Chapter 60: Voban Arrives
The birthplace of magic is Europe.
This is a correct argument in terms of geopolitics, but in the context of cultural anthropology, it is an inappropriate statement. Strange techniques such as magic and sorcery exist in the cultures of every nation.
While it is true that powerful organizations like magic associations are mostly concentrated in Europe, it does not mean that only the magic of their region is orthodox or mainstream.
In fact, since the modern era, many Western mages have dedicated themselves to the study of Eastern spiritual civilizations. Examples include Indian occultism focused on yoga and mantras; the arts of Jiangnan such as Taoism, Feng Shui, and Five Elements theory; and Japan—the land of the samurai—which has also been a target of research.
Many Western mages are particularly enthusiastic about it, and the unique Japanese belief in the Yaoyorozu-no-kami (Eight Million Gods) is a popular research topic.
Unexpectedly, the Mariya family has close ties with such foreign researchers. The Mariyas were originally court nobles in the Kyoto region, but the disparity was vast; they were neither of high noble lineage nor wealthy. However, this bloodline has produced women with excellent spiritual powers for generations.
The current Yuri is no different.
Entrusting such women to shrines and temples to work as nuns or shrine maidens has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Because of this lineage, the family holds a significant position in the fields of religion and sorcery.
Furthermore, during the Meiji and Showa eras, the head of the Mariya family, who was granted the title of Baron, was a socialite fond of Western culture. He interacted frequently with Westerners and those with magical knowledge.
The Mariya family would host researchers visiting Japan for field studies, facilitating their work. If guests visited from Europe, the family would take the opportunity to invite them for leisure.
Thus, while Yuri appears to have grown up in a purely Japanese environment, she is actually accustomed to interacting with foreigners.
She can handle daily conversation in English and has experience traveling to Europe.
A talented shrine maiden like Mariya Yuri is rare even in Europe.
Therefore, it was only natural for her to be discovered by the subordinates of Voban, who hunts for those with exceptional spiritual power, thereby attracting Marquis Voban, who wished to perform the ritual to summon a "Heretic God" once more.
In contrast, Kaoru Sayanomiya, though also a Hime-Miko, possessed far inferior abilities; thus, with her weaker spiritual power, she was not targeted by the Marquis.
However, the number of "priestesses" currently surrounding Shirou has exceeded all standards.
Not only does he have Mariya Yuri, the most spiritually powerful Hime-Miko in Japan, but even Princess Alice—the witch whose spiritual power is unmatched in all of Europe, known by the alias "White Princess"—is at his side. Aside from them, Erica and Liliana, while inferior to Princess Alice, are still formidable witches in their own right.
Given Marquis Voban's personality, upon learning that Shirou possessed so many "materials" for a summoning ritual, it was impossible for him not to be covetous. At that point, the Marquis—who holds absolute confidence in his own strength—would lose his patience and rush toward him with all haste.
"King, Marquis Voban is a God-slayer who emerged in the 18th century and is known by the alias 'Wolf King.' His subordinates include all the magic associations of Northern Europe. His numerous Authorities are collectively referred to by the representative name: 『Greedy Pack of Wolves』."
『Greedy Pack of Wolves』 is a title for the many Authorities Marquis Voban possesses; it has no literal meaning other than to highlight the sheer number of powers at his disposal. Erica continued to relay data regarding Marquis Voban to Shirou. Even though he already knew these things, he did not intentionally mention it to the girl.
There was no harm in giving his Knight-Princess—who had sworn fealty and was even willing to give him her body—a chance to prove herself.
"I believe it is highly likely that Marquis Voban will challenge you today, King. We have gathered several witches and Hime-Mikos here; they are conspicuous resources even on a global scale. He cannot possibly give them up."
In truth, Erica was still somewhat worried. Her King was about to face the oldest God-slayer, a man with ten Authorities. He was powerful, flexible, and difficult to parry. According to Erica's knowledge, the only one capable of rivaling him was Luo Hao, the Leader of the Five Hells in Jiangnan, known as the "King of Martial Arts." The King she served had only been a Campione for about two months, yet he had already defeated seven Heretic Gods. Such a record in so short a time was unprecedented in history.
Leaning back in the office chair, Shirou listened to the data reported by Erica, comparing it with the information he already possessed.
"There aren't many discrepancies..."
As Shirou murmured this, lightning suddenly flashed across his pale gold eyes.
"He's here."
Shirou stood up and went to the window to overlook the city. "Wait here," he said in a tone that brooked no refusal. His form entered the Godspeed Domain, turning into a bolt of golden lightning that shot into the sky.
"Is this a... God-slayer?" Mariya Yuri watched the scene with shock.
"It seems, Miss Mariya, you still don't have a proper impression of a God-slayer's might," Erica said with a smile.
Mariya Yuri shook her head timidly. "I fainted when I was being used as a ritual sacrifice... I never saw the Demon King's power with my own eyes."
Whether that was fortunate or unfortunate was hard to say. Now, about to witness the grand spectacle of a battle between Demon Kings, her heart couldn't help but race.
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God-slayers can easily sense each other's presence. Thus, Shirou easily knew Marquis Voban's location, and the Marquis knew his. Facing each other in the sky, the two scrutinized one another.
Though the old man appeared to be in the twilight of his life, his spirit was more vigorous than that of a hot-blooded youth. His sharp eyes were as unyielding and arrogant as a wolf's.
"Heh. Orihara Shirou. Slaying seven Heretic Gods in less than two months since becoming a God-slayer... you've certainly made me see you in a new light."
Though his words sounded like praise, Marquis Voban's gaze was like that of a predator eyeing its prey. Having slaughtered a multitude of Heretic Gods himself, the Marquis looked at the red-haired youth suspended in the sky and revealed a ferocious, arrogant smile.
A hair-raising power continuously radiated from his tall, thin body.
His sharp, emerald-colored Evil Eyes shone like the pupils of a tiger.
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