Once he left the business office in Kabukicho, Godou got on a car and
embarked towards the Kasai district.
He requested the Lu family for their assistance. Well, since they seemed to
have determined that he was a being similar to the cult leader, just one
glance at him would give them an understanding of his intentions.
However, this occurred after he, whom people would regard as someone
they should distance themselves from as much as possible, lowered his
head and carefully made his request. Despite doing so, the other party was
still in a constant state of panic.
In short, after ten minutes had passed, a company van, belonging to Hong
Kong's Lu family, drove along the shoreline on the coastal route to send
Godou to his destination. However, the actual destination was in Tokyo
Bay.
Godou intended to draw support from the power of the History Compilation
Committee after arriving at Kasai.
"Wow! What is that!?"
Sitting in the driver's seat, the host exclaimed as such.
His line of sight was directed towards the ocean. He was distracted while
driving, but there was a reasonable explanation for this. Tokyo Bay was
radiating with splendor this evening.
There were several hundreds, no, several thousands of these tiny little light
blue flames——.
The constantly swaying flames floated in the sky overlooking Tokyo Bay.
Although the Tokyo Bay route was a selling point during the night, they
wouldn't install those kinds of lighting.
"They are simply wisps of fire, or it's probably fishing boat lights..."
Godou muttered from within the van as he gazed towards the sea.
He was still unable to sense a deity's aura. The deity's power was also
undetected during the battle. However, he firmly held onto his belief.
He feared that the Grey One and the divine sprout were nearby the coast.
Glancing at the clock within the car, right now it was December 21st,
22:20.
It was hard to imagine what these deity related beings were planning to
carry out during the early hours of the next day. However, the idea that
there was no room for hesitation was probably undeniable.
"May I get off here? I'll head in by myself."
Godou made this request to the host sitting on the driver's side.
Godou rushed through Kasai Rinkai Park to reach his objective, the
countless wisps of fire and the sea.
Even though the situation turned out this way, a location that was not only
large but devoid of people at this late hour was optimal. He didn't have to
worry about causing havoc——well, maybe not.
"Looks like it will turn out just like before..."
Godou muttered as if he was scolding himself.
Even so, Godou was aware that his own state of mind wasn't stable. He
had always felt that he understood the reason why. Ever since he became
a Campione, he continuously battled against different opponents alongside
other people.
However, tonight was the first time Godou was going to battle solo.
Well——. No matter what battle he faced, the person to rely on should be
himself. He also believed that his companions were dependable. However,
a person who couldn't battle single-handedly would be unable to achieve
victory in very dangerous situations.
For this reason he didn't mind battling independently.
None of his usual friends were present today. He won't deny that because
of this, he has this empty feeling inside. Furthermore, he also couldn't deny
that he had this impatient mood towards the culprit who caused this
situation...
Godou did some fruitless soul searching as he rushed towards the wisps of
flames.
Godou disregarded what was considered Japan's largest Ferris wheel and
ran past the jogging trail into a vast field. This wasn't even his maximum
running speed as he chose to move at a slow jogging pace.
Afterwards, just when the man-made shoreline that was illuminated by the
countless flame wisps came into view...
'Seems you've finally woken young godslayer, Kusanagi Godou!'
A human figure was currently heading towards him from the sea.
It was the Grey One, who was either the willpower of the divine artifact,
Crown of Saturnalia, or a guardian spirit.
"You aren't going to stay silent or commit suicide again are you?"
Hearing the Grey One speak, Godou replied in a quiet tone.
That was comparing it to what he imagined to be a tone filled with anger.
'Under these conditions with you, who is now filled with a godslayer's will to
battle, it will probably be impossible to buy any more time. However,
there's still a few hours till the winter solstice...you shall see later since
no matter what I will hold out till then.'
The voice that leaked out of the grey sailcloth was brimming with the
willpower of a challenger.
'I have prepared for people of the earth, a revival mechanism that will
enable the god of bountiful harvests to awaken. For the power necessary
to accomplish this awakening, I shall put forth my remaining divinity.'
Following that, the Grey One's body began emitting a strong incantation.
If we were to compare this to Godou or a heretic god, of course it would be
considered very weak. However, it did surpass the strength of divine
beasts.
'This holy date——with the date of the winter solstice approaching, my
divine power also surges. Furthermore, it is combined with this city's
population's spirit energy and life force!'
Hovering over Tokyo Bay were the numerous light blue colored flame
wisps. These flames suddenly started to move, increased in speed, and
rapidly descended. Following that, the flames collide into the Grey One's
back and were absorbed.
The devil-like light illuminating the Kasai coast vanished without a trace.
Facing towards him, the Grey One's magic power strengthened.
For a Campione such as Godou, the difference between their power was
still very distant.
However, in comparison to just a moment ago, the Grey One
approximately doubled his strength.
'I always have to assemble some sort of boring disturbance in a city. Now
I'm in a predicament since you were tangled up in it...Well, there could be
some value to this.'
Does he mean the greyification of the Santa Clauses? Thinking about this
matter made Godou frown.
"Oh that? You divine beings seem to all inadvertently cause paranormal
activities. You unwittingly let the world descend into chaos. What a mess!"
'Your followers probably mentioned this before. In the past I served under
a deity.'
The Grey One appeared to be exultant as he laughed aloud. Speaking of
which, Yuri originally perceived him as a divine spirit. Perhaps due to the
loss of flesh, this was tragic fate of this deity's soul.
'If you mean a strange phenomenon on that scale, it could be evoked once
again——No, it has already begun. Bear witness to the greatest miracle
this lackluster god will bring about!'
Immediately afterwards, the bird shape emblem suddenly appeared in the
skies overlooking the Grey One's position.
That of course was the Crown of Saturnalia. The emblem continued its
ascension.
"After being on the sea, it went airborne!"
Godou exclaimed while looking up at the emblem which suddenly
ascended rapidly.
What appeared to be an enormous parasitic tree emerged from the fields
of the park. The incarnation of the 1000 year old divine tree grew at the
same rapid pace as it did in the past.
The tree was still as large and stately as it was before.
"This guy will turn into a heretic god!?"
'Correct. Once the night is over, the grand festival will unfold. When the
time arrives, my new sprout will be ready and ultimately grow into the real
Saturnus! Pay attention carefully!'
Godou could sense it. The magical power residing within the divine tree
was gradually increasing!
Once the divine tree's magic power reaches its peak it will probably
become a heretic god. Looks like peaceful consulting was out of the
question.
Usually Godou, who was in a bad mood, would call out the Boar to attack.
However, he already tried this maneuver before. If he does that the divine
tree will probably just respawn again. What should I do? Which incarnation
would be the right choice?
As Godou was contemplating this over, countless flower buds appeared on
the divine tree's branches.
They emerged from the innumerable amounts of leaves on the thousand
year old tree. On the branches, this myriad of flower buds began to
germinate. In addition, these flower buds all bloomed into white flowers.
Not only that, but within a short amount of time, these flowers all wilted and
produced a black fruit.
Just like that a slew of black colored fruits emerged on the branches of the
divine tree.
Moreover, the shape of these fruits were abnormally frightening. They had
approximately a one meter diameter spherical body and in the middle was
a slit, sort of like the mouth of an animal.
Rustle.....Rustle.....Rustle.....
Rustle.....Rustle.....Rustle.....
The evening breeze shook the divine tree's branches, making its leaves
rub against each other. An atypical, ear piercing sound was produced by
the astonishingly large divine tree .
The fruits were ferociously barking like a wild beast, probably proclaiming
its battle spirit towards Kusanagi Godou.
——His Campione instincts warned him that these fruits were probably
very dangerous objects. But how should he defend? Were there any
incarnations of Verethragna that could counter this kind of object!?
Just when he naturally shook his head...
"Do not worry Your Majesty. Even though it looks dire, Ena will find a way!"
Godou suddenly heard a familiar and lively voice. He looked back to see
the Hime-Miko of the Sword closing in on him wearing her usual
uniform——that person was Seishuuin Ena.
Part 2
"You're here Seishuuin!?"
"Yup, I requested them to hurriedly send Ena from Chichibu to Tokyo."
Contrary to her title, the boldly smiling Ena didn't bring her sword today.
"Ena thought as long as she went directly to the location in Tokyo where
the strange phenomenon was happening, she would definitely be able to
meet Your Majesty. Hehe, Ena was very enthusiastic to come and assist
Your Majesty!"
"What do you mean very enthusiastic? The other girls are like, so you
also..."
He probably understood and omitted the rest of the line when he spoke.
Godou was bewildered as he gazed at Ena.
This time his adversary was capable of interfering with his interpersonal
relationships. Truthfully speaking, he would really appreciate it if she could
help.
However, if the opponent decides to utilize that previously used curse, then
even Ena would become aberrant.
The Hime-Miko of the Sword should have understood that though.
However, why is she here? Godou's gaze carried a sense of suspicion.
Ena, being just as bright and cheerful as before, nodded heavily.
——Now I get it! Just when Godou suddenly realized Ena's intentions.
'Another follower? Kusanagi Godou, your party contains many talented
members. Since it is like this, I, wielder of the artifact of Saturnus, shall
entertain you all.'
The Grey One began chanting and a rustling noise was heard as the divine
tree shook its branches and leaves.
'The festival of the fruit deranged the citizens, making them intoxicated.
Consoling them. Bringing celebration. Slaves will have their moment of
glory. Kings will abandon their thrones for shackles. This dream is the one
bestowed by the god who heralds the spring...'
He heard the same spell words for the curse used eight days ago at Tokyo
Bay.
However, Godou wasn't worried. Even Ena had a calm and collected
expression.
The Grey One chanted along to the divine tree's accompaniment. The
violent wizardry currently being unleashed by the two was nothing be afraid
of.
"By the blessing of bows and arrows, bestow honor upon this great sword!"
Upon hearing the Hime-Miko of the Sword chanting her spell words, Godou
released the power within his right arm.
Performing the opposite, Ena extended her right arm and used her hand to
search for the divine aura of steel. To her, this existence's aura was like
her partner. Godou nodded, entrusting the hime-miko with the sword.
Ena used her hand to pull the colorless and formless divine aura towards
her and tightly grasped it.
"Beseeching the grace of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi! May its shadow
manifest hither!"
Upon completing the spell words, Ena fetched her partner.
Her partner, the Sword of Susanoo, was retrieved from the scabbard that
was Godou's right arm.
'Oh!? This lady can actually use the divine sword!'
Seeing Ena summon forth the Sword of Susanoo, the Grey One
responded in astonishment.
The majestic sword had a blade length of three-foot-three-and-a-half-inch.
The blade possessed a pitch black color and a slight curvature.
Furthermore, the pitch black divine sword was embedded with the ability to
disrupt magic!
What was severed was of course the curse released by the Grey One!
The Hime-Miko of the Sword was the only human being privileged with the
ability to wield the sword of Susanoo. This was the reason why Ena wasn't
afraid of the curse.
"Seishuuin, the opposition is now on the move!"
On the other side, Godou had already transferred his attention from the
curse to the divine tree. He didn't see a spectacle like last time. Perhaps it
was because his fighting spirit had been ignited. Godou's magical power
had greatly increased. Under this state as a Campione, he understood that
the curse was already nullified of power.
Since it turned out like this, in his eyes the greatest threat was the rapidly
grown divine tree over there.
Rustle.....Rustle.....Rustle.....
Rustle.....Rustle…..…Rustle…..…
Godou and Ena were both looking up at the majestic divine tree.
The multitudinous branches swayed, the leaves shook, the colossal tree
trunk trembled, creating an indescribable tone in the park along the
seaside.
In a flash, several thousand black colored fruits instantly cultivated on the
colossal thousand-year-old tree.
These fruits suddenly plummeted down from the tree branches. All of the
fruits dispersed into the air. Like being permeated by a black mist, the
skies overlooking the park was completely enshrouded.
An innumerable amount of fruits hovered in the air, becoming a canopy
above the current location. The winter constellations were no longer
visible.
Afterwards, a portion of the fruits plopped down.
After violently striking the surface, the fruits exploded. The dirt, asphalt,
vegetation, parterre, and fence enclosures in that area were all caught in
the explosion. Everywhere throughout the Kasai Rinkai Park was being
bombed in rapid succession.
Seeing as the fruit exploded near their vicinity, Godou said with a dejected
voice:
"If this continues we will get blown up too!"
"I said not to worry. Let me take care of it Your Majesty!"
Undaunted from the start of the ongoing explosions, Ena caressed the
sword of Susanoo with her left hand and then started chanting.
"This was where Susanoo no Mikoto started his uprising, leading a
thousand savage gods!"
Godou had previously used these spell words when handling the Ama no
Murakumo.
The hime-miko's body was flushed with the divine blade's aura. Incurring
the holy spirit of a god, this was the trump card known as divine
possession which had the power to match that of divine beasts and
demigods.
"A thousand swords standing upon the earth, used as city walls to defend
against the enemies."
Ena, being under divine possession, grasped the divine sword Ama no
Murakumo no Tsurugi. Its pitch black blade and hilt, which was modeled
after Japanese swords, were instantly smashed into pieces and dispersed.
It was indeed shattered, having turned into shards. Furthermore, the
numerous shards of the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi hovered around
Ena and formed something similar to a fortress around her.
"The sword of a thousand was defeated and became a diminutive serpent.
However, Mikoto obtained a sword from the great serpent's tail. Namely,
the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, which became the steel that defeats a
thousand blades!"
Legend has it that back in the olden days, Susanoo tied down the blades
of a thousand swords as a substitute for a fortress.
In the end when he had lost every single blade, he received the Ama no
Murakumo no Tsurugi, a divine sword which surpassed the one thousand
sharp fragmented blades. Ena currently planned on using these spell
words for the great undertaking of presenting its one thousand blade
fragments!
"By the prestige of the divine sword, rush forth to deal a single strike!"
In a split second, the one thousand fragments created by the divine blade
dispersed and flew towards the black fruits that covered the skies like a
permeating mist. Furthermore, a continuous attack began towards the
annoying exploding fruits. The fragments pierced through, penetrating the
fruit and setting it off to explode.
After she recovered, the sky was already blossoming with the countless
fireworks display and rumbling sound from the explosions.
Following that, the black covering over the sky dissipated.
The valorous divine blade emerged after the fragments returned to Ena's
hand. The Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi once again appeared.
Rustle Rustle! Rustle Rustle! Rustle Rustle! Rustle Rustle! Rustle Rustle!
The divine tree produced an even more intense noise compared to what
they have heard up until now. Perhaps it was displaying its animosity.
In addition, even the Grey One yelled out.
'A divine artifact that embodies the logic of heretic steel!? This be a
terrifying display of the works of the gods!'
"What a weird irritating guy."
Ena nonchalantly muttered and rushed towards the Grey One.
The divine sword, having just returned to normal, had no problem piercing
through its target. The Grey One didn't even try to dodge as the sword ran
right through him. His body crumbled just like before.
However, a sound came from above.
'Ha ha ha. Divine sword wielding girl, it's insignificant even if you destroy
my body. As long as this Crown still exists, the sprout of Saturnus and I
shall continuously regenerate!"
This voice came from the emblem floating above the divine tree. The
familiar bird design was the Crown of Saturnalia that was supposed to be
rooted to the surface of Tokyo Bay.
"Sure enough, the problem lies over there…..."
"Then Ena will head over and destroy the tree. If that strange guy comes to
hinder me, will Your Majesty take care of it?"
Godou of course felt this was the correct assumption as he nodded. Ena
carried the divine blade and sped off.
She rushed as if she was flying towards the root of the divine tree. As a
result, a green vine protruded from the ground to obstruct her.
Simply put, the vine was like a large serpent as it assumed an ancistroid
form with its neck, turning itself into a whip-like shape.
The front portion of that vine attempted to lash out at Ena's lively body. The
Hime-Miko of the Sword, with the movements of a monkey, easily dodged
the strike and closed in on the root of the divine tree.
Immediately after, a second vine emerged from the ground to once again
impede Ena's path.
Not only that, a third and fourth vine also appeared. In the end, about ten
vines, akin to a nest of snakes, continuously lunged towards Ena.
"It feels like the Yamata no Orochi!"
Not to be outdone, Ena swung her sword after she appeared to recall the
[1]tale of Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi .
A purple liquid spurted out from the severed vine.
Furthermore, Ena gracefully leap from place to place with her body
[2]movement resembling Minamoto no Yoshitsune as she dodged the
onslaught of whip-like attacks. For the moment the odds of winning this
battle seemed quite high.
However, the enemy had powers that equally matched that of a divine
beast. It was probably time to unleash the Bull to provide cover.
Just as Godou contemplated over this, a chant was heard.
"Hear the sorrow of David, people! Alas, may the heroes fall! Alas, may the
weapons of war be destroyed!"
"Eh!?"
These solemn sounding spell swords, this was without a doubt the secret
technique that was her trump card.
"Undrinking blood of murderers, the unretreating bow of Jonathan!
Unconsuming flesh of the brave soul, returning the sword of Saul in vain!"
Godou looked at the direction where the voice came from. As expected, it
was her.
She stood there with her right hand carrying the silver longbow and her left
hand lifting the arrows of blue light. Her silver ponytail swayed, draped over
her shoulders was a blue and black shawl. She was indeed set in battle
attire.
"O' bow of Jonathan, with eagle's swiftness and lion's strength, a hero's
weapon. Achieve soaring victory!"
Afterwards, an arrow of blue light was finally released. Liliana Kranjcar
fired a destructive weapon that could even injure and kill a god.
The released arrow of blue light split into six individual arrows midway
through, all of which were directed towards the divine tree's thick trunk.
This was probably because the dozens of enormous vines that were being
manipulated focused their attention towards Ena.
Attacked by the spell words of David, which can even kill a god if the
being's fatal spot was hit, the tree withered away with astonishing speed.
Right away, the divine tree lost all its moisture and water content at once,
becoming all dried up.
Afterwards, the colossal tree that had been producing those sounds began
to collapse. The crumbled pieces of the tree then broke up even further
and were scattered by the ocean breeze.
On the other hand, at the same time when the divine tree began to
collapse, Godou expressed utter shock to Liliana's battle engagement.
"Why are you here!?"
"It would've been strange if I didn't show up. Beginning with our unresolved
case, it led to this kind of situation development."
Liliana's voice carried a tone of dissatisfaction.
"Actually I want to ask, why can't I be here?"
"T-That, well you see, that grey bastard had caused a ton of disturbances."
This aspect was very hard to elaborate on which put Godou in a dilemma.
Because she was inflicted by that curse from before, Liliana's memory
become quite hazy. Due to its effect, a subtle difference arose in Godou
and Liliana's relationship. The matter regarding everyone's first encounter
with the Crown was forgotten.
If the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was utilized, it could rescind the
memory derangement.
However, for the Grey One, who was hovering in the sky, as long as the
Crown of Saturnalia was still intact, the memory disruption could happen
as many times as he wanted which would result in a perpetual cycle.
Uncertain as to why Godou was hesitant, Liliana took a step further and
angrily corrected him.
"Kusanagi Godou, all you had to do was this. Say 'please accompany me
in battle', and trust me. Perhaps this is an enemy that is somewhat hard to
deal with, however I am your number one knight. Being there to assist
Kusanagi Godou anytime, anywhere, is one of the duties I have assumed."
"Eh——?"
What Liliana just said felt like her usual catchphrase.
During that brief moment of surprise, once again a voice descended from
the skies.
'Hmm. You have apparently gathered your followers to your side once
more. In that case, it would be most amusing to render your arduous
efforts naught——'
The Grey One's tone sounded as if he was quite interested. This bastard is
in high spirits once again!?
Godou was aware that a sense of anger was emerging from within him. At
his side, Liliana's face was full of suspicion as she surveyed the Crown of
Saturnalia that was floating in the sky. Moreover, Ena was racing back to
them while single-handedly holding the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
Should he request Ena to combat that curse with the Ama no Murakumo
no Tsurugi——?
In the split second Godou was contemplating over this,
'Do not worry, Godou-san. That kind of power will no longer have any
effect on us.'
He heard a whispering sound by his ear.
It was actually the voice of a girl that he didn't anticipate to be here.
Cautious like an austere follower of commandments and possessing a
tender voice, this was without a doubt a voice relayed through psychic
sensing.
"——Mariya!?"
The recently sent message was transferred by the hime-miko. That said, it
was to be expected.
As Liliana's line of sight crossed his, the silver-haired girl only said 'no
problem' towards this and heavily nodded, remaining perfectly composed.
Ena perhaps picked up on the situation. Her grin seemed to express 'hey,
that's amazing'.
Immediately afterwards, a surge of wizardry descended from the sky.
'Slaves will have their moment of glory. Kings will abandon their thrones for
shackles. This is the one dream bestowed by the god who heralds the
spring...'
The spell words to dethrone a king surrounded Godou, Liliana, and Ena.
However, there was also the chanting sound for the counterattack.
"For the sake of maintaining order in Rome, the Senate decreed the
suspension of imperium. Steel of the lion, take this as your foundation!"
Godou had definitely heard these spell words before.
This became known as the secret technique of the Diavolo Rosso, which
was utilized when a sturdy garrison was required to be built.
"Senatus consultum ultimum, hereby decreed!"
Instilled with protection magic, a steel chain-like object was flying around in
the sky like a living being.
The sword, Cuore di Leone, transformed into chains——these chains were
fixated on the heads of Godou and the girls, depicting the same
[3]pentagrams used by King Solomon . These were supposed to be the
seals that guarded the body from fiendish magic and demons.
"Evil be purified, Disaster be dismissed, Misfortune be exorcised,
efficacious signs of the bearer of Fortune, I implore your manifestation!"
This voice came from an even younger girl compared to the ones that
usually accompany Godou.
Only she could have used the disaster purification spirit arts on the lock of
the Cuore di Leone which defended against the curse descending from the
sky.
'Oh——!?'
"Well, it's pretty much like this. Despite having powers of divine origins, the
will of the divine artifact possesses a restricted spiritual power."
The commander of the lion of steel had triumphed with a magnificent
victory as she approached them.
"Hikari's disaster purification is able to eliminate a small portion of a god's
power. I firmly believe that it is now completely defendable."
Her name was of course Erica Blandelli.
A red and black overcoat draped over her body. Her battle stance was
already primed.
The miko sisters were also by her side. Yuri and her little sister Hikari, a
hime-miko learning on the job, were reservedly smiling.
"If that really wasn't just to make our relationship with Godou drift apart, but
rather a curse making us loath Godou, then the situation right now
would've turned out much differently. They wouldn't even qualify as a devil
king Campione's adversary if that was the case. Oh, and Lily."
Playing the leading role by an appearance at the very end, it seemed to be
an act in which Erica excelled at.
She amply displayed her own capabilities while speaking towards her old
friend and rival.
"I, Erica Blandelli, am the one who holds the title and position of Kusanagi
Godou's number one knight. No matter what, I'll never surrender that
position to you!"
The girls of red and blue were disputing over who would be the number
one knight.
This type of conversation had already been a common occurrence. The
two of them conversed just as they did in the past.
Part 3
"When in the world did you guys break free from the curse?"
"It happened during the evening today after parting ways with Godou."
Erica indifferently answered Godou's primary suspicion.
"The biggest mistake that strange divine spirit or divine artifact's willpower
committed is using that completely flawed memory manipulation to strive
for more than ten days worth of time."
After a brief glance at the Crown floating in the sky, Erica spoke in a
provocative manner.
"Regardless of how urgent a situation is for one or two days, once its
duration is dragged out, many irrational doubts will arise. When I
conversed with Godou today I also felt something was amiss. Hence, I was
skeptical on whether or not I was struck by some kind of psychic attack so I
decided to seek out Hikari."
"I was startled when I suddenly received Erica-neesama's call."
Hikari energetically smiled as Godou nodded towards this revelation.
"After trying to eliminate any spells on my body, my memory suddenly
returned to normal. Later, me and Hikari went to find Yuri and Lily
together."
"H-How cruel, you should have immediately given me a call!"
Godou said what seemed to be a retort to Erica's shocking announcement.
Consequently, a devilish smile was revealed by this girl who exhibits her
talent in a dazzling manner like a painting.
"Since you seemed to be very busy, I thought it would be okay to excuse
you. Plus, to a Campione like Godou, you should've been able to remove
the curse through your own power right?"
It was the patented demonic smile of Erica that he had sorely missed.
To see this type of smile once again made him feel very happy, however
there was always something that kept him ill at ease. But, well——.
"No matter how you look at it, being able to meet up with everyone once
again should count as good news."
The disjointed gears were finally able to be smoothly combined together.
Having grasped the mood of the situation, Godou nodded towards the
assembled group of people.
Erica and her haughtiness, Yuri and her sincerity, Liliana and her
seriousness, Ena and her proud smile, and there was Hikari with her youth
and liveliness. Everyone had their own perspective expression and nodded
back at Godou.
However, a voice descended from the skies to throw cold water on the
group——.
'N-No! Young lady, don't say I committed a gaffe. In my opinion, the
outcome this time is satisfactory. Despite encountering some trivial
problems, being fortunate enough to be able to disrupt the relationship
between you guys allowed me to achieve this——the arrival of the day of
the grand festival!'
"The sky! Everyone please look up at the sky!"
Yuri suddenly shouted and directed her finger towards the Crown of
Saturnalia hovering in the sky.
"A coffin...the coffin has been opened..."
She probably received a spirit vision as she spoke with a quiet, trembling
tone.
Immediately after, the Crown of Saturnalia floating in the sky broke into
pieces and scattered below. The broken pieces splashed into the ocean
upon impact. In contrast to the emblem that had been at this location until
now, a radiant golden oval appeared in its place.
To Godou and the others on the ground, it appeared to be as large as the
moon.
A meteor descended towards Kasai Rinkai Park from the oval. Right when
the violent impact occurred, a gigantic divine tree germinated from the
crash site.——No wait.
The existence that emanated this time had a peculiar form compared to the
divine trees up until now.
Its body length was approximately thirty meters. Candidly speaking, it
appeared to be a wooden figure created by a clumsy child through
mimicry.
The widest area resembled a torso. The human-like form was barely
recognizable.
Both of its legs were thick and short. Its arms on the other hand were
slender, with a length that reached the ground. The head was tiny and
solitarily placed above the carcass. Not only that, but there were shoots,
branches, and leaves germinating all over the body.
The greenish-blue shoots and foliage decorated the brown tree in specks.
This combination formed an indescribable color arrangement.
"Be careful everyone. That guy is much stronger than before!"
Ena had a worrisome expression as she warned the others.
The user of divine possession probably sensed that the existence's power
can be compared to that of a god. Godou felt it as well. He still wasn't a
heretic god. He didn't feel that boiling sensation when encountering a god.
There is the fear that this divine tree represents a middle-ground existence
that is between a god and non-god. Perhaps it could be considered as an
ent demigod——.
'Soon the sunrise of the grand festival will arrive…...I only serve as a priest
to last until this very day…...now it seems that the moment has arrived. My
remaining mission is to incur the seed of Saturnus and send it to the
ground…...should be…...time…...silencing..….now…...'
The voice coming from the sky finally dissipated.
Acting decisively towards this was Erica. She turned to her old friend and
rival and sent her a signal with her eyes.
"Lily, it would be quite meaningless to hold anything back at this point.
Let's charge with everything we have ok? Ena-san are you fine with this?"
Afterwards, she grasped the Cuore di Leone and sped off.
Liliana and Ena both nodded and followed. The target for the three of them
was the gigantic ent demigod!
"And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of
the Lord went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed
men went before them!"
"And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses!"
Erica and Liliana both chanted as they rushed in.
These were the divine annihilation privileges bestowed upon them as they
implemented their smiting spell words.
"Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.
And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman,
young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword!"
A scarlet ray of light wrapped around Erica's body. The slender blade,
Cuore di Leone, also deformed into a barbed lance.
"And they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the
rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur,
and Reba, five kings of Midian—And the children of Israel took all the
women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all
their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. And they burnt all their
cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire!"
Liliana's body was also surrounded by a blue ray of light. The hilt of her
saber, Il Maestro, was also elongated which transformed it into the shape
of a glaive.
"The hero takes up his bow and shoots a soaring arrow... Leaving a legend
passed down the ages to this day without human guardianship."
In addition, Ena too began to chant her spell words as she wielded the
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi——.
Each of the three girls went towards the newly risen ent demigod to deliver
their strongest blows.
Erica flew straight up into the air and used her magic sword to mercilessly
carve out the ent's flanks.
Gracefully moving around in the air like a swallow, Liliana sent a horizontal
slice towards the ent's neck.
The ent stumbled after its legs were cut off by Ena's lighting strike. One of
its legs shattered into pieces.
"Not putting up any resistance!?"
Liliana felt astonished and the other two probably felt the same.
After receiving three strikes, the ent demigod let out a loud cry.
ooooooooooaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNnnnnnnnNNNnnnnnnn…
…
Following that, the ent's body collapsed just like its predecessor, the divine
tree, when it was struck by Jonathan's bow. However, after several
seconds had passed——.
The golden oval floating in the night sky once again spat out another
meteor.
As expected, another ent demigod being was produced.
Considering Christmas had seen better days, Godou's body violently
jolted. It wasn't due to the extreme cold or because of fear, rather it was a
tremble of excitement. The godslayer slightly sensed the aura of the
enemy he would meet in battle.
"Its power has risen from before!?"
Having intuitively deduced this, Godou looked towards Yuri.
"I sense it as well. I'm afraid that as time elapses——as daybreak
approaches, that divine tree will become more and more like a heretic
god!"
"Furthermore, it will just revive no matter how many times you kill it…..."
What a troublesome opponent. Godou could not help but smack his lips.
If the power of everyone assembled here was combined, the ent demigod
giant could be smashed into pieces. However, if done like this there would
be no way to solve the core of the problem.
"If only Yuri or Liliana could use spirit vision to see through the reason why
this divine tree is able to continuously revive itself…..."
Erica mentioned as such. Liliana and Ena walked back together to Godou's
location since they probably figured out that attacking the ent demigod was
meaningless.
Furthermore, up until now the ent seemingly didn't have any intention to
battle against Godou and the girls. There were differences in comparison
to the incomparably violent divine tree. It was very quiet——like a genuine
tree constantly towering there.
Moreover, it began to chant. The sound appeared to be coming from an
opening that resulted from a split crevice.
oooooooaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAANNNNNNNnnnnnNNNNNNnnn...
A sharp jolt. Godou's body once again shuddered from excitement. If it
continued to raise its power levels it will gradually approach the strength of
a heretic god.
"Hey Godou, I have a suggestion."
"What is it?"
"Since that tree wants to transform into a god, we might as well not disturb
it and wait a bit right?"
Godou was extremely surprised by that shocking statement. Erica calmly
continued speaking.
"The most suitable weapon to defeat that ent is probably the spell words
for the Sword right? Once we figure out his means of revival this mystery
will be solved. Since we are already at this stage, it doesn't matter if the
enemy is a divine tree or a heretic god since there isn't that much of a
difference. If that is the case, don't you feel a more rewarding battle would
be better?"
If he could defeat a heretic god, then Kusanagi Godou could attain a new
ability. She was hitting on this point.
Detecting the meaning behind Erica's statement, Godou offered his reply.
"Of course not. Obtaining a deity's power has no importance to me. I
already possess all the power I could ever want."
"All the power you could ever want? What do you mean?"
"Everyone has already assembled together like this right? Having partners
together in combat who also care about me, this much is already more
than enough."
His voice could not help but become emotional. Was it because of the
current situation?
Towards this honest statement, Erica revealed a blossoming smile and
Yuri also displayed a gentle smile. Liliana nodded her head, seemingly
saying I feel the same while Ena too knowingly smiled.
"Onii-sama, I would also like to accompany everyone."
"Haha, Hikari has also helped us in many aspects."
The youngest hime-miko in training smiled as she spoke with Godou who
nodded in response.
However, she still was only an elementary school student. If the situation
had become more dangerous than it was now, then it would only be right
to have her take refuge.
After he nonchalantly sent Erica an eye signal, she looked as if she
already understood its meaning and redirected her gaze. She truly knew
how to clue in on one's thoughts. That said——.
They faintly sensed that the restlessness had already unwittingly subsided.
"Furthermore, another reason is we don't want that guy turning into the god
Saturnus."
Godou, who just remembered this point, spoke of the phenomenon that
this god brought upon 150 years ago.
It was within the report sent by Lu Yinghua. In regards to this, the
expressions of the girls became tense.
"I take that back. In the end, as a knight I cannot permit that kind of
disorder occurring in Tokyo and brush it aside. Let's quickly take down that
ent."
Even Erica's facial expression was serious as she said:
"Since it is like this, we must quickly prepare the Sword."
"Instead of the giant, the key should lie over there, right?"
Ena used her fingers to point towards the golden oval that emerged in the
sky.
"Yuri, what is this coffin you mentioned just now?"
"Y-Yes, it looked like someone was buried inside. At least that was what I
felt. That's why I didn't want to say the word coffin outright. Perhaps that
was the coffin of the Grey One."
"Speaking of which, that guy previously mentioned he was a god in the
past."
Godou nodded towards Yuri's speculations.
"In short, if we could get closer while staying on the ground, then perhaps it
shouldn't be up to me but rather Yuri who might be able to obtain a more
detailed spirit vision."
When coming in close contact to a historical divine artifact, the success
rate displayed in Yuri's spirit vision is astonishingly high.
It was probably because of this that Liliana would have an expression of
regret as she spoke. As a result,
"If it's just getting closer then perhaps there is someway to accomplish
that."
Yuri spoke in a soft and determined tone.
"Although, I'm not certain if going there will result in me obtaining a spirit
vision...but no matter what we must give it a try!"
After finishing her statement, the hime-miko crossed her arms over her
chest and closed her eyes.
This was her praying stance. Following that, a faint white light arose from
Yuri's body. Next, the ray of light ascended up into the sky like a pure white
satin fluttering in the air.
"Spirit body separation! Isn't this the Princess's ability!?"
Consequentially, Godou remembered the conversation he had with Liliana.
The one who was regarded as Europe's highest ranking hime-miko was
Princess Alice. Her secret technique was the ability to utilize psychic
sensing from a spirit body detachment. Despite having her physical body
slumbering in her residence at London, she was able to fly all over the
world with her spirit body. Yuri was now able to achieve the same feat——.
Alice's spirit body was no different from her real body, but to Yuri this was
still quite difficult. However, the resplendent ray of white light actually flew
towards the sky heading towards the its target, the golden coffin!
Two minutes passed just like that. With her eyes closed, the hime-miko
suddenly collapsed.
"Onee-chan!"
Hikari immediately came to help up her sister. Godou and the others also
rushed over to her side to assist.
Yuri had an exhausted appearance as she weakly knelt on the ground
while gasping for air. Because she used spirit body separation, her body
was probably overtaxed.
She wasn't even able to look them eye to eye. However, during the
intermittence of her gasping, the hime-miko quietly said:
"Godou-san, in the end...I saw it."
"What do you mean Mariya?"
"T-The light, it's being hidden in the abyss of that coffin. That light is
currently the underlying cause of this inextricable revival. If we can
eliminate it then..."
She was finally able to stabilize her breathing. However, she wasn't
finished speaking.
Yuri closed her eyes and then lost consciousness soon after.
"What does the abyss refer to?"
Godou felt perplexed as he looked up towards the night sky. The horrific
oval that sparkled with golden light rays was hovering in the sky.
She said it was a ray of light in the abyss. Did it have to be sealed
somehow? After all was said in done, Godou and the others were located
on the ground. But as for a means of flying there...they do have it.
Godou examined that approach but then hesitated. He once again
reviewed his options.
Sure enough, there were no other alternatives.
"Hey Liliana, haven't you recently been saying that I have been too polite
numerous times?"
Having an unrelated question being suddenly thrown at her, the female
knight replied 'yeah, you're right' in response.
She didn't seem to understand and said 'why do you bring this up now?'
"Only during times like these will I impolitely request something from you.
Furthermore, besides you there's no one else I can request. Please send
me over there!"
The golden oval floating in the night sky was an existence that Yuri
succinctly revealed as the coffin.
Godou pointed to that majestic sight as he pleaded towards Liliana
Kranjcar.
Part 4
A period of time passed after Godou and Liliana took off.
Suddenly, the ent demigod let out a roar.
oooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAANNNnnnNNNNN!
This one was a bit more intense compared to that steady cry from before.
Its yell came from a crevice that was the equivalent of a mouth as it gazed
towards the sky.
At the forefront of its sight was the golden coffin that Godou and company
were heading towards!
"As expected, that coffin appears to be a crucial point for the ent as well."
"It probably became restless after it sensed Your Majesty and everyone
closing in on it."
Erica muttered in response while Ena offered her speculations.
The only two battlers left on the ground were those two. They had already
decided on what should be done next. Erica and Ena wordlessly
exchanged eye signals and each understood the other's intentions.
Just when they did that, the ent demigod raised its elongated right arm into
the air.
A wooden staff suddenly appeared in its hand. The wooden staff was
divided in two at the end, giving it a shape that resembled a tuning fork.
In addition, dozens of vines emerged from the ent's bulky legs. All of the
vines were lengthy, thick, and possessed a curved body similar to a huge,
lively snake, creating a whip-like appearance.
Moreover, a radiating green sphere of light glinted at the end of the two
pronged tip. The sphere of light went into the sky——ascending towards
the golden coffin!
Furthermore, it wasn't just a single shot. It felt like one after another were
being continuously released.
Erica wasn't naive as to perceive this bubble blowing-like action of creating
those spherical bodies as some sort of exotic spectacle.
It was practically guaranteed that this was to impede the two people
ascending into the sky.
"Hikari."
"P-Present, Erica-neesama."
"Leave this area with Yuri and find refuge."
"Me and Ena-san are heading out to deal with this, during that time I won't
be able to protect you and your sister."
"——! I understand. This is in order to help Onii-sama and
Liliana-neesama."
Although she was learning on the job, she truly deserved to be called a
hime-miko. She was well-disciplined and thoroughly educated.
She sensed what Erica's intentions were and promptly nodded. Despite
her young appearance, she was quite awe-inspiring and focused.
Hikari, who was still supporting her dazed older sister Yuri, departed from
Erica and the others.
Speaking of which, during the battle with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven
she was requested to do something similar as well. Remembering this,
Erica let out a faint smile. In these various situations, Mariya Hikari might
also become one of the members of the round table that follows Kusanagi
Godou.
"Well then Erica-san, your move. Prior to this I felt those vines were similar
to the Yamata no Orochi, making Ena fight an array of heads."
"Ara, the honor of being tasked with the objective of infiltrating the enemy's
headquarters is of course mine."
"No matter, letting Erica-san have first crack at battling the army of heads
is fine as well. However, if you can't exterminate them then Ena will have a
lesser workload."
The Hime-Miko of the Sword fearlessly spoke. Erica followed with a smile
in response.
Immediately after they jokingly agreed to share the task, the miko and
knight speedily rushed in towards the ent demigod who was releasing
those abnormal spheres of light into the sky.
Erica and Ena both dispensed spells that raised their body's agility and
running speed to explosive levels.
The two of them kept rushing forward with incredible speed until they were
in close proximity to the ent, around ten meters or so away. However,
dozens of vine creatures emerged from the ent's leg and started
maneuvering themselves in order to block their path.
Ena wielded the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to combat these vines
head on.
Soon after, there was an opening——Erica plunged in without hesitation
towards the ent's chest.
Charging forth quickly in a straight line, she thrust the lance forward as if
carrying out a knight's duty.
Erica displayed this sort of vigor as she suddenly charged in with a
ferocious pace and thrust the lance infused with divine annihilation
privileges forward, intending to jam it straight through the ent's body.
It blocked the lance with its unexpectedly nimble left arm. However Erica
didn't fret about this. She immediately began chanting spell words.
"Cuore di Leone! Bestowed with an archangel's added protection, drive
him away!"
Breaking down the obstruction, gnawing apart the enemy, it was the lion of
steel.
The transformed barbed lance, which received Erica's orders for a surprise
attack and the applied spell words, shot through the wooden ent's right
hand. Penetrating through was the embedded privilege of annihilation.
Boom! The ent's right hand was blown off simultaneously with the sound of
the explosion. The ent was gracefully blown away.
On the other side, Godou and Liliana were currently closing in on the
golden coffin.
Before the silver-haired female knight took off using her most well-versed
witchcraft, she inspected the golden coffin floating in the sky.
Then after she checked its location, she approached right next to Godou
and utilized her flight magic.
The two of them were surrounded by a blue ray of light as they took off into
the sky.
This was probably the fastest flight magic that humans could utilize. It was
said that the flight distance was also pretty far. Assuming they were at the
border of Europe, they could even traverse the entire continent.
Only witches like Liliana could apply this type of magic.
Except the user could not fly to a place they were not familiar with or
cannot visualize...
Godou unintentionally looked down and began to regret this. Below him
was the capacious sea that was as dark as the night. At this far distance
the nightly scene of Tokyo was still visible.The view was akin to standing
on the 40th floor observation deck of a highrise surveying the scenery.
As of right now, a bizarre magic light was propping up his feet.
Flying like this was very harmful to the heart. Before taking off, he had
asked Liliana if it was her first time reaching this high of an altitude through
flying magic. She replied that in the past she would play around like this all
the time.
"Kusanagi Godou, I can see it!"
Liliana controlled the blue light soaring in the sky as she spoke.
As for the golden coffin hovering in the sky——they were gradually
approaching the dazzling bright oval-shaped light. At this moment, Godou
realized this oval was much larger than he had anticipated when he was
on the ground.
This elongated oval was about the size of a track and field stadium.
Well, now the real show begins.
Just as Godou licked his lips, he noticed the sphere of light attacking them
from below. The sphere had a radiant green shine and was about four
meters in diameter.
Furthermore, this radiating green light sphere had a speed that was
noticeably faster than Liliana's flight magic. At a quick glance, there were
about twenty or thirty spheres flying towards them right now!
Out of those spheres, the one leading the pack was about to catch up to
the flight magic——
Pop. The spheres split apart like a bursting balloon, releasing a blast wave.
The blue light from the flight magic maintained by Liliana shook. Godou's
body also violently jerked.
"Guah...!"
"As expected, it wasn't going to be easy getting there."
Liliana clenched her teeth as Godou mumbled to himself.
In truth, he was previously concerned that they would be obstructed while
in the sky which is why he was hesitant in asking Liliana earlier. However,
there were no other options besides giving up so he had no choice but to
request her assistance.
The flight magic was only able to travel in straight lines.
If they were to come under attack in mid-air, it would seem like nothing
could be done besides praying that the enemy misses.
Since it was like this, Godou, who was unable to avert his gaze away from
the golden coffin, contemplated for a moment. After making Liliana bring
him to this point, he seriously had considered the idea of descending into
the coffin by himself. Then he would proceed to see with his own eyes
what was actually within the coffin.
However, even if the situation had already turned into this, leaving Liliana
by herself in the sky would result in her being harmed first.
There was an option that allowed the two of them to charge into this
dangerous situation together. However, if that was done, it will result in her
being exposed to another danger——
"Kusanagi Godou, do I have to repeat that statement once again?"
"Eh?"
"I believe what I previously said should already be enough. That said, don't
you feel that we have already overcome many dangers together up until
now? It's far too late for this kind of concern."
Godou couldn't help but look at Liliana's face. Compared to her serious
statement, the fairy-like girl had quite a mischievous smile.
"It's already too late...right."
"Yeah. Too late."
Godou felt deeply ashamed after she immediately replied like that.
Perhaps this really was the case.
Think about it, Liliana and the other girls would always encounter many
dangers because of Kusanagi Godou. Furthermore, they always stayed by
his side even though he would always incite these situations. And in the
end, they would fight together, shoulder to shoulder, charging into the face
of danger.
"Liliana, continue heading in that direction. Rush into that ray of light!"
"Got it!"
Immediately after, the two of them surrounded by the light of the flight
magic dashed into the golden coffin.