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Valorant here.
Many of you are probably surprised that this wasn't the release of a new chapter. I had intended for dialogue in later chapters to explain the reasoning behind Jace's plan to fight Verethragna, pre-Melqart's introduction. But I realized I hadn't provided substantial enough reasoning for Jace to act the way he did during the fight. The downfall of relying on my own limited writing skills to check my work. So, I decided to update the chapter to correct this flaw. I'd rather eat humble sandwich than leave up poorly written work. I'm taking this project seriously, so I want it to be the best it can be.
Not to worry though, chapter four is well on its way despite this setback.
Spoilers!
For those of you not familiar with Campinoe(!) canon, Campione have an inherent magical resistance. Mortal magics just dissipate when they come into contact with this magic resistance. Now it's possible to circumvent the resistance if it breaches a Campione's exterior. Such as a miasma, or if they have an open wound to allow magic to flow into their body. Only god level magic, i.e., an Authority can penetrate a Campione's magical resistance. Even then the intrusive magic will be weakened a decent amount. Hence the reason why Lucretia had to kiss Jace. And yes, Jace seriously considered being cut instead of just taking the kiss. The Seventh Campione isn't afraid of women, but he is uncomfortable with intimacy for reasons I've started laying out in this chapter.
Veneration
Human Rising Arc
Chapter 3: Welcome to Fight Club
Great deeds are won by daring maneuvers, not safe choices.
The morning after the [Boar]'s rampage three of five individuals were nursing stinging hangovers. Fortunately for two of them their skill in magic enabled them to cast spells of healing to mitigate the effects of poisoning. Poor Arianna's meager skills were insufficient to make much of a difference.
"Like I said, let that be a lesson to stay away from that poison." Jace spoke to the suffering maid. Said maid only whimpered in response, clutching her head in pain. Jace merely sipped his coffee without concern. To him alcohol was toxic at best. At least the caffeinated beverage was good for the mind in moderation.
"Poor girl not used to drinking so much? I'd offer to cast a friendly little spell but earlier took the last of my reserves." Lucretia looked on in pity as did Godou. Erica sighed, she knew poor Arianna was a lightweight when it came to fruit of the vine and its less than desirable side-effects.
"Here Arianna, give me your hand." Erica stretched out her hand to her maid. Once in possession of Arianna's hand Erica began to chant. "Oh, blessed Earth Mother, take pity on this poor soul. Lady Demeter heal this body's ills." The invocation triggered; magical energy began pooling in Erica. Guiding the mana outward, the blond knight guided it toward the black-haired maid. Once the mana transferred from Erica to Arianna from the skin contact the maid immediately sagged in relief.
"Arianna-san are you okay?" Godou gawked, it was his first-time seeing magic in action. Well aside from the [Boar] and Verethragna-kami. It was his first-time seeing magic that wasn't absolutely terrifying. Though all that he really saw was a redlight light up Erica and Arianna's joined hands.
"Yes! Thank you, mistress. I feel so much better now." The black-haired maid happily declared.
"Honestly Arianna, how did you manage to bring me to bed last night in such a state?" Erica was perplexed if her maid was so out of sorts how could she have possibly taken her to a bed upstairs. Unless…
"I don't understand Lady Erica. I never took you to bed, I fell asleep before you did." The maid placed a finger to her cheek in confusion.
Erica instantly went still. If Arianna hadn't put her in bed, then she hadn't undressed her either. Lucretia in her condition certainly couldn't have. That would mean…
Erica's head hung down, her bangs shadowing her eyes. In a whisper quite voice Erica spoke. "Which one of you was it?"
Godou gulped at the tone of voice Erica used, it reminded him all too much of sister when she got angry. "Which one of us what Blandelli-san?"
Erica's head shot up. Eye's blazing with female indignation and anger. "Which one of you wretches defiled my body!"
Godou's survival instincts kicked in. He instantly pointed the finger at Jace. Jace sighed, he already knew this was going to be a pain in the ass.
"Relax Blandelli, I didn't do anything to 'defile' you. I placed you on the bed and left. That's it."
Erica's smiled. It was not a pleasant smile. "Oh, I know. If you had tried anything I would have stabbed, you too death a thousand times over. But still, you have this unladylike image of Erica Blandelli in your mind. I will kindly need you forget ever seeing such a thing. Possibly by dying? Right now."
Jace rolled his eyes. Angry women were nothing new to him. Though he had to admit, Blandelli took the cake for the ego trip. "Is that supposed to be a threat Blandelli? Don't blame me, it was your drunken self that insisted I undress you. Next time control yourself better and it won't happen. Seriously not something I wanted to do."
If anything, Erica was even angrier hearing that. Erica took pride in her beauty and the lengths to keep herself in prime shape. Being so casually dismissed like this was a blow to that pride. At the same time, she recalled her habit of sleeping with little on, so it wasn't impossible she had made such demands while inebriated. Still no man aside from her future husband could see her in such a state without repercussions. Naturally her go to reaction would be to inflict some 'punishment' on the man. But with Jace that wasn't an option. If he truly was a Campione as God Verethragna claimed, he was beyond her abilities.
So, she went with a classical tactic.
"Oh, most men would be delighted to see my body. Are you perhaps… ill equipped to?"
Go after their pride.
Jace was no idiot, he knew precisely what Erica was doing. It failed to strike a nerve though. Jace simply didn't care what others thought of him. Especially when it came to his interest in women. "No. The last woman I was with stabbed me in the kidney and left me for dead. I got over my hormones years ago."
The silence that hung in the air let Jace's statement fully sink in. Erica just stared at Jace, as she digested the retort. Arriana's jaw dropped, shocked at the candidness. Lucretia had the good grace to look disturbed the casual way Jace dropped the information. Godou swallowed, unsure of what he just heard.
"That's a joke, right?" Godou attempted a light-hearted tone.
Jace's gaze bore into the Japanese teen, its intensity unnerving.
"No. The bloody bitch slept with me just to steal my money. When I caught her, she stabbed me with my own knife." Jace pointed to a spot on his ribcage, just across from where his right kidney was. "Right here." Jace's tone was the hardest Godou had heard so far. He didn't sound actually angry at least.
Godou quickly deflated. "Ah, sorry."
Jace grunted. "Not your fault, blondie brought it up. Doesn't matter, its history. Besides becoming a Campione healed the scar."
Lucretia decided it was time to move from that unpleasant topic. "Lord Jace, do you remember our lesson on Grimoires?"
Jace nodded, pleased to be away from the less than pleasant memory. "Most of it anyways. Some bits were a bit… esoteric."
"Not to worry your Majesty, I'm more than happy to revisit those points. Now, recite what you remember, and I'll fill in the blanks." Lucretia helpfully supplied.
Jace closed his eyes in concentration, dredging up last night's conversation. "Grimoires are containers of the divine. Literally. They're basically safes of god's Authorities, created by Authorities that are for one reason or another split off from a Heretic God. Usable by mortals, but at the cost of their lives."
Lucretia smiled indulgently "Indeed. A mortal cannot hope to survive the power of an Authority coursing through their veins. The sole exception to the rule are Campione. They may freely use Grimoires as they please. But." The earth witch paused, throwing the ball in Jace's court.
"But a Grimoire has a limited number of uses before it disintegrates. Something about the spell work that keeps in from returning to the…" Jace frowned as the information wasn't forthcoming in his mind.
Lucretia took over, filling in the blanks. "Domain of Immortality. The realm where gods reside outside of our own world. But to the point. A Grimoire only has a small number of uses, usually between one to three before its spent. It's theorized that without being attached to a Heretic God or Campione it becomes unstable after use and falls apart."
Jace's frowned deepened at hearing the small number of uses a Grimoire held. "Not a lot of chances. Too bad. Guess I'll have to make it count."
Erica hazarded a guess as to Jace's intention regarding the Grimoire in his possession. "You plan on taking the Grimoire into battle I presume."
"Yeah. I'll take every edge I can get. A Grimoire that lets me take the abilities of a god for free is too good to pass up." Jace tapped the Grimoire of Prometheus lying on the table before him. "Seriously who gives their opponent a weapon to kill them with. This god of victory must be crazy." Jace slightly smiled as if amused. () The grin transformed into a completive expression, as Jace mulled over a thought. "Lucretia, what Authorities does Verethragna possess again? I want to make sure I understand this to a T."
Lucretia yawned lazily before responding. "Ah Verethragna the Persian Warlord, the God of Victory in its many forms. His Authorities are likely numerous beyond just his ten avatars. Heretic Gods are known to possess Authorities beyond just their apparent legends, often hiding additional aspects that cannot be explained. But for Verethragna his [Ten Incarnations] are found in Persian myth. He was known as a warrior god, responsible for defeating evil wherever and however it manifested. His avatars that enabled him to do so were a bull, a bird of prey, a camel, a stallion, a boar, a whirlwind, a goat, a ram, an adolescent, and an armed warrior."
Jace nodded the details coming back to him. "Right. But how does that translate into Authorities? What can each of those avatars do? We've seen the [Boar] and we know he can manipulate people. What would that be?" Jace impatiently tapped the grimoire again.
"I could recite hours' worth of information if you so wished your Majesty. Or I could cast teaching magic on you to expedite the process. Which would you prefer?" The earth witch threw the sudden question at Jace.
Jace raised an eyebrow, he wasn't all that keen to experience magic cast on him. But if it could impart the knowledge he was seeking it might just give him the edge he needed. Jace thought it over hard, weighing the risks of Lucretia setting him up, vs the benefits of her being honest. In the end Jace decided it was worth the risk. Besides if it came to it he had his secret trump card to fall back on.
"Alright, do it." Jace ordered.
Lucretia smiled a sharp, cunning smile. To the Campion's surprise, Lucretia got up from her sofa and began walking toward Jace. The sway of her hips was mesmerizing. Too his increasing wariness the earth witch kept closing in on him. Lucretia stopped just in front of Jace, the tall woman licking her lips as she stared down at him. Jace was wondering just what she was doing. "Zola?" he asked with confusion. The tall woman bent over, bringing her face level with Jace's.
She gently clasped Jace's cheeks, further confusing the Russian teen. Lucretia leaned in, bringing her lips to Jace's.
Or at least tried to. Jace pushed his hand up between them, causing Lucretia to kiss the rough texture of his palm. Jace pushed backwards, creating distance between them.
"Ahhh, I thought you wanted to learn about Verethragna." Lucretia pouted, once Jace's hand was off her face.
"I did. I didn't want you trying to kiss me. Now explain yourself Zola." Jace growled, irritation plain as day.
"It's the only way to transfer knowledge the gods. A Campione's magical resistance will neutralize any mortal spell cast externally. Only a spell cast internally will have any effect." The earth witch stated.
Jace's irritated expression, dropped, replaced by a thoughtful one. "Oh, right. Campione have high magical resistance so spells either wash off us or just fizzle out." The Campione's expression turned into disbelief. "But kissing is the only way to bypass the resistance. Really?"
Erica chose to speak up. "As strange as it may sound it, Lady Zola isn't wrong. There are other ways around A Campione's magic resistance. But for the purposes of teaching magic, only a… direct method would work, unless you prefer to be cut open to allow the magic to flow into you." The blond knight finished, with a neutral face. It wasn't her business how Jace decided to gain knowledge of Verethragna.
"How big a cut are we talking?" Jace seriously asked.
"The size of my hand." Lucretia helpfully held up her hand.
Jace took a look at her hand, his arm, his arm, then Lucretia's lips. He took a moment to think it over.
Jace sighed in defeat. "Fine. We'll do the kiss."
Lucretia's seductive smile returned in full force. "A wise choice your Majesty. Also, a pleasant one, no?"
"Yeah. Just do it Zola." Jace reluctantly ordered.
Lucretia took Jace's face back in her hands, then slowly, almost teasingly leaned toward the Campione. Their lips met in a soft embrace.
At first all Jace could feel was the soft presence of Lucretia's lips against his own. He was just about to wonder when the spell would be cast when the older woman, snuck her tongue into his mouth. Jace's eye's widened in shock, unprepared for the sudden oral invasion. He attempted to pull back, but Lucretia kept a firm hold on his face. Just as Jace was beginning to think the earth witch was simply trying to fulfill her inner cougar, when he felt it. And it wasn't Lucretia's fervent oral ministrations. It stayed his hand from roughly shoving the older woman away. It was like a flow of liquid warmth, a tangible representation of something that was denser than water but flowed like air. It felt somewhat familiar to the sensation of when he'd barbecued that bestial god in Africa. Far less intense, but it carried the same stimulating pulse.
Just as Jace was getting used to the exchange of mana, something else carried itself into him.
Verethragna is a god of the old Persian pantheon. He was widely revered as an invincible God of War. Considered the strongest of his kin, he was the principal authority over martial might. Known as the Smiter, he was acknowledged as possessing the ten forms of victory.
It came to Jace suddenly. He simply knew of Verethragna. The god's history and mythology coming flickering across him mind. Jace realized that this must be the magic Lucretia had spoken of. The transference of knowledge.
Lucretia leaned back, breaking the kiss. A well pleased smile on her face. "Ah, I can see it on your face, the knowledge of Verethragna has transferred. But. It's not everything known of Verethragna. There's so much more to understand of the God of Victory. Would you like me to continue?"
Jace took a moment to consider the offer. He thought he knew a good bit about Verethragna just from the earth witch had transferred so far. But he could tell some information was incomplete. In the end Jace nodded his head. If he was going to battle a deity, he decided he needed every edge he could get.
Lucretia caressed Jace's face with her hand, saying "Oh, just so you know it works better if both parties contribute to the spell. Intimacy is a key factor." Jace's eyes narrowed, he thought that was bull, but he could detect no lie from the older woman. Well, he was determined to maximize his advantage. Jace brought one hand to the back of Lucretia's head, surprising the older woman. Jace captured her lips, renewing the kiss.
This time instead of being passive Jace contributed the kiss. It had been some time since he'd last kissed a woman though, so he was out of practice. Lucretia didn't seem to mind though, if her pleased moan was any indication.
Verethragna is the bearer of victory. The one possessing the [Ten Incarnations]. A bull, a bird of prey, a camel, a stallion, a boar, a goat, a ram, a gale, a youth, an armed warrior. Together these forms empower the God of Victory, empowering him to triumph over all animosity.
The spell was wrought on Jace, so the knowledge of Verethragna was transferred from Lucretia to its end Jace felt as if a whole encyclopedia's worth of knowledge had been transfused into his brain. But one thing was for sure. Jace knew Verethragna.
The Campione and earth witch broke the kiss mutually. Lucretia had a well pleased smile on her face from the kiss, Jace grinned equally, if for a different reason.
"Did it work?" Godou asked, face slightly flush. It was awkward for the Japanese teen to watch on as the earth witch and Campione essentially made out.
"Yeah, yeah it did." Jace nodded his head in affirmation. "Might have a plan too."
Erica after pointedly not watching the kiss/spell, found her curiosity piqued. "What kind of plan Lord Armell?"
"Sorry Blandelli, but I can't say." Jace denied the request.
Erica looked vexed at the declaration. "Pray tell why not?"
"Simple really. I can't afford Verethragna pulling that mind control stuff on you and risk you spilling the plan. Not happening." Jace was resolute.
Erica wanted to argue, the mere notion she could be controlled so easily was offensive. But she knew it was true. Whatever method Verethragna used to control Godou might very well affect her as well. So, the blond knight backed down. For now. "Very well, as you wish."
Jace's eyes widened. His instincts roared at him. Prey was afoot.
"One of those Heretic God's is close by."
Jace had made up his mind on Heretic Gods since the events of Africa. If they wanted a fight, he would give them a fight. With that determination he dashed out of the room grabbing the Grimoire as he went. Erica wasn't far behind, her duties as a Great Knight demanding she investigate the situation. Arianna ran after her lady following her own duties. Godou on the other hand was far less decisive. He really didn't want to get involved in any deeper with gods or magic. It just seemed so dangerous the way Lucretia and Erica talked about it.
"Oh, not going to join them? Too bad, any amount of aid can mean the difference between life and death in a battle amongst Gods and Campione. Lucretia's sage-like advice stunned Godou. He hadn't thought about that at all. That didn't sit right with him, just letting the three of them head into danger alone. His grandfather had taught him to help others in need, not ignore them.
With a heavy yet determined heart Godou went after the other three. He had a feeling today was going to be wild.
()
A storm was brewing over the island of Sardinia. The wind howled, scouring the landscape with increasing intensity. Rain poured down pummeling the ground. Lightning light up the sky, flashing arcs of heavenly wrath. It was in these conditions that the four teens found themselves bracing against.
"Blandelli does a storm kick up this suddenly in the region often?" Jace held up a hand to block out the rain from getting into his eyes.
"It rarely rains on the on island of Sardinia." Erica solemnly replied.
"Thought so." Jace's eyes narrowed. "It's close. I can feel it."
Jace's newfound divine instincts screamed at him too ready for a fight. It was the same as the [Boar] and the bestial god in Africa. Though the pressure he was receiving was even larger in comparison than either one. Almost as if this new target was stronger. Jace clenched and unclenched his hands as his blood began to boil.
The ground rumbled. It was small at first then it grew larger as the seconds ticked by. The sound resembled a giant stomping on the earth, not dissimilar from the [Boar]. The unnatural wind picked up; a roaring gale that made the teens shield their eyes from the sudden onslaught. Out of the howling wind stepped a figure straight out of legend. A literal giant.
He stood twenty odd meters, as tall, or even taller than the [Boar] from yesterday. He was covered in archaic armor from a bygone era. A wild mane of white hair spilled from his head, as a unkept beard hid his face from view. He was wild in the ways of old man. Yet a crown graced his brow, a regalia fit for a king.
Most of all was the sheer Power radiating off the giant. It was an oppressive force, Arianna floored by the strength of the giant's presence. It drove her to her knees. Erica and Godou fared better merely bending over, with their heads bowed. Jace alone stood tall in the face of the giant god's wake. A strength of being a Campione. Their own might allowed them to stand unaffected by a Heretic God's divine power.
The giant god continued walking, nearly passing the teens without even acknowledging them.
"OI! God, down here!" Until Jace drew the god's attention.
"Who dares halt a God's advance!" The voice was overpowering. Godou, Arriana, and Erica clasped their hands around their ears trying to drown it out.
Jace undaunted called out to the god, demanding it identify itself. "Did you cause this bloody storm!"
"I am Melqart, King of the Ancestral Line! The Divine King of these entire waters!" Melqart did not speak, that would be something a human would do. He roared instead, for that's the only way to describe the way the air itself bent at his proclamation.
Jace stood firm unlike the others, not flinching at Melqart's roar.
"Wait. This feeling." Melqart began laughing, a booming concourse of air. "One of Pandora's whelps! I knew I sensed usurped divinity. So that's what the Bearer of Cursed Gold is at."
"Cursed Gold? You mean Verethragna." As if Jace's utterance was a cue, a bolt of lightning broke free from the sky. The surging energy crashed down onto Melqart. Against all odds though, Melqart managed to catch the lightning on his bracer. An occurrence likely owed to one of Melqart's Authorities; one that allowed him to emerge unscathed.
"That lighting isn't normal." Jace muttered. He looked to the sky and saw something unreal. The face of a Goat. The face of a Goat with bar's replacing normal circle pupils.
"A god's avatar. That must mean Verethragna is close." Erica spoke.
"I must hurry. Join the fray God-Slayer for that is clearly his plan. But know this, Melqart shall strike you both down."
Finishing his proclamation, Melqart turned away. Heading toward the north-east the King of the ancestral line made toward his what certainly was the god Verethragna.
"Blandelli what do you know about Melqart?" Jace turned toward Erica.
"Why?" Erica asked with concern.
"Because the more I know about an opponent the better I'll be equipped to fight him." Jace looked Erica straight into her widening eyes.
"Your serious. You actually intend to fight not one, but two [Heretic] Gods at the same time?! Even for a Campione that's incredibly dangerous, let alone one so new. Do you even know how to activate your Authority?" Erica was beyond any doubt Jace Armell was a Campione at this point. Two [Heretic] Gods had proclaimed him as such, and her own senses could feel the raw power bubbling beneath his exterior. Still though. Even if Jace Armell was a Campione it didn't mean slaying a god would be easy. Doable but most certainly a hard-won fight. Against two while so inexperienced, was beyond the blond knight's comprehension of sanity.
"I told you better to fight on my own terms rather than someone else's. Now do you know about him or not?" Jace was unfazed by Erica's words. It didn't matter how dangerous the battle would be. As the Campione saw it, he could seize the initiative or wait till the gods came after him. He didn't even bother to consider the consequences. He just knew which way it had to be done.
Erica studied Jace, more than just his physical appearance. She was trying to discern inner workings of a man that was going against common logic. After a time, she reached a conclusion.
"You really are a child of Epimetheus. Most humans would run away from such odds. Only a grand fool would be so eager."
Jace raised an eyebrow.
"Very well I will impart what knowledge I can give of the god Melqart. Lord Armell." With that Erica, ever proud, bowed. Bowed to a man she had berated in spite less than an hour before. Such was the existence of Campione.
"Alright then. I'm going to suggest we drive and talk though. I want to get there before those two-start duking it out. I'm taking the car."
"Wait a moment, Lord Armell. As a Great Knight of the Copper-Black-Cross it is my duty to assist you in protecting the people of this land. In return I ask that you stop the rampage of these Heretic Gods before they destroy Sardinia." Erica threw her hair behind her head as if to assert the gravity of the situation.
"I can't do much, but please allow me to bring you to your destination Your Majesty." Arianna humbly bowed seeking permission.
Godou took a deep breath terrified of what he was getting himself into. But at the same time, he didn't want to be the only one left behind. Everything his grandparents had taught him insisted he do his best to help. "Please let me come too. I don't know if I'll be of any help, but I want to come as well. At least let me carry the tablet."
For a moment Jace seemed surprised. He hadn't asked any of them for aid, expecting them to stay out of the coming conflict. Yet each was willing to risk their lives to help him. The normally callous man was impressed.
()
Piled up in the car, the Campione and company attempted to follow in the wake of Melqart. Against all odds the Heretic God managed to outpace them. This forced them to rely on Jace's instincts to track down the divine.
"Blandelli how in the bloody hell did we lose that giant? Is this an Authority?" Jace no longer needed to close his eyes in concentration to follow a God's divinity. At least some parts of being a Campione were coming easier. "Arialdi take a left."
Arianna complied swiftly, far too much so, forcing the car into a reckless turn.
After bracing Erica spoke. "Melqart is an ancient, well storied god, he most certainly possesses a large number of Authorities. Dominion over the winds must be one of them. Or more accurately an Authority over storms considering Melqart's mythology.
Jace whistled. "A god of [Storm], that's going to be a tough ability to combat."
"Indeed. Gods with Authority of [Storm] are dangerous foes, little else can match the raw power of a divine thunderstorm. Though it's the variety of Authorities the King of the Ancient Gods possesses that render him truly treacherous to face."
"Yeah. Same could be said of Verethragna. Ten avatars with widely differing abilities, each sound like a powerhouse on its own. Tough to say which is the worse one to face." Jace rubbed his chin, pondering the trial ahead of him. It was impossible to come up with a guarantee of victory in this situation. He barely knew what fighting a god was like. All he could remember was that bestial god charging him then… Oh. That could work.
"Lord Armell, do you have a plan to confront Verethragna and Melqart?" Erica noticed the spark light up in Jace's eyes. She was hoping the Campione would finally divulge the details of his plan.
"Yeah, I think I do. Though it's going to depend on a couple of things to work. Blandelli that sword of yours, think you could use it to cover me for a few moments?" Jace looked Erica sternly in the eye. His gaze demanded utter honesty, not bragging, nor undervaluing.
"I could only buy you seconds at most before I'd be overwhelmed. Are you asking me to engage the gods on your behalf? Is it a condition of your Authority?" Erica put on a strong front. Jace could see through it. She was scared. She wouldn't openly show it, but Jace had a lifetime of reading people for survival, gauging her mood was simple for him.
"Don't worry I'm not asking you to commit suicide. I just need an opening to pull off a little maneuver. Seconds are all I need. Can you, do it?"
Erica assented. She was going to have to put some faith in the newest of God-Slayers if she wanted to see tomorrow. Though she would have liked to know more about this supposed plan.
"Good. As for the rest… that all depends on that grimoire. Keep it safe Kusanagi our lives are depending on it."
Godou gave a nervous smile. "Yes. I'll do my best Armell-san, I mean Armell-sama."
Jace nearly smiled. Well not quite, but it brought an amused grunt forth. Lord? Sama? The sudden high respect for his person, was ironic enough to finally break open a tiny chink in his armor of indifference. He wondered if everyone initiated in magic held Campione in such high regard.
()
Battles between Heretic Gods were rare occurrences. Usually. Heretic gods were infrequent disasters that befell humanity. The world might go years without a single god descending. Other times gods seemed to pour upon the ground like a thunderstorm over the desert. Such times were the true essence of calamity. For when they did so the gods did not simply ignore one another. The madness of [Heresy] besotting them made it inevitable they would collide.
When Heretic Gods collide the weight of their battles shake the earth. A [Sun] God's light could lead to devasting droughts, as their Authority parched the skies. A God of [War]'s mere presence igniting bloody conflicts between mortals. Or a God of [Curses] sow plague and other ailments of the body and mind. Their struggle for dominance being the greatest calamities humanity could suffer, as few of the deities cared little for humanity's safety.
Such was the reason Campione were called champions. For only Campione stood between the wanton devastation of the gods, and humans.
Ruin in the making such as now.
"It's been some time Ancient King, since our last bought."
"Indeed, Warlord. Have you recovered from the sundering of your form, or are you still incomplete?"
"Worry not. I have reclaimed my full form and am prepared for another glorious battle."
The wind howled, perhaps in tune with Melqart's agitation upon such words.
"You revived me out of your conceited lust for battle. Daring to use me as a salve for your boredom. Know this Melqart cannot overlook this transgression. I shall strike you down for such impertinence!"
Verethragna's polite smile grew wider, taking a more fierce attitude. His inner nature as a god of war coming to the fore. "Excellent, Excellent! Only the strongest are worthy to stand as my foes. Finally, I may have a taste of defeat!"
"I shall bring you more than defeat Warlord. Melqart shall be your vanquisher!"
Verethragna gave a wordless cry and charged at the giant god.
Melqart responded in kind, his mighty steps shaking the ground as he advanced.
"Heed the call of the Cloud Rider. By Melqart's true name of Baal, I summon. The time has come to vanquish this evil dragon!"
Melqart's Words of Power. The incantation to invoke divine power. Too manifest legends and myths in the material world. In this case Melqart's aspect as a God of [Steel] that defeated the evil dragon king Yam. The dragon slaying warrior did so with his trusted weapons. [Yagarish] the Chaser and [Ayamari] the Driver. Clubs clad in churning gales and arcing lighting, respectively. Melqart didn't need to speak the Words of Power to activate his Authority. He had done so as a matter of pride and as a taunt. The Divine King had painted the Warlord as a dragon, an evil entity that needed to be slayed.
Meqlart drew [Yagarish] back, the great club poised for a strike, then the Ancient King swung forward. [Yagarish] drove forward, aimed straight at the puny, in comparison, Warlord. Verethragna didn't blink.
[Yagarish] struck true, smashing into Verethragna. The churning winds exploded, lashing out with gale-force winds. What winds that struck the ground ripped deep furrows into the earth. An absolutely lethal force.
And it completely missed its target.
Verethragna manifested above the great club. Completely unharmed. An excited grin on the Warlord's face.
[Ayamari] swung upward, aiming to succeed where [Yagarish] failed. Again though, just when it seemed [Ayamari] was to collide with the petite form of the war god Verethragna vanished. Only to appear well out the arc of the lightning clad club.
"More. More Ancient King!"
Melqart growled, a fierce displeased sound. "As difficult to grasp as usual. Though you cannot run away forever with the [Raptor] Warlord."
Verethragna was the Victor. The one bearing the ten avatars of Victory. One such avatar was his ability to evade all attacks; the [Raptor]. An Authority of Godspeed. Movement that transcends the limits of the natural physical plane.
Melqart though wasn't one to be so easily outdone by such techniques. The Ancient King swung [Ayamari] once more. This time though he stopped short, stalling the strike just before it would connect with Verethragna. The lighting though didn't.
The divine energy sought out its target at speeds beyond the limit of physical vessels. Speed enough to catch even a Godspeed user.
Verethragna didn't bother to evade. Instead, he just hovered with that same fierce smile on his face. The lighting came.
Verethragna morphed, transforming into an unrealistically large goat. The lighting came aimed dead center for the god in the form of a goat. Verethragna intercepted it with his horns. Instead of being blasted to smithereens the lighting started circulating around the divine goat's horns.
"Allow me to return the favor my treasured foe."
Verethragna willed the lighting to obey his control, wresting dominion of it from Melqart. A maniac grin split his face when at last the arcane energies obeyed. The warlord launched the power back at its former master. Melqart attempted to raise [Ayamari] in defense but wasn't swift enough to succeed. Lacking an Authority of Godspeed Melqart was forced to tank the blow.
The Ancient King stumbled backwards, wrenched by the usurped power. Still despite the power Melqart, and then Verethragna, had compressed into the strike, it failed to deal a lethal wound. Melqart's nature as a god of [Steel] rendered him absurdly durable to attacks, coupled with his aspect as a god of [Storm], enabled him to survive the lighting with minimal damage.
"Adept as ever at changing your forms I see. Do not think though it will be enough to overcome me. The battle has only begun Warlord." Melqart righted himself, standing tall. He took a stance once more, ready to begin again.
"Good proud King. Continue to defy me with all your might, so I might enjoy the battle."
Thus, the two gods charged each other once more.
()
The Campione and company had finally caught up to the Heretic Gods, only to find them well into the battle. The storm roaring high above backdropped the fierce battle. "Damn, they're already at it. Arialdi pull over, we'll hoof it from here."
Arianna heeded the command, stopping the car. Godou, Erica, and Jace exited the vehicle, while Erica ordered Arianna to leave until the battle had concluded. All that stood between them, and the raging conflict was an outcropping of ruins.
"Blandelli once were through, wait for my signal. Remember, just keep them off me for a few seconds, that's it. Kusanagi got your part down?" Jace vaulted over a crumbled marble column of the old roman make. Erica did likewise though with more grace. Godou opted to go around it instead, to not drop the precious package in his arms.
"Keep my head down and don't lose the tablet." A simple task Godou thought.
"Good." Jace paused just before they parted through a collapsed pair of columns. The two pillars had fallen in such a manner that they created a doorway leading out of the ruins. It was rather fitting in a way. A doorway represents leaving one space for another. One could have said it meant leaving behind safety and heading into danger. Because that's exactly what awaited the three teens if they passed beyond the pillars. Jace looked from the pillars and fight beyond, back towards the blond knight and Japanese teenager.
It was a strange faraway look in his eyes as he observed the obvious fear, but also determination in the two's eyes. The Campione turned away. Then he spoke one final time.
"Once I have the tablet run like bloody hell. Don't stop for anything."
The Campione stepped forward.
"Move!" Jace dragged his two acquaintances forward. Wisely obeying his instincts, the Campione surged forward as soon as he was clear of the ruins. Those preternatural instincts saved his and the others' lives. Lightning came crashing down upon the spot they occupied a moment ago, blasting away the pillars into rubble.
The Campione didn't know where these preternatural senses for danger or the divine were coming from. But he certainly didn't mind the new capacity to sense threats. Jace didn't look back to see the damage wrought by the errant blast of electricity. His attention was firmly fixed on the gods dueling before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before.
Melqart's strikes shook the heavens with each blow. Every time the God of [Storm] used [Yagarish] and [Ayamari], wind and lighting respectively rent the sky. It was like the giant god was focusing the lens of a thunderstorm instead of swinging mere, albeit massive, clubs. Verethragna was no less impressive. The smaller god nimbly evaded each strike of the clubs with the [Raptor], godlike grace in each movement. Even when the howling winds threatened to tear him apart the God of [War] would invoke his own avatar of said element, the [Gale], turning himself into ethereal wind. Lightning was turned aside by virtue of the [Goat], hurled away with reckless abandon much like the strike from earlier.
Jace though wasn't entirely captivated. He noticed a small detail of the fight that neither Erica nor Godou could discern in their awe. Melqart wasn't winning despite the aggressive tempo of his attacks. Verethragna wasn't losing despite being on the apparent defensive.
They were evenly matched.
Neither God held an apparent advantage in the battle, both striving equally in Jace's eye. He seriously doubted this was their full strength though. From what the earth witch and the blond knight had told him, it would seem both gods were holding back. His own experience could feel it in their exchanges, while full of killing intent they lacked that decisive factor to end the battle. Jace, as something of a warrior himself, understood why they weren't going all out to crush each other. They were waiting to see if an unexpected factor manifested. Namely himself.
Both gods had called him out, so they were waiting for him to appear. Why they were so certain, and why Jace himself felt that this was the case, was unclear. But a sensation in his gut affirmed this to be true. And Jace trusted his gut.
"Blandelli get ready. Once I get in the middle of those two, you're up."
"I'll perform my duty without fail, but if I may what is the plan?" Erica was ready to risk her life to stop these Heretic gods from destroying human lives, but she would much prefer to know Jace's mystery plan, if it meant she could avoid an untimely death due to ignorance.
Jace refused to answer. "Don't worry about it. Just do your part and you'll be fine."
Erica huffed but relented. She didn't have much of a choice. She lacked the power to stand up to Heretic Gods, so she had to place her trust, albeit reluctantly, in the man that did.
The trio marched toward the Heretic gods, who at first didn't seem to notice their arrival.
Jace quickly fixed that.
"OI! You bloody gods, I'm here. Who wants to fight!"
That got the gods' attention.
"So, you have finally arrived God-Slayer! Then you know the stakes of this conflict. I shall crush you for your arrogance of usurping the power of a god. This is the word of Melqart."
"Ah, so you came King of Man, just as I expected. Now demonstrate the potential I sensed in you. Offer me a taste of defeat! But first your name."
The gods outcry shook Erica and Godou with its intensity. They were now fully aware of the danger of what they had set out to do. Stand in the way of sentient natural disasters.
Jace didn't even flinch. Instead, an eager grin rose on his face. His blood was pumping, filling him with energy. It was a heady rush this sensation. If this was what it felt like to fight gods, he just might become addicted to the sensation, the Campione thought.
"Jace Armell. Now come at me!"
Both gods cried out in response, giving yells of battle. The Campione mirroring them both.
Melqart struck first. [Ayamari] lashed out hurling bolts of lightning at the Campione and his two human companions. It went without saying that getting struck by the divine lightning would do horrific damage to the human body.
Fortunately, Jace was ready for it. Or rather Erica was.
"Blandelli now!"
Erica leaped forward placing herself in the pathway of the incoming lethal electricity.
With a flourish she produced Cuero di Leone, chanting Spell Words, the sword began changing shape. "O' Lion heart, remember your oath, harken to me. Stand stalwart against the enemy, protect the pride." With the infusion of mana, the mystical blade became for lack of a better word—molten. In this molten state the Spell Words offered permanence and form. The form of a shield. A shield fit for a knight of yore, proper shining steel and heraldry.
It was with this shield Erica attempted to block the lightning.
The first bolt blistered across the shield. Had it been a mundane shield the whole thing would have acted as a conductor, superheating as it passed the energy arcing into it along to Erica's vulnerable flesh. Cuere di Leone was no construct of mere steel though.
The mystical metal instead stopped the energy transfer cold. Diffusing the lighting, saving Erica's life. The force of the impact still pushed Erica back. But she held on through her own magical might.
The other bolts didn't strike as true, landing around Erica rather than a direct collision. A truly lucky occurrence, but each blast still pummeled the shield relentlessly. Erica held on, but the drain on her mana reserves was rapidly mounting. For it was her mana that allowed her to empower Cuero di Leone to hold fast in the face of the onslaught. Once it was drained, or the shield's defensive capabilities were overwhelmed, Erica would be unprotected.
"Lord Armell hurry!" Erica pleaded with an unusual amount of desperation in her voice. Confident as she was, she knew she was in over her head. But she didn't break.
"What is this King of Man? Are you hiding behind your servant? Such behavior is unacceptable. Allow me to show you the proper way of warriors."
The god of War was displeased. He wanted grand battle, be it from man, God, or Godslayer. He was joyous to learn that a Godslayer was near at hand, just in time to join his battle against the Ancient King. Therefore, this turn of events was most vexing to one embodying [War].
Verethragna charged, rushing through the air. He would force this young King to demonstrate the strength he possessed.
"Kusanagi the grimoire!"
Godou hurled, with a grimace of pain, the tablet to Jace as the Campione ran toward Erica. Jace caught it easily. With it in hand he skidded to a halt behind Erica. He saw Verethragna evade a strike from Melqart and continue on his way to the teens.
Jace raised the grimoire.
Verethragna donned a haughty smile. Part of being a God of [War] entailed knowledge of tactics, so he could envision what the young King had in mind. A bold strategy. The Tome of Prometheus was a supremely rare magical instrument. For grimoires were nothing short of Vessels of the Divine. Or in other words, they were containers that held a God's Authority. In this case the grimoire held a certain ability. One Verethragna was all too aware of considering his, brief, possession of this Vessel.
It wouldn't be enough to overcome the might of the Victor.
"Blandelli move!" Erica obeyed, clearing the way between the God and God-slayer as fast as her weary limbs could move.
The grimoire flared with light, activating the Authority within.
Verethragna kept coming. The God of [War] predicted exactly what was to happen, nothing short of divine fore sense. The young King wanted to weaken the Victor, avoiding an early defeat from Verethragna's overwhelming might. For that was what the Tome of Prometheus did, it stole a god's Authority allowing the holder of the grimoire to temporarily take control of the Authority. No doubt steal the [Stallion], then turn light of the sun against its former master. A solid plan. A predictable plan. One easily countered. Verethragna simply needed to close the distance before the King of Man could unleash the stolen Authority.
It took the blink of an eye to close the gap with the [Raptor]. Hah so the King of Man's gambit had failed thought Verethragna. Disappointing. He had hoped for more entertainment before he defeated the GodSlayer. In fact, it felt off in how swift even the Victor had obtained Victory-.
Verethragna still possessed the Stallion. What?
A feral grin split Jace's face.
Melqart cried out as [Yagarish] disappeared from his grip—
And appeared in Jace Armell's.
At such a close distance Verethragna had no time to dodge, as he had already switched from the [Raptor] to the [Boar] intent on trampling the King of Man to dust.
[Yagarish] smashed into Verethragna's face, twisting the god's head sideway's. The gale-clad club sent the stunned god flying. His nature as a God of [Steel] preserved his life, though the damage rendered him temporarily immobile.
Jace wasted no time relishing in the heap the haughty god had become. He was already priming the Tome of Prometheus as soon as Verethragna had been struck.
[Yagarish] vanished, returning to its proper master. Jace cycled to the next Authority he wanted to take. Verethragna hadn't been wrong in believing Jace would take the [Stallion] from the god. The Victor in his arrogance had simply assumed it would be the first choice.
"For victory hasten forth at once. Immortal sun I beseech thee to grant radiance to the stallion. O Stallion bring forth the halo of thy master. Trample mine enemies!"
The [Stallion] was Verethragna's aspect as a god of light. It represented his myth of pulling the Chariot of the Sun across the sky to bring forth the day. Manifesting as a horse born of the sun.
It was this Authority the wounded god found himself staring in the face of.
Verethragna attempted to evade, his divine senses as a god of [Steel] telling him of impeding danger. It was for naught though, the [Stallion] moved at the speed of light. This surpassed even the ability of God-speed from the [Raptor].
A second sun light up the sky, blinding out even the first. The [Stallion] erupted from the Grimoire, solar fury in the form of a magnificent horse. The Authority struck true, engulfing the Victor in the flames of the sun. The flames spread out into a raging inferno. Once it reached the size of a house the flames stopped, forming a swirling dome. It was a lethal blow, even for an immortal god. Or rather, it was powerful enough to be lethal to an immortal god.
Jace looked on, pleased with his accomplishment. It had been touch and go for a moment there, unsure if the god would take the bait. But the ego of the Heretic God had won out, replacing any sense of caution with recklessness. Jace had been counting on that.
Jace was broken out of his reverie by the sudden surge of killing intent being directed at him.
"I cannot be defeated by my own avatar!"
Verethragna was still alive. And very much furious at what had just occurred.
The fire from the [Stallion] finally faded revealing the blackened form of the Victor. Said form was rapidly healing. The smoking flesh of the god was restoring itself as he spoke, going from a shriveled husk back to his splendid form.
"Though to think I was pushed this far. Forced to use my Victory over Death. How long has it been since I have been driven so?"
The god took on a contemplative look. Then he burst into maniacal laughter.
"YES! YES! King of Man, Ancient King, entertain me more!"
Jace smiled savagely, things had just gotten interesting. It wasn't outside of the plan that Verethragna might revive. Lucretia had imparted that God would most likely possess an Authority of resurrection. Though, to see it in person though was unreal. That was fine though, Jace still had the Grimoire and his trump card.
The first to make a move after Verethragna's resurrection was Melqart. The Ancient King, seeing that Verethragna was now weakened opted to strike the Warlord first. The giant god came thundering in, drawing both the Campione and Warlord's attention. [Yagarish] now back in Melqart's control came at the Warlord in a sideways swing. The gale clad club was dodged just barely, as the Warlord switched to the [Raptor]. Melqart didn't relent, unleashing a combo of attacks. Verethragna continued to dodge, but something was off.
Verethragna had yet to counterattack.
"What's wrong Warlord. Has your ego grown so large you believe yourself able to win merely by running away?!" Melqart cried.
The Warlord kept dodging, ignoring Melqart's provocation. Unbeknownst to the Campione and Ancient King, Verethragna's divinity was unstable. The wound that the Warlord had suffered during his first duel with Melqart had healed but left the god's divine essence in a state of fluidity. In time the Authority would have settled, forming a stable union again. The time necessary had not been achieved, thus leaving the [Persian Warlord] fragile. The sudden death of Verethragna via the [Stallion] had disrupted that fragile stability. As a result, the [Persian Warlord], the core essence of Verethragna, was sundered into pieces. The majority of the [Persian Warlord] had stayed together, but Verethragna still lost precious abilities. The [Gale] and the [Goat] had fallen away from the Victor. Leaving Verethragna unable to manipulate wind or lightning.
The Warlord was ecstatic. He was being pushed to his limits and found it exhilarating. But he was also presciently aware of just how close to defeat he was in this wounded state. Two dangerous foes were nipping at his neck, like starved dogs. He needed to defeat them… no he needed to vanquish these worthy opponents.
It was during the Divine King's change over from [Ayamarri] to [Yagarish] that Verethragna struck. Taking advantage of the opening, Verethragna spun between the clubs. Melqart attempted to lean back out of range, but it was no use. The Warlord closed the distance, switching to a new Avatar; the [Bull]. The [Bull] represented Verethragna's aspect of superhuman strength. With it the God of Victory was afforded the strength to remove all obstacles from his path. In essence it made him as strong as Melqart's giant form. A heavy punch smashed into Melqart's face, denting even the steely god.
The Divine King stumbled backward, grunting in pain. Verethragna followed up with another savage punch. Melqart, off balance started to fall. Verethragna tackled the swaying god, bowling the giant god over. The Ancient King landed heavily on his rear, forming a crater beneath.
"How is that Ancient King! The Victor has humbled you, yes." Verethragna mocked Melqart, relishing his success. He wouldn't be for long though.
"Storm surge forth in the name of he who rules the sky. By the edict of the Cloud Rider, the savages shall be broken; by my edict the Monsters of the Earth shall be smote! The empire shall expand unimpeded through our might."
Verethragna turned toward the cry. The amber glow on Jace Armell was all the tell the Warlord needed to know he was in danger. It was too late though.
Lightning spears came raining down, crashing into the gods. One, two, then a dozen they rained down, blasting away at Verethragna and Melqart. There was no time to dodge, all they could do was tank the blows.
Jace paused once he could no longer see the gods through the smoke. He hoped he'd managed to kill at least one of them with that barrage. The Campione thought it was only reasonable, after all what kind of entity could survive an attack like that. Jace's hopes were swiftly dashed.
"God-slayer/ God-slayer!" The twin cries sounded through the smoke.
"Bloody hell." Jace swore to himself. As the smoke began to recede, he was meant with an unbelievable sight. Verethragna had been forced from the sky and was now kneeling on the earth. Melqart had impressively managed to rise to a kneeling position as well, despite the bombardment. Both were still alive. Bruised and battered, but alive.
Thus dangerous.
Melqart enraged that Jace had the audacity to not steal his Authority not once, but twice, and use it against him, started to rise. Verethragna though, was having none of it. The Warlord would be the one to defeat both the King of Man and Ancient King. Verethragna switched to his avatar of the [Camel]. His wounded frame rapidly began to heal granting him greater mobility than the wounded Melqart. The Warlord swung a kick into Melqart's face. Such a puny blow should not have had any effect on the giant god. But backed up by the strengthening properties of the [Camel] the blow caused a ripple in Melqart's steely exterior. The force toppled Melqart over, sending the god crashing to the ground.
Melqart was down temporarily.
Verethragna smiled savagely; his battle thirst was being sated properly for what felt like the first time in ages. Now the God of Victory just needed to defeat the King of Man. Then he could finish off the Ancient King.
"The time has come King of Man! Prepare yourself for defeat!" The God of Victory's roar was full of savage glee.
"I ain't dead yet Verethragna. Now get wrecked." Jace retorted. He'd seen the wounds just dealt to the God of Victory start healing, with his Campione enhanced vision. Jace wondered if this was the normal state of immortality of a god, or if Verethragna was just a freak of nature. Either way he had his work cut out for him. Fortunately, Melqart was down for some time it seemed. And rapid healing or not, lightning was now working on the god for whatever reason. Now he just needed to pummel the god with the thunderstorm till he dropped dead. Permanently.
Try as he might though Jace couldn't land another bolt on Verethragna. The god would evade by a hair's breadth, like he knew exactly where it was coming from. Even with God speed such motions should have been impossible. Yet Verethragna was doing it all the same. Jace was running out of breathing room as the God of Victory closed in. "Bloody fuck it. I'll try a tornado. See if he can dodge that." Jace stopped the barrage of lightning. This was his last attack, as any closer he would be caught in the range of whatever he threw at Verethragna.
The winds howled, rushing past Jace as it tore toward the Warlord. Verethragna though didn't hesitate at the growing windstorm. Instead, the god charged faster aiming to meet it head on. The windstorm obstructed sight of the God of Victory, engulfing him whole.
Jace's eyes narrowed, he knew something was afoot. Verethragna might have been a battle maniac, but not an idiot. The question though, what was the god doing inside the windstorm. Jace got his answer. And he didn't like it.
The tornado parted, or rather was blown away. Out of the dying wind emerged Verethragna. Whole and [Golden Sword] in hand.
Jace's eyes widened, drinking in the sight of the blade coming to impale him. The world slowed down to a crawl; as Jace's brain went into overdrive to process the incoming death. It was beautiful, the Campione thought. The oversized blade was set in a form unknown to the Campione, yet it was awe inspiring. The sheen as the light glanced off the splendid sword was grossly incandescent. As it closed in Jace saw the sides of the blade were covered in some archaic language. His mind auto translated it. Baal Hadad: the Cloud Rider. If Jace had the time he would have wondered why one of Melqart's aspects as written on the side of the blade.
Jace had no time though. Verethragna closed the distance, thrusting the blade through the Grimoire of the [Thief] and skewering the Campione behind it.
Jace's world blacked out for a second as he felt a sensation he could only describe as: what it was like to have your whole existence cut to pieces. The deeper the blade went the deeper the bizarre sensation went. Jace could only grit his teeth as the [Golden Sword] impaled him. It wasn't pain, pain would have been wonderful to experience instead. Jace could handle pain. No. This sensation was a magnitude worse.
Verethragna pushed the [Golden Sword] all the way into Jace's chest, placing the hilt against the Campione's collar bone. There was no blood yet Jace felt his life force being scrambled by the blade. The God of Victory's savage expression had calmed down, transforming into a gentle expression. The Warlord took one hand off his sword, leaned in close to Jace, and placed the hand on Jace's cheek.
Gently the God of Victory spoke "You performed admirably my foe. You have brought wonderful battle to this Heresy blighted god. Well, done. Though your time as a King was short, your prowess shall be remembered by the Victor. Do you have any last words?"
Jace looked down, then… chuckled. Confusion wrought itself across the Warlord's face. Jace looked up. A mad gleam in his eye and a full tooth grin on his face.
Jace had last words alright. "I am raging Fire."
Verethragna's confusion washed away in understanding.
"The embodiment of primal destruction." Jace chanted, activating his Authority. Not the stolen one from Melqart which had slipped from his grasp. Not one taken from the Warlord. Not the fading Grimoire of the [Thief].
Verethragna tried to get away. Jace grasped onto the small god, dragging himself along.
"Unquenchable for none burn fiercer." Verethragna switched to the [Bull], thrusting with the hand against Jace's cheek. It snapped the Campione's head to the side. It broke his neck. Jace fell, Verethragna fell with him but stopped himself with the [Golden Sword].
The God of Victory breathed a maniac smile. That strength of will, that cunning. Verethragna had all but forgotten that Jace Armell had never used his own Authority in the battle. Too not take advantage of the Gods lapse of concentration, but act during the cleaving of the [Golden Sword]? Truly Jace Armell was the worthiest opponent he'd face aside from the Ancient King.
"Unconquerable for none can survive me."
Verethragna almost didn't hear it. The whisper that sealed his fate. The God of Victory looked down and saw Jace Armell staring up at him from the sides of his eyes. It was a crazed, bestial expression in those amber orbs. "Burn." Jace choked out, not quiet dead.
Jace had survived the neck snapping. Had he been human he wouldn't have survived. As it was, he was dying. But as a Campione he had enough vitality to hold on; long enough to finish his incantation.
Everything erupted in a world of fire.
()
Erica watched the battle.
She felt utter despair watching it.
It hadn't started that way.
Oh, at first, she had felt shaking trepidation. How could she not, a three-way fight between two gods and a Campione? The sheer destruction it could unleash might sink the entire island of Sardinia. Not knowing a single thing about how Jace Armell intended to do battle further stressed her fortitude.
Then he had struck Verethragna down.
In that moment Erica Blandlelli had felt hope. Hope that the battle will not end in disaster. Hope that the tragedy of so long ago would be averted this time around. Hope that the Seventh Campione would prevail, saving the people of Sardinia, even if unintentionally.
Then the God of [War] emerged from the lethal sun flare, alive, and still able to fight.
Too far to offer aid Erica couldn't intervene. She had retreated as the Seventh Campione had requested. Something about the tone in his voice when he'd made the order, left Erica with the impression it was best to simply heed the command.
So, Erica Blandelli did the only thing she could do. She offered a silent prayer to the Seventh Campione.
Jace Armell did not disappoint. He fought with all the courage of a lion defending his pride. Erica couldn't believe when he turned the raging thunderstorm above against the gods. It left her feeling determined. She felt that Jace Armell could defeat the Heretic Gods. The attack had caught them both off guard, surely it had slain at least one of them.
Then the smoke had cleared. And both gods were still alive.
Erica saw Verethragna's unstoppable advance. Lighting despite its previous success couldn't touch the god. Then the tornado that was so strong she could feel its pull from over two kilometers away was cleaved like a hot knife through butter.
The despair set in when Verethragna skewered the Seventh Campione on his sword.
Erica decided to run. She hated the choice; it completely went against her pride. But she knew she had to. She was responsible for Arianna and Godou now. Running was the only way to save their lives. No. Not just their lives but the lives of every civilian in Sardinia. Someone needed to see that the civilians evacuated. That was her duty as a knight.
Just as she was about to give the order, she saw it.
The eruption of fire. A massive conflagration that exploded from Jace Armell. The flames completely consumed Jace and Verethragna, obscuring them from view. The inferno didn't stop there though. It kept spreading, burning its way forward in all directions. The sea of flame seemed to be reaching at everything in the hopes of burning it.
Though it did stop. Fortunately, it only came close enough to Erica, Godou, and Arriana for them to feel its stinging heat. And what heat it was. They were instantly sweating as the rolling waves of oppressive heat battered their skin.
()
A moment, an eternity. It was hard to say how long the divine fire burned. Eventually though it began to wane. The heat cooled slightly. The flames receded to their epicenter. So, the process went. The fire refused to die easily, raging to burn until nothing remained but ash. But it did diminish. Until all that was left was a mere bonfire of the prior inferno. Once it faded all that remained was a shallow, ashen pit.
Inside the pit rested the body of Jace Armell. And him alone.
Verethragna was nowhere to be seen. The Victor had been defeated(?).
"Splendid, absolutely splendid."
Verethragna was nowhere to be seen but the god's voice was clear to hear.
"I had hoped for a magnificent battle, and you granted me the very defeat I sought out. King of Man you are truly a supreme warrior. Ah, to be bested is such a novel experience."
The voice of Verethragna was elated, but unwaveringly calm. The tone an old warrior would use when faced with a satisfying loss. One only comprehensible to warriors who sought out meaning in the sword.
For this was the last moment of the God of Victory Verethragna, The Smiter. Using the last of his divinity Verethragna was communicating to the mortal realm before being vanquished back to the immortal plane.
"Go forth O' Champion, go forth with the blessing of the Victor. May Pandora grant you the might of Victory, so thou might remain peerless."
The voice grew fainter, as the connection between realms faded with Verethragna's passing.
"Remain undefeated, conquering over every foe. Remain victorious until we meet once again. Become stronger so we might cross blades once again."
It was a mere whisper of the last words before they faded into nothingness.
"My most treasured foe….. Jace Armell."
As the last words of Verethragna were spoken, an inverted pyramid, with six spokes leading to six circles manifested above Jace. Slowly the stela sunk into Jace's chest, insistently pressing inward.
Once the stela had fully sunk into Jace, he began glowing an amber orange. His divine aura as a Campione was pulsing, indicating an Authority was actively at work. His wounds began to heal.
Slowly, slowly, all the damage received during the battle began to knit itself. And Jace's neck, broken horrendously, was whole.
Erica and Godou were too far to see exactly the minute details, as it was, they were just struggling to move against the high ambient heat surrounding Jace Armell. While the flames had receded, the heat left behind remained lethal, such was their severity.
A sudden downpour of cold rain hissed against the fire blasted ground. Steam rose from where the rain met the superheated ground.
Melqart was still alive and able.
"To think I would be forgotten in the midst of battle. Inconceivable!"
Melqart was alive, empowered, and angry.
"An insult such as this demands restitution. And to steal away my vengeance on the Warlord! Godslayer you truly are an impertinent one. Melqart shall see to it that you receive just punishment for your sins."
Erica tensed. Melqart was going to kill Jace Armell and there was nothing her, Godou, nor the unconscious Campione could do to stop the Ancient King.
"But not this day. Melqart shall accept nothing less than your defeat in battle. Honor demands it!"
Or not.
The giant god turned his gaze onto Erica and Godou. The weight of the gaze weathered them. Erica bowed in an attempt to placate that overwhelming intensity. The giant god spoke to them, commanding them.
"Mortals, heed the word of Melqart. After the Godslayer awakens inform him I await him on the field of battle. Three days I shall wait for him. Should he fail to show Melqart will brand him a coward and act accordingly."
Erica cried out. "What do you intend in such a case God-Melqart?!"
Melqart's response was a simple one. "Enact just punishment on the mortals of this land. The sea and land are full of filth spread by humanity. Intolerable. I shall sink these islands, NAY, the coast of the whole Mediterranean! That will be his mark as a coward, one undeserving of the title and throne of Godslayer. All will know him as the warrior struck down by Melqart or as the cur who ran away."
Erica could feel it. The trembling of her body at hearing the Ancient King's words. Melqart was not boasting. That would have been a warm reality. No. The giant god was utterly serious. And if a god was serious, they were capable of what they spoke. Melqart could actually sink the Mediterranean.
Killing millions in the process.
Godou wanted to throw up. This was wrong. Who would kill so many people just to get a battle?!
Both teenagers wanted none of this to be real. But it was.
They spoke at the same time. "How will he find you?"
Melqart kept his reply short. "Your King will know the way. Melqart shall not hide."
With that Melqart turned away, his steps churning the sea as he waded through it. Before long the giant god disappeared in gust of wind.
Godou fell to his butt as the adrenaline left his system. That… had been a lot. More than he had originally thought it would be. It was decided. Gods and Campione were dangerous. Though some part of him couldn't help but admire it. Jace Armell that was. Despite knowing little more than he did on the subject Armell had leaped headfirst into the proverbial fire. And he'd won. Godou if was honest was a little awe struck at just… how cool the flame haired man was.
Erica was more concerned than she'd ever been in her life. If Melqart carried out his promise…. No. It wouldn't be like last time. The King of Swords might not be here this time, but Erica was. Erica Blandelli wasn't powerless this time. This time she could act. This time she could do something.
This time she had a resource now that she hadn't had all those years ago. A Campione. Jace Armell was clearly a dangerous, vicious man if the way he had fought was any indicator. Which was exactly what Erica was counting on. Verethragna was powerful. Had been powerful. But Jace Armell had defeated the god all the same through cunning, luck, and skill. Erica didn't exactly trust Jace Armell, the man was simply too much of an unknown. But he was capable enough and that was all that mattered.
Now she just needed to convince him to fight Melqart. Hopefully his innate tendency as a Campione for battle would goad him on enough.
()
Authority Highlight
Verethragna
[Raptor]: Verethragna's avatar of superspeed. Enables the god to move at God-speed. A state where the natural laws of physics are bent to enable impossible actions.
[Camel] Verethragna's aspect of sturdiness and resilience. Grant a superhuman regeneration factor. Likening to a camel, grants incredible leg strength and stamina. Can create shockwaves when a kick/stomp is performed.
[Ram] Verethragna's aspect of rejuvenation. Represents the gods Victory over death itself. Allows for revival if Verethragna is killed. But only once per day. Revival is instaneous.
[Bull]: Verethragna's avatar of superstrength. Grants the god the superhuman strength comparable to Heracles, the Greek demigod.
[Goat]: Verethragna's avatar of lighting control. Enables the god to manipulate lighting, even that which has been manifested by another Authority.
[Stallion]: Verethragna's avatar of light. Grants the god the ability to shapeshift into a solar stallion. The attack launches at lightspeed, surpassing god-speed. Explosive incendiary attack, with heat equal to or greater than the sun at its epicenter.
[Gale] Verethragna's aspect of wind. Associated with the God's mythical tendencies to appear save those in danger, via a roaring gust of wind.
[Warrior/Golden Sword] Grants insight to an enemy, allowing Verethragna peer into an opponent's divinity; but only one at a time. Within enough insight, the manifested avatar, a golden sword can cut through divinity, severing Authorities and their effects.
Melqart
[Yagarish]: The chaser, divine wooden club covered in wind.
[Ayyamarri]: The driver, divine wooden club covered in lightning.
[Tyrrhenian Heracles]: Grants superhuman strength comparable to Heracles, the Greek demigod.
[Baal Hadad]: Aspect of Melqart that grants control over the sea and storms.
Jace Armell
[?] Capable of creating a massive inferno. ?