Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  "We shouldn't have to wait until Athena reaches Kisarazu, right? If we confront her along the way, we can prevent further losses."

  Depicted on the map was the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway toll route. Godou explained as he pointed to the parking area on the Umihotaru artificial island where they had made a short rest stop yesterday. Using Liliana's flight magic as an emergency means of transport should allow them to confront Athena there.

  "Right now we still don't know how to save the people on Umihotaru or the ones in the vehicles moving away from the Kisarazu direction. But we'll try our best."

  "Thanks. I still have other tasks to oversee and assign, so I won't be coming along..."

  As expected of Amakasu, he was already used to situations like this.

  After quickly summarizing the plans, he took out the Heavenly Reverse Halberd from his shirt.

  "I am returning this. Please take it."

  "But will it really be fine for Godou-san to safeguard it under such conditions? In a battle against Athena..."

  Yuri questioned in an elegant tone of voice.

  "If a divine artifact of this sort clashes with Athena's divinity, what if some disastrous effect resulted... Ah, of course I am only speculating without any basis. But somehow it worries me and I could not help but voice my concerns."

  Hearing Yuri's reminder, Amakasu and Godou looked at each other.

  If the most adept spirit vision user had "worries," how could they simply ignore them?

  "If that's the case, why not have Amakasu-san continue holding on to it? Since Amakasu-san is a ninja, if that witch comes along you can always find a way to escape?"

  Ena made her suggestion.

  "Ena and Liliana-san, as well as that young master of Hong Kong's Lu family. None of us would be able to defeat Amakasu-san in a game of hide-and-seek. Other than His Majesty, aren't you the best candidate to keep it safe?"

  "Eh, is that so?"

  "Yes, even Kaoru-san says that Amakasu-san would be what's called a master ninja in modern times."

  "Please don't call me something like master thief or master samurai!"

  Godou stared at Amakasu who seemed quite disgusted.

  Perhaps he was even more suited to holding onto the divine artifact?

  Ena and Liliana were already as agile as monkeys or swallows. Amakasu not only surpassed them in those types of techniques but matched Lu Yinghua who excelled at long distance travel and thievery. Godou himself had zero confidence that he could run away from any one of those people mentioned.

  "Well, it only applies if the opponent is human. I'm dead if I run into a god, or the various authorities of the Campiones. And that Divine Ancestor lady is something more than human but less than divine, isn't the situation rather delicate here!?"

  "Well well. Divine Ancestors can't compare to us, it'll be fine."

  Not performing jobs that exceeded the compensation of his salary.

  Amakasu, who often repeated that line, was feeling extremely anxious. Nevertheless, Godou brushed him off indifferently.

  If there was no problem in ability, then the only issue was a sense of duty. It felt like Amakasu was just grumbling and sighing as he complained. Probably.

  "Hmm... If I find myself really in a bind, I will be trying my hardest to flee to Kusanagi-san's location, okay? My salary doesn't include any hazard pay, you know."

  In the end, the Heavenly Reverse Halberd was entrusted to the ninja despite his mournful declaration.

  With that, it was finally time for the battle with Athena.

  "Then let's go, Kusanagi Godou. Another battle against Athena awaits — I shall, no, we shall assist you with all our power."

  Godou nodded silently in reply to Liliana's softly spoken words.

  The members heading for the battlefield gathered around the silver-haired knight. Godou and Mariya Yuri, as well as Seishuuin Ena — The group was surrounded by blue light as they flew into the sky.

  Part 2

  After flying for slightly more than ten minutes, the spectacular artificial island of Umihotaru entered into view.

  The Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway was a wide multi-laned toll route. As a parking and rest stop area, Umihotaru also became a tourist attraction.

  Its appearance was like a massive ocean liner floating on the sea.

  The first level was a spacious multipurpose plaza with a memorial hall. The second and third levels were parking lots. The fourth level contained the observation deck as well as rows of restaurants and entertainment facilities.

  Liliana's flight magic gave off bright light as they flew through the air. Normally, the sight of such brightness making a landing would have caused a commotion.

  But that worry was irrelevant now. Godou and his companions landed on the multipurpose space.

  A cursory glance did not find anyone. The situation could be surmised from the announcer's broadcast:

  'All guests, please follow directions. We have just been notified that a large amount of explosives was set up in this facility, and the police has issued an evacuation request. We hope everyone can follow our staff's directions and evacuate as quickly as possible —'

  A female employee's recorded voice.

  It sounded like she was reading with great nervousness. The stiff-toned announcement continued repeating on a loop.

  By now, all the people present should have gathered in the parking area and sent in turn towards the direction of Kisarazu. Since all the people had arrived by car, the flow was probably easier to direct compared to other kinds of facilities.

  "Amakasu-san already mentioned the countermeasures at the scene, right?"

  Godou nodded.

  Working in all sorts of capacities, the History Compilation Committee succeeded in sealing off all traffic from the Umihotaru artificial island to the Kawasaki Ukishima junction. Apparently, everyone had been redirected towards Kisarazu for safety. Even from the air just now, Godou and his group could see the cars lining up from Umihotaru to escape towards Kisarazu.

  "I remember there's an observation deck on the top level."

  Liliana suddenly spoke.

  "Should we stay on guard and watch the Kawasaki direction from there? We should be prepared for Athena's arrival from a place with good visibility."

  "Good idea. Ena has great vision, so anything strange should be spotted immediately."

  "Right... Even though my spirit vision has nothing to do with normal vision, it should be easier to sense Athena's divine aura from a wide open space."

  The two Hime-Miko expressed agreement. There was no reason to reject the proposal. Godou answered immediately.

  "Got it. Then let's follow that plan."

  "Understood. Oh... Seishuuin Ena and Mariya Yuri should go up there first to stand on guard. Kusanagi Godou and I will check out the situation at the parking area before joining you two."

  Liliana gave orders efficiently.

  The silver-haired blue knight was being more proactive in delegating tasks compared to before. Perhaps it was due to the absence of the one usually in charge of coordinating the group — Erica? Or maybe it was due to her new role as Grand Chamberlain? Probably both.

  "Okay. Then Yuri, let's go."

  "Very well. If we spot anything unusual, we will immediately let you two know by phone."

  Yuri and Ena did not object to Liliana's leadership.

  I see. Godou found it interesting. In stark contrast with the Italian duo, the Hime-Miko pair displayed a weaker sense of cohesion. As a result, the red and blue knights naturally took up the role of Godou's second-in-command in turn.

  The two Hime-Miko took the massive escalator up to the top floor.

  As their figures vanished, Liliana immediately grumbled.

  "...Finally, just the two of us."

  "...Eh?"

  Liliana shyly lowered her gaze, her face gone completely red —

  She seemed emotionally unstable and muttering something under her breath.

  "Actually, while we we
re flying I had been wondering how to find some private time for us. This went unexpectedly well, excellent."

  "W-What is this about?"

  Liliana spoke softly as she approached, causing Godou to ask in a trembling voice. Actually, the current developments were making him realize "Could it be that!?"

  "Please do not pretend to be ignorant, okay? You are the one more obsessed with 'victory' than anyone. You could not have failed to consider preparing your weapon before the battle with Athena."

  She was certainly right. Knowledge gained from instruction magic only remained in his mind for about a day or so.

  Godou had long forgotten the knowledge of Athena he once had.

  "If no one offers knowledge to you, then Verethragna's [Sword] cannot be formed. In short, that is the situation. Kusanagi Godou."

  "W-What situation!?"

  Wait a minute. In truth, he already had a basic idea as soon as Liliana's beautiful face drew near.

  But it was very problematic to treat "that sort of thing" as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It was the root cause of why he was labeled a sex maniac by society. On the other hand, not having a reliable weapon would be a huge handicap...

  Godou was struggling with all sorts of concerns.

  "I believe someone needs to accomplish this mission. So let me, Liliana Kranjcar, do the job. Though I sometimes wonder if I am abusing my authority as housekeeper when I assume this duty, nevertheless, I still do not want to relinquish it to other girls —"

  The knight's expression remained stern and awe-inspiring as always.

  There were many faces to this knight. Sometimes she was exceptionally adorable. On other occasions she might be trying to clean up personal disasters with a frantic expression. Other times, she would display a fairy-like beauty of complete vulnerability.

  Currently, she was very apprehensive from a lack of self confidence.

  "I believe you should prioritize the one waiting by your side, always ready when you need me... However, umm, if you ever feel like entrusting this duty to another, of course I shall immediately step down and dismiss myself... I humbly beseech your permission."

  She looked very unsure as she spoke.

  She probably had little confidence that Godou would pick her. At this moment, she lacked her usual domineering attitude, and displayed an extremely adorable side to Godou. This rare expression from Liliana greatly stimulated Godou's sense of protective desire.

  More praiseworthy above all was her determination to go this far in spite of her embarrassment.

  With that thought he instantly stole Liliana's lips.

  "Ah..."

  "I must fight Athena afterwards. So please, I rely on you."

  Godou briefly whispered as their lips came together again.

  Tears welled up in Liliana's eyes as she nodded.

  "Yes, very well. I will tell you everything to know about that goddess. Because... Because you must obtain victory."

  Again, Godou passionately pressed his lips against the whispering knight's lips.

  Lips were released and came together time and again. Tongues and saliva tangled and mixed together, becoming one. Throughout the process, knowledge and feelings were transmitted.

  Indeed, Godou had received bonds of magic and intense emotions.

  They were a little more than ten minutes late by the time they caught up to the two Hime-Miko.

  After frantically concluding the ritual, Godou and Liliana went up onto the observation deck. The two Hime-Miko who got there first immediately greeted them.

  "Ah, you finally came. So slow."

  "Were there any problems down there?"

  The artificial island of Umihotaru was located in the very center of Tokyo Bay.

  This observation deck on the fifth floor was surrounded by sea on all sides. Far into the distance, the streets and shores of the two prefectures Kanagawa and Chiba could be seen.

  The view was excellent. This was even a well-known viewing spot for night scenery.

  Ena and Yuri were currently gazing at the road from Kawasaki. This was the path Athena was expected to arrive from.

  "Umm, as feared, it seems like not everyone has evacuated."

  "T-That is most correct. In order to protect them we have to put our best effort. Let us do our best!"

  Godou and Liliana responded vaguely to the Hime-Miko's questions.

  Still, they had gone to properly check the state of evacuation. Taking the escalator up from a certain level of the parking area, the situation below could be easily surveyed.

  There were roughly twenty or thirty vehicles remaining.

  Even though Umihotaru was a tourist destination, there seemed to be relatively fewer visitors than usual. Perhaps it was fortunate that it was still early —before ten in the morning.

  "...Isn't there something weird about His Majesty and Liliana-san?"

  "...I think you are right. They are both acting unnatural and look kind of unsettled?"

  It was because the two had done something together in secret. Godou and Liliana pretended to be calm and avoided answering.

  "Ah! Now that it is mentioned... Perhaps... Could it be... I knew it!"

  "What is it, Yuri? You realized something?"

  "Y-Yes. T-That. Those two must have... Yes, definitely without a doubt."

  Yuri was suddenly shocked by a certain realization.

  It was not clear whether it was the result of spirit vision or a woman's intuition... She began whispering into the baffled Ena's ear.

  "Then that means the chance for earning credit has been stolen from Ena and you!? How could that happen, it's so mean!"

  "W-With respect to a battle with Athena, this is a necessary step after all. Please do not say something so presumptuous. B-But still — Godou-san!"

  Yuri appeared to be rationally persuading her outraged friend, as well as herself.

  But clearly trying hard to bear her emotions, Yuri suddenly shouted at Godou.

  "Learning knowledge about Athena, eh? Doing it with Liliana-san and trying to hide it from us both."

  "Umm... Umm, well."

  "M-Mariya Yuri. J-Just as you said yourself, this is a necessary ritual for the battle."

  "Liliana-san, please be quiet. I am speaking with Godou-san right now."

  Interrogating Godou who had given a vague answer earlier.

  Stopping Liliana from explaining, and sending her silent immediately .

  Somehow Yuri had become the center of the situation. It was unbelievable. She was the extremely conservative type who always tried to keep out of the spotlight. However, she also had times when she would suddenly display great power and influence over her surroundings.

  "Regarding that matter, nothing more needs to be said. I also believe, that it was necessary in preparation for the severe battle ahead. I too, shall put forth my best effort to support."

  "Uh yeah."

  Even though she was calm, Yuri's words were extremely terrifying.

  Godou could not help but stand up straight. The fact that he was about to answer "Yes" very respectfully was a secret.

  "By the way, last night's little tryst with Ena-san is the same. You seem to engage repeatedly in such behavior while trying to hide it from others? Do not forget Your Highness is the one known as [King]. In my humble opinion, your words and behavior should properly display a king's dignity and splendor."

  "S-Splendor?"

  "Yes. Indeed you are equivalent to a tyrant who continually commits acts of atrocity and willfulness. By the moral standards of ordinary society, you would probably be described as outrageously indulged in debauchery. Nevertheless, I still know that you are an honest person with heroic ideals."

  Having spoken thus, Yuri suddenly smiled in a dreamlike manner.

  "I believe this is the reason why I love and admire you, and offer my assistance. Furthermore, I also believe you will never commit acts of cowardice... Yes, even along the demonic path towards hell, you will walk your own path w
ith open righteousness."

  Godou could not stand things any further.

  She was describing him like a kabuki[20] performer "indulged in one's own art."

  Yuri was acting like a principal wife married from a highborn family? Faced with the husband's philandering, she generously offered forgiveness "because it is natural for performers." A wise and virtuous wife who firmly grasped the husband's reins —

  "I humbly advise you to show a little restraint in behavior that taints your honor. Keeping silent for such reasons is most inappropriate... Now then, is everything prepared in regards to Athena?"

  The pressure disappeared all of a sudden.

  Yuri was back to being a gentle and refined high class young lady. Resuming her gentle expression caused the mood to lighten immediately. Whenever she lectured in the past, her imposing presence was already extraordinary... But now it was apparent she had made great progress in both the gentle and the forceful.

  (...Hikari also indicated complete helplessness at resisting her elder sister.)

  Godou observed to himself. Perhaps everyone had grown and matured, having been through so many hellish trials.

  Yuri. Liliana. Even Erica was much different compared to their first encounter. Compared to before, Ena was also entering human society more frequently.

  I too, must be strong —it was time to remind himself.

  Feeling battle strength rising from his energy center beneath the navel, Godou began to feel a sense of excitement.

  She arrived? Godou cast his gaze towards Kawasaki.

  There was not a single car on the multi-laned highway. This must be the result of the goddess entering the tunnel section of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway and petrifying all vehicles and passengers along the way.

  Athena's beautiful appearance came into view.

  Openly advancing, she seemed like she was casually strolling on an empty plain.

  Nevertheless, she was moving at exceptional speeds. Even if a human ran as hard as possible with reckless abandon, they would be instantly left in the dust.

  This was another of Athena and Kusanagi Godou's numerous reunions.

  Part 3

  "Fu— all said and done, thy face looketh mighty spirited compared to last night. But 'tis insufficient. Completely insufficient."