"Athena-chan…"
Stunned, at first, Shizuka-chan felt endless shyness watching Metis and Athena merged together. But when she saw Athena's body gradually fade and finally turn into countless particles of light absorbed into Metis's body, the little girl was completely stunned…
Not only Shizuka-chan, but Liliana, Zola, Yuri, the two maids, and the nine secret sword maidens were all unable to react to this sudden change!
"It's surging out! It's surging out! All the power is surging out!"
Unlike the shocked and dazed expressions of the women, Metis's face was twisted with excitement as she felt the power surging inside her.
Under the gaze of the women, a dazzling light burst from Metis's body. Her originally petite figure began to change and grow. In the blink of an eye, the cute little girl figure disappeared, replaced by the figure of a peerless goddess!
Her appearance was exactly the same as when Athena restored her Trinity true form, but their auras were completely different. If Athena was a stunning and noble queen, then Metis was a cursed and evil witch!
"You! What have you done to Athena-chan?!"
Coming to her senses, boundless rage instantly flared within Shizuka-chan's heart. She rushed forward and cried out furiously at Metis.
Shizuka-chan's outburst startled the other girls. Maid Arianna and miko Yuri, who were nearby, quickly restrained the hot-headed young girl, fearing she would foolishly rush forward and try to fight Metis to the death.
Honestly, with her meager abilities, she might be able to intimidate little kids on the street, but if she truly tried to fight a goddess, she'd simply be offering herself up as cannon fodder.
"Oh... human, are you concerned about Athena? How interesting!"
"However, she has already returned to my body, transforming into my power. You will never see her again! Hahahahaha..."
Having devoured Athena, Metis's power had greatly increased, and she felt immensely pleased. Seeing the human girl's furious and indignant expression only made her happier.
"You bastard... How dare you!!! How dare you!!!"
Upon hearing Metis's words, the young girl's eyes turned red.
She didn't care about gods or queens; Shizuka-chan had always treated the cute and endearing Athena like her own younger sister. That Metis had dared to do such an atrocious thing to Athena meant that even the normally simple and kind Shizuka was now brimming with killing intent.
Alright, for her to be able to treat the legendary goddess Athena as her own sister... Shizuka-chan's formidable nature was truly breathtaking. (A small bead of sweat formed...)
"Ugh..."
Just as Shizuka was about to lose all reason, a swift hand chop suddenly descended. The young girl let out a whimper of pain, her head lolled to the side, and she lost consciousness.
"My, my, Liliana-chan, you're quite cold-hearted, aren't you? To think you could bring yourself to strike even adorable little Shizuka."
A mischievous Great Witch, her arms crossed over her chest, chuckled playfully as she watched Liliana hold the unconscious Shizuka in her arms.
Ignoring Zola's teasing, Liliana glanced at the girl in her arms, and a wave of fondness couldn't help but well up in her heart.
"Arianna, Yuri, I'm entrusting Shizuka to you."
Liliana handed Shizuka-chan over to Maid Arianna and Yuri.
Knowing the current situation was special and that Liliana was only acting for Shizuka's own good, the two girls said little more. They nodded and helped Shizuka to the side.
"Ippei, you are responsible for protecting these three. There must be no mistakes!"
Composed in the face of danger, Liliana at this moment resembled a majestic female general giving orders, as she turned to instruct the Secret Sword Maidens.
"Understood, Lady Liliana!"
Knowing that with the Demon king not yet returned, Liliana was now their leader, the nine girls voiced no objections. They bowed to Liliana, then each drew their longswords, forming a protective circle around Shizuka, Arianna, and Yuri.
"Karen, Zola, you two will fight alongside me!"
Summoning her beloved sword, Il Maestro, a sharp glint flashed in her silver eyes as an overwhelming aura suddenly erupted from Liliana. She turned to meet the gaze of the goddess Metis.
"To actually make us fight a god... Liliana-chan, you're so naughty. But—"
"Big Sister likes it!"
Stroking her smooth, beautiful hair, the Great Witch Zola wore a charming smile, one hand propped on her slender waist, as she took her place beside Liliana.
"Hehehe... Although Karen is still just an apprentice witch, it seems I can finally graduate!"
With a wide grin, she stepped forward. As a magical girl who was a genius in her own right, and having been blessed with divine protection by Sora, the young maid Karen also possessed her own pride and confidence.
"Witches, the Godslayer isn't here. Do you truly intend to use your weak bodies to oppose me?"
"Hahahaha... How amusing! Not just Athena, but you as well. Am I truly not dreaming? How can there be so many fools in this world!"
Clasping her abdomen, Metis felt her stomach ache from laughter.
What day is it today? Fool's Day? Athena, these human witches... is that all you want to do, make me laugh?!
"Hmph, Goddess Metis, from now on, we won't let you take another step!"
With a cold snort, Liliana stood her ground firmly.
She absolutely had to protect this place until the King and Erica returned!
"Heh... Witches, you seem quite loyal to the Godslayer."
"I suddenly had an interesting idea. Tell me, if I were to kill all of you, what do you think the Godslayer would do when he returned and saw?"
Emanating an aura of endless evil, a devilish smile suddenly spread across Metis's face.
Her pupils constricted. Even Liliana's body trembled involuntarily. If it truly came to pass as Metis described...
"Don't be nervous, Liliana-chan. We just need to hold off this evil Goddess until our little devil brother returns, don't we?"
Knowing the immense pressure Liliana was currently under, not only for herself but also to protect everyone standing behind her, the Great Witch Zola placed a hand on Liliana's back and, unusually for her, offered a gentle and encouraging smile.
Staring blankly at Zola, Liliana suddenly found her anxious and nervous heart had calmed considerably...
"Ah, before the King and the others return, we absolutely will not fall!"
Regaining a resolute expression, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When the young girl opened her eyes again, not a trace of fear remained.
"Then, let Big Sister take the lead. Fighting a god, now that would make for a fine memory!"
Regaining her usual mischievous smile, the Great Witch Zola raised a delicate hand. Magic power surged around her as countless orbs of water instantly coalesced in the air, transforming into streams of water arrows that shot towards Metis.
"Zola-san is so sneaky! Karen wants in too!"
Seeing that Zola had beaten her to it, the young maid Karen, not to be outdone, instantly conjured several fiery red magic circles. From these, basin-sized fireballs continuously shot forth.
Water arrows and fireballs, an overwhelming barrage, momentarily filled the entire space as they descended upon Metis.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Thunderous explosions quickly engulfed Metis's figure. Both Karen and Zola were powerful witches; if an ordinary person had endured such an attack, they would have been annihilated countless times over.
Unfortunately, however, their opponent was no ordinary being!
Whoosh...
A whirlwind spread out, instantly extinguishing both flames and dust, revealing the completely unharmed figure of Goddess Metis within.
"Witches, is this all your power amounts to? You've truly disappointed me!"
With an arrogant and disdainful smile, the struggles of these human witches seemed utterly ridiculous in Metis's eyes.
"Heh... Is that so? Then, Goddess, please try this move!"
A strange curve formed on her lips as Zola snapped her fingers. The ground trembled violently, and suddenly, a massive earth spike erupted from the soil, forcibly launching Metis into the sky!
"O lightning of the azure sky, heed my call, descend!"
Her eyes lit up, and Karen quickly cast the magic to summon lightning. Instantly, a silver-white bolt of lightning descended from the sky and struck Metis.
"Ah!!!"
This time, it seemed to finally have an effect. Metis in the sky let out a miserable scream.
"Il Maestro, transform into the divine-slaying sword and help me vanquish the dark evil god!"
Without anyone noticing when, Liliana had already teleported beside Metis in the air. She activated the divine power that the King had left within her body. The magic sword in her hand gleamed with silver light as she fiercely slashed down at Metis.
Boom!!!
The attack hit its target with a tremendous explosion, and a dazzling burst of sparks blossomed in the air.
"Ha… ha… did we succeed?"
The group coordinated perfectly and landed back on the ground beside Karen and Zola. The three women—Liliana, Karen, and Zola—all fixed their gaze on the sky.
As the flames dispersed, Metis's figure became visible again. The result—
Still completely unharmed!
"So the God Slayer even granted you protection, huh? Hehehe, then I shall have some fun with you!"
That same wicked and disdainful smile appeared on Metis's face, but at least she had finally taken some interest.
The evil goddess showed no mercy. She summoned her Death Scythe and swung it down, instantly releasing countless sharp energy blades that shot toward the women below…