Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  The Witch Queen's melodic voice spoke softly, as she laughed with an expression of child-like innocence.

  "It would be most vexing to think that a distant descendant can do something we Divine Ancestors could not. Be that as it may, Guinevere happens to be unable to use possession type spells—"

  In that instant, the divine aura in Ena's surroundings increased explosively.

  Not from Guinevere herself but somewhere else... Over there! Ena cast her gaze towards the vast sea of Bousou beyond the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.

  "However, I can still manage similar spells. I beseech you to come hither, servant dispatched by the god of the sea! Fight for Guinevere!"

  Shyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

  There was the sound of a great volume of seawater pushed forth onto land.

  Ena remained silent despite the rising tension of facing this sea-splitting might.

  Even though its full appearance was not visible, the head of the giant squid suggested a full length of maybe thirty or forty meters —

  The giant squid's various tentacles began reaching out from the sea.

  "Wohohoho. The water and the earth's divine aura are also considered Guinevere's kin. With a little time and preparation, they can be made to manifest in the form of divine beasts. Even though it's simply an imitation of the divine, formed using the Holy Grail's magical power... However, even something on the level of a fake god can be manifested."

  Ena was astonished at the revelations of Guinevere's confident speech.

  Having obtained divine might, she understood that a divine beast lay before her. Even though her divine possession was rather game-breaking, her opponent was even more extreme.

  No matter what, even assisted by divine power, Seishuuin Ena was just a living human girl.

  Her opponent had the gigantic body of a divine beast. The difference in power and body size was overwhelming.

  "That's appearing too suddenly, come on!"

  An enormous squid tentacle attacked from overhead.

  Crash! The speed and curvature was like a giant whip's.

  Ena jumped away as quickly as a monkey. Very few people could surpass the agility of the Hime-Miko of the Sword.

  With an appropriate margin of safety, she evaded the squid's tentacle.

  The giant organism's appendage struck the highway surface where Ena had been standing — directly shattering it. Steel reinforced concrete crumbled noisily, breaking apart, dug upon by the squid's tentacle. It seemed as easy as slicing through a cake.

  Furthermore, the giant squid still had many other tentacles.

  The gigantic tentacles repeatedly attacked Ena on land.

  Tentacles descending on her from above. Tentacles sweeping from behind. From the right and left, tentacles trying to entangle her.

  "Rather alert of you! However, please do not forget the existence of Guinevere!"

  Ena smacked her lips. The giant squid (more elegantly known as the Kraken) was wrecking the road using dozens of tentacles.

  The road surface was pulverized and torn into a mess.

  Concrete fragments of various shapes and sizes were rolling about all over the road.

  Cars probably could not be driven over this road any more. Even walking would be difficult. Had Ena not been agile enough to jump around in this place, it would have been impossible to evade all of the Kraken's attacks.

  At this time, the next challenge arrived.

  Guinevere who had hovered into the air at some point was now holding a javelin in her hand.

  "O Witch's javelin guarding the country of shadows, relive the legend of Queen Scáthach!"[34]

  Chanting the spell words, the Divine Ancestor launched the javelin.

  A weakly throw that neglected to make use of the waist. She must be untrained in martial arts.

  Nevertheless, such a throw was more than enough. As the javelin automatically flew towards Ena, the magical weapon had split itself into twelve short spears hurtling towards their target.

  Ena gave up trying to defend.

  Using her reflexes to guard against the Kraken's attacks, she entrusted herself to Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi!

  Relaxing her arms as she gripped the divine sword, she allowed it to move autonomously.

  Flash. Two flashes. Three flashes. As the lustrous blade endlessly flashed back and forth, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi repeatedly struck down the onslaught of magic javelins.

  All were cut down. The steel partner defended Ena most splendidly.

  At that moment the concrete beneath her shattered.

  Somehow, the Kraken had dug one of its tentacles into the ground, preparing for an attack from below.

  Even so, Ena managed to retreat backwards with all her effort and evaded the massive tentacle.

  However, the second and third tentacles continued to rip apart the concrete beneath her, repeatedly attacking from underground. Ena leaped around as if she was flying, desperately trying to escape.

  Guinevere once again threw the javelin from just now, this time launching two at the same time.

  Splitting apart once again, a total of twenty-four short spears rained down.

  —I rely on you, Ama no Murakumo!

  Responding to her prayer, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi once again defended with a flurry of strikes. Nevertheless.

  Guooooooooooooooooooh!!

  A terrifying shriek. Even though it was unclear what kind of organ produced such a sound, it was the howl of the Kraken.

  In the instant she heard this sound, Ena's entire body froze.

  Tightly constricted by the spirit powers of the divine beast, she could not even lift a finger.

  Normally, divine possessed Ena would have used Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to slice it apart. However, her preoccupation with offense had shown an opening!

  "In case I had to take you on as an opponent... Even though I did warn myself, was it redundant concern?"

  Guinevere remarked boldly as she prepared the third launch of the javelin.

  Since Ena had entrusted her defense to Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, her body was unable to move.

  In that case, let me fully liberate Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's power — just as Ena started concentrating.

  "Behold! As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead! Fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house!"[35]

  The familiar and wondrous voice chanted spell words of iron.

  A wall suddenly appeared before Ena. Like a thick panel of steel, it was impenetrable as a literal iron wall, deflecting the spears completely.

  "I finally made it to the most spectacular scene. Fortune must be smiling upon my usual abundance of good deeds."

  His Majesty would likely retort to such a comment.

  The girl, who could hardly be described as virtuous in conduct, approached as Ena smiled wryly.

  Crowned by her red-tinted blonde hair fluttering in the wind, her beautiful face shone with the light of dazzling talent and domineering spirit.

  Her surcoat was designed with red vertical stripes against a black background.

  The beautiful girl synonymous to red and black. It was Erica Blandelli of course.

  Part 5

  "No need to explain the situation. I've already heard the main gist from Godou. I think I can imagine the rest from the current circumstances."

  Appearing majestically, Erica held a great broad sword in her hand.

  This was the true form of the magic sword Cuore di Leone. Held in her other hand was a rhombic shield.

  Ena asked her unexpected savior:

  "Erica-san, weren't you unable to return immediately?"

  "Yes. But fortunately, I was able to obtain permission to return soon after Godou's call. Then I went to the airport, praying that the flight to Japan had not been cancelled."

  Erica spoke elegantly as usual.

  However, this leisurely confidence made Ena even more certain.

  "The way you speak sounds a bit like Kaor
u-san. Surely there was no 'praying' like you said."

  "How could that be? I am bound to a knight's honor with a clean conscience. Rather, Ena-san must have spent too much time with such a duplicitous person, for you to be unable to believe in other people's good fortune..."

  Having spoken with composure, Erica turned her gaze towards the sky.

  Witch Queen Guinevere. Moreover, the divine beast Kraken whose head had surfaced was still waiting ready behind her.

  Even though a normal squid only had ten tentacles, this creature actually had twenty or thirty of these appendages.

  Those massive tentacles were like sea serpents, wriggling nonstop along the surface of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway and craning their scythe-like necks.

  The terrifyingly white tentacles were densely covered with numerous suction cups. It was a sight that created great dissonance against Guinevere's antique doll-like beauty.

  "Allow me to formally introduce myself to you, witch amongst witches. Meeting you here is an honor for me, the Knight Erica Blandelli. I've heard plenty about your exploits as Black Prince Alec's enemy."

  "Well. It is rare for people to know of Guinevere's cordial relations with the Black Prince."

  The blonde knight gracefully performed a knight's greeting.

  She showed a lady-like smile to the hovering beauty in the black dress.

  Ignoring the strange setting, they were like a courtly pair of characters taken out from medieval chivalric romance literature.

  "Not only valorous but also versed in etiquette, and very resourceful too! Hohoho, clever knight, I also know about you. Indeed, you are Kusanagi-sama's direct vassal."

  "To be acknowledged by Guinevere-sama is truly an unexpected joy."

  The conversation was like mutual echoing.

  Ena began to get impatient. Even though Erica was speaking very gracefully, her true nature was unbearably arrogant. What conniving ways. Furthermore, something about Erica made Ena wary —

  Erica Blandelli was back after a long absence.

  For the undisputed premier Hime-Miko, Seishuuin Ena, Erica was her first true opponent. Most likely, they will continue being rivals for the rest of their lives.

  In the past, Ena did not sense Erica holding back on a hidden trump card.

  Purely in terms of dormant potential, even the prodigy Erica could not match a user of divine possession.

  That was what Ena had always thought. However, what about now? And henceforth? Somehow, Ena's instincts were warning her.

  "Hohoho. It's been so long since I had a chance to converse with a knight who knows how to treat a lady properly. This should have been an occasion to savor and enjoy, but very unfortunately, Guinevere is in a hurry to find out what happened between Kusanagi-sama and Athena. It's about time for things to conclude here."

  Guinevere smiled as she hovered in the air.

  The conversation was the only thing courteous. The original tense atmosphere had not changed at all.

  Erica readied her magic sword and prepared for battle. Ena also gripped Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi firmly once more.

  "Hey Erica-san... Could you let me handle this alone?"

  "Oh my, Ena-san, you want a one on one duel? Even though that kind of knightly style is my preference, the current situation can only accommodate two versus two."

  The Hime-Miko and the Great Knight stood shoulder to shoulder, facing their opponents.

  Divine Ancestor Guinevere and divine beast Kraken. Despite the massive disparity in outward beauty, both belonged to the divine realm. No amount of martial arts or magical mastery could surpass these formidable foes.

  "Yes. Ena can see that. But fighting in this messy battle isn't a solution either — rather, the tide will gradually turn against us. Because of that, could you please let Ena go on a rampage first, then I will rely on Erica-san for the rest."

  "Debating technique aside, I think Ena-san should really learn a little rhetoric."

  This abstract manner of speech expressed disagreement. However.

  "Well. I, Erica Blandelli, have also been blessed by fortune with the talent of adaptability. Do as you wish. Show me what you can do."

  "Thanks. It really helps. — Well then, I'll be in your care!"

  In the instant she obtained Erica's favorable answer, Ena began to run.

  Running at full speed towards the Divine Ancestor and the divine beast. Summoning even more of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's divine aura. Despite having already reached the limits of control, she continued to summon more.

  The Kraken swung its massive tentacles at Ena.

  Guinevere also intended to throw the javelin as before.

  But Ena could not feel anything. She will leave things to the body and the partner who should be able to sweep all obstacles away!

  ...From this moment on, Ena's consciousness began to fade.

  In contrast, the body running at full speed became even more alert. Compared to before, it was more sensitive and vigorous.

  Moving with beast-like savagery, leaping, evading the Kraken's tentacles. Stepping on it, jumping further. Agilely dodging Guinevere's rain of magical spears along the way.

  The body was not the only thing performing vigorously.

  The divine sword, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, also moved freely in a flurry, back and forth endlessly.

  Those terrifying sucker-bearing tentacles of the Kraken — impossible to discern in number how many dozens there were.

  The sacred jet-black blade continually thrust itself at them. Slicing them apart, severing them.

  Guinevere's javelins also met the same fate. As soon as they neared the sword, they were instantly sliced to pieces.

  The Kraken roared painfully using some unknown organ.

  Guinevere's face began twitching from shock.

  Completely ignoring these sights and sounds, Seishuuin Ena's body continued jumping around with the divine sword.

  It felt as if her consciousness was staring blankly down from the sky. Like watching someone else. Clearly abnormal.

  Rampage. Seishuuin Ena was intentionally allowing her divine possession to rampage out of control.

  Even though she entered this state last time to overpower Erica, it had been an accident. This time, she deliberately caused herself to become like this. She believed that the best way to defeat the combination of divine beast and Divine Ancestor was to rely on rampaging explosive power.

  With too many uncertainties, it was a final desperate ploy that could not be used lightly.

  However, Ena let herself go out of control without hesitation because she believed she could entrust the aftermath to Erica. In that case, how would their opponents react?

  Erica distanced herself from the rampaging Hime-Miko and carefully watched the battle develop.

  That's right, well done. Leave on your own.

  In their current state, Ena and Ama no Murakumo had no confidence whether they could distinguish friend from foe. It was correct for Erica to stand back and keep an eye on the situation, ready to seize any opportunities. Erica-san was really smart as expected—

  As her mind contemplated, Ena's body was already beginning its last rampage.

  The limit should be fast approaching. In that case, the body will soon crash down like a kite with a severed string. If only she could make it in time...

  Her consciousness wishing in a daze, Ena's body ran towards the sea.

  And jumped as hard as she could, off the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.

  Towards the head of the Kraken exposed above the sea surface. Aiming for the body rather than the tentacles.

  Ena flew, her body so light that it could have jumped over eight ships.

  Heading in a straight line, she thrust Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi forwards. Just like that, the jet-black blade struck the squid's head with a violent impact, piercing right through. Unable to stop her, the Kraken roared.

  Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

  The divine beast immediately caused the sea surfa
ce to rise, trying with all its might to create a defensive wall of seawater. It was attempting to send Ena and her attack flying back!

  However, the instant Ama no Murakumo's bladed edge made contact with the wall of seawater...

  The wall's material, the seawater instantly split open and lost form. With series of splashes, the water fell back into the original sea. Still flying, Ena stabbed the divine blade into the Kraken's face.

  Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! The final cries of death.

  Struck by a full-powered blow, the giant squid turned back into a massive volume of water with a bone-chilling shriek. With crashing and splashing noises, it split apart and returned to the sea, creating massive waves.

  However, having obtained victory, Ena's body also fell into the water.

  Am I going to... drown? As Ena's consciousness wondered, Erica sprang into action.

  "Unbelievable. Such utter recklessness, making things so troublesome!"

  Turning Cuore di Leone into a lock and chain, she cast it out. Splendidly, the lock and chain tangled itself around Ena' right leg.

  Pulling the undulating chain, Erica dragged Ena's body back onto the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.

  Ena's consciousness returned at this time. Finally, she had reached her limit.

  "Guhooh... Guwah!"

  Regaining her senses, Ena knelt by Erica's feet, vomiting blood.

  Her entire body felt as heavy as lead. Exhausted to the absolute limit. After using divine possession for two days in a row, the feedback struck her all at once.

  "Seems like I'm out... So as I requested just now, I leave things to you..."

  "You're hopeless. Go on and feel gratified. It's quite rare for me to support anyone apart from Godou and Lily."

  Ena smiled at Erica's answer.

  Even though this rival was so conceited, at the same time, she was also extremely generous.

  "Basically, Guinevere's concerns proved to be correct."

  Hovering in midair through magic, Guinevere softly whispered.

  Despite the defeat of the divine beast before her, the beautiful girl's face was not shrouded in gloom.

  "This reminds me of ancient berserkers and their superb battle forms. I never would have expected my kin to be defeated in this manner. What a scary child...!"