Part 1
"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the
celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another."[1]
"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another
glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is
the resurrection of the dead."[2]
The two knights, Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar, were cooperating on
a task together while chanting spell words at the same time, for the sake of
accomplishing a certain magic.
Their location was the garage of a detached home in the Bunkyou Ward
where Liliana made her residence.
The garage was large enough to park two large vehicles but neither Liliana
herself nor her maid and housemate Karen Jankulovski could drive, hence
the garage was merely an unused space at present.
"It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is
raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."[3]
Erica was chanting spell words for metal manipulation magic.
Placed in the center of the garage, the object made metallic clanging noises
with splashes of scorching sparks, meanwhile changing its form slowly.
After all, this type of work was not quite suited to undertake at home.
This was iron alchemy, the magic for manipulating iron and steel. Erica's
area of specialty.
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last
Adam was made a quickening spirit. For the trumpet shall sound, and the
dead shall be raised incorruptible.."[4]
Liliana was also using witchcraft.
Through the passage of time, women who served as priestesses for mother
earth goddesses became known as "witches. Hence, users of witchcraft
were experts skilled in the manipulation of earth spirits.
On the other hand, iron was the symbol of harm to the earth. Digging the
earth required hoes crafted from iron. Chopping down trees required axes of
iron.
As the incarnation of iron swords, the heroes of steel seized nations through
martial valor, annexing land. Defeating the dragons and snakes controlled
by the earth mothers, they turned goddesses of the land into their wives and
lovers.
—Consequently, compatibility was very poor between Erica's iron alchemy
and Liliana's witchcraft.
That being said, the two of them were melding magic from two different
systems together, like mixing water with oil, cooperating to create a certain
object.
The slightest mistake and this magic would fail.
Furthermore, the spell would still fail even from merely irregularity in
breathing or instability in magic power.
This was a task of extreme difficulty. Completing this project without issue
in spite of that, this stood testament to Erica and Liliana's skills as prodigy
level.
"It has finally taken form. It should be fine as long as it accomplishes the
effect."
"That would be Godou's job, not ours. This is as far as we can achieve
within our power."
The two Great Knights conversed while looking at the center of the garage.
Placed there was a short sword, whose blade measured 50cm or so in
length. The blade's color was dull like lead and inscribed with the words
"the one who is, and who was, and who is to come."[5]
This was the magic sword they had just forged using a number of magical
ingredients.
The ingredients used were respectively: a former iron sword that was now a
piece of metal all covered in rust, a pottery fragment unearthed from ancient
Libyan ruins, salt, mercury, a blue lump of solidified lava, etc.
Made in an emergency rush after all, this sword would probably last for no
more than one or two uses. However, that ought to be sufficient.
Ever since Kusanagi Godou and the two Hime-Miko departed last night, the
two knights had been working nonstop on this task without resting.
Fortunately, it was Saturday so they did not need to be excused from school.
"I wanted to go along to the Astral Plane originally..."
"No helping it. Although it doesn't matter who are the ones making this, you
and I are the most adept, after all."
"It does not seem like your personality to accept things so readily."
"Oh my, didn't you know that I am the woman who can sacrifice everything
for Godou any time? But now that you brought it up, Lily, aren't you the
one who is accepting things with unbelievable readiness?"
Erica put the lead-hued short sword into a leather sheath and placed it on a
table in a corner of the garage while Liliana cleared away the fragments of
ingredients leftover from the forging magic.
While their hands were working away, the two girls started testing each
other.
"Lily, lately it has come to my attention that you haven't shown the slightest
hesitation towards becoming Godou's woman."
Erica was still speaking with a noblewoman's elegance as usual.
"Stealing credit whenever certain circumstances arise to allow you time
alone with Godou, having tasted pleasure and satisfaction multiple times,
your heart has grown confident... Perfectly spot on, am I right?
"You are the one I must denounce, the sly vixen through and through."
Liliana did not change her strict demeanor of a female knight's either.
"Absolute refusal to miss any opportunity. The recent visit to Sardinia with
Kusanagi Godou was a rare and excellent chance. Precisely because you
accomplished results accordingly, that is why you are so calm—Am I
right?"
The two girls have always been prodigies from magic associations in Milan
as well as childhood friends and rivals.
Although they were in the same faction now, they were still competing
against each other over the man of their most beloved affections. Staring
into each other's face, they observed the other's reaction for now.
In the end, they both sighed and slowly relaxed their shoulders.
"Regarding this matter, Kusanagi Godou really ought to be questioned
thoroughly. There should be quite a lot of new information of interest."
"Indeed. After all, he is not one who can keep secrets."
After exchanging nods, Erica continued:
"When suspicious points arise in his female relationships, those are
generally discovered after something happened."
"This type of premonition always comes true. After all, he is someone
impossible to predict. Most likely, the ritual will be completed in the
Netherworld this time as well."
Criticizing Kusanagi Godou was their shared special talent.
To go even further, they were much better at it than Yuri and Ena with their
benevolent personalities. Although their king was kind and a bit dense in
personality, he was excessively problematic on the matter of conduct.
"Actually, Erica, judging from common sense, I would expect Mariya Yuri
to be the partner... But this alone is probably insufficient to satisfy him."
"What a coincidence. I happen to agree with you completely."
"More than becoming undisciplined, lately his mind has gradually
decayed."
"However, do note that we are the accomplices in this regard."
"In a certain sense, the people responsible for him awakening into such a
monster are the four by his side—us..."
"For him to have developed to such an extent, how unexpected. Or rather, a
godslayer never fails to impress."
Just as they really got into the topic, delving deeper and deeper into the
matter, Liliana's cellphone on the table in the corner started ringing.
The caller was Sayanomiya Kaoru, presumably to inform them of an
emergency gathering.
The two Great Knights nodded at each other.
A few hours after the forging magic's success, it was two in the afternoon.
Erica and Liliana were heading to the mountains in the Bousou Peninsula
again. But instead of Minamibousou, this time it was Ichihara City in the
Chiba Prefecture. Their current location was near the Ichihara Service Area
of the Tateyama Expressway crossing the mountainous Uchibou region.
The History Compilation Committee had reported discovering the "King of
the End."
Arriving in the car provided by the Committee, the two Great Knights were
greeted at the scene by Lu Yinghua.
He was probably conducting the search operation together with the History
Compilation Committee in order to accomplish the task set by his master.
"Oh well, finding that guy isn't actually hard."
Saying that nonchalantly, Lu Yinghua frowned. The arrogant youth's
handsome face was casting a grim gaze towards withered trees.
"It's obvious from first glance, because there are suspicious trails left all
over the place."
"The land becomes barren wherever the 'King of the End' passes... Is that
what is going on?"
Liliana murmured with worry.
The Bousou Peninsula's mild climate meant that its mountains and forests
were full of greenery even in winter.
One could even call it early spring by February. That being said, the
mountains near the Tateyama Expressway had already lost their verdant
color.
Leaves were withered while trunks and branches looked dead as though
dehydrated.
Trees were literally standing there with all greenery and nourishment
sucked out of them. The weeds growing under the trees were not only
withered but also pulverized and destroyed.
The soil was dry as well. Due to the strong wind today, clouds of dust were
blown all over the place.
Fortunately, this was not the state of the entire mountain. Only the area
from the foot to the middle of the mountain had lost its greenery.
"Looks like this guy walked here on foot from Minamibousou. Everywhere
he passed through looks like this. All the grass and trees are withered,
looking like a single lane's worth of tire tracks."
"Indeed it is so..."
Liliana nodded in response to Lu Yinghua's report. Before arriving here, she
had used the [Witch's Eye] to confirm the surrounding situation.
Looking down from above, it looked like a faded one-way road had been
marked on the Minamibousou landscape.
As though the grim reaper's carriage had left these tracks behind, it was a
terrifying scene.
"On the other hand, there are many golf courses nearby and a small number
of homes, isn't that right? Is it possible that the 'King of the End' has not
made any contact with humans?"
"Well, about that... I think it'd be quicker for you to have a look."
Puzzling Erica with his answer, Lu Yinghua motioned with his chin.
The noise of engines kept coming from the direction he indicated.
This noise from operational engines was clearly different from that of
vehicles traveling on ordinary roads and highways. Quite distinctive. There
was a motor racing circuit behind the mountain they were at.
Although called a racing circuit, this place was not as grand as Formula
One venues or the like. This place was exclusively used for training, shows
and official competitions for kart racing.
That said, the course length was roughly a kilometer.
With a 160m main straight, it was quite a large facility.
A number of teams were practicing today. Several karts were speeding
along. There were also people watching from the grandstand. The pit area
also had staff at work.
A quick glance of the surroundings revealed roughly thirty or forty people
present.
The surprising thing was that the "King of the End" was mixed among the
crowd. Unbelievably, he was sitting at the front row of the grandstand,
watching the racing karts going at high speed.
With a serious expression on his face, the sacred aristocrat was staring at
the rapid vehicles with thunderous noises.
This could be described as the graceful and noble airs of "royalty whose
curiosity was piqued when confronted with rare and unusual tribute or
offerings."
Furthermore, he was even chatting with the people beside him.
After listening to their answers, he would nod with a look of
comprehension. A crowd gradually gathered around the "King of the End"
in the grandstand. In addition, they were explaining all kinds of knowledge
to the Devil King exterminating hero, offering snacks and drinks to him,
gazing into his handsome face in a trance.
As a side note, the "King of the End" was dressed in the same attire as he
was last seen.
A blue tunic and a white cape. Taken down from his back, the scabbard
carrying the divine sword was stood up next to him.
The handsome face with its pale complexion was clearly not Japanese.
Despite this appearance of his, none of the surrounding people were
bothered at all.
"That's essentially the attitude this great hero takes towards humans."
Lu Yinghua explained.
Erica and Liliana were watching the "King of the End" from afar, at a
corner of the grandstand.
"He apparently came into contact with seven or eight people during the last
two days. When Committee members asked around, everyone replied
saying they 'met a very handsome foreigner who was extremely friendly.'
Also, they all spoke with a face of rapture, hoping sincerely to meet him
again."
"A hero who makes contact with ordinary humans huh..."
Liliana remarked with mixed feelings stirring inside.
"Even in this regard, he is quite an exception among Heretic Gods."
"Also, he is probably the same as Madame Aisha. I believe he possesses a
charm authority."
Currently, all those people were treating the "King of the End" with sincere
well wishes and admiration.
Having witnessed the same scene many times in ancient Gaul, Erica pointed
out this fact.
"Try imagining this, a virtuous and revered king who could be called a
bodhisattva's reincarnation. Or rather, it would be more apt to consider him
the originator. If he were to visit heavily populated urban areas—"
"Undoubtedly, he would cause massive chaos just like the Madame in
ancient Gaul."
"Unbelievable. By gathering fanatical believers, he could probably turn
them into his own army. Even with a gentle disposition, he is also a god
with unpredictable effects..."
"Well, my two Nee-sans, about that..."
Lu Yinghua interrupted the conversation between the two Great Knights.
"Are we really going to make a move? There is the option of staying hidden
to continue monitoring, right?"
"You definitely make a good point. But even if the charm authority could be
released, I believe the 'King of the End' must not be allowed to enter cities.
If he were to run amok as before, none could predict the extent of damage
and casualties..."
"Also, Lu Yinghua, you still have your master's orders."
"In that case, I've no objections to raise."
The trio nodded at one another. Resolving themselves, they started to move.
They walked from the corner in the grandstand over to the circle of people
that were gathered around the "King of the End." Squeezing through the
entranced crowd, they approached the hero of salvation.
The trio were the only people gazing at the pale-haired aristocrat with calm
eyes. Presumably because of that...
He evidently figured out their identities. With a calm voice, he called to the
people around him.
"My apologies, everyone, but let us call this a day. I hope you will depart as
quickly as possible to leave me alone. Thank you."
The effects were immediate. The people around him packed away their
things quickly and left the seating area, disappearing towards the exit.
Also, there was a lot of human noise at the race course and the pit area.
Originally driving smoothly, the karts stopped to pit in, one after another.
The drivers got out of their cramped seats while the crew waiting at the
paddocks also began preparations to withdraw.
But unlike the spectators at the grandstand, these people were showing
displeasure and agitation in their words and behavior.
The History Compilation Committee had contacted the racing circuit's
management for an emergency shutdown today (possibly using magic in the
process as well).
Glancing sideways at the people leaving, the "King of the End" stood up.
Turning his dignified and handsome face towards Erica, Liliana and Lu
Yinghua, he slowly walked over to them.
"You are affiliated with the godslayers of the present generation—Kusanagi
Godou and Her Highness Luo Hao, aren't you?"
Part 2
The History Compilation Committee and Lu Yinghua had discovered the
"King of the End."
He was finally found at a certain place in the Bousou Peninsula that
apparently served as his residence.
After receiving this report, Erica and Liliana went over to meet Sayanomiya
Kaoru at her mansion first.
As one of the leaders in charge of the Committee, Kaoru remarked with
distress.
"Despite all kinds of uncertainties, let's continue monitoring him for now
while waiting for Godou-san's return."
A compromising solution one could hardly find fault in, but it had its own
problems.
The "King of the End" was traveling north from the Bousou Peninsula,
reaching Ichihara in the Chiba Prefecture.
Earlier, he was apparently moving through mountainous areas. But after
crossing the Ichihara Service Area and Prefectural Route 13, his location
was already within the municipal region of Ichihara City facing Tokyo Bay.
Going north slightly would be Chiba City, the heartland of the Keiyou
Industrial Zone.
Also, going west would bring him to the twenty-three wards of Tokyo after
passing through the cities of Narashino, Funabashi and Ichikawa.
If the "King of the End" were to choose this route, he would be invading the
Greater Tokyo Area where Japan's population and building densities were
the greatest—
"Her Eminence Luo Hao isn't in peak condition, so this could be described
as the worst scenario. It would be best to avoid making reckless moves.
Better err on the safe side for now."
This sort of cautious and meticulous approach did not seem like the
sophisticated Kaoru's usual style.
She was probably aware of it herself. A rare look of worry was displayed on
her face.
There were other uncertainties as well. If the "King of the End" were to
start a fight in the Greater Tokyo Area with such immense destructive
power—damage and casualties would surely result on an unimaginable
scale.
In the end, this strategy of caution carried its own risks.
However, there was no other solution. With heavy hearts, Erica and Liliana
made a visit to the Tokyo Skytree, in order to report the situation to Her
Eminence Luo Hao.
The highest authority right now, Her Eminence Luo Hao—was hidden from
sight.
With bamboo curtains set up in a corner of the observation deck, she was
staying in a barricaded space.
"I am currently practicing some slightly complicated neigong. These
measures are for eliminating unnecessary disturbances. You too, be careful
and absolutely do not approach me."
The two Great Knights were left speechless by these orders that she had
issued from behind the bamboo curtains.
Without a direct view of Her Eminence Luo Hao's beautiful appearance,
Erica reported what had transpired.
Direct conversation with Her Eminence Luo Hao would be too heavy a
responsibility for History Compilation Committee members and Lu
Yinghua's subordinates. This was why Erica went out of her way to come
here.
"Hmm... How incomprehensible."
After listening to the report, Her Eminence Luo Hao murmured in
bemusement.
Was it due to the neigong she was practicing? Her voice sounded slightly
more high-pitched than usual.
"Why do you not kneel down and prostrate yourselves towards this Luo
Hao in supplication? To swing the iron fist of punishment upon the hero
who is bringing harm to the world."
" "..." "
This inconceivable comment made Erica and Liliana at a loss for words.
"Naturally, there is no value in saving the decadent city of Tokyo. Be that as
it may, seeing as it is the land where my sworn brother makes his
stronghold—It would be a taint upon my honor as the sworn elder sister if I
were to fail in displaying my chivalry."
"Do you mean to imply you will protect this country's people in Kusanagi
Godou's stead?"
"Hohohoho... The real event will wait until that child returns. On the level
of stalling for time, I shall have a little fun in the meantime."
The demonic cult leader smiled tenderly from the depths behind the
bamboo curtains in response to Erica's question of confirmation.
Even when facing a god—be it the strongest sword god—she never altered
her haughty downward gaze. But given her current state of depleted magic
power, was she able to oppose the "King of the End"?
Erica did not inquire upon this matter.
If she were to raise the question, Her Eminence Luo Hao would assuredly
end up feeling angered and insulted.
Even without being Lu Yinghua, Erica could easily predict such an
outcome.
If she were to insist on stepping on the tiger's tail, what awaited her would
be nothing as gentle as the fist used for punishing her direct disciple.
Completely unaware of the thoughts going through Erica's mind, Luo
Cuilian continued:
"First, you shall make contact with the 'King of the End.' Then inform the
hero of my impending entry to the field. Make him wary to a certain
extent."
There was no choice but to obey this command.
Hence, this was how things developed into the two Great Knights facing off
against the "King of the End" at a motor racing circuit in the mountains.
"You are affiliated with the godslayers of the present generation—Kusanagi
Godou and Her Highness Luo Hao, aren't you?"
"Precisely. Are you looking for our lord, Your Highness?"
Naturally, the first to answer the Devil King exterminating hero was Erica.
She was often the wise one, acting as spokesperson on behalf of her faction.
This talent did not fade at all even when confronted with gods or Devil
Kings. Ever since becoming Kusanagi Godou's knight, this talent and
disposition of hers was naturally honed more and more.
"Yes. Somehow I had the feeling that I would meet him eventually if I
walked to this area. Now that his messengers have come forward, this guess
seems to be correct."
This was most likely a supernatural sense obtained as part of the destiny of
exterminating Devil Kings.
The "King of the End" smiled at Erica, Liliana and Lu Yinghua before
declaring:
"Originally, I should be the one sending an emissary. However, the Wind
King—the one who serves this role—currently needs to keep a low profile.
Hence, I have decided to search for the various godslaying kings on my
own."
"Why would you... May I ask for the reason?"
"Naturally, to challenge them."
Despite his calm tone and attitude, this was a stern declaration.
"If permissible, I do wish to pay them each a visit at their castle or
residence. To enter a duel. Seeing as he has intentionally sent messengers to
come forward, it means that your lord shares the same sentiments, doesn't
it?"
"..."
Instead of answering immediately, Erica contemplated swiftly.
As suspected, was he approaching Tokyo with this purpose in mind? Going
north towards Chiba City from the southern part of the Bousou Peninsula.
As soon as she heard about the "King of the End" advancing in this
direction, Erica already guessed this possibility.
Going north another five or six kilometers from here would reach Ichihara
City.
Even if he went west instead, that would take him to the urban area of
Kisarazu City.
This racing circuit was located in the middle of a mountainous area with an
bewildering number of golf courses. Population density was low as a result.
Evacuation was accordingly easy. If possible, Erica hoped to stall the "King
of the End" in this vicinity. Then the rest depended on Her Eminence Luo
Hao—
Phew. Erica exhaled slightly.
Bridges shall be crossed when they were reached. Furthermore, Kusanagi
Godou's sworn elder sister was absolutely not someone who would insist
out of vanity that they were able to do something when they could not. She
possessed ability and insight matching her level of pride.
"In that case, our task ends here. Our lord will probably give a direct
answer."
"Direct?"
Seeing Erica look into the sky, the "King of the End" followed.
It was a sunny winter's day. The wind continued to blow strongly. A bird of
prey in the sky—a goshawk—was gliding with regal solemnity. This
species made its habitat in forests near cities in the Kantou region.
However, the power and acuity overflowing from those wings and eyes
could not possibly belong to a bird.
Landing next to the "King of the End," the goshawk transformed at the
same time.
"Procrastinating what ought to be finished, that would be called
slothfulness, wouldn't it? I, Luo Hao, am fully prepared to accept your
challenge."
"Ah."
Descending from the sky as a goshawk, she landed gracefully with
outstanding movements of qinggong, the art of lightness.
Confronted with the demonic cult leader's unique entry to the stage,
exhibiting extraordinary Daoist and martial arts alike, the "King of the End"
nodded in admiration. Nevertheless, the reason he felt impressed was not
due to her superlative landing skill.
He was moved by Her Eminence Luo Hao's appearance.
Her dazzling, otherworldly, beautiful face was still akin to a celestial
maiden's. Such beauty was enough to call the greatest treasure of the mortal
realm. Moreover, this face was quite young.
Her stature was more petite than before whereas her face and body had
clearly regressed in age.
Despite a true age over two hundred years, she looked like a teenager.
Instead of her earlier Han clothing, she was wearing a sleeveless mandarin
gown with a slight slit on the side of the skirt.
Demonic Cult Leader Luo Cuilian had descended from the sky in this form.
"This appearance... Was it for healing injuries sustained in our previous
battle?"
"Hohohoho. Seeing as there was a need to recover excessively depleted qi,
for the first time in a long while, I trained in the neigong of [Absolute
Supremacy Peerless Across the Universe]. Although the price I paid was a
slight shortening of limbs, this constitutes no inconvenience in engaging
you in combat."
Declaring boldly, Luo Cuilian's vocal pitch was higher than usual, a young
girl's voice.
Meanwhile, Erica and Liliana were greatly surprised by Her Eminence's
appearance whereas the demonic cult leader's direct disciple simply went
"oh dear" and shook his head.
"I remember it's a training technique that allows qi to recover with
frightening speed. So this was what Master has been practicing these few
days..."
Qi was magic power in the first place and had to be gradually accumulated
through neigong training for days on end.
However—Lu Yinghua explained. If Her Eminence were to use this
[Tianshan Tonglao Technique][6], she would be able to rapidly gain qi
comparable to two months of training. However, the price paid was
temporary age regression...
"But that neigong is apparently quite a pain to use, so it's totally an
emergency technique."
Indeed, the qi in Her Eminence Luo Hao's body had recovered substantially.
However, the sum total was clearly still less than usual. In addition,
physical stamina and arm strength were naturally going to be weakened for
a little girl's body. It was possible that her martial arts could not be applied
with full freedom as before.
That being said, for her to surmount an overwhelmingly unfavorable
situation so effortlessly, amazing feat would be the only proper description.
The hero and the Devil King finally met again at this mountainous racing
circuit.
Fortunately, through the History Compilation Committee's efforts and the
"King of the End"'s own authority, ordinary people had left the premises
completely.
The two of them jumped down lightly to the course from the grandstand
where Erica and the others were.
"My sworn brother Kusanagi Godou will make a tardy arrival due to certain
reasons, but... Of course, you are free to summon your subordinates. I, Luo
Hao, shall take on all of you as opponents."
"Now that you have said that, I cannot call upon them lightly."
Smiling wryly at the demonic cult leader's taunt, the hero drew out the
Divine Sword of Salvation.
"Before he arrives, I shall fight using this sword alone."
"Hohoho. In that case, I shall temporarily seal away my palm techniques—
unsurpassed by any weapon—and fight you with this."
Despite facing a god for an opponent, Her Eminence Luo Hao did not alter
her haughty attitude at all.
Nevertheless, it was perhaps due to a Devil King Campione's nature to live
true to themselves. Using a little girl's body, the demonic cult leader
clenched her fist tightly and swung it at the "King of the End."
Meanwhile, the Divine Sword Mandala was manifesting above the hero in
splendor.
The second round was beginning at last.
Part 3
After Kusanagi Godou finally learned the origins of the "King of the End"...
On a beach in the Netherworld, the two Hime-Miko were panting from the
afterglow of the intense ritual, their eyes remaining in a rapturous trance for
quite a while.
Suddenly coming back to their senses, they frantically fixed up their miko
outfits that had been pulled completely open.
"Although this has been the case since before..."
After sitting upright properly, Ena spoke with an entranced tone of voice:
"Ena and Yuri can no longer marry anyone but His Majesty, right?"
"P-Please do not speak of such things so loudly. We simply took part in a
ritual to impart Godou-san with knowledge... Despite the requisite motions
—"
Although Yuri was offering a tactful rebuttal, her face was equally filled
with happiness as her fellow Hime-Miko's.
On the other hand, Godou could only remain silent without any comment.
His mind was swinging back and forth between resolving himself to never
look back versus questioning how things were going to develop henceforth.
In any case, towards the kind and gentle Yuri and Ena who could accept a
scoundrel like him, he decided he must absolutely repay his debts to them
or die trying.
In any case, just as the trio finally regained composure...
"The objective has apparently been met successfully. How wonderful."
Dressed in a Juunihitoe, the Princess of Glass suddenly returned.
Smiling at Godou and the girls as though offering her blessings, her
expression then went solemn.
"However, the issue is that even with knowledge of His Highness' true
name, that alone will not make defeating the crown prince easy..."
"That's right. Just the Divine Sword of Salvation and the bow are hard
enough to handle already, yet that guy also has this trump card of the great
ritual of the covenant."
Godou expressed agreement. The princess spoke with a pensive look:
"The great ritual of the covenant raises the crown prince's power according
to the number of Rakshasa Kings ruling the earth. At least, if the Devil
Kings of the present era—all seven of you—were to cooperate, perhaps..."
"That's absolutely impossible."
Campiones did things at their own pace and were impossible to unify.
Godou replied immediately.
The kind of relationship between himself and the sworn elder sister was an
exception among exceptions. At most, perhaps there was John Pluto Smith
of North America. But even so, that was only three out of seven.
"Eh, wait a sec, 'kay?"
At this moment, a diabolical solution flashed through Godou's mind.
Perhaps there was a way to counter the great ritual of the covenant. But
after pondering what it was about, Godou was plunged into feelings of self-
contempt. He must not resort to that no matter what.
Hence, the Princess of Glass smiled.
"You seem to have some kind of secret strategy. Impressive as always,
Kusanagi-sama."
"Oh no, it's very problematic if you say that... Also, there's no time to put it
in motion. There's definitely not enough time before the battle against that
guy."
"I see."
The princess pondered slightly then extended her right hand slowly.
Suddenly, a certain slender object wrapped in purple silk manifested on her
palm.
"Allow me to give you this in advance, Kusanagi-sama, for when you have
time to put that strategy to use."
"For me, huh?"
Surprised, Godou accepted and confirmed the object wrapped inside the
silk. He had recollections of seeing it before. Could this be—? Looking up,
he saw the Princess of Glass nodding firmly.
"This is exactly what you are thinking of. If possible, please make use of
it."
What amazing clairvoyance. Probably a Divine Ancestor's spirit senses in
action.
Godou decided to accept the item first and placed the bundle into his pants
pocket.
"It's time we returned to the world. Thank you for taking care of us in many
ways."
Bowing his head in gratitude to the Netherworld benefactor, Godou called
to the two Hime-Miko.
"Everyone on the other side must be very worried. Let's hurry back to
reassure them. Mariya, can you lead the way for the return journey?"
"Of course. However... Godou-san, may I make a request?"
With a solemn expression, Yuri spoke:
"I wish to stay over here in the Netherworld."
"Huh?"
Godou felt surprised. On the other hand, Ena seemed to have realized the
reason.
"Oh, it's your health, Yuri, isn't it?"
"Indeed. Even if I returned to Japan now, I will still be unwell due to His
Highness' influence. In that case, it would be better for me to remain in the
Netherworld, allowing my spirit senses to stay sharp and observe the
situation on the ground. This way, I will still be able to provide assistance to
you, Godou-san..."
Currently, both Hime-Miko already knew the true name of the "King of the
End."
Even so, Yuri did not say the name. To reveal the name of the hero known
as the strongest of steel, it was ultimately taboo for a miko.
But how was she going to help while remaining in the Netherworld?
"Fortunately, I still have this power right now..."
Yuri looked across the water into the distance.
This was the place recreating the beach where the duel between the
godslayer and the hero had taken place.
The grains of sand were bright and white while the seawater was a vivid
light blue. Images appeared on the surface of this beautiful sea, apparently a
racing circuit somewhere on earth.
The Divine Sword Mandala had manifested high in the sky, raining
lightning down on the ground.
A twelve or thirteen-year-old girl bearing Luo Cuilian's face, dressed in a
mandarin gown, was dashing across the perilous ground with great agility,
spectacularly evading lightning that no human could avoid while swiftly
closing in on the pale-haired aristocrat.
Wielding the Divine Sword of Salvation in an upper stance, the aristocrat
swung down at the girl.
Dodging this slash, the girl approached head on. Punching straight, she
aimed for the side of the aristocrat's abdomen. However, the aristocrat
immediately released the divine sword wielded in his left, using both hands
to block the girl's fist—
"Eh, could that be Nee-san?"
"Yes. By extending tendrils of psychic sensing from the Netherworld to the
earth, I have projected the scene captured by my senses. In exchange for
this appearance, Her Eminence must have recovered her strength."
"Her Eminence never fails to impress. Even in unfavorable situations, she
can still force her way to find a solution."
Swinging the divine blade, the aristocrat engaged the pubescent demonic
cult leader in close quarters combat.
Although the sea's light-blue surface was not particularly clear as a screen,
it was enough to get a full sense of the fight's details.
Watching the demonic cult leader's display of divine feats, Ena exclaimed in
admiration.
Godou could not help but gaze intently as well. However, the scene
immediately changed. The battle between the hero of the divine sword and
the young Luo Cuilian—Just now, they had been watching this scene from
the grandstand, but the angle suddenly changed to overhead from the sky.
Furthermore, the viewpoint kept rising.
Instead of showing the entirety of the racing circuit serving as the battle
arena, the surrounding land was displayed.
"W-What's going on?"
Godou asked in surprise. The racing circuit was built in the mountains. But
centered around that location, all the mountain vegetation kept withering.
Leaves and flowers dried up and shattered. Tree bark and branches lost
moisture, turning into dust.
All vegetation within a two or three kilometer radius of the racing circuit
had instantly withered, producing a barren land. Furthermore, this "circle of
death" kept expanding.
"Just from swinging the Divine Sword of Salvation, His Highness' internal
temperature rises. Shrouded in heat, the earth suffers damage while the
resulting effects spread gradually throughout the world..."
An oracle from Yuri. Godou sighed.
"I get it, Mariya. Looks like I must make my way there quickly."
"I pray for your victory. I will also do everything in my power."
Strong and resolute, Yuri smiled calmly without showing any signs of
unease.
Then setting off was the only thing left to do. Godou nodded at the beautiful
Hime-Miko and signaled to Ena with his eyes. The moment for a direct
confrontation with that man—the "King of the End"—had finally come.
Clasping her hands together before her chest, Yuri meditated.
Next, the ground underfoot glowed with blue light.
Immediately after that, Godou and Ena floated high up in the sky within an
instant. Just as it became possible to see the white beach and green forest
far below, their view instantly turned dark—
They were starting their return to reality from the Netherworld.
The Divine Sword Mandala rained down hundreds, thousands of lightning
strikes.
Like indiscriminate bombardment, the attack devastated the ground
mercilessly, killing everything below. Rather than a combat instrument, it
would be more accurate to call it a strategic weapon.
In order to evade the endless lightning descending upon the ground, Luo
Cuilian was using Daoist arts.
That being said, she was not invoking spells for protection or defense. The
lightning of salvation—Its true form consisted of divine weapons conferred
upon the "King of the End" by the gods. Even the most elite of Daoist spells
would probably be neutralized with ease.
Besides, such pedestrian methods did not suit Luo Cuilian's personality
either.
During this time, she was using Daoist arts to move her body dozens of
meters instead of meters at a time, thereby evading the attacks of lightning.
In the world of Daoist arts, this spell was known as [Terrain Reduction].
However, despite merely reducing distances, the spell of Terrain Reduction
was of extremely high difficulty. In addition, she had to use the principles
of the mind's eye to guard against incoming lightning while simultaneously
using Terrain Reduction instantaneously whenever she sensed danger.
Moreover, she had already used this method to evade lightning strikes
twenty, even thirty times—
Such a feat was only possible for Luo Cuilian who had trained in Daoist
and martial arts to the very pinnacle.
Despite her body's fragility, this amazing accomplishment was possible just
by making use of a Campione's magic power far surpassing that of humans.
Normally, it would deplete the user's magic power.
Luo Cuilian was evading lightning in this manner while fighting in melee
range.
Just as she had declared earlier, she refrained from using palm techniques.
Using the superb movements of qingggong, she closed in on the "King of
the End," attacking fiercely with kicks and punches.
Faced with the demonic cult leader's unarmed arts, the King of the End
swung the divine blade—countering with swordsmanship.
"Just as I thought."
A smile of delight surfaced on the corners of Luo Cuilian's lips.
Her guess proved to be correct. When she was in melee range of the "King
of the End," the lightning of salvation did not attack. To prevent attacking
its own master no matter what, the Divine Sword Mandala avoided raining
lightning down next to him.
This allowed her to concentrate on unarmed combat, providing Luo Cuilian
with an extra edge to her arts.
"How about you take your earlier words back? I wouldn't mind if you
summoned that bizarre-looking wind god or the Great Sage Equaling
Heaven to repel me!"
Luo Cuilian suddenly charged the enemy head on, swinging her fist in close
range.
A swift punch. However, it also carried force from the Divine Might of
Vajrapani. In addition, there was also the momentum from kicking the
ground to initiate the charge.
A magical punch sufficient to smash the enemy's entire body with just a
glancing blow.
However, the "King of the End" simply used his right hand to catch Luo
Cuilian's fist with ease. The Divine Might of Vajrapani sending the
aristocrat's palm flying—That did not happen.
Instead, the lightning released from his left hand was scorching Luo
Cuilian's young and tiny body!
This was part of his indestructibility, witnessed in the previous battle.
Repelling the enemy instantly when struck by a heavy blow, enduring the
attack without suffering any harm.
"Rather, Your Highness Luo Cuilian should be the one to stop overexerting
this body. At the very least, you should bring out all of your martial arts..."
"Hohoho. Worry not. I am unharmed even by this."
Luo Cuilian had taken on the lightning attack at extremely close range.
But just as she declared, she was unscathed. Her lovely face did not show
the slightest burn. Instantaneously, she had manifested a Benevolent King's
avatar upon herself as a guardian angel, thereby protecting herself.
Hmph—The Devil King and the hero both smiled valorously at the same
time.
Using martial arts and authorities at the same time to break out of
predicaments. This was the instant when they expressed approval of each
other's methods, offering praise. Then the battle continued.
The mystic techniques of unarmed combat as performed by the pubescent
body. The mystic techniques as performed using the holy blade and sacred
lightning.
Rather than a duel vying for supremacy, it was a spectacular performance
more akin to sword dancing.
"As expected of Master... I can't believe she's maintaining stalemate in such
an ingenious manner."
Meanwhile, Lu Yinghua muttered while watching the battle.
The descended lightning of salvation had mercilessly obliterated various
parts of the racing circuit through electrical heat and shock. No part of the
course's surface or the grandstand remained recognizable.
Everyone had left the extremely dangerous racing circuit, escaping to the
mountains behind.
Erica and Liliana were with Lu Yinghua as well. The trio was watching the
battle's progression from high ground, waiting for the moment to assist Her
Eminence any time.
"I remember Her Eminence mentioned this earlier: 'On the level of stalling
for time, I shall have a little fun in the meantime.'"
Liliana murmured.
There was a reason why the ultimate duel between Devil King and hero
resembled sword dancing. Both sides were deliberately holding back from
full force, imposing limits on their own power. Both of them had retained
composure.
Also, the one who created this situation was precisely Her Eminence Luo
Hao.
With feelings stirring deeply within her, Erica commented quietly.
"This might come across as somewhat offensive, but I am truly surprised.
Upholding the conviction to defeat the enemy fair and square no matter
what, against any kind of opponent, and to actualize such beliefs... That was
my original impression of Her Eminence Luo Hao."
"That's only the surface on the matter of appearances versus reality. Don't
forget that. Purely in terms of combat strength, most gods are far stronger
than the various godslaying Devil Kings. In spite of that, Luo Cuilian has
remained victorious the whole time so far."
At this moment, Lu Yinghua was not making a face like a disciple trying to
brag about his own master.
Instead, it was an expression filled with admiration for the extraordinary
qualities of the person who had raised him.
"As the saying goes, 'all's fair in love and war,' right? On the matter of war,
Master is quite outstanding too. After all, she is someone who will resort to
every sort of guile and trickery to seize victory, trampling those who rely on
the power known as 'strength in numbers.' Her mind switches to war mode
when engaged in contests of martial arts."
"...I see."
Liliana nodded. This was the strategy of "catching the enemy unprepared
through deceit or obfuscation."
This might be denounced as underhanded in martial arts contests, but if the
arena was changed to a battlefield with troops under one's command, such
behavior would be extolled as virtues or wisdom befitting a king or a
general.
"You'll understand just by playing a game of mahjong with Master."
" "Mahjong!?" "
"Surprising, isn't it? But Master knows how to play the game. After all,
there is no lack of opportunities to learn weird stuff for someone living in
that kind of outlaw community with Daoists and martial artists. But
Master's playing style is absolutely nasty..."
In front of the dumbfounded knights, Lu Yinghua sighed.
"Because she possesses abnormal gambling luck, sharp instincts and
extraordinary guts to begin with, playing normally is already like cheating.
Plus using her nimble fingers to swap mahjong tiles secretly, even using
Daoist arts on occasion, she simply cheats to her heart's content."
"Hold on there. You're saying that Her Eminence Luo Hao cheats?"
"It is quite unbelievable after all."
"Oh lord. When Master approached the mahjong table for the first time, all
the other players were scoundrels conspiring together. But Master ended up
seeing through all their tricks, learning the techniques and making them her
own, easily achieving overwhelming victory."
" "..." "
"Then Master must have thought to herself: 'I get it now, mahjong is a game
where you win by collecting the needed tiles from all four players in as
little time as possible.' Master always goes for the hand with four hidden
triples as a minimum, but if you're careless, she might even complete the
Heavenly Gates hand with extreme speed."
"Listening to you, I just noticed how the same principle applies in this
battle."
Next to the surprised Liliana, Erica reexamined the situation at hand.
The Devil King exterminator was unleashing numerous attacks. Her
Eminence Luo Hao was skillfully evading, defending against and avoiding
these attacks with perfection, using mysterious martial arts accompanied
with Daoist arts at the same time.
Apart from her, no one in the entire world could accomplish such absurd
feats.
Impossible to emulate. It even felt as though no one in the future could ever
reach her level.
But if this were a strict test of martial arts ability, she would be disqualified
for cheating. After all, there was no system for using Daoist arts and a
Campione's authorities together...
Enough with the small talk, this battle akin to sword dancing had persisted
for over an hour by now.
Signs of fatigue were gradually surfacing on Luo Cuilian's young face.
Glistening sweat dripped from her forehead while her lips tensed in a smile
of delight.
Then at this moment, the "King of the End" suddenly withdrew the divine
blade. Returning the Divine Sword of Salvation to its sheath on his back, he
smiled politely. He intended to show mercy to Luo Cuilian in her imperfect
state of health—No.
He turned his gaze towards the racing circuit's grandstand which had been
tragically destroyed by lightning.
"You have arrived, Kusanagi Godou."
Standing before his gaze was the youngest and seventh Campione.
As his attendant, Seishuuin Ena was also following him. While the sworn
sister, Luo Cuilian, was stalling for time, Kusanagi Godou had finally
returned to the present world.
Part 4
The return from the Netherworld was quite sudden. After learning that
name in the Netherworld beach, it only took a minute or two to teleport to
the ruins of the destroyed racing circuit.
Godou was looking down at the course from what used to be the
grandstand. The de-aged sworn sister and the "King of the End" holding the
Divine Sword of Salvation were there. Currently, they were looking in his
direction, having interrupted their battle.
Godou whispered to Ena, who was next to him, dressed in her miko outfit.
"Seishuuin, get away from me. The others should be nearby."
"Yes, understood. Ena will go look for them."
To remain on standby with Erica and Liliana, so as to support Godou at an
opportune moment.
Ena was assigned the usual role of responsibility. However, the current
opponent was powerful to an unprecedented extent and greatly
troublesome. Perhaps Ena's burden might be too heavy.
After all, as the wielder of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the Hime-Miko
of the Sword held the highest combat strength among her companions. She
seemed to have realized it herself as well. Nodding firmly, she left Godou
with quick footsteps.
Finally, it was time to duel this man—the "King of the End."
Jumping down to the course from the grandstand, Godou walked over to the
central area.
"Nee-san, you became smaller."
"You returned too late. Now that I have bought time for you in this manner,
as the younger brother, you must compensate your elder sister with
commensurate piety."
"Leave it to me. I came back to be that prince's opponent."
Luo Cuilian's young and beautiful face smiled tenderly in response to
Godou's declaration after he arrived by her side.
This haughty attitude did not resemble a child's at all. Even with her height
and limbs diminished in size, her identity as the Ruler of the Martial Realm
was not shaken the slightest.
The intelligent sworn sister immediately noticed why Godou had
deliberately avoided addressing the enemy as the "King of the End."
"Very well, I can understand how the younger brother wishes to fight before
the sister. As the elder sister, I shall concede the greatest formidable foe to
you."
The sworn sister's smile changed in nature.
The earlier arrogant smile had turned into a smile of tender sweetness
emanating from the heart.
She was probably feeling happy for Godou's accomplishments and for
having acquired the trump card to counter the "King of the End." What Luo
Cuilian normally exhibited was sublime, ice-cold beauty. Only on the
battlefield, when locked in an intense struggle against powerful enemies
would she show a smile that would put any flower to shame.
Hence, the "King of the End" stared at Godou.
"I have waited long for you, Kusanagi Godou. Apart from Her Highness
Luo Hao, I hoped to meet you again too."
Shouldering the destiny of godslayer extermination, the hero smiled with
gentleness.
His cheerful attitude was like meeting a friend again after several years of
separation. To him who had repeatedly experienced the equivalent of
eternal wandering and conflict, perhaps the Campiones were the ones he
felt closest to.
Unable to resent him no matter what, Godou spoke up:
"On the other hand, I don't want to meet you. Since meeting you means
fighting, you'll be forced to do what you hate the most."
"Hoh."
"Sorry, but I've no chance of winning unless I do this. So I'll be blunt from
the start."
Just as the Devil King exterminating hero was feeling puzzled...
The wind howled. Ever since the "King of the End" awakened, strong winds
had persisted in attacking the Kantou region. However, the raging gale
formed a vortex above the racing circuit, turning into a mini-tornado.
Then the tornado took on the Wind King's form.
The war god of wind and steel, whose identity was concealed behind a
mask and strips of cloth wrapped around his entire body.
Godou nodded. The dearest retainer to the "King of the End" may be the
younger brother who shared the same blood. However, the most powerful
subordinate was undoubtedly this wind god.
Noticing the master's danger, he had rushed here first.
A medallion suddenly appeared in the Wind King's hand. The divine artifact
made of a gold-iron alloy—The [Arrowhead's Discus]. It looked like he
wanted to summon the three heroes.
Staring closely at the "King of the End," Godou spoke in a low voice.
"—You are the hero who frequently leads subordinates. As noble royalty, as
a general, one who leads soldiers to fight foreign Devil Kings."
Speech formed spell words, turning into power, turning into blades.
Godou's quiet voice transformed into spheres of splendorous golden light—
The sword's spell words. These spheres of light flew towards the medallion
in the Wind King's hand. There, dozens of them gathered.
Those "swords" adhered tightly to the surface of the [Arrowhead's Discus].
The medallion instantly turned gray in color. Originally the color of a gold
alloy's, it suddenly changed colors.
The sword's spell words had temporarily sealed away the power to summon
heroes—The authority of the "King of the End."
While the pale-haired aristocrat was feeling surprised, the Wind King
prepared his stance.
But Godou was not worried. The spheres of light kept manifesting as usual,
filling the surroundings with golden radiance.
"Needless to say, you are the hero who vanquishes Devil Kings."
Floating in the air, the swords of spell words kept increasing in number.
"Apart from that, you carry the characteristics of 'a war god of steel' and 'the
wandering aristocrat who uses a bow.' Your tale was even taken into a story
in Buddhist scripture, spreading its deep influence in folklore all over Asia."
Every time Godou spoke softly, dozens of spheres of light were produced,
roughly fist-sized.
Instantly, there were hundreds, thousands of them. The number of golden
spheres of light was enough to fill up the entire racing circuit.
Every sphere of light was a blade for slicing the "King of the End."
Looking from above, this scene would probably look like the birth of a
spiraling galaxy on the ground. Furthermore, these clusters of stars were
gradually expanding without impediment. But this was not enough. To
further explain the origins of the Devil King exterminator, Godou continued
to compose spell words.
"Perhaps there is no other hero who has produced such a deep influence on
the myths and folklore in foreign lands. Here in Japan, the one most deeply
influenced by you—was Momotarou. 'Once upon a time, at a certain place'
is the typical opening to legends and stories, every Japanese person knows
that. Even I know that."
"Spell words of wisdom. The weapon to tear me asunder!?"
The "King of the End" charged at Godou with speed and agility.
At the same time, the Divine Sword of Salvation was swung down from an
upper stance with lightning speed. A bifurcating slice. Even with a
Campione's super reflexes and Godou's dynamic vision, it was difficult to
see through.
Nevertheless, in his current state, Godou was able to deflect the "King of
the End" simply with a swift swing of his right hand.
In response to this gesture, a hundred swords of spell words floating nearby
flew at the hero of the divine blade, knocking him away like a barrage of
punches.
"Guh—!"
The light from spell words were rushing fiercely at the "King of the End"
like machine gunfire.
The hero of the divine blade instantly held the Divine Sword of Salvation in
a mid-level stance. Pointing the sword tip at Godou's face, for the very first
time, he was using something other than an upper stance.
The upper stance only allowed the swinging of the sword's blade. A stance
exclusively for offense.
When held in a mid-level stance, the sword could be swung as a shield. In
other words, a stance offering defense as an option. In response, the Divine
Sword Mandala rained down lightning again.
Thousands, tens of thousands of lightning strikes fell from the sky like a
heavy rainstorm.
However, this racing circuit was currently occupied by the sword's spell
words. Like clusters of stars forming a galaxy, the spheres of golden light
were everywhere.
If one were to count these spheres of light exactly, the total would probably
reach hundreds of thousands.
This enormous number of light spheres easily absorbed the rain of
lightning. Lightning too powerful to absorb completely was deflected,
altering their trajectories.
Not a single bolt of lightning managed to reach Godou and Luo Cuilian on
the ground.
However, the Wind King charged at this time.
This was a dash on all fours with a lowered posture like a beast's,
occasionally touching the ground with his hands. The warrior of wind and
steel instantly entered the realm of divine speed.
Naturally, his target was Godou. But even then, Godou did not stop
chanting spell words.
"Born from a peach, Momotarou crossed the ocean to set off for the ogre
island of Onigashima. Like you, he is a 'traveling hero.' The vanquishing of
ogres on Onigashima is a modified quest of Devil King extermination."
Naturally, the one who stepped in front of Godou instantly was the sworn
sister.
With a flutter of her mandarin gown's hem, she used her right hand to strike
the space in front of her. What she attacked was the wind god whose divine
speed was impossible to capture with the naked eye.
"Also, the followers aiding Momotarou—the dog, the monkey and the
pheasant—originated from your trait as a frequent leader of subordinates!"
Noticing the attack of the unidentified war god, Godou instantly yelled.
Meanwhile, the pubescent Luo Cuilian was using the mind's eye to see
through the movements of divine speed.
One after another, she unleashed palm strikes. Indeed, they were not
punches. With slender fingers extended, her palms were spread. Finally, she
had unsealed her top skill, the Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Flying
Phoenix.
Fingers sharper than the tips of spears.
Palm strikes hitting heavier than any hammer.
Knifehand strikes sharper than any trenchant blade in the world.
A flurry of attacks as closely packed as raindrops. Within the duration of a
breath, she had already launched fourteen or fifteen palm strikes at the air.
One of the knifehand strikes was what sent the Wind King flying despite
having turned into wind of divine speed.
Clang! The instant just as Luo Cuilian's left hand, smaller than usual in her
pubescent form, chopped horizontally, a sharp metallic sound was heard
while the Wind King was smashed against the ground.
His appearance was still wrapped in white cloth with a mask.
The wind god with the body of steel had been hit by a barehanded chop,
struck down on the ground. Apparently unharmed. However, the white cloth
hiding his chest was torn, exposing the body beneath.
After a glance at him, Godou nodded.
"Just as Momotarou can be considered your distant kin, his three followers
—the dog, the monkey and the pheasant—were influenced by your
subordinate—the Wind King. Agilty, wings for soaring in the sky, powerful
strength for vanquishing ogres, and most important of all, the detail of not
human in appearance."
What the masked war god had obsessively concealed was his skin—or
rather, white fur.
Finally exposed, the Wind King jumped back greatly in a fluster, landing
behind his lord and master who had stabbed the divine blade into the
ground to pick up the bow of steel.
"You are going to disclose our origins, master and servant alike, aren't you?
Kusanagi Godou."
Saying that, the "King of the End" showed neither anger nor sadness on his
face.
With an attitude of resigned wisdom, capable of accepting everything no
matter what happened next, his handsome face became even clearer. Seeing
his expression, Godou realized:
This guy was in all respects the polar opposite of Campiones such as
himself.
"In that case, go ahead and speak my true name. If you have arrived at the
land of truth—"
"Yeah. My [Sword] will surely block your arrows."
A white arrow suddenly appeared in the hero's right hand.
Analyzing the enemy was the ability belonging to Verethragna's final
incarnation, the [Warrior]. That was why Godou understood. This arrow
was infused with the power of the sun. Its firepower was enough to rival his
own [White Stallion].
The instant the solar arrow was nocked on the bow of steel, Godou spoke:
"Your name has been a giant mystery over the long ages. Despite
influencing mythology in various lands, both oriental and occidental, the
root lies in Asia. Your tale even made its way deep into Buddhist parables.
Furthermore, the hint to unraveling the mystery is Buddhist scripture—in
other words, Buddhism itself!"
Despite a thoroughly trained body of muscle, the "King of the End" was
slender in physique.
Even so, he was still able to draw a stiff bow of steel effortlessly, calmly
shooting the solar arrow. The bowstring's sound reverberated all around.
Next, what approached Godou and Luo Cuilian was not an arrow.
Instead, it was a massive pillar of fire. Shot out, the arrow instantly
transformed, turning into a flame pillar akin to coronal mass ejections from
solar flares.
In spite of that, Godou still spoke calmly and quietly.
"Your homeland is the same as the origin of Buddhism, namely, ancient
India."
Turned into a solar flare, the solar arrow was rushing at them as forcefully
as a lava flow.
Nevertheless, Godou's mind remained completely unfazed. Calm. Thanks to
assistance from his companions and the Princess of Glass, he had come to
know the truth.
Godou gathered the sword's spell words around him. The spell words of
brilliant golden light arrived in unprecedented numbers, already on the scale
of macrocosmic galaxies. Compressing this light, he formed a dome of
golden radiance.
This defensive power of unprecedented strength was for shielding his sworn
sister and himself.
Hence, the spiraling solar flame was unable to incinerate this dome in the
slightest.
"In yonder days, you were the heavenly child sent to the earth in order to
defeat Ravana, the demon king of the Rakshasa, whom even the gods were
unable to destroy. The prince from the kingdom of Kosala. An avatar of
Vishnu who is revered alongside Shiva and Brahama as the trinity of
supreme deities."
"Alas—!"
The pale-haired aristocrat sighed briefly. He had probably resolved himself.
The name that had been concealed the whole time was finally coming to
light now.
"The epic poem recording his legend is the Ramayana, also known as the
Tale of King Rama. The 'King of the End'—His true name is Rama, or
alternatively, Ramachandra."
The solar flame attacking Godou and Luo Cuilian was extinguished.
The surrounding scenery no longer looked like a racing circuit. Everything
had turned into an incinerated plain.
Hence, the two Campiones confronted the two gods, master and
subordinate, face to face.
Godou turned towards the Wind King standing behind the dignified
aristocrat and quietly chanted spell words.
"Serving King Rama was Hanuman, the devotee who soared the skies
freely. As kin of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, he could be
called the flying monkey. In addition to being a wind god's son, he also
possessed immortality and monstrous strength."
The cloth wrapped around the war god of wind and steel was finally lifted.
The mask also shattered.
Revealed was a strange bipedal ape, standing roughly 180cm tall. Indeed,
he was very similar to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong.
However, his fur was white and he was wearing a red loincloth.
In addition, his face inexplicably gave off an impression of wisdom. At the
same time, this air of virtue and brilliance was enough to call intellectual.