Vol 9 Chapter 6 (1/2)

Chapter 6 - Before the Duel

Part 1

A beautiful garden was situated before a mansion reminiscent of Heian era

palatial architecture.

Rockery was heaped and trees were casually planted at calculated

positions. The constructed pond was wide enough for boats and even

contained three islands, linked to one another by vermilion-painted

bridges.

A specially allotted plot of land which embodied the essence of beautiful

natural scenery.

There was only one inhabitant in this garden.

This alluring otherworldly beauty, whose eyes were dark with worry.

Even though she was wearing a traditional kimono in the extravagant style

of the juunihitoe^, her hair was flaxen in color instead of black. Her eyes

were the color of gla.s.s. The features of the beautiful face seemed almost

sculpted. All this was evidence that she was no native of j.a.pan.

”Oh, did you sense the chaos in the real world too, Princess?”

Someone greeted the Princess who was standing on the pond's edge as

she gazed at the water surface.

”Yes. The attendant of the 'King of the End' seems to have finally

discovered that j.a.pan is the location of the king's grave...”

The Princess of Gla.s.s turned around to face the strongly-built old man.

Compared to the Princess' juunihitoe, his clothing style was even more

ancient.

A white tight-sleeved gown combined with a loose-fitting hakama. Had the

hair been divided into left and right halves and tied near the ears, the

appearance would greatly resemble Yamato Takeru.

However, his disheveled hair was as unruly as a bird's nest.

”By human calendars, he must have slept for over a millennium. One could

say it is time for the tide to ebb. It appears that the brat will soon awaken.”

The elderly hero spoke with a bored expression.

The Princess and others called him ”The Old One.” His name was Haya

Susanoo no Mikoto, and was once the [Heretic G.o.d] who wandered the

earth, bearing the Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi.

Now he had made the Netherworld his home, living in seclusion.

Abandoning the human world and all sorts of troublesome issues, living

like a hermit in this place. Like him, the Princess was doing the same thing.

However, there were intertwined fates which could never be severed no

matter what.

”In the end, even though I escaped to a place like this, he could very well

still be connected to me somehow...”

Susanoo naturally recalled his last appearance.

A layer of poignant battle-hardened vigor gradually proliferated across his

originally handsome face like the spreading of iron rust. And carved out

deeply an expression of battle-weariness —

”Because the one who put you all in this state, was that brat.”

The elderly G.o.d went ”hmph” in response to the Princess' worries.

”Well, since we're already here, then just treat it as a vacation to high

places for now. We're all just a bunch of retired geriatrics. After all, it's

about time we stop intervening in the troubles of the human world.”

The Princess nodded. Right. But first, the situation had to be followed

closely.

How should the dying mother earth G.o.ddess be dealt with? Or perhaps it

will finally be clear whether Kusanagi G.o.dou had the power to cause

vexation to the ”King of the End.”

How will he respond to that G.o.ddess' wish — ?

The Princess cast her gaze towards the pond surface. Just like that, the

situation on earth was reflected onto the water surface. Like the women

known as the Divine Ancestors, she was also one who controlled magic as

easily as if it were the simple act of breathing.

Part 2

”Now, the news media have all been successfully brought under control.”

Sayanomiya Kaoru remarked as she watched the mini One-Seg^

television.

It was a Sunday morning news show known for its distinctive style. On the

four-inch screen, several commentators were chatting amiably with the

host.

”Even though parts of Kawasaki and the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway, as

well as the artificial island of Umihotaru have been petrified... Major

incidents of that sort are taking place right now, as long as there are no

reports, 99% of the citizens will be completely oblivious of the truth.”

Within Kisarazu city in the Chiba prefecture, Athena's statue stood upright

on the sh.o.r.e.

After getting dressed and finis.h.i.+ng breakfast, G.o.dou returned to this place,

and Kaoru immediately arrived.

With that, the preparation and background work were all complete.

”Wow, none of the stations have reported any news about this region.”

Impressed, G.o.dou exclaimed.

During this time before the battle, Kaoru had brought the One-Seg

television here and had been changing channels repeatedly, checking all

sorts of shows.

Unwittingly, their gaze was cast towards the sea.

From the Kisarazu coast, extending towards the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway

Umihotaru and its surroundings had been transformed into a desolate

palace of stone.

Furthermore, the tunnel connecting to Kawasaki was parked with hundreds

of vehicles all turned into stone.

Within the vehicles sat many statues. Since the car doors could not be

opened, there was no way to rescue pa.s.sengers. Nevertheless, it would

have been impossible to understand the situation if one were viewing from

afar.

”Originally, this would be a critical incident that would naturally have

special reports broadcasted on every station. If Athena's appearance could

be widely disseminated to all parties, perhaps the affected areas could

have been reduced slightly in scope... At least, Haneda Airport would not

have been caught up in this.”

G.o.dou nodded in agreement with Kaoru.

The number of a.s.sociated personnel at the Airport must be much lower in

comparison, which would make it much more difficult to keep information

secret.

”What about online?”

”It's kind of borderline. The nearby residents are suspicious, and there

have been complaints posted on blogs and forums, but we will do our

utmost to control the situation.”

Kaoru explained fluently.

Come to think of it, Amakasu had once explained ”doing this and that to

the servers in an emergency” when G.o.dou wondered about their

emergency computer policy.

They must be diligently preparing for that as well.

”We disclosed some plausible-sounding speculation and false information,

including some facts that we deliberately mixed in. Well, there is no way for

anyone to gather definitive intelligence anywhere near the truth without our

knowing. Besides, there's that no matter what.”

”That?”

”I don't think anyone easily accepts as truth what they read about online,

right? Especially if the actual situation is ridiculous and unbelievable.”

That was true too. G.o.dou understood.

Even if someone revealed the truth directly, they would be suspected of

mental illness, or at least thought to be joking.

G.o.dou's mother, Kusanagi Mayo, had once recounted with great

seriousness the story of the relative who had been sent to the United

States Marine Corps for counseling camp and rehabilitation because of

delusions that ”Michael Jackson will revive one year from now to bring

salvation to mankind.” His mother's words were still fresh in G.o.dou's mind.

To G.o.dou's knowledge, she was probably the most ridiculous unbelievable

woman he ever knew.

”The only way to know the truth would be to visit the scene. However,

people able to break through the blockade prepared by our Committee do

not exist in the normal world.”

”There's probably no need to worry to that extent. I'm sure that the petrified

people and objects will be recovered.”

”Understood. Then hurry and prepare to save them. You really are using

the [Sword], right?”

G.o.dou shook his head at Kaoru's question.

That was the natural decision after all. Kaoru's suggested method was

correct. A choice of action that could resolve the incident without any

challenge.

Just slay Athena while she was still in stone.

The petrification wrought by Athena could be easily neutralized by the

[Sword]'s spell words.

Even someone nowhere near as smart as Kaoru should be able to

understand that her suggestion was correct. However, Kusanagi G.o.dou

could not take that choice. If he did, it would not be able to satisfy all his

wishes. Saving Yuri and Liliana, as well as everyone else, dealing with that

G.o.ddess' determined wish — It could not satisfy this willful impulse.

”The [Sword] needs to be used somewhere else. Please continue to

prepare for saving the people turned into stone. Things should probably go

as planned.”

Even though he could not explain it, G.o.dou was certain. Tentatively.

All along, G.o.ds had never acted in any underhanded manner like villains.

At least from the perspective of their own intentions. This was probably

similar to the reason why they never acknowledged humans in the

slightest.

That said, it was impossible to guarantee.

G.o.dou was exasperated at himself for taking on such a gamble.

”Your wish is my command, my king. No matter what, all you need to do is

ask.”

Kaoru replied respectfully. It was delivered with elegance as if spoken by

some upper cla.s.s n.o.ble who had left the royal palace.

Due to the speaker being an elegant cross-dressing beauty, the effect was

even more p.r.o.nounced.

”Really, I'm always bringing trouble...”

”Following the decrees of the Your Highness the Devil King is our duty.

Please pay no heed to it. As for me personally, there is a substantial

gamble involved. Even though what I staked currently escapes me.”

Kaoru signaled with her eyes as G.o.dou became suspicious.

”Using methods beyond my imagination, and taking action in ways I am not

permitted by my position. It is a rare treat for me to be able to a.s.sist

Kusanagi-san like this. Well, it's still too early to say what might happen to

Yuri and the rest, but my heart sure is racing at this point.”

The History Compilation Committee core member smiled, lightly biting her

lip.

As an eighteen-year-old woman, her chest was surprisingly svelte.

”Precisely because of this dark side, as long as my wits and talents can

keep up with your capricious and overbearing ways, I actually welcome all

your unreasonable demands. This is an opportunity for you to entice to

your side someone like me who is able to a.s.sist you.”

She was like a beautiful devil marketing herself as the great Devil King's

right hand. Or perhaps Mephistopheles^ visiting Dr Faust.

Having to deal with a beauty of this sort, G.o.dou could not help but start

staring at the sky. His faction seemed to be filling its ranks in an anarchic

direction...

”Sooner or later, I will become the Committee's Chairperson and

administer the wizardry world of the entire country. But having such a

smooth path laid out for me is not very meaningful. Creating a new venture

with one's own hands... That's the way I like to do things.”

She was the next head of one the Four Families, as well as being a

Hime-Miko.

The kins.h.i.+p ties to their families, entrapping Kaoru as well as Ena, perhaps

ran even deeper than could be imagined.

”In order to get closer to the lifestyle I prefer, please allow me to make use

of you as much as possible in our dealings. Consequently, do not worry

unnecessarily... Well then, that's it for me. Let's handle everything properly

from now.”

”I will rely on you to take care of Mariya and Liliana for me.”

G.o.dou bowed his head as Kaoru departed.

After being rescued from the Umihotaru artificial island yesterday, they had

been taken to a hospital near the sh.o.r.e. Naturally, it was a facility backed

by the Committee.

Due to the proximity of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd's hiding spot, that

type of facility was particularly common in the area.

”Most certainly. No matter what situation arises, I will keep things under

control. Please fight without reservation.”

Kaoru's encouragement was slightly suspect on a moral level, but G.o.dou

felt gratified.

Once her figure had disappeared in the distance, G.o.dou turned to the

other person involved.

— Heretic Athena. The G.o.ddess who had turned herself into a statue.

There was no one else in the area apart from G.o.dou and her. The security

team had already left the sh.o.r.e. The Committee had been busy sealing

areas of the city that surrounded this coast, telling residents about 'the

abortive poison gas leak,' urging them to undertake emergency

evacuations during the night before morning arrived.

Ena had also left for a certain mission.

Preparations were fully complete. G.o.dou drew his weapon without

hesitation.

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

enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished!”

The scripture of Verethragna, the G.o.d of victory. However, there was more

to it.

”This was where Susanoo no Mikoto started his uprising, leading a

thousand savage G.o.ds!”

He also chanted scripture connected to Susanoo's beloved sword.

In order to combine two blades into one.

In order to combine spell words with the divine sword.

”A thousand swords standing upon the earth, used as city walls to defend

against the enemies. Namely, the Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi.”

Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi had the ability to absorb the ten

incarnations of Verethragna used by G.o.dou, thereby amplifying each

other's divine power, manifesting new powers.

Just like the railgun used against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven last

time.

'King. The power produced by the sword's spell words have been

received.'

G.o.dou sensed Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi's thoughts coming from his

right arm.

'In a normal battle, your blade is the sword of wisdom for slicing G.o.ds

apart. However, the blade formed from our union is different. It is truly the

sword of wisdom for severing an immortal indestructible divine artifact.'

Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi, both a deity and a divine artifact at the

same time.

The blade formed from the union of such an existence was the weapon for

slicing through divine artifacts instead of G.o.ds.

'Using your knowledge of the Holy Grail, the sharpness of the blade has

been altered. Now is the time for foes to be vanquished and invaders to

perish. Swing to your heart's content!'

In the past, the blade had always formed from comprehension of a G.o.d.

But this time it was a blade formed with the wish to destroy a completely

understood divine artifact. In particular, G.o.dou was targeting the culprit

that was draining Athena's life — the Holy Grail.

The knowledge had been deliberately instilled by Guinevere. I shall take

advantage of it in return!

”Right. I am very grateful I can use it. Let's go!”

'Affirmative! I am the steel that tears through a thousand blades! Awaiting

your command!'

The wielder and the divine sword's thoughts were aligned.

In the battle against the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, G.o.dou's battle spirit

and magical power had been raised to the highest limits. Consequently, he

could now resonate with Ama no Murak.u.mo and draw out that power even

under normal conditions.

On the other hand, this was before the battle started.

Had this been a situation similar to the past, he would not be able to wield

it with full control.

However, having gone through the ritual with Ena, G.o.dou had now

awakened as the possessor of Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi —

”Man and devil — all enemies, all who harbor enmity will be vanquished!”

Responding to the spell words, Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi manifested

in G.o.dou's right hand.

The spectacular blade measuring three feet and three-and-a-half inches.

But unlike its usual appearance, the blade was brilliant gold instead of

jet-black in color. The same color as Verethragna's sword.

'The holy vessel of taboo! Wither like scattered flowers!'

Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi called out as it hurtled towards the statue of

p.u.b.escent Athena.

The golden blade pierced her delicate chest completely.

However, what G.o.dou's right hand felt was not the sensation of tearing

through stone or the G.o.ddess, instead it was surely the penetration of the

ancient divine artifact.

Quietly drawing out the blade, he dispelled Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi

with a wave of the hand. With that, G.o.dou waited.

Five seconds, ten seconds... Almost a minute had pa.s.sed. Athena finally

opened her eyes.

The statue of gray stone was restored to a young girl's supple body of

flesh. Her hair once again displayed brilliance and l.u.s.ter as if melded with

moonlight.

The Holy Grail had been absorbing her life force.

She must have released her stone form after noticing the interruption of the

Grail's action.

”Kusanagi G.o.dou... Is this thy doing? Thou hast given a blow to the Holy

Grail within one's body?”

This could very well be the first time G.o.dou witnessed such an expression

on her face.

G.o.ddess Athena's p.u.b.escent face was gazing upon the G.o.d-slayer with

admiring approval.

Part 3

”It's been a day. Even though I have many things I'd like to say, let me

make a request first.”

With many questions for Athena, G.o.dou began in this manner.

”It's not like I want a return favor for helping you, so it's a request. Could

you return everyone and everything that had been petrified back to

normal?”

”Forsooth?”

”You said you wanted a no holds barred battle with me. Since we're

fighting anyway, releasing them won't matter to you, right? On the other

hand, if I am forced into battle in this manner, it's like having hostages. I

will be worrying about the people turned into stone and unable to

concentrate on fighting.”

”Is that what thou wished to say?”

She must have felt insulted.

Athena's approving expression vanished, turning into a piercing stare.

”Thou art planning to rely on the humans once they are liberated from their

interim death, thereby obtaining dishonorable victory. How impertinent!

How shameless! As the G.o.ddess of the Divine Realm, Athena cannot

approve of such underhanded tactics. Knowest thou hast misspoken!”

A furious shout. It was basic truth. G.o.ds did not care for humans, simply

considering them stones. The thought of ”hostages” probably never

crossed their minds.

”To me, those petrified people are very important. Even if you can't

empathize, it is truly what I feel. So please, restore everything first.

Wouldn't doing something so low as taking hostages taint your authority?”

No matter what, it was necessary to provoke Athena's sense of pride.

Since he had used Verethragna's [Sword] to halt the Holy Grail's function,

there was no other way to dispel the petrification. This was why he chose

to do things this way.

He still had a chance. It was not time to give up yet.

Luo Cuilian had once said: 'A G.o.d's strength is proportional to the strength

of their ego.'

Thinking over his past battles, G.o.dou felt this was something he agreed

with.

Furthermore, Kusanagi G.o.dou discovered another point. In proportion to

the strength of their ego, they also carried a lot of pride.

Even though all G.o.ds inevitably brought calamity to people, they did not act

despicably. All they wanted was to leisurely display their superiority. Even

that mischievous Great Sage was the same.

In that case, such an accusation should come as blow to Athena's pride.

Particularly in this situation when she owed him a favor, it was quite

probable she would accept his request.

It was a kind of gamble. However, the G.o.ddess ultimately had only one

wish. If Athena said no — the thought made G.o.dou feel like a stomach

ache was coming.

Nevertheless, even though it seemed like what Kaoru had said... G.o.dou

did not agree.

He believed there was another reason why his gamble would pay off.

The haughty and self-centered G.o.ddess would not disappoint. Even though

it sounded rather strange, G.o.dou trusted her.

”Hmph. Very well then.”

The G.o.ddess smacked her lips as she spoke.

”As thy senior on the battlefield, for one to bestow charity upon thee, 'tis

only proper for a queen. Conversely, accepting thy charity would taint this

G.o.ddess' honor. Very well, Kusanagi G.o.dou. This once, one shall grant thy

request.”

Athena proceeded to release a pulse of magic for just an instant. It flew

towards the sea — the direction where the petrified Trans-Tokyo Bay

Harbor ran.

After a short while, G.o.dou's cellphone began to vibrate in his pocket.

Kaoru had informed him that rescue operations had begun.

”Sorry for troubling you. Thank you very much.”

”Thy grat.i.tude is not needed. Rather, thou shouldst reflect upon thy

shameless heart and impertinent commentary on a queen. Regardless,

thou hast already spoken.”

Athena sneered lightly.

Like a ferocious bird of prey having discovered its target, or the delighted

expression of a poisonous snake about to swallow its prey.

”Thou wert talking about fighting again with hostages held against thee —

hast thou realized thy foolishness, and changed thy mind?”

”Not really. I don't have anything I need to change my mind about.”

G.o.dou dismissed his elated foe's accusation.

”Anyway, what happened to the Holy Grail? It's the culprit that robbed you

of immortality, right? For now, I think it's been successfully eliminated.”

”Forsooth. Thy attack was splendid indeed...”

Why? Athena was showing the same expression as from their first

encounter.

A smile carrying slight gentleness. It was like the rea.s.sured expression of

an elder witnessing the growth of the younger generation.

Sword and sword. Was she praising the combination technique that sliced

apart the Holy Grail?

Or perhaps, she bore this smile for other reasons? The G.o.ddess' heart was

impossible to discern.

”The Holy Grail in one's body hath been critically damaged and halted in

function. With that, it hath temporarily stopped draining one's life.”

”Temporarily?”

”Yes. Temporarily. The sun shall rise and set once again. Repeating thus

ad infinitum. To be able to press an immortal indestructible divine artifact

into such a corner, 'tis a magnificent sword.”

Athena praised lightly.

She softly pressed her hand against the child-like abdomen beneath her

Greek garments.

She must have concluded this by using her power as the G.o.ddess of

wisdom (probably similar to Yuri's spirit vision but hundreds of times more

powerful in perception) to examine the Holy Grail within her.

”Thou hast also witnessed the Divine Sword of Salvation? Forsooth, 'tis

difficult to retrieve the majority of this G.o.ddess' stolen life with one's

remaining strength. Should the Holy Grail successfully start up again, one's

remaining life shall be lost immediately. Hohoho, forsooth, having this

respite is cause for celebration.”

Athena indifferently revealed her inevitable death that was to arrive in a

matter of days.

The Grail was impossible to destroy after all? Since this possibility had

been considered beforehand, it did not come as too much of a

disappointment to G.o.dou.

Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi had already hinted. Had Verethragna's

[Sword] been able to achieve that, it would not be surprising to seal a

Campione's authority semi-permanently. But in all his battles so far, no G.o.d

had been defeated by just the [Sword] alone...

Even though it was a convenient weapon combining offense and defense,

it always seemed lacking in a certain decisive power.

It cannot be helped. In that case, I will fight in the manner I have decided.

”Intentionally sealing the Holy Grail and rousing this G.o.ddess from

slumber. Thou finally wishest to have a proper duel? Dost thou intend to

respond to one's valor, standing atop the battlefield? Tis most agreeable!”

”That's not right. Like I just said, my intentions have not changed.”

G.o.dou shook his head at the queen of warriors who was smiling

glamorously.

No doubt about it. I will adhere to my own way of doing things no matter

what.

”However, if your dying wish is a battle with me, I will respond more or

less. A battle without any reservations. But it has to be undertaken in my

manner.”

”Thy manner?”

”That's right. Victory will be mine. I won't let Athena who wishes to kill me

leave without being taught a lesson. After that, I will take that Holy Grail...

that thing that's killing you, and show you how to stop it no matter what.

Finally, just like last time, I'll drive you out of j.a.pan.”

”...Having reached this critical point, thou still utterest such delusions.

One's death hast already been set in stone.”

G.o.dou immediately interrupted Athena's mournful speech.

”It's the Holy Grail and the whatever divine blade of salvation that's killing

you, right? If I catch the owner Guinevere and find out all the details, then

go to the Netherworld to seek out those old guys, there must be a way.”

It could very well achieve nothing but delay the inevitable. Nevertheless,

that was what G.o.dou decided.

”I'd be very troubled if you died. I still haven't heard your wish.”

”One hast already expressed clearly. Answerest this G.o.ddess' challenge,

showest thy will and spirit. That shall be the price.”

G.o.dou stared back at the snake G.o.ddess' gaze.

”I've also mentioned already. I won't listen to any request that brings

troubles to the surrounding people. Therefore our battle doesn't count. I'll

first defeat you, then help you, and listen to another request. Because I

have already decided, you must use force if you want to change my mind.”

Saving Athena from the Holy Grail. That was easy to say.

On the other hand, it would be challenging to achieve. A dark and

unguided path lay ahead. Which was why he wanted to exhibit his ”will and

spirit” to Athena before the worst outcome arrived.

For the sake of this G.o.ddess who expressly wished to duel Kusanagi

G.o.dou before she died.

...Despite being a civilized person who treasured peace, the option of

”don't fight Athena and find out how to deal with the Grail” seemed to have

disappeared from his mind.

Why G.o.dou rejected such a plan, the reason was as clear as day.

”Impressive, such growth in this short time.”

Almost about to say something astounding, Athena shook her head.

It did not seem like the behavior of a great G.o.ddess, but more like a

human's instead.

”Thou art careless, an illegitimate child of the fool after all! Forsooth, thou

holdst onto incomprehensible weakness, how much longer couldst thou

survive!?”

She spoke sonorously in a soprano pitch.

G.o.dou did not miss the sardonic glimmer accompanying the G.o.ddess'

gaze.

”One doth not think thou canst become strong while bearing such

weakness... Foolish, forsooth 'tis foolish — Alas, it cannot be helped!

Furthermore, thou seekest a battle of might against the G.o.ddess of war,

such boldness should have limits!” The G.o.ddess who always bore an

expressionless poker face, was now exclaiming with a delighted

expression.

So this kind of expression was actually possible for her. G.o.dou thought

rather rudely to himself.

”Very well, thou sayst thou shalt defeat Athena. The manner thou

described should not work. Then one's valor shall enlighten Kusanagi

G.o.dou. Shouldst thou have any objections, then thou shalt voice them

through force as thou hast proposed.”

She must have meant something like ”If you win then I don't mind listening

to you.”

Seeing Athena's joyful expression, G.o.dou believed without cause.

Completely baseless. But incredibly, that was what he believed. He

proceeded to stroll slowly across the beach, listening to the sound of

breaking waves as he walked.

Without saying a word, Athena followed along, quietly walking behind

G.o.dou.

Even though it would be fine to get started immediately, he still wanted to

rouse his battle spirits first. Athena must be thinking the same thing.

G.o.d and G.o.d-slayer walked as they savored their connection forged by

fate.

The kind of fateful relations.h.i.+p written as mortal enemy but read aloud as

”friend,” impossible to articulate to others.

The first sign of change Guinevere noticed was the disappearance of the

Holy Grail's presence.

She was the reincarnation of the G.o.ddess who created the Holy Grail. No

matter how far they were separated, even when Athena had devoured the

Grail, Guinevere remained firmly aware of its presence. But now, the

feeling was suddenly gone.

Furthermore, there was a second change.

She sensed the disappearance of the divine power that had been

saturating the area.

Athena's power had vanished. The power that turned everything into stone,

whether living things or inanimate objects, organic or inorganic.

Guinevere was currently located on the sh.o.r.e a few dozens of kilometers

away from where the G.o.ddess had turned herself into stone.

Not at a scenic beach but on top of a treacherous cliff. Beneath her, the

early winter sea was cras.h.i.+ng against the rocks, producing waves of white.

Guinevere immediately used the clairvoyant [Witch's Eye] to enhance her

vision, and watched.

— The great road built over the sea by human hands.

— The castle built over there like some kind of s.h.i.+p and fortress hybrid.

— The coastal town on the opposite sh.o.r.e to where Guinevere and the

G.o.ddess were located.

Not too long ago everything was still stone. Whether buildings, roads,

ponds or marshes. Even parts of the ocean. Living things, beasts,

insignificant microorganisms, flying insects and crawling bugs, everything.

All had been carca.s.ses of stone. A graveyard of stone.

All of a sudden, everything had been restored. Restored to life and vigor,

or perhaps simply their original state. All the people and animals that had

been turned to stone now lay sprawled and sleeping wherever they were.

”The curse of petrification is temporary death rather than true slaughter.

Bringing things back to life must be child's play for Athena...”

(Beloved child, find Athena, or that young G.o.d-slayer!)

Lancelot's reproach could be heard. Watching over from afar, he too, had

noticed the change.

Guinevere frantically sent a flying [Eye] towards the beach where Athena

had turned herself into stone.

Saw it. Facing off against Kusanagi G.o.dou, the awakened G.o.ddess —

Guinevere concluded the spell of the [Witch's Eye] and immediately used

flight magic, taking to the skies, surrounded by white light as she flew

through the air.

In any case, she had to hasten to the scene and investigate what

happened exactly.

Then a.s.sist Kusanagi G.o.dou so that he can defeat the G.o.ddess.

Just as Guinevere was making her plans and flying without distraction, she

was ambushed.

Seishuuin Ena was called the Hime-Miko of the Sword.

However, her martial arts mastery was not limited to the sword but also

included the naginata. She was also talented in jujutsu.^ Not only that,

she was also trained in the shuriken^ and the iutte^ and concealed

T71

weapons known as anki. L J Furthermore, she knew archery.

Unfortunately, it was not up to the level known as the art of the bow.

No matter what, preparing the bow, sighting the target by chance, casually

nocking the arrow and hitting the target was no easy task.

Nevertheless, with her exceptionally outstanding vision and excellent

instincts, Ena was able to get a good aim at her target.

”O Great G.o.d of Arms, I beseech your aid against my enemy... May this

arrow strike right on target.”

To be on the safe side, she had applied the spell of the [Evil Vanquis.h.i.+ng

Arrow] beforehand.

It was a spell that guaranteed penetration even if the target was intangible

spirits or ectoplasm, or protected by projectile deflecting spells.

Ena was located on the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.