Surrounded by ten or twenty layers of [Dead Servants], there was nowhere to go.
Looking at the distance—slightly further than ten meters, the figure of the old king could be seen silently directing the dead's battles like an orchestra conductor.
Aiming at his target, Godou raised his sword.
"Osiris was once cut into pieces and died, resurrecting to become the god of the underworld. The mother earth goddess' responsibilities included bestowing life in spring, harvesting in autumn, and death in winter. As the son of the earth and god of the harvest, Osiris' dominion also included growth in spring, harvest in the fall, and death in winter—thus, both the mother earth goddess who does the killing as well as the harvest god who was killed have many common functions."
The cycle of death and rebirth.
Like Athena who once fought Godou, there were the forms of the underworld deities of death, Isis and Artemis. However, the difference was that Apollo was never killed, only Osiris.
"Apollo did not have the authority to take lives, but instead, he became the god of the sun. Nonetheless, he still had the epithet 'nukti eoikôs' to express death—his past includes being the god of pestilence!"
Instilling the killing spell words, Godou swung the massive [Sword] fiercely.
Golden light given off from the body of the blade lit up the entire battlefield. Light surrounded Erica and Liliana, vanquishing the [Dead Servants].
Immediately, it chased after Voban who commanded from the back like a king piece in chess.
To defend against this attack, the dead warriors used their own bodies to shield the old Marquis.
Godou made a grotesque smile. Their efforts were futile, as long as the target was locked by his aim, there was no meaning to sacrificing themselves for defense.
Will it succeed after all? And the final result was—?
Part 3
At some point, the rain had stopped.
However, the wind had not subsided. The wind was still blowing as violently as ever, and the dark clouds covering the sky continued to rumble with thunder, reaching the ground.
Only the rain stopped. The old man's joyful voice could be heard.
"You really did it. Slaying my [Wolf], and sealing the cage of the [Dead Servants]. Such a troublesome ability does exist after all."
The slicing attack infused with all of Godou's liberated spell words.
From the sensation of his hands, Godou felt that the power of Apollo hidden in Voban's body was completely severed. It was likely that he would not be able to use that authority again for a few days. But as for the divine powers of Osiris—
As expected, using the [Sword] for Apollo to slay Osiris was very difficult.
It did not succeed completely. However, it still managed to decrease the number of [Dead Servants]. From a rough estimate, half were destroyed while the remaining half stopped moving.
The spell words of the [Sword] did not completely cut through Voban's power of domination.
Erica and Liliana, who had been fighting nonstop, finally put down their magic swords, breathing slightly heavily.
On the last swing of the [Sword], the [Dead Servants] turned into dust and scattered.
At that time, Godou felt like he heard something from the disappearing servants. What was that, could it have been words of thanks?
The [Sword]'s spell words had cut through Voban's oppression.
The dead did not simply disappear in form, but welcomed true death—they were finally able to rest in peace.
The [Warrior]'s ability included not only the sword, but the sight to see through a god's nature.
That was why Godou understood what happened.
If those were really words of gratitude, it was definitely something to celebrate. It was also worth it at such a great cost... Godou felt his spirits renew as he stomped his trembling foot against the ground.
Giving the [Sword] double spell words has consumed most of Godou's stamina.
His breathing was irregular, and his body felt weak.
Looks like this method of fighting was still beyond the current Godou, who did not expect it be so taxing.
...! ...!
What is going on? Godou felt like someone was speaking.
Erica and Liliana beside him, and starting at some point in time, Yuri with a sorrowful expression, were staring at him. Why was there such a feeling?
"Yes, I would like to commend your bravery. This battle did not disappoint me."
As Voban finished speaking in a low voice...
The wind began to moan.
Godou's body was blown back by a heavy explosion of air pressure.
Using the eyes of the [Warrior], Godou looked at the old king... This was the divine power of the wind, and three figures could barely be seen behind Voban.
Feng Bo,[19] Yu Shi[20] and Lei Gong.[21] These names floated into Godou's mind.
Deities from China, or was it Korea? Probably the storm gods defeated by Voban. Affecting their appearances was what the old man possessed, the authority ruling over wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
"Taken as entertainment, it's a bit exciting. As the one who fought Salvatore to a draw, it is acceptable. Perhaps in another two years, you will turn out to be a fine warrior."
The strong winds continued to blow.
Erica who had stepped in front to shield Godou was blown away. Liliana who tried to close the distance between Voban using the magic of flight also met the same fate.
Then came the thunder. As the rumbling noise started up, lightning descended from the sky.
Resistance against all spells was a Campione characteristic which Godou gambled upon.
...As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. All enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished. Chanting the hymn to Verethragna, he activated magical power all over his body.
It's working, the flash that should have landed on Godou's head missed his body by a slim margin.
The charred asphalt gave off a burnt smell.
The high temperature caused by the thunder vaporized rain drops in the air... If this continued, defeat would be imminent.
"How relentless. It was already apparent, boy, that you share similarities with my past self. To obtain a [King]'s authority without any magical knowledge. And to skillfully wield with determination and wisdom, these powers that a mage could never obtain through training, this was the path I once trod."
With another flash, this time it was lightning.
It was already a feat to escape the spear of the thunder god descending from the sky, and his body felt very hot. Perhaps Godou had already been burnt quite severely.
This time he was suddenly hit by a sudden gust of strong wind, and his whole body was blown away.
—Lost.
Though Godou felt weak and his legs were unstable, he glared at Voban.
Even if his body was in full health, he did not have a way to evade wind and thunder. From the start, there existed a disheartening difference in power. But no matter how tired his body felt, Godou still pushed himself to struggle and stand up.
The shaking of his knees was impossible to control. If this continued, he will be abused to death. Godou showed a displeased expression.
"Godou-san!"
"Godou!"
"Stand up, Kusanagi Godou! You have already fought to this point, show me your resolve!"
Voices were heard. Yuri, Erica, as well as Liliana. Everyone was fine, and the voices of who else?
...! ...! ...!
There really were voices, but who were they? It sounded like a lot of people, their voices carried from a far distance.
Ten people, twenty people, no, there were many more. Where were all these people? It could barely be heard, but it sounded like pleas of "Get up and fight!"
The voices did not stop, the voices of the crowd, the voices seeking power, the voices praying for salvation. Godou lifted his head, looked around and understood in an instant.
&n
bsp; Assured of the power's existence, Godou mastered the characteristics of the new form.
This sense of omnipotence was the sweet yet dangerous sensation felt when a Campione struggles to reach a new stage. I will not lose, declared Godou in his heart.
Such a strange power actually existed, and Godou's determination was renewed.
"—O Guardian of the righteous, I invite you and offer sacrifice. O Guardian of the righteous, I praise you, and beseech you. One who supports the sky and develops new land, the one who grants victory and grace, I will perform justice, please grant to me the right path and light!"
Battle spirit rising straight towards the sky, the spell words erupted.
The completely new form—it was Verethragna's ninth form, the [Goat] which transformed from the [Warrior].
In that instant, Voban released lightning.
The flash descended from the sky. However, Godou caught it directly.
His palm covered with lightning, he had caught the attack as if it was a baseball. Light erupted from his hand, and waves of heat could be felt. Strong energy was also being released.
Do not think that you are the only one with power over lightning!
Feeling joy that he could finally counterattack, Godou relaxed the corner of his lips, and threw the ball of thunder back.
"—What?"
As expected of the one who could direct wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
With the sound of rumbling, the old king deflected the path of the lightning which should have gone straight.
"So that is also your power, boy! To think you even had this level of battle ability...!"
Due to the joy of battle, Voban's expression was radiant.
Godou nodded silently.
This was a power that he did not have the capacity to use alone. Despite Godou's battles till now, this was a power which would never have awakened without the victory wishes of those who were defeated by Voban.
—The will to defeat that man.
—The wish to stop the old man, and the hope to seal him.
Numerous people were asking, begging, praying, hoping—the power of feelings, the power of hearts was concentrated here and formed a vortex like a hurricane. Godou could now hear them clearly.
The voices of lost souls gathered here.
And that was not all.
There were the cries of the souls who were finally released after the [Sword] severed Osiris' power of domination.
They did not know where they would go henceforth.
Heaven, hell, underworld, nirvana, temple of salvation, or promised land... These souls would probably be directed to their final resting place according to their various religions and cultures. It must be so. However to these souls, their final wish was to witness their enemy's demise—the old king who had enslaved them for so long.
Furthermore, Godou not only sensed the feelings of the dead.
—Worrying about the intense thunderstorm and violent winds.
—Fear of the constant roaring of thunder started just now.
—Concerns of the giant shadow seen for an instant outside the window... That form of a monstrous dog, and doubting their own sanity.
— Within the typhoon, there appeared to be some kind of gang fight, and the feeling of being scared to death.
Even the feelings of the residents nearby could be felt clearly.
Godou originally thought that there would be very few people outside due to the weather and the strange happenings, but to think that there were so many people around here. This caused him to worry, because he wanted to keep collateral damage to a minimum.
Amongst the vortex of thoughts and feelings, Godou focused on those closer to him.
—The feelings of the girl who worried about Godou's body, and prayed for his safe return with all her heart.
—The heart of the noble maiden who risked all her courage to beg for Godou's victory.
After making contact with Yuri and Erica's hearts, power flowed out as if without limit. Within the body of the Campione, it was as if new life was infused, it would be too shameful to lose now!
"Grant me power! Grant me the power to defeat Voban!"
Godou shouted, his arm raised towards the sky.
At the same time, the sky was layered with the heavy thunderclouds summoned by Voban. There was no lack of weapons!
The sound of thunder. Lightning descended from the sky continuously.
Verethragna's ninth form was the [Goat]. This form allowed one to listen to the hearts of the people, and wield thunder as weapons.
The lightning summoned from the sky was captured just as it was about to explode in front of Godou, and gave off sparks.
The thunder that should have crashed upon the ground halted, and then began to gather.
The energy of light and heat was released all at once.
Faced with the wave of thunder and lightning swarming him like a turbulent flow, the old Campione exercised his own authorities, and through the exploding flashes of light, the two [Kings] vied for supremacy.
Intending to defeat the old man with thunder was Godou, while Voban was trying to push the thunder away.
Neither side was winning.
No, Godou had the advantage, and the rapid thunderstrike engulfed Voban.
However, the old man's body only received minor burns, and could endure longer. He was just barely able to avoid his vitals from being struck directly by the thunder and lightning that should have consumed him completely, bones and all.
"...Looks like you've created something that imitates a lightning rod, old man."
Godou laughed loudly, but he was counterattacked at that instant.
Mixed with raindrops a whirlwind swept over, forming a mini hurricane which swallowed Godou.
"By the power of the spell words, I sing the hymn to victory!"
Godou used Verethragna's hymn to raise his magical power.
Enduring the force of Voban's hurricane, Godou consumed his magical power. If it was Godou in the past, he would have been swept into the sky and dropped down to the ground forcefully.
However he was now able to escape the hurricane.
Similar to the way Voban defended against the lightning, just as Godou was engulfed by the wind, he struggled to maintain his form, not letting his feet hover more than a few dozen centimeters off the ground.
Magical power strengthened spells and authorities from afar.
After taking the [Goat]'s form, what used to be most difficult to control, could be performed much faster and more skillfully than before.
"You... That is a mage technique. To suddenly awaken such an ability, you really are a reckless fellow, there is neither rule nor reason to your authorities!"
"I really don't want to hear criticisms from someone like you!"
Godou replied unhappily to Voban's questioning.
Though they both realized that defeating the other was not an easy task, the two kings released lightning simultaneously.
In the red-hot battle of thunder, the intense but fruitless shooting match began.
Part 4
"The power to control lightning... Kusanagi Godou's authority is based on the powers of Verethragna's ten forms, right? So which form is it?"
"Ah? Amakasu-san!? You came?"
With the cessation of corpse activity, the battlefield had turned into a one on one duel between Godou and Voban.
Discovering the History Compilation Committee member who popped up suddenly, Yuri was caught by surprise.
"Yes, actually I was here watching from the start... Eh? This is a power not mentioned in the Greenwich report."
"Looks like it. This is also the first time for me to see it—probably it was a form awakened just now."
The one who answered was Erica. Liliana walked over to her side.
In the overly dangerous battle between [Kings], they had kept a safe distance, watching over Godou from afar.
Godou and Voban were firing electrical attacks at eac
h other in an intense battle.
Voban had more weapons, having rain and wind at his disposal in addition to lightning, but that was it. No matter what kind of attack he made, Godou was able to evade skillfully, and greater variety of weapons meant little.
On the other hand, every electrical attack Godou performed was dodged by the experienced Voban.
Though covered with burns and bruises, neither side could deliver a critical hit. They were simply firing cannons at each other in a fruitless battle of attrition.
"This should either be the [Youth] or the [Goat], because it controls thunder—"
"In that case, it must be the [Goat]. For some reason, that is what I feel."
Surprisingly, the last line was spoken by Liliana.
Though it sounded like random guessing, there was substantial confidence behind it. This left Yuri with a deep impression.
Unlike Amakasu or Erica who explained using knowledge, she used instinct to characterize the divine power. Though Liliana was Erica's fellow knight, she was likely the same type as Yuri—a witch with the disposition of a miko.
"Just like that lady said, it is the [Goat] form... The priestly ability in charge of people's hearts and holding the power of thunder."
So what were the characteristics of this form?
In the moment Godou's new power awakened, Yuri immediately understood with her spirit sense. The [Goat] form can be used as long as the people at that location wished to become part of his battle strength.
In terms of people—it was not exclusive to the living.
Collecting the thoughts and feelings of the dead to become energy, and granting Godou the divine power of thunder, was the anger and hatred left behind by the [Dead Servants], as well as their sorrow and pain.
This was likely a powerful form capable of rivaling the [Warrior], the [White Stallion] and the [Boar].
The horned [Goat], was a sacred beast symbolizing great magical power. It would not be too surprising if that form possessed magical power surpassing the strongest wizards and magi.
Since ancient times, [Horns] were the symbol of special magical power.
When priests and kings performed rituals in primitive religions, they would often wear hats or helmets featuring horns, and the purpose was to show that the wearer possessed power.
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