[FMMIKA] Chapter 310: Goddess Stheno

Using magecraft to conjure light and illuminate the dark corridor, Ritsuka gradually saw the newcomer.

"A loli...?" Ritsuka said speechlessly and then glanced at Artorius. "You got it all wrong."

"That's not necessarily true." Artorius responded with a calm tone.

"...?" Scathach raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I say something like that before?"

After hearing Artorius say that, Scathach instinctively glanced at him and then quipped. Then she looked across the room at the cute little girl wearing a loose Greek-style robe, revealing her fragrant shoulders and cute bare feet.

A twin-tailed, purple-haired girl. Her appearance was top-notch, with goddess-like cuteness, a petite figure, and an adorable demeanor.

For the average person with insufficient observational skills, they would likely be captivated instantly, controlled by desires and emotions that spontaneously arise. They may want to protect the girl, bring happiness to her, and kneel under her pomegranate skirt.

But Artorius and his group, with keen observation skills, could sense something hidden beneath the girl's exterior.

'Not a straightforward one, eh?' Artorius quickly made a judgment. 'Her personality is probably a bit tricky. More importantly...'

Upon investigating this matter, even Artorius was shocked.

According to the FGO original storyline, in the Rome Singularity, Stheno did appear—but the one who appeared was the Servant version of Stheno.

In theory, gods should not be included in the Throne of Heroes. However, Stheno, being a relatively weak god compared to true gods, managed to make it through.

At the same time, she held a place in 'myth', so she was eventually included.

But now, standing in front of Artorius and his group, it was not Servant Stheno but the 'Goddess' Stheno.

An authentic Greek goddess.

A being with substance, possessing the specifications and power of a goddess, a hundred percent Greek god.

"Hey, do we have to deal with this one too, Your Majesty?"

As Artorius made his judgment, Ritsuka, beside him, widened her eyes in surprise, took a step forward, and then whispered softly.

She seemed to interpret Artorius's surprise as hostility.

"This is a high-quality item, you know? We can't find such a good loli in our era. Would it be a waste to kill her?" Ritsuka glanced at him.

"So, what's your point?" Artorius glanced back at Ritsuka.

Of course, in reality, she didn't say anything, but Artorius understood what she was thinking by her expression. It probably had something to do with the unspoken topic.

"In other words, we cou—"

The next second, just when Ritsuka really wanted to say something to decrease the favorable impression of the goddess in front of her, Mash decisively interrupted her by punching Ritsuka in the stomach. The abdominal blow almost made her throw up, silencing her before she could finish her sentence.

"Nothing at all, Your Majesty." Smiling, Mash spoke gently to Artorius and gestured with a 'please'. "We will leave the communication with the goddess to Your Majesty."

"..."

At the same time, as the intimate communication within Artorius's group continued, the girl opposite them said nothing, just observing with interest.

When she looked at Ritsuka, she subconsciously sneered, seeming very disdainful.

When she looked at Mash, her eyes lit up, apparently having high expectations for Mash.

Next was Scathach.

After seeing Scathach, she frowned as if trying to recognize her. When she confirmed the other's identity, she seemed slightly startled and stepped back. After waiting for a few seconds and realizing that the other did not catch up, she breathed a sigh of relief, regained her composure, and focused all her attention on Artorius again.

'If I'm not mistaken, it's him.'

The goddess Stheno thought to herself, taking a step forward and giving a nod to Artorius. Her vermilion lips slightly parted, a sweet and enticing melody escaping her delicate tongue.

"Greetings, O Great Basileus. I am Stheno, daughter of the sea god Phorcys, hailing from the Shapeless Isle. I extend my welcome to you."

"Sea god Phorcys...? Isn't Poseidon?"

"Senpai, she's Gorgon..."

While Ritsuka was mumbling and still pondering what and who the sea god Phorcys might be, Mash was already leaning close, whispering in her ear.

"Oh?"

Ritsuka was slightly shocked. At first, she didn't catch the meaning of what the goddess said. But Gorgon, also famously known as Medusa, was indeed a famous monster in Greek mythology, mentioned alongside minotaurs, centaurs, and harpies.

When she thought about it, Artorius's previous statement seemed to be justified.

'Indeed, His Majesty has a keen eye.' Ritsuka thought, cautiously eyeing the goddess.

Though she was a loli with a soft voice and an easily toppled figure, she had to be wary since the goddess was, after all, a monster.

"Goddess, what brings you here?" Artorius asked calmly.

He didn't show much discrimination towards her due to her identity, considering the chaotic world of Greek mythology. Whether gods or monsters, their actions often depended on their own backgrounds and origins.

From the brutality, cunning, capriciousness, and passion of the Greek gods, one could even use the phrase 'to the victor go the spoils' to describe Greek mythology.

"I'm waiting for someone..."

Stheno replied respectfully. Nothing like the arrogance a goddess usually showed to mortals. But Artorius sensed the hidden malevolence in her.

"To be precise, I'm waiting for Your Majesty. I received a mission from the great god. It is to wait here for Your Majesty to arrive."

"Which 'great god' are we talking about?" Artorius crossed his hands and asked calmly.

"I can't say. Because I'm under a curse." Stheno shook her head. "It's not intentional secrecy."

"Hmm..." Artorius remained non-committal. "So, why does this great god want you to wait for me?"

"It's a trade and a promise."

As she spoke, Stheno gestured with a 'please' gesture.

"Your Majesty, please follow me. The great treasures of the gods are open for you."

"..."

After saying that, she moved forward, leading the way into the depths of the temple.

At the same time, lights inexplicably lit up on both sides of the temple, illuminating the entire palace.

The icy blue light made Artorius feel somewhat warm and familiar.

"Teacher?"

"You make the decision yourself." Scathach's tone wasn't light. "Don't ask me for now. I know some things and make some connections, but I'm not entirely clear myself. After all, I belong to the Celtic pantheon, and I'm not well-versed in Greek affairs. I need some time to think it through. I'll tell you once I figure it out."

Scathach wouldn't lie to him, and her words were undoubtedly true. Not knowing was just not knowing.

Considering her age, a bit of forgetfulness was quite understandable.

"I understand."

Artorius didn't say much and started following Stheno toward the temple's depths, prepared to find out what was going on.

"The treasures of the gods..." On the other side, Ritsuka mumbled. "They must be worth a lot. I'm so excited."

"Senpai, your drool, drool." Mash reprimanded.

The group continued forward, playfully disrupting the solemn atmosphere.