"Kusanagi-san and I... were planning on having a conference of leaders between the two of us. However... I can allow Mr. Lu to join in as the Chinese representative. Let me first explain the situation. The Great Sage is currently moving from Nikkou City Street to Okunikkou."
Kaoru took out a map of Nikkou from her shirt pocket.
"This area from Lake Chuuzenji to Okuyumoto is called Okunikkou. Currently, any ordinary person who steps into this territory will immediately transform into a monkey."
The beautiful Committee leader traced her finger along the map as she explained to the other two.
"The routes going into Okunikkou by car are the First and Second Iroha-saku Routes, the Konsei Mountain Pass on the border of Gunma Prefecture, as well as the Nishizawa side. I have already sealed off the region with mobile teams."
"When we go there, will they let us pass?"
"Of course, but no matter which route you pick, please be careful of the giant apes our spies have encountered... Come to think of it, Mr. Lu, you should have been chased all night by a divine beast yesterday, right?"
"Actually that big monkey gave up on pursuing me after a while, so I followed it instead."
Lu Yinghua smiled with satisfaction.
His outstanding qinggong[54] and superhuman mobility allowed him to perform tracking missions of this sort.
"Despite their immense size, they move quite nimbly, giving me a bit of a hard time last night. But thanks to penetrating deep into enemy territory, I was able to witness something extraordinary on my way back. This morning around daybreak, there were some unusual presences gathering on the sacred mountain on Okunikkou, so I investigated a little."
Lu Yinghua recounted everything he witnessed on Nantaisan.
Godou learned that new enemies had appeared, and his formidable foe had removed the binding spell.
"Even Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing have appeared... Looks like the situation has become rather troublesome."
"Yinghua, how is Hikari — the girl whose body was taken by the Great Sage, what is her condition like?"
As Kaoru commented with a worried expression, Godou took the opportunity to inquire about Hikari.
Since the binding spell was removed, Hikari's disaster purification shouldn't be needed any more.
"What's strange is the Great Sage went to sleep using her body... But from what I overheard from a distance, it sounded like he wasn't able to leave the body of the miko."
Hearing Lu Yinghua's report, Godou felt relieved.
Since little had changed in Hikari's condition, the worst case scenario had not happened.
"Kusanagi-san... Hikari's role as a hostage has not changed. When fighting the Great Sage, I fear that child may become a hindrance—"
"Sayanomiya-san, please do not waste any more words on this matter."
Godou quickly interrupted her. He had already been warned by Erica once last night and there was no need for him to hear it again.
"I will surely bring Hikari back from that monkey. I will definitely save her. All other matters, like defeating the [Heretic God] or saving the poor distraught people will be considered afterwards. There is no need to explain to me what you are trying to say."
"I see... So this is your decision?"
For some reason, Kaoru sounded greatly interested.
Her manner of speaking usually carried subtle tones, and seldom revealed her interest so openly without pretense.
"Only I can defeat these gods who bring trouble to people, so asking me to fight is fine. I don't mind that. However, my power is my own. I will not allow anyone to use me for their own purposes. I will neither use my power in areas I hate, nor will I entertain any complaints about my preferences."
Though Godou knew he was making a very unreasonable declaration, he finished his statement in one breath. He understood that saving the world required being impartial to private concerns, but at this time all he wanted to do was follow the answer in his mind.
"If someone thinks that abandoning a girl could save even more people, then let that person go fight a god alone. It doesn't concern me. However, if I am the one who is fighting, then things have to be done my way. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, if you are going to rely on someone, then just shut up with the nagging!"
"Well said, Kusanagi-sama, you are now acting as befitting your stature as a devil king."
Praised by the demonic cult leader's direct disciple, Godou felt a little embarrassed.
His current proposal was identical to all the other Campiones who always did as they wished, and no different from the philosophies of Cult Leader Luo Hao and Marquis Voban.
"You're really hopeless, but actually no matter what Kusanagi-san decided, I was prepared to take full responsibility... Though things seem to have taken a most interesting turn. Anyway, I never expected you to say something like 'It is fine to sacrifice Hikari. I will defeat the Great Sage Equaling Heaven!' That would have been quite off-putting."
How could I possibly say something like that! Even Kaoru smiled.
"Despite how I may appear to others, I really like people who like to act cool or follow their whimsical ideals. By the way, I like cute girls too, but as the leader of an organization, there are times when my hand is forced. However... this time it's the orders of His Majesty the Devil King, so I have no choice but to obey."
The Committee Branch Chief smiled mischievously.
The way she and Lu Yinghua were supporting my decision, made them look like unscrupulous businessmen conspiring with corrupt officials, or rather, should they be described as followers of the devil king and enemies of the world?
As a Campione, looks like I am advancing in a most questionable direction...
While Godou lowered his head in thought, Kaoru took out her cellphone. Apparently someone was calling.
"Kusanagi-san, the missing fellow will be arriving soon. Do you want to meet him? There's also a very interesting visitor coming with him."
After conversing for a while, Kaoru hung up the phone and asked Godou.
The missing fellow was probably Amakasu, but who was the interesting visitor? Godou tried to guess as he followed after Kaoru.
In a most matter-of-fact manner, Lu Yinghua went along with them. The three of them came to the main visiting road before Toushouguu.
Erica, Liliana and Yuri, the three of them were chatting with the suit-wearing youth. As expected, he was Amakasu of course.
"Kusanagi-san, how embarrassing... But I finally got back."
Noticing Godou's arrival, Amakasu hurried to greet him.
His voice sounded drained of energy. Looking closely, his face seemed a bit sick, and his suit was filthier than usual.
It was the first time for Godou to see him in such a weakened state.
At this time, Godou noticed the Caucasian lady standing behind him. Her short hair was a brilliant shade of red like a burning fire. Her elegant face was highly intellectual and extremely strong-willed, and she was wearing a leather jacket with leather pants.
A completely flawless, cool and ethereal beauty. Such was the initial impression that this woman gave.
"T-This is Miss Annie Charlton. S-She is the one who fortuitously saved me when I was unconscious and completely drenched. I-I owe my life to her, my savior."
Amakasu's body trembled incessantly, and he kept wiping his nose as he introduced the one who brought him here.
The ethereal beauty greeted with impeccable Japanese.
"My name is Annie, pleased to meet you."
Part 2
Amakasu Touma and Annie Charlton.
The people standing around these two were Kusanagi Godou and Mariya Yuri, Erica Blandelli, Liliana Kranjcar, as well as Sayanomiya Kaoru and Lu Yinghua.
A most unexpected gathering of influential people.
Amakasu continued to shiver as he recounted the circumstances of Vaisravana's appearance.
"Are you still hurt from that time? You don't look too well."
"N
-No, that's not it, my injuries have already been healed by magic. However, I've caught a severe flu from lying wet and unconscious for a good many hours, and I currently have a high fever."
In other words, healing magic's effects against disease was much less effective than for physical injuries.
Godou recalled the magic trivia he once heard from Erica.
"If I didn't receive Miss Annie's aid, p-perhaps I would have gotten pneumonia. Miss Annie seems to be from Los Angeles, a-and a mage from over there."
"Let me be direct. I came to Japan to track down the divine ancestor Asherah."
Annie followed up Amakasu's explanation with a clear voice that matched her ice cold demeanor closely.
"Could you be... a benevolent mage?"
"That is correct, I have never joined the sorcerers' faction."
The red-haired ethereal beauty nodded at Erica's question.
Benevolent mage. Godou felt intrigued by this term he had never heard before.
"Due to many historical reasons, there are not too many magi present in North America. As for the villains who gathered there after being driven out by the righteous magic associations in Europe, they are called 'sorcerers.' All magi who oppose them are labeled 'benevolent' in distinction."
Liliana contributed her explanation.
"I have heard that Asherah was being used by the Chinese Campione and has become Leviathan once again. I also know about the Great Sage Equaling Heaven manifesting by possessing a young girl's body, and that you are the team formed to resolve this incident."
Annie swept her gaze across everyone present and declared:
"Since secrecy is not essential for this incident, let me begin by revealing my mission. I was sent here by Los Angeles' king to confirm Asherah's death. My mission ends once the witch is dead. However, I think it would be rude to leave without greeting everyone here at the site of this cataclysmic event, so let me assist you all."
"Los Angeles' king? Then you must be...?"
"John Pluto Smith's subordinate?"
Yuri and Liliana were greatly surprised, but Annie quietly corrected them.
"Please do not call me his subordinate, but refer to me as his collaborator instead. Though he does lord over Los Angeles like a king, the thought of building his own kingdom has never been his plan. That is the personal style of John Pluto Smith, please remember that."
"This is exactly why I was so intent on introducing her to Kusanagi-san. Perhaps this is an excellent opportunity to sign a friendship treaty between Japan and America."
As Kaoru mischievously made her request, Godou gave her a quick glance.
"One must possess substantial magical power in order to pass through Okunikkou without being transformed into a monkey. I have already confirmed with her guarantors — the Three Sages of North America, that Annie Charlton is completely above suspicion and has no problems in ability either."
Kaoru turned towards Annie to introduce Godou.
"Miss Charlton, this is the leader of our crisis team, Kusanagi Godou-san."
The History Compilation Committee core member did not reveal Godou was the Campione of Japan. This was clearly a deliberate move to give Kusanagi Godou the choice to disclose his identity or not.
In this current situation where there was a severe shortage of manpower, Annie's suggestion was most gratifying.
However, if things had worsened so much over a single night, was it really appropriate to get her involved?
"Anyway... Before we decide whether we accept Miss Annie or not, let me report the latest findings."
Sayanomiya Kaoru provided news from the scouting personnel at the scene. Then Lu Yinghua summarized his eyewitness account of the three deities gathering on the peak of Nantaisan, as well as the disappearance of the [Keeper of the Horses] enchantment.
Finally, Godou mentioned the latest developments. After hearing all the current information at hand, Erica nodded intently while Liliana shook her head in distress. Realizing the situation made it even harder to rescue her younger sister, Yuri had a frozen expression. As for Amakasu, his already sickly demeanor became slightly worse.
On the other hand, Annie Charlton—
"Is that so? The situation truly is severe. In that case, we must hurry to the scene and try our hardest to resolve the incident. Godoh, do you agree?"
Speaking without changing her expression, Annie's calm tone of voice made clear her sincerity and strength of will.
Could he trust this person? This woman was the collaborator of the North American Campione, and she seemed to give off a kind of incredible presence. Godou nodded to her in agreement.
One hour later.
Godou and the rest were riding a police car summoned by the History Compilation Committee, and had arrived at the entrance to Iroha-saku Route.
Never expecting himself to be sitting in this sort of black and white public vehicle in such a manner—
Godou had rather mixed feelings.
Just as Kaoru had mentioned, Iroha-saku Route was being sealed by a mobile team of policemen and their vehicles. They did not obstruct Godou's group who called themselves members of the History Compilation Committee. At this point, they switched to a smooth-running silver SUV specially prepared by the Committee.
Annie Charlton was in the driver's seat while Godou sat beside her with Erica, Liliana and Yuri in the back.
The ones who stayed behind in Nikkou City Street were Lu Yinghua, Amakasu because of his flu, and Kaoru as the highest decision maker of the Committee here. The other two aside, Godou really wished that the martial artist from Hong Kong could accompany him as a major combatant—
"I have something complicated to handle, so I must stay here."
"I see... But if you could come along, it'd be a great help."
Godou was greatly disappointed by the rejection. In a group with his usual team mates plus Annie, he really wanted another male companion.
"My most sincere apologies, but since Master is buried alive at this place, I have to show effort in trying to rescue her or else there will be all sorts of horrifying consequences."
"Yinghua, I never knew you missed your master so much, are you worrying about Luo Hao?"
Just as Godou thought he had discovered a caring and thoughtful side to him, Lu Yinghua shook his head.
"Nope, I am completely not worried about her. If it's Master, it is definitely possible for her to smash the stone prison and escape with her own power. However as her disciple, if I don't make it evident I spent three days carrying out rescue operations, she may throw a fit going 'You should be treating Master like family, what a cold and merciless child you are!' Thus, before I secure proof of presence at the scene, I can't come over."
To be able to make this dauntless youth so wary...
Godou silently mourned for him, imagining the kind of trauma he had received from Luo Hao.
"—As feared, the [Eyes] I sent out have all been repelled, just as Sayanomiya Kaoru mentioned. Unless we cross this mountain pass, magical investigation cannot be used."
Just as the car was about to start, Liliana explained as she sat in the back seat with her eyes closed.
"What do you mean by eyes?"
"Lily has the ability to use the [Witch's Eye], didn't she use it yesterday?"
Erica explained. The vision-augmenting witchcraft technique of the [Witch's Eye] was said to create a third eye out of the void, and could be used to perform reconnaissance from afar.
"I heard the Committee members who could use investigative spells mention that they were unable to send [Eyes] to Okunikkou. Just as seen from spirit vision earlier, the Great Sage's divine power has saturated the air in this vicinity. This divine power likely produces effects similar to a barrier."
Yuri reported the results of spirit vision.
"Godoh, you must be an amazing person despite your young age. For your team to consist of the [Diavolo Rosso] of the Copper Black Cross, the witch of the Bronze Black Cross, as well as a Japanese s
pirit vision specialist... What are your own talents?"
"Umm... Regarding this, let me explain a little later."
Godou tried to dodge the question from the impressed Annie. It was very likely he would need to reveal the truth soon, but there was no hurry. At this time, the car started to move.
Iroha-saku Route was a winding road that twisted and turned just like the characters used to write its name.
The mountain path sloped greatly and there were a series of sharp turns. This was a scenic route that went up and down the mountain of Nantaisan and provided a great view of the natural mountain scenery.
Annie drove the car with great seriousness and caution, safely crossing the first difficult section.
Soon after, they could see the mountain forest dyed in the autumn colors of red and yellow. During this time, the car finally reached an easily congested portion of the mountain road. After about ten or so turns, they arrived at a sharply winding U-turn. In that very instant, a giant monkey pushed apart the trees and appeared before the car!
"It's the divine beast from yesterday!"
The moment Erica shouted, Annie had already taken action. Slamming on the brakes, she opened the car window on the driver's side, and extended her arm, a slender revolver in her hand.
BANG! Annie fired her gun without any hesitation.
As silver sparks scattered, the bullet struck the giant ape's fur, tracing out a silver trajectory. It probably carried some kind of magical effect.
However, the giant ape seemed to be completely unaffected, and reached out with its long and thick arms.
"Annie Charlton, that level of magical attack will not affect a divine beast!"
Liliana warned.
Godou noticed another silhouette being reflected in the rear-view mirror, but Yuri had already cried out before he could give a warning.
"F-From behind as well, everyone be careful!"
A giant ape had also appeared from behind, and they were now stuck in an attack from both sides. Encountering two divine beasts on a mountain road like this would normally be a hopeless situation.
In spite of all this, Annie remained completely calm, and her eyes, full of fighting spirit, glared at the two divine beasts, as befitting the collaborator chosen by the American Campione.
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