Simply stated, that was the level of injury he sustained.
"Looks like we must prepare ourselves for a struggle to the death... Everyone, take out your weapons!"
The man who appeared to be the leader of the seven-man team suddenly produced a double-bladed axe!
The other men also revealed dangerous tools in their hands -- slender swords, handguns, short swords with gauntlets, and even hammers.
Erica had also used that magic to conjure weapons before. These guys were magi after all!
Godou shivered in fear. Barehanded attacks aside, bladed weapons and firearms would not simply end with "Ouch!" -- No, he was certain he had had enough, he did not want to experience this any further.
In order to penetrate this encirclement, what should he do!? The instant he thought that, Godou sprang into action.
"The one unblunted and unapproachable! Oath-breaking sinners be purged by the iron hammer of justice!"
This should be usable -- the incarnation that came to mind, was instantly summoned.
Affected by the spell words, the river water below showed a murky black color. This black color scattered blue-black sparks as it took form.
Verethragna's fifth incarnation, the [Boar].
The 20m black divine beast which could only be summoned by a wish to destroy a massive target. In any case, it was summoned for the purpose of sending this bridge flying.
"Uwaaaaaaaaaah!?"
Seeing the divine beast manifesting before their eyes, the seven-man team cried out simultaneously.
The [Boar] proceeded to roar as usual.
ROOOOOAAAAAAR!
Roaring, the [Boar] jumped vertically.
Under the impact of the casual headbutt -- like smashing paper craft, the steel bridge was demolished. With excess momentum, the beast's majestic form continued flying several dozen meters up, displayed against the night sky of Tokyo's Adachi special ward.
Furthermore, the [Boar]'s howls caused destruction like supersonic waves.
The booming roars shattered all the glass in the neighboring residential streets with resounding crashes.
The seven-man team were sent flying as if struck by a sonic wave and swept beneath the collapsing bridge -- the river shore. A few unlucky ones fell directly into the polluted waters.
As a side note, Godou the summoner had already hurried down to the river shore for shelter.
When the [Boar] began to leap, he had quickly jumped down from the bridge.
"We are so sorry!"
"Really sorry!"
"In regards to this foolish act, please spare our insignificant lives!"
"For the sake of my family and kin, please forgive me!"
The battle(?) on the bridge had ended.
As firefighters, police and nearby residents converged at the site of the incident, Godou and the seven men escaped to a certain park. Then the seven men suddenly prostrated themselves on the ground in "dogeza."[17]
Apparently they were aware of "dogeza" as the highest form of apology.
By the way, these guys were all speaking in Italian. After they removed those idiotic masks, Godou was surprised by their unexpectedly youthful faces. They seemed to be a bunch ranging in age from late teens to early twenties. Rather than a team of magi, they resembled a gang of delinquents more...
"In the end, I retaliated(?), so let's just leave it as a draw. But you guys, why did you have to dress up like that?"
Godou questioned them as they huddled their massive physiques in "dogeza."
"Even if you kidnapped me for a ransom, my family doesn't have money -- actually that's not right. Rather, I think my mom will flatly refuse. After all, she is the type of mother who would tell me 'I don't want to spend money, so you'd better find a way out yourself' even if I were a hostage..."
"Ah, no. This isn't our purpose."
"Yes, in fact we're from Milan. Some rumors are currently circulating about Kusanagi-sama over there."
"Rumors? What do you mean?"
Informed in polite Italian, Godou frowned.
"These are still unsubstantiated... But anyway, recently a Japanese male resembling a [King] was spotted around southern Italy, fighting a god. Then our alliance leader, Sir Salvatore, said 'Someone caused a ruckus on my turf' and expressed great anger."
"Sir Salvatore... Ah, that guy. But why is he angry?"
Recalling the frivolous smiling face of the young man he met at the airport, Godou did not think he was angry.
"Because Sir Salvatore is a warrior amongst warriors. He is a great man who never gives up on a fight whenever a [Heretic God] appears. Hence, he should be angry because his rightful foe was stolen by Kusanagi-sama."
"A warrior amongst warriors!?"
Compared to his impression of the character named Salvatore Doni, there was no description further from the truth.
Godou reflexively answered "You must be kidding!" However, that cylindrical case -- Godou recalled the dangerous impression he had felt.
Did his instincts as a Campione discern the man's true nature, thus giving warning...?
"So, you people are under that man's orders to attack me?"
"Yeah... That's right."
Receiving such a subtle answer, Godou glared each man in the face in turn, putting on a straight face and said "And then?" This immediately obtained results.
"S-Sir Salvatore commanded the [Copper Black Cross] which had helped Kusanagi-sama locally -- in other words, our superiors. His orders were to bring Japan's king, Kusanagi Godou, back to him by any means necessary."
Rather than being scared of Godou, it seemed like it was the result of the notoriety of the Devil Kings.
Godou was surprised by the frantic confession of the leader of the seven men.
"Eh? So you guys are comrades of Erica!?"
"Not comrades but subordinates from a lower branch of the organization. A group responsible for chores and dirty jobs ordered from above."
"Feels kind of like a yakuza hierarchy..."
Imagining various yakuza gangs, Godou nodded.
"As expected, the brutal act of subduing a Devil King Campione by 'force' is judged as too risky for proper members by our superiors -- the [Copper Black Cross] themselves... Hence, we were sent instead."
"But why do you have to use force? Couldn't you have negotiated by talking or in writing?"
For Godou, this was intended as a serious suggestion.
But the seven men instantly showed gloomy expressions.
"How should I put it, we will be done in by the Devil King."
"A man who can even slay a god. The kind of anger they exhibit when roused would be impossible for us to imagine. Same for the current Kusanagi-sama--"
"Eh, me? I think I'm quite a mild, or even unexpectedly gentle person, right..."
"What are you talking about? In order to defeat us, you were cruel enough to unleash a divine beast -- as expected of a young king. A savage warrior standing on equal ground with Sir Salvatore, we are all utterly impressed."
"...Also, about Erica."
Godou had not felt these kinds of fearful and terrified stares since Sicily.
Uncomfortable with that feeling, Godou changed the subject.
"If she was involved, she should have proposed a milder plan of approach, so what is she doing now? Especially when I am just a phone call away."
Before they parted, they had exchanged contact information.
Even though Godou had not contacted her because he was embarrassed to call or message a girl, he did not expect Erica to be equally indecisive.
"Our lady -- Dame Blandelli was prosecuted for assisting Kusanagi-sama, and is currently under house arrest until Sir Salvatore's rage subsides."
"House arrest?"
Godou pondered as he listened to the explanations of the young men prostrated on the ground before him.
This situation was not good--
Chapter 5 - Milan Rhapsody
Part 1
On a certain night i
n April, Godou found out from the team of seven attackers about the conflict in Italy.
Also, having failed their assault mission, the attackers apparently intended to flee to southeast Asia or South America, presumably to lie low until things cooled over.
"...I feel almost like a criminal."
"Well, just similar circumstances."
Hurting all over his body, Godou's injuries healed as he spoke.
Whether bruises or internal bleeding, all recovered without a trace. The pain vanished. On the other hand, the seven men who were caught up in the [Boar]'s destruction were the ones who were left with injuries all over instead.
After bidding the men goodbye, Godou took out a memo.
It was a memo that recorded how to make an international telephone call. Godou looked at the section on calls from Japan to Italy as he operated his cellphone. Even though the calling charges were expensive, Godou had no choice. No matter what, Erica must be contacted -- thinking that, he held the phone to his ear and waited.
The loud ringing tone echoed in his ear. No one was picking up. Just as Godou was about to give up:
'Calling at such a time means that you have become aware of the situation.'
Naturally, the voice Godou heard was Erica's.
'Let me clarify beforehand. Godou, your being a pacifist is one of your good points even though it's a lie.'
"What is going on?"
'For the organization's lower branch personnel to be deployed, and to fail the mission regardless of their numbers, such clear mismanagement reflecting poorly on the organization's reputation should normally be impossible. Nevertheless, given that you're calling now, it is only natural to assume you threatened them with a show of absolute force.'
"...Putting that aside for now, let's cut to the chase. I heard those guys mention a very strange order."
Unbelievable how much Erica could deduce from a single call.
Erica's wit and intelligence were impeccable. Godou changed the subject a little forcibly.
'It's Salvatore Doni-sama. The sixth Campione. Born in Italy. He is the alliance leader ruling over the magical associations of southern Europe.'
"Alliance leader... Something like a big boss?"
'The description lacks elegance, but you are correct. However, Sir Salvatore rules but does not administrate. Rather than ruling through troublesome methods of domination, he keeps southern European magi in line through fear and servitude.'
"The one I met at the airport in Palermo? Why are you telling me this?"
Godou brought up the greatest question occupying his mind, and Erica replied gloomily:
'That time, he asked you "Let's have a duel?" It was not a joke. He was completely serious. But Godou refused, so that's the cause.'
Godou was rendered speechless by this unexpected answer and could only say "Eh?"
'Probably because he is interested in the Campione named Kusanagi Godou and wanted to have a serious fight. But you coldly rejected him...'
"Wait a minute, Erica. These things you're saying are a bit strange."
'There's nothing strange about me. Strange are the things that go through Sir Salvatore's mind.'
"You really said an awful thing without any hesitation..."
Godou recalled the conflict with Bianchi.
At the time, Erica had subtly agreed that a certain Salvatore was an idiot.
"In other words, that guy is a fool with no common sense?"
'Stated simply without the use of rhetoric, yes, that's exactly it. Anyone with the slightest courage and sense of justice who has spent any amount of time with him, would express their impressions with the words "fool" or "idiot" without hesitation.'
"Why would that kind of guy be treated as the boss!?"
'It cannot be helped. Because he is a Campione. Undoubtedly, he is the god-slaying warrior! Furthermore, stupidity and magnanimity are not mutually exclusive.'
Erica's serious tone of voice made Godou silent.
'Indeed, he is a fool foreign to common logic. Nevertheless, he is also a rare hero. Even if all the magi of the world challenged him with all their might, there is no chance of winning against him. The one known as Salvatore Doni, is precisely a monster of that level.'
After delivering this exceptional commentary, Erica continued further.
'Hey Godou, if you intend to dig deeper into this incident -- or rather, get involved with us, it's best for you to give up the notion. You should continue living peacefully in Tokyo.'
Godou frowned to find his hidden wish suddenly exposed.
'Visits like this one will happen who knows how many times so you should dodge them appropriately. Given your power, even if you encounter trouble, there shouldn't be any difficulties, right?'
"Hey hey..."
Realizing the intentions of Erica's faction, Godou was slightly surprised.
'Listen well, this is a critical juncture in your life. Everything that happened in Italy is just a dream. Please wipe it clean from your memory and continue living a peaceful life.'
"That time with Melqart, didn't you say I must make a stand and fight?!"
'There was no choice then. But this time, we still managed to escape from Sir Salvatore. So here's my greatest advice: do not step foot in Italy -- or rather, Europe, ever again.'
Erica's seriousness could be felt from her solemn diction.
'Sir Salvatore simply cannot wait to start a fight should you come. Furthermore, we of the [Copper Black Cross] have also received strict orders to restrain you with all our power. You understand what that means, right?'
"...Erica will become my enemy too?"
'There's no other choice. Even if you are also a Campione and stand on equal terms with Sir Salvatore... We are an Italian association. We have no choice but to prioritize the orders, and especially strict orders, from our alliance leader.'
Erica spoke indifferently with an emotionless voice.
'Hence, I guess our relationship ends here. In fact, my telling you all this would also be considered inappropriate... But no matter, it would be too heartless to go without saying goodbye.'
"Ends here? Wait a minute, Erica!"
'Farewell, Kusanagi Godou. Even though our days together were short, those memories will be vividly carved into the depths of my mind forever.'
The connection was cut. Even if he called again, she probably would not pick up again. Godou sighed.
What should I do? Live like a hermit, as Erica suggested? It was indeed a wise choice. Safe, peaceful and practical. But--
"What the heck. In this kind of situation, how can I leave you alone!?"
What Godou wished most of all, was to ask Erica what exactly he should do.
A great plan had formed in his mind. But he needed detailed opinions from others to make adjustments.
The reason he decided that, was because the only friend he had made in Italy, was Erica alone--
By the time his plan was placed into motion, it was already the last week of April.
Japan's Golden Week had just begun. As a high school student, Kusanagi Godou also obtained his long sought extended holiday. As for him, he planned on using the entire time on the faraway land thousands of miles west of Tokyo. Having waited so long for this time to arrive, he had to spend another twelve hours on a flight.
The time difference was eight hours. By the time Godou arrived at Milan's Malpensa Airport, it was afternoon.
Forcing his body in spite of the dizziness and fatigue caused by jet lag, Godou boarded the train. Even though this city only had three rail lines, overwhelmingly fewer than Tokyo, the routes combined together in a fairly complicated manner.
However, Godou no longer suffered from any language barrier.
Asking for directions from passersby or staff as he took the train, Godou spent a little over an hour to reach his destination, the Milano Centrale railway station. Godou only used it for the subway, but this was also a hub where domestic routes and international trains converged. There
seemed to be a total of twenty-four platforms.
"As befits a place even more urbanized than Sardinia or Sicily..."
Godou exclaimed in his heart.
Having lived in Tokyo, Godou was not surprised by large metropolitan cities. However, this was a place where modern cityscape coexisted seamlessly with Gothic or Roman streets like Europe's ancient capitals.
Also, this district offered nostalgic trams above ground.
Along the gray street, an orange-colored tram slowly arrived.
Godou searched for his target building amidst scenery that could not be found in Japan. He also had the option of taking a taxi, but since many unknowns lay ahead of this journey, being economical was important.
...As a side note, Godou also intended this journey to be self-financed.
After Godou contacted Old Man Zamparini's for counsel, the old man had prepared the plane ticket (first class too!). Receiving this present in a panic, Godou had frantically tried to refuse on the phone.
'Don't worry about it. It should already be obvious, money is no object!'
Thus, Godou's refusal was boldly denied, yakuza style. Accepting the ticket with immense gratitude, Godou desperately begged and managed to downgrade the seat to economy class...
The old man also informed him how far information on "Kusanagi Godou" had spread in Italy.
'The magi of Sicily and Sardinia only publicized your deeds in accordance to Your Highness' orders. Hence, on the Italian mainland, rumors about Kusanagi Godou are only circulating in an unsubstantiated fashion. The only exception being Erica Blandelli's [Copper Black Cross].'
The old man proceeded to refuse Godou's offers of compensation by asserting "If anything happens, I too, wish to extend a helping hand..."
Furthermore, the one who told Godou about the building he was currently searching for, was the other person he sought counsel from.
Video conferencing with Lucretia Zola whose home was always equipped with a computer and network access, Godou went through a "strategy meeting" with her.
'If you wish to make contact with Miss Erica's association, the [Copper Black Cross], visiting the building of their headquarters is the most direct way.'
"Does a secret association even have headquarters?"
'Do know that it is an association with a long history and connections to the lineages of the Knights Templar. The Order was not only a military group but also the world's first organization in the financial industry, the precursor of banking. In order to rob them of their immense wealth, King Philip IV of France even went so far as to disband the Order.'
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