing Duanmu Huai take the disc, Ann seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief as if she had accomplished a great task.

"What’s this? Why give it to me?"

"This is a divine artifact recently excavated from Rome! Upon learning about it, Lord Michael hurriedly sent me to retrieve and seal it, then deliver it to you, Lord Duanmu."

"Oh, a divine artifact."

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai nodded. He had heard Michael mention that divine artifacts are the condensations of the gods’ strength and faith. Gods who have lost their power need to reclaim these divine artifacts to regain their strength. Since divine artifacts are filled with powerful energy, not even an Archangel or Demon King can destroy them, they can only be sealed and naturally brought to Duanmu.

"Come to think of it, which God is it this time?"

Duanmu Huai looked at the round stone disc in his hand and curiously asked. Hearing Duanmu’s question, Ann’s expression turned serious.

"This deity is rather special. Please look closely at the divine artifact; the snake continually shedding its skin and regenerating symbolizes immortality. It holds the blessings and death of the earth, inherits a grand matrilineal lineage, the Hitomi of the night, the silver-haired Goddess, deprived of status and age, thus a young and Non-compliant God—its name is, Athena!"

"Wow."

After Ann’s explanation, Duanmu Huai let out a whistle, and the others were also shocked after all, everyone was quite familiar with this name.

"Athena? Finally, a famous one! I thought it’d be another unknown native from some obscure village corner like the last two."

Duanmu Huai was very familiar with Athena, as the last time he was at Olympus, he had defeated an Athena and her father...

By the way, I wonder if there’s any Bronze Five Cockroaches or similar things for protection?

"So, by carrying this item, Athena will come looking for us?"

Duanmu Huai glanced at the divine artifact in his hand, and Ann nodded solemnly.

"Yes, to reclaim her lost power, Athena is sure to come here..."

"Then let’s wait and see what this Athena is like."

Duanmu Huai casually stuffed the disc into his pocket, originally he could easily destroy the stone with his God of Destruction power. But hearing that this bait can attract Athena, he wasn’t in a hurry.

After all, it’s Athena, right?

Of course, it’d be more interesting if she had Five Cockroaches with her.

Though unlikely...

Upon hearing the news of Athena’s impending arrival, the young girls only showed surprise for a moment before quickly calming down again. After all, no matter what, there’s always a tall guy to support them if the sky falls. Duanmu Huai assured them he’s fine; no need to worry. So they carried on with their routine of school and classes, and as for when Athena might come... that’s not a decision for them to make.

Time slowly ticked away, and soon, another evening arrived. As the school bell rang, the students cheered as they left the school and embarked on their journey home.

But, no one noticed that on the street not far from the city, a girl was walking. From her appearance, she seemed like a young foreign girl with eyes like the night and short silver hair like moonlight. Wearing a thin sweater, mini skirt, knee-high socks, and a blue cat ear hat.

The night, moon, and stars replaced the sun, occupying the nighttime sky of this world, and this was Athena’s favorite time.

However...

"It’s too bright."

Walking on the street, seeing the neon-lit metropolis, the young Goddess showed a hint of discontent. The night doesn’t need artificial light; all it needs is darkness.

The small Goddess’s steps became playful, like a joyful student returning home, striding down the street. However, with each step she took, each breath she released, a light in the city extinguished. Starting with streetlights, then residential homes, office buildings, complex structures, shops, izakayas, neon lights, car lights, and even flashlights couldn’t escape.

All artificial light disappeared.

And then, what descended upon the city was nothing but darkness. Even the vehicles speeding along the roads gradually came to a halt, and people bewildered and fearful, left their homes, exited their cars, and looked skyward with anxiety.

"Hoo hoo hoo..."

Noticing this, the small Goddess revealed a triumphant smile.

"In Athena’s true name, let the night appear here, dispel the sun’s blessings, extinguish Prometheus Fire. Overcome with stars and ebony winds, recreate the ancient night!"

"Well, this sure is quite a spectacle."

Standing atop the dark teaching building, looking at the darkened city, Duanmu Huai snorted coldly. The powers of Deities are definitely beyond human reach. It seems this Athena does have some skill, but unfortunately...

"Times have changed, Athena; humanity is no longer bound by you! Feel the power of humans!"

Duanmu Huai raised his right hand and clenched it tightly.

At the same time, the bell rang.

"Dong———!"

The heavy bell sounded atop the Court Cathedral, echoing throughout the entire city.

When it rang the first time, the lost illumination returned, and the earth was once again enveloped in light.

"Dong—————!!"

As the second bell rang, cars previously stalled on the street restarted, energy that was blocked began flowing again.

"Dong———————!!!"

The third bell sounded, and the entire city restored its original prosperity and bustle, as if the recent darkness was merely an illusion, completely forgotten by everyone.

Duanmu Huai lowered his right hand, then turned to speak.

"The era of Gods is over, now it’s the era of humanity."

And before him, under the moonlight, the young Goddess slowly appeared.