Vol 2 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4 - Conference of the Kings

Part 1

Magic originated in Europe.

This was correct from a geopolitical standpoint, but not quite accurate in

terms of cultural anthropology.

The strange techniques of magic and wizardry have existed in the culture

of every country in the world. The majority of powerful magic a.s.sociations

did start in Europe, but that does not mean that their local magic is the

most proper or mainstream.

In fact, even in recent times, many western magi have devoted their efforts

to researching eastern philosophy and civilization.

Take for example yoga, the Indian mystic art which relied mostly on

incantations. Chinese wizardry included Taoism, Feng Shui, or the doctrine

of the Five Elements.

j.a.pan, the land of the warrior, was also a suitable research subject that

enamored many western magi, and the eight million kami^ unique to

j.a.panese spiritual faith was also a popular topic of research.

...Unexpectedly, the Mariya family also had close dealings with those kinds

of foreign researchers.

The Mariya family were originally courtiers in Kyoto, but due to vast

differences in stature, they were neither prestigious nor wealthy.

This blood line produced many women with exceptional spirit powers over

the generations.

The current generation's Yuri was also the same, and like the other girls

who were entrusted to shrines and monasteries to work as nuns or miko.

This tradition had been going on for the past few centuries.

Due to this blood line, the family had substantial influence in religious and

wizardry related areas.

Also during the Meiji and Showa eras, there was a Mariya family elder who

was granted the t.i.tle of baron, and was a socialite who took an interest in

western culture.

Westerners — had many dealings with those with knowledge about magic.

The Mariya family provided hospitality to researchers who visited j.a.pan for

their studies, and facilitated their research. If the guests came from

Europe, they would even take them out to tour and have fun if the

opportunity arose.

Hence, though it appeared that Yuri grew up in a traditional j.a.panese

environment, in reality she was well accustomed to interacting with

foreigners.

Daily conversation could be handled in English, and she had the

experience of visiting Europe a couple of times.

...Due to this family situation, it was somewhat ironic that it created an

opportunity for her to be imprisoned by Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

”It was four years ago when I invited you and the others to Austria, how

nostalgic.”

Voban narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

They were in the library reading room that he had taken over by force.

Crossing his legs, he sat on a rough lead pipe chair. However, the way he

sat was like a monarch sitting on a royal throne.

Condescending and rude, arrogant and grand —

”I was extremely bored that time, and was trying to get a good hunt,

however, I seem to have become a little too famous, and the [Heretical

G.o.ds] are not coming out. Unwilling to show themselves to me, this has

been one of my headaches.”

The only ones listening to him were Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.

Voban's att.i.tude and tone were very calm, but his personality was the

opposite. In fact, his actions were often extremely selfish and full of

blasphemy.

”I have several privileges, and one of them includes the right to choose my

hunting prey... However, I have no interest in hunting rats. Only the strong

are worthy of being hunted by me.”

He laughed.

The Devil King who had slaughtered many G.o.ds was showing a hideously

distorted smile with his lips.

As terrifying power flowed out continuously from his tall thin body, light

flashed from his sharp emerald evil eyes like the irises of a ferocious tiger.

”A deity suitable to be my prey — this was a problem I had yet to solve that

time. The mysterious ritual to summon a [Heretic G.o.d]... If this ritual

succeeds, then I should be able to enjoy myself for a while — ”

The incident four years ago — recalling his anger when Salvatore Doni

s.n.a.t.c.hed away the summoned G.o.d, Voban's smile disappeared from his

lips.

He turned his stern gaze towards empty s.p.a.ce.

”I now want to make the same challenge as four years ago, so just like last

time I need your cooperation — ah, but you don't have the right to refuse,

because no one can refuse what I, Voban has decided.”

Four years ago, in order to complete the [G.o.d Summoning] spell which

was regarded by many high level magi as extremely difficult, Voban had

gathered talented miko from all around Europe, and used their miko

powers to summon a G.o.d. Since it happened to be during the summer

holidays, it turned out to be an unfortunate coincidence for the Mariya

family who had been invited by friends in Austria.

A miko of Mariya's caliber was very rare even in Europe.

Which was why the subordinates of Voban immediately discovered her in

their mission to capture talented miko, and determined her to be a worthy

sacrifice to offer to the Devil King.

”Hen, after all you won't be able to escape, so just go with the flow and

enjoy our hospitality, how's that?”

The Devil King's evil eyes glowed with green light.

Yuri felt terrified. Her legs — starting from below the knee were surrounded

by a layer of faint light, and as they rapidly turned white all feeling was lost.

The evil eye authority which turned people into salt.

Right now, she was being targeted by that power. By transforming just a

part of Yuri's body, it was as if Voban was trying to show off that he

possessed the ability to control this authority with precision.

”Marquis, this joke has gone too far! If this girl dies, there is no other

replacement.”

”I'm not going to do something that stupid. But your suggestion has merit,

to waste such rare excellent talent on a game would be a shame.”

Voban lowered his gaze the moment Liliana gave her warning.

The legs, which had become white inorganic matter, immediately regained

their original color and feeling was restored. Yuri felt relief from the bottom

of her heart.

”One would not immediately behead the chicken that laid golden eggs...

You have such a valuable disposition that I can't be sure how much will

remain after your death, so please don't force me to try such an

unnecessary experiment.”

Voban smiled again.

This was a smile with a kind of humorous feeling, a smile full of jeer.

”My servants are all residents of graves, you wouldn't want to become like

them, right?”

Voban whistled with his fingers.

A figure suddenly appeared behind his back.

Wearing a tattered jacket filled with countless open cuts. It seemed to be a

once ill.u.s.trious battle outfit, and there was some kind of crest embroidered

on it.

On the belt secured around the waist was a sabre.

The helmet easily reminded one of a knight from the thirteenth or

fourteenth century.

However, the greatest characteristic was the pallor of death. It was

undoubtedly the face of a dead person, expressionless, hollow, and

eyeb.a.l.l.s with dilated pupils. The only difference from a real corpse was the

lack of a rotting stench.

( — This is a [Dead Servant]!)

Yuri recalled one of Voban's authorities. The power to dominate those who

died directly by his hand to become completely obedient servants.

If one were to resist him, that would be the end result.

This was probably even more horrible than being turned into salt. A dead

person has no lifespan, and would never obtain peace once fettered by

this old Devil King.

”The G.o.d who resurrected from death — restoring the body that was torn

apart, retrieving life, and descending upon the underworld...”

Suddenly, words flowed out of Yuri's mouth.

The [Dead Servant] had provoked a reaction from her spirit sensing

powers. A G.o.d's figure appeared from behind Voban's back. It was a

crowned G.o.d whose green skin was wrapped by many layers of bandages.

Most likely, this was the G.o.d of life and death who was vanquished by this

old man.

The G.o.d who ruled the cycle of life and was the consort of the mother earth

G.o.ddess, and finally became the ruler of the underworld.

”Oh? You know how I usurped authority from this G.o.d?”

Voban asked with his eyes narrowed.

”Try explaining it. Show me the level of your power.”

”No, no. She probably just suddenly thought of those words. Please don't

be too concerned — ”

”I will be the one to judge that! Silence is forbidden! Speak!”

Yuri's body shook at the roaring reproach.

”...The G.o.d whose divine body was killed, I know his name to be Osiris and

an Egyptian deity.”

Spell words were summoned by resonance between the powerful spirit

vision and the G.o.d.

Consigned into speech, the spell words revealed the G.o.d's sacred name.

Voban nodded, satisfied with what he has he heard.

”Truly amazing, choosing you was correct.”

Voban smiled as if he was very happy. Every time Yuri saw the figure of

that G.o.d, she felt crushed by despair.

Amongst the divinities of ancient Egypt, Osiris was considered one of the

more powerful G.o.ds.

The father of Horus, the G.o.d of the harvest for the previous generation of

kings. The G.o.ddess Isis who excelled at magic was his wife. Unable to

return to the living world after his body was cut into fourteen pieces, he

became the ruler of the underworld.

How could one face a monster who defeated a G.o.d like that?

Yuri could only feel despair, like a heavy burden weighing on her

body — then she suddenly remembered the words he said yesterday.

'If something like that ever happens again, please call me earlier...'

The sincere and kind words from the youth whose existence was similar to

the old man before her eyes. He possessed the authority which allowed

him to fly to those in need who called upon his name.

— But, no way.

Yuri thought he did not have a chance of winning.

Kusanagi G.o.dou cannot defeat Sasha Dejanstahl Voban. Yuri understood

deeply since she had made contact with both kings. Though both belonged

to the level of Campiones, their difference in power was overwhelming.

The old man had already mastered his special powers, but the youth was

still unskilled.

It would be like a kitten challenging a tiger, Yuri's spirit sense declared. If

Kusanagi G.o.dou fought with Sasha Dejanstahl Voban, the old Marquis

would be the victor without a doubt.

In order to avoid getting Kusanagi G.o.dou killed, Yuri did not call out his

name.

Part 2

It was around dusk, and droplets of rain gradually began to fall from the

cloudy sky.

Kusanagi G.o.dou and Erica Blandelli were leaving Jounan Academy, and

on the road home.

A few days ago during gym cla.s.s, when Erica was playing

baseball — rather, Erica had awakened her love for baseball by striking out

all the boys. And then today after school, dragging the unwilling G.o.dou

along, she made an a.s.sault on the baseball club.

” — Come make a bet and see if any of you can hit a ball pitched by me!”

Erica challenged the official players of the baseball club loud and clear.

G.o.dou pitied from the bottom of his heart the baseball club members

whose curiosity was roused by the challenge.

Furthermore, the famed starting catcher of the baseball team was going to

act as Erica's a.s.sistant today. In other words, Erica could pitch as much as

she wants. The weak baseball club, which always lost in the first match in

the qualifying rounds of the National High School Baseball Champions.h.i.+p,

had zero hope of winning.

G.o.dou decided it would be safer to accompany Erica rather than go off to

do something by himself.

Finally, he decided to step in by the time he witnessed Erica successfully

striking out the eighth player in a row.

”Subst.i.tution! I will replace the next batter!”

G.o.dou shouted at the ninth batter who was walking towards the batting

position with tears in his eyes.

”Oh my, G.o.dou, I feel like you are plotting something.”

”Your atrocities stop here. Let me show you that an amateur is nothing but

an amateur!”

Smiling on the pitcher's mound, Erica fearlessly faced G.o.dou who picked

up a metal bat.

The one-on-one battle between the pitcher and the batter —

First was a foul. Second was a strike. The third was caught by the catcher.

The fourth was a ball.

Erica who had insisted on throwing straight pitches till now, suddenly threw

an outcurve pitch. Furthermore, it was a high speed outcurve pitch as fast

as a straight pitch!

Even a baseball club pitcher who set their goal on the National

Champions.h.i.+p would not be able to throw such a curveball so easily.

Though he was surprised by Erica's atypical athleticism, G.o.dou still hit the

ball. A sharp hit sending the ball flying beautifully between the third base

and the shortstop.

...In reality, G.o.dou had already predicted such a ball midway.

This morning, lying beside the pillow of the sleeping Erica, was a baseball

comic based on real techniques. In addition, the comic was opened on a

page which described the outcurve pitch in rigorous detail.

— Still, what if she really succeeded in that kind of pitch...

If she entered sports seriously, she would probably reach world cla.s.s

levels. What admirable talent.

G.o.dou thought as he watched the dissatisfied face of Erica.

”G.o.dou you broke my hard earned winning streak, can't you read the

mood?”

”For someone who has played baseball seriously for nine years, I couldn't

tolerate watching that any further! Even though I fully understand you are

an amazing fellow, but please behave yourself.”

The two of them held an umbrella each as they walked home under the

rain.

Before, they were only acquaintances during a visit to Italy, but it had

become much different now. By the time G.o.dou noticed, it had already

progressed to a relations.h.i.+p where they saw each other throughout the day

and walked side by side. The feeling of ill fate was clearly increasing.

Lately, G.o.dou had many secret worries.

There were times when Erica's presence had a kind of femininity which

exceeded all other girls from the same age. This feeling only happened

when G.o.dou was by her side.

As light as wind, without a single worry, a feeling that being together was

the most natural thing in the world.

This was a bad omen. Perhaps if this situation with Erica became even

more intimate, without warning there will come a day when G.o.dou would

no longer be able to refuse her advances...

”What is it now, G.o.dou, you suddenly look so distracted, did you discover

my new allure?”

Erica smiled all of a sudden.

A gorgeous and charming smile like a blooming flower of j.a.panese

Camellia. It's true, such frequent close contact isn't going to work. G.o.dou

took a step to the side and decided to keep his distance away from Erica.

”No, it's nothing. Don't make random guesses.”

”Oh, nothing huh? Ah, that's right, I just thought of something nice.”

Erica gazed as G.o.dou as if she had ulterior motives, and suddenly spoke.

Closing the umbrella held on her right hand, she snapped the umbrella

with both hands.

”Oh no, the umbrella is broken, what shall I do?”

”Hey! Didn't you just break it yourself, what are you talking about!?”

Erica was trying to lean close to G.o.dou and take shelter from the rain

under his umbrella.

G.o.dou wanted to push her away, but realized it would be impossible to

accomplish by strength alone. Desperate resistance would be futile. Erica

hugged his left arm tightly and whispered in his ear.

”Isn't this great? Two lovers sheltering from the rain together like this is

quite nice? Unless you actually want to see me wet?”

'Til lend my umbrella to you! Go away quickly!”

”But in that case, wouldn't you get drenched? Please hold the umbrella

properly. Ah, the rain has dripped on my shoulder, could you come a bit

closer?”

Without waiting for G.o.dou's response, Erica leaned even closer.

G.o.dou felt desperate as the warm and soft body pressed upon him.

Those proportions like a G.o.ddess and the stimulating sensations from the

shape of the body transmitted through the school uniform. Furthermore,

the breath blowing at his ear hinted how close her lips were.

Under such an atmosphere, Erica could very well be aiming for something

like a kiss. G.o.dou must escape as quickly as possible!

”Hey, stop it, Erica. This is in the middle of the road and there are many

observers. Don't you think it's inappropriate for high school students on the

way home from school?”

Since force will not work he had to try some other method, thought G.o.dou

as he frantically spoke.

”For lovers, this kind of behavior is perfectly acceptable. Ah, a kiss in the

rain, it will be my first time. Same for G.o.dou, right?”

An opponent that cannot be handled by little tricks.

Erica approached with her lips as she ardently spoke in a soft voice. Just

as G.o.dou made the decision to struggle from this witch and escape with all

his strength.

”If you don't have enough umbrellas, how about I give you a ride? In return,

I do hope you two can listen to my request.”

Interrupted by a calm voice, Erica immediately separated herself from

G.o.dou's body.

A battle stance — G.o.dou felt surprised that Erica had switched to a high

state of alert. It greatly contrasted with her appearance of a girl who might

cook while humming a tune.

Her gaze was directed towards a young man standing before them.

”My name is Amakasu Touma — have you heard of the History Compilation

Committee? I do errands for that organization, pleased to meet you.”

A man wearing a creased suit and carrying a black umbrella.

Wearing gla.s.ses, he gave off a 'good-for-nothing' kind of feel.

”Actually, we have a working relations.h.i.+p with Mariya-san. Last time during

the incident with Athena, we provided a lot of help and support from the

background.”

G.o.dou nodded.

The battle with Athena had plunged Tokyo into darkness and destroyed

many public facilities. G.o.dou had heard from Yuri that the History

Compilation Committee had been busy throughout and after the incident,

trying to control the spread of information.

”Uh, what do you mean? I don't quite understand, however, what is it that

you want to ask me?”

”G.o.dou, please don't act so friendly, he is probably one of those people

who want to make use of your power.”

”Well, that goes the same for you and me. We're both birds of a feather.

Also, this time our interests are aligned.”

Amakasu forced a smile at Erica's accusation. However, his expression

became serious immediately.

”It's an emergency situation and time is of the essence. We wish to borrow

your power — Mariya-san has been kidnapped and the culprit is Sasha

Dejanstahl Voban. Are you aware of this?”

”...What!?”

G.o.dou felt deeply shocked by this unexpected news. The name he heard

mentioned yesterday and the fact that Yuri was kidnapped.

”Marquis Voban? I can hardly believe it. It would be plausible for him to go

to China where his enemy Luo Hao was located. But coming to this island

nation in the Far East, isn't that too strange? And what reason does he

have to kidnap Yuri?”

Erica's tone of voice was contemptuous and clearly full of suspicion.

”It's not entirely without cause. That young lady actually knew the Marquis

Voban from a long time ago. There was once an incident... Anyway, it is

urgent right now, can you please put aside your doubts and come along

with us?”

”Ok, where are we going?”

G.o.dou answered immediately to Amakasu's humble request, without an

instant of hesitation or pondering.

”Yes, I hope you can understand this sudden and suspicious request — the

only one who can battle with a Campione is another Campione.”

”I will help, so let's go to Mariya's location immediately.”

”Uh, it's really ok?”

Amakasu felt surprised by G.o.dou's immediate answer, as he was prepared

to continue his words of persuasion.

G.o.dou nodded, but Erica beside him frowned.

”G.o.dou, please don't take in such lies so easily. Would you show a little bit

of wariness please.”

”I know. But how can I stay calm knowing that a friend is in danger?”

Erica's warning was correct. Though he didn't admit it, G.o.dou agreed with

her.

No matter what, he also had the 'news' provided from last night.

”Actually last night Salvatore Doni that brat called me. That busybody told

me about the Marquis Voban coming to j.a.pan, and though he was talking

like an idiot the whole time, I'm sure Erica knows he is a guy who doesn't

lie, right?”

”Sir Salvatore?”

Though he was a problematic character, but Salvatore Doni was not a man

who lied.

A man who was totally useless when faced with deceptive situations. A

complete failure of a man who would try to solve every problem with a

sword.

”Well, if that's the case, then there should be no mistake. If that person

revived then who knows when he might be coming to trouble G.o.dou, don't

be careless...”

”Yes, Erica. It might be troublesome if you got caught up in another conflict

with a Campione, why don't we part ways here?”

G.o.dou made a suggestion to the companion chattering away.

Last time the fight with Doni seemed to have brought Erica much trouble.

After all, he had become enemies with the Campione who was known as

the [Chief] in Italy. The Copper Black Cross she belonged to had ordered

all a.s.sistance provided to G.o.dou to be terminated, but Erica ignored it.

The issue was not resolved, and the relations.h.i.+p with Doni entered a

stalemate.