Vol 14 Chapter 3 (2/2)
”To think he ignored the divine beast's arrival. Where is Sir Salvatore going
actually?”
”Let's pursue him. After all, His Majesty and Erica-san can handle things
there.”
”Indeed. Furthermore, Erica's uncle and Saint Raffaello are there too.”
Ena quickly suggested and Liliana immediately nodded in agreement.
”That black thing appeared again!?”
”Yes. Pursuing the knights who were out scouting, it's currently
approaching this place!”
G.o.dou and Erica exited the old castle hotel together.
Just when they were listening to Saint Raffaello's exposition on Madame
Aisha's authority that allowed travel to 'somewhere in another world,'
Paolo's cellphone suddenly rang.
It was Andrea's report of the ”approaching divine beast.”
Also present, Saint Raffaello and Paolo Blandelli exchanged whispers with
solemn expressions.
”Well, what did the idiot's chaperone say?”
”He can't contact the personnel in charge of monitoring Sir Salvatore.
Since he is going to track down Sir Salvatore, he is pa.s.sing all command
over to me.”
”Tsk. One after another, troublesome things arrive!”
Just as the quartet arrived at the hotel garden, they heard a strange roar.
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Looking in the direction of the sound, G.o.dou saw the black dinosaur he
had not seen for nine months — Another face off against the agile
seven-meter-long divine beast.
Its hind legs and hooked claws were ma.s.sive as ever, bearing the
appearance of Deinonychus.
This Deinonychus seemed to be more keen and nimble than its
appearance suggested.
Climbing over the wall surrounding the old castle, it looked down at the
hotel's confines.
Apparently, it had not yet noticed Kusanagi G.o.dou's arrival and did not
show any intent to flee. G.o.dou was puzzled. Thanks to the vast amount of
combat experience he had acc.u.mulated over the past nine months, he
was able to notice a certain detail.
”That should be the divine beast... But it seems a bit small.”
”Perhaps its true form is still hidden. Maybe it can suddenly enlarge in
size.”
Speaking of acc.u.mulating experience, the same went for Erica. The two
nodded at each other.
Apart from G.o.dou's group, there were also seven or eight Great Knights
gathered in the garden.
They were the elite troops gathered by Doni's summons. Nevertheless,
their eyes, gazing at the divine beast, were filled with fear and nervous
tension.
G.o.dou recalled what Erica's colleague had said.
Even for magi of Great Knight cla.s.s, a battle against a divine beast was
still a life-risking endeavor. Furthermore, their preparations in the current
situation were far too insufficient. G.o.dou immediately commanded.
”Tell them to stand down. I'll be that thing's opponent!”
”No. Before we elucidate Sir Salvatore's intentions, it would be best to
avoid using Verethragna's incarnations. I'm present here, and so is my
uncle and Saint Raffaello!”
The instant Erica answered, the lower hem of her cape began to flutter.
Next to her, the two Paladino also put on their battle attire as Italian
knights — They summoned the capes known as the bandiera.
Saint Raffaello's cape was violet. On the other hand, Paolo Blandelli's cape
in the rossonero colors of red and black, naturally.
The hems of their capes reached down much lower than Erica and
□liana's.
Then the violet knight summoned a one-meter-long claymore. The red
Paladino conjured an oval s.h.i.+eld on his left hand while a barbed lance
appeared in his right.
”Although I have no intention of stealing the spotlight, standing back doing
nothing hurts my pride!”
”Then let us take on the opening scene. G.o.dou, since you're the main
protagonist, wait until the climactic scene before entering the stage!”
Saint Raffaello glared fearlessly at the Deinonychus.
Delivering elaborate words, Paolo fully displayed his befitting qualities as
Erica's uncle.
Meanwhile, the dinosaur-shaped divine beast opened its jaws wide and
roared again.
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Completely unfazed, the two Paladino leapt lightly and landed on the
castle wall. They intended to intercept the 'Deinonychus there.
”So, G.o.dou, I'm off too!”
Erica also summoned the slender longsword, Cuore di Leone. Following
her uncle, she jumped onto the castle wall.
G.o.dou watched the knights' battle for now —
While he was staring at the trio's figures, someone suddenly tugged his
arm. Looking back, G.o.dou found the Hime-Miko standing right before him
in a black dress. Mariya Yuri.
”G.o.dou-san. I have something urgent to tell you...!”
While bearing quite a hesitant expression, Yuri made her appeal to him.
Part 4
The Deinonychus opened its jaws and spewed out multiple beams of
lightning.
Standing on the castle wall, Saint Raffaello was in the direct line of fire.
Normally, one would expect her to be blown away by the impact, dying
instantly with burns covering a high proportion of her total body surface
area.
Nevertheless, Saint Raffaello was protected by the violet light enveloped
around her.
”Gaaaaah! O Saint John, I beseech you to grant me your protection!”
The female Paladino gritted her teeth and chanted spell words with all her
might.
The violet light proceeded to brighten. Under this protection, Saint
Raffaello managed to withstand the lightning attack without receiving any
harm.
The violet light was the force field produced by Saint Raffaello invoking the
secret ritual of [Smiting].
Erica and Liliana were also capable of using it — No, at their current level,
they could only use the sacred privilege of extermination for short
durations.
Next, the Deinonychus suddenly stopped spewing lightning.
Without warning, its deadly jaws aimed a bite at the female Paladino.
However, the instant Saint Raffaello was about to be devoured —
The Deinonychus was struck in the face by a beam of red light.
Armed with his s.h.i.+eld and lance, Paolo Blandelli had charged valiantly.
The sacred exterminator was flying at full speed, enveloped in red light.
Protecting himself with the s.h.i.+eld in his left hand, he charged straight at the
Deinonychus' face —
This sudden attack sent the Deinonychus flying as if it had been struck by
a giant's right straight punch.
Moreover, that was not the end of Paolo's attack. Aiming at the pitch-black
head of the blown away Deinonychus — at its temples — he flew again to
perform another charge.
This time, a red cross-shaped spell crest appeared on his lance tip as
though poison had been applied onto it.
”O red cross... Turn into a wedge and pierce the enemy!”
Charging at the Deinonychus' head, Paolo made a thrust with his lance,
accompanied by the chanting of spell words.
The instant the sharp tip of the lance and the red pentagram pierced its
skin, the Deinonychus screamed.
G AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !
In that instant, sparks shot out from the Deinonychus' eyes, striking Paolo
mid-charge. The beast was apparently using divine powers.
”Guu!”
Struck down onto the ground, Paolo promptly stood right back up.
The sacred exterminator's light remained a vivid crimson hue. His standing
posture was a powerful sight. As a human, he also exuded a hero's mettle
at the same time.
Saint Raffaello ran over to the valiant Paolo's side. The violet knight
readied her claymore in a stance.
Reportedly, these two were top cla.s.s masters in all of Europe, not just
Italy.
Watching how the two fought, G.o.dou noticed. Indeed, the stability they
displayed in their usage of [Smiting] was different from that of Erica and
Liliana.
G.o.dou felt that with regard to instantaneous power output, there was an
extremely wide gap in difference.
However, Paolo and Saint Raffaello's powerful presence and composure
coupled with unshakable stability were things that G.o.dou's knight
companions did not possess. Although the current situation looked dire, in
actual fact it was not.
Furthermore, Erica was on standby as the third combatant, ready to enter
the fray any moment.
”Judging from the situation, I guess things are okay even if I don't join in...”
”Yes. For some reason, I feel that there will not be a problem even if you
left this situation for those two to handle. Putting that aside, G.o.dou-san, I
really must hurry and inform you — ”
”Oh sorry, Mariya. Please go on and tell me.”
The old castle hotel was built using a medieval fortress as a base.
Although G.o.dou had brought Yuri to a corner of the hotel garden to speak,
he could not help but cast his attention towards the knights' battle with the
divine beast.
”Very well. Before you and I part ways, G.o.dou-san, I have things I must
inform you no matter what.”
G.o.dou went ”Eh?” and was rendered speechless by Yuri's words.
Parting ways with Yuri? There was no such plan at the moment. The only
possibility G.o.dou could think of was if Yuri was having health problems.
Back when Erica heard about the Hime-Miko's fainting collapse, this was
what she said:
'...Extraordinary spirit vision and apt.i.tude for psychic sensing. Yuri and
Princess Alice are very similar users of spirit powers. Furthermore, the
Princess' health is exceptionally frail because her body has trouble
withstanding those astounding spirit powers.'
Erica had used London's bedridden Princess as an example to ill.u.s.trate.
'Fortunately, Yuri's health problems are not that severe. Nevertheless, that
only describes the current situation. I'd like to observe her condition a while
longer, but without allowing her to overstrain herself in the mean time.'
'Speaking of the Princess, indeed they are quite similar.'
Liliana had also nodded in agreement with her longtime friend and rival.
'Strangely enough, Mariya Yuri has a similar lack of physical stamina.
Perhaps it is a sign of a person's strong affinity to the blood of the divine
ancestors they have inherited...”
Although there was no evidence, this theory sounded quite plausible.
In actual fact, before coming to Italy, G.o.dou had agonized over whether to
leave Yuri in j.a.pan.
”Could it be, Mariya, you're not feeling well...!?”
”N-No. Nothing of that sort.”
G.o.dou could not help but raise his voice, causing Yuri to be taken aback
with surprise.
Since Yuri seemed to be telling the truth, G.o.dou was relieved. In that case,
what did she mean by ”parting ways”?
”Actually... I saw it a while earlier. We will be parting ways — G.o.dou-san,
you will be going to a faraway place to start a journey.”
”I will start a journey? Where exactly?”
Yuri had apparently experienced a spirit vision.
Of course, G.o.dou believed her completely but he was still quite baffled.
”I do not know. All I know is that it is a place where one cannot easily
return from... Hence, before you set off, G.o.dou-san, I would like to inform
you first. Regarding the new power you have received, G.o.dou-san.”
”Power?”
”Yes. Recently, I keep getting the feeling that... A power residing in your
body, G.o.dou-san, shall sublime and take on a new form.”
”I originally intended to keep silent until it was absolutely necessary to
reveal it... However, G.o.dou-san, you may come across danger during your
journey. In order to prepare in advance, let me remove the seal here right
now.”
Troubling advice was being offered by Yuri, a prudent member of the
common sense faction.
Surprised, G.o.dou wanted to adhere to pa.s.sivity and reject the proposal.
”That sounds like something dangerous. I'm fine even if I don't obtain it.”
”No. I implore you to prepare yourself. In order to take my place because I
can no longer watch over you by your side, I do wish to provide some
a.s.sistance to you now at least.”
”Mariya...”
”H-Hence. In order to unseal it, I must cast a spell on you.”
Yuri lowered her gaze and bowed her head, whispering shyly.
However, despite the trouble the Hime-Miko was having in finding the right
words, she still continued to speak in a stuttering manner.
”W-We will be parting ways very soon. If you say 'maybe next time' like you
did to Ena-san in the past, you will very likely forget, G.o.dou-san...”
Hearing her bring up the promise between Ena and himself, G.o.dou
groaned in anguish.
But with this, what the Hime-Miko was seeking had become perfectly clear.
”S-So. If you do not mind, it is imperative that we — ”
”Mari— Yuri!”
G.o.dou decided he would never live it down if she was forced to finish her
sentence.
Furthermore, her bold words incited excitement in G.o.dou's heart.
He immediately embraced Yuri and took her forcefully by the lips.
”G.o.dou-san...!”
”I did say I have no wish for that kind of strange power, however, I — ”
”V-Very well. Let us begin together.”
Gazing into each other's eyes, exchanging pa.s.sionate words, the two of
them kissed again.
This time, they both extended their tongues simultaneously and kissed like
a string instrument's bow and string. Two sets of lips tightly pressed
together, tongues caressing each other, saliva mixing together.
Then in G.o.dou's mind, the image of a certain G.o.ddess surfaced.
”As expected of Uncle Paolo and Saint Raffaello. It looks like there's no
need for me to enter the stage.”
Erica murmured as she watched the two Paladinos fighting the divine
beast valiantly.
In order to intervene at any opportunity, she had cast magic on Cuore di
Leone, the magic sword of the lion, turning it into a pilum.
But judging from the current state of affairs, her a.s.sistance did not seem
necessary.
Taking advantage of the moment when Saint Raffaello held the enemy's
attention, exterminator Paolo charged, blasting the Deinonychus away
from the old castle hotel where ordinary staff were still present.
Having secured the safety of the other personnel, the two Paladinos
resumed the battle.
Paolo and Saint Raffaello did not attack over aggressively, instead
choosing to dodge the divine beast's attacks again and again.
However, their blades would stab into the Deinonychus' vitals as soon as
an opening appeared.
Consequently, the divine beast gradually weakened. Paolo and Saint
Raffaello's position of advantage was unshakable.
However, they were not simply aiming for the enemy's defeat but also
information concerning its nature. In case a battle against a similar divine
beast was encountered again, they considered such a possibility —
”Lily, Ena-san and I, none of us are able to fight in this manner... Granted,
these two hold the rank of Paladino, but their difference in level relative to
us is all too clear to see.”
If Erica and the girls were the ones fighting, they would surely be launching
attacks nonstop instead.
In a fight against a divine beast, a single blunder could prove fatal. The risk
of making such mistakes in a protracted battle increased as time dragged
on.
Given that was the case, the best approach was to begin the battle with a
full-out offensive to end things as quickly as possible.
However, such tactics were only possible with the support of her
companions and Kusanagi G.o.dou.
Erica and Liliana had only just grasped the basics of [Smiting]. They were
still in training and could not be said to have truly attained the Paladino
rank.
In any case, Erica observed the two Paladinos battling calmly.
”Eh!?”
Erica was shocked by the sudden transformation of the Deinonychus.
Its front limbs were originally much shorter and more slender than its tough
hind legs. However, these small front limbs suddenly transformed into a
pair of wings.
Covered with a thin membrane, a pair of wings similar to a bat's —
The Deinonychus had transformed into a black pterosaur. The size and
length of its body remained the same. The beast still seemed rather agile.
”I can't believe it transformed!?”
”To think it was concealing this sort of power!”
As Saint Raffaello and Paolo watched in surprise, the pterosaur swept its
tail at them.
Due to the protection conferred by the privilege of extermination, the two
did not receive any significant injuries. However, the black pterosaur took
this opportunity to flap its wings, taking to the skies.
Steadily rising in alt.i.tude, it flew towards the distant sky. It was trying to
flee.
”Cuore di Leone!”
The instant she realized the enemy was escaping, Erica threw the magic
sword she had already transformed into a pilum.
The pilum was already enchanted with magic for enhancing flight range
and infused with the ”spell words of resentment and despair.”
Launched from the ground, the pilum turned into a flash of light, piercing
the pterosaur's throat.
It worked. Suffering this fatal blow, the already wounded divine beast
crashed back down into the ground.
The fallen black pterosaur turned into a carca.s.s lying on the snow.
But as a supernatural creature, it was probably going to lose its form and
dissipate before long.
”A divine beast capable of transforming between two forms... Indeed, it is
no ordinary dinosaur after all.”
Erica murmured as she looked down at the fallen divine beast.
Not only her but also Paolo and Saint Raffaello, and even Yuri and G.o.dou
were running over. The entire group was watching the divine beast's
demise.
”If G.o.dou fought it like last time, we probably never would have realized.
Most likely, he would have defeated it immediately.”
”That which was born from bitter waters... The beast following its mother
the serpent — ”
Yuri suddenly whispered.
Judging from the blank tone of her voice, she must have received a spirit
vision.
”Did you see something related to this divine beast? Is it really connected
to a mother earth G.o.ddess from somewhere?”
”Impossible to know clearly. Really, I only saw a few things...”
Hearing Erica and Yuri's exchange, Saint Raffaello shrugged.
”Oh well, G.o.ds are not the only ones who can summon divine beasts
anyway. Venerable divine artifacts, hidden sanctuaries, forbidden
high-level magic, and the Campiones themselves are all possible
candidates.”
”Speaking of Campiones, where did Sir Salvatore run off to?”
”— Hmm?”
While listening to Paolo's wondering, G.o.dou also heard other voices.
They were cries of Kusanagi G.o.dou! Your Majesty!' Cries for help, carried
by the wind from far away, calling for the protector. G.o.dou listened intently.
Mixed with snowflakes, a gust of powerful wind was sweeping across the
clear and sunny sky.
The voices in the wind was an incantation invoked by those seeking
rescue from a desperate crisis.
”Wind... I can use the the [Wind] incarnation...?”
”Could it be Liliana-san and Ena-san!? They were supposed to be tracking
down Sir Salvatore!”
”Let's head there immediately, G.o.dou!”
Yuri and Erica were amazing.
As soon as they heard G.o.dou muttering softly to himself, they immediately
understood the situation.
However, Yuri only expended a slight amount of energy for psychic
sensing in the ritual earlier. Was she tired? Her face did not look well.
G.o.dou did not want her to suffer too much strain. He immediately called
out:
”Mariya, go and rest. Let's go, Erica!”
Picking up Erica in his arms, he invoked Verethragna's first incarnation.
The air underfoot began to stir, forming a vortex of wind, turning into a
whirlwind. The power of instantaneous travel was manifesting.
Leaving behind Paolo and Saint Raffaello in their amazement, G.o.dou and
Erica flew away, riding upon the wind.
”Please be careful, G.o.dou-san! I shall wait for you all to return safe and
sound!”
The voice of Yuri praying for Kusanagi G.o.dou's safe return could be heard.
”Should you not come back, I shall go find you! Absolutely without a
doubt!”
Part 5
The forest in Casentino was covered by deep snow.
Since this had always been a mountainous area, the terrain was
undulating with mountains and valleys everywhere.
Running across the snow, weaving through the treacherous terrain,
Salvatore Doni's movements were as swift and agile as a fox or a snow
leopard.
Apart from swordsmans.h.i.+p, he had also attained extraordinary mastery in
other martial arts and physical techniques.
Given the case, if only his personality could be slightly more normal — That
was a dream that all European magi shared.
”By the way, where is Sir Salvatore going, really?”
”For now, we've already pa.s.sed over two mountains.”
□liana's fellow partner in pursuit, Seishuuin Ena, answered.
While maintaining a distance so that Doni would not discover them, the two
girls pursued him as he ran swiftly.
This would have been impossible for ordinary people, but Liliana and Ena
barely managed through the use of spells and agile movements. But
actually, there was probably no problem even if they lost sight of Doni.
This was because he himself was following ”some kind of trail.”
The divine beast that was just sighted outside the old castle hotel —
The Deinonychus had apparently arrived by pa.s.sing through these snowy
mountains, leaving footprints on the snow. This trail was what Doni was
currently following.
”He wants to find the divine beast's lair...?”
”Speaking of which, he does indeed look as though he is searching for
something.”
The dinosaur's footprints soon led Doni to a ravine.
Although the stream at the bottom of the ravine was tiny, this was actually
the Arno river. Not too far downstream, it would widen into a large river as
it flowed across the vast plains of Tuscany.
Taking a spring or summer stroll here by the side of a beautiful river was
probably one of the greatest pleasures in life.
Doni's eyes began to s.h.i.+ne when he arrived at this place. Liliana
understood the reason behind his reaction, for she too could feel the divine
aura distributed throughout this land, more abundant than most other
places.
”The air here feels like it came from a venerable sacred mountain.
Anyway.”
Ena spoke up. The Hime-Miko who had been calm and composed was
now getting nervous. She watched their target of pursuit with great
wariness.
”There's an annoying feeling. The king over there looks as though he's up
to mischief.”
”You are most probably right. Whenever Sir Salvatore makes that kind of
face, he almost always does something absurd.”
Salvatore Doni's eyes were s.h.i.+ning like a child's.
Ever since Liliana first encountered him when she was twelve, she had
witnessed this look many times.
Starting with his duel against the heroic G.o.d Siegfried and continuing until
the time when he sliced apart a mother earth G.o.ddess' stone pillar, each
and every occasion was a troublesome incident without exception.
”We must find a way to stop him.”
Steeling her determination, Liliana began to take action. Until now, she had
been monitoring Doni from above without descending down the ravine. But
now, she jumped down into the ravine with agility like a fairy's. Ena
followed suit.
Standing face to face with Doni, Liliana spoke up:
”Sir Salvatore! What on earth are you planning to do?”
”Eh? You are Liliana Kranjcar and... Uh, that girl G.o.dou brought along with
the whatever name. You both followed me, huh.”
Seeing Liliana and Ena, Doni began to grin.
”However, this happens to be perfect timing, yes? Could you help deliver a
message to him? Tell him This is the game's starting point, so come here
later if you want to play.'”
”This is omitting too much. Please explain clearly in proper sequence!”
Directed towards a Devil King, these words were rather rude.
However, Liliana was already quite used to dealing with Doni. It was
imperative to avoid getting caught up in his ridiculous pace by making
demands resolutely.
As expected, the frivolous Devil King went ”sorry my bad” in response.
”Oh dear. The divine beast roaming this area looks like it came through a
hole that leads somewhere.”
”Hole — in other words, it is a corridor leading to another world.”
”Yes, well said. I intend to go through that hole. Perhaps the world on the
other side has many divine beasts and G.o.ds as their masters. I'd like to go
on a bit of an adventure.”
So this turned out to be the truth? Grinning to himself, Doni revealed his
incredibly ludicrous intentions.
”This is going to be like playing an RPG, very cool, right? But playing by
myself would be no fun at all, so I want G.o.dou to play along with me.”
”Which is why you followed the divine beast's footprints to this place... And
you say a hole should exist somewhere.”
”Excuse me, Your Majesty. May I interrupt a bit?”
As Liliana summed up in exasperation, Ena interjected from beside her.
”That hole probably isn't open to pa.s.sage all the time. It should open only
when certain conditions are met, right? Like on a full moon or at a certain
time. Otherwise, the surrounding area would be filled with divine beasts.”
Even though she was a carefree child of nature, Seishuuin Ena was also a
talented girl well-versed in cultural and martial arts.
Finding her reasoning compelling, Liliana nodded in agreement.
This type of ”journey to another world” should only be possible under
specific conditions. This principle could be called common sense in the
world of magic.
However, unfettered by the limitations of common sense, the blonde
Campione laughed with joy.
”This is not a problem. I hold a trump card prepared just for this occasion.”
”Trump card...”
Immediately, powerful divine energy surged out of Doni's body.
Realizing he was planning on using his authority, Liliana felt her body
shake suddenly. She was informed by an oracle which had descended
through spirit vision.
Perhaps this authority originated from a secret cult in ancient Greece?
”The G.o.d of wine and harvests... The G.o.d ruling over secret rituals of
madness. Could it be Dionysus!?”^
”Hen. To think you would know this, how expected of you, Kranjcar.”
Doni's smile changed in nature.
From the frivolous smile of a cheerful Latin man, it transformed into the
smile of a Devil King intent on fulfilling his G.o.dslaying arrogance to the very
end —
”Precisely because it's you, I entrust the message to you without worry.
Help me give Andrea a shout as well. If you screw up, then G.o.dou will
really be in trouble.”
”Seriously, what the heck is wrong with you — !”
Liliana sighed and looked up resolutely.
Even though he was an astoundingly irresponsible man, nothing could
change the fact of his being a G.o.dslayer. The only ones capable of
opposing him were G.o.ds or other G.o.dslayers. In that case — Liliana
communicated to her companion with a glance.
”Ama no Murak.u.mo! Please lend your power to Ena!”
Ena swiftly understood Liliana's message and immediately summoned the
divine sword Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi to her right hand.
Liliana also called forth the magic sword II Maestro in its saber form and
readied her combat stance.
”Hohohoho. I am not offended by you girls, recklessly drawing your swords
against me here.”
Just as expected, Doni set the cylindrical case down from his shoulder.
Opening it, he took out a steel longsword. He held it with his dangling right
hand, entering an undisciplined but incomparably dangerous stance.
”Don't worry. I'll try my best not to hurt you.”
In the instant they faced off against the bragging Campione, Liliana and
Ena cried out:
”Kusanagi G.o.dou! Here is an enemy that only you can handle. Please
come here immediately!”
”Your Majesty! Hurry over and help Ena and Liliana-san!”
In response to their cries, the wind began to stir, strengthening to become
a whirlwind, forming a tornado in no time.
With Erica Blandelli held in his embrace, her arms around his neck,
Kusanagi G.o.dou appeared in the eye of the rampaging storm.
In this manner, Kusanagi G.o.dou and Erica were teleported
instantaneously.
They had arrived at a ravine somewhere. A narrow stream was surrounded
by precipitous cliffs on both sides. Standing at the bottom of the ravine
were the trio, Doni, Liliana and Ena, wielding their swords respectively.
As soon as she saw G.o.dou arrive, the silver-haired knight spoke:
”Kusanagi G.o.dou. As always, Sir Salvatore is the culprit behind the whole
incident. You must stop him as quickly as possible!”
”Yes. Well, it's already quite clear from this sight. Seriously.”
For an instant, G.o.dou smiled wryly in response to Liliana's concise report.
Then he tensed his expression and glared at Salvatore Doni.
The handsome man was displaying an acute expression in a rare moment.
This was evidence that the frivolous fool was about to get serious.
”You're finally doing something stupid again, aren't you? Salvatore Doni!”
”Your sudden arrival is quite unexpected, G.o.dou. But it's already too late.”
Powerful divine energy was pouring out of Doni's body as he stood there
nonchalantly.
He was preparing to use some kind of authority. Was it really going to be
that of the magic sword? — Just as G.o.dou readied his stance, Erica
suddenly cried out in alarm from beside him.
”G.o.dou, look at that!”
The blonde maiden pointed at a precipitous cliff.
On the opposite sh.o.r.e of the Arno river, roughly 40m away from their
current position, a cave had opened up at some indiscernible time
earlier — No.
More accurately, it was an opening that resembled a ”cave.” Its interior
was filled with complete darkness.
”I see. This is the 'hole leading to another realm that is not the current
world.'”
”Leading to another realm...? Could it be one of those things made by that
Aisha person!?”
”Oh, you were investigating the Madame too? Well then, this is perfect. If
you don't mind, why don't we set off to the world on the other side
together?”
As G.o.dou watched in horror, Doni winked at him casually.
”I originally intended to leave you a message, asking you to catch up to me
afterwards. Let's set off together on an adventure, to engage in wars to
conquer kingdoms.”
”Enough with the jokes, as if anyone would want to do that! Seishuuin, lend
me a hand!”
Why would Madame Aisha's lingering authority suddenly activate?
Casting this question aside for now, G.o.dou called out to the one who
shared owners.h.i.+p of his ”partner.”
As expected of Ena, she quickly nodded in understanding and raised Ama
no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi up high in her hand.
G.o.dou immediately issued orders.
”Ama no Murak.u.mo, go absorb that hole's energy! Hurry!”
The jet-black divine sword possessed the trait of absorbing magical power
and divine authorities. This was what G.o.dou commanded.
Although he had no idea how much of an effect it would produce, the more
the hole's power weakened the better. Hence, G.o.dou poured magical
power into his partner the divine sword. Next, provided Ena kept it
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