He still had a chance. It was not time to give up yet.
Luo Cuilian had once said: 'A god's strength is proportional to the strength of their ego.'
Thinking over his past battles, Godou felt this was something he agreed with.
Furthermore, Kusanagi Godou discovered another point. In proportion to the strength of their ego, they also carried a lot of pride.
Even though all gods inevitably brought calamity to people, they did not act despicably. All they wanted was to leisurely display their superiority. Even that mischievous Great Sage was the same.
In that case, such an accusation should come as blow to Athena's pride.
Particularly in this situation when she owed him a favor, it was quite probable she would accept his request.
It was a kind of gamble. However, the goddess ultimately had only one wish. If Athena said no — the thought made Godou feel like a stomach ache was coming.
Nevertheless, even though it seemed like what Kaoru had said... Godou did not agree.
He believed there was another reason why his gamble would pay off.
The haughty and self-centered goddess would not disappoint. Even though it sounded rather strange, Godou trusted her.
"Hmph. Very well then."
The goddess smacked her lips as she spoke.
"As thy senior on the battlefield, for one to bestow charity upon thee, 'tis only proper for a queen. Conversely, accepting thy charity would taint this goddess' honor. Very well, Kusanagi Godou. This once, one shall grant thy request."
Athena proceeded to release a pulse of magic for just an instant. It flew towards the sea — the direction where the petrified Trans-Tokyo Bay Harbor ran.
After a short while, Godou's cellphone began to vibrate in his pocket.
Kaoru had informed him that rescue operations had begun.
"Sorry for troubling you. Thank you very much."
"Thy gratitude is not needed. Rather, thou shouldst reflect upon thy shameless heart and impertinent commentary on a queen. Regardless, thou hast already spoken."
Athena sneered lightly.
Like a ferocious bird of prey having discovered its target, or the delighted expression of a poisonous snake about to swallow its prey.
"Thou wert talking about fighting again with hostages held against thee — hast thou realized thy foolishness, and changed thy mind?"
"Not really. I don't have anything I need to change my mind about."
Godou dismissed his elated foe's accusation.
"Anyway, what happened to the Holy Grail? It's the culprit that robbed you of immortality, right? For now, I think it's been successfully eliminated."
"Forsooth. Thy attack was splendid indeed..."
Why? Athena was showing the same expression as from their first encounter.
A smile carrying slight gentleness. It was like the reassured expression of an elder witnessing the growth of the younger generation.
Sword and sword. Was she praising the combination technique that sliced apart the Holy Grail?
Or perhaps, she bore this smile for other reasons? The goddess' heart was impossible to discern.
"The Holy Grail in one's body hath been critically damaged and halted in function. With that, it hath temporarily stopped draining one's life."
"Temporarily?"
"Yes. Temporarily. The sun shall rise and set once again. Repeating thus ad infinitum. To be able to press an immortal indestructible divine artifact into such a corner, 'tis a magnificent sword."
Athena praised lightly.
She softly pressed her hand against the child-like abdomen beneath her Greek garments.
She must have concluded this by using her power as the goddess of wisdom (probably similar to Yuri's spirit vision but hundreds of times more powerful in perception) to examine the Holy Grail within her.
"Thou hast also witnessed the Divine Sword of Salvation? Forsooth, 'tis difficult to retrieve the majority of this goddess' stolen life with one's remaining strength. Should the Holy Grail successfully start up again, one's remaining life shall be lost immediately. Hohoho, forsooth, having this respite is cause for celebration."
Athena indifferently revealed her inevitable death that was to arrive in a matter of days.
The Grail was impossible to destroy after all? Since this possibility had been considered beforehand, it did not come as too much of a disappointment to Godou.
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had already hinted. Had Verethragna's [Sword] been able to achieve that, it would not be surprising to seal a Campione's authority semi-permanently. But in all his battles so far, no god had been defeated by just the [Sword] alone...
Even though it was a convenient weapon combining offense and defense, it always seemed lacking in a certain decisive power.
It cannot be helped. In that case, I will fight in the manner I have decided.
"Intentionally sealing the Holy Grail and rousing this goddess from slumber. Thou finally wishest to have a proper duel? Dost thou intend to respond to one's valor, standing atop the battlefield? 'Tis most agreeable!"
"That's not right. Like I just said, my intentions have not changed."
Godou shook his head at the queen of warriors who was smiling glamorously.
No doubt about it. I will adhere to my own way of doing things no matter what.
"However, if your dying wish is a battle with me, I will respond more or less. A battle without any reservations. But it has to be undertaken in my manner."
"Thy manner?"
"That's right. Victory will be mine. I won't let Athena who wishes to kill me leave without being taught a lesson. After that, I will take that Holy Grail... that thing that's killing you, and show you how to stop it no matter what. Finally, just like last time, I'll drive you out of Japan."
"...Having reached this critical point, thou still utterest such delusions. One's death hast already been set in stone."
Godou immediately interrupted Athena's mournful speech.
"It's the Holy Grail and the whatever divine blade of salvation that's killing you, right? If I catch the owner Guinevere and find out all the details, then go to the Netherworld to seek out those old guys, there must be a way."
It could very well achieve nothing but delay the inevitable. Nevertheless, that was what Godou decided.
"I'd be very troubled if you died. I still haven't heard your wish."
"One hast already expressed clearly. Answerest this goddess' challenge, showest thy will and spirit. That shall be the price."
Godou stared back at the snake goddess' gaze.
"I've also mentioned already. I won't listen to any request that brings troubles to the surrounding people. Therefore our battle doesn't count. I'll first defeat you, then help you, and listen to another request. Because I have already decided, you must use force if you want to change my mind."
Saving Athena from the Holy Grail. That was easy to say.
On the other hand, it would be challenging to achieve. A dark and unguided path lay ahead. Which was why he wanted to exhibit his "will and spirit" to Athena before the worst outcome arrived.
For the sake of this goddess who expressly wished to duel Kusanagi Godou before she died.
...Despite being a civilized person who treasured peace, the option of "don't fight Athena and find out how to deal with the Grail" seemed to have disappeared from his mind.
Why Godou rejected such a plan, the reason was as clear as day.
"Impressive, such growth in this short time."
Almost about to say something astounding, Athena shook her head.
It did not seem like the behavior of a great goddess, but more like a human's instead.
"Thou art careless, an illegitimate child of the fool after all! Forsooth, thou holdst onto incomprehensible weakness, how much longer couldst thou survive!?"
She spoke sonorously in a soprano pitch.
Godou did not miss the sardonic glimmer accompanying the goddess' gaze.
"One
doth not think thou canst become strong while bearing such weakness... Foolish, forsooth 'tis foolish — Alas, it cannot be helped! Furthermore, thou seekest a battle of might against the goddess of war, such boldness should have limits!" The goddess who always bore an expressionless poker face, was now exclaiming with a delighted expression.
So this kind of expression was actually possible for her. Godou thought rather rudely to himself.
"Very well, thou sayst thou shalt defeat Athena. The manner thou described should not work. Then one's valor shall enlighten Kusanagi Godou. Shouldst thou have any objections, then thou shalt voice them through force as thou hast proposed."
She must have meant something like "If you win then I don't mind listening to you."
Seeing Athena's joyful expression, Godou believed without cause.
Completely baseless. But incredibly, that was what he believed. He proceeded to stroll slowly across the beach, listening to the sound of breaking waves as he walked.
Without saying a word, Athena followed along, quietly walking behind Godou.
Even though it would be fine to get started immediately, he still wanted to rouse his battle spirits first. Athena must be thinking the same thing.
God and god-slayer walked as they savored their connection forged by fate.
The kind of fateful relationship written as mortal enemy but read aloud as "friend," impossible to articulate to others.
The first sign of change Guinevere noticed was the disappearance of the Holy Grail's presence.
She was the reincarnation of the goddess who created the Holy Grail. No matter how far they were separated, even when Athena had devoured the Grail, Guinevere remained firmly aware of its presence. But now, the feeling was suddenly gone.
Furthermore, there was a second change.
She sensed the disappearance of the divine power that had been saturating the area.
Athena's power had vanished. The power that turned everything into stone, whether living things or inanimate objects, organic or inorganic.
Guinevere was currently located on the shore a few dozens of kilometers away from where the goddess had turned herself into stone.
Not at a scenic beach but on top of a treacherous cliff. Beneath her, the early winter sea was crashing against the rocks, producing waves of white.
Guinevere immediately used the clairvoyant [Witch's Eye] to enhance her vision, and watched.
—The great road built over the sea by human hands.
—The castle built over there like some kind of ship and fortress hybrid.
—The coastal town on the opposite shore to where Guinevere and the goddess were located.
Not too long ago everything was still stone. Whether buildings, roads, ponds or marshes. Even parts of the ocean. Living things, beasts, insignificant microorganisms, flying insects and crawling bugs, everything.
All had been carcasses of stone. A graveyard of stone.
All of a sudden, everything had been restored. Restored to life and vigor, or perhaps simply their original state. All the people and animals that had been turned to stone now lay sprawled and sleeping wherever they were.
"The curse of petrification is temporary death rather than true slaughter. Bringing things back to life must be child's play for Athena..."
(Beloved child, find Athena, or that young god-slayer!)
Lancelot's reproach could be heard. Watching over from afar, he too, had noticed the change.
Guinevere frantically sent a flying [Eye] towards the beach where Athena had turned herself into stone.
Saw it. Facing off against Kusanagi Godou, the awakened goddess —
Guinevere concluded the spell of the [Witch's Eye] and immediately used flight magic, taking to the skies, surrounded by white light as she flew through the air.
In any case, she had to hasten to the scene and investigate what happened exactly.
Then assist Kusanagi Godou so that he can defeat the goddess.
Just as Guinevere was making her plans and flying without distraction, she was ambushed.
Seishuuin Ena was called the Hime-Miko of the Sword.
However, her martial arts mastery was not limited to the sword but also included the naginata. She was also talented in jujutsu.[30] Not only that, she was also trained in the shuriken[31] and the jutte[32] and concealed weapons known as anki.[33] Furthermore, she knew archery.
Unfortunately, it was not up to the level known as the art of the bow.
No matter what, preparing the bow, sighting the target by chance, casually nocking the arrow and hitting the target was no easy task.
Nevertheless, with her exceptionally outstanding vision and excellent instincts, Ena was able to get a good aim at her target.
"O Great God of Arms, I beseech your aid against my enemy... May this arrow strike right on target."
To be on the safe side, she had applied the spell of the [Evil Vanquishing Arrow] beforehand.
It was a spell that guaranteed penetration even if the target was intangible spirits or ectoplasm, or protected by projectile deflecting spells.
Ena was located on the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.
Roughly a couple hundred meters away from the Kisarazu junction entrance. Due to traffic restrictions, there were no cars on the road.
Preparations were complete. And then the bright light of the target was sighted.
A flying white light. So fast. Flying with substantial speed. Almost about to cross the airspace over the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway. The destination was Athena's beach as expected.
"Pay good attention. I can let you off for running around doing sneaky things in the dark, but I won't let you come disturb His Majesty deliberately!"
Grumbling to herself, she locked the target in her sights.
The white light should be Divine Ancestor Guinevere. Ena expected it and had been watching the sky alertly from a place with an open view.
The flying witch appeared in the air above the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.
Ena shot the arrow with a whoosh.
The arrow that was expected to strike in one hit. Furthermore, this was a specially crafted arrow sent from the Seishuuin home, a magic bullet carrying evil-exorcising and spirit-revealing properties.
This arrow reached several kilometers up into the air.
That kind of distance was not possible to fire from a bow. This was also one of the magical powers hidden in the magic bullet. Exceptional range and penetrative power. Used in conjunction with Ena's eyes, instincts and archery.
The full-powered arrow bearing all these factors, struck down the white light.
The arrowhead penetrated soft flesh... Ena was certain.
The expert's instincts proved to be correct. The flight of the white light was interrupted.
The light immediately vanished to reveal the figure of Witch Queen Guinevere, who began falling naturally. In that case, she would fall into the sea or onto the surface of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.
However, the rate of her fall suddenly slowed down.
Slowly and wavering, like the descent of a leaf, she was using hovering magic.
The Divine Ancestor's left arm... The upper arm region showed a laceration.
In addition, her child-like beautiful face was flushed red from undisguised anger. Even so, her face was still as beautiful as an antique doll's.
"Not a critical hit... It can't be helped since she was flying at such speeds."
The blonde Divine Ancestor made her landing a couple dozens of meters ahead on the road.
Ena threw the bow and quiver aside. The greeting had been sent and it was now time for the weapons to enter the stage.
She had to prevent Guinevere from advancing. This was the mission entrusted to her by the man she loved.
Part 4
"I know all about you. Miko blessed with divine manifestation."
Did she calm her rage as soon as she landed on the ground?
Guinevere's beautiful face was now as calm as a windless lak
e.
"Obstructing the most authoritative Divine Ancestor, Witch Queen Guinevere. What an audacious girl. The price exacted for such insolence shall be your very life."
In outer form, she appeared even younger than Ena. However, there existed a vast difference in mastery of magic and sheer magical power between them.
Nevertheless, the Hime-Miko of the Sword was undaunted, charging straight at Divine Ancestor Guinevere.
"I don't know if you are bluffing — but Ena is not one to sit around waiting for death."
Ena retorted with determination. Having abandoned the bow, she was unarmed.
Not even her usual Japanese sword was present. But that was because she had already prepared a substitute weapon.
"Yamato Yamato, elite of the nation, endless rolling green mountains, encircled by the walls of the summit, beautiful Yamato!"
Spell words chanted in order to use the trump card.
Then she imagined. The partner whose form was a sword. The new bonds forged last night —
Divine possession began. This time it was not the presence bestowed by the guardian god Susanoo but a divine aura closer to this partner here.
"Beseeching the grace of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi! May its shadow manifest hither!"
The magnificent three-foot three-and-a-half-inch blade suddenly manifested in Ena's hand as she called out.
The jet-black blade whose form followed a gentle curve, forged into a structure of Japanese style. This was the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi that inhabited Kusanagi Godou's right arm. Unlike before, this was not temporarily borrowed.
The divine aura of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had been summoned from Kusanagi Godou's right arm and materialized in the form of a sword.
This could be said to be Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's doppelganger. Another divine blade.
"Well... How splendid. Summoning the power of gods immediately!"
Even so, Guinevere continued to smile.
The divine possessed Hime-Miko of the Sword should be on the same level as Divine Ancestors and divine beasts.
Ena wielded Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's divine aura as she held her breath and focused.
"Hey, did you know? Even though they are known as Hime-Miko in this country, this kind of power originates from the bloodline of the Divine Ancestors, the same kin as me, Guinevere. Yes yes, you are one of our very distant descendants."
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