Campione 11

by The Second Tale

  Part 4

  "So, the first round is Sir Salvatore's overwhelming victory."

  After watching the two kings' face off on the television, Clarens took out his cellphone. Apparently he received a text. Gazing at the tiny LCD, he grumbled "Hmm."

  "What's the matter?"

  "A report from the knights at the park. Sir Salvatore has issued orders of 'Track down Kusanagi Godou.'"

  "Come on, what a willful king who does whatever he wants..."

  Gantz muttered after learning of the situation.

  "It's about time for us to head to the scene. Tracking down a wounded Devil King could get dangerous. Not so different from wild beasts, which are more deadly when hunted in their injured state. Ordinary knights should keep their distance as appropriate."

  While the two colleagues discussed the situation, Erica did not join in. Instead, she was immersed in her own thoughts.

  (Godou, you're really unlucky -- Serves you right!)

  The situation looked grim. Nevertheless, Erica maintained a calm expression.

  Were she to reveal her emotions like an open book, it would be most unbecoming for a lady.

  (I already warned you explicitly. But you ignored me and even came to Milan. You've really made a complete fool of yourself this time.)

  Harsh and hardly elegant words swirled within Erica's mind.

  With perfect self-control, she refrained from speaking her thoughts out loud. Godou's arrival in Milan was causing the [Copper Black Cross] a great deal of trouble. In actual fact, if a little more time was bought--

  As soon as Andrea Rivera was located and rescued, he could resume his duties as Salvatore Doni's chaperone. Then once Doni had enough of his mischief, Erica should be able to regain her freedom. But Godou had foiled this plan.

  (He really is a dense block of wood!)

  (Due to the Campione's gag order, the events in Sicily fortunately remained unpublicized. Perfect. Our relationship ends today. I'm not going to deal with such a foolish person any longer. After all, being sliced by Sir Salvatore is no different from being dead.)

  (Yes, so be it, only death awaits.)

  The blade wielded by Salvatore Doni, was truly a magic sword.

  Even when it failed to cut an opponent into two, it inflicted magical wounds which failed to heal easily. Furthermore, since Godou had already used the [Raptor] incarnation, he was going to suffer backlash like last time. Then after that, his only fate would be a pitiful death like a dog's...

  Unmistakably, death. Only death lay before Kusanagi Godou.

  The instant she reached this certain conclusion, Erica frightened herself. Her chest tightened as if something was pulling tensely, while her stomach felt invaded by icy coldness -- an unbelievable feeling.

  The beating in her chest quickened immensely. Like a fire alarm, her heart beat continued loudly nonstop.

  He was going to die, right? Even if the [Ram] incarnation saved him from the current crisis, he was going to remain unconscious for who knows how many hours. Once he was discovered, it would already be--

  "Hey Erica, weren't you in the company of the Japanese king for some time?"

  Gantz's voice made Erica jump in surprise. Naturally, showing understanding of his words was nothing to be proud of.

  Instead, she simply raised an eyebrow gracefully, making a face that expressed "What are you talking about?"

  "How utterly heartless. Couldn't you say something about him being your comrade, and ask us to offer him a bit of assistance or something like that?"

  "Watch your words, Gennaro!"

  Clarens scolded quietly.

  "Sir Salvatore only derived his convenient excuse as a result of our lady assisting Kusanagi Godou at Sardinia and Sicily."

  "That's true, I guess."

  "Since Sir Salvatore is already hostile towards him, we cannot cooperate with His Highness the seventh Devil King anymore. For our [Copper Black Cross], the most appropriate course of action is--"

  Saying that, Clarens placed his hand against his neck and made a cutting gesture.

  "Kusanagi Godou will be slain by Sir Salvatore's sword. Before the conflict escalates any further, if only he could die without a fuss, that would be for the best."

  He sounded like he was analyzing a chess game. Erica agreed completely.

  Yes, it would be for the best. For Erica and the [Copper Black Cross], the existence of Kusanagi Godou was simply a hindrance.

  Though he may be [King], he was a Japanese who lived far away from Italy.

  Furthermore, he had no intention of accepting servitude and loyalty from others. Precisely because of that, there was nothing to gain no matter how much she devoted herself to him.

  Not to mention, there was the ruling "King of Swords" in close proximity...

  Clarens' assessment was completely correct, reasonable, and more convincing than anything.

  --The truth was so obvious.

  But why? Erica found herself rather strange. Once again, she felt her chest tighten, as if she was about to face some kind of unbearable tragedy.

  "But that king is Japanese! Japanese, yo!"

  On the other hand, Gantz seemed to be objecting strangely.

  "To me, Japan is a sacred land for pilgrimage! Well in fact, I happen to have some DVDs with me, wanna have a watch? Now that's real magic. These masterpieces can teach us adults that valor must always be tempered with gentleness. It'll transform your very being."

  "I'm totally not in the mood for Japanese children cartoons..."

  "...Yes, same here."

  Erica coldly declared and left her seat.

  "Where are you going, my lady?"

  "I'm feeling a little unwell, so I'm returning to my room to continue my 'imprisonment' there. Clearly, there's no emergency requiring my presence."

  "Don't call it 'imprisonment' like we're giving you a hard time."

  Gantz frowned while Clarens simply shrugged without taking offense. With no one in her way, Erica left the lounge.

  ...Originally, Erica was indeed in a position requiring surveillance.

  All things considered, she was the one who accompanied Kusanagi Godou the longest, playing the role of his support. The possibility existed for her to extend a helping hand towards Kusanagi Godou in his desperate time of need -- it was only natural for others to think that. But in actual fact, Erica's colleagues left her alone.

  Undoubtedly. Unlike Salvatore Doni, no benefits could be gained from Kusanagi Godou. Erica could not be unclear on that -- that was what they must have thought.

  Erica wandered aimlessly and found herself at the ground floor lobby of the headquarters building.

  In the past, she always went home by calling for a ride to pick her up. But for some reason she did not do so today. Walking out the building, she began to stroll casually along Milan's office district.

  Along the way, Erica jumped in fright many times whenever a black-haired oriental brushed past her. Clearly it could not have been the youth she knew but she felt compelled to check the person's face each time.

  --Gathering her focus, Erica took out a certain object.

  Just in case of emergencies, she had gathered this at the Zamparini mansion and kept it in a glass jar. With this, she could track down the location of...

  "Where are you going, Erica Blandelli?"

  A familiar voice. She turned around to find a tall man standing before her.

  A handsome man with well-defined facial contours and a muscular body reminiscent of the statue of David. Wearing an unbuttoned formal suit, this man was named Paolo Blandelli.

  Erica's legal guardian and commander-in-chief of the [Copper Black Cross].

  "I've already mentioned this before. You are our precious treasure -- one who will inevitably stand at the pinnacle of our association."

  "Yes, I remember. Uncle."

  One could describe this as a conversation between uncle and niece, except with a bit too much posturing.

  For a long time now, Erica'
s everyday interactions with her uncle had become a habit like a rehearsed scene. The two of them left the bustling main streets of Milan and came to a nearby park to talk.

  "One more thing. Even though this goes without saying, you are equivalent to a real daughter to me. It's just that I'd be a little too young if I called myself your father."

  Despite clearly pushing forty, Paolo still casually declared himself young. High-minded and noble in spirit he may be, this was one area he showed particular obstinacy.

  Nevertheless, this facet of the heroic uncle's always made Erica smile.

  "Yes, I believe it is all thanks to Uncle's love and edification that enabled me to become the person I am today."

  "If you say it that way, even someone like me would get too full of myself. By the way, Erica, looking at the way you are now, really reminds me of myself over a decade ago."

  "Well, when Uncle was younger, in other words, during your days as a youth."

  "I'm young enough as I am, so nothing prevents you from calling me a youth. I hope you realize that some day. Anyway, enough with that."

  Erica simply expressed acquiescence. Paolo continued:

  "Back then, I was still a reckless brat overconfident in my own abilities. I only learned my lesson during a chance visit to England when I became embroiled in unnecessary hardship and burden."

  "The hardship you suffered over there -- was it Prince Alec?"

  Legendary deadly battles were innumerable amongst the experiences of Paolo Blandelli in younger days past.

  He was most likely referring to the "Devil King's debut" incident of then sixteen-year-old Black Prince Alec of England, Alexandre Gascoigne.

  He had crossed swords with the Black Prince himself as well as his right hand man, Sir Iceman. It was even said that Paolo battled a primordial demonic beast that the Black Prince had awakened, and stood in as the Black Prince's scapegoat to take care of a female devil who was targeting the Devil King.

  Uncle Paolo's current renown was achieved through surviving countless deadly battles.

  "Ah yes, that's right... Frankly speaking, given a choice I'd rather not deal with that kind of man who brings chaos to the world. In every instance, by the time I noticed, I was already embroiled in the commotions caused by Alec... Well, the troubles caused by a particular princess are no small number either--"

  Distant events in the past. It was the reason why Uncle gradually stopped respecting the princess who was known as the most exalted noblewoman.

  "I realized through those years of experience. How terrible in character, how troublesome and how willful these Campiones are... But due to my frequent contact with these abnormal existences, perhaps I've lost a balanced sense of judgment."

  Erica stared wide in response to this rare story from his "days as a youth."

  Uncle was not a man who liked to brag about his glorious exploits. In particular, he had always kept silent about his days spent in opposition to Black Prince Alec. Even though Erica felt he was being modest, it looked like there might be other reasons as well.

  "Erica, let me be straight with you. You are extremely precious to me, whether personally or for the organization. I have no wish for you to suffer by the side of those unreasonable monsters. It is enough for me alone to endure that kind of hardship."

  The uncle looked straight at Erica as he spoke.

  "If possible, I hope I won't have to resort to force in order to play the part of the stubborn insensitive father."

  "Oh my, you're speaking as if I were about to abandon Uncle?"

  "If I am mistaken, just treat everything I said as a joke. Nevertheless, I can't help but feel that, given the situation -- so what is the actual truth?"

  So that's what's going on? Erica could not find words to answer.

  Was she still Erica Blandelli? Flawless in both elegant manners of speaking and fluent conversation skills, seemingly brimming with talent ever since the day she was born, Erica was unbelievably at a loss for words for once, she was silent!

  "Given your intelligence and eloquence, it should be a simple matter for you to understand what I am saying."

  Hoo. Uncle sighed.

  Indeed. It was clear and simple truth. Erica should choose the [King] closest to the [Copper Black Cross], Salvatore Doni, and abandon the young eastern Asian [King] whose future was uncertain.

  Nevertheless, even though it was obvious.

  Despite their short time together, as ephemeral as sparks, she could still vividly recall every day she spent with the youth.

  Everything that happened from the day they met up to this point. Such as tracking down the oriental warlord, fighting the Phoenician divine king, the whole story flashed before her eyes like kaleidoscopic images.

  Erica took a deep breath and exhaled.

  She reawakened her original indomitable spirit and glamor.

  Holding her head high, she pridefully swept her hand through her lustrous red-tinted blonde hair. Erica Blandelli must always be more beautiful and striking than anyone else. For her own sake, and as much as she wished to deny it, for that youth's sake too!

  "Yes. I completely understand what I have to do. However -- it can't be helped. In spite of everything, I must go to his side."

  A resolute declaration.

  "I don't really understand the reason, but I want to help him. Although these senseless emotions vex me so, they are still my authentic feelings. Even if you give me a direct order, Uncle, you cannot force me to abandon my feelings!"

  "Reason eh... I'm sure you already know very well."

  "How can I know if you don't say it out, Uncle!"

  "Which is why I say, your current attitude speaks more than words ever could... Come to think of it, I've never had this kind of 'family conversation' with you regarding this topic. A little later and you'd probably become too jaded to listen."

  "You're talking like I'm ill or something. That's rather unbecoming whether you consider yourself a knight or a gentleman."

  Erica turned away pretentiously and mocked cynically.

  --Well, to be honest, it's not like I haven't realized what topic Uncle is referring to. In fact, I can think of all sorts of things the conversation entails. But admitting to it would be far too embarrassing.

  Hence, Erica pretended she was completely unaware.

  "In any case, I will be joining Kusanagi Godou's faction. Since I am doing that, I suppose there is no place left for me within the [Copper Black Cross]."

  Using summoning magic, Erica called forth her beloved garment.

  It was a short cape with straight red stripes against a black background. This surcoat was bestowed only upon Great Knights.

  It carried protective magic that conferred defensive power equivalent to armor.

  But most important of all were its "rossonero" colors of red and black. Wearing the association's colors displayed allegiance unambiguously -- To a Great Knight, this cape was equivalent to a bandiera flag raised high on the battlefield.

  "I hereby return this, the mark of rossonero you bestowed upon me personally. Please accept it, Uncle. This could very well be my final farewell, but still, I must go!"

  With one gallant motion she tossed away the cape she had worn for so many years.

  As soon as she saw her uncle catch it, Erica swiftly turned around and began to walk away. She did not even look back once.

  The uncle who said he would restrain her "by force" did not follow through on his warning.

  After all, he was the one who traveled from Italy to England many times, taking on Princess Alice's requests as a knight, valorously battling the Black Prince repeatedly, the one and only Paolo Blandelli!

  More than likely, he was the one who understood Erica's feelings best.

  Erica continued marching forward. As expected, a voice to call her back did not appear.

  Chapter 6 - An Alliance Once More

  Part 1

  Kusanagi Godou fled from Salvatore Doni using divine speed.

  The
seventh incarnation, the [Raptor]. Using this incarnation not only increased his speed, but also lightened his body and vastly increased agility and jumping ability. Even though it could not fly like a bird, it was still able to perform leaps that rivaled or even surpassed cats and monkeys.

  Godou ran up a building's wall and moved between rooftops.

  Sometimes he stepped on car roofs and trains on the road instead of buildings and ordinary houses, racing across Milan's main roads like a flash of light.

  In any case, he had to run as far as he could. If possible, leaving the city of Milan would be best.

  Although his pierced abdomen was feeling intense pain, Godou did not even consider going to a hospital. Shaking off Doni's pursuit was of utmost priority. Hence, Godou simply ran with reckless abandon.

  ...Thanks to the lightness of his body, the burden of running was greatly decreased.

  There was no sense of exhaustion. No matter how hard he dashed, his breathing did not interrupt, nor was there any effect on his stamina.

  Hence, he was able to ignore the pain on his flank in this manner. Just as he left the boundaries of Milan city, he ran into trouble as he entered an area with many trees and green fields.

  Suddenly, his heart was struck with intense pain.

  "T-This is?"

  Godou was filled with doubt but he did not halt his footsteps. Nevertheless, the sense of pain was intensifying.

  It felt like his heart was being stabbed by a murder weapon like an icepick. Rather than repeatedly stabbing, it felt like someone was digging relentlessly. Gradually, his legs and then his whole body became increasingly difficult to move.

  "By the way, didn't this chest pain happen that time in Sicily as well? Could it be the side effect of using this kind of speed!?"

  On further thought, this level of speed was truly ridiculous.

  In fact, it was only reasonable to expect repercussions sooner or later given prolonged use of such speed. It was now imperative to find a place to rest. Finding a park before him, Godou entered with unsteady footsteps.

  The park was filled with flourishing trees, like a little forest.