Multiverse's Holy Right

"Alexander Gascoigne, I've been waiting for you here for quite some time."

Roy gripped the Sword of Judgment tightly in his right hand, turning slightly to face the Black Prince. His double pupils, different from ordinary people, fixed on the English Campione with a chilling gaze filled with pity, sending an inexplicable wave of icy dread through Gascoigne's heart.

However, Gascoigne was, after all, someone who had accomplished the great feat of slaying a god. He quickly steadied his mind, and after running through the sequence of events in his head, everything became clear.

"Hmph, so you've been monitoring me all along. Should I feel honored to receive such attention from you?"

Gascoigne seethed inwardly, immediately realizing why he had been exposed.

Roy's Mystic Eyes possessed the ability to see through the past, but because the river of time was too vast, Roy needed a precise target to observe when using this ability.

With just a moment's thought, the Black Prince understood—Roy had been observing every action he took. Thus, all his secretive endeavors, from tailing others to attempting to seize the Holy Grail and uncover the secrets of the Last King, had been laid bare before Roy's eyes.

'This Authority's ability is somewhat exaggerated!'

Mystic Eyes capable of piercing through the past were troublesome enough to leave anyone helpless, because even a single second in the past was still the past.

There were ways to circumvent this Authority for assassination or ambush, but they were nearly impossible to execute against a powerful Campione like Roy. First, the assassin must be someone Roy didn't know, and anyone related to the assassination must also be unknown to him. Without recognition, there would be no exposure. With seven billion people in the world, Roy couldn't possibly observe the past of every single one.

Second, the assassination or ambush must be entirely spontaneous, with no prior planning, or else the risk of exposure would be high.

But both conditions were virtually impossible to fulfill when facing a Campione as formidable as Roy.

"Among the current Campione, the only one I find troublesome is you, Alexander Gascoigne... The Cult Leader is aloof and detached from worldly affairs. Though Lady Aisha often brings calamity, her nature is kind. John Smith is highly responsible and principled in his actions. Salvatore is obsessed with swords and battle, with no interest in external matters."

"...Only you, Gascoigne, share some similarities with me in temperament. You're also someone who holds grudges and enjoys causing trouble for others. If there's anyone most likely to disrupt my plans, it would be you, Gascoigne."

"Originally, if you had just minded your own business and stayed out of this mess, I wouldn't have bothered with you. After all, you're a Campione—not someone easy to deal with. But you had to show up here, trying to seize the Holy Grail, and now you've even heard about the Last King. I suppose you're planning to go after him next, aren't you, Gascoigne?"

Roy wore a faint, mocking smile as he watched the Black Prince's expression darken, confirming that he had guessed correctly.

This man was a typical Campione—self-willed and reckless, acting without regard for consequences. Under normal circumstances, Roy would have admired the Black Prince, as he, like Roy himself, was someone who planned carefully before acting. But now, with a formidable enemy looming, an unpredictable element like the Black Prince was better off eliminated.

"Pursuing the Holy Grail is my lifelong wish, my father's dying will. Now that I know it's in your possession, I'm afraid I'll be bothering you incessantly until I get my hands on it."

Alexander Gascoigne delivered these words with an almost threatening tone. Being hounded by a Campione like an annoying fly would undoubtedly make life unbearable for anyone.

Though the Black Prince wasn't the strongest among the Campiones—his authorities leaned more toward support—that very fact made him an infuriating nuisance to deal with.

"I have no interest in letting a fly buzz around me endlessly. It seems I'll have to swat you dead, you bothersome pest."

Roy sighed regretfully. "...Originally, I had an idea—albeit an immature one—that didn't involve killing other Campiones to counter the Covenant. Though Campiones are called Demon Kings, compared to Heretic Gods, they're still somewhat human and capable of communication. It's precisely because of Campiones that Heretic Gods can't wreak havoc on human civilization."

"...I do care about the people when I have the capacity to. If this world were to lose its Campiones, before new ones could emerge, Heretic Gods would likely destroy modern human civilization."

The peculiarities of this world had led Roy to realize that the reason modern civilization could flourish here was largely due to the Last King's lax governance, allowing ancient Campiones like Marquis Voban and Luo Hao to survive. Over the past three hundred years, Heretic Gods had been unable to carry out large-scale destruction before being slain by them, enabling human civilization to progress.

In essence, this world absolutely could not afford to lose its Campiones. Otherwise, once Heretic Gods descended and began their rampage, it would spell regression—or outright destruction—for human civilization.

Why were Campiones called Demon Kings, yet revered by all magicians? Beyond the fear their power inspired, another reason was that Campiones served as humanity's protective shield in this world.

"To think the one who committed near-massacre in Tokyo, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, would claim to care about the people—what a joke."

Alexander Gascoigne mocked scornfully.

"I said I'd protect the people only when I have the capacity to spare. When fighting formidable opponents like the Marquis, how could I possibly spare attention for others' lives... I'm no saint who can be threatened by ordinary lives, nor do I particularly care about others' survival. But neither am I a tyrant who revels in slaughter and bloodshed—I do hold sympathy and compassion for ordinary folk!"

"...This is precisely human love, and also human evil!!"

Roy responded to the Black Prince's mockery with utmost seriousness, showing no trace of anger.

***

He was human—selfish, willing to abandon others to save himself when his own life was threatened.

He was human—capable of deep sympathy and empathy for the weak, pitying their frailty, offering help and love when he had strength to spare.

He was human—able to erupt with the most glorious brilliance of humanity at critical moments, understanding sacrifice and the meaning of heroic deeds.

Humans were inherently complex creatures where love and evil coexisted—human love was also human evil.

For love begets evil, and evil manifests love. Among humanity's intricate nature, they were inseparable.

"Do you think you have me cornered?!"

The Black Prince flushed with anger, for Roy's overly composed demeanor seemed to declare there was no escape left for him.

Campiones were proud—how could Gascoigne tolerate such provocation from Roy?

"This goes without saying, Gascoigne. Your existence has become a hindrance to me. I've determined that if you don't die here, you'll bring me endless trouble later. Now that you've witnessed the Holy Grail, this will inherited from your father can finally reach its end."

Roy tightened his grip on his sword, murderous intent radiating.

"Brazen words, Roy Crowley!"

Alexander Gascoigne's expression twisted almost beyond recognition, as if he'd completely lost his senses. With a roar, he pulled a fountain pen from his suit pocket—apparently intending to use it as a medium to activate an authority—and then...

Then Gascoigne threw the pen aside and transformed into lightning, fleeing into the distance!

As he soared through the air, Gascoigne's expression calmed. He wasn't one to easily lose composure—his earlier outburst had been an act. He wasn't a Campione suited for head-on battles, nor did he have any confidence in defeating Roy, who had bested Marquis Voban. Moreover, he harbored deep suspicions about the authority Roy had named Gardian of Athena. With so many uncertainties, why would he stay and fight rather than flee?

Roy showed no surprise at the Black Prince's escape. He'd long predicted this Campione's choice based on his personality. As Gascoigne vanished as lightning, Roy transformed into radiant flames and gave chase, leaving only these words behind:

"I'll intercept him. Follow me, Athena!"

The wise goddess didn't hesitate and obediently followed Roy's command.

...

Guinevere and Lancelot exchanged glances, both seeing astonishment in each other's eyes. They had inexplicably gone from being the main characters to supporting roles.

"Uncle, what should we do now?" Guinevere asked somewhat bewildered.

After a moment of contemplation, Lancelot replied, "...Let's leave this place first. We're going to Japan!"

"Alright!"

The Divine Ancestor and her guardian vanished on the spot.

***

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