Disclaimer: The works of of Campione(!) and any other used series belong solely to their respective owners. No commissions will be accepted for this project, as it would be against doing this as a work of passion. Also potentially illegal.
Greetings.
Verethragna's defeat. Some of you are probably wondering why Jace didn't use the [Golden Sword]. It is essentially Verethragna's trump of trump cards, something that would be highly useful. It would be. If Jace had any idea how it worked. Jace did learn about Verethragna's ten avatars, and the legends surrounding the deity. But that information never translated into how the Authority of the God of Victory would actually function. Jace prefers to use an ability he knew how it would function over one that he could only guess about. Then brings about the [Stallion] question. No, Jace did not know exactly how it would function, but he had a strong guess. Stronger than that of the [Golden Sword]. Now why did Verethragna die after the second immolation, instead of reviving again? In canon Verethragna could resurrect as many times as he wanted. But at the same time he was splintered apart by Melqart who did not possesses any divinity severing ability that we know of. Unless I'm misremembering this wasn't addressed directly in the light novels. I decided to go with if the revival is interrupted Verethragna cannot fully resurrect. Jace's Authority burned long and strong enough to fulfill that condition. Thus, Verethragna was defeated. Now, that isn't to say the fire Authority is a guaranteed kill no matter the circumstance. As we saw briefly with Melqart, their are ways to negate the attack if an appropriate Authority is chosen. If Verethragna had the [Gale] he could have escaped, but he didn't so the god was immolated. Permanently.
On that note, I decided against giving Heretic Gods the option of using a divine barrier, at least one that's not specific to that god. I can't remember if it was ever in the light novels, but I didn't particularly care for it myself. It was something of a plot hole in my opinion. It's essentially unbreakable except for Authorities that can cut through divinity. Which meant only canonical Godou out of all the Campione could cut through it. Maybe Doni with his Rippling hand of Silver. But the rest? They'd essentially be beating themselves against an unbreakable wall until they dropped out of exhaustion.
Regarding the way I displayed the transfer of Authorities, I decided to use a mixture of inspiration from the Campione(!) anime and "God Slaying Blade Works" by Marcus. I thought about using a more spectacular method, but in the end thought the quiet transfer was a nice contrast from the drama of a fight.
SPOILERS
Moving on to Jace's usurped Authorities. I decided to give Jace six of Verethragna's abilities. My reasons for doing so are as such. First, Jace is still the one to bring defeat to Verethragna. This fulfills both canonical aims of the God of Victory as well as Veneration verse [Heresy]. Meaning the purpose of of Verethragna's descent afflicted him with an overriding urge that the god could not ignore, despite the strong will Verethragna naturally possess. As such the God of Victory is grateful to Jace, enabling more Authorities to be taken in victory. I feel the God of Victory would be happy to empower my OC for a future rematch. Now that begs the question as to why Jace didn't receive all ten Authorities. Simply put, Jace isn't a hero. He might be doing something that could be construed as heroic, but it certainly isn't for heroic reasons. As such several Authorities, the [Goat], the [Gale], and the [Stallion] are more the tools of a hero vanquishing evil or protecting the people. They just don't fit his personality. As for the [Raptor] I simply didn't feel it would fit Jace's fighting style. Or what will become his fighting style. So it would be an under utilized Authority. I decided it would be better to instead enhance the other Authorities Jace received from Verethragna. Yes, the Authorities are largely the same as Campione(!) canon, but are stronger, closer to Verethragna's. I feel this is justified by the acquisition of less Authorities. Now the last bit of my reasoning, would Pandora allow Jace to usurp an Authority? A fair question. Pandora in canon is all about fair play. Godou got away with interference (Melqart) in the light novel, because he was human. Pandora determined that it was fair to capitalize on the opportunity due to the power difference between a god and a mortal. If Jace had tried the same thing as a Campione it would have failed. Such as when Doni killed Perseus in the light novel after Godou had beaten the god to a pulp. The difference between that and how I set up the fight is that it was a three way slug-fest. Each of the combatants were equally gunning for the others, so Jace was fighting two gods, not just one, at the same time. I believe Pandora would allow for usurpation on this condition.
We see our first bit with the creators of the Campione system. I decided to add in Epithemeus and Prometheus as characters because, if Pandora is going to be there it makes sense for someone who cares so much about family to have hers along for the ride. I hope the mystery around their reactions regarding Heretic Gods and the Campione system are generating intrigue. Worry not, all shall be revealed in due time. As for why Jace got a visit, it has to do with his death. Much like in canon, Pandora, and now co., are inhabiting the realm between life and death. Campione who die are sent to Pandora's section of the realm, where she uses this as an opportunity to meet with her 'children'.
We see more of the alterations of Campione in the Veneration verse. I believe the choices I made regarding the durability of Campione are fair. Campione are both God-slayers and tyrants over humans. They need to be durable enough to survive clashes with both Heretic Gods and mortals. That said, I haven't made them invincible. Humans are still capable of wounding or even killing Campione, especially with modern weaponry. It wouldn't be easy, but it is feasible. The hard part is overcoming their instincts for danger, then surviving the retaliation. On that note, only things capable of inflicting significant harm to a Campione will actually set off their preternatural instincts. The 'danger' in this scene doesn't count as a enough of a threat to trigger Jace's instinct.
Lastly we'll be slowing down for a little bit, for this and the next chapter. I most likely won't be doing chapters with back to back major fights. At least not often. I'd prefer to do a build up, have a major fight, then the fallout from said fight. We'll see the consequences of Jace's battle with Verethragna soon enough.
Veneration
Human Rising Arc
Chapter 4: The Morning After
Not all champions are saints.
The world was unseen to Jace, for his eyes were closed. They were heavy, as if he hadn't slept for a good long while.
"He is stable. This child of yours is particularly lucky this time round. Most don't gamble their lives on the off chance they'll receive an Authority of resurrection."
But his ears heard the sound of voices. Far too loud voices for Jace's taste, especially for how tired he felt.
"Come now brother, my son performed splendidly. He gave the Smiter a thorough thrashing!"
Son? Jace was no one's son. Who dared to call him that?
"Hey now. It wasn't like Jace was trying to die. That brat simply surprised him is all. Besides honey is right, our boy won like a badass!"
Definitely too loud. In annoyance Jace's eyes snapped open.
A scathing retort on his tongue Jace was about to unleash a little bit of hell when what he saw caught him off guard.
Three faces were bickering just above him. He realized his head was in the lap of one of the individuals.
Jace immediately shot into action. Using his core muscles, he propelled himself upward. The momentum brought his feet to the ground, where he simultaneously shoved all his weight onto his feet and pumped his leg muscles. Once fully stood up, Jace swung around, assuming a fighting stance.
"Who the bloody fuck are you three?" Jace glared at the formerly bickering, now stunned group.
What he saw was surreal. Two men, one with a beard, the other without. The bearded man was huge, easily a foot taller than the already 2.15meter Jace. With a muscular structure to match, bulging muscles covering the giant's frame. Unlike his large physical presence, the man's face was far less intimidating. Crinkles belying a face that smiled often. Eyes that shone brightly with a simple mirthful warmth. The man appeared as if a jovial bear.
The other man was in many ways the opposite. Just as tall, but far less muscular. Not to say that he was scrawny, but it was an endurance athlete's build opposed to a bear. Calm, intelligent eyes gazed back at Jace. A set line of lips betrayed little emotion. This man held himself in the manner of an academic.
The last of the group was the woman. Or rather girl? She was petite, only coming up the stomach of the two giant sized men. Her hair was in an impossible lavender color, while her eyes were the literal shade of emerald. The girl(?) was the most stunned, her face set into an expression of pure shock. After a few moments of staring the girl(?) put on a winning smile.
"You're finally awake! We were getting awfully worried about you, you know. I was ready to pinch your nose to wake you up!"
Jace's eyes narrowed, not appreciating the lack of answer he received. Face turning stern, Jace asked his query again with a harder tone. "I'll ask again. Who are you three and where am I?"
The bearded giant and lavenderette looked too each other, then spoke simultaneously.
"We're your family! Welcome home son!"
Jace blinked and said nothing, bewildered into temporary silence.
Taking the cue wrongly as permission to proceed the bearded giant and lavenderette continued.
"I'm Epithemeus, your father! They call me the Heritor of Hindsight. Please call me dad!" The bearded giant jollily boomed out, thrusting a thumb in toward himself.
"And I'm Pandora, your mother! I consider myself the Weaver of Fate. Call me mom, I insist!" The lavenderette warmly proclaimed. She opened her arms to Jace, as if insisting the much taller man jump into her arms as if he was a small child.
Jace scowled. Darkly.
"You are not my parents."
Both Epithemeus and Pandora's expressions downturned slightly. But both held onto their smiles.
Pandora walked closer to Jace, slowly as if approaching a small animal. "I know this is sudden, but we are your family. It was us that pulled you back after your fight with the Ancient Ones. Please try to understand—"
Jace thrust one hand, palm outward, in Pandora's direction. "Not one step closer. I don't know you people and the first thing out of your mouth is nonsense. Until I get a straight answer, I'm going to assume you're my enemy. Now either start talking sense or else this gets ugly quickly."
Epithemeus looked crestfallen at Jace's words. He openly sighed, sadness creeping into the giant's eyes.
Pandora stood shock still. She didn't move for or even seem to breathe for a solid minute.
Then.
She started bawling. Tears poured down her face and her lips quivered. Turning on her heel, Pandora ran toward the giant Epithemeus. The bearded giant knelt down to meet the lavederette. Pandora threw herself into Epithemeus's arms.
"Epi our son hates me!" The lavendette bawled. "Not only won't he acknowledge me as his mother, but he also hates me. Jace hates us!" So, it went and went on, Pandora bawling, while Epithemeus slowly rubbed circles into her back with his oversized hands.
The last member of the trio rubbed his forehead. Clearly displeased by the progress of the conversation he finally spoke. "Allow me to convey what my dear siblings were supposed to."
Clearing his throat the unnamed man(?) continued. "My name is Prometheus. Many have called me the Bearer of Foresight. I do apologize for my brother and Pandora's antics. They mean no harm, but they lack… insight into the consequences of actions. Rather than family it would be more proper to consider us your patrons."
Jace stood his ground, still wary. "My patrons? Wait, did you say Pandora? I've heard that name before. A certain witch told me a little about the ones responsible for Campione. You're claiming to be them?" Jace was still cautious. He could feel something strange connection between himself and the three. It was altogether different from the pull he felt towards Verethragna and Melqart. It was a less agitating sensation. It reminded Jace of a time long past when he used to feel… safe.
It sent him on edge. Whatever this feeling was Jace didn't like how it tempted him to relax amongst utter strangers. Doing something like that for someone like Jace was a good way to get killed. He needed to be careful, while his instincts weren't screaming danger, he was in unknown territory.
Prometheus mused "Ah so the mortal world has kept some remembrance of us after all. It's been a while since I last heard mention of us. Then again so few of my students visit so these sorts of talks are rare. I digress. Yes, we are the patrons of God-slayers though I imagine our true nature is obscure to mortals of this age."
Jace didn't take Prometheus at face value. Jace knew this misty world had something to do with the arcane but that was it. Outright trusting these strangers was inadvisable, they might just have been Heretic Gods in disguise.
So, the Campione asked for a demonstration. "Do you have proof? Because you're making a pretty bold claim."
Prometheus raised an eyebrow. "What kind would you like? A raging firestorm? A wave of pestilence? Perhaps I should strip you of your newfound powers? Honestly, I can do none of that."
Now Jace raised an eyebrow. "So, you can't back up your claim?"
Prometheus thinly smiled. When he spoke next Jace listened intently as if someone was bending his ear. "You slew the Heretic God Verethragna. You have usurped six Authorities from the defeated god. Namely his avatars of Victory. Go ahead and check."
Jace cocked his head. Now this Prometheus was speaking some truth. The question was how much? Jace wasn't sure how he supposed to check and as the giant man said. Unless… Jace gave Prometheus and the onlooking Epithemeus and Pandora a once over. None of them had any form of killing intent radiating from them. Taking a chance, Jace closed his eyes.
The Campione stilled his mind. Whenever Jace was about to enter a fight, he would always empty his mind to assess the situation. It brought clarity unlike any sobering shock. It was how he managed to sense the situation around him, every minute detail. Now he turned it inward.
The world was still, still like frozen water. Then he saw them. A raging wildfire, burning all in its path. It called to him, roared for release. Promising to annihilate all that stood in his way. It promised to destroy the trio if he so desired. Jace wrenched himself away from the call. He wasn't about to let himself be consumed. It was unreal how natural that fire felt. As if it had always been a part of him, even though he knew it was a new addition.
Then there was the shining icon. An inverted pyramid surrounded surround by six circles. Each circle held a form Victory. Each sung an unheard chant to Jace. A Bull, A Camel, A Boar A Ram, A Youth, An Armed Warrior. They did not promise, they guaranteed Victory if Jace summoned them. He wanted to summon them, bask in their grand power, their illuminated grandeur. Jace pushed them away, not because he was about to be overwhelmed but because something else had caught his eye.
Another image stood out, though it did not claw for his attention. This one was silent.
A dormant volcano.
Jace reached out for it. But no matter how much he reached he could never touch it. It was as if he was being held back.
Jace had seen enough. At least enough to hear the strangers out.
Jace withdrew from his inner contemplation, rejoining the outer world.
The three were looking at him with expectant expressions. Two were watching with teary eyes, the other was waiting with sublime patience.
"Okay, you're telling the truth." Calmly Jace uttered.
"See! I told you we were family! Now lets—" Pandora attempted to once again assert familial ties, only to be shot down as Jace interrupted her.
"I'm only referring to the fact you are who you claim to be. Nothing more." The flame-haired youth stated sternly.
Pandora deflated even further somehow, shrinking into herself.
Returning his attention to Prometheus Jace posed a sole question. "So, what now?" His tone was guarded, albeit much less hostile. Jace knew at the very least they weren't inherently hostile to himself as Heretic Gods appeared to be. But that again posed a question. What were these strangers' intentions.
Prometheus gave a wry smile. "As I said earlier consider us your patrons. Our purpose is to assist you in your capacity as a God-slayer. I assume you have a great number of questions for us. We would be happy to answer them. But a word of advice."
Jace raised an eyebrow once, it felt as if someone was bending his ear.
"Our time here is limited so pick only your most potent questions. For there is no telling when we will have the chance to meet again." Prometheus gravely stated.
Jace rubbed at his chin, closing one eye in concentration. So, it was a window of limited opportunity. He needed to quickly, but carefully decide his queries.
Jace picked the most pressing question he had at hand. "Do you control the Campione?" Jace asked his Russian accent thick with intention. This question was the one he needed to have answered the most.
It was Panora who spoke this time. Her voice, unlike before was neither jovial nor saddened, no, now it was iron. "What parent controls their children like puppets? No. We only guide, your path is your own Jace Armell." Something else laced Pandora voice. Something more than mere sincerity. Something primal. Jace couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew that Pandora was telling the truth.
Jace nodded his head. 'Good. Now I don't have to kill them. No telling how difficult that would have been.' Jace asked his second question, one that was nearly as important as the first. "What are Heretic Gods?"
Panora stiffened. She averted her eyes, hanging her head as she answered, "A mistake."
Jace raised an eyebrow, that sounded personal to his ears. Before he could question further though it was Epimetheus that intervened.
"Heretic Gods as you call them are aberrations that should not exist. They have no place in the world of mortals. Feel free to slay them all my son." The bearded giant profusely stated.
Jace crossed his arms. That was an explanation, but not one that really helped him.
"I was hoping you'd explain better how to kill them." Jace prodded the trio.
"Unfortunately, being deities as numerous as the stars there is no 'set methodology' to killing a God. You'll simply have to discover your own methods God-slayer. Hurry our time is running short." Prometheus answered in response.
Jace growled, he had more questions! Thinking fast, Jace asked his last question.
"Why create the Campione?!"
The trio looked too one another, exchanging millennia of experience in one short glance. As one they answered.
"Gods are a plague upon mankind, sowing destruction in their wake. God-slayers are the response of a people crying out for salvation. Oh Iconoclast, tear down the Heretic Gods invading your domain. Bend them to your Authority, for the sake of humanity."
An image of a windowless room superimposed itself onto Jace's vision. Reality distorted as the image began sharpening and defining itself.
Jace Armell was nigh upon revival to the mortal world.
Pandora shot a winning smile at the young Campione. "Do your best Jace! Mamma is rooting for you. Oh, and tell your siblings hi!"
Jace blanked out as reality slipped away.
() Early that morning
Erica in all her wildest dreams had never anticipated being a direct participant in a battle between a Heretic God and Campione. It was ludicrous! The forces at play were walking natural disasters. There she had been an ant among giants. But an important ant. It was because of her assistance that Jace Armell had seized the initiative and defeated the god Verethragna.
It felt good. Not the battle itself. That had been terrifying. No, helping to strike down Verethragna was…. reassuring. In that one moment it had vindicated all the years of painstaking work the Great Knight had subjected herself to. Only dealing the finishing blow would have been more satisfying. But no, even greedy as Erica Blandelli was, she wasn't foolish enough to directly combat a god. So, she settled for a god's death by proxy.
'Erica Blandelli, settle. I never settle, yet here I am. Grateful for something gifted to me by another. That's a first.'
The Great Knight thought back to the mysterious man who was responsible. The Seventh King of the World; Jace Armell. A man who by all measures had never even seen real magic until the day of his coronation. A man who launched headfirst into danger where others would have rightfully run away. Yet done so with cold rationality, calmly noting every detail of his opponents too better tear them apart. In a way the stark opposite of the King of Swords.
Erica gripped the cellphone in her hand, hard enough to start shaking the phone. Willing herself to relax, Erica speed-dialed the first of two numbers saved. A brief hum as the phone attempted to connect. Then "Hello? Who is calling?" A male voice emanated from the cellphone.
Erica took a deep breath, then let it out. She wasn't concerned about the caller. No, she was more concerned about the fact she was going to end the largest manhunt in modern history.
"Zio it's me. I have news." Erica simply stated.
"Ah, my precious niece! What has you calling old Paolo directly?" The older man's jovial voice emanated from the phone.
"I found the Seventh Campione." Erica bluntly stated.
A pause. Paolo's tone became far more serious. "I see. Go ahead tell me everything."
"Their name is Jace Armell. He claims to be a seventeen-year-old Russian male. I found him in Caligari, alongside a grimoire."
The scratching of a pen could be heard in the background, Paolo taking notes to ensure the veracity of future information dissemination. "Proof of ascension?"
"I personally witnessed him slay the Heretic God Verethragna. It was the conclusion of a three-way duel between the Seventh, Verethragna, and Heretic God Melqart."
Paolo whistled in disbelief. "Quite the accomplishment to slay one God while fighting against another as well. A sublime coronation. How though?"
Erica smirked, it wasn't often her uncle misunderstood a situation. "No, Zio it was the Seventh's second kill not his first. After using the Tablet of Prometheus to turn Verethragna's own power against the god, he unleashed an Authority of [Fire] to burn the god to ash."
Paolo on his end rubbed at his chin, contemplating what he was being told. "Are you sure it was his second kill? The seers reportedly witnessed a Campione fighting against a bestial Heretic God. Is his Majesty telling you everything?"
Erica frowned; she had already suspected the newest Campione to be withholding information. "Unfortunately, I cannot be certain, Jace Armell is a cunning man who plays his cards close to his chest. He didn't warn me of his Authority until absolutely necessary for me to survive its activation."
A sharp intake of breath could be heard through the line. "Are you injured Erica?"
"No Zio, I'm fine. It was dicey but Jace Armell took the brunt of the gods wrath." Erica's voice softened as she spoke. Normally Erica was domineering, taking control of a situation to her own ends. Rarely if ever did she display 'softness' for others to see. But for a select few who knew her well, they were privy to a gentler side of Erica.
Paolo sighed in relief, now knowing that his beloved niece wasn't on her death bed. "You nearly gave this old man a heart attack. I won't scold you though for confronting a god, knowing you the lives of others were at stake."
Erica smiled. It was always good to speak to her uncle. He never failed to insert a comforting presence in her life. Afterall he was the only family member the blond had left.
"Nothing less Zio." A frown edged out the smile on Erica's face. "Lives are still at stake Zio. Melqart stated he will sink the Mediterranean, as punishment for sins committed against nature."
"That's very bad. An unprecedented disaster that will cost millions of human lives. Erica, in your opinion is Jace Armell capable of defeating Melqart? Honesty child."
Erica wasn't sure how to answer. She'd witnessed Jace Armell defeat an obviously powerful Heretic God. But he had died in the process. It was pure luck that he'd apparently obtained an ability allowing him to resurrect post death. Yet that same power was a new asset at his disposal. Who knows what other abilities he was hiding? Then again, he no longer possessed the same element of surprise. But Jace Armell was now a veteran God-slayer, who had a better measure of his foes. All these considerations among others warred in Erica's head as she struggled to answer.
Finally, Erica reached a conclusion. "I believe Jace Armell has the potential to win. But I cannot be certain. Zio. I think we need to contact the King of Swords."
Unseen to Erica, Paolo's eyes widened. For his beloved niece to suggest obtaining the assistance of the King of Swords was practically unthinkable. Campione were inherently dangerous. Naturally they were the only one's capable of fighting Heretic Gods. But that was like fighting fire with fire. The amount of destruction caused by the battle between the two walking disasters could level cities.
Then there was the personal history between the Blandelli family and the King of Swords.
For her to suggest the King of Swords specifically, spoke volumes of the direness of the situation.
"Very well. I'll send a message to his servant. But a forewarning. Lord Salvatore was last heard of being in South America. It will be days before he is able to reach Sardinia."
Erica nearly cursed.
Days were all they had. If the King of Swords couldn't react in time, that would mean everything rested on the shoulders of Jace Armell.
"Erica you've met the Seventh King, will he fight God Melqart?"
Erica pondered the question, weighing everything she knew about Campione and Jace Armell. Campione were unpredictable individuals. The Demon-King of the Balkans and the King of Swords were known to be eager to engage Heretic Gods, actively seeking them out. Others such as the Black Prince and the Holy Maiden were troublesome individuals, but were passive regarding Heretic Gods, unless they incidentally crossed paths.
As for Jace Armell…
"When God Verethragna issued a challenge the Seventh didn't hesitate to commit. But…" Erica paused thinking back two nights ago. Remembering the words of Jace Armell, Erica recalled 'These gods seem to have it out for me, so if I just ignore him, he'll come after me anyway. Better to fight on my own terms than some else's.'
"Jace Armell will fight Zio. Of that, I'm sure. And if not, I'll convince him."
"I understand. Erica, I'm loath to place you in danger but the circumstances demand it. As the Paladin of the Copper-Black-Cross, I'm ordering you to assist the Seventh Campione in engaging Melqart."
Erica wanly smiled. It wasn't everyday her protective uncle not only let her into danger but ordered her to actively march toward it. "I will honor my position as a Great Knight and the Copper-Black-Cross." "Wish me luck Zio."
"I'd rather wish you a safe journey my dear niece. I'll send word through the network to aid you and the Seventh in whatever manner our organization and affiliates can manage." "Be victorious Erica."
The call ended.
() Afternoon
The first thing Jace noted upon waking was that the bed he was in was hard. No wait. It wasn't a bed, but a wooden chair. He was sitting too upright to be in a bed. A bit of moving around also inserted another nugget of information into his brain.
'Bloody Shit'. Jace was tied down to the chair.
Well, it wasn't the first time he'd been in this situation, so he at least knew what to do.
Finally opening his eyes, Jace looked and saw he wasn't on the shoreline of Saridinia anymore. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the gloom, Jace saw where he was. Partially. The room was windowless, lit from overhead lights, and made of concrete walls.
'A warehouse huh. Well, somebody didn't want me in public.' Jace mused assessing the situation. He'd clearly been kidnapped, then brought to a secluded locale, judging from the lack of noise that indicates human activity.
Wait, there was some noise. Someone was speaking right behind him.
"Oh man, oh shit, we're in so much trouble. What are we going to do?" The speaker nervously repeated to themselves.
That voice sounded familiar to Jace's ear.
"Kusanagi is that you?" Jace calmly uttered.
A sharp intake of air followed by a gasp. "Armell-sama your finally awake! Thank goodness." Godou exclaimed. "I thought you were dead, then Blandelli-san said you were technically but not for long, then-" Godou stammered out.
Jace cut him off.
"Kusanagi focus. Important details only. Where are we and who brought us here?"
Godou took in another sharp breath of air. The Japanese teenager was terrified to his wits end. But having the iron-willed Campione ordering him, gave Godou some clarity. "I don't know exactly where we are, but I know we're still in Sardinia. I think this is some kind of warehouse."
Alright. Good. Jace hadn't been teleported to another far-off corner of the world.
"Okay. Now how did we get here? The last thing I remember is immolating Verethragna. Not taking a run to an abandoned warehouse."
Godou spoke slowly as if he was unsure. "Uh, I think we were abducted by cultists."
Jace blinked, not that Godou could see. "Explain." The Campione ordered.
Godou spoke a little more clearly sensing a rushed response would only piss off the superhuman. "Well, it was after Blandelli-san and I carried you back to Lucretia's. Blandelli-san said she had to make contact with her organization, so she left me in charge of watching over you. I was coming back from the bathroom when I heard a banging downstairs. I went to check and found some… weirdos in clothing straight out of an anime. Robes with pointy hooded masks and everything. They said some gibberish and next thing I knew I was here with you."
Jace grunted. "I see. That gibberish must have been a spell like Blandelli was using. Guess they hauled the both of us here after that."
"Armell-sama why would they abduct us? I mean we haven't done anything to them."
"Who knows. It doesn't matter either. What matters is what they plan to do with us." Jace laconically stated.
Godou turned in his seat a little, as much as the ropes binding him allowed. "What they plan to do with us?" Godou in his panic hadn't thought beyond his immediate fear of being whisked away to an unknown location.
Jace slowly said the following. "Da. I only know of two reasons you do this to someone. The first is for leverage."
"Leverage?" Godou questioned, unaware of what Jace meant.
The flame-haired Campione grunted. "They want something from us or want to use us to get something. Usually either information or to guarantee cooperation from another party. Before you ask, I don't know what they want."
Godou cut off from asking his obvious question went with the next idea that popped into his head. "Wait you said there are two reasons. What's the second?"
Jace didn't hesitate to answer even though he already knew what it would do to the Japanese youth. "To execute."
"Execute?"
"To kill someone Kusanagi." Jace bluntly said.
It had a predictable effect. Godou blanched. His face paled, then he started pouring out denials. "But we haven't done anything to them! Who just goes around killing other people? That can't be right!" Godou thought such a situation was too absurd to be real.
Jace didn't shout. The Campione didn't need to. His voice as hard as steel, he commanded "Shut up Kusanagi."
Godou immediately quieted down. As unnerved as he was of the situation he found himself in, he found himself unable to defy the Russian teenager.
"Just stay quiet and let me handle the situation. I think our 'friends' are coming back." Jace gave his last order before falling silent.
From an adjoining hallway, three men stepped into the dim light of the fluorescent bulbs hanging overhead. Just like Godou had described, the abductors were covered in robes, with hooded masks. Unable to see their face save for the eyes through narrow slits in the masks, Jace could only guess to the identity of these men.
"I told you I heard voices. The prisoners are awake." The man on the left spoke in a strange tongue Jace had never heard before.
"About time. I thought the big one was never going to wake up. He was pain to carry here." The man on the right said again in that strange tongue.
"Enough. It's time to interrogate them." The man in the center commanded.
Jace was glad for his Language ability to understand any and all languages. It enabled him to listen in on conversations others thought safe from his 'unlearned' ears. Not that he was about to waste this card. If these abductors thought Jace couldn't understand their conversation all the better. Godou for his part couldn't understand the strange, melodious language. It wasn't Japanese or English. He just going to have to trust in Jace Armell.
"So, you three are the ones who dragged us here." Jace said in English as the trio of robed figures closed the distance. The center figure cocked his head, not expecting his prisoners to be so calm. The three men spoke some kind of chant, in that strange language. When they finished the center figure addressed Jace directly in English.
"You two are going to answer some questions for us. I suggest you cooperate."
"Sure. I'd be happy to answer bloody questions. But I have a couple of my own." Jace retorted confidently.
The robed figures on either side snorted in derision. The center figure audibly scowled. "You are in no position to make demands young man."
Jace put on a tiny smile still confident "Consider it a game. You ask a question I answer. I ask a question you answer. Makes it more fun."
"Fun?" The robed man on the left unconsciously asked.
"Yeah. I mean interrogations are pretty boring otherwise. I don't squirm much if your after that." Jace quipped.
The center man crossed his arms debating the merits of such an activity. After a few moments he reached a decision. "Very well, we'll play this 'game'. But if you don't answer our questions this will become very unpleasant for you."
'Leverage it is. Good. I can figure out how many bastards there are.' Jace internally mused.
The center man continued speaking "Where is Erica Blandelli?"
"Don't know. She went off to contact her organization, didn't say where. Consider this a free one, I don't know when she'll be back." Jace never gave out additional info without reason. The more compliant these men believed him, the more likely they were to lower their guard.
"Erica Blandelli is already announcing her ascension. Too bad the tart will not have time for her coronation." The man on the left addressed his colleagues.
"Ha! The Demon-King will be like a lamb to the slaughter. These two were a boon to find." The man on the right exclaimed.
'Ascension? Demon-King? What does Blandelli have to do with that.' Jace quietly listened as his abductors erroneously believed themselves to be in secret conversation.
"Alright my turn. Why do you care about Blandelli?"
The man in the center scoffed at Jace's question. "As if you don't know."
"I don't." Jace asserted. He had an inkling, but he needed to make sure.
The center man's eyes narrowed. "Playing dumb is dangerous young man. But I'll humor you. For now. As your well aware, Erica Blandelli fought the great God Verethragna. You also know she managed to slay Lord Verethragna, no doubt using her skills as a Great Knight." Anger entered the center man's voice. "Our great Lord killed by a slip of a girl! Such injustice cannot be overlooked. Fortunately, fate has blessed us with fortune. With you two we can lure Erica Blandelli into a trap and bring her to justice."
"Oh that. Got rocked pretty hard by some lighting, memory's a little fuzzy. But, yeah Blandelli took Verethragna head on. Can't believe she turned the god's own Authority against himself to kill him." Jace lied through his teeth. Adapting to the moment was another skill Jace had acquired over the years. If the cultists believed Erica Blandelli was the new God-slayer, Jace was all too happy to fortify their belief. It would make it easier to surprise and take them all down.
"Don't sound so smug brat. Erica Blandelli might have become a Campione, but she won't enjoy a long reign. We'll see to that." The man on the right angrily jeered.
"That was your question kid. Now it's our turn. What kind of Authority did Erica Blandelli steal from Lord Verethragna? How do we counter it?" The man on the left demanded.
Jace shrugged, as much as he could considering the bindings on him. "Sorry don't have a clue. Didn't see much after I conked out."
The center man crossed his arms. "I see. Perhaps your companion knows more, he's been awfully quiet so far. I do hope you're not concealing information from us. I would prefer to not have to extract it from you children."
Godou gulped at the ominous way the leader of the cultists mentioned extraction. He didn't want anything extracted!
"I don't know anything about Blandelli-san. After the battle she left right away to talk to her 'organization'. I don't know anything about Authorities or magic or gods!"
It was fortunate Godou was smart enough to play along with Jace's ploy. Revealing it was Jace who brough down Verethragna was a slip that would have tipped the Campione's hand.
"The brats are lying. I'm telling you we should just force the information out of them." The man on the left brusquely stated.
"I agree. Besides, Erica Blandelli is sure to be much more cooperative if she sees her servants on the brink of death. Too bad Assad didn't come, he was the best at such tactics." The cultist on the right mused.
"Bah. If the others had followed my lead, we would be basking in Great Verethragna's presence right now. No matter, the three of us shall avenge his Lordship and return with the head of a Campione. Our sect will rise to prominence with Erica Blandelli's death." The lead cultist exclaimed, assured of his coming triumph.
Jace's ears perked up. 'Just three of them? Too easy.' Jace switched to Japanese to communicate with Godou. It was an acceptable risk. Jace didn't know much about magic, but he did learn that the spell allowing a mage to speak another language could only translate one language at a time. Which meant that unless one of the cultists could naturally understand the tongue of the Land of the Rising Sun, it was safe to communicate. "Kusanagi, listen closely. I'm going to get us out of here. Get on the ground and stay out of the way until it's over. Understood."
"Hai, Armell-sama. Uh, how do I get on the ground?"
"Knock the bloody chair over." Jace deadpanned.
"What are you two discussing? A way to contact Erica Blandelli? I knew you were withholding information!" The cultist on the right exclaimed moving closer to the two teens.
"See, I told you we need to force it out of them. I'll cast a spell of pain, that will get them talking." The cultist on the left hissed.
It was now or never. "Kusanagi now!" Jace lifted himself on his feet, raising the chair legs a good foot and a half off the ground. The Campione slammed the chair back down. A sharp crack emanated from the chair as the hard wood met the unyielding concrete floor. The chair splintered into pieces from the violent collision. Loosening the rope bindings on Jace. Quick on his feet, Jace swiftly shook off the now loose ropes, freeing himself. Now standing up the Campione glared down on his would-be abductors.
"Best to use a metal chair, they don't break when slammed onto the ground." Jace mocked the cultists.
"Ahriman!" One of the cultists spat out as a curse.
Jace wasted no further time talking. He surged forward straight for the closest cultist. To the man's credit he did react half decently, drawing for a knife hidden in his coat sleeve. Too bad for him Jace closed the distance before the cultist was able to fully draw it. Not that it would have done much good.
The Campione threw a punch, aiming for the man's face. Though Jace didn't halt his advance, instead charging through the strike, adding additional momentum to the attack.
A sharp resounding crack rang out as the Campione's fist struck true, striking the cultist dead in the face. The man slumped to the ground like a rag doll. Jace couldn't be sure, but he suspected that the force of the punch had snapped the cultist's neck, paralyzing, or outright killing the man. Either worked for Jace so long as the opponent was out of commission.
"Forgot Erica Blandelli, we need to kill this bastard right here!" The remaining lackey cultist cried out in fear. Seeing his friend killed, apparently, swiftly sapped whatever confidence he possessed to believe still they could control the situation. Panicking the man went for a spell. Jace upon hearing the chanting Jace rushed to take the man down.
"Oh god of Death, ye heralding doom. Reap away life and bring forth devastation."
Jace didn't make it in time.
The Campione kept running.
Nothing happened.
Jace collided with the curse user. Sending both of them to the ground. Jace immediately started raining blows onto the man, pummeling his head down into the concrete.
The smaller man attempted to fight back, but his wild flailing could hardly be called effective. Jace barely noticed, his Campione body impervious to a nonaugmented humans' blows. Jace didn't stop until the man stopped thrashing about. The mask covering the cultist's face had fallen off during the barrage of fists. Revealing a broken face, that was bleeding and already bruising. Jace grunted, noting his handiwork. He didn't stay there to admire it though. If the cultist was out of commission, and he definitely was, Jace needed to be up and after the last remaining enemy.
"That's far enough abomination." The sole remaining cultist harshly called out.
Jace turned toward the voice.
Only to find himself staring down the barrel of a gun.
() An hour earlier
When she saw the kicked in door Erica knew something had gone wrong. Despite her worry, Erica didn't rush into Lucretia's villa. Not empty handed anyway. Cuero De Leone manifested; Erica lengthened her strides quickly reach the damaged doorway. A spell was uttered to form an invisible barrier around the Great Knight's body. Properly prepared Erica plunged through the threshold.
"Arriana!" Arriana should have been present. The maid being tasked with watching over the Seventh Campione as he recovered. Arriana was a dutiful maid; she would refrain from leaving her post without sending word to her mistress. If ruffians or worse had stormed the villa Arriana was Erica's first priority. Arriana was Erica's responsibility, but also the most vulnerable lacking substantial magical or physical ability to defend herself.
No response. No signs of a struggle so far either. Erica didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
"Lady Zola! Mr. Kusanagi!" Lucretia should also have remained in the home. The earth witch was still recovering from her ordeal of mitigating a battle between Heretic Gods. Godou for his part had mentioned along the lines of wanting to thank Jace Armell for saving his life during the battle. The fact that Jace Armell was the reason said life was in danger in the first place seemed to go over the teens head. So, it reasoned that Godou was still at the villa.
"Lord Armell!"
Erica continued searching through the large villa. She had raced up the stairs toward the Seventh Campione's room, rightly guessing that the disturbance was rooted in Jace Armell's presence. As she continued to call out and receive no response Erica began fearing the worst.
Finding the room where Jace Armell should have been resting empty only made her more worried.
Erica though was not one to let her emotions get the better or her. She kept her cool, realizing that if there were no bodies, there were likely no dead people either. Taking the stairs back down Erica kept calling out for Arriana and the others.
Erica was suitably vexed that she couldn't simply cast a detection spell to scan the building. Unfortunately, her talents lay more in combat magics. If only Lily was here….
Wait.
A voice!
"Lady Erica?" Arriana's voice!
Sprinting around a corner Erica rounded the bend to find herself looking at the door to Lucretia's bedroom.
"Arriana is that you? Answer me." Erica stopped shortly from opening the door. Mainly because she couldn't. A green tinged light suffused the air in front of the door. A barrier.
Erica gave an inelegant sigh of relief. If there was a barrier in place it meant that Arriana and at least Lucretia were safe.
"Lady Erica! Oh goodness I was so worried that they might have captured you too. Just a moment I'll have Lady Lucretia drop the ward."
The green shine in front of the door winked out of existence.
Arriana's black hair popped out of the opening doorway. The maid was askance, hair disheveled and dress rumpled. But to Erica's relief, the maid appeared to be unharmed.
"Oh, Lady Erica! I was so scared!" Arriana ran into Erica's arms. Erica was jolted at the sudden intimacy. Arriana had never been a forward girl, so the closeness was surprising. Though Erica didn't begrudge the poor girl the comfort. Arriana had been serving alongside Erica for years in the Copper-Black Cross. While they were definitely master and servant, that also meant they fully immersed in the others' idiosyncrasies. For Erica such a close relationship was rare, so she was highly willing to indulge Arriana this time.
"I see trouble found you Arriana. Though I'm glad to see you're unscathed." Erica gently patted the smaller woman's back. Though they couldn't remain in this position forever. The Great Knight needed to know just what had happened during her absence.
Erica lightly took the black-haired maid by the shoulders. "Arriana, I need you to focus. What exactly happened while I was away?"
Arriana rubbed away the tears in her eyes. Straightening her posture, the maid spoke more properly heeding her Lady's words. "I was preparing breakfast when I heard a loud bang from the other side of the house. When I went to check I saw three hooded figures, rummaging in the foyer. Mr. Godou came from an adjoining hallway at the same time. I think they saw him and not me, because they cast a spell on him and… I don't know. He just dropped to the ground."
"Lady Erica is he…" Tears threatened to swell from the fearful maid again.
"No Arriana. At the very least I didn't find Mr. Kusanagi in the house. And I doubt the intruders would carry away a dead body." Erica gently reassured her maid.
Arriana visibly relaxed "Thank goodness."
"Now Arriana what else?"
"Honestly there isn't much more to say Lady Erica. I ran to Lady Lucretia after Mr. Godou fell. The intruders found us in here, but because of Lady Lucretia's barrier they were unable to get in. They must have left shortly after."
"I see. Thank you, Arriana."
Erica had a good idea of what had happened. But she needed to confer with Lucretia first. Erica wasn't one to make assumptions. Erica walked past Arriana, entering Lucretia's bedchamber.
Inside lay the earth witch, spread out on her bed. Albeit far less seductively than the last time. In fact, Lucretia appeared rather unwell. Pale, glossy skin had become flushed and sweaty as if the earth witch had overexerted herself. An arm lay over her head as Lucretia panted.
"Well hello Knight Blandelli. You arrived somewhat late to the party." Lucretia teased.
Erica frowned, unpleased. "Lady Zola what happened to the wards around your home? Those assailants should never have been able to enter."
Lucretia hummed, or well attempted to. She was still too busy panting. "Unfortunately, our dear Campione took out my wards when he passed through them earlier. I didn't have the energy to renew them."
"Ah, of course. A Campione's magical resistance would destroy even your spell work. That explains how they got in. Do you have any idea of the identity of the assailants?"
Lucretia slyly smiled. "Not a one~"
Erica sighed in an unladylike fashion. Lucretia Zola was an exasperating individual.
Sobering Lucretia took on a more serious demeanor. "While I can't tell you their identity, I may be able to give you, their location. Reach into the cabinet on the left, middle drawer."
Erica did as instructed. Opening the cabinet, she found an object. It was a medallion plated with gold inscriptions. "I assume this is a scrying tool. What is it preset too?"
Lucretia smirked. "Clever girl. It's set to detect divinity, although only a certain type of divinity."
Erica's smirked in turn understanding Lucretia's meaning. "Verethragna. Though will it be able to detect the god's essence from a Campione?"
Lucretia scoffed in an unladylike manner. "Who do you think you're talking too knight? I Lucretia Zola am the highest-ranking earth witch in the world for a reason. I attuned it to the Campione as he rested. Rest assured it will find the Seventh Campione."
Erica raised a delicate eyebrow. "You believe he would permit such a discretion?"
Lucretia shrugged, as much as her drained state allowed. "You can't object to what you don't know. Besides it came in handy, didn't it?"
Erica couldn't refute Lucretia's assertion. Honestly, if the Great Knight had any talent for divination arts, she would have done the same thing herself. Still the deviousness of the high-ranking earth witch surprised Erica. Lucretia Zola could be a supremely potent agent for a magical organization if she ever joined one. Too bad the earth witch preferred to remain autonomous.
"My thanks Lady Zola." Erica turned away from Lucretia and addressed Arriana instead. "Arriana, I want you to contact the local magi association. Give them my number, I want them to send assistance in securing the situation." Erica grimaced. "I do believe Lord Armell will be most upset when he finally wakes up. So, tell them to be ready to clean up a mess."
() Present
It was a shiny silver revolver. The gun was either brand new or well-maintained to shine even in this dark gloom of the warehouse. Judging from the size of the barrel opening Jace estimated the caliber to be .357 magnum. It was currently aimed at the dead center at his forehead.
Jace processed all this in a microsecond.
'Damn. Got bloody careless.' Jace crossed his arms. "Well, seems we're in trouble Kusanagi." Jace casually said aloud.
"I don't know what manner of monstrosity Erica Blandelli has allied herself with, but it doesn't matter. Whatever you are inhuman today will be your last day." The cultist spoke with venom.
The masked man pulled the trigger slowly.
The whole world slowed down for the three men.
Godou cried in wordless fear.
The cultist aimed steadily for Jace's forehead.
Jace stonily stared the gun down.
()
The trigger was slowly pulled.
The hammer flew forward. The gun went off.
Jace's head snapped backward.
Silence hung in the warehouse. But Godou and the cultist observed something off.
Though the bullet had hit dead center on his forehead, Jace's body did not collapse to the ground.
"Armell-sama?" Godou called out.
The cultist lowered the gun, confused as to why the dead body of the inhuman was still standing upright. His eyes widened as Jace's head slowly began tilting upward. When the head was fully upright, the cultist noticed that the bullet was stuck to Jace's forehead. It had not penetrated the Campione's cranium.
Jace's eye lids opened, revealing amber orbs. Jace exhaled a breath, letting out a thick puff of air. "Ow. That stung." The Campione muttered. Jace reached upward tentatively, poking at his forehead. Feeling the bullet, the Campione grasped it and pulled, tugging it free. Jace examined the deformed round, noting how it looked like it hit a steel beam. His free hand went back to his forehead, feeling for damage. Finding nothing significant, Jace frowned, then let the bullet fall from his grasp.
"Just how sturdy are Campione?" Jace mused. He was glad that he was apparently unharmed from being shot in the head, wondering just how deep the changes he'd undergone were. Another thing to ask Pandora if they ever met again.
"Campoine? Wait you're the one who…" The gun-toting cultist breathed out, sudden trepidation filling his being. No, he thought, Erica Blandelli was the newest Demon-King. This servant must be using magic to reinforce itself. He just needed to stay calm and… find someway of killing it.
Jace turned his attention to the gun-toting cultist. The Campione began stalking forward, aiming to finish what he'd started. The cultist's eyes widened as Jace closed in on him. The cultist brought the revolver to bear, suddenly afraid for his life. A shot rang out, the bullet hitting Jace in the chest. The impact jerked the Campione backward, halting his advance. For the moment. Feeling no pain, Jace resumed his march forward. More shots rang out, as the cultist in a panic emptied the revolver onto the approaching giant of a man.
Each shot hit Jace, the range was so close, even with the cultist panic firing. But Jace didn't flinch, he tanked the shots and kept moving forward. None of the rounds managing to penetrate. The cultist out of rounds, stood in shock at the incoming threat.
Then Jace was on the cultist. Jace grabbed the cultist's gun hand, twisting it. It forced the gunman to release his weapon. Jace pulled his other arm backward, then landed an underhanded punch to the cultist's gut. The force made the cultist double over. Jace brought his fist upward in an uppercut. It sent the cultist up off his feet. The man landed in a heap. Before he could recover let alone reorient, Jace was on him. The Campione let out a vicious kick flipping the man over. Also fracturing one of his ribs.
Jace followed, planting a foot on the cultist's chest, then pushing down. Hard.
The now unarmed cultist hacked at the air had been driven from his lungs so suddenly. Jace removed his foot from the cultist's chest, letting the man take in greedy breaths of air. The Campione didn't let him take many. Jace reached down, his large hand overlaying the cultist's neck. Jace squeezed firmly. The man's eye's bulged, visible to Jace as the mask had fallen off during the previous aerial stint. Jace begun lifting up, dragging the cultist into the air with ease. With one arm Jace held the medium built man in the air. The cultist began thrashing desperately to break free.
He could not, Jace's grip was iron. Though not tight enough to completely cut off air, yet.
"Not so tough now are you, bloody bastard." Jace's voice was low and rough, taunting.
BANG.
The sound echoed in the warehouse.
Two heads turned toward the blistering light now pouring in from an open doorway.
Standing in the midst of the light was Erica Blandelli.
"Blandelli." Jace called out, his eyes not needing time to adjust to the rapid shift in illumination. Another quirk of being a Campione.
Erica, though, needed to wait for her eyes to adjust. Once able to see properly the Great Knight drank in the situation. Slight relief came to the Great Knights face upon seeing Jace and Godou unharmed. It quickly sobered seeing the position of the cultists.
Erica stepped through the threshold, heels clacking on the concrete floor. "I see you found a solution to your current predicament, Lord Armell."
"You could say that." Jace grunted. "Took you long enough to find us Blandelli. Had to put your makeup on first?"
Erica normally would have given a man a lashing, literal or otherwise, for the quip. Now was neither the place nor the time. "Lord Armell what is your opinion of the man in your grip?"
Jace quirked an eyebrow at the Great Knight, unsure of what Erica was getting at. "My opinion? A bloody bastard, plain and simple. Tried to torture and kill me. Why does it matter?
Erica frowned at the response. It was a fair response given the interactions so far between the two parties. But… "Do you intend to kill that man?"
Erica needed to know. She needed to know what kind of man Jace Armell was. Millions of lives hung in the balance. Was Erica speaking to a man fearing for his life and thus retaliated? Or a sadistic killer who found themselves in possession of immense power? Not because of issues such as morals. Those had been thrown out the window once a God had decided to exert their will over the world.
Jace Armell had to fight Melqart; that was non-negotiable. Erica couldn't simply stand by watch on as millions died. Her duty as a Great Knight and her own morals would not allow it. Thus, she needed to convince the Campione to risk his life. How Jace decided to handle this situation would display his character. Giving Erica the clues she needed to persuade the Campione.
So far, those clues had been…
"Why are you asking?" Jace tightened his grip as the cultist started struggling for his life.
"I would like to interrogate that man. A group such as his isn't known to be lurking within Italy. The magi of these lands need to know if a dangerous sect of god-worshipers have managed to infiltrate our territory." Erica looked Jace dead in the eye.
The Campione's intense stare challenged Erica. Part of Erica, a not so small part, wanted to turn away. Challenging a Campione was no different from challenging a Heretic God. Both were colossi, whose power could bend the world to their whim. Erica was confident, proud, even arrogant; but not stupid. But to ascertain Jace Armell's personality Erica had to be willing to risk her safety by tinkering with what could be considered a live explosive; one with more power than a hydrogen bomb.
Erica waited three breaths as Jace stared her down. Finally, the Campione responded.
"Fine. He's all yours." The Campione dropped the god-worshiper.
…. Indecisive.
Erica and the cultist remembered to breathe.
Jace moved over toward Godou. Once over Godou, Jace easily hauled the prone teenager upright. As the Campione began undoing the bonds restraining Godou, he noticed that Erica and the cultist were still watching him.
"What?" His tone was dry.
The cultist was shocked, having expected to be killed for his transgressions against the Campione. Once the shock was over, the cultist threw himself facedown, hands clasped in supplication. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, merciful Demon-King. Thank you. Your Majesty truly is the successor to the generous Victor." So, on went the cultist.
Erica came out of her astonishment faster. Even as she filed away the unexpected mercy, her face betrayed no more than it already had. Quickly, Erica motioned, signaling the mages waiting outside to step into the warehouse. Heads bowed they stepped forward.
The lead mage continued on past the cultists, dead and alive, as his companions began securing the scene. Upon getting within a few feet of Jace the mage dropped to one knee, head bowed in reverence.
"In the name of my organization, the Vigilant of Sistine, I convey greetings to his Majesty." The mages' tone was full of barely contained anxiety. "I-We wish to be the first to recognize his grand Coronation." The mage was in over his head. He'd never had the (mis)fortunate to meet a Campione, up until now. As the most senior member of the Vigilant of Sistine available he had been tasked with extending the hand of diplomacy to the newest King. The forty-two-year-old man was cursing his luck. Instead of one of the elders, it was him being the designated liaison for the mission. The worst part was there wasn't much in the way of guidelines to well… guide. With Campione being so rare, the establishment of formal procedures wasn't exactly common.
The generally accepted ethos though was overly simple to be any real help. 1. Don't anger a Campione under any circumstance. 2. Give them whatever they want. 3. Mitigate collateral damage without violating rules one and two.
The lead mage couldn't understand why Erica Blandelli, a Great Knight, of all people was allowed to handle the situation alone. No, instead Barone Capozzi had insisted one of their people extend a hand of diplomacy to the new Campione. Saying 'it would be a waste of an unprecedented opportunity'. The mage only cursed harder. It wasn't even if they knew anything about this Campione. Besides the fact he was able to causally kill men without batting an eye!
"We also wish to express our utmost gratitude for the slaying of the Heretic God who menaced our dear island. Truly his majesty was brave-courageous! Courageous to fight a Heretic God without knowledge of the god. Please do not hesitate to call upon us if you have need of assistance." The man gulped as he could see the feel the walking natural disaster in the guise of a man standing over him.
"I see. Your, welcome." Jace laconically stated.
The man breathed a sigh of relief.
"Umm. So, what now. I mean what are you going to do with that man and … the others." Godou by this point worked out the kinks that had formed in his body from being restrained. Standing next to Jace, Godou pointed to the bodies that were being wrapped up. Godou was pale at the sight. It wasn't the first time he'd seen a corpse. He'd been there when his grandmother had died after all. But it was the first time he'd witnessed a human being killed.
The man dared to look up. He blinked when Godou asked the question again.
Jace sighed. "You're speaking in Japanese. Use English."
Godou blushed in embarrassment, he'd been so disorientated he'd forgotten what language he'd been speaking in. Reiterating his question, Godou asked this time, in English.
Finally able to understand the man answered "We'll take the man in to question him, see if more of his ilk are here. As for the bodies, they will be disposed of later. We can't afford to let the local police investigate the matter too thoroughly. It will raise to many questions, risk the secrecy of magic."
"I-I see." Godou stammered out.
It was at this point Jace chimed in. "Mage. You said if I need assistance to just ask right?"
"Y-Yes!"
"Good. Where's the best place to something to eat?"
The best place to eat? The mage thought for a moment before answering. "If his Majesty needs food we should head to Barone Capozzi's mansion. He has the finest food available in all of Sardinia. As an elder of our association, he'll spare no expense for his Majesty."
Jace was incredibly hungry, considering he hadn't eaten a proper meal in who knows who long. Subtract the energy he'd expended in the previous fight; it wouldn't surprise the Campione if his stomach was starting to eat itself. He had little desire to wait for food. Besides Jace's mind was naturally wary of taking a gift, such things didn't come for free in his experience. But….
Considering his newfound powers and nigh invulnerability, a few risks might just be acceptable to take. At the very least he could fight his way out of any situation he found himself in.
"That will do. How long till we get there?"
"By car it's only an hour's ride King Armell."
Jace grunted. An hour was bearable, if barely. The mage though took the grunt as a sign of disapproval. Terrified the Campione would punish him for a taking too long to grant the stated desire, the man began spewing out reassurances. "I apologize for the delay King Armell! But going any faster risks veering off the road, causing more delays. Rest assured fine food will be waiting for his Majesty at Barone Capozzi's."
Unsure of what to make of the man's distressed demeanor Jace mentally shrugged. He wasn't really that upset, so the man's apparent fear didn't make much sense. Jace chalked it up to being a Campione. Just more information he needed to fill in the gaps about his newfound circumstances.
Sighing, Jace brushed off the mage's concerns. "Fine. Just get us there without wrecking."
"Yes, King Armell!" The mage moved jerkily away from Jace, silently pleased that within the hour handling the Campione would no longer be his problem. The man reached for a cell phone, dialing the number for Capozzi's mansion.
"Uh, Armell-sama I have a question." Godou timidly spoke, redirecting the conversation.
Jace shifted his gaze to Godou. "What is it Kusanagi?"
"Why did you kill them?! I mean …" Godou's voice rose in volume, matching his indignation.
Jace sighed tiredly. He understood what Kusanagi meant but really didn't feel like explaining his actions. And normally he wouldn't. But this was a different case than normal.
Erica listened intently wanting to know the answer herself.
Jace's voice was neutral, but it carried the weight of unshakeable steel. "Kusanagi. They were going to torture and most likely kill us. Of course, I killed them first. Or would you rather I let them have their way with us?"
Godou though wasn't backing down so easily. "But you could have just knocked them out instead! "
Jace snorted. "You watch too much of American films. In a real fight knocking someone out requires a lucky punch or a brutal beatdown to the point a body shuts down. Either is not something you count on to save your life. I have a better question, what if they had targeted you instead of me?"
"Me?" Godou pointed to himself.
"Yeah, you. There'd be three corpses instead of two. You know why? Because it came down to sheer luck I'm apparently bulletproof. We got lucky."
"But… that's wrong!" Godou cried. He wasn't okay with that logic.
"Wrong? What's wrong got to do with it Kusanagi? This is life and death, and you act with extreme prejudice. Or you're the one who ends up dead."
"Why did you not kill the last god-worshiper then?" It was Erica who posed the question this time. If that was Jace's Armell's philosophy she needed to know why he hadn't fulfilled it.
"I didn't kill the bloody bastard because you wanted him alive."
Godou blinked. As did Erica. Jace sighed again at their reactions.
"Consider it returning a favor. I owed you for your help earlier, so letting go of one idiot isn't a big deal. Besides it's not like the bloody bastard is a threat to me."
"I see. Thank you for your consideration, Lord Armell." Erica quick on her feet responded without much pause. "With any luck your mercy will aid us in rooting out more of these god-worshipers."
Godou rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of what to make of this seeming contradiction in personality.
Jace snorted at their reactions, before saying "I'm going, goodbye." Jace made to leave.
To the Campione's surprise Erica and Godou filed in beside him. Not stopping his stride, Jace questioned the two. "Why are you two following me? As far as I'm aware our business is concluded. I defeated Verethragna already."
The blond knight and Japanese teenager shared a look that Jace could only describe as 'hyper worried'. "About that…"
()
Language Highlight
Japanese
Hai: Yes
Italian
Zio: Uncle