"Erica aside, I never knew that Mariya had quite a strong-willed side to her."
"M-Me, do I really seem strong-willed to you?"
Yuri murmured while smiling with a slightly delighted expression.
Godou's careless comment seemed to have pleased the dignified Yamato Nadeshiko. While Godou was baffled by the reason, Erica mocked sarcastically.
"What an idiot you are, Godou. Getting along with someone like Godou would surely require Yuri to harbor a resolute will of iron somewhere in the depths of her heart. It's something one would acquire and develop after staying by your side for so long."
"I-I see..."
Recalling his various instances of unruly conduct, Godou expressed understanding while Yuri smiled wryly with a troubled expression.
While they conversed on a variety of topics, the rain had stopped before they knew it. The sky was clear and sunny once more.
Due to the rain just now, the air temperature had cooled somewhat, giving a cooler refreshing feeling. Godou and Yuri continued to follow Erica, making their way to a certain market.
In actual fact, they had already visited this place once already before taking the break at the open-air cafe.
At the time, it was simply an empty clearing. But now, an hour later, tents had been raised all over the place, with little stands and open-air stalls lined in rows side by side.
Everyday sundries, vegetables, fruits and various wares were being sold.
However, most eye-catching of all was the seafood. There were not only species commonly sold in Tokyo such as horse mackerel, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, squid, but also colorful fishes unique to the South Seas like the yellowback fusilier.
Glancing at these shops as they made their way, Erica finally stopped before a certain tent.
This was a vendor selling everyday sundries. In the depths of the store was a petite old lady, dressed modestly in a white shirt with a black skirt. She had the lightly tanned skin tones of ethnic Malays. Alone by herself, she was sitting in a folding chair.
Based on appearance, she seemed like a friendly "old granny."
However, she was actually the "person of influence" that Erica had mentioned earlier. So she was the fortune teller and wizard who acted as the leader of pickpockets, thieves and pirates in the area?
"Your Majesty, arriving from distant lands, a cordial welcome to you."
The influential old lady greeted Godou using broken English.
Then she clapped her hands together and bowed slowly towards Godou as one would pay respects to a Buddha statue.
Part 2
Two days earlier at Cape Inubou, Amakasu was explaining about the divine beasts' stronghold.
'The South Seas is a region of the ocean containing over a hundred islands of various sizes, located west of the Philippines and northwest of Borneo. These islands came in all sorts, with some uninhabited, some with resort hotels built on them, while some housed military installations of the various surrounding countries."
Amakasu sighed as he spoke.
'Reportedly, on the largest uninhabited island of them all, mysterious giant creatures suddenly appeared several days ago... Yes, those two divine beasts, the snake and the strange bird that came all the way over to Japan last night to cause a commotion."
'They are already confirmed to have returned to the island in the South China Sea after their defeat at Kusanagi-san's hands. It really reminds me of those monster movies from the Shouwa era, this monster island appearing in Southeast Asian seas...'
Although the tone of Amakasu's report was frivolous, there was little joking in the content.
Hence, Godou and his group traveled to Kota Kinabalu to deal with the problematic island. Using this city as a staging ground, they first investigated the island's state of affairs—
And now in a Kota Kinabalu market, they were currently meeting a representative of the local wizardry scene.
"We cannot express our utmost gratitude well enough for Your Majesty's express visit..."
"D-Don't mention it. I intend to investigate the island's situation to get a clear idea first."
Godou began to get flustered because the influential old lady kept bowing repeatedly with her hands together to show her gratitude.
Rather than a king, it was more like being treated as a Buddha. This was quite a difference in treatment compared to other people Godou had encountered who were involved in the field.
"I will prepare ships immediately. But our utmost apologies... Though the island surfaced three years ago, we know very little about it..."
As the old lady explained in an unhurried fashion, Godou was baffled by the mentioning of "three years."
"Oh my, it was on a certain day three years ago, when that island had surfaced on the sea by the time we noticed. It was a place that was originally empty sea. Thus abruptly did it appear. The island has mountains and forests. For such a rather normal-looking island to suddenly emerge, the fishermen, the pirates and the navy were all greatly surprised."
Godou threw a glance at his companion. Erica nodded in response.
She apparently knew already but had kept it to herself for some reason.
"And the very strange thing was, once anyone lands on the island, they could not get out..."
"Not get out?"
"According to our members who have set foot on the island, they naturally got lost in the middle of walking around. Then for a good many days, they were disoriented along their way to the beach. Only the lucky ones reached the ship to return from the island..."
Godou recalled someone he knew.
Why would that guy be involved in this incident—? He looked at Erica again to find her with an expression as if she wanted to say something. "Indeed this is the case" was what she seemed to be saying.
"It is an island that did not exist in this country before. Hence, no local sailor will approach it. Only people like us are privy to this knowledge..."
This island was not recorded on any maps or marine atlases, huh. As Godou nodded, the old lady put her hands together again and knelt in worship.
"We would be most grateful if Your Majesty could be so kind as to head to the island for a look. Please, we are counting on you."
"Granny, may we have a look at the object?"
Erica interjected.
"The object... Ah yes, the thing that drifted to a nearby beach three years ago, shortly after the island appeared. I believe it should be related to some particular god..."
The old lady stood up and began to search a wooden box behind her.
She took a slender rod-shaped stone, roughly a meter in length, its girth just barely small enough to grasp in one hand. Its uneven surface was jet black like obsidian.
Godou could feel faint magical power emanating from the black stone. Some kind of power resided in it apparently.
As soon as she looked at the stone, Yuri shuddered.
"Did you see something, Yuri? This object could be a divine artifact, so please try to appraise it. Perhaps this might be a decisive clue?"
"V-Very well. This is—"
Asked by Erica, the Hime-Miko spoke an oracle solemnly.
"Using the divine artifact of creation, the mother created land out of the primordial sea, summoning freshwater, nurturing lush vegetation... We have already seen a similar item before."
Yuri deliberately added the last sentence, for apparently the same doubt had crossed her mind.
Yes. Last time, there was also a mysterious island that suddenly appeared in the sea. All who entered the island were disoriented by the magical power of a labyrinth. Furthermore, the island was created using the alleged nation-founding divine artifact that appeared in the form of a small tool—
Godou nodded, Erica crossed her arms, while Yuri looked worried.
Surely the trio must have recalled the same image.
Two hours later, Godou and his group were out at sea.
The tropical ocean was dyed bright orange by the glow of the s
etting sun. A large sport fisher was speeding nimbly across the sea. More accurately, it should be called a sunset cruise.
This was the ship prepared by the old lady at the market for Godou's group.
Equipped with showers and air conditioning, the ship's spacious cabin was like the living room of a house. There were even two rooms with cots. This was a large ship used for living out at sea for days to enjoy the pleasures of fishing.
—The waters of the mysterious island were located not far from Kota Kinabalu.
Supposed to be reached before night, it meant they should be able to observe the island's situation from afar before daylight ended. It would be ideal if the deity incident could be resolved before it expanded in scale. For this purpose, the trio converged with Liliana and Ena then proceeded to board this ship.
Sailors from the old lady's subordinates were in charge of operating the ship.
Presently, Godou and his friends were holding a strategy conference in the cabin.
Seated, Liliana Kranjcar opened the discussion with a gloomy expression:
"This is simply speculation. Although there exist 'reasons for thinking so,' I think subjecting a certain person to allegations would be jumping to conclusions. Nevertheless, I shall still proceed with this thought."
She was dressed in casual clothing with a blue lacy blouse and black shorts. Even so, Liliana spoke like a knight in a rigorous tone.
"I believe England's Black Prince is very likely related to this incident."
Possessing the labyrinth authority, Alexandre Gascoigne was involved in the past incident of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd and the floating island.
As expected, Liliana was thinking of that commotion. It was only natural. Everyone thought so too. After all, even Ena exclaimed with deep feeling despite her optimistic personality.
"It's that saying, right? As suspicious as being caught with your hand in the cookie jar."
Definitely suspicious no matter what. Godou voiced his agreement with the possibility and nodded.
Also, Seishuuin Ena had finally changed out of her usual uniform after leaving Japan. She was currently dressed in a short-sleeved parka with cargo pants, a style common to men in summer.
The supplies Liliana and Ena had bought at the market during the day were currently left in a corner of the cabin. The cardboard box was stuffed full of equipment, clothing and food, etc. They had simply picked up anything they thought might be useful for exploring an uninhabited island in the South Seas.
"Think about it, that guy used rather elaborate methods when he caused the Tokyo Bay commotion. He was also quite clear on how to use a divine artifact like the Heavenly Reverse Halberd..."
"Because he had an opportunity to test out a similar plan before... This is quite possible."
Godou muttered and Erica concurred.
This was a conversation that could easily veer into slander with one false step. The only one who abstained from participating was Yuri, who listened to everyone with a troubled expression. But perhaps she was simply born naturally polite.
On occasion she would go "Indeed..." and nod in agreement. She did not display any intention of objecting.
"So currently, where is that Gascoigne guy anyway?"
"Unknown as usual. But earlier, there were reports of him in Spain."
As Godou wondered, Erica answered immediately, fully prepared as expected.
"Well, it's not like he'll answer honestly even if we ask him directly. Let's continue to investigate step by step..."
While they chatted, the ship successfully arrived near the problematic island.
They were about to reach the destination, the Indian sailors reported. Godou and his group stopped their discussion and walked out onto the deck which offered an expansive view of the South China Sea illuminated by the evening glow of the sunset.
Were this a sightseeing trip, this scenery would definitely be quite moving.
However, the "island" ten-odd kilometers ahead was the lair where those suspicious divine beasts resided. Moreover, anyone entering arbitrarily would be imprisoned by the labyrinth's power. This was literally a demonic realm.
It was definitely no small island, given its substantial visible area.
Rather tall elevations in the center of the island could be seen from the sea afar. A rough estimate would place the altitude as comparable to ordinary mountains. The island was covered with trees, offering a lush green view.
The ship cruised straight forward, landing on the island at a cove that resembled an entrance.
"It's bigger than I imagined..."
Muttering to himself, Godou suddenly realized.
"Speaking of which, how long do Gascoigne's labyrinths last for? Left here for three years already, it can still be sustained?"
"Assuming Prince Alec is absent from the island, the magical effects should start dissipating after roughly three or four months."
"From then on, the magical effects will gradually weaken all over the labyrinth. This is recorded in the Witenagemot's reports."
Erica and Liliana answered, highly knowledgeable.
"Then it isn't really that guy...? It's hard to imagine a busy guy like him coming here regularly."
"Conversely, assuming he is going that far, this might be quite an important location?"
"Alternatively, some kind of spell or divine artifact may have been used to extend the duration of his authority's effects."
From the swiftness of the counterarguments, the moral failings of the person in question were clear to see.
Oh well, this was all due to the deplorable nature of his habitual behavior...
In any case, the plan was set to begin investigating and scouting out the island tonight. Although Godou was not much help in this regard, the girls were a separate case altogether. Liliana's witchcraft and Yuri's exceptional spirit vision were especially sure to produce results.
Hence everyone began to make preparations on the ship.
...They definitely could not afford to be careless.
Godou and Ena were both very sensitive to danger given their keen, beast-like instincts. Erica and Liliana were also on watch in full alert. Furthermore, Yuri was present with her incomparably sharp spiritual senses.
Nevertheless, in spite of all that, no one was able to detect the imminent arrival of the incoming attack.
—An astounding gust of wind suddenly swept across the ship's deck.
Completely caught unprepared, the ship's sailors and even Erica and Liliana were blown away by the wind. With a series of splashing noises sounding from the night sea after the sun had set, all of them fell into the water.
The only one unaffected was Godou who was left standing alone on deck.
It was no natural wind. Most likely supernatural wind produced through magic and divine powers, hence a Campione's body was unaffected—
"Godou!" "Kusanagi Godou!"
Erica and Liliana's voices were heard from the sea beyond the ship.
Sounds of the crew's screams suggested that everyone were unharmed.
Instead, the place of danger was actually Godou's side on the ship. Namely, the large sport fisher's cabin. A familiar bird monster was casually landing on top of the ceiling.
This was the divine eagle they had encountered a few days earlier. The sudden gust of wind had been its doing!
Godou quickly came to a conclusion. Was this divine eagle able to make effective use of some kind of cheating skill to teleport unannounced? Most probably not.
Surely it was the Fire Goddess' doing—a spell cast by the unidentified deity.
Part 3
Spreading its wings with intense vigor, the divine eagle prepared to take flight. Its massive wingspan measured fifteen meters.
It flapped its wings forcefully. With the cabin firmly in the grip of its claws, the rest of the ship attached was at its mercy. Effortlessly as though the ship's weight was no burden, the divine eagle floated upwards—
By the time he notic
ed, Godou found himself and the entire ship already flying in the air.
Night had descended completely. Countless stars were twinkling in the black canopy of the night sky.
Different constellations were visible compared to back in Japan. This tropical starlit sky was breathtaking in its beauty. The clear and bright half moon was also shining with white brilliance.
"Uh, we're getting this close to the clouds!?"
Imperceptibly, they had already risen to quite a high altitude. Godou frantically rushed over to the ship's edge and looked below.
The sea was a long way down. Although this was comparable to the height that Liliana had flown him during the Saturnus incident, Godou completely did not feel any sense of rapid ascent.
The bird really was quite skilled at flying.
Although Godou currently had nothing on him to secure himself, there was no worry of tumbling off the ship to fall down from the sky.
The divine eagle was flying with great stability, apparently taking care to keep the deck level. Thanks to this, Godou did not even lose balance once.
Godou gazed at the divine eagle gliding leisurely on its outspread wings.
Its stately majesty as the king of birds could be felt from the divine eagle's intrepid appearance, worthy of being called a sacred bird. Currently on the ship's deck, Godou looked up to examine the state of the divine eagle that was holding the cabin in its claws.
Although the divine eagle was in a completely defenseless posture with its abdomen and throat exposed, one should not forget it was flying quite stably.
It would take a bold move. Oh well, if he attacked despite the height, the worst that could happen would be crashing down together. Perhaps there was no need to be wary...
"Your Majesty!" "Godou-san!"
Godou jumped in surprise to hear sudden voices calling him.
Looking towards the opened cabin door, he found Yuri and Ena walking out onto the deck. Come to think of it, these two were not seen when everyone else had fallen into the sea. So it was because they were actually inside the ship!
The two girls ran over to Godou's side.
"Let's summon Ama no Murakumo to give it a good slice—Never mind, I guess we'd better endure the situation for now."
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