Part 1
"Truly what a shame. In the end, I missed the show..."
Princess Alice sighed and voiced her feelings.
She was currently in the Kantou region of Japan. This was her first time
visiting again, several months after the incident involving Great Sage
Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong. Like last time, she was only visiting in the
form of ectoplasm.
Princess Alice was highly experienced in using the spirit power of psychic
sensing.
This special power was extremely rare. Only a small fraction of miko were
capable of learning it. Through this type of spirit power, one could separate
ectoplasm from the body and send it to faraway places.
Naturally, eating was not possible in this form, thus reducing the pleasure of
traveling by half at least.
However, other pleasures were gained in exchange. Like now, Alice was
making flexible use of ectoplasm's advantage, being able to move lightly
through the air to enjoy a voyage through the sky.
While flying in the sky above the city of Minamibousou in the prefecture of
Chiba, she looked down at the relatively low-altitude mountains below.
Mountains filled her entire field of view. Only scattered homes dotted the
landscape sparsely. Population density was probably low in this area.
"I want to confirm the legendary hero's whereabouts, at least."
There were extremely few people who could personally savor the scenery
from 500m in the air.
While enjoying this privilege, Alice was greeted by the morning glow.
Several hours had passed since the battle between the revived "King of the
End" and the two godslayers, Kusanagi Godou and Luo Cuilian, hence it
was now morning.
Following news of Pallas Athena, Alice had entered the Philippines last
night.
As for news regarding the Divine Ancestor's intention to land at Japan and
the arrival of the "King of the End," she had already received reports from
the Witenagemot staff stationed in Tokyo.
Upon learning of these major events, she hurried over to Japan but the
battle had already ended.
No helping it, she thought, at least I'll use this sky journey as an opportunity
to scout while I'm at it.
"I must meet Kusanagi-sama as soon as possible. I'll contact Erica as soon
as the sun rises completely. As for Her Eminence Luo Hao... No helping it,
I'll just have to brace myself and take a gamble."
Alice had never met the godslayer hailing from southern China.
The other party probably did not recognize Alice either. The level of the
Witenagemot's chairperson only reached so far in the eyes of the peerless
Luo Cuilian.
I must use this opportunity to establish deeper relations—Just as Alice was
thinking that...
Suddenly, she felt a gust of terrifying, bone-chilling air. As ectoplasm that
was not supposed to feel cold in the first place, what was happening
abruptly?
Her body shook and started falling towards the ground of Minamibousou.
Instead of lowering her altitude intentionally, this was happening because
she suddenly became unable to fly with stability.
"Power is being—sucked away...?"
Alice noticed that magic power was continually sucked out from her
ectoplasm.
At this rate, let alone flying, even the state of spirit body separation would
be hard to sustain. She must return to her body as quickly as possible—
Alice's own body sleeping in the Greenwich mansion!
"Ominous... wind?"
Feeling the stimulation of spirit senses, Europe's supreme Miko-Hime
whispered.
The wind was especially strong this morning. Alice had been enjoying the
feeling of strolling through the air amidst strong gales.
However, her consciousness was starting to grow a bit hazy. She was almost
at her limit.
"I-I must return right now. But with such an interesting—no, important—
incident happening, I absolutely cannot remain uninvolved..."
Despite being a princess of noble birth, she was also driven by a sense of
morbid curiosity.
While whispering these determined words of tragic affectation, Princess
Alice started focusing her concentration to have her ectoplasm make an
emergency return to English soil.
Part 2
The revival of the "King of the End" last night had brought a good many
news stories to Japan.
First was the meteor crashing in the southern part of Bousou Peninsula.
Many people witnessed it—the trail of a mysterious flying object falling
from satellite orbit.
This had apparently caused a commotion in the areas of Chiba, Tokyo and
Kanagawa surrounding Tokyo Bay.
Then immediately, the media discovered and reported about the crater left
behind, deep in the mountains of Minamibousou. This also unsettled the
people of Japan quite substantially.
Nevertheless, this was merely the prelude.
After the floating island crashed but before the "King of the End"
awakened, a golden aurora was shining in the night sky.
This phenomenon was not confined to the sky above Godou and the others.
Its scale was wide enough to cover the entire sky above the Kantou Plain.
This included the entire region of Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo City,
Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture as well as
portions of the prefectures of Tochigi and Gunma—
Furthermore, strong winds had been blowing since early this morning.
Especially in the center of Tokyo City, one would easily get knocked over
by high-rise winds if one failed to pay attention.
"By this point, normal information control won't be possible."
Godou sighed.
Classes were not cancelled the next day after the extraordinary phenomena.
Since morning, classmates and teachers had been distracted and unsettled.
After spending a whole day's lessons with them, it was after school for
Godou.
Next to him, Liliana nodded.
"After all, the supernatural phenomena were witnessed over quite a large
area."
"What transpired last night also resulted in major news outside Japan,"
Erica informed them.
Since it was after school, everyone was in uniform.
Furthermore, they were traveling together to the Tokyo Skytree in the
Sumida Ward, on their way to the observation deck by taking a high-speed
elevator.
"However, it's also thanks to the current situation that sealing off the
Skytree hasn't caused a commotion..."
The elevator stopped and the doors opened just as Erica finished.
Godou stepped into the observation deck with the two knights.
This floor was 350m above ground level. In place of walls, a 360-degree
glass window offered a full view of the Tokyo metropolis' skyscrapers.
Godou had been here before.
But today, the observation deck was completely different.
Laid over the floor was a soft red carpet that felt as though one's heels
would sink into them. All the tables and furniture at the reception counter,
the official souvenir shop, the cafe and the restaurant etc had been either
moved away or cleverly camouflaged to avoid attracting attention.
Moved here as a substitute was a minimalist set of furniture including a sofa
and an exquisitely designed desk.
Elegant and relaxed, the interior decor's resembled that of a hotel lobby
subscribing to a style of subtlety. Well, only if one were to ignore the detail
that their location was 350m above ground with an expansive view.
Next to a window of special glass, five meters thick...
The demonic cult leader Luo Cuilian was sitting in a meditation pose with
Tokyo's blue sky as the backdrop.
Currently, the Skytree's observation deck as well as the galleria above had
been commandeered to use as her accommodations.
Last night, the History Compilation Committee had issued a
commandeering order and applied emergency redecoration.
'She's probably not going to obediently check into hotel suites or state
guesthouses. Even if we give up the entire National Diet Building or the
Tokyo City Hall, I fear that Her Eminence still won't be satisfied...'
Amakasu had offered these comments the previous night.
Furthermore, Luo Cuilian had frowned with boredom after being brought
here, but at least "the view from the tallest structure in Japan" seemed
sufficient to placate her pride. She did not express rejection coldly.
Currently, the Tokyo Skytree was completely sealed off, only allowing
authorized personnel to enter.
"How's your condition, Nee-san?"
"Not especially good. I have been practicing neigong throughout the entire
night until morning, trying hard to recover my lost energy... But progress
has been limited."
The sworn sister replied grimly to Godou's question.
She was apparently sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, similar to Zen
meditation, for the sake of practicing neigong, a set of Chinese breathing,
meditation and spiritual disciplines. In addition, a mixed-gender group of
ten-odd people were standing in a line some slight distance from Luo
Cuilian, awaiting orders like palace attendants.
Some were dressed in suits while others had open-collared shirts and work
clothes.
This group was presumably assembled from staff of the History
Compilation Committee as well as subordinates from the Lu Family of
Hong Kong. All of them were standing motionlessly at attention, so nervous
that their bodies were stiff. They probably knew that any mistake in front of
Her Eminence, no matter how small, would entail harsh punishment.
However, there were also others present in addition to this group.
Seishuuin Ena and Mariya Yuri, as well as Amakasu Touma. These three
could be considered Her Eminence Luo Hao's closest acquaintances. In
order to help the guest hailing from the neighboring country "feel right at
home," they had been standing by at the Skytree since early morning.
The Hime-Miko were all dressed formally, in other words, as shrine
maidens.
"I'm sorry for making you two miss school because of Nee-san."
Of course for Ena, the very fact of being in Tokyo was equivalent to
skipping school already, but let's skip that.
While talking to them, Godou noticed that the usually cheerful Ena was
glaring angrily at her fellow miko in a rare display.
Also, Yuri's face was frighteningly pale. She looked like she was suffering.
"Are you two okay?"
"Listen to me, Your Majesty. Yuri has been hiding her high fever. She said
she'd be forced to rest today had she confessed the truth."
"I-It does not count as high fever... Right now, I can still move."
Confronted with her friend's angry words, Yuri replied timidly.
She was definitely unsteady on her feet. Godou walk over to her side and
reached out.
"Seriously, this fever is quite high."
"G-Godou-san!?"
Godou examined her face while touching her forehead, startling Yuri.
The girl, who could not be considered hardy in the first place, had also
ruined her health recently. As the Yamato Nadeshiko with a strong sense of
responsibility, was she overexerting herself at a time like this?
Worrying about this fact, Godou felt heat on his hand akin to that of hand
warmer's.
"Sorry, Nee-san, I want Mariya to take a break. You won't mind, right?"
"She is the miko who serves you. Just do as you wish."
Even at the risk of refusal, Godou intended to insist on letting Yuri rest.
However, the sworn sister nodded generously. Yuri bowed her head in
embarrassment.
"U-Umm... It ought to be time for your hand to... Everyone is watching."
Only after she stammered did Godou realize. His hand had been touching
the Hime-Miko's forehead the entire time.
He frantically withdrew his hand. Although he worried whether his sudden
act of impropriety would displease Yuri, her face was red for reasons apart
from the fever and she also seemed a bit happy.
"My, how sudden the changes some people undergo, Godou. Even the act of
holding my hand used to make you so flustered."
"In the end, his female relationships have successfully progressed by
making the most of uncorrected mistakes..."
"Although it's a bit inappropriate to say this, but Ena feels a bit jealous of
Yuri!"
Erica remarked with displeasure, prompting Liliana and Ena to concur.
Faced with his companions' reactions, Godou timidly led the embarrassed
Yuri over to the sofa and made her sit down.
"...By the way, where did Yinghua go?"
"To scout. I ordered him to 'use your legs and your eyes to find the hiding
place of the King of the End, then report to me.' Then declaring 'I shall
accomplish this even at the cost of my meager life,' my young eagle rushed
out."
Godou had asked his question to change the subject. The excessively strict
master replied immediately.
Lu Yinghua was probably rushing all over the vast Bousou Peninsula right
now. Or perhaps, this honorary nephew, an expert in handling delicate
situations, was off somewhere at the moment, in search of a chance to slack
off.
While Godou was imagining this scene, the sworn elder sister spoke up,
completely unaware of her disciple's hardship:
"Speaking of which, how very considerate of you."
"Me? What do you mean, Nee-san?"
"You brought her to serve me in my young eagle's place, didn't you?"
Luo Cuilian's words betrayed her firm belief that she was the center of the
world.
Able to interpret everything to her own benefit. Godou followed her gaze to
see the "her" referred to by the demonic cult leader—the blonde Italian girl,
Erica Blandelli.
"It already struck me on our previous encounter, that Japan's king, Kusanagi
Godou, is served by a very thoughtful retainer. Of all the people I have met,
she could be considered rare talent with outstanding intelligence. Someone
very qualified to be my, Luo Hao's, chamberlain."
"C-Chamberlain?"
"Your Eminence, I am overwhelmed by your kind praise."
While Godou was greatly surprised by the unexpected appointment of
duties, Erica immediately bowed her head.
"Forgive my unworthiness, Your Eminence, but if it should please you, I am
most willing to offer my services by your side."
"It is agreeable. Girl, if memory serves me correctly, your name ought to be
Erica."
"I am most honored that Your Eminence could remember this name of Erica
Blandelli's. Pray forgive me for my numerous counts of impudence towards
you in the past. How truly impertinent of me."
"Extenuating circumstances. I do not mind."
Erica did not fear this self-unaware tyrant, Her Eminence Luo Hao. Rather
than extreme deference, it would be more accurate to describe her as facing
off against the cult leader with candidness and polite elegance.
...Despite her opponent being someone who might possibly scold
"Insolent!" and order a person's eyes gouged out for making eye contact.
Observing their interaction, Godou sighed "I see now."
Yinghua had reminded time and again that "Master instantly gets angry if
she finds our speech lacking in manners, but if one were to treat her with
maximum humility and attentiveness, she would also fly into a rage at us
for groveling too submissively... It's a total pain."
However, mastery of intricate balance was precisely one of Erica's talents.
The way she was treating an important guest would be a textbook-perfect
example of traditional Chinese values. Most likely, Erica's intelligence must
have left Godou's sworn sister a deep impression during their previous
encounter at Nikkou.
"Lily, may I trouble you to prepare a cup of tea?"
"Y-You want me to do it?"
"Our important guest here could be considered quite powerful even among
the Devil Kings, Campiones. On top of that, she is Kusanagi Godou's sworn
elder sister as well. Even if it's merely a simple cup of tea, I do hope for her
to enjoy flavor of the finest quality."
"Good point..."
Erica was elegantly issuing orders like the queen of a palace.
Despite grumbling nonstop, Liliana still walked over to the full set of
prepared tea ware.
As a result, the staff standing in a line on the observation deck clearly
breathed a sigh of relief. They were relieved that they no longer needed to
serve the demonic cult leader with their lives on the line.
...Naturally, there were no accommodation facilities built on this
observation deck.
Accommodating the stay of a VIP here was quite inconvenient. The staff on
stand by were trying their hardest to provide her with every convenience
possible.
The only lucky thing was that Luo Cuilian was someone who made her
residence in a convent deep in the mountains to begin with.
She did not seek livability or comfort in her accommodations. In contrast,
she would be greatly concerned about "location and style worthy of her
identity and stature." The advantage of Japan's tallest structure proved to be
quite effective as a means to placating her demands.
Ten-odd minutes later...
Godou and the others began to drink black tea.
The one sitting at the place of honor in leisurely composure, alone on the
sofa, was naturally Luo Cuilian.
Seated on the sofa on the right was the sworn brother Godou with Yuri. On
the left sofa was Erica, named directly by Her Eminence.
Liliana, Ena and Amakasu remained standing on the side.
This was the observation deck 350m above ground. Furthermore, winds
were particularly strong today. Let alone the floor, even the Skytree itself
was creaking. However, not a single person cared.
Something far more dangerous was wandering somewhere in Japan right
now.
"Actually, I heard Lucretia-san mention this before. If the true identity of
the 'King of the End' could be found, my—Verethragna's—sword can
become more powerful than normal."
Godou spoke slowly.
He also repeated the hint of "Once upon a time, at a certain place—" from
Lucretia Zola.
"This is the standard opening line in Japanese legends. But there are far too
many folk stories... I really wish we could figure out which legend it is."
After listening to the highly uncertain news, Amakasu was muttering to
himself.
"The core legends related to heroes of steel would mainly include
demonslaying tales such as Momotarou, Kintarou, Shuten-douji... If we also
consider other demons and spirits, there's also the Fire Man hyottoko, the
One-eyed Monk hitotsume-nyūdō, the Mountain Hag yama-uba, the
Heavenly Dog tengu..."
Able to list out a whole series of candidates in spite of that, the special
agent's breadth of knowledge remained impressive as ever.
According to him, legends possessing the vital elements of demons,
mountains, fire, one-eyedness, one-leggedness not only originated from
towns and cities but also in the oral traditions of the iron-smelting populace
living deep in the mountains as well as mining populations.
"A hero of steel is the personified existence of an 'iron sword.' I'm guessing
that this legend came from some tribe holding knowledge and skills related
to iron."
After listening to Amakasu, Liliana entered deep thought as well.
"The 'King of the End' who remains shrouded in mystery so far, his
characteristics include: using a bow, wandering at length. Legends along the
same lineage are widely spread east and west throughout the Eurasian
continent, its source seeming more likely to be Asia rather than Europe.
And considering the connection to Japanese folklore... This is getting more
and more intractable."
"Then there's the oracle Yuri received."
An evil dragon in the sea. The dragon summoned wind and clouds to blot
the sky and sun. Lightning flashed to illuminate the sea. The king shot an
arrow, piercing the dragon's chest—
Ena recited these verses before throwing a glance at the grumbling master
ninja.
"Hey Amakasu-san, can you remember what book you read this passage
from?"
"No, I'm very sorry. I might've been mistaken."
At this moment, a text message alert was heard. Ena's cellphone.
Seishuuin Ena normally cared little for this tool of modern convenience,
frequently leaving it uncharged.
"Oh, it's Shihoko from Kamakura. Wonderful, she'll reach Tokyo Station
soon."
"You deliberately called the Hime-Miko of Sagami over too? Forgive me
for being rude, but under the current conditions, it's not like she can help
much, right...?"
Amakasu commented to Ena who was checking her cellphone text.
However, the Hime-Miko of the Sword simply smiled.
"Don't worry. Shihoko is planning to use an 'anonymous' spirit power on
you, Amakasu-san."
Suddenly hearing his own name, Amakasu was so startled that he fell
backwards a little.
This did not seem like a usual reaction from the agent who had failed to be
of help this time. Godou felt slightly puzzled.
"What kind of power is it?"
"Shihoko is currently the only Hime-Miko capable of using it. It's a special
spirit power for manipulating and rewriting someone's memories. Apart
from rewriting, it could also be used to search someone's mind, to locate
past memories that the subject has forgotten—"
"H-Hold on a sec!"
Amakasu interrupted in a panic.
"I recall that there are very few successful cases when using 'anonymous'
for memory search! And putting the mind through this and that, there's a
possibility of causing memory disorders in the subject!"
"How knowledgeable of you, Amakasu-san. However, the probability is
only about one out of twenty or thirty... It should be fine. Probably fine."
"Please don't expect me to be optimistic about probabilistic effects!"
"But Kaoru-san already agreed."
"Come on, this is something where the search subject's wishes must be
considered first. In response to this kind of unreasonable administrative
order, I can only protest through unexcused absences at work or by handing
in my letter of resignation—"
"The Sutra of the Six Paramitas."
While the dispute was heating up, Erica suddenly uttered a few sentences
quietly.
"An ancient Buddhist text... The Sutra of the Six Paramitas. This is one of
the stories collected within it. When an evil dragon appeared at a certain
kingdom in the past, 'the king shot an arrow, piercing the dragon right in the
chest'—There is also one theory that the king was the noble and virtuous
reincarnation of a bodhisattva..."
Under everyone's gaze of surprise, the blonde girl spoke lightly.
As a mage hailing from a prestigious house, Erica Blandelli was a genius
who had received an elite education.
However, she was born and raised in Milan and should not have memorized
Buddhist classics from the orient. Just before Erica spoke, the peerless
beauty on the adjacent sofa, whose smile was worth countless riches, had
apparently motioned with a nonchalant wave of her hand before whispering
a few words to Erica.
Right now, these quiet words spoken by Erica consisted precisely of the
knowledge imparted by Her Eminence, the valorous and intelligent Luo
Hao.
Part 3
Ākāśagarbha's Esoteric Doctrine Method.
This was one of the mystic techniques practiced by Luo Cuilian.
Practitioners gained complete mastery of the contents of Buddhist texts,
memorizing each and every word after a single reading.
This was a spell for obtaining superhuman memory by chanting the
Ākāśagarbha's incantation with single-minded devotion.
"A book recording a dragonslaying story identical to this passage... To my
knowledge, there is only the Sutra of the Six Paramitas. Unmistakably."
"The same technique that Grand Master Kuukai was rumored to have
mastered? Nothing less expected from Her Eminence..."
After hearing Luo Cuilian's assertion, Ena could not help but feel surprised.
Godou felt the same way. Even when not in peak condition after depleting
her qi, Luo Cuilian was still displaying many kinds of outstanding talents.
All one could do was feel awed and impressed.
Furthermore, Godou felt quite surprised about the fact that this story
originated from Buddhist literature.
"I was thinking this kind of scripture only recorded Buddhist doctrine or
proverbs. I didn't know there were legends and myths too."
"From the standpoint of cultural diffusion, Buddhism was perhaps quite a
powerfully influential tool."
Showing off vast knowledge at this time was still Amakasu again.
"Using the opening line of 'This story happened in the past'—myths from
all over Asia were turned into Buddha's proverbs and recorded. In fact,
that's how many Buddhist texts were written."
"There are that many?"
"Yeah. And don't forget that in the ancient world, the status of Buddhism
used to be quite different from now. Everyone would study it with extreme
fervor."
Quite happily, he revealed his knowledge. As usual, another Amakasu
Minute started again.
"For example, after the Three Kingdoms period and the rule of the Jin
Dynasty in China, it became the era of the Five Ethnicities and the Sixteen
Kingdoms—the rise of kingdoms ruled by equestrian tribes. A tumultuous
period of war far surpassing that described in the Records of the Three
Kingdoms. Towards the end, it produced a yearning for inner tranquility
which became the prevailing tide in mindsets. Back then, the various kings
of violent military states conferred respected status on Buddhism, a foreign
religion, thus Buddhism was spread and promoted everywhere all at once."
"What about Japan?"
"In Japan's case, Buddhism arrived together with advanced technology from
the continent and was seen as advanced religious ideology and knowledge.
The educated and privileged classes, taking great pains to bring in
Buddhism, did not disappear rapidly either. Those among the Japanese who
were educated in Chinese culture were also able to read and interpret
Buddhist texts from China that had been translated into Chinese."
Amakasu continued at a faster pace.
"The 'King of the End' probably originated somewhere in Asia. His myth
first began as a pan-Eurasian hero's legend, spreading east and west
throughout the continent in altered forms through the movement of trade
and migration. Then proceeding from there, it became known to educated
people in various Asian nations in the form of a Buddhist parable, spreading
even farther with minor amendments to the foundational elements of his
myth. It's possible that his story is rooted even more deeply all over Asia
than we imagine..."
Amakasu was gradually sinking into his own world. However, no one
stopped him.
If the truth could not be seen instantly through spirit vision as usual, then
the correct answer would only be found through intelligence and
knowledge. Furthermore, perhaps...
Perhaps right now, Amakasu was the closest person to the answer—
"Let's organize the key points. He is the man who vanquished dragons or
demon lords. The vanquished targets could also be substituted with monster
or evil ogres. There's also the wandering part—He's a traveler. No
permanent abode... Or perhaps he was in the middle of a journey to some
destination..."
While listening to his monologue, Godou suddenly noticed.
At some point in time, Luo Cuilian had started to gaze at the face of the
knowledgeable special agent who was often playing dumb.
"The goddess Circe said he was related to the Argo's genealogy. Traveling
on that ship was a group of heroes who had set off to sea in search of a
golden fleece. They were seafaring adventurers. Heroes on a sea journey.
An evil dragon in the sea. Buddhist texts. Chinese books. Spreading to
Japan. Vanquishing ogres. The island of ogres. In other words, if that's the
case..."
Then after several minutes of deep thinking...
Amakasu Touma spoke a name quietly.
It was Godou's first time hearing this name. Erica, Liliana, Yuri and Ena did
not seem to have a clue either. Perhaps it was not a particularly famous
character.
However, someone nodded solemnly.
"I see, it is precisely as you say. I agree wholly."
Standing at the pinnacle of wisdom and martial might, Her Eminence Luo
Hao approved.
"It is a massive embarrassment seeing as I, Luo Hao, should not have
overlooked this hero's name. However, you, too, definitely possess a pair of
eyes with outstanding wisdom. —Erica."
"How may I be of service, Your Eminence?"
"Bestow upon him a reward in my name. His accomplishment is worthy of
commendation."
"Understood. Your will shall be done."
After replying tactfully, Erica smiled and winked at Amakasu.
"Amakasu-san, it's time for me to offer you praise of the highest level. To
receive a personal commendation from Her Eminence herself, it could very
well be a once-in-a-century feat?"
"Well, umm, I'm truly overjoyed."
Towards being praised, Amakasu reacted with a bitter face instead.
"Although Her Eminence has offered her approval, this might sound weird
coming from me, in the end, we still lack conclusive evidence. This is
different from Yuri-san's spirit visions."
"Indeed. And it is not limited to the inability to confirm the name."
This time, it was Liliana's turn to murmur with a troubled look.
"There are still many incomprehensible aspects to the 'King of the End.' The
overwhelming power from the great ritual of the covenant. The duty of
exterminating all current godslayers. These are characteristics that none of
the other gods share. I think that... Just figuring out his name is not enough
to get a clear picture of his true identity."
Perhaps this was a hint from spirit vision.
After listening to the discussion, Godou made his decision.
"In the end, the best method is still to go get confirmation."
"Your Majesty, where are you going to confirm?"
Ena asked in dumbfounded surprise, prompting Godou to answer:
"Have you forgotten? Your grampsy—Susanoo in the Netherworld—and his
gang should know the true identity of the 'King of the End.'"
"Oh, that's right. But they surely won't tell."
Speaking of interacting with a god, there was no one closer than this Hime-
Miko. She immediately asserted:
"The true name of the 'King of the End' definitely cannot be disclosed to
humans. The top secret belonging to the realm of the gods. Although
grampsy seems very easygoing, he is also a proper god. He's very strict in
this area."
"Fair point. If the name could be revealed, I'm sure Athena would have said
it long ago."
Godou agreed with Ena's correction, but changed the direction of the
conversation.
"However, at Susanoo's place, I've actually met someone else apart from a
certain god, multiple times. I have a feeling that... this person might tell me.
Of course, this is the one point that's the most impossible to prove."
The princess in the Netherworld whom he had met several times, led by
mysterious fate—
For some unknown reason, the view of a grassy plain under the moonlit
night was surfacing in Godou's mind together with her beautiful face.
Godou had an impression that he had met the princess with eyes as clear as
glass at this location and even listened to the exotic sounding music of a
foreign instrument, despite having no idea at all when exactly this scene had
happened.
But right now, Godou was filled with confidence.
The Princess of Glass had offered a hint to the true identity of the "King of
the End" back then.
Currently, the hero had awakened and he was already prepared to confront
this major emergency. If he were to ask her again, perhaps—
Godou said to his companions at hand:
"I need everyone's power to reach that place. Perhaps I might need to
trouble Mariya even more, can I rely on you?"
"Y-Yes. Of course there is no problem. So long as it is within my power, I
am willing to do anything!"
Mariya Yuri had kept silent until now.
This was partially due to her staid personality in addition to her high fever.
However, it looked like she had been listening seriously to everyone's
discussion. In addition, she instantly understood Godou's invitation and
stood up straight away.
Just at that moment...
"Ah..."
Yuri grew unsteady on her feet and immediately fell down again.
Part 4
Waking up, he found a yellow flower in full bloom in front of his eyes.
It was supposed to be winter at the moment, yet spring had already arrived
prematurely at this mountain in the wild. Realizing this fact, the pale-haired
aristocrat—the one known as the "King of the End"—smiled.
Last night, he had fought Kusanagi Godou and his sworn elder sister, even
going as far as to use the great ritual of the covenant.
Afterwards, he had left the devastated crater and come here.
To wait for the heat from his entire body to dissipate, he had leaned against
a random tree, falling asleep while holding the Divine Sword of Salvation
against his chest.
Wandering nonstop throughout his entire life, he had also spent long periods
in uninhabited places.
He did not mind sleeping in the wilderness like this at all. In addition, there
was a lovely sea of blooming flowers the moment he opened his eyes. This
was a pleasure of nature one could not experience when sleeping on a soft
bed in an opulent palace.
In the depths of the Minamibousou mountains, being able to admire early
blooming rapeseed flowers in the latter part of February—
Naturally, he could not have known this type of information.
He was simply admiring this beauty of life, blooming quietly in the
mountains of the wild.
"...The heat has pretty much dissipated."
While sleeping from last night till now, the heat had almost subsided
completely.
Nodding, the "King of the End" stood up and walked through the field of
yellow flowers. He was just about to get a closer look at the loveliness of
wild flowers when—
"Alas."
He lamented in sorrow.
Instantly, the yellow rapeseed flowers withered.
A sudden heat wave had incinerated them utterly. In an instant, they were
sucked dry of life and moisture.
—There was no turning back. Shaking his head, he resumed walking.
The grassland wilted from simply his footsteps. Just the act of passing by
was making trees loose their vitality, turning into dry and withered wood.
"I must hurry..."
Currently, the "King of the End" was reaching critical point in heat and
power.
Things would be bad at this rate. Just as what had happened many times in
the ancient past, numerous calamities were going to bring harm to this
world soon...
To be precise, his name was the "king manifesting at era's end."
The man who descended upon the end times when many godslaying
Rakshasa Kings vied for supremacy, thereby pacifying the world.
Although that was significance carried by this name, he understood very
well. His existence itself could very well be the trigger for "the end of the
world."
To prevent this conclusion, there was only one solution.
Namely, by paying each of the present generation's godslayers a visit, to
engage in deathmatches repeatedly. That was all.
"Godou-san, today's weather feels much warmer, does it not?"
"Definitely. It's only February yet it already feels like spring."
It was the evening after Godou had met his sworn sister at the Tokyo
Skytree.
Godou and his companions were visiting the Sayanomiya mansion. Instead
of the usual study, they were meeting in the guest room so as to let Yuri
sleep comfortably after collapsing from her fever.
Liliana and Ena were by the bedside, accompanying the sleeping Hime-
Miko.
Godou and Erica were standing face to face with Sayanomiya Kaoru in the
center of the guest room, a couple steps away.
"Actually due to the Siberian cold front, considering the distribution of
pressure zones, today is supposed to be the coldest day for the Kantou
region all winter."
"..."
"In spite of that, the actual weather turned out to be this warm. I have also
received reports of a persistent rise in Tokyo Bay's water temperature. On
the same day, Yuri also started having a fever."
"Well, I think Yuri simply collapsed from exhaustion."
After Kaoru, it was Erica's turn to speak.
"If only it were coincidence. But just an hour earlier, the Witenagemot at
Greenwich—Princess Alice also sent a notice."
"From Princess Alice?"
"The princess had been tracking Divine Ancestor Athena earlier, coming to
Asia from Europe. And tonight, she originally planned to visit us here... But
she was forced to abort."
Erica's expression clearly increased in worry.
"Hey Godou, you remember her secret, don't you?"
"That one, right? When going out, Alice-san always uses the spell of spirit
body separation."
"Yes, likewise for her expedition to Asia this time. While her physical body
sleeps in the Greenwich residence, only her ectoplasm flies out here.
However, her body was suddenly struck by high fever..."
"Like Mariya!?"
"Just as a precaution, her ectoplasm returned to the body to check out the
situation for now. However, the princess left you a message."
Erica showed her cellphone's LCD display to the surprised Godou.
A text message was shown. The part written in Japanese was probably
meant for Godou. As expected of the Duke's daughter who was highly
accomplished in linguistics.
'Fire and wind are the precursors to calamity. Please pay attention to
unusual changes in the ocean and the earth.'
"..."
This warning came from the Miko-Hime in possession of spirit vision
powers. Kaoru spoke to the surprised Godou:
"According to Amakasu-san, this basically means wind gives rise to fire
while fire melts iron ore in turn. The melted iron forms a sword of steel to
conquer the ocean and the earth—The sudden warming and strong winds
seem to be the byproducts from the awakening of the 'King of the End.'"
By the bedside, Liliana and Ena were tending to the Hime-Miko, collapsed
from fever, while listening intently to the discussion.
The silver-haired knight spoke slowly:
"The princess and Mariya Yuri are both miko who have inherited bloodlines
of the Divine Ancestors. They also possess atavistic spirit powers of high
caliber. Their bodily changes are also effects of this. Furthermore, Divine
Ancestors are reincarnations of mother earth goddesses. In other words,
'daughters of the land.'"
"The closer to their ancestors, the more easily affected by unusual changes
in the land, right..."
Ena commented gravely.
Godou nodded in agreement, staring at Yuri who was sleeping on the bed.
"Don't force her to get up tonight. Let her rest like this. Give Hikari a call
later."
"Understood. Leave it to me. Speaking of which, Godou-san..."
Kaoru suddenly changed the subject.
"Do you still remember? An earthquake happened during the battle last
night."
"Yeah. When the 'King of the End' was using his bow. It stopped very
quickly."
Just by summoning the strongest weapon, it shook heaven and earth.
Although it was a bit absurd, this performance did not taint the reputation of
the hero of salvation at all.
"Almost simultaneous with the earthquake last night, we confirmed a
concerning phenomenon. Perhaps it was pure coincidence, but I've already
asked Amakasu-san to investigate."
Speaking of which, Amakasu Touma was not present.
Instead of coming to the Sayanomiya mansion, he had left directly from the
Skytree to investigate the site.
"Then, what happened where?"
Just as Godou asked, Yuri moaned from bed.
Godou and Kaoru ended the conversation and looked at the Hime-Miko.
Everyone did the same. Under everyone's gaze, Yuri suddenly sat up.
Panting heavily, she looked around her blankly.
"I-It was a dream just now...?"
"Did you see something? An oracle in a dream?"
By the pillow, Ena was already used to this kind of situation and asked Yuri.
Walking to Godou's side, Kaoru whispered in his ear: "Ena is asking if she
received an oracle via spirit vision in the dream."
Clearly having woken up from a nightmare, Yuri murmured softly in a weak
voice.
"I-I think so. But it was a very terrifying dream..."
It seemed to be something she did not want to bring up lightly.
Yuri remained silent for a while, calming her breathing. Then she looked up
with determination and swept her gaze across everyone in the guest room
before slowly starting to speak.
"First of all, I would like everyone to watch the scene I just saw."
Crossing her arms in front of her chest in bed, the Hime-Miko closed her
eyes.
Clad in a miko outfit, her entire body was giving off white light. This was
proof that Yuri had learned from Princess Alice her prided spirit power of
psychic sensing.
"I will recreate from my mind the scene I saw in the dream."
The white light of psychic sensing gradually occupied the entire guest
room.
In the next instant, the scenery in the room changed. Spontaneously, Godou
and the rest found themselves looking down from high in the sky at the
magnificent appearance of Japan's prided national symbol, the sacred
Mount Fuji.
However, this number one famous mountain of Japan—known visually to
every Japanese person—erupted.
The sacred peak of Mount Fuji was spewing flames, smoke, lava and
volcanic pellets from its volcano mouth, scattering them all over the
ground.
The flowing lava was scorching the mountain's surface, turning into great
scorching rivers flowing towards the foot of the mountain.
—At this moment, the scenery changed before their eyes.
Unlike the distinctive Mount Fuji, the location of this mountain range was
impossible to tell from sight alone.
This also seemed to be a volcanic zone with pillars of fire spewing from
various peaks. The entire mountain range was erupting.
—The scenery changed again.
This time, it was an island. The volcano in the island's center was giving off
smoke and lava.
—Then a skyscraper overlooking Tokyo from above. The surroundings
were similar to the view they had admired from the Skytree's observation
deck during the daytime. But in stark contrast, the volcanic ash fallen from
the sky had turned the area all grim and dark. Tokyo was covered in black
volcanic ash piled high everywhere.
—The scenery kept changing.
A street scorched by the lava flowing from the lowlands. A town obliterated
by fiery fragments. Baptism by fire from volcanic pellets falling on the land
like raindrops of a heavy downpour. A sky dominated by black and gray.
—The final view overlooked all the islands of Japan from a great height.
The sky above the Kantou region was thoroughly covered by dark clouds,
making it impossible to see the ground situation clearly. This cloud layer
was most likely formed from volcanic ash.
Furthermore, this mass of dark clouds was eventually spread over all the
islands.
Then the entirety of East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe
was covered in black—
"..."
While everyone was left speechless, the scenery finally returned to that of
the Sayanomiya mansion's guest room.
Just as Yuri said, what she saw in her nightmare was extremely terrifying.
"Speaking of which..."
Liliana was the first to start a conversation amidst troubled thoughts.
"Heroes of steel are the sons of volcanoes. The hero Perseus had descended
on Mount Vesuvius at Naples, whereas the Great Sage Equaling Heaven
also held his magical ritual at Mount Nantai. If the 'King of the End' were to
increase the spiritual energies of fire and wind, causing the ocean and the
earth to heat up... It is foreseeable that the volcanic zone will be affected."
"Godou-san."
Kaoru spoke up as well, clearly without her usual carefree airs.
"The 'concerning phenomenon' I mentioned earlier is actually related to
volcanoes as well. A number of volcanoes at the Izu Islands are confirmed
to be smoking. Volcanic activity in that region is frequent to begin with,
hence it was originally thought to be pure coincidence."
Kaoru had also mentioned dispatching Amakasu to investigate as a
precaution.
"In any case, investigators will first be sent to the volcanic zones near
Kantou. The Izu Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, Hakone and Mount Fuji...
But the mountain systems in Nagano, Yamanashi, Gunma, Tochiki,
Fukushima are essentially linked with volcanoes..."
After witnessing the ominous vision of the future, Godou sighed. The
commotion related to the "King of the End" was evidently heading towards
"a world crisis like every time."
"However, the enemy this time is incomparably stronger than all previous
others."
No matter what, the decisive battle against the Devil King exterminating
hero was gradually approaching.
Godou nodded at his companions. In any case, he had to make a trip to the
Netherworld first. Proper preparations must be made for this now.
Then a few hours passed.
Kusanagi Godou was stepping into the domain of the Netherworld again
after a long absence.
This was a mysterious domain providing a view of unbelievable scenery
every time. As previously, Liliana had opened a portal using witchcraft.
Godou passed through the portal and again, he saw scenery that could not
possibly exist in the surface world.
He was currently in the center of a sea.
However, the water was red, as though a red tide outbreak had occurred in
this entire region of the sea.
The only thing that could be called land was the small island where Godou
was standing. Expressed through sensibilities of the mundane world, its
area was the size of a convenience store.
Looking into the distance over the sea, some kind of viscous fluid could be
seen floating occasionally among the waves.
One of the two accompanying him, Seishuuin Ena, spoke quietly.
"It feels like the primordial sea that gave birth to the islands of Japan and
the Leech Child."
"I remember it was the myth where Izanagi and Izanami stirred the ocean to
create the islands, right?"
Recalling vague memories, Godou replied.
However, these whereabouts were not important. All he needed to do was to
imagine the destination in the Netherworld clearly and they would be able
to teleport there instantly.
Nevertheless, Godou lacked talent in this critical aspect of imagination.
Hence, apart from Ena who was used to the Netherworld, another expert
was accompanying him.
"Mariya, how do you feel?"
"Do not worry. It does not feel that unpleasant—No."
In the Netherworld, the strength of the mind and the ectoplasm was more
important than that of the physical body.
As that was the case, Yuri with her powers of spirit vision and psychic
sensing was actually the most dependable here. Hence, Godou still hoped
that someone like her could accompany him, in spite of the fact that she had
her eyes closed due to high fever and illness.
One additional reason was that Yuri herself wished the most to accompany
him in the face of an unprecedented crisis.
"It would be better to say that I feel more at ease after arriving in the
Netherworld. Please do not worry."
Indeed, her face had improved in color.
She did not seem like she was overexerting herself. Indeed, this was a world
where burdens on the mind and ectoplasm were more important than the
physical body's. Physical illness was easily compensated for by strength in
spirit powers.
As a side note, both Hime-Miko were dressed in miko outfits.
On this expedition to the Netherworld, they had also put on upper garments
known as the chihaya, similar to the haori. It was like wearing an additional
layer of clothing when going outdoors in winter.
Since Yuri was fine, Godou suggested:
"Then let's set off. Try finding Susanoo first."
"Then Ena and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi will lead the way... But can
Ena ask a question first?"
Godou was taken aback by the sudden question.
Uncharacteristically, Ena was timidly stealing glances at Godou's face. This
behavior was totally unlike that of the cheerful and lively Hime-Miko of the
Sword—No wait.
On the subject of "male-female relationships" that was not her forte, she
would act especially meek and cautious.
"The person who will tell you the true identity of the 'King of the End'... It's
a woman after all, right?"
"!?"
"Ah, just as suspected."
"I-I didn't say anything!"
"Even if nothing was said, it was written on your face. Looks like Ena was
right."
Ena answered a little sadly in a small voice and secretly sighed.
"As expected of His Majesty. Despite being together with a number of girls,
he still manages to get familiar with someone whom neither Ena nor the
others know..."
Leaving behind Godou who was faltering from the sudden questioning, the
other Hime-Miko also sighed.
Naturally, this was Yuri who had been suffering from high fever until just
now.
"It is just as you say, Ena-san. In fact, I have suspected in my heart as well,
whether the one we are about to meet would be a woman or not."
"C-Could you two stop talking about this like it were problematic
behavior!?"
While Godou was feeling inexplicably distraught, he heard the sound of a
zither.
A leisurely melody. The performer was not nearby. This tone color sounded
like it was transmitted from across the vast sea.
The instant Godou heard this music, he remembered everything.
A night with a waxing crescent moon. Back then, the Princess of Glass had
played the same tune.
"Mariya! Can you fly us to where the music is coming from?"
"Yes, very well!"
Sensing Godou's serious attitude, Yuri instantly shelved the subject from
just now and closed her eyes to concentrate.
A moment later, the two Hime-Miko and Godou found themselves on a
plain somewhere.
It was night. Apart from the crescent moon, there was nothing else of note.
Silver grass was growing everywhere, reaching human height.
A woman's enchanting singing voice could be heard in the distance together
with a zither's notes.
In yonder days, there was an evil dragon in the sea. The king immediately
drew his bow and shot an arrow, wounding the dragon right in the chest—
Godou and company nodded at one another, walking towards the singing
voice.
After walking twenty or thirty meters, pushing through the grass, they
reached a clearing. A beautiful woman dressed in Juunihitoe was sitting
there with her back against a tree trunk lying horizontally on the ground.
Beautiful long hair the color of flax. Clear eyes the color of glass.
On her lap was an ancient trapezoidal zither. Both the instrument and the
performer were clearly not from Japan.
"Rakshasa King, you have finally arrived here by your own will. Also, the
Japanese miko who have inherited my blood."
Godou inquired the smiling Princess of Glass:
"Now that you mention it, then the reason why we are here—"
"I already have a basic idea."
As expected of the princess living in the alternate dimension resembling the
great spiritual realm.
That made things easy to explain. Godou spoke the name that Amakasu had
told the group.
"My friend guessed that this might be the true name of the 'King of the
End.' But what is it actually?"
"..."
The Princess of Glass put her zither away and stood up lightly.
She was clad in an ornate and heavy Juunihitoe kimono. However, the
graceful Princess of Glass walked over to Godou as though her clothing
was weightless.
This too was probably part of the Netherworld's mysteries, where mental
strength transcended physical laws.
Currently, the beautiful Princess of Glass had walked over to in front of
Godou.
"Kusanagi-sama. Will you make a promise with me in return for the
answer?"
"Promise?"
"Indeed. Even after learning of the crown prince's true identity and destiny,
you must still engage His Highness in a battle of life and death, and destroy
him. You must avenge our ancestors, the goddesses."
Just as Godou was surprised by this radical request, the Princess of Glass
drew close to his face unexpectedly, kissing him on the lips.
"Your Majesty!?" "Godou-san!?"
Watching this scene silently till now, Ena and Yuri were shocked as well.
Naturally, this was a kiss performed to cast a spell on a Devil King
Campione. Godou's consciousness rapidly left him...
Part 5
How many godslayers had been born in the world in the past?
Godou did not know the answer. There were times when none appeared for
two or three centuries while five or six of them could suddenly be born in
the same period.
And right now, in the time period the Princess of Glass was showing him
through the [Spell of Visions]—
This was also a "terrible era" when many godslayers were strutting across
the earth.
Currently, the life of one of these godslayers was playing in Godou's
consciousness like a dream or a historical film.
He was the godslayer who had defeated "the demonic deity with ten lives"
and usurped his opponent's authority.
His trusty sword and armor were made of bronze instead of iron. Evidently
a man of the ancient world. The time he lived in was even earlier than
Uldin's.
Like other godslayers, "the godslayer with ten lives" was also a powerful
king.
Apart from fighting Heretic Gods, he also conquered a number of cities and
countries, a man of power, ruling over many nations as a great king.
The residents of all the neighboring countries feared him, calling him the
"Devil King who could slaughter even the gods."
However, he had a mortal enemy as well. A hero who had appeared in an
opposing country. The rumored holder of the "destiny of exterminating all
Devil Kings in the world." When the hero descended upon the earth, the
populace not only worshiped him as a war god but also made him their
great general.
This hero was troublesome as an enemy, but quite a worthy challenge.
Not only did he possess enough valor to threaten the "godslayer with ten
lives," but he also resurrected no matter how many times he was defeated,
rising to challenge the Devil King again each time.
Were this godslayer not in possession of the "ten lives" authority that made
him approach immortality, surely he would have died in battle.
In any case, the situation was a stalemate even though the Devil King held
the overall advantage. Hence, the human priests supporting the hero's side
held a ritual.
This was the ritual for summoning a "goddess of the land" to serve the
Devil King exterminating hero.
"Although I bear no grudge against her, I can't ignore the one she serves. To
prevent loose ends, I'd better kill her."
After hearing about the goddess-summoning ritual, the Devil King intruded
into the ritual grounds.
However, it was all over already. The beautiful goddess had descended
successfully. The priests who had carried out the ritual all cheered and
rejoiced.
True to his title of Devil King, he first slaughtered every one of the priests.
Then he raised his sword against the goddess who had manifested on earth
and was supposed to assist the hero.
"O King of the Rakshasa, it cannot be helped if you desire to kill me. Please
do with my life as it may please you."
The goddess answered quite candidly.
"What?"
"Just as you can see, I will not strike back."
She had long flaxen-colored hair and eyes the color of glass. Despite
manifesting as such a beautiful maiden, she remained still with her head
bowed down, exposing her delicate neck to the Devil King.
Never expecting her to be so submissive, the Devil King felt his mood
getting ruined. At this time, the goddess with eyes of glass spoke calmly:
"Frankly speaking, I was summoned only to sacrifice my life to His
Highness—the crown prince. Even if you refrain from the deed, someone
else will most likely kill me."
His Highness, the crown prince. She was referring to the Devil King
exterminating hero.
The people serving that man had addressed him that many times.
"How incomprehensible. If you're going to summon a goddess, at least
order her around as a retainer. What good will killing you do? I really don't
get it at all."
"Raising the crown prince's divine power requires the essence of the earth...
In other words, an earth goddess' life."
Still with her head bowed, the goddess smiled, further enhancing the beauty
of her face.
She was smiling to hide and suppress her sorrow. That was the kind of
smile it was.
"Because His Highness is the enemy of goddesses—of women. More than
anyone else, he embodies this characteristic of sword gods, that of 'the man
who conquers the earth,' a great hero."
"Hmm."
He fell into deep thought. It was necessary to confirm the veracity of her
claim first.
But if it really were true, killing her would be the same as personally aiding
the hero. He wanted to avoid this. More importantly—even if the goddess
was lying—this was the most interesting plea for mercy he had ever heard.
"Very well. Then you shall come with me. As my captive, your life will be
in my hands. If necessary, I will protect you from their blades."
"Ah."
The goddess with the eyes of glass chuckled as though she had heard
something amusing.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. The Rakshasa King with ten lives capturing a goddess of the
land, then facing off against the crown prince... It's like we have returned to
the age of the myths."
Then several years passed—
The hero led his army, laying siege to the castle where the Devil King with
ten lives made his residence.
The hero and the Devil King's armies clashed violently. During the chaotic
battle, the one-on-one showdown between generals also started.
The godslaying Devil King and the Devil King-exterminating hero each
drew their sword for a decisive duel.
Using the weapon known as the Divine Sword of Salvation, the hero
controlled countless bolts of lightning. Locked in a duel with this
formidable enemy, the powerful Devil King must also pour his entire power
into the battle to resist him.
Hence, he did not have any strength to spare for defense. He failed to
defend the Devil King's castle from an arrow.
Amidst the chaotic battle, the younger brother who served the hero had
bided his time to shoot this arrow. As the hero's subordinate god, the
younger brother was identical to the hero in appearance except with brown
skin.
Shot by the arrow, the Devil King's castle exploded like a volcanic eruption.
All soldiers and retainers, as well as the goddess with eyes of glass living
somewhere in the castle, everyone was incinerated to nothing in the
exploding flames, dying in futility.
"What!?"
Compared to the Devil King, the hero turned out to be more shocked.
The younger brother had probably acted on his own without consent. To
ensure the goddess' death, he had even used an arrow of massive firepower.
Furthermore, he achieved his goal successfully.
Together with the goddess with eyes of glass, the Devil King's castle was
utterly annihilated. In the next instant, there was a bright flash of lightning.
This was life essence from the deceased mother earth goddess in the area.
The essence was automatically drawn to the hero's body, raising his power
as the "king manifesting at era's end" to a critical state.
At this moment, the Devil King swung his trenchant blade.
At critical state, the "King of the End" did not evade. The sword chopped
down mercilessly.
However, what bled out from the wound was not blood but extremely
powerful lightning.
The lightning of salvation. Causing Kusanagi Godou great hardship during
battles in the future, this platinum-colored light exploded, sweeping
everything away within a radius of ten-odd kilometers—
"Alas."
The "King of the End" concentrated all his regrets into this brief sigh and
lamentation.
His divine power had destroyed everything. Whether the Devil King's castle
or army, or even the army he was leading as the hero.
He had not hoped for this atrocious violence.
However, this tragedy was undoubtedly caused by him, the hero.
Due to the powerful explosions of lightning, all life had been erased in the
surroundings of the Devil King's castle, turning into a barren wasteland.
The hero—the "King of the End" simply stood in shock in the middle of the
wasteland.
He was clearly exhausted and troubled by the sins he had committed, tired
of the destiny forcing him to do such things, thus losing color and
brightness in his handsome and proper face.
"How boring."
The only survivor, the Devil King, arrogantly struck up conversation with
the hero.
The hero looked back abruptly. While feeling surprised, he nodded in
acceptance of this fact in the depths of his heart.
"Nothing less expected from you... Of all the godslayers I have known, you
are the larger-than-life character closest to immortality. It is unbelievable
how you survived the lightning I released after the great ritual of the
covenant had raised me to the highest level."
"But it wasn't easy either."
The godslayer with ten lives was extremely resilient in vitality. Thus the
Devil King narrowly survived.
Looking at the Devil King, the hero laughed coldly. This laugh expressed
how surprised but impressed he was towards the absurd toughness of the
human before him.
"I was thinking that the goddess—who used to be my wife—would be safe
under your protection... How disappointing."
"Don't go starting wars near people whose death will cause a ton of trouble.
It's such a pain for me too."
While the hero sighed, the Devil King simply responded indifferently.
"You piss me off quite a bit. Although I don't bear any particular grudge
against you as a man, I do have many complaints for the 'destiny' giving
birth to your kind of existence. Like 'A hero who devours the lives of
women should just drop dead!'"
"...Should I express deep agreement?"
"The same goes for you. If you find destiny to be a hassle, just abandon it
and be free, okay? There's no need to keep shouldering it like an obedient
slave. It's such a sad sight."
"I suppose one could say that after all."
Confronted with the Devil King venting on his own, the "King of the End"
smiled, feeling impressed.
"Destiny, fate, bloodline, divine protection, duty, faith, the limits of the
human body, helplessness, a power gap meant to be impossible to
overcome... You godslayers always seem to break past all obstacles
effortlessly, blocking my path, even defeating me a number of times."
Smiling, the "King of the End" offered praise to Devil Kings before
reaching for the Divine Sword of Salvation.
He readied the sword in an upper stance towards the godslayer with ten
lives.
"So, whenever I am fighting your kind, I always offer the deepest of
respect."
"Respect from the enemy only makes me uncomfortable. It's time to start."
Leaving this remark behind nonchalantly, the Devil King transformed.
His authorities were not limited to just the one with ten lives. Shapeshifting
into a giant evil dragon with wings was another of his authorities.
Then the "King of the End" summoned his ride from the Divine Sword of
Salvation.
This was an aerial chariot drawn by a pair of flying steeds. Riding his
chariot, he began an aerial duel against the Devil King who had turned into
an evil dragon.
Having absorbed a mother earth goddess' life, the "King of the End" was at
critical state—
Purely in terms of combat ability, magic power, divine power and number
of weapons, he actually surpassed the Devil King by far. Based on the gap
in specs, there was no way to call this a duel in the first place.
In spite of that, they still began an intense battle to the death.
The ability to put in their full effort to find chances of victory no matter
how powerful the enemy...
This was common to all godslayers—Rather, their survival instincts would
produce maximum effect at times like these. Furthermore, due to a certain
factor, the Devil King enjoyed an unexpected advantage.
The Devil King and hero fought in the air, the sea then finally began
another battle on land again.
However, they were still unable to reach a conclusion. Flying into the sky
again, they finally broke past the atmosphere, continuing their battle in
space.
"Uwoooh!"
"Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"
Finally, the two of them crashed to the ground.
Both of them were severely injured, unable to fly again.
They had fallen onto a small island in the South Seas. Here was a
flourishing jungle with a beach of beautiful white sand. Here, the Devil
King with ten lives finally exhausted his powers and perished.
Having depleted his entire life force while in the shape of an evil dragon, he
was lying on the beach.
A moment later, the gigantic body turned into white bones, rendered a
wordless corpse.
Meanwhile, the "King of the End" also lost his life. After dying, he returned
to the divine blade's form. The platinum blade's cutting edge was almost
completely curled and even bent in an L-shape.
The divine sword lay pitifully on the beach.
Swallowed by the waves breaking against the beach, the sword was swept
into the ocean.
But two years later, the Divine Sword of Salvation revived again as the
"King of the End." Eradicating all the other godslayers in the era who still
remained after the "Devil King with ten lives," this was the mission
entrusted to the pale-haired hero.
Part 6
A great battle between the hero and the Devil King had taken place in the
past.
Godou was watching a vision of the battle as though he were in a realm of
dreams. When the two combatants ended their match in a double knockout,
Godou suddenly woke up to a start.
"This place seems to be..."
Looking at the surrounding scenery, he was greatly surprised.
In the beginning before seeing the vision, he was in a moonlit wilderness.
However, his current location seemed to be a beach on a small island. After
walking forward a few steps, he entered a primitive jungle with flourishing
trees.
This was where the ancient Campione and the "King of the End" had met
their mutual defeat.
Furthermore, the Princess of Glass was standing ahead of him. In addition,
the two Hime-Miko who had accompanied Godou from the mundane world
—Yuri and Ena—were both watching Godou with worried looks.
After nodding to his two companions, Godou faced the Princess of Glass
again.
"You... are the Divine Ancestor reincarnated from the goddess who was
killed back then. Is that right?"
"Indeed. My life was forfeited and taken away as nourishment for the
crown prince."
The beautiful princess with flaxen-colored hair and eyes of glass spoke
quietly.
"After being reborn as a Divine Ancestor, I went through a journey of
wandering and came to Japan. Leaving behind the bloodline where the
ancestors of those miko arose... Finally, I grew tired of life in the mundane
world and chose to live secluded in the Netherworld."
The Princess of Glass was actually the distant progenitor of the Hime-Miko.
Since Godou had expected this already, he simply nodded lightly in
acknowledgement.
In fact, whenever Yuri showed signs of atavism, her hair would often turn
flaxen in color.
"Originally, Divine Ancestors would not retain the memories from their
time as goddesses. But after coming to the Netherworld and opening the
sealed door to the past, I remembered what had happened in my previous
life."
"I see."
Pallas Athena had also recovered her memories as Athena.
The same phenomenon had occurred to the Princess of Glass too. As Godou
nodded, the princess asked him:
"Then Kusanagi-sama, what are your plans regarding the prior promise?"
"You mean destroying the 'King of the End'? That promise—of course I
can't do it."
Godou answered simply.
"That guy is stronger than me far too much. Given an opponent like that, I
can't guarantee victory for certain. Also, I'm a pacifist as well."
"..."
"Those gods are extremely powerful. As the battle intensifies, things could
end quite tragically. I don't think deciding to 'kill' or 'destroy' from the start
will work."
"In that case, are you saying you do not need to know the crown prince's
true name?"
"Well about that, you still intend to help me out no matter how I answer,
right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have told me so much."
Godou deliberately spoke in an assertive tone of voice.
Somehow, he had a feeling about an idea he wanted to try out. Then a smile
surfaced on the exquisitely shaped lips of the Princess of Glass, who
proceeded to nod.
"Even when confronted with the crown prince's power and the pain from
fighting His Highness, you have not wavered from your own conviction at
all. Truly remarkable. If I may be frank—"
At this point, the princess smiled mischievously.
She often displayed facial expressions and mannerisms very similar to a
living woman's.
"I have said this to the Old One, Susanoo, and the high priest many times in
the past. That Kusanagi-sama is rather similar to the godslayer who caused
the crown prince the most grief—His Highness with the ten lives.
Consequently, when an emergency arrives, destiny ought to be entrusted to
Kusanagi-sama."
"Huh? Why can't I see any similarity between myself and that guy at all?"
Having watched the ancient Campione's life through the vision just now,
Godou immediately rejected the idea.
"No. In terms of being considerate to women, offering compassion to the
goddess despite being enemies, hence shouldering unnecessary hardship,
you two are quite similar."
"Haah."
The princess had tactfully dismissed Godou's protest. She continued:
"However, that sort of consideration also brings many rewards. Kusanagi-
sama, it is precisely the reason why I concluded you have the capacity to
cause the crown prince pain... So please confirm carefully for yourself the
true name of the 'King of the End.'"
Sudden praise. Godou went "eh?" and stared at the princess' beautiful face
again.
"This domain is sealed inside the main hall of Plutarch's Residence, where
the records of the 'King of the End' are kept safe. Now that you are here,
you should be able to see His Highness' true name and origins."
A beach in the ancient past was where the hero and the Devil King had
reached mutual destruction.
The current location was a Netherworld domain constructed to be identical
to that place. The riddle's answer sought by Divine Ancestor Guinevere,
Alexandre Gascoigne and others was sleeping here—
Without knowing it, Godou's side had been guided to this treasure of an
island.
While Godou was feeling surprised and Yuri and Ena were bowing their
heads politely, the Princess of Glass suddenly disappeared along with her
glamorous Juunihitoe-clad figure, departing from the scene.
"Plutarch's Residence where the Akashic Memories, the source of all spirit
visions, are kept... This place does feel similar to that sanctuary last time."
Yuri was speaking softly in a pious tone of voice like a shrine maiden
kneeling before a deity.
Placing a hand against her lovely bosom bulging under the miko outfit, she
closed her eyes and concentrated. Next, stone tablets emerged from various
places in the beach of white sand where the three of them were situated.
These square slabs of stone were roughly forty or fifty centimeters in
length.
Long passages had been written on the surface of the stone tablets in an
ancient alphabet.
Emerging from the sand like germinating plants, the number of stone tablets
most likely exceeded five hundred.
"Do all of these stone tablets contain information about the 'King of the
End'...?"
"Indeed. Once you acquire the knowledge here, the Sword's spell words can
surely be forged..."
The weapon for slicing apart the hero shrouded in heavy mystery.
The opportunity to obtain this weapon had finally arrived at Kusanagi
Godou's side. However, it was not possible to decipher and memorize all of
these documents that had been written in an unknown language.
The only way to do it was to rely on Mariya Yuri's spirit vision and spells to
impart the knowledge—
Just as Godou intended to walk over to Yuri who was fidgeting from
shyness...
"A-Are we starting, Your Majesty?"
Ena asked.
"Basically, umm. Ena also finds it quite indecent to make such a request,
but..."
"What's the matter, Seishuuin?"
Ena was stammering, showing hesitation unlike her usually personality as a
free-spirited child of nature.
Finding her acting strange, Godou inquired.
"Ena also... wants to carry out the ritual together. The ritual to pass all kinds
of knowledge to Your Majesty—"
"!?"
"E-Ena-san, what are you talking about!?"
In other words, the three of them doing it together—naturally, Godou was
not the only one feeling surprised but Yuri was greatly stunned as well.
However, the Hime-Miko of the Sword still continued shyly.
"S-Sorry. Ena will be left out at this rate, only to watch from afar... This
makes Ena very sad..."
Indeed, the ability to extract Akashic Memories was limited only to
outstanding users of spirit vision.
Naturally, this arena would be dominated by Yuri alone. However, that
would mean excluding Ena, leaving her all alone.
If possible, Godou still wanted to treat his companions equally, these
companions who had supported him through thick and thin—
Godou believed that sincerely. Precisely because of that, before using
common sense to reject this highly problematic proposal after
contemplating various considerations, he felt his heart waver somewhat.
(I see, Seishuuin also—)
Naturally, he glanced at the other Hime-Miko.
Yuri was acting flustered from her childhood friend's request, unsure how to
answer.
"N-No matter what, to make the outrageous proposal of three people
engaging in this kind of behavior, that would be far too shameless. W-We
ought to show more restraint—"
Face completely red, she protested. However, Yuri stopped mid-sentence.
She must have recalled how "this kind of behavior" had already taken place
many times already. Also blushing intensely from embarrassment, Ena then
brought up that.
"Y-Yeah. Ena had a feeling Yuri would say this. B-But at Nikkou and Gaul,
we already did that kind of thing many times already. This time as well—
Ena wants to proceed as in the past..."
"Th-That really should not be how the issue can be settled."
"You're right... Ena is truly sorry for saying such willful words. Ena did not
mean to trouble you, Yuri, but Ena wanted to make a request no matter
what..."
The normally lively and cheerful Ena was hanging her head sadly. She must
have realized she had said something very willful.
"E-Ena-san."
Yuri quietly and sorrowfully called out the name of the Hime-Miko who
had backed down with forthrightness.
She was wavering inside, unsure whether to obey her sense of shame and
common sense or to prioritize her dear friend's feelings. Furthermore, if
their places had been swapped... Perhaps she might be thinking about the
same matter too.
Godou reached out and embraced the distraught Hime-Miko in his arms.
"Mariya, I've got the same request for you."
"Godou-san!?"
Hugging the hesitant Yuri tightly, Godou continued at the same time:
"I feel really bad about pushing troublesome tasks on you all the time, but
I'm very sorry, it looks like I'll have to continue being a good-for-nothing
who does nothing but stupid things."
"Indeed you are right. Godou-san and Ena-san are always saying
unreasonable things."
Yuri's body was only stiff in the very beginning.
Immediately, she relaxed in Godou's arms and entrusted her weight to him.
Very likely, she had been searching for an excuse to relent as well.
Due to Godou's 180cm stature, the two of them had quite a large difference
in height.
Stooping lower, Godou brought his face near Yuri's lips and said:
"If you dislike it, just shove me away immediately."
"I shall not... do that. Although I honestly feel that you are someone who
always makes things difficult for others, I am the one who promised to
spend my life with you... However."
Simply by conversing in whispers, they could feel each other's breathing.
This intimate sense of distance was only possible precisely because the two
of them had promised their minds and bodies to each other.
"I shall have to make you spoil me next time, understood?"
"Of course you can."
Inspired with a sense of tender affection by Yuri's rare request to be spoiled,
Godou began to kiss her.
Yuri received Godou's lips in ecstasy. After a while, she opened her lips and
called out to the childhood friend who had been watching them with an
uneasy expression.
"Ena-san too... Come here."
"Certainly!"
Yuri's invitation was this brief probably due to embarrassment. However,
Ena rushed over to their side with vigor as though she were flying.
"Now it is time to start gathering the knowledge about the 'King of the
End.'"
With Yuri's announcement, the surroundings suddenly changed. The
hundreds of stone tablets embedded in the sand started to float into the air
one after another.
In response to that, Yuri's eyes shone with glass-colored radiance.
"The king manifesting at era's end... The heavenly child sent to the earth to
exterminate the sinful Devil Kings, the sleeping tiger lurking in the human
realm, the bow-using hero shouldering the fate of wandering—His
Highness' name is hereby received without a doubt."
Declaring softly, the Hime-Miko reached towards her friend.
"Please also accept the wisdom I have obtained, Ena-san."
"Yes!"
The two girls clasped their hands together tightly. At the same time, Ena's
eyes also shone with glass-colored radiance.
Yuri was using the spirit power of psychic sensing to share the knowledge
regarding the "King of the End."
Then the ritual of instruction finally began.
"Godou-san. The goddess Circe had mentioned on her dying breath. The
'King of the End' is an existence linked to the genealogy of what is known
as the Argo in Greek mythology."
"Traveling on this ship were dozens of heroes with Heracles first and
foremost."
Ena continued quietly immediately after Yuri.
Welcoming the two girls to his bosom, Godou sat cross-legged on the white
beach. Hence, the two Hime-Miko followed, sitting down respectively on
Godou's left and right sides. At the same, they leaned themselves tightly
against him as well.
The warmth and suppleness of the two maidens' bodies were being
transmitted through the chihaya and the miko outfits.
Smooch... Godou lightly kissed Ena who was on his right.
"A certain member of the passengers was the 'King of the End'—That was
not what she meant. The most crucial fact here, is what kind of ship the
Argo was..."
At first, it was just a light touch on the lips.
But by the second kiss, Ena was already pushing her lips tightly against
him, then timidly, she inserted her tongue which Godou received in turn
with his own tongue.
Between the pair's lips that were intimately pressed together, the two
tongues tangled with each other.
After enjoying this intimate contact, Ena released his lips and it was Yuri's
turn to kiss him.
"Setting out from a Greek port, the Argo sailed for the Black Sea, reaching
the coastal kingdom of Colchis. What the band of heroes sought was the
kingdom's golden fleece, their national treasure—Using guile in addition to
valor, the heroes finally succeeded in stealing the fleece..."
"Then boarding the Argo, the heroes escaped from the kingdom of Colchis."
"Namely, attacking another country after a sea voyage, plundering treasure
to return to their homeland in triumph—the adventure of the Argo was a
myth originating from a story of invasion and piracy across the sea."
"The important element here is that of the 'invaders who traversed the sea.'"
"Have you noticed it? Actually, this legend follows the same structure as the
tale of Momotarou circulating in Japan."
"In the ancient past, Momotarou sailed out to Onigashima to vanquish the
evil ogres living on the island, finally returning to his hometown with
plundered treasure, yes? Ultimately, this was also a story of invading
pirates..."
While weaving spell words as usual, Yuri continued to work her tongue
carefully and nimbly.
Pouring in thoughts and loving feelings that were more delicate than bold,
she allowed her lips and tongue to moisten inside his mouth and licked
attentively. Ever since his kiss with her back in June last year, Yuri's heart
had gradually and spontaneously filled with sincere feelings of offering
herself to no one but Godou.
Influenced by her childhood friend's behavior, Ena gradually lost the
stiffness in her motions.
When Yuri's lips let go, it was Ena's turn to seal Godou's lips, using her
relaxed tongue to engage nonstop in a passionate kiss. In addition, with
eyes of intoxication and fervent gaze, she stared at Godou.
The trio's feelings and behavior were escalating without impedance, finally
entering the official ritual—
This was the same development as usual. However, just as Godou was
thinking that, Yuri's breathing suddenly quickened.
"Mariya?"
"S-Sorry. I suddenly feel out of breath..."
Not only Yuri but Ena beside her was also panting.
In addition, the two girls were leaning against him from both sides,
entrusting their exhausted bodies to Godou for support. Frantically, Godou
held the two Hime-Miko, feeling surprised.
Their entire bodies were unbelievably hot. If one were to measure their
body temperatures with a thermometer, it would most likely show forty
degrees centigrade or above.
"The secret of the 'King of the End,' sealed away for over two millennia...
Of all the spirit visions imparted so far, this one is the hardest to endure."
"A-After all, this is knowledge determined as taboo by the gods, Yuri."
Ena replied to her childhood friend who was moaning in pain.
"Although we are miko who have gone through training, we are humans
with lifespans after all... Unless we proceed with caution, our minds and
bodies won't endure—"
Evident from this advice alone, she truly lived up to her name as the
premier Hime-Miko who was accustomed to dealing with gods.
Furthermore, Ena whispered while closing her eyes. Hence, the glass-
colored radiance residing in her eyes began to envelop her entire body
faintly.
Then burying her face into Godou's chest, Ena said softly:
"Y-Your Majesty, it's fine now, continue the ritual? A-Also, although it's
okay to kiss on the lips like earlier... Ena hopes you can kiss somewhere
else too."
"What!?"
"I-If the knowledge is left to remain in our heads as in the past, it will place
a very heavy burden... Can try moving it to the body."
"You can even do something like that!?"
"After all, this is the Netherworld. Because this is the domain where
thoughts and spirit rank higher than the body and matter, so this sort of
thing is still possible."
"B-But, what you mean by kissing somewhere else is—"
"Y-Yes. All kinds of knowledge will be transmitted as usual just by kissing
other parts of Ena's body. If you don't end the ritual quickly using this
method, Ena and Yuri probably won't last to the end. Might collapse before
all the knowledge is imparted..."
Covered in faint glass-colored light, Ena whispered these words.
Burying her face in Godou's chest, she even pressed her extremely well-
developed bosom tightly against him. But ultimately, she could not muster
much strength.
Godou immediately kissed Ena's smooth neck and even licked with his
tongue.
Instantly, vivid images surfaced in his mind. It was the "King of the End"
kneeling down submissively with his head bowed to be crowned. The one
crowning him was an old man dressed in crude clothing. Probably a monk
or a priest.
"Ah—Your Majesty, did it transmit?"
"Yeah, no problem. This method works."
"Th-Then please. Kiss Ena even more—Ooh mmm!"
While Godou slid his lips and tongue along the neck down to the shoulder,
Ena's body suddenly began to shudder. It was as though her entire body had
grown quite sensitive.
Perhaps by watching her fellow Hime-Miko, Yuri grasped the technique as
well.
Letting the pale glass-colored light envelop her entire body, Yuri said to
Godou:
"I-I am fine now. So definitely, Godou-san, I can help—Ooh mmm!"
This time, Godou kissed Yuri's earlobe.
This was the same act he had performed in passing during the knowledge
ritual in the past, prior to the duel against his sworn elder sister, Luo
Cuilian. In fact, he had memories of kissing Yuri in that spot many times
since then.
The gentle Hime-Miko was expressing a sensitive reaction like before—No,
it was even more sensitive this time.
The ritual continued with force and vigor like raging waves in a storm.
Induced with burgeoning passion, Godou continued to kiss the two Hime-
Miko deeply and heavily without resting.
Using his lips to kiss those lovely earlobes, pale necks and slender fingers,
he even kissed their fingertips tenderly.
His tongue moving along their necks to the vicinity of their voluptuous
bosoms, he used the tip of his tongue to carefully examine and confirm the
soft tenderness of their skin.
Subconsciously, the two girls had already removed their chihaya over their
miko outfits, even opening up their upper garments. However, none of the
trio minded at all.
Furthermore, Yuri and Ena were not just passively accepting kisses.
Whenever they noticed Godou's lips departing, the girls would immediately
bring their faces close to him, kissing nonstop.
"Godou-san. The sword for slicing apart the great hero, the most
authoritative in the orient..."
"Now is precisely the time to master it. As long as it is for this purpose, Ena
and Yuri can do anything..."
There were times when Yuri and Ena took turns in kissing him with other
occasions when both girls kissed Godou's lips at the same time, offering
kisses of intense passion.
Thanks to that, Godou would occasionally act out in excessive fervor.
Allowing his tongue to slide along their backs, down to their waists, or even
kissing their pale thighs or the like, that was going way too far no matter
what. However, the ritual of excessive passion was taking full effect, filling
Godou with an astounding volume of knowledge inside.
In addition, Godou could finally feel certain.
Given his current self, he was now capable to slicing that man with the
sword of spell words—
Inside Godou's mind, he was no longer that whatever "King of the End."
His true name and origins were already known. All information about the
hero was clear to him now.
It turned out to be the same hero as the name speculated by Amakasu
Touma.
With expressions of rapture, Yuri and Ena gazed at Godou. As for the red
flush surfacing faintly all over the two Hime-Miko's bodies, that was the
afterglow lingering from the ritual for obtaining this name...