Part 1
Work was proceeding cautiously under strict security.
Big clumsy machinery (seemed to be called cranes?) was being employed
to excavate a target below the the red sacred seal (called something like
torii).
— King who manifests at era's end.
The secret to his location lies dormant in this coastal holy sanctum.
The place was much more crowded than the last time Guinevere had
visited. The hidden guardian of this place had been able to vaguely sense
this land's "life force."
Even though Guinevere had concealed herself using magic, the other party
seemed to have sensed her presence slightly.
Due to the sudden increase in alert level, Guinevere had quickly retreated.
"As feared, things will not progress that easily."
Using the [Witch's Eye] to enhance her vision, she was watching the
excavation from afar.
She had originally intended to revisit this beach in the Far East to seek out
its secret. But the local wizards seemed to be planning on entrusting the
secret to the Campione. While the uninteresting machines were engaged
in digging, the joint effort of several dozens of wizards had released the
underground seal. Guards were also set up to prevent interference.
Amongst those dozens of people present were skilled swordsmen, ninjas,
wizards and miko on standby —
The most troublesome opponent of all would be that sword-wielding miko
who could use divine possession. Guinevere had seen her last time when
the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had appeared. It would be prudent to
avoid a frontal confrontation with this girl.
"It is still too early to lay Guinevere's life on the line. Rather than stand
around helplessly, it would be better to reverse the situation in the
opponent's hand."
Seeking assistance from Lancelot's might... Was not an option she
considered.
Even though he was the knight who served Guinevere, he was a deity with
all things considered. If a pertinent level of respect was not maintained,
their bonds would likely grow progressively weaker.
But then again, making a request to that lowly human would really be
ridiculous to the extreme.
"Kusanagi Godou-sama who defeated the Great Sage Equaling Heaven...
Already exhibits the might of a god-slayer. Come to think of it, Athena
called him her mortal enemy..."
Just as Guinevere was analyzing the developing situation, she noticed
"movement."
"She came as expected, Goddess Athena. Coming to send Guinevere to
the grave instead of sitting somewhere waiting for her demise."
(—Beloved child, this Knight is fit for battle.)
Whispers were carried to her ears, from wherever Lancelot lay resting.
(If the goddess reappears, just meet her in battle. Truly, she is a formidable
foe... But it will be an excellent opportunity to make contact with the Holy
Grail. If we succeed, the Divine Sword of Salvation will also be able to
retrieve its true power, and Athena's immortality will reach an end, sending
her on her way to hell.)
It was a very attractive proposal, but Guinevere shook her head.
"No, let's not do that yet. If you go all out like previously, the time required
for Sir Knight to recover will be further delayed."
With roughly ten more days before Lancelot would recover his true power,
there was no point in overexerting themselves. After all, other heroes were
available to battle the goddess —
"Stay hidden for now. Today is definitely not the right time to meet Athena."
Guinevere activated her magical powers of a Divine Ancestor.
Dissociating her witch's body, she became one with the air, and flew away
riding on the wind.
Erasing her trail as she ran away in this manner, even Athena would have
difficulty tracking her down.
"Tsk, was one a step too tardy?"
Clicking her tongue in disapproval, Athena was standing on a seaside cliff
in the form of a young girl.
Her gaze pointed towards the white waves crashing upon the cliff. There
had been a minute remnant of Guinevere's lingering presence. However, it
had now vanished —
"Forsooth, 'tis the Holy Grail within one's body... Alerted the prey."
Athena murmured to herself.
Thanks to swallowing the Grail, she now understood its nature fully.
"As long as this object remaineth in one's body, 'tis impossible to approach
the descendant of its creator?"
Guinevere was the witch born from the white matriarch deity's
reincarnation.
She had apparently fled as soon as she sensed Athena approaching. If
nothing changed, this situation would only repeat time and again.
"Is there no way to send that witch to her grave, and stop that man's
revival...? Hmm, 'tis one's destiny to defeat Kusanagi Godou. But as things
stand, he cannot defeat that man. For no god-slayer can prevail against
that man once he awakens."
If that was the case, what could be done? What could Goddess Athena
do?
"— Fu. One had wished for a ripened opportunity, but the time for harvest
hast arrived. One shall have a decisive showdown against Kusanagi
Godou here."
If this life persists after the duel concluded, then Lancelot will be forced to
pay back his dues at that time...!
Her remaining time was not abundant.
Having made her decision, Athena displayed a brave and fearless smile.
The goddess' battle spirit roused, the waves beneath intensified in turn.
Violent winds blew across the sky to answer to the goddess' raging spirit.
"Superbly done, war god Lancelot. As befitted proper [Steel] inheriting the
ways of ancients. Desecrating one's immortality in this manner!"
The swallowed Holy Grail continued to erode her life from within.
The immortal goddess's life was gradually absorbed by this divine artifact.
Slowly but surely, Athena was approaching death.
"Hohoho. Were one to take this Holy Grail and crosseth over to the
[Boundary of Life and Immortality], perhaps this life may persist
indefinitely..."
There were occasional [Heretic Gods], tired of endless wandering, who
chose to live secluded in that world.
It could very well be Athena's one and only path of survival.
"Nevertheless, one is not obliged to take that path. Letting the riotous spirit
rage in war, and choosing the path of battle is what befits this goddess.
One shall first defeat Kusanagi Godou, then Lancelot shall be vanquished.
If this life lingereth still, justice shall be met upon that maidservant, and
vengeance brought to that man...!"
Precisely because she had transcended mortality, she was not one to
struggle for the sake of prolonging her life.
Death was welcome as long as all those unaccomplished tasks could be
settled without regret. When the time comes and her power is fully
depleted, she will lay down upon the earth and pass away as if entering
eternal slumber.
Athena was not only the tripartite goddess, but also the goddess of war.
As the end drew near, would it not be particularly meaningful to embrace
death as the goddess of war?!
Standing before the turbulent eastern sea, Athena felt exhilaration as her
emotions rose to new heights.
Part 2
On the Friday after the school festival had ended, Kusanagi Godou was
going to Chiba Prefecture. The day before, he had received a phone call
from Seishuuin Ena.
"Hello, Your Majesty, please! I hope you can help!"
It was the first time ever for him to receive a call from Ena. This was the girl
who seldom used modern tools of civilization with their intended purpose.
"Sure, if it's within my power... Is it something troublesome?"
"I'm afraid so. Ah, but Amakasu-san said Your Majesty once accepted a
similar request from Erica-san, so it shouldn't matter."
"Something Erica once requested..."
Godou was reminded of all sorts of unreasonable demands she had forced
upon him before.
They all pretty much sowed the seeds for future conflict with gods.
"The worst time was when she forced me to bring back the stone medallion
which drew Athena to Tokyo."
"Yes yes, that's exactly it. There's a medal-like thing that we want Your
Majesty to safeguard for us. It's still being dug out of the ground, but it'll
probably be ready tomorrow or the day after."
Last time he had been entrusted with the unforgettable Gorgoneion. It was
a medallion with the mother earth goddess' wisdom engraved on it.
Well, it can't be helped. Godou sighed.
This was like volunteering himself to finish the job. It meant helping Ena,
Amakasu and the rest of them even more in the future. Starting around
spring earlier this year, he had been completely sucked into involvement
with the supernatural world—
Godou lamented to himself as he answered.
"Understood. I'll help. What do I need to do first?"
"We will welcome Your Majesty here tomorrow. Ena is currently at Chiba,
oh?"
The next day after that phone call was a bright and sunny Friday.
After returning from school, Godou lied about staying at a friend's place for
the weekend before setting off from home.
Having arranged a ride with an acquaintance beforehand, he waited at a
nearby main road. A common silver domestic car stopped briskly before
Godou on the roadside.
Godou was shocked to see the person at the steering wheel.
It was the androgynous Hime Miko, Sayanomiya Kaoru, who resembled
both a handsome youth and a beautiful lady at the same time.
"Actually I just received my driver's license, so let me be the chauffeur for
today."
She winked and explained as he sat down on the passenger seat beside
her.
Come to think of it, she (often feels like a he) was in her third year of high
school.
Even if she had just reached eighteen years of age, it was sufficient to get
a normal official license.
"Thank you for your efforts... But Kaoru-san seems to be quite familiar with
driving?"
"Yes. I 'just happened' to get my license recently. On the other hand,
having a car is a lot more convenient when going out with girls to various
places for fun. In the past, I sometimes carried authorization under
another's name, and it often proved to be useful."
Kaoru's control of the steering wheel was very steady. Somehow, Godou
felt like verifying if she might drive recklessly like a novice...
"It feels quite incredible when I realized recently just how many amazing
people are around me, leading normal lives..."
"Hmm, this could very well be called 'birds of a feather, flock together.'"
Kaoru replied cheerfully to Godou's exclamation.
Furthermore, she was suggestively grouping herself with Godou and his
other strange companions together.
"Well, from this moment on, I will be the proud driver in charge of our
journey. Do you want to go for a spin and pick up girls? I'm sure if
Godou-san partners with me, we're in for quite a catch!"
"I'm not used to hitting on such a large number of girls!"
Kaoru continued to drive steadily as she made her unsettling suggestion.
Along the way they picked up two girls. Mariya Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.
Both of them in casual dress, Yuri was wearing a one-piece dress with a
matching knitted top while Liliana was dressed in a short-sleeved blouse,
jeans and a halfcoat.
"So, now that everyone is here, I will briefly explain the situation."
Kaoru spoke slowly as soon as they got on the Shuto Expressway.
The Hime-Miko and History Compilation Committee executive revealed an
incredible legend.
Queen Oto Tachibana-Hime, jumped into the sea with sword embosomed.
Sea currents carried her sword to a landless location, whence a floating
island subsequently appeared.
"Now that it's mentioned, Kazusa and Awa are certainly places with deep
ties to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto and Oto Tachibana-Hime."
Yuri the Hime-Miko was the first to nod in agreement.
"Is that so, Mariya?"
"Yes. Godou-san should probably know already—"
Yuri proceeded to recount the last moments of Oto Tachibana-Hime. It was
a most familiar story.
"The place where Takeru no Mikoto and Hime set off to sea, called
Hashirimizu, still exists in Kanagawa Prefecture. Shrines were built in
worship of Oto Tachibana-Hime as a deity on both sides of Tokyo Bay in
Kanagawa and Chiba."
It was the story of Yamato Takeru that Godou knew from childhood.
For Tokyo Bay to be involved in that setting... Godou was honestly
surprised.
"The interesting thing here is that the surfacing rumors always involve Oto
Tachibana-Hime. Even the discontinued version had a part about Yamato
Takeru and Hime."
Kaoru provided supplementary details.
"The prestigious sword and its owner the Noble One sank into the sea,
floating towards 'the island where there was neither land nor sea.' When
the sword reappears on earth, the Noble One shall reawaken... That is
what was said."
"In that case..."
Liliana suddenly interrupted.
Since the conversation topic had been about Japanese myths which were
outside her expertise, she had remained silent until now.
"What this fantastic legend is really trying to convey, is not the final
moments of Hime, but the whereabouts of the sword... Is that not correct?"
"That could very well be true. At least, that was how Amakasu-san and I
got our hands on this matter."
Kaoru expressed agreement as she continued to drive.
"Regarding this issue, I have a whole list of questions I'd like to ask the
Elders. Originally, a policy of absolute secrecy was enforced over that
place for a very long time, most likely over a thousand years. But since an
explosive situation is definitely unavoidable, we thought, why not just add
Kusanagi-san to the mix to detonate it."
"It is a rather helpless situation, Sayanomiya Kaoru."
"Well, not exactly. As a secret matter related to gods, there is always a
high probability that Godou-san will be involved eventually. In that case,
why not call him in from the very start?"
"I see. If you put it that way, I certainly agree."
Liliana nodded in agreement with Kaoru who had just described Godou as
if he was a walking bomb.
Godou was about to object with indignation.
"That said, is there actually a Noble One in eternal slumber with the
sword? In this world, there is no such thing as an island in a place with
neither land nor sea. The description is virtually the same as King Arthur
and Excalibur sleeping in Avalon the land of the fairies."
The silver-haired knight mused further, surprising Kaoru.
"As befitting of Liliana-san. Amakasu-san had also made the same
observation. Yamato Takeru, King Arthur, and the war gods of steel are all
implicated in this legend."
Thus, a dangerous statement was made.
The car carrying the group entered the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway from the
Kawasaki-Ukishima junction.
Passing through Shuto Expressway that was illuminated by a shade of
dusk, they entered the tunnel that traversed Tokyo Bay. Continuing forward
would reach the parking area of the Umihotaru artificial island. From there,
the Bousou Peninsula could be reached via the Kisarazu link route.
As the stage where a myth took place, this sea could be traversed in
dozens of minutes.
"The so-called floating island is commonly believed to be the 'Palace of the
Floating Island' where Yamato Takeru's father, Emperor Keiko held his
banquets when he was visiting his sons in the Kantou region."
Kaoru explained along the way.
It was almost dark by the time they reached Kisarazu. Kaoru stopped the
car somewhere near the coast.
"I've been waiting for everyone!"
"Ah, a very great welcome to our special guests from far away."
Two familiar faces approached as they got off the car.
Seishuuin Ena and Amakasu Touma. Ena was wearing her usual uniform
while Amakasu also had his usual sloppy suit. In that regard they were a
rather good match for each other. Along with Kaoru who was impeccably
dressed in a winter jacket, this notion of usual attire was further reinforced.
"Eh, Erica-san didn't come?"
"She said she was busy and had to return to Italy."
Ena muttered "hmm" in response to the simple explanation.
A frantic expression flashed across her face. But Ena ignored Godou's
gaze of curiosity and went on to greet the others.
Yuri smiled in response to Ena's usual enthusiasm, while Liliana greeted
generously.
"By the way, can we talk for a moment?"
Amakasu called out, not to Godou, but to Yuri and Liliana.
"An object called the Heavenly Reverse Halberd is currently being
excavated. To be honest, it's impossible to guess at this point what the
thing will look like. Therefore, we hope you two can lend your eyes of
wisdom."
Basically they wished for assistance from the power of spirit vision.
In response to the request to "view" the excavation site, Yuri and Liliana
replied in the following manner:
"I cannot be certain if anything will be seen, but let us go to its vicinity for
now."
"I see. Perhaps as a witch, I might be able to assist the investigation."
"...Do I have to go along?"
Without thought, Godou asked. Because he was slightly intrigued.
"Oh, Kusanagi-san, all things considered, you still have many other
matters to attend to."
"Umm, yes, can Your Majesty accompany me for a bit?"
—? Godou found it rather strange. The laid-back special agent had many
hidden interests. Be that as it may, his tone of voice was slightly different
from usual. This time, it was a serious tone of voice.
But before Godou could voice his doubt, Ena held him by the hand and
dragged him away.
"Then I entrust all matters to everyone. Especially you, Kusanagi-san,
please handle things appropriately."
Amakasu, Yuri and Liliana on one hand. Godou and Ena on the other.
As the two groups departed for different destinations, Kaoru bid them
farewell with a strange remark.
Part 3
"So Seishuuin, what do you want me to do?"
Walking along the beach at night, they were on the Kisarazu shore facing
the sea of Edomae.
Godou spoke to Seishuuin Ena's back as she walked ahead of him.
"Why do we have to come here? I feel like there's nothing to see here."
The coast at night was completely devoid of people.
The two of them had walked for close to ten minutes along the beach. The
only light sources were street lamps from roads in the distance, starlight
and the white glow of the half moon.
Well, there were no inconveniences since Godou had excellent night
vision.
Ena was probably the same. But then again, what was the point of taking
this walk in the night?
"Probably about time? Actually Ena has a request to make of Your
Majesty."
"Request?"
"Yes. Actually, Ena only found out about Your Majesty's school festival
after it had ended."
Ena stopped and turned around. Facing Godou, she stared at him with a
nervous expression.
"I see. I tried calling you, hoping you could come in case you were free, but
couldn't get through."
"Umm, it's like this... But anyway, Ena thinks it's quite a shame."
Though gloomy for an instant, Ena immediately recovered her spirits.
"I missed a rare chance to enjoy a festival together with Your Majesty.
Because of that, I asked Yuri and Liliana-san to let me have today to enjoy
with Your Majesty. Starting now."
"So that is what you mean by request?! Which is why we deliberately came
to the beach..."
Godou felt like surrendering.
"I knew it. Then Amakasu-san and Kaoru-san's unnatural attitudes were
because they were part of the conspiracy!?"
"Yes. Those two knew about the school festival but remained silent about
it. I threatened them to make up for it, or else I'd withdraw my assistance.
Luckily Erica-san isn't here, so we won't be disturbed."
It had been mentioned before that the Hime-Miko were not subordinates of
the Committee. They were honored guests who provided assistance
through invitation.
Nevertheless, it was probably unnecessary to lean on authority for a matter
like this.
Ena acted even more coyly towards the stunned Godou.
"Hey, Ena would sometimes like to have some private time with Your
Majesty, may I?"
Now that it was brought up — it finally occurred to Godou. He had never
spent any time alone with Ena. Almost every time there were others
present.
"...Well, occasionally should be fine."
Intentionally avoiding someone for the sake of being with someone else
was not Godou's preferred way of doing things. But it was true that he had
very little opportunity to spend time alone with Ena.
He certainly could not bear to turn down her openly expressed good will.
"As expected of Your Majesty, it's exactly what Ena wants!"
"But how are we going to enjoy ourselves? There's nothing here."
A beach in early winter. Furthermore, it was night.
During daylight hours on a warm day might have been fine, but the current
conditions were really not quite suited for amusement.
Well, the winter constellations shining in the sky could be thought of as a
backdrop, while the rustling of breaking waves could count as background
music. Alone with just the two of them. The stage was set for a romantic
and dramatic scene. But what terrible casting of actors!
For the current two people present, this situation was a bit too
inappropriate?!
"Look, an empty can over there. Let's play kick the can?"
"It's no fun with only two people, right? Or maybe it's not that fun anyway."
Just as expected, the conversation quickly became awkward and
meaningless.
If the other person was Erica, Liliana or Yuri, she would likely have taken
other measures to get intimate.
Nevertheless, Godou felt reassured.
Although he had gained some familiarity, he still did not have much
confidence in getting along with girls.
"Ah, there's even a soccer ball here. Back when Ena was a child, I'd mix
myself into the boys' games and defeat them completely."
"But then again, beach soccer isn't something for two people to play..."
Ena recalled her childhood memories of personal athletics.
She must have been the type to dribble the ball alone, repeatedly
penetrating the defense to score.
He already had one of those super athletes amongst his companions —
Erica, who relied on individual performance even in team matches. Ena
was probably the same kind of player as her. If they played baseball, they
would probably be trump card fourth hitter material.
"Well in that case, it finally comes to this? There happens to be two, just
the right number."
Ena bent over to pick up two branches, each less than a meter long. Most
likely driftwood brought to the beach by the waves.
"This is a duel between two people. Ena versus Your Majesty one on one
would be nice."
"Nice? I can't defeat Seishuuin that easily."
"Ah, come to think of it, Your Majesty doesn't know any swordsmanship or
martial arts. If other people went through the same experiences as Your
Majesty, they'd probably rush off to learn some self defense in a last ditch
effort."
"Really? But I don't think it'd be particularly fruitful."
Godou was reminded of Salvatore Doni.
That man's existence was proof of the fruitlessness of that course of
action.
For idiot Doni, only training in swordsmanship was meaningful. First of all,
he was an unorthodox genius, and secondly, mastery of swordsmanship
would enhance the power of that guy's authority.
In contrast, Kusanagi Godou was not a genius. Even if he trained for fifty
years, he would probably not develop martial arts to a level that could
match gods or Doni.
In that case, he should figure out how to use his own advantages to match
those monsters instead —
Because following the same path as that guy is definitely not the way to
defeat him.
...No no, wait a minute.
Could it be possible that as a Campione, Godou himself had already been
deeply influenced by that idiot?
Godou began shaking his head in an attempt to dismiss the unpleasant
possibility.
"Anyway, let's first decide how to play with this thing... How about this?"
Godou received a branch from Ena.
Using the tip he drew a large tic-tac-toe grid on the beach, and marked the
center with an "O."
"Your Majesty wants to play this... If that's the case, Ena will follow suit."
Ena drew an "X" on another spot.
Finally, the two competed in games of tic-tac-toe.
"Together with the kids who played baseball, I used to play this a lot."
"Ah, I know it. As a child, I only had occasional free time. Though many
children had handheld games, Ena did not."
"Seishuuin always played outdoors when you were a child like me?"
"Uh huh. Probably until third grade or so. Very naughty, right? But very
soon, swordsmanship and Hime-Miko training began. And there were other
things to learn too. Often traveling to the mountains, Ena no longer had
time for those kinds of pastimes."
"Ah... So Seishuuin had all sorts of responsibilities. You must have been
quite busy."
The child of nature who took pride in her swordsmanship. The talented girl
equally well-versed in classical learning and martial arts. As a Hime-Miko,
a Yamato Nadeshiko skilled in various areas.
Her complicated experiences could not have been cultivated in one day.
Godou's childhood achievement was improving his baseball ability.
Overall, he felt he could empathize with the great sacrifices Ena had made
for the sake of building up all those accomplishments.
"I can't come to Your Majesty's side very often these days, which is why I
wanted to see you at the school festival. Now that I think about it, I have
never gone out for fun with Your Majesty and the rest of the group."
Ena continued to talk as she played tic-tac-toe.
Rather than an intensifying competition, it was more like a game for killing
time as they chatted.
"If that's the case, just come next time."
"Eh?"
Godou's expression naturally became very warm and gentle.
Without really knowing how to express her femininity, Ena's personality
was rather simple and laid-back. There were a couple unnecessarily
stubborn aspects and occasions when she was very hard to get along with.
But they could all be attributed to her unusual upbringing, which likely gave
her little chance for normal social contact.
"I still have two more years before I graduate. Even if you missed this
time's, Seishuuin, you can still come next year. So like I said, there are
more chances. I will gladly accompany you any number of times."
It was hard to believe, but Seishuuin Ena was a very easy girl to get along
with.
There was no other girl that he could spend time like this as if she was a
male friend. She would be most welcome to visit any time she wanted.
Concluding with such a feeling, Godou smiled reassuringly.
"Ah okay. Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm very happy to hear that coming
from you."
"You don't have to thank this kind of thing. That's too polite."
"Ah, but then again, isn't Your Majesty frequently in danger? Isn't it a
concern whether you'll live to see this time next year? But don't worry, no
matter what, Ena will always guard Your Majesty with her life!"
"Don't say something so foreboding. I still intend to live a good life and die
peacefully!"
The two chatted casually, joking around. But Ena suddenly frowned.
She threw away the branch and stood up. With a wary gaze she surveyed
the surroundings. Without asking "what's the matter?", Godou also stood
up silently.
It was at this very moment that the intruder's identity was revealed.
"It's here, Your Majesty. Please be careful."
Ena whispered softly. The Hime-Miko of the Sword directed her gaze
towards the other side of the beach — near where a boat was parked.
A young girl was approaching from there. The familiar face of a beautiful
pubescent girl. Nevertheless, that power and solemnity emanating from her
body definitely belonged to no ordinary human.
"...It's her."
Godou felt his body brimming with power, having entered a state of battle.
He had already sensed immediately that the one approaching was a god,
the mortal enemy of every Devil King Campione. However, her identity was
most unexpected, even to Godou.
The young goddess slowly made her way over. Heretic Athena was her
name.
Part 4
"How fares thee? Kusanagi Godou!"
The goddess called out loudly. Her eyes were entirely focused on
Kusanagi Godou.
She completely ignored Seishuuin Ena beside him. To Goddess Athena,
even the premier Hime-Miko's existence was akin to weeds or pebbles on
the roadside.
On the other hand, the Hime-Miko of the Sword took out her Japanese
sword from its bag.
She entered a battle stance — But Godou signaled with his eyes, ordering
her to stand down. This opponent was out of her league.
"One arriveth once more, to ascertain thou fulfillest thy promise of past."
"Promise... That one?"
In the battle against Perseus, Athena had bestowed upon him the hint to
deciphering the mysterious divine hero's identity.
Without a doubt, he had a made promise then. He definitely had to return
the favor and accept one request from the goddess.
"One hath but a single wish. A duel, Kusanagi Godou."
Athena's eyes were infused with golden light.
Fluctuating with a seductive brightness, those serpentine eyes flashed
brilliantly in the dark night.
"Like blazing fires which die down and burn out before long. Like wind
strongly swirling into a vortex, gone quickly like the passage of a hurricane.
Thou shalt fight with one and scatter the beautiful sparks of battle!"
"What!?"
Even though he had been instantly bewitched by the snake's seduction,
Godou immediately yelled out.
"I should have said so at the time. I will not accept requests that bring
trouble to others. Have you any idea how much destruction will result from
a battle between us!?"
"When a god dueleth a god-slayer, 'tis only natural for the people to be
sacrificed."
Such incomparable stupidity — was what Athena's eyes of despise
seemed to be saying.
"Certainly there will be sacrifices if we fight. Dost not forget, thy fellow
humans trample grass and flowers beneath their feet as they walk the
earth. 'Tis the same principle."
Sigh. Realizing what the goddess was trying to convey, Godou had nothing
more to say.
After all, gods were all identical in this regard!
"Such are the constant ways of heaven and earth. Worryest not thyself,
Kusanagi Godou."
Gods were set apart by their mentality of not caring for any individual
human.
All humans on earth were indiscriminately grouped together as simply
"humanity." Even if half of the world population were to die, it would only
feel like "oh, humanity still survives" to them. This must be why the
concrete thought of "people died, cities destroyed, trouble caused
everywhere" never occurred to them?
That was what Godou reckoned.
"Our battle shall cause people to collapse, the earth to suffer, and the
heavens to sigh. But no matter, humanity and nature constantly endures
suffering for endless repetition. We only need to rouse our hearts in
excitement and rage on."
"How can that be acceptable! Stop talking nonsense!"
Godou could not stop himself from shouting gruffly.
To this goddess of wisdom perhaps it would come as a surprise or be
regarded as desecration.
"Anyway, I don't want to hear such a wish. Choose a new one!"
"Nay, those words cannot be taken back."
Athena coldly rejected Godou's refusal.
"As a god-slayer, thou art still an immature brat who hath hardly lived as a
Devil King. As a result, one had hoped to wait until the fruit ripeneth. One
wanted to rely on this immortal life, patiently waiting for the proper time of
harvest. However, the leisure for that, no longer existeth..."
The goddess' appearance remained the same, that of a beautiful young
girl's.
However, that beauty was certainly like a great serpent standing before its
prey. Staring with serpentine eyes, baring snake fangs hidden deep within
those red lips. Violent and ferocious as a snake!
Noticing Athena's fighting spirit, Godou secretly trembled in fright.
"So, dost not hold back and fight. Tonight shall be our final duel."
"Damn it, no other way..."
Faced with Athena's fierce advances, Godou made his decision.
Battle was unavoidable. In that case he must come up with a plan to
handle it. He must find a way to minimize human casualties and property
damage. He must stay as far away as possible from city streets, and
contain the goddess with all his power. Though he could not be certain if
that was possible, that was the only way —
"Hmph, those are irrelevant concerns, god-slayer."
But suddenly, Athena whispered softly to Godou as he racked his brains.
Cold as a snake, but also with a slightly disappointed tone of voice. She
was like a senior looking at a junior from far above, worrying about his
immaturity, hoping he would show dramatic improvement and growth.
"A hero destined to become a fierce tiger, but merely a tiger's cub right
now. Thou mayst carry a warrior's instinct, but a warrior's mettle is still
lacking by far."
Godou gradually became intrigued.
Why? Why did she change her tone of voice after those fierce words
earlier?
"Fu— In that case, one shall mercifully do thee a favor once more. Forgetst
the request for now. Kusanagi Godou shall be shown his foolishness!"
The goddess bore a fearless smile, and turned to leave.
In the direction she had come from. Step by step, she walked away from
Godou.
"To prepare the proper stage for our unfavorable destiny. When the time
cometh, thou shalt display thy mettle to this goddess. Only then shalt thou
be worthy of bargaining with one!"
So she means she will be back?
Listening to those words of farewell, Godou stared blankly at Athena's
departure.
"She's gone, Your Majesty. That was the one who came to Tokyo earlier in
spring this year..."
"Ah yes. The great snake goddess..."
Godou replied hoarsely to Ena who had kept a stance ready to draw her
sword.
Without a doubt, that was Heretic Athena.
However, something did not feel right. Godou could only feel there was
something, but could not express into words...
Part 5
With the passage of night, it was now Saturday.
Godou and friends stayed at a nearby hotel arranged by Amakasu.
Athena's reappearance had been reported. Both Liliana and Yuri, who had
faced the ancient goddess before, paled as soon as they heard the news.
Amakasu scratched his head as if extremely troubled.
"In case something happens, we need to prepare countermeasures..."
In a rare moment, even the elegant Kaoru was musing solemnly for once.
Anyway, their original purpose here was to safeguard the Heavenly
Reverse Halberd.
The excavation had completed around daybreak. Hearing that the work
had completed while they were sleeping, Godou and his group went to
take a look as soon as they finished breakfast.
The solitary torii stood near the Kisarazu shore.
The massive digging operation undertaken for "a certain object" buried
beneath it.
Over the course of many days, the underground barrier was carefully
removed as the heavy machinery continued to dig from the surface.
After 8am, Godou arrived at the excavation site.
"I have some mundane business to handle, so I'll leave Amakasu-san in
charge for the remaining proceedings."
Having said that, Kaoru left for Tokyo.
Most likely to make all sorts of preparations in light of Athena's
reappearance.
The remaining members of the team, Yuri, Liliana, Ena and Amakasu
accompanied Godou to the site.
The excavation site had already been sealed off by tape. Around ten-odd
local policemen were standing on guard, making it seem like some sort of
murder crime scene.
"These are real policemen here, but the majority of them are affiliated with
us. If you count the ones who are not visible right now, there are even
more of them."
Amakasu casually explained.
With that, Godou and his group were like criminal investigators entering a
crime scene for inspection.
"...This is the Heavenly Reverse Halberd?"
The "object" dug up that morning had been placed on a blue plastic sheet.
On first glance it appeared to be a very ordinary stick. Roughly the length
and thickness of a pencil.
The material was unidentified, with a beige color like carefully varnished
timber. It felt very solid to the touch, though not as hard as stone, but much
harder than plastic.
"Last night, Mariya Yuri and I tried to investigate this object while it was still
being excavated."
Liliana reported.
"There is no doubt that it is a divine artifact. Just like the Gorgoneion you
were entrusted with last time. The object you see is only its surface, but
hidden within it is the crystallization of divine wisdom and power, a symbol
of the immortal and indestructible."
It was going to turn into a conflict with gods again.
Godou concluded with certainty as Liliana continued.
"Had it been made of the essence of the earth like the Heraion, then there
would be the possibility of destroying it before it becomes the object of
contention. However, this type of divine artifact is indestructible. Very likely,
even a [Heretic God] would not be able to fully destroy it."
"That's why it was buried underground, and secretly guarded..."
Godou sighed.
Things would be so much easier if it could be destroyed...
"Fortunately, spirit vision about the Heavenly Reverse Halberd had been
received."
It was Yuri's turn to report.
"This is likely a divine artifact related to earth and rock. I can sense the
[1]
[2]
power of Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto used to give rise to
[3]the primordial sea and Yamato country."
"...Izanagi and Izanami?"
"Yes. The legendary gods who created the land of Yamato and founded
the country."
This was the extent of Yuri and Lilana's findings.
Godou examined the Heavenly Reverse Halberd once again. What should
he do with this thing? It did not feel safe to carry around personally, but
there was no other way. Besides, it happened to be the size of a pencil —
"I'll just keep it in my shirt pocket for now."
"Even though this is a treasure that can shake the world, but I guess it's an
appropriate measure. I can't think of anywhere safer than the bosom of
Kusanagi-san."
Godou felt rather sad that he could not bring himself to openly disagree
with Amakasu's inauspicious comment.
He pocketed the divine artifact. Had it been a lucky charm for traffic safety,
it would probably be treated differently.
"Actually, I tried reaching grampsy just now."
Ena suddenly spoke up.
Ena's grampsy — the Old One, namely, the ancient god Susanoo who
lived in the Netherworld.
"Ena was hoping to get some information about this halberd-thing, but it
didn't work. The 'sound' should have been transmitted to the other side, but
there was complete silence with no response."
As the guardian of the Hime-Miko of the Sword, Susanoo and Ena had
always kept in contact by cellphone.
But this time, he was apparently playing the dirty trick of pretending to be
away(?).
"It feels like he doesn't want to give directions..."
As Godou grumbled, Ena took out her Japanese sword and pushed the
sword guard with her thumb, loosening it from its sheath.
This was the preparatory posture for unsheathing a sword. The stance
[4]
known as "koiguchi wo kiru.""White... Goddess. No, it is something else?"
Yuri was whispering softly, her eyes focused somewhere in the distant sky.
Something that the others could not see. She must be seeing something
through spirit vision.
"I get it. A visitor is approaching..."
A cellphone began to vibrate. Amakasu slowly drew out his phone and
responded to someone who seemed to be a friend.
"Kusanagi Godou, be on guard."
Godou nodded to acknowledge Liliana's warning and prepared his stance.
—In the next instant, a young girl suddenly manifested. At the location in
the sky where Yuri had been staring.
With brilliant blonde hair styled into curls, her dream-like beauty was like
an antique western doll made by a master craftsman. She wore a black
dress that was reminiscent of funeral attire.
A young beauty twelve-years-old or so whose every aspect left a deep
impression.
"Greetings for the first time, Kusanagi Godou-sama."
An adorable voice as exquisite as gemstones.
A god —she was not. But she could not possibly be anyone ordinary.
What was she? Despite looking human, she could not be categorized as
human. Godou stared at the ominous young beauty.
"Pray forgive me for directly addressing by name Your Highness, the
god-slaying [King]. My name is Guinevere, and I have appeared here to
inform Your Highness of certain matters."
Godou frowned at the elegant choice of words that did not match the
young girl's appearance.
"If it's just to listen to a few words, I don't mind. But I am a stingy person
who doesn't go around with ready gifts for sudden visitors. Is that okay?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
Guinevere ignored Godou's cold reception and smiled glamorously.
This must be the person Lu Yinghua mentioned. It was just intuition, but
should not be too far from the truth.
"I've heard about you before. You're the companion of that woman deeply
involved with the Nikkou incident, right?"
"You are correct. Indeed, Guinevere is a Divine Ancestor as Asherah's
kin."
Her expressions, manner of speaking, motions.
Everything felt full of pretense, like some kind of superficial layer drawn on
top.
A Divine Ancestor —an existence completely unlike the gods. Godou had
heard that they were former goddesses, but Guinevere was acknowledging
humans other than Godou. And also, she was nonchalantly keeping tabs
on them.
"My purpose here today is to offer a plan to Kusanagi Godou-sama."
The blonde Divine Ancestor smiled elegantly as she spoke.
"Plan?"
"Yes. Guinevere already found out. As Your Highness' mortal enemy, the
goddess Athena has once again appeared in this island country. As long
as they are nearby, gods and god-slayers will mutually attract, encounter,
face off and slaughter one another."
Calmly explaining like a little bird singing a song.
Guinevere continued speaking softly with a melodic voice.
"Your Highness and Athena's duel is inevitable. I have a plan that will
prove effective when the time comes, if only Your Highness will hear it."
"Something effective in a battle with a god?"
It sounded as trustworthy as stock market tips guaranteeing massive
profits.
"Hohoho. Suspicious? As befits the young but experienced warrior! But
please rest assured, Guinevere is providing a countermeasure that only
takes effect in a battle with Athena!"
"...Hey, that's you, right?"
Ena addressed the witch in a soft voice as if casually humming a song.
"You are the one who was watching Ena and the others as we stood on
guard. There's a kind of similar feeling. You must be aiming for the
Heavenly Reverse Halberd, right?"
Godou nodded, aware of the sharp senses of the Hime-Miko of the Sword.
For this Guinevere to appear now, it could not possibly be unrelated to the
unearthed divine artifact.
"Yes. Indeed, Guinevere certainly wants that sacred treasure —it is hoped
that Your Highness would offer up that unique divine artifact!"
Admitting to her crimes, the Divine Ancestor began to approach.
Walking towards Kusanagi Godou. Taking leisurely footsteps like a girl
strolling on a plain blooming with flowers.
"When Your Highness encounters Athena once more, and my plan works
successfully, would Your Highness be so kind as to grant Guinevere's
wish? I do hope to obtain Your Highness' consent."
It felt like a joking request full of pretense.
Of course Godou was going to ignore it. Everyone else felt the same way.
Ena drew her sword and Liliana summoned Il Maestro. The two girls
stepped forward, blocking Guinevere's path. However, some spell must
have been used—
The Divine Ancestor's dress-clad body moved past the swordsmen and
came before Godou like the wind.
Was the Heavenly Reverse Halberd the target? Godou went on full alert.
He was not confident he could defend if she used that ability again and
aimed for his pocket. Godou took out the divine artifact and tossed it to
Amakasu waiting on the side.
What a competent ninja. He caught the artifact splendidly and put it away
in his bosom.
In the instant when Godou was readying his stance.
"Hohoho, Your Highness is full of openings as rumored."
Guinevere approached with quick light steps.
It did not seem very fast, but she closed the distance just like that, before
Godou could mount any defense.
The witch drew her lips close to Godou's face.
And kissed him.
"On the other hand, this kind of generous leniency can be considered proof
of a [King]'s magnanimity. A brilliant genius who is not concerned with such
trivial things! Guinevere has great hopes for you, Kusanagi-sama!"
Was it instruction magic? Knowledge was flowing in through the mouths
pressed together.
No, that was not all there was to it. There was more feeling to it like some
sort of secret know-how.
—What is the Holy Grail? The sacred treasure that absorbs the essence of
the earth and stores incomparable magical power. In order to unlock its
functions, these are the required procedures, knowledge, sensitivities,
incantations, rituals, magic...
Rather than simply transferring knowledge, this spell taught [Magic] on a
much higher level!
By the time Godou realized this, Guinevere had already separated her lips
from him.
"I beseech you to vanquish Athena and add new victories to your
repertoire. The [Spell of the Holy Grail] will be the trump card for this
purpose. Till we meet again!"
Bidding farewell, the blonde witch disappeared.
As suddenly as she had appeared, she vanished instantly like mist.
The witch Guinevere had left the excavation site, leaving behind this magic
of unknown purpose.
"What on earth is she planning?"
"Her goal seemed to be transmitting knowledge to Godou-san..."
Yuri came to Godou's side as he puzzled over what happened.
"Do you feel a headache or some kind of mental instability?"
"Nothing, I don't feel especially different."
Godou assured Yuri who was worried.
In truth, a Campione's magic resistance and vitality were extraordinary.
Extremely resilient. Disregarding the authorities of gods and devil kings,
the chances of receiving serious injuries from enemy magic was
exceptionally low.
Indeed, Divine Ancestors did not have magical power on par with
Campiones.
Godou understood concretely with his own body. However, Yuri was
watching him with sorrowful eyes.
"What's wrong, Mariya? I'm completely fine."
"No... The witch was very right. Godou-san really does have too many
openings, it is slightly disappointing..."
Yuri spoke with great worry.
"D-Disappointing? Why?"
"Even if she was not an ordinary person, for a female to steal your lips in
the first encounter, it is certainly extraordinary. Godou-san must be
deliberately opening yourself up to those kinds of advances..."
Yuri's appearance displayed a kind of dream-like beauty as she mournfully
voiced her concerns in a soft voice.
The mood was completely like a disheartened wife complaining about a
husband who frequently spends the night with a lover instead of returning
home...
Was this the feeling commonly known as lying on a bed of nails?
Godou found it impossible to bear. In the past he might have felt less of a
burden when sternly reproached by her. But as their relationship
deepened, the sense of guilty conscience seemed to be weighing
heavier—
Furthermore, even Liliana was joining in the fray.
"I see now. Precisely due to the existence of such openings, anyone skillful
enough can take advantage of them and intrude successfully. Mariya Yuri's
diatribe has substantial implications."
"—!?"
The exceptionally loyal knight was now glaring at Godou with eyes of
reproach.
"In addition, the incident just now has reminded me of something else.
What did you do last night when you were alone with Seishuuin Ena? No, I
have no intention of reproach. Nevertheless, even as the housekeeper I
did not receive any report afterwards... I believe this type of carelessness
is related to the 'openings' pointed out just now. If that is the case, then
correction is imperative."
No intention of reproach.
Liliana said those words as she stared at Godou with eyes of reproach.
Both the incident just now and last night as well!? It would be best not to
make too much of a fuss here.
Greatly troubled, Godou could not help but signal to Ena with his eyes,
hoping for her to lend a helping hand. However, the Hime-Miko of the
Sword smiled shyly instead.
"Hmm. Even though Ena has all sorts of opinions on what happened just
now, last night was very fun and enjoyable, spending time with Your
Majesty with just the two of us. I can't help it, sorry for not saying anything
until now."
An answer like that. Wasn't that simply pouring oil on the fire?
Clutching his head in his arms, Godou found unexpected aid.
Wisely ignoring this pandemonium all this time, Amakasu suddenly picked
up a call on his cellphone.
"...Yes, yes. Finally appeared, eh? The location is Kawasaki... Near
Ukishima. Is that right, already fallen to the enemy? Still in motion?
Towards Chiba after all? I see. From the Ukishima Interchange towards the
Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway tunnel? Hmm, in that case there's not much
time left..."
Godou and the rest fell silent. Amakasu soon finished the call.
"I regret to bring bad news. Athena has finally appeared in public. Just like
last time, she has released all her powers and is heading straight towards
this place."
Thus ended the report.