Campione 06

by Flying Phoenix of Divine Mountain

  But currently, there was a child standing on a beach on that island.

  She was clearly not Japanese, but a young and beautiful Caucasian girl aged roughly twelve or thirteen.

  The elegant curving curls of her blonde hair, adorned the extremely proper and beautiful face.

  It was like a classic doll crafted as a supreme doll maker's masterpiece of a lifetime.

  If that was an adequate description, the beauty of late childhood suited her quite well in tandem with the seductiveness of the black formal dress she was wearing.

  "Welcome, Your Eminence. I, Guinevere, pay my sincere respects."

  The beautiful young girl suddenly knelt on the beach, murmuring to herself.

  There was no one in the direction she bowed her head towards, only the vast ocean connected to the Pacific.

  However, a voice could be heard in response.

  "Divine Ancestor, please dispense with the formalities. Let's skip the boring manners and get to the point."

  A beautiful voice that reminded one of the yueqin[10] instrument, this voice came from amongst the waves.

  Nearby the seawater gathered together gradually, forming the figure of a woman.

  "The content of the report you sent to the Mount Lu[11] convent was enough to pique my curiosity. So I command you, if you wish to hand over the dying [Heretic Snake] to me, better be quick, everything starts here."

  The growl of the lion and the roar of the tiger. This beautiful voice carried the same majesty as the kings of the beasts.

  The seawater had now shaped itself into a transcendent beauty.

  With a face as proper as precious jade, a standing posture akin to mimosa, and braided black hair that rivaled silk, she appeared to be seventeen or eighteen in age.

  Clad in female Han Chinese clothing[12], this was the figure of the girl standing calmly amongst the waves.

  "Understood, Your Eminence -- come, Asherah."

  The girl named Guinevere lightly called to the sea.

  Beyond the girl referred to as "Your Eminence," the sea responded. Wash... Wash... The waves bobbed up and down. After a few minutes, a third female appeared.

  The waves carried her body, lifting her onto the beach of Yami Island.

  She turned out to be the witch called Divine Ancestor Asherah at Los Angeles.

  Covered with wounds, there were numerous red and black wounds all over the immature body.

  In her current state, Asherah could only pant facing the sky while the waves broke over her.

  The ferocious appearance of the evil witch was no longer. Completely worn down and drained by the icy coldness of the seawater, her face was like a dead person's.

  "...I see, this is definitely the kin of the divine ancestor. Furthermore, the divine power hanging around her body... the seal of the dragon snake has been broken."

  "Yes, in order to fight Your Eminence's peer -- John Pluto Smith-sama, there was no other choice."

  Guinevere answered respectfully to the beauty looking down at the dying witch.

  "Such a name exists amongst the ones who share the name of [King] with me?"

  "Yes, the [King] who arose in the New World, Your Eminence Luo Hao."

  Family name of Luo, given name of Cuilian, style name[13] of Hao. This was the name of the beauty.

  Hearing Guinevere's explanation, Luo Hao only nodded.

  It had been two hundred years since she usurped divine authority. During this time, she did not investigate any of her newborn peers, nor did she have any interest in doing so. At most, she might remember their name.

  Luo Cuilian was the one and only person in the universe, one who had reached the pinnacle of martial power, having attained the level of seeking defeat but never finding it.

  Unconcerned with displaying her splendor to others, such trivial matters completely failed to cross her mind.

  "These appear to be burns from the fires of purgatory. From the looks of it, that John whatever shouldn't have committed the stupid mistake of failing to give her a finishing blow. Truly a feat for this girl to survive till now. Did you play a hand in this?"

  Carefully examining Asherah's body, Luo Hao questioned Guinevere.

  The scorched and burned body of the snake demon. Carved upon the body of the witch were red, black and pus-filled wounds of indiscernible nature. To be able to deduce what transpired during the fight simply from these clues -- such were the extraordinary levels of Luo Hao's observation.

  "Precisely, she should have become a carcass a long time ago, returning to the motherly embrace of this vast ocean, and begun a new journey through the cycle of reincarnation... But I shared a little of my life with her."

  Guinevere maintained her posture of prostration as she replied.

  Never making eye contact with Luo Hao, it was the required etiquette for receiving a supreme queen.

  "As long as Asherah is kept alive, then that hero, who is your destined rival, will surely awaken."

  "Are you offering your kin to me? Very well, speak your wish."

  The solemn and beautiful eyes turned to the young beauty.

  "I, Luo Hao, am not one of those fools who forget the meaning of shamelessness. I shall never be parsimonious with the rewards for those who have earned merit or offered things of value. Let me bestow the reward of your choosing."

  Never suspecting the treachery of those who made offerings, nor wary of ulterior ambitions or motives, because those were actions beneath a king's stature.

  If there was a trap, smash it with the fist. If there was a conspiracy, sever it with the sword. If there was a rebellion, crush it with royal majesty.

  These were kingly ways of the one at the pinnacle of martial power. Precisely due to this self-confidence, such an edict was naturally decreed.

  "--None, I have no wish to ask anything of you."

  Towards Guinevere's response, Luo Hao frowned with displeasure.

  But after hearing her following response, the oriental devil king's lips lifted.

  "If that hero of [Steel] revives, then the great one will surely seek Your Eminence for a duel. If the great hero wins, the new event I wish for will occur."

  Watching the young girl speak, the corners of the transcendent beauty's lips rose slightly, for that was how she smiled.

  "If it turns out to be the victory of Your Eminence, that proves the hero is not the one I await. No matter which outcome, neither is disagreeable for me."

  "In the struggle between me and that one, you will benefit regardless -- that is what you are implying."

  Cult Leader Luo Hao smiled beautifully.

  "Fine, you do not seek a direct reward from me, but plan on profiting by using me... Your courage is commendable. I, Luo Cuilian, appreciate this kind of reply."

  "Your Eminence is too kind."

  Guinevere was prostrating herself respectfully without any sense of servility. Luo Hao gave her a casual glance then spoke in acute tones:

  "Divine Ancestor Guinevere. Now, go transport Asherah to Japan and I shall send my subordinates over there. Make sure they complete all preparations before my arrival."

  "Your subordinates... In other words, someone from the Holy Cult will be accompanying Asherah?"

  The Holy Cult of the Five Mountains that worshiped their leader Luo Hao as their idol, was called the demonic cult by European magi. Roughly thirty percent of all heroes[14] trained in Chinese martial arts and practitioners of Daoist arts[15] were members of this cult, and swore absolute allegiance to the Cult Leader.

  "Yes, whether this girl will be usable after all... That is also a huge question."

  "Having broken the seal of the dragon snake, you won't last for long. Estimating from now -- probably a month or so... Asherah, are you willing to accept this?"

  Asherah got up slowly in order to respond to Luo Hao's questioning.

  Slowly raising her upper torso, she showed a happy smile. This evil smile gave off the same feeling as the vicious countenance she bore back in Los Angeles.
>
  "So be it, have this divine ancestor transported to Japan, and use her as the sacrifice. My fated rival must be revived."

  It was the California Current[16] that had brought Asherah over from Los Angeles. After leaving it and entering the South China Sea, the Kuroshio Current[17] would carry her to the Bousou Peninsula[18] of Japan.

  Once Guinevere accepted the royal edict, Luo Hao's figure immediately dissolved in the seawater.

  The actual residence of the beautiful cult leader, was located at Mount Lu in the Chinese province of Jiangxi.

  She lived in a little convent deep in the mountains. She never left this place unless there were important matters to attend personally. All the dialogues undertaken with the witch so far, were undertaken through Luo Hao's doppelgängers sent over locally.

  Practitioners of Daoist arts were called Daoist priests. A female practitioner was commonly called a Daoist priestess.

  Luo Cuilian was the world's premier unmatched martial artist, and at the same time, a Daoist priestess. Amongst the seven Campiones, she was a complete demon that rivaled Marquis Voban of Eastern Europe.

  This scene that just unfolded, laid the foundations for the eventual encounter between the great Demonic Cult Leader and Kusanagi Godou.

  Part 2

  The origins of the Witenagemot[19] could be described as a gathering of meddlesome busybodies.

  People deeply involved in magic like magi, occultists, fairy doctors and others.

  Or those who were just short of being experts, such as ordinary scholars, marketplace researchers, Catholic priests, Protestant preachers, monks, Shinto priests, artists, capitalists, nobles, royalty, imperial families --

  Gathering together for the exchange of information, this organization was created by those with ambition and desire, as well as the wealth to support their will. As wisdom accumulated in this organization, its influence expanded, and it established its headquarters at Greenwich in London.

  This was the modern Witenagemot.

  The chief organization to promote and support occult studies and the research of magic.

  As well as the organization for gathering intelligence on gods and Campiones, so as to respond as quickly as possible to the disasters brought by their descent.

  Hampstead was the prestigious high class residential area in London.

  In a corner of Hampstead was a mansion with an appearance like an ancient castle. Having wide open gardens, a four-story building, as well as four towers... Such was its grandeur.

  Concentrated in this area were many other similarly grand looking mansions, so this particular one didn't stand out very much. However, the master of this house was a single lady. All other residents were her servants... That particular point was rather unusual.

  The daughter of Duke Goddodin, Alice Louise of Navarre.

  Popularly known as Princess Alice, she was the former spokesperson of the Witenagemot, and now a special consultant.

  This was the title of the mansion's owner, who was now happily admiring the scenery in the garden under the sun, a scarf around her shoulders as she sat on the reclining chair.

  The twenty-four-year-old daughter of the duke had many outstanding qualities.

  If one were to start with her appearance, she possessed brilliant blonde hair the color of platinum, beauty that had been praised since childhood, an outstanding figure and much more, but she was currently using one of her internal talents.

  She concentrated her mind, extending sensory tendrils.

  Beginning first with her immediate surroundings, then covering the entire house, finally extending outwards --

  It was just as her dream foretold last night. Alice spoke to the maid beside her:

  "Could you brew me some tea? No, don't bother with mine, just bring it over when the guest arrives, it's just for him."

  "U-Understood, Princess."

  Princess Alice rarely ate outside. The new maid, who had yet to learn of her habits, could only follow her strange orders with puzzlement as she took out the teaware.

  Before she was ready, the guest arrived.

  "It's been a while, Alexandre, tea is being prepared for you. Please wait a moment."

  The uninvited guest was her confidant she had known for ten years.

  Towards the young man strolling casually along the garden path, Alice called to him as if playing a practical joke.

  "No, not necessary. I'm not thirsty at all. I don't think you are planning on having tea either, so spare the hassle."

  The approaching youth answered coldly.

  His elegant features were stuck on a poker face, and lacking in affability. However, he did not seem to be in particularly bad mood, for this was his usual expression. Lacking in friendliness, but instilled with an air of intellect and strong will.

  Black hair and pale white complexion. Very tall with a solidly built body. Wearing a grey jacket, the description of noble gentleman was very apt.

  To avoid their conversation from being overheard, Alice dismissed her maids.

  "No one is around, right? Confirm it with that voyeur ability of yours."

  "What a way to describe things, totally lacking in elegance. Please adhere to our convention of calling it psychic sensing, though talking to you about the importance of lingual aesthetics would be like casting pearls before swine."

  Eliminating all unnecessary thoughts, and focusing her attention to explore the presence, emotions, and even the thoughts of others. Then interacting with the root of consciousness -- the ectoplasm and the soul, to skillfully and flexibly manipulate it, this was the technique of psychic sensing.

  The unique talent of Princess Alice, was known to everyone in the organization.

  Only an extremely rare number of miko or witches had this ability, a very exotic variant of spirit power. But against someone with absolute resistance against magic and spirit powers like him, his mind could not be read. Simply sensing his terrifying demonic presence was extremely exhausting.

  "Hmph, you are always doing unspeakable things in the dark, for you to be that concerned with superficial matters, what a crafty female fox."

  "How dare you, true to your recidivist trespassing tendencies, to use such a crude description on a lady, the title of prince must be weeping."

  The first time they met was twelve years ago, when Alice was twelve and he was sixteen.

  From that moment on, the two often quarreled in this manner.

  Though they were now adults, Alexandre's poker face was exactly the same as before, completely unconcerned with how others viewed him, and never changing his habit of intruding into the homes of young ladies by force.

  "Then could you not use this kind of substitute body?"

  Suddenly glared at by him, Alice shifted her gaze and pretended not to hear.

  "To be called a princess, how could you receive your subjects with a fake? Whether the other party is a friend or a subject, if you don't show your true self to those loyal to you, how could you call yourself a member of royalty or nobility?"

  Spark spark. Blue-white sparks jumped out from around Alexandre.

  Completely covered with lightning, he entered the world of god speed faster than anyone else, for this was his authority. The magical power of the speeding star named [Black Lightning] by Alice and the Witenagemot.

  Alexandre disappeared before the eyes of the one he called a substitute body.

  After activating this authority, his location was very difficult to pinpoint, even for Princess Alice who possessed supernatural vision.

  Alexandre Gascoigne, the one whose nickname was more infamous than his real name.

  The black nobleman who usurped the authority of divine speed from Ramiel[20], the fallen angel ruling over visions and thunder.

  His home country was the stronghold of the Witenagemot, which took precautions against all Campiones including himself. A man who enjoyed watching their fear of him, he was the one responsible for the hushed up attack incident of the British Library, as w
ell as various conflicts during the nineteen nineties when the European magi community was in turmoil over a magical grail.

  He was the Black Prince Alec.

  The eternal rival of the [White Miko-Hime] Princess Alice revered by the Witenagemot.

  "Your body is the same as always, riddled all over with illness."

  In the bedroom on the fourth floor of the mansion that was strictly off limits to all but a few select servants, Princess Alice was lying on the luxurious bed in her lady-like night gown.

  The Black Prince casually strolled through the entrance into this sacred domain.

  "Your lack of tact is the one thing that has never changed, would you like to take some lessons in social etiquette from me?"

  Alice responded in elegant tones, but she was using a mouth conjured using ectoplasm near her pillow to speak. Her actual body was still lying asleep on the bed in her night gown.

  "Could you not enter a lady's chambers so readily every single time?"

  "If you don't like it, put up more guards. I don't care."

  Alec answered her reproach with disinterest.

  In actual fact, Alice had no real intention of preventing his entry. If she had such a wish, she would have set up appropriate measures beforehand. After all, Black Prince Alec was the political enemy of the Witenagemot no matter what.

  Opposing him with power was destined to end in failure no matter how events unfolded.

  As a Campione, Alec could destroy the Witenagemot by himself if he wanted to.

  Which was why he was allowed to associate with whoever he liked without any interference. Opposing the Black Prince required a multilateral approach of political machinations, strategy and negotiations, as well as military force and economic measures. This was the precious wisdom acquired by Alice over the long term struggle against him.

  "Fine, today I welcome you, Alexandre."

  Alice dispelled the ectoplasm replicating her appearance.

  Now only the true Princess Alice remained, lying on the bed. Opening her eyes, she slowly got up, but her weak and frail body was not as easy to control as ectoplasm.

  Simply moving the light down blanket felt very arduous, and Alec suddenly drew near her.