For most Heretic Gods, leaving behind weapons or body parts upon returning to myth is unthinkable.
It's akin to letting an enemy craft a club from their thighbone—a profound disgrace.
Moreover, leaving relics requires intense will and great power.
When both are present—
Clatter.
A sound drew Lucius's gaze.
A book.
An ancient, tattered tome with simple Hebrew script.
Lucius knew it well, having held it moments ago.
The Book of Enoch!
Expressionless, he bent to pick it up.
"The Scribe of Heaven, the angel ordained by the Lord to wield wisdom—"
He spoke softly.
"Is this a gift or a transaction?"
A single Authority wasn't enough—
So thought the Scribe of Heaven.
To atone, he severed a part of himself.
Hoping someone on earth would wield the Lord's power, proving His glory.
To prove himself, to prove the Book of Enoch, he left a piece behind as Lucius's power.
"Whether a gift or a transaction—"
Lucius's face broke into a delighted smile.
"I'll take it!"
"I'll be the first to declare the Book of Enoch no apocrypha!"
Metatron's Book of Enoch, though not as potent as the Last King's Sword of Salvation, was a powerful divine artifact.
Unlike when Lucius held it earlier, divine artifacts, like the Prometheus Grimoire, were mere objects, prone to damage when overtaxed.
Its power, as a divine artifact, was lesser than when Enoch wielded it as an Authority.
Lucius held the near-ruined Prometheus Grimoire in one hand, the Book of Enoch in the other, absorbing their power.
Moments later, both artifacts crumbled to ash.
The Prometheus Grimoire aside, Lucius had already absorbed Metatron's divine power before taking the Book of Enoch.
Like reconstructing Mars's Sword after absorbing Mars's power, he could recreate the Book of Enoch.
Though more complex due to its higher rank, his experience with Mars's Sword made it manageable.
The Book of Enoch, an apocalyptic text, detailed Enoch's three hundred years with God before the Flood and his visions.
Its essence emerged in his mind.
Mana gathered steadily in his left hand, forming something intangible yet solid.
A book materialized in his grip.
He opened his eyes, gazing at the tome, his face alight with joy.
His mana surged, pouring into the Book of Enoch.
"The Lord ascends with shouts, with trumpet blasts. O radiant Lord! With a chariot of burning flame, carry me to heaven, shielding me from worldly harm!"
Words exalting the Lord's grace flowed from Lucius's lips.
A crimson shadow raced across the sky.
The Flaming Chariot, proof of the Lord's grace, which carried Enoch to heaven.
Now, that grace was Lucius's.
The chariot, capable of divine speed, carried him toward the sea's far shore.
"Liliana, make the arrangements," Lucius said, rubbing his temples on a private plane back to Rome, his tone casual.
After the battle, exhaustion hit him hard.
"My King! Your command?" The earnest knight's face grew serious, attentive.
"No need to be so jumpy. It's not a big deal," Lucius said, eyes closed, picturing her tense expression.
Relieved, Liliana relaxed slightly.
"Northwest of Rome, that's the place, right? I haven't been there yet," He said slowly.
Northwest of Rome?
Liliana froze.
That was—
"The smallest nation in reality, yet holding the vastest spiritual domain in humanity's mind. I should pay a visit," Lucius said, almost jokingly.
"So, inform the Pope. Have them prepare to receive me, yes?"
His eyes opened slightly, glinting with unmistakable malice, aimed at someone unknown.
"My King, understood," Liliana said, her silver-haired knight's face resigned, as if giving up.
"I'll convey your orders to the Vatican's Catholic Church."
She wondered what drove him there.
Mere curiosity?
Given his methods, that seemed unlikely.
She only hoped the Vatican's Catholics would be sensible.
Otherwise, this King wouldn't spare them, even as God's supposed representatives.
The knight sighed inwardly.
Lucius, eyes half-closed, smirked faintly.
The Hebrew faiths included Judaism and Christianity.
Among Christians, the Vatican's Roman Catholic Church was paramount.
In Judaism, Metatron held supreme status.
But Christianity deemed the Book of Enoch apocryphal, denying Metatron's place.
Lucius wasn't sure if Metatron, the Scribe of Heaven, foresaw his actions.
If the Hebrew system recognized the Book of Enoch, would its power grow?
It was worth a try.
Let me see, then.
How devout are the Lord's earthly representatives?
Lucius's smile turned cruel.
But—
He paused, pensive.
Had he forgotten something?
***
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