Vol 3 Chapter 5 (1/2)

Chapter 5-1, Have Long Sought Defeat

Part 1

Ancient ruins and a beautiful ocean. These were known as Sardinia's most

important tourist attractions.

All over the island were a total of over seven thousand stone

ed if i ces — N u rag h es .

The civilization that built these dated back to roughly the fifteenth century

BCE. At that time, the people living on the island of Sardinia gathered

around the nuraghes to build their settlements and lived there.

Then came the period of early history with the arrival of the Phoenicians.

They first made contact with the island as seafaring merchants. Finally in

the year 509 BCE, the entire island of Sardinia came under the rule of the

Phoenician city of Tharros.

Then the Romans came.

Under the rule of the Roman Republic and then the Empire, the Romans

rebuilt the streets constructed by the Phoenicians, making it their own

residence.

This was why Roman and Phoenician ruins existed side by side on the

island of Sardinia.

The current location was now the province of Oristano, on the west of the

island where there was an abundance of ancient ruins.

In order to open sea routes to reach the western coastline, the

Phoenicians had established cities at Aristanis and Tharros.

— Especially Tharros.

These ruins were located on a headland protruding from the peninsula.

Though half of it had sunk into the sea, it was still preserved till modern

times.

It was a city built by the Phoenicians of Tyre — the people whose divine

protector was Melqart.

”Melqart and his primary ident.i.ty Baal were deities intimately related to

Phoenician culture and customs. Have you heard of Hannibal?”

”The name of the movie? Or you mean the general who marched into

Rome?”

This was the provincial capital of Oristano on the west of the island.

Like Nuoro it was a well-developed city, but closer to the sea. The wind

carried the taste of seawater. Perhaps due to that, the air felt very free and

open here.

It was inside a certain pizza shop in the city.

Seated at the open air tables, Erica and G.o.dou were eating. Now that he

thought about it, this was the first time for G.o.dou to eat pizza in Italy.

This was Roman crispy and thin-crusted style rather than the rumored

Neopolitan thick-crusted style.

”Of course, Hannibal means 'beloved son of Baal' while his father's name,

Hamilcar... That one is 'Melqart's servant.' Both were very typical

Phoenician names.”

”...So, is this why we came here?”

The next day after encountering the giant beasts at Dorgali, the two of

them had set off for this little town.

First they returned to Cagliari in the south, and then traveled west taking

the car hired by Erica, arriving at Oristano after about two hours.

Erica had mentioned, the ruins of Tharros was approximately twenty

kilometers away from the town.

The ruins of the foundation laid by Phoenicians, later enhanced by the

Romans with aqueducts and other city functions, was now just a deserted

tourist attraction.

”So, about that G.o.d with the golden sword, is there any problem? And the

other guy — the fellow who claimed amnesia and disappeared, is it fine to

let him be?”

”It doesn't matter anymore, I've pretty much solved the riddle.”

Erica's response made G.o.dou very anxious.

To G.o.dou, rather than what they were doing, he wanted to learn more

about the [Sword] G.o.d he saw yesterday.

The G.o.d that had defeated the giant beasts all over the island, the G.o.d that

seemed closely linked to the youth. But Erica appeared to have completely

lost interest in that G.o.d.

”Currently, the incarnations causing havoc all over the island belong to the

sword G.o.d, right? That should be the most dangerous, which is why

preparations should be made against them first.”

”Even if the incarnations of the sword G.o.d appear, at most there will be one

or two, and they will be defeated as soon as they show up. Which is why it

is more efficient to track down the missing Melqart... Besides, I think I have

a good idea of the ident.i.ty of the sword G.o.d.”

Erica's answer made G.o.dou surprised, when did she investigate to such

detail?

”You're amazing... Even though I didn't see you investigate, how did you

find out?”

”Because I already spent a lot of effort finding out yesterday, it's probably a

deity from around Persia or India... It feels more like a Persian G.o.d,

because there was something like a hawk or an eagle.”

Sitting in the open air, Erica spoke as she looked bored.

”But for you to say those monsters will be instantly defeated, isn't that

judgment too early to make?”

”No problem. Even though the incarnations know they will be vanquished,

they are still compelled to follow the princ.i.p.al body — So, end of discussion.

I need to contact the local a.s.sociation and it will take some time. Do you

understand?”

”Local? ...That's right, the secret a.s.sociations between magi.”

G.o.dou was puzzled by the term a.s.sociation, but immediately recalled.

”Correct, this is the closest town to the Tharros ruins, so the chance of

getting information is highest.”

”Could it be, there's a G.o.d in those ruins?”

”That shouldn't happen. [Heretic G.o.ds] usually avoid people, it is rare for

them to stay in tourist spots. However, ancient holy lands and temples do

hold some attraction for them. If the G.o.ds are near, the local mage

a.s.sociations should have noticed.”

After this conversation, Erica left the pizza shop first.

When G.o.dou suggested to make a phone call inquiry first, Erica explained

that it was very impolite to make direct requests to local magi without

meeting face to face.

It looked like there were all sorts of rules in the world of magi.

After that, G.o.dou took a stroll in town to kill time.

Thinking carefully, it's been a while since he did something like a tourist,

but there was no feeling of happiness. He had been meeting G.o.ds all

along, and was now chasing after them.

— When Erica returned, the sun was already setting.

Without deciding on a time and place to meet up, she suddenly appeared

out of nowhere, probably using that person finding magic she mentioned

the day before.

”Coming here was right.”

Those were Erica's first words.

” — Though it's not clear whether it's Melqart or the sword G.o.d, a [Heretic

G.o.d] definitely descended near here. The local magi sensed the divine

presence and are now panicking. Since I came here as a scout, I was able

to obtain a lot of information.”

”A G.o.d is coming again...”

Completely unable to hide his nervous tension, G.o.dou's reaction made

Erica show an expression that was hard to describe.

If you have something to say, just say it directly. This wasn't like her usual

expression.

”What is it? You have some kind of worry?”

”G.o.dou, may I ask... You're not going back to j.a.pan?”

”Ah?” To the sudden question, G.o.dou was taken aback. Up until now,

weren't you the one who insisted on dragging me along, this ordinary

j.a.panese?

”It's already come to this, like a patient in advanced stages of the disease,

how can I just quit in the middle?”

He was certain he would regret it if he returned to j.a.pan without seeing

things to the end. Angry that he had lost sight of the youth again yesterday,

G.o.dou replied immediately:

”At least, without confirming the status of that guy, I do not plan to return.”

”That guy — must be the boy, right? Even if you obsess over him, I don't

think it will end well.”

”...Not only the G.o.d, you even know about that guy?”

Erica answered the question with the same subtle expression just now.

In other words, she knew but did not wish to reveal the answer. This

pessimism was unlike her.

”I know, but it's completely different from my initial expectations. But I think

I understand the gist of it. I was worried it might come as blow to you, so I

haven't told you.”

Seeing Erica's expression, G.o.dou realized he made a huge error.

He always thought she was an arrogant and self-centered narcissist, but

she turned out to pay more attention to details than he imagined, and also

had a thoughtful side to her.

Perhaps the reason why Erica didn't want to say more, was in

consideration for G.o.dou.

Realizing that, G.o.dou fell silent.

...Thinking back, this was perhaps the earliest instant when the distance

shrank between Kusanagi G.o.dou and Erica Blandelli.

”However, personally, I have no opinion as long as the [Secret Tome of

Prometheus] is here. Whether you carry it and tag along or give it to me

and return to j.a.pan, it doesn't matter to me. So if you are afraid, please

return to your homeland, I won't stop you.”

Perhaps Erica also noticed herself the sense of dissonance stemming from

her concern for G.o.dou.

Her att.i.tude became stiff and she spoke rapidly.

Seeing such a reaction from her, G.o.dou felt like laughing for the first time,

so he immediately answered.

”Then it's decided. I will follow you to the end. Even if you say no, I will

follow you, and probably bring you lots of trouble. Is that fine?”

” — Not fine, but whatever. From now on, you will continue to be

responsible for my luggage. Be prepared!”

Seeing Erica act a little embarra.s.sed, G.o.dou nodded.

Thinking carefully, he had already spent three days traveling with her. It

was pretty much time to make peace.

”Let me make this clear, all I need is this grimoire, don't misunderstand. To

be honest, it's not like I need you at all. Understood?”

”Understood, carved into my heart.”

Regarding the words mentioned by the youth about the [Secret Tome of

Prometheus], all of it was reported completely.

After that, Erica carefully examined the grimoire dating from the era of the

G.o.ds, manipulating it in various ways, but could only give up in the end.

She still couldn't figure out how to use it.

The youth who could easily solve this problem that stumped the genius

witch, who on earth could he be?

Part 2

The faint light of the setting sun had become true darkness.

With Erica in the lead, and G.o.dou following behind, the two of them were

advancing in a dark forest.

”Wait up, it's so dark I can't even see beneath my feet, go slightly slower!”

”How useless. Such poor night vision, you didn't train enough?”

”Ordinary people do not have that kind of training! Don't use your set of

rules to view the world!”

Advancing as they talked, the only sources of light were the stars in the sky

and the moonlight in the dark night.

A forest at night which could not provide any artificial lighting.

With only a flashlight in one hand, G.o.dou walked with difficulty, while Erica

moved quickly and nimbly in contrast.

Without relying on artificial lighting, advancing swiftly into the depths of the

forest, she could see in the dark as well as if it were day.

Taking a taxi north from Oristano, it took roughly an hour or so.

The Nuraghe sa Bastia was situated in a vast forest nearby.

There were the remains of many poorly preserved nuraghes and

settlements. Though the area also contained a number of well-preserved

specimens, but from the perspective of tourists, this place was not popular.

However, in spite of that —

Before the sun had completely set, the majestic forms of the nuraghes

made for excellent scenery.

Green thriving forests, and ancient towers standing tall.

Nuraghes were comparatively tall structures on this island, towering

enough to look down upon the tops of the tall trees. Even from outside the

forest, one could catch glimpses of the structures skillfully built with stone.

”...But aren't these nuraghes built by the civilization before the Phoenicians

arrived? Whether Melqart or the sword G.o.d, why would they hide here?”

”Perhaps attracted by the spiritual presence of the sacred land.”

On the way, Erica replied to the question G.o.dou asked due to boredom.

”The presence of nuraghes indicates the remains of an ancient settlement.

These settlements were even more sacred than temples or tombs.

Attracted by the spiritual presence of the land, there are often cases where

[Heretic G.o.ds] intrude upon the residences of unrelated G.o.ds.”

”In other words, living in another G.o.d's territory was more comfortable than

their own?”

As they chatted like this, they finally entered the area around the nuraghe.

An empty field in the depths of the forest, it looked like a plaza with great

visibility.

Though obscured by the spreading weeds, the remnants of all sorts of

stone crafted structures could be seen.

Now that it's mentioned, nuraghes also had rooms and staircases.

This civilization peaked at around the tenth century BCE.

At the time, it is incredible to think such large scale construction could be

undertaken in such spa.r.s.ely populated areas. G.o.dou felt that on some

level, this represented advanced techniques beyond modern construction

technology. With his only light source being the bit of light from the

flashlight in his hand, the feeling of regret was especially intensified.

At that moment, G.o.dou suddenly felt a strong sense of chill.

—What was this?

There was an unbelievable feeling coming from a corner of the plaza.

His eyes were drawn to it.

There was only a large tree with a thick trunk, as well as a ma.s.sive pile of

stone from something that collapsed.

Hidden on the ground by these objects, was something like a cave.

Pointing his flashlight into the darkness, G.o.dou focused his eyesight.

This was roughly triangular, there was a hole in the ground shaped like a

triangle.

”What is that? There's a very unpleasant feeling, what is going on with

me?”

Hearing G.o.dou speak, Erica seemed to be mouthing to herself some kind

of chant. She was probably using some kind of magic.

”...G.o.dou, you're quite sharp, that must be the entrance to the temple.

But...”

”But?”

”I am currently using a spell to sense for magic. And it looks like my hunch

is correct. Magical power with a slightly unique feeling is leaking out from

there, he is probably there.”

He was referring to a G.o.d, of course.

Erica stared at the silent G.o.dou, and then spoke.

”After we have encountered those supernatural phenomenon several

times, your senses towards the presence of G.o.ds seems to have become

very sharp, like an animal, miko, or s.h.i.+nto priest... What unexpected talent.

However, by itself it can't be regarded as a useful talent — who knows what

may happen, wait for me here.”

Leaving those words behind, Erica went forward.

Climbing over the stones, she jumped into the triangular hole.

G.o.dou waited for a while, looked at the hole where Erica had disappeared,

thought for a while and then finally with a cry of ”d.a.m.n it”, followed after

her.

...Within the hole were stairs leading down.

An underground temple.

For people that wors.h.i.+ped primitive nature, to think that they would

possess such intricate buildings —

The knowledge and techniques of the ancients sometimes surpa.s.sed the

average modern human. This was evidence before his eyes. G.o.dou felt

very touched, but he couldn't stand there for long.

The interior of the temple was also skillfully a.s.sembled with rocks, with the

gaps filled in by using small stones.

Using the flashlight to illuminate the ground near his feet, G.o.dou advanced

along the underground pa.s.sage as quickly as he could.

Sardinia had a Mediterranean climate, so the air was basically quite dry.

However, the air flowing underground was very humid. Could there be

some kind of pool?

”G.o.dou! Why did you follow me?”

After walking for a bit, a sudden voice came from in front.

Erica was staring with eyes as sharp as a sword, so it seems like G.o.dou

caught up to her without issue.

”You forgot that, the thing called Prometheus whatever.”

”By the way... Since I still don't know how to use it, I forgot all about it.

Rather than this unreliable tool, I believe it's more practical to rely on my

own techniques.”

G.o.dou's improvised excuse, was immediately refuted by her.

I see, so that's why Lucretia was worried about her.

”The one who said there's a G.o.d here, wasn't that you? Is it fine to just go

in directly?”

”Even if it's a [Heretic G.o.d], such a thing as eating humans on

sight — should be very rare. Unlike those divine beasts, they don't go

around causing random destruction, so the danger isn't as high. I'm just

going to slip in to investigate a bit and then come back. You don't have to

worry.”

”That's not how it goes, worrying is human nature...”

Hearing Erica's reply, G.o.dou suddenly felt taken aback by his sudden

decision to follow and disregard his own safety.

She did not say it was completely safe, but from her judgment, danger was

not that high, so willing to bear that risk, she decided to enter this

dangerous place alone.

Perhaps fully confident in her talent and skills, even though a little reckless,

she believes she can handle things herself. From her actions so far, when

the time comes to retreat, she will calmly retreat...

”Besides, you're the unbelievable one. An ordinary boy with clearly no

combat ability, daring to enter this place. It is enough for you to carry the

luggage obediently. Please don't make such decisions on your own!”

”Yes, well... Perhaps it's because of that.”

”Ah, what?”

”...Don't look at me like that. I am a man after all. Even if you tell me not to

follow because it's dangerous, I can't agree obediently. How can I hide in a

safe place and let a girl do something so dangerous alone. Perhaps it's a

man's principles, I believe that's why I insist.”

Ever since he came to this island, G.o.dou has been frustrated by his

impotence.

Erica was the genius witch with the t.i.tle of knight.

Even someone as amazing as her had enemies that were deemed

impossible to overcome... heretic G.o.ds.

The handsome youth who possessed incredible power and claimed

amnesia.

In the midst of these people, G.o.dou was only a minor side character. A

role whose absence or presence was irrelevant. A powerless person

without any influence over the final outcome of the entire incident.

Even so, when the status of the youth familiar to him was unknown, G.o.dou

wanted to search for him.

For the people who suffered from the tyranny of the G.o.ds, G.o.dou wanted

to offer his own efforts.

Seeing a girl fight alone by herself, he cannot back down. Without forcing

himself too much, he had to protect her.

Spurred by these feelings and principles, G.o.dou had come this far.

He also realized it was unbelievable, but stopping himself was a difficult

thing, or perhaps, completely impossible.

”You are an idiot. A completely hopeless idiot — you seemed a little smart

on first glance, but how can you be this stupid? I am totally speechless.”

Faced with Erica's mockery, G.o.dou did not retort but simply continued:

”Also, if the sword G.o.d appears — perhaps that guy will also appear? So I

want to come along to find out what happened to him. If I don't confirm it

with my own eyes, I will not return to j.a.pan.”

”Is this also part of a man's principles? What an idiot.”

Just as you say. Faced with G.o.dou's confession, Erica could not help but

sigh deeply.

”Fine, whether the child or the sword G.o.d, if I'm with you, it will be safer for

me. That child has fancied you...”

”Fancied me?”

”Don't mind me, I'm just talking to myself — fine, even if I send you back

right now, you're going to return? Then follow me! But please don't get in

my way!”

”Sorry, I've made trouble for you.”

”Really! Let me declare beforehand, no matter what happens to you, I

won't be responsible!”

The exasperated Erica began to grumble.

”Really! A man's principles whatever, just like that Genaro... I hate those

kinds of ideals! I forbid you to mention them a second time!”

”Who is that? Sounds like someone I could get along with.”

”My colleague, a Great Knight of the Copper Black Cross... Probably the

one currently closest to achieving the t.i.tle of [Diavolo Rosso]. The reason

why I came to this island, was to prevent that honor from falling in the

hands of that unrefined man!”

Having spoken in hateful tones, Erica turned her sharp gaze to G.o.dou.

”To think you would be such a troublesome boy, I am completely surprised.

Whoever becomes your future lover or wife will definitely have a life of

hards.h.i.+p, oh how I pity her.”

”W-Why are you suddenly talking about that kind of thing?”

Every male in the history of the Kusanagi family, had been legendary with

the uncanny ability to make women cry broken-hearted.

G.o.dou had always prided himself on the fact that he was not that type of

man. Why did this strange witch have to mock him in that particular way?

Anyway, the two of them continued towards the depths of the temple.

The pa.s.sage stretched longer than imagined, and they had been walking

for ten minutes or so. Along the way, there were quite a few forks in the

road, but Erica used spells to sense and guide them, so they didn't get lost.

And then, the two of them finally encountered.

A true G.o.d. True might. True power personified — a [Heretic G.o.d].

”Humans fated to die. So, how long has it been for me, since I last met

existences like you, face to face?”

His extremely low voice sounded like a roar from deep underground.

Like thunder, the sound was very thick and heavy.

”This little island was once part of my territory, but has now been taken and

devastated by unknown people. Though I have left the earth for a very long

time, thinking about what is happening on the surface pains me so... My

apologies, to speak such words to you, please regard it as an old fool

grumbling to himself.”

Flowing in the depths of the subterranean temple was an underground

spring.

The stone pa.s.sage ended abruptly, and soil could be seen everywhere.

For a nation that wors.h.i.+ped [Water] as a sacred existence, this spring was

probably the divine body that they made sacrifices to.

He was located on the bank of the spring.

A giant man in his prime, sitting on the altar at the water's edge.

Hair that probably had never been cut, as well as a beard that covered the

entire lower half of his face. These gave an extremely strong first

impression. He had a very wild appearance, and his height was easily over

two meters.

It was the first time for G.o.dou to see such a solid and muscular body.

Usually, with that kind of height, a person would look rather thin, but he

was different. Given those ma.s.sive bulging muscles, simply looking at him

felt very oppressive.

His body was so spectacular, strong, and sacred.

Clearly wearing very coa.r.s.e attire — dirty rags and a leather cuira.s.s on his

chest, as well as a tattered cape over his body, but there was a sense of

awe and majesty.

Just facing him face to face made one want to bow their head and kneel.

”Letting you see my unsightly body, my apologies. You can understand

from the sight, right? I am currently heavily injured, and treating my

wounds, waiting for my body to be filled with power once again.”

It was as he described.

Upon those solid pectoral muscles, a golden sword was deeply embedded.

However, the body of the blade was snapped, leaving no hilt behind. What

remained was probably two thirds of the original length.

”So, do you know my name? Must I introduce my name and t.i.tle? Or do

you people find the names of ancient kings unimportant? Come, answer

me.

The giant was questioning them with a voice carrying laughter.

Open and uninhibited, it was a voice full of humor. However, were he to be

displeased, it would not be surprising to find it violently out of control — the

voice was like the calm before a storm.

The meaning of his words were not lost, even on an ordinary person like

G.o.dou.

Based on the characteristics he had heard previously, the figure before him

matched completely.

”Please allow me to speak. Your royal name is Melqart — if I am not

mistaken.”

The one who answered was Erica.

Afraid. The self-centered, unrelenting beauty was afraid!

Her trembling could be heard from her voice. The slight fear appearing on

her beautiful face made G.o.dou certain.

This could not be helped. Next to her, G.o.dou had been s.h.i.+vering all along.

It was too terrifying, the giant before them — the [Heretic G.o.d] Melqart was

too terrifying!

This was a real king.

King of kings, king of G.o.ds.

Ruling the sky, possessing the right to destroy the world and all humans,

he was the one with absolute authority. For the first time in his life of fifteen

years, G.o.dou truly experienced what the word [King] meant.

”Yes! I am Melqart. I also like the name Baal. Baal Hadad also sounds

nice. But on this island, I should be called Melqart, hahahahaha!”

The king's laughter shook the underground temple.

This was no metaphor. Like a real earthquake, the ground shook, the walls

shook, and so did the ceiling.

Waves were created in the spring water, splas.h.i.+ng about, while G.o.dou felt

a shock on his skin as if electrified.

”So, little ones who don't even know the manners for a king, let me task

you with a mission. Hurry back to the surface, and toil for the revival of the

ancient king. Tell the people that Melqart is furious over the insignificant

rats that have infested his territory. This little island, I will smash with my

very arms and cast into the sea — you will warn the others thus!”

”Cast the island... into the bottom of the sea...?”

The sudden declaration made G.o.dou speechless.

A divine king's decree could not be a lie. Though there was no evidence,

G.o.dou believed so.

”Correct, children who cannot escape the fate of death! When your own

toys are covered in mud, surely you will do the same? Yes, wash the dirt

away with water. I will use water to cleanse my land of this maggot

infestation. Understood?”

I don't understand. How can I understand such twisted logic?

However, against the voice of the G.o.d declaring divine punishment, G.o.dou

was unable to object and could only tremble on the side.

Erica beside him was the same, though her expression was dark, she

dared not retort against the G.o.d's outrageous decision, without even a hint

of resistance in her eyes. G.o.dou would never expect to see her with such

an expression.

G.o.dou was overcome with sadness and pity.

For this proud girl to show such an expression of despair, he did not want

to see it!

G.o.dou clenched his teeth, the will to resist showing on his face.

”So — I am currently in the middle of a battle against a troublesome foe. If

you little children were able to sneak into this hole, that's not a very good

sign.”

Melqart laughed lightly.

To call the normal G.o.dou and the witch Erica ”little children,” he was