Campione 16

by The Stirring of Heroes

  "...Understood. It will be done."

  "Oh my, thanks. You're such a great help."

  "Not at all. Glad to be of assistance."

  "Y-You great big idiot..."

  Godou glared viciously at the frivolously smiling Doni.

  "If it's something like this that could have been settled over the phone, don't do such an outrageous disappearing act! Do you know how many people are getting yanked around!?"

  "Hey now, Godou. Asking someone for a favor over the phone is very poor manners."

  "Tsk. Only at times like these do you actually say something right..."

  "And if I actually succeeded in finding out the revival method, I could set off immediately. Free of that annoying Andrea!"

  Winking, Doni looked like a mischievous little brat.

  Godou wondered if it would be right to say that Doni was acting the same as always, in terms of flawlessly concealing the hidden agenda behind his foolish behavior. In any case, the purpose of visiting Lucretia's residence was essentially fulfilled.

  "Then I'll be on my way. If any new info comes up, I'm counting on you!"

  Cheerfully leaving these words behind, Doni made his way towards the living room's entrance.

  Despite arriving merely twenty minutes ago, he was already taking his leave. Whether in personality or behavior, this was very typical of the King of Swords.

  After nodding to thank Lucretia, Godou also followed Doni to leave.

  Erica did the same. Ever since entering this house, she had not said a single word.

  This was probably out of deference to her position as a knight in front of two Campiones. However, Erica did not intend to act reserved the whole time. Before coming here, the Diavolo Rosso had already made preparations.

  Seeing Erica signal with her eyes, Godou nodded lightly in response.

  After reaching the corridor, walking in the lead, Doni went to the front door.

  Erica followed him. However, Godou alone turned in the opposite direction—making his way to the depths of the residence.

  He took leisurely steps as though heading to the washroom. But as soon as Doni and Erica were outside, he doubled back to the living room. Seeing Godou return, Lucretia smiled with delight.

  "How nostalgic, young man."

  "Huh?"

  "Do you still remember? The first time you visited this home, you also left with Miss Erica before my eyes before returning on your own. To have a private conversation with me."

  "...Now that you mention it, that really did happen."

  Prompted by Lucretia, Godou remembered it too.

  Last time, there was a need to talk in Erica Blandelli's absence. But this time, he was meeting Lucretia face to face under Erica's arrangements.

  Godou would never have expected this change in circumstances within less than a year's worth of time.

  Godou smiled wryly. This would have been totally unthinkable back when he made his first visit to Italy.

  Furthermore, his relationship with Erica even developed to the current state—

  Godou recalled the scene this morning. Stuck in a predicament where he had no choice but to share beds with Erica, he was naturally quite troubled and ended up spending a sleepless night as a result.

  Even so, sleep still crept upon him unnoticed.

  Also, when he woke up...

  Godou saw Erica's sleeping face on the same bed.

  The beautiful maiden, more gorgeous than anyone he knew, her dignified face was as adorable as a sleeping angel's. For a moment, he watched in mesmerization. But due to sensing Godou's movements, Erica also awakened. While rubbing her sleepy eyes, she smiled with absolute innocence and purity...

  Erica's expression, completely different from her usual self, leaving Godou's emotions unsettled ever since getting up in the morning.

  "I never expected a day when I would re-encounter Miss Erica and you in this manner. Although I do have the intention to live that long, never in my wildest dreams would I have expected my old friend's grandson to become a Campione."

  Gazing at Godou, Lucretia's eyes carried a gentleness that she seldom showed, similar to that of a grandmother and an older sister at the same time.

  "Well then, it's almost time to broach the main subject. I've already heard over the phone from Miss Erica. You have apparently obtained a clue regarding the 'King of the End', haven't you?"

  "Yeah, I guess. A certain goddess's last words."

  During New Year's earlier, Godou had battled against the goddess Circe in the South Seas over Malaysian territory.

  These were the words she left behind on her dying breath:

  —"Ah yes, let me take these final moments to enact my vengeance on His Highness Alexandre for betraying my love. Regarding the great hero whom he seeks, you should search the Argo's genealogy if his true name is what you desire. I reveal this secret only to you alone, Kusanagi-sama!"

  While saying that, her face displayed a smile more adorable than any beautiful maiden's.

  Despite clearly knowing the answer to the mystery Alexandre Gascoigne sought, she remained silent during the time spent with him.

  Furthermore, Godou was finally able to pass this message along to Lucretia.

  Transmitted to the woman who had devoted her life at one point towards researching the "King of the End."

  "...The Argo huh. The name of the ship built by the hero Jason in order to obtain the Colchis kingdom's secret treasure—the Golden Fleece—the Argo is precisely that vessel's name. Dozens of heroes boarded this ship, surmounting countless hardships to make their way towards Colchis..."

  Murmuring, Lucretia recounted a story from Greek mythology.

  "However, what the goddess said was 'the Argo's genealogy.' In that case, should the Argo itself be considered... Hmm?"

  "What's wrong?"

  Seeing Lucretia suddenly fall silent, Godou inquired.

  But the Witch of Sardinia did not answer. Her mouth gaped open for a minute or two. With glazed eyes, she remained silent for a while before speaking again in unhurried murmurs:

  "Long long ago, at a certain place—"

  These whispers were said in Japanese. Just now, the two of them had been conversing in Italian, but Lucretia suddenly spoke in Japanese.

  Godou jumped in surprise. Could it be that she had received an oracle via spirit vision?

  Although not reaching Mariya Yuri's level of attainment, Lucretia was also a spirit vision user.

  "......"

  Godou stared intently at the witch's beautiful face, waiting for her. However, Lucretia suddenly resumed her usual expression of lethargy, exhaling.

  "Unfortunately, that's all. But this is quite a first. Obtaining a spirit vision regarding the 'King of the End'..."

  Speaking of which, could the word 'Argo' be the crucial key?

  Also, there were Lucretia's quiet whispers just now. Somewhere long long ago. A long time ago. What meaning did these words hide within them?

  Difficult to deduce. While Godou was troubling over these thoughts, Lucretia said to him:

  "Young man, although right now, this is merely a subconscious feeling... When the time comes for a showdown against the 'King of the End,' perhaps you may possess an element of advantage."

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "The sword's spell words, controlled by Verethragna's final incarnation—the weapon of the [Warrior]."

  This was probably an oracle via spirit vision as well. Lucretia spoke solemnly.

  "The king manifesting at era's end is a deity who hides his name insistently. If the origin of his true name could be elucidated, then turning that knowledge into a blade... The sword's spell words might possibly bring out far greater power than ever before."

  "My... Verethragna's sword?"

  "For those who hide their names, the most powerful blow is only possible to deliver if their true name is spoken. But of course, the battle cannot be won simply through this alone."

  After that, Godou took his leav
e from Lucretia's residence.

  He rejoined his two companions outside. However, the helicopter that had transported them here had already returned to the Cagliari area.

  "We need to arrange for transportation to get back. I've contacted fellow members of the [Copper Black Cross] and asked them to drive over. Also, I'm going to buy some food and drink."

  As soon as Godou met up with her, Erica explained while holding a cellphone in one hand.

  Lucretia's residence was located at the very edge of town. There were no shops or other residences nearby. Erica started walking towards a relatively busier part of the tiny Oliena.

  Before leaving, she signaled with her eyes to Godou, probably asking him to keep an eye on Doni.

  Thus, Godou was now alone with Doni, just the two of them.

  Sardinia's blue sky stretched endlessly overhead. The weather was sunny today.

  Although the winter wind was quite chilly, thanks to the sunlight, it was within toleration. More importantly, there was no snow in the vicinity.

  Lucretia's residence was built next to a mixed forest.

  But apart from this patch of mixed forest, the surroundings consisted of wide open plains.

  If it were spring, this area would probably be covered with blooming flowers of various colors. Seeing Doni strolling on this plain at an unsteady pace, Godou had no choice but to follow.

  "But investigations are really such difficult things."

  "I'm sure Gascoigne will probably be furious if he heard the word investigation coming from your mouth."

  Doni's nonsense was met with Godou's cold reception.

  It was only a hunch, but Godou felt that the capable Alexandre Gascoigne probably would hate Salvatore Doni and his foolish airs. Indeed, just like how Kusanagi Godou kept calling this man an idiot and felt very incompatible with that eccentric nobleman as well.

  However—enduring this feeling of wanting to click his tongue, Godou secretly felt well-matched.

  (The things this guy does, ended up not being completely futile or useless...)

  Today, Godou had paid Lucretia a visit due to getting dragged out here on account of Doni.

  As a result, even though it relied on Doni's beginner's luck, nevertheless, this was precisely what led Godou to pass the goddess Circe's hint onto the Witch of Sardinia, thereby obtaining that spirit vision—

  It was possible that Lucretia might have obtained the same oracle even through communications via phone or mail.

  But it was also possible she might not.

  In that case, Doni's seemingly foolish actions succeeded in drawing out a hint that brought them closer to the truth of the "King of the End" mystery. In a certain sense, such beginner's luck was quite fitting for one of the Campiones, the illegitimate children of Epimetheus.

  "Oh my, could it be that you've got something to tell me, Godou?"

  "No way in hell. Stop looking for weird excuses."

  "Oh right oh right, since Erica Blandelli isn't here, why don't we run away? Since we came all the way to Sardinia, it'd be too boring if nothing's accomplished. Let's go find gods worthy as our opponents, or start a journey of investigation—"

  "After all that trouble to get back to this side, don't go causing commotions the same way as what you did in Gaul!"

  "No no, you've got things backwards. I simply brought my modern ways over to the past. Since it's you, I'm sure you can understand, right?"

  "What does that have to do with anything!?"

  "Then to commemorate our return to the present, let's duel decisively a number of times."

  "Like hell anyone wants to duel! I've already had enough showdowns between you and me. For the rest of my life, I'm fine with exiting the stage with my victory!"

  "Are you saying you don't want a fight with Salvatore Doni in tip-top shape? During the duel in Gaul, I was quite exhausted after getting possessed by Artio."

  "Shut up. Adjusting your physical condition during battle is also a part of competency!"

  While the two were engaged in a dialogue lacking in the solemnity of Devil Kings...

  They suddenly stopped talking at the same time. A presence—Both of them noticed a presence that only Campiones could sense, being godslayers.

  Then Doni smiled lightly.

  "It must be my lucky day? Looks like coming all the way here was worth it."

  "I really feel a bit jealous that you can feel lucky about this kind of situation."

  After grumbling, Godou felt the blowing of wind.

  The cold and freezing wind of winter, blowing from a certain direction. Even when this gust of cold wind swirled before the two Devil Kings to form a cyclone, then taking on human form, they were not surprised.

  Because the two of them had already entered a state of combat readiness, in both body and mind, having sensed a Heretic God's presence.

  Nevertheless, Godou was deeply astonished when he saw the wind god's appearance. Even Doni whistled briefly in surprise.

  Tall in stature. Wrapped all over in white strips of cloth. Clad in armor.

  In addition, the red mask obscuring the face—Only the eye portions were pitch black.

  "The wind god we met in Gaul!?"

  "Ehe. Looks like it's time for a greeting of 'Haven't seen you for fifteen hundred years!' or something like that."

  For Godou and Doni, the battle against this wind god only felt like it took place two months earlier.

  However, since the masked war god had continued to exist from fifth-century Gaul all the way to now, this could definitely be described as a reunion after one and a half millennia.

  Godou was rendered speechless by the excessively surprising encounter.

  However, there were even more astonishing things waiting for him. A young girl appeared deftly from behind the wind god. She looked about twelve or thirteen in age.

  Her beautiful silver looked as though infused with droplets of moonlight.

  Those eyes were more pitch-black than darkness, shining with luster akin to that of a pure-black gemstone.

  She was dressed in a simple white robe of Greek style. The staff held in her slender right hand exhibited the form of a "double-headed snake."

  However, what caught Godou's eye more than anything else was—

  "...It's Athena!?"

  Her beautiful face. It was completely identical to that of the goddess who had passed away in Japan several months earlier.

  "Nay. One is not Athena."

  The silver-haired beauty murmured haughtily. Even her tone of voice was indistinguishable from that of the goddess.

  "'Tis meet for thee to address one as Pallas Athena, mine enemy of ill fate."

  Part 7

  "'Twas said that the Witch Queen formerly existing in these lands was called Guinevere. One hath succeeded her legacy to become the present generation Witch Queen. Oneself and ye are now acquainted henceforth."

  "So in short, a Divine Ancestor huh..."

  Gazing unerringly at the greatly surprised Godou, Pallas Athena continued:

  "Exhausting the arts of magic in search of godslayers nearby... A rather surprising result. One did not expect to encounter mine enemy of ill fate this soon."

  "Ill fate?"

  Divine Ancestors were not supposed to retain memories from their previous lives—as goddesses.

  Precisely because of that, Guinevere repeatedly failed in her search for the "King of the End." However, it was unbelievable that this Divine Ancestor, who looked identical to Athena, actually remembered Kusanagi Godou...?

  Feeling intrigued, Godou asked:

  "Your cause of death was from the Divine Sword of Salvation sucking your life away, right? If that's clearly the case, why do you serve the 'King of the End'? Shouldn't you bear a resentful grudge against the 'King of the End'!?"

  "Verily indeed... Nevertheless, such is the existence known as the Divine Ancestor."

  Even when faced with Godou's accusatory questioning, Athena still smiled haughtily at him.


  "Dost thou know? Those known as Divine Ancestors all came about as the end state of mother earth goddesses whose lives were taken by the sword of salvation... Having lost their lives to the divine sword, goddesses of the earth then reincarnate into Divine Ancestors, worshiping as their lord the king who manifests at era's end. But certainly, 'tis true."

  Pallas Athena's lips were twisted as though in self-mockery.

  Godou jumped in surprise. The pride residing in her smile had shifted slightly towards valor—That was the impression he felt.

  "'Tis unknown whether the word 'grudge' can be admitted... But no matter, this shall be put aside for now. More important is thee, godslayer of the east."

  There were currently two Campiones present.

  However, Pallas Athena ignored the frivolous Italian young man, only staring intently at Kusanagi Godou alone. The fighting spirit, nobility and pride residing in her eyes were all identical to that of the goddess Athena—

  Godou quietly looked back at the young girl in turn.

  Probably trying not to be left out, standing by Godou's side, Doni opened his mouth—

  However, the masked war god took an extremely rapid step towards Doni in this instant. It was almost akin to a declaration of "One shall be thy opponent!"

  Doni smiled happily as he looked at the war god while keeping his silent gaze on his opponent.

  Ignoring the minor disturbance, Pallas Athena smiled mysteriously.

  "When reincarnating upon the earth, Divine Ancestors shall lose the memories from their past lives... as a deities. One is no exception. Be that as it may, this violent passion burns within the very depths of one's soul."

  "Passion?"

  "Forsooth. A mortal enemy existeth whom one must defeat, mayhap. As much as awakening the weary hero is one's mission, here existeth ill fate wherein even this mission paleth in comparison."

  Placing her fist upon her slim chest, Pallas Athena murmured thus.

  "Namely, one's destiny is to defeat thee."

  "...No, you've got it wrong."

  Her lips twisted into a savage grin as Godou spoke quietly.

  He had understood through the exchange just now. Perhaps Athena was undoubtedly revived as a subordinate under the "King of the End." Nevertheless, even after becoming a Divine Ancestor, that goddess's core nature and soul most likely remained unchanged.