Campione! Vol 2 Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Calm Before the Storm Part 1 In the high school section of Jounan Academy, the boys and girls had gym cla.s.s separately. Students from the same grade were mixed together but segregated by gender. G.o.dou's 5th Cla.s.s was placed with the 6th Cla.s.s. Today, the boys' lesson was baseball. The girls were doing softball, but since it was being carried out alongside the boys, they used the same field. Hence, it was a rare occasion when both the boys and girls of the 5th and 6th Cla.s.ses had gym lessons together in the same location. — The boy from the 6th Cla.s.s pitched the baseball from the mound. The ball failed to reach the catcher's glove, but instead flew between the right and center fielders as the blonde batter swung rapidly. As the outfielder returned the ball, the batter had already reached third base splendidly. Lessons within the school were only for beginners. In terms of level, they were even worse than amateur leagues, so any active performance here was nothing to be proud of. This person obtained four hits with four turns at bat, and as pitcher struck out all the batters of the opposing team. Mixed among the boys, the only active partic.i.p.ant was Erica Blandelli who was totally amazing despite being a girl without a doubt. Swinging her bat with splendor and the same ease as her sword. "G.o.dou! I want to pitch an even faster ball, you have to catch it! If it's G.o.dou, you definitely can catch it!" "Don't be stupid! We're not even on the same team!" As the teams switched roles at the half-inning, Erica spoke nonsense at the pitcher's mound. G.o.dou, whose own match had already ended, sat down to watch and coldly replied. Starting a short while ago, Erica's fast b.a.l.l.s began to slip from the catcher's glove. It was to be expected. To demand a beginner catcher to receive that kind of fast ball was very unreasonable. "The girls have one person extra, so may I join the boys? Of course, I won't let any of you boys flee from competing against me, how's that?" The situation was created by Erica's proposal not long after cla.s.s started. Erica Blandelli's athletic prowess was already well known throughout the school. Since her capability was fully acknowledged by the boys in the cla.s.s, and even the gym teacher, she was placed into the A team of the 5th Cla.s.s. From that moment, the nightmare began to crush the boys' self-esteem. When Erica pitched. Strikes were usually called. At best, the batter might hit an infield grounder. When Erica pitched. The catcher would get hurt because the b.a.l.l.s were too fast. When Erica batted. Singles. Doubles. Triples. Home runs. Those situations repeated themselves as if being copy and pasted. Not long after that, even the girls, who were having a softball match, stopped to gather round and watch Erica's performance. Every time the blonde young lady gave a super performance, all the girls cheered. "That fellow is truly doing as she pleases... She should really hold back a little." Rather than surprised, it would be better to say G.o.dou was impressed. As someone who already knew her extraordinary athleticism, this level of performance was completely unsurprising. Even if her baseball experience was zero, she was a monster who could give a performance exceeding professionals. "So, Kusanagi-san, how are you?" Yuri had left the girls' team and came over to greet G.o.dou. Come to think of it, gym cla.s.s was the only time when the 6th Cla.s.s' Yuri shared lessons with Erica. "Is Erica-san using some kind of strange magic? If that is the case, she must be stopped. To be performing at this level against boys is completely abnormal." "I don't think so. Since this is a compet.i.tion, she is achieving victory entirely on her own bodily strength." G.o.dou responded with a simple answer to Yuri who was questioning with a worried expression. "She is a knight after all, but please don't cheat so much during times of jest... If only she insisted on fairness when I'm busy with things..." Usually, Erica would use magic to enhance her abilities when messing around with G.o.dou, but she insisted on fair compet.i.tion when it came to gym cla.s.s. Personally, G.o.dou would prefer it if she did the opposite. Sigh, he truly could not believe he became friends with someone like that. "Erica's athletic abilities are extraordinary, and would cause one to suspect the use of magic because her bodily capability and stamina are beyond imagination." Middle school was the time when G.o.dou stood out as the cleanup hitter and catcher of the baseball team. But because of that, he completely understood how unreasonable Erica's abilities were. If she actually played baseball, she would be the type to be the fourth bat, the cleanup hitter for sure. "Though it feels like she's going too far, but it should still be within acceptable limits, right?" "I see... Kusanagi-san, you trust Erica-san very much." Yuri spoke with a slightly stiff expression on her face. "When I saw that kind of performance, the first thing I thought was she must have used some kind of magic. I feel a bit ashamed for doubting someone due to prior bias." "In this case she wasn't acting unreasonably. As long as she keeps it to this level of doing as she pleases." While she completely destroyed the self-esteem of the opposing boys as well as her own catcher, Erica stood on the pitcher's mound with a smile as radiant as the sun. As if she was enjoying things from the bottom of her heart. "Anyway, though she is a sly fellow usually, her character is unbelievably straightforward, so don't worry, it'll be ok." "...Understood. However, that actually makes one feel a bit envious." Yuri relaxed her expression and smiled as she murmured. A faint elegant smile, she seemed rather reserved with her smiles. "Envious? Mariya?" "Uh, yes... To be honest, I am actually not good with sports." "Ah, I see." Although a little surprised, G.o.dou found it understandable. Unlike her usual miko outfit, Yuri was currently wearing her sports uniform. Her slim body — clearly revealed how slender her limbs were. ...Furthermore, her excellent figure was also visible. Although not to the same level as Erica, it was still a figure full of characteristically feminine curves. Feeling embarra.s.sed, G.o.dou frantically redirected his gaze to the match. "Yes. My physical stamina is less than a normal person's. From birth, I have never had a happy memory related to sports." Yuri's countenance seemed a little wistful as she shyly watched G.o.dou while she opened up to him. "Actually, that time when I fled from Athena, I felt muscle pain afterwards." G.o.dou felt apologetic since he felt like he did something bad during that incident. However, he also noticed. "I am very sorry about all those different troubles. But last time that rendezvous point shouldn't have been that far away from Mariya's shrine. Maybe a distance of two kilometers or so?" Around that area, as he spoke, G.o.dou recalled the map of the surroundings near s.h.i.+ba Park. However, Yuri was showing a harsh gaze indicative of slight anger. "To me, that is quite a long distance! Kusanagi-san may be someone who has plenty of energy to waste, but do not look down on those who do not have physical stamina!" For some strange reason, the angry Yuri seemed especially cute. Of course, G.o.dou did not dare reveal his inner thought. At that time, G.o.dou only wanted to be as low key as possible. "Uh, I'm truly sorry, if something like that ever happens again, please call me earlier and I will immediately come to your aid. Definitely, I promise." Using Verethragna's authorities would allow one to literally "fly" to help those in a crisis. Hence, it shouldn't be a false promise, probably... G.o.dou wondered as he thought 'is it really ok?' Yuri nodded with a forced smile. "Kusanagi-san, did you not warn that the power is a little uncertain and that you have yet to master it? It is not good to rely on such a power... please keep that in mind carefully." Under the influence of Yuri's words and gentle smile, G.o.dou also smiled. Part 2 "So, Yuri-san, how do you feel after interacting with Kusanagi G.o.dou?" Sitting at the driver's seat and gripping the steering wheel was Amakasu, who suddenly asked a question. Unable to discern his true intentions, Yuri who was sitting on the pa.s.senger side, gave a questioning expression and replied "Ah?" "What I want to ask is how is the great Devil King and Yuri-san's personal relations.h.i.+p going? One that began with the two of you overcoming a deadly crisis together. Does he have some kind of heart racing feeling beyond pure friends.h.i.+p, and will progress into happy yet embarra.s.sing developments?" "Amakasu-san, I do not understand at all what you are trying to confirm." And didn't state clearly. By the way, Yuri was dressed as a j.a.panese miko with her white robe. She had just been working at the Nanao Shrine and stopped when Amakasu dropped by to visit as agreed yesterday. "We need to constantly review and adapt our relations.h.i.+p with him from this point onwards, so this is just for reference." "Will the personal relations.h.i.+p between Kusanagi-san and I influence the plans of the Committee?" "Of course, greatly." Amakasu steered the car into the Shuto Expressway and drove towards s.h.i.+buya. As a side note, traffic was still restricted on this same Shuto Expressway in the direction of dawn. This was due to the fact that repairs were still underway for the damage caused by the battle between G.o.dou and Athena half a month ago. "Honestly, we have no intention of making Kusanagi G.o.dou an enemy. Before, he was just a senseless person who was not even [King] but now he has obtained a completely unreasonable power. Prior to that, it would have been impossible to even imagine him becoming a monster of some place." "Why are you talking like that... Don't use words like 'monster.' He is still a normal person at heart..." Without any pretense, Yuri tried to defend G.o.dou. However, if one simply looked at G.o.dou's abilities, Amakasu's words were impossible to deny. Amakasu simply forced a smile and nodded. "His future — to see what kind of Devil King he will develop into. As long as we maintain intimacy with him all along there will be room for establis.h.i.+ng an ultimate relations.h.i.+p. If it weren't for that, we would not have prepared such a troublesome plan." The caution displayed by Amakasu and the History Compilation Committee was understandable. European countries already had a history of coexistence with a number of Campiones, and so the magic a.s.sociations there were experienced with [King] dealings. However, it was still the first time for the Committee to come into contact with a locally born Campione. "Thus, in case of emergencies, it is necessary to establish a close friendly relations.h.i.+p with him. ...This was well played by the Copper Black Cross that first discovered the importance of Kusanagi G.o.dou." "The a.s.sociation Erica-san belongs to?" "Yes. To send as a lover one of their candidates for core leaders.h.i.+p, and to make as much use of his abilities in areas unrelated to the public, a truly shrewd and excellent strategy." —Lover!? Finally understanding Amakasu's words, Yuri's eyebrows shot up in anger. "Is your side planning on adding someone like Erica!" "After all, he is a young man despite being the great Devil King possessing divine authority — to manipulate him with a woman is a most practical solution. A cla.s.sic strategy, wasn't there the story of Samson who was bewitched by Delilah in the Old Testament of the Bible? "Please do not mix the Bible into this discussion!" Yuri sternly reprimanded Amakasu who was chattering away. The thought of some unknown beauty using her charms on G.o.dou for such purposes made Yuri raise her voice without conscious intent. "Kusanagi-san is currently at his limits resisting the seduction of Erica-san! This kind of behavior testing a person's self-control is completely unacceptable. Imprudent, unhealthy! What kind of woman do you actually want to put up to this task!?" "Aya, we're finally back to the original topic, as for our female candidate..." Amakasu sneered in a proud manner. Yuri felt her body shake, and felt the coming of some unpleasant words, an unwelcoming premonition. "I think that if Yuri would take on this role, you would be a perfect candidate. ...Even as a compet.i.tor against that Erica. I believe that Yuri-san is on the same level and certainly not inferior, isn't that great — " "What, what are you talking about. I do not think I have any need to compete with Erica-san!" The image formed in her mind was the brilliant blonde beauty, whose looks and outgoing personality were like the bright Mediterranean sun. To compete against that kind of opponent for a boy's attentions. Just the thought of it made Yuri feel like her hair was becoming white. Impossible and she completely refused to do it. What kind of joke was this? "No no, it's possible. Though the opponent is strong, but on the other hand, Yuri-san also has substantial chances of success. Believe in yourself!" "...Amakasu-san, please stop with these stupid jokes. Enough." Whenever Yuri was truly furious, she always seemed like she was smiling for some reason. Her lips slightly curled, and speaking with a cold tone. "Oui, mademoiselle. My apologies, anyway, the plan just discussed was just one of many. If possible, please forget it." With an exaggerated motion, Amakasu shrugged his shoulder then continued to drive without saying another word. The two of them sat in the domestic car which exited the Shudo Expressway at the s.h.i.+buya exit, and continued towards the direction of Meguro. Part 3 Located in a quiet corner of Aobadai was a certain building. A public library managed and run by the History Compilation Committee. All unrelated persons were prohibited. Even the residents from the surrounding area were unaware of what kind of public facility it actually was. Yuri, led by Amakasu, stepped into this library. As a library, its structure was exceedingly simple. Throughout this clean and quiet library were shelves full of books. However, there were very few people. The occasional person either belonged to the History Compilation Committee or was someone related. In addition, there were the books being collected. Reference books recording all types of magic and wizardry — most of them were either grimoires or books about incantations. Ordinary people could not comprehend these things. These were the distilled essence of danger and wisdom, forbidden books about magic. The library existed precisely to house and isolate these precious hidden books from the world. "Aobadai's book repository... Can you tell me? This is the first time for me to come here." "Unless it was necessary to tell you, there was no need to come here. No, please wait for a moment? There are still some issues." Leaving those words behind, Amakasu continued leading Yuri forward. — There was a s.p.a.cious reading room on the second floor of the library. Yuri looked at her surroundings as she waited. Though there was not a single other person, it looked very much like a normal library. However, the neat rows of books on the shelves gave off a strange presence which Yuri's spirit sense picked up. This was not a simple book repository after all. These books were born from the circulating records of the profound secrets of magic and wizardry. These grimoires acc.u.mulated ancient and profound magic. It was said that some of the rare ones are cla.s.sified as [Special Items]. The books collected here felt like masterpieces. It was said that powerful mages and users of spirit powers wrote down numerous books by hand, and there have even been confirmed reports of books ma.s.s produced from printing presses suddenly obtaining magical properties. ...Yuri turned her curiosity to the book shelves. The t.i.tles of these books varied, but most were written in western script. Those written in j.a.panese only took up less than 30%. The activities of the History Compilation Committee only began after the Second World War. Committee members played a large role in restricting the spread of magical knowledge from foreign sources. The numerous books contained in this library were surely the result of decades of their efforts to collect grimoires. "Sorry to have you waiting, but what we wanted you to look at was this. Since it is guarded by powerful spells, forcefully reading ahead will definitely cause something bad to occur, and no one can predict what may happen." Amakasu returned, and in his hands was a leather-bound foreign text that was not very thick. "...Something bad may occur?" "Yes. Probably something like placing yourself in a corner of the room, talking to angels that no one else can see, then making sounds like 'ah papapa' and going on a mental journey around the world." "A common person cannot appraise such a dangerous book!" You should have given me such an important warning earlier. Yuri spoke with an unyielding tone. "Probably, if it is being guarded by such a strong spell, then it must be a powerful grimoire without a doubt! I see no point in further appraisal..." "Ah yes, this is why human desire is so terrifying. Why do these grimoires need to be enchanted with such strong spells of protection? It feels similar to the way that prices are raised for rare books. ...However, if it's Yuri-san then it should be safe to appraise the book without reading the contents. It'll be fine." Making a harmless expression, Amakasu spoke as he smiled, and placed the book on one of the larger tables in the reading room. [ h.o.m.o homini lupus f This was the t.i.tle written on the cover. From the paper quality and damage to the bindings, it appeared to be an ancient tome over a century old. Lupus — meant wolf in Latin, recalled Yuri. "If this is authentic, it should be a grimoire privately published in Romania around the earlier half of the nineteenth century. Past legends tell of an Ephesian secret cult wors.h.i.+pping the [Dark Virgin Mother of G.o.d, Queen of Wild Beasts] and holding covert rituals where people who tried to read the books would be 'turned into inhuman servants covered with fur.' Inhuman and covered with fur — generally refers to things like wolves and bears." Amakasu's casual example revealed the depth of his knowledge. Yuri felt that his words felt a bit fantastical. "In terms of changes, what is well known is that people's bodies will undergo complete transformations after reading. Rather than a grimoire, a cursed book would be a better description — " "Ah ah, you're right. Those magic books will continue to increase the werewolves' curse. Due to this, if it's the real thing it is an extremely rare and precious treasure." "Please don't talk about that in such a happy manner!" Yuri reprimanded Amakasu's impropriety with a stare and faced the ancient book once again. — Concentrating her gaze and calming her heart. Her spirit vision was not a power that could be used at will freely. Melting the heart into the sky, entrusting it to guidance from the divinities, and making use of eyes and instinct. This would allow one to see something or notice something. Depending on the situation, one sometimes found important clues, but they might not be what one was expecting. Furthermore, there was always an issue of accuracy in divination. ...However, a wise historical existence could be felt from this book. There was some truth to Amakasu's words. Once upon a time, there was a witch who lived in the depths of the forest, and many of the animals respected her — in particular the stronger existences of wolves, bears and birds. This book recorded the difficult and powerful points of the ritual. The only ones able to read the book were either servants or people related to the witch, and the book would reject all common magi. "This is not a cursed book... as long as the one reading it had sufficient experience and capability, then one would not be harmed by the hidden mysterious powers of this book, and would obtain knowledge instead." Yuri vaguely felt the properties of the book and muttered. "I think it is a device meant to prevent the unqualified from reading it — it is a test for resisting the curse rather than an intention to transform the reader's body." "Ah yes, so to sum up, this is the real thing. As expected of Yuri-san, you saw through everything." "This is all I know for now. I can't guarantee for the rest, so don't count too much on this kind of ability." Amakasu agreed with Yuri's deductions. — And then The werewolf-controlling grimoire of the witch, as well as Amakasu Touma. The library. All these vanished suddenly. Yuri and the s.p.a.ce around her was enveloped in darkness. She felt like she was standing in the dark surrounded by a gloomy atmosphere. "Is this a hallucination? Due to the grimoire?" Yuri tried to raise her spirit vision and see the truth behind these illusions. This was a rare occurrence but it does happen occasionally when contact was made with an object hiding strong magical powers. Hence, there was no feeling of panic at the time — The hallucination persisted. There was something in the depths of the darkness. Focusing her gaze, it seemed to resemble something like a rat. The rat slowly transformed, gradually increasing in body ma.s.s. In addition, it changed its posture. This was a dog... no, a wolf. From its ferocious and sharp appearance, Yuri made such an identification. From its four legs the wolf stood up onto two. Rather than a wolf, this was a werewolf's posture. Was it due to contact with that grimoire? A hallucination as a result of that? As Yuri puzzled, the werewolf slowly walked in the darkness — from the dark hole walking up to the surface of the ground. From there, dancing serpents could be seen. The werewolf stepped upon and slaughtered them all. And then the werewolf reached out with its arms towards the bright sun in the sky. Caught it. The werewolf caught the glowing sphere with its bare hands. In the end, the werewolf swallowed the ball of light, and gradually took on the form of an elderly human. It was the person who Yuri met before. A tall thin body, wise-looking face — and emerald green eyes. The ancient Campione ruling over eastern and southern Europe. The ancient Devil King cast the light from his evil eyes at Yuri and smiled hideously. " — Marquis Voban!? How, why are you here!?" As the most intense terror attacked Yuri and she wailed, consciousness was soon lost. Part 4 It was around 10pm at night when that phone call reached the Kusanagi residence. "Yes, I am Kusanagi." This voice, is it G.o.dou? It's been a while, how are you, my friend?' It was a slightly familiar voice heard from before, in fact it was a voice G.o.dou didn't want to hear coming from the receiver. A complete waste of a voice with such depth. G.o.dou immediately put down the receiver and hung up the phone. "...Ch. That brat finally revived!" G.o.dou who usually did not pray for the misfortune of others, felt like this was one of those exceptions. Just to be safe, he unplugged the telephone wire from the base of the phone. Temporarily avoiding phone calls was an acceptable sacrifice for this cause. However, his cellphone began to ring when he returned to his own room. G.o.dou glanced at the display, the caller's name was "Unknown." Furthermore, a foreign phone call? Should he just ignore it? But then there was a huge risk. Perhaps one day he might open the door to his home to find that fellow appearing and saying 'I came over because you didn't pick up the phone.' That would be the worst scenario. G.o.dou prepared himself and pressed the b.u.t.ton to pick up the call. 'Suddenly hanging up the phone, that's too cruel!' "You b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Anyway, why do you know my home and cellphone numbers?" 'You're such a fool. Isn't it natural to know a good friend's phone number?' If this was a face to face conversation, then he'd probably be doing things like winking as well. Blonde hair, blue eyes, tall and handsome. A bright expression on his proper face, and extremely friendly. The appearance of an elegant gentleman, but in reality, the strongest warrior possessing a body of steel — G.o.dou recalled the image of the one who called himself his 'good friend.' "Hey Salvatore Doni, we don't really count as friends you know, and I don't remember ever telling you my phone numbers." 'Hmph, you're the fellow who didn't even want to exchange phone numbers or mailing addresses. Thanks to you, I had to order my subordinates to investigate. And from now on, please do not use "don't really count" to describe our relations.h.i.+p. Didn't I say already, that we are great friends?' "If that's what you think, please look up the dictionary definition for the word 'friend' one thousand times before you call again." Salvatore Doni. The twenty-four-year-old Italian, as well as the Sixth Campione. He possessed ma.s.sive influence centered around southern Europe, and had defeated four pillar G.o.ds. In terms of age and experience, he would count as G.o.dou's senior. However, G.o.dou had no intention of using honorifics with this guy. G.o.dou himself found it unbelievable, since he would usually interact with elders with the appropriate att.i.tude and word choice. However, it was entirely different when facing this man. From the depths of his heart, a certain subtle feeling of opposition prevented it. 'Hey hey, the one who doesn't understand friends.h.i.+p is you. That is totally shameful for a j.a.panese.' "What does nationality have to do with it?" 'Of course it does. I remember that "write letters to enemies, and predict the thoughts of friends" is a j.a.panese saying. It was written clearly in some j.a.panese literature I read before." "Uh... is that really so?" G.o.dou felt that there must be some mistake in Doni's words. In reality, G.o.dou did recall something similar lost in the depths of his memories. If it was really true, could this guy actually be correct? 'It's possible, after all our relations.h.i.+p is not the type which improves after a fight to the death. — At that time, how many times did our fists pummel each other, and how many rounds did our blades clash together violently?' "What blade clas.h.i.+ng? I only got stabbed by you... No, I just got sliced by you." To Doni's enthusiastic words, G.o.dou simply responded coldly. This man is full of exaggerated delusions and a total medieval chivalry romantic, better stay away from him. 'You were truly great that time. Overcoming unavoidable death and fighting me with fierce burning battle spirit — I responded with all my strength.' "Going all out on a lower level opponent like me, you really lack the magnanimity of an adult." 'We both felt it during that battle right? Ufu, that this man before me will be a worthy rival for eternity. — As fated opponents to battle to the death repeatedly. How could you not have felt that?' "Didn't feel a thing! Not even for an instant!" ' — And thus, my eternal rival. With love and respect please call me Salvatore. How about it, you can even call me by my pet name [Toto].' Though it was extremely tiring to talk to this guy who was impossible to argue against, G.o.dou still forced himself to respond in the negative. "I'd rather die than use your pet name!" 'Hoho, you're still such a shy boy. You know you want me, but still treating me so coldly... I know, this must be what they call tsundere in j.a.pan.' "You have seriously misunderstood j.a.panese culture! If that's all you're going to talk about, I'll be hanging up now?" G.o.dou totally felt that he had already wasted too many words with this idiot, and was about to hang up. 'Please wait, my friend. Today I just wanted to give you a warning. Do you know of the one named "Sasha Dejanstahl"?' "Just in name only. Isn't it the strange old Devil King who lives near you?" 'Well, it's actually the Italian peninsula and the Balkans respectively. If you look at the map, I guess you could say it's close by. That old gramps really doesn't have a personality that one could easily live with, but recently it seems like he's no longer there.' "I don't even know if it's a castle or a dungeon located in some place!" G.o.dou casually imagined the great elder Devil King and how he would speak, but somehow it didn't fit. 'Oh, that's called cla.s.sical style. I don't think that kind of life is bad actually, but old Mr. Voban doesn't agree, that person has very few desires other than gluttony, and doesn't care much about things like land or architecture.' Another unexpected character commentary. ...Come to think of it, whether Kusanagi G.o.dou or Salvatore Doni, both were [Devil Kings] and fearful existences to others. However, both had idiosyncrasies that were rather unbecoming for a [Devil King], so perhaps it wasn't too surprising after all. 'Before he became king he lived as a vagabond, and led a tough life always short on food for almost two decades. His life was turned around when he defeated either the monstrous wolf Fenrir or Garm.' "Isn't Garm the h.e.l.lhound in Norse mythology?" 'You are correct. In some places he is also known as Garmr.' — These were definitely things that fellow Erica would know. G.o.dou gathered his thoughts as he listened and answered briefly, but if he went over to ask that girl, it would only turn into a situation where she would force unnecessary knowledge into him. Apparently before Doni became a Campione, he was an unsuccessful Templar Knight. Completely opposite to Erica's genius talent in both magic and swords, Doni's only a.s.set was his unsurpa.s.sed skill with the sword, but his talent in magic was zero. To a Templar Knight who required skill in both swords and magic, it was equivalent to a mark of failure. 'Well, this probability is higher. Though the G.o.d he defeated first is unknown, it is known that the Marquis Voban's first authority could summon several hundred wolves to do his bidding with the power of the [Legion of Hungry Wolves]. Due to this, he must have killed some kind of wolf G.o.d.' "Several hundred of them, that number is really..." 'Subsequent authorities included transforming people into salt with a stare, calling forth storms to blow away towns and roads, and turning the people he killed into something like zombies or ghosts to be used as obedient slaves.' Truly Campiones are the worst. G.o.dou sighed. Both Doni and himself were the same — people who possessed unreasonable special abilities. "Anyway, so what does this troublesome old gramps have to do with me?" 'Aya, sorry, I almost forgot. Since this old gramps should now be in Tokyo, there was something about shopping, and also something about staying out of his territory...' "Who would do something like that! So why did he come to j.a.pan!?" G.o.dou yelled loudly, and really felt like scratching his head. ...Heading towards troublesome developments again. Give me a break. 'Hohoho, I can tell you, but there's a condition — if you beg for a.s.sistance from me who is your friend, older brother, as well as the hero Salvatore, then I will immediately...' "I definitely refuse! I don't need you to tell me!" After refusing, G.o.dou tried some other questions. "That old gramps has defeated quite a few G.o.ds, right? Also, you've killed Irish and Norse G.o.ds before, right? How many are there in total?" 'If you add up both our kills, probably over ten. Is there a problem?' "No, for each G.o.d you've defeated, it means one less for me to fight." Who knows how many G.o.ds there were all over the world. The fewer left to fight the better. G.o.dou spoke as he worried about his own situation. 'Haha, what are you talking about? Even if the other Campiones and I defeat all the other G.o.ds, battle will come when it comes. This kind of calculation is pointless.' "Why? If you guys kill them all, then they can't fight any more, right?" ' — Even if we kill G.o.ds, they are not erased entirely. As long as mankind exists, and myths perpetuate, killed G.o.ds can resurrect. Never forget that.' Doni was speaking in a rare serious tone. Dark battle spirit and joyful feelings were quietly stored in his heart. Though he looked outgoing and frivolous in appearance, he was a man with a warrior spirit, living for the sword and dying for battle. 'After all, only part of a G.o.d appears on earth for us to fight. Their true nature are myths. Even if their bodies are destroyed, as long as myths continued to exist, they will be able to rematerialize and resurrect countless times. Furthermore, it is impossible to make myths disappear unless all of mankind is eliminated.' "As long as myths exist, no matter how many times they will..." 'That's the way it is. So perhaps there may come a day for you to battle Verethragna again. That G.o.d is rather famous in western Asia, and it won't be surprising for him to resurrect somewhere.' This was all there was to the conversation with Salvatore. Disconnecting the call on his cellphone, G.o.dou felt troubled. — Let's hope it won't turn into a battle against the oldest Campione... Part 5 Yuri woke up to find herself at Nanao Shrine. Yuri had been sleeping on some blankets in a traditional j.a.panese-style room of the shamusho.^ She felt very dry in her mouth. Adjusting her kimono and hair, Yuri walked out of the room. The kitchen was also located in the same building and had a well-stocked fridge. Wanting to get a drink, Yuri walked towards the kitchen. "Ah, Yuri-san, that's great, you finally regained consciousness. ...Is your body feeling ok?" Amakasu Touma was in the kitchen. He was in the middle of browsing through dozens of doc.u.ments laid out on the table. "Did anything strange happen — what happened to me afterwards?" "You were looking at that grimoire with your spirit vision as usual, and suddenly lost consciousness, so I hastily brought you back to the shrine. Aya, and the shrine leaders scolded me, sorry for bringing you trouble." Bowing his head, Amakasu seemed to continue with great interest. "And then Yuri-san's expression became very strange, did you see something?" "No, not at all. I guess I was just a little tired that time, and then just lost consciousness. Nothing strange happened." Yuri explained immediately. Why would a hallucination of Sasha Dejanstahl occur? This was completely impossible to understand. Meeting that old man was over four years ago. Could it really be due to contact with the grimoire from eastern Europe that the memories of the Campione were awakened? Or, or was there another reason? Anyway, one must not rashly jump to conclusions. Yuri decided to change the subject, and glanced towards the doc.u.ments Amakasu was reading. "What are these? ...Resumes?" If these were meant to be private, then they should not be spread out in such a place. It would be unthinkable for a representative of the History Compilation Committee to be so imprudent. Having thus decided, Yuri took a look at the pile of doc.u.ments. They all seemed to be resumes with L-size^ photos clipped on. ...It looked like all the photos were of teenaged girls, and every one of them had a cute appearance. Some of the girls had a more mature and adult feel, while others were cute and innocent. There were also some girls who looked very outgoing, and others that looked quite sincere. There was a great variety of them. "Ah ah, this is the matter we were talking about. To pick someone qualified to be the lover of Kusanagi G.o.dou. Truly the elite of this nation, they are all extremely talented individuals." Amakasu talked with quite a joyful appearance. Yuri casually glanced at the resumes which resembled job recruitment profiles. "Perhaps in order to defeat an opponent of Erica Blandelli's caliber, it would take a combination of elegance, adolescent adorability, and the friend route character. Sounds about right. However, there is also the possibility that he prefers other types. This is quite a difficult decision." "Amakasu-san! Is your side really planning on putting that plan into motion!" The History Compilation Committee member simply retracted his head slightly in response to Yuri's scolding. "These are necessary human resources. Unless Yuri-san has a better suggestion?" "Umm, ummm... If it is explained clearly to Kusanagi-san, and an opportunity is created for practical negotiations, he should be able to understand where he stands — " "Haha, that's not going to work. He is a teenaged boy after all." Amakasu laughed condescendingly with sounds of "hehe" as if trying to provoke Yuri's anger. "No matter how honest he claims to be, he cannot refuse if he is begged by the girl he is going out with. That's what males are like... For a boy of that age, dreams or aspirations to higher morals can never compare to the value of girls." "Precisely, that is why you cannot ignore the wishes of a girl and force her to play the role of a lover or anything like that!" What Yuri feared was the History Compilation Committee using its authority to force this mission upon a hapless young girl or miko from some wizardry family. That kind of tyranny was definitely unacceptable. To the excited Yuri, Amakasu calmly replied. "How could that be? Don't worry about the will of the person being selected. They will be carefully chosen from volunteers. Relax." "Ah!?" "After all, the t.i.tle of the Campione is very effective. Whether personally or the interests of the clan, there are numerous advantages to becoming the lover of the first Devil King of j.a.pan. Lack of volunteers is simply not a concern." Amakasu smiled in an extremely satisfied manner. Yuri was shocked. Could there really be so many selfish volunteers appearing one after another — The Latin beauty Erica Blandelli who called herself the lover of Kusanagi G.o.dou and pa.s.sionately approached him completely unabashed. Strangely enough, Yuri did not feel repulsed by Erica's presence. At most it made her feel awkward at times. Though Erica could be very calculating, she was always open and straightforward — perhaps due to that relaxed and candid personality. No matter what, Erica could place herself in danger without hesitation for the sake of G.o.dou. After the battle with Athena, Yuri understood that perfectly. However, what about the other girls planning on approaching G.o.dou in order to make use of his power and status? "Still, still not allowed! If he gets close to girls with those kinds of intentions, what kind of bad influence will they bring? It's not easy for Kusanagi-san to have an opportunity to start a new life, what is going to happen!" Yuri could not help yelling, feeling that this was a dirty matter. "However, there will be a ton of people trying to use him for his powers anyway. If we don't do it, someone else will. Unless Yuri-san yourself will keep watch over this young man by his side." "But, but, if that's the case... However for me, I don't think Kusanagi-san has a good opinion of me." He probably did not have a good impression from all that nagging from me. Though Yuri was a complete stranger to the subtleties of the male heart, however, she felt that her conclusions were correct. Since she had always been distancing herself from others in an obvious manner, it was natural to think that others thought the same. Shyly, Yuri bowed her head. Probably, my face was blus.h.i.+ng all red, the color of a fully ripened persimmon. "On the other hand, perhaps it is Yuri-san who dislikes Kusanagi G.o.dou?" "Dislike!? Not at all. Though Kusanagi-san and Erica's actions are inappropriate, I do feel that he is friendly, generous and a person of good character. He is not arrogant despite possessing that level of power, and being humble is one of his virtues ... So, I don't dislike him at all." "Hoho, it really is like that. Then please maintain current relations for now. Blus.h.i.+ng shyly, your head bowed down, yes yes, very good. Extremely cute." "Ah, Amakasu-san, what are you talking about?" Amakasu suddenly took out his cellphone and snapped a picture of Yuri with the camera. Yuri could not understand the intentions behind his actions. "Reference material. The other Committee members will definitely approve at the next meeting. Anyway, the power of Yuri-san's photo will surely blow away the compet.i.tion." "Uh? What do you mean?" "Isn't it true that Yuri-san doesn't wish for unscrupulous girls to approach Kusanagi G.o.dou? In that case you must develop good relations with him, isn't that right?" "That's why I said, I am not..." "Nothing to worry about. We the History Compilation Committee will lend you our full support, and so, please win over Kusanagi G.o.dou with full confidence!" The declaration shocked Yuri like a clap of thunder. "Win, win over!? I don't intend to have that kind of relations.h.i.+p with Kusanagi-san!" "Hohoho, still not being honest. Whatever, this will be a perfect ingredient to flavor the dish, let's just leave it at that." Amakasu gave a fearless smile as he spoke with incomprehensible words. "Let's put it this way. We wish to ma.s.sively increase Yuri-san's influence over Kusanagi G.o.dou. Our hope is that whenever he is tempted by Erica Blandelli, or when he is falling into darkness drunk on the power of his authority, you can persuade him and guide him down the right path." "I can guide that person towards the right path?" "Yes. Just become closer to him starting with normal situations, and have a better relations.h.i.+p with him than Erica Blandelli. Do your best. It's a promise. If you can do that, we will terminate that plan." Amakasu's tone of voice was akin to the serpent who tricked Eve into eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, but Yuri was completely oblivious. "...No, but even now, all I've been doing is nagging at Kusanagi-san, and leaving him with a bad impression. It's probably fruitless to try to improve relations at this point — " To become even more intimate with him than that Erica, it was completely unthinkable. Amakasu answered the insecure Yuri with a naughty smile. "Please don't worry. I have a secret plan — and it works precisely because the current relations.h.i.+p is distant. Up to now, it only counts as the tsun phase, so if you start going dere as much as possible from this point on, boys will definitely fall for you without fail!" "—Ah? What... is that?" "First why don't you try making a lunchbox personally? Then say 'This is extra, it's not like I made it specially for you, but it would be a shame for it to go to waste, so here you go' when you hand it over to him. Isn't that the best tactic?" "Ah!?" "Pardon my forwardness, but if you lack information in this area, I can provide some from my personal collection. I'll send them over in a short while; do you prefer DVDs or games?" "Ah, umm, Amakasu-san? Please don't continue the conversation so casually." In reality, this event would end up having a great influence in G.o.dou and Yuri's future life. Of course, Yuri at that time had no idea at all. Part 6 It was a beautiful j.a.panese garden of a hotel. To Liliana Kranjcar who was born and grew up in Milan and whose grandfather was Croatian, the s.p.a.cious garden in a former n.o.bleman's antiquated mansion was a very interesting s.p.a.ce. There was plenty of natural scenery in the grounds which covered tens of thousands of square meters. Lush green trees were neatly trimmed, while water flowed into pools through small rivers. There were also ancient paG.o.das and sacrificial altars in the depths of the waterfall. However, this garden full of foreign allure seemed to have no effect on her companion. Upon deciding on the accommodations in Tokyo, Sasha Dejanstahl Voban immediately arrived there. As if shaken by the compact style of the garden, Liliana also became subservient. Voban's bedroom was located in a separate building within the hotel's garden. A tiny traditional j.a.panese house. However, its interiors were very modern in contrast to the traditional outer appearance. In it contained western style rooms that a European like Liliana could quickly get accustomed to. There were also a few j.a.panese style rooms with tatami and ornamental screens. "So Kranjcar, is there any news of the miko?" Voban suddenly asked. Voban spoke with perfect j.a.panese as he downed the cup of sake by himself, looking over the typical but undistinguished menu listing items like tempura and sas.h.i.+mi. Until the previous day, this old man had no knowledge of the j.a.panese language. However, both Campiones and accomplished magi possessed exceptional language learning ability. As a result, it was not surprising that Voban had mastered the language simply by conversing with Liliana who excelled in j.a.panese. Furthermore, it only took him about fifty to sixty minutes. Learning an unknown language in such a short time would not have been possible for Liliana. Likewise, even other Campiones and Great Knights would probably fail to match such a feat. "No, not yet. My apologies." Liliana bowed her head in penance. — Mariya Yuri, fifteen years of age, lived in the bay area of Tokyo. Possessing exceptional spirit vision, she was a special religious leader called the Hime-Miko. In reality, this level of information was extremely easy for her organization the Bronze Black Cross to investigate. Even so, Liliana did not report with honesty. She recalled the things done to the girls in the Austrian villa four years ago. Amongst all the miko there, Yuri had been the most silent and the one with the most conservative personality. Furthermore, she looked the weakest and most delicate. However, who was the first to arrive at Voban's ritual site? Everyone there had been very frightened, but she was the first to enter. She understood the fear in the other girls, and decided to go ahead herself. "...Hmph, is that so. Anyway, it's fine. If it so happens, what should one do if a little bird jumped into a cage? If you tie a rope to it, no matter where it went, you can find the cage easily enough." Voban gloated as he moved his fingers over the cup. — A birdcage? Liliana frowned at the strange a.n.a.logy. "About what I just said, I wonder who was it that hallucinated the image of I, Voban? Perhaps some kind of chance occurrence, where they mistook a prophetic ability as spirit vision — it's not some kind of powerful wizardry ability, right?" Of course, whether the person who hallucinated was Yuri or not, Liliana could not have known. However, it was said that Campiones possessed extraordinary instincts. There have been several rumors that Campiones can sense when they are in danger, and have an animal-like instinct to detect the presence of G.o.ds — their fated rivals. However, this was the first time Liliana heard that they could see through spirit vision. What kind of extraordinary powers does this old man possess! "I don't know if that fellow is the miko we need to find. However, I am positive it will be of great use to capture that person." Voban smiled and finished the alcohol as if drinking water. After several days together, Liliana could tell that he was not a picky eater. He ate and drank everything and anything, consuming not for taste but only to satisfy hunger and thirst. "You don't seem to be very good at finding things. Then how about we find someone else to take the job? Or perhaps, this should be a job for a witch — Maria Teresa, come here." Voban called the name of a woman. In response, a dead woman with deeply sunken eyes appeared out of s.p.a.ce, wearing a large black hat — a member of the [Dead Servants]. "This deceased was once a witch, and shouldn't find it too hard to find the spirit vision user who saw me in a hallucination. Find that person using those skills you possessed when alive!" The Dead Servant witch nodded to acknowledge the tyrannical order and disappeared once again. Mariya Yuri will be caught sooner or later. Liliana had no doubts about it, and deeply sighed. References 1 . t h.o.m.o homini lupus est is a Latin phrase meaning "man is a to [his fellow] man." 2. t Shamusho: The building used as the administrative office of shrine 3. t L-size: Also known as 3R, or 9 x 13 cm.