by Heretic God
Erica continued to probe deeply.
'Damn, she just wants to savor each and every moment she gets to make me suffer.'
"The 'that', you're referring to... can't be that, can it?"
The commander [Female Wolf] questioned with a trembling voice, then with a trembling finger pointed to 'that'.
She pointed outwards, indicating a place not far from this hill, the huge arena from the Imperial period —— There stood the Roman Colosseum.
... Under the tyranny of Nero, it was the ruins of a man-made lake[1C 15], and took a period of eight years to complete.
It was finished under the reign of the Emperor Titus in 80 AD. A hundred days of games were put on in it as a celebration, and 9000 wild beasts were killed.
After that, this place continued to take the lives of thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of fighters and beasts.
That continued till the Middle Ages, when it became a convenient stone quarry to quarry stone for building, whenever someone wanted to build a magnificent church or mansion. Truly, it is a huge relic which has stood two thousand years of history.
"Erm... Because 'that' was pretty much the only thing that could be a target, in the heat of the moment I..."
And just as Godou ashamedly confessed...
The summoning of the [Boar] was finally completed, and the body had fully materialized.
From its sharp tusks to the hooves of its feet, and even to the tail, it was now a full part of this world, and a body mass of close to ten tons fell onto the earth.
"———————————————!!!!!!!!"
"————————————————————————!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
A beast which obviously could not exist on this earth bellowed an immense roar.
Heeding its ferocious will, it suddenly began to stampede.
Each time the black furred [Boar] struck the earth with its feet, a quake of incomparable violence would strike the whole area —— No, it was shaking up the whole district of Rome.
And of course, its target was the Roman Colosseum before its eyes.
The divine beast had appeared before the target in an eye blink, and began to create destruction on a shockingly vigorous scale.
——————————
For the next three days after that, the incident aroused global news coverage, and received the front page headline "Rome Suffers from a Terrorist Bombing! The Mysterious Destruction of the Roman Colosseum!" The real reason behind it was this.
Part 4
"You're going back already? And I just got to know you, such a pity..."
"C'mon... just relax and stay for another one week— even two weeks is fine, right? Then we can go out together and play— there's just not enough lovey-dovey time between us..."
Anna and Erica both said reluctantly.
Godou continued to pack his few belongings, while replying both of them with completely different answers.
"I feel the same way, Miss Anna. If you ever get a chance to visit Japan, please contact me, I will certainly make the effort to find you. Erica, stop spouting such irresponsible suggestions, how can I skip school for so long? And we don't need lovey-dovey time, definitely don't need it!"
This was a hotel room that Erica had booked.
Last night, after the semi-destruction of the Colosseum, Godou slept like a log in this room.
...Having suffered the [Boar]'s wanton destruction and its result, the cultural heritage that humanity inherited suffered a huge blow.
In order to stop the tragedy, Godou did the best he could.
Tirelessly, he continuously gave out orders, and finally sent the [Boar] back.
However, the Colosseum was already half gone before that, and now the half gone architecture was again destroyed further by another half, and the lucky portion remaining was now only a portion of the original.
With the exception of one person, all other Italians were definitely gaping at the devastation.
"Anyway, Milan also sacrificed their Castella Sforzesco[1C 16]. If Rome doesn't sacrifice something like their Colosseum, their overwhelming advantage in thousands of other sites is just completely unfair."
That one person being Erica – also known as the devil, who happily said these words.
This matter could very well become another stick she could use to threaten him, and used as a reason to call him back to Italy. That day was probably not far off.
And because of this incident, the three Grandmasters became even more reverent.
"Is that so, the incident with the Castella Sforzesco, that is, the reason for its collapse was also..."
"I understand now, with this sort of strength, even that sort of destruction will be child's play..."
The commander [Old Dame] nodded deeply in understanding, while the [Purple Knight] next to her also had the same impression.
With his previous misdeeds discovered, Godou could only sink his head in shame, while Erica happily smiled.
"Whether it is the San Felica doorway of Palermo, or the Port of Cagliari[1C 17] in Sardinia, they are all nothing before you. That reminds me, at the Piazza del Campo[1C 18] in Siena, didn't you leave a huge crack there?"
"We, Well... You're right, but don't say it as though it has nothing to do with you. You were also responsible for all of those events..."
Godou looked at Erica resentfully, while the grandmasters all bowed their heads.
Finally, just like attendants serving a feudal lord, the others around quickly put in obsequiously,
"We now fully comprehend that it matters not whether someone chooses to act like a Lord or not, a Lord still remains a Lord. If and when you decide to grace Turin with your presence, I beg of you to be compassionate and forgiving——"
"We of the 'city of lilies', Florence, also entreat from you the same——"
"We, We at Rome too beseech and hope that you will see us in favor with you——"
Having witnessed this sight, and although he spent a long time cursing himself for his stupidity, he still managed to sleep extremely well.
But even in his dreams he continued to blame himself for doing something as stupid as that.
And returning back to the present, this morning, he took the day's newspaper from Anna, who had entered his room with Erica.
"Godou-san, this is amazing! A full twenty pages in this newspaper, just about the terrorist bombing of the Colosseum, the same number of pages as when Italy won the world cup!"
"The paper even says that there are clues to the terrorist organization that managed to get such a large amount of explosives. Ah, and there are even some organizations that are already claiming that it was them who did it."
The angelic Anna told him that news, while Erica too happily looked through the paper.
The newspaper which they brought wasn't the only one reporting that only one quarter of the Colosseum remained; even on the internet, news stations worldwide were also hurriedly publishing the event.
Godou grew even guiltier.
That said it was about time for him to catch his flight. Time to change the mood a little, and ask them to send him to the airport, but...
"What?! You're going back already? But it was so hard to get you to come here... You really don't want to spend time with me, right?"
"I'm telling you, I'm just a high school student. If I skip school, I'll never hear the end of it from my sister. I appreciate your sincerity, but let me off the hook this time."
Even though it was a Sunday morning here in Italy, it was already midnight back in Japan.
If he hurried up now and caught the plane, he could probably get back to Tokyo at around twelve in the afternoon. Every time he flew, it always ended up in such a rush...
"Ah, I just don't know how to deal with you. I'll send you to the airport, but I have to give you something before that."
Erica picked up the suitcase at her feet, and opened it.
Nestled inside was
a carving about the size of his fist.
The material was probably polished obsidian, and the image on it was a really poor attempt at a human face, and tens of snakes around it.
The snakes seemed as though it was part of the person's hair.
Much of the sides were already blurred and indistinct, while the rock itself was also quite battered. It looked like an extremely old artifact.
"What's this? You want me to bring this back with me?"
"Yup, I told you before, this is the Gorgoneion—— an ancient representation of the Earth Mother. This thing is able to guide goddesses into becoming a [Heretical goddess] of the earth, it's a signpost, or to explain more simply, it's somewhat like a magic grimoire[1C 19]."
Having heard this, Godou shook his head.
"A grimoire? This isn't a book, it's a symbol set in stone. There aren't even any words on it, only a picture, right?"
"Forget paper, this is an object from a time even before writing was invented; but its use and concept is the same as a book's. That's why I called it a grimoire, because besides the most ancient goddesses, it has no meaning to anyone."
"The Gorgoneion. The Gorgon... Medusa[1C 20] ... right? I remember that she was a monster that Perseus defeated[1C 21], so is there a connection between them?"
Medusa – a woman born with snakes for hair, a beauteous demon found in Greek mythology.
Having seen the carving and discussed it, Godou naturally thought about her.
Erica smiled and nodded her head.
"That's right, but I have to correct that slightly, Medusa was also a real goddess in her own right."
"Eh? Is that so? ...That's not how I remembered it."
"No, you're not completely incorrect. In Greek myth, she is an evil monster, but behind that, she is an ancient mother goddess of the earth, with a long history, and she also has an intimate connection with many other ancient goddesses, the tripartite goddesses of the night[1C 22]..."
It sounded like an extremely complicated explanation.
Godou nodded deeply, and then suddenly realized.
Because he was curious, he unconsciously got sucked into the explanation. This was Erica's plan all along!
"Erica! Stop! You don't need to explain any more. I've always kept theological knowledge at a safe distance, and I don't plan to make any extra preparation for anything. Please stop talking!"
"I believe that it's only a matter of time. In the end, Godou will still come personally to ask me for the information."
"That's never going to happen. It won't occur this time! And anyway, how can I bring such a dangerous thing back home? I'm sorry, but I can't accept this."
A carving of unknown origin, which he knew that a goddess was coveting.
If a dangerous monster appeared in Tokyo because he brought this back, Godou would certainly feel guilty about it.
Hearing Godou's refusal, Erica gave off a weak smile suggesting something like 'Oh, if that's what you want~~', then purposely drooped her head.
"Okay... well, then I can't force you. If the Gorgoneion continues to stay in this country, sooner or later a [Heretical god] will arrive here... But, we don't have a Lord to rely on, because when he fought with 'I don't know who', he suffered horrible injuries, and went to recuperate..."
A tragic sounding Erica was broken-heartedly muttering to herself.
Striking him where it hurts, Godou couldn't help but wince.
"Arianna, if a hostile god ever turns up, I swear upon my name to protect you —— But, I'm sorry. My strength could never defeat a god's. However, in order to let you live, I'll fight till I die!"
"You, you can't do that! Erica-sama, please don't say things like that! When the time comes, I'll fight by your side. I might not be much help, but I won't become a burden to you!"
"You're such a strong girl... May God bestow on you a fearless confidence! Ah ~~ but those helpless, weak citizens. Who knows what will happen to them...?"
Unaware that her Ojou-sama was currently playing the fool, Arianna responded seriously to her comments.
Godou's eyes weren't tricking him; Erica's gaze was definitely mischievous. She knew exactly what to do to make Godou feel guilty.
What a devious and malicious person!
After pondering for a long time on the dictates of compassion and honor as well as the proper treatment of the people living at Rome, Godou finally replied,
"...I get it. I'll bring that thing back with me— damn it, if a disaster happens because of it, how could I ever explain myself to the people of Tokyo!?"
"Don't worry, don't worry! Something like a city being razed to the ground, because a Lord decides to do something for fun, is already considered normal in Europe. If it happens in Tokyo, it'll have truly risen to the international level!"
"Stop spouting crap!"
Godou took the Gorgoneion, partially because he gave up arguing. Seeing this, Erica smiled wickedly.
'This woman is definitely a devil; she has to be my harbinger of doom and destruction.'
Godou once again confirmed his opinion of her.
——————————
—— The Gorgoneion.
'The carving that depicts the [Serpent], containing the wisdom of three persons in one body, has fallen into enemy hands.'
Her feet stepping on the rubble of the Colosseum, her intuition told her; that was the case.
Traces of the Gorgoneion could still be felt there, and the traces of her enemy. The strength which destroyed this colossal stone arena was definitely that of a Campione's.
... The hundreds of people around her were all frantically conducting repairs.
But not one of them realized her presence.
Of course not.
She merely needed to think, 'I have no wish currently to recognize the chattering of mortals.' With just that, ordinary persons were unable to realize she was there.
Surveying the surrounding pitiful ruins, she recalled the Campione she met a few days ago.
The young devil from a faraway land.
And so it turns out that he was behind everything after all. Those disciples of Hermes — in mortal speech, they were called mages — were not sure what to do with the Gorgoneion, and so gave it to that Campione.
Since it had already been given to a foreigner, the [Serpent] had probably also followed him overseas.
"Well then..." She pondered for a moment.
Just like him, she had come from across the sea, seduced to this place.
If so, to cross the sea again, and head towards a foreign land; was there anything to fear in that?
The [Serpent] and her had an inseparable tie, and this same tie would send her towards it.
"The Gorgoneion which one seeketh, the carved aegis which one owned, the aching longing which one feelth- O serpent of old!"
She naturally began to sing an ancient ballad.
If it was to obtain the [Serpent], how could crossing the broad seas be considered suffering?
She focused her gaze far to the east, and began to walk forward.
"The Gorgoneion which one seeketh, O serpent, bestow upon thy heretical one that ancient power!"
She was a goddess with many names.
Both 'Gorgon' and 'Medusa' were all merely two names which she once held.
But the meanings of the names were the same, honorable titles which exalted the mother goddess, three deities in one form, who dominated the Mediterranean.
"The Gorgoneion which one seeketh. O ancient serpent, May thou lead thy down the path to the Heretical queen, and once again confer upon thy darkness, the wisdom of both earth and sky!"
The [Heretical goddess] faced a far off country.
Leisurely, patiently, she placed the first step on her journey to the east.
Hill near the famous Colosseum: Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it stands east of the Roman Forum. Used for gladiatorial fights, it also staged mock naval battles and a place to execute/crucify criminals. Do not confus
e with the Circus Maximus.
Seven Hills of Rome: For the interested, they are the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal.
Emperor's Palace: Quite a few of them, actually. Not just Augustus, but Tiberius and Domitian too.
Augustus' Palace: The text has Octavian, but he only built the palace after they crowned him king and gave him the name Augustus. So there.
Mille Lingua: 'A Thousand Languages' in Italian (well Latin, but 'Lingua' sound better than 'Lingue'). The text didn't have it in Italian but Kira0802 did, and it sounds better like this, I guess.
Diavolo Rosso: 'Dark Red Devil' in Italian. For explanation, see previous statement.
Cuore di Leone: 'The heart of the lion' in Italian. The text did give in the Italian this time.
Hermes: As someone noted before, the Roman equivalent should be Mercury (Hermes is the Greek name). But there is little difference in them, so I left it as is. For your information, Hermes was the messenger of the gods and the guide to the underworld. He is well known for his winged sandals, winged hat and staff, which let the user fly, like in the legend of Perseus and Medusa.
Japanese Middle School: That is, Years 7-10, or Secondary 1 to 4.
Aethereal: That is, those of the sky. It comes from the Germanic 'aesir', meaning air, heaven.
Chthonic: That is, those of the earth. It comes from the Greek 'cthos', meaning caves, underground.
Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani!: The words of Christ as he hung on the cross. Supposedly Hebrew (though it is meant to be Aramaic), it translates somewhat to 'My Lord, My Lord; Why hast thou forsaken me?' – which is exactly what she says now.
David's Stones: Stones, or more specifically slings, were one of the earliest ranged weapon developed. A thrown stone could shatter shields, pierce armour, penetrate flesh, and break bones and skulls. They appear even on Egyptian and Babylonian murals, a testament to their age. Some races were well known for the sling as a weapon. Cretans, Rhodians, Balearic Islanders, were all famous, and employed be many empires – Greek, Carthaginian, Roman – as mercenaries. So, don't underestimate it!"
Yokotsuna Master: The highest rank achievable in sumo wrestling
Man-made Lake: The lake was actually built by Nero, and stood in front of a building that Nero also built, the Domus Aurea (68 AD). [Which also means that the author was incorrect – it wasn't a ruin then.] It was quickly torn down by succeeding emperors, embarrassed about their family history. A mere eight years later (74 AD), Vespasian had the lake filled in, and began construction of the Colosseum.
