The stone monkey in the Netherworld stable was waiting to be revived.
Currently his name was still the monkey divine monarch, with the position
"Keeper of the Horses."
His true mighty name that once shook the world had yet to be restored, but
a fair proportion of his divine power had recovered, and his body above the
chest had returned to flesh. The monkey god will once again be reborn
from a stone monkey.
His arms had also recovered from petrification. In that case—
Moving his left hand, he placed it on his right shoulder. No problems at all.
Casually plucking a few strands of golden fur, he threw them in the air.
The ten-odd strands of fur transformed, turning into ten-odd tiny monkeys.
Even though they were weak little fellows, it was sufficient for them to play
the role of "it" in a game of tag. They were immediately sent to pursue the
escaped miko, and the tiny monkeys were all released from the stable to
the outside.
The target miko had been taken outside the barrier by the god-slayer.
But the monkey hasn't been taking the post of the [Keeper of the Horses]
in vain. He knew one or two small paths to get out of the city from inside.
If he used these small paths personally, he would be caught by the binding
spell of the [Keeper of the Horses].
However, as divine messengers the little monkeys did not have that
problem. Just like small fish slipping through a large net intended for a
large fish, the god-sealing spell could not stop divine beasts or
messengers.
"...Oh my, who is watching me from afar?"
The stone monkey noticed signs of being peeked at. In order to let the
other party hear, he deliberately said it very loud.
"It's been so long since someone peeked at me, you fellows cannot get in
my way, right? Just suck your thumbs and wait patiently. What? I'm not so
small-minded as to go seeking trouble from you in revenge. As long as you
don't do anything strange, I will leave you all alone!"
He spoke happily as he smiled.
To those who used him in the past and sealed him with the spell of the
[Keeper of the Horses].
Seishuuin Ena's sudden visit, happened on the afternoon of this day.
"I say, Ena, do you really understand your situation?"
"Of course I do, that's why I came here, Kaoru. Please, could you release
Ena from house arrest?"
The location was the Sayanomiya residence in Area 3 of Tokyo's special
ward of Chiyoda.
It was a conversation in the study.
"...Knowing you are under house arrest, and yet you went out so openly."
Ena refuted Sayanomiya Kaoru's reproach.
"Ena did not walk out openly, but left home sneakily. Along the way, I even
made sure there were no ninjas on my trail."
After the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi incident, the premier Hime-Miko
had been staying home all this time. Her long black hair was extremely soft
and smooth today, and even though she clearly didn't need to go to class,
she still wore her student uniform. Most likely because she was too lazy to
pick her clothes.
Also, Ena's home, the Seishuuin ancestral home, was located at Chichibu
in Saitama prefecture.
"Begging someone on the phone is too rude, so Ena came here to
negotiate directly."
"That's very much your style, I should say... Is that the only reason?"
"Let me think... Also it'd be nice to have a walk? You see, being cooped
alone at home is really boring."
"It is your own doing that caused you to be confined, come on, it's your
own responsibility."
Normally watching all sorts of developments with amusement, it was rare
for Kaoru to speak so seriously unlike her usual self.
The unprecedented premier Hime-Miko acted extremely rashly on
occasion. In these cases, it was the organization leader's responsibility to
warn her seriously.
To the cheerful and sociable Kaoru, this was not a pleasant job.
"I should tell the Seishuuin family so that they will be more alert."
"If Ena had the intention, you cannot catch me without sending people on
the caliber of Amakasu or Shuto masters. Kaoru, let's not talk about this for
now, and go back to the topic just now!"
"No, though I am very impressed with your prison break skills, I must deny
your request."
Kaoru replied coldly.
As a side note, Shuto was short for Shuto Ancient Style, the name of the
martial arts practiced by Hime-Miko and members of the History
Compilation Committee. Her master was also a sword fighting instructor.
"Could you please find a way to handle this here. It's about time for Ena to
show up at Kusanagi's place. My grandmother back home also said, hurry
and get intimate with His Majesty, and bear his child."
"Yes, how easy going to say such words to her granddaughter, true to the
name of heroine."
The elderly heroine was the head of the Seishuuin. This kind of
granddaughter was only made possible by the existence of such a
grandmother. Kaoru truly understood now.
"Which is why I said, this sort of method of pursuit should be withheld for
now? Considering Kusanagi's character, it is for the best."
"Uh, is that so? Doesn't His Majesty like girls a lot?"
"As long as they are not homosexuals, the vast majority of youths in that
age are basically like him. But due to the influence of his family
environment, his attitude towards male-female relationships is overly
serious, so he would feel more relaxed going out to have fun with male
friends."
Calling herself the "lover" of Kusanagi Godou, Erica Blandelli was the one
representing the Milanese magic association Copper Black Cross. This
news had spread far and wide within related circles, because it all started
from the women attracted to him.
In the beginning, the History Compilation Committee also viewed Kusanagi
Godou in such a light, but Kaoru and Amakasu revised their perspective
because Godou was not as lustful as rumored.
"Except for us, it is very easy for others to get the wrong impression, so I
haven't recklessly tried to correct it or prevent others from
misunderstanding him... Still, his own behavior is also a major reason
behind this type of misunderstanding."
The last clarification made Ena nod with satisfaction.
"Kusanagi is very manly. Yes yes, that is Ena's husband."
"For a man of his type, you can't be too hasty, it is better to conquer him
slowly. First start from friends and gradually make him lower his guard,
then cross the finish line in one fell swoop."
"If that's the case, wouldn't Erica take the lead? That person is very
proactive."
"Ena, how can you be so inflexible here, what does it matter if she gets
there first?"
Kaoru smiled cheerfully.
The playboy who targeted the same gender, bore a faint smile of pride.
"Reality is not like those love simulation games that Amakasu likes, eh? It's
not a world where you can build a wonderful loving family and give birth to
eternal love within the span of one or two months. Even if someone gets
there before you, it is fine if you take it back for yourself. Even if marriage
is an obstacle, there is always the solution of divorce."
"Wow, I don't really understand the first half, but the second half really fits
Kaoru's style, how devious!"
"Hahaha, don't praise me like that... So, it's it time to talk about the
punishment for sneaking out of house arrest?"
"Kaoru is the devil! Demon! Two-faced!"
Ena yelled out in protest.
Suddenly, her expression changed.
Hearing the ephemeral voices of certain gods, she showed an extremely
serious expression. Ena listened quietly as she stared at the ceiling of the
study. Having known the premier Hime-Miko for so long, Kaoru also
noticed and realized something had occurred, and so she only watched
quietly.
"Hey hey... What is going on? How rare for you to take the initiative to call
from that side."
Ena took out her cellphone and placed it against her ear and mouth.
She began to chat with this powered-off cellphone. Just by listening to the
conversation—no, communication—Kaoru basically understood what had
happened. This was one of the strong points of the observant and acutely
wise Hime-Miko who cross-dressed.
After hearing Ena's report after the communication, things were even more
clear to her.
Kaoru took out her cellphone, and called the trusted subordinate whose
name was mentioned just now.
"Hello, Amakasu-san. How does it feel to be on a business trip to Nikkou?
Actually, I was wondering if a troublesome situation has arose, so I called
you."
'If that's the case, please tell me the secret to your clairvoyance.'
Admitting to the unexpected situation, Amakasu replied.
'I was just about to call you and report, it is total chaos out here.'
Listening to her subordinate's brief report for close to ten minutes,
Sayanomiya Kaoru received news of the cataclysm at Nikkou. Having
finished, she sighed.
"It's true after all, Kusanagi-san has disappeared."
'"After all" are not words I can ignore, did your clairvoyance see that too?'
This time, after hearing Kaoru's explanation, Amakasu went 'hahaha, that
is really...' and responded with a frivolous smile.
"Because of that, there is no need to worry about safety over there for now.
I was wondering about the mastermind behind this commotion.
Amakasu-san, what's your opinion?"
'I just happened to have identified a suspect, and started surveillance.
However...'
"Is there a problem?"
'If the photo from my information is correct, that person should be the
young master of Hong Kong's Lu family.'
Hearing her subordinate sigh casually, Kaoru could only shrug.
"If so, then that esteemed one from China must be the true suspect."
'Yes, no one would expect her if deducing without proof. But if it really is
that one, then things are really bad. I will continue investigating covertly,
and try to come up with a plan for the snake deity.'
"Go find Erica-san and Liliana-san first. Handle this incident well, I give you
full authority."
'Understood, I will try my meager best.'
"No no, in situations like this, you have to bet your life on it to accomplish
the mission, just like a ninja."
'No can do. Applying for work injury benefits requires too much red tape,
and the compensation for dying on the job isn't particularly generous.
Safety comes first.'
Once Kaoru finished her call, Ena spoke to her:
"Kaoru-san~~ Please, let Ena go to Nikkou, I will definitely be useful there."
The premier Hime-Miko had excellent hearing, and was listening to
Amakasu's voice clearly.
Kaoru shook her head decisively.
"No, denied, although I can temporarily release your house arrest, but you
must obediently stay by my side."
"Why!? If I go as reinforcements, I will definitely be able to assist His
Majesty!"
"You are part of reserves in case of emergencies. I have to carefully judge
the right timing for your participation."
Even after losing Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, Ena was still a divine
messenger.
For example, by summoning her guardian deity Susanoo's power, she
could control storms which no other wizard can control, and wreak
incomparably deadly destruction. Though it was not enough to fight a real
god, this level of combat ability was strong enough to handle the likes of
divine servants, and thus it was imperative not to waste her on
unnecessary battles.
"When your divine summoning power is truly needed, I will send you over."
"Then why don't I go to the scene first for standby! Ena will go there
directly and cheer for His Majesty!"
"Of course we will go over to the vicinity of Nikkou in preparation, but we
will not go to the scene immediately. When a [Heretic God] first appears
and the nature of the disaster is unknown, one must calmly observe and
assess the situation."
Kaoru calmly warned Ena, and then made staffing arrangements to send
over there. Who knew if earthquakes or floods would occur.
Even without these destructive phenomenon, contact could very well be
lost. At this time, caution was the most important.
"On the other hand, once this incident is resolved, your house arrest ends.
So Ena, first come with me and observe how things develop."
Calmly giving orders, one must never be anxious in a chaotic situation.
Well, she didn't have the ability to use the Hime-Miko of the Sword as a
trump card either. So, how could this unfavorable situation be reversed—
Part 2
Erica and Liliana were now within the territory of Saitenguu.
A few minutes after Leviathan began bleeding, Amakasu Touma had also
arrived in full composure.
"Ladies, it's only been a short separation, but you two are beautiful as
ever."
"How unlike your usual speech, is there some bad news you want to
discuss with us?"
The young man was calm as usual, and Erica smiled elegantly at him. One
could not expect any good news when the special agent talented in ancient
Japanese espionage arts made an appearance at times like this.
"Don't talk like I always bring bad news, instead let's say we are on the
same boat now."
"Ah? I have never treated Amakasu-san as an enemy though?"
"Hahaha, is that so—Putting that aside, I have something to report. Right
now that youth called Lu Yinghua is on standby at the Okusha inner shrine
of Toushouguu, as if waiting for someone. Perhaps you may not know, this
shrine right here is what you call the door to the Netherworld, and the
warlord of [Steel] is sealed there."
Said in one breath, Erica could only smile wryly in response.
Amakasu had hit all the crucial points, one must never be careless around
this man, but it could also be said that he was dependable in emergencies
like this.
"Amakasu Touma, is it really fine for you to share such important
information with us?"
Liliana gave a slight warning, and Erica signaled with her eyes.
"Let's not keep secrets between us as much as possible, and solve the
matter together."
"So I see. In addition, I have obtained news of Kusanagi-san's position
from my boss. With this info, there will be lots of advantages to our working
together."
Amakasu told the most crucial news to them again. Having heard the
content, Erica murmured softly:
"We haven't even parted for two hours, and he already flew to that kind of
place. Should my beloved be described as surprising or dependable..."
"In other words, for some completely unknown reason, he went to that kind
of place."
Liliana showed a subtle expression. Kusanagi Godou not only went to the
Astral Plane but also that particular place. Once again, Erica bore witness
to his surprisingly frightening ability to stay alive.
"So, we will take the frontal attack this time. The name of that snake deity
is Leviathan. Causing great trouble in Los Angeles, the witch—no, divine
ancestor—restored her ancient form to become a [Heretic God]. The secret
mastermind manipulating her should be the master of Lu Yinghua."
"Haha, one of those names is completely unexpected while another is just
as imagined."
"Just now did you say a deity of [Steel] sleeps in this place?"
Liliana watched the misty rain of blood falling from the snake.
"That Leviathan is almost like bait for [Steel], revealing a near dead body
and looking like a sacrifice."
"Your choice of the word sacrifice is quite apt, and in fact that is the truth."
Amakasu nodded and agreed with the witch's opinion.
"The name of the spell that seals [Steel] in this shrine is the [Keeper of the
Horses]. In order to release it, a dragon or snake deity is required to
appear on earth. Though I've speculated on what kind of enemies may
appear for breaking the seal, it was unexpected that a sacrifice of a snake
deity could also fulfill conditions."
Amakasu's comments were suddenly interrupted.
The gridded door to the shrine opened abruptly and strong wind blew out
from inside.
Out flew a transcendent beauty, who proceeded to soar in the sky like a
celestial maiden.
Like a celestial maiden wearing a robe whose fabric seemed as light as a
feather, she looked down upon Erica and the rest from the sky above the
shrine, with an expression of complete disinterest as if seeing bugs. Her
body was flowing with magical power that far surpassed the best of magi.
Just as she was about to fly away, Erica yelled.
"Please wait a moment, Your Eminence Luo Hao! What happened to my
lord Kusanagi Godou!?"
These words had an effect. The celestial maiden stopped gliding and
hovered in midair to answer her question.
"Just in this special case I shall answer you, blonde girl. Today should be
our first encounter, how did you come to know the imperial appearance of
I, Luo Hao?"
Completely beautiful, but the jade-like voice was full of resolution that
seemed to reach into the depths of the listener.
Erica knelt on one knee and answered with a knight's etiquette.
"My name is Erica Blandelli, a great knight of the Copper Black Cross.
Today is also the first time for me to be graced by Your Eminence's
presence. Based on the current situation, I deduced there could be no
other but Your Eminence Luo Hao."
The sacrificial snake deity, the young master of the Lu family, and the
missing Kusanagi Godou.
And then the supernatural demoness appeared before their eyes, leaving
only one answer to be deduced. Of course, Erica's response time was
excellent, which is one of the reasons why she reached the answer.
In fact, Liliana and Amakasu were just staring at the cult leader in shock.
"King Kusanagi sure has a subject with excellent vision. In recognition of
your wit, I shall answer you—that King was subdued by my martial
splendor in the Netherworld, and has escaped to some other place.
However, there is no shame in retreat, a staple in the art of war, and the
manner he escaped from me, Luo Hao, was commendable."
Which is why he fled to that kind of place. Hearing the musical voice, Erica
could not help feeling impressed. To have already battled against the
demonic cult leader, Kusanagi Godou and trouble are truly inseparable.
"Then Your Eminence...!"
"Great Knight, the question and answer session ends here! I am on my
way to conquest, and have no time for you!"
A shout that made one's body tremble.
No, it wasn't just trembling. Erica and Liliana, as well as Amakasu,
everyone who heard Luo Hao's reproach were blown away as if struck by a
storm.
Erica crashed into a cedar tree. Was that a shockwave just now? By the
time she endured the pain and stood up, the Cult Leader had gone, flying
towards the air above Toushouguu where Leviathan was located.
"Ah, let me just say that that person is very shocking, in all sorts of ways."
"Who could have thought that Cult Leader Luo Hao was a woman... And
could use flying magic, could she also be a witch..."
The other two were also quite shaken.
"What should we do next? Go pick up Kusanagi Godou and the Mariya
sisters, or confront Cult Leader Luo Hao and Leviathan? Or split up to do
both?"
"Yes, if possible, I want us to split up too."
Erica was pondering Liliana's suggestion.
If possible, it would be best if both options were pursued, but it was
important not to make the mistake of dividing their strength and getting
taken out in isolation. Whether facing off against Cult Leader Luo Hao or
searching for the three's location, both tasks required maximum
manpower. If a choice wasn't made between the two, both could very well
fail."
"We will pursue Luo Hao, since handling the current situation is a priority...
Besides, entering the Astral Plane requires a great deal of preparation and
there's no time for that now."
"Yes, this decision is quite appropriate. I understand."
Amakasu responded lightly as Liliana gazed towards the shrine.
"However, that means we ignore Kusanagi Godou and the Mariya sisters
for now?"
There was no tone of reproach in her words, for Erica had made the most
rational decision. But reason and feelings were separate, there was no
other way, for Erica it must have been a heart-breaking decision.
"At least we already confirmed they are fine for now, so we're just lowering
the priority for now. No problem, Godou is not someone who dies easily, I
believe he will do his best to protect Yuri and Hikari."
At this time, strategic decisions were more important than emotional
outbursts.
As Erica coldly analyzed, a sudden voice called to her.
"—Since that is the case, why not allow me to go to the Astral Plane?"
There was a young woman's voice, but no presence could be felt.
Erica looked at the direction of the voice, and so did Liliana and Amakasu.
For someone to approach these three without them knowing, was truly a
rare feat indeed, so they were all quite shocked.
"I am very unsuited to things like combat but I've been thinking all along
about how I could be of help to you all... Fortunately I can be considered
an expert in this area, so just leave it to me?"
From within the cedar forest out stepped a blonde beauty.
Roughly in her early twenties, she was wearing a luxurious white coat with
long black boots.
Beneath the coat was a short knitted dress and leggings, giving a kind of
elegant feeling like "a princess who sneaked out of the castle for a stroll in
the streets"... That was only natural, for she was a true noblewoman, and a
[Princess] at the same time.
As Erica caught sight of her gentle beauty, she was completely surprised.
Having met her last time in London with Uncle Paolo, of course Erica
would be shocked to find her in this kind of place. Smiling mischievously,
she put her index finger to her lips.
She really did look like she sneaked out.
Of all the people Erica ever met, the most brilliant and elegant lady had
made her appearance. A sense of opposition naturally sprung. If she didn't
let the [Princess] witness her grace as a noblewoman, she would have
failed her name of Erica Blandelli.
"My lady—if you were to do so, it would be our most unexpected good
fortune."
Deliberately avoiding addressing her as princess, Erica paid respect to her.
Acting as respectful as if this were a royal court, full of pride and
pomposity.
"My lord and our allies the miko are still inside. If possible, please grant
them your assistance."
Why and when did she come to Japan? These inappropriate questions
should be avoided. When the right moment comes, she would likely
explain her purpose herself. From the dialogue just now, it could be
deduced that she already knew the basic situation, so Erica stated her
request simply.
"I understand, though I can't guarantee a hundred percent... But a success
rate of sixty-five or so should be sufficient to assure you all."
With a stiff expression, Liliana was watching the two converse. She had
seen the [Princess]'s photo before, but the sudden appearance still made
her greatly shaken.
Amakasu simply shook his head and shrugged.
"I see, so this lady here is acquainted with Erica-san... Is my assumption
correct?"
"If you accept that, it would be a great help, because there are many
long-winded fellows about. Even if I took a casual stroll outside, they will
get very angry."
The [Princess] nodded, and added casually:
"By the way, I have a suggestion. Since that Leviathan is a key factor in
releasing the dormant [Steel], if you think about it, removing her should be
enough to prevent the god's revival. Though it will be difficult, please
consider it."
She was a user of spirit vision similar to Mariya Yuri, and had attained
great knowledge about gods.
Advice from her wisdom was greatly respected by upstanding magi and
knights as the words of a sage, and Erica expressed her deep gratitude.
Part 3
As the intense storm assaulted the little house in the mountains, Godou
looked at the old man.
This was his second time here, at the residence of the elderly god living
"secluded" in the Netherworld, Susanoo. Opposite the cross-legged
Godou, the solemn master of the house was sitting with one knee up.
Behind him were the two other familiar characters.
[1]The flaxen-haired princess sitting formally in seiza , and the living buddha
[2]
in the lotus position."Of all places, why on earth did I have to come here?"
"Of course that is because my sword brought you here, just look carefully
at Ama no Murakumo."
Godou complained while Susanoo answered with frivolous tones.
"So that sword really became my possession after all."
Thinking back to the pain he felt before the transfer, Godou looked at his
right arm.
Backed into a corner by Luo Hao, they had already come here by the time
he noticed. That time when they were transferred here must have been the
will of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, which cut through the wall of the
sealing barrier to enable them to escape outside.
True to the name of the divine sword that severed the earth from the
Netherworld.
"Oh, looks like you still haven't grasped it, but one day you will master the
sword, right? It has been my longtime partner, oh, do treasure it well."
"I have no intention of contravening the firearms and weapons
regulations..."
Godou sighed. Despite what he said, if this fellow had not appeared to
save them, most likely they would have died there just now.
Though he had no interest in picking up a sword, being ungrateful would
bring retribution. At least the mystery was cleared up, the divine sword's
most familiar location in the Netherworld was the residence of the original
owner, so it chose to escape here.
"Putting that aside, could you return the Mariya sisters back to their original
form?"
"No. Despite my straightforward character, I am a god after all. Even the
monk and the princess will not easily appear before ordinary people. How
could we permit humans who aren't even devil kings to appear in our
presence? Anyway, you should just bear it for now."
Susanoo's answer made Godou look at the combs in his hands.
A pair of combs made from bamboo, one big, one small, were transformed
from the Mariya sisters. When they transferred to this little house, Yuri and
Hikari had fainted already. Godou then saw the elderly god muttering
something unrecognizable which turned the sisters into a set of bamboo
combs.
Finding himself the only one unaffected, Godou was angry of course.
But Susanoo had said they would recover once they left this house. As an
apology, Susanoo alerted his miko Seishuuin Ena of the fact that the three
of them were safe, thus temporarily appeasing Godou's anger.
"To be able to turn two girls into something like that..."
"The Netherworld is a very ambiguous territory that straddles the line
between the fictional and the real world. That is why one can travel using
thoughts, and gods like us can even change this world. Such a
transformation is a piece of cake."
Despite his violent appearance, Susanoo's explanation was surprisingly
complicated. If the sisters cannot be recovered, what are you going to do?
As Godou secretly thought to himself, the black-clad monk spoke.
"By the way, have you caused some interesting commotion again?"
"I 'caused' nothing, I was just caught up in things!"
The mummy without bandages who became a buddha with a desiccated
body. Godou strenuously objected to the monk who possessed such an
appearance.
"Please have a look, Rakshasa Monarch, the monkey king has now
changed into this."
[3]The princess who wore a juunihitoe style kimono, handed over a basin of
water.
Reflected on the water surface was the stable with the stone monkey, but
everything from the chest up was flesh. The eyeballs were red in color with
golden pupils. It was a very intriguing appearance.
"To be honest, we are the ones who imprisoned the monkey king in the
palace of the [Keeper of the Horses], and the central figure in solving the
problem is—"
As the princess threw a glance at the monk in black, he showed his
toothless mouth and said:
"Exactly, back when I was still on earth, I did that thing."
"It was you guys? Why would you do something like this... That monkey is
a steel deity?"
Godou felt they were a hopeless bunch, didn't they sow the seeds of
conflict themselves?
"That monkey king, is both a monkey and the possessor of the divinity of
steel, a great hero surrounded by flames who subjugated dragons and
snakes. Only extremely powerful [Steel] is capable of becoming the slayer
of dragons or snakes."
"Slaying dragons and snakes?"
"Actually, my nation has a troublesome [Divine Child] currently asleep. A
foreign god who drifted here from overseas, the divine child who is the
strongest [Steel]. In order to prevent this god from waking up, we brought
forth the monkey king to slay dragons and vanquish snakes."
The strongest [Steel], from where had Godou heard that before?
Somehow Godou had a sense of déjà vu, but the current pressing topic
was the monkey.
"Why are dragons and snakes very troublesome?"
"You should already know, dragon and snake deities can make [Steel]
more ferocious, and can also wake them up."
Godou recalled the incident of the hero Perseus.
What hastened his appearance was the presence of a dragon, it was much
later when Godou was told of this.
"By the way, you too have once fought with a snake deity of the southern
barbarians. Had you failed back then, we would surely have carried out the
release ritual of the [Keeper of the Horses] for the monkey king."
"I keep hearing this term Keeper of the Horses, is that the name of that
monkey god?"
"No, it's the name of an official position, a post in the Heavens... Simply
put, it is the task of watching over the stables, managing the horses of the
celestial court, that is the job of the Keeper of the Horses."
"By Heavens you mean?"
"The world of the gods and immortals ruled by the Jade Emperor."
A name appeared in Godou's mind, the original name of that playful
monkey, his name as a god.
Godou attempted to speak out the name. Susanoo suddenly went "Heh!"
over his breath; the princess stared wide; the monk in black smiled silently,
grinning like a villain.
"You realized the true identity of the monkey god?"
"I just happened to think of it. Damn it, he could very well be more famous
than Athena!"
Godou was left breathless, this was totally beyond the level of Tokugawa
Ieyasu.
If that kind of fellow was to rampage on earth, how serious a calamity could
not be underestimated.
"What could we do to seal that monkey once again?"
"The one releasing the binding spell of the [Keeper of the Horses] is the
[4]Tang monarch. Should you be successful in defeating her personally,
the monkey king will fall dormant once again..."
The princess spoke with worry. In other words, a battle with Cult Leader
Luo Hao was required.
Godou couldn't help complaining. This was like the metaphor of having a
tiger at the front door and a wolf at the back. No matter which choice he
made he was in trouble. But compared to fighting a wolf and a tiger
together at the same time, it was better to just fight the tiger alone.
Most importantly, he was worried about his friends back on earth, and
wanted to return as quickly as possible.
"I will try my best... So there's something I want to discuss. Can you send
me back to the surface?"
Faced with the decisive request, Susanoo and the monk in black looked at
each other.
"What should we do? We are neither this guy's enemies nor his
companions."
Recalling last time's incident, it was just as the elderly god described, and
then the black-clad monk deliberate said:
"No no, Old One, this counts as a wandering stray. It's not like we don't
know him, even though we are not very close either. But we cannot go
against the ways of gods for the sake of the ways of men. That said, the
method to return the Rakshasa monarch to the real world... is a bit difficult
for us."
"Didn't you guys pull me in here last time on purpose?"
Feeling like they were putting on a show, Godou questioned.
"Last time, it was that idiot Ena who set up her tricks on earth. We have no
ability to let you freely come and go from this place."
Recalling the spell that Seishuuin Ena used at the school, does that mean I
am stuck in the Netherworld forever!? Godou was very shocked.
The one who interrupted at this point, was the princess possessing
glass-like pupils.
"Enlightened One, Old One, pray show some restraint in your jokes.
Rakshasa monarch, please hold this carefully."
[5]She handed over a magatama jewel.
It was made of jadeite. Godou could not comprehend the princess'
intentions and pondered in puzzlement.
"This is just an ordinary magatama, but having worn it for so long, it is
infused with my powerful psychic powers. For women linked to our snake
blood, it serves as an excellent beacon."
"Snake blood?"
"If you're interested, try investigating the women known as divine
ancestors. For example, those miko over there are my very very distant
descendants."
She showed a demure smile.
"The miko seeking you in the Netherworld... This girl inherits the blood of
snakes as a result of atavism. With this alone, she should easily find her
way to your side."
"To receive me... Yes! It must be Erica and the rest!"
Making contact with Ena proved to be unexpectedly effective. Susanoo
and the black-clad monk were likely aware of this and played dumb. Truly
unpleasant characters, these old men.
"Let me lead you to a place more convenient for the one seeking you...
The rest depends on your capacity and tolerance, I wish you luck."
"I am very grateful. If possible, I hope a day will come when I can repay
your great kindness and grace."
Godou immediately bowed his head in respectful gratitude.
Naturally employing respectful manners towards the princess, was this
what people called difference in character?
In her basin appeared scenery never seen before. No instructions were
needed, after all, she was the one who taught him the method to travel in
this mysterious world.
Godou watched the scenery reflected in the water as he concentrated and
transferred there.
By the time he regained his senses, he was at the edge of a lake.
A scenic lakeside on a plateau, that was the feeling Godou got standing on
this land.
The water was crystal clear, and the blowing breeze was very comfortable.
Along the bank were neat rows of cedar trees.
"—Right, what about the Mariyas!?"
He recalled the sisters who had been turned into bamboo combs.
The two combs in his hands were gone, and Godou frantically searched
his surroundings. Breathing a sigh of relief, he found the miko-outfitted Yuri
and Hikari on the side of the lake.
Shaking their shoulders, the sisters soon woke up.
"This place... Are we still in the Netherworld...?"
"Yes... Onii-sama... My head hurts... I can't feel any strength..."
Hikari had been acting strange during the battle with Luo Hao, but it looked
like she had recovered.
Godou made a brief explanation of how they got to be transferred here.
"So that's what happened, both of you were transformed... Do you feel
fine?"
"Yes, yes, it seems like it. We have no memories of the time when we were
transformed."
"I feel so tired, as if I had exhausted all my strength."
Compared to the older sister who could answer affirmatively, the younger
sister still looked groggy.
"Anyway, since everyone is fine this counts as fortune amongst
misfortune... By the way, just now they said someone will be coming to
receive us, who knows how long it would take?"
"Should be Liliana-san coming right?"
Godou shook his head. Who knows?
Erica didn't seem like she knew the magic to travel to this Netherworld,
which meant it should be Liliana. But from the manner the princess spoke,
it seemed like this wasn't the case.
"I have arrived. Finally found you, Kusanagi Godou-san."
"Wah!"
Suddenly hearing his name, Godou jumped in surprise while Yuri and
Hikari stared hard.
Somehow a beautiful woman was standing before them.
"Sorry to have surprised you all. You may not recognize me, but I am also
your companion. Actually, I knew Erica Blandelli from before."
With dazzling blonde hair, she was a beautiful Caucasian lady.
Calm and smooth speech, elegant clothing, and a presence like perfume.
Godou finally realized, it was a feeling that was very similar to Erica. Yuri
looked at her incredulously.
"...Spirit body? Are you using a spell of spirit body separation?"
"Oh my, it's been so long since the last time I was found out so quickly.
You are amazing."
Bearing an elegant smile, she praised Yuri, who became quite fearful.
Spirit body separation?
Seeing Godou's doubt, the blonde beauty told him the truth.
"Known as ectoplasm or spirit body in the world of magic, a rough
explanation would be a doppelgänger of the soul that is created through
psychic sensing abilities. My real self is currently lying asleep on a bed in
London... Please keep this a secret."
"I-I am really sorry, I saw it through spirit vision, and spoke without
thinking."
Yuri frantically apologized as the princess raised a finger to her lips,
expressing her hope for secrecy.
"No problem, even though it is top secret, I'm not going to sew up the
mouths of people who know about it. Do I look as crazy as Cult Leader Luo
Hao?"
Mischievously batting her eyes, it looked like the beauty was aware of the
mastermind behind this commotion.
"Your request to keep this a secret, I got it. By the way, can you tell me
your name?"
"During this trip, I was hoping to call myself the 'mysterious beauty who
wished to stay anonymous' all along... But the king's request cannot be
ignored. No other way, I shall answer."
A humorous self-introduction.
The blonde beauty elegantly smiled as she named herself.
"My name is Alice, and sometimes people call me princess, but that's too
embarrassing to say it out myself."
"The Witenagemot's—!"
"S-Super important person! Too amazing!"
The self-introduction that was missing a last name, and even a nickname
of princess.
Feeling like she seemed to hail from some royal or noble family, Godou
smiled wryly. Beside him, Yuri and Hikari's great surprise suggested she
was a very famous person. From her behavior, expressions and gaze, it
was clear that she was full of the elegance of someone who belonged to
the upper class.
Though there were a few things he wanted to criticize, Godou decided to
ignore them after all.
In the past few months, Godou's strange friends had been increasing in
number. A slightly strange person was no longer enough to unsettle
Godou.
"Alice-san, did Erica ask you to come receive us?"
"Yes, I am both a miko and a user of witchcraft—"
Princess Alice thumped her own chest.
"Performing the magical ritual of plane walking, going from earth to the
Astral Plane, and then searching for Kusanagi-sama using spirit vision
after arriving. You were very difficult to find."
But then she was suddenly able to find Kusanagi Godou's location through
spirit vision, Godou recalled the magatama kept in his pocket.
"Actually I was following the trail of a certain witch, and pursued all the way
from France to Asia. The snake deity Leviathan that Cult Leader Luo Hao
is using as a sacrifice, only survived till now as a result of that witch, which
is why I changed my targets to the snake deity and the cult leader, and
came to Japan. Then just now I happened to encounter Erica who was
troubled by Kusanagi-sama's absence, and decided to assist her."
"The troublemaker was actually involved in underground activities on a
worldwide scale..."
Hearing the simple explanation, Godou felt powerless. Though the trouble
came from overseas, it also brought an ally like the princess here. If he
thought that way, the situation didn't seem as dire.
—It was at this moment that Yuri drew near.
"Godou-san, I have an ominous feeling. Pursuers will be here shortly!"
Yuri warned with a voice full of tension. Pursuers?
Godou, Yuri, Hikari and Princess Alice were standing by the lake as tiny
monkeys with golden fur almost the color of tea-brown suddenly appeared
and surrounded them. Could this manner of movement be transfer!?
The little monkeys numbered almost twenty, and every one of them
resembled the monkey divine monarch.
"The city of the [Keeper of the Horses] was a barrier designed to seal the
divine monarch. But it cannot shut in his summoned divine messengers...
Godou-san, what should be done?"
Come to think of it, that monkey god seemed quite intent on acquiring
Hikari.
Surrounding them, the little monkeys slowly shrunk their distance, keenly
watching every move of Godou's group.
Ask Yuri to use transfer to escape? From the manner they appeared, it
was likely they would use the same method to follow, so the root of the
problem would not be solved. Also, last time Ena went out of control during
divine possession in the Netherworld, who knew if the same might happen
to Yuri—
"Surviving this battle... Seems a bit difficult."
The Campione's senses told him the approximate strength of these
enemies before him.
These monkeys were very strong. If Erica and Liliana's battle strength was
rated ten, then these guys would be around four or five.
In other words, compared to a Campione's abilities, they were very weak
enemies, but that would require Godou to use one of Verethragna's ten
incarnations—
No good, none of the conditions for using any of the incarnations were
met.
"Kusanagi-san, this is quite a bind. Could you drive away these monkeys
using your authority?"
"I would have done it if I could. There are many restrictions to my powers
which cannot be used freely. Against mediocre opponents like these, to be
frank I am out of options."
Godou sighed as he replied to Alice's question, and began to think.
Though the monkeys count as wild beasts, they were much stronger than
humans, and divine servants as well.
Though chances of victory were very low, he might as well struggle and put
up a fight, or should he let Yuri use transfer and try to escape as much as
possible? Unexpectedly, it was Princess Alice's words that ended his
dilemma.
"Oh I see, then let me handle this. This will likely cause other troubles later,
but there is no other choice."
Her beautiful blonde hair was full of brilliance.
In the instant the little monkeys jumped over with their grotesque nimble
movements, just as Godou watched with his eyes wide open, Yuri
protected her sister, and Hikari held on to her older sister, Princess Alice
recited loudly:
"Can I see another's woe / And not be in sorrow too! Can I see another's
[6]
grief / And not seek for kind relief!"This was a poem of spell words.
Silver white light poured forth, engulfing the monkey army and Godou's
group.
"Ah!" "Onee-chan!"
Yuri and Hikari gave a brief yell, but did not seem to be in pain. On the
other hand, the monkeys were in a pitiful state. Screaming loudly, they
covered their eyes, protected their ears and began to roll around on the
ground.
"...What did you do?"
"Using psychic sensing, I injected the impressions of pain and destruction
directly into the monkeys' brains, forcing them to feel mental pain,
subduing them all."
Hearing Alice's nonchalant explanation, Godou began to wonder if this lady
wasn't so gentle and quiet after all. Beside him, the two miko were
watching the monkeys' plight in shock.
"Though their hearts might be a little shaken, there is no major problem. Of
course as a Campione, Kusanagi-sama will not be affected at all.
However..."
A Campione had absolute resistance against magic. At this time, Alice
bore a depressed expression.
Godou had an ominous feeling.
"In order to disable them, I exhausted a large amount of magical power in
this spirit body. Now it is impossible to carry out the ritual to return to earth,
though I still have enough magic to maintain contact with those on the
surface... But they are currently dealing with Leviathan and I fear they can't
spare any effort to bring you back."
The crowd of divine messengers released by the warlord of [Steel], what
unexpectedly strong foes—
Hearing Alice's words, Godou felt the future was bleak. In order to defeat
the pursuers they lost the way to return. Of course keeping everyone safe
was the top priority, so the one who called herself princess made the
correct decision.
But it was also true that they were now trapped in another dead end.
Was there a way to get out of this quandary? Godou struggled to think of a
solution.
Part 4
The snake deity Leviathan transformed from the witch Asherah, was
hovering in the air above Nikkou mountain. As it circled and coiled in the
air, blood fell from wounds all over its body to produce mist and rain. All the
tourists at Toushouguu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnouji were in a state of
panic.
This was dusk on the first day of the October long weekend.
As the sun set, the number of tourists in the vicinity of Nikkou mountain
had been decreasing.
Still there were close to a hundred of them at the scene. As the unnatural
scene appeared in the sunset sky, the tourists were deprived of their
sanity.
There were those who fled away quickly, those who clumsily ran as they
rolled, and people who were separated from their companions.
Some were pushed over by others, and had their backs stepped on. There
were people who ignored others while others cried.
People who had no idea whom to call, and people leisurely taking digital
photos of the snake deity.
Shouting, sobbing, lamenting.
Shock, intrigue, excitement, anxiety.
Unsettled people, frantic people, lost people.
It was a state of panic, but very soon all of them stopped moving, just like
children tired out from play or exhausted runaways, they stopped their
steps, kneeling down, collapsing, lying down, immobile.
"Is that violent woman absorbing the essence of life force?"
Having climbed to the top of Toushouguu's Okusha inner shrine, Lu
Yinghua whispered to himself.
This was the burial grounds of Tokugawa Ieyasu, at the highest level of
Toushouguu. Speaking of Nikkou mountain, it was a mountain after all.
From the foot of the mountain began the main visiting path up the stone
stairs, then through the worship hall and main hall, one then had to walk
two hundred and seven stone steps up to reach the Okusha inner shrine.
In the air was the violent woman—the slowly hovering snake deity once
called Asherah.
The snake deity's blood created a circulating network of life which
absorbed life force from the surrounding people into itself. This should not
kill, but staying in that state for the long term could get dangerous.
"This woman is almost dead, and yet she's still making so much trouble for
others. Whatever, it's nice to have some peace and quiet after all."
There were no signs of people in his immediate surroundings.
Compared to the gates of Youmeimon, main hall and divine stable down
below, tourists willing to climb all the way up to the Okusha inner shrine
were few in number. With the appearance of the serpent god, what few
people immediately fled.
To Lu Yinghua this was quite fortunate.
Because the one who was about to arrive hated noise, it would be best to
minimize annoying factors for her. At this moment, he noticed the woman
flying over here.
It's his master! Immediately, he switched to a stance of "caution."
As the beautiful master looked at him, he immediately held his right fist
against his open left hand.
This was the traditional martial arts greeting of the fist. A necessary
measure in order to preempt his master from admonishing him with the
loud complaint "shouldn't you respect and greet your master properly!?"
Just in case, he should also recite the slogan of followers of the Holy Cult
of the Five Mountains.
"May the immortal name of the wise and brave Cult Leader be sung,
lasting as long as the heavens and the earth. Your infinite might, wisdom
and mercy brings light to this world. Your disciple Lu Yinghua, wishes the
master eternal longevity."
Holy Cult Leader Luo Hao, was the maiden whom very few people knew as
Luo Cuilian.
She was an unaware tyrant, and people serving her needed to take care in
all sorts of minute details.
As her direct disciple who was allowed access to her residence, the
master's mood was an all important factor in Lu Yinghua's life of danger.
"—My young eagle, sycophancy on the battlefield is the act of corrupt
officials and eunuchs!"
However, the beautiful master was frowning with displeasure, calling out
her disciple's pet name.
"As a martial artist with heroic and manly aspirations, do not bring such
shame to your elders!"
This time was a failure. With one shout, Lu Yinghua was blown away.
His back striking the tower behind him, he felt a little dizzy. This was a
shockwave produced by the [Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl], which was
not only capable of widespread destruction, but was also an authority that
could be used like a fist when the power was suppressed.
Damn it, flattery went overboard and backfired instead. Lu Yinghua stood
up again.
Usually he would be reproached for not greeting solemnly enough.
'Though the master-disciple relationship is akin to mother and child, I am
the one who stands at the pinnacle of the Holy Cult while you are just a
young follower. You have to be clear where you stand. Pay more attention!'
Despite her saying that, Luo Cuilian was one who viewed flattery with
disdain, in other words, the crux of the matter depended on the Holy Cult
Leader's mood that day. A most difficult and unreasonable condition.
"When King Kusanagi challenged me, I was a little impressed by your
foresight... But you're still not pushing yourself enough for perfection!"
"Master's words of wisdom will forever be engraved in your disciple's heart.
Allow me to express my utmost gratitude."
Anyway, let me bow my head and accept master's words first.
They had met a few hours ago, but if he reported everything he had done
during this time, Lu Yinghua estimated he would receive a total of three
educational instructions. There was no need to step on the tiger's tail on
purpose.
—Preparing for master's arrival was Lu Yinghua's assigned mission.
Traveling to Japan from Hong Kong just for that, he had to rush back and
forth between Tokyo and Nikkou a number of times. Rushing into the
Kuhoudzuka home at Saitenguu, enlisting the leader's son using the
witch's powers, making him speak about the seal of the [Keeper of the
Horses], doing what was required for the Hime-Miko to come to Nikkou,
and preparing for the seal's release.
The one who spent the most effort on today's incident was actually Lu
Yinghua.
"Master, some interlopers are moving this way. What are your wishes?"
"I leave them to you, get it done for me."
Noticing people approaching, Lu Yinghua obtained the expected answer.
Gods and Campiones were the only opponents worthy enough to make the
beautiful master serious.
Lu Yinghua shrugged and looked down. Toushouguu's main and
worshipping halls, as well as Sakashitamon Gate's sleeping cat were about
two hundred meters away. From the Okusha inner shrine occluded by
cedar trees, one shouldn't be able to see anything.
However, his superhuman hearing caught the sound of approaching
footsteps.
[7]He heard the sound of two people using qinggong to race across the
ground with great agility, most likely Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar.
"...Well since master agreed, let's investigate a bit."
Lu Yinghua aimed at the stone statue of a crane before him, and struck it
with his palm.
The ancient stone crane was instantly smashed, forming numerous
fragments of stone. Placing these remains in his pocket, he spied the two
leaping around like winged cats with only cedar branches as supporting
footholds.
The girls arriving at Toushouguu using qinggong were the two great
knights from Italy.
The two went past the five-story pagoda, through Omotemon Gate, and
reached the area between the divine stable and the Sacred Warehouse of
the Three.
At this time, Lu Yinghua began to fire.
Using only the right index finger, he shot stone pieces from his left palm.
The striking of the finger—in other words, the act of finger flicking—sent
the stones flying one by one with such extreme speed that they were like
bullets.
The targets were of course the two people advancing!
[8]This was the art of Tanzhishentong , one of the martial techniques taught
by his master.
Against the incoming onslaught of stone pellets (roughly ten shots could be
fired in a single breath), the girls immediately evaded. Struck in their stead,
a hole was pierced on Youmeimon Gate.
Missed? Then let's shoot until it hits.
Lu Yinghua smiled with anticipation, and once again shot stone pellets with
the tip of his finger.
The two girls nimbly dodged left and right to avoid the hail of bullets, even
so, the troublesome bullets continued to descend. In that instant, the
situation changed.
As the fired stone pellets approached the bodies of the female knights,
they were deflected.
Seeing them blocked as if by an invisible wall, Yinghua muttered:
"A spell impervious to arrows, hmm, looks like projectiles are no good
anymore."
Operating on similar principles to weapon deflecting spells used by the
[9]
Righteous Harmony Society during the late Qing dynasty.A Daoist art(called magic in Europe) for deflecting arrows and the bullets of
firearms, it easily repelled shots fired by normal people and could only be
overcome by weapons infused with great spiritual powers or arrows fired
by masters.
Though Lu Yinghua was a martial arts prodigy, he was not a sharpshooter.
Then let's decide things with close-quarter combat—this time, he leapt to
the roof of the Toushouguu worship hall.
The qinggong techniques taught by his master far surpassed the European
great knights he was about to fight.
Making contact in the Netherworld happened a short while ago.
Princess Alice's mental waves were able to transcend the gap between the
earth and the other world. This godly feat was only possible for the
Miko-Hime whose spirit powers of psychic sensing had developed to such
a degree.
However, Erica and Liliana could not help sighing when they heard the
news that there was no way for them to return.
"What should we do? Suspend this plan and go retrieve Kusanagi Godou?"
Liliana made the suggestion since she was the only one left who could go
over there.
But if the blue knight left, then facing Leviathan and Cult Leader Luo Hao
alone would be too risky for Erica.
Erica thought for a while, then proposed her amendments to the plan. The
princess in the Astral Plane should also be able to receive the plan through
psychic sensing. Having decided, Erica transmitted her thoughts through
mental waves.
—Yes, let's go along with this plan, we will prepare from over here. I wish
you all luck.
"So that's it, Lily, let's start."
"What a reckless plan, but that is all we can do. No matter what, if we do
not take drastic measures, a Campione's will could not possibly be
hindered."
Memorizing the new plan, Erica and Liliana rushed towards Toushouguu.
As a side note, Amakasu had left the scene taking the unconscious
Kuhoudzuka gentleman along with him. Even though he was highly skilled
[10]in secret operations, onmyoudou and white magic, a ninja's combat
ability was not especially high, and there was no need to accompany them.
"The vanguard is coming, Lily."
"Hmph, arriving from the air, what an ostentatious youth."
Evading the attacks from above, they charged forth.
Finally descending from the sky, Lu Yinghua gazed at the two great
knights.
"I have been waiting, Nee-san. If you wish to see my master, she is
currently busy. If you have to intrude no matter what, then let me be your
opponent."
Casually looking down from the worship hall of Toushouguu, Lu Yinghua
spoke.
His posture resembled a phoenix at rest—aged fourteen, rather than
calling him young, he would be better described as immature.
However, his awe-inspiring presence was worthy of his position as the
devil king's disciple.
"Ah, looking so disinterested usually, but today you are passionately
tempting us."
"Under the watchful eyes of my master, I have no leisure to dally, and must
defeat you two using my full strength."
The young martial artist sneered at Erica's joking attempts.
It was a strange smile, a product of some twisted emotion rising up from
the heart. However, the confidence in that smiling face was authentic.
Could he really believe that he could obtain victory fighting against two
great knights at once?
What gave Erica doubt, was the slight sense of masochism seen in Lu
Yinghua's smile.
"Yes, even for me, fighting the two Nee-sans here is a little dangerous. I'd
probably lose three times out of ten?"
"In other words, you will win seven times? How audacious."
The one who replied quietly was Liliana.
Boasts of grandeur and haughtiness were often sources of power.
Confidence and presence were prerequisites for talent and skill to shine. In
the world of battles, cases of an arrogant genius outperforming a modest
genius were too many to list.
"Competing with you seems quite attractive."
"A pity then, our target is not you so we must decline your invitation."
Erica and Liliana wrapped their respective red and black or blue and black
capes around their bodies. The capes known as bandiera, only great
knights were allowed such battle attire.
"Heh, are you really planning on challenging my master? Doing so would
be foolhardy rather than brave, I advise you it is better to give up."
"No, and it's not her either... Let's start, Lily."
"Very well, though we are at a disadvantage. However we cannot ignore
this battle for that will taint our honor as knights."
In Erica's hand was the magic sword Cuore di Leone.
On the other hand, Liliana wielded the magic sword Il Maestro.
These magic swords were forged as a pair, using Wootz steel from
Damascus. Sharp enough to sever concrete blocks in one stroke, they also
amplified the magic of the wielder, furthermore, each possessed the
special attributes of [Indestructible] and [Magic Melody] respectively.
The two of them entered full battle preparedness.
[11]
"Eli Eli lama sabachthani? Oh Lord, why hast thou forsaken me?""People, listen to David's song of mourning! How are the mighty fallen, and
[12]
the weapons of war perished!"Simultaneously, they chanted the spell words.
"But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help
me. Deliver my soul from the sword; Save me from the lion's mouth: for
[13]
thou hast heard me from the horns of wild oxen!"The spell words of loathing and despair. Erica's [Oh Lord, why hast thou
forsaken me].
"From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of
[14]
Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty!"The requiem mourning for an ancient hero. Liliana's [Song of the Bow].
"I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation
[15]
will I praise thee.""O bow of Jonathan, the warrior's weapon fast as an eagle and strong as a
lion. Descend into my hand now!"
Both moves were advanced battle magic that could bring pain to gods.
Unfamiliar with European magic, Lu Yinghua's expression started to tense
as he noticed extremely ominous spell words of disaster gathering around
in Erica and Liliana's surroundings.
When they made the decision to employ these two mystic rituals, the two
knights had already abandoned trying to move in secret. Lu Yinghua and
Luo Hao would immediately notice such powerful magical presences and
there would be no time to hide.
"Be dismissed, Lu Yinghua! Light be lost, breathing stopped!"
Erica yelled.
The spell words of loathing and despair, had the power of restraint in this
world. Those commanded will actually lose their sight and even stop
beating their heart.
"Disaster falls upon those who block my path! Ashes to ashes, dust to
dust!"
Liliana's shouts followed.
Bound by the hero's requiem, objects lose their form as commanded, and
everything pointed at by her finger collapsed into dust.
True to his title as the martial hero, Lu Yinghua was able to block these
spells.
"Hmm—! What troublesome spells!"
Roaring angrily, he struck himself with his left fist slightly above the heart.
[16]
Stimulating the pressure point of Tanzhongxue , he strengthened the qi
[17]life force in his body. This middle energy center , along with the lower
energy center below the navel—both were major pressure points
responsible for the flow of magical power in European magic.
As long as the flow of magical power within the body was strong enough,
one was immune to the effects of outside magic.
The absolute resistance of a Campione towards magic was simply due to
harboring magical power within the body that far surpassed the best magi.
Having undergone his master's inhumane training, Lu Yinghua could be
[18]
considered a genius in the area of qigong.Raising magical power instantly to block Erica and Liliana's curses could
be considered a godly feat. However, their true purpose was not to
neutralize the devil king's direct disciple.
They only aimed to prevent him from making the first attack for a short
period of time.
Their goal was apparently successful, and during the moment when Lu
Yinghua focused on his internal body and could not physically attack, the
two great knights began the next step.
Erica instantly applied magic to Cuore di Leone.
The spell of Iron Alchemy—Transformation. The slender beloved sword
was transformed into a pilum, the throwing spear used by soldiers of the
ancient Roman Empire. Infused in it were the spell words of loathing and
despair.
Liliana stabbed her magic sword Il Maestro into the ground.
Instead her hands now wielded the bow and arrows of blue light. The bow
of Jonathan that took form from the requiem of the ancient hero, the
weapon that once shot the hero Perseus.
Simultaneously, the two great knights sent their projectiles towards the sky.
The target was the silvery white snake hovering above Nikkou mountain,
near her throat—
Flying in the air, the ground beneath was a flat plain without any
obstructions. The only factors to consider were the distance and the
accuracy of the shooters.
From the very start, they were planning to attack Leviathan.
The pilum and the arrow rushed through the air.
In a most splendid manner, these magically born weapons pierced the
snake deity's throat.