While chanting the smiting spell words, Erica used her oval shield to block the claws of one of the pterosaurs.
Then returning Cuore di Leone to its original form, she made a thrust with the longsword and did not forget to make another stab at the pterosaur's hind leg for good measure. Although it was not enough to cause the enemy a severe injury, it counted as a counterattacking blow anyway.
Clad in her rossonero cape of red and black, Erica was enveloped in the sacred privilege of extermination.
"O Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Grant me your power to vanquish the barbarians!"
On the other hand, Ena was the one who blocked the second flying pterosaur.
Holding the jet-black divine sword, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, she used divine possession to fill herself with the divine sword's aura and ran in front of Godou.
Just as she was about to make an overhead strike using the hassou-no-kamae stance[17]—the second pterosaur avoided Ena.
Making a turn in the trajectory of its rapid descent, the pterosaur evaded Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's blade.
The second pterosaur thus returned to the sky beside Uldin. The first one also returned to its master's side without striking back at Erica.
"Unlike usual, they're not attacking mindlessly. This is difficult."
"These pterosaurs are probably controlled by Uldin's will directly. Think of them as his avatars or remote controlled weapons."
The two girls stood in formation on Godou's left and right respectively as they whispered to each other.
Uldin's authority for controlling the pterosaurs was usurped from Ušumgallu the dragon god. An ancient Sumerian sacred beast, it was a divinity whose folklore was no longer circulated in the modern age. That was what Godou had learnt from Erica and Ena.
However, he was not going to turn this knowledge into the [Sword].
Given one of Uldin's authorities had to be sealed, Godou decided that [Rudra's Arrows] was still the choice to take.
"How are the people in the army?"
"The Madame has given them orders, telling them to 'protect themselves and retreat from the castle.' In any case, it means they are evacuating along with their loved ones."
Hearing Erica's report, Godou glanced behind him.
The six-hundred-man army was moving in an organized manner. Various squads were passing through the castle gates and exiting the stronghold in sequence.
"Since Aisha-san can heal injuries, we're leaving that side to her. Your Majesty, you should focus on the battle against Uldin-san!"
Godou nodded at Ena's advice and turned his attention to the air once more.
The three pterosaurs reformed their triangular formation and glided casually through the air. Furthermore, the night sky had filled with dark clouds without prior warning. These clouds must have been summoned by Uldin's authority.
As the god of the bow, Rudra possessed divine aspects as the storm god who summoned wind and rain—
But to Godou, another aspect was the hardest to handle.
Finally, that was precisely the aspect Uldin was using. Amidst the dark clouds that were spreading across the sky, the sun's dazzling radiance could undoubtedly be seen. However, this was obviously not the true sun.
Rather than the true sun, this was a mini pseudo-sun.
Nevertheless, its temperature and flames were extraordinary.
"I don't have a taste for sluggish containment tactics."
Uldin's voice descended from the pseudo-sun that illuminated the night sky.
"Since they're not working anyway, I'll simply shoot all my arrows at once to my heart's content. In addition—this attack style seems to trouble you, comrade?"
"Adapting flexibly to the situation to make the next move instantly..."
"He's quite similar to His Majesty in this regard..."
As Erica and Ena watched in surprise, Godou was also rendered speechless.
Clearly, Uldin was flying far above, high in the sky, yet he seemed to be able to discern Godou's expression and situation as though he were engaged in close range combat. Perhaps this was part of the resourcefulness he possessed as a "leader."
Pulling back a certain distance, discerning the thoughts of the enemy leader, attacking when the enemy showed an opening, thereby defeating the enemy.
Someone capable of performing that was truly worthy of first-class renown as an illustrious commander or strategist.
"Pray, people. Such that you may escape Rudra's arrows."
Then two arrows appeared in Uldin's right hand. Both had arrowheads made of gold. This was the golden arrow that had engaged Godou's [White Stallion] in mutual annihilation several days earlier.
At the time, Uldin had used one arrow. This time, he was using double.
"The difference in firepower is really too great huh..."
After all, the [White Stallion] was only one out of the ten incarnations. It probably could not oppose Rudra's arrows with the full firepower of an entire authority poured into them.
Since this was foreseen beforehand, Godou was not scared. Instead, he focused his concentration. The mutual attack coming up was critical. No matter what, he must smash his way through—!
"Rudra's name carries the meaning of the "Roarer." However, that's not all there is to it. There are additional meanings of the 'Ruddy One' or the 'Shining One.' Furthermore, Rudra appears in the myths as a man with red skin, his body adorned with shining gold!"
"I pray to the god from yonder distant lands who shoots to kill, please grant your mercy. By this arrow, all life shall be extinguished!"
Chanting spell words at the same time, both sides poured magical power into their respective weapons.
"The sacred scripture of the Rigveda describes Rudra in thus manner: 'Radiant as the sun, lustrous as gold.' Hence, he also carries the traits of a sun god as one whose authority rules over fire and light!"
"Fathers, mothers, old people and babies. All shall kneel at the feet of the god of slaughter!"
"Opposing the flames of Verethragna's incarnation—the [White Stallion], that was indeed the attack shot by Rudra the sun god."
Unleashed all at once!
Uldin first nocked the two golden arrows on his bow and shot them out at the same time.
Rather than Godou, they were aimed at the pseudo-sun that offered vague glimpses behind the clouds.
The pseudo-sun absorbed the golden arrows and instantly increased in brightness. Furthermore, this triggered its descent.
The pseudo-sun moved towards the ground—the stronghold where Godou and his companions were located.
This was a sphere whose diameter was roughly forty or fifty meters wide. Were it to crash violently into the ground, the flames would immediately spread far and wide, incinerating the entire surroundings to nothing in an instant.
Blocking this attack in midair was the group of [Swords] controlled by Godou.
Countless small [Swords] were gathered together. Shining radiantly like a galaxy, the brightness spread out far and wide, forming a net of light to block the pseudo-sun's descent.
As Rudra's divine power was sliced apart, the pseudo-sun's light and flames instantly weakened.
However, the pseudo-sun was infused with the full firepower of [Rudra's Arrows]. There was not enough time to annihilate all of the flames.
The net of light gradually became unable to support the falling pseudo-sun.
The pseudo-sun kept descending towards the stronghold—It was right overhead of Godou, Erica and Ena.
Its distance from the ground was 100m, 90m, 80m, 70m...
"Godou—!" "Your Majesty!?"
"That guy... Uldin will surely interfere... I'm leaving that to you girls!"
Despite Erica and Ena's calls, Godou could only give such a response.
He needed to focus all of his magical power and concentration on controlling his authority.
But as expected of the two girls, they understood Godou's intent from a single order and diverted their attention
from the pseudo-sun towards their surroundings.
In the current predicament, golden light was pouring down accompanied by a large amount of flames that were about to fall upon them.
If Godou were to fail, even the girls would be involved in the consequences. Himself aside, if Erica and Ena were to be burnt to charcoal—This was a scene Godou absolutely did not want to witness.
"For victory, hasten forth before me... O immortal sun, I beseech thee to grant radiance to the stallion!"
Godou chanted spell words, in order to use two of Verethragna's incarnations simultaneously.
He was struck with a splitting headache for this was the price paid for excessive power.
"O stallion that moveth godlike with wondrous grace, bring forth the halo of thy master!"
While sustaining the [Sword]'s spell words, Godou summoned the [White Stallion] from the eastern sky.
The rays of dawn added a rosy layer of color to the night sky that was illuminated golden by the pseudo-sun. The sight was quite similar to the aurora borealis visible near arctic regions.
Since the [Sword] alone was unable to dispel the pseudo-sun's flames, Godou decided to borrow the [White Stallion]'s power as well—
As the trump cards of Kusanagi Godou and Uldin clashed together, the end result was the annihilation of all light.
Whether flames, the sun, the spell words' light or dawn's radiance, all disappeared.
The surroundings were shrouded in the darkness and silence of night again.
Until just now, there had been an exceptionally intense source of light overhead.
The sudden darkness made it difficult to adjust instantly. This was quite a rare experience for a Campione who possessed keen night vision like wild beasts. Plunged into darkness, Godou shuddered.
If an attack came right now—That would be terrible. Just as Godou was about to warn his companions...
"Shrouded by clouds, the little island's deity cowered... Closure of eyes, closure of the heart—Ama no Murakumo, please. Become Ena's eyes!"
The Hime-Miko of the Sword chanted spell words and prayed to her partner of steel.
In the next instant, Godou felt magical power erupting from Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
Although the jet-black divine blade was a [Sword], it also possessed its own will and senses as a divinity. Being a sword, it did not possess normal vision but instead perceived its surroundings through divine supernatural senses.
In other words, night or day was irrelevant—
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was now expanding its sensing network to search for approaching enemies.
"Yaaaaaaaah!"
Ena suddenly swung the divine sword and sliced through the darkness.
Clang! The sound of two hard objects colliding was heard. Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had intercepted the "terrible claw" flying in the darkness.
Imperceptibly, a pterosaur had silently approached.
"Uwaaaah!"
The claw and the divine sword were almost equally matched in power and hardness. Ena was sent flying along with Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi and rolled down the inner slope of the castle walls. Stumbling, the pterosaur flew back high into the sky.
Just as Godou's eyes finally adjusted to the darkness and watched the scene just now—
"Godou, duck down!"
Erica warned him. He looked up into the sky.
The second pterosaur was making a rapid descent. Furthermore, its size was massive.
Earlier, its body length was still roughly seven meters, but now it had doubled in size. Uldin must have infused his magical power to strengthen it!
"Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho!"[18]
Enveloping herself in red light, Erica also flew up.
Sacred exterminators were capable of flight for short durations.
She collided directly with the enlarged pterosaur in the air. The pterosaur spread out its "terrible claws" and tried to catch Erica. This was a hunting method similar to that used by birds of prey.
Using the red light's protection, Erica defended against the attack. At the same time, she stabbed the lion's magic sword into the enemy's black skin.
"He shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it!"[19]
Seizing this opportunity, Erica infused the magic sword with the sacred privilege of extermination.
Then someone's whistling was heard at this moment. Instantly, the enlarged pterosaur effortlessly tossed Erica aside and flew high up into the air.
The two pterosaurs were implementing hit-and-run tactics.
Hence, Erica and Ena's attacks were hindered and unable to deal heavy blows to the divine beasts. In addition, the third pterosaur, carrying Uldin, finally arrived.
Spurring the pterosaur in a rapid descent towards the ground, he simultaneously shot arrows at Godou who was on the castle walls.
With astounding skills of consecutive shots, he fired seven arrows and immediately ordered his dragon mount to ascend swiftly.
Godou instantly jumped to the side, diving into a roll and barely evading the attacks. Nevertheless, he could not escape completely unscathed. An arrow struck his left shoulder.
"Hahahaha! I was thinking of shooting you dead under the cover of darkness, but it looks like it won't be that easy!"
Leaving behind his laughter, Uldin returned to the air.
Immediately after the magnificent strike with the pseudo-sun, Uldin switched flexibly to a surprise assault and using the pterosaurs for hit-and-run tactics. This was quite a large change in the fight.
"Indeed, so long as those flying divine beasts remain, their threat will only increase..."
"A flying divine beast also gave us a tough time during New Year's Eve and January..."
Erica and Ena returned to Godou's side.
Cursing those flying dragons with great hatred in his mind, Godou pulled out the arrow from his shoulder. Since it was embedded in his flesh, it hurt quite a lot of course. It also bled. However, the wound was not very serious.
The iron arrowhead was incapable of penetrating a Campione's shoulder blade that was harder than steel.
"In that case, we can still continue to fight..."
Speaking of ways to handle flying enemies, Godou had already learnt the method.
That had occurred during his battles at Cape Inubou as well as the South Seas practically at the equator—
Part 3
"The one unblunted and unapproachable! Oath-breaking sinners be purged by the iron hammer of justice!"
In response to Godou's spell words, the [Boar] manifested from within the stronghold.
The twenty-meter-long black divine beast. Its brawny and massive body trampled and crushed a row of soldiers' quarters, demolishing buildings as it advanced.
It made its way towards the castle walls, behind where Godou's group was standing—
Godou had set the three pterosaurs as the targets for destruction. Currently, the pterosaurs remained circling high in the air above, preparing to make the next strike.
"Listen carefully... I'll let you rampage as much as you want later."
The [Boar] curled itself up behind Godou, its ferocious fighting spirit about to explode.
Godou suppressed the [Boar] as he softly scolded it.
"You're not allowed to move yet... For now, you will act as a substitute castle and stronghold!"
ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAR!
The [Boar] cried out with what appeared to be displeasure. However, it was not trying to resist. Although it was not the black divine beast's original intention, it still planned to respond to its master's orders.
The instant Godou nodded, one of the pterosaurs made a rapid descent.
This was the giant pterosaur that had doubled in size, the one that Erica had blocked just now. Uldin was not riding it.
"Do it!"
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAR!
As Godou shouted, the [Boar] ro
ared again. As usual, its howls were mixed with shockwaves. The rapidly descending pterosaur was blown back.
Although the giant pterosaur lost balance as a result, it barely managed to recover.
Temporarily stopping its attack towards the ground, it returned to Uldin's side.
"Ohoh, comrade, so you tame wild beasts too? What a coincidence! Let's go!"
Riding on a dragon's back, Uldin gazed upon the [Boar] with admiration and gave orders.
The second pterosaur immediately descended. However, it too was easily blown away. Naturally, this was also the result of the [Boar]'s roars from the ground.
ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAR!
Like the hand of an invisible giant, the shockwaves blew the second pterosaur away.
Let alone attack, it could not even approach the castle walls. With that, the second pterosaur crashed towards the ground. Probably because of its smaller body size compared to the first pterosaur, it could not withstand the hit.
—Rather than allowing the [Boar] to charge, Godou had chosen to use its shockwaves as the stronghold's artillery.
This was the tactic the [Boar] had used not too long ago in the battles against Circe the goddess of dawn. Godou was now imitating the same method.
"What strange skills this thing possesses. In that case, how about this!?"
Uldin called out and threw down two leather bags from his saddle.
Their contents were poured out and scattered throughout the air.
It was a great quantity of white teeth. Probably numbering a hundred roughly.
Godou remembered. Back during his first encounter with Uldin outside Augusta Raurica, that guy had turned these teeth into magical beasts—!
"Ruska mentioned it! Uldin's [Dragon Taming] authority allows him to turn the teeth and claws fallen from dragons into his minions!"
"So it really was that guy's authority!"
Informed by Erica, Godou clicked his tongue.
The many teeth transformed in the air. They turned into small-sized Deinonychuses roughly four meters in length. Furthermore, instead of front limbs they had wings sprouting from their shoulders.
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