The Problematic Campione

by Feng Lengshun

Reaching the limit of his stay in the Little Garden, Sakamaki Izayoi has no choice to return to his old and boring world. But is the world really boring, or is the fun merely very well hidden? It seems that returning won't be as boring as he thought. This is the story of Sakamaki Izayoi, the Eighth Campione, the "Emperor of the Stars". Somewhat AU.

2. 00B - Little Bird of the Waning Night

Foreword:

First of all, thank you for all the reviews, follows, and favs, it seems that my chronologically first story was quite well-received. Took me quite a while to finish this one because of a lot of things but mainly the Battle Scene. It's the best I can do for now after brainstorming how should the fight go. It at least fit my image of Izayoi being somewhat different from other Campiones and uses his Authorities in a creative way.

Now let's address a few things from the reviews.

Izayoi's Character might be a bit OOC but in my defense I only have the Anime and the recently started (and thus, few) baka-tsuki translation to work with so that means I only have some impressions of him. And Ousawa Akatsuki from Hagure Yuusha is closest I could imagine.

On that note, it's officially AU on the Mondaiji side now. It's also two years after he went to Little Garden, plus, it's AU so who knows what the hell happened during those two years. For one, he got his headphone repaired though only in shape; second, he re-sealed his power again; third, he didn't become a couple with anyone there. The rest is sealed in a Schrödinger's Cat Box.

For Voban, I admit, I totally forgot about his Wolves and Undeads. Though the end result would still be somewhat the same. What I thought was that between a meddling kid and a running God, he would prioritize the later. I just make it based on that and I only remembered about his wolves and undeads after reading Obersturmfuhrer's review. Though the mistake does gives me a nice idea.

Pairings have already been decided but no, it won't be a harem. Rather, it's more like a Multiple Route Galge. I have made two alternate routes for the girls that have appeared as of now complete with a scenario of what will happen. I'll post it on the discussion thread though it won't have full detail due to spoiler reasons. Harem is all fine but I want to get more into the characters' Deep Character and Character Development and making it a harem would feel rather shallow. In any case there will be Romance but it's meant to show the characters developing and growing instead of mere shipping or fluffs. I think that it's actually closer to Drama than Romance.

Ah yes, I included quite some shout outs and references in this chapter. Only a few are obvious while for some you have to have read/seen the sources. In any case, that's all I have to say in the (long) Foreword, now, let's start!

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Chapter 00B – Little Bird of the Waning Night

---

~Egersis~

[Unknown Location (Unknown Time)]

…

… …

… … …

Oi, you're already awake, aren't you? A voice asked me. So, he really did fused himself into me… Yeah, I'm just being cautious. I passed out on top of stones, which anyone would testify to be hard and uncomfortable as hell to sleep on. And then, I wake up on a surface that is very comfortable, most likely on a bed. In other words, I was carried and moved by someone I most likely don't know into a place I most certainly I don't know. There, a valid reason, right?

Don't even think of trying to lie to me. You're just being lazy. Chi, what gave it away? That's because I'm feeling lazy too. …Back to sleep? Back to sleep.

*CREAK*

Someone opened the door and entered the room. *sigh* And I was about to sleep too… Well, better get this over with. I opened my eyes and sat on the bed, looking at the intruder who had disturbed my sleep. The intruder was a young lady and she seems to have been slightly surprised by me waking up and looking at her. She then kneeled.

"Ah, your highness, I am sorry if I have disturbed your sleep, I had only wanted to check on you and wait for you to be awake."

"That's fine, but mind stop groveling and calling me 'your highness'? It annoys me."

"I see, I apologize if I-"

"And don't apologize either. It's always 'Sorry this' and 'Forgive me that' and 'I am not worthy'. Frankly, it's annoying. And before you do, don't avert your eyes. That would be so miserable."

Someone gave respect to you like you're a King - which technically you are - and that's what you say? Yeah, so? I agree with your point. Seriously, it can really get annoying. Yeah, I mean it does kind of flattering, but when people are being like that, you can't even hold a conversation with them. Not to mention, seeing people kneeling and saying 'your highness' just like that makes me annoyed for some reason. Indeed, after the few dozen times, it gets quite old unless you're a narcissistic guy. While most Heretic Gods want respect, some Gods like me were quite annoyed by it actually.

We spoke in our mind but to our… surprise, the young lady showed interest and bemusement at what I said.

"Hum, I see that you are at least better than that person."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now, is there any food? I'm hungry."

Even though I had eaten a lot before returning to this world. Remember that this isn't your old body. This is a new body, in which you have never eaten anything. So, since I have died and been reborn, the last time I ate would count as a Last Supper, huh? Did you eat- Breads? Yes.

"Of course, please follow me."

We then head out of the room with her leading me.

[Location: Dining Room, March 29th (20:34)]

Faced with many foods in front of me, I simply ceased any other thoughts. Though I was sleepy before, now that I'm fully awake and this hungry, it's natural that I'd prioritize filling my stomach over idle thoughts. I don't even care about how varied the food was and how tasty they were. Well, no, I still care about it, just didn't realize it. Blatant Lies, if you don't then how could you comment about it? Oh shut up, you.

(Thirty minutes later)

"*gulp**gulp*, ah~, I'm full, I'm full."

"Did that satisfy you, milord?"

"Oi, just stop the formal speaking and the Noble Lady act, I can clearly see that it's just a façade."

The girl faked sorrow at my accusation.

"My, my, to say that it's just a lie, how cruel, sob."

Yeah, and that 'sob' just put the nail in the coffin. It's obviously fake, what kind of idiot would make such a pathetic act? I don't know, maybe you? No, I have never done such a stupid and obvious act of fake crying. Nope. Yeah, sure and I have never stolen any coff-

And just who are you anyway, Ojou-sama? (Aaand he cuts me off)

"Hm~ despite how you look and act, you're surprisingly gentlemanly, calling me 'Miss' like that. Ahem, my name is Princess Alice Louise of Witenagemot, the British Mage Association. I holds the position of spokesperson and special consultant within the Witenagemot."

She introduced herself as Alice Louise and she's the spokesperson of her organization. Hm… she looks familiar somehow but I can't really remember where did I met her. After telling her my own name, I then asked her for an overview of the situation.

"Approximately twenty five hours ago, we received a request to check on the Underground City of Panopeus, it was reported that there is a Heretic God there. Imagine our surprise when we found a Campione there instead, laying asleep."

"And then your men brought me here. Where exactly is this place anyway?"

"This place is Witenagemot's Greece Branch's Headquarter. As Greece is a place with many mythologies and legends, there are many Magic Associations that have a Branch in it."

That makes sense, Greek Mythologies are pretty famous after all. That means that other places with a lot of myths like Scandinavia or India would have many Magic Associations and their branches in it too.

"After they brought you here, they asked for me to handle the situation since I am the spokesperson of Witenagemot and had the most experience in dealing with Campiones."

She spoke with eyes that shows that she was somehow troubled. Did she had some trouble with Campiones before?

"Trouble? If you would call dealing with that man as trouble…"

I assume that this 'That Man' is one hell of a troublesome Campione.

"That person is Black Prince Alec, a very un-gentleman person,"

So, a roughman then?

"Yes, that would be correct. He would do anything he wants and takes anything he wants. At most he'll probably give a note reading 'This is interesting, I'm taking it.'"

Which means from time to time he didn't even say that. Still, a kleptomania actually killing a God? Most Campiones tend to be a bit weird, though from her description, you two might get along nicely. Doubt it, we'd probably clash immediately.

"You can relax, though I have little care for people I don't know, I at least have the decency not to trouble them."

Most of the time anyway (though even then, not by much) and when they're not in my way. When they are in my way and especially in my way to my fun… then I'll just crush both the weak and the strong.

"So, I'm a Campione now?"

"Indeed, it would seems that you have defeated a God… Prometheus wasn't it?"

Yep. Should be obvious from the place they found me.

"Because of that, you are now a Supreme King, a Devil King, if you so inclined you can do anything and everything and none of us would lift even a finger against you, for only other Campiones and Gods can go against you. All that we ask, would be for you to defeat Heretic Gods that manifest in this world."

She smiled as she said that.

…

She's testing me. Smart woman, no wonder they chose her to deal with me. Not to mention, this isn't her real body but only an Ectoplasmic Projection, her real body is somewhere else far away from here. Meaning that should I retaliate, no one would actually get hurt. Interesting and very clever.

"Hoo, well that's interesting in a way, but no, I don't want everything to be given to me. That wouldn't be fun at all. Isn't it more interesting to work for it instead?"

I answered her test with a smirk. Which she replied with a smile.

"Hmm, I see, I see. Indeed, I would agree with your opinion. What would be the fun in having everything without to work for it? That would be just like a selfish kid." It seems that she's jabbing at that Alec person again.

"Now that I passed your 'test', mind explaining my situation in more details."

The face she shows at my reply is like a kid that was caught red-handed doing something bad.

"Ahaha, my apologies-"

I told you, don't apologize.

"Aha, I forgot. In any case I had to confirm what kind of individual are you since it is a very important thing."

To warn others in the Magic world?

"Yes. Although it would seems that in addition to being a good individual in general, you are also an intelligent one."

From the 'in general' it seems that this is only a preliminary assessment.

"Anyway, as a Campione, you are asked to defeat Heretic Gods and other mystical beings or creatures should they appear on Earth. In exchange, you will have total support from the people of the Supernatural society barring those already associated with another Campione."

That would be like an invasion, the other Campione probably won't accept it. Wait, I see where this is going…

"Wait, I'll be frank, are you people going to ask me to join your organization? From what you've been saying, getting the support of a Campione equals to getting their protection too. Also, from how you were saying it, it suggests that your organization does not have a Campione. Am I wrong?"

"…*sigh*, a frighteningly sharp one too. Yes, I was going to ask you to join the Witenagemot as our Campione at the end of this discussion."

Though you don't seem to be motivated to do that.

"Yes, it is quite an irritating task to do, watching what I say, being polite, to not mention bribery and coercion, things like that. I wouldn't do it if those elders didn't give me hours of talking of why I should do it."

Huh, I like this girl. She's a frank one. Though I wonder how those elders would react if they finds out about it. Probably pretty hilarious. Agreed.

"Yeah, now can we get back to the topic, namely, the exposition, I mean explanation?"

"Of course. Um… let's see, ah! Since you defeated the God, you gain their Authority, their Abilities. Usually people only get one but there are rare cases of getting more than one. It was said in a book that the Campiones can sense their Authority by closing their eyes and looking inside themselves."

That's a bit clichéd but handy, admittedly. I closed my eyes to sense my gained Authorities.

"Hm… I guess I'm one of those rare cases. No, that's wrong, you can say that I'm a unique case."

"Unique case?"

"Yes. I got all eight Authorities Prometheus had, in addition to that, he fused himself into me and resides in my body right now."

…

"W-what? There has never been a case like that! Not even the records containing the few information about Campiones in the past has something like that!"

I thought I said it was a unique case?

"Prometheus was the Sage of Foresight and the brother of Epimetheus who is the husband of Pandora. It wouldn't be weird for him to be able to modify Pandora's God-Slayer ritual with his knowledge and cleverness, right?"

Ah, would you mind if you let me borrow your mouth for a while? You can take control over my body? Only when you're not actively controlling it although it seems that when our intention is the same we can sort of synchronize to achieve a greater effect. Huh, I see. And sure, you can use it for a while.

"What he said is the truth, Princess Shrine Maiden Alice Louise of Witenagemot. Or should I say, Ectoplasmic Double of her?"

She was silent for a while. She's receiving a vision. Princess Shrine Maiden or Hime-Miko in your native language are, simply said, women of Divine Ancestry. They can get visions of the future, some prophecies, or just a few pieces of information. It activates randomly, however. Power-wise it's kind of useless but it's the kind of thing that would become a Deus ex Machina if you ask me. A lot of battle's outcomes changed just because some that was allied with a Princess Shrine Maiden, who just so happen to gain visions at the perfect time and of the perfect information and was able to deliver it. It's justified since it works somewhat like an artist's inspiration. Influenced by emotions and might got one because of seeing something, huh?

"…It seems that he was indeed telling the truth."

"Ho, what did you saw in your vision, Princess Shrine Maiden?"

"Your declaration of being revived together with him and a little bit of your history. The latter is the prove that you are indeed Prometheus as he is definitely not using any Authority right now so I shouldn't be having any vision of you."

"If you believe it I suppose it's enough. Now, would you mind leaving us for a while? We have something that we need to discuss and your presence would hinder it."

"As you wish, your high-"

"Oh and I am just like him, dislike being called like that. It's annoying. When you want to call me, you can just call me… Morgenstein. It would not be good for my identity to be found so easily after all."

Morgen meaning morning in Old English and stein meaning star in Crimean Gothic. Why am I not surprised? I'm more interested in how you know stein means star in Crimean Gothic. I had once searched about it in wiktionary after reading a story with stein in its title.

"Of course, Lord Morgenstein."

She then went downstairs and left us together alone. Well, physically only me alone but that's close enough. In any case, we can focus on speaking with each other now.

{Fishy Aroma (Umineko no Naku Koro ni)}

…It's about the Catastrophe, right? You gave this much power and at a high level mastery over them as well. Before that, let me get my – and your – Authorities clear first:

A Divine [Flame] that can be used to heal/purify or burn nearly as hot as Hellfire. The ability to [Steal] nearly anything, even a God's Authority. The ability to go stealth and [Anonymous]. Making [Clones] from earth (Must've came from the legend of him creating Men from Clay). [Star]-based range attacks (Comets, Meteor, and Lasers are included too). [Light] Element that can be used to buff myself and other people. The [Ice] of Cocytus to make Ice and freeze things. And the power to control [Darkness], including in others heart. Eight Authorities with different abilities each (Though he doesn't seem to have named it yet).

Well… that can handle practically any and all situations.

Yeah, a total opposite of your rather overspecialized ability right? Shut up, you. Nope, still need to do the exposition. Ah, let's see, you've listed my Authorities, yes, but you see, that was only the basic application. Wait, what? You can combine them to achieve a specific effect or apply them into an object or in a specific way. For example, that [Clone] ability can be used to make things other than clones of yourself. Hell, I've once combined it with my Divine [Flame] to make a Giant Lava Monster.

…

Alright, now that it's clear that I only beaten you because you went wild and not use your full potential, mind telling what the hell is the Catastrophe you're talking about? I don't think it's something small if you would go as far as letting yourself getting beaten by me, then fusing yourself with me, and finally give me all of your power. At full mastery. From the very beginning.

…First, go to the balcony and look at the sky. I did what he said and went to the balcony just behind the dining table. Now what? Look at your one o'clock. I looked at the sky at the direction he told me. …Wait, is that? That's the star Sirius. Also called the Morning Star. The problem is… it's too bright. It's undergoing a Supernova. If you were to translate it into divinations, it'll be 'Not Good'. You get it now? I did said that it was a 'Catastrophe', but what if it's a beyond that? Like the end of the world? Morning Stars are associated with Lucifer, which is tied with Satan, and Satan is associated with…

Judgment. …The Judgment Day. Alright, that's not a good sign alright. So what are we going to do about it? Investigate, and then? We gather allies. I purposely let myself be defeated by you because Campione has the ability to go against destiny and pre-determined stuffs. Well, not entirely purposely, but you get what I mean, right? Half Testing my abilities and potential, half going easy. Yes, if I were to try to deal with it on my own, what'll happen? The Campiones going against you instead. It'll be a Cassandra Truth, no one would believe you. Additionally, you are bound by destiny. So, we gather as many allies as we can, human, Campione and even Gods alike if possible? Yes, better safe than sorry.

*ZAZAZAZAZAZA*

Wait, why did it suddenly rain? Oh crap, I totally forgot about him. Who? Him. The God that is also Beelzebub and Heracles. Just spit it already.

'Mortal who have slain Prometheus! I, Melqart, command you to show yourself!'

Oh.

---

Another View: The God of Storm

The giant watched as the God of Victory crumbles away. To think that he who is always victorious would be defeated by a weak human child, the thoughts, while inconceivable, was incredible amusing in itself.

'Hmm?'

The giant god saw something fell from the disintegrating youth. It was a stone, but not any normal stone.

'Hm, hahaha! To think that useless one would go so far for the sake of defeat!'

The giant picked up the small stone and turned into the two humans behind him.

'Pass these words to him when he wakes up! Your first enemy was the war god Verethragna, the second one is me - Melqart! Very soon I will recover all my power. When that time comes, take the place of that war god, my spears of fury will be aimed at you! Polish your sword and wait for my arrival!'

The enormous god then vanished in a gust of wind and thunder.

There was something more important that he had noted during the fight. That is, the Grimoire held by the god-slaying brat Kusanagi Godou. It was the Grimoire of Prometheus. He had used it to bring about victory and defeat the god of victory. The idea of a god of victory being defeated by a mere human of all things was still amusing but the stone Grimoire the boy used was more important. Under the stress of using Veretheragna's power, it had broken into pieces.

*BOOM*

He manifested in the far-away land of Greek. Travelling such great distance was nothing for the great god of storm. In addition to being the god of storm, he was also in charge of travelers and sailors after all. Crossing the sea was a small feat for him.

But why would he be here in Greek? It is simple. He has an old friend. One that he held respect over him. That friend is Prometheus. He knew that surely he would wakes up after the destruction of his Grimoire.

'It has been awhile, Prometheus.'

A figure in black clothes could be seen, looking at him.

"…Ah, Melqart. What a timely arrival, you arrived just as I wake up."

'Ohoho, of course, I had witnessed the destruction of your Stone Grimoire, the last seal holding you from waking up.'

"Hum, so were you the one who…?"

'No, it was not me that broke your seal.'

"Is that so? Still, it's just my luck to have my Authorities sealed isn't it?"

'For a god, you have always been known for having abysmal luck, guhahaha! But more importantly, now that you have you are awaken, do you wish for another fight?'

"Nah, I think I'll pass. I need to do something. Something which I can't do if I got defeated or tired because of fighting you. Besides, I still have the higher score."

'Bah! If you only fight without always frantically planning and scheming, I would have won more. In any case, very well then if that is what you wish, I have something to do myself.'

It was rather uncharacteristic for him to simply accept someone's refusal to his challenge, such was the respect he holds for the one known as Prometheus. The two shared a long history as a friend and rival to the point that it was recorded in multiple separate myths.

"Oh? Is it that God of Victory Veretheragna? I believe that you fought him to a draw recently. So he has recovered?"

'Your knowledge is severely outdated, 'Foresighted One'. Veretheragna has already been defeated.'

Melqart answered mockingly.

It was understandable that his knowledge was outdated, however. He had been sealed for years within the Netherworld and only knows things from there, either from visions or from another being that dwells in there. It was a spell similar in nature to Keeper of the Horses used to seal and confine Sun Wukong that had sealed him. He and Melqart had been fighting that day and as luck would have it, just as he won (without killing Melqart of course), a human chose that time to seal him.

Since then he was trapped in the Netherworld and was only able to manifest again thanks to the destruction of his Sacred Tome which also held one of his Authorities, specifically the one to steal things and Authorities of other Gods. Although he would have to retrieve the freed Authority in Sardinia and make sure to erase the memories of the ones who had used it to hide his identity. That was why while he had awakened in his Underground City in Greece, it was in Sardinia that he was spotted by the magicians.

"…I would assume that it was not by you. …Wait. You're not saying…"

'It was not a Campione. A normal human defeated him.'

It became silent with that. Finally, it was broken by a laugh so hard and laugh as if the laugher had heard the funniest joke in the world.

"Puh, FUHAHAHAHA! The God of Victory, beaten by a human? Ha, now that's the joke of the century!"

'Indeed it is in a way, a very funny joke. However, I was not joking at all.'

"Yeah, I know, I know, you're not the joking type after all. So that human was the one that used and broke my Tome huh? What a lucky person. What is the name of that mortal?"

'His name is Kusanagi Godou.'

"Kusanagi Godou… I'll remember that name. So, you're going to battle him now?"

'Indeed I will. The brat is at least worth my attention if he managed to vanquish Veretheragna, even if he purposefully let himself be defeated. He is unfortunately, a pacifist.'

"Wow, a pacifist killing the God of Victory?"

Prometheus shook his head at that, disbelieving. Also, he knew that Melqart was actually asking him on his opinion on how to make Kusanagi Godou fights him.

"Just threaten him that you will sink your territories should he refuse to fight. Even if he's a pacifist – no – because he is a pacifist, if you threaten him with others' life, he would surely be enraged. If he's still not serious, then kill him once. Since he had killed that Veretheragna, he would surely has the [Ram] to resurrect himself. Kill him once and sink your old city, Soluntum. If he doesn't get serious or unable to revive himself then…"

He was not a worthy opponent, was what left unsaid. Melqart accepted that idea even if it went a bit too far. Even he would not sink his territories, what good are territories if it was destroyed after all. However, if by sinking one decayed city he can get a good fight, then so be it. It is worth the sacrifice. Satisfied, the gigantic God of Storm vanished with a majestic thunder.

'Hehaha, very well then! Let us meet again after I deal with the brat!'

Unknown to him at that time, it would be the last time he would see his old friend. He would find out his defeat just before the Seventh Campione was able to deal a final blow on him with his [Stallion].

Another View End

---

~Wind of Destruction~

Looks like I got my tutorial sequence on your power now. Tutorial against someone as strong as him? Whatever, I'm setting the Divine Space barrier.

The surrounding turned became red, the Divine Space must've changed a bit due to my nature but it looks too unnatural if you ask me. As I was contemplating that, I heard a running footstep behind me.

*TAP**TAP**TAP*

"Mr. Izayoi!"

"Yo, Alice. It's fine if I fight him, right? I'm bored anyway."

"Mr. Izayoi… Melqart is a Divine King-class Heretic God."

"Heeh, well it doesn't matter anyway, doesn't look like he's going to calm down and talk this thing out."

I then looked at her.

"Is there any other people in this Divine Space?"

She responded to my question by shaking of her head.

"No, it's strong enough to block most mages so I do not think that there is any other people in here but, who set it up? I doubt Melqart would bother setting one up."

"Yeah, it's me. Anyway, you should go find a safe place to hide."

She looked like she wants to say something but didn't. Seems like despite how she looks like and how she acts, she does has a brain. This is a battle between a Campione and a Heretic God, she'll only be a hindrance to me if she stays.

"I understand. Good luck to you, Mr. Izayoi."

And she went away with that. Now then, let's deal with this god. Before you do, it would not do to go to battle with that kind of outfit. I looked at my outfit. It's all tattered and damaged. Yeah, battling in this clothes would be lame, alright. Just when I thought of that a black long-coat, similar to the one Prometheus had worn appeared on my hands. Be thankful. Thankful.

…

What, I really did be thankful, right? After asking him that, I removed the damaged coat I got as a replacement to my old gakuran and wore the long-coat that was… created? Summoned? Well… given by Prometheus. Hm, not bad.

Once I finished, I turned my eyes towards the sky.

"Oi, I'm here, you idiot Heretic God!"

'You! Has you truly slain Prometheus?!'

"Yeah, and what are you going to do about it?"

'I know not of how you did it, however, you shall prove yourself worthy before me, or you shall fall like countless others, by my might!'

*BOOM*

A giant with body made of stone and long white hair then appeared from the place the thunder struck.

'I have abandoned mine's duel with the slayer of the God of Victory, do not disappoint me, God-Slayer!'

"That's my line! I have just defeated Prometheus, do not disappoint me, God of Storm!"

~Storm of Two Devils (vs Melqart)~

{Izayoi's Battle Theme: Last Phantasm (Koumajou Densetsu II)}

I won't be helping you except for explaining my Authorities. You're in this alone. That's fine, but I have one question. Anything I do in here, won't affect the outer world, right? As long as you devote some magic energies to repair the damage later, yes. Then that means…

"Heh, ahaha! Be careful god of storm! Thanks to this Divine Space, I can go full power without having to worry about anything!"

And with that, I jump towards him. Of course, he tried to punch me with his giant arms, but…

'HM?!'

It got knocked back easily by my punch. The knock back makes him open, an opportunity which I used to deliver a spinning kick to him which makes take a few steps back.

'NUOH!'

"Oi, oi, come on, that's not all you have, right, God of Storm?!"

'Do not underestimate me, God-Slayer! Yagarish! Ayamari!'

With that shout, he summoned two giant clubs. But, he's not going full power yet, isn't he? Indeed, he has not use his Herculean Strength yet. Well, well…

"Now this-"

'Oooo!'

He swung his two clubs at me, I simply did what makes the most sense when in a situation like this.

"-is the real deal!"

That is, punching them with the power of my Gift. I punched at the two clubs with my usual 'Third Cosmic Velocity' punch. It pushed back his clubs easily.

'W-what?!'

He look shocked, of course he was shocked, I had punched his giant clubs without using any Authority. As anyone would tell you, that simply just doesn't make sense. But that doesn't matter now. I have enough time to pull it out. Pull what? A part of my Gift I couldn't use against you since there wasn't enough time to pull it.

*SWOOOSH*

Light gathers on my hand, forming a shining hilt and eventually a shining blade of light. This is a part of my Gift, it takes a long time to summon it out, but it's really useful. A Sword of Light that can cut through space. This Sword of Light… the thing it cannot cut… are next to none!

*SWISH**SLICE**SLASH*

'Guaaah!'

Melqart screamed from the wound it took. Not even gods are safe from this sword. But come on, that can't be all he got, can it?

"Ahahaha! What's wrong, great God of Storm?! That's not all you have right?! Come on, do fight me seriously and entertain me more!"

You are totally reckless. Youths should be reckless. Hm? The wind… it's getting even faster. Heh, now this is what I call a real storm.

'I see, it seems that you are not a normal human... HOHOHO, VERY WELL! YOU SHALL BE MINE'S ENEMY NOW! I HAVE LEFT MINE'S BATTLE WITH THE KUSANAGI BRAT JUST TO COME HERE, DON'T DIE SO EASILY!'

As he said that, the storm blows like a true storm made by one worthy of being called a God of Storm. For me, it isn't that hard to handle it, though.

*BAM**BAM*

I simply slammed my foot deep into the earth, cross my arm, and looked at him cockily.

'HOH, VERY GOOD, BUT HOW WILL YOU PROCEED NOW IN THIS STORM?'

That's easy. I have one advantage over all gods and most Campiones,

'HOO?'

He sounds genuinely amused. Well it's simple really, I have a very flexible set of Authorities and I also have science!

I called upon the Divine [Flame] in right-front direction of me. This [Flame] Authority, it's an extremely useful and versatile one. It can be set which to burn and which not to. It can even heal, purifies, and repair anything I want. What got affected by it and what is not can be chosen too. And I can also set the convection of the [Flame]'s heat. Heat spreads to the cooler area around it, it's one of the main factor in that decides the direction that wind blows to. I simply placed a flame near myself with a very great heat and convection rate (with the heat set not to affects me of course) to counter his counter-clockwise wind. It was just enough for me to be able to walk.

"Now then, let's fight for real, shall we?"

'Do not disappoint me, Slayer of Prometheus.'

"That's my line, God of Storm!"

I jumped towards him, he tried to swat me with his clubs. Whoa! It's much stronger and faster than before, good thing I managed to dodge it using explosions and my Gift to quickly change the direction of my jump but I'm back on the ground now since I had to evade it. He must have used his Herculean Strength. Oh yeah, anything else I should know about him? He's also Baal. Specifically Baal Hadad and Beelzebub. Okay, I have a few ideas about his abilities now. Now then, it's show time.

Once again I jumped towards him, he tried to smash me with his club but I already know his speed, so all I have to do is…

*SLICE*

Slash them apart with this sword. Again he was surprised, it would seems that he didn't take my statement of my sword being able to cut nearly everything seriously. That gave me some open- no! His hands that was holding the sliced club simply just punched at me. With my left hand that wasn't holding the sword, I punched at it, powered by [Flame] to make up the small amount of force given by my Gift due to it being a surprise. But since it came surprisingly, my punch was not strong enough to deflect his own.

I slammed down into the ground. Ouch, that hurts… But my complain was cut short when my instinct told me to get up quickly. I then see why; Melqart was going to club me down with his other club. I need a ranged attack… An Authority responds to my need, the [Star], using it I shoot a star (most likely a comet, aka, Shooting Star) at his club. It's just enough to knock it back, but then my instinct flared again. This time, it seems to be warning me of the lightning from the sky.

*ZAP**BOOM*

I dodged just in time to avoid getting zapped and getting caught at the lightning's explosion effect. Okay, since when did lightning can cause explosion? Logic does not need to apply to gods. By the way, try combining my Authorities together. Combining… Oi, Prometheus, how do I combine your Authorities? Oh yeah, just call the Authorities you want to use and then make some custom Spell Words. Incantations are just a gateway to use your powers, you just need to make one that corresponds best to what you want to do, use, and/or make. Is that so? Then that means I'll just have to do what I'm really good at: Improvising.

Hm… that should work.

"Come and fall, guest stars of Ice and Fire! Shoot!"

Short and simple, just how I like it.

With that command, countless stars falls towards Melqart, many were swept away by the storm, but some that make it to him exploded in flames or ice. Of course, he didn't just stand there doing nothing, he immediately calls many lightning to rain down on me. I, however, simply just dashed around and avoided them all. It wasn't so hard, it was just like my barrages of shooting star, a support fire. The shooting star variation of the [Star] Authority is only useful as a covering/supporting fire or destroying a large amount of enemy.

I kept dodging around. Left, right, front, behind, ducks, backflips, rolls. Meanwhile Melqart was swatting away my barrage with his clubs, the sliced one having been restored. His strength is a Herculean one, it was not savage like an animal, but uses quite some cleverness and calculation just like how Hercules had been called as a smart and creative hero. He might looks like a guy trying to swat some flies (which is rather ironic since he's also the Lord of Flies) but each of those swings are carefully planned. The amount of stars that actually hit him is very small and mostly only the weak ones.

But that was enough. That was all I need. Even when I was dodging around his lightning barrages, I was not doing nothing. I was charging my Gift, the Unknown that can destroy even stars. I may have some other abilities now, but in the end, this is the ability most suited for me. And now, I am much stronger physically, and not to mention, my Authority and Gift… they are compatible with each and can be combined.

I punched at the air, releasing all of the charged attack. It's not just my Gift, in that punch, I also shoot a Gift-powered [Flame]. I had always been able to make a ranged attack with my Gift but since it was much weaker it's just not worth it. But if I channel it into my Authority, it wouldn't deteriorate in power like it did when I use it normally. And that was all it takes to disperse the clouds in the sky, stopping the wind and lightning temporarily, giving me all the chance I need. Though it doesn't seem that he wouldn't give it away so easily.

'SO YOU MANAGED TO DISPERSE MINE'S STORM, GOOD! BUT THAT IS NOT ALL I HAVE, ARISE, LOCUSTS OF BAʿAL ZEBÛB!'

A swarm of locusts appears, just from looking at them I can easily tell that each of them are cursed. I would need to be constantly on fire to be able to reach him. The locusts swarms around me who was on fire.

'THOSE FIRES WON'T SAVE YOU, I HAVE FOUGHT THAT FIRE SO MANY TIMES MY LOCUST CAN IGNORE THEM!'

It's true, they aren't harmed even a slightest bit. I guess it had adapted from his fights with Prometheus. Well then I guess it's good thing that the me that they are attacking isn't the real one.

*BOOM*

'HMM?!'

I made the clone explode while I attack him from behind. How did I managed to do it without him finding out? Simple, I cloaked myself with the [Anonymous] Authority which is a stealth Authority that can cover my presence and actions. Under effect from that Authority, I also made a [Clone] out of the earth and sneak behind him. All while still shooting many [Stars], though seems I am still limited to only two Authorities at a time for now. It is very clever however, even he wouldn't expect something that crafty.

'UOH!'

The punch managed to unbalance him. Hm… I can sort of control the shape of the [Ice] I made and the specification of my [Flame] such as what to harm and what not to… Heh, I got a really nice idea on how to use those advantages together.

As the gigantic God tried to regain his balance, he stepped back a few times. Did he really think I would let him regain his balance? Of course not. Right when he is about to regain his balance, I made an explosion using the [Flame] below his foot. This made him fall towards me, which is just perfect. While he was busy trying to regain his footing back, I was charging my [Ice] into the shape of a giant arm. Just when he fell into my direction, I was done shaping it. Moving it was still a bit hard, so I used a little trick. I boosted its movement with my Gift and also flames like a rocket engine. Not only that, it adds the arm's speed too, giving it more power. The arm then punched at him in an uppercut, and with some extra explosions and flames especially at the tip, it managed to throw him into the air.

Oh yeah, did I mention that I was also reshaping my Sword of Light? It's also much bigger and powered by the [Ice] Authority so that the parts that didn't get slashed would at least be frozen and become more fragile. While he was airborne, I slashed him many times. I am normally fast, but I am much faster now that I can use [Light] to buff my speed since I don't have to keep shooting star barrages anymore. This results in a hundred slashes or more during the three seconds Melqart was airborne and defense-less.

It seems that I still need more practice with both my Gift and Authorities. Originally I had wanted to use the giant arm and Sword of Light in a similar fashion DMC's Nero used Devil Buster against a stunned Berial. While I managed to simulate a similar effect to it, it's still not close enough to it. With my proficiency with my Authorities and Gift the way it is now, I can't even lift the heavy and enormous God of Storm into the air. I can uppercut it given enough charging time but grab then lifting was still beyond me. Though nothing prevents me from continuously slashing at him even after he hit the ground. Good thing that you can keep attacking fallen enemies in Real Life unlike in those Fighting Games.

It didn't take long for him to ris- did he just turned into clouds? That's quite a dangerous ability since I can't attack him while he's like that. After moving about a half kilometer away, he returned to his solid form.

{Blue Dragon -East Shichiyado- by SENTIVE (Sengoku Gensokyo)}

'IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE UNDERESTIMATED YOU. I SHALL NOW USE ALL OF MINE'S POWER!'

Now we're talking. …Huh? The storm, it stopped? …No, it turned into a Serpent. That's right, in one myth with Hannibal － a faithful worshipper of him－ he saw a black serpent wreaking havoc with thunder and lightning following behind it. And that reminds me, there are some myths that views him as a life-death-rebirth deity… I see that you have a high knowledge of mythologies. And all of your thoughts are correct, including his ability to heal himself.

Sure enough, the wounds I had dealt to him is closing. So I have two choices right now:

a. Don't give him a chance to heal (Deal fast, continuous, and large damage)

b. Seal his Authority with my Gift (Less damage and stunning for faster sealing).

Which one should I choo-

A lightning struck snapping me out of my thought. I immediately jumped into the sky since the lightning is near the Storm Serpent, meaning it's close to me. Indeed, the black Serpent was right behind me. It would've hit me had I didn't jump and I am not in a hurry to find out whether the Storm Serpent is solid or not and whether it can swallow me or not. I immediately made a second jump, not towards the air but towards the ground. I can't evade well when I'm on air after all. Again, I narrowly avoided the Storm Serpent. It's fast and it can fly, this isn't good.

As if things aren't annoying enough, the ground is now swarmed with them Fire-Proof Insects. Does this even qualify as a tutorial anymore? If it is, then I guess I can look forward to how Nintendo Hard my next opponents will be, I thought as I grinned from the tension.

Let's see… it's immune to the [Flame], so let's try freezing them. I called upon my [Ice] Authority and felt the air around me becoming cold. The Authority has no visual effect and simply just banishes the heat in an area through an invisible aura. Not awesome looking, but practical. Gathering the cold aura into my hand, I made a swipe with it and thrown the freezing coldness of my [Ice] towards the surrounding locusts.

It's a good thing that while they're Fire-Proof, they aren't resistant towards Ice at all. Most of the locusts got caught in the ice-cold wave was frozen. With that in mind, I shrouded myself in the freezing aura of my [Ice] Authority. Sigh, I really need to name them soon. It just feels weird simply calling them by their element. I can't believe you're worrying about that right now. Focus on the fight, you idiot!

Just when I was about to reply to him, Melqart swings both of his clubs to me and I jumped to left to avoid them. Great, not even thinking's a free action now.

Thanks to the presence of the Storm Serpent and Locusts, I have no choice but to keep dodging and evading his attacks. Left, right, behind, I kept on dashing away from near misses. His Herculean Strength seems to boost his speed too. The situation is simply bad, I'm stuck between rock and a hard place. Currently, my limit of simultaneous Authority seems to be only two and the two I'm using are the [Ice] and the [Light]. [Ice] to deal with the Locusts and [Light] to deal with the speed of this stony giant's attacks. Blocking one club would open me to other, making distance is prevented by the mostly stalking in the distance Storm Serpent, jumping to the air to avoid the Locusts would really open me up. His attacks are effectively caging me.

Which means that it's about time I take another approach on this. His attacks are meant to keep me busy, to unable to do anything but getting myself tired. Wait, getting myself tired? I see, an idea then formed in my mind. I keep on evading his attacks until the best opportunity to execute my plan appears.

'HEHEHEHAHAHA, WHAT'S WRONG GOD-SLAYER? IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE, HMMM?'

Said the 'I-guess-in-a-way-he-is-not-a-very-stony' giant. And thus, the perfect time came.

The Serpent was positioned towards the direction of my behind-right and there's a brief lull in monstrous god's barrage of club swinging. Using a great amount of power, I dashed far away to the left, freezing as many Locusts as I can. Once I was a little faraway, I used the projectile attack of my Gift stored within the [Ice], this time shaped in a giant, wide-ranged wave. It was enough to push back most of the insect as I will need some room to pull this out. Landing on the ground, I started to chant my 'Improvised Spell Words of Slaughters'.

"Arise and come in my name as the Lord of This World, Rime-Giant of the Mist World! Become slave to thy master and be the rook to the king! Serve and protect me!"

A giant made of Ice arise after I finished invoking my Spell Words. I got this idea from hearing Prometheus' story of making a giant lava monster in the past. The trick was surprisingly simple, make a big yet undetailed clone out of the earth and imbue it with the element of [Ice]. It's nothing in the face of Melqart the huge Divine King Heretic God, but it was enough for what I have in mind.

Once I made the Ice Giant, I deactivated my [Ice] Authority. The giant will take care of the swarming locust and more. And by more, I meant the annoying Storm Serpent.

Following behind me as I run back to Melqart, the Ice Giant immediately turns to my right when the Serpent tries to attack me. It then punches the giant snake made of storm. It simply just passes through it of course, it's made of clouds after all. But that's my plan. As the Serpent keep lunging towards me, its body starts to freeze and became ice. Yes, clouds are intangible while it would most likely somehow be able to harm me. But that doesn't apply when it's frozen. It has one major weakness: It's made of clouds. And clouds are mostly made of water vapors. Which makes freezing it even easier.

It might be able to harm me if I try to do freeze it by myself. That's why, I just make an Ice-Elemental disfigured giant clones of myself to do the job. That's the true function of the Ice Giant, it wasn't meant to deal with Melqart and his attacks but rather his Locusts and Snake.

Ahh Science, is there anything you can't solve? I take it you never did that trick, Prometheus? Yeah. Quite creative honestly. I admit I misjudged you, I thought you are that kind of person who thinks 'Brute Force, is there anything you can't solve?' Nah, I'm actually more of 'Simple is the Best' kind of guy. Some things are just too troublesome.

Without anything to hinder me, I managed to reach Melqart before he recovered from being surprised over my trick. He was wide open, so I just give him a roundhouse kick. Severely charged with [Flame] and my Gift of course. It results in him getting thrown away, dragged on the ground. He immediately tries to stand up but I won't let him. Right after I land on the ground, I jump toward the sky to give a heavy pounding with both of my fist, again, charged with the [Flame] and my Gift. After that I jump back a few time away from the crater the fallen giant laid as he tries to stand again.

'W-WHAT?! I CANNOT HEAL?!'

Oh, that. Sorry your Authority just got sealed. In the end I picked the third choice: Deal a huge damage and seal his Authority. By making an opportunity and then letting [Flame] deal the damage while my [Unknown] seals his Authority.

"I have the ability to destroy others abilities, you see."

'Im-impossible…'

He said as he looks vacantly towards the sky.

…I have a bad feeling. A really bad one.

'...To think that a newborn God-Slayer can reduce me to such a state… no, that other God-Slayer managed to harm me too… yet, to lose in this fight where I have almost fully recovered from mine's wound in the battle against that useless God of Victory… HOW… SHAMEFUL!'

He then grabbed the stone crown on his head…

'OOOOOOHHH!'

And broke it apart. This, could this be… A Switching Winback? Switching Winback? What is that?

Well I only read it in passing but Switching Winback, it is some sort of mental recovery technique used by high-level athletes. When they are suffering from some emotional setbacks such as fear, shock, and/or shame, they use some sort of switch to drive them all away and show only their fighting spirit. To activate it they must use some sort of ritual or stimulus, everyone has their own ritual/stimulus to turn on their mental switch such as making an oath, changing their clothes, screaming, etc. The greater the emotional setbacks, the more exceptional the ritual/stimulus needed.

And his mental switch is… crushing the crown on his head? Hm… I think I get it. Melqart has always viewed himself as a Lord, a Master, a King. By destroying his crown, he throws away his side as a King and turn himself into nothing but a savage and brutal warrior just like his appearance suggests. In the past he never did it when fighting against me since he had seen me as a worthy opponent. You on the other hand, is just a mere child before his age, experience, and strength. And yet he was losing against you. Which is why he choose to fully devote his entire being to defeat me since it had shamed him.

Looks like this is the third and final round/phase then. What should I say now…

"So, you've finally decided to go serious against me, huh? In any case, it's time for me to wrap this party!"

Heaven or Hell, let's rock!

{Oni's Island in the Fairyland ~ Missing Power - Sengoku Arr.-by Hatoharu (Sengoku Gensokyo)}

Though I do wish that I have my headphone right now, I really could use some music. Can't be helped, now let's get serious!

Well, I guess I will give a little hint for you: Reduce his weapon. What? Does it looks like he will give me a chance to remake that Sword of Light again? I would be dead before I can even make half of it. That's not what I meant. Figure what I meant yourself. Alright, meanwhile I should start engaging him.

I charged forward towards him and he immediately swing his giant clubs at me. It is faster and stronger than before, I have to focus on deflecting them. It takes the combined power of my Gift and [Flame] to actually even redirect them and takes the maximum combined power of both to actually deflect it. But that's not the true problem. The true problem is much simpler.

It's much very savage and brutal. Attacking without stopping and planning, he simply swing his clubs at me as fast and strong as possible, nothing more, nothing less. He has went berserk. And I cannot predict his movements because of that.

A swing from the left, when I deflect it he already started another swinging from my right, deflect it and then another came from up-right, deflect then right, deflect, swing, deflect, swing. It keeps repeating without giving me a chance to even formulate a plan nor predict a single thing.

…! A chance! He swings both of his clubs at me. I deflected both of them at the same time. The small lull in high-speed barrage gives me a time to think of what Prometheus said earlier. Reduce his weapon… it must be his club. But how? In his current condition he could just- Ah… I see what you mean now.

Just when I figured it out, he started to attack again. But I got lucky as the best opportunity to do what I had thought immediately presents itself.

He swung the left club in an overhead swing, intent on crushing me from above. Just when it comes close to hitting me, I hit it so hard that it got deflected from his hands and into the ground just to the right of me. Not wasting any time, I immediately runs to it before he can resummons into his hand. Touching it, I do what Prometheus had advised me: Reduce it from his inventory.

How? Simple, just steal it with the [Thief] Authority. As I touch it, I can feel the Authority being absorbed into me. Hmm… I think I should only use this Authority at decisive moments since it seems that I can only use it once a day and it seals all of my other Authorities.

I put the end of the club's handle on my shoulder while my hands grabs it. The fact that I had stolen his Authority doesn't seems to register on Melqart's mind as he simply just swings his other club at me.

As the swing comes, I also swung the club that I was holding in a circular arc. Stealing the Authority also gave me the strength necessary to use it, added with my Gift that was still active and usable, it made deflecting his attacks much easier. No, I didn't just deflect it, I actually reflected his club, although it was not enough to throw it off his hand.

This time the attack came from my left side. The swing I made to defend from it was even stronger as I had charged it with my Gift and the Authority has been fully usurped. I actually managed to make his club thrown out of his hand. He was actually off-balanced for a second there. Key words: A second.

As soon as he regained his balance, he ran off towards me. I won't have time to swing this club as he is already close. Having no choice, I let go of the Authority I had stolen. Immediately I felt my other Authorities available for usage. I used [Ice] to freeze the ground around me and [Light] to buff myself. His fist came from overhead and I blocked it with both of my hands, strengthened by my Authority and Gift. I had frozen the surrounding grounds so that I won't get sunken into the ground.

His fist was strong and it kept trying to push me. But I endured and kept pushing back with all of my might. After a while, the push subsides and with that, I simply just did what logically comes next. Well, what is logical by my logic anyway. I lifted him by his hand, lifted his whole body… and swing it towards the ground behind me. That must have hurt. It seems to be truly so as he did not immediately raise again. The fact that I slammed him deep into the ground might help too.

Now's my chance. I don't think I will have another chance to finish this swiftly like this again. So, what should I do? An idea passed into my mind. It's not a bad idea and seems to be good for training my Authority combining skill. But for the time being, I am limited with only being able to combine two Authorities. That technique would require three Authorities.

…

Oh, come on! I already did the impossible by defeating a God! And now I'm saying that I can't use three Authorities at one time? Pfft, as if. As a wise man once said: Go beyond the impossible and kick reason to the curb! With that, I began to chant the technique I want to imitate.

"In this World of Light, there is no place for you of the Darkness!"

A bright sphere of light, slightly wider than my body, began to form in front of me.

"Thirst not! Hunger not! Return to the void!"

The sphere of light solidified and scorching hot. I then began running towards the downed Melqart.

"Lemuria Impact!"

I jumped towards the air before slamming the sphere into him. When it hit him, it then grows. As I had set the [Flame] infused with [Star] to not spread through the [Light] barrier, I landed safely on the enlarging sphere.

"Sublimate!"

I finished the spell after jumping on the sphere. The reason was because the high amount of pressure also confined within the sphere was fully released forming an explosion. As I fell, I used [Star] with myself as the projectile to empower my axe kick.

"Atlantis Strike!"

After the kick hit him, I back-flipped away from him. However, he didn't die that 'easily'.

'OOOOOO! NO! NOT YET! I WILL NOT LOSE TO A MERE BRAT LIKE YOU!'

Can't you just die already? Instead of rising his body, he turned into a cloud of storm. Great, I just knew that that ability would be annoying.

"Can't, you, just, stay, down!?"

He's just too tenacious. As fun and interesting as it is, even I have my limits.

Empowering my fist with [Ice] and [Unknown]'s power as much as I can, I punched at him with all my might.

'UOOOH.'

The storm roared thunderously as it started to disperse. I didn't drop my guard until it fully vanished. Finally, after all of the cloud disappeared, I dropped to my knees then lied on my back.

~The Storm Ends~

That… that was fun. Though I have to admit that it was also quite tiring. He really was the Hercules, with that strength of him. Even after I got a stronger body and augmented myself very much he's still one hell of an opponent. Not to mention he's pretty tenacious too. Had I faltered just once back there, I wouldn't have a second chance, I would be dead by now.

Well, I guess it's a good thing I know a lot of trivia. I just know that learning trivia knowledge when you live in a fantasy-type world would be useful. From Mythologies, Science, to a few simple Psychology knowledge, I just know it'll come in handy someday in my life.

Hm? Was that? I walked towards what remains of Melqart, his giant head. He was truly a worthy opponent. But must someone like him be the second boss and also the tutorial boss? Only a crazy plot writer would make someone as powerful as him as a second boss.

"Ouch, ouch, you really can hit hard, Melqart, and you're quite tenacious too I have to admit."

'…Heh, I see that you are indeed a worthy enemy. I would like to ask you one thing… how did he died? How did you beat him?'

Why don't you ask him yourself?

"He beat me by making me fight him without a plan and overwhelm me physically."

'Morgenstein' said after I give him control.

'…Hu, AHAHAHA! Indeed, I should have known, you will not die merely because you were killed. You are the brother of that woman's husband after all. Not to mention that you had been in the triangle before…'

"Not. Another. Word."

Prometheus stopped him mid-sentence. Seems like Melqart can see that it is really Prometheus speaking. Well, he is his friend so it makes sense.

But just now, what was he going to say? Before you lose? **** YOU, ******. Hey! How the hell did you do that bleep sound? Oh yeah, we're just talking through our minds so we can think of any noise. ****, ****, ****, cool. *sigh* what am I doing, testing something like that in an emotional situation like this.

"*sigh* I do wonder whether I made the correct choice in choosing him as my vessel…"

'Oh? And why so? As I see it he is a fine person by a Campione's standard?'

"He is a bit… weird. I mean, when he was battling you, he was worried about his Authorities having no names!"

What? You're regretting that now? Eh, not really. You're a fine kind of guy, it's just that you're a bit idiotic. Didn't Anesidora-chan said that I'm her child now? That means that I am also Epimetheus the Foolish Titan's kid, right? Well, Campiones are officially called the Illegitimate Children of Epimetheus the Fool because they are so idiotic that they dare to challenge a God. Though it's been awhile since I heard someone calling Pandora as Anesidora. On that subject,

"It's important to name your technique, if you ask me. I mean, the Gift I have had was named 'Code: Unknown'. That's okay but can't it have a cooler name?"

'Gift?'

"An ability I had since I was born. It gives me the power equaling heaven and earth, the ability to destroy other Gifts – which includes Authorities by the way – and able to summon a light sword that cuts space itself."

'I see… so that's how. Regardless of his eccentricity,'

I might not be normal but telling that to my face is just impolite.

'You have a good vessel, Prometheus.'

"I guess so. He's idiotic, but he is strong and clever. He doesn't really care about other peoples except for his friends but he still have the decency not to disturb them. He is also somewhat direct and I can feel that he has understood about his own self. Adding his battle tendency, he's pretty much the perfect kind of Campione in my opinion. You two should get along just fine had the situation was different"

'Hu, very true. Had I just stopped and asked instead of going rampage, things might have been quite different. But this is good enough. It seems that you did fall by a worthy enemy. Tell me, what is your name, Godslayer?'

Izayoi, Sakamaki Izayoi.

'Izayoi… The Sixteenth night… Very well I shall remember that name. Even if I am to return to my legend, I shall not forget your name.'

He said as I felt his life fading away.

'I accept you as my friend and I rival! This I swear with my name and pride, we shall meet again. And when we do, we shall fight once more!'

"Heh, that's just fine! When we do, you better don't forget about your promise! In exchange I promise you this: That fight will be your best fight. The thunderous sounds of our fist will rocks the sky, the earth, the sea. It shall surpass even the greatest legends!"

'HAHAHA! Very well, do fulfill your promise. In the meanwhile, I, Divine King Melqart approves of you! Become strong and defeat all who stands before you!'

As he speak, he starts to disintegrate into clouds.

'Do stay alive until I return and avenge my loss, Sakamaki Izayoi!'

"I'll stay alive but you shouldn't be daydreaming, Melqart!"

'AHAHAHAHA!'

He laughs heartily as he fades away.

Finally, he vanished. Is this fine, Prometheus? Yeah. He was satisfied so it is fine. *shrugs* If you say so.

…See you again, big guy.

~Paving the Way~

Sounds of footsteps can be heard in the distance. It must be Alice since she's the only one here. I turned around and sure enough, it's her.

"Is it done?"

"Yeah. That was quite the crazy first fight I have to admit."

"…I guess it is, in a way."

She said with a smile and a sigh.

"I have to admit, I never thought you would know about the Divine Space spell, or is it…"

Yeah, it's 'Morgenstein'.

"I thought so. Well… considering how much you destroyed in the span of less than an hour, it's a relief that you have it."

The whole surrounding buildings and structures were demolished as if an enormous storm, earthquake, and tsunami had hit them at the same time. On second thought, I guess it had.

"Guess so. It's nice to be able to go wild without having to worry about collateral damages. Now then, let's get back to the subject of becoming your organization's Campione."

"You would become our Campione?"

She asked, wide-eyed. With all that she had said back then, anyone would be surprised that I would consider becoming their Campione.

"Under a few conditions of course."

"*sigh* I thought so. Very well, name your conditions."

She replied, looking intently at me. So, behind her noblewoman act is a bubbly girl, and behind that is a sharp opportunistic person. A fearsome politician, she would be a good subordinate. Name her becoming your direct subordinate as one of your conditions. Of course, but there is something much more important.

"Why did you try to dissuade me from joining your organization? Don't play dumb, I know that despite your personality, you are a sharp and smart girl. You didn't mention those blackmail things without a reason. You are not an idiot so there must be a reason for you to say it. Other than testing me of course."

For a while, she simply just stayed silent. Then, she laughed.

"Ufufu, how sharp, to detect that small thing. Indeed, in addition to test your character, I also did it to make you not interested in joining our organization. There are several reasons why. First of all, despite how much I dislikes it, England is the territory of Black Prince Alec, making you our Campione when our headquarter is there too is begging for the both of you to clash."

From what she said about him, there is a chance of him being possessive and the fact that as a Campione either of us will eventually make a trouble that would lead to us clash against each other.

"Second, those stupid Elders, they are desperate to regain their power and prestige, if you are to find out that they are using you to gain it, well… let's just say that in the place where someone once tried to manipulate a Campione, the land is still barren."

It's like trying to manipulate a Demon Lord I guess, even when they were just bored they could reduce a land into a barren land like it had been destroyed hundred years ago even though it was still less than a decade. Manipulating them? Definitely too dumb to live. Oh yeah, Campiones are also called Devil Kings. Definitely a legit reason.

"Third, the destruction that ensues. Campione are all battle maniacs so there is a high chance that you will fight many enemies in England. The problem is, do you realize what the state of Panopeous was when we found you?"

I simply shrugged.

"It was ruined. The city is totally demolished and the ceiling is in a critical state. The underground city nearly collapsed, taking whatever standing above its ground with it. The material the entire city was made of was very sturdy and even more so for the ceiling. And this, was from your first battle."

…

Well, I guess I really overdid it there. Are those all the reason though?

"Yes, you did, wrecking the entire place like that. And the last reason. Witenagemot is the largest among Mage Associations. There are numerous experts within it and it isn't limited to mages either. In fact, it would be the most correct to call it as a mutual aid society that happens to have mages in it and has relations to magic. Scholars, Monks, Preachers, Researchers, Artists, Capitalists, Nobles, Royalties, Imperial Families, it can be said to be more of a research organization first and mage association second. Naturally, it kept a huge amount of secrets and hidden information within it. Surely a person as sharp as you can see where this is going. Right?"

She asked me with a feigned innocent face.

Of course I can see where this is going. Anyone who rules it practically rules the world. He or she controls the flow of information among both the mundane and magical world. And that's not counting the secrets which would most likely includes dangerous magical secrets. And Campiones are all reckless battle freaks. It wouldn't end well.

"Yes. The magical secrets includes – but not limited to – the locations of sleeping Heretic Gods, gateways to the Netherworld, Weapons of Gods, information on summoning gods, and many others. So, what if a tyrant rules the Witenagemot?"

Tyrant… like that Voban guy? Well… it'll be bad.

"Bad doesn't even begin to describe it. That is why, for decades we have decided not to have a Campione. It is too dangerous and risky."

'However'…

"However, you have proven yourself to be a decent individual and with the Divine Space spell you will not make a lot of destructions. That is why I am willing to share the reasons of my reasons to you and accept you should you decides to become our Campione. Is that all?"

I see. With those reasons, I think I know just what do.

"Not yet. If I am to be the Campione of Witenagemot, I won't hear what others say and do anything I want except for a few things that I deem worth hearing or doing. Second, I don't want to be on the same building with those Elders, the only high ranking officers I want to be on the same building with are you and people with confirmed good integrity. On that subject, you will be my direct subordinate, you will only take orders from me. There is one more but it's just a small question, in any case, do you agree with the term so far?"

"…very well. I, as the representative of Witenagemot accepts those terms."

She replied after a moment of contemplation. She said those words with a devious smile, obviously realizing the meaning behind those terms. It was meant so that we, me and Alice, are free from the influence of the Elders and other possible corrupt officers among the Witenagemot members. As she is the spokesperson of Witenagemot, that means that what she said represents the Witenagemot and as such, it is represents the whole organization. And as my direct subordinate, she now has a practically untouchable position so they can't reprimand her.

A smart plan. You prove to be more and more interesting. Heh, just who the hell do you think I am? I'm the goddamn Izayoi!

"And what is your question?"

"Oh, it's nothing much really. I just want you to tell me the truth behind the past and the death of a person by the name of 'Golden Canary'."

I had realized it for a while, she had been present in Canaria's funeral. I always remembered that there was a lot of people I don't know in her funeral and that one of them is a high class-looking girl with a long blond hair who looks a bit like Asuka. I am surprised that she's still haven't aged a bit though.

{Shrine at the Foot of the Mountain by ZUN (TH10 Mountain of Faith)}

"…you… you are her adopted son, weren't you? The one that had caught her interest and played two games with her."

"That's right. Even as a kid, I noticed that the circumstance of her death was fishy. Seeing that you are related to the supernatural world just hit nail in the coffin."

",,,*sigh*, very well, you do have the right to know about it. First of all, I will start with her background. Years ago, we had found her as a child, soaked wet in rain and looking sick. I was about her age back then so I asked my father to save her. Back then she was so short and her hair was long in a ponytail. However, despite her shortness and rather weak body, she had a really good brain. When she was taught magic later, she can do many of the more advanced magic with smaller required magic power and make them simpler. She doesn't have a great in-born talent like being a Princess Shrine Maiden or something but her intelligence more than makes up for it.

"Anyway, she was raised raised as a magician since she lacks any memory. She had an amnesia. On the other hand, her brilliance already shines even as a child. That was why they decided to bring her to the supernatural side of the world. Honestly, I felt some sort of kinship to her and we were actually friends. She was a person of great talent and yet she had a weak body. No, that was wrong, heaven granted her a great mind and body, but not time. She can fight just fine but she became weak from time to time. As I was —and am— born with a weak and sick body, I felt some sort of similarity to her."

"Wait, sick? Why are you sick when you can use some great magic like this Ectoplasm thing? Unless…"

"Indeed, that magic, that talent itself became a curse. It weakens my body. That is a story for another for time, however. The thing is, her talent forced her to work hard. She only had her brain to help her. She has a strong, above average body for fighting but it's only to allow her to use her brain at 100% but not make it easier. With the amount of her training… she became sick. She was given a vacation to restore her health. Oh yes, by this time, she had already cut her hair short. And then, it was during that vacation that she met you, Mr. Izayoi.

"She spoke somewhat highly of you, praising your mind and for being patient enough with the world with people that is mostly below you in level without throwing a tantrum for that long. She played on your game and actually win. She was around three years older than me and also have a big motherly instinct so it wasn't a wonder that she decided to adopt you. And then you played that game with her. She chose that game so that you can grow up, seeing the world and gaining experiences. But alas, heaven really did not bless her with time.

"I had a vision, a prophecy, about an incident that could end the world. She was then called back since it was urgent but even so, she still returned to meet you and just in case, start to prepare for in case she lose but died before being able to see the result of the game. As it happen, her assignment of seeing the one that will instigate it ends with her death. She had found the instigator but that person just won't hear her word and stop from doing it. So she decides to sacrifice her life to seal that one's Authorities, scattering it across the world, with only a third of it still retained and the other two third was sealed to who knows where.

"We then found out about it and give her a funeral in which you had attended. Her death was a great loss to everyone. She was always cheerful, even more so than I and she is also ever loving and caring. Despite being raised by the Association, she is pretty much a mother, or at least an elder sister to nearly all of us. I had wanted to tell you about the truth about her circumstances but in her will, she wants her adopted children to not get dragged into this mess. We, including me, didn't really keep an eye to all of you and when you disappeared, well, I forgot about you until just now. That is the truth of Canaria, although we know not of who she was before becoming Canaria. Does that satisfy you, Mr. Izayoi?"

She said, ending her explanation. I only have one simple question to it.

"…Who was the instigator of the incident?"

I said as I clenched my hand.

"Why? are you going to avenge her or something? She wouldn't be happy you know?"

"No, as her son I do have the right to at least know about it. I won't promise that I won't try to avenge her death but I promise I won't let it blind myself. I am still a rational person with a working brain. I'll kill if the person the person deserves it and spares if he or she deserves a second chance. Now spill it."

"Funny you should ask, you have one of that god's sealed Authorities on your hand."

This stone? I showed her the Stone Grimoire Melqart gave to me.

"Indeed, and remembering about that person's character, you will meet the owner soon."

"And the god's name was…?"

I asked, starting to get impatient. Is she trying to play with me or something?

"That god's name is…"

---

To be continued…

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Hurray for Cliffhanger! So who could it be? Prometheus? King Arthur? Artus Menethil the King of Knights? In any case, it's not unsolvable. Now then, a little extra before we went to the Afterword.

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Extra: Izayoi's Backstory

The Light Novel has not been fully translated, as of this writing only V1 (Prologue to Chapter 3 of 8), V2 (Prologue to Chapter 5 of 8), and V3 (Prologue to Chapter 1) has been translated on Baka-Tsuki (Translation began just one day before this fanfic was published by the way). So, I will post a summary of Izayoi's background I found on pastebin combined with the one given to me by PCheshire which was from Allen on Animesuki. Just in case: I do not claim over it, merely re-posting and editing it for easier reading for myself and others who might be curious or wanted to write a Mondaiji fic.

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Izayoi was a problematic kid. So he was transferred from orphanage to orphanage, adopted family to adopted family. However, none of them could please him, and he would of course, ruin the family before he left/was abandoned.

Because of his actions, he earned a big fortune. However, he was not pleased. Thus, he used this big fortune as a bait, and set up a treasure hunting game, to get people to find this sum of money.

Despite so, people gave up shortly, as they do not believe a kid has this much money or believe the game lacks clues to its win and is actually unwinnable.

However, in the last few minutes of his little game, a woman found him. She even pointed out that the game, perhaps unknown to even Izayoi himself, was NOT to find the money, but find Izayoi instead. It was perhaps, one of his childish actions to gain attention. (X)

Izayoi was led to admitting his defeat, and the woman then took the money, adopted Izayoi and started new games with him.

They would go around the world, seeking out the great sights and legends (probably the reason why Izayoi knows so much about these things). While on their journeys they sought out other kids that were also possessing some sort of powers. They set up an orphanage for these children.

Later on... The woman died of illness eventually...

After Izayoi got the invitation to the other world, he actually did not move there immediately. He received a call from Kasuka saying that there was a strange man with Golden Canary's last will. Because of this he decided to go to the Canaria Family Home and left the letter to later.

Izayoi got back to the Canaria Family Home. There, a young boy called Homura and a young girl called Kasuka were waiting for him. Kasuka told him that the guy who came to deliver Canaria's testament was strange and a lolicon. Homura was the one who made the headphone Izayoi is using. He even gave a new one for him to test: Crescent Moon No2. The problem was that the headphone had cat ears when used.

Then Izayoi met that strange guy. He told Izayoi to read Canaria's last will. Her very thick… book-like last will.

He took time to read it... It was like an autobiography of hers... Long and naggy... Near the end... Izayoi read... The very minute that she has predicted that he would read that part of the will then. And a casual "chat" via the will was as if conducted, or as if she knew exactly what would happen. Izayoi became excited, he became interested. Later on, the will mentioned a game, where he has to find the pages of the will, and to answer a riddle... He had to meet her and himself before 18:00, if not she was going to take everyone with her. The time was 16:00. Should he fail... Golden Canary would take away all the children in the orphanage...

And Izayoi could not find any of the children there then... He took action and leaped into his very first game. And his actual venture into a glimpse of the other world...

Izayoi deciphered what Canaria wanted and even tried to guess the strange guy identity: The Spirit of Death Baron Le Croix. The strange guy answered Izayoi telling his true name and nature: Baron Le Croix, a Loa. The Baron created a world and started fighting against Izayoi.

Izayoi destroyed most of that world and told the Baron to give up. But the Baron's (and Golden Canary's) objective was to make Izayoi be true to his feelings. After all Izayoi never used his true powers because he could destroy the world with it. As the last alternative the Baron started compressing the world and told Izayoi that the only option was to destroy him and this world.

The Baron told Izayoi that the power he was using was only a fraction of its true potential. That he could destroy a star with his gift. This was his last chance. And so…

A lot happened, and he won.

Izayoi woke up. Kasuka told him to come to have dinner. He said he was going later. Homura told Izayoi that he fixed the headphone. He told he was going later. Izayoi read the last pages of Golden Canary's testament. She gave him a choice. He could live there, as a "normal" person, or he could go to the other world where situations like the one with the Baron are normal occurrences, where the excitement would never end... And for last she said: If you have the determination of abandoning your friends, your family, your fortune, your world, go open the letter.

Izayoi opened the letter. Then he found himself falling from the sky. He started to laugh from the bottom of his heart and said:

"Goodbye my world!

Hello my new world!

From now on…

This is my wooooooooorld!"

.

There you go. I've also posted a few Mondaiji Xover Challenge/Ideas on my profile.

(X): From this is where the Izayoi of my story differs. Originally I simply did not know the details about her and only have a wiki's severely lacking information and filled in the blanks with my own ideas. But then, after PCheshire told me about it, I simply just decided to roll with what I have instead of revising it as I already had a long term plan with it.

Izayoi accepted his loss but refused to become her adopted son.

They then have a game again, should Izayoi lose he would become her adoptive son, should she lose she will have to play with him forever and make a place for him to play. The rule of the game was whether Izayoi can feel the emotion of a human, namely sadness and love. Canaria wins just before the time limit was up, but she was already dead by then.

He would then throw a tantrum and challenge everyone, culminating in challenging Naoe Momoyo who also lost but managed to calm him down. He then lives at the Canaria family home until he was given an Invitation Letter to Little Garden. After returning to his home and defeating the Demon Baron Le Croix sent by Canaria who sent him as a final game for Izayoi. Winning, he read Canaria's last message delivered by the Demon:

"Do anything you want to do and worry the consequences later."

It was obvious what she actually wants him to do and become. He already realized it as of now.

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Afterwords:

The name of the chapter, Little Bird of the Waning Night is a rather elaborate pun. Little=小(sa), Bird=鳥(tori). Satori=悟り=Awakening, Comprehension, and Understanding. Izayoi's name (十六夜), means "Sixteenth Night", the Night after full moon which means the Night when the moon starts to Wane. In other words, the title basically means "Izayoi Waking Up and Understands the Situation" but that sounds lame. Because it is lame I guess.

For Melqart and Alice, I pretty much did a little Alternate Character Interpretation. Melqart is a 'Prideful King', most people only go for the Prideful part while I show his King part too. And since it's on the 'background', I didn't really violate any canon since his 'public' side still looks the same. Alice, she is the Spokesperson of Witenagemot, obviously she has some Political Skills. Witenagemot, pretty much all of the top and ruling people are members of it, in the hands of a Campione it's basically the La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo.

Also, Melqart here was a bit more healed after absorbing many magic energies in his way to Greece. I will give him merit that he can make Izayoi have to use explosions to add on his "Third Cosmic Velocity" punch.

I decided to 'change' his battle theme after becoming a Campione. Godou will too when he got a development. While Godou's was easy to find, I was torn between Last Phantasm and Frantic Destroyer from Gensou Shoujo Taisen. In the end I chose Last Phantasm because it was so damn cool.

Izayoi's Authority might not look strong but at full power, they can be pretty frightening. For example, [Flame] can both heal and burn anything. If he used it to its full power, he would practically be Fujiwara no Mokou. Moreover, thanks to his Gift the Authority's definition got quite muddled.

Izayoi is utterly broken, overpowered, and is hard to develop as a character. However, he is meant to be like that: The word Izayoi has come to mean "sixteenth night" from the expression "izayou tsuki" (いざよう月), where "izayou" means "not to progress/proceed forward at all". His power and attitude prevents him from getting developed as a character. I do have a plan on how to develop him, however.

Lastly, I have recently created a Campione forum. The link is on my Profile. Details - including next chapter's preview - on the story's status is on the Story thread in that forum.

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First Published: May 15th, 2013

Last Edited: July 15th, 2013