Campione 06

by Flying Phoenix of Divine Mountain

  Then it could get dangerous. Liliana Kranjcar was a maiden with a disposition towards delusion. Her ability to pursue dead end thoughts to the very end could be described as number one in the world. This kind of maiden loved to indulge in the fantasy of "doing things for the sake of her beloved."

  Her weakness lied in her unstable confidence.

  This newly surfaced mental crutch could very well support her against this weakness.

  Already a rare genius in mind, body and technique, plus martial arts rivaling Erica, and even a witch's disposition that Erica lacked. Liliana was unexpectedly capable in particular niches, and paid great attention to detail.

  It was only due to her weakness in mentality that allowed Erica to dominate her so easily all this time. However, if this strategy no longer worked... In any case, it would be best to just observe for now, intervening with strategy once the situation demanded a halt to Liliana's transformation. One must be well prepared first.

  Just as Erica contemplated, concerned over her old friend...

  The two of them had just passed through Futarasan Shrine's torii and were taking a small path towards Toushouguu... And they met a youth and a girl walking towards them.

  "Lu Yinghua... You really came to Japan."

  Erica quickly adjusted her thoughts. One of the two, was the young master of the Lu family from Hong Kong that she had not seen for two years.

  "How unexpected..."

  Also recognizing Erica, he seemed a little shocked, but immediately showed a likable smile.

  "It's been a while, Erica-neesan. What a coincidence for us to meet in such a place."

  Spoken extremely politely, but the expression was very stiff.

  One could feel the prejudice in his heart and his eyes looked quite dangerous.

  "The famed young hero Lu, it really has been quite some time. However, can you call this a coincidence? For the young master of Hong Kong's house of Lu and the Great Knight of the Copper Black Cross to meet at a Japanese tourist destination so easily by chance? One might think there would be some other factor other than coincidence."

  "Is that so? I'm completely stumped."

  In response to Erica's greeting, Lu Yinghua deliberately shrugged nonchalantly.

  "Though there were some disagreements in Hong Kong two years ago, let's consider it water under the bridge and forget those unpleasant memories."

  "An excellent suggestion... By the way, the one beside you, who may that be?"

  After the typical pleasantries, Erica looked at the young girl and asked:

  "How surprising for a misogynist like you to be strolling around with a girlfriend. Right, by the way, let me introduce my companion. She is Liliana Kranjcar -- Great Knight of the Bronze Black Cross, and my longtime friend."

  Introducing her as a friend. In the past, Liliana would surely have denied vehemently.

  However, this time she silently observed as things unfolded. Lu Yinghua's mere standing posture hinted at his true power. Preempting all kinds of emergencies, he had slowly released his power, and entered a stance-less style of preparedness.

  On the other hand, the vicious looking girl with the beautiful face beside him was no less alarming. Erica could suddenly feel the released magical power from her body, and she was likely a very powerful mage.

  It was impossible to judge from appearance the age of top level magi, especially females.

  Once a mage's magical power developed to the most skillful level, they obtain the ability to rejuvenate their bodies to a certain degree. In other words, they appear much younger than their real age. And this rejuvenation effect was much more potent for women than for men.

  "This is Asherah, though she is under my lead, she is not my girlfriend. Half a month ago, she was still in Los Angeles doing all kinds of things."

  Unsure of her origins, Lu Yinghua gave a simple introduction of his companion.

  "Liliana Kranjcar is a name I have heard before, a Great Knight on the same level as Erica-neesan, and serving the same [King], right?"

  Disparaging Erica and Liliana so naturally at the same time, Lu Yinghua still hadn't changed his unpleasant way with words.

  Ignoring the insult, the [Diavolo Rosso] nodded.

  "Yes, the one named Kusanagi Godou. You must have heard of him?"

  "Of course, he is the Rakshasa King as the seventh Campione, and the youngest devil king of the Far East. One day I hope to be honored by his presence... Is something I would never say. If possible, I wish to never meet people like him for the rest of my life."

  As Lu Yinghua chattered away tactlessly, the girl named Asherah began to complain.

  "Hey, Lu Yinghua, meeting them here must be due to the direction of ill fate. Before these girls get in our way, let's finish them off here right now?"

  An evil proposal of mockery. However, Erica did not change her expression.

  Liliana beside her was the same, though the atmosphere was tense from the very beginning.

  "Sis... The reason why you failed in Los Angeles, was because you like to pick fights with others without consideration of your opponent's personality. You've got to be more cautious, and use more diplomacy."

  "Hmph, after all no matter what, Her Eminence will find her way to the monkey king."

  Lu Yinghua couldn't help but sigh as Asherah answered in a sinister voice.

  "The warriors in this country are nothing to be feared."

  "--Her Eminence!? Cult Leader Luo Hao really came to Japan after all?!"

  The name that could not be ignored. Liliana questioned immediately.

  Erica also showed eyes of disdain.

  "I originally thought it impossible, but it came true after all... Doesn't she shut herself in the Mount Lu convent all day long and hate going out?"

  "Yes, it is true that my master dislikes going out, but she is also a master of Divine Traversal."

  Really, it's true, Lu Yinghua shook his head.

  "As long as she wills it, she can come and go anywhere in the world in an instant. For Daoist arts[63] to reach such unreasonable heights, it's incredible that I somehow don't admire her at all."

  The Art of Terrain Reduction -- Divine Traversal, was a Daoist art that allowed instantaneous travel. Erica had heard of it before.

  Using this Daoist art was normally costly in time and money for preparation. In the modern technological world, planes and trains were far more convenient. But just as Lu Yinghua said, if one could master this art, extremely costly in magical power, to be performed in an instant --

  She was a Campione, as well as the peerless practitioner of Daoist arts, and the martial artist who trained and nurtured such a disciple.

  Seeing the legendary demonic cult leader possess such monstrous capabilities, Erica took a deep breath.

  "Ah... Because summoning her made me lose consciousness three times, and I almost met my father in that other world. Come on, I'm not a sandbag..."

  Seeming like he was complaining about something, Lu Yinghua's glare suddenly became very sharp.

  A haughty and overbearing expression, it seemed much more lively than the stiff smiling face just now.

  "So, our two nee-sans here, why don't you calm down a bit. We are not planning on fighting you yet. The kings are still in Saitenguu for a summit meeting of the leaders. Let us decide what we're going to do after they come to a conclusion first!"

  Chapter 5 - Ruler of the Martial Realm, Commands the World

  Part 1

  At the stable in the Netherworld, the unexpected visitor bore eyes of disdain.

  "What a tragedy, for the heroic god of the lost age to have become so lowly and diminutive, like a domesticated animal... There should be limits to uselessness, please have some shame."

  "No, even if you call me an animal. It is just as you see, I am an animal from the very beginning."

  Severely admonished by the beautiful Cult Leader Luo Hao, the monkey divine monarch simply nodded, completely unfazed.

  That's right, he was a mon
key from the start. Just as Godou was thinking --

  "...Wakoku's king[64], are you thinking something disrespectful?"

  Eh! Godou received a stern stare from the cult leader.

  Godou was very shocked. Clearly he hadn't said a single word, but how were his thoughts known!?

  "Foolish, I, Luo Hao, have reached the pinnacle of martial arts, and I am the one called the Ruler of the Martial Realm. Your insolent thoughts are apparent from the change in facial expressions."

  Is that so? ...No, wait a minute.

  Impressed with her feat, Godou immediately began to ponder. In other words, she only guessed?

  No matter what, the other person was a Campione. Godou was initially scared that 'this woman can read minds!?' but it turned out to be something different.

  "Another disrespectful thought. What a shame, Wakoku's king sure lacks manners."

  Luo Hao quietly expressed her dissatisfaction.

  She was guessing after all, no, not exactly guessing but deducing the other's inner thoughts through the subtle change in expression. Even so, her sight was amazing.

  "If you weren't a [King] as my peer, I would absolutely not forgive your insolence, and you will surely be punished accordingly. However, as your senior along the same path of domination, I shall generously forgive you. Thank me well."

  "...Thank you very much."

  This person probably looked down on everyone with those eyes of despise.

  Every single Campione Godou has met turned out to be weirdos with various peculiarities. To avoid her judging himself as being rude, Godou was determined to maintain an expressionless poker face.

  "The same applies to those two miko there. Normally, anyone who lays eyes on my appearance has to be punished."

  Speaking dangerous words, Cult Leader Luo Hao gazed upon the miko sisters.

  Even the bold Hikari could only say "S-Sorry!" in fear, while Yuri suppressed her own trembling body and tightly held and protected her younger sister, replying "I-If we must be punished for our insolence, please cast all judgment upon me as the older sister!"

  The two have clearly lost their calm.

  It was likely the result of the icy oppressive presence born from Luo Hao's beauty and splendor.

  In truth, she was even more terrifying than Marquis Voban in certain ways. At least that elderly man had an intellectual facade which felt like a certain level of dialogue could be undertaken. But Luo Hao was different. In complete contrast, it felt like she would instantly order your beheading if you spoke out of line.

  "You miko must know your place, and restrain yourselves from addressing I, Luo Hao. Currently I am having a conversation with my peers, a [King] and a god, and have no intention of letting you in my sight."

  "S-Sorry."

  "Our utmost apologies, Your Eminence!"

  The declaration made with an inorganic voice, made the two sisters tremble incessantly.

  Cult Leader Luo Hao's words of reproach were not out of wrath, but fell under disinterest.

  "May I ask, if they are not allowed to look at you directly, how could they converse?"

  Though he expected some kind of unreasonable answer, Godou still felt like asking.

  "Someone of my stature obviously cannot have a direct conversation with commoners. Those who lay eyes on my body must gouge out their own eyes; those who hear my voice must cut off their ears in penance. But since there are extenuating circumstances right now, I will let it pass."

  "Don't talk like those emperors of the past! If you don't want to be seen, just cower behind a veil or a curtain!"

  Hearing her surprising answer, Godou could not help disapproving.

  But even more extreme twisted logic came out of the cult leader's mouth.

  "...You're called Kusanagi whatever, is that correct? King Kusanagi, your argument is mistaken. I am the martial pinnacle far surpassing all emperors, conquerors and generals of the past and present, oriental or occidental. Thus entitling me to enjoy prestige beyond the comparison of any other ruler. This is what is known as hierarchy."

  Uttered with the same natural tone of voice as one would say "gravity exists on earth," she expressed this most ridiculous point of view.

  These outrageous words completely killed off the sense of beauty and perfect cleverness displayed by Cult Leader Luo Hao.

  "So, if you say you are more amazing than any emperor or king in history, what evidence do you have?"

  "Obviously my authority and martial arts. Luo Cuilian can slaughter thousands of soldiers with a simple punch or kick, and slay tens of thousands with just a wave of a blade or a spear. Were I to display the true essence of martial arts, mighty armies of millions will be turned into mountains of corpses and rivers of blood. All lands will be wiped out, leaving nothing but mountains and rivers."

  "No! Could you think a little more along the lines of politics, economy or culture!"

  Godou needed to confirm just in case, but it really was as expected, perhaps she was even more dangerous than Doni or Voban? The previously known devil kings still maintained some manner of social life, but Cult Leader Luo Hao seemed to be an exception? A fellow with a completely abnormal outlook on life.

  Godou decided to change his current goal.

  Impossible to communicate with her normally, it would be better to discuss the current pressing concern.

  "Just now you said you were going to fight the monkey god? Let's ignore the matters of your sudden appearance and illegal trespassing for now. But please tell me, why?"

  "To exterminate this god."

  Cult Leader Luo Hao replied immediately.

  The monkey acted completely unconcerned, and maintained that cheerful smiling expression. Godou turned to face Luo Hao once again.

  "Clearly the hero of my country, but to be raised as a pet to play with the Japanese... His crimes are completely unforgivable. Knowing this kind of fellow exists, I, Luo Hao cannot allow him to live for it would be a taint to my honor. That is why from a long time ago, I have waited for the opportunity to carry out judgment."

  "Ah... So you came to Japan specifically for this reason?"

  Come to think of it, Sayanomiya Kaoru also mentioned he was a "troublesome god."

  It looked like things were very complicated, but Godou had no interest in the details. Deciding it was better not to know, Godou asked the monkey god:

  "So if that's the case, how about you guys duke it out right here? If it's the Netherworld, there shouldn't be any harm to the human world, right?"

  "Yes, you are thinking 'this way, it has nothing to do with me', it is completely obvious."

  Godou did not refute the monkey divine monarch's criticism.

  "Yes, that is completely right... But if you have a century-long grudge like this, it's not something I can interfere. As long as it doesn't affect human society, anyway you handle it is fine."

  "Though righteousness is a virtue, in a situation like this, I'd say you are tactless."

  "What does that have to do with anything!? Every time I'm forced to fight with gods and devil kings, I can't stand it!"

  Hearing Godou's objections, the monkey divine monarch stroked the fur on his chin.

  "The fellow who built this palace used wizardry to seal my divinity of violence. Thanks to that, a [Heretic God] became a monkey that only jokes around, however --"

  The monkey, who claimed to only joke around, gazed at Cult Leader Luo Hao with troublesome eyes.

  "This friend here, perhaps would like to restore my original nature for some reason. That would require satisfying some complicated conditions, but her sneaking in here is indicative of her preparedness... But let me remind you all, once I recover my heretical self, it is likely that I will return to the real world like a flash of lightning."

  "W-Why?"

  "There's no one here in the Netherworld, my heretical self would find it completely uninteresting. Whether playing practical jokes or causing trouble for others, it's only fun if there are the people of the world
as targets."

  In other words, protecting human society from the evil clutches of the monkey divine monarch meant getting in Cult Leader Luo Hao's way --

  Godou looked in shock at the transcendent beauty.

  The living legend who lacked both common sense and understanding of the mundane world. However, his instincts as a Campione warned him that she was very dangerous. As an opponent in battle, she likely belonged to the worst type...!

  "Despite your useless appearance, you are surprisingly self-aware. Then things are easy."

  As if commanding the world, Cult Leader Luo Hao made her declaration:

  "You shall be revived next, and I will dispel the curse of the [Keeper of the Horses]. Is that all?"

  "T-Then the reason that miko holds the treasure blade, was also your doing? That is why I felt it was strange, clearly there are no dragons here, but they brought that thing along."

  Looking at Zanryuutou[65] in Hikari's arms, the monkey divine monarch began to grumble.

  "There are three conditions to temporarily release the [Keeper of the Horses] spell that seals me in this place. First, the appearance of a dragon or snake deity, the enemy of my kind. Secondly, the treasure blade that cuts and weakens spells. Third of all, a disaster purification capable Hime-Miko must wield the treasure blade to use spirit powers."

  In other words, Zanryuutou was a treasure that should only be used in crisis situations?

  Godou began to agitate, could the Kuhoudzuka gentleman be in cahoots with the cult leader? Or was he being threatened...

  "Preparing a dragon or a snake deity is the most troublesome -- However, someone happened to offer herself as a sacrifice, so it's resolved. Despite my unparalleled might, capturing a god alive still poses a challenge. Originally, I had already prepared myself to give up on another chance to fight you."

  Magical power suddenly increased.

  The demonic cult leader's body suddenly released vast amounts of magical power.

  Godou could tell that she did not activate an authority. Otherwise, his skin would be able to sense danger, just like the time when he witnessed Marquis Voban's authority.