Vol 6 Chapter 7 (1/2)

Chapter 7 - Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi

Part 1

Banchou Sarayas.h.i.+ki.^ The original setting for the legend of the

dish-counting ghost who kept muttering to itself, ”one is missing.”

In the special Tokyo ward of Chiyoda, the Banchou area was a very high

cla.s.s residential neighborhood where high ranking warriors^ and lords^

lived since the Edo period.

The home of the Sayanomiya family in Sanbanchou was quite close to the

Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Hidden in a very inconspicuous location on the roadside amongst many

offices and luxury apartments, the Sayanomiya residence was a western

style mansion built in the Taisho era.

Based on its physical location, the property value should have been quite

high, but the house did not leave a good impression on people.

Not only was it extremely old and decrepit, but it was also dark like a

haunted house and felt like there were ghosts and monsters.

Arriving here in Amakasu's car, Yuri began to feel a sense of unease.

As if something ominous lurked there — a most unpleasant presence. By

the way, this was her first visit to the Sayanomiya residence.

”I've already informed the other side beforehand, so let's go. Please walk

over here.”

Before them, Amakasu pointed to the entrance. Yuri and Liliana followed

his direction.

It took two minutes to walk to the front door from the parking lot through the

front yard.

”The house is smaller than expected... As the leader of the family that

commands the History Compilation Committee, is this not too cramped?”

Liliana surveyed the house.

”Considering the land prices of this neighborhood, this house is a bargain.

Actually, there's a bigger house at Setagaya. This is just a secondary

residence and the current owner Kaoru-san is the next family head.”

With a great sense of familiarity, Amakasu opened the front door.

The one who greeted them was a young man in a formal butler uniform.

This man displayed highly trained skills of a hotel attendant. Amakasu

engaged him in whispers before walking inside.

Yuri and Liliana followed behind him and reached a room that seemed to

be the study.

”Kyoko, how is it going? Calling me so suddenly. Tomorrow? Sorry,

something is scheduled already. Hahaha, how can that be possible? It's

not a date of course. Don't have strange suspicions.”

This pleasant voice was familiar to Yuri.

In the study, Sayanomiya Kaoru had just hung up her cellphone.

Noticing Amakasu, Yuri, and Liliana, Kaoru was just about to greet them

when the cellphone rang again. Glancing at the LCD, she said ”sorry” and

picked up the call.

”It's been a while, Haremi. Yes, I am fine too. Sorry, I have some things to

discuss right now. May I hang up? Oh... I remember next week's promise

very well, then goodbye.”

Finis.h.i.+ng the call with simplicity, Kaoru hung up, but then it rang again.

”Who is it this time... Kiyoko?”

”No, it's Ayano, but I'll pick it up later since everyone has gathered.”

Watching the next Sayanomiya family head shrug her shoulders, Amakasu

nagged in earnest.

”Kaoru-san, what are you planning if you don't reveal your gender to all

these girls who have fallen for you? To be tricked and left completely in the

dark, aren't they pitiful?”

”But even if I told them the truth, there are many girls who would go 'it does

not matter.' I was very surprised.”

In a different way, this Hime-Miko was no less a troublesome character

than Ena.

Numerous girls admired Kaoru and fell head over heels in love with her.

However, she seemed to enjoy this and actively socialized with them.

”Let me introduce for Liliana-san. This is Sayanomiya Kaoru-san. The

Tokyo Branch Chief of the History Compilation Committee and next

Sayanomiya family head, plus a member of the Hime-Miko.”

”...Did you say Hime-Miko?”

Liliana stared in surprise.

She must have been greatly shocked. Kaoru was wearing a white s.h.i.+rt and

tie with men's dress pants. Though very pretty, it was an image too far

removed from that of a delicate young girl.

With an elegant smile and refined airs, Kaoru greeted her European guest.

”A pleasure to meet you, Liliana Kranjcar-san. My appearance may

suggest otherwise, but I am still Yuri and Ena's colleague, though I've

heard countless times that it is impossible to imagine me wearing a miko's

outfit.”

Kaoru made a gesture towards the sofa couch, and Liliana and Yuri each

took a seat.

As they sat down, Kaoru took a seat opposite them while Amakasu stood

ready behind her.

”I already heard Yuri and Liliana's request on the phone just now. Let's

start with the conclusion. If you agree to our conditions, then a.s.sisting you

is not a problem.”

”Is this okay, Kaoru-san? The previous previous generation will have

objections.”

”There will be troubles from that side, but provided equivalent value is

exchanged, I will not be stingy. Of course, it still depends on the terms of

the agreement.”

As the master and subordinate conversed, Liliana interrupted.

”Do not forget we still have the option of seizing by force.”

”That's not good, you've met Ena right? Amongst those involved with the

Committee, there exist talents who rival the martial and magical abilities of

the Great Knights. My honest advice is please do not act recklessly.”

Liliana scoffed in disdain but backed down from her declaration.

Regardless of the outcome of starting a fight here, if she were to be

pursued by several elites she had little chance of winning. Liliana

understood very well that as long as it was within this country, the other

side had the home field advantage.

”Even if I am attacked here, Amakasu-san will take the knife for me, right?”

”Sorry but I must refuse, please do not expect loyalty that exceeds my pay

grade.”

”Uh... fine whatever.”

Kaoru coughed at Amakasu's response that left her hanging in

embarra.s.sment.

”Liliana-san and Yuri, let's get to the main point.”

Yuri prepared herself, for she understood well the extreme craftiness of the

cross-dressing miko before her eyes. Even Ena, who always did things her

own way, described Kaoru as ”very troublesome!” If possible, it would be

best to minimize contact with her.

”Yes, let me give an example, if our condition for providing the ingredients

is to request that Liliana-san return to her country... Is this acceptable?”

”I will never accept such a condition!”

Liliana angrily refused while Kaoru laughed ”hoho.”

A very likable and open smile. This was one of her weapons.

”Ah, if the number of Europeans around Kusanagi increased, it won't be

good for him. Like this time, it was Ena's excuse for getting involved.

Disregarding the [Copper Black Cross] for now, I hope you, Liliana-san of

the [Bronze Black Cross], can exercise some self-discipline.”

”Why is it fine for Erica but not me?”

”Yes — perhaps if I put it this way, you will be angry... Because you are a

girl who doesn't know adult ways of communication.”

Kaoru spoke with profound meaning in her words.

Her beautiful face, resembling both a young man's and woman's at the

same time, was shrouded by a mysterious sense of melancholy.

”If I were to negotiate with Erica, I'm sure a deal could be reached via a

very interesting discussion. But after hearing about your exploits in j.a.pan

since your arrival, I don't think you are that kind of person, Liliana

Kranjcar.”

Striking directly at the other party's vulnerabilities and instigating a battle of

words. Kaoru was getting serious.

”These past three months, we have acquiesced to Erica-san's existence

because she has accepted us — in particularly accepted coexistence with

Yuri who was sent by us. Take the trip to Sardinia for example, if Erica-san

wished, she could have left Yuri alone in j.a.pan.”

Now that it was mentioned, she apparently had a clear grasp of the latest

developments of G.o.dou and Yuri (plus the History Compilation

Committee).

Yuri recalled the summer holiday and the way Erica said 'I want to let you

and G.o.dou deepen your friends.h.i.+p' while she expressed her acceptance of

Yuri through her att.i.tude.

”However, Liliana-san is not like that... As soon as you arrived in j.a.pan,

you have stuck to Kusanagi-san like glue and treated Erica-san and our

Yuri with hostility. You have given us sufficient cause to eliminate you.”

”Eliminating hazards to the master is part of a knight's duty!”

Liliana responded with a warrior's style, causing Kaoru to elegantly force a

smile.

”However, Kusanagi is not just your master. At the same time, he is also

Erica-san and Yuri-san's master, as well as the [King] of all magi in the

world. If you can't understand what I'm getting at, then Liliana-san is just a

knight bodyguard at best. Am I correct?”

”Is there anything wrong with being a bodyguard? That is part of a knight's

duty in serving the king!”

”Yes, nothing wrong with that, but while you are toiling away doing a guard

and a servant's job, Erica-san and I are already fighting for the prime

minister's position. Also, either Erica or Yuri, whom I recommended, could

become his first lady. Is this fine as well?”

Under the mischievous questioning of the cross-dressing Hime-Miko,

□liana's eyes began to show signs of consternation.

”The History Compilation Committee is already planning on pledging their

loyalty to Kusanagi G.o.dou!?”

”I am just saying that this outcome is very likely, but it is still under review...

Just kidding. Were it true, those troublesome elders would not be a

problem any longer.”

Kaoru pretended to be joking, but Yuri understood. Since the words just

said — especially the last sentence, did not feel like just a joke.

”Even so, why must I return to my country?”

”It was just an example. Seeing as we will all eventually serve the same

[King] as our master, I propose we cooperate. If possible, could you look

after Yuri a bit? From your standpoint, having us as an ally should be

advantageous, right?”

”What you mean is... for me to ally with the History Compilation

Committee?”

”You don't have to answer straight away, but give it careful consideration.

Also, though this is just my personal opinion, if you want to resist Erica, it'd

be best to do some preparatory work first.”

”Umm... Fine, I will consider whether to ally with you or not.”

Kaoru resumed her friendly smiling face as a result of Liliana backing

down.

In truth, she never even considered getting rid of the knight from the

[Bronze Black Cross].

Even a strong compet.i.tor could be turned into a chess piece under her

control. This was Kaoru's style. The preceding conversation was planned

exactly for this result. Yuri realized with a fright. After Liliana's turn, she

was going to be next.

”Next, Yuri. I hope you can make a few clarifications.”

Indeed it came. Kaoru explained calmly.

”So far, we simply requested that you play the role of G.o.dou's lover in

name only. But as you probably know, as soon as Ena was sent here, the

situation changed drastically.”

Yuri began to consider her options as she listened to Kaoru's fluent

explanation.

Her spirit sense activated to inform her the gist of Kaoru's demands.

Ena and Erica were currently absent. More importantly, G.o.dou was not

here either. Yuri could subtly sense the intentions of the History

Compilation Committee and Sayanomiya Kaoru. How should she answer

in such a situation?

”I don't like tasteless acts and have no intention of forcing a loveless

relations.h.i.+p on someone. So it's probably time for you...”

”No problem.”

Determined, Yuri interrupted Kaoru with steady confidence.

”The feelings between G.o.dou-san and I will not end in simple friends.h.i.+p.”

With an expression of decisiveness, Yuri looked straight into the face of the

androgynous beauty.

Kaoru showed a rare expression of seriousness. Liliana went ”Eh!?”

followed by Amakasu making a ”oh — ” expression from behind the sofa.

”1-1 am not sure if I can become that great one's wife, but I will definitely

achieve the closest position to that.”

”Is this what your spirit vision told you? Or your own wish?”

Faced with Kaoru's sudden question, Yuri blushed and replied:

”Both... probably. The first time I saw G.o.dou-san, I had a feeling that I

would form an extraordinary relations.h.i.+p with him. Even now, whenever I

think about his safety... I am full of unease.”

From the start, before meeting Kusanagi G.o.dou.

The thought of meeting the brutal Campione had terrified Yuri in the past.

But after the first meeting, she was able to relax her nervous emotions, and

all her worries disappeared. In fact, she started lecturing the world

renowned Devil King.

From that moment, she felt that she could get along well with him.

Now, whenever she thought about him who had gone missing and his

current safety —

Unease and fear precipitated in the depths of her heart. He must be saved,

so Yuri must change herself and prayed to see him back safe and sound.

As these thoughts and feelings melded into one, an incredible idea came

to mind.

Entrusting herself to this idea and working hard towards it within her ability,

Yuri made her decision.

”I see. Then you will offer your chast.i.ty to Kusanagi, is that correct?”

”S-Sayanomiya! W-What are you saying!?”

”C-Correct. I cannot give it to him right away, but in the foreseeable future,

it will likely be inevitable...”

”Mariya Yuri, stop joining in this farce, what on earth are you saying!?”

Yuri ignored Liliana's protests and declared her will. Kaoru smiled wryly

and said:

”Well, now that everything has been spelled out to this extent, I have

nothing more to say. It's sufficient, Yuri.”

”T-Then, may I add something?”

Enduring everyone's gaze focusing on her, Yuri spoke:

”I will follow G.o.dou-san to the corners of the world, and even if the

Committee commands me to harm him, I will never comply. If he decides

to distance himself away from the Committee, then I will leave the

Committee in order to follow him. Please do not forget this!”

Riding on her rising emotion, Yuri made the above declaration.

Kaoru and Amakasu looked at each other after going ”Hey, this is really...”

and ”She's quite something.” Then a mischievous expression crossed the

master's face before she resumed seriously:

”I will bear that in mind, Hime. Then Amakasu, as the wedding gift, go take

that out.”

”Ah — I really have to go to the storeroom after all? No other way around

it...”

As soon as the word ”storeroom” was spoken, the tables in the study

began to shake, and so did the bookshelves.

It did not seem like an earthquake. From the corner of the room, the sharp

noise of something breaking could be heard.

Yuri and Liliana exchanged glances, as a witch she sensed it — here in this

building existed an inhuman resident.

”You two already realized? Amazing, how very sharp of you. The herbs

you need are kept in my family's storeroom. In it are the collections of the

ancestors over the ages. Whenever anyone wants to touch them,

great-grandfather gets very naggy and will even make a troublesome

commotion.”

”Kaoru-san's great-grandfather — the previous previous Sayanomiya family

head!”

Sayanomiya Koremichi. The founder of the History Compilation Committee

who went to Europe to study foreign magic. Born in the Meiji period and

pa.s.sed away in the fortieth year of the Shouwa period.

Recalling his biographical details, Yuri fell silent. This meant...

”All the heads of the Sayanomiya family, throughout the ages, were avid

and compulsive collectors. Even after their deaths, they would watch over

those collections. Other than Amakasu receiving a few near death

experiences on his way to retrieving things from the storeroom, there is no

real danger, so don't worry.”

”That is why I said. Please do not ask me to do things exceeding my pay

grade! I just can't stand this!”

”What's wrong, shouldn't a ninja serve the public selflessly?”

”That ridiculous description is what binds us to labor under extremely

hazardous working conditions!”

Yuri and Liliana's eyes widened with surprise at the revelation of the

haunted house from the little argument between the superior and her

subordinate.

In any case, they were now properly prepared to save G.o.dou and the rest.

”Then let us start preparing the ritual for entering the Astral Plane... To be

honest, I have only used this kind of high level magic once, so I cannot be

completely confident.”

Liliana seemed to be trying to chase away her doubt.

”But I will try my best, and I hope everyone will a.s.sist me.”

”If that's the case, I have a suggestion. Due to spell specializations, even

though you are both miko, letting Yuri handle the aspects of the Astral

Plane will allow much faster progress.”

Kaoru spoke as she glanced over.

Yuri also agreed, since her spirit vision was what western magi called

extracting [Memories of the Void]. In that case, the one most suited to

taking action on the other side was —

Part 2

Meanwhile, the two trapped in the Netherworld could do nothing but take it

easy.

Their location was still the same. Amongst the empty streets and within the

empty park, G.o.dou sat on the gra.s.s while Erica lazily used his thigh as a

pillow to lie on.

”Is it really okay for us to do nothing like this...”

”It can't be helped, because there is nothing we can do.”

Compared to the worried G.o.dou, Erica was very relaxed.

”Knowing we have disappeared, Yuri and Liliana will surely start searching,

so all we need to do is wait for them.”

”Can we be found?”

”It's not impossible, given the combination of Yuri's spirit vision and

Liliana's magic... But it could take a while. The only concern is how long

the [Youth]'s protection will hold out for.”

Erica a.n.a.lyzed calmly as she pressed her cheek against G.o.dou's lap

pillow.

”Probably quite a while, but the protection cannot sustain itself

indefinitely... So, the only thing we can do now is affirm our love for each

other.”

”How did it come to this!? We should be using our time for something more

constructive!”

”With my knowledge and magic, nothing can be done about the current

situation. Same for G.o.dou's authority. Look, there's nothing to do but wait.

So, let's do something that neither of us will regret.”

Lying on G.o.dou's lap, Erica turned to face him.

Seeing her happiness and satisfaction, incomparable to past expressions,

G.o.dou's heart began to race.

”G.o.dou was great just now... That savagery, and even ordering me

around... Hoho, injecting some freshness like that once in a while is not

bad.”

”l-ls that so? Whatever, if you didn't mind, it's fine.”

G.o.dou suppressed his anxiety.

The way he lost control just now was probably under the influence of

Verethragna's authority.

During the ritual, he and Erica seemed like they were caught in a very

abnormal state.

”Yes, about the protection obtained just now.”

Unfazed by G.o.dou's anxiety, Erica caressed her abdomen.

”Right here, there seems to be a very warm and vigorous ma.s.s of life

energy. Just feeling this spot makes me feel very happy... As if our child

was in my womb.”

”What — !? Y-Your description is too inappropriate!”

”Ah, but I am the one feeling it, so your objection is overruled. By the way,

can I have a real baby with you?”

”No! Please save your dream speech for when you are sleeping!”

Resolutely refusing Erica's request, G.o.dou made a decision.

When someone precious was caught in a crisis, the [Youth] could be used

to protect that person. But using that technique required engaging in

certain activities...

Forbidden. He must seal the [Youth] and never use it ever again.

”Really, can't you continue to show me that manliness from just now?”

Erica was beginning to have fits like a spoiled child.

But given the vulnerable expression on her face as she rested on his thigh,

she was so cute that it must be cheating.

If the two of them continued being isolated like that, how much longer

could he endure? Who could have thought it was so difficult to ignore the

cries of ”just give in to temptation” in the depths of his heart?

G.o.dou was going mad from unease and anxiety.

” — G.o.dou-san, Erica-san!”

A familiar cute voice.

Lifting his head, he saw Mariya Yuri appear in her miko outfit.

Finally. The familiar face he missed. However, G.o.dou felt rather

embarra.s.sed to be caught in such a posture in the middle of that kind of

conversation!

”Yuri! You found us after all!”

Changing her pleading att.i.tude, Erica went back to her usual cheerful

voice, finally getting up from G.o.dou's lap.

”Yes, yes. But what were you two doing in that kind of posture... Too

shameless!”

Yuri scolded loudly.

G.o.dou bowed his head in shame. It was just as she described, and he

could not bear to face her in that kind of situation.

”What's the matter, it's been a while since I got some alone time with

G.o.dou. However... Fine, I did take advantage of the situation, so I will

speak to G.o.dou and let you have him next time. Does that work?”

Just as Erica responded to Yuri with a beautiful smile that was impossible

to refuse, G.o.dou's heart yelled out ”That clearly won't work!”

”N-Next time for me... Erica-san, please do not say that. B-Because I... still

have not prepared myself yet...”

Yuri spoke softly and was blus.h.i.+ng as if she had a high fever.

She even stole a glance at G.o.dou but quickly s.h.i.+fted her gaze away. What

was going on? G.o.dou felt troubled, for Yuri was acting a bit differently from

before.

”M-Mariya what is going on with her...”

”I think she has accepted certain things, and made many preparations.

Since she always had that intention, it's probably time for you to be

prepared.”

As G.o.dou muttered, unable to grasp the situation, Erica whispered in

response.

Prepare? Intention? What does it all mean?

”Did Lily send you over here? Who could have thought she even got the

potion.”

”Yes, thanks to the a.s.sistance of the History Compilation Committee, we

finally reached this place. Liliana-san, who performed the ritual, actually

wanted to come herself... But since it would be more convenient for me to

travel to the Netherworld...”

”Yes, with powerful spirit vision, Yuri can easily obtain information from this

world.”

Seamlessly, the two of them transitioned the conversation to practical

matters.

More convenient for Yuri to be here? Seeing G.o.dou's incredulous

expression, Erica immediately explained.

”You must have experienced it already. If you want information, you can

obtain it through spirit vision. When Yuri came to this world, she

immediately found us using spirit vision and easily used that image to fly

here instantaneously. Am I correct?”

”Yes, but just to be safe, it is best to avoid using spirit vision here as much

as possible.”

Yuri surveyed the surroundings as she spoke with apprehension.

”Yes, compared to the real world, my power becomes stronger here.

However... if any minor mistake is made, it could become dangerous — this

is the kind of unpleasant feeling I am getting.”

G.o.dou recalled Ena who went too far with divine possession.

”If so, then the faster we get out the better. Actually, Seishuuin already

returned to earth, and just like the way Mariya described, she has become

abnormal. The power of Susanoo and Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi has

invaded her body, and we must save her.”

”Eh!? Something went wrong when Ena performed divine possession in

the Netherworld?”

After showing great surprise, Yuri became serious.

”If that is the case, then we cannot dally... Everyone, please come to my

side.”

G.o.dou and Erica approached as Yuri directed.

As if praying far away to the other side, Yuri closed her eyes and was

surrounded by blue light.

Was this the marker to bring them all back to earth?

As the thought crossed his mind, G.o.dou's body was pulled up high into the

air. The surface of the Netherworld he had been standing on became very

distant almost instantly.

By the time he realized it, G.o.dou and the rest were in the yard of a house

he had never visited before.

They were back in their original world? Though he did not know how much

time has pa.s.sed, the sky was completely dark. The majestic Tokyo

Imperial Palace could be seen not far away, so this must be the central

part of the Chiyoda ward.

Within the premises of an ancient mansion, this must be the home of

someone rich.

Suddenly, he noticed complicated and strange shapes and diagrams

inscribed neatly on the ground as well as indecipherable letters and

pictograms that seemed like a spell.

These were likely the remnants of magic. G.o.dou looked around.

Beside him were Erica and Yuri who looked exhausted, while Liliana

Kranjcar was also running towards him.

”Kusanagi G.o.dou! You have returned safely!”

Fairy-like and silver-haired, the witch was especially emotional as she

fought back tears.

Feeling apologetic for making her worry so much, G.o.dou also noticed two

other people.

The suited figure of Amakasu and a handsome fellow in a corner of the

yard.

”Kusanagi-san, your safe return is more important than anything. Let me

express my utmost joy at your homecoming.”

”Amakasu-san! You came at the right time, do you know where is

Seishuuin now!?”

In the same instant as he questioned the plain looking agent.

A chilling wind began to blow and strengthen, and it even started to rain.

— A storm was arriving. G.o.dou clearly felt battle vigor awaken from within

his body.

This was surely in reaction to something similar to a G.o.d nearby.

”This must be caused by Seishuuin Ena and Ama no Murak.u.mo no

Tsurugi.”

”Erica, you can tell?”

”Yes, probably because G.o.dou gave me Verethragna's protection, I can

feel it.”

At some point in time, everyone's gaze had focused on G.o.dou and Erica.

Yuri, Liliana, Amakasu, as well as the handsome character seen for the

first time.

The last person was androgynous and possessed good looks that could

very well belong to either a handsome youth or a beautiful girl. He or she

smiled at G.o.dou and nodded.

”I am Sayanomiya Kaoru, and Amakasu's boss, as well as a Hime-Miko

like Yuri and Ena.”

”Hime-Miko?”

”Many people have expressed surprise at that, but let's put it aside. Just

now, did you say Ena and Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi are responsible

for this? Could you explain the details of the situation to me?”

Someone clearly around the same age group, but turning out to be

Amakasu's boss. G.o.dou felt there was something problematic with

Sayanomiya Kaoru's self-introduction. As he prepared to respond...

' — Save it, because the Campione has returned to this world.'

The voice identical to that troublesome girl.

But it was definitely not her normal tone of voice.

Seishuuin Ena's body stood with Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi on the wall

that surrounded the house.

The figure of Ena drenched in rain, gave a kind of hollow impression like

some sort of puppet or a doll.

Was it because Yuri or Amakasu were being watched? Or did the divine

blade have supernatural senses that discovered the Campione's return?

No matter what, the timing of her appearance was rather delicate.

G.o.dou was determined. If this continued, so long as she continued to be

possessed in this state, Ena's body would eventually collapse. She needed

some sense beaten into her to wake up... But the question was how should

she be beaten?

Verethragna's ten incarnations were all too powerful to be used against

humans.

As G.o.dou hesitated, Liliana stepped forward.

”Kusanagi G.o.dou, please leave this to me. All we need to do is catch that

woman, right? I cannot tolerate her rampaging around any further.”

”Lily, she is currently not someone you can handle alone, I will join in too.”

Naturally, the speaker was Erica.

Cuore di Leone and II Maestro.

The two knights' respective magic swords appeared in their hands. Then

their brightly colored bandiera capes were also summoned around their

shoulders.

The cape striped red and black and the cape striped blue and black.

These were what the Templar Knights called the flags of army

commanders and brave knights. On G.o.dou's right stood Erica in red, while

on the left was Liliana in blue.

In front of the red and blue knights, the Hime-Miko wielding the sword

spoke without moving her lips.

'...Mere humans challenging me — the divine blade — and my miko? Rude

fellows who do not know their place.'

This contempt came not from the miko, but from the divine blade.

However, its will to fight had been provoked, and Ena jumped down from

the wall onto the road outside. Presumably, to find an open area, she

began running towards the main road.

Even though she was controlled like a puppet, her motions were

extraordinarily swift.

Erica and Liliana also pursued with speed akin to flying.

G.o.dou also frantically ran after them. From the scenery he recognized, this

was the area around Chidorigafuchi.^

At the cemetery entrance was an intersection, and opposite was a road for

taking walks where trees were densely planted. Nearby was the Shuto

Expressway as well as the palace moat of Chidorigafuchi, the stone walls

surrounding the Imperial Palace, and many cherry blossom trees.

As G.o.dou raced after them, a two on one battle was already unfolding

along the green lanes of Chidorigafuchi.

On the hundreds of meters of walking lanes along the moat of the Imperial

Palace, large numbers of cherry blossom trees were planted (primarily of

the Yos.h.i.+no cherry variety), turning into a beautiful sight every spring.

”What time is it now?”

”Almost one in the morning, though this usually has busy traffic, there are

almost no pedestrians at this time.”

To G.o.dou's yelled question, Amakasu responded swiftly.

This young man easily caught up to G.o.dou who was running at full

strength.

(As a side note, Yuri was left behind long ago, while Kaoru showed no

intention of following and only motioned for Amakasu to chase after them.)

During the last battle against Ena, who was controlled by Ama no

Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi, Erica met with great defeat once.

Though it was now two against one, could they handle it? Using a

Campione's authority will definitely kill Ena. G.o.dou was caught in a

dilemma as he worried about the outcome of the battle.

”Eli Eli lama sabachthani? Oh Lord, why hast thou forsaken me?”^

”People, listen to David's song of mourning! How are the mighty fallen, and

the weapons of war perished!”^

The red and blue knights employed their trump cards from the very start.

Both were lyrics singing praises to unparalleled warriors — quotes from the

songs of the heroic King David.

The strongest secret moves that could even damage a G.o.d. Erica did not

use it in the Netherworld because she deemed it too dangerous to use

spells which consumed too much magical power.

”But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help

me. Deliver my soul from the sword; Save me from the lion's mouth: for

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thou hast heard me from the horns of wild oxen!” 1 J

Filled with despair, Erica's mournful wails resounded.

These were the ”Golgotha Spells Words.” Also known as the song of

disaster, this was the hymn that Jesus Christ sang before he died while

crucified at the site of Golgotha.

”From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of