Campione!

Prologue[Excerpt From the Meeting Minutes with Associated Individuals, Writtenby the Traveling Archeologist Sherilyn from London, Beginning of the 21stCentury]Dragons have nine similarities.Heads like a camel, horns like a deer, eyes like a ghost, ears like a bull,appearances like a snake, bellies like a mirage, scales like a carp, clawslike an eagle, palms like a tiger.Such is the [Dragon]'s appearance as written in Chinese books.But it was merely a fantastical description written in text, combining variouscreatures to form a strange biological existence.At the same time, the dragon's greatest similarity was its considerablesemblance to snakes.Whether it was eastern or western, dragons always had a thin, snake-likebody, and at the same time exhibited characteristics of other beastsspecial to the region; therefore it always looked different given variations inlocation and time. The greatest unchanging aspect of this beast was that italways had its foundation as a [Serpent], which, regardless of region, hasnot differed since ancient times.[Notes of the Witch Lucretia Zola, Regarding the Mythology of Perseusand Andromeda]The monster perched by the waterside (likely a great serpent ordragon-kin) required them to present a girl as sacrifice.At this moment, the timely appearance of a hero defeated the monster; hethen took the rescued girl as his wife.We have confirmed that even in the far-eastern Japan, there were alsostories like that of Perseus and Andromeda. The most renowned exampleswould be the tales surrounding the Yamata no Orochi.^ ^Susanoo defeated the Yamata no Orochi before marrying Kushinada.^^^Then from the tail of the slain serpent, he was granted the blessing of adivine sword.Therefore, Susanoo acquired the [Sword] from the body of the [Serpent].There were several similarities to the formula that we European witchesare familiar with.For example, Siegfried who became immortal after killing the dragonFafnir,^^^ or the knight Sir Lancelot who received the magic sword from thefaerie of the lake.^^In other words — confronting dragons was the hidden symbiotic relationshipbetween heroes of steel and the gods of the earth and water.[Liliana Kranjcar, about to go on vacation, just before meeting the[King]]It was already late July and about to change months.Europe was in the middle of summer, the season of long vacations.Spending the long vacation in either resorts that avoid the summer heat orcoastal locations was good; renting a villa to spend leisure time was alrightas well, even relaxing at one's own home from morning to night was not abad call.So for Liliana Kranjcar to assess her own swimsuit in front of the mirror inher room, it was not something others should gossip about.Because it should be like that."...No, no this isn't good either, how can I wear something like this in frontof everyone!"Liliana was looking at herself in the mirror, frankly pointing out that it wasimpossible for her to dress like that.The long vacation was scheduled to be spent by the sea this year.Therefore, she was now trying out the new swimsuit now. But...What was wrapped around her slender body were the upper and lowerportions of a bikini.Although her body was very slender, the lush and delicate chest, as well asthe feminine waistline, were both very soft, while her slim legs were likefine glass, all of it giving a fairy-like cuteness and thedangerously-balanced charm of a girl.Liliana looked despairingly at her posture.— Definitely not! This is way too exposed! Way too vulgar!Liliana's white skin tone overwhelmed the blue lines of the swimsuit thatwas covering her.It was way too daring.Even though it fit perfectly, it was still problematic.Although such an appearance may create some opportunities for her,things that could not be done just could not be done.The blistering summer sun, the scorching hot beach.At this time, the shy Liliana strolled in her swimsuit, watched by agentleman (definitely a handsome guy, clad in swimwear, with the tannedskin of an athlete) who could not keep his eyes off her.The shy Liliana occasionally made eye contact, but the guy sent anelegant smile her way. She thought it would finish with just that, but the twoof them met again several hours later"J-just what am I thinking, really compared to this, Karen!""What are your orders, Liliana-sama? Does that swimsuit still meet yourwishes?"As Liliana addressed the exclusive maid who stood behind her, the otherreplied in a calm steady voice.Karen Jankulovski.A petite and cute girl who was wearing a maid outfit.At age fourteen, she was at an age when studying should be her focus.But, Karen was currently an apprentice sorceress studying at the Kranjcarfamily's [Bronze Black Cross] magic association. She already finished herhigh school courses, a result of constantly skipping grades while studyingwithin the private school ran by the association.Now she worked besides Liliana, receiving an education necessary forwitches."It's rare to come here to shop, but I feel like this swimsuit doesn't fit me;seems way too showy.""Not at all; I think it fits you perfectly.""No! F-for a lady, just wearing such a thin swimsuit is already a problem!""Don't you often emphasize that you are a knight and not a lady?""Eh, that is completely true, b-but what about as a girl! That's right, a puregirl shouldn't wear such shameless clothes."Liliana declared in a high tone.But Karen sighed with a tiny sound, and with gentle eyes that looked likeshe was dealing with a selfish child, she said:"Really? Since Liliana-sama says that, there's also another swimsuit that Iprepared but you might mind what others think of it."Karen replied in a teasing tone.Karen Jankulovski was not only an excellent witch, but also a capablemaid, not to mention someone with an unforgiving tongue full of critique forothers."Since it's a swimsuit, it's natural to be very thin; the fact that you mindsuch minor details also means that your tolerance is far too low ah, I'mreally sorry, I accidentally spoke my mind, please forgive me."Liliana could not help but frown as she heard these words that lacked thesincerity of an apology.But, such a level of criticism was not enough to change her views."Then, what do you think of this swimsuit? I prepared it as a backup just incase. This is a blue one-piece swimsuit, completely lacking any cuteness;its simplicity and lack of sexiness is its only trait, a piece that completelylacks any sense of interest — ""If you already prepared a plain swimsuit, then take it out in the first place."As she watched, Karen pick up a swimsuit from the nearby table, Lilianarelaxed and let out her breath at last.But the calmly plotting maid purposefully made a worried expression."Well, I did prepare it, but when I heard that Erica Blandelli-sama'sswimsuit this year was not only light and functional, but also a bikini thatemphasized her boldness and sex appeal, I thought that if this continued,you won't even have a chance to compete against her "" What did you say?"Although Liliana wanted to pretend those words were just a passing wind,she was completely hooked after hearing the name of her rival."Karen how do you know what Erica's swimsuit will be like this year?""Do you know Arianna Arialdi? She's Erica-sama's maid and a long-timefriend of mine; just yesterday on the phone we ended up chatting aboutthis topic.""You, when did you build such a relationship with that devil woman?""Please don't be surprised by something like this; this was only to graspLiliana-sama's and our [Bronze Black Cross]' enemy — Erica-sama and herintentions."The petite maid showed a calm and natural expression to her surprisedmistress."Erica-sama and Liliana-sama are connected by an inexplicable fate, so it'slikely that you'll meet her on some beach or at some swimming poolgiven that, I'm extremely worried about such a plain swimsuit; I'm not sureif it even has the right to compete with her.""You are worrying over nothing; that fox woman is definitely staying inJapan, trying to beguile that seventh godslayer. I definitely will not meether this summer.Trying to use my rivalry with Erica to dress me up so shamefully? I will notlet you succeed.Hmph Liliana rejected Karen's suggestion with a cold smile."Ah, didn't you know? Erica-sama accompanied her lover — KusanagiGodou-sama and arrived in Italy."Now she received some completely unexpected information.Liliana fell silent and into deep thought; she had repeated her days ofconflict with Erica Blandelli since childhood. Their martial arts shared thespotlight equally with neither side gaining any advantage, and while hermagic was not as good as that woman in iron alchemy, she was stillone-step better overall.Then there were social skills, where Erica held an overwhelmingadvantage.Just on this matter she was never as good; as a woman, her charm andher presence has always lost to Erica. She did not feel like her appearanceor attitude lost in any way, then just why?No I'm definitely somewhat blunt, and I don't really know how to talkBut, that woman does not understand chores at all, especially when itcomes to cooking, where she herself held an overwhelming advantage.Liliana Kranjcar could be counted as a homemaking type of woman afterall."Then, we won't need the swimsuit you have on now, is that alright?"The maid suddenly asked as she was pondering over things.Liliana wanted to nod, but she hesitated. Was this alright? Was this reallyalright?From a normal standpoint, without prior arrangements, her chances ofmeeting Erica on the beach were almost zero. But when she thought of herluck regarding that woman, going to a ten or even twenty percent chancefrom zero was possible" No, let me carefully look over this again; this is actually alright.However please prepare the one piece for me as well, even though thisyear I'll wear the first one.""Is that so? I understand."Liliana pretended to be calm, while Karen coolly accepted the orders.Truthfully, as the head of the Kranjcar family, Liliana's grandfather wasalso worried about his granddaughter's lack of appeal, therefore heinstructed Karen to "at least make her choose some more appropriatestyles, but just how?", "Well Sir, please leave it to me.", "Oh— ifsuccessful, I'll reward you with a special bonus " and similar dialogue,none of which was appropriate to the topic right now.Nevertheless, the mistress and her exclusive maid finally came to a result,immediately followed byThe ring tone sounded on Liliana's cell phone."Hello, I am Kranjcar yes, it has been a long time, Diana. Eh, SirSalvatore? Yes, though I can get in touch with him Is there any reasonto request his divine power? Unless some rare occasion has happened?The Heraion? The Seal of the Snake and the Cow!?"After finishing her conversation, Liliana immediately opened her cellphone's contact list.She called Italy's proud godslayer of the sword — Salvatore Doni.To request his help, she had to reach him first.At the same time, Liliana called the maid that stood beside her."Karen, my apologies, looks like this year's vacation is cancelled, right nowwe need to find Sir Salvatore, then immediately head towards Naples.Please make the travel arrangements."I understand, Liliana-sama."This would drag Liliana Kranjcar into battle with the [Heretic Gods], andmarked her prelude to new adventures.References1 . t Perseus and Andromeda: Perseus is the Greek Hero who killedMedusa; on his return trip, he saved Andromeda, a Princess ofAethiopia, who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to pacify Cetus, amonster sent by Poseidon (Greek god of the ocean) to punish thelocals for their Queen's insolent boasts. Perseus slew Cetus, thenfreed and married Andromeda.2. t Yamata no Orochi: literally meaning 'Eight-Branched GiantSnake', Orochi was an eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragonslain by Susanoo, Japanese god of the sea and storms.3. t Kushinada: the eighth daughter of an elderly couple, whoseprevious seven daughters were all eaten by Orochi. After Susanoooffered to take her away to be saved, he then turned her into a comb toaccompany him into 'battle' with Orochi (he actually got Orochi drunkand killed it).4. t Divine Sword: After killing Orochi, Susanoo discovered the swordAme-no-Murakumo (also known as the Sword of Kusanagi) within itsbody, one of the most famous artifacts of Japan which would laterbecome one of the three pieces of the Imperial Reglia.5. t Siegfried and Fafnir: Siegfried of the German epic Nibelungenlied(and also known as Sigurd in Norse mythology) slayed the dragonFafnir, before he bathed in its blood which made his body invulnerable.However, a leaf was stuck on his back as he bathed where the blooddid not touch, and this vulnerable spot later caused his death.6. t Lancelot and the Sword: As a baby. Sir Lancelot was carried offby the Lady of the Lake who raised him in the faerie realms. The Ladyof the Lake was also renowned as the one who presented Arthur withExcalibur, although in some earlier Arthurian stories Lancelot was theone who received the famous sword instead.

Prologue[Excerpt From the Meeting Minutes with Associated Individuals, Writtenby the Traveling Archeologist Sherilyn from London, Beginning of the 21stCentury]Dragons have nine similarities.Heads like a camel, horns like a deer, eyes like a ghost, ears like a bull,appearances like a snake, bellies like a mirage, scales like a carp, clawslike an eagle, palms like a tiger.Such is the [Dragon]'s appearance as written in Chinese books.But it was merely a fantastical description written in text, combining variouscreatures to form a strange biological existence.At the same time, the dragon's greatest similarity was its considerablesemblance to snakes.Whether it was eastern or western, dragons always had a thin, snake-likebody, and at the same time exhibited characteristics of other beastsspecial to the region; therefore it always looked different given variations inlocation and time. The greatest unchanging aspect of this beast was that italways had its foundation as a [Serpent], which, regardless of region, hasnot differed since ancient times.[Notes of the Witch Lucretia Zola, Regarding the Mythology of Perseusand Andromeda]The monster perched by the waterside (likely a great serpent ordragon-kin) required them to present a girl as sacrifice.At this moment, the timely appearance of a hero defeated the monster; hethen took the rescued girl as his wife.We have confirmed that even in the far-eastern Japan, there were alsostories like that of Perseus and Andromeda. The most renowned exampleswould be the tales surrounding the Yamata no Orochi.^ ^Susanoo defeated the Yamata no Orochi before marrying Kushinada.^^^Then from the tail of the slain serpent, he was granted the blessing of adivine sword.Therefore, Susanoo acquired the [Sword] from the body of the [Serpent].There were several similarities to the formula that we European witchesare familiar with.For example, Siegfried who became immortal after killing the dragonFafnir,^^^ or the knight Sir Lancelot who received the magic sword from thefaerie of the lake.^^In other words — confronting dragons was the hidden symbiotic relationshipbetween heroes of steel and the gods of the earth and water.[Liliana Kranjcar, about to go on vacation, just before meeting the[King]]It was already late July and about to change months.Europe was in the middle of summer, the season of long vacations.Spending the long vacation in either resorts that avoid the summer heat orcoastal locations was good; renting a villa to spend leisure time was alrightas well, even relaxing at one's own home from morning to night was not abad call.So for Liliana Kranjcar to assess her own swimsuit in front of the mirror inher room, it was not something others should gossip about.Because it should be like that."...No, no this isn't good either, how can I wear something like this in frontof everyone!"Liliana was looking at herself in the mirror, frankly pointing out that it wasimpossible for her to dress like that.The long vacation was scheduled to be spent by the sea this year.Therefore, she was now trying out the new swimsuit now. But...What was wrapped around her slender body were the upper and lowerportions of a bikini.Although her body was very slender, the lush and delicate chest, as well asthe feminine waistline, were both very soft, while her slim legs were likefine glass, all of it giving a fairy-like cuteness and thedangerously-balanced charm of a girl.Liliana looked despairingly at her posture.— Definitely not! This is way too exposed! Way too vulgar!Liliana's white skin tone overwhelmed the blue lines of the swimsuit thatwas covering her.It was way too daring.Even though it fit perfectly, it was still problematic.Although such an appearance may create some opportunities for her,things that could not be done just could not be done.The blistering summer sun, the scorching hot beach.At this time, the shy Liliana strolled in her swimsuit, watched by agentleman (definitely a handsome guy, clad in swimwear, with the tannedskin of an athlete) who could not keep his eyes off her.The shy Liliana occasionally made eye contact, but the guy sent anelegant smile her way. She thought it would finish with just that, but the twoof them met again several hours later"J-just what am I thinking, really compared to this, Karen!""What are your orders, Liliana-sama? Does that swimsuit still meet yourwishes?"As Liliana addressed the exclusive maid who stood behind her, the otherreplied in a calm steady voice.Karen Jankulovski.A petite and cute girl who was wearing a maid outfit.At age fourteen, she was at an age when studying should be her focus.But, Karen was currently an apprentice sorceress studying at the Kranjcarfamily's [Bronze Black Cross] magic association. She already finished herhigh school courses, a result of constantly skipping grades while studyingwithin the private school ran by the association.Now she worked besides Liliana, receiving an education necessary forwitches."It's rare to come here to shop, but I feel like this swimsuit doesn't fit me;seems way too showy.""Not at all; I think it fits you perfectly.""No! F-for a lady, just wearing such a thin swimsuit is already a problem!""Don't you often emphasize that you are a knight and not a lady?""Eh, that is completely true, b-but what about as a girl! That's right, a puregirl shouldn't wear such shameless clothes."Liliana declared in a high tone.But Karen sighed with a tiny sound, and with gentle eyes that looked likeshe was dealing with a selfish child, she said:"Really? Since Liliana-sama says that, there's also another swimsuit that Iprepared but you might mind what others think of it."Karen replied in a teasing tone.Karen Jankulovski was not only an excellent witch, but also a capablemaid, not to mention someone with an unforgiving tongue full of critique forothers."Since it's a swimsuit, it's natural to be very thin; the fact that you mindsuch minor details also means that your tolerance is far too low ah, I'mreally sorry, I accidentally spoke my mind, please forgive me."Liliana could not help but frown as she heard these words that lacked thesincerity of an apology.But, such a level of criticism was not enough to change her views."Then, what do you think of this swimsuit? I prepared it as a backup just incase. This is a blue one-piece swimsuit, completely lacking any cuteness;its simplicity and lack of sexiness is its only trait, a piece that completelylacks any sense of interest — ""If you already prepared a plain swimsuit, then take it out in the first place."As she watched, Karen pick up a swimsuit from the nearby table, Lilianarelaxed and let out her breath at last.But the calmly plotting maid purposefully made a worried expression."Well, I did prepare it, but when I heard that Erica Blandelli-sama'sswimsuit this year was not only light and functional, but also a bikini thatemphasized her boldness and sex appeal, I thought that if this continued,you won't even have a chance to compete against her "" What did you say?"Although Liliana wanted to pretend those words were just a passing wind,she was completely hooked after hearing the name of her rival."Karen how do you know what Erica's swimsuit will be like this year?""Do you know Arianna Arialdi? She's Erica-sama's maid and a long-timefriend of mine; just yesterday on the phone we ended up chatting aboutthis topic.""You, when did you build such a relationship with that devil woman?""Please don't be surprised by something like this; this was only to graspLiliana-sama's and our [Bronze Black Cross]' enemy — Erica-sama and herintentions."The petite maid showed a calm and natural expression to her surprisedmistress."Erica-sama and Liliana-sama are connected by an inexplicable fate, so it'slikely that you'll meet her on some beach or at some swimming poolgiven that, I'm extremely worried about such a plain swimsuit; I'm not sureif it even has the right to compete with her.""You are worrying over nothing; that fox woman is definitely staying inJapan, trying to beguile that seventh godslayer. I definitely will not meether this summer.Trying to use my rivalry with Erica to dress me up so shamefully? I will notlet you succeed.Hmph Liliana rejected Karen's suggestion with a cold smile."Ah, didn't you know? Erica-sama accompanied her lover — KusanagiGodou-sama and arrived in Italy."Now she received some completely unexpected information.Liliana fell silent and into deep thought; she had repeated her days ofconflict with Erica Blandelli since childhood. Their martial arts shared thespotlight equally with neither side gaining any advantage, and while hermagic was not as good as that woman in iron alchemy, she was stillone-step better overall.Then there were social skills, where Erica held an overwhelmingadvantage.Just on this matter she was never as good; as a woman, her charm andher presence has always lost to Erica. She did not feel like her appearanceor attitude lost in any way, then just why?No I'm definitely somewhat blunt, and I don't really know how to talkBut, that woman does not understand chores at all, especially when itcomes to cooking, where she herself held an overwhelming advantage.Liliana Kranjcar could be counted as a homemaking type of woman afterall."Then, we won't need the swimsuit you have on now, is that alright?"The maid suddenly asked as she was pondering over things.Liliana wanted to nod, but she hesitated. Was this alright? Was this reallyalright?From a normal standpoint, without prior arrangements, her chances ofmeeting Erica on the beach were almost zero. But when she thought of herluck regarding that woman, going to a ten or even twenty percent chancefrom zero was possible" No, let me carefully look over this again; this is actually alright.However please prepare the one piece for me as well, even though thisyear I'll wear the first one.""Is that so? I understand."Liliana pretended to be calm, while Karen coolly accepted the orders.Truthfully, as the head of the Kranjcar family, Liliana's grandfather wasalso worried about his granddaughter's lack of appeal, therefore heinstructed Karen to "at least make her choose some more appropriatestyles, but just how?", "Well Sir, please leave it to me.", "Oh— ifsuccessful, I'll reward you with a special bonus " and similar dialogue,none of which was appropriate to the topic right now.Nevertheless, the mistress and her exclusive maid finally came to a result,immediately followed byThe ring tone sounded on Liliana's cell phone."Hello, I am Kranjcar yes, it has been a long time, Diana. Eh, SirSalvatore? Yes, though I can get in touch with him Is there any reasonto request his divine power? Unless some rare occasion has happened?The Heraion? The Seal of the Snake and the Cow!?"After finishing her conversation, Liliana immediately opened her cellphone's contact list.She called Italy's proud godslayer of the sword — Salvatore Doni.To request his help, she had to reach him first.At the same time, Liliana called the maid that stood beside her."Karen, my apologies, looks like this year's vacation is cancelled, right nowwe need to find Sir Salvatore, then immediately head towards Naples.Please make the travel arrangements."I understand, Liliana-sama."This would drag Liliana Kranjcar into battle with the [Heretic Gods], andmarked her prelude to new adventures.References1 . t Perseus and Andromeda: Perseus is the Greek Hero who killedMedusa; on his return trip, he saved Andromeda, a Princess ofAethiopia, who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to pacify Cetus, amonster sent by Poseidon (Greek god of the ocean) to punish thelocals for their Queen's insolent boasts. Perseus slew Cetus, thenfreed and married Andromeda.2. t Yamata no Orochi: literally meaning 'Eight-Branched GiantSnake', Orochi was an eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragonslain by Susanoo, Japanese god of the sea and storms.3. t Kushinada: the eighth daughter of an elderly couple, whoseprevious seven daughters were all eaten by Orochi. After Susanoooffered to take her away to be saved, he then turned her into a comb toaccompany him into 'battle' with Orochi (he actually got Orochi drunkand killed it).4. t Divine Sword: After killing Orochi, Susanoo discovered the swordAme-no-Murakumo (also known as the Sword of Kusanagi) within itsbody, one of the most famous artifacts of Japan which would laterbecome one of the three pieces of the Imperial Reglia.5. t Siegfried and Fafnir: Siegfried of the German epic Nibelungenlied(and also known as Sigurd in Norse mythology) slayed the dragonFafnir, before he bathed in its blood which made his body invulnerable.However, a leaf was stuck on his back as he bathed where the blooddid not touch, and this vulnerable spot later caused his death.6. t Lancelot and the Sword: As a baby. Sir Lancelot was carried offby the Lady of the Lake who raised him in the faerie realms. The Ladyof the Lake was also renowned as the one who presented Arthur withExcalibur, although in some earlier Arthurian stories Lancelot was theone who received the famous sword instead.