Vol 9 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4 - Petrified Metropolis

Part 1

Having bid Kusanagi G.o.dou goodbye last night, Athena had crossed the

sea.

The beauty of the night was being polluted by the presence of streetlights.

Gazing at the scenery from the opposite sh.o.r.e, she suddenly had this

notion.

The battle was finally about to begin.

Conquering enemy cities, setting them ablaze, using them as signal fires to

declare war was part of the elegant traditions of the battlefield. Now then,

what should be chosen as the sacrifices —

While Athena waited for early morning to appear before her, humans were

slowly spreading throughout the harbor. Moored at this place were ma.s.sive

s.h.i.+ps as well as little boats that seemed like they would be blown away by

the slightest wind.

There were castles and towers where the noisy population entered and

left. There were also quite a few mansions.

Of course, there were many human inhabitants. Far exceeding a thousand,

easily in the realm of tens of thousands.

These people were living their lives, crammed in a little corner like that.

Those boxes with wheels were very conspicuous, running around making

noise everywhere.

Like grains of sands overflowing in a desert. Clumsy tools created for

traversing the earth's surface. Using strange artificial rocks to cover the

ground, for the sake of their own convenience, these humans constructed

roads everywhere as they pleased.

Athena lamented. All aspects of human beings were completely impossible

to understand, what stupidity —

Like beasts seeking food for survival, only pitiful death awaited those who

failed to defeat their enemies. Or plants, growing across the wilderness,

enduring wind and rain, absorbing sunlight, stoically accepting all sorts of

hards.h.i.+p, suffering, and blessings to survive. Death took its course

naturally.

— That should be the way. One shall release one's authority to bring

silence.

Athena unsealed the [Serpent's Evil Gaze].

The curse that transformed everything within sight into cold hard stone.

The power to bring forth temporary death.

It had been used slightly in the previous battle against Kusanagi G.o.dou.

Now it was time to liberate it completely.

To the G.o.ddess, this was a casual decision akin to a human deciding what

to eat for dinner that night. But to the world, the effects were momentous.

”Hohoho... This shall do. Now, Kusanagi G.o.dou shall finally appreciate

one's exalted spirit.”

All sorts of stones began to roll before Athena.

Stone s.h.i.+ps, stone roads, stone towers, stone fortresses.

There were also many man-made artificial stones that were used as

building materials. But thanks to Athena's blessing, all had turned into

natural rock.

Of course, these humans were also —

Gathering in this harbor, all humans had been turned into stone.

Even gra.s.s and trees were petrified. In short, everything within sight had

become stone without exception.

All the boxes running around had also transformed into stone. With a

single glare from the snake G.o.ddess, they all stopped instantly, becoming

motionless stone boxes.

Overlooking this silent dominion, Athena was satisfied.

”Heavens, Earth, Fire, Water. One's immature destined rival. Knowest

Athena's valor, thou shalt do well to know Athena's power. Preparest

thyself well for one's onslaught and polishest thy sword!”

With bold declarations, she started walking.

Everything shall proceed in this manner. Everything turned into stone as

one awaited Kusanagi G.o.dou's arrival. That foolish G.o.d-slayer should then

be able to realize the G.o.ddess' will to fight. If he was so set in his foolish

ways that he fails to understand, one would have no choice but to give up

and simply execute him without bestowing any honor or praise.

Taking quick light steps, Athena walked forth.

In the same situation, Lancelot du Lac would have charged straight into the

enemy camp in the form of tempestuous lightning.

But for Athena — that did not befit the style of the queen who once ruled

over the ancient divine realm.

Openly strolling into the enemy's city, displaying valor and might.

”Preparest thyself, G.o.d-slayer. This day shall be the anniversary of thy

death!”

”In short, Athena is recklessly acting as she pleases.”

It was at the Heavenly Reverse Halberd's excavation site near the

Kisarazu sh.o.r.e.

Amakasu had spread out a map, and was explaining the situation.

”Almost an hour ago, Athena appeared on Kawasaki's reclaimed land and

started to petrify things recklessly and arbitrarily. Although that area

contains mostly factories and warehouses, nevertheless, it's completely

lost. Reports say that the harbor and the parks, s.h.i.+ps and cars, humans,

animals and plants, everything was turned into stone in little more than ten

minutes.”

Amakasu sighed at this point.

”As a divine power after all, the petrification ability doesn't just affect

individual objects. Let alone everything within line of sight, even things

within several kilometers along the direction of her gaze will all turn into

stone. This has surpa.s.sed RPG boss level enemies, and is more along the

likes of wide-scale map weapons in simulation RPGs.”

Even though it was a frivolous a.n.a.logy, the wisecrack was not enough to

lighten the mood.

”Next, Athena began moving towards the Ukis.h.i.+ma junction, entering the

tunnel of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway. The tunnel interior and the

vehicles have all been petrified.”

Amakasu explained, pointing to the map. Taking the Trans-Tokyo Bay

Highway from Kawasaki's Ukis.h.i.+mamachi, it was just a straight road from

Kanagawa to Chiba. As expected of Athena, she seemed to have figured

out the geography before making her move.

”Why is this the only thing that she researches seriously...”

”Even though she is walking here with leisurely strides, she is still a

G.o.ddess. The speed is abnormal. According to reconnaissance reports,

she is moving at 20km/h.”

Amakasu explained further in response to G.o.dou's comment.

Normal humans with healthy legs generally walked at 5km/h or so. In

comparison, it was really fast.

”The Committee and Kaoru-san have already informed all involved parties.

The surroundings have been sealed off, traffic has been restricted, and

movement through Haneda Airport has been stopped. The remaining

problems are the cars driving along the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway and the

parking area of the Umihotaru artificial island.”

”If that's the case, let's confront her there.”

G.o.dou declared swiftly.

Everyone — Amakasu, Liliana, Yuri and Ena focused their gaze on G.o.dou.

”I don't know if it's lucky or what, but it's near the artificial island of

Umihotaru which we pa.s.sed by yesterday. Will that be fine?”

”Of course. Leave it to me.”

Liliana turned around in response to the last question.

A place they had been to before. That meant it could be reached by a

witch's flight magic. The knight nodded to consent to the suggestion.

”We shouldn't have to wait until Athena reaches Kisarazu, right? If we

confront her along the way, we can prevent further losses.”

Depicted on the map was the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway toll route. G.o.dou

explained as he pointed to the parking area on the Umihotaru artificial

island where they had made a short rest stop yesterday. Using Liliana's

flight magic as an emergency means of transport should allow them to

confront Athena there.

”Right now we still don't know how to save the people on Umihotaru or the

ones in the vehicles moving away from the Kisarazu direction. But we'll try

our best.”

”Thanks. I still have other tasks to oversee and a.s.sign, so I won't be

coming along...”

As expected of Amakasu, he was already used to situations like this.

After quickly summarizing the plans, he took out the Heavenly Reverse

Halberd from his s.h.i.+rt.

”I am returning this. Please take it.”

”But will it really be fine for G.o.dou-san to safeguard it under such

conditions? In a battle against Athena...”

Yuri questioned in an elegant tone of voice.

”If a divine artifact of this sort clashes with Athena's divinity, what if some

disastrous effect resulted... Ah, of course I am only speculating without any

basis. But somehow it worries me and I could not help but voice my

concerns.”

Hearing Yuri's reminder, Amakasu and G.o.dou looked at each other.

If the most adept spirit vision user had ”worries,” how could they simply

ignore them?

”If that's the case, why not have Amakasu-san continue holding on to it?

Since Amakasu-san is a ninja, if that witch comes along you can always

find a way to escape?”

Ena made her suggestion.

”Ena and Liliana-san, as well as that young master of Hong Kong's Lu

family. None of us would be able to defeat Amakasu-san in a game of

hide-and-seek. Other than His Majesty, aren't you the best candidate to

keep it safe?”

”Eh, is that so?”

”Yes, even Kaoru-san says that Amakasu-san would be what's called a

master ninja in modern times.”

”Please don't call me something like master thief or master samurai!”

G.o.dou stared at Amakasu who seemed quite disgusted.

Perhaps he was even more suited to holding onto the divine artifact?

Ena and Liliana were already as agile as monkeys or swallows. Amakasu

not only surpa.s.sed them in those types of techniques but matched Lu

Yinghua who excelled at long distance travel and thievery. G.o.dou himself

had zero confidence that he could run away from any one of those people

mentioned.

”Well, it only applies if the opponent is human. I'm dead if I run into a G.o.d,

or the various authorities of the Campiones. And that Divine Ancestor lady

is something more than human but less than divine, isn't the situation

rather delicate here!?”

”Well well. Divine Ancestors can't compare to us, it'll be fine.”

Not performing jobs that exceeded the compensation of his salary.

Amakasu, who often repeated that line, was feeling extremely anxious.

Nevertheless, G.o.dou brushed him off indifferently.

If there was no problem in ability, then the only issue was a sense of duty.

It felt like Amakasu was just grumbling and sighing as he complained.

Probably.

”Hmm... If I find myself really in a bind, I will be trying my hardest to flee to

Kusanagi-san's location, okay? My salary doesn't include any hazard pay,

you know.”

In the end, the Heavenly Reverse Halberd was entrusted to the ninja

despite his mournful declaration.

With that, it was finally time for the battle with Athena.

”Then let's go, Kusanagi G.o.dou. Another battle against Athena awaits — I

shall, no, we shall a.s.sist you with all our power.”

G.o.dou nodded silently in reply to Liliana's softly spoken words.

The members heading for the battlefield gathered around the silver-haired

knight. G.o.dou and Mariya Yuri, as well as Seishuuin Ena — The group

was surrounded by blue light as they flew into the sky.

Part 2

After flying for slightly more than ten minutes, the spectacular artificial

island of Umihotaru entered into view.

The Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway was a wide multi-laned toll route. As a

parking and rest stop area, Umihotaru also became a tourist attraction.

Its appearance was like a ma.s.sive ocean liner floating on the sea.

The first level was a s.p.a.cious multipurpose plaza with a memorial hall. The

second and third levels were parking lots. The fourth level contained the

observation deck as well as rows of restaurants and entertainment

facilities.

□liana's flight magic gave off bright light as they flew through the air.

Normally, the sight of such brightness making a landing would have

caused a commotion.

But that worry was irrelevant now. G.o.dou and his companions landed on

the multipurpose s.p.a.ce.

A cursory glance did not find anyone. The situation could be surmised from

the announcer's broadcast:

'All guests, please follow directions. We have just been notified that a large

amount of explosives was set up in this facility, and the police has issued

an evacuation request. We hope everyone can follow our staff's directions

and evacuate as quickly as possible — '

A female employee's recorded voice.

It sounded like she was reading with great nervousness. The stiff-toned

announcement continued repeating on a loop.

By now, all the people present should have gathered in the parking area

and sent in turn towards the direction of Kisarazu. Since all the people had

arrived by car, the flow was probably easier to direct compared to other

kinds of facilities.

”Amakasu-san already mentioned the countermeasures at the scene,

right?”

G.o.dou nodded.

Working in all sorts of capacities, the History Compilation Committee

succeeded in sealing off all traffic from the Umihotaru artificial island to the

Kawasaki Ukis.h.i.+ma junction. Apparently, everyone had been redirected

towards Kisarazu for safety. Even from the air just now, G.o.dou and his

group could see the cars lining up from Umihotaru to escape towards

Kisarazu.

”I remember there's an observation deck on the top level.”

Liliana suddenly spoke.

”Should we stay on guard and watch the Kawasaki direction from there?

We should be prepared for Athena's arrival from a place with good

visibility.”

”Good idea. Ena has great vision, so anything strange should be spotted

immediately.”

”Right... Even though my spirit vision has nothing to do with normal vision,

it should be easier to sense Athena's divine aura from a wide open s.p.a.ce.”

The two Hime-Miko expressed agreement. There was no reason to reject

the proposal. G.o.dou answered immediately.

”Got it. Then let's follow that plan.”

”Understood. Oh... Seishuuin Ena and Mariya Yuri should go up there first

to stand on guard. Kusanagi G.o.dou and I will check out the situation at the

parking area before joining you two.”

Liliana gave orders efficiently.

The silver-haired blue knight was being more proactive in delegating tasks

compared to before. Perhaps it was due to the absence of the one usually

in charge of coordinating the group — Erica? Or maybe it was due to her

new role as Grand Chamberlain? Probably both.

”Okay. Then Yuri, let's go.”

”Very well. If we spot anything unusual, we will immediately let you two

know by phone.”

Yuri and Ena did not object to Liliana's leaders.h.i.+p.

I see. G.o.dou found it interesting. In stark contrast with the Italian duo, the

Hime-Miko pair displayed a weaker sense of cohesion. As a result, the red

and blue knights naturally took up the role of G.o.dou's second-in-command

in turn.

The two Hime-Miko took the ma.s.sive escalator up to the top floor.

As their figures vanished, Liliana immediately grumbled.

”...Finally, just the two of us.”

”...Eh?”

Liliana shyly lowered her gaze, her face gone completely red —

She seemed emotionally unstable and muttering something under her

breath.

”Actually, while we were flying I had been wondering how to find some

private time for us. This went unexpectedly well, excellent.”

”W-What is this about?”

Liliana spoke softly as she approached, causing G.o.dou to ask in a

trembling voice. Actually, the current developments were making him

realize ”Could it be that!?”

”Please do not pretend to be ignorant, okay? You are the one more

obsessed with 'victory' than anyone. You could not have failed to consider

preparing your weapon before the battle with Athena.”

She was certainly right. Knowledge gained from instruction magic only

remained in his mind for about a day or so.

G.o.dou had long forgotten the knowledge of Athena he once had.

”If no one offers knowledge to you, then Verethragna's [Sword] cannot be

formed. In short, that is the situation. Kusanagi G.o.dou.”

”W-What situation!?”

Wait a minute. In truth, he already had a basic idea as soon as Liliana's

beautiful face drew near.

But it was very problematic to treat ”that sort of thing” as if it was the most

natural thing in the world. It was the root cause of why he was labeled a

s.e.x maniac by society. On the other hand, not having a reliable weapon

would be a huge handicap...

G.o.dou was struggling with all sorts of concerns.

”I believe someone needs to accomplish this mission. So let me, Liliana

Kranjcar, do the job. Though I sometimes wonder if I am abusing my

authority as housekeeper when I a.s.sume this duty, nevertheless, I still do

not want to relinquish it to other girls — ”

The knight's expression remained stern and awe-inspiring as always.

There were many faces to this knight. Sometimes she was exceptionally

adorable. On other occasions she might be trying to clean up personal

disasters with a frantic expression. Other times, she would display a

fairy-like beauty of complete vulnerability.

Currently, she was very apprehensive from a lack of self confidence.

”I believe you should prioritize the one waiting by your side, always ready

when you need me... However, umm, if you ever feel like entrusting this

duty to another, of course I shall immediately step down and dismiss

myself... I humbly beseech your permission.”

She looked very unsure as she spoke.

She probably had little confidence that G.o.dou would pick her. At this

moment, she lacked her usual domineering att.i.tude, and displayed an

extremely adorable side to G.o.dou. This rare expression from Liliana

greatly stimulated G.o.dou's sense of protective desire.

More praiseworthy above all was her determination to go this far in spite of

her embarra.s.sment.

With that thought he instantly stole Liliana's lips.

”Ah...”

”I must fight Athena afterwards. So please, I rely on you.”

G.o.dou briefly whispered as their lips came together again.

Tears welled up in Liliana's eyes as she nodded.

”Yes, very well. I will tell you everything to know about that G.o.ddess.

Because... Because you must obtain victory.”

Again, G.o.dou pa.s.sionately pressed his lips against the whispering knight's

lips.

Lips were released and came together time and again. Tongues and saliva

tangled and mixed together, becoming one. Throughout the process,

knowledge and feelings were transmitted.

Indeed, G.o.dou had received bonds of magic and intense emotions.

They were a little more than ten minutes late by the time they caught up to

the two Hime-Miko.

After frantically concluding the ritual, G.o.dou and Liliana went up onto the

observation deck. The two Hime-Miko who got there first immediately

greeted them.

”Ah, you finally came. So slow.”

”Were there any problems down there?”

The artificial island of Umihotaru was located in the very center of Tokyo

Bay.

This observation deck on the fifth floor was surrounded by sea on all sides.

Far into the distance, the streets and sh.o.r.es of the two prefectures

Kanagawa and Chiba could be seen.

The view was excellent. This was even a well-known viewing spot for night

scenery.

Ena and Yuri were currently gazing at the road from Kawasaki. This was

the path Athena was expected to arrive from.

”Umm, as feared, it seems like not everyone has evacuated.”

”T-That is most correct. In order to protect them we have to put our best

effort. Let us do our best!”

G.o.dou and Liliana responded vaguely to the Hime-Miko's questions.

Still, they had gone to properly check the state of evacuation. Taking the

escalator up from a certain level of the parking area, the situation below

could be easily surveyed.

There were roughly twenty or thirty vehicles remaining.

Even though Umihotaru was a tourist destination, there seemed to be

relatively fewer visitors than usual. Perhaps it was fortunate that it was still

early — before ten in the morning.

”...Isn't there something weird about His Majesty and Liliana-san?”

”...I think you are right. They are both acting unnatural and look kind of

unsettled?”

It was because the two had done something together in secret. G.o.dou and

Liliana pretended to be calm and avoided answering.

”Ah! Now that it is mentioned... Perhaps... Could it be... I knew it!”

”What is it, Yuri? You realized something?”

”Y-Yes. T-That. Those two must have... Yes, definitely without a doubt.”

Yuri was suddenly shocked by a certain realization.

It was not clear whether it was the result of spirit vision or a woman's

intuition... She began whispering into the baffled Ena's ear.

”Then that means the chance for earning credit has been stolen from Ena

and you!? How could that happen, it's so mean!”

”W-With respect to a battle with Athena, this is a necessary step after all.

Please do not say something so presumptuous. B-But still — G.o.dou-san!”

Yuri appeared to be rationally persuading her outraged friend, as well as

herself.

But clearly trying hard to bear her emotions, Yuri suddenly shouted at

G.o.dou.

”Learning knowledge about Athena, eh? Doing it with Liliana-san and

trying to hide it from us both.”

”Umm... Umm, well.”

”M-Mariya Yuri. J-Just as you said yourself, this is a necessary ritual for

the battle.”

”Liliana-san, please be quiet. I am speaking with G.o.dou-san right now.”

Interrogating G.o.dou who had given a vague answer earlier.

Stopping Liliana from explaining, and sending her silent immediately .

Somehow Yuri had become the center of the situation. It was unbelievable.

She was the extremely conservative type who always tried to keep out of

the spotlight. However, she also had times when she would suddenly

display great power and influence over her surroundings.

”Regarding that matter, nothing more needs to be said. I also believe, that

it was necessary in preparation for the severe battle ahead. I too, shall put

forth my best effort to support.”

”Uh yeah.”

Even though she was calm, Yuri's words were extremely terrifying.

G.o.dou could not help but stand up straight. The fact that he was about to

answer ”Yes” very respectfully was a secret.

”By the way, last night's little tryst with Ena-san is the same. You seem to

engage repeatedly in such behavior while trying to hide it from others? Do

not forget Your Highness is the one known as [King]. In my humble

opinion, your words and behavior should properly display a king's dignity

and splendor.”

”S-Splendor?”

”Yes. Indeed you are equivalent to a tyrant who continually commits acts of

atrocity and willfulness. By the moral standards of ordinary society, you

would probably be described as outrageously indulged in debauchery.

Nevertheless, I still know that you are an honest person with heroic ideals.”

Having spoken thus, Yuri suddenly smiled in a dreamlike manner.

”I believe this is the reason why I love and admire you, and offer my

a.s.sistance. Furthermore, I also believe you will never commit acts of

cowardice... Yes, even along the demonic path towards h.e.l.l, you will walk

your own path with open righteousness.”

G.o.dou could not stand things any further.

She was describing him like a kabuki 1 J performer ”indulged in one's own

art.”

Yuri was acting like a princ.i.p.al wife married from a highborn family? Faced

with the husband's philandering, she generously offered forgiveness

”because it is natural for performers.” A wise and virtuous wife who firmly

grasped the husband's reins —

”I humbly advise you to show a little restraint in behavior that taints your

honor. Keeping silent for such reasons is most inappropriate... Now then, is

everything prepared in regards to Athena?”

The pressure disappeared all of a sudden.

Yuri was back to being a gentle and refined high cla.s.s young lady.

Resuming her gentle expression caused the mood to lighten immediately.

Whenever she lectured in the past, her imposing presence was already

extraordinary... But now it was apparent she had made great progress in

both the gentle and the forceful.

(...Hikari also indicated complete helplessness at resisting her elder sister.)

G.o.dou observed to himself. Perhaps everyone had grown and matured,

having been through so many h.e.l.lish trials.

Yuri. Liliana. Even Erica was much different compared to their first

encounter. Compared to before, Ena was also entering human society

more frequently.

I too, must be strong — it was time to remind himself.

Feeling battle strength rising from his energy center beneath the navel,

G.o.dou began to feel a sense of excitement.

She arrived? G.o.dou cast his gaze towards Kawasaki.

There was not a single car on the multi-laned highway. This must be the

result of the G.o.ddess entering the tunnel section of the Trans-Tokyo Bay

Highway and petrifying all vehicles and pa.s.sengers along the way.

Athena's beautiful appearance came into view.

Openly advancing, she seemed like she was casually strolling on an empty

plain.

Nevertheless, she was moving at exceptional speeds. Even if a human ran

as hard as possible with reckless abandon, they would be instantly left in

the dust.

This was another of Athena and Kusanagi G.o.dou's numerous reunions.

Part 3

”Fu — all said and done, thy face looketh mighty spirited compared to last

night. But 'tis insufficient. Completely insufficient.”

Athena a.s.serted suddenly.

Even though she was in the form of a young girl, her frowning expression

was one which belonged to a haughty queen.

”Thy expression and thy heart, both lack the determination of a warrior

prepared for death on the battlefield. As a G.o.d-slaying warrior, thou art

ludicrous.”

”Shut up. Stop imposing your Iron Age style of thinking on modern

humans!”

G.o.dou retorted at the G.o.ddess standing on the road beneath.

That unbridgeable gap in culture. From the current standoff, it was clearly

the reason why G.o.dou could never build a good rapport with Athena.

”Regardless, I can't believe you went to such lengths. If you cause trouble

to human society, then I can't remain silent. I will do everything I can to

drive you out of this country.”

”Even if thou sayst that, 'tis not enough.”

G.o.d and G.o.d-slayer. The gulf between them was far too wide.

Athena looked up at G.o.dou from the road. G.o.dou looked down at Athena

from the observation deck.

”Drive out? Fool! Why canst thou utter words like slaughter and wipe from

the face of the earth!? In the face of such a crisis, hast thou not learnt the

determination of a warrior!?”

”I have my own ways of doing things! Whether you are a G.o.ddess or a

queen, you have no right to complain!”

The physical distance between them was nothing.

There was a consensus between the two. What separated them was the

distance known as issouku-ittou no ma 1 J — the battle could begin any

moment by taking a step forward. That was the situation.

G.o.dou gestured to the girls, giving an order of ”stay back.”

Liliana, Yuri and Ena immediately obeyed and retreated to the depths of

the observation deck, preparing for changes in the battle situation. That

was their a.s.signed mission.

”By the skills with which I wield spell words, may justice of the world

manifest!”

”Bearers of lingering life, all shall cease activity completely! Ye shall be

vanquished here!”

Chanting spell words at the same time, G.o.dou used the [Warrior]

incarnation while Athena unleashed the divine power of [Petrification].

”A cold tombstone that befits ye. That shall be this G.o.ddess' blessing

bestowed!”

The snake G.o.ddess' song brought forth temporary death.

A change started from under her feet. She had been standing on a road

constructed from thick concrete.

However, the man-made road instantly changed in appearance. Becoming

a rocky plain covered by natural gray stone. No, not only that — even the

ocean was turned into stone.

All the waves on the surface of the surrounding waters of the Umihotaru

artificial island had been frozen into stone.

Liquid seawater had been turned into solid rock. Athena had petrified all

the seawater within a two or three kilometer radius around her.

”Now then, sleep. Simply wait to awaken at dream's end. However, one

shall imprison ye in an eternal dream!”

How ridiculous! This meant defeat was not an option!

G.o.dou began to chant the spell words of the [Sword]. In order to create the

blade of knowledge that could sever Athena's divinity.

”As the one who holds all victory in my hands, I am the strongest. The

mighty and the indomitable one!”

G.o.dou was standing atop Umihotaru's observation deck.

The G.o.d-slaying weapons appeared over his head in the form of spheres

of light.

They were like thousands of stars hovering in the night sky. One by one,

the bright spots of light sliced through Athena's divinity, paring away at her

divine power.

”I shall vanquish all evil-doers!”

G.o.dou first used the [Sword]'s spell words to surround the entire artificial

island of Umihotaru.

This parking rest stop area had now become a s.h.i.+p in distress, floating on

a sea of stone. Probably hundreds of people were unable to seek refuge

within the s.h.i.+p? That included G.o.dou himself, Yuri, Liliana and Ena.

Furthermore, quite a fair number of cars must have been in mid-route,

driving towards Kisarazu.

Athena's [Evil Gaze] prohibited them from reaching their destination.

With unshakable willpower, G.o.dou began controlling the [Sword]. The

divine power of petrification from the G.o.ddess' eyes began to be cut,

severed, slashed, and pierced by the blades of light surrounding

Umihotaru.

It truly was defense as solid as rock. G.o.dou's [Sword] had turned the

artificial island of Umihotaru into a fortress.

”Hohoho. Thou art too careless, Kusanagi G.o.dou.”

Athena began to smile.

Her lips shaped themselves into an instigating smile, full of mockery.

”Thy [Sword]... Verethragna's G.o.d-slaying blade. One hath seen it once

already. Dost thou believe one would not prepare a counter, knowing one

shall face it again!?”

”What did you say...!?”

”Hohoho. Thou shouldst know, the Greek legends of one's [Aegis]. Having

slew Medusa, Perseus offered her head as a gift to G.o.ddess Athena.

Athena afixed Medusa's head onto her s.h.i.+eld to become the [Aegis].”

G.o.dou recalled the sculpture of G.o.ddess Athena.

In Greek sculptures, she was often depicted bearing a s.h.i.+eld. That s.h.i.+eld

was engraved with a design bearing the snake-haired monster Medusa's

likeness. It was said to protect Athena using its magical power to turn

everything into stone.

”For the sake of countering thy [Sword], one hath imitated the cla.s.sic story

of the [Aegis]. Indeed, Medusa was one of the many names of this

G.o.ddess. Having retrieved the Gorgoneion, one's many names had been

reunited once more.”

G.o.dou saw it —

Standing behind Athena, another Athena manifested.

He had seen her before. It was the G.o.ddess' teenaged appearance when

she matured from her p.u.b.escent form.

p.u.b.escent Athena. And mature Athena as an eighteen-year-old maiden.

Both G.o.ddesses were appearing in splendor at the same time!

” ”Only at this moment, have the G.o.ddesses been separated once more.” ”

” ”Namely, Athena and Medusa. Medusa and Athena. Kusanagi G.o.dou,

thou hast severed the divinity of Athena, but what shalt thou do about

Medusa?” ”

The two G.o.ddesses spoke together softly in perfect unison.

— Oh no! G.o.dou instinctively knew what was about to happen.

In the past, G.o.dou had also done similar things himself. Changing the

[Sword]'s target during battle. This strategy was a direct counter to it.

Athena was intentionally splitting apart her divinity!

” ”One is Athena, G.o.ddess representing Darkness. Master of the

Underworld as Queen of the Night.” ”

” ”One is Medusa, G.o.ddess blessing the Land. Master of the Stone