Campione 03

by Tale of the Beginning

  If possible, Godou did not wish to see her like now.

  Actually these were words that Godou would never speak out... even if his mouth would be ripped apart. Even though he had quarreled with her all this time, his heart had already been completely taken by the beauty of Erica Blandelli.

  Godou took a deep breath.

  If even himself, the less affected one, continued to despair, then all they could do was wait for their deaths.

  It was now a situation where the seventh inning had ended and the first half of the eighth was beginning.[25]

  As long as a homerun is hit with the bases all loaded, there was still a chance, and the former catcher and fourth hitter was not going to stay quiet like that.

  "I... was playing baseball all along up until half a year ago."

  Godou tried to speak in a cheerful manner.

  "Though I am not very talented, I did practice with great effort, and gradually became one of the starters in a fairly high-ranked team. I was also picked in things like the Tokyo selection, etc... But gave up due to a shoulder injury."

  "Your past is unexpected... Although I wouldn't think you were just a regular person from your stamina."

  Her head still down, Erica's expression could not be seen.

  But at least she responded, though her voice lacked strength, it was not a bad start.

  "There were also many practice matches. Once, we were facing against a very strong high school baseball club in a match. We were only a middle school team. In other words, our opponents were restructuring their team and wanted to have a match with a weaker team."

  "...In the world of sports, that's common, right?"

  "True, but during middle school, ours was one of the top teams in Tokyo, so we went all out for the sake of our dignity... Though in the end we lost nine to two."

  "...Completely expected from the two team's abilities."

  "No, that's what it looks like, but the two points were scored all at once in the final inning, redeeming ourselves. It was a great match where we put in all our effort."

  The batter who hit a double in the final inning, and scored two points was Godou, but he didn't mention it.

  "So... What are you trying to say?"

  "Ah yes, that's to say, even if we're losing we have to take back two points. That's the rough idea. So yeah, let's try harassing them for a little while..."

  "...Godou, you're really terrible at speaking, time to shut up!"

  Erica finally lifted her face.

  Showing a deep frown that suited her good and proper beauty, this angry expression had great presence.

  "...You can't be comparing an encounter with the king of gods, to a middle school student's extracurricular activities, right? If that's the case, you are so ridiculous I don't even know what to say!"

  "Yes, is that so? But then, the determination required should be the same—"

  "How can it be the same?!"

  Unlike the time facing Melqart, this was now the beautiful face of anger.

  Godou breathed in relief, compared to her disheartened look, anger suited her much better. As long as she didn't act like this all the time, treating him as an idiot.

  "Really! And to think you would say something nice, so I listened quietly! Too disappointing. No talent, cannot speak, there's not even any value to rate!"

  Uh, I didn't expect to be criticized that much.

  "Umm, yes I really don't have a way with words, but do you really have to describe me that way?"

  "So annoying, if your job is to carry the luggage, then act like it. Just shut up and follow me!"

  Erica picked up Godou's backpack from the ground.

  And then she violently threw it at Godou.

  Skillfully catching his own backpack, Godou smiled.

  "Yes, fine, as long as you pull yourself together, telling you those things was worth it."

  "You're saying pull myself together? I always thought you were an idiot, but I never knew you were an idiot, first class. Could you be saying that I was feeling down?"

  Though Erica's words were full of anger, Godou did not change his tone of voice.

  "There's nothing to hide, right? It was a god, the opponent was too strong. Besides, weren't you bowing down your head, looking very depressed just now?"

  "That kind of judgment is unforgivable stupidity... That was—fine, I was simply watching the ground, no other special meaning. Please do not rudely speculate."

  This reason was too contrived.

  Though her ability to deny was still skillful, but this explanation was way too forced. Even someone as strong as Erica could not find any good explanation for the way she acted just now.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Godou smiled wryly, feeling that she was very cute.

  Probably realizing her reason was very contrived, Erica's face went red.

  "And that's that, about my actions being affected by you, please do not have any weird misunderstandings... However, for those very incompetent words of comfort, I will reward you one day. Though you have no gift with words, given that you have made the effort, you will be compensated with equal value. I, Erica Blandelli, will absolutely not be stingy in this regard."

  "I know I know. So, I will look forward to your reward."

  Faced with the smooth and relaxed Godou, Erica could not continue to argue.

  Nodding lightly, her face was still slightly red. Those unsightly behaviors that did not suit her, made her shyly shift her gaze away from Godou.

  —But in the next instant, Erica suddenly stared towards the depths of the forest.

  After less than ten seconds, she suddenly held out her hand.

  "Godou, give me water. Quick."

  "Why do you suddenly want water? Here you go."

  Godou took out the plastic bottle of mineral water from his backpack and handed it to her.

  Pouring the water on ground, Erica then pointed an index finger towards the pool of water, chanting lightly.

  Watching the pool of water stir, Godou was very surprised.

  Revealed was a stallion with white fur.

  Compared to the familiar race horses in horseracing, its body was much strongly built, the four legs much thicker. Rather than a race horse, a war horse would be a better description.

  "I say... This is not an ordinary horse, right?"

  "Right, just now I felt strong magic gathering outside the forest. So I tried a far sight spell—"

  Erica quietly replied to Godou's seeking of confirmation.

  "An incarnation split from the sword god?"

  "Of course... I've already decided, what are you planning to do?"

  Go over, or escape.

  Even unspoken, he understood what Erica wanted to express.

  "Though I understand well that my stubbornness cannot change anything, I am not someone who changes his mind so easily."

  Godou exhaled as he spoke. And then Erica laughed as if mocking a fool.

  "Fine, then follow behind me. This is not to protect you, but to let you witness me in action at close range, not bad right?"

  "Hey... calling others idiot repeatedly, you're not that smart either."

  "Please call this unrelenting fighting spirit. Listen carefully, the protagonist fails once but still stands up again and takes the final glory. Isn't that the required cliché?"

  Bantering thus, Godou and Erica walked together.

  With Erica in the lead, and Godou following, they set off towards the outside of the forest.

  Forcing himself to advance through a forest at night with nothing but a flashlight and the moon, it was an ordeal for an ordinary person like Godou. After an hour or so, they finally left the forest.

  It was near the outskirts of the forest.

  More precisely, there seemed to be the approaching sound of a massive object crushing trees as it advanced.

  —[White Stallion].

  The divine beast seen just now through the far sight spell, finally began to rampage.

  Godou
and Erica exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously. The next part was not going to be that simple, and they confirmed each other's determination.

  And then out of the lush forest, he appeared at that instant.

  "Greetings, boy and the witch. Strolling in such a place."

  Black hair reaching the shoulders, the handsome youth with the narrow face.

  His eyes looked as if they could see the future, and he showed a classic and elegant smile like a Buddha statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva.[26]

  The youth Godou had met twice, at Cagliari and Dorgali.

  "I must warn thee, thou art only mortal, dost not interfere in the war amongst our kind. To that witch there as well. Thou hast learnt the basics of magic, but thy power is vastly dwarfed by ours. The path of humans and gods can never cross."

  No, Godou felt something wasn't right.

  Compared to the youth he saw before, there was a decisive difference.

  Slender and not very tall, yet somehow there was a powerful presence.

  A delicate face like Maitreya Bodhisattva. However this made one feel that he was an inhuman existence impossible to understand.

  This was not a human face, only made in the image of man, so it was a work of art more beautiful than any human.

  —Right, why did I not notice until now?

  The force felt from that delicate body, and the divine presence inhabiting that handsome face.

  Though their appearances were completely different, he and Melqart had the same atmosphere.

  Godou cursed his own stupidity, for how could someone so out of the ordinary be a normal person?

  Having encountered Melqart, Godou suddenly understood.

  He was a god.

  The other [Heretic God], was now standing before his eyes.

  Part 4

  "Will you grace the unworthy with your name, undefeated god of the east?"

  Suddenly Erica knelt down, bowing her head in respect.

  Looking down at her, the youth—correction, the youth god showed what was clearly a wry smile.

  "Unnecessary. Thou hast discerned my true identity so quickly, clever girl!"

  Then he narrowed his eyes and happily cast his gaze towards the depths of the forest.

  "King Melqart, hideth in such a place... Casting a barrier, he seemeth very wary of me. Hohoho, excellent, that fellow must be injured, but I too, am injured. Let us both rest our bodies, and the one who recovereth fastest will have the advantage."

  "As expected, it was you who injured the god Melqart—"

  Erica asked respectfully.

  Her expression was still stiff, but compared to when she met Melqart just now, much more calm.

  This was the second encounter with a true god, and she was showing clear growth from her last experience.

  "Correct, and the result was mutual defeat. I was heavily injured and lost over half my divine power. See, all the beasts rampaging over the island, divine power scattered from my body obtained life, and became divine beasts. All save one, hath been vanquished and returned to my body. Hoho, the time I met thee, was when I had recovered half, and feeling tired, I wanted to play around for a while."

  On the other hand, Kusanagi Godou—

  Was troubled. The appearance was clearly identical to the youth. However, it was definitely not him.

  "...Who are you? I already know you are a god, but how should I put it, that—you are definitely not the guy who I was with?"

  "Yes, thou art a boy with excellent instincts. True, I am no longer the same as that past self."

  A very aloof attitude, and a smile like a god looking down upon life on earth from above. Godou became increasingly certain.

  Though very proud, that guy would never look down at Godou in this way.

  "So, the game on this island is about to end. Letting King Melqart awaken was worth it, to fight that king, let us determine a victor this time."

  "—Letting him awaken?"

  Godou frowned at those words he couldn't ignore.

  "Yes, I am the [Heretic God] whose essence is the battle for victory. As long as I desire an opponent, wanting an enemy to battle against me, an appropriate adversary will appear. I came to this island because of the intertwined fates of this land and my strongest opponent yet."

  I, have long sought defeat.

  The youth god smiled as he muttered to himself.

  "Like so, whenever I come to an island where a powerful enemy lieth sleeping, I would chant—pray grant me defeat, grant me a strong enemy, grant me a true battle! Thus, there is no choice but to fight King Melqart, rather, I should say it is wonderful."

  This youth was the culprit behind the entire incident.

  Knowing this, Godou held his breath, this was the fact that Erica found difficult to reveal.

  "Pardon my honesty. You belong to the faction of the light, a protector god of justice and the people. I believe this act of violence is inappropriate. Please return to the path of righteousness."

  Erica's pleas were like those of a high ranking official advising a king.

  But the youth remained smiling like the rosy clouds of dawn, and shook his head.

  "A pity, but I cannot do that. Didst thou forget? I am now in the midst of rebelling. True, I was once a protector of light and justice—but in my current state, I am the rebelling god of conflict. Hohoho, boy, the time we played together, it was really interesting."

  The youth narrowed his eyes, staring straight at Godou.

  "Not long before, my divine characteristics had all but vanished, so the [Heretic God]'s presence was very weak, a different existence compared to my original self. However, now that the majority of divine power hath been retrieved, it is completely different, I have recovered my original self. I am now the heretic god of war!"

  Definitely different from before.

  Grander than before, stronger than before, more sacred than before, inhuman—a completely different person. And to have done so many unreasonable things, especially with full awareness.

  This was a [Heretic God], a god that resisted the myths created by mankind.

  Godou finally understood the meaning it held.

  "Hoho, I seem to have spoken too much. That [White Stallion], hath become impatient."

  The gigantic beast wrecking the green forest was approaching.

  The intruder advancing like a bulldozer, was of course, the [White Stallion].

  Its furry hide bathed under the moonlight, gave off a white glow. Thanks to the [White Stallion], Godou could clearly see the surroundings despite his poor night vision.

  "Haha, good boy! Coming to offer power for my return!"

  The youth's figure vanished.

  The handsome body like a delicately crafted statue of a deity had disappeared, turning into a gust of wind.

  —A tornado! Godou immediately realized, the sacred wind that he saw twice, that blew the divine beasts into the air. This was one of the youth's divine powers.

  Very soon, the gust of wind formed a vortex and became a tornado.

  He had to stop him quickly, that youth—though their time together was short, but Godou felt he was obliged to stop the god whom he considered his friend. But what could he do, Kusanagi Godou was just a powerless fifteen-year-old mortal. What should be done!?

  Erica cried out at this time.

  "Godou! Kusanagi Godou! The [Secret Tome of Prometheus] is gathering powerful magic!"

  The first time she called out his full name.

  However, rather than noticing that, Godou even more quickly reached his hand into his backpack, and took out the stone tablet.

  Thinking carefully, this was nothing worth worrying about. Kusanagi Godou's power, technique, knowledge, none of them could ever surpass a god.

  Even if there was something that could, it was what the youth called the stone tablet to "steal god's power."

  But something that the genius witch Erica could not use, could Godou use it after all?

  Not just a figure of speech,
but when his hand grabbed the stone tablet, Godou felt scorching heat, as if he had put his hand into a fire.

  Enduring the high temperature, he maintained his grip and the stone tablet suddenly gave off light.

  Taking the carving of the man on the stone tablet—most likely a depiction of Prometheus, and aiming towards the tornado and [White Stallion]. These actions were done subconsciously.

  In that instant, the grimoire from the age of the gods spewed out blue flames.

  "Eh—I... I used it successfully... right?"

  Even Godou himself was doubtful, and motionlessly stared at the flames.

  The tornado transformed from the youth immediately evaded the flames.

  But the flames surrounded the strong and vigorous body of the [White Stallion], successfully devouring it. After burning for ten-odd seconds, it disappeared immediately.

  Along with the flames, the tall and massive body of the [White Stallion] also vanished without trace.

  The result was, over a process of roughly thirty seconds, the blue flames and the [White Stallion] disappeared from the ground.

  At the same time, the weight of the [Secret Tome of Prometheus] had increased. The heat Godou had been enduring also stabilized, becoming a gentle warmth.

  —Sun.

  Suddenly, the image of the sun's brilliance and white flames entered Godou's mind.

  Could this be the divine power possessed by the [White Stallion], why would a white horse be related to the sun?

  "...Hmm, thou hast figured out how to use this piece of stone? A little troublesome."

  The wind swirled back, forming the figure of the youth god in its center.

  "Fine, losing just one incarnation will hardly affect me—my divine power hath mostly been retrieved... Boy, thou shouldst be punished for opposing a god, but for the sake of our brief friendship, I shall forgive thee once."

  The youth showed a smile.

  Not the ancient and elegant smile, but the joyful and resolute grin of seeing a new interloper.

  "Let me remind thee, there is no second time. If thou usest this stone to obstruct me, I shall reward thee accordingly next time. Thou mayst be excused!"

  Having said this, it meant that he would not give Godou or Erica any further warnings.