Campione 13

by Princess Goddess of the South Seas

  "Starting from this moment, I will protect this man for now. Even if you attempt any sort of spell, goddess, I will surely repel them. I will not allow you to harm a single hair on Godou-san's head!"

  Part 2

  "Fufu. A girl making cute little chirps... Ahah, I am inspired with a wonderful idea. Let me transform you into a bird, to be kept lovingly in a cage."

  Circe smiled leisurely in response to Yuri's declaration.

  It was only natural. The difference in power level between a miko and a goddess was akin to the separation of heaven from earth.

  "Come. Until you welcome death's arrival, pray entertain my aural and visual senses."

  These spell words, chanted like a song, transformed into glittering sunlight akin to radiance streaming through gaps in dense foliage.

  Carried by the wind, these spell words flew with shining splendor. The target in their path was obviously Yuri who was supporting the collapsed Godou.

  However, the Hime-Miko's body glowed with sacred light once more. [Spirit Pacification] was the technique.

  Blocked by the white light, the curse for turning humans into birds was unable to reach Yuri's body. She had barely managed to defend against the goddess Circe's magic.

  However, unlike earlier, she did not succeed in dispelling the goddess' spell completely.

  Glittering like scattered sunlight, the dots of light gradually surrounded Godou and Yuri, pressing closer and closer to them progressively. The only thing shielding them was Yuri's [Spirit Pacification].

  However, the white glow was gradually weakening. Humans were not supposed to be able to defend against the magic of gods. Most probably, Yuri's magical power was going to be depleted in a matter of ten-odd seconds and the light of pacification would vanish along with it. Nevertheless—

  Despite the poison corroding him from within, Godou did not feel anxious.

  He was currently under the gaze of Yuri's eyes of sagacity. She should have known from the very start that buying ten-odd seconds of time was enough.

  This was evidenced by the fact of the Hime-Miko calmly proceeding to the next action.

  In Godou's weakened state, she held his face gently in her hands, brought it close to her and kissed him.

  "Godou-san... I will convey to you everything about the goddess Circe, everything I have seen. The witch who made the hero Odysseus her lover and captive— Please turn this knowledge into the [Sword] for slicing apart Circe, the goddess of dawn!"

  Embracing Godou tightly, Yuri pressed her lips down as she whispered.

  As the images seen by the Hime-Miko began to enter Godou's mind, a vast amount of knowledge and words rushed about inside his head.

  "Oooh... What utter depravity!"

  Circe raised her left arm of brass towards Godou and Yuri.

  Rather than a finger, she shot her entire arm from the elbow this time. Carrying the potent poison like just now, or perhaps an even more vicious attack, the arm of brass was flying towards them!

  Yuri did not have any method to counter a physical attack of this sort. Just as Godou became startled...

  "Also, please lend your strength to me... Please share your power with me, the one protecting you! I will show you I can become even more powerful!"

  Yuri was sucking his lips forcefully.

  Although the act was slightly clumsy, it allowed Godou to feel intensely Yuri's entire heart and soul that she was pouring into her kiss of love.

  The Hime-Miko even inserted her tongue, contrary to previous kisses, going as far as to stir Godou's tongue vigorously, entangling the two tongues together. In that very instant—

  The white glow of [Spirit Pacification] enveloping Yuri's body, on the very verge of vanishing...

  The light strengthened all at once, brightly illuminating the surroundings and covering everything in a layer of pure whiteness. This intense light was several times more powerful than when she first used it.

  Furthermore, this pure white light destroyed the brass arm released by the goddess.

  In the instant before calamity would befall Godou and Yuri, just before it hit, the arm completely vanished completely.

  Godou was dumbstruck. The technique of [Spirit Pacification] not only suppressed a goddess' authority but even a physical attack launched by her as well!

  Naturally, this ultimate skill could not have been achieved by Yuri alone.

  She was currently sucking Godou's mouth and tongue in pitiful desperation. By casting a new spell, she was able to absorb from inside Godou's body.

  What she absorbed was the vast reserves of magical power that only existed in the bodies of gods and Devil King Campiones—

  Yuri's absorption of magical power was now reaching quite a dangerous level. Even for a premier Hime-Miko, storing this massive amount of magical power in her body would immediately cause ill effects.

  No, this amount was enough to endanger her life and cause inexorable pain.

  Nevertheless, absorbing for the sake of strengthening herself, she switched to using a Campione's magical power to sustain the [Spirit Pacification] spell, forcibly enduring the pain.

  Even so, her body must be suffering from immense strain...

  "O carriage of dawn, now is the time to descend from the heavens, to incinerate the Devil King to oblivion!"

  Scorching flames of conflagration suddenly spread out, engulfing the goddess' historic ruins.

  Circe released a spell, possibly because she predicted dire consequences if Yuri was left to do as she wished. The princess femme fatale hovered into the air and looked down at the burning ruins from the sky.

  However, even when standing in a vortex of flames—

  Godou and Yuri's immediate surroundings remained calm and peaceful, protected by the white light.

  Yuri was breathing hard but in spite of that, Godou could still clearly hear the suction noises coming from her repeated kisses on his lips in desperation.

  She was most likely in great pain already. Large sweat drops beaded on her forehead while her gaze began to lose focus.

  But even so, she did not seek respite, continuing to offer herself for Kusanagi Godou's sake—

  Yuri performed a great number of difficult spells in rapid succession. Her energy, stamina and concentration were all approaching their limits, most likely.

  This was evidenced by the change in her way of kissing. Up until this point, she had kissed passionately again and again, sustained by heightened emotions.

  But now, Yuri's kisses merely sucked at Godou's lips slowly with a series of "smooch, smooch" sounds. Despite the loss of her vigor, Yuri continued to kiss him nonstop, cautiously and attentively.

  With deep loving affection and earnest sincerity, she kissed Godou's lips, stirring his tongue repeatedly.

  "Godou-san... This is all I can do... But I do all this for your sake... So—so..."

  Gazing at Godou with her moistened eyes, she offered her lips to him as she whispered.

  She looked as though she could hardly stand and finally collapsed. This time, it was Godou's turn to catch her.

  The poison's effects had disappeared, thanks to Yuri's healing magic.

  Furthermore, the forging of the [Sword] within Godou's body was complete. It could be drawn at any time now. Although they were currently surrounded by a burning inferno, there was no feeling of heat and not even a spark drifted over.

  These were all part of Yuri's accomplishments. Godou hugged her delicate body tightly.

  "Mari... Yuri. I am fine now, so please rest for now."

  Embracing her, he whispered in her ear.

  Yuri had challenged her limits in order to help Godou recover to his current state. Furthermore, he was the reason for this frail girl's currently dire condition and could do nothing but accept her offerings.

  Filled with self-loathing for his uselessness, Godou hugged Yuri even tighter.

  "Fufu... Do not worry. I only do this because I like it."

  Yuri whispered as if she had read
Godou's mind.

  In addition, she was smiling blissfully, taking the crisis in stride with such an expression. Godou instantly took on Verethragna's final incarnation, the [Warrior], and chanted the spell words.

  "I am the strongest, the one smashing through all enemies in my way!"

  Spheres of light—the [Sword]'s spell words manifested in continuous succession in Godou and Yuri's surroundings.

  Dozens, hundreds, thousands of lights floated in midair, spreading out like a sparkling galaxy. The flames of conflagration instantly disappeared with the manifestation of these spheres of light.

  Still hovering in the air, Circe murmured with a stunned expression in response:

  "Severing divine power..."

  Then she immediately switched to a sharp expression and landed on the ground.

  Her grim countenance was now unbecoming of her dream-like maidenly beauty. The goddess, who used magic as her greatest weapon, understood that the [Sword]'s arrival was quite unfavorable for her.

  The witch goddess Circe from ancient Greece had deep connections with the hero Odysseus.

  The spheres of light manifested here were all blades for slicing her apart—

  Meanwhile, Godou had helped Yuri to sit down on the ground for she no longer had the strength to stand.

  He nodded. Although she was completely exhausted, the Hime-Miko responded with a dazzling smile. Godou called out to this girl who supported him so resolutely:

  "I could only get here all thanks to you. I will absolutely obtain victory, so please wait a while!"

  "Yes!"

  This was a rare promise of victory that Godou rarely made. Gratitude and apologies for her should be saved until after victory. Godou arranged roughly a thousand individual [Swords] around Yuri in a defensive formation before turning his gaze towards Circe.

  "O scorching lightning, become the goddess' spear!"

  The goddess released lightning from her hand. However, a sphere of light flew into the path of the incoming lightning and instantly dispelled it.

  Seeing this, Circe frowned and glared at the many spheres of light filling the air like a galaxy.

  "Using the Trojan Horse to capture the city of Troy, the hero Odysseus subsequently wandered for ten years... Along the way, he reached the island of the sun god Helios' daughter Circe. She is the terrifying witch who casts magic on those who visit her island, turning them into wild beasts!"

  The golden spheres shone radiantly like a galaxy. Several thousands of light raced through the air, flying to Circe's surroundings, preparing to slice apart their target.

  Unintimidated by this sword formation, Circe invoked new magic.

  "O thorned one, flourishing in lush greenery!"

  Thorned ivies with roses growing on them began to creep out of the ground.

  Within the blink of an eye, they formed a small rose garden as Circe's protective barrier. Nevertheless, this was probably unable to stop Verethragna's [Sword].

  Unfazed, Godou continued chanting spell words.

  "Of course, Circe also used magic on Odysseus, intending to transform him into a beast. However, her magic did not affect the hero who was under the protection of the gods. Instead, Circe fell in love with him and became his lover!"

  The [Sword] sped up and advanced towards Circe and the barrier of thorns and roses. By attacking from all directions, the thorns and roses protecting the goddess should be easily eliminated. The [Spell Words of the Sword] were blades capable of slicing through an enemy's divine power and divinity. Even things like protective powers and magic could be cut and destroyed.

  "Sons of magic, soar through the sky to become my army!"

  Finding the thorns ineffective, Circe used new magic.

  Sliced by the [Sword] and scattered in the air, the thorned vines of ivy and the flowers of roses transformed, from long and slender plants into brass dolls equipped with spears and armor.

  These brass soldiers were roughly the same size as Godou's individual [Swords]. Whizzing through the air, they flew to attack the dancing storm of [Swords].

  —However.

  "Ultimately, Odysseus was still enthralled by Circe's beauty and remained on her island to live there indefinitely. Having forgotten about his homeland, he was delayed by a whole year. Using her beauty and magic to conquer heroes, weakening their power, obstructing their goals—these are the qualities of the witch goddess Circe!"

  Verethragna's [Sword] sliced apart all the little soldiers, pulverizing them.

  Conversely, none of the brass dolls were able to defeat a single [Sword].

  Just like all past deities who had fought Godou in various ways, simply using divine power was not enough to defend against the [Sword]. However, Circe seemed clearly aware of this fact.

  Suddenly, immense magical power burst forth from her body.

  Compared to the amount residing in her body until now, her magical power had roughly doubled. Apparently, she had summoned the thorns and the brass dolls in order to buy enough time for accumulating this magical power.

  Then Circe poured this enormous amount of magical power into spell words.

  "O beast that stands as the Persian Warlord's manifestation. By the bonds of wizardry, heed my call now and come forth!"

  As expected, she used it. Circe used the trump card of the "incarnations" she had stolen from Godou.

  In the next instant, the ground behind Circe erupted. A certain gigantic entity blew away the stone steps of the ruins and rushed onto ground level from down below.

  To Godou, this was a very familiar creature—the [Boar].

  The black divine beast, twenty meters long. Due to the long summoning time required, Circe must have hidden it underground ahead of time.

  Circe floated up into the air again and landed lightly on the [Boar]'s head.

  Godou frowned because he understood the problematic situation.

  The [Sword] for slicing through the goddess of dawn was unable to cut Verethragna's incarnation!

  Part 3

  "Come, divine child of the sacred warlord. Exhibit your raging spirit!"

  Responding to Circe's orders, the [Boar] opened its jaws wide.

  Then the familiar rumbling roars came.

  ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!

  As usual, the roars were accompanied by shockwaves. Consequently, dozens of the wildly dancing spheres of light were blown away in the air.

  Perhaps due to the sacred powers residing in the roars, the spheres of light were not simply sent flying.

  The [Boar]'s attack caused roughly 30% of the [Swords] that were struck to pop like soap bubbles, disappearing in succession!

  "—Manifesting justice in this world through these spell words of mine!"

  Godou transmitted his thoughts to the [Sword], ordering it to attack Circe.

  The cluster of golden stars, glittering in the sky, responded to his thoughts and accelerated, beginning to dance wildly.

  ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAR!

  The [Boar] emitted a thunderous roar again and blew away the [Swords] as one would scatter tiny spiders. Just as before, roughly 30% of the [Swords] were destroyed.

  Yet Godou found it strange.

  Carrying Circe on its head, the [Boar] displayed no intention to move.

  Godou had expected it to charge ferociously as always—while feeling surprised, Godou sent a portion of the [Sword] to accelerate towards Circe.

  Dozens of bright lights rushed towards the beautiful witch like a meteor shower. However, at this moment—

  ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAR!

  The [Boar] roared again and blew away all the [Swords] flying towards its mistress. And again, a fraction of the [Swords] were destroyed.

  I see. Godou understood now. The [Boar] could be thought of as Circe's castle.

  Castle walls for defending her from the sword formation of spell words. Equipped with these roars, not only was the enemy in a securely fortified position, but the [Sword] could very well be destroyed com
pletely as well.

  Furthermore, all Circe needed to do was focus on defense rather than have the [Boar] attack.

  "In that case, I'll have to besiege the castle for real—"

  Just as Godou turned his attention to the [Sword] to launch a concentrated attack for knocking open the [Boar]'s castle gates, Circe's chanting could be heard.

  "One who enacts justice, please direct me towards the light and the righteous path!"

  Immediately, the black goat suddenly manifested high above Godou's head. Back to its normal size, it was hovering leisurely in the air.

  Then from its body lightning was released, crashing down violently on the human directly below!

  "Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

  Screams of pain escaped Godou's mouth. The strike was powerful enough to penetrate the magical resistance that resiliently defended against even divine powers. Godou had already tasted this lightning a few days ago at the island in the demonic realm. She was using the [Goat] incarnation again!

  Just like last time, the black goat exhausted its power with one lightning strike and disappeared quickly.

  "She's able to use two incarnations at once huh..."

  Godou had also attempted it once before, the technique of using two incarnations simultaneously.

  Realizing his opponent was using that ability, Godou groaned in shock. Although the lightning left no visible injuries on the surface of his body, pain and paralysis was spreading throughout.

  Even if he used the [Camel] like last time, it still would not have much of an effect.

  Also, Circe continued to chant:

  "Evil ones, tremble before me, the one possessing wings... My wings shall bring cursed retribution to you all!"

  Despite Godou's determined intention to attack the latest incarnation using the [Sword] with reckless abandon, he was too late.

  Although he could sense something flying towards him with lightning speed, Godou was neither able to dodge nor block its path using the [Sword].

  His vision could not capture that level of speed—

  By the time he noticed, Godou's left shoulder was already sliced open by something akin to a sharp blade.

  Blood spurted out. Then an onslaught of pain arrived.