Campione! - Volume 17 - The Hero's Name

by Taketsuki Jou

  "You are affiliated with the godslayers of the present generation—Kusanagi Godou and Her Highness Luo Hao, aren't you?"

  "Precisely. Are you looking for our lord, Your Highness?"

  Naturally, the first to answer the Devil King exterminating hero was Erica.

  She was often the wise one, acting as spokesperson on behalf of her faction. This talent did not fade at all even when confronted with gods or Devil Kings. Ever since becoming Kusanagi Godou's knight, this talent and disposition of hers was naturally honed more and more.

  "Yes. Somehow I had the feeling that I would meet him eventually if I walked to this area. Now that his messengers have come forward, this guess seems to be correct."

  This was most likely a supernatural sense obtained as part of the destiny of exterminating Devil Kings.

  The "King of the End" smiled at Erica, Liliana and Lu Yinghua before declaring:

  "Originally, I should be the one sending an emissary. However, the Wind King—the one who serves this role—currently needs to keep a low profile. Hence, I have decided to search for the various godslaying kings on my own."

  "Why would you... May I ask for the reason?"

  "Naturally, to challenge them."

  Despite his calm tone and attitude, this was a stern declaration.

  "If permissible, I do wish to pay them each a visit at their castle or residence. To enter a duel. Seeing as he has intentionally sent messengers to come forward, it means that your lord shares the same sentiments, doesn't it?"

  "......"

  Instead of answering immediately, Erica contemplated swiftly.

  As suspected, was he approaching Tokyo with this purpose in mind? Going north towards Chiba City from the southern part of the Bousou Peninsula. As soon as she heard about the "King of the End" advancing in this direction, Erica already guessed this possibility.

  Going north another five or six kilometers from here would reach Ichihara City.

  Even if he went west instead, that would take him to the urban area of Kisarazu City.

  This racing circuit was located in the middle of a mountainous area with an bewildering number of golf courses. Population density was low as a result. Evacuation was accordingly easy. If possible, Erica hoped to stall the "King of the End" in this vicinity. Then the rest depended on Her Eminence Luo Hao—

  Phew. Erica exhaled slightly.

  Bridges shall be crossed when they were reached. Furthermore, Kusanagi Godou's sworn elder sister was absolutely not someone who would insist out of vanity that they were able to do something when they could not. She possessed ability and insight matching her level of pride.

  "In that case, our task ends here. Our lord will probably give a direct answer."

  "Direct?"

  Seeing Erica look into the sky, the "King of the End" followed.

  It was a sunny winter's day. The wind continued to blow strongly. A bird of prey in the sky—a goshawk—was gliding with regal solemnity. This species made its habitat in forests near cities in the Kantou region.

  However, the power and acuity overflowing from those wings and eyes could not possibly belong to a bird.

  Landing next to the "King of the End," the goshawk transformed at the same time.

  "Procrastinating what ought to be finished, that would be called slothfulness, wouldn't it? I, Luo Hao, am fully prepared to accept your challenge."

  "Ah."

  Descending from the sky as a goshawk, she landed gracefully with outstanding movements of qinggong, the art of lightness.

  Confronted with the demonic cult leader's unique entry to the stage, exhibiting extraordinary Daoist and martial arts alike, the "King of the End" nodded in admiration. Nevertheless, the reason he felt impressed was not due to her superlative landing skill.

  He was moved by Her Eminence Luo Hao's appearance.

  Her dazzling, otherworldly, beautiful face was still akin to a celestial maiden's. Such beauty was enough to call the greatest treasure of the mortal realm. Moreover, this face was quite young.

  Her stature was more petite than before whereas her face and body had clearly regressed in age.

  Despite a true age over two hundred years, she looked like a teenager. Instead of her earlier Han clothing, she was wearing a sleeveless mandarin gown with a slight slit on the side of the skirt.

  Demonic Cult Leader Luo Cuilian had descended from the sky in this form.

  "This appearance... Was it for healing injuries sustained in our previous battle?"

  "Hohohoho. Seeing as there was a need to recover excessively depleted qi, for the first time in a long while, I trained in the neigong of [Absolute Supremacy Peerless Across the Universe]. Although the price I paid was a slight shortening of limbs, this constitutes no inconvenience in engaging you in combat."

  Declaring boldly, Luo Cuilian's vocal pitch was higher than usual, a young girl's voice.

  Meanwhile, Erica and Liliana were greatly surprised by Her Eminence's appearance whereas the demonic cult leader's direct disciple simply went "oh dear" and shook his head.

  "I remember it's a training technique that allows qi to recover with frightening speed. So this was what Master has been practicing these few days..."

  Qi was magic power in the first place and had to be gradually accumulated through neigong training for days on end.

  However—Lu Yinghua explained. If Her Eminence were to use this [Tianshan Tonglao Technique][6], she would be able to rapidly gain qi comparable to two months of training. However, the price paid was temporary age regression...

  "But that neigong is apparently quite a pain to use, so it's totally an emergency technique."

  Indeed, the qi in Her Eminence Luo Hao's body had recovered substantially.

  However, the sum total was clearly still less than usual. In addition, physical stamina and arm strength were naturally going to be weakened for a little girl's body. It was possible that her martial arts could not be applied with full freedom as before.

  That being said, for her to surmount an overwhelmingly unfavorable situation so effortlessly, amazing feat would be the only proper description.

  The hero and the Devil King finally met again at this mountainous racing circuit.

  Fortunately, through the History Compilation Committee's efforts and the "King of the End"'s own authority, ordinary people had left the premises completely.

  The two of them jumped down lightly to the course from the grandstand where Erica and the others were.

  "My sworn brother Kusanagi Godou will make a tardy arrival due to certain reasons, but... Of course, you are free to summon your subordinates. I, Luo Hao, shall take on all of you as opponents."

  "Now that you have said that, I cannot call upon them lightly."

  Smiling wryly at the demonic cult leader's taunt, the hero drew out the Divine Sword of Salvation.

  "Before he arrives, I shall fight using this sword alone."

  "Hohoho. In that case, I shall temporarily seal away my palm techniques—unsurpassed by any weapon—and fight you with this."

  Despite facing a god for an opponent, Her Eminence Luo Hao did not alter her haughty attitude at all.

  Nevertheless, it was perhaps due to a Devil King Campione's nature to live true to themselves. Using a little girl's body, the demonic cult leader clenched her fist tightly and swung it at the "King of the End."

  Meanwhile, the Divine Sword Mandala was manifesting above the hero in splendor.

  The second round was beginning at last.

  Part 3

  After Kusanagi Godou finally learned the origins of the "King of the End"...

  On a beach in the Netherworld, the two Hime-Miko were panting from the afterglow of the intense ritual, their eyes remaining in a rapturous trance for quite a while.

  Suddenly coming back to their senses, they frantically fixed up their miko outfits that had been pulled completely open.

  "Although this has been the case since before..."

  After sitting upright prope
rly, Ena spoke with an entranced tone of voice:

  "Ena and Yuri can no longer marry anyone but His Majesty, right?"

  "P-Please do not speak of such things so loudly. We simply took part in a ritual to impart Godou-san with knowledge... Despite the requisite motions—"

  Although Yuri was offering a tactful rebuttal, her face was equally filled with happiness as her fellow Hime-Miko's.

  On the other hand, Godou could only remain silent without any comment.

  His mind was swinging back and forth between resolving himself to never look back versus questioning how things were going to develop henceforth. In any case, towards the kind and gentle Yuri and Ena who could accept a scoundrel like him, he decided he must absolutely repay his debts to them or die trying.

  In any case, just as the trio finally regained composure...

  "The objective has apparently been met successfully. How wonderful."

  Dressed in a Juunihitoe, the Princess of Glass suddenly returned.

  Smiling at Godou and the girls as though offering her blessings, her expression then went solemn.

  "However, the issue is that even with knowledge of His Highness' true name, that alone will not make defeating the crown prince easy..."

  "That's right. Just the Divine Sword of Salvation and the bow are hard enough to handle already, yet that guy also has this trump card of the great ritual of the covenant."

  Godou expressed agreement. The princess spoke with a pensive look:

  "The great ritual of the covenant raises the crown prince's power according to the number of Rakshasa Kings ruling the earth. At least, if the Devil Kings of the present era—all seven of you—were to cooperate, perhaps..."

  "That's absolutely impossible."

  Campiones did things at their own pace and were impossible to unify. Godou replied immediately.

  The kind of relationship between himself and the sworn elder sister was an exception among exceptions. At most, perhaps there was John Pluto Smith of North America. But even so, that was only three out of seven.

  "Eh, wait a sec, 'kay?"

  At this moment, a diabolical solution flashed through Godou's mind.

  Perhaps there was a way to counter the great ritual of the covenant. But after pondering what it was about, Godou was plunged into feelings of self-contempt. He must not resort to that no matter what.

  Hence, the Princess of Glass smiled.

  "You seem to have some kind of secret strategy. Impressive as always, Kusanagi-sama."

  "Oh no, it's very problematic if you say that... Also, there's no time to put it in motion. There's definitely not enough time before the battle against that guy."

  "I see."

  The princess pondered slightly then extended her right hand slowly. Suddenly, a certain slender object wrapped in purple silk manifested on her palm.

  "Allow me to give you this in advance, Kusanagi-sama, for when you have time to put that strategy to use."

  "For me, huh?"

  Surprised, Godou accepted and confirmed the object wrapped inside the silk. He had recollections of seeing it before. Could this be—? Looking up, he saw the Princess of Glass nodding firmly.

  "This is exactly what you are thinking of. If possible, please make use of it."

  What amazing clairvoyance. Probably a Divine Ancestor's spirit senses in action.

  Godou decided to accept the item first and placed the bundle into his pants pocket.

  "It's time we returned to the world. Thank you for taking care of us in many ways."

  Bowing his head in gratitude to the Netherworld benefactor, Godou called to the two Hime-Miko.

  "Everyone on the other side must be very worried. Let's hurry back to reassure them. Mariya, can you lead the way for the return journey?"

  "Of course. However... Godou-san, may I make a request?"

  With a solemn expression, Yuri spoke:

  "I wish to stay over here in the Netherworld."

  "Huh?"

  Godou felt surprised. On the other hand, Ena seemed to have realized the reason.

  "Oh, it's your health, Yuri, isn't it?"

  "Indeed. Even if I returned to Japan now, I will still be unwell due to His Highness' influence. In that case, it would be better for me to remain in the Netherworld, allowing my spirit senses to stay sharp and observe the situation on the ground. This way, I will still be able to provide assistance to you, Godou-san..."

  Currently, both Hime-Miko already knew the true name of the "King of the End."

  Even so, Yuri did not say the name. To reveal the name of the hero known as the strongest of steel, it was ultimately taboo for a miko.

  But how was she going to help while remaining in the Netherworld?

  "Fortunately, I still have this power right now..."

  Yuri looked across the water into the distance.

  This was the place recreating the beach where the duel between the godslayer and the hero had taken place.

  The grains of sand were bright and white while the seawater was a vivid light blue. Images appeared on the surface of this beautiful sea, apparently a racing circuit somewhere on earth.

  The Divine Sword Mandala had manifested high in the sky, raining lightning down on the ground.

  A twelve or thirteen-year-old girl bearing Luo Cuilian's face, dressed in a mandarin gown, was dashing across the perilous ground with great agility, spectacularly evading lightning that no human could avoid while swiftly closing in on the pale-haired aristocrat.

  Wielding the Divine Sword of Salvation in an upper stance, the aristocrat swung down at the girl.

  Dodging this slash, the girl approached head on. Punching straight, she aimed for the side of the aristocrat's abdomen. However, the aristocrat immediately released the divine sword wielded in his left, using both hands to block the girl's fist—

  "Eh, could that be Nee-san?"

  "Yes. By extending tendrils of psychic sensing from the Netherworld to the earth, I have projected the scene captured by my senses. In exchange for this appearance, Her Eminence must have recovered her strength."

  "Her Eminence never fails to impress. Even in unfavorable situations, she can still force her way to find a solution."

  Swinging the divine blade, the aristocrat engaged the pubescent demonic cult leader in close quarters combat.

  Although the sea's light-blue surface was not particularly clear as a screen, it was enough to get a full sense of the fight's details.

  Watching the demonic cult leader's display of divine feats, Ena exclaimed in admiration.

  Godou could not help but gaze intently as well. However, the scene immediately changed. The battle between the hero of the divine sword and the young Luo Cuilian—Just now, they had been watching this scene from the grandstand, but the angle suddenly changed to overhead from the sky.

  Furthermore, the viewpoint kept rising.

  Instead of showing the entirety of the racing circuit serving as the battle arena, the surrounding land was displayed.

  "W-What's going on?"

  Godou asked in surprise. The racing circuit was built in the mountains. But centered around that location, all the mountain vegetation kept withering.

  Leaves and flowers dried up and shattered. Tree bark and branches lost moisture, turning into dust.

  All vegetation within a two or three kilometer radius of the racing circuit had instantly withered, producing a barren land. Furthermore, this "circle of death" kept expanding.

  "Just from swinging the Divine Sword of Salvation, His Highness' internal temperature rises. Shrouded in heat, the earth suffers damage while the resulting effects spread gradually throughout the world..."

  An oracle from Yuri. Godou sighed.

  "I get it, Mariya. Looks like I must make my way there quickly."

  "I pray for your victory. I will also do everything in my power."

  Strong and resolute, Yuri smiled calmly without showing any signs of unease.

  Then setting off was the only thing left to
do. Godou nodded at the beautiful Hime-Miko and signaled to Ena with his eyes. The moment for a direct confrontation with that man—the "King of the End"—had finally come.

  Clasping her hands together before her chest, Yuri meditated.

  Next, the ground underfoot glowed with blue light.

  Immediately after that, Godou and Ena floated high up in the sky within an instant. Just as it became possible to see the white beach and green forest far below, their view instantly turned dark—

  They were starting their return to reality from the Netherworld.

  The Divine Sword Mandala rained down hundreds, thousands of lightning strikes.

  Like indiscriminate bombardment, the attack devastated the ground mercilessly, killing everything below. Rather than a combat instrument, it would be more accurate to call it a strategic weapon.

  In order to evade the endless lightning descending upon the ground, Luo Cuilian was using Daoist arts.

  That being said, she was not invoking spells for protection or defense. The lightning of salvation—Its true form consisted of divine weapons conferred upon the "King of the End" by the gods. Even the most elite of Daoist spells would probably be neutralized with ease.

  Besides, such pedestrian methods did not suit Luo Cuilian's personality either.

  During this time, she was using Daoist arts to move her body dozens of meters instead of meters at a time, thereby evading the attacks of lightning.

  In the world of Daoist arts, this spell was known as [Terrain Reduction].

  However, despite merely reducing distances, the spell of Terrain Reduction was of extremely high difficulty. In addition, she had to use the principles of the mind's eye to guard against incoming lightning while simultaneously using Terrain Reduction instantaneously whenever she sensed danger. Moreover, she had already used this method to evade lightning strikes twenty, even thirty times—

  Such a feat was only possible for Luo Cuilian who had trained in Daoist and martial arts to the very pinnacle.

  Despite her body's fragility, this amazing accomplishment was possible just by making use of a Campione's magic power far surpassing that of humans. Normally, it would deplete the user's magic power.