Campione! Vol 7 Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - G.o.d and G.o.dslayer, Intense Showdown Between Two Heroes Part 1 A few hours pa.s.sed after the G.o.dslayers had fled. Though it was late at night, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, was far from sleeping. "d.a.m.n it, Old Sun here was looking for a good fight and all they did was run away. What cruel and inconsiderate fellows!" Summoning his golden cloud, he flew to the peak of Nantaisan. He grumbled as he overlooked the darkness beneath. Due to the depletion of divine power, Zhu Ganglie and Vaisravana were no more, having returned to their figurine state. "In that case, to prevent those fellows from fleeing the next battle, I'd better lay down a proper trap... Bait them, surround them, and beat them up to my heart's content..." The Great Sage sat cross-legged on his cloud and began to mutter. "Showing them my divine might is really the most effective method. That G.o.dslayer brat seems to be rather obsessed with the girl in my belly... He will definitely show up on his own volition. As for that fellow dressed in black, it'd be great if he came, if not then I'll just lure him some other way." Despite pondering for a great while, in the end all he reached was a half-a.s.sed conclusion. The divine monkey was the world's strongest ruffian, but also a G.o.d of battle foreign to the concept of advance planning. "Hohoho, this vast land is already my territory, and it'd be nice to further extend its boundaries." Muttering to himself, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven pulled out a handful of hairs from his fur. Chewing them a few times in his mouth, he blew them away. Repeating this process dozens of times, tens, hundreds, thousands of strands of fur were scattered in the wind. "Innocence. Supreme success / Perseverance furthers. If someone is not as he should be / He has misfortune / And it does not further him / To undertake anything. Under heaven thunder rolls: All things attain the natural state of innocence. Thus the kings of old / Rich in virtue, and in harmony with the time / Fostered and nourished all beings. ^ Chanting the spell words, the Great Sage distributed his divine power to the doppelgangers. Then let's wait for these mechanisms to spread over the vast land. Other than extending the territory, they could also display the monkey king's divine might to those Campiones, and be used as a signal for battle. Let's sit back and wait for the prey to show itself. Even though he did not feel sleepy in the slightest, the Great Sage went to sleep anyway on his cloud, twisting and turning. Meanwhile, Toushouguu had been turned into a stone prison as the result of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's divine power. In order to handle the crisis of the imprisoned demonic cult leader, there were still people at work even though it was late at night. The personnel responsible for sealing off the area were members of mobile armed forces, police-related people, spellcasters trying to reverse the cataclysm through magical means, as well as History Compilation Committee members... Their base of operations was a tent put up temporarily on the main visiting path to Toushouguu. Currently, three prominent members of the handling committee were gathered here. "Ah — ! Every time I am reminded of Master's imprisonment within the stone, I feel like my body and soul are completely frozen! Dear heavens, if only this unworthy disciple, Lu Yinghua, could suffer hardship in Master's stead! Etc etc... Now it's my turn, flip over and reveal all the cards! I will use the combo of [This is that person's home!] followed by [I won't accept him having that kind of wife!]'" The former half of this speech was yelled out loudly, while the latter was spoken softly enough to be heard only by people next to the speaker. Lu Yinghua was the one speaking, putting on a one-man-show as he operated a handheld gaming device with a touchpen. "I'm not going to take that move head on. Activating the [You temptress, don't go near him anymore!] defense... By the way, Mr. Lu, what is the point of your little skit?" Similarly, Sayanomiya Kaoru also spoke as she played on her handheld. Though it was already 4am in the morning, the attention she paid to her appearance was impeccable, dressed in a refreshing suit jacket and a white open-collared dress shirt, as well as cotton trousers (all in men's style, of course). "Of course there's a point. Master's personality is far from ordinary... Even if she is trapped in the stone prison, it would not be surprising for her to be listening to sounds outside using supernatural hearing. This is an important part of establishing proof of presence." "The fact that she has a personality that makes one suspect such possibilities, is truly the most terrifying thing about her..." Amakasu commented on Lu Yinghua's answer. He was still dressed in his usual suit, except this time he wore a sweater and a thick cotton-padded jacket inside, as well as a surgical mask and a full array of equipment to keep warm and resist the flu. "Spurt(the sound of blowing one's nose). Even if the situation evolves into one of those thirteen-man teams in student council battle manga, it would not be surprising... It's my turn, let me activate this interference magic, [Police Intervenes: Level 3]!" "Wow... This will cut down to one third the power gauge of all cards with the stalker attribute!?" "As a result of this effect, Mr. Lu's cards have all turned into fodder, and the only opponent remaining is Kaoru-san..." "Oh my! Amakasu-san, I hold in my hand the card that makes all others commit suicide, the [You Fail in Life]... Wouldn't you believe it?" "Who knows? Kaoru-san has already used that card twice. Bold as you are, I don't think you'd use that kind of double-edged card in a hat-trick... Cough cough!" "Hohoho, I will feel troubled if you underestimate me too much... I shall now use [My Womb Bears That Man's Child!] to start an a.s.sault on Mr. Lu." "Targeting me!? Don't look down on me! I sacrifice all the stalkers and summon [Misery]!" The three of them were networking their handhelds to engage in a three-way battle. As the battle (also known as killing time) gradually reached a climax, there were also others hard at work. "Hmm... No good... Ordinary Daoist arts cannot counter this petrification!" "Oh no — Will Her Eminence be buried alive forever!?" These voices were quite unclear, and had very distinctive accents. Lu Yinghua had summoned subordinates of the Lu family from places like Yokohama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Akihabara, who were now carrying out rescue operations. Amongst them, there were seven or eight male experts in Daoist arts. "To be honest, the Committee does not actually allow foreign unaffiliated personnel to enter its territory — " "That's okay, consider it a favor I owe you now." "If the young master of Hong Kong's Lu family says so, then that would be for the best. However, what kind of practical progress do you expect? I think this is just a waste of effort." "Took you long enough to say something like that. It is not only a waste of effort, but completely meaningless. Although from the perspective of human Daoist arts, the spell can be categorized as a type of Qimen-Dunjia^, it is cast by a deity after all. Of course it's impossible for my bros to neutralize it. I never had any expectations in the first place." "Wow... You are clearly the leader and yet you speak like this?" "Because he knew it wouldn't work from the very start. It does allow our Committee members to handle all matters unrelated to the rescue attempts, so there is nothing to complain about. However, pure numbers in personnel is meaningless in resolving the current incident..." Due to the uneasiness in her heart, Kaoru stopped moving the touchpen in her hand. Amongst the Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri had the best spirit vision, but in actual fact, Sayanomiya Kaoru also possessed the same ability. Though her proficiency was inferior to Mariya Yuri, it was still at a substantial level. "Cough cough, Kaoru-san, what is it?" "I had a very unpleasant premonition, as if something bad was about to happen." "Then we can't ignore it. Just to be safe, we'd better make preparations, cough cough." Amakasu took out a small knife and began carving Chinese characters into the petrified ground. Immediately, Kaoru sensed a ma.s.sive amount of magical power flowing. Like some kind of terrifying but minuscule object was drifting here, carried by the wind and infused with something like divine power, and that the surroundings were undergoing change. The Daoist experts of the Lu family, as well as the policemen on night watch, had all transformed into monkeys! j.a.panese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc... All sorts of primates. Their nails and fangs were exceptionally long while their bodies were frighteningly large, and they looked especially vicious. As soon as they caught sight of the two Committee members and the famed young master of Hong Kong's Lu family, the monkeys became full of murderous intent! In the instant that they pounced ferociously — "By the name of the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, obey my commands in haste!" Amakasu recited the mantra. The characters of "Changes of the Six Yin"^ carved in the ground began to release magical power. Striking the ground with his hand, the petrified surface peeled off and could be flipped like a sheet of fabric and used to cover the three of them like a curtain. Their figures vanished in an instant. Or rather, they appeared to have vanished. "Cough cough! This is also a type of Qimen-Dunjia... I'm only good at these kinds of little tricks." "Not at all, it is very effective as always." Kaoru praised her subordinate's quick act of merit. Unable to find the three of them, the monkeys began looking all around in the surroundings, sniffing for smells, trying to track them down, even though their quarries were right under their noses. Qimen-Dunjia — ninjutsu was a type of wizardry that came to j.a.pan from China. It offered the capability to hide, disappear and reappear far away in an instant, and also had spells in Fire, Water, Earth and other variants. For a ninja descendant like Amakasu, these were family secrets pa.s.sed down the ages. "The empty wind beneath the moonlit snowing sky, mayst thou blow apart the path of the heavenly clouds... Reluctant to let the G.o.ddess return, hoping to keep her beauty on this earth!" While protected by the concealing arts, Kaoru used an investigative spell. Amplifying her vision, Kaoru surveyed the city of Nikkou from above as if using a telescope. The quiet little town should not have many pedestrians at such early hours before dawn. However, the silhouettes of creatures could be seen, slowly coming out of the people's homes in the dead of the night. Either opening windows with great dexterity or violently smashing the gla.s.s, these creatures coming out were all monkeys. If theories were correct, they were all humans who had been turned into monkeys by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. This was the darkest hour before the arrival of daybreak... In this deep, deep darkness, strange demonic monkeys were roaming everywhere. It was a comedic yet terrifying scene to behold. Kaoru continued scouting from above. From a cursory glance, the city streets nearby all seemed to have fallen under the control of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Proceeding to observe from above, there was the region along the Toubu Nikkou Line whose railway ran along the Daiyagawa river, containing parks with golf courses and bountiful green fields, the cedar forest planted by Tokugawa leyasu's retainer Matsudaira n.o.butsuna which extended all the way to the old city streets of Nikkou, and finally the train stations of Kami-lmaichi and Shimo-lmaichi — "...Looks like the area under the effects of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven consists of the surroundings of JR and Nikkou's Toubu Line. The vicinity of Imaichi does not have any strange happenings for now, though it may just be a matter of time." Kaoru ended the spell and reported her observations to the other two people. Currently, the personnel who had entered Nikkou numbered around thirty or so, consisting of History Compilation Committee members, related organizations and some sent by the local police. The reason why so few had been gathered was likely because they were afraid the current situation would arise. Conversely, none of these specially selected agents were transformed into monkeys. Like Kaoru's trusted subordinate Amakasu Touma, they took effective action as their own independent judgment dictated. However, even concentrating these people's powers together, it was still futile in the face of a G.o.d. "Things should be fine before dawn but there will be a problem if resolution is delayed further. By the way, countering these transformations will probably take a lot of labor." "Really, then we should start our preparations?" The one and only trump card was, of course, Kusanagi G.o.dou — the Devil King Campione. Kaoru possessed the virtues of always using the best person for the job and never spending unnecessary effort. As she briefly responded to her subordinate's suggestion, Lu Yinghua seemed to be listening intently to some kind of noise. "Mr. Lu, did you hear something?" "...I knew it would happen sooner or later, but she finally succeeded. Can you two not hear it? The sound of stones shattering... Crushed, broken, pulverized by brute force." The two History Compilation Committee members looked at each other after hearing Lu Yinghua's low whispers. Neither of them could hear the sound but it was likely that the demonic cult leader's direct disciple possessed sharp senses that rivaled Seishuuin Ena. All in all, the incident was most likely heading towards climax. Part 2 As dawn drew near, G.o.dou was woken up by Sayanomiya Kaoru's phone call. 'Just as I mentioned, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven has finally become a threat to the human world. There is also an interesting occurrence mentioned by Mr. Lu that I would like to tell you as well.' Despite the obvious urgency of the situation, she gave her report in a very calm voice. 'Then let's leave it at that, since we have to begin operations on our side. Let's talk again later.' "Ah... Sayanomiya-san, you don't have any other questions for me?" G.o.dou inquired because he expected to be asked questions along the lines of 'Can the Great Sage really be defeated?' or 'What should we do?' 'It's fine if you just call me Kaoru. It's me who entrusted you with great responsibilities, G.o.dou-san, so there is no point in being impatient at this juncture. I think you already realize the urgency of the situation, so undue haste would be meaningless.' Kaoru did not mind a familiar manner of addressing her. During times of crisis, it was not an easy thing to entrust everything to someone reliable and then sit back and wait for the result. Sayanomiya Kaoru had a much bolder personality than what the delicate beauty of her appearance might suggest. 'Right, by the way, I expect G.o.dou-san will one day ask me what sort of conspiracy I am harboring. How I look forward to that. Anyway, that's it for now, let's hope we will meet again, safe and sound.' Leaving behind these cryptic words, she hung up the phone. It was finally time for a decisive battle. G.o.dou surveyed the surroundings. His female companions had all awakened, and they were now in a hotel lobby. A few hours ago, they had escaped from the divine beasts and reached a hotel near the Dragon Head Falls. The staff and guests all seemed to have turned into monkeys and left, so there were no others present. As soon as they set up a magical barrier as a precaution, they decided to rest and recuperate their energy in preparation for the upcoming decisive battle. After having some food and a bath, they moved some beds into the lobby. In order to avoid a surprise attack, the entire group slept together. In the end they were only able to catch a few hours of sleep, but it was not too bad. G.o.dou sat on the sofa in the lobby facing everyone else, and Erica immediately took a seat by his side. Getting close like leaning her body against him... No, they were pressed completely tight together, as if she was entrusting all her weight to G.o.dou. In a rare moment, Erica gazed at G.o.dou with a charming expression lacking in domineering att.i.tude. Unlike her usual teasing caresses, there was only the desire to confirm each other's touch as they pressed their bodies together. In a certain sense, this behavior was even more affectionate than usual. And then G.o.dou's gaze met with Yuri's. The prim, proper and beautiful Hime-Miko averted her eyes shyly for an instant, but immediately smiled with calm composure as if she had not witnessed Erica's intoxicated expression beside him, and then began to gaze resolutely at the one she admired. It was a kind of beauty different from her usual self. Like the blooming of a flower bud, she had awakened as a woman... Ena also gave off a different impression than before, acting rather awkwardly in front of G.o.dou with a sense of restlessness, so shy that she had trouble facing his direct gaze. It was indescribably adorable, and entirely different from the usually cheerful and outspoken Ena. Habitually paying no thought to her gender in the past, she finally became aware of her ident.i.ty as a woman, causing her to be at a loss. As for Liliana, her att.i.tude became rather strange. The righteous awe and solemnity of the female knight was the same, but her facial expressions and motions were more gentle than usual. The innocent charm and sense of flowing tenderness were especially conspicuous. Her gaze towards G.o.dou was filled with a gentle expression that one would only show towards their beloved, and she looked like she was sharing some sort of secret with an accomplice. What was up with her? Why was she acting like this? This must be the kind of feeling Erica mentioned some time ago, the atmosphere surrounding a bodyguard who was also a lover! Liliana suddenly spoke. "By the way, Kusanagi G.o.dou, about the earlier incident..." As if responding to the pleasurable times of the tongue tasting earlier, she was speaking with an intoxicated tone of voice: "About the ritual earlier, I am very sorry that I unwittingly lost control in the excitement. N-Next time I will surely stay calm and composed to receive your love. As your premier knight, I will definitely do it." Hearing her sudden unexpected promise, G.o.dou began to shrink back and retreat. After the ritual ended, G.o.dou's mental state of absolute calm disappeared. How could that sort of thing have happened... Great unease overflowed from within since this time was different. In the past, that kind of behavior was always obviously forced! "1-1 have something to tell everyone first. I feel like I wasn't myself at the time, it must have been the result of Verethragna's authority making me act out of control..." "You really weren't your usual self, but I don't think it was out of control." Erica spoke with ice-cream melting sweetness, and brought her lips close to G.o.dou's ear as if having pillow talk. "What are you talking about, I completely didn't get the feeling that your personality changed at all, yes... Rather, it'd be best if the regular G.o.dou acted as maturely as that in a few years' time." "Well said... I have renewed my understanding about what kind of person G.o.dou-san truly is." Yuri was in deep thought. Completely ignoring the indecent behavior of the blonde beauty, her eyes gazing at G.o.dou seemed to be hiding some secret that was supporting her resolute will. "G.o.dou-san treats us... No, not only us but all females with unnatural wariness. Yesterday was the most natural act he had ever done without reservation after making his decision." "Ah — I sort of get it now, there are still many things about boys that Ena needs to get used to." It was hard to believe that the premier Hime-Miko was now speaking so shyly when she should have been the most outspoken. There was a certain s.e.xiness to her tone of voice, adding an extra touch of femininity compared to usual. "If His Majesty begins to accustom himself to girls, that should basically be the way he acts. Hohoho, how I look forward to it." "He is already like a monster, it is hard to imagine that he still has room to grow..." Liliana sighed deeply in awe. "Truly befitting of the man who is my lord. Such impressive magnanimity." "To have taken possession of us with such forcefulness, please take responsibility and spoil us with your love until the very end... However, I expect him to maintain the usual ambiguous relationship..." "That's right, Ena is now in His Majesty's care until the day she dies. If he doesn't take this responsibility, he is not worthy to be king." "Can we stop mentioning these things during a crisis situation like this? Of course, I too, hope that G.o.dou-san can treat me like that..." Erica murmured blissfully while Ena expressed agreement and Yuri made her opinion known after chastising the others. Was this what was called being backed into a corner? Or perhaps the crossroads of a lifetime? G.o.dou was greatly stunned, but he still managed to bring the topic back to their most pressing problem. "1-1 think right now everyone should set aside the discussion of things like the ritual and the protection, okay? We must make proper battle plans to take Hikari back from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Today will be the crucial moment..." "Oh my, but I don't really think that's necessary." The one objecting was Erica, who separated herself from G.o.dou and recovered her usual demeanor. "G.o.dou has already obtained the [Sword] for slaying the Great Sage while the rest of us have received [Protection]. Furthermore, we have tactics to prevent the manifestation of the two subordinate G.o.ds. Under all these conditions, there is only one thing left to do." "Correct. A simple and direct duel, that's all." With Erica and Ena in agreement, consensus was established between the wise and the wild factions of the group. As the two glanced at each other, a graceful smile was met with a fearless one. It seemed like there was some kind of covert compet.i.tion going on. Anyway, the opinion of the two girls was correct. It had already come to this, so there was no reason to be led astray by unnecessary thoughts. G.o.dou made a sign to Liliana with his eyes. The knight who was also a witch nodded immediately. After getting along for these several months, they were finally able to achieve silent understanding. It was the darkest night just before dawn. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven reclined horizontally on the golden cloud suspended in midair. He was not off guard, but was sensing his divine power exerting its influence in the surroundings with Nantaisan at the center, molding them after the Water Curtain Cave at the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit to become his kingdom. Humans lost their intelligence, turned into monkeys and recovered their feral nature. "Wouldn't it be fun to use these fellows to invade and conquer the human's territory... Oh, it came at last?" Feeling like he was being watched, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven pushed himself and got up. This was a spell used by human Daoist priestesses. Someone is sending their vision flying here to peek at me, the great Sun Wukong. Something like that, I can simply blow away with a breath through my nose... But of course, he was not going to do something like that. This was clearly a G.o.dslayer's doing. The Great Sage laughed with his monkey face and changed his outfit using divine power, putting on leather armor similar to that worn by theatrical actors. Rather than heavy steel armor, it consisted of just a light breastplate, gauntlets and leg guards. A battle outfit suited to the monkey king whose speed and agility were unmatched. Of course, he did not forget to take his Ruyi Staff either. Riding on his cloud and flying around, he surveyed his territory. Nantaisan, Lake Chuuzenji, Senjougahara with its vast plains of wetlands, as well as the little lake of Yunoko to the north. Traversing the Iroha-saku Route, he flew to the skies of his new territory, the city streets of Nikkou. With Toushouguu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnouji turned into a stone prison, overall the streets gave a feeling of a small yet complete and functioning kingdom. The Great Sage flew to the airs.p.a.ce above the Daiyagawa. Monkeys casually roamed the streets under the cover of darkness. Whether transformed during their sleep or just before dawn, they were all humans who had become the monkey king's underlings. Looking down upon his people, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven showed off a U-turn. That particular place looked like a very appropriate battlefield for going all out. Having decided that, the Great Sage drove his cloud in that direction and got there immediately. "Excellent, excellent. This place is nice, nana!" Yelling and calling out in excitement, the Great Sage jumped down from his cloud. The battlefield chosen was the plains of Senjougahara, the plateau covered by the brilliant colors of green and red leaves, full of the natural feeling of highlands and abundant in rivers, streams, walking paths, etc. Then a beam of light came from the south. It was flight magic, bringing the brat, Kusanagi, and his female companions as they descended before the Great Sage's eyes. This fellow intended to come right from the very beginning, just as expected. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, nodded his head. Part 3 "Hohoho... Just by yourself, Kusanagi brat? If you want to call forth your G.o.dslayer companions, I can wait for you." The Great Sage Equaling Heaven did not bother counting the girls. Even if humans entered his sight, he would most likely ignore them. G.o.dou immediately retorted: "For an opponent like you, I alone am enough... Besides, if another Campione joins in, you're going to summon your brothers for help, right?" "What, so you have already noticed... Looks like your battle instincts are very sharp." Having twice witnessed the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong's terrifying power that exceeded every single G.o.d that G.o.dou had ever met to this point, it was clear that the divine monkey possessed overwhelming strength. However, he currently did not give off that kind of feeling. Still, the fact remained that G.o.dou was facing a war G.o.d with vast and varied powers. In terms of raw combat ability, he must have surpa.s.sed both Athena and Perseus, but if one counted his other powers, the abilities witnessed at Toushouguu and Lake Chuuzenji seemed rather out of the ordinary. "When we Campiones encounter G.o.ds, we feel great power stir and overflow from within. I expect it's the same with you, in a battle between G.o.ds and Campiones, when faced with numerical disadvantage, unlimited power will flow forth for the sake of defeating the enemies." "That's right, vanquishing you G.o.dslaying devil kings to return peace to the world is the heavenly mandate of G.o.ds." The Great Sage Equaling Heaven nodded cautiously at G.o.dou's correct guess. "As long as the conditions are met, I can obtain the power I need to destroy you all from the heaven, the earth, as well as the stars. However, not all G.o.ds share this ability, for only a minority of sword G.o.ds with substantial might and clout possesses such an authority... Anyway, this kind of task for Old Sun here is just a piece of cake." "What returning peace to the world, stop running your mouth, you make no sense! You're the one causing a commotion right now!" "Compared to the status of a devil king, this kind of game is nothing, right? Even sacrificing fifty or a hundred thousand people, or wiping out an island country or two like this one, does not affect the grand scheme of things on earth." G.o.dou sneered and ignored the unreasonable retort. "Then don't go taking Hikari as a hostage and turning the people of this land into monkeys for a game! I've heard that it is possible that the people who transformed into monkeys might not be able to return to human form!?" "Those are just the moans and groans of humans suffering their karmic consequences. The world continues to turn regardless... Besides, whenever the number of G.o.dslayers increase, chaos is brought forth on earth, and imbalance is created between the living and the underworld. Humans should obey the G.o.ds and natural law. Forgetting their place and resisting our divinity is just..." The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, finally started to quietly emit murderous intent, and entered a stance with the Ruyi Staff. "Hence, wiping you all off the face of the earth is our mission of justice. Come, Kusanagi brat! Stop with the nagging and let us fight!" "Fine! I will show you my — no, mankind's willpower!" "Ha! Apart from your will, you are totally a monster with a body beyond mortals, stop kidding yourself!" As the morning glow covered a corner of the plains of Senjougahara, the decisive battle was finally about to begin. Keeping their distance, the girls were currently watching this battle. Erica Blandelli, Liliana Kranjcar, Mariya Yuri and Seishuuin Ena. They were the ones who swore to follow the Campione Kusanagi G.o.dou through life and death, who became his companions and allies through various intertwined fates. Before their watchful eyes, G.o.dou used the power of the [Warrior]. The blade of spell words for slaying G.o.ds, this was the power wielded by Verethragna's tenth incarnation. "Whenever the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, is mentioned, one inevitably recalls Sanzang the Monk's follower, the deity born from a chaotic mix of all sorts of religions and folk beliefs under the influence of Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese shamanism." G.o.dou's surroundings were filled with spheres of light. The light expanded by ten, twenty, thirty times in number. This was the sword of spell words. "Furthermore, you are also a war G.o.d of [Steel]. Despite being a monkey G.o.d, you are also a war G.o.d with deep ties to iron — this crucial key can be understood through the process of how the Journey to the West was created!" "Oh... Is this the same type as the Kulikaa Sword? An evil-vanquishing sword of justice born from wisdom." In this s.p.a.ce completely filled with hundreds of spheres of light, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven a.n.a.lyzed calmly. "The Journey to the West was born by collecting operas, novels and folk legends featuring Sun Wukong as the protagonist. Hence, it can be said to be the grand culmination of all of Sun Wukong's legends. The source material mostly inherits from myths and folk stories pa.s.sed down the ages, the most important being China — the culture of the Han peoples was frequently a.s.similated influences from foreign cultures!" A great many spheres of light rushed towards the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, attacking in waves from all directions. However, the Great Sage's agility was fast as lightning, and he dodged them all. "Hahahahahaha! Though it looks like a troublesome sword, it's meaningless if you can't hit me." The Great Sage made a back flip and jumped onto his golden cloud. Flying freely in the heavens, he evaded the [Swordj's pursuit, moving faster and faster! I see. G.o.dou discerned the truth. Unlike Verethragna's [Raptor], the Great Sage Equaling Heaven did not have the ability to reach maximum speed instantly, and must accelerate in stages. But once he reached his maximum speed, the monkey king entered the realm of G.o.d speed! "Hmm — ! May my words be weaved, forming the divine sword that vanquishes evil and brings peace. Be dismissed, Great Sage Equaling Heaven!" G.o.dou made the [Sword] multiply and accelerate. But it was too late, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had vanished, causing hundreds of [Swords] to lose their target. The blades of light were unable to strike the hero within the realm of G.o.d speed, not even a scratch! Somehow, G.o.dou knew that the Great Sage was currently rapidly ascending up into sky. He ordered several dozens of the swords of light to pursue, but the Great Sage still shook off their trail. Too fast! Who knew his favorite authority of G.o.d speed was such a dangerous existence when used in the hands of enemies! 'When facing an opponent in battle, what are you doing, standing there dazed!?' It was a m.u.f.fled voice that sounded very distant. As he felt a chill down his spine, an omen of danger, G.o.dou gathered the nearby [Swords] back to his side, guarding his head and back. Immediately, something descended from the sky like a bolt of lightning! Clang! The sound of impact. It felt like someone extremely fast had descended and left again in an instant. 'Hohoho, blocking that just now was just your luck, let's try it a second time, eh?' The Great Sage was planning on using hit-and-run tactics? No. The warrior form had the power to understand an enemy completely. This power told G.o.dou that when using G.o.d speed, the Great Sage had difficulty stopping. Like G.o.dou's [Raptor], he was unable to make precise movements. All it would take is one solid hit. The Great Sage continued to fly away without letting his speed decrease. However, he should be returning immediately. Will there be a way to block the second and third attacks? G.o.dou was clearly disadvantaged. Concerned with the battle, the girls began to get nervous. "Everyone... In order to protect that person, I implore you all to a.s.sist me." The first to speak was Yuri, who bowed her head and requested with propriety. "Though the power bestowed to me can a.s.sist him, it cannot protect him, which is why everyone's power is needed." Stepping forward, Yuri showed a resolute expression. Yuri's beauty carried solemnity impossible to defile, and greatly inspired righteous awe. "You have no need to make this kind of request. Kusanagi G.o.dou is the king of all of us. Upon my pride as a knight... Rather, my love, I will surely protect him! So I will use everything and anything I can lay my hands on. Hence, Yuri, please support us with everything you have!" The one who responded in this unyielding manner was Erica of course. More glamorous than anyone and dazzling in her abundant talent, the beautiful maiden swept her hand through her blonde hair that was like a crown. "Too bad Erica beat me to the punch, but anyway, it is as she said. We are now different from our usual selves, but for the sake of protecting Kusanagi G.o.dou, we must unite our power as a team." Liliana spoke in a decisive tone. Completely clear on what she had to do, she was exceptionally calm. "Yes, when the conflict with the G.o.d begins, there is no time for us to bicker amongst ourselves." Ena spoke cheerfully but with a slightly savage expression. She stared sharply into the sky, as if she had caught signs of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven with her five senses. "Oh my, Ena, let's not talk about internal conflict and enmity for now. Friendly compet.i.tion between us is necessary to spur progress. I don't think there is a need to go for complete pacifism." "That makes sense actually, then let us have a compet.i.tion to see who can help His Majesty the most." "Stop it you two, do not forget that actions speak louder than words! Mariya Yuri, in a while I will most likely become too occupied to guard you. Will that be fine?" "Yes. I am already prepared for that, so go and help that person." Erica and Ena signaled to each other through their eyes, showing smiles that carried deep meaning. Liliana admonished them while Yuri answered briefly. Under the two strong leaders, the rest of the girls naturally took initiative in their respective domains. This was a very individualistic team led by strong leadership. It was also a very good formation, the result of these girls who each had their own plan, judgment and influence over the others. "O Warrior of justice, for the son, the father and the companions, let these spell words be transmitted." Yuri chanted the spell words softly. This incantation of power was the key to releasing the divine warlord's [Protection]. In the next instant, her miko outfit transformed. Its new appearance was reminiscent of the luxurious kimono known as the juunihitoe^, and wrapped around the garment was thin fabric akin to a feathered gown. However, the greatest change occurred in her hair. Yuri's original hair color was like a black pearl's except with an intense tea-brown l.u.s.ter, but now it had turned into brilliantly glowing flaxen-colored hair. Furthermore, her pupils were now gla.s.s-colored like a piece of gla.s.sware This hair and eye color was identical to the [Princess] G.o.dou once met in the Netherworld. "Before these lines of scripture, powerful and eloquent, may all enemies cower and tremble before me!" "All evil shall cower and tremble before the victory that lies within my body!" Erica and Liliana also chanted spell words and changed in appearance. Covering their bodies were capes that reached down to their knees, with great contrast in color. The blonde knight was in red and black. The silver-haired knight was in blue and black. Erica's right hand wielded a barbed infantry spear while her left held an oval shield. These were armaments transformed from Cuore di Leone. Liliana held a silver longbow in her hands, a weapon transformed from II Maestro. "O Power, come forth and descend upon my body. For victory and justice!" Ena chanted the hymn of the divine warlord. The premier Hime-Miko's uniform transformed into a miko outfit with a white haori and red hakama, covered by a sheer upper garment called chihaya, and a diadem appeared on her head, secured by hairpins. It was the official attire worn by miko when performing the kagura dance. "When the location of the G.o.ds is revealed... Wind blows through the branches scattering flowers!" Wearing the juunihitoe, Yuri whispered softly as she awakened new spirit powers, liberating her psyche and ectoplasm from the constraints of the body, letting her consciousness expand outwards like tendrils into the outside world. The minds of Erica, Liliana and Ena could all be understood for the most part. She could also sense the great and intense willpower of Kusanagi G.o.dou and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Psychic sensing — Yuri had now evolved into a user of psychic sensing who surpa.s.sed Princess Alice. Using this power of spirit sense, her mind's eye became clear and sharp. This was Avalokitasvara's universal vision, the ultimate mind's eye that Luo Hao used to see through the [Raptor]'s G.o.dly speed. ...Saw it! Yuri's mind's eye was able to capture clearly the flying form of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven that human eyes definitely could not see. The visual intelligence obtained was immediately sent to the other three through psychic sensing. Yuri's mind's eye became the eyes of Erica, Liliana and Ena, acting as universal vision that was able to capture G.o.d speed. Liliana was the first to act upon this blessing. Wielding the silver bow in her left, she manifested silver arrows in her right. An arrow was rapidly shot out, turning into a flash of silver light. If this continues, I will surely die. After blocking the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's first attack, G.o.dou immediately began to get anxious. Just as he was about to move the [Sword] haphazardly — he received quite a shock. 'Wow! Danger danger! You guys can actually see me!?' A flash of silver light had streaked past G.o.dou's head. Was that what halted the Great Sage's rapidly descending attack? "Kusanagi G.o.dou, leave the defense to us!" "Please concentrate on attacking, for we will guard you well!" Running out before his eyes were Erica and Liliana, wearing the sacred knightly attire last seen in the Ama no Murak.u.mo incident. So that's what's happening, they were using [Protection]. As G.o.dou nodded, Erica put up her shield to block the forward direction. "Hmm — !" Clang! With the sound of impact, Erica and her shield were sent flying, apparently having taken a hit from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Liliana immediately shot another silver arrow in front of G.o.dou, slicing through the air. G.o.dou could sense it, that something extraordinarily fast had left. Though he did not quite understand what was going on, but the girls seemed to be able to discern the Great Sage's G.o.d speed to some degree, and react to it! ' — G.o.dou-san, please accept my spirit!' A voice calling him was suddenly heard. No, actually it was a whisper conveyed to his heart directly? These were Yuri's thoughts. Due to the bonds established by the protection, G.o.dou immediately understood that Verethragna's authority had bestowed upon the Hime-Miko the same power possessed by Princess Alice. Receiving these mental waves, G.o.dou's vision immediately changed. This was the realm of universal vision possessed by Yuri, the ultimate mind's eye technique that discerned everything before their eyes. Graced by this blessing, G.o.dou could also clearly see the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's movements of G.o.d speed. The quick-as-lightning divine monkey was standing on his cloud, flying back and forth in a Z-shape like a bolt of lightning. And then he suddenly descended from the sky, intending to smash his Ruyi Staff down upon G.o.dou's head. Liliana's sacred silver arrow pinned him down from using this move. Fired individually, the arrows were easy to evade, so the silver knight held pairs of arrows between the fingers in her right hand, firing eight arrows all at once. This was repeated a good many times, firing silver arrows like a hail of bullets, it was basically a rain of arrows. However, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven evaded in the air with the mobility of G.o.d speed and flew right in front of G.o.dou, smashing down with his Ruyi Staff once again. Erica's shield blocked this deadly weapon. No matter how divine the speed of the enemy, he had no other way of attacking except by approaching the target. Erica focused on defending G.o.dou and dutifully fulfilled her responsibility. Then Liliana continued attacking the air with the silver arrows as Erica carried on with G.o.dou's defense. 'G.o.dou-san, next it is time for you to attack!' "Hey... Even that is possible!?" Hearing the whispers transmitted by mental waves, psychic sensing instructed him how to proceed from here on. This was an attack never tried before, could it be something that Yuri learned through spirit vision? 'Yes, this is the oracle I received just now. If this is not done, victory cannot be obtained.' Cautioned by her, G.o.dou looked up at the enemy flying around back and forth. — It was true that a risky move would be necessary to suppress an opponent with such ridiculous speed. Steeling his determination, G.o.dou stared at the eastern sky. The dawn sky's rose-colored rays illuminated the earth from that direction. Over there was the sun, the symbol of Verethragna's third incarnation, the [White Stallion]. "For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radiance to the stallion. O stallion that moves G.o.dlike with wondrous grace, bring forth the halo of thy master!" The incarnation that could only be employed against a great sinner causing suffering to the ma.s.ses, and G.o.dou's greatest firepower in his a.r.s.enal. Chanting the spell words to liberate this form, he did not stop the [Warrior], however, because he still needed the blade of spell words for the next part! Combining two incarnations into one! Uniting the sword of spell words with the flames of the sun! "Hmm aaaaaaaaaahh!!" The brain felt like it was on fire. So hot. The heart felt like it was about to burst, spurting blood until it went dry. G.o.dou's body felt as if it was being crushed by some sort of heavy object, and his legs were bolted into the ground. Even so, G.o.dou gritted his teeth and finished performing the move. "Glorious lord of the sun, Mithra be praised! To conquer all enemies, pray bestow upon my strongest self thousands of light and thousands of swords!" From the eastern sky came solar radiance that was not being used like a cannon blast as before. A white sphere of light appeared in the sky hovering above the plains of Senjougahara. With two suns in the sky shining upon the land, G.o.dou made all the [Swords] fly and gather towards the second white sun. Thousands of swords of light melded together with the luminous stellar ma.s.s. 'Oh, is that a new sun!?' Circling high in the air above, preparing for another attack, the Great Sage yelled. G.o.dou fired the new swords and the white-colored sun shot a beam of bright light like a laser. The delicate swords of light were able to lock on to the G.o.dly fast Handsome Monkey King, and whizzed past over his head. "Such heat!? And to think it even moved faster than me!? Impossible!" Only a few strands of fur were singed, but contact was definitely made. Melding the embodiment of the sun, the [White Stallion], with the [Sword], the result was this beam of light — a light speed weapon. This move did not lose to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's G.o.d speed, perhaps it even offered a chance for victory!? "Uh... Erica, can I entrust all defense to you? I have no way of defending right now." "Of course, that is why I am here!" G.o.dou felt his head being fried by a frightening amount of heat. The burden of using two incarnations simultaneously was more painful than could be imagined. Hearing the request he made under great pain, Erica immediately agreed. Meanwhile, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven continued to fly in Z-shapes, charging madly in the sky. Liliana fired volleys of arrows without pause to restrain his movements. Though there were no signs of Ena yet, she was surely around controlling the situation. Even though he was in pain, G.o.dou was certain that all his companions were supporting him. I will absolutely not allow myself to suffer defeat here! G.o.dou gritted his teeth in determination. "Mariya, go help the people who have transformed into monkeys and lead them away!" 'Leave it to me, and vanquish the Great Sage without any worries!' Yuri's psychic sensing flew over Senjougahara, reaching the area of Okunikkou — and then it filled the entire city streets of Nikkou, including all of the territory dominated by the Handsome Monkey King. Her mental waves searched for the people that had turned into monkeys and needed help. Then G.o.dou proceeded to compose spell words once again. "When it comes to Chinese history, there are frequent mentions of nomadic and horse-mounted tribes! The northern Di and western Rong tribes during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Huns who threatened China for a long time since the Warring States Period, the Northern Wei Dynasty that unified northern China, their descendants the Xianbei tribe which a.s.similated itself into the cultural circles of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, as well as the Liao Dynasty of the Khitan people, and finally the Yuan Dynasty — Mongolia!" The white-colored sun released thousands of [Swords]. It not only shot at the four cardinal directions but in all three hundred and sixty degrees at light speed. "It was not limited to the ruling cla.s.s. Even amongst the commoners there was a commingling of ethnicities and nations, and the mixing of Han and nomadic culture. Naturally, the pantheon of G.o.ds was also affected by this." Led by Yuri's sensing, there was no need to aim precisely. G.o.dou was immensely grateful for that since his brain felt as if it was burning to ashes. "And then came the archetype of the complicated hybrid deity — rather, the epitome is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong!" The [Sword] pa.s.sed through trees, traversed mountains, crossed rivers and plains, and returned to town once again. The white flash penetrated all walls and obstacles in its path, slicing apart all the monkeys who were the Great Sage's underlings. "Though Daoism, Buddhism and other mystic religions from China have many key differences, it is notable that the myths related to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven are particularly numerous. Most symbolic are the series of anecdotes including 'being born from stone', 'being scorched by the cauldron's fire', 'having a body of steel', etc." The sacred flashing light raced across the lands beneath the morning glow. This was the birth scene of a new ruler to replace the abominable monkey king. "These myths are all common themes for the heroes of [Steel]. Born from stone, burnt in a furnace, obtaining immortality — namely, the body of steel. This is the process of a sword's forging. The furnace smelts iron ore to produce steel, and steel is forged into a sword. So-called heroes of steel are actually swords, or in other words, living sword G.o.ds!" Severed by the solar [Sword], the people were all liberated from the rule of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. They returned to human form once more. j.a.panese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, mountain gorillas, etc — All sorts of monkeys disappeared in an instant, and as if reborn, turned back into male and female, old and young. The time it took to bring salvation to everyone was most likely four or five minutes. This swiftness was only possible due to the light speed weapon. Through Yuri's psychic sensing, G.o.dou felt all the restored people collapse in deep slumber. Standing in the plains of Senjougahara, G.o.dou breathed out deeply in relief, knowing that all the people in the area had been saved. Furthermore, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven gradually decreased his speed. What was he planning? The knights were careful not to lose their guard. Finally out of G.o.d speed and returned to normal levels, the Great Sage leaped down from his golden cloud. Standing right in front, he stared straight at G.o.dou's face. "Kusanagi, you... And these annoying humans, please remind yourself you are just flunkies! Be gone from my sight!" The Great Sage Equaling Heaven roared at Liliana who kept shooting at him, as well as Erica who blocked his advance, sending the two Great Knights flying just like that. "Hohoho... Eliminating all my underlings and returning them to human form, eh... How amazing, you did well! Hmph hmph, hohoho! It makes my blood boil." The golden-gaze fiery-eyes were burning, and the red eyeb.a.l.l.s and golden pupils flashed brightly. "The miko I took away from you is right here." Appearing from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's right hand was a transparent sphere, as small as a golf ball. Inside the sphere, Mariya Hikari was lying down in her miko outfit as if asleep. "Even if things have come to this... I still have many ways to deal with you. Let's say, for example, I will crush this fellow here like a bug if you dare resist." The Great Sage swallowed the sphere containing Hikari and licked his lips. "But I won't do that. Let's have an exhilarating fight with our weapons and fists to prove who is the strongest. That is the most important! Come, come and hurry! Let us decide who is the victor, and if you want to take back this little lady, slice open my belly!" Pointing the Ruyi Staff at G.o.dou, the Great Sage yelled. "That is my plan right from the very start! Except it includes them as well!" Standing beside G.o.dou were the red and blue Great Knights, as well as Yuri a.s.sisting him using psychic sensing from the side. Leading them, G.o.dou retorted without holding back: "These people are all a part of me... They are my essential companions for defeating you. I will fight alongside them to put an end to you, and I won't allow you to call them flunkies!" "I can't believe you indulge your l.u.s.t to this degree... Fine, whatever, watch me, the Great Sage, send you all flying with a kick!" The Great Sage stuck his Ruyi Staff into the ground. Appearing out of the ground were the same sort of giant monkeys as seen before. This time there were nine! The appearance of these formidable foes made Erica and Liliana swallow a few quick breaths, while Yuri's consciousness also began to show signs of fear. (...Ena expected this to happen from the start. So Your Majesty, please. Lend it — please lend Ena's partner to Ena to use!) G.o.dou suddenly heard a 'voice' which carried thoughts from the sword hidden in his right arm. G.o.dou took notice immediately. "Partner... Is it that fellow?" Due to the request, G.o.dou realized there could be no other possibility. Perhaps because the former user was under [Protection], G.o.dou could now feel its existence more tangibly than usual. G.o.dou relaxed his right arm and pa.s.sed the right of usage over. It went without saying that the name of the sword was — "Come, Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi! The imperial sword granted by my king, now is the time for it to be swung!" With the sudden rise of wind, a loud and clear voice reverberated in the surroundings. In the area before the giant monkeys — the underlings of the Great Sage, the wind gathered into a tornado, and the miko appeared in its center. The Hi me- Miko of the Sword — Seishuuin Ena. Wearing the official attire of a miko outfit with chihaya, she held the nostalgic black divine blade in her hand. Her body was also infused with double the normal amount of Susanoo's divine power! Was this strengthened as a result of Verethragna's protection!? "Yamato Yamato, elite of the nation, endless rolling green mountains, encircled by the walls of the summit, beautiful Yamato!" Ena's spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them. "Yaaaaaaaaaah!" With a high-pitched yell, Ena charged forth to attack. The gales easily imprisoned the giant apes, as befitting of the divine messenger of the G.o.d of storms. Faced against these enemies restrained by the strong wind, she ran forward as if completely unaffected by the wind herself. Casually jumping onto the lower leg of one of the giant apes, she stabbed her partner into her enemy's weak point. ROOOOAAAAAAR! The giant ape screamed in pain. Ena proceeded to jump nimbly, flying high in the air she slashed Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi horizontally. This cleanly severed the carotid artery of the giant ape, slaying it immediately. Slicing through the critical weaknesses of the enemy, Ama no Murak.u.mo destroyed a divine beast on the level of dragons. Ena used the same method and cut down the giant apes one after another. Though the giant apes were poor in reacting, they were still able to mount an effective defense by the time Ena slew the third one. Taking a deep breath, the giant apes inhaled the violent wind controlled by Ena, finally countering the intense gales and regaining their freedom. Ena must have been lying in ambush all this time for the sake of this surprise attack. However, in terms of overall numbers, the odds were still unfavorable. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and six giant monkeys remained as their enemies. Thus the bleak second round began. Part 4 The intense sound of battle woke Mariya Hikari from her slumber. There were weapons flying back and forth all around and the chanting of spell words. "The custom of regarding swords as G.o.ds, first originated from the nomadic equestrian tribe that invented, pa.s.sed down, and spread their culture." Hikari heard a familiar voice, chanting the spell words for slicing G.o.ds apart. This was the voice of Kusanagi G.o.dou — the youth loved by Hikari's various Onee-samas. "That tribe was the Scythians, a fierce people from which the culture of nomadic equestrian herdsmen was born." Every time he finished chanting a verse, the white-colored sun released a flash of light. Creating formless blades for severing a G.o.d, these laser beams streaked across empty s.p.a.ce at the speed of light. Furthermore, these horrifying weapons stacked up on one another to begin a continuous series of rapid and heavy attacks. "That was not all that the Scythians invented. They were also a tribe skilled in forging iron. Precisely because they excelled at forging iron, the sword G.o.ds of steel were born." Simultaneous slicing attacks came from four directions — up, down, left, and right, together with a triple series of attacks separated by timed delays. "Herodotus was the first to record in history the name of the Scythians, and their use of the sword as the symbol of the Scythian war G.o.d Ares. The sword that stands upon the great earth, is the true artifact that stands in history as the symbol of the G.o.d of war!" The continuous attacks of complicated flashing lights displayed fierce momentum. However, it was far too unbelievable how all these attacks continued to miss Hikari's body by the frighteningly slimmest of margins. Standing on the golden cloud, flying and gliding in the air, the Great Sage used all sorts of techniques to evade Kusanagi G.o.dou's attacks. Sometimes he did tricks in the air similar to stunt flying, while at other times he flew with all his strength, charging at maximum speed. To be able to dodge light speed attacks, it truly was G.o.d speed. In terms of pure speed, the swords of light should be faster actually. However, the difference in speed was not decisive, and could be compensated through flying technique, though just barely. ...Right, the one fighting Kusanagi G.o.dou was not Hikari. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, had swallowed Mariya Hikari within his body. "Acala's sharp sword is also one of them! The common theme of 'the sword G.o.d standing upright upon the earth', having scattered amongst the legends in various lands, east and west of the ocean, underwent various changes in the elaboration of the sword G.o.d's imagery!" "Hahahahahaha! Correct, that's the truth!" "Take for example a sword that had just been forged, which needs to undergo the operation of cooling by water. This takes form in the stories of heroes appearing after a pa.s.sage through water. Achilles became the invincible hero having bathed in the River Styx of Hades; bathed in dragon's blood, Siegfried became the invulnerable hero as well, and you — Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, are the same as them!" "Yes! In my case, there are the peaches, the Bagua Cauldron and the elixirs!" "Thus the creation story of the Scythian sword G.o.d was pa.s.sed down the ages, as proof of Sun Wukong being the war G.o.d of steel! Not only combining Daoism with Buddhism, but even the sword G.o.d legend from the nomadic equestrian tribes, the strongest hybrid was born! This is your prototype!" "Kusanagi brat, well done! But so what!?" The Great Sage Equaling Heaven scoffed at the Campione who was composing the spell words. "Light as well as the sword of spell words... This move of yours may be a stroke of genius, but I have also understood one point. While you are using this move, your body is full of openings! Are you able to stop the ferocious attacks of Old Sun here!?" The Great Sage nonchalantly made his cloud accelerate, and charged at Kusanagi G.o.dou. He had been protected by the three girls all this time. But now the one who took up this mission was — "Come near now. and kiss me, my son. Therefore G.o.d give thee of the dew of heaven!"^ ^ It was Erica alone. Reciting the incantation for strengthening defense, she rushed over at the same time. Stepping between G.o.dou and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Using the shield with reinforced durability to take on the Ruyi Staff's attack on behalf of her lord. "Oooh— " The glamorous and beautiful girl's face became distorted, most likely due to suffering the substantial impact on the shield. Her knees began to lose strength and collapse, but she still resisted with all her might, continuing to guard her lord. The other two — Ena and Liliana were currently battling the group of divine beasts. Of the nine giant apes only two remained. Spitting fire, blowing strong gusts of wind, they sent Ena flying despite her current state of divine possession. Liliana ran over to help at this time, using a cooperative strategy to defeat their enemies. She used arrows to provide cover for Ena to mount an attack on the retreating giant apes, and aimed at the weaknesses of those overly focused on Ena. If these giant apes were left alone, they would instantly charge at the Campione, which is why the two girls must hold them off. This meant that only Erica was left to protect G.o.dou. It was an arduous battle indeed. "That's right, one of the homelands of the Scythians, the Caucasus is... Gun..." "G.o.dou!?" The youth controlling the light began to feel a sense of dizziness. He had once explained that the incarnations usurped from the Warlord Verethragna could only be used one at a time, but now he was using two simultaneously. This must be greatly straining his body. Taking advantage of this opening, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven plucked two strands of fur from his body and fired them like needles, striking each of the two underlings that were fighting against Ena and Liliana. ROOAARM The giant apes were greatly roused. Accompanying the sound of roars, one of them charged at Ena while the other aimed its attack at Liliana who was trying to maintain the distance and firing arrows! Its movements were even faster than before! The ma.s.sive body over 10m tall was running with speed akin to lightning. "Watch me end you with one slice of my sword! Haaaaaah!" As one of the giant monkeys hammered its fist down upon Ena's head, the Hime-Miko of the Sword jumped to the side and evaded. Then with a single flash of Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi, the counterattack amputated the divine beast's fist by severing the wrist. This terrifying sword technique, which could only be performed by using Susanoo's divine blade, sent blue-colored blood splattering everywhere. However, this blood began to combust after it splashed upon Ena's body. As if oil had been added to a fire, the miko outfit and the chihaya