Vol 11 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1 - A Devil King is Born...?

Part 1

By the time he realized it, G.o.dou already found himself imprisoned -- as for

the cause, perhaps it was rather out of the blue.

Now that he thought about it, everything started four days earlier.

It was during the spring break when he was about to enter high school,

G.o.dou visited Italy's Sardinia in his grandfather's place. There, he

encountered the handsome amnesiac youth, Erica the knight and mage,

as well as the witch Lucretia Zola-

All individuals possessing strange and incredible powers.

Furthermore, G.o.dou encountered ”G.o.ds.”

Meeting a G.o.d, conversing with a G.o.d, fighting a G.o.d, obtaining victory...

Something like that.

After using the [Secret Tome of Prometheus], his consciousness had gone

fuzzy and he could not recall what happened afterwards.

However, he could still vividly recall his friend, the youth standing amidst

flames. His joyful smile, his sharp eyes carrying an expression of regret,

and those parting words.

”Kusanagi G.o.dou, I grant my blessing to thee who has been reborn as the

new G.o.d-slaying king!”

Even on the verge of death, his voice was very clear and distinctive.

The youth's entire charisma as a ”hero” was overflowing there.

”Thou art the first person to usurp mine -- the authority of the G.o.d of

victory! Becomest stronger than anyone else! Until the day I shall fight thee

again, possessest my undefeatable body!”

Even though I didn't quite understand, that was what he told me.

He displayed such mettle and battle spirit for a rematch, even as he lay on

death's door.

Indeed that was his true nature. This Persian Warlord of old, using the ten

incarnations to fight, protecting the people, wors.h.i.+ped as the undefeated

victorious hero, only Verethragna could have fitting final moments like

these.

Hence.

Kusanagi G.o.dou's life was in peril. Then he lost consciousness.

Several hours pa.s.sed.

Even though the battle against Verethragna took place around the hours of

dawn, G.o.dou took until noon to wake up. Erica immediately came to his

side.

Erica told him they had left the ruins that had been used as the battlefield

and come to a nearby village. Erica fortuitously found a four-room inn,

gotten a room, and placed the unconscious G.o.dou on the bed.

”Acting so reckless, and yet he's still alive... Recovering so quickly in such

short time, sure enough--”

Hearing Erica mumbling on the bedside, G.o.dou was puzzled.

Severely beaten up by Verethragna, and even struck by the decisive

lightning attack. Due to using the [Secret Tome of Prometheus], both his

body and brain had felt scorching hot as if on fire.

Dying then and there was only natural.

Getting up from bed and examining his body, G.o.dou began to mutter.

”I've really recovered. I, could I be dreaming?”

Blunt trauma, broken bones, abrasions, bleeding, burns, rupturing of

internal organs, high fever, etc.

Unable to find any trace of the unbearable pain, G.o.dou only found a

completely healthy body instead. Furthermore.

”...Eh.”

Swinging his right arm unintentionally, he found the feeling slightly strange.

G.o.dou had injured his right shoulder last summer, forcing him to quit the

sport of baseball to which he had devoted himself for many years.

”Strange...”

Moving his right shoulder back and forth, he could not feel anything

unusual. It moved very smoothly.

In addition, he noticed something else.

He was extremely hungry.

His stomach was growling and rumbling, causing a commotion, demanding

food and nutrients.

”Hey Erica, you got anything to eat?”

”If there are restaurants nearby, I can order takeout. But G.o.dou, weren't

you on the verge of death? In my opinion, you shouldn't eat anything that

could strain your stomach.”

This was most sensible advice, but G.o.dou declared loudly.

”No problem! I currently feel like I could even digest my own shoes! Bring it

on!”

Thirty minutes later. G.o.dou was wolfing down all sorts of food that Erica

had brought.

There were several paninis made from pork, chicken and spring

vegetables. Boiled sausage. Prosciutto ham.

Thick slabs of horse meat steak. Steamed vegetables topped with

hand-made mayonnaise style sauce.

Rabbit meat stewed with vegetables. Mineral water. Orange juice. Wine.

Etc.

Grabbing food continually and stuffing them in his mouth, G.o.dou chewed

with relish, swallowing in huge gulps. At any rate, seeking nourishment

was first priority-

Erica stared at G.o.dou as if he was driven to eat and drink by some

unknown force. An expression like she was observing some newly

discovered rare species, deep in thought...

”By the way, I forgot to do something. I'll be right back.”

Staying no longer, Erica left the room.

G.o.dou simply gave a quick nod in response and continued his quest for

nourishment, sweeping all the food away. Greatly satisfied, he lay on the

bed once more.

Now that nutrients had been replenished, it was time for rest, sleep -

Sensing the entreaties of the body, he did as told without hesitation. In any

case, it was time for sleep and recovery of energy. For the sake of a

battle-ready body...

Having slept for who knows how many hours, it was time to wake up.

G.o.dou found himself imprisoned.

”You're awake.”

”Well then, let's begin with the interrogation.”

A quiet gloomy voice suddenly spoke.

G.o.dou found himself lying on something soft, with both his hands and feet

restrained.

”Hey, hey! What is this? What do you intend to do to me!?”

G.o.dou complained as he surveyed his surroundings.

He seemed to be inside a barn of some countryside farm. Stacks of hay

were lying all around, and in fact, G.o.dou had been sleeping on one of

them. Both his wrists and ankles were bound by iron shackles.

In addition, looking down at G.o.dou were two men in cosplay, each dressed

in a gray robe.

They resembled actors from a blockbuster movie, like Jedi Knights in some

kind of s.p.a.ce odyssey or magi from a fantasy movie.

Since their hoods were pulled down completely, the men's faces could not

be seen.

”I am a j.a.panese tourist and I don't think I deserve to be treated like this.

Are you people sure you didn't get the wrong guy!?”

”...No. You are the right one.”

One of the men answered quietly to G.o.dou's protests, in fluent j.a.panese.

However, what little of his face that could be seen in the depths beneath

the hood, was clearly a Caucasian face.

”You must be Kusanagi G.o.dou,' right? We already received the news.

Erica Blandelli the knight of Milan and the youth named Kusanagi had

been wandering all over Sardinia.”

To G.o.dou's surprise, they even knew about Erica. The man turned his

somber gaze towards G.o.dou.

”...Trying to get to the bottom of our affairs is pointless. All I can say is that

we are members of an ancient magic a.s.sociation. For the past week or so,

we have been investigating the 'G.o.d' which had suddenly manifested.”

G.o.dou was greatly shocked. G.o.d. Did they really mean Verethragna?

”Erica Blandelli and the youth from j.a.pan. Apparently traveled all over the

place in pursuit of the G.o.d's trail. Then finally this morning, the G.o.d's

presence suddenly vanished, and stability returned to the island...”

So the battle really happened after all.

Befriending that youth, having a battle to the death, and finally parting in

such short time.

Recalling this incident, G.o.dou felt a scorching sensation in his chest. The

men suddenly continued:

”Under such conditions, we feared one possibility. Perhaps, the G.o.d who

manifested on Sardinia had been defeated by Erica Blandelli, and she

would be reborn as a 'Campione!'”

V

Erica defeated a G.o.d? And became what?

”Now that I think about it, that girl Erica did mention something similar--”

Just before the impending battle against Verethragna, he had a

conversation with Erica.

G.o.dou remembered clearly the word ”Campione” being mentioned then.

”Oh, looks like you've got a clue. We hope you can explain carefully in

detail...”

One of the hooded men said to G.o.dou softly.

”The [Heretic G.o.d] manifesting on Sardinia on this occasion is a very

important divinity for our [Church of the Eastern Magi] and could bring

about revelation. Very likely, it is the G.o.d of victory, Verethragna...”

These people are a.s.sociated with Verethragna!? G.o.dou was shocked.

”If Miss Erica slew the war G.o.d we wors.h.i.+p, it would be a very serious

situation. We will have to bear the full force of our a.s.sociation down on her

in order to avenge the G.o.d!”

”So, boy. This is the situation. Tell us where Erica-san is located right

now!”

”If you decide to be stubborn, we have ways of making you talk!”

Noisily talking at the same time, they threatened.

”Y-Yes I know about that alright. But by the time I woke up I was already

your captive. Besides, even if I knew why would I tell you people!?”

G.o.dou yelled.

It sounded like they were seeking Erica for revenge. Of course he was not

going to cooperate with them.

”I see. Then there's no choice... In the name of Mithra the G.o.d of contracts,

I hereby command, truth be thy only law, honesty be thy only speech,

prohibited are all falsehoods.”

One of the men muttered suspiciously.

G.o.dou reacted with a feeling he never experienced before. The man's

words felt like they carried ”power” which turned into something formless

and colorless that began to entangle G.o.dou's body.

Spell words!? This term entered his mind vaguely.

If spell words truly existed, perhaps they really took effect in this fas.h.i.+on.

But why could he sense such phenomena, why him!?

”Hmm. This youth, he deflected my magic?”

However, not only G.o.dou but also the man who employed the spell words

were surprised.

”He probably has some sort of protective magic guarding his body, right?

Like spells for preventing the extraction of information for example, there

are various ways to handle them.”

”How befitting for the companion of a great knight of the [Copper Black

Cross]...”

Protective magic? Obviously, G.o.dou had no idea how to use that, so it

must have been Erica who did it, right? But where on earth did she run off

to -- just as he felt anxious.

”Then we are left with no other choice. If a reasonable methods fails, we

must resort to barbaric ways.”

One of the men made a very disconcerting statement.

”As a show of respect to the prestigious [Copper Black Cross], we will

reveal our most vicious secret technique. A curse that boils the brain like a

seal of death... Will be our offering to you. Even protective magic cannot

stop this curse.”

”If you don't want to die, you'd better be a good boy and tell us everything

you know.”

”Come, be out with it. Do it now before it's too late!”

G.o.dou swallowed hard.

These people did not sound like they were joking. Magi were always doing

these crazy ridiculous things. He already experienced enough of that over

the past few days. However, he could not betray Erica.

G.o.dou suppressed the surfacing fear of death as he glared angrily at the

men.

”Hmm. Preparing yourself to die for the sake of friends.h.i.+p -- what a pity.

Deprived of my blessing, whether the righteous or the b.e.s.t.i.a.l, all shall be

bereft of luminance, and evil shall prevail!”

These spell words carried ”power.” That was the feeling.

Even though he felt it again, G.o.dou did not know how to defend no matter

how hard he pondered. There was nothing he could use as a s.h.i.+eld.

Furthermore, there was no time left to bluff and stall for time. At this point

of no return, it was too late to regret.

It was too late. G.o.dou could feel the onslaught of the deadly curse.

Clearly he had survived a battle against a G.o.d, but now he was going to

die here? Really?

”Even our most vicious curse has been deflected!”

”Unbelievable... Who is this boy...?”

The two hooded men muttered in shock.

It was only natural. Even though he did not know the reason, the moment

the spell words of the curse made contact with G.o.dou's body they instantly

vanished.

Then immediately.

”This is it, folks. To think that there actually existed people who dare

attempt the foolish deed of kidnapping and confining my companion, Erica

Blandelli's. Such utter lack of foresight is truly impressive indeed.”

Suddenly, the door to the barn flew open.

Bathed beneath the rays of the setting sun, it was the gallant entrance of a

beautiful girl whose fluttering reddish blonde hair adorned her like a crown.

That beautiful face of hers, l.u.s.trously radiating such dominance and

intellect, caused the gloomy robed men to cower back.

The one who appeared was Erica Blandelli, of course. The girl whom

everyone sought.

Part 2

”Looks like I have no need to announce my name for a duel... I apologize

for resorting to violence, but please return this person to me.”

Smiling with a chuckle, Erica suddenly summoned a sword into her hand.

Cuore di Leone. Possessing a slender blade s.h.i.+ning with clear l.u.s.ter, the

magic sword of the lion. G.o.dou clearly recalled the magic sword that had

been used to great effect in the battle against Verethragna.

”Wait a minute, Erica Blandelli. Did you really slay a [Heretic G.o.d]?”

”The G.o.d-slaying Devil King -- did you become a Campione!?”

”Hoho, why don't you confirm the answer through battle?”

Completely unconcerned with the doubts of the retreating men, Erica

smiled glamorously while she swung her sword. One flash, two flashes.

G.o.dou was rendered speechless to see her wielding her sword without any

hesitation at all.

This is no historical drama, are you really trying to kill these men!? Fear

and unease welled up within G.o.dou. But fortunately, these worries were

unfounded.

What Erica sliced with her sword was the ”power” surrounding the two

robed men.

An unbelievable presence that protected them. Cuore di Leone sliced

through it, causing the ”power” to dissipate immediately.

”You don't even know how to use swords, and now that you've lost your

protective spells, you two are no match for me.”

”Tsk!” ”d.a.m.n you!”

Their power severed by Erica, the two men traced complicated patterns

with their fingers.

The patterns inscribed in the air produced ”power,” carrying some kind of

deadly attribute. Sensing this presence, G.o.dou was surprised again.

Again. Why would I know something like that?

In spite of G.o.dou's hopeless confusion, Erica did not stop moving.

She already took action before the men's ”power” took effect. A gracefully

delivered high kick.

Striking one of the men spectacularly in the back of his head, she knocked

him out in one hit. The other man was struck in the chest by Cuore di

Leone's hilt and he fainted from the pain.

The battle ended effortlessly with Erica's victory.

”There, it's done. Their fates will depend on luck.”

Erica had found a rope somewhere in the depths of the barn and tied up

the unconscious men.

The sky at dusk was visible through the open door. Night was fast

approaching.

”These guys are probably from somewhere in the orient... Maybe affiliated

with some religion. Probably Zoroastrianism? Verethragna belongs to that

religion, right?”

G.o.dou inquired. The restraints on his hands and feet had been released.

”These guys are nowhere near that level of respectability. After all, they

were using the magic of forbidden curses. They're worthless magi,

probably from some sort of ancient cult that wors.h.i.+ps the Persian

pantheon.”

”Cult... Like those newly risen religion... That's the kind of impression I

get.”

The word ”cult” was a rather fitting description of the two men's demeanor.

”Probably some a.s.sociation of evil alignment. I can't believe they used

[Brain Destruction] magic without any hesitation.”

”Of evil alignment -- an evil cult, basically. Well said... But wait a minute.”

Looking down at the unconscious men, G.o.dou realized.

”Erica, I can't believe you stood back and watched them do all those things

to me!?”

”I simply wanted to confirm to what extent you remain human.”

”R-Remain human?”

”Yes. Congratulations, G.o.dou. Today marks the day of your rebirth as a

'monster.' Think of it as a second birthday.”

Erica smiled sweetly. With such unforgettable loveliness, it was a

glamorous smile as befitted Erica Blandelli.

But to G.o.dou, it felt akin to the smile of the devil Mephistopheles when he

restored Dr. Faust's youth. Like a so-called elegant devil...

”If you want an explanation, it's because I already know. I am completely

unworried that the magic used by humans -- even mystic techniques of the

highest level, could harm you in any way.”

”What do you mean? But actually, I did have this really strange feeling

starting from a while ago.”

During the scene just now, he had sensed ”power” -- ?

Could it be, that was magic? Stuff like magical power or spell words?

Realizing that, G.o.dou trembled with fear as Erica a.s.serted with all smiles.

”How should I put it? Yes... You are no longer an ordinary human.

Kusanagi G.o.dou has become a G.o.d-slayer, a Campione. That's basically

it.”

”G-G.o.d-slayer? Campione?”

”Right, didn't I tell you before the battle against Verethragna? That there

were only six G.o.d-slayers in this world. Devil Kings who usurped the

authorities of G.o.ds. Campiones. You have officially become the seventh.”

”Whaaaat -- !?”

The robed duo had crept into the room at the inn while G.o.dou was snoring

away soundly. Erica happened to be away at the time. In order to obtain

information, they tied up G.o.dou and brought him to a barn in the outskirts

of the village. Upon discovering the situation, Erica hurried over, thereby

resulting in the rescue drama that occurred just now.

”Looks like stray magi from some small cult, acting rashly without using

their brains.”

Walking along a country road at night, Erica concluded arbitrarily.

As a side note, the robed men were left behind in bondage.

”I agree on that point. But Erica, when you left the room back then, were

you using me as bait?”

Walking alongside the blonde beauty, G.o.dou whispered.

Oh well, it was only speculation. At the time, perhaps Erica really had to

leave to do something as she claimed... That line of thinking was only

reasonable.

But another possibility occurred to G.o.dou.

Yes, take for example, what if given Erica's intelligence and keen sense,

she had actually noticed the appearance of the robed men? Furthermore,

she wanted to confirm G.o.dou's current condition.

Her mind of devil's...

It would not be strange to suspect 'Erica had hidden herself to observe

what would happen to G.o.dou if he were left alone.'

”Calling it bait or whatever, that is such an inappropriate description. I

simply chose the most interesting and dramatic method I could think of,

that's all.”

Contrary to expectations, Erica was proud of herself.

What a strange and novel feeling it was, to completely lose all grat.i.tude to

his savior.

”You, how should I put it... Your character is way not cool.”

G.o.dou muttered emphatically.

Recalling their first encounter, her att.i.tude had been very displeasing back

then. However, having experienced life and death situations together with

her, their distance seemed to have shrunk slightly.

That was the situation. G.o.dou began to understand a little. Erica was not

simply smart, she was utterly brilliant. On top of that, she was a terrifying

devil.

She was the kind of person whose application of her wits prioritized

personal amus.e.m.e.nt.

”Why am I always surrounded by people with weird personalities?”

G.o.dou recalled his closest family, relatives and friends.

But thanks to that, he was not intimated by a woman like Erica. Even

though she was difficult to handle, she was still a good person at heart.

The fact that she was a friend remained unchanged.

”Whatever.” G.o.dou muttered to himself. Erica immediately spoke up.

”Oh my, to think that amongst G.o.dou's acquaintances, there exist many

people with slight resemblance to me. How broad your social circle must

be! I'm impressed, slightly.”

”...Anyway, let's head back first. It's time to get some rest tonight.”

Impressed by Erica's positive acceptance of her weird personality, G.o.dou

suggested their next move. However, Erica shook her head.

”No, those two from just now might have other companions. We should

leave this village as quickly as possible. Sure, we could take on another

battle, but there's no need for such unnecessary risk.”

”Come to think of it, you were the one they were targeting.”

”What are you talking about? The one being targeted is you, G.o.dou. You

are the Devil King and the seventh G.o.d-slaying Campione.”

As G.o.dou stared with wide-eyed confusion, Erica explained gently as if

instructing a young child.

”Take the two-man team just now, there should be many people involved

in magic who have concluded that 'Erica Blandelli slew a G.o.d' based on

circ.u.mstantial evidence. But sooner or later, they will realize their error and

discover the truth. The one who slew a G.o.d was actually a j.a.panese

completely unversed in magic, Kusanagi G.o.dou.”

”I am a G.o.d-slayer...”

”Yes. In order to investigate the death of the [Heretic G.o.d] who manifested

on Sardinia, magic a.s.sociations not only from Italy but also the rest of

Europe will send investigators over. Well, that said, their attention will be

focused on me initially.”

”In the near future, you will begin to understand the authority you usurped

from Verethragna. The term authority refers to sacred powers originally

held by G.o.ds. Great powers wielded by the heavenly G.o.ds. Taking

possession of such powers will not permit a human to live a normal life.”

G.o.dou listened to Erica's fluent outflow of information in dumbstruck

silence.

Nevertheless, he finally managed to speak up.

”But I should have the choice to not use that power, right?”

”I wonder? In my view, if you were really the type to choose that road, you

would never have fought Verethragna in the first place.”

”But isn't the situation completely different from yesterday?”

Calming down slightly, G.o.dou continued.

”The G.o.d incident is resolved, so I will return to j.a.pan. In that case, I will

sever all relations with G.o.ds, magic, and all these troublesome things--”

”How complacent. You've really forgotten completely, G.o.dou.”

Erica exclaimed with great surprise.

”There was a message for you. Since this is the decree of the king who

commands the oriental divine realm, please pay careful attention -- Your

first enemy was the war G.o.d Verethragna, the second one is me!”

Erica mimicked a certain someone's horrifyingly deep tone of voice.

”Very soon I will recover all my power. When that time comes, take the

place of that war G.o.d, my spears of fury will be aimed at you! Polish your

sword and wait for my arrival! ~ Basically that.”

”...Melqart!?”

G.o.dou cursed his stupidity. There was yet another G.o.d who had

manifested on this island!

”Yes. The Phoenician divine king Melqart flew away somewhere after that.

He prepares for the battle with Kusanagi G.o.dou. The great king who boldly

declared he would sink the island of Sardinia into the bottom of the sea if

any islanders came to interfere. The impending tragedy offers little room

for optimism.”

For the sake of defeating Verethragna, G.o.dou had made use of Melqart's

power.

As G.o.dou realized he had to take responsibility, he trembled... Oh no, was

it coming again, was he forced to battle a G.o.d again?

”How about it, G.o.dou? If you declare you will never fight a [Heretic G.o.d]

again, I won't force you.”

”As much as I'd like to do that...”

G.o.dou sighed. Returning home at such a time was not acceptable. Even if

Erica would let him go, he could not permit himself to do so.

”I will remain until Melqart's incident is resolved. Somehow I keep finding

myself at the eye of the storm.”

G.o.dou lamented as Erica shrugged.

”Digging your own grave would be the appropriate expression, wouldn't

you agree? Well then, let's head to Cagliari together. It's easier to hide in

densely populated urban areas and it also facilitates information

gathering.”

Cagliari was the largest city on the island of Sardinia. A port town.

Erica's suggestion was perfectly reasonable. Apparently she was not only

capable of strange mischievous ideas but also rational contemplation.

Naturally gifted in so many ways, rather than wasting her prodigious

talents, she really ought to put heaven's gifts to good use...

At the same time as being deeply impressed by this woman, G.o.dou

suddenly realized something else.

”I agree with what you suggested, but is it okay for you not to go home?”

”Oh my, what are you talking about?”

”I mean going back to Milan. Weren't you sent here from Milan for a

mission?”

Erica had mentioned her origins a number of times.

She hailed from the northern Italian metropolis of Milan. A mage belonging

to that secret a.s.sociation called the whatever [Copper Black Cross], and a

member of the elite known as Great Knights or something like that. She

was probably someone important in her uncle's organization, but Erica

sounded like she was going to continue accompanying G.o.dou.

”I haven't decided when to go back yet. I haven't even reported the

Verethragna incident back to the a.s.sociation either.”

”Eh? Is that really okay for you to do that?”

”Not really. I'm neglecting my duties as a knight and even shutting off my

cellphone. Nevertheless, it is necessary in light of the bigger picture.”

”At least give them a call. I'm sure they're quite worried about you.”

”If I did that, I would most likely be ordered to return. That is what I'm

avoiding.”

G.o.dou recalled that Erica was a promising child prodigy shouldering great

expectations. It was doubtful that the organization would want to risk such

important talent in a dangerous environment.

”I could send out a false report, but things would be over as soon as the

deception is revealed. In any case, I have no wish to leave Sardinia for

now. Clearly when something so interesting is happening, it'd be foolish to

leave the center of the action. Definitely unacceptable!”

a.s.serting all those troublesome G.o.d-related affairs as ”interesting,” Erica

was surely out of her mind.

G.o.dou was once again impressed by her. At the same time, he realized

another possibility, and secretly thanked her. Perhaps she chose to

accompany him out of concern for the clueless Kusanagi G.o.dou.

More than likely, this was only wishful thinking, but somehow G.o.dou

believed in it.

Part 3

As they set off for their destination of Cagliari, Erica wanted to reach a

decision on their means of transport.

”Taxis... Do they even drive out to these remote rural areas? Or should we

wait for a bus?”

”In a place like this, there's probably no more than two or three buses a

day, right?”

Hence, G.o.dou and Erica walked past the bus station.

Instead, they wandered around the village and chanced upon a

middle-aged Italian man who was touring around in a rental car. After

stating their request, they managed to hitch a ride.

Not knowing any Italian, G.o.dou stayed silent and left the talking to Erica.

Not only was she beautiful but also well-versed in social skills, Erica sat in

the pa.s.senger seat beside the driver, chatting amiably with the

middle-aged man.

The sun had completely set. Carrying the trio, the car raced across the

road at night.

”...Hmm?”

Sitting in the back seat, G.o.dou was perplexed. Somehow, he was able to

vaguely grasp what the two people in front were talking about ~ that was

what he felt. In that very instant.

(Where are you two going afterwards? Eh, Cagliari? As for me, I'm going to

take a leisurely tour of the island's western region...)

That was what he felt the man was saying.

Soon after, the car reached a town called Oristano and they parted ways

with the man.

The time was after nine at night. G.o.dou and Erica checked into a little inn

(with separate rooms, of course), agreeing to take the 8:30am train to

Cagliari the next morning.

...As a side note, this was when G.o.dou first discovered Erica's habit of

sleeping in.

Finding her still asleep at their appointed meeting time, G.o.dou had to

knock on her door until his hand hurt in order to wake her up.

Facing the Italian mainland was the Mediterranean Sea.

Situated on the surface of this peaceful and scenic body of water, the

island of Sardinia covered an area roughly the size of j.a.pan's s.h.i.+koku

island. The entire island comprised the autonomous region of Sardinia,

with Cagliari as its capital.

Cagliari was an ancient port city dating back to the eighth century BCE.

The seafaring Phoenicians had landed on the island and started

constructing ports and towns.

”I must say, regarding the completely appalling taste of that particular

confectionery, I really need to go on a detailed diatribe.”

After the train arrived at Cagliari, Erica murmured repeatedly to herself as

they stepped out of the station.

”It couldn't be helped. If you hadn't slept in, you would've been able to eat

a proper breakfast.”

Shrugging, G.o.dou said.

The train traveled for close to an hour and a half for the journey to Cagliari.

Because they did not have time for breakfast, G.o.dou had bought some

chocolate at the station's snack shop, and even prepared a portion for

Erica as well.

The taste was terrible beyond belief. Summing up, it was too sweet. So

sweet that it made his teeth hurt.

European and American confectionery were, for the most part, too sweet

for j.a.panese tastes. But even Erica had the same reaction. ”This thing

calling itself chocolate, truly serves up a blasphemous challenge to the

definition of strange-tasting” was her comment. Apparently, this chocolate

was universally bad-tasting beyond national boundaries.

Nevertheless, the two of them still finished it without waste.

”Clearly if there was time, we could have bought something to eat at a

more normal shop...”

”Ludicrous! You are speaking as if I were responsible. If you went ahead

and bought what you wanted in advance, there'd be no problem!”

”So the option of you getting up on time does not exist!?”

Erica turned her face away in disgust at G.o.dou's retort.

”No, it does not! Just because you have been reborn as a G.o.d-slayer, you

think you have the right to disturb me, Erica Blandelli, during the sanct.i.ty of

my slumber? It is an utmost privilege that neither kings nor emperors in the

whole wide world are ent.i.tled to!”

”You simply like sleeping in, so what's with all that justification...”