Vol 3 Chapter 6 (1/2)
Chapter 6 - His Name is Verethragna
Part 1
Not far from the Nuraghe sa Bastia.
Though there were public infrastructure roads, it was basically an
uninhabited wilderness.
It was after midnight, and after encountering Melqart and the youth G.o.d,
G.o.dou and Erica did not return to town.
”Prometheus is a G.o.d appearing in Greek myths — the last of the t.i.tans.
His name means 'one who considers the future,' in other words, he is a
sage with forethought.”
G.o.dou listened carefully to Erica's recounting of the myths.
The two of them had made a fire for warmth. Perhaps the surroundings
were too quiet, so the only sound was the cracking sound of wood burning.
”He's called Prometheus, right, the G.o.d who shared fire with humans?”
”Yes, Zeus the king of the G.o.ds did not want to give too much wisdom to
humans, but Prometheus felt compa.s.sion for their foolishness, and stole
fire from the heavens.”
This G.o.d gifted fire to humans. Obtaining fire, human civilization advanced
rapidly.
”As punishment, Prometheus was chained high on the peak on the
Caucasus, and had his liver eaten by an eagle. As an immortal G.o.d, his
body restored itself every sunset, and then the eagle came the next day to
eat his liver again. In other words, he must suffer eternal torment.”
”What sick torture...”
”In the end, Prometheus was saved from suffering by Heracles, and then
became the trusted advisor of Zeus, so it looks like he didn't want any
more hards.h.i.+p.”
G.o.dou seems to have heard this myth before.
”By the way, Heracles is also a G.o.d closely linked to Melqart.”
”Why? Isn't Heracles a Greek G.o.d... or should I say hero?”
”Didn't Lucretia mention before, on this island not far from Greece, Melqart
was depicted as a giant wielding clubs.”
The Greek hero, who completed the twelve tasks, was intimately linked to
the Phoenician divine king.
To elucidate the confused G.o.dou, Erica continued explaining fluently:
”Greeks who knew the myth of Melqart combined their hero with the
guardian G.o.d of Tyre. No, more correctly, it was due to the myth of Melqart
and Baal that the legend of the hero Heracles was born. By the way, Baal's
weapons are the magic clubs named Yagrush the Chaser and Ayamur the
Driver.”
Wearing a lion's pelt and wielding a club was the great rough hero
Heracles.
Wielding magic clubs with vigorous battle spirit was the hero G.o.d Melqart.
Ancient Mediterranean peoples named the promontories flanking the Strait
of Gibraltar as 'Pillars of Hercules.' Other than the Phoenicians, there
doesn't seem to be anyone else who could have reached there...
”That's so amazing, to think myths were related everywhere.”
Towards G.o.dou's exclamation, Erica said:
”Well, no matter what, these are just framework stories born from
mankind — fabricated, everything is born from the most primitive stories,
and then stealing or be stolen, taking form from all sorts of influences,
finally crystallizing into myths.”
”I see — then back to the topic of Prometheus, so this stone tablet's
advantage is the ability to steal a G.o.d's power?”
”He is the G.o.d who deceived G.o.ds — in other words a master of trickery,
there is also a myth like this.”
Seeing G.o.dou take out the [Secret Tome of Prometheus], Erica quietly
answered.
Dividing a sacrificed ox between G.o.ds and humans, Prometheus prepared
two plates. Concealing the meat and the entrails within the stomach on
one plate; masterfully decorating the bones with glistening fat to make it
appealing on the other. He then had Zeus choose —
The result was Zeus chose the bones. After learning he was deceived,
Zeus was very angry.
”So, G.o.dou, when the [White Stallion] disappeared just now, it was clearly
the divine power of Prometheus. In other words, you activated the grimoire
at the time. Do you have any idea how?”
”About that, I think it was just by chance.”
He was able to take the divine power of the [White Stallion] even faster
than the youth G.o.d — no, one should say that the one who stole divine
power was [Secret Tome of Prometheus].
The one who doubted Erica's suggestion was the one who did it himself.
”Fine, then let's confirm it?”
Erica took out a cellphone from her s.h.i.+rt pocket.
” — Lucretia? I am Erica Blandelli. Can you tell us about the grimoire? Don't
play dumb any more, G.o.dou has already activated its power. Sigh, why
would I deceive you, why don't you confirm with him directly?”
G.o.dou was just wondering who she was calling, and never expected the
conversation to be pa.s.sed to him.
When did she ever ask for Lucretia's phone number? This made G.o.dou
very surprised, or did she make use of the investigative abilities of the
strange secret a.s.sociations, obtaining personal information without
consent?
The latter was most likely. Just as G.o.dou imagined rude behaviors, Erica
suddenly handed the phone to him.
No other way. Prepare yourself and pick up the phone.
”I was really shocked. I didn't expect a Level One newbie to notice how to
use that item.”
”Actually I didn't notice it. It seems like when I wanted to use it, it
happened, but Lucretia-san, you are clearly a witch, haven't you been
contaminated by modern civilization?”
”Choosing convenience is human nature, that's not my fault. In my home I
have a computer to go on the internet, and most of my shopping is done
online. I also use air conditioning and refrigerators. My digital camera is
made in j.a.pan. What else would you like to complain about?”
Though the dialogue content was extremely mundane, Lucretia Zola's
voice remained aloof.
”I already know it is a stone for stealing divine power. However, I am
completely baffled why I can use it. Can you explain this point in greater
detail to me?”
”Oh that, the reason is nothing special. A grimoire related to deceit and
theft, the only people capable of using it are those who have had longer
contact and frequent conversations with the target G.o.d.”
”Deceit?”
”Yes, when I used that grimoire in j.a.pan, I spent a whole night chatting
with the G.o.d who was causing trouble. I had to listen to him complain about
his hate and suffering, so I seized the opportunity and stole the guy's
divine power as soon as possible, turning him into an empty sh.e.l.l.
However that was only possible because he was a comparatively weak
deity. Thereafter, I had the grimoire venerated there, to prevent the G.o.d
from reviving.”
”So that's why...”
The chance to successfully steal divine power from the youth G.o.d and
Melqart was extremely small.
G.o.dou nodded in agreement with Lucretia's words.
”By the way, I wanted to remind you. It's best if you do not use the stored
divine power. For humans it is far too powerful. If used, it could cause the
brain and the entire body's blood to boil. An extremely painful death. The
user before me also died like that. I am not deceiving you.”
”Yes... I will definitely not use it. Thank you for your valuable information.”
”Oh, one more thing, opposing G.o.ds of Melqart's caliber is impossible with
just the power absorbed in the grimoire, so do not do anything ras.h.!.+”
To think this kind of warning would be said.
However, G.o.dou did not thank her for this warning. Perhaps because he
had already made his decision, he could not utter insincere thanks as that
would betray her concern for his safety.
...Lucretia was more sensitive than imagined.
”Young man, are you or both of you considering something? I will repeat
myself, do not act too rashly!”
”To be honest, that is impossible. There will be a great disaster if we let
things develop without taking action. If I didn't act, my conscience will
definitely hound me.”
”You don't have to reproach yourself, nor do you have to risk your life
approaching them. That is survival wisdom.”
”I know. Meeting G.o.ds repeatedly these two, three days, have left me with
deep impressions. When I encountered Melqart, my legs lost strength.”
”Even so... You still want to take part in this matter? That's foolis.h.!.+”
”It's OK, I am fully aware I am doing something foolish. Neither I nor Erica
will object to such an a.s.sessment.”
”You are much more foolish than Erica-san! No matter what, she is a mage
and you are just a powerless commoner. The two cannot be compared.”
Directly criticized.
However, G.o.dou shrugged and accepted it, she was right.
”However, I don't hate fools. Clever minds will only act according to my
calculations, but a fool will sometimes exceed my expectations. Besides,
there are fools who displease others, and fools who bring joy. Please don't
become the former.”
”Yes...”
Though G.o.dou didn't quite get what she meant, it was a sort of
compliment?
”Kusanagi G.o.dou, through this incident, you have made me hold you in
high regard. I feel you will become a most interesting toy, so do not die in
such a place. Same for Erica-san, please do not miss the opportunity for
retreat, hear that?”
Lucretia hung up the phone.
It looked like she was finally acting like an elder, and wasn't just someone
with a personality problem. G.o.dou felt grat.i.tude towards her, and then
briefly reported the conversation to Erica.
”...So that's the situation. Looks like it can't be used as a finis.h.i.+ng move.”
”However, this is still the only tool that can affect G.o.ds — besides, if a battle
between G.o.ds begins, what will happen to this island?”
Melqart who had declared he will sink the island.
The youth G.o.d whose fragments of power easily demolished cities all over
the place.
If they had a serious duel, it wasn't something that could be finished in half
an hour. Using the entire island as a stage for their deathmatch, this place
will likely end up as a wasteland once the match concluded...
As these thoughts entered his mind, G.o.dou clutched his head, feeling a
headache.
”However, even with me plus the [Secret Tome of Prometheus], and all the
magi on the island, nothing can be done... So the only remaining choice is
to stall for time.”
”Stall for time? Isn't that something you do when there are
reinforcements?”
Seeing Erica's confidence, G.o.dou was confused.
”Actually there is no problem there. In fact, the magi of Sardinia have
already contacted Sir Salvatore, who will be arriving in a day or two. We
just need to hold out until then.”
”Sir Salvatore...?”
G.o.dou remembered, come to think of it, Lucretia also mentioned this name
before.
”Yes, the great Salvatore Doni, the strongest knight of our Italy, the
Campione possessing the authority of the magic sword. Didn't I mention
before? When miracle is piled upon miracle, humans have the possibility of
obtaining victory over a G.o.d — ”
Campione was the t.i.tle bestowed upon a G.o.d-slayer.
Slaying a G.o.d and then usurping the G.o.d's authority, they become the devil
kings of the human world, fighting against G.o.ds.
Hearing that, G.o.dou felt greatly surprised.
That youth and Melqart could probably kill a normal person with just a little
finger. To encounter a G.o.d and live was already extremely lucky, defeating
a G.o.d was absolutely ridiculous.
”G.o.ds are such strong existences, are there really people who have fought
and won!?”
”These people are rare of course. In fact, there was a period over a
century long when no Campiones were born. However during the
nineteenth and latter half of the twentieth centuries, a number of people
emerged, concentrated during this time, and there are now a total of six.
With the increased frequency in the current period, it kind of feels like the
coming of the end of the world.”
”Uh, this isn't winemaking, to have these kinds of periods...”
Sir Salvatore who was mentioned, was the sixth Campione born a few
years ago.
Since the entire affair was too far removed from common sense, G.o.dou
was stupefied.
”Anyway since that has been prepared, we just need to focus on stalling.
Even for me, I'm not stupid enough to want to become the seventh
Campione.”
G.o.dou nodded at Erica's words.
Definitely an idiot. Fighting a G.o.d was truly stupid behavior, and for a devil
king Campione to win in such a match, how strong a monster could they
be?
”However, buying time is also very difficult, what do you have in mind?”
”The current target is the sword G.o.d. Since that deity's power has
recovered ninety percent, if we can lower it to seventy or eighty, he will be
forced to fight Melqart with caution.”
”How did you get numbers like ninety and eighty?”
”Because the war G.o.d has a total of ten incarnations. One of them, the
[White Stallion] is already captured in the grimoire, so it's ninety percent.
Isn't that a simple calculation?”
”Right... That guy's name, can you tell me?”
G.o.dou suddenly raised this question, for he had become very bothered by
it from a while ago.
Erica calmly said a name lightly.
Hearing this incredible name for the first time, G.o.dou could only wonder,
what country does the name come from?
”That's mostly likely the G.o.d's name. From the strange occurrences on this
island, combined with the information from you, I deduced that, so there
should be no mistake.”
”...The G.o.d with that name, I've never even heard of him.”
”Well, most people would think that. Though very trivial, he is still a
guardian G.o.d of a surviving religion. Amongst the faiths in western Asia, a
powerful G.o.d with many strong feats — then next is...”
A sword suddenly appeared in Erica's hand.
Just as G.o.dou wondered what she was going to do, the sword pointed
directly at him.
”At this stage, you don't have to carry my luggage any more. Leave the
grimoire here and return to j.a.pan obediently. I don't need someone to drag
me down any more. If you dare say no, I will take care of you directly with
this sword, hear that?”
Suddenly threatening him, but this was just her show of concern. An act to
protect G.o.dou even if it meant breaking her oath as a knight. Which is why
G.o.dou could not obey.
”A person who hasn't spent enough time with him cannot use the stone
tablet. Didn't Lucretia-san say that? I don't think you will be able to use it
successfully, so it's best that I stay here.”
”This kind of problem always has a solution, you don't have to worry.”
”How can it be done?! No matter how I think about it, the next time that guy
returns will be to duel with Melqart. You absolutely have no time to spend
chatting with him.”
”If there's none, I will create an opportunity. Anyway, I have no need for an
amateur like you to stay and help me.”
No matter what, she would not agree.
If it was the second morning after encountering the [Boar], had she
threatened him like this, G.o.dou who feared swords would likely have given
her the [Secret Tome of Prometheus].
But now was different, he could not do that.
Though Erica was a willful and unreasonable girl, she was also chivalrous,
talented at socializing, and unexpectedly considerate of others. On the
other hand, she was also a girl who despaired when met with setback.
Having understood her, it was impossible for G.o.dou to return alone.
Since there was also a guy straying from the right path and causing great
chaos, G.o.dou cannot leave that guy alone either.
The two of them faced each other silently for quite a while, until Erica
finally shrugged and sighed:
”Fine, if you are prepared to follow me wherever I go, then accompany me.
In return, I will really use you, so be prepared!”
Of course, this was exactly what G.o.dou wanted.
Part 2
The rays of dawn began to appear in the eastern sky.
Bathed under the light, the [Wind] incarnation transformed into the figure of
the [Youth].
The black-haired youth G.o.d landed lightly on the ground, at the moment of
dawn just as he promised. He possessed divine qualities with deep ties to
light.
Before his eyes was the green forest surrounding the ancient ruins.
As the rays of sunlight bathed the deep green trees in the forest, a rose
colored glow was given off.
— Belonging to the faction of goodness, having the G.o.d of light as his core,
the youth's divine power was raised to the maximum when bathed under
the rays of dawn. In this state, it was possible to break the forest barrier.
Actually Melqart was also a deity controlling the sun, but his responsibilities
ruled over too many things.
Due to that, he couldn't raise his divine power even when the sun came
out, so the youth prepared to make use of this advantage.
— Perhaps it was acceptable to make things simple and wait for the divine
king to recover completely.
However, he dispelled this notion as quickly as it surfaced, deeming it too
disrespectful.
As the one who held all victory in his hands, it would be a most special
occasion to fight the great and ancient divine king, and win. With utmost
respect, he will make the most of this opportunity.
The corners of his lips slightly rising, he walked towards the forest with the
youth's form.
Though he possessed the power of ten incarnations, this was his most
normal state.
Not simply a human, but the form of a fifteen-year-old youth.
Whenever he set forth to correct the wrongs of the world, tasked by his
master to conquer opposing enemy G.o.ds, he liked to take on the
appearance of a youth.
A glorious fifteen-year-old youth.
According to the precepts of the religion that he guarded over, it was the
symbol of the 'hero.'
Just like last night, the branches of the trees distorted themselves like
snakes to block his path.
Faced with such obstructions, he simply gave the command of 'dismissed.'
The spell words of blessing and domination, this was the authority
possessed by the youth incarnation as the hero. The trees of the forest
instantly returned to normal plants, and opened up a path.
Next was the attack of the locust army.
For one who was a match for the divine king himself, divine beasts or
messengers of G.o.d like locusts were no match at all. He instantly used the
spiritual power of the eighth incarnation, the [Goat].
This intelligent divine beast was wors.h.i.+ped by nomadic tribes as the
embodiment of lightning.
Releasing a lightning strike from his hand, the entire locust army was
completely incinerated.
”King Melqart, dost thou believe such obstructions can stop me?”
Roaring towards the sky.
There was an instant reply.
'Of course! G.o.d who slays G.o.ds, the great G.o.d of the warrior. Those
fellows are merely guards. For that level of guards, how could they halt the
advance of the war G.o.d?'
What appeared next was a violent windstorm blowing forth from in front.
Melqart was also a G.o.d of storms, even for the powerful [Wind] that could
blow away cities where humans lived, it was a draw. Wind was unable to
blow apart wind.
...After that, they used all sorts of divine power.
Such as an army of the dead summoned from the underworld, violent
waves that could wash everything away like a flood, or thousands of
thunder-strikes that flew like spears in the sky.
The youth G.o.d defeated all these attacks, and finally arrived at the
Nuraghe sa Bastia.
'Ch... Still capably fighting by switching forms. How vexing!'
”By the power of transformation, I hold victory in my hands no matter what
battlefield. Hahaha, King. I can feel thy presence before me. Art thou not
coming out? It seemeth, thy divine power hath yet to fully recover!”
He surveyed the surroundings of the ruins as he conversed with Melqart's
voice.
The original location of the entrance to the underground temple was now
under a ma.s.sive rock.
'Even for your divine power, this rock cannot be easily destroyed. This is
the ultimate palace I ordered the craftsman Kothar-wa-Khasis^ to
construct in the past. In order to stop you, I used this defense. Remember
to thank me!'
”Yes... I see, though very crude, it is not bad!”
The youth G.o.d was admiring this st.u.r.dy rock. As expected of the ancient
divine king and G.o.d of war, he did not take defense lightly.
However, this was the warlord who could defeat any G.o.d or demon.
In terms of pure skill of the warrior, he was a deity surpa.s.sing Melqart. His
praising of the rock did not imply he couldn't smash it — just as he made his
decision, he noticed.
It was only a minute presence.
For a powerful G.o.d, it felt like the owner of minuscule magical power.
”Thou hast come. I already stated, the next time thou obstructest me, I
shall reward thee accordingly, dost thou remember?”
The youth G.o.d turned around and received a smile from her in return.
The beautiful blonde witch wielding Cuore di Leone, the girl was standing
there in her red battle outfit.
”I remember your words clearly, but I am a knight, and cannot let you do as
you please in this world — if I am not moved despite my knowledge, it would
be a taint to my honor.”
Erica retorted quietly.
The youth G.o.d had decided on the moment of dawn himself.
In order to pursue him into the forest, G.o.dou and Erica had come to the
ruins. As agreed beforehand, G.o.dou concealed himself, preparing to use
the [Secret Tome of Prometheus].
Waiting for Erica to draw the attention of the youth G.o.d.
If the grimoire was used directly, he would likely dodge it. The blue flames
that stole divine power — though it struck the [White Stallion] directly, the
youth G.o.d easily evaded. If G.o.dou tried it again, the result will be the
same.
Thus Erica must force him to show an opening.
”Do you still remember our first promise the first time we met?”
Erica asked with a smile as beautiful as spring.
Like a n.o.blewoman happily chatting away at a salon, she had very elegant
smiling expressions and mannerisms.
However, maintaining this state was hard work. Her opponent was a G.o.d,
one misstep and it would turn into a repeat of what happened with Melqart.
Erica did not want to suffer that kind of humiliation again.
Wis.h.i.+ng to resist a G.o.d and counterattack, one definitely could not lose in
spirit. Erica Blandelli will never bow down to an enemy without a fight! She
will put her life on the line to make her opponent listen.
”Hoho, what promise?”
”Didn't you say, one day you will challenge me to a duel of swords? So, let
me make a gamble — if I obtain victory by the sword, you must leave this
island, please.”
Bowing her head respectfully, Erica made her request. How would the
youth G.o.d react?
Accept or ignore? If the latter, then she would be forced to try the next
option. What would be the result?
”Haha! Thou darest to use a sword to challenge me, the war G.o.d. Yes,
very well! Thy will is truly courageous, a rare specimen of a witch with a
warrior's spirit!”
As expected, the war G.o.d agreed, just as she heard from G.o.dou.
Erica laughed to herself. I, have long sought defeat. No matter what kind of
opponent, I will never be defeated. From all his grand statements, his
overconfidence was glaring, and the provocation succeeded!
”So, I must prepare a sword... Ah, this will do.”
Looking over the ground, the youth G.o.d picked up a tree branch.
The same length as Erica's Cuore di Leone, but very slender, even a child
would likely snap it in two with ease.
”Yes, perfect in length. This will do.”
The youth G.o.d laughed in mockery as he swung the branch.
A simple ten centimeter slash, but the sword-like wind was like a tornado
despite the fact it was such a thin and light branch.
This must be what are known as divine skills. Just from that one attack,
Erica understood the youth G.o.d's skills.
Once martial arts reached the highest pinnacles of skill, the size and
weight of the weapon no longer mattered.
To use a ma.s.sive weapon perfectly, one must learn the techniques to
wield it with speed and precision. In order to use a small and light weapon
perfectly, one must learn how to make strong and heavy attacks with it.
”Cuore di Leone — steel possessing the name of the lion king. I now
command you. Cast off the disguise I bestowed upon you, and reveal your
true form. Appear before me as the lion, and fight by my side!”
Erica chanted the spell words, unsealing her beloved sword.
The previously slender sword was a temporary form chosen for Erica to
train herself. A self-applied restraint to develop hard hitting attacks with a
light and slender sword.
Cuore di Leone began to expand.
The heavy body of the blade like an anchor, its length was roughly double
compared to before.
A wide single-handed sword that did not match the girl's slender wrists.
This was the original form of the lion's magic sword.
Then Erica summoned in her left hand a circular infantry s.h.i.+eld made of
steel, its red surface carved with the crest of a black cross.
If Erica did not use magic to enhance her strength and explosive force, she
would be unable to use these heavy armaments.
”Good. It looketh like thou art ready. Let us begin!”
The youth G.o.d announced cheerfully with a smile.
Erica charged without hesitation.
Using a light and slender sword all along was to develop a sense of heavy
impact in her sword skills. Then conversely, what was the secret to using a
heavy sword? — Speed as well as steady control.
Erica lightly waved her right arm.
From the shoulder to the elbow, and then combined with the force from the
wrist, she swung that heavy and solid Cuore di Leone, slas.h.i.+ng towards
the youth G.o.d horizontally.
From her shoulder to the tip of the sword, it was like a whip.
For a human opponent, even a first cla.s.s swordsman, this sort of move
would be very difficult to figure out when seen for the first time.
It was also extremely powerful. In its true form, Cuore di Leone was sharp
enough to cut through concrete, not to mention the additional impact
produced by the overwhelming weight.
— But even against such an attack, the youth G.o.d easily blocked with the
slender branch.
Not only that, he slashed back... Correction, the youth G.o.d simply swung
the branch lightly and Erica took the impact with the steel s.h.i.+eld on her left,
but the impact of the twig actually made her left hand tremble.
Enduring the pain, she smashed the s.h.i.+eld towards the body of the youth
G.o.d.
A rough tactic combining offense with defense. Erica aimed at the armor
on the youth G.o.d's feet, stepping hard with her left foot! Her talents were
not limited to the magnificent motions of her skill with the slender sword.
The real techniques of the Copper Black Cross, were not only magnificent
in appearance, but had many practical tactics in real combat.
Driving these moves, Erica rapidly attacked without pause.
But the youth G.o.d simply evaded these attacks by stepping left and right.
And sometimes he would use the little branch to make counterattacks to
weaken the momentum of Erica's offense. He was almost dancing like a
b.u.t.terfly and stinging like a bee.
”Little lady! Thou hast trained well! If thou continuest, one day thou wilt
become a strong warrior. Amazing!”
He was even able to praise his opponent like that.
Completely treating it as a game, but no matter, Erica had expected he
would act like that from the start.
Erica fought as she waited for the opportunity.
Deliberately choosing a compet.i.tion of swords, and using Cuore di Leone's
true form to fight at full strength, these were all in preparation for the next
step.
She prayed that the youth G.o.d did not have divine powers of prediction or
mind reading.
And then Erica finally used her ultimate move.
”Magic sword of the lion, abandon your sword body and transform into
binding chains!”
As the sword and the twig clashed repeatedly, Erica suddenly jumped
backwards.
At the same time chanting the short spell words, her beloved sword began
to transform.
Not into knight's weapons of sword and lance, but an iron chain roughly
three meters in length. This iron chain also had a heavy weight on one
end, and Erica swung it at the youth G.o.d's ankle.
Intending to entangle his two feet and make him fall down.
”Hahaha, to think thou hadst some kind of plan.”
Towards such a move, the youth G.o.d only smiled and jumped to evade.
But Erica threw out the second chain, this time transformed from the s.h.i.+eld
in her left hand.
It was deflected by the twig.
However, in that instant Erica had closed the distance and approached the
youth G.o.d.
The chain in her right turned back into the ma.s.sive sword — Cuore di
Leone's original form, and slashed directly. In midair about to land, the
youth G.o.d was. .h.i.t by her full attack.
Fresh blood instantly flew all around.
Previously infused with spell words, the lion's magic sword had hacked off
the G.o.d's right arm.
— At that very instant, the blue flames of the [Secret Tome of Prometheus]
blew forth, as if devouring Erica along with the youth's body.
Part 3
Diverting the youth's attention with a sword challenge.
And then using the [Secret Tome of Prometheus] at this time, was the
battle plan proposed by Erica.
”...In other words, an attack that you will be caught up into? That's no
longer a fight but suicide tactics.”
G.o.dou felt deeply against it.
”You're nagging too much. This kind of deception is the only way to battle a
G.o.d. Since the [Secret Tome of Prometheus] steals a G.o.d's power, it won't
have any harmful effects on me. Amongst all the strategies I came up with,
this is the best choice.”
”But, if you lose in about ten seconds, then everything is over.”
”Of course I know that! But there is no other way, aiming the grimoire at
him directly will never hit!”
In the end with no other method, G.o.dou could only follow Erica's
instructions.
Then she fought with all her might. The youth G.o.d underestimated her and
fought with a cavalier att.i.tude, resulting in getting his arm hacked off.
In that instant, G.o.dou had already held the [Secret Tome of Prometheus]
in his hands without thought.
The heat from the stone tablet was already testing the limits of his
endurance. The blue flames shot out all at once, successfully capturing the
youth G.o.d.
Rus.h.i.+ng forth, as if flying straight to the heavens, the mysterious blue
flames that burned spectacularly.
Erica walked out of the vortex and stood beside G.o.dou.
Asking if she was fine, she immediately answered 'no problem.' But from
the pallor of her face, she was clearly forcing herself. The swordfight with
the G.o.d must have been more mentally taxing than expected.
”I'm fine here, G.o.dou, you have to watch the flames carefully. Steal power
from that deity quickly, and absorb his divine power to the maximum limits
of the grimoire!”
”Ah, yes.” Hearing Erica's directions, G.o.dou nodded.
To be honest, he didn't even know how much divine power could be stored
in this strange tool, and it kept feeling like it could absorb more.
Then G.o.dou began gazing at the flames, but at the instant he noticed the
youth G.o.d within them —
”Using the mystic stone of Prometheus, as expected.”
The youth G.o.d's voice sounded, still relaxed and composed.
”You guessed it?”
”Yes, is this not inevitable? The one trump card ye possess, effective
against me, is this mystic stone alone. What remaineth are simply the
questions of how and when.”
”Even if it was expected, it's too late, unless you have a way to escape that
cl.u.s.ter of flames — ”
Conversing with the youth in the flames, G.o.dou gradually felt unsettled.
If he had a way to escape.