Vol 11 Chapter 1 (2/2)

”Well, whatever. Even though the taste was terrible, it made the

experience interesting instead. Hence, G.o.dou, I will not pursue the matter

further this once. Offer me your joyful grat.i.tude.”

”What's with this downward gaze of superiority... Anyway, Erica.”

G.o.dou suddenly said to the girl who had too much personality:

”You finished everything despite complaining about the taste, and even

went as far to say it was interesting. So you don't actually dislike junk

food?”

”How could that possibly be true? Given the choice, I am the type who

always chooses food of the best quality.”

With that, Erica tossed that reddish blonde hair of hers that adorned her

head like a crown.

”However, when there is no choice, I simply possess the special skill of

ignoring the food's taste. As a knight, my body is an important a.s.set.

Regardless of the food quality, nourishment cannot be neglected.”

”Your body seems to have developed well in spite of everything...”

”Remember this well. My personal philosophy bestows greater respect

upon poor-tasting food that is marked by individualistic distinction,

compared to bland cuisine lacking in style. Judged by this criteria, even

though your choice was not optimal, it was not poor either.”

In any case, G.o.dou and Erica were back in Sardinia's largest city, Cagliari.

An ancient seaside capital with orderly stone-built streets. Filled with the

vigor of urban life, it was also host to the ”casual” atmosphere possessed

by tourist vacation spots.

”By the way, G.o.dou. Now that we have arrived in Cagliari, the choice of

'Announcing your name as the Campione and commanding the magi of

Sardinia' is open to you.”

”Right, but that's not going to happen.”

G.o.dou immediately responded to Erica's suggestion as they left the

station.

”Even if I've really become a Campi-whatever as you say, it doesn't feel

real to me at all.”

”Well, I guess the chances of people being skeptical would be too high if

we announce the Devil King's birth before you get a grasp on your

authority. Oh well, there's no urgency at this point. So, let's start gathering

information.”

”About Melqart, right?”

”Yes, that too, requires reliable and trustworthy sources of information.

Contacting local magi at such a time would be standard operating

procedure... But given a place like Sardinia, it might be difficult to find

someone first rate who could prove useful in a fight against a [Heretic

G.o.d].”

Erica's murmurs prompted G.o.dou to recall a certain someone.

”Then how about we contact Lucretia-san?”

The Witch of Sardinia, Lucretia Zola. She was the root cause for G.o.dou's

visit to this island, and the older friend who had offered minor guidance to

G.o.dou and Erica.

After the battle against Verethragna, they had not contacted her due to the

various busy happenings.

In that case, G.o.dou wanted to contact her as well as give her a report.

”In actual fact, I already called Lucretia while G.o.dou was sleeping

yesterday. To give her a report on the entire incident. At the time, she said

'Since things have calmed for now, I will have a good sleep to recover my

energy. So I won't be available for now.' From the way she sounded, I'd

expect her to sleep for two or three days.”

”Continuously? Without even waking in between?”

”Yes. Magical sleep for the purpose of recovering exhaustion of the body

and mind in as short time as possible. Such thorough rest is necessary for

eliminating core fatigue, in preparation for future emergencies.”

”Come to think of it, Lucretia-san did mention she had exhausted her

magical power...”

G.o.dou worried about the witch as he felt impressed by Erica's attention to

detail.

Due to her outward appearance, it was very easy to forget the fact that

Lucretia was actually quite elderly (apparently).

When they parted ways, Lucretia did look rather haggard back then. She

had gotten caught up in a fight between the two G.o.ds, Verethragna and

Melqart, a week or so ago. In order to escape, she depleted all her power.

”Right, Lucretia also said that, if we need any a.s.sistance during this time,

there's a suitable candidate. Fortunately, he happens to live in Cagliari.”

”Well then, let's go find him.”

”However, Lucretia also mentioned... This person is rather flippant in

character, and 100% untrustworthy.”

”I see... Since you come with Lucretia Zola's introductions, I cannot ignore

you.”

David Bianchi spoke in a manner that gave off strange pretentious airs.

The current location was a mansion on a hill overlooking the Cagliari

harbor and Golfo degli AngeliJ 1 ^ Like Rome, Cagliari was also a city built

on seven hills and with many districts located on elevated ground.

Given such a magnificent mansion built on this kind of a location, it was

truly a residence that exemplified the lifestyles of the rich.

In the reception room, G.o.dou and Erica were sitting face to face with

Bianchi.

”I am already aware of the matter of two G.o.ds descending here. I also

know one of them is Melqart. Based on the other G.o.d's ident.i.ty as an

oriental deity, I speculate him to be Verethragna, is that right?”

Worthy of admiration, the mage David Bianchi spoke.

He was a handsome man who appeared to be twenty-five or six in age.

Dressed impeccably in a well-tailored suit, he gave off a sense of vanity

like some sort of lady-killer.

”Yes, based on what we heard from Lucretia, you are an outstanding

geomancist.^ We wish to employ your magical skill to help track down

Melqart's whereabouts.”

Erica spoke in lady-like tones while G.o.dou remained silent on the side.

Having been told by Erica that her companion only spoke j.a.panese,

Bianchi watched G.o.dou with great interest. However, he immediately

switched to conversing in fluent j.a.panese.

”Well, there's no problem. It's the least I could do out of obligation to

Lucretia. However, I hope you can enlighten me. Is it really true that

warlord Verethagna met his demise at Melqart's hands?”

”Yes, it's true. Kusanagi G.o.dou here and I were eyewitnesses to the fact.”

Erica was lying.

She had concealed the truth when she recounted the incident. Bianchi

made an exaggerated smile after going ”Hmph” with an air of skepticism.

”In any case, let me begin preparing for the physiognomy.^ Could you

please be patient while I get the necessary tools ready?”

Saying that, he left the reception room.

”...Hey Erica, that Bianchi guy, isn't he kind of flippant?”

”...That's right. Not one to conceal his ulterior motives, he is a rather

small-minded person, to put things delicately. But since he is said to be a

capable person, let's observe the situation for now.”

Since the two of them were left behind, they conversed in whispers.

”Since this is his home ground, it would be very disadvantageous for us as

intruders to engage him in hostilities... Be that as it may, we cannot back

down.”

”Really? Isn't he supposed to be a powerful person?”

”Well, only 'so-so.' He may be considered first rate, but not to the level of

fuoricla.s.se.^ If I focus on protecting myself with my best defensive spell,

Bianchi would most likely fail to breach it. With no other recourse, perhaps

he would target you instead...”

Erica began to stare at G.o.dou unerringly.

”In that case, the target is not the one in trouble.”

”Eh?”

”Regarding matters of Devil King Campiones, I've had a number of

opportunities to learn from a certain Princess. Combined with my personal

experience -- 1 expect the result to be rather grim.”

Erica p.r.o.nounced solemnly like some sort of prophet.

Part 4

After about an hour, Bianchi returned and led G.o.dou and Erica to a

different room.

The Bianchi mansion was quite vast and its long corridors reflected this

fact accordingly. The emerald-green Mediterranean Sea was visible

through the windows. Thanks to the mansion's location on a hill near the

sea, the spectacular view was unrivaled.

G.o.dou whispered to Erica as he walked along this corridor of the rich.

”By the way, what is 'geomancy'?”

”In terms that orientals like G.o.dou would easily understand, it is a type of

magic similar to 'Feng Shui.' Magical rituals that allow one to read the earth

and the flow of its essence, and to manipulate them according to one's

wishes. For increasing the prosperity of oneself, one's affiliations, as well

as the nation.”

”Ah... Feng Shui. Indeed it is fitting for the rich.”

Wearing yellow clothes would bring monetary fortune. Placing items at

specified auspicious locations to increase luck.

Erica's explanations prompted G.o.dou to recall the origins of the j.a.panese

”wide show.”^

”When a [Heretic G.o.d] manifests, the earth at that location and its essence

will be affected greatly. Given an accomplished geomancist, it is possible

to find out the deity's latest information — location, current condition, as

well as observe where the deity might manifest next.”

Soon they arrived at the destination.

The high ceilings stretched all the way up. The room was so s.p.a.cious, a

tennis court could probably fit with room to spare. That was how large it

was.

In the center of the room was a large marble table, with a huge ”model”

sitting on top of it.

It was a three dimensional topographical map of the terrain surrounding

the Mediterranean. On this roughly 5m x 2m rectangular s.p.a.ce, Spain,

Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Mediterranean Sea and various North African

countries were beautifully recreated in exquisite detail.

Must be some sort of expensive hobby -- G.o.dou concluded to himself.

”Well then. Let us try to track down the 'presence' of Melqart you

witnessed.”

Bianchi picked up a beaker containing a brown powder.

”This powder was made by grinding up fragments of a jar recently

unearthed from the ruins of the ancient Phoenician home port of Tyre.”

The powder was poured from the beaker onto the model.

It landed exactly on the south side of Sardinia -- the location equivalent to

Cagliari, G.o.dou and Erica's current position.

Then the powder began to move on its own. Slithering over the model like

a snake, it rushed towards the Mediterranean Sea, heading east. An even

bigger island than Sardinia lay in that direction.

”The island of Sicily? Melqart went to Sicily?”

Bianchi nodded as Erica stared in wide-eyed surprise.

”Looks like it. The Phoenician's sphere of influence not only includes

Sardinia but Sicily as well. Perhaps in search of his ident.i.ty, Melqart seeks

the root of his existence by moving to a sacred domains closer to his

homeland.”

The city of Tyre was apparently the stronghold of the Phoenicians who

wors.h.i.+ped Melqart.

Tyre was located in the region known as Lebanon in modern times.

Relative to Sardinia, it was in the ”east” direction. I see. G.o.dou

understood.

”So that's that. But actually, I also prepared something else.”

Bianchi picked up a test tube containing a small amount of white powder.

”This powder was made from shavings of a stone tablet unearthed from

Zoroastrian temple ruins dating back to the Sa.s.sanid Empire of Persia. It

was prepared for tracking down the 'presence' of the war G.o.d of victory,

Verethragna.”

Reversing the test tube, the white powder was poured onto the model.

Even though it landed in the middle of the Italian mainland, the white

powder began to move on its own and crossed the sea, slithering towards

Cagliari, on the south side of Sardinia.

”Erica-kun... If the Verethragna was really killed by Melqart as you claimed,

this powder should have vanished instead. However, its current state is

obvious.”

Bianchi smiled smugly.

”Based on the physiognomy, Verethragna died by a human's hand.

Consequently, the warlord's authority was usurped, and the new owner is

currently in Cagliari. Most likely, that person is you.”

Saying that, the pretentious handsome man glared straight at G.o.dou!

”While I was making you wait, I observed the spiritual physiognomy within

this mansion and discovered a swirling 'presence' that hung around like

gunpowder. Rather than you, Erica-kun, it was a mysterious 'something'

hidden in this youth here, waiting for an opportunity to rampage!”

”David Bianchi does not fail to see past deception. So even if this were the

truth, what problems would it pose?”

Erica declared with absolute elegance and fearlessness.

”If Kusanagi G.o.dou is a Campione -- the first thing you must do is bow

down to the new [King] and express congratulations to his ascension to the

throne, offering your utmost fear and respect.”

”Yes. Indeed that is correct.”

Convinced by a beautiful girl younger than him, Bianchi smiled wryly.

”I've had this notion for a very long time. Indeed, Campiones are those who

have slain G.o.ds. However, do you really believe they are all worthy of

being [Kings]? Our king -- Salvatore Doni is a perfect example. Who could

believe he is such a great idiot, an utter moron!”

A certain Mr. Salvatore. So the sixth G.o.d-slayer is an Italian? But what

disrespectful words. Would Erica, who keeps insisting on reverence to the

king, get angry as a result? --Those were G.o.dou's thoughts.

”Well, Sir Salvatore is one of a kind. You can't really generalize from one

example.”

Unexpectedly, Erica did not show any intention to object.

”Only the sword. He is a man who has utterly no merit in anything other

than the sword, right? Even if it is said that no amount of spells will work,

provided we have the intent -- don't you think that we are able to do it?”

”Are you actually talking about defeating a Campione?”

”Correct. Just as they have slain G.o.ds, we too, can defeat Devil Kings. At

least, when my opponent is an inexperienced Campione who is full of

openings!”

Bianchi declared with absolute confidence and stared at G.o.dou once

more.

”My mastery of physiognomy is not limited to the essence of the earth but

also extends to the observation of facial contours... That boy there has no

history of magic amongst his ancestors. Neither does he have any martial

arts training nor experience on the battlefield. Usurping a G.o.d's authority is

merely pearls before swine for him.”

G.o.dou could not help but feel shocked. This man was able to read that

much simply by observing a face? As befitted a guy versed in magic,

possessing amazing but inconspicuous skills.

”For the purpose of proving my theory that kings are not absolute

conquerors, isn't it great that an opponent has fallen into my grasp? Hmph,

kindly do humor my little wis.h.!.+”

Bianchi's glare gradually intensified.

Immediately, G.o.dou felt gooseb.u.mps on the back of his neck. Perhaps,

this was what was commonly known as ”killing intent.” He could sense

clearly dangerous thoughts coming from that man. It was not difficult to

understand.

Rather than the pretentious handsome mage, it was the changes in his

own body which made G.o.dou more confused.

”David Bianchi... I once considered you barely a first-rate mage, but

apparently I was wrong. You are merely half of that and more than likely,

you'll never progress beyond this foundation.”

Sharp-tongued and acrimonious, the speaker was Erica beyond a doubt.

”Such naive notions, surely must have crossed the minds of how many

thousands of magi? As expected of a man who pretends to be some sort

of master inhabiting a corner of a place like Sardinia, such shallow thinking

is only fitting.”

Erica's sardonic tone of voice was filled with her usual magnificent flair.

Unlike the times when she admonished G.o.dou as ”fool,” that fleeting

sense of cuteness was absent. Only words of mockery were delivered.

”Within prestigious a.s.sociations like my [Copper Black Cross], in order to

eliminate this kind of misconception and impress upon members the

overwhelming power of the kings -- or rather, ridiculous creatures for whom

common logic does not apply, we would use anecdotes of past kings as

teaching materials for a thorough education.”

Erica burst into a smile.

”But clearly you did not have this opportunity. Even though I agree with

your a.s.sessment of Sir Salvatore as an idiot, I thoroughly despise your

notion of 'possibly defeating them.' This sort of delusional dream should be

saved for your eternal slumber beneath a grave!”

How distinctive of Erica's style, this exquisite manner of mockery.

”Hmph, truly the words of one who hails from a prestigious family that

wags their tail at kings. But you are ill-advised to forget one fact. This place

is my mansion, and to you, it is enemy territory -- Prepare to die!”

The instant Bianchi called out, the floor beneath Erica transformed

amorphously, manifesting into a sharp and ma.s.sive conical shape,

extending upwards and flying as fast as an arrow.

However, Erica lightly took a step backwards to evade the surprise attack

from below.

”Knowest that thou art no immortal G.o.d, rememberest thy mortality as a

son of man!”^

As Bianchi yelled out again, G.o.dou could sense magic activating.

This was probably the strongest magic he had felt to this point. The house

began to shake and rumble noisily.

”Darkness” was hanging all around Erica.

A dark mist had suddenly appeared, pervading Erica's surroundings,

enveloping the blonde maiden like a black cloud obscuring the s.h.i.+ning

moon!

G.o.dou was certain without reason. This was extremely dangerous magic.

Living things that came into contact with that mist will rapidly approach

death. Whether through the absorption of life force, incurring a fatal

disease, or the stopping of the heart, G.o.dou's instincts told him, it was

extremely vicious magic that stole life away!

G.o.dou felt some kind of switch opening in his body.

You dare do something like that to Erica -- my friend! Intense flames of

anger were roused within him as ferocious fighting spirit simmered. Battle

spirit made him feel as hot as burning and filled his entire body with power

for combat.

On the other hand, exposed to this malicious attack, Erica began:

”For the sake of maintaining order in Rome, the Senate decreed the

suspension of imperium! O Steel of the Lion, layest thyself down as the

foundation!”

Fluently she recited the incantation.

In response, the magic sword of the lion, Cuore di Leone, suddenly

appeared in Erica's hand. At the same time, it transformed into a chain with

ten links, s.h.i.+ning with silver l.u.s.ter.

The chain's head and tail ends joined together to form a ”circular chain.”

These ten chain links encircled Erica, forming a protective barrier against

the mist of darkness.

”Senatus consultum ultimum, hereby decreed!”^

Erica proceeded to finish the incantation and completed the spell.

G.o.dou managed to barely understand what happened. This was probably

defensive magic. Even if Bianchi went all out, he probably cannot breach it.

”How's that? A protective barrier erected from the magic sword Cuore di

Leone and Senatus consultum ultimum, do you have any way of breaching

it?”

”Probably — not. But with that, you cannot attack either.”

Bianchi's lips displayed a twisted smile in response to Erica's challenge.

”A protective barrier erected using the spell of Senatus consultum ultimum

is equivalent to a castle in durability. However, the spellcaster cannot take

a single step out of its confines. Isn't that nice? While you protect yourself,

you will be unable to guard this new Campione boy here.”

G.o.dou shrank back. Clearly Bianchi's next move was going to be...

”Then you're offering me a free hand to go after this boy?”

”Please go ahead, be my guest.”

Furthermore, Erica was speaking with an expression that said ”By all

means”!

”The reason why Campiones are regarded as kings and conquerors -

beings who have completely transcended the limitations imposed by laws

of nature, I hope you can savor the experience thoroughly. If perchance

you survive this encounter, perhaps it would serve as a wonderful lesson.”

G.o.dou gasped. It really developed as he feared.

”So that's the situation, G.o.dou, I leave things in your hands. Show that

poor ignorant fool the terror of your kind. Don't worry, I expect you to have

little trouble.”

Saying that, Erica smiled glamorously.

Beautiful and tempting, it was an expression that was best encapsulated

by the description, the ”devil's smile.”

Part 5

”Wait a minute, Erica, you want me to defeat that guy?”

”Yes, using the authority you usurped from the Persian Warlord

Verethragna (even though we don't know what it is yet), there should be

something (or some pain) that should allow you to easily trample a mage of

that level.”

”Don't talk about 'easily' in an emergency like this!”

G.o.dou could not help but retort against Erica's whispered suggestion.

Over on the side, Bianchi was also displeased.

”How dare you describe me as simply being 'of that level.' You are

mistaken if you think I'm a man whose only skill is geomancy. Just as you

saw, I've been through many real battles.”

”Anyway, what he's trying to say is 'I'm not some kind of flunkie.' Just

ignore him.”

G.o.dou figured it out. Erica was clearly trying to instigate a fight!

Angered, Bianchi was glaring at G.o.dou severely.

”...The Seventh Devil King. I have no grudge against you personally, but as

a man, I cannot refuse a challenge. So would you kindly have a duel with

me?”

Actually, you are too small-minded as a man if you get offended so easily

by mere words.

G.o.dou suppressed those words that nearly spilled out of his mouth. Why

does that girl Erica want Bianchi to fight him? Indiscernible motives.

”Please be calm. Even though I slew a G.o.d, I don't even know what

happened exactly. But as you can see, I'm a pacifist. I really mean you no

harm completely.”

With an earnest voice, G.o.dou tried to plead his sincerity.

Kusanagi G.o.dou was a pacifist. A civilized man who did not like being in

conflict with others. Even though Erica was an amazing girl, and

unexpectedly n.o.ble, she was someone who could immediately draw her

sword at the slightest disagreement.

As fellow humans, they should first negotiate and reach mutual

understanding.

”Regrettably, this has nothing to do with your pacifism. This battle

concerns something that belongs to me. Please give up and humor me... O

Forest!”

Bianchi's strange mutterings at the end of his speech were spell words.

Power — magical power was produced, making rustling noises, producing

effects, forming a ”spell.”

Without noticing, G.o.dou had somehow accepted and gotten used to his

new ability to sense magical power and presences.

What mysterious phenomenon will be born from this magic — ?

Noticing that, G.o.dou was rendered speechless. The wall behind Bianchi

was undergoing a ”change.” This was clearly a room in a mansion, but

”that spot” had changed into a different scene.

The wall of the mansion had disappeared, and somehow been replaced by

a ”dense forest.”

The forest was filled with flouris.h.i.+ng vegetation and greenery. The vigorous

plants did not seem like Mediterranean species and were clearly tropical

rainforest flora.

”This is distorting s.p.a.ce and connecting to a rainforest somewhere!”

Erica immediately informed G.o.dou. As expected of magic, even something

like this could be done.

”Tiger! Using those immortal claws and eyes, your terror shall create

balance!”

Bianchi uttered spell words again, casting new magic.

That was probably a ”summoning” spell. From the depths of the dense

forest, two s.h.i.+ning spots the brilliant color of emerald were approaching.

Those were eyes of a beast. With yellow and black fur, that tenacious,

ma.s.sive, wild beast — a ”tiger” indeed.

An extremely ma.s.sive tiger, probably weighing 300kg. Furthermore, there

was more than one.

A second tiger began walking out from the depths of the forest...

”Even if magic is cast on a Campione, it will be completely deflected. It's a

well-known fact.”

Bianchi whispered. G.o.dou finally understood.

Back when spells were being cast in the storeroom, none of them had any

effect on G.o.dou.

”However, there are other avenues. Take the bones and the face for

example... Because all it requires is the appearance, techniques like

physiognomy were usable like earlier. Targeting a Campione's powerful

divine aura, investigative magic can be used to locate them.”

Bianchi looked upon the two huge tigers in the room with great satisfaction.

”Since objects summoned by magic can cause damage, controlling these

artificial magic beasts will work — hey [King], these fellows are man-eating

tigers accustomed to the taste of human flesh and blood. No matter how

peacefully you try to negotiate, they won't listen to you.”

Man-eating!? G.o.dou felt his body stiffen in fear.

The two ferocious tigers followed Bianchi, growling as they stared at

G.o.dou with their resplendent eyes. At the same time, they snarled and

ground their teeth, saliva flowing from their mouths.

Truly beasts summoned by magic. They seemed to be waiting for the order

to attack.

Was there no way to escape!? As G.o.dou glanced at the exit, the steel door

closed itself shut with a crash. Immediately, the click of a lock could be

heard.

This also seemed to be magic. G.o.dou had a hopeless feeling.

Locked in a room with two man-eating tigers, it really seemed like a

hopeless situation. What should he do? How could he win against these

things!?

— Seek victory in earnest, with raging battle spirit. G.o.dou proceeded to

whisper:

”I am the strongest, holding all victory in my hands...”

Muttering, as if talking to himself.

”All evil-doers, tremble before me. The powerful but unjust cannot

vanquish me.”

Further muttering. This was scripture that Verethragna had once chanted.

The G.o.d of victory sleeping within G.o.dou — the power, usurped from that

youth and now inherited by G.o.dou, told him the spell words.

G.o.dou dispelled the tigers' existence from his mind and closed his eyes.

Appearing in the depths of his vision were ten forms.

The first was a gust of wind. Next was a bull. Then a white stallion. A

camel. A boar. A glorious fifteen-year-old youth. A high-speed flying bird of

prey. A ram. A goat. And finally, a warrior wielding a golden sword — !

”I am Verethragna, destroyer of obstacles! The strongest guardian with the

most victories under his belt! I seek battle! I seek a formidable foe to bring

me defeat!”

Loud and clear, that youth's voice. G.o.dou heard it once again after a day.

I see. So this is that guy's authority? I should use this to fight!

”G.o.dou, watch out!”

Hearing Erica's warning, G.o.dou sprang into action, his eyes still closed.

He evaded the attack by jumping sideways. Only then did he open his

eyes. Relying on vision would have been too slow, that was what his

instincts told him.

One of the man-eating tigers had jumped to where G.o.dou was previously

standing.

Its ferocious teeth only caught air. It was a splendid evasion. However, the

tigers still remained. The other tiger pounced ferociously at G.o.dou who still

had not recovered from his jumping posture.

A ma.s.sive tiger weighing over 300kg. Yet its huge body was flexible and

agile.

It charged forward with speed far surpa.s.sing humans. But most incredibly,

G.o.dou was able to watch its charge very clearly — not only could he

discern it, he could also dodge it.

G.o.dou already had excellent dynamic vision originally.

Thanks to that, in his past baseball days, he was able to hit average

fastb.a.l.l.s. At peak condition, he could even see the ball trajectory clearly.

— What he saw now felt similar to back then.

Ultimately, an average middle school student's fastball was on a

completely different level compared to that of a charging man-eating tiger.

But then again, there was no time to ponder such a question. G.o.dou

crouched down.

Rolling on the floor like a log, he evaded the tiger's attack. Though it was

undignified, he did not care. It was fine as long as it worked.

”What!?”

Seeing G.o.dou's sudden agility, Bianchi was shocked.

This guy was not as incompetent as Erica described. G.o.dou suddenly

concluded without reason. If the blonde beautiful female knight was

a.s.signed a score of ten, that guy should be around six or so.

G.o.dou proceeded to glance at Erica.

She was giving that look again. An expression full of interest, as if

observing a newly discovered rare beast.

— This was what that girl wanted to see?

Figuring out the intentions of his ”partner,” G.o.dou was speechless. She's

truly like a devil! For the sake of investigating the power and const.i.tution

G.o.dou had obtained, Erica deliberately incited Bianchi.

G.o.dou supported himself with his hands against the wall and stood up.

Danger had yet to pa.s.s. If he continued rolling on the floor, it would be like

an invitation for the tigers to attack. He suddenly noticed at this time.

Eh? In my current condition, perhaps... A sense of certainty suddenly

surfaced.

Then he carefully examined the artificial tigers.

This sort of strong and wild tiger, could not possibly exist in nature. But the

man who had usurped [Victory]'s authority, held the power to match that

kind of strength —

Pus.h.i.+ng with both hands against the wall, G.o.dou imagined the wall's

collapse. Gritting his teeth, he began to yell.

”Gun — Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

This scene could only be described as ludicrous.

The ”wall” crumbled and collapsed from G.o.dou's mighty push.

This mansion's wall — the one opposite to where Bianchi was standing,

and the stone wall connected to the forest. With a clattering sound, it

collapsed from G.o.dou's arm strength.

No, this unyielding might could not have been produced from arm muscles.

A terrifying and ma.s.sive power was being transmitted from the ground that

G.o.dou stood on. This sacred might was produced from the essence of the

earth.

This power was indeed Verethragna's second incarnation, the [Bull].

G.o.dou finally understood.

”Tsk. No matter how strong you are, there's no meaning without battle

technique. Go!”

Bianchi ordered the tigers.

G.o.dou swiftly went outside the walls — to the garden of the house. For no

particular reason. He simply felt like it, which was why he deliberately

destroyed the wall.

Furthermore, he immediately realized there was some truth in what Bianchi

said.

G.o.dou's survival instincts and ability to evade danger had been explosively

amplified by his becoming a Campione. Nevertheless, continually running

away from the two man-eating tigers was not an easy task.

G.o.dou was soon caught, and a man-eating tiger's jaws closed down upon

his left shoulder.

”Ouch! That huuuuuuuurts!”

G.o.dou cried out from the pain. Even though it hurt a lot when he was

beaten up by Verethragna yesterday, the feeling was numbed instead due

to having few cuts. The current pain felt like the most intense G.o.dou had

ever experienced in his life.

But then G.o.dou realized.

The tiger's teeth had dug into the shoulder, biting through flesh, but the

bones were —

The bones were strong enough to halt the sharp canines of the man-eating

tiger. Had this been his original body, the bones would have been bitten off

together along with the shoulder and the arm.

”My body, did it become especially st.u.r.dy?”

In the end, he also discovered another fact. It was extremely painful. Still,

pain wa

<script>