Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

The severely injured maiden's expression shifted dramatically. The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi in her hand moved to protect its master autonomously, the magic power it transmitted temporarily helping Ena Kiyōin block that gaze.

"Pfft----"

Suddenly, a long sword composed of light pierced through Ena Kiyōin from behind. The maiden only felt a sharp pain in her abdomen as blood sprayed from her mouth. The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi in her hand could no longer be held and clattered to the ground. Staring blankly at the sword tip protruding from her stomach, she said in disbelief: "...Where did this sword come from..."

Before she could finish speaking, she felt a chill at her neck. Two identical blades of light were pressed against it. Unbeknownst to her, over a dozen angels had appeared beside Ena Kiyōin.

Every angel had weapons aimed at her. At the slightest movement, those weapons would fall upon her, severing her head from her body.

Each angel here possessed strength no less than that of a Great Knight. A Great Knight was already the pinnacle of combat power among magicians in this world, yet Roy could casually summon over a hundred angels—such was the absurdity of a Campione.

The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, which had fallen to the ground, seemed to possess its own consciousness. Sensing something amiss, it quickly sprang up from the floor, attempting to open the gates of Yomi to flee.

At that moment, the "Divine Right" on Roy's right shoulder released its grip. The blood-red cruciform long sword vanished. The "Third Hand," like rubber, suddenly extended dozens of meters from Roy's right shoulder, seizing the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi in its grasp.

"Trying to run? Where do you think you're going!"

Roy's mind stirred. The "Divine Right" exerted force, and a grating sound of twisting metal rang out. Amid that unpleasant noise, this famous divine artifact from Japanese mythology was crushed to pieces by Roy's "Third Hand"!

Chapter 53: I, Roy, Have Never Been Inferior to Anyone!

"Clang--clang--"

Shards of metal fell to the ground, then dissipated as energy. The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, like the Sword of Judgment in Roy's hand, was a manifestation of an authority. Even if it was shattered, as long as the original owner of this sword still existed, it could slowly be reborn again.

Anyone with even a basic knowledge of Japanese mythology would know that the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi was a divine artifact obtained by Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto from the tail of Yamata no Orochi after slaying it. In the mythological concepts of this world, it was the Steel Hero god who slew the ancient Earth Mother Goddess and turned her body into his own divine weapon.

Roy carefully searched his memories, finally dredging up from sixteen years ago some information about "Susanoo" in this world.

Susanoo had once been a Disobedient God, wandering the earth for countless years before growing weary of that life and retreating into seclusion in Yomi. "293" This was one of the final fates for many Disobedient Gods not killed by Campione. As long as a Disobedient God chose to seclude themselves in Yomi, it meant they no longer roamed, no longer influenced the mortal world, and could only exist as a recluse.

"Since you're a recluse, you should stick to drinking tea and playing chess, observing the development of the mortal world. But you just had to overstep your bounds and keep trying to influence the present. Since you refuse to stay in seclusion, let me, a Campione, send you back to mythology."

Roy snorted coldly. It was as if he were talking to himself, or perhaps issuing a declaration of war across the distance between worlds to that deity who had been making so many small moves.

There were not a few Disobedient Gods in seclusion in Yomi, but none of them violated the rules. They all stayed put, ignoring worldly affairs. Yet Susanoo alone insisted on reaching across the line. In that case, as a Campione, Roy had ample excuse to hunt down this secluded god.

But hunting down this God of Storms wasn't for now. Roy's authorities were all spent, making it impossible even if he wanted to. Moreover, Susanoo was hiding in Yomi, making it very difficult to find Him.

In Pandora's domain, Roy had studied Yomi somewhat and knew it was a "realm of thought." There was no concept of distance there. Without precise coordinates, finding a specific existence in Yomi was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Roy had no desire to play hide-and-seek with Susanoo, so he would wait for an opportunity to slay Him later.

"Lily, tie up this woman named Ena Kiyōin. On closer inspection, she's a Shrine Maiden of high quality. Let her join my ritual as well. Heal her wounds a little—just enough to keep her alive. You don't need to treat her or that Yuri Wanitangi over there too kindly. They're merely 'tools' for my ritual. Treat them like slaves; don't grant them human rights."

With that, Roy glanced lightly at the immobilized Yuri Wanitangi. The fourteen-year-old girl in her shrine maiden outfit shuddered and quickly lowered her head, hiding the anger and disgust in her eyes from Roy.

It would likely be difficult for this girl to reverse her terrible impression of Campione anytime soon. Two years ago, she had been caught up in a disaster when the Marquis captured her for a ritual, witnessing countless innocent witches and shrine maidens die tragically.

Two years later, just as she was about to forget that nightmare, she was seized by Roy for another ritual. This time, the collateral damage was all of Tokyo. In Yuri Wanitangi's heart, Campione were probably already synonymous with demons.

But Roy didn't care what this girl thought. What he valued was only Yuri Wanitangi's spiritual nature as a Shrine Maiden. Aside from that, she was just a fairly pretty, ordinary girl. Women like her were abundant given Roy's status. If he wanted, he could toy with this girl's body and soul right now.

"Oh, and notify the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee. I can forgive their earlier presumptuousness, on the condition that within seven days, they find enough high-quality shrine maidens and send them to Jerusalem. If they fail, tell the Japanese government to prepare to choose a new capital."

Every grievance had its source. The one scheming all this was Susanoo. That Disobedient God had likely expected Roy and Marquis Voban to fight a great battle and both be wounded, prompting this action—to play mediator and reap benefits from both Roy and the Marquis. But He never anticipated that Roy would kill the Marquis outright, leaving Him to lose the chicken while the bait was stolen.

Roy thought it over and could roughly guess Susanoo's intentions.

He had no desire to destroy Tokyo. Tokyo held a significant position in the global economy. If he destroyed it, it could easily cause economic turmoil worldwide, throwing the stable situation of this world into chaos.

He vaguely understood the concept of the "Magi" that Aleister had mentioned in his books. The "world" was interesting precisely because it existed. If one carelessly destroyed the "world," much enjoyment would be lost. No one wanted to face a void, a "world" of nothingness—especially those who had lost their direction and whose hearts had "withered."

Still, though Roy had no intention of destroying Tokyo, threats were necessary, and discipline was required. Since he needed a large number of shrine maidens, he would let the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee handle it for him. As a mature organization, they would surely be obedient and docile before him from today onward.

"Erica, can your body still walk?"

Roy sized up Erica, who was barely managing to stand, and asked casually.

"After resting a bit, I've recovered some magic power, 'King.' I can't fight now, but walking is no problem."

The maiden from Italy limped but spoke resolutely.

"Good. Even with magical healing, these injuries will leave you weak for a few days. My authority is temporarily unusable, but once it recovers tomorrow, I'll heal your body with it."

"How could I dare trouble 'King' with your precious authority!"

Erica said in panic and reverence.

"Battles where I personally act are rare. Keeping an authority unused is pointless; I might as well use it to heal my loyal and brave knight. This is a reward for your previous glory. But after the reward comes punishment..."

Roy looked up and down at the fourteen-year-old girl before him, his tone growing increasingly frivolous.

Though Erica was young, her figure was curvaceous. Especially the pale, round fullness above her tightly corseted waist, paired with the charming smile on her delicate face, made her look like a fairy tale fairy tempting mortals.

As a normal man, it would be a lie to say Roy hadn't been tempted. He believed that even his negligent father, Aleister, if he were here, would not easily let go of a beautiful maiden who could be taken at will.

Aleister was the one person Roy absolutely had to surpass. He would be stronger than Aleister in every way.

He, Roy, would never be inferior to Aleister in his life!

"Rest a bit. We're heading straight to Jerusalem!"

Roy acted decisively. Next, he would complete the ritual to summon a Disobedient God and see who exactly he could summon. In Jerusalem, using the divine artifacts of the ancient Kingdom of Judah as a medium, even if the one summoned wasn't King Solomon, it would surely be related to the Bible...

Chapter 54: The "Old King" Is Dead; The "New King" Shall Rise!

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Tokyo Branch, Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee--

"Has the 'King' already left Tokyo?"

Saya no Miya Kaoru sat at the head of the office desk, asking wearily.

"According to the latest intelligence, the 'King' has already headed to Haneda Airport and is preparing to leave Tokyo. Before departing, the 'King' demanded that our Japanese side prepare enough excellent Miko for him within seven days and send them to Jerusalem. If we do not comply, the 'King' said he would settle old and new scores together, saying... saying we should prepare to find a new capital."

The staff member of the Tokyo Branch replied with a bitter, fearful smile.

"Make the 'King's' request the top priority. Notify the entire Historical Records Compilation Committee. For the sake of Japan remaining intact, I ask everyone to do their utmost to complete the task. Inform all the major Japanese sorcery families not to hold back. If they have daughters capable of serving as Miko who are sufficiently excellent, they must also offer them up to the 'King.' This is Japan's crisis, an unprecedented national calamity. We must unite to survive this ordeal!"

Saya no Miya Kaoru said exhaustedly. Ever since the two 'Kings' descended upon Japan, she had not rested properly, constantly busy resolving various matters. Now that the two 'Kings' had finally left, she could at last breathe a sigh of relief. Even if the subsequent cleanup was still troublesome, it was far easier than facing the two 'Kings.'

Though she was a high school student, she was worthy of her position as the Tokyo Branch Chief of the Historical Records Compilation Committee. The orders she issued were cold and decisive, yet they were the most correct solution for the current situation.

To bow their heads completely and submit at the feet of King Roy—that was Japan's decision.

The many subordinates in the office nodded in silence. What had happened in Tokyo was too shocking to believe; these people had been utterly terrified.

The damage Tokyo suffered was secondary. The most horrifying news was that Marquis Voban had been defeated and even killed in his battle with the new 'King.' This piece of news had swept through the entire mystical world like a hurricane, plunging Eastern Europe's mystical circles into utter chaos.

One was the oldest known Demon King, the other a new 'King' who had only recently slain a god. In the understanding of ordinary people, Marquis Voban should have held the upper hand in the fight. Even if a victor emerged, death should not have been a possibility.

This was an unprecedented event in the modern mystical world—the first death of a Campione since the appearance of the first modern Campione over two hundred years ago.

Though there were seven Campione in this era, the last one had killed the first. Truly, the 'Old King' was dead, and the 'New King' had risen!

Now, Roy's fearsome reputation covered the world, even faintly surpassing that of the Eastern Patriarch. Having slain the oldest Demon King, having shown no hesitation in killing one of his own kind, having waged a great battle in an international metropolis like Tokyo without a second thought—Roy's name was now tacitly regarded by the mystical world as the fiercest and strongest Campione alive.

"What about the Kiyōin Family? Their most excellent only daughter has already been taken by the 'King.'"

The Kiyōin Family, like the Saya Family, was one of Japan's four great houses, the true rulers of Japan's mystical underworld. But even so, facing a terrifying Demon King, all the so-called four great houses could do was flatter and kneel, begging for the 'King's' forgiveness.

"What could happen? When the current head of the Kiyōin Family heard that Ena Kiyōin had dared to stand before the 'King,' he was nearly scared to death. He has already severed his father-daughter relationship with Ena Kiyōin, no longer recognizing her as a member of the Kiyōin Family, and has issued new instructions within the clan to adopt an heir from a branch family as the new successor."

A subordinate from the Tokyo Branch shrugged and said.

Hearing this news, Saya no Miya Kaoru sighed inwardly. Though the decision was cruel and heartless, she had to admit it was the best course of action for the Kiyōin Family. Even if it lacked any familial affection, it was absolutely realistic.

"What about Kasukabe Touma?"

Mentioning her subordinate, Saya no Miya Kaoru felt a trace of concern. This subordinate was highly capable, and she was reluctant to lose him.

"Kasukabe Touma survived, but the sword thrust that pierced him contained magic. Our rescue was a bit slow. His bodily functions have been destroyed; he's missing most of a kidney and will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair."

"Forget it. The fact that he kept his life is already the greatest luck. I can't ask for more."

Kasukabe Touma's fate was within Saya no Miya Kaoru's expectations. The Branch Chief shook her head and said nothing more.

"Report on Tokyo's losses."

"The Akasaka and Roppongi districts suffered heavy damage. Shinjuku Gyoen was completely destroyed, and even reconstruction will be difficult. As for casualties, they are still being calculated. Please be prepared; this time, Tokyo's casualties will likely be significant."

"One hundred and sixty years ago, Marquis Voban destroyed the city of Zadar in the Austrian Empire. I never imagined that one hundred and sixty years later, Tokyo would suffer the same fate. But should we be grateful? At least the entire city wasn't destroyed. This is the Demon King of the earth, an unassailable Demon King."

Saya no Miya Kaoru's voice carried a sob.

Her subordinates dared not speak, only lowering their heads in silence.

"Think of a good excuse. This incident has blown up too big to pass off as a gas leak explosion."

"Branch Chief, how about saying a meteorite fell on Tokyo?"

"That excuse isn't bad, but how do we explain the 'battle between angels and werewolves' that appeared in Tokyo? Many civilians saw the two 'Kings' fighting."

"Then we'll have to trouble the magicians and sorcerers to erase the civilians' memories as much as possible, and have the government suppress discussions online. As long as we can keep this from becoming a hot topic, it should be fine."

"Mm, let's do that then."

"..."

After some discussion, the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee finally settled on a cleanup plan.

"This time, my decision bears great responsibility. Though I was 'tricked' by that old man in Yomi into making this choice, someone must take the blame. I have decided to resign as Branch Chief of the Historical Records Compilation Committee and renounce my inheritance rights to the Saya Family."

The seventeen-year-old high school girl bravely shouldered all the responsibility.

No one objected, because someone indeed had to take the fall, and Saya no Miya Kaoru was the best scapegoat.

While the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee debated fiercely, and the entire mystical world etched the name Roy Crowley into their memories forever, Roy had already arrived at Haneda Airport, preparing to head to Jerusalem.

Chapter 55: The Proper Use of Authority

"Haneda Airport reminds you: due to unknown reasons, all flights at Haneda Airport have been grounded. Specific departure times await further notice..."

"Haneda Airport reminds you..."

The sudden flight grounding sparked a wave of complaints in the airport terminal, but the grumbling quickly faded. For frequent flyers, flight delays were routine and not worth excessive complaint. Still, a complete grounding of all flights was relatively rare, usually only happening in severe weather.

"Ah!! Flights are grounded! We were supposed to go to Kyushu for a baseball game. Who knows when we'll get there now."

A tall Japanese boy let out a dejected sigh, looking somewhat crestfallen.

"Sorry, you're blocking our way. Could you please move aside a bit?"

Just as the boy was feeling down, he heard a proud, beautiful voice from behind him. It easily conjured the image of a 'grand' presence, though her Japanese was a bit too precise, lacking the casualness of a local.

"Sorry, sorry!"

The Japanese youth's habits made him bow repeatedly and quickly step aside.

Only then did he see the girl behind him—she was indeed not Japanese, but a foreigner with soft golden hair, tall and slender, wearing a red dress that clashed with everyone else in the airport. Yet that very clash only highlighted her beauty, like a proud phoenix among common birds. When she appeared, even the surrounding noise seemed to unconsciously dim, and many men's gazes naturally fell upon her.

What a beautiful girl, but she seems injured?

A flash of admiration passed through the youth's eyes. The foreign girl before him had a somewhat pale face, and on her fair wrist could be seen some scabbed wounds—knife wounds by the look of them. He wondered what suffering this girl had endured before.

But soon he averted his gaze, because the girl's terrifying, sword-like stare had pierced him, sending a chill of fear through his body.

"Your Majesty, the riffraff have withdrawn. Please proceed!"

Erica parted a path for Roy with her own presence, bowing her head like a knight before a lord in the Middle Ages, her tone respectful.

This peculiar attitude, combined with the girl's beauty, drew the eyes of many.

At that moment, the people in the airport hall noticed the even more striking man behind the girl, along with the three other girls beside him.

A young boy not much older wore an ornate and magnificent red cardinal's robe, looking more like cosplay. Around him were three other girls: a silver-haired foreign woman similar to the golden-haired girl before, a girl in a miko outfit from the East, and a middle school girl in a sailor uniform. This group of one man and four women was far too eye-catching.

But the expressions of the two Eastern girls were off. The girl in the miko outfit had a stiff face and a look of fear, while the sailor-uniform girl she was helping along hunched over, as if bearing serious injuries.

Under normal circumstances, when four girls of such varied charms—both Western passion and Eastern grace—appeared, they should have drawn even more attention. But the youth walking at the center of these four girls was undoubtedly the center of this world.

Seeing that man with his gentle smile, like a saint or a prisoner, everyone who laid eyes on him felt their hearts calm and a stirring desire to worship God, as if he were a divine son descending to earth, walking mercifully forward to atone for the world's sins.

After mastering the "Face of God," Roy had become more and more like a holy man in daily life, easily making people take him for an angel, a saint, a divine son, or the like.

"Kusanagi, snap out of it! The beauties and the handsome guy are gone, stop staring~~."

The somewhat dazed Japanese youth was shaken by his friend grabbing his arm, and only then came to his senses.

"Sorry, sorry, Nanami-kun! I was spacing out. Those people were speaking Italian just now, weren't they? Are they some kind of celebrities?"