Campione 05

by Miko of the Sword

  Laughing at the metal fragment, Ena's casual smile admitted that she was the culprit of that attack.

  A very perfect smile that conveyed the consistency between her outward expression and inner thoughts.

  "Given that the level of Japanese manufacturing techniques should be above this, amuse me."

  "Oh, is that so? Then let me show you this."

  The black-haired Hime-Miko took out from her pocket several pieces of paper.

  Long narrow rectangular pieces of paper, covered with many different kanji of various sizes.

  Due to the severity of their tattered condition, Erica could hardly make out the words and the only character she barely recognized was the one for "sword"—was this some sort of spell?

  "Actually I wanted to apologize, because Erica-san wanted political negotiations, right?"

  "Is there a problem?"

  "Yes, a great problem. To be frank, Ena is not very good at those kinds of conversations."

  Ena's curled lips expressed a fearless smile from the depths of her heart.

  The five "sword" spell charms in Ena's hand were waiting to be deployed.

  "Come to think of it, neither is Yuri very suited to such negotiations."

  "Correct. Those issues are all managed and handled by the Committee, and have nothing to do with the Hime-Miko."

  The five "sword" charms were surrounded by green flame, and Ena tossed them high into the sky towards the distance.

  In an instant, the charms were consumed by the fire, but out of the fire emerged pieces of metal—in a manner reminiscent of swords being pulled out of sheaths.

  "Thus, let's do something easier to understand! Like this!"

  The metal pieces born from the charms, were those manji (卍) shaped blades.

  Sword familiars that could fly.

  As the five weapons flew towards her, Erica shrugged her shoulders as if facing a tiresome chore.

  "If this is the way things turn out, I should have left it to Lily. —Father and Mother, Baphomet who boasts of victory, grant to me the power of the words of extinction!"

  Most likely too disappointed, Erica did not even have the mood to draw her sword.

  Though these familiars were far beneath the martial prowess of a knight, using magic to defeat them would be far more efficient.

  Erica chanted the spell words and released the magical power. The technique of [Pulverization] was high level magic that could cause inorganic matter to explode and shatter into dust.

  Originally, this spell was not very effective against objects protected or animated by magic, but—

  "Not working eh? Looks like simply increasing the quantity won't be enough."

  Watching several of her manji blades shattering at the same time, Ena muttered.

  Erica skillfully employed her spells. Creation, transformation, destruction, and reinforcement were her areas of expertise. In these areas, it could be said that Erica surpassed everyone at her age. Even Liliana was far outclassed.

  Erica infused temporary life into the metal fragments of the familiars she just shattered, causing them to expand, transform, and meld together. Virtual intelligence was bestowed upon them, and granted them mobility.

  —Using the blade remnants as ingredients, a steel wolf was born before Erica. Though it was in the form of a wolf, the meager raw materials left visible gaps between the bone and skin in its construction.

  Roar!!!

  The cries and motions of the steel wolf were like those of a live beast.

  For a creation improvised on the spot, it was quite an accomplishment.

  Should her beloved sword Cuore di Leone be added to strengthen the construct? With the protection of the magic sword of the lion, strength and ferocity will definitely rise to a completely different level.

  "How about it? If you want to manipulate iron, let me show you the proper way right here?"

  "Amazing, amazing. That kind of delicate spell is very difficult for Ena. Erica-san's moves sure are full of finesse."

  Ena continued to smile.

  She did not seem like she was putting up a front, and Erica decided not to underestimate her.

  "Did you mention made in Japan just now? Yes, showing foreigners Japanese techniques would be a nice service. Please wait a moment."

  Ena took down the bag from her shoulder and opened it, exposing the sword in the jet-black sheath. The blade alone was already one meter long.

  Drawing out the sword revealed it to be a straight blade with no curve.

  "Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Let me give an introduction. This is the one truly made in Japan, Ena's partner."

  The black-haired Hime-Miko stabbed the blade of the sword into the ground.

  Just this motion created wind.

  Centered on the sword, calm winds gradually swirled to form a vortex.

  Blown by that gust of wind, the created wolf shattered into pieces on the ground, as if shyly fleeing away from steel of a higher-grade existence.

  Driven by her defensive instincts, Erica summoned Cuore di Leone.

  But even for the magic sword of the lion, taking on that sword as an opponent will be difficult.

  Magic sword, holy sword, spirit sword, cursed blade.

  Perhaps surpassing all these, an even more threatening magical item, could it even be something like a divine artifact?

  "Hmm... looks like I pulled it out too early eh?"

  Ena began to speak to herself and immediately re-sheathed her sword. Why did she stop if she was skilled enough to move that massive blade as easily as if it were her own limb?

  As Erica suspiciously puzzled over her behavior, Ena made an awkward smile and replied, "Too bad, it's over."

  "Yuri's footsteps are approaching. That child's spirit sense will immediately notice if I draw this thing. Since she will definitely scold me for unsheathing the sword so rashly, I decided to stop right here."

  "Footsteps? You can hear them?"

  "Ena's ears are very good, and it's not just one person, there's a man following behind... Most likely Kusanagi-san."

  Ena cupped her hand to her ear as she spoke. Erica, however, could not hear anything.

  Furthermore, being able to tell people apart from their footsteps like a dog could only be described as superhuman hearing.

  An unexpectedly troublesome opponent had definitely presented herself.

  Erica dispelled Cuore di Leone. It would be imprudent to battle and seek victory against such an enemy without proper preparations.

  "Anyway, which god did that sword come from?"

  "I already said, it is the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, which I borrowed from grampsy. If you really want to know then try investigating it. —Anyway, see you again in the near future."

  Waving her hand affectionately, Ena turned to leave.

  As she watched her opponent depart, Erica was determined to start gathering intelligence immediately.

  Part 5

  It was after Erica and Ena's figures disappeared.

  The three people left behind began to gather the used tea implements in the room and take them to the sink for washing.

  Yuri suddenly showed a worried expression just as Godou and Liliana started preparing the sponge and detergent for washing up.

  "What is it, Mariya?"

  "Ah, no. There is just something that is causing me concern. I am sorry, but I must go out for a while."

  After Yuri left the sink, Godou suddenly thought of something.

  "Excuse me, Liliana, but I leave the rest to you."

  "Yes, sure. Kusanagi Godou, where are you going?"

  Godou did not answer as he left to chase after Yuri.

  Yuri had just exited the Japanese building and was about to walk into the woods. With a surprised expression, she questioned Godou who had suddenly caught up to her.

  "Godou-san why have you followed!?"

  "Yes, I felt that Mariya was acting a bit strange... Perhaps, you have thought of something about Erica and Seishuuin Ena?"<
br />
  "Not really, but somehow I just feel something is off in the atmosphere."

  The two of them made their steps towards the depths of the forest with Yuri in front and Godou following behind.

  "Uh, so what kind of person is that Seishuuin Ena? She mentioned she was one of the Hime-Miko."

  "That is correct. She is the heir to one of the Four Families—the house of Seishuuin. She is the top Hime-Miko protecting Musashino, and also my childhood friend."

  The Four Families. A term he had never heard before.

  "Seishuuin, Kuhoudzuka, Renjou, Sayanomiya—these are the four ancient families that have been using their magical powers to serve the emperors over the ages. Amongst them the Seishuuin were distinguished by battle strength and political power, while the Sayanomiya has formed the core think tank of the History Compilation Committee. ...It would take a long time to explain everything, so let us leave the rest to another time."

  Yuri answered fluently, but stopped with a forced smile.

  Noticing Godou was getting lost in the jargon, she decided to pause in consideration for his confusion.

  "I understand better now. So over in Mariya's faction, there are all sorts of complications as well."

  "Actually this was Amakasu-san's suggestion, that I should not disclose too much information to avoid confusing Godou-san too much."

  "That sounds about right. In fact, I am still very confused."

  The two of them conversed as they ventured into the depths of the forest and came across Erica.

  "Are you fine, Erica-san?"

  Yuri had located Erica using her spirit vision, and she ran towards Erica with a relieved expression.

  However, Ena was nowhere to be found, did she leave first?

  "You can't be worrying about me just because of that woman, is she really that dangerous a person? If it came to a fight between the two of us, I, Erica Blandelli would be at a disadvantage—is that what you predicted, Yuri?"

  Erica suddenly questioned the Hime-Miko who approached her.

  "Ummm, that..."

  "Seishuuin Ena's partner, I have taken a great interest in that object. Will you allow me to ask about its details?"

  To this question, Yuri lowered her head.

  In other words, she could not answer even if she wanted to. Erica sighed at such a situation.

  "Fine, it's okay even if you cannot answer, I just thought it was worth a shot. Don't be concerned. Same for you Godou: don't question Yuri about that girl. I think there are many things she will find difficult to answer."

  Erica was speaking in a friendly manner as if worrying about a younger sister. Presumably, she was being considerate of Yuri's status as a member of the Hime-Miko organization.

  It was during such a time that the [Diavolo Rosso] showed a sense of compassion unbecoming of her moniker.

  Godou nodded in agreement.

  "So, where did Seishuuin go?"

  "We chatted for a bit, and then she bid her leave, asking me to look after Yuri, that's all."

  "You two did not come into any conflict?"

  "Of course not, please don't talk about me like some rabid dog. I sure don't have a problem with randomly biting people regardless of the situation."

  Godou nodded at Erica's report and decided to go home.

  Leaving Yuri to return to the Nanao Shrine, Godou went to the Japanese block to meet Liliana.

  The silver-haired knight was naturally quite miffed, and Godou apologetically accompanied her to the school gates.

  "Anyway, a lot sure happened today, I hope I can take a casual stroll back home."

  As Godou complained to himself, Erica and Liliana exchanged glances and looked at him in a subtle manner as if he had said something wrong.

  "Just spit it out if you want to say something. This is making me uncomfortable."

  "Then I will go ahead. Kusanagi Godou, it is a shame that what you just hoped will not materialize."

  "Haven't you noticed that this incident will be one of your greatest trials?"

  Being talked to like that by the blue and red knights, Godou felt his fury rising.

  Both of them are talking like I was some kind of idiot—but as his anger rose, Godou finally realized.

  What a fool I am, how could I forget that particular individual?

  Ten meters outside the school gates.

  A petite girl was standing very upright against the red glow of the sunset.

  She was Kusanagi Shizuka, the one dressed in the middle school uniform.

  The younger sister who had heard the conversations at the tearoom just now.

  Backlit by the sunset, her facial expression was not visible. Then again, there was no need to see it. After all, there was no other possibility but a face full of fury.

  "Little sister Shizuka, forgive him no matter what excuses he makes, please? No matter what, one day Godou will show you the truth. ...By the way, Lily and I will be taking another route today, so we'll let you two siblings get along, no problem—"

  A truly diabolical smile.

  Godou felt his body weighted down by Erica's softly spoken words as she made that expression.

  Chapter 4 - Date Proposal

  Part 1

  At the History Compilation Committee, Tokyo Akasaka branch.

  After eleven o'clock at night.

  Amakasu Touma stayed behind by himself at the office.

  However, this office and state intelligence agency apparently did not have many employees.

  The office, which occupied an entire floor of a residential and commercial building, was lined by a number of desks.

  Piled high on the desks were all sorts of computers and documents, all kinds of books (including manga) as well as all types of snacks and junk food, health equipment such as pressure point massage tools, and toys targeted towards infants and older children.

  Someone working in the gaming, anime or publishing industries would likely mistake this for a competitor's office.

  In such a space, at a certain reserved desk, Amakasu Touma sat behind a laptop computer—not hard at work, but browsing his favorite websites and reading anonymous message boards. However, he was not entirely slacking off.

  His ears and mouth were busy on the cellphone, communicating with his boss about work related affairs.

  "That matter has already been handled, don't worry, please have more faith in me."

  'I wish I could do that.'

  Sayanomiya Kaoru's wonderful voice flowed from the cellphone.

  If teenage girls heard this kind of voice, they would likely cause a commotion with cries of 'iyaaah, that voice is super cool!'

  'To be asked to have more faith in someone who bookmarks celebrity news sites and blogs of idols and voice actors on his work computer...'

  "That is serious intelligence gathering, it is very important to our work."

  As he shamelessly searched for excuses, Amakasu continued to stare at the online auction page in front of him.

  'Other than that, have you discerned the intentions of the Old One?'

  "No, not yet, but up until recently he had not taken any interest in Kusanagi-san."

  The Tokyo branch of the History Compilation Committee -- Sayanomiya Kaoru and her trusted subordinate, Amakasu, had free rein to run the office as they pleased.

  "Speaking of recent events that could have garnered the Old One's interest, how about the incident at Naples? The battle against Perseus."

  'Ah yes, Amakasu-san called him the Hero of Steel, right?'

  "Yes, Perseus is the archetypical hero of steel with the [Sword] attribute. Verethragna, who Kusanagi Godou unwittingly defeated, also belongs to the same category."

  The ancestor of Verethragna, Mithra, also had a "born from stone" legend. There is also the Armenian war god Vahagn who has been called the brother of Verethragna. The hero god possessing flaming hair and beard, and born from the crimson sea.

  Stones, in other words, ore, the origin of iron. Fire, to melt ore. Wind, to sta
rt fires and fan the flames. Water, to cool the newly forged metal. The intricate relationships between the elements are all essential to the various sword gods.

  'Just like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table?'

  "Exactly. Using the legend of Excalibur as a starting point, there are numerous myths whose essence originated from the tale of the god of steel. To say that the 'Knights of the Round Table originate from Celtic myths' would be oversimplifying things."

  'This is certainly quite a deep topic.'

  "Of course, one must not ignore elements of Celtic myths, either. But in order to interpret those legends, the history of the multicultural nation formed by Britain and the Roman Empire must be considered. This should have been explained by Kaoru-san from the start."

  The young cross-dressing great-granddaughter of natural historian and founder of the History Compilation Committee, Sayanomiya Koremichi, apologized in a deliberate manner in response to Amakasu's wry complaint.

  'Hahaha, sorry sorry. I've been busy with this and that, what with things like school and Hime-Miko etc., and don't have much time for studies anymore.'

  Currently, the top priority would be to scrutinize the movements of Seishuuin Ena, the vanguard of the elders.

  Having reached such a conclusion, the conversation ended.

  Amakasu decided to head straight home, so he locked the door and exited the building.

  Planning to have a meal, he walked over to a certain ramen shop in the Tameike-Sannou neighborhood and stopped in front of it.

  Tables for customers were placed both inside and outside of the shop.

  A server came to take his order when he took a seat at one of the outside tables.

  Without particular deliberation, he ordered a soy sauce ramen with a hard-boiled egg and a can of beer.

  At the same time, a beautiful woman approached him. No, calling her a woman would be excessive, it would be more accurate to describe her as a beautiful girl.

  Seeing the girl's face, Amakasu shrugged his shoulders. Trying to escape was futile as he would just be found again. He might as well say hello as usual.

  "It's been a while, Erica-san, and you are still so beautiful. Seeing you makes me so happy."

  "It hasn't been that long, Amakasu-san. You don't mind if I sit here, right?"