Vol 1 Chapter 7 (2/2)
valley—bountiful grain symbolized attributes of the earth.
”However, though born from the earth, he differs from the Apollo who
became the brilliantly glorious sun G.o.d, Osiris is purely a G.o.d of the earth
and the underworld—the close relative of the mother earth G.o.ddess, and
just a G.o.d of harvest.”
Apollo and Osiris were both sons of mother earth G.o.ddesses—the root of
the earth.
Born in different cultures, but possessing many commonalities in attributes.
On this basis, new power flowed into the [Sword].
Speaking out the spell words against Osiris, the power was released to
seal the underworld G.o.d of the harvest—!
”After becoming the sun G.o.d, Apollo finally obtained the guise of the dark
night. Night—the world dominated by darkness. The underground where
Apollo scurries in the form of a rat is also the world of darkness. In other
words, this is the mark of the underworld.”
The mother earth G.o.ddess, who nurtured all life, was not just a G.o.ddess
overflowing with love.
Winter brings with it death. G.o.dou had learnt this when fighting Athena, the
underworld deity who ruled both the night and the underground. And Osiris
was the G.o.d of harvest born from the earth.
Crops germinated and grew in spring, were harvested in summer and
autumn, and welcomed death in winter.
From death, they were reborn in the next spring, and grew once again.
—In G.o.dou's hand appeared a huge longsword with a golden blade. This
was the divine sword forged to vanquish the G.o.d of the underworld who
went through death multiple times and was resurrected.
Surrounded by ten or twenty layers of [Dead Servants], there was nowhere
to go.
Looking at the distance—slightly further than ten meters, the figure of the
old king could be seen silently directing the dead's battles like an orchestra
conductor.
Aiming at his target, G.o.dou raised his sword.
”Osiris was once cut into pieces and died, resurrecting to become the G.o.d
of the underworld. The mother earth G.o.ddess' responsibilities included
bestowing life in spring, harvesting in autumn, and death in winter. As the
son of the earth and G.o.d of the harvest, Osiris' dominion also included
growth in spring, harvest in the fall, and death in winter—thus, both the
mother earth G.o.ddess who does the killing as well as the harvest G.o.d who
was killed have many common functions.”
The cycle of death and rebirth.
Like Athena who once fought G.o.dou, there were the forms of the
underworld deities of death, Isis and Artemis. However, the difference was
that Apollo was never killed, only Osiris.
”Apollo did not have the authority to take lives, but instead, he became the
G.o.d of the sun. Nonetheless, he still had the epithet 'nukti eoikos' to
express death—his past includes being the G.o.d of pestilence!”
Instilling the killing spell words, G.o.dou swung the ma.s.sive [Sword] fiercely.
Golden light given off from the body of the blade lit up the entire battlefield.
Light surrounded Erica and Liliana, vanquis.h.i.+ng the [Dead Servants].
Immediately, they chased after Voban who commanded from the back like
a king piece in chess.
To defend against this attack, the dead warriors used their own bodies to
s.h.i.+eld the old Marquis.
G.o.dou made a grotesque smile. Their efforts were futile, as long as the
target was locked by his aim, there was no meaning to sacrificing
themselves for defense.
Will it succeed after all? And the final result was—?
Part 3
At some point, the rain had stopped.
However, the wind had not subsided. The wind was still blowing as
violently as ever, and the dark clouds covering the sky continued to rumble
with thunder, reaching the ground.
Only the rain stopped. The old man's joyful voice could be heard.
”You really did it. Slaying my [Wolf], and sealing the cage of the [Dead
Servants]. Such a troublesome ability does exist after all.”
The slicing attack infused with all of G.o.dou's liberated spell words.
From the sensation of his hands, G.o.dou felt that the power of Apollo
hidden in Voban's body was completely severed. It was likely that he would
not be able to use that authority again for a few days. But as for the divine
powers of Osiris—
As expected, using the [Sword] for Apollo to slay Osiris was very difficult.
It did not succeed completely. However, it still managed to decrease the
number of [Dead Servants]. From a rough estimate, half were destroyed
while the remaining half stopped moving.
The spell words of the [Sword] did not completely cut through Voban's
power of domination.
Erica and Liliana, who had been fighting nonstop, finally put down their
magic swords, breathing slightly heavily.
On the last swing of the [Sword], the [Dead Servants] turned into dust and
scattered.
At that time, G.o.dou felt like he heard something from the disappearing
servants. What was that, could it have been words of thanks?
The [Sword]'s spell words had cut through Voban's oppression.
The dead did not simply disappear in form, but welcomed true death—they
were finally able to rest in peace.
The [Warrior]'s ability included not only the sword, but the sight to see
through a G.o.d's nature.
That was why G.o.dou understood what happened.
If those were really words of grat.i.tude, it was definitely something to
celebrate. It was also worth it at such a great cost... G.o.dou felt his spirits
renew as he stomped his trembling foot against the ground.
Giving the [Sword] double spell words has consumed most of G.o.dou's
stamina.
His breathing was irregular, and his body felt weak.
Looks like this method of fighting was still beyond the current G.o.dou, who
did not expect it be so taxing.
...! ...!
What is going on? G.o.dou felt like someone was speaking.
Erica and Liliana beside him, and starting at some point in time, Yuri with a
sorrowful expression, were staring at him. Why was there such a feeling?
”Yes, I would like to commend your bravery. This battle did not disappoint
me.”
As Voban finished speaking in a low voice...
The wind began to moan.
G.o.dou's body was blown back by a heavy explosion of air pressure.
Using the eyes of the [Warrior], G.o.dou looked at the old king... This was
the divine power of the wind, and three figures could barely be seen
behind Voban.
Feng Bo,[2] Yu s.h.i.+[3] and Lei Gong.[4] These names floated into G.o.dou's
mind.
Deities from China, or was it Korea? Probably the storm G.o.ds defeated by
Voban. Affecting their appearances was what the old man possessed, the
authority ruling over wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
”Taken as entertainment, it's a bit exciting. As the one who fought
Salvatore to a draw, it is acceptable. Perhaps in another two years, you will
turn out to be a fine warrior.”
The strong winds continued to blow.
Erica who had stepped in front to s.h.i.+eld G.o.dou was blown away. Liliana
who tried to close the distance between Voban using the magic of flight
also met the same fate.
Then came the thunder. As the rumbling noise started up, lightning
descended from the sky.
Resistance against all spells was a Campione characteristic which G.o.dou
gambled upon.
...As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. All
enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished. Chanting the hymn to
Verethragna, he activated magical power all over his body.
It's working, the flash that should have landed on G.o.dou's head missed his
body by a slim margin.
The charred asphalt gave off a burnt smell.
The high temperature caused by the thunder vaporized rain drops in the
air... If this continued, defeat would be imminent.
”How relentless. It was already apparent, boy, that you share similarities
with my past self. To obtain a [King]'s authority without any magical
knowledge. And to skillfully wield with determination and wisdom, these
powers that a mage could never obtain through training, this was the path I
once trod.”
With another flash, this time it was lightning.
It was already a feat to escape the spear of the thunder G.o.d descending
from the sky, and his body felt very hot. Perhaps G.o.dou had already been
burnt quite severely.
This time he was suddenly hit by a sudden gust of strong wind, and his
whole body was blown away.
—Lost.
Though G.o.dou felt weak and his legs were unstable, he glared at Voban.
Even if his body was in full health, he did not have a way to evade wind
and thunder. From the start, there existed a disheartening difference in
power. But no matter how tired his body felt, G.o.dou still pushed himself to
struggle and stand up.
The shaking of his knees was impossible to control. If this continued, he
will be abused to death. G.o.dou showed a displeased expression.
”G.o.dou-san!”
”G.o.dou!”
”Stand up, Kusanagi G.o.dou! You have already fought to this point, show
me your resolve!”
Voices were heard. Yuri, Erica, as well as Liliana. Everyone was fine, and
the voices of who else?
...! ...! ...!
There really were voices, but who were they? It sounded like a lot of
people, their voices carried from a far distance.
Ten people, twenty people, no, there were many more. Where were all
these people? It could barely be heard, but it sounded like pleas of ”Get up
and fight!”
The voices did not stop, the voices of the crowd, the voices seeking power,
the voices praying for salvation. G.o.dou lifted his head, looked around and
understood in an instant.
a.s.sured of the power's existence, G.o.dou mastered the characteristics of
the new form.
This sense of omnipotence was the sweet yet dangerous sensation felt
when a Campione struggles to reach a new stage. I will not lose, declared
G.o.dou in his heart.
Such a strange power actually existed, and G.o.dou's determination was
renewed.
”—O Guardian of the righteous, I invite you and offer sacrifice. O Guardian
of the righteous, I praise you, and beseech you. One who supports the sky
and develops new land, the one who grants victory and grace, I will
perform justice, please grant to me the right path and light!”
Battle spirit rising straight towards the sky, the spell words erupted.
The completely new form—it was Verethragna's ninth form, the [Goat]
which transformed from the [Warrior].
In that instant, Voban released lightning.
The flash descended from the sky. However, G.o.dou caught it directly.
His palm covered with lightning, he had caught the attack as if it was a
baseball. Light erupted from his hand, and waves of heat could be felt.
Strong energy was also being released.
Do not think that you are the only one with power over lightning!
Feeling joy that he could finally counterattack, G.o.dou relaxed the corner of
his lips, and threw the ball of thunder back.
”—What?”
As expected of the one who could direct wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
With the sound of rumbling, the old king deflected the path of the lightning
which should have gone straight.
”So that is also your power, boy! To think you even had this level of battle
ability...!”
Due to the joy of battle, Voban's expression was radiant.
G.o.dou nodded silently.
This was a power that he did not have the capacity to use alone. Despite
G.o.dou's battles till now, this was a power which would never have
awakened without the victory wishes of those who were defeated by
Voban.
—The will to defeat that man.
—The wish to stop the old man, and the hope to seal him.
Numerous people were asking, begging, praying, hoping—the power of
feelings, the power of hearts was concentrated here and formed a vortex
like a hurricane. G.o.dou could now hear them clearly.
The voices of lost souls gathered here.
And that was not all.
There were the cries of the souls who were finally released after the
[Sword] severed Osiris' power of domination.
They did not know where they would go henceforth.
Heaven, h.e.l.l, underworld, nirvana, temple of salvation, or promised land...
These souls would probably be directed to their final resting place
according to their various religions and cultures. It must be so. However to
these souls, their final wish was to witness their enemy's demise—the old
king who had enslaved them for so long.
Furthermore, G.o.dou not only sensed the feelings of the dead.
—Worrying about the intense thunderstorm and violent winds.
—Fear of the constant roaring of thunder started just now.
—Concerns of the giant shadow seen for an instant outside the window...
That form of a monstrous dog, and doubting their own sanity.
— Within the typhoon, there appeared to be some kind of gang fight, and
the feeling of being scared to death.
Even the feelings of the residents nearby could be felt clearly.
G.o.dou originally thought that there would be very few people outside due
to the weather and the strange happenings, but to think that there were so
many people around here. This caused him to worry, because he wanted
to keep collateral damage to a minimum.
Amongst the vortex of thoughts and feelings, G.o.dou focused on those
closer to him.
—The feelings of the girl who worried about G.o.dou's body, and prayed for
his safe return with all her heart.
—The heart of the n.o.ble maiden who risked all her courage to beg for
G.o.dou's victory.
After making contact with Yuri and Erica's hearts, power flowed out as if
without limit. Within the body of the Campione, it was as if new life was
infused, it would be too shameful to lose now!
”Grant me power! Grant me the power to defeat Voban!”
G.o.dou shouted, his arm raised towards the sky.
At the same time, the sky was layered with the heavy thunderclouds
summoned by Voban. There was no lack of weapons!
The sound of thunder. Lightning descended from the sky continuously.
Verethragna's ninth form was the [Goat]. This form allowed one to listen to
the hearts of the people, and wield thunder as weapons.
The lightning summoned from the sky was captured just as it was about to
explode in front of G.o.dou, and gave off sparks.
The thunder that should have crashed upon the ground halted, and then
began to gather.
The energy of light and heat was released all at once.
Faced with the wave of thunder and lightning swarming him like a turbulent
flow, the old Campione exercised his own authorities, and through the
exploding flashes of light, the two [Kings] vied for supremacy.
Intending to defeat the old man with thunder was G.o.dou, while Voban was
trying to push the thunder away.
Neither side was winning.
No, G.o.dou had the advantage, and the rapid thunderstrike engulfed
Voban.
However, the old man's body only received minor burns, and could endure
longer. He was just barely able to avoid his vitals from being struck directly
by the thunder and lightning that should have consumed him completely,
bones and all.
”...Looks like you've created something that imitates a lightning rod, old
man.”
G.o.dou laughed loudly, but he was counterattacked at that instant.
Mixed with raindrops a whirlwind swept over, forming a mini hurricane
which swallowed G.o.dou.
”By the power of the spell words, I sing the hymn to victory!”
G.o.dou used Verethragna's hymn to raise his magical power.
Enduring the force of Voban's hurricane, G.o.dou consumed his magical
power. If it was G.o.dou in the past, he would have been swept into the sky
and dropped down to the ground forcefully.
However he was now able to escape the hurricane.
Similar to the way Voban defended against the lightning, just as G.o.dou
was engulfed by the wind, he struggled to maintain his form, not letting his
feet hover more than a few dozen centimeters off the ground.
Magical power strengthened spells and authorities from afar.
After taking the [Goat]'s form, what used to be most difficult to control,
could be performed much faster and more skillfully than before.
”You... That is a mage technique. To suddenly awaken such an ability, you
really are a reckless fellow, there is neither rule nor reason to your
authorities!”
”I really don't want to hear criticisms from someone like you!”
G.o.dou replied unhappily to Voban's questioning.
Though they both realized that defeating the other was not an easy task,
the two kings released lightning simultaneously.
In the red-hot battle of thunder, the intense but fruitless shooting match
began.
Part 4
”The power to control lightning... Kusanagi G.o.dou's authority is based on
the powers of Verethragna's ten forms, right? So which form is it?”
”Ah? Amakasu-san!? You came?”
With the cessation of corpse activity, the battlefield had turned into a one
on one duel between G.o.dou and Voban.
Discovering the History Compilation Committee member who popped up
suddenly, Yuri was caught by surprise.
”Yes, actually I was here watching from the start... Eh? This is a power not
mentioned in the Greenwich report.”
”Looks like it. This is also the first time for me to see it—probably it was a
form awakened just now.”
The one who answered was Erica. Liliana walked over to her side.
In the overly dangerous battle between [Kings], they had kept a safe
distance, watching over G.o.dou from afar.
G.o.dou and Voban were firing electrical attacks at each other in an intense
battle.
Voban had more weapons, having rain and wind at his disposal in addition
to lightning, but that was it. No matter what kind of attack he made, G.o.dou
was able to evade skillfully, and greater variety of weapons meant little.
On the other hand, every electrical attack G.o.dou performed was dodged
by the experienced Voban.
Though covered with burns and bruises, neither side could deliver a critical
hit. They were simply firing cannons at each other in a fruitless battle of
attrition.
”This should either be the [Youth] or the [Goat], because it controls
thunder—”
”In that case, it must be the [Goat]. For some reason, that is what I feel.”
Surprisingly, the last line was spoken by Liliana.
Though it sounded like random guessing, there was substantial confidence
behind it. This left Yuri with a deep impression.
Unlike Amakasu or Erica who explained using knowledge, she used
instinct to characterize the divine power. Though Liliana was Erica's fellow
knight, she was likely the same type as Yuri—a witch with the disposition
of a miko.
”Just like that lady said, it is the [Goat] form... The priestly ability in charge
of people's hearts and holding the power of thunder.”
So what were the characteristics of this form?
In the moment G.o.dou's new power awakened, Yuri immediately
understood with her spirit sense. The [Goat] form can be used as long as
the people at that location wished to become part of his battle strength.
In terms of people—it was not exclusive to the living.
Collecting the thoughts and feelings of the dead to become energy, and
granting G.o.dou the divine power of thunder, was the anger and hatred left
behind by the [Dead Servants], as well as their sorrow and pain.
This was likely a powerful form capable of rivaling the [Warrior], the [White
Stallion] and the [Boar].
The horned [Goat], was a sacred beast symbolizing great magical power. It
would not be too surprising if that form possessed magical power
surpa.s.sing the strongest wizards and magi.
Since ancient times, [Horns] were the symbol of special magical power.
When priests and kings performed rituals in primitive religions, they would
often wear hats or helmets featuring horns, and the purpose was to show
that the wearer possessed power.
The deer, the bull, as well as the goat.
The majority of wors.h.i.+ped sacred beasts all had horns. These are
remnants of ancient religion faiths.
”Now that it is mentioned, the nomadic Indo-European tribes are thought to
have made a.n.a.logies comparing the goat to lightning in the sky. The
famous G.o.d of the heavens, Zeus, is also intimately linked to the [Goat],
and there are similarities between it and the legend of the [Horse] carrying
the sun. The [Goat] which became lightning was also increasingly
promoted as a sacred beast by the Indo-European language family in
many places on the continent... So that's why it has that kind of power.”
Amakasu looked very happy as usual while he spouted information about
Verethragna.
Very interested, Amakasu asked the unsuspecting Yuri.
”As for Kusanagi G.o.dou's authority, there are conditions of use, right?
What is it this time that allowed the [Goat] to be used, Yuri-san?”
”That is—”
Just as Yuri was about to answer...
She felt a chill, and stopped herself from uttering the words in her mouth.
Though she had doubt from the beginning, she understood instantly.
Behind Amakasu, Erica was staring at her, and her eyes were giving a
warning.
It was neither sinister nor cold.
However, it was very stern, and contained an unforgiving will. Yuri realized
that the conditions of using the ten forms was extremely important
information for G.o.dou.
Killing him would not be hard if one had such information in detail.
Of course Amakasu knew this, so for him to deliberately ask such a
question, it was natural for Erica to be glaring with full murderous intent
that seemed to threaten ”I will shut you up if you say something
unnecessary.”
”...No. About this, I am very sorry that even I do not know.”
Not because Erica was frightening.
But because she understood Erica's concerns, Yuri lied.
Kusanagi G.o.dou was still inexperienced with protecting himself from types
of malevolence other than violence. In order to keep him safe, she still
needed to work extra hard. Was that it?
Satisfied with Yuri's course of action, Erica put away her glare.
”Then nothing can be done about it. Don't worry... yes?”
Feeling disappointed, Amakasu suddenly narrowed his eyes in surprise.
”What is it, Amakasu-san?”
”Nothing, for some reason my body suddenly had a tired feeling... Anyway,
Yuri-san are you ok!?”
Knees losing strength, Yuri's body was starting to shake. She had to put all
her effort to stand still and stop her shaking legs.
It couldn't be helped, as the body felt like its strength was being sucked
away. Even standing up was very difficult.
—Observing closely, Amakasu also seemed to be in the same state.
Despite the darkness of the night, it was clear his face did not look well.
However, Erica and Liliana were unaffected, and with incredulous eyes,
were watching the two people who were losing strength.
Yuri instinctively felt that both their—no, it was likely the life force of
everyone in the surroundings, were being gathered at one spot. They were
converging at Kusanagi G.o.dou who started releasing thunder to fight a
while ago.
This was the [Goat]'s power, no, side effect.
This form was not only the will of the people, but also absorbed their life
force and converted it into G.o.dou's power! If Erica and Liliana were fine, it
was probably because their original stamina was far beyond ordinary
humans.
It was still bearable, but if it continued it might become life threatening.
”...Uh, because this is a form wielding such great power, it comes with a
corresponding price? Aya, I really give up.”
”Though every time is like this, but Kusanagi G.o.dou's authority is simply
full of these inconvenient powers...”
As Yuri explained, Amakasu honestly expressed his annoyance in a rare
moment.
Even Erica's eyes were popping out from surprise.
However, Liliana remained optimistic.
”Though that is true, to be able to reach this level and pay such a price is
also the privilege of those who are [Kings]. Kusanagi G.o.dou, looks like he
turned out to be more capable than I imagined.”
She was watching the place where G.o.dou and Voban were having an
intense battle of thunder.
The two [Kings] who possessed ultimate resistance against magical power,
were turning their own magical power into lightning to attack each other.
Even for a Great Knight like Liliana, it was too dangerous to approach and
they did not dare venture forward.
They could only watch over from the side—
”Feeling people's hearts and forming a new ability... Though it is difficult to
accept his weakness in succ.u.mbing to Erica's temptation, he does have a
serious side. I am slightly impressed.”
Liliana showed a relaxed smile.
A fairy-like beauty with an awe-inspiring flair, this was a knight's smile.
Like Yuri, her miko disposition felt it, that G.o.dou sensed the hearts of the
[Dead Servants] which caused the [Goat] form to awaken.
”Erica! Though the battle is even for now, by my estimates, it will inevitably
sway in the Marquis' favor. When that happens, you and I will support the
king, are you prepared?”
”Who are you talking to? That was exactly what I was going to say, Lily!”
The two knights picked up their beloved magic swords and started
bickering.
At that moment, a strange feeling came over Yuri.
—Liliana Kranjcar, a girl whose named sounded like it came from an
eastern European country, was standing most naturally with Erica. Red
and blue, the twin Great Knights guarding the same king. This description
appeared in Yuri's mind without thought.
Noticing Yuri's gaze, Liliana felt strange and asked.
”What is it, Mariya Yuri? Did you finally remember who I am?”
”Eh? Did we meet before?”
”Forget it, if you do not remember, it is fine. It was just a single encounter,
so I sort of know you—uh, now is not the time for this kind of chat.”
Liliana watched the battlefield with a serious expression once more.
As she predicted, the tides of battle were slowly s.h.i.+fting, and in Voban's
favor—
Even in a fight between powerful supernatural ent.i.ties, stalemates
occurred occasionally.
As long as it was more advantageous to defend than to attack, these
situations were likely to arise. This was the case with G.o.dou and Voban.
What should have been an instant kill attack was ineffective against both
sides. This resulted in stalemate.
However, if the fight dragged on, the battle would sway towards the
stronger side. From Voban's expression, G.o.dou subconsciously felt that
things were not going his way.
Different from the usual poker face of that old man.
When using his most powerful divine power, Voban abandoned his facade
of the old intellectual gentleman, and let his emotions enter a state of
madness, roaring with laughter.
Just like when he transformed into the giant silver wolf.
A warrior since birth, though he had aged, his wild side was not lost. A man
like a beast, this was the true nature of Dejanstahl Voban that G.o.dou
instantly saw clearly.
This man was releasing slow-moving thunderstrikes with a calm
expression a while ago.
However, the sky was gathering a frightening amount of heavy
thunderclouds. G.o.dou felt difficulty breathing. This was the effect of Voban
raising his authority of storms to the maximum.
To think he had the leisure to do that while engaged in a shooting match
with G.o.dou.
The strongest violet lightning, this was in preparation for releasing
electricity from his entire body.
G.o.dou did not have extra strength to do the same, it was already taking his
all to maintain the stalemate.
—This was the difference in power.
The old king and Campione who fought continually over the past three
centuries, and the immature one who just debuted. There was an
unbridgeable gap between their power levels.
”Boy, I should thank you. To be able to fight to this level, it has really
comforted my weary and boring days. Though a little brief, but let me enjoy
this!”
Voban smiled.
A grandiose declaration of his victory.
Just as he said, he still had many cards up his sleeve, but up to now he
only focused on using the same thunder attack. This was his way of
proving his superiority over G.o.dou in the use of thunder.
Anxiety invaded G.o.dou's heart.
If this continued, he will definitely lose.
If he was. .h.i.t by the full strength lightning attack from a devil king of
Voban's level, G.o.dou had no confidence in his own safety. However, there
was still another weapon against the old man—
At some point, both sides stopped using lightning.
Voban was preparing for the final strongest attack, while G.o.dou realized
continuing to attack was meaningless.
”G.o.dou, you haven't forgotten me, right? Please let your knight Erica
Blandelli have a chance to be active. I am your sword and s.h.i.+eld. No
matter where, we must fight together.”
To the right of the troubled G.o.dou appeared a knight dressed in red and
black.
Holding Cuore di Leone tightly in her hand, Erica Blandelli stood together
with G.o.dou.
”Kusanagi G.o.dou, though I have no wish of spending the rest of my life
with you, but at this point in time, I am also your knight. Before the battle
ends, let me accompany you.”
On his left, appeared the knight dressed in blue and black.
Holding the silver Il Maestro, Liliana Kranjcar stood upright on the left.
”This is too dangerous for you two to be here! Please leave now!”
G.o.dou roared with surprise at the two of them, but their responses were
cold.
”It may be as you say, however—if Erica and
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