Campione! - Volume 1 - Chapter 2.1

Chapter 2 - Duel with the Diavolo Rosso

Part 1

The evening gradually became darker, and many stars hung high in the night sky——

Citing danger as a reason, Erica did not take Anna along with them.

Together with Godou, the pair proceeded to a hill near the famous Colosseum[1] of Rome.

In the first few centuries AD, the city of Rome was built in the middle of seven hills[2]. This is a well-known historical fact.

This particular hill was called the Palatine; in its Republican past it was a high-class residential area, and in the Empire it was the site on which the emperor's palace was built[3].

But today it is only known as 'that place near the famous tourist attraction, the Roman Colosseum', and silently crumbled into a pile of ruins through neglect.

"Although still a spot for tourists, it is so much quieter compared to the Colosseum nearby."

Erica said what was on her mind.

It may have been because it was already past midnight, but due to the surrounding atmosphere, even if the spirit of a Roman nobleman appeared it wouldn't have seemed strange.

"That said, to see a building that has been around for more than 1500 years, still preserving its shape, you can't help but admire it."

The sections built from brick still remain.

Similarly for the pathway made from brick.

Walking slowly amidst the ruins, Godou looked around, noticing the surrounding landscape.

If it was possible, he wished he had come in the daytime, but this similarity to a test of courage was also very exciting.

There were no street lamps anywhere near them. But even without torches they both continued on naturally, because Erica and Godou both had owl-like night vision... this too, was because of the life or death situations he had gone through since this spring, that he could obtain such a superhuman constitution.

"Is that so? Ancient buildings such as these can be found anywhere, can't they? For example, Medieval temples and castles. I know Japan also has quite a few, right?"

"Your examples are from completely different time periods. And besides, if you exclude those that are tourist attractions, they're hard to find."

Erica's opinion came from those who see things from a Neolithic point of view.

In the first place, for most of the cities in Italy, a large percentage of their buildings and names come directly from the Medieval period.

And if you're talking about the roads and the town as a whole, it's not an understatement to claim over half of them are historical relics.

Especially here at Rome, where the roads, sewage systems, the water supply and more were all facilities constructed in the Imperial period. They were used continuously, and with at most a simple bit of repair, could still function perfectly in the present.

"Godou, how long has it been since both of us were alone? Can you please not talk about such unromantic things? This is a rare, short rendezvous for us lovers."

Erica suddenly drew close.

She kept near Godou, and began to whisper these words in his ear.

Facing such an attractive maiden who displayed her affection so aggressively, no one, much less a healthy high-school boy, would not blush and grow nervous.

Godou of course is no different. However...

"I've already told you so many times— please stop making jokes like this! We should follow etiquette and establish a positive and healthy relationship!"

"I'm not joking. That was just a confirmation of mutual love from long separated lovers."

Erica ignored Godou's retort and moved her face even closer.

Their cheeks almost touching, Erica leaned her body nearer to his, and began to whisper words as sweet as honey.

Godou desperately backpedaled, and continuously retreated with all his might.

"We-We aren't lovers, so please stop now!"

"I only want you to quickly accept my proposal. What parts of me are you not satisfied with? My features, age and body are definitely fine... unless you have some sort of special fetish?"

"Stop speaking rubbish. I am a perfectly, completely normal guy! This has nothing to do with fetishes!"

Erica continued her attempts to cling on to Godou, who was frantically retreating.

... To tell the truth, once you got used to both her willfulness and stubbornness, you couldn't help but find her cute. Godou just had to worry, that despite being constantly manipulated by her, he could not find it in himself to hate her.

That said, he was still unable to accept Erica's aggressive style of romance.

"I like Godou, and Godou also feels the same towards me, right? See, there are no problems at all, and even after marriage we would get along well. We might even be the world's strongest couple."

"And that is the problem! Stop arbitrarily deciding on things like marriage! I haven't even considered starting a family!"

Godou could just imagine it: having accepted her love, he would be kidnapped and forced into a church for the marriage ceremony.

If one assumes a normal lifespan to be eighty years, Godou hasn't even been around for a quarter of that time. It was natural that anyone would feel uncomfortable, if he decided on a lifetime partner with such meager life experience.

But there was an even more pressing reason.

Although Erica loudly proclaims herself to be Godou's lover, she is likely to have some sort of plan in mind.

"——Erm, Erica, please don't make use of me in some strange place, ok? I know that I owe you a lot, and even if you cause me great headaches, I still consider you a friend. I'll help you if you ask me normally, so please stop doing these sorts of embarrassing things."

Godou said this with sincerity.

It wasn't something to be happy about, but Godou knew that he wasn't the type who was popular with girls.

Kusanagi Godou is not a humorous person, and is useless when it comes to sensing other people's emotions.

His sister often calls him obtuse, or that he talks too much.

There was no way any interesting girls would like this sort of man, much less Erica. With her beauty and intelligence, she could choose anyone.

"Is the reason why you are trying to seduce me because of some kind of order from your corps? I understand that, so there is no need to flaunt yourself, and I don't want you to say these sorts of lies—— hey, are you listening?"

"I heard you... You really are amazingly slow. A beautiful flower appears before you, even asks you to pluck it... You don't understand its mind at all."

Erica, still sticking close to Godou, sighed.

Coming from her, this sigh is a rare, heartfelt expression of her worries.

"I wasn't ordered by my superiors to choose a lover. I can't believe that you can't even understand this simple point— really, you are a troublemaker."

Erica finally let go of his hand. Just as he began to relax, she bent over and kissed him.

And this wasn't a kiss on the cheek, but a soft kiss on the lips.

"This is your punishment for always being so cold to me... forget it, I'm willing to spend more time, so that you will finally understand my love. So for now, just prepare yourself for that moment!"

Erica, smiling lightly, looked exceptionally dazzling.

If this continued, he might begin to have some strange ideas, so Godou quickly changed the subject.

"That's right, there was something I wanted to ask about Anna-san."

"Un, Arianna is honest and generous, isn't she a great kid?"

Hearing her tone of voice, Godou's face grew momentarily stern.

"Don't call someone older than you 'a great kid', you should show more respect. But anyway, I want to ask you something more important. Tell me truthfully, did you deliberately order Arianna to drive me around?"

"... Wow, you really got into Anna's car. You really have the bravery of a lion, such great courage."

Facing Godou's direct gaze, Erica replied flippantly.

It seemed that she wasn't going to give a serious answer.

"If you're planning to use such a suspicious reply, the least you could do is look me in the eye. So that really was your scheme— did you know that I almost died?"

"Calling it a scheme is going too far. I just mentioned to her, if she drove you around for some sightseeing, you might feel happier... Arianna really is such a good kid."

The two chatted idly while walking.

Suddenly the view broadened before them, and they arrived at a spacious location.

"We've arrived. This will be our battleground, the remains of the Roman Emperor Augustus'[4] palace."

Before his eyes were huge and broad walls, perhaps they used to be the awe inspiring bulwarks of the ancient palace.

All around were round columns, lying on the ground. Only a few were still standing.

Surrounded by all these things was a green patch of turf, on which three figures stood, waiting for them.

The first two were venerable.

They were probably the [Old Dame] and the [Female Wolf] that Erica mentioned.

Next was a young man. He was probably the [Purple Knight] of the [Capital of Lilies].

On that note, the knight corps they belonged to were secret associations.

In all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, each one basically had multiple knight corps, which had the Medieval Knights Templar as a common root.

"It is an honor to meet you in person, Kusanagi Godou, for the first time."

In reply to the [Purple Knight]'s formal greeting, Godou bowed his head in reply.

"Hello, I am Kusanagi Godou. Although I've obtained this special physique due to certain reasons, there is no need for any of you to treat me with such respect. Please just treat me like any other normal person."

"...You are much too humble; one can tell you are no simple human just from what you just said. This Italian of yours isn't something which can just be learnt from just simple experience, is it?"

"She is correct. That just now was [Mille Lingua][5] —— magic that can only be patiently honed for a long period of time. And even then, those adept must grasp the secrets of language before he can learn the skill. One who can use the technique at such a young age, such as you, is surely a rare sight."

The two elders praised him, one after the other.

Ever since Godou became a Campione, he had never encountered the problem of trying to communicate with foreigners. After associating with them for three days, he was naturally able to both understand and speak their language.

He always thought it was an extremely convenient, but also incredibly pathetic ability. Who knew it actually had such a story behind it...

Just as Godou was at a loss for things to say, Erica, who stood by his side, raised her voice and said,

"Right, since all the actors are here, let's start the main event. [Purple Knight], can you please stand as arbitrator?"

"No problem, [Diavolo Rosso][6]. Elders, if it pleases you to step back. This is a contest between the Campione and a great knight of the [Copper Black Cross], hence it would be safer to stay at a distance."

The older two nodded their head to the [Purple Knight]'s suggestion.

The outlines of the pair immediately start to fade, and in an instant, there is no trace of where they were.

"They really disappeared, how amazing."

"In your current state, that can't be any kind of amazing magic, right? They only hid their bodies, while watching in the distance. Don't get distracted by that, from here on out this is a stage for just the two of us."

Erica, leaving the suddenly nervous Godou, stood at a distance of about 5 meters.

From there, she called out to the [Purple Knight].

"Please give the starting signal."

"I wish you both the best of luck —— begin!"

Though Godou could not feel any sort of fighting spirit at all, nevertheless he reluctantly turned his body to face Erica.

Erica had changed her clothes before the match began.

She wasn't wearing the elegant dress from before, but a simple long sleeved shirt and slim black trousers, giving her more freedom of movement. In addition to this she had put on something resembling a red cape.

The red cloth had black patterns stitched onto it; Erica called that a banner.

Godou still remembered how she proudly boasted before, that a banner containing both red and black colors could only by worn by a great knight.

"O lion of steel and your ancestor, the lion-hearted king —— please hear the oath of the knight Erica Blandelli."

Erica began to intone the unearthly incantation to summon her weapon of choice.

She spoke clearly, as though delivering poetry.

The incantation or 'spell words' which people talk about, is the ability to bend the forces of magic to one's will.

"I am the valorous successor to the bugle, the descendant of the Black Knight. 'Til my fighting spirit is broken, my sword will never shatter. O lion-hearted king, I implore you— bring the essence of battle into my hand——!"

A sword appeared.

Into Erica's right hand, which was completely empty just a moment ago, a longsword suddenly appeared.

"Advance! The time for Cuore di Leone[7] to fight has come!"

Erica's favorite blade, Cuore di Leone, was an elegant and fine longsword.

With an extraordinary length, and the lightness of a willow branch when swung, it was completely different from normal, steel swords. The blade reflected a brilliant, silvery light, and could be said to be more a work of art than a mere weapon.

But Godou knew very well that this was a demonic sword, which could easily cut through swords made of steel.

——In an instant, Erica closed the gap between them.

"Hey! Wait a minute!"

Cuore di Leone flashed like a bolt of lightning, aimed to pierce Godou's chest.

Even flinging himself to the side, he only just managed to evade it.

But Erica didn't pull back her sword, but rather swept it horizontally, as if to pursue Godou, who was evading her strikes.

For one who had barely escaped, he couldn't help but feel the chill of death travel down his spine.

Her fluid change of a thrust to a sweep was beautifully executed.

That attack was one which completely presaged all of Godou's possible responses.

"You're really trying to kill me, aren't you!? Actually attacking me carelessly with a real sword!"

"This is a duel, using real swords is completely natural."

"Don't use one! If I'm cut by that thing, I'm definitely going to die. Didn't you use this same sword to split concrete before? My body is going to be diced up like tofu!"

"Tofu is that ingredient made from soybeans, right? Don't worry— you're much stronger than that stuff. Even after suffering a blow from Lord Salvatore's demonic blade, didn't you still survive? Having witnessed that battle, even I could not help but admire your tremendous vitality, and I wondered what would happen if you were hurt by me ——"

"... Erica, rather than deciding to duel with me, didn't you just want to test your weapon on my body?"

"Don't be silly. But this definitely is a rare opportunity for me, and it's true I don't want to just pass it over."

Hyuu.

Erica lightly angled her wrist, and Cuore di Leone lashed out like a whip towards Godou's neck —— this was probably an attack at his carotid artery.

He was totally unable to predict the natural movements of her strikes, and besides, they were extremely fast.

Godou was even unable to perfectly see them coming.

Depending partially on his intuition, he swung his head away. At least he got away from that one.

"How impressive... there are few people who can successively evade three strikes from my sword —— Ah! I forget, Godou is only partially human, so it's not totally inconceivable."

"For someone who continuously calls herself my darling, my lover, you sure don't hold back in trying to kill me! I think that is even more inconceivable than my body!"

"But that's only because my lover and my opponent happen to be the same person. There's nothing strange about it, and besides, I never wanted to kill you... although little accidents could still occur."

Erica elegantly brought her sword back on guard, while her expression had a sweet expression, just like a poisonous flower.

Her flirtatious manner was just too alluring.

"I apologize for the interruption, but I would ask you both to halt your flirting momentarily. Although I sympathize with the need for such passionate lovers to express their desire for each other, I must remind you that this duel is a sacred matter."

Having heard the [Purple Knight]'s admonition, Godou couldn't help but retort incredulously,

"If you think this is us flirting, you must be blind. Or maybe those eyes of yours are just for show?"

All these people were the sort who considered betting on one's life a game; which, of course, included Erica.

"Well said— let's enjoy our love later tonight, Godou. Right now, you must display your full prowess!"

Apart from his parents, basically no one else talked to Godou personally with his first name.

And to be specific, there was only one person in this world, who at times would whisper his name with such overflowing tenderness, and at other times call it out with such a firm and self-confident manner. And that person was Erica Blandelli.

... The problem being, while she used his name so lovingly in public, yet felt no problem in ruthlessly stabbing at Godou with her blade.

Erica once again swung her sword thrice in a single movement.

The first was a diagonal slash downwards, the next a rising cut, the last a vertical swing downwards, aimed directly at Godou's head.

All it took was one hit on his body, and Godou was a dead man.

But in that instant, Godou leapt backwards, then turned around and leapt further back again, and so managed to escape.

"There's no way for us to decide a victory if all you do is dodge. And more importantly, I'm getting bored."

"Please stop! You know just as well as I do, this strength of mine is a complicated ability which I can't use at will, and when I do, I can't control its strength. How can I, just use it whenever you want me to!?"

"Still going on about the same pacifistic things... well, then I'll press you with something even more dangerous than just a sword. If you don't want to lose, then you'd better get more serious about this fight!"

Erica lithely vaulted backwards, her feet pressing on the ruined wall, left from the period of Imperial Rome.

"Soar, sandals of Hermes![8]"

Accompanying this short incantation, she began to run along the walls, her soles tapping against the brick.

"Cuore di Leone —— Thus I order you to this mission, O lion of steel. May you rend, skewer and rip apart the foe! May you conquer, annihilate the enemy, and seize victory! I leave the battlefield to you."

After Erica tenderly caressed the blade of her favorite longsword, and kissed it lightly...

She tossed out her sword.

It fell on the dead center of the grassy field on which Godou stood.

"...Now what are you up to?"

Puzzled, Godou watched the sword which stood completely still, about five meters away. If Erica wanted to impale him, there was no way she would have missed at this distance.

—— As he expected, the sword started to change.

The sword which was stuck in the ground began to grow in size.

The silvery metal expanded continuously and gradually took on the shape of a lion, such a realistic sculpture.

But it did not just look like a lion, for it grew to a huge size.

...But what was even more incredible, the silver lion was no normal carving. The lion growled, then turned forward to face Godou, and focused on his target.

The statue's every movement was exactly like a lion.

"You want to attack me with that!"

Godou was both appalled and awestruck at the lion's immensity.

The head of the beast was almost two stories high.

Perhaps if there was a bus or a truck around, he might have had a chance of fending off the giant beast. But for Godou, measuring 179 centimeters and 64 kilograms, there was perhaps just a bit too much of a difference in their respective weights.

——The giant lion lifted up its front legs, preparing to bring them down with a crash.

It moved scarily fast, swiping at Godou's head.

It wouldn't be far-fetched to compare this to a falling steel pylon from a construction site.

Godou frantically dodged.

The ground which he stood on a moment ago was already torn and rent by the wickedly sharp claws and that immense weight. If he actually got hit, there would be nothing left of him except a bloody mess on the pavement.