The silence might as well have been palpable with how stifling it felt for those on the audience stand that were watching Lord Salvator's butler trying to convince Doni to leave the arena. Where before the task would have been hopeless given Doni's character, it was unnerving that said butler now had the means to strong-arm Doni with magic augmentation alone.
Although it was commendable that Doni wanted to persist in his bout, his opponent had made the current gap between them abundantly clear. Over reliance on usurped Authority had dulled humanity's blade.
If there was a grain of truth and wisdom in what had been said, it was that mankind indeed had the potential to slay the Gods even without the usurpation of Divine Authority. With how the recent Heretic God had put it, Pandora's interference to bestow her Authority upon the prevailing human was nothing more than a perversion of that human's potential.
"The day of departure," Erica muttered in thought, lips pursing. "The day humanity was said to split from the rule of the Gods."
In a way, what had been said was understandable. Man defeated a God, and another God bestowed man the God's Authority. From then on, it was no longer a clash between mankind and the Gods, but Authority against Authority.
Divine verses Divine.
"-Having forsaken humanity to usurp Authority, you no longer possess the qualification of man. This is your sole and greatest mistake to fall into the machinations of a Goddess who calls herself a surrogate mother. Nothing is ever free. Man turned away from the ancient Gods not to simply crawl back into their graces, let alone emulate them to stand above the masses."
It was no longer about a human triumphing over the Gods, but had instead become just another chronicle in the legends of Gods versus Gods while humanity is left on the wayside.
It was rather cynical in thought, but the reality of the current world's structure of Campione was chillingly similar to the ancient Deities. The Mage associations adhere to the whims and wishes of the Campione, treating them as lords and kings, no different from how the pious treat their religious Gods for protection and blessings.
Gone was the significance of separation as if it was all an elaborate scheme.
In the end, the worship simply changed from one misguided faith to another, the monumental glory of man prevailing over the Divine, losing all meaning.
Erica and many others from the Mage Associations around the world felt as if they couldn't meet the judging gaze of the Heretic God standing aloft in the middle of the arena. It was as if they had let down the expectations created from the struggles of their ancestors.
Balling her hands into fists, Erica shook her head to clear her thoughts. After all, she didn't have the leisure to be absent minded right now when her lord appeared on the verge of making a move.
Staring left then right, and noting that no one was stepping up to the arena, Godou's features were growing more and more pensive in the silence. It really seemed as if no one was going to confront the Heretic God standing in front of them.
Finally, Godou moved to stand up when he considered what would happen if the Alliance of Heretic Gods achieved free reign over Japan where his family lived.
As normal as he liked to consider himself, he couldn't just sit around and do nothing anymore.
"Godou," Erica called solemnly, grabbing his sleeve and pulling him back down onto his seat. "Don't you dare. Think before you do."
Godou frowned, causing Erica to tighten her grip on him, eyes pleading to the point Godou was the first to offer concession.
"Someone has to go…" he muttered, loud enough for Erica to hear and helplessly sigh at.
Erica knew Godou's character well by this point, and although his present courage was commendable, it may not be the best course of action. "And that someone is you?"
"It's my country, my home."
Again, this was a reasonable argument, and something Erica would have been more than proud of for Godou to actually take the initiative as a Campione, but this was different. It wasn't just a single Heretic God they were facing, but an alliance likely composed of many, one of which was already terrifying enough.
She had to stress the gravity of the situation, especially the subtle nuances and facts to consider in a grim future.
"Have we not been through this before? This isn't about right or wrong right now, Godou," Erica softened her tone, releasing her grip on Godou's shirt to grasp his hands in her own. "That is Enkidu, the ultimate weapon forged by the Sumerian Gods, and he who turned his back to the heavens to side with Man. He's not someone that you should face at your current level."
Godou shook his head, his determination only growing stronger. "But I'm the only one who could counter him with spell words that cut Authority."
"Precisely," Erica nodded her head, features growing pensive. "But have you considered the future ramifications if you fail to act in time? You will be bound, Godou. Lord Doni is already an example. His Authorities are sealed, effectively 'killing' what made him a Campione unless Enkidu can be slain."
Godou took in a breath, his jaw clenching.
This reaction was enough for Erica, as it proved that she was at least getting through to him before he did anything impulsive. He was beginning to think, and that was enough.
"All fights have risks," Godou mouthed, a flicker of doubt in his eyes that Erica would not fail to capitalize on.
"Not when your Warrior Authority may be the key," Erica squeezed Godou's hands in her own for reassurance. "Lord Salvator's Authorities are sealed by Enkidu's Authority, but your Warrior Avatar could have the means to cut the seal and free those bound by the Chains of Heaven. If you go up now, and get defeated, it's like sending up the white mage to the frontlines in a party formation. You just don't do that."
"…"
"If you fight and get your Authorities restricted in your inexperience, the present Campione including yourself will have no means to break the shackles if bound. For this reason, it is not a weakness to rely on your senior Campione, but simple logic-"
"But no one is going up."
Erica glanced up at Godou, then to Enkidu in the arena, and finally to the stationary Campione in the spectator stands. She shuddered, cold sweat traveling down her back.
"That's just how big a threat Enkidu's existence imposes." Erica warned sternly. "More than the Rune Witch, it's one thing to be slain in battle, but it's another to be reduced to mortality from a Divine State. Even Gods find it hard to accept when reduced to Divine Ancestors, let alone Campiones back down to the level of humans."
So then what? They stand and absolutely nothing while his country's fate stands on the balance?
Godou couldn't agree with this.
Erica's points were all valid and had their merits, but at the same time, it was regarding the safety of the few for the many. The people in danger right now were those in Japan. It was true that other Campione had the luxury to wait, but Godou was different. The more time passed, the more danger would befall his homeland.
Suddenly, Black Prince Alec raised his voice towards Athena who was presiding over the entire affair.
"We'd like to request an intermission?" Alec declared with no small amount of concealed apprehension.
"As expected," Erica muttered to herself.
The Campione had grown more cautious, hesitant even to take center stage.
The context of this entire clash between Campione and Heretic Gods had taken on a whole new meaning with the revelation of Enkidu's true name and Authority. More consideration was going to have to be made regarding risk and reward before someone like Alec or the others would confront Enkidu.
At this point it was fifty-fifty.
The Authority to seal the Authorities of other Gods and Campiones was quite appealing, but the risk of losing everything was also there.
A brief respite wouldn't only serve to calm frayed nerves, but to determine a concrete plan of action.
Fortunately, the Campione and the Mage Associations behind them weren't the only ones in favour of a brief respite.
Athena's eyes gleamed, her legs uncrossing as she stood up from the center seat of the colosseum.
"Forsooth, an intermission may be most welcomed," she hummed before declaring her decision. "Very well, this Goddess will grant it."
There was wisdom in letting the morale of the enemy side plummet in their own self-imposed anxiety.
As soon as a temporary break of hostilities was called, Arturia let out a breath she didn't know that she'd been holding. She'd been high-strung ever since this entire event began, and it was only made worse by trying to devise methods in which she could alleviate Shirou and Athena's burdens; namely, her.
What she was failing to factor, was that she was the link that connected everything together. She may not constitute much in the scale of Gods and God Slayers, but her importance was the greatest.
In any case, Arturia wasn't foolish enough not to know that she was the weakest link in the chain, and therefore, she was trying her best to help in her own ways. Like it or not, her freedom of movement and the laws restricting her vastly different in her status as the 'Eighth Campione.'
She'd quickly learned that if she wanted something, she'd receive it. In the same vein, if she wanted to go somewhere, no one would stop her either.
She was essentially free of any sort of limitation barring Shirou or Athena's intervention. Being as Arturia was trying to move around with Shirou and Athena in mind, it stood to reason that they would have stopped her if they felt she was veering in the wrong direction- especially Athena.
Athena had no qualms with being vocal about 'foolish' actions. Either foolish this, or foolish that, but at the same time, Arturia understood that Athena did have everyone's best interests in mind. It was just that at times, like almost always, Athena seemed to prefer the logical response compared to an emotional one. It was true that being logical was the most rational, but there were things one could only do in the heat of the moment that logic could not factor in. Split-decisions for example had no time for contemplation.
This was not one of those moments.
Arturia knew she'd already blundered by showing her emotion and concern during Shirou's bout's, but she wasn't Athena. She couldn't keep a poker face when someone she cared about was in harm's way or injured! It was only human.
Still, Arturia was trying to make up for it.
Presently, she was gathering her wits upon the declaration of an intermission.
She wanted to meet with Shirou to make sure that he was alright and to maybe bounce ideas, but Shirou had remained in the center of the colosseum as 'Enkidu.' Running up to him now would have Athena on her like a hawk.
Arturia was not dumb by any sense of the word. When she genuinely began to think about what she had at her disposal, one thing became evident. It was knowledge of Shirou's entire 'Legend' from the 'True Dreams End,' as written by Merlin.
In terms of lore, the main determining factor of a Heroic Spirit's effectiveness was the mana that was supplied by the Master. However, from how Athena put it, that didn't seem to be how it worked here in this world. In which case, what else could she do but try to support him in spirit?
"Lady Pendragon."
A voice snapped Arturia out of her thoughts and back into awareness. She was previously seated on one of the stands near Athena, but had stood up to stretch her legs and entered a side venue of the colosseum comprised of Japan's History Compilation under Athena's purview. It was safe here, as everyone was considered to be scamme- convinced to be members of the same camp.
Kaoru was talking with Ena and Mariya on the side, but they didn't have much time to entertain Arturia as they were intrusted with delegations of the other Campione.
Arturia's presumed identity was rather sensitive at this moment, so the committee was doing its best to camouflage her as one of their own until she could grow into her 'Authority.'
The one who called out to Arturia specifically was an aide dressed in a business dress and black flats that seemed quite worn from all her running.
Now that Arturia looked closer at the aide, she did appear noticeably out of breath. Somewhat guiltily, Arturia rubbed the bottom of her nose and chose not to comment, knowing that it was under her instruction that this aid was getting worn out.
"T-The items you've requested have arrived according to the measurements provided," the aide stammered, pushing up the square-frame glasses over her face.
Arturia's features brightened immediately, traces of excitement and caution making their way over her features. This was her first time abusing a position of power to get what she wanted, and she was equal parts thrilled and skittish, knowing that she was doing morally wrong.
It still didn't change the fact that she was doing it thought.
Arturia looked over her assigned, up and around, before wetting her lips and tentatively asking. "Perfect, uhm, did you bring it with you?"
"Bring it with- oh dear," the aide's mouth clacked shut, anxiousness causing her to shift her weight from foot to foot. She'd heard stories of what happened to Voban's aides for inattentiveness, and apparently it wasn't much different with other Campione. "M-My apologies. It was delivered to your room in the committee. I-I'll grab it immediately!"
Was the fear really necessary?
Arturia knew that she wasn't one to bite, and had always kept herself well-mannered. What part of her looked vicious or deranged enough to cause such a reaction? Were Campione really that uncouth and barbaric?
"No wait, it's fine." Arturia intervened before her aid could bolt, a finger scratching sheepishly over her cheek. She really, really, still wasn't used to everyone going out of their way for her. Moreover, she was no princess. It just felt weird to be pampered so much especially when she knew she abusing her status. "I'll get it myself. It shouldn't take too long"
For a second, it felt like Arturia was forgetting something important, but her thoughts were too jumbled, and her attention distracted by the aide.
"I-If you say so."
Expectedly, the aide didn't dare contradict Arturia's decision, bowing her head and standing off to the side to let Arturia do as she wished.
Arturia's lip twitched, but this gave her good idea about the typical behaviour of Campione. In the end, she may actually be the only normal one!
Shaking her head, Arturia began making her way to her destination.
She already knew the way as she'd become familiar with it in her stay with the committee and Fort Andromeda.
Her assigned room itself was located in the most luxurious area of the committee building which acted as an anchor to Fort Andromeda. By anchor, she meant that Fort Andromeda's center literally rested atop the committee building. Think of it like legos with two separate and distinct structures on top of the other.
In any case, if Arturia wanted to reach her room, she just had to travel to the fort's central area, and take an elevator from the committee building's top floor down to the middle floors where the suites were located.
Having gone down this route numerous times before, it didn't take Arturia long before she went into the elevator, down the elevator, and then was standing in front of the door of her room.
The trip was leisurely to her, but Arturia could well imagine her assigned aide would have been scrambling to make up for lost time, not that Arturia was demanding to begin with.
Arturia patted herself in the back. At least she a little effort could go a long for someone else.
Snorting, Arturia entered her room and quietly inspected it for the items she was expecting. Her eyes quickly locked onto the materials placed overtop her bed and neatly arranged for her.
There it was. It was a replica of 'her' armor and dress.
Blue cloth and old-fashioned armour were separated out for her, and magically enchanted by the committee to allow her to wear it on her own without aid. It had magic enchantments for defense and self-maintenance attributed to it as well. More importantly, it was tailor made to the novel illustration she'd seen from Merlin's manuscripts.
To help Shirou, she felt like this was something that she could do, knowing that she looked identical to Shirou's Saber. Merlin had likely based the character off of her appearance anyway, a-and if it could get Shirou to look at her more positively, then she wasn't as unwilling to do this as she believed.
Of course, dressing up wouldn't mean much in terms of literal help for Shirou. However, beyond her self-consciousness, the image she could cosplay as may very well rouse his spirits to fight on.
Besides, you never know. If strength and Authority were derived from legend and myth, then her appearing like 'Saber' may give her the courage of the Undefeated King that Merlin had depicted.
So that…he'd look at me, and see me, and not 'her.'
It would be a lie to say that there weren't any personal sentiments involved in her decision, but all the same. It was the thought that counted.
With this mind, Arturia approached the armour, but vaguely felt goosebumps rising over her skin, the sword sheathed over her back thrumming with faint light.
Arturia opened and closed her mouth, an odd feeling of familiarity welling up from inside her.
Was it expectation? Or was it something else.
It was hard to say, as her senses abruptly flared.
Arturia froze before she could even put on the armour, the distinct sound of footsteps echoing behind her.
W-Who?
No wait-
A shiver traveled down her back as realization set in.
Stupid. Stupid.
She'd left the Divine Fort.
She'd left. The. Divine. Fort.
Worse, Athena may not have realized with her attention focused on maintaining her Authority. Moreover, Athena wouldn't have stopped the departure of competition as their absence would only ease Shirou's situation.
Dammit.
Arturia instantly reached for the Authority imbued in the sword Shirou had given her, but her reflexes could not hope to match her assailant's.
In the blink of an eye, Arturia vanished, arcs of black lightning crackling though the room.
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