Chapter 56: Athena Follows Close Behind
"It is impossible for Marquis Voban to have come to Japan just for tourism. He definitely has an objective," Kaoru Sayanomiya said with a sharp gaze.
Amakasu Touma nodded in agreement, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Two years ago, Marquis Voban conducted a summoning ritual and successfully brought a 'Heretic God' into this world. However, just as he was prepared to slay the deity, he was preempted by Salvatore Doni, the 'King of Swords,' who slew the god and usurped its Authority instead. Two years later, today, this Campione is likely unable to restrain his impulses and wishes to hold a summoning ritual once again."
"To hold a ritual to summon a 'Heretic God,' one naturally needs to be prepared. Therefore, he requires the help of a Hime-Miko..."
Hearing Amakasu's analysis, Sayanomiya's brow furrowed slightly. Her gaze swept over the gathered mages in the conference room. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and her pupils constricted.
"Mariya Yuri!"
During the summoning ritual two years ago, Marquis Voban had seized several shrine maidens. Upon discovering their spiritual power was insufficient, he traveled all the way to Japan to kidnap the 'Hime-Miko' Mariya Yuri. Of the 'Hime-Mikos' who participated in that ritual, Mariya Yuri was the sole survivor; the others all perished.
If Marquis Voban intends to hold a summoning ritual this time, he naturally plans to seize Mariya Yuri again—a high-ranking 'Hime-Miko' who is rare even in Japan. It is highly likely that this time he won't give her a chance to escape, but will instead imprison her directly to be used for the next 'summoning ritual.'
Sayanomiya had no doubt that, given Marquis Voban's personality, he would absolutely do such a thing.
"Send someone to protect—" Sayanomiya stopped halfway through her sentence. Her eyes dimmed.
That's right. They were facing two 'Campiones'—Demon Kings of the earth who act with total impunity and do as they please. No matter how large a magic association might be, they are merely weaklings who can be obliterated by these Kings with a wave of a hand.
"But, if we allow Marquis Voban to summon a 'Heretic God,' this entire island nation will suffer," Sayanomiya said, clutching her forehead which was covered in fine sweat. Her shoulder-length hair was damp and sticking to her cheeks, but she had no mind to care.
"No, we must find a way to get Mariya Yuri out of Japan!"
This was a desperate measure. The History Compilation Committee was as fragile as paper before a Campione; they were completely unable to resist and could only adopt a strategy of
redirection. Sacrificing one 'Hime-Miko' to ensure Japan's safety was a bargain that resulted in no loss.
"Since we must sacrifice Mariya Yuri, why not just hand her over to Marquis Voban directly?" Touma Amakasu suggested.
Instantly, the conference room fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned toward him.
"No! With Marquis Voban's self-centered personality, even if we do that, he won't care. He will definitely still hold the summoning ritual right here in Japan!"
After a brief silence, someone voiced a rebuttal.
"How will we know if we don't try?"
"If it fails, we are completely finished!"
"What do we do? What are we going to do?!"
"Hmph, hmph, hmph, ahhhhhh!!!!"
The entire [History Compilation Committee] was in total chaos due to the arrival of these two Demon Kings.
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The sky had turned dark. As the plane began its descent toward Narita International Airport, it wasn't long before Shirou landed with Princess Alice and the others. Inside the airport, air-freighted luggage is placed on conveyors to be claimed individually. However, due to Shirou's status, the [History Compilation Committee] provided top-tier service the moment they learned of his arrival. Not only was a luxury limousine provided to take them to their hotel, but their luggage was delivered by specialized staff.
"Let's rest for a bit before paying a visit to the [History Compilation Committee]."
The car drove until it stopped in front of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in the bustling Roppongi district. After Erica tipped the driver, Shirou stepped out of the luxury car, stretching his limbs as he walked toward the elevator.
"It seems the service in this small place isn't bad."
Erica, following beside Shirou, looked around the surrounding city with curiosity. "A pity it still can't compare to Milan."
"That's just because you're used to living in Milan," Liliana retorted from beside her.
Entering the presidential suite, the exquisite and luxurious Japanese-style decor and the layout—which, while not exceptionally vast, utilized space perfectly—made for a comfortable sight.
"It does have a certain sense of novelty."
Having stayed in Milan for nearly two months, Shirou felt a sense of familiarity mixed with a hint of strangeness upon returning here. Perhaps it was because those he was familiar with weren't here; even coming back, it still felt foreign. Of course, if he were to return to Jiangnan, simply hearing the familiar accent would be enough to ground him.
The three witches looked around the room curiously and turned on the television. They had all studied Japanese; although there were still things they didn't quite understand, they watched with great interest.
Shirou leaned back against the soft sofa and took out the Gorgoneion, which looked like an obsidian medallion.
"I wonder... if that goddess will sense the divine power in this stone and track it down..."
Shirou examined the stone with interest. He could clearly feel the aura of the goddess Athena's divine power within it.
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Under the silent, starlit night sky, atop an iron tower in Tokyo, a goddess with a frame as petite as a young girl stood at the summit, overlooking the city that remained vibrant with lights even in the deep of night.
Tokyo Tower, built with the Eiffel Tower in Paris as its model, is now a landmark of Tokyo, located in Shiba Park, Minato Ward. Atop this iron tower stood a small figure. It was a girl with silver, shoulder-length short hair, wearing a thin sweater and a mini-skirt paired with black over-the-knee socks. A blue knitted hat sat upon her head. Her silver hair glowed in the night breeze, shimmering much like the moonlight illuminating the darkness.
Her obsidian pupils looked in a specific direction, where an aura that concerned her greatly resided.
"Has the 'Snake' already left... This sensation, could it be..."
Relying solely on the residual aura, Athena could still easily lock onto the current location of her Divine Tool.
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