Campione 07

by Great Sage Equaling Heaven

  Yuri bowed her head once again and continued to hyperventilate. She clearly had not recovered from the burden of using spirit vision. Anyway, was it all right to leave her like this? Shouldn't someone give her proper treatment?

  Godou felt his senses become extremely sharp. Currently, how many people needed [Protection]?

  One, two, three, four... So many? In such a short time, everyone was backed into a corner to such an extent?

  Godou gazed at the hyperventilating Yuri and watched Ena continuing to fight despite dragging her massively exhausted body. He also became aware of Erica and Liliana who were trapped in a desperate situation out there somewhere.

  —Death cannot be allowed to threaten them here.

  They were in a most desperate crisis with no salvation in sight. Since the enemies were divine underlings, it would normally be a hopeless situation for the girls. However, Godou felt that he must save them. I will not let you die. My life of battle will not finish in such a place, and I will stay with you all until the bitter end. This was Kusanagi Godou's wish and promise to himself.

  Ena fell down a second time and was just about to be crushed beneath the giant ape's foot.

  Without hesitation, Godou rushed out, using Verethragna's [Bull] form. Making use of the incarnation that fought strength with strength, Godou took on the sole of the giant ape's foot with his arms.

  "Your Majesty...!?"

  "Haaaaaaaaaah!"

  Ena looked up as Godou applied monstrous strength, throwing the monkey up in the air with all his might. Suspended in midair, the giant ape showed a dazzled expression.

  How should it be taken care of next? Just as Godou pondered, a beam of bright white light flashed past.

  Like a shining flying dragon, the light penetrated the giant ape's head and continued onwards as if it still had other prey to chase after in a straight trajectory.

  The giant ape's body collapsed like a pile of sand, and the particles scattered in the wind.

  Even when Ena used the divine power of Susanoo's [Wind], it was not possible to defeat one of those giant apes in one hit.

  Driven by instinct, Godou gazed into the depths of the darkness where the light seemed to have been fired from, and found a jaguar waiting there.

  Part 3

  The giant ape was unrelenting in chasing after Erica and Liliana.

  Despite a height of over 10m and weighing 10 tonnes at least, the giant ape possessed speed and agility rivaling the great knights. They could not shake it off their trail!

  In this mixed coniferous and deciduous forest, a battle of despair was taking place.

  With one eye destroyed by Liliana, the giant ape drew in a deep breath.

  ROAR! Exhaling all at once, the breath became a violent storm that devastated the mountain forest. Leaves and branches were blown away and even entire tree trunks were snapped.

  The Great Knights were also blown into the ground. As they crawled back up, the giant ape loomed over them.

  Erica and Liliana instantly prepared Cuore di Leone and Il Maestro. Infused with the spell words of David, even gods could be sliced open by these magic swords, but it still left the open problem of delivering the sharp blades to the opponent's critical points. In a fight against divine beasts, would things really go that smoothly?

  The giant ape opened its mouth wide. A red fire was lit in the depths of its throat, and intense flames were breathed out.

  "Be thou destroyed on the day of my birth!"

  "Not once blessed by the Lord, O Light, shinest not upon this land!"

  Erica and Liliana used fire-resistant defensive magic.

  Since fire and lightning were the easiest natural phenomena to use for direct attacks, there existed a vast array of defensive spells to defend against them, though the flames of gods and dragons could not be completely neutralized.

  Even so, the two of them were able to weaken the incoming attack almost by half. In the end, it was time for the Great Knight's capes to prove their worth. These garments, called bandiera, contained protection magic and managed to defend them from the heat of the fire.

  However, the giant ape opened its mouth for the third time. After blowing strong wind and intense flames, this time was a red mist! Trees devoured by the mist rapidly withered. It was poisonous!?

  Erica and Liliana raised the magical power within their bodies to resist the demonic poison, but their efforts were in vain. The two were struck by an abnormal sense of scorching heat, and their throat and lungs felt as if burning from inside.

  The giant ape swung its right arm to follow up. With a loud crash, it descended upon them like a frightening hammer, but Erica and Liliana were too weakened by the poison to evade.

  Erica transformed Cuore di Leone into a large rectangular shield, big enough to cover her entire body.

  "Mmmm!"

  Blocking the giant ape's fist, the great shield was crushed and shattered. As the pieces scattered all over the ground, Erica was sent flying and into a deciduous tree, felling it. Liliana took this opportunity to slice at the giant ape's extended right arm.

  Having taken on the form of a naginata, Il Maestro was infused with the spell words of David.

  This slashing attack sliced open the giant ape's wrist — the part containing the artery, splashing fresh blue-colored blood everywhere.

  ROOOAAARR!!

  As if expressing its abundant battle spirit and vitality, the giant ape roared ferociously.

  Aiming at Liliana, the beast swung its left arm like a hammer. This was bad!

  The blue knight had been greatly weakened by the poisonous mist, and her body was no longer as agile as a flying swallow. However, Liliana reversed Il Maestro and aimed the sharp blade of the naginata to stab the giant ape's hand.

  Gawaaaaaaaa! The giant ape roared as if it was crying out in pain.

  But this was the limit of Liliana's counterattack. The furious giant ape swung its right arm and sent her fairy-like body flying with a punch.

  "Mmm... Ah—!"

  After rolling many times on the ground, Liliana vomited blood as she struggled to get up.

  But she was unable to do so, and the blue bandiera had also vanished. The sacred garment with the blue and black stripes took on part of the damage received by its master, and disappeared.

  Erica and Liliana were both heavily injured and unable to continue direct combat.

  At this moment, unexpected help arrived. A flash of white light streaked across the sky, piercing the giant ape's temples in a splendid manner like a silver-white dragon.

  The troublesome divine beast collapsed like a pile of sand. Who was their savior? Kusanagi Godou's authority was not capable of something like this, so it must be...

  Erica pondered as she lay on the ground, unable to move, her mind and body totally exhausted. Her neighbor Liliana appeared to be in the same state.

  Ravaged by the poisonous mist, the two of them soon lost consciousness.

  The scenery of lush green mountain forest, red leaves, as well as rivers and streams, all seemed to be devoured by darkness.

  If one listened closely, the sounds of the forest could be heard, like the motions of branches, the call of insects, and the squirming of unknown creatures. Amongst them, a jaguar was lying in wait.

  "Regarding the knights, you have no need to worry. When I struck down the giant ape here, I used the opportunity to snipe the other one that was threatening those girls... Just don't go around accusing me of stealing your kill and it'll be fine."

  The jaguar's voice carried a teasing tone to it.

  It had the elegant sound of a male tenor's voice.

  Godou nodded.

  "So, Kusanagi Godou, is there a need for me to re-introduce myself?"

  The jaguar turned into a human, a strange person wearing a jet black cape with a black mask.

  What ridiculous cosplay... Somehow this thought did not enter Godou's mind. Was it because of the prestige and pressure brought by his true identity? John Pluto Smith was th
e man whom Godou had heard about many times before.

  "No, there is no need... So you have come to Japan."

  Was it because the other person's age was unknown? For some unknown reason, Godou didn't feel like talking in respectful tones.

  No matter what, the other guy was definitely older than him... Due to living in America (actually his nationality was a mystery), the strange person dressed in black showed no signs of being offended.

  "By the way, didn't Charlton tell you guys? I may give off a lazy impression to others, but I'm actually quite hardworking."

  The strange man in black laughed, causing the mask to vibrate.

  "That's right, is Annie-san safe now? She seemed to be hurt."

  "She was injured by the monkeys' attacks, and is seeking refuge to receive treatment. Things have now developed to the final stage — it's time for a full on direct confrontation with the gods. I judged that at this time, the aid of my assistant is no longer required."

  The hero of Los Angeles explained as Godou nodded.

  "Anyway, let me give you a report of the latest developments. After you lot escaped, I encountered the Great Sage and his two subordinate gods. It was quite a dangerous predicament, but I managed to break through and escape."

  Who would have thought that the guy could escape from a three against one situation.

  Seeing Godou's eyes of admiration, Smith laughed rather maliciously.

  "It was nothing. Having no intention to fight, I simply used magic to conceal myself and focused on running away, that's all."

  Smith once again took on the form of a jaguar. Melding its yellow and brown fur into the darkness, it vanished.

  As Godou watched in amazement, amidst the many streetlights along the National Route, Smith appeared in his jaguar form out of the shadows cast by those streetlights.

  The magical power to move from darkness to darkness, from shadow to shadow. So that's how it was done. This ability was really quite suited for making escapes.

  The supernatural jaguar immediately returned to the form of the weirdo dressed in black.

  "That said, I also used up one of my trump cards... But since I had no wish for a frontal confrontation with an enemy whose solid defenses are like a steel wall, the trump had to be used."

  Impressively, it was apparent that Smith had observed Godou's fight with the Great Sage.

  "Those of [Steel]'s kind seem to be afraid of heat and flames hot enough to melt steel. I once heard that from the gods."

  "It makes sense. When the time comes, I will need to use a particular move."

  "You have a solution?"

  "Sort of, but I've heard that you plan on rescuing the girl captured by the Great Sage? If that's the case, that move cannot be used. For you to fight the Great Sage under such a great handicap, do you have any confidence you can win?"

  "There are three enemies... I can't handle them all, but I would like to set out a condition."

  The insect-like compound eyes on the mask met with Godou's gaze.

  "Condition? That's interesting, pray tell me."

  "Namely, do not assist me. I have decided to duel the Great Sage one on one. Before everything is settled, can you stand aside?"

  The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, had already flaunted his enormous power twice.

  Whenever Godou thought about the situation, somehow he really felt like complaining about how ridiculous and unreasonable it was. However, since the opponent was a god, having inexplicable powers was only natural.

  "...You have already noticed it. How sharp of you."

  Smith's mask vibrated from laughter. Apparently, he too, had noticed the same thing.

  Noticing that he was clearly being tested, Godou came to such a conclusion.

  "Even though your taste in clothing is very weird, I do believe you are a serious person at heart. But then again, something is still a little off, how should I put it? You have something wrong with your personality, an eccentric."

  "Unfortunately, you're a poor judge of character."

  Smith deliberately imitated Godou's exasperated tone of voice.

  "Wearing appropriate clothing for dramatic situations is called being stylish. I am not some kind of eccentric, but there are principles I cannot compromise. A slightly stubborn man, that's all."

  Godou couldn't help but smile wryly at the pretentious man who could make such complicated justifications with complete fluency. If there was a chance in the future, Godou really wanted to watch his performance on a theater stage.

  "Of course, I do have other concerns. Listen carefully, this is what I believe. Possessing great power without a sense of responsibility is just as culpable as committing crimes! With great power comes great responsibility, and with it, noblesse oblige!"

  Smith fluttered his cape.

  It was truly like a theatrical gesture in the way it prioritized the first impressions of audiences.

  "I have already heard from Charlton that your personal life is quite problematic."

  "T-That's Annie-san's misunderstanding. It's actually not that serious."

  "You don't have to entertain me with excuses. I am a far more open-minded person than that woman. Freedom of love is justice. The important thing is that you don't abandon your responsibilities as a result of pursuing multiple romantic relationships. You have already proven your character when you took initiative in fighting gods on the front lines."

  The masked devil king dressed in black was truly a living legend of contrived justifications.

  Concluding that this youth lived in a completely separate world, he extended his leather-gloved right hand.

  "Kusanagi Godou, as long as the fact of your becoming the ally of John Pluto Smith does not pose a particular hindrance to me, I will accede to your request and simply stand back and observe. Of course, if a suitable opportunity arises for a grand entrance, I reserve the right to make my move!"

  Clearly there was no room for objection. Godou also extended his right and shook hands.

  Godou was secretly surprised to find the touch of Smith's hand to be softer than he could imagine.

  Part 4

  Having shaken hands, Godou asked Smith to track down the Great Knights' position using magic.

  Smith snapped his fingers.

  Despite dampening from the leather glove, the sound was still quite clear. What kind of strange skill was it... Roughly thirty seconds passed, during which Godou pondered this as he waited. With a thud, the sound of something heavy being dropped was heard.

  Turning his head back, Godou found Erica and Liliana's bodies lying on the ground.

  They were in a delirious state, as if struggling against some kind of illness, and both were hyperventilating.

  "I tasked spirits from the Astral Plane to carry them over... They appear to be poisoned. You must reward your lovers well for having fought hard for your sake."

  "Of course! ...But they are not my lovers, okay?"

  "Nothing less expected of you. That's right, because of unfavorable rumors, other euphemisms must be used normally. You may be young, but what a clever and slippery fellow you are!"

  After making this final joke, Smith walked into the darkness, once again turning into a jaguar and disappeared.

  What a man with such intense oppressive presence. However, there was no time to dwell on these matters, for Godou still had pressing concerns to attend to.

  Before him were the injured Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar.

  Not far away, there was also the exhausted Ena Seishuuin, as well as Yuri who had yet to recover consciousness.

  Godou confirmed once again that the [Youth] incarnation could be used.

  According to legends, the Persian Warlord Verethragna took on the form of a radiant fifteen-year-old youth when he descended upon the earth as a hero. This incarnation had saved Erica in the past when she collapsed in the Astral Plane, and now it was time to make use of it again.

  ...But using it meant doing that particular ritual w
ith everyone!

  It was truly quite a predicament. But if he didn't do it, he would not be able to save these girls! Godou wished from the bottom of his heart to save them, and was filled with fury at his own ineptitude.

  Since things have come to this, who cares anymore! Partially out of reckless abandon, Godou resolved himself to use the [Youth].

  Hesitation and fear both vanished.

  His mind became as clear and calm as a serene water surface.

  Perhaps this feeling was exactly what was meant by the expression 'calm as a lake.' Godou found everything around him had become exceedingly simple to perceive.

  Why am I hesitating over pointless things? Didn't I tell myself before? Doubt no further, just go ahead and save everyone.

  At this time, Erica pushed to lift her torso. It was an act of such extreme weakness that it did not match the [Diavolo Rosso].

  However, this was the result of fighting for Kusanagi Godou.

  "...Godou, you're going to use that [Protection] again? And this time on everyone?"

  "Yes, because it's necessary."

  Despite the weakened state of her body, Erica still put on airs and turned her head with a sulking expression.

  "What is it? You look displeased."

  "Only I am allowed to do that with Godou... Only my body is allowed to house your power. I have been contemplating this all along, but you are just going ahead and recklessly involving everyone... Furthermore, I... still haven't given you permission to take Ena as your lover."

  "I don't need your permission for every single thing I do, right?"

  Godou deliberately spoke coldly, causing Erica to turn her face to the other side.

  "As Kusanagi Godou's lover and future first lady, as well as the woman who is your knight, it is only natural for me to possess this special privilege. Rather it is you, Godou, who should respect me more."

  "Respect?"

  "Yes, ever since you became a Campione on the Island of Sardinia, I have been staying by your side. At that time I even opposed the orders of the association. For the sake of your protection, even my purity was offered in a time of need. But Godou has never given me serious consideration, and you keep treating me the same way you treat other girls."