Vol 2 Chapter 5 (2/2)
incompetent.”
”Yes, Erica-san. If I had to fight you, I would lose utterly in thirty seconds.”
”Is that so? From my estimates, you could last about three hundred
seconds. Since it's rare to find an opportunity, would you like to try it now?”
To the smile appearing on Erica's face like a poisonous flower, Amakasu
acted dumb and made a fawning smile.
After the parting pleasantries, the three of them slipped into the school
under the cover of night.
It was after 8pm in the evening. Perhaps there might be staff on overtime.
G.o.dou prayed for them not to exit the building if that was the case.
G.o.dou aimed for the playground which should prove to be advantageous.
To [Wolves] who possessed a keen sense of smell, hiding was probably
useless so it would be better to choose a location with a clear view of the
opponents.
They waited at the playground for about five minutes.
Finally, the pack of giant wolves appeared. Unexpected for their ma.s.sive
bodies, the wolves jumped over the school fence with ease and entered
the playground.
The slowly approaching [Wolves] numbered roughly thirty or forty at least.
”I will take care of them. After all, you shouldn't use the [White Stallion] or
the [Raptor] in such a place. Save the forms of Verethragna for the
Marquis.”
”Then I'll leave it to you.”
G.o.dou nodded generously to Erica's proposal.
Of the ten forms usurped from Verethragna, most of them gave no
advantage in handling grouped enemies.
The [White Stallion] which summoned solar fire from the sky was one of
the few exceptions, but it was too powerful to be used rashly.
On the other hand, the [Raptor] was comparatively more normal, but there
were repercussions after its use.
” — Come, savior of the gentiles. Promised lord born from the virgin!”
Erica spoke softly to the silver sword and chanted the spell words.
Cuore di Leone floated into the air as if led by an invisible thread.
”By the holy name, O G.o.d of countless armies. G.o.d be praised! Hallowed
be thy name!”
One sword, two swords, three swords. Cuore di Leone was multiplying into
similarly shaped swords which appeared in the air in front of Erica.
In ten seconds, the magic silver sword had multiplied to thirteen.
”Then it is time to decide the victor, Cuore di Leone!”
This spell word became the trigger signal.
The thirteen swords became thirteen arrows and flew at the speed of
lightning.
Aiming between the eyes of the incoming [Wolves], they stabbed forwards.
The gray wolves cried wretchedly.
Yet blood did not seep out from their wounds. Instead, a blue black liquid
flowed from their foreheads. The giant wolves' corpses melted into the
darkness and vanished.
Like those death knights, they appeared to be abnormal creatures.
Eliminating thirteen of the pack in one motion, Cuore di Leone flew and
returned to Erica's hand.
At some unknown instant, it had returned to the one original sword.
”My hunting hounds seem to be ineffective against the [Diavolo Rosso], a
pity.”
A familiar voice echoed.
The embodiment of tyranny disguised by airs of intellectuality, the old Devil
King spoke softly.
”Sorry to have kept you waiting, brats. Are you prepared to be beaten
down by me?”
Thunder crashed. Violent winds screamed. Raindrops crashed repeatedly
into the ground. Voban's voice carried over, completely unaffected by
those noises.
Arrogant as ever, the Devil King casually strolled to the center of the
playground.
Part 3
”I love stormy nights. Wind, rain and lightning, these all make me feel
mighty. You are probably the same, brat. Even though you are immature, I
am sure you and I are one of a kind.”
Wearing a jet black coat over his suit, Voban spoke joyfully as the rain
splattered against him.
G.o.dou immediately frowned in anger.
In fact, from a very long time ago he did have a strange habit of having a
good mood when there was a typhoon. Be that as it may, G.o.dou did not
feel like answering.
”So what? Are you just saying you like stormy nights?”
”No, I felt like it so I summoned it, and so it became like that. I believe it
also suits your tastes. You don't mind, right?”
Dejanstahl Voban had the ability to call forth storms.
Simply witnessing a part of that power troubled G.o.dou.
”Don't decide so casually, on what basis do you judge that?”
”After all, someone will not fight a deity unless they are disposed to going
with the flow and rising to the occasion. People who become Campiones
all have pretty much the same tendencies.”
Erica and Yuri listened on the side and simultaneously said ”ah ah, I see”
while showing an understanding expression. As both of them looked at him
at the same time, G.o.dou felt greatly uncomfortable for some reason.
”You really are a ridiculous old gramps. Then shall we start the first
round?”
”If you fall now, there is no first or second. Struggle well and amuse me.”
Voban waved his hand.
Immediately, ten [Wolves] appeared out of the darkness like foaming
bubbles.
”Increasing the numbers so easily could get troublesome. But an opponent
who relies on numbers is so unrefined. It's most displeasing.”
”In terms of numbers, they have already won — stand back Mariya.”
G.o.dou spoke as he nodded to his companion's comments.
This was the beginning of a messy battle.
Erica threw Cuore di Leone into the air towards the distance.
”O Lion of steel, accept thy mission, transform into seven tacni^, guard
the imprisoned king, sing Blondel, and respond with the lion-hearted king.”
The silver magic sword became seven fragments and scattered on the
ground. And then, the fragments expanded and transformed into steel
lions.
Seven lion sculptures were infused with life by magic.
Their fluid motions completely unrestrained by the normal properties of
steel, the lions surrounded G.o.dou and Yuri.
The steel lions blocked the approaching pack of [Wolves]. Erica created
guards in response to Voban's ever increasing hunting hounds.
The wolves cried out!!
The [Wolf] pack all jumped.
In a rare moment, Erica was not using her usual Cuore di Leone but
instead had summoned a very heavy looking sword. She faced the attack
without any signs of fear.
Glamorously swinging her sword in a free flowing manner.
Erica repeatedly sliced through the onslaught of the wolf pack. Just as
Voban said, hounds as big as horses were no match for her.
With one or two attacks from her sword, every wolf was either sliced into
sections or pierced right through.
But even for Erica, the lone efforts of a single person had limits.
With absolute advantage in numbers, the [Wolves] only needed to keep up
the attacks. Besides, the other wolves did not have an enemy as
troublesome as Erica.
The [Wolves] targeting Yuri and G.o.dou.
The lions born from Cuore di Leone faced off against those wolves.
Vanquis.h.i.+ng the wolves with their bodies, fangs and claws of steel, the
lions' battle power far exceeded the [Wolves].
Overwhelming victory.
However, the only problem was the numbers.
In order to handle the [Wolves] which got past their defense line, G.o.dou
had to activate Verethragna's authority at last.
Imagining the strength of the [Bull], G.o.dou spoke the spell words.
”As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. Man and
devil — all enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished. Hence I shall
smash through all enemies in my way!”
When fighting an inhumanly strong opponent, Verethragna's second form,
the [Bull], granted overwhelming strength. Voban's summoned wolf pack
completely satisfied this condition.
Speeding forward like an arrow, G.o.dou aimed at an attacking wolf's snout
and sent it flying with a powerful kick.
G.o.dou avoided messy unarmed combat to prevent unnecessary injuries. If
he got bitten, those jaws might crush his bones.
He sent them flying into the distance with as little contact as possible.
G.o.dou's forward kick punted the [Wolves] high into the air like a football, all
the things attacking himself and Yuri could be seen clearly.
However, the powers of the [Bull] form were definitely unsuitable for a
disorganized fight against multiple opponents.
”These things just keep on coming, there really is no end in sight...! Mariya,
can I ask you something?”
Sending the sixth [Wolf] on a tour to the sky, G.o.dou asked.
Though the guarding lions kept going without pause, the wolf pack also
continued to increase. If this went on, they would run out of options soon.
”W-What is it, Kusanagi-san?”
”Last time, that move I used against Athena, do you think it would work
against that old gramps?”
The old Devil King, who was continually summoning [Wolves] from a
distance, simply watched the battle silently.
G.o.dou tried to show a smile of confidence and preparedness.
From the start, the pace of battle had been fully controlled by Voban.
Unless G.o.dou found a way to regain initiative and counterattack there
would be no chance of victory.
”...Probably not. I doubt those flames can defeat the Marquis. I cannot give
a reason, but that is what I feel.”
The miko, who possessed spirit vision, spoke with a very disquieted
expression.
However, this opinion only made G.o.dou more determined — if that was the
case, why not try it?
”Got it. In that case, perhaps it's just as well.”
”Eh? Kusanagi-san, what are you planning on doing?”
”Mariya, please do not leave my side for any reason.”
Letting this continue would be meaningless, so G.o.dou decided to bring
about a conclusion to the battle.
”For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radiance
to the stallion. O stallion that moves G.o.dlike with wondrous grace, bring
forth the halo of thy master!”
The incantation to summon from the sky the white stallion which
represented the sun, the third form of Verethragna.
G.o.dou shouted sonorously.
Voban's face showed tension for the first time.
Finally sensing the coming of danger, he watched as the stormy night
turned into a morning sky tinted by the color of dawn.
”The sun — the flames of heaven?”
Almost like the first light of dawn, the sun was rising out of the eastern sky.
— The power of judgement which could only be used against great sinners
who brought great suffering to the populace. As expected of a
three-hundred-year-old great Devil King, it looked like he had committed
more than the minimum number of atrocities required to fulfill the
conditions required.
White flames descended from the sky.
High temperature flames hot enough to vaporize steel with ease were
approaching the ground.
At that instant, the [Wolves] that were causing so much trouble for G.o.dou
and Erica all vanished.
”Eh?”
G.o.dou was struck by surprise.
Voban's figure transformed. From a human into an upright wolf with silver
fur — a werewolf and it was completely the stance of a wolf.
Voban's body which had taken the form of a silver wolf, expanded in size
instantly.
Roughly thirty meters in length, the ma.s.sive body stopped expanding at an
impossible size.
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!
Ma.s.sive roars reverberated in the stormy atmosphere.
The gigantic silver wolf leaped at the huge white flames which held the
concentrated energy of the sun, bared its fangs and bit the flames with its
ma.s.sive jaws.
”...What the, that, there should be limits to such unreasonable power.”
The unbelievable sight gave G.o.dou a great shock.
Swallowed.
Just like that, the giant wolf completely swallowed the intense fires of the
sun.
”To absorb... no, devour the flames of the [White Stallion], what kind of
monster is this?”
Erica who had returned to G.o.dou's side also exclaimed with surprise.
Having lost their opponents, the steel lions recombined to form Cuore di
Leone once more, and returned to the form of her beloved sword.
”What... was that about?”
Yuri murmured with a shocked expression. Perhaps the sight before them
was too hard to believe.
”Swallowing the fire that even Athena had difficulty resisting, should there
not be a limit to such lack of reason!”
”To render useless the attack which defeated the deity of darkness as well
as the earth, the G.o.ddess Athena of the highest level, what kind of G.o.d did
that [Wolf] usurp his authority from!?”
Standing beside the speechless girl, G.o.dou renewed his spirits. His goal of
changing the flow of battle had been accomplished. That was enough.
1 — Hahahahahahaha! Is this it? This is one of the abilities used to battle
Salvatore, and defeated Athena! Very satisfying! This really makes me feel
satisfied!'
— Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!
Ma.s.sive roars of a wolf sounded simultaneously with Voban's voice. It was
truly an incredible phenomenon.
'I feel I must properly reward such a rare banquet. If I don't do this
carefully, I might crush you along with the miko — come, listen to my
bidding, my servants!'
Ent.i.ties possessing dark demonic characteristics flowed out once again.
This time, they were not [Wolves] but death knights previously met in the
library — dead people were appearing out of the darkness carrying the
same aura.
In their hands were swords, spears, axes and other cla.s.sical weapons.
Many of them were wearing armor decorated with engraved crests from
knight organizations.
There were about forty of them. From their anachronistic attire, they
seemed to be summoned from five or six centuries ago.
'My followers who have already died, you were all carefully selected
warriors. Now, go hunt like dogs!'
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!
The Devil King's laughter sounded at the same time as the fierce roars.
In addition, the death knight army began to step forward, wielding their
weapons, and attacked with determination.
The word 'slow' would be the wrong description for these zombies.
Bearing dead faces and engaging in close quarter combat, they displayed
great intelligence and strength, just like a fierce and experienced army of
knights.
”G.o.dou, be careful everyone. I fear that they may very well be Great
Knights when alive — warriors of the same rank as me. To be honest, I
have no confidence in protecting you all this time.”
Erica's gaze which had switched to the death knights, was completely
different from when she was facing fodder.
There was not a hint of playful att.i.tude, and she was rather alert.
”The girl at the library — was she your friend, Erica? How did she describe
it, what were those colleagues of hers really? Aren't they just zombies??”
”Kusanagi-san, becoming a [Dead Servant] is the tragic fate suffered by
those who were killed by the Marquis' hand.”
The one who answered G.o.dou's question was Yuri.
”The ability to make loyal obedient servants out of those that died directly
by his hand. This was the authority that the Marquis usurped from the
Egyptian G.o.d Osiris. Those people seem to fully recall their skills from
when they were alive, and will be tougher enemies than the wolves.”
”We may very well turn out like them in the end, so watch out!”
At the unimaginably tragic fate of these death knights, G.o.dou frowned.
”To have performed so many acts of evil, that d.a.m.n old man really p.i.s.ses
me off.”
G.o.dou looked up to the stern face of the old Devil King who had taken the
form of a giant wolf.
After turning into that form, strong wind and rain from the storm was
nothing to him. Completely arrogant, it was also a very detestable form.
— And then, the death knights swarmed in.
Erica swung her sword and engaged one of them. One, two, three, four.
Their strikes clashed intensely. Even a layman could tell that those skills
displayed were extremely powerful.
Of course, the death knights also approached G.o.dou and Yuri.
(Are we going to lose now?)
G.o.dou silently talked to himself. He was too naive. He did not prepare
enough to fight such a difficult enemy as the Marquis Voban.
If one did not acquire knowledge of the opponent's abilities, personality
and goals, defeat was certain.
This was the inevitable outcome. Since his loss was due to his insufficient
power and his taking things too lightly, there was no room for regret. Be
that as it may —
”Kusanagi-san...”
”Don't worry, Mariya, just watch as I penetrate the barricade for you. Follow
me closely.”
G.o.dou will definitely protect the trembling girl behind his back.
That was his responsibility. Determined, G.o.dou took a deep breath.
— He exchanged a quick glance with Erica as she brandished her sword
nearby. They immediately understood each other.
In the instant it took for their gazes to meet, several death knights had
rushed over.
The ma.s.sive axe was lifted high before G.o.dou's eyes. This wasn't fast
enough. Speed up!
G.o.dou took another deep breath.
Standing behind him, Yuri asked worriedly: ”Kusanagi-san, you seem to be
a little strange, what is going on?” Her voice felt very distant, no, it wasn't
distant, but slowed down, it was due to my senses becoming extraordinary.
Faster, ever faster, imagining in my mind, birds that fly higher than anyone
else, the form of the bird of prey that flew higher, faster, further than all
others.
As G.o.dou stood motionless, the battle axe was fiercely swung down upon
his head.
Yuri cried out plaintively.
There were many bothersome aspects to the [Raptor] incarnation, but this
was the worst moment in particular.
Unless attacked by a quick strike exceeding normal parameters, this form
could not be used. Examples included bullets, ambushed by crazed wild
beasts, or an attack from an accomplished martial artist.
At these thoughts crossed his mind, G.o.dou whispered.
”Fear of the winged, both the evil and the powerful, all shall fear I who hold
these feathered wings. My wings will bring you curse and just deserts!”
Acceleration, and slowing down.
Accelerating G.o.dou's own body, while slowing down everything else.
About to have his head split in half, G.o.dou casually dodged the battle axe
with millimeters to spare.
Too slow.
The death knights who Erica had regarded as equal to her.
To G.o.dou now, they were far too slow. Sword, axe, spear, sword,
sword — five weapons were attacking G.o.dou simultaneously.
These were also too slow. All could be seen clearly, and all were evaded.
Finally, one of the death knights was sent flying. An amateurish
counterattack spectacularly knocked the knight onto the ground. Probably,
the knight failed to evade due to G.o.dou's exceptional speed.
G.o.dou grabbed Yuri's hand.
Without saying a word, he carried Yuri in his arms. ”Ah!?
Ku-kusanagi-san — !?” What she said wasn't very clear, I'll ask her some
other time.
G.o.dou pushed hard against the ground and leaped with Yuri in his arms.
The trajectory of the jump followed a ma.s.sive curve.
Easily jumping over ten meters, G.o.dou easily cleared the death knights
who surrounded him.
— Super acceleration, as well as the body becoming extremely light.
That was the power of Verethragna's [Raptor] form. As long as it was
something that could be held in two hands, it was very convenient to use
this ability to carry things.
Since its speed was something that G.o.dou could not fully control, it was
impossible to move with precision.
If one wanted to move just twenty centimeters, he would often go one
meter or beyond. But other than that, it was a horrifyingly effective ability.
On the flip side, it also carried a great price.
Enduring the pain reaching towards his heart, G.o.dou leaped once more.
In an instant, he had reached the edge of the playground. He looked back
at the battlefield he had left behind in the distance.
Even from there he could clearly see the monstrously tall and well-built
body of Voban. Not only could he summon wolves, but what kind of
monster could also transform itself into a wolf?
Roughly two thirds of the death knights were rus.h.i.+ng to pursue the
escaped him.
Erica was alone, moving in the opposite direction.
Fighting by herself, she swung Cuore di Leone and began to flee.
G.o.dou wanted to help, but if he went over with Yuri, they would only
become burdens. By herself, Erica could probably bring out her power
better without restraint.
It was probably better to lure even more death knights over to this
direction.
...The exchange of glances prior to using the [Raptor] communicated each
other's plans. The battle here was sure to have ended in defeat, so in that
case, they had to retreat from this location with all their strength.
G.o.dou prayed for his companion's safety as he jumped once again.
Easily clearing the wall around the school, G.o.dou paid attention to his
pursuers as he decided to speed up and shake them off his trail.
Of course, Voban will be using those [Wolves] again.
Nevertheless, escaping from this place will prevent the worst outcome.
”Ah...! Truly exhausting, this...”
His chest pain gradually intensified.
In the arms of the frowning G.o.dou, Yuri's face was full of concern.
”Are you okay? Kusanagi-san? Your face looks like you are suffering...”
”Ah, it's nothing. No, if this continues I won't be able to lose those guys.
We have no choice but to find a place to hide — ”
In the stormy night, visibility was poor, and his body was getting cold.
G.o.dou and Yuri in her miko outfit continued their escape.
References
1 . t Tachi (AJJ) is a type of traditional j.a.panese sword worn by the
samurai cla.s.s of feudal j.a.pan.
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