Part 1
Pallas Athena had originally decided to head to the Far East directly.
The eastern end of the continent. A land comprising many long and narrow
islands in the shape of a serpentine dragon, the humans apparently called it
the islands of Japan. A place gathering cultures and ethnicities that had
crossed over from the mainland.
However, while making preparations for the imminent battle, before landing
—
A thought occurred to her. The Wind King and the three heroes were all
reliable warriors.
Nevertheless, it was difficult to rely on them when facing a critical moment.
Also, there was a traitor in their midst.
Hence, raising a Divine Ancestor's spiritual senses to the max, she
fortuitously discovered remnants of divine power floating on the sea to the
south.
The name of the deity was Circe. The witch goddess who had lost her life at
this place several months earlier.
Seeing this through a spirit vision, Pallas Athena smiled valorously.
The goddess had lived in seclusion with divine beasts together on a
mysterious island in a corner of the vast South Seas. If these sacred
fragments of divine power could be gathered—
Hence, Pallas Athena landed on this tiny remote island on the South Seas.
Using the magic of the Divine Ancestors to perform a ritual over several
days and nights, she gathered the remnants of divine power as though
extracting salt from seawater, then injected temporary form and life into
them...
Then on the night of a full moon, the ritual was complete.
Seven divine beasts were born, all in the form of giant sea serpents.
"Although impossible to sustain for long... 'Tis no matter."
Pallas Athena was not a goddess. Her former divine powers were already
lost.
Be that as it may, having merged into one mind and one body with the
Magic Holy Grail, she was more powerful than any Divine Ancestor
throughout the ages. Even so, she still could not reach the domain of the
gods.
Although divine beasts were created, they could only last two or three days
at most.
Still, this was enough. Enough to be used in Pallas Athena's task.
Satisfied, she transformed into an owl to set off towards the islands of Japan
from the South Seas. Towards the blue sea shining under the sun.
Needless to say, her current form was obviously that of a nocturnal bird of
prey rather than a seabird.
However, this was a magic bird transformation using a Divine Ancestor's
secret arts.
Even traveling from a tiny island in the middle of the vast ocean to the
islands of Japan thousands of miles away, it would only take a couple hours
of flying time.
Moving at the same speed as the south wind, Pallas Athena flew at low
altitude near the sea surface.
The seven serpents also swam on the sea at the same speed, following
along. Their target was in the northeast direction. The promised land where
the "King of the End" slept.
Now, all preparations were complete.
Feeling satisfied, Pallas Athena suddenly sensed the Wind King's presence.
The war god, whose identity was hidden behind a mask and the strips of
cloth wrapped around his entire body, was flying beside her in the form of
an air current.
Athena laughed fiercely in her owl form.
"Be thou at ease. One shan't forget the mission one must accomplish as a
Divine Ancestor. The king manifesting at era's end shall verily descend
upon the world once more."
Meanwhile, she also delivered a strong declaration.
In order to actualize Pallas Athena's dearest wish, there were things that
must be done.
After receiving the report of Pallas Athena's incoming invasion, Godou and
his companions quickly gathered.
Godou, Erica, Yuri, Liliana, Ena and Amakasu.
As a side note, Ena was still wearing her usual uniform, but the other girls
had already changed. Yuri was dressed in her miko outfit while Erica was in
sporty attire with a black blouson and black pants. On the other hand,
Liliana had a black blouse with skinny jeans.
Of course, the two knights did not forget to put on their usual capes.
Their capes were striped in the rossonero and nerazzurro colors of their
respective associations.
All members of the group were already familiar with one another. They all
knew one another's personalities well and there were no issues in
distributing roles and responsibilities.
Arriving as the driver as usual, Amakasu brought Godou and company to an
unexpected place.
At a university hospital near Jounan Academy—
Just as he was taken to the roof, Godou finally realized Amakasu's intent.
"I arranged for this because I thought it'd get us there in the shortest time!"
Amakasu was yelling over the noise of the spinning rotor.
A helicopter used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for transporting
supplies had landed on the helipad on the hospital's roof. After taking a seat
in the cabin, Erica instantly urged:
"In any case, let's first fly over to Tokyo Bay, shall we?"
"No..."
Liliana shook her head.
"I feel like I can sense where Pallas Athena will be coming from. Amakasu
Touma, can you fly in the direction I am going to indicate?"
"Of course. Did you receive a hint through spirit vision?"
The silver-haired female knight nodded firmly.
Indeed, Liliana's spirit vision powers had grown even sharper than before.
And on further thought, Liliana had also made close contact with Athena
during the Naples incident. Perhaps it was an effect from that experience.
Hence, the helicopter took to the skies above Tokyo. The sun was already
beginning to set in the west.
"By the way, Yuri-san."
Amakasu suddenly spoke to the Hime-Miko.
"Speaking of oracles from spirit vision, if I borrow your assistance, is it
possible for you to peer into the literature I read in the past?"
Yuri was taken aback by this unreasonable request.
"Are you referring to the literary source for the verses I saw in a spirit
vision last time?"
"Yes, that's the one. Oh my, I've been re-reading all the ancient texts and
research reports I've read before at home and in the library. But I couldn't
find it in any of them."
In yonder days, there was an evil dragon in the sea—The source for this
excerpt still seemed unclear.
"Something so convenient is probably impossible. My spirit vision powers
are very unpredictable, which is something you ought to know very well,
Amakasu-san?"
"Sure, if it doesn't work, never mind."
"Oh, but then again..."
Taking the place of the ninja descendent who was putting on an insincere
smile, the other Hime-Miko grinned as well.
"Although Amakasu-san's feelings are understandable, even though Yuri
always says 'impossible,' it's true that Yuri often manages to see various
things through spirit vision. Why not try it out with a shred of hope?"
"To hear something like that even from you, Ena-san..."
Sitting on a simple seat in the helicopter, Yuri shrank back in
embarrassment. Meanwhile, Ena watched her friend with a pleased smile
then said in a joking tone of voice:
"By the way, Ena does have some idea where Liliana-san wants to go. That
being said, it wasn't an oracle."
"Eh, really?"
Godou felt surprised, not expecting such an announcement from Ena who
did not possess the power of spirit vision. However, even Erica, who was
equally lacking in this type of ability, nodded as well.
"I can make a rough guess too. You still haven't figured it out, Godou?"
Hearing her say that, Godou looked out from the helicopter.
As though tracing the Aqua-Line connecting Tokyo to the Bousou
Peninsula, the helicopter was crossing Tokyo Bay.
Ahead of them, a beach could be seen, dyed orange by the setting sun.
Speaking of the area next to the Aqua-Line interchange at the Bousou
Peninsula, Godou remembered it should be Kisarazu.
"Oh I see, it's that place."
Although slightly late, Godou finally understood.
After arriving at Kisarazu, Liliana ordered the helicopter to land on the
beach.
Godou got off the helicopter alone on purpose.
Carrying the others, the helicopter ascended into the sky again. They were
planning to wait on standby at a sufficiently distant location, so as to
provide Godou with support at the right opportunity.
If the same lightning of salvation were to fall like last time, a scorched plain
would be created on the beach again.
It was only natural to take precautions against that. Godou swept his gaze
over the Kisarazu beach again.
Several months prior, this was the battlefield that had witnessed the goddess
Athena's final moments. The beach that Lancelot's Divine Sword of
Salvation had devastated back then was a couple kilometers up ahead.
Then an hour or two passed after Godou's arrival.
Just as the dusk sky was about to turn into the darkness of the night, Godou
finally saw his enemy's figure.
An owl flying from the other side of the Pacific Ocean like a seabird—
Pallas Athena landed on the beach while transforming into a silver-haired
girl.
Pallas Athena touched the ground not far in front of Godou.
And then giant snakes—seven serpents, each almost twenty meters long—
crawled out from the sea, surrounding Godou and Pallas Athena.
HIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
The seven serpents howled acutely while raising their scythe-like necks at
the same time.
However, this dangerous encirclement was absolutely not drawn in closely
around Godou and Pallas Athena's location. Instead, there was roughly a
fifty-meter radius from the center where the two of them stood.
"One was informed by a vague premonition."
Pallas Athena smiled courageously—a courageous smile identical to
Athena's.
"Mine enemy of ill fate, Kusanagi Godou. By coming to this place, one
would encounter thee here."
"I'm glad I raised your hopes. However, this really is a place of intersecting
fates."
Could it be that something engraved deeply in her soul told her, despite her
loss of memory?
Deciding not to dwell upon the thought, Godou fixed his gaze upon Pallas
Athena. Now that they were meeting again here in this manner, that sort of
thing would be nothing more than a trivial detail.
"I owe a debt to your late incarnation, but frankly speaking, I've no
intention of paying it back immediately. Still—"
Godou muttered.
"If you're thinking of waking up a dangerous guy like the 'King of the End,'
I will temporarily put aside my pacifism and do everything I can to stop
you."
"Then one shall answer immediately, if that is the case."
Athena gazed haughtily at Kusanagi Godou and spoke quietly.
Despite her petite stature, Godou felt as though she was staring down at him
from the heavens.
"Ushering the great hero's return to the earth is one's mission as a Divine
Ancestor. Kusanagi Godou, thou shalt see if thy godslaying authority could
kill one. Furthermore—"
A medallion suddenly appeared in Pallas Athena's right hand.
The divine artifact made of iron and gold—the [Arrowhead's Discus].
Godou entered a stance in preparation. His opponent was going to summon
the three heroes at last, thereby summoning her full forces. However.
"O Wind King. Thou shalt take them and follow the plan."
Pallas Athena tossed the medallion behind her.
Manifesting with a whirlwind, the Wind King caught the medallion, his
entire body still wrapped in strips of cloth, his face hidden behind a mask.
Then with the medallion in hand, the Wind King soared through the sky.
Rising up rapidly in an instant, he was flying towards an altitude even
higher than the clouds floating in the dusk sky.
What exactly did she want that enigmatic god to do?
Filled with doubt, Godou asked a question.
"Is this really okay? If that guy and the medallion aren't here—this may
sound rude—but you can't defeat me on your own, right?"
A Divine Ancestor was not a goddess. Pallas Athena was not Athena.
Even in command of an army of divine beasts, she could not possibly defeat
Kusanagi Godou the godslayer.
Nevertheless, Athena scoffed at this accusation.
"That is thy misconception. This technique also belongeth to the Divine
Ancestors..."
Then Godou was shocked. He had not expected this development at all.
Pallas Athena underwent a change again. Instead of turning into an owl, her
body became more mature. From looking twelve or thirteen years of age,
she now took on the image of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.
Glimmering like moonlight, her silver hair extended down to waist length.
Then her silver hair turned into snakes. Pallas Athena had turned into the
female monster with countless tiny snakes growing from her head—
Medusa.
Furthermore, Pallas Athena's lower body transformed into a snake's thick
torso, coiled up on the beach.
Her height even increased by three fold, allowing her to physically look
down upon Godou.
Taking on the form of a giant serpentine monstrosity, the Divine Ancestor
released a pulse of sacred energy. This solemnity was undoubtedly a
goddess' aura.
A Campione's instinct told Godou that a deity was right before his eyes.
Godou's body and mind became filled with power. Power to fight the
[Heretic Gods].
"You removed the seal of dragons and snakes...!"
This was the trump card used by former Witch Queen Guinevere and
Asherah who had appeared at Nikkou.
Abandoning eternal life and youth as a price to regain the divinity of their
past lives—as goddesses. Nevertheless, they would soon perish after using
this move.
Confronted with this situation, Pallas Athena had used her trump card
without hesitation.
Faced with the opponent's excessively unexpected action, Godou was filled
with terror.
Regardless of Pallas Athena's true intent, this was a crisis without any
avenues of escape. Not only was he facing the snake monster of a goddess,
but also the seven serpentine divine beasts under her command, currently
encircling them.
A beast's savage grin naturally surfaced on the corners of Godou's lips.
Part 2
Having transformed into a goddess, Pallas Athena had turned into the snake
monster Medusa.
Her size had tripled compared to her form as a young maiden.
The enormous body was standing roughly five meters in height. However,
since the lower half of the body was also long and serpentine, the total
length most likely reached twelve or thirteen meters.
As enormous as a divine beast. And held in her right hand was a long-
shafted scythe.
The great scythe used by a chthonic deity of death. This was her favorite
weapon back in her days as Athena.
"Submit before the light of the goddess' eyes, Kusanagi Godou. One shall
hereby strike down the life of a godslayer's!"
Pallas Athena declared haughtily while backing away.
Instead, the seven serpents surrounding Godou moved forward.
Naturally, the encirclement closed in. At this rate, they were going to gang
up on Godou and massacre him. Also, Pallas Athena's spell words had
shared a large amount of divine power with the serpents under her
command. This was what one would call a stance of assured slaughter.
Then the seven serpents suddenly accelerated.
Despite being twenty meters in length, they moved with unbelievable
agility and lightning speed.
One could not possibly survive this using ordinary methods. However,
Godou held his ground while surrounded. Just as the serpents were about to
pounce on him—
"Do it! Blow them away!"
He issued concise orders. In that very instant...
Strong wind was suddenly produced underneath Godou.
This was a supernatural storm accompanied by shockwaves. Standing at
merely 180cm in height, Godou handily blew away the serpents that were
trying to crush him to death.
These giant serpents, their total weight most likely exceeding hundreds of
tons, were effortlessly—
Godou's counterattacking shockwaves were extremely swift and powerful.
Struck by this attack, the serpentine divine beasts were damaged directly to
their core, utterly pulverizing their bones.
Then a rumbling came from underground.
ROOOOOOOOOOOAR—!
A fierce beast's howl. A giant boar—twenty meters in length—rose up
behind Godou. He must have summoned it the moment just before getting
struck by the serpents.
Indeed! It was the [Boar], Verethragna's fifth incarnation.
"...I don't plan on staying too long in the wrestling ring with a battle royale
between giant monsters, so let me take care of this in one go."
Godou shouted at Pallas Athena's giant body that had stayed in the back.
Instead of letting the [Boar] materialize instantly, Godou had ordered it to
fire its prided shockwaves before summoning it to the ground. Godou had
further mastered Verethragna's authority over the ten incarnations, allowing
utilization to this extent.
Meanwhile, the liberated [Boar] began to extend the length of its howls.
ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAR—!
Then it charged at Pallas Athena's enlarged form that was known as
Medusa.
"Hmph. Servants of mine, ye shall receive new life."
The snake goddess calmly chanted spell words.
"Turn into the divine shield [Aegis]!"
The seven serpentine divine beasts were lying pitifully on the beach,
awaiting the arrival of death.
They suddenly turned into glowing particles, retaining the serpents' shapes
for only a brief moment before flying to the front of Pallas Athena,
combining into a new form—A shield of bronze. It was a giant rectangular
shield.
Even without any support, the shield hovered in the air on its own. Its size
was just enough to protect Medusa's giant body.
The [Boar] charged at the giant shield. This shield, transformed from the
serpents, formed a temporary castle wall, blocking the the charge from
Verethragna's servant.
CRASH!
A fierce sound of impact. The [Boar] was bounced back greatly by the
bronze shield.
Nevertheless, the [Boar] landed splendidly on four legs without losing its
balance. Kicking its hind legs against the ground, it prepared for a second
clash.
"O woman who turneth into the fiendish snake, release thine eyes."
Godou gasped after hearing Pallas Athena's command.
The rectangular shield, whose surface depicted the appearance of the
Gorgon Medusa—Her eyes were glowing!
"She's trying to turn you into stone! Hang in there!"
Godou hastily poured magic power into the [Boar]'s giant pitch-black body.
ROOOOAAAAR! The [Boar]'s magic power was raised to the max,
resisting the demonic powers released by the shield of Medusa.
—Cursed optical power, capable of rendering everything within its gaze
into stone.
Unable to defend completely, the [Boar]'s right front leg and left hind leg
were turned into stone.
However, the rest of its body was still mobile. Without hesitation, the
[Boar] charged at Pallas Athena again, trying to use its giant sharp tusks to
send her flying.
Blocking in front of the [Boar] was still the shield of Medusa, hovering
before the goddess.
Another sound of impact. This time, Pallas Athena did not just use the
shield for defense. Extending a giant scythe from behind the shield, she
slashed the [Boar]'s body!
ROOOOOOAAAAAAR!?
The [Boar] groaned in pain.
Nevertheless, Verethragna's fifth incarnation continued to emit howling
shockwaves relentlessly, again and again, charging and colliding again and
again, trying to crush its prey. Suffering odds of two against one from the
attacks of Pallas Athena and Medusa, the [Boar] would probably get
vanquished by the scythe or the petrification magic at the slightest opening.
...While observing this round of attack and defense, Godou summoned Ama
no Murakumo no Tsurugi into his right hand.
He had a certain premonition that given his opponent was Athena, she was
not going to ignore him on the side—Precisely as mortal enemies sharing
the same ill fate, such a premonition arose.
His hunch proved to be correct.
By the time he noticed, the sun had set completely. The curtain of night had
already descended.
Lurking in this darkness, the enemy arrived. This was no metaphor. For
Pallas Athena who possessed divinity as a goddess of darkness, melding
into the darkness was as effortless as breathing.
A shadow silently crept behind Godou and swung the grim reaper's scythe.
Through minute movements in the air as well as a godslayer's sharp instinct
towards life threatening crises, Godou sensed this attack, turning around
and swinging Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi with both hands.
A violent clash between the scythe swung out of darkness and the ancient
Japanese divine sword—
"You came as expected, huh!?"
"Fufufufu! 'Twould be an affront to the war goddess' dignity if one failed to
issue a direct greeting to the enemy of one's past life. Thou hast waited
long, Kusanagi Godou!"
While the sacred scythe and the divine blade clashed violently, the two of
them conversed quietly.
Appearing behind Godou's back was Pallas Athena in the form of a
pubescent girl. Bearing the identical face and body of the original Athena,
she was using both hands to swing a long scythe even taller than herself.
This was Godou's closest confrontation with her ever since their reunion at
Sardinia.
Staring into the beautiful face of the Divine Ancestor who had turned into a
goddess again, he said:
"What are you thinking by suddenly using a self-sacrificing trump card?
What are you trying to do?"
"'Tis simple, verily. Because there is no other means."
While they were conversing, the clash continued.
Murmuring softly, Pallas Athena raised the scythe forcefully with both
hands.
"One shall personally defeat thee then slay the 'King of the End.'"
"Slay the 'King of the End'—What are you talking about?"
Her unexpected statement made Godou frown.
The Divine Ancestor swung the underworld deity's scythe at Godou's face.
This mighty force could not possibly be generated from a pubescent girl's
slender arms—It was enough to send an automobile flying with one hand.
Such arm strength must have been brought forth through divine power.
However, Godou easily deflected the scythe.
He was using Verethragna's second incarnation, the [Bull], which provided
monstrous strength that could only be used against an enemy possessing
powerful might far beyond that of humans. At the same time, Godou
sustained the [Boar], using two incarnations in parallel.
This strain was causing him an intense headache.
While clashing blades with Pallas Athena, Godou secretly gritted his teeth.
"You're saying you intend to fight the 'King of the End'!?"
"One is definitely charged with the destiny of serving that man... Yet one
hath contemplated sufficiently. Thou mentionedst this before. Divine
Ancestors are goddesses whose essence was absorbed by the Divine Sword
of Salvation."
The girl, who looked identical to Athena, showed eyes calmly burning with
the flames of fury. She spoke softly:
"Well then—One couldeth consider that man to be mine enemy, yes?"
"!"
"The mission must be accomplished, indeed, yet vengeance must also be
exacted for one's death."
Listening to this point, Godou yelled for he had realized her intent:
"You want to defeat me and the 'King of the End' together!?"
"How clever, Kusanagi Godou. Simply by taking on the form of the
serpentine dragon, one retrieveth a goddess' power and couldeth shake the
soul of that man—the 'King of the End' bearing the karma of dragonslaying.
Verily two birds with one stone. His slumber shall consequently grow
lighter."
Athena used to be Kusanagi Godou's great rival, a warrior prouder than
anyone.
Knowing this fact, Godou had thought over this before. Although she had
become a Divine Ancestor, to be serving the "King of the End" who was
akin to her enemy... That did not seem like her style.
To think I'd misunderstand her intentions, what a fool I am—Godou
laughed.
Easily forsaking her own life to turn it into a weapon. All this was for
upholding her pride. Seeing this course of action living up to Athena's
identity, he found it exhilarating.
"Then asking that wind god to leave—"
"Naturally, 'tis to bring about the return of the 'King of the End.' Thou shalt
watch properly, Kusanagi Godou. One shall beat thee into submission then
defeat the chosen hero as well!"
"Stop joking around! I'll stop you before you succeed!"
There was already no point in continuing the battle. The two of them
jumped back simultaneously.
Ten-odd meters away on the beach, the [Boar] was fighting courageously
against the Medusa-formed Pallas Athena and her shield. Victory was yet to
be decided—
In front of the pubescent-formed Pallas Athena, Godou adjusted his grip on
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
"Where did the Wind King go?"
Opening her shut eyes, Liliana asked in a quiet voice.
The current location was a pier some distance away from the beach where
Pallas Athena was meeting Kusanagi Godou in battle.
Apart from her, Erica, Yuri and Amakasu were also present. They were
observing the battle between goddess and Devil King from afar. After the
Wind King suddenly appeared and flew into the sky, Liliana instantly used
her prided [Witch's Eye].
She originally wanted to use this witchcraft, capable of projecting one's
vision into the distance, to track down the whereabouts of the war god
flying through the sky—
"He flew somewhere too high to follow. This speed and altitude is such that
even the [Witch's Eye] cannot keep up..."
"Although I don't really think it's possible, he wouldn't be thinking of flying
into space, would he?"
Just as Erica was feeling puzzled, Yuri suddenly showed an stunned
expression.
"Ah—floating island... The land where the sacred sword sleeps... Ahhh!"
Looking up into the sky, the Hime-Miko tracked the Wind King with her
eyes.
While murmuring as though speaking in a dream, she was shaken by the
revelation. It was as though she felt surprised from the bottom of her heart
towards the hint obtained through spirit vision.
"I cannot believe that a floating island could exist in such a place..."
"Floating island? Are you talking about that legend, Yuri?" asked Ena, the
other Hime-Miko and wielder of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
"Speaking of the Divine Sword of Salvation and the legend of where the
'King of the End' sleeps. If memory serves correctly, 'Queen Oto Tachibana-
Hime, jumped into the sea with sword embosomed. Sea currents carried her
sword to a location of neither land nor sea, whence a floating island
subsequently appeared,' isn't that right?"
"Yes, indeed..."
Trembling, Yuri pointed at the sky.
Only very few clouds were floating in the clear night sky. The half moon
was slowly rising in midair. The winter night's countless stars were shining
brightly.
Ena first went "Hmm...?", lost in thought for a while before reaching a
revelation.
"Floating island... An island which floats. A place of neither land nor sea, so
that's—!?"
"The sky. An island floating somewhere in the sky. So it really turned out to
be this kind of situation."
Reaching the same conclusion, Erica sighed.
"Lady Guinevere and Sir Lancelot were unable to find it no matter how
they searched land and sea, right? They were totally in the wrong
direction."
"An island in the sky... Oh my, that's really going along the pace of
Gulliver's Travels and a certain famous animated film."
Amakasu shook his head while muttering, confounded.
Then to convey important information to her companions, Yuri regained
composure from her state of shock and said frantically:
"I-I shall go confirm what has happened on the floating island. As for
Godou-san, I am counting on everyone!"
Clad in a miko outfit, Yuri's body gave off white light.
This was the radiance from activating the spirit power she had acquired
after her inborn spirit vision—psychic sensing.
Part 3
Higher than the clouds. A place above the atmosphere.
This was an extremely high altitude in the sky that people called a satellite
orbit. A domain in space, beyond the atmosphere.
Looking down from there, the view was like a map spreading out with the
islands of Japan in the center.
Even as a heavenly child of the sky, the Wind King seldom came to such
high places.
Depending on sunlight conditions, this place could turn into either a land of
frost or a realm of scorching heat. An extremely harsh environment.
However, protected by divine authority, he floated through the air lightly
while he soared.
Floating in front of his gaze was a small patch of land.
Like many small islands on the Pacific Ocean, it had hills and plains.
However, this island did not contain life such as plants. It was an island
composed only of soil and rocks.
Stabbed in the center of the island was a sword of steel.
This mighty sword had a blade of roughly 100cm in length. The sword was
double-edged and thick like a hatchet's blade in construction. However, the
entire steel sword was quite decrepit, covered in rust.
The Divine Sword of Salvation. This was the personal sword belonging to
the hero of Devil King extermination, also the strongest of steel.
Then the Wind King poured divine power into the medallion. This was the
divine artifact for employing the three sword-related heroes, the
[Arrowhead's Discus].
The Discus glowed immediately.
Appearing out of intense blazing white flames was the man with the
handsome face, Perseus.
Furthermore, sitting astride a winged horse, he was the very image of a
dazzling handsome man.
Next, out surged a crimson pillar of fire, which then took on the form of the
Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong. The peerless monkey king was
riding a small golden cloud.
Finally, lightning shot out, turning into the figure of Lancelot du Lac.
This female knight was also an Amazonian queen. Lance in hand, she was
riding a white horse flying through the sky.
Including the Wind King, gathered in front of the Divine Sword of
Salvation was a total of four gods possessing the sword attribute.
"Hey there, everyone."
The Great Sage Equaling Heaven was the first to speak.
"Before we begin our quest, I've got a suggestion. It's truly a lucky occasion
for four magnificent heroes to be gathered together. But it does mean we
have too many leaders, so to prevent things from getting out of hand..."
It was like he wanted to have a casual chat on the extremely high altitude of
a satellite orbit.
As expected of the monkey king who flew freely wherever he pleased.
However, the subject of the conversation was far too deplorable.
"Why not let me, Great Sage Sun, be the great general and grand marshal,
to serve as the eldest brother, and you guys can provide me with full
support? How 'bout that?"
"Although I don't mind discussing the topic of electing a leader..."
While seated on his winged horse's saddle, Perseus frowned.
"I don't believe there is any need to leave this position to you. Rather,
someone possessing kingly accomplishments and a magnificent array of
myths, such as Perseus or Mithras for example, would be more suitable.
That being said, I am both of them, incidentally..."
"If a king's pride is at stake, I hope you won't forget the Handsome Monkey
King of the Fruit and Flower Mountain's Water Curtain Cave. Besides..."
The Great Sage scoffed with pride.
"I'm also renowned as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. If we're deciding
based on personal virtue and accomplishments, this old Sun here, peerless
across heaven and earth, is the best choice..."
"According to legend, whether the Handsome Monkey King or being equal
to heaven, both were merely self-proclaimed on your part."
"Yes, it's self-proclaimed. But in modern times, all citizens of the world
have recognized it."
"How suspicious. At least back in the ancient Greco-Roman era of my
knowledge, I have never heard of such notions."
"No no no no. You've gone too far now. I must issue a rebuttal for the sake
of my honor."
"Great Sage, Perseus, gentlemen."
Lancelot interrupted, her beautiful face clouded with worry.
"This type of fruitless discussion would be nothing more than a waste of
time. One shall hereby take on the leader's role as the Amazonian queen as
well as the superbly renowned Lancelot du Lac. Each of you may apply
yourselves with utmost dedication as knights to serve the queen.
Gentlemen, would that be agreeable?"
"Agreeable, not... Rather, I can't believe what a shameless woman you are
despite having such a cute face."
"Although I don't dislike this sort of bronco, I still believe I am the one
most suited to be king, do you all agree?"
The great heroes of exalted renown were having a completely futile dispute.
At this moment, an acute metallic sound was heard. The three heroes turned
their heads to see that the Wind King had flicked his finger against the
Discus to make the sound.
"..."
The war god with the concealed identity expressed his feelings of
disapproval through his gaze from behind the mask.
The Great Sage Equaling Heaven shrugged in response to that gaze.
"There's no need to hide your voice, y'know? I've already seen through your
identity."
"Hoh."
Perseus laughed and openly expressed his impressed feelings.
"In that case, Lord Monkey, perhaps I, Perseus, might have misjudged you
as a man. I still have yet to discern that wind god's true identity. Your eyes
truly bear outstanding wisdom."
"It's the smell, the smell. One whiff of his odor and I figured it out
immediately."
The Great Sage sniffed through his monkey nostrils.
He was visibly pleased after Perseus praised him despite their dispute.
Then the three heroes' gazes gathered on the Wind King, waiting for him to
speak. However, the mysterious war god of steel and wind simply extended
an index finger, pointing to the divine sword stabbed in the center of the
floating island.
"What a stingy dude."
Despite complaining, the Great Sage still steered his cloud towards the
floating island.
Perseus shrugged whereas Lancelot simply followed the king of monkeys
nonchalantly. The Wind King also flew leisurely in the rear.
There was not the slightest greenery on the floating island. It was like a
barren hill with only soil and rock.
They landed on its surface, roughly the size of a baseball field. Apart from
the Wind King, the rest all traveled without walking by either riding their
beloved steed or cloud. With that, the four heroes arrived before the rust-
speckled divine sword.
"Well then... Let's begin."
The Great Sage muttered.
Just prior to arriving at Japan, Pallas Athena had summoned the three
heroes to give them certain orders which were meant to be executed as soon
as the time was right.
Gathered at this place were sword gods—Warriors carrying the attribute of
"dragon and serpent slaying."
As a result, everyone noticed. Several hundred kilometers down below their
location, Pallas Athena had released the seal of dragons and snakes to
launch a frenzied offensive.
As queens and former deities, dragons and serpents were precisely the
monsters which these mother earth goddesses manifested into.
For heroes of steel, they were targets to be vanquished since the age of the
myths. Sensing her aura, the four heroes felt their bodies and minds surge
with power in preparation for combat.
"Hey you, Divine Sword of Salvation."
The Great Sage spoke to the rust-speckled steel sword that had lost its
splendor of days past.
Not only was he a monkey and a hero, but he was also a user of the
immortal arts with vast and varied powers—In other words, a god of magic.
Hence, he was going to preside over the revival ritual as well.
The other warrior heroes took a step back, observing from behind the
monkey king.
"You sleepyhead must have sensed the presence of our long-time enemy,
the serpent, haven't you? The hero's destiny engraved on the bottom of your
soul should have made your body boil with hot blood, hasn't it?"
The Great Sage sounded like he was chatting with an old friend.
No answer. However, the rusted divine sword's blade began to shake.
Storm clouds were suddenly gathering in the lower realm far below with
thunder and lightning. From this vantage point on a satellite orbit, even the
sea of clouds looked like nothing more than distant specks in the world
below.
"And that's not all. A number of contemptible godslayers have been born in
the current era. There's the old Devil King who's like a ravenous wolf and
the queen who shamelessly calls herself peerless under the sky. Then there's
the witch with no talents other than bringing calamity to the world. Plus
four other youngsters—A total of seven godslayers, extolling the present era
as their springtime..."
While he was speaking softly, a sphere of light appeared above the Great
Sage's head.
The sphere was as big as a clenched fist. After manifesting, it ascended
rapidly, shining above the group of heroes like a miniature sun.
"With these godslayers gathered upon the earth, this would be the so-called
end times. Now is the time that could be considered the end of the world."
The rapidly rising sphere of light suddenly expanded.
Within the blink of an eye, its diameter surpassed a hundred meters—
roughly the size of the floating island that had kept the divine sword
concealed for a millennium. Furthermore, this giant ball of light was
suddenly releasing lightning, giving off electrical sparks all over the place.
"To slice apart the darkness of the end times, to eradicate the godslaying
Devil Kings, we hereby pray for the sword's rebirth. O most exalted sword
of swords, blade of blades. Thou art the blade of Devil King extermination.
Thou art the white light of salvation. Thou art the one born to kill all of the
Rakshasa!"
The Great Sage pointed his furry index finger up at the sky.
Then he slowly lowered his finger to point directly at the divine sword. A
moment later, the ball of light overhead, which kept discharging electricity,
produced a continuous stream of thunder and lightning.
Rumble—!
Rumble—!
Rumble—!
Falling lightning and thunderous roars repeated over a hundred times. The
flashing light and energy were all absorbed by the Divine Sword of
Salvation.
Not only was it not blown away from the force but it also did not move the
slightest from its position.
Confronted with this divine sword that remained unfazed to a slightly
annoying degree, the Great Sage invoked the final summons.
"O sacred king manifesting at era's end, I hereby beseech thee to descend!"
This was both a prayer and a petition, as well as spell words imbued with
power.
The episode of falling thunder and lightning finally ended—The Divine
Sword of Salvation also recovered its shine.
Having stood for over a thousand years, originally decrepit and all covered
with rust, the 100cm blade was infused with blindingly bright platinum
radiance, shining with sacred glory and splendor.
Seeing this light, someone other than the Great Sage Equaling Heaven
finally spoke.
"O king—O 'King of the End.' Although it is most unbelievable."
It was Lancelot. While her honey-colored hair fluttered in the wind, the
Amazonian deity spoke:
"Have you forgotten this knight's visage?"
"No..."
A hero suddenly manifested next to the divine sword.
Long pale hair. A handsome man featuring a young face with exquisite
features.
However, etched upon his handsome, prim and proper face like rust was a
sense of irrecoverable weariness and battle-hardened ferocity. He was
wearing a simple blue tunic with pants of the same color and a cape of pure
white on top.
Slowly, as though touching something repulsive, he gripped the hilt of the
divine sword.
"Of course I remember you, knight of the lancea. To think the day of our
reunion would arrive... Destiny is truly difficult to predict."
"What a nostalgic name. Lancelot du Lac is currently this knight's name."
"Is that so? I see you have finally gained a new name."
A refreshing smile surfaced on the aristocrat's weary and handsome face.
In that instant, the rust-like expression was put away, replaced by elegant
airs as befitted one of highborn nobility. This was how he expressed his joy
towards the extraordinary fate binding him with Lancelot.
However, this change soon ended. The "King of the End" withdrew his
smile.
"Hello to you, Hero of Salvation."
The Great Sage spoke in a giggling manner.
"It's said in the human realm that those who arrive late to the banquet must
gulp down three drinks as punishment. You should descend upon the land
like thunder to greet that nation's godslayer, how 'bout that?"
"..."
The monkey king continued to talk enthusiastically to the completely
nonchalant aristocrat.
"Naturally, it feels quite a shame to me as a warrior to relinquish the
vanguard position to someone else, but seeing as I owe my resurrection to
you, I'll endure without making a fuss—"
"Not necessary."
The 'King of the End' shook his head, giving a curt answer to the chattering
resurrected hero.
"The way I see it, making such a move immediately after my return would
be an act of imprudence."
"Hah."
"Great Sage Equaling Heaven, although the value of your counsel may be
worth its weight in gold... Let us eschew that for now."
"I see."
Finding his enthusiasm met with instant rejection, the Great Sage whispered
to Perseus beside him in hopes of eliciting someone else's reaction.
"...I didn't expect him to be so lacking in hot-bloodedness."
"...Despite being rumored to be the man who exterminated all godslayers."
The Greco-Roman hero scrutinized the 'King of the End' while showing a
smile of interest.
"On the other hand, recklessly rushing headlong into battle would be rather
boorish. I find the Savior's thoughts understandable. Well then, shall we
take a break for now?"
"Yes, thank you."
Answering Perseus in the affirmative, the "King of the End" focused his
gaze on a certain person standing in the back.
The Wind King whose true identity was hidden behind cloth and a mask.
This war god, who had been serving the Devil King exterminating hero
even before the era of ancient Gaul, silently stepped up and presented the
[Arrowhead's Discus].
The master shook his head silently and communicated with his eyes.
It was as though he were saying "you hold onto it for now." The masked
subordinate nodded in acknowledgement and stepped back again.
This communication took place between master and subordinate linked by
deep bonds, requiring no speech to convey their thoughts.
Then the Great Sage and Perseus turned into particles of light which were
sucked into the medallion.
Their revival stemmed from the authority of the 'King of the End,' which
mean that they must merge with the [Arrowhead's Discus] regularly to
recuperate in order to sustain their manifestations.
The Wind King also took a leap.
With that, he turned into wind and left his master, leaving only Lancelot du
Lac behind—
"You have grown weary of battle indeed."
The female knight's quiet words conveyed sorrow while pity inhabited her
eyes.
Listening quietly, the 'King of the End' showed a weary smile and nodded to
the ally whom he was meeting after a separation of fifteen hundred years.
Then Lancelot turned into light too and was sucked into the [Arrowhead's
Discus].
Left on his own, the 'King of the End' took up the Divine Sword of
Salvation once more. On his back was a scabbard for carrying this mighty
sword whose blade measured 100cm long.
Putting the divine sword away, the Devil King exterminating hero sighed.
"What now?"
Suddenly, the floating island's surface was struck by violent shaking.
Not just once but continuous shaking. A small island flying on a satellite
orbit could not possibly have an earthquake. The "King of the End' noticed
instantly.
"Falling...?"
Someone was summoning the floating island to the ground—making the
floating island fall. This was shaking the entire island.
Noticing the anomaly in the sky, Godou frowned.
"...?"
While clashing Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi's blade with Athena's long-
shafted scythe, he was also releasing magic power to the [Boar].
Without warning, the winter night sky was filled with storm clouds and the
continuous roaring of thunder.
Suddenly, a flash of white—no, platinum-colored—lightning sliced through
the darkness.
"The return is finally accomplished, yes?"
Pallas Athena spoke softly.
"So you mean the 'King of the End' finally awakened!?"
Godou questioned the young Divine Ancestor who was overcome with
emotions.
Pallas Athena did not answer but her eyes shone with seductive and
ominous light. Her eyes glowed red. Godou felt a sense of petrification
throughout his entire body. The Eyes of Medusa!
"Guh...!"
To resist the evil eyes of petrification, Godou further increased the magic
power permeating his entire body.
Not only was he using Ama no Murakumo and the two incarnations of the
[Boar] and the [Bull] simultaneously, but he must also squeeze out more
magic power in desperation, just barely managing to defend.
His lower body only turned into stone for an instant before returning to
flesh immediately.
"True to the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven... He hath completed
the revival sooner than expected. In that case, one's duel against thee must
be adjourned for now. One must now proceed to the next stage of
preparations."
The young Pallas Athena smiled discreetly and issued a lengthy howl
towards the sky.
The Pallas Athena in the distance—engaged in a melee battle with the
[Boar] in the form of a giant Medusa—sprouted a pair of black wings from
her back. With a forceful flap of her wings, she floated up in the sky.
ROOOOOOAAAAAR!?
The wingless [Boar] howled with displeasure at the enemy that had
suddenly flown into the air. However, with its right front leg and left hind
leg turned into stone, the [Boar] was unable to jump in pursuit of its
opponent.
Holding the scythe, the petite snake goddess also sprouted wings on her
back and soared into the sky.
The two Pallas Athenas, one big and one small, finally met side by side in
the air.
" "O gods of the sky with Father Zeus first and foremost, one hereby
draweth all creation back to the motherland with mine authority of an earth
mother goddess. Ye shall not obstruct one's will!" "
The two Pallas Athenas, one big and one small, chanted spell words
simultaneously.
Then—A meteor crashed down from the dark sky blotted by storm clouds.
No, this was no meteor. From the sky above Tokyo Bay, a small island was
crashing down on this Minamibousou region that included Kisarazu.
"Is this the floating island...?"
Godou realized it. Pallas Athena's authority had summoned this island to the
ground!
"Can you release that!?"
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!
Responding to his frantic command, the [Boar] unleashed a supersonic
howl at maximum power towards the two Pallas Athenas.
But the attack did not work. The supersonic pulse and shockwave was
supposed to pulverize the two Pallas Athenas in the air, big and small alike,
but was blocked by the shield.
Using the bodies of divine beasts as its material, the shield with Medusa's
face carved on it—The divine shield, Aegis.
It was the defensive armament that had been hovering next to the large
Pallas Athena, protecting her. This time, it also served as the protective
barrier for the two goddesses, shattering into fragments on its master's
behalf.
" "Go, go over to the 'King of the End'!" "
The two Pallas Athenas shouted together and suddenly vanished.
They had probably gone to pursue the "King of the End" and the floating
island that had fallen somewhere in the Bousou Peninsula. Godou could not
leave those two alone. He must pursue no matter what!
"Kusanagi Godou!"
It was Liliana's voice. Looking back, he found the silver-haired knight
hurrying over with the rest of his companions—Erica, Ena and Yuri.
"Leave it to me. I will take you to Pallas Athena."
"Flight magic, right? But I thought you can't use it if you don't know the
destination?"
Godou asked Liliana who spoke first to make the offer.
Flying spells, exclusive to witches, were extremely convenient but had
many limitations conversely. However...
"F-Fear not."
Arriving last and out of breath, Yuri spoke up.
The others had probably conserved their energy and were far from strained.
But for the Hime-Miko who lacked physical stamina, this was quite intense
exertion already.
"I have already used the spirit power of psychic sensing to capture the
location where the floating island crash landed. There should be no problem
once I transmit the imagery to Liliana-san..."
Although still trying to catch her breath, Yuri also offered to help.
Everyone was so reliable. Godou nodded and transmitted his thoughts to the
[Boar], your help is no longer needed for now.
Dragging a pair of petrified legs, the [Boar] stared at the empty sky above
the beach.
It was exuding an aura of raging frustration, having failed to destroy its
target. But since the targeted prey had already vanished, the [Boar] had no
choice but to disappear obediently.
Godou also returned Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi back to his right arm.
He also released the [Bull]'s monstrous strength.
The strain from using concurrent incarnations finally vanished, leaving his
body much relieved. Ena and Erica walked over to Godou's side.
"Hey, Your Majesty, do you still remember the revival of the 'King of the
End' in Gaul?"
Ena suddenly brought this up.
"Back then, the goddess Artio offered her life as energy for the 'King of the
End,' right? Just now, Erica-san and Ena were discussing—"
"Perhaps Pallas Athena might have the same intentions."
"But did you know she declared she'll defeat the 'King of the End'?"
Godou scratched his head. However, Erica proposed a further hypothesis:
"Hmm. Then using this as a pretext to approach the 'King of the End,' she
will launch a surprise attack—"
"...I see."
As the reincarnation of Athena, the goddess of war, she definitely might
take this course of action.
Then another acquaintance's face surfaced in Godou's mind.
That of the aristocrat he had met in Gaul a thousand five hundred years ago.
His taste for conflict was definitely not prolific and he did not enjoy
unnecessary fighting. In the end, would he accept Pallas Athena's
challenge?
The Devil King vanquishing hero versus the godslaying Devil King.
That hero and Godou were rivals destined for an inevitable duel.
Godou noticed that he held an unexpectedly favorable impression of the
'King of the End.' However, the important thing now was to track down
Pallas Athena first.
Part 4
Although it crashed towards the ground like a shooting star, of course, the
floating island was not actually a meteor.
What caused this descent was the authority belonging to Pallas Athena,
having retrieved her divinity as a great mother goddess of the earth. Using
the power to attract all creation to the earth—the manipulation of gravity—
she pulled the "King of the End" together with the entire floating island to
the Bousou Peninsula.
It was a place deep in the mountains of Minamibousou.
The floating island collided with a mountain ridge that was only covered
sparsely by trees.
There was no impact or explosion like a real meteor crash. Holding tender
affection for the land, the goddess' authority protected the mountains.
However, this protection did not extend to the floating island.
The floating island was shattered from the impact of the fall with fragments
of rock, soil and sand scattering everywhere.
However, the "King of the End" did not meet the same fate as the floating
island's. At two or three hundred meters above the ground, he took a light
leap from a corner of the island, jumping into the air.
The "King of the End" had neither wings nor authorities of flight.
Nevertheless, he had acquired many techniques for surviving arduous
predicaments.
"Those of you floating in various places of heaven and earth, please lend
me your power."
Chanting spell words, he prayed for the protection of spirits.
At the same time, he did not forget to trace out a holy seal in the air using
the index and middle fingers of his right hand. Hence, the spirits residing in
the mountains, rivers and vegetation of this land all lent him their power.
Compared to heretic gods, they were all random spirits with meager
powers.
Neither did they possess character or intellect sufficient to be called
personalities.
But by gathering hundreds, thousands of their thoughts and spiritual
powers, it could still serve as a driving force for enacting miracles
accordingly. The protection of spirits gave support to the "King of the End"
in the air, slowing down the rate of his descent.
This allowed him to land from hundreds of meters in the air without a
single scratch.
"I offer my gratitude. Thanks to you all, my life was spared."
Landing on both feet, the "King of the End" offered thanks with sincerity.
Then he examined his surroundings. This was a mountain ridge covered
sparsely with trees. Hence, visibility was wide and open. He could also
sense the snake monster's approaching figure accompanied by murderous
intent.
"Are you the one who brought about my return? And your name is?"
"Pallas Athena is one's name. How touching. To think one couldeth meet
the hero whom generations of Divine Ancestors and Witch Queens had
spent a millennium searching in vain..."
"Looks like you have released the seal of dragons and snakes..."
Having split into two bodies earlier, Pallas Athena was merged back into
one again.
Her form was the giant goddess Medusa. With a magic bird's black wings
sprouting out of her back, she had flown at low altitude along the mountain
ridge to arrive here.
"In order to kill thee—the king manifesting at era's end, there is no other
way. One's former power and authority is needed."
"To kill me... Is that so?"
Listening to Pallas Athena who made no effort to conceal her murderous
intent, the "King of the End" nodded.
He did not ask for the reason. He simply lowered his gaze for an instant.
He understood better than anyone, precisely because of his position as the
one who subjugated Divine Ancestors to do his bidding.
It would not be strange to harbor such thoughts if the proud spirit dating
from her time as a goddess were to remain fairly intact after becoming a
Divine Ancestor, carrying a personality with an extremely vigorous will to
fight.
The aristocrat looked up and stared gallantly into the eyes of Pallas Athena.
"I understand that you regard me as your mortal enemy. Do you wish for a
duel with me?"
"Naturally."
"Then I cannot refuse."
He answered immediately, confronting his culpability with a serious
attitude.
Slowly, he drew the divine sword from his back—No, the "King of the
End" did not do that. Instead, he took down the Divine Sword of Salvation
in its scabbard and raised it towards the sky.
"Spirits of the local land. May I entrust this to your safekeeping for now?"
His request brought forth an answer. The divine sword in its scabbard
floated into the sky, stopping after rising dozens of meters above the
ground.
Seeing the "King of the End" let go of his weapon, Pallas Athena glared at
him in anger.
"Thou shalt duel with one yet relinquish the divine sword?"
"Indeed. So long as I hold the divine sword, this definitely cannot be
considered a fair duel."
The hero's eyes displayed neither pride nor pity.
Residing within them were pure feelings, only wishing to respond with
sincerity to the opponent challenging him with her soul and dignity on the
line.
"Pallas Athena, with your strong sense of pride, you appear to be a Divine
Ancestor born from the Holy Grail—the divine artifact created by the
goddess Gwenhwyfar."
The Devil King exterminating hero stared candidly into the goddess' eyes.
Gwenhwyfar was the great mother earth goddess who had served the "King
of the End" together with the war god Lancelot, later reincarnating into
Divine Ancestor Guinevere.
"Seeing as that is the case, I can still defeat you even without the Divine
Sword of Salvation."
"...Hoh."
With wrath akin to raging flames, Pallas Athena stared at her enemy's
handsome face.
But after hearing the hero's explanation, she smiled faintly. She approved of
the nobility in his words.
Perhaps through the spiritual senses of a goddess of wisdom, she
understood that he was likely speaking the truth.
"A duel with one's life and honor on the line must not be tainted the
slightest. I am forsaking the divine sword's use out of respect with
absolutely no intent to belittle your powers."
"One hath already understood thy thoughts. Nevertheless, is this meet?"
Smiling, Pallas Athena looked down at the "King of the End" with her
mysterious gaze.
The eyes of the giant goddess in Medusa form flashed red. The evil eyes of
petrification. Under this gaze. the "King of the End" was completely turned
into stone below the waist together with his left hand.
"The hero of salvation deriveth power from the earth's essence, yet thou
hast not absorbed any essence at all. Thou intendest to oppose one with
such a body?"
"I have resolved myself already. I hope to decide our match here, will that
be agreeable?"
Even with half his body turned into stone, the "King of the End" still spoke
resolutely.
Just now, Kusanagi Godou had raised his magic power in an emergency to
resist Pallas Athena's evil eyes. Failing even to do that, it seemed like the
pale-haired aristocrat had yet to recover his condition.
In addition, he had even personally sealed away his trump card, the Divine
Sword of Salvation—
Even so, the "King of the End" still confronted Pallas Athena squarely.
Pallas Athena did not hold back either. Blue-white flames spewed out from
between Medusa's lips, flowing towards the hero who had half his body
turned into stone.
"Guh—Ahhhhhhhh!"
Having taken the form of a serpentine dragon's, Pallas Athena was
producing flames with firepower equaling a dragon's blazing breath.
Scorched by the conflagration, the "King of the End" screamed in pain.
However, ten white orbs of light suddenly appeared in his surroundings and
desperately tried to reduce the flames' temperature. Like the power
protecting him from freefall, this was protection from the spirits.
During this strange battle to the death, Pallas Athena laughed heartily.
Meanwhile, the "King of the End" made a slightly wry smile while
enduring the mighty flames. Rather than both sides giving up on the fight,
this was a sign that they were reaching some kind of understanding—Just at
this moment...
(....Ah... My revered brother—)
A weak voice was heard all of a sudden.
A flickering shadow suddenly appeared next to the divine sword floating in
the air dozens of meters up, then started to swirl and contract, calling the
"King of the End" at the same time.
(My revered brother, you are the savior king manifesting at era's end. The
king of kings. The great hero with the most noble of destinies. A tiger
among men. Your glorious accomplishments have infinite splendor. The
supreme hero. Bestowed upon you are the greatest blessings from the
myriad gods!)
Lavished with these extraordinarily flowery words of praise, the "King of
the End" was stunned.
Looking up from the blue flames, he stared straight at the Divine Sword of
Salvation floating in the air above. At the same time, the shadow in midair
that had called him "revered brother" was also gradually changing in form.
The lower body remained as a shadow spinning like a vortex while only the
upper body turned into a pale-haired aristocrat—
His face was identical to that of the "King of the End." However, unlike his
elder brother's pale complexion, his brown skin looked like it had been
tanned under the sun.
The dark-skinned divine aristocrat, melded with the shadows, emitted a
lengthy howl.
(Mere goddess of the earth, how dare you continue to insult my noble
brother. Allow me to assist my brother in an act of impertinence!)
"Stop! Upon my position as elder brother, I forbid you to act. Do not
interfere!"
However, the "King of the End," burning in blue flames, was not heeded.
Hovering in the air, the "younger brother" reached for the Divine Sword of
Salvation with his right hand. Just as he was about to grip the hilt, Pallas
Athena stopped him.
While discharging blazing flames from her mouth, she emitted red light
from her eyes.
Taking on this gaze, the "younger brother" was devoured by flames just like
the "King of the End."
"A mere subordinate god, thou darest to disrupt one's enjoyment of battle?
Insufferable foolishness!"
(Guahhhhhhhhhh!?)
Scorched by the blue divine punishment, the younger brother screamed.
Pallas Athena glanced at his pained demeanor and murmured with a bored
face:
"Hmph, one expected the Wind King, but nay, 'twas thee. Thou art a minor
character unworthy of mention. As the goddess of wisdom, one knoweth
with but a single glance."
Pallas Athena had used a power corresponding to spirit vision of miko in
the human realm.
"Thou art the subordinate god who hath always stood behind the hero of
salvation, guarding him—In other words, his alter ego. Although thy loyalty
towards thy duties is commendable... Thou art too boorish. Know thy
place."
The conflagration of wrath instantly burned the "younger brother" to ash.
Not even bones remained near the divine sword floating in midair. Only
burnt ash was scattered all around. However—This ash remained active.
"How now?" Pallas Athena frowned.
(Kukuku... A mere mother earth goddess, thinking you know everything...)
Deep laughter from the "younger brother" could be heard from the ash
resulting from the wrathful conflagration.
(I was born from the shadow of my revered brother—the strongest of steel.
Even if only a tiny part, I do possess the trait of indestructible resilience.
Watch carefully!)
While roaring loudly, the ash took on the form of a human arm.
Then gripping the divine sword's hilt, it drew the sword out from its
scabbard in one go. An instant after that, platinum-colored light thoroughly
illuminated the whole surroundings.
"What is that light?"
Seeing this platinum-colored light appear, Godou was taken by surprise.
He was flying through the air while enveloped by blue light. In order to
chase after Pallas Athena, he had asked Liliana to cast flight magic on him.
Drastic events were taking place while he was still in mid-flight.
A pillar of light was suddenly erected from deep within the mountains on a
ridge, releasing platinum-colored radiance.
This pillar of of light reached the storm clouds above. Although it was
nighttime, the surrounding mountains and forest were still illuminated for a
period of time.
After merely ten seconds, the pillar of light vanished.
"Kusanagi Godou, our destination is near the pillar of light."
"Then let's land nearby. I'll head over on my own while you meet up with
Erica and the others to await the next move. I'm counting on you."
Godou gave orders to the silver-haired female knight who was flying with
him.
Perhaps Pallas Athena was currently locked in a duel with the "King of the
End." Refusing to let his companions face unnecessary risk, that was why
Godou flew to the destination with Liliana alone.
After roughly three minutes, they finally landed at one end of the mountain
ridge.
Liliana nodded to convey her thoughts to Godou, speaking with a knight's
solemn face.
"May fortune favor you, also—"
As though about to whisper, she lowered her voice.
Godou approached her to listen more clearly. Then Liliana nonchalantly
drew near Godou and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"!?"
"Th-This is a prayer for your good fortune. Should you return safe and
sound... L-Let us continue in the usual manner."
"The usual manner!?"
"A-Are those passionate sessions between lips and tongues not the usual
between you and us?"
Unable to offer a rebuttal, Godou was rendered dumbstruck.
Liliana gazed at Godou with eyes of tender affection for a moment before
using flight magic again. Enveloped in blue light, she flew away.
Alone by himself again, Godou refreshed his mood and ran down the slope.
This mountain ridge was only sparsely covered by trees. Due to the
excellent visibility, Godou instantly found his destination.
After running for two minutes, Godou arrived at his target.
Transformed into Medusa and enlarged in size, Pallas Athena was lying on
the ground.
Stabbed in the ground next to her was the Divine Sword of Salvation. The
last time Godou saw its splendorous form was during his trip to ancient
times, but now it was radiant with sacred magnificence.
Pallas Athena was bleeding severely.
There were cuts on various parts of her Gorgon body—hundreds of
locations.
Every wound was dark red with nonstop bleeding. The ground beneath her
was dyed by an ominous shade of red.
The "King of the End" was standing on the side in solitude.
Looking down at the fallen Pallas Athena sorrowfully, he shook his head
with beleaguered thoughts.
However, the goddess remained motionless, collapsed on the ground,
bleeding profusely. What on earth had happened?
While Godou was feeling surprised, the "King of the End" turned his head
back.
He looked at Godou in surprise but soon regained composure.
"If memory serves me correctly—I have met you before. Yes. No less than
fifteen hundred years or so ago. I have never seen you again in the battles
since, which I found rather unusual."
The "King of the End" remembered Kusanagi Godou clearly.
Feeling a strangely emotional response to this fact, the Devil King
exterminating hero finally looked squarely into Godou's eyes.
This was the moment when god and Devil King faced off again after a
separation in time and space over fifteen hundred years.