Campione! Vol 10 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - The Fall of G.o.dou Part 1 Ever since the strange "island" appeared in the sea of Edomae-- The panic surrounding Kusanagi G.o.dou had settled into a kind of stable state instead. Black Prince Alec was reportedly laying low in the Yokohama Chinatown. However, Amakasu's face looked rather awkward as soon as he received the report. "That place, it does presents some difficulties. It is the location where gangs of Chinese descent -- many secret a.s.sociations or the like are hidden... In our field, it's known as a concession territory of lawlessness. Any Committee member foolish enough to step foot there would be a painted target, thrown into Tokyo Bay with their feet encased in cement on occasion." "What if I go there directly...?" "Of course it's fine for Kusanagi-san. Everyone will simply raise up their hands, either to welcome or to surrender. But if two great Devil Kings already embroiled in conflict were to have a close encounter in the center of metropolitan Yokohama, I don't think anything pretty will come out of it..." It seemed to be a subtle situation. Undoubtedly, Alec chose the place for the purpose of keeping the "island" in Tokyo Bay under surveillance. Furthermore, Guinevere and Lancelot still had to be located. Regardless, they were a partnership between a G.o.d and a Divine Ancestor, and due to Alec they had become even more elusive. Without any way of finding them other than through wizardry or spirit power investigation, it was not exactly a favorable situation. As a result, G.o.dou could do nothing but "bide his time for the right moment." A few days after the long weekend, all he could do was wait. Waiting for Mariya Yuri to return. It was a Friday in the latter half of November. After school, G.o.dou was hurrying to Toranomon via the subway. Last night, having reached Nanao Shrine where she was stationed as a Hime-Miko, Yuri had called to inform him of her return. In order to recover the fatigue of overusing spirit vision throughout her journey, she told him she was going to apply for a week's leave from school. "In terms of results, I was not able to discern Sir Lancelot's divinity completely." Those were Yuri's first words after meeting G.o.dou. They were sitting face to face in a room of a certain administrative building within Nanao Shrine. "Ah yes. You mentioned on the phone yesterday." G.o.dou nodded. Even with potent spirit vision, the mystery was still unsolved. He would be lying if he denied disappointment, but G.o.dou was happy and grateful for the miko and the Princess' investigations. Not able to discern completely. Conversely, it implied spirit vision had discerned something to a certain extent. "What did you find out?" "After you left, the Princess and I went to Brittany, to visit the various places the previous and current generations of Guinevere-sama had used as their stronghold such as forests, towns, cities or former monasteries." "...Monasteries. Isn't that the place the group of people who compiled King Arthur's legends used as their base of operations..." Forests, towns, and cities aside, monasteries was a term that felt oddly out of place. However, G.o.dou already knew the reason -- the medieval conspiracy that Alexandre Gascoigne had elucidated. "Then we went to Bulgaria." "Bulgaria? Why?" That meant traveling from northwestern France to this Eastern European country. Since both places were on the same landma.s.s, getting there probably did not present too much difficulty. But why go there? G.o.dou was puzzled. "Not too long ago, Sir Lancelot had apparently descended upon the Thracian plains. The Princess and I went there together to take a tour of the crater carved out by Sir Lancelot's authority." Recalling war G.o.d Lancelot's galloping charge, G.o.dou nodded. A direct collision could definitely create a crater or two. "Why would he need to dig such a big hole in place like that?" "According to history, ancient Thrace was within the Scythian and Sarmatian spheres of influence. Perhaps for that reason, it became a.s.sociated with Lancelot." Yuri was dressed in a traditional miko outfit with a white upper garment and a red hakama as she explained about the foreign deity. "Fortunately, I received a few hints. First of all, Sir Lancelot is the war G.o.d worshiped by the Sarmatians. Next, Guinevere-sama's precursor was a mother earth G.o.ddess who had been worshiped together with Sir Lancelot..." "Deities who were originally closely related, and still working together in modern times, eh?" "Should be something like that. Those two most likely descended to earth as [Heretic G.o.ds], encountered each other and started acting in unison. Then I used spirit vision to see the arrival of the 'King of the End,' and saw those two joining under his command. However..." Yuri paused slightly at this point. "Even so, I was unable to see Lancelot's face. He was always clad in armor." "He always wears stuff like armor?" "Yes. I have basically seen what attributes he possesses as a G.o.d, but I cannot do anything about what lies beneath the armor. On the other hand, without knowing what is underneath, I fear it will be impossible to understand his true..." Yuri sighed mournfully as she explained. "At least, no matter how slight, I wish I could catch a glimpse of his divine appearance exposed from the armor." Lancelot was protected from head to toe by full plate armor. G.o.dou felt that trying to take it off would take bone-breaking effort. But there was no other choice. G.o.dou nodded and bowed, answering: "I got it, Mariya. Thank you very much. Learning all this is good enough. Next time I see that guy, I'll try to find a way to strip him of that white suit of armor." Hearing that, the Hime-Miko chuckled and smiled like a delicate and blooming cherry blossom. "There is no need to thank me. I did it for G.o.dou-san... only for you." G.o.dou was filled with the desire to embrace this beautiful and adorable Hime-Miko. Due to the overabundance of attractive beauties around him, G.o.dou deliberately maintained a mentality of repressed desire. Always warning himself never to harbor indecent thoughts against them. But on occasion, Yuri was able to crush this determination of G.o.dou's. The Yamato Nadeshiko and young beauty displayed great gentleness under most conditions, but was extremely stern every now and then. Without provoking G.o.dou's wariness, she had been slowly and steadily bringing their relationship closer. Using the a.n.a.logy of a garden of flowers, Erica would be a gorgeous and blooming camellia, overshadowing others to take center stage. Liliana would be a pristine white lily with large petals. Ena would probably be a wild orchid with bright and vivid colors. Compared to other girls, Yuri was definitely not a flower that seized people's attentions. Though there was no difference in her level of beauty, she never emphasized her attractiveness and the wish to compete never occurred to her. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, it made her even more charming. Realizing this once again, G.o.dou began to blush. "What is the matter, G.o.dou-san?" On the other hand, Yuri was bearing a delicate and beautiful smile, unaware of G.o.dou's thoughts. "No, n-nothing really." "Good... Anyway, I have one more matter I wish to discuss, may I?" Yuri suddenly changed the subject. Of course there was no reason to refuse. G.o.dou immediately nodded. " W-Well..." But she was unable to express her words. Yuri seemed to be hesitating and stuttering from embarra.s.sment. "What's up? You don't have to hold anything back. Aren't we companions?" "1-1 am G.o.dou-san's companion...? Y-Yes. That is right." G.o.dou nodded to put his companion at ease. Yuri's blush proceeded to extend all the way down to her neck, but still she nodded. Avoiding G.o.dou's face, Yuri was staring downwards intently at his cross-legged sitting posture. As a side note, even though it was an informal conversation, Yuri naturally maintained the formal sitting posture of seiza. "My many apologies, for I was the one who brought this up... B-But, please understand. This is something very difficult for me to talk about. Especially since there is no particularly pressing problem or extenuating circ.u.mstances..." Mouthing her words in rapid succession, Yuri was incredibly cute. However, she did not make any progress in providing further information. G.o.dou placed his hand on her shoulder with a smack and said: "Don't worry. I am very grateful for Mariya's efforts this time. I've also been wondering what I could do on my end." "Y-Yes. Then I shall not hold back." Even though she said she would not hold back, Yuri still seemed rather hesitant and reserved. "Umm... Even though it is not complete, I think I have gained substantial understanding of Sir Lancelot. S-So, what should be done?" Yuri stuttered as she asked. "What should be done?" "In other words, w-when would be the time for instruction, is what I mean..." Instruction meant the transfer of knowledge through wizardry. However, typical wizardry was ineffective against Campiones, which included G.o.dou. Hence it must be applied through the mouth, by injecting wizardry into the body via oral means. Recalling this absolute rule, G.o.dou's face went red. He remembered. When relying on Yuri's spirit vision, that was the final unavoidable step. "Ah, but if you haven't seen Lancelot's true appearance, then the [Sword] can't be forged, isn't now a bit too early...!" "N-No!? Who knows what could happen in the future!?" Seeing G.o.dou retreat awkwardly, Yuri shouted in a rare moment. "What if you begin a battle with Sir Lancelot and I happen to be absent from the scene...! I believe being prepared beforehand is only natural!" "1-1 guess. But using magic to transmit knowledge will quickly disappear from the mind, right!?" No matter how you looked at it, this was a sudden act of impulse. G.o.dou and Yuri both leaned forward. Before they realized it, their distance had shrunk substantially. "I think if the knowledge dissipates, then I will just teach you again. Hmm, no matter what, it is something necessary. For this cause I will labor without any complaints..." Yuri spoke softly, blushing to her ears. The subtle sense of desperation seemed to add a layer of allure to the Hime-Miko. G.o.dou swallowed hard as he experienced in earnest the pleas of the beautiful maiden of utmost purity. And it was impossible not to respond. Furthermore, the two of them were alone in the j.a.panese-style room with the sliding door firmly shut. It was customary for shrine staff to avoid this area during G.o.dou's visits. Also, G.o.dou and Yuri's hands were separated by such a minute distance, they were easily within reach. As G.o.dou and Yuri's gazes fell upon the tatami floor, they noticed that fact. "T-That's right. This is only for the sake of battle... Yes." "C-Certainly. I believe this is absolutely necessary..." Whispering softly, the two gazed into each other's faces. Their eyes shimmered with the light of recognition as accomplices. G.o.dou extended his hand towards Yuri. Hand and hand came into contact. Cherishing the Hime-Miko's hand which had been moistened by nervous sweat, G.o.dou held it gently as Yuri gripped his hand tightly in return. "G.o.dou-san and I are companions, since that is true, this is fine... Right?" "A-Ah yes. Should... be..." As they drew their faces together, they seemed like lovers whispering sweet nothings to each other. Just when the two had closed their eyes and were about to affirm the touch of each other's lips- The sound of cellphones ringing. Both G.o.dou and Yuri's phones rang simultaneously. "It's Erica." "This one is from Liliana-san." As G.o.dou checked out the cellphone in his pocket while Yuri looked at her phone which had been placed by her side, they read out the names of the callers. No other way, let's pick up. Due to G.o.dou and Yuri's serious personalities, neither of them could ignore incoming calls. They each brought their phone to their ear. "What is it, Erica?" 'Look outside. We just arrived.' "...Arrived?" 'Yes. Just do as I say and things will be clear.' It can't be... G.o.dou stared at the spotlessly clean sliding door. Having just had a similar conversation, Yuri also looked with shock in the same direction. As the sliding door opened with a thud, everything did become clear after all. Within Nanao Shrine, Erica was standing with a smile while Liliana knitted her brow. Most likely arriving directly from school, the two of them were still in uniform. Part 2 "Just to be on the safe side, I'll say this first. I am not opposed to what you were going to do, okay?" Erica spoke in a bright and clear voice. "Yuri has been working hard these few days, so I can tolerate her stealing ahead a little. I've already told this to Liliana. I didn't come to the shrine for the purpose of disturbing you two." "Even if you say so, the one who first made the accusation of stealing ahead was you, Erica." Liliana retorted to her childhood friend and rival. "After school, Kusanagi G.o.dou had disappeared in a hurry. Then there is Mariya Yuri who had returned but was missing school. Putting two and two together, the situation was obvious. And there I was, trying to advocate 'this could possibly be an erroneous deduction.'" "But the end result was exactly as I envisioned, right? See." Erica pointed to G.o.dou and Yuri in the j.a.panese room. Finding their hands still held together, the two frantically withdrew them. "Yuri, who has recently become a 'woman' completely, and G.o.dou whose boundaries have grown increasingly lax. Under such conditions, would a private situation develop -- after all, a fully justified reason exists. Isn't this a simple formula?" "...Well, my failure to notice that point is my stupidity." Listening to the knights' conversation, G.o.dou and Yuri exchanged glances. They were both blushing and rather unsettled, agonizing over what they could say to lighten the mood, but completely stumped by the current situation. "Kusanagi G.o.dou, this is a perfect opportunity. I have things to say to you." Hearing Liliana's stern opening line, G.o.dou sat straight up. "You should probably have realized by now, you are a playboy who pursues romantic relationships with multiple girls at the same time." "W-Wait a minute! When did I become that kind of person!?" G.o.dou yelled from the bottom of his heart. Nevertheless, Liliana shook her head bitterly. Erica simply went "Well, that's who he is" and shrugged, casting a meaningful glance at Yuri. Both of them seemed to disagree with G.o.dou's protest. "Please remain quiet. A person with multiple girls in his inner circle, yet answers 'all of them' without hesitation when asked who is the most important or deserving of protection, is disqualified from objecting." "Uh..." Liliana's frank advice pierced straight into G.o.dou's heart. With so many reasons, was this karma's payback... "In my opinion, it is basically time to go with the flow and leave past mistakes alone. If unusual situations are left alone and ignored, that sense of dissonance will disappear over time, becoming as if it was normal all along. And that is clearly a rare talent possessed by you, Kusanagi G.o.dou." "L-Leave past mistakes alone!?" "Yes. Well, since it is you, you would naturally go with the flow, completely unaware anyway... But it is certainly true that there are many current issues. Let me point out a few to you." Liliana's face tensed in an instant. That awe-inspiring sense of beauty made G.o.dou swallow his words of protest. "I will not express objection to you and Yuri performing that 'ritual.' However, once the deed is done... You must tell us everything in full detail." "T-T-T-T-Tell both of you!?" "Alternatively, hide yourselves in a more skillful manner so that you will not be observed clearly by us like this time. Otherwise, umm, no matter what, I cannot help but feel something akin to jealousy and other negative emotions unbecoming of a knight's position--" Liliana said shyly. An emotion akin to jealousy, was none other than jealousy itself. Her shy expression made things completely obvious. But giving only two choices, either telling everyone everything, or doing things in secret without leaking any clues--? What a tough challenge. Imposed by such a demand that no ordinary high school student could answer, G.o.dou was stunned. I don't think I have the talent to comply with such a tall order... "One more thing. This concerns our families." Liliana continued. "Erica's uncle, Sir Paolo Blandelli. You have met him before, yes?" "Uh yeah. That very handsome and cool uncle. I saw him once in Italy. Truly a great guy." G.o.dou had been overjoyed to learn that one of Erica's few blood relatives was a man, her uncle. However, G.o.dou was bewildered. Why mention him now? "Umm... It is not really acceptable for you to have met only Erica's family. I would be most pleased if you could also meet mine. It does feel rather inappropriate after all, unless officially recognized by family..." So what she wanted to say, was that? She wanted to introduce her family? G.o.dou began to feel anxious. But it's not like it can't be done, he thought. Might as well go with the flow to meet and greet the families of the many girls who had experienced so many trials with him. No matter what, this was the plain truth. "Introducing G.o.dou-san to my family...!?" Next to him, Yuri was murmuring in shock. "E-Even though you have met my little sister Hikari, you have yet to meet my parents or grandparents... But what should be done? The family will be in an uproar over a meeting with the current Campione. The Mariya family never possessed the proper prestige and stature in the first place..." Wondering "What should be done?" with great worry, Yuri seemed to be voicing her thoughts in succession. Could this be the beginning of a meeting with her entire family? G.o.dou felt a chill spreading from his stomach- Just as he felt trapped by a mysterious sense of stress, his cellphone received a message. Opening it to check, it was from Asuka. 'Isn't it time you followed through with your promise last time? I am very free today.' After that, G.o.dou confirmed with Asuka the meeting location and left Nanao Shrine. Neither Alec nor Guinevere had showed any recent movements. It was still too early for G.o.dou to enter the stage -- having concluded that, Erica and the girls saw G.o.dou off. 'Well, it's been too busy recently anyway. Why not forget these troublesome matters for now and enjoy normal life for a bit? As long as you don't travel far, we can handle anything that happens.' That was what Erica had said. It was true. Staying on crisis alert was quite exhausting. 'By the way, why don't we all go together?' G.o.dou suggested cheerfully on impulse, causing all the girls to turn their gaze away. Was it an illusion or were they all sighing out of sight with an aghast expression? 'Even though it is a tempting invitation, I shall have to decline. Tokunaga Asuka would not be pleased.' 'Since it's her, you don't have to be concerned.' 'No. Last time when we met, she seemed rather wary of Erica and me.' 'By the way... Since we have the chance, I want to share my knowledge of Sir Lancelot with Erica-san and Liliana-san. Please go ahead and enjoy your time with your old friend.' Hearing Liliana's rejection and Yuri's words which sounded like a newly married wife's advice of "you've been working hard lately, go take a good break," G.o.dou accepted their well wishes and departed alone. The time was 6pm on Friday night, the beginning of the weekend. The meeting place was in front of Ueno station. Asuka and G.o.dou were both residents of Nezu in the Bunkyou ward. If they wanted to go shopping, nearby Ueno (or Akihabara depending on what they needed to buy) was the top choice. "Yo." "Too slow. You're twenty seconds late." This was the completely tactless greeting G.o.dou received at Ueno station. G.o.dou was unfazed as it was typical of Asuka to scold with acrimony for minor lateness. Besides, they were friends who knew each other inside out, which was what mattered. As a side note, the childhood friend was wearing a hooded parka, a knitted top and jeans. Totally lacking in fashionability. On the other hand, were Asuka to make a sudden stylish appearance, G.o.dou would be even more troubled instead. "Then let's hurry and go shop. Have you decided on a gift?" "No, not yet." "What an unreliable guy. Then let's have a strategy conference first. Tell me what does Shizuka-chan like?" Tm not too sure myself." "You've transcended unreliability, Mr. Useless Brother." "...Wait a minute. Last time when my mom found a forgotten bottle of German wine of 90s vintage, Shizuka drank it happily with me and grandpa." "Don't treat these anecdotes from the overly unusual Kusanagi household as typical everyday family life!" Glared at by Asuka, G.o.dou shrugged. He silently emphasized the fact that he could do nothing about his ignorance. Even if he wanted to get her a memorable gift or some kind of surprise, he was completely helpless. "No need for these strange investigations. Let's just pick something pa.s.sable and be done with it." "I can't believe you can be so popular with girls in spite of such abysmal character. In a certain sense, this is my biggest surprise of a lifetime." Asuka sighed at G.o.dou's conservative idea. "I can't be that popular, right?" "Shut up! Your declaration of unpopularity has zero credibility. This I've already known since kindergarten. Like grandfather, like grandson. Isn't that exactly what the saying describes!?" "Like grandfather like grandson whatever. Don't jump to conclusions while ignoring my personality!" "I didn't jump to conclusions! Whether Grandpa Ichirou or your old acquaintances, everyone says the same thing!" The two were caught in a dialogue that sounded like exploding firecrackers. It had been quite a long time since his last heated discussion with Asuka. Even though G.o.dou had been in the same school with her up until the end of middle school, they had been separated since high school. After that, they never had another argument like this. If he had to give a description, this resembled his casual arguments with Erica. However, the crisp sense of no loose ends could only be felt when doing it with Asuka. "By the way, I have a friend who's troubled by popularity, and is a real lady-killer. Should we get some advice from that person?" Recalling Sayanomiya Kaoru's mighty exploits, G.o.dou suggested. Well, even if the person providing counsel was a "her" instead of a "him," this kind of gender issue should not really pose a hindrance, right? "Your circle of friends have become more and more suspicious lately... Your idea is rejected. We have to do it with our own ability without borrowing suggestions from others!" "Ah, but wait a minute. In fact I've already accepted some sponsorship." After learning the whole story, Erica, Yuri and Liliana had offered tokens of financial support. Hearing G.o.dou's words, Asuka went "Eh?" with great surprise. "They all know that I am meeting with G.o.dou?" "Yeah. I just told them." "1-1 can't believe you had the gall to say it..." "What gall? They even cheerfully sent me on my way." Well, they did show some subtle expressions, but nothing worthy of note, right? Faced with G.o.dou's response, Asuka could only reply "l-l suppose" with a stiff expression. Then she spoke with a stunned and thoughtful expression: "l-l n other words, they think I've fallen so far behind in the compet.i.tion that they don't see me as a threat, deciding it's not even worth their while to interfere... Oooh, though it offers advantages in a way, I have such mixed feelings... But then again, competing with that Erica-san is totally impossible from the very beginning..." Asuka hesitantly muttered to herself in a voice that G.o.dou could not pick up. "What's with you?" "Mmmhmm, nothing!" "By the way, last time when you met Erica, you were acting really strange?" This childhood friend was a "cool fellow," while Erica was also a social expert. Wondering if they might be harboring some past grudge, G.o.dou asked just in case: "Do you hate Erica perhaps? Even though she loves being the center of attention and she's quite striking in truth, she is in fact quite an interesting and thoughtful girl. I think she can get along with you quite well." "Ah, not at all. I don't hate Erica-san, not one bit." Asuka seemed to be panicking as she randomly waved her hands in front of her. "Let's put it another way. She has a 'good character,' right?" Asuka was a "good fellow" while Erica had a "good character," that was correct. What an apt description, G.o.dou was impressed. "I agree that getting to know her will be very interesting. Simply looking at her face or attire and I'm guaranteed not to be bored. Also, I think the only teenage girl in the entire world who can rival Auntie Mayo is Erica-san." "Hmm... Pretty much." His mother, Kusanagi Mayo. G.o.dou nodded at the mention of her name. "Whether Mariya-san or Liliana-san, neither of them can match your mother. In that sense, I believe Erica is very interesting. But well, how should I put it..." Stopping there, the childhood friend showed a slightly sad expression. "I knew it, only girls who transcend common sense would be hanging around a guy like you, right? I've thought over this a lot, but that's all. I don't hate her, and next time we meet, we'll surely become great friends." "...I see?" "These are the subtle stirrings of a maiden's heart that you haven't a single clue about. Anyway, a budget increase is good news after all. It's about time to accomplish our mission." Asuka's crisp tones spurred G.o.dou into action. In the next two hours, the two of them wandered through the shops in Ueno. They ended up buying a perfectly sized handbag. Since the design was not overly extravagant, it was appropriate for all occasions. Abandoning clumsy surprises, the duo aimed for unambitious but guaranteed success. Rather than G.o.dou, they decided to have Asuka keep the item instead. If kept at the Kusanagi home, the gift's existence might possibly be discovered by Shizuka. Thus they decided not to ruin the little surprise. "Since it's already this late, let's grab a meal somewhere? As thanks for helping me, let it be my treat." "Sure, but no need to treat me. I won't be able to sleep at night if I owe you a favor." "Fine, no treat. How about that curry shop we haven't been to for so long?" "You mean the one we visited so often back in middle school!?" "Yeah. The one opened by the Pakistani who knows my grandpa." "I'll pa.s.s! That's the place where as long as you or your grandpa show up, they start speaking freely in Urdu, taking out the hidden menu normally shown to Pakistanis only, and serve super spicy authentic native cuisine. It's way too international for me!" "Those are its strong points. Isn't it a rather unique shop?" "No thanks to that type of individuality! I don't need any special treatment, just mild curry properly catered to the j.a.panese palate please!" Arguing amongst themselves with impunity, they bickered acrimoniously. On Friday night, the streets of Ueno were rather lively. A place with many foreigners. Consequently, a Caucasian girl with honey-colored hair and sky-blue eyes would not be considered a particularly wondrous sight. Nevertheless, she was clearly different from all the rest. --Beautiful. She was a girl in her late teens with an outstanding sort of otherworldly beauty. Her s.h.a.ggy honey-colored hair was not very long. Tall slim build. An exquisite face like an angel's, displaying all-surpa.s.sing purity. There was a natural impression of transparency, incongruent with the prosperous streets at night. Like a cool breeze blowing across pastures, or perhaps, streaking across the deep blue sky. Such was the atmosphere surrounding this beautiful face. Furthermore, she was dressed rather bizarrely ~ her entire body was wrapped in a slightly dirty cloak down to her boots. However, this vagabond attire only served to further contrast with her outstanding beauty- It seemed only natural, but why? G.o.dou thought incredulously. "Hey Asuka. Do you know that woman?" "Eh, who? ...Ah, isn't she so pretty? Wow~" This was on a main street near Ueno station. The exceptionally cool Caucasian beauty was waiting for the lights to change at the intersection. Only when G.o.dou looked at her and commented did Asuka notice the girl's existence. Furthermore, no one else in the surroundings seemed to be looking at her. On further thought, these people could not have abandoned the chance to stare at this otherworldly beauty, but rather, they did not notice her. People looked at her like a roadside stone. The same way no one would focus their gaze on the blowing wind. No one glanced at the girl deliberately. This strange phenomenon — could she be one of them? But G.o.dou did not feel any battle spirit rising up from within, nor did his body fill with power. In other words, he had not met a G.o.d. Then she was a girl, right? G.o.dou stared at her as she waited for the traffic signal to change. Immediately following- The girl suddenly turned her head and her eyes met with G.o.dou's. She smiled. Smiling like a breeze blowing across pastures mixed with sunlight, she walked towards him. "We finally meet. You, my destiny." The girl murmured with a refreshingly cool voice that matched her overwhelmingly transparent beauty. Part 3 "Man of my destiny. The youth whom ought to partake in our shared fate... Now I am most certain, my journey's only purpose was to encounter dear sir." The cloaked beauty was speaking in fluent j.a.panese. "Dear sir must be feeling the same. Feeling that I am your fated rival, with my existence stirring excitement in your chest, surely your blood must be boiling? Hohoho, I know." No matter how much G.o.dou wished to deny it, her ostentatious manner of speech was greatly reminiscent of the G.o.ds. Nevertheless, G.o.dou's body and mind of a Campione's did not show any of the usual signs of encountering a G.o.d. Could she be a comrade of that particular Divine Ancestor instead? "You... what's your name?" "What? No idea. Or rather, I have forgotten it." The mysterious girl replied calmly to G.o.dou's question. "Forgotten?" "Ah yes. In actual fact, my origins, the reason I am here... All have been forgotten. I've been wandering here for days, with nothing but pa.s.sion for sustenance, yes." "What the heck is that?" "I was thinking there was someone I was predestined to meet. That person is my fated rival. This sense of certainty has been seething quietly all along." Extending her arm out from her cloak, the girl pressed her hand against her chest. Despite being obscured by the thick fabric, the contours of the bountiful bosom were still highly conspicuous. Even with such an obvious slender physique, her feminine characteristics were so voluptuous. But anyway- The self-proclaimed amnesiac girl should be no ordinary mortal. Who on earth could she be? A Divine Ancestor? G.o.dou stared sharply at the girl- "W-Wait a minute, G.o.dou. Are you sure you are meeting this girl for the first time?" Asuka interrupted, as if suspicious of something. G.o.dou frantically nodded, trying to defend himself: "Uh yeah. Whether seeing her or speaking in person, it's the first time." "Clearly then, isn't this a case of intense pa.s.sionate courtship? In other words, love on first sight? And a foreigner too! Unbelievable, all these inexplicable people everywhere!" "Eh? Love on first sight?" "That's exactly what the girl's words sound like!" Really? G.o.dou was surprised by Asuka's furious accusation. Why didn't I think of that. Put it this way, if this mysterious girl's declaration- G.o.dou stared at the girl. The girl with neither name nor memory stared back. Gaze met with gaze. Sight clashed with sight. Soul collided with soul. Indeed, G.o.dou felt his heart stirring with excitement. He was bound in some mysterious way to this woman, that was what G.o.dou sensed. "Hoho... How embarra.s.sing. Dear sir's gaze is unbearable. For there to be an existence that causes me to burn pa.s.sionately from inside, this fact... truly brings shivers down my spine." Flames of pa.s.sion shimmered in the girl's eyes like a lover's burning desire. But that was only a superficial resemblance. G.o.dou knew. He had noticed what she truly desired. But Asuka probably did not. If this misunderstanding persisted, things could get troublesome. Just as G.o.dou considered various appropriate explanations, he was shocked. What shocked him was the childhood friend's question. "...Hey G.o.dou. It's just a hunch, but you're not going to get into a fight with this person, right?" As befitted the longtime friend known since kindergarten. She was gradually garnering a vague sense of G.o.dou's excited state from his att.i.tude and demeanor. Just as G.o.dou choked at the astuteness of Asuka's perception, he said: "Nonsense. This person seems to be in a complicated situation, so I'll chat with her for a bit. If necessary I will call the police or ask people I know for help. Why don't you go home first?" In order to avoid getting Asuka involved, he came up with this quick plan out of worry. "By people you know, you mean your grandpa or your weird friends?" "Ah yes, that's right... Wait a minute, grandpa aside, I don't find my friends that weird." "Yes yes. Let's ignore that for now." Asuka sighed and said: "Well, I also have friends I wouldn't want you to meet, so I'll take my leave with this thing. But G.o.dou..." The paper bag held the gift for Shizuka they had just bought. s.n.a.t.c.hing it away from G.o.dou's hands, Asuka declared: "You once described yourself as a pacifist. It's fine if you go overboard a bit in desperate times, but please be mindful overall. Okay, absolutely do not get involved with any messy conflict! Please bear this in mind!" From the childhood friend came gratifying and honest advice. But, can it be fulfilled -- G.o.dou raised his chin at the amnesiac girl, motioning "Let's go over there." Smiling sweetly, the girl followed silently. "Hey you. Could you be a G.o.d?" "Yes or no? I have not a single clue." "Or a Divine Ancestor? I've heard that they always look like little girls." "...And so?" G.o.dou fired off abrupt questions in succession as he walked. Any normal person would be rendered speechless by such questions but the girl listened calmly, simply giving meaningless answers in the end. In this manner, the two came to Ueno Park. This plot of land included Ueno Zoo, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art, the famous Shin.o.bazu Pond, etc. This vast expanse of a park was an imperial gift to the city. "I remember virtually nothing." There were very few pedestrians in the park at night. Walking side by side with G.o.dou, the girl murmured: "However. In the very depths of my blank memory, I can recall a few scant scenes... I am guided by the white star, while a certain someone is guided by the black star. That person is the one destined for a decisive duel with me, for we are ultimate arch nemeses who ought to lead each other towards death. This has been branded onto my battle-scarred soul." "...Eh?" Hearing the unexpected subject of her murmurs, G.o.dou unwittingly halted his steps. The girl stood still and gazed sharply at G.o.dou in opposition. "The one shrouded by the black star is my destiny. And my soul tells me you are that one. Your life and death and mine are intimately linked and inseparable." "Perhaps... It can't be, you're Lancelot...?" The deadly battle where the divine sword of the white star faced off against the divine sword of black annihilation. G.o.dou asked in shock in response to the girl's descriptions of that unforgettable scene. "Lance -- lot...?" Immediately, the otherworldly girl's face froze. An intense domineering presence entered the girl's deep and mysterious eyes. Aloof solemnity surfaced on that beautiful face that was like the cool breeze blowing across great plains of pastures. Then her lips shaped themselves into a smile. G.o.dou felt power surging through his mind and body. Reacting to the divine presence, G.o.dou entered a battle-ready state. "Ho, hohoho... Yes. Rather, I believed in my destiny. That you would surely remember my name as a knight and call it out. Thus the enchantment I cast on myself has been lifted..." "What!?" G.o.dou was greatly shocked to learn he was the one responsible for awakening her. Lancelot du Lac. The white war G.o.d who appeared before others with an impressively cool and masculine image. Guinevere's Sir Knight who had killed Athena... That was the way it should be. "Wait a minute! Even your voice is different, don't give me nonsense!" In the past, the voice coming from the white armor had been a man's beautiful voice. But now G.o.dou was hearing a beautiful female alto voice. A girl's voice inviting of tender affection. "This is not a battlefield, and one's armor has been removed. Displaying this Knight's original voice on occasion is condoned, is it not?" "O-Original!? This is your natural voice!?" Met with G.o.dou's shock, the girl who answered to the name of Lancelot nodded "yes." Indeed, it was a solemn gesture very reminiscent of the war G.o.d. "Eh? Umm, but shouldn't you wear female attire!?" "How rude. Having taken off one's armor, the beautiful queen of the equestrian tribes stands before you. There is no obligation to dress up as a woman. Kusanagi G.o.dou, you are truly an uncouth fellow foreign to proper etiquette for treating a lady." "Eeeeeeeeeh!?" As the beauty angrily aired her grievances, G.o.dou began clutching his head in his arms. Taken completely by surprise. But then again, the fact that she was no ordinary person had been apparent from the start. But he never expected to be told something like this! However, there was no disbelief or suspicion. The actions, words and presence of the beautiful girl before him -- truth be told, everything was consistent with Lancelot du Lac. "Until just now, why didn't I get the usual restless feeling when I encounter G.o.ds!?" "In order to slip past your wary senses, the [Insane Rush] enchantment was used to seal away one's memories -- this Knight cursed oneself to lose one's divine name and memories until you were encountered." Beautiful Lancelot smiled with sweetness. "Used an enchantment to seal away memories... What kind of magic is that?" "Hohoho, an enchantment for provoking a rampage from a heart filled with dormant desire. Originally it was merely a trick to make someone berserk. Forsaking reason and dignity, consumed with rushing forward with insanity, more or less a minor adjustment to one's innermost heart. Like this time." G.o.dou understood. It was probably something similar to mental manipulation or hypnosis. He did not expect such a hand from Lancelot whom he originally thought was only skilled at charging like a knight... But then again, going berserk from desire could be considered a sudden charge in a certain sense. "A ruffian like one is not suited to be a palace knight. This Knight has enchanted oneself on occasion, thereby breaking out of the palace. Hohoho, it has been a long while since one last did this." Lancelot smiled as she spoke, prompting G.o.dou to recall a name. That's right. Verethragna was the same. "The myths of the 'Knights of the Round Table,' have you heard of them? Those were the stories engineered by the first Guinevere and spread by monks and friars. They even devoted so much effort to elevating one to the 'greatest knight.' Oh well, even so, there is no way to disguise one's ident.i.ty as a berserk warrior." In G.o.dou's first encounter with the G.o.d, Verethragna had also lost his memory and divine qualities. The one who placed the Persian Warlord in such a state was the divine king Melqart of the Phoenicians. Through her own authority, Lancelot had done the same thing. In the instant G.o.dou understood, Lancelot approached in a flash. Just like that, G.o.dou entered her embrace. Wrapped by the fabric of her cloak, G.o.dou could feel the touch of Lancelot's hand against his head. "This Knight even forgot one was a G.o.d. However, one believed in you, the fated enemy, and wandered without pause, certain one shall encounter you again. And so, the wish is finally realized..." Oh c.r.a.p. G.o.dou smacked his lips. Due to excessive surprise, he had let down his guard. G.o.dou instantly tried to struggle out of Lancelot's restraints, mustering all his strength, but it was too late. Lancelot's beautiful face gradually drew near -- and immediately the unexpected act occurred. The refreshingly cool beauty seized G.o.dou's lips with her own. "For the sake of the beloved child, one must vanquish Alexandre Gascoigne. However, he is a formidable foe difficult to grasp. One cannot boast lightly of a.s.sured victory against such an enemy. So, Kusanagi G.o.dou, combine your strength with this Knight and crush Gascoigne. Once the mission is accomplished, our deadly duel of destiny shall commence!" Was this the curse of [Insane Rush]--? G.o.dou gulped down a mouthful of air. His mind and body of a Campione's was being ensnared by Lancelot's authority. What a terrifying power of coercion. Reason and dignity were accelerating towards insanity. Impossible to resist. Blood was boiling disorderly, and his heart burned like a flame. That's right. Defeat Gascoigne first. Then duel decisively with this woman afterwards. Having made his decision, G.o.dou twisted his lips into a savage smile. "Take me to Guinevere. Let the show begin." "Acknowledged, one's destiny." Ending the kiss of the covenant, the white war G.o.d smiled gracefully and answered.