"Ho... Thy vassal apparently clasheth with that man's maidservant."
Alone on this beach, just the two of them. Athena suddenly smiled.
Indicating that her duel with Kusanagi was about to begin.
"Maidservant? You mean Guinevere?"
"She hath a name like that? She is the witch of the ancient matriarch deity,
the inheritor of the Holy Grail."
In response to Godou's question, she gave a proper answer.
Athena was probably using some kind of clairvoyance to spy on
Guinevere's whereabouts. She probably wanted to guard against rude
interlopers from intruding on their fight.
Godou had expressly ordered Ama no Murakumo to inform him if the other
partner ran into any danger.
He had also reminded Ena to call the name of Kusanagi Godou in case of
a desperate situation, so that the [Wind] incarnation could be used to save
them. Currently, neither of them had given any notice.
Ena seemed to have put forth all her efforts to halt Guinevere's advance.
"Isn't calling her 'maidservant' going a bit too far? Besides, who do you
mean by 'that man'?"
"He is the hero who standeth as the mortal enemy of god-slayers. One
knoweth not where he lieth. Be that as it may, he apparently sleepeth
somewhere on this island."
"...Could it be that guy, the strongest [Steel]?"
Godou recalled what he heard before from that old bunch.
"Thou knowest? From that earlier attack, thou seemest to have matured
well."
"That's not maturing, it's called 'stepping deeper into the puddle.' Anyway,
to think Guinevere was actually hiding a side like that..."
Objecting to Athena's approval, Godou continued:
"So all her conspiracies and schemes to this date, were all for the sake of
reviving that guy?"
"Forsooth. Thou shouldst pay attention. That man is the warrior fated to
destroy all god-slayers. Were he to awaken, a war to exterminate the Devil
Kings shall begin. If that happens, surely thou shalt perish."
Godou could not help but object to this sudden declaration.
How could anyone be sure without trying? I may be a pacifist, but if the
other person comes murdering on his own initiative —
But then again, Athena's pubescent face had never shown such a severe
expression.
Faced with such solemnity, Godou had nothing to say. And so, the corners
of the goddess' mouth began to rise with delight.
"No matter, such words carry meaning only if thou art able to win our
duel... Didst thou know? Virtually no god-slayer hath ever come to a
peaceful end. The vast majority dieth on a battlefield somewhere. Thou
only needst to follow in the footsteps of thy kin of past!"
"If that's the case, I will become one of the few exceptions. Let's go!"
Their fighting spirit was quietly rising.
In that case, Godou will rely on these heightened spirits to engage in
battle. Athena glared sharply with her serpentine eyes once more as
Godou readied his battle stance. Just at that moment, a crash of thunder
was heard.
"Tsk! Thy arrival was expected, Lancelot du Lac!"
Athena smacked her lips as she gazed up into the sky.
Thunderclouds were rapidly filling the sky and furthermore, a flash of white
lightning came flying from the direction of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.
'Beware! This fellow is pure [Steel] like me!'
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi warned from Godou's right arm.
The lightning carried all sorts of omens, announcing the extraordinary
visitor, mounted on his flying divine horse.
His body was wrapped in white armor. The helmet's lowered visor
obscured the face. Furthermore, wielded in his hand was a lustrous lance
with a platinum blade —
That kind of color and brightness had been witnessed the day before. Was
that not the same brilliance as the white star of [Swords]!?
"Hey, isn't that the...!?"
"Yes. Yonder fellow is indeed the war god Lancelot. As that man's
subordinate, the white maidservant's guardian. Furthermore, the wielder of
the [Sword] that seeketh to tear us into pieces!"
Athena nodded with displeasure as she answered Godou's immediate
query.
Lancelot. Isn't he the guy from the Knights of the Round Table?
Shocked, Godou heard an awe-inspiring manly voice from overhead.
"Athena. It is most pleasing to encounter you once again before your life
depletes. And god-slayer Kusanagi Godou. Though the goddess has
already introduced it, let this Knight's name be heard once more. Lancelot
du Lac. Commonly known as the Knight of the Lake."
"...I don't remember telling you my name."
Godou responded to the mighty self introduction with displeasure.
If this guy and Guinevere were the masterminds of the current incident,
there was no reason to trust him at all.
"Apologies. This Knight had no intention of insulting you... Even though
forgiveness is unwarranted, apologies will still be expressed. For the act of
ambushing you from the dark, taking advantage of your conflict as a third
party. This kind of behavior is indeed an affront to chivalry. Most
regrettable."
What the heck was up with this guy? Godou was intrigued.
An extremely forthright disposition. A kind of wondrous charisma similar to
Verethragna when he had lost his memories—
"Hmph. Doth not be deceived. Even though yonder fellow is indeed a
soldier of upright principles, he is merely a fool who displayeth might and
valor for the maidservant's sake!"
"Perhaps. But all things considered, swords are that type of tool."
Lancelot agreed to Athena's accusation as he lightly kicked his beloved
steed's belly.
The white divine horse began to slowly descend to the beach.
"The so-called heroes of steel, are sword gods who express the sword's
attribute of living for battle only. Furthermore, this Knight has sworn to offer
one's blade to beautiful women only."
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi called Lancelot its kin.
Expressing nothing but an obsession with battle. This was likely the trait of
purebred steel.
"Fufufu. The knight indulges in rainstorms of bloodshed on the battlefield,
tempered by a dash of womanly charms. Unfazed by mockery from
others."
Despite his words, he did not give off the same impression as those
useless men that were infatuated with women. Rather, he seemed like the
type who demanded women of great quality, a Casanova who deliberately
sought challenging conquests.
Perhaps this was only fitting for a god's prestige?
"But who knows if either of you two would approve..."
Lancelot's divine horse descended, its four feet landing on the beach.
Wielding the lance in one hand, Lancelot held a short pewter staff in his
off-hand. Shaped like a twin-headed snake, it was being fiddled around
lovingly as if it were a little flower.
"The Holy Grail's function has completely halted. Hmm... Even though the
beloved child already preserved the power taken from the vessel, it is
meaningless like this."
"In that case, war god, what dost thou wish to do?"
Athena displayed a goddess' solemnity as she spoke.
The child-like beautiful face glimmered lustrously with dignified battle spirit.
She issued an obvious challenge.
On the other hand, Lancelot muttered liberally.
"Hmm, no other way then. Your chest shall be cut open so that this Knight
can retrieve the Grail and do everything possible to awaken this mighty
unparalleled divine artifact."
An indifferent declaration of slaughter. True to form as a [Heretic God], a
fellow who could not be underestimated.
Godou tightly gripped his fist and glared at Lancelot.
"It seems like you two are having a duel of honor. Intruding in such a
match would be unbecoming of a knight. However, this Knight has grown
weary of waiting."
The white knight raised the lance's blade towards the sky.
His valor was apparent from this action. His rising battle spirit was
impossible to suppress.
"Guinevere had warned this Knight before getting involved. To wait until
you were both exhausted before killing either. However, a man in
possession of lance and horse should never have to act in such a manner.
Athena, this Knight's lance wishes to greet you with a cordial welcome
once more!"
"Very well! One shall exact from thee what thou owest, before taking on
Kusanagi Godou!"
Athena's sharp serpentine eyes turned to Lancelot. Lancelot faced her in
turn with his white helmet.
Godou swiftly inserted himself between the two of them.
"Your opponent is not just Athena. Please let me participate in this battle."
"Oh?"
"What dost thou wish, Kusanagi Godou?"
The white knight was shocked, while Athena questioned. Unfazed, Godou
continued.
"This is Athena and my duel after all. There's no rule preventing me from
helping drive out the intruder. Or rather, it can be said that this is only
natural."
"Natural? Hahaha, your words are truly interesting indeed!"
Lancelot's helmet shook in laughter in response to Godou's declaration.
It was not mockery. His tone was clearly overjoyed and he was laughing
sincerely from the depths of his heart.
"God and god-slayer — irreconcilable foes fighting in cooperation, how
could that be called natural!? Be that as it may, one cannot help but think
as a warrior, it is impossible to reject. This Knight welcomes you to the
fray."
Lancelot nonchalantly accepted the two versus one battle.
Truly the war god, such magnanimity. However, his opinion was actually
not that important.
The problem was the haughty goddess. Turning his gaze to her, Godou
was shocked. Athena's face was filled with surprise.
"...Dost thou know? In battles past — what that group of people did to vex
that man so...?"
"—? What and what?"
Godou frowned at the cryptic question.
"Anyway, I want to drive this guy out quickly. That's why I want to fight
together with you. Is that unacceptable?"
"No... One thinketh over it, this could very well be a good opportunity."
The look of surprise vanished in an instant as Athena resumed a dauntless
expression immediately.
Godou began to wonder if he was imagining things.
"One hast instructed thee how to fight. Dost not become a burden!"
"Gonna say the same thing to you. I have more strength to spare than
someone who's half a patient!"
Together, Athena and Godou stared at the war god.
They had once fought each other with all their strength, and had also
traveled together. However, fighting side by side was a first experience.
Godou was now relieved.
Athena's extreme haughtiness had made him worry whether she would
accept the battle of two against one.
What could be the reason for her to accept fighting in cooperation?
Was it due to Lancelot being a formidable challenge, so she chose
efficiency over honor? Or was there some other reason?
No matter what, an unprecedented deadly battle was now beginning.
Part 2
"Kusanagi Godou, that fellow's divine sword poseth no threat for now!"
Athena was the first to summon her favorite weapon, the grim reaper's
scythe.
However, she did not change her height unlike previous battles, retaining
her pubescent form. Perhaps she was trying to control her depletion of
energy.
"A weapon that consumeth the earth's essence for nourishment. As long
as the Holy Grail in one's body remaineth inactive, that blade cannot be
swung."
"Oh? You've seen through it. How befitting of the goddess of wisdom."
Seen through by Athena, Lancelot offered praise from atop his mount.
Furthermore.
"In that case, there is no need to be swinging around Master's relic."
He tossed the lance into the air, sending the horrific weapon to the
opposite end of the clouds.
A barbed lance then materialized in Lancelot's hand.
"Hmm. This is more familiar after all. So, Athena, receive this Knight's
lance!"
"Ha! One doth not believe this goddess shall lose to you in the arts of war!"
And thus the war god and the goddess began engaging in close quarter
combat.
The mounted knight's white steed began to run, not at full speed, but on
the level of a leisurely trot.
It was running towards the scythe-wielding goddess Athena. Mounted on
his horse, Lancelot thrust his lance forward.
Once, twice, thrice. Godou was just able to see it clearly. However, from
that point onwards his eyes could no longer keep up with the actions of the
battling duo.
Like torrential rain that riddled the ground with holes, the raging barrage of
thrusts aimed at the pubescent goddess.
Athena evaded the attacks with the tiniest of movements as she swung her
grim reaper's scythe.
Was she trying to overcome the enemy's mounted advantage— She was
swinging the scythe towards the white horse's front legs, chest and neck.
Furthermore, she even attacked Lancelot's legs on the stirrups as well as
the lance-wielding arm.
However, Athena's scythe was blocked on all occasions.
First of all, Lancelot's steed was exceptionally agile, jumping back
immediately whenever the blade approached. Or stepping lightly back or to
the side, skillfully changing defensive positions to let its master's lance
block Athena's scythe with ease. The rider and horse truly acted as one.
Furthermore, Lancelot's armor was especially sturdy.
The white armor of iron essentially covered his entire body. Every attack
from Athena's jet-black scythe towards his arms and legs, gauntlets and
greaves, or breastplate were deflected.
"Make use of me, jump here!"
Godou yelled out as he ran forward.
In front of the white knight and divine horse. Even further ahead than
Athena and her swinging scythe.
"Ohoh. How brave of you to charge before a knight without even drawing
your sword!"
Lancelot was distracted for an instant.
Without failing to take advantage of this excellent opportunity, Athena
sprang into action. Leaping lightly into the air, she stepped onto Godou's
shoulder, using it as a platform for a second jump.
Leaping higher than Lancelot on his horse, Athena raised the scythe up
high.
"Death bestowed by the underworld deity, infused into this blade!"
A full powered attack carrying spell words smashed into the white knight's
chest.
It was not deflected this time. The jet-black blade penetrated lightly into the
white breastplate. Near the area where the blade was embedded,
corrosion began to spread.
"Ooh—!"
Lancelot's upper torso shook violently.
This single action made the scythe fall off from the breastplate while
Athena's body was also sent flying as if she were crafted out of paper.
In a direct frontal confrontation, the knight god did not seem to approach
the goddess of war. Seeing Athena land like a cat, Godou readied his
stance.
The war god's next target was obviously himself!
"It is customarily in war for mounted warriors to bypass infantry. Though
this is slightly unorthodox, exceptions will be made for the god-slayer!"
Yelling out, Lancelot patted the side of the white horse's neck.
With a loud neigh, the white divine horse stood up on its hind legs.
Now freed, its front legs swung at Godou's head.
A fierce horse's horseshoes were weapons rivaling iron hammers. Thus
the two iron hooves descended.
Furthermore, it was no ordinary horse despite its ordinary-looking build, but
a divine beast. Even a Campione's unreasonably sturdy body would be
easily crushed by this exceptional kicking power—!
Godou immediately raised his arms to defend like a boxer.
Before the hooves of the divine horse, Godou could not expect too much
from this paper-thin defense. However.
Clang! The strange noise of metal clashing was heard.
Godou's arms were currently as hard as steel. At the same time, he
possessed unyielding strength that allowed him to hold his ground against
the full force of a divine horse's trampling.
"Iron arms bearing peerless strength! Is that your authority!?"
Lancelot made a thrust with his lance.
It was too fast to see clearly. However, it probably aimed for Kusanagi
Godou's head. Using a Campione's instincts for victory, Godou guarded his
face with his right arm.
Clang! The same strange sound was heard again. It was the sound of his
palm blocking the lance.
"Couldn't you have told me beforehand properly..."
'My assisting you? It's only expected!'
As Godou grumbled, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi replied through
thoughts.
When facing an enemy's overwhelming strength, Verethragna's second
incarnation, the [Bull], provided monstrous might.
Furthermore, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had the ability to absorb the
authorities of gods and Campiones, lending power to Godou.
What had been absorbed here was the sturdiness of the white armor.
Consequently, Godou's arms had obtained the hardness of steel, together
with the [Bull]'s monstrous strength infused.
Godou furiously swung his left arm, striking at the white horse's chest.
An improvised left hook. Except that this iron fist could probably demolish a
four or five-story commercial-residential building.
Perhaps aware of the punch's power, Lancelot's divine horse jumped back
a great distance.
"So that is how it is... Kusanagi Godou. Thou hast probably procured a
rather useful tool — of steel's kind."
Athena remarked, having been thrown back into the distance just now.
Instead of approaching where Godou and the war god were positioned,
she knelt down where she had landed, striking the sand with her hand.
"Marry! In that case, one hath no choice but to exhibit a mother earth
goddess' power!"
Immediately, an earthquake occurred.
Violent tremors. The beach battlefield was intensely shaking.
Godou's sense of balance was overcome and he had to fall back on his
hands and knees. Had this earthquake occurred in towns and cities, many
homes would likely have collapsed.
Rumble rumble rumble rumble — the quake was on a scale where one
could vaguely hear the actual ground sounding out.
On the other hand, Lancelot remained upright despite the conditions.
Splendidly controlling his steed without losing to the cataclysmic event. No,
not only that, his divine horse had leaped into the air and started flying.
"...Right, he arrived here by flying just now."
Continuing to lie prone on the ground, Godou muttered.
Lancelot and the divine horse's rapid ascent was like a rocket's takeoff,
speeding up towards the clouds. In that case, the earthquake became
meaningless.
However, just as Godou wondered, Athena stood up all of a sudden.
"Hohohoho... Knight of the Lake. Thou mayst perchance be a peerless
knight upon the earth. However, how dost thou fare in the sky!?"
As the shaking of the ground subsided, Athena smiled fearlessly as wings
sprouted from her back.
Brown wings, covered with countless spotted patterns, rather than pure
white feathers like an angel's. I see. Godou understood as he stood up.
Athena's forms were not limited to the snake. Those were wings of an owl.
The sacred bird that flew freely in the night sky. The symbol of wisdom.
Moreover, the messenger of death from the underworld. The form of the
goddess' favorite bird of prey!
"O Night. 'Tis the time ruled by the queen of the underworld. Respondest to
one's invitation and lowerest the curtains of the sky!"
Athena commanded the sky as she pointed with her index finger.
The brightness vanished in an instant. The morning sun was occluded,
turning day into night.
If this cataclysmic event had only occurred on this beach, it would probably
be easier to cover up the truth— Godou could not help but try praying to
something other than gods.
"Oh. Is this the darkness invoked by the queen of the sky, the earth and
the underworld!? In that case, this Knight shall summon lightning as
comrades-in-arms, it is only natural to return the favor!"
Lancelot's voice came from above. At that moment, white light flashed
repeatedly, tearing through the night sky.
It was produced by the thunderclouds summoned when white knight first
appeared. Even though battles between gods and Campiones were very
far-fetched, internal strife between gods were equally ridiculous or even
more so—
Godou expressed utter surprise at the series of cataclysmic events. It was
really too ridiculous.
Unaware of such thoughts in Godou, Athena spread her owl wings and
took off. Gliding smoothly as if skating on ice, she crossed the night sky.
"One's feathered wings may be regarded as the avian ruler of the sky, war
god!"
"If that is the case, then savor this Knight's lightning, goddess!"
As lightning repeatedly flashed and exploded across the night sky, the
stage was set for the gods' intense confrontation to transition to an aerial
battle.
Lancelot and his divine horse simply flew in straight lines.
Charging at the goddess like an arrow, targeting her with straight thrusts
from the lance. Both the knight and his beloved steed were enveloped in
flashing lightning and cracking thunder.
Banking gracefully, Athena avoided the charging attack.
That smooth flowing trajectory was like the movements of a seabird
engaged in a hunt. As if targeting shoals of fish beneath the sea, diving
silently to strike with its beak—
"As expected. The sky is not thy domain. Thou art full of openings!"
Athena circled around to Lancelot's back as she dodged the attack.
Held in her slender and beautiful hands were a silver bow and arrows.
The sight of Athena firing the arrow was reminiscent of another Greek
goddess, Artemis the huntress.
"Hahaha. Perhaps you are right. Who knows if this Knight was born
clumsy, but flying was never learned properly. However, this is not enough
to strike this Knight down!"
True to his words, Lancelot and his divine horse evaded in a V-shape and
managed to escape the arrow shot from behind.
The abrupt and forceful change of trajectory stood in stark contrast against
Athena's graceful turns.
His flying speed also slowed down. Targeting this, Athena drew the bow
once again. The second arrow struck Lancelot's white helmet, but was
deflected with a loud clang.
Discovering the goddess' intentions, Godou nodded.
A battle on land favored the knight. But in the air they were equals.
Firing arrows with her silver bow, Athena was an owl gliding across the
night sky, gracefully flying in silence.
In contrast, Lancelot's strengths did not lie in flying.
He probably could not fly in anything but straight lines (basically tracing out
parabolas).
Consequently, he could only change directions using V-shaped
maneuvers. Even though his top speed could catch up to Athena, he was
forced to slow down when making turns, and was thus unable to maintain
any advantage.
That said, his exceptionally sturdy armor meant that he was not at a
disadvantage either—
"But then again, if they continue buzzing over my head and flying around, I
can't help at all."
Godou grumbled as he looked up at the aerial battle.
His arms of iron bearing monstrous strength could not reach that height...
No, could he figure out a way? Then the problem became finding a
suitable projectile. Just as Godou began to search the beach...
"War god Lancelot... This goddess is aware that one's weapons have been
unable to destroy thy steel. Nevertheless, this arrow is different. It looketh
like an arrow but arrow it is not. 'Tis the temptation of death, released for
the sake of the underworld's queen. Namely, 'tis death itself."
Athena flew casually to evade Lancelot's charge as she circled around the
white knight's head as she called out.
The goddess' right hand placed the arrow onto the silver longbow.
The arrow's fletchings were made of owl feathers. The arrowhead was
carved out of obsidian. All were products of Stone Age.
"Heroes of steel are indeed immortal on the battlefield. However, what of
pestilence? Or perhaps, faced with termination from old age!?"
Athena's fingers released the arrow. The obsidian arrowhead flew at
Lancelot below!
Just at that moment, the white knight and the divine horse disappeared.
Godou saw the black arrow trace across the sky fruitlessly, falling onto the
beach. Furthermore, the surroundings were suddenly covered by
exceptionally dense mist.
"W-What is this?"
'Lancelot must have used the protection of immortality.'
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi responded to Godou's surprise.
'That fellow seems to have melded into the mist to seek refuge. Mist can
neither be pierced nor severed. Even curses cannot take effect. Well, it can
still be dispersed by storm winds.'
"If that guy is hidden in the mist then that means he can ambush Athena
and me?"
'Impossible. Pure-blooded [Steel] will not do anything underhanded of that
sort. The level of nocturnal or morning assaults is the limit. If not glorious to
the very end, our kind's battles are always intense as lightning. When that
fellow switches to offense once more, the mist shall surely disperse.'
A similar kindred spirit after all? It almost sounded as the sword was talking
about itself.
In that case, conversely, there will be some respite before the knight
returned from the mist. A certain notion surfaced in Godou's mind. He had
to find that thing now. Where on earth was it?
In thick mist with visibility less than 5m, he could only rely on a Campione's
instincts.
A god's movements — searching for divine power, Godou began to
concentrate.
A huge mass of power was swirling high in the air. That must be Athena.
At the same time, somewhere in the air precipitated a weak power.
Perhaps it was Lancelot in his mist form. I see. Once he could be sensed
in this manner, there were no more concerns of a surprise attack.
Further more, there was one more presence.
Even closer than the gods in sky, there was something else that had fallen
to the ground.
It was fine as long as it had not sunk into the sea. Godou began walking in
the mist, seeking the presence of divine power. Luckily, his search bore
fruit in a matter of minutes.
"—So cold!?"
Picking it up from the beach, Godou was shocked. This was even colder
than dry ice.
"In that case, this is actually a very dangerous object..."
Godou broke out in cold sweat.
Were he not bearing arms of iron, he might have suffered already?
The effects were probably not as simple as cold burns. Definitely would
have suffered more severe injuries... Just as Godou shuddered, the mist
dispersed in an instant.
'It's coming, King! That fellow has entered the thunderclouds. The next
strike intends to annihilate that mother earth goddess — no, all of us!'
Godou knew without needing the divine sword's warning.
The sky was filled with dark clouds as before. However, not a single flash
of lightning could be seen.
He must be storing power. Godou realized.
Instincts of a Campione, or perhaps experience gained from various hellish
trials, allowed him to understand immediately.
Godou sought out the position of Athena who should still be in the sky.
Found her. Slowly flapping her owl wings, she was hovering in the night
sky.
However, the young and beautiful face was tense with deathly
determination, and her glare was as sharp as a ferocious bird of prey. She
already knew it was a decisive moment.
Godou hurried and ran over in Athena's direction.
Part 3
Alas. An excellent battle—
With great satisfaction, Lancelot savored the thrill of battle he had missed
greatly.
He was currently hidden within the thunderclouds. Lightning crackled and
popped in his surroundings, exploding, raging. A most familiar scene.
Having turned into mist together with the white divine horse, they had
made their way here.
Protecting his favorite woman was not disagreeable, but it was insufficient
to satisfy his hunger. Other than the battlefield, no other place allowed him
to fully apply his skills and talents.
Pursuing this way of life even into bitter death, the implements of war and
horse could not be done without.
He had guarded the Witch Queen, the Divine Ancestor, for over a
millennium. Along the way, he had also offered minor assistance to witches
who had attained the pinnacles of heaven and earth.
Spending his days in this manner could not be considered unhappy.
However, would a raging warrior who charged on the battlefield be
satisfied with such a life? No, impossible.
Lancelot could feel his body and mind awakening.
"Having a god and a god-slayer as opponents, displaying the valorous
might against unfavorable odds of two against one. Now that is a man's
long-cherished wish. Hohoho, this Knight is reminded of battles past."
Lancelot soliloquized and looked down at the world beneath him once
more.
Using the mind's eye he located two "presences."
Namely, the goddess Athena and the god-slayer Kusanagi Godou. Both
were amazingly roused in battle spirit.
"One would really like to enjoy a duel like this for eternity. Be that as it
may, it is not this Knight's style. Time to gallop forth."
The dim mist vanished. Spurring the white divine horse onwards, Lancelot
restored the valorous form of the knight.
Within the thundercloud, Lancelot lightly caressed his partner's neck.
"This Knight's incomplete form probably cannot endure battle beyond this.
If this joy of battle were to be savored for too long, this Knight's heart will
begin to lose composure. Perhaps it would hasten the arrival of the day
when the beloved child shall be abandoned. Indeed, it is about time for the
tide to ebb."
Finishing his muttering, Lancelot instantly made his divine power
incinerate.
Last time, the lightning infused meteor crash had defeated Athena. For the
sake of this full powered attack at maximum speed...
He had already began preparations when he turned into mist.
In order to reach lightning speed — god speed, a great amount of lightning
needed to be absorbed.
Which was why he had entered the thunderclouds.
"In this current state, a single charge at maximum speed will probably
deplete all energy. Failure means defeat and repeating the past. One shall
charge with care."
Reminding himself, he lightly kicked the divine horse's abdomen.
First Athena shall be pierced in the sky, and then Kusanagi Godou shall be
flattened on the ground. Having thus decided, the white knight and divine
horse instantly descended from the sky with lightning speed.
Turning into a white meteor flying out of the thunderclouds—!
Knowing Lancelot was coming, Godou ran at full speed.
Meanwhile, Athena had suddenly stopped at a certain position in the air,
and called out spell words.
"Aegis of the Gorgon, defendest this goddess to the death!"
The silver longbow previously held in her hand had transformed into a
massive shield.
A rectangular shield large enough to cover the entire body of pubescent
Athena. The shield's surface was carved with a design in the likeness of
the snake demoness Medusa.
Lifting the shield high towards the sky, Athena readied her defensive
posture.
Abandoning her weapon and taking out the shield. She must have decided
she would be struck down immediately otherwise. Was this still the great
and aggressive goddess!?
In the instant of Godou's surprise, the white flash descended.
With hardly any time elapsed, Lancelot and the divine horse collided with
Athena.
What amazing speed. Indeed it was a descent of god speed as fast as
lightning!
Riding the galloping white divine horse, Lancelot made a thrust of the
barbed lance with one hand, using the other hand to hold a rhombic shield.
Over his armor was a combat surcoat. Flawlessly armed to the teeth.
Furthermore, his entire body was giving off the light of electricity.
Bringing astounding heat and shockwaves, this was exceptional
destructive power.
With her massive shield, Athena blocked this attack like a canopy guarding
the earth.
The tip of Lancelot's lance pierced into the Gorgon's shield, trying to dig
through. However, with Medusa's protection, the defensive equipment
squeaked as it resisted—
"Gwooh! An astounding attack as ever!"
"What! This Knight professes admiration. Twice you have blocked my
maximum speed full powered charge, as befits one along the lineage of
the matriarch deity, and the goddess of war!"
The war god and the goddess who blocked his rapid descent were locked
in a standstill.
It was a battle of strength in the divine realm, comparable to a violent
impact between a meteorite and the earth's surface.
Nevertheless, it seemed like Lancelot had the advantage? Godou felt
anxious.
It was readily apparent that Athena was halting the white knight's descent
with all her strength. Conversely, Lancelot gave the impression that he had
yet to go all out.
Were Lancelot to strike the ground, it would result in a tragic disaster on
the level of a massive meteorite impact.
Certain in this belief, Godou raised his arms above his head.
The war god and the goddess were clashing about a hundred meters in
the air above.
Then there was no problem. Godou was originally a baseball player;
moreover, he had been a catcher with a strong throw.
On many occasions, too many to count, he had foiled base-stealing
attempts of fast runners. Godou had absolute confidence in the speed,
power and accuracy of his pickoffs.
Furthermore, he still had the monstrous strength provided by
Verethragna's [Bull].
In that case, his pitch will surely reach its target. Besides, Lancelot and
Athena were hovering motionlessly in one spot, pushing each other at full
strength.
In terms of sumo wrestling, this would be the grappling phase. A perfect
target. Evasion would be impossible!
"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Godou yelled as he threw the piece of obsidian.
It was the arrow that Athena had fired but Lancelot had dodged by turning
into mist. This was the arrowhead portion that Godou had ripped off. That
lovely thing Godou had been searching for in the mist.
Stone. This was probably the most primitive weapon humans ever laid their
hands on.
No matter what situation, a stone could be used to strike as a weapon
simply by holding it in one's hand. If thrown, it was an excellent projectile.
Godou initially intended to throw the concrete blocks that were being used
as wavebreakers on the beach. With his current monstrous strength, acting
as a catapult was a simple task.
However, he remembered the white armor's sturdiness as well as the
arrowhead's matter.
Throwing as hard as he could, the piece of obsidian was launched towards
the sky. Right on target, it struck the white helmet of Lancelot while he
clashed his lance against Athena's shield, trying to overpower her.
"Gufu! This was the earlier...!?"
"Ohoh! Superbly done, Kusanagi Godou."
In that very instant, Lancelot expressed shock as Athena offered praise.
The obsidian shattered into a thousand fragments, scattering inside the
knight's armor. Furthermore, a black amorphous shadow manifested,
entangling itself around Lancelot's shoulder and back.
This blackness was equivalent to death itself.
Even more pitch-black than the surrounding night sky, a Campione's
senses knew.
A shadow darker than black night. This was true darkness surpassing
aphotic black.
Expressly prepared for the purpose of sending Lancelot to his grave, most
likely. In any case, it was like the time when Athena was prepared to rouse
a dormant volcano for the sake of exterminating Perseus.
"Guh, oooooooooooooooooooh!"
Lancelot roared like a wild beast.
It was a sound similar to a lamenting wail. A loud scream that expressed
suffering far greater than a cry of pain.
Godou could sense that the divine power released by the white knight had
substantially weakened. Most likely his strength and endurance had been
eroded completely.
This strength was probably what the knight had used to power his meteoric
descent.
Athena, just about to reach the limits of her strength and be sliced apart,
forcefully used her shield to push Lancelot and his lance back and
summoned spell words.
"Medusa, one of this goddess' avatars! The time cometh to restrain this
enemy!"
The snake demon's likeness had been carved onto the great shield.
Despite being a beautiful maiden, countless snakes instead of hair grew
out of her head.
Shining with golden brilliance, her eyes glared at the weakened war god
Lancelot and his white divine steed!
Instantly, the divine steed was turned into stone, from a vigorous white
horse into a statue of a galloping horse. Lancelot's left arm, left leg and
armor were also petrified at the same time.
The battle was decided, right—
This thought only crossed Godou's mind for an instant before he changed
his mind. Even though an arm, a leg and the white horse had been
petrified, the knight did not stop charging. He continued to clash against
the Gorgon's shield.
For the goal of skewering Athena and flattening Kusanagi Godou to the
ground!
"This resolute resistance on the verge of death, deserveth one's praise
indeed! But war god, dost thou have a way to overturn this unfavorable
situation!?"
"Ooohmmm... That other one..."
Lancelot replied in feeble moans to Athena's call.
He was originally in an abnormal state already. Enduring [Death] from the
underworld deity and deprived of power, even moving a single finger felt
exhausting. All movements felt like heavy burdens.
He also felt colder than anything else.
This sort of coldness could probably be savored only in the instant before
one froze to death.
What a blessing it would be to simply lie down and die just like that.
Nevertheless, Lancelot did not halt his charge, pouring forth what
remained of his divine power into the petrified beloved steed, forcing his
left arm and leg to move, continuing to act as a white meteor.
It was truly hard to believe. His body was clearly in such a state, yet his
heart continued to yearn for battle!
Perhaps it was precisely this perilous situation that incited him to fight
forcefully like scattering sparks. This was a knight's talent, the style of the
warrior —!
"This Knight apologizes for the earlier rudeness. One had no intention of
deceiving you..."
"Hmm?"
As Athena expressed surprise while she pushed against him, Lancelot
continued clashing against the Gorgon's shield.
Rather, his current situation would be more accurately described as
"falling." At the same time, he turned his gaze up towards the air. To a
place even further beyond the clouds. Where the object of his attentions
was currently hovering.
"One originally thought it unnecessary for this battle, so it was cast aside.
With no ulterior motives, this cannot be helped for there is no other trump
card. Surely you are unable to block in that direction, hence, this Knight
shall take advantage of that!"
"War god, couldst thou..."
Athena's beautiful face clearly showed she understood. Nevertheless, it
was too late.
The divine lance that had been tossed into the sky before the battle. Even
if the blade had slipped off the thunderclouds, it remained motionless,
hovering in midair still.
However, summoned by the thoughts of the wielder it was magically bound
to, it began to stir.
Lancelot began chanting in secret.
—Come, Divine Sword of Salvation. The sacred sword that brings stars to
fall.
The platinum blade fell from the distant sky.
And stabbed directly into Athena's defenseless back.
The goddess began to weaken as her life force was absorbed, becoming
like Lancelot. She had already depleted most of her remaining strength in
the current battle. Using such a body to block the white meteor, she likely
lacked spare capacity to defend against the Divine Sword of Salvation.
In the instant the brilliant blade struck, golden light erupted all at once from
Athena's body.
Part 4
The Holy Grail's creation was almost fifteen hundred years ago.
However, the Divine Sword of Salvation had existed even before that. The
king who manifested at the end of ages — was the war god who was the
divine sword's original user. What did that imply?
In other words, even without the Grail, the Divine Sword of Salvation could
still be used.
Before Guinevere's previous incarnation and Lancelot had joined under his
command, the "King of the End" had already wielded the divine blade
countless times.
The Divine Sword of Salvation was fueled by the life force of the earth—
So before the Holy Grail existed, how was it provided to the sword?
The answer was simple. The "King of the End," strongest amongst [Steel],
provided it himself.
So-called heroes of steel were themselves warriors who fought against the
mother earth goddesses. In the myths, they defeated desperate mother
earth goddesses who had turned into dragons and snakes, thereby
obtaining power. Furthermore, they would often take as their lovers or
supporters the mother earth goddesses who had been reduced to the form
of young girls.
The majority of [Steel] possessed the attribute of exploiting the earth.
In that sense, it was only natural for Him to be called the strongest man. In
fact, there was no other war god who could surpass him in this domain.
The so-called Holy Grail, was the divine artifact offered to the "King of the
End" for the purpose of lessening his labors.
For the first time, Lancelot imitated his former master's authority of
exploitation.
"For this Knight's victory, one beseeches. Grant unto this Knight
permission to plunder the sacred!"
Lancelot never expected to develop such a relationship, fighting alongside
that man on the battlefield, riding shoulder to shoulder.
How he gathered power, how he fought, everything was etched clearly in
Lancelot's memory.
Furthermore, Lancelot was also [Steel]. He believed he could surely
achieve the same thing. Gambling upon this belief he yelled out the spell
words — and it worked as expected.
Golden light was bursting out of Athena's slender body.
This brilliant splendor was the mother earth goddess' essence, life force of
the purest form beyond compare.
The Divine Sword of Salvation absorbed it and began to awaken. This was
followed by an explosion of golden light. Life force flowed out from
Athena's body as if dynamite had exploded.
Between Athena and the Divine Sword of Salvation, a "pathway" had been
established towards Lancelot.
The "pathway" for absorbing life force from the goddess who embodied the
earth was rather narrow and weak. Imitation was merely imitation after all.
The difference in the ability compared to the original possessor was
immensely vast.
However, this was sufficient to use the divine sword—
Blown back by the explosion of golden light, Lancelot nodded. Transmitting
his thoughts, he summoned the Divine Sword of Salvation to return.
Meanwhile, Athena crashed towards the earth.
Whether the white meteor whose descent was halted or the flying winged
goddess, both were blown away by the explosion of golden light.
"Damn. Was she defeated!?"
Godou yelled as he ran towards where Athena was free-falling.
He made it at least. Just barely before she hit the beach, he caught her in
his arms.
Even though it was the slender body of a young girl, having fallen from
such a height up in the sky, Godou would probably not have caught her so
easily without the [Bull]'s strength.
"...'Tis most unfavorable, Kusanagi Godou. Yonder blade shall attack us
once more..."
Held in Godou's arms, Athena moaned as she spoke.
This was his first time to witness the goddess' face showing vulnerability
commensurate with her pubescent appearance.
In addition, his arm cradling her back was wet. With blood. Blood was
flowing from the wound in her back and the owl's wings had already
vanished.
"Did Lancelot do this?"
"Yes. 'Tis no easy feat for thee to have sealed the Holy Grail. But that
fellow is using his own power to absorb this goddess' life. If one were not
injured, that kind of undeveloped authority, should more or less hath been
resisted..."
She no longer had the strength to proudly raise her head up high.
Athena leaned powerlessly against Godou as she whispered. Just as
Godou was overwhelmed with surprise at the unusual situation, he saw a
white sun shining in the sky.
It was currently night. Night forcefully summoned by Athena.
However, the white star hovered in midair, illuminating the area brightly.
"...For one's full powered attack at maximum speed to be blocked for the
very first time, you deserve this Knight's praise, Athena. Young god-slayer,
Lancelot is delighted to be able to fight you!"
Furthermore, a muttering voice, as gloomy as a dead ghost's, could be
heard.
Lancelot must have landed at some point in time. His left arm and left leg
petrified, the white knight stood a couple dozens of meters ahead.
He was speaking in a cheerless and commanding tone, yet his entire body
expressed delight in battle.
Probably because he no longer had the strength to talk cheerfully. Lancelot
was also covered in wounds. However, that lance — his hand held the
Divine Sword of Salvation. He still held the overwhelming advantage.
"A long drawn-out battle is not this Knight's style. Let the conclusion be
reached right here. O Sword, split apart the earth!"
In response to the spell words, the white star released a flash of bright light
that resembled a laser beam.
Godou gritted his teeth. He had not wanted to use this incarnation due to
its time restrictions. Nevertheless, for the sake of the overall situation,
there was no choice now!
Verethragna's seventh incarnation, the [Raptor]. This meant abandoning
his current great strength, but Godou obtained god speed movement and
perception in return.
Godou embraced Athena as he dodged sideways, managing to evade the
flash of light.
"That sort of speed had been seen yesterday already. Hohoho, do you
really think this Knight would have no skill to counter it?"
Lancelot was completely unfazed.
Godou was certain. Even if Lancelot did not bother to scrutinize Kusanagi
Godou's every move, he could still discern them as if he was watching
from the sky, far above.
Even if Godou completely unleashed god speed, it felt like his moves will
be seen through completely—
Godou was filled with unease. How... No, there was no mistake. That guy
must be able to use the mind's eye. The divine skill that Luo Cuilian and
Salvatore Doni had mastered after undergoing harsh and grim trials!
If Godou moved recklessly, he would be sliced apart in an instant.
However, if he stayed still he would still be shredded like a carrot.
Cold sweat flowed down his back. What should he do? He cannot despair
at a time like this. Think!
"...Believe in this goddess, runnest. Even Lancelot's great sword, thou
canst surely evade it."
Athena whispered softly.
Was it a divine oracle, or the devil's temptation? Fu. Godou drew in a deep
breath. There was no need to doubt. By this point, they were already in the
same boat.
In the instant the white star began firing blades of light again, Godou
jumped backwards.
Seen through. Seen through. This certain belief filled his mind.
Godou's every movement after entering god speed had been completely
captured by Lancelot. No matter how he moved, how he dodged, he will be
sliced all the same—!
However, the white light missed its mark. Piercing emptiness, it tunneled
through the sand.
"Oh, this. Summoning darkness for this purpose, how thoughtful."
Lancelot grumbled.
Godou's instincts were correct. The [Raptor]'s god speed was roughly on
the same level as the shining sword of light. In a pure race of speed, either
could win depending on circumstances. However, Lancelot's mind's eye
should allow him to slice Godou apart despite his god-like speed.
"Be reassured. Let this goddess' darkness disrupt Lancelot's vision for
now. But a knight of that caliber should be able to adjust soon enough..."
Hearing Athena's whispers, Godou understood.
Darkness was essentially something that robbed creatures of their sight
apart from a portion of nocturnal animals.
Letting night descend and disrupting others' vision was also part of
Athena's authority. In that case, even the clarity of the war god's vision
could be disrupted. This was why Godou was able to dodge the white
sword.
Did she summon the darkness of night in anticipation of a crisis like this?
"Well then, quantity shall be used instead to obtain victory... It is going to
be messy, but please understand."
But Lancelot immediately responded in that manner.
The star up high began to fire off light again, but this time the white light
was shaped into balls of lightning instead of beams of light.
Two meters in diameter or so. Flying at lightning speed. Four of these balls
of lightning had appeared.
Flying towards Kusanagi Godou and Athena from four different directions.
"Come on, could he attack with any less composure!?"
The divine knight probably loved getting into action quickly and decisively.
Godou grumbled to himself as he watched out for the balls of lightning
attacking from four directions, namely, straight up, from the left and right,
and the last one diagonally above.
He would only be unscathed if he dodged them all at once. Judging thus,
Godou made a great jump backwards.
Roughly a distance of ten meters or so. The [Raptor] conferred lightness of
body like a bird. The balls of lightning descended upon Godou and
Athena's last position.
But they immediately changed directions to pursue the prey that had
retreated, chasing them down with lightning speed.
Godou unleashed god speed to the max, and sped across the beach. If he
stopped for a single moment he would have been struck by any of the balls
of lightning.
From the eyes of an ordinary person, the current scene must have seemed
quite horrifying yet fantastical.
Something unidentified was running around with the speed of lightning.
Some object, whose silhouette could not even be seen, was endlessly
flying everywhere, shuttling between light and electricity that scattered like
sparks—
However, there were no observers of this battle. The only ones aware of
this strange situation were the participants.
Particularly maddening for Godou was the fact that Lancelot did not
recklessly squander the divine sword. He did not use the life force
absorbed from Athena to engage in wasteful rapid fire, but was using the
balls of lightning efficiently instead. Had he been recklessly performing
wasteful attacks, Godou would have found an opening!
Godou desperately escaped from the balls of lightning that encircled him
like a net.
If Athena had not disrupted Lancelot's vision, Godou would have been
sliced apart many times over already.
"Pressured so much... Impossible to counterattack."
Godou grumbled softly as he ran.
Once Lancelot's eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, he would slice
Godou into two with one strike. Hence it was imperative to mount an
offense before that. But then how should he attack?
Even though his arms were as hard as iron, they did not seem like they
could crush that white armor.
All things considered, the prototype was Lancelot's own sturdiness. At
best, Godou's arms would just be on the same level of hardness.
"Asking wouldn't hurt. If you absorbed my [Raptor], would it help right
now?"
'No good. Or rather, it cannot be done. Absorbing your active authority will
be exceptionally painful. It will become unusable for several days.'
The question directed at Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi obtained an
expected answer.
Godou did not give up. He knew that if it could help, this meddlesome
sword would have acted on its own accord already.
"This goddess has a plan, Kusanagi Godou."
A voice that sounded like it came from far away. When moving at god
speed, that was how Godou perceived other people's voices.
Obviously, these were Athena's whispers.
Godou was surprised by her sudden call to him. The content of her
proposal was even more shocking. Shouldn't there be limits to
recklessness? However, Godou understood the instant he finished
listening.
Ah, I see. This deity truly lived up to the name of the great goddess of
war—
Godou thought to himself. As a result, he replied almost instantly.
"...Ah, okay then."
Godou embraced Athena with his right arm as he ran back and forth all
over the place.
Causing not only himself but also everything he carried to lose their weight,
this was the [Raptor]'s unique skill.
The goddess entrusted her entire weight over and leaned her head against
Godou's face. He could not see her current expression, but he was certain.
Athena must be smiling with satisfaction right now.
Godou silently moved his hand to touch her slender back and began to
caress gently. Then he penetrated deeply.
"Guuh—!"
Athena began to make brief moans. Beads of sweat appeared from the
pain.
Ignoring these signs, Godou spread open his palm embedded inside the
goddess' body.
There was no bleeding. Neither was there an open wound on the goddess'
beautiful back. Godou's hand had been invited into Athena's body by her
own will.
Right arm. Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. The mortal enemy's hand which
contained tabooed steel.
"The sword which claimeth the power of heretical outsider foes for its own
use... One shall infuse the life force and energy of this great mother earth
goddess into this fellow. Combined with one's secret arts, the blade of
heaven and earth's creation shall be forged...! Goest forth and claim thy
victory, god-slayer!"
Athena endured the pain as she whispered in a hazy voice.
The divinity of steel that was in conflict with the mother earth goddesses. It
must have been exceptionally painful for such an existence to enter her
body.
"Thou mentioned earlier. Of seeking a way to save this goddess in the
Netherworld. Hohoho, to be honest, that is the one and only path of
survival. Abandoning one's heretical traits, becoming a hermit in the
Boundary of Life and Immortality. In that case, one's connection to the
earth will be severed, and the link to the Holy Grail shall also vanish..."
Bearing this torment, Athena resolutely bore a smile.
"Or perchance, one wondereth of choosing another path... Nevertheless,
since things have developed to this state, this goddess no longer hath a
choice after all. Rather than have Athena abandon the ways of Athena,
one prefereth to seek an end worthy of this goddess."
Godou halted his footsteps, shutting down god speed and withdrew his
arm.
Setting Athena down on the beach, all preparations for intercepting the
enemy were complete.
"Kusanagi Godou. Wield thy sword in this goddess' stead..."
"Yes. Please be patient for a moment, for after this shall be our
conclusion."
Godou raised his right arm under Athena's gaze.
Manifesting in his hand was the divine blade Ama no Murakumo no
Tsurugi. Its blade was jet-black as usual, but this time, it was incinerating
with dark black flames.
These were rare otherworldly flames that did not give off any scorching
heat.
They were ice-cold instead. Gusts of exceptionally chilling air were being
blown out from the dark black flames. One would likely suffer instant cold
burns on contact.
At this very moment, the four balls of lightning controlled by Lancelot
arrived.
Godou did not even swing Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Wrapped in dark
black flames, the black metal automatically absorbed the balls of lightning.
Just like that, they disappeared.
"Hmm... The Divine Sword of Salvation has been countered, yes?"
Standing directly beneath the white star, Lancelot seemed to be in doubt.
"Not exactly countered. But your small demonstration of power was
neutralized, more or less. Right now, this sword is imitating the same
principles at work behind yours."
Godou explained softly.
Time was running out. The battle must be ended as quickly as possible.
Part 5
"That whatever sword or lance of yours... It's quite powerful, right?"
"Hmm. In the legends of this Knight's master, this steel was called
Caliburnus, Escalibor, Excalibur and other names. The precious
apocalyptic blade that could slice through heaven, earth, and the planets."
Lancelot replied quietly to Godou's question.
He was less than twenty meters away from the white knight. Using the
[Raptor], that distance could be crossed in an instant.
"Really? This sword of mine doesn't have that kind of ability though.
Athena said it could create heaven and earth? Well, not as amazing as
yours, at any rate."
"Indeed. This Knight's steel body feels bone-chilling fear."
Godou made conversation as he searched for an opportunity to charge.
Gripping Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's hilt tightly, he was holding it
completely like he was swinging a baseball bat.
But this was good enough. His intent was not in displaying swordsmanship.
He will swing it in the most skillful and familiar manner he knew. That was
the most important point.
In response, Lancelot also pointed the tip of his platinum divine lance
towards Godou's abdomen.
A stance for mid level attack. White light flashed as it descended from the
brilliant star above. Receiving the light, the lance's blade now shone with
radiance as bright as the sun.
The opponent was thinking the same thing? Godou's lips separated into a
savage grin.
Lancelot also knew the battle had entered the phase when tactics were
pointless and there was no longer time to think ahead and anticipate the
enemy's moves. On Godou's side, he did not have much time left.
Lancelot, on the other hand, was covered with injuries. Precisely because
of that, both reached the same conclusion.
"Ama no Murakumo, hurry and send that guy flying!"
"O Divine Sword of Salvation, displayest thy splendorous might to the
god-slayer!"
As the two cried out simultaneously, sword and lance attacked at the same
time.
Godou turned Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's blade forward as he
advanced with divine speed. Lancelot captured Godou's movements using
the mind's eye and intended to strike him with the divine lance's blade.
Along the way, Godou switched off god speed to decelerate, planning on
speeding up when the knight was caught unaware.
But before that could happen, Lancelot released lightning from the divine
lance to hinder Godou.
Dodging the lightning, Godou accelerated once more. Ama no Murakumo
no Tsurugi was only centimeters away from the knight's white armor when
in the final instant, Lancelot used the divine lance's platinum blade to block
the black metal that burned with dark black flames—
In the end, black and white sacred steel clashed violently.
The Divine Sword of Salvation. The blade of extermination which could
slice apart all of creation.
In contrast, having received Athena's life force and secret arts, Ama no
Murakumo no Tsurugi's jet-black blade sucked everything into it. Like a
super massive black hole, it sought to devour all of creation.
Taking as nourishment everything it had absorbed, autonomously
converting it into new life. Like aged stars exploding into supernovae, their
remains were turned into materials for new celestial objects.
Even though this was happening on a tiny scale, it imitated the life cycle of
stars.
Consequently, this black metal was capable of heaven and earth's
creation—
Flashes of white light and lightning flew around in a frenzy, not only
illuminating the beach and the territory of the Bousou Sea with
platinum-colored brightness, but also creating aurora in the sky.
Then Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi sucked in everything to produce a
spherical space of pure darkness.
Like the white star produced by the Divine Sword of Salvation, the black
hole-esque object hovered high in the sky.
The sacred white star and the sacred dark space collided violently
together, exploding, entangling, firing destructive light and gravitational
pulses, finally disappearing. Mutual annihilation.
At that moment, a horrifying shockwave hurtled towards the beach.
Altering the landscape — not only that, the power was enough to erase the
landscape without trace.
Lancelot was spectacularly blown away.
Godou ran with god speed, desperately trying to evade the shockwave, but
in the end he was still caught in the blast.
Although not to the same extent as the white knight, Godou was basically
sent flying. Even so, along the way he still managed to pick up Athena as
she lay on the ground, protecting her with his body the moment they were
sent flying.
Thanks to this, one of Kisarazu's beaches was destroyed.
A wasteland was created, providing no clue to the landscape's former
appearance, clouded with flying dust and debris.
Even so, Lancelot still stood up by supporting himself with the divine lance
to seek his enemies. Kusanagi Godou also set down Athena once more,
walking as he used Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi as a crutch.
Godou's body was covered with wounds no less serious than the enemy's.
His right arm was probably broken near the elbow. His chest was hurting
beneath his arm. How many ribs were broken? Internal organs were
injured and he was spitting blood. He also felt extremely nauseous. His
heart was in intense pain, which likely meant the [Raptor]'s time limit was
fast approaching. Scratches, bruises, internal and external bleeding were
innumerable.
...Well, this was like being caught up in a terrorist's bomb. It was a miracle
to be alive.
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was also snapped into two. Too reckless.
He could no longer hear the divine sword's meddlesome voice. Apparently
it was no longer functional for the time being. Unbelievably, Godou felt no
compulsion to flee.
Godou dragged his feet as he approached Lancelot.
The opponent was also taking up his lance shakily, displaying the will to
fight. This guy was unexpectedly similar in temperament.
"—Sir Lancelot. Your ward Guinevere has already escaped the battlefield.
What course of action shall your divine self take?"
Just as the battle was about to resume, Erica's voice was heard.
Godou turned to find the long-absent Erica Blandelli approaching nearby,
together with Ena who was being supported by Liliana and Yuri.
...Calming his mind, Godou recalled his goal.
Now was the time when Athena should come first. If he forced the fight to
continue in his current state, there would not be enough time no matter
what.
"Oh? This Knight's beloved child... Concentrating only on battle, did one
forget about her?"
Lancelot also seemed to have calmed down.
Warning himself with a series of mutters, the war god languidly turned his
white helmet towards the sea. It almost seemed as if he wanted to
describe Kusanagi Godou as his favorite person.
"Young god-slayer, we shall part for now as there are other matters to
attend to... Yes, though this Knight is logically unqualified to say this,
Athena shall be left to you. Please give the great goddess a worthy and
spectacular farewell."
"I don't need you to tell me. We will settle our score the next time we
meet."
This was the first time Godou ever promised a second battle to a deity.
Acknowledging "Hmm" to this statement, Lancelot's form gradually
rarefied. The earlier mist suddenly reappeared, brought forth by the wind.
Very soon after, the dense mist dispersed and the white knight's figure
vanished.
"Sorry. There's a lot I want to tell everyone, but could you all leave for
now?"
There was really no time left. Godou made his request in haste.
Even though Yuri and Liliana displayed questioning gazes, they remained
silent.
Looking completely drained and exhausted, Ena nodded in complete
agreement.
"Yes. Do what you wish to do. I, Erica Blandelli, am not foolish enough to
make irresponsible remarks about battles between the great god-slaying
Devil King and the gods."
Erica proceeded to declare in her usual glamorous voice.
"...You, aren't you unexpectedly energetic?"
Athena, who should have been lying down, had gotten up already. Her
head proudly raised high, she stood with her back perfectly straight.
Seeing her like that, Godou remarked.
With Erica and the girls gone, they were alone together again.
The canvas of night, the white star and dark sphere had all vanished. The
midday sun was shining upon this wasteland.
"Certainly. Who dost thou believe this goddess to be? One is the queen of
the sky, the earth and the underworld, as the goddess of war, thou
knowest? Without fulfilling one's final wish, how could one enter eternal
slumber?"
Athena answered haughtily.
Even though Godou knew she was trying to be brave, it did feel like the
goddess was speaking the truth.
In order for the Divine Sword of Salvation to be swung, a large portion of
her immortal life had been taken. Furthermore, she even allowed Godou
and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to absorb her life force and powers as
the great mother earth goddess.
It would not be surprising if she collapsed at any moment. It was only
natural to be in such a state.
"Thou hast done well with the sword of heaven and earth's creation.
Hmph... Conversely, 'tis rather fortunate this body was pierced twice by the
Divine Sword of Salvation. Thanks to that, the sword's secrets were
divulged, allowing a blade to be forged in its likeness despite its rather
self-centered style. Yes, it can be said that thy blade was created by
Athena's hand."
Proudly declaring her success with hubris.
As expected, Athena remained unchanged to the very end. Godou's wish
to save her, if it were possible, continued to persist...
However, he could not believe he was harboring such a benevolent wish
so easily.
I will adhere to my own way of doing things. However, Athena should also
carry through with Athena's style.
Based on the outcome, both of them had willfully brought trouble to others
and were unruly existences unable to live peacefully in an orderly world. As
unruly companions, an appropriate conclusion was only proper.
"So, you should understand by now. There is no need for either of us to
hold back at this point."
"Right. 'Tis about time to begin."
"Yes."
A brief exchange. It was more than enough.
Indeed, Athena was only superficially lively. Godou's body was also
starting to enter the state of paralysis brought by the onset of the [Raptor]'s
after effects. His legs could no longer move and the pain in his heart was
getting increasingly severe.
However, he could still make it in time.
Godou looked east — to where the sun rose.
"For victory, hasten forth before me! O Immortal Sun, I beseech thee to
grant radiance to the stallion. O Stallion that moveth godlike with wondrous
grace, bringest forth the halo of thy master!"
Godou called forth Verethragna's third incarnation, the [White Stallion].
Fragments of the sun descended from the sky in the form of Godou's
heaviest firepower. The flames that only faced great sinners who brought
hardship and suffering to the people. The trump card which Godou's
battered body still managed to summon.
"O Darkness! One's intimate beloved, holy sanctum bound to one's
coexistence. Loyal guard of the queen's final hour of demise. Obeyest
divine orders!"
Athena also summoned the shielding barrier of darkness.
The hemispherical darkness entrenched itself in midair above her.
Before the white radiance flying from the east incinerated this plot of
wasteland to ashes, the darkness obstructed the advance of the scorching
flames, blocking it.
Vying for domination of the skies, light and darkness fought each other,
colliding together.
Godou poured the remainder of his magical power into the white flashing
light — the [White Stallion]'s flames. Athena also put forth all her strength
with the last of her power to sustain the darkness.
What seemed like an eternity was in actual fact a very brief conflict.
In the end, light and fire were devoured by the darkness, vanishing. Godou
was the first to reach his limit. Immediately afterwards, the canopy of
darkness dispersed like mist.
Godou's body was already so exhausted he could not lift a single finger.
With a smack, he fell over backwards onto the ground, his face towards the
sky.
At that moment, Athena pounced onto Godou's body and held her hand in
a karate chop.
"...How now, Kusanagi Godou? This counteth as one's victory, yes?"
"...Well, that seems about right."
Faced with this question that was equivalent to a victory declaration,
Godou responded with a slippery answer.
Athena's knife hand could be used as a deadly guillotine. All she needed to
do was swing that hand, and surely Kusanagi Godou's life would be
severed like a weed.
Finally with a flash, the knife hand approached Godou's neck.
Nevertheless, the hand stopped just before it reached his neck.
"Alas, it seemeth that time is up. One cannot delay parting any longer."
With clearly enough time remaining to take off his head, Athena still
remarked in that manner. It felt like the great goddess had no wish to do
so.
"Really? Although it was a strange relationship, I will be feeling lonely.
Even now, to be honest, I'm still not too sure whether meeting you was
ultimately good or bad."
"Hmph. Even though 'twas unfavorable fate that failed to correct itself, 'tis
thy foolishness for being bound by destiny to this goddess in such a
manner."
Without trying to conceal her suggestive words, she scolded him instead.
"Then showest thy magnanimity as the victor. One's honest advice, thou
shalt take to heart. —War god Lancelot, the fellow earlier was not in a
complete state. 'Tis meet to describe him as injured."
Then Athena began to caress Godou's face as he lay there, immobile.
Yet he was that strong!? Godou was terrified. It was difficult to believe, but
he had no other choice.
After all, this was Athena's honest advice from her final moments. He had
no choice but to believe.
"Once this goddess passeth on, the Holy Grail shall return to the outside
world, and go back to the Divine Ancestor's hands. Forsooth, truly a
troublesome vessel had been created."
Godou nodded successively at the goddess' words.
"Thy future path is filled with the color of deadly battles. Takest utmost
care. After all, thou art the god-slayer who resideth in the same country as
that man — the king who manifests at the end of eras! Yes, in that case,
this is the only parting gift."
Caressing Godou's face with her hands, she tenderly gazed down upon
him.
Hidden in Athena's behavior was a certain type of gentleness. A sense of
wistful reluctance to part.
But it felt like it was increasing slightly—
Godou suddenly had that impression.
"Though 'tis said, the more weapons the better, thou art not ready at this
juncture. But on some particular day, this might prove useful in the end.
Until the time comes, simply holdest onto this."
Athena's child-like beautiful face drew near and she pressed her lips
against Godou's lips.
It felt like something was carved into his mind and heart, as well as deep
inside the Campione's body.
Most likely Athena's secret arts. Probably some kind of spell or she was
bestowing wisdom's guidance. As for its contents, Godou could not
decipher it at all.
Exactly as she had said, it was probably useless for the current Godou.
Casting this issue aside, Godou instead chose to engrave in his mind the
solemn and courageous appearance that Athena maintained in the face of
certain death.
"Farewell is unneeded. One day, this goddess shall return, reincarnated, to
seek you for revenge. Thou shalt payest what thou owest. Because no
matter when, the only one allowed to defeat Kusanagi Godou is this
goddess — Heretic Athena!"
Athena and Godou's gazes met as soon as she made her bold declaration.
The goddess was looking down upon Kusanagi Godou with a haughty
expression. Then she began to smile. It was an incredibly fulfilled smile as
if she had finally accomplished something.
Seeing her in that fashion, Godou felt like a chunk of his heart had been
carved out, with an intriguing sense of loss.
—Ah yes, she has to leave after all.
However, were gods and god-slayers not irreconcilable foes, there might
have been other appropriate ways of parting.
Hence Godou silently remarked to himself, "We'll see, when the time
comes."
Even though she could not have heard it, the goddess remained
courageous and dauntless, smiling even more. Then suddenly she was
gone.
Her body collapsed like fine particles of sand, riding the sea breeze as they
scattered.
She knew it would turn out like this, but nevertheless, for the sake of honor
in her final moments, she had turned her immortal life into a weapon,
thereby ending her long enduring life as Goddess Athena.
Part 6
When a [Heretic God] died in the world, what happened afterwards?
Gods were indestructible. Even if life and body were lost, their own
existence would continue to persist.
First of all, there was the so-called soul. Without carrying any ectoplasm, it
brought the "divinity" itself to the "Boundary of Life and Immortality." From
there it then reached the "Domain of Immortality."
The Domain of Immortality — in other words, the myths themselves.
Losing their body and their soul after death, gods could only continue
existing in the myths.
And then, through some chance occurrence, they might become a [Heretic
God] once more.
At that time, the divinity will be released from the Domain of Immortality,
forming great ectoplasm — transforming into a divine spirit.
Proceeding to obtain a material body on earth, thereby manifesting. What
is known as the divinity, for example, could be said to be something that
amalgamates all myths concerning that particular deity.
...This was the truth of the world that Athena knew.
Having reached death in the Far East, she lost her material body.
Persisting as a divine spirit for now, her consciousness was retained. But
very soon, even this would disappear as well.
She wished to return to the world again before that god-slayer dies a pitiful
death.
This could only be entrusted to the gears of destiny.
In the process of disappearing, Athena's thoughts were shaken. Currently,
her divine spirit was no longer above ground but was sinking towards the
abyssal depths of the earth. She saw golden light ahead of her.
One seeth. So that is the Holy Grail's true form—
This thought only lasted an instant. Immediately, she felt completely
indifferent.
Her consciousness, memories and personality as Athena were slowly
dissipating.
Just as Athena passed on, Godou's paralysis finally ended.
Erica, along with Yuri and Liliana, as well as Seishuuin Ena had returned
to this desolate battlefield.
"Your Majesty, could you be feeling lonesome?"
"No, nothing like that. She seems to have finished everything she wanted
to do, and thanks to everyone's help I was also able to do everything I
wanted."
Ena's question seemed to be asking on behalf of all the girls how Athena's
passing away should be treated.
Godou answered with forthrightness. The goddess had displayed a smile
like that. In that case, there was no need to hold anything back.
He originally expected indifferent voices and facial expressions, but the
girls' reactions were unbelievable.
Ena was smiling as if comforting him, with an expression that seemed to
relieve his exhaustion.
Liliana was silent but her eyes glimmered with empathy. Yuri smiled gently
as if displaying all encompassing acceptance.
Then Erica voiced the final conclusions.
"Right. Godou had responded with battle spirit to Athena who sought life
and death in accordance to her style. Some may wish to make impertinent
criticisms, but at least I won't be the one to do it."
The female knight's philosophy could never acknowledge Godou's decision
as wise.
Perhaps everyone had already noticed.
Due to the passing away of the enemy bound to him by fate, Kusanagi
Godou felt an intriguing sense of loss— Apparently, he was making
everyone else worry.
Godou believed the girls were his very good companions, and felt obliged
to express his thanks to them.
He was definitely at fault with his controversial choice of action. Godou
bowed his head towards Liliana and Yuri.
"I am sorry for causing trouble for you two in particular. It's my fault. In the
end, using a gambling kind of method to release the petrification... When
clearly there was a safer alternative. I am in the wrong for acting like that."
"Indeed. But very unfortunately, I am the one who is your knight. No matter
how cruel or merciless a Devil King Kusanagi Godou may be, this life
swears eternal loyal allegiance."
Despite Liliana's voicing of her grievances, she bore lenient eyes of full
acceptance.
"In addition, no matter how the process went, being saved by you from the
crisis is also the truth. In that case, our debts cancel out."
"Oh I see. Sorry anyway."
Prompted by Liliana's smile, Godou smiled wryly in turn.
Godou knew that she was proposing this kind of logic to lessen his guilt.
What gratifying words.
"I just want to express my gratitude to Godou-san, without any intention of
reproach. Also..."
As Yuri started speaking cautiously, Godou began to fear.
He did not expect to be let off so easily, but he was overjoyed at her
leniency.
But what was with that "also"? She seemed to have more to add.
"Whether it is destruction of locations or bringing trouble to others, please
do not hesitate in speaking out. As long as it concerns Godou-san, let it be
as promised previously. No matter where you need to go for penance, I will
accompany you. You can tell me any time."
"In Kaoru-san's words, it's all been precalculated anyway."
"Well, even though I also believe Sayanomiya Kaoru's methods of
concealing the truth should be flawless, in the event that penance needs to
be paid, not only Mariya Yuri, I too, shall go along."
"That's right. If that's the case, Ena will go too. It's also a kind of social
event."
"...Everyone, I am really grateful."
Yuri's lenient words seemed like they came from a virtuous wife, taking
care of a delinquent husband. Together with Liliana and Ena who
expressed support, seeing the girls cooperate and get along was really a
comforting sight.
Everything deserved to be counted as good fortune. However, the fact that
Godou was inexplicably counting his blessings was kept secret.
"By the way, you ended up coming back immediately."
"Yes. I managed to make it before the final climax ended. This is evidence
of our excellent fortune, whether you or me. Of course, your fortune was
already apparent from the fact that I, Erica Blandelli, am your companion."
As Godou struck up conversation with her, Erica replied in her usual tone.
Her absence approached two weeks. Even so, Godou felt an incredible
sense of satisfaction just simply joking around with each other like that.
Likewise for Erica, she giggled and began to smile.
Just a simple exchange like that.
Godou did not have a topic of conversation to further liven up the mood,
nor did he feel the need to hug each other in joy from being reunited.
However, he felt that this was sufficient. That was the nature of his
relationship with Erica.
"...Eh? Amakasu-san, what happened?"
Everyone's gaze was drawn as Ena suddenly pointed somewhere.
It was the History Compilation Committee's special agent who always wore
a sloppy suit. In actual fact, he was Japan's top ninja. As well as being a
[1]practitioner of onmyoudou. That was what Godou had previously heard
from the two Hime-Miko.
This very Amakasu Touma was now approaching them with unsteady
footsteps.
His body seemed like it had received an intense electrical shock, for even
the act of walking normally was difficult.
"What happened, Amakasu-san!?"
Godou dragged his exhausted body and ran over to him.
"M-My apologies, Kusanagi-san... That, that thing was robbed..."
"That thing... Could it be the Heavenly Reverse Halberd!?"
Amakasu nodded weakly to confirm this natural conclusion.
Could it be Guinevere's group? Pretending to retreat, when actually they
were aiming for Amakasu?
But after learning the details, Godou knew this speculation was wrong.
When he heard the culprit's name and origins, Godou felt surprise from the
core of his being.
"That person came to Japan, eh... How truly unexpected."
Erica murmured in shock.
It was a state of affairs that even exceeded the expectations of the brilliant
[Diavolo Rosso].