Vol 10 Chapter 1 (1/2)
Chapter 1 - Smoldering Devil Kings
Part 1
On this particular day, Alexandre Gascoigne had appeared in Taipei.
Taipei — the well-known central city of Taiwan.
He had gone to the Ningxia Road Night Market. A night market filled with
merchandise stalls and snack shops. Every night, the market was crowded
with locals and tourists who came here for the distinctive roadside snacks.
People could either eat while standing or sit at tables next to the stalls.
However, tonight Alec picked an aged and worn down restaurant instead.
Sitting down at a table outside the shop, he arbitrarily ordered a few
dishes. Since this type of night market did not offer much in terms of
alcohol, he brought his own canned beer.
Steamed dumplings, boiled dumplings, rice dumplings with meat fillings,
spiced sausages, oyster omelettes, etc.
Just as the dishes were placed on the table, the one he waited for arrived.
”...It's been a while, Alec.”
”Ah yes. Approximately a year.”
The other person greeted using Min Nan^ dialect, so Alec replied in the
same language.
The one who had arrived was a gla.s.ses-wearing seventeen or
eighteen-year-old girl.
Called Cecilia.
She was wearing a modest sweater over a white s.h.i.+rt with an una.s.suming
skirt. Even though her face was quite cute, it was lacking in glamor.
Alec had become acquainted with her a few years ago when traveling in
the far east. In order to return the favor she owed to Alec that time, she
became a member of [Royal a.r.s.enal].
”Then show up at St. Ives from time to time... Wait a minute, have you ever
been to headquarters? If memory serves me correctly, you haven't.”
St. Ives.
Where the organization led by Alec, [Royal a.r.s.enal], had located its
headquarters.
Situated in the region of Cornwall on the westernmost tip of England. It
was a little seaside town.
”Your memory is correct. I have never met any comrades apart from you.”
Cecilia spoke with a monotonous and indifferent tone. She was a girl who
seldom showed emotion through her voice or facial expressions.
”Let's leave it at that... That said, lazy as you are, you still accepted this
invitation so readily?”
”Because I wanted to see you.”
”Stop joking around. It's making the beer taste funny.”
Her joke instantly rejected, Cecilia fell silent.
Even though she was essentially a reticent and expressionless girl, she
almost seemed to be showing a bit of resentment.
Nevertheless, Alec paid it no mind, because there were more important
matters.
”You were the one who communicated a wish to see the Island-Fis.h.i.+ng
Needle. That's what you came for, right?”
Despite her young age, Cecilia was an outstanding Daoist priestess.
Daoists. The term used for those who studied ancient Chinese wizardry,
Daoist arts, that had been pa.s.sed down for generations. At the same time,
she was well-versed in oriental myths and legends.
”I don't mind either way.”
”Or in other words, that is the sole reason.”
She was casting that slanted gaze of subtle resentment again. Was there
something she wanted to say?
”This is the Needle in question.”
Alec did not mind entering the main topic.
He took a rod out from his s.h.i.+rt pocket. It had roughly the same length and
girth as a ball point pen, and appeared to be made of beige plastic. This
was the divine artifact obtained from j.a.pan, the Heavenly Reverse
Halberd.
”By the way, I've mentioned to you before. Myths that probably originated
from southern Chinese sea-faring tribes first crossed over to Taiwan, then
spread to southeast Asia, followed by Polynesia and Micronesia. In the
process they also spread to j.a.pan.”
”Yes, I remember.”
”In the creation myths of sea-faring tribes, the world began as an ocean.
An endless ocean without any land. At that time, the primordial G.o.d of
creation lowered a fis.h.i.+ng line and fished dry land out of the ocean to
create islands. That was the birth of land — the story of the country's
founding.”
Alec casually explained as he brought food to his mouth with chopsticks
between gulps of beer.
”From 4000 BCE to 3000 BCE, the people of the sea traveled south on
crude boats across the Pacific, migrating to various parts of the world. This
resulted in the scattering of East Asian oceanic creation myths. Of course,
this includes j.a.pan.”
”Izanagi and Izanami's founding of the country.”
”Correct. Izanagi and Izanami were on the primordial sea where there was
nothing but minuscule floating and suspended debris. Dipping in the
Heavenly Reverse Halberd and stirring, dry land was made to appear,
creating the islands of j.a.pan. Well, using a needle as a hook, stirring with
a rod, it doesn't really look the same on first glance...”
”That doesn't pose a significant problem.”
Alec nodded at Cecilia's brief and casual response.
In ancient j.a.pan, the halberd for fis.h.i.+ng — there were records of it being a
tool for catching fish. All of these little stories were identical in essence.
”This halberd is a divine artifact with the same name. Naturally one would
think it is the country founding tool.”
”Alec intends to investigate this thing?”
”Yes. I want to find out exactly what powers this artifact holds, and how to
use them flexibly.”
Cecilia coldly remarked to Alec:
”No way. Born of mortal flesh, there's no way we could do that. Give it up?”
”Not necessarily. Actually I already came up with one or two ideas.”
”...Really?”
Cecilia looked impressed. Beneath her gla.s.ses, her pupils were wide open.
Alec shrugged at that honest expression of admiration.
”It's nothing mind blowing. Deducing from the myths, this thing should be a
divine artifact related to the divine aspects of water or land. In that case, if
a similar G.o.d is found somewhere, just use this rod and observe what
changes may occur, then proceed with verification.”
”...In any case, don't do that in this country. Too dangerous.”
Alec smiled knowingly at her refusal.
All along, he had no intention of doing something worthless like that.
”If that's the case, only one option remains. Find divine dragon bones that
are related to either the earth or the sea, and use them to make contact
with this thing. To a.s.sist me, first investigate thoroughly all records of
mother earth G.o.ddesses and snake or dragon deities that have manifested
here in the past hundred years.”
”...Dragon bones. There is that option indeed. But Alec, trying to find that
kind of thing is even harder than finding G.o.ds.”
”Hard, but not impossible. It's worth considering.”
Listening to his subordinate's opinion, Alec was completely nonchalant.
For the sake of solving all sorts of mysteries, he had stepped foot into
many sacred domains. This level of exploration was merely on the level of
warm-up exercises.
”Considering the fact that discovering them could mean avoiding
meaningless battles, it will be far more efficient than searching for a G.o.d.
Don't overlook that.”
”I didn't. It's just that your ideas are very strange.”
Cecilia was expressing simple and easily-read emotions for once. She
sighed deeply.
”Alec, you are truly extraordinary. In matters of bringing chaos to the world,
no one can surpa.s.s you. Compared to the other Campiones, you are
definitely ahead.”
Casual praise. But abjectly notorious.
”I'm nowhere near as barbaric or reckless as those people. Don't even
think of grouping me together with them.”
Alec could not help but retort displeased.
A few days pa.s.sed.
Alec was strolling casually in Los Angeles.
He had been to Taiwan, the Philippines and even the interior of China. In
these past days, he had journeyed far and wide across many different
countries and regions. In the end, he chose to finish his trip here.
Alec was operating alone. Having given Cecilia new instructions, he sent
her off on a separate mission.
He took a taxi cab from the airport to the great city on the American west
coast.
Los Angeles. An ethnic melting pot. A major economical and industrial
stronghold. The city of evil that was swirling with crime. The capital where
depravity and prosperity vied for domination.
Hidden in this ”chaotic” city were many whose existences would not be
tolerated by common reason.
Wielders of unnatural abilities who obtained magical powers by selling
morality and conscience to the devil — sorcerers. Last but not least, there
was John Pluto Smith!
Alec did not believe he could avoid dealing with him during this trip to
America.
Steeling his determination, Alec took the taxi to Samantha University at
Los Feliz. He had been there only once, a few years ago. The internal
layout of the university had remained completely unchanged.
Consequently, everything went smoothly for Alec.
Getting off from the taxi, he began making his way without even glancing at
the directory. The route had already been memorized.
Arriving at Professor Joe West's research lab in the modern languages
department, he knocked. Receiving a reply of ”Please enter,” he pushed
the door open without reservations. Two people were already present.
The elderly African-American with the intellectual appearance and a
Caucasian woman with fiery red hair.
The former was naturally Professor West. A world-renowned researcher of
fantasy literature and benevolent mage. His power as a fairy doctor was
also unmatched in Europe.
As for that woman, she was most likely Annie Charlton.
A student in West's cla.s.s. The impressive bespectacled beauty who was
the same age as Alec. A calm and composed character who took action
with great initiative. She also worked as John Pluto Smith's subordinate,
apparently performing detective work or the like —
The Professor seemed to be in shock while his student displayed cautious
surprise.
Previously, they had already seen the Campione known as the Black
Prince.
”I remember today's visitor should have been a Mr. Gascony introduced by
Pires-kun. What kind of funny idea is this?”
Professor West scrutinized Alec's face as he spoke.
”Exactly as was said. I am Alex Gascony. A Frenchman heading to Oxford
for study, and a student hoping to meet you today. That's the story.”
Alec admitted the pretense without reservation. After all, it was likely that
the fairy doctor would have seen through a disguise. Hence, he openly
showed the face of the Black Prince and made a visit under an awkward
alias.
”Hmm. I see.”
Using the name of Alexandre Gascoigne to make a visit to a facility related
to John Pluto Smith would have been strange behavior that would easily
develop into diplomatic problems between Devil Kings.
In order to avoid undue alarm, Alec had chosen to arrive in such a
manner —
Presumably having figured out Alec's intentions, the Professor shrugged
and sighed slightly.
”I guess I'd better ignore the fact that the name is reminiscent of a certain
someone who is cause for concern. No, I think I'd better think more
carefully about it!”
”Come on, at a time like this, formality is more important than substance.
Hence this is enough.”
”Then for what purpose has Mr. Gascony come to this place?”
Annie Charlton interrupted.
She glared very sharply at Alec. If the Professor was met with danger she
would immediately step forward to protect him. Such resolve was clearly
visible. What an amazing heroic female.
”I don't plan on hanging around for long, so let's cut to the chase. Dragon
bones — or using the way they call it in this city, that would be 'Angel's
Remains.' Please lend them to me for a brief little while.”
”What?”
”What are you intending to do with that sort of thing?”
Alec smiled proudly in response to Annie and the Professor's surprise.
”For experiment and verification.”
”Are you planning to bring turmoil to the world again?”
”So, what are you going to do? Even though I intend to perform an act of
charity by removing a seed of disaster from the world, people who don't
mind their business would probably disagree. Whether what I described is
an act of good or evil, there is no way for you to ascertain.”
Alec seemed to be deliberately evading Annie's question.
”Anyway, I need dragon bones for this reason. Professor, I received news
that you obtained dragon bones from Sichuan province in China roughly
ten years ago. If you'll lend them out generously, I won't have to waste any
unnecessary effort. I hope you will consider it.”
Unnecessary effort. Namely, theft.
Whenever there was something he wished to obtain, no matter what kind
of wealth, authority, or magic the owner possessed, he would never shy
away from the act of theft. Being concerned with society's notions of
morals or common sense was completely not his style.
”You are a terrible man! Despite your usual serious demeanor and
behavior, once you get into action, you reveal that horrible troublemaking
nature of yours!”
West shook his head with great annoyance.
”Very well, As you wish. I will provide you with the 'Remains' I possess.”
”Joe! You cannot decide so rashly!”
In response to Annie Charlton's warning, Joe West answered with deep
consideration.
”Asherah has perished, and the [King of Flies] is disbanded. Los Angeles
is currently celebrating long awaited peace that had not appeared for
years. It's time to put aside the conflict between Pluto and the Black
Prince. Besides, Annie, I don't believe he is the kind of Devil King who
would easily resort to theft and take what he wants without warning.”
In a duel between two Devil Kings, the outcome was completely uncertain.
This was not a matter of who was stronger.
Because a Campione's talent lay precisely in seeking victory no matter the
odds, achieving success through apparently foolish but bold action.
However, the matter of winning or losing was not only limited to 'theft.'
Joe West was correct. This was Black Prince Alec's personal victory.
He was the Devil King of divine speed and the labyrinth. The one who
vanquished innumerable foes using suspicious authorities. Furthermore,
he was skilled in magic and strategy. This sort of disposition made him the
most powerful eccentric thief in history.
Finally with great reluctance, Annie nodded in agreement to her teacher's
words.
Part 2
On a table in the research lab was a shallow dish.
In it sat a milky-white little stone.
”Reportedly, when a [Heretic G.o.d] manifesting on earth loses their material
body, in extremely rare instances, a portion of their remains survive as
flesh and bone. Chinese Daoists call them 'Dragon's Bones' while North
American magi call them 'Angel's Remains.' Isn't that right?”
”Ah yes. But of course, flesh and bone that is completely different from any
other creature on earth.”
As Alec muttered while examining the stone, the Professor replied.
”When deities pa.s.s on, their bodies either turn into sand and collapse or
change into stone and shatter. On those occasions, if a part maintains its
form by chance, then it becomes wors.h.i.+ped as a sacred relic, to be used
as a ma.s.sive power source for magi. Well, it is an exceptionally rare thing
to find.”
The Professor looked down at the stone in the shallow dish.
”This was the object found by chance from a place in China where the
creation G.o.ddess Nuwa^ had descended.”
”Nuwa. Also a mother earth G.o.ddess possessing a 'snake' divinity.”
Alec took out the Heavenly Reverse Halberd from his pocket, and brought
it close to the milky-white stone.
The Halberd proceeded to lengthen. From the length of a ballpoint pen it
became almost a meter long. The change rendered Professor West and
Annie speechless.
”As expected, it reacted to the mother earth G.o.ddess' remains...”
Alec knew from his decade long experience in adventuring.
The ”remains” of deities carried divine properties far surpa.s.sing divine
beasts in level. They could very well provide the same effect as contact
with a G.o.d —
Alec smiled at the smooth progress of his plan.
So, how should he use this Halberd? Let's try stabbing the tip into the floor
and see... It went through. It almost felt like sticking a rod into mud.
The Heavenly Reverse Halberd's tip was embedded into the ceramic tiled
floor.
”Before the founding of the country, amorphous land was floating and
suspended like globules of fat. Izanagi and Izanami were tasked with
'maintaining and stabilizing this floating country,' and were bestowed the
Heavenly Reverse Halberd. The two G.o.ds stood atop the Floating Bridge of
Heaven, inserting this Halberd into the sea, and started to stir...”
Alec recalled the pa.s.sage in j.a.panese mythology.
He attempted to stir the tiled floor using the Heavenly Reverse Halberd.
Amazing. The ceramic tiles gradually lost hardness and cohesion. In the
beginning, it felt like mixing concrete, but gradually the sense of resistance
disappeared, like ice-cream melting.
”...Melted? Did it lose its form?”
”Usina the j.a.panese way of description, it should be called the 'Leech
Child'^ state.”
The Professor and Alec, as well as Annie who had remained silent all this
time, were all focusing their gaze on this phenomenon.
Mere dozens of seconds ago, the ceramic tiles were still a part of the floor.
But now they had become a flowing liquid with a color that was hard to
describe. On first glance it appeared transparent and colorless, but
continued scrutiny found it to be pure white, then glittering with light.
Flas.h.i.+ng all sorts of colored light, it kept changing colors like a
kaleidoscope.
Within it, all the colors of the human world could be found. Colorlessness
carrying infinite color.
”...Gascony. Or rather, Alexandre Gascoigne. What is the 'Leech Child'?”
Annie suddenly questioned, but not in a student's manner.
Or more accurately, it was like the royal tone of one king questioning
another as equals.
”That was the deformed child who was the firstborn of j.a.pan's creator
G.o.ds Izanagi and Izanami. His body was said to be amorphous and lacking
in bones. Soon after his birth, he was washed into the ocean and buried in
darkness...”
As Alec explained, he suddenly had an idea.
He reversed the clockwise motion he was using to stir the Heavenly
Reverse Halberd, and tried going counterclockwise instead. After stirring
for a while, the sense of resistance gradually increased.
The feeling of stirring water soon became that of stirring ice-cream.
Then it became like stirring concrete, and finally, completely solid.
...The ceramic tiles on the floor were restored. Well, except there was a
spiral pattern in the center of the tiles, so it was not exactly back to its
original appearance.
”The 'island-fis.h.i.+ng' and 'country-founding' myths pa.s.sed down in East
Asia and the South Seas.^ Could this Halberd be that divine artifact
reappeared...? The key to forming land and even giving birth to the Leech
Child...”
Alec's mind was a turbulent sea of recalled facts and imaginings.
The strongest [Steel]. The king who manifests at the end of eras. Past
incidents in j.a.pan. The Heavenly Reverse Halberd's requisite powers.
Also, Avalon and Guinevere...
”Come to think of it, now should be a perfect opportunity to cut those
cursed ties with that woman...”
Alec used the magic of [Dismissal] to dispel the Heavenly Reverse
Halberd.
This allowed it to be retrieved when necessary by the magic of
[Summoning]. European knights used this magic whenever they needed to
carry their swords and lances with them. Alec proceeded to turn to the
owner of the lab.
”My apologies for taking up your time. My matter has finished so let me
take my leave.”
”For us, that is the greatest favor you could do.”
Towards Alec's statement, Annie responded with a displeased expression:
”Then leave, before you bring disaster to our city. Alexandre Gascoigne, I
sincerely hope you never step foot in California ever again!”
Leaving the research lab, Alec turned himself into lightning and headed
towards the sea.
In order to test the functions of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd again.
Satisfied with the results, he decided to spend the night in Los Angeles.
It was a room facing the Pacific Ocean, in a high cla.s.s hotel. Having
arranged room service and finished his meal, his bed was already
prepared.
However, Alec was sitting on a chair by the window, deep in thought.
Traveling to the west coast of North America all the way from East Asia, he
was both exhausted and jetlagged. Be that as it may, there was still a
mountain of matters to consider.
Alec had cast ”barrier” magic in the room beforehand.
Simple magic for warning about the approach of danger. Nevertheless, it
was more than sufficient for the Campione of divine speed. Whether
fleeing, fighting, or confusing the enemy, the choice was up to him. As a
result, Alec simply spoke indifferently when the magic alarm sounded.
”If you want to visit at night, shouldn't you call first?”
”This level of rudeness is completely acceptable for a gentleman's room
that was booked under a fake name. Avoiding unnecessary toil is my
style.”
What kind of mystic technique or method had been used?
What should have been a locked window was now flung open, causing the
curtains to flutter in the wind.
Casually stepping in from outside the window was a black-masked
eccentric. Furthermore, this room was on the tenth floor of a high-rise
hotel.
The mask's visor had a design reminiscent of insectoid eyes.
Under the cape which resembled a demonic bird's wings, an eccentric
person was dressed in an opera-style high cla.s.s outfit.
”Gascoigne. You and I had agreed to a non-aggression pact. Does your
current visit not violate those terms?”
John Pluto Smith. The dark Devil King who lorded over Los Angeles had
appeared.
”I'm not visiting as Alexandre Gascoigne... I have already communicated
this fact to your subordinates.”
”From the abysmal att.i.tude you showed to my friends at the lab, this
statement of yours is as good as junk.”
Smith shrugged his black-caped shoulders. It was an exaggerated motion
that one would find in a theatre performance.
The ordinary hotel room had essentially been turned into a theatrical stage.
”In the coastal waters of Los Angeles... In the Channel Islands' vicinity, an
island not recorded in maps had suddenly appeared. This strange
phenomenon happened around 1500 hours today.”
”Oh?”
”Furthermore, at around 1700 hours, this island suddenly vanished again.”
”Really?”
”It was reported to me by a benevolent mage who sensed ma.s.sive magical
power and deliberately went to investigate. By the way, Gascoigne, you
seem to be personally carrying a divine artifact?”
”Purely coincidence. So what?”
Alec replied nonchalantly.
”With regard to this matter, it's in your best interests not to get in my way.”
”That really sounds oh so attractive... What are you planning, Gascoigne?”
The mask's visor glared at Alec's handsome face.
”It is true that your grand imagination and initiative are your strong points.
However, if memory serves me, you have never applied those strengths
towards anything apart from personal hobbies. Even one such as I,
believes that you need to be treated with caution.”
”Stop talking nonsense. I am neither as self-centered nor as destructive as
people say I am.”
”That I can agree. However, compared to common morality, you place
greater importance on your personal aesthetic ideals. Furthermore, your
reckless, inconsiderate, and troublemaking personality is exactly as
rumored. Hence I believe public opinion cannot be dismissed.”
”...Eh.”
”Consequently, trusting you unconditionally would be equivalent to a
dangerous gamble.”
Alec smacked his lips, declining to retort.
This melodramatic cosplay maniac was different from China's freakishly
strong girl or Italy's idiot. If one were to offer negotiations, this man could at
least be counted on to respond rationally. The agenda must be pushed.
”How about eliminating the leader of the Divine Ancestors? A plan to root
out and cleanse the seeds of trouble. This should have personal relevance
to you.”
”Divine Ancestor. A term last heard many months ago.”
”Entrenched in North America, sorcerers have been cla.s.sified into various
factions. One of them is composed of witches who wors.h.i.+ped as queens
the European Divine Ancestors of old. That group of witches crossed over
from Europe to the American continent during pioneering days, and
wreaked much havoc.”
Alec brought up the dark side of history known only to magi.
Of course, Smith was well aware of it. After all, the [King of Flies] he had
spent the last few years fighting was a faction of sorcerers related to witch
lineages.
Finally, the black-masked king nodded and went ”True.”
”These witches' secretive activities and troublemaking preparations,
caused the Protestant clergy to enter a pathological fervor on witch hunts.
This resulted in the torture of many innocent women. A most tragic event.”
”...So, Gascoigne.”
The mask's visor pointed straight at Alec as Smith began to speak.
”In other words, is this what you are proposing? The Divine Ancestors, who
still hold great influence over sorcerers — in order to deal them a
devastating blow, I should turn a blind eye to your secretive dealings.”
”Ah yes. You don't want to fight a second Asherah, right?”
”Hmm.”
Smith paused silently for a brief moment, then began to mutter slowly.
”True, this is mutually beneficial. However.”
”What is it? Do you need evidence that I am speaking the truth?”
”Demanding that from a man like you would be useless. Only because
your wit and imagination are indeed exemplary. However, when
unexpected incidents flare up, it is also true that you abandon those
qualities without hesitation.”
”That's not abandoning. It's just ad-libbing in response to changing
situations!”
Alec could not help but make a violent outburst at the accusation.
”Our opponents have always been G.o.ds and our peers, the Campiones.
Precisely because common sense and logic are never applicable to these
opponents, reacting flexibly is only natural.”
”Well. I can't disagree with that... But for you, being flexible can result in
the original plan going completely awry. Probably that time when the fake
Grail had appeared, you began taking reckless action on your own, and
ignored your negotiations with that Princess.”
Princess.
Naturally, Smith was referring to the former spokesperson of England's
Witenagemot, daughter of Duke G.o.doddin, Alice Louise of Navarre.
Alec could not believe that that woman had disclosed their secret
agreement so easily...!
Alec was secretly incensed by Smith's sarcastic tone. However.
”Having said that, I am also well aware that Alexandre Gascoigne's plans
do succeed on occasion, numerous times... Very well, I shall turn a blind
eye to your rudeness this time.”
”Really. Then I apologize.”
Alec calmed down from Smith's words. Even though he was nowhere near
as melodramatic as that masked eccentric, the Black Prince was also a
rather vain Campione.
Having ended the conversation, John Pluto Smith bowed elegantly and left
through the window.
Exactly how a famous actor would exit the stage after the curtain call.
In less than twenty seconds, Alec took a brief glance out of the window,
but there were no signs of the black-caped black-masked hero. He had
vanished like a puff of smoke.
”Still a man who comes and goes so mysteriously.”
After grumbling to himself, Alec took out his cellphone.
He made an international call to his trusted subordinate in England, Sir
Iceman.
Alec succinctly summed up for the legendary knight the ”plan” he had
crystallized over the past few hours. For the organization leader to be
abroad for extended periods of time, strategizing and taking action
personally, Sir Iceman could only lament against the reckless plan.
'...Also, protests against your activities have been received from those
working under j.a.pan's Campione. They demand us to disclose the
whereabouts of Alexandre Gascoigne which we don't even know. We
managed to contain the situation for now.'
”Ignore them. I will handle it directly later.”
To be on the safe side, Alec quickly added:
”Just handle things at headquarters as usual. If Kusanagi G.o.dou intrudes
in a rage, retreat immediately. There is no need to directly confront
disasters such as G.o.d-slayers. As much as possible, just let him waste his
energy.”
'As you wish. With the leader absent, that's the best we could do anyway.'
Alec retorted coldly in reply to Iceman's sarcasm.
”Don't say it like that. In order to permanently sever this ill fate with
Guinevere, taking back what is owed is only right. It would be stupid to
waste an opportunity to lay a trap for that woman. So let me act as I wish
for a while.”
This was late at night on Thursday in Los Angeles.
At the same time, it was early Friday evening in j.a.pan due to the time
difference. Furthermore, the Campione who lived in the east had already
begun his move.
Part 3
One week had gone by since Athena had pa.s.sed away in j.a.pan.
During this time, the world's busiest Devil King was Alexandre Gascoigne.
On the other hand, j.a.pan's Kusanagi G.o.dou carried on with his ordinary
life.
No matter what, he was still a student. Going to school was his duty.
However, that did not mean he was leading a peaceful life. In fact, it could
very well be described as the opposite.
The upcoming Sat.u.r.day and Sunday were part of a long weekend along
with Monday. During this time, G.o.dou had been making preparations with
great determination. The entire detailed story follows.