Campione 02

by Arrival of a Devil King

  Without any idea of where in the library she was, Yuri ran with all her strength.

  —And then, she finally discovered.

  Pillars of salt stood in the spacious reading room. No, there were between ten to twenty History Compilation Committee members who had been turned into salt.

  Behind them stood a tall old man.

  Of course.

  Yuri knew. The power to turn live humans into solid salt, the emerald colored evil eyes which changed the living into inorganic material. There was only one person in the world possessing such an authority.

  "Finally found you, miko. It must be you, the one who had the strongest wolf's hallucination in this area through the [Wolf]'s book from unknown origins. It wouldn't have been possible without that kind of excellent talent."

  That wise appearance was probably never forgotten. However, this was not his true nature.

  Ferocious and hideous, with a violent and wild nature. The position of ruler gave him a very effective disguise to cover up those characteristics.

  "How nostalgic, that face, I seem to recall seeing it before—this girl, what's her name, Kranjcar?"

  The one the old man asked was not Yuri.

  It was the one waiting quietly by his side, the girl with the slim figure. Her silver hair tied into a ponytail, a tense expression on her face, and a kind of rigid eastern European beauty.

  "She should be called Mariya Yuri, Marquis. However, for the sake of obtaining one girl, isn't what you have done here going a bit too far?"

  "Hohoho, the Milanese blue knight turns out to be surprisingly stubborn."

  The blue knight—was quite an apt description for her appearance.

  Long sleeved black t-shirt and miniskirt with frills. Black tights, a blue cape, and a jacket with blue and black vertical stripes—the description reflected these elements well.

  Doesn't it feel similar to the red and black jacket that Erica wore?

  "Heh, to be honest—I love conflict. Hunting is good, games are not bad, and I also like random violence. That's why, I just want to do as I like at this time, do you understand?"

  The old man joyfully spoke to the girl who showed a slight dissatisfied expression.

  "Hoho, by the way, I don't like dogs. Seeing obedient dogs who only try to garner favor makes me want to puke. I love wolves however, I love the way they bare their fangs as they try to resist. Without a certain level of ambition, it would be pointless to keep by my side. In other words, you are one of my favorite wolves, Kranjcar."

  "The honor is all mine, Marquis."

  He smiled at the rigid tone of voice and mannerisms, then turned his body to face Yuri.

  "Miko, from now on you will belong to me, and become part of my property. Understood?"

  The monarch possessing the evil eye and the power to determine people's life and death. The man who called forth evil wolves and ruled over violent storms. Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

  To meet the oldest Devil King once again after four years, Yuri trembled with fear all over her body.

  Part 4

  It was at Aoyama in the Minato ward of Tokyo.

  A grocery shop named Kogetsudou was located in a narrow street intersecting with the main street in Aoyama.

  Within this shop sold all sorts of things from Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, southeast Asia, and India. Even things from the northern and southern borders of Europe. The shop owner had a habit of buying all sorts of goods from everywhere and this resulted in them being piled high within the shop.

  "So, that book really came from that place eh, so why did you put up such a dangerous thing for sale?"

  Amakasu Touma spoke as he stared at a shelf near the cash register.

  By the way, for some reason it was crammed with all sorts of booklets such as comics and the like.

  "Those? They were rare resources passed down by some magi from who knows where, wouldn't it be a shame for them to go to waste? ...The sale at the auction was just about complete. It would have gone for a good price too, if it weren't for the unnecessary intervention of you guys."

  The one answering was the female shop owner in a kimono.

  Aged roughly twenty or so, and wearing Meisen silk with a simple cutting. The cashier was reading Chinese comics published in Hong Kong while receiving customers.

  Amakasu did not know the original name of this shop and didn't care to find out.

  She was the suspicious merchant who used the trademark [Kogetsudou] as an alias. A mysterious and very skilled wizard. Knowing these details were enough.

  "Anyway, Amakasu-san, how did the appraisal go? We exhausted all avenues to determine its origin, and we are very interested in what kind of dangerous consequences came back with the results."

  "Since it is classified information, I'm sorry I can't comment."

  "Then, is that rumor true? Isn't there a girl with extremely acute vision amongst the current Hime-Miko? If we had someone with talent like that, then we wouldn't have so much trouble finding treasures."

  "Well, what should I say, compared to that, what is the deal with that grimoire?"

  Amakasu tried to evade Kogetsudou's questioning.

  The very young but completely complacent woman and the indifferent young man exchanging information—these two were representatives of their respective factions.

  The History Compilation Committee members are the 'official' organization for supporting wizards.

  As for the 'commoner' wizards—they were the descendants of onmyouji and curse experts popular before the Meiji Restoration, and many of them secretly lived around Aoyama.

  Kogetsudou counts as a central figure in that faction.

  Perhaps possessing even more dangerous rare books than the werewolf grimoire, Amakasu's visit to the shop also included a hint to warn her to be careful.

  "That, Amakasu-san, please wait a moment. I still have something else I want to ask, is that fine? If you tell me, you can have the thing you are currently reading for free."

  "...If it's just the reward for some gossip, then it doesn't really matter. Let me check out the content first."

  Amakasu replied as he continued to read the battle manga about the hero armed in steel and the iron-masked genius villain scientist time travelling in sixth century England.

  "Then be my guest—Erica Blandelli, what is that kind of major character doing appearing in Japan?"

  "She just came to study abroad, that's all."

  "There was a massive electrical outage incident on the day that girl arrived. The History Compilation Committee members were all busy manipulating news sources and even interfered with things written on the internet."

  "Coincidence, it just happened by chance."

  "Destruction of buildings and the Shuto Expressway isn't just some kind of joke. Do you know how many tens of billions of damages occurred that night? ...And finally, the seventh Campione turning out to be Japanese, hasn't the joke gone too far?"

  "...Well, all rumors, you can't believe everything you hear."

  Admitting it's the truth to himself, Amakasu put the manga magazine away in his bag.

  Looks like there was no need to hide from her the fact that Kusanagi Godou is the real thing. Furthermore, there was no meaning in trying to cover up the truth for those in the know. Moreover, if the source of these rumors became broadened, it may come to be useful.

  "Then how about Liliana Kranjcar—the [Sword Fairy] coming to Japan, is it related to that? Will it develop into another major incident?"

  "Liliana Kranjcar? From that Bronze Black Cross?"

  Hearing a name he knew but did not expect, Amakasu's expression stiffened.

  The two magic associations ruling over Milan's mage scene.

  The Copper Black Cross—organization of the red devils, and the Bronze Black Cross—organization of the blue berserkers.

  The former was represented by the young genius Erica Blandelli—the glamorous young woman deeply involved with Kusanagi Godou. Amongst those of the same a
ge, it was said that only one person could rival this girl as her opponent.

  Her name was—

  "Our sources obtained the latest news that yesterday, Liliana and a gloomy old man arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport, did you know that?"

  The owner of Kogetsudou smiled like a kitten.

  At that moment, Amakasu's phone began to vibrate in his pocket.

  "Thank you for your valuable information. Anyway, something came up."

  Exchanging a few pleasantries with the shop owner, Amakasu left the shop and immediately picked up the phone.

  "...Yes? Dejanstahl Voban?"

  This name rendered Amakasu dumbstruck in shock, even more than when he heard a witch's name earlier.

  Mariya Yuri had been kidnapped by Eastern Europe's Campione.

  For an instant, Amakasu felt his mind freeze when he received the news from the Committee member. How could such a situation be resolved?

  Amakasu could not help but look up at the sky and feel compelled to pray to God.

  Chapter 4 - Conference of the Kings

  Part 1

  Magic originated in Europe.

  This was correct from a geopolitical standpoint, but not quite accurate in terms of cultural anthropology.

  The strange techniques of magic and wizardry have existed in the culture of every country in the world. The majority of powerful magic associations did start in Europe, but that does not mean that their local magic is the most proper or mainstream.

  In fact, even in recent times, many western magi have devoted their efforts to researching eastern philosophy and civilization.

  Take for example yoga, the Indian mystic art which relied mostly on incantations. Chinese wizardry included Taoism, Feng Shui, or the doctrine of the Five Elements.

  Japan, the land of the warrior, was also a suitable research subject that enamored many western magi, and the eight million kami[10] unique to Japanese spiritual faith was also a popular topic of research.

  ...Unexpectedly, the Mariya family also had close dealings with those kinds of foreign researchers.

  The Mariya family were originally courtiers in Kyoto, but due to vast differences in stature, they were neither prestigious nor wealthy.

  This blood line produced many women with exceptional spirit powers over the generations.

  The current generation's Yuri was also the same, and like the other girls who were entrusted to shrines and monasteries to work as nuns or miko. This tradition had been going on for the past few centuries.

  Due to this blood line, the family had substantial influence in religious and wizardry related areas.

  Also during the Meiji and Showa eras, there was a Mariya family elder who was granted the title of baron, and was a socialite who took an interest in western culture.

  Westerners—had many dealings with those with knowledge about magic.

  The Mariya family provided hospitality to researchers who visited Japan for their studies, and facilitated their research. If the guests came from Europe, they would even take them out to tour and have fun if the opportunity arose.

  Hence, though it appeared that Yuri grew up in a traditional Japanese environment, in reality she was well accustomed to interacting with foreigners.

  Daily conversation could be handled in English, and she had the experience of visiting Europe a couple of times.

  ...Due to this family situation, it was somewhat ironic that it created an opportunity for her to be imprisoned by Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

  "It was four years ago when I invited you and the others to Austria, how nostalgic."

  Voban narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

  They were in the library reading room that he had taken over by force. Crossing his legs, he sat on a rough lead pipe chair. However, the way he sat was like a monarch sitting on a royal throne.

  Condescending and rude, arrogant and grand—

  "I was extremely bored that time, and was trying to get a good hunt, however, I seem to have become a little too famous, and the [Heretical Gods] are not coming out. Unwilling to show themselves to me, this has been one of my headaches."

  The only ones listening to him were Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.

  Voban's attitude and tone were very calm, but his personality was the opposite. In fact, his actions were often extremely selfish and full of blasphemy.

  "I have several privileges, and one of them includes the right to choose my hunting prey... However, I have no interest in hunting rats. Only the strong are worthy of being hunted by me."

  He laughed.

  The Devil King who had slaughtered many gods was showing a hideously distorted smile with his lips.

  As terrifying power flowed out continuously from his tall thin body, light flashed from his sharp emerald evil eyes like the irises of a ferocious tiger.

  "A deity suitable to be my prey—this was a problem I had yet to solve that time. The mysterious ritual to summon a [Heretic God]... If this ritual succeeds, then I should be able to enjoy myself for a while—"

  The incident four years ago—recalling his anger when Salvatore Doni snatched away the summoned god, Voban's smile disappeared from his lips.

  He turned his stern gaze towards empty space.

  "I now want to make the same challenge as four years ago, so just like last time I need your cooperation—ah, but you don't have the right to refuse, because no one can refuse what I, Voban has decided."

  Four years ago, in order to complete the [God Summoning] spell which was regarded by many high level magi as extremely difficult, Voban had gathered talented miko from all around Europe, and used their miko powers to summon a god. Since it happened to be during the summer holidays, it turned out to be an unfortunate coincidence for the Mariya family who had been invited by friends in Austria.

  A miko of Mariya's caliber was very rare even in Europe.

  Which was why the subordinates of Voban immediately discovered her in their mission to capture talented miko, and determined her to be a worthy sacrifice to offer to the Devil King.

  "Heh, after all you won't be able to escape, so just go with the flow and enjoy our hospitality, how's that?"

  The Devil King's evil eyes glowed with green light.

  Yuri felt terrified. Her legs—starting from below the knee were surrounded by a layer of faint light, and as they rapidly turned white all feeling was lost.

  The evil eye authority which turned people into salt.

  Right now, she was being targeted by that power. By transforming just a part of Yuri's body, it was as if Voban was trying to show off that he possessed the ability to control this authority with precision.

  "Marquis, this joke has gone too far! If this girl dies, there is no other replacement."

  "I'm not going to do something that stupid. But your suggestion has merit, to waste such rare excellent talent on a game would be a shame."

  Voban lowered his gaze the moment Liliana gave her warning.

  The legs, which had become white inorganic matter, immediately regained their original color and feeling was restored. Yuri felt relief from the bottom of her heart.

  "One would not immediately behead the chicken that laid golden eggs... You have such a valuable disposition that I can't be sure how much will remain after your death, so please don't force me to try such an unnecessary experiment."

  Voban smiled again.

  This was a smile with a kind of humorous feeling, a smile full of jeer.

  "My servants are all residents of graves, you wouldn't want to become like them, right?"

  Voban whistled with his fingers.

  A figure suddenly appeared behind his back.

  Wearing a tattered jacket filled with countless open cuts. It seemed to be a once illustrious battle outfit, and there was some kind of crest embroidered on it.

  On the belt secured around the waist was a sabre.

  The helmet easily reminded one of a knight from the thirteenth or fourteenth century.

  However, the greatest character
istic was the pallor of death. It was undoubtedly the face of a dead person, expressionless, hollow, and eyeballs with dilated pupils. The only difference from a real corpse was the lack of a rotting stench.

  (—This is a [Dead Servant]!)

  Yuri recalled one of Voban's authorities. The power to dominate those who died directly by his hand to become completely obedient servants.

  If one were to resist him, that would be the end result.

  This was probably even more horrible than being turned into salt. A dead person has no lifespan, and would never obtain peace once fettered by this old Devil King.

  "The god who resurrected from death—restoring the body that was torn apart, retrieving life, and descending upon the underworld..."

  Suddenly, words flowed out of Yuri's mouth.

  The [Dead Servant] had provoked a reaction from her spirit sensing powers. A god's figure appeared from behind Voban's back. It was a crowned god whose green skin was wrapped by many layers of bandages. Most likely, this was the god of life and death who was vanquished by this old man.

  The god who ruled the cycle of life and was the consort of the mother earth goddess, and finally became the ruler of the underworld.

  "Oh? You know how I usurped authority from this god?"

  Voban asked with his eyes narrowed.

  "Try explaining it. Show me the level of your power."

  "No, no. She probably just suddenly thought of those words. Please don't be too concerned—"

  "I will be the one to judge that! Silence is forbidden! Speak!"

  Yuri's body shook at the roaring reproach.

  "...The god whose divine body was killed, I know his name to be Osiris and an Egyptian deity."

  Spell words were summoned by resonance between the powerful spirit vision and the god.

  Consigned into speech, the spell words revealed the god's sacred name. Voban nodded, satisfied with what he has he heard.

  "Truly amazing, choosing you was correct."

  Voban smiled as if he was very happy. Every time Yuri saw the figure of that god, she felt crushed by despair.

  Amongst the divinities of ancient Egypt, Osiris was considered one of the more powerful gods.

  The father of Horus, the god of the harvest for the previous generation of kings. The goddess Isis who excelled at magic was his wife. Unable to return to the living world after his body was cut into fourteen pieces, he became the ruler of the underworld.