Otherwise, you can find another savior.

Page 411

“No, maintaining the status quo is fine.” Kirshtalia calmly declined. “The situation in the South American Lostbelt is special. If you are absent for an extended period of time, there may be significant problems.”

"Hehe, personally, I really hope that Debit can come over," Peperoncino said with a smile. "Gathering all the remaining Hidden Ones' strength to fight against Chaldea, who were once our comrades... it's a development full of unorthodox and passionate elements."

At this moment, Hinako Akuta finally spoke up: "Just to be on the safe side, I have to say something upfront. That man... Shiomi Tenkei has a problem, definitely a problem. Unlike his fairy wife, he can no longer be considered human."

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Hinako.” Kirshtalia raised her hand in acknowledgment. “After my encounter with Shiomi-sensei, I’m already clear that that person is an absolute threat to the alien god, to Zeus, and to my plans.”

"Oh?"

Peperoncino did not directly participate in the battle of Hecate Island, but was responsible for supporting Hinako Akuta and her Servants from the rear.

However, Kirshtalia's personal appearance and his absolutely confident strike were truly witnessed by everyone.

However, even with Peperonchino's keen insight, he couldn't see clearly what Shiomi had done.

“No, it’s not just a threat. That man is the embodiment of the ‘new human’ that I’ve been hoping for… He’s already surpassed the level my plans could have achieved.” Kirshtalia smiled with a hint of self-deprecation and composure. “Although his overall strength is still insignificant, he has already reached a level comparable to the great god Zeus.”

"So, does that mean that Shiomi Tenkyu has transformed from a human and is about to become a new god?" Debit thought to himself.

"You're kidding, right?" Peperoncino asked in surprise, as if he didn't believe it. "Wouldn't that cause a lot of trouble?"

In fact, he was just used to expressing surprise in this way and did not doubt the truthfulness of Kirshtalia's words.

“What will happen? Even I can’t fully grasp the actual situation.” Kirshtalia slowly shook her head. “I can see that the man is very attached to the fact that he is human. Even though he has stepped into the realm of gods, he is still bound by his identity as ‘human’—”

“The restraints…” Peperoncino’s smile became refreshing. “They fit my impression of that man. Although he is a magician, and although he has experienced the life-or-death battlefield, he essentially retains a humanity that is unacceptable for a magician… no, I should say naiveté.”

He was referring to the fact that, although they could have annihilated the Russian and Nordic Lostbelts along with the Hidden Ones in one fell swoop, they chose a more cautious approach, destroying only the Lostbelts and killing the hostile Servants, while merely imprisoning Kadoc and Ophelia, who had rebelled against human history and become enemies of human reason.

“Hate the sin, not the person. That’s what that man would always say.” Debit said something unexpected. “Of course, that’s assuming those people still have a chance to repent. Kadoc and Ophelia both fall into that category.”

Peperoncino thought for a moment and agreed with a touch of emotion: "That's true. The decision to annihilate Chaldea in Antarctica was actually made and carried out by the princess of the Russian Lostbelt. I heard from that fake priest that the princess died a very tragic death, with her heart completely pierced by a bullet."

"So what do we do now? A bunch of monsters have gathered on the Chaldea ship," Hinako Akuta asked Kirshtalia. "If we gather us all here, is there really any way to win?"

"The odds of victory still exist. If you disagree with the current approach, you can return to the Chinese Lostbelt," Kirshtalia said. "But having already clashed with Chaldea, you must know very well how dire the situation is, right?"

"Alright, alright, I know. Anyway, Xiang Yu said we should help, and Lanling Wang is willing to help too. I'll stay with you until the end," Akuta said awkwardly.

Peperoncino couldn't help but laugh, then changed the subject: "Speaking of which, Kirshtalia, where are your Servants?"

“It’s not optimistic. Dioscuri, whom Zeus allowed me to summon again, has already left the stage again, after all, he was facing off against Shiomi-sensei.” Kirshtalia shook her head. “Kainese is still entangled with the Servants left in Atlantis, and it’s only a matter of time before she dies. I need Kainese to live, and then I will use a Command Spell to call her back to Olympus.”

“I’m sorry, Kirshtalia.” Peperoncino smiled apologetically, “All my Servants have been taken by the Lostbelt Kings, so I have to go myself.”

“Then you’d better hope you can fight Shiomi Tenki directly,” Debit said. “At least he can guarantee you won’t die.”

"...That's true."

Peperoncino wholeheartedly agreed.

It wasn't that Debit was belittling him, but rather that among the strong individuals in Chaldea who were willing and able to show mercy, only Shiomi was truly capable.

“The alien apostles haven’t been very peaceful either. After all, everyone’s ultimate goals aren’t entirely aligned,” Kirshtalia said. “Even though Rasputin has been cursed with the Rune of Death, we still need to keep an eye on their movements.”

“I will handle Ashiya Dōman,” Peperoncino said calmly. “The Yin-Yang techniques and spells that man used are exactly what I am good at dealing with.”

"Just judge it according to your usual methods and stance, Myorenji. I will also do my best to transform this Atlantic Lostbelt into the planet's 'future' and shape the pan-human history I desire."

Upon hearing his real name being called, Pepe Roncino's smile turned somewhat serious.

"I will. But don't push yourself too hard, after all, the battles ahead are all tough."

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Determination

Meanwhile, in the western forest region of Olympus.

Having successfully made an emergency landing, Storm Border promptly deployed a concealment barrier, cutting off Olympus's observation of the Chaldea group and giving them a temporary respite.

After all, Chaldea only has one warship, while Olympus is a super-huge floating island capable of accommodating tens of millions of people.

"How are you feeling?"

As Morgan said this, he reached out and pulled Shio up from the platform, which was more than a meter high.

"It's great, but the air here has such a high concentration of magic that I'm almost addicted to it."

After Morgan caught her hand, she used a little force to pull Xijian up.

“After all, even the Land of Shadows would be ashamed of such a high concentration of True Aether.” Scáthach also reached out her hand, ready to let Morgan pull her up.

Morgan frowned. "Can't you come up by yourself?"

“Isn’t my beloved student the same?” Scáthach said.

"Don't be jealous at a time like this. If you have any complaints, take them out on me." tide Jian said, both amused and exasperated, as she reached out her hand to her master.

“I was just teasing her,” Morgan said with a smile, extending her hand as well.

So Scáthach didn't even have to exert any effort; the two of them pulled her up in one go.

The three were now on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea below Olympus, outside the forest.

The Storm Border landed at a high point on the eastern side of the lower interstellar city of Olympus, offering a panoramic view of the entire city.

Despite being just an isolated island floating on the sea, it boasts a thriving metropolis that is clearly visible to the naked eye.

“It’s like… no, it’s more like a city in the sky,” Morgan exclaimed. “You could probably lift the entire United Kingdom into the sky and it would be about this size.”

“It’s very good. As a city of gods, it is indeed impeccable,” Shiomi said softly. “But since it’s not a city belonging to humans, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Scáthach smiled silently and checked the time: "Two hours have passed since we came out. Communication with StormBorder has been completely cut off... If we try to communicate by force, we'll probably expose our location."

“Not yet,” Shiomi said. “I’ve already set up ravens as road signs along the way, and Artoria’s team should be setting off soon. We need to make the necessary preparations as soon as possible.”

After saying that, Shio turned and walked towards the inside of the cliff.

They had reached the edge of the forest. If they increased their speed and walked a little faster, they could enter the interstellar city of Olympus and make contact with its inhabitants.

"Ugh……"

Scáthach sighed softly, preparing to follow Shiomi's footsteps, but was stopped by Morgan from behind.

"Wait a minute, Scáthach."

"Is there a problem, Morgan?" Scáthach said. "We went ahead as 'bait.' Are you worried that we're not strong enough on our own?"

“It has nothing to do with combat,” Morgan said, shaking his head. “I mean, have you noticed that Ulf seems to have reacted rather strangely after confirming the true living conditions of the inhabitants of Olympus… no, after confirming the true living conditions of the inhabitants of this Lostbelt?”

Scáthach laughed: "I thought I was the only one who noticed. What a pity."

“I’ve been by his side longer than you, his master.” Morgan laughed, with a hint of boasting. “If you can notice it, how could I not notice it?”

Scáthach simply smiled and agreed, "You mean your beloved student seems a bit aloof, as if he has no interest in this place at all?"

“That’s right.” Morgan looked at Shio’s back. He wasn’t walking fast, so it wouldn’t matter if the two of them were a few steps behind. “But I think it’s more like he’s made up his mind.”

“Determination…” Scáthach repeated the word. “After all, just one glance here is enough to understand the level of prosperity of this Lostbelt, which neither your Britain, nor Russia and the Nordic countries can compare to.”

Morgan frowned, her smile becoming somewhat awkward. "That's true. But my husband didn't react this way in the previous Lostbelts. Could it be—"

“It has nothing to do with the formation of his inner divinity,” Scáthach reminded her.

“I think so too.” Morgan thought for a moment. “After all, he spent two hours replenishing our magic before we left… No, I didn’t mean to discuss my husband’s sex life with you!”

Scáthach said with her eyes closed, "I didn't want to discuss this with you."

“Hmm…” Morgan was speechless for a moment.

“My beloved disciple doesn’t like any Lostbelts, including your Fairy Kingdom.” Scáthach thought for a moment. “It’s only because you like it there that he went to such lengths to accommodate you. It’s similar in the Norse world. If it weren’t for Skadi, he wouldn’t have cared about those surviving villagers.”

Having said all that, Morgan felt the answer was obvious.

Shiomi clearly understood that this was a survival competition between the Pan-Human History and the seven Lostbelts. The Lostbelts had their own justice, and the Pan-Human History also had its own justice. Therefore, she did not hesitate for a moment to destroy other worlds that were either prosperous or declining.

“Olympus is too prosperous, more prosperous than any other Lostbelt in human history, unlike any other that has been resolved before,” Morgan said. “This time it’s not just tens of thousands of humans living in hardship, but tens of millions of humans living happily…”

“So there’s no need to ask anymore. My beloved disciple has already made up his mind.” Scáthach started walking, preparing to catch up with Shiomi. “This was something he decided on when he decided to become a god and fight to reclaim the history of all humanity. What we need to do is—”

“It’s about supporting him as before, or correcting him when he goes astray,” Morgan understood.

She was just too worried that Shiomi's indifference towards Olympus might be a forced attitude, which is why she wanted to talk to Scáthach.

But it's clear that everyone's opinions are quite aligned.

Shiomi, who had already noticed that they had stopped, waited ahead until the two of them caught up.

"Is the discussion over?"

“I suppose so,” Morgan said, taking his hand.

Scáthach grasped the other hand as well: "It's been a long time since we've had a solo trip like this, just the three of us."

“After all, my husband is surrounded by more and more women, and even I am starting to feel threatened,” Morgan teased.

“…Really?” tide Jian was stunned.

“Just kidding.” Morgan shook his head.

Then, she and Scáthach each linked arms with one of his, leaned their heads against him, and continued their journey toward the western part of the interstellar city.

"So what were you discussing just now? New tactics?" Shiomi asked curiously.

“My student is so smart, he must be able to guess it without us telling him, right?” Scáthach said.

"Eh..."

tide Jian was unusually troubled, so she could only smile and enjoy the relaxed moments on the road with her arms around both of them.

Chapter Seventy: Near-Future City

As they entered the interstellar city, Olympus's sense of hierarchy became even more pronounced.

Undoubtedly, the forest on the western outer ring is merely a state maintained to preserve the forest's existence.

The prosperity of this interstellar city of Olympus is unmatched even by the most prosperous modern cities on any planet in human history.

Simply put, the level of urbanization is too high, it can already be described as near-future level.

The lower level of the city is further divided into numerous functional areas, and Shiomi and her group first arrived at the residential area.

"The divine artifact ring, the Crown of Cronus..."

Shiomi stood on the street, looking up to observe the building above. In the middle of that huge, floating ring-shaped building was something called the Orbital Temple of Dodona.

“The Olympian gods must live there,” Scáthach said.

The residents of Olympus, whom they encountered on the street, took them for tourists from some remote region and introduced them to Olympus without any suspicion.

However, the occasional praise of God interspersed in her words made Scáthach sigh softly at the depth of her faith.

She hadn't seen such a steadfast belief in the worship of gods in many, many years.

"The magical reaction from the Crystal Mountains is quite immense; it can be clearly felt even in the Age of Gods where the air is so thick." Shiomi frowned. "Is the Imaginary Tree up there...?"

“It seems we’ve decided where we’re going next. The remaining question is how to get from the lower level to the isolated upper temple,” Scáthach said with a chuckle, stroking her chin.

Shio looked away, observing the bustling street filled with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, with happiness radiating from everyone's face.

“But then again, the prosperity of Olympus is truly beyond my comprehension,” Shiomi said.

Under the protection of the gods, resources were so abundant that even the concept of "work" had become history; war, hunger, disease, and death had all been eliminated.

The inhabitants of Olympus had nothing to do but enjoy the blessings of the gods and, at every moment and in every word, instinctively praise their blessings.

It's not surprising.

"I just inquired around, and it seems that more than three wars of the gods have occurred in this Lostbelt—"

After finishing her conversations with the women passing by on the street, Morgan returned to the area and relayed the information she had heard.

In the pan-human history of Greek mythology, the world of the gods experienced three great wars.

The first war was the war between Zeus and the gods against Cronus; the second war was the war between Zeus and the gods against the white giants; and the third war was the war between Zeus and the gods against the giant race of Guigantes.

The Second War of the Gods led to the decline of the Olympian gods.

The third war was won by the Olympian gods thanks to the presence of the demigod hero Hercules.

But in this Lostbelt, in the Second Great War, as Demeter said, Zeus took a different approach and defeated the White Giant.

The third war was likely resolved without Hercules having any say in it.

As for the fourth war, it was the one Demeter mentioned, where the Olympian gods split into two factions regarding their attitude towards humanity as the Age of Gods was drawing to a close.

In the end, Zeus emerged victorious.

"It seems Demeter wasn't lying, but all the things she revealed were made known to the humans here," Morgan added.