"Are you going too?" Erica asked upon seeing Kojou, who was clearly heading toward the Heretic Gods' location.
"That's right," Kojou nodded, staring at Erica as she gripped her sword. He raised an eyebrow in question. "Are you going as well?"
"Yes. If I don't stop this fight, this island will vanish from the map," Erica replied with a bitter smile. She knew her efforts were futile, but she couldn't retreat—a knight's duty was to protect the people.
"No need to worry. I won't let that happen," Kojou grinned savagely, his gaze fixed on the Heretic Gods' location. "Want to come with me and witness the birth of the 7th Campione?"
Kojou had learned about the Campione from the Guild when he accepted the Quest. Yesterday, Zola had also shared some information about the magical world, and he now knew only six people held the title of Campione.
"The birth of the 7th Campione…?" Erica muttered, stunned by Kojou's ferocious smile. "Are you saying you'll kill a Heretic God and become the 7th Campione?"
"Exactly," Kojou nodded as casually as if discussing the weather, not the near-impossible feat of slaying a Heretic God—something only a handful of extraordinarily lucky individuals could achieve.
"Hahahaha—!" Suddenly, Erica burst into laughter, clutching her stomach and laughing from the depths of her heart, devoid of any elegance or nobility. It was a stark contrast to the image she always maintained.
"What's wrong? Did something break in you?" Kojou asked in confusion, watching Erica's hysterical laughter as if she'd been possessed by a laughing ghost.
"Did something break in me? Maybe. This is the first time I've laughed like this," Erica admitted, wiping tears from her eyes—tears of uncontrollable mirth. "Very well, Akatsuki Kojou. I, Erica Blandelli, swear allegiance to you. If you slay a Heretic God and become the 7th Campione, I'll devote my body and soul to your service."
"Are you seriously broken now?" Kojou asked with genuine concern this time, not expecting such a declaration out of nowhere. "Well, other matters can wait. Right now, I need to go before the battle starts."
"Right," Erica agreed, hopping beside him. "That's why we'll take the car. You should conserve your strength as much as possible before the fight."
As soon as she finished speaking, Arianna arrived with the car nearby.
"No problem," Kojou said without hesitation upon seeing the vehicle. Though flying with [Diamond] was impressive, it was slow, and he had no desire to leap around like a monkey to reach his destination. The car would get him there just as fast with far less hassle.
"Arianna, head to the southern coast," Erica ordered as she and Kojou got into the car.
"At once, Young Lady!" Arianna replied, slamming the accelerator and sending the car speeding toward the southern coast.
Southern Coast
"It's been a while, Melqart," said a handsome young man with purple hair, dressed in ancient attire out of place in the modern era.
"I've been waiting for you, Verethragna," replied a giant man, 15 meters tall and 7 meters wide, his gray skin and gnarled appearance resembling an old man's. A massive club rested in his hand.
"Hmm. It seems your injuries from our last battle haven't fully healed," Verethragna remarked, disappointment clear on his face.
"I may be wounded, but that's no excuse to let you act arrogantly," Melqart scowled, his giant face twisting. "Prepare yourself. Today, I'll crush your pride."
"How interesting!" Verethragna grinned thirstily, raising his hand as wind swirled around him. He summoned his incarnations, each bearing magical energy that fused with him. "Only the Boar incarnation remains—the one that boy destroyed. But this is fine. It'll make the fight more entertaining."
"Enough muttering. Let's begin!" Melqart roared, swinging his club toward Verethragna—but a diamond barrier materialized in front of him, deflecting the blow. The recoil sent Melqart stumbling back several meters.
"Sorry, but this man is my prey," declared Kojou, who had appeared on the battlefield with Erica behind him. "So, old man, would you mind leaving quietly?"
"Hoh! You say interesting things, boy," Verethragna mused, intrigued by Kojou's audacity to call The Invincible Warrior his prey.
[Ding! Two Divine entities detected. Title effect activated: [The Fourth Primogenitor]. Adventurer's power increased by 200%. Damage against Divine entities increased by 120%.]
'Fascinating. The title's effects adapt to circumstances,' Kojou thought, feeling his power surge exponentially. It was as if he could kill both Verethragna and Melqart with a single strike.
"Who are you, brat, to interfere in a battle between Gods?" Melqart sneered, though caution flickered in his eyes.
"Akatsuki Kojou. That's my name," Kojou replied, shifting his gaze to Melqart. "I've no business with you, old man. So leave. This one is my prey."
"Hahahaha!" Melqart burst into laughter. "Interesting! I applaud your courage, boy. Out of respect for this foolishness, I'll let you do as you please—this time."
"…" Verethragna glared at Melqart in disdain. It was obvious the old god was using Kojou as an excuse to flee—or perhaps waiting for them to exhaust each other so he could finish them both.
"This old man…" Kojou muttered in annoyance, seeing through Melqart's plan. But he shook his head and turned to Verethragna. "I heard you want to be defeated. Is that true?"
"It is. I am The Invincible Warrior. I've never tasted defeat, so I revived the Ancient King of Gods to seek it," Verethragna admitted with a savage grin, his eyes alight with longing. "Do you think you can grant my wish, Younger?"
...
To get more chapters please visit my p@treon :
[email protected]/Akasaki_Ryujin
For support :
https://ko-fi.com/akasaki_ryujin