Campione! - Volume 18 - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Kusanagi Godou and the Monster of Okutama 

Cast 

Kusanagi Godou  

Erica Blandelli  

Mariya Yuri  

Liliana Kranjcar  

Seishuuin Ena  

Amakasu Touma  

Female Announcer  

Opening 

• Narration by Liliana in monologue style.  

Liliana: "Ever since time immemorial, humans have circulated myths about gods through oral tradition."  

Liliana: "On rare occasions, these gods would manifest in the world. Freed from the restraints of the stories known as myths, gods would roam the earth as they pleased, bringing calamity wherever they traveled."  

Liliana: "We magi call these gods 'Heretic Gods.'"  

Liliana: "Humans are unable to oppose gods. Even by gathering the entirety of human strength and wisdom, it would be far enough to match a Heretic God."  

Liliana: "Nevertheless, there exists people in the world who possess enough power to fight gods."  

Liliana: "They are the godslayers. Having slain gods as humans, they are the Devil Kings who have stolen divine authorities from the gods. We call the seven of them 'Campiones.'"  

Liliana: "Next, I will recount a story about the youngest of the seven Campiones, Kusanagi Godou."  

Liliana: "But please remember, even though Campiones are warriors who fight gods, they are absolutely not defenders of mankind. They are Devil Kings in the truest sense, tantamount to Pandora's Box where all disasters and a sliver of hope are gathered..."  

Part A 

• Kusanagi Godou Talks About Peace  

Godou, Erica, Yuri and Liliana are gathered together, chatting.  

Godou: "It's a bit sudden, but it's great to have peace."  

Erica: "Is it really sudden? However, I do share hopes for world peace..."  

Godou: "What's wrong, Erica?"  

Erica: "The word 'peace' doesn't suit you at all, Kusanagi Godou. You are a Campione, a Devil King who slays gods and usurps their authorities. You're more of a harbinger of war and chaos, an enemy of peace, instead."  

Godou: "Don't make me sound like a devil. I'm an authentic pacifist."  

Erica: "This Japanese sentence is off in meaning. You mean self-proclaimed pacifist, don't you?"  

Godou: "Drop the self-proclaimed."  

Erica (to Yuri): "Hey Yuri, say something. You'd be hard pressed to find someone like Godou, so far removed from peaceful life, probably less than one in ten thousand."  

Yuri: "Nothing of that sort, Erica-san."  

Erica: "No need to worry about his opinion. It's time for Godou to confront his position properly."  

Yuri: "It is not out of worry. Just as Godou-san says, he will not make a big deal out of things unnecessary. I would consider him someone who loves peace."  

Godou (happily): "Mariya..."  

Yuri: "Be that as it may, he often acts imprudently. Despite his lofty ideals, he often forgets them as soon as he springs into action. Even so, he has no initial intentions of threatening peace."  

Godou (greatly shocked): "Mariya!?"  

Erica: "How's that? Although there are slight discrepancies in the details, Erica Blandelli and Mariya Yuri are essentially in agreement."  

Godou: "Wait. Think carefully. I haven't caused any disturbances lately, right? I haven't fought a god for long time now... What's wrong? You're showing such weird gazes."  

Erica: "Sorry. I think your words have already betrayed you."  

Yuri: "I feel compelled to bring forth a rebuttal. Godou-san, the last time you fought a god was less than twenty days ago."  

Godou: "Yeah, it's almost a month with no incidents. It's great that things are so peaceful lately."  

Erica (whispers): "Speaking of which, there is a saying, the 'Hundred Days of Napoleon'..."  

Yuri (whispers): "An analogy for transient glory, lasting merely a hundred days..."  

Erica (whispers): "But it's still five times longer than Godou's peace..."  

Godou: "I haven't needed to fight anyone for so long. At this rate, reaching a month shouldn't be a problem. Liliana, what do you think?"  

No answer.  

Sound Effect: a pen writing  

Godou: "Liliana, what have you been doing starting a while ago?"  

Liliana (startled): "Sorry. This is the report I have to submit for this month."  

• Liliana's Report  

Godou: "A report to submit where?"  

Liliana: "To submit to the association I belong to, the [Bronze Black Cross]."  

Godou: "A secret association of magi... So what's in the report?"  

Liliana: "Kusanagi Godou—A report on you. This is research material written for future generations of magi, to inform them of the beings known as Campiones, godslaying Devil Kings."  

Godou: "Future generations will study us!?"  

Erica: "Why of course. Speaking of Campiones, they are potential threats on the same level as Heretic Gods. Whether revering and worshiping them or fleeing in terror, it's not a bad thing to have more information."  

Yuri: "Better safe than sorry."  

Liliana: "As the first publication this time, I will start with compiling basic information on Kusanagi Godou and those in his service."  

Godou: "Don't write anything weird, okay? Like misrepresenting the truth."  

Liliana: "As an official document, of course that is forbidden. For example, this is the information on me: Liliana Kranjca, age sixteen. Foremost knight in Kusanagi Godou's service, also the housekeeper in charge of all of His Majesty's personal affairs..."  

Erica: "The truth was misrepresented the moment Lily called herself your foremost knight."  

Liliana: "No matter how you look at it, I am the one most suited to this title, right?"  

Erica: "Of course not. This should be written there: Kusanagi Godou's right hand and foremost knight, who is also his lover... is Erica Blandelli."  

Godou (exasperated): "Don't go writing 'lover' in official records."  

Erica: "A simple description that captures our relationship, what's wrong with it? ...(seductive whispers) Hey Godou, don't you think that this report ought to record our romantic life of loving sweetness in detail?"  

Godou (panic): "I-I-I don't think so. Also, stop blowing in my ear!"  

Yuri: "E-Erica-san, please refrain from acts of impropriety. Godou-san, you ought to be more resolute."  

Liliana (to Yuri): "By the way, the information on Mariya Yuri is as follows: A 

Hime-Miko, the name given to users of special powers dating back to ancient 

Japan. Possesses the power of spirit vision at an outstanding level. Assists His Majesty through appropriate counsel."  

Yuri: "You are writing about me too?"  

Liliana: "Naturally. You are one of the comrades supporting Kusanagi Godou."  

Yuri: "You speak too kindly of me—(bashfully) what supporting..."  

Liliana: "Prudent and gentle in personality. Versed in flower arrangement and various performing arts in addition to mastery of all domestic chores. The quintessential Yamato Nadeshiko, the Japanese ideal of a woman since antiquity."  

Yuri: "I am not as excellent as you say..."  

Liliana: "But extremely naggy. Has a habit of lecturing others. Often provides honest advice to deter Kusanagi Godou against inappropriate behavior. Extremely effective too. His Majesty frequently bows his head and apologizes to Mariya Yuri, vowing never to make the same mistake, etc."  

Yuri (startled): "Liliana-san, are you actually writing such content into an official document!?"  

Liliana: "To provide information to later generations of researchers."  

Yuri (squirming in embarrassment, unable to speak properly): "???×?!"  

Godou (originally trying to speak on Yuri's behalf but finally gives up): "No... Well, it's true that I often bow my head and admit my mistakes whenever Mariya reminds me of undeniable things..."  

Erica: "Fufu, come to me and I'll spoil you instead."  

Godou: "Like I said, stop sticking so pointlessly close to me!"  

Liliana: "Indeed. Although it is regrettable for Erica, I have no choice but to write: a vixen who frequently deceives His Majesty. I honestly hope you could rein in your ways."  

Erica: "My goodness, Lily. Adding your own subjective bias to research materials is truly unlaudable. Your profile should be written like this: Liliana Kranjcar has a bad habit of frequently running amok when her emotions get carried away. The one who always cleans up her messes is her childhood frield, Erica Blandelli."  

Liliana: "Stop pretending you are my friend. There is nothing but ill fate between us."  

Yuri (trying to calm them down): "So, are you going to write about Ena-san too?"  

Liliana: "Oh right. I have not written it yet, but she is one of us too. —Seishuuin 

Ena. The premier Hime-Miko wielding the divine sword, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Often stays in mountain forests to purify her body and mind..."  

Godou: "By the way, what did you write about me?"  

Erica: "This is the most crucial."  

Liliana: "Yes, roughly the following."  

Sound Effect: rustling of paper  

Godou: "Let me see... Kusanagi, the seventh and youngest Campione... 

Surpassing a top-class hurricane in destructive power..."  

Erica: "The harbinger of calamity in human guise..."  

Yuri: "The incarnation of chaos, bringing destruction and turmoil everywhere visited..."  

Godou: "What the heck is this!?"  

Liliana (dodging the question): "M-My humble apologies. In trying as much as possible to depict the truth without inserting my personal emotions, it turned out this way."  

Erica: "Speaking of which, indeed, all of it is the truth."  

Yuri: "Well, you could put it that way..."  

Godou: "What are you talking about? This is misrepresenting the truth. Reality rewritten into a fictional story. This is not a correct record!"  

Sound Effect: Slamming the table  

Godou: "I know myself best. I'll write this report myself!"  

• Everyone Working on the Report Together  

Godou: "...Then I'll start with a self-introduction. Uh, my name is Kusanagi 

Godou. An ordinary first-year high school student you can find anywhere."  

Sound Effect: Wrong buzzer from a quiz show  

Erica: "Isn't that wrong right off the bat?"  

Yuri: "It is a bit much for Godou-san to assert himself as 'ordinary' given his position."  

Liliana: "Always running away from who you are is one of your flaws."  

Godou: "Why? My body is just a bit special, but I'm basically still an ordinary human, right? My personality is serious and I don't have any weird hobbies."  

Erica: "Just a bit...? If struck by lightning from the gods, an ordinary person would have died, incinerated until only bones were left."  

Yuri: "In Godou-san's case, he would revive matter-of-factly."  

Erica: "That kind of vitality already counts as an immortal monster."  

Godou: "Then forget about the body, just stick to the mind!"  

Erica: "The same applies."  

Yuri: "I believe it is the same too."  

Liliana: "I suppose it is no different. If one were to call your mind very 'ordinary,' it would be equivalent to describing the blue sky as 'not blue.'"  

Godou: "It's that outrageous!?"  

Erica: "Since Godou's self-description is this unreliable, I shall be the one to introduce Kusanagi Godou's terrifying battle accomplishments."  

Godou: "Quit it with the terrifying."  

Erica (narrating tone of voice): "The god he slew in the beginning was Verethragna, the war god from ancient Persia. A god of light, capable of transforming into ten incarnations, obtaining victory on all sorts of battlefields. After Godou usurped the [Ten Incarnations] authority from Verethragna, he made his grand entrance as a godslaying Devil King..."  

Godou: "Grand is redundant."  

Erica: "Within merely half a year after that, he engaged in numerous battles against gods. Melqart the ancient Phoenician sky god, Athena the goddess of war and wisdom, Perseus the hero, Sun Wukong the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Lancelot du Lac the prototypical knight... The price paid for these legendary deathmatches was often leaving behind marks of heavy destruction in the surroundings. As a result of Kusanagi Godou's authority, the Roman Colosseum was demolished, Milan lost Castello Sforzesco, and a number of historical landmarks in Japan were tragically wrecked—What's wrong, Godou? Your face looks unwell?"  

Godou: "Nothing much... I just feel a stomach cramp from remembering my past deeds."  

Erica (playfully): "You reap what you sow."  

Godou (brief groaning)  

Yuri: "Please hold on. It is true that Godou-san has done many things open to criticism."  

Godou (another brief groan)  

Yuri: "However, he has done things for others too... He did save me in the past."  

Godou (revitalized): "I know, right!?"  

Yuri: "There was fighting a fellow godslayer, Marquis Voban, for my sake, the incident involving my younger sister, and facing off directly against that terrifying Cult Master Luo Hao."  

Liliana: "Indeed. Compared to those fiendish Devil Kings, Kusanagi Godou could be considered a benevolent messenger of justice."  

Yuri: "Nevertheless, there are aspects to him as captured by the saying 'danger past, God forgotten' as well as excessive profligacy in female relationships, how troubling... Especially regarding female matters, I do occasionally feel that an actual stab with a knife would do Godou-san some good..."  

Godou (troubled): "Eh!?"  

Yuri: "His relationship with Erica-san goes without saying, but no sooner had I looked away than he had already developed an excessively intimate relationship with Liliana-san. Even my younger sister's relationship with him has become a bit strange, truly troubling. Furthermore... (voice lowered) with me, he even, umm... (followed by murmured words) It became that kind of relationship, how troubling. Be that as it may, I still would like to support him with everything in my power..."  

Godou (in trepidation): "Mariya. I tried to refuse, but I suppose I was forced by the situation in a battle against gods and there were all sorts of reasons. Even though coming from me, it sounds..."  

Yuri (suddenly stern and righteous): "Please hold your tongue. It is too cowardly for the man to say such words. It is virtually the same as smearing mud upon your own face."   

Godou: "Y-Yes ma'am."  

Liliana: "Speaking of female relationships... Actually, I was still hesitating whether or not to add information in this regard to the report."  

Erica: "Isn't this obligatory? When discussing the human nature of Kusanagi Godou, I believe this aspect is unavoidable."  

Godou: "Wait a sec. Rather than the question of whether it's obligatory, regarding the existence of problematic female relationships, to begin with, I—"  

Liliana: "You cannot deny their existence, right?"  

Godou: "...Even if I can't deny their existence, it's not like I can assert their existence either..."  

Liliana: "This sort of ambiguous answer is sufficient. (Sigh) I have personally experienced your behavior on this front more poignantly than anyone else..."  

Godou: "Hey, what do you mean by personally experienced..."  

Liliana: "Have you forgotten that day at Naples? (lowered voice) You were on the seaside road at the time, disregarding the gazes of onlookers, you took my lips and—"  

Godou (hastily interrupts): "I do admit that it was due to my lack of moral training, or perhaps going with the flow too forcefully, or rather, it was after we reached the consensus that it was a necessary process to defeat a god. Anyway, it was my bad, so please stop talking about it in front of everyone."  

Erica: "By this point, there's no need to hide it anymore, right? Everyone present has had similar experiences... On our first encounter, never in my wildest dreams did I expect you to be such an absurd man."  

Yuri: "Godou-san usually acts no different from a person with common sense..."  Godou: "Hey, I believe I'm someone with common sense and acts prudently at all times."  

Erica: "Only you think that."  

Liliana: "Only in your mind."  

Godou: "Rubbish. All of you are leaning too heavily on assumptions and speculation when talking about me. You've got to take a proper look at the real me."  

Erica: "A proper look is fine... But I doubt our opinions will change as a result, okay?"  

•    Narration by Liliana in monologue style.  

Liliana: "The next day after this conversation, Kusanagi Godou proved his claims wrong through his own behavior. However, we were not surprised. Kusanagi Godou is a Campione after all. An unruly godslayer..."  

•    Ena's Invitation  

Godou, Yuri and Liliana are walking along a road.  

Sound Effect: noise from heavy traffic  

Godou: "Where did that Erica go off today?"  

Liliana: "I heard she was busy so she left first."  

Yuri: "Well, she is quite busy indeed."  

Sound Effect: cellphone ringtone  

Godou: "It's my phone... How rare, it's Seishuuin calling."  

Liliana: "Seishuuin Ena huh? She is not currently in Tokyo, right?"  

Yuri: "That is correct. She apparently set off to Gunma Prefecture two days ago."  Godou: "Anyway, let me pick up first."  

Sound Effect: switch-on beep  

Godou: "Hello?"  

Ena on the phone: "Are you free right now, Your Majesty? If it's okay with you, can you come help out?"  

Godou: "Feel free to explain if it's something I can help with... But nothing violent. I've already had almost a month of peaceful days. If possible, I'd like to spend the next few decades peacefully like this, passing on at a ripe old age on a tatami mat."  

Ena on the phone: "Here you go again~ That's so unlike Your Majesty's style."  

Godou: "Why does everyone like to link me to conflict so much..."  

Ena on the phone: "Because Your Majesty always denies it verbally, but you actually love to revel in battle and go on a rampage. Isn't this what they call tsundere?"  

Godou: "Where did you learn that word from..."  

Ena on the phone: "That's not important. Just as you predicted, there's actually a violent matter that needs Your Majesty's help... Please, just help out a bit! It's safeguard your 'peaceful life.' If you leave it alone, Tokyo will be in big trouble."  Godou (immediately): "For real? Tell me the details."  

Part B 

• Mountain Forest in Okutama  

Ena, Godou, Yuri and Liliana are walking on a mountain trail.  

Sound Effect: Birds calling, twigs getting stepped on and other noises from walking in the mountains.  

Godou: "This place is really out in the woods."  

Ena: "Far from it. This place is quite near human settlements... But for Yuri, it's quite tough, right?"  

Yuri (panting): "I-It is fine. I-I can still hang in there for a while..."  

Liliana: "Allow me to support you if you are tired. Do not push yourself too far."  

Yuri (panting): "Th-Thank you..."  

Godou: "Let's take a break nearby first."  

Yuri (deep breath): "Sorry..."  

Sound Effect: birds chirping  

Ena: "Up to yesterday, I was deep in the mountains on the border between 

Tochigi Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture, tracking down a centipede monster."  

Godou: "By centipede, you mean the type that crawls all over the place?"  

Ena: "Yes, but not the normal size. Ena didn't get a clear look at its size, but from head to tail, it probably exceeds twenty meters."  

Liliana: "Obviously no ordinary creature."  

Ena: "It also seems to be a divine beast."  

Yuri: "A minion serving a god... And bearing a centipede's form..."  

Godou: "But divine beasts are clearly weaker than gods, right?"  

Ena: "Ena and Liliana-san would barely be able to defeat it, but Your Majesty probably could take it out with ease. However, this centipede dug a hole in the mountain and stays underground almost all the time. It's impossible to catch."  

Liliana: "That is understandable since the prey is underground."  

Ena: "It digs long and deep tunnels all over the place, causing mountain foundations to become loose, it's terrible. Landslides could easily occur. 

Yesterday, it started moving towards Tokyo. Right now, it's in this mountain."  

Godou: "Even if you bring up Tokyo, this area is all wilderness in the mountains."  

Ena: "Digging tunnels deep in the mountains is already troublesome enough. At this rate, even urban areas will have holes dug all over the place, which will be even harder to handle. It's best to defeat the monster before that."  

Godou: "Got it. I guess I'll help out in this kind of situation too."  

Ena: "As expected of Your Majesty, that's more like it!"  

Godou: "However, why would a centipede be a divine beast—a servant of a god? I never thought of it as an amazing creature."  

Ena: "Well—There's actually an unexpectedly long history behind the centipede being a divine messenger."  

At this moment, a spirit vision descends upon Liliana.  

Sound Effect: Sound of gentle breeze like ringing of bells  

Liliana (solemnly): "Ever since ancient times, the centipede has been the symbol of mines in Japan... The long and narrow tunnels dug in the earth were compared to centipede legs. Hence, the centipede became a deity for people related to mineral veins—"  

Ena: "Liliana-san, you know about it too?"  

Liliana: "No, but a spirit vision suddenly descended and I received an image of the centipede's god. The spirtual presence of the divine beast lurking in this mountain must have stimulated my spirit senses."  

Ena: "Oh okay. It's just as you say, Liliana-san. The centipede is the messenger for gods of iron, copper and other metals. The famous Bishamonten also uses the centipede as a minion."  

Godou (profoundly): "It's like searching information on the internet. What a convenient power."  

Liliana: "It does not activate at all times and it is very limited... Speaking of which, Mariya Yuri, your spirit vision powers are much stronger than mine. You should be able to obtain even more useful information, right?"  

Yuri (seriously): "......Yes. Over there."  

Godou: "Over there eh.. Looks like there's some kind of reason."  

Yuri: "If you walk over there, you will surely encounter the divine beast."  

Ena: "Good job, Yuri. You've found out the centipede's location through spirit vision."  

Godou: "Great, let's head over there."  

• Prepare for Battle?  

Sound Effect: everyone's walking noises  

Ena: "Come to think of it... Next comes the battle, right?"  

Godou: "Yeah, I don't like it, but it's probably coming."  

Ena: "Then Your Majesty needs a weapon, right?"  

Liliana: "Indeed it is as Seishuuin Ena says."  

Godou: "I don't need something so dangerous. Like I keep saying, people who carry swords and Japanese blades around to swing randomly... It's time for them to understand that Japan has laws regulating firearms and swords."  

Ena: "No, not that."  

Liliana: "Indeed, it is not that kind of weapon."  

Godou: "What? (suddenly realizing in panic) No. No no no, I don't need any kind of weapon at all. Don't you agree too, Mariya?"  

Yuri: "Eh!? (troubled) How should I put this...?"  

Liliana: "Then I shall be blunt. To prepare your weapon—specifically, the 'spell words of the sword' is the intent."  

Ena: "The power Your Majesty uses is the [Ten Incarnations] usurped from a Persian deity, right?"  

Liliana: "The warlord Verethragna is the god of victory and emissary of the sun as well as the defender of royal authority and the populace. Wielding ten incarnations, he fights by constantly changing forms..."  

Ena: "First of the ten incarnations is the howling wind, then the bull, the white stallion that transports the sun, the ferocious camel, the fearsome boar, the fifteen-year-old youth, the flying raptor, the ram and the goat..."  

Liliana: "Finally, there is the warrior who wields a golden sword."  

Ena: "Just like Verethragna, Your Majesty can use the sword when taking on the warrior's form. However, it is not a sword to be swung by hand."  

Liliana: "It is a golden sword controlled using spell words, for tearing gods asunder."  

Ena: "Using the [Ten Incarnations] requires fulfilling strict conditions. And the condition for transforming into the sword-wielding warrior is—"  

Liliana: "Obtaining detailed knowledge of the target deity."  

Godou (intending to dodge the issue): "I-Is that right?"  

Liliana: "It is futile for you to feign forgetfulness. For the purpose of obtaining knowledge about a god, back in Naples, did you and I not... kiss repeatedly?"  Godou (gives up): "Yeah..."  

Liliana (turning slightly seductive): "As an ordinary student, Kusanagi Godou does not have knowledge about gods. However, the usage condition is resolved by having us magically transfer knowledge to him. Hence, this has already happened many times so far..."  

Godou: "But morally speaking, it's awful!"  

Liliana (slightly seductive and shy): "It cannot be helped. Kissing is a means to apply magic.. It has always been the case so far... I have no problem with it this time too."  

Godou: "What do you mean by you have no problem with it!?"  

Liliana: "Naturally, the act of imparting knowledge to you. Fortunately, I already received the requisite image through the earlier spirit vision..."  

Godou: "It's more like I have a problem with it, okay!?"  

Ena: "Hold on, in that case, Ena has no problem either."  

Godou: "There are problems everywhere, okay!?"  

Ena: "After all, the enemy is a Japanese deity. Compared to a foreigner like 

Liliana-san, it's only natural that Ena would have a better understanding as a Japanese miko."  

Liliana: "I have already obtained sufficient knowledge. This does not constitute enough reason."  

Ena: "Who can say? Perhaps after performing the act, you'll realize it's still no good. It's better to be more careful in times like these, so best to let Ena do it."  

Godou: "There's no best or second best. Do you agree, Mariya!?"  

Yuri (distracted, startled by the sudden question then answering frantically): "WWhat is it!?"  

Godou: "Mariya, could you tell them off? A battle is about to start and it's not the time to squabble over such things."  

Yuri: "Y-Yes. Please stop arguing, the two of you! Just as Godou-san said, a dangerous battle is at hand, how can you still have a dispute over such matters..." (gradually decreasing volume)  

Godou (feeling puzzled): "W-What's wrong?"  

Yuri: "Oh nothing. I simply feel that it is precisely because a dangerous battle is at hand that they are having an argument over this issue..."  

Godou: "You've got a point but it's irrelevant now!"  

Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Godou: "Is that the divine beast? (quietly) I'm saved. (loudly) I'm heading off first!"  

Sound Effect: sprinting noise against the ground  

Ena: "Hey wait, Your Majesty! The sword's not ready!"  

Liliana: "There should be limits to recklessness! No helping, everyone, chase him!"  

Yuri: "Godou-san!"  

Sound Effect: running footsteps  

Godou: "Uwahhhhhh!"  

Sound Effect: soil and sand collapsing  

Yuri: "Kyahhhh!"  

Liliana: "Guh!"  

Ena: "Everyone be careful!"  

• A main road in Tokyo's city center  Erica was walking along the road.  

Sound Effect: bustling metropolis  

Sound Effect: cellphone ringtone followed by button press  

Erica: "How rare. I can't believe you called me, Amakasu-san."  

Amakasu on the phone: "Somthing unexpected happened. Rather than drowning while grasping at straws, I thought it'd be better to seek your help, Erica-san."  

Erica: "Is this a request from Amakasu Touma as a special agent of the History Compilation Committee?"  

Amakasu on the phone: "I'm not brave enough to request your help for private matters, Erica-san... Just as you know, our work involves damage control and concealing information when incidents related to gods or magic take place in Japan."  

Erica: "In other words, there's another big incident. And Kusanagi Godou is involved."  

Amakasu on the phone: "It saves me a lot of effort since you understand so quickly."  

Erica: "I last saw Godou less than a quarter of a day ago... That guy is unbelievable. I take my eyes off him for a moment and he does something so unexpected."  

Amakasu on the phone: "Actually, it's related to Ena-san on our side, who's currently participating in a mission to defeat a mysterious centipede-like monster that's moving south towards Tokyo."  

Erica: "Allow me to guess the rest? Considering Ena-san, she probably used this as pretext to call Godou to her and let loose."  

Amakasu on the phone: "Correct. She's together with Kusanagi-san at Okutama to hunt the centipede."  

Erica: "Then perhaps this phone call is an invitation to a date?"  

Amakasu on the phone: "Much obliged. Going to a festival alone would be too lonely, so could you grace me with your company?"  

Erica: "If you could take me to the venue, of course it's okay."  

Amakasu on the phone: "That would be a great help. I'm actually near you already."  

Sound Effect: car engine and horn  

Sound Effect: Erica hanging up on the cellphone  

Sound Effect: opening and closing of car door then car driving away  

Erica (speaking from front passenger seat): "As expected of you, Amakasu-san, what thoughtful arrangements. Truly an exemplary Japanese ninja."  

Amakasu (slightly depressed): "Could you stop calling me that...? Wouldn't that put me in the overworked businessman category..."  

Erica: "Is that so? Speaking of which, how about watching television or listening to the radio?"  

Amakasu: "Why?"  

Erica: "Since it's Godou, after all. If given half a day's free time, it wouldn't be strange even if he caused New York to collapse. I wouldn't be surprised if his latest movements were reported on the news."  

Amakasu: "That's really true."  

Amakasu turns on the navigation system's 1seg television.  

Sound Effect: television switched on  

Female Announcer: "Now reporting on the latest news. Roughly an hour earlier, a large-scale landslide has occurred at Onihakamura in the Tama Area of Tokyo Prefecture. In addition, eyewitnesses have reported an explosion of unknown origin—"  

Erica: "A master detective would declare 'the mystery is completely solved' at this point. Without needing an investigation, the culprit can already be confirmed."  

Amakasu: "What a coincidence, I feel the same way too. Anyway, let's head over to the scene in the news... If only the battle would be over by the time we get there, that'd save a lot of work."  

Erica: "In that case, Amakasu-san, please pray for my misfortune."  

Amakasu: "What do you mean?"  

Erica: "I, Erica Blandelli, was born under a star that miraculously ensures that I always enter the stage in time to give a spectacular performance on occasions like these!"  

Sound Effect: car engine  

• Underground  

Godou (painfully): "Oww... Where is this? It's so dark."  

Sound Effect: feeling around for belongings  

Godou: "I'm so glad I brought a flashlight just in case..."  

Sound Effect: click  

Godou: "Is this underground? And there's a path? A cave... No, it's an old tunnel or? (suddenly noticing) Mariya!"  

Mariya (still a bit hazy): "Mm... (awakens) Godou-san!"  

Godou: "Are you okay?"  

Yuri: "Y-Yes. I am fine."  

Godou: "So terrible just now. A crazy big centipede burrowed out of the soil, causing the ground to collapse over a wide area. That was when we fell underground.":  

Yuri: "Where are Ena-san and Liliana-san?"  

Godou: "Haven't found them yet. They probably fell somewhere else... Where exactly is this place?"  

Yuri: "I can sense powerful spiritual energy from the surrounding soil. This is most likely a tunnel dug by the centipede divine beast."  

Godou: "Really? If more tunnels get dug in urban areas at this rate, stuff like buried electricity lines and pipes are gonna fare badly. Then there's subsidence and soil liquefaction... I've got to put a stop to it around here."  

Yuri: "Then, in other words..."  

Godou: "Yeah. I'll defeat that centipede here. Help me out."  

Yuri: "V-Very well... Then there is no choice. Umm, well, uh, shall we begin?"  

Godou (surprised): "Begin what?"  

Yuri: "Umm, well... Godou-san, you intend to fight, right?"  

Godou: "Yeah."  

Yuri: "And I am the only one here. (shyly) Then naturally... The responsibility rests with me. To (ambiguous mumble) with Godou-san, the task of imparting knowledge regarding deities to you!"  

Godou: "Huh!?"  

Yuri: "Actually earlier... Ena-san and Liliana-san's dispute was undoubtedly too imprudent and slightly lacking in propriety; however, I did agree in my thoughts that it is a job that someone must be responsible for!"  

Godou: "Huh!?"  

Yuri (sternly): "I am fine with it. Since you, the king, wish for my assistance, I will assuredly fulfill my duty."  

Godou: "No no! There's no need to think about obeying a Campione or a king. In any case, all of my peers are problematic characters with twisted personalities!"  

Yuri: "Then I shall amend my words. I, Mariya Yuri, wishes to aid Kusanagi Godou in a personal capacity."  

Godou (gulps): "Mariya..."  

Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Liliana's voice (battle cry): "Hahhhhhh!"  

Ena's voice (battle cry): "Yahhhhhhh!"  

Godou (quietly): "Saved again. (loudly) Liliana and Seishuuin are fighting over there, let's go!"  

Sound Effect: rushing footsteps  

Yuri (trying to stop him): "Godou-san!"  

• Traveling by car in Okutama, Erica and Amakasu  

Sound Effect: car engine  

Amakasu: "Night has totally fallen."  

Erica: "I feel kind of hungry."  

Amakasu: "Want to grab a bite somewhere? This area is all mountain roads and they serve excellent kamameshi, which is basically rice, meat and vegetables stewed in a small pot."  

Erica: "Is this common food on mountain roads?"  

Amakasu: "It's functional beauty in Japanese travel. Let's stop and eat if we find a kamameshi shop later."  

Erica (very interested): "But we're only twenty minutes from the scene, right?"  

Amakasu: "Yes, what a shame."  

Erica: "Then isn't it time for us to display the Japanese spirit of industriousness?"  

Amakasu: "Since it's Kusanagi-san we're talking about, he's probably gotten started long ago by now. Since we won't make it either way, let's fill our stomachs before getting to the scene."  Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Erica: "Did you hear that just now?"  

Amakasu: "Unfortunately, with perfect clarity."  

Sound Effect: emergency braking and car swerving  

Erica: "Looks like fate has allowed Erica Blandelli to arrive in time again. It appears that my daily acts of virtue have bested yours in providing favorable fortune."  

Amakasu: "Now that you put it that way, Erica-san, I feel as though fate is quite unreasonable."  

• Inside the mountain at Okutama  

Godou and company had somehow escaped the labyrinthine network of subterranean tunnels  

Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Sound Effect: distant rumbling of thunder then the sound of a lightning strike  

Liliana (battle cry): "Hahhhhhh!"  

Ena (battle cry): "Yahhhhhhh!"  

Sound Effect: clanging of swords  

Sound Effect: monster's howling and heavy machinery digging  

Liliana: "Curses. It escaped underground again!"  

Ena: "It runs away like this every time we attack after waiting for it to surface. After asking His Majesty out to help at last, we still can't beat it!"  

Godou: "Even if you want to use my power, I don't know where it's hiding underground. No helping it, let's go underground again..."  

Yuri: "That would be very dangerous. You would end up buried alive if you fight in that kind of place. The ground could easily collapse right now, right?"  Godou: "That's true..."  

At this moment, Erica and Amakasu hurry to the scene.  

Amakasu: "Hi everyone. It's great you're all safe."  

Erica: "How rare to see you at wit's end against an opponent of this level, Godou!"  

Godou: "Erica, you came too!?"  

Erica: "Indeed. How is the current situation?"  

Sound Effect: soil and sand collapsing  

Godou: "Again!?"  

• Underground, only Godou and Erica  

Sound Effect: something similar to a subsidence accident in a mine. Gradual return to silence.  

Godou: "...That's basically the situation."  

Erica: "Understood. Confronted with a monster that lurks underground, you're out of ideas how to proceed... But how unexpected, to be sent underground like this so suddenly."  

Godou: "This underground tunnel was dug by that giant centipede."  

Erica: "This tunnel is long and complicated, almost like a subterranean labyrinth. Where did the others fall?"  

Godou: "I think we're the only ones who fell down."  

Erica: "In any case, Godou, we're the only ones here right now."  

Godou (warily): "Yeah..."  

Erica: "Then I'll take on the job of preparing the sword. (chuckling adorably and seductively) Fufu. Look forward to a passionate kiss after so long, okay?"  

Godou: "Isn't this too big a jump in topic?"  

Erica: "I simply omitted the rambling discussion. Godou, you don't like wasting time either, right?"  

Godou: "Even if you don't want to waste time, don't go omitting everything!"  

Erica: "Then let's be more methodical. Godou, you wish to defeat that divine beast, don't you?"  

Godou: "If it gets to urban areas, it'll be a great disaster."  

Erica (increasingly seductive): "However, the cunning enemy flees underground... Even a Campione is having trouble taking it out..."  

Godou: "Yeah, that's right. So it's been a pain this whole time."  

Erica (instigating): "If the divine beast were to escape this time, what kind of tragedy awaits Tokyo...? You are the only one who can stop it, aren't you, Godou?"  

Godou (faltering): "Well yeah, but even so, kissing here..."  

Erica (diabolically tempting): "This is for the sake of protecting everyone's peaceful city, isn't it? Godou, I hope you'll put some effort into your admirable aspirations. Please kiss me. For the sake of imparting knowledge of that divine beast to you."  

Godou (entranced): "Erica..."  

Erica (whispering lightly in his ear): "Acquiring an additional weapon is nothing bad."  

Godou: "Yeah, I guess...? (committing resolve) This is for victory..."  

Erica: "Indeed. For your victory, I shall offer my lips to you. Hence, you must defeat the monster and prove a Campione's power. Please..."  

Godou: "Yes, I will—(suddenly calms down) Wait a sec. On further thought, that centipede is a Japanese god."  

Erica (smiling): "Apparently so."  

Godou: "Liliana saw what kind of god it is just now through spirit vision, but 

Erica, you can't do that, right? Aren't you unclear on that centipede's origins!?"  

Erica: "How astute of you. As expected of the one I love."  

Godou: "You were trying to trick me!?"  

Erica (smiling tenderly): "Please call it taking advantage of the situation a little."  

Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Godou: "The centipede is close by... The situation is already so troublesome and yet you're still harboring weird intentions."  

Erica "Is that so? I don't think it's troublesome at all."  

Godou: "Do you have a battle plan?"  

Erica: "Yes, all you need to do is this. Listen to me—"  

Sound Effect: Erica's explanation is drowned out by the monster's roaring halfway  

Godou (greatly surprised): "I never would've thought of that."  

• Already night on the ground surface  

Yuri, Liliana, Ena and Amakasu are worrying about the two who fell underground.  

Ena: "It's already been twenty minutes since His Majesty and Erica-san fell underground."  

Liliana: "We should go down to search too."  

Amakasu: "There's the risk of a second collapse. I'd suggest not."  

Yuri: "I hope the two of them are fine..."  

Erica suddenly returns alone.  

Erica: "So everyone is here? Wonderful, I found you straight away."  

Liliana: "Erica! Just you? Kusanagi Godou is not with you!?"  

Erica: "We fell down together but split up afterwards. Oh Amakasu-san, about what you mentioned earlier..."  

Amakasu: "Kamameshi on mountain roads?"  

Erica: "Yes, I'm hungry. How about we all go for some food?"  

Yuri: "Erica-san! Godou-san is still underground!"  

Ena: "...A strange sound is coming from below the ground... Could this be His Majesty's doing?"  

Erica: "Presumably. As expected of Godou. Once he releases the brakes, he pushes the battle immediately to the final stage."  

Sound Effect: monster's roar, persistent explosions, metallic impacts and other noises of intense battle from afar  

Yuri: "Releases the brakes...?"  

Erica: "I told him already."  

Flashback to Erica and Godou's conversation underground. Playback effect applied.  

Erica: "Here's the crux of the matter, Godou. Don't worry about what comes next, just go rampage as much as you want."  

Godou: "If I let loose here, I'll get buried alive, right!?"  

Erica: "But that won't kill you, given who you are, after all. Of course, that doesn't apply to the rest of us, so we'll standby on the ground. We'll just find you later when you're buried then dig you out. So go ahead and rampage to your heart's content."  

Godou: "I'm the one who's getting buried, so stop with the reckless talk... However, I never would've thought of that."  

Back to the present.  

Liliana: "That is far too reckless. Even for a Campione, getting buried alive in these tunnels, as complicated as a labyrinth, guaranteeing safety would be... (unable to say the word impossible) still possible..."  

Ena: "It works. Doable. After all, it's His Majesty. He definitely won't die."  

Erica: "We should be able to dig Godou out safely after confirming his location using magic later."  

Yuri: "Chances are quite high now that you put it that way... But is it really okay?"  

Amakasu: "That being said, it definitely won't work for ordinary people."  

Sound Effect: monster's roar  

Amakasu: "But he's the great Devil King who can even slay gods, so this is fine, I guess?"  

•    Underground, Godou v.s. giant centipede  

Sound Effect: monster's fierce roaring  

Godou: "I'm getting tired of underground hide-and-seek. I'm gonna take out you right here... For victory, hasten forth before me. O immortal sun, I beseech thee to grant radiance to the stallion! O stallion that moveth godlike with wondrous grace, bring forth the halo of thy master!"  

Sound Effect: thunderous firing sound  

•    Amakasu's car racing along a mountain road  

Sound Effect: car's engine on overdrive  

Amakasu: "Anyway, we've left the mountain where the centipede was. How are things on that end?"  

Liliana: "Bad news. The sky is still very bright even though it is 8pm."  

Ena: "Yeah, the sun just rose from the east."  

Erica: "Naturally, that is no sun but the white stallion, one of Verethragna's incarnations... Beautiful as a true sunrise. Visually only."  

Yuri (tone as though praying to heaven): "The incarnation of flames, only usable against great sinners who cause hardship to the populace... It is descending upon the earth again..."  

Ena: "That giant centipede has caused enough mischief all over the place. 

Perfect!"  

Amakasu: "However, isn't the firepower too great to use this kind of finishing move to bring solar flames to the ground? It's like killing a chicken with a bulldozer. Total overkill."  

Sound Effect: light speeding through the air with a whoosh  

Amakasu: "The white stallion flying west from the eastern sky, carrying the dazzling sun. This legend, brought to Japan in the east from England in the west, circulates in various places all over the world. As for the motif of a sun horse, only very few people know that it started spreading with the migration of IndoEuropean tribes... By the way, if you don't want to listen to this kind of content, I'd be happy if you fast forwarded..."  

Ena: "Amakasu-san, what are you talking about?"  

Amakasu: "Just escaping a bit from reality. However, there's nothing wrong with escaping from annoying reality right now. Cleaning up the aftermath is our job..."  

Erica: "Sealing off the scene of the incident, concealing the truth, releasing fabricated misinformation... The History Compilation Committee has so much work. Allow me to express my sympathies on this regard."  

Sound Effect: an extremely large explosion  

Ena: "Wow! What an outrageous explosion!"  

Yuri: "One third of the mountain... No, half it was annihilated by the explosion... 

(worrying about Godou's safety) Godou-san, please be safe."  

Erica: "Don't worry. Probably... No, he'll surely be fine."  

Yuri: "I-I am thinking the same too, but it does not sound right to voice it directly."  

Ena: "Don't worry, Yuri. That's the kind of person he is."  

Yuri: "However!"  

Ena: "There, there. (grinning) His Majesty has to be like this after all!"  

Liliana: "You seem quite happy..."  

Ena: "Because, don't you find this very exciting? His Majesty is probably the only one who can make Ena not bored to this extent. As expected of Ena's husband!"  

Erica: "Someone with common sense and acts prudently huh? Seriously, Godou, you always act the opposite of what you say."  

• Narration by Liliana in monologue style.  

Liliana: "What happened afterwards is much less important."  

Liliana: "Of course, the giant centipede was incinerated to ash by the white stallion's flames. The mountain where it was hiding had half its mass blown away, resulting in a major change in landscape. Nevertheless, this could only be considered minor damage in comparison to a Campione's serious fight."  

Liliana: "Buried alive, Kusanagi Godou was rescued by our power. Naturally, he was completely unharmed, saying 'I thought I was a goner' when reunitng with us. However, that was simply a passing thought without a single instant when he actually felt the danger of dying."  

Liliana: "In any case, I hope everyone will learn from this incident."  

Liliana: "Campiones are the mortal enemies of gods. They are the warriors who fight Heretic Gods on mankind's behalf. Nevertheless, they are absolutely not mankind's protectors."  

Liliana: "They are the unruly Devil Kings. Pandora's Box where all disasters and a sliver of hope are gathered. Kusanagi Godou has told us this fact in a very simple and easily understood manner."