Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality-Chapter 747 - 265: Realization

"Father..."

The dagger fell to the ground, the black and red aura that twined around it had already retracted back into the blade.

Compared to when it started, it had obviously grown much more powerful.

Clearly, in a very short span of time, this power still eroded and assimilated a great deal of vitality.

But without a target, it seemed to be ’playing dead’, this source of the fall of the King of Athens concealing all its aura, resembling a mere ordinary weapon.

However, in the silent temple, Andrea, who had witnessed everything, was clearly not deceived by its appearance.

Stepping forward, she grasped the sword that was thrust into the ground. In an instant, countless pieces of knowledge surged towards her, yet they were not at all chaotic.

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The experiences and wisdom of a mortal demigod over a century were all left here, followed by a powerful force.

Although this was no match for Theseus at his peak, it was sufficient to suppress Athens at this moment.

Though there were more than one mortal demigods, it was indeed hard to find a second one among the aristocrats of Athens.

"It was all because of it—"

Biting her lip, perhaps spurred by this power, Andrea subconsciously gripped the sword.

The sword blade fell, as if wanting to vent the sorrow in her heart upon the small dagger.

The sound of the swinging weapon stirred up gusts of dust within the temple.

Yet, at the very last moment of the clash, Andrea’s sword stopped.

"Heave sigh—Andrea, you need to stay calm."

"If even Father could not annihilate this power, what would it achieve by destroying its vessel? It’s a meaningless act, and would bring even more trouble..."

Taking a deep breath, she forcefully suppressed the sorrow in her heart.

Looking at the empty throne before her, Andrea took a step back.

"Now, I have more important matters to attend to."

Theseus’s death was just the beginning; Andrea knew that once she stepped out of this door, there would be no more time to sort out her emotions, and greater challenges were approaching.

But just like her father had said...

"I have never killed anyone before."

"But today could be the first time."

Her palm holding the sword was slightly sweaty, Andrea slowly turned around.

Then she pushed open the grand doors and walked into the star-filled night.

······

The main hall of the Royal Palace of Athens was buzzing with noise.

Compared to when she had first arrived, the number of people had more than doubled.

The commotion was incessant, filled with discussions.

Ever since Andrea went to see Theseus for the last time, various speculations and news continuously arrived from the outside.

People from various places kept arriving, even the count whom she had knocked unconscious was here.

This lord who once controlled a city-state clearly was not incompetent; it was just unexpected that a conventionally kind princess would suddenly take action.

Even though his complexion looked somewhat poor now, he was still spirited enough to await an audience with the king.

For now, Theseus’s condition remained unknown. Even though there were messages claiming he was fatally injured, those were ultimately just rumors.

Before accurate news arrived, no one dared make any moves.

Tap, tap, tap—

Footsteps echoed again; it was almost a routine, with someone bringing the latest news into the hall at intervals.

The last message was Eryxis declaring Theseus had defied the All Gods, acted contrarily, and from then on seceded from Panhellenic rule to revert to the status of a kingdom.

Not much later, new information was delivered.

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After speaking with the newcomer for a while, an elderly man turned to face the waiting dignitaries.

He sighed softly, his expression grave as he spoke: "According to the latest news, the situation is likely more troublesome than we thought."

"Eryxis has declared independence, they trust the king to pray in the temples to the Goddess of Agriculture and the Heavenly Empress, accusing His Majesty of eighteen charges."

"Disrespecting the All Gods, invading the sovereign right of the demigods over their territories, supporting the trafficking of evil Alchemy Constructs, sheltering those who steal authority, Spellcasters."

"Conspiring with non-human species, slaughtering civilians, restricting Speech, and so on..."

"He claims Eryxis has suffered greatly under the tyranny and can no longer bear it, hoping the Heavenly Empress will administer justice."

"Then almost at the same time, backed by the support from the Kingdom of Argos at the foot of Mount Olympus, the Kingdom of Pilos in the south of the continent, and seventeen city-states and kingdoms, they recognize his proclamation. Yet they believe the accusations against His Majesty are inaccurate, as the eighteen charges are far insufficient to describe all the transgressions."

"So, what do they say they are going to do about it?"

With each word, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavier. Finally, someone could no longer bear it and chose to speak.

And the old man reporting the news just sighed again and then slowly said: "Of course."

"With the connection between the All Gods and the followers, it wasn’t long before a final decision was made."

"These kingdoms, city-states, numerous trade guilds, and the churches of the All Gods made a joint decree. They declared that the actions of King Theseus not only endangered Athens but would also jeopardize the stability of the entire human world."

"And under His Majesty’s rule, Athens was the source of all evil."

"So, they request His Majesty to abdicate, go to Olympia for trial; to kill all the Spellcasters in Athens except those who are Godhood Practitioners, and to cut off trade with regions outside the rule of the All Gods."

"The Royal Family of Athens should allow each city-state to reclaim autonomy, cancel direct rule over the territories, restore the original systems; compensate the Sea God Church for past maritime trade activities and establish a Sea God Temple within the city."

"However, considering all the faults originate from King Theseus, the countries have decided to not pursue those who followed him, supporting Prince Demophon to inherit the throne of Athens. The fault lies in the king."

"All these measures," they demanded that Athens must accept within three days, only then could the sins previously committed by His Majesty be stopped."

—

As the words fell, the assembly burst into an uproar.

Before the news arrived, the aristocrats in the hall might have had various guesses, but when such content was confirmed, many things no longer needed consideration.

Theseus was either truly gravely injured or no longer possessed his former combat strength, otherwise, no country would issue such a stern warning. Although no one knew what had happened in the City of Eryxis, the result was already before them.

In that moment, some secretly rejoiced, others remained silent. Some felt anger, while others felt helpless.

If Theseus truly could not again display strength comparable to that of gods, then the will of the Royal Family of Athens had already become unimportant.

Now, regardless of their attitudes, they only needed to wait for one last piece of news, the thoughts of the church.

Olympus had all gods, but it was far away; yet Athens also had its deity, close at hand.

Yet for some reason, despite the bustling night, the church seemed oblivious up to now. Until now, only Andrea, who had arrived not long ago, counted among the godhood practitioners.

So what was the church’s intention? Had the deity also given up on Athens, accepting this defeat as a matter of course? This wouldn’t be surprising.

After all, a god’s life is eternal and history is replete with city-states that have risen and fallen. Deities sometimes intervene, and sometimes they do not. If Athena chose to relent this time, it would also be a normal decision...

—

Within the great hall, just as an elder’s words caused a rift, the next moment, the sound of a door opening from the rear side caught everyone’s attention.

That was the passage leading to the inner sanctum, where Theseus had stayed after returning to Athens.

Eyes filled with either anticipation or fear unavoidably gathered there—could it be that His Majesty had another move, that he had actually recovered from his injuries?

Or maybe he knew the situation was beyond salvage and had chosen to surrender.

The mood of the people was complex, akin to waiting for exam results, both hoping for a surprise yet fearing a substantial drop from the usual standards.

However, soon, when Andrea’s figure appeared, everyone sighed in relief amidst their disappointment.

The best result is a favorable outcome for oneself, and the next best is no result at all.

Thus, when Andrea walked out the side door holding a sword, what she saw was just such a scene.

Aburptly tense yet relaxed, the true emotions of most people unavoidably surfaced at this moment.

Those who despised her, supported her, were loyal, rebellious—gripping her sword, she stood there, seeing everything clearly.

"So, Mr. Morin."

Speaking calmly, Andrea’s hand trembled slightly, but her voice was steady.

She looked at the elder who had spoken earlier, an old official from the previous King of Athens’s era.

"I heard everything you just said, but what if we choose to refuse?"

"That would mean war."

The elder did not speak; it was the earl who had intercepted her before.

The incident of being knocked unconscious by the princess had been witnessed by many, and he had been mocked by old friends for it.

He was surely furious, but there was nothing the earl could do. Until now, as a proficient war professional, he clearly noticed Andrea’s trembling hand.

Why was she like this? It was obvious. Theseus was likely finished, but she was still a priestess of the goddess, and he could not harm her.

So, the earl, barely concealing his smirk, said, "Your Highness, I understand your anger."

"But war is not child’s play, not as simple as your surprise attack on a loyal servant. Your Highness, as a godhood practitioner, perhaps you should return to The Temple and await the will of the goddess."

"When that time comes, we will all listen quietly to what you have to say."

"What about now, though? What if I want to refuse now without the goddess’s will?"

Andrea tried to calm herself, though it felt like her hand had a mind of its own.

She could only maintain a steady tone as she spoke with the people before her.

"I’m sorry, Your Highness, but what you say probably doesn’t matter."

The earl spoke with a grin, and Andrea’s gaze unavoidably swept over the assembled crowd.

Though there were some who supported her, the earl was right—such matters were not for a princess to resolve.

Andrea understood, just as her father had said: in this world, ultimately, only strength was authority.

So, taking a deep breath, not knowing whether she was asking others or herself, Andrea finally asked.

"So, Mr. Morin, and all those present in Athens, only the command of the king and the gods can be executed, right..."

"Of course not."

With a slight sigh, the elder who had delivered the message shook his head gently.

"Your Highness, it is only kings like King Theseus and gods like Lady Athena who can make all of Athens obey."

"Is that so?"

"I understand now."

Her white fingers wrapped around the sword hilt, Andrea nodded lightly.

"My father was right, and so were you."

"Since this is the principle of this world, then from today, let me be a king like my father."

—

Lifting her sword, she pressed down slightly. Amidst shocked gazes all around, Andrea swung her blade through the air.

Though not swiftly, her motion was steady, giving her opponents ample time to react because she was not about to kill for the sake of killing—she was showing them that she could kill.

In the distance, within the City of Athens, Laine entering the city gate felt a stir in his heart, looking afar.

In that royal palace, the scene once foretold by the prophecy was gradually becoming a reality.