Campione! Vol 1 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Conference of the Kings

Magic originated in Europe.

terms of cultural anthropology.

of every country in the world. The majority of powerful magic associations

most proper or mainstream.

to researching eastern philosophy and civilization.

incantations. Chinese wizardry included Taoism, Feng Shui, or the doctrine

Japan, the land of the warrior, was also a suitable research subject that

Japanese spiritual faith was also a popular topic of research.

of foreign researchers.

differences in stature, they were neither prestigious nor wealthy.

the generations.

who were entrusted to shrines and monasteries to work as nuns or miko.

Due to this blood line, the family had substantial influence in religious and

Also during the Meiji and Showa eras, there was a Mariya family elder who

western culture.

The Mariya family provided hospitality to researchers who visited Japan for

Europe, they would even take them out to tour and have fun if the

Hence, though it appeared that Yuri grew up in a traditional Japanese

foreigners.

experience of visiting Europe a couple of times.

opportunity for her to be imprisoned by Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

nostalgic."

They were in the library reading room that he had taken over by force.

sat was like a monarch sitting on a royal throne.

"I was extremely bored that time, and was trying to get a good hunt,

Gods] are not coming out. Unwilling to show themselves to me, this has

The only ones listening to him were Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.

opposite. In fact, his actions were often extremely selfish and full of

"I have several privileges, and one of them includes the right to choose my

are worthy of being hunted by me."

The Devil King who had slaughtered many gods was showing a hideously

As terrifying power flowed out continuously from his tall thin body, light

"A deity suitable to be my prey—this was a problem I had yet to solve that

succeeds, then I should be able to enjoy myself for a while—"

snatched away the summoned god, Voban's smile disappeared from his

He turned his stern gaze towards empty space.

time I need your cooperation—ah, but you don't have the right to refuse,

Four years ago, in order to complete the [God Summoning] spell which

gathered talented miko from all around Europe, and used their miko

holidays, it turned out to be an unfortunate coincidence for the Mariya

A miko of Mariya's caliber was very rare even in Europe.

their mission to capture talented miko, and determined her to be a worthy

"Heh, after all you won't be able to escape, so just go with the flow and

The Devil King's evil eyes glowed with green light.

by a layer of faint light, and as they rapidly turned white all feeling was lost.

Right now, she was being targeted by that power. By transforming just a

possessed the ability to control this authority with precision.

replacement."

to waste such rare excellent talent on a game would be a shame."

The legs, which had become white inorganic matter, immediately regained

of her heart.

You have such a valuable disposition that I can't be sure how much will

unnecessary experiment."

This was a smile with a kind of humorous feeling, a smile full of jeer.

them, right?"

A figure suddenly appeared behind his back.

once illustrious battle outfit, and there was some kind of crest embroidered

On the belt secured around the waist was a sabre.

fourteenth century.

undoubtedly the face of a dead person, expressionless, hollow, and

lack of a rotting stench.

Yuri recalled one of Voban's authorities. The power to dominate those who

If one were to resist him, that would be the end result.

person has no lifespan, and would never obtain peace once fettered by

"The god who resurrected from death—restoring the body that was torn

Suddenly, words flowed out of Yuri's mouth.

powers. A god's figure appeared from behind Voban's back. It was a

Most likely, this was the god of life and death who was vanquished by this

The god who ruled the cycle of life and was the consort of the mother earth

"Oh? You know how I usurped authority from this god?"

"Try explaining it. Show me the level of your power."

be too concerned—"

Yuri's body shook at the roaring reproach.

an Egyptian deity."

vision and the god.

Voban nodded, satisfied with what he has he heard.

Voban smiled as if he was very happy. Every time Yuri saw the figure of

Amongst the divinities of ancient Egypt, Osiris was considered one of the

The father of Horus, the god of the harvest for the previous generation of

return to the living world after his body was cut into fourteen pieces, he

How could one face a monster who defeated a god like that?

body—then she suddenly remembered the words he said yesterday.

The sincere and kind words from the youth whose existence was similar to

him to fly to those in need who called upon his name.

Yuri thought he did not have a chance of winning.

deeply since she had made contact with both kings. Though both belonged

The old man had already mastered his special powers, but the youth was

It would be like a kitten challenging a tiger, Yuri's spirit sense declared. If

would be the victor without a doubt.

name.

It was around dusk, and droplets of rain gradually began to fall from the

Kusanagi Godou and Erica Blandelli were leaving Jounan Academy, and

A few days ago during gym class, when Erica was playing

all the boys. And then today after school, dragging the unwilling Godou

"—Come make a bet and see if any of you can hit a ball pitched by me!"

Godou pitied from the bottom of his heart the baseball club members

Furthermore, the famed starting catcher of the baseball team was going to

she wants. The weak baseball club, which always lost in the first match in

had zero hope of winning.

do something by himself.

striking out the eighth player in a row.

Godou shouted at the ninth batter who was walking towards the batting

"Oh my, Godou, I feel like you are plotting something."

an amateur!"

up a metal bat.

First was a foul. Second was a strike. The third was caught by the catcher.

Erica who had insisted on throwing straight pitches till now, suddenly threw

as a straight pitch!

Championship would not be able to throw such a curveball so easily.

ball. A sharp hit sending the ball flying beautifully between the third base

...In reality, Godou had already predicted such a ball midway.

comic based on real techniques. In addition, the comic was opened on a

—Still, what if she really succeeded in that kind of pitch...

levels. What admirable talent.

"Godou you broke my hard earned winning streak, can't you read the

"For someone who has played baseball seriously for nine years, I couldn't

an amazing fellow, but please behave yourself."

rain.

become much different now. By the time Godou noticed, it had already

and walked side by side. The feeling of ill fate was clearly increasing.

There were times when Erica's presence had a kind of femininity which

when Godou was by her side.

the most natural thing in the world.

more intimate, without warning there will come a day when Godou would

"What is it now, Godou, you suddenly look so distracted, did you discover

Erica smiled all of a sudden.

Camellia. It's true, such frequent close contact isn't going to work. Godou

"No, it's nothing. Don't make random guesses."

Erica gazed as Godou as if she had ulterior motives, and suddenly spoke.

with both hands.

"Hey! Didn't you just break it yourself, what are you talking about!?"

under his umbrella.

accomplish by strength alone. Desperate resistance would be futile. Erica
hugged his left arm tightly and whispered in his ear.

"Isn't this great? Two lovers sheltering from the rain together like this is

"I'll lend my umbrella to you! Go away quickly!"

properly. Ah, the rain has dripped on my shoulder, could you come a bit

Without waiting for Godou's response, Erica leaned even closer.

Those proportions like a goddess and the stimulating sensations from the

the breath blowing at his ear hinted how close her lips were.

like a kiss. Godou must escape as quickly as possible!

observers. Don't you think it's inappropriate for high school students on the

Since force will not work he had to try some other method, thought Godou

"For lovers, this kind of behavior is perfectly acceptable. Ah, a kiss in the

An opponent that cannot be handled by little tricks.

as Godou made the decision to struggle from this witch and escape with all

"If you don't have enough umbrellas, how about I give you a ride? In return,

Interrupted by a calm voice, Erica immediately separated herself from

A battle stance—Godou felt surprised that Erica had switched to a high

cook while humming a tune.

"My name is Amakasu Touma—have you heard of the History Compilation

A man wearing a creased suit and carrying a black umbrella.

"Actually, we have a working relationship with Mariya-san. Last time during

background."

The battle with Athena had plunged Tokyo into darkness and destroyed

Compilation Committee had been busy throughout and after the incident,

"Uh, what do you mean? I don't quite understand, however, what is it that

"Godou, please don't act so friendly, he is probably one of those people

"Well, that goes the same for you and me. We're both birds of a feather.

Amakasu forced a smile at Erica's accusation. However, his expression

"It's an emergency situation and time is of the essence. We wish to borrow

Dejanstahl Voban. Are you aware of this?"

Godou felt deeply shocked by this unexpected news. The name he heard

"Marquis Voban? I can hardly believe it. It would be plausible for him to go

nation in the Far East, isn't that too strange? And what reason does he

Erica's tone of voice was contemptuous and clearly full of suspicion.

Voban from a long time ago. There was once an incident... Anyway, it is

with us?"

Godou answered immediately to Amakasu's humble request, without an

"Yes, I hope you can understand this sudden and suspicious request—the

"I will help, so let's go to Mariya's location immediately."

Amakasu felt surprised by Godou's immediate answer, as he was prepared

Godou nodded, but Erica beside him frowned.

of wariness please."

Erica's warning was correct. Though he didn't admit it, Godou agreed with

No matter what, he also had the 'news' provided from last night.

me about the Marquis Voban coming to Japan, and though he was talking

lie, right?"

Though he was a problematic character, but Salvatore Doni was not a man

A man who was totally useless when faced with deceptive situations. A

sword.

revived then who knows when he might be coming to trouble Godou, don't

"Yes, Erica. It might be troublesome if you got caught up in another conflict

Godou made a suggestion to the companion chattering away.

After all, he had become enemies with the Campione who was known as

all assistance provided to Godou to be terminated, but Erica ignored it.

stalemate.

had a strong influence over the Copper Black Cross as well.

head.

to meet a Devil King? I will not follow such a stupid order. You are still

honestly?"

Whenever Erica spoke like that, it was usually feigned stubbornness that

and gratitude.

man and Mariya are located. We will try our best."

Amakasu glanced at Godou and Erica separately, and lowered his head in

It was almost like the motion of a comedic actor.

Amakasu drove Godou and Erica to Aobadai.

Godou felt perplexed that Voban and Yuri were at such a place. Why

Deciding to let Amakasu stand by in the parking lot, Godou and Erica

—A sudden attack.

"An enemy!"

It was the entrance to the library.

his life was still full of trials and tribulations. Godou smacked his lips as he

Erica summoned her beloved sword Cuore di Leone and elegantly

It was a man wearing some kind of long-hemmed clothing on his upper

a master, but the face under the helmet completely lacked spirit and

Almost like a dead person—this thought made Godou shudder with horror.

Having thus named the new monster—

"Oh, another one!?"

charging towards them.

When she knocked down the first one, Erica held the advantage, but she

along attacking.

second strike of the tachi[2]!

Godou used the essential actions of a forward kick to send the (clearly)

disgust at the increasingly powerful defensive and offensive capabilities of

"Godou, please hold on for a while, I will take care of them soon enough."

of them alone."

This was because the authority obtained from the god of war Verethragna

A sword master far beyond his own capabilities, but was not someone with

and definitely not an evil criminal oppressing the populace.

Godou hurriedly retreated, planning on maintaining a distance.

wait or to go on the offensive.

pointing my blade at you—however, that important person there is the king

The girl's awe-inspiring voice resounded.

steel—tough yet flexible.

the pledge of the knight Liliana Kranjcar."

footsteps.

Furthermore, her slim figure was like a beautiful fairy. A girl who carried a

"I am the inheritor of the berserker's stone tablet, the descendant of the

knights, appear in my hand with the essence of dreams!"

Liliana.

"Come, the foundation of my might, Il Maestro!"

battle outfit greatly resembled the red and black upper garments worn by

Liliana exhaled and stepped forward.

death knight and Godou.

Erica seemed to know the girl armed with the sabre.

casually sent a second horizontal slash at her opponent's body.

scattered upon the ground.

reason for you to call me like that."

relationship. Liliana was responding with an unyielding tone of voice.

"Yes, have you heard of [Dead Servants]? They were released by the

definitely come to you looking for trouble!!"

vigilance.

also swung her sabre downwards in front of her.

One would have expected the sword guards to clash, but it did not happen.

sabre to deflect the death knight's sword.

Slashed open by a diagonal cut, the death knight also turned into ash.

"...Thank you, I'm saved."

to apologize for making a [King] dirty his hands fighting a death knight.

Godou wanted to thank Liliana who saved him from a tough situation, but

Erica laughed to herself from the side.

your accumulated stress anyway."

Liliana frowned as she spoke.

dialogue with great interest.

together, right? It is true that your grandfather is a worshiper of the

Hearing Erica's speculation, Liliana's face changed. The hunch was likely

"However, knowing your overly righteous attitude and the rumored

many things you cannot speak out against. Isn't that a lot of stress?"

Liliana tried to prevent Erica from speaking further with a brusque voice.

Godou couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Liliana.

"—Kusanagi Godou, there is absolutely zero basis in the things your lover

however, as a knight there is nothing dishonorable about it. No, without a

"Ah, I get it."

red.

"By the way, Erica is not really anything like my lover. That, truly is

"You do not have to cover it up. Our information network is already fully

beyond the bounds of normal friendship. Given the skilled techniques of

compare."

Godou yelled reflexively in response.

between Godou and I, and is very obstructive.' Besides, your denial is

Liliana mentioned a name that could not be ignored.

felt the rise of a sudden murderous impulse.

"Do not call me Lily. Only on the day before I met the Marquis Voban—Sir

with great detail. In addition, he also talked about you with great passion."

It felt like the kind of revulsion a girl obsessed with cleanliness would feel

"Ah, did that fellow say something strange?"

cannot forget the night so passionate like a dream, and blindingly bright as

everything he had. At that time, it felt like the world only contained the two

At that moment, Liliana lowered her gaze, her cheeks blushing slightly.

relationship, but if permissible, what I wish to say is, those kinds of impure

dishonest two-timing behavior... Ah, please forget what I just said."

Uninterested in Godou's yelling, Erica spoke.

these strange fellows approach you? People like Sir Salvatore, you need

"I want to drive them away too, but if they keep coming back for trouble,

After answering, Godou took a deep breath.

now, just forget about it, and devote all attention to solving the task at

Determined, Godou asked Liliana.

there?"

Liliana walked towards the depths of the library. The meeting with the

Part 4

reading room.

Unlike the rumors of a mad dog, the old man's appearance was very

his body did not give an impression of being weak. Perhaps it was due to

Wearing a neat suit, he seemed like an old gentleman.

"Kranjcar, you were very violent towards my servant."

It was not a reprimand, but held more of a mocking tone.

and raised my sword. I will accept any punishment."

Answering as if playing around, Voban looked bored and gazed at Godou.

"You look quite young, but come to mention it, I also became [King] around

already, but I do not know yours."

Godou reported his name without using honorifics.

applying his usual respect for elders.

seem like she had suffered any serious attack. She was watching Godou's

"Why!? Kusanagi-san. Coming to this place because of me!"

are you ok Mariya? Have they mistreated you?"

Voban cracked his lips open to reveal a sarcastic grin.

am sorry, but she will be mine."

involve others!"

Whether Voban's goal, Yuri's necessity, or the dangers of the [Heretical

continue with his heinous acts.

Voban yawned as if bored, and was completely unaffected.

entering your territory without consent. However, do not mistakenly believe

[King], should you not prepare to pay the price?"

"Yes, a miko to replace this girl, and one that can summon a god to be my

The old man did not seem to want to waste words. It looked like

Godou smacked his lips. Was there any way other than a show of force?

like there was no other way but to display the power he possessed—the

Just as Godou was agonizing—

pleading something.

Godou felt doubt, and released the right fist which had clenched

Yuri nodded greatly, so the guess was correct.

Just now, the words 'use force' had crossed Godou's mind.

Even if Yuri had not stopped him, it was something to be avoided.

life with common sense,' should find an easier solution to the problem...

Until now, she had been waiting in a corner of the reading room with

walked over before the [King].

"No, my king. I apologize deeply for my tardiness. We better follow the

With a glamorous smile refusing Godou's request, Erica provided counsel

Voban immediately reacted to those words.

To the old Devil King who had taken a slight interest, Erica gracefully

"Honored to meet you. I am Erica Blandelli—the Great Knight of the

"Paolo Blandelli's successor? What was the meaning of what you just

"Yes, allow me to proceed."

naughty child.

"I don't know if you have heard, but my master Kusanagi Godou and our

Furthermore, this battle nurtured a bond of friendship between two

Godou could feel cold sweat from his back.

plans was Salvatore Doni.

similar to a good relationship!"

Salvatore. Isn't that right, Liliana?"

Being asked so suddenly, Liliana answered rather displeasedly.

Godou yelled, but it was too late.

than an ally, perhaps he would be happier if it was described as something

From the sight of this, she must have been played thoroughly like a doll by

As he pitied Liliana, Godou raised his head and looked towards the sky.

enemies with the Copper Black Cross, youngster—you are Salvatore's ally,

"In addition, there is one more thing about my master's victory a month

Erica added more fuel to the fire.

"The goddess Athena—a powerful deity requiring no explanation.

her escape just before the very end, and did not usurp any authority..."

It changed.

That posture was as sharp as swords, and as ferocious as charging wild

Sitting on the chair as if it was a throne, he started to shake lightly.

that an old man could be producing them.

not even slaughtered a single god! Hahaha, to have accomplished all that,

enemy of the ultimate goddess of darkness? [Diavolo Rosso], what did

The old Devil King asked as he laughed with great mirth.

personally from afar, the Marquis would definitely want to have a

about an elderly body, and something about bowing down in service to the

"Never! No matter how much that fellow messes around, he would never

However, it was too late.

"Good. To make an opponent out of a brat who has not even been [King]

along."

Eyes of a tiger. Godou felt himself out of breath as he thought of such a

"Brat—as you have requested, take this girl back. However, in exchange,

Voban violently grabbed Yuri's arm and threw her towards Godou.

Yuri's body was trembling slightly, her face pale and bloodless, as if

comfort her.

here thirty minutes later to take the lives of you and the girl. You can hide

hunt down and corner you. These are the rules of the hunt, understood?"

Godou prepared himself, and silently nodded.

1. ↑ Kami (神) is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or

2. ↑ Tachi (太刀) is a type of traditional Japanese sword worn by the

Chapter end