"Looks like stray magi from some small cult, acting rashly without using their brains."
Walking along a country road at night, Erica concluded arbitrarily.
As a side note, the robed men were left behind in bondage.
"I agree on that point. But Erica, when you left the room back then, were you using me as bait?"
Walking alongside the blonde beauty, Godou whispered.
Oh well, it was only speculation. At the time, perhaps Erica really had to leave to do something as she claimed... That line of thinking was only reasonable.
But another possibility occurred to Godou.
Yes, take for example, what if given Erica's intelligence and keen sense, she had actually noticed the appearance of the robed men? Furthermore, she wanted to confirm Godou's current condition.
Her mind of devil's...
It would not be strange to suspect 'Erica had hidden herself to observe what would happen to Godou if he were left alone.'
"Calling it bait or whatever, that is such an inappropriate description. I simply chose the most interesting and dramatic method I could think of, that's all."
Contrary to expectations, Erica was proud of herself.
What a strange and novel feeling it was, to completely lose all gratitude to his savior.
"You, how should I put it... Your character is way not cool."
Godou muttered emphatically.
Recalling their first encounter, her attitude had been very displeasing back then. However, having experienced life and death situations together with her, their distance seemed to have shrunk slightly.
That was the situation. Godou began to understand a little. Erica was not simply smart, she was utterly brilliant. On top of that, she was a terrifying devil.
She was the kind of person whose application of her wits prioritized personal amusement.
"Why am I always surrounded by people with weird personalities?"
Godou recalled his closest family, relatives and friends.
But thanks to that, he was not intimated by a woman like Erica. Even though she was difficult to handle, she was still a good person at heart. The fact that she was a friend remained unchanged.
"Whatever." Godou muttered to himself. Erica immediately spoke up.
"Oh my, to think that amongst Godou's acquaintances, there exist many people with slight resemblance to me. How broad your social circle must be! I'm impressed, slightly."
"...Anyway, let's head back first. It's time to get some rest tonight."
Impressed by Erica's positive acceptance of her weird personality, Godou suggested their next move. However, Erica shook her head.
"No, those two from just now might have other companions. We should leave this village as quickly as possible. Sure, we could take on another battle, but there's no need for such unnecessary risk."
"Come to think of it, you were the one they were targeting."
"What are you talking about? The one being targeted is you, Godou. You are the Devil King and the seventh god-slaying Campione."
As Godou stared with wide-eyed confusion, Erica explained gently as if instructing a young child.
"Take the two-man team just now, there should be many people involved in magic who have concluded that 'Erica Blandelli slew a god' based on circumstantial evidence. But sooner or later, they will realize their error and discover the truth. The one who slew a god was actually a Japanese completely unversed in magic, Kusanagi Godou."
"I am a god-slayer..."
"Yes. In order to investigate the death of the [Heretic God] who manifested on Sardinia, magic associations not only from Italy but also the rest of Europe will send investigators over. Well, that said, their attention will be focused on me initially."
"......"
"In the near future, you will begin to understand the authority you usurped from Verethragna. The term authority refers to sacred powers originally held by gods. Great powers wielded by the heavenly gods. Taking possession of such powers will not permit a human to live a normal life."
Godou listened to Erica's fluent outflow of information in dumbstruck silence.
Nevertheless, he finally managed to speak up.
"But I should have the choice to not use that power, right?"
"I wonder? In my view, if you were really the type to choose that road, you would never have fought Verethragna in the first place."
"But isn't the situation completely different from yesterday?"
Calming down slightly, Godou continued.
"The god incident is resolved, so I will return to Japan. In that case, I will sever all relations with gods, magic, and all these troublesome things--"
"How complacent. You've really forgotten completely, Godou."
Erica exclaimed with great surprise.
"There was a message for you. Since this is the decree of the king who commands the oriental divine realm, please pay careful attention -- Your first enemy was the war god Verethragna, the second one is me!"
Erica mimicked a certain someone's horrifyingly deep tone of voice.
"Very soon I will recover all my power. When that time comes, take the place of that war god, my spears of fury will be aimed at you! Polish your sword and wait for my arrival! -- Basically that."
"...Melqart!?"
Godou cursed his stupidity. There was yet another god who had manifested on this island!
"Yes. The Phoenician divine king Melqart flew away somewhere after that. He prepares for the battle with Kusanagi Godou. The great king who boldly declared he would sink the island of Sardinia into the bottom of the sea if any islanders came to interfere. The impending tragedy offers little room for optimism."
For the sake of defeating Verethragna, Godou had made use of Melqart's power.
As Godou realized he had to take responsibility, he trembled... Oh no, was it coming again, was he forced to battle a god again?
"How about it, Godou? If you declare you will never fight a [Heretic God] again, I won't force you."
"As much as I'd like to do that..."
Godou sighed. Returning home at such a time was not acceptable. Even if Erica would let him go, he could not permit himself to do so.
"I will remain until Melqart's incident is resolved. Somehow I keep finding myself at the eye of the storm."
Godou lamented as Erica shrugged.
"Digging your own grave would be the appropriate expression, wouldn't you agree? Well then, let's head to Cagliari together. It's easier to hide in densely populated urban areas and it also facilitates information gathering."
Cagliari was the largest city on the island of Sardinia. A port town.
Erica's suggestion was perfectly reasonable. Apparently she was not only capable of strange mischievous ideas but also rational contemplation. Naturally gifted in so many ways, rather than wasting her prodigious talents, she really ought to put heaven's gifts to good use...
At the same time as being deeply impressed by this woman, Godou suddenly realized something else.
"I agree with what you suggested, but is it okay for you not to go home?"
"Oh my, what are you talking about?"
"I mean going back to Milan. Weren't you sent here from Milan for a mission?"
Erica had mentioned her origins a number of times.
She hailed from the northern Italian metropolis of Milan. A mage belonging to that secret association called the whatever [Copper Black Cross], and a member of the elite known as Great Knights or something like that. She was probably someone important in her uncle's organization, but Erica sounded like she was going to continue accompanying Godou.
"I haven't decided when to go back yet. I haven't even reported the Verethragna incident back to the association either."
"Eh? Is that really okay for you to do that?"
"Not really. I'm neglecting my duties as a knight and even shutting off my cellphone. Nevertheless, it is necessary in light of the bigger picture."
"At least give them a call
. I'm sure they're quite worried about you."
"If I did that, I would most likely be ordered to return. That is what I'm avoiding."
Godou recalled that Erica was a promising child prodigy shouldering great expectations. It was doubtful that the organization would want to risk such important talent in a dangerous environment.
"I could send out a false report, but things would be over as soon as the deception is revealed. In any case, I have no wish to leave Sardinia for now. Clearly when something so interesting is happening, it'd be foolish to leave the center of the action. Definitely unacceptable!"
Asserting all those troublesome god-related affairs as "interesting," Erica was surely out of her mind.
Godou was once again impressed by her. At the same time, he realized another possibility, and secretly thanked her. Perhaps she chose to accompany him out of concern for the clueless Kusanagi Godou.
More than likely, this was only wishful thinking, but somehow Godou believed in it.
Part 3
As they set off for their destination of Cagliari, Erica wanted to reach a decision on their means of transport.
"Taxis... Do they even drive out to these remote rural areas? Or should we wait for a bus?"
"In a place like this, there's probably no more than two or three buses a day, right?"
Hence, Godou and Erica walked past the bus station.
Instead, they wandered around the village and chanced upon a middle-aged Italian man who was touring around in a rental car. After stating their request, they managed to hitch a ride.
Not knowing any Italian, Godou stayed silent and left the talking to Erica.
Not only was she beautiful but also well-versed in social skills, Erica sat in the passenger seat beside the driver, chatting amiably with the middle-aged man.
The sun had completely set. Carrying the trio, the car raced across the road at night.
"...Hmm?"
Sitting in the back seat, Godou was perplexed. Somehow, he was able to vaguely grasp what the two people in front were talking about -- that was what he felt. In that very instant.
(Where are you two going afterwards? Eh, Cagliari? As for me, I'm going to take a leisurely tour of the island's western region...)
That was what he felt the man was saying.
Soon after, the car reached a town called Oristano and they parted ways with the man.
The time was after nine at night. Godou and Erica checked into a little inn (with separate rooms, of course), agreeing to take the 8:30am train to Cagliari the next morning.
...As a side note, this was when Godou first discovered Erica's habit of sleeping in.
Finding her still asleep at their appointed meeting time, Godou had to knock on her door until his hand hurt in order to wake her up.
Facing the Italian mainland was the Mediterranean Sea.
Situated on the surface of this peaceful and scenic body of water, the island of Sardinia covered an area roughly the size of Japan's Shikoku island. The entire island comprised the autonomous region of Sardinia, with Cagliari as its capital.
Cagliari was an ancient port city dating back to the eighth century BCE.
The seafaring Phoenicians had landed on the island and started constructing ports and towns.
"I must say, regarding the completely appalling taste of that particular confectionery, I really need to go on a detailed diatribe."
After the train arrived at Cagliari, Erica murmured repeatedly to herself as they stepped out of the station.
"It couldn't be helped. If you hadn't slept in, you would've been able to eat a proper breakfast."
Shrugging, Godou said.
The train traveled for close to an hour and a half for the journey to Cagliari. Because they did not have time for breakfast, Godou had bought some chocolate at the station's snack shop, and even prepared a portion for Erica as well.
The taste was terrible beyond belief. Summing up, it was too sweet. So sweet that it made his teeth hurt.
European and American confectionery were, for the most part, too sweet for Japanese tastes. But even Erica had the same reaction. "This thing calling itself chocolate, truly serves up a blasphemous challenge to the definition of strange-tasting" was her comment. Apparently, this chocolate was universally bad-tasting beyond national boundaries.
Nevertheless, the two of them still finished it without waste.
"Clearly if there was time, we could have bought something to eat at a more normal shop..."
"Ludicrous! You are speaking as if I were responsible. If you went ahead and bought what you wanted in advance, there'd be no problem!"
"So the option of you getting up on time does not exist!?"
Erica turned her face away in disgust at Godou's retort.
"No, it does not! Just because you have been reborn as a god-slayer, you think you have the right to disturb me, Erica Blandelli, during the sanctity of my slumber? It is an utmost privilege that neither kings nor emperors in the whole wide world are entitled to!"
"You simply like sleeping in, so what's with all that justification..."
"Well, whatever. Even though the taste was terrible, it made the experience interesting instead. Hence, Godou, I will not pursue the matter further this once. Offer me your joyful gratitude."
"What's with this downward gaze of superiority... Anyway, Erica."
Godou suddenly said to the girl who had too much personality:
"You finished everything despite complaining about the taste, and even went as far to say it was interesting. So you don't actually dislike junk food?"
"How could that possibly be true? Given the choice, I am the type who always chooses food of the best quality."
With that, Erica tossed that reddish blonde hair of hers that adorned her head like a crown.
"However, when there is no choice, I simply possess the special skill of ignoring the food's taste. As a knight, my body is an important asset. Regardless of the food quality, nourishment cannot be neglected."
"Your body seems to have developed well in spite of everything..."
"Remember this well. My personal philosophy bestows greater respect upon poor-tasting food that is marked by individualistic distinction, compared to bland cuisine lacking in style. Judged by this criteria, even though your choice was not optimal, it was not poor either."
In any case, Godou and Erica were back in Sardinia's largest city, Cagliari.
An ancient seaside capital with orderly stone-built streets. Filled with the vigor of urban life, it was also host to the "casual" atmosphere possessed by tourist vacation spots.
"By the way, Godou. Now that we have arrived in Cagliari, the choice of 'Announcing your name as the Campione and commanding the magi of Sardinia' is open to you."
"Right, but that's not going to happen."
Godou immediately responded to Erica's suggestion as they left the station.
"Even if I've really become a Campi-whatever as you say, it doesn't feel real to me at all."
"Well, I guess the chances of people being skeptical would be too high if we announce the Devil King's birth before you get a grasp on your authority. Oh well, there's no urgency at this point. So, let's start gathering information."
"About Melqart, right?"
"Yes, that too, requires reliable and trustworthy sources of information. Contacting local magi at such a time would be standard operating procedure... But given a place like Sardinia, it might be difficult to find someone first rate who could prove useful in a fight against a [Heretic God]."
Erica's murmurs prompted Godou to recall a certain someone.
"Then how about we contact Lucretia-san?"
The Witch of Sardinia, Lucretia Zola. She was the root cause for Godou's visit to this island, and the older friend who had offered minor guidance to Godou and Erica.
After the battle against Verethragna, they had not contacted her due to the various busy happenings.
In that case, Godou wanted to contact her as well
as give her a report.
"In actual fact, I already called Lucretia while Godou was sleeping yesterday. To give her a report on the entire incident. At the time, she said 'Since things have calmed for now, I will have a good sleep to recover my energy. So I won't be available for now.' From the way she sounded, I'd expect her to sleep for two or three days."
"Continuously? Without even waking in between?"
"Yes. Magical sleep for the purpose of recovering exhaustion of the body and mind in as short time as possible. Such thorough rest is necessary for eliminating core fatigue, in preparation for future emergencies."
"Come to think of it, Lucretia-san did mention she had exhausted her magical power..."
Godou worried about the witch as he felt impressed by Erica's attention to detail.
Due to her outward appearance, it was very easy to forget the fact that Lucretia was actually quite elderly (apparently).
When they parted ways, Lucretia did look rather haggard back then. She had gotten caught up in a fight between the two gods, Verethragna and Melqart, a week or so ago. In order to escape, she depleted all her power.
"Right, Lucretia also said that, if we need any assistance during this time, there's a suitable candidate. Fortunately, he happens to live in Cagliari."
"Well then, let's go find him."
"However, Lucretia also mentioned... This person is rather flippant in character, and 100% untrustworthy."
"I see... Since you come with Lucretia Zola's introductions, I cannot ignore you."
David Bianchi spoke in a manner that gave off strange pretentious airs.
The current location was a mansion on a hill overlooking the Cagliari harbor and Golfo degli Angeli.[1] Like Rome, Cagliari was also a city built on seven hills and with many districts located on elevated ground.
Given such a magnificent mansion built on this kind of a location, it was truly a residence that exemplified the lifestyles of the rich.
In the reception room, Godou and Erica were sitting face to face with Bianchi.
"I am already aware of the matter of two gods descending here. I also know one of them is Melqart. Based on the other god's identity as an oriental deity, I speculate him to be Verethragna, is that right?"
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