Campione!

Chapter 6 - God and Godslayer, Intense ShowdownBetween Two HeroesPart 1A few hours passed after the godslayers had fled.Though it was late at night, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, SunWukong, was far from sleeping."Damn it, Old Sun here was looking for a good fight and all they did wasrun away. What cruel and inconsiderate fellows!"Summoning his golden cloud, he flew to the peak of Nantaisan.He grumbled as he overlooked the darkness beneath. Due to the depletionof divine power, Zhu Ganglie and Vaisravana were no more, havingreturned to their figurine state."In that case, to prevent those fellows from fleeing the next battle, I'd betterlay down a proper trap... Bait them, surround them, and beat them up tomy heart's content..."The Great Sage sat cross-legged on his cloud and began to mutter."Showing them my divine might is really the most effective method. Thatgodslayer brat seems to be rather obsessed with the girl in my belly... Hewill definitely show up on his own volition. As for that fellow dressed inblack, it'd be great if he came, if not then I'll just lure him some other way."Despite pondering for a great while, in the end all he reached was ahalf-assed conclusion.The divine monkey was the world's strongest ruffian, but also a god ofbattle foreign to the concept of advance planning."Hohoho, this vast land is already my territory, and it'd be nice to furtherextend its boundaries."Muttering to himself, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven pulled out a handfulof hairs from his fur.Chewing them a few times in his mouth, he blew them away. Repeatingthis process dozens of times, tens, hundreds, thousands of strands of furwere scattered in the wind."Innocence. Supreme success / Perseverance furthers. If someone is notas he should be / He has misfortune / And it does not further him / Toundertake anything. Under heaven thunder rolls: All things attain thenatural state of innocence. Thus the kings of old / Rich in virtue, and inharmony with the time / Fostered and nourished all beings. ^Chanting the spell words, the Great Sage distributed his divine power tothe doppelgangers.Then let's wait for these mechanisms to spread over the vast land. Otherthan extending the territory, they could also display the monkey king'sdivine might to those Campiones, and be used as a signal for battle.Let's sit back and wait for the prey to show itself. Even though he did notfeel sleepy in the slightest, the Great Sage went to sleep anyway on hiscloud, twisting and turning.Meanwhile, Toushouguu had been turned into a stone prison as the resultof the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's divine power.In order to handle the crisis of the imprisoned demonic cult leader, therewere still people at work even though it was late at night.The personnel responsible for sealing off the area were members of mobilearmed forces, police-related people, spellcasters trying to reverse thecataclysm through magical means, as well as History CompilationCommittee members...Their base of operations was a tent put up temporarily on the main visitingpath to Toushouguu. Currently, three prominent members of the handlingcommittee were gathered here."Ah — ! Every time I am reminded of Master's imprisonment within thestone, I feel like my body and soul are completely frozen! Dear heavens, ifonly this unworthy disciple, Lu Yinghua, could suffer hardship in Master'sstead! Etc etc... Now it's my turn, flip over and reveal all the cards! I willuse the combo of [This is that person's home!] followed by [I won't accepthim having that kind of wife!]'"The former half of this speech was yelled out loudly, while the latter wasspoken softly enough to be heard only by people next to the speaker.Lu Yinghua was the one speaking, putting on a one-man-show as heoperated a handheld gaming device with a touchpen."I'm not going to take that move head on. Activating the [You temptress,don't go near him anymore!] defense... By the way, Mr. Lu, what is thepoint of your little skit?"Similarly, Sayanomiya Kaoru also spoke as she played on her handheld.Though it was already 4am in the morning, the attention she paid to herappearance was impeccable, dressed in a refreshing suit jacket and awhite open-collared dress shirt, as well as cotton trousers (all in men'sstyle, of course)."Of course there's a point. Master's personality is far from ordinary... Evenif she is trapped in the stone prison, it would not be surprising for her to belistening to sounds outside using supernatural hearing. This is an importantpart of establishing proof of presence.""The fact that she has a personality that makes one suspect suchpossibilities, is truly the most terrifying thing about her..."Amakasu commented on Lu Yinghua's answer.He was still dressed in his usual suit, except this time he wore a sweaterand a thick cotton-padded jacket inside, as well as a surgical mask and afull array of equipment to keep warm and resist the flu."Spurt(the sound of blowing one's nose). Even if the situation evolves intoone of those thirteen-man teams in student council battle manga, it wouldnot be surprising... It's my turn, let me activate this interference magic,[Police Intervenes: Level 3]!""Wow... This will cut down to one third the power gauge of all cards withthe stalker attribute!?""As a result of this effect, Mr. Lu's cards have all turned into fodder, andthe only opponent remaining is Kaoru-san...""Oh my! Amakasu-san, I hold in my hand the card that makes all otherscommit suicide, the [You Fail in Life]... Wouldn't you believe it?""Who knows? Kaoru-san has already used that card twice. Bold as youare, I don't think you'd use that kind of double-edged card in a hat-trick...Cough cough!""Hohoho, I will feel troubled if you underestimate me too much... I shallnow use [My Womb Bears That Man's Child!] to start an assault on Mr.Lu.""Targeting me!? Don't look down on me! I sacrifice all the stalkers andsummon [Misery]!"The three of them were networking their handhelds to engage in athree-way battle.As the battle (also known as killing time) gradually reached a climax, therewere also others hard at work."Hmm... No good... Ordinary Daoist arts cannot counter this petrification!""Oh no — Will Her Eminence be buried alive forever!?"These voices were quite unclear, and had very distinctive accents.Lu Yinghua had summoned subordinates of the Lu family from places likeYokohama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Akihabara, who were now carryingout rescue operations.Amongst them, there were seven or eight male experts in Daoist arts."To be honest, the Committee does not actually allow foreign unaffiliatedpersonnel to enter its territory — ""That's okay, consider it a favor I owe you now.""If the young master of Hong Kong's Lu family says so, then that would befor the best. However, what kind of practical progress do you expect? Ithink this is just a waste of effort.""Took you long enough to say something like that. It is not only a waste ofeffort, but completely meaningless. Although from the perspective ofhuman Daoist arts, the spell can be categorized as a type ofQimen-Dunjia^, it is cast by a deity after all. Of course it's impossible formy bros to neutralize it. I never had any expectations in the first place.""Wow... You are clearly the leader and yet you speak like this?""Because he knew it wouldn't work from the very start. It does allow ourCommittee members to handle all matters unrelated to the rescueattempts, so there is nothing to complain about. However, pure numbers inpersonnel is meaningless in resolving the current incident..."Due to the uneasiness in her heart, Kaoru stopped moving the touchpen inher hand.Amongst the Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri had the best spirit vision, but in actualfact, Sayanomiya Kaoru also possessed the same ability. Though herproficiency was inferior to Mariya Yuri, it was still at a substantial level."Cough cough, Kaoru-san, what is it?""I had a very unpleasant premonition, as if something bad was about tohappen.""Then we can't ignore it. Just to be safe, we'd better make preparations,cough cough."Amakasu took out a small knife and began carving Chinese characters intothe petrified ground.Immediately, Kaoru sensed a massive amount of magical power flowing.Like some kind of terrifying but minuscule object was drifting here, carriedby the wind and infused with something like divine power, and that thesurroundings were undergoing change.The Daoist experts of the Lu family, as well as the policemen on nightwatch, had all transformed into monkeys!Japanese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc... All sorts ofprimates. Their nails and fangs were exceptionally long while their bodieswere frighteningly large, and they looked especially vicious.As soon as they caught sight of the two Committee members and thefamed young master of Hong Kong's Lu family, the monkeys became full ofmurderous intent!In the instant that they pounced ferociously —"By the name of the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, obey mycommands in haste!"Amakasu recited the mantra.The characters of "Changes of the Six Yin"^ carved in the ground beganto release magical power.Striking the ground with his hand, the petrified surface peeled off and couldbe flipped like a sheet of fabric and used to cover the three of them like acurtain.Their figures vanished in an instant. Or rather, they appeared to havevanished."Cough cough! This is also a type of Qimen-Dunjia... I'm only good at thesekinds of little tricks.""Not at all, it is very effective as always."Kaoru praised her subordinate's quick act of merit.Unable to find the three of them, the monkeys began looking all around inthe surroundings, sniffing for smells, trying to track them down, eventhough their quarries were right under their noses.Qimen-Dunjia — ninjutsu was a type of wizardry that came to Japan fromChina.It offered the capability to hide, disappear and reappear far away in aninstant, and also had spells in Fire, Water, Earth and other variants. For aninja descendant like Amakasu, these were family secrets passed downthe ages."The empty wind beneath the moonlit snowing sky, mayst thou blow apartthe path of the heavenly clouds... Reluctant to let the goddess return,hoping to keep her beauty on this earth!"While protected by the concealing arts, Kaoru used an investigative spell.Amplifying her vision, Kaoru surveyed the city of Nikkou from above as ifusing a telescope.The quiet little town should not have many pedestrians at such early hoursbefore dawn. However, the silhouettes of creatures could be seen, slowlycoming out of the people's homes in the dead of the night.Either opening windows with great dexterity or violently smashing theglass, these creatures coming out were all monkeys.If theories were correct, they were all humans who had been turned intomonkeys by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.This was the darkest hour before the arrival of daybreak...In this deep, deep darkness, strange demonic monkeys were roamingeverywhere. It was a comedic yet terrifying scene to behold.Kaoru continued scouting from above.From a cursory glance, the city streets nearby all seemed to have fallenunder the control of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Proceeding toobserve from above, there was the region along the Toubu Nikkou Linewhose railway ran along the Daiyagawa river, containing parks with golfcourses and bountiful green fields, the cedar forest planted by Tokugawaleyasu's retainer Matsudaira Nobutsuna which extended all the way to theold city streets of Nikkou, and finally the train stations of Kami-lmaichi andShimo-lmaichi —"...Looks like the area under the effects of the Great Sage EqualingHeaven consists of the surroundings of JR and Nikkou's Toubu Line. Thevicinity of Imaichi does not have any strange happenings for now, though itmay just be a matter of time."Kaoru ended the spell and reported her observations to the other twopeople.Currently, the personnel who had entered Nikkou numbered around thirtyor so, consisting of History Compilation Committee members, relatedorganizations and some sent by the local police. The reason why so fewhad been gathered was likely because they were afraid the currentsituation would arise.Conversely, none of these specially selected agents were transformed intomonkeys. Like Kaoru's trusted subordinate Amakasu Touma, they tookeffective action as their own independent judgment dictated.However, even concentrating these people's powers together, it was stillfutile in the face of a god."Things should be fine before dawn but there will be a problem if resolutionis delayed further. By the way, countering these transformations willprobably take a lot of labor.""Really, then we should start our preparations?"The one and only trump card was, of course, Kusanagi Godou — the DevilKing Campione.Kaoru possessed the virtues of always using the best person for the joband never spending unnecessary effort. As she briefly responded to hersubordinate's suggestion, Lu Yinghua seemed to be listening intently tosome kind of noise."Mr. Lu, did you hear something?""...I knew it would happen sooner or later, but she finally succeeded. Canyou two not hear it? The sound of stones shattering... Crushed, broken,pulverized by brute force."The two History Compilation Committee members looked at each otherafter hearing Lu Yinghua's low whispers. Neither of them could hear thesound but it was likely that the demonic cult leader's direct disciplepossessed sharp senses that rivaled Seishuuin Ena.All in all, the incident was most likely heading towards climax.Part 2As dawn drew near, Godou was woken up by Sayanomiya Kaoru's phonecall.'Just as I mentioned, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven has finally becomea threat to the human world. There is also an interesting occurrencementioned by Mr. Lu that I would like to tell you as well.'Despite the obvious urgency of the situation, she gave her report in a verycalm voice.'Then let's leave it at that, since we have to begin operations on our side.Let's talk again later.'"Ah... Sayanomiya-san, you don't have any other questions for me?"Godou inquired because he expected to be asked questions along thelines of 'Can the Great Sage really be defeated?' or 'What should we do?''It's fine if you just call me Kaoru. It's me who entrusted you with greatresponsibilities, Godou-san, so there is no point in being impatient at thisjuncture. I think you already realize the urgency of the situation, so unduehaste would be meaningless.'Kaoru did not mind a familiar manner of addressing her.During times of crisis, it was not an easy thing to entrust everything tosomeone reliable and then sit back and wait for the result. SayanomiyaKaoru had a much bolder personality than what the delicate beauty of herappearance might suggest.'Right, by the way, I expect Godou-san will one day ask me what sort ofconspiracy I am harboring. How I look forward to that. Anyway, that's it fornow, let's hope we will meet again, safe and sound.'Leaving behind these cryptic words, she hung up the phone.It was finally time for a decisive battle. Godou surveyed the surroundings.His female companions had all awakened, and they were now in a hotellobby.A few hours ago, they had escaped from the divine beasts and reached ahotel near the Dragon Head Falls.The staff and guests all seemed to have turned into monkeys and left, sothere were no others present. As soon as they set up a magical barrier asa precaution, they decided to rest and recuperate their energy inpreparation for the upcoming decisive battle.After having some food and a bath, they moved some beds into the lobby.In order to avoid a surprise attack, the entire group slept together. In theend they were only able to catch a few hours of sleep, but it was not toobad.Godou sat on the sofa in the lobby facing everyone else, and Ericaimmediately took a seat by his side.Getting close like leaning her body against him... No, they were pressedcompletely tight together, as if she was entrusting all her weight to Godou.In a rare moment, Erica gazed at Godou with a charming expressionlacking in domineering attitude.Unlike her usual teasing caresses, there was only the desire to confirmeach other's touch as they pressed their bodies together. In a certainsense, this behavior was even more affectionate than usual.And then Godou's gaze met with Yuri's.The prim, proper and beautiful Hime-Miko averted her eyes shyly for aninstant, but immediately smiled with calm composure as if she had notwitnessed Erica's intoxicated expression beside him, and then began togaze resolutely at the one she admired.It was a kind of beauty different from her usual self. Like the blooming of aflower bud, she had awakened as a woman...Ena also gave off a different impression than before, acting ratherawkwardly in front of Godou with a sense of restlessness, so shy that shehad trouble facing his direct gaze. It was indescribably adorable, andentirely different from the usually cheerful and outspoken Ena.Habitually paying no thought to her gender in the past, she finally becameaware of her identity as a woman, causing her to be at a loss.As for Liliana, her attitude became rather strange.The righteous awe and solemnity of the female knight was the same, buther facial expressions and motions were more gentle than usual. Theinnocent charm and sense of flowing tenderness were especiallyconspicuous. Her gaze towards Godou was filled with a gentle expressionthat one would only show towards their beloved, and she looked like shewas sharing some sort of secret with an accomplice. What was up withher? Why was she acting like this?This must be the kind of feeling Erica mentioned some time ago, theatmosphere surrounding a bodyguard who was also a lover!Liliana suddenly spoke."By the way, Kusanagi Godou, about the earlier incident..."As if responding to the pleasurable times of the tongue tasting earlier, shewas speaking with an intoxicated tone of voice:"About the ritual earlier, I am very sorry that I unwittingly lost control in theexcitement. N-Next time I will surely stay calm and composed to receiveyour love. As your premier knight, I will definitely do it."Hearing her sudden unexpected promise, Godou began to shrink back andretreat.After the ritual ended, Godou's mental state of absolute calm disappeared.How could that sort of thing have happened... Great unease overflowedfrom within since this time was different. In the past, that kind of behaviorwas always obviously forced!"1-1 have something to tell everyone first. I feel like I wasn't myself at thetime, it must have been the result of Verethragna's authority making me actout of control...""You really weren't your usual self, but I don't think it was out of control."Erica spoke with ice-cream melting sweetness, and brought her lips closeto Godou's ear as if having pillow talk."What are you talking about, I completely didn't get the feeling that yourpersonality changed at all, yes... Rather, it'd be best if the regular Godouacted as maturely as that in a few years' time.""Well said... I have renewed my understanding about what kind of personGodou-san truly is."Yuri was in deep thought.Completely ignoring the indecent behavior of the blonde beauty, her eyesgazing at Godou seemed to be hiding some secret that was supporting herresolute will."Godou-san treats us... No, not only us but all females with unnaturalwariness. Yesterday was the most natural act he had ever done withoutreservation after making his decision.""Ah — I sort of get it now, there are still many things about boys that Enaneeds to get used to."It was hard to believe that the premier Hime-Miko was now speaking soshyly when she should have been the most outspoken. There was acertain sexiness to her tone of voice, adding an extra touch of femininitycompared to usual."If His Majesty begins to accustom himself to girls, that should basically bethe way he acts. Hohoho, how I look forward to it.""He is already like a monster, it is hard to imagine that he still has room togrow..."Liliana sighed deeply in awe."Truly befitting of the man who is my lord. Such impressive magnanimity.""To have taken possession of us with such forcefulness, please takeresponsibility and spoil us with your love until the very end... However, Iexpect him to maintain the usual ambiguous relationship...""That's right, Ena is now in His Majesty's care until the day she dies. If hedoesn't take this responsibility, he is not worthy to be king.""Can we stop mentioning these things during a crisis situation like this? Ofcourse, I too, hope that Godou-san can treat me like that..."Erica murmured blissfully while Ena expressed agreement and Yuri madeher opinion known after chastising the others.Was this what was called being backed into a corner? Or perhaps thecrossroads of a lifetime?Godou was greatly stunned, but he still managed to bring the topic back totheir most pressing problem."1-1 think right now everyone should set aside the discussion of things likethe ritual and the protection, okay? We must make proper battle plans totake Hikari back from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Today will be thecrucial moment...""Oh my, but I don't really think that's necessary."The one objecting was Erica, who separated herself from Godou andrecovered her usual demeanor."Godou has already obtained the [Sword] for slaying the Great Sage whilethe rest of us have received [Protection]. Furthermore, we have tactics toprevent the manifestation of the two subordinate gods. Under all theseconditions, there is only one thing left to do.""Correct. A simple and direct duel, that's all."With Erica and Ena in agreement, consensus was established between thewise and the wild factions of the group.As the two glanced at each other, a graceful smile was met with a fearlessone. It seemed like there was some kind of covert competition going on.Anyway, the opinion of the two girls was correct.It had already come to this, so there was no reason to be led astray byunnecessary thoughts.Godou made a sign to Liliana with his eyes.The knight who was also a witch nodded immediately. After getting alongfor these several months, they were finally able to achieve silentunderstanding.It was the darkest night just before dawn.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven reclined horizontally on the golden cloudsuspended in midair. He was not off guard, but was sensing his divinepower exerting its influence in the surroundings with Nantaisan at thecenter, molding them after the Water Curtain Cave at the Mountain ofFlowers and Fruit to become his kingdom. Humans lost their intelligence,turned into monkeys and recovered their feral nature."Wouldn't it be fun to use these fellows to invade and conquer the human'sterritory... Oh, it came at last?"Feeling like he was being watched, the Great Sage Equaling Heavenpushed himself and got up. This was a spell used by human Daoistpriestesses. Someone is sending their vision flying here to peek at me, thegreat Sun Wukong. Something like that, I can simply blow away with abreath through my nose...But of course, he was not going to do something like that.This was clearly a godslayer's doing.The Great Sage laughed with his monkey face and changed his outfitusing divine power, putting on leather armor similar to that worn bytheatrical actors.Rather than heavy steel armor, it consisted of just a light breastplate,gauntlets and leg guards. A battle outfit suited to the monkey king whosespeed and agility were unmatched. Of course, he did not forget to take hisRuyi Staff either.Riding on his cloud and flying around, he surveyed his territory.Nantaisan, Lake Chuuzenji, Senjougahara with its vast plains of wetlands,as well as the little lake of Yunoko to the north.Traversing the Iroha-saku Route, he flew to the skies of his new territory,the city streets of Nikkou.With Toushouguu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnouji turned into a stoneprison, overall the streets gave a feeling of a small yet complete andfunctioning kingdom. The Great Sage flew to the airspace above theDaiyagawa.Monkeys casually roamed the streets under the cover of darkness.Whether transformed during their sleep or just before dawn, they were allhumans who had become the monkey king's underlings.Looking down upon his people, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven showedoff a U-turn.That particular place looked like a very appropriate battlefield for going allout. Having decided that, the Great Sage drove his cloud in that directionand got there immediately."Excellent, excellent. This place is nice, nana!"Yelling and calling out in excitement, the Great Sage jumped down fromhis cloud. The battlefield chosen was the plains of Senjougahara, theplateau covered by the brilliant colors of green and red leaves, full of thenatural feeling of highlands and abundant in rivers, streams, walking paths,etc.Then a beam of light came from the south. It was flight magic, bringing thebrat, Kusanagi, and his female companions as they descended before theGreat Sage's eyes.This fellow intended to come right from the very beginning, just asexpected. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, nodded hishead.Part 3"Hohoho... Just by yourself, Kusanagi brat? If you want to call forth yourgodslayer companions, I can wait for you."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven did not bother counting the girls. Even ifhumans entered his sight, he would most likely ignore them. Godouimmediately retorted:"For an opponent like you, I alone am enough... Besides, if anotherCampione joins in, you're going to summon your brothers for help, right?""What, so you have already noticed... Looks like your battle instincts arevery sharp."Having twice witnessed the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong'sterrifying power that exceeded every single god that Godou had ever metto this point, it was clear that the divine monkey possessed overwhelmingstrength. However, he currently did not give off that kind of feeling.Still, the fact remained that Godou was facing a war god with vast andvaried powers.In terms of raw combat ability, he must have surpassed both Athena andPerseus, but if one counted his other powers, the abilities witnessed atToushouguu and Lake Chuuzenji seemed rather out of the ordinary."When we Campiones encounter gods, we feel great power stir andoverflow from within. I expect it's the same with you, in a battle betweengods and Campiones, when faced with numerical disadvantage, unlimitedpower will flow forth for the sake of defeating the enemies.""That's right, vanquishing you godslaying devil kings to return peace to theworld is the heavenly mandate of gods."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven nodded cautiously at Godou's correctguess."As long as the conditions are met, I can obtain the power I need todestroy you all from the heaven, the earth, as well as the stars. However,not all gods share this ability, for only a minority of sword gods withsubstantial might and clout possesses such an authority... Anyway, thiskind of task for Old Sun here is just a piece of cake.""What returning peace to the world, stop running your mouth, you make nosense! You're the one causing a commotion right now!""Compared to the status of a devil king, this kind of game is nothing, right?Even sacrificing fifty or a hundred thousand people, or wiping out an islandcountry or two like this one, does not affect the grand scheme of things onearth."Godou sneered and ignored the unreasonable retort."Then don't go taking Hikari as a hostage and turning the people of thisland into monkeys for a game! I've heard that it is possible that the peoplewho transformed into monkeys might not be able to return to humanform!?""Those are just the moans and groans of humans suffering their karmicconsequences. The world continues to turn regardless... Besides,whenever the number of godslayers increase, chaos is brought forth onearth, and imbalance is created between the living and the underworld.Humans should obey the gods and natural law. Forgetting their place andresisting our divinity is just..."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, finally started to quietlyemit murderous intent, and entered a stance with the Ruyi Staff."Hence, wiping you all off the face of the earth is our mission of justice.Come, Kusanagi brat! Stop with the nagging and let us fight!""Fine! I will show you my — no, mankind's willpower!""Ha! Apart from your will, you are totally a monster with a body beyondmortals, stop kidding yourself!"As the morning glow covered a corner of the plains of Senjougahara, thedecisive battle was finally about to begin.Keeping their distance, the girls were currently watching this battle.Erica Blandelli, Liliana Kranjcar, Mariya Yuri and Seishuuin Ena.They were the ones who swore to follow the Campione Kusanagi Godouthrough life and death, who became his companions and allies throughvarious intertwined fates.Before their watchful eyes, Godou used the power of the [Warrior].The blade of spell words for slaying gods, this was the power wielded byVerethragna's tenth incarnation."Whenever the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, ismentioned, one inevitably recalls Sanzang the Monk's follower, the deityborn from a chaotic mix of all sorts of religions and folk beliefs under theinfluence of Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese shamanism."Godou's surroundings were filled with spheres of light.The light expanded by ten, twenty, thirty times in number. This was thesword of spell words."Furthermore, you are also a war god of [Steel]. Despite being a monkeygod, you are also a war god with deep ties to iron — this crucial key can beunderstood through the process of how the Journey to the West wascreated!""Oh... Is this the same type as the Kulikaa Sword? An evil-vanquishingsword of justice born from wisdom."In this space completely filled with hundreds of spheres of light, the GreatSage Equaling Heaven analyzed calmly."The Journey to the West was born by collecting operas, novels and folklegends featuring Sun Wukong as the protagonist. Hence, it can be said tobe the grand culmination of all of Sun Wukong's legends. The sourcematerial mostly inherits from myths and folk stories passed down the ages,the most important being China — the culture of the Han peoples wasfrequently assimilated influences from foreign cultures!"A great many spheres of light rushed towards the Great Sage EqualingHeaven, attacking in waves from all directions.However, the Great Sage's agility was fast as lightning, and he dodgedthem all."Hahahahahaha! Though it looks like a troublesome sword, it'smeaningless if you can't hit me."The Great Sage made a back flip and jumped onto his golden cloud.Flying freely in the heavens, he evaded the [Swordj's pursuit, movingfaster and faster!I see. Godou discerned the truth. Unlike Verethragna's [Raptor], the GreatSage Equaling Heaven did not have the ability to reach maximum speedinstantly, and must accelerate in stages.But once he reached his maximum speed, the monkey king entered therealm of god speed!"Hmm — ! May my words be weaved, forming the divine sword thatvanquishes evil and brings peace. Be dismissed, Great Sage EqualingHeaven!"Godou made the [Sword] multiply and accelerate.But it was too late, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had vanished,causing hundreds of [Swords] to lose their target. The blades of light wereunable to strike the hero within the realm of god speed, not even a scratch!Somehow, Godou knew that the Great Sage was currently rapidlyascending up into sky.He ordered several dozens of the swords of light to pursue, but the GreatSage still shook off their trail. Too fast! Who knew his favorite authority ofgod speed was such a dangerous existence when used in the hands ofenemies!'When facing an opponent in battle, what are you doing, standing theredazed!?'It was a muffled voice that sounded very distant. As he felt a chill down hisspine, an omen of danger, Godou gathered the nearby [Swords] back tohis side, guarding his head and back. Immediately, something descendedfrom the sky like a bolt of lightning!Clang! The sound of impact. It felt like someone extremely fast haddescended and left again in an instant.'Hohoho, blocking that just now was just your luck, let's try it a second time,eh?'The Great Sage was planning on using hit-and-run tactics?No. The warrior form had the power to understand an enemy completely.This power told Godou that when using god speed, the Great Sage haddifficulty stopping. Like Godou's [Raptor], he was unable to make precisemovements.All it would take is one solid hit. The Great Sage continued to fly awaywithout letting his speed decrease.However, he should be returning immediately. Will there be a way to blockthe second and third attacks?Godou was clearly disadvantaged. Concerned with the battle, the girlsbegan to get nervous."Everyone... In order to protect that person, I implore you all to assist me."The first to speak was Yuri, who bowed her head and requested withpropriety."Though the power bestowed to me can assist him, it cannot protect him,which is why everyone's power is needed."Stepping forward, Yuri showed a resolute expression.Yuri's beauty carried solemnity impossible to defile, and greatly inspiredrighteous awe."You have no need to make this kind of request. Kusanagi Godou is theking of all of us. Upon my pride as a knight... Rather, my love, I will surelyprotect him! So I will use everything and anything I can lay my hands on.Hence, Yuri, please support us with everything you have!"The one who responded in this unyielding manner was Erica of course.More glamorous than anyone and dazzling in her abundant talent, thebeautiful maiden swept her hand through her blonde hair that was like acrown."Too bad Erica beat me to the punch, but anyway, it is as she said. We arenow different from our usual selves, but for the sake of protecting KusanagiGodou, we must unite our power as a team."Liliana spoke in a decisive tone.Completely clear on what she had to do, she was exceptionally calm."Yes, when the conflict with the god begins, there is no time for us to bickeramongst ourselves."Ena spoke cheerfully but with a slightly savage expression.She stared sharply into the sky, as if she had caught signs of the GreatSage Equaling Heaven with her five senses."Oh my, Ena, let's not talk about internal conflict and enmity for now.Friendly competition between us is necessary to spur progress. I don'tthink there is a need to go for complete pacifism.""That makes sense actually, then let us have a competition to see who canhelp His Majesty the most.""Stop it you two, do not forget that actions speak louder than words! MariyaYuri, in a while I will most likely become too occupied to guard you. Willthat be fine?""Yes. I am already prepared for that, so go and help that person."Erica and Ena signaled to each other through their eyes, showing smilesthat carried deep meaning.Liliana admonished them while Yuri answered briefly. Under the two strongleaders, the rest of the girls naturally took initiative in their respectivedomains.This was a very individualistic team led by strong leadership.It was also a very good formation, the result of these girls who each hadtheir own plan, judgment and influence over the others."O Warrior of justice, for the son, the father and the companions, let thesespell words be transmitted."Yuri chanted the spell words softly. This incantation of power was the keyto releasing the divine warlord's [Protection].In the next instant, her miko outfit transformed.Its new appearance was reminiscent of the luxurious kimono known as thejuunihitoe^, and wrapped around the garment was thin fabric akin to afeathered gown. However, the greatest change occurred in her hair.Yuri's original hair color was like a black pearl's except with an intensetea-brown luster, but now it had turned into brilliantly glowingflaxen-colored hair.Furthermore, her pupils were now glass-colored like a piece of glasswareThis hair and eye color was identical to the [Princess] Godou once met inthe Netherworld."Before these lines of scripture, powerful and eloquent, may all enemiescower and tremble before me!""All evil shall cower and tremble before the victory that lies within mybody!"Erica and Liliana also chanted spell words and changed in appearance.Covering their bodies were capes that reached down to their knees, withgreat contrast in color.The blonde knight was in red and black.The silver-haired knight was in blue and black.Erica's right hand wielded a barbed infantry spear while her left held anoval shield. These were armaments transformed from Cuore di Leone.Liliana held a silver longbow in her hands, a weapon transformed from IIMaestro."O Power, come forth and descend upon my body. For victory and justice!"Ena chanted the hymn of the divine warlord.The premier Hime-Miko's uniform transformed into a miko outfit with awhite haori and red hakama, covered by a sheer upper garment calledchihaya, and a diadem appeared on her head, secured by hairpins.It was the official attire worn by miko when performing the kagura dance."When the location of the gods is revealed... Wind blows through thebranches scattering flowers!"Wearing the juunihitoe, Yuri whispered softly as she awakened new spiritpowers, liberating her psyche and ectoplasm from the constraints of thebody, letting her consciousness expand outwards like tendrils into theoutside world.The minds of Erica, Liliana and Ena could all be understood for the mostpart.She could also sense the great and intense willpower of Kusanagi Godouand the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Psychic sensing — Yuri had now evolved into a user of psychic sensingwho surpassed Princess Alice. Using this power of spirit sense, her mind'seye became clear and sharp.This was Avalokitasvara's universal vision, the ultimate mind's eye that LuoHao used to see through the [Raptor]'s godly speed....Saw it! Yuri's mind's eye was able to capture clearly the flying form of theGreat Sage Equaling Heaven that human eyes definitely could not see.The visual intelligence obtained was immediately sent to the other threethrough psychic sensing.Yuri's mind's eye became the eyes of Erica, Liliana and Ena, acting asuniversal vision that was able to capture god speed. Liliana was the first toact upon this blessing.Wielding the silver bow in her left, she manifested silver arrows in her right.An arrow was rapidly shot out, turning into a flash of silver light.If this continues, I will surely die. After blocking the Great Sage EqualingHeaven's first attack, Godou immediately began to get anxious.Just as he was about to move the [Sword] haphazardly — he receivedquite a shock.'Wow! Danger danger! You guys can actually see me!?'A flash of silver light had streaked past Godou's head. Was that whathalted the Great Sage's rapidly descending attack?"Kusanagi Godou, leave the defense to us!""Please concentrate on attacking, for we will guard you well!"Running out before his eyes were Erica and Liliana, wearing the sacredknightly attire last seen in the Ama no Murakumo incident. So that's what'shappening, they were using [Protection].As Godou nodded, Erica put up her shield to block the forward direction."Hmm — !"Clang! With the sound of impact, Erica and her shield were sent flying,apparently having taken a hit from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Liliana immediately shot another silver arrow in front of Godou, slicingthrough the air.Godou could sense it, that something extraordinarily fast had left.Though he did not quite understand what was going on, but the girlsseemed to be able to discern the Great Sage's god speed to some degree,and react to it!' — Godou-san, please accept my spirit!'A voice calling him was suddenly heard. No, actually it was a whisperconveyed to his heart directly?These were Yuri's thoughts. Due to the bonds established by theprotection, Godou immediately understood that Verethragna's authorityhad bestowed upon the Hime-Miko the same power possessed byPrincess Alice.Receiving these mental waves, Godou's vision immediately changed.This was the realm of universal vision possessed by Yuri, the ultimatemind's eye technique that discerned everything before their eyes.Graced by this blessing, Godou could also clearly see the Great SageEqualing Heaven's movements of god speed. The quick-as-lightning divinemonkey was standing on his cloud, flying back and forth in a Z-shape like abolt of lightning.And then he suddenly descended from the sky, intending to smash hisRuyi Staff down upon Godou's head.Liliana's sacred silver arrow pinned him down from using this move.Fired individually, the arrows were easy to evade, so the silver knight heldpairs of arrows between the fingers in her right hand, firing eight arrows allat once.This was repeated a good many times, firing silver arrows like a hail ofbullets, it was basically a rain of arrows.However, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven evaded in the air with themobility of god speed and flew right in front of Godou, smashing down withhis Ruyi Staff once again.Erica's shield blocked this deadly weapon. No matter how divine the speedof the enemy, he had no other way of attacking except by approaching thetarget. Erica focused on defending Godou and dutifully fulfilled herresponsibility.Then Liliana continued attacking the air with the silver arrows as Ericacarried on with Godou's defense.'Godou-san, next it is time for you to attack!'"Hey... Even that is possible!?"Hearing the whispers transmitted by mental waves, psychic sensinginstructed him how to proceed from here on. This was an attack never triedbefore, could it be something that Yuri learned through spirit vision?'Yes, this is the oracle I received just now. If this is not done, victory cannotbe obtained.'Cautioned by her, Godou looked up at the enemy flying around back andforth.— It was true that a risky move would be necessary to suppress anopponent with such ridiculous speed.Steeling his determination, Godou stared at the eastern sky. The dawnsky's rose-colored rays illuminated the earth from that direction.Over there was the sun, the symbol of Verethragna's third incarnation, the[White Stallion]."For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radianceto the stallion. O stallion that moves godlike with wondrous grace, bringforth the halo of thy master!"The incarnation that could only be employed against a great sinnercausing suffering to the masses, and Godou's greatest firepower in hisarsenal.Chanting the spell words to liberate this form, he did not stop the [Warrior],however, because he still needed the blade of spell words for the next part!Combining two incarnations into one!Uniting the sword of spell words with the flames of the sun!"Hmm aaaaaaaaaahh!!"The brain felt like it was on fire. So hot. The heart felt like it was about toburst, spurting blood until it went dry. Godou's body felt as if it was beingcrushed by some sort of heavy object, and his legs were bolted into theground.Even so, Godou gritted his teeth and finished performing the move."Glorious lord of the sun, Mithra be praised! To conquer all enemies, praybestow upon my strongest self thousands of light and thousands ofswords!"From the eastern sky came solar radiance that was not being used like acannon blast as before. A white sphere of light appeared in the skyhovering above the plains of Senjougahara.With two suns in the sky shining upon the land, Godou made all the[Swords] fly and gather towards the second white sun. Thousands ofswords of light melded together with the luminous stellar mass.'Oh, is that a new sun!?'Circling high in the air above, preparing for another attack, the Great Sageyelled.Godou fired the new swords and the white-colored sun shot a beam ofbright light like a laser. The delicate swords of light were able to lock on tothe godly fast Handsome Monkey King, and whizzed past over his head."Such heat!? And to think it even moved faster than me!? Impossible!"Only a few strands of fur were singed, but contact was definitely made.Melding the embodiment of the sun, the [White Stallion], with the [Sword],the result was this beam of light — a light speed weapon.This move did not lose to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's god speed,perhaps it even offered a chance for victory!?"Uh... Erica, can I entrust all defense to you? I have no way of defendingright now.""Of course, that is why I am here!"Godou felt his head being fried by a frightening amount of heat. Theburden of using two incarnations simultaneously was more painful thancould be imagined.Hearing the request he made under great pain, Erica immediately agreed.Meanwhile, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven continued to fly in Z-shapes,charging madly in the sky. Liliana fired volleys of arrows without pause torestrain his movements. Though there were no signs of Ena yet, she wassurely around controlling the situation. Even though he was in pain, Godouwas certain that all his companions were supporting him.I will absolutely not allow myself to suffer defeat here! Godou gritted histeeth in determination."Mariya, go help the people who have transformed into monkeys and leadthem away!"'Leave it to me, and vanquish the Great Sage without any worries!'Yuri's psychic sensing flew over Senjougahara, reaching the area ofOkunikkou — and then it filled the entire city streets of Nikkou, including allof the territory dominated by the Handsome Monkey King.Her mental waves searched for the people that had turned into monkeysand needed help.Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words once again."When it comes to Chinese history, there are frequent mentions ofnomadic and horse-mounted tribes! The northern Di and western Rongtribes during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Huns who threatenedChina for a long time since the Warring States Period, the Northern WeiDynasty that unified northern China, their descendants the Xianbei tribewhich assimilated itself into the cultural circles of the Sui and TangDynasties, as well as the Liao Dynasty of the Khitan people, and finally theYuan Dynasty — Mongolia!"The white-colored sun released thousands of [Swords]. It not only shot atthe four cardinal directions but in all three hundred and sixty degrees atlight speed."It was not limited to the ruling class. Even amongst the commoners therewas a commingling of ethnicities and nations, and the mixing of Han andnomadic culture. Naturally, the pantheon of gods was also affected bythis."Led by Yuri's sensing, there was no need to aim precisely. Godou wasimmensely grateful for that since his brain felt as if it was burning to ashes."And then came the archetype of the complicated hybrid deity — rather,the epitome is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong!"The [Sword] passed through trees, traversed mountains, crossed riversand plains, and returned to town once again. The white flash penetrated allwalls and obstacles in its path, slicing apart all the monkeys who were theGreat Sage's underlings."Though Daoism, Buddhism and other mystic religions from China havemany key differences, it is notable that the myths related to the Great SageEqualing Heaven are particularly numerous. Most symbolic are the seriesof anecdotes including 'being born from stone', 'being scorched by thecauldron's fire', 'having a body of steel', etc."The sacred flashing light raced across the lands beneath the morningglow.This was the birth scene of a new ruler to replace the abominable monkeyking."These myths are all common themes for the heroes of [Steel]. Born fromstone, burnt in a furnace, obtaining immortality — namely, the body ofsteel. This is the process of a sword's forging. The furnace smelts iron oreto produce steel, and steel is forged into a sword. So-called heroes of steelare actually swords, or in other words, living sword gods!"Severed by the solar [Sword], the people were all liberated from the rule ofthe Great Sage Equaling Heaven.They returned to human form once more.Japanese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, mountain gorillas,etc —All sorts of monkeys disappeared in an instant, and as if reborn, turnedback into male and female, old and young. The time it took to bringsalvation to everyone was most likely four or five minutes. This swiftnesswas only possible due to the light speed weapon.Through Yuri's psychic sensing, Godou felt all the restored people collapsein deep slumber.Standing in the plains of Senjougahara, Godou breathed out deeply inrelief, knowing that all the people in the area had been saved.Furthermore, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven gradually decreased hisspeed. What was he planning? The knights were careful not to lose theirguard.Finally out of god speed and returned to normal levels, the Great Sageleaped down from his golden cloud.Standing right in front, he stared straight at Godou's face."Kusanagi, you... And these annoying humans, please remind yourself youare just flunkies! Be gone from my sight!"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven roared at Liliana who kept shooting athim, as well as Erica who blocked his advance, sending the two GreatKnights flying just like that."Hohoho... Eliminating all my underlings and returning them to humanform, eh... How amazing, you did well! Hmph hmph, hohoho! It makes myblood boil."The golden-gaze fiery-eyes were burning, and the red eyeballs and goldenpupils flashed brightly."The miko I took away from you is right here."Appearing from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's right hand was atransparent sphere, as small as a golf ball. Inside the sphere, Mariya Hikariwas lying down in her miko outfit as if asleep."Even if things have come to this... I still have many ways to deal with you.Let's say, for example, I will crush this fellow here like a bug if you dareresist."The Great Sage swallowed the sphere containing Hikari and licked his lips."But I won't do that. Let's have an exhilarating fight with our weapons andfists to prove who is the strongest. That is the most important! Come, comeand hurry! Let us decide who is the victor, and if you want to take back thislittle lady, slice open my belly!"Pointing the Ruyi Staff at Godou, the Great Sage yelled."That is my plan right from the very start! Except it includes them as well!"Standing beside Godou were the red and blue Great Knights, as well asYuri assisting him using psychic sensing from the side. Leading them,Godou retorted without holding back:"These people are all a part of me... They are my essential companions fordefeating you. I will fight alongside them to put an end to you, and I won'tallow you to call them flunkies!""I can't believe you indulge your lust to this degree... Fine, whatever, watchme, the Great Sage, send you all flying with a kick!"The Great Sage stuck his Ruyi Staff into the ground.Appearing out of the ground were the same sort of giant monkeys as seenbefore. This time there were nine! The appearance of these formidablefoes made Erica and Liliana swallow a few quick breaths, while Yuri'sconsciousness also began to show signs of fear.(...Ena expected this to happen from the start. So Your Majesty, please.Lend it — please lend Ena's partner to Ena to use!)Godou suddenly heard a 'voice' which carried thoughts from the swordhidden in his right arm. Godou took notice immediately."Partner... Is it that fellow?"Due to the request, Godou realized there could be no other possibility.Perhaps because the former user was under [Protection], Godou couldnow feel its existence more tangibly than usual.Godou relaxed his right arm and passed the right of usage over. It wentwithout saying that the name of the sword was —"Come, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi! The imperial sword granted by myking, now is the time for it to be swung!"With the sudden rise of wind, a loud and clear voice reverberated in thesurroundings.In the area before the giant monkeys — the underlings of the Great Sage,the wind gathered into a tornado, and the miko appeared in its center.The Hi me- Miko of the Sword — Seishuuin Ena.Wearing the official attire of a miko outfit with chihaya, she held thenostalgic black divine blade in her hand. Her body was also infused withdouble the normal amount of Susanoo's divine power! Was thisstrengthened as a result of Verethragna's protection!?"Yamato Yamato, elite of the nation, endless rolling green mountains,encircled by the walls of the summit, beautiful Yamato!"Ena's spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive galespinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them."Yaaaaaaaaaah!"With a high-pitched yell, Ena charged forth to attack.The gales easily imprisoned the giant apes, as befitting of the divinemessenger of the god of storms. Faced against these enemies restrainedby the strong wind, she ran forward as if completely unaffected by the windherself.Casually jumping onto the lower leg of one of the giant apes, she stabbedher partner into her enemy's weak point.ROOOOAAAAAAR! The giant ape screamed in pain.Ena proceeded to jump nimbly, flying high in the air she slashed Ama noMurakumo no Tsurugi horizontally. This cleanly severed the carotid arteryof the giant ape, slaying it immediately. Slicing through the criticalweaknesses of the enemy, Ama no Murakumo destroyed a divine beast onthe level of dragons.Ena used the same method and cut down the giant apes one after another.Though the giant apes were poor in reacting, they were still able to mountan effective defense by the time Ena slew the third one.Taking a deep breath, the giant apes inhaled the violent wind controlled byEna, finally countering the intense gales and regaining their freedom. Enamust have been lying in ambush all this time for the sake of this surpriseattack.However, in terms of overall numbers, the odds were still unfavorable.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and six giant monkeys remained as theirenemies. Thus the bleak second round began.Part 4The intense sound of battle woke Mariya Hikari from her slumber.There were weapons flying back and forth all around and the chanting ofspell words."The custom of regarding swords as gods, first originated from thenomadic equestrian tribe that invented, passed down, and spread theirculture."Hikari heard a familiar voice, chanting the spell words for slicing godsapart.This was the voice of Kusanagi Godou — the youth loved by Hikari'svarious Onee-samas."That tribe was the Scythians, a fierce people from which the culture ofnomadic equestrian herdsmen was born."Every time he finished chanting a verse, the white-colored sun released aflash of light.Creating formless blades for severing a god, these laser beams streakedacross empty space at the speed of light. Furthermore, these horrifyingweapons stacked up on one another to begin a continuous series of rapidand heavy attacks."That was not all that the Scythians invented. They were also a tribe skilledin forging iron. Precisely because they excelled at forging iron, the swordgods of steel were born."Simultaneous slicing attacks came from four directions — up, down, left,and right, together with a triple series of attacks separated by timed delays."Herodotus was the first to record in history the name of the Scythians, andtheir use of the sword as the symbol of the Scythian war god Ares. Thesword that stands upon the great earth, is the true artifact that stands inhistory as the symbol of the god of war!"The continuous attacks of complicated flashing lights displayed fiercemomentum.However, it was far too unbelievable how all these attacks continued tomiss Hikari's body by the frighteningly slimmest of margins.Standing on the golden cloud, flying and gliding in the air, the Great Sageused all sorts of techniques to evade Kusanagi Godou's attacks.Sometimes he did tricks in the air similar to stunt flying, while at other timeshe flew with all his strength, charging at maximum speed. To be able tododge light speed attacks, it truly was god speed.In terms of pure speed, the swords of light should be faster actually.However, the difference in speed was not decisive, and could becompensated through flying technique, though just barely....Right, the one fighting Kusanagi Godou was not Hikari.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, had swallowed MariyaHikari within his body."Acala's sharp sword is also one of them! The common theme of 'thesword god standing upright upon the earth', having scattered amongst thelegends in various lands, east and west of the ocean, underwent variouschanges in the elaboration of the sword god's imagery!""Hahahahahaha! Correct, that's the truth!""Take for example a sword that had just been forged, which needs toundergo the operation of cooling by water. This takes form in the stories ofheroes appearing after a passage through water. Achilles became theinvincible hero having bathed in the River Styx of Hades; bathed indragon's blood, Siegfried became the invulnerable hero as well, and you —Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, are the same as them!""Yes! In my case, there are the peaches, the Bagua Cauldron and theelixirs!""Thus the creation story of the Scythian sword god was passed down theages, as proof of Sun Wukong being the war god of steel! Not onlycombining Daoism with Buddhism, but even the sword god legend from thenomadic equestrian tribes, the strongest hybrid was born! This is yourprototype!""Kusanagi brat, well done! But so what!?"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven scoffed at the Campione who wascomposing the spell words."Light as well as the sword of spell words... This move of yours may be astroke of genius, but I have also understood one point. While you are usingthis move, your body is full of openings! Are you able to stop the ferociousattacks of Old Sun here!?"The Great Sage nonchalantly made his cloud accelerate, and charged atKusanagi Godou.He had been protected by the three girls all this time. But now the one whotook up this mission was —"Come near now. and kiss me, my son. Therefore God give thee of thedew of heaven!"^ ^It was Erica alone. Reciting the incantation for strengthening defense, sherushed over at the same time.Stepping between Godou and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Using theshield with reinforced durability to take on the Ruyi Staff's attack on behalfof her lord."Oooh— "The glamorous and beautiful girl's face became distorted, most likely dueto suffering the substantial impact on the shield.Her knees began to lose strength and collapse, but she still resisted withall her might, continuing to guard her lord. The other two — Ena andLiliana were currently battling the group of divine beasts.Of the nine giant apes only two remained. Spitting fire, blowing stronggusts of wind, they sent Ena flying despite her current state of divinepossession. Liliana ran over to help at this time, using a cooperativestrategy to defeat their enemies. She used arrows to provide cover for Enato mount an attack on the retreating giant apes, and aimed at theweaknesses of those overly focused on Ena.If these giant apes were left alone, they would instantly charge at theCampione, which is why the two girls must hold them off. This meant thatonly Erica was left to protect Godou. It was an arduous battle indeed."That's right, one of the homelands of the Scythians, the Caucasus is...Gun...""Godou!?"The youth controlling the light began to feel a sense of dizziness. He hadonce explained that the incarnations usurped from the WarlordVerethragna could only be used one at a time, but now he was using twosimultaneously. This must be greatly straining his body.Taking advantage of this opening, the Great Sage Equaling Heavenplucked two strands of fur from his body and fired them like needles,striking each of the two underlings that were fighting against Ena andLiliana.ROOAARM The giant apes were greatly roused. Accompanying the soundof roars, one of them charged at Ena while the other aimed its attack atLiliana who was trying to maintain the distance and firing arrows!Its movements were even faster than before! The massive body over 10mtall was running with speed akin to lightning."Watch me end you with one slice of my sword! Haaaaaah!"As one of the giant monkeys hammered its fist down upon Ena's head, theHime-Miko of the Sword jumped to the side and evaded. Then with a singleflash of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the counterattack amputated thedivine beast's fist by severing the wrist.This terrifying sword technique, which could only be performed by usingSusanoo's divine blade, sent blue-colored blood splattering everywhere.However, this blood began to combust after it splashed upon Ena's body.As if oil had been added to a fire, the miko outfit and the chihaya, stainedby the fresh blue blood, began to burn intensely."Aaaaaaaah!"Ena screamed in agony as the giant ape followed up with a massive swingof its left hand. Squashed between the ground and the giant ape's palm,the Hime-Miko was immobilized with pain."Wan!? Damn it... It's not over that easily!"Vomiting blood, Ena summoned a whirlwind.The whirlwind swept upwards, like sword blades that have been sharpenedto incredible levels — the kamaitachi.^The invisible sickle blades severed the giant ape's blood vessels, tendonsand shins. Without even the chance to cry out, the giant ape turned into apile of sand and collapsed.Having obtained victory, Ena used the wind to extinguish the remaining fireon the miko outfit.However, pushing herself to this point was the absolute limit and she laidherself down on the ground and remained motionless in completeexhaustion.Meanwhile, Liliana planned to use the silver arrows to halt the advance ofthe second giant ape. Firing arrows into its left eye, shoulder and bulgingchest, Liliana succeeded in making the giant ape give off roars of angerand pain, but it was not enough. Already approaching near, the giant apesuddenly reached out with its right hand and caught Liliana.The slender fairy's body was caught by a monster like King Kong. Havingcaptured Liliana, the giant ape held its fist tight with all its might."Guuh... And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commandedMoses; and they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian,beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur,and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian — ' ™With no other strength to support her but a Great Knight's pride, Lilianacontinued to recite spell words in spite of her condition. As a result of herstruggling efforts, light descended from the heavens onto the blue knight."And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and theirlittle ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and alltheir goods. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all theirgoodly castles, with fire."^ ^GAAAAAH! Incredibly, the giant ape wailed with suffering, relaxing its gripthat was about to crush Liliana to death."And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses. ^Liliana was being surrounded by blue light as she readied her bow with asolemn expression.This was not just the sight of a soldier but a paladino and a saint. Withsuch an air that would compel people to sing praises in her name, Lilianaset a silver arrow onto the bowstring.The giant ape spewed forth intense flames from its mouth, but the sacredvestments worn by Liliana were completely free from damage. Whileresisting the flames, she shot the arrow into the giant ape's mouth. Theimpressively-built body of the giant ape instantly scattered into sand whichblew away with the wind. However, Liliana too, had reached her absolutelimits.Having displayed overwhelming power, Liliana collapsed forward andremained motionless."Lily... So you used the Smiting spell words. That's right, in our currentstate, it is possible to use that secret ritual — And seven priests bearingseven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went oncontinually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went beforethem!" [10]Having witnessed her childhood friend's valorous battle, Erica also chanteda new incantation.Continuing to defend against the attacks of the Great Sage EqualingHeaven, she also seemed like she was reaching her limits. Her stepsbecoming unsteady, she needed to use the spear as a crutch in order tostand.Behind her, Godou narrowed his eyes, trying to catch up to the monkeyking's god speed."They compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventhtime, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto thepeople, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. And they utterlydestroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old,and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. *Out from the surface of the ground drifted a red mist that enveloped Erica'sbody. Immediately, the mist dispersed, causing a change in the impressiongiven off by the red knight. Truly, she looked like a paladino and a saint.Straightening her back, she wrathfully glared with resolute eyes at theGreat Sage Equaling Heaven in his god speed."And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man beforethe Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay thefoundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set upthe gates of it." [12]"Oh!? What is up with this little lady? You even dare to dream of attackingOld Sun here in return!?"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven had intended to smash Godou's craniumwith rapid descent this time, but the divine monkey who had swallowedHikari was faced with a great shock. Standing between him and theCampione, Erica thrust her spear forward. She had been guarding her lordall this time but now she changed her stance to attack. To have that kind ofresidual strength — No, she should not have that kind of power!Right, Hikari nodded her head from within the belly of the Great SageEqualing Heaven.The spell words used by Erica and Liliana constituted the [Sacred Privilegeof Extermination], the ultimate secret rite of European magic and a powerthat rivals Seishuuin Ena's divine possession.As Hikari watched on, Erica's spear and the Great Sage's swinging RuyiStaff began a direct frontal clash.The spear shattered. However, despite being divine weaponry, the RuyiStaff also —The freely extending steel staff, 13500 catties^ in weight, was split intotwo. It was unbelievable that the weapon of the war god possessinglightning divine speed could be destroyed by a mere human!Furthermore, this attack made Hikari feel the dormant depths of her heartstir from the impact. The feeling of watching a television broadcastdisappeared. Her consciousness and feelings restored, she felt a risingtide of emotion wanting to support Kusanagi Godou and his othercompanions....Do your best, Erica-neesama!As if hearing Hikari cheering for her, the paladino continued hermovements, wielding her broken spear to thrust at the Great Sage.However, her martial prowess could not possibly defeat the war god. Thespear's attack was evaded and the severed Ruyi Staff came attacking.Erica-neesama was sent flying into the distance, falling onto the ground.Due to the great momentum, she rolled over many times on the groundbefore stopping. Completely motionless, she appeared to have lostconsciousness. In the moment of crisis, she barely managed to block theRuyi Staff's attack with her shield, thereby avoiding a fatal hit...The female knight, glamorous beyond compare, put forth everything in herpower to serve her lord even if it meant soiling her appearance with dirtand mud. Hikari felt very sad to see her like this. God and Campione werefinally dueling one on one, and the Great Sage swung his severed RuyiStaff.Godou-oniisama showed no intention to dodge and raised his arms toguard his head and face.In addition to the Ruyi Staff, the Great Sage also kicked and punched hisopponent on whim.But only when the occasional attack went through his defense and wasabout to hit a critical point did Onii-sama forcefully twist his body to evade.He was currently focused on defending and had completely halted theoffense.However, Onii-sama's eyes sparkled with great intensity as he glared atthe furiously attacking Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Though his eyes were as fierce as a wolf's, he continued to put all his effortinto defending — why on earth!?'Godou-san is reserving his final strength in order to save you.'"Onee-chan!? What does that last part mean? Besides, Onee-chanshouldn't have this kind of power, right...!?"Hikari was surprised to find her older sister conversing with her throughmental waves. This was the psychic sensing power that Princess Alice hadused before, but though Onee-chan was a rare spirit vision user, sheshould not be a user of psychic sensing!'We will discuss this some other time... Godou-san will soon be out ofstrength because using that [Sword] causes heavy strain. At most he canuse it at full power once, and he plans to use that final strike for your sake.'"How could this be! B-But if this continues, Onii-sama is going to be killed!"He remained standing no matter what kind of attack struck him.Even when he fell upon one knee, he got up immediately, never giving upon this fight. Watching this battle unfold, Hikari could no longer bear it. Shecould not bear watching Godou getting hurt any longer. And not justOnii-sama, Erica-neesama, Liliana-neesama and Ena-neesama had allfallen.'No other way... That is the kind of person he is. Even if he was about to bekilled and close to defeat, he would never give up fighting. So please bepatient and wait for that man to save you. I will also do my utmost toassist...!'Injecting absolute trust and determination, Yuri spoke with her thoughts.Even in a despairing situation or faced with gods as his enemies, he wouldnever abandon his battle spirit or the will to fight. Precisely because of this,he was able to become a Campione and Devil King who usurped divineauthority. Gazing intently at the eyes of the Campione, burning withfighting spirit, Hikari felt her heart beginning to race.Stuck in a situation like this, he did not stop fighting. Not only that, heaimed for victory, fighting for the sake of Hikari and all the people sufferingas a result of the Great Sage.Her chest felt like it was on fire. She could not stand aside any longer! Shewas not a woman who could observe from the sidelines without doinganything!"Onee-chan... I also want to fight together! Though I don't know what I cando, if there is anything that can help that man obtain victory, I will put all myeffort into it! So please tell him this: I have absolute trust in your victory,please fight to the very end!"'Very well, I understand... For the sake of Hikari, I will also do everything Ican, so you have to do your best — 'Ending the mental conversation with her older sister, Hikari furiouslysearched her thoughts. The only spirit power she possessed was disasterpurification which could only affect gods slightly — limited to nullifyingmagical power or spells, but if the other party was a powerful god, then notmuch of an effect could be expected.How could she use it in a way to help Godou-oniisama, to help thatperson?Despite being stuck in a predicament where all he could do was defendone-sidedly, Godou endured with all his might.Entering into all-out close-quarter combat with a war god like the GreatSage Equaling Heaven would probably mean defeat in a few seconds.Even so, it was not yet time to use the [Camel]. Before Hikari is rescued,the [Sword] cannot be abandoned.However, the scorching heat felt even hotter than before and Godou'shead felt like it was about to split open from pain. Using two incarnationssimultaneously had reached its absolute limit, and there was no way tocontrol it any further.The only thing Godou could do at this point was endure.But at least the [Sword] for counterattack was kept in his body, and actedas defensive gear which repelled the attacks of the Great Sage. Perhapsdue to it being a weapon to neutralize the power of gods, it could be usedas defensive gear? However, this notion was too naive. Though thedamage of the attacks were lessened, the effect was far from completeabsorption.This kind of passive approach was really unsuitable. That said, withoutputting his all into this kind of resistance, he would have been directlybeaten to death by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."Hahahahahaha, starting from a while back, you've been taking hitsobediently. What's up? Are you out of options!?"The Great Sage did not get anxious about defeating his enemy quickly.Instead, he calmly continued to beat up his opponent, sending Godouflying with a kick from the front and then using the severed Ruyi Staff for ahorizontal sweep, finally aiming a spinning kick at Godou's temples.Godou was being treated like a punching bag, but he endured relentlessly.Bear it, I have to bear it.It was not yet time. The Great Sage had not shown an opening so if thelight speed sword attacked, he would use his divine speed to evade at thesame time. It was necessary to wait until the divine monkey got carriedaway and showed an opening, when an instant appeared for a guaranteedhit of the [Sword]. If one did not wait for an opportunity of assured success,there was no chance for victory!'Godou-san, just now I talked to Hikari who is inside the body of the GreatSage.'The whispers of Yuri's mental waves could be heard.'She has absolute trust in your victory, so please fight to the very end.'(What, she's still in good spirits... Really, don't go trusting in other peopleso easily.)Godou complained as he muttered to himself, but began to smile.This was the fierce grin of a warrior. The face of a man whose fighting spiritburned in the face of adversity.This was proof of the king who shouldered the hopes and prayers ofothers, turning them into power. If one were to say 'I fight only for myself ata time like this, it would be clear lack of magnanimity. If you believe that Iwill surely win, then I must show you what the victory of the true warriorlooks like.'Godou-san, the time for counterattacking has arrived. I will also assist you,so please use your power without reservation!'(Yes, I understand. I will be in your care, but it is still not yet time...)While he was secretly conferring with Yuri, the Great Sage EqualingHeaven suddenly halted his attacks."Hmm, continuing to use a broken weapon will be a taint upon my divinemight. Let me fix this first — Life and death are predestined. Fortunecomes from the Heavens. The principal lamp has extinguished!"Using a mantra to apply divine power, the shattered fragments of the RuyiStaff flew and returned.In an instant, they combined together, reconnecting, and restored thedivine appearance of the precious iron. It would be impossible to resist thefull might of the divine weapon — just as Godou trembled at that thought...The restored Ruyi Staff crashed down from above upon Godou's head.Impossible to dodge, was this the end!? However, Godou heard Hikari'svoice at this time.'Evil be purified, Disaster be dismissed, Misfortune be exorcised,efficacious signs of the bearer of Fortune, I implore your manifestation!'This was transmitted via Yuri's psychic sensing, giving voice to thethoughts coming from the belly of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.The cry of the young warrior, trying to use the spirit power of disasterpurification to escape from the god's domination. Faced with the miko'sstaunch resistance just as he was using one of his most prized powers toattack, the Great Sage was met with a complete surprise.Shattered. The newly restored Ruyi Staff shattered once again.The result was the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's attack missed its target.This was the spirit power that only Mariya Hikari possessed — disasterpurification.Even the power of gods could be eliminated in part by this strange ability.The captive apprentice Hime-Miko greatly surprised the deity in a criticalmoment, and just as the monkey face of the Great Sage Equaling Heavenmade a stupid expression — !"Now is the time, Mariya!"'Yes!'Noticing Godou's yell, the Great Sage pointed his index finger at the sky.This was the only chance for counterattacking. The white-colored secondsun fired the [Sword] at the Great Sage Equaling Heaven while Godou'sbrain was being invaded by a terrifying amount of heat and pain.OWWWWW! His brain felt like it was boiling, but the pain immediatelylessened by half.'Ah, aaaaaaaaah!'In return, Yuri's screams of agony could be heard from her mental wavesbecause she had used psychic sensing to share the pain that Godou felt.However, to a Hime-Miko who was not a Campione, it must have beenpure suffering —Towards Yuri who took on his pain, as well as the fallen Erica, Liliana andEna, Godou vowed before he apologized to them.Sorry to have let everyone suffer, but in return, I shall obtain victory —The fired [Sword] pierced right through the abdomen of the Great SageEqualing Heaven!"In one of the former lands of the Scythians, the Caucasus, the legend ofthe hero Batraz still remains. For the sake of training, the hero cast himselfinto a fiery furnace during his youth. The fiery furnace where he chose totrain in the scorching heat was the place where dragons were slain andcorpses were incinerated. In the end, having his body burned by thescorching flames, Batraz jumped into the sea to cool down, and thuscompleted his training. As a result, he obtained an immortal body."Using the [Sword] to separate the ectoplasm from the Great Sage'sphysical body, Godou searched deep to look for Hikari."This legend is extremely similar to the beginnings of the Great SageEqualing Heaven, Sun Wukong. Thus the Scythian hero shares essentiallythe same origins as the monkey. Without a doubt, the people who gaveSun Wukong and the Scythian sword god the same back story were thenomadic tribes who were assimilated into Chinese culture!"Yes, found her, I can feel Hikari's presence. Within the massive ectoplasmof the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, the skinny little human girl imprisonedquietly inside had been found!Godou charged forward and reached his hand into the Great SageEqualing Heaven's abdomen, pulling her body out."Onii-sama, I always believed you will surely come to save me!"Godou found himself tightly embraced by the little girl even younger thanhis own sister.As he held the miko-outfitted Hikari in his arms, Godou said to the GreatSage:"...Indeed I have taken her back. Now, it's finally time to fight a real battlewithout hindering restraints!"References1 . t Book of Changes, Wu Wang(&lE)hexagram. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/l_Ching2. t Qimen-Dunjia(^P^M¥): A type of traditional Chinesemetaphysical art, used for divination and various decision-makingprocesses. Fictionally, it is also used as a category of supernaturalspells and escapetechniques. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi_Men_Dun_Jia3. t Yin: yin as in yin-yang, the duality of complementary opposites.Yin represents darkness, gentleness, the moon, femininity, etc inopposition to yang which represents light, strength, the sun,masculinity, etc.4. t Juunihitoe(-|-— #-^): literally "twelve-layer robe", the juunihitoe isan extremely elegant and highly complex kimono that was worn onlyby court-ladies in Japan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%ABnihitoe5. t Genesis 27:26-286. t Kamaitachi(iiH!): literally the "sickle weasel," a Japanese weaselyoukai believed to wield sharp claws while riding on gusts ofwind. http://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/Kamaitachi7. t Numbers 31:7-88. t Numbers 31:9-109. t Numbers 31:11-1210. t Joshua 6:1311. t Joshua 6:15-16,2112. t Joshua 6:2513. t Catty(Jf): a traditional Chinese unit of weight, roughly equal to600g. 13500 catties would be equivalent to81 00kg. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catty

Chapter 6 - God and Godslayer, Intense ShowdownBetween Two HeroesPart 1A few hours passed after the godslayers had fled.Though it was late at night, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, SunWukong, was far from sleeping."Damn it, Old Sun here was looking for a good fight and all they did wasrun away. What cruel and inconsiderate fellows!"Summoning his golden cloud, he flew to the peak of Nantaisan.He grumbled as he overlooked the darkness beneath. Due to the depletionof divine power, Zhu Ganglie and Vaisravana were no more, havingreturned to their figurine state."In that case, to prevent those fellows from fleeing the next battle, I'd betterlay down a proper trap... Bait them, surround them, and beat them up tomy heart's content..."The Great Sage sat cross-legged on his cloud and began to mutter."Showing them my divine might is really the most effective method. Thatgodslayer brat seems to be rather obsessed with the girl in my belly... Hewill definitely show up on his own volition. As for that fellow dressed inblack, it'd be great if he came, if not then I'll just lure him some other way."Despite pondering for a great while, in the end all he reached was ahalf-assed conclusion.The divine monkey was the world's strongest ruffian, but also a god ofbattle foreign to the concept of advance planning."Hohoho, this vast land is already my territory, and it'd be nice to furtherextend its boundaries."Muttering to himself, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven pulled out a handfulof hairs from his fur.Chewing them a few times in his mouth, he blew them away. Repeatingthis process dozens of times, tens, hundreds, thousands of strands of furwere scattered in the wind."Innocence. Supreme success / Perseverance furthers. If someone is notas he should be / He has misfortune / And it does not further him / Toundertake anything. Under heaven thunder rolls: All things attain thenatural state of innocence. Thus the kings of old / Rich in virtue, and inharmony with the time / Fostered and nourished all beings. ^Chanting the spell words, the Great Sage distributed his divine power tothe doppelgangers.Then let's wait for these mechanisms to spread over the vast land. Otherthan extending the territory, they could also display the monkey king'sdivine might to those Campiones, and be used as a signal for battle.Let's sit back and wait for the prey to show itself. Even though he did notfeel sleepy in the slightest, the Great Sage went to sleep anyway on hiscloud, twisting and turning.Meanwhile, Toushouguu had been turned into a stone prison as the resultof the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's divine power.In order to handle the crisis of the imprisoned demonic cult leader, therewere still people at work even though it was late at night.The personnel responsible for sealing off the area were members of mobilearmed forces, police-related people, spellcasters trying to reverse thecataclysm through magical means, as well as History CompilationCommittee members...Their base of operations was a tent put up temporarily on the main visitingpath to Toushouguu. Currently, three prominent members of the handlingcommittee were gathered here."Ah — ! Every time I am reminded of Master's imprisonment within thestone, I feel like my body and soul are completely frozen! Dear heavens, ifonly this unworthy disciple, Lu Yinghua, could suffer hardship in Master'sstead! Etc etc... Now it's my turn, flip over and reveal all the cards! I willuse the combo of [This is that person's home!] followed by [I won't accepthim having that kind of wife!]'"The former half of this speech was yelled out loudly, while the latter wasspoken softly enough to be heard only by people next to the speaker.Lu Yinghua was the one speaking, putting on a one-man-show as heoperated a handheld gaming device with a touchpen."I'm not going to take that move head on. Activating the [You temptress,don't go near him anymore!] defense... By the way, Mr. Lu, what is thepoint of your little skit?"Similarly, Sayanomiya Kaoru also spoke as she played on her handheld.Though it was already 4am in the morning, the attention she paid to herappearance was impeccable, dressed in a refreshing suit jacket and awhite open-collared dress shirt, as well as cotton trousers (all in men'sstyle, of course)."Of course there's a point. Master's personality is far from ordinary... Evenif she is trapped in the stone prison, it would not be surprising for her to belistening to sounds outside using supernatural hearing. This is an importantpart of establishing proof of presence.""The fact that she has a personality that makes one suspect suchpossibilities, is truly the most terrifying thing about her..."Amakasu commented on Lu Yinghua's answer.He was still dressed in his usual suit, except this time he wore a sweaterand a thick cotton-padded jacket inside, as well as a surgical mask and afull array of equipment to keep warm and resist the flu."Spurt(the sound of blowing one's nose). Even if the situation evolves intoone of those thirteen-man teams in student council battle manga, it wouldnot be surprising... It's my turn, let me activate this interference magic,[Police Intervenes: Level 3]!""Wow... This will cut down to one third the power gauge of all cards withthe stalker attribute!?""As a result of this effect, Mr. Lu's cards have all turned into fodder, andthe only opponent remaining is Kaoru-san...""Oh my! Amakasu-san, I hold in my hand the card that makes all otherscommit suicide, the [You Fail in Life]... Wouldn't you believe it?""Who knows? Kaoru-san has already used that card twice. Bold as youare, I don't think you'd use that kind of double-edged card in a hat-trick...Cough cough!""Hohoho, I will feel troubled if you underestimate me too much... I shallnow use [My Womb Bears That Man's Child!] to start an assault on Mr.Lu.""Targeting me!? Don't look down on me! I sacrifice all the stalkers andsummon [Misery]!"The three of them were networking their handhelds to engage in athree-way battle.As the battle (also known as killing time) gradually reached a climax, therewere also others hard at work."Hmm... No good... Ordinary Daoist arts cannot counter this petrification!""Oh no — Will Her Eminence be buried alive forever!?"These voices were quite unclear, and had very distinctive accents.Lu Yinghua had summoned subordinates of the Lu family from places likeYokohama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Akihabara, who were now carryingout rescue operations.Amongst them, there were seven or eight male experts in Daoist arts."To be honest, the Committee does not actually allow foreign unaffiliatedpersonnel to enter its territory — ""That's okay, consider it a favor I owe you now.""If the young master of Hong Kong's Lu family says so, then that would befor the best. However, what kind of practical progress do you expect? Ithink this is just a waste of effort.""Took you long enough to say something like that. It is not only a waste ofeffort, but completely meaningless. Although from the perspective ofhuman Daoist arts, the spell can be categorized as a type ofQimen-Dunjia^, it is cast by a deity after all. Of course it's impossible formy bros to neutralize it. I never had any expectations in the first place.""Wow... You are clearly the leader and yet you speak like this?""Because he knew it wouldn't work from the very start. It does allow ourCommittee members to handle all matters unrelated to the rescueattempts, so there is nothing to complain about. However, pure numbers inpersonnel is meaningless in resolving the current incident..."Due to the uneasiness in her heart, Kaoru stopped moving the touchpen inher hand.Amongst the Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri had the best spirit vision, but in actualfact, Sayanomiya Kaoru also possessed the same ability. Though herproficiency was inferior to Mariya Yuri, it was still at a substantial level."Cough cough, Kaoru-san, what is it?""I had a very unpleasant premonition, as if something bad was about tohappen.""Then we can't ignore it. Just to be safe, we'd better make preparations,cough cough."Amakasu took out a small knife and began carving Chinese characters intothe petrified ground.Immediately, Kaoru sensed a massive amount of magical power flowing.Like some kind of terrifying but minuscule object was drifting here, carriedby the wind and infused with something like divine power, and that thesurroundings were undergoing change.The Daoist experts of the Lu family, as well as the policemen on nightwatch, had all transformed into monkeys!Japanese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc... All sorts ofprimates. Their nails and fangs were exceptionally long while their bodieswere frighteningly large, and they looked especially vicious.As soon as they caught sight of the two Committee members and thefamed young master of Hong Kong's Lu family, the monkeys became full ofmurderous intent!In the instant that they pounced ferociously —"By the name of the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, obey mycommands in haste!"Amakasu recited the mantra.The characters of "Changes of the Six Yin"^ carved in the ground beganto release magical power.Striking the ground with his hand, the petrified surface peeled off and couldbe flipped like a sheet of fabric and used to cover the three of them like acurtain.Their figures vanished in an instant. Or rather, they appeared to havevanished."Cough cough! This is also a type of Qimen-Dunjia... I'm only good at thesekinds of little tricks.""Not at all, it is very effective as always."Kaoru praised her subordinate's quick act of merit.Unable to find the three of them, the monkeys began looking all around inthe surroundings, sniffing for smells, trying to track them down, eventhough their quarries were right under their noses.Qimen-Dunjia — ninjutsu was a type of wizardry that came to Japan fromChina.It offered the capability to hide, disappear and reappear far away in aninstant, and also had spells in Fire, Water, Earth and other variants. For aninja descendant like Amakasu, these were family secrets passed downthe ages."The empty wind beneath the moonlit snowing sky, mayst thou blow apartthe path of the heavenly clouds... Reluctant to let the goddess return,hoping to keep her beauty on this earth!"While protected by the concealing arts, Kaoru used an investigative spell.Amplifying her vision, Kaoru surveyed the city of Nikkou from above as ifusing a telescope.The quiet little town should not have many pedestrians at such early hoursbefore dawn. However, the silhouettes of creatures could be seen, slowlycoming out of the people's homes in the dead of the night.Either opening windows with great dexterity or violently smashing theglass, these creatures coming out were all monkeys.If theories were correct, they were all humans who had been turned intomonkeys by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.This was the darkest hour before the arrival of daybreak...In this deep, deep darkness, strange demonic monkeys were roamingeverywhere. It was a comedic yet terrifying scene to behold.Kaoru continued scouting from above.From a cursory glance, the city streets nearby all seemed to have fallenunder the control of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Proceeding toobserve from above, there was the region along the Toubu Nikkou Linewhose railway ran along the Daiyagawa river, containing parks with golfcourses and bountiful green fields, the cedar forest planted by Tokugawaleyasu's retainer Matsudaira Nobutsuna which extended all the way to theold city streets of Nikkou, and finally the train stations of Kami-lmaichi andShimo-lmaichi —"...Looks like the area under the effects of the Great Sage EqualingHeaven consists of the surroundings of JR and Nikkou's Toubu Line. Thevicinity of Imaichi does not have any strange happenings for now, though itmay just be a matter of time."Kaoru ended the spell and reported her observations to the other twopeople.Currently, the personnel who had entered Nikkou numbered around thirtyor so, consisting of History Compilation Committee members, relatedorganizations and some sent by the local police. The reason why so fewhad been gathered was likely because they were afraid the currentsituation would arise.Conversely, none of these specially selected agents were transformed intomonkeys. Like Kaoru's trusted subordinate Amakasu Touma, they tookeffective action as their own independent judgment dictated.However, even concentrating these people's powers together, it was stillfutile in the face of a god."Things should be fine before dawn but there will be a problem if resolutionis delayed further. By the way, countering these transformations willprobably take a lot of labor.""Really, then we should start our preparations?"The one and only trump card was, of course, Kusanagi Godou — the DevilKing Campione.Kaoru possessed the virtues of always using the best person for the joband never spending unnecessary effort. As she briefly responded to hersubordinate's suggestion, Lu Yinghua seemed to be listening intently tosome kind of noise."Mr. Lu, did you hear something?""...I knew it would happen sooner or later, but she finally succeeded. Canyou two not hear it? The sound of stones shattering... Crushed, broken,pulverized by brute force."The two History Compilation Committee members looked at each otherafter hearing Lu Yinghua's low whispers. Neither of them could hear thesound but it was likely that the demonic cult leader's direct disciplepossessed sharp senses that rivaled Seishuuin Ena.All in all, the incident was most likely heading towards climax.Part 2As dawn drew near, Godou was woken up by Sayanomiya Kaoru's phonecall.'Just as I mentioned, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven has finally becomea threat to the human world. There is also an interesting occurrencementioned by Mr. Lu that I would like to tell you as well.'Despite the obvious urgency of the situation, she gave her report in a verycalm voice.'Then let's leave it at that, since we have to begin operations on our side.Let's talk again later.'"Ah... Sayanomiya-san, you don't have any other questions for me?"Godou inquired because he expected to be asked questions along thelines of 'Can the Great Sage really be defeated?' or 'What should we do?''It's fine if you just call me Kaoru. It's me who entrusted you with greatresponsibilities, Godou-san, so there is no point in being impatient at thisjuncture. I think you already realize the urgency of the situation, so unduehaste would be meaningless.'Kaoru did not mind a familiar manner of addressing her.During times of crisis, it was not an easy thing to entrust everything tosomeone reliable and then sit back and wait for the result. SayanomiyaKaoru had a much bolder personality than what the delicate beauty of herappearance might suggest.'Right, by the way, I expect Godou-san will one day ask me what sort ofconspiracy I am harboring. How I look forward to that. Anyway, that's it fornow, let's hope we will meet again, safe and sound.'Leaving behind these cryptic words, she hung up the phone.It was finally time for a decisive battle. Godou surveyed the surroundings.His female companions had all awakened, and they were now in a hotellobby.A few hours ago, they had escaped from the divine beasts and reached ahotel near the Dragon Head Falls.The staff and guests all seemed to have turned into monkeys and left, sothere were no others present. As soon as they set up a magical barrier asa precaution, they decided to rest and recuperate their energy inpreparation for the upcoming decisive battle.After having some food and a bath, they moved some beds into the lobby.In order to avoid a surprise attack, the entire group slept together. In theend they were only able to catch a few hours of sleep, but it was not toobad.Godou sat on the sofa in the lobby facing everyone else, and Ericaimmediately took a seat by his side.Getting close like leaning her body against him... No, they were pressedcompletely tight together, as if she was entrusting all her weight to Godou.In a rare moment, Erica gazed at Godou with a charming expressionlacking in domineering attitude.Unlike her usual teasing caresses, there was only the desire to confirmeach other's touch as they pressed their bodies together. In a certainsense, this behavior was even more affectionate than usual.And then Godou's gaze met with Yuri's.The prim, proper and beautiful Hime-Miko averted her eyes shyly for aninstant, but immediately smiled with calm composure as if she had notwitnessed Erica's intoxicated expression beside him, and then began togaze resolutely at the one she admired.It was a kind of beauty different from her usual self. Like the blooming of aflower bud, she had awakened as a woman...Ena also gave off a different impression than before, acting ratherawkwardly in front of Godou with a sense of restlessness, so shy that shehad trouble facing his direct gaze. It was indescribably adorable, andentirely different from the usually cheerful and outspoken Ena.Habitually paying no thought to her gender in the past, she finally becameaware of her identity as a woman, causing her to be at a loss.As for Liliana, her attitude became rather strange.The righteous awe and solemnity of the female knight was the same, buther facial expressions and motions were more gentle than usual. Theinnocent charm and sense of flowing tenderness were especiallyconspicuous. Her gaze towards Godou was filled with a gentle expressionthat one would only show towards their beloved, and she looked like shewas sharing some sort of secret with an accomplice. What was up withher? Why was she acting like this?This must be the kind of feeling Erica mentioned some time ago, theatmosphere surrounding a bodyguard who was also a lover!Liliana suddenly spoke."By the way, Kusanagi Godou, about the earlier incident..."As if responding to the pleasurable times of the tongue tasting earlier, shewas speaking with an intoxicated tone of voice:"About the ritual earlier, I am very sorry that I unwittingly lost control in theexcitement. N-Next time I will surely stay calm and composed to receiveyour love. As your premier knight, I will definitely do it."Hearing her sudden unexpected promise, Godou began to shrink back andretreat.After the ritual ended, Godou's mental state of absolute calm disappeared.How could that sort of thing have happened... Great unease overflowedfrom within since this time was different. In the past, that kind of behaviorwas always obviously forced!"1-1 have something to tell everyone first. I feel like I wasn't myself at thetime, it must have been the result of Verethragna's authority making me actout of control...""You really weren't your usual self, but I don't think it was out of control."Erica spoke with ice-cream melting sweetness, and brought her lips closeto Godou's ear as if having pillow talk."What are you talking about, I completely didn't get the feeling that yourpersonality changed at all, yes... Rather, it'd be best if the regular Godouacted as maturely as that in a few years' time.""Well said... I have renewed my understanding about what kind of personGodou-san truly is."Yuri was in deep thought.Completely ignoring the indecent behavior of the blonde beauty, her eyesgazing at Godou seemed to be hiding some secret that was supporting herresolute will."Godou-san treats us... No, not only us but all females with unnaturalwariness. Yesterday was the most natural act he had ever done withoutreservation after making his decision.""Ah — I sort of get it now, there are still many things about boys that Enaneeds to get used to."It was hard to believe that the premier Hime-Miko was now speaking soshyly when she should have been the most outspoken. There was acertain sexiness to her tone of voice, adding an extra touch of femininitycompared to usual."If His Majesty begins to accustom himself to girls, that should basically bethe way he acts. Hohoho, how I look forward to it.""He is already like a monster, it is hard to imagine that he still has room togrow..."Liliana sighed deeply in awe."Truly befitting of the man who is my lord. Such impressive magnanimity.""To have taken possession of us with such forcefulness, please takeresponsibility and spoil us with your love until the very end... However, Iexpect him to maintain the usual ambiguous relationship...""That's right, Ena is now in His Majesty's care until the day she dies. If hedoesn't take this responsibility, he is not worthy to be king.""Can we stop mentioning these things during a crisis situation like this? Ofcourse, I too, hope that Godou-san can treat me like that..."Erica murmured blissfully while Ena expressed agreement and Yuri madeher opinion known after chastising the others.Was this what was called being backed into a corner? Or perhaps thecrossroads of a lifetime?Godou was greatly stunned, but he still managed to bring the topic back totheir most pressing problem."1-1 think right now everyone should set aside the discussion of things likethe ritual and the protection, okay? We must make proper battle plans totake Hikari back from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Today will be thecrucial moment...""Oh my, but I don't really think that's necessary."The one objecting was Erica, who separated herself from Godou andrecovered her usual demeanor."Godou has already obtained the [Sword] for slaying the Great Sage whilethe rest of us have received [Protection]. Furthermore, we have tactics toprevent the manifestation of the two subordinate gods. Under all theseconditions, there is only one thing left to do.""Correct. A simple and direct duel, that's all."With Erica and Ena in agreement, consensus was established between thewise and the wild factions of the group.As the two glanced at each other, a graceful smile was met with a fearlessone. It seemed like there was some kind of covert competition going on.Anyway, the opinion of the two girls was correct.It had already come to this, so there was no reason to be led astray byunnecessary thoughts.Godou made a sign to Liliana with his eyes.The knight who was also a witch nodded immediately. After getting alongfor these several months, they were finally able to achieve silentunderstanding.It was the darkest night just before dawn.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven reclined horizontally on the golden cloudsuspended in midair. He was not off guard, but was sensing his divinepower exerting its influence in the surroundings with Nantaisan at thecenter, molding them after the Water Curtain Cave at the Mountain ofFlowers and Fruit to become his kingdom. Humans lost their intelligence,turned into monkeys and recovered their feral nature."Wouldn't it be fun to use these fellows to invade and conquer the human'sterritory... Oh, it came at last?"Feeling like he was being watched, the Great Sage Equaling Heavenpushed himself and got up. This was a spell used by human Daoistpriestesses. Someone is sending their vision flying here to peek at me, thegreat Sun Wukong. Something like that, I can simply blow away with abreath through my nose...But of course, he was not going to do something like that.This was clearly a godslayer's doing.The Great Sage laughed with his monkey face and changed his outfitusing divine power, putting on leather armor similar to that worn bytheatrical actors.Rather than heavy steel armor, it consisted of just a light breastplate,gauntlets and leg guards. A battle outfit suited to the monkey king whosespeed and agility were unmatched. Of course, he did not forget to take hisRuyi Staff either.Riding on his cloud and flying around, he surveyed his territory.Nantaisan, Lake Chuuzenji, Senjougahara with its vast plains of wetlands,as well as the little lake of Yunoko to the north.Traversing the Iroha-saku Route, he flew to the skies of his new territory,the city streets of Nikkou.With Toushouguu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnouji turned into a stoneprison, overall the streets gave a feeling of a small yet complete andfunctioning kingdom. The Great Sage flew to the airspace above theDaiyagawa.Monkeys casually roamed the streets under the cover of darkness.Whether transformed during their sleep or just before dawn, they were allhumans who had become the monkey king's underlings.Looking down upon his people, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven showedoff a U-turn.That particular place looked like a very appropriate battlefield for going allout. Having decided that, the Great Sage drove his cloud in that directionand got there immediately."Excellent, excellent. This place is nice, nana!"Yelling and calling out in excitement, the Great Sage jumped down fromhis cloud. The battlefield chosen was the plains of Senjougahara, theplateau covered by the brilliant colors of green and red leaves, full of thenatural feeling of highlands and abundant in rivers, streams, walking paths,etc.Then a beam of light came from the south. It was flight magic, bringing thebrat, Kusanagi, and his female companions as they descended before theGreat Sage's eyes.This fellow intended to come right from the very beginning, just asexpected. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, nodded hishead.Part 3"Hohoho... Just by yourself, Kusanagi brat? If you want to call forth yourgodslayer companions, I can wait for you."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven did not bother counting the girls. Even ifhumans entered his sight, he would most likely ignore them. Godouimmediately retorted:"For an opponent like you, I alone am enough... Besides, if anotherCampione joins in, you're going to summon your brothers for help, right?""What, so you have already noticed... Looks like your battle instincts arevery sharp."Having twice witnessed the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong'sterrifying power that exceeded every single god that Godou had ever metto this point, it was clear that the divine monkey possessed overwhelmingstrength. However, he currently did not give off that kind of feeling.Still, the fact remained that Godou was facing a war god with vast andvaried powers.In terms of raw combat ability, he must have surpassed both Athena andPerseus, but if one counted his other powers, the abilities witnessed atToushouguu and Lake Chuuzenji seemed rather out of the ordinary."When we Campiones encounter gods, we feel great power stir andoverflow from within. I expect it's the same with you, in a battle betweengods and Campiones, when faced with numerical disadvantage, unlimitedpower will flow forth for the sake of defeating the enemies.""That's right, vanquishing you godslaying devil kings to return peace to theworld is the heavenly mandate of gods."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven nodded cautiously at Godou's correctguess."As long as the conditions are met, I can obtain the power I need todestroy you all from the heaven, the earth, as well as the stars. However,not all gods share this ability, for only a minority of sword gods withsubstantial might and clout possesses such an authority... Anyway, thiskind of task for Old Sun here is just a piece of cake.""What returning peace to the world, stop running your mouth, you make nosense! You're the one causing a commotion right now!""Compared to the status of a devil king, this kind of game is nothing, right?Even sacrificing fifty or a hundred thousand people, or wiping out an islandcountry or two like this one, does not affect the grand scheme of things onearth."Godou sneered and ignored the unreasonable retort."Then don't go taking Hikari as a hostage and turning the people of thisland into monkeys for a game! I've heard that it is possible that the peoplewho transformed into monkeys might not be able to return to humanform!?""Those are just the moans and groans of humans suffering their karmicconsequences. The world continues to turn regardless... Besides,whenever the number of godslayers increase, chaos is brought forth onearth, and imbalance is created between the living and the underworld.Humans should obey the gods and natural law. Forgetting their place andresisting our divinity is just..."The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, finally started to quietlyemit murderous intent, and entered a stance with the Ruyi Staff."Hence, wiping you all off the face of the earth is our mission of justice.Come, Kusanagi brat! Stop with the nagging and let us fight!""Fine! I will show you my — no, mankind's willpower!""Ha! Apart from your will, you are totally a monster with a body beyondmortals, stop kidding yourself!"As the morning glow covered a corner of the plains of Senjougahara, thedecisive battle was finally about to begin.Keeping their distance, the girls were currently watching this battle.Erica Blandelli, Liliana Kranjcar, Mariya Yuri and Seishuuin Ena.They were the ones who swore to follow the Campione Kusanagi Godouthrough life and death, who became his companions and allies throughvarious intertwined fates.Before their watchful eyes, Godou used the power of the [Warrior].The blade of spell words for slaying gods, this was the power wielded byVerethragna's tenth incarnation."Whenever the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, ismentioned, one inevitably recalls Sanzang the Monk's follower, the deityborn from a chaotic mix of all sorts of religions and folk beliefs under theinfluence of Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese shamanism."Godou's surroundings were filled with spheres of light.The light expanded by ten, twenty, thirty times in number. This was thesword of spell words."Furthermore, you are also a war god of [Steel]. Despite being a monkeygod, you are also a war god with deep ties to iron — this crucial key can beunderstood through the process of how the Journey to the West wascreated!""Oh... Is this the same type as the Kulikaa Sword? An evil-vanquishingsword of justice born from wisdom."In this space completely filled with hundreds of spheres of light, the GreatSage Equaling Heaven analyzed calmly."The Journey to the West was born by collecting operas, novels and folklegends featuring Sun Wukong as the protagonist. Hence, it can be said tobe the grand culmination of all of Sun Wukong's legends. The sourcematerial mostly inherits from myths and folk stories passed down the ages,the most important being China — the culture of the Han peoples wasfrequently assimilated influences from foreign cultures!"A great many spheres of light rushed towards the Great Sage EqualingHeaven, attacking in waves from all directions.However, the Great Sage's agility was fast as lightning, and he dodgedthem all."Hahahahahaha! Though it looks like a troublesome sword, it'smeaningless if you can't hit me."The Great Sage made a back flip and jumped onto his golden cloud.Flying freely in the heavens, he evaded the [Swordj's pursuit, moving faster and faster!I see. Godou discerned the truth. Unlike Verethragna's [Raptor], the GreatSage Equaling Heaven did not have the ability to reach maximum speedinstantly, and must accelerate in stages.But once he reached his maximum speed, the monkey king entered therealm of god speed!"Hmm — ! May my words be weaved, forming the divine sword thatvanquishes evil and brings peace. Be dismissed, Great Sage EqualingHeaven!"Godou made the [Sword] multiply and accelerate.But it was too late, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven had vanished,causing hundreds of [Swords] to lose their target. The blades of light wereunable to strike the hero within the realm of god speed, not even a scratch!Somehow, Godou knew that the Great Sage was currently rapidlyascending up into sky.He ordered several dozens of the swords of light to pursue, but the GreatSage still shook off their trail. Too fast! Who knew his favorite authority ofgod speed was such a dangerous existence when used in the hands ofenemies!'When facing an opponent in battle, what are you doing, standing theredazed!?'It was a muffled voice that sounded very distant. As he felt a chill down hisspine, an omen of danger, Godou gathered the nearby [Swords] back tohis side, guarding his head and back. Immediately, something descendedfrom the sky like a bolt of lightning!Clang! The sound of impact. It felt like someone extremely fast haddescended and left again in an instant.'Hohoho, blocking that just now was just your luck, let's try it a second time,eh?'The Great Sage was planning on using hit-and-run tactics?No. The warrior form had the power to understand an enemy completely.This power told Godou that when using god speed, the Great Sage haddifficulty stopping. Like Godou's [Raptor], he was unable to make precisemovements.All it would take is one solid hit. The Great Sage continued to fly awaywithout letting his speed decrease.However, he should be returning immediately. Will there be a way to blockthe second and third attacks?Godou was clearly disadvantaged. Concerned with the battle, the girlsbegan to get nervous."Everyone... In order to protect that person, I implore you all to assist me."The first to speak was Yuri, who bowed her head and requested withpropriety."Though the power bestowed to me can assist him, it cannot protect him,which is why everyone's power is needed."Stepping forward, Yuri showed a resolute expression.Yuri's beauty carried solemnity impossible to defile, and greatly inspiredrighteous awe."You have no need to make this kind of request. Kusanagi Godou is theking of all of us. Upon my pride as a knight... Rather, my love, I will surelyprotect him! So I will use everything and anything I can lay my hands on.Hence, Yuri, please support us with everything you have!"The one who responded in this unyielding manner was Erica of course.More glamorous than anyone and dazzling in her abundant talent, thebeautiful maiden swept her hand through her blonde hair that was like acrown."Too bad Erica beat me to the punch, but anyway, it is as she said. We arenow different from our usual selves, but for the sake of protecting KusanagiGodou, we must unite our power as a team."Liliana spoke in a decisive tone.Completely clear on what she had to do, she was exceptionally calm."Yes, when the conflict with the god begins, there is no time for us to bickeramongst ourselves."Ena spoke cheerfully but with a slightly savage expression.She stared sharply into the sky, as if she had caught signs of the GreatSage Equaling Heaven with her five senses."Oh my, Ena, let's not talk about internal conflict and enmity for now.Friendly competition between us is necessary to spur progress. I don'tthink there is a need to go for complete pacifism.""That makes sense actually, then let us have a competition to see who canhelp His Majesty the most.""Stop it you two, do not forget that actions speak louder than words! MariyaYuri, in a while I will most likely become too occupied to guard you. Willthat be fine?""Yes. I am already prepared for that, so go and help that person."Erica and Ena signaled to each other through their eyes, showing smilesthat carried deep meaning.Liliana admonished them while Yuri answered briefly. Under the two strongleaders, the rest of the girls naturally took initiative in their respectivedomains.This was a very individualistic team led by strong leadership.It was also a very good formation, the result of these girls who each hadtheir own plan, judgment and influence over the others."O Warrior of justice, for the son, the father and the companions, let thesespell words be transmitted."Yuri chanted the spell words softly. This incantation of power was the keyto releasing the divine warlord's [Protection].In the next instant, her miko outfit transformed.Its new appearance was reminiscent of the luxurious kimono known as thejuunihitoe^, and wrapped around the garment was thin fabric akin to afeathered gown. However, the greatest change occurred in her hair.Yuri's original hair color was like a black pearl's except with an intensetea-brown luster, but now it had turned into brilliantly glowingflaxen-colored hair.Furthermore, her pupils were now glass-colored like a piece of glasswareThis hair and eye color was identical to the [Princess] Godou once met inthe Netherworld."Before these lines of scripture, powerful and eloquent, may all enemiescower and tremble before me!""All evil shall cower and tremble before the victory that lies within mybody!"Erica and Liliana also chanted spell words and changed in appearance.Covering their bodies were capes that reached down to their knees, withgreat contrast in color.The blonde knight was in red and black.The silver-haired knight was in blue and black.Erica's right hand wielded a barbed infantry spear while her left held anoval shield. These were armaments transformed from Cuore di Leone.Liliana held a silver longbow in her hands, a weapon transformed from IIMaestro."O Power, come forth and descend upon my body. For victory and justice!"Ena chanted the hymn of the divine warlord.The premier Hime-Miko's uniform transformed into a miko outfit with awhite haori and red hakama, covered by a sheer upper garment calledchihaya, and a diadem appeared on her head, secured by hairpins.It was the official attire worn by miko when performing the kagura dance."When the location of the gods is revealed... Wind blows through thebranches scattering flowers!"Wearing the juunihitoe, Yuri whispered softly as she awakened new spiritpowers, liberating her psyche and ectoplasm from the constraints of thebody, letting her consciousness expand outwards like tendrils into theoutside world.The minds of Erica, Liliana and Ena could all be understood for the mostpart.She could also sense the great and intense willpower of Kusanagi Godouand the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Psychic sensing — Yuri had now evolved into a user of psychic sensingwho surpassed Princess Alice. Using this power of spirit sense, her mind'seye became clear and sharp.This was Avalokitasvara's universal vision, the ultimate mind's eye that LuoHao used to see through the [Raptor]'s godly speed....Saw it! Yuri's mind's eye was able to capture clearly the flying form of theGreat Sage Equaling Heaven that human eyes definitely could not see.The visual intelligence obtained was immediately sent to the other threethrough psychic sensing.Yuri's mind's eye became the eyes of Erica, Liliana and Ena, acting asuniversal vision that was able to capture god speed. Liliana was the first toact upon this blessing.Wielding the silver bow in her left, she manifested silver arrows in her right.An arrow was rapidly shot out, turning into a flash of silver light.If this continues, I will surely die. After blocking the Great Sage EqualingHeaven's first attack, Godou immediately began to get anxious.Just as he was about to move the [Sword] haphazardly — he receivedquite a shock.'Wow! Danger danger! You guys can actually see me!?'A flash of silver light had streaked past Godou's head. Was that whathalted the Great Sage's rapidly descending attack?"Kusanagi Godou, leave the defense to us!""Please concentrate on attacking, for we will guard you well!"Running out before his eyes were Erica and Liliana, wearing the sacredknightly attire last seen in the Ama no Murakumo incident. So that's what'shappening, they were using [Protection].As Godou nodded, Erica put up her shield to block the forward direction."Hmm — !"Clang! With the sound of impact, Erica and her shield were sent flying,apparently having taken a hit from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Liliana immediately shot another silver arrow in front of Godou, slicingthrough the air.Godou could sense it, that something extraordinarily fast had left.Though he did not quite understand what was going on, but the girlsseemed to be able to discern the Great Sage's god speed to some degree,and react to it!' — Godou-san, please accept my spirit!'A voice calling him was suddenly heard. No, actually it was a whisperconveyed to his heart directly?These were Yuri's thoughts. Due to the bonds established by theprotection, Godou immediately understood that Verethragna's authorityhad bestowed upon the Hime-Miko the same power possessed byPrincess Alice.Receiving these mental waves, Godou's vision immediately changed.This was the realm of universal vision possessed by Yuri, the ultimatemind's eye technique that discerned everything before their eyes.Graced by this blessing, Godou could also clearly see the Great SageEqualing Heaven's movements of god speed. The quick-as-lightning divinemonkey was standing on his cloud, flying back and forth in a Z-shape like abolt of lightning.And then he suddenly descended from the sky, intending to smash hisRuyi Staff down upon Godou's head.Liliana's sacred silver arrow pinned him down from using this move.Fired individually, the arrows were easy to evade, so the silver knight heldpairs of arrows between the fingers in her right hand, firing eight arrows allat once.This was repeated a good many times, firing silver arrows like a hail ofbullets, it was basically a rain of arrows.However, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven evaded in the air with themobility of god speed and flew right in front of Godou, smashing down withhis Ruyi Staff once again.Erica's shield blocked this deadly weapon. No matter how divine the speedof the enemy, he had no other way of attacking except by approaching thetarget. Erica focused on defending Godou and dutifully fulfilled herresponsibility.Then Liliana continued attacking the air with the silver arrows as Ericacarried on with Godou's defense.'Godou-san, next it is time for you to attack!'"Hey... Even that is possible!?"Hearing the whispers transmitted by mental waves, psychic sensinginstructed him how to proceed from here on. This was an attack never triedbefore, could it be something that Yuri learned through spirit vision?'Yes, this is the oracle I received just now. If this is not done, victory cannotbe obtained.'Cautioned by her, Godou looked up at the enemy flying around back andforth.— It was true that a risky move would be necessary to suppress anopponent with such ridiculous speed.Steeling his determination, Godou stared at the eastern sky. The dawnsky's rose-colored rays illuminated the earth from that direction.Over there was the sun, the symbol of Verethragna's third incarnation, the[White Stallion]."For victory, hasten forth before me! O immortal sun, please grant radianceto the stallion. O stallion that moves godlike with wondrous grace, bringforth the halo of thy master!"The incarnation that could only be employed against a great sinnercausing suffering to the masses, and Godou's greatest firepower in hisarsenal.Chanting the spell words to liberate this form, he did not stop the [Warrior],however, because he still needed the blade of spell words for the next part!Combining two incarnations into one!Uniting the sword of spell words with the flames of the sun!"Hmm aaaaaaaaaahh!!"The brain felt like it was on fire. So hot. The heart felt like it was about toburst, spurting blood until it went dry. Godou's body felt as if it was beingcrushed by some sort of heavy object, and his legs were bolted into theground.Even so, Godou gritted his teeth and finished performing the move."Glorious lord of the sun, Mithra be praised! To conquer all enemies, praybestow upon my strongest self thousands of light and thousands ofswords!"From the eastern sky came solar radiance that was not being used like acannon blast as before. A white sphere of light appeared in the skyhovering above the plains of Senjougahara.With two suns in the sky shining upon the land, Godou made all the[Swords] fly and gather towards the second white sun. Thousands ofswords of light melded together with the luminous stellar mass.'Oh, is that a new sun!?'Circling high in the air above, preparing for another attack, the Great Sageyelled.Godou fired the new swords and the white-colored sun shot a beam ofbright light like a laser. The delicate swords of light were able to lock on tothe godly fast Handsome Monkey King, and whizzed past over his head."Such heat!? And to think it even moved faster than me!? Impossible!"Only a few strands of fur were singed, but contact was definitely made.Melding the embodiment of the sun, the [White Stallion], with the [Sword],the result was this beam of light — a light speed weapon.This move did not lose to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's god speed,perhaps it even offered a chance for victory!?"Uh... Erica, can I entrust all defense to you? I have no way of defendingright now.""Of course, that is why I am here!"Godou felt his head being fried by a frightening amount of heat. Theburden of using two incarnations simultaneously was more painful thancould be imagined.Hearing the request he made under great pain, Erica immediately agreed.Meanwhile, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven continued to fly in Z-shapes,charging madly in the sky. Liliana fired volleys of arrows without pause torestrain his movements. Though there were no signs of Ena yet, she wassurely around controlling the situation. Even though he was in pain, Godouwas certain that all his companions were supporting him.I will absolutely not allow myself to suffer defeat here! Godou gritted histeeth in determination."Mariya, go help the people who have transformed into monkeys and leadthem away!"'Leave it to me, and vanquish the Great Sage without any worries!'Yuri's psychic sensing flew over Senjougahara, reaching the area ofOkunikkou — and then it filled the entire city streets of Nikkou, including allof the territory dominated by the Handsome Monkey King.Her mental waves searched for the people that had turned into monkeysand needed help.Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words once again."When it comes to Chinese history, there are frequent mentions ofnomadic and horse-mounted tribes! The northern Di and western Rongtribes during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Huns who threatenedChina for a long time since the Warring States Period, the Northern WeiDynasty that unified northern China, their descendants the Xianbei tribewhich assimilated itself into the cultural circles of the Sui and TangDynasties, as well as the Liao Dynasty of the Khitan people, and finally theYuan Dynasty — Mongolia!"The white-colored sun released thousands of [Swords]. It not only shot atthe four cardinal directions but in all three hundred and sixty degrees atlight speed."It was not limited to the ruling class. Even amongst the commoners therewas a commingling of ethnicities and nations, and the mixing of Han andnomadic culture. Naturally, the pantheon of gods was also affected bythis."Led by Yuri's sensing, there was no need to aim precisely. Godou wasimmensely grateful for that since his brain felt as if it was burning to ashes."And then came the archetype of the complicated hybrid deity — rather,the epitome is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong!"The [Sword] passed through trees, traversed mountains, crossed riversand plains, and returned to town once again. The white flash penetrated allwalls and obstacles in its path, slicing apart all the monkeys who were theGreat Sage's underlings."Though Daoism, Buddhism and other mystic religions from China havemany key differences, it is notable that the myths related to the Great SageEqualing Heaven are particularly numerous. Most symbolic are the seriesof anecdotes including 'being born from stone', 'being scorched by thecauldron's fire', 'having a body of steel', etc."The sacred flashing light raced across the lands beneath the morningglow.This was the birth scene of a new ruler to replace the abominable monkeyking."These myths are all common themes for the heroes of [Steel]. Born fromstone, burnt in a furnace, obtaining immortality — namely, the body ofsteel. This is the process of a sword's forging. The furnace smelts iron oreto produce steel, and steel is forged into a sword. So-called heroes of steelare actually swords, or in other words, living sword gods!"Severed by the solar [Sword], the people were all liberated from the rule ofthe Great Sage Equaling Heaven.They returned to human form once more.Japanese monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, mountain gorillas,etc —All sorts of monkeys disappeared in an instant, and as if reborn, turnedback into male and female, old and young. The time it took to bringsalvation to everyone was most likely four or five minutes. This swiftnesswas only possible due to the light speed weapon.Through Yuri's psychic sensing, Godou felt all the restored people collapsein deep slumber.Standing in the plains of Senjougahara, Godou breathed out deeply inrelief, knowing that all the people in the area had been saved.Furthermore, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven gradually decreased hisspeed. What was he planning? The knights were careful not to lose theirguard.Finally out of god speed and returned to normal levels, the Great Sageleaped down from his golden cloud.Standing right in front, he stared straight at Godou's face."Kusanagi, you... And these annoying humans, please remind yourself youare just flunkies! Be gone from my sight!"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven roared at Liliana who kept shooting athim, as well as Erica who blocked his advance, sending the two GreatKnights flying just like that."Hohoho... Eliminating all my underlings and returning them to humanform, eh... How amazing, you did well! Hmph hmph, hohoho! It makes myblood boil."The golden-gaze fiery-eyes were burning, and the red eyeballs and goldenpupils flashed brightly."The miko I took away from you is right here."Appearing from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's right hand was atransparent sphere, as small as a golf ball. Inside the sphere, Mariya Hikariwas lying down in her miko outfit as if asleep."Even if things have come to this... I still have many ways to deal with you.Let's say, for example, I will crush this fellow here like a bug if you dareresist."The Great Sage swallowed the sphere containing Hikari and licked his lips."But I won't do that. Let's have an exhilarating fight with our weapons andfists to prove who is the strongest. That is the most important! Come, comeand hurry! Let us decide who is the victor, and if you want to take back thislittle lady, slice open my belly!"Pointing the Ruyi Staff at Godou, the Great Sage yelled."That is my plan right from the very start! Except it includes them as well!"Standing beside Godou were the red and blue Great Knights, as well asYuri assisting him using psychic sensing from the side. Leading them,Godou retorted without holding back:"These people are all a part of me... They are my essential companions fordefeating you. I will fight alongside them to put an end to you, and I won'tallow you to call them flunkies!""I can't believe you indulge your lust to this degree... Fine, whatever, watchme, the Great Sage, send you all flying with a kick!"The Great Sage stuck his Ruyi Staff into the ground.Appearing out of the ground were the same sort of giant monkeys as seenbefore. This time there were nine! The appearance of these formidablefoes made Erica and Liliana swallow a few quick breaths, while Yuri'sconsciousness also began to show signs of fear.(...Ena expected this to happen from the start. So Your Majesty, please.Lend it — please lend Ena's partner to Ena to use!)Godou suddenly heard a 'voice' which carried thoughts from the swordhidden in his right arm. Godou took notice immediately."Partner... Is it that fellow?"Due to the request, Godou realized there could be no other possibility.Perhaps because the former user was under [Protection], Godou couldnow feel its existence more tangibly than usual.Godou relaxed his right arm and passed the right of usage over. It wentwithout saying that the name of the sword was —"Come, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi! The imperial sword granted by myking, now is the time for it to be swung!"With the sudden rise of wind, a loud and clear voice reverberated in thesurroundings.In the area before the giant monkeys — the underlings of the Great Sage,the wind gathered into a tornado, and the miko appeared in its center.The Hi me- Miko of the Sword — Seishuuin Ena.Wearing the official attire of a miko outfit with chihaya, she held thenostalgic black divine blade in her hand. Her body was also infused withdouble the normal amount of Susanoo's divine power! Was thisstrengthened as a result of Verethragna's protection!?"Yamato Yamato, elite of the nation, endless rolling green mountains,encircled by the walls of the summit, beautiful Yamato!"Ena's spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive galespinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them."Yaaaaaaaaaah!"With a high-pitched yell, Ena charged forth to attack.The gales easily imprisoned the giant apes, as befitting of the divinemessenger of the god of storms. Faced against these enemies restrainedby the strong wind, she ran forward as if completely unaffected by the windherself.Casually jumping onto the lower leg of one of the giant apes, she stabbedher partner into her enemy's weak point.ROOOOAAAAAAR! The giant ape screamed in pain.Ena proceeded to jump nimbly, flying high in the air she slashed Ama noMurakumo no Tsurugi horizontally. This cleanly severed the carotid arteryof the giant ape, slaying it immediately. Slicing through the criticalweaknesses of the enemy, Ama no Murakumo destroyed a divine beast onthe level of dragons.Ena used the same method and cut down the giant apes one after another.Though the giant apes were poor in reacting, they were still able to mountan effective defense by the time Ena slew the third one.Taking a deep breath, the giant apes inhaled the violent wind controlled byEna, finally countering the intense gales and regaining their freedom. Enamust have been lying in ambush all this time for the sake of this surpriseattack.However, in terms of overall numbers, the odds were still unfavorable.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven and six giant monkeys remained as theirenemies. Thus the bleak second round began.Part 4The intense sound of battle woke Mariya Hikari from her slumber.There were weapons flying back and forth all around and the chanting ofspell words."The custom of regarding swords as gods, first originated from thenomadic equestrian tribe that invented, passed down, and spread theirculture."Hikari heard a familiar voice, chanting the spell words for slicing godsapart.This was the voice of Kusanagi Godou — the youth loved by Hikari'svarious Onee-samas."That tribe was the Scythians, a fierce people from which the culture ofnomadic equestrian herdsmen was born."Every time he finished chanting a verse, the white-colored sun released aflash of light.Creating formless blades for severing a god, these laser beams streakedacross empty space at the speed of light. Furthermore, these horrifyingweapons stacked up on one another to begin a continuous series of rapidand heavy attacks."That was not all that the Scythians invented. They were also a tribe skilledin forging iron. Precisely because they excelled at forging iron, the swordgods of steel were born."Simultaneous slicing attacks came from four directions — up, down, left,and right, together with a triple series of attacks separated by timed delays."Herodotus was the first to record in history the name of the Scythians, andtheir use of the sword as the symbol of the Scythian war god Ares. Thesword that stands upon the great earth, is the true artifact that stands inhistory as the symbol of the god of war!"The continuous attacks of complicated flashing lights displayed fiercemomentum.However, it was far too unbelievable how all these attacks continued tomiss Hikari's body by the frighteningly slimmest of margins.Standing on the golden cloud, flying and gliding in the air, the Great Sageused all sorts of techniques to evade Kusanagi Godou's attacks.Sometimes he did tricks in the air similar to stunt flying, while at other timeshe flew with all his strength, charging at maximum speed. To be able tododge light speed attacks, it truly was god speed.In terms of pure speed, the swords of light should be faster actually.However, the difference in speed was not decisive, and could becompensated through flying technique, though just barely....Right, the one fighting Kusanagi Godou was not Hikari.The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, had swallowed MariyaHikari within his body."Acala's sharp sword is also one of them! The common theme of 'thesword god standing upright upon the earth', having scattered amongst thelegends in various lands, east and west of the ocean, underwent variouschanges in the elaboration of the sword god's imagery!""Hahahahahaha! Correct, that's the truth!""Take for example a sword that had just been forged, which needs toundergo the operation of cooling by water. This takes form in the stories ofheroes appearing after a passage through water. Achilles became theinvincible hero having bathed in the River Styx of Hades; bathed indragon's blood, Siegfried became the invulnerable hero as well, and you —Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, are the same as them!""Yes! In my case, there are the peaches, the Bagua Cauldron and theelixirs!""Thus the creation story of the Scythian sword god was passed down theages, as proof of Sun Wukong being the war god of steel! Not onlycombining Daoism with Buddhism, but even the sword god legend from thenomadic equestrian tribes, the strongest hybrid was born! This is yourprototype!""Kusanagi brat, well done! But so what!?"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven scoffed at the Campione who wascomposing the spell words."Light as well as the sword of spell words... This move of yours may be astroke of genius, but I have also understood one point. While you are usingthis move, your body is full of openings! Are you able to stop the ferociousattacks of Old Sun here!?"The Great Sage nonchalantly made his cloud accelerate, and charged atKusanagi Godou.He had been protected by the three girls all this time. But now the one whotook up this mission was —"Come near now. and kiss me, my son. Therefore God give thee of thedew of heaven!"^ ^It was Erica alone. Reciting the incantation for strengthening defense, sherushed over at the same time.Stepping between Godou and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven. Using theshield with reinforced durability to take on the Ruyi Staff's attack on behalfof her lord."Oooh— "The glamorous and beautiful girl's face became distorted, most likely dueto suffering the substantial impact on the shield.Her knees began to lose strength and collapse, but she still resisted withall her might, continuing to guard her lord. The other two — Ena andLiliana were currently battling the group of divine beasts.Of the nine giant apes only two remained. Spitting fire, blowing stronggusts of wind, they sent Ena flying despite her current state of divinepossession. Liliana ran over to help at this time, using a cooperativestrategy to defeat their enemies. She used arrows to provide cover for Enato mount an attack on the retreating giant apes, and aimed at theweaknesses of those overly focused on Ena.If these giant apes were left alone, they would instantly charge at theCampione, which is why the two girls must hold them off. This meant thatonly Erica was left to protect Godou. It was an arduous battle indeed."That's right, one of the homelands of the Scythians, the Caucasus is...Gun...""Godou!?"The youth controlling the light began to feel a sense of dizziness. He hadonce explained that the incarnations usurped from the WarlordVerethragna could only be used one at a time, but now he was using twosimultaneously. This must be greatly straining his body.Taking advantage of this opening, the Great Sage Equaling Heavenplucked two strands of fur from his body and fired them like needles,striking each of the two underlings that were fighting against Ena andLiliana.ROOAARM The giant apes were greatly roused. Accompanying the soundof roars, one of them charged at Ena while the other aimed its attack atLiliana who was trying to maintain the distance and firing arrows!Its movements were even faster than before! The massive body over 10mtall was running with speed akin to lightning."Watch me end you with one slice of my sword! Haaaaaah!"As one of the giant monkeys hammered its fist down upon Ena's head, theHime-Miko of the Sword jumped to the side and evaded. Then with a singleflash of Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the counterattack amputated thedivine beast's fist by severing the wrist.This terrifying sword technique, which could only be performed by usingSusanoo's divine blade, sent blue-colored blood splattering everywhere.However, this blood began to combust after it splashed upon Ena's body.As if oil had been added to a fire, the miko outfit and the chihaya, stainedby the fresh blue blood, began to burn intensely."Aaaaaaaah!"Ena screamed in agony as the giant ape followed up with a massive swingof its left hand. Squashed between the ground and the giant ape's palm,the Hime-Miko was immobilized with pain."Wan!? Damn it... It's not over that easily!"Vomiting blood, Ena summoned a whirlwind.The whirlwind swept upwards, like sword blades that have been sharpenedto incredible levels — the kamaitachi.^The invisible sickle blades severed the giant ape's blood vessels, tendonsand shins. Without even the chance to cry out, the giant ape turned into apile of sand and collapsed.Having obtained victory, Ena used the wind to extinguish the remaining fireon the miko outfit.However, pushing herself to this point was the absolute limit and she laidherself down on the ground and remained motionless in completeexhaustion.Meanwhile, Liliana planned to use the silver arrows to halt the advance ofthe second giant ape. Firing arrows into its left eye, shoulder and bulgingchest, Liliana succeeded in making the giant ape give off roars of angerand pain, but it was not enough. Already approaching near, the giant apesuddenly reached out with its right hand and caught Liliana.The slender fairy's body was caught by a monster like King Kong. Havingcaptured Liliana, the giant ape held its fist tight with all its might."Guuh... And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commandedMoses; and they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian,beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur,and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian — ' ™With no other strength to support her but a Great Knight's pride, Lilianacontinued to recite spell words in spite of her condition. As a result of herstruggling efforts, light descended from the heavens onto the blue knight."And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and theirlittle ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and alltheir goods. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all theirgoodly castles, with fire."^ ^GAAAAAH! Incredibly, the giant ape wailed with suffering, relaxing its gripthat was about to crush Liliana to death."And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses. ^Liliana was being surrounded by blue light as she readied her bow with asolemn expression.This was not just the sight of a soldier but a paladino and a saint. Withsuch an air that would compel people to sing praises in her name, Lilianaset a silver arrow onto the bowstring.The giant ape spewed forth intense flames from its mouth, but the sacredvestments worn by Liliana were completely free from damage. Whileresisting the flames, she shot the arrow into the giant ape's mouth. Theimpressively-built body of the giant ape instantly scattered into sand whichblew away with the wind. However, Liliana too, had reached her absolutelimits.Having displayed overwhelming power, Liliana collapsed forward andremained motionless."Lily... So you used the Smiting spell words. That's right, in our currentstate, it is possible to use that secret ritual — And seven priests bearingseven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went oncontinually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went beforethem!" [10]Having witnessed her childhood friend's valorous battle, Erica also chanteda new incantation.Continuing to defend against the attacks of the Great Sage EqualingHeaven, she also seemed like she was reaching her limits. Her stepsbecoming unsteady, she needed to use the spear as a crutch in order tostand.Behind her, Godou narrowed his eyes, trying to catch up to the monkeyking's god speed."They compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventhtime, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto thepeople, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. And they utterlydestroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old,and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. *Out from the surface of the ground drifted a red mist that enveloped Erica'sbody. Immediately, the mist dispersed, causing a change in the impressiongiven off by the red knight. Truly, she looked like a paladino and a saint.Straightening her back, she wrathfully glared with resolute eyes at theGreat Sage Equaling Heaven in his god speed."And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man beforethe Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay thefoundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set upthe gates of it." [12]"Oh!? What is up with this little lady? You even dare to dream of attackingOld Sun here in return!?"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven had intended to smash Godou's craniumwith rapid descent this time, but the divine monkey who had swallowedHikari was faced with a great shock. Standing between him and theCampione, Erica thrust her spear forward. She had been guarding her lordall this time but now she changed her stance to attack. To have that kind ofresidual strength — No, she should not have that kind of power!Right, Hikari nodded her head from within the belly of the Great SageEqualing Heaven.The spell words used by Erica and Liliana constituted the [Sacred Privilegeof Extermination], the ultimate secret rite of European magic and a powerthat rivals Seishuuin Ena's divine possession.As Hikari watched on, Erica's spear and the Great Sage's swinging RuyiStaff began a direct frontal clash.The spear shattered. However, despite being divine weaponry, the RuyiStaff also —The freely extending steel staff, 13500 catties^ in weight, was split intotwo. It was unbelievable that the weapon of the war god possessinglightning divine speed could be destroyed by a mere human!Furthermore, this attack made Hikari feel the dormant depths of her heartstir from the impact. The feeling of watching a television broadcastdisappeared. Her consciousness and feelings restored, she felt a risingtide of emotion wanting to support Kusanagi Godou and his othercompanions....Do your best, Erica-neesama!As if hearing Hikari cheering for her, the paladino continued hermovements, wielding her broken spear to thrust at the Great Sage.However, her martial prowess could not possibly defeat the war god. Thespear's attack was evaded and the severed Ruyi Staff came attacking.Erica-neesama was sent flying into the distance, falling onto the ground.Due to the great momentum, she rolled over many times on the groundbefore stopping. Completely motionless, she appeared to have lostconsciousness. In the moment of crisis, she barely managed to block theRuyi Staff's attack with her shield, thereby avoiding a fatal hit...The female knight, glamorous beyond compare, put forth everything in herpower to serve her lord even if it meant soiling her appearance with dirtand mud. Hikari felt very sad to see her like this. God and Campione werefinally dueling one on one, and the Great Sage swung his severed RuyiStaff.Godou-oniisama showed no intention to dodge and raised his arms toguard his head and face.In addition to the Ruyi Staff, the Great Sage also kicked and punched hisopponent on whim.But only when the occasional attack went through his defense and wasabout to hit a critical point did Onii-sama forcefully twist his body to evade.He was currently focused on defending and had completely halted theoffense.However, Onii-sama's eyes sparkled with great intensity as he glared atthe furiously attacking Great Sage Equaling Heaven.Though his eyes were as fierce as a wolf's, he continued to put all his effortinto defending — why on earth!?'Godou-san is reserving his final strength in order to save you.'"Onee-chan!? What does that last part mean? Besides, Onee-chanshouldn't have this kind of power, right...!?"Hikari was surprised to find her older sister conversing with her throughmental waves. This was the psychic sensing power that Princess Alice hadused before, but though Onee-chan was a rare spirit vision user, sheshould not be a user of psychic sensing!'We will discuss this some other time... Godou-san will soon be out ofstrength because using that [Sword] causes heavy strain. At most he canuse it at full power once, and he plans to use that final strike for your sake.'"How could this be! B-But if this continues, Onii-sama is going to be killed!"He remained standing no matter what kind of attack struck him.Even when he fell upon one knee, he got up immediately, never giving upon this fight. Watching this battle unfold, Hikari could no longer bear it. Shecould not bear watching Godou getting hurt any longer. And not justOnii-sama, Erica-neesama, Liliana-neesama and Ena-neesama had allfallen.'No other way... That is the kind of person he is. Even if he was about to bekilled and close to defeat, he would never give up fighting. So please bepatient and wait for that man to save you. I will also do my utmost toassist...!'Injecting absolute trust and determination, Yuri spoke with her thoughts.Even in a despairing situation or faced with gods as his enemies, he wouldnever abandon his battle spirit or the will to fight. Precisely because of this,he was able to become a Campione and Devil King who usurped divineauthority. Gazing intently at the eyes of the Campione, burning withfighting spirit, Hikari felt her heart beginning to race.Stuck in a situation like this, he did not stop fighting. Not only that, heaimed for victory, fighting for the sake of Hikari and all the people sufferingas a result of the Great Sage.Her chest felt like it was on fire. She could not stand aside any longer! Shewas not a woman who could observe from the sidelines without doinganything!"Onee-chan... I also want to fight together! Though I don't know what I cando, if there is anything that can help that man obtain victory, I will put all myeffort into it! So please tell him this: I have absolute trust in your victory,please fight to the very end!"'Very well, I understand... For the sake of Hikari, I will also do everything Ican, so you have to do your best — 'Ending the mental conversation with her older sister, Hikari furiouslysearched her thoughts. The only spirit power she possessed was disasterpurification which could only affect gods slightly — limited to nullifyingmagical power or spells, but if the other party was a powerful god, then notmuch of an effect could be expected.How could she use it in a way to help Godou-oniisama, to help thatperson?Despite being stuck in a predicament where all he could do was defendone-sidedly, Godou endured with all his might.Entering into all-out close-quarter combat with a war god like the GreatSage Equaling Heaven would probably mean defeat in a few seconds.Even so, it was not yet time to use the [Camel]. Before Hikari is rescued,the [Sword] cannot be abandoned.However, the scorching heat felt even hotter than before and Godou'shead felt like it was about to split open from pain. Using two incarnationssimultaneously had reached its absolute limit, and there was no way tocontrol it any further.The only thing Godou could do at this point was endure.But at least the [Sword] for counterattack was kept in his body, and actedas defensive gear which repelled the attacks of the Great Sage. Perhapsdue to it being a weapon to neutralize the power of gods, it could be usedas defensive gear? However, this notion was too naive. Though thedamage of the attacks were lessened, the effect was far from completeabsorption.This kind of passive approach was really unsuitable. That said, withoutputting his all into this kind of resistance, he would have been directlybeaten to death by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."Hahahahahaha, starting from a while back, you've been taking hitsobediently. What's up? Are you out of options!?"The Great Sage did not get anxious about defeating his enemy quickly.Instead, he calmly continued to beat up his opponent, sending Godouflying with a kick from the front and then using the severed Ruyi Staff for ahorizontal sweep, finally aiming a spinning kick at Godou's temples.Godou was being treated like a punching bag, but he endured relentlessly.Bear it, I have to bear it.It was not yet time. The Great Sage had not shown an opening so if thelight speed sword attacked, he would use his divine speed to evade at thesame time. It was necessary to wait until the divine monkey got carriedaway and showed an opening, when an instant appeared for a guaranteedhit of the [Sword]. If one did not wait for an opportunity of assured success,there was no chance for victory!'Godou-san, just now I talked to Hikari who is inside the body of the GreatSage.'The whispers of Yuri's mental waves could be heard.'She has absolute trust in your victory, so please fight to the very end.'(What, she's still in good spirits... Really, don't go trusting in other peopleso easily.)Godou complained as he muttered to himself, but began to smile.This was the fierce grin of a warrior. The face of a man whose fighting spiritburned in the face of adversity.This was proof of the king who shouldered the hopes and prayers ofothers, turning them into power. If one were to say 'I fight only for myself ata time like this, it would be clear lack of magnanimity. If you believe that Iwill surely win, then I must show you what the victory of the true warriorlooks like.'Godou-san, the time for counterattacking has arrived. I will also assist you,so please use your power without reservation!'(Yes, I understand. I will be in your care, but it is still not yet time...)While he was secretly conferring with Yuri, the Great Sage EqualingHeaven suddenly halted his attacks."Hmm, continuing to use a broken weapon will be a taint upon my divinemight. Let me fix this first — Life and death are predestined. Fortunecomes from the Heavens. The principal lamp has extinguished!"Using a mantra to apply divine power, the shattered fragments of the RuyiStaff flew and returned.In an instant, they combined together, reconnecting, and restored thedivine appearance of the precious iron. It would be impossible to resist thefull might of the divine weapon — just as Godou trembled at that thought...The restored Ruyi Staff crashed down from above upon Godou's head.Impossible to dodge, was this the end!? However, Godou heard Hikari'svoice at this time.'Evil be purified, Disaster be dismissed, Misfortune be exorcised,efficacious signs of the bearer of Fortune, I implore your manifestation!'This was transmitted via Yuri's psychic sensing, giving voice to thethoughts coming from the belly of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.The cry of the young warrior, trying to use the spirit power of disasterpurification to escape from the god's domination. Faced with the miko'sstaunch resistance just as he was using one of his most prized powers toattack, the Great Sage was met with a complete surprise.Shattered. The newly restored Ruyi Staff shattered once again.The result was the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's attack missed its target.This was the spirit power that only Mariya Hikari possessed — disasterpurification.Even the power of gods could be eliminated in part by this strange ability.The captive apprentice Hime-Miko greatly surprised the deity in a criticalmoment, and just as the monkey face of the Great Sage Equaling Heavenmade a stupid expression — !"Now is the time, Mariya!"'Yes!'Noticing Godou's yell, the Great Sage pointed his index finger at the sky.This was the only chance for counterattacking. The white-colored secondsun fired the [Sword] at the Great Sage Equaling Heaven while Godou'sbrain was being invaded by a terrifying amount of heat and pain.OWWWWW! His brain felt like it was boiling, but the pain immediatelylessened by half.'Ah, aaaaaaaaah!'In return, Yuri's screams of agony could be heard from her mental wavesbecause she had used psychic sensing to share the pain that Godou felt.However, to a Hime-Miko who was not a Campione, it must have beenpure suffering —Towards Yuri who took on his pain, as well as the fallen Erica, Liliana andEna, Godou vowed before he apologized to them.Sorry to have let everyone suffer, but in return, I shall obtain victory —The fired [Sword] pierced right through the abdomen of the Great SageEqualing Heaven!"In one of the former lands of the Scythians, the Caucasus, the legend ofthe hero Batraz still remains. For the sake of training, the hero cast himselfinto a fiery furnace during his youth. The fiery furnace where he chose totrain in the scorching heat was the place where dragons were slain andcorpses were incinerated. In the end, having his body burned by thescorching flames, Batraz jumped into the sea to cool down, and thuscompleted his training. As a result, he obtained an immortal body."Using the [Sword] to separate the ectoplasm from the Great Sage'sphysical body, Godou searched deep to look for Hikari."This legend is extremely similar to the beginnings of the Great SageEqualing Heaven, Sun Wukong. Thus the Scythian hero shares essentiallythe same origins as the monkey. Without a doubt, the people who gaveSun Wukong and the Scythian sword god the same back story were thenomadic tribes who were assimilated into Chinese culture!"Yes, found her, I can feel Hikari's presence. Within the massive ectoplasmof the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, the skinny little human girl imprisonedquietly inside had been found!Godou charged forward and reached his hand into the Great SageEqualing Heaven's abdomen, pulling her body out."Onii-sama, I always believed you will surely come to save me!"Godou found himself tightly embraced by the little girl even younger thanhis own sister.As he held the miko-outfitted Hikari in his arms, Godou said to the GreatSage:"...Indeed I have taken her back. Now, it's finally time to fight a real battlewithout hindering restraints!"References1 . t Book of Changes, Wu Wang(&lE)hexagram. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/l_Ching2. t Qimen-Dunjia(^P^M¥): A type of traditional Chinesemetaphysical art, used for divination and various decision-makingprocesses. Fictionally, it is also used as a category of supernaturalspells and escapetechniques. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi_Men_Dun_Jia3. t Yin: yin as in yin-yang, the duality of complementary opposites.Yin represents darkness, gentleness, the moon, femininity, etc inopposition to yang which represents light, strength, the sun,masculinity, etc.4. t Juunihitoe(-|-— #-^): literally "twelve-layer robe", the juunihitoe isan extremely elegant and highly complex kimono that was worn onlyby court-ladies in Japan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%ABnihitoe5. t Genesis 27:26-286. t Kamaitachi(iiH!): literally the "sickle weasel," a Japanese weaselyoukai believed to wield sharp claws while riding on gusts ofwind. http://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/Kamaitachi7. t Numbers 31:7-88. t Numbers 31:9-109. t Numbers 31:11-1210. t Joshua 6:1311. t Joshua 6:15-16,2112. t Joshua 6:2513. t Catty(Jf): a traditional Chinese unit of weight, roughly equal to600g. 13500 catties would be equivalent to81 00kg. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catty