Fantasy Library, Ch 346-350

Chapter 346: The Ancient Kings

“The island nation of the Far East…”

Naturally, Liliana wouldn’t be unaware of where that was.

Although it was a place extremely distant from the European magical world, something akin to a remote backwater for someone like her who hailed from a proper noble lineage, in recent times, it had entered the view of various mysterious factions from all around the world.

The reason was simple—because there, a king was born. It was said he was not a native of that country, but rather someone from the same homeland as that demonic cult leader.

And now, the oldest Demon Lord had declared he was going there... Liliana could already foresee how much upheaval this journey would cause.

“…Is the Marquis planning to visit the young fellow countryman?”

Liliana tentatively said this, testing the waters.

However, this statement was met with Voban’s sneer.

“He’s merely a brat who hasn’t even been a king for a full month yet—not worthy of a personal visit from me.”

As the oldest and most Authority-laden Campione of this era, Voban had the right to say such things.

“I heard he killed two gods simultaneously on Sardinia, and even fought with that bastard Salvatore, didn’t he?” Voban seemed somewhat interested and continued, “To achieve that so soon after becoming a king is indeed praiseworthy.”

“To prevent a repeat of what happened four years ago, I’ve decided to act in advance this time. But if you expect me to personally pay him a visit, that kid’s not qualified yet.”

Four years ago…

Marquis Voban’s words inevitably stirred some bad memories in Liliana.

Mainly because that particular point in time was not one she could easily overlook.

Back then, a new king was born in Italy, and the ancient king before her had also gathered a group of Hime-Miko to hold that horrific summoning ritual.

And unfortunately, Liliana had been among them—one of the few, like Mariya Yuri, who narrowly escaped with her life.

“Do you intend to restart the ritual from that time?”

Liliana didn’t lift her head, but her voice had grown heavy.

“Indeed.” Voban seemed to sense something, looked at Liliana with amusement, and candidly admitted, “Back then, I was played for a fool by that idiot Salvatore. Now, the positioning of the stars and the flow of the ley lines, after four years of realignment, once again hold enough power to summon a Heretic God. Given that, how could I not seek vengeance?”

“Although the conditions are not yet entirely ripe, when the tale of that young fellow countryman of mine spread, I happened to notice that among the many Hime-Miko gathered four years ago, the one who exhibited the greatest potential seems to be in the place where that brat became king.”

Thus, Voban had decided to act early and make the journey himself.

If not for the events on Sardinia and the widespread news of Kaiser’s battle with Doni, which sparked some interest in the young king, Voban wouldn’t have moved so quickly.

Upon understanding this, Liliana no longer knew whether she should offer advice.

If possible, she naturally didn’t want the tragedy from four years ago to happen again, much less see a clash between two kings.

But she was a knight. A knight could never defy her lord’s command on her own.

Even if she disobeyed, it would likely be meaningless, wouldn’t it?

If the oldest Demon Lord had decided on something, not only would she be unable to stop it—if she tried, she would surely fail and only cause unnecessary sacrifice.

In that case, it would be better to take part herself, give her all, and strive to minimize the impact and protect as many innocent lives as possible.

Thus, Liliana asked one last question.

“That place is the land where the new king was born. Is it really alright for you to barge in uninvited?”

Upon hearing this, Voban laughed.

“So what if it’s not? If that brat has any complaints, he can come and voice them to me in person.”

Hearing these words, Liliana instantly understood.

This ancient Demon Lord before her was likely anticipating it too.

Anticipating what kind of response the new fellow countryman—who had become a king for less than a month, already slain three gods, and survived a clash with the Italian Sword King—would show upon his arrival.

Would he pretend not to notice? Or come forward to object directly?

Either way, for Marquis Voban, it wouldn’t be a bad outcome.

If it was the former, he’d simply proceed with the ritual and battle the summoned Heretic God.

If it was the latter, then he’d duel with the new king who came to protest and see if he truly had that much power.

Or perhaps, Marquis Voban was even more hopeful for the latter—otherwise, he wouldn’t act ahead of schedule.

“Go prepare.” Marquis Voban said no more and directly ordered, “In one hour, I want to be on a plane bound for the East.”

What else could Liliana do?

She could only nod in agreement.

……

Jiangxi Province, China — Mount Lu.

In this primeval mountain that maintained its natural form stood a small hermitage.

It was extremely simple, resembling the kind of residence used by a reclusive scholar, giving off the aura of a spiritual paradise hidden from the world.

After nightfall, not even the simplest kerosene lamp lit the place. It was completely hidden in darkness, its form unseen.

Yet under such conditions, a figure silently arrived.

It was a young boy, around fourteen years old, with a handsome face, dressed in a black shirt and matching jeans.

“Disciple Lu Yinghua, seeks audience with Master!”

The boy knelt on one knee, cupped his fists in a traditional style, and respectfully called toward the inside of the hermitage.

“O wise and valiant Holy Cult Leader, your name shall endure as long as heaven and earth, your wisdom and compassion shall illuminate the world for eternity!”

As soon as the boy’s words fell, a strong gust of wind burst forth from the hermitage and struck him head-on.

“Bang!”

With a muffled sound, the boy was blown away like a rubber ball, crashing into a tree and shattering its trunk.

Immediately after, a voice echoed from within the hermitage.

“To dare visit a woman’s residence at night—Ying’er, when did I teach you to become such a shameless person?”

It was a very pleasant female voice—so pleasant it could be called beautiful, like a heavenly maiden singing, akin to celestial music.

Yet Lu Yinghua showed not the slightest hint of being moved. Instead, he reacted as if facing a formidable foe, and also as if not daring to resist, scrambling to his feet at once.

“Master’s reprimand is correct. This disciple was negligent.”

Judging by his practiced reaction, it was clear this wasn’t the first time he had been blown away.

Naturally, Lu Yinghua would never tell anyone that last time, when he deliberately waited until daytime to report, he was still blown away just the same.

“If it’s a matter that absolutely requires my personal command, it must be reported to me immediately. What if it’s delayed? Deserves punishment!”

These were the words his Master had said last time, which was why Lu Yinghua had come to report at this hour of the night.

Unfortunately, if he said that out loud now, he would definitely be sent flying again.

Therefore, Lu Yinghua wisely took the blame onto himself.

“This time, I’ll let it slide. But if you repeat it, I won’t spare you.”

Sure enough, the celestial voice inside the hermitage showed no awareness of her own fault and continued to speak.

“Speak. Why have you come at this hour of night?”

Seeing his master shift to the main topic, Lu Yinghua quickly reported.

“Reporting to Master, it concerns the Eastern Sea.”

Lu Yinghua cupped his fists and bowed, speaking in a low voice, “Following the decree of the great Holy Cult Leader, our Lu family and the Five Prisons Holy Cult have been monitoring the movements of the Eastern Xitian Palace all these years, never once neglecting our duty.”

“Thanks to this, we believe the time may have come to once again campaign against the Divine Monarch.”

At these words, silence fell inside the hermitage for several seconds.

After several seconds, the celestial voice reached Lu Yinghua’s ears.

“After a century… has the right time finally come?”

The owner of the voice seemed to be smiling—a beautiful and pleasant smile—yet it caused the very air outside the hermitage to tremble.

“What prompted you all to make such a judgment?”

The voice’s owner asked.

“It is your newly born fellow countryman—the appearance of the seventh great king.”

Lu Yinghua reported truthfully.

“A newly born fellow countryman?” the voice’s owner questioned in confusion, “Another God-Slaying king has emerged? And in that tiny country of Wa?”

Clearly, this Holy Cult Leader did not yet know that another fellow Campione had appeared.

Understandable—she was a recluse. Though she was the martial alliance leader of China and the Holy Cult Leader of the Five Prisons, commanding nearly all of China’s martial world and thirty percent of its Taoist practitioners, she had not investigated her fellow Campione in over two hundred years since usurping a god’s Authority.

Because she had no interest.

Luo Cuilian was a king who proclaimed herself sovereign over heaven and earth, a martial peak who sought defeat despite being undefeated.

She had no need to show her majesty to others, nor to remember those who were irrelevant. Whether they were Campione or not—if they provoked her, she would crush them with her fists and annihilate them with her palms.

That was the conduct of one who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts—the style fitting the King of Wuxia.

Given that, even now, when Kaiser’s legend was spreading like wildfire, this Holy Cult Leader still didn’t even know his name.

But soon, she would begin to take interest in this new fellow.

Because…

“Though he was born in Wa, the new king is not of that small country, but a true Chinese man.”

Lu Yinghua respectfully said, “In other words, the new king is your true junior—a fellow countryman who, like you, carries the blood of the Yan and Huang emperors.”

“Oh?” the celestial voice sounded surprised, then pleased. “Is that so? So, in the land I govern, another great warrior capable of slaying a god has emerged?”

“Exactly so.” Lu Yinghua raised his voice and said, “We have received word that the new king seems to be pursuing another Heretic God. For that, he submitted a request to the authorities in Wa and obtained relevant intelligence.”

“Because of this, the new king also went to southern Italy, where he demonstrated valor and slew two gods.”

“Now, that king has returned to Wa, and he most likely is still seeking out gods to confront.”

“As long as he learns of the Divine Monarch’s existence, as your fellow Campione, he will never stand by idly.”

“This—this is the opportunity.”

Chapter 347: People Gathering

In the silent deep mountains, Lu Yinghua’s voice rang out clearly, reaching the ears of the person inside the hermitage.

The figure inside the hermitage finally floated out and landed in front of Lu Yinghua.

She was an unparalleled beauty whose appearance matched that heavenly voice.

She had a dignified face like jade and black hair as smooth as silk. Her hair was braided into three strands—two hanging in front, one hanging behind—adorned with a lotus hair ornament. She wore a white Hanfu, with long sleeves and a long skirt-like lower garment, topped with a flowing outer robe. Even the darkness of night could not conceal her beauty—she was as dazzling as a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.

She looked like a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl, her stance graceful, her body light yet voluptuous, her figure alluring and captivating. Every part of her exuded charm, making it hard to believe that she was a martial arts king who had lived in the world for over two hundred years.

If she weren’t a king, she would still be a woman who could drive kings mad.

If she didn’t practice martial arts, she would still be an enchantress capable of killing with her beauty alone.

Unparalleled beauty, peerless grace, captivating a nation, bringing ruin, charming the people, unmatched elegance... all the highest praises could be used on her.

Outshining Diao Chan, surpassing Xi Shi, making fish sink and geese fall, eclipsing the moon and shaming the flowers—for this woman, such feats were effortless.

She was Luo Cuilian, also known as Luo Hao, one of the oldest Campiones of the same generation as Marquis Voban, the strongest martial artist of the present age, a master of martial arts at its absolute peak.

“You finally brought a good piece of news for your master.”

Luo Hao looked down imperiously at Lu Yinghua, who saluted with clasped fists, and smiled.

“Very well. Since he shares my bloodline and is truly my compatriot, then he would never allow our nation’s hero to be raised by the Japanese. Let alone that he’s pursuing a war of gods.”

“A junior, is it?”

“In these years, quite a few Campiones have emerged outside. But indeed, only this one can be called my compatriot and junior.”

As she spoke, Luo Hao raised her hand and questioned Lu Yinghua.

“Then, the appearance of my junior—how does that become a chance to defeat the Divine Lord?”

Even she had found herself helpless against this for a full century. Luo Hao didn’t believe that something she had been unable to accomplish could be done by this newly emerged compatriot.

Unless… the other party possessed some special Authority.

As expected…

“The Taoists monitoring Japan reported something to me,” Lu Yinghua said respectfully with his head bowed. “With the help of Spirit Vision, the Taoist saw the new king wield a dazzling Golden Sword.”

Taoists were the orthodox term for those who studied various magical arts and techniques passed down in China since ancient times.

Just like how there were knights in Europe, in China there were professions known as martial artists, Taoists, and Taoist priestesses.

Martial artists were those who manipulated Qi (Magical Power), cultivated inner strength (Qi), and could not only use Magical Power to cast magic or techniques but also empower their martial arts, enhancing the power of their moves.

Taoists and Taoist priestesses were the spellcasters.

Besides being the number one martial artist under heaven, Luo Hao was also a Taoist priestess well-versed in spells and techniques.

As for Spirit Vision, as the name implied, it allowed the user to see over great distances, letting them grasp what was happening in faraway places even if they were not physically present.

Lu Yinghua’s Lu family managed the martial underworld—that is, the black society. Their main house was in Hong Kong, but they also had bases in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, and even owned buildings in Akihabara running maid-themed businesses.

Of course, those businesses were only a front for the public. These bases always had Lu family personnel engaged in various occult-related matters.

When Kaiser clashed with Susanoo, the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, Seishuin Ena, and others at Shichio Shrine, some of the Taoists and Taoist priestesses operating locally, who had Spirit Vision, noticed this scene and saw certain things.

Combining this with the report that among the gods slain by the other party in Sardinia was said to be a god of victory from ancient Persia, Lu Yinghua reasonably suspected that the Golden Sword was an Authority usurped from Verethragna.

Of course, that wasn’t the main point.

The point was, according to the spellcasters’ observations, that Golden Sword seemed capable of striking entities within the Netherworld.

“If it can strike entities in the Netherworld, then it won’t be helpless before the Divine Restraint.”

“After all, the Divine Lord resides in the Corridor of the Netherworld.”

“Therefore, this disciple boldly speculates that once this new king from your homeland learns of the Divine Lord’s existence, he will definitely be able to breach the Western Paradise Palace.”

Lu Yinghua spoke reverently.

“Of course, this is merely this disciple’s reckless speculation. Whether it will succeed or not can only be determined by you, Master.”

That was why Lu Yinghua had come in the middle of the night to disturb Luo Hao.

He knew all too well how much his master detested seeing the hero of her nation being raised by Japan.

A century ago, his master had also invaded the Western Paradise Palace, but ultimately returned with nothing.

Yet in the century since, she had never given up on attacking the Western Paradise Palace, never given up on rescuing her nation’s hero.

Thus, led by the Lu family, the Five Prisons Sacred Cult that served the King of Chinese Martial Artists had been monitoring the Western Paradise Palace, watching that eastern island nation, seeking the right moment to fulfill Luo Hao’s long-held wish in one stroke.

Now, that moment seemed to have come. Understanding the gravity of the matter, Lu Yinghua had come to report.

“A sword that can strike the Netherworld…” Luo Hao mused for a moment, then nodded and said, “It’s not entirely impossible.”

“Ying’er, go to Japan yourself.”

“Appropriately guide my compatriot. Let him know of the Western Paradise Palace’s existence. Let him try.”

“Remember, you must maintain respect. The other party is not only a king equal to me but also a junior from the same land. If you disgrace yourself before him, be prepared to offer your penitence with thorns.”

This penitence with thorns was no metaphor—it was the real deal.

When Lu Yinghua was young, he had tried it once: bare-chested, with cursed thorn rods strapped to his back that grew heavier and caused constant pain, he started climbing Mount Lu from its foot all the way to the summit.

At that time, it had taken him three full days and nights to complete the penance. By the end, half his bones were broken and his back was a bloody mess. If he hadn’t sustained himself with Qi, he would have died.

And even in such a pitiful state, his master made him lie in bed for several days to thoroughly reflect on his sins before granting him spiritual elixirs for recovery.

Ever since then, Lu Yinghua strove to do his best in everything. No matter how small the task, he would be cautious, cautious again, never daring to make even the slightest mistake.

Now that he was grown, if he had to offer penitence again, given his master’s personality, the intensity would never be the same as when he was a child...

Thinking this, Lu Yinghua became fully serious.

“Yes! This disciple swears to complete the mission!”

No sooner had he spoken than Lu Yinghua was sent flying.

“I told you to show respect to the new king—what are you swearing your life for?”

“Are you saying you don’t think you can complete the mission and plan to die in apology in advance?”

“How could I have such a useless disciple!”

Luo Hao looked furious, full of disappointment.

“…………”

Dangling upside down from a tree branch, Lu Yinghua fell into deep silence.

This is too hard for me!

…………

That night, not only did ancient Campiones begin to take action, even some unknown beings began to move.

On an unnamed island, at the stormy coastline, a child stood alone.

It was a beautiful girl around twelve or thirteen years old.

Though young, the girl was striking in appearance—petite in figure, her face perfectly proportioned, like a classical doll created by a master craftsman who bet his life’s skill, charming and exquisite.

Her golden curls formed elegant waves, but she wore an overly mature and seductive black gown. Though this outfit clearly didn’t suit such a young girl, for some reason, it looked especially fitting on her.

At this moment, the young girl faced the wind and waves, shouting toward the sky.

“Uncle! Guinevere is heading to the Far East!”

In response to her cry toward the empty sky came a voice unheard by ordinary people, as if it echoed from the back of the world.

“Why so suddenly?”

Hearing this, the girl responded firmly.

“Our Lord—the Last King—very likely slumbers at the end of the East.”

Upon hearing this, a dark silhouette appeared on the water’s surface not far ahead.

The shadow resembled a reflection on the water. Even though there was no one on the water, it appeared there as if it belonged.

“Our Lord at the end of the East—this is the final possibility you arrived at after years of fruitless searching?”

The shadow on the water spoke faintly.

“Yes.” The girl’s voice turned somber. “Guinevere has searched the world under Uncle’s protection, even creating the myths of our Lord and Uncle, crafting the tales of King Arthur and Lancelot.”

“But in the end… we found nothing.”

“The end of the East is a place I have rarely set foot in.”

“And now, the seventh Campione has been born there. For some unknown reason, multiple Campiones are drawn to that land. Even the old man hidden in the Netherworld has been watching over it.”

“So, Guinevere must go see for herself.”

Upon hearing her words, the shadow on the water gave a slight nod.

“Then go and see. I hope traces of Our Lord will appear in that land.”

With that, the reflection vanished from the water.

“Yes, Uncle.”

The girl—Guinevere—immediately vanished like a phantom, heading toward the end of the East.

Chapter 348: Does This Count as Living Off a Woman?

A night of unrest in every sense quietly slipped away.

The next day, just as dawn broke, the priests of the Shichio Shrine began their work, starting the cleanup and recovery efforts for the mysterious destruction that had occurred on the shrine grounds.

They could be considered part of the world of sorcery. Although they didn’t know what had happened last night, they were clearly aware of their roles—knowing what was theirs to do and what was not.

Thus, the priests simply went about their tasks in silence, slowly restoring the Shichio Shrine to its original state.

Meanwhile, in the shrine office, the three people—Kaiser and the two girls—had all woken up.

“Here, breakfast.”

Inside the living room, Mariya Yuri placed the prepared breakfast on the table and called Kaiser and Seishuin Ena over to eat.

“Wow! Smells so good!”

Seishuin Ena was the first to sit down, yet her posture didn’t come off as impolite; her movements and sitting position were all very graceful.

However...

“E-Ena! There's a man here! Hurry and put on your clothes!”

Mariya Yuri shouted in embarrassment and slight panic.

Looking closely, Seishuin Ena’s attire was indeed somewhat improper at the moment. Her upper body wore only a sleeveless undershirt, and her lower half had on thin pajama shorts—not dignified attire at all.

Still, while it wasn’t dignified, she wasn’t exactly exposed either.

Kaiser glanced sidelong, and all he could see was a delicate body cloaked by thin fabric—yet that delicate body was undeniably alluring.

Seishuin Ena—this girl's figure was also on the slender side, but where curves were meant to exist, they did. Her proportions were stunning. Especially with only a thin layer of clothing in between, her beautiful body lines were clearly visible.

Mariya Yuri looked at Seishuin Ena's body with a trace of envy and awe in her eyes.

Seishuin Ena herself was completely unaware. Holding her chopsticks and bowl, she casually said,

“It’s no big deal. This body is meant to be offered to the King anyway. Letting the King see it now doesn’t count as a loss.”

An impressive, and powerful, justification.

Kaiser nodded unconsciously.

“Wh-What shameless things are you saying!” Mariya Yuri shot Kaiser a glance and quickly turned to Seishuin Ena. “A proper young lady who isn’t married shouldn’t behave so inappropriately! Hurry up and get dressed!”

“This counts as inappropriate?” Seishuin Ena looked down at herself, sounding puzzled. “But what you saw last night was way more—”

“Ahhhhhhh!” Mariya Yuri suddenly shrieked, cutting off Seishuin Ena mid-sentence, her face turning beet red. “You're not allowed to talk about last night! Eat your food already!”

At that, Kaiser raised an eyebrow.

“What did you two do last night that can’t be talked about?” Kaiser glanced at Mariya Yuri, then at Seishuin Ena, suspicion all over his face. “Looks like it’s something I’m not supposed to know?”

Seishuin Ena opened her mouth, about to speak, when Mariya Yuri physically stopped her.

“Try this! I made it specially this morning!”

Mariya Yuri’s face was red to the point it looked like it might start bleeding. She was both desperately trying to stop Seishuin Ena and clearly terrified that she'd say something shocking again, all while turning to Kaiser.

“You too! You try this!”

Mariya Yuri kept serving food, one moment feeding Seishuin Ena, the next feeding Kaiser—completely unaware she was using the same pair of chopsticks, effectively causing an indirect kiss between Kaiser and Seishuin Ena.

“Delicious!”

Naturally, Seishuin Ena didn’t notice anything. After being fed a few bites, her eyes sparkled on the spot.

“Yuri’s cooking is still as delicious as ever. No wonder she was chosen as the King’s first concubine. Marrying you will surely bring blessings.”

Seishuin Ena no longer let Mariya Yuri feed her and began eating on her own.

Over the past six months, Seishuin Ena had been training deep in a spiritual land in the mountains. She maintained her spiritual purity, kept her body and mind clear, and honed her swordsmanship, striving to surpass her physical limits and reach a state of no-mind.

For that purpose, she had been living a grain-free diet, consuming only wild fruits and mountain vegetables. Her training was far more rigorous than that of an ordinary Hime-Miko.

To her, Mariya Yuri’s cooking was practically a divine delicacy.

“It is really good.”

Kaiser stopped paying attention to what happened last night and nodded in agreement with Seishuin Ena's praise.

As far as he knew, Mariya Yuri’s parents both worked—her father at a fast-food chain, and her mother as a culinary instructor. Both were in the food industry.

Thanks to this, Mariya Yuri had decent cooking skills and often helped out her busy parents by cooking at home, preparing lunchboxes daily for herself and her younger sister.

“Though she may not be a professional chef, the food she serves to guests will never be lacking.”

Kaiser chewed on a side dish and offered his commentary freely.

“Exactly.”

Seishuin Ena nodded repeatedly as she ate her rice.

“It’s just plain and simple food. You don’t have to praise it that much.”

Mariya Yuri felt both relieved that the earlier topic was dropped and a bit embarrassed by the compliments.

“By the way, the Mariya family isn’t a prestigious household like the Seishuin family, right?” Kaiser recalled something and looked at Mariya Yuri. “With you making food for me every day, do you have enough money for groceries?”

The Mariya family did have some fame in Japan’s sorcery circles, but the fact that her parents held regular jobs made it clear—they weren’t some grand noble house, just a small family with some heritage.

Mariya Yuri was indeed the Hime-Miko of Musashino, but was that role even salaried?

He was just freeloading like this—was it putting a strain on her finances?

Kaiser let his mind wander on such thoughts.

“It’s just cooking for one or two extra people. It's no big deal.” Mariya Yuri shook her head and said, “Besides, Kaoru already called yesterday. She said all of the King’s expenses in this country will be fully covered by the Sayanomiya family.”

“If the King ever needs anything, Ena can also speak with her family.” Seishuin Ena smiled adorably at Kaiser and said, “In terms of wealth, the Seishuin family won’t lose to the Sayanomiya family. Whatever the King needs, just give the word.”

The Sayanomiya family and the Seishuin family...

Two of the four greatest families in Japan’s sorcery world had just become his personal sponsors?

Did this count as living off of Mariya Yuri and Seishuin Ena?

Kaiser bit into a meatball, his expression turning strange.

“Forget it. A meal or two is fine, but I’m not interested in being raised long-term by others.” Kaiser shook his head at the two girls and said, “The Sayanomiya and Seishuin families aren’t my subordinates. Mooching off them in such a dignified way—leave that to other Campione.”

“Then the King might as well just accept the Seishuin family,” Seishuin Ena said, speaking around her chopsticks. “I said it yesterday too—whether it’s Ena or the Seishuin family, we both want the King to take us in.”

“I’ll think about it.” Kaiser said calmly, “While I don’t mind recruiting some subordinates, taking in an entire faction is something that needs careful consideration.”

If he planned to stay in this world for the long term, it would certainly be necessary to absorb some factions to handle various errands for him.

But he didn’t yet know how long he’d remain in this world, so there was no need to make a decision too hastily.

For now, Kaiser only needed a few capable subordinates to maintain contact with the outside world.

Take Erica, for example—with her around, moving around Italy was undeniably convenient.

The Seishuin family wielded great influence in this country. While they might not control an official authority like the History Compilation Committee, as the Sayanomiya family did, they were still a comparable power with sway in both politics and the sorcery world.

Kaiser didn’t want to get too close to the History Compilation Committee—it would tie him to the country. But taking in the Seishuin family... might not be a bad idea?

With that in mind, Kaiser looked at Seishuin Ena.

“By the way, how’s your injury?”

Kaiser sized up Seishuin Ena’s whole body.

“All healed!” Seishuin Ena set down her bowl and chopsticks, stretched her body, and smiled brightly. “Yuri’s magic was very effective. Ena only suffered some surface wounds. One night was enough to recover!”

As she said this, Seishuin Ena looked a bit regretful.

“Too bad Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi no longer acknowledges me. I can’t use the divine blade anymore. My power is going to drop quite a bit.”

For the Hime-Miko of the Long Sword to lose her divine blade—this was no joke.

After all, Ame no Murakumo was a divine weapon. With it in hand, even when facing a Heretic God, one wouldn’t be entirely helpless. If used properly, it could even weaken a Heretic God and potentially seal them. Having it or not made a huge difference for Ena.

Of course...

“Even without Ame no Murakumo, don’t you still have spirit descent?” Mariya Yuri offered comfort. “With the guardian spirit of the old man, even if your power drops, Ena should still be able to keep her place as the top Hime-Miko.”

“True.” Seishuin Ena was very open-minded and immediately perked up. “In that regard, Ena is still very confident.”

Even without being the Hime-Miko of the Long Sword, Seishuin Ena was still the Miko of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

As long as she used spirit descent and called upon the divine guardian spirit, she could still wield divine power.

At the very least, someone like Erica likely wouldn’t be her match.

“Please don’t abandon this Ena. Grant me your favor, my King.”

Seishuin Ena bowed to Kaiser, bringing up the old topic once more.

Chapter 349: How Can the Hime-Miko of the Long Sword Be Without a Sword?

In the living room of the shrine office...

Kaiser did not immediately respond to Seishuin Ena, but instead continued to eat his meal with a calm expression.

It wasn’t until Seishuin Ena thought she had no hope and began to feel disappointed that Kaiser silently swallowed his last bite of food and stood up.

“Clang!”

A long spear radiating ancient divinity was cast down, piercing the floor and standing upright before Seishuin Ena.

“If you truly wish to pledge your loyalty to me, then swear upon this spear.”

Kaiser spoke the same words that only Mariya Yuri had heard until now.

“Yes!”

Yet Seishuin Ena didn’t hesitate for even a moment, not even questioning why she needed to swear upon a spear, and straightforwardly followed Kaiser’s instruction.

“I, Seishuin Ena, hereby swear to devote this life and body to my King, never to betray!”

The moment Seishuin Ena’s vow fell, the runes on the tip of the Gungnir gleamed briefly.

Suddenly, Seishuin Ena felt a throb in her heart, as if a voice were telling her that should she break this vow, the consequence would be death by a spear through her heart. It felt as though an invisible shackle had wrapped around her, both binding her and linking her to this ancient divine spear before her.

“So that’s what it is...”

Seishuin Ena had received relevant education and was also familiar with Kaiser’s information, so she immediately recognized the origin of this spear.

At the same time, she understood that since she had sworn upon this spear, the vow could never be broken. Even without Kaiser lifting a finger, the spear itself would become a shooting star, flying across the heavens to pierce her—even if she were on the other side of the world, even in a world different from the realm of the living, she would still be impaled by this unerring, inescapable spear.

It could be said that, with the Gungnir in hand, Kaiser would never again need to worry about betrayal.

Though, judging from the original story’s plot, Mariya Yuri and Seishuin Ena were not the type to betray others. However, one of them had a personality deeply concerned with the nation and its people, while the other was backed by a scheming deity and a large, influential clan. Even if the two had no such intentions themselves, they might still be used or manipulated, sold out without even realizing it.

So, just in case, and also to test the Gungnir’s capabilities in this regard, Kaiser had both of them swear upon it.

With this, even if something troubling were to occur, as long as it concerned Kaiser’s own interests, the binding of the vow would alert them, making them clearly understand what should and shouldn’t be done.

Not only Mariya Yuri and Seishuin Ena—when Erica arrived, if she still wished to swear loyalty to him, Kaiser would have her swear upon the Gungnir as well.

Even though Erica was someone who would never violate the spirit of chivalry, her backing—the Copper Black Cross and the Blandelli family—might not necessarily remain uninvolved, so this was the safest method.

Seishuin Ena might be naive and innocent, but that didn’t mean she understood nothing.

As the saying goes, great wisdom appears simple. Seishuin Ena may not be scheming, but her mind was sharp enough, so she immediately understood Kaiser’s concern.

To this, Seishuin Ena didn’t mind at all.

Just like she had said before, she was someone with clarity and decisiveness. Since she had already decided to serve Kaiser, and her grandfather and family had instructed her to do so as well, she would now only serve Kaiser.

Even without swearing upon the Gungnir, she would still prioritize Kaiser above all else—that was an inevitable result of her personality.

Thus, not only did Seishuin Ena have no complaints about the matter, she instead cheerfully said:

“Now Ena is King’s person, right? Can King dote on Ena now?”

Seishuin Ena’s bold statement once again made Mariya Yuri flush red with embarrassment.

“Ena!”

Mariya Yuri looked at her with reproach.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to be second?” Kaiser replied nonchalantly, “Then you’ll be behind Mariya.”

“King?!”

Mariya Yuri looked at Kaiser with a face full of astonishment.

“Understood.” Seishuin Ena immediately hugged Mariya Yuri and smiled, “Then Ena will offer herself to King after Yuri has been doted upon.”

“You, you two...?!” Mariya Yuri’s face instantly turned bright red, not knowing whether it was out of anger or shame, causing her to cry out, “I won’t do that kind of thing!”

Unfortunately, neither Kaiser nor Seishuin Ena paid her any attention.

“Wait for me a moment.”

Kaiser said this to Seishuin Ena, then left the living room and returned to his room from the night before.

Five minutes later, Kaiser returned to the living room.

In his hand, there was now a sword.

A tachi with an oval guard carved with six open slits, decorative patterns at the front end of the hilt, a white ribbon at the end, curved grooves along the blade, and a series of embossed curves along both sides of the blade.

Mariya Yuri and Seishuin Ena were instantly captivated by the sword.

They couldn’t help it.

“What a beautiful sword…”

Seishuin Ena blurted out in admiration.

“This sword…”

Mariya Yuri, through her exceptional spiritual sense, could feel the extraordinariness of this blade.

Upon closer inspection, the blade, guard, and hilt were all completely white, as if made of snow—beautiful and pure.

“How can the Hime-Miko of the Long Sword be without a sword?”

Kaiser chuckled and handed the pure white blade to Seishuin Ena.

“I’m giving this sword to you.”

Upon hearing this, Seishuin Ena immediately looked up, casting a look of disbelief at Kaiser.

“King... giving it to me?”

Seishuin Ena seemed delighted.

“Yes.” Kaiser placed the sword in Seishuin Ena’s hands and said, “I can’t give you the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, so use this sword from now on.”

“Though it can’t compare to a legendary divine sword like Ame no Murakumo, this blade’s power is already quite exceptional for a human.”

This was a sword personally created by Kaiser.

Last night, before falling asleep, Kaiser had studied the effects produced by fusing the Ame no Murakumo with his various powers.

The results were promising. The Ame no Murakumo not only could fuse with divine weapons manifested from his various Authorities, but also with all the signature weapons that acknowledged him as master.

Among them, after fusing with the Crown of Heavens, the Ame no Murakumo even materialized the phantoms of various Zanpakutō summoned by the Crown of Heavens.

After being materialized, the Zanpakutōs were identical to their originals—aside from lacking the abilities of the originals, their power and properties were the same, and they even inherited part of the characteristics of the Ame no Murakumo, greatly enhancing their utility and strength.

Now that Seishuin Ena had sworn loyalty to him, Kaiser naturally wouldn’t let this Hime-Miko of the Long Sword go empty-handed and weaponless.

Aside from Spirit Possession, Seishuin Ena’s greatest strength was her swordsmanship.

Having long held a legendary divine sword, Seishuin Ena naturally wouldn’t neglect her sword training.

With a powerful sword, Seishuin Ena’s full strength could be realized.

Considering this, Kaiser returned to his room, again used the Ame no Murakumo fused with the Crown of Heavens to materialize multiple Zanpakutō, and selected one of them to serve as Seishuin Ena’s weapon.

“This sword isn’t a divine weapon, but it far surpasses ordinary famous swords and blades. Even compared to well-known magic swords or holy swords, it’s not inferior—perhaps even superior.”

Kaiser began his explanation.

“Its prototype was a sword used specifically to sever and send off souls, so it possesses properties that are especially effective against spiritual bodies.”

“Its formation owes much to the Ame no Murakumo, so it also possesses some of that sword’s power, namely the characteristic of ‘steel’ and the power to break magic.”

“Soul-reaping power against spirits, the steel trait effective against dragons and serpents, and the anti-magic property—this sword possesses all three.”

For most weapons, possessing even one of these traits would qualify it as a famous sword, magic sword, or holy sword—let alone all three.

Because of that, among weapons humans can wield, this sword was already of the highest tier.

At the very least, Erica’s famed magic sword Cuore di Leone was inferior to this one.

With it, even without the Ame no Murakumo, Seishuin Ena could exert peak-level human combat power and stand on equal footing with a Paladin-class character.

And combined with Spirit Possession, even Divine Beasts would not be beyond Seishuin Ena’s ability to challenge.

To maintain its existence, Kaiser also infused a great deal of Magical Power into the sword and used some knowledge of crafting artificial divine weapons to elevate it into a spiritual blade just beneath the level of divine swords.

“I hope you’ll make good use of it.”

After Kaiser said this, Seishuin Ena immediately embraced the blade lovingly and cast a grateful gaze at him.

“Thank you, King! Ena will definitely make good use of it!” Seishuin Ena asked joyfully, “Does this sword have a name?”

Kaiser nodded.

“The sword is named Sode no Shirayuki.”

This was Kuchiki Rukia’s Zanpakutō.

Sode no Shirayuki, like Hyōrinmaru, was originally an ice-type Zanpakutō. Its ability was to emit cold air from its tip, freezing anything it touched.

The Sode no Shirayuki that Kaiser created did not possess the original’s ability, but its sharpness, durability, hardness, and strength far surpassed it. It also possessed three special traits, making it a spiritual sword filled with essence.

And the reason this sword was chosen to be Seishuin Ena’s sidearm was simply because it looked beautiful.

After all, Sode no Shirayuki was renowned in the Soul Society as the most beautiful Zanpakutō, and it matched perfectly with Seishuin Ena, the ultimate Yamato Nadeshiko and child of nature.

“Sode no Shirayuki…”

Seishuin Ena murmured the name, etched it deeply into her memory, and solemnly placed it into the sword bag that previously held the Ame no Murakumo.

“Congratulations, Ena.”

Seeing her childhood friend so happy, Mariya Yuri genuinely felt glad for her.

“Thank you, it’s all King’s reward.”

Seishuin Ena’s face was full of joy.

Chapter 350: Meeting This Elder

After the matter of gifting the sword, Kaiser and the other two separated in the clubroom.

Mariya Yuri had to go to school, so naturally she did not stay behind.

Seishuin Ena took her phone, which was about to run out of battery, and went outside. She seemed to be preparing to report her allegiance to Kaiser to the one in the Netherworld as well as to the Seishuin family.

The History Compilation Committee appeared to have anticipated this development and never sent anyone to interfere. Only Sayanomiya Kaoru made a phone call to Mariya Yuri to chat about a few things.

Thus, Kaiser remained alone in the clubroom, sitting in front of the low table, absentmindedly pondering.

“Now that things are settled here, is it time to take care of the main matters?”

Kaiser had not forgotten the purpose of his return this time.

The first objective was to bring Mariya Yuri under his command.

The second objective was to make contact with the god deliberately hidden by this country, to meet his childhood idol, and maybe even fight him.

As for the third objective, it was to uncover the secret hidden by Susanoo and his ilk.

Now that the first goal had been achieved, Kaiser naturally intended to carry out the second and third ones.

“So, which one should I do first?”

Kaiser considered the matter.

However, before he could decide, Seishuin Ena returned first.

“King, do you have time now?”

The girl carrying a sword bag seemed unfamiliar with beating around the bush. She directly asked the question upon entering.

“I do.” Kaiser looked at Seishuin Ena and said, “What is it? Something on your mind?”

“Just a little.” Seishuin Ena held up her clearly rarely used and unfamiliar phone and requested, “Actually, it’s Kaoru. She seems to have something she wants to say to you.”

“Sayanomiya Kaoru?” Kaiser raised an eyebrow. “You’re in contact with her?”

As far as he knew, the relations between the Four Great Families in the jutsushiki world weren’t exactly harmonious.

Although all four clans once served emperors, precisely because they were all ancient and powerful, they had spent hundreds of years fighting for power within the jutsushiki world. They had even once sparked a struggle for national leadership, a very fierce conflict.

In that struggle for leadership, the victor in the end was the operator of the History Compilation Committee, that is, the Sayanomiya family.

That’s why people say the Seishuin family is inferior to the Sayanomiya family—because the Seishuin family had once been defeated by them.

Of course, though the Sayanomiya family won that leadership battle, it wasn’t an overwhelming victory. At the very least, the gap between them and the Seishuin family wasn’t large. If the two clashed again, the Sayanomiya family might not necessarily win a second time.

In such circumstances, with one being the core operator of an official orthodox organization and the other a prominent political family, even without major conflicts, the relationship between the Sayanomiya and Seishuin families certainly wasn’t good.

That Seishuin Ena, the only daughter of the Seishuin family, would have contact with Sayanomiya Kaoru, the next head of the History Compilation Committee—that genuinely surprised Kaiser.

But actually, it was quite normal.

“Even though Ena is the daughter of the Seishuin family, she’s also this generation’s chief Hime-Miko.” Seishuin Ena blinked and said, “Spiritual practitioners in the jutsushiki world are obligated to assist the History Compilation Committee. Besides, Ena, Kaoru, and Yuri all once trained together as apprentice Hime-Miko. Strictly speaking, Kaoru, like Yuri, is also Ena’s childhood friend, you know?”

In other words, regardless of the relationship between the two families, Seishuin Ena and Sayanomiya Kaoru were actually quite familiar with each other.

As a Hime-Miko, Seishuin Ena also had the obligation to assist the History Compilation Committee. After all, it was the official orthodox organization, and the Seishuin family held significant political status—how could they openly oppose such an entity?

Even if they gave no face to the Sayanomiya family, they would still have to give face to the History Compilation Committee. So Seishuin Ena often mingled with people from the committee. Otherwise, when she came here, Sayanomiya Kaoru would not have brought Touma Amakasu along to greet her.

Although that was also to figure out the true purpose of Seishuin Ena’s visit.

“Will the King take the call?”

Seishuin Ena handed the nearly-dead phone to Kaiser.

Kaiser didn’t speak. He simply took the phone and started listening.

“This is Kaiser.” He spoke to the person on the other end of the line. “What is it? Sayanomiya?”

Sayanomiya Kaoru’s voice immediately came from the other end.

“Apologies, King, I didn’t mean to disturb you deliberately. But about this matter, I thought it necessary to let you know.”

Her voice was just as brisk and straightforward as the last time they met.

Then, she said something that made Kaiser’s eyes narrow slightly.

“Just now, we received intelligence that a Bronze Black Cross private jet landed at Haneda Airport.”

Haneda Airport, officially Tokyo Haneda International Airport, is the largest airport in Tokyo and even all of Neon.

It’s located in the southeastern part of Tokyo’s Ōta Ward, not far from where Kaiser was.

“Bronze Black Cross...”

Kaiser more or less knew who had arrived.

“They sure came quickly.” Kaiser said calmly. “Did you assign someone to follow them?”

“We did at first. After all, they’re one of the magic associations that dominate Milan. Their sudden, high-profile visit naturally warranted surveillance.” Sayanomiya Kaoru’s voice turned solemn and low. “But not long ago, all our people lost contact.”

“The committee sent others to investigate, only to find that without exception, every one of them had turned into human-shaped statues of solid salt.”

Anyone who heard this and wasn’t totally ignorant would know who had arrived.

In the Old Testament, there was a city called Sodom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. It was a city known for indulging in male lust and uninhibited same-sex pleasure.

Its depravity became a sin so great that it disturbed God, who rained sulfur and fire from the heavens upon it, burning the city down. Those who looked upon the city’s destruction were turned into pillars of salt.

And a Campione had once usurped an Authority from the one-eyed Roman god of war, Horatius Cocles—an Authority that turned anything looked upon into a pillar of salt, thus recreating the Old Testament’s tale of Sodom’s destruction.

The Witenagemot named this Authority—Eye of Sodom.

And the one who possessed this Authority was the oldest living Campione—Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

“Causing such a ruckus right from the start?”

Kaiser laughed, but there was no amusement in his eyes.

“If I say he didn’t come looking for trouble, no one would believe it, right?”

At those words, Sayanomiya Kaoru, as if she hadn’t heard him, said:

“It seems he hasn’t left Ōta yet. But as for his exact location, we don’t dare continue the investigation.”

Clearly, the History Compilation Committee had also realized who the visitor was.

As the oldest Demon Lord, Voban, unlike Luo Hao who remained secluded in the mountains, had been active—or rather, rampaging—across the world.

Being the kind of Campione who would summon Heretic Gods just to cure his boredom, Voban, like Doni, actively sought them out to fight.

Thanks to that, several of Voban’s commonly used Authorities had been witnessed and were known to many factions on the magic side, especially the Witenagemot.

Eye of Sodom, Greedy Pack of Wolves, Tempestuous Winds and Waves, Cage of Death’s Minions… These were the four most famous among Voban’s numerous Authorities.

In Europe, any magician knew that the Marquis of Voban possessed these four Authorities.

In the East, anyone with decent intelligence gathering also couldn’t be ignorant of this.

Therefore, the moment they discovered their agents had turned into salt, the History Compilation Committee under Sayanomiya Kaoru immediately knew who had arrived.

Anyone whom the Bronze Black Cross would dispatch a private jet for—and who could turn people into salt—was clearly this oldest Demon Lord.

“You’ve certainly played your cards well.” Kaiser said with a half-smile. “Can’t deal with that rotten old man yourself, so you passed the info on to me…”

“What now? Planning to sit back and watch the tigers fight? Or hoping to drive one beast against another?”

“Not at all.” Sayanomiya Kaoru gave a bitter laugh. “I just thought that the fact he came at this moment very likely means he’s here for you.”

Even if she had a hundred lives, Sayanomiya Kaoru wouldn’t dare try to scheme against Kaiser.

Seishuin Ena had only spent a single night with him, and she had already pledged allegiance. From what she said, even the old geezer had suffered a major loss at Kaiser’s hands, and even the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi had been stolen.

Someone that dangerous—only a fool would try to manipulate.

She genuinely believed that the Marquis of Voban might have come for Kaiser, which was why she deliberately called to warn him.

Two Campiones causing havoc within this country would be far too stressful.

To avoid the worst-case scenario, Sayanomiya Kaoru, with great self-awareness, notified Kaiser.

“He’s not here for me.” Kaiser shook his head and said, “But of course, even if he isn’t, it’s not far off.”

Voban had set his sights on the treasured Spirit Vision User that Kaiser had just taken under his wing!

Daring to snatch what belonged to him—it was the same as coming for him directly, wasn’t it?

“Alright, I understand.” Kaiser said calmly, “I’ll handle that bastard old man.”

With that, he hung up the phone and tossed it back to Seishuin Ena.

“King.”

Seishuin Ena took the phone and seemed to sense something, her eyes lighting up.

“Let’s go.”

Kaiser stood up and gave her a slight smile.

“Let’s go meet this elder.”

(End of Chapter)