Chapter 164 Next stop, Britain!
The night was as black as ink, swallowing Rome's clamor and scars.
The area around Ghost Town had completely vanished within Rome.
When Arthur returned to the association with the unconscious Tony, the look of horror on the Magus's faces was still clearly visible.
They repeatedly confirmed that the former 'Sword King' had fallen from his pedestal and become a mortal.
At this moment, Arthur stood before a large floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the streets and alleys that spread out like a spiderweb below, with lights flickering.
"There are five left... I hope the guys hiding in the dark don't get the news too quickly."
Guinevere walked over with a tea tray, her clear voice echoing in the quiet room.
"Your Majesty worries too much. Godslayerss are not companions; they are more like a pack of wolves dividing the world, with old grudges unsettled between them."
Arthur, hearing the comfort, did not turn around. He was actually more concerned about the unknown entity's situation, but his voice was calm and unwavering.
"When the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. Faced with a common natural enemy, even bloodthirsty hungry wolves will temporarily sheathe their fangs."
Beside him, Lancia, clad in silver armor, stood respectfully, her voice like metal striking stone.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty! Your humble servant is willing to lead the way for Your Majesty, transforming into a lance to clear all obstacles!"
"Hmm—Lord Lancia, there's no need to be so tense."
Arthur turned, took the teacup, and walked back to the sofa to sit down, his posture casual.
"In the battle with the 'Sword King,' I gained a lot from the application of my authority, and I fear no encirclement."
Just as Lancia was about to speak again, a rhythmic knocking sound came from afar.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty, Erica of the Red Cross requests an audience."
Arthur looked up, glanced at Guinevere and Lancia, who had instantly concealed themselves, and spoke indifferently.
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and Erica entered with confident and composed steps, then knelt on one knee without hesitation, presenting an ancient sandalwood box with both hands.
"Erica presumes to ask Your Majesty to inspect this Divine Artifact."
"Divine Artifact?" Arthur's eyes flickered, and he praised, "The Red Cross actually possesses such a treasure?"
So-called Divine Artifacts are like Magic Conduction books inscribed with heavenly wisdom or sacred spells, most of which possess the characteristic of being indestructible.
They are powerful but cannot be used at will by mortals or Godslayerss, so their collection value far exceeds their practical value.
But Arthur, being neither human nor god, was an exception.
He casually took the sandalwood box and deftly opened it with his fingertips.
Inside the box, a coarse black obsidian badge lay quietly, its surface etched with the simplest strokes depicting the outline of a Gorgon, and an eerie, ancient aura immediately assailed him.
Such a classic image made Arthur raise an eyebrow, a hint of teasing curving his lips.
"The symbol of the Gorgon Medusa? This thing doesn't quite suit me."
As a Steel Hero who wielded the Salvation God Sword, he was inherently opposed to the Earth Mother Serpent, and this Divine Artifact could never submit to his power.
Erica, of course, knew this. She prostrated herself on the ground and quickly added.
"On the Balkan Peninsula, across the sea from Italy, resides the oldest Godslayers Demon King in this world, Marquis Voban."
"He is a hungry wolf who finds joy only in Godslaying, apart from his gluttony."
"We can use this item to declare that we are about to summon the Triune Earth Mother Goddess, and then..."
Arthur understood instantly.
In the past, the fledgling Tony had overstepped his bounds, snatching the prey and authority Marquis Voban had prepared for himself, and the two had long since become sworn enemies.
Now that Tony had fallen, the Magic Conduction societies of Italy certainly did not want to attract an even greedier, more terrifying wolf.
Arthur's fingertips lightly picked up the cold Gorgon Stone, his pale, radiant gaze piercing Erica, who knelt on the ground, like a sharp sword.
In an instant, the light and shadow in the room seemed to freeze, and the air became thick, so heavy that it was impossible to breathe!
"Even if our goals are the same, attempting to interfere with my decisions should always come with a price."
Under the immense pressure of his divine might, Erica's delicate face lost all color.
She gritted her teeth, forced her head up, and a bright, almost provocative smile bloomed on her face as her slender fingers unhooked her collar.
"Everything of the Red Cross will be offered to appease Your Majesty's wrath."
"Fuwu..."
On the sofa, Fou, curled in a ball, compared Haruhime and Erica, disdainfully flicking her tail, a low whimper in her throat.
Arthur glanced sideways at the pure white young beast, raised a hand to his forehead, and the crushing pressure that had threatened to overwhelm people vanished.
"Present all the Magic Conduction collections of all the Italian societies. Go back and prepare."
Before he finished speaking, an invisible gust of wind had already enveloped Erica's body, unceremoniously blasting her out the door without a hint of gentleness.
Fou, accustomed to such sights, raised a paw to rub the fur on her neck, then nimbly leaped onto his shoulder and closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
Guinevere and Lancia's figures reappeared, their gazes falling on the powerfully cursed Gorgon Stone on the table, their expressions both solemn.
"My King, Marquis Voban is the oldest Demon King in this world, possessing no less than ten authorities, making him an extremely troublesome enemy."
"Your humble servant has no intention of questioning her lord, but only fears that once a war begins with him, it will draw in the other kings as well, and the battle will become uncontrollable."
Arthur nodded slightly: "I understand. Don't worry, I will make all the necessary preparations before the battle."
...
The next morning, the faint light of dawn pierced through the window cracks.
Paolo, who had been waiting for a long time, saw Arthur appear and immediately presented an inconspicuous leather pouch with both hands, his posture respectful, but his tone could not hide his apology.
"Thank you for waiting. All the Magic Conduction collections of our various societies to date are contained herein, without any falsehood."
Arthur took the leather pouch, which was smaller than his palm, and weighed it; it was extremely light.
"What is this?"
Paolo quickly explained: "A modern alchemical creation, made from the stomach of a spatial divine beast, capable of expanding its internal space in response to curses."
Arthur extended his perception into it; inside the pouch, rows of thick ancient texts along with bookshelves stood quietly, and beside them were piled large quantities of Magic Conduction tools exuding an ancient aura.
"Not bad. Then I shall take my leave."
Paolo, seeing his calm expression, unable to discern his mood, quickly added.
"We have prepared a private jet and a flight path that can take you there without alarming any Magic Conduction societies in the Balkans."
Arthur casually hung the storage pouch on his waist, looking at the serious and anxious Paolo with a half-smile, shaking his head.
"You've prepared quite thoroughly. Unfortunately, my next stop is England."
"England!?"
Paolo's heart skipped a beat, and a name instantly popped into his mind, making his face turn pale.
"Your Majesty... your target is the Black Prince, Alec?"
Arthur's gaze went past him, falling on Guinevere, who stood silently in attendance.
On her beautiful and enchanting face, for the first time, an uncontrollable irritation and annoyance appeared.
Seeing this, the smile on his lips grew even wider.
"Who knows? Perhaps that 'Black Prince' is eager to come and die."