Campione 01 Read online

  But since there was no reason to proclaim it out loud, Godou didn't say anything.

  "Ah, talking like this in a crowded place feels a bit uncomfortable. Let's go onto the streets. Is it the first time that Godou-san has come to Rome?"

  "It isn't, but whenever Erica calls me over, I never had any time to rest regardless of where we went."

  "Then this time, there should be time, I've been instructed by Erica-sama that we can walk around before she returns, so let me be your guide. The car is already prepared."

  "The car, huh......if it is that kind of luxurious BMW car with a driver, then no thanks, I can't be at ease in that sort of car,"

  Whenever Erica selects a car for transport, it's almost always that kind of car.

  Though, when he asked her once, she answered that she didn't have the experience of taking a bus or a tram. Anna seemed to be different than her, but......

  "I won't make it that luxurious, and I'll take care of the driving, so no worries."

  To take off Godou's worries, Anna smiled and walked forth.

  And what happened afterward filled Godou with admiration. For Erica to choose someone as decent as Anna-san to take care of her daily routine - it really was unbelievable!

  The important part wasn't that she was meticulous, but that she was a normal person.

  ......However, only later did Godou realize that he had reached this conclusion too soon.

  Part 2

  As the official residence of the princess of House of Savoy[1B 1] was under remodeling, the assembly was held in a spacious room in a certain hotel.

  Though it was still daytime, the room's windows were tightly closed, completely blocking the view from the outside.

  Around this exceptionally large table used for conferences were a total of four people, including Erica.

  The first was her —— Erica Blandelli.

  The sixteen year-old Erica was the youngest person here.

  There were in total two old people. They are the commanders of [Old Dame] and [Female Wolf]. Especially in this country where the magic world flourishes, both were the commanders of the most powerful Knight corps.

  To call them in the old way, they were the Grand Masters.[1B 2]

  And the last one was a young man.

  He was the young commander leading the Knight corps [Capital of Lilies][1B 3], and should be in his early thirties.

  That man's position was the same as Erica's.

  Just like Erica, who was representing the [Copper Black Cross][1B 4], he had won the rank of [Great Knight].

  There had been thousands of mages since the ancient times.

  Even though a lot of them were fakes, there were also great mages. The [Knights] who study both arts of swordsmanship and magic skills were among them. Erica's ancestors in the medieval age were the Knights Templar who worshiped Baphomet.[1B 5] In addition to being magic-users, they were also men-at-arms.

  And the title of [Great Knight] could only be given to the most well-known figures amongst those warriors.

  "Then everyone, it's about time to conclude this, the reason for our headaches. To whom should we give the Gorgoneion[1B 6] to take care of?"

  The commander of [Old Dame] asked the question.

  And it was the commander of [Female Wolf] who objected.

  "Give the Gorgoneion to someone to take care of? Is that really acceptable? I think that this isn't a wise decision. Even if our leader, Lord Salvatore, isn't here, to give it to a foreign country's king, isn't it shameful? Aren't you afraid that we will become a laughing stock?"

  "The ones who want to laugh can laugh all they want. What's really important is that this time it's the genuine Gorgoneion, and we don't have any kings to rely on, so it's a minor shame compared to what might happen."

  "Being humiliated isn't what is most important. If it made the king angry, then what should we do? If Lord Salvatore discovers that we asked for help from other kings, then who could foresee his anger? I am really bothered by that fact."

  These words weren't normally said by these elders.

  But, even if their sword skills were excellent, and they aged very slowly, they still couldn't help but show their reverence towards the king.

  Indeed, even the strongest knight, the most highly-ranked knight, cannot do anything to a king or a deity.

  And that was the pure truth of this world.

  "But will Lord Salvatore be bothered by such a small thing? In the eyes of that great person, we are only on the level of bees gathering around a beehive. If it's just bees choosing a new queen, I think he wouldn't have any problems with it."

  Cutting between those two elders, was the [Capital of Lilies]'s commander.

  That tall man's height was about 190cm, the bottom part of his face was covered by a beard, and although his face wasn't that bad, it gave off a somewhat gloomy feeling.

  He was wearing a great tux, but it didn't really match his purple tie.

  The color representing [Capital of Lilies] was purple.

  One of the obligations of that group was to wear something purple.

  And Erica was wearing a deep red dress with a black rose headdress on her head, which also represents the [Copper Black Cross]'s red and black.

  "That being said, I really don't know which king we should ask for help. The Gorgoneion is the symbol of Mother Earth. Though it means fighting with the most ancient goddesses, Marquis Voban would be eager to try it. So we can conclude that even if we can escape from the [Heretic Goddess], it won't be worth it if it attracts the Balkan's devil.

  If that devil used his entire strength, two cities would easily be reduced to ashes.

  That was because his 'power' was to break, lacerate, and crush almost all living things on Earth."

  "There's another king we can ask."

  At that time, when Erica thought it should be the right moment, she finally opened her mouth.

  She thought it was the best opportunity to end this non-beneficial reunion.

  "I heard that the United States' John Pluto Smith, who really cares about the safety of the citizens, is a hard king to have. Do you mean that we should cross the Pacific Ocean to ask him?"

  The [Capital of Lilies]'s commander asked in a chattering tone.

  As Erica was taking a sip of coffee, she responded with a light tone.

  "No. That saint guardian of Los Angeles seems to be busy only with protecting the West Coast from the [King of Flies], so I doubt he should have any energy left to accept our request."

  From the young ones' attitudes, they seemed to be more comfortable than the elders.

  They weren't really underestimating the seriousness of the situation. Their haughty attitudes were from their self-confidence.

  "Then you are talking about the Jiangnan's Leader Luo Hao? Or is it Cornwall's Black Prince? They are all commanding their own associations. Unless we join them, they won't help us, will they?"

  "I am not talking about those two. And before you ask, it isn't Alexandria's Madame Aisha."

  "Then there are none. [Kings] —— the ones who are also called Campione, there are only six in this world. We just named all of them."

  The Eastern Europe's old Marquis and Southern China's martial artist, as well as the Mysterious Queen of Caves.

  They were the most experienced kings, having lived over two centuries, and after that was the constantly expanding hero of the New World, as well as the wise king who controlled the British Empire, the Black Prince.

  And in this century, there was also the strongest swordsman in Europe, who received the title of king.

  And until now, they were all the people who were known by everyone who had the slightest inkling of the magic world.

  But, in the end, there was also a king born on an island in the Pacific Ocean, and was not really known by anyone, besides a few exceptions —— for example, someone who had seen him fight with her own eyes.

  Erica had a feeling of superiority, and said his name.

  "
No, there's still someone. Kusanagi Godou's name hasn't been mentioned yet. He is the new king, the seventh Campione, and the one I'm talking about. Since Lord Salvatore isn't here, the only one we can ask is him.

  "Kusanagi Godou!"

  The commander of [Female Wolf] said it in a crooning voice.

  "I've heard of this name recently, the one rumored to be the Japanese who became a Campione......but it's still unknown if it's a lie; we don't have any proof yet."

  "I also read the Greenwich Parliament's report. You mean the one mentioned to have won against Verethragna, and seized his power of ten forms? ......It's indeed hard to believe."

  Seeing those two elders having a negative attitude, Erica came back with a proud smile.

  "Then everyone knows that report? Until now, Lord Salvatore has been absent so he can heal himself, and the one who gave him that injury is Kusanagi Godou. Indeed, on an evening half a month ago, the two kings fought against each other, and the result was a draw. Both of them were severely injured, but fortunately, Kusanagi Godou has already healed."

  "......You mean that Kusanagi Godou managed to get a draw with Lord Salvatore?"

  "Impossible! Lord holds four powers; even if Kusanagi Godou is really a Campione, he should only have a single power. That overwhelming advantage makes them simply incomparable!"

  Erica looked at the elders with slight disdain in her eyes.

  "What are you two talking about? They are all Campiones, and upgraded to kings. The differences between fighting strength on paper, what meaning does it have?"

  Hearing these words, the two elders shut their mouths with an unhappy look in their faces. The one who opened his mouth was [Capital of Lilies]'s commander.

  "I have a question for you, Erica Blandelli, how can you know that those two Campiones fought each other, something that even us and the parliament doesn't know?"

  The young man called [The Purple Knight] asked.

  That is the title given to [Capital of Lilies]'s [Great Knight] that has passed from generation to generation.

  "The reason is quite simple, it's because I witnessed that fight. I have already seen Kusanagi Godou fight, and that's why I suggested him. Kusanagi Godou, one day, will surely become equal to Lord Salvatore and the devil Marquis Voban. To prepare ourselves for that day, I think we should build a deep relationship with him as soon as possible."

  "Oh. To be regarded so highly by Erica-san, who is called the [Diavolo Rosso],[1B 7] he should be quite the amazing person. From your speech, I deduce that you have a very deep relationship with him, privately."

  "Indeed, you can think of it like this. I, Erica Blandelli —— am that person's lover, and also his number one knight."

  Erica said that without restraining herself and clearly declared her involvement with the other person.

  And as a result, the group couldn't help but sigh.

  "[Copper Black Cross] has already submitted themselves under Kusanagi Godou!"

  [Female Wolf]'s commander exclaimed.

  Having a [King] —— countries having a Campione are rare.

  Since there were only seven of them in this world, that much was obvious.

  But in Italy, there was a [King] called Salvatore Doni, and he was a young man who was a knight just a few years ago and had received the title of [King] after defeating the Celtic god Nuadha.[1B 8]

  The Campiones focused on Europe as the center, and had great authority.

  Whether it was people who had some connection with magic, or people influenced by them in the political and economic sectors, they had all pledged loyalty to the [Kings], and became their subjects.

  They were supreme rulers and devils —— because they had unrivaled powers, a [King] could be a tyrant.

  Facing that terrifying power, the number of people who worshiped and swore loyalty to them was high.

  "Indeed, you can think it like this. I, Erica Blandelli——am that person's lover, and also his number one knight."

  "[Copper Black Cross] is not under Kusanagi Godou. What I said was only that I, myself, became his lover, and that I take care of him...... of course, it is distinctly possible that we will pledge loyalty toward him in the future."

  Facing Erica, who exposed her soft smile, the commander of [Old Dame] chuckled slightly with a snorting sound.

  "So it was like this, I finally know the reason why you were sent here. Though you are a child prodigy who received the title of [Great Knight] at such an age, it is perhaps a bit soon that you are sitting at the same table as us. The only possibility —— is that you want to act as bait, and bring that young Campione here.

  "I'll pretend that I didn't hear your statement, or your reputation would be damaged; probing that deeply into the relationship of two people who are in love. You'll be made fun of for that kind of action."

  "Haha, that was great! As expected from a reliable fox."

  The elders said these words with sarcasm.

  The smiling Erica shrugged her shoulders lightly. With this debate becoming too noisy, maybe a quieter one would have been better.

  "Anyways, you mean that if you are here, [Copper Black Cross] has hopes of receiving Kusanagi Godou's protection. And to gain the favor of someone like you, it means that Kusanagi Godou has proven himself —— that is why you proposed to borrow his strength, isn't it?"

  "Yes, the most important thing is that Lord Salvatore is a lord only in name. He doesn't care about anything that is not related to him. So having a good connection with another Campione isn't bad."

  "But I regret to say that we have never really seen the potential of Kusanagi Godou, and to see if he really is a Campione or not, I must judge it with my own eyes."

  The [Purple Knight] coldly suggested that point to Erica.

  "I am sure that the [Diavolo Rosso]'s testimony is more valuable than gold. But unfortunately, I cannot entrust my fate to him just because of that."

  "Of course, I thought that everyone here would say that, so let me prove it."

  "How do you plan on proving that?"

  The [Purple Knight] finally asked back, as Erica expected.

  Believing that her plan was working as expected, a clear smile emerged on Erica's face, as fresh and beautiful as a red rose, and everyone else in the room sighed.

  "Kusanagi Godou has already arrived in Rome. Tonight, everyone, please watch that man's fighting skills through your own eyes. I believe that this approach would be much more convincing than thousands of words from my mouth."

  "Although you said something about fighting, who would be the opponent? Finding someone who could be a Campione's opponent isn't easy."

  "The chosen one is already in front of your eyes."

  Erica showed a pleased smile on her face, a gorgeous smile like the one Godou was thinking about yesterday.

  "Let me, Erica Blandelli, be his opponent. Or do you, [Purple Knight], think that I, the [Copper Black Cross]' [Great Knight], who is called the [Diavolo Rosso], am not worthy to be his opponent?"

  "No...... it's not like that. Indeed, you are the most appropriate person."

  Fooled.

  The [Purple Knight]'s face showed a forced smile, and his gloomy expression was finally gone.

  "What do the elders think? To be able to witness the [King]'s fight, there isn't a better proof. If Kusanagi Godou's strength is real, I approve of Erica-san's suggestion."

  The [Purple Knight] suggested to make the elders approve.

  "A battle between the mysterious young Campione and the [Diavolo Rosso] —— this is indeed interesting, Erica-san. We will go according to your plan then."

  Part 3

  Of course, Kusanagi Godou had no idea of that. He was in a place completely unrelated to the one where the fight was being discussed.

  Compared to that, he was far more occupied in shaking off death's shadow.

  In those past three months, Godou experienced different kinds of dangers.

  Even though it was clearly the 21st century, his life was alm
ost taken numerous times by blades, spears, and axes. It couldn't even be counted by the fingers of a single hand. And there was even that time when he was sniped by a bolt from a crossbow.

  But at least it was in the realms of human knowledge, so it was relatively easy.

  He also experienced curses which would boil an ordinary human brain in a flash, or even trample the target to death by horses from the depths of hell.

  But, while he should be enjoying a tour in the car of his guide, why would he experience the same things found within the driving scenes of an action movie, with the car just barely short of crashing off-road, or into a building, or down a river. It was completely beyond his expectations.

  "......Could it be that Erica knows it, and specially arranged it like that."

  Godou started to guess.

  He thought of her characteristics, and the nickname of [Devil] which came along with her.

  Yes, Arianna-san's driving skills were seriously frightening.

  Could it be that Erica knew that it would be like that, so she specially gave this task to her?

  "I'm sorry, I don't know how to drive very well......"

  "This is the first time that I drove this kind of car, and there were also many problems when I came here......"

  When Anna said that while they were walking to where the car was parked at, Godou wasn't really bothered by it.

  He thought that it was just a display of modesty or such.

  From the sensitivity of a Japanese, this was pretty normal.

  So Godou didn't really take her words to heart, and ended up in that car.

  "That car is really weird. Besides the accelerator and the brakes, there's also another pedal."

  "But it's fine, I have already remembered the driving method with which I came here. Since, if the accelerator isn't stepped on with strength, the car won't work, I'll drive a little faster in a moment."

  When Anna said that, Godou started to feel a bit unwell, but it was already too late.

  She was already sitting on the driver's seat, and attached the safety belt.

  ——In less than a second, the car started and accelerated.

  The car Anna drove charged into the street like a missile.