Campione 07

by Great Sage Equaling Heaven

  Where's the signal? Godou's anxiety slowly built up.

  Meanwhile, during Godou's confrontation with the Great Sage, the girls had also begun their operations.

  At a certain memorial plaque on the lake shore, they were discreetly watching the situation between the god and the Campione.

  In order to secure their escape route, Annie had been sent on a solo mission. The current people present were the two Great Knights and the two Hime-Miko, a total of four remaining.

  The one assigning tasks was, of course, the [Diavolo Rosso].

  Erica spoke to her childhood friend:

  "Lily, we have to create an opening to let everyone escape and rescue Godou."

  "Understood. But then, will spirit vision really work?"

  Liliana looked worriedly at Yuri.

  Whenever one desired strongly to see something, one would not be able to see it easily. Erica already knew of this unwritten law in the field of spirit vision. "The success of spirit vision is up to the heavens" was something that Yuri often repeated as a reminder.

  However, those words seemed doubtful considering Yuri's high success rate. Then again, Yuri might be subconsciously raising her success rate by telling herself this again and again.

  "I will make it work somehow... After all, there were a few occasions when I received divine inspiration according to my will. If I do it in the same manner, it might work."

  "Gaining insights according to you own will? Even for Mariya Yuri, that seems hard to believe."

  Denying Liliana's objections, the premier Hime-Miko Ena spoke up:

  "I see. That particular method you learned in the Netherworld, Yuri?"

  "Yes, due to the Memories of the Void floating everywhere in that realm, that ability could be used easily at will. I think using it in the real world will greatly strain one's body, but the method should be the same."

  Yuri had already changed into her miko outfit before she left the resort.

  To raise her mental concentration, she began to chant the Hime-Miko's spell words under everyone's gaze.

  "Once upon a time in the great kingdom of Tang, a child entered the mountain forest in spring and was never seen again. The parents ventured on a search but never encountered the child. Lamenting 'our child, our child' they mourned the child's death and were turned into spirit birds, sorrowfully singing every spring."

  Praying with her hands together before her chest, Yuri closed her eyes.

  If one were to make a painting of the proper figure of this pious miko praying in earnest, it would surely result in a moving work of art.

  "Form is no different from emptiness, Yuri. Moving your heart as close to the Netherworld as possible will make your spirit more sensitive."

  "Is this knowledge gained from Japanese wizardry?"

  As Erica asked after hearing the advice, Ena proceeded to explain concisely.

  "Form is no different from emptiness, and emptiness is no different from form. Form itself is emptiness, and emptiness itself is form — everything that possesses form in this world are akin to illusions. On the other hand, the truly intangible has their own form. This was taught by the great Avalokitasvara.[65] This is all because the Netherworld is that kind of place."

  This was only natural, as the Netherworld referred to by the Hime-Miko was known as the psychic world to European magi.

  It was a world where spirit and ectoplasm ranked higher than the material body.

  "I have almost reached the realm where 'form is no different from emptiness.' Once I get there, the kind of spirit vision I used in the Netherworld should be possible."

  "Yuri has been there before, so she should have grasped the technique... It should only be a matter of difficulty now."

  This was the forthright girl unfettered by society or common sense, but at the same time a high class young lady with excellent upbringing and a multitude of mastered skills.

  Catching a glimpse of Ena's facets, Erica frowned lightly. Though she maintained her graceful demeanor, she could already predict that this premier Hime-Miko will turn out to become the [Diavolo Rosso]'s greatest enemy.

  "By the way, Seishuuin Ena, can your divine possession be used anywhere?"

  Liliana entered the conversation without conscious intent.

  "Speaking from a witch's instincts, it is an ability that obtains power on the level of a demigod or divine beast. However, it most likely places a heavy burden on the body."

  "Liliana-san is on the right track. Yes, even for Ena, the conditions of using the technique are rather stringent."

  Though she smiled cheerfully, the content of her response was in no way casual.

  "Basically like running a complete marathon at full speed? Extremely exhausting in mental concentration. After using it once, the body feels like it has been completely hollowed out for a week. While using it, there is no guarantee of safety and death could result in the worst case scenario. However, when the necessary situation arises, Ena is prepared to use it without hesitation, so don't worry."

  This was the answer of the Hime-Miko of the Sword who was well accustomed to harsh training.

  Erica knew from her investigations that the Hime-Miko would undertake such training regularly in order to purify their minds and bodies of accumulated worldly influences. They always entered deep into the mountains because living too long in urban settings will render divine possession impossible.

  However, Seishuuin Ena was formidable not only because of divine possession.

  First of all, her usual behavior lacked feminine delicacy but she was at the same time a beautiful girl with an outstanding face and figure. She could easily get close to Godou like a male friend but display feminine wiles in unexpected areas, easily manipulating his affections within the palm of her hand.

  Whether as a woman or a knight, Erica had realized this was a very difficult opponent to handle. Just now the issue she raised with Godou was interrupted, but she really had to settle the matter properly without loose ends in the future.

  As she steeled her determination, Erica led the other knight away from the two Hime-Miko.

  The spell they were going to use next required great concentration. The ritual she was going to perform together with Liliana was fully prepared. Its success would directly determine the survival of everyone in the group.

  Meanwhile, the battle between Godou and the Great Sage had reached a climax.

  Even for Ena's level of dynamic vision, their speed was frighteningly fast and impossible to capture. As the Great Sage smashed down his Ruyi Staff again and again, His Majesty continuously evaded each attack by a paper-thin margin. This was a fight that could only be watched clearly by a martial artist who had perfected the mind's eye.

  Amongst the masters in the Imperial Capital, there were only two or three who had attained this level.

  Facing the intense battle, the Hime-Miko Mariya Yuri closed her eyes and focused on praying. What she must discern was the divinity of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong.

  Ena felt rather regretful that Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was not by her side.

  That divine sword was also a member of [Steel] and they would have a better chance with another member of the gods on their side. If her former partner was still in her hand, she could learn the knowledge and transfer it to Kusanagi Godou.

  That said, it was rather surprising that the exceptionally serious possessor of spirit vision would take initiative to such an extent. In the past, she was a girl who would adhere rigidly to the rules no matter what.

  "...Girls will change themselves for the sake of boys. Grandma's so right!"

  When she first read Kusanagi Godou's profile, Ena already felt that he was an interesting person.

  He had a modest personality, common-sense behavior, and a pacifist lifestyle. Even so, he occasionally acted in slightly odd ways. From the perspective of Ena who wasn't bound by ordinary rules, it was like the joy of meeting a long-lost brother. However, it seemed like the honor student Y
uri was even more suited to him.

  In actual fact, having witnessed all sorts of messy situations that arose from the results of Kusanagi Godou's actions, Ena was convinced of one fact.

  He is my husband, the man decided by fate.

  In order to ensure the continuation of the Seishuuin bloodline, she was obliged to bear children sooner or later. However, Ena had never met a boy who suited her until now.

  Faced with Ena's lack of common sense, those fellows reacted with either shock, anger or flattery. Too bad, they were not qualified to be with Ena. In this aspect, Kusanagi Godou was fundamentally different from them.

  Ena had not expected Godou to make her heart race this much, but still she dealt with it calmly.

  Ena did not mind those who indulged in lust. As far as a daughter of the Seishuuin family was concerned, there were plenty of fellows (and even listed in the family records) who indulged in collecting beauties. On this point, Godou was actually a lot better than them.

  Though he still had no intentions of getting married yet, it was fine even if all she obtained was his bloodline.

  Even though a king's powers were not hereditary, being a descendant offered substantial influence in the wizardry world. European magic associations were commonly led by, or even founded by those hailing from the lineage of kings.

  Taking the Copper Black Cross as an example, ten-odd generations ago, their commander-in-chief was a king's illegitimate child.

  He was treated like royalty, and in fact, members of the Blandelli family like Erica are his descendants.

  ...Thus, Ena focused her attention on the battle of the man whom she had been fated to encounter.

  "This is not going well, if it continues, His Majesty will be more and more disadvantaged. In order to escape, he'd better hurry."

  Ena's natural battle instincts clearly discerned the tides of victory.

  Kusanagi Godou was having a battle of god speed against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

  It was apparent that the latter was vastly more experienced in high speed battle than the former, and the Great Sage surpassed His Majesty's movements for the first time. Clearly they were supposed to be equal in speed but it could be seen that the Great Sage was gradually catching on to Kusanagi Godou's motions.

  Due to the extreme speed, Ena could only vaguely catch part of the action, but she was able to understand the overall tide of the battle.

  The Great Sage's Ruyi Staff seemed to be swiping from the right but it was only a feint. As Godou dodged horizontally, the Great Sage made a middle spinning kick from the left. Using this principle, the Great Sage gradually undermined Godou's position.

  Feints and diversions.

  Since Godou was unable to attack Hikari's body directly, the tides of battle would turn for the worse if things continued like this. He will be defeated. Ena unsheathed the sword she had received from the collection at the Sayanomiya residence.

  If anything happened, she would use divine possession to assist.

  Having summoned Susanoo's divine spirit earlier in the daytime, she could only use the technique for a short time longer, or else there would be a heavy toll on the body.

  During the playful ruckus at the open air bath, the Hime-Miko of the Sword did obtain a little rest for her mind and body.

  Whenever possible, three days of rest was best, though reaching peak condition required a week's time.

  However, when the necessary time comes, Ena will use it without any fear. As the woman with the prepared determination to serve His Majesty, this was only natural. Ena squinted as it was about time to enter the fray.

  "...Far away mountain wilderness, resting in the grassy plains. The lineage of steel is the way of the sword. Wielding the bow on horseback, carrying fierce thoughts in pursuit of flocks of sheep, capturing prey. Sing praise to the ancient way of the brave."

  Yuri lightly pleaded with a hoarse voice.

  Opening her eyes, her body swayed as she looked at Ena.

  "Yuri, you got it, right? The true identity of the monkey who stole Hikari's body, you know it?"

  "Yes, so it is fine now, you can... Godou-san..."

  The Hime-Miko possessing the spirit eyes fell forward as she spoke.

  Surprised, Ena frantically caught her. Yuri's body was frighteningly hot, especially her forehead when Ena tried to touch it.

  "Using spirit vision like this is really reckless, that should have been realized from the start. But Yuri, you actually accomplished it!"

  Ena took out the device she was entrusted with as she called to her childhood friend.

  This was Annie Charlton's personal gun, a slender revolver. As Ena fired the signal, an unexpected result occurred.

  Affected by the feints, Godou began to fail in his evasions.

  Receiving injuries on his arms, shoulders and thighs, the battle had turned for the worse. Being unable to counterattack was truly painful. With that, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven halted the attacks.

  "...I see, you are concerned with this little lady possessed by me."

  The Great Sage finally realized the reason for Godou's unnatural way of fighting.

  The monkey king occupied Hikari's body as he scratched her face in thought.

  "Hmm, it's as if I was using this little lady as a hostage. No good, that's really no good. Doesn't that make me seem just like a villain!"

  "What do you mean by 'seem', you were clearly an evil villain all along!"

  Faced with the Great Sage's stupid comments, Godou finally burst out with a retort.

  "Hmm, it's true that I have done all sorts of naughty things. However, being thought of as a petty villain feels surprisingly unpleasant. I, Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, need to establish proper solemnity of presence after all!"

  This monkey turned out to be even more vain than expected.

  In front of the surprised Godou, the Great Sage began forming complicated mudras with his hands.

  "Looks like it is time for me to show my true form. I hereby pray for dustless calm repose, hah!"

  Golden-colored smoke began to rise from Hikari's head.

  "Calm repose to the Six Senses[66], the divine monarch's peace comes to my five organs! The origin of peace, shares the root of all gods in heaven and earth! Come, bestow upon me the body and divinity of calm repose — ouch ouch ouch ouch!"

  The smoke gradually became thicker and quickly formed the shape of a monkey. Bit by bit, it became solid, turning into a monkey god covered with golden fur!

  Standing at a height of 160cm or so, he wore a yellow Kao[67] outfit as before.

  As the monkey stood up, Hikari simultaneously collapsed on the ground.

  "Next, let me put this miko away."

  The monkey — the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong who had retrieved his original form, snapped his furry fingers.

  Hikari's body turned into a small sphere of light and was swallowed by the Great Sage.

  "Hohoho, I didn't really eat her, but simply kept her in my stomach for the time being. Godslayer, if you want to save this miko, just cut open my belly and take her back."

  "—What?! I thought you said something about not wanting to be like a villain!"

  Godou loudly admonished the Great Sage who was smiling frivolously with his monkey face.

  "If you do these kinds of things to girls, what are you but an evil villain?"

  "Hahaha, what surprising words. But didn't I already declare yesterday? I am the Great Sage Equaling Heaven who acts with ferocity and exposes evil, except I don't want to feel like I am some sort of petty villain!"

  Having spoken, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven renewed his attacks.

  So fast! In an instant, he attacked with his palms ten times in succession.

  Godou was able to use the [Raptor]'s speed to dodge until the ninth hit, but was struck thereafter.

  This was a wild beast he had never encountered previously — with a monkey's agility and attacks that were faster than before.

  No
, that was not all.

  As the Great Sage's palm struck his left shoulder, Godou exclaimed in shock. It was hard!? That's completely like steel! The collar bone was definitely shattered and intense pain invaded the left shoulder.

  "Fiery-eyes, golden-gaze, iron skull, iron arms, copper back, copper body."

  As he finished reciting, bladed weapons appeared in both hands of the Great Sage. The monkey king then thrust a sword towards his own abdomen.

  With a clattering sound the sword shattered. Then he took the blade and chopped horizontally at his neck and the blade broke with a resounding crash.

  "I ate heavenly peaches, drank holy alcohol, and consumed elixirs to gain this indestructible body. Furthermore, thanks to the burns from the flames of the Bagua[68] cauldron, I can withstand slashing attacks from swords and blades, splitting attacks from axes, and lightning and thunder attacks without getting hurt."

  Could this be immortality — a body of steel!?

  Salvatore Doni also possessed such an authority. These immortal constitutions were especially tricky to handle.

  At this moment, the sound of gunshot was heard. The signal for temporary retreat. Godou endured the pain in his chest as he raised the [Raptor]'s speed to the maximum.

  Will he make it?

  The chest pains were signs that the [Raptor]'s time limit was fast approaching.

  The divine monkey that should have been shaken off was running in pursuit. Since he had been consciously controlling his speed all this time, Godou felt that he should be able to use his remaining strength to go all out and attain maximum speed. However...

  "No way, this is no good. Play with me a little while longer."

  Godou received quite a shock.

  With movements like a monkey, the Great Sage was running alongside Godou's god speed.

  So he really wasn't going at full speed just now!

  Charging ahead, the Great Sage accelerated and cut off Godou from the front. With that he made a thrust with the Ruyi Staff, targeting Godou's heart.

  Godou gave up on dodging left, right, or retreating. It was already too late.

  There was only one course of action to take the least damage from this attack. Continue charging forward! Godou also accelerated his running and took a leap, sending a flying knee towards the Great Sage's face.