Part 1
Leviathan's massive body began to crash slowly towards the ground.
Particles of light were scattering in the air as the body fell like a weightless
feather, an unnatural trajectory of descent.
The silvery white body of the snake gradually disappeared. By the time it
reached several tens of meters above the ground, only Asherah's pale
body remained, and on her throat were two large piercing wounds.
Asherah's body finally fell on the topmost part of Toushouguu, the Okusha
inner shrine.
"Unable to maintain the form of a snake, if this continues, the key to
releasing the binding seal of the [Keeper of the Horses] will..."
Cult Leader Luo Hao murmured to herself as she approached.
The convulsing young girl was vomiting frothy blood. Luo Hao lifted the
girl's arm to examine her pulse and nodded, standing up immediately.
"My young eagle! While I treat this witch, you help me stop the knights."
She ordered her disciple who was two hundred meters below.
[1]Due to the her beautiful voice being full of qi trained from neigong , it
could be transmitted even across such distances.
"Wow, that violent woman still lives after that. Wait a minute, turning into a
snake becomes an existence on the level of [Heretic Gods], so there's
nothing to be surprised about...?"
Hearing the instructions, Lu Yinghua stared hard as he stood on the roof of
Toushouguu's worship hall. On the other hand, the two great knights who
pierced the snake deity's throat were smiling at each other.
"See, the best way to eliminate Leviathan was just as I said."
It was just before advancing upon Toushouguu, after Princess Alice had
transmitted her mental waves from the Astral Plane.
In coordination with the other side, Erica made a conclusion.
"Lily and I will attack directly. If it's the spell words of David, then even
gods can be damaged. The flying target's vulnerabilities are fully exposed
in the air, oh? It will definitely work."
"Since the snake deity's life is ending soon anyway, this method does not
seem so absolutely ridiculous after all."
Liliana calmly nodded.
Ignoring her private life (especially in the area of love), Liliana in battle was
very calm and composed.
"Of course, if we take it slowly, there will be interference from Luo Hao and
Lu Yinghua. If we target Leviathan on our first strike, I believe the chances
of success will be very high."
Lu Yinghua was highly skilled in qigong, but was not an expert on magic or
Daoist arts.
He was unlikely to be acquainted with the mystic arts of magic such as the
spell words of the hero David. The problem was his master, and Erica
recalled the encounter near the shrine --
"Luo Hao probably won't be wary of Lily and me as enemies, so if we
target Leviathan from the start, it will work for sure. However..."
"Afterwards is the real problem. We will need to fight the cult leader
seriously."
The only existence on earth that could fight evenly with a Campione was
another Campione, which is why they sent Princess Alice to pick up
Godou.
"In the end, after eliminating Leviathan, we still need a Campione's power.
But if that ritual continues, [Steel] will be awakened... We have no options."
"Yes, so that is why we gamble everything on this."
Erica continued explaining as Liliana shook her head, troubled by the
dilemma.
"You already know that Kusanagi Godou possesses the authority of
Verethragna, the Persian Warlord who flew over the land, the protector
who saved the people. So --"
Liliana nodded in agreement with Erica's suggestion.
The mental waves from the princess in the Netherworld also approved.
And so the two knights charged courageously, and successfully downed
Leviathan.
Currently, Luo Hao had given orders to her disciple, who prepared to take
on Erica and Liliana.
Though it was unclear at this point, there was also the possibility that the
snake deity could be revived.
"Worrying about others at this point, you two sure are confident!"
The youth and his voice descended at the same time.
Just like last time, there was not a single sound. As an advanced physical
technique, it required complete control of one's weight, muscle strength
and activity in order to attain this level. Though Erica and Liliana were also
quite accomplished in this area, they were outmatched by far.
The silver-haired knight immediately reached out and pulled out her
beloved sword from the ground.
Seeing this action, Lu Yinghua smiled at the corner of his lips and
immediately charged with god-like speed.
At the distance of an arm's length, he struck with his right fist, aiming for
Liliana's right hand which held the magic sword! With gliding steps, Liliana
evaded.
"You are the confident one instead! Deliberately attacking the one with the
weapon."
"Haha! Fighting an unarmed sword fighter? I wouldn't do it even if
someone paid me to!"
Because Erica had thrown her beloved sword at Leviathan, she was
currently weaponless.
Disregarding this situation, the youth still chose to attack the armed
opponent. Liliana took her magic sword and slashed at the incoming right
arm. If she was able to cut an artery or a muscle, victory would be decided.
But the young martial artist withdrew his arm to escape the magic sword.
Like a whip, the withdrawn hand attacked Liliana's face. Against this move
which combined offense with defense as one, Liliana raised her left arm to
defend.
"Heh, neither slow in speed nor in reaction. Yes, you do have some skill..."
Lu Yinghua leisurely commented.
Fighting an armed opponent with no signs of fear, it appeared that he had
not even begun to get serious.
Liliana held Il Maestro at mid-level.
Slowly tracing out a curve with its form, she wielded the saber with one
hand. This was the magic sword that formed a pair with Cuore di Leone,
and in the past, the two were discovered together in the catacombs
beneath Florence.
"Erica, looks like he wants to have a chat with me, you should hurry over to
the cult leader."
Seeing her old friend's rare attempt at a joke, Erica smiled in response.
"Lily, is that really fine? If you say that, then I will become the main
character, oh?"
"To be frank, that is no good at all, but there is no other way. I have
already started here and the opponent has yet to show his true power, how
could I stop here!"
While Liliana yelled loudly, her opponent the youth gave off a sense of
unpressured ease.
"You go first, there is no other choice. I will finish him. I already mentioned
before, your taking the spotlight has already gone on too far!"
"In that case, I won't refuse your offer, I'll be on my way~~"
Using [Leap], Erica jumped onto the roof of Toushouguu's worship hall as
Lu Yinghua gazed at her back with eyes like a ferocious bird of prey.
"Didn't I say I will fight you both at the same time!"
Yelling, he rushed over and once again flew to the top of the worship hall.
[2]No good. If this continued, he will start hunting like his namesake the
eagle. Liliana immediately leapt onto the roof and blocked Lu Yinghua's
path.
And then she released the seal on the magic sword Il Maestro.
Erica was not the only one who hid the true power of her beloved sword.
[3]The steel of the master musician began to transform. The curved blade
remained the same, but the hilt portion was extended for almost a meter,
giving the weapon an appearance that now resembled a spear or a glaive.
Ding... With a light sweep, a wonderful tone was heard.
Like the sound of a xylophone being played, it was music that suited the
name of the conductor.
"The essence of fantasy, steel that plays brilliant melodies! I beseech you,
grant unto me invisible wings!"
Ultimate move -- the words to release the [Magic Melody].
Lightly brandishing Il Maestro in its glaive-like form, a series of tones were
heard.
With another swing, the tones continued, and Liliana rhythmically
performed with the musical tones.
Lu Yinghua's pupils began to lose their sharp glint, watching Liliana before
him, the eagle eyes which had been focused obliquely on the leaping Erica
became confused for an instant.
-- He fell for it!
Confirming it, Liliana thrusted Il Maestro at Lu Yinghua's chest.
True to form as the martial artist, he recovered his senses before the
sword struck and jumped back a large distance.
"...So that weapon has a strange effect."
"This is the magic melody. The magic sword Il Maestro is the steel of the
master musician that can perform marvelous music. For someone like me
who has mastered music and martial arts, playing all kinds of magic
melodies can become a second weapon."
This time it was Liliana's turn to look down at her opponent.
She was now standing on the rooftop of Toushouguu's worship hall, while
Lu Yinghua stood on the ground since his leap just now had jumped off the
roof.
Liliana brandished Il Maestro as if displaying the form of her martial arts.
And then a mysterious metallic tune was heard, the magic melody just now
that disrupted the listener's thoughts. In a serious battle it could break the
concentration of the opponent and create openings.
In addition there were many other magic melodies with different effects,
such as weakening the enemy's magical power or physical endurance.
"Tsk -- what an unassuming but contemptible spell!"
Lu Yinghua roared angrily and then began to raise the magical power in
his body.
The same method for magical defense that he used against the curse of
David, however, this was also countered.
"Pray bestow life, mother who brings death! Grant unto me the signs of the
dark earth!"
Chanting new spell words, Liliana used magic, witchcraft that manipulated
the earth.
The ground beneath Lu Yinghua began to soften. This was a sinister spell
that made the ground surface lose its hardness, turning into mud,
transforming into a bottomless marsh, directly sinking the target into the
depths of the earth.
An outstanding mage would probably use opposing magic or the blessing
of fortune to neutralize or surpass its effects.
For a Campione like Godou, as long as they raised their magic within their
body, the spell's effect would naturally disappear. Their resistance to magic
was such that even area effect spells would automatically lose effect. But
for Lu Yinghua, even though he was a genius at qigong, as a normal
person he could never reach a Campione's level.
Whether sword skills of a knight, Chinese martial arts, magic, Daoist arts,
etc... Even if one were to develop any of these skills to its pinnacle, a
human would still be unable to match the extraordinary magical power of
Campiones or gods.
Hence Lu Yinghua could only let his legs be devoured by the bottomless
marsh, and he had already sunk down to his knees.
"...Against an opponent that can use both magic and the sword, one
definitely needs to prepare tactics beforehand."
However, he still remained completely composed, just as calm as usual.
It was a bottomless marsh with the consistency of glue and without a single
foot hold.
Lu Yinghua made a light jump and landed on a nearby patch of magically
unaffected ground.
This sort of action was impossible with just the lightness of the body. The
difficulty would be akin to walking on the surface of water using floating
wooden planks. Liliana could not believe that someone had actually trained
their physical techniques to such a level --
"Since Erica-neesan has escaped already, it looks like I'll need to go all out
now."
Lu Yinghua entered a stance and opened his palms. Liliana stared with her
eyes wide open.
He was renowned for his outstanding qinggong and overwhelmingly
powerful palm strikes. Liliana had already witnessed the former many
times but Lu Yinghua had yet to use the latter, his palm strikes -- to this
point he still had not used his strongest weapon!
"Nee-san, I'm just about to use my prided technique!"
Part 2
Casting as many protective spells on herself as possible, Erica ran up the
stone steps.
To the highest place in Toushouguu -- the Okusha inner shrine.
Of course, Cult Leader Luo Hao was right there, kneeling down with her
back to Erica. In front of the demonic cult leader was Asherah with two
wounds on her throat. As blood flowed out continuously, her life slowly
ebbed away.
Written on the ground beside the witch were geometric shapes and
Chinese characters.
Most likely a magic circle for Daoist arts, the eight characters of Qian, Dui,
[4]Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen and Kun were particularly large. This was likely
what was sustaining Asherah's life.
"We meet again, blonde knight."
Luo Hao didn't even turn her head back.
"I must commend you for figuring out the snake was the key to disrupting
the ritual, and the plan to eliminate it first. However, you will obstruct no
further."
What was surprising was that her tone of voice did not carry any anger.
Spoken calmly with finesse.
Perhaps this was the magnanimity of a great one, Erica felt very
impressed. Luo Hao completely disregarded her as an equal existence,
and probably treated it as mischief from a dog or a cat.
"My apologies, Your Eminence, forgive me but I cannot follow your order."
"If so, great knight, I feel that with your outstanding talent, it would be quite
a shame to kill you, which is why I warned you specifically... A real shame,
you are dismissed."
In the instant the last sentence sounded, Erica felt like her entire body was
crushed.
By the time she noticed, she was already lying fallen on the ground.
She deduced she must have been hit by a shock wave, but Erica had no
idea when Luo Hao had made her attack. It was a feeling like being
crushed by a giant truck.
"Oh... To be still alive, I see, you used protective magic on your body.
What a well-prepared girl. If only my young eagle could be as cautious and
thoughtful as you, I would admit he has finally grown up..."
Fallen over on her back, Erica's view included the Nikkou sky dyed red by
the setting sun.
She was unable to see what kind of expression Luo Hao bore, but most
likely she was still facing Erica with her back. Whether a great knight or an
archmage, either would just be like grass on the roadside to her. Humans
did not have any value she approved.
Having thought of that, Erica slowly began to get up.
First she raised her body. Standing up didn't matter for now, but at least
she had to raise her upper torso and show off she was still alive. This was
the minimum dignity. And then she called his name.
"...Your Eminence, I have the duty to report something to you!"
Straining her throat, she yelled with all her strength.
Blood came out together with her voice, probably indicative of internal
injuries?
"It is a transgression for a great knight to stand before you, therefore, I
shall summon my lord."
"Oh? Your lord is -- King Kusanagi?"
"Yes, he is the king of kings, and will one day surpass all his senior
Campiones and lord over the world as the ultimate devil king, raising the
blade of resistance against your tyranny."
Erica could feel the cold autumn wind on her cheek, and inhaled.
Unable to ascertain whether he would come, it was only a possibility.
Having made such a strong declaration, failure would bring shame to the
family.
But despite such a risk, she had to say it.
She wanted to let this person before her, or rather the girl who looked like
a person, witness the principle that things cannot be judged from
appearances.
The youth she loved would never let her struggle alone in such conditions.
If he failed to come, she was prepared to haunt him for the rest of his life.
These kinds of stupid thoughts entered Erica's mind as she yelled:
"Come, Kusanagi Godou! Your woman is dying here, can you allow your
opponent's abuses to continue unchallenged!? Fly here immediately, and
avenge me!"
The wind began to pick up, starting as an autumn breeze.
Immediately it became stronger, from blowing winds to a cyclone, and then
bone-chilling strong winds, finally becoming a gale that heralds a storm.
"You being my woman... Somehow I feel like a correction is necessary but
leave it for later. I will definitely avenge you, so please rest now. Also,
thank you for reminding me about this power."
It was the voice of the youth who had been missing a few hours ago.
In the center of the swirling storm winds, his appearance gradually became
tangible. Behind him were Mariya Yuri and Hikari as well as the princess.
Erica knew she won her gamble.
The ancient Persian Warlord named Verethragna was the god of victory
possessing ten incarnations. Becoming the protector god of the people
through the changing times, the [Wind] symbolized this attribute of his.
Transforming into the wind blowing over the Eurasian continent, he
protected the people of all lands.
As an authority of Kusanagi Godou's, it was a mode of transport with
extremely stringent restrictions.
Only when someone close to him was in a crisis, could he fly to their aid,
transcending space.
"However, could Verethragna's authority move between earth and the
Netherworld?"
This was after defeating the little monkeys, when they had made contact
with the real world.
Hearing Erica's proposal from the princess, Godou was uncertain.
"In Persia he was the deity worshiped as the one who led the way, like
Hermes of Greece, an emissary god of travel who journeyed across the
world, and can freely move between the earth and the underworld.
Considering all this, it is not impossible, but the question is whether
Kusanagi-sama's authority can really activate..."
Godou nodded at Alice's explanation, and they had nothing to do but try it
out. But then, what now?
--Just as he was pondering, Yuri's determined expression entered his
sight.
"I feel that Erica-san's idea will be successful, Godou-san, please make
your decision."
Her tone of voice was completely filled with confidence, and Godou
immediately noticed the reason.
Earlier he had heard that within the Netherworld, there was some degree
of control over that oracle-like power.
"Mariya, did you use spirit vision?"
"Yes, though of course my spirit vision is not a hundred percent accurate,
there are occasional mistakes... But I want to believe."
"Believe?"
"Godou-san definitely will not ignore the disaster on earth, and cannot
abandon Erica-san in a deadly crisis during her time of need, so for sure
you will return to the real world."
A statement full of trust but very serious and heavy at the same time.
Godou lightly sighed, lifting his head. If he failed, perhaps he would never
be able to hold his head high again.
Though the topic was heavy, Godou felt gratified. Wasn't it a man's
greatest happiness to be relied upon and trusted by girls like this? Besides,
he had always relied on the assistance of Yuri's spirit vision, and there was
no need to doubt.
"...So it is decided. Please tell Erica this: I will leave things on the surface
to you and Liliana. I will definitely return, and you must call my name."
That was what he said to Alice to let them begin the operation.
After that, all he could do was wait.
Standing by the lakeside, Godou waited for Erica's summoning. Using the
[Wind] form required an open area where wind could blow. This place was
fine.
At this time, Godou noticed Yuri acting a little strange.
At a distance away from him, the girls had a discussion with their heads
down. Godou did not hear their conversation, but Hikari and Alice
immediately left.
"What is going on, Mariya? For everyone to return together, it would be
best to have them close by."
He questioned the Hime-Miko who was slowly approaching with an
unexpectedly red face. The [Wind] incarnation had the ability to take
people in the surroundings along for the instantaneous transfer.
"I-I know, but I feel it is better to have them leave for a while..."
"Why? If Erica called us, Alice and Hikari will be left behind here? Hurry
and call them back."
To Godou, this was very reasonable, but Yuri replied with a shocked
expression.
"B-But, are we not going to be doing that next...?"
"Eh? That? What do you mean by that?"
"By mentioning that, of course I mean that thing. Did I not mention already,
even if we do that I am completely fine with it... D-Do not make me repeat
myself."
Though embarrassed, Yuri was clearly determined.
Said that way, of course Godou realized, and he felt his heart beginning to
race.
"You will be fighting Cult Leader Luo Hao soon. In order to neutralize her
authority with the spell words of the [Sword], you must first prepare
properly here. I thought you knew that already."
Likely aware that she was daringly approaching Godou, Yuri's face had
turned completely bright red. Her appearance was very adorable.
"B-But Mariya barely saw any of my fight with Luo Hao, right? So you
couldn't have obtained knowledge on her authorities?"
"No... No, actually I saw it."
His improvised excuse was instantly rejected by Yuri.
"In the stable when we escaped from the monkey divine monarch, I saw
Godou-san and Luo Hao's fight through spirit vision, that was when she
used the song of destruction... During the last transfer to escape, I also
saw the Buddha Guardian derived from the Benevolent Kings and viewed
with spirit vision the god's authority. Therefore..."
At some point in time, Yuri had started gazing at Godou with tears in her
eyes.
"This is the only way I am able to help Godou-san in your fights. So at least
let me do all that I can to assist you. O-Or is that not acceptable...?"
Begging him, Yuri's pink lips were trembling gently.
To force a girl like her to go so far, he was truly an idiot. Witnessing
everything, Godou prepared himself and drew his lips near her.
"Mariya -- We are starting, is that OK?"
"Yes, very well. Just do as you desire, I am ready any time -- yes."
The contact between lips, began with light nibbling at first.
The second time was more intense, deeper, richer, and she responded in
kind, sucking away at Godou's lips. The two tongues tangled, and saliva
mixed continually.
Transmitting knowledge and images through the mouth.
This was the only method to circumvent a Campione's absolute resistance
against magic and allowed spells to take effect. Starting the transmission
of knowledge, the information obtained by Yuri's spirit vision flowed
continuously into Godou's mind.
[5]
About the source of the [Divine Might of Vajrapani], the Benevolent KingBuddha Guardians.
About the source of the [Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl], the Hindu
[6]
goddess Gayatri."Godou-san... Please... Accept more from me, take all the knowledge from
within me, using greater and more strength to absorb it all, I do not mind
even if you act a bit more rough... Yes..."
"Mariya...!"
Moaning softly, a ritual of mutual harmony.
Caught within this whirlpool, Godou heard some faint background noises.
'Wow! ...Just like Princess said, Onee-chan and Onii-sama are doing
amazing things!'
'Of course, luckily we came to watch? Your elder sister was definitely trying
to conceal some secret! ...But I never thought it would be something this
shocking.'
Voices whose identities needed no confirmation, it was the dialogue
between the young girl and the beauty.
'W-Wow wow! ...I-I saw the tongue extend inside there! Onee-chan is so
serious all the time, to think she would engage in this kind of behavior --
I-Is that the deep kissing of adults?'
'T-These two are so audacious, the sun is still so high, and also in the
great outdoors...'
Hearing those tiny voices full of excitement, Godou began to feel a bit
embarrassed.
Why do those two have to peek!
Godou secretly checked out the face of the girl whose lips had been in
contact with his for so many times. Yuri was already completely immersed
in the activity, giving her all, single-heartedly offering her lips akin to cherry
blossom petals, leaning her burning hot body against him. Wonderful, she
hasn't noticed.
"Mariya... You too... Should focus more attention on my body, don't think
about unnecessary things, just focus on transmitting knowledge to me, got
that?"
Lightly whispering by her ear, Godou casually bit Yuri's ear and licked with
his tongue. The Hime-Miko's body shuddered lightly and embraced him
with her arm.
"Yes... Very well, Godou-san... I will only think of you!"
Yuri's slender arms were currently hugging his back very tightly with all her
strength.
Gazing at Godou with tearful eyes, her facial expression was not only
beautiful but carried a certain seductiveness that ran counter to the image
of the pure Yamato Nadeshiko -- No! Precisely because of that, there was
an even greater layer of feminine charm.
In that instant, Godou also forgot about the pair peeking at him from
somewhere. He embraced Yuri in turn and mercilessly held her tight.
"Ah -- G-Godou-san, it hurts a little..."
Though she was saying that, Yuri continued to close her eyes and offered
her body to Godou. Relaxing her body, she gave herself to his rough
embrace.
Godou's entire body could feel the tactile sensations of the Hime-Miko
pressed tightly against him.
The warmth from the skin, a tangible sense of the body that could be felt
even through the miko outfit, as well as the surprisingly ample breasts, the
soft thighs entangled around him, Godou could feel everything.
"I-I will not hesitate any more... Will stay by your side forever, giving my all
for you, so Godou-san, please never let me go...!"
"I know, you must forever stay by my side, Mariya, starting from now
remain with me -- absolutely never leave!"
"Yes! Promise -- no, this is our contract, I will offer everything to you, so
please be victorious this time...! I will wait for your safe return!"
"Yes, leave it to me, so Mariya, give me even greater power -- !"
Her black hair glimmered like black pearls, with a heavy shade of brown.
Despite her frail and slender body, she was exceptionally feminine, hiding
a most voluptuous figure.
Smelling the maiden's fragrance, Godou kissed the rose-colored cheek
and then returned to Yuri's lips, lightly pushing her teeth apart, letting their
tongues tangle with one another, sucking their saliva. Currently they were
completely immersed into the activity.
Without any spare thoughts for other matters, only thinking of each other,
transferring knowledge and impressions, two hearts linked as one, only
kissing without pause, embracing passionately.
'.........R-Really amazing.'
'.........Y-Yes. Those two are far more passionate and bolder than they
look...'
The tiny voices somehow had become even quieter.
With the disappearance of the obstructing observers, Godou obtained the
necessary knowledge at the same time.
Discovering there was no longer a need to continue, the two separated
their lips, a strand of saliva hanging between their mouths as a remnant of
the intense passion that passed. Somehow there was a feeling of
reluctance to separate.
Gazing at each other, the two were bright red from embarrassment, though
they did not avert their eyes.
In the end the two smiled, for not only knowledge and body, but their
hearts also felt tangibly as one in that instant, but now --
Rustle... Rustle... Hikari slowly walked out of some trees and bushes
nearby.
She was showing a dazed expression as if having a high fever. Alice also
appeared from behind her. Both of them looked very embarrassed, and
neither dared to look at Godou and Yuri directly.
"H-Hikari -- !? Did I not ask you both to leave!? Why are you here?"
Yuri was greatly shocked, for she did not expect to be watched.
On the side, Godou could not say a word. He had completely forgotten the
existence of this most unladylike pair. Anyway, it would be best not to
mention that he noticed they were peeking just now.
"Sorry, Onee-chan... I saw it."
"-- !?"
The younger sister's embarrassed confession, made the older sister give
out a pitiful scream. It was probably her usual refined behavior that helped
her hold things together despite the great shock.
"S-So I have something to ask Onee-chan... Kissing feels very nice after
all, right? Or does it really make your heart beat fast? Onee-chan and
Onii-sama were so engrossed into it, so I really want to know what it feels
like..."
"Y-You you you are too young to be interested in this kind of thing! I will not
allow it!"
Yuri admonished seriously. Though she spoke like this, it was completely
unconvincing since she herself engaged in activities that could not be
described as morally upstanding.
Hearing the dialogue between sisters, Godou and Alice looked at each
other silently, but in the instant their gaze met, the two immediately averted
their eyes, feeling very embarrassed.
"Come, Kusanagi Godou! Your woman is dying here, can you allow your
opponent's abuses to continue unchallenged!? Fly here immediately, and
avenge me!"
Godou heard the voice at this very instant.
It had only been a few hours, but he missed the voice of this girl very
much. In order to fulfill the conditions for using [Wind], she risked her own
life.
"What 'my woman', don't make decisions like that on your own..."
Godou protested, but this was a savior in more ways than one.
With the awkwardness from just now all blown away, Godou waved to the
girls all around him.
Everyone gathered and waited, prepared to ride the wind away.
From the Netherworld back to the surface, setting off for the Japanese
ancient holy sanctum where his companions awaited! As the violent winds
disappeared from around them, Godou and his group had arrived at the
Okusha inner shrine at the top of Toushouguu.
Before his eyes were Erica and a naked girl lying on the ground, as well as
the back of the demonic cult leader. Who knew just the back view of the
[7]girl dressed in a mandarin gown could be so beautiful?
But at the same time, Godou's fighting spirit as a Campione was reaching
boiling levels in his mind.
"Erica, can you still move?"
"Yes, a little, I used healing magic, but I have reached my limits. Without
my assistance, can you win?"
The pair of sisters, Yuri and Hikari rushed over to the side of Erica who
was forcing herself to endure the pain.
"Of course it is not a problem, how can I ask someone injured to look after
me!"
Godou looked over at Alice.
The princess whose expression had become completely serious, nodded
and motioned for Yuri and the rest to leave. The Hime-Miko sisters picked
up Erica in their arms, and slowly moved towards the stone steps. This
Okusha inner shrine was going to become a battlefield, and departing from
this place was the safest action.
The sisters and Erica, as well as Alice guarding the rear had left from the
Okusha inner shrine.
"-- King Kusanagi, I see you have rode the wind to cross the gap between
[8]Youmingjie and the human world."
Cult Leader Luo Hao finally turned her head.
That adorable expression like a beautiful flower, continued to maintain that
smiling face.
Part 3
The loveliness of Cult Leader Luo Hao, far surpassed all the beauties
Godou had ever encountered.
However, Godou did not let her steal his heart away.
"You not only possess combat skills and brute force, but also know magic,
[9]hohoho, I never expected Wakoku's king to be such a promising young
man. I have no idea how many [Kings] there are currently, but only I, Luo
Hao, am blessed with both valor and wisdom. Perhaps one day you will be
my successor."
"For me to become your successor? What a joke, who the heck would
want to do that?"
Godou resolutely refused her suggestion.
"I am completely uninterested in martial arts that hurt people, and I won't
learn any strange magic!"
"Say that as you may, but you do possess authority more powerful than
any human on earth."
Luo Hao gazed at him as if watching an adorable little brother, while
Godou glared straight at her.
"This is also a king's privilege. Take my rival for example, the wolf king of
Eastern Europe is a devil king who ignores martial arts and eschews
magic. In spite of that, he still holds power on the same level as me."
Was she referring to Marquis Voban? Godou recalled that abnormal old
man. He definitely did not want to become like that, Godou wanted to lead
a normal life like a human!
"Anyway! I don't approve of what you are trying to do. To go so far as to
restore that monkey, give me a break! Because of this, Mariya and her
sister have been through so much hardship, and you even injured my
companion to that extent -- despite appearances, I am a pacifist at heart.
However, I will fight you to avenge her."
"You will compete against me in combat? Hoho, King Kusanagi, do you
think you can win?"
"It's not a matter of winning, but the principle of things that must be done.
And right now I'm all fired up! I haven't been this angry for quite a long
time!"
"Not bad, then you shall properly savor the authority and skills of I, Luo
Cuilian!"
Luo Hao slightly parted her red lips, and began to recite verses lightly.
"Who shall report one's death / Self-pitying since return!"
Boom! The shockwave advanced towards Godou.
An attack fast as the wind with neither color nor form. Godou raised the
magical power in his body and stood firmly on the ground. He felt like
falling over, but he endured without much damage.
"You are surely talented at fighting, it is evident that you have been
learning how to master your powerful abilities. Excellent. To us [Kings], the
spells of the strongest magi or Daoists are completely ineffective. Even
between [Kings] as peers, unless authorities are used to fill their bodies
with mighty power, no lasting effect can be made. So --"
During such a perilous situation, why does she show such an expression?
The more he fought with her, the more Godou wanted to ask, how can she
show such an innocent smile in the midst of battle? However, she
constantly talked about the principles of fighting and ways of combat, and
now her delicate and slender body was quietly approaching Godou --
"In times like this, a bold close quarter attack is the most effective!"
From this point onwards, Godou couldn't see anything or understand what
happened because he couldn't read her moves.
In terms of close quarter combat ability, Godou and Cult Leader Luo Hao
were ten thousand light-years apart.
Thus, Godou did not dare dodge recklessly.
His only goal was to endure the first strike without dying. In the instant he
saw Luo Hao drawing near, his body began to move. Arching his back, he
positioned his arms in front, guarding his face, chest and abdomen, at the
same time moving his hips back.
Godou's only consideration was to prevent her from scoring a critical hit,
which is why he entered this kind of unsightly posture.
--Perhaps she might use a middle kick.
Something that felt as hard as an iron chain, struck Godou on his
defending arms.
There was a feeling like an intense electrical current, a shock running
amok within his body.
He could no longer feel his arms except for a scorching hot sensation
where they were struck. Anyway, his entire body hurt, from his head, to his
fingertips, his hands and feet, chest, abdomen and back, all parts of his
body was being attacked by sharp pain, and blood gushed out of his
mouth, for all his internal organs suffered severe impact. There was a
feeling that a mere single attack damaged all parts of the body. Wait a
minute, Luo Hao had the strength to throw a high school student high into
the air, but this time Godou did not get sent flying by the mysterious
impact, and simply collapsed on the spot. Presumably, she somehow
converted her monstrous strength into direct damage. Scary...
These types of thoughts ran through Godou's mind.
Even so, he survived, Campiones were truly terrifying existences.
His entire body felt pain as if crushed, the two arms could only feel a
scorched sensation, and there was a real sense that the body had been
damaged from the core. Godou was able to analyze all these sensations
one by one, because he had activated the [Camel] incarnation.
Verethragna's fourth incarnation, could only be used after suffering a
certain level of injuries. This ability massively raised his leg strength and
combat ability, and also conferred extraordinary defense.
--Godou's eyes were finally able to capture Cult Leader Luo Hao's
movements.
As guessed, she did use a kick just now, and her beautiful right leg was
just returning to the ground.
This time, it was an upper attack aimed at Godou's face. Entering a kungfu
stance for a vertical punch, it was a move frequently seen in Hong Kong
action movies.
Of course, Luo Hao's motions were a thousand times more fluent.
Godou evaded Luo Hao's punch by falling to the ground, and then
maintaining that lying down posture, bounced his lower body up and kicked
at her slender body.
"Oh... Your movements have changed. There is no art here but the fighting
spirit and will to push yourself towards victory, like a ferocious beast --
adapting oneself to the opponent's power and situation. You usurped your
authority from the war god with the ever-changing forms, and are using this
ability to its full extent!"
Evading the kick, Luo Hao praised as she glanced sideways.
Carefully examining Godou who was lying on the ground, she was not
deliberately showing off nonchalance, but only to clarify his ability.
Compared to her domineering attacks, her caution was even more
terrifying instead.
Feeling like he was one of those legendary participants in a Yokozuna
sumo wrestling match, Godou slowly got up.
Come to think of it, when he had just become a Campione, Erica had
investigated his physical characteristics. His greatest difference from a
normal person was the hardness of his bones, which surpassed that of
most metals. Other than that, there was also an extraordinary natural
healing ability.
Because of that, he was exceptionally durable, and that was how Godou
survived. Had a normal person been hit by the attack just now, all the
bones in their body would have been crushed and the internal organs all
ruptured.
Thanks to the [Camel], Godou was now able to understand much more
clearly how powerful Luo Hao was.
Her martial arts completely surpassed his imagination.
When she released her punches and kicks, the presence of her attacks
could not be felt at all. Even for the most renowned martial arts masters,
when they performed moves of that level of power, an amateur would be
able to sense the incoming momentum. However, Luo Hao was able to
completely bypass her opponent's senses.
Furthermore, her moves were extremely rapid and aggressive, her limbs
traced very short trajectories, and the movements were tiny.
But they carried absolute power. Famed boxers can release a powerful
punch with just a ten-centimeter separation, but Luo Hao didn't even need
that kind of distance to release the same attack.
So that was why Godou had been unable to evade her attacks.
Godou became increasingly impressed, thanks to the combat senses
conferred by the [Camel], he was now able to barely keep up with her
attacks. In the split second when Luo Hao's limbs began to move, his
reflexes automatically reacted.
In the instant she unleashed a middle punch, his body stepped lightly to
the side to evade.
When she stepped forward for a heavy punch, he coordinated with her
motions and stepped forward to counterattack with his knee.
If Luo Hao chose to counter this incoming attack, he would then crouch
down and attack her pivot foot. So far, Godou's enhanced senses allowed
him to sustain an equal fight.
His arms still felt numb and scorching hot, and likely needed more time to
recover.
Actually he was wondering if they were broken, but Campiones had
extraordinary self-healing, and the [Camel] also boosted recovery...
However, the arms could very well get broken again the instant they
healed.
"This might take forever, then I shall demonstrate to you one of my ultimate
techniques."
The flower-like beauty bloomed in splendor.
Like the sun peering out from between the clouds. Like silver moonlight
illuminating the dark night. As she exuded beauty and loveliness
reminiscent of such imagery. Godou began to think, why doesn't this
person normally show this kind of appearance to others?
"The Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Phoenix. This set of palm
techniques is the most prided of my martial arts, and one of the most
sought secrets of the martial realm. Savor it well."
Now that it's mentioned, Godou had heard somewhere that her disciple
was very skilled in palm strikes. Looks like it was inherited from his master.
The first act of the tragedy began.
Slicing through the air with a sound like a jab, her palm struck Godou on
the lower jaw, and then his abdomen was hit by both palms, his shoulder
near the collar bone was chopped by the edge of her palm, and his thigh
was pierced by her long and slender fingers.
Suffering a series of blows one-sidedly, Godou was finally able to return
with a kick after she performed another three moves.
Unfortunately, this kick missed its target.
"The Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Flying Phoenix is a set of ultimate
techniques consisting of twelve moves: Fengchudengmen,
Fengyanchuanlian, Fengzhuataoxin, Feifengzhuiluo, Danfengchaoyang,
Jinfengliangchi, Qunfenglianhuan, Xiongfengqianjin, Fengyitianxiang,
Fenglongyinyang, Fenghuangshuangfei, Dafengwutian. Every move
adheres to the principles of the yin-yang duality of complementary
[10]
opposites, thus making equal use of gentle and strong force."Luo Hao even provided explanations in a friendly manner.
Furthermore, in addition to using her palm strikes with the very
exaggerated names, she casually inserted the shockwave attacks as well.
"As if looking up at snowy Mount Taibai / Delighted to find Mount Wugong's
sky."
"Government officials all in silent shadows / The seven generals lie
awake."
"Welfare of the country this morn / Years of middle revival."
Every time she sang a verse, Godou felt as if he was struck by a
shockwave like an invisible wall, pushing him backwards repeatedly.
If he didn't have enhanced combat abilities, he definitely would not have
survived the attacks just now. On the other hand, Luo Hao hummed to
herself as she walked towards Godou. The vast gulf separating this beauty
from his ability level was increasingly evident.
Struck by a few more shockwaves, Godou was blown back far away.
These were the steps that led up to the Toushouguu inner Okusha shrine.
Sent flying there, Godou rolled down like a log. A normal person would
have been heavily injured. Rolling down the steps, Godou was able to stop
himself near the middle section.
Standing up, Godou concentrated power in his knees. However, his legs
were still weak and he couldn't stand properly.
From the top of the steps, Luo Hao casually looked down.
"Stand up, King Kusanagi, you are one of the devil kings, you cannot fall
from an attack of that sort. Stand and continue our fight."
[11]
Uttering willful words, Luo Hao's beautiful musical voice like a yueqinsounded once again.
"I am only an old woodsman, whispering a sob / As I steal like a
spring-shadow down the Winding River. / ...Since the palaces ashore are
[12]
sealed by a thousand gates!"She was getting ready to release the shockwave that blew the [Boar] away!
Godou swallowed hard.
The black divine beast was no longer, if he took the attack with his body,
Godou had no confidence in his ability to survive. Damn it. For her to use
such a high-powered attack on a person!
Godou smiled wryly as he cursed in his heart.
On further thought, he had done the same thing to other gods or
Campiones.
In the vast majority of cases, the enemy was still lively after being struck. In
that case, he himself should be able to resist this. In actual fact, he had
already prepared a counter for the move.
--Luo Hao had two authorities.
Caught in a dilemma over which one to nullify, there was no longer any
time for deliberation now.
Since she could use both at the same time, the close combat ability and
the projectile were both powers that had to be sealed. But if this continued,
he would be stuck in a battle where he was pressured without the ability to
fight back.
"Fine willows, new rushes, for whom are you so green? ...I remember a
cloud of flags that came from the South Garden / And ten thousand colors,
heightening one another!"
Luo Hao's song became even more intense.
The magical wind born from words, blew shockwaves that attacked every
direction, knocking everything over.
By this point, the storm could not be stopped by ordinary methods. Godou
entered the [Warrior] and drew his sword of spell words.
"Cult Leader Luo Hao! Your song is the authority usurped from the Hindu
goddess Gayatri! Five faces, ten arms -- the deity worshipped as the
goddess of the sacred song with five faces and ten arms!"
The spheres of light appeared around Godou like stars.
On the other hand, the demonic cult leader's surroundings were being
destroyed by the shockwaves accompanying the magical wind.
All of Toushouguu's inner Okusha shrine -- the precious tower housing
Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains, the gate, the shrine, the surrounding cedar
trees, all were being swept by the magical wind and shattered into
innumerable pieces.
Watching this scene from the stone steps, Godou created the spell words
of the [Sword].
Like stars in the night sky, his surroundings flashed with countless sources
of light.
Spreading out around him, they protected him from the impact of the
magical wind.
"The Vedas, sacred scripture of the ancient religion Brahmanism. Gayatri
was originally one of the verses in the Vedas, taking form from a particular
mantra. But as a deity, Gayatri is the wife of the creator Brahma, she is the
river goddess, and also the goddess of language and writing. Following the
lineage back to the mother earth deity, she should be identical to
Saraswati, a very high ranking goddess!"
By this point, the shockwaves of Luo Hao had reached their maximum
power.
With the Okusha inner shrine as the center, the surroundings were all
destroyed as if swept by a typhoon. Everything was blown to a total mess
by the violent wind.
Virtually anything with form had collapsed.
Other than Luo Hao at the eye of the storm, the only one unaffected was
Godou protected by the [Sword], but as the area of destruction gradually
expanded, not only the Okusha inner shrine but the rest of Nikkou
Toushouguu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnouji, as well as Nikkou Kaidou
outside, could very well be blown away.
Just protecting himself was not enough.
He should sever the root of destruction, thus Godou pointed the [Sword] at
Luo Hao.
Somehow his right arm felt quite hot. When taking the [Warrior]'s form to
control the blade of spell words, believing in the rise of power, it was
always this arm, is that why it became hot?
"Saraswati is the creator of Sanskrit and Devanagari script. The goddess
ruling over music and the arts, she is also called Benzaiten in Japan. As
Gayatri she could control the spirit of sounds, the goddess in charge of
sacred songs of praise for the gods! This is the root of your authority!"
Accelerating the [Sword], severing the goddess Gayatri's authority which
lay within Luo Hao's body.
A reaction, it was severed for sure.
The magical wind suddenly stopped, and the spreading destruction caused
by the shockwaves halted.
Godou's right arm which had been as hot as fire was now completely
cooled, like plunging his arm into the core of ice -- wait a minute, now was
not the time to care about such things.
"The sword of spell words for severing a god, truly remarkable!"
Losing the authority of the song, Luo Hao continued to speak with that
beautifully musical voice.
The antique wooden buildings, the dark lush cedar forest, and even the
stones used for paving steps had been blown away. The surroundings of
Toushouguu's inner Okusha shrine was now completely bare.
Slightly forward a bit at the entrance to the Okusha inner shrine, Luo Hao
was standing motionless.
"King Kusanagi -- No, Kusanagi Godou, I have lived over two hundred
years since becoming a devil king! In this period, no one has ever pushed
me to such an extent like you! Hohoho, pitting my might in a competition
against a fellow peer is truly a joy, now it is my turn to show my ultimate
move!"
Right, she still had the authority of the Benevolent King Buddha Guardians,
as well as her trained martial arts.
She was so unbelievably adorable, but at the same time, the slayer of the
revered Benevolent Kings.
Haughtily looking down upon Kusanagi Godou, her upright standing
posture was full of oppressive presence. Beneath her battle outfit, her
graceful limbs were full of fighting spirit as she prepared to unleash her
ultimate secret technique.
-- This is no joking matter, Godou twisted his lips hideously.
It was hard enough to put you at a disadvantage, I'm not going to let you
reverse the situation!
Unwarily he smiled and focused his attention to the east. Cult Leader Luo
Hao's violent acts were enough to release the flames of justice to punish
the people's enemy, now was the time to unleash the greatest firepower,
and light the signal beacons of war!
"For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radiance
to the stallion. O stallion that moves godlike with wondrous grace, bring
forth the halo of thy master!"
Verethragna's third incarnation, the [White Stallion] symbolizing the sun.
The real sun was already setting in the west. Nikkou's sky and scenery
were dyed a shade of red by the sunset, but then a different sun appeared,
releasing the rays of dawn from the east.
From the rays of dawn came a white spear of light.
As the sun of the planets exploded in the atmosphere, shining light was
formed.
Hurtling towards the demonic cult leader who was more beautiful than the
rising sun, the white burning flames continued to extend like white flashes
of light.
The rays of dawn scattered all around, but just as the spear of flame was
about to devour Luo Hao --
"Strength beyond numbers, strength beyond skill! A thousand tonnes in
one leg, victory from a single kick!"
Luo Hao spoke spell words once again.
With flames appearing from her shoulders, this was the shiny golden
brightness from the Benevolent King's form seen in the Netherworld.
Buddha Guardians! -- And this time, there were two of them.
[13]
That's right, the Benevolent Kings always came as an Om
pair, with the
two united as one deity. The Buddha Guardians at the southern gates of
Toudai-ji were also such a pair, with Narayana and Guhyapada on guard
on the left and right of the entrance.
The authority [Divine Might of Vajrapani] conferred absolute might.
Even for Luo Hao, the muscles of her own body could not use such force
fully, which is why those avatars are summoned, right? In order to use
absolutely strongest might.
...If those muscular avatars were simply her preference, then it would be a
bit disgusting. Godou speculated.
Thus the two grand golden Benevolent Kings stood boldly before the white
flames.
--Hoon!! --Hah!!
The two voices made the ground shake and the air vibrate.
The two giants appearing on the left and right of Luo Hao, stepped
forward.
Their naked upper torsos showed off their muscular golden physique, with
their bulging constitution they were like two walls, shielding Luo Hao from
the flames of the [White Stallion].
The golden muscles began to melt and slowly dissolved.
However, the pair of Benevolent Kings bore expressions of struggling
endurance. Against stellar level heat and destruction from the universe,
they protected their creator.
Soon after, the rays of dawn vanished and the attack of the white spear of
flame stopped.
The two Buddha Guardians instantly fell down on their knees, their sacred
muscular bodies melted halfway, and the rest of them immediately
dissipated. The expressions on their faces told of resolution seen only on
the faces of men who sacrificed themselves for great accomplishments.
Protected by the two giants, Luo Hao was completely unharmed! Not even
a single burn!
"T-To think such a move was possible..."
Surprised and impressed, Godou groaned slightly.
Flexibly applying her wits and her authority, Luo Hao had blocked the
attack with the greatest firepower in Godou's arsenal. In other words,
Godou was now stuck in a deadly crisis.
"Hohoho, young man! You are becoming more and more surprising..."
Luo Hao gave a faint smile, there was a trace of blood beside her lips.
Her magical power -- qi, in oriental terms, was massively reduced. Losing
those avatars had weakened her greatly, but she still had not suffered any
critical damage. This was bad!
"Such resolve you have demonstrated, even I cannot help but admire. Now
it is my turn to use my ultimate technique. I shall let you know that Luo
Cuilian's fists, legs and palms, can destroy an army of millions!"
The sacred phoenix descended from the heavens.
The supple and delicate little hands shaped themselves into beautiful
claws of the phoenix, and chopped at Godou from the air. If this happened
at close range, his head would have been sliced open, with speed like an
arrow shot from a powerful bow -- no, rather it should be speed rivaling a
bullet.
Fighting the beauty whose martial arts were like a flying phoenix, Godou
had no choice but to activate the [Raptor].
He knew this would never win. How should he fight? Stepping into the
realm of super high speed, Godou felt his heart being eroded by despair.
When he fought Salvatore Doni in the past, that genius had seen through
the [Raptor]'s speed.
Then of course, Cult Leader Luo Hao will surely --
Godou felt as if he had entered a labyrinth with no exit.
Part 4
This was Toushouguu's cedar forest.
Even higher than the tallest trees there, Lu Yinghua and Liliana Kranjcar
were flying in the air. Overlooking the dark green clusters of cedar trees,
the two were having an aerial battle.
The one who flew higher was Lu Yinghua of course, at around one meter
above Liliana.
The one flying higher held the advantage, this was a principle of aerial
battles.
Lu Yinghua deftly circled once, and made a forward rolling movement,
using the momentum to perform a spinning kick in midair, his heel
descending straight down! Liliana pulled back her saber, preparing to use Il
Maestro but it was too late. Too fast!
Frantically raising her beloved sword in its glaive form, she used the shaft
to block the kick.
As the two began to descend, Lu Yinghua attacked fiercely during the fall.
His fingertips, seeming as sharp as awls, moved as if intending to take
away Liliana's eyes; his hand was about to chop and sever her throat; his
palm seemed as if it would shatter her shoulder, and he unleashed
powerful palm strikes which could stop the beating of the heart.
--The Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Flying Phoenix, this was the
strongest martial technique the youth learned from his master.
The silver-haired blue knight used the hilt and blade of Il Maestro to block
every attack, all were defended by a dangerously slim margin.
Were she an instant too late, her fairy-like body would have been cruelly
slashed and shattered.
However, swinging the magic sword for defense composed a dazzling
magic melody, disrupting the martial artist's concentration.
Lu Yinghua took a deep breath to increase his qi for defense, thus forcing
him to halt his attacks. Using this opening, Liliana released magic to fire an
arrow of light --
This exchange of attacks all happened within the time frame of their fall
from midair. The skill displayed in their aerial battle had already far
surpassed most warriors in this world. To these two, not having a foothold
to fight on was completely not an issue.
But though the battle raged on intensely, they had entered a state of
stalemate.
Even though the martial artist held the advantage through his martial arts
and physical ability, the knight was able to compensate through spells and
her magic melody.
In a battle between capable combatants, it was common for fights to be
either decided in an instant or dragged on in stalemate. This was the latter
situation. And then at this time the spear of the sun came flying from the
east only to be withstood by two golden giants -- causing Lu Yinghua and
Liliana to watch the unbelievable scene instead.
"...I really have no wish to have a conflict when one of a level far
surpassing myself is occurring so close to me."
"...So true, I was thinking we were fighting quite well, but it totally pales in
comparison to this."
Losing interest, Lu Yinghua and Liliana simultaneously withdrew their
weapons, his palms and Il Maestro.
"Personally, it's sufficient as long as I fought enough to pass as fulfilling my
duty to Master. How about you, Nee-san?"
"Same here, my lord Kusanagi Godou is not a bloodthirsty animal."
Realizing what the other was suggesting, Liliana frowned.
"If you had no intention of fighting, I do not mind having a ceasefire... Is
that really fine? Your goal is awakening the warlord of [Steel], right?"
"Not mine, it is just Master's goal."
Lu Yinghua shrugged his shoulders.
"That snake woman is almost dead, probably hopeless. There is no
meaning in going all out. Afterwards, all I need to do is satisfy Master with
an excuse, then I'm all set to return to Hong Kong. Yes, very likely that will
be the real deadly challenge."
It seemed like being the Campione's direct disciple had its fair share of
hardship. Anyway, if the opponent had no wish to fight, there was no need
to recklessly continue the battle.
"...Oh my, it ended with ceasefire here?"
The blonde girl appeared from between the cedar trees. It was Erica, who
probably found them through magic. She looked heavily injured, with her
heavy footsteps and sluggish motions.
"Yes, originally it was a very intense battle, but in the end it became like
this."
Though Liliana had not completely relaxed, she no longer tensed her
shoulder.
If it was not a battle out of hate or revenge, then there were many
opportunities to negotiate and interrupt a fight. Now they had simply
entered this stage earlier than expected.
"If Kusanagi Godou is fighting, that means the Mariya sisters and the
princess has returned? What are they doing now?"
"Waiting in the vicinity of this shrine is too dangerous, so I had them head
to the bottom of the mountain."
Based on Erica's statement, they had been together along the way, which
was more reassuring. Liliana nodded and began considering their next
move.
"We should check out the duel between Kusanagi Godou and the cult
leader, let's go up there and watch."
The battle between subordinates had ended, but victory between the
[Kings] was not decided yet.
If they wanted to find a different place to negotiate, it would have to wait
until the showdown was over. And then, depending on which side was the
victor, the negotiation terms would be vastly different.
"So which king has the advantage?"
"Oh? You're not going to say your master will win for sure?"
Hearing Lu Yinghua's whisper, Erica asked, incredulous. Liliana was also
intrigued. In situations like this, most people would hope for victor to be the
one closer to them.
"If based purely on seniority or martial arts, Master will surely win."
The young martial artist showed a bitter expression.
"But had they been such predictable people, they would have died in their
original battles against gods. I'm not silly enough to expect devil kings to
act like ordinary mortals, oh?"
The [Raptor] form was the fastest of all incarnations provided by
Verethragna's authority.
Only usable in response to high speed attacks, the body will awaken
extraordinary speed and become light in weight. But there were two
problems with it -- the side effects after use, and the inability to perform
precise movements due to the excessive speed.
For example, if he aimed a punch at the opponent's face, it would end up
hitting air fifty centimeters off target. Even Godou felt the speed was too
fast which made it impossible to time attacks, so unless the enemy was
motionless or had poor reactions, he could never score a hit.
But in terms of defense, super high speed was the treasure of guerrilla
tactics.
As long as the opponent wasn't a monster like Cult Leader Luo Hao or
Salvatore Doni --
"...Truly very fast. But King Kusanagi, if all you have is speed, I will catch
you immediately."
After using super speed to escape from the powerful palm strike, Godou
could hear someone call his name. He was unsure if it was due to the
effects of his accelerated state, for the voice was not very clear and
sounded like someone calling him from faraway.
"Those who capture the opponent with their eyes, commoners -- cannot
possibly see through such speed. But there exist those whose hearing has
reached extreme levels, and experts who have mastered their mind's eye,
like me!"
Once again, Godou heard a faraway voice.
By the time he heard it, the slender fingers of a soft palm grazed his left
shoulder.
Intense pain spread through his body. Perhaps the shoulder has been
dislocated. For a simple graze to have such great power, it was true that
Cult Leader Luo Hao had the speed to catch up to the [Raptor] after all.
That's right. Salvatore Doni also had awakened the technique of the mind's
eye.
That optimistic fool, prided himself on the ability to slice water droplets in
the rain. In other words, no matter how fast Godou went he was still able to
see it, what an infuriating declaration.
Like a certain novel about a sword master, there was also a damnable
character like that in the story.
Furthermore, Salvatore used the shortest sword strikes possible to
intercept his enemy. With godly high speed sword techniques which could
cut Godou no matter how fast he moved, combined with direction from the
mind's eye, the [Raptor]'s super speed was defeated immediately.
That man could very well be a swordsman who could match Miyamoto
Musashi or Yagyuu Juubei.
And of course, Cult Leader Luo Hao was the same.
From Godou's eyes, her movements seemed stiff and slow, like lagging
when playing an online game on a low-end computer. That was how Luo
Hao's palm strikes looked to him.
With the speed of the [Raptor], it should be a simple matter to evade.
However, in the next split second, Luo Hao's palm was already right in
front of Godou's face. In the end, it took all of Godou's efforts to dodge her
attacks.
If this continued, Godou knew he would be cornered soon and decided to
counterattack.
Thanks to the [Camel]'s recovery, his arms had regained feeling and he
attempted a right straight punch. No good, it missed Luo Hao's beautiful
face by half a meter.
"That kind of punch won't even touch my shadow! King Kusanagi, you are
too inexperienced!"
Luo Hao shouted as she tightened the fingers on her right to form a spear
[14]hand , thrusting at Godou's throat.
As for that counterattack -- too dangerous now! Definitely had to evade
first!
At the very last moment, Godou made a little jump and escaped from the
danger of getting his throat torn open.
However, Luo Hao rushed near silently like a phantom, and began a
flowing series of attacks.
"The sword unsheathed, grassland turns into forest! Sky earth wind clouds,
the lion king seeks domination! Trodding tirelessly along the hero's endless
path, approaching the supreme pinnacle of the martial way."
Singing like a ballad, Luo Hao used all sorts of offensive maneuvers.
Palm strikes aimed at the upper and middle approaches. Her supple palms
were like iron hammers that could crush meat and bone together.
The spear hand thrusted at short distance vulnerabilities. The slender
fingers were like spears bringing disaster.
[15]Like the famed Green Dragon Blade The delicate and pale knife hand
chopped at Godou's head, neck and shoulders. Aggressive attacks came
one after another.
Incoming elbow strikes were like a sharp and swift sword. Grappling moves
grabbed Godou's arms and legs like a dragon's bite. All these attacks
flowed endlessly, like a majestic river -- the likes of the gushing Chang
[16] [17]
Jiang and Huang He.Godou was like a nimble boxer trying to evade the onslaught of a great
river.
But of course he could not escape completely. Godou's dodging body was
gradually caught by Luo Hao's palm strikes, and even his forehead almost
got sliced, and his spine nearly shattered.
Though he blocked his vitals, in a very short instant, he was getting
pummeled like sandbag.
--As expected, continued dodging was not going to work.
In his despair, Godou recognized one fact, if he didn't attack then there it
would be truly hopeless!
When using the [Raptor], there was one move that had a fair chance of
landing a hit, as long as the opponent wasn't Luo Hao. However, other
than that, there were no other options to reverse the tide of battle. Then
one could only take the plunge --
No, just as Luo Hao's knife hand grazed the flank of his abdomen, Godou
dispelled all doubt.
That method cannot be called reversing the tides of battle, it was only
self-abandonment. Raw speed was useless against Luo Hao, and he
understood that point very well. That's right, raw speed --
In that very instant, inspiration came!
In order to switch to an offensive stance, Godou jumped faraway
backwards.
"Hoo... Looks like you have made your decision, King Kusanagi. Your eyes
show excellent determination."
Noticing his change, Luo Hao smiled gently.
Standing there as if waiting for Godou's attack, she looked completely off
guard, but in actual fact, this kind of natural stance was used to handle any
kind of attack.
She clearly aimed for a counterattack.
Knowing that, Godou raised the [Raptor]'s speed to its limits and began to
charge.
Crashing his body in a straight line, this eliminated the need for precise
aim, like a runaway train he hurtled towards his collision target.
Luo Hao also entered a stance.
Perhaps she was preparing to attack by clapping her hands together, and
she extended both palms before her chest.
This posture hinted at what the girl intended as her next move. Before the
impact struck, Godou's head will be smashed from both sides by Luo Hao's
palms, whose monstrous strength will prevent him from advancing further.
His skull will be crushed and his brain will surely be made into clam
chowder -- something like that.
An ordinary enemy would be unable to evade a shoulder strike enhanced
with the [Raptor]'s speed. But since the enemy here was Cult Leader Luo
Hao, his move would likely be countered, and he will surely lose.
But all he could do now was gamble on this one move. Please, let it be
successful --
Godou's challenge was releasing the [Raptor]'s speed.
Not accelerating but decelerating.
Even if a pitcher specialized in fastballs, he would be quickly defeated if all
he did was throw fastballs to intimidate the batter. The key concept was
variation, because mixing slow and fast pitches would make it difficult for
their eyes to adjust. As an accomplished catcher, Godou could not possibly
be ignorant of how to control fast and slow pitches.
This experiment was a success.
From the realm of god speed he returned to the world of normal speed.
He was now moving at the rate of a normal high school student, without
any supernatural speed. Expecting highly accelerated motion, Luo Hao lost
the target of her pincer attack.
Before Godou arrived, her hands had already clapped together.
"-- Let's go!"
In the instant the girl's hands came together like the palms of the
[18]
thousand-handed Avalokitasvara.Godou activated the [Raptor]'s acceleration, and once again charged forth
with godlike speed.
Suddenly extending his right fist, it was the same dagger stabbing motion
[19]used in those outdated heroic movies , that was exactly what Godou
was trying to imitate.
This punch, along with the momentum of his body, struck Luo Hao
squarely at the base of her sternum.
"...Oooh!"
It was the first time he ever heard the cult leader moan.
[20]The orchid-like beautiful body was bent into a v-shape and she sank to
her knees. This was the moment when Kusanagi Godou struck the most
fearsome Campione.
And then, in that instant a most unexpected phenomenon occurred.
Boom!
The wind was screaming mournfully. Between Godou's fist and Luo Hao's
chest, the screaming winds accelerated. From the body of the girl named
Luo Cuilian, a shockwave was released that felt as if it would blow away
everything on earth.
It was as if Luo Hao's own body produced a shockwave of magical wind.
But Luo Hao also fell over slowly, what was going on?
"Ah! ...This time it's Master's loss."
This mocking declaration was heard a little afterwards.
At some point in time, that original feeling of icy coldness on his right arm
had disappeared.