Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  Guinevere remarked with derision.

  However, her young and beautiful face was trembling from fear.

  "But then again, the very fact that they are fools is why they pose unforeseeable threats to our plans, becoming formidable foes. What a group of shocking people!"

  Lancelot listened to the beloved child's sighs as they walked along the beach.

  Waiting ahead was the white divine horse. It was the divine beast that served him, the friend who galloped with him across battlefields.

  "Girl, as a heretic this Knight does not know how much more time can be spent by your side. However, before the day we part, this Knight swears to lead you to Master's side!"

  The inevitable farewell.

  This was exactly Guinevere and Lancelot's worry.

  Deviating from their proper divine depiction in the myths, whether due to confusion, insanity or obsession, [Heretic Gods] were imprisoned on earth.

  The war god had given up being the Witch Queen's guardian for the sake of liberating all his power.

  It was still fine for now. Lancelot had become Guinevere's guardian through bonds forged over a millennium. Nevertheless, there will come a day when he will be devoured by the distortions of being a [Heretic God], thus beginning a wayward path, leaving the beloved child behind.

  Regardless, Lancelot mounted his beloved horse, and began galloping through the air.

  "O Ancient steel, become this Knight's strength. Let one become the blade that sweeps away the saplings of riotous commotion!"

  Spell words were chanted in midair to awaken the divine blade.

  The essence of the earth powered this sword. The purer the better the effects.

  For obvious reasons, a vast fertile plain would be filled with greater quantities of essence compared to a barren desert. However, the most ideal source was the life force inhabiting mother earth goddesses...

  "By the hero's honor, this Knight displays divine might thus!"

  Excalibur's white tip produced a platinum-colored sphere of light.

  It carried an exceptionally intense brilliance that was as if the sun had fallen down to earth.

  This platinum sun flew across the sky.

  Towards the battlefield. The arena where Goddess Athena and the young god-slayer were engaged in battle.

  "Guh... Ooh —!!"

  Goddess Athena was struggling in pain before Godou and Ena.

  Her beautiful torso emitted golden light as she rolled about on the petrified surface of the sea.

  Her upper torso was a young girl's, her usual form.

  However, below the waist was a snake's body. A very long, exceptionally long serpentine body. Probably ten-odd meters in length. The tiny scales covering this snake body were silver-white in color. Having reverted into a half-human half-snake monstrous form, Athena was breathing heavily and rolling around in pain.

  This unusual appearance was probably the goddess' true form. Both a beautiful girl and a great serpent at the same time.

  Terrifying. A fearsome existence. But also sacred and beautiful. As an existence like that, she was currently suffering in pain. The serpentine body gave off golden light as it rolled about. Her beautiful face distorted, making pitiful and painful noises.

  Athena's body shone with golden light.

  At first it was as blindingly brilliant as the sun, and impossible to view straight. But soon it became quite weak and no longer forced others to divert their gazes. Nevertheless, Godou knew the Holy Grail had successfully activated inside Athena.

  Due to the Holy Grail inside the mother earth goddess —

  Her life was being drained in a manner like a leech's blood sucking.

  Even though Athena was supposed to have an immortal body, if this continued she would weaken and die eventually.

  "Ooh... Indeed, 'tis yonder maidservant who taught you the mystical arts to operate the Holy Grail."

  "So you really do know that witch called Guinevere... And you're enemies with her."

  Godou remarked to Athena as she moaned.

  He began to reflect on the truth of the entire matter as he watched the suffering goddess.

  "The enemy of my enemy is a friend... That's not right, I must have been used like a pawn."

  "Fu... Didst thou not use yonder maidservant's spell to vanquish this goddess? Thou soundst as if thou wert also deceived...!"

  A fearless smile appeared on the beautiful face of half-human half-snake Athena.

  Then she stopped the thrashing of the serpentine body. The lower torso, covered in silver-white scales, slowly shortened and transformed. It became human — a girl's legs.

  Athena had regained the form of a young and beautiful girl.

  "'Tis not bad. Assaulting an enemy's weakness with merciless slaughter. 'Tis the warrior's way. Thou hast made slight progress, the matter shall not be pursued..."

  Even though tormented by pain, the goddess showed a calm and composed smile.

  This must be Athena exhibiting her will and spirit as she restored her snake torso back to human form. Precisely because she was in a desperate situation, she did not want any pity as a goddess.

  "However, as long as one's life remaineth unextinguished, one shall fight till the very end. Kusanagi Godou! This goddess bestows upon thee the honor of dueling with Athena in her desperate state!"

  "Enough! I don't plan on fighting in such circumstances!"

  Godou yelled at the scythe-wielding Athena who was repeating her usual lines.

  "You seem to be under various effects today. Look at your body! If you can't continue fighting, then settle down!"

  If things continued, even immortal Athena would meet her end. It was only natural to persuade her to surrender.

  However, if she refused to stop fighting then she must be defeated. This goddess in the form of a young girl, had under fate's mysterious guidance, encountered Godou many times.

  There were no fair and certain methods of victory. Guinevere's true intentions were also a concern.

  However, setting these issues aside, it was imperative to defeat Athena. If the goddess rampaged further in this situation, let alone Kisarazu, the entire Kantou region could become petrified.

  What should be done? Should he do it? Must he do it like that?

  Athena swung her giant scythe mightily as Godou hesitated. In that very instant —

  "Your Majesty, danger! Look up. It's — very dangerous!"

  Ena cried out. Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi laid ready in his hand all along.

  Godou was shocked by the sight in the sky. A flying sphere of light, shining with platinum brilliance, was approaching. The brightness was like a star crashing down upon the earth's surface.

  "Divine Sword of Salvation! Must thou cut one down here, too impatient for this goddess' death!"

  As soon as Athena spoke, it immediately happened.

  From the shining platinum-colored star, a beam of light attacked the petrified ocean surface.

  Slicing it apart in one broad stroke. With only a single attack, a deep trench was carved out of the petrified ocean surface. Roughly ten-odd meters in length, and likely similar in depth.

  What kind of slashing attack was this! Similar to Verethragna's [Sword], it was a weapon controlled by gods.

  They had to get away from that star!

  "You run away first, Seishuuin! I will follow!"

  "Yes. Take care!"

  The Hime-Miko of the Sword ran swiftly like the wind.

  Without carrying any load, her speed should allow her to escape to a safe place.

  However, Godou could not. Rather, there was this lingering need. Ena had obeyed orders immediately, probably because there was no time to evaluate the decision.

  On the other hand, Athena was —

  She was spreading darkness around her. This was the dark protective shield she used previously to defend against Verethragna's [White Stallion] — the flames descending from the sun.

  The platinum-colored star emitted bright light onc
e more, striking down at Athena's darkness.

  Surprisingly, though the dark shield managed to block the attack, it was blown away. Previously, the darkness had been able to defend against the [White Stallion]'s firepower!

  ...The attack was only the beginning.

  The white star flashed with light once again. However, it was not only one beam this time.

  Several, no, dozens of beams of light were sprayed out. Multiple layers for sure. A deadly sword formation woven from white flashing lights...!

  One beam of light approached Godou's head. Fast as lightning.

  However, this extreme speed in turn allowed him to activate Verethragna's seventh incarnation, the [Raptor].

  Having obtained god-like speed, Godou attempted to evade the blade of light.

  All said and done, god-like speed was only akin to lightning. It was not light speed.

  Luckily, Godou managed to escape the beam from the white star using the limits of god-like speed. From that it would seem like it was more of a lightning attack.

  There was no time to verify this random notion. Running away was imperative. Just as he prepared to do so, he saw it.

  The multi-sword formation looked as if it was about to slice Athena into pieces.

  The darkness protecting her were all gone. Defenseless. About to be helplessly sliced apart.

  —One reaps what one sows. Godou thought.

  Despite all sorts of special circumstances, she was the culprit of the current crisis. She had brought great disaster to human society. If she had not done so then she would not be in peril currently.

  However, Athena's expression was clearly visible.

  The courageous goddess, proudly lifted her head up high to gaze at the white star.

  Had she been faced with a sentence of decapitation, she would probably show the same expression? She was the one who embraced the dignity of the ancient matriarch deity and goddess of the divine realm.

  "Damn it... Why, why do you have to make that kind of expression?"

  If her life was saved at this point, "battle" would inevitably recur.

  It would be best to ignore her. She had turned Yuri, Liliana, and many other people into stone. Godou was furious at those acts of hers. However, it was also true that the Holy Grail-whatever was buried in her body like a bomb —

  "This is really forcing me to do unnecessary things!"

  Speed like lightning.

  Godou fully unleashed god-like speed and charged forward. Towards the goddess.

  He reached her at the final moment. As multiple swords of light flew down from the sky, he carried Athena in his arms before they could slice her apart. Like that, he continued running at full speed.

  An instant later, at the spot where Godou and Athena had been...

  The shining swords of light raged furiously. Not only did they cut up the now empty petrified ocean surface into a thousand pieces, they completely tore it up to leave no trace behind.

  With that, the white star had lost its target.

  But then the fallen star began to move actively once again. It tried to seek the escaped prey, like a hunter's hound slowly following its scent...

  Back to the artificial island of Umihotaru, then along the connecting road towards Kisarazu.

  After passing through the Kisarazu junction, he next headed for the nearby coast.

  This was the route taken by Godou as he held Athena in his arms. However, the white star that had been firing swords of light was still hovering in midair.

  And slowly moving towards the beach where Godou was now located!

  "Even with this level of speed, it can still sense our location..."

  Godou groaned.

  In order to let Athena rest, he had stopped moving at god-like speed.

  "'Tis only natural. This star of [Swords] released by the Divine Sword of Salvation — consumeth the earth's essence for nourishment. Furthermore, it currently maketh use of the purest essence absorbed from this goddess through the Holy Grail."

  Athena remarked from beside him.

  "That [Sword] moveth for the sake of capturing one's life. In that case, 'tis only natural for it to sense one's location. Because the Holy Grail hidden within this body is connected to it!"

  The pristine white features of her beautiful face were more deathly pale than usual. A shadow also lay beneath her eyes.

  Athena was clearly wasting away.

  Despite being unable to stand, she still glared at the white star unyieldingly.

  "If that's also Guinevere's item, then she must be nearby. Know where she's at?"

  "...What dost thou intend, Kusanagi Godou?"

  "Even though your current state is your comeuppance, I am still partially responsible. I must find Guinevere and stop that [Sword]. Although this means I must act violently, it can't be helped."

  Godou explained his plan.

  His heart did not hurt. That meant there was still time before the [Raptor]'s limit.

  If he quickly found the location and ran over with god-like speed, then he should be able to catch that witch.

  "What art thou saying? Couldst thou be wishing to save this goddess!?"

  "You helped me once during that time against Perseus. If you die before I can return the favor, I'd be very troubled."

  Athena shook her head at Godou as he laughed and prepared to continue explaining his plan.

  "Thou art as feeble as the first day... Apparently, thou hast not learnt to discern thy own weaknesses..."

  The goddess was nagging with those disapproving comments again. However, her severe expression gradually subsided.

  Like grass of spring swaying gently in the breeze, Athena lightly exerted a force on her shoulder.

  Her gaze, turned towards Godou, was filled with interest and curiosity as if looking at a favorite piece of treasure or artwork.

  "An interesting suggestion, but alas, not very appropriate. That object cannot be stopped by such a hasty strategy."

  Athena remarked as she turned her gaze to the white star.

  It was no longer spraying [Swords]. Most likely because of the god-like speed exhibited by Godou. Rather than attack rashly and be evaded, it was better to advance slowly to assure certain annihilation.

  "That said, dying from the nefarious schemes of that maidservant, would be truly vexing. More than anything, more than being unable to settle our rivalry decisively, 'tis even more vexing."

  "You still plan on fighting me..."

  "Of course. Otherwise one would not be the goddess Athena. Be that as it may—"

  A mirror suddenly manifested in the goddess' hand.

  It was a small hand mirror like the ones used by women for applying makeup.

  "Athena's fate looketh like it shall be blemished. One had intended to wait for this long life to reach its end in a manner befitting an immortal. But now one's hand is forced to employ little tricks to extend life on earth."

  Athena spoke as she gazed upon the mirror.

  And so the pubescent otherworldly beauty suddenly transformed into a beautiful statue. Using the mirror, she had turned the snake goddess Medusa's evil gaze upon herself!

  Furthermore, the white star hovering in midair suddenly vanished as well.

  —I see. Godou understood.

  The curse of petrification was the power to bring forth temporary death. Athena had entered a state of false death, temporarily halting her living activity. As a result, the Holy Grail became unable to absorb life force. Thus the [Sword] also lost its power source, and could no longer be sustained.

  In the end, Athena retaliated splendidly against Guinevere's conspiracy.

  However, what should Kusangi Godou do? Divine Ancestor, Athena, petrified streets and facilities, petrified people, Yuri and Liliana who had already fallen —

  Godou anxiously contemplated his next moves.

  Chapter 5 - Where This Sword Shall Strike

  Part 1

  "For this incident, the scale of the affected area is extreme
ly broad. The work required for the aftermath and information control will surely be very troublesome."

  Sayanomiya Kaoru explained to Godou in her usual clear tone.

  This was at a beach within Kisarazu city, the place where Athena had turned herself into a statue a few hours ago.

  "In a certain sense, there's actually a very simple solution. It all depends on Kusanagi-san's will."

  From the beach, there was a clear view of the ocean illuminated orange by the glow of dusk.

  The young beauty's statue stood all alone in this scenery. This exquisite otherworldly beauty on her face, could not possibly be reproduced by any living artist. Furthermore, the pubescent but proudly puffed out chest displayed the goddess' haughtiness. A girl who acted this way probably did not exist either.

  Godou and Kaoru were the only two people bearing witness to this beautiful statue.

  The entire coastal area had already been sealed off by the History Compilation Committee, preventing ordinary people from entering.

  "My will, you say?"

  "Yes. We have already confirmed the identity of the deity causing all these supernatural phenomena. All we need is wait one whole day to pass, then use the [Sword]'s spell words. Take Ena for example. She, too, can teach you knowledge about Athena."

  "Seishuuin?"

  "I expected that sort of preparation would be necessary. A few months ago, I ordered all the Hime-Miko to study western deities. Of course, not every deity, but famous ones like Athena were included of course."

  Kaoru explained cheerfully. How astute of her methods.

  Not only as a Hime-Miko, but as an organization leader, she also had outstanding talents as a strategist.

  "Even though Athena had turned everything into stone anywhere from the reclaimed area in Ukishima across the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway to the Umihotaru artificial island. However, she did not cause any destruction, which is actually quite fortunate. As long as Kusanagi-san uses your authority, and severs Athena's power by sweeping the [Sword] through the entire area, everything will be restored."

  That's right. It was the same for objects, people, as well as animals and plants.

  Including Yuri and Liliana, everything that had been petrified could be restored.