Vol 1 Chapter 2 (1/2)
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 ][1].
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, Kusanagi here.”
'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.