Vol 1 Chapter 6 (2/2)

Thus resurrected, Osiris became the king of the underworld, judging the

dead based on sins committed during their lifetime—

”And that is to say, the Egyptian version of Yamaraja[3]? Which is why

Voban can make the people he killed crawl out from their graves to

become zombies or mummies and bind them to the living world.”

”T-that description is a bit crude, but categorizing it that way should be

correct.”

After listening to the myths told by Yuri, G.o.dou looked at his right hand.

...Still no good.

The G.o.d-killing golden sword. It was still uncertain whether the [Warrior]

form's power could be used.

”Can you tell me more about Osiris? I want to gather more intelligence as

preparation for the [Warrior].”

”I am really sorry. I do not know any more details... However, Marquis

Voban is not a G.o.d, right? So I do not think that the power to seal a G.o.d

can be used?”

Yuri wondered, surprised.

G.o.dou had originally thought the same, but shook his head.

”The [Warrior]'s [Sword] can destroy a Campione's authority. If Osiris'

authority is sealed, then Voban will not be able to manipulate the dead as

his puppets. That guy will also weaken, and those people can return to

their graves... Ah, but perhaps the harder one to handle is the [Wolf]? If he

took on that monstrous form, I am out of options.”

In the duel against Salvatore Doni, G.o.dou had found out by accident.

However, thinking of the previous battle, G.o.dou felt depressed.

The form capable of dueling Voban's giant wolf avatar would be the [Boar].

However, if those kinds of monsters were to battle in the middle of the city,

who knew how many innocent victims there would be?

”What kind of G.o.d was the [Wolf] authority usurped from? The first G.o.d that

the old gramps defeated... Even Mariya doesn't know, right?”

”Yes, I am sorry I cannot be of any help. Even I was surprised by that

[Wolf]—”

Suddenly, Yuri stopped talking.

Staring into empty s.p.a.ce, murmuring in a soft voice.

”As the sun possessing the strongest light... The beast which swallowed

and a.s.similated it... Definitely cannot have attributes of darkness... If that

was the case, the existence of the G.o.d that brings eternal night will...”

”Mariya what is going on with you?”

Seeing her acting a bit strange, G.o.dou yelled out.

However, Yuri still did not respond. If his hand could move, G.o.dou would

definitely shake her by the shoulder.

”The G.o.d that can devour light, that definitely implies the presence of the

same light within him... However, this is not enough... The wolf is a symbol

of the earth and greenery... Not only the G.o.d of the earth but light as

well—Kusanagi-san!”

Yuri's eyes regained feeling.

Grabbing G.o.dou's immobile body, Yuri said.

”Got it! I got it! The first G.o.d Voban fought—the ident.i.ty of the G.o.d from

which the authority of wolves was usurped from, I saw it!”

Mariya possessed top notch power in spirit vision.

G.o.dou thought of this fact. Very likely, in witnessing Voban's use of the

authority, the secret was leaked out.

”How amazing, Mariya. So which G.o.d is it after all? Name? Do you know

his myth?”

”Like the G.o.d Osiris, he is also a G.o.d of the earth and greenery. No, rather

than the earth, it is more accurate to say he is a G.o.d of birth. Darkness and

the earth are synonyms. The world dominated by darkness—which is to

say the underground is an existence combining darkness with the earth

together. However, he is made of the light born from darkness and the

earth!”

”He? So what is his name? Is it a G.o.d I should already know?”

”His oldest name was called light. The G.o.d of rats and wolves. The deity of

gold and silver!”

At this point, Yuri's shoulders slumped over.

As if she discovered her words were too fragmented.

”I am really sorry, even though it is completely clear in my mind, I cannot

express it in words easy to understand. Same for the name, it was

originally at the tip of my tongue...”

In other words, what she sensed could not be visualized easily into

understandable language.

Looking at Yuri who bowed her head, G.o.dou understood.

Just like a mathematical prodigy who cannot explain how a formula can be

solved by instincts, Yuri who understood a G.o.d's true nature by direct sight

could not relay the information to mortals by words.

What should be done? She finally found a way to help, but it became

meaningless.

”I-I am sorry, Kusanagi-san. Even though you have done so much for me, I

cannot help at all... Even though I have this power, but it has not been

helpful at such a critical moment...”

Yuri looked like she was about to cry, and lowered her head.

She must be feeling deeply ashamed of the current situation.

This situation is actually not something she should be so concerned about.

If his body could move freely, G.o.dou really wanted to pat her shoulder and

caress her head to comfort her.

At least say something. G.o.dou did not show any signs of despair, and said

clearly.

”Don't think too much of it. When my body recovers, let's go find Erica. If

it's her, then the current hints should be enough to figure out which G.o.d it

is. So, don't lose hope.”

”Ok... As a mage, Erica-san should be beyond first rate—wait a minute,

magic?”

Yuri nodded as she renewed her spirit.

And then she felt confused.

”So as mentioned, Kusanagi-san and Erica-san were using that... u-using

mouths, umm, to transmit knowledge, right? Up to now, you have done it

many many times, right?”

”Eh, ummm, uh, at times of great need, yes, a few times...”

What is going on, what is this sense of danger?

G.o.dou somehow felt an omen of great danger, and subconsciously tried to

retreat.

However, his body could not move. He still could not muster any

strength—if this continued it might be very dangerous.

”Why do you not do the same this time?”

Yuri's cold expression probably wasn't due to the rain, right?

Like the face of a yasha[4], no doubt about it, a refres.h.i.+ngly cool but

cheerless smile had appeared.

”No, no way. Please don't! I definitely don't want to do that!”

”Are you lying? If you do lie, I will despise you.”

”Please don't despise me! I am not lying! I swear to G.o.d it's the truth!”

”...Is that so? Normally I would automatically a.s.sume Kusanagi-san was a

hopeless person who could lie with a straight face, but today I will believe

your words.”

”Ah, ah ah. Thanks...”

Yuri's beautiful face returned to its usual gentleness.

Seeing that, G.o.dou felt relief from the bottom of his heart—for some

reason, he felt like he was saved!

Cras.h.!.+

At that moment, the sound of thunder rumbled noisily.

Cras.h.!.+ Cras.h.!.+

The thunder continued. It felt like it was near, and the sound was very loud.

The winds were also blowing stronger and stronger.

The trees planted in front of the public recreation facility were shaking

violently from the wind, and the windows of the building rattled constantly.

Up to now, the roof above G.o.dou and Yuri had not let in any wind or rain.

However, raindrops were suddenly blown in by the strong winds.

There was a rubbish-like object twisting in the sky.

G.o.dou and Yuri gave out a cry of surprise. Riding upon the storm in the air

of the night was the flying roof of some temporary shack from somewhere.

Looking carefully, there were also objects like signs and pieces of wood

being blown about by the powerful winds.

”Ah, the wind has gotten stronger?”

”It's probably summoned by that old Voban. That old gramps, does he

want Tokyo to be buried by an out of season typhoon?”

Unlike before, all the rivers now had well-designed anti-flooding

engineering.

There was virtually no chance of flooding from the Tokyo rivers of the

Arakawa, the Edogawa, and the Nakagawa. Still, in a storm like this, it

doesn't make it any less dangerous.

It was very easy to imagine that many victims will appear, and there will be

a huge disaster.

”We must meet with Erica as quickly as possible. It will be problematic if

we don't stop that old gramps soon.”

”However, where is she now? Hopefully she is safe...”

Yuri spoke softly, worried.

This was also what G.o.dou was worrying about, but he could not bring

himself to say anything comforting.

—Can this go on any longer? Anxiety was slowly eroding their hearts, and

the two of them began a long stretch of silence.

After about five minutes, Yuri suddenly spoke.

”Kusanagi-san... I have something I must tell you.”

”W-What?”

Yuri had a determined expression—it looked extremely cute.

Blus.h.i.+ng from embarra.s.sment, it was the cutest expression she had ever

shown. G.o.dou felt the loud sound of his own heartbeat.

”Actually, I can also use the magic of [Revelation]... The magic to transmit

to others what I know from my spirit sense.”

”Eh!? Ma-mariya, why didn't you say so earlier? This should have been the

final solution!”

Slowly, Yuri s.h.i.+fted towards G.o.dou's body. She avoided making eye

contact with G.o.dou. Despite that, her embarra.s.sment even made her neck

red, while she slowly moved towards him.

Her hair draped across G.o.dou's face. His nose invaded by the sweet

fragrance, G.o.dou really wanted to flee immediately.

However, he couldn't. The body still could not move. A hopeless situation.

”If it is not mouth, mouth to mouth, then it does not work on

Kusanagi-san—right?”

”That's right, but why? Umm, Mariya? You don't have to go so far!”

”Same here. If possible, I do not want to do this either... But it would be

very serious if this was not done... If Erica-san cannot be found then I must

be prepared to do this... Do not let your thoughts wander to some place

strange. Let me clarify beforehand that I am not doing this because I

admire Kusanagi-san. It is not like that, absolutely not. As a miko, if there is

a necessity and no other choice, only then will this be done...!”

Yuri finally looked at G.o.dou straight.

Moist eyes.

Her body trembled, unable to contain the sense of shame and her own

daring behavior.

Slowly approaching were the accommodating lips.

Unlike the bold and unrestrained Erica, it carried unfamiliarity and

embarra.s.sment, a stiff kiss.

—Phoebus.[5]

As if by chance, this word appeared in G.o.dou's mind.

Spell words. From Yuri's lips came spell words. However, this level was

not enough. Understanding a G.o.d's wisdom, mysterious knowledge, the

G.o.d's name and its nature—all were not enough.

”K-Kusanagi-san. Please, for my sake—Open your heart to me... The

hearts must become one. If our hearts do not come together, you and I,

then there is no point. I too—I too will try my best!”

Yuri pressed her weight down and took initiative from above.

Holding G.o.dou's face between her hands, she pressed her lips down

forcefully. The clumsy but powerful movement seemed to express her

determination.

—However, this was only an instant.

Very soon, Yuri lost strength. She quietly opened her mouth and gently

covered G.o.dou's lips.

”Please feel my... please feel the figure of the G.o.d from within my heart,

the form and the nature of the G.o.d I see... Let everything I see—completely

transmit to you.”

A warm body and soft lips.

As she showed a face that almost seemed to cry from embarra.s.sment, her

body trembled from nervousness, but Yuri had no intention of stopping.

Ten seconds, twenty seconds. As time pa.s.sed, there were no signs of her

lips letting go.

Feeling suffocated, G.o.dou tried to seek air and loosened his lips slightly.

In that instant, Yuri used an even more intense motion to press her lips

back upon G.o.dou's lips which had quietly separated. Like the tightly fitted

sh.e.l.l of a clam. An even deeper kiss than before.

The two of them exchanged saliva, entangling with each other, melting

together.

Even at this level, there was a certain indescribable sense of satisfaction

and unity of body. Each other's existence felt closer than anything or

anyone else, and had a warm feeling.

An intense feeling of faintness attacked G.o.dou. Perhaps Yuri was in the

same state.

While their lips pressed together, they stared with pa.s.sionate eyes at each

other—in that very instant.

Finally it came. A strong impression flowed strongly into G.o.dou's mind.

—Small beasts restless in the dark, these were rats.

—Rats, wolves, bears, deer and wild boars. Besides these, there were all

sorts of wild beasts. The queen of the beasts. Ruling upon the forest, the

mother earth G.o.ddess that ruled over darkness.

—From the mother G.o.ddess was born a rat which became a wolf, and

finally took the form of a youth.

—He was handsome as bright light. However, he was still someone born

from darkness. His true nature was darkness and solitude. He was the sun

born from darkness. The G.o.d who brought light and disaster.

—He was called Phoebus. In other words, light. The name of the

handsome G.o.d who could summon rats and wolves.

”I know, Mariya... I now fully understand the true form of the [Wolf].”

”Kusanagi-san...”

Quietly leaving Yuri's lips, G.o.dou immediately said.

Spell words were flowing rapidly within his body, and he could clearly feel

the power inhabiting his right hand. G.o.dou's body was host to

Verethragna's [Warrior], and this proved that the form of the golden sword

had been shaped.

However, this was still not enough!

More weapons were needed to fight the old man.

”...Excuse me. Could you let me say something selfish? Osiris—Mariya,

could you tell me what you saw about the other G.o.d? To defeat that old

gramps, I want to prepare as much as possible.”

”Yes. Kusanagi-san—G.o.dou-san, please accept everything I see!”

Who knew if winning were possible?

However, believing that he has gained a powerful weapon, G.o.dou was

now full of fighting spirit.

Embracing G.o.dou tightly, Yuri continued to press her lips upon his. The

G.o.d of death and fertility with green skin—the image of the consort of the

mother earth G.o.ddess was being transmitted.

At the same time, Yuri's tongue slowly probed deeper, licking against

G.o.dou's lips.

Perhaps it was instinctual, however, it wantonly moved throughout G.o.dou's

mouth full of temptation. Feeling her seductive motions, G.o.dou

immediately let his own tongue move and tangled together with Yuri's

tongue.

Ever deeper, ever more intense. Linking hearts together—!

These feelings were carried by the flow. At this time, Yuri's body suddenly

shook violently and became stiff.

Suddenly opening her eyes wide, completely shocked.

This was not enough. Give me greater power, give me more impressions!

Feeling those thoughts, G.o.dou also looked at her at the same time.

This went on for tens of seconds. Finally Yuri lowered her eyes shyly, and

relaxed her body. Then she accepted deeply G.o.dou's lips and tongue.

Yuri gently used her lips to accommodate the roughly invading tongue,

encircling it. The tongue wriggling back and forth within the mouth,

sometimes licked softly again and again, while at other times rubbed

against the other tongue in a serious manner.

Shyly sucking at G.o.dou's saliva, mixing saliva with her own.

”Whether the [Wolf] G.o.d or Osiris, both are deities with the same

characteristics. Also, the G.o.ddess of the earth and the G.o.d of greenery—in

the earliest days, he and the G.o.ddess had a most unusual relations.h.i.+p.”

Leaving G.o.dou's lips once in a while to take a break, Yuri spoke rapidly.

Other than that, she kept her lips overlapping with G.o.dou's, making their

hearts one, and single-mindedly transmitted her heart.

”He was once the child of the G.o.ddess—the young child born of the mother

earth G.o.ddess. A lower G.o.d with the form of a child. Starting from this he

became her husband, became lovers, became siblings. Thus he has

intimate relations with the earth. Hence, the [Wolf] G.o.d is the

earth—meaning a G.o.d whose body was born in darkness, but possessing

attributes of light... Do you understand, G.o.dou-san?”

”Ah ah, understood. If that's the case, I now have the power to battle

against that old gramps...!”

Battle power can summon the will to fight, this was a Campione's

characteristic.

Having recovered at some point from the aftereffects of using

Verethragna's [Raptor], G.o.dou slowly got up.

As if having found a source of fire, his body was full of power.

Part 3

Once the task ended, Yuri frantically separated from G.o.dou's body.

Hurriedly, she adjusted the front of her white robe. Though not as

voluptuous as Erica, her size was just right, and the cleavage between the

excellently shaped b.r.e.a.s.t.s was visible.

She turned her back to G.o.dou, and was sitting down for some reason.

Her head lowered, shoulders trembling.

Probably because she couldn't accept the shameful conduct she was just

engaged in. G.o.dou also felt the same, and could understand her feelings.

—The atmosphere was very bad.

G.o.dou also sat with his legs crossed, watching Yuri's back.

The atmosphere was seriously bad. What should be said? Come on, put

some determination and gather your courage to say something.

”Hey, Mariya...”

”P-Please do not mind me! Just now was simply something I did

thoughtlessly! Just pretend you got bitten by a wild dog and forget about

it!”

In her increasing confusion, words flew out of Yuri's mouth.

”Even if you say so, I can't do that even if I wanted to...”

”B-But, if you do not do that, G.o.dou-san, I-I cannot look you in the eye

anymore! To have done something so shameless, it really feels

embarra.s.sing...”

They continued the conversation with their faces red while avoiding looking

at each other.

If he blamed the problem on her, then he was seriously not a man.

”N-No, you only did this so that I can fight the old gramps. It's not your

fault, Mariya. Since I am the one who decided to fight, I should be the one

who is responsible instead...”

”Nothing of that sort. Really, please pay this matter no heed!”

”Hmm, hmmhmm... Umm, then let's treat that time as our joint

responsibility. It was something we both did together, so that would be

more reasonable. How should I say it... I also lost myself in the middle of

it... Also there was some feeling like 'please, I am in your care from here

on' halfway through...”

”T-That also sounds about right, perhaps it really was like that...”

Sleeping in G.o.dou's mind right now, were two different spell words of the

sword.

This was obtained from Yuri, but the second one—the spell words for

defeating Osiris the G.o.d of the underworld were obtained by G.o.dou

himself.

Without this, Voban could not be defeated.

G.o.dou had a premonition. Himself aside, but when faced with battle

situations, he would stop considering the surrounding things that mystified

him.

Reflect carefully. G.o.dou reminded himself once again.

”And so, I should also apologize. Please accept my apologies...”

”N-No problem. That time was, let us just treat it as us acting rashly...”

Finally handled, Yuri turned her face over.

Her face was still very red, but at least it wasn't confused.

”Sorry for feeling confused so suddenly. From now on I will plan things

through more thoroughly before I act, and will carefully reflect upon my

actions. Forgive my incompetence, but please take good care of me from

now on.”

”Ah, yes. It's me who should...”

As Yuri sat, she bowed deeply with her head almost touching the ground.

What was she doing, what was this greeting?

The mood was like the words said before getting married, and G.o.dou felt a

sense of dissonance. Nodding to these scripted lines would be a real

problem.

”P-Please forget that just now! Looks like I have not yet calmed down.

Having said some strange words, I express my apologies once again!”

Even noticing it herself, Yuri's voice was clearly on the rise.

What broke the problematic atmosphere was G.o.dou's cellphone.

This was a normal cellphone without any waterproof features, but

surprisingly it lived through unscathed and didn't lose to this storm.

”Ooh, hey! h.e.l.lo!”

As the phone rang, G.o.dou quickly took out his cellphone.

'—It's me. Are you okay over there? You're with Yuri, right?'

”Ah, yes. I got out after all. Erica, you sound fine, right?”

A completely familiar voice.

The beautiful girl who possessed golden glamor simultaneously with

lightness like the blowing wind. Erica Blandelli's image appeared in

G.o.dou's mind. Somehow he felt a sense of tension.

...As if sharp knives were arranged against his back, there was a strange

sense of terror.

'A lot also happened on this side, but everything is safe and sound for now.

As for that Marquis... That important one, sure loves to play.'

”Play?”

'Correct. Have you noticed it? The storm has become stronger, but it is

definitely on purpose. Actually, we have already found that person,

observing from afar. Keeping his [Wolves] on leash, as if preparing to hunt

down you guys. Next is this storm. He could very well want a show.'

”...What poor taste.”

'Really? I think a night attacked by a storm could be quite exciting.

Anyway, let's meet at some place first. I think I've figured out Voban's

abilities pretty much, but we need to think of counters. I think I can do

something against the [Dead Servants]. So try thinking of a way to deal

with the [Wolf] authority—'

”Ah... Actually, I think I'm fine with that one already.”

'Eh, G.o.dou? How?'

”Well, how should I put it, lots of things happened on this side too, yes.”

'...Hmph, lots and lots of things eh. Though I think I can imagine, but may I

interview you afterwards?'

It was not an ordinary question but an interrogation. Feeling despair in this

sentence, G.o.dou tried to change the subject.

”So that's the situation, just call me from over there. I will fly immediately.”

'Got it—G.o.dou's report makes me happy. Let me bully you well

afterwards.'

Leaving those ominous words, Erica hung up.

Feeling the kind of heavy atmosphere as if having lit the fuse of dynamite,

G.o.dou put away his phone.

”Was it Erica-san calling?”

”Ah yes, she is fine on her side, and also seems to be watching the old

man. I will be going over, so it will be best if Mariya could find a place to

hide please.”

G.o.dou made such a suggestion.

He didn't want Yuri, who lacked the power to defend herself, to get in

danger. However, the beautiful Hime-Miko shook her head and refused

determinedly.

”No, I must go too... G.o.dou-san, in the battle just now, it is likely that the

Marquis held back his offensive power. If he was serious, blowing you

away along with the streets should not be impossible. However he did not

do that, so I think it was because I am by your side.”

So, if Yuri was there then Voban could not make full use of his authorities.

Pondering the likelihood of Yuri's suggestion, G.o.dou fell into silence. To be

honest, G.o.dou had also discovered that possibility.

However, he could not involve her for this kind of reason.

”No problem. Compared to hiding and waiting for danger to pa.s.s and not

doing anything, I would rather do something for you all... Also, have you

forgotten?”

Yuri who raised a question, had exceedingly gentle eyes.

”If you lose to the Marquis, I will be caught. So, I simply wish to slightly

improve G.o.dou-san's chances of victory. This has an element of

selfishness to it, so please do not be concerned about me.”

Making a contrived suggestion that it was for her own interest, to relieve

stress for the other person.

Feeling what Yuri worried about, G.o.dou deeply sighed.

Compared to that old man, he was much weaker. In order to obtain victory,

he really needed to exhaust all possible advantages available. And above

all, the most important was the joint efforts between companions.

Kusanagi G.o.dou was different from Sasha Dejanstahl Voban or Salvatore

Doni.

Someone who cannot fight alone, a weak [King].

This has been the case up to now.

If it weren't for Erica or Yuri, as well as a good number of additional friends

and companions, G.o.dou would not have become a Campione, and

definitely would not have obtained victory again and again.

—One day, if only he could reach the point where he wouldn't need to

borrow another's power, but before that—

G.o.dou made his decision.

It was not yet the time, so please lend me your strength. In return,

whenever there was someone who truly needed his own power—he will

offer his power without hesitation. This was the so-called principle of

equivalent exchange.

”I'm sorry, I said something naive. Then could you accompany me for a

while?”

”Of course. We are born of one fate—let us do our best together.”

Yuri's lips showed a peaceful smile.

G.o.dou would sometimes take notice of her, that mild gentle smile which

was unsurpa.s.sed by any other girl. However, that smile suddenly

vanished.

”—O King. Should you ever forget these feelings, there will be new powers

held by that hand. When you guide the flock of lost sheep, the horned

guiding beast will perform the sacrificial rite upon your head.”

With a solemn and hollow gaze, Yuri spoke. Was this a warning, or

const.i.tutional advice—no, an oracle?

”Agile and clever goat, once compared to the great G.o.d of the sky

wors.h.i.+ped by the people of the horse. Guide the lost sheep, wise elder.

Please keep this in your heart.”

”...”

”—What? What did I just say?”

”...Nothing much, you didn't say anything important.”

It was likely the miko's spirit sense which caused her to speak just now.

G.o.dou was amazed at the infinite depths that Yuri's potential seemed to

possess.

However, what was the guiding beast? Sheep, or was it talking about

goats? Just as G.o.dou was starting to ponder.

—Kusanagi G.o.dou! Your knight calls for you. Please descend once again,

and fulfill your obligations as king!

From somewhere riding upon the wind came a girl's voice.

It was the sound of Erica calling. Looks like it was finally time to decide the

battle against Voban.

As the companion who risked her life chanted that name, G.o.dou received

the power of flight from Verethragna's [Wind].

”Let's go. Let's give that old gramps some pain!”

”Very well, G.o.dou-san! No matter where you go I will accompany you!”

Yuri tightly gripped G.o.dou's outstretched hand.

One fate.

With this determination, the two of them rode the turbulent wind and flew

towards the sky.

References

1. ↑ Flamenco is a genre of music, song and dance from Andalusia in

southern Spain, noted for its energetic, staccato style.

2. ↑ Excalibur refers to King Arthur's famous sword, and is denoted

'Spirit Sword' in the kanji

3. ↑ Yamaraja is the ruler of the underworld in Buddhist and Taoist

legends. When people die and their souls are taken to the underworld,

they are judged by Yamaraja.

4. ↑ Yasha is the name of a broad cla.s.s of nature-spirits which appear

in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology. Possessing a dual personality.

the yasha may be an inoffensive nature-fairy on one hand; but there is

also a darker version which is a kind of ghost that haunts the

wilderness and devours travellers.

5. ↑ Phoebus: another name for Apollo, meaning light.

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