Campione 07

by Great Sage Equaling Heaven

  They were the ones who swore to follow the Campione Kusanagi Godou through life and death, who became his companions and allies through various intertwined fates.

  Before their watchful eyes, Godou used the power of the [Warrior].

  The blade of spell words for slaying gods, this was the power wielded by Verethragna's tenth incarnation.

  "Whenever the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, is mentioned, one inevitably recalls Sanzang the Monk's follower, the deity born from a chaotic mix of all sorts of religions and folk beliefs under the influence of Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese shamanism."

  Godou's surroundings were filled with spheres of light.

  The light expanded by ten, twenty, thirty times in number. This was the sword of spell words.

  "Furthermore, you are also a war god of [Steel]. Despite being a monkey god, you are also a war god with deep ties to iron — this crucial key can be understood through the process of how the Journey to the West was created!"

  "Oh... Is this the same type as the Kulikaa Sword? An evil-vanquishing sword of justice born from wisdom."

  In this space completely filled with hundreds of spheres of light, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven analyzed calmly.

  "The Journey to the West was born by collecting operas, novels and folk legends featuring Sun Wukong as the protagonist. Hence, it can be said to be the grand culmination of all of Sun Wukong's legends. The source material mostly inherits from myths and folk stories passed down the ages, the most important being China — the culture of the Han peoples was frequently assimilated influences from foreign cultures!"

  A great many spheres of light rushed towards the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, attacking in waves from all directions.

  However, the Great Sage's agility was fast as lightning, and he dodged them all.

  "Hahahahahaha! Though it looks like a troublesome sword, it's meaningless if you can't hit me."

  The Great Sage made a back flip and jumped onto his golden cloud.

  Flying freely in the heavens, he evaded the [Sword]'s pursuit, moving faster and faster!

  I see. Godou discerned the truth. Unlike Verethragna's [Raptor], the Great Sage Equaling Heaven did not have the ability to reach maximum speed instantly, and must accelerate in stages.

  But once he reached his maximum speed, the monkey king entered the realm of god speed!

  "Hmm — ! May my words be weaved, forming the divine sword that vanquishes evil and brings peace. Be dismissed, Great Sage Equaling Heaven!"

  Godou made the [Sword] multiply and accelerate.

  But it was too late, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had vanished, causing hundreds of [Swords] to lose their target. The blades of light were unable to strike the hero within the realm of god speed, not even a scratch!

  Somehow, Godou knew that the Great Sage was currently rapidly ascending up into sky.

  He ordered several dozens of the swords of light to pursue, but the Great Sage still shook off their trail. Too fast! Who knew his favorite authority of god speed was such a dangerous existence when used in the hands of enemies!

  'When facing an opponent in battle, what are you doing, standing there dazed!?'

  It was a muffled voice that sounded very distant. As he felt a chill down his spine, an omen of danger, Godou gathered the nearby [Swords] back to his side, guarding his head and back. Immediately, something descended from the sky like a bolt of lightning!

  Clang! The sound of impact. It felt like someone extremely fast had descended and left again in an instant.

  'Hohoho, blocking that just now was just your luck, let's try it a second time, eh?'

  The Great Sage was planning on using hit-and-run tactics?

  No. The warrior form had the power to understand an enemy completely. This power told Godou that when using god speed, the Great Sage had difficulty stopping. Like Godou's [Raptor], he was unable to make precise movements.

  All it would take is one solid hit. The Great Sage continued to fly away without letting his speed decrease.

  However, he should be returning immediately. Will there be a way to block the second and third attacks?

  Godou was clearly disadvantaged. Concerned with the battle, the girls began to get nervous.

  "Everyone... In order to protect that person, I implore you all to assist me."

  The first to speak was Yuri, who bowed her head and requested with propriety.

  "Though the power bestowed to me can assist him, it cannot protect him, which is why everyone's power is needed."

  Stepping forward, Yuri showed a resolute expression.

  Yuri's beauty carried solemnity impossible to defile, and greatly inspired righteous awe.

  "You have no need to make this kind of request. Kusanagi Godou is the king of all of us. Upon my pride as a knight... Rather, my love, I will surely protect him! So I will use everything and anything I can lay my hands on. Hence, Yuri, please support us with everything you have!"

  The one who responded in this unyielding manner was Erica of course.

  More glamorous than anyone and dazzling in her abundant talent, the beautiful maiden swept her hand through her blonde hair that was like a crown.

  "Too bad Erica beat me to the punch, but anyway, it is as she said. We are now different from our usual selves, but for the sake of protecting Kusanagi Godou, we must unite our power as a team."

  Liliana spoke in a decisive tone.

  Completely clear on what she had to do, she was exceptionally calm.

  "Yes, when the conflict with the god begins, there is no time for us to bicker amongst ourselves."

  Ena spoke cheerfully but with a slightly savage expression.

  She stared sharply into the sky, as if she had caught signs of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven with her five senses.

  "Oh my, Ena, let's not talk about internal conflict and enmity for now. Friendly competition between us is necessary to spur progress. I don't think there is a need to go for complete pacifism."

  "That makes sense actually, then let us have a competition to see who can help His Majesty the most."

  "Stop it you two, do not forget that actions speak louder than words! Mariya Yuri, in a while I will most likely become too occupied to guard you. Will that be fine?"

  "Yes. I am already prepared for that, so go and help that person."

  Erica and Ena signaled to each other through their eyes, showing smiles that carried deep meaning.

  Liliana admonished them while Yuri answered briefly. Under the two strong leaders, the rest of the girls naturally took initiative in their respective domains.

  This was a very individualistic team led by strong leadership.

  It was also a very good formation, the result of these girls who each had their own plan, judgment and influence over the others.

  "O Warrior of justice, for the son, the father and the companions, let these spell words be transmitted."

  Yuri chanted the spell words softly. This incantation of power was the key to releasing the divine warlord's [Protection].

  In the next instant, her miko outfit transformed.

  Its new appearance was reminiscent of the luxurious kimono known as the juunihitoe[76], and wrapped around the garment was thin fabric akin to a feathered gown. However, the greatest change occurred in her hair.

  Yuri's original hair color was like a black pearl's except with an intense tea-brown luster, but now it had turned into brilliantly glowing flaxen-colored hair.

  Furthermore, her pupils were now glass-colored like a piece of glassware —

  This hair and eye color was identical to the [Princess] Godou once met in the Netherworld.

  "Before these lines of scripture, powerful and eloquent, may all enemies cower and tremble before me!"

  "All evil shall cower and tremble before the victory that lies within my body!"

  Erica and Liliana also chanted spell words and changed in appearance.

  Covering their bodies were capes that reached down to the
ir knees, with great contrast in color.

  The blonde knight was in red and black.

  The silver-haired knight was in blue and black.

  Erica's right hand wielded a barbed infantry spear while her left held an oval shield. These were armaments transformed from Cuore di Leone.

  Liliana held a silver longbow in her hands, a weapon transformed from Il Maestro.

  "O Power, come forth and descend upon my body. For victory and justice!"

  Ena chanted the hymn of the divine warlord.

  The premier Hime-Miko's uniform transformed into a miko outfit with a white haori and red hakama, covered by a sheer upper garment called chihaya, and a diadem appeared on her head, secured by hairpins.

  It was the official attire worn by miko when performing the kagura dance.

  "When the location of the gods is revealed... Wind blows through the branches scattering flowers!"

  Wearing the juunihitoe, Yuri whispered softly as she awakened new spirit powers, liberating her psyche and ectoplasm from the constraints of the body, letting her consciousness expand outwards like tendrils into the outside world.

  The minds of Erica, Liliana and Ena could all be understood for the most part.

  She could also sense the great and intense willpower of Kusanagi Godou and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

  Psychic sensing — Yuri had now evolved into a user of psychic sensing who surpassed Princess Alice. Using this power of spirit sense, her mind's eye became clear and sharp.

  This was Avalokitasvara's universal vision, the ultimate mind's eye that Luo Hao used to see through the [Raptor]'s godly speed.

  ...Saw it! Yuri's mind's eye was able to capture clearly the flying form of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven that human eyes definitely could not see. The visual intelligence obtained was immediately sent to the other three through psychic sensing.

  Yuri's mind's eye became the eyes of Erica, Liliana and Ena, acting as universal vision that was able to capture god speed. Liliana was the first to act upon this blessing.

  Wielding the silver bow in her left, she manifested silver arrows in her right.

  An arrow was rapidly shot out, turning into a flash of silver light.

  If this continues, I will surely die. After blocking the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's first attack, Godou immediately began to get anxious.

  Just as he was about to move the [Sword] haphazardly — he received quite a shock.

  'Wow! Danger danger! You guys can actually see me!?'

  A flash of silver light had streaked past Godou's head. Was that what halted the Great Sage's rapidly descending attack?

  "Kusanagi Godou, leave the defense to us!"

  "Please concentrate on attacking, for we will guard you well!"

  Running out before his eyes were Erica and Liliana, wearing the sacred knightly attire last seen in the Ama no Murakumo incident. So that's what's happening, they were using [Protection].

  As Godou nodded, Erica put up her shield to block the forward direction.

  "Hmm — !"

  Clang! With the sound of impact, Erica and her shield were sent flying, apparently having taken a hit from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Liliana immediately shot another silver arrow in front of Godou, slicing through the air.

  Godou could sense it, that something extraordinarily fast had left.

  Though he did not quite understand what was going on, but the girls seemed to be able to discern the Great Sage's god speed to some degree, and react to it!

  '—Godou-san, please accept my spirit!'

  A voice calling him was suddenly heard. No, actually it was a whisper conveyed to his heart directly?

  These were Yuri's thoughts. Due to the bonds established by the protection, Godou immediately understood that Verethragna's authority had bestowed upon the Hime-Miko the same power possessed by Princess Alice.

  Receiving these mental waves, Godou's vision immediately changed.

  This was the realm of universal vision possessed by Yuri, the ultimate mind's eye technique that discerned everything before their eyes.

  Graced by this blessing, Godou could also clearly see the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's movements of god speed. The quick-as-lightning divine monkey was standing on his cloud, flying back and forth in a Z-shape like a bolt of lightning.

  And then he suddenly descended from the sky, intending to smash his Ruyi Staff down upon Godou's head.

  Liliana's sacred silver arrow pinned him down from using this move.

  Fired individually, the arrows were easy to evade, so the silver knight held pairs of arrows between the fingers in her right hand, firing eight arrows all at once.

  This was repeated a good many times, firing silver arrows like a hail of bullets, it was basically a rain of arrows.

  However, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven evaded in the air with the mobility of god speed and flew right in front of Godou, smashing down with his Ruyi Staff once again.

  Erica's shield blocked this deadly weapon. No matter how divine the speed of the enemy, he had no other way of attacking except by approaching the target. Erica focused on defending Godou and dutifully fulfilled her responsibility.

  Then Liliana continued attacking the air with the silver arrows as Erica carried on with Godou's defense.

  'Godou-san, next it is time for you to attack!'

  "Hey... Even that is possible!?"

  Hearing the whispers transmitted by mental waves, psychic sensing instructed him how to proceed from here on. This was an attack never tried before, could it be something that Yuri learned through spirit vision?

  'Yes, this is the oracle I received just now. If this is not done, victory cannot be obtained.'

  Cautioned by her, Godou looked up at the enemy flying around back and forth.

  — It was true that a risky move would be necessary to suppress an opponent with such ridiculous speed.

  Steeling his determination, Godou stared at the eastern sky. The dawn sky's rose-colored rays illuminated the earth from that direction.

  Over there was the sun, the symbol of Verethragna's third incarnation, the [White Stallion].

  "For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radiance to the stallion. O stallion that moves godlike with wondrous grace, bring forth the halo of thy master!"

  The incarnation that could only be employed against a great sinner causing suffering to the masses, and Godou's greatest firepower in his arsenal.

  Chanting the spell words to liberate this form, he did not stop the [Warrior], however, because he still needed the blade of spell words for the next part!

  Combining two incarnations into one!

  Uniting the sword of spell words with the flames of the sun!

  "Hmm aaaaaaaaaahh!!"

  The brain felt like it was on fire. So hot. The heart felt like it was about to burst, spurting blood until it went dry. Godou's body felt as if it was being crushed by some sort of heavy object, and his legs were bolted into the ground.

  Even so, Godou gritted his teeth and finished performing the move.

  "Glorious lord of the sun, Mithra be praised! To conquer all enemies, pray bestow upon my strongest self thousands of light and thousands of swords!"

  From the eastern sky came solar radiance that was not being used like a cannon blast as before. A white sphere of light appeared in the sky hovering above the plains of Senjougahara.

  With two suns in the sky shining upon the land, Godou made all the [Swords] fly and gather towards the second white sun. Thousands of swords of light melded together with the luminous stellar mass.

  'Oh, is that a new sun!?'

  Circling high in the air above, preparing for another attack, the Great Sage yelled.

  Godou fired the new swords and the white-colored sun shot a beam of bright light like a laser. The delicate swords of light were able to lock on to the godly fast Handsome Monkey King, and whizzed past over his head.

  "Such heat!? And to think it even moved faster than me!? Impo
ssible!"

  Only a few strands of fur were singed, but contact was definitely made. Melding the embodiment of the sun, the [White Stallion], with the [Sword], the result was this beam of light — a light speed weapon.

  This move did not lose to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's god speed, perhaps it even offered a chance for victory!?

  "Uh... Erica, can I entrust all defense to you? I have no way of defending right now."

  "Of course, that is why I am here!"

  Godou felt his head being fried by a frightening amount of heat. The burden of using two incarnations simultaneously was more painful than could be imagined.

  Hearing the request he made under great pain, Erica immediately agreed.

  Meanwhile, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven continued to fly in Z-shapes, charging madly in the sky. Liliana fired volleys of arrows without pause to restrain his movements. Though there were no signs of Ena yet, she was surely around controlling the situation. Even though he was in pain, Godou was certain that all his companions were supporting him.

  I will absolutely not allow myself to suffer defeat here! Godou gritted his teeth in determination.

  "Mariya, go help the people who have transformed into monkeys and lead them away!"

  'Leave it to me, and vanquish the Great Sage without any worries!'

  Yuri's psychic sensing flew over Senjougahara, reaching the area of Okunikkou — and then it filled the entire city streets of Nikkou, including all of the territory dominated by the Handsome Monkey King.

  Her mental waves searched for the people that had turned into monkeys and needed help.

  Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words once again.

  "When it comes to Chinese history, there are frequent mentions of nomadic and horse-mounted tribes! The northern Di and western Rong tribes during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Huns who threatened China for a long time since the Warring States Period, the Northern Wei Dynasty that unified northern China, their descendants the Xianbei tribe which assimilated itself into the cultural circles of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, as well as the Liao Dynasty of the Khitan people, and finally the Yuan Dynasty — Mongolia!"

  The white-colored sun released thousands of [Swords]. It not only shot at the four cardinal directions but in all three hundred and sixty degrees at light speed.