Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

"Now, I must speak to the citizens of Athens."

Silently sheathing her blood-stained sword, Andrea beheld a familiar figure that, unbeknownst to her, had appeared within the palace.

She did not expect their arrival so swiftly, thinking they were still off adventuring in some distant land.

Yet, it was for the best, just like during that debate, even standing alone on the podium, Andrea no longer felt panic.

...

The night had passed and the sun rose in the east.

Unlike any other day, the space in front of the Royal Palace of Athens teemed with countless citizens today.

A myriad of voices filled the square, and even as Andrea took her place on the stage, the clamor showed no signs of abating.

After all, every Athenian recognized their King, but not all knew their Princess. Even among those who did, most remembered her only for her beauty and her title as a Godhood Practitioner, unaware of her purpose there.

Fortunately, in a Mythic World, even without a sound amplification device, Andrea's voice effortlessly carried throughout the city.

It even reached Hermes, who was stationed in a tower outside the city walls.

"Athenians, Aristocrats, servants of Deities, and all citizens now dwelling within Athens:

"Yesterday, the lands of the Pan-Athena States, for the first time since the former King's accession, once more faced an attack from foreign lands. Our enemies deceived the wise King of Athens with their scheming, laying an ambush on our soil, igniting a rebellion with dishonorable tactics."

"They secretly took control of the King's offspring, enslaved his soul, and compelled him to commit the atrocity of fratricide. Amidst that gruesome battle, hundreds of brave Knights perished, and tens of thousands of civilians were affected. Corpses littered the streets of Eryxis, some even denied the preservation of their bones."

"Today, the bells of Athens toll in sorrow, and all of Athens weeps for this tragedy."

"Eryxis and the western countries have shown their envy and dissatisfaction with Athens in such a manner—after we assisted them to expand their cities and gain wealth, they repay our kindness with betrayal, covering our lands with blood and fire, even at the cost of their people's lives."

"As of last night, the shameless western countries even issued a vile proclamation in an attempt to wash away their sins; because their Gods are inferior to ours, their nations less than ours, they resort to destruction, to looting and dismantling everything we have."

"This is intolerable and cannot be accepted by any Athenian of reason and conscience. If words can no longer resolve our conflicts, then Athens must employ the Athenian way to enforce our justice upon this world."

"No matter the resources or Lives spent, no matter how twisted the path ahead, this is an imperative journey. Although killing may bring Death, and the Goddess has granted us garlands symbolizing peace, the always victorious Sovereign watches over us, and Athens has never feared the onset of War."

"For a millennium, even two, since the New Chronicle's record began, long before the birth of Athens, the western countries have already multiplied on the most fertile lands. Yet, they enslaved their own kind, letting conspiracy and murder spread among them."

"Their worshipped Deities left behind absurd, blood-soaked myths, which brought them pain, as well as an inherent greed and madness."

"The achievements Athenians made in two hundred years are beyond their reach in two thousand. Ships that sail the great seas, goods that trade with All Countries, the fruits of Athenian determination and Wisdom—these are things they covet but cannot possess. Therefore, today, they have created such a catastrophe, forcing us to surrender all that we have."

"Think about it, a nation that exiles their children to military camps, where they grow up in battle and forget decency; a country that considers breast mutilation a rite and engraves brutality into their veins."

"This is no mere conflict; it is destined to be a clash between civilization and barbarism, a manifestation of the Goddess's Wisdom. This is a total War, a war to protect our achievements."

"We must not only eradicate Eryxis's Judgment Faction, but also crush any nations that meddle in this affair. Whoever dares to step onto Athenian soil with hostility is our enemy!"

"Relying on our faith and God, we shall prevail."

"My fellows—God bless Athens!"

"We shall inherit the former King's will and ensure Athens stands at the pinnacle of the world!"

...

The next moment, a tsunami-like roar echoed throughout and beyond Athens.

Within the high tower, Hermes, listening to the distant commotion, gently tapped on his desk.

He had met Andrea before, and even after Theseus returned grievously injured, he was ready to help the next King of Athens clean up the mess.

After all, his friend never thought he would die, so no thorough preparations had been made in advance.

"But this world always has its natural rulers."

"And so it has its All Gods..."

With a hint of a sigh, Hermes looked to his disciple.

"Solomon, get ready." Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

"Take what I've given you, and together with the army of Athens, quash the rebellion."