A brief mental haze—despite having experienced the dizziness of world traversal multiple times and the kaleidoscopic visuals it brought, Roy still found it somewhat disorienting.
After all, this wasn't a traversal powered by his own strength. Instead, it was initiated by the "Ark" residing in his right hand—that "Throne." Relying on external power always felt a little unnatural.
After standing dazed for a second, Roy's pupils contracted as he swiftly regained his senses.
His surroundings were both familiar and unfamiliar—the same small one-bedroom apartment of just over fifty square meters. Though far from luxurious, the walls were painted white, and the patterned laminate flooring resembled real wood. A computer sat against the wall, and the kitchen was spotless—because it had never been used.
On the bed beside the computer desk, a young woman reclined against the headboard. She wore an ancient Greek-style toga, lying on her side with one leg bent, her bare, porcelain-white foot resting on the edge of the bed. The slit of her robe revealed long, lustrous legs. Her silver hair shimmered faintly under the sunlight streaming through the window, as if she carried an aura of deep night despite basking in the morning glow.
Athena had apparently been gazing out the window, but the moment Roy returned, she turned her head and offered him a faint smile.
"…Welcome back, Roy."
Her lips parted slightly, revealing a row of pearly teeth—elegant and noble.
"Athena."
Roy nodded lightly at the goddess from the world of Campione before quickly glancing at the clock by the window.
About seven days had passed in this world—the one Roy referred to as "Reality." Yet he distinctly remembered spending seven to eight years in the Qin Dynasty's twilight within the Moonlit World.
"A day in heaven, a year on earth—does that mean the world I was born in is the so-called 'heaven'?"
Roy mused internally but didn't dwell on it.
This world was enigmatic. Despite having no trace of supernatural power, it remained unfathomable. Even Aiwass had claimed that, according to the Kabbalistic Four Worlds theory, this world occupied the highest tier.
If the worlds of A Certain Magical Index, the Moonlit World, Campione, and others were considered individually, each adhered to the Kabbalistic Four Worlds theory, containing multiple dimensions and beings of different planes. But when these worlds were collectively compared to "Reality," they all belonged to the lower tiers within the Kabbalistic framework.
The 'real' world is clearly part of the material realm as well. Does this mean that compared to the other world, it occupies a lower position?
The world truly seems like nested boxes, layer upon layer, as dazzling and bewildering as a kaleidoscope.
However, Roy knew that such fundamental mysteries of the world weren't something he needed to ponder at his current stage. He even felt that even if he became a 'Demon God,' it would still be difficult to explore. Perhaps only by becoming the '10=1' 'One Who Is Himself' or an even higher existence would one qualify to probe the deepest mysteries of the multiverse.
Thinking of Aiwass, Roy quickly turned around and saw the 'Holy Guardian Angel' glowing faintly, dressed in a simple white robe, floating behind him.
He sighed in relief: "...You only said two words to me in the Moonlit World. I thought something had happened to you."
Aiwass floated about ten centimeters above the ground, with a halo above her head and wings on her back—just like the angels in people's imaginations. Hearing Roy's words, she teased him like a real human: "...Are you worried about me, Roy?"
"I didn't—"
Roy was about to deny it, but he wasn't the tsundere type. Swallowing his words, he nodded instead: "...I was worried about you, Aiwass... The power I have now owes much to you."
"You no longer need me now. You've embarked on your own path. Even without me, you would continue moving forward."
Aiwass sighed.
"I'm not ungrateful to that extent. You helped me when I was at my weakest. As long as you harbor no ill will toward me, I'll keep you with me and fulfill the miracles and curiosities you desire."
Roy declared resolutely, staring at the angel behind him as if to convey his determination.
Aiwass didn't respond, but the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her feelings.
"You're becoming more and more human, Aiwass."
"That's thanks to your teaching."
"But I don't recall teaching you swear words. I actually heard you cursing someone back in the Campione world. Could you try to be a bit more... 'refined and amiable'?"
"Uh... I'll try."
For some reason, Roy couldn't shake the feeling that this 'Holy Guardian Angel' seemed a little guilty.
Athena rested her chin on her hand, watching Roy and Aiwass' interaction with great interest. Only after their bickering ended did she speak up: "...You're in love, Roy."
Hearing Athena's words, Roy felt somewhat awkward.
His relationship with Athena wasn't so much that of lovers as it was of intimate companions. Though their bond was deep and they had faced life-and-death situations together, their feelings were more accurately described as a partnership with romantic undertones rather than the clingy dynamic of conventional lovers.
Roy actually preferred this kind of relationship—compared to typical lovers, this arrangement felt less prone to betrayal, and it didn't demand responsibility from him...
Still, admitting to loving another woman in front of Athena made him uneasy. Athena, after all, was the resolute and dignified goddess of Greek mythology, and a virgin goddess at that. If she were to lose her temper in a jealous rage, the consequences would be unbearable for most.
As if reading Roy's thoughts, Athena chuckled lightly, "...No need to worry. I don't mind these things. I have enough self-awareness to know I could never tie you down. Besides, in Greek mythology, such matters are hardly significant."
"...Had I truly been the petty type, I would have gotten angry back when you called me 'Campione' in that world, not waited until now."
Hearing this, Roy calmed himself. Indeed, during their time in the Campione world, Roy had far more female companions, yet Athena had never shown jealousy. It was even less likely now. Moreover, as Athena said, Greek mythology was a chaotic mess—its gods and heroes had far more tangled private lives than Roy ever could.
Thanks to his never-met father-in-law, the King of Olympus, Zeus—truly a role model for men!
"If Aphrodite were here, she'd be eagerly questioning you about romance. But what I'd rather hear about are the stories from your recent journey."
The Goddess of Wisdom straightened her posture, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Her compatibility with Roy was exceptional—both thirsted for wisdom, knowledge, and the unknown.
"Mm, give me a moment. I'll tell you all about what I saw and experienced this time."
With that, Roy opened the cottage door and said to Athena, "...Keep an eye on the house first."
Then he stepped out of his small home.
Before long, Roy returned carrying a potted plant—a strikingly vibrant flower. He placed it by the window where sunlight could reach it, then took out a newly bought watering can and gently nourished the soil.
"This is a corn poppy. It resembles the opium poppy. In this land, it's called 'Yu Meiren Cao', while across the sea in Japan, it's known as 'Nagame Hina Geshi'..."