Campione 05

by Miko of the Sword

  Walking into the front hall as they spoke, they were surprised to find signs of habitation in the shrine.

  This was easily concluded from the neatly arranged objects in the corner.

  Sleeping bag, many magazines and manga, dried bread and fruit and other nonperishable food—these were all piled up in an organized manner, but their presence conspicuously clashed with the shrine surroundings.

  Erica glanced at these items in the front hall and softly spoke in deep thought.

  "Nothing that can be used as a clue... what a waste of time."

  "Come on, behave, what you're doing right now is against the law."

  After some nagging from Godou, the Italian-born beauty finally left the premises.

  However, she immediately said:

  "This place yielded nothing useful, let's hurry to the next destination."

  Hastened by Erica to the next place to visit, Godou was shocked once again. It turned out to be the high school section of Jounan Academy, the school that they attended.

  "I think Godou's instincts are very good."

  Erica praised him as they walked in the sports ground on this holiday.

  There were members of sports clubs engaged in activities on the field, but the rest of the school was very quiet.

  "I think it's very bad actually... since I'm often labeled dense and slow."

  Just a couple of hours ago, he had been scolded severely by this girl.

  However, the other party, Erica, simply went "hmph" and made a gesture ridiculing him.

  "That only applies to the way you treat women. What I referred to just now, were your instincts towards supernatural phenomenon such as magic and divinities. Basically, you have acute instincts towards danger just like a wild beast, that's true right?"

  Now that she put it that way, it did feel likely to be true.

  After becoming a Campione, it was as if Godou had gained a sixth sense that sometimes made him aware of things that he could not possibly know about. But why bring this ability up right now?

  "Since I am expecting results from Godou's instincts, I have a question for you. My sources told me that someone has done something unusual to the school, probably some sort of spell. Do you sense any signs of tampering?"

  "No, I feel nothing..."

  Godou tried to survey Jounan Academy's school buildings, sports ground, and foundations, but could not sense anything.

  The only feeling obtained was the sense of emptiness from the lack of students on a weekend.

  "You need to be more serious. Concentrate and let your senses become clearer. If you try that, your spirit vision might even end up having a higher success rate than Lily."

  "Uh, how could that be possible? I don't have any spirit vision to begin with."

  Godou thought back at Liliana's abilities as both a knight and a witch.

  In the battle against Perseus, he had witnessed her spirit vision, and then Mariya has also shown him the powers of spirit vision many times. He clearly did not possess it.

  "Spirit vision refers to the ability to extract [Memories of the Void] from the [Boundary of Life and Immortality] in the Astral Plane. The reason why you often display extraordinary instincts could possibly be due to the Campione's sixth sense peering into the Astral Plane."

  Erica's words led Godou to think back to a certain buried memory.

  The [Boundary of Life and Immortality], it seemed vaguely familiar. But [Memories of the Void] and such stuff were totally incomprehensible, so Godou decided to just forget about it.

  "Perhaps using that ability, you can obtain something that approaches spirit vision. Try again... Also, perhaps Yuri's example has misled you, but even for European witches, obtaining spirit vision is extremely difficult."

  "Is that so? But didn't Liliana say that she had spirit vision as well?"

  "That is correct, but the crux of the matter is the success rate. The chance for a witch to successfully activate spirit vision effectively is at best ten percent, but from my estimates Yuri definitely exceeds sixty percent."

  "How can it differ by so much!"

  "Yes, if a situation required spirit vision from witches, usually they would gather dozens of them so that the overall success rate is raised through quantity."

  Godou finally got the point. Come to think of it, Liliana did explain to him during the battle against Perseus, that it was the grace of Athena that allowed her to obtain spirit vision abilities that surpassed her previous level.

  Now Godou finally understood the reason why Erica has been so preoccupied with Yuri ever since the first time they met.

  "Why don't you ask Mariya for help?"

  "Think about why I can't do that? This has political implications."

  "When you said someone... Could it be a member of that whatever Committee?"

  "Wrong, this time the Committee is the side trying to hinder her, but they cannot help but acquiesce to her actions with frustration—can you understand?"

  "A woman... then it's Seishuuin Ena, looks like Yuri and the rest will have lots of trouble."

  Finally understanding after much explanation... hearing Godou's exclamation, Erica shrugged her shoulders.

  "Lily and I can still act independently, even if we lose support from the magic associations of our home country, it won't be a huge problem... But if you look at the girls around Godou from this perspective, then Yuri's situation is the most delicate. You have to be more observant of these things."

  "Yes yes, I get it."

  Failing to pay attention in those areas, this was something that needed to be improved. As Godou thought, he decided to answer Erica's request.

  In order to look for anything out of the ordinary, Godou ran throughout the school.

  "...Uh, nothing strange was found."

  "Still didn't work, seems like you're no good for anything outside of battle."

  Hearing his simple report, Erica was exasperated.

  Godou felt the same way. Even though his instincts were very good, they only seemed to work in the heat of battle.

  During battle, in the instant when his instincts kicked in, there was always a feeling like sparks exploding.

  Godou tried focusing his eyes on the school walls.

  I hate this place. Such a thought flowed into his mind. Enemy, to be more precise, he could feel the presence of the enemy floating around.

  "I found a bad feeling around this area, but other than that, nothing."

  "This wall? Perhaps some kind of barrier was erected?"

  Erica and Godou began a serious discussion in front of the wall of the school building.

  However, the answer to their questions came from an unexpected direction.

  "That isn't a barrier, but I won't go into the details. Ama no Murakumo and I did a little tinkering there, but not just in one location."

  The two turned to look behind.

  Seishuuin Ena was approaching from the opposite side of the sports ground.

  Wearing her uniform despite being the weekend, with the familiar long and narrow bag slung over her shoulder.

  "'The many-fenced place of Izumo / Of the many clouds rising—To dwell there with my spouse / Do I build a many-fenced palace: Ah, that many-fenced palace!' Have you heard of this? This is the enchanted song of Susanoo, the one I inscribed on eight different places when I infiltrated the school many days ago. I knew it would come in handy eventually."

  The friendly Yamato Nadeshiko, innocent and forthcoming.

  Though she looked the same as usual, Godou sensed something strange.

  "I came to inspect them today. If they didn't take effect in a crisis, I would be very troubled. But why are you two here? Aren't you supposed to be on a date?"

  Her tone becoming sharp, Ena turned her gaze to Erica. The girl known as the [Diavolo Rosso], answered with a polite smile.

  "We are on a date right now, but we just decided to investigate Ena-san's prepared pranks on the way, that's all."

  "Really, then I'm sor
ry. Have I disturbed you two?"

  Though it sounded like a calm conversation, an unfriendly atmosphere seemed to be hanging between the two of them. Godou frowned.

  "I don't know what conflict exists between the two of you, but could you two not cause any strange commotions?"

  "Understood, hubby... though that's how I want to address you, it turns out to be really difficult."

  Ena let down the bag from her shoulder, and opened it dexterously with one hand.

  "Other than declaring myself to be Kusanagi-san's woman, I have one other goal."

  "Goal?"

  "Eliminating me, most likely."

  Erica spoke in a sarcastic tone. The Hime-Miko showed a "that's right" expression and smiled.

  An expression not seen previously, it was a wild grin that belonged to a carnivore in the middle of a hunt.

  "Kusanagi-san is a super important person, so it is no good allowing a foreign lady to hang around him all the time. That's what the people back home say. Hoho, though it's fine for me either way, but..."

  The bag fell to the ground, and the sheathed sword was revealed.

  "If this mission must be accomplished, there's no way around it. And hearing that the opponent is an Italian knight has gained Ena's interest. At the same time, grampsy has also felt amused by the surprise."

  "Grampsy? The one who bestowed the divine sword on you?"

  Erica planned to elucidate the detailed situation at that time.

  "What detailed knowledge, as expected of Erica-san. Yes, grampsy can be quite a terrifying person. Let alone the Hime-Miko, even the History Compilation Committee members have to fearfully cater to his mood."

  Ena drew the sword from its sheath.

  The blade was infused with a sacred silvery white light, full of imperial splendor.

  Godou and Erica exchanged glances in response to the emerging crisis.

  (Let me handle her first while you observe for now. If you used your authority, it would probably kill her.)

  (Uh, that's right... but don't go too far.)

  Godou felt uneasy, but decided to leave things to Erica for now.

  The special powers usurped from Verethragna's authority included monstrous strength, super speed, lightning, solar fire, and others... A multitude of powerful abilities, but none of them were suitable for dealing with a normal human.

  Unless the enemy was an immortal god, Godou would not want to activate his authority.

  Once Godou stepped back, Erica summoned Cuore di Leone in her hand.

  The sword with the narrow blade that gave off a chilling brightness.

  Watching the red and black knight enter a stance, Ena happily declared:

  "Since Yuri won't be at school on the weekends, I don't need to be mindful of her. Having Kusanagi-san present is a bit troublesome, but I've already made preparations to handle him, so let's determine the victor right here!"

  Having spoken, she kicked the ground once.

  With wide strides, Ena made a thrust with her magnificent sword.

  Jumping to the side to evade the attack, Erica countered with a thrust from Cuore di Leone. However, Ena dodged by lightly twisting her body like a bat.

  Erica glared with sharp eyes while Ena stared back savagely.

  In the next instant, their swords began to clash intensely.

  Erica brandished the lightweight Cuore di Leone, thrusting continuously without pause.

  A series of attacks like a hail of bullets.

  But Ena parried all attacks by lightly waving the blade of her sword in a left-right motion.

  Her sword should be far longer and heavier than the magic sword of the lion.

  In spite of that, Ena displayed perfect defense and could even counterattack while she focused her attention on the blonde female knight's attacks.

  Erica skillfully defended Ena's return strikes, but always in the nick of time.

  Godou never expected to find a girl from Japan who could match Erica in swordsmanship!

  Surprised by the unexpected revelations, Godou desperately tried to come up with a plan.

  By the time his thoughts returned to the battle, both combatants' attacks had become more and more intense.

  If this continued, it would likely end with one side heavily injured. How could their fight be interrupted? He did not have any weapons and cannot use his authority. Then as a man, he was down to one weapon.

  "Damn it, after all I probably can't die, so let's take a gamble!"

  Godou possessed the [Ram] incarnation which allowed him to revive from near death injuries, but was useless if he died instantaneously. Ignoring his rational mind, Godou told himself "I won't die as long as I'm lucky' and sprang into action.

  Erica and Ena continued to exchange attacks fiercely.

  Godou used his own body to block the space in between their swinging swords.

  "—Godou!?" "—Kusanagi-san!?"

  Erica and Ena put away their weapons simultaneously, and prevented a tragedy at the last instant.

  If either of them had been slightly lacking in reflexes, judgment, or swordsmanship, then Godou would have been sliced apart.

  "Godou, what are you doing! There are limits to stupidity!"

  "I had no other way. Other than this, I couldn't think of another method to stop you two..."

  To Erica who seldom lost her composure, Godou answered with his trembling body.

  Regardless, he narrowly missed death and the battle was halted. In terms of results, his decision was correct.

  "Y-you shouldn't be so reckless, but now I understand, it's something like that."

  Ena seemed to have confirmed something. Understand? What did she understand?

  "In order to make Yuri, who is slow to warm up to others, fall for you, I've always suspected that you must have great manliness somewhere. As expected, it's that cliché? 'To protect the woman I love, I can give my life' kind of deal?"

  "Nothing like that. I didn't fully consider before I acted... Also, I was trying to protect you too."

  Godou's denial made Seishuuin Ena go 'eh?' with doubt.

  "Not only Erica, I also don't want to see Seishuuin get hurt. Anyway, to resolve conflicts with swords is not right. You should have a good discussion to find a peaceful solution."

  "Really? So I have already been added to your list of 'my women?' Aw shucks, how embarrassing..."

  "No way! How can anyone do nothing when they see someone about to be sliced to death!"

  Watching the Hime-Miko getting a little shy, Godou protested strongly.

  But she was unaffected, and continued to speak complacently.

  "Looks like as long as Kusanagi-san is present, we can't fight properly. Then I will heed grampsy's advice, and use that move..."

  Ena who had been holding the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi with both hands, let go of the blade with her left and reached into her pocket.

  What she took out was a cellphone.

  "Oh by the way, I'm not making a phone-call, it's just a habit. In order to speak with the other world, this is necessary for the dialogue to succeed—grampsy, even though this happened earlier than planned, but please use that move."

  As she spoke softly into the cellphone, Godou and Erica became suspicious, but Ena immediately threw down the phone.

  The sky immediately became dark and the surroundings became dominated by darkness.

  Thinking it might be cloud cover, Godou looked up and was quite shocked.

  The sun in the sky was entirely darkened, and around the black circle was a white corona. It was almost like a solar eclipse!

  Then strong winds began to blow.

  Cold winds that seemed strong enough to blow an entire body away and cut open skin.

  "Whoever is swiftest among the boatmen of the Uji ferry will come to me.[34] God whom I worshipped, exists no longer! If you believe god once existed, sacrifice well![35]"

  Within the world sealed away by darkness, Ena chanted the incantation in a loud voice.

  T
o Godou, the spell words carried by the chant felt like they were tearing up the world, and his body was filled with vigor and battle spirit. Was it a god? Was a god coming here?

  Godou stared at the wall just now.

  In that corner, an enemy's presence could be felt slightly.

  Massive amounts of divine power were being released, and the same energy could be felt from seven other locations within the school.

  "Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, is the divine blade used by Susanoo and Yamato Takeru... these two heroes. However, they were not only warriors who tamed their enemies by force but also highly intelligent heroes who employed deception when necessary. In other words, capricious and ever-changing gods of deceit and thievery. Especially Susanoo, he was a god who even tricked and covered up the sun itself. Even for you, Your Majesty, there is no way to escape this trap!"

  Ena spoke in a solemn voice for the first time.

  Erica tried to prevent the unpredictable outcome by slashing at the Hime-Miko.

  However, it was too late and the land beneath Godou's feet had turned into darkness.

  The original concrete became completely jet-black in color.

  "U-Uwaaaaaaaaaah!?"

  His body and limbs sank and disappeared into the darkness.

  Godou yelled as he resisted with all his might, but even as he thrashed his arms and legs there was nothing for him to grab or kick.

  The result was being swallowed by the void black space.

  Godou fell into the darkness and vanished completely.

  In that instant, Erica wielded Cuore di Leone and slashed at Ena with all her strength.

  But it was blocked by the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

  As the magic sword of the lion and the divine sword pressed against each other, the two girls began to argue.

  "Where did you send Godou away to!?"

  "I don't know either, because the one who did it was grampsy."

  Ena responded to Erica who had discarded her usual elegant composure.

  Come to think of it, what the Hime-Miko just said.

  The god of trickery and deceit. The ever-changing god. The god of thievery—in other words these identities are all con artists! Erica recalled the [Secret Tome of Prometheus] that could steal divine powers. Possessing the same qualities—but with a mysterious power many times greater than the grimoire, Godou was taken away!