Chapter 1 - Augury of the Hero

Part 1

Winter rain.

"Hmm..."

Prompted by the sudden shower, Luo Cuilian looked up at the dark sky.

Her residence was situated at Mount Lu in China's Jiangxi province. On a moment's

whimsical fancy, she had decided to take a leisurely stroll deep in the mountain.

The accumulated snow had dyed the mountain scenery with the color of white.

Whether totally bare or still holding onto lingering leaves, all trees were enduring

against bone-chilling wind and the weight of accumulated snow.

Melting and dripping, the snow solidified again as ice, forming transparent ice

columns in various places. Snowflakes and mist drifted in the sky, adding a color of

fantasy to this world of white and silver.

Standing in this snowscape that could be called a wonderland was the transcendent

beauty, LuoCuilian.

Her attire was traditional Han clothing of silk. The lapel was tied using ribbons,

contributing to elegant airs as well as an image similar to the kimono's. The sleeves

of her upper garment were wide and loose while the skirt hem was long enough to

drag on the ground. Furthermore, it was currently raining.

Nevertheless, LuoCuilian's clothing was not wet in the slightest.

Having reached the pinnacle of Daoist arts, it was mere child's play for her to employ

a rain-blocking spell. In addition, the snow-covered ground showed no signs of

either footprints or a trail from the dragging of her Han clothing's hem.

Tarnishing this land of white and silver were only the footprints of hares.

As though having turned the weight of both herself and her clothing into

nothingness, she walked, jumped, dashed and demonstrated martial arts.

Were one unable to overcome an environment of this extent, how could one even

claim proudly to have reached the pinnacle of the martial path?

...Hence, upon Mount Lu on a winter's day, nothing existed that could confound

LuoCuilian's beautiful face whose clarity and magnificence was akin to the moon's.

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"Who could have expected rain on this very day...?"

LuoCuilian's Daoist arts were even capable of summoning wind and rain through

prayers to heaven.

Just by looking up at the sky, immersed in the wind, she could tell what weather

would arrive the next day. Deciphering the climate of the deep mountains was no

challenge to her.

Nevertheless, she had completely failed to sense the arrival of today's sudden

shower.

"Some kind of monumental calamity manifesting between heaven and earth... Is that

an augury?"

While she murmured to herself, the falling rain suddenly ceased at the same time.

The gray clouds dispersed with astounding speed as the winter sun was hung in the

sky once more.

Thereafter, LuoCuilian immediately had a vision.

Suspended in the sky, a white halo pierced the sun—This was the ominous sign

witnessed. LuoCuilian was also blessed with outstanding sensitivity in divination.

This ability was able to call forth the oracles of spirit vision.

"The sun pierced by a white halo..."

Murmuring thus, LuoCuilian turned around to make her way back.

There were things she must do as ruler of the martial realm and supreme [King].

In the middle of February, Kusanagi Godou finally returned to his homeland.

After arriving at Narita Airport from distant Italy, he then took an express train from

the airport to Tokyo.

As it so happened, he got back to Japan on the last day of the vacation after the third

term exams.

Although it was a brief trip on the calendar, for Godou and his companions, this was

a great expedition spanning multiple months, traversing between the past and

contemporary times.

"This journey sure makes one's heart resonate with emotion..."

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Staring out at the scenery of the Bunkyou ward's streets, Liliana Kranjcar remarked emphatically.

Concurring "you can say that again," Godou smiled wryly. Having visited Tuscany in

winter, ancient Gaul and the island of Sardinia, they had finally returned to Nezu's

Area 3 in downtown Tokyo. One could call this a wholly intractable journey.

Driving the car to send the whole group here was Amakasu Touma of the History

Compilation Committee.

They first made a trip to the Mariya residence at Toranomon in order to drop off the

two sisters, Mariya Yuri and Hikari, along with Seishuuin Ena. Right now, Godou

and Liliana as well as Erica Blandelli were getting off at Hongou Street.

"Well then, everyone, first get some rest today. If any emergency comes up, please

contact me immediately."

"You're heading over to Kaoru-san's place next, Amakasu-san?"

Standing in the road, Erica asked Amakasu who was sitting in the driver's seat. The

sun was almost about to set. Soon, a winter dusk was going to arrive.

"In that case, could you take me along? I have matters I'd like to discuss with her

too."

"Unfortunately, I still have things to do, so I have to go to the library. That's the one

the Committee manages in Aobadai. There's a few things I want to research."

"Is it about the 'King of the End'?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm very concerned about the spirit vision that Yuri-san received

after hearing about the revived Athena's attack."

"Are you referring to this?"

Liliana nodded and interjected.

"An evil dragon in the sea. The dragon summoned wind and clouds to blot the sky

and sun. Lightning flashed to illuminate the sea. The king shot an arrow, piercing the

dragon's chest—That was how it went, yes?"

"Yes. I think I've seen these words somewhere before."

Not expecting Amakasu to speak so candidly, Godou was surprised.

"So those are the poetic lines that Mariya said?"

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"If that is the case, it could be a massive hint to unraveling the mystery of the 'King of the End.'"

"A segment from a certain land's heroic legend... This is the kind of impression I

gathered from the passage."

Liliana leaned forward while Erica expressed her interest.

...In yonder days, there was an evil dragon in the sea. The evil dragon summoned

wind and clouds to block the sun, causing violent lightning to descend upon the sea.

The king immediately drew his bow and shot an arrow, wounding the dragon right in

the chest—

That was roughly the content. A story about a hero vanquishing an evil dragon.

However, the History Compilation Committee's special agent smiled wryly and

shrugged.

"I totally can't recall anything specific. Neither can I reject the possibility that I

remembered wrong. So let me do some research first. As soon as I figure out

anything, I'll call you guys."

"We will also contact you as soon as we receive news about the earlier incident."

Liliana sighed with worry after saying that.

"However, we really were too careless... I can't believe we let those two escape."

One was the gentle noblewoman who was staying in a remote village in the Italian

region of Tuscany.

The other was the frivolous Italian young man who had been traveling with Godou

before he left Sardinia.

Possessing both ridiculous powers and troublemaking ability, these two Campiones

had shaken off surveillance personnel half a day earlier, suddenly going missing.

"That idiot Doni aside, I can't believe even Madame Aisha did the same."

Godou muttered in worry.

"I just hope she won't cause a mess."

"Godou, hoping alone is futile when pertaining to Madame Aisha. This

disappearance is tantamount to pulling the trigger to a massive disturbance in the

future... That's the kind of feeling I get. Want to have a bet?"

"I agree fully with what you said, so there's no bet."

4 | P a g e

"These words can just as easily apply to Sir Salvatore too, right? Definitely unmistakable."

Godou nodded to agree with Erica's opinion while Liliana murmured as well.

Everyone was making rather blunt comments about the two terrifying Devil Kings.

"However, who we truly need to stay on guard against isn't those two. Rather, it's

Pallas Athena... As the reincarnation of Athena, resurrected as a Divine Ancestor,

and of course there is—"

Erica deliberately omitted the name, but Godou knew what she meant.

The king manifesting at era's end.The Devil King-exterminating hero.The "King of

the End."The pale-haired aristocrat whom he had battled in ancient Gaul.The

ultimate warrior whom the Divine Ancestors had spent a thousand years to locate.

Liliana also said to the silent Godou:

"According to Prince Alec's deductions, the 'King of the End' is sleeping in Tokyo Bay

or perhaps somewhere in the surroundings. Even Pallas Athena should not be able to

find him quickly... However, I am actually quite worried."

"What do you mean?"

"A giant disaster is approaching us with unimaginable speed—That is the feeling. It

started slightly before we returned to Tokyo."

"..."

Godou sighed. Liliana was a witch with powerful spiritual senses. Furthermore,

having experienced the journey to ancient Gaul, her spirit vision powers had

increased further.

Perhaps that aristocrat was going to appear before Godou soon.

"But in any case, Athena and her companions' final destination is here, Tokyo Bay in

Japan."

Godou summed up in a relaxed tone of voice.

Before the situation reached a state of emergency, there was no need to be on

excessive alert.

"We will make preparations for intercepting the enemies when they arrive, so

standing by for now is fine. If possible, I don't want to make a big deal out of things.

Let's just recover our energy while gathering information from various sources."

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In that case, resting in his own home was the best choice—

Seeing off Amakasu driving off in a domestic car and parting ways with Erica and

Liliana at Hongou Street, Godou began to walk in the shopping district of Nezu's

Area 3.

A used bookstore that had closed for business, located somewhere in this district, was Kusanagi Godou's home.

This shopping district, preserving the vestiges of Tokyo's traditional downtown

culture, was still quite prosperous in contemporary times. This place was both the

home of his family as well as his childhood friend. Also, there were many neighbors

whom he had known for a very long time.

Standing at his hometown after what felt like an absence of several months, Godou

took a deep breath.

The day of the inevitable battle—No, that was wrong. For the sake of the imminent

battle, he must give his body and mind sufficient rest.

This was Kusanagi Godou’s top priority at the moment.

Part 2

The state of Tirol in western Austria was where alpine skiing originated.

Naturally, the Alps would bear the onslaught of blizzards whenever winter arrived,

turning the mountains into a pilgrimage site to where skiers flocked, professionals

and amateurs alike. After all, this was a land where people could have fun at skiing

grounds set up on mountain glaciers even during the summer.

On this day, a girl was visiting the alpine valley of Ötztal in Tirol.

This was a region of deep snow surrounded by the Alps.

Naturally, settlements were concentrated in the lowlands of the valley. However, the

girl's destination was neither a village nor a town of that sort.

From the municipality of Umhausen, she set off on a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

After an hour's drive, she reached a snow-covered forest and alighted on her own.

Putting on the skis she had brought, she switched to traveling on foot.

"Thank you for bringing me here. Please send my regards to everyone in town."

"Are you really sure it's okay for me to leave you in this kind of place?"

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In response to her cheerful gratitude, the middle-aged man, who was running a

forestry business, asked with slight worry.

He was one of the frequent customers at a small cafe at the town of Umhausen. She

recalled that there had been six or seven others there. She was on excellent terms

with each and every one of them.

Using her customary smile, she had conversed with them, becoming friends within

five minutes.

Asking "could one of you please drop me off somewhere close to that place?" at an

opportune moment, she was brought to the mountains where only skiers and locals

could enter.

Parting ways with the worried middle-aged man, she made her way to her

destination alone.

Actually, it would be much easier if she could be dropped off at the destination itself,

but that would incur the displeasure of the master there.

His forgiveness was only afforded to a single exception—In other words, it was okay

for her to arrive alone. He was a problematic character who subjected others to

violence and cruelty except for her.

Thus, she traveled along the snow-covered ground without roads for dozens of

minutes.

In contrast to her frail appearance, she was quite outstanding in both stamina and

athletic ability. Effortlessly overcoming the arduous journey, she finally arrived at

the mountain villa that was her destination.

Built with a stylish design using a great quantity of white timber, it was an elegant

building embodying the style of a winter mansion.

"Excuse me, is anybody home?"

Arriving before the entrance and knocking with the door's knocker, she called out in

an adorable voice.

Five minutes later, the wooden door opened with a heavy creaking sound. Out came

an old servant who worked at the mountain villa.

"Please pass this message along to Onii-sama. Recalling nostalgic feelings of the

past, I have come to pay a visit."

"...Understood, Milady Aisha."

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The old man knew her identity without her saying so.

Presumably, he had been present the last time she visited this mountain villa.

On the other hand, Aisha did not remember his face. However, she recalled that it

was something like the 1980s on the western calendar. Most likely, his face must

have changed greatly in the meantime.

Hence, Madame Aisha was taken to a great hall with a fireplace.

"Onii-sama" was currently next to the fireplace that was crackling with flames.

Sitting on a wooden chair crafted by a famous artisan, he had his legs crossed

arrogantly.

Furthermore, hanging on his pale face was what could only be described as a scowl.

"...I must have said so before. Don't visit my residence for no reason."

"If you insist on such words, no one will come here to play. After all, you don't have

many friends to begin with, Onii-sama."

"...And I have said this too: Don't shamelessly claim to be my friend."

"What friend? Nonsense! To you, Onii-sama, am I not your 'precious little sister'?

Like family♪" replied Aisha to the old Devil King who kept uttering cold words.

A smile akin to a spring breeze adorned her face throughout.

Always clad in a solitary shadow, even though he had subordinates and worshipers,

he had neither family nor friends. He should feel happy from the bottom of his heart

for a reunion with Aisha. Probably.

He—Dejanstahl Voban—shook his head in annoyance.

"...To think you knew the location of my abode."

"I only found out after visiting so many people who used to serve you, Onii-sama.

The third one happily told me."

"You used your charm authority. Happily my foot."

The Marquis addressed as "Onii-sama" replied with irritation.

Despite his intellectual appearance as an old gentleman, his propensity to speak

discourteously remained the same as always.

To Aisha, Marquis Voban the oldest Campione had already been her ally since days

past—Right, before the twentieth century.

8 | P a g e

During these past decades, he kept moving his residence between HOTELS and secluded locations in Europe.

Marquis Voban had been a wanderer since childhood. Like Aisha, he was

unaccustomed to a settled life.

As the Marquis' temporary residence, this mountain villa was one of the ASSETS

MANAGED by a subordinate of his.

"...I have said this before too: there is nothing to be gained in a protracted

conversation with you. Hurry and be done with it. What brings you here today?"

"Oh fine. There is something I wanted to tell you, Onii-sama."

Finished with introductory words, Aisha immediately spoke:

"A great event is about to happen. It's a long story and various reminiscences are in

order too... Please allow me to stay over, Onii-sama."

"Didn't I just ask you to hurry and be done with it?"

Onii-sama responded with a face of irritation, but Aisha still smiled with delight.

"Don't say such cold words. Actually, there are currently three heroes of steel on the

move to revive the 'king who manifests at era's end'."

"Hoh."

As expected, a sharp gaze flashed in the eyes of the old man who stood as the most

vicious godslayer.

"Naturally, although I do not regard you as a sister or a friend at all—"

Then he sat up slightly. Sitting steadily on the chair, his posture leaned forward a bit

towards Aisha.

9 | P a g e

This was a fierce motion very similar to the way a crouching wolf slowly got up.

"Would it be possible to tell me, Aisha?"

"Certainly. Oh, excuse me. My body is a bit stiff from the cold, so could you get me

something warm to drink?"

Aisha spoke to the old servant who was waiting on hand in a corner of the great hall.

"Also, please prepare comfortable heating in my room."

"...Do as she says," said Voban rather unhappily.

The old servant cautiously bowed his head and retreated out of the room.

Now with that, she had secured the night's lodgings and Onii-sama's curiosity.

Feeling happy that her desire for a good long talk was going to be satisfied, Aisha

beamed radiantly.

"Did you hear about it, Iceman?"

Alexandre Gascoigne was speaking to the knight, his trusted subordinate.

"A suspicious commotion started over in Greenwich yesterday. Those people in the

Witenagemot are frantically gathering data about the Asian region while those

geezers of the Diogenes Club are pushing their old bones to hold meetings

throughout the night."

"Hoh," muttered Sir Iceman, the premier knight serving Alec.

They were at a private museum located in the outskirts of Cornwall, a rural town at

the southern tip of England. This conversation was taking place between the two of

them in the museum's entrance hall.

Having just returned, the young Devil King called out to stop Iceman who happened

to be passing through.

As a side note, this museum was the headquarters of [Royal Arsenal] under their

command.

"It reminds me of what happened six years ago. When [Heretic Arthur] manifested,

it made you decide to cooperate with that princess."

"Ah yes. Also, just like last time... That woman is still not around."

11 | P a g e

The superior and subordinate were talking about Princess Alice in their respective ways.

Alec went "hmph" as he started to talk about the beauty, his old enemy.

"Her body apparently remains in the mansion at Greenwich while the ectoplasm

continues to wander all over the place. That woman must be chased down to gather

information about this incident."

"If memory serves me correctly..."

After Alec declared his decision as the association's leader, Iceman responded

sarcastically.

"Alec, you went away for a month without telling anyone and only came back three

days ago. But now you're talking about another personal expedition?"

"That's neither here nor there. I can also sense quite an intense smell of gunpowder

from this incident."

Dismissing his trusted subordinate's opinion rather readily, Alec made his

declaration:

"There's nothing to lose in taking immediate action just to err on the side of caution.

Although I'm sorry you'll have to continue holding the fort here, I'll be counting on

you for the rest."

On this day, Godou received unexpected news through his cellphone.

After picking up the call which had no caller ID, he heard an old friend's nostalgic

voice.

'I heard you went on a rampage in the world of the past, Kusanagi Godou.'

"It's you!"

He was hearing John Pluto Smith's voice again after many months.

The Campione of Los Angeles with an excessive penchant for self-performance.

Although Godou was unable to see his masked face over the phone, that gentle tenor

voice was still the same as before.

"Oh right. I've returned the borrowed item to Annie-san."

'Yes, I have already received it. That gun is in my hand right now.'

12 | P a g e

"You helped me out a lot in various ways. Thank you."

'Do not pay the matter a second thought. One day, you will pay me back with

interest.'

—How do you know my phone number when I've never told you? Godou decided that

this was an unnecessarily and tactless question, so he expressed his thanks for the

magic gun instead and Smith graciously accepted his gratitude.

This was a conversation taking place several months after they last parted at Nikkou.

However, Godou was able to chat fluently with Smith as though making smalltalk.

Among the ranks of the Campiones that were filled with problematic characters, this

man was the only one with whom Godou could build a positive relationship.

But John Pluto Smith was definitely not a respectable person. After all, he was

eccentric in name and in fact, someone who devoted his efforts to a cosplay hero's

activities every night.

Realizing this fact, Godou smiled wryly.

'Apart from that, I've heard many rumors. About the "King of the End," about

Athena, about that noblewoman and the handsome Italian man going missing—'

"So Annie-san and Alice-san are your sources...?"

Annie was the American woman who served as Smith's collaborator whereas Alice

was the duke's daughter with the blonde curls. Godou had also received plenty of

help from them during the ancient Gaul incident.

'Then allow me to clarify my policy beforehand. At the current stage, I have no

intention of heading over to intervene in Japan. That's that.'

"I really appreciate that."

'Indeed. Considering it's you, I knew you would answer like that.'

Smith's way of putting things made Godou laugh.

The masked eccentric intended to assist Kusanagi Godou through non-intervention.

During the battle at Nikkou, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, was able

to amplify his own power so long as he was facing two or more Campiones. The "King

of the End" also possessed the same ability. If he were to do the same thing again—

In light of that, Godou did not wish for any Campione to visit Japan on whim.

13 | P a g e

This was Godou's honest opinion. The same thought presumably occurred to Smith

too.

'However, since our two peers' whereabouts are currently unknown, it is possible

that my policy of non-intervention might end up meaningless and will be

terminated.'

"Seriously. I really hope those guys can read situations a little."

'So it is decided. May fortune stay by your side.'

Thus ended the phone call with Los Angeles' guardian saint. Still wearing a wry

smile, Godou hung up.

"Your Majesty, was that America's [King] who called just now?"

"Yeah, that Smith guy."

Asked by Ena who was present, Godou briefly described what the conversation was

about.

They were currently at the study in the Sayanomiya residence at Area 3 of the

Chiyoda ward. Sayanomiya Kaoru, a member of the History Compilation Commitee's

core leadership, as well as the two premier Hime-Miko—namely, Seishuuin Ena and

Mariya Yuri—were present.

"So Smith-sama expressed that kind of opinion—"

"Indeed, it is very helpful of him."

Yuri spoke softly with an expression gratitude while Kaoru nodded happily.

"The arrival of Pallas Athena and the three heroic gods is already the biggest disaster.

If the various Devil Kings make their way to Japan successively, the islands of Japan

are surely going to sink."

"..."

Godou originally wanted to answer Kaoru's lighthearted joke, but could not think of

anything to say, because somewhere in the back of his mind, he considered the

possibility of that really coming true.

"However."

On the other hand, the Hime-Miko of the Sword started speaking again in her usual

carefree attitude.

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"On further thought, both King Salvatore and Aisha-san already know about that Devil King-exterminating authority. Shouldn't we take precautionary actions in this

area?"

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven had also imitated this authority of divine power

amplification.

It was said to be a power invoked by the gods for the sake of slaughtering their

mortal enemies, the Devil Kings, wiping them off the entire earth. The power of the

ordained hero, only conferred upon a certain pale-haired aristocrat.

"Definitely true, that's the only piece of information that's clear so far."

Godou nodded in agreement.

"That idiot Doni is only good at tactical planning while Aisha-san's ability to survive

is quite outstanding. There shouldn't be any problems from Gascoigne and old man

Voban, so the only real risk turns out to be—"

Recalling a certain haughty character, Godou muttered.

A certain character who had participated in the battle against the Great Sage

Equaling Heaven, personally experiencing the power of Devil King-extermination.

Furthermore, she was touted as lacking in neither valor nor intelligence. Even so, it

was hard to imagine her fighting cautiously just because of that ridiculous power up.

"It's Nee-san after all, I guess..."

"Her Eminence LuoHao... Umm, Godou-san. Actually, there is something I need to

tell you."

Hesitating for an instant whether she ought to speak, Yuri then continued:

"Although I am unsure whether it pertains to Her Eminence LuoHao, recently, I have

felt this kind of feeling. An aura of calamity—It is currently approaching Japan from

the southwest direction."

An oracle spoken by the Hime-Miko with the highest level of spirit vision power in the world.

Godou felt greatly surprised. His sworn elder sister, LuoCuilian, made her residence

at Mount Lu in China's Jiangxi province. Simply stated, it definitely was southwest

relative to Tokyo.

Could this be considered coincidence? Meanwhile, Kaoru spoke up:

15 | P a g e

"Actually, I've already asked Lu-kun for a favor just to be safe."

"What did you ask Yinghua to do?"

"In order to prevent news regarding this incident—Pallas Athena, the three heroes as

well as the 'King of the End'—from reaching Her Eminence's ears at all, I asked him

to secure the cooperation of those involved on that side."

That side. Kaoru was referring to the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains that revered

LuoCuilian as the Holy Cult Leader, as well as the Chinese martial arts circle that

pledged allegiance to her as the most powerful martial artist of all time. Godou

jumped in fright.

"She is someone who isolates herself from the mundane world and makes her

residence deep in the mountains that resemble a wonderland. With Lu-kun first and

foremost, there are only a handful of individuals who are able to make contact with

her. If it works out, this method should be able to prevent Her Eminence from

intervening..."

This was an arrangement very much in Sayanomiya Kaoru's wise style. Yuri and

Ena's faces instantly brightened up.

Nevertheless, Godou's cellphone rang at this time. He had received a text message.

Feeling a sense of foreboding, he checked it and saw that it was from Lu Yinghua.

"Nee-san has disappeared... She can't be found anywhere on Mount Lu?"

An ominous report had suddenly arrived.

Part 3

"I'm not one scouting out the convent at Mount Lu."

This was the young man, Lu Yinghua, who stood as LuoCuilian's one and only direct

disciple.

A young leader from Hong Kong's Lu family, a clan of outlaws with a long and

distinguished history, the handsome youth had entered Godou's room. Speaking of

which, he actually did not come in through the main door either.

Godou's room was on the second floor. Lu Yinghua had suddenly entered through

the window.

True to his epithet of "superiority in lightness," Lu Yinghua's agility was beyond even that of Liliana and Ena.

16 | P a g e

As a side note, the view outside the window was the sky adorned by an evening glow.

It was precisely the bustling hour when residents in the vicinity of Nezu's Area 3

shopping district would go out to shop for dinner ingredients.

"Reportedly, the convent was discovered to be empty only when the Holy Cult's

Glorious Messenger of the Right made his semiannual visit. Hence, a search all over

Mount Lu failed to find any signs of her—"

After hearing about a mysterious position in the cult and the whole story of what had

happened, Godou scratched his head.

Lu Yinghua had sent his text yesterday. To deliver a detailed report, he then went out

of his way to visit the Kusanagi home.

"Even if she's not on Mount Lu, it's possible that she might be somewhere else

nearby in the mountain range. At least she probably hasn't gone to urban areas."

"Why is that?"

"Because there hasn't been news like some city in eastern Asia getting destroyed."

Lu Yinghua's expression was quite serious.

He probably had no intention of making a joke. As expected of someone who knew

the absurd personality of LuoCuilian, the demonic cult leader, best.

"Whether Master's disappearance is connected to the 'King of the End' or not, let's

reserve our opinion on that for the current stage."

"I agree. But you make it sound like she'll do things exceeding your worst

expectations any time."

"It's the same with every Devil King, the Campiones. Including you, Honored Uncle."

"..."

Godou was unable to raise his objections against Lu Yinghua's comment that

appeared to stem from deep enlightenment.

"Anyway, I'll do everything I can in this matter—"

Mid-sentence, Lu Yinghua vanished.

More accurately, he had jumped backwards so quickly that an ordinary human's

dynamic vision would only have registered "an instantaneous shadow," opening the

closed window without any sound and leaving the room.

It was definitely like a flash of lightning. As quick as wind.

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Godou was only able to comprehend thanks to his familiarity with Lu Yinghua's

skills.

Just as he was puzzling why Lu Yinghua had left, Godou heard footsteps on he

wooden staircase.

"Onii-chan, who is there with you?"

Someone called to him from outside the door. His little sister Shizuka had arrived.

"...No one. I'm alone right now."

"Okay, then I'm opening the door."

A moment later, the room door was opened and Shizuka entered. She looked at

Godou with a weird expression while staring with full surprise at the window that

was wide open despite the winter weather.

"Was it my imagination...?"

"What's with you?"

"I heard a boy's voice from the second floor—Something like that. I even thought it

was him, that guy with the family name of Lu."

"If he really were here, what were you planning to do?"

"Have a chat with him and ask for his phone number and email address. If he's

willing, maybe even set a date to meet up some time. He always makes me curious."

If these were the seeds of a budding romance between young boys and girls, perhaps

Godou should offer his assistance.

However, Kusanagi Shizuka was very similar to her mother and was born with a

queenly aura. What she said about meeting up could probably be replaced by the

word "summon." Very probably.

To prevent the misogynistic Lu Yinghua from suffering unnecessary hardship, Godou

decided to feign ignorance to the very end.

"Oh okay. I'll ask him next time I see him."

"Whatever. Even without you worrying, Onii-chan, I can still make friends on my

own."

Hearing Shizuka's indifferent response, Godou nodded generously.

The fact that he mentally replaced "friends" with "flunkies" must be kept secret.

18 | P a g e

"Oh right, Asuka-chan invited us just now. Basically, to go out with her to have okonomiyaki for dinner. Do you wanna go, Onii-chan?"

"Sure. Grandpa should be coming home quite late tonight."

"Okay. Then let's head over to Asuka-chan's place at 7pm or so tonight."

Tokunaga Asuka, the Kusanagi siblings' childhood friend, lived at a nearby sushi

shop.

Hence, Shizuka left the room. Godou could hear her quick lively footsteps

descending the staircase. Lu Yinghua proceeded to return to the room lightly from

the window.

"...You noticed from the sound?"

"Yeah. Because I heard footsteps from the staircase, I realized she was coming up."

Hearing footsteps approaching downstairs even in a building constructed from steel-

reinforced concrete and correctly deducing the identity of the approaching person as

well—

Lu Yinghua had acquired superhuman hearing as a result of his harsh training as

LuoCuilian's disciple.

At merely the tender age of fourteen, he definitely deserved to be called a promising

young star, a martial arts prodigy.

...However, apart from genius talent, he was also burdened with many negative

assets including "being forced to endure inhumanely cruel training since early

childhood," "living a life of seclusion for over eight years in the mountains since the age of three," "a great quantity of mental trauma giving rise to latent hostility

towards women," ...etc.

"I have embarrassed myself in front of you, Honored Uncle."

"Of course not, you already have many things troubling you to begin with. Not

increasing the number of hassles would be best. I agree too."

The two of them had experienced many hardships due to female relationships.

There were many things they could mutually understand without needing long

explanations. Like those girls who were close to Godou as companions, with Erica

first and foremost, Lu Yinghua was a trusted comrade as well, but in a different

sense.

19 | P a g e

Hence, after returning home, Kusanagi Godou was preparing for the predicted state

of emergency.

However, he still went to school properly every day and had normal contact with

family members such as his sister, mother and grandfather. As for interacting with

neighbors, he would occasionally chat with his childhood friend, Asuka.

Although this was only to rest his body and mind, Godou experienced an incredible

feeling.

As the days went by, one at a time, he felt his body's functions gradually grow

stronger.

He was almost like an athlete carefully adjusting his body in preparation for a world

competition.

What was recuperating was most likely the deepest parts of his body and mind.

The decisive battle was imminent.

As a godslaying warrior, a Campione's body and mind would subconsciously adjust

Kusanagi Godou to peak condition in preparation for the decisive battle against

mortal enemies.

That was probably the case.

When Amakasu Touma contacted him, Godou was able to react with composure.

'Kusanagi-san, it's now clear what the threat coming from southwest is.'

Several days after his return, Godou happened to receive a call just as he was going

home from school.

'Athena—no, Pallas Athena—did not head to Japan directly. For the past few days,

she was apparently present at the South China Sea. Namely, a small island

somewhere between Taiwan and the Philippines."

The South China Sea. From Tokyo's perspective, that was indeed in the southwestern

direction.

'She seems to have conducted an unidentified summoning ritual there. Leading

multiple serpentine divine beasts, entering the Pacific Ocean from the South China

Sea, she is currently advancing northwards without impediment. Rather rapidly by

20 | P a g e

following the Kuroshio Current. That's the same method as the goddess who

appeared at New Year's—Circe."

"Based on what you said, could it be that she discovered power there that was left

behind by Circe, intending to reuse it?"

This was just a random guess, but it was probably not far from the truth.

Pallas Athena was not Athena. It was impossible to imagine her employing a pack of

divine beasts back when she was a goddess. There was probably a trick in there

somewhere.

Hence, Amakasu smiled wryly on the other side.

'You noticed it too huh, Kusanagi-san? Actually, our members made the same

speculation. However, the previous goddess landed at Cape Inubou, but this time,

it'll probably be—"

Tokyo Bay. Perhaps the destination was the sea where the "King of the End" was

sleeping.

In response to the History Compilation Committee's special agent's announcement,

Godou replied quite calmly.

"Umm, I'm sorry but could you pick us up near the school? Also, it'd be best if you

could bring Seishuuin as well."

'Roger that. It will be done as the king decreed.'

Making a joke that did not sound funny to Godou at all, Amakasu ended the

emergency conversation.

Godou hung up and gazed at his companion beside him.

The two of them were traveling together by chance along the way home from school.

Tossing her head of red-tinted blonde hair, Erica Blandelli smiled, dressed in school

uniform.

It was as though she found the conversation just now quite funny.

"Godou, you've become quite reliable. Even though you've been a Campione for less

than a year."

"It's currently the latter part of February. The first anniversary happens to be a

month away."

Calculating the time just for kicks, Godou muttered.

21 | P a g e

"How rare to have a year of such hardship."

"For me, Erica Blandelli, I'll have you know that this was a year of many joyful

happenings. I really ended up dragging quite an amazing character onto the world

stage."

"How does it count as you dragging me along, Erica?"

Godou shrugged at his companion who had provided mutual support ever since the

beginning of everything.

"It was reaping what I sowed and going with the flow that made me walk the path I

have trodden so far."

"Naturally, I intend to accompany you till eternity, because I am Kusanagi Godou’s

first knight and at the same time, the most beloved lover. You ought to understand

that, right?"

Naturally. That was why Godou had asked Amakasu to pick "us" up.

But Godou did not voice these thoughts, instead nodding to respond. This alone was

enough to make Erica smile with satisfaction, bowing her head gracefully. This was a

knight's etiquette.

"Yuri and Lily are probably still in the school's vicinity. Let's call them over."

"I've already asked Amakasu-san to pick up Seishuuin. Although I feel bad about it

every time, once again, I'll be counting on you all as always."

Even Godou felt that this was quite an irresponsible demand.

But there was no helping it. Before the decisive battle, it was hard to predict what

was going to happen. In Kusanagi Godou’s book, there was no policy apart from

"going with the flow and adapting to changes."

The quick-witted female knight smiled lightly.

"I feel truly fortunate for possessing the talent and capability to compensate for your

flaws, Godou. I really hope you can express sufficient gratitude to me."

"Of course. I've always appreciated you."

These were his honest feelings without any pretense at all.

Thus, the adventure surrounding the "King of the End" was now off to an official

start.

22 | P a g e

Although Kusanagi Godou had survived many battles since becoming a Campione,

the upcoming fight was going to be the most difficult trial. This was the truth beyond

a doubt.

23 | P a g e

Chapter 2 - Return of the Gods

Part 1

Pallas Athena had originally decided to head to the Far East directly.

The eastern end of the continent. A land comprising many long and narrow islands in

the shape of a serpentine dragon, the humans apparently called it the islands of Japan.

A place gathering cultures and ethnicities that had crossed over from the mainland.

However, while making preparations for the imminent battle, before landing—

A thought occurred to her. The Wind King and the three heroes were all reliable

warriors.

Nevertheless, it was difficult to rely on them when facing a critical moment. Also, there was a traitor in their midst.

Hence, raising a Divine Ancestor's spiritual senses to the max, she fortuitously

discovered remnants of divine power floating on the sea to the south.

The name of the deity was Circe. The witch goddess who had lost her life at this place

several months earlier.

Seeing this through a spirit vision, Pallas Athena smiled valorously.

The goddess had lived in seclusion with divine beasts together on a mysterious island in

a corner of the vast South Seas. If these sacred fragments of divine power could be

gathered—

Hence, Pallas Athena landed on this tiny remote island on the South Seas.

Using the magic of the Divine Ancestors to perform a ritual over several days and nights,

she gathered the remnants of divine power as though extracting salt from seawater, then

injected temporary form and life into them...

Then on the night of a full moon, the ritual was complete.

Seven divine beasts were born, all in the form of giant sea serpents.

"Although impossible to sustain for long... 'Tis no matter."

Pallas Athena was not a goddess. Her former divine powers were already lost.

24 | P a g e

Be that as it may, having merged into one mind and one body with the Magic Holy Grail, she was more powerful than any Divine Ancestor throughout the ages. Even so, she still

could not reach the domain of the gods.

Although divine beasts were created, they could only last two or three days at most.

Still, this was enough. Enough to be used in Pallas Athena's task.

Satisfied, she transformed into an owl to set off towards the islands of Japan from the

South Seas. Towards the blue sea shining under the sun.

Needless to say, her current form was obviously that of a nocturnal bird of prey rather

than a seabird.

However, this was a magic bird transformation using a Divine Ancestor's secret arts.

Even traveling from a tiny island in the middle of the vast ocean to the islands of Japan

thousands of miles away, it would only take a couple hours of flying time.

Moving at the same speed as the south wind, Pallas Athena flew at low altitude near the

sea surface.

The seven serpents also swam on the sea at the same speed, following along. Their

target was in the northeast direction. The promised land where the "King of the End"

slept.

Now, all preparations were complete.

Feeling satisfied, Pallas Athena suddenly sensed the Wind King's presence.

The war god, whose identity was hidden behind a mask and the strips of cloth wrapped

around his entire body, was flying beside her in the form of an air current.

Athena laughed fiercely in her owl form.

"Be thou at ease. One shan't forget the mission one must accomplish as a Divine

Ancestor. The king manifesting at era's end shall verily descend upon the world once

more."

Meanwhile, she also delivered a strong declaration.

In order to actualize Pallas Athena's dearest wish, there were things that must be done.

25 | P a g e

After receiving the report of Pallas Athena's incoming invasion, Godou and his

companions quickly gathered.

Godou, Erica, Yuri, Liliana, Ena and Amakasu.

As a side note, Ena was still wearing her usual uniform, but the other girls had already

changed. Yuri was dressed in her miko outfit while Erica was in sporty attire with a

black blouson and black pants. On the other hand, Liliana had a black blouse with

skinny jeans.

Of course, the two knights did not forget to put on their usual capes.

Their capes were striped in the rossonero and nerazzurro colors of their respective associations.

All members of the group were already familiar with one another. They all knew one

another's personalities well and there were no issues in distributing roles and

responsibilities.

Arriving as the driver as usual, Amakasu brought Godou and company to an unexpected

place.

At a university hospital near Jounan Academy—

Just as he was taken to the roof, Godou finally realized Amakasu's intent.

"I arranged for this because I thought it'd get us there in the shortest time!"

Amakasu was yelling over the noise of the spinning rotor.

A helicopter used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for transporting supplies had

landed on the helipad on the hospital's roof. After taking a seat in the cabin, Erica

instantly urged:

"In any case, let's first fly over to Tokyo Bay, shall we?"

"No..."

Liliana shook her head.

"I feel like I can sense where Pallas Athena will be coming from. Amakasu Touma, can

you fly in the direction I am going to indicate?"

"Of course. Did you receive a hint through spirit vision?"

26 | P a g e

The silver-haired female knight nodded firmly.

Indeed, Liliana's spirit vision powers had grown even sharper than before. And on

further thought, Liliana had also made close contact with Athena during the Naples

incident. Perhaps it was an effect from that experience.

Hence, the helicopter took to the skies above Tokyo. The sun was already beginning to

set in the west.

"By the way, Yuri-san."

Amakasu suddenly spoke to the Hime-Miko.

"Speaking of oracles from spirit vision, by borrowing your assistance, is it possible for

you to peer into the literature I read in the past?"

Yuri was taken aback by this unreasonable request.

"Are you referring to the literary source for the verses I saw in a spirit vision last time?"

"Yes, that's the one. Oh my, I've been re-reading all the ancient texts and research

reports I've read before at home and in the library. But I couldn't find it in any of them."

In yonder days, there was an evil dragon in the sea—The source for this excerpt still

seemed unclear.

"Something so convenient is probably impossible. My spirit vision powers are very

unpredictable, which is something you ought to know very well, Amakasu-san?"

"Sure, if it doesn't work, never mind."

"Oh, but then again..."

Taking the place of the ninja descendent who was putting on an insincere smile, the

other Hime-Miko grinned as well.

"Although Amakasu-san's feelings are understandable, even though Yuri always says

'impossible,' it's true that Yuri often manages to see various things through spirit vision.

Why not try it out with a shred of hope?"

"To hear something like that even from you, Ena-san..."

27 | P a g e

Sitting on a simple seat in the helicopter, Yuri shrank back in embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Ena watched her friend with a pleased smile then said in a joking tone of

voice:

"By the way, Ena does have some idea where Liliana-san wants to go. That being said, it

wasn't an oracle."

"Eh, really?"

Godou felt surprised, not expecting such an announcement from Ena who did not

possess the power of spirit vision. However, even Erica, who was equally lacking in this

type of ability, nodded as well.

"I can make a rough guess too. You still haven't figured it out, Godou?"

Hearing her say that, Godou looked out from the helicopter.

As though tracing the Aqua-Line connecting Tokyo to the Bousou Peninsula, the

helicopter was crossing Tokyo Bay.

Ahead of them, a beach could be seen, dyed orange by the setting sun.

Speaking of the area next to the Aqua-Line interchange at the Bousou Peninsula, Godou

remembered it should be Kisarazu.

"Oh I see, it's that place."

Although slightly late, Godou finally understood.

After arriving at Kisarazu, Liliana ordered the helicopter to land on the beach.

Godou got off the helicopter alone on purpose.

Carrying the others, the helicopter ascended into the sky again. They were planning to

wait on standby at a sufficiently distant location, so as to provide Godou with support at

the right opportunity.

If the same lightning of salvation were to fall like last time, a scorched plain would be

created on the beach again.

It was only natural to take precautions against that. Godou swept his gaze over the

Kisarazu beach again.

28 | P a g e

Several months prior, this was the battlefield that had witnessed the goddess Athena's final moments. The beach that Lancelot's Divine Sword of Salvation had devastated

back then was a couple kilometers up ahead.

Then an hour or two passed after Godou's arrival.

Just as the dusk sky was about to turn into the darkness of the night, Godou finally saw

his enemy's figure.

An owl flying from the other side of the Pacific Ocean like a seabird—Pallas Athena

landed on the beach while transforming into a silver-haired girl.

Pallas Athena touched the ground not far in front of Godou.

And then giant snakes—seven serpents, each almost twenty meters long—crawled out

from the sea, surrounding Godou and Pallas Athena.

HIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

The seven serpents howled acutely while raising their scythe-like necks at the same

time.

However, this dangerous encirclement was absolutely not drawn in closely around

Godou and Pallas Athena's location. Instead, there was roughly a fifty-meter radius

from the center where the two of them stood.

"One was informed by a vague premonition."

Pallas Athena smiled courageously—a courageous smile identical to Athena's.

"Mine enemy of ill fate, Kusanagi Godou. By coming to this place, one would encounter

thee here."

"I'm glad I raised your hopes. However, this really is a place of intersecting fates."

Could it be that something engraved deeply in her soul told her, despite her loss of

memory?

Deciding not to dwell upon the thought, Godou fixed his gaze upon Pallas Athena. Now

that they were meeting again here in this manner, that sort of thing would be nothing

more than a trivial detail.

"I owe a debt to your late incarnation, but frankly speaking, I've no intention of paying it back immediately. Still—"

29 | P a g e

Godou muttered.

"If you're thinking of waking up a dangerous guy like the 'King of the End,' I will

temporarily put aside my pacifism and do everything I can to stop you."

"Then one shall answer immediately, if that is the case."

Athena gazed haughtily at Kusanagi Godou and spoke quietly.

Despite her petite stature, Godou felt as though she was staring down at him from the

heavens.

"Ushering the great hero's return to the earth is one's mission as a Divine Ancestor.

Kusanagi Godou, thou shalt see if thy godslaying authority could kill one.

Furthermore—"

A medallion suddenly appeared in Pallas Athena's right hand.

The divine artifact made of iron and gold—the [Arrowhead's Discus]. Godou entered a

stance in preparation. His opponent was going to summon the three heroes at last,

thereby summoning her full forces. However.

"O Wind King. Thou shalt take them and follow the plan."

Pallas Athena tossed the medallion behind her.

Manifesting with a whirlwind, the Wind King caught the medallion, his entire body still

wrapped in strips of cloth, his face hidden behind a mask.

Then with the medallion in hand, the Wind King soared through the sky.

Rising up rapidly in an instant, he was flying towards an altitude even higher than the

clouds floating in the dusk sky.

What exactly did she want that enigmatic god to do?

Filled with doubt, Godou asked a question.

"Is this really okay? If that guy and the medallion aren't here—this may sound rude—but

you can't defeat me on your own, right?"

A Divine Ancestor was not a goddess. Pallas Athena was not Athena.

30 | P a g e

Even in command of an army of divine beasts, she could not possibly defeat Kusanagi Godou the godslayer.

Nevertheless, Athena scoffed at this accusation.

"That is thy misconception. This technique also belongeth to the Divine Ancestors..."

Then Godou was shocked. He had not expected this development at all.

Pallas Athena underwent a change again. Instead of turning into an owl, her body

became more mature. From looking twelve or thirteen years of age, she now took on the

image of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.

Glimmering like moonlight, her silver hair extended down to waist length.

Then her silver hair turned into snakes. Pallas Athena had turned into the female

monster with countless tiny snakes growing from her head—Medusa.

Furthermore, Pallas Athena's lower body transformed into a snake's thick torso, coiled

up on the beach.

Her height even increased by three fold, allowing her to physically look down upon

Godou.

Taking on the form of a giant serpentine monstrosity, the Divine Ancestor released a

pulse of sacred energy. This solemnity was undoubtedly a goddess' aura.

A Campione's instinct told Godou that a deity was right before his eyes.

Godou's body and mind became filled with power. Power to fight the [Heretic Gods].

"You removed the seal of dragons and snakes...!"

This was the trump card used by former Witch Queen Guinevere and Asherah who had

appeared at Nikkou.

Abandoning eternal life and youth as a price to regain the divinity of their past lives—as

goddesses. Nevertheless, they would soon perish after using this move.

Confronted with this situation, Pallas Athena had used her trump card without

hesitation.

Faced with the opponent's excessively unexpected action, Godou was filled with terror.

31 | P a g e

Regardless of Pallas Athena's true intent, this was a crisis without any avenues of escape. Not only was he facing the snake monster of a goddess, but also the seven

serpentine divine beasts under her command, currently encircling them.

A beast's savage grin naturally surfaced on the corners of Godou's lips.

Part 2

Having transformed into a goddess, Pallas Athena had turned into the snake monster

Medusa.

Her size had tripled compared to her form as a beautiful girl.

The enormous body was standing roughly five meters in height. However, since the

lower half of the body was also long and serpentine, the total length most likely reached

twelve or thirteen meters.

As giant as a divine beast. And held in her right hand was a long-shafted scythe.

The great scythe used by a chthonic deity of death. This was her favorite weapon back in

her days as Athena.

"Submit before the light of the goddess' eyes, Kusanagi Godou. One shall hereby strike

down the life of a godslayer's!"

Pallas Athena declared haughtily while backing away.

However, the seven serpents surrounding Godou moved forward instead.

Naturally, the encirclement closed in. At this rate, they were going to gang up on Godou

and massacre him. Also, Pallas Athena's spell words had shared a large amount of

divine power with the serpents under her command. This was what one would call a

stance of assured slaughter.

Then the seven serpents suddenly accelerated.

Despite being twenty meters in length, they moved with unbelievable agility and

lightning speed.

One could not possibly survive this using ordinary methods. However, Godou held his

ground while surrounded. Just as a serpent was about to pounce on him—

"Do it! Blow them away!"

32 | P a g e

He issued concise orders. In that very instant...

Strong wind was suddenly produced underneath Godou.

This was a supernatural storm accompanied by shockwaves. Standing at merely 1.8m in

height, Godou handily blew away the serpents that were trying to crush him to death.

These giant serpents, their total weight most likely exceeding hundreds of tons, were

effortlessly—

Godou's counterattacking shockwaves were extremely swift and powerful. Struck by this

attack, the serpentine divine beasts were damaged directly to their core with their bones

utterly pulverized.

Then a rumbling came from underground.

ROOOOOOOOOOOAR—!

A fierce beast's howl. A giant boar—twenty meters in length—rose up behind Godou. He

must have summoned it the moment just before getting struck by the serpents.

Indeed! It was the [Boar], Verethragna's fifth incarnation.

"...I don't plan on staying too long in the free-for-all wrestling ring between giant

monsters, so let me take care of this in one go."

Godou shouted at Pallas Athena's giant body that had stayed in the back.

Instead of letting the [Boar] materialize instantly, Godou had ordered it to fire its

specialty shockwaves before summoning it to the ground. Godou had already further

mastered Verethragna's authority over the ten incarnations, allowing utilization to this

extent.

Meanwhile, the liberated [Boar] began to extend the length of its howls.

ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAR—!

Then it charged at Pallas Athena's enlarged form that was known as Medusa.

"Hmph. Servants of mine, ye shall receive new life."

The snake goddess calmly chanted spell words.

"Turn into the divine shield [Aegis]!"

33 | P a g e

The seven serpentine divine beasts were lying pitifully on the beach, awaiting the arrival of death.

They suddenly turned into glowing particles, which kept the serpents' appearances for

only a brief moment before flying to the front of Pallas Athena, combining into a new

form—A shield of bronze. It was a giant rectangular shield.

Even without any support, the shield hovered in the air on its own. Its size was just

enough to protect Medusa's giant body.

The [Boar] charged at the giant shield. This shield, transformed from the serpents,

formed a temporary castle wall, blocking the charge from Verethragna's servant.

CRASH!

A fierce sound of impact. The [Boar] was bounced back greatly by the bronze shield.

Nevertheless, the [Boar] landed splendidly on four legs without losing its balance.

Kicking with its hind legs against the ground, it prepared for a second clash.

"O woman who turneth into the monstrous snake, release thine eyes."

Godou gasped after hearing Pallas Athena's command.

The rectangular shield, whose surface depicted the appearance of the Gorgon Medusa—

Her eyes were glowing!

"She's trying to turn you into stone! Hang in there!"

Godou hastily poured magic power into the [Boar]'s giant pitch-black body.

ROOOOAAAAR! The [Boar]'s magic power was raised to the max, resisting the demonic

powers released by the shield of Medusa.

—Cursed optical power, capable of rendering everything within its gaze into stone.

Unable to defend completely, the [Boar]'s right front leg and left hind leg were turned

into stone.

However, the rest of its body was still mobile. Without hesitation, the [Boar] charged at

Pallas Athena again, trying to use its giant sharp tusks to send her flying.

Blocking in front of the [Boar] was still the shield of Medusa, hovering before the

goddess.

34 | P a g e

Another sound of impact. This time, Pallas Athena did not just use the shield for defense. Extending a giant scythe from behind the shield, she slashed the [Boar]'s body!

ROOOOOOAAAAAAR!?

The [Boar] groaned in pain.

Nevertheless, Verethragna's fifth incarnation continued to emit howling shockwaves

relentlessly, again and again, charging and colliding again and again, trying to crush its

prey. Suffering odds of two against one from the attacks of Pallas Athena and Medusa,

the [Boar] would probably get vanquished by the scythe or the petrification magic at the

slightest opening.

...While observing this round of attack and defense, Godou summoned Ama no

Murakumo no Tsurugi into his right hand.

He had a certain premonition that given his opponent was Athena, she was not going to

ignore him on the side—Precisely as mortal enemies sharing the same ill fate, such a

premonition was produced.

His hunch turned out to be correct.

By the time he noticed, the sun had set completely. The curtain of night had already

descended.

Lurking in this darkness, the enemy arrived. This was no metaphor. For Pallas Athena

who possessed divinity from the goddess of darkness, melding into one with the

darkness was as effortless as breathing.

A shadow silently crept behind Godou and swung the grim reaper's scythe.

Through minute movements in the air as well as a godslayer's sharp instinct towards life

threatening crises, Godou sensed this attack, turning around and swinging Ama no

Murakumo no Tsurugi with both hands.

A violent clash between the scythe swung out of darkness and the ancient Japanese

divine sword—

"You came as expected, huh!?"

"Hmph hmph hmph! 'Twould be an affront to the war goddess' dignity if one failed to

issue a direct greeting to the enemy of one's past life. Thou hast waited long, Kusanagi

Godou!"

35 | P a g e

While the sacred scythe and the divine blade clashed violently, the two of them

conversed quietly.

Appearing behind Godou's back was Pallas Athena in the form of a pubescent girl.

Bearing the identical face and body of the original Athena, she was using both hands to

swing a long scythe even taller than herself.

This was Godou's closest confrontation with her ever since their reunion at Sardinia.

Staring into the beautiful face of the Divine Ancestor who had turned into a goddess

again, he said:

"What are you thinking by suddenly using a self-sacrificing trump card? What are you

trying to do?"

"'Tis simple, verily. Because there is no other means."

While they were conversing, the clash continued.

Murmuring softly, Pallas Athena raised the scythe forcefully with both hands.

"One shall personally defeat thee then slay the 'King of the End.'"

"Slay the 'King of the End'—What are you talking about?"

Her unexpected statement made Godou frown.

The Divine Ancestor swung the underworld deity's scythe at Godou's face. This mighty

force could not possibly be generated from a pubescent girl's slender arms—It was

enough to send an automobile flying with one hand.

Such arm strength must have been brought forth through divine power.

However, Godou easily deflected the scythe.

He was using Verethragna's second incarnation, the [Bull], which provided monstrous

strength that could only be used when facing an enemy possessing powerful might far

beyond that of humans. At the same time, Godou sustained the [Boar], using two

incarnations in parallel.

This strain was causing him an intense headache.

While clashing blades with Pallas Athena, Godou secretly gritted his teeth.

36 | P a g e

"You're saying you intend to fight the 'King of the End'!?"

"One is definitely charged with the destiny of serving that man... Yet one hath

contemplated sufficiently. Thou mentionedst this before. Divine Ancestors are

goddesses whose essence was absorbed by the Divine Sword of Salvation."

The girl, who looked identical to Athena, showed eyes calmly burning with the flames of

fury. She spoke softly:

"Well then—One couldeth consider that man to be mine enemy, yes?"

"!"

"The mission must be accomplished, indeed, yet vengeance must also be exacted for

one's death."

Listening to this point, Godou yelled for he had realized her intent:

"You want to defeat me and the 'King of the End' together!?"

"How clever, Kusanagi Godou. Simply by taking on the form of the serpentine dragon,

one retrieveth a goddess' power and couldeth shake the soul of that man—the 'King of

the End' possessing the karma of dragonslaying. Verily two birds with one stone. His

slumber shall consequently grow lighter."

Athena used to be Kusanagi Godou's great rival, a warrior prouder than anyone.

Knowing this fact, Godou once thought over this. Although she had become a Divine

Ancestor, to be serving the "King of the End" who was akin to her enemy... That did

not seem like her style.

To think I'd misunderstand her intentions, what a fool I am—Godou laughed.

Easily forsaking her own life to turn it into a weapon. All this was for upholding her

pride. Seeing this course of action living up to Athena's identity, he found it exhilarating.

"Then asking that wind god to leave—"

"Naturally, 'tis to bring about the return of the 'King of the End.' Thou shalt watch

properly, Kusanagi Godou. One shall beat thee into submission then defeat the chosen

hero as well!"

"Stop joking around! I'll stop you before you succeed!"

37 | P a g e

There was already pointless to continue the battle. The two of them jumped back

simultaneously.

Ten-odd meters away on the beach, the [Boar] was fighting courageously against the

Medusa-formed Pallas Athena and her shield. Victory was yet to be decided—

In front of the pubescent-formed Pallas Athena, Godou adjusted his grip on Ama no

Murakumo no Tsurugi.

"Where did the Wind King go?"

Opening her shut eyes, Liliana asked in a quiet voice.

The current location was a pier some distance away from the beach where Pallas Athena

was meeting Kusanagi Godou in battle.

Apart from her, Erica, Yuri and Amakasu were also present. They were observing the

battle between goddess and Devil King from afar. After the Wind King suddenly

appeared and flew into the sky, Liliana instantly used her prided [Witch's Eye].

She originally wanted to use this witchcraft, capable of projecting one's vision into the

distance, to track down the whereabouts of the war god flying through the sky—

"He flew to somewhere too high to follow. This speed and altitude is such that even the

[Witch's Eye] cannot keep up..."

"Although I don't really think it's possible, he wouldn't be thinking of flying into space,

would he?"

Just as Erica was feeling puzzled, Yuri suddenly showed an stunned expression.

"Ah—floating island... The land where the sacred sword sleeps... Ahhh!"

Looking up into the sky, the Hime-Miko tracked the Wind King with her eyes.

While murmuring as though speaking in a dream, she was shaken by the revelation. It

was as though she felt surprised from the bottom of her heart towards the hint obtained

through spirit vision.

"I cannot believe that a floating island could exist in such a place..."

38 | P a g e

"Floating island? Are you talking about that legend, Yuri?" asked Ena, the other Hime-Miko and wielder of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

"Speaking of the Divine Sword of Salvation and the legend of where the 'King of the End'

sleeps. If memory serves correctly, 'Queen Oto Tachibana-Hime, jumped into the sea

with sword embosomed. Sea currents carried her sword to a location of neither land nor

sea, whence a floating island subsequently appeared,' isn't that right?"

"Yes, indeed..."

Trembling, Yuri pointed at the sky.

Only very few clouds were floating in the clear night sky. The half moon was slowly

rising in midair. The winter night's countless stars were shining brightly.

Ena first went "Hmm...?", lost in thought for a while before reaching a revelation.

"Floating island... An island which floats. A place of neither land nor sea, so that's—!?"

"The sky. An island floating somewhere in the sky. So it really turned out to be this kind

of situation."

Reaching the same conclusion, Erica sighed.

"Lady Guinevere and Sir Lancelot were unable to find it no matter how they searched

land and sea, right? They were totally in the wrong direction."

"An island in the sky... Oh my, that's really going along the pace of Gulliver's Travels and a certain famous animated film."

Amakasu shook his head while muttering, confounded.

Then to convey important information to her companions, Yuri regained composure

from her state of shock and said frantically:

"I-I shall go confirm what has happened on the floating island. As for Godou-san, I am

counting on everyone!"

Clad in a miko outfit, Yuri's body gave off white light.

This was the radiance from activating the spirit power she had acquired after her inborn

spirit vision—psychic sensing.

Part 3

39 | P a g e

Higher than the clouds. A place above the atmosphere.

This was an extremely high altitude in the sky that people called a satellite orbit. A

domain in space, beyond the atmosphere.

Looking down from there, the view was like a map spreading out with the islands of

Japan in the center.

Even as a heaven-sent child, the Wind King seldom came to such high places.

Depending on sunlight conditions, this place could turn into either a land of frost or a

realm of scorching heat. An extremely harsh environment. However, protected by divine

authority, he floated through the air lightly while he soared.

Floating in front of his gaze was a small patch of land.

Like many small islands on the Pacific Ocean, it had hills and plains. However, this

island did not contain life such as plants. It was an island composed only of soil and

rocks.

Stabbed in the center of the island was a sword of steel.

This might sword had a blade of roughly 100cm in length. The sword was double-edged

and thick like a hatchet's blade in construction. However, the entire steel sword was

quite decrepit, covered in rust.

The Divine Sword of Salvation. This was the personal sword belonging to the hero of

Devil King extermination, also the strongest of steel.

Then the Wind King poured divine power into the medallion. This was the divine

artifact for employing the three sword-related heroes, the [Arrowhead's Discus].

The Discus glowed immediately.

Appearing out of intense blazing white flames was the man with the handsome face,

Perseus.

Furthermore, sitting astride a winged horse, he was the very image of a dazzling

handsome man.

Next, out surged a crimson pillar of fire, which then took on the form of the Great Sage

Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong. The peerless monkey king was riding a small golden,

iridescent cloud.

40 | P a g e

Finally, lightning shot out, turning into the figure of Lancelot du Lac.

This female knight was also an Amazonian queen. Lance in hand, she was riding a white

horse flying through the sky.

Including the Wind King, gathered in front of the Divine Sword of Salvation was a total

of four gods possessing the sword attribute.

"Hey there, everyone."

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven was the first to speak.

"Before we begin our mission, I've got a suggestion. It's truly a lucky occasion for four

magnificent heroes to be gathered together. But it does mean we have too many leaders,

so to prevent things from getting out of hand..."

It was like he wanted to have a casual chat on the extremely high altitudes of satellite

orbits.

As expected of the monkey king who flew freely wherever he pleased. However, the

subject of the conversation was far too deplorable.

"Why not let me, the Great Sage Sun, be the great general and grand marshal, to serve

as the eldest brother, and you guys can provide me with full support? How 'bout that?"

"Although I don't mind discussing the topic of electing a leader..."

While seated on the winged horse's saddle, Perseus frowned.

"I don't believe there is any need to leave this position to you. Rather, someone

possessing kingly accomplishments and a magnificent array of myths, such as Perseus

or Mitra for example, would be more suitable. That being said, I am both of them, that's

all..."

"If a king's pride is at stake, I hope you won't forget the Handsome Monkey King of the

Fruit and Flower Mountain's Water Curtain Cave. Besides..."

The Great Sage scoffed with pride.

"I'm also renowned as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. If we're deciding based on

personal virtue and accomplishments, this old Sun here, peerless across heaven and

earth, is the best choice..."

41 | P a g e

"According to legend, whether the Handsome Monkey King or being equal to heaven, both were merely self-proclaimed on your part."

"Yes, it's self-proclaimed. But in modern times, all citizens of the world have recognized

it."

"How suspicious. At least back in the ancient Greco-Roman era of my knowledge, I have

never heard of such notions."

"No no no no. You've gone too far now. I must issue a rebuttal for the sake of my honor."

"Great Sage, Perseus, gentlemen."

Lancelot interrupted, her beautiful face clouded with worry.

"This type of fruitless discussion would be nothing more than a waste of time. One shall

hereby take on the leader's role as the Amazonian queen as well as the superbly

renowned Lancelot du Lac. Each of you may apply yourselves with utmost dedication as

knights to serve the queen. Gentlemen, would that be agreeable?"

"Agreeable, not... Rather, I can't believe what a shameless woman you are despite

having such a cute face."

"Although I don't dislike this sort of bronco, I still believe I am the one most suited to be king, do you all agree?"

The great heroes of exalted renown were having a completely futile dispute.

At this moment, an acute metallic sound was heard. The three heroes turned their heads

to see the Wind King had flicked his finger against the Discus to make the sound.

"..."

The war god, whose identity was concealed, expressed his feelings of disapproval

through his gaze from behind the mask.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven shrugged in response to that gaze.

"There's no need to hide your voice, y'know? I've already seen through your identity."

"Hoh."

Perseus laughed and openly expressed his impressed feelings.

42 | P a g e

"In that case, Your Excellency the Monkey, perhaps I, Perseus, might have misjudged you as a man. I still have yet to see through that wind god's true identity. Your eyes truly

bear outstanding wisdom."

"It's the smell, the smell. One whiff of his smell and I immediately figured it out."

The Great Sage sniffed through his monkey nostrils.

He was visibly pleased after Perseus praised him despite their dispute.

Then the three heroes' gazes gathered on the Wind King, waiting for him to speak.

However, the mysterious war god of steel and wind simply extended an index finger,

pointing to the divine sword stabbed in the center of the floating island.

"What a stingy dude."

Despite complaining, the Great Sage still steered his cloud towards the floating island.

Perseus shrugged whereas Lancelot simply followed the king of monkeys nonchalantly.

The Wind King also flew leisurely in the rear.

There was not the slightest greenery on the floating island. It was like a barren hill with

only soil and rock.

They landed on the surface that was roughly the size of a baseball field. Apart from the

Wind King, the rest all traveled without walking by either riding their beloved steed or

iridescent cloud. With that, the four heroes arrived before the rust-speckled divine

sword.

"Well then... Let's begin."

The Great Sage muttered.

Just prior to arriving at Japan, Pallas Athena had summoned the three heroes to give

them certain orders which were meant to be executed as soon as the time was right.

Gathered at this place were sword gods—Warriors carrying the attribute of "dragon and

snake slaying."

As a result, everyone noticed. Several hundred kilometers down below from their

location, Pallas Athena had released the seal of dragons and snakes, launching a

frenzied offensive.

43 | P a g e

As queens and former deities, dragons and snakes were precisely the monsters which these mother earth goddesses manifested into.

For heroes of steel, they were targets to be vanquished since the age of the myths.

Sensing her aura, the four heroes felt their bodies and minds surge with power in

preparation for combat.

"Hey you, Divine Sword of Salvation."

The Great Sage spoke to the rust-speckled steel sword that had lost its splendor of days

past.

Not only was he a monkey and a hero, but he was also a user of the immortal arts with

vast and varied powers—In other words, a god of magic. Hence, he was going to preside

over the revival ritual as well.

The other warrior heroes took a step back, observing from behind the monkey king.

"You sleepyhead must have sensed the presence of our long-time enemy, the snake,

haven't you? The heroe's destiny engraved on the bottom of your soul should have made

your body boil with hot blood, haven't it?"

The Great Sage sounded like he was chatting with an old friend.

No answer. However, the rusted divine sword's blade began to shake.

Storm clouds were suddenly gathering in the lower realm far below with thunder and

lightning. From this vantage point on a satellite orbit, even the sea of clouds looked like

nothing more than distant specks in the world below.

"And that's not all. A number of contemptible godslayers have been born in the current

era. There's the old Devil King who's like an evil wolf and the queen who shamelessly

calls herself peerless across the entire world. Then there's the witch with no talents

other than bringing calamity to the world. Plus four other youngsters—A total of seven

godslayers, extolling the present era as their springtime..."

While he was speaking softly, a sphere of light appeared above the Great Sage's head.

The sphere was as big as a clenched fist. After manifesting, it ascended rapidly, shining

overhead of the group of heroes like a miniature sun.

"With these godslayers gathered upon the earth, this would be what one might call the

end times. Now is the time that could be considered the end of the world."

44 | P a g e

The rapidly rising sphere of light suddenly expanded.

Within the blink of an eye, its diameter reached beyond a hundred meters—roughly the

size of the floating island that had kept the divine sword concealed for a millennium.

Furthermore, this giant ball of light was suddenly releasing lightning, giving off

electrical sparks all over the place.

"To slice apart the darkness of the end times, to eradicate the godslaying Devil Kings, we

hereby pray for the sword' rebirth. O most exalted sword of swords, blade of blades. You

are the blade of Devil King extermination. You are the white light of salvation. You are

the one born to kill all of the Rakshasa!"

The Great Sage pointed his furry index finger up at the sky.

Then he slowly lowered his finger, pointing directly at the divine sword. A moment later,

the ball of light overhead, which kept discharging electricity, produced a continuous

stream of thunder and lightning.

Rumble—!

Rumble—!

Rumble—!

Falling lightning and thunderous roars repeated over a hundred times. The lightning

and energy were all absorbed by the Divine Sword of Salvation.

Not only was it not blown away from the impacts but it also did not move the slightest

from its position.

Confronted with this divine sword that remained composed to a slightly annoying

degree, the Great Sage invoked the final summons.

"O sacred king manifesting at era's end, I beseech you to hereby descend!"

This was both a prayer and a petition, as well as spell words imbued with power.

The episode of falling thunder and lightning finally ended—The Divine Sword of

Salvation also recovered its shine.

45 | P a g e

Having stood for over a thousand years, originally decrepit and all covered with rust, the 100cm blade was infused with blindingly bright platinum radiance, shining with sacred

glory and splendor.

Seeing this light, someone other than the Great Sage Equaling Heaven finally spoke.

"O king—O 'King of the End.' Although one does not believe that."

It was Lancelot. While her honey-colored hair fluttered in the wind, the Amazonian

deity spoke:

"Have you forgotten this knight's visage?"

"No..."

A hero suddenly manifested next to the divine sword.

Long pale hair. A handsome man featuring a young face with exquisite features.

However, etched upon his handsome, prim and proper face like rust was a sense of

irrecoverable weariness and battle-hardened ferocity. He was wearing a simple blue

tunic with pants of the same color and a cape of pure white on top.

Slowly, as though touching something repulsive, he gripped the hilt of the divine sword.

"Of course I remember you, knight of the lance. To think the day of our reunion would

arrive... Fate is truly difficult to predict."

"What a nostalgic name. Lancelot du Lac is currently this knight's name."

"Is that so? I see you have finally gained a new name."

A refreshing smile surfaced on the aristocrat's weary and handsome face.

In that instant, the rust-like expression was put away, replaced by elegant airs as

befitted one of natural born nobility. This was his method of expressing his joy towards

the extraordinary fate binding him with Lancelot.

However, this change soon ended. The "King of the End" withdrew his smile.

"Hello to you, Hero of Salvation."

The Great Sage spoke in a giggling manner.

46 | P a g e

"It's said in the human realm that those who arrive late to the banquet must gulp down three drinks as punishment. You should descend upon the land like thunder to greet

that nation's godslayer, how 'bout that?"

"..."

The monkey king continued to talk enthusiastically to the completely nonchalant

aristocrat.

"Naturally, it feels quite a shame to me as a warrior to relinquish the position of

vanguard to someone else, but seeing as I owe my resurrection to you, I'll endure

without making a fuss—"

"Not necessary."

The 'King of the End' shook his head, giving a curt answer to the chattering resurrected

hero.

"The way I see it, making such a move immediately after my return would be an act of

imprudence."

"Hah."

"Great Sage Equaling Heaven, although the value of your counsel may be worth its

weight in gold... Let us eschew that for now."

"I see."

Finding his enthusiasm met with instant rejection, the Great Sage whispered to Perseus

beside him in hopes of eliciting someone else's reaction.

"...I didn't expect him to be so lacking in hot-bloodedness."

"...Despite being rumored to be the man who exterminated all godslayers."

The Greco-Roman hero scrutinized the 'King of the End' while showing a smile of

interest.

"On the other hand, recklessly rushing headlong into battle would be rather boorish. I

find the Savior's thoughts understandable. Well then, shall we take a break for now?"

"Yes, thank you."

47 | P a g e

Answering Perseus in the affirmative, the "King of the End" focused his gaze upon a certain person standing in the back.

The Wind King whose true identity was hidden behind cloth and a mask. This war god,

who had been serving the Devil King exterminating hero even before the era of ancient

Gaul, silently stepped up and presented the [Arrowhead's Discus].

The master shook his head silently and communicated with his eyes.

It was as though he were saying "you hold onto it for now." The masked subordinate

nodded in acknowledgement and stepped back again.

This was communication taking place between master and subordinate linked by deep

bonds, requiring no speech to convey their thoughts.

Then the Great Sage and Perseus turned into particles of light which were sucked into

the Discus.

Their revival stemmed from the authority of the 'King of the End,' which mean that they

must merge with the [Arrowhead's Discus] regularly to recuperate in order to sustain

their manifestations.

The Wind King also took a leap.

With that, he turned into wind and left his master, leaving only Lancelot du Lac

behind—

"You have grown weary of battle indeed."

The female knight's quiet words carried sorrow while pity resided in her eyes.

Listening quietly, the 'King of the End' showed a weary smile and nodded to the ally

whom he was meeting again after fifteen hundred years.

Then Lancelot turned into light as well and was sucked into the [Arrowhead's Discus].

Left on his own, the 'King of the End' took up the Divine Sword of Salvation once more.

On his back was a scabbard for carrying this mighty sword whose blade measured

100cm.

Putting the divine sword away, the Devil King exterminating hero sighed.

"What now?"

48 | P a g e

Suddenly, the surface of the floating island was struck by violent shaking.

Not just once but continuous shaking. A small island flying on a satellite orbit could not

possibly have an earthquake. The "King of the End' noticed instantly.

"Falling...?"

Someone was summoning the floating island to the ground—making the floating island

fall. This was shaking the entire island.

Noticing the anomaly in the sky, Godou frowned.

"...?"

While clashing Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's blade with Athena's long-shafted

scythe, he was also releasing magic power to the [Boar].

Without warning, the winter night sky was filled with storm clouds and the continuous

roaring of thunder.

Suddenly, a flash of white—no, platinum-colored—lightning sliced through the

darkness.

"The return is finally accomplished, yes?"

Pallas Athena spoke softly.

"So you mean the 'King of the End' finally awakened!?"

Godou questioned the young Divine Ancestor who was overcome with emotions.

Pallas Athena did not answer but her eyes were shining with seductive and ominous

light. Her eyes glowed red. Godou felt a sense of petrification throughout his entire

body. It was the Eyes of Medusa!

"Guh...!"

To resist the evil eyes of petrification, Godou further increased the magic body

permeating his entire body.

49 | P a g e

Not only was he using Ama no Murakumo and the two incarnations of the [Boar] and

the [Bull] simultaneously, but he must also squeeze out more magic power in

desperation, just barely managing to defend.

His lower body only turned into stone for an instant before returning to flesh

immediately.

"True to the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven... He hath completed the revival

sooner than expected. In that case, one's duel against thee must be adjourned for now.

One must now proceed to the next step of preparations."

The young and tiny Pallas Athena smiled discreetly and issued a lengthy howl towards

the sky.

The Pallas Athena in the distance—engaged in a melee battle with the [Boar] in the form

of a giant Medusa—sprouted a pair of black wings from her back. With a forceful flap of

her wings, she hovered into the sky.

ROOOOOOAAAAAR!?

The wingless [Boar] howled with displeasure at the enemy that had suddenly flown into

the air. However, with its right front leg and left hind leg turned into stone, the [Boar]

was unable to jump in pursuit of its opponent.

Holding the scythe, the petite snake goddess also sprouted wings on her back and flew

into the sky.

The two Pallas Athenas, one big and one small, finally met side by side in the sky.

" "O gods of the sky with Father Zeus first and foremost, one hereby draweth all creation back to the motherland with mine authority of an earth mother goddess. Ye shall not

obstruct one's will!" "

The two Pallas Athenas, one big and one small, chanted spell words simultaneously.

Then—A meteor crashed down from the dark sky that was sealed off by storm clouds.

No, this was no meteor. From the sky above Tokyo Bay, a small island was crashing

down on this south Bousou region that included Kisarazu.

"Is this the floating island...?"

Godou realized it. Pallas Athena's authority had summoned this island to the ground!

50 | P a g e

"Can you release that thing!?"

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!

Responding to his frantic command, the [Boar] unleashed a supersonic howl at

maximum power towards the two Pallas Athenas.

But the attack did not work. The supersonic pulse and shockwave was supposed to

pulverize the two Pallas Athenas in the air, big and small alike, but was blocked by the

[Aegis].

Using the bodies of divine beasts as its material, the shield with Medusa's face carved on

it—The divine shield, Aegis.

It was the defensive armament that had been hovering next to the large Pallas Athena,

protecting her. This time, it also served as the protective barrier for the two goddesses,

shattering into fragments on its master's behalf.

" "Go, go over to the 'King of the End'!" "

The two Pallas Athenas shouted together and suddenly vanished.

They had probably gone to pursue the "King of the End" and the floating island that had fallen somewhere in the Bousou Peninsula. Godou could not leave those two alone. He

must pursue no matter what!

"Kusanagi Godou!"

It was Liliana's voice. Looking back, he found the silver knight hurrying over with the

rest of his companions—Erica, Ena and Yuri.

"Leave it to me. I will send you over to Pallas Athena."

"Flight magic, right? But I thought you can't use it if you don't know the destination?"

Godou asked Liliana who made the first offer to take on the task of getting him there.

Flying spells, exclusive to witches, were extremely convenient but had many limitations

conversely. However...

"F-Fear not."

Arriving last and out of breath, Yuri spoke up.

51 | P a g e

The others had probably conserved their energy and were far from strained. But to the Hime-Miko who lacked physical stamina, this was quite intense exertion already.

"I have already used the spirit power of psychic sensing to capture the location where

the floating island crash landed. There should be no problem as long as I transmit the

imagery to Liliana-san..."

Although still trying to catch her breath, Yuri also offered to help.

Everyone was so reliable. Godou nodded and transmitted his thoughts to the [Boar],

your help is no longer needed for now.

Dragging a pair of petrified legs, the [Boar] stared at the empty sky above the beach.

It was exuding an aura of raging frustration, having failed to destroy its target. But since

the targeted prey had already vanished, it had no choice but to disappear quietly.

Godou also returned Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi back to his right arm. The [Bull]'s

monstrous strength was also released.

The strain from using concurrent incarnations finally vanished, leaving his body much

relieved. Ena and Erica walked over to Godou's side.

"Hey, Your Majesty, do you still remember the revival of the 'King of the End' in Gaul?"

Ena suddenly brought this up.

"Back then, the goddess Artio offered her life as energy for the 'King of the End,' right?

Just now, Erica-san and Ena were discussing—"

"Perhaps Pallas Athena might have the same intentions."

"But did you know she declared she'll defeat the 'King of the End'?"

Godou scratched his head. However, Erica proposed a further hypothesis:

"Hmm. Then using this as a pretext to approach the 'King of the End,' she will launch a

surprise attack—"

"...I see."

As the reincarnation of Athena, the goddess of war, she definitely might take this course

of action.

52 | P a g e

Then another acquaintance's face surfaced in Godou's mind.

That of the aristocrat he had met in Gaul a thousand five hundred years ago. His taste

for conflict was definitely not prolific and he did not enjoy unnecessary fighting. In the

end, would he accept Pallas Athena's challenge?

The Devil King vanquishing hero versus the godslaying Devil King.

That hero and Godou were rivals destined for an inevitable duel.

Godou noticed that he held an unexpectedly favorable impression of the 'King of the

End.' However, the important thing now was to track down Pallas Athena first.

Part 4

Although it crashed towards the ground like a shooting star, of course, the floating

island was not actually a meteor.

What caused this descent was the authority belonging to Pallas Athena, having retrieved

her divinity as a great mother goddess of the earth. Using the power to attract all

creation to the earth—the manipulation of gravity—she pulled the "King of the End"

together with the entire floating island to the Bousou Peninsula.

It was a place deep in the mountains of southern Bousou.

The floating island collided with a mountain ridge that was only covered sparsely by

trees.

There was no impact or explosion like a real meteor crash. Holding tender affection for

the land, the goddess' authority protected the mountains.

However, this protection did not extend to the floating island.

The floating island was shattered from the impact of the fall with fragments of rock, soil

and sand scattering everywhere.

However, the "King of the End" did not meet the same fate as the floating island's.

While two or three hundred meters before reaching the ground, he took a light leap

from a corner of the island, jumping into the air.

The "King of the End" had neither wings nor authorities of flight.

Nevertheless, he had acquired many techniques for surviving arduous predicaments.

53 | P a g e

"Those of you floating in various places of the sky and the land, please lend me your power."

Chanting spell words, he prayed for the protection of spirits.

At the same time, he did not forget to trace out a holy seal in the air using the index and

middle fingers of his right hand. Hence, the spirits residing in the mountains, rivers and

vegetation of this land all lent him their power.

Compared to heretic gods, these were all random spirits with meager powers.

Neither did they possess character or intellect sufficient to be called personalities.

But by gathering hundreds, thousands of their thoughts and spiritual powers, it could

still serve as a driving force for enacting corresponding miracles. The protection of

spirits gave support to the "King of the End" in the air, slowing down the rate of his

descent.

This allowed him to land from hundreds of meters in the air without a single scratch.

"I offer my gratitude. Thanks to you all, my life was spared."

Landing on both feet, the "King of the End" offered thanks with sincerity.

Then he examined his surroundings. This was a mountain ridge covered sparsely with

trees. Hence, visibility was wide and open. He could also sense the snake monster's

approaching figure accompanied by murderous intent.

"Are you the one who brought about my return? And your name is?"

"Pallas Athena is one's name. How touching. To think one couldeth meet the hero whom

generations of Divine Ancestors and Witch Queens had spent a millennium searching in

vain..."

"Looks like you have released the seal of dragons and snakes..."

Having split into two bodies, Pallas Athena had merged into one again.

Her form was the giant goddess Medusa. With a magic bird's black wings growing out of

her back, she had flown at low altitude along the mountain ridge to arrive here.

"In order to kill thee—the king manifesting at era's end, there is no other way. One's

former power and authority is needed."

54 | P a g e

"To kill me... Is that so?"

Listening to Pallas Athena who made no effort to conceal her murderous intent, the

"King of the End" nodded.

He did not ask for the reason. He simply lowered his gaze for an instant.

He understood better than anyone precisely because of his position as the one who

subjugated Divine Ancestors to do his bidding.

It would not be strange to harbor such thoughts if the proud spirit dating from her time

as a goddess were to remain fairly intact after becoming a Divine Ancestor, carrying a

personality with an extremely vigorous will to fight.

The aristocrat looked up and stared sternly into the eyes of Pallas Athena.

"I understand that you regard me as your mortal enemy. Do you wish for a duel with

me?"

"Naturally."

"Then I cannot refuse."

He answer immediately, confronting his culpability with a serious attitude.

Slowly, he drew the divine sword from his back—No, the "King of the End" did not do

that. Instead, he took down the Divine Sword of Salvation in its scabbard and raised it

towards the sky.

"Spirits of the local land. May I entrust this to your safekeeping for now?"

His request brought forth an answer. The divine sword in its scabbard floated into the

sky, stopping after it rose dozens of meters high above the ground.

Seeing the "King of the End" let go of his weapon, Pallas Athena glared at him in anger.

"Thou shalt duel with one yet relinquish the divine sword?"

"Indeed. As long as I hold the divine sword, this definitely cannot be considered a fair

duel."

The hero's eyes displayed neither pride nor pity.

55 | P a g e

Residing within them was just feelings of purity, only wishing to respond with sincerity to the opponent challenging him by putting her soul and dignity on the line.

"Pallas Athena with your strong sense of pride, you seem to be the Divine Ancestor born

from the Holy Grail—the divine artifact created by the goddess Gwenhwyfar."

The Devil King exterminating hero stared candidly into the goddess' eyes.

Gwenhwyfar was the great mother earth goddess who had served the "King of the End"

together with the war god Lancelot, later reincarnating into Divine Ancestor Guinevere.

"Seeing as that is the case, I can still defeat you even without the Divine Sword of

Salvation."

"...Hoh."

With wrath akin to raging flames, Pallas Athena was staring at her enemy's handsome

face.

But after hearing the hero's explanation, she smiled slightly. She approved of the

nobility in his words.

Perhaps through the spiritual senses of a goddess of wisdom, she understood that he

was probably speaking the truth.

"A duel with one's life and honor on the line must not be tainted the slightest. I am

forsaking the use of divine sword out of respect with absolutely no intent to belittle your

powers."

"One hath already understood thy thoughts. Nevertheless, is this meet?"

Smiling, Pallas Athena looked down at the "King of the End" with her mysterious gaze.

The eyes of the giant goddess in Medusa form flashed red. The evil eyes of petrification.

Under this gaze. the "King of the End" was completely turned into stone below the waist together with his left hand.

"The hero of salvation deriveth power from the earth's essence, yet thou hast not

absorbed any essence at all. Thou intendest to oppose one with such a body?"

"I have prepared myself already. I hope to decide our match here, will that be okay?"

Even with half his body turned into stone, the "King of the End" still spoke resolutely.

56 | P a g e

Just now, Kusanagi Godou had raised his magic power in an emergency to resist Pallas Athena's evil eyes. Failing even to do that, it seemed like the pale-haired aristocrat had

yet to recover his condition.

In addition, he had even sealed away his trump card personally, the Divine Sword of

Salvation—

Even so, the "King of the End" still confronted Pallas Athena squarely.

Pallas Athena did not hold back either. Blue-white flames were spewed out from

between Medusa's lips, flowing towards the hero who had half his body turned into

stone.

"Guh—Ahhhhhhhh!"

Having taken the form of a serpentine dragon's, Pallas Athena was producing flames

with equal firepower compared to a dragon's blazing breath.

Scorched by the conflagration, the "King of the End" screamed in pain. However, ten

white orbs of light suddenly appeared in his surroundings and desperately tried to

reduce the flames' temperature. Like the power protecting him from freefall, this was

protection from the spirits.

During this strange battle to the death, Pallas Athena laughed heartily.

Meanwhile, the "King of the End" made a slightly wry smile while enduring the mighty

flames. Rather than both sides giving up on the fight, this was a sign that they were

reaching some kind of mental connection—Just at this moment...

(....Ah... My revered brother—)

A weak voice was suddenly heard.

A flickering shadow suddenly appeared next to the divine sword floating in the air

dozens of meters up, then started to contract and spin, calling the "King of the End" at the same time.

(My revered brother, you are the savior king manifesting at era's end. The king of kings.

The great hero with the most noble of destinies. A tiger among men. Your glorious

accomplishments have infinite splendor. A supreme hero. Bestowed upon you are the

greatest blessings from the myriad gods!)

Hearing these extraordinarily flowery words of praise, the "King of the End" was

stunned.

57 | P a g e

Looking up from the blue flames, he stared straight at the Divine Sword of Salvation floating in the air above. At the same time, the shadow in the air that had called him

"revered brother" was also gradually changing in form.

The lower body remained as a shadow spinning like a vortex while only the upper body

turned into a pale-haired aristocrat—

His face was identical to that of the "King of the End." However, unlike his elder

brother's pale complexion, his brown skin looked like it had been tanned under the sun.

The dark-skinned divine aristocrat, one with the shadows, emitted a lengthy howl.

(Mere goddess of the earth, how dare you continue to humiliate my noble brother. Allow

me to assist my brother in an act of impertinence!)

"Stop! Upon my position as elder brother, I forbid you to act. Do not interfere!"

However, the "King of the End," burning in blue flames, was not heeded.

Hovering in the air, the "younger brother" reached for the Divine Sword of Salvation

with his right hand. Just as he was about to grip the hilt, Pallas Athena stopped him.

While discharging blazing flames from her mouth, she emitted red light from her eyes.

While taking on this gaze, the "younger brother" was devoured by flames just like the

"King of the End."

"A mere subordinate god, thou darest to disrupt one's enjoyment of battle? Insufferable

foolishness!"

(Guahhhhhhhhhh!?)

Scorched by the blue divine punishment, the younger brother screamed.

Pallas Athena glanced at his pained demeanor and murmured with a bored face:

"Hmph, to think that thou art the Wind King, yet a minor character unworthy of

mention. As the goddess of wisdom, one knoweth with but a single glance."

Pallas Athena had used a power corresponding to the spirit vision of the miko in the

human realm.

58 | P a g e

"Thou art the subordinate god who hath always stood behind the hero of salvation, guarding him—In other words, his alter ego. Although thy loyalty towards thy duties is

commendable... Thou art too boorish. Know thy place."

The conflagration of wrath instantly burned the "younger brother" to ash.

Not even bones were left behind around the divine sword floating in midair. Only burnt

ash scattered all around. However—This ash continued to remain active.

"How now?" Pallas Athena frowned.

(Hmph hmph hmph... A mere mother earth goddess, thinking you are a know-it-all...)

Deep laughter from the "younger brother" could be heard from the ash resulting from

the wrathful conflagration.

(I was born from the shadow of my revered brother—the strongest of steel. Even if only

a tiny part, I do possess the trait of indestructible resilience. Watch carefully!)

While roaring loudly, the ash took on the form of a human arm.

Then gripping the divine sword's hilt, it drew the sword out from its scabbard in one go.

An instant after that, platinum-colored light thoroughly illuminated the whole

surroundings.

"What is that light?"

Seeing this platinum-colored light appear, Godou was taken by surprise.

He was flying through the air while enveloped by blue light. In order to chase after

Pallas Athena, he had asked Liliana to cast flight magic on him. Drastic events were

taking place while he was still in mid-flight.

A pillar of light was suddenly erected from deep within the mountains on a ridge,

releasing platinum-colored radiance.

This pillar of light reached the storm clouds above. Although it was nighttime, the

surrounding mountains and forest were still illuminated for a period of time.

After merely ten seconds, the pillar of light vanished.

"Kusanagi Godou, our destination is near the pillar of light."

59 | P a g e

"Then let's land nearby. I'll head over on my own while you go meet up with Erica and the others to await the next move. I'm counting on you."

Godou gave orders to the silver-haired female knight who was flying with him.

Perhaps Pallas Athena was currently locked in a duel with the "King of the End."

Refusing to allow his companions to bear unnecessary risk, that was why Godou only

flew to the destination with Liliana alone.

After roughly three minutes, they finally landed at one end of the mountain ridge.

Liliana nodded to convey her thoughts to Godou, speaking with a knight's solemn face.

"May fortune favor you, also—"

As though about to whisper, she lowered her voice.

Godou approached her to listen more clearly. Then Liliana nonchalantly drew near

Godou and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"!?"

"Th-This is a prayer for your good fortune. Should you return safe and sound... L-Let us

continue in the usual manner."

"The usual manner!?"

"A-Are those passionate sessions between lips and tongues not the usual between you

and us?"

Unable to offer a rebuttal, Godou was rendered dumbstruck.

Liliana gazed at Godou with eyes of tender affection for a moment before using flight

magic again. Enveloped in blue light, she flew away.

Alone by himself again, Godou refreshed his mood and ran down the mountain slope.

This mountain ridge was only sparsely covered by trees. Due to the excellent visibility,

Godou instantly found his destination.

After running for two minutes, Godou arrived at his target.

60 | P a g e

Transformed into Medusa and enlarged in size, Pallas Athena was lying on the ground.

Stabbed in the ground next to her was the Divine Sword of Salvation. The last time

Godou saw its splendorous form was during his trip to ancient times, but now it was still

radiant with sacred splendor.

Pallas Athena was bleeding severely.

There were cuts on various parts of her Gorgon body—hundreds of locations.

Every wound was dark red with blood flowing nonstop. The ground she was lying on

had been dyed with an ominous shade of red.

The "King of the End" was standing on the side in solitude.

Looking down at the fallen Pallas Athena sorrowfully, he shook his head with

beleaguered thoughts.

However, the goddess remained motionless, collapsed on the ground while bleeding

profusely. What on earth had happened?

While Godou was feeling surprised, the "King of the End" turned his head back.

He looked at Godou in surprise but soon regained his sense.

"If memory serves me correctly—I have met you before. Yes. Roughly no less than

fifteen hundred years ago. I have never seen you again in the battles since, which I

found rather unusual."

The "King of the End" remembered Kusanagi Godou clearly.

While feeling strangely emotional in response to this fact, the Devil King exterminating

hero finally looked squarely into Godou's eyes.

This was the moment when god and Devil King faced off again after a separation in time

and space over fifteen hundred years.

61 | P a g e

Chapter 3 - Awakening

Part 1

"Back then, there were two other godslayers apart from you. In the end, the battle ended

before I could meet them..."

Feeling perplexed, the "King of the End" muttered.

Then immediately, he nodded as though going "I see now."

"The three of you had stepped into a journey through time. Through a deity of travel or a

fairy of some land, you flew from this era across to the distant past—"

"That's roughly what happened. I'm glad you understand, since it saves me from

unnecessary explanations."

Godou answered while thinking to himself.

An unbelievable conversation resumed seamlessly from fifteen hundred years ago.

However, the incident actually felt like it was mere months ago from his perspective.

Still, casually chatting like this was not the answer going forward.

Godou looked at Pallas Athena, collapsed on the ground. That giant body of the Gorgon

Medusa had already shrunk in size, transforming back to a pubescent girl.

Despite having released the seal using her life as the price, it was now impossible for her

to sustain a serpentine dragon's body.

Pallas Athena had turned back into her girl form. The countless bleeding lacerations

carved over the Gorgon's body were gone, but conversely—A large hole had opened up

on her chest.

The hole's location was precisely that of the heart. Unquestionably, it was a fatal wound.

There was no more bleeding. Instead, overflowing magic power was spilling out. The

large volume of magic power was surging forth like a spring's source, starting to flow out

from Pallas Athena's entire body.

Magic power normally lacked a definite color. It was something colorless.

But right now, the magic power flowing from Pallas Athena's body glowed golden.

62 | P a g e

This golden magic power rose up high into the sky, spreading overhead like gas, turning the Minamibousou sky gold.

Under the sky that was colored by a golden aurora, Godou walked over to the collapsed

Divine Ancestor.

"...You're in quite a sad state."

"...'Tis verily worthy of chagrin. Due to the Holy Grail's activation, one's power as a

goddess was absorbed and taken. Forsooth, 'tis a rather dismal battle situation."

Despite mustering no more than a feeble voice, Pallas Athena still answered quietly.

Even at this stage, she still refused to admit defeat. The young and tiny girl was even

moving her arms and legs desperately, slowly, slowly trying to stand up.

Truly living up to her identity as Athena's reincarnation, she possessed indomitable will

and noble-minded principles.

Witnessing this scene before his eyes, Godou smiled for an instant, but resumed a

serious expression immediately.

"You said the Holy Grail activated?"

"Fifteen centuries prior, the goddess Gwenhwyfar created the Holy Grail as a vessel to

contain the essence of the mother earth goddesses such as one, to be stored as magic

power. Furthermore, the previous Witch Queen Guinevere prayed to the Holy Grail on

her dying breath, wishing for the new Witch Queen's birth."

Speaking of which, that really was the case. Godou remembered.

The cause of the mother earth goddess Athena's death was due to the Holy Grail sucking

all of her life force away.

"In the end, taking the form of a Divine Ancestor, the Holy Grail became one."

"I see. Because the majority of the magic power in the Holy Grail was sucked from

Athena, that's why you look like this."

Realizing that, Godou knew it was just a simple mechanism.

While feelings were stirred deeply in Godou, Pallas Athena pushed herself up in front of

him, displaying a courageous smile.

63 | P a g e

Even when carrying a lethal wound, she still endured desperately. What truly

astounding mettle.

"It seemeth that whenever the hero unsheathed the Divine Sword of Salvation, the Holy

Grail—namely, oneself—would offer all magic power to the hero. 'Tis intentional that

Guinevere prevented one from learning of this fact..."

"Which is how you ended up in this state."

Godou now understood how Pallas Athena came to be lying on death's door.

Meanwhile, the "King of the End" was standing silently, some distance away. The Divine

Sword of Salvation was stabbed upright on the ground in front of him. Illuminated by

the sacred blade's brilliance, he was looking at Godou and Pallas Athena with eyes of

determination.

Nevertheless, slight weariness and chagrin could be seen in the hero's gaze.

Godou felt a sense of dissonance. The "King of the End" did not look like a hero boasting of victory at all. Instead, he seemed to be enduring a sense of emptiness from an

unsatisfactory victory.

"It mattereth not, but..."

Noticing Godou's doubts, Pallas Athena made a slight smile of wryness.

"Only one standing in his position can hope to openly engage in the hero's behavior as it

is... Do not begrudge his attitude towards battle. Putting that aside..."

Pallas Athena tried hard to move her right leg, lifting her knee.

She wanted to stand up, but evidently had little remaining strength. Only her entire

body trembled. Even so, the girl inheriting Athena's indomitable spirit continued to

declare boldly.

"Despite these grievous wounds, victory is as yet undecided. Depart, Kusanagi Godou.

Interfere not in one's duel against the 'King of the End'—Guh!"

Pallas Athena spat out fresh blood along with her words.

Her knees also bended, causing her to fall on the ground again. In spite of the that,

silver-haired Divine Ancestor still blazed with fighting spirit in her eyes, weaving words

of valor through her red lips, stained with blood.

64 | P a g e

"Fufufu. Or perhaps, thou wishest to attack one together with the hero?"

"...No."

Godou stepped in between the dying Divine Ancestor and the pale-haired aristocrat.

He even shielded Pallas Athena behind his back, turning to face off squarely against the

"King of the End."

"No matter what, that guy's obviously the strongest here. Naturally, the most important

thing to do right now is for me to help you so that your match against that man can be

decided."

"..."

Pallas Athena was not supposed to have Athena's memories.

Considering her haughty attitude, Godou felt that it would be hard for her to approve of

this suggestion. However, the dying Divine Ancestor smiled generously instead.

"If 'tis for such a reason, 'twould not be disagreeable to join forces in facing a common

enemy . A relationship of aligned interests..."

She whispered with her bloodstained lips.

Even without memories, was it engraved somewhere in the depths of her soul that they

had shared the same boat as bitter enemies at one point in the past?

In any case, no different from the battle against Lancelot last time, Kusanagi Godou and

Pallas Athena was going to cooperate in opposition against the "King of the End."

Naturally, the dying former goddess did not amount to any significant combat potential.

However, with a godslayer and his mortal enemy facing off against the strongest hero, it

was as though time had rewound back to the moment of their farewell several months

prior.

Meanwhile, seeing the torturous and mysterious intertwined destinies between them—

"Helping the weak and taking down the strong... How chivalrous, Kusanagi Godou."

The pale-haired aristocrat voiced Godou's name for the first time after fifteen centuries.

65 | P a g e

He was also smiling slightly. It was akin to a smile appropriate for the face of a traveler making a brief stop, feeling pity for a tiny flower on the roadside.

Or perhaps, the face of a man who temporarily forgot the weariness of wandering.

"I am most pleased to see a man among the godslayers who can exhibit chivalry even

towards the gods. Be that as it may, I must apologize."

Godou entered a stance. This guy was the same as in the past. Whenever he was about to

bring forth great power, the "King of the End" always apologized!

"I have met defeat twice by your hand in the ancient past. Nevertheless, having obtained

a mother earth goddess' life through the Holy Grail... I am no longer the one you know."

"Relax. I know that already."

Godou glanced into the sky.

The dark night sky was shining with golden radiance.

This was the golden magic power flowing out of Pallas Athena, the Holy Grail. Next, all

the light filling the sky descended towards the "King of the End," poured completely into his body.

The result—An astounding amount of magic power currently filled the entire body of the

"King of the End."

Back when he awakened in ancient Gaul, he seemed to be in an abnormal state.

But this time, having absorbed the Holy Grail's life force—namely, Pallas Athena's—the

hero finally recovered his peak condition.

Godou licked his lips and stared sharply at the "King of the End."

"However, this is still better than when the great ritual of the covenant was invoked in

Gaul. I can deal with this."

Godou strengthened his tone of voice for his answer, partially as encouragement for

himself.

The explosive increase in magic power when facing off against multiple Campiones, to

the point of being able to fight every opponent together—

66 | P a g e

This was probably the great ritual of the covenant. In the past, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had also used the spell of Devil King extermination.

But right now, Godou was the only godslayer present.

Logically speaking, that kind of absurd power up should not be available here. In spite

of that...

"My apologies, but I have already recovered my total power due to obtaining the essence

offered by the Holy Grail. Consequently, the great ritual of the covenant can be used

naturally like this..."

What!? Just as the unexpected confession rendered Godou in shock...

He saw. The golden light filling the sky suddenly vanished. Instead, the "King of the

End" was glowing golden from his entire body.

At the same time, his magic power—rose dramatically.

Instantly, he reached the same level of magic power as the time when the Great Sage

Equaling Heaven was battling against Kusanagi Godou, Luo Cuilian and John Pluto

Smith.

Despite the fact that Kusanagi Godou was the only Campione present.

Furthermore, the increase in magic power did not stop there. If a standard [Heretic

God]'s magic power was considered ten, then after using the great ritual of the covenant,

the Great Sage Equaling Heaven would have magic power comparable to thirty or forty

on the same scale. However, the magic power of the "King of the End" had surpassed

seventy, eighty, ninety, even reaching a hundred—

Dumbstruck, Godou muttered:

"No way..."

None of the gods he had ever battled were weak.

Having said that, the "King of the End" now possessed massive magic power more than

all of them added together, his body surrounded by glorious golden radiance.

"O Divine Sword of Salvation, hereby show your true form to the world."

67 | P a g e

The "King of the End" spoke quietly to his favorite sword, stabbed upright in front of him.

Then a giant magic circle manifested overhead in the shape of a square.

Its side length was roughly ten meters. The square-shaped magic circle was subdivided

into a grid of smaller cells with each cell depicting a weapon.

If one were to count them, there would probably be hundreds of weapons and

armaments.

Most numerous were "arrows." In addition, there were swords, blades, bows, spears,

axes, shields, cudgels, glaives, halberds, morningstars, ring-shaped objects, brick-like

masses, etc, even things that could not be called weapons.

Godou was reminded of a "mandala."

Meaning "circle" in Sanskrit, a spiritual and ritual symbol in oriental magic depicting dozens or hundreds of deities and Buddhas. This was a mandela composed primarily

from countless weapons replacing the deities and Buddhas.

"Finally achieved, the great ritual of the covenant. The ultimate sword for exterminating

all Devil Kings..."

Pallas Athena whispered.

Godou turned his gaze towards her in surprise. Covered in blood, the Divine Ancestor

spoke solemnly.

"Kusanagi Godou. Thou shouldst avoid the mistake of comparing this to the Great Sage

Equaling Heaven's imitation. The true exterminator of Devil Kings becometh more

powerful in accordance to the number of enemies at hand..."

So it really was as he suspected? Godou nodded. He had already figured it out

somewhat.

"At the present, his power hath increased in accordance to the number of Devil Kings

walking the earth. The godslayers of the present generation number seven in total... The

'King of the End' has already grown to having power corresponding to this head count."

"Indeed."

The hero nodded and agreed with what the Divine Ancestor said.

68 | P a g e

Without any intention of bragging about his power, he was speaking in a tone of voice so indifferent it was almost business-like.

"When I descended upon the world in the past, I was bestowed countless heavenly

weapons as gifts every time I finished my mission of Devil King extermination. The

Divine Sword of Salvation is the form that unites them all. Consequently, this could be

considered its true appearance."

"Man, there should be limits to the number of weapons you can have..."

Godou was greatly shocked. The legendary hero had received more than just a sacred

sword as a gift. The true identity of the lightning descending from the Divine Sword of

Salvation was a large number of weapons. Godou had already discovered this fact in

ancient Gaul. However, he never knew that these were unbelievably the heavenly

weapons bestowed by the gods.

This was a shocking fact, more frightening than any other.

Personally experiencing the reason why the assertion was made in the past that he

"absolutely cannot defeat that man," Godou trembled greatly. Furthermore, just as he

was gradually about to be overwhelmed by the powerful enemy—In that very instant...

He heard a pleasant voice akin to heavenly music.

"Foolish little brother. Is there any need for fear?"

Startled, Godou turned his gaze to the voice's owner.

A woman was slowly walking over to him. Her pace was calm and confident without any

haste, reminiscent of the carefree and endless flow of the majestic Yangtze River.

Matching the beauty of her voice, her face was so beautiful that the lovely court ladies

dwelling in the heavenly palace of the moon would seem plain in comparison.

Pallas Athena, all covered in wounds, and the "King of the End" also stared at this

transcendent beauty.

"Though the enemy may enjoy protection provided by the great ritual of the covenant,

you too have your sworn elder sister, unique and supreme. Being the peerless sworn

siblings that we are, how could there possibly exist a foe in this world whom we cannot

handle?"

The gentle and soothing voice was reminiscent of a moon guitar's tone color. Needless

to say, the latest arrival was Kusanagi Godou's sworn sister, Luo Cuilian, of course.

69 | P a g e

Part 2

"Nee-san!"

"We meet again, little brother."

This reunion was taking place two months after their previous gathering in December

last year.

On this evening, Luo Cuilian was dressed in Han Chinese clothing with an extremely

long hem, showcasing style akin to a wandering celestial maiden under the moon.

However, there were more pressing matters at hand than getting mesmerized by her

beauty.

Godou brought up the biggest question.

"Why did you come here, Nee-san?"

"Roughly half a month prior at Mount Lu, I saw the augury of the 'white halo piercing

the sun' in a vision."

"A white halo—Come again?"

Although Luo Cuilian was not a deity, her majesty was comparable to that of the gods.

Arriving by Godou's side, she cast her haughty gaze in sequence, at Pallas Athena, the

"King of the End" and the Divine Sword Mandala that was drawn in the sky.

That gaze undoubtedly belonged to the eyes of an emperor, looking down at his subjects

from atop his throne. A gaze of unparalleled supremacy.

"I have no reason to intervene if the only thing at stake were the rise and fall of

humanity. However, monumental events concerning the gods, the four seas, heaven and

earth would be a separate matter. Suspecting the vision of the 'white halo piercing the

sun' to be an augury of such happenings, I thus departed on a journey to discern the

truth."

"By journey, do you mean coming to Japan from China?"

"No. Turning into a giant bird to soar through the skies, turning into a dragon to swim

across the seas, I toured various places to observe their conditions. During my journey,

sensing that the East China Sea was filled with unusual divine energies, I tried to trace

its source, thus arriving at this land."

70 | P a g e

This description was very much in the demonic cult leader's style, exhibiting her total mastery of Daoist arts, a wanderer of fantastical realms far removed from the mundane

world.

Godou smiled wryly. At least she probably hasn't gone to urban areas—the speculation

of her direct disciple looked like it was not necessarily correct.

"Then Nee-san, about these guys here—"

"Say no more. One can get a gist by questioning spirits and apparitions local to this

mountain. The great hero of Devil King extermination—I have heard of his rumors

several times in the past, however."

Luo Cuilian finally turned to gaze squarely at the "King of the End."

"I never expected this day when I would confront him together with my little brother by

my side."

"...I see. Your position is akin to the elder sister of Kusanagi Godou?"

Taking the beautiful Devil King's gaze head on, the pale-haired hero murmured quietly.

In response, Luo Cuilian proudly puffed out her magnificent chest and declared

sonorously:

"No mere elder sister. One should be addressed as the supreme Onee-sama at the very

least."

"Indeed you are correct. Even though this is our first meeting, I can easily understand

that substantial powers are under your command. If it pleases you, may I inquire your

name and title?"

"In that case, please engrave into your heart the name of Luo Cuilian, Leader of the Holy

Cult of the Five Mountains."

"Understood. Your Eminence Luo Hao. But regrettably, my name—"

"Do not feel obliged to introduce yourself. The true name of the king manifesting at era's

end has been known as a famous mystery for the past millennium. It would be an

excessive breach of tact if one were to insist on inquiring your name."

"Much appreciated. Allow me to thank you for your understanding."

Godou secretly felt impressed. To think that he was able to get along with Luo Cuilian, a

difficult task even for fellow humans, and to even converse so naturally as well.

71 | P a g e

The "King of the End" was unexpectedly adept in social skills.

Meanwhile, the conversation between the two otherworldly figures continued.

"Seeing as you are a figure of such caliber, Your Eminence Luo Hao, I am afraid you

probably know this already—I am the warrior tasked with the destiny of exterminating

Devil Kings. I have no choice but to defeat you and that Kusanagi Godou over there."

"Of course, it couldn't be clearer. I shall accept."

"That being the case, may I ask for a time?"

"Truly a foolish question. I am not so cowardly that I would choose any hour apart from

the one at hand."

In response to Luo Cuilian's utterly haughty gaze cast down from above, the great hero

politely bowed his head. "Much appreciated."

Then the two of them began to enter combat stances. The demonic cult leader presented

her palms in an open-handed stance, looking as though she was about to exhibit her

prided palm techniques any instant.

The "King of the End" did not reach for the divine sword in front of him.

Still with his iconic sword stabbed in the ground, he issued a declaration of war in a

stern and dignified voice:

"Kusanagi Godou, it is my hope that you will join your elder sister so as to have a

rematch with me. Given how I am now, I should be able to satisfy you more than during

the battle in the past."

"I don't care about the past. I wasn't unsatisfied at all!"

Grumbling against the other side's unnecessary concerns, Godou looked back at the

Divine Ancestor.

During the unusual conversation between the hero and the demonic cult leader, she had

kept silent with good reason.

Her life was on the very verge of ending. Panting painfully, Pallas Athena could only

barely manage to stay conscious.

If she were to fight in this state, the lightning of salvation would quickly strike her

down—

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(King, summon her to this place. Interesting things ought to be possible if her power was present.)

Residing in his right arm, the partner offered a suggestion.

Godou nodded immediately and summoned Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, meanwhile

saying to Pallas Athena:

"Athena—Enter my sword here! This is the weapon you've conferred power to in the

past!"

There was nothing wrong with this description. Godou deliberately called her by her

former name.

Hence, the Divine Ancestor instantly recovered light in her eyes. Then releasing her

young girl's form, she turned into a silver snake, measuring 50cm in length, and swiftly

entered the divine sword.

Held in Godou's right hand, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had a jet-black blade.

This was the steel sword that the ancient Japanese god Susanoo had found in the Eight-

Forked Serpent's tail, a weapon whose origin was intimately tied to snakes. In addition,

several months earlier, the goddess Athena had also imparted the [Storm Bringer

Technique] directly into Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi—

Precisely due to the effects of these prior causes, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was

able to absorb the Divine Ancestor, who had taken the form of a silver snake, into itself.

Godou nodded. Deciding to leave the rest to his partner, he returned Ama no

Murakumo no Tsurugi back to his right arm again for now.

"Nee-san, that guy's greatest weapon is lightning. We have to guard against that first."

"Know your place as the younger brother, Godou. It is a hundred years too early for you

to worry about me!"

"That's true, I guess. Then I take it back. Allow me to rely on you, Nee-san!"

The Divine Sword Mandala overhead was beginning to speed up.

Rising upwards rapidly and steadily, it ascended to roughly the same height as the

sparse clouds floating in the night sky. Also, the Divine Sword Mandala also expanded

in area at the same time.

73 | P a g e

The square-shaped magic circle grew in size until it was six or seven kilometers in length.

Then the Divine Sword Mandala finally started to release lightning from the formation

in the sky.

Countless flashes of lightning rained down from the sky like a heavy downpour. This

was not just limited to the area around Godou and Luo Cuilian. The lightning also fell

equally on the surrounding mountain range.

Godou instantly invoked the [Raptor].

Verethragna's seventh incarnation conferred divine speed. Despite its time limit and

many inconveniences such as loss of mobility after use, this ability was the most

effective means to evade the lightning.

Using divine speed, Godou raced across the land where massive holes were being

gouged out by the platinum-colored lightning falling like a heavy rainstorm. While

dodging the descending lightning left and right, he ran towards the "King of the End." In order to survive this crisis, the main culprit must be defeated first—

This was the same tactic as what Godou used in ancient Gaul last time.

Using the same divine speed as back then, Godou closed in on the "King of the End."

Right when he arrived at a couple dozen meters away the same figure appeared as last

time.

The masked war god, whose body was completely wrapped in strips of white cloth, also

a user of divine speed, the Wind King!

(He came just as expected huh!?)

Godou yelled. However, no ordinary human would be able to hear him.

People in the normal world were unable to hear sounds produced by entities moving at

divine speed. In spite of that, Godou heard a voice responding to him.

(Watch your elder sister's divine might carefully, O little brother.)

Luo Cuilian's beautiful voice—unbelievably—it was coming from Godou's shadow on the

ground. Seeing that Godou was about to dash with divine speed, she had invoked her

Daoist arts instantly, thereby hitching a ride on Godou's shadow—It was probably some

kind of trick along those lines. Furthermore, she was capable of discerning phenomena

74 | P a g e

moving at divine speed as though it were the most natural thing in the world, even going as far as to carry a conversation casually. Godou smiled wryly.

It was totally absurd. Indeed, it was a hundred years too early for him to be worrying

about Nee-san.

Wielding a single-edged longsword, the Wind King slashed at Godou!

(Fist of the Tiger-Quelling Luohan!)

Accompanied by Luo Cuilian's spell words, a fist flew out from under Godou.

A straight punch performed by a muscular arm of bronze. Compared to the 180cm tall

Godou, it was a thick arm at least double his size. Shooting out from the ground, the

arm included the fist up to the elbow and struck the war god of wind with an uppercut.

This was the mighty arm created by the sworn elder sister's authority, Divine Might of

Vajrapani. Furthermore, the martial arts involved, counterattacking the Wind King who

was obstructing them while moving at divine speed, were of unparalleled mastery. This

was the level of unarmed combat belonging to grandmasters of martial arts, surpassing

even a certain Salvatore Doni.

The war god's body was blown away like ignited fireworks, flying towards the stars in

the night sky.

Or perhaps he was going to fly out of the universe? That was the astounding speed with

which the Wind King was ascending through the air. A superlative feat that only Luo

Cuilian's divine might was capable of achieving.

But even so, the war god of steel had not suffered a fatal wound.

While flying high in the air, the Wind King tossed something down towards the ground.

It was the divine artifact made from a gold-iron alloy—the [Arrowhead's Discus].

(My, how long it has been, godslayer of my homeland!)

The Discus suddenly took on the form of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, descending

upon Godou's with divine speed.

He even used the momentum of the fall to swing the Ruyi Jingu Staff. Godou jumped to

the right and barely dodged the attack.

(Isn't this the Great Sage Equaling Heaven? Why is he present when he was supposed to

have died?)

75 | P a g e

(It's apparently a power to summon heroes. That medallion causes slain gods to revive.

Apart from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, two other gods whom I know have also

revived!)

Godou reported briefly in response to Her Eminence's surprise.

During this time, the lightning did not stop, continuing to fall like a heavy rainstorm.

Evasion. Evasion. Evasion. Evasion. Evasion. Evasion.

While Godou was using divine speed to jump and dash, just as he evaded the sixth bolt

of lightning, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven attacked again.

He suddenly appeared on Godou's left, swinging the Ruyi Staff horizontally from the

side. What blocked him was a giant arm of bronze extending out from Godou's shadow

underfoot.

(How impetuous you are, Great Sage!)

(Sorry Nee-san, thanks for saving me!)

(Hahahaha. You guys are still so hard to kill!)

The Great Sage, laughing heartily with delight, versus Godou who had barely escaped a

crisis. Neither side paused at all. After all, the lightning of salvation kept descending

nonstop. Even when running at divine speed, stopping for an instant would mean

getting devoured by lightning.

Nevertheless, Godou dashed while biding his time, trying to approach the "King of the

End."

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven was probably trying to harass and occupy Godou,

preventing him from getting near.

(Why isn't it all three of you this time!? What happened to Lancelot and Perseus!?)

(Nonsense. My presence alone is enough already!)

(Most likely, by concentrating the divine power for summoning a hero, it would further

reinforce the divinity's strength.)

Luo Cuilian's voice came from the shadow underfoot.

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(Reviving dead gods on the mortal plane is a monumental miracle overturning the laws of heaven, earth and the underworld. It is difficult to believe that the revived will be as

strong as when they were still alive. Presumably, by using the divine artifact seen earlier

as a power source, the Great Sage's strength could be restored to its former heights!)

(Exactly. Since the clairvoyant Daoist priestess is here, I have to be cautious!)

While muttering, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven also dodged lightning and continued

to harass Godou nonstop.

Trying to find an opening, he swung the Ruyi Staff over. Meanwhile, he was also warily

watching Godou's feet, staying on guard for Luo Cuilian who was lurking in Godou's

shadow. The surprise attack earlier was probably not going to work again.

Godou frowned and looked at the "King of the End."

While running at full speed, Godou tried his best to stay within thirty or forty meters of

that man.

Luckily, the sworn elder sister had sent the Wind King flying to the stratosphere, if

Godou could seize this opportunity to successfully reach the—

However, the hero using the divine sword whispered dangerous spell words.

"I offer my prayers to the noble king of lightning, the warrior who has mastered the use

of all weapons. I implore you to awaken in my hand at this very moment... the supreme

bow of might that you bestowed upon me in the past."

The lightning tormenting Godou and the rest suddenly ceased.

Floating high in the air, the Divine Sword Mandala stopped its indiscriminate attacks

towards the ground.

But instead—RUMBLE! RUMBLE! Two bolts of lightning descended, accompanied by

two giant roars of thunder.

Unbelievably, these two flashes of lightning were targeting the "King of the End."

However, the pale-haired aristocrat easily absorbed the scorching heat and impact.

Then immediately, a massive bow of steel manifested in his left hand. Furthermore, a

quiver holding dozens of arrows also appeared by his feet.

The energy of the lightning had most likely converted into that large bow and quiver!

77 | P a g e

"In my current state of full power, achieved through the great ritual of the covenant—"

The pale-haired aristocrat was speaking in a cheerful voice.

Even to the ears of Godou who was under the effects of divine speed, this voice still

sounded unbelievably pleasant. A bright voice that permeated the ears and hearts of the

listeners. Or perhaps this might be part of his authority.

"—I can unseal the most powerful weaponry, the bow and its quiver. Kusanagi Godou

and Your Eminence Luo Hao. You are about to face this bow and these arrows."

Speaking in a very modest tone of voice, the "King of the End" readied the massive bow

of steel.

Godou trembled. Speaking of which, hadn't he heard this before? The "King of the End"

was an endlessly wandering hero with deep ties to the bow and arrows.

Furthermore, as though to corroborate Godou's memory, the earth began to shake.

Simply holding up the bow caused an earthquake. Roughly three or four on the Richter

scale. At this moment, the "King of the End" closed his eyes unexpectedly.

In order to pierce Godou and Luo Hao who were dashing at divine speed, he was using

the mind's eye!

"Legend tells of a great hero who shot down nine suns during antiquity at a kingdom in

the orient. The arrows he fired had vanished along with the falling suns, but a master

craftsman of the celestial realm was able to create an arrow for replicating the feat."

The Devil King exterminating hero held up the steel bow in his left hand. Then using his

right hand, he took out a jet-black arrow from the quiver by his foot.

Seeing this, the Great Sage instantly made a retracting motion with his head once and

performed a somersault. Then he vanished just like that. He had probably retreated to

avoid getting caught in the attack.

Hovering in the air, the Divine Sword Mandala stopped firing lightning randomly.

It was like a soldier settling into silence to avoid obstructing the great general who was

about to shoot an arrow.

"This is merely a counterfeit arrow, insufficient to shoot down the sun. However, it can

still bring about incomparable firepower when released towards the ground... Let us

first begin with this level of power."

78 | P a g e

The "King of the End" finally nocked the jet-black arrow on the bowstring.

At this instant, Godou felt a chill down his back and started to run as fast as he could.

With his back towards the hero and the jet-black arrow, he pulled back his distance as

fast as he could using divine speed.

This was a Campione's usual intuition. At this rate—He was definitely going to die

beyond a doubt.

Besides, even as fellow users of divine speed, didn't the Great Sage Equaling Heaven,

capable of flying through the air, flee for his life as well?

(Nee-san, can you help me out as well!?)

(You leave me no choice but to spoil you. In that case, go up!)

Godou had been running all over the mountain ridge just now.

Using divine speed—the same speed as lightning—in almost one breath, he rushed over

to the sloping surface of the peak with its sparse greenery, coming to a barren pinnacle

where there was only solid rock.

(Jump, Godou!)

Hearing the command from underfoot, Godou jumped as hard as he could.

While using the [Raptor] incarnation, he was able to make light and agile movements as

though wings had grown out of his feet. Using this leap, Godou jumped into the sky

higher than the mountaintop.

The Minamibousou mountains were generally not very high, standing roughly three or

four hundred meters above sea level.

This peak was the same. But compared to the land below, this was quite a sufficient

height already. Having leapt into the night sky, Godou's excellent night vision allowed

him to see the settlements scattered among the low-altitude mountains as well as

artificial lighting appearing in the darkness of the night.

Furthermore, the sworn sister's resident shadow was still adhering firmly to Godou's

feet.

Turning his head back to look behind him while feeling impressed—Godou witnessed

the jet-black arrow flying towards him in the air.

79 | P a g e

Clearly. the arrow was even faster than the lightning of salvation.

No matter how hard Godou ran to escape, it was surely going to pierce him. Just as

Godou was about to be shot as an aerial target, the sworn sister's aid arrived in the nick

of time.

(O north wind, sweeping across the vast lands, flying over countless miles!)

Spell words of flight.

Immediately, emerging from the shadow, Luo Cuilian caught Godou in her arms while

in midair.

Then enveloped in golden light, the two of them soared upwards rapidly. This variant of

Daoist arts seemed to belong to the same system as the flight magic used by Liliana.

In addition, the jet-black arrow pursuing them—suddenly exploded.

Platinum light erupted under their gaze, producing a large-scale explosion affecting an

area several kilometers in diameter. The mountain range of Minamibousou was

spectacularly and tragically blown apart.

Part 3

"What's with this crazy huge firepower when he clearly said he didn't want to use

excessive force?"

While relying on his sworn sister's power to fly through the sky, Godou temporarily

deactivated his divine speed.

The scene of the giant explosion was spreading under his gaze. It was practically like a

meteor crash. Meanwhile, the sworn sister was flying with Godou in her arms while

looking down at the massive explosion and using Daoist arts effortlessly.

"The 'King of the End' is truly a formidable foe with astounding power... Godou, your

trump card is still being prepared, isn't it?"

"I can't believe you already noticed that..."

Suddenly asked, Godou felt surprised.

"I clearly had it set to take place as secretly as possible."

80 | P a g e

"Don't underestimate your elder sister. Do know that I have been constantly by your side ever since I arrived here, yes? I only stayed in the shadow the whole time because I

wanted to assess how much power my sworn little brother has gained since we last

parted."

Looking at the side of Luo Hao's smiling face, Godou went "I see" and nodded.

He had definitely felt baffled by what would be considered a slightly subdued way of

fighting for the elder sister with unparalleled arm strength. So this was her intent after

all.

"So Godou, how is the situation?"

"Almost ready. But actually, I've attacked the 'King of the End' before using the same

method. Although it went quite well last time... It was when that guy was in an

incomplete state."

Godou recalled the battle in ancient Gaul and muttered.

"To be honest, I've no confidence whether it's gonna work on him when he's in peak

condition."

"Be that as it may... It would be foolish to hesitate when no trump card of assured

victory is available. What sort of power the enemy brings forth to block the strongest

move from your arsenal—The result of that can serve as a yardstick for gauging

differences in power level."

"Differences in power level..."

"This, too, is my first showdown against a war god who is this powerful. In fact, even I

have trouble determining exactly the extent of his strength."

"Even you're not sure!?"

Godou found it unbelievable that even Her Eminence Luo Hao, whose capabilities and

experienced judgment were at the highest pinnacle, would say something like this.

Godou calmed himself. After all, attacks conducted via petty tricks were not going to be

effective. Despite the risk of suffering a vicious counterattack in return, it was definitely

the time to take a bit of a gamble.

"Understood. First I'll do everything I can then I'll rely on you, Nee-san, when I'm

overwhelmed. Does that work?"

81 | P a g e

"Certainly. Believe in me and exert yourself to your full extent."

Luo Cuilian replied, filled with spirit.

"If by any chance should you perish in the end, upon our bonds as sworn siblings, I shall

avenge you or die trying!"

Godou desperately resisted the urge to laugh at the sworn sister's words. If this were a

shounen battle manga, an irresponsible declaration of "I will surely protect you" would be the proper thing to say now, but of course, this kind of idea could not possibly exist in

Luo Cuilian's mind.

Understanding that from the bottom of his heart, Godou simultaneously looked down at

the world below.

The giant explosion caused by the jet-black arrow had already subsided, leaving a

massive crater in the Minamibousou mountain range with a diameter of several

kilometers. A truly surreal scene.

Currently, Godou was flying with his sworn sister at roughly a height of four or five

hundred meters.

Despite the chilling wind that would freeze one to the very bones, his body of a

Campione's felt scorching hot instead. This was due to battle instincts making the entire

body's blood boil.

"Nee-san, I'm counting on you!"

Responding to this request, the sworn sister began to make a rapid descent.

At the same time, her figure disappeared while maintaining the flight spell. Turning into

a shadow once more, this time, she adhered to Godou's back.

Flying above the giant crater, they were approaching the ground at high speed.

The yellow light created by Luo Cuilian was transporting Godou. However, this glow,

descending from the sky, suddenly swerved left, in order to evade an arrow shot from

the ground.

Godou looked downwards, only to see the "King of the End" standing upright on a

mountain ridge.

Vegetation was sparse there, offering good visibility. He nocked an arrow on the steel

bow.

82 | P a g e

He was firing at the rapidly descending duo. Firing. Firing. Firing. Instead of the jet-black arrow, he fired four times in succession using arrows with iron arrowheads and

shafts made of wood and feathers.

Despite looking ordinary, these arrows were probably hiding terrifying firepower within

them.

Controlling the light of flight magic, Luo Cuilian evaded the four arrows while

continuing to approach the ground.

Then the "King of the End" threw the steel bow away. Pulling the Divine Sword of

Salvation out from the ground where it had been stabbed, he pointed the tip of the

glorious blade at Godou in the air. Godou could predict an imminent melee battle.

In turn, Godou summoned his ostentatious partner, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. The

partner that always made its abode in his right arm was currently far away.

"Ama no Murakumo! And Athena! Use that move from the past!"

In response to this command, the giant crater below went through a change.

Several cracks appeard in the central zone of the giant hole that measured several

kilometers in diameter and penetrated the mountain range. Then the crater began to

shake violently. The earthquake was confined to the bottom of the crater.

Then a giant sphere passed through the soil and appeared from the shaking earth.

A sphere that seemed to be a conglomeration of dark matter.

Roughly forty or fifty meters in diameter, this sphere was the culprit causing the

localized earthquake—generated from Godou's mystic technique of the [Storm Bringer],

the black star of darkness known as a gravitational storm.

Although this mystic technique could produce astounding firepower, activating it and

raising it to maximum power required a great expenditure of time. This drawback was

hard to overcome.

But this time, he was assisted in combat by Pallas Athena who had retrieved her divinity

as a great mother goddess of the earth.

A great mother goddess of the earth, ruling over the subterranean underworld in

addition to the ground above. The goddess, whose symbol was the snake, held dominion

over the two realms, above and below ground.

83 | P a g e

That was precisely why Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had suggested summoning Pallas

Athena into itself.

Using her powers as a mother earth goddess to teleport underground, they made

preparations for the black blade. In order to pull it to the ground surface when its power

reached its maximum critical point—

The greatest uncertainty was whether the dying goddess still had enough remaining

strength to accomplish this.

However, Pallas Athena and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi had accomplished their

mission perfectly. Surfacing from underground, the black star rose even higher towards

the sky, finally converging with Godou in midair.

The sphere of darkness—Godou was now hovering in its center.

Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi manifested in his right hand. There was also Athena's

snake form entwined around the katana-like blade.

In this manner, Godou began a rapid descent towards the ground together with the

[Storm Bringer]'s black star.

The "King of the End" was currently waiting at the targeted destination. Holding up the Divine Sword of Salvation, he was pointing the shining sword tip at Godou in the air.

Then platinum-colored lightning formed a sphere surrounding the "King of the End."

In order to resist the black star that enveloped Godou, he was spreading the lightning

from the Divine Sword of Salvation around himself.

Hence, the hero wrapped in a ball of lightning versus Godou descending from the

heavens with a black star—A violent clash. A reenactment of the repeated showdown

that had occurred previously at Kisarazu as well as the Rhine's shore in ancient Roman

times.

The black star of the Devil King versus the white star of the savior.

With stark contrast, the two collided in a showdown of polar opposites—

"Guh... Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Godou yelled while pouring magic power into Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

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As soon as the black and white stars clashed violently, he instantly understood. The enemy's power was unlike in the past. If this contest of strength continued, the black

star was going to be annihilated in less than two minutes.

"I already took such great pains to prepare, but the difference is still so large!?"

Godou's grumbling lips were twisted in savagery. It was a smile.

Despite the massive gap in power between him and the opponent, he was feeling

unbelievably exhilarated.

Probably because there was nothing to do except resist to the utter end. There was no

choice apart from going all out.

"Since there's not much time left, Ama no Murakumo, try your hardest to absorb that

guy's lightning in the meantime—Open a path. You help out too, Athena!"

While pouring his entire magic power into the partner, Godou commanded. He knew

this was quite an unreasonable command.

Nevertheless, the sword born for conflict replied "Affirmative!" succinctly, whereas the snake wrapped around the blade was glaring at Godou with terrifying eyes that seemed

to be saying "unnecessary babbling, fool."

During this time, the clash between the black and white stars still continued.

Currently, the two stars had shrunk to diameters of ten-odd meters—Rather than

shrink, they had compressed.

This was to increase the density of power so as to resist in full force. Thanks to that,

Godou's distance to the "King of the End" had decreased. He could see the hero's

handsome face clearly.

Stern and courageous, yet colored by battle weariness like a layer of rust.

Godou did not feel hatred towards him. Neither did he feel anger. However, he felt a

sense of competitiveness. A sense of defiance to resist the being of ultimate power no

matter what.

Godou grinned savagely again, mustering even more magic power from his energy

center the depths of the abdomen under the navel.

Fueled with this power, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi created a small-scale miracle.

The [Storm Bringer]'s essence was absorbing all creation like a black hole. Embodying

85 | P a g e

this principle, the blade was absorbing the electrical energy overflowing the space between Godou and the "King of the End." Absorbing, absorbing, absorbing nonstop.

Finally, a path was opened at last.

A path reaching the hero directly while dodging the scorching lightning of salvation.

"Hmm!?"

"Now is the moment, Nee-san!"

While the pale-haired hero exclaimed in surprise, Godou yelled.

Immediately, Luo Cuilian's beautiful standing figure flew out from her sworn younger

brother's back. Racing lightly and rapidly along the opened path, her unparalleled

mastery of qinggong, the Chinese martial arts technique of movement, it was as though

she had turned weightless.

"Nothing less expected from godslayers, larger than life characters who have reached

the heavens through their own strength!"

"Save such flattery and praise for after you have witnessed our potential as siblings—

Hah!"

While commending them, impressed, the "King of the End" raised the divine sword to

an upper stance.

However, Luo Cuilian used the [Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl] to deflect the glorious

divine sword then proceeded to deliver a mighty blow to the hero's stalwart body.

Devil King Luo Cuilian emitted a roar that turned into a shockwave of magical wind,

clearing all obstacles in its path.

Sealing off the enemy's counterattack, she closed in on the hero spectacularly.

The Ruler of the Martial Realm silently attacked using her most prided weapon. With

extreme speed, she used her dominant right hand, pressing her palm against the chest

of the "King of the End."

This palm was pressed precisely on the heart—the vital spot corresponding to the

Danzhong pressure point in Chinese martial arts.

Godou knew very well that the hero of the divine sword was in command of masterful

swordsmanship. Despite being a master swordsman, he was still unable to react to this

86 | P a g e

ordinary looking palm strike. This truly made clear the fact that the gentle strike that Luo Cuilian had just unleashed was her strongest palm technique.

Simply by pushing out her hand in a simple movement, she inflicted a blow on the

strongest expert.

Literally the pinnacle of martial arts secret techniques. Furthermore, like her sworn

brother, Luo Cuilian had poured her entire magic power into her right palm to infuse it

with force from the Divine Might of Vajrapani.

Using this mighty force to perform a karate chop, one could probably slice mountains

and rivers apart with ease.

Using this mighty force to perform a punch, one would surely shake heaven and earth,

even to the point of making the sacred Mount Tai rumble.

Struck by such a mighty force in a vital spot, the "King of the End" screamed tragically.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Then immediately, the valorous hero's entire body erupted with brilliant platinum-

colored light.

Part 4

The entire area was rendered into scorched earth.

The battlegrounds for the two godslayers and the "King of the End" had turned into an

incinerated plain.

This was originally somewhere in the mountains. However, the mountainous portion

serving as the battlefield had been blown away. Trees had been swept clear. Many lives

inhabiting the winter mountain forest had been extinguished.

Watching this tragic scene, the "King of the End" shook his head silently. This all came by his hand personally.

His life was intimately linked to the Divine Sword of Salvation.

As long as this blade remained intact, he would resurrect again and again even after

dying.

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When suffering Her Eminence Luo Hao's fierce palm strike earlier, he had increased his body's bond with the Divine Sword of Salvation to the maximum in order to resist the

impact. As a result, turning into a "living divine sword," he was able to endure despite the devastating blow.

As a side effect, he had released lightning of salvation from his entire body, sweeping

the entire area away.

There was nothing left in the vicinity. Everything had been incinerated by the lightning,

blown apart by the violent impact that altered the landscape, turned into an entire patch

of scorched earth. Kusanagi Godou and his sworn sister had also vanished.

If one were to ask what had remained from the battle, there was only the dull pain still

lingering on his chest.

With these depressed thoughts, the "King of the End" gazed upon the trail of destruction he had left behind.

Among what had been destroyed, this also included the spirits that had helped him

earlier—

"Your Excellency the Savior."

A voice called out. It was the bold and beautiful voice of the hero Perseus.

He arrived at the side of the "King of the End." The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and

Lancelot were here too. Returning from the far side of the sky, the Wind King also came

along.

"Should we pursue them?"

"Not necessary."

In his current state of heightened indestructibility, his power was difficult to control.

More openings than usual. The "King of the End" shook his head.

"I am slightly exhausted from fighting at full strength after so long since the last time.

Resting is necessary. You three heroes will face various inconveniences if you leave my

side, won't you? Let us withdraw for now."

"Regarding that..."

Perseus smiled with delight and glanced at the Wind King for an instant.

88 | P a g e

"There is also the option of passing the task to that gentleman over there."

Hearing this, the unidentified wind god suddenly vanished. Riding the night wind that

happened to blow past, he took his leave in front of everyone here.

Hence, the Roman hero with hair the color of the Japanese Yellow Rose nodded greatly.

"A certain Mr. Wind doesn't seem too willing to make a move without careful

consideration, just as I thought."

"I hope for your understanding. Like the rest of you, he is also a hero whose glorious

renown is unshakable. Perhaps he is worried about the risk of identity exposure if he

were to mobilize too frequently."

Hearing the "King of the End" apologize as the master, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven

commented with heartfelt emotion.

"It's truly commendable how devoted he is to obeying his lord and master's wishes. I've

got to make my lil' bros learn from him."

"Lord Monkey, I am afraid they are merely taking after you, their eldest brother, aren't

they?"

"Seeing as that's the case, I'm gonna rest for now. I'm not boasting when I say that old

Sun here is known as the number one in the celestial realm for slacking during work."

Leaving these words behind, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven disappeared.

Perseus did the same as the celestial realm's former Keeper of the Horses, leaving

elegant laughter behind. Thus, only the "King of the End" and Lancelot du Lac

remained.

"...Your Majesty, how about a brief moment of slumber?"

The female knight of white advised.

"After unleashing your authority to this extent, your body ought to be quite scorching in

temperature."

"You are right."

Nodding, the "King of the End" gazed at his own right hand.

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No different from usual, his hand consisted of a pale palm and five fingers, all shaped exquisitely. But including this hand, his entire body was giving off intense heat. An

ordinary person standing next to him would probably feel as though they were suffering

in front of a furnace.

Even if he were to jump into a river, the water would evaporate immediately, turning

into steam hanging in the air.

"Lancelot. Even before meeting you and the goddess Gwenhwyfar in the ancient past, I

have been fighting continually. I hibernate every time I finish the mission of

exterminating Devil Kings, instantly jumping into battle against new Devil Kings

immediately after awakenening. This has repeated endlessly."

The "King of the End" suddenly brought up the past.

"In the past, I always woke up with almost all my power depleted. Hence, in order to

fight, I would need to gather the essence of the earth. For this purpose, I would set off

on a long journey of wandering across the lands."

"Indeed."

Lancelot concurred.

"Unable to bear the sight of that, this knight's companion Gwenhwyfar decided to create

the Holy Grail, even using herself as the material while on the verge of death. For the

purpose of gathering the essence of mother earth goddesses beforehand so as to provide

you with power without needing to go through the hardships of wandering.

Furthermore, it had its own value too."

The deity of knights, worshiped by equestrian tribes, swept her gaze across the

incinerated plain.

"On this occasion, you faced an intense battle immediately after awakening."

"Yes. To her who created the Holy Grail... I really ought to express my gratitude."

A smiling expression surfaced on the lips of the "King of the End," one that could be

called a smile yet with a certain sense of bitterness.

Bowing mundanely towards him, the goddess Lancelot also disappeared.

"Oh man... It feels like I'm always saying this every time."

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A hour or two after the intense battle that had even gone as far as to change

Minamibousou's landscape...

Under the moonlight and winter night sky, Godou was currently located within the

premises of an old and historic temple. Having left the mountainous area that had

served as the battlefield, he was back in human settlement.

The night was silent, as though the earlier commotion had been a dream.

"I was definitely prepared for death just now. It's all thanks to you, Nee-san, I was

saved. Thank you."

"No need for thanks. After all, I too escaped death thanks to your quick wits."

The transcendent beauty in front of him under the moonlight was Luo Cuilian, of

course.

However, her pale and beauty face was more pallid than usual. Her energy and vitality

were utterly depleted. Anemia might even have arose.

...Slightly earlier, after she had delivered the strongest palm strike to the "King of the

End"...

The pale-haired hero had roared like a wild beast from the pain before proceeding to

release lightning of salvation from his entire body with extreme potency.

In order to block the attack, Luo Cuilian had summoned avatars.

Through defeating an Om pair of Buddha guardians, she had obtained the authority:

Divine Might of Vajrapani. This ability was not purely confined to the application of

monstrous strength.

It also enabled Luo Cuilian to summon two Buddha guardians as avatars, allowing them

to exert monstrous strength.

These Benevolent Kings were roughly three times the size of Godou's physique, their

muscular bodies shining with golden luster. Covered with bulging musculature all over,

the two guardians used their bodies to shield their beautiful master. At the same time,

Luo Cuilian poured her own remaining magic power wholly into their bodies, further

strengthening the avatars—

Thanks to the "shield of muscle" provided by the two golden giants to block the attack, a time delay was bought. Right in front of the hero who was releasing lightning, Luo

Cuilian avoided instant death. Activating divine speed, Kusanagi Godou picked up his

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sworn sister in his arms and ran at full speed. It was for this purpose that a time delay was needed.

Back then, Godou was still using the [Raptor] incarnation.

Hence, carrying his sworn sister in his arms, he raced across many mountains, reaching

a human settlement. Only after rushing into the ancient temple did he shut off his divine

speed.

Godou secretly sighed in relief.

The [Raptor], notoriously difficult to control, had extended in usage time and had

developed to the point where he could temporarily deactivate it in the middle of using

the incarnation. Hence, he was saved by this on this occasion...

"So those guys didn't chase after us in the end. They should have noticed we were trying

to run away."

"Perhaps they had no intention of doing so. However... I can also sense that they had no

reason to give chase. That being said, I have no definite basis for that feeling."

Like Mariya Yuri, the sworn sister also possessed the power of spirit vision.

Naturally, that type of vague feeling must not be underestimated. While Godou nodded

and said "oh I see," the almighty elder sister, lacking neither valor nor intelligence, announced sonorously:

"We shall confirm the veracity of this during the future rematch. This is also what you

intend to do, Godou, yes?"

Truly an amazing declaration. Despite retreating in defeat just earlier, she was not

shaken in the slightest. There was not a single shred of fear. Calmly and indifferently,

she was already considering the next rematch.

Switching mindsets with astounding speed.

Her Eminence Luo Hao possessed pride and self-esteem even higher than the gods of

the heavens. Seeing as that was the case, it would not be surprising even if she did not

react to defeat with shock—

Rather than indomitable spirit, her psychological structure would be more accurately

captured by the saying, "forgetting the pain as soon as the wound healed."

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This sworn sister truly lived up to her name as a Campione. A species of human with similarities with Salvatore Doni and Madame Aisha.

Just as Godou was secretly snickering to himself at this hilarious thought...

"Kusanagi Godou..."

He heard Pallas Athena's voice calling to him. Stabbed in the ground in front of him was

Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. The voice was emitted by the silver snake wrapped

around the blade.

"Perhaps thou hast noticed, one's days are numbered..."

"Yeah. I got the feeling that's the case."

A confession coming from the old enemy whose fate was intertwined with his in

mysterious and unfavorable ways.

Still coiled around the blade, the silver snake showed no signs of movement. The luster

of the scales was also becoming dull. She looked like she was about to enter hibernation.

To begin with, Pallas Athena had removed the seal of dragons and snakes with her death

as the price.

This was predicted already. Godou spoke up:

"Do you want a duel against me as a last request?"

Despite his clear intention to taunt with belligerent words, Godou spoke in an

inexplicably gentle tone of voice.

The silver snake, transformed from the Divine Ancestor, spoke with the tone of voice

belonging to a goddess enlightened and liberated from the mental shackles of life, death,

debts and grudges instead of haughtiness filled with fighting spirit:

"This is not a bad ending. Nevertheless, one still findeth it lacking. Verily, one ought to

choose the strongest warrior at hand as the final prey..."

"In other words, you want to fight that guy."

Choosing to fight the "King of the End" at this kind of critical moment, that was

definitely style befitting a goddess of war. Godou smiled.

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"Currently, the majority of the essence serving as that man's power source came from oneself—absorbed from one's time as Athena. This will undoubtedly become a critical

deciding factor."

Coiled around Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the silver snake was staring at Godou

sharply.

"However, 'tis probably impossible. One cannot last until then."

"Specifically, how much time is left?"

"Mayhap a hundred beats in thy chest, mayhap three hundred beats before one

breatheth one's last. In any case, time is scarce."

This goddess probably was not looking at a watch, so this was probably a metaphor. Her

remaining life was most likely less than ten minutes.

While Godou felt powerless, the silver snake said solemnly to him:

"Well then... Thou still owest one a favor. Kusanagi Godou."

"Favor?"

"Indeed. A past promise yet to be fulfilled. Thou mentionedst previously. When one

returneth after undergoing the cycle of rebirth, a rematch to redeem past defeat. Be that

as it may, 'twas always one who approached thee in the past—"

"Hold on, you've recovered your memories?"

This was the conversation that had taken place with [Heretic Athena] just prior to her

death.

At the same time, Godou also noticed that the silver snake had said "one's time as

Athena." In other words, there was no mistake.

With certainty in his heart, Godou returned her gaze. However, the silver snake simply

flicked its forked tongue.

Indifferent words. Without excess verbosity nor words of sorrow. However, seeing this

aloof reaction very much in the snake goddess Athena's style, Godou felt rather

unbelievable.

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Could this be the result of absorbing her into Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, allowing her to come into contact with the [Storm Bringer] that could be considered her

posthumous masterpiece?

Perhaps some sort of change had occurred in the goddess' soul while she was having

another showdown against Kusanagi Godou.

Godou suddenly laughed out loud. Who cares about this kind of thing? The reptile in

front of him was precisely his former enemy. This fact was the most important of all.

"You're right. I owe you one. So, how am I going to make it up to you?"

"Naturally, to use what is left of this feeble life to exact revenge on that man."

Athena's snake form was wrapped around Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. That long

serpentine body had been absorbed into the sacred sword.

"Thou shalt prepare the appropriate time and venue. One is counting on you, mine

enemy of destiny."

This was her demand. Athena spoke no more.

Staying dormant inside Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi like a hibernating snake, she had

probably halted all living activity, in order to use all of her remaining lifespan on the

battle against the "King of the End."

"Nothing less expected from the reincarnation of a great goddess. As a queen, the final

moments before one's end ought to be like this."

Watching them the whole time, the sworn sister offered praise in a rare moment.

Seeing as they were both lofty queens with haughty self-esteem and forceful

personalities, there apparently existed areas where they could understand each other.

"Nee-san, do you want to come with me to Tokyo? Yinghua and my friends are there.

Let's head over there to regroup first."

"I wouldn't mind. I agree that it is necessary too."

Even as someone living detached from the mundane world, holding misgivings against

civilized society, she was a Campione, never careless in matters related to battle.

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Confronted with the emergency situation of the strongest Devil King exterminator's arrival, she agreed readily to a request that she would surely reject instantly during

normal times.

Wonderful, thinking that, Godou nodded and said:

"If possible, Nee-san, could you take me to where Yinghua lives? Yeah, using that Daoist

arts thing, couldn't you teleport us?"

"......"

"I don't mind either if we fly like just now."

"......"

"Nee-san?"

"My little brother, I shall first inform you of one fact."

Introducing the topic with a solemn demeanor, Luo Cuilian stared at Godou intently.

"Defending against the lightning of the 'King of the End' earlier, I manifested a pair of

Benevolent Kings. Only by doing that did we barely manage to survive."

"Yeah, that was really a great help."

"During that time, the qi inside myself was almost completely depleted."

Qi meant magic power. Godou went "Ehh!?" in shock.

"It was necessary to go that far in order to block that hero's ultimate lightning. The

result is that I am currently unable to perform even the simplest of Daoist arts. In this

present state, we cannot head over to Yinghua's residence using Daoist arts."

The sworn sister, Luo Cuilian, admitted, looking very displeased.

As the martial artist standing at the world's tallest pinnacle, she was also an outstanding

user of Daoist arts. In addition, she possessed peerless beauty and adept in all sorts of

arts and skills. In fact, even her culinary prowess was on the level of masters.

Precisely because of that, she must be very displeased whenever she was forced to admit

that any task was beyond her.

"I get it now..."

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Godou remarked, feeling a deep chord struck within himself. In the past, Lucretia Zola had also suffered from this kind of state.

Back then, the witch of Sardinia was bedridden for many days due to fatigue. Since the

sworn elder sister still looked quite energetic, perhaps it was due to a gap in training.

Also, Godou suddenly felt worried.

In that case, wasn't the current situation quite dangerous?

"We are currently at the city of Minamibousou..."

Godou had confirmed using his cellphone's map software already. Their battle against

the "King of the End" had taken place near Minamibousou's famous mountain of Iyo.

After traversing many mountains by running from there at divine speed, they had

arrived at a settlement by the foot of the mountain.

This was a small settlement with homes scattered sparsely between hills.

Even so, walking on foot to the nearest train station was still going to take time.

However.

"Nee-san, have you ever taken a train before?"

"Are you referring to the steam locomotive of rumor? Needless to say, I can't possibly

have ridden it before."

A sudden problematic statement. In contemporary times, trains powered by the steam

engine had become obsolete a long time ago, turned into antiques. Furthermore, people

who have never experienced traveling by train would not normally use "needless to say"

to express themselves.

Riding a train car together with an indeterminate number of ordinary people—

In the past, Luo Cuilian had boldly declared the following.

'Someone of my stature obviously cannot have a direct conversation with commoners.'

'Those who lay eyes on my body must gouge out their own eyes; those who hear my

voice must cut off their ears in penance.'

Furthermore, she was someone holding the view that "the decline of human society

began with the invention of the steam engine."

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She lived secluded in a mountain forest without electricity precisely because she was an excessive adherent to the philosophy of natural living.

Inside the spacious and comfortable interior of a train on a regional rail line... The

sworn sister smashing the Uchibou Line train with a palm strike... This was very

probable. Even without the ability to use Daoist arts, she was a heroine fully capable of

demolishing a building or two with her bare hands.

However, it was already late at night. It was worth doubting whether any trains to Tokyo

were still running.

Quietly trying to review other means of transportation, Godou began to think again.

"In that case, let's take a car."

After entering this ancient temple, the first thing Godou did was call Erica to inform the

girls of his safety.

Asking them for a pickup by car probably would not be a problem. However, Godou still

inquired just to be safe.

"What about cars..."

"Of course I have ridden them before. It happened in the past with a group of leading

knights-errant of the martial realm, after a great victory in battle. Returning in triumph,

I was treated to the cheering of the populace and festivities were held for three days and

three nights to extol my martial virtues. To offer responses to the people's cheering, I

rode a ox-drawn carriage to parade in various place."

"Oh I see, there's this too."

Car = Official state vehicle used for victory parades in the town streets, and drawn by

oxen or horses as well.

Such were the preconceived notions belonging to Her Eminence Luo Hao.

What level of tolerance would she actually afford to a journey by car traversing the

mountain roads of the Bousou Peninsula, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and the Shuto

Expressway?

Godou's low expectations were definitely not borne out of mere pessimism.

Furthermore, he also realized at this point.

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Even after overcoming a million obstacles, returning to the twenty-three wards of Tokyo...

However, where could he arrange for accommodations for the sworn elder sister?

Godou tried to ponder candidate locations. The Kusanagi home in the Bunkyou ward,

Erica's luxury apartment, the Sayanomiya family mansion, the stronghold of Hong

Kong's Lu family, the shady maid building in Akihabara... No matter which place was

chosen, Godou had a feeling that the peerlessly supreme Luo Cuilian could hardly be

satisfied...

"So this is probably what they call a 'cul-de-sac'?"

While Godou was shocked at the realization of the imminent dead end situation...

He heard the sound of rotors from the distant sky, something one would not expect in a

mountain village during the night. A helicopter was approaching while shining a light

towards the ground.

"Master's glorious virtue is like the radiant sun hanging in the sky, bringing light to the

populace on the ground equally without bias."

Inside the cabin of a large helicopter belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force...

The one offering fluent praise to Luo Cuilian, the leader of the Holy Cult of the Five

Mountains as well as his own master in martial arts, was of course, Lu Yinghua.

"It would be an utterly foolish notion to expect Her Eminence Luo Hao, who ought to

live in heaven, to walk along terrestrial roads, hence according to your disciple's

judgment, this ride has been specially prepared."

"I see. That would be quite quick-witted for you, my young eagle."

"Your disciple is filled with trepidation. All credit goes to having received Master's

edification. Your disciple, Lu Yinghua, remembers Master's teachings at all times,

thereby reminding oneself strictly to strive for self-improvement each and every day—

Ouch!?"

"Excessive flattery only serves to expose unseemliness."

Despite having depleted her energy, the peerless Luo Cuilian remained impressive as

ever. A lightly exhaled breath turned into a shockwave, reaching a punch's level of force.

An absurd and superlative feat had been performed effortlessly.

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Striking her disciple in the forehead with this attack, she spoke nonchalantly:

"You are a knight-errant of the martial realm despite your young age. You must strive

towards the goal of becoming a man worthy of everyone's respect."

"M-Master's teachings are greatly appreciated..."

The helicopter was currently flying on the coastline, then crossing Tokyo Bay night sky

along Aqua-Line, they finally returned to Tokyo.

Godou secretly whispered to Amakasu who was present on the helicopter as well.

(I'm impressed you were able to bring Yinghua along.)

(Regarding the art of getting along with Her Eminence, he is unquestionably the world's

foremost expert.)

(But from what I've heard, helicopters almost never fly during the night.)

(Yes, this part was quite tough too. I had to beg an acquaintance in the JASDF for a

favor in order to borrow a helicopter equipped with night vision systems as well as an

experienced pilot familiar with mountain rescue operations. After all, trying to fly a

helicopter at night in Japan is almost impossible unless I go this far.)

The two of them were conversing while lowering their voices as much as possible.

Like her disciple, Her Eminence Luo Hao also possessed astounding powers of hearing.

If she were to listen intently, she could probably pick up this entire conversation clearly.

However, Godou did not think she would care about Amakasu's talking. It was probably

fine.

(By the way, how are you planning to arrange Nee-san's accommodations?)

(This posed a real dilemma for quite a while, but luckily, we've already arranged for that

place. Yeah, it's already in sight.)

(...Huh?)

The helicopter happened to be flying in the air above Tokyo's Sumida ward.

They were advancing towards a towering structure that stood as quite a familiar

landmark.

"No way, could it be that?"

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The height of this building was 634m indeed. In fact, this high-rise building was even closer to the heavens than the mountain range where the battle against the "King of the

End" had taken place. A broadcasting tower built recently in the twenty-first century.

Tokyo Skytree was currently waiting quietly ahead of the helicopter's advancing route.

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Chapter 4 - The Vagabond Sword God

Part 1

"Truly what a shame. In the end, I missed the show..."

Princess Alice sighed and voiced her feelings.

She was currently in the Kantou region of Japan. This was her first time visiting again

after several months since the incident with Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong.

Like last time, she was only visiting as ectoplasm.

Princess Alice was highly experienced in using the spirit power of psychic sensing.

This special power was extremely rare. Only a small fraction of miko were capable of

learning it. Through this type of spirit power, one could separate ectoplasm from the

body and send it to faraway places.

Naturally, eating was not possible in this form, thus reducing the pleasure of traveling

by half at least.

However, other pleasures were gained conversely. Like now, Alice was making flexible

use of ectoplasm's advantage, being able to move lightly through the air, to enjoy a

voyage through the sky.

While flying in the sky above the city of Minamibousou in the prefecture of Chiba, she

looked down at the relatively low-altitude mountains below.

Mountains filled her entire field of view. Only scattered home dotted the landscape

sparsely. Population density was probably low in this area.

"I want to confirm the whereabouts of the legendary hero, at least."

There were extremely few people who could personally savor the scenery from 500m in

the air.

While enjoying this privilege, Alice was greeted by the morning glow.

Several hours had passed since the battle between the revived "King of the End" and the two godslayers, Kusanagi Godou and Luo Cuilian, hence it was now morning.

Following news of Pallas Athena, Alice had entered the Philippines last night.

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As for news about the Divine Ancestor's intention to land at Japan as well as the arrival of the "King of the End," she had already received reports from the Witenagemot staff

stationed in Tokyo.

Upon learning of these major events, she hurried over to Japan but the battle had

already ended.

No helping it, she thought, at least I'll use this trip through the sky as an opportunity to

scout while I'm at it.

"I must meet Kusanagi-sama as soon as possible. I'll contact Erica as soon as the sun

rises completely. As for Her Eminence Luo Hao... No helping it, I'll just have to brace

myself and take a gamble."

Alice had never met the godslayer hailing from southern China.

The other party probably did not recognize Alice either. The level of the Witenagemot's

chairperson only reached so far in the eyes of the peerless Luo Cuilian.

I must use this opportunity to establish deeper relations—Just as Alice was thinking

that...

Suddenly, she felt a gust of terrifying, bone-chilling air. As ectoplasm that was not

supposed to feel cold in the first place, what was happening abruptly?

Her body shook and started falling towards the ground of Minamibousou.

Instead of intentionally lowering her altitude, this was because she suddenly became

unable to fly with stability.

"Power is being—sucked away...?"

Alice noticed that magic power was continually sucked out from her ectoplasm.

At this rate, let alone flying, even the state of spirit body separation would be hard to

sustain. She must return to her body as quickly as possible—Alice's own body sleeping

in the Greenwich mansion!

"An ominous... wind?"

Feeling the stimulation of spirit senses, Europe's most powerful Miko-Hime whispered.

The wind was especially strong this morning. Alice had been enjoying the feeling of

strolling through the air amidst strong gales.

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However, her consciousness was starting to grow a bit hazy. She was almost at her limit.

"I-I must return first right now. But with such an interesting—no, important—incident

happening, I absolutely cannot remain uninvolved..."

Despite being a princess of noble birth, she was also driven by a sense of morbid

curiosity.

While whispering these determined words of tragic affectation, Princess Alice started

focusing her concentration to have her ectoplasm make an emergency return to English

soil.

Part 2

The revival of the "King of the End" last night had brought a good many news stories to Japan.

First was the meteor crashing in the southern part of Bousou Peninsula. Many people

witnessed it—the trail of a mysterious flying object falling down from satellite orbit.

This had apparently caused a commotion in the Chiba, Tokyo and Kanagawa regions

surrounding Tokyo Bay.

Then immediately, the media discovered and reported about the meteor crater left

behind deep in the mountains of Minamibousou. This also brought relatively great

unease to the people of Japan.

Nevertheless, this was merely the prelude.

After the floating island crashed but before the "King of the End" awakened, a golden

aurora was shining in the night sky.

This phenomenon was not confined to the sky above Godou and the others. Its scale was

wide enough to cover the entire sky above the Kantou Plain. This included the entire

region of Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo City, Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture and

Ibaraki Prefecture as well as portions of the prefectures of Tochigi and Gunma—

Furthermore, strong winds had been blowing since early this morning.

Especially in the center of Tokyo City, one would easily get knocked over by high-rise

winds if one failed to pay attention.

"By this point, normal information control won't be possible to achieve."

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Godou sighed.

Classes were not cancelled the next day after the extraordinary phenomena. Since

morning, classmates and teachers had been distracted and unsettled. After spending a

whole day's lessons with them, it was after school for Godou.

Next to him, Liliana nodded.

"After all, the supernatural phenomena were witnessed over quite a large area."

"What transpired last night also resulted in major news outside Japan," Erica informed

them.

Since it was after school, everyone was in uniform.

Furthermore, they were traveling together to the Tokyo Skytree in the Sumida Ward, on

their way to the observation deck by taking a high-speed elevator.

"However, it's also thanks to the current situation that sealing off the Skytree hasn't

caused a commotion..."

The elevator stopped and the doors opened just as Erica finished.

Godou stepped into the observation deck with the two knights.

This floor was 350m above ground level. In place of walls, a 360-degree glass window

offered a full view of the Tokyo metropolis' skyscrapers. Godou had been here before.

But today, the observation deck was completely different.

Laid over the floor was a soft red carpet that felt as though one's heels would sink into

them. All the tables and furniture at the reception, the official souvenir shop, the cafe

and the restaurant had been either moved away or cleverly disguised to avoid attracting

attention.

Moved here as a substitute was a minimalist set of furniture including a sofa and an

exquisitely designed desk.

Elegant and relaxed, the interior decor's resembled that of a hotel lobby subscribing to a

style of subtlety. Well, only if one were to ignore the detail that their location was 350m

above ground with an expansive view.

Next to a window of special glass, five meters thick.

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The demonic cult leader Luo Cuilian was sitting in a meditation pose with Tokyo's blue sky as the backdrop.

Currently, the Skytree's observation deck as well as the galleria above had been

commandeered to use as her accommodations.

Last night, the History Compilation Committee had issued a commandeering order and

applied emergency redecoration.

'She's probably not going to obediently check into hotel suites or guest accommodations.

Even if we give up the entire National Diet Building or the Tokyo City Hall, I fear that

Her Eminence still won't be satisfied...'

Amakasu had offered these comments the previous night.

Furthermore, Luo Cuilian had frowned with boredom after being brought here, but at

least "the view from the tallest structure in Japan" seemed sufficient to placate her

pride. She did not express rejection coldly.

Currently, the Tokyo Skytree was completely sealed off, only allowing authorized

personnel to enter.

"How's your condition, Nee-san?"

"Not especially good. I have been practicing neigong throughout the entire night until morning, trying hard to recover my lost energy... But progress has been limited."

The sworn sister replied grimly to Godou's question.

She was apparently sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, similar to Zen meditation,

for the sake of practicing neigong, a set of Chinese breathing, meditation and spiritual

disciplines. In addition, a mixed-gender group of ten-odd people were standing in a line

a slight distance from Luo Cuilian, awaiting orders like palace attendants.

Some were dressed in suits while others had shirts and overalls.

They were presumably staff from the History Compilation Committee as well as

subordinates from the Lu Family of Hong Kong. All of them were standing at attention

without a single motion, so nervous that their bodies were stiff. They probably knew

that any mistake in front of Her Eminence, no matter how small, would result in harsh

punishment.

However, there were also others apart from this group.

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Seishuuin Ena, Mariya Yuri, as well as Amakasu Touma. These three could be

considered Her Eminence Luo Hao's closest acquaintances. In order to help the guest

hailing from the neighboring country "feel right at home," they had been standing by at the Skytree since early morning.

The Hime-Miko were all dressed formally, in other words, as shrine maidens.

"I'm sorry for making you two miss school because of Nee-san."

Of course, the very fact of being in Tokyo was equivalent to skipping school for Ena, but

let's skip that.

While talking to them, Godou noticed that the usually cheerful Ena was angrily glaring

at her fellow miko in rare display.

Also, Yuri's face was frighteningly pale. She looked like she was suffering.

"Are you two okay?"

"Listen to me, Your Majesty. Yuri had been hiding the fact that she is having a high

fever. She said she would be forced to rest today if she had confessed the truth."

"I-It does not count as high fever... Right now, I can still move."

Confronted with her friend's angry words, Yuri replied timidly.

She was definitely unsteady on her feet. Godou walk over to her side and reached out.

"Seriously, this fever is quite high."

"G-Godou-san!?"

Godou examined her face while touching her forehead, startling Yuri.

The girl, who could not be considered hardy in the first place, had also ruined her health

recently. As the Yamato Nadeshiko with a strong sense of responsibility, was she

overexerting herself at a time like this?

Worrying about this fact, Godou felt heat on his hand akin to that of hand warmer's.

"Sorry, Nee-san, I want Mariya to take a break. You won't mind, right?"

"She is the miko who serves you. Just do as you wish."

107 | P a g e

Even at the risk of refusal, Godou intended to insist on letting Yuri rest. However, the sworn sister nodded generously. Yuri bowed her head in embarrassment.

"U-Umm... It ought to be time for your hand to... Everyone is watching."

Only after she stammered did Godou realize. His hand had been touching the Hime-

Miko's forehead the entire time.

He frantically withdrew his hand. Although he worried whether his sudden act of

impropriety would displease Yuri, her face was red for reasons apart from the fever and

she also seemed a bit happy.

"My, how sudden the changes some people undergo, Godou. Even the act of holding my

hand used to make you so flustered."

"In the end, his female relationships have successfully progressed by making the most of

uncorrected mistakes..."

"Although it's a bit inappropriate to say this, but Ena feels a bit jealous of Yuri!"

Erica remarked with displeasure, prompting Liliana and Ena to concur.

Faced with his companions' reactions, Godou timidly led the embarrassed Yuri over to

the sofa and forced her to sit down.

"...By the way, where did Yinghua go?"

"To scout. I ordered him to 'use your legs and your eyes to find the hiding place of the

King of the End, then report to me.' Then declaring 'I shall accomplish this even at the

cost of this meager life,' my young eagle rushed out."

Godou had asked his question to change the subject. The excessively strict master

replied immediately.

Lu Yinghua was probably rushing all over the vast Bousou Peninsula right now. Or

perhaps, this honorary nephew, an expert in handling delicate situations, was off

somewhere at the moment, in search of a chance to slack off.

While Godou was imagining this scene, the sworn elder sister spoke up, completely

unaware of her disciple's hardship:

"Speaking of which, how very considerate of you."

"Me? What do you mean, Nee-san?"

108 | P a g e

"You brought her to serve me in my young eagle's place, didn't you?"

Luo Cuilian's words betrayed her firm belief that she was the center of the world.

Able to interpret everything to her own benefit. Godou followed her gaze to see that the

"her" referred to by the demonic cult leader—the blonde Italian girl, Erica Blandelli.

"I already noticed on our previous encounter, that Japan's king, Kusanagi Godou,

possesses a very thoughtful retainer. Of all the people I have met, she could be

considered outstanding talent with outstanding intelligence. Someone very qualified to

be my, Luo Hao's, attendant."

"A-Attendant?"

"Your Eminence, I am overwhelmed by your kind praise."

While Godou was greatly surprised by the unexpected appointment of duties, Erica

immediately bowed her head.

"Forgive my unworthiness, Your Eminence, but if it should please you, I am most

willing offer my services by your side."

"It is agreeable. Girl, if memory serves me correctly, your name ought to be Erica."

"I am most honored that Your Eminence could remember this name of Erica Blandelli's.

Pray forgive me for my numerous counts of impudence towards you in the past. How

truly impertinent of me."

"Extenuating circumstances. I do not mind."

Erica did not fear this self-unaware tyrant, Her Eminence Luo Hao. Rather than

extreme deference, it would be more accurate to describe her as facing off against the

cult leader with candidness and polite elegance.

...Despite her opponent being someone who might possibly scold "Insolent!" and order a

person's eyes gouged out for making eye contact.

Observing their interaction, Godou sighed "I see now."

Yinghua had reminded time again that "Master instantly gets angry if she finds our

speech lacking in manners, but if one were to treat her with maximum humility and

attentiveness, she would also fly into a rage at us for groveling too submissively... It's a

total pain."

109 | P a g e

However, mastery of intricate balance was precisely one of Erica's talents.

The way she was treating an important guest would be a textbook-perfect example of

traditional Chinese values. Most likely, Erica's intelligence must have left Godou's sworn

sister with a deep impression during their previous encounter at Nikkou.

"Lily, may I trouble you to prepare a cup of tea?"

"Y-You want me to do it?"

"Our important guest here could be considered quite powerful even among the

godslaying Devil Kings. On top of that, she is Kusanagi Godou's sworn elder sister as

well. Even if it's merely a simple cup of tea, I do hope she could enjoy flavor of the

highest quality."

"Good point..."

Erica was elegantly issuing orders like a queen of a palace.

Despite grumbling nonstop, Liliana still walked over to the full set of prepared tea ware.

As a result, the staff standing in a line on the observation deck clearly breathed a sigh of

relief. They were relieved that they no longer needed to serve the demonic cult leader

with their lives on the line.

...Naturally, there were no accommodation facilities built on this observation deck.

Accommodating the stay of a VIP here was quite inconvenient. The staff on stand by

here were trying their hardest to provide her with every convenience possible.

The only lucky thing was that Luo Cuilian was someone who made her residence in a

convent deep in the mountains to begin with.

She did not seek livability or comfort in her accommodations. In contrast, she would be

greatly concerned about "position and style worthy of her identity and stature." The

advantage of Japan's tallest structure proved to be quite effective as a means to

placating her demands.

Ten-odd minutes later...

Godou and the others began to drink black tea.

The one sitting at the place of honor in leisurely composure, alone on the sofa, was

naturally Luo Cuilian.

110 | P a g e

Seated on the sofa on the right was the sworn brother Godou with Yuri. On the left sofa was Erica, named directly by Her Eminence.

Liliana, Ena and Amakasu remained standing on the side.

This was the observation deck 350m above ground. Furthermore, winds were

particularly strong today. Let alone the floor, even the Skytree itself was creaking.

However, not a single person cared.

Something far more dangerous was floating somewhere in Japan right now.

"Actually, I heard Lucretia-san mention this before. If the true identity of the 'King of

the End' could be found, my—Verethragna's—sword can become more powerful than

normal."

Godou spoke slowly.

He also repeated the hint of "Long long ago, at a certain place—" from Lucretia Zola.

"This is the standard opening line in Japanese legends. But there are really too many

folk stories... I really wish we could figure out which legend it is."

After listening to the highly uncertain news, Amakasu was muttering to himself.

"The core legends related to heroes of steel would mainly include demonslaying tales

such as Momotarou, Kintarou, Shuten-douji... If we also consider other demons and

spirits, there are also the Fire Man hyottoko, the One-eyed Monk hitotsume-nyūdō, the Mountain Hag yama-uba, the Heavenly Dog tengu..."

Able to list out a whole series of candidates in spite of that, the special agent's breadth of

knowledge remained impressive as ever.

According to him, legends possessing the vital elements of demons, mountains, fire,

one-eyedness, one-leggedness not only originated from towns and cities but also in the

oral traditions of the iron-making populace living deep in the mountains as well as

mining populations.

"A hero of steel is the personified existence of an 'iron sword.' I'm guessing that this

legend came from some tribe holding knowledge and skills related to iron."

After listening to Amakasu, Liliana entered deep thought as well.

"The 'King of the End' who remains shrouded in mystery so far, his characteristics

include: using a bow, wandering at length. Legends along the same lineage are widely

111 | P a g e

spread east and west throughout the Eurasian continent, its source seeming more likely to be Asia rather than Europe. And considering the connection to Japanese folklore...

This is getting more and more incomprehensible."

"Then there's the oracle Yuri received."

An evil dragon in the sea. The dragon summoned wind and clouds to blot the sky and

sun. Lightning flashed to illuminate the sea. The king shot an arrow, piercing the

dragon's chest—

Ena recited this verse before throwing a glance at the ninja and master grumbler.

"Hey Amakasu-san, can you remember what book you read this passage from?"

"No, I'm very sorry. I might've been mistaken."

At this moment, a text message alert was heard. Ena's cellphone.

Seishuuin Ena normally cared little for this tool of modern convenience, frequently

leaving it uncharged.

"Oh, it's from Kamakura Shihoko. Wonderful, she'll reach Tokyo Station soon."

"You deliberately called the Hime-Miko of Sagami over too? Forgive me for being rude,

but under the current conditions, it's not like she can help much, right...?"

Amakasu commented to Ena who was checking her cellphone text. However, the Hime-

Miko of the Sword simply smiled.

"Don't worry. Shihoko is planning on using an 'anonymous' spirit power on you,

Amakasu-san."

Suddenly hearing his own name, Amakasu was so startled that he fell backwards a little.

This did not seem like a usual resction from the agent who had failed to help. Godou felt

slightly puzzled.

"What kind of power is it?"

"Shihoko is currently the only Hime-Miko capable of using it. It's a special spirit power

for manipulating and rewriting someone's memories. Apart from rewriting, it could be

used to search someone's mind, to locate past memories that the subject has forgotten—

"

112 | P a g e

"H-Hold on a sec!"

Amakasu interrupted in a panic.

"I recall that there are very few successful cases when using 'anonymous' for memory

search! And putting the mind through this and that, there's a possibility of causing

memory disorders in the subject!"

"How knowledgeable of you, Amakasu-san. However, the probability is only about one

out of twenty or thirty... It should be fine. Probably fine."

"Please don't expect me to be optimistic towards probabilistic effects!"

"But Kaoru-san already agreed."

"Come on, this is something where the search subject's wishes must be considered first.

In response to this kind of unreasonable administrative order, I can only protest by

through unexcused absences at work or by handing in my letter of resignation—"

"The Sutra of the Six Paramitas."

While the dispute was heating up, Erica suddenly uttered a few sentences quietly.

"An ancient Buddhist text... The Sutra of the Six Paramitas. This is one of the stories collected within it. When an evil dragon appeared at a certain kingdom in the past, 'the

king shot an arrow, piercing the dragon right in the chest'—There is also one theory that

the king was the noble and virtuous reincarnation of a Bodhisattva..."

Under everyone's gaze of surprise, the blonde girl spoke lightly.

As a mage hailing from a prestigious house, Erica Blandelli was a genius who had

received an elite education.

However, she was born and raised in Milan and should not have memorized oriental

Buddhist classics. Just before Erica spoke, the peerless beauty on the adjacent sofa,

whose smile was worth countless riches, had apparently motioned with a nonchalant

wave of her hand before whispering a few words to Erica.

Right now, these quiet words spoken by Erica consisted precisely of the knowledge

imparted by Her Eminence, the valorous and intelligent Luo Hao.

Part 3

Ākāśagarbha's Esoteric Doctrine Method.

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This was one of the mystic techniques practiced by Luo Cuilian. Practitioners gained complete mastery of the contents of Buddhist texts, memorizing each and every word

after a single reading.

This was a spell for obtaining superhuman memory by chanting the Ākāśagarbha's

incantation with single-minded devotion.

"A book recording a dragonslaying story identical to this passage... To my knowledge,

there is only the Sutra of the Six Paramitas. Unmistakably."

"The same technique that Grand Master Kuukai was rumored to have mastered?

Nothing less expected from Her Eminence..."

After hearing Luo Cuilian's assertion, Ena could not help but feel surprised.

Godou felt the same way. Even when not in peak condition after depleting her qi, Luo

Cuilian was still displaying many kinds of outstanding talents. All one could do was feel

awed and impressed.

Furthermore, Godou felt quite surprised about the fact that this story originated from a

Buddhist text.

"I was thinking this kind of scripture only recorded Buddhist doctrine or proverbs. I

didn't know there were legends and myths too."

"From the standpoint of cultural diffusion, Buddhism was perhaps quite a powerfully

influential tool."

Showing off vast knowledge at this time was still Amakasu again.

"Using the opening line of 'A story like this happened in the past'—myths from all over

Asia were turned into Buddha's proverbs and recorded. In fact, that's how many

Buddhist texts were written."

"There are that many?"

"Yeah. And don't forget that in the ancient world, the status of Buddhism used to be

quite different from now. Everyone would study it with extreme fervor."

Quite happily, he revealed his knowledge. As usual, another Amakasu Minute started

again.

"For example, after the Three Kingdoms period and the rule of the Jin Dynasty in China,

it became the era of the Five Ethnicities and the Sixteen Kingdoms—the rise of

114 | P a g e

kingdoms ruled by nomadic tribes. A tumultuous period of war far surpassing that described in the Records of the Three Kingdoms. Towards the end, it produced a

yearning for inner tranquility which became the prevailing tide in mindsets. Back then,

the various kings of violent military states conferred respected status on Buddhism, a

foreign religion, thus Buddhist was spread and promoted everywhere all at once."

"What about Japan?"

"In Japan's case, Buddhism arrived together with advanced technology and was seen as

advanced religious ideology and knowledge. The educated and privileged classes, taking

great pains to bring in Buddhism, did not disappear rapidly either. Those among the

Japanese who were educated in Chinese culture were also able to read and interpret

Buddhist texts from China that had been translated into Chinese."

Amakasu continued at a faster pace.

"The 'King of the End' probably originated somewhere in Asia. His myth first began as a

pan-Eurasian hero's legend, spreading east and west throughout the continent in altered

forms through the movement of trade and migration. Then proceeding from there, it

became known to educated people in various Asian nations in the form of a Buddhist

proverb, spreading even farther with minor amendments to the foundational elements

of his myth. It's possible that his story is rooted even more deeply all over Asia than we

imagine..."

Amakasu was gradually sinking into his own world. However, no one stopped him.

If the truth could not be seen instantly through spirit vision as usual, then the correct

answer would only be found through intelligence and knowledge. Furthermore,

perhaps...

Perhaps right now, Amakasu was the closest person to the answer—

"Let's organize the key points. He is the man who vanquished dragons or demon lords.

The vanquished targets could also be substituted with monster or evil ogres. There's also

the wandering part—He's a traveler. No permanent abode... Or perhaps he was in the

middle of a journey to some destination..."

While listening to his monologue, Godou suddenly noticed.

At some point in time, Luo Cuilian had started to gaze at the face of the knowledgeable

special agent who was often playing dumb.

"The goddess Circe said that he was related to the Argo's genealogy. Traveling on that

ship was a group of heroes who had set off to sea in search of a golden fleece. They were

115 | P a g e

seafaring adventurers. Heros on a sea journey. A evil dragon in the sea. Buddhist texts.

Chinese books. Spreading to Japan. Vanquishing evil demons. The island of ogres. In

other words, if that's the case..."

Then after several minutes of deep thinking...

Amakasu Touma spoke a name quietly.

It was Godou's first time hearing this name. Erica, Liliana, Yuri and Ena did not seem to

have a clue either. Perhaps it was not a particularly famous character.

However, someone nodded solemnly.

"I see, it is precisely as you say. I agree wholly."

Standing at the pinnacle of wisdom and martial might, Her Eminence Luo Hao

approved.

"It is a massive embarrassment for I, Luo Hao, should not have overlooked this hero's

name. However, you, too, definitely possess a pair of eyes with outstanding wisdom. —

Erica."

"How may I be of service, Your Eminence?"

"Bestow him with a reward in my name. His accomplishment is worthy of

commendation."

"Understood. Your will shall be done."

After replying tactfully, Erica smiled and winked at Amakasu.

"Amakasu-san, it's time for me to offer you praise of the highest level. To receive a

personal commendation from Her Eminence herself, it could very well be a once-in-a-

century feat?"

"Well, umm, I'm truly overjoyed."

Towards being praised, Amakasu reacted with a bitter face instead.

"Although Her Eminence has offered her approval, this might sound weird coming from

me, in the end, we still lack conclusive evidence. This is different from Yuri-san's spirit

visions."

"Indeed. And it is not limited to the inability to confirm the name."

116 | P a g e

This time, it was Liliana's turn to murmur with a troubled look.

"There are still many incomprehensible aspects to the 'King of the End.' The

overwhelming power of the great ritual of the covenant. The duty of exterminating all

current godslayers. These are characteristics that none of the other gods have. I think

that... Just figuring out his name isn't enough to give a clear picture of his true identity."

Perhaps this was a hint from spirit vision.

After listening to the discussion, Godou made his decision.

"In the end, the best method is still to go get confirmation."

"Your Majesty, where are you going to confirm?"

Ena asked in dumbfounded surprise, prompting Godou to answer:

"Have you forgotten? Your grampsy—Susanoo in the Netherworld—and his gang should

know the true identity of the 'King of the End.'"

"Oh, that's right. But they surely won't tell."

Speaking of interacting with a god, there was no one closer than this Hime-Miko. She

immediately asserted:

"The true name of the 'King of the End' definitely cannot be disclosed to humans. The

top secret belonging to the realm of the gods. Although grampsy seems very easygoing,

he is also a proper god. He's very strict in this area."

"Fair point. If the name could be revealed, I'm sure Athena would have said it long ago."

Godou agreed with Ena's correction, but changed the direction of the conversation.

"However, at Susanoo's place, I've actually met someone else apart from a certain god,

multiple times. I have a feeling that... this person might tell me. Of course, this is the

one point that's the most impossible to prove."

The princess in the Netherworld whom he had met several times, led by mysterious

fate—

For some unknown reason, the view of a grassy plain under the moonlit night was

surfacing in Godou's mind together with her beautiful face.

117 | P a g e

Godou had an impression that he had met the princess with eyes as clear as glass at this location and even listened to the exotic sounding music of a foreign instrument, despite

having no idea at all when exactly this scene had happened.

But right now, Godou was filled with confidence.

The Princess of Glass had offered a hint to the true identity of the "King of the End"

back then.

Currently, the hero had awakened and he was already prepared to confront this major

emergency. If he were to ask her again, perhaps—

Godou said to his companions at hand:

"I need everyone's power to reach that place. Perhaps I might need to trouble Mariya

even more, can I rely on you?"

"Y-Yes. Of course there is no problem. So long as it is within my power, I am willing to

do anything!"

Mariya Yuri had kept silent until now.

This was partially due to her staid personality in addition to her high fever. However, it

looked like she had been listening seriously to everyone's discussion. In addition, she

instantly understood Godou's invitation and stood up straight away.

Just at that moment...

"Ah..."

Yuri grew unsteady on her feet and immediately fell down again.

Part 4

Waking up, he found a yellow flower in full bloom in front of his eyes.

It was supposed to be winter at the moment, yet spring had already arrived prematurely

at this mountain in the wild. Realizing this point, the pale-haired aristocrat—the one

known as the "King of the End"—smiled.

Last night, he had fought Kusanagi Godou and his sworn elder sister, even going as far

as to use the great ritual of the covenant.

Afterwards, he had left the devastated crater and come here.

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To wait for the heat from his entire body to dissipate, he had leaned against a random tree, falling asleep while holding the Divine Sword of Salvation against his chest.

Wandering nonstop throughout his entire life, he had also spent long periods in

deserted places.

He did not mind sleeping in the wilderness like this at all. In addition, there was a lovely

sea of blooming flowers the moment he opened his eyes. This was a pleasure of nature

one could not experience when sleeping on a soft bed in an opulent palace.

In the depths of the Minamibousou mountains, being able to admire early blooming

cauliflowers in the latter part of February—

Naturally, he could not have known this type of information.

He was simply admiring this beauty of life, blooming quietly in the mountains of the

wild.

"...The heat has pretty much dissipated."

While sleeping from last night till now, the heat had almost subsided completely.

Nodding, the "King of the End" stood up and walked through the field of yellow flowers.

He was just about to get a closer look at the loveliness of wild flowers when—

"Alas."

He lamented in sorrow.

Instantly, the yellow cauliflowers withered.

A sudden heat wave had incinerated them utterly. In an instant, they were sucked dry of

life and moisture.

—There was no turning back. Shaking his head, he resumed walking.

The grassland wilted from simply his footsteps. Just the act of passing by was making

trees loose their vitality, turning into dry and withered wood.

"I must hurry..."

Currently, the "King of the End" was reaching critical point in heat and power.

119 | P a g e

Things would be bad at this rate. Just as what had happened many times in the ancient past, numerous calamities were going to bring harm to this world soon...

To be precise, his name was the "king manifesting at era's end."

The man who descended upon the end times when many godslaying Rakshasa Kings

vied for supremacy, thereby pacifying the world.

Although that was significance carried by this name, he understood very well. His

existence itself could very well be the trigger for "the end of the world."

To prevent this conclusion, there was only one solution.

Namely, by paying each of the present generation's godslayers a visit, to engage in

deathmatches repeatedly. That was all.

"Godou-san, today's weather feels much warmer, doesn't it?"

"Definitely. It's only February yet it already feels like spring."

It was the evening after Godou had met his sworn sister at the Tokyo Skytree.

Godou and his companions were visiting the Sayanomiya mansion. Instead of the usual

study, they were meeting in the guest room so as to allow Yuri to sleep comfortably after

collapsing from her fever.

Liliana and Ena were by the bedside, accompanying the sleeping Hime-Miko.

Godou and Erica were standing face to face with Sayanomiya Kaoru in the center of the

guest room, a couple steps away.

"Actually due to the Siberian cold front, considering the distribution of pressure zones,

today is supposed to be the coldest day for the Kantou region all winter."

"..."

"In spite of that, the actual weather turned out to be this warm. I have also received

reports of a persistent rise in Tokyo Bay's water temperature. On the same day, Yuri also

started having a fever."

"Well, I think Yuri simply collapsed from exhaustion."

120 | P a g e

After Kaoru, it was Erica's turn to speak.

"If only it were coincidence. But just an hour earlier, the Witenagemot at Greenwich—

Princess Alice also sent a notice."

"From Princess Alice?"

"The princess had been tracking Divine Ancestor Athena earlier, coming to Asia from

Europe. And tonight, she originally planned to visit us here... But she was forced to

abort."

Erica's expression clearly increased in worry.

"Hey Godou, you remember her secret, don't you?"

"It's that one, right? When going out, Alice-san always uses the spell of spirit body

separation."

"Yes, likewise for her expedition to Asia this time. While her physical body sleeps in the

Greenwich residence, only her ectoplasm flies out here. However, her body was

suddenly struck by high fever..."

"Like Mariya!?"

"Just as a precaution, her ectoplasm returned to the body to check out the situation for

now. However, the princess left you a message."

Erica showed her cellphone's LCD display to the surprised Godou.

A text message was displayed. The part written in Japanese was probably meant for

Godou. As expected of the Duke's daughter who was highly accomplished in linguistics.

'Fire and wind are the precursors to calamity. Please pay attention to unusual changes

in the ocean and the earth.'

"..."

This warning came from the Miko-Hime in possession of spirit vision powers. Kaoru

spoke to the surprised Godou:

"According Amakasu-san, this basically means wind gives rise to fire while fire melts

iron ore in turn. The melted iron forms a sword of steel to conquer the ocean and the

earth—The sudden warming and strong winds seem to be the byproducts from the

awakening of the 'King of the End.'"

121 | P a g e

By the bedside, Liliana and Ena were tending to the Hime-Miko, collapsed from fever, while listening intently to the discussion.

The silver-haired knight spoke slowly:

"The princess and Mariya Yuri are both miko who have inherited bloodlines of the

Divine Ancestors. They also possess atavistic spirit powers of high caliber. Their bodily

changes were also effects of this. Furthermore, Divine Ancestors are reincarnations of

mother earth goddesses. In other words, 'daughters of the land.'"

"The closer to their ancestors, the more easily affected by unusual changes in the land,

right..."

Ena commented gravely.

Godou nodded in agreement, staring at Yuri who was sleeping on the bed.

"Don't force her to get up tonight. Let her rest like this. Give Hikari a call later."

"Understood. Leave it to me. Speaking of which, Godou-san..."

Kaoru suddenly changed the subject.

"Do you still remember? An earthquake happened during the battle last night."

"Yeah. When the 'King of the End' was using his bow. It stopped very quickly."

Just by summoning the strongest weapon, it shook heaven and earth.

Although it was a bit absurd, this performance did not taint the reputation of the hero of

salvation at all.

"Almost at the same time as that earthquake last night, we confirmed a concerning

phenomenon. Perhaps it was pure coincidence, but I've already asked Amakasu-san to

investigate."

Speaking of which, Amakasu Touma was not present.

Instead of coming to the Sayanomiya mansion, he had left directly from the Skytree to

investigate the site.

"Then, what happened where?"

Just as Godou asked, Yuri moaned from bed.

122 | P a g e

Godou and Kaoru ended the conversation and looked at the Hime-Miko. Everyone did the same. Under everyone's gaze, Yuri suddenly sat up.

Panting heavily, she looked around her blankly.

"I-It was a dream just now...?"

"Did you see something? An oracle in a dream?"

By the pillow, Ena was already used to this kind of situation and asked Yuri.

Walking to Godou's side, Kaoru whispered in his ear: "Ena is asking if she received an

oracle via spirit vision in the dream."

Clearly having woken up from a nightmare, Yuri murmured softly in a weak voice.

"I-I think so. But it was a very terrifying dream..."

It seemed to be something she did not want to bring up lightly.

Yuri remained silent for a while, calming her breathing. Then she looked up with

determination and swept her gaze across everyone in the guest room before slowly

starting to speak.

"First of all, I would like everyone to watch the scene I just saw."

Crossing her arms in front of her chest in bed, the Hime-Miko closed her eyes.

Clad in a miko outfit, her entire body was giving off white light. This was proof that Yuri

had learned from Princess Alice her prided spirit power of psychic sensing.

"I will recreate from my mind the scene I saw in the dream."

The white light of psychic sensing gradually occupied the entire guest room.

In the next instant, the scenery in the room changed. Spontaneously, Godou and the rest

found themselves looking down from high in the sky at the magnificent appearance of

Japan's prided national symbol, the sacred Mount Fuji.

However, this number one famous mountain of Japan—known visually to every

Japanese person—erupted.

The sacred peak of Mount Fuji was spewing flames, smoke, lava and volcanic pellets

from its volcano mouth, scattering them all over the ground.

123 | P a g e

The flowing lava was scorching the mountain's surface, turning into great scorching rivers flowing towards the foot of the mountain.

—At this moment, the scenery changed before their eyes.

Unlike the distinctive Mount Fuji, the location of this mountain range was impossible

tell from sight alone.

This also seemed to be a volcanic zone with pillars of fire spewing from various peaks.

The entire mountain range was erupting.

—The scenery changed again.

This time, it was an island. The volcano in the island's center was giving off smoke and

lava.

—Then a skyscraper overlooking Tokyo from above. The surroundings were similar to

the view they had admired from the Skytree's observation deck during the daytime. But

in stark contrast, the volcanic ash fallen from the sky had turned the area all grim and

dark. Tokyo was covered in black volcanic ash piled high everywhere.

—The scenery kept changing.

A street scorched by the lava flowing from the lowlands. A town obliterated by fiery

fragments. Baptism by fire from volcanic pellets falling on the land like raindrops of a

heavy downpour. A sky dominated by black and gray.

—The final view overlooked all the islands of Japan from a great height.

The sky above the Kantou region was thoroughly covered by dark clouds, making it

impossible to see the ground situation clearly. This cloud layer was most likely formed

from volcanic ash.

Furthermore, this mass of dark clouds was eventually spread over all the islands.

Then the entirety of East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe were covered

in black—

"..."

While everyone was left speechless, the scenery finally returned to that of the

Sayanomiya mansion's guest room.

Just as Yuri said, what she saw in her nightmare was extremely terrifying.

124 | P a g e

"Speaking of which..."

Liliana was the first to start a conversation amidst troubled thoughts.

"Heroes of steel are sons of volcanoes. The hero Perseus had descended on Mount

Vesuvius at Naples, whereas the Great Sage Equaling Heaven also held his magical

ritual at Mount Nantai. If the 'King of the End' were to increase the spiritual energies of

fire and wind, causing the ocean and the earth to heat up... It is foreseeable that the

volcanic zone will be affected."

"Godou-san."

Kaoru spoke up as well, clearly without her usual carefree airs.

"The 'concerning phenomenon' I mentioned earlier is actually related to volcanoes as

well. A number of volcanoes at the Izu Islands are confirmed to be smoking. Volcanic

activity in that region is frequent to begin with, hence it was thought to be pure

coincidence in the beginning."

Kaoru had also mentioned that Amakasu had been dispatched to investigate as a

precaution.

"In any case, investigators will first be sent to the volcanic zones near Kantou. The Izu

Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, Hakone and Mount Fuji... But the mountain systems in

Nagano, Yamanashi, Gunma, Tochiki, Fukushima are essentially linked with

volcanoes..."

After witnessing the ominous vision of the future, Godou sighed. The commotion related

to the "King of the End" was evidently heading towards "a world crisis like every time."

"However, the enemy this time is incomparably stronger than all previous others."

No matter what, the decisive battle against the Devil King-exterminating hero was

gradually approaching.

Godou nodded at this companions. In any case, he had to make a trip to the

Netherworld first. Proper preparations must be made for this now.

Then a few hours passed.

Kusanagi Godou was stepping into the domain of the Netherworld again after a long

absence.

125 | P a g e

This was a mysterious domain providing a view of unbelievable scenery every time. Like last time, Liliana had opened a portal using witchcraft. Godou passed through the portal

and again, he saw scenery that could not possibly exist in the surface world.

He was currently in the center of a sea.

However, the water was red. It was although a red tide outbreak had occurred in this

entire region of the sea.

The only thing that could be called land was the small island where Godou was standing.

Expressed through sensibilities of the mundane world, its area was the size of a

convenience store.

Looking into the distance over the sea, some kind of viscous fluid could be seen floating

occasionally among the waves.

One of the two accompanying him, Seishuuin Ena, spoke quietly.

"It feels like the primordial sea that gave birth to the islands of Japan and the Leech

Child."

"I remember it was the myth where Izanagi and Izanami stirred the ocean to create the

islands, right?"

Recalling vague memories, Godou replied.

However, these whereabouts were not important. All he needed to do was to imagine

the destination in the Netherworld clearly and they would be able to teleport there

instantly.

Nevertheless, Godou lacked talent in this critical aspect of imagination.

Hence, apart from Ena who was used to the Netherworld, another expert was

accompanying him.

"Mariya, how do you feel?"

"Do not worry. It does not feel that unpleasant—No."

In the Netherworld, the strength of the mind and the ectoplasm was more important

than that of the physical body.

As that was the case, Yuri with her powers of spirit vision and psychic sensing was

actually the most dependable here. Hence, Godou still hoped that someone like her

126 | P a g e

could accompany him, in spite of the fact that she had her eyes closed due to high fever and illness.

One additional reason was that Yuri herself wished the most to accompany him in the

face of an unprecedented crisis.

"It would be better to say that I feel more at ease after arriving in the Netherworld.

Please do not worry."

Indeed, her face had improved in color.

She did not seem like she was overexerting herself. Indeed, this was a world where

burdens to the mind and ectoplasm were more important than the physical body's.

Physical illness was easily compensated for by strength in spirit powers.

As a side note, both Hime-Miko were dressed in miko outfits.

On this expedition to the Netherworld, they had also put on upper garments similar to

the haori known as the chihaya. It was like wearing an additional article of clothing

when going outdoors in winter.

Since Yuri was fine, Godou suggested:

"Then let's set off. Try finding Susanoo first."

"Then Ena and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi will lead the way... But can Ena ask a

question first?"

Godou was taken aback by the sudden question.

Uncharacteristically, Ena was timidly stealing glances at Godou's face. This behavior

was totally unlike that of the cheerful and lively Hime-Miko of the Sword—No wait.

On the subject of "male-female relationships" that was not her forte, she would act

especially meek and cautious.

"The person who will tell you the true identity of the 'King of the End'... It's a woman

after all, right?"

"!?"

"Ah, just as suspected."

"I-I didn't say anything!"

127 | P a g e

"Even if nothing was said, it was written on your face. Looks like Ena was right."

Ena answered a little sadly in a small voice and secretly sighed.

"As expected of His Majesty. Despite being together with a number of girls, he still

manages to get familiar with someone whom neither Ena nor the others know..."

Leaving behind Godou who was faltering from the sudden questioning, the other Hime-

Miko also sighed.

Naturally, this was Yuri who had been suffering from high fever until just now.

"It is just as you say, Ena-san. In fact, I have suspected in my heart as well, whether the

one we are about to meet would be a woman or not."

"C-Could you two stop talking about this like it were problematic behavior!?"

While Godou was feeling inexplicably distraught, he heard the sound of a zither.

A leisurely melody. The performer was not nearby. This tone color sounded like it was

transmitted from across the vast sea.

The instant Godou heard this music, he remembered everything.

A night with a waxing crescent moon. Back then, the Princess of Glass had played the

same tune.

"Mariya! Can you fly us to where the music is coming from?"

"Yes, very well!"

Sensing Godou's serious attitude, Yuri instantly shelved the subject from just now and

closed her eyes to concentrate.

A moment later, the two Hime-Miko and Godou found themselves on a plain

somewhere.

It was night. Apart from the crescent moon, there was nothing else of note. Silver grass

was growing everywhere, reaching human height.

A woman's enchanting singing voice could be heard in the distance together with a

zither's notes.

128 | P a g e

In yonder days, there was an evil dragon in the sea. The king immediately drew his bow

and shot an arrow, wounding the dragon right in the chest—

Godou and company nodded at one another, walking towards the singing voice.

After walking twenty or thirty meters, pushing through the grass, they reached a

clearing. A beautiful woman dressed in Juunihitoe was sitting there with her back

against a tree trunk lying horizontally on the ground.

Beautiful long hair the color of flax. Clear eyes the color of glass.

On her lap was an ancient trapezoidal zither. Both the instrument and the performer

were clearly not from Japan.

"Rakshasa King, you have finally arrived here by your own will. Also, the Japanese miko

who have inherited my blood."

Godou inquired the smiling Princess of Glass:

"Now that you mention it, then the reason why we are here—"

"I already have a basic idea."

As expected of the princess living in the alternate dimension resembling the great

spiritual realm.

That made things easy to explain. Godou spoke the name that Amakasu had told the

group.

"My friend guesed that this might be the true name of the 'King of the End.' But what is

it actually?"

"..."

The Princess of Glass put her zither away and stood up lightly.

She was clad in an ornate and heavy Juunihitoe kimono. However, the graceful Princess

of Glass walked over to Godou as though her clothing was weightless.

This too was probably part of the Netherworld's mysteries, where mental strength

transcended physical laws.

129 | P a g e

Currently, the beautiful Princess of Glass had walked over to in front of Godou.

"Kusanagi-sama. Will you make a promise with me as the price for the answer?"

"Promise?"

"Indeed. Even after learning of the crown prince's true identity and destiny, you must

still engage His Highness in a battle of life and death, and destroy him. You must avenge

our ancestors, the goddesses."

Just as Godou was feeling surprised by this radical request, the Princess of Glass drew

close to Godou's face unexpectedly, kiss him on the lips.

"Your Majesty!?" "Godou-san!?"

Watching this scene silently until now, Ena and Yuri were shocked as well.

Naturally, this was kiss performed to apply a spell to a Devil King Campione. Godou's

consciousness rapidly left him...

Part 5

How many godslayers had been born in the world in the past?

Godou did not know the answer. There were times when none appeared for two or three

centuries while five or six of them could suddenly be born in the same period.

And right now, in the time period the Princess of Glass was showing him through the

[Spell of Visions]—

This was also a "terrible era" when many godslayers were strutting across the earth.

Currently, the life of one of these godslayers was playing in Godou's consciousness like a

dream or a historical film.

He was the godslayer who had defeated "the demonic deity with ten lives" and usurped

his opponent's authority.

His trusty sword and armor were made of bronze instead of iron. Evidently a man of the

ancient world. The time he lived in was even earlier than Uldin's.

Like other godslayers, "the godslayer with ten lives" was also a powerful king.

130 | P a g e

Apart from fighting Heretic Gods, he also conquered a number of cities and countries, a man in power, lording over many countries as a great king.

The residents of all the neighboring countries feared him, calling him the "Devil King

who could slaughter even the gods."

However, he had a mortal enemy as well. A hero who had appeared in an opposing

country. The rumored holder of the "destiny of exterminating all Devil Kings in the

world." When the hero descended upon the earth, the populace not only worshiped him

as a war god but also made him their great general.

This hero was troublesome as an enemy, but quite a worthy challenge.

Not only did he possess enough valor to threaten the "godslayer with ten lives," but he also resurrected no matter how many times he was defeated, rising to challenge the

Devil King again each time.

Were this godslayer not in possession of the "ten lives" authority that made him

approach immortality, surely he would have died in battle.

In any case, the situation was a stalemate even though the Devil King held the overall

advantage. Hence, the human priests supporting the hero's side held a ritual.

This was the ritual for summoning a "goddess of the land" to serve the Devil King-

exterminating hero.

"Although I bear no grudge against her, I can't ignore the one she serves. To prevent

loose ends, I'd better kill her."

After hearing about the goddess-summoning ritual, the Devil King intruded into the

ritual grounds.

However, it was all over already. The beautiful goddess had descended successfully. The

priests who had carried out the ritual all cheered and rejoiced.

True to his title of Devil King, he first slaughtered every one of the priests.

Then he raised his sword against the goddess who had manifested on earth and was

supposed to assist the hero.

"O Rakshasa, it cannot be helped if you desire to kill me. Please do with my life as it may

please you."

131 | P a g e

The goddess answered quite candidly.

"What?"

"Just as you can see, I will not strike back."

She had long flaxen-colored hair and eyes the color of glass. Despite manifesting as such

a beautiful maiden, she remained motionless with her head bowed down, exposing her

delicate neck to the Devil King.

Never expecting her to be so submissive, the Devil King felt his mood getting ruined. At

this time, the goddess with eyes of glass spoke calmly:

"Frankly speaking, I was summoned only to sacrifice my life to His Highness—the

crown prince. Even if you refrain from the deed, someone else will most likely kill me."

His Highness, the crown prince. She was referring to the Devil King-exterminating hero.

The people serving that man had addressed him that many times.

"How incomprehensible. If you're going to summon a goddess, at least order her around

as a retainer. What good will killing you do? I really don't get it at all."

"Raising the crown prince's divine power requires the essence of the earth... In other

words, an earth goddess' life."

Still with her head bowed, the goddess smiled, further enhancing the beauty of her face.

She was smiling to hide and suppress her sorrow. That was the kind of smile it was.

"Because His Highness is the enemy of goddesses—of women. More than anyone else,

he embodies this characteristic of sword gods, that of 'the man who conquers the earth,'

a great hero."

"Hmm."

He fell into deep thought. It was necessary to confirm the veracity of her claim first.

But if it really were true, killing her would be the same as personally giving the hero

assistance. He wanted to avoid this. More importantly—even if the goddess was lying—

this was the most interesting plea for mercy he had ever heard.

"Very well. Then you shall come with me. As my captive, your life will be in my hands. If

necessary, I will protect you from their blades."

132 | P a g e

"Ah."

The goddess with the eyes of glass chuckled as though she had heard something

amusing.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. The Rakshasa with ten lives capturing a goddess of the land, then facing off

against the crown prince... It's like we have returned to the age of the myths."

Then several years passed—

The hero led his army, laying siege to the castle where the Devil King with ten lives

made his residence.

The hero and the Devil King's armies clashed violently. During the chaotic battle, the

one-on-one showdown between generals also started.

The godslaying Devil King and the Devil King-exterminating hero each drew their sword

for a decisive duel.

Using the weapon known as the Divine Sword of Salvation, the hero controlled

countless bolts of lightning. Locked in a duel with this formidable enemy, the powerful

Devil King must also pour his entire power into the battle to resist him.

Hence, he did not have any strength to spare for defense. He failed to defend the Devil

King's castle from an arrow.

Amidst the chaotic battle, the younger brother who served the hero had bided his time

to shoot this arrow. As the hero's subordinate god, the younger brother was identical to

the hero in appearance except with brown skin.

Shot by the arrow, the Devil King's castle exploded like a volcanic eruption.

All the soldiers and retainers, as well as the goddess with eyes of glass who lived in a

corner in the castle, everyone was incinerated to nothing in the exploding flames, dying

in futility.

"What!?"

Compared to the Devil King, the hero turned out to be more shocked.

133 | P a g e

The younger brother had probably acted on his own without consent. To ensure the goddess' death, he had even used an arrow of massive firepower. Furthermore, he

achieved his goal successfully.

Together with the goddess with eyes of glass, the Devil King's castle was utterly

annihilated. In the next instant, there was a bright flash of lightning.

This was life essence from the deceased mother earth goddess in the area. The essence

was automatically drawn to the hero's body, raising his power as the "king manifesting

at era's end" to a critical state.

At this moment, the Devil King swung his trenchant blade.

At critical state, the "King of the End" did not evade. The sword chopped down

mercilessly.

However, what bled out from the wound was not blood but extremely powerful

lightning.

The lightning of salvation. Causing Kusanagi Godou great hardship during battles in the

future, this platinum-colored light exploded, sweeping everything away within a radius

of ten-odd kilometers—

"Alas."

The "King of the End" concentrated all his regrets into this brief sigh and lamentation.

His divine power had destroyed everything. Whether the Devil King's castle or army, or

even the army he was leading as the hero.

He had not hoped for this atrocious violence.

However, this tragedy was undoubtedly caused by him, the hero.

Due to the powerful explosions of lightning, all life had been erased in the surroundings

of the Devil King's castle, turning into a barren wasteland.

The hero—the "King of the End" simply stood in shock in the middle of the wasteland.

He was clearly exhausted and troubled by the sins he had committed, tired of the

destiny forcing him to do such things, thus losing color and brightness in his handsome

and proper face.

134 | P a g e

"How boring."

The only survivor, the Devil King, arrogantly struck up conversation with the hero.

The hero looked back abruptly. While feeling surprised, he nodded in acceptance of this

fact in the depths of his heart.

"Nothing less expected from you... Of all the godslayers I have known, you are the

larger-than-life character who is closest to immortality. It is unbelievable that you

survived the lightning I released after the great ritual of the covenant had raised me to

the highest level."

"But it wasn't easy either."

The godslayer with ten lives was extremely resilient in vitality. Thus the Devil King

narrowly survived.

Looking at the Devil King, the hero laughed coldly. This laugh expressed how surprised

but impressed he was towards the absurd toughness of the human before him.

"I was thinking that the goddess—who used to be my wife—would be safe under your

protection... How disappointing."

"Don't go starting wars near people whose death will cause a ton of trouble. It's such a

pain for me too."

While the hero sighed, the Devil King simply responded indifferently.

"You piss me off quite a bit. Although I don't bear any particular grudge against you as a

man, I do have many complaints for the 'destiny' that gave birth to your kind of

existence. Like 'A hero who devours the lives of women should just drop dead!'"

"...Should I express deep agreement?"

"The same goes for you. If you find destiny to be a hassle, just abandon it and be free,

okay? There's no need to keep shouldering it like an obedient slave. It's such a sad

sight."

"I suppose one could say that after all."

Confronted with the Devil King who was venting on his own, the "King of the End"

smiled, feeling impressed.

135 | P a g e

"Destiny, fate, bloodline, divine protection, duty, faith, the limits of the human body, helplessness, a power gap meant to be impossible to overcome... You godslayers always

seem to break past all obstacles effortlessly, blocking my path, even defeating me a

number of times."

Smiling, the "King of the End" offered praise to Devil Kings before reaching for the

Divine Sword of Salvation.

He readied the sword in an upper stance towards the godslayer with ten lives.

"So, whenever I am fighting your kind, I always offer the deepest of respect."

"Respect from the enemy only makes me feel uncomfortable. It's about time to start."

Leaving this remark behind nonchalantly, the Devil King transformed.

His authorities were not limited just the one with ten lives. Shapeshifting into a giant

evil dragon with wings was also one of his authorities.

Then the "King of the End" summoned his ride from the Divine Sword of Salvation.

This was an aerial chariot pulled by a pair of flying steeds. Riding his chariot, he began

an aerial duel against the Devil King who had turned into an evil dragon.

Having absorbed a mother earth goddess' life, the "King of the End" was at critical

state—

Purely in terms of combat ability, magic power, divine power and number of weapons,

he actually surpassed the Devil King by far. Based on the gap in specs, there was no way

to call this a duel in the first place.

In spite of that, they still began an intense battle to the death.

The ability to put in their full effort to find chances of victory no matter how powerful

the enemy...

This was common to all godslayers—Rather, their survival instincts would produce

maximum effect at times like these. Furthermore, due to a certain factor, the Devil King

enjoyed an unexpected advantage.

The Devil King and hero fought in the air, in the sea then finally began another battle on

land again.

136 | P a g e

However, they were still unable to reach a conclusion. Flying into the sky again, they finally broke past the atmosphere, continuing their battle in space.

"Uwoooh!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

Finally, the two of them crashed to the ground.

Both of them were severely injured, unable to fly again.

They had fallen onto a small island in the South Seas. Here was a flourishing jungle with

a beach of beautiful white sand. Here, the Devil King with ten lives finally exhausted his

powers and perished.

Having depleted his entire life force while in the shape of an evil dragon, he was lying on

the beach.

A moment later, the gigantic body turned into white bones, turning into a wordless

corpse.

Meanwhile, the "King of the End" also lost his life. After dying, he returned to the divine blade's form. The platinum blade's cutting edge was almost completely curled and was

even bent as well.

The divine sword lay pitifully on the beach.

Swallowed by the waves breaking against the beach, the sword was swept into the ocean.

But two years later, the Divine Sword of Salvation revived again as the "King of the

End." Eradicating all the other godslayers in the era who still remained after the "Devil King with ten lives," this was the mission entrusted to the pale-haired hero.

Part 6

A great battle between the hero and the Devil King had taken place in the past.

Godou was watching a vision of the battle as though he were in a realm of dreams.

When the two combatants ended their match in the form of a double knockout, Godou

suddenly woke up to a start.

"This place seems to be..."

Looking at the surrounding scenery, he was greatly surprised.

137 | P a g e

In the beginning before seeing the vision, he was in a moonlit wilderness. However, his current location seemed to be a beach on a small island. After walking forward a few

steps, he entered a primitive jungle with flourishing trees.

This was where the ancient Campione and the "King of the End" had met their mutual

defeat.

Furthermore, the Princess of Glass was standing ahead of him. In addition, the two

Hime-Miko who had accompanied Godou from the mundane world—Yuri and Ena—

were both watching Godou with worried looks.

After nodding to his two companions, Godou faced the Princess of Glass again.

"You... are the Divine Ancestor reincarnated from the goddess who was killed back then.

Is that right?"

"Indeed. My life was forfeited and taken away as nourishment for the crown prince."

The beautiful princess with flaxen-colored hair and eyes of glass spoke quietly.

"After being reborn as a Divine Ancestor, I went through a journey of wandering and

came to Japan. Leaving behind the bloodline where the ancestors of those miko arose...

Finally, I grew tired of life in the mundane world and chose to live secluded in the

Netherworld."

The Princess of Glass was actually the distant progenitor of the Hime-Miko.

Since Godou had expected this already, he simply nodded lightly in acknowledgement.

In fact, whenever Yuri showed signs of atavism, her hair would often turn flaxen in

color.

"Originally, Divine Ancestors would not possess the memories from their time as

goddesses. But after coming to the Netherworld and opening the sealed gate to the past,

I remembered what had happened in my previous life."

"I see."

Pallas Athena had also recovered her memories as Athena.

The same phenomenon had occurred to the Princess of Glass too. As Godou nodded, the

princess asked him:

"Then Kusanagi-sama, what are your plans regarding the prior promise?"

138 | P a g e

"You mean destroying the 'King of the End'? That promise—of course I can't do it."

Godou answered simply.

"That guy is stronger than me far too much. Given an opponent like that, I can't

guarantee victory for certain. Also, I'm a pacifist as well."

"..."

"Those gods are extremely powerful. As the battle intensifies, things could end quite

tragically. I don't think deciding to 'kill' or 'destroy' from the start will work."

"In that case, are you saying you do not need to know the crown prince's true name?"

"Well about that, you still intend to help me out no matter how I answer, right?

Otherwise, you wouldn't have told me so much."

Godou deliberately spoke in an assertive tone of voice.

Somehow, he had a feeling about an idea he wanted to try out. Then a smile surfaced on

the exquisitely shaped lips of the Princess of Glass, who proceeded to nod.

"Even when confronted with the crown prince's power and the pain from fighting His

Highness, you have not wavered from your own conviction at all. Truly remarkable. If I

may be frank—"

At this point, the princess smiled mischievously.

She often displayed facial expressions and mannerisms very similar to a living woman's.

"I have said this to the Old One, Susanoo, and the high priest many times in the past.

That Kusanagi-sama is rather similar to the godslayer who caused the crown prince the

most grief—His Highness with the ten lives. Consequently, when an emergency arrives,

destiny ought to be entrusted to Kusanagi-sama."

"Huh? Why can't I see any similarity between myself and that guy at all?"

Having watched the ancient Campione's life through the vision just now, Godou

immediately rejected the idea.

"No. In terms of being considerate to women, offering compassion to the goddess

despite being enemies, hence shouldering unnecessary hardship, you two are quite

similar."

139 | P a g e

"Haah."

The princess had tactfully dismissed Godou's protest. She continued:

"However, that type of consideration also brings many rewards. Kusanagi-sama, it is

precisely the reason why I concluded you have the capacity to cause the crown prince

pain... So please confirm carefully for yourself the true name of the 'King of the End.'"

Sudden praise. Godou went "eh?" and stared at the princess' beautiful face again.

"This domain is sealed inside the main hall of Plutarch's Residence, where the records of

the 'King of the End' are kept safe. Now that you are here, you should be able to see His

Highness' true name and origins."

A beach in the ancient past was where the hero and the Devil King had reached mutual

destruction.

The current location was a Netherworld domain constructed to be identical to that

place. The riddle's answer sought by Divine Ancestor Guinevere, Alexandre Gascoigne

and others was sleeping here—

Without knowing it, Godou's side had been guided to this treasure of an island.

While Godou was feeling surprised, and Yuri and Ena were bowing their heads politely,

the Princess of Glass suddenly disappeared along with her glamorous Juunihitoe-clad

figure, departing from the scene.

"Plutarch's Residence where the Akashic Memories, the source of all spirit visions, are

kept... This place does feel similar to that sanctuary last time."

Yuri was speaking softly in a pious tone of voice like a shrine maiden kneeling before a

deity.

Placing a hand against her lovely bosom bulging under the miko outfit, she closed her

eyes and concentrated. Next, stone tablets emerged from various places in the beach of

white sand where the three of them were situated.

These square slabs of stone were roughly forty or fifty centimeters in length.

Long passages had been written on the surface of the stone tablets in ancient Latin

characters.

Emerging from the sand like germinating plants, the number of stone tablets most likely

exceeded five hundred.

140 | P a g e

"Do all of these stone tablets contain information about the 'King of the End'...?"

"Indeed. Once you acquire the knowledge here, the Sword's spell words can surely be

forged..."

The weapon for slicing apart the hero full of mysteries.

The opportunity to obtain this weapon had finally arrived at Kusanagi Godou's side.

However, it was not possible to decipher and memorize all of these documents that had

been written in an unknown language.

The only way to do it was to rely on Mariya Yuri's spirit vision and spells to impart the

knowledge—

Just as Godou intended to walk over to Yuri who was fidgeting from shyness...

"A-Are we starting, Your Majesty?"

Ena asked.

"Basically, umm. Ena also finds it quite indecent to make such a request, but..."

"What's the matter, Seishuuin?"

Ena was stammering, showing hesitation unlike her usually personality as a free-

spirited child of nature.

Finding her acting strange, Godou inquired.

"Ena also... wants to carry out the ritual together. The ritual to pass all kinds of

knowledge to Your Majesty—"

"!?"

"E-Ena-san, what are you talking about!?"

In other words, the three of them doing it together—naturally, Godou was not the only

one feeling surprised but Yuri was greatly stunned as well. However, the Hime-Miko of

the Sword still continued shyly.

"S-Sorry. Ena will be left out at this rate, only to watch from afar... This makes Ena very

sad..."

141 | P a g e

Indeed, the ability to extract Akashic Memories was limited only to outstanding users of spirit vision.

Naturally, this arena would be dominated by Yuri alone. However, that would mean

excluding Ena, leaving her all alone.

If possible, Godou still wanted to treat his companions equally, these companions who

had supported him through thick and thin—

Godou believed that sincerely. Precisely because of that, before using common sense to

reject this highly problematic proposal after contemplating various considerations, he

felt his heart waver somewhat.

(I see, Seishuuin also—)

Naturally, he glanced at the other Hime-Miko.

Yuri was acting flustered from her childhood friend's request, unsure how to answer.

"N-No matter what, to make the outrageous proposal of three people engaging in this

kind of behavior, that would be far too shameless. W-We ought to show more restraint—

"

Face completely red, she protested. However, Yuri stopped mid-sentence.

She must have recalled how "this kind of behavior" had already taken place many times

already. Also blushing intensely from embarrassment, Ena then brought up that.

"Y-Yeah. Ena had a feeling Yuri would say this. B-But at Nikkou and Gaul, we already

did that kind of thing many times already. This time as well—Ena wants to proceed as in

the past..."

"Th-That really should not be how the issue can be settled."

"You're right... Ena is truly sorry for saying such willful words. Ena did not mean to

trouble you, Yuri, but Ena wanted to make a request no matter what..."

The normally lively and cheerful Ena was hanging her head sadly. She must have

realized she had said something very willful.

"E-Ena-san."

Yuri quietly and sorrowfully called out the name of the Hime-Miko who had backed

down with forthrightness.

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She was wavering inside, unsure whether to obey her sense of shame and common sense or to prioritize her dear friend's feelings. Furthermore, if their places had been

swapped... Perhaps she might be thinking about the same matter too.

Godou reached out and embraced the distraught Hime-Miko in his arms.

"Mariya, I've got the same request for you."

"Godou-san!?"

Hugging the hesitant Yuri tightly, Godou continued at the same time:

"I feel really bad about pushing troublesome tasks on you al the time, but I'm very sorry,

it looks like I'll have to continue being a good-for-nothing who does nothing but stupid

things."

"Indeed you are right. Godou-san and Ena-san are always saying unreasonable things."

Yuri's body was only stiff in the very beginning.

Immediately, she relaxed in Godou's arms and entrusted her weight to him. Very likely,

she had been searching for an excuse to relent as well.

Due to Godou's 180cm stature, the two of them had quite a large difference in height.

Stooping lower, Godou brought his face near Yuri's lips and said:

"If you dislike it, just shove me away immediately."

"I shall not... do that. Although I honestly feel that you are someone who always makes

things difficult for others, I am the one who promised to spend my life with you...

However."

Simply by conversing in whispers, they could feel each other's breathing.

This intimate sense of distance was only possible precisely because the two of them had

promised their minds and bodies to each other.

"I shall have to make you spoil me next time, understood?"

"Of course you can."

Inspired with a sense of tender affection by Yuri's rare request to be spoiled, Godou

began to kiss her.

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Yuri received Godou's lips in ecstasy. After a while, she opened her lips and called out to the childhood friend who had been watching them with an uneasy expression.

"Ena-san too... Come here."

"Certainly!"

Yuri's invitation was this brief probably due to embarrassment. However, Ena rushed

over to their side with vigor as though she were flying.

"Now it is time to start gathering the knowledge about the 'King of the End.'"

With Yuri's announcement, the surroundings suddenly changed. The hundreds of stone

tablets embedded in the sand started to float into the air one after another.

In response to that, Yuri's eyes shone with glass-colored radiance.

"The king manifesting at era's end... The heavenly child sent to the earth to exterminate

the sinful Devil Kings, the sleeping tiger lurking in the human realm, the bow-using

hero shouldering the fate of wandering—His Highness' name is hereby received without

a doubt."

Declaring softly, the Hime-Miko reached towards her friend.

"Please also accept the wisdom I have obtained, Ena-san."

"Yes!"

The two girls clasped their hands together tightly. At the same time, Ena's eyes also

shone with glass-colored radiance.

Yuri was using the spirit power of psychic sensing to share the knowledge regarding the

"King of the End."

Then the ritual of instruction finally began.

"Godou-san. The goddess Circe had mentioned on her dying breath. The 'King of the

End' is an existence linked to the genealogy of what is known as the Argo in Greek

mythology."

"Traveling on this ship were dozens of heroes with Heracles first and foremost."

Ena continued quietly immediately after Yuri.

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Welcoming the two girls to his bosom, Godou sat cross-legged on the white beach.

Hence, the two Hime-Miko followed, sitting down respectively on Godou's left and right

sides. At the same, they leaned themselves tightly against him as well.

The warmth and suppleness of the two maidens' bodies were being transmitted through

the chihaya and the miko outfits.

Smooch... Godou lightly kissed Ena who was on his right.

"A certain member of the passengers was the 'King of the End'—That was not what she

meant. The most crucial fact here, is what kind of ship the Argo was..."

At first, it was just a light touch on the lips.

But by the second kiss, Ena was already pushing her lips tightly against him, then

timidly, she inserted her tongue which Godou received in turn with his own tongue.

Between the pair's lips that were intimately pressed together, the two tongues tangled

with each other.

After enjoying this intimate contact, Ena released his lips and it was Yuri's turn to kiss

him.

"Setting out from a Greek port, the Argo sailed for the Black Sea, reaching the coastal

kingdom of Colchis. What the band of heroes sought was the kingdom's golden fleece,

their national treasure—Using guile in addition to valor, the heroes finally succeeded in

stealing the fleece..."

"Then boarding the Argo, the heroes escaped from the kingdom of Colchis."

"Namely, attacking another country after a sea voyage, plundering treasure to return to

their homeland in triumph—the adventure of the Argo was a myth originating from a

story of invasion and piracy across the sea."

"The important element here is that of the 'invaders who traversed the sea.'"

"Have you noticed it? Actually, this legend follows the same structure as the tale of

Momotarou circulating in Japan."

"In the ancient past, Momotarou sailed out to Onigashima to vanquish the evil ogres

living on the island, finally returning to his hometown with plundered treasure, yes?

Ultimately, this was also a story of invading pirates..."

145 | P a g e

While weaving spell words as usual, Yuri continued to work her tongue carefully and nimbly.

Pouring in thoughts and loving feelings that were more delicate than bold, she allowed

her lips and tongue to moisten inside his mouth and licked attentively. Ever since his

kiss with her back in June last year, Yuri's heart had gradually and spontaneously filled

with sincere feelings of offering herself to Godou alone.

Influenced by her childhood friend's behavior, Ena gradually lost the stiffness in her

motions.

When Yuri's lips let go, it was Ena's turn to seal Godou's lips, using her relaxed tongue

to engage nonstop in a passionate kiss. In addition, with eyes of intoxication and fervent

gaze, she stared at Godou.

The trio's feelings and behavior were escalating without impedance, finally entering the

official ritual—

This was the same development as usual. However, just as Godou was thinking that,

Yuri's breathing suddenly quickened.

"Mariya?"

"S-Sorry. I suddenly feel out of breath..."

Not only Yuri but Ena beside her was also panting.

In addition, the two girls were leaning against him from both sides, entrusting their

exhausted bodies to Godou for support. Frantically, Godou held the two Hime-Miko,

feeling surprised.

Their entire bodies were unbelievably hot. If one were to measure their body

temperatures with a thermometer, it would most likely show forty degrees centigrade or

above.

"The secret of the 'King of the End,' sealed away for over two millennia... Of all the spirit visions imparted so far, this one is the hardest to endure."

"A-After all, this is knowledge determined as taboo by the gods, Yuri."

Ena replied to her childhood friend who was moaning in pain.

"Although we are miko who have gone through training, we are humans with lifespans

after all... Unless we proceed with caution, our minds and bodies won't endure—"

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Evident from this advice alone, she truly lived up to her name as the premier Hime-Miko who was accustomed to dealing with gods.

Furthermore, Ena whispered while closing her eyes. Hence, the glass-colored radiance

residing in her eyes began to envelop her entire body faintly.

Then burying her face into Godou's chest, Ena said softly:

"Y-Your Majesty, it's fine now, continue the ritual? A-Also, although it's okay to kiss on

the lips like earlier... Ena hopes you can kiss somewhere else too."

"What!?"

"I-If the knowledge is left to remain in our heads as in the past, it will place a very heavy burden... Can try moving it to the body."

"You can even do something like that!?"

"After all, this is the Netherworld. Because this is the domain where thoughts and spirit

rank higher than the body and matter, so this sort of thing is still possible."

"B-But, what you mean by kissing somewhere else is—"

"Y-Yes. All kinds of knowledge will be transmitted as usual just by kissing other parts of

Ena's body. If you don't end the ritual quickly using this method, Ena and Yuri probably

won't last to the end. Might collapse before all the knowledge is imparted..."

Covered in faint glass-colored light, Ena whispered these words.

Burying her face in Godou's chest, she even pressed her extremely well-developed

bosom tightly against him. But ultimately, she could not muster much strength.

Godou immediately kissed Ena's smooth neck and even licked with his tongue.

Instantly, vivid images surfaced in his mind. It was the "King of the End" kneeling down submissively with his head bowed to be crowned. The one crowning him was an old man

dressed in crude clothing. Probably a monk or a priest.

"Ah—Your Majesty, did it transmit?"

"Yeah, no problem. This method works."

"Th-Then please. Kiss Ena even more—Ooh mmm!"

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While Godou slid his lips and tongue along the neck down to the shoulder, Ena's body suddenly began to shudder. It was as though her entire body had grown quite sensitive.

Perhaps by watching her fellow Hime-Miko, Yuri grasped the technique as well.

Letting the pale glass-colored light envelop her entire body, Yuri said to Godou:

"I-I am fine now. So definitely, Godou-san, I can help—Ooh mmm!"

This time, Godou kissed Yuri's earlobe.

This was the same act he had performed in passing during the knowledge ritual in the

past, prior to the duel against his sworn elder sister, Luo Cuilian. In fact, he had

memories of kissing Yuri in that spot many times since then.

The gentle Hime-Miko was expressing a sensitive reaction like before—No, it was even

more sensitive this time.

The ritual continued with force and vigor like raging waves in a storm.

Induced with burgeoning passion, Godou continued to kiss the two Hime-Miko deeply

and heavily without resting.

Using his lips to kiss those lovely earlobes, pale necks and slender fingers, he even

kissed their fingertips tenderly.

His tongue moving along their necks to the vicinity of their voluptuous bosoms, he used

the tip of his tongue to carefully examine and confirm the soft tenderness of their skin.

Subconsciously, the two girls had already removed their chihaya over their miko outfits,

even opening up their upper garments. However, none of the trio minded at all.

Furthermore, Yuri and Ena were not just passively accepting kisses.

Whenever they noticed Godou's lips departing, the girls would immediately bring their

faces close to him, kissing nonstop.

"Godou-san. The sword for slicing apart the great hero, the most authoritative in the

orient..."

"Now is precisely the time to master it. As long as it is for this purpose, Ena and Yuri can do anything..."

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There were times when Yuri and Ena took turns in kissing him with other occasions when both girls kissed Godou's lips at the same time, offering kisses of intense passion.

Thanks to that, Godou would occasionally act out in excessive fervor.

Allowing his tongue to slide along their backs, down to their waists, or even kissing their

pale thighs or the like, that was going way too far no matter what. However, the ritual of

excessive passion was taking full effect, filling Godou with an astounding volume of

knowledge inside.

In addition, Godou could finally feel certain.

Given his current self, he was now capable to slicing that that man with the sword of

spell words—

Inside Godou's mind, he was no longer that whatever "King of the End." His true name

and origins were already known. All information about the hero was clear to him now.

It turned out to be the same hero as the name speculated by Amakasu Touma.

With expressions of rapture, Yuri and Ena gazed at Godou. As for the red flush surfacing

faintly all over the two Hime-Miko's bodies, that was the afterglow lingering from the

ritual for obtaining this name..

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Chapter 5 - You, the One Shouldering the Fate of

Eternity

Part 1

"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is

one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another."1

"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the

stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the

dead. "[2]2

The two knights, Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar, were cooperating on a task

together while chanting spell words at the same time, for the sake of accomplishing a

certain magic.

Their location was the garage of a detached home in the Bunkyou Ward where Liliana

made her residence.

The garage was large enough to park two large vehicles but neither Liliana herself nor

her maid and housemate Karen Jankulovski could drive, hence the garage was merely

an unused space at present.

"It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in

power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."3

Erica was chanting spell words for metal manipulation magic.

Placed in the center of the garage, the object made metallic clanging noises with

splashes of scorching sparks, meanwhile changing its form slowly.

After all, this type of work was not quite suited to undertake at home.

This was iron alchemy, the magic for manipulating iron and steel. Erica's area of

specialty.

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was

made a quickening spirit. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised

incorruptible.."4

1 1 Corinthians 15:40

2 1 Corinthians 15:41-42

3 1 Corinthians 15:43-44

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Liliana was also using witchcraft.

Through the passage of time, women who served as priestesses for mother earth

goddesses became known as "witches. Hence, users of witchcraft were experts skilled in

the manipulation of earth spirits.

On the other hand, iron was the symbol of harm to the earth. Digging the earth required

hoes crafted from iron. Chopping down trees required axes of iron.

As the incarnation of iron swords, the heroes of steel seized nations through martial

valor, annexing land. Defeating the dragons and snakes controlled by the earth mothers,

they turned goddesses of the land into their wives and lovers.

—Consequently, compatibility was very poor between Erica's iron alchemy and Liliana's

witchcraft.

That being said, the two of them were melding magic from two different systems

together, like mixing water with oil, cooperating to create a certain object.

The slightest mistake and this magic would fail.

Furthermore, the spell would still fail even from merely irregularity in breathing or

instability in magic power.

This was a task of extreme difficulty. Completing this project without issue in spite of

that, this stood testament to Erica and Liliana's skills as prodigy level.

"It has finally taken form. It should be fine as long as it accomplishes the effect."

"That would be Godou's job, not ours. This is as far as we can achieve within our power."

The two Great Knights conversed while looking at the center of the garage.

Placed there was a short sword, whose blade measured 50cm or so in length. The blade's

color was dull like lead and inscribed with the words "the one destined to arrive in the

past, the present and the future."

This was the magic sword they had just forged using a number of magical ingredients.

The ingredients used were respectively: a former iron sword that was now a piece of

metal all covered in rust, a pottery fragment unearthed from ancient Libyan ruins, salt,

mercury, a blue lump of solidified lava, etc.

4 1 Corinthians 15:45,52

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Made in an emergency rush after all, this sword would probably last for no more than one or two uses. However, that ought to be sufficient.

Ever since Kusanagi Godou and the two Hime-Miko departed last night, the two knights

had been working nonstop on this task without resting.

Fortunately, it was Saturday so they did not need to be excused from school.

"I wanted to go along to the Netherworld originally..."

"No helping it. Although it doesn't matter who are the ones making this, you and I are

the most adept, after all."

"It does not seem like your personality to accept things so readily."

"Oh my, didn't you know that I am the woman who can sacrifice everything for Godou

any time? But now that you brought it up, Lily, aren't you the one who is accepting

things with unbelievable readiness?"

Erica put the lead-colored short sword into a leather sheath and placed it on a table in a

corner of the garage while Liliana cleared away the fragments of ingredients leftover

from the forging magic.

While their hands were working away, the two girls started testing each other.

"Lily, lately it has come to my attention that you haven't shown the slightest hesitation

towards becoming Godou's woman."

Erica was still speaking with a noblewoman's elegance as usual.

"Stealing credit whenever certain circumstances arise to allow you time alone with

Godou, having tasted pleasure and satisfaction multiple times, your heart has grown

confident... Perfectly spot on, am I right?

"You are the one I must denounce, the sly vixen through and through."

Liliana did not change her strict demeanor of a female knight's either.

"Absolute refusal to miss any opportunity. The recent visit to Sardinia with Kusanagi

Godou was a rare and excellent chance. Precisely because you accomplished results

accordingly, that is why you are so calm—Am I right?"

The two girls have always been prodigies from magic associations in Milan as well as

childhood friends and rivals.

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Although they were in the same faction now, they were still competing against each other over the man of their most beloved affections. Staring into each other's face, they

observed the other's reaction for now.

In the end, they both sighed and slowly relaxed their shoulders.

"Regarding this matter, Kusanagi Godou really ought to be questioned thoroughly.

There should be quite a lot of new information of interest."

"Indeed. After all, he is not one who can keep secrets."

After exchanging nods, Erica continued:

"When suspicious points arise in his female relationships, those are generally

discovered after something happened."

"This type of premonition always comes true. After all, he is someone impossible to

predict. Most likely, the ritual will be completed in the Netherworld this time as well."

Criticizing Kusanagi Godou was their shared special talent.

To go even further, they were much better at it than Yuri and Ena with their benevolent

personalities. Although their king was kind and a bit dense in personality, he was

excessively problematic on the matter of conduct.

"Actually, Erica, judging from common sense, I would expect Mariya Yuri to be the

partner... But this alone is probably insufficient to satisfy him."

"What a coincidence. I happen to agree with you completely."

"More than becoming undisciplined, lately his mind has gradually decayed."

"However, do note that we are the accomplices in this regard."

"In a certain sense, the people responsible for him awakening into such a monster are

the four by his side—us..."

"For him to have developed to such an extent, how unexpected. Or rather, a godslayer

never fails to impress."

Just as they really got into the topic, delving deeper and deeper into the matter, Liliana's

cellphone on the table in the corner started ringing.

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The caller was Sayanomiya Kaoru, presumably to inform them of an emergency

gathering.

The two Great Knights nodded at each other.

A few hours after the forging magic's success, it was two in the afternoon.

Erica and Liliana were heading to the mountains in the Bousou Peninsula again. But

instead of Minamibousou, this time it was Ichihara City in the Chiba Prefecture. Their

current location was a service station near Ichihara on the Tateyama Expressway

crossing the Uchibou region in the mountains.

The History Compilation Committee had reported discovering the "King of the End."

Arriving in the car provided by the Committee, the two Great Knights were greeted at

the scene by Lu Yinghua.

He was probably conducting the search operation together with the History Compilation

Committee in order to accomplish the task set by his master.

"Oh well, finding that guy isn't actually hard."

Saying that nonchalantly, Lu Yinghua frowned. The arrogant youth's handsome face was

casting a grim gaze towards withered trees.

"It's obvious from first glance, because their are suspicious trails left all over the place."

"The land becomes barren wherever the 'King of the End' passes... Is that what is going

on?"

Liliana murmured with worry.

The Bousou Peninsula's mild climate meant that its mountains and forests were full of

greenery even in winter.

One could even call it early spring by February. That being said, the mountains near the

Tateyama Expressway had already lost their verdant color.

Leaves were withered while trunks and branches looked dead as though dehydrated.

154 | P a g e

Trees were literally standing there with all greenery and nourishment sucked out of them. The weeds growing under the trees were not only withered but also pulverized

and destroyed.

The soil was dry as well. Due to the strong wind today, clouds of dust were blown all

over the place.

Fortunately, this was not the state of the entire mountain. Only the area from the foot to

the middle of the mountain had lost its greenery.

"Looks like this guy walked here on foot from Minamibousou. Everywhere he passed

through looks like this. All the grass and trees are withered, looking like a single lane's

worth of tire tracks."

"Indeed it is so..."

Liliana nodded in response to Lu Yinghua's report. Before arriving here, she had used

the [Witch's Eye] to confirm the surrounding situation.

Looking down from above, it looked like a faded one-way road had been marked on the

Minamibousou landscape.

As though the grim reaper's carriage had left these tracks behind, it was a terrifying

scene.

"On the other hand, there are many golf courses nearby and a small number of homes,

isn't that right? Is it possible that the 'King of the End' has not made any contact with

humans?"

"Well, about that... I think it'd be quicker for you to have a look."

Puzzling Erica with his answer, Lu Yinghua motioned with his chin.

The noise of engines kept coming from the direction he indicated.

This noise from operational engines was clearly different from that of vehicles traveling

on ordinary roads and highways. Quite distinctive. There was a motor race track behind

the mountain they were at.

Although called a race track, this place was not as grand as the venues for Formula One

racing or the like. This place was exclusively used for training, car shows and official

races with small race cars.

155 | P a g e

That said, the course length was roughly a kilometer.

The main grounds was 160m wide, quite a large facility.

A number of teams were practicing today. Several small cars were speeding away. There

were also people watching from the grandstand. The sandy run-off area also had staff

doing work.

A quick glance of the surroundings revealed roughly thirty or forty people present.

The surprising thing was that the "King of the End" was mixed among the crowd. Sitting

at the most forward part of the grandstand, unbelievably, he was watching the race cars

going at high speed.

With a serious expression on his face, the sacred aristocrat was staring at the cars

driving rapidly with thunderous noises.

This could be described as the graceful and noble airs of "royalty whose curiosity was

piqued when confronted with rare and unusual tribute or offerings."

Furthermore, he was even chatting with people beside him.

After listening to their answers, he would nod with a look of comprehension. A crowd

gradually gathered around the "King of the End" in the grandstand. In addition, they

were explaining all kinds of knowledge to the Devil King-exterminating hero, offering

snacks and drinks to him, gazing into his handsome face in a trance.

As a side note, the "King of the End" was dressed in the same attire as he was last seen.

A blue tunic and white cape. Taken down from his back, the scabbard carrying the

divine sword was stood up next to him.

The handsome face with its pale complexion was clearly not Japanese. Despite this

appearance of his, none of the surrounded people were bothered at all.

"That's essentially the attitude this great hero takes towards humans."

Lu Yinghua explained.

Erica and Liliana were watching the "King of the End" from afar, at a corner of the

grandstand.

"He seems to have come into contact with seven or eight people during the last two

days. When Committee members asked around, everyone replied saying they 'met a very

156 | P a g e

handsome foreigner who was extremely friendly.' Also, they were all speaking with a face of rapture, hoping sincerely to meet him again."

"A hero who makes contact with ordinary humans huh..."

Liliana remarked with mixed feelings stirring inside.

"Even in this regard, he is quite an exception among Heretic Gods."

"Also, he is probably the same as Madame Aisha. I believe he possess a charm

authority."

Currently, all those people were treating the "King of the End" with sincere well wishes and admiration.

Having witnessed the same scene many times in ancient Gaul, Erica pointed out this

fact.

"Try imagining this, a virtuous and revered king who could be called a Bodhisattva's

reincarnation. Or rather, it would be more apt to consider him the originator. If he were

to go to heavily populated urban areas—"

"Undoubtedly, he would be a cause for massive chaos just like the Madame in ancient

Gaul."

"Unbelievable. By gathering fanatical believers, he could probably turn them into his

own army. Even with a gentle disposition, he is also a god whose actions cannot be

predicted..."

"Well, my two Nee-sans, about that..."

Lu Yinghua interrupted the conversation between the two Great Knights.

"Are we really going to make a move? There is the option of hiding and continued

monitoring, right?"

"You definitely make a good point. But even if the charm authority could be released, I

believe the 'King of the End' must not be allowed to enter cities. If he were to go on a

rampage as before, who could predict the extent of damage and casualties..."

"Also, Lu Yinghua, you still have your master's orders."

"In that case, I can't find any words to retort."

157 | P a g e

The trio nodded at one another. Resolving themselves, they started to move.

They walked from the corner in the grandstand over to the circle of people that were

gathered around the "King of the End." Squeezing through the charmed crowd, they

approached the hero of salvation.

The trio were the only people gazing at the pale-haired aristocrat with calm eyes.

Presumably because of that...

He apparently figured out their identities. With a calm voice, he called to the people

around him.

"My apologies, everyone, but let us call this a day. I hope you will leave as quickly as

possible to let me be alone. Thanks."

The effects were immediate. The people around him packed away their things quickly

and left the seating area, disappearing towards the exit.

Also, there was a lot of human noise at the race track and the run-off area.

Originally driving smoothly, the cars stopped one after another. The racers got out of

their cramped driving seats while the recording crew at the maintenance station also

began preparations to withdraw.

But unlike the spectators at the grandstand, these people were showing displeasure and

agitation in their words and behavior.

The History Compilation Committee had contacted the race track's management to

close down the track for today in an emergency (possibly using magic in the process as

well).

Glancing sideways at the people leaving, the "King of the End" stood up.

Turning his dignified and handsome face towards Erica, Liliana and Lu Yinghua, he

slowly walked over to them.

"You are affiliated with the godslayers of the present generation—Kusanagi Godou and

Her Highness Luo Hao, aren't you?"

Part 2

The History Compilation Committee and Lu Yinghua had discovered the "King of the

End."

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He was finally found at a certain place in the Bousou Peninsula, apparently serving as his residence.

After receiving this report, Erica and Liliana went over to meet Sayanomiya Kaoru at her

mansion first.

As one of the leaders in charge of the Committee, Kaoru remarked with distress.

"Despite all kinds of uncertainties, let's continue monitoring him for now while waiting

for Godou-san's return."

A compromising solution one could hardly find fault in, but it had its own problems.

The "King of the End" was traveling north from the Bousou Peninsula, reaching

Ichihara in the Chiba Prefecture.

Earlier, he was apparently moving through mountainous areas. But after crossing the

Ichihara Service Area and Prefectural Route 13, his location was already within the

municipal region of Ichihara City facing Tokyo Bay. Going north slightly would be Chiba

City, the heartland of the Keiyou Industrial Zone.

Also, going west would arrive at the twenty-three wards of Tokyo after passing through

the cities of Narashino, Funabashi and Ichikawa.

If the "King of the End" were to choose this route, he would be invading the Greater

Tokyo Area where Japan's population and building densities were the greatest—

"Her Eminence Luo Hao isn't in peak condition, so this could be described as the worst

scenario. It would be best to avoid making a move recklessly. Better err on the safe side

for now."

This sort of cautious and meticulous approach was very much in Kaoru's style.

She was probably aware of it herself. A rare look of worry was displayed on her face.

There were other uncertainties as well. If the "King of the End" were to start a fight in the Greater Tokyo Area with that such immense destructive power—damage and

casualties would surely occur on an unimaginable scale.

In th end, this strategy of caution was a choice accompanied by its own risks.

However, there was no other solution. With heavy hearts, Erica and Liliana made a visit

to the Tokyo Skytree, in order to report the situation to Her Eminence Luo Hao.

159 | P a g e

As the highest authority right now, Her Eminence Luo Hao—was hidden from sight.

With bamboo curtains set up in a corner of the observation deck, she was staying in a

barricaded space.

"I am currently practicing some slightly complicated neigong. These measures are for eliminating unnecessary disturbances. You too, be careful and absolutely do not

approach me."

Issued such orders from her behind the bamboo curtains, the two Great Knights were

left speechless.

Deprived of the sight of Her Eminence Luo Hao's beautiful appearance, Erica reported

what had transpired.

Direct conversation with Her Eminence Luo Hao would be too much of a responsibility

for History Compilation Committee members and Lu Yinghua's subordinates. Hence,

that was why Erica went out of her way to come here.

"Hmm... How incomprehensible."

After listening to the report, Her Eminence Luo Hao murmured in bemusement.

Was it due to the neigong she was practicing? Her voice sounded slightly more high-

pitched than usual.

"Why do you not kneel down and prostrate yourselves towards this Luo Hao to beseech

and beg? For the iron fist of punishment to swing down upon the hero who is bringing

harm to the world."

" "......" "

These inconceivable words made Erica and Liliana at a loss for words.

"Naturally, there is no value in saving the decadent city of Tokyo. Be that as it may,

seeing as it is the land where my sworn brother makes his stronghold—It would be a

taint upon my honor as the sworn elder sister if I were to fail in expressing my chivalry."

"Are you implying that you will protect this country's people in Kusanagi Godou's

stead?"

"Hohohoho... The real event will wait until that child returns. On the level of stalling for time, I shall have a little fun in the meantime."

160 | P a g e

The demonic cult leader smiled tenderly from the depths behind the bamboo curtains in response to Erica's question of confirmation.

Even when facing a god—be it the strongest sword god—she never altered her haughty

downward gaze. But given her current state of depleted magic power, was she able to

oppose the "King of the End"?

Erica did not inquire upon this matter.

If she were to raise the question, Her Eminence Luo Hao would assuredly end up

angered and feeling insulted.

Even without being Lu Yinghua, she could easily predict such a future.

If she were to insist on stepping on the tiger's tail, what awaited her would be nothing as

gentle as the fist used for punishing her direct disciple.

Completely unaware of the thoughts going through Erica's mind, Luo Cuilian continued:

"First, you shall make contact with the 'King of the End.' Then inform the hero of my

impending entry to the field. Make him wary to a certain extent."

There was no choice but to obey this command.

Hence, this was how things developed into the two Great Knights facing off against the

"King of the End" at a motor race track in the mountains.

"You are affiliated with the godslayers of the present generation—Kusanagi Godou and

Her Highness Luo Hao, aren't you?"

"Precisely. Are you looking for our lord, Your Highness?"

Naturally, the first to answer the Devil King-exterminating hero was Erica.

She was often the wise one, acting as spokesperson on behalf of her faction. This talent

did not fade at all even when confronted with gods or Devil Kings. Ever since becoming

Kusanagi Godou's knight, this talent and disposition of hers was naturally honed more

and more.

"Yes. Somehow I had the feeling that I would meet him so long as I walk to this area.

Now that his servants have come forward, this guess seems to be correct."

This was most likely a supernatural sense obtained as part of the destiny of

exterminating Devil Kings.

161 | P a g e

The "King of the End" smiled at Erica, Liliana and Lu Yinghua before making a declaration:

"Originally, I should be the one sending a messenger. However, the Wind King—the one

who serves this role—currently needs to keep a low profile. Hence, I have decided to

search for the various godslaying kings on my own."

"Why would you... May I ask for the reason?"

"Naturally, to issue a challenge."

Despite his calm tone of voice and attitude, this was a stern declaration.

"If permissible, I do wish to pay them each a visit at their castle or residence. To enter a duel. Seeing as he has intentionally sent servants to come forward, it means that your

lord shares the same sentiments, doesn't it?"

"......"

Instead of answering immediately, Erica contemplated rapidly.

As suspected, was he approaching Tokyo with this purpose in mind? Going north

towards Chiba City from the southern part of the Bousou Peninsula. As soon as she

heard about the "King of the End" advancing in this direction, Erica already guessed this possibility.

Going north another five or six kilometers from here would be Ichihara City.

Even if he went west instead, that would take him to the urban area of Kisarazu City.

This race track was located in the middle of a mountainous area with an outrageous

number of golf courses. Population density was low as a result. Evacuation was

accordingly easy. If possible, Erica hoped to stall the "King of the End" in this vicinity.

Then the rest depended on Her Eminence Luo Hao—

Phew. Erica exhaled slightly.

Bridges shall be crossed when they were reached. Furthermore, Kusanagi Godou's

sworn elders sister was absolutely not someone who would insist out of vanity that they

were able to do something when they could not. She possessed ability and insight

matching her level of pride.

"In that case, our task ends here. Our lord will probably give a direct answer."

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"Direct?"

Seeing Erica look into the sky, the "King of the End" followed.

It was a sunny winter's day. The winds were still very strong. A bird of prey in the sky—a

goshawk—was gliding with regal solemnity. This was a species whose habitat was in

forests near cities in the Kantou region.

However, the power and acuity overflowing from those wings and eyes could not

possibly belong to a bird.

Landing next to the "King of the End," the goshawk transformed at the same time.

"Procrastinating what ought to be finished, that would be called slothfulness, wouldn't

it? I, Luo Hao, am fully prepared to accept your challenge."

"Ah."

Descending from the sky as a goshawk, she had landed gracefully with outstanding

movements of qinggong, the art of lightness.

Confronted with the demonic cult leader's unique manner of entering the stage,

exhibiting extraordinary Daoist and martial arts alike, the "King of the End" nodded in admiration. Nevertheless, the reason he felt impressed was not due to her superlative

landing skill.

He was moved by Her Eminence Luo Hao's appearance.

Her dazzling, otherworldly, beautiful face was still akin to a celestial maiden's. Such

beauty was enough to call the greatest treasure of the mortal realm. In addition, this

face was quite young.

Her stature was more petite than before whereas her face and body had clearly

regressed in age.

Despite a true age over two hundred years, she looked like a teenager. Instead of her

earlier Han clothing, she was wearing a sleeveless mandarin gown with a slight slit on

the side of the skirt.

Demonic Cult Leader Luo Cuilian had descended from the sky in this form.

"This appearance... Was it for healing injuries sustained in our previous battle?"

163 | P a g e

"Hohohoho. Seeing as there was a need to recover excessively depleted qi, for the first time in a long while, I trained in the neigong of [Absolute Supremacy Peerless Across

the Universe]. Although the price I paid was a slight shortening of limbs, this constitutes

no inconvenience in engaging you in combat."

Declaring boldly, Luo Cuilian's vocal pitch was higher than usual, a young girl's voice.

Meanwhile, Erica and Liliana were greatly surprised by the sight of Her Eminence's

appearance whereas the demonic cult leader's direct disciple simply went "oh dear" and

shook his head.

"I remember it's a training technique that allows qi to recover with frightening speed. So this was what Master had been practicing these few days..."

Qi was magic power in the first place and had to be gradually accumulated

through neigong training for days on end.

However—Lu Yinghua explained. If Her Eminence were to use this [Tianshan Tonglao

Technique]5, she was able to rapidly obtain qi comparable to two month's worth of

training. However, the price to pay was regressing in age for a period of time...

"But that neigong is apparently quite a pain to use, so it's totally just an emergency technique."

Indeed, the qi in Her Eminence Luo Hao's body had recovered substantially.

However, the sum total was clearly still less than usual. In addition, physical stamina

and arm strength were naturally going to be weakened for a little girl's body. It was

possible that her martial arts could not be applied with full freedom as before.

That being said, for her to surmount an overwhelmingly unfavorable situation so

effortlessly, amazing feat would be the only proper description.

The hero and the Devil King finally met again at this mountainous race track.

Fortunately, through the History Compilation Committee's efforts and the "King of the

End"'s own authority, ordinary people had left the grounds completely.

The two of them jumped down lightly to the track from the grandstand where Erica and

the others were.

5 Tianshan Tonglao(天山童姥): literally the Youthful Old Lady of the Celestial Mountains, a character from the Chinese martial arts novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils(天龍八部) by renowned author Jin Yong.

164 | P a g e

"My sworn brother Kusanagi Godou will make a tardy arrival due to certain reasons, but... Of course, you are free to summon your subordinates. I, Luo Hao, shall take on all

of you as opponents."

"Now that you have said that, I cannot call upon them lightly."

Smiling wryly at the demonic cult leader's taunt, the hero drew out the Divine Sword of

Salvation.

"Before he arrives, I shall fight using this sword alone."

"Hohoho. In that case, I shall seal away my palm techniques—unsurpassed by any

weapon—for now and fight you with this."

Despite facing a god for an opponent, Her Eminence Luo Hao did not alter her haughty

attitude at all.

Nevertheless, it was perhaps due to a Devil King Campione's nature to live true to

themselves. Using a little girl's body, the demonic cult leader clenched her fist tightly

and swung it at the "King of the End."

Meanwhile, the Divine Sword Mandala was manifesting above the hero in splendor.

The second round was beginning at last.

Part 3

After Kusanagi Godou finally learned the origins of the "King of the End"...

On a beach in the Netherworld, the two Hime-Miko were panting from the afterglow of

the intense ritual, their eyes remaining in a rapturous trance for quite a while.

Suddenly coming back to their senses, they frantically fixed up their miko outfits that

had been pulled completely open.

"Although this has been the case since before..."

After sitting upright properly, Ena spoke with an entranced tone of voice:

"Ena and Yuri can no longer marry anyone but His Majesty, right?"

165 | P a g e

"P-Please do not speak of such things so loudly. We simply took part in a ritual to impart Godou-san with knowledge... Despite the requisite motions—"

Although Yuri was offering a tactful rebuttal, her face was equally filled with happiness

as her fellow Hime-Miko's.

On the other hand, Godou could only laugh dryly with nothing to say.

His mind was swinging back and forth between resolving himself to never look back and

questioning how things were going to develop henceforth. In any case, towards the kind

and gentle Yuri and Ena who could accept a scoundrel like him, he decided he must

absolutely repay his debts to them or die trying.

No matter what, just as the trio finally regained composure...

"The objective has apparently been met successfully. How wonderful."

Dressed in a Juunihitoe, the Princess of Glass suddenly returned.

Smiling at Godou and the girls as though offering her blessings, her expression then

went solemn.

"However, the issue is that even with knowledge of His Highness' true name, that alone

will not make defeating the crown prince easy..."

"That's right. Just the Divine Sword of Salvation and the bow are hard enough to handle

already, yet that guy also has this trump card of the great ritual of the covenant."

Godou expressed agreement. The princess spoke with a pensive look:

"The great ritual of the covenant raises the crown prince's power according to the

number of Rakshasa Kings ruling the earth. At least, if the Devil Kings of the present

era—all seven of you—were to cooperate, perhaps..."

"That's absolutely impossible."

Campiones did things at their own pace and were impossible to unify. Godou replied

immediately.

The kind of relationship between himself and the sworn elder sister was an exception

among exceptions. At most, perhaps there was John Pluto Smith of North America. But

even so, that was only three out of seven.

"Eh, wait a sec, 'kay?"

166 | P a g e

At this moment, a diabolical solution flashed through Godou's mind.

Perhaps there was a way to oppose the great ritual of the covenant. But after pondering

what it was about, Godou was plunged into feelings of self-contempt. He must not resort

to that no matter what.

Hence, the Princess of Glass smiled.

"You seem to have some kind of secret strategy. Impressive as always, Kusanagi-sama."

"Oh no, it's very problematic if you say that... Also, there's no time to put it into action.

There's definitely not enough time before the battle against that guy."

"I see."

The princess pondered slightly then extended her right hand slowly. Suddenly, a certain

slender object wrapped in purple silk manifested on her palm.

"Allow me to give you this beforehand, Kusanagi-sama, for when you have time to put

that strategy to use."

"For me, huh?"

Feeling surprised, Godou accepted it and confirmed the object wrapped inside. He had

recollections of seeing it before. Could this be—? Looking up, he saw the Princess of

Glass nodding firmly.

"This is exactly what you are thinking of. If possible, please make use of it."

What amazing clairvoyance. Probably a Divine Ancestor's spirit senses in action.

Godou decided to accept it first and placed the bundle into his pants pocket.

"It's time we returned to the world. Thank you for taking care of us in many ways."

Bowing his head in gratitude to the Netherworld benefactor, Godou called to the two

Hime-Miko.

"Everyone on the other side must be very worried. Let's hurry back to reassure them.

Mariya, can you lead the way for the return journey?"

"Of course. However... Godou-san, may I make a request?"

With a solemn expression, Yuri spoke:

167 | P a g e

"I wish to stay over here in the Netherworld."

"Huh?"

Godou felt surprised. On the other hand, Ena seemed to have realized the reason.

"Oh, it's your health, Yuri, isn't it?"

"Indeed. Even if I returned to Japan now, I will still be unwell due to His Highness'

influence. In that case, it would be better for me to remain in the Netherworld, allowing

my spirit senses to stay sharp and observe the situation on the ground, this way, I will

still be able to provide assistance to you, Godou-san..."

Currently, both Hime-Miko already knew the true name of the "King of the End."

Even so, Yuri did not say the name. To reveal the name of the hero known as the

strongest of steel, it was ultimately taboo for a miko.

But how was she going to help while remaining in the Netherworld?

"Fortunately, I still have this power right now..."

Yuri looked across the water into the distance.

This was the place recreating the beach where the duel between the godslayer and the

hero had taken place.

The grains of sand were bright and white while the seawater was a vivid light blue.

Images appeared on the surface of this beautiful sea, apparently a race track from

somewhere on earth.

The Divine Sword Mandala had appeared high in the sky, raining lightning down on the

ground.

A twelve or thirteen-year-old girl bearing Luo Cuilian's face, dressed in a mandarin

gown, was dashing across the perilous ground with great agility, spectacularly evading

lightning that no human could avoid while swiftly closing in on the pale-haired

aristocrat.

Wielding the Divine Sword of Salvation in an upper stance, the aristocrat swung down

at the girl.

168 | P a g e

Dodging this slash, the girl closed in from the front. Punching straight, she aimed for the side of the aristocrat's abdomen. However, the aristocrat immediately released the

divine sword wielded in his left, using both hands to block the girl's fist—

"Eh, could that be Nee-san?"

"Yes. By extending tendrils of psychic sensing from the Netherworld to the earth, I have

projected the scene that my senses have captured. Her Eminence must have recovered

her strength by paying the price of this appearance."

"Her Eminence never fails to impress. Even in unfavorable situations, she can still force

her way to find a solution."

Swinging the divine blade, the aristocrat engaged the pubescent demonic cult leader in

close quarter combat.

Although the sea's light blue surface was not particularly clear as a screen, it was enough

to get a full sense of the details in the fight.

Watching the demonic cult leader's display of divine feats, Ena exclaimed in admiration.

Godou could not help but gaze intently as well. However, the scene immediately

changed. The battle between the hero of the divine sword and the young Luo Cuilian—

Just now, they had been watching this scene from the grandstand, but the angle

suddenly changed to overhead from high in the sky.

Furthermore, the viewpoint kept rising.

Instead of showing the entirety of the race track that was serving as the battle arena, the

surrounding land was being shown.

"W-What's going on?"

Godou asked in surprise. The race track was built in the mountains. However, all the

mountain vegetation kept withering starting from that point as the center.

Leaves and flowers dried up and broke into pieces. The surfaces of trunks and branches

lost moisture, turning into dust.

All the vegetation within a two or three kilometer radius of the race track had instantly

withered, producing a barren land. Furthermore, this "circle of death" kept expanding.

169 | P a g e

"Just from swinging the Divine Sword of Salvation, the temperature rises within His Highness. Shrouded in heat, the earth suffers damage while the resulting effects spread

gradually throughout the world..."

An oracle from Yuri. Godou sighed.

"I get it, Mariya. Looks like I have to hurry over there."

"I pray for your victory. I will also do everything I can."

Strong and resolute, Yuri smiled calmly without showing any signs of unease.

Then setting off was the only thing left to do. Godou nodded at the beautiful Hime-Miko

and signaled to Ena with his eyes. The moment for a direct confrontation with that

man—the "King of the End"—had finally come.

Clasping her hands together before her chest, Yuri meditated.

Next, the ground underfoot glowed with blue light.

Immediately after that, Godou and Ena floated high up in the sky within an instant. Just

as it was possible to see the white beach and green forest far below, their view instantly

turned dark—

They were beginning to return to reality from the Netherworld.

The Divine Sword Mandala rained down hundreds, thousands of lightning strikes.

Like indiscriminate bombardment, the attack devastated the ground mercilessly, killing

everything below. Rather than a combat instrument, it would be more accurate to call it

a strategic weapon.

In order to evade the endless lightning descending upon the ground, Luo Cuilian was

using Daoist arts.

That being said, she was not invoking spells for protection or defense. The lightning of

salvation—Its true form consisted of divine weapons conferred upon the "King of the

End" by the gods. Even the most elite of Daoist spells would probably be neutralized

with ease.

Besides, such pedestrian methods did not suit Luo Cuilian's personality either.

170 | P a g e

During this time, she was using Daoist arts to allow her body to move across dozens of meters instead of meters within an instant, thereby evading the attacks of lightning.

In the world of Daoist arts, this spell was known as "Terrain Reduction."

That being said, despite merely reducing distances, the spell of Terrain Reduction was of

extremely high difficulty. In addition, she had to use the principles of the mind's eye to

guard against incoming lightning while simultaneously using Terrain Reduction in an

instant whenever she sensed danger. Furthermore, she had already used this method to

evade lightning strikes twenty, even thirty times—

Such a feat was only possible for Luo Cuilian who had trained in Daoist and martial arts

to the very pinnacle.

Despite her body's frailty, this amazing accomplishment was possible just by making use

of a Campione's magic power far surpassing that of humans. Normally, it would deplete

the user's magic power.

Luo Cuilian was using this method to evade lightning while fighting in melee range.

Just as she had declared earlier, she refrained from using palm techniques. Using the

superb movements of qingggong, she closed in on the "King of the End," attacking fiercely with kicks and punches.

Faced with the demonic cult leader's unarmed arts, the King of the End swung the

divine blade—countering with swordsmanship.

"Just as I thought."

A smile of delights surfaced on the corners of Luo Cuilian's lips.

Her guess proved to be correct. When in melee range of the "King of the End," the

lightning of salvation would not attack. To prevent attacking its own master no matter

what, the Divine Sword Mandala avoided raining lightning down next to him.

This allowed her to concentrate on unarmed combat, providing Luo Cuilian with an

extra edge to her arts.

"How about you take your earlier words back? I wouldn't mind if you summoned that

wind god with the bizarre appearance or the Great Sage Equaling Heaven to repel me!"

Luo Cuilian suddenly charged the enemy head on, swinging her fist in close range.

171 | P a g e

A swift punch. However, it also carried force from the Divine Might of Vajrapani. In addition, there was also the momentum from kicking the ground to initiate the charge.

A magical punch sufficient to smash the enemy's entire body with just a glancing blow.

However, the "King of the End" simply used his right hand to catch Luo Cuilian's fist

with ease. The Divine Might of Vajrapani sending the aristocrat's palm flying—That did

not happen.

Instead, the lightning released from his left hand was scorching Luo Cuilian's young and

tiny body!

This was part of his immortality, witnessed in the previous battle. Repelling the enemy

instantly when struck by a heavy blow, enduring the attack without suffering any harm.

"Rather, Your Highness Luo Cuilian should be the one to stop overexerting this body. At

the very least, you should bring out all of your martial arts..."

"Hohoho. Worry not. I am unharmed even by this."

Luo Cuilian had taken on the lightning attack at extremely close range.

But just as she declared, she was unscathed. Her lovely face did not show the slightest

burn. Instantaneously, she had manifested a Benevolent King's avatar upon herself as a

guardian angel, thereby protecting herself.

Hmph—The Devil King and hte hero both smiled valorously at the same time.

Using martial arts and authorities at the same time to break out of predicaments. This

was the instant when they expressed approval of each other's methods, offering praise.

Then the battle continued.

The mystic techniques of unarmed combat as performed by the pubescent body. The

mystic techniques as performed using the holy blade and sacred lightning.

Rather than a duel in a bid for supremacy, it was a spectacular performance more akin

to a blade dance.

"As expected of Master... I can't believe she can maintain stalemate in such an ingenious

manner."

Meanwhile, Lu Yinghua muttered while watching the battle.

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The descended lightning of salvation had mercilessly obliterated, destroyed various parts of the race track through electrical heat and impact. No part of the track's surface

or the grandstand remained recognizable.

Everyone had left the extremely dangerous race track, escaping to the mountains

behind.

Erica and Liliana were with Lu Yinghua as well. The trio was watching the battle's

progression from high ground, waiting for the moment to assist Her Eminence any time.

"I remember Her Eminence mentioned this earlier: 'On the level of stalling for time, I

shall have a little fun in the meantime.'"

Liliana murmured.

There was a reason why the supreme duel between Devil King and hero resembled a

blade dance. This was due to both sides deliberately holding back from full force,

imposing limits on their own power. Both of them had retained composure.

Also, the one who created this situation was precisely Her Eminence Luo Hao.

With feelings stirring deeply within her, Erica commented quietly.

"This might come across as somewhat offensive, but I am truly surprised. Holding the

conviction to defeat the enemy fair and square no matter what, against any kind of

opponent, and to actualize that such beliefs... That was my original conception of Her

Eminence Luo Hao."

"That's only the surface on the matter of appearances versus reality. Don't forget that.

Purely in terms of combat strength, most gods are far stronger than the various

godslaying Devil Kings. In spite of that, Luo Cuilian has remained victorious the whole

time so far."

At this moment, Lu Yinghua was not making a face like a disciple trying to brag about

his own master.

Rather, it was an expression filled with admiration for the extraordinary qualities of the

one who had raised him.

"As the saying goes, 'all's fair in love and war,' right? On the matter of war, Master is

quite outstanding too. After all, she is someone who will use every sort of guile to seize

victory, trampling those who rely on the power known as 'strength in numbers.' Her

mind switches to war mode when engaged in contests of martial arts."

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"...I see."

Liliana nodded. This was the strategy of "catching the enemy unprepared through deceit

or obfuscation."

This might be denounced as underhanded in martial arts contests, but if the arena was

changed to a battlefield with troops under command, one would extol such behavior as

virtues or wisdom befitting a king or a general.

"You'll understand just by playing a game of mahjong with Master."

" "Mahjong!?" "

"You'd never expect it, right? But Master knows how to play the game. After all, there is

no lack of opportunities to learn weird knowledge for someone living in that kind of

Daoist and martial artist community. However, Master's way of playing is absolutely

shameless."

In front of the dumbfounded knights, Lu Yinghua sighed.

"Because she possesses abnormal gambling luck, sharp instincts and extraordinary guts

to begin with, playing normally is already like cheating for her. Plus using her nimble

fingers to swap mahjong tiles secretly, even using Daoist arts on occasion, she simply

cheats to her heart's content."

"Hold on there. You're saying that Her Eminence Luo Hao cheats?"

"It is quite unbelievable after all."

"Oh lord. When Master approached the mahjong table for the first time, all the other

players were scoundrels conspiring together. However, Master ended up seeing through

all their tricks, learning the techniques and making them her own, easily obtaining

overwhelming victory."

" "......" "

"Then Master must have thought this to herself: 'I get it now, mahjong is a game where

you win by collecting the needed tiles from all four players in as little time as possible.'

Master always goes for the hand with four hidden triples as a minimum, but if you're

careless, she might even complete the Heavenly Gates hand with extreme speed."

"Listening to you, I just noticed how the same principle applies in the battle just now."

Next to the surprised Liliana, Erica reexamined the situation at hand.

174 | P a g e

The Devil King-exterminator was unleashing numerous attacks. Her Eminence Luo Hao was skillfully evading, defending against and avoiding these attacks with perfection,

using mysterious martial arts accompanied with Daoist arts at the same time.

Apart from her, there was no one in the entire world who could accomplish such absurd

feats.

Impossible to emulate. It even felt as though no one in the future could ever reach her

level.

But if this were a strict test of martial arts ability, she would probably be disqualified for

cheating. After all, there was no system for using Daoist arts and a Campione's

authorities together...

Enough with the small talk, this battle akin to a blade dance had persisted for over an

hour by now.

Signs of fatigue were gradually surfacing on Luo Cuilian's young face. Glistening sweat

dripped from her forehead while her lips were tense in smile of delight.

Then at this moment, the "King of the End" suddenly withdrew the divine blade.

Returning the Divine Sword of Salvation to its sheath on his back, he smiled politely. He

intended to show mercy to Luo Cuilian in her imperfect state of health—That was not it.

He turned his gaze towards the race track's grandstand which had been tragically

destroyed by lightning.

"You have arrived, Kusanagi Godou."

Standing in front of his gaze was the youngest and seventh Campione.

As his attendant, Seishuuin Ena was also following after him. While the sworn sister,

Luo Cuilian, was stalling for time, Kusanagi Godou had finally returned to the present

world.

Part 4

The return from the Netherworld was quite abrupt. After learning that name in the

Netherworld beach, it only took a minute or two to teleport to the ruins of the destroyed

race track.

Godou was looking down at the track from what used to be the grandstand. The de-aged

sworn sister and the "King of the End" holding the Divine Sword of Salvation were

there. Currently, they were looking in his direction, having interrupted their battle.

175 | P a g e

Godou whispered to Ena, who was next to him, dressed in her miko outfit.

"Seishuuin, get away from me. The others should be nearby."

"Yes, understood. Ena will go look for them."

To remain on standby with Erica and Liliana, so as to support Godou at an opportune

moment.

Ena was assigned the usual role of responsibility. However, the current opponent was

powerful to an unprecedented extent and greatly troublesome. Perhaps the burden on

Ena might be too heavy.

After all, the Hime-Miko of the Sword held the highest combat strength among her

companions as the wielder of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. She seemed to have

realized it herself as well. Nodding firmly, she left Godou with quick footsteps.

Finally, it was time to duel this man—the "King of the End."

Jumping down to the track from the grandstand, Godou walked over to the central area.

"Nee-san, you became a midget."

"You returned too late. Now that I have bought time for you in this manner, as the

younger brother, you must compensate your elder sister with commensurate piety."

"Leave it to me. I came back to be that prince's opponent."

Luo Cuilian's young and beautiful face smiled tenderly in response to Godou's

declaration after he arrived by her side.

This haughty attitude did not resemble a child's at all. Even with her height and limbs

diminished in size, her identity as the Ruler of the Martial Realm was not shaken the

slightest.

The intelligent sworn sister immediately noticed the reason why Godou had deliberately

avoided addressing the enemy as the "King of the End."

"Very well, I can understand how the younger brother wishes to fight before the sister.

As the elder sister, I shall concede the greatest formidable foe to you."

The sworn sister's smile changed in nature.

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The arrogant smile just now had turned into a smile of tender sweetness emanating from the heart.

She was probably feeling happy for Godou's accomplishments and for having acquired

the trump card for opposing the "King of the End." What Luo Cuilian normally exhibited

was sublime, ice-cold beauty. Only on the battlefield, when locked in an intense struggle

against powerful enemies would she show a smile that would put any flower to shame.

Hence, the "King of the End" stared at Godou.

"I have waited long for you, Kusanagi Godou. Apart from Her Highness Luo Hao, I also

hoped to meet you again."

Shouldering the destiny of godslayer extermination, the hero smiled with gentleness.

It was a cheerful attitude like he was a friend meeting Godou again after several years of

separation. To him who had repeatedly experienced the equivalent of eternal wandering

and conflict, perhaps the Campiones were the outsiders closest to him instead.

Unable to resent him no matter what, Godou spoke up:

"On the other hand, I don't want to meet you. Since meeting you means fighting, you'll

be forced to do what you hate the mast."

"Oh."

"Sorry, I have no chance of winning unless I do this. So let me be blunt from the start."

Just as the Devil King-exterminating hero was feeling puzzled...

The wind was howling. Ever since the "King of the End" awakened, the strong winds

attacking the Kantou region today had not changed. However, the raging gale formed a

vortex above the race track, turning into a mini-tornado.

Then the tornado took on the Wind King's form.

The war god of wind and steel, whose identity was concealed behind a mask and strips

of cloth wrapped around his entire body.

Godou nodded. The dearest retainer to the "King of the End" may be the younger

brother who shared the same blood. However, the most powerful subordinate was

undoubtedly this wind god.

Noticing the master's danger, he had rushed here first.

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A medallion suddenly appeared in the Wind King's hand. The divine artifact made of a gold-iron alloy—The [Arrowhead's Discus]. It looked like he wanted to summon the

three heroes.

Staring closely at the "King of the End," Godou spoke in a low voice.

"—You are the hero who frequently leads subordinates. As noble royalty, as a general,

one who leads soldiers to fight foreign Devil Kings."

Speech formed spell words, turning into power, turning into blades.

Godou's quiet voice transformed into spheres of splendorous golden light—The sword's

spell words. These spheres of light flew towards the medallion in the Wind King's hand.

There, dozens of them gathered.

Those "swords" adhered tightly to the surface of the [Arrowhead's Discus].

The medallion instantly turned gray in color. Originally the color of a gold alloy's, it

suddenly changed colors.

The sword's spell words had temporarily sealed away the power to summon heroes—

The authority of the "King of the End."

While the pale-haired aristocrat was feeling surprised, the Wind King prepared his

stance.

But Godou was not worried. The spheres of light kept manifesting as usual, filling the

surroundings with golden radiance.

"Needless to say, you are the hero who vanquishes Devil Kings."

Floating in the air, the swords of spell words kept increasing in number.

"Apart from that, you carry the characteristics of 'a war god of steel' and 'the wandering

aristocrat who uses a bow.' Your tale was even taken into a story in Buddhist scripture,

spreading its deep influence in folklore all over Asia."

Every time Godou spoke softly, dozens of spheres of light were produced, roughly fist-

sized.

Instantly, there were hundreds, thousands of them. The number of golden spheres of

light was enough to fill up the entire race track.

Every sphere of light was a blade for slicing the "King of the End."

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Looking from above, this scene would probably look like the birth of a spiraling galaxy on the ground. Furthermore, these clusters of stars were gradually expanding without

impediment. But this was not enough. To further explain the origins of the Devil King-

exterminator, Godou continued to compose spell words.

"Perhaps there is no other hero who has produced such a deep influence on the myths

and folklore in foreign lands. Here in Japan, the one most deeply influenced by you—

was Momotarou. 'Once upon a time, at a certain place' is the typical opening to legends

and stories, every Japanese person knows that. Even I know that."

"Spell words of wisdom. The weapon to tear me asunder!?"

The "King of the End" charged at Godou with speed and agility.

At the same time, the Divine Sword of Salvation was sung down from an upper stance

with lightning speed. A bifurcating slice. Even with a Campione's super reflexes and

Godou's dynamic vision, it was difficult to see through.

Nevertheless, in his current state, Godou was able to deflect the "King of the End"

simply with a swift swing of his right hand.

In response to this gesture, a hundred swords of spell words floating nearby flew at the

hero of the divine blade, knocking him away like a barrage of punches.

"Guh—!"

The light from spell words were rushing fiercely at the "King of the End" like machine

gunfire.

The hero of the divine blade instantly held the Divine Sword of Salvation in a mid-level

stance. Pointing the sword tip at Godou's face, for the very first time, he was using

something other than an upper stance.

The upper stance only allowed the swinging of the sword's blade. A stance exclusively

for offense.

While held in a mid-level stance, the sword could be swung as a shield. In other words, a

stance carrying defense. In response, the Divine Sword Mandala rained down lightning

again.

Thousands, tens of thousands of lightning strikes were falling from the sky like a heavy

rainstorm.

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However, this race track was currently occupied by the sword's spell words. Like clusters of stars forming a galaxy, spheres of golden light were everywhere.

If one were to count these spheres of light exactly, the total would probably reach

hundreds of thousands.

This enormous number of light spheres absorbed the rain of lightning with ease.

Lightning that was too powerful to absorb completely were deflected, altering their

trajectories.

Not a single bolt of lightning managed to reach Godou and Luo Cuilian on the ground.

However, the Wind King charged at this time.

This was a dash on all fours with a lowered posture like a beast's, occasionally touching

the ground with his hands. The warrior of wind and steel instantly entered the realm of

divine speed.

Naturally, his target was Godou. However, even then, Godou did not stop chanting spell

words.

"Born from a peach, Momotarou crossed the ocean to set off for the island of

Onigashima. Like you, he is a 'traveling hero.' The vanquishing of evil ogres on

Onigashima is an alteration of the Devil King-exterminating mission."

Naturally, the one who stepped in front of Godou instantly was the sworn sister.

With flutter of her mandarin gown's hem, she used her right hand to strike the space in

front of her. What she attacked was the wind god whose divine speed was impossible to

capture with the naked eye.

"Also, the followers aiding Momotarou—the dog, the monkey and the pheasant—

originated from your trait as a frequent leader of subordinates!"

Noticing the attack of the unidentified war god, Godou instantly yelled.

Meanwhile, the pubescent Luo Cuilian was using the mind's eye to see through the

movements of divine speed.

One after another, she unleashed palm strikes. Indeed, they were not punches. With

slender fingers extended, her palms were spread. Finally, she had unsealed her top skill,

the Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Flying Phoenix.

Fingers sharper than the tips of spears.

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Palm strikes hitting heavier than any hammer.

Knifehand strikes sharper than any trenchant blade in the world.

A flurry of attacks as dense as rainwater. Within the duration of a breath, she had

already launched fourteen or fifteen palm strikes at the air.

One of the knifehand strikes was what sent the Wind King flying despite having turned

into wind of divine speed.

Clang! The instant just as Luo Cuilian's left hand, smaller than usual in her pubescent

form, chopped horizontally, a sharp metallic sound was heard while the Wind King was

smashed against the ground.

His appearance was still wrapped in white cloth with a mask.

The wind god with the body of steel had been hit by a barehanded chop, struck down on

the ground. Apparently unharmed. However, the white cloth hiding his chest was torn,

exposing the body beneath.

After a glance at him, Godou nodded.

"Just as Momotarou can be considered your distant kin, his three followers—the dog,

the monkey and the pheasant&mdashp;were influenced by your subordinate—the Wind

King. Quick movements, wings for soaring in the sky, powerful strength for vanquishing

evil ogres, and most important of all, the detail of not human in appearance."

What the masked war god had obsessively concealed was his skin—rather, it was white

fur.

Finally exposed, the Wind King jumped back greatly in a fluster, landing behind his lord

and master who had stabbed the divine blade into the ground to pick up the bow of

steel.

"You are going to disclose the origins of us, master and servant, aren't you? Kusanagi

Godou."

Saying that, the "King of the End" showed neither anger nor sadness on his face.

With an attitude of resigned wisdom, capable of accepting everything no matter what

happened next, his handsome face became even clearer. Seeing his expression, Godou

realized:

This guy was in all respects the polar opposite of Campiones such as himself.

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"In that case, go ahead and speak my true name. If you have arrived at the land of truth—"

"Yeah. My [Sword] will surely block your arrows."

A white arrow suddenly appeared in the hero's right hand.

Analyzing the enemy was the ability belonging to Verethragna's final incarnation, the

[Warrior]. That was why Godou understood. This arrow was infused with the power of

the sun. Its firepower was enough to rival his own [White Stallion].

The instant the solar arrow was nocked on the bow of steel, Godou spoke:

"Your name has been a giant mystery over the long ages. Despite bringing influence

upon various lands, both oriental and occidental, the progenitor is in Asia. Your tale

even made its way deep into Buddhist parables. Furthermore, the hint to unraveling the

mystery is Buddhist scripture—in other words, Buddhism itself!"

Despite a thoroughly trained body of muscle, the "King of the End" was slender in

physique.

Even so, he was still able to draw a stiff bow of steel effortlessly, calmly shooting the

solar arrow. The bowstring's sound reverberated all around.

Next, what approached Godou and Luo Cuilian was not an arrow.

Instead, it was a massive pillar of fire. Shot out, the arrow instantly transformed,

turning into a flame pillar akin to coronal mass ejections from solar flares.

In spite of that, Godou still spoke calmly and quietly.

"Your homeland is the same as the origin of Buddhism, namely, ancient India."

Turned into a solar flare, the solar arrow was rushing at them as forcefully as a lava

flow.

Nevertheless, Godou's mind remained completely unfazed. Calm. Thanks to assistance

from his companions and the Princess of Glass, he had come to know the truth.

Godou gathered the sword's spell words around him. The spell words of brilliant golden

light arrived in unprecedented numbers, already on the scale of macro-cosmic galaxies.

Compressing this light, he formed a canopy of golden radiance.

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This was for covering his sworn sister and himself with defensive power of

unprecedented strength.

Hence, the spiraling solar flame was unable to incinerate this canopy in the slightest.

"In yonder days, you were the heavenly child sent to the earth in order to defeat Ravana,

the demon king of the Rakshasa, whom even the gods were unable to destroy. The

prince from the kingdom of Kosala. A reincarnation of Vishnu who is revered alongside

Shiva and Brahama as the trinity of supreme deities."

"Alas—!"

The pale-haired aristocrat sighed briefly. He had probably resolved himself.

The name that had been concealed the whole time was finally coming to light now.

"The epic poem recording his legend is the Ramayana, also known as the Tale of King Rama. The 'King of the End'—His true name is Rama, or alternatively, Ramachandra."

The solar flame attacking Godou and Luo Cuilian was extinguished.

The surrounding scenery no longer looked like a race track. Everything had turned into

an incinerated plain.

Hence, the two Campiones confronted the two gods, master and subordinate, face to

face.

Godou turned towards the Wind King standing behind the dignified aristocrat and

quietly chanted spell words.

"Serving King Rama was the devotee who soared the skies, Hanuman. One could call

him, the flying monkey, the kin of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong. In

addition to being a wind god's son, he also possessed immortality and monstrous

strength."

The white cloth wrapped around the war god of wind and steel was finally lifted and the

mask also shattered.

Revealed was a strange bipedal ape, standing roughly 180cm tall. Indeed, he was very

similar to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong. However, his fur was white

and he was wearing a red loincloth.

In addition, his face inexplicably gave off an impression of wisdom. At the same time,

this air of virtue and brilliance was enough to call intellectual.

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Chapter 6 - Aboard the Legendary Ship

Part 1

The epic poem, the Ramayana, originated in ancient India.

This was a long story of epic scale, recording the decisive battle between peerless hero,

Prince Rama, and the Rakshasa King—Ravana the demon lord. Its original version

could even be traced back to before Christian era.

In the modern times, Rama was believed to be one of the avatars of the supreme god

Vishnu.

This was an element added through the passage of time. Before the interaction with

such Vaishnava elements, Rama was simply Rama himself. As the protagonist of a

legend about an ancient wandering nobleman, a man shouldering the destiny of

vanquishing the demon king, a virtuous and revered monarch, a great hero.

Due to his overwhelming renown, the populace eventually linked him to a supreme

deity.

"Prince Rama's destined rival, Rakshasa King Ravana was quite a special existence."

During intimate contact with Godou on the Netherworld beach earlier, Yuri and Ena

had spoken in turn.

"Ravana was a rakshasa who had undergone intense hardship over many years to obtain

a boon of "absolute invulnerability against the gods and the other rakshasas. A demon

king who caused many gods to suffer. Furthermore, he possessed ten faces and twenty

arms—a terrifying appearance with ten heads and twenty hands."

Whenever Godou's tongue slid across the two Hime-Miko's soft and tender skin, they

would murmur in voices of ecstasy. In addition, they twisted their bodies in search of

Godou's lips, speaking of myths in a manner akin to pillow talk in between kisses of

mutually entangling tongues—

"Back then, the gods convened for a discussion before reaching a decision. They

intended to defeat Ravana by borrowing power from neither the gods nor the

rakshasas—by a human hand instead. For this purpose, the gods petitioned Lord

Vishnu, hoping he could descend upon the earth as a human to accomplish the task of

killing the demon king."

"Hence, Prince Rama was born as Lord Vishnu's incarnation."

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Born as the Ayodhya kingdom's eldest prince, Rama was "the one who received every blessing."

He possessed a handsome face, superior intelligence. Revered by the populace for his

benevolent and gentle personality, he was also the strongest warrrior.

However, his father's other wife conspired to make her own son king, thus Rama was

exiled from Ayodhya for fourteen years.

The only attendants joining the tragic prince in exile were his wife Sita and younger

brother Prince Lakshmana.

Thereafter, what awaited Rama while he lived in seclusion in the Dandaka forest was the

inevitable days of battle against the wicked rakshasas.

Naturally, Rama kept defeating the rakshasas with his valorous might.

However, the strongest Rakshasa King Ravana finally appeared. Possessing the boon of

"absolute invulnerability against gods and rakshasas," the demon king had his eyes set

on the beauty of Rama's wife, Sita, finally succeeding in abducting her away.

As a result, Rama began on a journey again with the Rakshasa King's castle as his

destination.

In order to defeat the evil ten-headed demon king and take back his abducted wife—

"Your wife Sita was an earth spirit."

The lightning of salvation kept raining down on the race track.

Right now, this space was completely filled with over a hundred thousand golden

spheres of light. These light spheres were all blades for slicing through the divinity of

Rama.

"Sita was the daughter of Janaka, but by adoption and not birth. She was the child

discovered by the king while plowing the land to build an altar, appearing from within

the ground... That was Sita!"

The lightning strikes descending from the sky were all absorbed or deflected by the

golden spheres of light.

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Whenever they absorbed attacks, the spheres of light would gradually decrease in number—Unlike previous battles, these spheres of light looked like they were not going

to disappear for now.

After finding out Rama's name which had been hidden all along, Verethragna's sword

was bringing forth much stronger power than usual.

Furthermore, the amount of released lightning was gradually decreasing as well.

"King Janaka decided to wed this extraordinary daughter to a hero. He declared that

whoever managed to string the royal family's heirloom of a bow would win her hand in

marriage. And you—Prince Rama—let alone stringing the bow, you even managed to

break this bow in a show of power, the bow that no mortal could pull."

Hovering in midair, the Divine Sword Mandala had stopped firing lightning at some

point.

Also, instead of shooting arrows as before, King Rama on the ground was silently

listening to the spell words woven by Godou.

Willingly accepting the verbal lashings as punishment for himself—

That was the attitude Rama was displaying. While staring straight at him, Godou

continued:

"Later on, the wife he married was abducted by Ravana. Setting off on a journey to

vanquish the demon king, Prince Rama finally defeated his destined rival after a long

battle, thus taking Sita back. Afterwards, he returned to his homeland and inherited the

throne officially as the eldest prince. Thus the world rejoiced."

"......"

"However, the people doubted Sita's purity after her long period of captivity. Hence as

king, Rama ordered her to prove her purity. This was also a king's duty. However, in

order to comply with this command, Sita—"

As a daughter of the earth as well as Rama's wife—this was the name of the Princess of

Glass back when she was a goddess.

Sita. Meaning "furrow." According to legend, this was the name given to her because she was the daughter found while plowing the earth.

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"Praying 'accept me if my body is pure' to Mother Earth, she set off on a journey to the subterranean world—in other words, the underworld. For the sake of fulfilling a king's

duties, you abandoned your wife."

"Precisely, Kusanagi Godou."

Rama nodded with a slightly bitter expression.

Naturally, this was merely a brief interlude within a myth. This was a story interpreted

from the viewpoint of mythography rather than through the lens of love and hate

between genders.

The so-called Sita was "a goddess who served as a live sacrifice to ensure the fertility of

the land."

Tracing back this system of myths, one would reach the plot point of "burying the killed

deity into the earth to bring a bountiful harvest of crops, the people obtained food."

There were also stories of deities dying by immolation as live sacrifices. A metaphor for

slash-and-burn agriculture.

As a side note, before heading underground, Sita had also lived through a trial of

burning by fire to prove her own purity.

Based on the above points, Rama's exploits should be examined through mythography.

As a man, he was irreproachable, above any criticisms no matter what kind. Even so, the

man acknowledging all accusations was standing right here, confronting Godou face to

face.

Purely judging from personality, he was a man who was honest to a fault.

Godou sighed. This was the first time an opponent had shown this kind of reaction to

the sword's spell words. Meanwhile, there were also two other individuals glaring

sharply at each other.

The white monkey god of wind and Her Eminence Luo Hao who was currently in a

pubescent girl's form.

"Having recounted my lord's exploits and listened to his great accomplishments..."

Hanuman spoke for the first time in front of Godou's group.

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"You humans ought to show feelings of respect and admiration, yes? In spite of that, to think you would use spell words of wisdom as weapons, to subject His Highness to such

insolent behavior, there should be limits to offense!"

"You are the one who ought to know your place, Hanuman."

In response to the intellectual white monkey god's tirade, Luo Cuilian retorted in a

young voice.

"Daring as a retainer to interrupt a conversation between kings, now that is truly

offensive to the extreme. Hohoho, why don't you act like a devotee who knows his place

and seal your lips with a mask as before?"

"Having kept silent for close to two millennia, I honestly do feel tired."

The monkey with dense fur answered with an indifferent look in response to the

demonic cult leader who was taunting with a smile.

Despite calm appearances, a vortex of killing intent was already swirling between the

two of them. They were ready to sweep Godou, Rama and anyone else into a fight any

time.

With a battle about to break out any moment, Godou spoke out:

"Can we talk for a bit?"

"Talk? Me and you?"

"Yeah."

In response to this invitation, Rama merely pondered for a moment before signaling to

his retainer with his eyes. The white monkey immediately nodded with a look of

comprehension, jumped backwards swiftly and did not say another word.

"Nee-san. Sorry but I'm a bit curious about this guy. Please wait for me briefly."

"No matter. It would be a worthwhile experience to interact occasionally with gods

instead of fighting. Nevertheless, no matter what words are exchanged, the end result

awaiting us shall not change in all likelihood. Never forget this fact."

Impressive of Nee-san as ever, was that what one should say? Despite seeming quite

senseless on the surface, this sworn elder sister was actually quite astute.

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She must have seen through the younger brother's conundrum. After offering advice as a senior godslayer, Luo Cuilian also stepped back.

"I believe it's time for you to end your conflict with the Campiones—us."

"That would be rather difficult. Last time, I already attempted to procrastinate the Devil

King-extermination mission by a thousand years, but still ended up descending upon

the earth in this manner."

Despite having drawn their weapons of assured destruction, the atmosphere was

unbelievably calm.

Was the reason due to King Rama's own charisma, capable of charming everyone, or the

personality of Godou who championed the banner of pacificism despite being a

godslayer?

"Also, due to the Holy Grail, my power suddenly increased to critical point. The ensuing

result, what happened—Don't you feel it already?"

"Yeah. The temperature is very hot."

Godou replied to the wryly smiling Rama.

In fact, Godou had felt this ever since returning from the Netherworld. The air

temperature felt like the harsh heat of midsummer—The aristocrat before his eyes was

the cause.

Currently, his entire body was giving off high heat like flames.

Just facing him felt like entering the scene of a fire. If this continued at length,

dehydration could very well result. Someone with poor stamina would probably collapse

immediately.

Rama suddenly looked out in the distance on the ground.

Fallen there were some binders left behind by people earlier in the race track. Rama

approached the spot and knelt down. Just at that instant—

The large number of binders became pulverized and scattered completely.

All moisture was sucked out of the paper, producing the phenomenon of deterioration

through age in merely an instant.

The owner of the miracle-inducing heat sighed and stood up, facing Godou.

190 | P a g e

"Just as you can see, if I were to remain on earth, many lives and objects will come to an end. Raging gales will howl, the land and the sea will keep rising in temperature,

mountain ranges will erupt, heaven and earth will rumble thunderously."

"Looks like it."

Godou had already seen the harm to the soil and natural habitats of the Bousou

Peninsula.

Furthermore, he had been warned about the effects on volcanic zones. However, as a

[Heretic God], Prince Rama's personality was exceptionally kind and gentle. Perhaps he

might have a way to control the deathly influence brought by his presence. Despite these

hopes of Godou's...

"Since my body temperature has reached this level, it is hopeless now. This heat will

likely spread to every corner of the world to cause momentous changes in the world's

appearance. Humans might call this 'the end times'—There are only two methods to

stop it."

Rama—the king manifesting at era's end—spoke lightly.

"One is for me to exterminate all godslayers currently ruling the earth. Once my mission

is fulfilled, I can sleep again in the form of the divine sword."

"And the other?"

"If someone among you manages to emerge victorious in a reversal, I will still return to

the divine blade's form. Under those conditions, I will lie dormant briefly, perhaps for a

few months, perhaps a few years, but at least there is a buffer period."

"Both extremely difficult demands."

Confronted with these frighteningly difficult conditions, Godou could only laugh aloud.

The "King of the End" was not undefeated so far. It was the opposite. In the battles

against ancient godslayers, he had already met defeat many times. Even Godou himself

had won in ancient Gaul.

However, Prince Rama had currently reached a fully awakened state using the great

ritual of the covenant. A godslayer capable of defeating him in this state—There was at

least one. Godou knew this.

The man that the Princess of Glass had shown him.

191 | P a g e

But that kind of absurd comeback drama, was he really able to reenact it?

"Also, even if it's possible to defeat you in your strongest state, you'll revive soon

enough."

"My apologies. I feel that these are unreasonable demands too."

He apologized quite solemnly in response to Godou's complaint.

Then as though recalling something by chance, Rama suddenly said:

"Speaking of which, how is that goddess? I cannot sense a snake's presence at all."

"Oh, well enough... I suppose."

"I see. Towards her, I have been very cruel too."

Bringing up the subject of Pallas Athena, Rama lowered his gaze for an instant.

Deliberately giving an ambiguous answer, Godou secretly nodded in his mind. As

expected, this guy was able to sense the presences of Divine Ancestors and mother earth

goddesses.

Now was not the time to discuss this. Godou changed the subject.

"Compared to other gods, you're really weird, you know?"

This was the greatest question that had occurred to him during the past few days.

"Gods—[Heretic Gods]—will gradually acquire aspects contradicting the myths during

their time of wandering on earth, right? But you've stayed as originally depicted in

mythology. Your personality is very serious as well, to the point that it feels like you'll

gather people's admiration."

This was knowledge that Godou had acquired after numerous intense battles, especially

the fight against the Illustrious Sage, True Lord Erlang.

The "true god" who stood as Kusanagi Godou's nemesis. Living true to his convictions as the defender of justice, he absolutely refused to do anything harming the populace.

Furthermore, "King of the End" Rama was also a bit similar to war god Verethragna.

Back when he first met Godou, that youth was wandering the earth while maintaining a

glorious hero's disposition despite having lost his memories as a [Heretic God].

192 | P a g e

A scene that had happened on the island of Sardinia, which felt quite nostalgic now.

"Unlike other gods, my myth also contains the detail of 'being born on earth as a

human.' Perhaps this is the reason. Thanks to that, my original disposition has not

changed much."

"So that's the reason!?"

"However, 'acquiring distortion and insanity while wandering the earth'... This curse

ultimately cannot be avoided entirely. Even someone like me has bizarre aspects as logic

would dictate."

Next, Godou noticed.

A quiver had appeared behind Rama's back without him noticing earlier. It was

previously absent.

Who did it? Could it be Hanuman who had brought it? But the white monkey god of

wind was currently having a staring contest against Luo Cuilian some distance away,

keeping tabs on each other. He did not seem to be the culprit.

The quiver contained dozens of arrows. This was a gift from Indra, the god of

thunderstorms, along with the ultimate bow of victory.

The mysterious quiver whose arrows would never deplete. Contained inside were the

various arrows bestowed upon Prince Rama by the gods and sages who had mentored

him in martial arts...

Next to the quiver, an amorphous shadow was squirming restlessly.

One part of the shadow was quite similar to a human arm. That arm reached towards

the quiver, extracting a golden arrow. The arrowhead and fletchings were made of gold.

Having obtained knowledge of Rama, Godou immediately understood. If this arrow

were to be shot at Tokyo, an area of land comparable to the Bunkyou Ward would be

destroyed in an instant, turned into ash...

Godou's gaze noticed the movement behind Rama.

"—Stop!"

The aristocrat yelled curtly. As a result, the shadow immediately disappeared from the

quiver.

Part 2

193 | P a g e

"What the heck was that just now?"

Questioned by Godou, Rama smiled wryly as before.

"The one who takes on all distortion and insanity on my behalf... I suppose. It would be

a long story. But everyone has grown impatient by now."

Indeed, Hanuman and Luo Cuilian were silently waiting with full concentration.

No one was relaxing their guard at all. Furthermore, in order to keep an eye on the

surrounding situation so as to react immediately to any sudden movements from the

enemy, they were quietly exuding battle spirit—

Godou shrugged.

It was evidently time to swing the sword of spell words and end the conversation.

The blazing plain was no longer recognizable as a race track at all. Godou transmitted

strong thoughts to the tens of thousands of radiant spheres inside this space. Gather.

Gather by my side.

Although it was fine to keep controlling the golden spheres of light as before—

The way he was now, Godou was able to create an even more powerful [Sword].

Furthermore, it was the essential weapon in the fight against Rama the great hero.

"I am the strongest, I shall smash through all enemies in my way. O blade belonging to

the savior of the righteous, fragments of the glorious sun. Hereby serve the incarnation

of victory!"

The instant Godou's lips composed these spell words...

The sword's spell words, reaching tens of thousands in number, the massive collective of

radiant spheres began to move like a galaxy of light.

Colliding and merging together, the spheres of light changed in form and mass, soon

turning into a weapon. A longsword with a golden blade—

The blade's length was beyond regular, measuring the same size as Godou's 180cm

height.

The blade was also quite broad, roughly the width of a surfboard. Its thickness was like a

steel plate's.

194 | P a g e

Eight of these giant golden swords were created in total.

By consolidating the sword's spell words, these eight holy swords of Verethragna were

created as a result—the strongest weapons specially prepared by Kusanagi Godou for

the decisive battle against Rama.

With their tips pointing downwards, the eight holy swords hovered in the air.

In addition, they were surrounding Godou on all sides. In order to guard their master

from all attacks, the eight holy swords had entered a defensive formation.

Meanwhile, the Devil King-exterminating hero called out loudly:

"A decisive battle challenging two godslaying Devil Kings... Seeing as that is the case,

this venue is not wide enough. Then allow me to prepare an even bigger arena!"

Immediately, the ground suddenly glowed with white light.

Godou and everyone else had been standing on asphalt, the substance used to lay the

race track. However, this ground had suddenly turned into stone tiles, shining with

white radiance.

Frantically, he surveyed his surroundings to find that the scenery had changed all at

once.

Somehow, they were now inside a city with white stone tiles everywhere in sight. The

view extended endlessly as far as the eye could see. This ground was tiled entirely with

stone.

Over half of the land was empty, most likely. There were not many buildings.

However, there were houses and towers built in various locations, all using gray stone in

a mixture of black and white.

"When exactly were we moved to this city...!?"

"Nay! Prince Rama summoned this city!"

Campiones were highly resistant towards magic and divine powers. Since they were

guarded by Verethragna's holy swords, even Rama would not be able to teleport them so

easily.

In other words, he had summoned this city on which they were currently standing.

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Thus, in this manner, the utterly destroyed race track was covered up!

"This belongs to me, so feel free to destroy it. Make full use of your authorities without

holding back. I, too, shall meet you in battle with full force."

After Rama declared that, a vehicle of war appeared behind him.

Although a vehicle of war, this was no weapon of steel created in the modern world.

Instead, it was a type of horse-drawn carriage that could carry several soldiers and

armaments such as bows and spears. In the arenas of ancient Rome, chariot racing was

one of the most popular sports.

Deftly, Rama jumped with agility onto the charioteer's platform.

Then this chariot began to move as though sliding on ice, without needing to be drawn

by any horse, flying high in the sky!

"A sky chariot!?"

Godou realized it was a vehicle that had appeared many times in the epic poem,

the Ramayana.

Better described as gliding rather than driving, the sky chariot flew swiftly and lightly,

raising Rama's altitude instantly. He was now seventy or eighty meters in the air above

Godou and Luo Cuilian.

Then the Devil King Exterminator yelled loudly:

"Divine Sword of Salvation. My army! Fellow friends! O heavenly weapons bestowed by

the sages and the great gods! Now is the time to show your true power!"

His command achieved great effect. Shining brightly in the sky, the Divine Sword

Mandala suddenly increased to four.

Previously, one symbol alone was enough to produce lightning strikes of immense

destructive power. Now, the number had increased to four. Furthermore, all four of

them arrived above Godou and Luo Cuilian at the same time.

The four mandalas were positioned north, east, south, west in a formation, surrounding

Godou and the sworn sister completely.

An indiscriminate barrage of lightning was launched again.

196 | P a g e

Four times as much lightning was attacking from four different directions.

Incomparably frightening power and pressure. Godou was quite surprised by the purely

physical increase.

"So that's what he meant by full force!"

The lightning was descending nonstop like a rainstorm.

However, Godou and the sworn sister standing beside him did not move an inch.

Surrounding the two of them, the eight holy swords of Verethragna had created an

invisible shield, blocking the lightning's power completely.

The lightning's heat and shock could not reach the two Campiones.

The eight holy swords were the ultimate weapons forged from the sword for slicing

apart and sealing away the hero Rama's divinity. Their defense could not be penetrated

so easily.

However, this type of attack powered by numbers was not pointless.

The sword's spell words would deplete gradually from use. If they were to suffer this

endless barrage of attacks, the eight holy swords were not going to endure for long and

would lose their power. Having fully awakened through the great ritual of the covenant,

Rama definitely possessed the massive magic power required to persist in this absurd

bombardment to the very end!

At the same time, riding the sky chariot, Rama also shot arrows from the air.

The arrows shot from the steel bow of the universally blessed hero were not merely

ranged weapons.

Successively fired arrows each carried divine power from the thunder god Indra, the fire

god Agni and the sun god Surya respectively. Rama was shooting these arrows nonstop

without being stingy with them at all.

Whenever an arrow descended upon the shield erected by the eight holy swords, a

massive explosion would result.

Even the weakest arrow was able to cause an explosion and shockwave that would

destroy a town outright. Furthermore, there were destructive bonuses.

Wherever the arrows struck, the vicinity would incinerate to nothing by fire and

lightning.

197 | P a g e

Even so, Rama kept taking out "the arrow with double power," "the arrow with triple power," "the arrow with ten times the power" nonstop.

"It's almost like inflation..."

His senses going numb, Godou remarked wryly.

So far, the eight holy swords of Verethragna had defended flawlessly against the arrows'

firepower. However, although the sword's spell words were much stronger than before,

it was unknown how long they could last. Cold sweat flowed down his forehead.

Meanwhile, the pubescent sworn sister murmured with a look of comprehension.

"Speaking of which, this was the style heroes in ancient India."

After hearing that, Godou nodded.

Due to knowledge about Prince Rama, he immediately understood.

India's other great epic poem, the Mahabharata, also featured heroes who frequently

used weapons including arrows and javelins. These projectiles were mostly magical

weapons, using magic to spread fire and lightning, thus producing massive destruction.

Furthermore, the heroes would even ride chariots to fly across the sky.

After reading deeply into those descriptions, people came up with strange theories such

as "ancient India was a super civilization surpassing modern science and technology" or

"evidence of nuclear war fought using missiles between flying ships (or UFOs)."

"Godou. It is time for us siblings to counterattack."

"Well said. Things can only get worse gradually at this rate... I could probably win just

by using the sword, if facing an ordinary enemy."

After revealing the hero Rama's name, Godou obtained these eight holy swords of

Verethragna.

Just one of them alone probably held enough power to equal tens of thousands of the

sword's spell words. However, the great ritual of the covenant supplied Rama with

massive magic power—most likely having surpassed the latent power in the eight holy

swords.

However, Luo Cuilian made a gorgeous smile while speaking:

198 | P a g e

"Although the earlier match was child's play with tacit understanding between us to hold back... I never expected him to conceal power of this extent."

Godou had seen his sworn sister make this look before. This was an honest expression of

delight at the enemy's powerful abilities.

However, she suddenly gazed at Godou mischievously.

"Now that Sri Rama has flown into the sky, if we were to remain on the ground—"

"We'll have no chance of winning. I've got an idea, so let me handle it. Together with all

the effort you've put in so far, Nee-san, I'm putting on a grand performance next."

"Hohoho. To think you are bragging so boldly before me."

Godou was not used to the sight of his sworn sister smiling calmly as a pubescent girl.

Nevertheless, he shrugged.

"You originally said you were conceding the greatest foe to me. After all, you only barely

managed to recover, but you're still far from peak condition."

Although Godou had no idea what kind secret technique his sworn sister had used...

The fact that her body regressed in age clearly implied it was quite a reckless method.

Despite recovering her depleted magic power, surely it was only about half compared to

the original amount.

And also due to having a child's body, her stamina would be different from usual.

At these times, I should be the one stepping forward—Thinking that, Godou asserted

clearly:

"It'll trouble me if I let the wounded enter the fray. So assist me from behind, Nee-san.

I'm counting on you."

"Seriously! Your manner of speaking to the supreme elder sister is still so irreverent.

However, so be it. Being able to brag so boldly could also be taken as proof of your

growth."

"Sorry about that. But I'm sure you'll definitely have a chance to enter the stage, Nee-

san."

The enemy was powerful to an unprecedented extent. This was absolutely an intense

battle requiring them to go all out.

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Furthermore, while this conversation was taking place, the four mandalas kept raining down lightning. Rama also kept firing consecutively at Godou and Luo Cuilian on the

ground with his mysterious arrows of massive firepower.

These attacks all came from the hero Rama's divine power, hence they were unable to

break through Verethragna's eight holy swords.

Despite the hellish situation outside the shield, caused by the impacts and explosions,

the interior remained calm and peaceful. However.

Of the eight golden swords surrounding Godou and Luo Cuilian—one of them turned

into the color of steel.

The spell words for slicing apart and sealing away Rama's divinity were being consumed

rapidly.

After all, this could not be helped if one were to endure the enemy's overwhelming

attacks persistently. Turning into the color of steel, the holy sword then vanished.

It was Godou's turn to switch from defense to offense. Speaking to the partner dormant

in his right arm, he ordered:

"Ama no Murakumo! Get me one of those flying chariots!"

'Affirmative!'

This was the same tactic he had used in the battle against Uldin. Since the enemy could

fly in the sky, all he needed to do was order Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to replicate

this power so that he could use it himself.

This time, the power to control a sky chariot was emulated.

Honestly speaking, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's copying power was not that

powerful, unable to emulate authorities for causing grand miracles. However, one could

only make do in this regard.

A chariot appeared before Godou, identical to Rama's in appearance.

"Thanks, take us up into the sky!"

Jumping onto the chariot with his sworn sister, Godou commanded. This was a mode of

transport that could be freely controlled by thought alone. Furthermore, the passengers

were exposed to neither heat nor cold nor the effects of air pressure. An unmatched and

supreme riding experience.

200 | P a g e

Needless to say, Verethragna's seven holy swords flew and followed the chariot.

The seven holy swords lined themselves next to the chariot with four on the right and

three on the left, practically like a pair of wings.

Neither did they neglect to guard the chariot and the passengers with a defensive shield.

Thanks to that, even when struck by lightning or arrows, the chariot did not shake in the

slightest. Given the way things were now—

"Get rid of those golden shiny things! Do it!"

The four Divine Sword Mandalas happened to be hovering just above Godou and Luo

Cuilian.

Unimpeded by the released lightning of salvation, the chariot flew at high speed,

charging straight at the first mandala.

Then the seven flying holy swords shredded the mandala's pattern. Hence, one of the

Divine Sword Mandalas was destroyed in this manner. After repeating this type of

attack three times, the chariot carrying Godou and Luo Cuilian finished eliminating all

of the lightning sources.

By this point, of the holy swords lined next to the chariot, only three remained on the

right and two on the left.

The counterattack just now had consumed the power of two holy swords. Godou hoped

to find a replacement weapon.

"Ama no Murakumo. Can the Storm Bringer be used?"

Godou asked about the black blade.

"Like last time, using the method to prepare the sword underground... Although it's

probably difficult without Athena, it'd be great if you could do that."

'Even with that earth mother present, it is still impossible. Have you not noticed?'

"What do you mean?"

'Fly higher. You shall see.'

Listening to the divine sword in his right arm, Godou mentally ordered the chariot to

rise rapidly.

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The chariot soared as though gliding, instantly climbing to a higher altitude.

Soon, they were three or four hundred meters off the ground. Even so, the ride still felt

extremely comfortable. There was no floating feeling that often came with traveling on

planes or the like.

Next, Luo Cuilian sighed.

"To think... A trick of this sort."

Only now, for the first time, the two of them saw the full view of the city that Rama had

summoned.

It was a circular city, possibly with a radius of sixteen kilometers or so. Although there

were stone towers, houses and orchards scattered sparsely throughout, most of the land

was empty.

In the center of the circle towered a pillar of gold. It was the tallest structure in this

entire city.

Furthermore, this giant city—was flying in the air.

The ocean was below. Most likely Tokyo Bay. Looking afar, Godou could spot what

appeared to be the Yokohama Bay Bridge, a road crossing the sea as well as the

cityscapes of Chiba and Kisarazu in the distance.

This was the city that had suddenly appeared under Godou and everyone else.

This city most likely flew up silently from the mountains of the Bousou Peninsula, then

went west to arrive above Tokyo Bay. Godou and Luo Cuilian had felt no signs at all

during the fight in the city which had kept flying in a smooth ride.

Naturally, it was impossible to prepare the Storm Bringer underground. Because they

were not over ground at all.

Through his knowledge of Prince Rama, Godou immediately figured out this city's

prototype.

"An enormous flying ship, as big as a city... Pushpaka Vimana!"

Part 3

After Rama defeated the demon king Ravana...

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Kubera, the god of riches and treasure, praised Rama for his accomplishments and bestowed him with a certain gift.

This was Pushpaka Vimana. A giant ship of the heavens, capable of flying according to

the owner's will, the hero Rama's royal barge.

Despite being the same class of vehicle as the sky chariot, it was much greater in size

and luxury.

That being said, the sense of comfort when traveling was equal to that of the small

chariot. In this regard, one could tell that it was an object of supreme quality.

"I would feel most apologetic if the kingdom on the ground were to get caught up in our

battle."

A sudden voice. Rama had caught up, driving his chariot.

"However, this vimana is my ship. I am free to do with it as I please. Also, this should be

qualified as the venue for our battle."

"So you're saying you want to go nuts without reservation...?"

Looking down at the giant ship below Godou muttered.

The place they were at earlier was apparently a corner near the circle's outskirts. The

buildings around that area had already been destroyed by the lightning of salvation,

turned into a wasteland.

Using this type of attack in urban areas would surely cause horrific disasters.

Even deep in the mountains, tragic trails of destruction would be left on nature and the

land.

These were all situations to avoid for the kind and gentle Rama. After all, he had chosen

a relatively low-power arrow back when he first awakened fully from the great ritual of

the covenant.

Precisely because he possessed an excessively powerful arsenal, Rama hoped to use this

ship as the battlefield.

"The same goes for both sides. Victory is undecided yet."

Godou's lips twisted, displaying a savage grin.

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Since the battlefield was not on the ground, this suited him perfectly too. Right now, he was less than twenty meters away from the man who must be defeated.

All he needed to do next was strive forward as hard as he could. Godou issued orders to

attack.

"Go!"

Verethragna's five holy swords were waiting ready on the left and right of his chariot.

Three on the right and two on the left, flanking the chariot like a pair of wings.

Right now, one of the swords from the right wing went for Rama's chariot, flying like a

javelin.

Hence, the aristocrat of salvation immediately extracted an arrow from his quiver and

threw it without using his steel bow.

"O arrow of Shiva!"

The arrow thrown by Rama clashed violently with Verethragna's holy sword in the air.

The holy sword was the weapon for slicing through the hero Rama's divine power. Even

if it were an arrow capable of turning the entire Tokyo area into scorched earth, so long

as it was launched by Rama, surely it could be dispelled.

However—

"O Shiva, great incarnation of darkness, god of destruction. I beseech you to bestow

protection upon Rama, son of King Dasharatha of Ayodha, the one who extols your

virtues!"

The aristocrat's lips composed a prayer of spell words.

Immediately, the arrow conferred by Shiva was infused with divine power not of

Rama's.

The supreme god forming the Hindu trinity along with Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva was

the three-eyed god of destruction. Mahākāla, Maheśvara and others were the names

given when he was imported into Buddhism.

Rama's divine power could be sliced apart using Verethragna's holy sword.

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But it would not work on Shiva's power. This was the countermeasure that a number of gods, with Athena first and foremost, had used several times in the past to block the

spell words of the sword.

Rama had rapidly blocked the holy sword. But even so, Godou still yelled:

"I am the strongest, holding all victory in my hands. Man and devil, all enemies, all who

harbor enmity will be vanquished!"

Despite having lost three of them already, the eight holy swords were created

specifically to surpass the spell words of the sword after all.

How could they be countered by such a petty trick—Absolutely forbidden! Godou

poured magic power and Verethragna's spell words into the sword that was clashing

violently with Shiva's arrow while focusing his thoughts on breaking through the

obstacle.

This intent succeeded.

Crushing Shiva's arrow, Verethragna's holy sword flew straight at Rama!

"Hmm—!"

Standing on the flying chariot, Rama frowned.

Just as the holy sword was about to stab into his chest, a metallic "clang!" was heard.

Hanuman, the white monkey god, had intervened as fast as the wind, using a fist of steel

to shatter Verethragna's holy sword.

Hanuman was the wind god Vayu's son. Riding a gale, he had flown here swiftly.

"It's you!"

"Certainly. Protecting His Highness is my responsibility."

Showing a face of intellect despite being a monkey, Hanuman declared boldly to

Godou's chagrin.

"I won't be allowed to succeed so easily, huh..."

Godou muttered quietly from the charioteer's platform.

He was separated by roughly twenty meters from Rama and Hanuman.

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Hanuman was staying close to his master, staring sharply in Godou's direction. Even if Godou were to attack with the four remaining holy swords of Verethragna, Hanuman

would probably smash them all immediately.

How could he make a move faster than white monkey god with unparalleled ferocity...?

Hooh. Hooh. Hooh. He inhaled deeply. Swiftly generalizing his ideas, he looked to the

side.

Standing together on the charioteer's platform with Godou, Luo Cuilian had her arms

crossed in a conceited manner that did not quite match her pubescent appearance,

staring obliquely at the Devil King-exterminating master and servant.

"Nee-san. About what I mentioned earlier, can I rely on you to do it now?"

"Hohoho. If you say so."

This tacit understanding was only probably possible only as sworn siblings.

The instant Godou issued thoughts to attack, the first to move was one of the holy

swords on the chariot's left wing, shaking its blade with a "clang!" The sharp Hanuman

turned his eyes slightly, diverting some of his attention to the holy sword. At the same

time, the sworn sister dashed out.

"O north wind, sweeping across the vast lands, flying over countless miles!"

Chanting spell words, she invoked Daoist arts. Surrounded by yellow light, Luo Cuilian's

tiny body flew in a straight line. Towards Hanuman's body that was covered with white

fur.

"What!?"

Tackling the white monkey god, the sworn sister flew away towards the far side of the

sky.

Even with a young girl's body, she could still draw out monstrous strength, peerless in

the entire world, using the Divine Might of Vajrapani. Even Hanuman was unable to

struggle free and could only watch helplessly while he was taken away from his master.

Godou made a stance to use his holy swords to attack the hero who had lost his

bodyguard.

However, the opponent was no pushover either—

206 | P a g e

"Catching Hanuman by surprise huh. You siblings have made a splendid showing."

Offering praise, Rama extended the [Arrowhead's Discus] forward in his right hand.

He had apparently received it from his loyal retainer without anyone noticing. Godou

gulped.

"In that case, I have no choice but to borrow everyone's power. —Great Sage Equaling

Heaven, Perseus and Lancelot du Lac. Now is precisely when I have need of your

assistance."

The hero Rama was driving a flying chariot.

The three heroes suddenly manifested in front of him. The gallant female knight, the

white-robed handsome man with carefree and flippant airs, as well as the monkey king

dressed in leather armor—

The three heroes were already riding their respective flying mounts.

To think that the [Arrowhead's Discus], whose power was sealed earlier, had already

recovered. Facing the disappointed Godou, Rama called out to the three heroes of steel.

"Now that you have all gathered in response to my summons, I hope you could serve as

my bodyguards in the absence of the Wind King—my right hand man, Hanuman. What

are your thoughts?"

"Oh man, that ain't a good plan."

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven shook his head at the dignified aristocrat's request.

"We are all heroes who were born as swords. Swords are not shield. Our talents lie in

offense. What don't you let us attack this Kusanagi Godou brat in your place, Savior?"

"—All this chatter conveys nothing more than your desire to take the spotlight, doesn't

it?"

Perseus remarked sardonically next to the objecting monkey king.

Then he glanced at Rama, the leader of what could be called an alliance of heroes.

"However, attacking in splendor is what a warrior does. Perhaps that would not be

wrong. Although it is absolutely not my intention to accommodate His Highness the

Monkey, I do hope to switch to offense myself as well."

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The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and Perseus were living true to their reputations.

Godou could not help but feel surprised.

As absolute protagonists in their own respective myths, they were extremely driven to

showing off themselves. They did not have the slightest desire or disposition to obey

orders like Hanuman.

Rama smiled wryly in exasperation at the two heroes' suggestions.

"Understood. Now that I have fought the opening round, the three of you will take to the

field. The formidable foe, Kusanagi Godou, must be defeated. However—one of you

needs to stay as my bodyguard. Would that be agreeable?"

Generously yielding to the two heroes' willful demands, he pulled at the reins. In

addition to benevolence, virtue and generosity, Godou could catch a glimpse of Rama's

leadership as a king.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and Perseus nodded in agreement, meanwhile

glancing sideways at each other.

"Legend tells of a great accomplishment where you served a certain exalted monk as a

long-term bodyguard, so how about you take on this job again?"

"Oh? Then what would be the proper job for the great hero who's suited to rescuing

beautiful maidens?"

"The two of you are like squabbling children."

Surprisingly, it was Lancelot du Lac who interrupted at this time.

"Surely the heroes of the world would be astounded to learn of this. No helping it. This

knight, Lancelot du Lac, shares a long history with the 'King of the End.' One shall take

on the guardian knight's role."

" "Hoh." "

"Unlike the likes of you, this Lancelot is a knight bearing the virtue of humility."

"Heh, now that's really generous of you."

"However, seeing as you're doing me a favor by accepting this utterly uninteresting of a

role, I shall not pursue the matter any further. Allow me to enjoy this battle with

gratitude."

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After the Great Sage muttered, Perseus asserted boldly.

Perhaps Lancelot agreed to take on this task because she was the deity of knights who

could put their lives on the line as bodyguards of noblewomen. In any case, with

Lancelot's compromise, the enemy faction finished preparing their simple formation.

The two heroes began to advance towards Godou who was riding his chariot.

"Hey, are you guys trying to avenge old grudges!?"

"I never expected a rematch with you in this manner, Kusanagi Godou!"

"Damn it! I'd better escape first, full speed ahead!"

But then, where exactly should he escape to?

Godou felt very lost while ordering the chariot to fly again. Moving in some unidentified

direction, the chariot flew as fast as it could.

Living up to its name as Rama's ride, the chariot instantly reached top speed.

However, the enemy mounts were also gradually increasing their speed. The top speeds

probably did not differ very much. Furthermore, as the master archer, Perseus instantly

shot an arrow from his steed.

Naturally, he did not stop at one. Instead, it was in rapid fire—the ancient Roman hero

kept nocking arrows to the bow, swiftly and precisely, drawing the bowstring and firing

the arrows at Godou's back.

Furthermore, Rama also picked up his quiver with its inexhaustible supply of arrows.

"Evade!"

Responding to Godou's thoughts, the chariot zigzagged.

Thanks to that, he was able to dodge the large number of arrows chasing from behind.

But due to the extra movements he made, his pursuers were gradually closing in on him.

At this rate, they were ultimately going to catch up. Just at this moment...

(Godou-san...)

He heard a very familiar girl's voice.

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Godou felt very surprised by what she told him. The opportunity for counterattacking had arrived. However, he must make matters proceed smoothly. At the end of the day,

the three resurrected heroes were merely extras in the show. Was there some way he

could obtain victory while consuming as little energy as possible?

Godou looked at his right arm—where the jet-black sword resided.

Although he had no idea whether it was going to work or not, it was definitely a dead

end if he did not even try. Nodding, he pictured a new destination in his mind.

"Fly quickly! Rush over to that place!"

The sky chariot responded immediately. While maintaining top speed, the chariot

rapidly changed direction with very fluid motions. Tracing out a U-shape in the air, it

changed course all at once.

However, Godou's destination was neither land nor sea. The place he wanted to go was

Pushpaka Vimana, the giant flying ship that he had rushed out of earlier.

210 | P a g e

Chapter 7 - The Annulus of Devil King Extermination

Part 1

Carrying the monkey god of wind in her arms, Luo Cuilian flew.

She was making use of unparalleled strength the whole time, suppressing the

monkey god Hanuman, whose mighty strength was universally extolled in

the Ramayana. Using a pubescent girl's right hand to grip Hanuman's white face,

she injected the Divine Might of Vajrapani into her fingers continuously. It was

causing Hanuman to groan.

"Guhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

In professional wrestling terms, this would look similar to the Iron Claw hold.

However, the resemblance was merely superficial.

Gripping Hanuman's head with adamantine strength, the five fingers were also

exerting force on pressure points on the head, sealing the target's bodily motions.

However,this monkey god of pure white was supposed to harbor more terrifying

abilities in contrast to his intellectual appearance.

—He will not remain subdued indefinitely. I must leave the battlefield as quickly as

possible to reach a location to fight him at leisure.

Reaching this conclusion, Luo Cuilian used clairvoyance to spot land a few dozen

kilometers away before raising her flying speed all at once to fly in that direction.

Tokyo Bay's vicinity was too cramped for the peerless Luo Cuilian's tastes.

Furthermore, Pushpaka Vimana was also moving west along the ocean currently.

Most importantly, the simple reason was that Luo Cuilian's flying speed was much

faster than Liliana's flight magic.

Hence, it took merely two or three minutes of flying over Tokyo Bay to reach the

landing location directly. Then Luo Cuilian used this unusual speed to attack.

Without slowing down at all, she landed directly. Crashing into the ground with

horrifying divine speed, she smashed Hanuman's body violently into the concrete

floor.

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The white monkey god with the body of steel crashed like a meteor impact.

The direct result of Hanuman's impact on the ground was a large crater reaching

almost twenty meters in diameter.

Concrete chunks of varying sizes flew and scattered in the air. Some were stone chips

the size of pebbles while others were as large as small automobiles in size.

However, the war god of wind and steel was not so weak as to be injured by

something of this level.

After the crash landing, Hanuman's head was still in the firm grip of Luo Cuilian's

right hand and fingers, but finally, he was able to chant words of power.

"M-My father, O wind god Vayu!"

The white monkey god's body turned into a gust of wind.

Even someone like Luo Cuilian was not able to grasp a gaseous body all of a sudden.

Hanuman had struggled free splendidly, turning into a gale to rush from the bottom

of the crater to its edge, landing safely on the concrete floor.

Whether the monkey's body or its beautiful white fur, neither was scratched the

slightest.

"Fufufu. As expected of the valorous war god Hanuman of ancient India. When

confronted with impending death, your ability to freely control the traits of your

immortality is legendary as rumored."

Moreover, the laughing Luo Cuilian was completely unharmed as well.

Even using Hanuman's body as a shield, when crashing into the ground with that

level of speed and momentum, a safe landing was impossible under normal

conditions.

Logically speaking, she should have received injury and force commensurate with the

rapid descent, dying on the spot.

In spite of that, Luo Cuilian had not suffered any damage of that sort.

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She jumped lightly. Arriving in front of Hanuman with just a single effortless leap from the bottom of the crater, her motion had already surpassed the realm of

lightness, as graceful as a celestial maiden unfettered by the restrictions of gravity.

This time, Luo Cuilian was facing off against Hanuman on the ground.

However, the wind god's son immediately hovered into the air using his own powers

of flight.

"Beautiful godslayer, Your Highness evidently knows my origins."

Suddenly stopping at a point in the air—

Hanuman took a seat, motionless. For the wind god's son, the intangible and

invisible air was no different from furniture.

While Hanuman was sitting in as though in a Zen mediation pose, a mandala

appeared behind him.

It was a circle ten times bigger than the 180cm tall Hanuman. His master's mandala

depicted countless weapons whereas Hanuman's was that of a great monkey army—a

thousand strong.

The monkeys were all in armor, armed with blades and spears.

"In that case, you ought to know that. Before becoming the crown prince's devotee, I

used to serve Sugriva, ruler of the monkey race. Furthermore, I was the general

commanding the army of monkeys."

Next, the thousand monkeys depicted in the mandala came alive. Obtaining life and

physical form, these monkey soldiers served Hanuman!

In addition, their fur was white like their master's. Their similarity to the wind god's

son extending into other areas, the thousand armed monkeys were riding on gales,

flying into the air.

Charging at Luo Cuilian from overhead, these monkey attacked with their respective

weapons!

"Naturally, it is clear beyond a doubt."

In response, she shrugged haughtily as befitted the Ruler of the Martial Realm.

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"Disposable pawns of this level—None shall harm a single hair of mine even if you gather a million of them!"

From those beautiful lips came a great shout as intense as a lion's roar.

In addition, her beautiful voice, so pleasant to the ears, was transformed into a

shockwave of magical wind capable of smashing even steel. She had used her second

authority of the [Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl].

"Generals die on horseback, soldiers destroy enemy encampments. Rivers of blood

across the land, white bones lie exposed. Trails linger from horses gone, names

remain on record in vain—!"6

She was singing a poem that lamented the tragedy of merciless battlefields.

The ominous verses summoned magical wind of destruction, sweeping lightly across

the army of a thousand monkeys. In the end, Hanuman's soldiers—Every single one

of them was pulverized and scattered without exception.

Losing their shapes as monkeys,the soldiers turned into tiny dust, scattering in the

atmosphere.

But in the next instant...

Hanuman himself attacked from the air without warning.

Descending upon Luo Cuilian rapidly from overhead, he unleashed a spinning kick

using the momentum of his descent. Spinning vertically, with feet descending like a

guillotine's blade, it was an absurd feat.

An agile kicking attack only possible for apes to perform, this move was aimed at the

demonic cult leader's delicate collarbone.

However, unarmed combat was precisely Luo Cuilian's top field of expertise.

She simply took a step back to dodge Hanuman's kick. Even so, the slight delay in

her evasion resulted in a small tear on the chest of the Mandarin gown she was

wearing.

Descending on the ground again, Hanuman spoke to the frowning Luo Cuilian.

6 Ministers and Generals to the Afterlife (相將歸去來), by the Chinese Poet Wang Fanzhi (王梵志) from the Tang dynasty.

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"Seeing as they were defeated so easily, there was no point going out of my way to call forth soldiers. Haha! Oriental or occidental, past or present, all of those known

as Rakshasa Kings were violent fellows without exception..."

Despite offering praise, the white monkey god did not pause in his movements.

Extending his right arm suddenly, he aimed a straight punch at Luo Cuilian's face.

However, it was not a single strike. Within a blink of the eye, this feat of agility

delivered five consecutive punches with the same right fist. A consummate skill as

fast as lightning. Nevertheless, this was nothing new to the Ruler of the Martial

Realm who remained unfazed.

Using the back and palm of her left hand, she blocked all five strikes—At least, that

was the intention.

However, the final punch was not blocked. Instead, her left palm was deflected by the

fist's force. Instantly, she dodged Hanuman's punch that was flying towards her face,

successfully evading the attack.

That being said...

The fist had apparently brushed slightly past her.

A faint laceration appeared on Luo Cuilian's cheek. Blood dripped down.

"You must have exhausted yourself in the earlier fight against the crown prince. Also,

there are signs, no matter how slight, that your martial arts are falling into disarray

on their own due to the shortening of your limbs."

Hanuman spoke in a courteous tone of voice.

"Excuse my rudeness for saying this, but fighting me in this state must be quite an

ordeal for you, isn't it?"

"...I see."

On the other hand, Luo Cuilian showed an expression of comprehension.

"Your most prided weapon—is your own body, isn't that so?"

Salvatore Doni had called Hanuman out on the same issue back in ancient Gaul.

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Swords and blades were not the Wind King's top weapons of mastery. Naturally, Luo Cuilian could not have known about that earlier scene. But through fighting

Hanuman, whose identity was exposed, she came to learn even more of the truth

than the Italian Campione.

Punches and kicks. Unarmed combat skills using the entire body.

The white monkey god's most prided weapon and trump card consisted of that.

A most appropriate opponent for Luo Cuilian whose most powerful skill was the

Twelve Divine Palm Strikes of the Phoenix. Hence, she was able to fight by bringing

the full extent of her martial arts to the table.

However, Luo Cuilian's rhythm was gradually disrupted by her body's non-ideal

condition.

Furthermore, the enemy was indestructible—a body of steel. In a contest of

durability, Hanuman clearly held the advantage.

Continuing to fight in this manner, the current balance would probably collapse in a

matter of minutes.

Even if she wanted to defeat the enemy by using a swift offensive, the opponent was a

battle-hardened god of war after all. He would see through this type of tactic. Then

was there any ingenious trick to escaping this predicament—?

Tensing her young and beautiful face, Luo Cuilian stared sharply into Hanuman's

highly intellectual simian face.

Part 2

Prince Rama's royal ship that looked like a giant city—Pushpaka Vimana.

In fact, the ship did have towers and houses of stone erected all over the place.

Perhaps a large number of people actually lived there and it was possible the ship

served the functions of a city.

Godou ordered his vimana sky chariot to charge towards this city.

In addition, the two heroes, Perseus and Great Sage Equaling Heaven Sun Wukong,

were pursuing right behind him—

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"You cannot escape my arrows even if you flee to this place!"

Perseus yelled out, positively thrilled.

Perhaps he was excited for the chance to fight a godslayer again.

He kept firing arrows from atop his winged horse. Furthermore, he was not shooting

one arrow at a time. Holding four arrows between five fingers, he placed them all on

the bowstring at once to fire them simultaneously.

Literally, he kept repeating this type of attack continuously.

Despite being attacked by just one archer, Godou was confronted by a barrage of

attacks akin to a rain of bullets.

Those arrows would probably have pierced him immediately were it not for the

vimana's flying capabilities. Moreover, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven was quietly

waiting by Perseus side, sitting on his iridescent cloud.

"Kukukuku. It's time for the main event to start."

Laughing with glee, the Great Sage stared intently at Godou's back while he was

fleeing this way and that.

Without a doubt. The Great Sage was choosing his opportunity to charge with divine

speed. Such rare caution coming from him was probably because he knew that

Godou was likewise a user of divine speed as well. If he were to attack recklesssly, it

would be futile if Godou escaped using the same divine speed.

Judging from this, the Handsome Monkey King truly lived up to his reputation as a

natural expert in fighting.

"...Just as I thought, I can't keep running away anymore."

Godou muttered. The 100m lead in the beginning had shrunk by more than half now.

There was no way to survive unless he counterattacked.

Also, his purpose in coming here was indeed for the sake of striking back.

"Please. Obey my orders...!"

Taking a gamble on Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's ability to replicate Prince

Rama's authority, Godou called out.

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Namely, the power to control vimanas. However, his target was not the sky chariot he was currently riding. Instead, it was the supreme mode of transport, much more

massive and powerful—Pushpaka Vimana.

Then Godou sensed it.

Although it did not extend to the entire craft, he was still able to freely control part of

this massive ship that was like a city!

"Do it! Take out those guys!"

Godou immediately yelled out.

He had already found out through his knowledge of Prince Rama.

He knew what armaments the entire vimana was equipped with. The only reason

why the ship's master had not used them was presumably because his own weapon

was far more powerful.

In any case, regarding the orders to attack, part of Pushpaka Vimana responded.

The ship was a perfect circle with a diameter of sixteen kilometers. Right now, Godou

had flown to one end, the northeastern block had come under Kusanagi Godou's

control.

In terms of area, it was roughly one eighth of the total.

Built in the center of the northeastern block was the tallest tower in the area.

A tower of chalk—Roughly forty or fifty meters in height. The entire tower suddenly

glowed blue-white and even emitted exploding sparks.

" "What!?" "

The instant when Perseus and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven were taken by

surprise...

Blue-white lightning was released from the pinnacle of the tower of chalk,

descending upon the two heroes who were pursuing Godou. Struck directly by this

lightning, they were thrown from their respective mounts—the winged horse and the

iridescent cloud.

"Hey, that's playing dirty!"

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"A man who still cares not for elegance!"

The Great Sage cursed while Perseus cried out with inexplicable excitement.

Living true to their names as heroes of steel, they remained lively as ever even after a

direct hit from lightning. However, Godou did not try to check out their condition. If

he had that kind of leisure, even for a second, he should use it on escaping.

After that, the tower of chalk continued to release lightning.

Naturally, the goal was to pin down the two heroes, to prevent them from chasing

after Kusanagi Godou.

With Pushpaka Vimana's support, Godou was able to shake the two heroes off his

trail again. Then he discovered a plaza in the shape of a diamond.

Seen through Japanese sensibilities, this plaza somewhat resembled a baseball field

in shape and size.

Except for the monastery-like building sitting in the center of the plaza. Ordering his

chariot vimana to land, Godou descended on the surface of stone tiles.

"Let's find a way to end things here..."

The four flying holy swords following the vimana also came to his side, stabbing into

the ground. However, there was more to do. Godou called out to Ama no Murakumo

in his right arm.

"Ama no Murakumo, that past move—Start it now!"

'Hmm. One would call this a last stand.'

After giving a courageous reply, a black sphere of darkness suddenly manifested over

Godou's head.

Ten-odd meters in diameter, it was hovering in midair. Ama no Murakumo no

Tsurugi had finally activated the [Storm Bringer]. Of course, substantial time was

still needed to raise its power to critical point.

One minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes—Godou waited silently.

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Focusing his mind, he poured all of his magic power into Ama no Murakumo no

Tsurugi in order to raise the black blade's power to its maximum in the shortest time

possible. During this process, he could still hear lightning descending in the distance.

The tower of chalk continued to attack Perseus and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

The two heroes were probably enduring the attacks, although Godou did not believe

that attacks of this level could defeat them... The moment this thought crossed his

mind, there was a sudden exploding sound.

Godou turned his gaze to see an explosion at the pinnacle of the tower of chalk.

The two heroes had evidently destroyed the meddlesome tower.

Godou clicked his tongue. The [Storm Bringer] had not reached critical point yet. Its

power had reached at most half or so.

"Your petty trick has outlived its usefulness."

"Oh well, I am hoping to see what other tricks you will play in your futile struggle."

Then the two heroes' voices came from behind.

Perseus and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had finally arrived at the diamond-

shaped plaza. They no longer had their mounts. Instead, they had arrived on foot.

Godou took a glance at the black star overhead.

Gwoon. Gwoon. Gwoon. Making unique noises, the giant sphere rotated with

commensurate speed. However, it still needed to spin faster to reach critical point.

Godou sighed in a slightly exaggerated manner. Then immediately, he swiftly issued

thoughts to attack.

"All enemies shall tremble before me. I am the guardian of the righteous!"

The instant he chanted spell words, the golden blades flew out.

The four holy swords of Verethragna, embedded upright in the ground next to

Godou—two of them suddenly flew ferociously into the air, attacking Perseus and the

Great Sage respectively.

But against this surprise attack—

220 | P a g e

"Nwoh!?"

"Hmm!"

The Great Sage instantly struck the holy sword away using his Ruyi Staff. Tossing his

bow away, Perseus forcefully swung the curved blade he had summoned into his

right hand, deflecting the holy sword.

Clang, clang, with the sound of two metallic impacts, the two holy swords of gold

were sent flying elsewhere.

Godou frowned. He had two remaining swords of Verethragna, but although they

were blades of ultimate destruction against Prince Rama, they did not work against

the two heroes. Just now, he had tried attacking by using them as purely physical

blades, but the heroes had defended easily.

"In that case, there's only one remaining weapon..."

Gwoon gwoon gwoon gwoon gwoon—

The black star spinning overhead had increased slightly in its rotation speed. Taking

in the magic power pouring from Godou and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, it was

increasing in power at a slightly faster rate than before.

Godou looked up with a resolute expression and pointed Ama no Murakumo no

Tsurugi's blade at the two heroes.

Confronted with this reckless challenge, Perseus and the Great Sage were just about

to step forward. In that very instant...

"Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. And they

utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and

ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword!"7

"They warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses; and they slew

all the males! And they slew the kings of Midian!"8

7 Joshua 6:16,21

8 Numbers 31:7

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The spell words of smiting were suddenly chanted. Then clad in red and blue light respectively, the two Great Knights charged at full might, wielding a giant blade

each—They sliced through the two heroes in their path.

Erica Blandelli had slashed the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, in the

side of his abdomen.

Liliana Kranjcar had embedded her blade into the chest of the hero Perseus, also

known as Mithras.

The two girls were wielding giant trenchant blades as tall as Godou's height—Golden

blades, Verethragna's holy swords.

Sitting in the center of the plaza, which served as the battle field, was a lone building

reminiscent of a monastery—

The two knights had been hiding in the building's shadows. While the two heroes

were fixated on Godou, they had charged out in that instant, picking up the holy

swords on the ground to use as weapons. Indeed, these were the two holy swords

that the two heroes had previously deflected using their own weapons, striking them

to the ground.

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"W-What?"

"How could that kind of blade harm us...?"

However, the two sliced heroes were overcome with disbelief. As heroes of steel with

resilient bodies, they could not possibly die from one or two cuts, even if they were

slashes executed by Paladins empowered by the spell words of divine slaughter. Even

if the weapons used were the holy swords of Verethragna, the same applied, because

they were weapons that had been strengthened in particular to defeat the hero

named Rama, thus posing no threat to them—At least, that was what they believed to

be the case.

But the two heroes suddenly showed looks of great alarm.

Rather than glaring at Erica and Liliana who had performed the slashes, their target

was Godou.

They had realized. They had figured out the identity of the swords that had sliced

through them, as well as the trap that Kusanagi Godou had set to make maximum

use of them.

"Sorry, guys."

Godou muttered quietly.

"That's the same trick Verethragna used before. Switching the target for the sword's

spell words in the middle of battle. Just now, I've already converted them into

swords for slicing Perseus and Great Sage Equaling Heaven Sun Wukong."

"Gah—! It was this kind of trap after all!?"

"Your Highness the Monkey, we will only end up annihilated at this rate. Let us seek

refuge and return to the Arrowhead's Discus for now!"

The holy swords were far more damaging than the spell words in th past.

Furthermore, the two heroes were resurrected through the power fo the Arrowhead's

Discus. Now that the three heroes were manifesting at the same time, their

individual powers were inferior compared to before. Naturally, this included their

life force as well.

The attacks just now had inflicted critical injuries.

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In fact, a large volume of divine power was already leaking out from their wounds.

Realizing their lives were in danger, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and Perseus

suddenly vanished. This was for returning to the medallion held by Rama, to heal

their wounds for now—

"I'm saved. If it weren't for your help, Mariya, I wouldn't have been able to repel

those two guys so quickly. You really saved my life."

(Not at all. This is precisely why I chose to stay on this side.)

Whispers were reaching Godou's ear.

It was the voice of Mariya Yuri, the Hime-Miko who had stayed behind in the

Netherworld alone. The defeat of Perseus and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had

been accomplished under her direction.

Using the spirit power of psychic sensing, Yuri had been paying attention to the

situation in the mundane world the whole time.

Furthermore, as soon as she saw the three heroes manifest through the Arrowhead's

Discus, she had departed to summon knowledge about Perseus, the Great Sage

Equaling Heaven and Lancelot.

Just by being in the Netherworld, she was able to control the power of spirit vision

freely. This was precisely the benefit enjoyed.

Then using psychic sensing to connect to Godou's mind, she was able to transmit the

knowledge obtained through spirit vision—

A simple mechanism once explained clearly in this manner. The only remaining issue

of concern was that Godou was still facing two opponents on his own. A most

unfavorable situation. However, Yuri had also informed him that his companions

had boarded Pushpaka Vimana using Liliana's flight magic.

"Eh, hold on a sec."

Godou suddenly felt intrigued.

"Isn't it quite troublesome trying to cast magic on Campiones? But I'm hearing your

voice so easily this time, Mariya?"

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Oral intake was necessary when human magi needed to cast magic on a Campione—

Godou recalled this rule. Yuri replied in a strangely quiet voice.

(Oh... Regarding that... Not too long ago, we were in the Netherworld, engaged in

that—that ritual, were we not?)

Rather than a ritual, it would be better to describe that scene as mutual contact of

intimacy.

Godou could not help but go red in the face and answer "Y-Yeah." Due to the

connection through psychic sensing, Godou was certain that Yuri was also huddling

in embarrassment back on the Netherworld side.

(Back then... Perhaps due to the many instances of intimate contact with you,

Godou-san, or rather, receiving love and affection, i-in any case, due to that ritual, a

connection was established between me and you, Godou-san.)

"I-I see now!"

It looked like Yuri had already started considering back then whether to stay in the

Netherworld. It was also possible that her spirit vision powers as a Hime-Miko had

told her she ought to do that. Or perhaps it was a feeling of "somehow, this must be

done."

(G-Godou-san. You must keep this a secret from Erica-san and Liliana-san, please.)

"Of course!"

His comrades happened to be walking this way. Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranjcar,

victorious in accomplishing their task. They were also accompanied by Seishuuin

Ena who had changed from her miko outfit back to her school uniform for ease of

movement.

"Good work, everyone. I'm always relying on your efforts."

"No helping it. We do this voluntarily."

"This is also part of our responsibilities, so please do not mind."

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Answering nonchalantly despite having just undertaken a major accomplishment,

Erica was living up to her usual style. On the other hand, Liliana adhered strictly to

her knightly duties, maintaining a calm attitude throughout.

Standing like walls on Godou's left and right respectively were the red and blue

knights. Truly reliable.

"I'm really sorry for giving you boring work, Seishuuin."

"Can't be helped. After all, Ena is the only one who can do this."

The Hime-Miko of the Sword replied cheerfully to Godou's apology.

The two of them looked up into the sky. Manifesting overhead was the black star—

The mystic technique, the [Storm Bringer], was successfully raising its power

towards critical point. Currently, output was roughly 65%.

The rate of increase was clearly faster than before.

This was due to Ena delivering magic power for support as the partner of Ama no

Murakumo no Tsurugi, which was in charge of the mystic technique.

(A-Also.)

Still contributing inconspicuously, the Hime-Miko suddenly lowered her voice.

(After all, having engaged with Your Majesty in the Netherworld... in such pleasure,

it'd be punishably unfair if Ena didn't let Erica-san and Liliana-san have a chance to

take credit—)

Ena whispered softly in a moment of shyness.

She was probably afraid of letting the two knights know. Still unused to matters of

relationships between the genders, she had made slight progress.

Finding Ena adorable the way she was acting now, Godou felt his heart begin to

pound. He must change the subject before someone noticed.

"S-Say, I wonder how are things going on Nee-san's side?"

The sworn elder sister, Luo Cuilian, was facing the formidable Hanuman, a war god

even more challenging than the two heroes—

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Part 3

Luo Cuilian was performing palm strikes using her pubescent body.

Recognized as the supreme treasure of Chinese martial arts, the Twelve Divine Palm

Strikes of the Flying Phoenix was a set of ultimate techniques consisting of twelve

moves: Fengchudengmen, Fengyanchuanlian, Fengzhuataoxin, Feifengzhuiluo,

Danfengchaoyang, Jinfengliangchi, Qunfenglianhuan, Xiongfengqianjin,

Fengyitianxiang, Fenglongyinyang, Fenghuangshuangfei, Dafengwutian.

This set of ultimate techniques were originally taught as the Five Immortal Palm

Strikes of the Flying Phoenix.

Adding seven additional strikes of her own invention, Luo Cuilian created the Twelve

Divine Palm Strikes.

Nevertheless, she had not been able to bring out these palm techniques readily the

whole time.

Hanuman was using unarmed techniques from ancient India.

This was a rather peculiar type of martial arts. The wind god’s son was using his agile

body of a monkey’s to jump with speed and lightness, unleashing flying kicks from

the air incessantly. Or suddenly leaping behind Luo Cuilian, he would attack with

punches from blind spots.

In addition, he was extremely fast.

No sooner had one concluded he was suddenly about to unleash four or five punches

consecutively, it would turn out to be a barrage of strikes as closely spaced as rosary

beads. Using a forward kick to contain the opponent first, followed by a mid-level

kick intended to halt rather than defeat the enemy, he finally aimed a spinning kick

at her head for a critical blow.

Meanwhile, he kept launching straight punches, swinging his arms sideways as

follow up attacks even when the punches were dodged.

When these types of attacks failed to work, he would suddenly jump up to attack the

opponent's jaw with knee strikes.

Truly monkey-like in style, an extremely peculiar and swift set of martial arts.

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Luo Cuilian succeeded in defending against the vast majority of attacks.

Making superb use of her prided movement skills, she dodged using the minimum

necessary motions. Or using mysterious footwork, she would instantly pull away to

distances out of reach from Hanuman's limbs.

In this manner, she would block, deflect and push away unavoidable attacks using

her right or left palm.

However—

There were also punches and kicks that got past her defenses.

Initially, they were only on the level of brushing past Luo Cuilian's beautiful face. But

including his arms and legs, Hanuman's entire body was as hard as steel. A glancing

blow against the face would be like a cut from a blade.

Furthermore, Luo Cuilian's movements were gradually slowing down as expected.

Punches and kicks that initially brushed past her—They were starting to land solid

hits.

Luo Cuilian's pubescent body was showing bruises all over her body and limbs—the

exposed parts being the upper arms, the thighs, calves, etc, whereas places like the

abdomen were covered up by her mandarin gown.

Even so, she was still able to barely defend the critical vulnerability of the head.

Her face, young and beautiful, was unscathed. However, she could hardly conceal

signs of fatigue while her breathing was beginning to grow irregular. Large beads of

sweat dripped. An expression appeared on her face, one that did not suit the

beautiful demonic cult leader, the peerless beauty who wandered fantastical realms.

Were her loyal believers to witness her now, they would probably suffer an intense

shock.

Nevertheless...

Hanuman scowled.

Despite being a monkey, he was staring at Luo Cuilian with obvious displeasure.

"I see now... To think you were harboring such intentions."

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"Hohoho. Looks like my plan is finally discovered. You have truly impressive eyes of wisdom."

A sweet smile appeared on Luo Cuilian's young and beautiful face.

"If possible, I would have hoped for slightly more... But such a demand would seem

to be a little excessive. I suppose my wish shall not be granted."

"I was feeling suspicious already."

Hanuman sighed

"It was unbelievable that one of the lowly godslayers did not take a desperate gamble

to make a dramatic comeback. Instead, choosing to fight me in a rather indifferent

manner—In other words, you planned this ahead of time."

"Yes. I secretly rejoiced as soon as I learned that unarmed combat is your specialty."

Luo Cuilian's breathing suddenly became smooth and unimpeded. Her breathing

and circulation returned to normal, she straightened her back and faced the monkey

god squarely.

"In fact, I was also fighting King Rama with the same purpose. However, trying to

find openings in his swinging blade was very difficult and the lightning of salvation

was also a hindrance... So challenging to strike him with my palms, I certainly spared

no effort."

Facing the white monkey god,she swiftly pushed her right hand forward.

Then the qi stored in Luo Cuilian's energy center beneath the navel—the magic

power absorbed from Hanuman's body using her palms as media—erupted violently.

The energy center beneath the navel was precisely the human body's storage of qi,

i.e. magic power.

What transported qi from this place to the rest of the body was the meridian network

as it was known in oriental medicine. Qi and meridians were analogous to "blood and

blood vessels."

After several days, Luo Cuilian's body was finally filled with massive magic power as

befitted her Campione title. As a result, all the bruises covering her body became

perfectly healed.

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In addition, her torso and limbs lengthened. Her face also matured.

In terms of appearance, Luo Cuilian had been a pubescent girl roughly twelve-years-

old for the past few days.

But now, she was back to being a young woman at her prime, roughly eighteen or

nineteen years of age as before, an appearance that no one could disapprove even if

she were to call herself "Kusanagi Godou's sworn elder sister"!

As the transcendent beauty instead of the adorable child, Luo Cuilian smiled

delightfully.

"Fufufufufu, the Soul-Stealing Palm of Astral Absorption is capable of drawing qi out

from a target's body through palm contact—An evil faction's martial arts technique.

Were it not for an opportunity like this, I would never have had a chance to use it

again."

The human body contained what were known as the Twelve Principal Meridians as

well as the supporting Extraordinary Vessels.

By emptying the Eight Extraordinary Vessels of the qi flowing within them, one could

absorb qi from external sources—in order words, steal qi from other people.

Qi—or equivalently, magic power—was something gradually cultivated through daily

training.

The key principle of this martial arts technique was absorbing this precious energy

from others to claim as one's own. Instead of using Hanuman as a target, absorbing

the same amount of qi from ordinary humans such as martial artists or magi would

result in the deaths of hundreds from depletion of life force. That was how much qi

was involved.

On the other hand, precisely because her target was a god, he had failed to notice

immediately.

"To think you have mastered this evil art... Truly, one must not judge by appearances

alone."

"Since I am the one known as the Ruler of the Martial Realm, it is only natural for me

to be well-versed in both the techniques of the light, passed down by the orthodox

231 | P a g e

sects, as well as the techniques of the shadow taught by the unorthodox.

Furthermore..."

Puffing out her voluptuous chest, Luo Cuilian spoke:

"Besides, how could one lay claim to the martial pinnacle without mastering the

essence of both the orthodox and the unorthodox sides of the martial realm? I, Luo

Hao, achieved my present position not by reputation alone but through power and

ability as well!"

The pubescent girl's body, lacking in undulating curves, was a thing of the past. The

earlier mandarin gown was bursting at the seams everywhere, about to break apart.

This was the result of recovering her maidenly body. However, the damaged

mandarin gown instantly transformed into elegant Han clothing, apparently a

replacement garment conjured using Daoist arts.

Exuding a haughty aura as befitted the Ruler of the Martial Realm, this was the

instant of Her Eminence Luo Hao's complete revival.

(Regarding Her Eminence—Please do not worry.)

Godou was puzzled by Yuri's whispered words of assurance.

But soon, he understood. The Hime-Miko in the Netherworld had called upon spirit

vision about Luo Cuilian to confirm that she was safe and sound. This news was also

transmitted to Godou through the connection of psychic sensing.

"Let alone safe and sound, she even managed to absorb the enemy's power."

This absurd feat was truly impressive, nothing less expected from Luo Cuilian.

Godou felt surprised while relieved at the same time. Even so, by staying in the

Netherworld, Yuri was truly serving as an all-seeing clairvoyant. This made him feel

worried instead.

"Although it's very amazing that your powers have reached this level, Mariya, I'm a

bit worried. I'm expecting a backlash in the near future."

232 | P a g e

(You have... a point. I agree too. After all, the Netherworld is not a domain suited for human residence—To become overly accustomed to this side would mean losing

one's body as a human.)

Yuri's whispers carried calm and quiet conviction.

She probably sensed danger through the power of spirit vision. As expected, he must

settle things as quickly as possible and tell Yuri to return.

Just as Godou made his decision, Liliana pointed at the eastern sky.

"Kusanagi Godou, look at that."

Outstanding in eyesight and spirit vision, the silver-haired knight had noticed the

enemy's arrival earlier than anyone else.

A minute or two later, Godou also noticed.

A tiny black dot was approaching from the eastern sky. This black dot was gradually

getting bigger. He could now see that it was a female knight mounted on a white

horse.

The war god of the lance and Amazonian queen, Lancelot du Lac had arrived.

Godou signaled to his companions with his eyes.

Erica, Liliana and Ena. The trio understood his message and instantly dispersed.

Lancelot's charging attacks carried power on the level of meteor crashes.

Even if they wanted to support Godou, it would be quite risky if the girls stayed too

near.

Hence, Kusanagi Godou was left alone again.

Meanwhile, Lancelot and her horse also landed unaccompanied near Godou. On

further thought, Godou recalled how she had always appeared with the other two

heroes ever since her resurrection.

This was his first time meeting her alone since their reunion at Sardinia that time.

"Yo."

"Greetings again, Kusanagi Godou."

233 | P a g e

Formerly enemies in the same boat at one point, the two of them were able to greet each other quite naturally.

In addition, Godou was struck by a sense of dissonance. This Lancelot—seemed a

little strange. In front of the doubting Godou, Lancelot descended lightly from her

white horse. At this moment, the sense of dissonance felt even more intense.

"What's wrong? You seem a bit weird, you know?"

"This knight? Refrain from uttering nonsense. Though raised from the dead, this

knight's soul has not changed the slightest. This is still Lancelot du Lac, the same one

who engaged you in a deathmatch in the past."

Waving her honey-colored hair, the female knight smiled gently.

"Fufufu. One ended up reaping benefits from yielding the first opportunity to take to

the field to Perseus and the Great Sage. Not only has this knight gained the chance

for a one-on-one duel against you but also monopoly over the blessings of the

Arrowhead's Discus."

The three heroes enjoyed greater combat power when manifesting alone.

Godou recalled his sworn sister's past teachings. Furthermore, preferring to

showcase her own valor instead of relying on a three-against-one advantage, this

truly befitted the militant war god's style.

But if that really were the case, why would she—?

Godou discovered the reason for his sense of dissonance. It was the fighting mindset

and resolve ever present on the battlefield.

Although Godou had greeted Lancelot, the [Storm Bringer] still continued to spin

overhead, gradually approaching critical point. Verethragana's holy swords also

remained as well.

In order to use these weapons any moment, he did not relax at all.

However, the knight of the lake had currently landed with her trusty partner, the

white horse, smiling with the same expression as she had shown when chatting in

that seaside cafe in the past.

234 | P a g e

Another odd thing that Godou noticed was how she had yielded the vanguard

position to others despite her zeal for charging straight at the enemy to attack head

on.

Harboring these thoughts, Godou repeated his comment.

"You really did change after all."

"Fufu. Perhaps."

A smile surfaced on the corners of the female knight's lips. This time, she admitted it

ambiguously.

"In fact, confusion is currently what this knight feels."

"What do you mean?"

"Rather... This knight is simply entering the fray due to the vanguard, the two heroes,

retreating in haste. However, an issue still eludes understanding the whole time. Is

the current battle truly what the 'King of the End' wishes for?"

At this moment, the name of the great hero of the orient, Rama, had already been

revealed.

Nevertheless, Lancelot probably still considered the name of her lord to be the "King

of the End." Also, Godou could understand the reason why she felt lost.

"That's right. Inexplicably, that guy has a lot of common sense and he even avoids

battle."

"Kusanagi Godou, as someone who knows this point clearly, why do you fight His

Majesty?"

"Well, since a god with the ability to destroy the world has shown up, even someone

like me feels compelled to intercept and oppose him in the spirit of volunteerism.

Also, there's—"

After touting his sense of public morality, Godou stared straight at the female knight.

"Maybe it's possible to tell through fighting? I found out the method to viciously

crush what's forcing him to endlessly repeat these battles of Devil King

extermination... this thing called destiny."

235 | P a g e

Call it destiny, call it fate.

Call it guided by destiny, or call it bound by fate.

There are many who preferred these ostentatious descriptions. However, this was

what Godou thought: Bound by something like that—Was that really a good thing?

It should be the opposite instead. It would be much better to crush so-called destiny

and fate, to ignore them.

Although Godou felt no attraction at all to words like these, he was inspired with a

strong opinion lately after witnessing the experiences of the man burdened by the

destiny of Devil King extermination.

Hence, Godou shared his thoughts indifferently.

"Although I don't understand what those gods are thinking, I honestly feel that

destiny or whatever should just go to hell. What do you think?"

"Hahahaha!"

Lancelot suddenly burst out in laughter, but not in mockery. She looked like she was

laughing quite heartily. Laughter straight from the heart. However, what had

provoked to laugh so much?

Suppressing her laughter, the war god of the lance spoke to Godou who was staring

in puzzlement:

"Oh dear, pardon this rudeness. Actually, there is another cause for this knight's

confusion."

"What is it?"

"You. After all, one still owes a debt to you, the victor of our duel. It is most

displeasing, this feeling of tainting one's pride as a warrior."

"You owe me something?"

Godou had no idea at all. The female knight explained to the baffled Godou:

"Indeed. You are the man who fought this knight, Lancelot, and obtained victory, fair

and square. The deserved reward is still currently in forfeit."

236 | P a g e

"Reward...?"

"Mm-hm. On the verge of my death, the late beloved child, Guinevere, used the

Arrowhead's Discus, thereby taking in this knight's soul."

Lancelot suddenly approached Godou.

However, she did not draw her weapon. Neither did she give off any intent to fight or

to murder. Instead, she walked over at a leisurely pace. Unbelievably, right before

Godou's eyes, she also—

Suddenly kneeling down, she bowed her head reverently.

An action that Erica would perform on occasion, this was precisely knightly

etiquette.

"What are you doing?"

"Kusanagi Godou, here is what this knight believes. To uphold loyalty towards one's

lord of old in the truest sense, yet simultaneously offer compensation to the

respected foe—This knight is convinced it is possible. For this purpose, one believes

that you ought to be entrusted with the lance of Lancelot du Lac."

"!?"

"Will you listen to this knight's wish?"

Part 4

After Lancelot du Lac disappeared...

To avoid distracting from his concentration, Godou focused singlemindedly on

raising the [Storm Bringer]'s power.

Naturally, Rama was probably still driving his chariot vimana somewhere in the sky.

Currently, he no longer had any bodyguards left by his side. Hanuman was also

engaged in a deadly battle against the recovered sworn sister.

This was the perfect opportunity to attack Rama.

Godou still had four holy swords of gold remaining, but two of them had already

been reforged into blades for slicing Perseus and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

Unfortunately, swords could only change targets once.

237 | P a g e

He had only two holy swords remaining for slicing Rama. Naturally, he could ask

Yuri to find out Rama's position through spirit vision, then send the holy swords

over. However.

(Godou-san...)

While he was thinking, Godou heard Yuri's worried voice.

She had apparently seen it through spirit vision—Godou had a feeling that things

would not go as easily as imagined.

"Did I spend too much time on those guys...?"

Perseus, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and Lancelot. While occupied with those

three, the great hero of the orient might have prepared countermeasures to resist

Verethragna's holy swords.

—No helping it if that were the case. Standing on the plaza where he had faced the

three heroes, Godou focused on maximizing combat strength.

One or two minutes passed in this manner.

"You're late."

"My apologies. Preparing a certain item required some time."

The sky chariot vimana finally arrived in the sky above the diamond-shaped plaza.

Godou started the conversation and Prince Rama responded calmly from the

charioteer's platform. Whether the plaza's shape or the calm conversation,

everything contributed to a feeling like they were simply meeting up for a promised

game of baseball.

Realizing this, Godou laughed lightly.

However, Rama was currently holding a steel longbow in his hand. In addition, the

gigantic square of a magic circle behind the vimana was undoubtedly the Divine

Sword Mandala.

Godou was informed by the [Warrior]'s power of deep insight into the enemy's

nature.

238 | P a g e

Rama had gathered up the remnants of power from the four mandalas that had been

sliced apart, thus managing to create a fifth. Undertaking this task must have took

him quite a bit of time.

Moreover, stabbed upright in the ground of stone tiles, next to Godou were the two

holy swords for slaying Rama.

In addition, there was also the [Storm Bringer] hovering high in the air—the black

sphere of darkness known as a gravitational storm.

Roughly twenty-four or five meters in diameter. At last, it had reached maximum

power. The black sphere was making distinctive sounds, spinning rapidly on a

vertical axis.

Strong winds were already starting to blow towards the black sphere.

Not just in this plaza. Wind was blowing across this giant ship of Pushpaka Vimana

as well as the surrounding air space. This was the warning sign of the gravitational

storm produced by the black sphere.

Both sides were ready for battle. All that remained was simply pulling the trigger.

Rama ordered his vimana to land. The master jumped off lightly and gazed in

Godou's direction. Were this a baseball field, it would be roughly the distance from

home to second base.

The [Storm Bringer] was also facing off against the [Divine Sword Mandala] in the

air, separated by a similar distance.

Both were hovering in the sky roughly fifty or sixty meters above the plaza.

The time for a decisive duel was imminent. Godou suddenly spoke up.

"Let's put it this way, your weakness... Or rather, I already know how to defeat you."

"Really? If it is not too much trouble, please tell me."

Rama's curiosity seemed to be piqued. He leaned forward.

This was probably his first time meeting someone pointing out a "weakness" in his

completely awakened state. The aristocrat's reaction made Godou smile wryly.

Actually, it was nothing special.

239 | P a g e

"Well, you possess an endless supply of powerful weapons plus your magic power is quite astounding too. You're probably a thousand times stronger than me when

attacking."

Hoh, responded Rama with a nod.

"That's why, no matter what, I must find a way to force you to defend. When

switching to defense, you're probably about five hundred times stronger than me.

Between offense and defense, it's pretty obvious which side is where openings will

appear."

Back when the sworn sister, Luo Cuilian, had landed the strongest palm strike...

Since his awakening, Rama had endured that direct attack at one point.

It could be called a fact that slight openings would appear when he engaged in

defense instead of offense. The problem was that no matter which situation it was,

Rama was still far more powerful than Godou.

However, perhaps provoked by this inane joke...

Rama smiled and went "I see." The rust-like layer of his expression seemed to thin

out in a rare moment.

"Understood, Kusanagi Godou. In that case, attack me with your full power. I, too,

shall go out in full force against you, summoning my entire strength in order to

defeat you without switching to defense."

"I really wish a guy who's already strong enough without doing anything won't say

stuff like going out in full force..."

Rama's stern declaration and Godou's sighing grumbles...

This dialogue served as the trigger to sparking the fight.

The Storm Bringer and the Divine Sword Mandala were facing off in the air. The

former was summoning a storm using gravity's power of universal attraction while

the latter had turned into aerial artillery unleashing a barrage of thousands of

lightning strikes.

The mandala released over ten thousand bolts of lightning.

240 | P a g e

The black sphere absorbed all of these attacks.

Indeed, hanging in balance was a battle of offense and defense in equilibrium.

However, Godou had already learned from the skirmish at Minamibousou

previously.

The sword's gravitational storm could only resist the Divine Sword Mandala for two

minutes at most.

During this time, unless he launched another attack to subdue Rama, there would be

chance of victory. There was no time to hesitate within the limit of these few short

minutes. Godou's only option was to unleash the Storm Bringer's power in full force

at the "best opportunity."

At the same time, he ordered Verethragna's two holy swords to attack.

Stabbed upright on the floor of stone tiles next to Godou, there were two golden

swords. One of them floated up and flew swiftly to attack Rama.

However, an arrow suddenly manifested in Rama's left hand.

The arrowhead was made of gold. Swinging this arrow like a short sword, the Devil

King exterminating hero struck down Verethragna's holy sword. No, that was not all.

Unbelievably, struck down by the golden arrowhead, Verethragna's holy sword easily

shattered!

"I heard from His Highness Perseus... The war god Verethragna is the retainer of the

Persian supreme god Mithra."

Without waiting for Rama to finish, Godou ordered his holy sword to attack again.

This was the last blade for slaying Rama. However, the hero king of ancient India

threw the arrow in his hand at the holy sword flying at him.

The holy sword of gold and the arrowhead of gold clashed violently—

The holy sword shattered. Continuing to fly with unabated momentum, the arrow

stabbed into Godou's shoulder, which happened to be the base of his left arm.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

241 | P a g e

The wound felt scorching as though incinerated. Godou immediately pulled out the arrow with his hand and threw it at the ground.

However, the heat was swiftly spreading from his shoulder to his left arm then

towards his chest.

At this rate, the heat was probably going to invade his entire body. Godou

immediately raised his magic power to dispel the magical divine power harming him.

It worked as planned.

The heat subsided and Godou exhaled in relief. However, his left arm had become

immobilized.

Godou felt that this was not poison. Most likely, it was a power of light, akin to

flames—

While Godou concluded with certainty, Rama explained:

"The weapon just now was what I requested directly from my old acquaintance, the

god Indra, to borrow from the Persian realm of divinity, the arrow imbued with Sun

King Mithra's power."

In the past, Perseus had used the power of Mithras, equated to Mithra, to seal off

Persian Warlord Verethragna's abilities.

This was equivalent—Rather, it should be called the upgraded version.

Speaking of which, Erica had mentioned before. Persian mythology of antiquity had

its origins in the Indo-Aryan branch of the ancient Indo-European language family,

given the geographic proximity. In particular, the war god Verethragna had deep

connections to Indra, the god of thunderstorms. Perhaps this was indicated by both

gods carrying the epithet, "destroyer of obstacles."

As a side note, it was quite amazing that Rama could prepare such a weapon in such

short time.

"As expected of the great hero, supported by various pantheons... Is receiving sudden

gifts of weapons part of his power too?"

The same had happened during Rama's campaign against his fated rival, Ravana.

242 | P a g e

Just as Rama was locked in a desperate struggle against his opponent, the Rakshasa King, his companion suddenly informed him of a certain matter. Namely, that

among the arrows that had been bestowed upon him in the past, one of them was

"Shiva's arrow, capable of killing even the immortal Ravana."

Truly the hero who had the world and the gods standing on his side.

In that case, Godou tried using another incarnation.

"For victory, hasten forth before me... O immortal sun, I beseech thee to grant

radiance to the stallion!"

The [White Stallion] incarnation was able to use the glorious power of the sun.

In response to Godou's spell words, a second sun rose in the eastern sky. It was

currently the time of the day when the original sun was gradually sinking west.

Next, the solar flare shot from the second sun turned into blazing white flames in the

shape of a stallion, flying towards Pushpaka Vimana and Prince Rama.

The hero, who had caused so many commotions this time, was recognized as "a great

sinner causing hardship to the populace!"

However, a new arrow appeared in Rama's left hand at this moment.

"O arrow of the hero who had shot down nine suns! I beseech thee to bestow such

miracles upon me!"

A jet-black arrow. Both the arrowhead and the fletchings were jet black.

It was quite similar to the arrow that Rama had used in Minamibousou last time.

However, this was a deeper black. Godou recalled how Rama had called the previous

arrow merely a "counterfeit."

Most likely, this was the real thing—In front of the trembling Godou, Rama readied

his bow of steel.

Placing the jet-black arrow on the steel bow, he drew the bowstring to its limit then

fired.

The arrow flew towards the eastern sky. Striking the flaming white stallion that was

rushing towards Pushpaka Vimana, the arrow instantly destroyed it.

243 | P a g e

Even the sun's flames could be repelled and erased—What an ultimate archer to an absurd degree.

Furthermore, the Storm Bringer was also about to reach its limit. The black sphere's

storm of gravity was gradually weakening. Despite barely maintaining balance, in

ten-odd seconds, it was probably not going to hold off the Divine Sword Mandala's

myriad lightning strikes any further.

As one would conclude, the ultimate archer needed to be handled by the ultimate

knight.

"I'm counting on you, Lancelot—It's your turn to enter the stage!"

"What?"

Hearing Godou's plea, Rama showed shock on his face.

High up in the sky, even more distant than Pushpaka Vimana...

It was a sea of clouds. The flying white horse was motionless at a point in that part of

the sky. The gallant female knight was mounted astride the horse's back.

The knight of the lake, Lancelot du Lac.

As the former ally of the war god, the "King of the End," she heard her new lord's

voice loud and clear.

"Finally time to set off on an expedition, huh?"

She had already made preparations for a lone charge.

This was her prided secret technique. Charging with lightning speed from an

astounding height, crashing to the ground like a meteor strike.

This lone charge assault had created giant craters on the earth many times before.

Using the magic power transmitted from her master, the godslayer, she unleashed a

full-powered strike. In order to defeat her former lord. At this very moment, he had

just shot two powerful arrows while controlling the Divine Sword Mandala.

Compared to usual, he was in a more vulnerable state.

244 | P a g e

"O lance. Lancelot du Lac's soul is entrusted wholly to thee. Attack!"

Held in her right was the barbed cavalry lance. Held in her left was the oval shield.

She was clad in chain mail. Her body was entrusted to the white steed. With both feet

on the stirrups suspended from the saddle, all armament and equipment were ready.

Carrying her, the beloved steed flew as though galloping on land.

Accompanied by lightning released from the rider, they descended rapidly towards

Pushpaka Vimana far away, down below.

In this manner, the war god Lancelot du Lac turned into "white lightning." In just an

instant, she arrived above the hero whom she was about to pierce. Indeed, it was

lightning speed.

Using the speed and momentum from the rapid descent, she made a thrust with the

lance's tip!

The aimed location was the heart of Rama the hero. The target instantly raised his

steel bow above his head.

"You still live, Lancelot du Lac!?"

Using the steel bow to block the lance's tip, Rama cried out.

"I thought you had perished in battle because the connection to the Discus

vanished... To think you switched sides to join Kusanagi Godou. Is this the choice

you have made!?"

Neither the hero's voice nor expression showed any reprimand. Instead, he showed

understanding.

Perhaps, ever since his revival, he had already noticed the confusion that Lancelot

was secretly harboring.

While trying to knock her former master away together with the steel bow, the war

god of the lance spoke in a radiant tone of voice:

"Indeed! A debt towards that man and loyalty to you—It is precisely the

determination to cling onto both that has compelled this knight to choose the path of

betrayal!"

245 | P a g e

Rama did not reply. He simply continued to smile faintly while signs of fatigue were displayed in his narrowed eyes like a layer of rust. It was as though he was saying he

forgave her completely.

Then an explosion—

Unable to knock the steel bow away, Lancelot was still able to release the lightning's

energy and heat from the lance tip all at once. This shockwave engulfed Rama, the

plaza serving as the battlefield and even the giant ship Pushpaka Vimana.

Clashing violently in the air, the black sphere and the Divine Sword's magic circle

were both blown apart and vanished.

Naturally, even her new master, Kusanagi Godou, was caught up in the explosion.

But there was no helping it. These were his orders. He had said: Unless you attack

prepared with the fact that I'll be caught in the wake, there's probably no way to seize

an opening to attack Rama...

246 | P a g e

Pushpaka Vimana was a flying ship in the shape of a perfect circle and looked as

gigantic as a city.

The result of Lancelot's charging attack was a giant crater in the northeast block with

a diameter beyond four or five kilometers. It was practically like the site of a meteor

crash. Furthermore, the culprit, the white knight, had charged even deeper, causing

severe damage to the giant ship's core.

The ground beneath Godou's feet kept shaking.

Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble. The vibrations were transmitting through

the soles of his feet. The damage from Lancelot's charge had made the entire body of

the giant ship shake like an earthquake, giving off thunderous rumbling.

In addition, Lancelot was nowhere to be seen. After exhausting her power in the lone

charge just now, she had vanished.

Also, Prince Rama was currently standing sternly at the bottom of the crater—

Even after getting struck by that charging attack, he remained completely unharmed.

However, his entire body was giving off blue sparks. The exploding sparks kept

releasing tiny electric currents. Also, his body was giving off heat—clearly much

hotter than before.

Standing near him, it would feel scorching like being in front of a furnace, let alone

the scene of a fire.

"Come to think of it, the same thing happened when Nee-sans attack landed last

time."

Godou spoke up.

The instant of the explosion from Lancelot's lone charge, he had invoked the

[Raptor] and ran as hard as he could with divine speed. Mustering everything at his

disposal, Godou had fled from the crater-inducing explosion. In the end, he failed to

escape completely and was swallowed by explosive wind and shockwave of lesser

strength.

Even so, it was still much better than staying in the center of the blast.

Then he returned to find the man who had stayed there, healthy as ever.

248 | P a g e

"This naturally happens after my awakening whenever I need to resist life

threatening crises."

Rama muttered with a light sigh.

At the same time, lightning erupted from his right shoulder. Instead of merely sparks

exploding, this was powerful enough to mercilessly blow nearby people away.

Godou reactivated divine speed and evaded the lightning's attack.

"Disaster has come. My body's heat has heightened excessively, past the point of

conscience control. Gods or godslayers like you might not have much of a problem..."

The rust-like shadow on his expression deepened, shrouding Rama's handsome face

slightly.

"However, innocent humans and the earth's mountains, rivers and vegetation have

no way to resist. Attacked by my heat and lightning, destruction shall be wrought

continually."

"Is that why you didn't pursue Nee-san and me last time!?"

"Indeed. Temporary respite would allow my body's heat to subside to a certain

extent."

During the duel at Minamibousou, after Godou and Luo Cuilian had fled, Rama had

not given chase. This was in consideration of his effects on the humans and cities of

the land.

"Are you still able to fight?"

"I can still manage. However, overly precise martial arts are beyond me."

Rama manifested the mighty sword in his hand, its blade measuring 100cm.

The Divine Sword of Salvation. Entering an upper stance, he faced off against the

Campione of the present generation. This was most likely the final phase of the

battle—Godou prepared his resolve.

"Okay, let's continue."

"Understood. We shall decide the victor, fair and square."

249 | P a g e

Even in swordsmanship, Rama was an expert of divine level. He had displayed part of his skills during the battle in ancient Gaul when he was mostly using downward

slashes performed from upper stances.

In Japanese swordsmanship, the upper stance was apparently called the "posture of

fire."

This stance could not be used freely unless one showed vigor and intensity in attack.

It was said that "fire" was a metaphor for the fiery spirit in aggressive offense. As one might expect, offense was ultimately this war god's true nature.

This time, Rama took on an upper stance again. In response, Godou invoked the

[Camel] on the foundation of the [Raptor].

This was the combat incarnation of endurance and enhanced leg strength. The pain

from Mithra's arrow gradually subsided in his left shoulder. However, Godou's left

arm still remained immobile.

Even so, this was a double activation of incarnations. The strain was starting to cause

waves of intense headaches.

Nevertheless, taking a risk of this level was necessary.

"Come!"

Rama repeatedly performed slashes from upper stances.

These moves were both acute and magnificent as ever, but relying on the [Camel]'s

combat sense, Godou kept evading them.

Then just as he was about to counterattack, Godou clicked his tongue.

Rama's body suddenly released lightning. Just as before, it erupted without his

conscious intent. Instantly activating the [Raptor]'s divine speed, Godou barely

dodged the attack.

Hence, he had to end his offense without unleashing the kick. Furthermore, Rama

attacked at this time.

A strike aimed at Godou's forehead. Again, it was downward slash of the divine

sword, swung from an upper stance.

250 | P a g e

"Just handling that sword is tricky enough already, what a troublesome guy!"

If he were to attack with a knee strike during an opening in Rama's sword strikes—

Guided by the [Camel]'s combat sense, Godou was just about to take action.

Lightning was released again. In addition, this powerful lightning swept everything

away from Rama's surroundings—left, right, front, back. A slight jump backwards

was not going to evade it.

In the end, Godou used divine speed to retreat at least ten meters, thus managing to

avoid the calamity.

"Are things getting violent because his power is out of control...?"

Until this point, Rama still showed finesse in technique and precision in all areas

despite displaying overwhelming power.

But now, it was different.

He had turned into an plain warrior who released lightning while swinging his blade.

However, this certainly did not count as a minus. Lancelot, who was devoted

singlemindedly to charges, was another example. On the battlefield, there were many

situations where elements of "simplicity" would end up trumping over "variety."

Furthermore, Rama's body was starting to shoot lightning with rapid fire.

Attacks were released without specific targets. Not just forward but also backward

and to the left and right, in any case, indiscriminate attacks were launched in all

directions at three hundred and sixty degrees. In addition, the range was not limited

to the scorched surroundings.

The lightning's range kept extending, even reaching dozens, hundreds of meters

away. Currently turned into an electrode, Rama could probably destroy one or two

cities just by wandering the land. What a truly absurd man beyond compare.

Godou committed his final resolve. As suspected, he could only resort to that move.

"In the end, I have no choice but to take a gamble."

Activating divine speed, Godou charged at the Devil King exterminator.

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Instantly evading the rapid fire of indiscriminate lightning, he arrived before Rama.

Then unleashing a kick from the [Camel]—In that very instant...

(Kusanagi Godou! Unfortunately, time is not on your side!)

Due to perceptions while divine speed was active, Rama's voice sounded garbled.

Swinging the Divine Sword of Salvation diagonally downwards from an upper stance,

he aimed at Godou's heart. Using the skill of the mind's eye, he had seen through

divine speed.

Godou could not dodge this attack. The divine blade pierced his chest.

The mighty blade, 100cm in length, buried half of itself into Godou's body. The blade

tip was probably protruding out from his back.

Even so, Godou did not die on the spot. This was thanks to a Campione's vitality and

the [Camel]'s endurance.

"Seishuuin, use it!"

"What!?"

A figure pounced on the surprised Rama. It was Seishuuin Ena.

Held in her hand, the mighty blade, three feet and three-and-a-half inches long, was

of course, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Using a one-handed upper stance, the

Hime-Miko of the Sword swung the divine sword ferociously from above. Of course,

she was also using the secret technique of divine possession.

This girl was the strongest in combat power among Godou's companions.

She had been standing by a slight distance away just now, biding her time for this

opportunity.

"O imperial blade of Ama no Murakumo. I beseech thee to grant me the warrior's

honor!"

Taking in the divine energy of her partner, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, she

swung the blade with her entire body's strength.

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In addition, the jet-black sword still carried remnants of divine power from the Storm Bringer. Just earlier, the black sphere had vanished due to getting blown away

by Lancelot's charging attack, not because it ran out of power.

If this sword could be stabbed into Rama's body to unleash a gravitational storm

directly—

Perhaps the great hero's body might disappear, absorbed into Ama no Murakumo no

Tsurugi. However, Rama was swift and perceptive after all.

Instantly releasing the Divine Sword of Salvation, he blocked Ama no Murakumo no

Tsurugi.

A bare-handed block—Aiming at the jet-black sword swinging down overhead, he

blocked the attack by clamping his hands on the left and right surfaces of the blade's

body.

Godou was still skewered by the Divine Sword of Salvation. Death was near.

Nevertheless, he was still grinning ferociously in spite of that. Because he was

convinced the enemy had fallen into his trap.

"You finally switched to defense..."

"!?"

Having caught Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi in his bare hands, Rama was shocked.

At that very instant, Ena drew a second sword. On this rare occasion, she had a

leather sheath hanging on her belt. Using her left hand, she unsheathed the short

sword and sliced the 50cm blade into Rama's abdomen.

Ena could probably feel the impact of a solid hit through her left hand.

However, there was no bleeding. Rama was not injured from the attack. After all, he

was the man who had successfully withstood even Her Eminence Luo Hao's palm

strike and Lancelot's charge, hence this was only natural.

Be that as it may, the following words were engraved on the blade of the short sword

that Ena was using.

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'The one who is, and who was, and who is to come.' In addition, golden magic power was leaking from Rama's entire body in the place of blood.

Magic power was rising into the sky like a gas, spreading a golden canopy high in the

air.

"Could this be—?"

'Woe! Naturally, 'tis one's curse upon thee.'

What spoke to Rama was the second sword held in Ena's hand.

This was the item that Erica and Liliana had forged together while Godou and the

two Hime-Miko were in the Netherworld. This was to allow Athena to stab the sword

of vengeance into her enemy despite not even having the strength to move her

body—

This trickery had been devised by Erica. Casting magic to alter form and appearance.

Fortuitously, Athena's transformation into a silver snake had made her into an

existence similar in composition to synthetic organisms created by magic.

Also thanks to that, Liliana and Erica were able to work together on a common task

successfully as a witch and a master of steel manipulation respectively.

The short sword declared solemnly with the voice of a goddess.

'O King Rama. The magic power in thee was taken from the Holy Grail—that which

was absorbed from this Athena's body. As the original owner, it is one's wish that

thou couldst return a portion of that power. A curse cast using a goddess' life as the

price—Even one such as thee cannot resist.'

In the past, Rama had fought the "godslayer with ten lives" in a final duel.

There was a reason why the fully awakened hero of salvation was pressured into a

corner. Namely, the wife inside him—the essence of the goddess Sita—had refused to

cooperate.

Her dying wish became a prayer that bound Rama's body, reducing his magic power

to some extent.

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And that godslayer had ruthlessly made use of that, causing the battle to end in mutual annihilation. And now, through a goddess' will, the same situation had been

recreated—

"I see now. To think that even external appearances could be altered. It makes logical

sense that I was unable to sense the serpent's presence."

Rama showed an expression of comprehension. Golden magic power continued to

spill out even now.

A large fraction has already flowed out—Just as Godou was thinking that, Rama went

"ooh..." with a painful look on his face.

Due to Athena's curse causing his total magic power to decrease, his awakened state

was dispelled as a result.

The slicing wound inflicted by Ena cracked open wide, spilling a large amount of

blood. The situation was now the same as back in ancient Gaul—Concluding that,

Godou forced his body to move.

"Dahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Relying on force of vigor and the [Camel]'s endurance, Godou forcibly moved his

body despite his pierced heart.

Capable of traveling across the desert while enduring silently, the camel was the

symbol of endurance and ferocity. Using this power to unleash a spinning kick,

Godou launched his final attack.

"Guh—!"

The enemy instantly used his left hand to block the kick aimed at his temple.

However, Godou used his entire body's strength to send Rama flying together with

this hand. At the same time, he delivered explosive magic power through the tip of

his foot.

As a result, the Devil King exterminating hero was sent flying by this exploding kick

of guaranteed death. Rolling continuously on the ground for a while, he finally came

to a stop.

255 | P a g e

A moment later, Rama pushed himself up with the last of his strength after suffering this strike of assured death.

Staring into Godou's eyes—

'We shall meet again, Kusanagi Godou—'

Godou could feel Rama silently expressing his thoughts of a future encounter.

Immediately, the hero's body shone with red light—Then came a violent explosion.

The Divine Sword of Salvation, stabbed into Godou's heart, proceeded to vanish. This

was the instant of Kusanagi Godou's third victory. But in spite of that—

While his consciousness was gradually fading away, Godou activated the [Ram]

incarnation. At the same time, he thought to himself.

This was a shallow victory barely achieved by relying on assistance from many people

and stacking several instances of good fortune together.

But next time... Surely that was not going to work again.

Hanuman was probably going to find a way to gather the necessary earth's essence

required by the great ritual of the covenant. Athena was about to die too. Godou's

hidden cards were practically all exposed. Ultimately, was that his only option left—?

The idea the Princess of Glass had seen through before he took his leave from the

Netherworld...

Godou recalled that particular solution...

256 | P a g e

Epilogue

Having served as the battlefield, Pushpaka Vimana sank into the ocean.

Due to Lancelot's charge, the ship's core and flying functions were damaged.

As a side note, Kusanagi Godou escaped safely despite falling unconscious with

severe injuries. This was all thanks to the dedicated efforts of the girls serving him,

rescuing him then using flight magic.

A double knockout between the Campione of the east, Kusanagi Godou, and the

"King of the End"—

It was said that this news reached the ears of every Campione within merely three

hours after the battle ended.

The first to find out was Her Eminence Luo Hao who was still in Tokyo.

Hearing news that "Her Eminence had flown towards Tokyo," her direct disciple Lu

Yinghua located her and reported to her.

Almost simultaneously with Rama's disappearance, Hanuman had also vanished

from Her Eminence's presence.

Presumably, a mysterious bond had informed Hanuman of his master's condition.

Thus, one was able to listen patiently to the latest developments from the disciple

who had rushed over to Haneda Airport's pier.

Upon learning of her sworn brother's victory, Luo Cuilian was the first to nod with

strong approval.

Then murmuring "hmm...", she gazed out into Tokyo Bay where Rama had

disappeared, lost in deep thought.

At the same time, the former chairwoman of Greenwich's Witenagemot was

currently in a phone call with a certain Campione.

257 | P a g e

The other party was the guardian of Los Angeles, John Pluto Smith. This was a long distance call made from a high-class residential district in London to the west coast

of North America.

After listening to the key points of the incident, the masked Devil King responded:

'I see.'

"...That's it?"

'In the end, the root issue has not been resolved at all. I believe that the current stage

is completely meaningless despite the mixture of good and bad news.'

Smith replied coldly to Princess Alice.

Besides, the princess was still having a high fever. She was lying in bed in her

bedroom, talking on the phone while leaning against a soft cushion.

'Also, one can assert with certainty that before Prince Rama's next awakening,

someone among my peers will surely start acting out of line. Without a doubt.'

Leaving this unsettling declaration, Smith hung up.

The tone of his words were highly suggestive of what "acting out of line" meant in

particular. The eccentric who subscribed to secretism often acted in this manner.

Only making cryptic remarks to pique others' curiosity then leaving them hanging.

"Seriously, Lord Smith is always acting like this."

Alice pouted and grumbled.

However, a nosy visitor also happened to be present. Although he looked very cold

and distant, all it that was needed were a few prompting words and he would start

explaining things in a friendly manner, even matters that she had not inquired.

"Alexandre. I shall overlook your crime of entering a lady's bedroom unannounced

without even bringing a gift. Please share your thoughts with me."

"Thoughts?"

"For example, countermeasures for sealing Prince Rama or the like."

"Hmph."

258 | P a g e

The man shrugging by the princess' bedside was Alexandre Gascoigne.

Coincidentally, he was paying a visit to gather information, just before the princess

made the call to Smith.

Black Prince Alec, the user of [Black Lightning]'s divine speed. To him, even the

mansion of a duke's daughter was a place that he could enter and leave at will as

though it were the British Museum.

Saying the same thing twice was too much of a hassle, which was why Alice asked

him to listen in on her phone call just now.

"Why are you suddenly unhappy? ...Aha."

Seeing Alec slightly displeased, the princess suddenly came to a realization.

Going as far as to completely forget her own feeble condition from the fever, Alice

laughed lightly with a chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

"No, it's nothing. I simply have a hunch regarding what's on your mind. Despite

seeking the true name of the 'King of the End' for so many years, to think you ended

up losing to a History Compilation Committee member. Something along those

lines."

"What are you talking about? I totally don't care at all."

He was clearly speaking much faster than times when he did not care about things.

Alice concluded her guess was correct. As though trying to evade Alice's warm gaze,

Alec turned his head to one side and spoke with boredom:

"Besides, a so-called countermeasure to seal Prince Rama—there's no need to

consider something like that at all. There's actually a very simple solution."

"Huh?"

Alice was dumbfounded by these unexpected words.

259 | P a g e

"In other words, as long as the seven of us are here, the 'King of the End' will gain strength accordingly, right?"

At a night market at Bangkok, the capital of Thailand...

A blond Caucasian young man commented in a frivolous tone of voice.

Salvatore Doni.

He was sitting at a snack shop with two plates of Pad Thai fried noodles with his

butler Andrea Rivera across the simple table.

Ever since disappearing from Italy, he had come to eastern Asia.

"I've got an incredible idea about this. Hear me out, Andrea♪"

"Fine, I'll listen but before that, let me finish my drink. After all, it's definitely

nothing respectable, a devilish idea. I absolutely refuse to listen unless I gulp down

some alcohol first!"

News from Japan had been transmitted through the magic associations of the

[Copper Black Cross] and the [Bronze Black Cross].

Having an detailed discussion with his lord about the matter, Rivera pulled off his

beer can's ring in despair and resignation.

"Isn't it a very simple matter?"

In the depths of the Austrian Alps, the old man in the rugged mountain villa

muttered.

Information regarding "King of the End" Rama was trickling in gradually through

Dejanstahl Voban's devoted followers in the world of magic.

"If the Devil King exterminating hero's power rises for the sake of fighting seven

godslayers... Then all I need to do is send the other six to their graves. I, Voban, alone

shall be enough to take on the 'King of the End.'"

This was inside a great hall where warmth from the fireplace was providing excellent

comfort.

260 | P a g e

Facing Voban who was sitting in an armchair, the young beauty smiled with equal

"warmth" as the air in this room.

"Fufu, Onii-sama, you're such a joker. I can't believe you're saying this when you

clearly hold me so dear in your heart."

"......"

Confronted with Madame Aisha who was like genial spring weather, the Marquis

frowned with displeasure.

Tokyo's Bunkyou Ward. Erica's luxury apartment.

Several hours had passed since the intense battle. Night had already fallen.

Kusanagi Godou was currently sleeping like the dead on the bed belonging to the

mistress of the bedroom. More precisely, he had died once already and was currently

recovering using the [Ram], the incarnation of resurrection.

Three girls were currently watching over him by the bedside.

Needless to say, they were Erica Blandelli, Liliana Kranjcar and Seishuuin Ena.

Although Mariya Yuri was still in the Netherworld, she was probably able to use

psychic sensing to find out whether Godou was safe or not.

Ena turned her gaze to the pillow side by chance.

"Eh, what's that?"

"Something that Godou was carrying. It was kept in his pocket."

Erica answered. The object under the two girls' gaze was an arrowhead. An

arrowhead crafted from steel. Plain and ordinary in appearance. However, it seemed

to give off an air of calamity—Terrifying.

Also, the arrowhead was laid out over a violet silk wrapping cloth. This silk cloth had

been used to wrap the arrowhead.

"Somehow I have the feeling I saw it somewhere before. Also, it was recently..."

Liliana felt puzzled as well.

261 | P a g e

None of these girls knew yet. This arrowhead was actually entrusted to Godou by the Princess of Glass. In addition, Kusanagi Godou had been shot by the same kind of

arrowhead before in fact.

During the first battle against the "King of the End" in ancient Gaul, Godou had been

struck by the lightning of salvation. Back then, Godou had taken a long time to

recover from his coma. Even after waking up, his health had not returned to normal.

Turning the weapons bestowed upon Prince Rama into the form of lightning, that

was the lightning of salvation.

The lightning that had caused Godou much hardship, its true identity was the poison

arrow that had rendered the Devil King Campione in a state of coma. Furthermore,

an arrow identical to those poison arrow—It was currently lying by the side of

Godou's pillow.

Back in the Netherworld, Kusanagi Godou had come up with an idea.

'If only one Campione remains, Rama won't be able to use the great ritual of the

covenant.'

Putting this solution into practice meant it was necessary to defeat all the other

Campiones.

Reading this idea through the power of spirit vision, the Princess of Glass had

bestowed this object upon Godou as a result. An arrowhead identical to the arrows

for slaying Devil Kings.

However, Godou was not the only one to think of this plan.

In fact, the same idea had occurred to all seven of them—

"Alas... My revered brother! My most beloved kin of blood, most honorable and

noble in the entire world!"

Facing Tokyo Bay at night, on a beach in Kisarazu...

A young man was standing there. He was lamenting and crying towards the ocean.

262 | P a g e

The young man's face was completely identical to Prince Rama who had perished

several hours prior. However, unlike the great hero's pale complexion, his skin was

tanned.

As the Devil King exterminating hero's younger brother by blood, he was the

subordinate god protecting his elder brother as his shadow.

His name was Laksmana, the one who took on all twistedness on behalf of his

glorious elder brother. In addition, the white monkey god of wind was currently

standing watch behind him.

Hanuman. In terms of heroic feats and great accomplishments, he was actually not

inferior to his lord Rama.

People sang praises to the master-servant pair together as "Rama and Hanuman,"

not only in India but also various nations in Southeast Asia.

The showdown between the seven Devil Kings and the chosen hero was beginning at

last.

Hence, the first battle concluded and it was time to quietly await the second battle's

opening.

Afterword 

Credit:

Baka-tsuki

263 | P a g e

Disclaimer

Under no circumstances would you be allowed to take

this work for commercial activities or for personal gain.

Baka-Tsuki does not and will not condone any activities

of such, including but not limited to rent, sell, print,

auction.

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