Campione! - Volume 7 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5




Chapter 5 - Suffering of the Ladies, Alliance of Two Kings Part 1 Gods and Campiones were essentially immune to human magic, but there existed secret ways of circumvention such as working effects through the mouth. The method that Erica and Liliana just used was one of them. Magically created giant waves were sweeping away the busy streets around Lake Chuuzenji along with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. If these waves were directly controlled by magic, the attack would have been nullified. Hence that was why Erica and Liliana left the waves to take their course without interference. Instead of specifying a target, they let the indirect effects of their magic engulf the Great Sage. This was one such technique that could bypass magic resistance. The rest was up to luck, but the effects of the method could be predicted beforehand. Erica and Liliana almost flew as they ran, westward along Lake Chuuzenji towards the car waiting for them that Annie had prepared. The mission of rescuing Godou had been entrusted to Cuore di Leone. Erica's magic sword carried the injured Godou away. In the instant the giant waves swept over them, Cuore di Leone transformed from a card into a chain with an anchor on one end and attacked the Great Sage like a snake. Its targets were the Great Sage's ankles, as well as the Ruyi Staff he had just pulled out from Godou's abdomen! "W-What!?" The Great Sage was quite surprised. At the instant he successfully delivered a decisive blow to the godslayer, even the monkey king was caught off guard. At that very instant when Cuore di Leone chained the Great Sage's ankles together, Godou displayed his unrelenting will. "Aaaaaaaaah!" Even though his injuries were severe, they were not fatal. He ran at full speed using the [Raptor] while Cuore di Leone continued to entangle the Great Sage who was trying to chase him. The divine monkey anxiously tried to sever the chain, but just as he chopped with his knife hand, the giant waves arrived. "Oooooooooh!?" The massive waves devoured the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. That should buy some time. Godou ran west with godly speed. There was no need to worry about retrieval because Cuore di Leone was the indestructible magic sword and could be re-summoned by magic. Thankfully, Godou's godly speed had some remaining stamina and he was able to run at full speed for a good many seconds. His shoulder and the flank of his abdomen hurt immensely, and the heart pain was gradually beginning to intensify. "Are you all right? Kusanagi Godou!?" At the meeting point, Liliana was the one who came out to receive him. Ena who had been in charge of firing the signal gun, also arrived with Yuri supported on her arm. Yuri looked completely exhausted, and her consciousness was in a clouded state. "Your Majesty! Yuri has successfully completed the mission, you must praise her well later." The Hime-Miko of the Sword reported to the king. Meanwhile, Erica was staring at the silver SUV with a severe look in her eyes. "W-What's up? Something happened?" "Annie-san, who should have arrived first, is not here. Also..." Hearing Godou's query, Erica gestured to the vehicle. The seat and door on the driver's side were stained red with blood, and the reddish-black color was smeared over the body of the car. If all this blood came from one person, he or she must have been critically injured to leave behind such stains. As Godou noticed the car key that was still in the ignition, his cellphone began to vibrate. "l-lt's my phone, can someone pick it up for me? There seems to be an incoming call." Godou felt worried by the timing of the call. Since his body had started to paralyze, Godou asked Liliana who was closest to him to pick up the phone. "It is a text message from Annie Charlton." The knight showed the cellphone screen to Godou. On it was written the curt message of 'Annie has been hurt in an accident, and I have retrieved her. Do not worry. JS.' "Though we can speculate all sorts of things from the content of this message, discuss it later. Let's get out of here first and find a place to heal Godou and treat Yuri." Erica spoke after reading the text message. I rely on you for now, leaving everything in your hands. You must find a way to escape... Godou communicated with his eyes to the blonde female knight who had guaranteed absolute success for her plan. "Can anyone drive? By the way, Ena can't." Placing the exhausted Yuri and Godou on the back seats of the car, Ena asked the rest. "No one here has reached the legal age for a driving license... Fine, I will think of a solution." "Wait a minute, you can drive!?" Seeing Erica make her way into the driver's seat, Liliana questioned as she sat on the passenger seat beside her. "If you know how to drive, why do you leave things to that maid all the time!? T-Thanks to her, I have had so many near-death experiences!" Clearly, Liliana had received rides from Arianna before. Hearing the valid criticisms of her rival and longtime friend, Erica smiled glamorously. "Oh my, isn't that an exceedingly simple question? First of all, I don't have a driver's license. Furthermore, such a crude means of transport is not fit to be a knight's beloved mount. Finally, today is my first time driving this thing." After her most intimidating confession, Erica stepped on the gas pedal. Carrying the group, the silver SUV began to rush forward madly with frightening momentum. Fortunately, there were no cars in front or moving in the opposite direction. Otherwise, a car crash would likely have resulted. "Don't worry, I've been watching Arianna and other people drive all the time. Stepping here is the accelerator, that one is for slowing down, and turning this will control the... Yes, I've basically understood it all." In just a few minutes, the car began to move smoothly and steadily under Erica's driving. Erica drove with such a graceful posture that one would not have trouble believing she had five years of driving experience. Truly, Erica Blandelli was no ordinary person, to be able to grasp the essentials of driving just by casually observing others without deliberate intent. Absolutely, she was an exceptionally capable and talented girl. (However, she was clearly unfamiliar with traffic regulations, though it would be unfair to insist on judging her on this requirement.) With that, the original worries concerning their method of escape were dispelled. However, a new sense of worry and anxiety surfaced with the pursuer who had appeared. "Wow... What is going on, this is too unbelievable!" Turning her head back, Ena could not resist exclaiming. Chasing the car from behind was a gigantic hand that was connected to a densely fur-covered monkey's arm. Looking back, an enormous version of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven blotted the entire night sky. 'Hahahaha! Godslayer, to think you are over there! Watch me and see how I will prevent your escape!' A very cheerful-sounding voice came from the sky above. The voice was no longer Mariya Hikari's, but the same one used by the monkey divine monarch. Now his title was the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, and the one-of-its-kind divine monkey had blown up in size. Currently, his head was high enough for direct contact with clouds in the night sky, and he extended his massive arm, trying to grab a hold of the car in which everyone was riding. Erica skillfully swerved the car left and right, evading his efforts to capture them. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven continued to make attempts again and again. Extending his arm, missing; extending his arm, missing. However, at last his fingertips touched the rear lights of the vehicle. The car was sent off course and lost stability, and just as it was about to hit the sidewalk railings, Erica turned the steering wheel to correct the course and finally slammed on the brakes. The left side of the car had a collision and the impact shook the entire vehicle along with the passengers. Luckily a serious frontal crash was avoided, but the car continued to spin for a good many revolutions before it finally stopped. During this time, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had finally caught up. After some minor preparations, Annie concealed all traces of herself for the time being. She watched as Erica, Liliana and Ena left, escorting the two incapacitated members of the team. In order to chase after them, the Great Sage had deliberately transformed himself into a massive form that towered into the clouds. "Other than being ostentatious, that kind of size offers no actual benefit in real combat... Simply stated, he is a vain god that loves seeking attention." Discerning the nature of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, Annie could not help but shrug her shoulders. She wanted to collect more information first, but the current situation no longer allowed her to do so. Though her principles were important, it would be placing the cart before the horse if she abandoned those girls to their fate. "...Birth, death, and the infinite — " Annie quietly chanted the spell words. This was the spell for her to summon her outfit and magic gun, thus achieving an instant change of appearance. Her face became covered by the black mask, along with the characteristic visor that resembled an insect's compound eyes. The black cape fluttered in the wind over the elegant and noble blue-themed outfit. In the waist holster was a steel-colored large caliber revolver. The feet wore iron-tipped black leather boots. The devil king who lorded over the darkness of Los Angeles — John Pluto Smith had made his entrance. In that instant, Annie Charlton's existence vanished. This man was the masked hero, and though he saved the citizens, he was also the tyrant who enslaved them to do his bidding. Without any sense of punctuality, he was a nobleman who loved pretension and acting mysteriously. Somehow, this had evolved into Annie's second personality. It was completely baffling. With audible footsteps of leather boots, Smith walked along the scenic roads of the countryside. His target was neither the Great Sage up in the clouds nor the direction where the car drove off to. Instead, he approached the central streets of the Chuuzenji hot springs, the area devastated by the tidal wave caused by the Great Knights. It was now night, and the perfect time most suited to John Pluto Smith. The new moon and the twinkling stars shone in the autumn sky as the curtains of the dark night were lowered. Illumination in the streets came from street lamps and domestic lighting. "By my name as the king of the underworld I hereby decree. Make offerings to the legs of the beast traversing the dark night. O Light, thou needst only illuminate my path towards conquest!" Chanting the spell words, Smith activated his authority. This was the power named [Metamorphosis] by the Witenagemot. This was the authority that granted the black-clad hero the supernatural ability to transform into other avatars in exchange for various [Sacrifices]. When artificial lighting was sacrificed, Smith transformed into a jaguar! Smith's body took on form of a jaguar, its entire body covered by yellow fur with brown spots. Its emerald green eyes flashed in the darkness. It ran. Just as the car took off just then and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven chased after it, the jaguar ran full speed along the asphalt paved road, traversing several hundred miles in just a few dozens of seconds. This was one of the magical powers possessed by the [Jaguar] transformation. Luckily it caught up just as the car carrying Godou and the rest was forced to stop, apparently having hit the railing. The Great Sage, whose giant body blocked the view of the sky, also suddenly stopped reaching out with his arm. He must have noticed. Whenever a devil king approached a god, they instinctively sensed each other's existence. Their bodies and minds would automatically enter a battle-ready state. Smith released the jaguar transformation and returned to the black-clad, black-masked appearance. "To think I would encounter two godslayers here... No, the smell is different from the other fellow. One would never expect a third was hidden here! Hahaha, having no lack of opponents sure will be fun!" "If you already know it, then shut up with the meaningless chatter." There was never any need to take the trouble of disguising herself as a man. Originally, it was a deliberate choice to play a different persona. However, starting at some point in time, her personality automatically shifted as soon as she put on the mask. "Great Sage Equaling Heaven... All deities who cower secluded in my homeland know of my name. If possible, you would do well to remember the name of John Pluto Smith." Introducing herself, she pulled out the steel-colored revolver. Since a new moon had passed after the battle with Asherah, the six bullets had already been replenished. 'Yes, you do possess the power to back up your words. And for that thing to be filled with such a repulsive aura, it is clearly a weapon designed to annihilate my kind.' After seeing the magic gun, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven commented with great interest. As expected of a monkey god, his sense of smell was exceptionally sharp. Also, the Great Sage began to shrink his body. Back to a height of 160cm or so, rather than a monkey, he was more similar to a human covered with dense fur, with the Beijing opera costume and wielding the Ruyi Staff. Massive creatures lacked agility and so the giant body would have been unable to evade the bullets. Hence he chose to shrink his size. Anyway, how was the condition of the other Campione? Smith glanced at the back of the car where Kusanagi Godou's body was lying against the seat. Though his body was clearly powerless to fight, his eyes showed no exhaustion and exhibited the relentless will in his heart. As befitting of a king, he did not despair in such a crisis. Smith smiled beneath his mask. With zero immunity against men, Annie Charlton had been deliberately avoiding Godou, but on the other hand, John Pluto Smith did not disapprove of him. Building romantic relationships with numerous girls and enjoying the pleasure of love. This was the pastime of libertine intellectuals. Precisely because Annie could not comprehend such a concept, that woman had been plagued with the loneliness of being single! As he criticized his other personality, Smith noticed something. The heretic [Steel], the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's divine power was rising rapidly. It was so powerful that it surpassed all the deities he had ever met. What was going on!? With nervous eyes, Kusanagi Godou watched the divine monkey through an open car window. "Pardon my impertinence of my request, but I shall handle this. You people should escape first." "You wish for my lord to owe you a favor? ...John Smith-sama." As soon as he spoke to the girls, Erica answered from the driver's seat. As befitting the high class young lady of the Blandelli family, as well as a famous celebrity in the realm of magi, Erica's inquiry carried a very graceful tone. The reason why she omitted the name of Pluto, was probably because the text message was signed by "JS." "Favor? No, it is because you all have shown hospitality to my collaborator, which is why I must do something as a thank you gift. In the language of loans, this would be called clearing one's debts." The pleasure of trying to decipher each other's motives in this conversation with the beautiful girl proved to be something rarely found in Los Angeles. If the black mask had the capability to show facial expressions, surely it would be smiling now. "It is my style to always return good favors, and fortunately I possess an authority that could match the monkey king. So please, leave things to me?" "Of course, Smith-sama. My lord and I shall return your favor someday. Given the current situation, please allow me to express our gratitude in his stead." The corner of Erica Blandelli's lips showed a highly refined smile. Their car started once again, accelerating once then accelerating even further, and soon disappeared out of sight. 'Hohoho, you think you can match me, what audacity! Very well, let Old Sun here show you his divine power, and I shall finish this grand divine summoning spell right now!' The Great Sage Equaling Heaven snickered to himself as two stone figures suddenly appeared in his hand. One was an armored soldier with a pig's head, while the other looked like some sort of demonic deity with hair standing on end like flames. 'The treasure mirror reflects the Earth and the Heavens, the divine sword conjoins Yin and Yang! I, Great Sage Equaling Heaven, hereby summon my sworn brothers by our pact of fraternity! Come forth, Middle Bro, Zhu Ganglie!' As the Great Sage tossed the figure of the armored soldier, it expanded in size and became a [Heretic God]. He had a pig's head covered with dense black fur, and a comedic face despite menacing tusks. The plump and solidly built massive body was wearing black armor. 'Come forth, Lil 1 Bro Vaisravana!' This time the figure of the demonic deity that was tossed also manifested into a god, with a head of stiff spiky crimson hair, a face like a ferocious demon, ashen black skin, a dismal gloomy expression, and over his tattered clothing was a set of blue armor. "Oh well, at least I'm back." "We meet again, Big Bro, Middle Bro. I suppose our task is to eliminate that fellow before us?' The two gods descending upon the earth spoke. Zhu Ganglie — Zhu Bajie. Vaisravana — Sha Wujing. Together with Sun Wukong, this was three against one! "Let me display the admiral's prowess I have long hidden away... The Curtain-Lifting General shall command the great navy, expelling all evil. Let dragons be summoned and rain shall fall!" Once Vaisravana finished chanting, a pillar of water surged up strongly like a geyser, breaking through the asphalt of the paved road. Rushing towards the sky, its shape began to change, becoming a creature with a long slender body, four short limbs, a reptilian face, and horns on its head. This appearance was essentially a dragon's. Vaisravana controlled the dragon born from water. "I will display my martial prowess as the former general in the royal guard, savor this well!" Standing upon the head of the water dragon, Vaisravana boasted with pride. The dragon's appearance with its lowered gaze was most awe-inspiring. It was like a sculpture made of water. "Wow, Lil' Bro sure looks cool eh." Zhu Ganglie looked a bit crestfallen. "I am also known as the Great Patriarch of the Nine Heavens, the Foremost Spiritual Grand Master, Keeper of the Beginning and the Great Void, the Marshal Canopy Divine Monarch! In other words, the Great Emperor's marshal! In the name of my martial might, let the north star be revealed!" Yelling out a string of pretentious titles, Zhu Ganglie's body turned into a giant. Expanding until a height of 15m or so, he also became three-headed and six-armed like an Asura. Basically, additional pig faces grew out on the left and right of his original face while each shoulder gained an extra pair of arms. The six arms wielded a sword, a halberd, an axe, a club, a bow and arrows respectively. The body continued to be clad in pitch black armor. Zhu Ganglie stepped forward with his bizarre body. Boom! The ground resounded as it shook. "Hurry and give chase! Make haste and catch up to those fellows just now!" As the Great Sage gave his orders, two giant apes appeared out of the ground. These were the giant ape-shaped divine beasts that Godou's group had met on their way through the mountain path. The two divine beasts began to run forward with incredible speed. Though their bodies looked huge, their speed was extremely fast. Smith wished for good fortune to Godou and his group as he transformed into the [Jaguar] once again. In this short time, he had already metamorphosed quite a number of times. "In actual fact, I already received news earlier that you can call in reinforcements." "Oh? What are you trying to say?" With an impatient tone, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven answered the jaguar's whispers. "However, why have you waited until now to summon them... This is a very interesting question. The way I see it, you are a very vain deity that loves attention. If you had such a spectacular move available, what would prevent you from showing off right from the start?" Smith had already deduced a plausible answer beforehand. If the conjecture was correct, then there was no need to deliberately and recklessly rush headlong into a three-versus-one fight. The precious arrows of the moon goddess Artemis only had six shots, and now it was necessary to fire one of them... Smith opened the jaguar's mouth and shot a magic bullet! It was not necessary to fire them from the magic gun when in a metamorphosed state — rather, the causality went the opposite way. The gun was a weapon created for the purpose of controlling Artemis' authority with a human body. The flash of white lightning streaked across the sky, resembling a flying dragon. The three gods entered a prepared stance, clearly aware of the power possessed by the moon goddess' arrow. However, Smith's goal was not defeating them. The magic bullet exploded in the air. Like a supernova, bright light burst forth from the explosion, illuminating the entire surroundings with a white color. However, this explosion was neither accompanied by heat nor impact. It was only a flash of light that acted as a visual diversion. It was the strongest diversion in the world, with the ability to scorch the vision of gods. But since the enemies were gods, it was possible they might give chase using hearing, smell or extrasensory perception. Hence, before he began his escape, Smith used the entirety of the [Jaguarj's magic powers, just in case. Part 2 Erica floored the gas pedal without hesitation and sped through the night along National Route 120. She had noticed the two giant apes that were pursuing them and regularly checked the rear view mirror for their position. Though it would take them time to catch up, the distance was gradually shrinking. Despite their massive bodies over 10m tall, the giant apes ran with incredible speed. This was surprising to Erica. Generally speaking, most wild beasts were not suited to long distance running because their thick fur prevented them from using sweat effectively to maintain body temperatures. Persisting activity would soon lead to overheating and instant exhaustion. In terms of stamina, human beings were actually at the pinnacle of all terrestrial mammals. "Lily, do you think we can shake them off by using flight magic?" "Only if they do not know how to fly. It is worth a try, but if that spell is used, we will become defenseless..." "Then it's better if we don't use it. Yesterday I saw that certain monkey fly like a rocket." Erica, Liliana and Ena, the three remaining combatants, discussed their options briefly. "Then that only leaves... Attacking them head on." Erica murmured as she gripped the steering wheel tightly. If only they could breach the mountain pass. But attacking them head on was equivalent to suicide. What they needed was a team of Great Knight-level specialists to fight after making detailed battle plans and preparations, and thus achieve victory... Even then, chances of survival were still quite low. That was the level of power that divine beasts possessed. "Anyway, let Ena take care of one of them. If I use divine possession, it should be an equal match." Even though repeated use of that technique carried fatal risk from depletion of spirit powers, the Hime-Miko made the proposal and volunteered with a matter-of-fact tone of voice. "That is to say, we two are going to face the remaining one? If this was a duel, it would be a taint to our honor." "However, we are simply driving off monsters, so there is no justification for such rumors. Looking at it another way, for us to obtain victory with our numbers would be a legendary feat." Erica was unfazed by the silver-haired knight's various concerns. She continued to accelerate, not to lose the pursuers but to maintain the distance and get ready to mount a frontal assault. After a while, the car came to a parking lot. A little further ahead was a passing stream as well as a concrete bridge. This place was clearly in the mountains, but the presence of restaurants and a bus stop indicated it was some kind of tourist destination. "This is the Dragon Head Falls. If you go deeper in the mountains from here, you will see the waterfall." Ena surveyed the surroundings. They stopped the car in the parking lot. The only ones who got off were Erica, Liliana and Ena. Yuri was still in a daze while Godou was immobile. Having endured the paralysis of the [Raptor]'s aftereffects and the pain of the pierced abdomen, he slipped into deep sleep. The two of them were left in the car, but before that, Erica opened the door to the back seat and kissed her exhausted beloved. Though she really did not want this to be a farewell kiss, it could very well be their last. At the same time, she also took the opportunity to apply healing magic. Unlike the day before, Godou did not have the awareness to complain. "Hmm..." As she let go of his lips, Godou moaned. "Please rest for a while, and I will return to your side as soon as possible. Regarding Ena, you still need to be taught a lesson." Erica whispered in Godou's ear and left the vehicle after lightly kissing his earlobe. Liliana and Ena both showed an expression that said 'damn it, too late!" but they tried to pretend as if nothing had happened. As the two giant apes approached with awkward motions, Ena was the first to act. "Trudging through grassy plains beneath the morning mist, the soles of the feet gradually moistened... Marching through that Nagashino plain, crossing the barrier of the Shirakawa River — Seishuuin Ena has arrived!" The Hime-Miko of the Sword finished chanting the spell words, and though the portion was small, a divine aura filled her body. As Ena's guardian deity, Susanoo's divine power was infused into her body. The two giant apes stared at her, clearly judging Ena to be a great threat. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee."^ ^ "O sword of Saul, the warrior's weapon fast as an eagle and strong as a lion. Descend into my hand now!" Chanting their respective incantations, Erica and Liliana finished their spell words of David. ^ Infusing their beloved swords with spell words, the two swords revealed their true forms, with Cuore di Leone transformed into a broad-bladed longsword while II Maestro became a naginata. The red and blue bandiera capes also manifested on the two knights. "Lily, let's divert one of the divine beasts first!" "Acknowledged! I will attack from above, you go from below!" Erica approached the closer of the two giant apes and stabbed Cuore di Leone's sharp blade into its ankle. Infused with the spell words of hate and despair, it cut through the fur and hide of the unsuspecting giant monkey. Blue-colored blood gushed out from the wound. The giant ape cast a violent gaze towards the interloper at its feet. As if toying with the beast, Erica once again made a thrust, causing even greater injury to the giant ape's foot. ROOAAARR! The giant ape's eyes went bloodshot, fully intent on taking revenge against Erica. At this time, Liliana took a leap. Moving as light as a swallow, she deftly landed on the giant ape's knee. Using this foothold for the next jump, Liliana gracefully flew through the air, brandishing II Maestro as she traveled, embedding the naginata into the left eye of the giant ape. The eyeball was pierced. GAAAAAAAAHM The giant ape screamed in agony. Its remaining eye became clouded with hate and fury. Erica and Liliana, who had just landed, turned around and began to run. Their first goal was to charge into the nearby forest and begin running away at full speed. In order to chase the blonde and silver-haired knights, the injured giant ape rushed into the forest. It felt like someone had applied healing magic, and the sense of pain had lessened greatly. Finding the stiffness of his body released, the awakened Godou surveyed the interior of the car. Yuri was beside him, leaning against the car door and making short and rapid breathing noises. The others had left — no, he could spot one of his companions outside the window. Wielding a Japanese sword, Seishuuin Ena was fighting a giant ape. As the giant ape attacked with its long and thick arms, Ena rapidly jumped to evade. The Hime-Miko landed on the giant ape's arm and used the remaining momentum to run upwards along it. With monkey-like agility, Ena swiftly passed the upper arm and stopped at the giant ape's shoulder. The target of her sword seemed to be the beast's carotid artery in the neck. At this time, a strong gust of wind suddenly blew from the side, sending Ena flying from the giant ape's shoulder. This was no accident but holy wind caused by the divine beast's spiritual powers. The Hime-Miko landed with a somersault, but the wind began to howl violently once more, intent on blowing her away. The wind was strong enough to cause the car's windows to clatter and shake. "Hearing the noise, catching sight of the waterfall... Like mountain valleys and ocean straits — " Ena chanted spell words and at the same time, the wind around her seemed to die down. This was the divine power of Susanoo! Ena's guardian deity was the god of storms, domination and steel — a great and powerful deity possessing many types of divine powers. This time it was Ena's turn to control the wind. The wind bellowed and became razor-sharp, forming an uncountable number of blades to slice up the giant ape. The sacred monkey roared in agony. But even though it was injured, none of the wounds were critical. It was like using a craft knife to victimize a person. As long as critical points were not targeted, a decisive blow could not be dealt. Despite the several dozens of wounds it had received, the giant ape continued to aim its fists at Ena. By the slimmest of margins, Ena evaded the simple but direct straight punch. Though the situation currently looked even, the battle definitely favored the side with the overwhelming weight advantage. Ena's movements began to lose agility, and it was clear that massive amounts of her stamina had been depleted from consecutive usage of divine possession! Wanting to help her, Godou left the vehicle, but his knees gave way and collapsed. The giant ape exhaled, its breath turning into a blast of compressed air aiming for Ena. "Aaaaaah!" Blown mercilessly into the air and slamming into the ground, the Hime-Miko of the Sword screamed in pain. Unlike her usual cheerfulness, the voice sounded most desperate as Ena tried to use her sword as a crutch, her legs shaking as she attempted to stand up. Watching all this happen, Godou began to notice something. Verethragna's sixth incarnation, the [Youth] was now available for use. "W-Why would it suddenly be like this!?" "That power is for those who fight for you. A power that awakens only in extreme crises." Yuri suddenly spoke with a weak voice. Was it another divine oracle from spirit vision? Yuri declared solemnly at the shocked Godou. "The protection bestowed by the Persian Warlord, has the power to resist death and vanquish evil. Please use it well." Yuri bowed her head once again and continued to hyperventilate. She clearly had not recovered from the burden of using spirit vision. Anyway, was it all right to leave her like this? Shouldn't someone give her proper treatment? Godou felt his senses become extremely sharp. Currently, how many people needed [Protection]? One, two, three, four... So many? In such a short time, everyone was backed into a corner to such an extent? Godou gazed at the hyperventilating Yuri and watched Ena continuing to fight despite dragging her massively exhausted body. He also became aware of Erica and Liliana who were trapped in a desperate situation out there somewhere. — Death cannot be allowed to threaten them here. They were in a most desperate crisis with no salvation in sight. Since the enemies were divine underlings, it would normally be a hopeless situation for the girls. However, Godou felt that he must save them. I will not let you die. My life of battle will not finish in such a place, and I will stay with you all until the bitter end. This was Kusanagi Godou's wish and promise to himself. Ena fell down a second time and was just about to be crushed beneath the giant ape's foot. Without hesitation, Godou rushed out, using Verethragna's [Bull] form. Making use of the incarnation that fought strength with strength, Godou took on the sole of the giant ape's foot with his arms. "Your Majesty...!?" "Haaaaaaaaaah!" Ena looked up as Godou applied monstrous strength, throwing the monkey up in the air with all his might. Suspended in midair, the giant ape showed a dazzled expression. How should it be taken care of next? Just as Godou pondered, a beam of bright white light flashed past. Like a shining flying dragon, the light penetrated the giant ape's head and continued onwards as if it still had other prey to chase after in a straight trajectory. The giant ape's body collapsed like a pile of sand, and the particles scattered in the wind. Even when Ena used the divine power of Susanoo's [Wind], it was not possible to defeat one of those giant apes in one hit. Driven by instinct, Godou gazed into the depths of the darkness where the light seemed to have been fired from, and found a jaguar waiting there. Part 3 The giant ape was unrelenting in chasing after Erica and Liliana. Despite a height of over 10m and weighing 10 tonnes at least, the giant ape possessed speed and agility rivaling the great knights. They could not shake it off their trail! In this mixed coniferous and deciduous forest, a battle of despair was taking place. With one eye destroyed by Liliana, the giant ape drew in a deep breath. ROAR! Exhaling all at once, the breath became a violent storm that devastated the mountain forest. Leaves and branches were blown away and even entire tree trunks were snapped. The Great Knights were also blown into the ground. As they crawled back up, the giant ape loomed over them. Erica and Liliana instantly prepared Cuore di Leone and II Maestro. Infused with the spell words of David, even gods could be sliced open by these magic swords, but it still left the open problem of delivering the sharp blades to the opponent's critical points. In a fight against divine beasts, would things really go that smoothly? The giant ape opened its mouth wide. A red fire was lit in the depths of its throat, and intense flames were breathed out. "Be thou destroyed on the day of my birth!" "Not once blessed by the Lord, O Light, shinest not upon this land!" Erica and Liliana used fire-resistant defensive magic. Since fire and lightning were the easiest natural phenomena to use for direct attacks, there existed a vast array of defensive spells to defend against them, though the flames of gods and dragons could not be completely neutralized. Even so, the two of them were able to weaken the incoming attack almost by half. In the end, it was time for the Great Knight's capes to prove their worth. These garments, called bandiera, contained protection magic and managed to defend them from the heat of the fire. However, the giant ape opened its mouth for the third time. After blowing strong wind and intense flames, this time was a red mist! Trees devoured by the mist rapidly withered. It was poisonous!? Erica and Liliana raised the magical power within their bodies to resist the demonic poison, but their efforts were in vain. The two were struck by an abnormal sense of scorching heat, and their throat and lungs felt as if burning from inside. The giant ape swung its right arm to follow up. With a loud crash, it descended upon them like a frightening hammer, but Erica and Liliana were too weakened by the poison to evade. Erica transformed Cuore di Leone into a large rectangular shield, big enough to cover her entire body. "Mmmm!" Blocking the giant ape's fist, the great shield was crushed and shattered. As the pieces scattered all over the ground, Erica was sent flying and into a deciduous tree, felling it. Liliana took this opportunity to slice at the giant ape's extended right arm. Having taken on the form of a naginata, II Maestro was infused with the spell words of David. This slashing attack sliced open the giant ape's wrist — the part containing the artery, splashing fresh blue-colored blood everywhere. ROOOAAARRM As if expressing its abundant battle spirit and vitality, the giant ape roared ferociously. Aiming at Liliana, the beast swung its left arm like a hammer. This was bad! The blue knight had been greatly weakened by the poisonous mist, and her body was no longer as agile as a flying swallow. However, Liliana reversed II Maestro and aimed the sharp blade of the naginata to stab the giant ape's hand. Gawaaaaaaaa! The giant ape roared as if it was crying out in pain. But this was the limit of Liliana's counterattack. The furious giant ape swung its right arm and sent her fairy-like body flying with a punch. "Mmm... Ah— !" After rolling many times on the ground, Liliana vomited blood as she struggled to get up. But she was unable to do so, and the blue bandiera had also vanished. The sacred garment with the blue and black stripes took on part of the damage received by its master, and disappeared. Erica and Liliana were both heavily injured and unable to continue direct combat. At this moment, unexpected help arrived. A flash of white light streaked across the sky, piercing the giant ape's temples in a splendid manner like a silver-white dragon. The troublesome divine beast collapsed like a pile of sand. Who was their savior? Kusanagi Godou's authority was not capable of something like this, so it must be... Erica pondered as she lay on the ground, unable to move, her mind and body totally exhausted. Her neighbor Liliana appeared to be in the same state. Ravaged by the poisonous mist, the two of them soon lost consciousness. The scenery of lush green mountain forest, red leaves, as well as rivers and streams, all seemed to be devoured by darkness. If one listened closely, the sounds of the forest could be heard, like the motions of branches, the call of insects, and the squirming of unknown creatures. Amongst them, a jaguar was lying in wait. "Regarding the knights, you have no need to worry. When I struck down the giant ape here, I used the opportunity to snipe the other one that was threatening those girls... Just don't go around accusing me of stealing your kill and it'll be fine." The jaguar's voice carried a teasing tone to it. It had the elegant sound of a male tenor's voice. Godou nodded. "So, Kusanagi Godou, is there a need for me to re-introduce myself?" The jaguar turned into a human, a strange person wearing a jet black cape with a black mask. What ridiculous cosplay... Somehow this thought did not enter Godou's mind. Was it because of the prestige and pressure brought by his true identity? John Pluto Smith was the man whom Godou had heard about many times before. "No, there is no need... So you have come to Japan." Was it because the other person's age was unknown? For some unknown reason, Godou didn't feel like talking in respectful tones. No matter what, the other guy was definitely older than him... Due to living in America (actually his nationality was a mystery), the strange person dressed in black showed no signs of being offended. "By the way, didn't Charlton tell you guys? I may give off a lazy impression to others, but I'm actually quite hardworking." The strange man in black laughed, causing the mask to vibrate. "That's right, is Annie-san safe now? She seemed to be hurt." "She was injured by the monkeys' attacks, and is seeking refuge to receive treatment. Things have now developed to the final stage — it's time for a full on direct confrontation with the gods. I judged that at this time, the aid of my assistant is no longer required." The hero of Los Angeles explained as Godou nodded. "Anyway, let me give you a report of the latest developments. After you lot escaped, I encountered the Great Sage and his two subordinate gods. It was quite a dangerous predicament, but I managed to break through and escape." Who would have thought that the guy could escape from a three against one situation. Seeing Godou's eyes of admiration, Smith laughed rather maliciously. "It was nothing. Having no intention to fight, I simply used magic to conceal myself and focused on running away, that's all." Smith once again took on the form of a jaguar. Melding its yellow and brown fur into the darkness, it vanished. As Godou watched in amazement, amidst the many streetlights along the National Route, Smith appeared in his jaguar form out of the shadows cast by those streetlights. The magical power to move from darkness to darkness, from shadow to shadow. So that's how it was done. This ability was really quite suited for making escapes. The supernatural jaguar immediately returned to the form of the weirdo dressed in black. "That said, I also used up one of my trump cards... But since I had no wish for a frontal confrontation with an enemy whose solid defenses are like a steel wall, the trump had to be used." Impressively, it was apparent that Smith had observed Godou's fight with the Great Sage. "Those of [Steel]'s kind seem to be afraid of heat and flames hot enough to melt steel. I once heard that from the gods." "It makes sense. When the time comes, I will need to use a particular move." "You have a solution?" "Sort of, but I've heard that you plan on rescuing the girl captured by the Great Sage? If that's the case, that move cannot be used. For you to fight the Great Sage under such a great handicap, do you have any confidence you can win?" "There are three enemies... I can't handle them all, but I would like to set out a condition." The insect-like compound eyes on the mask met with Godou's gaze. "Condition? That's interesting, pray tell me." "Namely, do not assist me. I have decided to duel the Great Sage one on one. Before everything is settled, can you stand aside?" The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, had already flaunted his enormous power twice. Whenever Godou thought about the situation, somehow he really felt like complaining about how ridiculous and unreasonable it was. However, since the opponent was a god, having inexplicable powers was only natural. "...You have already noticed it. How sharp of you." Smith's mask vibrated from laughter. Apparently, he too, had noticed the same thing. Noticing that he was clearly being tested, Godou came to such a conclusion. "Even though your taste in clothing is very weird, I do believe you are a serious person at heart. But then again, something is still a little off, how should I put it? You have something wrong with your personality, an eccentric." "Unfortunately, you're a poor judge of character." Smith deliberately imitated Godou's exasperated tone of voice. "Wearing appropriate clothing for dramatic situations is called being stylish. I am not some kind of eccentric, but there are principles I cannot compromise. A slightly stubborn man, that's all." Godou couldn't help but smile wryly at the pretentious man who could make such complicated justifications with complete fluency. If there was a chance in the future, Godou really wanted to watch his performance on a theater stage. "Of course, I do have other concerns. Listen carefully, this is what I believe. Possessing great power without a sense of responsibility is just as culpable as committing crimes! With great power comes great responsibility, and with it, noblesse oblige!" Smith fluttered his cape. It was truly like a theatrical gesture in the way it prioritized the first impressions of audiences. "I have already heard from Charlton that your personal life is quite problematic." "T-That's Annie-san's misunderstanding. It's actually not that serious." "You don't have to entertain me with excuses. I am a far more open-minded person than that woman. Freedom of love is justice. The important thing is that you don't abandon your responsibilities as a result of pursuing multiple romantic relationships. You have already proven your character when you took initiative in fighting gods on the front lines." The masked devil king dressed in black was truly a living legend of contrived justifications. Concluding that this youth lived in a completely separate world, he extended his leather-gloved right hand. "Kusanagi Godou, as long as the fact of your becoming the ally of John Pluto Smith does not pose a particular hindrance to me, I will accede to your request and simply stand back and observe. Of course, if a suitable opportunity arises for a grand entrance, I reserve the right to make my move!" Clearly there was no room for objection. Godou also extended his right and shook hands. Godou was secretly surprised to find the touch of Smith's hand to be softer than he could imagine. Part 4 Having shaken hands, Godou asked Smith to track down the Great Knights' position using magic. Smith snapped his fingers. Despite dampening from the leather glove, the sound was still quite clear. What kind of strange skill was it... Roughly thirty seconds passed, during which Godou pondered this as he waited. With a thud, the sound of something heavy being dropped was heard. Turning his head back, Godou found Erica and Liliana's bodies lying on the ground. They were in a delirious state, as if struggling against some kind of illness, and both were hyperventilating. "I tasked spirits from the Astral Plane to carry them over... They appear to be poisoned. You must reward your lovers well for having fought hard for your sake." "Of course! ...But they are not my lovers, okay?" "Nothing less expected of you. That's right, because of unfavorable rumors, other euphemisms must be used normally. You may be young, but what a clever and slippery fellow you are!" After making this final joke, Smith walked into the darkness, once again turning into a jaguar and disappeared. What a man with such intense oppressive presence. However, there was no time to dwell on these matters, for Godou still had pressing concerns to attend to. Before him were the injured Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar. Not far away, there was also the exhausted Ena Seishuuin, as well as Yuri who had yet to recover consciousness. Godou confirmed once again that the [Youth] incarnation could be used. According to legends, the Persian Warlord Verethragna took on the form of a radiant fifteen-year-old youth when he descended upon the earth as a hero. This incarnation had saved Erica in the past when she collapsed in the Astral Plane, and now it was time to make use of it again. ...But using it meant doing that particular ritual with everyone! It was truly quite a predicament. But if he didn't do it, he would not be able to save these girls! Godou wished from the bottom of his heart to save them, and was filled with fury at his own ineptitude. Since things have come to this, who cares anymore! Partially out of reckless abandon, Godou resolved himself to use the [Youth]. Hesitation and fear both vanished. His mind became as clear and calm as a serene water surface. Perhaps this feeling was exactly what was meant by the expression 'calm as a lake.' Godou found everything around him had become exceedingly simple to perceive. Why am I hesitating over pointless things? Didn't I tell myself before? Doubt no further, just go ahead and save everyone. At this time, Erica pushed to lift her torso. It was an act of such extreme weakness that it did not match the [Diavolo Rosso]. However, this was the result of fighting for Kusanagi Godou. "...Godou, you're going to use that [Protection] again? And this time on everyone?" "Yes, because it's necessary." Despite the weakened state of her body, Erica still put on airs and turned her head with a sulking expression. "What is it? You look displeased." "Only I am allowed to do that with Godou... Only my body is allowed to house your power. I have been contemplating this all along, but you are just going ahead and recklessly involving everyone... Furthermore, I... still haven't given you permission to take Ena as your lover." "I don't need your permission for every single thing I do, right?" Godou deliberately spoke coldly, causing Erica to turn her face to the other side. "As Kusanagi Godou's lover and future first lady, as well as the woman who is your knight, it is only natural for me to possess this special privilege. Rather it is you, Godou, who should respect me more." "Respect?" "Yes, ever since you became a Campione on the Island of Sardinia, I have been staying by your side. At that time I even opposed the orders of the association. For the sake of your protection, even my purity was offered in a time of need. But Godou has never given me serious consideration, and you keep treating me the same way you treat other girls." In a rare moment, Erica was complaining with an angry expression. Acting so gracefully all the time, she must have kept things pent up for a very long time. Godou smiled wryly slightly, for Erica was currently very adorable. For a girl so talented and refined that it was difficult to think of her as being the same age, one would never expect her to cast aside her usual composure so completely. To have accumulated so much dissatisfaction without revealing a single sign on her face, she truly was lacking in being upfront. "Godou, you need to listen to me more seriously — mmm, mmm — " Irritated, Godou simply raised Erica's chin and kissed her. Erica closed her lips and struggled, but not in earnest. After all, she possessed greater arm strength than me. Had she been serious, I would have been pushed away immediately. Very quickly Erica began to settle down and started to savor Godou's lips as if lusting after them. "...You really do act differently when using the [Youth], toying with me like this..." "Not really that different. It's just that I can openly speak out those words I could never say normally." As Godou whispered into the ear of Erica whose eyes were already intoxicated, he continued with the process. Godou raised his magical power of a Campione's, refining it into the divine warlord's [Protection]. Through kissing, it was delivered into the body of the girl before his eyes. The [Youth] incarnation offered the ability to bestow [Protection] upon the receiver via mouth-to-mouth, giving them the same relentless vitality of a Campione's as well as granting an explosive increase in magical and spiritual powers. But in the process of delivering the protection, intense pain would be felt by the receiver. Seeing her suffer so much previously, this time Godou fed the protection drop by drop to Erica, who moaned "ah..." lightly. "Besides, you've already vowed before, until the destruction of the world, you will always stay by my side... Then just shut up with the nagging about all these pointless things." "It's not meaningless. As your number one lover, it is extremely important to me." Kissing repeatedly, the two whispered quietly. "Ranking companions is not my style. What's important is everyone does their job no matter what their position, right? However... If you really want it that badly, I don't mind saying it out loud. You are the most precious person to me... That should satisfy you, right?" "...Now that is not Erica Blandelli's style." Godou kissed Erica's earlobe as he spoke while the beautiful girl, more gorgeous than anyone, answered as she panted. "After all, you are the one who silently accepted the trump fourth hitter." "I hope you can address me as queen, and by the way, I don't know terms about any sport as lowly as baseball." Finally, Erica said something more in tune with her usual style. "Godou... Try being more forceful. Perhaps because it's the second time, it doesn't hurt as much. I want to receive even more of your power, and I want the deepest part of my body to carry your [Protection] that keeps me safe. So hurry..." "No, I'm sorry, but this will have to wait." Godou shook his head at the blonde beauty who pleaded passionately with him. Since Erica had stabilized, he wanted to check out the condition of the other girls, for the two Hime-Miko should be in worse shape than the knights. "Hmph, come on... Fine, but finish faster and come back to continue, I want every part of my body to communicate with Godou." After a deep kiss that was like a tight vacuum, Erica finally allowed their bodies to be separated. Godou once again examined the two Hime-Miko lying together side by side. Due to the extreme exhaustion from divine possession, Ena's breathing was very weak. Yuri's condition was also quite poor. The [Youth]'s power told Godou that forcefully performing spirit vision had greatly strained her mind and brain. Godou began to use Verethragna's incarnation in earnest. Focusinq his attentions, Godou transmuted magical power in his energy center^ into the [Protection] of salvation. He first sat down next to the Hime-Miko of the Sword. "Seishuuin, your body seems to be in a severe condition." "Yes, right, I'm sorry, Ena cannot help Your Majesty in this state..." Ena struggled to respond to Godou's call. "Don't speak like that, you have already tried your best. This time it is my turn to give you power, but this power does not come without a price. If you — Seishuuin Ena, do not possess the determination to follow me into the deepest abyss of hell, I cannot give it to you." Godou placed his hand on the shoulder of the raven-haired Hime-Miko. "Whether alive or dead, or facing any god, I have to come first. You must live for me alone, and I will never abandon you to gods, devils, or fate." Asking an elite Hime-Miko like Ena to abandon her path and choose me instead was really an unreasonable request. "If you do that, I can give you the necessary power. How's that? Become my companion." Swearing a great oath of treasuring for a life time and promising to bring happiness to the other person. Those were actions for the kind-hearted but otherwise useless people. I am not the same. You shall live for the king and die for the king. Consider it a curse of a life time. Only those who have accepted such a life are allowed to serve beside the likes of Campiones. "Yes, Ena swears that whether her sword or her strength, all will be used only for Your Majesty! So please treat Ena the same as Erica, and let Ena be Your Majesty's possession!" She replied immediately. Seishuuin Ena truly was the girl that Erica saw as her competitor. As if passionately entreating, Ena embraced Godou tightly. "I don't mind even if I cannot be your wife or concubine. Just let Ena stay by your side forever, even as a secret woman who cannot be exposed to the public, Ena's family will have no objections..." "Idiot, don't speak ridiculously like that anymore." Godou spoke as he glanced at Erica. The self-styled first lady candidate made a look that seemed to say 'do as you please' and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't like to rank my companions, so you are not allowed to say that 'being an underground lover is fine' or anything like that." "Yes, got it, Ena understands, Your Majesty — Mmmm..." The chatting could not continue, for Godou had forcefully sealed Ena's lips. The bold, unrestrained and genuine girl rolled her eyes as she accepted the forceful kiss. Like Yuri, she seemed to be completely unexperienced in this area. Godou extended his tongue into her mouth. The initial touch seemed to cause her great surprise, stiffening her body, but Godou disregarded it and continued his assault. Flipping her tongue, licking her teeth, pressing his lips down upon hers. Thus the wizardry channel between him and Ena was established — the path for transmitting [Protection] was complete. "Ah, aaaaah— " "Seishuuin? Does it hurt a lot? Should I go a little gentler?" "l-lt's fine... I can bear it, b-but I am a bit scared..." Ena opened her lips as she described how she felt, surprising Godou by inserting her tongue into his mouth. Extremely soft, without any hard parts to it, the tongue ventured into Godou's mouth in trepidation. Godou attacked in return, pinning down her tongue, entangling together and intimately became one. "Though it's scary, Ena will definitely bear it. Please treat Ena the way you like! Now that Ena is also Your Majesty's woman... I will properly do my duty...!" Hugging tightly and passionately kissing nonstop, Ena was very inviting of tender affection. At the same time, the desire to trample and ravish her was rising. Godou began to send a little bit of Verethragna's [Protection] into Ena's energy center beneath the navel. "Ah... Ah — !?" From Ena's mouth came brief moans as she separated from Godou's lips. However, after a brief respite often-odd seconds, the Hime-Miko of the Sword once again sought the kiss of her master. "S-so with this, Ena has become Your Majesty's woman, right? I won't lose to Erica-san or Liliana-san... Or even Yuri... As an acceptable lover... Right!? More... Let Ena feel even more of Your Majesty's power!" Ena sucked Godou's mouth, continuously with passion and power. Godou generously accepted her bravery and willfulness. Ena, who usually did as she pleased, was consciously trying to be brave. Though a little odd, it made her especially adorable. "From Your Majesty's body I can feel Ama no Murakumo, so it really lies dormant within you. Hoho, Ama no Murakumo had been anxious because you wouldn't use it... By the way, Ena is already much better, Your Majesty should take care of Yuri now... Please..." "Even if you didn't remind me, I was going to do that." As Godou finished, Ena immediately reached out to her Hime-Miko friend lying beside them, placing her hand over the hand of Yuri, who had been hurt from using spirit vision forcefully. Yuri had yet to awaken and her consciousness was fuzzy. Trembling, Ena was barely able to support herself and took her childhood friend in her arms. "Your Majesty... Hurry and... for her..." Embracing Yuri from behind, Ena urged quietly. The two beautiful Hime-Miko sat there side by side. Yuri had already sworn eternal allegiance to Godou, so there was no need to force her to make a new oath. Godou casually drew near her face and stole the lips of the unconscious Yuri. As he poured slightly stronger [Protection] in her, Yuri's body began to lean back a bit. "G-Godou-san? And why is Ena-san here as well?" She seemed to have recovered consciousness. From her lips came a query as well as heavy panting. Once again, Godou sealed her lips with his own and whispered to her quietly. "I will make you mine, do you still object?" "Yuri, let's all become His Majesty's women. Though it hurts a bit, bear it for a little while." "Yes, very well... 1-1 have made my decision, please do as you wish, Godou-san." Before Godou, Yuri liberated her fiery-hot body. Supported by Ena, the quintessential Yamato Nadeshiko leaned her maiden body against him. "Mariya, how do you feel now? Does it hurt?" Kissing her repeatedly, their tongues tangled and they exchanged saliva. Yuri was still a bit clumsy the first time, but now she seemed to have fully accustomed herself to it. Although she was not as bold as Erica, Yuri responded to Godou's actions whole-heartedly, catering to him with genuine sincerity. The wizardry channel began to connect between them. It's about time? Godou refined magical power into [Protection] and forced it deeply into the furthest reaches of Yuri's body. " !?" Locked mouth-to-mouth with Godou, Yuri's body began to tremble. "Should I go a little less forcefully?" It should be hurting a lot, but the beautiful Hime-Miko shook her head. "No, there is no need, pain is fine... I will endure, so please bestow your divine power unto me, and use my body to receive your power." Yuri's gaze moistened, and she kissed Godou's lips as if trying to envelope them entirely. The intimate sense of contact between mucous membranes was frighteningly bewitching, making Godou more and more aroused. "M-My consciousness has now become lucid... It is all thanks to your protection. Please, give me more — " Holding back tears as she endured the pain, Yuri pleaded courageously. The resolute maiden was too adorable, and Godou shifted his lips to kiss her cheek. "Y-Your Majesty... Please also give Ena... I beg you... Ena will always stay with Your Majesty from now on. So please..." Ena forcefully pressed her lips onto Godou's. What a clumsy manner of courtship. Though she was a naturally bold girl, it seemed like she was even more awkward than Yuri in this regard. But this clumsy behavior was very inviting, and Godou once again poured [Protection] into her. "...Ooh?" Ena moaned. It does hurt very much after all? "P-Please endure, Ena-san... I will accompany you." Ena opened her eyes wide in pain while Yuri held Ena in her arms, supporting her. "Y-Yes, w-we two will become His Majesty's women... Ah, E-Ena gets it now, I am intimately connecting with Your Majesty's innermost depths, as well as — Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi... Your Majesty... Ama no Murakumo is telling me, what kind of god the Great Sage Equaling Heaven is. It is now time to reveal his true nature." Tears streamed out of Ena's eyes as she spoke to Godou. "The divine clan of heretical steel originated as outsiders, and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi is one of them. Ena will transfer as much as possible all sorts of information known about the Great Sage. Yuri, let us tell His Majesty together, for the sake of our husband, let us offer the spell words to slice gods apart!" "Very well, let us both become Godou-san's power... To become the blade of his sword..." The two Hime-Miko drew their lips near, and Godou welcomed them. Repeatedly swapping between Yuri and Ena in turn, the lips of the three melded together as if they had become a single being. "The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong was born from stone as the divine monkey. The stone mentioned here is essentially ore." "Havoc in the celestial palace — the Great Sage caused a ruckus in the palace of heaven, and was caught by the True Lord Erlang, embodiment of the sacred, who then tossed him alive into the Bagua cauldron." "Scorched and burned for forty-nine days in the fiery cauldron, the Great Sage did not die, however, but was reborn instead." "As one born from iron ore, the hero was scorched, tormented, annealed, and made complete. This legend stands as proof of the Great Sage's identity as a sword god of [Steel]." "The Journey to the West passed down to contemporary times has its basis in the Ming^ dynasty novel, but the original legends came from various tribes in ancient China scattered all over the continent." Was Godou's tongue currently tangling with Yuri's or Ena's? It was already impossible to tell, for the three of them had lost all sense of boundary as they sought one another. Godou tasted Yuri's lips as he greedily sought Ena's, while the two girls simultaneously searched for Godou's tongue and began to suction. Lips crossing, Yuri and Ena swallowed Godou's saliva in small gulps. "No fair, only caring for Yuri and Ena... Casting me aside." Complaining, Erica hugged Godou from behind. Godou felt the bountiful bosom pressing tightly against his back, strongly making its existence known. Turning his head back, Erica's passionate kiss awaited him. It was an intense kiss that felt as if it would suck out everything from his mouth. The lustful and extravagant exchange could no longer be adequately described by the term 'kiss.' "Godou... It's about time, right? Send forth your protection to the very end, I am ready to accept it any time, don't make me wait with such impatience..." "l-lt's too unfair if it's only Erica-san, Ena and Yuri are ready too." "Godou-san... Please spoil us with your love..." As the three girls pressed their lips against him, Godou responded to their requests. Increasing Verethragna's [Protection] to distribute between everyone in one go, the divine warlord's authority penetrated into the girls' bodies simultaneously. "Ah, aaaaaaah, Godou-san!" "Y-Your Majesty... Ena is now... Truly Your Majesty's woman...!" "P-Pour your power into my body once again... Don't worry, it doesn't hurt as much as before. So please... let me feel even more of your power... I beg you!" The three maidens — [Protection] was sent into each of them at their energy centers beneath the navel. Godou nodded at the feeling when he was reminded of the remaining girl. "E-Erica... Mariya Yuri... Seishuuin Ena... How could you all be so bold... Engaging in this indecent behavior!? A-As a knight I cannot accept this..." Liliana had recovered consciousness and seemed to have noticed the ritual in progress. With a shocked expression she stared at what Godou and the rest were doing. Perhaps due to the poison's effect, she could only support her upper torso, and her gaze and tone of voice were very weak. Godou extended his hand towards the silver-haired knight in this state. "Liliana once vowed to be my exclusive knight, like birds flying wing to wing, or intertwined branches? So come on over here and I will reward you as appropriate." "A-As appropriate means!?" "With victory and power... I cannot give you things like the happiness or memories of ordinary people. However, as long as you follow me, you will surely obtain victory, so I will give you the necessary power. I will even give you my heart." Godou swept his gaze over the girls leaning their bodies against him, offering their all. Everyone showed a serene smile, while the particularly contented Erica signaled with her eyes. "Oh well, this might be a good thing after all, let's get married like this when the time comes." "B-But I am a knight... If I lose myself to lust like Erica... In order to manage your female relationships properly, I cannot let myself fall to such narrow-minded behavior." "Lily, don't be overly obsessed with things like identity." Seeing Liliana pointlessly hesitating, Erica spoke with her eyes half closed. It was meant to help her longtime friend overcome her rigidity. "You want to be the best knight, right? Then you should accept the ritual together with us. What Kusanagi Godou needs right now are fearless warriors. Are you going to lose to me, Ena and Yuri? If that's the case, are you still going to insist you are the premier knight?" "Idiot! I am not going to lose to anyone!" Liliana declared with a solemn expression. "Even if my lord sets off for hell, I will follow to the very end. Do not look down on me!" "If that's the case, hurry and get yourself over here. Worry about the details later." Admonished by Godou, Liliana finally moved over, but it seemed like she still had not steeled her determination and she stopped a step or two away. The one who pulled the blue knight over was Ena. "Liliana-san that's no good, if His Majesty said you must come here then you should accept his love openly." "Ena-san, please do not force her, you need to respect people's wishes in these matters... But Liliana-san, let me state that the others and I do not regret engaging in this behavior." Even Yuri was persuading in an inoffensive manner, bearing a smile radiant as a blooming sakura flower. "P-Please wait a moment. I still have not prepared myself — Mmm — !?" Because Liliana still could not make up her mind, Godou silenced her with a kiss. "From now on it might be quite arduous, you would do best to prepare yourself." The silver-haired maiden was afraid for an instant, but nodded after swallowing. Godou distilled the [Protection] within him, and sent it gradually into Liliana's body. "Mmm... Aaaaaah!" The beautiful fairy-like face was distorted by pain as Liliana screamed out acutely. Through their lips, Godou slowly delivered [Protection] into her body. "Y-Your overwhelming power is certainly being transferred, b-but why does the rhythm feel a bit different from when the others were receiving it?" "Idiot, if I start with pouring that amount of power, it will be very painful for you. Didn't you see how everyone else was suffering?" "D-Do not mind me, Kusanagi Godou. Please treat this as a test of my loyalty, pay me no mind! As the premier knight I cannot lose to anyone here..." Perhaps due to bearing the intense pain, Liliana cried out with her eyes closed. For an instant, Godou shifted his gaze away from the blue knight and met with Erica's. I could do as she says, but she will be in great pain, oh? Well, she's not a girl you can convince with words alone though — with no other way, Godou accelerated the delivery of [Protection] into Liliana's energy center. "Mmmm... Ah, aaaah — !" Liliana almost fainted from the pain and she separated her lips from Godou's mouth. "See, didn't I say just now, it's best to start slow. You don't need to rush — Hmm!?" Godou's mouth was suddenly stifled, for Liliana had stolen his lips with a kiss. Pecking away at Godou's lips, her kiss felt as soft as an angel's feathers. "l-lt is fine, I am your knight... Enduring this kind of pain is expression of my loyalty to my lord, it is my honor." Liliana murmured lightly as she panted heavily. "I, Liliana Kranjcar, would suffer the shame of a lifetime if you had to worry about me specifically when lined up against Erica and other women. So I implore you, do not give me special consideration — I will surely bear it!" However, reality was not that easy. Hoho... Just as Godou wondered how to respond, Erica smiled. Compared to her usual diabolical smile, this one carried a greater sense of innocence, making it more of an impish smile. "In that case, Godou, you should treat Lily and me the same as what you did with Yuri and Ena, and give us some good loving." Erica poked her head in between Godou and Liliana and offered her lips. Compared to just now, it felt much softer, and Erica's kiss was like a gentle caress on Godou's lips. "You're joining in as well? Is this something that needs to be done with two people?" "Of course, you can do it, right? Didn't you say that you hate ranking us? So you must love us fairly and take care of us equally." Godou immediately figured out what she was scheming impishly. Grabbing Liliana's shoulder, he pulled her over, lining up before him the Eastern European beauty who was like a fairy, side by side with the impish beauty. At this moment, Ena interrupted: "In that case, you can't ignore us either. Yuri, come over here as well." "E-Ena-san! Stop dragging me...! ...Really, everyone is too shameless, over indulging in this kind of behavior is not proper..." Ena embraced Godou, and somehow, Yuri had also begun hugging him at the urging of her childhood friend. The Yamato Nadeshiko-like Hime-Miko who was usually consumed with prudent forethought, was now gazing at Godou with an intoxicated and seductive expression, despite admonishing the others. Godou drew his face near the four maidens, and stole away their lips in turn. Kissing Erica, kissing Liliana's lips, and also catering to Yuri and Ena at the same time. With the silver-haired knight at the center, Godou passionately kissed the other three girls one after another in turn, distributing [Protection] amongst them evenly. "Ah... Kusanagi Godou, if someone were to witness this scene, then... It would be most troubling — as a knight, for me to indulge in such scandalous behavior — !" "Unfortunately, your king is the kind of man who does this sort of thing." Godou suddenly let go of the panting Liliana. "Do you all regret swearing an oath to a man like me?" "Hoho, I will serve by your side, and be your sword and shield throughout your path of conquest. And then I shall be your right hand and trusted advisor, assisting you as you lord over the earth. It is completely unnecessary to confirm this sort of thing with me, Erica Blandelli." "Same for Ena. It is because Your Majesty is this kind of person that Ena feels her heart pounding every time." "No matter what kind of great sinner you might become in the future, I will always stand by your side..." Erica spoke nonchalantly, while Ena declared joyfully and Yuri smiled gently with kindness. And then, Liliana finally confessed her innermost feelings with honesty. "1-1 am the same! Kusanagi Godou! We are entwined branches and birds flying wing to wing. If you ever retire from the fate of godslaying, then I will accompany you in your chambers, and do everything in my power to serve my king. As long as it is your wish, no matter how shameless or immoral, I will still — " The current Liliana was no longer the awe-inspiring and righteous knight, nor the slightly out-of-line domestic girl. At some point, her face started to show an expression of a woman with fairy-like beauty and a seductive charm of fantasy. "Though as a knight, this is troubling... But on a personal level, l-l really like you like this, so I will no longer find myself at a loss over unnecessary things — " What followed after this was a chaotic scene. As the four of them offered their lips to him in a row, Godou savored and enjoyed them fully, in no particular order. They could no longer tell whose lips belonged to whom, or whose tongue was being entangled. As they licked one another's saliva without conscious identity, the five of them ended the ritual, and the divine warlord's protection was bestowed upon the girls. References 1. t Psalm 22:22 2. t David: both Erica's Golgotha spell words and Liliana's Song of the Bow originate from King David's Psalms from the Old Testament of the Bible. http://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/David 3. t Energy center(^-BS): a pressure point located below the navel (about three finger widths down and two finger widths deep), it is associated with cultivating life energy (qi) and vital essence. http://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/Dantian 4. t Ming: the dynasty ruling imperial China from 1368-1644. Journey to the West was written in the 16th century (1500s).