Vol 13 Chapter 5 (2/2)

Campione! TAKETSUKI Jou 272760K 2022-07-22

towards him from the sky.

”Everyone, please do as we decided earlier. Hurry and run!”

G.o.dou instantly yelled.

In his current condition, only one incarnation was actually available. In

order to fight the most effectively under such restrictions, G.o.dou had

already discussed with the girls their battle plan for today.

Although contrary to expectations was the enemy's use of existences

surpa.s.sing divine beasts as her servants —

But the fact remained unchanged that their plan was the best and only

solution. Only that the risk of the ”bait” role had vastly increased...

Erica, Yuri, Liliana and Ena all scattered according to plan.

This was to distance themselves from G.o.dou. Just before she left, Erica

seemed to be yelling something but G.o.dou could not catch her words

clearly.

The incoming [White Stallion] from the sky kicked G.o.dou using its front

legs. To him, it felt like being sent flying by a collision with a giant dump

truck.

G.o.dou felt pain from his body as if it was broken all over. He was blown

high up into the air. In addition, the burning flames enveloping the [White

Stallion] had spread over to his body.

Turned into a tumbler toy on fire, G.o.dou flew through the sky.

The kicking attack did not kill him instantly, probably because he crossed

his arms at the last moment to protect his head. In that case...

His remaining move could now be unleashed — !

”All evil-doers, tremble before my strength...”

Now awakened in G.o.dou's body was combat power and endurance

obtained in exchange for heavy injuries.

”Upon my mighty self, I shall bear the symbol of the raging camel!”

Falling down on the sand, G.o.dou felt pain all over, but the [Camel] was the

ferocious and stalwart incarnation with immense pain toleration. Thanks to

this blessing, G.o.dou could endure and stood up immediately.

Increasing his magical power at the same time, he dispelled the [White

Stallion]'s flames on his body.

The golden flames he received had been scorching G.o.dou's body until

now.

An ordinary human probably would have burned completely, without even

a bone remaining. However, these flames were not powerful enough to

overcome a Campione's magical resistance and hence disappeared

instantly.

Despite suffering burns all over his body, G.o.dou was able to endure the

current level of pain.

However, an ominous voice descended from the sky above.

'Fufufu. The show has only just begun, Kusanagi-sama. — O guardian of

the righteous, I offer sacrifice and invite you. The one who grants victory

and grace, I will perform justice, please direct me towards the light and the

righteous path!'

G.o.dou was greatly stunned. To think she was capable of using these spell

words!?

Ignoring G.o.dou in his state of shock, the [White Stallion] galloped through

the sky once more. In the next instant, the white bronco transformed and

expanded in the air.

Unbelievably, it became a gigantic beast measuring ten meters long!

A goat with jet black fur. As if swimming freely in the water, it flew leisurely

through the air.

”It changed form...!?”

As G.o.dou watched in shock, the black goat overhead — the [Goat]

incarnation began to bleat.

BAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Instantly, the goat's giant body released an extra large bolt of lightning,

striking mercilessly at G.o.dou on the ground and his surroundings.

Fortunately, G.o.dou had already raised his magical power just now.

Even divine lightning should not be able to defeat a Campione so easily.

”Gun— huh!?”

Suffering the terrifying lightning strike, G.o.dou found himself sprawling

paralyzed on the beach.

Although pain was only natural, his entire body felt numb. During winter,

one's fingertip often suffered pain from the shock of static electricity. The

current feeling was now a thousand times more intense than that.

And the numbing pain was experienced throughout his body.

G.o.dou surmised he had been bathed in quite a powerful electrical current.

A throbbing pain now attacked his heart.

Incredibly, the lightning breached both a Campione's magical resistance

and the [Camel]'s endurance, wrecking G.o.dou's body to such an extent.

The lightning's power had completely surpa.s.sed expectations.

However, the [Goat] flying in the sky had also exhausted almost all of its

magical power.

The lightning just now should have depleted the majority of its usable

power. In that case, a second strike was not coming— just as G.o.dou

concluded, yet another transformation took place.

The black goat turned back to the form of the [White Stallion].

Enveloped in golden flames, the white bronco flying in the sky — Fiercely

kicking the air as it flew, the horse swiftly rose in height. Its figure vanished

amidst the dark clouds covering the sky.

Immediately afterwards.

Wrapped in a golden explosion of flames, the [White Stallion] was cras.h.i.+ng

down like a burning meteorite.

The target was obviously Kusanagi G.o.dou on the ground. Without any

remaining strength to evade, G.o.dou was currently lying collapsed on the

beach. Furthermore, the [Ram] that had saved him numerous times from

the verge of death was already stolen!

An unprecedented crisis. The two paladinos intervened at this very

moment.

”Midian's destruction, hereby effected!”

Accompanied by spell words of destruction, Liliana shot an arrow of light.

Sniping at the [White Stallion] that was cras.h.i.+ng towards the earth's

surface like a meteor, the sacred silver bow shot an arrow that instantly

split into eight, tracing out separate trajectories towards their prey. Since

the [White Horse] was galloping towards G.o.dou in a straight line, there

was no way for it to evade the arrows.

All eight arrows found their mark.

The pure white body of the horse, beautiful and strong, was tragically

pierced in eight separate locations, two each on its forehead, neck, chest

and torso respectively. But in spite of that, the white stallion's descent did

not slow down.

Enduring the severe injuries, it galloped towards G.o.dou, bringing its flames

along!

Just as the horse's fiery hooves were mere meters away from shattering

G.o.dou's with their kicks, Erica struck the horse of flame from the side.

”O horns, collapse the walls of Jericho!”

Sacred exterminators were briefly granted the ability to fly.

Using this power, Erica flew in a straight line, charging decisively. Striking

the airborne [White Stallion] from the side, she stabbed with the tip of her

lance.

A full-powered thrust with the lance. Even the [White Stallion] was blown

away by this attack.

NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIGH!!

The white bronco fell and rolled on the beach, bringing Erica along with it

as it neighed shrilly. It was a cry of pain. The blade of sacred extermination

had buried itself into the [White Stallion]'s body, inflicting heavy injuries.

Erica swiftly stood up and brandished the lance.

She intended to make a final decisive thrust. However, another

transformation took place.

First of all, the flames enveloping the pure white horse turned black in

color.

Next, the slender face of the horse transformed into a st.u.r.dy bull's head.

However, its torso was human — a human body covered with bulging

muscles. Moreover, its size was expanding.

Immediately, the white horse had completely transformed into a five meter

tall giant.

With a stalwart bull's head, this was a bull-headed giant. Furthermore, a

layer of short, dense, black fur covered its entire body.

”— ! This is the [Bull] incarnation!?”

Erica wielded her lance to thrust at the bull-headed giant.

But at the same time, the giant went ”moo” and boldly swung its long, thick,

black, right arm, easily sending the incoming lance flying together with

Erica's slender body.

”Yaaaaaaaaah!”

Struck by the [Bull] renowned for its strength, Erica was blown away almost

a hundred meters.

With that, she fell into the emerald-green sea. Even so, she still managed

to block the mighty arm with her s.h.i.+eld, thereby avoiding a critical injury. In

spite of all that, she did not loose grip of her weapons. Rather

commendable in fact.

”Erica!”

Seeing her longtime friend and rival sent flying, Liliana shot an arrow of

light.

The arrow was aimed straight towards the [Bull]'s incarnation of the

bull-headed giant. A flash of silver flew towards the black bull's head, but

the giant nimbly avoided the arrow.

Make no mistake, nimbly indeed. With agile motions one could not imagine

from its gigantic body, the giant leaped up high.

Then the [Bull] landed before G.o.dou's eyes.

It had made its way towards Kusanagi G.o.dou who was lying collapsed on

the ground all this time, paralyzed from the electrical attack from earlier!

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM The bull roared ferociously,

lifting its foot up high.

It was planning to crush G.o.dou beneath the sole of its ma.s.sive foot.

”...My body, please endure a while longer!”

A crisis of desperate proportions. Nevertheless, this was actually a rare

and perfect opportunity.

G.o.dou shouted at his sprawling painful body and started rolling on the

sand. Two seconds later, the [Bull]'s foot crushed the spot where G.o.dou

was lying earlier!

”I am the strongest, All enemies, all who harbor enmity will be

vanquished !”

Chanting Verethragna's scripture during this time, G.o.dou increased the

[Camel]'s power.

The pain consuming his entire body subsided slightly. The sense of

paralysis also dissipated gradually. The rest would rely on tenacity and

fighting spirit. G.o.dou gritted his teeth and yelled:

”Daaah!”

Standing up through sheer willpower, G.o.dou took a leap —

The bull-headed giant was five meters tall. Owing to the mighty leap, the

ferocious bull's black fur-covered face was now right in front of G.o.dou.

Next, using the [Camel]'s leg strength, he unleashed a spinning kick at the

[Bull]'s cheeks.

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

The [Bull] cried hoa.r.s.ely, its giant body falling over backwards.

The attack was effective, for it succeeded in inflicting substantial pain. But

this was nowhere near fatal — With a glint of light flas.h.i.+ng across its eyes,

the [Bull] reached out with its stout right arm and caught G.o.dou!

”Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Gripped in the black giant's hand, G.o.dou screamed tragically.

All the bones in his body were creaking. Very soon, they were all going to

be snapped, crushed and shattered.

The [Camel] incarnation possessed even better resilience than a

Campione's illogically st.u.r.dy body. Nevertheless, no matter how stalwart,

this body would surely reach its limits within a minute or two!

Even so, G.o.dou still smiled with joy.

As guerrilla fighters, the girls on standby surely would not let this

opportunity go to waste.

”O imperial blade Ama no Murak.u.mo, in your best interests which I

shoulder, grant power unto me!”

Arriving as expected, Seishuuin Ena was sprinting from the distance, her

”partner” in hand!

Filling herself with the divine sword's spirit, divine possession was

achieved.

”Yaaaaaaah!”

Ena jumped up high and swung Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi overhead

using the ha.s.sou-no-kamae stance.^

Amplified by the might of divine possession, this full-powered slash

appeared to spew flames as it made a deep cut on the bull-headed giant's

humanoid back. Unable to withstand the attack, the [Bull] fell upon its

knees and released its grip on G.o.dou.

”Gun...”

Tossed onto the sand, G.o.dou groaned. His injuries were very severe

indeed.

G.o.dou vomited blood but the [Bull]'s heavy injuries were equally serious.

Furthermore, ten-odd arrows of light flew in approach immediately. These

were the arrows of extermination shot by Liliana.

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!?

Struck by the arrows, the bull giant roared in pain.

Lying sprawled on the ground and helpless, it had apparently exhausted its

strength.

”Your Majesty, are you okay!?”

Having made display worthy of a mighty general, Ena called out with worry.

G.o.dou nodded in response as he panted heavily. This was the best

possible battle plan achievable with only the [Camel] incarnation currently

at his disposal. At least he pulled it off successfully.

Oh well, as a battle plan it was actually quite simple.

More injury resistant than anyone else, G.o.dou was to attract the divine

beasts' attention. At the same time, Ena's role was to perform guerilla

attacks using Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi whenever enemies showed

openings while busy with the ”bait.” As for Erica and Liliana, they were

tasked with supporting G.o.dou and Ena as appropriate.

Simple as that.

That said, given their current battle potential, there was no other way to

fight.

In actual fact, were the enemies of divine beast cla.s.s, the [Camel]

incarnation could have lasted for surprisingly long durations. In that event,

breaking through using these foolhardy tactics could very well have

succeeded.

But unexpectedly, the G.o.ddess was capable of using Verethragna's

incarnations as her p.a.w.ns —

”Wha— !?”

”This time, it's... The [Wind] incarnation!?”

Faced with shock and surprise, G.o.dou and Ena were swept into the

suddenly manifesting whirlwind. The bull-headed humanoid giant, in other

words, the [Bull] that was just defeated, had lost physical form and

transformed into a tornado.

Normally, Kusanagi G.o.dou was the one switching between combat powers

in a diverse display.

But this time, the side suffering at the hands of these transformations was

G.o.dou himself.

Part 4

The wind strengthened all at once and became a tornado by the time one

could notice.

It started out as a small whirlwind only ten-odd meters in diameter. But

now, it had become a violent vortex of wind swirling everything up into the

sky, baring its fangs towards G.o.dou and Ena.

This was likely working on the same principle as the lightning released by

the [Goat] just now.

Elevating its power to the maximum possible in exchange for

instantaneous depletion of the majority of magical power. In this manner,

the Campione and the divine-possessed sword user were devoured by the

tornado and swept up into the air.

It felt like being thrown into a ma.s.sive was.h.i.+ng machine...

Caught in the tornado, G.o.dou and Ena were spun dozens of rotations at

high speed.

”Gun... Your Majesty! Use Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi together with

Ena— Please!”

Ena yelled as she tumbled around in the vortex of the storm.

Her voice should have been drowned out by the roaring wind.

Nevertheless, G.o.dou heard her loud and clear. Her thoughts were being

transmitted through Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi which they shared.

Thanks to that, G.o.dou was able to know the Hime-Miko of the Sword's

wishes without even asking.

”Okay, Seishuuin! Let's go!”

He imagined the two of them swinging Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi

together.

This was what G.o.dou and Ena had shared that night at Kisarazu when the

divine sword's power was truly mastered. Taking this opportunity when

their thoughts were relayed to each other through Ama no Murak.u.mo no

Tsurugi as the medium, the same could be achieved without resorting to

wizardry.

Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi possessed the trait of absorbing magical

and divine powers.

Ena currently planned to use this trait to absorb the [Wind]'s power.

Naturally, even a user of divine possession would be incapable of fully

absorbing a tempest sent by a heretic G.o.ddess.

However, were G.o.dou to simultaneously infuse the divine sword with a

Campione's magical power, then in that case —

”Strong is the name that shall stand across subsequent

generations — handed down by all who hears of his exploits!”

In concert with Ena's chanted spell words, G.o.dou poured magical power

into Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi.

Even the impossible could become possible through bonds of wizardry.

Then the divine sword in Ena's hand released pitch black light, absorbing

the vortex of [Wind]!

— The tornado spinning the pair weakened progressively.

Although they had already lost count how many revolutions they had been

spun, the wind was suppressed all at once, finally dissipating the force that

had swept G.o.dou and Ena into the air.

They fell down towards the beach from a height of seven or eight meters or

so.

Ena landed with monkey-like motions. Despite having no training in

acrobatics, G.o.dou accomplished the same, thanks to the agility conferred

by the [Camel].

However, the spinning from just now had destroyed their sense of balance,

causing great discomfort.

Greatly exhausted, the pair instantly collapsed and sat on the ground. That

said, they were at least liberated from the [Wind].

”G.o.dou, Ena-san!”

”You two, are you okay!?”

Erica and Liliana ran towards them, the former from the sea and the latter

from inland respectively.

The red knight was unhurt. The [Bull]'s. .h.i.t that sent her flying had

apparently not caused any injuries. Although she was dressed lightly in a

swimsuit, the sacred privilege of extermination must have protected her.

Wielding the barbed lance and s.h.i.+eld, Erica bore a stern and imposing

countenance.

Liliana was also carrying her sacred bow of silver.

G.o.dou nodded at the two of them. He could not answer because he was

desperately enduring the sense of nausea. Ena was completely

exhausted.

”The [Wind] just now, it felt like it escaped just before it was completely

destroyed...”

□liana's power of spirit vision allowed to her to see things beyond the

naked eye.

She was looking towards the sea. Prompted by her, everyone turned their

gaze to follow suit. A solemn expression surfaced on all their faces, for a

new incarnation was manifesting.

Upon the emerald-green sea. At this cove serving as the island's

entrance...

Over on the sea, black flames were burning. These were also flames that

G.o.dou had summoned many times before.

'So says Lord Mithra. The sinful shall be met with justice...'

The G.o.ddess' voice came from the sky above.

These spell words that G.o.dou had always chanted, were now spoken

softly by the G.o.ddess.

'The one unblunted and unapproachable, oath-breaking sinners be purged

by the iron hammer of justice — !'

The black flames over the sea started transforming into a pitch-black divine

beast.

Body length estimated to be twenty meters. A pitch-black gigantic beast of

a [Boar] bearing a stalwart appearance. However, only the majestic head

alone had manifested so far. Below the neck, the rest of the body had yet

to form from the black flames.

Apparently, the G.o.ddess could not summon and manifest the [Boar] as

quickly as G.o.dou.

'Fufufu. Despite the number of strong children among Kusanagi-sama's

kindred, I have bestowed special care upon this one as my servant in

particular! It does take quite a while longer to summon... But only this child

is worthy of the wait!'

Despite clearly in the middle of the summoning process, the G.o.ddess

spoke as if victory was certain.

But one could not disagree. The incarnations she had sent out one after

another were all extremely strong. It would be apt to call them the simple

arrangement version of G.o.dou's powers.

However, the divine beast being born over the sea was different. Were it to

manifest completely, it could very well possess size, appearance and

power no different from Verethragna's fifth incarnation as summoned by

G.o.dou.

Just through a single glance at its face, once could tell the ferocity of this

monster.

Hovering over the sea were the black flames and the gigantic boar head.

Grunting as it exhaled violently, the [Boar] glared condescendingly at the

beach, roaring from its grotesque mouth.

oooooooooooooooooooooooo. . .

Soon to be liberated on the ground to bring destruction to all, it seemed to

be expressing its joy of antic.i.p.ation.

”This must be something she held in reserve. What a troublesome trump

card.”

”Weaker than under Kusanagi G.o.dou's control — as much as one would

hope for that, we cannot tell without a fight...”

Erica and Liliana nodded at each other, their expressions tense from the

will to fight.

On the other hand, G.o.dou and Ena's states were far from ready.

Already heavily injured, G.o.dou felt as if his body was made of lead. His

movements were also very sluggish. Were it not for the [Camel]'s

exceptional trauma endurance, G.o.dou would have fainted a long time ago.

Then there was Ena who had used divine possession thrice already in

three days.

Moreover, using a Campione's magical power, she had just drawn out Ama

no Murak.u.mo's powers at a level beyond human limits. The tough child of

nature was clearly approaching her limits, her body shaking unsteadily.

”Don't force yourself, Seishuuin. Rest for a while!”

”Nonsense, Your Majesty. How could I remain idle at a time like this...”

Ena remained stubborn. In a rare moment, her voice lacked her usual

cheerfulness. Using Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi as a crutch, she

supported herself.

”You cannot, Ena-san!”

The one who reprimanded the Hime-Miko of the Sword was Yuri who was

supposed to have retreated to the rear.

”Your life will surely be endangered if you continue like this! I absolutely

forbid you to act recklessly!”

Yuri spoke with a terrifying and intimidating expression.

However, she walked over to the weakened Ena's side and caressed her

back gently like a mother.

A spell of caressing — she was applying recovery wizardry to heal Ena's

painful body.

Ena's trump card, divine possession, was said to require a week's interval

between successive usage. Exceeding this frequency would mercilessly

wear away her mind and body —

Indeed. G.o.dou nodded.

Yuri must have run over to heal and restrain Ena because she knew her

childhood friend was at her limits.

”But everyone could very well be taken out, so having Ena rest by herself

is meaningless. This is the time for a last stand. Don't worry, I'll just force

myself a little and still be fine.”

”How absurdly driven by emotion you are, Ena-san. I now understand the

reason why you get along with G.o.dou so well.”

Erica commented with a frown.

Also, the tone of her voice sounded more ”deeply impressed” than

surprised.

”But no, denied. Please stay still obediently. Verethragna's [Boar] is

nowhere lacking as an opponent for knights. Please leave this for us to

handle.”

”Indeed, it has come to this.”

Liliana spoke up.

”Ever since we came to this island, you have been the one protecting

Kusanagi G.o.dou all this time. It is about time you let us have an

opportunity to take the stage.”

G.o.dou nodded vigorously in agreement.

However, the silver-haired knight frowned in response, expressing her

regrets to him.

”Allow me to add to that, Kusanagi G.o.dou. You too should also rest, right?”

”Eh?”

In the instant G.o.dou asked in response, he suffered an unexpected attack.

Liliana performed a sweeping kick. Although G.o.dou intended to evade, his

legs were unable to move. Swept off balance splendidly, he fell over on his

bottom.

Seeing him like that, Liliana and Erica both sighed.

”I knew it... Only your sense of pain is numbed, but your body is already at

its limits.”

”You have acc.u.mulated extraordinary injuries starting from earlier. I had a

feeling this would happen if you lost your incarnation of immortality.”

”I-I'm fine. My wounds are healing at an incredible rate.”

”Well. Using healing magic combined with the [Camel]'s recovery abilities,

perhaps you could force your body a little more.”

In response to G.o.dou's protests, Erica replied with deep thought.

”Honestly, it is impossible to fight that [Boar] barehanded.”

Everyone turned their gaze towards the cove.

What was just a [Boar]'s head a while ago had now manifested to its chest

area. Once the flames formed the gigantic beast's body completely, the

pitch-black destroyer was probably going to rush onto the beach with

terrifying vigor...

For the [Camel] which offered no other means of attack apart from

”kicking,” it was a most difficult opponent indeed.

”I'm not barehanded. One could still say I have a weapon.”

G.o.dou threw his ”partner” a glance. Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi that

Ena had stabbed into the sand to use as a crutch.

Walking over with unsteady steps, G.o.dou grabbed the sword's hilt.

Despite his reluctance to get close to dangerous tools like swords, it was

the time to put pacifism aside for now.

”Are you able to use it without Seishuuin Ena?”

”I should be. I managed it during the Kisarazu battle against Lancelot...”

While thinking about how careless he was, G.o.dou replied to Liliana's

question.

Indeed, Kusanagi G.o.dou only truly used Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi for

the first time back then, in a clash with Lancelot who wielded the Divine

Sword of Salvation.

”Besides, relying on you two, Liliana and Erica, to do something like

fighting the [Boar], that's not gonna work. Unless that guy gets struck by

firepower on the [White Stallion]'s level, there's no hope for victory...”

Well, the question was whether Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi had that

level of destructive power.

The ”partner” had exhibited its highest level of destructive power during the

Kisarazu battle. In order to oppose the Divine Sword of Salvation used by

the ”King of the End,” the silver-haired G.o.ddess had powered up Ama no

Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi.

The mortal enemy in the form of a p.u.b.escent girl with silver hair and eyes

of night.

The G.o.ddess bound to him by a strange twist of fate. How nostalgic to

recall the opponent who vexed him by escaping after her victory, it was a

lonely feeling. Heretic Athena —

'Farewell is unneeded. One day, this G.o.ddess shall return, reincarnated, to

seek you for revenge. Because no matter when, the only one allowed to

defeat Kusanagi G.o.dou is this G.o.ddess!'

The bold declaration uttered at the point of farewell.

Her fighting spirit was completely opposite to the ”femininity” displayed by

the current G.o.ddess G.o.dou was fighting. Rather than bold, one would

prefer to describe her as n.o.ble. And there were her words.

The one and only parting gift she had given...

— the [Gate] had opened for but an instant.

Creation of heaven and earth. The death and birth of stars. The blade

forged through the G.o.ddess' wisdom.

That was it. They had also banked on Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi back

then. The steel that greedily devoured the enemy's power to a.s.similate as

its own. That characteristic was essential for a drastic move.

If you are in need of strength at this time, why not infuse me, the divine

sword, with the most powerful wisdom — ?

”G.o.dou, what's with you?” ”Kusanagi G.o.dou!?” ”Your Majesty...?”

The voices of his companions sounded distant.

However, what occupied G.o.dou's field of view was neither the sight of the

girls in their swimsuits nor the emerald-green sea. It was a pair of eyes.

Owl eyes s.h.i.+ning amidst darkness.

G.o.dou also sensed it. He sensed a ”certain secret technique” dormant

within his body.

”G.o.dou-san... Please pull yourself together!”

Suddenly, he felt someone touch his hand. The tactile sensation caused

G.o.dou to return to himself.

Brought back to his senses, G.o.dou found Yuri by his side. She had placed

her hands over G.o.dou's hands that were holding Ama no Murak.u.mo no

Tsurugi.

Erica, Liliana and Ena watched with a face of wonderment.

G.o.dou shook his head hazily. He seemed to have caught a glimpse just

now. Heaven and earth's creation, the technique embodying destruction

and creation. The wisdom of the universe left behind by the G.o.ddess of

earth and darkness —

”...Ugh. What on earth is this...”

Carved into the depths of his heart and mind, a powerful secret technique

in the abyss.

A relic left behind by the deceased rival. The gate was currently opening.

However, this wisdom was far too colossal. Given G.o.dou's capacity

instead of a G.o.ddess', comprehension should be impossible regardless.

No good. It was impossible to control no matter what.

Precious long-awaited power was obtained yet it was going to be wasted...

Just at this moment.

”G.o.dou-san. Please look at me. Do not worry.”

Once again reminded by Yuri's voice, G.o.dou jumped in surprise.

The Hime-Miko was staring directly into G.o.dou's eyes. Her adorable and

beautiful face was pressed rather near. It was almost like past times when

she transmitted knowledge about G.o.ds.

Finding himself at this type of close separation, G.o.dou began to panic. But

thanks to that, his sense of self returned.

He was also greatly surprised by Yuri's murmuring whispers.

”Steel embodying the birth and death of stars... The dark blade of heaven

and earth's creation. The flames of the scorching jet-black divine sword... I

saw them too.”

Yuri spoke solemnly. She was having a spirit vision.

The other girls were staring at the Hime-Miko with amazement. Moreover,

Yuri's eyes had changed to the color of gla.s.s at some point in time.

G.o.dou realized at this time.

Eyes the color of gla.s.s. Radiant flaxen-colored hair. These characteristics

belonged to the Princess of Gla.s.s residing in the Netherworld.

Yuri's current appearance was the splitting image of the Netherworld's

n.o.ble one. Speaking of which, Yuri's hair color was heavily shaded brown

for a Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko.

G.o.dou began to wonder for no apparent reason. Suppose the Princess of

Gla.s.s was the root of the Hime-Miko bloodline.

Then the Hime who most strongly displayed the inherited blood and

spiritual powers of the distant ancestor — wouldn't that happen to be Mariya

Yuri?

”The secret technique the G.o.ddess left behind in G.o.dou-san's body... I

think it is probably through the opened gate that I am able to see it... Let us

forge it together.”

G.o.dou was rendered dumbfounded by Yuri's resolute proposal.

”Let us forge. To forge the sword of the beginning and the end. I shall

guide you.”

Part 5

Over the sea in the cove, the [Boar] finally finished materializing.

A stalwart black boar's head, chest, front legs, torso, rear end and even

hind legs were already manifested, surfacing on the sea like a giant whale.

The only remaining body part still shrouded in flames was the tail.

”Let us take this opportunity to make an attempt.”

Liliana suggested softly and drew her sacred bow of silver.

Injecting the privilege of extermination, she shot an arrow of light.

Although the beach where she stood was roughly two hundred meters from

the [Boar]'s location on the sea, the arrow from a paladino's a.r.s.enal flew

straight across this distance instantly.

The target was the [Boar]'s eyeball. But the instant before the splendid

shot would meet its mark...

The arrow of light was deflected as if i

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