Vol 11 Chapter 3 (1/2)
Chapter 3 - Sword, Erica, Melqart
Part 1
”Hey G.o.doh, dying like this is completely unacceptable!”
”...Huh?”
Upon hearing these sudden words of mockery, G.o.dou answered in a
sluggish voice.
He opened his eyes to find a cute little girl. Her face was slender and
dignified. Though ”beautiful,” her sense of ”cuteness” was far more
overwhelming in comparison. Judging by appearance, she seemed to be
fourteen years old or so. Perhaps enhanced by the twintailed hairstyle, she
gave off a rather young impression.
Puzzled by the girl's strange words, G.o.dou surveyed his surroundings.
...This completely empty s.p.a.ce contained nothing else. The entire place
was grayish white. Even the ends of the horizon were gray. An incredible
world of gray.
The girl before his eyes was wearing a white and flimsy dress. Which
country did it come from?
”This is the [Boundary of Life and Immortality]. Perhaps it might be easier
to understand if I used expressions like 'almost at the afterlife' or 'pretty
much at the Sanzu River 1 ^ to describe this place?”
The beautiful girl explained in an exceptionally casual tone of voice.
”By the way, I am Pandora. But not a [Heretic G.o.d], mind you. I stand as a
true and proper G.o.ddess, impossible for humans to encounter unless I
descend to this realm. With the express intent of meeting my son, I came
here from the Domain of Immortality.”
”...Son? Who is that?”
”Of course I'm referring to you, G.o.doh. You are my son. You may call me
mama, maman, mommy or whatever you wish, okay?”
”...So, Pandora-san, there's something I wish to ask.”
”Wan, of all the choices you went with this! -You're the worst-”
Pandora enunciated her words as if deliberately trying to act displeased.
”It's not very nice to look down on the bonds between mother and child,
you know-”
”But my real mother is authentic j.a.panese. And not younger than me,
either.”
”Fine, stepmother then. The prospects of gaining a child-faced loli
stepmother with no blood relations, that's known as 'moe' on earth, right?
Isn't that really lucky?”
”I think even if you narrow the range to earth, it would only apply to a very
small subset of people...”
G.o.dou decided to change the subject.
”You said something like 'dying' just now. Did I really die?”
”Yes, you were promptly killed by Melqart-sama. But never fear, for
G.o.doh's body is currently resurrecting on earth. Just before you died, you
did well to understand the hint I sent.”
The G.o.ddess who called herself Pandora smiled proudly.
”Since this is your first real battle, I did you a great service, allowing you to
resurrect in one piece. For me and my husband, our children all tend to be
rather impulsive and short-lived. Most of them end up dying on a battlefield
somewhere. So, G.o.doh, you'd better be more careful.”
”You and your husband's children... I get it now!”
G.o.dou remembered. What Erica had mentioned before.
”Campiones are the illegitimate children of Epimetheus and Pandora,
right?”
”Correct. Pandora in particular, is the stepmother who acts as the one who
supports you G.o.d-slayers. Although I'm rather casual and completely
irresponsible, I do offer hints on occasion.”
As Pandora smiled, she emanated a certain alluring aura incommensurate
with her child-like appearance.
Indeed this was a ”womanly” existence. G.o.dou understood that great
wisdom lay beneath her mesmerizing cuteness.
Even though she did not act very proper in behavior, she was still a
G.o.ddess.
”Well, even though you'll forget about seeing me as soon as you return to
earth, remnants of my teachings will survive somewhere in your
subconscious, so don't worry.”
”I will forget?”
”Yes. When traveling between this realm and the world on earth, all sorts
of things can happen.”
”What... Anyway, if possible, could you tell me something? I'm currently in
trouble with a G.o.d, so how should I fight? I seem to recall some kind of
weapon of light.”
Given this rare chance, G.o.dou decided to ask this question.
Pandora made a slightly mischievous expression and smiled with great
pride as she explained:
”It would be meaningless if I told you the answer -- or rather, it wouldn't be
fun anymore -- ah, that's not right, it won't help G.o.doh at all. You have to
try harder by yourself.”
”In that case... I get it.”
G.o.dou gave up and nodded indifferently.
After all, the one doing the fighting was himself. Always thinking of relying
on others for victory would not be conducive to handling split second
changes during intense confrontations. In this era of junior cultivation from
the ground up, G.o.dou had no objections as a baseball player and a mighty
athlete.
No matter how many comrades stood by his side, ultimately the one
fighting to the very end was himself.
In a team -- obviously he had to trust in his comrades to back him up.
However, were he unable to fight alone, he would be useless in a team
anyway. Hence, it was imperative he put forth all of his own effort first.
As these thoughts crossed G.o.dou's mind, Pandora watched him with an
amused expression.
”Hehe. No matter what kind of past life they led previously, the vast
majority of children who became G.o.d-slayers already knows how to fight.
G.o.doh is no exception. So let me skip that part and tell you something
useful.”
Hearing unexpected words from the stepmother, G.o.dou straightened
himself in full attentiveness.
”Even considering the entire history of mankind, you are a unique
G.o.d-slayer. There is no point for you to emulate any other person. It would
be utter stupidity. Consequently, please, always stay true to yourself.”
”...In other words, do things my own way?”
”Yes. Follow your heart and let instinct guide you. Fight smartly with
craftiness. Only by doing this will you become the strongest warrior on
earth. There is no need to worry yourself too much!”
Like she said, if he could emulate someone else, things would be much
easier...
Casually advised to undertake a challenging direction, G.o.dou could not
help but smile wryly.
”Anyway, I guess I'll start learning how to use my powers flexibly.”
”My, how hardworking of G.o.doh! However, it's best if you don't do that,
because it's useless.”
”Eh?”
”The grand enchantment for a person's rebirth as a G.o.d-slayer... There are
many strange aspects to it, probably because it is such a preposterous
process after all. For example, the condition of 'no matter what, only actual
combat worksiV or the like. Since G.o.d-slayers only resemble humans in
appearance but are actually more like demonic beasts inside, it's only
natural to progress like wild beasts, no?”
”In other words, earnest effort is useless?”
”Yes! G.o.d-slayers' authorities can only be honed on the battlefield through
actual combat. But that's totally fine, after all, ancient warriors were the
same. As long as you kill enough enemies, you will become powerful^”
”Please don't use such a disturbing a.n.a.logy!”
Seeing Pandora winking with a thumbs up sign, G.o.dou could not stop
himself from screaming.
”By the way, G.o.doh, your authority is a bit unreliable. It might be a little
dangerous if you try to do things alone, so please be careful.”
”What do you mean by unreliable?”
”It seems like you need the a.s.sistance of friends in order to satisfy certain
activation conditions. Isn't this a power that can only be used when
someone is trying to beat up G.o.doh?”
”Come to think of it, there is also a condition of 'only when facing strong
enough opponents.'”
”G.o.doh's heart is only roused when threatened by true battle. This is
probably what limits you from using your authority. Ultimately, a rampaging
soul is necessary to hone a G.o.d-slayer's power.”
Tension levels and the rousing of emotions were the most important? This
fact seriously needed careful attention.
”So if you ever need to fight, just shout 'Come and kill me with everything
you've got' and everything will be finei 1 ”
”I'm definitely not going to do that!”
It looked like the future will be filled with trials and tribulations. Even so,
had it been any different-
When G.o.dou came to, he found himself lying on a simple bed in a room
surrounded by white walls. There was an odor of medicine. Along the bare
white wall was a practical-looking sideboard. This was apparently a
hospital room.
Also, Erica was sitting on a chair beside the bed.
G.o.dou pushed against the bed to raise his upper torso. He had died during
the battle with Melqart but managed to resurrect. For some reason, he was
sure of that.
”I have something to say first, so please listen carefully.”
Erica declared immediately. Even though she tried her best to stay calm,
she could not hide her irrepressible rage. It was a voice that seemed to
shake the air.
”If you can come back from death, then please say so before dying...! You
are truly a fool beyond help!”
”D-Don't say something so unreasonable. I was suddenly thrust on stage
without any preparation.”
Severely chastised by Erica, G.o.dou muttered in response.
”This power to revive from the verge of death, cannot be used unless I am
actually about to die. If I die completely, it's meaningless... Anyway, I admit
I'm at fault, sorry.”
Getting up from bed, G.o.dou bowed his head.
”It seems like I made you worry, I'm really sorry.”
Erica was angry because she was really worried about him, right?
This apology resulted in provoking an unexpected response from the
defiant blonde beauty.
”What idiotic nonsense are you talking about! As if anyone would worry
about you!”
Saying that, Erica's face was entirely flushed red. However, if she was not
worried then there would be no reason for her to be this angry.
As G.o.dou felt skeptical, Erica shouted more and more emotionally.
”I am only telling you this because I cannot bear the sight of your stupid
behavior. Do not get any strange and mistaken ideas!”
Apparently, this declaration was her attempt to cover up the reason for her
anger.
In light of Erica's outspoken habits, such words clearly showed her loss of
composure.
”The only thing I'm worrying about is at most my own reputation! I even
sacrificed my purity for the sake of helping you. If you died just like that,
that would be truly shameful!”
Saying that, Erica turned her face away in disgust, refusing to admit
anything.
G.o.dou suppressed the urge to laugh wryly and waited for Erica to calm
down.
”By the way, how long did I sleep for?”
”It was during daytime when the battle with Melqart occurred, just before
1pm. It is now evening at 7pm. You've slept continuously for six hours or
so.”
Erica swiftly replied in response to G.o.dou's change of subject.
”This is a hospital?”
”Yes. A little hospital roughly 2km away from the Soluntum ruins. It was not
easy but I managed to bring you here for sanctuary after you collapsed.”
”You did well to save me from that G.o.d...”
”Remember the lion figure I gave you beforehand? It was actually Cuore di
Leone, altered by [Transformation] magic.”
G.o.dou was surprised. The lion-shaped item was actually that magic
sword?
”I originally planned to watch your battle from afar, but later on I saw you
were almost dead. So I hastily used a [Magnet] spell to summon Cuore di
Leone back to me. That was what you were carrying.”
”Melqart didn't pursue?”
”No. Just as I already said, you were almost dead.”
”Eh?”
”Blunt trauma all over your body, numerous broken bones, internal
hemorrhage, ruptured internal organs, damage to the brain and spine,
burns covering over 80% of your skin area. Naturally, your heart also
stopped and you were unable to breathe on your own.”
”l-lt was that serious...”
”Under such conditions, even I thought it would be hopeless, even when
you are a Campione.”
Erica's manner of speaking made it seem like she was very angry.
”Your current body is truly ridiculous. Not long after that, you resumed
breathing and your body kept healing while you slept. It has already
recovered completely.”
It was ridiculous indeed. Even though he was the subject in question,
G.o.dou nodded vigorously.
”By the way, what about Zamparini-san?”
”Currently missing, after being blown away by the storm. However, since
he completely failed to enter Melqart's view at the time, I think his chances
of survival are quite high. The magi of [Panormus] are currently searching
for him, but due to the current weather, they haven't made much progress.”
G.o.dou looked outside the window.
Enduring the roaring wind and pelted by the ma.s.sive raindrops, the
window had been rattling noisily all this time.
”The storm has continued all the while?”
”Yes, just like this all along. However, the storm zone only covers the
northwest region of Sicily centered on the city of Palermo. Also, Soluntum
Archaeological Park... was sunk earlier into the sea, at dusk.”
”What did you say!?”
”Those ruins were located on a hillside facing the sea, right? Having
weakened its foundations using the pouring rain, Melqart attacked the
ground with Yagrush and Ayamur, causing a ma.s.sive landslide which
swept the ruins from the hillside into the sea.”
G.o.dou recalled Melqart's announcement.
Every day at sunset, he would sink a city from his former territory into the
sea-
Although the ruins of Soluntum attracted tourists, it was fortunate that
visitors were few in number. However, tomorrow's target was Palermo, a
city with a population of one million.
Erica nodded as if she read G.o.dou's worries and changed the subject.
”By the way, no matter how overabundant a Campione's vitality is, this
resurrection performance was way too dramatic and miraculous. What's
the secret to this trick?”
”Is there any sheep amongst Verethragna's incarnations?”
”Of the ten incarnations, the eighth is the ram.”
”That's the one. When I was struck dead by Melqart, a sheep came to
mind. It felt like it could help me escape death, so I tried entrusting my wish
to it. So that's what happened. However, I still don't understand.”
G.o.dou sat on the bed, bewildered.
”Amongst the ten incarnations, the bull gives monstrous strength, the
camel gives kicking attacks, the boar is a monster, and the bird gives
extreme speed. I can understand all of those. But why would a sheep bring
recovery?”
”Perhaps it's because sheep have been a symbol of bountiful harvests and
vitality since ancient times.”
Erica's fluent answer rendered G.o.dou dumbfounded.
”As a type of wild beast that is easily tamed and kept, sheep have been
domesticated since very early times as a source of food to support human
life. Eventually, it became a sacred beast.”
”Sacred beast...”
”The sheep is a sacred beast with deep ties to royal authority. In ancient
times -- particularly amongst nomadic societies, livestock numbers were
directly correlated with reliable food supplies, wealth, as well as the
population that could be supported.”
So sheep had this kind of significance? G.o.dou widened his eyes.
”G.o.dou, the ten incarnations you usurped, probably recreates
Verethragna's powers piecemeal -- the different abilities unleashed by his
transformation into various forms.”
”Indeed, that guy was able to do a lot more. And he wasn't restricted in the
number of uses.”
”Number of uses?”
”I've felt it ever since the first time I used this power. Whenever I used an
incarnation, it felt like it was no longer available for a period of time. That's
right... It's just intuition, but I think it takes a day to reset.”
Erica sighed lightly in response to G.o.dou's words.
”Well, it's not surprising to have this kind of restriction when you have ten
different transformations. Next, there are the conditions for using each
incarnation.”
”Yes. I can use the bull when fighting strong enemies, the camel when I'm
injured, the boar when I want to destroy a ma.s.sive target, the bird when
the enemy's speed is astounding, and the sheep probably when I'm about
to die... W-What about that weapon of light, how do I use it? Yeah, Erica,
that bright and s.h.i.+ny thing.”
”It's the [Golden Sword] Verethragna was using, right?”
Erica was the first to utter the description that had suddenly occurred in his
mind before he died.
”I thought of it while you were recovering. And stop using such a crude
description like 'bright and s.h.i.+ny weapon.' You should call it the [Brilliant
Sword of Light] instead. Pay attention, G.o.dou, you're probably lacking in
poetic talent.”
Criticized, G.o.dou began scratching his head.
”Well, I can't disagree at all... In any case, can we think of a way to find out
how the [Sword] can be used?”
”Why not do the same as before, figure it out on the fly?”
”In a battle against a G.o.d, it's not gonna work.”
G.o.dou declared in no uncertain terms as Erica pondered.
”How should I put it... Right, as a first step, I have to follow my heart and let
instinct guide me. Also, I feel like I'm not supposed to forget about being
smart and crafty. I don't think I could have done this before I went to the
ruins.”
G.o.dou muttered as if reciting words of warning that had been carved
somewhere in his heart.
After Erica listened with great intrigue, she offered new information.
”Understood. Let's think again later. By the way, Lucretia of Sardinia has
woken up. I obtained her contact through a Cagliari a.s.sociation. If you
have anything to ask, G.o.dou, why don't you give her a call?”
Part 2
'Hmm, I suppose words of congratulations are in order, young man. An
instant job change from commoner to level one Devil King... In any case,
it's great to know you are safe. It is truly worthy of celebration.'
In an idle lobby of the little hospital, G.o.dou and Erica were using a public
telephone in a corner to contact a female acquaintance.
'I've already been informed of the basic situation by Miss Erica. Having to
duel the divine king Melqart immediately after your rebirth as a G.o.d-slayer,
your life is truly one filled with stormy drama.'
Lucretia Zola spoke with nonchalant airs as usual.
Td really like to help you, but given this dreadful weather, neither s.h.i.+p nor
plane are allowed to depart, while flight magic has its dangers. Basically,
all I can do is cheer for you wholeheartedly. Well, do your best.'
”...Thank you very much.”
Such encouragement was far from rea.s.suring, but G.o.dou still expressed
his thanks through the telephone.
”By the way, Lucretia-san, the gold and s.h.i.+ny [Sword] that Verethragna
was using... It seems like I can use it too, right, so what conditions would it
require?”
A question that went straight to the point. Given she was one of the top
witches in all of Europe, one should hope she was capable of offering
useful advice.
'I wouldn't necessarily know.'
”That's very true.”
'Indeed, when Verethragna understands the detailed origins of an enemy
G.o.d, he is able to slice apart the opponent's divinity -- No, wait a minute...'
Lucretia suddenly stopped and began to whisper.
'Learn. In order to understand the enemy and forge the blade of wisdom.'
These sudden instructions caused G.o.dou to go ”Eh?” in response.
'Fufufu. I suddenly received a divine revelation. How fortunate of you,
young man. Or rather, it must be the divine presence of Melqart filling the
Mediterranean which stimulated my inspiration. Anyway, it's your lucky
day.'
”What does it mean though?”
'Well. The enemy's mighty stature has given you an advantage instead. It's
best that I leave the detailed explanations to Miss Erica. I pray for your
victory, Your Majesty the Devil King.'
”As expected of the top ranking Witch of Sardinia.”
Sitting in the back seat of the BMW speeding its way across the stormy
streets, Erica expressed admiration after listening to G.o.dou.
The hospital where they had stayed earlier was located in a town near the
Soluntum Archaeological Park. But since G.o.dou had already recovered,
there was no reason to stay any further. After contacting [Panormus], they
were picked up.
The driver was one of Zamparini's subordinates.
”Her spirit vision really revealed something important. This could very well
be the key to victory.”
”Spirit vision -- that's something like clairvoyance, right?”
”Yes. Verethragna's final incarnation is the [Warrior] wielding the golden
sword. We've already seen it before, how it was used as spell words for
slicing G.o.ds apart. G.o.dou, you probably need to understand the enemy's
divinity in order to forge the sword. Let's try it immediately!”
Erica spoke with great enthusiasm.
”Melqart is the king ruling over the Phoenician realm of the G.o.ds. His
original name is Baal, which he also mentioned before. His myths later
spread to Greece where they became the prototype for the hero Heracles.”
Erica repeated again what she had said before.
”Baal is a sky G.o.d with very ancient origins. Did you know his name was
also clearly recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible? Baal was
considered the greatest enemy of the [G.o.d] of Judaism and Christianity. At
the same time, he was also a divinity which greatly influenced those
monotheistic religions.”
”Eh, is that so!?”
”In the Old Testament of the Bible, those who did not follow monotheism
mostly engaged in idol wors.h.i.+p of demonic deities. In many cases, this was
Baal because he was the most popular G.o.d wors.h.i.+ped by inhabitants of
the ancient region of Canaan in the Bible's Old Testament... What's the
matter?”
”Hmm... I have a feeling like something is acc.u.mulating... That should be
the description, right?”
It felt like a tiny drop of water had fallen into the pool in his heart--
That was the impression G.o.dou received after listening to Erica's profound
words.
”It feels like we're going in the right direction.”
”Good. Then let's make the most of our time as I explain Melqart's origins
to you. I think it'll probably take two to three hours or so, please pay
attention and listen carefully!”
While the car raced along the roads at night, amidst howling winds,
splattering rain and roaring thunder, Erica continued to teach with her clear
tones and melodic voice.
Arriving at the Zamparini mansion in its master's absence, they continued
in the bedroom where they had spent the previous night.
Erica was highly talented whether it came to speaking or teaching. With
great clarity and organization, she conveyed ”what kind of G.o.d Melqart
was” in simple and easily understood terms even when interjected with
random chatter.
Even so--
”Looks like... It's not working. Why!?”
With the storm showing no signs of abating, midnight had arrived. G.o.dou
clutched his head.
While he listened to Erica's instruction, only a trickle of knowledge
managed to flow into the pool in his heart. It felt like forging brilliantly
l.u.s.trous golden steel, one particle at a time. However, it was totally not
enough.
”What am I missing!?”
It would pose no problem to G.o.dou if he were asked to write a
two-hundred-word essay on Melqart right now. Nevertheless, what on
earth was the problem!?
”Was Lucretia mistaken...? A spirit vision received by a witch like her
should not be this impractical. Then the problem is -- could it be that?”
Erica seemed to have realized something.
”Hey G.o.dou, can you tell me about the influences of ancient Sumerian
civilizations on the origins of the Ugaritic pantheon headed by Baal?”
”Of course not. Probably those ancient civilizations like Sumer or
Mesopotamia?”
G.o.dou answered using what vague knowledge he could recall.
”By the way, Erica, you never taught me that at all.”
”Well, how about the Phoenicians, Canaanites and Hebrews who
wors.h.i.+ped Baal and equivalently Melqart as their chief deity? Do you
understand what roles these groups played between the ancient orient and
the Mediterranean?”
”Of course not. Other than the fact that the Phoenicians were a seafaring
tribe, I know nothing.”
”That must be it!”
Erica immediately exclaimed as she shook her head.
”Right now, you've only memorized the concise origins, but you have yet to
understand the G.o.d's true nature and process of development. That is why
you're unable to use the golden sword...”
”Simply memorizing and rote learning won't work!?”
G.o.dou was greatly surprised. Nevertheless, he did agree with her
statement.
”Let alone essays, you could write a book or two using the knowledge
required... Before we attempt any further, let me ask this first, what exactly
do I need to learn?”
”Right... For sure, Phoenician history is required. Likewise for knowledge
about ancient Palestine. Let's skip Judaism and Christianity which grew out
of oriental soil for now since it'd be more appropriate to first understand
what is considered the most ancient culture, that of the Sumerians. Also,
same for Egypt. After that, there is the primitive nomadic society which
gave rise to the existence of the sky G.o.d...”
”Can this lecture be done within half a day or so?”
”Are you stupid? Even if you spend two hundred times the time, it's
impossible!”
M ii ii ii
Realizing the difficulty they faced, G.o.dou and Erica fell silent.
In that very instant, a large crash of thunder descended nearby.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The crash resounded.
Furthermore, blown by strong wind, a broken board smashed into the
bedroom window with a great ”bang!” With the sound of shattering gla.s.s,
raging wind and rain invaded the room.
”In that case, we might as well do what we can...”
Realizing the storm was strengthening, G.o.dou muttered.
”Erica, in any case, you should tell me all the information you consider
essential, one piece at a time. I don't know if we'll make it in time, but we
must give our full effort for as long as we're able to.”
”That's a waste of effort. Rather than that, let's first review our options for a
more practical plan.”
As G.o.dou suggested they continue no matter what, Erica made a
proposal.
”For example, there's [Instruction] magic, which can pour knowledge into
the mind in very short time... It will be much more practical and efficient in
comparison.”
”Eh? Such convenient magic exists!?”
”Yes. Although it's a spell which only maintains its effects for half a day or
so, it does allow an entire library of books' worth of knowledge to be
transmitted without issue. However, there remains the fact that you are a
Campione.”
Though Erica displayed hope for the first time, she immediately continued
with an expression of melancholy.
”Remember how all the magic cast on us was deflected by you? That
effect not only applies to hostile magic, but also towards beneficial magic
as well.”
”So there's no other way to remember other than through magic after all...”
”Well, it's not like we're Bianchi, taking shortcuts... Ah.”
Erica suddenly stopped talking as if she had said something wrong.
Furthermore, her beautiful face went all red. G.o.dou was intrigued. What
was going on?
”You've already said this much, don't just stop there. Continue.”
”T-There shouldn't be anything to continue! I refuse to sacrifice any
additional purity beyond what I've already lost! Forget everything you just
heard!”
”W-Wait a minute! Where are you going!?”
Erica suddenly ran out of the room, screaming with her face flushed red,
completely ignoring G.o.dou's calls for her to stop. Her figure gradually
receded in the distance.
Part 3
Night had pa.s.sed and it was now 11 am the next day.
G.o.dou was idling in the Zamparini residence's astonis.h.i.+ngly s.p.a.cious
living room. It was like a hotel lobby with three very large sofa couches.
There was also a large LCD television.
Erica had gone missing since last night. After questioning the maids,
G.o.dou found out she had apparently left the mansion.
G.o.dou had wondered if he should go find her but finally decided against it.
He was now sitting alone on a couch, watching television. A local cable
news program was currently airing, reporting live the situation of Palermo
after the storm zone had arrived for half a day.
Within the confines of an interior bay in the harbor, what should have been
a calm and peaceful sea was now a turbulent storm.
The seaside route of Corso Vittorio Emanuele had also flooded.
On this city's bustling street were numerous tourist attractions such as
duomo cathedrals or the Palazzo dei Normanni. It also featured sixteenth
century structures such as Porta Nuova on its west and Porta Felice on the
eastern end.
Just now, G.o.dou had asked one of Zamparini's suited subordinates about
the situation in the city.
There seemed to be an exceptionally intense aura occupying the airs.p.a.ce
above the Bay of Palermo. Melqart was causing the storm from there...
That was what the magi had observed.
By the way, it really was an exceptionally fierce storm...
Though compared to the most severe cla.s.s of storm that G.o.dou knew, this
level of rain and wind speed was definitely not the highest. From what he
could tell on television, cars could still barely make their way across the
roads near the Bay of Palermo. It was not yet the kind of flood which
paralyzed the functioning of an entire city.
To Melqart, this storm was probably just a warmup exercise.
The attack scheduled to arrive at dusk again, now that would be true divine
punishment descending from the sky G.o.d...
”Ultimately, no matter what, I have to face him...”
Muttering to himself, G.o.dou felt burdened with a heavy heart.
If he simply let the situation develop as before and entered another ”duel”
against Melqart, the result would likely be identical. He would be killed
without the slightest idea how to counterattack. Trying to challenge the
outcome again would not bring any changes.
With an incredibly gloomy heart, G.o.dou looked up at the images on
television.
No matter what their size, s.h.i.+ps and boats moored at the harbor were
gradually washed away.
The city streets were flooded as a result of the persisting rainstorm. The
howling wind was sending signs and timber flying, as well as wooden huts
and building materials such as bricks from some home... Not only were
branches snapped off by the wind, even entire tree trunks could be found
scattered across the streets.
The city of Palermo was brought to a tragic state.
Melqart had already announced. He will sink this city into the sea today at
sunset.
”I can't ignore what's happening, right...”
G.o.dou had witnessed all sorts of scenes on the television.
This was enough to rouse G.o.dou's determination. If the one who interfered