It sits in the family

by Flagarach

Though luck, will and sheer determination Kusanagi Shizuka managed to slay a deity, becoming the eighth godslayer in the process. Now she is forced to deal with mages, heretic gods and fellow Campione. But most importantly, can she keep her new-found powers a secret from her totally not also a Campione brother?

18. Arc 6-2:

Out of the frying pan and into the fire. First heretic Plutus, and now divine ancestor Sigrun. Today really is one heck of a bad day.

The muscles in Shizuka's body grow tense, as her senses heighten to full focus. Her opponent is a divine ancestor. Normally that would be a rather trivial enemy for her unless they break their [Seal of Snakes and Dragons] to get to her level. However, Shizuka completely used up [Philosopher's Stones] during her battle with Plutus, and the authority she obtained from that god is completely new to her. This will probably not be an easy battle.

Shizuka raises the magical energy she has left to the max, while Sigrun does the opposite and lowers it to nothing. Shizuka recognizes the technique Sigrun uses, as it's the same one her friends use:

Divine Possession.

The spirit of a god will fill up the young blonde, turning her adolescent body into a divine vessel capable of harming Campione. A burst of magical energy emanates from the divine ancestor, causing Shizuka to step half a step back. When the power within Sigrun stabilizes it is recognizably higher than before, meaning that she successfully channeled a god!

"Ho?" Possessed Sigrun speak out jovially, in a tone that is very familiar to Shizuka. "This knight truly is surprised. To think that we would meet as enemies once more, Kusanagi Shizuka."

There is only one person that voice can belong to: "Lancelot?"

"Indeed. T'would seem that this child planned to utilize the art of theophany to let me fight through her body. However, I do fear that I must disappoint this child. Your enemy is Gawain, not this knight. A duel between us would only be to his benefit."

At least that is good to hear. Sigrun's plans won't succeed as easily as she planned to. "In other words, this is a battle Sigrun has to do by herself."

"You presume incorrectly, Kusanagi Shizuka. One is not your ally, but Gawain's enemy. Other than our alliance against that knight, we are neutral parties to one another. One blessed your followers with spell words of [Lightning] and [Horse] just moments ago. Is it unfair then to bless this witch with the [Sword]?"

As Lancelot explains his neutrality a single longsword appears in the possessed Sigrun's hand. It is a blade with a total length of slightly over a meter long, made of imperishable [Steel]. The sword already gives off an incredibly dangerous feeling, but it only gets worse when Lancelot chants spell words for further empowering the sword:

"O divine sword of salvation, steel slices apart the planets. Lend power to this knight!"

The sword in possessed Sigrun's hands used to be colored like steel, but it starts to glow white. It hums a soft low tone that penetrates into Shizuka's hearing, while the power contained in that weapon is absolutely through the roof.

"Fare thee well, Kusanagi Shizuka." Lancelot speaks his goodbyes just as jovially as before, not caring about how he just handed a divine ancestor the strongest [Steel]. "That blade is the [Divine Sword of Salvation], the strongest steel made for killing Campiones like you. Though it is not wielded by its true king, it should prove a satisfying appetizer for a Campione like you. Until we meet again, enemy of my enemy!

As those words are spoken the divine energy disappears from Sigrun, leaving her behind with just the [Divine Sword of Salvation]. While she didn't get Lancelot to fight for her, she doesn't look disappointed at all. Instead she starts to laugh madly, realizing that what she got was more than what she asked for.

"Ahaha! Perfect, absolutely perfect! Knight of the lake, this is better than even the best scenario I could come up with!" Sigrun takes a step forward towards her enemy, twirling her sword once before getting into combat position. "Now then, enemy of the gods, shall I show you the true power of the strongest steel?"

Shizuka's senses are on sharp, as she can understand what kind of weapon her opponent is wielding. She sees her enemy, looking like a young Viking with her leather gambeson, round shield and longsword. The problem is obviously the last part, as that weapon is made for killing Campione. Even in the hands of a divine ancestor a single hit should be fatal. Now standing on edge Shizuka keeps up her guard, waiting for her enemy to approach.

But Sigrun does not approach the young king. Instead of trying to strike at the godslayer she stabs the divine blade of salvation straight through her own heart! Before a shocked Shizuka can respond to what she's seeing her opponent is chanting spell words:

"Steel, thy mother is earth. Fallen clay will rise again, tempered into weapons of war. Thus, Svafa became Sigrun and Sigrun shall become Kara."

As the words are spoken Sigrun's body begins to dissolve, starting from her right hand and creeping up her arm. At the same time as that happens a hand materializes on the hilt of the divine sword, covered in a steel gauntlet. An arm grows out of the hand, equally covered in steel and red cloth. Whatever body parts Sigrun is losing reappear attached to the arm, all while she continues chanting:

"Myth desecrated, history deceived, truths buried. The will of mankind shall purify the earth, transforming it into weapon of salvation."

Most of Sigrun's body has now disappeared, absorbed through the sword as it reforms into a new existence: Compared to Sigrun this body is more mature, being that of a tall, adult woman instead of a prepubescent child. The body is covered in armor, from the gauntlets and bracers on the arms to the segmented skirt and greaves on the legs, or the cuirass and pauldrons covering her torso. A long, red, furred cape drapes over her shoulders, as the last parts of Sigrun disappear to form the raven-haired head. From that new mouth flow the remainder of the spell:

"Earth, I reject you! Steel, I welcome you! No longer am I a matron of earth! I am the unstoppable warrior! My name is Sif, and I am steel!"

Shizuka looks at the woman in grey and red, recognizing the power she gives off. Yeah, that's no mere divine ancestor; She's facing a full-blown goddess!

Said goddess also notes her new power, unable to feel the full depths of her new abilities. Like proper [Steel] she seeks to test out her limits, and names Shizuka as the opponent for that discovery. "Pull out your new authority, girl, so we may test out the power of the new hero of salvation!"

Tch, this might be troublesome. There's no other option left for Shizuka but to rely on her newest authority… if she can rely on it at all. Plutus did say during the last battle what his authorities are: [Greed] to buy authorities from other people, and [Wealth] to obtain money. While Shizuka can feel that what she obtained is somewhat like both, she has no way of knowing what she has unless she uses it:

"Money, the root of all evil. Every man has its price, even the gods can be brought down if one has enough wealth. As the one standing at the pinnacle of riches, the things I cannot obtain are none!"

As Shizuka finishes her spell the world turns a light tint of blue. Words in boxes float in the air before her, forming an index akin to the shopping menus she used to see back in 2094. It's quite conveniently written down as well. In the top of her vision she can read "Maximum number of rented authorities left for today: 3", indicating her spending limit. To the top right of her vision is her bank account, showing her that she has 225 million, 67 thousand and 823 yen in her bank account.

What?! Shizuka almost chokes as she reads that. There's no way that can be right! When did she obtain that much money? Even by American standards that's enough to declare herself a millionaire!

No, this does make some sense. Plutus did forcibly buy out one of her authorities. All this extra money must come from that payment. It may have been a pittance compared to the bounty of four billion dollar, but to Shizuka this money might just save her life!

To her left she sees what she can spend her money on. Just like the tabs of windows explorer, she sees two tabs that she can further open: "Gods (4)" and "Campione (4)". With a simple thought she opens the former tab, where the names of different gods are written down:

Bacchus. Karna. Lancelot du Lac. Sif.

These are the four names that show up under "Gods." All four are gods that she has met. It clearly doesn't make a difference between ally or enemy, as Sif is within the list of contacts. It should come as no surprise that Shizuka won't try to buy her authorities. Who would sell her own weapons straight to the enemy?

Another quick exclusion is Lancelot. While he might be willing to lend authorities in future fights, he's proclaimed his neutrality for this battle.

Bacchus? Possible, but when you take his personality into account, he's a bit of a wild card. Combined with the fact that Shizuka doesn't really know which authority she would want to rent means that he's a less than ideal option.

Karna is obviously the most inviting of the gods. Shizuka tries to further select the god, but for some reason Karna's name flashes red for a moment before graying out. What just happened?

No, Shizuka can't stay stuck on this thought. There's still a goddess in front of her, and who knows what will happen if she gets bored before Shizuka rents an authority.

In that case, it's time to rent an authority from a Campione. Opening the other list her eyes fall on the top name of the list: Alexandre Gascoigne.

Shizuka lets out a small laugh. Yes, he's the perfect choice! Immediately Shizuka continues with the thought and sees the possibility to make contact. She does so, and for a moment her authority gets deactivated.

Eh? Did she do anything wrong? Why isn't there any co-

Before Shizuka can say more a window opens in her vision, akin to the screens she saw with Alternate Reality back in the future. This time there's life feed from the other side, as she sees the British king sitting behind his desk, surrounded by a stack of papers.

"It really is you." Alec says, slightly irritated. Like someone who gets an unexpected phone call during work, he doesn't look too pleased with this call. A pop-up screen suddenly appearing in your field of vision with the text "Incoming call from Kusanagi Shizuka" on it is quite distracting when you're trying to lead a magic association. The only reason he didn't put a bit of magical energy of his own into the call to sever it from existence is because he was somewhat intrigued by this power. "What do you want, Kusanagi Shizuka?"

"It's somewhat of a long story, but I want to rent an authority from you."

"Rent?" The black prince emphasizes this word, not understanding how someone could rent an authority.

"To be precise, I obtained an authority that allows me to rent authorities from others during my battle with Heretic Plutus. Since there's a goddess trying to kill me it would help if I could obtain something to aid in my fight. Of course, as I'm renting, I will make sure to compensate you."

Alec mulls it over for a few seconds, uttering out an "I see…" as he explores the possibilities. "I assume that this call is made with your authority as well."

Shizuka points out that that is true. Even though the call is magical in nature, it wouldn't be that intrusive for the black prince. If he wanted to it would only take a pittance of power to shut down this call and prevent Shizuka from calling him again until he allows it. He can give his reply to Shizuka now that he fully understands this authority.

"I suppose that I have my answer ready: I refuse."

"Refuse?" Shizuka almost stares at her fellow king, unable to believe that. If Shizuka were to rank all kings she knows, including the duo from the future, the black prince is at the top of kings she gets along with together with Smith. Why does Alec refuse even though their relationship with one another isn't bad?

"Indeed, I refuse. I believe you should still be aware from that adventure you had back in December with Bacchus and Smith? The mess you created was a true nuisance to clean up. In other words, you still owe me. And so long as you are in my debt, I see no reason to help you deepen it."

That… is incredibly petty! Shizuka gets angry at her fellow king, disagreeing with his childish behavior. But before she can utter another word Gascoigne breaks the connection, leaving her still with zero rented authorities.

"Argh!" Fine then, be that way! It's not like Alec is the only godslayer Shizuka knows. After all, there should be a whole list of gods and godslayers willing to help her! With a mental thought she reopens the list of Campiones, quickly going over all of them:

Alexandre Gascoigne. She just spoke to him and he decided to be a prick. He's out.

Annie Charlton. A definite possibility. Both her serious personality as Annie and her pompous one as John Pluto Smith should be on a positive foot with Shizuka. Probably the best choice when it comes to renting authorities, though Shizuka must admit that she doesn't know the full extent of Annie's powers.

Salvatore Doni. Possible. The main advantage here is that Shizuka has read up on all his authorities back when she was preparing for their duel. [Rippling Silver Arm], [Man of Steel], [Return to Medieval Times]; Those authorities are as straightforward as that idiot himself, but at least Shizuka can make some plans around this power. The biggest downside is that he would probably request something inane as payment for renting his authority. Keep him as a last resort unless one of his authorities is specifically needed.

Finally, Kusanagi Godou. Most certainly a possibility as far as willingness to help goes, but to be honest Shizuka doesn't know what authorities her brother wields.

…

Hang on, what?

Kusanagi Godou? Did… did she read that right? Shizuka looks at the names of the godslayers she knows once more. Indeed, the fourth name on the list is that of her brother, even the kanji in the name are the same. Though Shizuka can barely believe it, she has no choice but to find who is on the other side of that name.

After half a dozen stressful seconds the phone connects. As her newest authority also gives visual output of who she's calling it shows Shizuka one overly familiar face sitting on the bench back home:

"Onii-chan."

You've got to be kidding. What kind of divine prank is this for that womanizer to be a Campione? Kusasagi Goroh, what a load of bull Fuyuhime was talking about!

"Shizuka?" Godou on the other hand isn't angry, looking more surprised to see his little sister again. "Is that you? Where have you been all this time?"

It's a good question from Godou, and one she is willing to explain were Sif not standing there. "Onii-chan, that is not that's important right now. I only need to know one thing: Are you a Campione?"

Shizuka expected Godou to be baffled upon her asking this question, but instead his gaze becomes completely serious. It's something Shizuka has only seen on her brother's face back when he was playing baseball and facing a crisis.

"Yes, I am." He replies, like he expected that question, "and so are you, right?"

"Eh?" No, it is Shizuka who is baffled today. That was not a response from Godou that she expected. "How did you know?"

"Yuri and Liliana discovered your identity some time ago and told me about it." Godou wants to continue telling about that story some more but realizes there are things more important than discussing the past. "More importantly, where are you, Shizuka? What happened to you?"

"To make a long story short: I am currently stuck in Scandinavia after slaying one god and fighting another. The only authority I have left is one that lets me rent other authorities, so if you would be so kind as to lend me some support, onii-chan, it would be appreciated."

"I see." Godou starts to think, seriously weighing the opinions. "In that case I've got a better idea: Call out my name for help at the top of your lungs. I will definitely come to your rescue, I promise."

With those words Godou breaks off the call from his side. Shizuka is left feeling annoyed, as she doesn't get what Godou means with his last words. Call out his name if she needs help? What kind of ridiculous promise is that?

"Finished, girl?" Sif is done with waiting, planning to put an end to their encounter. "It is as my old self predicted. Disregarding Plutus' own skill, the authorities he owned are worthless to a godslayer. You Campione are all lone kings. You people are absolute rulers, friendly relations between you guys are absolutely impossible. A pity, it seems that I won't get to test my limits."

"I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you." Shizuka replies, still annoyed at her brother, "The other kings are all idiots beyond compare, and I tend to find myself disappointed in them quite often. But if I were to declare them as enemies by default, then I would be the short-sighted one. I've got quite a bit of experience dealing with unruly older siblings, so take this word of advice from me: If you manage to guide these people well, they might pleasantly surprise you sometimes!"

"Hmph." Words do not matter to Sif, who replies by thrusting her sword upwards. "O sword of salvation, your new master has awakened. Assist me well!"

As she says this a second sun shines in the sky, this one colored bright platinum. The light of salvation has manifested in the sky, the weapon of the devil king slaying hero. It's an authority that can slay godslayers at their peak, so how can a king without authorities hope to defend against it?

Shizuka doesn't react to this shining light. It's not like she has the authorities or the skills to defend against this. Instead she keeps talking, continuing from what she was saying about other kings: "Well then, Onii-chan, now it's your turn to show your cool side. Your precious little sister is facing a goddess all by herself. Do you think it correct if you refuse to help me out? Onii-chan, get over here and come help me!"

An iron arrowhead burrows out of the sun, radiating with salvation. Like a bolt of lightning it shoots at Shizuka, planning to strike down its natural enemy. Shizuka closes her eyes and braces for impact, letting out one final shout:

"Onii-chan!"

…

Nothing. There is no pain, nor any other harm befalling Shizuka. All she feels is a soft and gentle breeze coming from in front of her. Upon opening her eyes Shizuka sees what took the blow for her:

"Yo, Shizuka."

Godou. Kusanagi Godou, her precious onii-chan, is standing in front of her, a large stone shield strapped around his left arm. Relief washes over Shizuka, realizing that he just blocked the sword of salvation's attack.

"It's supposed to be 'good morning', onii-chan."

"Back in Japan it was nighttime, so I suppose it can't be helped that I got it wrong." Godou turns towards the enemy, looking a shocked Sif straight in the eye. He sighs, feeling an all too familiar feeling of déjà vu. "I see, this again. Though I would prefer not to fight, it can't be helped if she tries to hurt those I care about. Stand back, Shizuka. I'll deal with her."

Hang on, that's not right. "Onii-chan, I'm afraid that you're forgetting something important." Shizuka steps next to Shizuka, drawing on the wells of magical energy in her body to get int a state of fighting. "If you want to join the fight then that's fine. However, the only one deciding what I get to do am I myself. This is my fight as well, so I won't let you send me away like that."

Sure enough, Godou relents before his sister's request. "In that case, let's fight together. Do you have any authorities left other than that renting one?"

Shizuka shakes her head claiming she doesn't. "No, I don't. Do you want me to rent one of yours?"

"No, I'll lend you one of mine free of charge." As Godou says that a jet-black sword manifests in his right hand, which he hands over to his sister. "Take care of my sister, partner."

Shizuka gratefully takes the sword, able to feel the power flowing through the weapon. Without doubt this is an authority, a weapon of divine levels. If he's willing to lend it without forcing Shizuka to use her authority, then perhaps Shizuka's combat ability will be higher then what she held possible for herself.

Sif hasn't attacked nor spoken to the siblings in the meantime. She just stands there, confused by the sudden appearance of this second person. When she has her thoughts sorted out again, she asks the question that is most important to her with this new reinforcement:

"Godslayer who goes by the title 'Sword of Tyr'. How are you still alive?"

Sword of Tyr? Shizuka hasn't heard of that title. But talking about swords, could this weapon be from that deity?

"No." A cold voice responds from the sword, surprising Shizuka. This sword can talk? "I am Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, a sword formerly belonging to Takehaya Susano'o no Mikoto and now wielded by Kusanagi Godou."

Huh. That's surprisingly fitting. The Kusanagi sword in possession of a Kusanagi. But in that case, what does Sif mean with 'Sword of Tyr'?

Godou is giving the answer, as he replies to Sif that no, he isn't the 'Sword of Tyr'. "I agree that I look enough like Uldin that we could be considered cousins, but other than that we are nothing alike. The one you're searching for has probably died long ago in battle with that [King of the End]!"

"That is obvious!" Sif responds angrily. "His demise is how my former self got desecrated!" Sif starts to explain the history of Uldin's final battle: How the devil-king exterminating hero had a tough time fighting the one known as the sword of Uldin and his mortal companions. Though he was able to inflict serious harm to the godslayer, even putting a permanent end to some of his followers, the devil king managed to persevere and even obtain the upper hand. With the King of the End still weakened from a previous battle against another oriental godslayer akin to Uldin, he required the energy of a mother earth goddess to fully access the sword of salvation. Earth goddess Sif got sacrificed against her will as fuel for the hero, and with her last moments she could witness the death of the one called the 'Sword of Tyr'.

"Those three I absolutely cannot forgive: The king of the end for desecrating my old self; that Sword of Tyr for driving the king of the end far enough that he would need to dethrone me; finally, that other godslayer who weakened the king of the end enough that he couldn't defeat the sword of Tyr without.

With that the misunderstanding is resolved as far as Shizuka is concerned. Godou and this Sword of Tyr look alike but aren't the same person. Just a case of mistaken identity.

…so why does Godou look so guilty? Shizuka has only seen this kind of guilty face on Godou when he knows he has done something extremely wrong. Asking her brother about this guilty outlook does cause Godou to reply:

"I probably need to apologize to you, Shizuka. Though I think that most of this disaster is caused by that aristocratic youth and this Sif here, I'm thirty-no, twenty percent responsible for this mess."

Responsible? But how is he responsible for something that happened back in ancient times? The only way that could happen is if he traveled back… in… time…

Dang it. Of course, that is the most sensible possibility: "Onii-chan, did you travel through time and become this 'other oriental godslayer'?"

"…"

The fact that Godou refuses to answer is an answer in and of itself. "Hah… to think that you would cause problems like this. In that case, rather than thanking you for appearing, I should see this just as you cleaning up your own mess."

Shizuka isn't the only one who has grasped this conclusion. With Godou knowing about Uldin, and the murmurs she can hear from her enemies, it became obvious that there's more enemies alive other than the king of the end. The other oriental godslayer is standing right in front of her!

"Girl!" Sif shouts, tying very hard to keep her anger under control. "Feel free to flee from the battlefield. Though it annoys me to let a devil king go, You're no longer my priority target."

It's a gift Shizuka will take full advantage of. Beggars can't be choosers, after all. Of course, she has no intention of throwing her brother to the wolves. Her only reason for doing so is that it would be nice if she isn't in the splash zone between Godou and Sif without her own authorities to rely on.

When the distance is more than thirty meters between the two siblings Sif lets out one big sigh, before making her declaration: As for you, godslayer of the east, not a single piece of you will remain on this earth!"

As Sif says this she disappears in a shimmer, causing Godou to immediately fall into a defensive stance. Divine speed? No, despite this sudden disappearance of Sif Godou doesn't feel like the [Raptor] can be activated. Rather than speed, it's more like a feat of teleportation!

Sif reappears behind Godou, aiming a diagonal slash from shoulder to hip at the Campione. An excellent swing for a god of steel, but in all honestly it was lacking compared to the likes of the king of the end. With Godou's instinct, reflexes, dynamic vision and a concentration able to see through fastballs traveling at a hundred miles per hour, he could barely see through the attack by blocking with his [Aegis].

The moment the sword hit the shield Sif teleports again, this time reappearing at Godou's eight. This time a thrust… no, two thrusts. One made at the head and the other at the heart, both made in an instant. It's fast, but it cannot pierce through his shield.

Sif's movements are quick and quite skilled, but there's still quite some redundant parts in her attacks. Compared to Sun Wukong or the king of the end, this is a whole step down. To put it bluntly, her style of fighting is too simplistic.

Yes, that is the best way to describe Sif's style. It's basic. It is good enough for a war god, but it's just that. It is similar to Perseus, or Ame no Murakumo, who fought by relying on speed or power respectively rather than skill. So too is Sif, but she is relying on her teleportation to make up for her lack in skill.

Even, so it's annoying enough that Godou cannot help but stay on the defensive. Furthermore, most of his authorities are unusable: besides the aforementioned [Raptor], Sif doesn't display divine strength, so [Bull] is unusable. In this desolate landscape there is no terrified populace for [Goat], oppressed people for [White Stallion] or friends for [Youth]. [Wind] is already used, [Ram] hold no combat ability, and he knows too little about this Sif to utilize the [Warrior]. [Ame no Murakumo] has been lend to his sister and considering that she's probably needs it to defend against that white star he would prefer not to suddenly take it back. The [Boar] is usable here, but it will be easy pray for that white star. It happened once in ancient Gaul, so no need in repeating that failed strategy.

Dang. Godou estimated that it was his sister who would be lacking combat power, but could the opposite be true? It seems that Godou needs to rely on her sister to start the attack.

Said sister is currently having a small respite. With Sif focusing her attention on Godou Shizuka's only enemy is the barrage from the white star shining bright in the sky. It is lazily shooting out its power in all directions, more intent on destroying the landscape to prevent Godou from running away then on bringing harm to Shizuka. As a result, Ame no Murakamo can parry away any stray shots in their direction.

It is a capable weapon that Godou lend her, but she needs to use her newest authority to be able to strike back at Sif. As an authority that relies on the powers of others, it leaves her with the question of whom to call.

Other than her brother there are seven contacts listed within Shizuka's authority. Sif is the enemy, Karna doesn't work, Lancelot is neutral, and Alec decided to be a prick. That leaves Bacchus, Doni and Smith. Given Shizuka's relation with these three it's easy to choose from whom Shizuka wants to rent an authority. After a few seconds the other side picks up, where Shizuka sees the night skyline of Los Angeles.

"Hm? I must say, I did not expect to receive a call like this." The haughty and mischievous voice of John Pluto Smith donned in his superhero persona. From what Shizuka can see he's also in combat, though rather than fighting a god he's subduing a bunch of mages from performing a ritual of some kind. "This is quite an interesting ability you have obtained."

Shizuka gives a short synopsis of what happened: How she slew heretic Plutus, obtained an authority from him that allows her to rent authorities from willing gods or Campione, and is now in combat with another goddess. "Of the current kings I consider you to be the closest person I have to a friend, so I believe that you would be willing to lend out your authorities."

"A friend, you say?" Smith is flattered by the description. In Smith's opinion the relations between the younger Campione of Japan and the one of America are quite positive, and there's no reason to deny the girl's request. "Indeed, John Pluto Smith and Kusanagi Shizuka are friends, and what friend is not willing to help one another out?"

Shizuka is pleased to hear Smith say this, but he comes with a warning of his own:

"However, for the sake of wielding my authorities, one must be ready to prepare sacrifices."

"Like how your [Flames] require you to sacrifice your own body, right?" Shizuka vaguely remembers some of the sacrificial costs from the movie, though it's not more than this and the costs for [Snake Charmer]. "There's also no dead bodies here, so that one's out of the question as well."

Smith joins in, asking whether other conditions are fulfilled while continuing to fight his cult. "Is there enough artificial light nearby as a sacrifice for the [Jaguar] form?"

"In this destroyed village? It would surprise me more if there's still a lantern post working." First Plutus, and now the white star. The amount of working lights in the vicinity has dropped to near-zero. Smith takes that as a no. "Oh, how about that giant bird form, what do I need to sacrifice for that?"

"My apologies, but I've used that authority already against this cult. It wouldn't befit a hero like myself to lend a force that is already exhausted. Perhaps there's a large manmade structure to sacrifice for [The Archmage]?"

"Define 'Large' for me, please." What are the minimum sizes to fulfill that authority? Without knowing that Shizuka cannot answer.

"Hmm…" Smith is in thought, not knowing the exact specification. "Rather than knowing the exact dimensions, it is better to say that knowing what can be sacrificed and what not comes down to gut feeling. In that case, look around you. What is the largest man-mad object you see?"

Shizuka looks around, and there's only one big building in the vicinity. "There's a four-story hotel here. It's a bit damaged from the previous battle, but it's still intact. Will that work?"

"There is only one way to tell. Kusanagi Shizuka, what do you offer in return for this bond of friendship?"

Well, if there's one thing that Shizuka has enough of, it's obviously money. And considering "I assume that you're still working together with Bacchus. If so, how about I invest a hundred grand in your new movie. If necessary, I can even make a cameo in the next movie."

"That will have to do for John Pluto Smith. Bacchus has invested quite a bit in this project of his, and a shocking swerve like the sudden death of one of the kings would only be detrimental to his plot."

A Smith says this Shizuka can feel something flow out of her so a new power can well up inside of her. [The Archmage], which is telling her that by sacrificing that hotel she can obtain awesome power.

"I suppose I should thank you, Smith. Good luck hunting these cultists."

Smith lets out a snort at that, disagreeing with that last statement. "Considering the differences between our opponents, I believe it is you who needs to be wished the best of luck. Until we meet again, Kusanagi Shizuka."

With those words Smith severs the connection. Shizuka now has a weapon, to combat Sif with. Though, it still needs to be activated.

Shizuka runs to the location of interest, her soon to be sacrifice. The building is a four-story hotel with a ground area of 500 square meters, indeed fulfilling the requirements for a "large man-made object". Getting there wasn't hard, with the enemy not focusing on her this place could be reached in less than a minute. Now that Shizuka is here, it is best to get to work!

"Behold the edict of the one who resides over the underworld:" The hotel gets struck by lightning, turning into a bonfire. Flashes and flames join together, consuming the building whole. "I am the ever-changing wizard of the skies. I am the illustrious warrior who rises from the depths of the underworld. Earth, all of thee exists merely to witness the extent of my glory!"

Spell words for becoming [The Archmage], a giant who can control lightning. It is a powerful authority, but Shizuka isn't finished chanting!

"This was where Susanoo no Mikoto started his uprising, leading a thousand savage gods! A thousand swords standing upon the earth, used as city walls to defend against the enemies. Namely, the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi! The steel that breaks a thousand blades!"

Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi is a sword with the ability to copy authorities in its presence. Normally it's used by Godou in conjuncture with one of the authorities of his [Persian Warlord]. However, this time the target for that sword is Smith's [The Archmage], wielded by Kusanagi Shizuka!

What rises out of the burning hotel is not the ordinary giant that Smith wielded before. This one stands a bit taller, almost seventy feet tall, dressed in steel except for her obsidian right foot. Colored avian feathers give some color to the knight, as well as the bright tunic underneath the layers of steel. All in all, it makes Shizuka's current form look like a combination of a medieval knight and Voltron {1}.

Her enemy is the platinum sun hanging in the sky. Therefore, she needs to create a weapon that can fight that strongest steel. The steel giant puts her hands together, as Shizuka chants spell words to complete this transformation:

"Awesome beyond speech, o dread theme for my profane tongue… This illustrious sovereign, there to rule the under-heaven. I wield my sword over my wide domain, from the pass of high-forested Fuwa to volcanic Soconusco {2}."

Lightning forms between the hands of Shizuka, the connection between the hands staying as Shizuka puts her hands away from one another. The sky grows dark as nature itself lends power to this weapon, a mash of two authorities with a connection to storms, fused into a single blade.

"This imperial child is summoned to pacify the furious men and subjugate all the unruly lands!"

The lightning in Shizuka's hands solidifies upon finishing these spell words. It takes the shape of a sword, though not a common one. The grip, guard and fuller are made of black steel, but the edge of the blade consists of prismatic blades made of obsidian, the rows set closely together to form a single edge on both sides of the blades.

It's about half as tall as Shizuka, which given her current form means it's a bit over 30 feet long. Lightning flows from the blade, striking the ground and scorching the earth. This is no longer the Ame no Murakamo no Tsurugi or the Archmage. What Shizuka is wielding is the blade for quelling barbarians and overtaking countries, the [Sword of Conquest]!

Sif finally notices the power Shizuka wields, realizing that it's no longer a one on one between her and the king of the orient. She calls for the platinum sun to take down this new threat, before it can interfere.

As Sif speaks the words numerous flashes of lightning descend from the sphere of light hanging in the sky. It was like a sudden rainstorm, but with lightning instead of raindrops. In just a few dozen seconds thousands of flashes are pouring down towards the youngest godslayer.

Even so, she isn't afraid of this onslaught. Instead she grabs her weapon in both hands, raising it for an overhead swing. With a loud kiai she swings the sword, causing lightning to erupt from the blade. Dozens of lightning flashes with every swing of the blade, she quickly unleashes just as much lightning as the sword of salvation!

Shizuka's weapon is a fusion of two weapons that hold domain over storms and lighting. To be defeated by lightning is obviously unacceptable!

The sword of conquest against the sword of salvation. It is a stalemate in terms of damage output, neither side managing to deal significant damage to the other. There won't be any winners on this side of the battlefield, so Shizuka hopes that her brother manages something on his side of the battlefield!

Godou has also seen the efforts of his sister. Now that Shizuka is forcing all attention of the platinum sun Godou can switch to the offensive. His [Aegis] has received several blows, so now the second part of his third authority can be used!

"As the master of the stone chamber and king of the earth, I shall grant you a cold tombstone that befits you." Athena's eyes on the [Aegis] open, flashing an eerie red. "Accept this blessing and return to the origin of ash and dust!"

Just like the snake goddess, so too does Godou's authority inflict temporary death. Godou is currently standing next to a road made of thick concrete, but upon contacting Athena's eyes it turns into a road of natural gray stone. The hills, the buildings in the distance, everything within the vision of [Aegis] is turning to stone.

Sif , the one Godou is aiming his attack at, solidifies. Her eyes are frozen even if she wants to close them. She wants to run up and slash Godou, but her feet are starting to petrify.

The situation is turning dire quickly for Sif. However, she's not out yet! She still has her ability to teleport, which she uses to move into her opponent's blindside. Godou, seeing the disappearance of his opponent, realizes Sif's tactic and flicks the shield around, causing more damage to the surroundings. With the shield once more moving towards its target Sif teleports again to not further get petrified. In response Godou moves again, trying to align his shield with the enemy goddess.

This happens again and again. Sif teleports, Godou moves his shield and Sif teleports again. While Sif cannot land an attack against Godou this is still advantageous to her. While neither side is inflicting damage, Godou's continuously active authority is eating through mana much faster than his opponent. At this rate he will run dry sooner or later, without dealing any damage to Sif. If he tries to limit the damage to the surroundings, the goddess will just teleport out of the way again and again.

In other words, half-hearted attacks won't do against an opponent of this level. Though it might harm his sister, Godou has no other choice if he wants to obtain victory. Raising his shield above him he pours his power into a new attack:

"Bearers of lingering life, all shall cease activity completely! You shall be vanquished here!"

Spell words to raise his magical power to the maximum, Godou is no longer planning to limit his authority to just the direction that Sif was in. Starting from his feet and extending outwards to a mile radius, everything gets turned to solid rock. Without discrimination everything enters a state of temporary death, even Fuyuhime and Sakura who are half a mile away from the battlefield are unable to do anything but become stone. The only exceptions are the beings wielding divine power, though even they are affected by the authority of [Petrification]:

"Divine sword of salvation, o heavenly weapon bestowed by the great gods! Now is the time to show your true power!"

"The imperial blade and the smoking mirror! I beseech thee to grant me a warrior's honor!"

Both Shizuka and Sif raise their magical powers to the limit, trying to resist this authority. Even so there are visible effects from Godou's latest authority. Both of Sif's lower legs and left hand have been turned to stone, while Shizuka's right arm has been turned to stone. Their weapons are affected as well, the sun shining less brightly as patches of stone covers a few parts while the tip of the sword of conquest has turned to grey igneous rock.

Sif can feel that her powers won't last eternally, if she doesn't do anything then she will become a lifeless statue. However, if Kusanagi Godou is exerting himself with this attack than it is better to come with a swift counterattack rather than try to block everything! Sif teleports right in front of Godou, performing a horizontal cut to slice a Campione in twain!

Godou looks a bit surprised at this sudden movement, his reflexes kicking in. Under normal circumstances Sif would be able to deal a fatal blow. However, with her body affected by the curse of [Petrification] her movements have slowed slightly, enough for Godou to at least prevent himself from being cut in two.

The sword of salvation is swung horizontally, at a height just below Godou's lowest rib. Considering the distance to the tip it will probably be able to cut deep enough to harm organs, though the bone structure of the spine is just out of reach. It will be a near-fatal cut, but that is just the price Godou will have to accept.

As Godou mentally prepares to switch to the [Camel] a sphere of lightning crashes into Sif, who is sent flying away from his position. Godou looks at the origin of the bolt, the place where her sister is dealing with the platinum sun. Her current steel avatar is pushing the platinum lightning back, even though she barely managed a stalemate before this.

This change happened when Godou used his [Aegis] on everything in the surroundings. The ability to guard against that attack was different between Shizuka and the sword of salvation.

Both hold an advantage against this sort of attack. The sword of salvation is a weapon that draws power from the life force of mother earth goddesses. As this is an attack with origins in a mother earth goddess, it can absorb a small part of the attack to boost its own power.

Shizuka on the other hand is wielding the power of Tezcatlipoca. In myth the Aztec ruler of the night lost his leg either after battle with the rain god Tlatoc or with the sea monster Cipactli. To function again as a god of the five suns {3} he required a new leg, which was prepared out of shining obsidian. The important point of this myth is that Tezcatlipoca got healed by [Stone], which is exactly what Godou is using as his weapon!

In a battle between similar powers "simplicity" is usually more powerful than "variety". Godou experienced that when the lightning of his [Goat] beat the lightning of Voban's [Sturm und Drang]. In that case [Lightning] bested [Weather]. On this battlefield, the power of [Earth] is much more variable than [Stone]. Combined with Ame no Murakamo's absorption ability the sword of conquest has double, no, perhaps even triple the compatibility with [Petrification] compared to the divine sword of salvation. And that difference gave Shizuka enough leeway to concentrate part of her attacks at another target!

The goddess crashes into the ruins of one of the nearby buildings, groaning as she gets up. This was unexpected. The [Divine Sword of Salvation], in terms of raw power it should be the strongest authority in existence. The fact that some upstart girl managed to overpower it only proofs that Sif hasn't reached full compatibility with her newfound power.

Well, no use crying over what is. Instead it is better to look at the bright side of this battle. With her being far away from the godslayers she can now order the light of salvation to shine down directly on her hated enemy! She orders the white star to shoot hundreds of lightning bolts at Godou's position.

Godou looks at the incoming barrage without worry. It isn't the first time he's faces this lightning. Dismissing [Aegis] he prepares himself to use the [Raptor] when the first strikes are only a few body lengths away, not planning to use more movement than is necessary to dodge.

The moment never came, as Shizuka is using the lightning of her sword of conquest to protect her brother. Due to the new order from Sif to strike at the seventh king the eighth king is free to do as she pleases! Quickly she steps over toward her brother, which is not that hard considering the size of her current body. Now she can use her lightning to prevent the sword of salvation from striking at her brother.

"Onii-chan," Even though Shizuka's current body is almost thirteen times as tall as her normal form, her voice comes out at its normal tone. "How are you doing?"

"I'm still fine." He says with relief, kind of glad that he didn't need to tap into the [Raptor]. "Thanks for the save there, Shizuka."

"No, I should thank you for lending me Ame no Murakamo. He's been guiding me well in this fight." It was only because of that sword that Shizuka thought of utilizing [The Archmage] through the legendary sword, creating a form that's greater than either of the two apart. "However, Onii-chan, I believe I heard you say that you've experience fighting this sword of salvation. Though I would normally be against following your lead, I suppose I will leave the tactic of this battle to you. So, what kind of plan did you use to take down this sun?"

"Rather then take down the sun, it's more useful to take down the sword's wielder. Though, given the authorities we wield, I believe that at least we can give ourselves a temporary respite from that power.

From looking at the sky and the shadows Godou determines that the white sun is located to the north of him. In that case… "Shizuka," Godou shouts out, "Attack the sun from the left. I'll make sure to finish it off!"

"Got it!" Shizuka doesn't understand Godou's plan yet, but she has no problem with starting the offense. She runs off to the side, charging the sword of conquest with lighting to unleash at the shining star in the sky. Sif charges the lightning once more at the younger sibling, allowing Godou to get a good and relatively safe view of his sister bravely fighting off the white star.

Godou gives a small smirk, indicating that everything is going in his favor. With Shizuka in position it's time to start his own offense:

"Come to me, for victory! Immortal sun, lend me a quick, shining steed. Fire of the sun that dispels the dark, may it engulf you!"

A third sun rises from the east. This one shines with the golden light of justice, ready and blazing to come crashing down on a great sinner.

Sif, a goddess that has only existed for a dozen minutes or so, hasn't committed any grievous sins yet. Therefore, the target is not the goddess wielding the sword of salvation. Instead the target of this authority it is the devil king who destroyed this village in her fight with heretic Plutus, Kusanagi Shizuka!

Shizuka sees the attack coming as well and understands what Godou's next offense is. She isn't worried though. Not only because she doesn't know that Godou targeted her, but because from her perspective the [White Stallion] is aimed directly at the platinum sun!

With the [White Stallion] being Godou's most potent attack, it doesn't offer much else beyond power. If anything gets in the way of his attack, he can't help but watch as the wrong target gets incinerated. Divine sun of salvation, you may be the strongest authority in existence, but can you dodge?

It's a divine pincer attack from the sibling's teamwork. Godou's [White Stallion] bringing down solar retribution from the east, while Shizuka's [Sword of Conquest] is raining down lightning from the west. The platinum sun is losing in terms of direct power, as it is starting to be slowly consumed by the sibling's offense!

Sif recognizes the opposing attack as well, and switches tactics. Sif raises her sword, fills it with magical energy and makes a horizontal swing downwards. Then in the following instant, the white sun starts descending from high above. It moves down at an angle, towards Shizuka, as if it is being pushed by the [White Stallion].

That's not good! Shizuka knows that she'll be dead if she gets blasted with the full power of that sun. Evading is possible but unlikely, as any dodges she makes will be adjusted for by the enemy. Therefore, the best solution is to stay steadfast and hold her ground, which her current partner fully agrees with!

"The divine sword that quells barbarians, there is more than one on this battlefield!"

Ame no Murakamo calls out to its wielder as the sword of conquest starts to change color from matte black to shining platinum. With its power Ame no Murakamo partially absorbs and copies the sword of salvation, filling the sword of conquest with additional power. It might not be enough to create another star of brilliance in the air, but it's more than enough to clash properly with the existing one!

Thunder and lightning emerge from the spot where Shizuka's sword hits the platinum sun, as she is barely able to hold off the brilliant star from descending further and obliterating her. With Godou's attack consuming the platinum sun from the other side this divine sword of salvation is in its death throes, pulsating erratically as its power is being undercut!

So why is Sif still smirking, fully letting all this play out?

"Blade of Salvation, inflict extinction with your final strike!" This final command of Sif is filled with magical energy, allowing the platinum sun to perform a final strike. Like a bubble the sun bursts, lightning tipped with iron arrowheads shot in all directions. The total number of lightning bolts number in the thousands, a final strike at the cost of the platinum sun.

The few hundred bolts aimed in the direction of Shizuka are blocked by the sword of conquest, while the [White Stallion] absorbs a similar number of bolts. Even this final burst didn't manage to do harm to either godslayer.

Even though this final sacrificial play didn't do any damage Sif doesn't mind. After all, it's not the sword of salvation that needs to obliterate the giant steel form of Kusanagi Shizuka.

That's the [White Stallion]'s job, after all.

With the obstacle between Shizuka and Godou's authority gone the [White Stallion] has free range to obliterate its original target! The sword of conquest, still designed for countering the sword of salvation, is unable to help against this solar power as it engulfs the giant steel form. Shizuka can feel herself burning, the steel that makes up her giant body melting. With [Heat] being the natural enemy of [Steel], it comes as no surprise that the [White Stallion] is successful at destroying Shizuka's steel form.

The half-molten steel cannot withstand the flaming assault, its withering steel body crumbling and liquidizing into useless metal. When the fire attack is over most of the body is gone, forcing Shizuka to eject herself and dismiss the Archmage. She falls down to the ground in her human body from a height of about forty feet. She still holds Ame no Murakamo in her hand, though considering that it's snapped at two-thirds of the way from the hilt and it doesn't respond to her anymore it's clear that this authority is also out of function.

While losing two authorities to shut down only one is numerically a loss, Shizuka still considers this a job well done. She just managed a draw against the strongest authority in existence, one that her future version of herself saw need to warn her about. Sure, she did borrow both authorities from other kings, but it's still quite the feat. Now she just needs to-

"Grhk!"

Pain. Sudden pain strikes Shizuka, as she feels something piercing into her upper torso. Looking down she sees a steel arrowhead embedded in her chest. Without any authority to enhance her battle senses she was unable to notice that Sif had a final arrow left in reserve for her! Her body crashes down on the ground, rolling down over the ground as she can feel the poison of the arrow sip into her body.

"Shizuka!" Shizuka's damage was noticed by her brother as well, who couldn't help his sister avoid that attack. With him distracted by these family issues Sif took it as the perfect moment to strike! Teleporting behind the seventh king she trusts out her sword in a piercing attack. It's a sword attack of certain kill. With the attack coming from his blind spot and no longer wielding a shield to defend himself, Godou has no choice but to take the attack head-on.

"Every sinner shall tremble before my power."

Sif penetrates the divine sword of salvation further to run Godou through completely, rend his body and rip him open from the front, but…

"What?!" Sif mutters her surprise with uncertainty. Even as a newly crowned goddess of steel, her senses are impressive for realizing what happened to her opponent.

"Now is the time, that I obtain the toughness of ten mountains, the strength of a hundred rivers, and the power of a thousand camels!"

Godou swings his right leg backwards, and kicks sharply. He has performed an excellent kick from an unsteady position, sending Sif flying. It was an awesome move, akin to a steel sledgehammer. If it hit the stone floor underground, it would've been smashed into pieces. Sif is sent flying fifty feet, crashing into a nearby stone wall.

Sif immediately teleports back to Godou's side, performing a series of three trusts fast enough to appear as just one. Normally Godou wouldn't be able to even react to this attack. However-

Before Godou realized it, he raised his left leg. With the movement of a single kick he parried all three trusts, before performing a low kick to shatter Sif's legs. Sif can dodge the attack easily by teleporting, getting behind Godou and performing a horizontal slash.

With his posture in shambles from his own kick Godou cannot dodge. With his momentum moving him already forward he cannot go to the left or right, leaving only falling towards his face as an option.

Godou is lying flat on the floor, facing Sif in a long stance. Maintaining his posture on the ground Godou kicks out forwards. It's like a move from the Brazilian marital art Capoeira, an attack from a lower position towards a higher target. In this case, the target is the gut of the goddess of steel. Pouring magic energy in his leg, he powers up the strength of the kick even beyond those he previously made in this battle.

Realizing the intent of the godslayer too late, Sif cannot help but get kicked. She's sent flying straight up into the air, reaching an apex of several hundred feet before falling down.

Sif uses her power to stabilize in the air, hovering at about a hundred feet in the air to oversee the battlefield. With a quick glance to the side she can see that the other king is out of commission. Good. That means that Sif can use all her resources to kill one of her hated enemies. Now that there's a gap between them she can perhaps resummon the star of salvation to destroy this king. After all, in her current position she is way out of his rea-

Sif looks surprised as Godou appears in front of her, coming from down below to just in front of her face, staring her in the eye. In shock and anger she call Godou out on his act: "You can fly?!"

"No." Godou says with a slight smirk on his face. "I jump good." And with those words he unleashes a spinning kick at Sif, hitting her straight on the shoulder. Godou gather his magical energy in the heel of his foot, increasing the power and literally causing the contact point at his heel to explode. Sif gets launched towards the ground, her body causing a small crater on the floor.

Having reached the apex of his jump he falls back down, landing a dozen yards away from the goddess. From the way she stands up Sif has lost function in her left arm, now dangling uselessly to her side. Her breathing is heavy, and her magic energy is pulsating wildly. She's running on fumes, but she doesn't look ready to call it quits. She raises her sword with her remaining good arm, letting out a battle cry before renewing her assault on her nemesis.

Away from the battle is a wounded Shizuka who has struck Ame no Murakamo in the ground, sitting against the flat part of the blade so she can oversee the duel. The iron arrowhead that tipped the brilliant lightning has left a hole in Shizuka's chest, but she can prevent bleeding thanks to her natural ability as a Campione. Even so her body is losing warmth and energy quickly, the poison from the divine sword of salvation already acting. With the Campione-killing poison already wreaking havoc in her body the question is not if but when she'll succumb to it.

Shizuka has lost. It's a self-evident truth by now. She won't live to see the end of this battle. Her enemy is far stronger than her, and nobody she knows possesses a power of equal strength to the [Divine Sword of Salvation]. Even defensive authorities like [Man of Steel] won't be able to take the brunt of Sif's attack.

Is this the end?

…

No.

It isn't.

Losing here is unacceptable. She won't die here! She may be rapidly losing energy and soon die, but the only one to decide what is going to happen to her is Shizuka herself!

She won't deny it: In terms of power Shizuka will not be able to overcome Sif. Then again, which opponent she fought wasn't stronger than her? Nu Wa, Karna, Doni, Melquart, Louise, Inari, even Plutus was technically stronger. She would lose to any of them in terms of raw damage output, but she's still alive and kicking! If she cannot overpower Sif, then just find something in which you can beat Sif and push that through.

But what can beat that [Divine Sword of Salvation]? It is the most absurd thing Shizuka has seen in her existence as a Campione. A former divine ancestor suddenly becoming a goddess of steel, nothing about that makes any sense. Sif the warrior of steel, as far as Shizuka knows it sounds less like real myth and more like something made up by modern fiction.

…

Wait, could it be? If Shizuka's suspicions are correct, then there is an authority that can defeat Sif's sword! Activating [Queen's Rule] Shizuka is ready to make her second purchase of the day, this time from Salvatore Doni! After a few seconds she is connected, as she can see the other king rest his head against a tree. He notices her as well, and greets her amicably:

"Ah, Shizuka, my friend. I must say that you've seen better days."

"Yes, indeed." Shizuka is pretty much dying here, so she would rather skip the formalities and go straight to the heart of the issue. "Look, I obtained a new authority from heretic Plutus that le-"

"Oh!" At those words Doni interrupts, realizing something. "You were the Campione Plutus was trying to kill!"

Shizuka stares slack jawed at Doni for a second. "How did you-no, never mind that. But yes, I want to rent one of your authorities."

"Sure." Doni doesn't even need to think about that. "Though I'm afraid that my [Rippling Arm of Silver] is unusable. After renting it out to Plutus it's been a bit finicky." Shizuka rolls her eyes in annoyance, now understanding why she had a feeling of déjà vu after seeing Plutus' [Claiomh Solais]. "But with those wounds I think you would rather rent [Man of Steel] instead. Of course, I would be more than willing to help a friend out."

Shizuka is a bit touched by Doni but has make a clarification. "No, it's not [Man of Steel] that I need. Instead, would you mind if I borrowed [Return to Medieval Times] instead?"

Doni raises a curious eye. "Hoh?" Now that raises his interest. While that authority has its uses, those lie mostly outside of the battlefield. "I don't object, though I wonder what you're going to do with it."

"I believe that that's my problem to think about, not yours." Cut to the chase, Shizuka is feeling worse with the second. "So, what do you want in return?"

"Well, remember how during out battle you broke my sword? I'm still looking for another copy of that blade. If you could arrange that, then I'm more than willing to rent out [Return to Medieval Times]."

"Then we have a deal." Shizuka's newest authority accepts that as a cost, and she can feel a new power welling up from inside. Now then, time to gamble it all with this final authority!

"Sow naked, plow naked, harvest naked, if you wish to reap all the works of Demeter at harvest time. May you afterward not lack and not beg in vain from your neighbors, just as you've now come to me!"

The spell words for Doni's authority came naturally, quoting the divine words written down by Hesiod {4}. The ground under Shizuka glows brightly, materializing into a bronze circular board.

"But I shall not give you anything more. Work, you little fool! Do what the gods have assigned for human beings, so that in anguish of spirit you do not ever have to seek the means of life from those who don't like you!"

The circular bord stops glowing, showing the words "nudus ara" and "sere nudus" {5} written on the sides. It slowly spins under Shizuka's feet, showing that [Return to Medieval Times] is now active.

As that happens the platinum sun hanging in the sky flickers out of existence, the weapons created by the sun disappearing as well. The divine sword in her hand stops glowing and becomes an ordinary sword, albeit one capable of harming Campione. Sif looks aghast, unable to believe her eyes.

"Impossible!" She shouts out, incapable of comprehending what just happened. "What authority can seal the [Divine Sword of Salvation]?"

Shizuka smirks, realizing that her final gambit was successful. Calling out the enemy to get her attention, the youngest Campione is more than willing to explain: "You're wrong, Sif. I don't think an authority exists that can seal that sword. However, I have no trouble sealing a fake [Sword] from some fake [Steel]!"

"Fake?!" The goddess angrily replies as she trusts out her sword, "Then what do you call this battle? What do you call the sword of salvation I struck you with?"

Shizuka only needs a single word to counter Sif's point: "Borrowed."

"You…" Sif shouts out angrily. She tries to go on the offense and cut Shizuka down, but a flurry of attacks from Godou's camel force Sif to keep attention to the older king. Now Shizuka has the time to continue explaining her logic.

"I finally understand why you struck me as weird. A divine ancestor becoming a goddess of steel. I may not be born in the world of magic, even I can see why that is unnatural."

Godou performs another string of attacks, forcing the goddess to stay on the defensive. Even teleporting is of no use, as by the time she launches an attack at the youngest Campione the other has a wide opening to finish her off. Shizuka takes the time to continue talking, even though her body is growing colder and weaker from the wound.

"So, where does Sif the warrior come from? I remember only one instance where the goddess Sif is a warrior. A movie I watched a year ago, about Thor. It had some other inconsistencies, like Thor being blonde or being Loki's brother, but what is important is that it included Sif the warrior."

Sif clicks her tongue, knowing where Shizuka is going with this.

"Of course, that movie is just fiction, and not myth. But that is no difference to you, is it? So long as the populace associate the goddess Sif as a warrior, it doesn't matter if they got it from a thousand-year-old myth or a modern movie."

"Silence!" Sif shouts out in anger, not wanting to hear her plan revealed. "Don't you dare speak another word!"

"A movie created by the largest entertainment industry on the planet and based on a decades-spanning comic book series, of course it's going to gain more recognition than some half-forgotten mythology. You're not a mythological heroine of steel. You're a comic book character! And so long as you are a creation of the twentieth century, this authority will be able to shut you down again and again!"

Sif hates to admit it, but the girl is right. This girl managed to grasp the basics of Sigrun's plan. As a divine ancestor she was forced to work towards the resurrection of the strongest steel. However, stubborn and devious as she was, she wanted more. To resurrect the strongest steel by becoming it, a plan that would require many centuries of work: Limit the amount of knowledge about the Norse gods and deities, and then make everyone believe that Sif was a warrior of Steel. So long as mankind would believe this lie there was a chance for Sigrun to ascend, and as expected it happened. Everything went as planned, but to think that there was a fault in this plan from the beginning that could keep her newfound powers at bay!

"It's unfortunate, but I must concede. Unless I obtain a counter against that authority, I cannot call myself the strongest steel. Victory goes to the two of you."

Godou doesn't mind letting his opponent go, but he goes back in combat stance when he hears Sif chant spell words again:

"O skylark, take me to the furthest reaches of the clouds, your song resounding in the heavens between the clouds, leading me together in flight."

Godou's tension disappears, as he can feel the lack of power in this spell. It's not an authority, this is a spell made for mortals and divine ancestors. Silently he watches Sif sink into the ground, a white portal swallowing her whole. Godou notes the familiarity with another spell, realizing that Sif is fleeing to the netherworld.

When the entirety of Sif's body has disappeared does Godou relax, turning to his sister. Shizuka has been struck by the divine sword of salvation, just like he had back in ancient Gaul. It's the most damaging weapon in existence for Campione and were it not for his own healing abilities and his followers he would have died for sure. In fact, Shizuka should be praised purely for staying conscious for more than a minute after a hit.

Shizuka's body is still resting against Ame no Murakamo. Her head bobs up and down, like she can lose consciousness and her life at any moment. Godou grabs his sister tightly, holding her in his arms.

"Hey, Onii-chan." Shizuka says, grasping for air as her face shows a painful visage, "you were pretty cool out there."

"Safe stuff like that for later!" Godou replies in a worried tone, "For now, we need you to recover."

"Yeah." As Shizuka says this Godou sees a flash in his vision once more, the same as when Shizuka first used her newest authority. It isn't hard for Godou to guess what his sister's plan is, but he lets her ask nonetheless: "Hey Onii-chan, do you perhaps have a recovery authority?"

"Yeah, I do." The [Ram] is part of what kept him alive back in Gaul, after all.

"Mind if I buy it? I'll pay you 5 million yen."

"No, of course I don't mind! Even if I had to pay for it, I would order you to take it!" With that the transfer is complete, as Shizuka buys her third and last authority of the day. Shizuka can feel it, the power of Godou's authority. She is already able to activate the authority, and honestly, the sooner the better.

"Thanks, onii-chan…"

And with that Shizuka entrusts her body to the visage of the golden ram…

-x-

"Well now, that's curious." Shizuka can hear a familiar voice calling out to her, though she can't exactly place her finger on who this is. "I believe I felt the [Ram] being activated, so I was expecting your brother to appear. Yet instead of my youngest son I'm meeting my youngest daughter. Talk about a curiosity."

Shizuka looks around her, seeing Pandora walking up to her while she's in a world of grey. She walks towards her adoptive mother with surprising ease, not feeling any problems with moving unlike before. This is a major improvement compared to when she entered the netherworld back in the future.

"Huh, I don't think I improved my magic skills that much since the last time I went here."

"Hmm, I would say that any of my children could learn a lot in a few months."

Oh, right. While Shizuka visited the netherworld about a week ago from her perspective, looking at the timeline from that of her adoptive mother it has been months since she visited. Even so, the true reason of her ease of movement is something else, as explained by Pandora:

"However, the reason you're so at ease in this realm is because you are dying. Or rather, your healing is shunted by the [Divine Sword of Salvation]." Pandora starts to give a simple explanation about that blade, but Shizuka interrupts:

"I know about that blade, mother: An anti-godslayer sword created thousands of years ago to combat the first Campione, Gilgamesh of Uruk. As for whom he slew, it was you, Mother. Or rather, I believe that it would be more correct to call you Ma, correct?"

At hearing those words Pandora falls silent, unable to believe what she just heard. Some of the cheekiness in her voice disappears, suddenly being completely serious in tone. "Well now, it's been a long time since someone has called me by that name. Though, you're incorrect about the sword. It's just a divine tool of unknown origins, just one of many ancient relics like the one that I wielded back then as Anatolia's [All-Giver]."

When Shizuka tries to ponder about the true meaning of Ma's words her headache intensifies.

Ma was originally a mother earth goddess from Anatolia. She existed long before the time of the Greeks and Romans, back when humans had just invented bronze weapons and wooden shields.

She was called [the all-giving woman] for bestowing every kind of grace to gods and mankind. As the [All-Giver], there was no limit to her blessings, for technically even divine power could be granted by her. When she descended upon the earth as a heretic goddess, she caused mayhem to her surroundings. However, those who sought her out often found they were bestowed with gifts and blessings.

One day a man sailed over the Euphrates and Tigris {6} who sought out the goddess' power. Upon reaching heretic Ma he explained his cause, something so impossible that it required divine power from the man himself. An amused Ma decided to point out exactly what was needed for this man's request, and summoned a circular object in front of her:

A large shield made from steel. On it is carved a seal in the shape of a dragon, with another seal surrounding it in the form of eight swords. A gift to Ma from Prometheus and Epimetheus; These two were humans who had ascended past their mortality, though not gods themselves. After a trip through seven holy precincts and nine realms of the dead Epimetheus found this divine tool, and Prometheus declared Ma to be the most fitting wielder for this power.

The [Circle of Usurpation], which allows the absorption of authorities from dead gods. However, Ma explained that the only way for someone to use the circle is to kill the god on his own. Therefore, what the man sought was impossible to obtain.

The man understood. With that impossibility as the only solution, he killed Ma using trickery and deceit.

Thus, the earth goddess split in two. Part of her power was taken by the human, who would become the first godslayer. The rest of her existence was linked to the [Circle of Usurpation], reborn as its bearer, Pandora, who would become the mother of all godslayers.

All this history was shown to Shizuka, played back to her like it was from an old recorder. Now that it's finished, she finds herself back in the Netherworld.

"Because of your current state you managed to extract knowledge from the [Memories of the Void], huh?" The voice is akin to Pandora's, but slightly lower in tone and a bit more mature. "While I'm aware that [Death] and [Wisdom] are often paired due to the influence of mother earth goddesses I did not expect that you would be able to draw on a similar power."

Shizuka looks at Pandora, but instead finds someone different: Rather than the Pandora who looked to be younger than Shizuka herself, this woman appears to be about twenty years old. If Pandora would someday pass through time and achieve growth, she would surely look like that. Her arms and legs are lengthened, and her figure possesses enough of the cleverness and voluptuousness of a woman. It's the same form as the goddess Ma that Shizuka saw in the flashback, the form of a [Mother Earth Goddess]!

Shizuka sees the adult version of Pandora, and even though she's in a state of life and death her fighting instincts still kick in. "Is this your true form, mot-no, Ma?"

The goddess shakes her head, and with a snap of her fingers she returns to her pubescent form. "No, it's just a memory from the past. Changing your appearance to look like your younger self is a trick even an ordinary human can do. Rather then worrying about me, I should ask you a question: Whose are you?"

"Whose?" Especially that word is odd to Shizuka. Whose? As in, who owns her? As far as she knows nobody does. The beings who can control a Campione are none, after all.

Pandora understands that the question isn't clear, so she explains further: "Rather than literally owning you, it's better to say that there is likely a person who had a hand in creating you. Just like how my brother in law created the [Tome of Prometheus] to increase humanity's chances of producing a Campione, I believe that there's someone who helped create your chance of becoming a Campione."

Helped? Shizuka goes back over the incident with Nu Wa but cannot remember anything of the sort. There was no other divine power at work there. It doesn't seem like Pandora is correct. "I'm sorry, but I disagree with that notion. Why would you think so in the first place?"

"Because you defied Prometheus' prophecy. The first of my children to see the [Circle of Usurpation] should've been the user of my brother in law's tome, yet it was you. Shizuka, someone is interfering with fate, and likely doing so through you." Pandora's voice is filled with motherly worry, as she hugs her daughter. "I don't know what that person wants, but please be careful. You are my child, and I don't want to see you get hurt by some interloper."

"Don't worry, Ma." Shizuka returns the hug, not caring what other people think since there's no one else to see this pair. "Even if someone is planning to use me, I'll continue on my own path. I won't do something that I will eventually regret."

Those words seem to relieve Pandora's worries, as she regains some of her cheekiness. "Moh, Shizuka, how many times do I have to tell you to call me mother instead of by my name?"

"Come now," Shizuka says with a smirk, "I'm quite certain that there are several languages on earth where Ma is the proper term to use when addressing your mother."

"You're pretty cheeky, aren't you?" Pandora giggles, accepting how Shizuka calls her. "Well, I suppose that the youngest child has the right to be a little bit brazen. Of course, I expect a bit more elegance from you when you have a younger sibling to take care of."

"I'll be sure to give you the proper decorum then. Of course, I'm pretty sure that the number of new kings in the upcoming millennium can be counter on one hand."

Both mother and daughter share a laugh together, which is interrupted as Shizuka's headache comes back. However, it's a bit different compared to before. Rather then sharp pain piercing into her brain this is a constricting and hazy feeling over her entire head.

"Ah, time alkrzzt?" The headache indicating that she'll soon be cut off from the immaterial plane, Shizuka recognizes the feeling. "Oh well, I sugrzzt it can't be frrrzped. Until next time, daughter."

Shizuka's vision turns static, pixelating further and further before she feels herself getting pulled back to the material plane.

-x-

When Shizuka wakes up from her slumber she finds herself looking up at an unknown ceiling. It is unfamiliar, so to acquaint herself with her surroundings she sits up.

…or at least, she tries to sit up. Shizuka's whole body feels like lead, and she cannot move any part of her body. Strange, the only memories she has of feeling this helpless are some figments from back when she first was in the netherworld. What happened to her?

"Ah, Shizuka-san, you're up!" A feminine, gentle and calm voice calls out to her. Even though she doesn't have this person in her sight Shizuka can identify this person just from sound alone:

"Mariya-senpai? What are you doing here?" Nothing about this makes any sense. What has her tea ceremony club captain to seek in Scandinavia?

Yuri doesn't answer the question, instead telling Shizuka to wait right here. "I'll call the rest over as well."

The rest? Wait, who were- "Ah. Right. Onii-chan." It all comes back to Shizuka. Her battle with Sif. The reveal that her brother is a Campione as well. Going by that logic, it wouldn't be strange if her senpai's relation with her brother is due to his status as a godslayer.

The door opens, and she can hear several pair of footsteps down the door, accompanied by three shouts of "Shizuka/Shizuka-san/Shizuka-chan!". From that Shizuka can estimate who are all here.

"Onii-chan, Sakura, Fuyuhime. And if I were to guess, onii-chan, you brought your entire posse here?"

"Never mind that," Godou replies with worry, "How are you feeling?"

"Bad enough that I can't even sit up by myself. But thank you for asking." At hearing this Fuyuhime and Sakura help Shizuka sit up, allowing Shizuka to look at the gathered group. Indeed, Godou's brought his main four girls with him. Erica, Mariya-sempai, Liliana, that last one… yes, everyone's here. But what's here? "Onii-chan, where are we?"

"At the moment, we're in the Rosenborg neighborhood of Trondheim." Godou explains with a bit of annoyance. It's a form Shizuka recognizes, the 'Something happened but it wasn't my fault'. "Though I didn't want to impose, Trondheim's mages association [The Troll Children] lend us one of their safehouses for your recovery."

That explains some things. Though there's a bit more people here than Shizuka thought:

"While it is good to see that Sakura and Fuyuhime are better again, I wonder why the rest of the girls are here."

To Erica that question is almost too obvious to answer. "After learning that Godou teleported to Trondheim to save his sister, is it too strange for his lover to cross the world for him?"

"Somewhat, yes." There is something strange about that. And not in the fact that Erica would fly to Norway just for Godou. She already proved that she would change residence from Italy to Japan just for the sake of staying with Godou. No, it's the fact that she already crossed the world. Traveling so far, that should at least take a day, if not more. "How long was I out?"

"Shizuka-chan," Sakura points out with concern, "you slept for seven days straight."

What? Seven days? Shizuka stares slack-jawed at her niece, unable to believe that. At that point you might as well say that she's been comatose!

"It's not that absurd." Liliana calmly points out, "When Godou was hit by the same sword, he was unconscious for three days in a row. Considering that he is used to the [Ram] and didn't suffer any complications with them, seven days is not a wrong estimate for your recovery."

It explains Shizuka's situation somewhat more, but there's one word that sticks out: "Complications?"

As Shizuka says this Godou looks a bit guilty, telling what happened. "About an hour after you rented my [Ram] I suddenly felt a connection with that authority again. Considering that the first time I used the Ram I was unconscious for almost half a day I thought that something happened to you for my authority to break off so easily."

"No, rather than put the blame on your authority I believe it is better to blame my own." It appears that there is a limit to how long an authority can be rented with the power she obtained from Plutus. It's good to keep that in mind for future reference. Though with that problem explained there's something else bugging Shizuka. "Would that also explain why I'm currently feeling like I've been the patient in a day-long operation?"

"Not exactly, Shizuka-san." This time it's her sempai from the tea ceremony club who is answering, having experienced similar problems with Godou. "Rather, the problem lies with the divine sword of salvation. As a weapon of devil-king extermination, it is poisonous enough to Campione that even something like the [Ram] cannot heal you completely. Or rather than that, it's better to say that your ability to recover has been reduced."

"Oh." It makes sense to Shizuka, but it is rather aggravating to be in such a helpless state. "Then how do I recover?"

"Just have a good battle to the death where your life is in danger!" The black-haired girl interrupts, "Ena has seen it do wonders for his majesty, he recovered just fine from that!"

"…" Really? While Shizuka can trust her own body to be able to do ridiculous stunts like that, the situation described is a bit too unlikely to be happening anytime soon.

"Ena's not wrong," Godou admits, remembering his own battle with that house-sized bear. "I think you should feel the same. Whenever your life is in danger power and strength will well up from inside of you."

It's still a rather problematic solution. Healing herself through combat? It sounds like medicine Doni would prescribe to her! Still, it's not entirely wrong, as it matches her own gut feeling.

"And if I choose to recover the natural way?"

"I assume it will be several months." Mariya answers honestly. If you compare the situation to that of Godou then Shizuka much worse off. While they both used the same method for recovery Shizuka utilized hers later, was les experienced with it and didn't even get the full treatment. Godou's natural recovery would've needed a month or two, so Shizuka will require around half a year before she's at full strength.

"It's unfortunate, but I suppose it can't be helped." If that is the price to pay for surviving against the strongest steel, then Shizuka will have to take it. She will rest and recuperate, preferably the long way. She doesn't have to worry about enemies. Even if some god or divine beast does decide to attack her, she will gather the strength to fight back from within her body. The last couple of weeks have been a maelstrom of supernatural events, so perhaps it is time to kick back and let her brother take care of Japan for the time being.

As that thought is about to leave her mind Shizuka realizes something important, something she forgot: "Ah, right. I believe we've skipped perhaps the most central part of this discussion: You're a Campione."

Godou stays silent for a second, before confirming that he is indeed a Campione. "And so are you, Shizuka."

"Yes, I am."

…

…

The pair stays silent for several seconds, just like the rest of the room. The tension in the air can be cut with a knife. After what seems like an eternity it is Shizuka who begins speaking:

"Onii-chan, we need to talk."

-x-

{1} Voltron: A giant robot made from five lion-shaped robots; it is the mighty defender of the universe. Though in Japan it was known as Beast King GoLion, the American dub managed to help turn Voltron into one of the most well-known giant robot shows on the planet.

{2} Fuwa: A mountain district in Gifu province. Here is where the battle of Sekigahara, the final decisive battle of Japan's Sengoku period, took place, before the Tokugawa shogunate was founded.

{2} Soconusco: A strip of land located at the southern border of Mexico; it was one of the most rural provinces of the Aztec empire after it was conquered in 1486. Due to plentiful rain and volcanic ash the area is one of the most fertile strips of land in all of America.

{3} Five Suns: Related to the creation myth of Aztec mythology, it tells how the current world is the fifth world after creation. Each time one god became the light-giving sun that shines over earth's inhabitants, lasting a long while before a catastrophe would destroy the land.

{4} Hesiod: A Greek poet who lived between 750 and 650 BC, he was the first major poet who had an active role in his own plays. Wrote the "Theogony", concerning the origins of the world and the gods, as well as "Works and Days", concerning how man was fated to do labor.

{5} nudus ara, sere nudus: Translating to "Plow nude, sow nude", they're words from Hesiod's "Works and Days".

{6} Euphrates and Tigris: The major river system of Western Asia, flowing from Eastern Anatolia through Syria and Iraq into the Persian Gulf. Because this place contains the oldest literate urban civilization (the Uruk region) this area has been called the Cradle of civilization.