Campione! Vol 10 Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Smoldering Devil Kings
Part 1
On this particular day, Alexandre Gascoigne had appeared in Taipei.
Taipei — the well-known central city of Taiwan.
He had gone to the Ningxia Road Night Market. A night market filled with
merchandise stalls and snack shops. Every night, the market was crowded
with locals and tourists who came here for the distinctive roadside snacks.
People could either eat while standing or sit at tables next to the stalls.
However, tonight Alec picked an aged and worn down restaurant instead.
Sitting down at a table outside the shop, he arbitrarily ordered a few
dishes. Since this type of night market did not offer much in terms of
alcohol, he brought his own canned beer.
Steamed dumplings, boiled dumplings, rice dumplings with meat fillings,
spiced sausages, oyster omelettes, etc.
Just as the dishes were placed on the table, the one he waited for arrived.
"...Its been a while, Alec."
"Ah yes. Approximately a year."
The other person greeted using Min Nan^ dialect, so Alec replied in the
same language.
The one who had arrived was a gla.s.ses-wearing seventeen or
eighteen-year-old girl.
Called Cecilia.
She was wearing a modest sweater over a white shirt with an una.s.suming
skirt. Even though her face was quite cute, it was lacking in glamor.
Alec had become acquainted with her a few years ago when traveling in
the far east. In order to return the favor she owed to Alec that time, she
became a member of [Royal a.r.s.enal].
"Then show up at St. Ives from time to time... Wait a minute, have you ever
been to headquarters? If memory serves me correctly, you havent."
St. Ives.
Where the organization led by Alec, [Royal a.r.s.enal], had located its
headquarters.
Situated in the region of Cornwall on the westernmost tip of England. It
was a little seaside town.
"Your memory is correct. I have never met any comrades apart from you."
Cecilia spoke with a monotonous and indifferent tone. She was a girl who
seldom showed emotion through her voice or facial expressions.
"Lets leave it at that... That said, lazy as you are, you still accepted this
invitation so readily?"
"Because I wanted to see you."
"Stop joking around. Its making the beer taste funny."
Her joke instantly rejected, Cecilia fell silent.
Even though she was essentially a reticent and expressionless girl, she
almost seemed to be showing a bit of resentment.
Nevertheless, Alec paid it no mind, because there were more important
matters.
"You were the one who communicated a wish to see the Island-Fishing
Needle. Thats what you came for, right?"
Despite her young age, Cecilia was an outstanding Daoist priestess.
Daoists. The term used for those who studied ancient Chinese wizardry,
Daoist arts, that had been pa.s.sed down for generations. At the same time,
she was well-versed in oriental myths and legends.
"I dont mind either way."
"Or in other words, that is the sole reason."
She was casting that slanted gaze of subtle resentment again. Was there
something she wanted to say?
"This is the Needle in question."
Alec did not mind entering the main topic.
He took a rod out from his shirt pocket. It had roughly the same length and
girth as a ball point pen, and appeared to be made of beige plastic. This
was the divine artifact obtained from j.a.pan, the Heavenly Reverse
Halberd.
"By the way, Ive mentioned to you before. Myths that probably originated
from southern Chinese sea-faring tribes first crossed over to Taiwan, then
spread to southeast Asia, followed by Polynesia and Micronesia. In the
process they also spread to j.a.pan."
"Yes, I remember."
"In the creation myths of sea-faring tribes, the world began as an ocean.
An endless ocean without any land. At that time, the primordial G.o.d of
creation lowered a fishing line and fished dry land out of the ocean to
create islands. That was the birth of land — the story of the countrys
founding."
Alec casually explained as he brought food to his mouth with chopsticks
between gulps of beer.
"From 4000 BCE to 3000 BCE, the people of the sea traveled south on
crude boats across the Pacific, migrating to various parts of the world. This
resulted in the scattering of East Asian oceanic creation myths. Of course,
this includes j.a.pan."
"Izanagi and Izanamis founding of the country."
"Correct. Izanagi and Izanami were on the primordial sea where there was
nothing but minuscule floating and suspended debris. Dipping in the
Heavenly Reverse Halberd and stirring, dry land was made to appear,
creating the islands of j.a.pan. Well, using a needle as a hook, stirring with
a rod, it doesnt really look the same on first glance..."
"That doesnt pose a significant problem."
Alec nodded at Cecilias brief and casual response.
In ancient j.a.pan, the halberd for fishing — there were records of it being a
tool for catching fish. All of these little stories were identical in essence.
"This halberd is a divine artifact with the same name. Naturally one would
think it is the country founding tool."
"Alec intends to investigate this thing?"
"Yes. I want to find out exactly what powers this artifact holds, and how to
use them flexibly."
Cecilia coldly remarked to Alec:
"No way. Born of mortal flesh, theres no way we could do that. Give it up?"
"Not necessarily. Actually I already came up with one or two ideas."
"...Really?"
Cecilia looked impressed. Beneath her gla.s.ses, her pupils were wide open.
Alec shrugged at that honest expression of admiration.
"Its nothing mind blowing. Deducing from the myths, this thing should be a
divine artifact related to the divine aspects of water or land. In that case, if
a similar G.o.d is found somewhere, just use this rod and observe what
changes may occur, then proceed with verification."
"...In any case, dont do that in this country. Too dangerous."
Alec smiled knowingly at her refusal.
All along, he had no intention of doing something worthless like that.
"If thats the case, only one option remains. Find divine dragon bones that
are related to either the earth or the sea, and use them to make contact
with this thing. To a.s.sist me, first investigate thoroughly all records of
mother earth G.o.ddesses and snake or dragon deities that have manifested
here in the past hundred years."
"...Dragon bones. There is that option indeed. But Alec, trying to find that
kind of thing is even harder than finding G.o.ds."
"Hard, but not impossible. Its worth considering."
Listening to his subordinates opinion, Alec was completely nonchalant.
For the sake of solving all sorts of mysteries, he had stepped foot into
many sacred domains. This level of exploration was merely on the level of
warm-up exercises.
"Considering the fact that discovering them could mean avoiding
meaningless battles, it will be far more efficient than searching for a G.o.d.
Dont overlook that."
"I didnt. Its just that your ideas are very strange."
Cecilia was expressing simple and easily-read emotions for once. She
sighed deeply.
"Alec, you are truly extraordinary. In matters of bringing chaos to the world,
no one can surpa.s.s you. Compared to the other Campiones, you are
definitely ahead."
Casual praise. But abjectly notorious.
"Im nowhere near as barbaric or reckless as those people. Dont even
think of grouping me together with them."
Alec could not help but retort displeased.
A few days pa.s.sed.
Alec was strolling casually in Los Angeles.
He had been to Taiwan, the Philippines and even the interior of China. In
these past days, he had journeyed far and wide across many different
countries and regions. In the end, he chose to finish his trip here.
Alec was operating alone. Having given Cecilia new instructions, he sent
her off on a separate mission.
He took a taxi cab from the airport to the great city on the American west
coast.
Los Angeles. An ethnic melting pot. A major economical and industrial
stronghold. The city of evil that was swirling with crime. The capital where
depravity and prosperity vied for domination.
Hidden in this "chaotic" city were many whose existences would not be
tolerated by common reason.
Wielders of unnatural abilities who obtained magical powers by selling
morality and conscience to the devil — sorcerers. Last but not least, there
was John Pluto Smith!
Alec did not believe he could avoid dealing with him during this trip to
America.
Steeling his determination, Alec took the taxi to Samantha University at
Los Feliz. He had been there only once, a few years ago. The internal
layout of the university had remained completely unchanged.
Consequently, everything went smoothly for Alec.
Getting off from the taxi, he began making his way without even glancing at
the directory. The route had already been memorized.
Arriving at Professor Joe Wests research lab in the modern languages
department, he knocked. Receiving a reply of "Please enter," he pushed
the door open without reservations. Two people were already present.
The elderly African-American with the intellectual appearance and a
Caucasian woman with fiery red hair.
The former was naturally Professor West. A world-renowned researcher of
fantasy literature and benevolent mage. His power as a fairy doctor was
also unmatched in Europe.
As for that woman, she was most likely Annie Charlton.
A student in Wests cla.s.s. The impressive bespectacled beauty who was
the same age as Alec. A calm and composed character who took action
with great initiative. She also worked as John Pluto Smiths subordinate,
apparently performing detective work or the like —
The Professor seemed to be in shock while his student displayed cautious
surprise.
Previously, they had already seen the Campione known as the Black
Prince.
"I remember todays visitor should have been a Mr. Gascony introduced by
Pires-kun. What kind of funny idea is this?"
Professor West scrutinized Alecs face as he spoke.
"Exactly as was said. I am Alex Gascony. A Frenchman heading to Oxford
for study, and a student hoping to meet you today. Thats the story."
Alec admitted the pretense without reservation. After all, it was likely that
the fairy doctor would have seen through a disguise. Hence, he openly
showed the face of the Black Prince and made a visit under an awkward
alias.
"Hmm. I see."
Using the name of Alexandre Gascoigne to make a visit to a facility related
to John Pluto Smith would have been strange behavior that would easily
develop into diplomatic problems between Devil Kings.
In order to avoid undue alarm, Alec had chosen to arrive in such a
manner —
Presumably having figured out Alecs intentions, the Professor shrugged
and sighed slightly.
"I guess Id better ignore the fact that the name is reminiscent of a certain
someone who is cause for concern. No, I think Id better think more
carefully about it!"
"Come on, at a time like this, formality is more important than substance.
Hence this is enough."
"Then for what purpose has Mr. Gascony come to this place?"
Annie Charlton interrupted.
She glared very sharply at Alec. If the Professor was met with danger she
would immediately step forward to protect him. Such resolve was clearly
visible. What an amazing heroic female.
"I dont plan on hanging around for long, so lets cut to the chase. Dragon
bones — or using the way they call it in this city, that would be Angels
Remains. Please lend them to me for a brief little while."
"What?"
"What are you intending to do with that sort of thing?"
Alec smiled proudly in response to Annie and the Professors surprise.
"For experiment and verification."
"Are you planning to bring turmoil to the world again?"
"So, what are you going to do? Even though I intend to perform an act of
charity by removing a seed of disaster from the world, people who dont
mind their business would probably disagree. Whether what I described is
an act of good or evil, there is no way for you to ascertain."
Alec seemed to be deliberately evading Annies question.
"Anyway, I need dragon bones for this reason. Professor, I received news
that you obtained dragon bones from Sichuan province in China roughly
ten years ago. If youll lend them out generously, I wont have to waste any
unnecessary effort. I hope you will consider it."
Unnecessary effort. Namely, theft.
Whenever there was something he wished to obtain, no matter what kind
of wealth, authority, or magic the owner possessed, he would never shy
away from the act of theft. Being concerned with societys notions of
morals or common sense was completely not his style.
"You are a terrible man! Despite your usual serious demeanor and
behavior, once you get into action, you reveal that horrible troublemaking
nature of yours!"
West shook his head with great annoyance.
"Very well, As you wish. I will provide you with the Remains I possess."
"Joe! You cannot decide so rashly!"
In response to Annie Charltons warning, Joe West answered with deep
consideration.
"Asherah has perished, and the [King of Flies] is disbanded. Los Angeles
is currently celebrating long awaited peace that had not appeared for
years. Its time to put aside the conflict between Pluto and the Black
Prince. Besides, Annie, I dont believe he is the kind of Devil King who
would easily resort to theft and take what he wants without warning."
In a duel between two Devil Kings, the outcome was completely uncertain.
This was not a matter of who was stronger.
Because a Campiones talent lay precisely in seeking victory no matter the
odds, achieving success through apparently foolish but bold action.
However, the matter of winning or losing was not only limited to theft.
Joe West was correct. This was Black Prince Alecs personal victory.
He was the Devil King of divine speed and the labyrinth. The one who
vanquished innumerable foes using suspicious authorities. Furthermore,
he was skilled in magic and strategy. This sort of disposition made him the
most powerful eccentric thief in history.
Finally with great reluctance, Annie nodded in agreement to her teachers
words.
Part 2
On a table in the research lab was a shallow dish.
In it sat a milky-white little stone.
"Reportedly, when a [Heretic G.o.d] manifesting on earth loses their material
body, in extremely rare instances, a portion of their remains survive as
flesh and bone. Chinese Daoists call them Dragons Bones while North
American magi call them Angels Remains. Isnt that right?"
"Ah yes. But of course, flesh and bone that is completely different from any
other creature on earth."
As Alec muttered while examining the stone, the Professor replied.
"When deities pa.s.s on, their bodies either turn into sand and collapse or
change into stone and shatter. On those occasions, if a part maintains its
form by chance, then it becomes worshiped as a sacred relic, to be used
as a ma.s.sive power source for magi. Well, it is an exceptionally rare thing
to find."
The Professor looked down at the stone in the shallow dish.
"This was the object found by chance from a place in China where the
creation G.o.ddess Nuwa^ had descended."
"Nuwa. Also a mother earth G.o.ddess possessing a snake divinity."
Alec took out the Heavenly Reverse Halberd from his pocket, and brought
it close to the milky-white stone.
The Halberd proceeded to lengthen. From the length of a ballpoint pen it
became almost a meter long. The change rendered Professor West and
Annie speechless.
"As expected, it reacted to the mother earth G.o.ddess remains..."
Alec knew from his decade long experience in adventuring.
The "remains" of deities carried divine properties far surpa.s.sing divine
beasts in level. They could very well provide the same effect as contact
with a G.o.d —
Alec smiled at the smooth progress of his plan.
So, how should he use this Halberd? Lets try stabbing the tip into the floor
and see... It went through. It almost felt like sticking a rod into mud.
The Heavenly Reverse Halberds tip was embedded into the ceramic tiled
floor.
"Before the founding of the country, amorphous land was floating and
suspended like globules of fat. Izanagi and Izanami were tasked with
maintaining and stabilizing this floating country, and were bestowed the
Heavenly Reverse Halberd. The two G.o.ds stood atop the Floating Bridge of
Heaven, inserting this Halberd into the sea, and started to stir..."
Alec recalled the pa.s.sage in j.a.panese mythology.
He attempted to stir the tiled floor using the Heavenly Reverse Halberd.
Amazing. The ceramic tiles gradually lost hardness and cohesion. In the
beginning, it felt like mixing concrete, but gradually the sense of resistance
disappeared, like ice-cream melting.
"...Melted? Did it lose its form?"
"Usina the j.a.panese way of description, it should be called the Leech
Child^ state."
The Professor and Alec, as well as Annie who had remained silent all this
time, were all focusing their gaze on this phenomenon.
Mere dozens of seconds ago, the ceramic tiles were still a part of the floor.
But now they had become a flowing liquid with a color that was hard to
describe. On first glance it appeared transparent and colorless, but
continued scrutiny found it to be pure white, then glittering with light.
Flashing all sorts of colored light, it kept changing colors like a
kaleidoscope.
Within it, all the colors of the human world could be found. Colorlessness
carrying infinite color.
"...Gascony. Or rather, Alexandre Gascoigne. What is the Leech Child?"
Annie suddenly questioned, but not in a students manner.
Or more accurately, it was like the royal tone of one king questioning
another as equals.
"That was the deformed child who was the firstborn of j.a.pans creator
G.o.ds Izanagi and Izanami. His body was said to be amorphous and lacking
in bones. Soon after his birth, he was washed into the ocean and buried in
darkness..."
As Alec explained, he suddenly had an idea.
He reversed the clockwise motion he was using to stir the Heavenly
Reverse Halberd, and tried going counterclockwise instead. After stirring
for a while, the sense of resistance gradually increased.
The feeling of stirring water soon became that of stirring ice-cream.
Then it became like stirring concrete, and finally, completely solid.
...The ceramic tiles on the floor were restored. Well, except there was a
spiral pattern in the center of the tiles, so it was not exactly back to its
original appearance.
"The island-fishing and country-founding myths pa.s.sed down in East
Asia and the South Seas.^ Could this Halberd be that divine artifact
reappeared...? The key to forming land and even giving birth to the Leech
Child..."
Alecs mind was a turbulent sea of recalled facts and imaginings.
The strongest [Steel]. The king who manifests at the end of eras. Past
incidents in j.a.pan. The Heavenly Reverse Halberds requisite powers.
Also, Avalon and Guinevere...
"Come to think of it, now should be a perfect opportunity to cut those
cursed ties with that woman..."
Alec used the magic of [Dismissal] to dispel the Heavenly Reverse
Halberd.
This allowed it to be retrieved when necessary by the magic of
[Summoning]. European knights used this magic whenever they needed to
carry their swords and lances with them. Alec proceeded to turn to the
owner of the lab.
"My apologies for taking up your time. My matter has finished so let me
take my leave."
"For us, that is the greatest favor you could do."
Towards Alecs statement, Annie responded with a displeased expression:
"Then leave, before you bring disaster to our city. Alexandre Gascoigne, I
sincerely hope you never step foot in California ever again!"
Leaving the research lab, Alec turned himself into lightning and headed
towards the sea.
In order to test the functions of the Heavenly Reverse Halberd again.
Satisfied with the results, he decided to spend the night in Los Angeles.
It was a room facing the Pacific Ocean, in a high cla.s.s hotel. Having
arranged room service and finished his meal, his bed was already
prepared.
However, Alec was sitting on a chair by the window, deep in thought.
Traveling to the west coast of North America all the way from East Asia, he
was both exhausted and jetlagged. Be that as it may, there was still a
mountain of matters to consider.
Alec had cast "barrier" magic in the room beforehand.
Simple magic for warning about the approach of danger. Nevertheless, it
was more than sufficient for the Campione of divine speed. Whether
fleeing, fighting, or confusing the enemy, the choice was up to him. As a
result, Alec simply spoke indifferently when the magic alarm sounded.
"If you want to visit at night, shouldnt you call first?"
"This level of rudeness is completely acceptable for a gentlemans room
that was booked under a fake name. Avoiding unnecessary toil is my
style."
What kind of mystic technique or method had been used?
What should have been a locked window was now flung open, causing the
curtains to flutter in the wind.
Casually stepping in from outside the window was a black-masked
eccentric. Furthermore, this room was on the tenth floor of a high-rise
hotel.
The masks visor had a design reminiscent of insectoid eyes.
Under the cape which resembled a demonic birds wings, an eccentric
person was dressed in an opera-style high cla.s.s outfit.
"Gascoigne. You and I had agreed to a non-aggression pact. Does your
current visit not violate those terms?"
John Pluto Smith. The dark Devil King who lorded over Los Angeles had
appeared.
"Im not visiting as Alexandre Gascoigne... I have already communicated
this fact to your subordinates."
"From the abysmal att.i.tude you showed to my friends at the lab, this
statement of yours is as good as junk."
Smith shrugged his black-caped shoulders. It was an exaggerated motion
that one would find in a theatre performance.
The ordinary hotel room had essentially been turned into a theatrical stage.
"In the coastal waters of Los Angeles... In the Channel Islands vicinity, an
island not recorded in maps had suddenly appeared. This strange
phenomenon happened around 1500 hours today."
"Oh?"
"Furthermore, at around 1700 hours, this island suddenly vanished again."
"Really?"
"It was reported to me by a benevolent mage who sensed ma.s.sive magical
power and deliberately went to investigate. By the way, Gascoigne, you
seem to be personally carrying a divine artifact?"
"Purely coincidence. So what?"
Alec replied nonchalantly.
"With regard to this matter, its in your best interests not to get in my way."
"That really sounds oh so attractive... What are you planning, Gascoigne?"
The masks visor glared at Alecs handsome face.
"It is true that your grand imagination and initiative are your strong points.
However, if memory serves me, you have never applied those strengths
towards anything apart from personal hobbies. Even one such as I,
believes that you need to be treated with caution."
"Stop talking nonsense. I am neither as self-centered nor as destructive as
people say I am."
"That I can agree. However, compared to common morality, you place
greater importance on your personal aesthetic ideals. Furthermore, your
reckless, inconsiderate, and troublemaking personality is exactly as
rumored. Hence I believe public opinion cannot be dismissed."
"...Eh."
"Consequently, trusting you unconditionally would be equivalent to a
dangerous gamble."
Alec smacked his lips, declining to retort.
This melodramatic cosplay maniac was different from Chinas freakishly
strong girl or Italys idiot. If one were to offer negotiations, this man could at
least be counted on to respond rationally. The agenda must be pushed.
"How about eliminating the leader of the Divine Ancestors? A plan to root
out and cleanse the seeds of trouble. This should have personal relevance
to you."
"Divine Ancestor. A term last heard many months ago."
"Entrenched in North America, sorcerers have been cla.s.sified into various
factions. One of them is composed of witches who worshiped as queens
the European Divine Ancestors of old. That group of witches crossed over
from Europe to the American continent during pioneering days, and
wreaked much havoc."
Alec brought up the dark side of history known only to magi.
Of course, Smith was well aware of it. After all, the [King of Flies] he had
spent the last few years fighting was a faction of sorcerers related to witch
lineages.
Finally, the black-masked king nodded and went "True."
"These witches secretive activities and troublemaking preparations,
caused the Protestant clergy to enter a pathological fervor on witch hunts.
This resulted in the torture of many innocent women. A most tragic event."
"...So, Gascoigne."
The masks visor pointed straight at Alec as Smith began to speak.
"In other words, is this what you are proposing? The Divine Ancestors, who
still hold great influence over sorcerers — in order to deal them a
devastating blow, I should turn a blind eye to your secretive dealings."
"Ah yes. You dont want to fight a second Asherah, right?"
"Hmm."
Smith paused silently for a brief moment, then began to mutter slowly.
"True, this is mutually beneficial. However."
"What is it? Do you need evidence that I am speaking the truth?"
"Demanding that from a man like you would be useless. Only because
your wit and imagination are indeed exemplary. However, when
unexpected incidents flare up, it is also true that you abandon those
qualities without hesitation."
"Thats not abandoning. Its just ad-libbing in response to changing
situations!"
Alec could not help but make a violent outburst at the accusation.
"Our opponents have always been G.o.ds and our peers, the Campiones.
Precisely because common sense and logic are never applicable to these
opponents, reacting flexibly is only natural."
"Well. I cant disagree with that... But for you, being flexible can result in
the original plan going completely awry. Probably that time when the fake
Grail had appeared, you began taking reckless action on your own, and
ignored your negotiations with that Princess."
Princess.
Naturally, Smith was referring to the former spokesperson of Englands
Witenagemot, daughter of Duke G.o.doddin, Alice Louise of Navarre.
Alec could not believe that that woman had disclosed their secret
agreement so easily...!
Alec was secretly incensed by Smiths sarcastic tone. However.
"Having said that, I am also well aware that Alexandre Gascoignes plans
do succeed on occasion, numerous times... Very well, I shall turn a blind
eye to your rudeness this time."
"Really. Then I apologize."
Alec calmed down from Smiths words. Even though he was nowhere near
as melodramatic as that masked eccentric, the Black Prince was also a
rather vain Campione.
Having ended the conversation, John Pluto Smith bowed elegantly and left
through the window.
Exactly how a famous actor would exit the stage after the curtain call.
In less than twenty seconds, Alec took a brief glance out of the window,
but there were no signs of the black-caped black-masked hero. He had
vanished like a puff of smoke.
"Still a man who comes and goes so mysteriously."
After grumbling to himself, Alec took out his cellphone.
He made an international call to his trusted subordinate in England, Sir
Iceman.
Alec succinctly summed up for the legendary knight the "plan" he had
crystallized over the past few hours. For the organization leader to be
abroad for extended periods of time, strategizing and taking action
personally, Sir Iceman could only lament against the reckless plan.
...Also, protests against your activities have been received from those
working under j.a.pans Campione. They demand us to disclose the
whereabouts of Alexandre Gascoigne which we dont even know. We
managed to contain the situation for now.
"Ignore them. I will handle it directly later."
To be on the safe side, Alec quickly added:
"Just handle things at headquarters as usual. If Kusanagi G.o.dou intrudes
in a rage, retreat immediately. There is no need to directly confront
disasters such as G.o.d-slayers. As much as possible, just let him waste his
energy."
As you wish. With the leader absent, thats the best we could do anyway.
Alec retorted coldly in reply to Icemans sarcasm.
"Dont say it like that. In order to permanently sever this ill fate with
Guinevere, taking back what is owed is only right. It would be stupid to
waste an opportunity to lay a trap for that woman. So let me act as I wish
for a while."
This was late at night on Thursday in Los Angeles.
At the same time, it was early Friday evening in j.a.pan due to the time
difference. Furthermore, the Campione who lived in the east had already
begun his move.
Part 3
One week had gone by since Athena had pa.s.sed away in j.a.pan.
During this time, the worlds busiest Devil King was Alexandre Gascoigne.
On the other hand, j.a.pans Kusanagi G.o.dou carried on with his ordinary
life.
No matter what, he was still a student. Going to school was his duty.
However, that did not mean he was leading a peaceful life. In fact, it could
very well be described as the opposite.
The upcoming Sat.u.r.day and Sunday were part of a long weekend along
with Monday. During this time, G.o.dou had been making preparations with
great determination. The entire detailed story follows.
It was the following night after G.o.dou had fought Lancelot and seen
Athena off as she pa.s.sed away.
G.o.dou was greatly surprised to read the arrived letter.
Seeing as this object piques this humble servants interest, one shall retain
custody for now. By this simple expression of borrowing intent, your
consent would be most desirable. The object in question shall be returned
after thorough experimentation. Should the object in question be deemed
to require our protection, the experiment could possibly be extended, one
humbly prays for your understanding — Alexandre Gascoigne.
This letter had been delivered to the History Compilation Committee.
Signed Alexandre Gascoigne, the Campione who had taken the Heavenly
Reverse Halberd by force. G.o.dou recalled that the guy was nicknamed
something like Black Prince Alec.
"...In other words, hes saying I borrowed it because it interested me, so
dont be offended if I happen to decide not to return it. What the heck, this
guy!"
G.o.dou objected as he finished the letter.
It had reportedly been sent via magic to the Sayanomiya residence at
Sanbanchou in Tokyos Chiyoda ward.
After returning from Kisarazu, he did not head home immediately but
visited the Sayanomiya residence to examine Alecs letter and discuss
their next move.
"So this is Black Prince Alecs infamous borrowing note? This is my first
time seeing one."
The one grumbling was the next Sayanomiya family head, Sayanomiya
Kaoru.
Occupying the drawing room in the house were the three: the
cross-dressing beauty, G.o.dou and Erica.
A three-person emergency meeting. Ena had been forcibly hospitalized for
overuse of divine possession. Yuri and Liliana were still at the hospital
undergoing examinations for sequelae from the petrification. Amakasu had
also gone out to oversee the handling of the aftermath.
"That guy has apparently done this kind of stuff many times, right?"
"Yes, that person has plundered sacred treasures and divine artifacts
collected by various European magic a.s.sociations. His explanation is
always Now this is interesting, let me check it out."
Erica shrugged as she answered G.o.dous question.
"He prefers dramatically penetrating heavy security to steal after a prior
declaration of intent. Unless there was no opportunity to put on a good
show, then he simply leaves a borrowing note and takes by force. Also,
items of particular significance are never returned but kept and displayed
at his a.s.sociation [Royal a.r.s.enal]."
"Its said he boasts of imitating the style of traditional British imperialism."
Englands pride, the British Museum.
Within it was displayed a mult.i.tude of artifacts plundered from various
places around the world, a rather well-known fact...
So that Campione was deliberately imitating it. G.o.dou was reminded of the
description "the eccentric man with dismal character" that he had heard
before.
"The English Campione, no mistake about it, right?"
"Yes. It is often rumored that amongst the seven Devil Kings, his interests
were slightly different from the others."
Kaoru answered as she gave Erica a glance.
"Regarding this matter, shouldnt Erica-san be particularly informed?"
"Thats right. We European magi have been greatly troubled ever since
that particular person became a Campione twelve years ago."
Erica began to lead the conversation.
"Marquis Voban, Her Eminence Luo Hao, Sir Salvatore, John Pluto
Smith-sama, and Kusanagi G.o.dou. These five are all warriors. They only
shine with true radiance and feel satisfaction during battle. But limited to
G.o.ds or other Campiones as opponents, of course."
"...Can you stop grouping me with those people so easily?"
Even though G.o.dou complained about the inappropriate example, Erica
continued unfazed.
"Since the Black Prince is a Campione after all, I believe he has to be a
warrior. But from the way he acts, he is also an explorer and an
adventurer at the same time."
"Explorer and adventurer...?"
G.o.dou began to ponder the unexpected description.
"So you mean that guy not only lives to fight, but also seeks meaning in life
by challenging mysteries and dangerous things?"
"An apt description. Indeed it is so. Thus resulting in this note we were
talking about."
"Its not that different from that idiot Doni who keeps saying have a little
duel with me, please..."
G.o.dou continued to grumble as he looked at the note Erica was referring
to.
"However, why did he steal the Heavenly Reverse Halberd? Could he
intend to give it to Guineveres gang?"
"I consider that extremely unlikely. The Black Prince has been enemies
with Guinevere for many years."
"If thats the case, then lets just put aside for now the issue of that
Gascoigne guy."
Hearing Ericas answer, G.o.dou remarked.
"If the Heavenly Reverse Halberd is in his hands, Guinevere and her
groups attentions should be focusing on him, right? Then during this time
we can prepare for other things."
"Other things?"
"Yes. To prepare for the battle against that guy — Lancelot."
G.o.dou a.s.serted in response to Kaorus question.
Hearing the war G.o.ds name, both the cross-dressing beauty and Erica
nodded.
"Even though it is baseless intuition... I believe that guy will come to j.a.pan
again for a fight. I want to be ready when the time comes."
Lancelot du Lac who had killed Athena.
Without even thinking, G.o.dou had declared he will fight that G.o.d again.
Furthermore, his heart believed that day would not be far away.
Or perhaps, it was a G.o.d-slayers instincts that made the prediction.
In that case, forging the [Sword] in preparation for Lancelots duel was
imperative.
The following day was Monday.
Yuri and Liliana missed cla.s.s because their checkup at the hospital had
been extended.
Then came Tuesday. a.s.sured that they were fine, the two had returned to
school.
On this day, G.o.dou and the rest were having lunch in the courtyard.
Even though they had been meeting for lunch on the roof all along, it was
now the middle of November.
The blowing wind had become rather chilly so they changed their lunch
location to the courtyard. Since the surroundings were enclosed by the
buildings walls, it was quite warm as long as there was direct sunlight.
Having sat down for lunch, G.o.dou received the report of "Black Prince
Alec, whereabouts unknown."
"G.o.dou, you asked me to express your displeasure concerning this
incident, right?"
"Ah yes."
"Hence, [Royal a.r.s.enal] had been contacted. As their second-in-command,
Sir Iceman acknowledged the Black Princes appearance in j.a.pan which
occurred two days ago."
Erica reported with a glum expression.
"They expressed ignorance as to the Black Princes current whereabouts."
"Normally, when an organizations leader is absent, shouldnt they know
exactly where he is instead?"
G.o.dou exclaimed in surprise.
Where did Black Prince Alec disappear to after stealing the Heavenly
Reverse Halberd from Amakasu? The History Compilation Committees
special agents also seemed unable to find out. What a mystery.
"In actual fact, Sir Iceman happens to be acquainted with my Esteemed
Uncle since childhood. Here are his exact words."
A legendary knight on the same level as Ericas uncle, Paolo Blandelli.
My utmost apologies. Alexandre Gascoigne has completely ignored our
efforts to contact him for the past few days, and his status is currently
unknown. It is most regrettable, but it happens quite often unfortunately.
In that case, the only option is to wait for him to contact us. Our chiefs
location, what hes doing, facing what kind of danger... We usually find out
only after the fact. And this time, even j.a.pans Campione has expressed
his displeasure. Really, my stomach pains are going to kill me...
Those were the words of the man known as Sir Iceman.
Listening to the voice through the phone, Erica could not discern any intent
to conceal the truth. Rather, it felt like she was catching a glimpse of a
loyal va.s.sals troubles over an excessively unruly master.
"I too, have heard stories of Prince Alecs excessive preference for acting
alone, often leaving his subordinates behind. In that case, it could very well
be the truth."
Liliana spoke as she opened the lunch basket.
"Of course, the possibility that he is deliberately hiding the truth remains.
But still, their explanation is quite plausible."
Liliana glanced at G.o.dou as she handed the hamburger over to him.
Held between two pieces of bread was a beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce,
bacon, avocado, and cheese, secured with a plastic toothpick.
Other than that, she had also prepared pickles, onion rings and more.
Despite the sumptuous menu, rather than eating, G.o.dou was more
concerned about the knights att.i.tude.
"Whats with that strange look?"
"Ah, no. I was just thinking whether all the various Campiones were natural
troublemakers without exception."
"It really is true. They are a group to whom common sense cannot be
applied."
Why was even Yuri gazing at G.o.dou as she spoke?
Recently, it felt like the girls around him were increasing the frequency of
such biting commentary... It always gave G.o.dou an uneasy feeling.
"Anyway, its unclear where in the world Black Prince Alec is currently
located. That person has the ability to fly around like lightning. Even if he
had been traveling from the Arctic to Antarctica these few days, it would
come as no surprise."
In a rare moment, Erica declared defeat as she gracefully received and
sipped the tea handed to her by Yuri.
"A genius who can move and act instantaneously in a composed manner.
Acting as if the surrounding people would just get up and follow him. Had
he been the boss of Amadeus Mozart, he would have made a really good
role model."
"Lets just put that guys issues aside for now. No matter what, handling the
problem of Lancelot would be the most practical course of action."
"Heretic Lancelot is a very difficult to understand divinity."
Liliana said to G.o.dou as he pondered.
"He only acts as a guardian for an extremely rare number of top witches,
protecting them secretly. Neither Erica nor I know what his prototype is."
"I have something to say to G.o.dou regarding this."
Erica interrupted.
"If you want to find out the secrets of witches, just go ahead and ask a
witch. Since this is a secret not even Liliana knows, the candidates for
counsel are obviously limited, right? Hence, Ive already attempted to
contact that person, and received a response of I can offer a.s.sistance on
a personal level."
"That person?"
"Yes. The highborn one in London."
G.o.dou nodded. After the battle with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, he
had heard about her origins. Amongst those he was acquainted with, the
only witches surpa.s.sing Liliana were Lucretia Zola and that person.
"That person also said, if you want to approach the mystery of Heretic
Lancelot, bring the miko over."
Hearing Erica pa.s.sing along the message, G.o.dou looked to the Yamato
Nadeshiko sitting on his left.
Miko. Of course it meant Mariya Yuri. G.o.dou immediately spoke:
"May I trouble you, Mariya?"
"Y-Yes. Of course you may!"
Yuri nodded and blushed for some reason.
"As long as G.o.dou-san wishes... No matter where, I will always
accompany you..."
"Thatd be a great help. Thank you very much."
"Even though it bears no mentioning, I will come as well. To take on the
role of contacting that person, the prime candidate is obviously your knight,
Erica Blandelli."
"Of course. Things would be difficult without you there."
G.o.dou instantly agreed to Ericas interruption. The thought of the blonde
red maiden not accompanying him never crossed his mind.
"Liliana, can I leave travel preparations in your hands?"
"You, Erica and Mariya Yuri. That is three in number, right? ...Umm, can
you tell me if you will be needing one more person...?"
The one who called herself Grand Chamberlain, Liliana, answered rather
awkwardly.
"Isnt that a strange thing to ask?"
"Y-Yes. Well then, it is decided."
After hearing G.o.dous deliberately ambiguous response, Liliana
immediately brightened up in mood.
Travel preparations would be made for four people. Next they only had to
wait for the day of departure — Just as G.o.dou nodded to himself...
"But G.o.dou-san, are you planning to go this weekend?"
"Ah yes, thats the plan."
"You already spent last weekend away from home. Will everyone in the
Kusanagi household allow this?"
Only when prompted by Yuris worried reminder did G.o.dou finally realize.
Last week he had spent two consecutive nights away from home on Friday
and Sat.u.r.day due to the battles with Athena and Lancelot. If he set off after
school this Friday, it would be having excursions two weeks in a row.
Any normal high school students family would never allow such a thing.
In this regard, the Mariya family which supported their daughters
responsibilities as a Hime-Miko, as well as the Blandelli and Kranjcar
families which do not have guardians in the first place, were quite atypical.
However.
"I dont know if I should feel lucky or not, but the guardians in my family are
quite unusual so there shouldnt be a problem."
As he imagined the responses of the Kusanagi household, G.o.dou
explained without a worry.
If his mother Kusanagi Mayo was being asked for permission to go on a
trip:
Oh? Dont bother bringing back souvenirs. Im not interested in food I dont
like. If you insist on a gift no matter what, Ill only accept alcohol.
Something like that. She would answer without even caring to ask where
the destination was.
If his grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou was being asked for permission to go
on a trip, he would probably smile suddenly and gaze at G.o.dou like some
sort of accomplice.
My legal guardians are truly extraordinary. G.o.dou marveled in surprise as
he imagined.
"However, would your little sister Shizuka not say anything? Actually
yesterday, during the tea ceremony clubs activities, she was very angry
because G.o.dou-san spent the night outside without even telling her where
you went."
"...Eh? Her, something like that happened?"
Little sister Kusanagi Shizuka. G.o.dou was greatly surprised to hear the
unexpected name.
Now that he thought about it, she did complain to him when he returned
from Kisarazu.
"Right. Shes the one person who belongs in the normal category."
G.o.dou muttered as he hugged his shoulders.
Well, she was also the little sister who had shown remarkable potential
during the Kusanagi clans new year celebration by nonchalantly opening a
bottle of whisky.
"Man, Id better find a suitable excuse, or else..."
He could not let his family worry. G.o.dou grumbled as he thought to
himself.
"So, would you like me to intercede with Shizuka on your behalf?"
"Mariya?"
"Yes. I shall tell her that a matter urgently requires G.o.dou-sans
a.s.sistance, and that you need to go somewhere a little far."
Yuri suggested with a calm smile.
Thats right. Under the pretext of helping friends, perhaps Shizuka could
empathize. Because the younger sister had such a compet.i.tive spirit, she
loved making fusses over nothing.
"That could work. Thanks a lot, Mari — "
"I dont want to rain on your parade, but I would suggest otherwise. If you
seriously go that route, it will only pour oil over the fire."
"It is as Erica says. Please do not make unnecessary provocations towards
an injured beast."
Erica and Liliana both voiced their objections to Yuris proposal.
"Actually, I think if this reason was used, my little sister wouldnt object."
"Yes. Little sister Shizuka is a person with a gentle heart..."
G.o.dou and Yuri were mystified.
"Gentleness is irrelevant here."
"The problem here lies in using Yuri to bail you out. Naturally, using either
Liliana or my name wont work either. Youre going to have to find a more
effective excuse, G.o.dou... Well, if worse comes to worst, you can simply
leave without saying a word, thereby preventing any resistance in
particular."
The genius negotiator, the [Diavolo Rosso], shrugged.
No matter what, ignoring the little sister too much was a bad idea. What
should G.o.dou do?
Wednesday arrived the following day, but G.o.dou had yet to come up with
an explanation for his sister.
G.o.dou went to visit Seishuuin Ena.
Having fought desperately on her own in the battles a few days ago, Ena
was about to return to her ancestral home at Chichibu for recuperation.
G.o.dou had heard that her body had acc.u.mulated an extraordinary amount
of fatigue and injury due to overusing divine possession.
"Yes, even though its true my body continues to feel quite heavy, its still
barely okay, and Im fine with going along with Your Majesty. But I cant
believe everyone wants to lock up poor Ena in the old home!"
The Hime-Miko of the Sword voiced her displeasure to the visitor G.o.dou.
She was on a hospital bed.
"Seishuuin, you worked very hard already and should rest properly now.
Erica has returned so you dont have to worry about me."
"That may be true, but Ena still wants to stay with Your Majesty."
In a rare moment, Ena was acting cute like a spoiled child as she pleaded
with G.o.dou.
Maybe she was feeling lonely and worried due to her weakened body?
G.o.dou placed his hand on Enas shoulder and persuaded her gently.
"If you force yourself too much and wreck your health, I will be very
troubled. I want to be together with a lively and healthy Seishuuin. So
please, get some rest obediently during this time."
"Mmm, come on... I cant believe youd say it like that, Your Majesty is so
sly."
Faced with G.o.dous sincere request, Ena pouted as she nodded.
"No matter how reluctant I am, this is the request of my husband after all.
Ena will rest properly."
"1-1 see. Im sorry it has to be like this."
Even though G.o.dou grew frantic at being called her husband, he smiled
with rea.s.surance.
"However, if there is a next time... Ena needs a kiss, oh? Otherwise, Ena
will not listen to Your Majestys orders ever again."
Shyly throwing a little tantrum, Ena was irresistibly cute. Nevertheless, that
was a truly problematic demand.
Panicking as he tried to come up with an answer to muddle through
ambiguously, G.o.dou was instantly trapped by Ena.
"Because this is a promise. Keep your word properly!"
Despite the unexpected development, G.o.dou managed to convince Ena to
recuperate obediently without issue.
The remaining problem was Shizuka. He was in big trouble this time.
Would he need to resort to departing unannounced? G.o.dou continued to
contemplate the troublesome issue.
Part 4
Thursday arrived at last, the day prior to departure.
Walking home from school, G.o.dou had almost resigned himself to leave
without telling Shizuka, but an encounter with the childhood friend changed
the situation.
"Hey G.o.dou, you came at the right time."
Walking along the shopping street in Nezu Sanchoume, he was stopped
by his twin-tailed childhood friend with the forceful personality, Tokunaga
Asuka.
She must have just returned from school as well, since she was still in
Tokyo Metropolitan Highs uniform.
"Early next month is Shizuka-chans birthday, right? Have you prepared a
gift?"
"...Now that you brought it up, yeah youre right."
Asuka instantly frowned at his answer.
"Look at you. You must have forgotten completely. Unbelievable! So of
course, you still havent gotten a gift, right?"
"Uhyeah, nothing at all."
"Oh come on! If you take such sloppy care of girls, even if its
Shizuka-chan, she will be angry for sure. Youre a really useless older
brother!"
As always, Asuka was scolding mercilessly.
"Taking care and whatnot... Shes family, my sister, right? I shouldnt need
to take great pains, right?"
"Its how you should act as a man."
Really? G.o.dou began to ponder Asukas words with a "Hmm."
"Well, fine. How about going shopping for a gift with me this weekend?
Which day would be better for you, Sat.u.r.day or Sunday? But Ill need to
work on Sat.u.r.day, so only the morning is free."
Making plans on her own before G.o.dou could respond, Asuka proposed
with great ferocity.
"Sorry, Ive already got plans this weekend. Neither Sat.u.r.day nor Sunday
works."
G.o.dou refused.
Since he had long distance travel plans, there was no time to spare for
Asuka.
"Shopping only takes an hour or two, right? You cant even spare a little
time like that?"
"I need to make a brief trip abroad... And all sorts of troubles will be coming
up later. I feel like itd be a disaster if I cant handle that guy properly, so I
have no choice but to go."
Unable to give out any details, G.o.dou could only word things ambiguously.
Will she accept this explanation? Just as G.o.dou worried over what he
should add to the explanation, Asuka sighed deeply with a great "hah~"
"Oh fine. Then lets go shopping the following week. Thats not a problem,
right?"
"Right. Nothings planned. But I cant guarantee emergencies wont come
up."
"Worry about it when the time comes. Well just adapt flexibly as things
change. Then lets decide the details next week."
G.o.dou was amazed at the childhood friends response. He could not
believe she did not raise a fuss over his explanation.
Asuka was someone whose scoldings had always been as common as
greetings to him. She proceeded to remark knowingly:
"Since you described it that way, you must be going on a trip for the sake
of friends, right? All things considered, you were a guy who went all the
way to Kanazawa to help out a friend in need back when you were only in
sixth grade."
"Ah yeah. Now that you brought it up, something like that did happen."
It was a nostalgic memory he had almost forgotten.
At the time, a friend of G.o.dou and Asukas had run into trouble after
transferring to Kanazawa (the one in Ishikawa prefecture, naturally)... And
G.o.dou departed after leaving a voice message of "Just gonna have a
look."
G.o.dou had originally planned to go alone, but Asuka went along because
she was worried.
The Tokunaga family went into an uproar, believing "Could they have
eloped!?" As a side note, the Kusanagi family seemed to have reacted with
"Nothing special really" in complete nonchalance.
"Those fleeting footsteps of yours really scared me. And I was completely
awed by your savings which did not match your ident.i.ty as an elementary
schooler. By the way, Ive heard about your victories in the strange
contests held during the Kusanagi clans New Year gatherings, who knew
you could gamble and win money from that..."
It was true indeed. The entire travel expenses of the two elementary
schoolers were borne by G.o.dou alone.
Asuka had not brought enough money but G.o.dou turned out to be rather
well off.
Every New Years, the entire Kusanagi clan gathered for a banquet
followed by a mix of oriental and occidental games including Hanafuda,
cee-lo, backgammon, poker, mahjong. Children were supposed to be
forbidden from partic.i.p.ating, but somehow G.o.dou was able to slip past that
restriction at the age of six.
In the beginning, he partic.i.p.ated mostly for fun.
However, after trying it out and winning big, he was forced to partic.i.p.ate
every year thereafter as the adults said "this year you will be defeated" in
their quest for restored honor. G.o.dous successes were probably thanks to
the tricks taught by the elderly distant relative who had been the subject of
the legend of Kantous strongest gambler in his youth.
G.o.dou kept his winnings as rule-breaking "New Years money" and saved
it all up. This became something of a tradition.
Next New Years, its probably time they start giving me a break, thought
G.o.dou.
"So, make sure youre free next Sat.u.r.day. Since her birthday will be here
soon, do try to be more mindful of Shizuka-chans affairs, okay?"
Asuka went home after offering this advice.
Well, Asukas not that bad after all. G.o.dou once again reaffirmed the
qualities of his childhood friend.
Arriving back home, he found Shizuka who happened to be drinking tea in
the living room.
"Ah, Onii-chan. Welcome home. You came back early today."
Seeing his sister, G.o.dou suddenly had an idea. Why not try out Asukas
advice for once?
"Hey Shizuka, Im going to be spending this coming weekend at a friends
place, so I probably wont be home from Friday to Sunday."
"Eh!? Onii-chan is staying outside overnight again!?"
As expected, Shizuka entered a rather dangerous mood.
"Im sorry, there was something planned last week that couldnt be
cancelled no matter what. However, I will be free on the 3rd of next month.
Where should we go out for some fun? Lets also ask Asuka out as well
since its been a while."
December 3rd was the birthday of Kusanagi Shizuka.
Shizuka was unimpressed by G.o.dous sudden proposal.
"W-What do you think youre doing? Could it be, you are trying to use this
to hide something!?"
"Theres nothing to hide. Since Ive been away from home so much
recently, we havent had as much time to spend together. Wouldnt it be
nice once in a while?"
G.o.dou recalled his childhood memories when the two of them would often
play together.
Since both parents were always busy with work, the mother had moved
back into her old home after the divorce, and so the grandfather became
the "guardian," resulting in a decrease in opportunities for the siblings to
spend time together alone.
This was one of the reasons why Shizuka was overly sensitive about her
brothers conduct.
Perhaps in her mind, the brother was the only one who would never leave
her side. But that was too naive a notion. Hence, G.o.dou would try as much
as possible to show her some care.
Finding her brother slightly repentant, Shizuka angrily turned her face
away.
"Onii-chan is really terrible, saying something like this, you dont treasure
me at all. I have plans too, so dont just suddenly say this kind of stuff."
"Suddenly? Isnt this advance enough in notice?"
"Despite how I look, Im actually quite occupied. However, if Onii-chan
repents your infamous poor conduct by that time and goes out with the little
sister for some joyous fun, its not like time cant be squeezed out from her
schedule."
In other words, going out together was fine?
How troublesome of her. But then again, this style of speaking was very
much in Shizukas character. As he pondered how this obvious lack of
honesty made her unbelievably cute, G.o.dou replied:
"Ah yes, Ive repented and changed my ways, so lets make things like old
times once in a while, okay?"
"Hmph, suddenly saying something so reasonable, its very suspicious. But
it would be a shame if Onii-chans repentance were to be wasted. Lets
spend this years birthday together. But you have to remember! If your
conduct becomes strange again, I will mercilessly ignore you next year!"
The little sister declared as she furiously continued to keep her face turned
away.
G.o.dou replied Til remember." At the end of his wits, he displayed a smile
at the same time.
And so G.o.dou finally resolved all the pressing personal problems, and was
prepared to set off.
At last, the weekend arrived — it was Friday after school.
Kusanagi G.o.dou brought his luggage and left for Haneda Airport.
Accompanying him were the three girls, Erica Blandelli, Mariya Yuri and
Liliana Kranjcar.
The destination was Englands Heathrow Airport. Plane tickets and other
preparations had all been arranged through the History Compilation
Committees hospitable efforts.
Towards London, for the sake of meeting the witch of the highest rank,
Princess Alice. A journey began once more.
References
1. t Min Nan(IIM): a family of Chinese languages spoken in Taiwan
and parts of mainland China such as southern Fujian, eastern
Guangdong, Hainan, and southern
Zhejiang. http://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/Min_Nan
2. t Nuwa(:£JE): a G.o.ddess in ancient Chinese mythology best known
for creating mankind and repairing the wall of
heaven. http://en.wiki pedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCwa
3. t Leech Child(4i-?-): p.r.o.nounced "Hiruko," the original name of
Ebisu(HJ:b2I), the j.a.panese G.o.d of fishermen, luck, and workingmen,
as well as the guardian of the health of small children. He was born
without bones and the first child of Izanagi and
lzanami.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebisu_(mythology)
4. t South Seas(j^n¥): the Chinese name for the geographical region
south of China, particularly Southeast Asia. The term came into
common usage in self-reference to the large ethnic Chinese migrant
population in Southeast Asia, to be more precise, in Singapore, the
Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and
Vietnam. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanyang_( region)