[FMMIKA] Chapter 307: To the Mount Olympus

"The remains from the Age of Gods still exist, and the bounded field still functioning...?"

Artorius pondered for a moment, then nodded at Mash. "You did the right thing, Mash. Wait there for now. I'll join you after finishing up what I have on my plate."

"Um, we'll be waiting."

And thus, the communication with Mash concluded.

Artorius reclined back on the bed, lost in thought.

'The Age of Gods huh...'

During the height of his empire, the Age of Gods was already in its twilight, reduced to remnants. Not to mention gods, even phantasmal species were rare in those times.

So, what was the Age of Gods like? How did the gods rule this world, wage wars, and whimsically treat humans like toys? These were things that Artorius, as a later generation, could only imagine.

Well, not entirely.

There was another point—listening to the lectures of Scathach.

In her time, whether in the Celtic or Norse pantheon, Scathach was highly regarded. Although most of these pantheons were often primitive and backward, there was wisdom in adversity. Hence, regarding myths and gods, Artorius could still gain some knowledge from her.

'So, for this time summoning, should I summon Teacher?'

In the incomplete dimensional portal, Artorius could only summon a limited number of Empire's people each time.

Ordinary Imperial officials and homunculi were seemingly unlimited. However, powerful heroes like Agravain were different.

Last time, Artorius summoned Mordred. After that, he couldn't summon anyone else. So, this time, should he reserve the slot for Scathach?

'The 1st century AD. Late Age of Gods. Besides singularities and shaping the New Human History, perhaps archaeological and research efforts regarding the Age of Gods should be considered?'

'If I want to change the effect by manipulating the cause, I'll eventually clash with the gods.'

Artorius couldn't help but think that way. Soon, he contacted Gaia.

Although in the FGO original timeline, certain Tiamat would arrogantly claim to be everyone's mother. Artorius leaned more towards the idea that 'the gods are the sense of touch, or simply the tentacles of Gaia.'

Gaia created the gods. At the very least, Gaia played a crucial role in the birth of the gods.

In that case, instead of summoning Scathach, perhaps directly asking Gaia would be a good approach?

"I cannot directly control the gods. Although in Greek mythology, my position is the mother of the gods, it's not entirely accurate. The gods are more of a manifestation of 'energy', 'concepts', and 'laws'. If you travel to that era, I can indeed help you. But if you expect me to solve all the problems alone... that's impossible."

"I see."

After hearing Gaia's explanation, Artorius nodded and kept her words in mind. Soon, he made a decision.

Summoning Scathach would be the way to go. Certainly, it had to wait until after leaving Rome.

Just as he was about to start the summoning, Artorius suddenly remembered something. As he thought about the scene where Scathach and Nero meet, he quickly changed his mind.

===

The next day.

"So, let's make the agreement between us like this. I'll go on an expedition in a few days, and you must be gearing up for a decisive battle with the Macedonians, right? After each of us has subdued our enemies, then..."

At this point, Nero stopped and didn't continue.

Though initially, she tried to act as if Artorius's previous words had no effect on her, maintaining her arrogant and self-aware demeanor, in the end, when she wanted to mention marrying him, her face blushed, and she seemed genuinely shy.

"Umu."

Artorius smiled and nodded while imitating the 'Umu' of Nero, acknowledging her sentiments.

"After that, my empire will provide ample support to the Roman Empire." Artorius looked at Nero seriously. "Food, military supplies, money, military instructors, and even directly deploying troops to assist. Rest assured, I won't let your empire fall. Trust me, Nero."

"..."

"Umu, I believe."

Nero looked at Artorius seriously and nodded. Then, as if gathering courage, she took a step forward, rose on her tiptoes, and with her ample breasts pressed against his chest, she held his face. Making him lower his head, she kissed him.

"?"

Summoning courage and accomplishing this, Nero quickly stepped back, pointed at Artorius, and exclaimed loudly, "O the brave hero from Greece, remember my favor! Remember the beauty of Rome. Also, remember the affection of the world's most beautiful woman! With all of this, return to your homeland, defeat the enemy, and strive for victory!"

"Yes, My Empress~"

After saying that with a teasing tone, Artorius without hesitation took a step forward and in Nero's surprised exclamation, he embraced her.

Different from the brief and innocent kiss Nero did before, Artorius went all out, almost suffocating Nero with a deep kiss, their tongues entwined with each other.

"Mpmhhh~"

Although Nero had a 'big mouth', here she was, breathing with difficulty and almost suffocated. This time, being held by Artorius, her tongue almost melted.

When he finally let go, her head spun. She looked at him with teary eyes, as if she'd been bullied into tears.

"Looking forward to our next meeting, My Empress~"

Artorius was completely unconcerned. After saying that with a teasing smile, he turned and left without any hesitation, leaving behind a bewildered Nero, staring at his retreating figure, momentarily lost in infatuation.

===

The next moment, Mount Olympus.

Artorius opened the dimensional portal leading to his empire. Soon after, he witnessed the entrance of the unparalleled warrior queen.

The beautiful and enticing tight-fitting outfit. The tight attire perfectly outlined Scathach's fantastic figure.

Truly a peerless beauty.

Although Artorius specialized in dealing with Artoria Species, he couldn't help but let out a sigh at the sight of such a beauty.

Now that he thought about it, whether in the main world or in the singularity, the time spent with Artoria Species seemed a bit excessive. Members of the harem who weren't Artoria Species, like Scathach, seemed to lack attention.

This made Artorius feel guilty. And he secretly resolved to treat Scathach better in the future.

"Teacher."

However, just as Artorius was about to step forward to share a moment with Scathach, she took a step back, and her gaze toward him became sharp.

"On you..."

"There's a scent of another woman's perfume."