Vol 13 Chapter 4 (1/2)
Chapter 4 - Call From the Demonic Realm
Part 1
December 31 , New Year's Eve.
j.a.panese citizens considered it a great event marking the changeover to a
new year.
Nevertheless, on this commemorative day, Kusanagi G.o.dou was currently
exposed under the sun. This was intense sunlight one would absolutely not
find on the islands of j.a.pan during winter.
Scorching sun. Air filled with heat and humidity. The familiar taste of
midsummer.
The city of Tokyo was approximately 35 degrees in lat.i.tude. s.h.i.+fting south
from there by roughly 30 degrees, G.o.dou's current location was practically
on the equator.
Geographically speaking, this was Borneo's northern sh.o.r.e, a city called
Kota Kinabalu located in Malaysian territory.
”I never imagined I'd spend New Year's in a place like this...”
G.o.dou muttered with deep feeling.
Kota Kinabalu was the largest city in the region.
This ocean-facing city contained beautiful beaches. Resort hotels could be
found everywhere.
G.o.dou was currently situated downtown where quite a few shopping
centers and food courts were concentrated. It was a crowded and
prosperous place.
”It feels nothing like New Year's Eve here.”
”It feels strange for me. Ever since childhood, this is the first time I am not
busy with miko duties this time of the year...”
Yuri commented from beside G.o.dou with a slightly concerned expression.
It was currently after 2pm and the group was taking a short break at an
open-air cafe.
G.o.dou ordered iced coffee while Yuri had iced milk tea. In this tropical
zone where the weather was like summer all year round, it was only
natural to thirst for iced drinks.
There was one more item on the bill. Fresh avocado juice with condensed
milk.
This viscous drink, thick enough for a straw to stand upright in the middle,
was of course Erica's order.
”Indeed, only someone like G.o.dou would be visited by troublesome
matters all the time.”
The discussion held with Amakasu at the Cape Inubou hotel occurred two
days ago.
After G.o.dou declared a direct a.s.sault on the enemy's stronghold, the
History Compilation Committee member immediately set about gathering
information.
While that was proceeding, G.o.dou and his companions returned to Tokyo
and prepared to travel overseas.
Once everything was ready, they boarded a flight late at night on
December 30.
After a night's sleep on the plane, they landed in Singapore in the morning.
Then taking a connecting flight from there, they arrived today — the morning
of December 31 , at this city of Kota Kinabalu.
In G.o.dou's company were the four girls, Erica, Yuri, Liliana and Ena.
The one who organized this trip was surprisingly the girl known as the
[Diavolo Rosso].
”The History Compilation Committee is simply an organization controlling a
single country — j.a.pan, without branch outposts or influence in foreign
lands... Hence, this time they are 'backing us up but not officially,' acting
entirely as sponsors who happen to be on site.”
Shaking the light green juice as she drank, Erica explained.
”But even for you, the [Copper Black Cross] doesn't have branches
everywhere, right?”
”Not everywhere, but the [Copper Black Cross] happens to have
permanent staff posted here. This provides the credibility for us to be
introduced to a local person of influence. Since the [Heretic G.o.d] has been
causing them hards.h.i.+p, they are greatly looking forward to Devil King
Kusanagi G.o.dou's arrival.”
”W-What Devil King's arrival, it's not supposed to be like that...”
G.o.dou's face twitched in response to hearing Erica's way of phrasing
things.
”By the way, Erica-san. What kind of person is this person of influence?”
Taking a sip of her iced milk tea, Yuri inquired.
Erica had selected Yuri as one of the people accompanying G.o.dou on
their visit to the local person of influence. ”Because Yuri's power is
probably needed” was her explanation.
”I heard that this country has neither an organization like j.a.pan's History
Compilation Committee nor large scale a.s.sociations like the ones in
Europe... But among the commonfolk there are those who live by fortune
telling and wizardry.”
”Indeed it seems to be so.”
Erica nodded and continued:
”In this part of Southeast Asia, there aren't any intelligence agencies or
a.s.sociations with outstanding power and influence. But you see, wouldn't
former yakuza or mafia have quite a bit of prestige and influence in a place
like this?”
”Y-Yaku— !?”
”Come to think of it, that feels like a pretty good description of Yinghua's
family...”
”Yes, Hong Kong's Lu family is a cla.s.sic example of cartel operations in
Southeast Asia and other places. A gathering of proudly competent talent,
spellcasters and even the poor, using them to operate various legal and
illegal enterprises.”
The trio conversed in these matters as the drinks slaked their thirst. Then
they left the cafe.
G.o.dou was dressed in a short-sleeved s.h.i.+rt and hemp cargo pants which
he had not worn for quite some time ever since the weather cooled.
Erica had a red camisole and ankle-length black pants. Yuri, on the other
hand, was wearing a refres.h.i.+ng one-piece dress in white.
Leaving from j.a.pan in midwinter, they were plunged into a land of summer
heat all at once.
Although it was a little sudden, the hot weather felt quite nostalgic after
months of absence. Indeed, there was an unexpected sense of freshness
and delight.
Furthermore, Liliana and Ena had gone out shopping for this ”expedition.”
Indeed, the streets of Kota Kinabalu was not their final destination. This
was merely a place along the way.
G.o.dou and Yuri followed Erica as she walked. Along the way, the sky
suddenly gave rise to a downpour of rain. A shower brought by a squall.
As expected of a tropical zone. Apparently, chances of sudden showers
were quite high during the afternoon.
The trio frantically sought shelter in a food court.
After buying food to one's liking from a row of food vendors, one could sit
down and eat at an empty table. This type of sheltered food court was
quite common throughout the city of Kota Kinabalu.
”It really rains quite heavily here.”
The pitter-patter of raindrops striking the rooftops and road surface was
quite intense.
G.o.dou's clothes were completely drenched. Nevertheless, this unexpected
inconvenience was actually enjoyable, for it offered the experience of a
climate and culture completely different from j.a.pan's. A very real sense of
concreteness.
”Anyway, since the weather is so hot, our clothes will dry soon enough...”
Carrying this sort of joyful mood, G.o.dou turned to his two female
companions only to be rendered speechless.
Erica and Yuri were dressed in flimsy summer clothing. Due to being
drenched by the sudden rain, their clothes now clung tightly to their bodies.
Consequently, their bodies' lines of curvature became particular clear to
view.
Furthermore, Yuri's one-piece dress was white. Even her drenched
underwear was visible beneath her dress —
”G-G.o.dou-san. Could you please stop staring like that?!”
”Oh my, what a rare act of initiative. Does this stem from the liberating
feeling of traveling overseas?”
Reacting to the girls' comments, G.o.dou frantically turned his gaze away.
While G.o.dou focused on directing his gaze elsewhere until the girls'
clothes dried, the trio strolled around the food court that provided shelter
from the rain.
Seeing all sorts of food displayed at the food stands, Erica narrowed her
eyes.
”Just as I thought, Asian places like this are the top choice for a chaotic
culinary experience. Although j.a.pan is a country of comfort, it hasn't lived
up to my expectations in the area of food.”
A bunch of total nonsense.
But G.o.dou could understand. He could tell from a single glance. This was
indeed the type of place Erica would enjoy.
Representative of Malay cuisine was the spicy fried rice dish of nasi
goreng, made with chicken resembling yakitori meat and a sauce prepared
from peanuts and coconut milk. That could be considered the basics. Then
there was the Malaysian burger containing a hamburger patty wrapped in
an omelette.^ This type of food could be considered the applied version of
Malay cuisine.
Chinese cuisine prepared by ethnic Chinese also added much variety and
color to the offerings.
There were also Indian curry shops as well as all sorts of global fast food
chains, etc.
There were even seafood shops where one picked fish from a tank to be
barbecued. Furthermore, tropical fruit varieties were sold, such as the king
of fruits, the pungent durian.
Other than pork which was conspicuously absent in Islamic areas, this was
truly the place for a chaotic culinary experience.
”It'd be nice to look for and have a fill of food to my liking...”
”Let's not eat now since we have an appointment later. How about we wait
until dinnertime, okay?”
Stopping Erica, G.o.dou gave Yuri a glance to seek her agreement.
To his great surprise, the Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko was unexpectedly staring at a
food stand with great interest.
”Mariya... Could it be, you're hungry?”
”Ah, no. Not at all. I am just curious.”
Yuri answered shyly as she looked back.
”In the past when traveling in Vietnam with my family, I only tried noodles
from this kind of shop once. Thinking back, the food was really quite
delicious. Fufu, I remember we were eating it on the go.”
”In that case, Yuri, you may count on me, Erica Blandelli.”
The blonde devil winked at the sheltered young lady who was smiling
calmly.
”Back when I was in Hong Kong, I ate at stands like these every single
day.”
”Really!? If I may, then I shall count on you!”
”Indeed. That looks about right, undoubtedly so.”
G.o.dou began to smile wryly in response to Erica and Yuri's enthusiasm,
seemingly sharing some sort of strange motivation.
Despite being clearly well-educated girls, they did not seem particularly
bothered by these vendors' hygiene.
”Erica aside, I never knew that Mariya had quite a strong-willed side to
her.”
”M-Me, do I really seem strong-willed to you?”
Yuri murmured while smiling with a slightly delighted expression.
G.o.dou's careless comment seemed to have pleased the dignified Yamato
Nades.h.i.+ko. While G.o.dou was baffled by the reason, Erica mocked
sarcastically.
”What an idiot you are, G.o.dou. Getting along with someone like G.o.dou
would surely require Yuri to harbor a resolute will of iron somewhere in the
depths of her heart. It's something one would acquire and develop after
staying by your side for so long.”
”1-1 see...”
Recalling his various instances of unruly conduct, G.o.dou expressed
understanding while Yuri smiled wryly with a troubled expression.
While they conversed on a variety of topics, the rain had stopped before
they knew it. The sky was clear and sunny once more.
Due to the rain just now, the air temperature had cooled somewhat, giving
a cooler refres.h.i.+ng feeling. G.o.dou and Yuri continued to follow Erica,
making their way to a certain market.
In actual fact, they had already visited this place once already before
taking the break at the open-air cafe.
At the time, it was simply an empty clearing. But now, an hour later, tents
had been raised all over the place, with little stands and open-air stalls
lined in rows side by side.
Everyday sundries, vegetables, fruits and various wares were being sold.
However, most eye-catching of all was the seafood. There were not only
species commonly sold in Tokyo such as horse mackerel, Spanish
mackerel, barracuda, squid, but also colorful fishes unique to the South
Seas like the yellowback fusilier.
Glancing at these shops as they made their way, Erica finally stopped
before a certain tent.
This was a vendor selling everyday sundries. In the depths of the store
was a pet.i.te old lady, dressed modestly in a white s.h.i.+rt with a black skirt.
She had the lightly tanned skin tones of ethnic Malays. Alone by herself,
she was sitting in a folding chair.
Based on appearance, she seemed like a friendly ”old granny.”
However, she was actually the ”person of influence” that Erica had
mentioned earlier. So she was the fortune teller and wizard who acted as
the leader of pickpockets, thieves and pirates in the area?
”Your Majesty, arriving from distant lands, a cordial welcome to you.”
The influential old lady greeted G.o.dou using broken English.
Then she clapped her hands together and bowed slowly towards G.o.dou as
one would pay respects to a Buddha statue.
Part 2
Two days earlier at Cape Inubou, Amakasu was explaining about the
divine beasts' stronghold.
The South Seas is a region of the ocean containing over a hundred
islands of various sizes, located west of the Philippines and northwest of
Borneo. These islands came in all sorts, with some uninhabited, some with
resort hotels built on them, while some housed military installations of the
various surrounding countries.”
Amakasu sighed as he spoke.
'Reportedly, on the largest uninhabited island of them all, mysterious giant
creatures suddenly appeared several days ago... Yes, those two divine
beasts, the snake and the strange bird that came all the way over to j.a.pan
last night to cause a commotion.”
'They are already confirmed to have returned to the island in the South
China Sea after their defeat at Kusanagi-san's hands. It really reminds me
of those monster movies from the Shouwa era, this monster island
appearing in Southeast Asian seas...'
Although the tone of Amakasu's report was frivolous, there was little joking
in the content.
Hence, G.o.dou and his group traveled to Kota Kinabalu to deal with the
problematic island. Using this city as a staging ground, they first
investigated the island's state of affairs —
And now in a Kota Kinabalu market, they were currently meeting a
representative of the local wizardry scene.
”We cannot express our utmost grat.i.tude well enough for Your Majesty's
express visit...”
”D-Don't mention it. I intend to investigate the island's situation to get a
clear idea first.”
G.o.dou began to get fl.u.s.tered because the influential old lady kept bowing
repeatedly with her hands together to show her grat.i.tude.
Rather than a king, it was more like being treated as a Buddha. This was
quite a difference in treatment compared to other people G.o.dou had
encountered who were involved in the field.
”I will prepare s.h.i.+ps immediately. But our utmost apologies... Though the
island surfaced three years ago, we know very little about it...”
As the old lady explained in an unhurried fas.h.i.+on, G.o.dou was baffled by
the mentioning of ”three years.”
”Oh my, it was on a certain day three years ago, when that island had
surfaced on the sea by the time we noticed. It was a place that was
originally empty sea. Thus abruptly did it appear. The island has mountains
and forests. For such a rather normal-looking island to suddenly emerge,
the fishermen, the pirates and the navy were all greatly surprised.”
G.o.dou threw a glance at his companion. Erica nodded in response.
She apparently knew already but had kept it to herself for some reason.
”And the very strange thing was, once anyone lands on the island, they
could not get out...”
”Not get out?”
”According to our members who have set foot on the island, they naturally
got lost in the middle of walking around. Then for a good many days, they
were disoriented along their way to the beach. Only the lucky ones
reached the s.h.i.+p to return from the island...”
G.o.dou recalled someone he knew.
Why would that guy be involved in this incident — ? He looked at Erica
again to find her with an expression as if she wanted to say something.
”Indeed this is the case” was what she seemed to be saying.
”It is an island that did not exist in this country before. Hence, no local
sailor will approach it. Only people like us are privy to this knowledge...”
This island was not recorded on any maps or marine atlases, huh. As
G.o.dou nodded, the old lady put her hands together again and knelt in
wors.h.i.+p.
”We would be most grateful if Your Majesty could be so kind as to head to
the island for a look. Please, we are counting on you.”
”Granny, may we have a look at the object?”
Erica interjected.
”The object... Ah yes, the thing that drifted to a nearby beach three years
ago, shortly after the island appeared. I believe it should be related to
some particular G.o.d...”
The old lady stood up and began to search a wooden box behind her.
She took a slender rod-shaped stone, roughly a meter in length, its girth
just barely small enough to grasp in one hand. Its uneven surface was jet
black like obsidian.
G.o.dou could feel faint magical power emanating from the black stone.
Some kind of power resided in it apparently.
As soon as she looked at the stone, Yuri shuddered.
”Did you see something, Yuri? This object could be a divine artifact, so
please try to appraise it. Perhaps this might be a decisive clue?”
”V-Very well. This is—”
Asked by Erica, the Hime-Miko spoke an oracle solemnly.
”Using the divine artifact of creation, the mother created land out of the
primordial sea, summoning freshwater, nurturing lush vegetation... We
have already seen a similar item before.”
Yuri deliberately added the last sentence, for apparently the same doubt
had crossed her mind.
Yes. Last time, there was also a mysterious island that suddenly appeared
in the sea. All who entered the island were disoriented by the magical
power of a labyrinth. Furthermore, the island was created using the alleged
nation-founding divine artifact that appeared in the form of a small tool —
G.o.dou nodded, Erica crossed her arms, while Yuri looked worried.
Surely the trio must have recalled the same image.
Two hours later, G.o.dou and his group were out at sea.
The tropical ocean was dyed bright orange by the glow of the setting sun.
A large sport fisher was speeding nimbly across the sea. More accurately,
it should be called a sunset cruise.
This was the s.h.i.+p prepared by the old lady at the market for G.o.dou's
group.
Equipped with showers and air conditioning, the s.h.i.+p's s.p.a.cious cabin was
like the living room of a house. There were even two rooms with cots. This
was a large s.h.i.+p used for living out at sea for days to enjoy the pleasures
of fis.h.i.+ng.
— The waters of the mysterious island were located not far from Kota
Kinabalu.
Supposed to be reached before night, it meant they should be able to
observe the island's situation from afar before daylight ended. It would be
ideal if the deity incident could be resolved before it expanded in scale. For
this purpose, the trio converged with Liliana and Ena then proceeded to
board this s.h.i.+p.
Sailors from the old lady's subordinates were in charge of operating the
s.h.i.+p.
Presently, G.o.dou and his friends were holding a strategy conference in the
cabin.
Seated, Liliana Kranjcar opened the discussion with a gloomy expression:
”This is simply speculation. Although there exist 'reasons for thinking so,' I
think subjecting a certain person to allegations would be jumping to
conclusions. Nevertheless, I shall still proceed with this thought.”
She was dressed in casual clothing with a blue lacy blouse and black
shorts. Even so, Liliana spoke like a knight in a rigorous tone.
”I believe England's Black Prince is very likely related to this incident.”
Possessing the labyrinth authority, Alexandre Gascoigne was involved in
the past incident of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd and the floating island.
As expected, Liliana was thinking of that commotion. It was only natural.
Everyone thought so too. After all, even Ena exclaimed with deep feeling
despite her optimistic personality.
”It's that saying, right? As suspicious as being caught with your hand in the
cookie jar.”
Definitely suspicious no matter what. G.o.dou voiced his agreement with the
possibility and nodded.
Also, Seishuuin Ena had finally changed out of her usual uniform after
leaving j.a.pan. She was currently dressed in a short-sleeved parka with
cargo pants, a style common to men in summer.
The supplies Liliana and Ena had bought at the market during the day
were currently left in a corner of the cabin. The cardboard box was stuffed
full of equipment, clothing and food, etc. They had simply picked up
anything they thought might be useful for exploring an uninhabited island in
the South Seas.
”Think about it, that guy used rather elaborate methods when he caused
the Tokyo Bay commotion. He was also quite clear on how to use a divine
artifact like the Heavenly Reverse Halberd...”
”Because he had an opportunity to test out a similar plan before... This is
quite possible.”
G.o.dou muttered and Erica concurred.
This was a conversation that could easily veer into slander with one false
step. The only one who abstained from partic.i.p.ating was Yuri, who listened
to everyone with a troubled expression. But perhaps she was simply born
naturally polite.
On occasion she would go ”Indeed...” and nod in agreement. She did not
display any intention of objecting.
”So currently, where is that Gascoigne guy anyway?”
”Unknown as usual. But earlier, there were reports of him in Spain.”
As G.o.dou wondered, Erica answered immediately, fully prepared as
expected.
”Well, it's not like he'll answer honestly even if we ask him directly. Let's
continue to investigate step by step...”
While they chatted, the s.h.i.+p successfully arrived near the problematic
island.
They were about to reach the destination, the Indian sailors reported.
G.o.dou and his group stopped their discussion and walked out onto the
deck which offered an expansive view of the South China Sea illuminated
by the evening glow of the sunset.
Were this a sightseeing trip, this scenery would definitely be quite moving.
However, the ”island” ten-odd kilometers ahead was the lair where those
suspicious divine beasts resided. Moreover, anyone entering arbitrarily
would be imprisoned by the labyrinth's power. This was literally a demonic
realm.
It was definitely no small island, given its substantial visible area.
Rather tall elevations in the center of the island could be seen from the sea
afar. A rough estimate would place the alt.i.tude as comparable to ordinary
mountains. The island was covered with trees, offering a lush green view.
The s.h.i.+p cruised straight forward, landing on the island at a cove that
resembled an entrance.
”It's bigger than I imagined...”
Muttering to himself, G.o.dou suddenly realized.
”Speaking of which, how long do Gascoigne's labyrinths last for? Left here
for three years already, it can still be sustained?”
”a.s.suming Prince Alec is absent from the island, the magical effects
should start dissipating after roughly three or four months.”
”From then on, the magical effects will gradually weaken all over the
labyrinth. This is recorded in the Witenagemot's reports.”
Erica and Liliana answered, highly knowledgeable.
”Then it isn't really that guy...? It's hard to imagine a busy guy like him
coming here regularly.”
”Conversely, a.s.suming he is going that far, this might be quite an important
location?”
”Alternatively, some kind of spell or divine artifact may have been used to
extend the duration of his authority's effects.”
From the swiftness of the counterarguments, the moral failings of the
person in question were clear to see.
Oh well, this was all due to the deplorable nature of his habitual behavior...
In any case, the plan was set to begin investigating and scouting out the
island tonight. Although G.o.dou was not much help in this regard, the girls
were a separate case altogether. Liliana's witchcraft and Yuri's exceptional
spirit vision were especially sure to produce results.
Hence everyone began to make preparations on the s.h.i.+p.
...They definitely could not afford to be careless.
G.o.dou and Ena were both very sensitive to danger given their keen,
beast-like instincts. Erica and Liliana were also on watch in full alert.
Furthermore, Yuri was present with her incomparably sharp spiritual
senses.
Nevertheless, in spite of all that, no one was able to detect the imminent
arrival of the incoming attack.
— An astounding gust of wind suddenly swept across the s.h.i.+p's deck.
Completely caught unprepared, the s.h.i.+p's sailors and even Erica and
Liliana were blown away by the wind. With a series of splas.h.i.+ng noises
sounding from the night sea after the sun had set, all of them fell into the
water.
The only one unaffected was G.o.dou who was left standing alone on deck.
It was no natural wind. Most likely supernatural wind produced through
magic and divine powers, hence a Campione's body was unaffected —
”G.o.dou!” ”Kusanagi G.o.dou!”
Erica and Liliana's voices were heard from the sea beyond the s.h.i.+p.
Sounds of the crew's screams suggested that everyone were unharmed.
Instead, the place of danger was actually G.o.dou's side on the s.h.i.+p.
Namely, the large sport fisher's cabin. A familiar bird monster was casually
landing on top of the ceiling.
This was the divine eagle they had encountered a few days earlier. The
sudden gust of wind had been its doing!
G.o.dou quickly came to a conclusion. Was this divine eagle able to make
effective use of some kind of cheating skill to teleport unannounced? Most
probably not.
Surely it was the Fire G.o.ddess' doing — a spell cast by the unidentified
deity.
Part 3
Spreading its wings with intense vigor, the divine eagle prepared to take
flight. Its ma.s.sive wingspan measured fifteen meters.
It flapped its wings forcefully. With the cabin firmly in the grip of its claws,
the rest of the s.h.i.+p attached was at its mercy. Effortlessly as though the
s.h.i.+p's weight was no burden, the divine eagle floated upwards —
By the time he noticed, G.o.dou found himself and the entire s.h.i.+p already
flying in the air.
Night had descended completely. Countless stars were twinkling in the
black canopy of the night sky.
Different constellations were visible compared to back in j.a.pan. This
tropical starlit sky was breathtaking in its beauty. The clear and bright half
moon was also s.h.i.+ning with white brilliance.
”Uh, we're getting this close to the clouds!?”
Imperceptibly, they had already risen to quite a high alt.i.tude. G.o.dou
frantically rushed over to the s.h.i.+p's edge and looked below.
The sea was a long way down. Although this was comparable to the height
that Liliana had flown him during the Saturnus incident, G.o.dou completely
did not feel any sense of rapid ascent.
The bird really was quite skilled at flying.
Although G.o.dou currently had nothing on him to secure himself, there was
no worry of tumbling off the s.h.i.+p to fall down from the sky.
The divine eagle was flying with great stability, apparently taking care to
keep the deck level. Thanks to this, G.o.dou did not even lose balance
once.
G.o.dou gazed at the divine eagle gliding leisurely on its outspread wings.
Its stately majesty as the king of birds could be felt from the divine eagle's
intrepid appearance, worthy of being called a sacred bird. Currently on the
s.h.i.+p's deck, G.o.dou looked up to examine the state of the divine eagle that
was holding the cabin in its claws.
Although the divine eagle was in a completely defenseless posture with its
abdomen and throat exposed, one should not forget it was flying quite
stably.
It would take a bold move. Oh well, if he attacked despite the height, the
worst that could happen would be cras.h.i.+ng down together. Perhaps there
was no need to be wary...
”Your Majesty!” ”G.o.dou-san!”
G.o.dou jumped in surprise to hear sudden voices calling him.
Looking towards the opened cabin door, he found Yuri and Ena walking
out onto the deck. Come to think of it, these two were not seen when
everyone else had fallen into the sea. So it was because they were
actually inside the s.h.i.+p!
The two girls ran over to G.o.dou's side.
”Let's summon Ama no Murak.u.mo to give it a good slice — Never mind, I
guess we'd better endure the situation for now.”
The same idea must have crossed Ena's mind as well. She muttered and
shrugged.
Carrying the three pa.s.sengers, the s.h.i.+p was transported by the divine
eagle to the sky above the cove.
Owing to the bright moonlight and excellent night vision, G.o.dou was able
to clearly discern the island's geography even though it was night.
A mangrove forest grew by the seaside. There were also tropical
rainforests which looked as though orangutans might roam inside.
In addition the central mountain peak looked about seven or eight hundred
meters in height above sea level. The divine eagle was apparently flying
towards this peak as the destination.
G.o.dou went ”Hmm?” and frowned in response to the sudden change in the
vegetation on the mountain. Strangely enough, these were deciduous
trees that grew on highlands. The tropical rainforest atmosphere was all
gone.
Of course, they were still in the tropics, but it was rather cool and breezy as
a result of the elevation. However, the alt.i.tudes here should not be enough
for highland vegetation to grow.
”As expected of an island inhabited by the G.o.ds. I can feel it. There is a
strong divine presence on this sacred mountain. It must be quite an
excellent sanctuary.”
”Quite an intense sacred aura can be sensed from the peak. Perhaps the
G.o.ddess might be there.”
Ena, the sacred mountain specialist, reported. Yuri also gave warning
through her sharp senses as usual.
G.o.dou turned his gaze downwards. Was it that place roughly seventy or
eighty meters from the mountain slope?
As much as he wanted to wait till they were nearer to the ground before
taking action, delaying for that long might be too late. What should he
do — just as G.o.dou agonized over the decision, the two Hime-Miko nodded
to each other.
”G.o.dou-san. Please let us handle this.”
”Don't worry, Ena will think of a way to deal with things. Ama no
Murak.u.mo, please!”
Their words prompted G.o.dou to make his decision. Nodding, he relaxed
his right arm.
Immediately, the divine sword, Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi, suddenly
manifested in Ena's hand. With a three-foot-three-inch blade, its had the
structure of a curved j.a.panese sword. The blade was jet-black in color.
”O divine blade of Ama no Murak.u.mo, bestow upon me the bow and
arrows of honor!”
Using spell words to invoke the divine sword's spirit for divine possession,
Ena kicked hard against the deck.
Then jumping like a monkey, she delivered a merciless diagonal overarm
slash to the abdomen of the divine eagle that had been maintaining the
safety of this airborne journey.
Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! The divine eagle cawed loudly in pain.
Ena jumped again at this time, stabbing the divine sword into the bird's
right claw. Consequently, the divine eagle loosened its right claw's grip
from the s.h.i.+p's cabin. Cras.h.!.+
The impact came. Unbalanced in the air, the s.h.i.+p was also losing
substantial alt.i.tude and fast approaching the mountain slope. Even a divine
eagle was unable to endure, finally loosening its left claw from the s.h.i.+p as
well. Thus, the large s.h.i.+p carrying G.o.dou and the girls started free falling
towards the ground!