Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

Very soon after, the dense mist dispersed and the white knight's figure vanished.

  "Sorry. There's a lot I want to tell everyone, but could you all leave for now?"

  There was really no time left. Godou made his request in haste.

  Even though Yuri and Liliana displayed questioning gazes, they remained silent.

  Looking completely drained and exhausted, Ena nodded in complete agreement.

  "Yes. Do what you wish to do. I, Erica Blandelli, am not foolish enough to make irresponsible remarks about battles between the great god-slaying Devil King and the gods."

  Erica proceeded to declare in her usual glamorous voice.

  "...You, aren't you unexpectedly energetic?"

  Athena, who should have been lying down, had gotten up already. Her head proudly raised high, she stood with her back perfectly straight. Seeing her like that, Godou remarked.

  With Erica and the girls gone, they were alone together again.

  The canvas of night, the white star and dark sphere had all vanished. The midday sun was shining upon this wasteland.

  "Certainly. Who dost thou believe this goddess to be? One is the queen of the sky, the earth and the underworld, as the goddess of war, thou knowest? Without fulfilling one's final wish, how could one enter eternal slumber?"

  Athena answered haughtily.

  Even though Godou knew she was trying to be brave, it did feel like the goddess was speaking the truth.

  In order for the Divine Sword of Salvation to be swung, a large portion of her immortal life had been taken. Furthermore, she even allowed Godou and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to absorb her life force and powers as the great mother earth goddess.

  It would not be surprising if she collapsed at any moment. It was only natural to be in such a state.

  "Thou hast done well with the sword of heaven and earth's creation. Hmph... Conversely, 'tis rather fortunate this body was pierced twice by the Divine Sword of Salvation. Thanks to that, the sword's secrets were divulged, allowing a blade to be forged in its likeness despite its rather self-centered style. Yes, it can be said that thy blade was created by Athena's hand."

  Proudly declaring her success with hubris.

  As expected, Athena remained unchanged to the very end. Godou's wish to save her, if it were possible, continued to persist...

  However, he could not believe he was harboring such a benevolent wish so easily.

  I will adhere to my own way of doing things. However, Athena should also carry through with Athena's style.

  Based on the outcome, both of them had willfully brought trouble to others and were unruly existences unable to live peacefully in an orderly world. As unruly companions, an appropriate conclusion was only proper.

  "So, you should understand by now. There is no need for either of us to hold back at this point."

  "Right. 'Tis about time to begin."

  "Yes."

  A brief exchange. It was more than enough.

  Indeed, Athena was only superficially lively. Godou's body was also starting to enter the state of paralysis brought by the onset of the [Raptor]'s after effects. His legs could no longer move and the pain in his heart was getting increasingly severe.

  However, he could still make it in time.

  Godou looked east — to where the sun rose.

  "For victory, hasten forth before me! O Immortal Sun, I beseech thee to grant radiance to the stallion. O Stallion that moveth godlike with wondrous grace, bringest forth the halo of thy master!"

  Godou called forth Verethragna's third incarnation, the [White Stallion].

  Fragments of the sun descended from the sky in the form of Godou's heaviest firepower. The flames that only faced great sinners who brought hardship and suffering to the people. The trump card which Godou's battered body still managed to summon.

  "O Darkness! One's intimate beloved, holy sanctum bound to one's coexistence. Loyal guard of the queen's final hour of demise. Obeyest divine orders!"

  Athena also summoned the shielding barrier of darkness.

  The hemispherical darkness entrenched itself in midair above her.

  Before the white radiance flying from the east incinerated this plot of wasteland to ashes, the darkness obstructed the advance of the scorching flames, blocking it.

  Vying for domination of the skies, light and darkness fought each other, colliding together.

  Godou poured the remainder of his magical power into the white flashing light — the [White Stallion]'s flames. Athena also put forth all her strength with the last of her power to sustain the darkness.

  What seemed like an eternity was in actual fact a very brief conflict.

  In the end, light and fire were devoured by the darkness, vanishing. Godou was the first to reach his limit. Immediately afterwards, the canopy of darkness dispersed like mist.

  Godou's body was already so exhausted he could not lift a single finger. With a smack, he fell over backwards onto the ground, his face towards the sky.

  At that moment, Athena pounced onto Godou's body and held her hand in a karate chop.

  "...How now, Kusanagi Godou? This counteth as one's victory, yes?"

  "...Well, that seems about right."

  Faced with this question that was equivalent to a victory declaration, Godou responded with a slippery answer.

  Athena's knife hand could be used as a deadly guillotine. All she needed to do was swing that hand, and surely Kusanagi Godou's life would be severed like a weed.

  Finally with a flash, the knife hand approached Godou's neck.

  Nevertheless, the hand stopped just before it reached his neck.

  "Alas, it seemeth that time is up. One cannot delay parting any longer."

  With clearly enough time remaining to take off his head, Athena still remarked in that manner. It felt like the great goddess had no wish to do so.

  "Really? Although it was a strange relationship, I will be feeling lonely. Even now, to be honest, I'm still not too sure whether meeting you was ultimately good or bad."

  "Hmph. Even though 'twas unfavorable fate that failed to correct itself, 'tis thy foolishness for being bound by destiny to this goddess in such a manner."

  Without trying to conceal her suggestive words, she scolded him instead.

  "Then showest thy magnanimity as the victor. One's honest advice, thou shalt take to heart. —War god Lancelot, the fellow earlier was not in a complete state. 'Tis meet to describe him as injured."

  Then Athena began to caress Godou's face as he lay there, immobile.

  Yet he was that strong!? Godou was terrified. It was difficult to believe, but he had no other choice.

  After all, this was Athena's honest advice from her final moments. He had no choice but to believe.

  "Once this goddess passeth on, the Holy Grail shall return to the outside world, and go back to the Divine Ancestor's hands. Forsooth, truly a troublesome vessel had been created."

  Godou nodded successively at the goddess' words.

  "Thy future path is filled with the color of deadly battles. Takest utmost care. After all, thou art the god-slayer who resideth in the same country as that man — the king who manifests at the end of eras! Yes, in that case, this is the only parting gift."

  Caressing Godou's face with her hands, she tenderly gazed down upon him.

  Hidden in Athena's behavior was a certain type of gentleness. A sense of wistful reluctance to part.

  But it felt like it was increasing slightly—

  Godou suddenly had that impression.

  "Though 'tis said, the more weapons the better, thou art not ready at this juncture. But on some particular day, this might prove useful in the end. Until the time comes, simply holdest onto this."

  Athena's child-like beautiful face drew near and she pressed her lips against Godou's lips.

  It felt like something was carved into his mind and heart, as well as deep inside the Campione's body.

  Most likely Athena's secret arts. Probably some kind of spell or she
was bestowing wisdom's guidance. As for its contents, Godou could not decipher it at all.

  Exactly as she had said, it was probably useless for the current Godou.

  Casting this issue aside, Godou instead chose to engrave in his mind the solemn and courageous appearance that Athena maintained in the face of certain death.

  "Farewell is unneeded. One day, this goddess shall return, reincarnated, to seek you for revenge. Thou shalt payest what thou owest. Because no matter when, the only one allowed to defeat Kusanagi Godou is this goddess — Heretic Athena!"

  Athena and Godou's gazes met as soon as she made her bold declaration.

  The goddess was looking down upon Kusanagi Godou with a haughty expression. Then she began to smile. It was an incredibly fulfilled smile as if she had finally accomplished something.

  Seeing her in that fashion, Godou felt like a chunk of his heart had been carved out, with an intriguing sense of loss.

  —Ah yes, she has to leave after all.

  However, were gods and god-slayers not irreconcilable foes, there might have been other appropriate ways of parting.

  Hence Godou silently remarked to himself, "We'll see, when the time comes."

  Even though she could not have heard it, the goddess remained courageous and dauntless, smiling even more. Then suddenly she was gone.

  Her body collapsed like fine particles of sand, riding the sea breeze as they scattered.

  She knew it would turn out like this, but nevertheless, for the sake of honor in her final moments, she had turned her immortal life into a weapon, thereby ending her long enduring life as Goddess Athena.

  Part 6

  When a [Heretic God] died in the world, what happened afterwards?

  Gods were indestructible. Even if life and body were lost, their own existence would continue to persist.

  First of all, there was the so-called soul. Without carrying any ectoplasm, it brought the "divinity" itself to the "Boundary of Life and Immortality." From there it then reached the "Domain of Immortality."

  The Domain of Immortality — in other words, the myths themselves.

  Losing their body and their soul after death, gods could only continue existing in the myths.

  And then, through some chance occurrence, they might become a [Heretic God] once more.

  At that time, the divinity will be released from the Domain of Immortality, forming great ectoplasm — transforming into a divine spirit.

  Proceeding to obtain a material body on earth, thereby manifesting. What is known as the divinity, for example, could be said to be something that amalgamates all myths concerning that particular deity.

  ...This was the truth of the world that Athena knew.

  Having reached death in the Far East, she lost her material body.

  Persisting as a divine spirit for now, her consciousness was retained. But very soon, even this would disappear as well.

  She wished to return to the world again before that god-slayer dies a pitiful death.

  This could only be entrusted to the gears of destiny.

  In the process of disappearing, Athena's thoughts were shaken. Currently, her divine spirit was no longer above ground but was sinking towards the abyssal depths of the earth. She saw golden light ahead of her.

  One seeth. So that is the Holy Grail's true form—

  This thought only lasted an instant. Immediately, she felt completely indifferent.

  Her consciousness, memories and personality as Athena were slowly dissipating.

  Just as Athena passed on, Godou's paralysis finally ended.

  Erica, along with Yuri and Liliana, as well as Seishuuin Ena had returned to this desolate battlefield.

  "Your Majesty, could you be feeling lonesome?"

  "No, nothing like that. She seems to have finished everything she wanted to do, and thanks to everyone's help I was also able to do everything I wanted."

  Ena's question seemed to be asking on behalf of all the girls how Athena's passing away should be treated.

  Godou answered with forthrightness. The goddess had displayed a smile like that. In that case, there was no need to hold anything back.

  He originally expected indifferent voices and facial expressions, but the girls' reactions were unbelievable.

  Ena was smiling as if comforting him, with an expression that seemed to relieve his exhaustion.

  Liliana was silent but her eyes glimmered with empathy. Yuri smiled gently as if displaying all encompassing acceptance.

  Then Erica voiced the final conclusions.

  "Right. Godou had responded with battle spirit to Athena who sought life and death in accordance to her style. Some may wish to make impertinent criticisms, but at least I won't be the one to do it."

  The female knight's philosophy could never acknowledge Godou's decision as wise.

  Perhaps everyone had already noticed.

  Due to the passing away of the enemy bound to him by fate, Kusanagi Godou felt an intriguing sense of loss— Apparently, he was making everyone else worry.

  Godou believed the girls were his very good companions, and felt obliged to express his thanks to them.

  He was definitely at fault with his controversial choice of action. Godou bowed his head towards Liliana and Yuri.

  "I am sorry for causing trouble for you two in particular. It's my fault. In the end, using a gambling kind of method to release the petrification... When clearly there was a safer alternative. I am in the wrong for acting like that."

  "Indeed. But very unfortunately, I am the one who is your knight. No matter how cruel or merciless a Devil King Kusanagi Godou may be, this life swears eternal loyal allegiance."

  Despite Liliana's voicing of her grievances, she bore lenient eyes of full acceptance.

  "In addition, no matter how the process went, being saved by you from the crisis is also the truth. In that case, our debts cancel out."

  "Oh I see. Sorry anyway."

  Prompted by Liliana's smile, Godou smiled wryly in turn.

  Godou knew that she was proposing this kind of logic to lessen his guilt. What gratifying words.

  "I just want to express my gratitude to Godou-san, without any intention of reproach. Also..."

  As Yuri started speaking cautiously, Godou began to fear.

  He did not expect to be let off so easily, but he was overjoyed at her leniency.

  But what was with that "also"? She seemed to have more to add.

  "Whether it is destruction of locations or bringing trouble to others, please do not hesitate in speaking out. As long as it concerns Godou-san, let it be as promised previously. No matter where you need to go for penance, I will accompany you. You can tell me any time."

  "In Kaoru-san's words, it's all been precalculated anyway."

  "Well, even though I also believe Sayanomiya Kaoru's methods of concealing the truth should be flawless, in the event that penance needs to be paid, not only Mariya Yuri, I too, shall go along."

  "That's right. If that's the case, Ena will go too. It's also a kind of social event."

  "...Everyone, I am really grateful."

  Yuri's lenient words seemed like they came from a virtuous wife, taking care of a delinquent husband. Together with Liliana and Ena who expressed support, seeing the girls cooperate and get along was really a comforting sight.

  Everything deserved to be counted as good fortune. However, the fact that Godou was inexplicably counting his blessings was kept secret.

  "By the way, you ended up coming back immediately."

  "Yes. I managed to make it before the final climax ended. This is evidence of our excellent fortune, whether you or me. Of course, your fortune was already apparent from the fact that I, Erica Blandelli, am your companion."

  As Godou struck up conversation with her, Erica replied in her usual tone.

  Her absence approached two weeks. Even so, Godou felt an incredible sense of satisfaction just simply joking around with each other like that. Likewise for Erica, she giggled an
d began to smile.

  Just a simple exchange like that.

  Godou did not have a topic of conversation to further liven up the mood, nor did he feel the need to hug each other in joy from being reunited.

  However, he felt that this was sufficient. That was the nature of his relationship with Erica.

  "...Eh? Amakasu-san, what happened?"

  Everyone's gaze was drawn as Ena suddenly pointed somewhere.

  It was the History Compilation Committee's special agent who always wore a sloppy suit. In actual fact, he was Japan's top ninja. As well as being a practitioner of onmyoudou.[42] That was what Godou had previously heard from the two Hime-Miko.

  This very Amakasu Touma was now approaching them with unsteady footsteps.

  His body seemed like it had received an intense electrical shock, for even the act of walking normally was difficult.

  "What happened, Amakasu-san!?"

  Godou dragged his exhausted body and ran over to him.

  "M-My apologies, Kusanagi-san... That, that thing was robbed..."

  "That thing... Could it be the Heavenly Reverse Halberd!?"

  Amakasu nodded weakly to confirm this natural conclusion.

  Could it be Guinevere's group? Pretending to retreat, when actually they were aiming for Amakasu?

  But after learning the details, Godou knew this speculation was wrong. When he heard the culprit's name and origins, Godou felt surprise from the core of his being.

  "That person came to Japan, eh... How truly unexpected."

  Erica murmured in shock.

  It was a state of affairs that even exceeded the expectations of the brilliant [Diavolo Rosso].

  Epilogue

  Alexandre Gascoigne was a very busy man.

  To this description, the woman who was his enemy, once added most redundantly, "To be precise, his desire for work creates never-ending tasks for himself." In any case, he was very busy.

  After all, he had a very ostentatious title.

  The god-slaying Devil King Campione, commander-in-chief of the secret association, [Royal Arsenal]!

  Even though it was not a position he wished for, somehow it naturally developed to this state.

  A man above all peoples was obliged to display work ethic and behavior in accordance to his stature. Such was his aesthetic ideal.