Vol 9 Chapter 5 (1/2)

Chapter 5 - Where This Sword Shall Strike

Part 1

”For this incident, the scale of the affected area is extremely broad. The

work required for the aftermath and information control will surely be very

troublesome.”

Sayanomiya Kaoru explained to G.o.dou in her usual clear tone.

This was at a beach within Kisarazu city, the place where Athena had

turned herself into a statue a few hours ago.

”In a certain sense, there's actually a very simple solution. It all depends on

Kusanagi-san's will.”

From the beach, there was a clear view of the ocean illuminated orange by

the glow of dusk.

The young beauty's statue stood all alone in this scenery. This exquisite

otherworldly beauty on her face, could not possibly be reproduced by any

living artist. Furthermore, the p.u.b.escent but proudly puffed out chest

displayed the G.o.ddess' haughtiness. A girl who acted this way probably did

not exist either.

G.o.dou and Kaoru were the only two people bearing witness to this

beautiful statue.

The entire coastal area had already been sealed off by the History

Compilation Committee, preventing ordinary people from entering.

”My will, you say?”

”Yes. We have already confirmed the ident.i.ty of the deity causing all these

supernatural phenomena. All we need is wait one whole day to pa.s.s, then

use the [Sword]'s spell words. Take Ena for example. She, too, can teach

you knowledge about Athena.”

”Seishuuin?”

”I expected that sort of preparation would be necessary. A few months

ago, I ordered all the Hime-Miko to study western deities. Of course, not

every deity, but famous ones like Athena were included of course.”

Kaoru explained cheerfully. How astute of her methods.

Not only as a Hime-Miko, but as an organization leader, she also had

outstanding talents as a strategist.

”Even though Athena had turned everything into stone anywhere from the

reclaimed area in Ukis.h.i.+ma across the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway to the

Umihotaru artificial island. However, she did not cause any destruction,

which is actually quite fortunate. As long as Kusanagi-san uses your

authority, and severs Athena's power by sweeping the [Sword] through the

entire area, everything will be restored.”

That's right. It was the same for objects, people, as well as animals and

plants.

Including Yuri and Liliana, everything that had been petrified could be

restored.

Currently the History Compilation Committee seemed to be putting all their

efforts into controlling information, and were busy sealing off the affected

areas.

They had already controlled all news and prohibited the media from

making detailed reports. During this time, an abortive incident of toxic gas

leak near Kawasaki was reported... A fabricated news source.

All sorts of methods were employed to publicize it, in preparation for

covering up the ridiculous truth.

The biggest problem now faced was how to handle the families of petrified

victims. No matter what, failing to return home without any communication

would worry friends and family, causing them to take action.

If there was a way to resolve the incident swiftly, of course it should be

taken.

Personally, G.o.dou wanted to see Yuri and Liliana revived as soon as

possible.

Nevertheless.

”Due to the current situation, I guess we need Kusanagi-san's cooperation

no matter what. It would be a great help if you could agree readily. In

addition to that, at the same time as saving the victims of petrification,

please slay Athena in her vulnerable stone form. If another incident could

be prevented by striking at its root, then 'all will be fine.'”

Kaoru's request sent G.o.dou into deep thought.

Right. If he took the opportunity to slay Athena then everything would be

resolved.

However, G.o.dou still stood there staring blankly. Ever since Athena had

turned into a statue, he had been idling on this beach for hours.

That star which had displayed white [Swords] of terrifying power —

G.o.dou believed that the one controlling it, Guinevere, would probably

target Athena again.

This G.o.ddess who had brought great disaster to human society, even if he

were to abandon her to her own devices, no one would complain, right?

Time continued to advance, and night had fallen.

G.o.dou was still idling on the seash.o.r.e accompanying Athena's statue.

He had just received a call from Amakasu, informing him that Ena was

arriving later to bring something over. He must have realized G.o.dou was

agonizing over something.

However, Amakasu did not try to broach the subject.

Intending to respect a Campione's decision? Or leaving things alone

because he gave up on understanding why G.o.dou was troubled? The

latter seemed more and more unlikely.

Anyway, even G.o.dou himself could not articulate why he felt so concerned

about Athena's matters.

”She... Is really about to die?”

Guinevere's subterfuge. The matter of the Holy Grail. Athena's various

behavior. After much thought, G.o.dou reached that conclusion.

A beach in early winter. A charming statue enduring against the icy cold

sea breeze.

Even though it had the appearance of an eleven or twelve-year-old girl,

there was no child-like innocence in that face.

Neither powerless nor harmless. She was the queen ruling over the high

heavens, the bountiful earth and the dark underworld. The exalted

G.o.ddess.

With death approaching, she had forced herself to pay G.o.dou a visit —

”Why would she do that...”

G.o.dou could imagine, but he was uncertain if he guessed correctly. It was

probably too difficult to fill the cultural divide through his lone efforts.

G.o.dou instinctively took out his cellphone.

A warrior queen from the Bronze and Iron Age civilizations. What he

needed was someone whose brain was wired the same way.

”Give me a break, I can't possibly talk to that idiot!?”

Amongst all G.o.dou's friends and acquaintances, one particular young man

was clearly furthest away from modern ways of thinking.

The child blessed by heaven in the strange ways of the sword. The

G.o.d-slaying knight.

Despite G.o.dou's efforts to forget him, it was strange how that man always

managed to elicit a hostile response. It always felt like irrelevant concerns.

That guy was like a Viking warrior who had conformed to modern life, but

he was not an appropriate conversation partner. Best to reconsider.

As a result, G.o.dou decided to call someone else.

He made an international call to Italy. Accounting for the current time of

6pm with a time difference of eight hours, whether that person had

awakened or not was a rather delicate question —

'What's going on, G.o.dou? You finally couldn't bear the loneliness of my

absence?'

Instantly connected to Erica Blandelli, G.o.dou decided this would count as

rising early for her.

However, she was speaking in a cheerful manner unlike her usual tone of

voice when getting out of bed.

”Even when you're not around, I'm still very lively and not depressed at all.

Don't make up strange stories.”

'Of course not, it's not like I'm Lily. I was just imagining how someone

might feel after losing me, an existence much like the sun.'

G.o.dou could only laugh wryly in response to her usual confident and

imposing manner.

”Let's put that aside. We have a real crisis over here.”

' Yes. And it truly seems like a real crisis.”

After a brief explanation, Erica commented with indifference.

Furthermore, she even added the following remark calmly:

'Well, whenever you feel lost, know that your heart has already made its

decision. Just do as you feel. I will back you up properly once we converge

later.'

”My heart has already made its decision?”

No way. Being unclear on what to do was the exact reason why he wanted

to talk to someone.

But Erica carried on indifferently.

'The Kusanagi G.o.dou I know, is a person who acts without a moment's

hesitation when he wants to defeat someone. Yes, it is impossible to

imagine someone who grew up in peaceful modern j.a.pan to have such

bold decisiveness.'

”I am a veritable pacifist and member of modern civilized society. Stop

making these strange descriptions.”

'What's wrong? I've always thought, that G.o.dou here, is similar to those

early equestrian tribes enamored with civilization. Acting civilized during

times of peace but completely merciless in battle. And about to be

accustomed to a vagrant life requiring great decisiveness.'

What was Erica trying to say? G.o.dou was getting angry.

If that were true then he was just a selfish inconsiderate person. That

would be a ma.s.sive amendment to the character description!

'Do you need me to point out all the similarities between you and the

nomadic Mongolian horde that swept through China and various nations in

Europe? In that regard, I'm sure G.o.dou you don't need any help in

understanding...”

”None of your business. But really, when I feel lost my heart has already

decided?”

Even though he completely ignored the criticism that refuted his claim to

being a modern human, he will keep the other piece of advice in mind.

”When are you coming back?”

'It's not like I require special permission, but I won't be able to board a

plane immediately. With the current situation, I do need to return to j.a.pan

as soon as possible. We will meet up first before seeing how things go

from there. Before that, please fight as you see fit.'

I see. G.o.dou nodded firmly, ending the conversation with Erica.

She could not return immediately to support him, but without any worry or

uneasiness, he will wait for the return of the companion whom he could

trust to watch his back.

In that case, it's really up to myself how to handle things as I see fit —

Guided by that notion, G.o.dou's thoughts naturally fell in line. Yuri and

Liliana in that state must be saved. The petrified victims all have to be

rescued no matter what. And then there was Athena, if that troublesome

G.o.ddess also had extenuating circ.u.mstances...

Abandoning someone for the sake of another, that was not G.o.dou's style

of doing things.

I will adhere to my own principles no matter what.

Part 2

”Sorry you had to wait, Your Majesty!”

Ena arrived on the seash.o.r.e half an hour after the call to Erica had ended.

As usual, she was wearing that uniform from that school located goodness

knows where, with the cloth bag slung over her shoulder carrying a

j.a.panese sword. In addition, she had brought food contained in

convenience store bags, as well as outdoor equipment such as sleeping

bags.

”...You brought all sorts of things.”

”I was thinking perhaps we might need to spend the night here just in case.

For the moment, Amakasu-san has also arranged for lodgings nearby.”

Ena lightly put down the luggage on the beach as G.o.dou spoke with his

eyes widened in surprise. Perhaps due to her martial arts training and

running around in the mountains, her legs and back must be rather strong.

”I was absorbed in my thoughts and it totally did not occur to me. Thanks

and sorry.”

”Don't worry about it. Let's make something to eat.”

Saying that, Ena immediately went to work gathering fallen twigs from

nearby.

She seemed to be choosing dry twigs that were not soaked by seawater.

Realizing the Hime-Miko's intentions, G.o.dou also followed suit.

A few minutes later, Ena used a lighter to start a fire with the twigs and

paper they had gathered.

Thus a campfire was ready. Due to excellent night vision, the lack of

lighting did not pose any inconvenience, but it was still rather chilly. Having

a fire for warmth felt really great.

”Seishuuin doesn't smoke, right?”

”Right. But lighters and matches have all kinds of convenient uses, so I

always keep them on me.”

True. They were tools with many uses out in the wild.

Having responded like a child of nature, Ena poured mineral water bought

from the convenience store into an outdoor kettle, and started boiling the

water.

Then she took out two portions of cup noodles.

She placed deep-fried tofu into the noodles in clear broth, and set out all

sorts of deep-fried food.

Deep-fried pork chop sandwiches, BLT sandwiches, hotdogs and burgers.

There were also various flavors of rice b.a.l.l.s such as salmon, tarako salted

roe, kombu seaweed and plum. It seemed to be an a.s.sortment of food

items appropriately selected from convenience store shelves.

”Eating outdoors like this is rather delicious.”

”Yeah. Cities are so nice, so easy to collect ingredients. If this was the

mountains, gathering food would be such a ch.o.r.e.”

The two sat around the campfire and began their meal facing each other.

Since he was rather hungry, G.o.dou didn't bother with manners and swept

everything clean.

The seaweed in the cup noodles turned out to be surprisingly tasty. The

taste seemed to seep slowly into the depths of his tired body. Ena was also

enjoying her food with great relish.

She seemed like the type who could not resist this kind of junk food.

G.o.dou had heard before that the daughters of the Seishuuin family were

raised as high cla.s.s ladies back in the village...

”I have done this before, but it seems like it's been a while since I went to

the mountains.”

G.o.dou recalled going on trips with friends who loved the outdoors.

Spending time together with Ena was like having a male friend. Even

though G.o.dou had grown more or less accustomed to getting along with

girls, it still felt very exhausting most of the time.

Incredibly, this child of nature did not make him feel the same way.

”Does Your Majesty like visiting the mountains? If that's the case, go with

Ena. Next time Ena plans on climbing the sacred grounds of Ukokusan. It's

a place where even locals do not venture for training unless they are

veterans. A very tough challenge. It's gonna be fun.”

”...I think our experience with 'mountains' are on completely different

levels.”

The invitation felt like it was no different from a one-way trip to the afterlife.

G.o.dou smiled wryly at Ena who made her suggestion with complete

carefreeness.

”If we're going, let's pick somewhere less challenging. How about a

mountain more suitable to novices, that even Mariya can make her way up

with effort?”

”...Yuri too?”

”Yeah. If we're going out next time, let's bring Mariya and Liliana along as

well.”

G.o.dou a.s.serted.

With those two's talents, they would not need to subsist on instant food all

the time.

Perhaps they would even prepare exquisite outdoor cuisine. Well, eating

so casually today turned out to be quite pleasant too. However, it would

not be appropriate in situations where Yuri and Liliana were present.

They would probably say something like prohibiting this kind of unhealthy

food...

G.o.dou recalled Liliana's pa.s.sionate diatribe against the evils of food

additives and trans fatty acids.

”Let's rescue them tomorrow. You'll help, right? Seishuuin.”

”Of course. You can rely on Ena!”

G.o.dou began to ponder as he listened to the upbeat voice of the

Hime-Miko.

He must save those two girls, as well as the others. This was already

established. The remaining problem was how to clear up the whole story of

the troublesome G.o.ddess. Ever since night had fallen, he had been

troubled by these questions...

G.o.dou was about to throw trash into the convenience store bag when he

noticed something.

”What's that?”

There was a piece of paper in the bag.

A few words in English were written on it.

The scribbled handwriting read ”Watch out. Here comes s.n.a.t.c.her!”

”Beware of thief... Something like that? When did that get in here?”

”Sent by a spell — hmm, no, definitely not.”

The Hime-Miko stared at the note as she wondered.

Now that it was mentioned, Erica had used that kind of spell before, called

something like mailing. It was convenient magic that allowed one to send

letters to anyone freely. Ena also sent a letter of invitation into G.o.dou's

desk once, and most likely had used the same spell.

”The sensation of a spell... Completely cannot be felt. Probably someone

put it in there while Ena was traveling here. Or maybe it was placed while

we were eating...”

”What?”

G.o.dou was completely shocked.

Nevermind Kusanagi G.o.dou, for someone to be able to elude Seishuuin

Ena's senses —

Who could possibly have such abilities? For the Hime-Miko of the Sword

with her beast-like sensitivity to have failed to detect anything. Truly a

divine level of skill!

Ena also seemed taken aback. She stared at the note with a pouting

expression.

Leaving that aside for now, what did they have to ”beware” of?

G.o.dou suddenly remembered. He had almost completely forgot that thing.

He took out his cellphone and called Amakasu. It might have been lost

already.

Worried thoughts occupied G.o.dou for minutes as he waited —

”No no. Shaking off stalkers sure is tough. Right, looks like I have a call, is

something up?”

”Amakasu-san! You're okay!?”

G.o.dou was rea.s.sured to hear Amakasu's voice just as he was worrying.

The special agent of the History Compilation Committee had suddenly

appeared on the beach in his usual sloppy suit, and was walking over.

As befitted the ninja, astutely appearing and disappearing without warning.

”Could it be, that witch Guinevere showed up?”

”An excellent question, Ena-san. That presence just now really was that

lady. I had to use every single spell and technique at my disposal, and ran

with my life to get here.”

Amakasu responded to Ena's question with a haggard face.

Then he took out the Heavenly Reverse Halberd from the pocket of his suit

— the divine artifact.

”I knew it, this thing should probably stay with Kusanagi-san... I think

running away from magi along the likes of Divine Ancestors is too much of

a burden for me...”

”No. I'm really sorry, but I will continue relying on you for now.”

G.o.dou was very worried and felt sorry for forcing a troublesome task on

Amakasu.

However, he bowed his head.

”Didn't Mariya say before, better not let this piece of stone get near

Athena? Even though it seems okay currently while she has turned into

stone, but it might not last.”

”...What do you mean?”

”...Your Majesty, I knew it.”

Amakasu looked very surprised, but it was Ena who deduced the situation.

G.o.dou explained a.s.sertively to the two of them, as well as to petrified

Athena.

”Obviously I will save everyone who has been petrified, but I have to end

things decisively with her — I don't know in what manner, but there will be

a definitive conclusion for sure. Thus I was thinking, if it results in another

severe disaster... My humble condolences.”

The great G.o.ddess had said that her fate as Athena had been blemished.

G.o.dou felt it was hyperbole. Be that as it may, G.o.dou was also someone

who could barely be cla.s.sified as civilized. Really, just barely.

Amakasu went ”oh my, things will really get hairy” and looked up at the

sky, then bowed to express agreement.

Ena generously nodded with total acceptance.

Nevertheless, G.o.dou really felt like scratching his head in revulsion at his

declaration, so typical of Devil King Campiones.

”That said, how should we proceed specifically?”

It was now late at night.

Having contemplated all sorts of things, G.o.dou muttered to himself.

”Athena's petrification can be released with my sword, but the problem is

the Holy Grail...”

He was currently in a room on the second floor of a local residence along

the seash.o.r.e. The lodgings Amakasu had arranged. The next day will be

full of trials and it was a blessing to be able to get a good night's rest.

This house was built on a spot that had offered a wide view of the coast.

If Athena made a move they would immediately be able to react. G.o.dou's

window faced the ocean. The statue of the G.o.ddess continued to stand

majestically on the winter beach. Local policemen and Committee

employees had already sealed off the area.

It was already decided that G.o.dou would be alerted by cellphone if

anything out of ordinary was observed.

As a side note, the entire house had been taken for the convenience of

police-related personnel. There had been other families who wanted to

arrange for lodgings, but they were turned away with random excuses.

The only one in this room was Kusanagi G.o.dou.

It was already eleven o'clock at night. However, he still had no idea how to

”come to a conclusion” with Athena... Without switching on the light, G.o.dou

stood at the window, continuing to contemplate.

Light shone in through the window from the moon and the stars. It was

roughly as bright as streetlights. Due to G.o.dou's excellent night vision, it

was more than enough.

Kacha. The door handle turned and someone walked in.

”Still up, Your Majesty?”

It was Ena. But G.o.dou was shocked by what she was wearing.

”What's going on, Seishuuin, why do you look like that?”

”Uh yeah. It was time to sleep so I changed.”

In a rare moment, Ena was speaking hesitantly.

Instead of her usual school uniform, she was dressed as a miko with a

pure white top and a bright red hakama.

Now that he recalled, he had seen Ena's miko appearance briefly during

the battle against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

”You wear a miko outfit instead of pajamas?”

Isn't that kind of blasphemous... G.o.dou averted his gaze as he spoke.

This caused the premier Hi me- Miko to explain frantically.

”It's not always like this. But it'd be embarra.s.sing to visit Your Majesty in

dirty clothes. Without any other clothing on hand, I had no choice.”

”What are you talking about? Don't you just wear the same uniform all the

time?”

”Yeah... But tonight, we are having an affair.”

Did he just hear alien language? What was that girl Ena trying to say?

G.o.dou instantly denied reality. But of course, things would not be settled

that easily.

”On this very special night, I was thinking I should clean up a bit first? Ah,

Your Majesty, the bed has been prepared. T-Then, I will be in your care.”

Ena showed a shy expression as she made a shocking statement.

Furthermore, she went over to the prepared bedding and sat down very

formally in seiza.^

”W-W-W-W-W-What kind of complete nonsense are you talking about! It

makes no sense at all!”

”On the contrary.”

Ena was no longer shy but bore a resolute expression. Her eyes were filled

with clear determination. Bathed under moonlight, a white l.u.s.ter could be

seen on her prim and proper beautiful face.

”Your Majesty plans on fighting Athena again tomorrow, right? Rather than

slay Athena in her stone form.”

That was correct. It was the only way to do things for a proper conclusion.

A face to face duel. To determine the victor.

Of course there were other options. The Holy Grail which had robbed

Athena of her immortality. If a way could be found to remove and disable

it...

But taking into account what Athena truly wished for, this was it.

”Your Majesty has been wavering all this time, right? And disaster will

again descend upon many people. But everything can be solved — yes,

everything will be solved. In that case, it's time for Ena to display some

determination.”

G.o.dou was shocked. Once again, he was reminded of how adorable Ena

could be.

Even though he had been unaware all along, this Hime-Miko was a

raven-haired Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko rivaling Yuri, as well as being a very

attractive girl.

This truth was now suddenly presented before him.

Part 3

”Ena originally planned to teach you all the knowledge about Athena.

Tonight, with Your Majesty — umm, I was thinking there should be all kinds

of things that needed to be done. Your Majesty is risking your life in a

battle against a [Heretic G.o.d], so apart from offering knowledge there must

be something else. That's what Ena was thinking...”

”A-Apart from knowledge!?”

Before he made his poignant outburst, G.o.dou was already looking for an

escape route.

Ena must surely be talking casually. Perhaps all she wanted to do was play

games through the night.

Probably Uno or Hanafuda cards. Or maybe card games like

T21 T31

Concentration 1 J or Sevens. 1 J

”Even though Your Majesty is very strong, there's still a chance of death...

So before Your Majesty sets off for battle, Ena's body will accompany Your

Majesty for the night, to help restore your energy. Perhaps in case of the

worst outcome, Your Majesty's lineage can be preserved?”

Her intentions were explained rather concretely.

In other words, she had not misunderstood the meaning of ”affair” in any

way!

”P-Please calm down, Seishuuin. Let's just sit over there first.”

”I've been sitting down calmly from the start.”

”T-Then sit in seiza. Sit properly and listen seriously to me.”

”I'm already sitting in seiza. Ena has been sitting seriously all this time. It's

Your Majesty who needs to talk seriously.”

All avenues of escape had been blocked. Was there no way left other than

a frontal confrontation?

G.o.dou crossed his legs and sat down before Ena.

”Well, how should I put it... I'm very grateful for your offer, but I believe that

kind of behavior is only suitable for married couples. Is that clear?”

He calmly questioned her in earnest.

In any situation, there was no weapon more powerful than righteous

sincerity. Probably.

”I've already said it before. Ena is fine being a woman of convenience. I'm

not concerned with formalities. Besides, hasn't Your Majesty promised

already? To have Ena by your side always.”

Ena objected with a pout. It was exactly as she described.

It was no longer an issue of sincerity but a matter of mental preparedness.

”Ah, but then again, Your Majesty did tell Ena before. Don't say anything

like 'being a convenient woman is fine' again. Sorry, Ena forgot.”

Isn't this complete daydreaming?

Ena seemed to have recalled the scene that made her think that.

Dejectedly, she lowered her head. Head bowed, she began to hesitate as

she muttered to herself.

”Still... Ena wants to be Your Majesty's bride.”

A direct expression of her wish.

She displayed a shyness which made her usual unbelievable behavior

seem like a sham.

Faced with Ena's current state, G.o.dou began to feel his control slipping.

He would not be able to hold out for long. This was bad.

”After all, I still want to dress in white all over and have some kind of

ceremony... Can I?”

”N-N-N-N-No, of course not. Having said no, umm, rather, I should say

instead, that kind of thing is too early for us!”

Finding Ena far too adorable, G.o.dou diverted his gaze and desperately

tried to explain.

If he had a little more experience in dealing with these situations, perhaps

he could stay cool. But now he was reaching his limit. Being alone with a

girl like this.

Furthermore, they had unwittingly sat on the same bedding.

Her body could be touched by a simple reach of the hand. This kind of

distance was anything but rea.s.suring.

Had it been Erica, G.o.dou would usually be on high alert to prevent the

mood from building up to such levels (though there were times when he

failed). But this time Ena had made a surprise attack, completely ruining

his usual precautions.

”Come on... Why doesn't Your Majesty want Ena to stay with you for the

night?”

I beg you, please don't plead in such a cute manner.

Even though G.o.dou wanted to loudly reject her, it would be equivalent to

admitting defeat. It would be disclosing the fact that he was about to

succ.u.mb.

”Ah, I see. Okay.”

Ena suddenly stopped trying to be difficult and lowered her gaze again.

Looking down — she was staring at the blanket she was fiddling with her

index finger.

”A girl like Ena, is not that cute and not very feminine, and neither very

dignified nor virtuous. Ena can't possibly have that kind of personality, it

can't be helped. And Your Majesty already has so many cute girls around

you...”