Chapter 39: The Hero and the Knight (Patreon)

"..."

The battlefield fell silent. The incarnation of the Strong Wind took on the form of a Youth.The black-haired young god gently landed on the ground.

His attitude was utterly transcendent, wearing a divine smile as if looking down upon all living beings from on high. Greater than before, stronger than before, more sacred than before—utterly inhuman, completely different from a human.

This was a Heretic God, a deity who defied the myths woven by humanity.

The Youth revealed a smile—not the serene one from before, but a resolute smile brimming with the joy of victory.

"King Melqart, to think you have exited the stage... But perhaps it is for the best. I have waited a long time to engage in a life-or-death battle with a God-Slayer!"

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, appearing in the form of a youth.

Although he possessed the power of ten incarnations, this current form was his most natural state.

Not only human, but also in the form of a fourteen-year-old boy. When tasked with correcting the chaotic order of the world, carrying out his lord's command to subdue rebellious enemy gods, he preferred the appearance of a youth.

The radiant fourteen-year-old boy—within the doctrine he protected, this symbolized the Hero!

The protective and dominating words of power were the authority possessed by the incarnation of the "Hero" as a youth.

Facing the remaining locust army on the battlefield, he, who could rival the God-King himself...

If they were just ordinary divine beasts or divine messenger locusts, they were no match for him at all. He immediately utilized the spiritual power of his eighth incarnation, the "Goat."

This agile divine beast was worshipped by nomadic peoples as the embodiment of lightning. Then, lightning strikes erupted from his hands, incinerating the remaining locust army on the battlefield.

Facing this action from the War God Verethragna, the two women naturally grew tense.

After all, Haru was currently in the midst of the ritual following his god-slaying. What if Verethragna launched a sneak attack?

Although the probability was small—given a god's dignity, they likely wouldn't engage in such dishonorable behavior—but what if?

So, after exchanging a glance, Lucretia remained by Haru's side to protect him, while Erica, holding her magic sword Cuore di Leone, strode toward Verethragna with a fighting spirit.

"You have come as well. To witness our majestic presence is already great fortune. Even if you were to die unexpectedly in the midst of our battle, it would be an honor. However, this is our fight. If you intend to interfere, you will receive due punishment!"

"I have taken your words deeply to heart. But I am a knight. I cannot stand by and allow you to act as you please in this world. If I knew of this and remained indifferent, wouldn't that be too shameless?"

"A knight? Your courage is commendable."

"Therefore, please allow me to make a wager. When I achieve victory with my sword, I ask that you leave this island."

"Hahaha! You actually wish to challenge me, the God of War, with a sword? Hmm, very well! Your will is truly heroic, a witch with the spirit of a warrior rarely seen even in ancient times!"

Facing Erica's challenge, the God of War wasn't angered. Instead, he nodded with some interest.

After all, he was currently waiting and had some free time.

Instantly, Erica couldn't help but smirk inwardly. For someone who could declare, "I seek defeat," and claim he would never lose no matter the enemy, his various boastful statements revealed excessive confidence. The provocation had succeeded!

"Then, I must prepare a sword... Ah, this will do."

The young god looked at the ground, picked up a branch—about the same length as Erica's Cuore di Leone, but very slender, looking like a child could easily snap it.

"Hmm, this length is just right. This is enough."

As the young god spoke, he swung the branch. It was just a casual slash, but the sword energy it stirred up was like a whirlwind.

And he was only using such a thin, light branch.

But this was what was called divine skill. Just from that one strike, Erica understood the young god's prowess.

If martial arts reach the pinnacle of mastery, the size or weight of the weapon becomes irrelevant.

On Erica's side, she gripped Cuore di Leone tightly. The sword began to swell, becoming a very heavy and solid blade, like an anchor, about twice its original length. It looked very mismatched with the young maiden's slender wrist—a broad-bladed one-handed sword.

In her other hand, she summoned an infantry-style round shield. A steel-made shield, its red surface painted with a black cross emblem.

Without using magic to enhance her strength and explosiveness, an ordinary person couldn't wield such heavy armaments.

"Good, it seems you are also ready. Then let the battle begin!"

Informed by the young god's cheerful smile, Erica charged forward without hesitation, unleashing her power in one go.

She usually always used a light, slender sword to hone the sense of weight in her sword skills.

So, conversely, what is the secret to using a heavy sword?

It is speed, and stable control.

Gently swinging her right arm, channeling force from her shoulder to her elbow, and adding wrist strength, she sent the heavy and sturdy Cuore di Leone sweeping horizontally towards the young god.

It was like a whip. If facing a human, even a first-rate swordsman would find it difficult to decipher this move upon first encounter.

Not to mention its immense power—Cuore di Leone, in its true form, was sharp enough to slice through concrete. Combined with the destructive force generated by its overwhelming weight...

Snap!