Vol 3 Chapter 1 (2/2)

”P-Promise? That thing earlier counted as a promise?”

G.o.dou was greatly surprised.

He suddenly recalled s.h.i.+zuka's words a few days before the school closing

ceremony.

'Onii-chan, are you free for spring break? You must be very free for sure,

without club activities or a girlfriend. Yes, it is decided you are free! So

listen carefully, I happen to have a free slot in my spring break, so I plan on

sharing this precious time with you, Onii-chan. First accompany me to go

clothing shopping. Next there's a new coffee shop opened in Ni-choume^,

we should go there. Next is...'

Just like that, his sister forced her plans on him.

If he was actually free, he didn't mind spending time with his sister.

At the time he had paid little attention as he listened, so it didn't register.

”Didn't you say something like 'as long as I'm free'? To think you'd rather

run off to a monastery instead of putting effort into squeezing time out for

your cute little sister... Onii-chan, you have failed as a brother!”

”How could one fail as a brother so easily?! Besides, who goes around

calling themselves cute?!”

G.o.dou at least tried to tell her off.

He did wish his sister could act a little more lady-like.

But from an objective standpoint, it was undeniable that s.h.i.+zuka was the

cute type, because she greatly resembled the beautiful mother who was

renowned for her looks.

...As a side note, the mother's skill with makeup had already entered the

territory of G.o.ds.

Definitely in the realm of G.o.dly skills, to that G.o.dou offered his utmost

respect.

”After all, I can't possibly spend the whole spring break there. Why don't I

accompany you to go out when I return home, is that ok?”

”Clearly you forgot the promise, and now you're trying to weasel out of it?

It's not simply 'accompany you', but I am going out for the sake of

accompanying Onii-chan, don't get it wrong!”

Sigh, this sister was making decisions on her own again.

But having known her for so long, I had grown accustomed to such

willfulness.

G.o.dou laughed wryly as he reminded himself not to speak without thinking.

”Ah, right, do you still remember Yui? My friend, the one who was relatively

short.”

”Yui? Yui... Is that the girl who used to come and play all the time? Now

that it's mentioned, she did come to cheer for me at the compet.i.tion once...

Yes, I didn't forget.”

Faced with the name that suddenly appeared, G.o.dou felt greatly troubled.

Though the child with that name often followed behind s.h.i.+zuka, G.o.dou

had little impression of her.

”Onii-chan, the way you are, it's not surprising you completely forgot her.”

”I didn't completely forget, there are still some lingering impressions in my

mind.”

G.o.dou tried to refute s.h.i.+zuka's mockery of him.

”Don't force yourself, Onii-chan, you're not someone who notices my

friends... Actually it's Yui who said it, if Onii-chan is free during spring

break, she wanted to go out and have fun with you. How's that? Are you

interested?”

It felt like his sister was deliberately playing a joke on him.

Go out with his sister's friend? Why must he do something like that?

”No, not really... I'm not interested, I think she would find me boring

instead. Forget it, help me refuse her.”

”Oh really, it's not easy to have someone offer you a date, what a shame.”

Teased by s.h.i.+zuka who suddenly seemed inexplicably happy, G.o.dou

sighed as he shook his head.

”Don't call it a date, it's just going out for fun... Spending time with

someone like me will only make her bored. I don't know what your friend is

thinking.”

” — You're right, someone as dense and boring as Onii-chan... Clearly so

unreliable and ridiculous all the time, but extremely serious in strange

areas, a normal girl cannot take a fancy to you... Girls like your sister who

would spend time with you are extinct. You should show me some

grat.i.tude.”

”Yes, yes, I know. s.h.i.+zuka is my cute little sister, and I have troubled you

all this time. Is that acceptable?”

”Your tone of voice is not serious enough, and there's no sincerity, and the

lines are too ordinary, completely no good. Out of a hundred, I can only

give you fifteen points. Try harder, Onii-chan!”

She looked like she was complaining, but her mood seemed to be great.

Though she was my sister, she was impossible to understand.

”Onii-chan's good qualities are probably limited to that physical stamina

that rivals a cart horse as well as playing baseball with... I'm sorry, I said

something wrong.”

Originally in a good mood, s.h.i.+zuka suddenly stopped.

G.o.dou put his hand on his depressed sister's head and caressed back and

forth.

”Actually I'm not that amazing at baseball. It's ok, pay no mind to it. I am

really grateful to have a cute little sister like you. You don't have to be so

concerned.”

”B-But, I'm sorry. I got carried away and said those things.”

”It's fine, those things don't matter. I've long accepted that I can't play

baseball any more, don't worry.”

For a brief moment, neither of the siblings spoke.

Noticing s.h.i.+zuka's depression, G.o.dou not only said things he would never

say normally, but also stroked her head all this time.

Her mood slightly restored, s.h.i.+zuka's parting words could never be

forgotten.

”Onii-chan, I'm not asking for something expensive, but just something you

chose with care will do. Buy something that will make me happy. If you pick

something without care, I won't forgive you!”

She clearly knew her brother did not have an eye for picking things, and

yet she made such a demand?

G.o.dou sighed deeply.

Kusanagi G.o.dou was now fifteen years old, just graduated from middle

school, and about to enter high school.

From elementary to middle school he had always been playing baseball.

During middle school, he was the starting catcher and fourth hitter for a

certain strong youth team. He also had the experience of representing

j.a.pan in overseas games as well as the Tokyo Selection Match, a World

Series compet.i.tion.

However, during the summer of his third year in middle school, his

shoulder was injured during a group training camp for the World Series

compet.i.tion.

A certain pitcher who threw fastb.a.l.l.s that were difficult to control had struck

G.o.dou with the ball while he was running from third base to home. Due to

the direct impact of the ball, both his back and his right shoulder were hurt.

Though the injuries have healed, his most important weapon as a catcher,

the strong shoulder was no good any more.

Disappointed by the weak trajectories of his thrown b.a.l.l.s, G.o.dou began to

worry about his future in high school.

Even though the shoulder was no good, there were still ways to continue

playing baseball.

There were actually schools that appreciated G.o.dou's batting abilities, and

invited him to join their high school teams as a batter, but he refused them

all.

— After all, he had already played for nine years, it was enough.

Thus, treating the shoulder injury as an opportunity, G.o.dou began to tell

himself it was about time to try new experiences. In fact, he had already

convinced himself it was true.

His baseball playing was actually not that great.

The things he said to s.h.i.+zuka, about half of them were actually serious.

Since G.o.dou had the opportunity to play baseball at the highest levels,

there were many opportunities to meet those with genius talent. Compared

to those who possessed true talent, Kusanagi G.o.dou was high average at

best.

So it could be said that because he didn't have enough talent, he did not

insist on pursuing baseball. Partic.i.p.ating in other sports or even cultural

clubs might be acceptable.

These few months, G.o.dou had been studying and facing examinations

with that kind of att.i.tude.

'Hey, G.o.dou, what about me who had always lost to you? You've got to

give me a chance to avenge myself! Don't you dare run away after you had

won!'

This was what his friend Miura said when he came to visit at the end of the

second term during middle school senior year.

'Even if I continue baseball in high school, I probably can't hit your b.a.l.l.s

any more. Unlike me, you were born for baseball, born to be a pitcher. I

think you will soon leave me in the dust, so please give me a break.'

That was how G.o.dou replied to Miura, the one who was rated the number

one pitcher amongst the youth teams.

Though they were originally from different teams, they had been a.s.signed

to the same team during the Tokyo selection match.

'b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Are these the words of the fellow who defeated me? In all our

confrontations, I have never been able to get you out on three strikes!'

'No, for something that's akin to cheating, pay no mind to it.'

'Cheating? What are you talking about?'

'Yes, your personality is very straightforward, so I can tell at a glance what

you are thinking. Back in senior year of middle school, whenever I saw

your face, I could predict how you would pitch with roughly fifty percent

certainty. This was taught to me by my grandfather once, in compet.i.tions

and negotiations, understanding the opponent's personality and targeting

their weaknesses will basically allow you to win seven times out of ten, so

it doesn't really count as true baseball capability.'

Even so, Miura continued to pester him, saying things like ”let's go to that

school together” or ”at least pick a school with a stronger baseball team”...

But G.o.dou chose the high school section of the nearby Jounan Academy.

His younger sister s.h.i.+zuka was studying in the middle school section

there, and the baseball club at this school was abysmal, so he would have

no wish to play baseball there.

Removing the option of baseball from his high school life in such a

semi-forceful manner, how will things turn out?

After completing his preparations for going to Italy, G.o.dou suddenly had a

strange notion.

”If I think about it, travelling overseas during such a period, it really feels

like a 'soul searching' journey.”

Feeling that such a delicate term suited himself poorly, G.o.dou naturally

laughed wryly.

Part 3

Comparing northern and southern Italy, their inhabitants had completely

different temperaments.

Of course, this was just a general stereotype. Due to the north being rich

and urbanized while the south was relatively poor, people described those

in the south as more modest and friendly.

Widely known around the world as a center of various areas such as

culture, economy, fas.h.i.+on and sports, Milan was a metropolis that

exemplified the north.

And anyone acquainted with Erica Blandelli would know that she was the

girl who embodied the essence of Milan.

The young mistress of the prestigious house of Blandelli where all previous

generations were Milanese. Beautiful and n.o.ble, she grew up with a strict

upbringing starting from an early age, and was full of wit and talent.

The beautiful young lady glamorous as a blooming rose.

”Of course, my outstanding beauty is undeniable — ”

Erica smiled elegantly.

However, her smiling face bore no resemblance to a pathetic flower,

rather, a more apt description would be a she-leopard or a lioness.

The proud and powerful queen of the beasts, that was how her a.s.sertive

appearance was best described.

”But like the chocolate on a cake, there are many important elements

adorning my being, but these alone cannot represent my complete self — so

for this matter, I must decline, Uncle.”

”If you put it that way, I have no choice but to consent, Erica.”

The one who replied with a wry smile was her only relative, her paternal

uncle.

Paolo Blandelli, whose figure could be compared to the Statue of David.

Even though he was pus.h.i.+ng forty, he still possessed the youthful vigor of

a young man, a face like a perfectly crafted sculpture, and an intellectual

and n.o.ble presence.

And his perfect body was steeled through and through - as fitting for his

t.i.tle as the top knight.

Italy's strongest knight was the ”King of Swords” — Salvatore Doni.

But the highest ranking knight was Paolo Blandelli.

There was no doubt about this fact, though the uncle humbly denied it,

while the other person in question, Salvatore admitted it freely with a smile.

”I am flattered... But to make me a role model, who is the idiot who came

up with this? I have no need to publicize my beauty, for there is no

meaning in a pleasing exterior alone. External beauty has to be

complemented by ability and insight from within. That is the true Erica

Blandelli.”

”I knew you would refuse like that, which is why I came to talk to you first. I

don't think it's a foolish thing.”

Smiling wryly as he faced Erica, the two of them were currently in a corner

of a certain coffee shop.

They were family and originally lived together in the Blandelli residence.

Preoccupied with official affairs, the uncle had been away from home for

many weeks, so they had not seen each other until now.

Suddenly communicating ”it's been so long”, they decided to meet here —

”Uncle, let's talk about something more meaningful, have you heard about

the incident at Sardinia?”

”Yes, it seems to be real, the chance of a [Heretic G.o.d] descending seems

likely. Our leader Sir Salvatore is in the middle of his expedition to South

America and will take time to return, so it would be best to gather

intelligence first, and investigate the local situation.”

”Then please a.s.sign me reconnaissance duties. Uncle — No,

Commander-in-Chief Blandelli of the [Copper Black Cross], the knight

Erica Blandelli hereby pet.i.tions.”

The Knights Templar organization had dominated Europe in the Middle

Ages.

As the descendants of knights, the sons of G.o.d, as well as magi who

served the demonic deity Baphomet, this dual origin was the true ident.i.ty of

Erica and the rest of her order. Though there were numerous magic

a.s.sociations which inherited the secret rites of the Templar Knights, the

[Copper Black Cross], with its headquarters in Milan, was one of the

strongest a.s.sociations.

Unsettling incidents were occurring at Sardinia at the south of Italy.

This report arrived at the [Copper Black Cross] two days ago, brought by

one of their members who happened to be there. This information likely

had not spread to the vast majority of magic a.s.sociations in Italy.

Which is what gave Erica the idea of pet.i.tioning to be sent there.

However, Uncle Paolo was shaking his head with a serious expression.

”You are my precious — a genius child who will one day stand at the top of

the magic a.s.sociation. I do admit that is my personal wish. Anyway, you

probably don't have any prior experience with G.o.ds, right?”

”Yes that is correct. Precisely because I have none, I want to gather

experience this time.”

Erica boasted without tact.

Absolute confidence in her ability was the root of that kind of att.i.tude.

The martial arts personally taught by her uncle from a young age, as well

as all sorts of magic inherited from the lineages of the Templar Knights

from ancient Rome to medieval Europe.

There were very few people who could gain mastery in all these difficult

techniques by the age of fifteen like Erica. In Italy, Liliana Kranjcar, also

from Milan, was the only rival of the same age that Erica recognized.

”In the past, you allied with Princess Alice, ruler of the Witenagemot^, to

jointly oppose the Black Prince Alec. In recognition of your successes, you

were bestowed the t.i.tle of [Diavolo Rosso]. If I were to inherit my esteemed

uncle's t.i.tle, then I have a need to display my outstanding talents.”

”I was already twenty-five years old back then, ten years older than your

current age. Don't be hasty, there is still much for you to learn. If you want

to approach G.o.ds, it's not too late to do so in a few years' time.”

Possessing great foresight, the uncle tried to dissuade his niece with

sincerity, but Erica did not accept.

”Too late. If I don't earn it now, the t.i.tle of [Diavolo Rosso] that my

esteemed uncle guards will be inherited by that crude and lowly Gennaro. I

definitely do not wish to see the n.o.ble t.i.tle of the [Copper Black Cross]'

leader fall into the hands of that kind of man.”

[Diavolo Rosso] was the t.i.tle earned by Paolo Blandelli almost twenty

years ago.

This was a t.i.tle of honor possessed by the knight that represented the

[Copper Black Cross] to outside parties. However, three months ago, her

uncle had to relinquish the t.i.tle due to finally ascending to the office of

commander-in-chief.

It was forbidden to hold both t.i.tles of top knight and commander-in-chief, in

other words, Paolo Blandelli has now retired from the ranks of knights in

service.

Though Erica was known as a prodigy, she still lacked experience.

Neither her achievements nor her reputation were enough to inherit the

t.i.tle.

However, it would be different story if she earned accolades in the face of

the greatest disasters appearing in this world — [Heretic G.o.ds].

”...Erica, could you be intending to become a Campione?”

”I am not that full of myself. Of course, if there was a chance, I don't mind

becoming someone like Sir Salvatore Doni, but that's just wishful thinking...

However, I do have some ideas on how to seal a G.o.d's existence or

suppress them.”

”Really! If you say so, then surely you have made preparations!”

Erica nodded in a matter-of-fact manner at her uncle.

”I knew such a day would come, so I've been working hard at studying the

Golgotha^ spell words and summoning ritual. If possible, I wish to display

them right now.”

”Mastering the holy spear of prayer and lamentation at such an age, what

a scary little brat.”

Sighing as he spoke, the uncle's facial expression changed.

It was now the face of the severe commander-in-chief of the fearsome

organization of the crimson knights.

”Fine, Erica. Go forth to the land of danger. Displaying courage and might

is a knight's duty. Once the words have been spoken, you must absolutely

complete this challenge. Do you understand?”

”Affirmative. Erica Blandelli will now set forth for Sardinia to investigate and

uncover the true ident.i.ty of the [Heretic G.o.d] appearing there. I will try my

utmost to seal this G.o.d and restore peace to the island. Await my good

news.”

The uncle nodded lightly at the respectful answer of the niece.

”Looks like, being born in this peaceful era, you sure have it rough. I really

hope you will learn the difference between courage and lack of

forethought. I pray that you will possess trusted friends and companions to

walk along the knight's path together. I also wish your journey a success,

and pray that you can give me peace of mind.”

”Oh my, esteemed uncle, are you treating me as Hannibal^?”

Erica smiled.

Once upon a time, there was a famed general of Carthage who defeated

the Roman Republic and marched into Italy.

As the greatest ancient military tactician, he was praised by the famous

Roman general Scipio^ before a decisive battle. Scipio's words were

'being born in this peaceful era, you sure have it rough.' In the ensuing

Battle of Zama, the world cla.s.s tactician general was finally defeated.

”Compared to the loser Hannibal, I fancy I am more like the victor Scipio — ”

”This will be determined at the time when you meet the [Heretic G.o.d].

Then I shall depart first, and pray for the day we meet again after your

survival.”

Uncle Paolo rose from his seat, and left before Erica's eyes.

— Perhaps it was pure coincidence, but this was the same day when

Tokyo's Kusanagi G.o.dou made his declaration to go to Italy. Of course,

she could not have known this.

References

1 . t Yamato Takeru: a j.a.panese legendary prince of the Yamato

dynasty. One of his exploits resulted in the Ama no Murak.u.mo no

Tsurugi gaining its alternative moniker, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi

(”gra.s.s-cutting word”). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_Takeru

2. t s.h.i.+koku: the smallest of the four main islands of

j.a.pan. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/s.h.i.+koku

3. t Prajha: one of the three divisions of the n.o.ble Eightfold Path in

Buddhism, meaning

wisdom. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_in_Buddhism

4. t Taishou era: July 30, 1 91 2 to December 25, 1 926, the reign of the

Taishou Emperor.

5. t Ni-choume: a district in the Tokyo ward of s.h.i.+njuku.

6. t Witenagemot: (”meeting of wise men” in Old English) a political

inst.i.tution in Anglo-Saxon

England. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witenagemot

7. t Golgotha: the name of the site believed to be where Jesus Christ

was crucified. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary

8. t Hannibal: the legendary Carthaginian general renowned as one of

the greatest generals in history. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannibal

9. t Scipio: Roman general best known for defeating

Hannibal. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scipio_Africa.n.u.s

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