Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  [Instruction] only managed to teach knowledge and could not impart magical skills.

  For spellcasting, it was said that aspects of feelings and mental preparation were more important than the knowledge component.

  However, [Mystical Indoctrination] did not carry such a restriction.

  It was super high level magic that even the silver-haired knight was unable to perform. The spell was also useless unless performed on someone who had already developed magical power. Furthermore, everything would be forgotten after a few days.

  "Ready... Let's start again."

  As Ena whispered, Godou approached and kissed her again.

  In the room of this old building. Two people sat on one blanket. Despite the same location, a new and different ritual was about to start.

  Godou began to speak as he pressed his and Ena's lips together.

  "The Holy Grail is the artifact created by Divine Ancestor Guinevere when she was still a goddess."

  The spell the Hime-Miko just performed was [Shared Spiritual Perception].

  It was not the usual instruction spell for passing along knowledge. By evoking impressions and subtle feelings in the heart, it was a spell that allowed thoughts and emotions to be shared.

  A spell achieved by multiple spellcasters — it was said to have been used during magical rituals.

  A spell that failed to take form if the spellcasters' thoughts were in disarray.

  "This artifact is like the medallion Erica once entrusted to me for safekeeping. Impossible to damage or destroy. As if embodying the truth of the world."

  Then Godou began recounting the Holy Grail's origins.

  God-slayer and Hime-Miko of the Sword. Both were the users of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. In order to confirm the sword's target, they spoke to and kissed each other.

  Since the [Spell of the Holy Grail] was still in memory, it could be taught and imparted.

  "Back when Guinevere was a goddess, the act of creating that astounding artifact apparently consumed the majority of her life. An immortal mother earth goddess. And then she truly died, offering the remainder of her life to the Holy Grail as her dying wish."

  "No way eh... Even deities are powerless against that divine artifact..."

  Respite for conversation, an opportunity to breathe. Ena busily pecked at Godou's lips.

  Unlike the kissing earlier, she went about gently. However, or perhaps because having experienced bold intimate contact earlier, this felt fresh and delightful instead. In this manner, she calmly applied wizardry to the Campione.

  "Consequentially, as the child of the Grail blessed by heaven, Guinevere is the most intimate being born from it. I learned from her that the Holy Grail is a device for absorbing the life force of mother earth goddesses. And also the method of activating that power."

  Robbing a mother earth goddess' life, storing it as magical power.

  In short, that was the Holy Grail's sole function. The white star — the one that created [Swords] must have been some other divine power.

  "The vessel itself, cannot be damaged even if cut..."

  "Right. But it might be possible to specifically sever the activated ability..."

  Having confirmed the target, the two of them motionlessly gazed at each other before resuming contact with a light kiss.

  In order to exploit Kusanagi Godou, Divine Ancestor Guinevere had given him knowledge and spellcraft.

  Since she had forced them on him without permission in the first place, Godou was perfectly justified in using them for his own goals. So let me use them freely as I please.

  The problem was whether it will work or not.

  Will he be able to prepare properly and sever the Grail's function? After severing it, will he obtain the desired result? But no matter what, he had to try —

  "Then, let's go. Your Majesty and Ena, the two of us will use Ama no Murakumo together... Hold onto this sensation..."

  Ena murmured and slid her tongue inside.

  Entering Godou's mouth with trepidation, she helplessly moved about with weak movements, searching for the other tongue.

  It was only during such occasions that Ena truly cowered.

  Godou laughed wryly and fiercely intercepted Ena's incoming tongue, sucking on it passionately.

  "Ah!? I-I still haven't gotten used to this... Stop being such a bully..."

  But Ena did not flee. So there was no cause for concern.

  Frolicking with Ena's tongue to his heart's content, Godou then whispered in Ena's ear.

  "This way... Come this way a bit. It's very hard to act in concert otherwise."

  "Ah... Mmm, mmm. Got it, but don't bully me too much..."

  Godou proceeded to bite her earlobe lightly and began to lick. Ena's breathing became progressively feeble.

  She laughed and slightly adjusted her breathing.

  Then she leaned in even closer. Even though Godou was sitting cross-legged, Ena simply bent down and planted herself onto him.

  She then wrapped her legs around Godou.

  In this manner, the two of them embraced each other more tightly together, face to face.

  Ena's body, which had always been so energetic, was now devoid of vigor as she tightly entrusted the weight of her upper torso to Godou, leaning against him.

  Pressed under Ena's amazingly voluptuous bosom, Godou fully experienced that sense of weight which conveyed their intimate embrace.

  Her sweltering body was very supple with extremely smooth skin.

  Godou enjoyed the sensations of Ena's entire body as he moved his hands to her back, tightly embracing her.

  "Fuah... T-Tighter, hold me tighter. Even closer."

  Ena pleaded as she seemed to frown painfully.

  So the stronger the sense of bondage, the greater her enjoyment? Just as she wished, Godou embraced her tightly with all his strength.

  Held in his arms, Ena looked like she was smiling with intoxicated happiness.

  "Ah... Your Majesty's heart... I can hear it beating so loudly."

  "Isn't it the same for you? Seems like you're busy panting away."

  Held tightly together, they could feel the beating in each other's chest. Then they gazed into each other's eyes, smiling at each other and kissed again.

  The two were sitting together cross-legged, entangled with each other, endlessly exchanging kisses.

  As more magical connections were made, Godou's excitement was transmitted to Ena as Ena's intoxication passed onto Godou.

  "Your Majesty, did you know? Ena can sense Ama no Murakumo sleeping in Your Majesty's body...?"

  As Ena whispered during the brief respite between kisses, Godou nodded.

  The Hime-Miko of the Sword was the divine sword's previous wielder. Compared to the current wielder, she was better able to sense its existence and skillfully wield it.

  Ena had sensed Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi hidden in Godou's right arm. The feeling was transmitted.

  "Ama no Murakumo... Please conjure the image of being wielded by two people at once. Ena's hand, overlapping with His Majesty's hand... Raised up high..."

  This time, she slurred her words as their lips came together while they kissed.

  The image depicted in Ena's heart was transmitted. Then stored into the sheathed Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. The Hime-Miko's pristine white hand grasping the sword's hilt. Godou also imagined it.

  Ena's hand holding the divine sword, covered by his own hand and held even tighter.

  "Ah... Don't do that, Your Majesty... It's going to hurt, please be more gentle, slowly... I beg you..."

  Ena expressed her pain drowsily. If he did not proceed with greater caution —

  For the sake of preventing the adorable maiden from suffering, Godou began to concentrate as hard as he could.

  Reaching for the delicate hand with which she prided in her swordsmanship, Godou slowly placed his hand over her palm, then intertwined his fingers with those long, slender and pale fingers of hers.

  Even though t
he action was taking place within their hearts, somehow Godou could feel the smoothness of Ena's sweat-moistened skin.

  Godou gently held her hand as he savored that exceptionally tender sensation.

  "Yes like that... Slowly... Ah, a little off..."

  The two controlled the hands imagined in their hearts in concert.

  The overlapping fingers were slightly off, so they carefully shifted and repositioned. Because they were not accustomed to this task, it was similar to feeling their way through absolute darkness.

  "Ooh... Like that... Okay... Ah, no good, too much force... It strayed again... Mmm, mmm, right, over here is... Good, that's the way—!"

  Finally, Godou and Ena were able to grab a hold of Ama no Murakumo in its scabbard.

  Ena tearfully smiled at Godou, having finally accomplished the task so clumsily. She must be troubled by this unfamiliar type of cooperative action.

  Overcome with tender affection, Godou once again stole her lips.

  This time, Ena's tongue greeted him with initiative. She must have felt it abundantly.

  Mixed together, the viscous saliva moistened the corners of their mouths. Thoughts and feelings melded into one.

  Let's get this over with in one go. A mental image appeared of the two of them drawing Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi out from its scabbard together.

  Unsheathing the sword and swinging it together in perfect unison. Godou and Ena forged new and deeper bonds with each other through Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

  Immediately, their surroundings were met with drastic change. Their room had been completely surrounded by fire.

  Part 5

  Illuminated by crimson glow, the room in the residence was entirely surrounded by burning flames.

  Had this been an actual fire, it would have burned the entire building to the ground. Abnormally scorching hot. However, Godou and Ena were the only ones not swallowed by the tongues of fire.

  Clearly this was the result of some supernatural phenomena. Furthermore, the culprit's identity was obvious.

  "A fire... illusion? Why would that fellow do that?"

  "Your Majesty, that... Has appeared before Ena and us."

  Prompted by Ena, Godou noticed.

  Hitherto unbeknownst to them, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had manifested. Embedded in the floor was the magnificent three-foot three-and-a-half-inch blade. The splendorous sight did not befit this countryside residence.

  However, the visual impact of the burning flames was really quite a fantastic sight.

  'Hmm. Have you learned slightly how to use me?'

  Godou finally heard Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's voice clearly.

  Even though he had heard it during the battle against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, it was much clearer now.

  "It's Ena. Did you appear so that we can wield the sword together?"

  'Correct. It would be easier for me to talk to you two like this. This will also mean less trouble for you.'

  True. Godou nodded in agreement with this impolite answer.

  The divine sword which had asked to be called "partner," had been quite meddlesome all along.

  "It's true that this is easier to talk... But why the fire?"

  'You two plan on forging a new sword, right? Fire is crucial in the birth of a sword.'

  Is that so? Godou coldly stared at the fire illusion.

  This fellow really loved making scenes, and was probably kindred spirits with the [Boar].

  'Well, that is the situation. In light of what your cooperation has achieved, the assistance I can provide has expanded in scope. This is commendable. King, I shall answer your request.'

  Despite being Godou's possession, the sword rambled on defiantly.

  What kind of "partner" was this? The sword acted like it was an equal. But Godou did not mind.

  "Then you are aware of that!?"

  'Correct. Melding sword together with sword. Two swords into one. But do not get your hopes up too high. The target is an immortal indestructible divine artifact. It is uncertain whether my power will prove effective...'

  The divine sword warned calmly. Even so, Godou felt very gratified.

  Ena was also smiling as if elated. Perhaps she had always been in communion with the divine sword like this.

  "By the way, you've been following that old gramps Susanoo for a long time, right? What on earth is that Heavenly Reverse Halberd thing?"

  Godou brought up the question that suddenly entered his mind.

  Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had been the ancient god's personal sword for eons.

  'Ahah, that? No idea. And even if I did, no comment.'

  "Well then, did the elders say anything about why they won't respond to Ena's queries?"

  'No idea either. Don't care.'

  After repeating these cold responses, the divine sword said:

  'Stop asking me these kinds of things. As a sword amongst sword gods, I am also a divinity belonging to an extremely loyal clique, right? I only care about things related to battle. Everything else is irrelevant. Trivial things that only dull the sword's blade.'

  "Ah yes, you've said that before, I remember."

  Ena spoke as if remembering.

  "But then, I already noticed during the time with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. That monkey didn't give off this kind of impression? Other than fighting, he also liked having fun and playing pranks."

  'That guy is a half-breed, miko. A hybrid god who amalgamated various elements and divinities besides a sword god's. Completely different from pure [Steel] descending from the most primitive lineage. That type of fellow is nowhere near as pure as me, and displays much more complicated traits as a divinity.'

  So I see. There were many differences in origins between gods.

  Godou felt impressed as Ama no Murakumo continued to look down at him as it spoke:

  'So King, just show me a man's mettle as a partner worthy of my cooperation. If you were to lose to an earth goddess, it would taint the honor of us swords!'

  Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi and the illusory flames. Both suddenly disappeared.

  Godou and Ena finally finished the ritual.

  Chirp chirp, chirp chirp. It was the sound of birds twittering.

  Refreshingly bright morning rays shone in from the window.

  —It was a good night's rest, thought Godou as he lay beneath the blanket.

  With a little time before becoming completely wide awake, there was a very pleasant and comfortable feeling.

  Opening his eyes slightly, he surveyed the room.

  It was still the same room. After ending the ritual, Godou had fallen asleep exhausted.

  He checked his cellphone by his pillow for messages — none. Godou felt relieved.

  Nothing seemed to have happened to Athena's statue standing on the beach. The embarrassment of sleeping through an urgent message had been averted.

  Godou began to enjoy once again the warm and comforting feeling of contact with the blanket and human skin.

  He felt a little sorry for those responsible for guarding throughout the night. He must get up earlier and prepare properly for battle. However, what was with this reluctance to leave the warm sensation of human skin...

  Hmm? Skin? Human skin?

  His mind instantly became fully awake. Godou flipped the blanket over.

  —Seishuuin Ena was sleeping right by his side. Could it be possible, they had slept together!?

  The memories after the ritual were fuzzy. He must have been so tired he instantly slept like a log.

  But Ena's appearance.

  The Hime-Miko of the Sword had taken off her miko outfit.

  Scattered beside the bedding were various red and white garments she had taken off. Did she remove them before or during her sleep?

  Anyway, before Godou's eyes lay Seishuuin Ena, completely naked.

  The manner of appearance every human was born with. Voluptuous in all the right places, yet slim and delicate everywhere else, a miraculous figure.

>   Last witnessed at the Chuuzenji hot springs, it was the sight akin to precious white jade.

  Godou came to realize that the object he embraced as he slept, tenderly treasuring its warmth, and had even toyed with and enjoyed roughly, could it be this!

  "...Ah. Your Majesty woke up— Iyaaah!"

  Ena woke up at the worst possible moment.

  The drowsiness only lasted briefly. Immediately coming to her senses, she grabbed the blanket and pulled it to her side.

  Covering up the naked body that was being illuminated by the bright rays of the morning sun. Frantically making cute little screams.

  "S-Seishuuin... You slept here..."

  "Yes yes. Using divine possession yesterday was already very tiring... I think I fell asleep immediately after the ritual. But the memories are very fuzzy."

  Not only her face, the entirety of Ena's pale white skin had turned red.

  It was readily apparent from the exposed portions of her shoulders and chest, as well as her thighs and bare legs.

  "I-I have no idea. It feels like after the ritual, Your Majesty and I simply fell headlong into the sheets. And then went to sleep like that."

  "L-Like that eh?"

  The two were conversing stiffly with their faces all red.

  "B-But. Something slightly worrying... Ena can't remember taking clothes off... Does that mean, Your Majesty removed them?"

  "N-N-N-No, no way. Or rather... Probably not? Umm?"

  Godou was shocked. Even though he was completely certain he had no recollection, it also seemed like Ena did not undress herself.

  Hence, it could not be asserted either way. Could I have done something so bestial?

  Bearing the heavy blow to his self image, Godou walked unsteadily over to the window.

  Looking out at the beach before him. It was still heavily guarded.

  It was finally the day to reach an ultimate conclusion with Athena —

  Chapter 6 - Before the Duel

  Part 1

  A beautiful garden was situated before a mansion reminiscent of Heian era palatial architecture.

  Rockery was heaped and trees were casually planted at calculated positions. The constructed pond was wide enough for boats and even contained three islands, linked to one another by vermilion-painted bridges.

  A specially allotted plot of land which embodied the essence of beautiful natural scenery.