The Sekirei’s Covenant

Athena had left together with Sora, but now Athena appeared while Sora had not returned. What was more concerning was that Athena had regained her divine power!

None of the women in the room were fools; they all understood Sora must be in trouble. Their unease grew stronger, and ominous premonitions spread through their hearts.

"Athena, where is our king? What exactly happened?"

Summoning her beloved sword Lionheart and standing with Zola in front of the others, Erica narrowed her eyes and coldly asked Athena.

"Athena-chan, Oniichan, what happened to Oniichan? Why hasn't he come back yet?"

Shizuka ran forward and asked.

This girl was still too innocent, not realizing that Athena was no longer the usual cuddly bear and everyone's happy spirit, but the Sky Queen who had regained her divine power—the heretic goddess Athena!

If anyone had dared to speak to her queen like this before, Athena would have cut them down with her scythe. But seeing Shizuka's anxious and hopeful eyes, and recalling how this human girl secretly shared her own offerings whenever the despicable Kusanagi Sora withheld Athena's tribute, Athena felt a strange emotion rise in her heart.

"Kusanagi Sora… he's dead."

Without showing any emotion, Athena answered in a cold tone.

Hearing Athena's words, all the women's expressions changed drastically, their faces turning pale.

"Ha… haha… Athena-chan, that joke isn't funny at all. Oniichan, that big dummy, can't be dead. You're joking with us, right?"

Grabbing one of Athena's small hands, Shizuka forced a smile, but tears welled up in her eyes, and her whole body trembled.

Frowning slightly, Athena said nothing. She raised a hand and waved gently. Suddenly, the void trembled, and a scene appeared: Sora blocking Liliana, pierced through the heart by Perseus's divine arrow.

"Ugh…"

With wide eyes, Shizuka covered her mouth tightly, tears streaming uncontrollably.

Mentally and physically devastated, the little girl's head tilted, and she fainted.

"Shizuka!!!"

Erica's expression changed instantly, and she quickly caught Shizuka. Seeing that the girl had only fainted, she finally let out a small sigh of relief.

The other women also gathered around, their faces full of worry as they looked at the unconscious Shizuka. Thinking about Sora, whose heart had been pierced, they felt a fresh wave of grief.

"Goddess Athena, I won't ask you what exactly happened right now. I just want you to tell us how the King is doing. The King, who possesses the power of the God of War, absolutely wouldn't die so easily!"

After handing Shizuka over to Yuri and Arianna to take care of, Erica stood up and stared intently at Athena as she spoke.

Although she was worried to the point of nearly losing her mind, Erica forced herself to stay calm. If she lost control too, everything would fall apart.

The other women also eagerly awaited Athena's answer. Sora had the power of resurrection — that was their only hope now…

"Witch, you are very clever."

"Don't worry, Kusanagi Sora's body has already been taken by another witch. He should be able to revive soon."

Athena gave Erica a deep look, then regained her queenly dignity and replied in a calm tone.

"Ah…"

Hearing Athena's answer, all the women breathed a collective sigh of relief. Arianna and Yuri, who were holding Shizuka, even collapsed to the ground.

They had been truly terrified just now. Sora was the pillar of all of them. If he died, their family would be finished…

"Athena, tell us your purpose. Although you may feel the King has brought you shame, as a legendary goddess, you wouldn't do something to anger the women loyal to the King, would you?"

Now that she knew Sora could be revived, Erica was completely at ease. She regained her usual calm and wisdom, smoothed her hair, and smiled as she spoke to Athena.

"Oh my, oh my, Goddess Athena, I was just joking with you earlier. Please don't mind us little players!"

The carefree great witch said this. She had even "bullied" this goddess together with Sora before, so she felt a bit uneasy. Could this little girl have come back for revenge?

"Hmph!"

Athena snorted coldly, unwilling to pay attention to Erica and Zola.

As the unscrupulous witch said, Athena, as a dignified goddess, didn't care about these minor characters. The only one she wanted to take revenge on was Kusanagi Sora!

She moved and floated in front of Yuri.

"Lady Athena…"

Not knowing what Athena intended, Yuri instinctively felt a bit nervous. As a deity, Athena's invisible aura and pressure were very intimidating to humans.

"Miko, I promised that when I regained my freedom, I would grant protection to your people."

"Now, the time to fulfill my promise has come. Accept my blessing!"

Before Yuri could react, Athena raised her hand and touched Yuri's forehead. Immediately, to the surprise of the other women, a radiant light burst forth from Yuri's body, with divine symbols swirling around and entering her.

The divine protection is a way for gods to lodge part of their power inside others. When danger comes, this power will automatically appear to protect the recipient. Moreover, if the person granted protection has their own cultivation, they can harness this power for combat or other abilities.

"Thank you, Lady Athena!"

To receive the blessing and protection of a goddess was the highest honor and fortune. Feeling the change in her body, even the usually calm Yuri blushed with excitement and bowed deeply to Athena.

Athena said nothing. This miko respected her even in hardship and often offered delicious tributes at school. To Athena, these were well deserved.

Athena moved again and looked at Shizuka, who was still unconscious and murmuring Sora's name. She also granted her protection.

This girl often stood up for Athena when Sora bullied her and even shared her snacks, so she deserved the blessing.

Moving once more, Athena came before the maid Arianna.

"Um, do I get one too? I haven't done anything for you…"

Arianna waved her hand nervously. Although she also desired the goddess's protection, she wasn't shameless.

"You have."

Athena replied simply and touched Arianna's forehead, granting her protection as well.

"Ugh, Lady Athena, I want one too! I want one too!"

It seemed Athena was here to give out blessings today. The unscrupulous great witch naturally didn't want to miss out. After Athena granted Arianna protection, she hurried over with an expectant look.

Erica twitched her eye and quickly stepped back to keep distance from this scheming great witch.

Zola, Zola, you really think Athena is some kind-hearted philanthropist?!

As expected, Athena glanced coldly at Zola and did not grant her protection. Instead, she waved her hand and summoned her weapon, the Reaper's Scythe.

"Uh… hahaha, just kidding, no need, no need!"

Zola quickly backed away. She didn't want to be cut down by this little goddess's scythe. Protection was tempting, but her life was more important.

"Hmph!"

A slight curve appeared on Athena's lips as she snorted coldly. Without lingering, she instantly left the witch's house.

"Tch, calling herself Goddess Athena, how stingy!"

After Athena left, the women inside all breathed a long sigh of relief. Looking at the three women who had received protection, the great witch Zola said sourly:

"Heh heh heh, Zola, it's already a blessing that Athena didn't harm us. If you want protection, just wait for the King to come back and have him grant it to you."

Erica came over with a smiling face and patted Zola's shoulder to comfort her.

"Yeah! With the little devil brother's protection, who needs that little girl!"

Zola's eyes lit up, her gloom lifted, and she cheered up.

Hmph, that little girl was so arrogant just now, almost scared me to death. When the little devil brother catches you again, I'll show you how I bully you!

The unscrupulous great witch thought bitterly.

"Enough of that. I didn't expect that Liliana is also on this island."

"Hey, Zola, Yuri, maybe we'll soon have new sisters joining us…"

Having put her worries aside, Erica's aquamarine eyes sparkled as she looked at the night sky outside the window, wearing a mischievous and expectant smile…