Campione! - Vol 1 Chapter 5
Library

Vol 1 Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Time of the Hunt

Part 1

The sun had already set, and night was falling.

Rain drops were falling rhythmically from the sky.

G.o.dou supported Yuri and left the library with Erica, meeting Amakasu at

the parking lot.

"It really did develop into this kind of situation... Anyway, let's get out of

here for now, and plan as we move. Just sitting here is not going to solve

anything."

Amakasu heard what happened, and urged G.o.dou and the rest.

Developments have reached an emergency situation, will these actions

turn out to be rash or foresighted?

G.o.dou had yet to decide on a plan, so he went with Amakasu's

suggestion.

"No matter what, things have gotten more and more troublesome..."

The domestic car aimlessly ran towards the Minato ward on the Shuto

Expressway.

G.o.dou sat in the front pa.s.senger seat and grumbled.

Obviously, Amakasu was in the driver's seat, while Erica and Yuri sat in

the back.

"Let me make this clear, I only wanted to sum up the conversation quickly,

and had no intention of putting G.o.dou in danger. This matter should have

been originally prepared for the battle against the Marquis Voban."

Erica said in a calm manner.

She was probably in a bad mood because G.o.dou chose to sit in front

instead of next to her.

"I know that, but there must be some slightly safer way to resist!"

G.o.dou tried to change his mood as he spoke, as there was no point in

regretting something that had already happened

Try to think of a constructive way to minimize damage to the surroundings.

"Sigh, grumbling is meaningless, let's consider our direction from this point

on—how many authorities does that old gramps have in total?"

"...Is it seven or eight?"

"There are also reports of nine, or even ten and above."

G.o.dou frowned at Amakasu and Erica's vague responses.

"Can you answer clearly? Aren't there magic a.s.sociations investigating our

abilities and making reports? That name is something like..."

"The Greenwich a.s.sembly."

Amakasu answered while gripping the steering wheel.

"However, that group only started their activities in the latter half of the

nineteenth century. That is why they don't have information on people who

became Campiones earlier like the Marquis Voban. Thus, detailed

information is only available on those who became [Kings] in the twentieth

century or later, like Salvatore Doni and the Black Prince Alec."

"Information on Marquis Voban aside, even the G.o.d he first defeated is

completely unknown. Some say that it is a G.o.d a.s.sociated with

wolves—probably a G.o.d with earth attributes."

Erica's supplementary explanation reminded G.o.dou of the information he

received from that phone call.

"Come to think of it, that fellow Doni also has all sorts of disparate

authorities. It feels like there is no sense of unity."

G.o.dou frankly injected his comment.

The other two became silent in the middle of their explanations, and turned

their gazes towards G.o.dou as if they had something to say.

"Wha-what is it?"

"No... if you say so, then nothing."

"I think that the embodiment of Verethragna is also a bunch of random

abilities."

True, that was something not really worth comparing, so G.o.dou decided to

cut back on the unnecessary comments.

"Then let's return to the topic just now, and decide on how to proceed from

here. If we cannot avoid fighting against that old gramps, I want to do it

somewhere to minimize collateral damage."

"I see. If helping Yuri-san is the first priority, then there is no other way."

Amakasu spoke as he looked ahead.

The rain splattering on the winds.h.i.+eld had intensified, and it was raining

quite heavily.

"However, do note that handing Yuri-san over as a sacrifice is a possible

solution. From a personal standpoint I think it is a tragic option, but in the

interests of public welfare, it is the best choice."

"Please don't say something so stupid in front of the person being

discussed. There's no way I'll pick that method."

G.o.dou immediately rejected Amakasu's irrelevant words.

This young man always put on frivolous airs, but made shockingly cruel

suggestions.

"But if we really do that, Marquis Voban will be satisfied and will leave

Tokyo immediately. There won't be any other innocent victims, isn't that

appropriate?"

"I understand your reasoning. But I refuse!"

However, the one who opposed G.o.dou was not the originator of the plan.

"Kusanagi-san, Amakasu-san's suggestion is correct."

Yuri, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

Bowing her head down depressed, however, she suddenly looked up and

entered the conversation.

"If you don't hand me over, Kusanagi-san and the Marquis' battle—will

bring severe tragedy to Tokyo. Did you know? There are legends about the

Marquis summoning great storms to destroy cities, and releasing wolves to

level villages."

Yuri's stern voice carried determination.

She was no longer afraid, and quietly spoke with an expression of sorrow.

"The only one the Marquis insists on having is me. Fortunately, the

Marquis only intends for me to help him finish the ritual, so he should not

do anything else to mistreat me. It will be fine."

Yuri was smiling as if trying to comfort the others.

An illusory smile which showed great strength. G.o.dou lightly sighed. Such

acting skills must have been difficult for her who lacked competence in

either sports or technology.

"Will there be any danger?"

"Four years ago, there were about thirty miko partic.i.p.ating in the Marquis'

[Heretical G.o.d] summoning. After the ritual, roughly two thirds of them

suffered severe mental trauma, and most went mad and lost their sanity."

In the instant he heard Erica's fluent answer, G.o.dou made his decision.

—Ok, let's do it this way.

"In the battle against Athena, Yuri risked her life to use her power to

provide a.s.sistance, and took on a dangerous and irreplaceable role in

order to force the G.o.ddess to retreat from Tokyo."

Kusanagi G.o.dou owed Mariya Yuri an extremely great favor.

"That ritual is very famous for summoning [Heretical G.o.ds] with that level

of sacrifice. Honestly speaking, I was quite surprised to find out that Yuri

had partic.i.p.ated in that ritual before. I suspect Yuri was only safe because

she was the most capable out of the many miko, but she is unlikely to be

so lucky next time."

"In that case no, not allowed. Mariya's proposal is rejected."

Feeling his battle spirit fired up, G.o.dou quietly said.

Campiones—just because one was the [King], can one do as one

pleased? No way! Towards Voban's tyranny, G.o.dou's sense of resistance

gradually grew.

It was completely unacceptable to let this girl be involved in such dangers

due to that old man's personal whims.

"So, Mariya, did you consider carefully before deciding to follow that old

gramps? Really seriously considered from the depths of your heart?"

"...Seriously considered."

Yuri answered curtly, but with her head bowed.

G.o.dou turned around and looked at her straight in the face.

"You are lying. This is Mariya's benevolent lie."

"Nothing like that, I did consider carefully—!"

"Just like the time with Athena, you thought that it would be fine if you were

the only sacrifice, right? I decided then, if anything like that ever happens

again, Mariya will definitely try to sacrifice herself—but that is something I

definitely will not allow."

His body became hot.

A Campione's body will easily enter an optimal state during times of crises.

This is the power supporting G.o.dou's battle ability.

"If you fight with the Marquis, another cruel disaster will occur, so please

calm down!"

"I am calm, don't worry. Even if the opponent is a horrific Campione, he is

not a G.o.d and cannot create a world of darkness like Athena. There should

be ways to deal with him."

"But then, in that case Kusanagi-san will... please consider yourself."

Her shoulders dropping, Yuri murmured weakly.

"If-if anything happens to you—no, in a fight against the Marquis,

something will definitely happen. If Kusanagi-san gets killed because of

me, I..."

Her words lost form and were no longer distinguishable from one another.

Yuri completely lowered her head, her shoulders shaking, and tears

streamed down her face, moistening the dress of her j.a.panese outfit.

—This strong-willed girl was crying.

Yuri who had once faced Athena alone without regard for her own safety,

was now clearly crying. It was most likely due to G.o.dou's risking his life for

her.

If it was simply her own matter, Yuri could definitely hold back her tears.

Nevertheless, this only made G.o.dou strengthen his determination. No

matter what, he must protect this girl, Mariya Yuri, and stop the willful

actions of that unsavory old man!

"Yuri you should just give up. This is the decision of the [King]. Saying any

more will be futile. Don't forget, this man is [King], and a very stubborn,

violent person."

In direct contrast with the Hime-Miko who cried audibly, Erica beside her

was very calm and collected.

She smiled calmly and asked.

"Of course, the Marquis you requested to follow is also a king, so which

side you pick is your freedom. Which will it be? The Marquis or G.o.dou,

who do you choose?"

"But Kusanagi-san has no chance of winning the Marquis. Though both are

Campiones, the Marquis has a clear advantage in both the strength and

number of authorities. Kusanagi-san is too optimistic!"

Yuri lifted her tear-stained face and scolded.

But G.o.dou's determination could not be shaken, and Erica simply

shrugged.

"What are we going to do, my master?"

"If we talk about chances of victory, my authorities from Verethragna

shouldn't be able to win against Athena either. Anyway, we have no other

choice at this point."

G.o.dou turned to face Amakasu on the driver's seat.

"So that's it, Mariya's person will be handled by me. I will never hand her

over to that old gramps, so please, drive to somewhere with fewer people.

A battle scene here would bring even more trouble."

"Understood. To be kidnapped by two Campiones one after the other,

Yuri-san sure is an important person."

"Ah, Amakasu-san, what are you talking about!"

Yuri reprimanded the gloating Amakasu.

However, the frivolous representative continued to man the steering wheel

unaffected.

"But regrettably, I am a member of the History Compilation Committee. As

someone involved in this field, I cannot oppose the will of the great Devil

King, oh... It's like running away on a stolen bike, a kind of guilty

excitement."

"You! Always taking things so lightly!"

Yuri finally was angered, but it totally swept away her sorrow and tears.

G.o.dou nodded at her new condition.

Once everything was settled, she would probably scold him like last time

after the Athena incident. But that's fine. Compared to letting this girl be

taken away out of sight to a distant location, it was ten thousand times

better.

Purely by chance, his gaze met with Erica's.

His companion calmly made a look, as if saying she had no objections.

"Unfortunately, I will be troubling you."

"Don't worry, didn't I already say? Having offered you my [Sword], I already

prepared myself for situations like this. And that old [King]'s history is not

something you can comprehend alone, let me fill you in later."

Erica casually spoke, and then turned her jeering gaze forwards—to the

young man in the driver's seat.

"...Well, I feel like it is correct to predict this kind of possibility, but I'm just a

little concerned about the speaker telling G.o.dou that."

"Don't talk like I have ulterior motives."

As they were about to continue, the sound of rolling thunder was heard.

The location of the thunderstrike seemed quite near. Looking out the

window, the night sky was filled with dark clouds, and the rain was

increasing continually.

"...In other words, thirty minutes have pa.s.sed."

As Amakasu glanced at his watch, gray shadows immediately appeared.

Part 2

Running.

Under the intense thunder and rain, groups of gray shadows were running.

Shadows—no, if one looked carefully, those were the silhouettes of

wolves. They numbered about thirty or forty.

A pack of wolves colored gray like a rat's fur.

But the wolves' sizes were abnormal, for their tall and well-built bodies

could easily be mistaken for a horse's.

A pack of giant wolves was galloping down the Shuto Expressway with

horrific speed, chasing G.o.dou's car from behind.

...Surprisingly, the distance between them was shrinking.

There was still about thirty meters, but they would catch up soon.

"So these are the [Wolves] called by that old gramps? These are complete

monsters."

"I am also seeing them for the first time. The Marquis is able to call forth

hundreds of these [Wolves] and can easily eradicate ten to twenty villages

or towns with them."

Watching the ferocity of the wolf pack from the rear window of the car,

G.o.dou and Erica exchanged opinions.

Extremely ravenous wild beasts as if they had discovered their prey.

Perhaps one could understand with the following description. A pack of

wolves whose eyeb.a.l.l.s raged with the color of blood as they drooled and

chased violently.

"Come to think of it, there seems to be a lack of cars in the approaching

direction. What could be the reason..."

G.o.dou muttered as he realized his carelessness.

Though traffic was not heavy today, the number of cars on the Shuto

Expressway could not be zero. In fact, there should be cars in front and

cars from behind trying to pa.s.s.

But starting five minutes ago, the number of cars around them became

very few.

This wasn't strange. If a normal driver saw those kinds of monsters running

on the roads, they would definitely make way for them. This wasn't hard to

imagine.

"Let's hope those wolves haven't caused any serious incidents..."

G.o.dou could only pray to the heavens.

The gray wolves were probably only targeting G.o.dou and Yuri and should

be ignoring the other cars. Hence, that worry seemed unlikely. But still,

they should prepare for the worst.

...In a car collision, those wolves would probably send the car flying

instead.

"Amakasu-san, please stop the car! Don't involve unrelated people!"

"I refuse to stop, but we should definitely avoid a chase in a place like this."

After being told by Yuri, Amakasu turned the steering wheel.

It was at the Kokuchou interchange on Route 3 of the Shuto Expressway.

Amakasu directed the car into the lane towards the exit leading to street

level.

"Are you planning on driving on the streets? That is very dangerous!"

"If we get attacked by those monsters while driving at such a speed, the

result will be tragic! Since they will catch up sooner or later, it will be easier

to escape at ground level."

Of course, this reasoning had its merits, so G.o.dou immediately responded

to Amakasu's suggestion.

"Then please let us off at a suitable spot, and then try to think of a

solution!"

—Ten minutes later, Amakasu had driven the car into the streets in the

neighborhood of Roppongi district.

This was the city center containing high-rise buildings, luxury hotels and

television stations, with shrines, monasteries and emba.s.sies slightly further

away.

"...Could you stop the car over there?"

Due to the intense rain beating down on the windows, it was difficult to see

outside clearly. G.o.dou still managed to find a good spot and proceeded to

alert Amakasu.

Turning at an intersection, they stopped before a primary school.

A city center primary school. Neither the playground nor its overall area

were very big, but it should be enough to rampage a bit. Since it was night,

there will not be any children.

G.o.dou had Amakasu stop the car and got out onto the road.

The storm was very fierce.

As the raindrops blown by the wind struck his body sideways, his clothes

were rapidly soaked with rainwater. The rain also filled his shoes with

water.

An umbrella under such situations would most likely be blown away

immediately.

"Why don't you come along as well, Mariya. Though the weather is terrible,

please endure."

G.o.dou opened the door to the backseat and hastened Yuri to get off.

However, the Hime-Miko of Musas.h.i.+no appeared to have no intention of

following. She only stared at G.o.dou, pleading with sincere eyes.

"Kusanagi-san, you should have seen it right? Those [Wolves] and [Dead

Servants] are only a part of the Marquis Voban's powers. You cannot

defeat him. And if you went all out, it will definitely bring destruction to the

surroundings."

And so, please hand me over. To this plea, G.o.dou shook his head.

"I am not very smart, and cannot understand the reasons to do that. All I

know is this: you are my friend who once helped me. If I abandoned such a

girl, I will regret it—as I have said just now, this is my stubbornness."

G.o.dou offered his hand to the persistent Hime-Miko.

Hoping that she would accept this hand. That was what G.o.dou hoped for

from the bottom of his heart.

"I don't want to hand you over to some old gramps like that. And I am not

the only one who thinks that. Letting a courageous and compa.s.sionate girl

suffer such cruelty from that stubborn old man, if anyone else heard about

such an atrocity, I'm sure nine out of ten people will agree with my

decision."

G.o.dou felt that his oratory skills were very poor.

As he cursed his own uselessness at such a crucial time, G.o.dou continued

to speak.

"So, let's consider this... Of course I know that fighting against that old

gramps will bring trouble to many people. But if things were properly

explained, they should be able to endure for a while. I apologize for

deciding without consultation, but it is something that cannot be helped."

G.o.dou wondered if he could find the words to persuade Yuri who was the

most serious person he knew.

Feeling that he had no other appeals to reason, G.o.dou prayed as hard as

he could while attempting to convey his wishes for her safety instead.

"I understand that you're worried about many things, but please just come

with me. I beg you, Mariya."

"Your power, you do understand you cannot defeat the Marquis, right?"

"I have no intention of overextending myself for a win, but it is fine as long

as losing is avoided. As long as I am able to protect Mariya I am satisfied.

Even if my opponent is powerful, it is not farfetched to aim for a draw.

Definitely, something can be done."

An optimistic speech devoid of worry, almost sounding like something

Salvatore Doni would say.

Partially for the sake of giving Yuri confidence, G.o.dou forced himself to

speak in this manner.

It was a speech with stupid reasons and was completely lacking in

credibility. Yuri finally sighed after listening.

"Really, enough... You give me no choice. You usually speak sensibly but

why are you so sloppy now..."

Yuri looked up and gazed directly into G.o.dou's eyes.

"No matter how righteous it is to oppose that kind of person, I still know

you cannot succeed. So enough, your words of persuasion are like those

of a fool."

Inconsistent with her sharp tone, she was not staring at G.o.dou sternly.

Yuri timidly held out her hand.

The delicate hand slowly reached out towards G.o.dou's outstretched hand.

"It is not like I believe in Kusanagi-san's words or anything like that. Don't

misunderstand. It is not like I want you to risk your life or anything like that.

After all, I am just a victim of your kidnapping. I suppose resistance is

futile... In truth, this is all there is to it, so do not misunderstand."

"Yes, I understand. This is sufficient, Mariya."

Mariya took G.o.dou's hand and gripped it tightly.

Like a lost child who finally found his father.

G.o.dou nodded gladly. Yuri's face blushed and she lowered her head.

Yuri stood up and left the car, walking in the rain.

Her white j.a.panese attire was immediately drenched by the rain, and

clung closely to the exceedingly feminine form of her body.

"I will face the Marquis together with Kusanagi-san—so, I am in your care."

"We will do our best."

Though it seemed like he had yet to fully gain the other's trust, G.o.dou

guaranteed with a smiling face.

Yuri also responded with a shy smile akin to falling cherry blossoms.

"Now that it's been decided, let's prepare the grounds... Mariya you should

first cross through that door..."

As G.o.dou pointed at the school entrance, Yuri sighed.

"I understand, it really is trespa.s.sing, how unlawful..."

"Umm, please don't scold me for now. Even I don't feel comfortable about

this. Erica, please."

"Yeah yeah. Though you speak of reflection, but your true actions

completely betray them—that is one of G.o.dou's worst points. Well in this

case, we have no other choice but to count on you."

Erica made an evil smile and also got off the car.

Bending forward, she grabbed one side of the skirt of her uniform.

And then she tore it and did the same for the other side, creating torn slits

on both sides of the skirt. Of course, it was done to facilitate movement.

"The lion of steel, s.h.i.+eld of the [Diavolo Rosso], may my spell words

respond to my will!"

Disregarding the rain, Erica used the magic of summoning.

The magical sword of the lion, Cuore di Leone, appeared in her right hand.

Preparing her battle stance, Erica swung her beloved sword in a V-shape.

The primary school's entrance was cut open by the slas.h.i.+ng attack.

"Ah, this is something beyond my abilities to handle, so I will provide

support from a distance. Sorry I can't be of much help. I wish you all luck in

your struggle."

Amakasu said.

At this desperate time, he was still sitting casually at the driver's seat.

"Hmph. Unfamiliar with battle, really—but I don't think you are

incompetent."

"Yes, Erica-san. If I had to fight you, I would lose utterly in thirty seconds."

"Is that so? From my estimates, you could last about three hundred

seconds. Since it's rare to find an opportunity, would you like to try it now?"

To the smile appearing on Erica's face like a poisonous flower, Amakasu

acted dumb and made a fawning smile.

After the parting pleasantries, the three of them slipped into the school

under the cover of night.

It was after 8pm in the evening. Perhaps there might be staff on overtime.

G.o.dou prayed for them not to exit the building if that was the case.

G.o.dou aimed for the playground which should prove to be advantageous.

To [Wolves] who possessed a keen sense of smell, hiding was probably

useless so it would be better to choose a location with a clear view of the

opponents.

They waited at the playground for about five minutes.

Finally, the pack of giant wolves appeared. Unexpected for their ma.s.sive

bodies, the wolves jumped over the school fence with ease and entered

the playground.

The slowly approaching [Wolves] numbered roughly thirty or forty at least.

"I will take care of them. After all, you shouldn't use the [White Stallion] or

the [Raptor] in such a place. Save the forms of Verethragna for the

Marquis."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

G.o.dou nodded generously to Erica's proposal.

Of the ten forms usurped from Verethragna, most of them gave no

advantage in handling grouped enemies.

The [White Stallion] which summoned solar fire from the sky was one of

the few exceptions, but it was too powerful to be used rashly.

On the other hand, the [Raptor] was comparatively more normal, but there

were repercussions after its use.

"—Come, savior of the gentiles. Promised lord born from the virgin!"

Erica spoke softly to the silver sword and chanted the spell words.

Cuore di Leone floated into the air as if led by an invisible thread.

"By the holy name, O G.o.d of countless armies. G.o.d be praised! Hallowed

be thy name!"

One sword, two swords, three swords. Cuore di Leone was multiplying into

similarly shaped swords which appeared in the air in front of Erica.

In ten seconds, the magic silver sword had multiplied to thirteen.

"Then it is time to decide the victor, Cuore di Leone!"

This spell word became the trigger signal.

The thirteen swords became thirteen arrows and flew at the speed of

lightning.

Aiming between the eyes of the incoming [Wolves], they stabbed forwards.

The gray wolves cried wretchedly.

Yet blood did not seep out from their wounds. Instead, a blue black liquid

flowed from their foreheads. The giant wolves' corpses melted into the

darkness and vanished.

Like those death knights, they appeared to be abnormal creatures.

Eliminating thirteen of the pack in one motion, Cuore di Leone flew and

returned to Erica's hand.

At some unknown instant, it had returned to the one original sword.

"My hunting hounds seem to be ineffective against the [Diavolo Rosso], a

pity."

A familiar voice echoed.

The embodiment of tyranny disguised by airs of intellectuality, the old Devil

King spoke softly.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, brats. Are you prepared to be beaten

down by me?"

Thunder crashed. Violent winds screamed. Raindrops crashed repeatedly

into the ground. Voban's voice carried over, completely unaffected by

those noises.

Arrogant as ever, the Devil King casually strolled to the center of the

playground.

Part 3

"I love stormy nights. Wind, rain and lightning, these all make me feel

mighty. You are probably the same, brat. Even though you are immature, I

am sure you and I are one of a kind."

Wearing a jet black coat over his suit, Voban spoke joyfully as the rain

splattered against him.

G.o.dou immediately frowned in anger.

In fact, from a very long time ago he did have a strange habit of having a

good mood when there was a typhoon. Be that as it may, G.o.dou did not

feel like answering.

"So what? Are you just saying you like stormy nights?"

"No, I felt like it so I summoned it, and so it became like that. I believe it

also suits your tastes. You don't mind, right?"

Dejanstahl Voban had the ability to call forth storms.

Simply witnessing a part of that power troubled G.o.dou.

"Don't decide so casually, on what basis do you judge that?"

"After all, someone will not fight a deity unless they are disposed to going

with the flow and rising to the occasion. People who become Campiones

all have pretty much the same tendencies."

Erica and Yuri listened on the side and simultaneously said "ah ah, I see"

while showing an understanding expression. As both of them looked at him

at the same time, G.o.dou felt greatly uncomfortable for some reason.

"You really are a ridiculous old gramps. Then shall we start the first

round?"

"If you fall now, there is no first or second. Struggle well and amuse me."

Voban waved his hand.

Immediately, ten [Wolves] appeared out of the darkness like foaming

bubbles.

"Increasing the numbers so easily could get troublesome. But an opponent

who relies on numbers is so unrefined. It's most displeasing."

"In terms of numbers, they have already won—stand back Mariya."

G.o.dou spoke as he nodded to his companion's comments.

This was the beginning of a messy battle.

Erica threw Cuore di Leone into the air towards the distance.

"O Lion of steel, accept thy mission, transform into seven tachi[1], guard

the imprisoned king, sing Blondel, and respond with the lion-hearted king."

The silver magic sword became seven fragments and scattered on the

ground. And then, the fragments expanded and transformed into steel

lions.

Seven lion sculptures were infused with life by magic.

Their fluid motions completely unrestrained by the normal properties of

steel, the lions surrounded G.o.dou and Yuri.

The steel lions blocked the approaching pack of [Wolves]. Erica created

guards in response to Voban's ever increasing hunting hounds.

The wolves cried out!!

The [Wolf] pack all jumped.

In a rare moment, Erica was not using her usual Cuore di Leone but

instead had summoned a very heavy looking sword. She faced the attack

without any signs of fear.

Glamorously swinging her sword in a free flowing manner.

Erica repeatedly sliced through the onslaught of the wolf pack. Just as

Voban said, hounds as big as horses were no match for her.

With one or two attacks from her sword, every wolf was either sliced into

sections or pierced right through.

But even for Erica, the lone efforts of a single person had limits.

With absolute advantage in numbers, the [Wolves] only needed to keep up

the attacks. Besides, the other wolves did not have an enemy as

troublesome as Erica.

The [Wolves] targeting Yuri and G.o.dou.

The lions born from Cuore di Leone faced off against those wolves.

Vanquis.h.i.+ng the wolves with their bodies, fangs and claws of steel, the

lions' battle power far exceeded the [Wolves].

Overwhelming victory.

However, the only problem was the numbers.

In order to handle the [Wolves] which got past their defense line, G.o.dou

had to activate Verethragna's authority at last.

Imagining the strength of the [Bull], G.o.dou spoke the spell words.

"As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. Man and

devil—all enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished. Hence I shall

smash through all enemies in my way!"

When fighting an inhumanly strong opponent, Verethragna's second form,

the [Bull], granted overwhelming strength. Voban's summoned wolf pack

completely satisfied this condition.

Speeding forward like an arrow, G.o.dou aimed at an attacking wolf's snout

and sent it flying with a powerful kick.

G.o.dou avoided messy unarmed combat to prevent unnecessary injuries. If

he got bitten, those jaws might crush his bones.

He sent them flying into the distance with as little contact as possible.

G.o.dou's forward kick punted the [Wolves] high into the air like a football, all

the things attacking himself and Yuri could be seen clearly.

However, the powers of the [Bull] form were definitely unsuitable for a

disorganized fight against multiple opponents.

"These things just keep on coming, there really is no end in sight...! Mariya,

can I ask you something?"

Sending the sixth [Wolf] on a tour to the sky, G.o.dou asked.

Though the guarding lions kept going without pause, the wolf pack also

continued to increase. If this went on, they would run out of options soon.

"W-What is it, Kusanagi-san?"

"Last time, that move I used against Athena, do you think it would work

against that old gramps?"

The old Devil King, who was continually summoning [Wolves] from a

distance, simply watched the battle silently.

G.o.dou tried to show a smile of confidence and preparedness.

From the start, the pace of battle had been fully controlled by Voban.

Unless G.o.dou found a way to regain initiative and counterattack there

would be no chance of victory.

"...Probably not. I doubt those flames can defeat the Marquis. I cannot give

a reason, but that is what I feel."

The miko, who possessed spirit vision, spoke with a very disquieted

expression.

However, this opinion only made G.o.dou more determined—if that was the

case, why not try it?

"Got it. In that case, perhaps it's just as well."

"Eh? Kusanagi-san, what are you planning on doing?"

"Mariya, please do not leave my side for any reason."

Letting this continue would be meaningless, so G.o.dou decided to bring

about a conclusion to the battle.

"For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radiance

to the stallion. O stallion that moves G.o.dlike with wondrous grace, bring

forth the halo of thy master!"

The incantation to summon from the sky the white stallion which

represented the sun, the third form of Verethragna.

G.o.dou shouted sonorously.

Voban's face showed tension for the first time.

Finally sensing the coming of danger, he watched as the stormy night

turned into a morning sky tinted by the color of dawn.

"The sun—the flames of heaven?"

Almost like the first light of dawn, the sun was rising out of the eastern sky.

—The power of judgement which could only be used against great sinners

who brought great suffering to the populace. As expected of a

three-hundred-year-old great Devil King, it looked like he had committed

more than the minimum number of atrocities required to fulfill the

conditions required.

White flames descended from the sky.

High temperature flames hot enough to vaporize steel with ease were

approaching the ground.

At that instant, the [Wolves] that were causing so much trouble for G.o.dou

and Erica all vanished.

"Eh?"

G.o.dou was struck by surprise.

Voban's figure transformed. From a human into an upright wolf with silver

fur—a werewolf and it was completely the stance of a wolf.

Voban's body which had taken the form of a silver wolf, expanded in size

instantly.

Roughly thirty meters in length, the ma.s.sive body stopped expanding at an

impossible size.

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!

Ma.s.sive roars reverberated in the stormy atmosphere.

The gigantic silver wolf leaped at the huge white flames which held the

concentrated energy of the sun, bared its fangs and bit the flames with its

ma.s.sive jaws.

"...What the, that, there should be limits to such unreasonable power."

The unbelievable sight gave G.o.dou a great shock.

Swallowed.

Just like that, the giant wolf completely swallowed the intense fires of the

sun.

"To absorb... no, devour the flames of the [White Stallion], what kind of

monster is this?"

Erica who had returned to G.o.dou's side also exclaimed with surprise.

Having lost their opponents, the steel lions recombined to form Cuore di

Leone once more, and returned to the form of her beloved sword.

"What... was that about?"

Yuri murmured with a shocked expression. Perhaps the sight before them

was too hard to believe.

"Swallowing the fire that even Athena had difficulty resisting, should there

not be a limit to such lack of reason!"

"To render useless the attack which defeated the deity of darkness as well

as the earth, the G.o.ddess Athena of the highest level, what kind of G.o.d did

that [Wolf] usurp his authority from!?"

Standing beside the speechless girl, G.o.dou renewed his spirits. His goal of

changing the flow of battle had been accomplished. That was enough.

'—Hahahahahahaha! Is this it? This is one of the abilities used to battle

Salvatore, and defeated Athena! Very satisfying! This really makes me feel

satisfied!'

—Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!

Ma.s.sive roars of a wolf sounded simultaneously with Voban's voice. It was

truly an incredible phenomenon.

'I feel I must properly reward such a rare banquet. If I don't do this

carefully, I might crush you along with the miko—come, listen to my

bidding, my servants!'

Ent.i.ties possessing dark demonic characteristics flowed out once again.

This time, they were not [Wolves] but death knights previously met in the

library—dead people were appearing out of the darkness carrying the

same aura.

In their hands were swords, spears, axes and other cla.s.sical weapons.

Many of them were wearing armor decorated with engraved crests from

knight organizations.

There were about forty of them. From their anachronistic attire, they

seemed to be summoned from five or six centuries ago.

'My followers who have already died, you were all carefully selected

warriors. Now, go hunt like dogs!'

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!

The Devil King's laughter sounded at the same time as the fierce roars.

In addition, the death knight army began to step forward, wielding their

weapons, and attacked with determination.

The word 'slow' would be the wrong description for these zombies.

Bearing dead faces and engaging in close quarter combat, they displayed

great intelligence and strength, just like a fierce and experienced army of

knights.

"G.o.dou, be careful everyone. I fear that they may very well be Great

Knights when alive—warriors of the same rank as me. To be honest, I

have no confidence in protecting you all this time."

Erica's gaze which had switched to the death knights, was completely

different from when she was facing fodder.

There was not a hint of playful att.i.tude, and she was rather alert.

"The girl at the library—was she your friend, Erica? How did she describe

it, what were those colleagues of hers really? Aren't they just zombies??"

"Kusanagi-san, becoming a [Dead Servant] is the tragic fate suffered by

those who were killed by the Marquis' hand."

The one who answered G.o.dou's question was Yuri.

"The ability to make loyal obedient servants out of those that died directly

by his hand. This was the authority that the Marquis usurped from the

Egyptian G.o.d Osiris. Those people seem to fully recall their skills from

when they were alive, and will be tougher enemies than the wolves."

"We may very well turn out like them in the end, so watch out!"

At the unimaginably tragic fate of these death knights, G.o.dou frowned.

"To have performed so many acts of evil, that d.a.m.n old man really p.i.s.ses

me off."

G.o.dou looked up to the stern face of the old Devil King who had taken the

form of a giant wolf.

After turning into that form, strong wind and rain from the storm was

nothing to him. Completely arrogant, it was also a very detestable form.

—And then, the death knights swarmed in.

Erica swung her sword and engaged one of them. One, two, three, four.

Their strikes clashed intensely. Even a layman could tell that those skills

displayed were extremely powerful.

Of course, the death knights also approached G.o.dou and Yuri.

(Are we going to lose now?)

G.o.dou silently talked to himself. He was too naive. He did not prepare

enough to fight such a difficult enemy as the Marquis Voban.

If one did not acquire knowledge of the opponent's abilities, personality

and goals, defeat was certain.

This was the inevitable outcome. Since his loss was due to his insufficient

power and his taking things too lightly, there was no room for regret. Be

that as it may—

"Kusanagi-san..."

"Don't worry, Mariya, just watch as I penetrate the barricade for you. Follow

me closely."

G.o.dou will definitely protect the trembling girl behind his back.

That was his responsibility. Determined, G.o.dou took a deep breath.

—He exchanged a quick glance with Erica as she brandished her sword

nearby. They immediately understood each other.

In the instant it took for their gazes to meet, several death knights had

rushed over.

The ma.s.sive axe was lifted high before G.o.dou's eyes. This wasn't fast

enough. Speed up!

G.o.dou took another deep breath.

Standing behind him, Yuri asked worriedly: "Kusanagi-san, you seem to be

a little strange, what is going on?" Her voice felt very distant, no, it wasn't

distant, but slowed down, it was due to my senses becoming extraordinary.

Faster, ever faster, imagining in my mind, birds that fly higher than anyone

else, the form of the bird of prey that flew higher, faster, further than all

others.

As G.o.dou stood motionless, the battle axe was fiercely swung down upon

his head.

Yuri cried out plaintively.

There were many bothersome aspects to the [Raptor] incarnation, but this

was the worst moment in particular.

Unless attacked by a quick strike exceeding normal parameters, this form

could not be used. Examples included bullets, ambushed by crazed wild

beasts, or an attack from an accomplished martial artist.

At these thoughts crossed his mind, G.o.dou whispered.

"Fear of the winged, both the evil and the powerful, all shall fear I who hold

these feathered wings. My wings will bring you curse and just deserts!"

Acceleration, and slowing down.

Accelerating G.o.dou's own body, while slowing down everything else.

About to have his head split in half, G.o.dou casually dodged the battle axe

with millimeters to spare.

Too slow.

The death knights who Erica had regarded as equal to her.

To G.o.dou now, they were far too slow. Sword, axe, spear, sword,

sword—five weapons were attacking G.o.dou simultaneously.

These were also too slow. All could be seen clearly, and all were evaded.

Finally, one of the death knights was sent flying. An amateurish

counterattack spectacularly knocked the knight onto the ground. Probably,

the knight failed to evade due to G.o.dou's exceptional speed.

G.o.dou grabbed Yuri's hand.

Without saying a word, he carried Yuri in his arms. "Ah!?

Ku-kusanagi-san—!?" What she said wasn't very clear, I'll ask her some

other time.

G.o.dou pushed hard against the ground and leaped with Yuri in his arms.

The trajectory of the jump followed a ma.s.sive curve.

Easily jumping over ten meters, G.o.dou easily cleared the death knights

who surrounded him.

—Super acceleration, as well as the body becoming extremely light.

That was the power of Verethragna's [Raptor] form. As long as it was

something that could be held in two hands, it was very convenient to use

this ability to carry things.

Since its speed was something that G.o.dou could not fully control, it was

impossible to move with precision.

If one wanted to move just twenty centimeters, he would often go one

meter or beyond. But other than that, it was a horrifyingly effective ability.

On the flip side, it also carried a great price.

Enduring the pain reaching towards his heart, G.o.dou leaped once more.

In an instant, he had reached the edge of the playground. He looked back

at the battlefield he had left behind in the distance.

Even from there he could clearly see the monstrously tall and well-built

body of Voban. Not only could he summon wolves, but what kind of

monster could also transform itself into a wolf?

Roughly two thirds of the death knights were rus.h.i.+ng to pursue the

escaped him.

Erica was alone, moving in the opposite direction.

Fighting by herself, she swung Cuore di Leone and began to flee.

G.o.dou wanted to help, but if he went over with Yuri, they would only

become burdens. By herself, Erica could probably bring out her power

better without restraint.

It was probably better to lure even more death knights over to this

direction.

...The exchange of glances prior to using the [Raptor] communicated each

other's plans. The battle here was sure to have ended in defeat, so in that

case, they had to retreat from this location with all their strength.

G.o.dou prayed for his companion's safety as he jumped once again.

Easily clearing the wall around the school, G.o.dou paid attention to his

pursuers as he decided to speed up and shake them off his trail.

Of course, Voban will be using those [Wolves] again.

Nevertheless, escaping from this place will prevent the worst outcome.

"Ah...! Truly exhausting, this..."

His chest pain gradually intensified.

In the arms of the frowning G.o.dou, Yuri's face was full of concern.

"Are you okay? Kusanagi-san? Your face looks like you are suffering..."

"Ah, it's nothing. No, if this continues I won't be able to lose those guys.

We have no choice but to find a place to hide—"

In the stormy night, visibility was poor, and his body was getting cold.

G.o.dou and Yuri in her miko outfit continued their escape.

References

1. ↑ Tachi (太刀) is a type of traditional j.a.panese sword worn by the

samurai cla.s.s of feudal j.a.pan.