Campione! Vol 4 Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Hero's Sojourn Part 1 It had almost been two hours since they began their voyage across the sea in the night. It was already past twelve midnight. Kusanagi G.o.dou heaved a sigh of relief as soon as the sh.o.r.e and city lights came into view. Setting out on a journey, not knowing the destination, this ordeal was almost at an end. Athena's manipulation of the yacht's velocity was an evident abnormality. If they traveled at this speed on land, the consequences would be unimaginable. G.o.dou had prayed that no obstacles would appear before their path on the voyage. Due to the fact that they were getting close to their destination, their speed had reduced greatly, and G.o.dou was deeply grateful for it. There was a gigantic castle next to the harbor. It was a special landmark, for sure. They were probably still within Italy's boundaries, but he had not a clue where he was. A quick observation showed that the city was of considerable magnitude. " Hey, what is that place? Is there a reason why we came here?" "Hmm? Where are we, eh? I don't know." His reasonable question was answered with an irresponsible answer. "Don't ask me that, Kusanagi G.o.dou. I merely felt where the winds were blowing to. In the first place, wasn't this that sort of journey? I entrusted our fate to the guidance of the wind, advancing in the same direction, it was merely divine ordain. Moving like clouds in the sky." On the 'borrowed' yacht, the G.o.ddess Athena murmured softly. To the average modern person, it would be a ridiculous idea, but G.o.dou didn't really mind, and only just wanted to tell her not to do things as though she were Homer, the Greek poet, improvising poems in real time. It was this moment when a sudden change happened. From a corner of the harbor, an emerald light could be seen stretching towards the heavens. "What is going on, over there?" "Hm... It seems like someone had carelessly stimulated the essence of the land." G.o.dou and Athena observed the situation from their yacht - The emerald light gradually s.h.i.+fted into a familiar shape a dragon, spreading wings of over ten meters and soaring through the air, a ma.s.sive dragon with emerald scales. "As I thought, is that a G.o.d of something?" "No, it's probably something like a divine beast although its origins should have connections to a G.o.d..." Being used to this, it was terrifying. It was preferable that the enemy was not a G.o.d this time, G.o.dou thought. As the G.o.d and the devil king looked on, the gigantic dragon slowly descended onto the ground. Soon after, a light like a flash of lightning, from nowhere, as if aiming for the dragon, swooped down somewhere in its general vicinity. " I have a really bad feeling about this." "It seems my prediction was spot on, we have just witnessed the descent of a troublesome G.o.d. Fufu, things are just starting to get interesting." The yacht, propelled by Athena's divine power, slowly drew closer to the land. Thus, Kusanagi G.o.dou and the heretic G.o.ddess arrived at the most dangerous city in Italy. Perseus. He defeated the snake-haired demon Medusa in Greek Mythology, and then, when the princess of Ethiopia, Andromeda was about to be sacrificed to a monster, he engaged in battle with said monster by the seaside, and obtained victory, saving the princess. It was well-known that he was a G.o.d that represented the slaying of serpents, dragon and snakes alike. [Perseus and Andromeda Style] was a term that referred to myths of similar themes. The Heraion - the loss of control of the symbol of the land would bring about the manifestation of its sworn enemy, this was what Liliana Kranjcar had thought, having noticed the possibility of such an occurrence. "Not in Greece, nor in Iraq, but right in the middle of Italy, why did this, so suddenly " A murmur escaped from her lips. But, she knew that [Heretic G.o.ds] could manifest in places their original myths had nothing to do with, thus she was not that bothered by it. "Well then, you have heard my name, beautiful maiden. To show your respect to the great name of the serpent slaying warrior, it would be best to leave now. After my introduction, it is now time for me to display my valor." Perseus flashed a brilliant smile, showing his pearly-whites. He was surely not your normal pretty boy, his smile both bold and charming. As though in response, the dragon behind Liliana roared. GRAAAAAAAA!! A terrible, loud sound. It caused Liliana's slender body to shake uncontrollably, the sheer magnitude of the sound almost bursting her eardrums. Not just the harbor of Santa Lucia, perhaps the entire city of Naples had felt that. And in return to that roar, a sword materialized in Perseus' palm. It was over a meter long, its blade thick and heavy like a cleaver. A fitting sword for a hero - not good. To prevent the start of a battle, Liliana called out to that beautiful hero. "G.o.d Perseus, please stop! This dragon is formed, from Naples - from the essence of the land, a divine beast, if you carelessly destroy it, the spiritual aura of the land will die along with it, please stay your hand!" "Young lady, that I cannot do." Perseus answered, with a faint smile. "Slaying dragons and serpents is what I embody. It is the duty and responsibility of a hero, thus, the actions I must perform, if I were to give up on it halfway, it is unforgivable!" "Because of that reason, you won't care what happens to the land!?" "This is for the sake of completing my duty. It can't be helped." He said cheerily, as though he were s.h.i.+ning like the sun. Those were cheesy lines only a true hero who fights for mankind and saves damsels could utter. Somehow, the pretty boy who said those words and was radiating elegance - was also a seasoned warrior, tempered and forged in battle. "It would be best if you stood back. The role of a young maiden is to stand by and wait to be saved by the hero, and offer her love to the victorious. It would be presumptuous of you to interfere any more than that!" Liliana was frozen to the spot after being coldly reprimanded. A thinly-veiled threat. Even if she were to use up all her strength, she still had to stop Perseus. Although that is what her mind had decided, her body would not obey. Her limbs would not move, no, rather, could not move. It might have been the power of his words. Perseus - the serpent-slaying hero, in his overwhelming presence, Liliana could only gulp. She did not know that the girl she saw as a rival had once, before the war G.o.d Verethragna, experienced a similar event. To be suppressed like this under the authority of a G.o.d, it was indeed vexing. "Hahaha, such an obedient girl. If it's fine with you, after I fell the dragon, fall into my embrace like a saved maiden, reenacting the tale of Andromeda!" As Perseus said that... The emerald dragon spread its wings out and took off, probably intending to engage the hero from the air. Opening its maw, revealing its razor-sliarp teetli and dark red tongue. - An open siiow of liostility. From tine ferocious snarl of the divine beast, Liliana understood that. From its maw, flames came spewing forth, as if to cleanse the land clean, sacred flames that engulfed Perseus. However, in that mere instance, the beautiful hero's form had seemingly turned into that of a brilliant white meteor. At speeds beyond what Liliana's eyes could follow, his movements were like that of a meteor - terrifyingly fast, and it was also then that he threw his sword straight up into the sky. Spinning through the air, it easily hacked off the wing of the emerald dragon. GUAAAAAAAA!! The giant beast howled in agony. - The dragon descended towards the harbor, with its neck raised, still indicating its determination to fight on. However, the speed of Perseus would not allow it to do so. Catching his sword that flew back into his hand like a boomerang, he leapt off the ground. It was a mere tenth of a second. Within that split second, Perseus was already at the side of the dragon, and with a flick of his sword, he hacked open the dragon's ma.s.sive neck, causing emerald blood to gush out of the wound. The gigantic dragon, once again, howled, or rather, wailed. Although the neck had not been completely severed, it was more than halfway to a complete decapitation. - If only it were us magicians who had engaged the dragon instead. Liliana thought to herself, watching the spectacle unfold, even if the world's greatest magicians practiced the best strategy, did a complete surround, even so, it would not even be close to an a.s.sured victory. To the magicians, dragons were divine beasts of such immense power. However - the being with the appearance of a human in front of her, was easily forcing the dragon into a corner, intending on taking its life. This was a [Heretic G.o.d], a being of such terrifying might. Though he had the att.i.tude, style and bravery of a hero, she could only see a symbol of ill omen. While she was still rooted in her fear, a voice could suddenly be heard. "Hold it, the war G.o.d over there. The one you should be fighting is right here. As a G.o.d, picking on a divine beast, isn't it simply pitiful?" "Fufu, the dragon's dependents, aren't you. How disrespectful, isn't it an overstatement to denounce me as such? Perseus jumped aside while answering, putting distance between him and the dragon. Guaaaaaaa The weakened dragon cried out. From around the divine beast that was almost slain by the hero, appeared a young girl who looked slightly over ten years old. It is not known when she had arrived at the harbor, but more importantly, why would such a girl be here - Wait... Liliana realized she was also a [Heretic G.o.d]. Bathing in the moonlight, glimmering silver hair, eyes blacker than darkness. The divine aura of a powerful G.o.ddess, guardian the land, ruler over darkness, could be felt. A great G.o.ddess of the land, and a rather famous one at that. Engulfed in the divine aura emitted by the G.o.ddess, Liliana felt her body grow hot. An encounter with she, the guardian G.o.ddess of witches and serpents, who, under the divine protection of the almost full moon, the [Strega]^ she, whose magical strength was at its peak. Nevertheless, it was thanks to her arrival that Liliana had broken out of Perseus' binding. Regaining her freedom to move, she quickly checked her surroundings, and saw that behind the G.o.ddess, was someone who clearly should not be present here. "Kusanagi G.o.dou? Why are you here in such a place!?" "You are Erica's friend - Liliana, am I right?" And so, the Campione from the far east, exchanged greetings with her. A chance meeting with a hero, a G.o.ddess and a devil king. Liliana became depressed with this foreboding ill omen. Part 2 Somehow, this night, was a night destined for encounters with acquaintances, one after another. In this harbor which he didn't know, he chanced upon someone he had met before, and breathed a sigh of relief. "Kusanagi G.o.dou, there's something I'd like to ask you, but..." Liliana Kranjcar left the side of the dragon, walking over to him. A beautiful, fairy-like maiden of Eastern European lineage. "Did you, by any chance, bring that G.o.ddess to Naples?" "The opposite. She, - Athena, brought me to Naples." It seemed that this place was Naples. G.o.dou had been dying to find out his current location. A knight like Liliana, upon hearing that name, would surely realize the severity of the situation. Her eyes widened in shock, then quickly nodded. "... Athena. The G.o.ddess you had fought with this spring, right?" She did not probe any further into this, and immediately turned her attention towards the confrontation between the two G.o.ds. Indeed, she was a serious and rational person, someone who could be relied on and trusted in situations like this. "Then, I shall report the current situation promptly. The [Heretic G.o.d] over there is the hero Perseus, to Athena, with the aspect of serpents and as a G.o.ddess of the land, he is a natural enemy, please take heed of this." "Come to think of it, Athena and Medusa are both one and the same G.o.d, it seems." G.o.dou nodded at Liliana's warning of Perseus' advantage over Athena. Although he had forgotten most of the knowledge of Athena, he still had a general idea. While they were talking, the pair of G.o.ds were gazing intently at each other. It was not out of romance, but intense enmity, it was rather headache inducing to watch them. "True, we are the dependents of the dragon. After all, they are the descendants of the wise snakes, my beloved children... Should some ruffian brandish and harm them with a blade, as their guardian G.o.ddess, I would naturally defend them." "I, Perseus, do not have any interest in picking a fight with a woman, but..." The two G.o.ds faced each other provocatively. Though polite in their speech, their eyes gleamed with hostility. "If my foe is the mighty G.o.ddess Athena, then it would be disrespectful to refuse you." "Perseus, was it?" "To the one previously known as Medusa, it should be quite an unforgettable name. To have a chance at wiping away your disgrace of your defeat in the myths is amusing, don't you think?" " Hmph, such a distasteful fellow. To mention that name on purpose, truly a foolish man." Athena said in a hateful tone, grimacing. "Very well, I will accept your invitation - my wounded child, return to my embrace, and recuperate your body." With the fierce smile of a warrior, the G.o.ddess called out, at the side of the dragon. With most of its neck liacked apart, tine dying divine beast responded, dissolving its liuge emerald body into light, which was absorbed by Athena. Immediately after that, she raised a single hand, toward the heavens. Suddenly, the surface of the sea in the Bay of Naples protruded upwards sharply. The sand and grit in the sea rose up even higher, forming the shape of a gigantic serpent. A serpent of sand. There was not just one of them. The protrusions from the sea, numbered at eight - eight giant serpents that rose from the sea, looking down upon Perseus. G.o.dou was reminded of the battle at Tokyo. Then, Athena had also used similar giant serpents like these, as if to show off her power as a G.o.ddess of the land. She had also shrouded the area in darkness. Thick, pitch black air. To be engulfed by that would block out all light, which had caused the people of Tokyo to fall into great panic, thankfully, she only used a small amount this time... "The snake of darkness and earth. This is going to be a little troublesome." Perseus said. However, his expression did not match his words. On his mouth, a knowing smile surfaced. "Fortunately, I am well prepared for this My tale from the ancient times, by the neck of the Gorgon i severed, I shall do it once again. Before me, all serpents are powerless." As he said that, the eight serpents Athena had just created turned into dust. The mist-like darkness also began to scatter, as if blown by a wind. "Serpent-slaying words of power, is it? It seems like a power you had obtained after defeating a G.o.ddess with similar attributes to mine." "If you would like me to do so, I could make an oath not to use this power in our battle. How about it?" In response to the G.o.ddess' dangerous look, the hero lowered his head respectfully. "Hmph, that would not be necessary. I will make you regret your audacity... Using those words of power, should have weakened your divine power. Though you have inherited the will of Zeus, back then in Greece, you had the blessing of the land for protection. That privilege which you do not have here!" Hearing those angry words of Athena, G.o.dou started to have doubts. The words of power earlier, was it the same power as the [Sword]? The image that Perseus had evoked with his sword and its effects, it seemed as though it had completely sealed all serpent-related divine powers. In her anger and great desire to oppose Perseus, Athena's divine power swelled up explosively. It was at a level where she no longer cared to test her opponent's strength, similar to what had transpired in Tokyo - perhaps even worse - this was bad. Remembering the aftermath of their previous battle and panicking, G.o.dou thought that he had to stop them no matter what. "Wait, wait a second! Don't go all out in this sort of place! Stop!" "Hm. I had been concerned earlier, but who are you? Not an ordinary human, it seems... A modern G.o.dslayer, are you not?" Focusing his gaze on G.o.dou, who had entered his field of vision, Perseus asked. The one who answered was Athena instead. "It is as you say. He is Kusanagi G.o.dou. Though he is not yet ripe, still, he is a rather impressive brat... I'll say this first, but he is already my prey. It would be best if you remembered that well." "Ho. To be spoken of like that by a G.o.d of your stature, not bad at all..." As Perseus stared at him, squinting, G.o.dou felt somewiiat uneasy. It is likely that he was being a.s.sessed. Does this guy feel that fighting Athena won't be enough, and is considering me as well? "Like I said, wait. If you two would like to duke it out, that's fine, but please don't fight in the city. You'll be a nuisance to the residents!" "Some time ago, you expended all your might to engage me in battle in your own country, how ironic." "With the circ.u.mstances then, I had no choice! At any rate, if you want to fight, do it somewhere else!" "Young G.o.dslayer, your inclinations are simply too superficial. You are mistaken." He had wanted to act as a mediator between the two divinities, but instead had been accused of being arrogant by Perseus. For sure, this guy won't be making any proper suggestions. G.o.dou could not help but frown, thinking that. "Are you listening? The people desire the great efforts of a hero, and await the tales of my deeds. I, respecting their wishes, will fight, for them, I will display all my valor. For this is the duty of a hero!" "Don't use 'respecting the wishes of the people' so conveniently! Thick-skinned, aren't you?" As expected, Perseus had said something that suited his own interests. If they were to continue the conversation this way, it would definitely end in him asking the Campione - Kusanagi G.o.dou for a duel. "Though you should already know this, you are also one of my enemies, young G.o.dslayer." Looking at G.o.dou who was attempting to deny reality, Perseus smiled. A righteous hero he may be, yet he had a twisted desire for battle. He felt as if he had seen this before, to be exact, a few months back - the heretic G.o.d Verethragna was also the same. "Demon, rakshasa, fallen angel, G.o.dslayer... warriors that are branded as great abominations. You share many similar qualities as them, as a devil king, and with the heroes of steel, G.o.ds like me, between us we can only be eternal archenemies, to wage tempestuous war against. Us G.o.ds, born above the ground, and you humans, who have obtained the same standing as the G.o.ds, the chances for our paths to cross are frequent - our fates have already been decided in the eons past." The hero of steel, saying that, startled G.o.dou slightly. It seemed like his Campione instincts were warning him - On the other hand, it could also be said that it was the excitement that could be felt before a deathmatch with archenemies. "If you put it that way, that's how it is." Athena murmured. "G.o.dslaying devil kings and the forces of the hero have always been in conflict since time immemorial... Hm. With that connecting destiny, it would be inevitable for them to meet again." To say it was inevitable, or whatever other reasons, wasn't it obvious that it was all this G.o.ddess's fault... While complaining to himself, the G.o.ddess continued on. "Very well. Shall we retreat this time round, hero of steel? I have just remembered that I had planned to train this boy well." An inauspicious declaration. To G.o.dou who was holding his head with his hands, Athena issued an order like a queen. "Kusanagi G.o.dou, if you would like for the city to not get involved, then you will have to fight for it. As a King, to protect your own friends. This is indeed good training that the inexperienced you have to undertake." "Fufu. To be able to exchange blows with both a G.o.dslayer and the queen of serpents, this is getting more and more exciting." "You, you guys, don't decide this at your own convenience..." Why do the G.o.ds always turn out to be so willful and stubborn? G.o.dou cursed his own misfortune, and at tlie same time a.n.a.lyzed iiis surroundings calmly. Athena was smiling provocatively, while Perseus wore an expression br.i.m.m.i.n.g with fighting spirit. Liliana Kranjcar was silently observing from the sides, looking worried. How would he approach the fight with this hero from the myths? G.o.dou could not come up with an idea. Besides that, there was also the problem of location. The castle that was built on the land formation reaching out towards the sea, the harbor, and even the streets leading to the city, they were far too close! Right now, they were only about ten meters away from the pier, next to the streets, which looked rather prosperous. No matter how they fought, they would likely cause damage to the environment, which G.o.dou wanted to avoid. "I don't mind playing along with you guys, but I have a request. I want to change the place for our duel. I can't fight in a place like this." G.o.dou said in an exasperated air. He would not let himself be swept up in their pace. In addition to that, he would also have to make them comply with his conditions. "Ho, are you unsatisfied with this place as our dueling grounds?" "Of course I am." "... Hmph. Although, at any rate, I don't feel that it is a big problem, no?" G.o.dou's firm insistence caused Perseus to inspect the surroundings carefully. "In a sentimental and historical city, under the moonlight and gaze of a G.o.ddess, this is a decent stage for us to do battle on." "It's terrible. Normally, before a duel, you have to make preparations for various things. If you ask me for a duel on the spot, as if I can get fired up!" The ten forms of Verethragna, under these conditions, who knows which could be activated. To fight without preparation, would be to be beaten one-sidedly, which is why he needed to buy time and come up with a plan. Quickly making up his mind, G.o.dou whispered to the female knight. "... Sorry, but because of that, I will be leaving this place. If I'm not around, you should be safe, so take that opportunity to get away." Originally he had intended to leave upon finis.h.i.+ng those words, but Liliana also whispered her reply. "... In other words, leaving this place for the present, wanting to prepare a counterattack?" "Yes, that sounds about right. That guy is extremely fast on his feet, although I probably can't beat him in that aspect, for now, I can only try." "In that case, then please leave it to me." Suddenly, Liliana clung on him tightly. Her slender body glued to his, embracing him, G.o.dou's mind went blank in a fl.u.s.ter. Did she fall into the sea, her half-dried clothes giving off a scent of salt water. He could feel the gentleness and warmth of the fairy-like, beautiful girl through their body contact - The moment he had felt that, the silver-haired witch cried out. "O' wings of Artemis, grant me the power to journey through the night and soar across the heavens!" Was this an incantation - words to activate magical power? Right after, G.o.dou and Liliana were sent flying through the air. "Eh?" The view before his eyes suddenly became very vast. The inner bay of Naples, the harbor stretching out to sea, the gigantic castle near the harbor, and many bright street lights... G.o.dou looked towards where he had stood moments ago. The looks of Athena and Perseus, who had been left behind on the land. "Eeeh!?" As though attracted by some unseen magnet, Liliana and G.o.dou moved through the skies, directly above the streets of Naples. If someone were to look upwards, they would think that they saw a shooting star, but naturally, shooting stars will not be this close to the ground. They continued to fly for about half a minute. Slowing down, they descended, and gradually landed on the roof of a building. Though G.o.dou had feared that the roof might give way under their weight, it was an unfounded fear. G.o.dou and Liliana landed on the roof softly, with the same flying posture. And after, they slid forwards like a plane that had just touched down, and quickly came to a stop, a safe landing. They had flew for a distance of about two or three kilometers. Gazing at the seaside castle in the distance, G.o.dou heaved a sigh of relief. Parts G.o.dou and Liliana returned to ground level from the rooftop. High-rise buildings were usually rather rare in European cities, but this large metropolis of Italy was an exception, there were quite a few multi-storied buildings around. The city at night before them, was indeed lively. Although it was already late, there were still many stores still operating, restaurants, hotels, pubs, for example, even some of the boutiques and grocery stores have not closed shop yet. There were many people going back and forth. The duo of a young male and female particularly stood out in the crowds... "Could it be that this area is a popular night date spot?" "Yes. The Santa Lucia district, even at niglit, is one of tlie safer areas in Naples." G.o.dou fully agreed with Liliana's answer. Having just come from rural Sardinia, the scenery here felt dazzling. "... At any rate, I didn't think that Liliana-san could fly." Recalling how they had escaped, he remarked earnestly. He had once asked Erica before whether she could use magic to fly, but she had answered with 'Not if it's me', sighing. A magic which that genius could not use, but Liliana could - G.o.dou felt a little surprised. "It is my honor to be of service to you. The magical spell of flying is a secret art of us witches, have you not heard of it before? Of stories that mentioned witches flying in the sky on brooms?" Liliana seemed somewhat proud, but G.o.dou's attention was on a contradiction he realized. "Eh? Erica is a witch too, but she had told me that she couldn't fly?" "Strictly speaking, she is not a witch, but rather a female magician. A witch has to possess the disposition of a miko, to be able to receive the arts of the witch that are imparted... But, based on just her abilities, she could also be called a [Witch]." Come to think of it, during that turmoil in June, they had introduced Liliana as a witch possessing the disposition of a miko. I see, so it had that kind of meaning. At any rate, it was thanks to Liliana that they could escape from that situation, G.o.dou turned around and bowed his head. "Anyway, thank you. If it weren't for your help... who knows how that would have turned out." "To render a King their a.s.sistance is the duty of a knight, nothing that I did is worthy of your praise... But, why couldn't you have fought at that place?" To the knight who had no clue of the current status, G.o.dou wanted to whine about his troubles. It seems that he had to do some explanations about the authorities of Verethragna, and just as he decided... "Liliana-sama, you were here! Has the situation taken a turn for the worse like what we predicted!?" From the crowds, appeared a short young girl. She seemed to be similar to s.h.i.+zuka in terms of age, wearing a half-sleeved maid uniform which suited her well, and appeared to be someone Liliana knew. As she came, she threw G.o.dou a few looks of suspicion. "Ah, sorry about that, making you search for me." Liliana faced the young maid who had shown up all of a sudden calmly. G.o.dou suddenly thought of the magic art that could scry the location of people. If you had an object that belonged to the target, something like a strand of hair, as long as they were in the same city, you could roughly tell their current location. Erica had occasionally used spells of this sort, that young girl must have done something similar. "Karen, you should know who is he, shouldn't you? The Campione of j.a.pan - Kusanagi G.o.dou-sama. Remember your manners. Kusanagi G.o.dou, this is my servant, Karen Jankulovski." Liliana introduced them to each other. From her hard-to-p.r.o.nounce surname to a j.a.panese, she seems to be of East European lineage. "... Kusanagi G.o.dou-sama? Liliana-sama, weren't you together with Sir Salvatore earlier, did something happen?" "Well, many things did. Many things that give me a headache whenever I think about them." "By Sir Salvatore, did you mean Doni? Eh, did that guy come to Naples too?" Things looked more complicated than he had thought. As he headed to the hideout of the [Bronze-Black Cross], G.o.dou listened to their report on the current situation in Naples. ...As expected, Salvatore Doni was an idiot who specialized in being a nuisance to others. After hearing about the events that have transpired in Naples and making the above conclusion, G.o.dou noticed that the person who had been controlling her pace and trailing them constantly — the young girl in the maid uniform — ^was grinning from ear to ear. "Mm, it has already turned into such a crisis... But, unexpectedly, Liliana-sama is someone who should not be underestimated. The moment Sir Salvatore was gone, she had brought along yet another [King] - no, grew intimate with. Were you planning to take advantage of Erica-sama's absence?" "K-Karen! Don't speculate about such weird things!" Aah, this girl was a demon too, G.o.dou thought, sympathizing with Liliana. From the female maid's, Karen's smile, a shadow of a demon could be seen. It was such a cute smile, yet G.o.dou found himself being unable to compliment it. It was, in a different way, a demonic personality like Erica's. "A, anyway, we have to quickly come up with a counterplan for the G.o.d Perseus. Kusanagi G.o.dou, do your authorities have any sort of activation conditions? The words of power of the [Sword] - the ability you had used against Marquis Voban in Tokyo, what is required to use it?" Liliana forcefully changed the topic. "In order to use that, I have to have precise knowledge of the enemy's divine nature and aspects. The problem is, I have completely zero knowledge of those details in mythologies." Of course, he still knew the story of Perseus. G.o.dou looked at his right hand. No, the [Sword] could not yet be felt, hence knowledge of that degree was insufficient. "But, if I recall correctly, you should have used the [Sword] a few times, how did you satisfy the conditions then?" "Erica used magic to impart all the knowledge to me, that spell named [Instruction]." "Then it's simple, I too, have the ability to use that spell. In the place of Erica, let me, Liliana Kranjcar, complete the task!" "No, about that, it's impossible... You know, magic has little to no effect on us Campiones." This is bad. G.o.dou started to get fl.u.s.tered. If this goes on, he would have to explain how Erica had done it, he couldn't possibly do that! "... There is a loophole in Kusanagi G.o.dou-sama's words. We already know that magic has no effect on Campiones, so how exactly did she manage to use the spell [Instruction]?" As expected, Karen had interjected. Liliana was also awaiting G.o.dou's answer with antic.i.p.ation, did he really have to spell it out for them? This was like one of those penalty games. "Erm, regarding that, in other words... Magic from external sources have no effect, but it is a different story if it's from the inside, something along the lines of 'oral insertion', but with magic?" "Oral... from the inside... ah, I see. That's what it was." Liliana turned her head to the side, while Karen was hiding her laughter. This girl was truly a demon, she had seen through him from the start, and turned the situation into a source of entertainment for her. Ignoring G.o.dou's woes, the female master turned towards her maid. "What is it, Karen? I do not have a clue." "Fufu, as expected of Liliana-sama, how innocent... It is exactly what he said, oral insertion. In other words, mouth to mouth. A pa.s.sionate kiss between a man and a woman. Have you forgotten, that legend of a maiden who offered her body to the devil king Campione in order to cast sealing magic?" " Mouth to mouth? A pa.s.sionate kiss?" Liliana repeated softly, and blushed a deep red. "I, I see. Then, that time at Tokyo, in front of me, with Erica - th, those actions had such a meaning behind it!?" "Ah, wait, what? ... Yeah, well, that's how it is." In actual fact, that was merely Erica fooling around, but she did not need to know that. As it was embarra.s.sing to say out loud, G.o.dou merely nodded ambiguously. His answer had seemingly caused Liliana to realize a lot of things that were rus.h.i.+ng into her head, and she was shaking slightly. "That time - you were not even the slightest bit concerned that we were around you, urged on by your pa.s.sion and impulse, as though you were alone with your lover, with the sound of a viola in the background, to hold each other intensely, that time, was that!" Please don't use that kind of expression to describe it, although his inner self had really wanted to say it, he resisted the urge. "Although I had already thought so then, I'll say it once more! You are too shameless! To engage in those acts right before me, that pa.s.sionate kissing scene!" Feeling deeply apologetic, G.o.dou had been mistaken about her, he thought she had been empathizing with him. "So, sorry... Because it's that sort of thing, we can't do it this time round. Understood?" "Y, yes. I understand. As long as Erica is not here, we have no means of using that spell on you." "Why can't we? I think it's an extremely easy solution to our problems." And naturally, the person who interjected once again was Karen. With that, she touched on the topic which the king and the master had been trying to avoid. "Liliana-sama simply has to perform mouth to mouth on Kusanagi-sama, there is no problem with that, right?" "No, there is a problem! For me and Liliana-san to do that, would be really bad!" "Th, that's right. As a pure and chaste maiden, there's no way I can do that!" G.o.dou and Liliana retorted simultaneously. However, Karen, like a stubborn child, continued on. "Now is the time of crisis when the [Heretic G.o.d] has descended upon us. The both of you, as a Campione and as a knight, please do not underestimate the severity of the situation. Indeed, it is a terrible thing to trample over the purity of a maiden, but the disaster that will be caused by the G.o.d is even more unforgivable - now, now, because of that Liliana-sama, please kiss!" This girl, as I thought, is fully enjoying herself! G.o.dou was very sure of it, that while Karen was making suggestions with a serious face, but inside, she must be giggling looking at her master's troubled face. However, the little devil maid's suggestion was the right choice - G.o.dou stole a glance at Liliana's face. Panicked, troubled, and a little bit of anger, but the silver-haired girl definitely knew the truth of those words. She had to make up her mind. It was evident that her resolve was wavering, and her expression weakened. - G.o.dou suddenly felt the rush of power through his body. An indicator that a [Heretic G.o.d] was near, he hurriedly checked his surroundings, and then immediately realized. From the direction of the sea, on a pure white horse with large wings spread out wide from its back, rode the beautiful yet bold hero. "Come to think of it, Perseus is also capable of flying." Pegasus, the horse of the sky. Legend speaks of a divine beast that can soar through the heavens, born from the blood of Medusa, as well as sandals that can grant its wearer flight... G.o.dou recalled about the Greek myths of Perseus. At any rate, this was quite tine spectacular siglit. it was overiy sliowy. Tlie piace tliey were currently at was a ratlier wide open piaza. iViany men and women iii