The seriously injured girl's expression changed dramatically. Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi automatically protected its wielder, and the Magic Power it transmitted temporarily blocked this gaze for Ena Kiyōin.
"Pfft—"
Suddenly, a long sword made of light pierced Ena Kiyōin from behind. The girl felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, spat out a mouthful of blood, and could no longer hold the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi in her hand. It fell to the ground. She stared blankly at the sword tip protruding from her abdomen and said incredulously, "...Where did this sword come from...?"
Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt a chill at her neck. Two identical swords of light were pressed against her throat. At some point, more than a dozen Angels had appeared beside Ena Kiyōin.
The weapons in the hands of these Angels were all pointed at her. The moment she made the slightest move, those weapons would fall upon her and sever her head from her body.
Every Angel here possessed strength no lower than that of a Great Knight. A Great Knight was already the pinnacle of magical combat power in this world, yet Roy could effortlessly summon hundreds of Angels. This was the absurdity of a Campione.
The fallen Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi seemed to possess a consciousness of its own. Sensing that something was wrong, it quickly sprang up from the ground and prepared to open a gate to Yomi and escape.
At that moment, Divine Right on Roy's right shoulder released its grip. The blood-red cross-shaped sword vanished, and the Third Hand suddenly stretched dozens of meters from Roy's right shoulder like rubber, seizing Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
"Trying to run? Not a chance!"
With a thought from Roy, Divine Right exerted its strength. The unpleasant sound of twisting metal rang out, and under that grating noise, the famous Divine Artifact of Japanese mythology was directly crushed by Roy's Third Hand!
Fifty-Third Chapter: I, Roy, Have Never Been Inferior to Anyone!
"Clink—clink—"
Fragments of metal fell to the ground before transforming into energy and disappearing. Like the Sword of Judgment in Roy's hand, Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi was itself a manifestation of a power. Even if it was shattered, as long as its original owner still existed, the sword could slowly be born again.
Anyone who knew even a little of Japanese mythology would know that the owner of Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi was Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who obtained the Divine Artifact from the tail of Yamata no Orochi after slaying it. In this world's mythological conception, that meant the Steel Hero God had slain the ancient Earth Mother Goddess and transformed her body into his own Divine Artifact.
Roy carefully searched his memories. At last, he dug out some information about this world's Susanoo from his memories of sixteen years ago.
Susanoo had once been a Disobedient God. After wandering the earth for countless years, he grew tired of that life and secluded himself in Yomi. "This was also one of the final fates of many Disobedient Gods who had not been killed by Campiones. Once a Disobedient God chose to live in seclusion in Yomi, it meant he had stopped wandering and ceased interfering with the present world, existing only as a recluse."
"Since you're a recluse, you should honestly drink tea and play chess while observing the development of the present world. But you just had to reach your hand across the boundary and continue interfering with the present world. Since you're unwilling to live in seclusion, I, this Campione, will help you return to mythology."
Roy snorted coldly. He seemed to be muttering to himself, yet also issuing a declaration of war across the distance between worlds to the god who had made so many underhanded moves.
There were quite a few Disobedient Gods living in seclusion in Yomi, but none of them violated the rules. They all stayed there obediently and paid no further attention to worldly affairs. Susanoo alone insisted on reaching across the boundary. Since that was the case, Roy, as a Campione, had sufficient justification to subjugate this secluded god.
However, even if Roy wanted to subjugate this God of Storms, he could not do it now. All of his powers had been used up, so he could not fight even if he wanted to. Furthermore, Susanoo was hiding in Yomi, making him extremely difficult to find.
Within Pandora's domain, Roy had studied Yomi as well. He knew that Yomi was a "realm of thought," where the concept of distance did not exist at all. Without precise coordinates, finding a specific being in Yomi was like searching for a needle in the ocean. Roy did not want to play hide-and-seek with Susanoo, so he would simply wait for an opportunity and then go kill him.
"Lily, bind this woman called Ena Kiyōin for me. Now that I look closely, she's also a highly gifted Miko. Let her join my ritual as well. Treat her wounds a little while you're at it. Don't heal her completely—just make sure she doesn't die. You don't need to treat her or Yuri Wanitangi over there too well, either. They're merely 'tools' required for my ritual. Treat them as slaves. There's no need to grant them human rights."
As he spoke, Roy cast a casual glance at the immobile Yuri Wanitangi. The fourteen-year-old girl in Miko robes shuddered and quickly lowered her head, preventing Roy from seeing the anger and disgust in her eyes.
It would probably be difficult for this girl to change her terrible impression of Campiones anytime soon. Two years ago, she had suffered an undeserved calamity when the Marquis abducted her for a ritual, personally witnessing countless innocent Witches and Miko die violent deaths.
After finally trying to forget that nightmare two years later, she had been captured by Roy for another ritual. This time, the collateral damage involved all of Tokyo. In Yuri Wanitangi's heart, Campiones and demons were probably already equal beings.
Roy did not care what the girl thought of him. What he valued was only Yuri Wanitangi's spiritual aptitude as a Miko. Aside from that, she was merely a pretty, ordinary girl. Given Roy's status, he could have as many women like her as he wanted. If he wished, he could even toy with this girl's body and mind right now.
"Oh, right. Notify the Historical Records Compilation Committee of Japan. I can forgive their previous presumptuousness, on the condition that they find enough outstanding Miko within seven days and send them to Jerusalem. If they fail, the Japanese government can prepare to choose a new capital."
The guilty party should bear the blame. Susanoo was the one who had schemed everything. That Disobedient God had probably assumed that he and Marquis Voban would fight until both sides were badly wounded, which was why he had taken action. He had wanted to play mediator and profit from both Roy and the Marquis, but he had never expected Marquis Voban to be killed outright by Roy, turning his attempt to steal a chicken into the loss of his rice.
After a moment's thought, Roy could more or less guess Susanoo's intentions.
Roy had no intention of destroying Tokyo. Tokyo held an important position in the global economy, and if he destroyed it just like that, it could easily trigger economic turmoil throughout the world and throw the stable situation into chaos.
He vaguely understood the concept of the "Demon Gods" that Aleister had mentioned in the book. The "world" was interesting precisely because it existed. If one accidentally destroyed the "world," one would lose much of the fun. No one wanted to face a "world" of nothing but emptiness, especially beings who had lost their direction and whose hearts had already "withered."
Although Roy had no plans to destroy Tokyo, he still had to issue the necessary threats and apply the necessary pressure. Since he needed a large number of Miko, he would have the Historical Records Compilation Committee handle the matter for him. As a mature organization, the Committee would surely become obedient and extremely compliant in his presence from this day forward.
"Erica, can your body still walk?"
Roy looked at Erica, who was barely supporting herself as she stood, and asked in a casual tone.
"The rest just now restored some of my Magic Power, 'King'! I can't fight at the moment, but walking is still no problem."
The girl from Italy spoke firmly despite limping.
"Mm. Even magical treatment won't prevent these wounds from leaving you weak for several days. My powers are temporarily unusable. Once they recover tomorrow, I'll use them to heal your body."
"How could I trouble 'King' by making him use his precious power!"
Erica spoke in alarm.
"There aren't many battles that require me to act personally. Keeping the power unused is no different from leaving it idle, so I might as well use it to heal my loyal and valiant knight. Consider it a reward for your glory earlier. However, after the reward comes the punishment..."
Roy looked Erica up and down, his tone becoming increasingly frivolous.
Although Erica was young, her figure was already voluptuous. In particular, the snowy-white fullness above the slender waist of her formal dress, paired with the charming smile on her delicate face, made her look like an enchanting fairy from a children's tale.
As a normal man, it would be a lie to say Roy had never been tempted. He believed that even his irresponsible father, Aleister, would not easily let go of such a beautiful girl who could be possessed at will.
Aleister was the one person Roy absolutely had to surpass. He had to be stronger than Aleister in every respect.
In his entire life, Roy could never be inferior to Aleister!
"Rest for a while. We'll head straight to Jerusalem!"
Roy acted swiftly and decisively. His next task was to complete the ritual for summoning a Disobedient God and see exactly whom he could summon. In Jerusalem, using a Divine Artifact from the ancient Kingdom of Judah as the medium, even if he did not summon King Solomon, the summoned being would certainly be connected to the Bible.
Fifty-Fourth Chapter: The "Old King" Is Dead; the "New King" Shall Rise!
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Tokyo Branch of the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee—
"Has 'King' already left Tokyo?"
Saya no Miya Kaoru sat at the head of the office desk and asked tiredly.
"According to the latest intelligence, 'King' has already gone to Haneda Airport and is preparing to leave Tokyo. Before departing, 'King' demanded that Japan prepare enough outstanding female Miko within seven days and send them to Jerusalem. If we refuse, 'King' will settle both old and new scores with us. He said... he said we should prepare to find a new capital."
"Make 'King's' demand our top priority. Notify the entire Historical Records Compilation Committee. For Japan to remain intact, everyone must do their utmost to complete this task. Inform all the major magical families in Japan not to hide anything. If they have daughters outstanding enough to fulfill the duties of a Miko, they are to offer those daughters to 'King.' This is a crisis for Japan, an unprecedented national disaster. We must unite to overcome it!"
Saya no Miya Kaoru spoke in exhaustion. Ever since the two "Kings" had arrived in Japan, she had not had a proper rest, constantly handling matters in every region. Now that the two "Kings" had finally left, she could at last relax a little. Although the aftermath would still be troublesome, it was far easier than facing two "Kings."
Although she was only a high school student, she was fully worthy of her position as head of the Tokyo Branch of the Historical Records Compilation Committee. Her orders were cold and decisive, but they were also the most correct solution available.
Lowering their heads completely and submitting at the feet of King Roy—this was Japan's decision.
The many subordinates in the office nodded silently. What had happened in Tokyo, Japan, was simply too shocking, and these people had already been frightened senseless.
The disaster and damage suffered by Tokyo were secondary. The most terrifying news was that Marquis Voban had been defeated and possibly killed in his battle with the new "King." This news had swept through the entire supernatural world like a hurricane, plunging even the supernatural world of Eastern Europe into complete chaos.
One was the oldest known Demon King, while the other was a newly ascended "King" who had only recently slain a god. By ordinary reasoning, Marquis Voban should have held the upper hand in the battle. Even if the two sides determined a victor, it should not have involved a death.
This was an unprecedented event in the supernatural world of modern civilization. Since the appearance of the first Campione in modern times more than two hundred years ago, this was the only recorded death of a Campione.
Although there were seven Campiones in this era, the last Campione had killed the first. This was the true meaning of "the Old King is dead; the New King shall rise!"
Roy's fearsome reputation now resounded throughout the world and had even faintly surpassed that of the Eastern Patriarch. He had killed the oldest Demon King, killed one of his own kind without hesitation, and fought without restraint in Tokyo, an international metropolis. The name Roy had already been quietly recognized throughout the supernatural world as belonging to the fiercest and strongest Campione of the present age.
"What's the situation with the Kiyōin Family? Their most outstanding only daughter has already been captured by 'King.'"
Like the Saya Family, the Kiyōin Family was one of Japan's Four Great Families. They could be called the true hidden rulers of Japan's supernatural world. Yet even they could do nothing before the terrifying Demon King except flatter him, kneel, and beg for "King's" forgiveness.
"What situation could there be? When the current head of the Kiyōin Family heard that Ena Kiyōin had dared to stand in 'King's' way, he was almost scared to death. He has severed his father-daughter relationship with Ena Kiyōin and no longer acknowledges her as a member of the Kiyōin Family. He has also issued new instructions within the family and plans to adopt someone from a branch family as the new heir."
A subordinate of the Tokyo Branch shrugged.
Hearing this, Saya no Miya Kaoru sighed inwardly. Although the decision was cruel and heartless, it had to be said that it was the Kiyōin Family's best course of action. It lacked even the slightest trace of familial affection, yet it completely conformed to reality.
"What about Kasukabe Touma?"
Mentioning her subordinate, Saya no Miya Kaoru showed a trace of concern. His work ability was excellent, and she was still unwilling to lose him.
"Kasukabe Touma survived, but the sword that stabbed him contained magic. Our rescue was too slow, and his bodily functions have already been destroyed. He's lost more than half of one kidney and will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair."
"Forget it. The fact that he survived is already the greatest stroke of luck. I can't demand anything more."
Kasukabe Touma's fate had been within Saya no Miya Kaoru's expectations. The branch chief shook her head and said nothing else.
"Give me a report on Tokyo's losses."
"The Akasaka and Roppongi areas suffered heavy damage. Shinjuku Gyoen was completely destroyed, and even rebuilding it will be difficult. As for casualties, we're still calculating them. Please prepare yourself. Tokyo's casualties this time will probably be considerable."
"One hundred and sixty years ago, Marquis Voban destroyed the city of Zadar in the Austrian Empire. I never expected that one hundred and sixty years later, Tokyo would suffer the same fate. But should we be grateful? At least Tokyo wasn't destroyed entirely. This is the Demon King of the earth, an unstoppable Demon King."
Saya no Miya Kaoru's voice broke with tears.
Her subordinate did not dare speak and merely lowered his head in silence.
"Think of a convincing excuse. This incident was too large-scale. Saying it was a gas leak explosion won't be believable, will it?"
"Branch Chief, how about saying a meteorite fell on Tokyo?"
"That excuse is not bad, but how will we explain the 'battle between Angels and Werewolves' that occurred in Tokyo? Many civilians saw the battle between the two 'Kings.'"
"That will require the cooperation of the magicians and spellcasters. They must erase as many civilians' memories as possible, while the government suppresses the discussions online. We only need to ensure that this matter no longer becomes a hot topic."
"Mm. Then let's do that."
"..."
After a round of discussion, the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee finally established its plan for handling the aftermath.
"I bear a great deal of responsibility for this decision. Although I was deceived into making it by that old man living in Yomi, someone must take responsibility for what happened. I have decided to resign as branch chief of the Historical Records Compilation Committee and relinquish my right to inherit the Saya Family."
The seventeen-year-old high school girl bravely shouldered all the responsibility.
No one objected, because someone truly did have to take responsibility for this matter, and Saya no Miya Kaoru was the best scapegoat.
While the Japanese Historical Records Compilation Committee engaged in heated discussions, and the people of the supernatural world throughout the entire globe thoroughly engraved the name Roy Crowley into their memories, Roy had already arrived at Haneda Airport and was preparing to depart for Jerusalem.
Fifty-Fifth Chapter: The Correct Way to Use Power
"Haneda Airport reminds you: Due to unknown reasons, all flights at Haneda Airport have been suspended. Please await further notice regarding departure times..."
"Haneda Airport reminds you..."
The sudden suspension of flights caused a wave of complaints throughout the airport terminal. However, those complaints quickly vanished. For people who frequently traveled by air, flight delays were commonplace and not worth complaining about. Still, the sudden suspension of every flight was relatively rare. Usually, such a thing only happened during severe weather.
"Ah! The flights have been suspended! We're supposed to go to Kyushu for a baseball game. Who knows when we'll get there now?"
A tall Japanese boy spoke in dismay, looking utterly dejected.
"Excuse me, you're blocking our way. Could you move aside a little?"
Just as the boy was lamenting, he suddenly heard a proud and beautiful voice from behind him. It easily made people think of the word "great," though the speaker's Japanese was overly precise and lacked the casualness of a local.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
The boy bowed repeatedly out of Japanese habit and quickly moved out of the way.
Only then did he see the girl behind him. She was indeed not Japanese, but a foreigner with smooth golden hair. She was tall and slender, wearing a red formal dress that stood out from everyone else's clothing in the airport. Yet the incongruity of the outfit only emphasized her beauty, making her resemble a proud phoenix among ordinary birds. When she appeared, even the surrounding noise seemed to unconsciously quiet down, and many men's gazes naturally fell upon her.
What a beautiful girl. But she seems to be injured?
Amazement flashed through the boy's eyes. The foreign girl before him was somewhat pale, and several scabbed wounds could be seen on her fair wrists. From their appearance, they seemed to be knife wounds. He had no idea what kind of suffering she had endured before this.
However, he quickly averted his gaze, because the girl's terrifying, sword-sharp stare had already pierced toward him, making his entire body fill with a fearful chill.
"'King,' all irrelevant people have moved aside. Please proceed."
Erica used her aura to open a path for Roy. She lowered her head like a knight standing before a feudal lord in the Middle Ages, her tone respectful.
The girl's extraordinary attitude and beauty attracted the gazes of countless people.
At that moment, the people in the airport terminal noticed the even more eye-catching man behind the girl, along with the three other girls beside him.
The young man wore an ornate and gorgeous red Cardinal's robe, making him look more like someone in cosplay. Around him were three other girls: a foreign woman with silver hair resembling the golden-haired girl from before, a girl from the East wearing Miko robes, and another middle-school girl wearing a sailor uniform. This group of one man and four women was simply too conspicuous.
However, the expressions of the two Eastern girls were somewhat strange. The girl in Miko robes looked stiff and frightened, while the sailor-uniformed girl supporting her was hunched over as though she had suffered serious injuries.
Normally, when four girls with such different charms appeared together, combining Western passion with Eastern grace, they should have received the greatest attention. Yet the young man walking in the center of the four girls was undoubtedly the center of the world.
When people saw that man pass by with a gentle smile, looking like both a saint and a prisoner, their hearts all became calm. They felt an urge to worship a god, as though he were a divine son descended upon the earth, compassionately moving forward to atone for the sins of humanity.
After mastering Face of God, Roy increasingly resembled a religious fraud in his ordinary moments, easily making people mistake him for an Angel, a saint, a divine son, or something similar.
"Kusanagi, snap out of it! The beautiful girls and handsome guy are gone. Stop staring~~"
The Japanese boy, who had been staring blankly, only returned to his senses after his friend grabbed his arm and shook him.
"Sorry, sorry, Nanami! I spaced out for a moment. Those people seemed to be speaking Italian just now. Are they celebrities?"
Before you continue