The deer, the bull, as well as the goat.
The majority of worshiped sacred beasts all had horns. These are remnants of ancient religion faiths.
"Now that it is mentioned, the nomadic Indo-European tribes are thought to have made analogies comparing the goat to lightning in the sky. The famous god of the heavens, Zeus, is also intimately linked to the [Goat], and there are similarities between it and the legend of the [Horse] carrying the sun. The [Goat] which became lightning was also increasingly promoted as a sacred beast by the Indo-European language family in many places on the continent... So that's why it has that kind of power."
Amakasu looked very happy as usual while he spouted information about Verethragna.
Very interested, Amakasu asked the unsuspecting Yuri.
"As for Kusanagi Godou's authority, there are conditions of use, right? What is it this time that allowed the [Goat] to be used, Yuri-san?"
"That is—"
Just as Yuri was about to answer...
She felt a chill, and stopped herself from uttering the words in her mouth. Though she had doubt from the beginning, she understood instantly. Behind Amakasu, Erica was staring at her, and her eyes were giving a warning.
It was neither sinister nor cold.
However, it was very stern, and contained an unforgiving will. Yuri realized that the conditions of using the ten forms was extremely important information for Godou.
Killing him would not be hard if one had such information in detail.
Of course Amakasu knew this, so for him to deliberately ask such a question, it was natural for Erica to be glaring with full murderous intent that seemed to threaten "I will shut you up if you say something unnecessary."
"...No. About this, I am very sorry that even I do not know."
Not because Erica was frightening.
But because she understood Erica's concerns, Yuri lied.
Kusanagi Godou was still inexperienced with protecting himself from types of malevolence other than violence. In order to keep him safe, she still needed to work extra hard. Was that it?
Satisfied with Yuri's course of action, Erica put away her glare.
"Then nothing can be done about it. Don't worry... yes?"
Feeling disappointed, Amakasu suddenly narrowed his eyes in surprise.
"What is it, Amakasu-san?"
"Nothing, for some reason my body suddenly had a tired feeling... Anyway, Yuri-san are you ok!?"
Knees losing strength, Yuri's body was starting to shake. She had to put all her effort to stand still and stop her shaking legs.
It couldn't be helped, as the body felt like its strength was being sucked away. Even standing up was very difficult.
—Observing closely, Amakasu also seemed to be in the same state. Despite the darkness of the night, it was clear his face did not look well. However, Erica and Liliana were unaffected, and with incredulous eyes, were watching the two people who were losing strength.
Yuri instinctively felt that both their—no, it was likely the life force of everyone in the surroundings, were being gathered at one spot. They were converging at Kusanagi Godou who started releasing thunder to fight a while ago.
This was the [Goat]'s power, no, side effect.
This form was not only the will of the people, but also absorbed their life force and converted it into Godou's power! If Erica and Liliana were fine, it was probably because their original stamina was far beyond ordinary humans.
It was still bearable, but if it continued it might become life threatening.
"...Uh, because this is a form wielding such great power, it comes with a corresponding price? Aya, I really give up."
"Though every time is like this, but Kusanagi Godou's authority is simply full of these inconvenient powers..."
As Yuri explained, Amakasu honestly expressed his annoyance in a rare moment.
Even Erica's eyes were popping out from surprise.
However, Liliana remained optimistic.
"Though that is true, to be able to reach this level and pay such a price is also the privilege of those who are [Kings]. Kusanagi Godou, looks like he turned out to be more capable than I imagined."
She was watching the place where Godou and Voban were having an intense battle of thunder.
The two [Kings] who possessed ultimate resistance against magical power, were turning their own magical power into lightning to attack each other. Even for a Great Knight like Liliana, it was too dangerous to approach and they did not dare venture forward.
They could only watch over from the side—
"Feeling people's hearts and forming a new ability... Though it is difficult to accept his weakness in succumbing to Erica's temptation, he does have a serious side. I am slightly impressed."
Liliana showed a relaxed smile.
A fairy-like beauty with an awe-inspiring flair, this was a knight's smile.
Like Yuri, her miko disposition felt it, that Godou sensed the hearts of the [Dead Servants] which caused the [Goat] form to awaken.
"Erica! Though the battle is even for now, by my estimates, it will inevitably sway in the Marquis' favor. When that happens, you and I will support the king, are you prepared?"
"Who are you talking to? That was exactly what I was going to say, Lily!"
The two knights picked up their beloved magic swords and started bickering.
At that moment, a strange feeling came over Yuri.
—Liliana Kranjcar, a girl whose named sounded like it came from an eastern European country, was standing most naturally with Erica. Red and blue, the twin Great Knights guarding the same king. This description appeared in Yuri's mind without thought.
Noticing Yuri's gaze, Liliana felt strange and asked.
"What is it, Mariya Yuri? Did you finally remember who I am?"
"Eh? Did we meet before?"
"Forget it, if you do not remember, it is fine. It was just a single encounter, so I sort of know you—uh, now is not the time for this kind of chat."
Liliana watched the battlefield with a serious expression once more.
As she predicted, the tides of battle were slowly shifting, and in Voban's favor—
Even in a fight between powerful supernatural entities, stalemates occurred occasionally.
As long as it was more advantageous to defend than to attack, these situations were likely to arise. This was the case with Godou and Voban.
What should have been an instant kill attack was ineffective against both sides. This resulted in stalemate.
However, if the fight dragged on, the battle would sway towards the stronger side. From Voban's expression, Godou subconsciously felt that things were not going his way.
Different from the usual poker face of that old man.
When using his most powerful divine power, Voban abandoned his facade of the old intellectual gentleman, and let his emotions enter a state of madness, roaring with laughter.
Just like when he transformed into the giant silver wolf.
A warrior since birth, though he had aged, his wild side was not lost. A man like a beast, this was the true nature of Dejanstahl Voban that Godou instantly saw clearly.
This man was releasing slow-moving thunderstrikes with a calm expression a while ago.
However, the sky was gathering a frightening amount of heavy thunderclouds. Godou felt difficulty breathing. This was the effect of Voban raising his authority of storms to the maximum.
To think he had the leisure to do that while engaged in a shooting match with Godou.
The strongest violet lightning, this was in preparation for releasing electricity from his entire body.
Godou did not have extra strength to do the same, it was already taking his all to maintain the stalemate.
—This was the difference in power.
The old king and Campione who fought continually over the past three centuries, and the immature one who just debuted. There was an unbridgeable gap between their power levels.
; "Boy, I should thank you. To be able to fight to this level, it has really comforted my weary and boring days. Though a little brief, but let me enjoy this!"
Voban smiled.
A grandiose declaration of his victory.
Just as he said, he still had many cards up his sleeve, but up to now he only focused on using the same thunder attack. This was his way of proving his superiority over Godou in the use of thunder.
Anxiety invaded Godou's heart.
If this continued, he will definitely lose.
If he was hit by the full strength lightning attack from a devil king of Voban's level, Godou had no confidence in his own safety. However, there was still another weapon against the old man—
At some point, both sides stopped using lightning.
Voban was preparing for the final strongest attack, while Godou realized continuing to attack was meaningless.
"Godou, you haven't forgotten me, right? Please let your knight Erica Blandelli have a chance to be active. I am your sword and shield. No matter where, we must fight together."
To the right of the troubled Godou appeared a knight dressed in red and black.
Holding Cuore di Leone tightly in her hand, Erica Blandelli stood together with Godou.
"Kusanagi Godou, though I have no wish of spending the rest of my life with you, but at this point in time, I am also your knight. Before the battle ends, let me accompany you."
On his left, appeared the knight dressed in blue and black.
Holding the silver Il Maestro, Liliana Kranjcar stood upright on the left.
"This is too dangerous for you two to be here! Please leave now!"
Godou roared with surprise at the two of them, but their responses were cold.
"It may be as you say, however—if Erica and I create a barrier to assist the magical power of you, the Campione, then it may be possible to defend against Voban's full powered attack. Now is the time to make a gamble."
"Though it might fail, but it's worth a try."
Liliana and Erica had no intention of retreating, and though their concern was gratifying, they clearly lacked careful consideration.
Just as Godou was about to yell with all his strength.
...! ...! ...! ...! ...! Noises were heard.
As Godou's gaze met with Liliana beside him, she silently nodded.
"Like Yuri, Lily can see things that normally cannot be seen, and hear what normally cannot be heard. A true and proper witch who possesses a miko's disposition. So long as she says we have a shred of a chance for victory, it is worth taking the gamble. —Godou, let us fight alongside you."
Erica said sincerely.
Since she said it, Godou could only accept that he was not alone. If he actually fought just by himself, that old man is definitely undefeatable. In that case—
"...If this fails, then I will go to hell in place of the two of you."
"Don't say something stupid. If we fail, we go together, right? To me, that would be preferable."
Erica and Liliana nodded.
Their smiles looked very gentle.
Thinking back, he had been troubling this girl all this time, though she had also brought trouble to him, so they were even.
Of course, perhaps Erica and I might actually be great partners.
As Godou confirmed once again what had been vague thoughts, he glared at Voban.
The old Devil King raised his arm towards the sky and was about to make a downwards gesture.
It began to rain once more.
At the same time, it came. Crashing through the thunder clouds, tearing through the skies, the extremely bright flash finally descending towards the ground, without a doubt this was the strongest thunderstrike seen this day.
—As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. All enemies, all who harbor enmity, will be vanquished!
Godou consumed Verethragna's divine power to the highest degree, and prayed hard that the thunder descending upon him will miss its mark.
Erica and Liliana then used barrier magic to create an invisible shield, as if helping this force of will meld together with magical power—but it was not enough.
To repel the fully energized strongest electrical attack, the power of three people was not enough.
Certain of his victory, the old Campione laughed heartily.
And so, Godou began to pray for himself to get even stronger—give me power, lend me power!
I am willing.
Hearing the answer, Godou nodded.
Neither a lone person nor merely three people. In fact, all those gathered present were Voban's enemies and they lent Godou their power.
How could he lose now!?
—Turning to dust and returning to the earth, these [Dead Servants] lingered here as souls.
They appeared out of the darkness once again, returning above ground in their corpse form.
"—What! How can it be the servants!?"
Voban's eyes were wide with surprise.
However, it was too late. Voban had underestimated their existence.
Fueled by their anger and hatred towards the old king, these revived servants numbered in the dozens.
The majority of these were magi when alive, and amongst them were masters of their craft equal to Erica and Liliana. They also melded their powers with Godou's magic.
Godou's magical power was able to resist Voban's thunder, and gradually expanded as if it was going to burst.
—Finally, the extremely powerful lightning changed its trajectory.
The wrath of the thunder god which should have consumed Godou, Erica and Liliana, strayed from its target, and raced towards the massive metal tower nearby!
Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble !!
It was the loudest sound of thunder today.
Hit by violet lightning, the Tokyo Tower began to light on fire.
In spite of the wind and rain, the flames illuminated the ground, and under the yellow glow, made visible Dejanstahl Voban's face that was distorted with rage.
"—Lightning."
Looking at the sky, Godou whispered the spell words.
"O lightning! O lightning! I am the conqueror who vanquished a thousand with a hundred, vanquished ten thousand with a thousand, and vanquished tens of thousands with ten thousand. Now for the sake of I who stand on the side of justice, release bright and shining brilliance, and grant me divine power!"
Thunderclouds groaned in response to his cries.
Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble—
A frightful rumbling sound descended from the sky, and in the instant the top level lightning was released, the sky shook, the ground trembled, echoing the sound of the divine realm.
Godou originally did not have the power to control this type of lightning.
However, since there were the thunderclouds gathered by Voban, it was different if one suddenly attacked at the moment he relaxed his guard.
Having barely evaded the critical hit released by the old king, Godou yelled with all his strength and released all his magical power.
In order to obtain the power to rule over the gathered thunderclouds, Godou immediately spoke the spell words to master them, infusing the full power of the [Goat] form.
(In that instant, everyone within a one kilometer radius of the Tokyo Tower had part of their life force taken, and fell unconscious as if afflicted with anemia. Godou only found out much later.)
To Voban who focused everything in the attack, though it was a moment, but this could distract his concentration.
"Hmm, damn brat! These are the actions of a thief!"
In order to take back his domination over the thunderclouds, Voban directed his consciousness towards the air.
However it was too late, if Godou attacked before he succeeded, he would not have enough time—
"Man and devil—I shall smash thro
ugh all enemies in my way!"
Powerful golden lighting descended towards the ground again.
In fact, it was slightly more powerful than Voban's thunderstrike less than a minute ago.
Part 5
The white smoke that covered the surroundings of the old Campione finally dissipated.
Even though Godou used all his strength and attacked him with a powerful thunderstrike, Voban was not vanquished. Truly, three centuries difference of experience was not just for decoration.
—However, it was enough to exhaust him to his limits.
The old man was struggling to prepare his defenses to receive the next lightning strike, he took his [Sturm und Drang]—and invoked all the power from this authority which ruled the wind, rain, thunder and lightning, causing the electric strike to deviate from its target.
Erica and Liliana both threw their magic swords like spears.
In order to dodge the deadly weapons, the old king lost his concentration and was engulfed by the thunderstrike like a tidal wave, burning to nothing.
However, after that.
The spot where Voban stood seemed to be gathering a mound of sand—no, it's dust—slowly rising and forming the shape of a man, finally recreating the old Marquis' intellectual appearance.
Was this a hidden trump card of this fellow?
Resurrecting just like his own [Ram], Voban has used an authority to evade unavoidable death. Godou could not help but feel nervous.
"Let's start the third round, boy?"
"If that's what you want, let's have two or three more, I will be your opponent until the very end."
The revival just now seemed to have taken a heavy toll on Voban.
His breathing was irregular, magical power was clearly much lower. Godou felt this, and prepared to force his own tired body to summon more lightning.
They were now equal, and victory could go either way!
Behind the two Campiones facing each other, Tokyo Tower was burning up most spectacularly.
Godou's last attack not only struck Voban, it also gave the Tower a final hit. The three hundred meter tall structure of steel was now burning like a giant torch.
The turbulent night had not ended yet, how much more will this city be damaged?
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