Campione! - Volume 15 - Chapter 7

Chapter 7




Chapter 7 - Impossible Battle Part 1 ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAR! The [Boar]'s howls reverberated across the battlefield. Using the smiting spell words to strengthen herself and her dragon mount, Erica started her assault as a sacred dragon knight. Ena also summoned Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, making a comeback as the divine sword user. The enemies were three owl-bear divine beasts. However, their master Artio was currently not by their side. Seeing the situation advantageous to his side, Godou nodded greatly. "Godou-san, you finally recovered!?" "Then we should head over. We must support Erica and Seishuuin Ena!" Naturally, the two girls running over were Yuri and Liliana. Godou discovered that the silver-haired knight was holding a slender pouch, thirty by twenty centimeters in size. It looked quite heavy. "What is that?" "Authorized to use only once — A trump card. Even in a battle against divine beasts or gods, it will surely be effective." Although Liliana's reply only served to pique Godou's curiosity, there was no time for chatting. Since getting to the bottom of the matter was not essential, Godou turned to other issues instead. "So, while Artio is still sealed whereas Erica and Seishuuin can easily win on their own, we should do something else first." "Of course, I shall help... So, what needs to be done?" "I want to request the two of you to tell me what you know about Artio. Because she should be back soon, this is still necessary. Then there's one more thing." Godou answered Yuri's question calmly. "My body still feels heavy, so I want to use magic to heal it. The same as always." "I also think it's quite bad for me to be troubling you all the time, Mariya and Liliana. I'm very sorry that I'm imposing my willful request on you again. But very soon, I will need to fight." Soon, the battle against Doni-Artio would begin. There was nothing more important. Battle preparations must be swiftly completed. Bearing these thoughts, Godou spoke honestly and bowed his head. "So that's the situation. Will you help me?" "K-Kusanagi Godou. Helping you in and of itself is not a problem at all." "Th-This task for us — requesting the two of us, w-what on earth is it...?" "Exactly what the words mean. Did I express myself poorly? I'm referring to having both of you together applying stuff like magic to me." Godou gazed straight at the two surprised girls. "I don't like having to choose only one over the other between you two. Since you are both present, if I must request this sort of thing... I want to request both of you together." "Y-You are saying such outrageous things with a serious face!?" "Y-Yes. Godou-san, that is too indecent!" "But by now, hasn't this happened several times already?" There were the times before the battles against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven or Lancelot. Naturally, Godou also clearly remembered the "customary ritual" undertaken with Erica and Ena together recently. Yuri and Liliana were probably recalling the same. Their faces suddenly went red. "Either way, Godou-san here is not of right mind, is that not so!?" "I agree. Perhaps right now, due to the reckless way he recovered his body, even his mind has gone weird!?" The girls remarked one after another. However, Godou shook his head. "No, it's actually the opposite." " "Opposite!?" " "Right now, I feel like I've returned to my original state of mind, or put it another way, back to the origin. Or maybe I should say that I've come to understand the importance of being myself... In any case, that's the feeling." This was probably influenced by the way that he deliberately made himself realize strongly about "doing the same as usual" during the battle against the giant bears. Furthermore, a large amount of magical power was currently seething all over Godou's body right now. Finally, he had retrieved his source of power. This provided maximum honing of the body and mind, as well as his activated thought processes. Calling it worked up would be slightly inaccurate. "Without unnecessary impurities, the 'pure self honed to unprecedented levels — That's what I feel my current state to be. In actual fact, you can see that I'm still my usual self, right?" "l-lndeed, you do not look like you have lost your presence of mind..." Compared to the time when Godou was on a rampage due to Lancelot's curse, he was currently closer to the times when invoking the [Youth] incarnation dispelled all ambivalence to reach a state of serene lucidity. Next to Liliana who was cowering, Yuri sighed deeply. "...Of course, I understand this as well, Godou-san, but if this really is your true nature, stripped of all pretense... Then you are utterly incurable. I believe that it is a disposition no different from a fiendish brute's." "Sorry. You are quite right on this point, Mariya. I have no words to refute at all." "Being like this despite knowing fully in your heart, that is where you are incurable, Godou-san." Yuri sternly whispered while coming over to Godou's side. Then bowing her head shyly, she murmured in a voice so quiet it was almost inaudible. "H- However, I have already made a promise with that kind of person to follow him forever..." Despite strongly chastising Kusanagi Godou's faults, she also fully accepted everything about him. This was the girl named Mariya Yuri. Godou could not help but embrace her in his arms. Despite accepting his slightly violent behavior, the frail Yamato Nadeshiko slightly pushed with her arms to resist as though trying to oppose their bodies from pressing intimately together. "N-No, Godou-san. D-Did you not say you are requesting for both of us?" "Mariya Yuri! Are you actually planning to accept Kusanagi Godou's suggestion!?" "B-Because it cannot be helped either..." In Godou's arms, the Hime-Miko quietly sighed. "Liliana-san, you should know already. Godou-san is the type who does everything to the end once he makes the decision, going so far as to fight gods obstinately." "Mariya, I'm sorry you have to follow this kind of man." "Godou-san, n-not yet — " Godou tenderly approached Yuri's face and sealed her lips. Resisting this hug, she mustered strength in her arms again, trying to push Godou away. Nevertheless, her lips softly accepted the boor's mouth. Yuri's tongue clicked as she sucked on Godou's inserted tongue. In response, Godou whispered "Mariya..." With ecstasy written on her face, Yuri nodded. "You are still calling me that even in this kind of situation... Did I not tell you already?" "Mari— Yuri..." "Here I am..." After he called out her name, Yuri responded with soft whispers, full of bliss, accompanied by intoxicated breathing. Next, Godou and Yuri turned their gazes towards the silver-haired knight together. Always straitlaced, Liliana Kranjcar was enduring their gazes with a troubled expression. Then she returned a meaningful gaze. "N-Not only Mariya Yuri but I am also someone you need? For the sake of fighting the goddess." "This goes without saying. You are also someone I need." "Assisting Godou-san all on my own would be a bit difficult, after all..." A shared mood was produced between the three of them. With unsteady steps, Liliana walked over to the other two. Then suddenly, she kissed passionately. Hugging Godou's head tightly, she proceeded to kiss directly. Her lips, beautiful as a fairy's, sucked audibly on Godou's lips. After licking Godou's lips for a while, Liliana inserted her tongue into his mouth in search for his tongue. Once she found her target, she boldly wrestled them together. As though trying to make up for the minutes lost due to delay, her fervor was quite intense. "1-1 will stay forever by your side. As your knight... As your woman, I shall respond to your requests no matter how unreasonable. So, let me as well—" "Liliana..." "1-1 will stay by your side. So let the three of us — " Seeing Yuri quietly bringing her face near, Godou stopped kissing Liliana for now and sucked the Hime-Miko's lips instead. This kiss continued for a long time, their saliva mixing together, with mucous membranes harmoniously making mutual contact. When Godou opened his mouth for a change of air, it became Liliana's turn to kiss. The knight's lips sucked the lord's lips, writhing as though enjoying the sensations. "Although I know that saying this is very inappropriate... My heart is pounding nonstop." Liliana whispered softly. Then with knightly fervor, she greedily sought Godou's lips before releasing her mouth. Seeing Liliana pant and breathe with satisfaction, this time it was Yuri's turn to draw her face near, attentively receiving Godou's lips that were approaching to kiss. Then Liliana planted a light peck on Godou's earlobe. This inspired Godou with a sense of mischief and he buried his face under Yuri's chin, letting his tongue and lips slide over the Hime-Miko's pale neck. "Mmm... Mmmmm." Yuri's body shuddered and swooned while a moan leaked out. Then the trio faced one another again with Liliana and Yuri taking turns to offer their lips to Godou. Not only that but the two girls also sucked Godou's lips together, licking with tender affection. By the time he noticed, the sense of lethargy hanging over Godou's body for the past few days had already disappeared. The two girls had applied healing magic to him. Finally, his body was fully recovered. While kissing, the silver-haired knight spoke to Godou as he nodded: "Virtually all the legends regarding the goddess named Artio are lost by the time of the modern age..." "Even so, considering you two, you were able to see something, right?" "True, but this is unacceptable, Godou-san. To think you are relying on the power of spirit vision like this." On the other side, with kissing accompanied by reprimands, Yuri was talking. "Because seeing something does not frequently come so smoothly. Due to good fortune this time, I was able to see the goddess possessing Sir Salvatore's body, hence sensing various things." "I too, managed to barely see a few things. Please make use of it..." Sometimes taking turns, sometimes simultaneously, the two girls kissed Godou's lips. Accompanied by such behavior, a vast amount of information also flowed into Godou's body at the same time, regarding the goddess with the name of bear, as well as her son. Feeling the sword's spell words completed, Godou clenched his fist forcefully. Next, the violent howls of a divine beast were heard. ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR! The cry of a pitch-black gigantic boar. Turning his gaze over, Godou found all three of the owl-bear divine beasts lying on the ground, their bodies collapsed into powder, gradually turning into sand. As expected, divine beasts were no match for the [Boar] plus Erica and Ena. Having achieved glorious victory and completed its mission, the [Boar] roared and disappeared. Then Uldin's pterosaur descended from the sky. Riding on the pterosaur's back was Erica with the reins in her hand while Ena was sitting behind her. "You're here just as I thought, Godou!" "Your Majesty! Ena missed you so much!" After jumping off the landed pterosaur, Erica and Ena instantly ran over — Only to be shocked. Originally supposed to be left behind in the modern age, Yuri and Liliana were now beside Kusanagi Godou. Furthermore, they were both giving off unusual airs while sticking intimately to Godou. Then Ena finally spoke up in a troubled tone of voice: "Uh, why are Yuri and Liliana-san here? By the way, what are you three doing... Ah, hmm, what would be the proper thing to say right now?" "E-Ena-san!? Th-Th-Th-This is, of course, the customary ritual!" "Erica... Umm, we came for the sake of helping Kusanagi Godou, so we are simply doing what is perfectly natural and expected — " Three of the girls in his surroundings were in panic. Only Godou in the middle remained calm and composed. Erica sighed deeply and strode determinedly over. "Godou. No matter the time or place, you really are someone who always exceeds my expectations. With this, I now understand completely. I can't believe you even summoned Lily and Yuri, who are not supposed to be here, to indulge in pleasure or whatever." "Well, there are many circumstances on our side as well." "And my, aren't you quite composed? Have you gone weird from some kind of curse again...? No, you have suddenly changed your attitude and started facing your inner heart with honesty." "You can tell?" "Of course. I am the girl who has always stayed by your right hand side. I can't believe you did this without my permission — It's truly unforgivable! However..." After making a strong assertion, Erica suddenly went speechless. Surrounded by Yuri and Liliana's embrace, Godou held out his hand towards Erica, causing the blonde beauty to frown. Nevertheless, she still took up his hand and walked over. Finally, confronting Godou face to face, Erica murmured slightly indignantly: "After all, Ena-san and I have been together with Godou for the past half a month, so we're not in any position to criticize." I see. "Or perhaps, things in this area are going according to your plans?" "Of course not. I'm not smart enough to accomplish this kind of thing." "Apparently so. Not only do you do things as you please, but you're also very adept at ordering us around, that's the kind of talent Kusanagi Godou possesses. Truly unforgivable as a person. So, what sort of magic do you need? As one would expect, knowledge about Artio, isn't it?" "Including that, there's also my imperfect state of health." "Oh well." By the time he noticed, Erica had already approached even closer than Yuri and Liliana. During the conversation, she had gradually drew near and was now close enough to the point of being right in front of Godou's eyes and nose. Caressing Godou's face gently, she spoke while sighing. "Since I'm already informed of the situation, I should be helping too... That must be what you're thinking." "If you could do that, that'd be a relief for me... Ouch." Erica pinched Godou's face lightly then whispered with a seductive gaze: "Please endure this briefly, you should wholeheartedly accept a reprimand of this level. Also, Godou, you should be telling this to another girl apart from me, shouldn't you?" "Well, of course." Erica gestured with a slight glance, prompting Godou to look at the direction she indicated. As a result, the tardy Ena was suddenly startled and ran over. "E-Ena too, as long as it helps Your Majesty, Ena will do anything no matter what!" The Hime-Miko of the Sword also ran to Erica's side and looked up at Godou. Standing tall at 180cm, Godou inevitably caused girls to look up at him. After he nodded at the girls in front of him, Erica and Ena tiptoed together, trying to bring their faces close to his. Hence, Godou bent down to accommodate them. "I must allow you to be able to fight without reservation..." "And this is Ena and everyone's job..." As soon as Godou finished kissing Erica, he immediately kissed Ena. Then he alternated between the two girls, engaging in mutual sucking, liking, savoring. Erica and Ena accepted Godou's lips in turn, responding with sucking and bold movements of the tongue. Occasionally, the three sets of lips would intimately entangle with one another, making it impossible to tell which saliva was whose. Last time, there was the night of the trio's reunion at Colonia Agrippina. At the time, the three of them had engaged in similar behavior, but interrupted in the middle as soon as they regained their senses. But now, the trio's suppressed feelings from that time were set ablaze once more. Godou, Erica and Ena indulged themselves as though in a dream. During this time, the two girls also delicately applied healing magic to Godou. To be frank, Godou's ailments had already been cured earlier — Furthermore, Yuri and Liliana were dumbfounded by this sudden development. The silver-haired knight abruptly recovered from her surprise and spoke up without warning: "K-Kusanagi Godou's premier knight is me. I cannot hand over the necessary duties to you all...! Mariya Yuri, this is too early for you, allow me to take over here — " "What are you talking about!? E-Even someone like me, I am still able to help Godou-san!" Liliana and Yuri hugged Godou's left and right arms respectively. Consequently, Godou took turns in kissing the lips presented by the girls. The ritual ended up being conducted with all four girls together. Part 2 Running out of control in this manner, the aberrant ritual finally came to an end. Recovering consciousness, the quintet endured unprecedented embarrassment. With Godou in the center and Erica beside him, along with Yuri, Liliana and Ena, they all looked very uncomfortable. Despite being a long-awaited reunion between the five, no one could find words to speak. After all, they were well aware that they had gone too far, knowing fully that "mental confusion caused by magic or authorities" could not be used as an excuse for their behavior. However, Liliana murmured to speak up at last: "What an utter embarrassment for me... But it is all because of Erica. No matter what, you should not have forced your way in like that. Knowing you, I am quite sure you were well aware that no further magic was needed, right?" "W-What are you talking about, Lily? That was clearly just an excuse!" "Speaking of which, I have been curious ever since just now. It feels like Erica-san and Ena-san are getting along much better than before..." "Well, that's because ever since arriving in this era, we've been through thick and thin together. It's not like it was prompted by some kind of special occasion, honestly, there really wasn't!" "l-ln any case, the current problem is Doni and Artio!" Despite being the principal war criminal, Godou forcibly changed the subject. If what he engaged in until now was considered "high-speed driving," then this would then be "normal-speed driving." In many ways, staying in "a honed state" indefinitely was not possible. "By the way, Erica, I'm surprised you were able to borrow Uldin's dragon." Erica and Ena had set off on their journey a week ago. However, reaching the forest, where the Hunnic godslayer resided, would take almost a month, even on horse. Even water routes would not work. Unlike sailing downstream, this required going opposite to the Rhine's flow, which meant that the trip should take quite a few days. "I used magic to send a letter to Ruska and Clotilde, asking them to come over. If Uldin's pterosaurs were used, it takes less than half a day to fly to this area." Erica replied. Worried about Madame Aisha's charm authority, she and Ena had fled Colonia Agrippina. Then after settling down at a suitable city, she had written a letter and used [Mailing] magic to deliver it to Uldin's fortress. "...Oh yeah. There is that kind of magic!" This was magic for instantaneously transferring light objects such as letters to a specific location. Godou recalled how Erica had used it many times in the past. "Well, although Ruska and Clotilde helped to persuade, it still took quite a lot of effort to mobilize Uldin. In the end, we provided information from our side." "Information?" "Yes. Basically, if things go well, he would be able to conquer Colonia Agrippina effortlessly. Then there was the appearance of the Devil King-slaying god, easily capable of slaughtering three godslayers. I suggested that he should come nearby to confirm the veracity of these two facts." Not only making this type of request on account of the alliance but also stimulating Uldin's desire and curiosity. This really was something that Erica would do. Reportedly, the Hunnic godslayer was currently in the outskirts of Colonia Agrippina with his two wives, discreetly observing the situation. It was possible that he was currently watching the battlefield from somewhere. "If Godou is slain in battle here and only Madame Aisha is able to return alone, Uldin will probably attack Colonia Agrippina with delight. So, how is the Madame currently?" This time, it was Godou's turn to explain the situation on his side. After getting a rough summary across, they heard the sound of joyful cheering. Due to the appearance of the three owl-bear hybrid divine beasts as well as Godou's rampaging [Boar], even the Franks were struck by fright. On top of that, there were also a pterosaur-mounted female knight and a swordswoman wielding a black demon blade. When it first started, the Franks all ran away from these unknown people, but as the giant beast battle gradually intensified, they gathered in one spot. Roars of the giant beasts — particularly the [Boar]'s — went as far as to shake the sky, causing the air to ring from the aftershock of supersonic waves. The ground shook violently when the [Boar] ran. It was like an earthquake. This situation not only brought terror to the warriors but also stimulated their primitive sense of faith. Alas, this was undoubtedly a battle of gods, bringing the end of the world, that was what they thought... There were roughly two thousand Franks taking part in the battle. Casualties amounted to roughly one tenth of them, no longer able to fight. Although the able-bodied ones would probably disapprove of their fleeing comrades, quite a number of people were being abandoned on the battlefield. Before they knew it, the Frankish warriors were overcome with terror and pain, causing them to stop fleeing. However, the owl-bear divine beasts were all defeated right in front of them. The [Boar], the dragon rider and the demon sword user had left already. Saved from a crisis, the Franks were filled with joy, experiencing something known as liberation. Nevertheless, this only lasted but a moment, because a man was floating up from a fissure in the battlefield. Despite bearing the same face as the man whom the Franks respected as their great chieftain, he was already dead. The goddess, who bore a grudge against the Franks, had stolen his remains and was now controlling his body. "Hohohoho. Well then, let us continue the fight." In fact, what came from his mouth was the voice of a young woman. The warrior proceeded to draw a thick and heavy blade, raising it towards the sky. Countless sparks appeared high in the air. This scene greatly resembled a night performance of dazzling fireworks. However, these fireworks did not dissipate, instead remaining above the Franks in the sunny sky above — "Well then, crude barbarians... Where are the godslayers protecting you? If they do not show themselves, it cannot be helped. Then I shall first bring divine retribution upon you all." Surviving and returned from underground, the warrior approached the Franks. Countless sparks were still shining brightly high up in the air. All it would take was for a portion of these lights to fall down and all the Franks would be annihilated effortlessly. Just at this moment, someone among the warriors called out "Lady Aisha!" This became the start. All the warriors began to call out. Lady Aisha, Our Lady the Holy Maiden, please bring us salvation, extending your hands of mercy towards us, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha, Holy Maiden Aisha — "We beseech you to grant us salvation, Holy Maiden!" This rowdy commotion was caused by the charm authority's curse combined with being cornered towards the abyss of death. Then after that. From high above — a rainbow glow of light descended from between the clouds in humanoid form. This glow drifted gently to the ground, turning into a beauty in a white overcoat the instant it landed. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Intense shouting and yelling resounded throughout this plain in Germania. Indeed, Madame Aisha was supposed to have been devoured by the lightning of salvation. Bluntly stated, she did not actually die. As the saying went, never two without three — As implied by this proverb, fortune's blessing opened the [Fairy's Corridor] once again. This was the exact same method of evacuation used against the Divine Sword of Salvation's first attack. However, using this power exhausted Aisha greatly. It also made her utterly famished. Also, on her return to the battlefield, Doni-Artio was also revived together with the divine sword, with the sparks of salvation's lightning scattered high up in the sky. In addition, there were the Franks, cheering for the Holy Maiden's name — "Oh dear." Aisha happened to land in between Doni-Artio and the Frankish warriors. Standing in the middle, she coughed drily once. After trying to make her face as dignified as possible, she turned to face the Franks. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The warriors responded to her with joyful cheers of surprise. Feeling happy about this, Aisha waved to the warriors. She could hardly contain the delight she was experiencing inside. Since the divine sword-wielding Doni-Artio was approaching, she turned to face the goddess's direction. "You have revived as well, woman godslayer. In that case, allow me to send you and those barbarians to the grave together. Hoho, what sort of strange tactics will you attempt to use to attack me next?" "Why are things like this... When fighting only causes a chain reaction of hatred and sadness..." Doni-Artio was pressing forward for a head on battle. Her fierce words brought a sense of sadness to Aisha's happy heart. Artio was a tragic goddess who had forgotten love. If possible, Aisha really wanted to save her. However, a desperate crisis was now approaching Aisha and the Franks. What should she do? "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Please save us, Lady Aisha!" "Please grant us mercy, Holy Maiden!" "Please offer us your hands of salvation!" "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Holy Maiden!" "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Holy Maiden!" "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Holy Maiden!" "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Holy Maiden!" "Our Lady the Holy Maiden!" "Holy Maiden!" The people's voices came from behind nonstop. Everyone was praying, hoping to obtain protection. Everybody was wishing for the arrival of a savior who dared to oppose the gods. Also, she was currently the only one capable of protecting them! Phew. She took a deep breath. Driven by the situation and the mood, Aisha made her decision. "Right now, I have almost no power remaining..." Due to entering the corridor for an emergency evacuation, she was already thoroughly exhausted. The queen of winter's authority had already ended due to using the trump card, [Underworld's Descent], and had returned to a healing authority. However, her healing powers were temporarily reduced after reversing the authority. Right now, Aisha's body did not have much of anything that could be called strength. "Even so, I still wish to protect everyone! No, I will protect you all!" Absorbing the people's cheering, an authority inside Aisha's body stirred from slumber. No matter how perfect her body's condition, this could not be used without the populace's support. Conversely, given their support — the voices of those seeking protection — No matter how exhausted her body, this authority would still bestow Aisha with the "power to defend the populace"! "Awaken, soul of steel! Exhibit to the world the sword's lack of mercy!" "Hmm— !?" This was the divine ability that Aisha had reluctantly usurped from a dragon-slaying hero. Confronted with the imminent activation of the authority named by the Witenagemot as the [Jabberwock Slayer], Doni-Artio was dumbfounded. High in the air were the sparks summoned by the Divine Sword of Salvation. There was also the immense cheering, singing in praise of the Holy Maiden. Seeing Doni-Artio and Madame Aisha revived, Godou's group went near where the Franks were gathered. Just now, Godou had asked Liliana to use flight magic. Then upon seeing the newest monster, Godou was greatly shocked. "Another new monster appeared!" "Could it be a new minion that Artio summoned!?" "N-Not that..." Next to Godou and Erica, Yuri whispered in a trembling voice. The Hime-Miko's gaze was directed towards an olive-skinned beauty dressed in a white overcoat. Apparently blessed with a spirit vision's arrival, Yuri revealed the oracle in a solemn voice. "The one who summoned that thing should be Madame Aisha...!" "A-Aisha-san is the one who summoned that dangerous thing!?" "Speaking of which, the Witenagemot's report did have records. The Madame apparently has an authority that can summon an unidentified weapon..." Ena was rendered speechless. Liliana murmured as a result of recalling what she had read. Godou's quintet raced towards the center of the commotion. Doni-Artio and Madame Aisha were currently facing off in front of them. Numerous sparks were shining brightly high up in the air. Furthermore, there was a steel monster hovering in the air. A warrior with an armored upper torso. However, the warrior's obese physique looked rather comical. Protected all over by steel armor, not a single inch of skin could be seen. From head to waist, the height was over ten meters tall. Unbelievably, the lower half was "mist." Black mist was spreading out from the waist's location. Also, black rocks resembling coals were continuously spewing out from various joints and gaps in the armor. These rocks rained down on the ground like black bullets. These rocks ranged greatly in size, from that of human heads to giant boulders capable of crushing entire houses. On the other hand, ordinary humans would definitely be severely injured or even die if struck by any of these rocks, no matter which size. The rain of rocks also fell upon the Franks' location, causing them to evade desperately in all directions. Even so, they still wanted to watch over their great chieftain's battle — "Everyone!" Madame Aisha cried out loudly. "Staying here is very dangerous, so please do your utmost to escape! As long as it is on the level of injuries, I will help heal everyone later!" Warned to evacuate from the danger, the Franks started fleeing all at once. Roughly two thousand warriors scattered in all directions one after another. The fleeing warriors were all loudly yelling "uwahhhhh, uwahhhhh!" While this was happening, the spewing of black rocks finally ended. Only black smoke came out from the armored archdemon for now. "O lightning of salvation, crush the godslayer's avatar!" Doni-Artio gave orders, causing the sparks in the sky to change immediately. Flickering, the countless sparks formed the shape of a long snake, attacking as a "serpent of lightning." Naturally, the target was the smoke-spewing armored archdemon. The serpent's lower jaw was stopped by the archdemon's left gauntlet that was of comparable size. Enduring the attack the archdemon opened its right hand to manifest a longsword of steel. But in that very instant, the "serpent" biting its left hand released electricity from all over its body. Naturally, being in close contact with the serpent, the archdemon suffered a violent shock. Gaps in the armor violently spewed out a great deal of steam and numerous fireballs. Speaking of fireballs, they would be more accurately described as flaming chunks of rock. The rocks fell on the ground, causing fires to spread through the vegetation on the plain, burning intensely. In the worst case scenario, this could lead to a great fire disaster. The archdemon spewed off fireballs when damaged — Using humans as an analogy, this should be equivalent to bleeding. However, the archdemon endured the painful blow and stabbed the summoned longsword into the serpent's body. As a result, the serpent's form collapsed and scattered as sparks. The archdemon's longsword had returned the damage inflicted by the lightning aggregate. However, after scattering for a few dozen seconds, the sparks formed a serpent again. This time, the great snake wrapped its long serpentine body around the archdemon's armor, then released electricity. Suffering the second electrical strike with its full body, the archdemon stopped moving. Steam and fireballs once again gushed out from the gaps in the armor. This time, probably more than two hundred fireballs fell to the ground. However, sharp blades suddenly popped out from the five fingers of the archdemon's left hand, the one not wielding the sword. Using this hand, the archdemon reached towards the serpent, squeezing its throat, burying the five blades into it! As a result, the serpent scattered into numerous sparks, collapsing again. But immediately, it recovered its serpent form and pulled back slightly to face off against the armored archdemon. Then the two combatants attacked with sword and lightning respectively. Both sides suffered damage, causing the archdemon to spew many fireballs again while the serpent's form collapsed for a few dozen seconds. This scene was repeated nonstop. This stalemate battle was a fruitless slugfest. "Aisha-san, what the heck is that thing!?" "Oh Kusanagi-san, your body has already recovered. Thank goodness!" As Godou ran over with the four girls, the Madame smiled radiantly to welcome them. To think she was able to see that Godou had recovered fully, Madame Aisha's eyes were truly amazing. But while this was taking place, the armored archdemon continued its battle, spewing fireballs towards the ground as though bleeding from the damage received... These fireballs shot quite far away, ranging from hundreds to thousands of meters. Although the scattered Franks had already fled the battlefield, these fireballs were still able to reach them. Of course, they were not going to stand still foolishly to get hit. The warriors fled even faster. All the fireballs basically traced out parabolas while being shot into the distance. Being directly under the archdemon, Godou's group and Madame Aisha were quite safe. Well, that said, there were some fireballs falling nearby and getting caught up in the intense battle was very likely. "Did you really make that armored monster come out, Aisha-san!?" "Yes, summoned in order to protect everyone — the Franks — This is my avatar." "The issue of protecting aside, isn't this completely dangerous?" "This cannot be helped. After all, a power to protect everyone is still armed force, a tool of battle... Whether those who wield weapons or those who rely on weapons for protection, all shall meet their ruin as a result of weapons. The archdemon's authority has always been telling me this principle..." "But no matter how noble your explanation, you still ended up summoning that thing." Madame Aisha had clasped her hands together before her chest as though in prayer, closing her eyes. Despite carrying the righteous banner of "protecting the people," armed force was still armed force after all. These were truly golden words that should be heard properly by every shounen and shoujo battle manga protagonist who yells "I don't need a power that hurts people, instead, I want a power for protecting those who are precious to me" while simultaneously abusing the use of ultimate techniques and weapons of mass destruction. Even so, characters wielded armed force while chanting such slogans for the sake of protecting people... This seemed to be turning into meaningless deconstruction, so Godou went for a change in mood. "Anyway, Aisha-san, you're completely occupied with sustaining that armor, right?" "Ah yes. That's pretty much the feeling." "I understand. Then I'll find a way to handle the rest." Godou motioned to his companions with his eyes. Cover me when necessary was the message conveyed. Then Godou began to advance, aiming to engage the enemy. Namely, he was walking towards Salvatore Doni's body that was approaching with leisurely footsteps together with the goddess Artio's spirit. Despite the leisure pace of walking, this did not mean the enemy had effort to spare. In order to control the Divine Sword of Salvation wielded in Doni's right hand, Artio's spirit must expend the majority of her concentration towards it. With thunderous crashes, fireballs kept descending on the battlefield. In a corner of this battlefield, Godou was finally engaging Doni-Artio in a duel, one on one. Part 3 "I am the strongest, holding all victory in my hands — " Godou chanted spell words to start using another incarnation. This was the [Warrior], wielder of the blade to sever the goddess Artio's divinity. "You're gonna lose for sure unless you still have something up your sleeve... I'm going all out now." A hundred or so spheres of light manifested around Godou, shining as brightly as a galaxy of stars. Naturally, these were the sword's spell words. In response, Doni-Artio made a straight thrust with the divine sword in her hand, pointing the blade at Godou. "I must have already mentioned. Do know that I wield the sword for slaying Devil Kings, yes?" "Ultimately, that sword is not for you to use. Also, you almost died from your fight with Doni earlier and even gave the majority of your life force as an offering to that King of the End' guy. As a result, you're already all beaten up to begin with." The [WarriorJ's powers also included the ability to gain a deep understanding of the opponent's condition. Godou could tell that Artio was not simply covered in wounds. In her current state, it would not be surprising if she were to vanish any moment. "I really wish you could leave the earth as soon as possible and live somewhere secluded like the great spiritual world..." "Do you think I will listen to such advice? Godslayer!" Doni-Artio slashed with superb swordsmanship. Evidently, she still had strength to spare for swinging a sword. Truly splendid swordsmanship. However, Godou dodged quite calmly, thanks to the [Warrior]'s powers of observation telling him the timing of the strike. Since things had come to this, it could not be helped. Godou had no choice but to counterattack with full power. If possible, he wanted to neutralize the enemy in slightly safer manner without annihilating the goddess. But before considering that, he had to obtain victory first! "Artio! Your name carries the meaning of 'bear.' In Celtic culture, this is a symbol of warriors." Godou muttered in order to control the spell words of the [Sword]. "The Celtic Helvetians worshiped you. They are the tribes inhabiting the land we now recognize as Switzerland. The goddess Artio was the queen of the earth that they worshiped. Furthermore, she was revered as the fierce goddess of war by the warrior social class..." Floating in Godou's surroundings were the many spheres of light — the sword's spell words. Accompanied by Godou's chanting, these light spheres flew towards Doni-Artio. This was a cutting attack that no swordsman could defend against, akin to machine gunfire. "O blood of the evil dragon Fafnir, bestow upon me the fate of invulnerability..." Salvatore Doni's lips composed spell words. A man's voice. In that instant, over a hundred Norse runes surrounded Doni's body. Rushing towards his body, the sword's spell words were all deflected and proceeded to disappear. This was the authority that had given Godou great trouble before — the [Man of Steel] that made the user virtually indestructible. "What are your intentions, Salvatore Doni?" "Oh my, it's because the goddess's power seems to have become quite weak." As expected, the man's voice replied to Godou who was frowning from the unexpected interference. Doni-Artio's face began to show the usual frivolous smile. "Thinking I probably could retake my body for a bit, I tried it out." "What I mean is why the heck are you getting in my way!?" The instant Godou scolded in anger, Doni's idiotic face resumed its dignity and intellect. "To think you would resort to such petty tricks to break free from my control, godslayer. No matter, you shall act as my arms and legs for the time being." "Well, looks like taking my body back completely is a bit hard." Both of these remarks came from Salvatore Doni's mouth. However, it started with the goddess Artio's voice followed by Doni's original voice. Furthermore, his face was working overtime to accommodate the shifting modes between intellect and idiocy. While Godou was dumbfounded by this bizarre performance, the comedy duo continued to converse. "I have a suggestion. Since I can help out like just now, let me manipulate my own body. With that, you can concentrate on controlling that whatever divine sword while allowing me to duel Godou as well." "What!?" "Mutually beneficial, I think it's a very good idea." "Still a man whose words are full of madness and insanity..." "No no, I'm very serious here. Kusanagi Godou and I are both fated rivals and dear friends at the same time. The relationship's quite complicated. Without this kind of opportunity, I won't get a serious duel. That's because Godou is a guy who cares a lot about appearances and won't do it without a special reason." "Hmm... Despite eccentric, this suggestion is not bad..." A conversation conducted by one person playing two roles was unbelievably developing towards cooperation. Like hell you're gonna succeed, saying that, Godou once again summoned roughly a hundred spell words of the sword. In that instant, Doni-Artio's released black mist that swiftly burrowed into the ground. Furthermore, the man, whose body had been possessed by the goddess until just now, smiled frivolously. It was a bright and cheerful but foolish smile, reminiscent of the Mediterranean sun. Undoubtedly, this was his original look. "Come! If you want to annihilate Artio, defeat me first!" Doni-Artio was still holding the Divine Sword of Salvation. However, the stance was completely different from before. He was simply standing with the divine sword dangling in his right hand. An undisciplined standing posture where one could feel neither the intent to attack nor defend. Now this was the posture born from the foundations of Doni's sword of mental nothingness. Godou gulped. "Artio's spirit already left, right!? Even if you want to act like an idiot, get a grip on yourself!" "You're right and wrong at the same time. The goddess's spirit lingers slightly in my body. She can instantly return if she wanted to. Nothing less expected of a ghost!" "Like I said, why are you trying to get in my way!?" Godou shouted at the foolishly gigging Doni. Meanwhile, Godou's companions had gathered here as well. Erica, Yuri, Liliana and Ena. They neither said anything nor acted redundantly, simply silently watching the battle that was about to erupt between Godou and Doni. This was probably out of concerns that one should not recklessly get involved in a duel between Campiones. High above, the archdemon was still battling the "serpent." However, the armored archdemon had imperceptibly gained the advantage. The serpent was now enduring violent attacks unilaterally and even suffered many swings of the archdemon's sword. With every attack of the archdemon's, the serpent's size gradually grew smaller. Godou frowned. Was it possible that Artio chose to ally with Doni for some other purpose than focusing on the archdemon's fight? "Hohoho, thinking about unnecessary things can be very dangerous. I hope you'll keep your eyes on me properly." "Shut up. This is my brain so it's my freedom to think about whatever I want." Grumbling, Godou pushed the incomprehensible puzzle aside. He glared at Doni again. As much as he hated to admit, this man was right. "Damn it. The troublesome things causing changes to history are getting even more complicated!" "Okay okay. This is also our destiny. That of standing in opposition on this ancient stage, a fight with the world's fate on the line — " "Like anyone would accept this kind of absurd destiny. This man-made disaster is all caused by you!" "Oh dear, I seem to think that you're responsible for 30% or so." "I knew it, you do have some level of self-awareness. Also, I'm only responsible for 20% at most." Godou declared while carelessly grouping himself with Doni as birds of a feather. "It can't be helped. I'll agree to a duel, so promise me. If I win, you'll stay obedient and listen to my orders until we return to the modern age!" "No problem, of course. But you have to beat me first!" "Say all you want. You ask for pain, you're gonna get it right now." At a glance, the two Campiones seemed to be conversing casually. But Godou noticed. Doni was already making his eyes and ears as sharp as possible, trying to find the opportunity to attack. Using his eyes, he observed Kusanagi Godou's movements, expressions, eyes, footsteps, muscle tension and center of gravity. Using his ears, he listened carefully to Kusanagi Godou's voice, heart beat, the pulsation of blood vessels, footsteps and breathing. Salvatore Doni was currently putting his greatest effort into getting a grasp on Kusanagi Godou's every movement. Then taking half a step — rather, he had quietly closed in by a toe's distance. The two of them were separated by five or six meters at most. All he needed to do was take a big step and swing his sword, then his blade would instantly reach Godou's body. Even so, Europe's strongest swordsman did not do that. He was using his eyes and ears to capture Godou's every movement as much as possible while gradually closing in. Godou breathed in. Doni quietly took a step, his foot brushing against the ground. Godou breathed out. Doni quietly took a step, his foot brushing against the ground. I see — Godou nodded. The [Warrior] incarnation possessed powers of observation capable of understanding the enemy deeply. This ability informed him. Doni was waiting. Waiting for the instant when Godou showed an "opening." That said, this was not the usual kind of "opening" found in ordinary combat. For example, if Godou were to lose patience first and step forward to attack Doni — No, the instant he intended to take a step, Doni would immediately accelerate. As naturally as water flowing downhill, he would get near Godou and swing his sword. Under those conditions, when Doni was taking advantage of an opening that one would not normally call an opening, Godou would end up seeing Doni appearing in front of him suddenly. Indeed. Doni was able to move in this mysterious manner any time, shrinking his distance as easily as entering a friend's home, to unleash a merciless strike of his sword. "Against an amateur like me, there's no need to use weird moves like that..." "On the other hand, seeing as you're able to make this kind of remark at this time and place, that already proves you've already lost the right to call yourself an amateur." Seeing Doni make a wry expression in response to his grumbles, Godou snorted. He was now able to understand Doni's movements which used to be incomprehensible before. This was likely due to further mastering the [Warrior]'s power as well as the experience gained from prevailing in many hellish battlefields. As much as it was not his intention, this did indeed serve as evidence of Kusanagi Godou's growth as a Campione. Compared to the last duel, Doni was much more cautious this time. Literally without exaggeration, he was seeking to cut his opponent into halves. He did not consider needing a second or third strike at all. This was precisely the reason why he did not recklessly close in. Splitting Kusanagi Godou into two using the first strike — That was Doni's only goal. This was because he knew very well that bungled damage to Godou would surely result in punishment from the [Camel] incarnation. Conversely, Godou was unable to use the [Boar] suddenly for a surprise attack. "I've said it before at Siena. We both know each other's tricks very well. Hohohoho, although it's very challenging, it's also very fun..." Doni's smile no longer carried the usual frivolity. A warrior's expression. The expression of a man who enjoyed combat from the very depths of his heart — In contrast, Godou did not harbor such a side. Currently, he had neither received any attack from Godou nor launched any attack from his own side. Even so, a violent vortex of killing intent and fighting spirit had started swirling between them while both sides bided their time. Compared to all the intense battles Godou had experienced thus far, this was a completely foreign development. Perhaps this was what one would call a battle between "masters of martial arts." Rather than swinging the sword, it was more important to read the enemy's intentions one step ahead, so as to aim for openings. Doni was using mysterious movement techniques to close in while shrewdly employing strategy before an opportunity arose. This was truly the ultimate stage in a clash between sword and sword, fist against fist — As soon as the first attack was launched, that was the very instant when the opponent was successfully killed in one hit. Doni held the divine sword, dangling in his right hand. Using this stance of mental nothingness, he slowly closed in again. Clearly there was still more than four meters of separation, but for some reason, Godou somehow felt that Doni was quite near already... Just at this moment. He caught sight of Liliana in the corner of his eye. Imperceptibly, she had somehow circled over behind Doni's back. In her hand was the slender bag she had been holding — The heavy-looking "trump card." However, the silver-haired knight swiftly waved her hand, making the bag disappear with magic. Oh well, even with someone behind his back, Doni was still able to keep track of her movements using that ridiculous ultimate technique, the mind's eye. Hence, he was very likely to notice. It was quite safe to assume that attacking was not feasible. Nevertheless, Liliana's action caused Godou's fighting spirit to be set ablaze. In other words, what the loyal knight expressed was this: You must obtain victory one-on-one no matter what. Godou nodded to acknowledge this message. And also to tell her not to worry, Godou twisted his lips in a savage grin. Kusanagi Godou losing in one-on-one duel against Salvatore Doni... Absolutely forbidden. Not by anyone but Kusanagi Godou himself! "Let's go, Ama no Murakumo..." Although Godou had no intention of exchanging blows of the sword, he still summoned his partner the jet-black divine sword to his right hand. Seeing this, Doni muttered "Ehe." "I never would have expected you to draw a sword. How considerate." "This is for the sake of victory. However, I don't plan on fencing with you. After all, I definitely won't win that way." "Yes yes. Now that's my Godou, capable of saying such things. Ahhh, come to think of it, that storm-making thing from earlier is a bit troublesome. Then it doesn't feel like winning a sword fight." "Don't make me laugh. Before I can start the storm, you will have chopped me to death already." On the other hand, for the same reason, Godou did not worry about Doni's fourth authority. This authority, usurped from Dionysus, the god of wine and ritual madness, was capable of causing magic and divine powers to go berserk. Quite a fair amount of time was needed to activate this authority. Thinking here, Godou smiled wryly. With both sides knowing each other's hand completely, such an opponent was truly challenging — How interesting! "Hohoho, you're simply adorable, summoning your sword despite knowing that." "Shut up. At least stop saying such nonsense!" "Hey hey, that's not what you said when we were establishing our alliance." "That agreement was scrapped a long time ago." In contrast to the fruitless verbal sparring, the ultimate stage was approaching. A powerful vortex was already starting to swirl in Godou and Doni's surroundings. This was the warning sign precipitating the activation of the "black blade," the secret technique entrusted to Godou by Athena. Salvatore Doni was a sword master in every sense of the word while Godou was nowhere near anything like that. In that case, Godou must seek out victory in a manner suited to himself... That was the idea conveyed by Godou's actions. "There exists nothing I cannot cut! Of course, you are no exception!" "Bring it on if you think you can!" Doni took a step and performed a diagonal slash from below. At the same time, Godou swung Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, using these two hands that used to swing a baseball bat on a daily basis, gripping the divine sword in the same manner as a bat. Godou's target was the supreme mystic sword — the Divine Sword of Salvation — that Doni was swinging. Using the abilities of Verethragna's incarnation, the [Warrior], Godou understood Doni's swordsmanship. This was a diagonal slash aiming to cut from the left hip to the right shoulder, unleashed from the sword dangling from his right hand. In response, Godou swung his divine sword to intercept using the principles of batting against a slightly low ball aimed towards the outer corner. Using his inborn dynamic vision, a Campione's concentration, the [Warrior]'s powers of observation, along with a former batter's swing... The multiplied effect of all these factors allowed Godou to succeed on his first try. He succeeded in stopping Salvatore Doni's slash in midswing. —Clang! The Divine Sword of Salvation and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi clashed intensely, producing a heavy metallic sound. However, Doni's right arm glowed with silver light at this time. He was using the authority of the magic sword, the [Ripping Arm of Silver]. Whether the frivolous Campione was swinging a bat or a blunt sword, this turned the weapon into a blade where no existence in this world could not be cut...! Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's blade measured three feet and three and a half inches. In other words, the length of a bamboo pole exceeding one meter. Doni's magic sword was clashing violently with this blade, twenty centimeters or so from the tip. Then Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was sliced through at this position. Then Doni's magic sword continued without stopping the slash's momentum, cutting Godou's body in half — That was originally supposed to happen. "What!?" However, Doni ended up being the one surprised. Despite combining multiple superb sword techniques, his attack did not advance any further. The Divine Sword of Salvation was stuck to Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, like iron drawn to a magnet. This was due to the supergravity residing in the "black blade." Causing a gravitational storm and producing the power to suck in all existence required a lot of time for preparation. However, the level needed to attract a single sword was a completely different matter. However, just when Godou's plan was taking effect, Doni also chanted spell words. "O priestesses of Bacchus, be drunk with the wine of gods!" This was the authority for making magical power and divine abilities lose control. In a split second, Doni did the same thing as Godou. Even though invoking the full effect required a lot of time, it was also possible to activate quickly to achieve partial effects — The produced effect caused the suction of supergravity to release for an instant, thus allowing the Divine Sword of Salvation to separate from Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Swinging the divine sword, Doni stabbed at Godou's throat directly. A thrust of assured death. Godou instantly moved right, narrowly evading the attack. However, the sword ended up stabbing deeply into his left shoulder. Both the shoulder and his left arm lost all feeling. A very deep wound. A great volume of blood splashed out. "Yahhhhhh!" In exchange for the injury, Godou invoked the [Camel]. Then he executed a spinning kick aimed high! A flash of the right foot. This high kick ended up striking Doni in the temple splendidly. However, the sensation on Godou's instep felt like kicking steel — Doni had turned into a body of steel at the last second. Seeing as that was the case, Godou sent magical power to the tip of his foot. An explosion was produced at the contact point between Doni's temple and the foot. Due to the impact, Doni's head and body began to sway. This was the move Godou had learnt earlier during the battle against the "King of the End." The explosion's shock should have permeated the steel body's interior. His brain apparently shaken by the impact, Doni fell over despite having no injuries. The impact had caused a concussion. In that very instant, Godou and Doni's gazes met. The two of them confirmed each other as formidable opponents again. Godou made a sour look while Doni smiled fearlessly with delight — then collapsed. This was their second duel. Upon reflection over the battle afterwards, in actual fact, the two of them had merely executed two attacks each. But despite merely two exchanges, the density of content was immense! Godou exhaled deeply, relieved that he was safe and sound. Furthermore, he was finally victorious over his fated rival. Godou could not help but raise his right fist and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi up high to express his delight. Part 4 Kusanagi Godou had defeated Salvatore Doni. At the same time, high up in the sky, the armored archdemon had also pierced the "serpent of lightning" with its longsword. The lightning aggregate was thus completely annihilated. That minion or avatar of Madame Aisha had won. "At least it's dealt with, just barely..." Collapsing from exhaustion, Madame Aisha bent over and sat down hard on the ground. Hovering in midair, the archdemon's form gradually turned hazy and disappeared. "I'm so hungry I can't stand it, I won't be able to move for now..." "You finally won, Godou!" "King Salvatore doesn't look like he's still possessed." On one side, Madame Aisha was collapsed on the ground in exhaustion on her own. On the other side, Godou's surroundings were exceptionally lively. Erica and Ena had run over with smiles written all over their faces. Yuri and Liliana were also smiling slightly further away. Godou nodded to his companions. Then Erica spoke with deliberate mischief: "By the way, although this victory is indeed worth celebrating, I still feel that you should control your joyful emotions a little. Tentatively speaking, you are still the self-styled pacifist after all." "Tentatively' and 'self-styled' are unnecessary!" Godou was still holding in his right hand the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi that he had been raising towards the sky. The divine sword's blade was severed twenty centimeters from the tip. Taken together with the stab wound that Doni had inflicted on Godou's left shoulder, these could probably be called wounds of honor. However, the battle was not over yet. "The Divine Sword of Salvation!?" Liliana suddenly cried out while looking at Doni who was lying on the side. While the Campione was sleeping with a face like a baby's, the Divine Sword of Salvation had disappeared from his hand. At some unknown point in time, it had stabbed itself upright in the ground, ten-odd meters ahead. Also, the divine sword was surrounded by a mass of black mist. "The goddess Artio... No, it's Artio's divine spirit!" Yuri revealed the answer, presumably seeing with the power of spirit vision. Immediately, Godou and his group's surroundings started to glow. This plain that had become a battlefield — the vicinity — suddenly released golden light. "This is... the essence of the earth?" Surveying the glowing ground, Liliana murmured in trepidation. Furthermore, the black mist surrounding the Divine Sword of Salvation scattered. 'Allow me to thank you, godslayer of the sword. Using the time you bought, I gradually gathered the essence of the earth...' As expected, it was the goddess Artio's voice. 'Hoho. This land shall wither for a hundred years, turning into a useless wasteland... This too, cannot be helped. This essence and my soul shall serve as substitutes for the blood of resurrection...' Godou was shocked. Speaking of which, what allowed the Divine Sword of Salvation and the "King of the End" to awaken was the goddess Artio's life force, right? 'Slothful hero, descend upon here once more — ' Saying that, the mist, which was the goddess's spirit, dissipated. Completely annihilated this time. Also, the golden glow released by the ground began to contract. However, Godou felt bone-chilling terror. This was because the surrounding scenery changed as the light dissipated. Simply stated, this had become a land of death. The vegetation on this wide open plain had withered in an instant. Surveying the ground, it was white all around. Parched, bare soil was exposed. With the soil virtually drained of water, white sand scattered and blew in the wind. In the past, trees had offered shade to travelers, scattered sparsely across the landscape. These were all withered now. All branches and leaves, all fruits were completely dead. Trunks, branches and leaves were dried and withered as though all nutrients had been sucked away. Also, the wind blowing across this land was exceptionally cold. Probably an effect of Madame Aisha using her winter authority. The chilly wind felt as cold as midwinter. As a result, the wasteland image was further reinforced. "l-lt feels like something terrible has happened..." Perhaps out of self-reprimand, Madame Aisha was huddling. However, there was no time to be concerned about her. Godou instantly yelled out: "Everyone, hurry and leave this place! Take Aisha-san and idiot Doni together and get as far away as possible!" His companions could probably predict what was about to happen here. Having the greatest arm strength, Erica carried Doni's slender but muscular body on her shoulder while Ena urged Madame Aisha to escape as quickly as possible. Yuri and Liliana also nodded lightly before leaving, giving Godou concise encouragement. Next, Godou turned his sharp gaze towards the place ten-odd meters ahead. Standing upright by the Divine Sword of Salvation was an aristocrat. The ferocity on his handsome face was as clear to see as rust on iron. There was a gloomy shadow of weariness on his face. Even so, the man's prim and proper facial features exuded a sense of coolness... Naturally, this was the "King of the End." Nevertheless, there was no color. What should have been pale-white hair, a pale and handsome face, the clothes on his body, everything was covered by a thin layer of gray color. The only exception was the divine sword stabbed upright by his side. In one neat motion, the gray aristocrat drew his favorite blade, shining with platinum luster. "Never did I expect a reunion so soon... We meet again, Kusanagi Godou." "Yeah. But you still don't look like you're in a peak condition." Holding the divine sword, the hero's standing posture remained awe-inspiring and sacred as usual. However, using his eyes of a Campione's, Godou could tell that his opponent was in an unstable state no matter how he looked. It felt that the "King of the End" would simply vanish from a light kick. "This cannot be helped either... Is probably what ought to be said." The gray hero admitted with a magnanimous voice. "Using the last of her life, my fake mother gathered up the earth's essence to offer to me. However, this level of essence is far from enough. I estimate that I can only remain on the surface for the duration of a single sword swing. Nevertheless — " Candidly admitting his disadvantage, the "King of the End" continued indifferently: "I believe that this duration is more than enough to exterminate the three of you, godslayers. Because right now, I am about to use the covenant's great ritual..." "What did you say!?" "My surrogate mother has already ratified the covenant of Devil King extermination. When a deity, whose name is linked to the covenant, dies under a Devil King's tyranny, I am obliged to unleash the strike of vengeance. As the executor of the ancient covenant..." After finishing these murmurs, the "King of the End" raised the divine sword high up towards the sky. Gazing at Godou with eyes showing the color of weariness like rust, he spoke at the same time: "Kusanagi Godou. For the extermination of you and the two godslayers who departed, I shall proceed to swing my sword once. If you are able to withstand it, this battle is your victory." The divine sword's blade, raised up high towards the heavens — High above, a platinum ball of light appeared with a diameter of a hundred something meters. This sphere of light, resembling a mini-sun, was crackling with white lightning. "However, that is impossible. This will be my victory." The light of salvation, which Godou had confronted head on a number of times already, activated. Nevertheless, the "King of the End'"s entire body was filled with astounding magical power. This was magical power equal to that residing in the monkey king's body when the Great Sage Equaling Heaven merged with his two subordinate gods. If this level of magical power were unleashed in a strike of salvation, even the "black blade" would be unable to resist! The instant he was certain of this, Godou spoke softly: "Are you still able to fight, Ama no Murakumo...!?" 'Affirmative!' Despite its front tip sliced off, the partner answered with full force of vigor. Godou himself was severely injured as well, stabbed in the left shoulder by Doni's sword — But even so, he still acted decisively, running towards the "King of the End" while holding Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi one-handed. Even in a mutual clash, there was no chance for victory. After all, the opponent was the divine sword wielder! Godou instantly made his decision and started running. The "King of the End" gazed calmly at Godou. Having fought godslayers many times in the past, he probably predicted this type of action. "Doing this as expected huh." Just as he nodded, numerous flashes of lightning started to descend from the sphere of light in the sky. It was like a sudden rainstorm, except with raindrops of lightning. In just a matter of a few dozen seconds, hundreds, thousands of lightning strikes were pouring down on this desolate land of death. In order to evade all this lightning to approach the "King of the End," there was no other way apart from using the [Raptor]! Invoking Verethragna's seventh incarnation, Godou entered the realm of divine speed. Consequently, he was able to witness the tragic fate of the devastated surroundings as clearly as watching in slow motion. The lightning of salvation kept falling nonstop while exploding waves of heat and shock tore through the ground. Furthermore, this devastation was spreading out several kilometers in all directions, resulting in a situation akin to bombardment. Godou weaved left and right to evade the rain of lightning while racing towards the "King of the End." Thanks to the [Camel] he had been using until just now, conferring great resilience against pain, the left shoulder did not hurt so obviously. But having switched to the [Raptor] now, every step he took brought intense pain to his body. His left arm was hanging without any feeling due to the sword wound. Even so, Godou still gritted his teeth, intending to unleash a strike at the "King of the End." At this moment, someone appeared between Godou and the hero. Completely wrapped in white cloth, a war god whose face was hidden behind a red mask, wielding a thick and heavy blade. More importantly, this war god was also a user of divine speed just like Godou. While evading the rain of lightning strikes, he or she raced over with divine speed. Who would have expected two against one in this situation!? Just as Godou gritted his teeth... 'King—' Held in his right hand, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi whispered softly. Godou prepared his resolve. He intended to brush past the masked war god blocking his way, fully unleashing divine speed until arriving at the "King of the End." Intruding into this path ahead, the masked war god also used divine speed again. The unidentified god was just about to swing the great blade in his hand to slay Kusanagi Godou! Ordered to leave by Kusanagi Godou just now... The girls serving him immediately took action to obey his command. Liliana used flight magic to carry the two Campiones with them, landing at a spot three or four kilometers away from the center of the commotion. This place happened to be the boundary between the wasteland of death and ordinary grassland. Over a thousand Frankish warriors were resting at this place. They were the people who had just escaped from the archdemon's fireballs. Seeing them, Madame Aisha's eyes suddenly flashed brightly. But she immediately noticed "some sort of phenomenon" and pointed in that direction. "E-Everyone! This is terrible, look!" Madame Aisha was pointing to a tornado that was advancing rapidly across this plain in Germania. The tornado entered the wasteland of death. Up in the sky over in that direction, a giant ball of light manifested. Undoubtedly, the Divine Sword of Salvation was about to awaken. The tornado was heading in that sphere of light's direction. "Swift and fierce as a gale... One of the devil-slaying heroes... Godou-san!?" Having received a spirit vision, Yuri whispered solemnly then suddenly called out with a face full of worry. Naturally, the one who was startled upon hearing her words was the clever and sharp Erica. "That's the 'King of the End"s companion! The one who was blocking in front of Godou and Sir Salvatore last time!" "Then it's two against one now. That's very bad for His Majesty!" "Liliana-san!" Ena was surprised while Yuri gazed at the silver-haired knight. Urged by the Hime-Miko's gaze, Liliana instantly started preparations. She summoned the "trump card" that Kusanagi Godou had saw earlier. A slender bag made of cloth. Opening it, a steel-colored weapon was revealed inside. 'I have only one parting gift for the two of you who are about to embark on this journey through time.' 'That said, depending on use, it can easily be turned into a weapon capable of annihilating an army. Hence, I only permit one single use. Prudently decide on the timing." 'Well then, goodbye. May luck accompany you always.' This was the astounding parting gift that the masked hero had bestowed upon their departure. Seeing this object, Erica stared wide-eyed. "Lily, this is!?" "John Pluto Smith-sama's magic gun... The tool entrusted with His Highness's magic projectile authority, for the sake of traversing the corridor of time!" While shouting these words, Liliana pulled the trigger of this large-caliber revolver. Currently on the other side of time, what was Smith doing? Liliana had no idea. Perhaps he was still waiting at Plutarch's Residence, or maybe he had returned to his base of operations, Los Angeles. However, it was definitely transmitted. After cocking the hammer and pulling the trigger, Liliana could feel the massive divine power residing in the gun. She pointed the muzzle towards the wasteland of death which was being devastated by lightning. From the muzzle, a flash of pale light was released, flying like a ferocious dragon of light. Liliana did not aim at any target. The steel-colored magic gun did not require anything of that sort. The pale flash of light automatically flew towards the target depicted in □liana's mind — the war god of wind. Furthermore, it transcended ordinary speeds to achieve divine speed. John Pluto Smith's magic projectiles were even able to reach the realm of divine speed! "Ama no Murakumo, pass this message to His Majesty! Tell him that Liliana-san will find a way to deal with the war god of wind!" Ena desperately called to the partner far away. The war god of wind had suddenly appeared, blocking in front of Godou. However, having received Ena's message passed through Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, Godou decided to trust his companions and continued to rush forward with the [Raptorj's divine speed — Then he witnessed it, the flash of pale light, suddenly flying over. It was quite similar to the magic projectiles often used by the masked godslayer. Residing in it were divine powers that ordinary bullets could not possibly possess, such as automatic tracking and reaching the realm of divine speed. The magic projectile unerringly struck the masked war god's flank. As a member of indestructible [Steel], the war god was completely unharmed. However, the impact from the magic projectile sent him flying far away. There were no more obstacles. It happened exactly as Ena had told him through Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. So this was the true identity of the "trump card" held by Liliana! Feeling gratitude for his companions' assistance, Godou finally arrived before the "King of the End." The gray hero was currently pouring a massive amount of magical power into his raised sword. From high above, the white sphere of light was releasing lightning with greater intensity. Using divine speed to reach here, Godou slashed with Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Rather than aiming at the "King of the End'"s body, he targeted the Divine Sword of Salvation that was raised towards the sky. The instant the two sacred swords of steel clashed violently, Godou chanted spell words. "O immortal sun, I beseech thee to grant radiance to the stallion!" Verethragna's third incarnation was the [White Stallion]. Having caused great suffering to the Franks, the hero had ironically become "the enemy of the populace," sufficient to be targeted by the light's hammer of justice. At this moment, Godou allowed Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to absorb the [White Stallion]'s might. The black divine blade of Wakoku^ was infused with golden splendor, becoming a "fragment of the sun" in the form of a sword. Withstanding this massive power completely, the Divine Sword of Salvation also erupted with dazzling brilliance. The blades of the mystic sword of white and the sword of black struck each other for roughly ten-odd seconds. Then the white sun disappeared from overhead. The rainstorm of lightning also stopped. Attacked by the fragment of the sun, the Divine Sword of Salvation suffered extreme damage as expected. The "King of the End" proceeded to disappear again. His strike with the sword just now had exhausted all his power. Having lost its owner, the Divine Sword of Salvation fell down, its tip stabbing into the ground. But Godou was battered all over as well, his left arm dangling limp. Due to the strain of using the [Raptor] and the [White Stallion] simultaneously, his brain suffered searing pain as though it were being cut open. Also, not only was the paralysis accompanying the end of the [Raptor]'s usage still present, but it also happened immediately... Finally, victory was obtained at long last. However, Godou glared at the Divine Sword of Salvation, stabbed upright in the ground. The hero's sword was still infused with platinum light, shining brilliantly. Godou spoke with certainty: "You're still alive, right?" 'Yes, it is as you say. But even so, the fact of your victory does not change. Truly, you were magnificent.' The Divine Sword of Salvation answered in an aristocrat's cool tone of voice. Indeed — Godou nodded. Even with the body destroyed, so long as this sword existed in the world, the "King of the End" would not perish. Surely, he was going to reawaken countless times. "The heroes of steel pretty much all have immortal bodies, right? So this is the form of your immortality..." 'Indeed. Provided the Divine Sword of Salvation continues to exist, I can resurrect repeatedly on the earth. Even if the blade is covered with rust and decrepit beyond compare, so long as the correct sequence is executed, I can descend once again. In the same manner as that performed by my fake mother this time...' This was the manifestation of the "King of the End"'s immortality. Godou muttered softly: "This is such a troublesome power..." 'My apologies. Our reunion shall come eventually. Pray that some sort of ill fate shall arise and bind us by then.' "Why?" 'Meeting and slaughtering opponents for whom I bear neither anger nor hatred... Isn't that simply too tragic?' Leaving these words behind, the Divine Sword of Salvation vanished. Most likely, it had gone off somewhere, in order to remain in deep slumber at some place in this early fifth-century world, patiently biding its time for revival. Pondering the wandering hero's future direction, Godou sighed. References 1 . t Wakoku(#tS): the ancient term for the islands of Japan dating back to before it was recognized as a country.