There was only one inhabitant in this garden.
This alluring otherworldly beauty, whose eyes were dark with worry.
Even though she was wearing a traditional kimono in the extravagant style of the juunihitoe[27], her hair was flaxen in color instead of black. Her eyes were the color of glass. The features of the beautiful face seemed almost sculpted. All this was evidence that she was no native of Japan.
"Oh, did you sense the chaos in the real world too, Princess?"
Someone greeted the Princess who was standing on the pond's edge as she gazed at the water surface.
"Yes. The attendant of the 'King of the End' seems to have finally discovered that Japan is the location of the king's grave..."
The Princess of Glass turned around to face the strongly-built old man.
Compared to the Princess' juunihitoe, his clothing style was even more ancient.
A white tight-sleeved gown combined with a loose-fitting hakama. Had the hair been divided into left and right halves and tied near the ears, the appearance would greatly resemble Yamato Takeru.
However, his disheveled hair was as unruly as a bird's nest.
"By human calendars, he must have slept for over a millennium. One could say it is time for the tide to ebb. It appears that the brat will soon awaken."
The elderly hero spoke with a bored expression.
The Princess and others called him "The Old One." His name was Haya Susanoo no Mikoto, and was once the [Heretic God] who wandered the earth, bearing the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
Now he had made the Netherworld his home, living in seclusion.
Abandoning the human world and all sorts of troublesome issues, living like a hermit in this place. Like him, the Princess was doing the same thing. However, there were intertwined fates which could never be severed no matter what.
"In the end, even though I escaped to a place like this, he could very well still be connected to me somehow..."
Susanoo naturally recalled his last appearance.
A layer of poignant battle-hardened vigor gradually proliferated across his originally handsome face like the spreading of iron rust. And carved out deeply an expression of battle-weariness —
“Because the one who put you all in this state, was that brat."
The elderly god went "hmph" in response to the Princess' worries.
"Well, since we're already here, then just treat it as a vacation to high places for now. We're all just a bunch of retired geriatrics. After all, it's about time we stop intervening in the troubles of the human world."
The Princess nodded. Right. But first, the situation had to be followed closely.
How should the dying mother earth goddess be dealt with? Or perhaps it will finally be clear whether Kusanagi Godou had the power to cause vexation to the "King of the End."
How will he respond to that goddess' wish —?
The Princess cast her gaze towards the pond surface. Just like that, the situation on earth was reflected onto the water surface. Like the women known as the Divine Ancestors, she was also one who controlled magic as easily as if it were the simple act of breathing.
Part 2
"Now, the news media have all been successfully brought under control."
Sayanomiya Kaoru remarked as she watched the mini One-Seg[28] television.
It was a Sunday morning news show known for its distinctive style. On the four-inch screen, several commentators were chatting amiably with the host.
"Even though parts of Kawasaki and the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway, as well as the artificial island of Umihotaru have been petrified... Major incidents of that sort are taking place right now, as long as there are no reports, 99% of the citizens will be completely oblivious of the truth."
Within Kisarazu city in the Chiba prefecture, Athena's statue stood upright on the shore.
After getting dressed and finishing breakfast, Godou returned to this place, and Kaoru immediately arrived.
With that, the preparation and background work were all complete.
"Wow, none of the stations have reported any news about this region."
Impressed, Godou exclaimed.
During this time before the battle, Kaoru had brought the One-Seg television here and had been changing channels repeatedly, checking all sorts of shows.
Unwittingly, their gaze was cast towards the sea.
From the Kisarazu coast, extending towards the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway —
Umihotaru and its surroundings had been transformed into a desolate palace of stone.
Furthermore, the tunnel connecting to Kawasaki was parked with hundreds of vehicles all turned into stone.
Within the vehicles sat many statues. Since the car doors could not be opened, there was no way to rescue passengers. Nevertheless, it would have been impossible to understand the situation if one were viewing from afar.
"Originally, this would be a critical incident that would naturally have special reports broadcasted on every station. If Athena's appearance could be widely disseminated to all parties, perhaps the affected areas could have been reduced slightly in scope... At least, Haneda Airport would not have been caught up in this."
Godou nodded in agreement with Kaoru.
The number of associated personnel at the Airport must be much lower in comparison, which would make it much more difficult to keep information secret.
"What about online?"
"It's kind of borderline. The nearby residents are suspicious, and there have been complaints posted on blogs and forums, but we will do our utmost to control the situation."
Kaoru explained fluently.
Come to think of it, Amakasu had once explained "doing this and that to the servers in an emergency" when Godou wondered about their emergency computer policy.
They must be diligently preparing for that as well.
"We disclosed some plausible-sounding speculation and false information, including some facts that we deliberately mixed in. Well, there is no way for anyone to gather definitive intelligence anywhere near the truth without our knowing. Besides, there's that no matter what."
"That?"
"I don't think anyone easily accepts as truth what they read about online, right? Especially if the actual situation is ridiculous and unbelievable."
That was true too. Godou understood.
Even if someone revealed the truth directly, they would be suspected of mental illness, or at least thought to be joking.
Godou's mother, Kusanagi Mayo, had once recounted with great seriousness the story of the relative who had been sent to the United States Marine Corps for counseling camp and rehabilitation because of delusions that "Michael Jackson will revive one year from now to bring salvation to mankind." His mother's words were still fresh in Godou's mind.
To Godou's knowledge, she was probably the most ridiculous unbelievable woman he ever knew.
"The only way to know the truth would be to visit the scene. However, people able to break through the blockade prepared by our Committee do not exist in the normal world."
"There's probably no need to worry to that extent. I'm sure that the petrified people and objects will be recovered."
"Understood. Then hurry and prepare to save them. You really are using the [Sword], right?"
Godou shook his head at Kaoru's question.
That was the natural decision after all. Kaoru's suggested method was correct. A choice of action that could resolve the incident without any challenge.
Just slay Athena while she was still in stone.
The petrification wrought by Athena could be easily neutralized by the [Sword]'s spell words.
Even someone nowhere near as smart as Kaoru should be able to understand that her suggestion was correct. However, Kusanagi Godou could not take that choice. If he did, it would not be able to satisfy all his wishes. Saving Yuri and Liliana, as well as everyone else, dealing with that goddess' determined wish— It could not satisfy this willful impulse.
"Th
e [Sword] needs to be used somewhere else. Please continue to prepare for saving the people turned into stone. Things should probably go as planned."
Even though he could not explain it, Godou was certain. Tentatively.
All along, gods had never acted in any underhanded manner like villains. At least from the perspective of their own intentions. This was probably similar to the reason why they never acknowledged humans in the slightest.
That said, it was impossible to guarantee.
Godou was exasperated at himself for taking on such a gamble.
"Your wish is my command, my king. No matter what, all you need to do is ask."
Kaoru replied respectfully. It was delivered with elegance as if spoken by some upper class noble who had left the royal palace.
Due to the speaker being an elegant cross-dressing beauty, the effect was even more pronounced.
"Really, I'm always bringing trouble..."
"Following the decrees of the Your Highness the Devil King is our duty. Please pay no heed to it. As for me personally, there is a substantial gamble involved. Even though what I staked currently escapes me."
Kaoru signaled with her eyes as Godou became suspicious.
"Using methods beyond my imagination, and taking action in ways I am not permitted by my position. It is a rare treat for me to be able to assist Kusanagi-san like this. Well, it's still too early to say what might happen to Yuri and the rest, but my heart sure is racing at this point."
The History Compilation Committee core member smiled, lightly biting her lip.
As an eighteen-year-old woman, her chest was surprisingly svelte.
"Precisely because of this dark side, as long as my wits and talents can keep up with your capricious and overbearing ways, I actually welcome all your unreasonable demands. This is an opportunity for you to entice to your side someone like me who is able to assist you."
She was like a beautiful devil marketing herself as the great Devil King's right hand. Or perhaps Mephistopheles[29] visiting Dr Faust.
Having to deal with a beauty of this sort, Godou could not help but start staring at the sky. His faction seemed to be filling its ranks in an anarchic direction...
"Sooner or later, I will become the Committee's Chairperson and administer the wizardry world of the entire country. But having such a smooth path laid out for me is not very meaningful. Creating a new venture with one's own hands... That's the way I like to do things."
She was the next head of one the Four Families, as well as being a Hime-Miko.
The kinship ties to their families, entrapping Kaoru as well as Ena, perhaps ran even deeper than could be imagined.
"In order to get closer to the lifestyle I prefer, please allow me to make use of you as much as possible in our dealings. Consequently, do not worry unnecessarily... Well then, that's it for me. Let's handle everything properly from now."
"I will rely on you to take care of Mariya and Liliana for me."
Godou bowed his head as Kaoru departed.
After being rescued from the Umihotaru artificial island yesterday, they had been taken to a hospital near the shore. Naturally, it was a facility backed by the Committee.
Due to the proximity of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd's hiding spot, that type of facility was particularly common in the area.
"Most certainly. No matter what situation arises, I will keep things under control. Please fight without reservation."
Kaoru's encouragement was slightly suspect on a moral level, but Godou felt gratified.
Once her figure had disappeared in the distance, Godou turned to the other person involved.
— Heretic Athena. The goddess who had turned herself into a statue.
There was no one else in the area apart from Godou and her. The security team had already left the shore. The Committee had been busy sealing areas of the city that surrounded this coast, telling residents about 'the abortive poison gas leak,' urging them to undertake emergency evacuations during the night before morning arrived.
Ena had also left for a certain mission.
Preparations were fully complete. Godou drew his weapon without hesitation.
"As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. All enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished!"
The scripture of Verethragna, the god of victory. However, there was more to it.
"This was where Susanoo no Mikoto started his uprising, leading a thousand savage gods!"
He also chanted scripture connected to Susanoo's beloved sword.
In order to combine two blades into one.
In order to combine spell words with the divine sword.
"A thousand swords standing upon the earth, used as city walls to defend against the enemies. Namely, the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi."
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had the ability to absorb the ten incarnations of Verethragna used by Godou, thereby amplifying each other's divine power, manifesting new powers.
Just like the railgun used against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven last time.
'King. The power produced by the sword's spell words have been received.'
Godou sensed Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's thoughts coming from his right arm.
'In a normal battle, your blade is the sword of wisdom for slicing gods apart. However, the blade formed from our union is different. It is truly the sword of wisdom for severing an immortal indestructible divine artifact.'
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, both a deity and a divine artifact at the same time.
The blade formed from the union of such an existence was the weapon for slicing through divine artifacts instead of gods.
'Using your knowledge of the Holy Grail, the sharpness of the blade has been altered. Now is the time for foes to be vanquished and invaders to perish. Swing to your heart's content!'
In the past, the blade had always formed from comprehension of a god.
But this time it was a blade formed with the wish to destroy a completely understood divine artifact. In particular, Godou was targeting the culprit that was draining Athena's life — the Holy Grail.
The knowledge had been deliberately instilled by Guinevere. I shall take advantage of it in return!
"Right. I am very grateful I can use it. Let's go!"
'Affirmative! I am the steel that tears through a thousand blades! Awaiting your command!'
The wielder and the divine sword's thoughts were aligned.
In the battle against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Godou's battle spirit and magical power had been raised to the highest limits. Consequently, he could now resonate with Ama no Murakumo and draw out that power even under normal conditions.
On the other hand, this was before the battle started.
Had this been a situation similar to the past, he would not be able to wield it with full control.
However, having gone through the ritual with Ena, Godou had now awakened as the possessor of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi —
"Man and devil — all enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished!"
Responding to the spell words, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi manifested in Godou's right hand.
The spectacular blade measuring three feet and three-and-a-half inches. But unlike its usual appearance, the blade was brilliant gold instead of jet-black in color. The same color as Verethragna's sword.
'The holy vessel of taboo! Wither like scattered flowers!'
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi called out as it hurtled towards the statue of pubescent Athena.
The golden blade pierced her delicate chest completely.
However, what Godou's right hand felt was not the sensation of tearing through stone or the goddess, instead it was surely the penetration of the ancient divine artifact.
Quietly drawing out the blade, he dispelled Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi with a wave of the hand. With that, Godou waited.
Five seconds, ten seconds... Almost a minute had passed. Athena finally opened her eyes.
The
statue of gray stone was restored to a young girl's supple body of flesh. Her hair once again displayed brilliance and luster as if melded with moonlight.
The Holy Grail had been absorbing her life force.
She must have released her stone form after noticing the interruption of the Grail's action.
"Kusanagi Godou... Is this thy doing? Thou hast given a blow to the Holy Grail within one's body?"
This could very well be the first time Godou witnessed such an expression on her face.
Goddess Athena's pubescent face was gazing upon the god-slayer with admiring approval.
Part 3
"It's been a day. Even though I have many things I'd like to say, let me make a request first."
With many questions for Athena, Godou began in this manner.
"It's not like I want a return favor for helping you, so it's a request. Could you return everyone and everything that had been petrified back to normal?"
"Forsooth?"
"You said you wanted a no holds barred battle with me. Since we're fighting anyway, releasing them won't matter to you, right? On the other hand, if I am forced into battle in this manner, it's like having hostages. I will be worrying about the people turned into stone and unable to concentrate on fighting."
"Is that what thou wished to say?"
She must have felt insulted.
Athena's approving expression vanished, turning into a piercing stare.
"Thou art planning to rely on the humans once they are liberated from their interim death, thereby obtaining dishonorable victory. How impertinent! How shameless! As the goddess of the Divine Realm, Athena cannot approve of such underhanded tactics. Knowest thou hast misspoken!"
A furious shout. It was basic truth. Gods did not care for humans, simply considering them stones. The thought of "hostages" probably never crossed their minds.
"To me, those petrified people are very important. Even if you can't empathize, it is truly what I feel. So please, restore everything first. Wouldn't doing something so low as taking hostages taint your authority?"
No matter what, it was necessary to provoke Athena's sense of pride.
Since he had used Verethragna's [Sword] to halt the Holy Grail's function, there was no other way to dispel the petrification. This was why he chose to do things this way.
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