Campione 02

by Arrival of a Devil King

  Godou will definitely protect the trembling girl behind his back.

  That was his responsibility. Determined, Godou took a deep breath.

  —He exchanged a quick glance with Erica as she brandished her sword nearby. They immediately understood each other.

  In the instant it took for their gazes to meet, several death knights had rushed over.

  The massive axe was lifted high before Godou's eyes. This wasn't fast enough. Speed up!

  Godou took another deep breath.

  Standing behind him, Yuri asked worriedly: "Kusanagi-san, you seem to be a little strange, what is going on?" Her voice felt very distant, no, it wasn't distant, but slowed down, it was due to my senses becoming extraordinary. Faster, ever faster, imagining in my mind, birds that fly higher than anyone else, the form of the bird of prey that flew higher, faster, further than all others.

  As Godou stood motionless, the battle axe was fiercely swung down upon his head.

  Yuri cried out plaintively.

  There were many bothersome aspects to the [Raptor] incarnation, but this was the worst moment in particular.

  Unless attacked by a quick strike exceeding normal parameters, this form could not be used. Examples included bullets, ambushed by crazed wild beasts, or an attack from an accomplished martial artist.

  At these thoughts crossed his mind, Godou whispered.

  "Fear of the winged, both the evil and the powerful, all shall fear I who hold these feathered wings. My wings will bring you curse and just deserts!"

  Acceleration, and slowing down.

  Accelerating Godou's own body, while slowing down everything else.

  About to have his head split in half, Godou casually dodged the battle axe with millimeters to spare.

  Too slow.

  The death knights who Erica had regarded as equal to her.

  To Godou now, they were far too slow. Sword, axe, spear, sword, sword—five weapons were attacking Godou simultaneously.

  These were also too slow. All could be seen clearly, and all were evaded.

  Finally, one of the death knights was sent flying. An amateurish counterattack spectacularly knocked the knight onto the ground. Probably, the knight failed to evade due to Godou's exceptional speed.

  Godou grabbed Yuri's hand.

  Without saying a word, he carried Yuri in his arms. "Ah!? Ku-kusanagi-san—!?" What she said wasn't very clear, I'll ask her some other time.

  Godou pushed hard against the ground and leaped with Yuri in his arms.

  The trajectory of the jump followed a massive curve.

  Easily jumping over ten meters, Godou easily cleared the death knights who surrounded him.

  —Super acceleration, as well as the body becoming extremely light.

  That was the power of Verethragna's [Raptor] form. As long as it was something that could be held in two hands, it was very convenient to use this ability to carry things.

  Since its speed was something that Godou could not fully control, it was impossible to move with precision.

  If one wanted to move just twenty centimeters, he would often go one meter or beyond. But other than that, it was a horrifyingly effective ability.

  On the flip side, it also carried a great price.

  Enduring the pain reaching towards his heart, Godou leaped once more.

  In an instant, he had reached the edge of the playground. He looked back at the battlefield he had left behind in the distance.

  Even from there he could clearly see the monstrously tall and well-built body of Voban. Not only could he summon wolves, but what kind of monster could also transform itself into a wolf?

  Roughly two thirds of the death knights were rushing to pursue the escaped him.

  Erica was alone, moving in the opposite direction.

  Fighting by herself, she swung Cuore di Leone and began to flee.

  Godou wanted to help, but if he went over with Yuri, they would only become burdens. By herself, Erica could probably bring out her power better without restraint.

  It was probably better to lure even more death knights over to this direction.

  ...The exchange of glances prior to using the [Raptor] communicated each other's plans. The battle here was sure to have ended in defeat, so in that case, they had to retreat from this location with all their strength.

  Godou prayed for his companion's safety as he jumped once again.

  Easily clearing the wall around the school, Godou paid attention to his pursuers as he decided to speed up and shake them off his trail.

  Of course, Voban will be using those [Wolves] again.

  Nevertheless, escaping from this place will prevent the worst outcome.

  "Ah...! Truly exhausting, this..."

  His chest pain gradually intensified.

  In the arms of the frowning Godou, Yuri's face was full of concern.

  "Are you okay? Kusanagi-san? Your face looks like you are suffering..."

  "Ah, it's nothing. No, if this continues I won't be able to lose those guys. We have no choice but to find a place to hide—"

  In the stormy night, visibility was poor, and his body was getting cold.

  Godou and Yuri in her miko outfit continued their escape.

  Chapter 6 - You, Born from Light Amidst Darkness

  Part 1

  Erica Blandelli recalled from her experience the existence of [Leap] magic.

  It was a kind of magic that lightened one's body and allowed one's jumping ability to exceed human limits. Using this would allow her to perform amazing moves that her beloved Hong Kong movies produced only through the use of harnesses.

  Even without a running start she could jump to places taller than her own height.

  She could even run up vertical walls or perform agile acrobatics that even the top stunt actors could never hope to imitate.

  —Now she was skillfully using this magic to escape.

  In a city center in the middle of a stormy night without any shelter.

  Flying between the rows of towering buildings from roof top to roof top, Erica was scurrying around so much that even something like a cat or a monkey would have no way of keeping up.

  Erica prided herself on this magic. If she used it seriously, there was virtually no one who surpassed her skill.

  However, amongst the death knights there were three who also excelled in this type of magic. Likewise using [Leap] magic, but pursuing like the shadow of death personified.

  "Truly difficult to handle—"

  Erica muttered.

  The strong winds shook her body, and the rain made visibility very poor. Furthermore, it was night time. Since it was wet everywhere, a careless misstep could easily lead to a fall.

  Erica continued to scurry around unfazed by these disadvantageous conditions.

  However, it was probably enough. Shaking them off her trail would be impossible so it might not be a bad idea to turn around and counterattack here.

  There were three of these knights in pursuit.

  Other than the numerical disadvantage, it would also be rather difficult to dispatch one of them with the first strike.

  While using [Transformation] magic on the magical sword in her right hand, she looked back to observe. Cuore di Leone changed its form from a slender sword into a throwing spear.

  A short but heavy spear meant for throwing.

  Twisting, she threw at an acute angle. At the instant the throwing spear left the hand of Erica, two identical clones also appeared like shadows.

  A total of three throwing spears flew straight into the directions of the three death knights.

  The spear tips crisply penetrated their chests, piercing the heart protected beneath the chain mail.

  The surviving dead souls collapsed into dust.

  It was likely that the decision-making capability of the death knights—the ability to think, was lower than when they were alive. It took them longer to change their actions.

  Which is why Erica acted as she did. Running awa
y continually for long distances followed by a rapid counterattack, the plan came into fruition perfectly.

  —However, the last performance has yet to begin.

  As Cuore di Leone returned from its spear form back to the sword, Erica made preparations for the remaining enemies.

  Now was the key moment. Swordplay, magic, strategy, wisdom. Opponents who matched her in every one of these categories were arriving soon.

  "Running all the way over here, it does not really match your preference for spectacular battle."

  The voice appeared out of the rainy night.

  An elegant and cute voice of a girl, but hiding great strength beneath gentle softness.

  "Like a rat scurrying around, this ends now. Erica Blandelli."

  "Come to think of it, you once said you wanted to fly like a swallow. Lily, that's no good, you're really lacking in poetic expression."

  Liliana Kranjcar.

  Amidst the strong winds, Erica was mocking the completely drenched girl who was beautiful as a fairy and wearing a blue and black cape. For her to appear here was nothing extraordinary.

  This girl was the descendant of a true and proper witch. Completely surpassing Erica, she was a master of flying magic.

  "Do not call me Lily!—If you were not working as the subordinate of that weak king, then there would not be a need to emulate it. Furthermore, there would not be a need to be like a female fox. How inconsiderate!"

  "Rather than some sort of scheming, this is just my love. This isn't like you, to lack feeling in your words."

  As the two female knights talked under the intense rain and wind, they walked towards each other.

  They understood each other's capabilities very well. Whether the winner or the loser, neither would be able to conclude the battle unharmed.

  "My wings, shape steel into the blade of illusion—Il Maestro, lend me your power!"

  Liliana raised her arm towards the sky, and loudly summoned her beloved sword.

  The silver long-bodied sabre appeared and Liliana jumped up from the ground at that instant.

  Approaching like a flash of lightning.

  With comparable speed, Erica dodged to the side. Rather than swordsmanship, it was more like a dance—taking leaping steps like those of the flamenco[13], while dodging the attacks from the approaching enemy.

  Liliana, who had caught up with Erica's speed, moved quietly with gliding steps.

  Running as if she were ice-skating, she pursued Erica's light footsteps.

  "Do not think that you can escape from me with that kind of speed!"

  "True. In that case, let me defeat you with power!"

  Erica performed a forward thrust with Cuore di Leone, aiming for Liliana's heart.

  It was not a single attack. Within the time of a single breath, Erica struck out thrice, a killing move consisting of three sudden thrusts.

  Il Maestro gave off melodic metallic tones like an instrument, and at the same time parried Erica's attack rhythmically.

  Liliana's swordsmanship was both extremely beautiful and wonderfully precise.

  Skillfully wielding the heavy weapon, while simultaneously making forceful attacks, Erica moved the exquisite magical sword to lightly evade or parry attacks.

  Erica did not attack with abandon, but was biding her time.

  Not her sword, but with her foot. Aiming at Liliana's instep, Erica mercilessly stepped towards her opponent's foot as if crushing it with her heel.

  "Wait, you are using your feet so vilely just like in the past!"

  "Lily, look at you. You still haven't changed your habit of cursing when you get excited. A knight should always aim for more spectacular battles!"

  Towards Liliana who retreated to dodge her opponent's heel, Erica smiled gracefully.

  As they continued to slice and attack each other, the distance between them gradually shrank. In that case, a situation of close combat would develop, and using the feet was a normal part of swordsmanship.

  Maintaining her position, Erica chopped downwards directly.

  The magical sword of the lion was blocked by Il Maestro. Closing in on the guard of the sword. Immediately Erica stepped forward on impact, using the magic sword to blow away the light Liliana.

  "This monstrously strong girl! What spectacular battle? It is just like a horse pulling a cart with brute strength!"

  "If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to describe it as strong and majestic like a lion?"

  To her cursing opponent, Erica rebutted with a smile.

  Liliana snorted and took a large step. This was in preparation for her prided flying skill. To fly freely in the sky like a bird, she needed the proper distance.

  "If that is the case, then I shall soar high like a falcon. Be prepared... Hmph, they already caught up?"

  Inadvertently, Liliana was lightly surprised.

  Erica easily guessed the reason. With the clattering of chain mail and other metallic weapons, clearly a few other knights had arrived using [Leap].

  The death knights in pursuit of Erica with orders from Voban.

  There were four of them.

  —They each took a position and surrounded the array of buildings the two girls were fighting on.

  Scattered amongst the roof tops of the surrounding homes and buildings, they formed a net of encirclement.

  "...Looks like they will be disturbing us no matter what. Then I shall step back. If you can cut your way out of this, let us determine the victor another day."

  Liliana spoke as she put down Il Maestro.

  Losing all interest because the duel was interrupted. Rather than fighting for the sake of killing or pitting wits and power against each other, knights fought to showcase their skill and bravery.

  Truly my great rival. One who could distinguish battles from duels properly.

  ...However.

  At this point, Erica thought of a way to get out of this situation.

  Not by a surprise attack, but fighting all four of these death knights face to face would be too difficult. However, it would be totally different if she had a partner who was at least equal to her. Fortunately, such a trump card was right here.

  "Hey Lily, I happen to have something to tell you..."

  With a gentle and lovely voice she seldom used, Erica spoke.

  "No way. I hate talking to you and it never ends well. Is it not better for me to watch the current dangerous situation instead?"

  Liliana's response was rather cold.

  However, Erica expected it and showed an openly accepting smile like that of a noblewoman.

  "Don't speak so coldly oh. This may prove to be to your benefit—Lily, are you actually thinking of serving Marquis Voban and following his every order from now?"

  "Why not? I am only fulfilling my duties to the [King]."

  Without hesitation, a proper answer.

  However, this was precisely why it was so fun to play around with Liliana Kranjcar.

  Feeling the movements of the death knights, Erica added emphasis to her tone. If they were biding their time before rushing in, then now was the time to bring Liliana to her side!

  "So... If that's the case, why don't you fulfill your duties to another king? If that is the only reason why you follow the Marquis, then there's no problem, right?"

  "...Are you suggesting I change my allegiance to Kusanagi Godou?"

  Seeing Liliana's eye brows twitch, Erica spoke like an older sister or any type of elder.

  "Correct. If it's him then you will definitely get the thrill of battle—Lily, did you really follow the Marquis to Tokyo without reservations? I understand you very well, Lily, which is why I have my doubts. It is completely unlike you to be yielding to the Marquis' tyranny so obediently."

  "This and that. It is all your fault, Erica Blandelli!"

  Without a clue to the reason of her anger, Erica felt mildly surprised.

  "Uh, is that so? Why?"

  "It is entirely the fault of your scheming against Kusanagi Godou an
d accepting the role of his lover! This is what provoked my grandfather's oppositional defiance!"

  Feeling there was a hidden story behind this explanation, Erica made a mental note.

  The grandfather living in seclusion was well known amongst worshipers of Dejanstahl Voban.

  Learning that the young mistress of the rival Blandelli family had become the lover of the newly born Campione, he must have felt his days gone to waste. And so he must have arranged to let the long time acquainted old king summon his granddaughter to cater to his whims.

  "Could it really be true, Lily, that the grandfather sent you to the Marquis so that his own granddaughter could become the lover of a [King] as well? ...Isn't this a totally mistaken casting decision?"

  From this honest girl, expecting seduction was too much.

  Erica felt sympathy for the furious Liliana.

  "Really. What does he think his granddaughter is..."

  "If that's the case, then why not end it? Lily, you are suppressing your own will to cater to the Marquis' excesses. Isn't it time for you to be yourself, Liliana Kranjcar? One is a tyrant who would force a girl to carry out his unreasonable requests, while the other is the young king fighting to aid this helpless girl—Who do you think is the correct side?"

  The death knights were about to attack. Godou and Yuri's fates were still unknown.

  Too many things to be confirmed, and too many problems requiring solutions. However, one must not give in to anxiety so Erica presented an air of casual generosity and continued.

  "If you have never sworn allegiance to the Marquis verbally, then which king you choose is your decision... If the anachronistic old man has any objections, then Salvatore Doni will answer as our true chief of Milan. Since Kusanagi Godou is his ally and is currently fighting for the weak—I think you'll soon lose your reasons for serving the Marquis, Lily."

  "Hmph. An attractive proposal, but are you toying with me once again?"

  Liliana suspiciously eyed her surroundings.

  Erica did the same. Surveying the area as she conversed elegantly, she had never let down her guard for a moment. She was ready to battle any time.

  "Ara, have I ever played a joke on you, Lily?"

  "Do not pretend you are ignorant. Two years ago, when we were itching to go to the movies, were you not laughing your head off when you successfully tricked me into watching that romantic film with the intense bed scenes!?"