Campione 07

by Great Sage Equaling Heaven

  "Mariya... Where did she go?"

  Preparing to go back to sleep, Godou discovered that Yuri was no longer in the room.

  Erica and Liliana were sound asleep but only the Hime-Miko was absent. Her pajamas were neatly folded and placed on the blanket she had been using.

  If she had gone for an early morning walk, the current time would be a little too early...

  Deciding it was a bit strange, Godou quietly slipped out of the room.

  Leaving the wooden cabin, he took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. With the rising sun revealing itself from the backbone of the mountain range, it was an excellent view of dawn.

  However, this meant that the battle against the Great Sage was drawing ever closer.

  In spite of that, Kusanagi Godou was still full of hesitation.

  "In the end I still can't be decisive... What a failure of a king."

  As he muttered to himself, Godou felt a person's presence.

  The Hime-Miko dressed in white garments and a red hakama was approaching him.

  "You have woken up — King."

  "Where did you go? Mariya..."

  Godou was in the middle of his question when he noticed something wasn't quite right with Yuri.

  There was a lost expression on her face, and her eyes were out of focus, furthermore, her eyes were now — the color of glass!

  "Let me offer an answer to the King's worries. The sword of wisdom in your arm can be of use in this battle. Its power not only slays gods but also severs a god's spiritual might, which is why it is called the sword of exorcism. Even the monkey king's spell that imprisons the young little miko can be severed."

  Yuri's glass-colored pupils wavered in a bizarre manner.

  In the past battle against Marquis Voban, Yuri also received divine guidance through spirit vision.

  However, her current eye color was exactly the same as the glass princess in the Netherworld. Come to think of it, she also mentioned once that the Hime-Miko were distant descendants with the same bloodline as hers.

  "Please do not forget, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's martial prowess is beyond equal. Whether your sharp blade can strike the Great Sage or not, is up to your courage and determination. It will be a dire and desperate battle. Oh my? Did I just say something?"

  Yuri's eyes returned to normal with their usual black pupils. She was back.

  "You just told me... an answer to a question that had been troubling me."

  Godou exclaimed as he answered.

  Compared to Erica and Liliana, Yuri was not a very conspicuous person but she held amazing powers.

  She was often able to give clear directions during times when they were stuck, and sometimes it even led to strategies that solved the root of problems.

  "Really? If that is the case, then getting up early to meditate was not wasted for me."

  "Eh? Why did you do such a thing?"

  "Since yesterday, I have noticed Godou-san worrying over many things... I was wondering if I could give you some advice, so I came out here to clear my thoughts, and was hoping it would be great if I could receive divine guidance."

  Smiling gently beneath the rosy clouds of dawn, there was nothing more beautiful than Yuri at this time.

  Spirit vision was a spell that only had a tiny chance of obtaining divine inspiration. To hope for divine guidance to descend actively in response was very wishful thinking. That was what Yuri explained in the past, so it was quite unbelievable to see her being so proactive now.

  Godou felt very grateful to her, and he became strongly determined. This girl's younger sister, Hikari who has grown closer to him as well, will definitely be saved by his hand!

  As Godou endured the impulse rising from deep within him, Yuri suddenly whispered softly.

  "Actually I had been worrying since last night, whether I should mention this matter to Godou-san?"

  "What is this matter?"

  "Yes, even though Hikari is an apprentice, she is also one of Musashino's Hime-Miko just like me. When a [Heretic God] brings disaster to the world, we must protect the people from being harmed by the gods, and put our lives on the line. Therefore, if Hikari was completely possessed, I must give up the notion of saving her."

  Sorrowfully averting her gaze, Yuri continued softly:

  "In truth, I know very well that I should not say such things — but still, no matter what, I hope Godou-san can listen to my opinion..."

  Yuri was not being very forthcoming and meandered without getting into the main topic.

  But her current attitude made her intentions even clearer. For Yuri who was serious, honest and intelligent, she was hesitating because she knew very well how irresponsible her request was.

  It's enough, I already understand. Godou wanted to make this girl more relaxed.

  "Mariya... I will definitely save Hikari. No matter what Sayanomiya Kaoru and the members of the Committee say, my top priority is to take back Mariya Hikari from that monkey bastard. This is already decided. I will worry about the involvement of Nikkou City and the local residents some other time."

  Somehow, Godou felt a burden lifted from his heart once he openly declared his decision.

  Perhaps he was making an important conclusion right now. That was what he suspected.

  "G-Godou-san... Thank you... I..."

  Yuri lowered her head as tears streamed down.

  I beg you, and hope you can save my younger sister. This was the expression of her gratitude to Godou for accepting her request conveyed without words.

  "You don't have to thank me, you know. I haven't even fought the Great Sage yet. Perhaps when pressured by him and backed into a corner, I might forget everything I just said, and defeat the monkey along with Hikari, eh?"

  "No you will not. Godou-san will definitely not do something like that. I know very well."

  Yuri spoke quietly but firmly.

  Those were the words full of confidence, spoken by the Hime-Miko whose spirit vision saw through everything.

  "Is it because of spirit vision?"

  "Possibly. I am not too certain of the reason myself, but I know Godou-san definitely will not abandon Hikari — a girl who has gotten close to you. Even if this is the result of spirit vision, I would say it only contributes half to my certainty."

  Half? Godou felt intrigued by this strange indirect way of describing things. What did she actually mean?

  "The other half is my trust in Godou-san. Not as a Hime-Miko but as Mariya Yuri begging you to save my sister."

  Bowing her head with propriety to make her request, Yuri spoke resolutely.

  "Since this is a rare opportunity, let me clarify at this time. No matter how the current incident comes to an end, I will follow you for a lifetime, until your path as a Campione reaches its conclusion, or the end of my life —"

  "Y-You mean until one of us dies?"

  This exaggerated description shocked Godou as the beautiful Hime-Miko quietly nodded her head.

  "Yes, just like the way your life has been till now, the prospects of a peaceful life will be slim. No matter what the final ending is, I hope that you will allow me to stay by your side until the very end. Will you agree to this request of mine?"

  It was quite a sudden and unexpected request. As Godou watched in shock, Yuri showed a faint smile as beautiful as a budding cherry blossom.

  "You do not have to answer immediately, because I shall wait for you forever..."

  Bowing elegantly, she returned to the wooden cabin.

  It was three days ago when Annie Charlton finally received news that Asherah was alive.

  Her elderly friend and collaborator, Joe West passed along the news as "a certain noble person providing important information."

  She wasn't sure where the news came from, but since her mortal enemy the witch was still alive, plus the additional fact that the most vicious Campione had been summoned from China and was planning something in Japan, Annie decided to book a flight immediately. Getting things done quickly
and decisively was one of her qualities.

  She arrived at Narita airport around evening yesterday. Her destination was apparently a famous tourist attraction full of exotic allure.

  Afterwards, Annie called a taxi and headed to Tokyo. Her original plan was to spend the night at a hotel for a good night's rest to relieve her body from the exhaustion of the long flight, then head over to the scene in question.

  However, once she received the emergency news from Professor West through her cellphone, she immediately changed her plans.

  A certain noble person (most likely the former spokesperson of the Witenagemot)[49] had sent a series of reports. A [Heretic God] had been sighted in the little city of Nikkou. Hence, Annie revised her plan to rest at a hotel, and decided to drive instead and rush to the scene, struggling with the unfamiliar roads and adjusting to the steering wheel on the right.

  Even though she was tired and jet lagged, there was no time to take things easy any more.

  Annie Charlton was a woman with a great sense of justice and responsibility. After driving a good many hours on the streets throughout the night, it was morning the next day when she arrived at the scene.

  "I remember there is an organization in Japan equivalent to the SSI[50]. It would be best to get into contact with them to gather more intelligence. However —"

  Annie spoke to herself as she drove.

  A few years ago, she had the chance to visit Japan and managed to gain some understanding of the country. She needed to get hold of the details of the current situation as quickly as possible so that she can defeat the culprit.

  Come to think of it, a Campione had also been born in Japan recently.

  Should she leave things for him to handle? But typical Campiones take days or even weeks to arrive on scene to battle a [Heretic God]. If she could resolve the incident before that happens, there should not be too much trouble.

  "It would be best if this guy wakes up soon, for he seems like he can provide a lot of information."

  Through the rear-view mirror, Annie glanced at the condition of the young man lying on the back seat.

  Not too long ago, she had discovered someone unconscious near the river of Daiyagawa. After examining the items carried on his body, she confirmed that many of them were related to wizardry.

  He could very well be a member of Japan's SSI (which seemed to be called something like the History Compilation Committee).

  Annie Charlton did not know at the time, but this youth was Amakasu Touma and also the missing member of the History Compilation Committee.

  Chapter 3 - Kusanagi Godou Enters the Monkey King's Territory

  Part 1

  Every year in October, the surroundings of Lake Chuuzenji became encircled by the red-shaded mountains.

  Concentrated on the lake front were eateries, shops selling souvenirs and other things, as well as many facilities such as hotels and travel agencies. This was the hot springs resort area called Chuuzenji Hot Springs.

  These lands were now undergoing a cataclysmic change. Monkeys were appearing, and not just one or two.

  The pedestrian walkways, souvenir shops and restaurants catering to tourists were filled with monkeys; big and small monkeys casually strolled about as a family; there was also a monkey that apparently stole something and was being chased by a group of monkeys wielding clubs. Monkeys were everywhere.

  "They were all originally humans after all... Were they transformed into monkeys by the Great Sage's power?"

  Seishuuin Ena looked down upon the monkey kingdom and murmured to herself.

  She had infiltrated the forest near Lake Chuuzenji, and was now observing the situation from a position high up in the branches.

  Traveling without using any sort of transportation like a car, Ena traversed mountains and forests with her monkey-like agility and physical abilities. Thirty minutes ago, she had just passed the Iroha-saku Route when she suddenly got chased by violent giant monkeys that seemed to be divine beasts.

  Through her martial arts and natural instincts, she was able to fight her way out and lose them.

  "Looks like I'd better report to Kaoru first."

  This sort of sensible idea was a rare moment for Ena. She took out her cellphone.

  Oops, no batteries. Shrugging her shoulders, Ena put the phone away.

  "Well, since it's them anyway, they wouldn't expect me to report regularly in the first place. Putting that aside, Ena should find out more about the situation here before His Majesty's group arrives."

  Slung over her shoulder was a long slender bag made of cloth, carrying a two-foot-three-inch Japanese tachi blade.[51]

  Compared to her beloved Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, it was much shorter. But as a normal weapon, this size was more appropriate. In many different ways, the divine blade was a cheating existence.

  Ena felt herself getting naturally excited as she looked forward to seeing that youth very soon, the one who had taken away her former partner.

  On the morning after the whole incident began, Sayanomiya Kaoru drove her car towards the camping grounds where Godou and his group were temporarily staying. After one or two hours she reached the petrified Nikkou Toushouguu. Under the bright sunlight overlooking the strange sight, the areas surrounding Toushouguu, Rinnouji and Futarasan Shrine were all under high alert.

  Sealing off the area using crime scene tape, policemen dressed in smart-looking uniforms stood on guard, preventing any unauthorized entry.

  "Detailed reports are still being prepared, but due to various reasons, Toushouguu and other places are undergoing emergency repairs... We had the area sealed first using this pretext."

  The one explaining was Sayanomiya Kaoru who was there to welcome Godou's group.

  "The Great Sage Equaling Heaven seems to have transformed all the tourists and local residents here into monkeys yesterday. Checking out the nearby shops in the area, there was not a single soul in sight. However, just the fact that people vanished en masse instead of being massacred could be considered rather fortunate amidst this crisis."

  As Sayanomiya Kaoru led the way, Godou walked beside her. Following behind them were Yuri, Erica and Liliana.

  Following the western visiting path from Futarasan Shrine, rows of souvenir shops could be seen. They were also sealed by police, and the feeling was unusually quiet.

  "By the way, I didn't think the Committee had the power to even mobilize police forces..."

  Godou felt somewhat uncomfortable.

  There was a group wearing imposing-looking uniforms, as well as others who looked suspicious despite wearing suits, all running about very busily.

  "Of course. Dating back to the Meiji period, the History Compilation Committee has maintained intimate ties with the Japanese Self-Defense Force and the police, as well as various bureaucracies such as the current Association of Shinto Shrines, the MEXT[52], the MLIT[53] and the Ministry of the Environment. Speaking of stories dating back to the honeymoon period of our predecessors, the Manchurian railway and the Imperial Japanese Army, one could probably write a great historical treatise. It certainly would be a very interesting research project."

  Kaoru cheerfully conversed about these topics of interest.

  "Amakasu-san also counts as a civil servant, but he operates under an official identity as someone who does phony shrine duties at various shrines, a person with all sorts of suspicious past experiences."

  "—By the way, Kaoru-san, has there been any news of Amakasu-san?"

  Hearing the familiar name, Yuri entered the conversation.

  Godou also waited for Kaoru's answer. From the news last night, Amakasu was currently missing.

  "Sorry, Yuri, we haven't mentioned it to you all yet, but he was already saved by someone this morning. It's a very interesting development, I'll explain to you all later."

  For some reason, Kaoru made a wry smile faintly.

  For the purpose of a private discussion, Godou separated from Erica and the others, and with Kaoru, the two of them
walked towards Futarasan Shrine.

  It was a world entirely turned into stone.

  Whether the wooden buildings, the lush cedar forest, the soil, the springs, everything had transformed completely into stone.

  "Amakasu-san's report mentioned, that Cult Leader Luo Hao was apparently sealed within these rocks... So she was buried alive? Who knows if she will be fine."

  Kaoru lightly kicked the solid rock surface of the ground with the tip of her foot as she murmured quietly.

  "Hahahahaha! Being buried alive for merely half a day, how could that possibly kill Master! For someone like her, this kind of method would take three years to work!"

  The one laughing out loud was Lu Yinghua who jumped down from a petrified cedar tree.

  Holding his left fist in his right hand, he bowed his head and saluted to Godou using the martial arts way.

  "Lu Yinghua apologizes for his lateness. Kusanagi Godou-sama, the revered king worshiped by the masses, may your longevity rival the heavens, and your might bring peace and order to this world!"

  Godou felt shocked and flattered by his fluent and elegant greeting.

  "Lu-kun... Please use a more normal choice of words."

  "Sorry, due to Master's teaching, I have a habit of greeting all Campiones in a solemn manner. If I ever displease that person, I risk ending up on the verge of death."

  Revealing the painful memories of his everyday life, Lu Yinghua continued:

  "Then I will obediently speak without reservation. By the way, Kusanagi-sama, please call me directly by name. Or if you prefer, do as Master and use a nickname. I don't mind."

  "OK, then I'll call you Yinghua."

  Perhaps because Lu Yinghua was male and younger than him, Godou found it easy to accept his suggestion.

  Once again, Godou was reminded of the fact that getting along with men was much easier.

  "Sayanomiya-san, this is Cult Leader Luo Hao's disciple."

  "I know, you're the famed young hero Lu. Though this is our first meeting, you are quite famous in our circles. I believe people on your side have also heard of me."

  As introductions were made, Kaoru signaled with her eyes.