The shuttle in the second dimension

　"Rumble——————"

　The flashing lightning illuminated Lin Xuan's face, allowing Kusanagi Godou, who was standing in front of him, to see it clearly. He saw the playful expression on Lin Xuan's face.

　Looking at his opponent, who looked playful, Kusanagi Godou's heart sank. When facing Veleslana, he still had the Prometheus Secret Book as a chance to turn the tables, but when facing Lin Xuan, he found that he had no chance of a comeback. He even used the Warrior Avatar without knowing the opponent's strength. The situation was now as dire as it could be.

　“This is a truly terrible situation—”

　"Godou————!!" At this time, Erica bypassed Lin Xuan and returned to Kusanagi Godou's side again.

　"Are you alright?" Erica said worriedly, looking at Kusanagi Godou. After all, seeing him being swung and hit by Lin Xuan like that was no joke. Kusanagi Godou didn't have powers like the [Divine Protection of Steel].

　"Fortunately, after the recovery of the [Ram], although there are still some problems with my body, at least I can continue to fight." There was an obvious sense of weakness in Kusanagi Godou's words, and his pale face made people feel that he was about to fall down.

　"But we have to end this quickly - otherwise I'm afraid my body won't be able to bear it." Kusanagi Godou said seriously, looking solemnly at Lin Xuan who was smiling not far away.

　"Then, Godou, I think it's best for you not to engage in close combat with that king. That king possesses powers similar to those of the God of War, unlike the power he used in your previous battle. With that power, he was even able to fight the God King Mekar, and even surpassed Mekar in strength. While you will gain immense power by using the Bull, it's only strength after all, and you'll still be at a disadvantage against that king. Furthermore, based on my previous observations, and considering that he used the power of the Sword King during his previous battle with Mekar, I believe he possesses another power that can simulate the powers of others. So be careful, for no one knows what power that king might suddenly unleash."

　"Really? I understand." Kusanagi Godou replied, looking at Lin Xuan with a serious expression.

　"What—did you come up with something?" A brisk voice suddenly reached Kusanagi Kotō's ears from behind him. A chilling sensation shot through his spine and into his brain, causing his pupils to shrink. Pulling Erica aside, Kusanagi Kotō swiftly left his original position as if fleeing.

　"Haha, you react quite quickly, Kusanagi Godou——" Lin Xuan's eyes were full of mockery, as if he was teasing a desperate prey.

　"He is just playing, not fighting——" Although he understood the difference in strength between the two, Lin Xuan's actions still made Kusanagi Godou feel irritated.

　"Hah——What's wrong? Haven't you decided which avatar to use——"

　Lin Xuan casually put his hands in his pockets, yawned and asked.

　But it seemed that he remembered something, and Lin Xuan showed a mischievous smile.

　"Oh, that's right. After all, you have to meet certain conditions to use your avatar. The [White Horse] can only be used by a 'great sinner who brought suffering to the people,' and I don't meet this condition yet, so you can't use it. The [Boy] is an avatar that blesses others, so it's useless for this battle. As for the [Wind], your ability is not like Veleslana's ability to cause a tornado, so it's useless. As for the [Phoenix], I'm afraid you can't use it for attacking now, after all, the super speed state is not that easy to use. As for the [Bull], I haven't used any power-related powers now, so I'm afraid you can't activate this avatar either. The last one left is the [Goat] avatar. It's possible to use this avatar, but the only one present who can agree with you is your knight Erica. With that little vitality, do you think the lightning strike you can use will be stronger than mine?..."

　He patiently explained his current situation to Kusanagi Godou, and as if trying to prove the truth of his words, dazzling lightning began to appear in the dark clouds.

　"Boom————" A loud noise that seemed to shatter the sky suddenly came from the sky.

　Kusanagi Godou stared at Lin Xuan in shock, his eyes filled with disbelief. He wasn't shocked by Lin Xuan's strength, but rather by his understanding of his own powers. However, when he thought about the possibility that this young man, roughly his own age, possessed a power that could simulate the powers of others, the disbelief in his eyes slowly faded. "Yes, if he can simulate Veleslana's powers, then it's not impossible for him to simulate the powers I usurped from Veleslana. And then, knowing the limits of my powers wouldn't be difficult either." With this thought in mind, Kusanagi Godou slowly suppressed his shock.

　"Heh - it seems you're not ready to give up yet. Really, you've made me waste so much time talking to you." Looking at Kusanagi Godou with some regret, Lin Xuan continued helplessly, "After all, you don't have anything fun to do now, and you don't have any useful incarnations anymore -"

　He raised his right hand boredly and grabbed something in the air. Just when Kusanagi Godou was still thinking about Lin Xuan's action, he suddenly felt something moving in the pocket of his clothes. Then, before he could react, a black stone tablet flew out of his pocket and gently fell into Lin Xuan's hand.

　"Okay, I've got the Gorgon Stone, and I don't want to play anymore. Bye-bye..." Lin Xuan said, turning around and waving behind him.

　But just when Kusanagi Godou was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Lin Xuan's next words made his heart, which had just relaxed, feel nervous again.

　"Of course, if you can survive——"

　When he was about to turn into the breeze and leave this place, Lin Xuan glanced behind him and said softly:

　"Thunderous——"

　“Boom————————”

　The next moment, dazzling lightning illuminated the earth.

Chapter 48 Athena

　"Allah——is still alive——"

　When Lin Xuan received the news that Kusanagi Godou was still alive, he was a little surprised.

　"Even though I didn't use my full strength, you were able to survive the lightning strike I released in that state. You're worthy of being the protagonist, right?—"

　"He's using the incarnation of Goat, right?" Lin Xuan tossed the Gorgon Stone in his hand slightly upwards, his slightly narrowed eyes filled with amusement. "I don't know, I wonder what his expression will be the next time he sees me..."

　"But——" Grabbing the thrown Gorgon Stone, Lin Xuan's mouth slowly opened up, "I hope he doesn't do anything stupid, otherwise——" A cold light flashed in his eyes, "There is no need for him to exist." The cold words came out of Lin Xuan's mouth, making people feel cold all over.

　The next moment, as if sensing something, Lin Xuan put the Gorgon Stone in his hand into the bracelet.

　"This aura is the God of Disobedience. The only God of Disobedience who appeared in this country during this time period should be the goddess Athena."

　Not long after Lin Xuan finished speaking, a young figure appeared in front of him.

　She was wearing a thin sweater, a mini skirt, black knee-high socks, and a blue knitted hat on top of her silver hair.

　The light emitted by the silver hair swaying gently in the sea breeze is very similar to the moonlight shining in the dark night.

　The dark pupils stared at Lin Xuan intently, as if they were connected to the deep darkness.

　This young goddess reminded Lin Xuan of [Darkness].

　"First, let me introduce myself. My name is Athena. From now on, we will know each other, God Slayer."

　A lovely soprano, like a young girl, spoke in an ancient way.

　"Godslayer of the East, I wish to know your name. After all, this is a duel where we are betting on the most ancient [Snake], so we should know each other's names." No emotion could be seen in the black pupils.

　After Lin Xuan gave his name, he continued nonchalantly, "Why do you think the Snake is here with me?"

　"Although I don't know what method you used, the strong scent of the snake on your body cannot be hidden from me. So, can you tell me where my snake is?"

　"This——Do you think I will tell you——"

　"I didn't expect that. Let me tell you in advance, as the goddess of battle, I acknowledge Lin Xuan as my enemy and hope to fight. However, as the goddess of wisdom, I am warning you."

　Lin Xuan unconsciously relaxed his guard when Athena approached.

　Their bodies were already within touching distance. Athena and Lin Xuan were very close, but whether out of self-confidence or other reasons, Lin Xuan did not react at this time.

　"It's over. Lin Xuan——"

　As soon as she finished speaking, Athena put her arms around Lin Xuan's head.

　Athena stood on tiptoe and pressed her cherry-colored lips against Lin Xuan's lips.

　Lin Xuan, who was originally calm, was also frightened by Athena's move. He did not expect that this would happen to him.

　"I desire the Gorgon Stone. Give it up, Lin Xuan. I will take your breath and life away, and journey to the dark underground, the cold underworld."

　Athena uttered words through her pursed lips, and along with a cold breath, they poured into Lin Xuan's body.

　This word spirit is [Death].

　His body quickly grew cold, and Lin Xuan felt the fire of life rapidly burning out.

　'Is this the word spirit of [Death]?' With this thought, Lin Xuan began to silently recite in his heart, "I am the beginning of the beginning. All things that exist and those that do not exist, visible and invisible, are born from my power."

　"Surprise attacks have been used in Troy before. You are truly foolish. ...Oh, accept my death and close your eyes in joy."

　But when Athena saw Lin Xuan's calm eyes, she began to feel something was wrong.

　At this time, a force identical to the one that Athena poured into Lin Xuan's body began to generate from Lin Xuan's body, constantly offsetting the force that Athena poured into Lin Xuan's body.

　Taking a step back and breaking free from Athena's hands, Lin Xuan covered his lips and said helplessly, "Athena———you took away my first kiss————"

　"Why do you possess the same word spirit of [death] as me?" Athena asked, staring at Lin Xuan closely.

　"This is just the power I usurped from a guy who doesn't take me seriously——" Lin Xuan curled his lips and told Athena without hiding anything.

　"Is that so? But don't think that you can stop me from getting my own [Snake] back." Athena said after looking at Lin Xuan deeply.

　However, the next moment, a gradually enlarging round stone tablet was reflected in Athena's abyss-like black pupils.

　When Athena was still unclear about what Lin Xuan threw at her, she intended to dodge, but subconsciously caught the round stone tablet thrown at her.

　"This is————my [Snake]" The originally indifferent little face was gradually filled with surprise.

　"Well, I'll give it back to you. But as a condition, let's go to a deserted place and have a fight. What do you think, Athena?"

　"Are you worried that the battle with me will bring disaster to your subjects?" Athena looked at Lin Xuan thoughtfully and began to take an interest in the godslayer in front of her.

　"Subjects!!? No, no, no, you misunderstood me. Those people have never been my subjects, and their life or death has nothing to do with me. Even if they are all dead, it has nothing to do with me. The reason why I want to avoid casualties is just because I don't want to be scolded by someone." With a sneer, Lin Xuan said ruthlessly.

　"Is that so? Then I agree to your terms——"

Chapter 49: Showdown at Sea

　In the uninhabited sea, two figures floated in the air, looking at each other.

　"How about using this place as a battlefield, Athena?" Lin Xuan asked, looking at the endless sea level around him.

　"I thought you would choose a battlefield that you have prepared well, but it seems that I worried too much. I have no objection to using this place as the battlefield." "Since you returned the snake to my hands, I will fight you with all my strength! This is the power that once broke that guy's head!" Athena, who absorbed the Stone of Dergon, suddenly sang loudly towards the sky.

　"I sing the song of the goddess, a trinity. Connecting sky, earth, and darkness, reincarnation and wisdom. I sing the song of the degraded goddess, the sigh of the conquered forbidden serpent and its conqueror, the queen. I sing the poem of the torn goddess, and the humiliation of a loving mother, humiliated by her supreme father. My name is Athena. Daughter of Zeus, protector of Athens, eternal virgin. Though I was once the earth mother who nurtured life! Once the lord of the underworld who governed darkness! Once the wise queen of heaven! I swear. Athena will no longer be the Athena of old!"

　Weaving the words clearly.

　It's like singing, like praying, and like praising.

　As the chant progressed, Athena's posture changed.

　Starting from the back, the arms and legs also became longer, and the cute girl's figure turned into a graceful young lady.

　The young face gradually disappeared.

　Judging from her appearance alone, she looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old. Her clothes had also changed from modern clothes to ancient-style white silk robes.

　At this moment, her essence also changed.

　The beings here are the descendants of Mother Earth.

　The being here is the Dark Ruler who leads death and darkness.

　The one who exists here is the Queen of Vengeance, who rules over heaven, earth, and darkness.

　Feeling the breath of the underworld emanating from Athena, Lin Xuan said with some emotion, "Is this the trinity of goddesses composed of "Athena", "Medousa", and "Metis"? She is not only the goddess of the earth, but also the god of darkness who controls the underworld, and the goddess of wisdom who controls the wisdom of the sky. Interesting—" The lazy and casual aura on her body had long since dissipated, replaced by a fighting spirit that soared into the sky.

　"I am the sky. My roar will turn into thunder, violent winds and heavy rain. All those who resist me will be crushed to pieces and their lives will be destroyed by my roar." The arrogant words were chanted from Lin Xuan's mouth. At the same time, the sky suddenly darkened.

　Suddenly, a thick layer of dark clouds appeared, covering the entire sky and letting an oppressive atmosphere permeate the entire sea level.

　"This breath - the same breath of the sky as that guy -" After regaining her power, Athena narrowed her eyes and looked at Lin Xuan, who was emitting the breath of the sky, with a hint of disgust in her eyes.

　"Sorry, there is a scent coming up that you will dislike even more——" Lin Xuan continued to chant with a mischievous grin.

　"I am the Lord of Soldiers, controlling all the soldiers in the world and holding the title of God of War. What I seek in my life is war. As long as the war continues, I will not be destroyed." A breath of steel emanated from Lin Xuan's body.

　As the Lord of War, Chi You invented metal smelting and the manufacture of metal weapons, and this act made him the God of Steel. As the one who killed Chi You and usurped the power of "Unyielding Lord of War" with a strong breath of steel from him, Lin Xuan also exudes the breath of steel that the Mother Goddess hates.

　"This is the breath of steel——" The disgust in his eyes became even stronger. Although Lin Xuan was not the god of the sky, nor the god of steel, he would unconsciously emit the breath of sky and steel when using his power, and Athena did not like this part of the breath.

　"Then let's begin this battle."