Campione 04

by The Hero

  ... ... If Gantz didn't have this weird fetish, he would have been a great person to hang out with.

  Godou felt regret, but he had to push away his true feelings due to the things he had to say this time.

  "Never mind then. I'll just have to invite you to my place and hold a movie marathon. If we pull an all-nighter, we'll probably finish the first season by the second day."

  "I see. I don't really mind. Alright then, I'll go straight to Milan!"

  Godou did not want to stay in this place for even a moment longer.

  Having made up his mind to escape from this hellish place, he had no choice but to resort to this call. Although he did not know if he could stay at Gantz's place temporarily, before he knew it, he was already invited.

  It's going rather smoothly. Godou felt as though he still had a fighting chance, and his spirits soared with the surge of motivation.

  Watching a show that was targeted at little girls under the age of ten; that would still be better than what Godou had been going through.

  - Although, problems immediately started to arise.

  "... ... Ah, hold on a moment. Actually, it's a no-go. Definitely not now."

  "Eh!? Wh, why is that?"

  "In any case, you won't be coming alone, right? That little devil - Erica Blandelli, would come along with you, right?"

  "Eh, seems like it..."

  "That's how it is. If I invite you, that woman will definitely force her way into my house! I'm very sorry about that! Right now, my cute little Angela is at home!"

  Angela is the name of Gantz's daughter.

  Godou had seen her picture before, or at least, was forced to look at it by Gantz. However, that is irrelevant at the moment.

  "If she breathes the same air as that ill-natured woman, should Angela grow up to be like that devil, that would be a big problem. For the sake of my daughter's education, there is no way I'll let Erica come near my house!"

  "Please don't say things that have no scientific basis!"

  "Just in case. For the sake of my cute little angel, I won't let any pests come near. Don't hold it against me. Then, let's meet up another time."

  With that, he hung up.

  Godou, who was suddenly cast aside, had a sudden urge to use the power he held as a 'King'. As a devil king, a Campione, to make Gantz take back his previous words.

  But he changed his mind right away. No, if he thought like that, wouldn't he turn into a devil himself?

  He should not abuse his status like that. Although, a devil king asking someone, 'Let me go to your house to watch some anime DVDs' was totally unheard of. What a laughingstock.

  "... ... Back to square one. I'll have to continue this fight on my own."

  Said Godou, who had just renewed his determination, in a low voice.

  No matter what, I cannot return to the villa tonight. I should find a place to stay the night, far from the women, in order to recover. The temperature was pretty warm, thus there was no problem even if he were to sleep on the streets.

  ... ... Although right now, he was trapped with indecision, clueless about how to proceed.

  No matter, Godou decided to just explore the street first, and come up with something later.

  Godou was thankful for the cool night breeze, so drastically different from the blazing heat of the day. Of course, it was even more comfortable in his room in the villa, but taking a stroll in the night was also good, in its own way.

  The night wind continued to blow ever so gently.

  To be able to see the constellations in the night sky so clearly, was only possible in a rural place with clean air.

  Additionally, the shimmering silver half-moon hanging in the middle of the sky.

  Unlike the constellations, the same moon could be seen from Europe and Japan. It was like the eternal companion in the night sky, Godou remembered that he also had times in Japan where he gazed at the moon like this. 'When was the last time?' he wondered.

  While reminiscing, Godou continued moving forward.

  He was not sure when it happened, but the muscles in his back had started to grow tense, his limbs and body filling with strength.

  Since defeating Verethragna in spring, he had experienced this feeling a number of times. The changes that occur in the body of a devil king, a Campione, when their natural enemies, the Gods, are nearby.

  When he felt that, Godou gulped.

  He had realized who the girl currently blocking his way was.

  - Looking as though it could dissolve in the moonlight, hair of pale glimmering silver.

  - Looking as though they were made of the condensed darkness of the night, eyes of pure black.

  - The body of a very young girl, a goddess from ancient times.

  Heretic Athena.

  The goddess Godou fought and triumphed over in Tokyo, was standing right in front of him.

  Part 3

  "It's been a while, Kusanagi Godou. To meet once again, I feel a sense of elation."

  Athena said, giving off a faint smile.

  The sealed artifact of the ancient earth goddess, Gorgoneion.

  The smile she gave off did not suit her, who had once again become the goddess of earth and darkness, after reclaiming the artifact Gorgoneion. No, this was the fearless smile of the goddess of war.

  "... ... Why are you here, in such a place?"

  "What a foolish question. You were the one who plunged right into my territory. To meet again in this land, it is an inevitable fate. Don't you agree?"

  Putting it that way, that sure seems like the case.

  This great goddess, Athena, her sphere of influence did not include just Greece and North Africa, but also small parts of Asia close to the Mediterranean sea. And Italy was right smack in the middle of that sphere of influence.

  "But, you have no reason to come specifically to where I'm currently staying, right? Let me make this clear, I wasn't looking for you. Nor do I have time to chat with you like we're good friends."

  "Hmm... A reason..."

  Under the moonlight, the ends of her lovely lips tilted slightly upwards.

  Beautiful, dignified, yet ferocious was her smile. Overflowing with the will to fight, the unmistakable proof of a warrior.

  "You are a man of poor judgment. All I am doing now is paying a visit to the victor, the one who had defeated me. Do not think that this is for the sake of revenge."

  It was not that Godou did not think that was possible, but rather that he did not want to think this was actually happening.

  He had started to break out in cold sweat.

  Would he come out victorious if he were to face Athena in combat? Probably impossible.

  In the previous battle, he had only come out on top because he had used the spell words of the [Sword] as his weapon. However, he could not repeat that again. The [Sword] could only be used if the user had relevant information of the enemy God, something he was lacking at the moment.

  More than two months back, Godou had been fed information on Athena via use of the magic [Instruction] by Erica.

  Should one decide to make use of this magical art, it is possible to obtain a large amount of information over a very brief period of time. However, the information could only be retained in one's memory for roughly one day.

  If the effects of the spell would remain indefinitely, there wouldn't have been a need to study this much.

  Although he was usually grateful for the existence of this spell, this time - it would not be of use to him.

  Even if he tried to recall the relevant knowledge regarding Athena, he could not clearly remember the details, his efforts ended in futility. This time round, he would not be able to use the [Sword].

  What should I do? How can I fight?

  I'll need a weapon besides the [Sword]. Which form can I use -?

  "Besides having poor judgment, are you a man who's also poor at giving up? I do understand... that right now, you do not possess the same strength from last time. I can also guess why t
hat is the case."

  Athena said, scornfully.

  Godou remembered that she was a goddess with multiple aspects.

  A goddess who ruled over the earth and the underworld, a goddess of war and also a goddess of knowledge.

  It would be difficult to hide anything from Athena. Although, even if she found out about that, it is not as if he had no other combat options... Though, this was slowly turning out to be a hopeless situation.

  Looking at Godou who had started to steady his resolve, Athena pouted in displeasure.

  "Come now, don't get angry. I have no intention of having a rematch... At least for today."

  She declared while scrutinizing him with a disdainful look.

  "Kusanagi Godou. From our last battle, it has barely been two full moons, is it not? In such a short period of time, to repeat the conflict between a god and a Campione, don't you agree that it would be boorish? If I had wanted a fight, then I would have picked a better place and time. Do understand your current situation."

  "So, why have you appeared before me, again?"

  Godou asked while keeping his guard up.

  Her previous words might have just been to give him a false sense of security. A goddess like Athena should not have to resort to such tactics, but one could never be sure.

  "Hm, I feel that, between us, something exists that interlinks our destinies - In other words, it might be that it is not fated for me to be the one that defeats you."

  That kind of destiny, I definitely don't want it.

  Godou's terrible luck with women was definitely getting worse.

  "That's why, as one of my enemies, I would like you to acquire enough power and experience, was what I was thinking about. One day, you will obtain the right to do battle with me - the queen who rules over the earth and the underworld. When that happens, it would be time for the grand finale, a battle that will be told of for ages."

  "No, no thanks, things like 'looking forward to having a decisive battle on Christmas', I don't want to hear it."

  "To be honest, recently I have been feeling awfully excited rather often."

  Athena replied, nonchalantly ignoring Godou's retort. As expected of a high-ranking goddess, such perfectly natural arrogance.

  "Perhaps, it is due to the fact that I am sensing that a battle is approaching. When I knew that you came here, I simply felt like coming out to have a little bit of fun."

  "A little fun?"

  "Indeed. The experience gained from one day on the battlefield exceeds that of a hundred days in training. Not to mention, if one were to fight beside me, a goddess of war, and receive my teachings, it would surpass that of what you would get from a thousand days of training. To train and further improve your strength. Accompany me while I have some fun, Kusanagi Godou!"

  "C, come again?"

  Hearing that from Athena, Godou thought that his ears were malfunctioning.

  "I am ordering the inexperienced you to stay by my side and train your skills. Should you find that disagreeable, then I will secure a rope around that neck of yours and bring you around. Any objections?"

  Naturally, it has already been decided. He did not have a say in it.

  From Athena's body of a little girl, one could somehow feel a divine power of deterrence. Looking over all life across the lands, the power of the loving earth mother. Beneath the earth, she was the queen of the underworld, the power that ruled death and darkness. Possessing unparalleled ferocity, the power of a war goddess. Lastly, the power from the wisdom of a goddess of knowledge.

  To carelessly engage in combat with such a goddess would be extremely foolish. It would be best to avoid that at all costs.

  - Due to various reasons, Kusanagi Godou was accompanying a goddess on her journey.

  On an unrelated note, the villa that Godou and company had rented and were staying in was along the coast.

  Moving along the outskirts of Alghero's main street which was along the sea, one could discover many villas, resorts and other buildings that tourists on long summer vacations were lodging in. Her house, was one of those buildings.

  Alongside the azure sea, the white sands stretched out further than the eyes could see.

  In this kind of location, one would be able to fully enjoy just soaking in the seawater, but, recreation and entertainment on the beaches of Sardinia was not restricted to just that.

  Yachts of different sizes decorated the seaside, some were fighting against the forces of nature, the waves -

  There were also boats and ships at the harbor. Although in the area, the biggest port was in Alghero, there were quite a few smaller ports scattered along the coast.

  The place that Athena and Godou finally arrived at, was one of the small aforementioned ports.

  "Now, let us move out, shall we, Kusanagi Godou?"

  "... where are we headed?"

  "Although I mentioned this earlier, but I have been feeling unusually excited recently. Being a goddess of war, it might be because I'm sensing the approaching battle ahead. To have this feeling, I dare say that something is going to occur very soon."

  "Eh - "

  "If we were to head towards the root of that calamity, we would then gain a rough understanding of the situation. Let us cross this sea. To the unseen enemy, shall we advance..."

  "Is that so..."

  "Therefore, that is our destination. Let us make haste."

  "Wait a second, isn't that place just weird? Don't bring me to a place where danger awaits, on purpose!"

  Godou retorted.

  General knowledge would dictate that the usage of the word 'therefore' was inappropriate in that sentence.

  "You are the weird one, I can already see the omen of battle. Fate has decided for me to do battle, and it is my duty as a goddess to follow the will of fate. I cannot refuse."

  She said that with a powerful sense of responsibility.

  How he wished that she would even spare a tenth of that sense of responsibility for the people who will be caught up in that battle.

  Sighing, having no other choice, Godou could only strengthen his determination.

  No matter what happened, a battle would only bring problems to the nearby residents, like that incident in Tokyo. It was clear that the word 'consideration' did not exist in Athena's dictionary.

  If that was the case, then all he could do was to prevent her from going too wild.

  Although he really wanted to escape at the first opportunity he got, he was the only person around who could, and would stop Athena from overdoing it.

  "You mentioned crossing the sea earlier, by boat?"

  Speaking of the Mediterranean Sea, he could not help but think of the ferries that travelled to and fro between Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica islands and the Italian peninsula. However, at this time of the day, there were no vessels moving about.

  To Godou who had sensed something amiss, Athena replied arrogantly,

  "Can you not see the scores of boats before your eyes? Any of them will do, we just have to pick one to use, why do you care about the trivial things?"

  "What you just said, those were the words of a petty thief! A goddess should not resort to crime!"

  No doubt about it, this little port was filled with sea vessels.

  From small crafts that could only support a group of four, to high-speed ships that were over fifteen meters long, Athena chose, and boarded a small one, beckoning to Godou.

  Godou apologized in his heart to the owner of that boat.

  If he had time, he would definitely return the boat. Please forgive us!

  After that, Godou took a seat next to where Athena was sitting.

  "... Do you know how to operate this type of boat? Gods sure have strange abilities."

  "How would I know how to operate a man-made contraption? As long as I follow the guidance of the stars, the whispers of the wind, all I have to do is utilize my divine powers, and we will naturally arrive at our destination."

  Saying that, Athena snapped her fing
ers.

  By some unexplainable forces, she was moving the craft forward.

  Towards the sea ahead, which was shrouded in darkness.

  She couldn't possibly be thinking of heading out to sea, just like that? Even if they were skilled seamen from the Age of Discovery, they should also bring the necessary provisions and equipment and the right crew, but now, they did not even have a scrap of food or a drop of water.

  Godou had started to feel that this was a very, very bad idea.

  Facing the possibility of death on the seas, unable to even lodge a complaint and leaving his life in the hands of this goddess, was it really ok? Thinking that, Godou began to grow even more uneasy.

  At any rate, before he realized it, it had become a strange situation where this pair, once bitter enemies, were placed on the same boat.

  Chapter 2 - Of Witches, and the King of Swords

  Part 1

  Naples (Napoli, in Italian) is one of the most prominent metropolises in Italy, and the harbor is a famous sightseeing spot.

  The phrase "See Naples and die" was coined, from the sheer beauty of the ancient city.

  Even when seen from afar, the view of the city was still as impressive.

  The rays of sunlight fell upon the glimmering azure Bay of Naples, and on that stood one of the numerous historical structures, the Santa Lucia port.

  It could be said that the night scenery there was among the three greatest in the world. If you were to look eastward, you would be able to see Mount Vesuvius, the volcano ten kilometers away.

  "Hm, looking at it this far away, it looks like quite a beautiful town, but once you get close, you realize that the streets are dirty and strewn with rubbish, the walls are vandalized, there is constant traffic congestion, the people are happy-go-lucky, and daily life is simply chaotic. No matter how much you try to butter it up, it is still an environment unfit for human habitation."

  "Ara, Karen, although you are absolutely right, that isn't something you should say to a resident of this city!"

  "I apologize if my words offend you, Madam. Honesty and frankness are both part of my nature, hence I often let slip my true feelings by accident."