Campione 11

by The Second Tale

  Worthy of admiration, the mage David Bianchi spoke.

  He was a handsome man who appeared to be twenty-five or six in age. Dressed impeccably in a well-tailored suit, he gave off a sense of vanity like some sort of lady-killer.

  "Yes, based on what we heard from Lucretia, you are an outstanding geomancist.[2] We wish to employ your magical skill to help track down Melqart's whereabouts."

  Erica spoke in lady-like tones while Godou remained silent on the side.

  Having been told by Erica that her companion only spoke Japanese, Bianchi watched Godou with great interest. However, he immediately switched to conversing in fluent Japanese.

  "Well, there's no problem. It's the least I could do out of obligation to Lucretia. However, I hope you can enlighten me. Is it really true that warlord Verethagna met his demise at Melqart's hands?"

  "Yes, it's true. Kusanagi Godou here and I were eyewitnesses to the fact."

  Erica was lying.

  She had concealed the truth when she recounted the incident. Bianchi made an exaggerated smile after going "Hmph" with an air of skepticism.

  "In any case, let me begin preparing for the physiognomy.[3] Could you please be patient while I get the necessary tools ready?"

  Saying that, he left the reception room.

  "...Hey Erica, that Bianchi guy, isn't he kind of flippant?"

  "...That's right. Not one to conceal his ulterior motives, he is a rather small-minded person, to put things delicately. But since he is said to be a capable person, let's observe the situation for now."

  Since the two of them were left behind, they conversed in whispers.

  "Since this is his home ground, it would be very disadvantageous for us as intruders to engage him in hostilities... Be that as it may, we cannot back down."

  "Really? Isn't he supposed to be a powerful person?"

  "Well, only 'so-so.' He may be considered first rate, but not to the level of fuoriclasse.[4] If I focus on protecting myself with my best defensive spell, Bianchi would most likely fail to breach it. With no other recourse, perhaps he would target you instead..."

  Erica began to stare at Godou unerringly.

  "In that case, the target is not the one in trouble."

  "Eh?"

  "Regarding matters of Devil King Campiones, I've had a number of opportunities to learn from a certain Princess. Combined with my personal experience -- I expect the result to be rather grim."

  Erica pronounced solemnly like some sort of prophet.

  Part 4

  After about an hour, Bianchi returned and led Godou and Erica to a different room.

  The Bianchi mansion was quite vast and its long corridors reflected this fact accordingly. The emerald-green Mediterranean Sea was visible through the windows. Thanks to the mansion's location on a hill near the sea, the spectacular view was unrivaled.

  Godou whispered to Erica as he walked along this corridor of the rich.

  "By the way, what is 'geomancy'?"

  "In terms that orientals like Godou would easily understand, it is a type of magic similar to 'Feng Shui.' Magical rituals that allow one to read the earth and the flow of its essence, and to manipulate them according to one's wishes. For increasing the prosperity of oneself, one's affiliations, as well as the nation."

  "Ah... Feng Shui. Indeed it is fitting for the rich."

  Wearing yellow clothes would bring monetary fortune. Placing items at specified auspicious locations to increase luck.

  Erica's explanations prompted Godou to recall the origins of the Japanese "wide show."[5]

  "When a [Heretic God] manifests, the earth at that location and its essence will be affected greatly. Given an accomplished geomancist, it is possible to find out the deity's latest information -- location, current condition, as well as observe where the deity might manifest next."

  Soon they arrived at the destination.

  The high ceilings stretched all the way up. The room was so spacious, a tennis court could probably fit with room to spare. That was how large it was.

  In the center of the room was a large marble table, with a huge "model" sitting on top of it.

  It was a three dimensional topographical map of the terrain surrounding the Mediterranean. On this roughly 5m x 2m rectangular space, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Mediterranean Sea and various North African countries were beautifully recreated in exquisite detail.

  Must be some sort of expensive hobby -- Godou concluded to himself.

  "Well then. Let us try to track down the 'presence' of Melqart you witnessed."

  Bianchi picked up a beaker containing a brown powder.

  "This powder was made by grinding up fragments of a jar recently unearthed from the ruins of the ancient Phoenician home port of Tyre."

  The powder was poured from the beaker onto the model.

  It landed exactly on the south side of Sardinia -- the location equivalent to Cagliari, Godou and Erica's current position.

  Then the powder began to move on its own. Slithering over the model like a snake, it rushed towards the Mediterranean Sea, heading east. An even bigger island than Sardinia lay in that direction.

  "The island of Sicily? Melqart went to Sicily?"

  Bianchi nodded as Erica stared in wide-eyed surprise.

  "Looks like it. The Phoenician's sphere of influence not only includes Sardinia but Sicily as well. Perhaps in search of his identity, Melqart seeks the root of his existence by moving to a sacred domains closer to his homeland."

  The city of Tyre was apparently the stronghold of the Phoenicians who worshiped Melqart.

  Tyre was located in the region known as Lebanon in modern times. Relative to Sardinia, it was in the "east" direction. I see. Godou understood.

  "So that's that. But actually, I also prepared something else."

  Bianchi picked up a test tube containing a small amount of white powder.

  "This powder was made from shavings of a stone tablet unearthed from Zoroastrian temple ruins dating back to the Sassanid Empire of Persia. It was prepared for tracking down the 'presence' of the war god of victory, Verethragna."

  Reversing the test tube, the white powder was poured onto the model.

  Even though it landed in the middle of the Italian mainland, the white powder began to move on its own and crossed the sea, slithering towards Cagliari, on the south side of Sardinia.

  "Erica-kun... If the Verethragna was really killed by Melqart as you claimed, this powder should have vanished instead. However, its current state is obvious."

  Bianchi smiled smugly.

  "Based on the physiognomy, Verethragna died by a human's hand. Consequently, the warlord's authority was usurped, and the new owner is currently in Cagliari. Most likely, that person is you."

  Saying that, the pretentious handsome man glared straight at Godou!

  "While I was making you wait, I observed the spiritual physiognomy within this mansion and discovered a swirling 'presence' that hung around like gunpowder. Rather than you, Erica-kun, it was a mysterious 'something' hidden in this youth here, waiting for an opportunity to rampage!"

  "David Bianchi does not fail to see past deception. So even if this were the truth, what problems would it pose?"

  Erica declared with absolute elegance and fearlessness.

  "If Kusanagi Godou is a Campione -- the first thing you must do is bow down to the new [King] and express congratulations to his ascension to the throne, offering your utmost fear and respect."

  "Yes. Indeed that is correct."

  Convinced by a beautiful girl younger than him, Bianchi smiled wryly.

  "I've had this notion for a very long time. Indeed, Campiones are those who have slain gods. However, do you really believe they are all worthy of being [Kings]? Our king -- Salvatore Doni is a perfect example. Who could believe he is such a great idiot, an utter moron!"

  A certain Mr. Salvatore. So the sixth god-slayer is an Italian? But what disrespectful words. Would Erica, who keeps insisting on reverence t
o the king, get angry as a result? --Those were Godou's thoughts.

  "Well, Sir Salvatore is one of a kind. You can't really generalize from one example."

  Unexpectedly, Erica did not show any intention to object.

  "Only the sword. He is a man who has utterly no merit in anything other than the sword, right? Even if it is said that no amount of spells will work, provided we have the intent -- don't you think that we are able to do it?"

  "Are you actually talking about defeating a Campione?"

  "Correct. Just as they have slain gods, we too, can defeat Devil Kings. At least, when my opponent is an inexperienced Campione who is full of openings!"

  Bianchi declared with absolute confidence and stared at Godou once more.

  "My mastery of physiognomy is not limited to the essence of the earth but also extends to the observation of facial contours... That boy there has no history of magic amongst his ancestors. Neither does he have any martial arts training nor experience on the battlefield. Usurping a god's authority is merely pearls before swine for him."

  Godou could not help but feel shocked. This man was able to read that much simply by observing a face? As befitted a guy versed in magic, possessing amazing but inconspicuous skills.

  "For the purpose of proving my theory that kings are not absolute conquerors, isn't it great that an opponent has fallen into my grasp? Hmph, kindly do humor my little wish!"

  Bianchi's glare gradually intensified.

  Immediately, Godou felt goosebumps on the back of his neck. Perhaps, this was what was commonly known as "killing intent." He could sense clearly dangerous thoughts coming from that man. It was not difficult to understand.

  Rather than the pretentious handsome mage, it was the changes in his own body which made Godou more confused.

  "David Bianchi... I once considered you barely a first-rate mage, but apparently I was wrong. You are merely half of that and more than likely, you'll never progress beyond this foundation."

  Sharp-tongued and acrimonious, the speaker was Erica beyond a doubt.

  "Such naive notions, surely must have crossed the minds of how many thousands of magi? As expected of a man who pretends to be some sort of master inhabiting a corner of a place like Sardinia, such shallow thinking is only fitting."

  Erica's sardonic tone of voice was filled with her usual magnificent flair.

  Unlike the times when she admonished Godou as "fool," that fleeting sense of cuteness was absent. Only words of mockery were delivered.

  "Within prestigious associations like my [Copper Black Cross], in order to eliminate this kind of misconception and impress upon members the overwhelming power of the kings -- or rather, ridiculous creatures for whom common logic does not apply, we would use anecdotes of past kings as teaching materials for a thorough education."

  Erica burst into a smile.

  "But clearly you did not have this opportunity. Even though I agree with your assessment of Sir Salvatore as an idiot, I thoroughly despise your notion of 'possibly defeating them.' This sort of delusional dream should be saved for your eternal slumber beneath a grave!"

  How distinctive of Erica's style, this exquisite manner of mockery.

  "Hmph, truly the words of one who hails from a prestigious family that wags their tail at kings. But you are ill-advised to forget one fact. This place is my mansion, and to you, it is enemy territory -- Prepare to die!"

  The instant Bianchi called out, the floor beneath Erica transformed amorphously, manifesting into a sharp and massive conical shape, extending upwards and flying as fast as an arrow.

  However, Erica lightly took a step backwards to evade the surprise attack from below.

  "Knowest that thou art no immortal god, rememberest thy mortality as a son of man!"[6]

  As Bianchi yelled out again, Godou could sense magic activating.

  This was probably the strongest magic he had felt to this point. The house began to shake and rumble noisily.

  "Darkness" was hanging all around Erica.

  A dark mist had suddenly appeared, pervading Erica's surroundings, enveloping the blonde maiden like a black cloud obscuring the shining moon!

  Godou was certain without reason. This was extremely dangerous magic.

  Living things that came into contact with that mist will rapidly approach death. Whether through the absorption of life force, incurring a fatal disease, or the stopping of the heart, Godou's instincts told him, it was extremely vicious magic that stole life away!

  Godou felt some kind of switch opening in his body.

  You dare do something like that to Erica -- my friend! Intense flames of anger were roused within him as ferocious fighting spirit simmered. Battle spirit made him feel as hot as burning and filled his entire body with power for combat.

  On the other hand, exposed to this malicious attack, Erica began:

  "For the sake of maintaining order in Rome, the Senate decreed the suspension of imperium! O Steel of the Lion, layest thyself down as the foundation!"

  Fluently she recited the incantation.

  In response, the magic sword of the lion, Cuore di Leone, suddenly appeared in Erica's hand. At the same time, it transformed into a chain with ten links, shining with silver luster.

  The chain's head and tail ends joined together to form a "circular chain."

  These ten chain links encircled Erica, forming a protective barrier against the mist of darkness.

  "Senatus consultum ultimum, hereby decreed!"[7]

  Erica proceeded to finish the incantation and completed the spell.

  Godou managed to barely understand what happened. This was probably defensive magic. Even if Bianchi went all out, he probably cannot breach it.

  "How's that? A protective barrier erected from the magic sword Cuore di Leone and Senatus consultum ultimum, do you have any way of breaching it?"

  "Probably -- not. But with that, you cannot attack either."

  Bianchi's lips displayed a twisted smile in response to Erica's challenge.

  "A protective barrier erected using the spell of Senatus consultum ultimum is equivalent to a castle in durability. However, the spellcaster cannot take a single step out of its confines. Isn't that nice? While you protect yourself, you will be unable to guard this new Campione boy here."

  Godou shrank back. Clearly Bianchi's next move was going to be...

  "Then you're offering me a free hand to go after this boy?"

  "Please go ahead, be my guest."

  Furthermore, Erica was speaking with an expression that said "By all means"!

  "The reason why Campiones are regarded as kings and conquerors -- beings who have completely transcended the limitations imposed by laws of nature, I hope you can savor the experience thoroughly. If perchance you survive this encounter, perhaps it would serve as a wonderful lesson."

  Godou gasped. It really developed as he feared.

  "So that's the situation, Godou, I leave things in your hands. Show that poor ignorant fool the terror of your kind. Don't worry, I expect you to have little trouble."

  Saying that, Erica smiled glamorously.

  Beautiful and tempting, it was an expression that was best encapsulated by the description, the "devil's smile."

  Part 5

  "Wait a minute, Erica, you want me to defeat that guy?"

  "Yes, using the authority you usurped from the Persian Warlord Verethragna (even though we don't know what it is yet), there should be something (or some pain) that should allow you to easily trample a mage of that level."

  "Don't talk about 'easily' in an emergency like this!"

  Godou could not help but retort against Erica's whispered suggestion.

  Over on the side, Bianchi was also displeased.

  "How dare you describe me as simply being 'of that level.' You are mistaken if you think I'm a man whose only skill is geomancy. Just as you saw, I've been through many real battles."

  "Anyway, what he's trying to say is 'I'm not some kind of flunkie.' Just ignore hi
m."

  Godou figured it out. Erica was clearly trying to instigate a fight!

  Angered, Bianchi was glaring at Godou severely.

  "...The Seventh Devil King. I have no grudge against you personally, but as a man, I cannot refuse a challenge. So would you kindly have a duel with me?"

  Actually, you are too small-minded as a man if you get offended so easily by mere words.

  Godou suppressed those words that nearly spilled out of his mouth. Why does that girl Erica want Bianchi to fight him? Indiscernible motives.

  "Please be calm. Even though I slew a god, I don't even know what happened exactly. But as you can see, I'm a pacifist. I really mean you no harm completely."

  With an earnest voice, Godou tried to plead his sincerity.

  Kusanagi Godou was a pacifist. A civilized man who did not like being in conflict with others. Even though Erica was an amazing girl, and unexpectedly noble, she was someone who could immediately draw her sword at the slightest disagreement.

  As fellow humans, they should first negotiate and reach mutual understanding.

  "Regrettably, this has nothing to do with your pacifism. This battle concerns something that belongs to me. Please give up and humor me... O Forest!"

  Bianchi's strange mutterings at the end of his speech were spell words.

  Power — magical power was produced, making rustling noises, producing effects, forming a "spell."

  Without noticing, Godou had somehow accepted and gotten used to his new ability to sense magical power and presences.

  What mysterious phenomenon will be born from this magic —?

  Noticing that, Godou was rendered speechless. The wall behind Bianchi was undergoing a "change." This was clearly a room in a mansion, but "that spot" had changed into a different scene.

  The wall of the mansion had disappeared, and somehow been replaced by a "dense forest."

  The forest was filled with flourishing vegetation and greenery. The vigorous plants did not seem like Mediterranean species and were clearly tropical rainforest flora.

  "This is distorting space and connecting to a rainforest somewhere!"

  Erica immediately informed Godou. As expected of magic, even something like this could be done.