The moment Zeus and the other Greek gods witnessed what was happening to Athena, their expressions turned grim.
Unfortunately—
It was already too late.
Under Algol's control, the Athena she had brought from Izumi's world unleashed her authority without hesitation.
With Algol suppressing all resistance, the process began.
Athena of Little Garden was being devoured.
"No...!"
Athena struggled desperately.
She tried to break free.
Tried to escape.
Tried to resist.
Yet no matter how fiercely she fought, she could not break free from Algol's grasp.
The difference in power was simply too overwhelming.
"Ahahahaha!"
Algol laughed cheerfully.
"Ugly woman, just accept your fate!"
"From today onward, there only needs to be one Athena!"
She pointed dramatically at the alternate Athena.
"And it definitely won't be you!"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
Years of resentment were finally being repaid.
Watching Athena fall into despair filled her with indescribable satisfaction.
At this moment, Algol felt lighter than she had in centuries.
Revenge truly was sweet.
As Athena's existence gradually faded away, Algol couldn't stop grinning.
"Hahaha!"
"Just as expected!"
"Algol-chan is the strongest!"
The former Demon Lord looked as though she might burst from happiness.
Meanwhile, the alternate Athena experienced the exact opposite emotion.
Excitement.
Pure excitement.
The benefits she had gained were immense.
As she absorbed the Athena of Little Garden, her authority continued to expand.
Her divinity became more complete.
Her strength steadily rose.
More importantly—
She had inherited Athena's position within Little Garden.
A position that would have been impossible to obtain under normal circumstances.
When she finally stabilized her power, she turned toward Algol.
Her eyes were filled with gratitude.
Everything she had gained today was thanks to her.
"...Thank you."
In the end, those were the only words she could say.
Algol merely snorted.
"Hmph."
"You may carry that ugly woman's aura now..."
"But I acknowledge you."
To Algol, this Athena was different.
She wasn't the Athena she hated.
She was someone personally brought from Izumi's world.
Even after the fusion, she remained one of their own.
That was enough.
Elsewhere, the Greek gods watched the scene unfold with horror.
Athena's presence had vanished completely.
What remained was a new Athena.
An Athena who no longer belonged to their pantheon.
An Athena who had nothing to do with them.
The realization sent chills down their spines.
Fear spread rapidly throughout the battlefield.
Unfortunately for them, their enemies seized the opportunity.
The moment morale collapsed, fierce attacks erupted from every direction.
The Greek gods were instantly pushed further onto the defensive.
At the same time, large groups of people stormed directly into Greek territory.
Looting began.
After all, this was one of the greatest Divine Systems in Little Garden.
The treasures stored within were legendary.
Why would anyone pass up such an opportunity?
Besides, according to Izumi's faction, these spoils were part of the reward for participating in the operation.
Naturally, nobody intended to leave empty-handed.
...
At the same time, similar scenes were occurring throughout Little Garden.
The Queen Halloween, Shiroyasha, Nyarlathotep, and numerous others each led forces against factions they held grudges against.
Multiple Divine Systems fell into chaos simultaneously.
Among them—
Shiroyasha's target was obvious.
Buddhism.
At that moment, she stood face-to-face with Indra.
The ruler of the Devas looked exceptionally unhappy.
"Shiroyasha."
"Are you truly going to do this?"
"Do you understand the consequences?"
Shiroyasha merely smiled.
"Of course I do."
"But we don't have a choice."
She lazily waved her fan.
"We have to reclaim what's ours."
"Otherwise, once the worlds merge, we'll never get another opportunity."
Her golden eyes narrowed.
"Little Garden is about to become part of another world."
"If we don't settle things now, it'll be too late."
Then her expression became serious.
"So for Black Rabbit's sake..."
"Hand over what belongs to us."
"And we won't make things difficult for you."
"Otherwise..."
A dangerous smile appeared on her face.
"Don't blame me for what happens next."
The moment she finished speaking, several enormous Star Beasts appeared behind her.
Their overwhelming presence shook the heavens.
Not far away, another spectator suddenly became excited.
"Then I'm joining too!"
Algol stepped forward.
A brilliant golden light erupted from her body.
Solar Sovereignty activated.
One after another, powerful Star Beasts emerged.
Within moments, the skies above Buddhism resembled a miniature solar system.
Countless suns illuminated the heavens.
The atmosphere instantly became suffocating.
The expressions of many Buddhas darkened.
Indra himself was completely stunned.
His eyes widened.
"...Solar Sovereignty?"
His gaze swept across the Star Beasts.
Then toward Algol.
Then back toward Shiroyasha.
His scalp went numb.
How many Sovereignties had they recovered already?
And who exactly was that vampire?
Why did she possess so many?
The situation had completely exceeded his expectations.
If a battle truly broke out here—
Buddhism would suffer catastrophic losses.
Realizing this, Indra's face became increasingly ugly.
"Damn it..."
Meanwhile, Shiroyasha looked thoroughly pleased.
"So?"
She smiled brightly.
"Have you made your decision yet?"
The corner of Indra's mouth twitched.
Decision?
There wasn't any decision to make.
If he refused, Buddhism might genuinely cease to exist today.
He knew Shiroyasha's personality far too well.
She was absolutely capable of following through on her threats.
Not to mention the terrifying allies standing behind her.
Earlier, they had already exchanged blows briefly.
And in that short clash—
Indra had been pushed back.
The difference in strength was obvious.
Shiroyasha had become far stronger than before.
Now she was accompanied by numerous Star Beasts as well.
How was he supposed to fight that?
Fight?
Fight his ass.
Indra felt as though he had swallowed something rotten.
Finally, he gave up.
With a bitter expression, he waved his hand.
"Bring them."
The treasures that rightfully belonged to Shiroyasha were quickly brought forth.
Since fighting was impossible—
All he could do was surrender them obediently.
The moment Shiroyasha recovered her possessions, her smile became brighter than the sun itself.
At last—
She had reclaimed what was hers.