Campione 02

by Arrival of a Devil King

  "Ah... Actually, I think I'm fine with that one already."

  'Eh, Godou? How?'

  "Well, how should I put it, lots of things happened on this side too, yes."

  '...Hmph, lots and lots of things eh. Though I think I can imagine, but may I interview you afterwards?'

  It was not an ordinary question but an interrogation. Feeling despair in this sentence, Godou tried to change the subject.

  "So that's the situation, just call me from over there. I will fly immediately."

  'Got it—Godou's report makes me happy. Let me bully you well afterwards.'

  Leaving those ominous words, Erica hung up.

  Feeling the kind of heavy atmosphere as if having lit the fuse of dynamite, Godou put away his phone.

  "Was it Erica-san calling?"

  "Ah yes, she is fine on her side, and also seems to be watching the old man. I will be going over, so it will be best if Mariya could find a place to hide please."

  Godou made such a suggestion.

  He didn't want Yuri, who lacked the power to defend herself, to get in danger. However, the beautiful Hime-Miko shook her head and refused determinedly.

  "No, I must go too... Godou-san, in the battle just now, it is likely that the Marquis held back his offensive power. If he was serious, blowing you away along with the streets should not be impossible. However he did not do that, so I think it was because I am by your side."

  So, if Yuri was there then Voban could not make full use of his authorities.

  Pondering the likelihood of Yuri's suggestion, Godou fell into silence. To be honest, Godou had also discovered that possibility.

  However, he could not involve her for this kind of reason.

  "No problem. Compared to hiding and waiting for danger to pass and not doing anything, I would rather do something for you all... Also, have you forgotten?"

  Yuri who raised a question, had exceedingly gentle eyes.

  "If you lose to the Marquis, I will be caught. So, I simply wish to slightly improve Godou-san's chances of victory. This has an element of selfishness to it, so please do not be concerned about me."

  Making a contrived suggestion that it was for her own interest, to relieve stress for the other person.

  Feeling what Yuri worried about, Godou deeply sighed.

  Compared to that old man, he was much weaker. In order to obtain victory, he really needed to exhaust all possible advantages available. And above all, the most important was the joint efforts between companions.

  Kusanagi Godou was different from Sasha Dejanstahl Voban or Salvatore Doni.

  Someone who cannot fight alone, a weak [King].

  This has been the case up to now.

  If it weren't for Erica or Yuri, as well as a good number of additional friends and companions, Godou would not have become a Campione, and definitely would not have obtained victory again and again.

  —One day, if only he could reach the point where he wouldn't need to borrow another's power, but before that—

  Godou made his decision.

  It was not yet the time, so please lend me your strength. In return, whenever there was someone who truly needed his own power—he will offer his power without hesitation. This was the so-called principle of equivalent exchange.

  "I'm sorry, I said something naive. Then could you accompany me for a while?"

  "Of course. We are born of one fate—let us do our best together."

  Yuri's lips showed a peaceful smile.

  Godou would sometimes take notice of her, that mild gentle smile which was unsurpassed by any other girl. However, that smile suddenly vanished.

  "—O King. Should you ever forget these feelings, there will be new powers held by that hand. When you guide the flock of lost sheep, the horned guiding beast will perform the sacrificial rite upon your head."

  With a solemn and hollow gaze, Yuri spoke. Was this a warning, or constitutional advice—no, an oracle?

  "Agile and clever goat, once compared to the great god of the sky worshiped by the people of the horse. Guide the lost sheep, wise elder. Please keep this in your heart."

  "..."

  "—What? What did I just say?"

  "...Nothing much, you didn't say anything important."

  It was likely the miko's spirit sense which caused her to speak just now.

  Godou was amazed at the infinite depths that Yuri's potential seemed to possess.

  However, what was the guiding beast? Sheep, or was it talking about goats? Just as Godou was starting to ponder.

  —Kusanagi Godou! Your knight calls for you. Please descend once again, and fulfill your obligations as king!

  From somewhere riding upon the wind came a girl's voice.

  It was the sound of Erica calling. Looks like it was finally time to decide the battle against Voban.

  As the companion who risked her life chanted that name, Godou received the power of flight from Verethragna's [Wind].

  "Let's go. Let's give that old gramps some pain!"

  "Very well, Godou-san! No matter where you go I will accompany you!"

  Yuri tightly gripped Godou's outstretched hand.

  One fate.

  With this determination, the two of them rode the turbulent wind and flew towards the sky.

  Chapter 7 - Wind, Rain, Wolf

  Part 1

  As the storm ravaged the night, it was somewhere not far from the Tokyo Tower—

  Anyone with some slightly normal sense would not venture outside in such unfavorable weather.

  No, even a person with particularly urgent things to do, would not choose to go outside. Due to this level of wind, rain, and thunder.

  Within the storm, an old man stood, wearing a black jacket with joyful laughter on his face.

  "Hahahahahaha! Search and go hunt! Tonight is such a wonderful night! My hunting hounds, find my prey!"

  Dejanstahl Voban yelled loudly.

  Very quickly, tens of [Wolves] took form in the darkness behind him, and started racing across the city in the night. As if carrying his laughter, the wind strengthened, and the lightning became more violent.

  The screams of the wind and the sound of thunder, heavy rain striking the ground with fierce sounds, all these dominated the city night.

  Without any signs of people on the streets, the cars on the roads also disappeared.

  In other words, it would not have been an exaggeration to say it had turned into a city without people. Voban who yelled arrogantly was like a king of the wasteland.

  "Ah, getting so excited. He looks really happy."

  The one who appeared to admire with sincerity was the History Compilation Committee member, Amakasu Touma.

  Beside him was Liliana Kranjcar. As she peeked at the one who sort of counted as a dignified old man, she showed a slightly shocked expression.

  "Especially this tasteless act. It is as if he had not found entertainment for a long time until now... Really, an anachronistic tyrant should just enjoy his secluded life!"

  "However, a life of sitting in the balcony under the sun and growing old... Something like that is no good—"

  Erica Blandelli deliberately played the devil's advocate against her old friend.

  —It was near Shiba Park in the Minato ward.

  They had discovered the old Devil King and hid in a dark spot of some building to witness this scene.

  Roughly thirty minutes ago, Erica had brought Liliana over to her cause, and disarmed hateful complaints one after another with a smile as they searched for Voban.

  Liliana, who was even skilled at divination, had divined the Marquis' location.

  Moving in the direction the divination indicated, they met Amakasu.

  As Erica and Liliana walked together, a car stopped on the road, suddenly opened its door and out appeared his figure.

  Opening a black umbrella and walking out into the heavy rain.

  However, the umbrella was immediately blown away. Amakasu shook his head as if saying "can't sta
nd this," gave up, and simply let his suit take in water from the rain. At the same time, he spoke.

  "Meeting here must be fate then, let's go... So, could you introduce this young lady with you, Erica-san? Actually, I seem to have met Liliana Kranjcar-san somewhere before?"

  Having said that, the three of them stood together.

  "So Amakasu-san, may I ask you a question?"

  "No problem, as long as I know the answer. However, weight and the three measurements are secrets, yes?"

  To the History Compilation Committee member who answered frivolously, Erica threw him a vicious stare.

  "Actually, starting from just now I realized. You... no, the reason why Godou was requested in this affair."

  Erica was questioning using subtle acrimonious tones.

  Amakasu played dumb and laughed, his calm and relaxed facade did not falter.

  "Actually we are very worried about Erica-san as well. Isn't it normal to negotiate with the side which has the ability to do something?"

  "So how is it? When someone close to him is caught in danger, Godou will take action without thinking clearly. Ignoring some sacrifices, fighting the Marquis could turn out to be a good opportunity to push Godou forward in harnessing his potential... So to speak. Am I overthinking things?"

  "You overthought this. After all, we of the History Compilation Committee are all respectable civil servants. Our first consideration is the welfare of the Tokyo residents and the Japanese nation."

  Erica elegantly gave off an air of acute sarcasm.

  Amakasu, though clearly insincere, had a face that somehow one could not hate.

  Listening to the conversation of the two, Liliana whispered with a lack of good will.

  "Conversations like those between foxes and bats should take place somewhere else. Putting that aside, what should be done now? Is Kusanagi Godou in this direction?"

  "Yes in this direction, how should I put it, it's that he should be in this direction."

  Erica answered, thinking of the phone call just now.

  ...Of course, one could not be careless with a man like Kusanagi Godou. Though he clearly lacked outstanding social skills, he keeps attracting all these strange people.

  Perhaps this was part of a king's disposition. A dependable existence, but not very amusing.

  The plan to bring Liliana over to his side turned out to be enacted early and succeeded far beyond expectation. ...One must take note of this in the future.

  Fooling around with newcomers would be fine. This was the privilege of a king. However, he cannot be forgiven if he gets serious.

  The one whom Kusanagi Godou truly loves above all can be no one else but Erica Blandelli.

  "To carve this principle deep into the soul, truly has to begin from childhood... With that kind of personality, the chances of him becoming a parent who spoils his children is rather high..."

  "What is it, Erica? What are you uttering so softly about?"

  Erica shook her head at Liliana's question.

  The current priority was to deal with Marquis Voban. One must concentrate.

  "Ah ah, excuse me, it's nothing, don't mind it. —Let's start. Kusanagi Godou and Dejanstahl Voban, the second round of the duel between [Kings]."

  Erica and Liliana stepped forward side by side.

  They stepped towards where the old Devil King was summoning wind, rain and thunder, laughing madly.

  Under the intense thunderstorm, the two girls finally faced off against the elderly king.

  "Ohoh, finally out of the house? Too late. —Oh, Kranjcar seems to have joined her rival, but why? Shouldn't you be following me?"

  Voban glanced sideways at the girl beside Erica and spoke.

  He could immediately tell that Liliana had changed her loyalties. His twisted eyes were full of certainty.

  "I express my deepest apologies. Liliana Kranjcar would now request to be withdrawn from your services. Please forgive me for refusing to stain my chivalry by participating in the kidnapping of the weak and womenfolk."

  "Dare to refuse the tyrannical king? Foolish! However, this may well be the role model of a knight."

  Voban smiled generously.

  "Killing you by my own hand and letting you join the ranks of the [Dead Servants] will suffice. Without a doubt, that [Diavolo Rosso] will accompany you as well. You won't be lonely eh? Girls with the disposition of wolves, you are worthy to become warriors under me."

  The darkness became restless once again.

  Warriors, with sturdy bodies and wearing ancient battle attires, were born out of the darkness.

  "I can't let you be mistaken, so let me teach you all. These people—[Dead Servants] can only be truly released from my shackles by the state of my death. So just now, for those knights you defeated with your own hands, do not mistakenly believe that they will obtain peace. They have simply turned into dust once more, returning to the ground, and after some time will return to my shackles once again... My domination is eternal."

  Out of the storm dozens of death knights appeared.

  It was true. From amongst the defeated knights, there were now two that looked identical to them. As expected of an authority usurped from the gods, ordinary methods did not work.

  Witnessing the power of her enemy, Erica instead showed an arrogant smile.

  "A king's words cannot be false. However, may I be so bold as to make a correction. We are not your opponents. Have you forgotten this fact?"

  "I'm not that old and senile. However, where is that beloved brat of yours?"

  The nature of Voban's smile changed.

  In the smile of the king who was familiar with his absolute power, a composed warrior's hearty laughter from the boiling of hot blood could be seen.

  "That kind of brat can't even satisfy my hunger a tiny bit. A newborn king can only be at this level. However if that guy—can let me witness the power that overcame the other brat Salvatore, then I shall amend my words. Tonight, is a rare moment for my blood to boil from excitement. The chance to enjoy fighting to my heart's content!"

  Neither for the power to bury gods, nor for ruling the earth.

  Only to enjoy a good battle.

  A power that only existed for battle and conflict.

  The king whose body had existed for centuries, who chose solitude and abandoned territory and subjects instead, to the old king's roars, Erica nodded.

  "If that's the case, king, then you shall confirm for yourself. —Kusanagi Godou! Your knight calls for you. Please descend once again, and fulfill your obligations as king!"

  Taking a slight bow, raising her voice to call for that name.

  Riding upon the blowing winds, out spoke the spell words calling forth the young king.

  —Soon, the wind formed a vortex in front of Erica's eyes.

  —Away from the overflowing spell power, Liliana retreated in surprise.

  Suddenly in the center of the wind, out appeared Kusanagi Godou and Mariya Yuri dressed in her miko outfit.

  "You have kept me waiting long enough, brat. Making an elder wait so long, what a rude fellow. As expected of the ally of that brat Salvatore."

  "Excuse me. However, comparing me with that kind of person makes me mad."

  Voban who treated the enemies appearing before him as idiots, and Godou who responded with haughty battle spirit.

  It was the moment the two kings met again.

  Part 2

  "Mariya, why don't you wait at the back. It's probably better than staying right beside me."

  "Yes. No matter what, please be safe."

  Listening to Godou's directions, Yuri nodded sincerely.

  She reluctantly let go of the hand she was holding tightly during the flight via Verethragna's [Wind], and got off from Godou's body. Without a trace of uncertainty, it was a very good expression.

  The place where Yuri ran towards, had Erica—as well as another person.

  "Eh? You are from just now..."

  "I am Liliana Kranjcar. I hurried here at
full speed to join under your banner, Kusanagi Godou. Though I never wanted to serve the same master as that female fox, I have judged your side to be the side of justice on this occasion. I hope you can understand the reasons of my actions."

  Liliana spoke rapidly as she glared at her longtime acquaintance.

  Easily ignoring her gaze, Erica supplemented with a devilish smile from goodness knows where.

  "That's right. This is very important. Justice. It was also written in the notebook of someone..."

  "Quiet! ...You will get your just deserts one day."

  Liliana said with a frown.

  Noticing some kind of back story, Godou felt sympathy for her. It must have been a difficult life getting along with that devil for so long.

  "There's probably nothing to gain from following me. It's fine, you don't have to force yourself..."

  "That is already understood, it is fine."

  Liliana simply cut Godou off.

  Even though she was complaining, her face showed a happy expression.

  With dreamlike beauty like a fairy's, it felt like she had finally let go of something and obtained the will to advance forward into the future.

  "Ok, thanks. Let's beat up that abominable old man together then."

  The knight who was brought over by Erica's scheming.

  Not only was she capable and had her own principles, she was lending her power. That deserved thanks. Liliana shyly fled from Godou's gaze of gratitude.

  "Thanks are not needed. It is a knight's duty to assist the king. Furthermore, you are doing this to save a friend and a lady. ...Well, as the master of that female fox, you have earned very few starting points, but no matter, this is within acceptable bounds."

  Very strict words.

  This was already established in the first impression. This girl was unexpectedly abrasive in response to unnecessary concern from others. If one were to imagine from that doll-like face, one would likely conclude that she was one of those characters that were tough but satisfying to win over.

  With a forced smile, Godou generously nodded his head in response.

  "That's enough. I am in your debt. —Then, old man over there, let's go."

  "Hmph, you sure talk too much about the most trivial of things. As a warrior, please do not be distracted when facing enemies. Immature one!"