Vol 3 Prologue (1/2)

Prologue

Summer vacations.

The extended break that countless high schoolers longed for.

For this month and a half, some went out to play and have fun, others

engaged in sports, still others toiled with sweat and devoted their pa.s.sions

to work, love, supplementary lessons, or doujins.h.i.+ conventions.

But now, to Kusanagi G.o.dou, his summer vacation was synonymous with

disaster.

” — Hoho. Did you hear that, G.o.dou? You'll be traveling together with me

for the summer vacation. This is a foregone decision and your highest

priority, so you'd better accept it... I won't take no for an answer.”

The blond-haired girl dressed in red had already declared this half a month

ago.

The smile floating on her face was so magnificent, and yet so evil.

To his knowledge, G.o.dou did not know another girl apart from Erica

Blandelli who could smile this way. Possessing outstanding beauty and

intelligence, crafty ingenuity, and genius talent in swords and magic, plus

total confidence in these areas — a n.o.ble smile that concentrated all these

qualities together.

G.o.dou was a healthy sixteen-year-old high school student.

To be asked to travel together with such a beautiful girl as Erica, he was

very happy, no doubt about it.

Very happy, but there was a catch.

He definitely could not agree with her wishes as promptly as this. If he did,

it would end up being a progression of

travel — wedding — pregnancy — child-rearing, and by the latter half of his

twenties, the majority of his life would be semi-automatically decided just

like that — something as scary as that could happen.

”Young man, what you are trying to say is that, the reason you are not

willing to accept Erica's proposal is because... like a lover you have known

for six years, to have someone who shares the same personality and

preferences as your girlfriend, to share a warm and fuzzy relations.h.i.+p, it

makes you feel a.s.sured and comfortable, yet lacks a certain excitement.”

G.o.dou naturally recalled the words of the older friend who lived in that oh

so nostalgic Sardinia.

”Then one fine day that girlfriend says 'hey, we have been together for

quite a while now. How about we go and visit your parents next time.' At

that time, that boy thought 'Even if you say that, I still want to remain a free

man, even if it is for a while longer,' and such. Thus he uses an 'ok, maybe

next time' excuse as an answer. Just like how you are now.”

”I have not even known Erica for six months, your a.n.a.logy is completely

off!”

”Ah ha ha, doesn't that make the a.n.a.logy even better? A milestone that

usually happens after at least five years into a relations.h.i.+p has already

occurred in the short time that you two have known each other. It's natural

for you to get cold feet.”

Even though G.o.dou did not agree with such a tactless description, deep in

his heart he concurred completely.

Thinking carefully, he did not have any reason to reject Erica.

Even without mentioning her beauty and ability, there existed a wonderful

sense of unspoken understanding between the two of them.

Other than a ma.s.sive difference in values, there was no other critical flaw.

Most importantly there were her displays of affection — pa.s.sionately,

verbally, through her att.i.tudes and behaviors.

(...Even if it was just a verbal marriage proposal, from that moment

onwards, my life would have been deemed a [called game]^! Even a

playoff would be impossible.)

However, there was one point on which G.o.dou was certain.

Erica Blandelli's decisiveness, planning ability and initiative were second to

none.

If she put her mind to it, even the impossible could become possible in

most cases. On the same note, she could even make G.o.dou think that a

marriage might not be so bad after all, that was the kind of attraction she

held.

Thus, G.o.dou felt that he must never ever lower his guard and resist with all

his might when he is around her.

So for this summer, he believed that he should be fine if he stayed out of

her clutches.

With all that in mind, G.o.dou's final conclusion was to flee.

He could never win in physical strength, much less in terms of wit and

resourcefulness. The best self-defense strategy was to not go directly

against Erica, so what about the escape routes and potential hiding

places?

In order to make sure there were enough funds to escape, he had no

choice but to get himself hired by familiar acquaintances for jobs every

day.

At the same time, escape plans must be made.

But where to escape to? It would be best if it was a place where she

couldn't do as she pleased.

Did such a place even exist on earth...

As summer vacation drew near, G.o.dou became more and more lost in this

thought.

”Then, G.o.dou-san... The thing you said before, what happened next?”

With only one week left till vacation, G.o.dou was questioned about this.

It was after cla.s.s at the uppercla.s.smen block of Jounan Academy.

In an empty cla.s.sroom corner, the one he was facing was Mariya Yuri, the

school idol renowned for her beauty, charm and delicacy.

...Thinking back carefully, it was difficult to believe he once did such a

daring thing to this lady.

G.o.dou tried desperately to act normal. If he became too aware of the past,

he would be too embarra.s.sed to look her in the face.

”Haha, the thing about running away from Erica? Aye, even though I have

made all sorts of preparations, there is still no place for me to escape to.

To be honest, it's really troubling.”

”Is that so...”

Yuri nodded and muttered beside him.

Somehow, it felt like she was deliberately avoiding looking G.o.dou straight

in the face.

As expected, that incident has become a burden for her.

The Hime-Miko of Musas.h.i.+no — the sacred miko responsible for protecting

the Kanto region with their spirit powers.

Amongst them, Yuri possessed outstanding powers of spirit vision. But due

to circ.u.mstance, to think that she did that with G.o.dou... How he wished he

could find a hole to hide in.

”About, about that Mariya-san, how should I say this, that — ”

”G-G.o.dou-san, that thing, erm, about that thing — ”

Speaking together coincidental^ at the same time just made the situation

more awkward to both parties.

”...If you have something to say, don't mind me and please go ahead.”

”No, no, there is no such thing. You should speak first, G.o.dou-san.”

While they continued to allow each other to talk first, their faces inevitably

met.

At that moment, G.o.dou realized that his face was as red as an apple. Yuri

was no different, turning red due to embarra.s.sment.

...Erica Blandelli, he had never met anyone who understands him more

than her.

Having played baseball for so long, G.o.dou had partnered as a catcher with

many people before.

But n.o.body had ever been 'as one' with him as her, one of the opposite

s.e.x.

Having only known each other for just four months, they understood each

other on a heart to heart level, whereby with just a single glance, they were

able to communicate what the other was thinking perfectly.

But now, the girl in front of him, Mariya Yuri, was equally in tune.

The way this girl spoke, thought and acted under numerous circ.u.mstances,

matched him to an uncanny degree.

Even for someone who admitted he was not skilled in handling girls,

G.o.dou clearly noticed recently.

Being with Yuri was never unpleasant.

G.o.dou could spend a day with her without saying anything, and he still

would not feel uncomfortable around her.

Even without explanation, G.o.dou could understand. Her harsh and severe

words were an expression of her concern. Mariya Yuri was the kindest and

most gentle person that Kusanagi G.o.dou knew. Thus he believed that he

would receive retribution if he did not express his grat.i.tude to her.

”Umm... Sorry Mariya. I've... always caused you so much trouble.”

”W-What are you saying? Not once have I felt that you have caused me

trouble, so you should stop blaming yourself. Pull yourself together.”

Said a red-faced Yuri, making G.o.dou unable to do anything but laugh

awkwardly.

She had most likely said this to help him get his act together, guess like he

had no choice but to accept it.

”Haha, I got it. I will work hard... what was it that Mariya wanted to say just

now again?”

”Ah, right... About that, G.o.dou-san, about your earlier problem of finding a

place to hide... If you do not mind, how about leaving it to me?”

Being suddenly told about this, G.o.dou was shocked and could only stare

at the embarra.s.sed Yuri.

The Hime-Miko — a true 'hime'^, having a pitiable yet elegant stature,

abruptly brought up such a thing.

”Actually, it was Amakasu-san from the History Compilation Committee

who will be preparing it for you. He seemed to sincerely wish to help

G.o.dou-san...”

The History Compilation Committee.

The organization whose goal was to hide from the general public all sorts

of bizarre incidents — magic, spells, supernatural phenomena, G.o.ds, and

other supernatural existences.

When he heard the name of the History Compilation Committee member,

G.o.dou couldn't help but think.

Can I trust such an organization which I haven't even got the slightest clue

of? Can I count on them?

”Of course, when we reach there I would act as your tour guide. So even if

you are on a foreign land, you will not feel any inconveniences. I will take

good care of you — you better not take this wrongly, this is a request from

the committee, it cannot be helped...”

”Oh, even though it is great, but this time, I think I will pa.s.s.”

”This is definitely not because I want to go on a trip with you that I

requested for this — eh? This time? Pa.s.s...?”

Seeing Yuri in shock, G.o.dou replied.

”Ah, even though you have done so much for me, but sorry, I have to say

no this time.”

”H-How can this be! But G.o.dou-san, didn't you seem like you were in so

much trouble just now!?”

Though G.o.dou was grateful for her honest offer, he still had to reject her.

”No, though I asked for your help, I don't think I can accept the a.s.sistance

of civil servants for a matter like this. That is what I think, I am very sorry.”

If it had been Yuri's personal offer, he would have gratefully accepted. But

if the name of such an unknown and suspicious organization was involved,

it would be best to think twice before agreeing.

Campione. The name of a devil king who had usurped a G.o.d's authorities.

A warrior both human and superhuman.

Regrettably, G.o.dou now belonged amongst the ranks of these existences

beyond common reasoning. If he sought help from others, he must think

carefully and be wary of them. No matter how much Kusanagi G.o.dou

hated it, he was now the [King] who possessed great influence over the

world of magic and wizardry.

For example, Erica was a mage from the magic a.s.sociation Copper Black

Cross.

G.o.dou would obediently accept her a.s.sistance — as well as the

a.s.sociation behind her. This was mostly because the leader of the

organization, Erica's uncle, was a well-known man.

The n.o.ble knight of knights. The red and black living legend.

The only person that Erica, the beauty with her overweening pride,

respected and looked up to.

G.o.dou only met him once, but once was more than enough for G.o.dou to

foster the same respect for him. If anyone in this world fully embodied the

ideals of chivalry, it had to be him.

The strong sense of feeling when they shook hands to bid farewell was still

vivid in G.o.dou's mind.

”...G.o.dou-san, you look happy for some reason.”

Yuri spoke suddenly.

With suspicious eyes, she stared at G.o.dou with a tinge of resentment for

some reason.

”Looking into the distance, as if remembering someone you really missed

very much — ”

”Ah, sorry, I suddenly remembered an old acquaintance.”

Responding without thought, G.o.dou was thinking of one point.

If he, Paolo Blandelli, knew that Erica was trying to seduce G.o.dou, he

might just come up with a plan to educate that niece of his into a proper

lady.

But G.o.dou did not know how to contact him personally.

No, wait a minute, didn't he have a friend who knew these things...!

G.o.dou couldn't help but get excited.

Even if the chances were slim, it was still worth a try, all prospects must be

explored!

”I suddenly thought of urgent matters to attend to so I will be leaving first.

Anyway, thanks for everything.”

”Ah, G.o.dou-san!? Just who did you recall, I wish to know — ”

In order to reach home quickly, G.o.dou started to run.

What was it that Yuri tried to say to me just now? I guess I will just ask her

again the next time we meet.

Two nights later, G.o.dou was checking for the answer he had waited so

eagerly for.

Firing up his mother's old notebook computer to open his email, the long

awaited reply finally came.

The sender's name was Zola. The name of the mage G.o.dou had come to

know when he was at Sardinia.

”How is it?... I hope it is a good reply!”

G.o.dou continued to pray as he opened the email.

'It's been a while, young man. I have been hearing a lot about your many

deeds. Your name as a devil king sure is spreading far and wide. It makes

me proud to know I played a part in your birth.'

Written in j.a.panese with full mastery of kanji, she opened with such an

outrageous greeting.

'Next, about your request on how to contact Paolo Blandelli personally, I'm

sorry but I do not know. After all, he is the leader of a famous group and

the highest ranked Templar Knight. On the other hand, I'm just an old

mage in the countryside. How could I possibly know personal channels of

communication?'

At this point, G.o.dou started to feel dejected, but continued to read on.

'But, I understand your dilemma and am not so cold-hearted as to just

ignore it. Thus, this summer I welcome you to my humble abode here in

Sardinia. After all, for a mage of Erica Blandelli's level, she would find you

almost immediately no matter where you hide if she was to become

serious. The only way to escape from her is with the help of an excellent

mage, and I am willing to help you on this part.'

Right, it was just as she had said, this was the problem troubling G.o.dou,

and he couldn't help but nod in agreement.

'As for plane tickets and the like, just leave everything to me. You're