Chapter 427: The Satans Arrive One After Another
The night was fading, and the eastern horizon was tinged with red.
At Tōshō-gū, several people had barely slept.
"Report any new developments immediately."
As the next leader of the History Compilation Committee, Kaoru hung up yet another phone call.
The spread of the Black Death was abnormally rapid.
It was estimated that nearly half of the nation's population had been infected, meaning over fifty million people had contracted it.
This was truly a horrifying number.
However, no patients had been found to suddenly deteriorate rapidly. It seemed more like they had caught a cold, with some also experiencing drowsiness.
The most severe cases showed some people developing black spots, but upon examination, they were not yet in life-threatening danger.
Regardless, as long as the Black Death persisted, a blade hung over their heads, ready to claim countless lives at any moment.
Additionally, Kaoru was deeply troubled by Princess Alice's words—that for the sake of the world, this country had to be sacrificed.
What other important information had not been disclosed to them?
Hmm? Her phone rang again. It was one of her subordinates, tasked with investigating the specific plan behind Ena.
"Mr. Amasaku, how are things?"
"I don't know the specific plan, but I've confirmed who it is."
The word "who" immediately caught Kaoru's attention.
"Who?"
"Godou Kusanagi."
"Kusanagi?"
Kaoru murmured the name.
She didn't know who Godou Kusanagi was, but the surname was very intriguing.
The Heretic God who intended to create a Campione in this country was Ena's grandfather—Susanoo, and the divine artifact he wielded was called the Kusanagi Sword.
Therefore, the person chosen was likely connected to this Heretic God by some kind of fate.
"I've sent the specific details to your email, but there's another important matter now—the Sword King just landed at Hokkaido Airport."
"The Sword King? That one!"
Kaoru's expression changed drastically. Another Campione had actually come here.
But why would he disembark in Hokkaido?
After a brief thought, Kaoru understood—Amakasu must have known the Sword King was on that flight and managed to redirect the plane's route, keeping it as far away from West Heaven Palace as possible.
"Yes, it's Salvatore Doni!"
"What's his purpose for coming?"
"How could I possibly know immediately? But it can't be just a coincidence, right?"
Thus, both fell silent.
"Find a way to prevent him from approaching West Heaven Palace."
"That's quite a difficult request, but I'll do my best."
After hanging up, Kaoru looked toward Yuri, who had approached as if wanting to say something.
"Shouldn't you rest a bit more, Yuri?"
"No need."
Yuri then sat down beside her good friend.
"Kaoru, if... if there really needs to be..."
"Alright, Yuri, don't overthink things that haven't been confirmed yet."
Kaoru knew what she wanted to say—that if sacrifices were truly necessary, particularly if Hikari was needed, Yuri hoped she could take Hikari's place.
Just as she was about to comfort Yuri further, Touma Amakasu called again.
Answering—
"It's bad, Director."
"What? Did the Sword King do something?"
Kaoru grew somewhat tense.
"No, not that. We just received news that the Marquis is also coming."
"What!"
The voice that escaped Kaoru's lips was nearly voiceless, and she abruptly stood up.
Yuri, sitting nearby and close enough to hear the conversation, heard the word "Marquis"?
Who?
Marquis Voban!!!
Instantly, fear began growing in her heart, taking root and climbing toward her heart, giving her a suffocating feeling.
The reason for her intense fear was that four years ago, she had been captured by this Satan to participate in a ritual to summon a Heretic God. She had personally witnessed this Satan's cruelty and seen two-thirds of the shrine maidens go insane.
"Why is he coming too? Does he know about the Master's affairs?"
Since Marquis Voban and Luo Hao were longstanding rivals, it was possible the Marquis had learned what Luo Hao planned to do here and came to interfere.
"That might be it, but I think—"
Touma Amakasu didn't finish, but Kaoru knew what he meant—that they were attracted by the upcoming Campione plan at West Heaven Palace.
"He hasn't reached our country yet, but the plane he's on should head straight for West Heaven Palace."
This brutal Satan didn't need to follow any rules, didn't need to notify this country, and would arrogantly intrude into the nation's airspace, heading straight for his destination.
"That makes three Campiones in our country. What that princess said might actually come true."
Touma Amakasu, who had always maintained composure, now clearly revealed unease in his tone.
Then, as Kaoru snapped out of her daze, the call had already ended.
Looking at the fearful expression on Yuri's face beside her and about to say something, her phone rang again, making Kaoru's expression stiffen.
"What bad news now?"
"Chief, how did you know? Guess who else I spotted?"
Amasaku said this jokingly, but Kaoru could hear the exhaustion in his voice.
"Who?"
"The Black Prince. He coincidentally flashed right before my eyes. His speed was truly exaggerated—I almost couldn't make out his figure, and he nearly detected me."
This somewhat joking tone made Kaoru's heart grow even heavier.
Another Campione had arrived.
"What about John?"
"That I don't know. His whereabouts are hard to track, but I'm afraid—"
No need to spell it out—eighty percent chance he was either heading to this country or had already arrived.
"But don't worry, Lady Aisha won't be coming. According to intelligence from Europa, she's currently traveling on the other side of the cave."
Though his tone sounded relieved, Kaoru could sense the bitterness beneath.
"Well then, Chief, you'll have to handle things on your end yourself. Do be careful~"
After leaving these serious words, he hung up.
So—
"What about Seishuuin Ena?"
He used her full name directly.
"Ah? Ena hasn't returned yet."
Yuri answered somewhat blankly.
"Hasn't returned?"
Kaoru's expression grew colder as he returned inside, opened his laptop, and pulled up the transmitted documents.
Godou Kusanagi, was it?
If he were to disappear, the current predicament would vanish too!