V2C4

Chapter 4 – The Black Prince, Learning the Meaning of Anti-Fate

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1

Heroic world Hyperborea.

It was Alexander Gascoigne who told Kusanagi Godou the information about that sanctuary. It was after his first expedition to Hyperborea.

After that, Alec visited the heroic world for the second time.

He planned to finally go all out in investigating this world and analyzed Hyperborea thoroughly from everything in the open and even everything that was hidden.

Just before he set out to do that, Alec was reunited with Kusanagi Godou by chance.

It happened in a small fishing village at an island without name somewhere in the sea of Hyperborea.

It was a coincidental reunion, but it was also an inevitable reunion.

However, their relationship wasn’t one where they would get into a heart-to-heart talk sentimentally in such happening.

「Yo」

Kusanagi Godou lightly raised his hand in greeting. Alex also replied back shortly.

「You huh.」

Their reunion greeting ended with just that. After that they talked like usual.

「Oi Gascoigne. It’s just like you said, this place is certainly a strange mythological world. I also have found out the answer of that puzzle.」

「Fuh──. You mean about 『the world that was destroyed by god’s rage』?」

Alex grinned. Kusanagi Godou grumbled.

「It’s good and all that the world is restored after the great flood, but it’s a bit difficult that even the civilization here retrogressed because of that!」

「Hmph. I think that such culture is also rich in nuance in its own way though.」

「That’s not what I meant. Things like food or the like is alright if you get used to it, I’m not really bothered by that. But for things like infrastructure? There isn’t any convenient facility that you can find at all when you travel to here and there. Things like shop, or road, or inn, or sea mail.」

「The small number of Hyperborea people is living by breeding livestock or moving around as nomadic after all.」

Alec shrugged and spoke his thought.

「Fundamentally you should prepare a horse before going to a trip and pass the night by camping. How about you also learn that style of travel?」

「Well, certainly. ……But wait. There might be an opposite way of thinking.」

At that time Kusanagi Godou seemed to think up of something.

After that he didn’t get involved at all with the Japanese Campione anymore for a while. Alec was busy running around to create his own base and scouting for comrades.

He increased the land artificially, and produced “things that didn’t exist” in this world──.

Alec was also involved with the flow of 『real SimCity』 that some Earthians caused.

During that time he made use of the nimble feet he was proud of and traveled everywhere.

And then one day──.

He encountered “something that seemed to be related” with Kusanagi Godou.

It was a village that was located inconspicuously in a corner of a mountain’s foot.

「……What in the world is this?」

Alec frowned.

It was a lively village. Villagers were carrying musical instrument all over the place and displaying their musical performance. The songstresses were singing enthusiastically and powerfully without stopping.

The workshop was creating musical instruments that didn’t fit the civilization level of Hyperborea by hands.

There was no doubt there was Earthian here. Alec’s curiosity was lit in fire and he tried searching for the person in question.

──He found her.

As usual, that woman was surrounded by a crowd of people.

Alec felt dizzy for a moment when he realized who was this old acquaintance that he encountered. Even though he heard that she was sealed off somewhere, for him to encounter her at this kind of place…….

The woman still hadn’t noticed Alec’s arrival.

It must be because she was surrounded by many people. A lot of villagers were following her and listening to her story in obsession.

Yes. With her authority of charm, she became someone charismatic regardless of the country or the time period.

Her figure standing on a stage with the applauses from everyone showering her looked like a pop star or a national idol.

At that time she was speaking passionately.

「Everyone! This world is ruled by cruel 《fate》!」

「Due to the string of 《fate》 that manipulate even the gods, misfortune is interweaved into everything in this world. Whether it’s human’s lifespan, sickness, poorness, war, weather change, everything that 《fate》 decides. Everything that is tormenting us human is brought about by 《fate》!」

「But, you don’t need to worry.」

「We have the Warrior of Anti-Fate with us.」

「That person is none other than our salvation. Shouldering the hope of all mankind, he is the one who oppose the cruel 《fate》 as the hero.」

「Remember this well, that person’s name is Kushanagi Godo!」

「Everyone! Please praise and thank him! Everyone, please spread the news of his great undertaking with song and poem to everyone in the world!」

「It will be fine, you all have the karaoke skill and music that I taught to you!」

「With everyone’s effort, you should be able to create as many passionate hero songs as you want! Banzai, Kushanagi Godo!」

She──.

Madam Aisha was wearing a thick coat with its hood placed over her head.

She was preaching a very questionable 『teaching』 to the villagers with such appearance──

「What is that madam doing? Besides, Kushanagi Godo?」

This time Alec was feeling dizzy for real.

The keyword of Anti-Fate immediately brought Kusanagi Godou to his mind.

That man was the existence who defeated the King of the End and the God of Fate at the end of the Devil King Civil War. The only one worthy for the nickname Warrior of Anti-Fate──.

……That night.

Alec sneaked into the estate that seemed to be Madam Aisha’s residence.

He was going to try asking her directly just what she was scheming. She was someone who he didn’t really want to get involved with, but it would be too dangerous to just leave her alone. He also feared the risk of her activity bringing harmful effect to him.

He didn’t want to cause a scene, so he waited until late at night when she was alone.

──That was a blunder.

In the room that seemed to be the bedroom of Aisha estate, Alec found a letter that was left behind. 『Please Do Not Look For Me』 was written in it. It was even intentionally written in English.

She──had actually noticed Alec’s presence.

However strangely, Madam Aisha who was a really friendly person didn’t even show any joy for a reunion with an old acquaintance and disappeared without saying anything. She was avoiding the Black Prince Alec.

Furthermore even more surprise was waiting for him the next day.

When he tried asking around to investigate about Madam Aisha in this holy land of the cult called Anti-Fate Religion──

All the villagers had lost their memory about the madam.

Most likely yesterday she had gone around requesting everyone 『Please forget about me』.

Why would she go until that far to erase her trace?

Why the Warrior of Anti-Fate was Kushanagi Godo?

「Dammit! This is just too ridiculous that I can’t even bring myself to seriously investigate it! Just what kind of mess that woman is trying to do!?」

Alec was irritated and spat out those words.

Why should he try to unravel this kind of 『ridiculous』 matter? He was already feeling irritated just from imagining how much effort would be needed for that.

Alexander Gascoigne was a contrary person who hated to lose.

And so he shelved away this problem and forgot it completely. But he was then confronted with the keyword Anti-Fate in an unexpected way.

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「Fuumu……」

Alec obtained several new information and fell into thought.

He could just leave it alone, but the problem was that his curiosity was greatly stimulated. Perhaps it was alright for him to take action personally──such thing crossed his mind.

He was in a wooden mansion that was comfortable to live in, more specifically in the hall that was created at the center of it.

It was a residence that he built together with comrades. The surrounding was a lush forest, so they could obtain as much wood as they wanted. Also, fortunately he had welcomed craftsmen like carpenter, artisan, and blacksmith into his “group”──furthermore they were maestros who descended from the bloodline of god.

Alec himself was someone skillful, so even going DIY didn’t trouble him.

Although he was the 『boss』 of the group that gathered in this Shadow Chaser Forest, Alec himself used hatchet and hammer to create this proud mansion together with everyone.

Firewood was crackling in the hearth to warm the hall.

The armchair Alec was sitting on was also handmade. It shook him gently while sorting the information in his brain like a 『famous detective inferring the truth of the case』.

──Eight forbidden realms had been created until the present time.

Capital of the Round Table, Capital of the Dead, Sea King’s Capital, Wolf Pack Pavilion, Dragon Capital, Capital of Pleasure, Explorer Guild, Shadow Chaser Forest.

Yes, the outlaws that Alec was leading were also one of them.

But recently, a group that was qualified to be called the ninth realm was gaining prominence.

「To think the activity of Anti-Fate Religion has spread until this far……」

It was already three months ago when he allowed Madam Aisha to get away in that holy land.

Well, in the end it was only a group that did nothing except holding 『fun musical events』 and yelled the phrase of 『anti-fate』 loudly.

They never held any event like a mass for sacrificing human. That cult could be said as harmless.

That was why Alec didn’t really pay any attention to them. But.

「Tell me that prophecy once more.」

「it shall be done as many times as you like, my lord the Black Prince.」

The 《prophet》 nodded at Alec’s request.

The prophet wasn’t someone from earth, but an old man who was born in Hyperborea. He was a blind poet who could prophesized the future sometimes. It was a “superpower” that he had because he was descended from god’s bloodline.

Although old, the prophet spoke with a beautiful and firm voice.

「It’s a revelation that I don’t really understand but please listen……. 『The heaven-sent child of fate hath finally arrived. When they encounter the warrior of Anti-Fate and fight, the curtain to even more chaos for the mutliverse shall open』. My lord the Black Prince, do you understand its meaning?」

「Well, just roughly.」

「That’s fortunate. As expected from the great person who stand on the top as our leader.」

The prophet was extremely reverent toward Alec.

Along the way of building a base in this Hyperborea, he managed to make dozens of Hyperborea people as his comrades. There were also a lot of people with supernatural power among them.

Magicians and priests who used supernatural magic.

Prophet. Someone who could heal with just a touch. Someone who listened to the voice of the land.

There was also someone who had bird wings even though they were human and could freely fly in the sky. Someone who could transform into a bear. Someone who could breath underwater like fish. And so on.

Most of them descended from the bloodline of god or spirit.

Also, when he accidentally spoke of his nickname to his comrades, their habit of calling him 『my lord the Black Prince』 became fixed in stone since then. It felt really ticklish for him.

Anyway, this was the Shadow Chaser Forest that Alec was leading.

The group was located at Claw Archipelago──not at Island Two that had the most population. They used the whole forest area at the northern part of Island Three that had small population as their base. The people with supernatural power also lived together with them there.

The majority of them were people who couldn’t stay anymore at their home because of false charge or rebelling against the authority.

They were homeless people who were banished from their city or village and wandered around without purpose. Each time Alec encountered someone like that, he would say this to them.

『Come along if you want to solve the puzzle and mystery of Hyperborea together with me. But even if you don’t want to do anything like that, I’ll welcome anyone who helps me.』

Now his faction could be said as they Hyperborea version of “Sherwood Forest”.

Alec muttered regarding the prophecy of one of his comrades.

「……If the battle between fate and anti-fate is going to occur anyway, it’s possible that it will  happen within the area that we can observe. It will also be easier to deal with it that way──」

If it was a quarrel that was going to happen anyway, he should get involved with it proactively instead.

Alec spoke something that was truly fitting for a Campione. One of his comrades tilted his head and asked him.

「This anti-fate, is it about──that singing group religion?」

「I wonder about that. In my opinion, the possibility of that isn’t really high. King Theodorick of the Capital of the Round Table is also self-proclaimed to be anti-fate warrior……」

Alec spoke easily.

「Let’s just directly meet with the most likely candidate here.」

The man who had actually murdered a god of fate.

He had never met Kusanagi Godou again since that encounter in the nameless fishing village. He didn’t even know where he was right now. How to search someone like that?

This was the new investigation journey of Alec.

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2

Originally, Alec’s investigation was going to become 『an aimless journey』.

However, he was Alexander Gascoigne. He didn’t know how many Campione there was in total in the multiverse but──

When it came solely to excellence in solving a puzzle, Alec was most likely the undisputed champion.

Even in this world where mobile phone or even postal service didn’t exist, he actually had an idea of how to obtain a clue to search for Kusanagi Godou whose whereabouts was unknown.

Alec left the mansion of Shadow Chaser Forest and,

「Now then……guess I’ll try going around.」

He muttered carefreely like a merchant who was asking about a good customer in the neighborhood.

But right after that, as he started to run lightly, he calmly──surpassed the speed of sound. He was running on the ground faster than sound with a speed that rivaled lightning.

Unnoticed Alec’s body became lightning itself and he flew to the sky.

Authority Black Lightning.

It was an unique ability that enabled him to plunge into godspeed──the realm of supernatural acceleration.

During its activation, Alec could move faster than sound with lightning speed. Even his agility and lightness increased dramatically and he could display acrobatic movement to every direction.

However, the burden on his body from that was immense that he couldn’t use it for a long time.

When he wanted to reduce the damage to his body into nothing, he would change his body itself into lightning and ran around the sky and land──.

This was the first authority of Alexander Gascoigne who anyone in the know knew about.

Although this authority had many strong peculiarities, as expected the advantage of being able to fly around in such astounding speed was outrageously big.

From his base the Shadow Chaser Forest until fifty km to the southwest──.

He was able to traverse such speed with the ease and speed of someone going to a park in the neighborhood.

「One of the forbidden realms, the Dragon Capital……. Its scenery hasn’t changed at all.」

Alec looked up to the sky above the capital and muttered.

──There were winged dragons flying. Many of them.

They had head and torso and long tail that looked like lizard. They had four limbs, but compared to their burly rear legs, their front legs were terribly slender.

In exchange they had large wings extending from their shoulders.

The existence of those wings might be the cause why the winged dragons’ front legs degenerated.

Their body was quite big. The total length of their body was around seven meter. Dragons like those were flying around above the capital as they pleased.

It was a common sight, like how pigeon or crow did the same in earth’s city.

Furthermore there were also winged dragons that were equipped with saddle and rein with humans riding them. The number of such dragon wasn’t few. This was a city where people rode 『dragon』 in the place of horse.

「Well, with the terrain here, perhaps that choice can be said as rational……」

Alec nodded.

This Dragon Capital was a city that was built at a basin among the mountains. It was surrounded by mountain in four directions. The strong locked up feeling was the local color here.

Outside the capital, there was only steep mountain trails that continued on forever.

There were a lot steep slopes that were hard to pass even for horse and cattle bringing cargo. But, those with wings could simply go through the sky easily──.

Also, the city inside the basin had very well maintained streets.

The inside of the city was divided like the intersection of go board with road network running horizontally and vertically.

「It’s like the ancient China. Most likely there is an Earthian who copied that intentionally……」

For example Chang’an, the city that was called Xi’an at the modern times. Or the inside of the palace in Beijing.

It was someone who originated from the Greater China like Sect Founder Luo Hao who was behind this──Alec didn’t immediately conclude like that.

In those days, there were many nations that looked up to that empire that boasted the most advanced culture and prosperity and established their capital with a similar city planning.

「Japan’s Kyoto, Korea’s Gyeongju. What kind of background the person who is ruling the Dragon Capital has……I want to try investigating it one of these days, but right now it’s time to follow the trail of that guy.」

This capital was mostly filled with low-rise wooden house all over it.

Sometimes there would also be high building or tower, but the majority of buildings here were wooden house.

The atmosphere of the city was completely different from the original Hyperborea. Rather this place made him felt like he had gotten lost in an Asian area of the old era.

Alec instantly moved to a certain high building inside the city──more precisely on its roof.

It was a swift action that was only possible for those who could use lightning speed and flight skillfully.

He looked down on the city from high up. Many Hyperborea people were coming and going through the lattice shaped road network. The prosperity of the capital could be seen clearly from there.

The attire of the people in the city were mostly the type that wrapped clothes around their body.

This style too was like the ancient Japan or China. Large piece of cloth with a hole in the middle for the head was the typical attire in Hyperborea, but this was the mainstream attire in this place.

And then──there were few people who “dressed the same as it was long ago”. One of them was passing the main street.

He was still young and riding a large gray horse. However the horse seemed to be had forced to run over its limit. Its gait was weak and fatigued.

Before long the young man entered into a building that seemed to be an inn.

The tired gray horse was led by the inn’s staff to a stable. And then dozens of minutes later, that young man went out.

It seemed that he had taken rest and food. He had an energetic and lively look.

The horse that was brought to him──was a chestnut horse that was different from before.

The chestnut horse also seemed well-rested and energetic. The young man hopped on it and departed energetically with a fast pace.

It seemed that he was in a hurry. After he got out of the capital, the young man made the chestnut horse raised its speed.

Alec had seen that happened from start to end. He muttered to himself.

「It’s impossible to travel with that pace by relying on just one horse. But it’s a different story if he can secure a replacement horse in some fixed places like that. ……It’s a classical method, but its effect is immense in a place like Hyperborea. ──Also, that thing is really a mark huh.」

The young man riding the horse and also the inn staff had yellow cloth wrapped around their left ankle.

Alec nodded at his own words and vanished from there. He activated godspeed and moved to his next destination.

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In Alec’s sense, it was like a light travel to go to the neighboring town with a car.

However he had crossed the sea from Claw Archipelago’s Island Three to “Island Two” that boasted the most population.

There were smithies with chimneys that blew out smoke everywhere. A rampart surrounded them with a fortified mansion that looked like it was from Middle Age Europe standing on a hill.

It was the headquarters of the Knight of the Round Table, the Capital of the Round Table.

They were an infamous bunch because they had attacked settlement everywhere and pillaged repeatedly.

「The Sacred King Theodorick who controlled some barbarian knights, the godslayer of anti-fate……furthermore, it was said that he also killed the heretic god King Arthur. Hmph」

Alec snorted.

「I wonder how far that information can be believed in the end……」

Alec’s name sounded French, but he was actually a Campione from Britain.

Actually in the past during his late teenage until his twenty, he was completely absorbed in searching for the Holy Grail that appeared in King Arthur’s legend.

His knowledge and instinct that he cultivated from that time was telling him.

The internal condition of the Capital of the Round Table that he heard from hearsay, something stunk to high heavens from it──.

That was why Alec also sent his subordinate to this smoky castle town to secretly investigate. He believed that it would be useful one day.

However, However, right now he was standing alone on the rampart protecting this capital.

He glared imperiously at the lower world and found a certain sight. Alec grinned.

「His aim is different from me but……they are doing something similar. Well, after all considering that guy’s objective, he should want to place “branch” in all the major cities. I guess it’s only natural to sneak in his cooperator in the castle town of his enemy.」

A middle-aged man came to the front of a certain inn.

He was shouldering a large cloth bag. It was unknown what was the content of the cloth, but it was filled to the bursting. that the inn’s staff approached when he saw the figure of that middle-aged man.

The inn’s staff handed the man a paper envelope──.

Any Earthian would notice in a glance that it was a 『letter』. But, paper was still a precious item in Hyperborea. The literacy rate here was also still in the middle of improving. Communication by letter wasn’t something common at all.

The middle-aged man tossed the letter he received into his white bag and left.

「Someone is also putting the idea of letter and postal service system into practice here. They bought the papers from the Capital of the Dead……」

Alec murmured.

Mass production of cheap and good quality paper was starting there. It would be faster to buy from there rather than making a low-quality paper by themselves.

Also──the two people who were involved in the letter exchange just now.

Both of them had yellow cloth wrapped on their left ankle.

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The city was really unsophisticated. This was how a city in Hyperborea should be originally. The city was called the Fire Country and it seemed to be a military country that worshipped a war god of flame.

There were also people with yellow cloth here.

There was a mansion with a really big gate. It wasn’t an inn but a shop.

Yellow cloth was put up like a flag at the gate. People with cloth of the same color on their ankle were casually entering and exiting the place.

The visitors were welcomed by the mansion’s occupants who provided them with meal and place to sleep.

Alec who moved in godspeed wasn’t noticed by anybody and infiltrated inside the mansion easily. He confirmed the true state of affairs there.

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At noon the next day, Alec also went to the Capital of the Dead.

It was good that the place was peaceful and clean like an Arcadia, but for even the chaos that was naturally created when people went with their life,

「This kind of place is certainly fitting to be the living place of corpse.」

He sent the city a sarcastic gaze while investigating.

There was a paper mill somewhere inside the city that gathered a thousand Zombie-kun. The Hyperborean who managed that place had yellow cloth wrapped around his ankle.

Alec shrugged.

「I see. It’s already gone beyond the stage of buying and they have created the system of mass production in their own factory huh. In that case, I’m also curious about the source of the money ……」

He transformed into a godspeed lightning and flew once more.

He arrived at the Capital of Pleasure that was relatively close to the Capital of the Dead.

He had gotten a rough idea about the “money source” problem while moving. If it was that guy……no, if it was that guy’s brain, then surely──.

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「If my memory is correct, I remember catching sight of it when I came here before.」

Alec looked around restlessly at the townscape of the Capital of Pleasure.

He didn’t climb to a high place with his godspeed nimbleness. He was walking normally in the city while looking around here and there.

There was an especially bustling place in this city that he visited today.

People were walking around with a glass of drink, skewered meat, steamed bun, and the like in their hand.

There were people doing business at the storefront. People who were calling to customer. People who walked to play around. There were even people getting dragged into a squabble.

This was a city that was filled with vitality, where malice and chaos whirled for good or bad──.

There were also a lot of suspicious signboards. 『No need for collateral! You can borrow money right away!』『Looking for female workers. High salary guaranteed. The work is mainly serving wine and waiting on table』『Gambling house above』, and so on.

Alec nodded.

「……There.」

He walked straight toward the shop with the signboard of 『Will lend money right away!』.

Inside there were men with stern faces who looked like yakuza loitering around. The moment Alec entered inside, he kept his natural impudent attitude and,

「U want to borrow money──no. Sorry to waste your time. I’ll go somewhere else.」

He took a glance at the people inside before exiting the building right away.

……From here he didn’t use his godspeed and investigated with his own legs.

Each time he found the signboard of money lender or a shop that seemed to be that kind of place, he would quickly intrude inside and checked the people inside before leaving.

Sometimes there were also people who got irritated by Alec’s attitude, but he would vanish with godspeed in that case.

After repeating such investigation by audaciously barging in like that for more than ten-odd times──.

He finally encountered money lender business with a staff that was wearing yellow cloth on the left ankle. Alec was facing an old man who he only met for the first time, but he spoke to him bluntly.

「I want to meet with your boss or if possible the founder. His name should be Kusanagi Godou. Perhaps the person himself is absent right now, but he must have a relative staying near this city. Bring that person here right away or just tell me the location.」

After rattling on such demand without pause, he told the dazed old money lender this.

「There shouldn’t be any problem if you tell them my identity. My name is──」

「I’m already aware of your identity. Alexander Gascoigne. The fame of the Black Prince Alec has often entered my ears recently even in this world.」

「……Aa. As I thought, you are here huh.」

Alec was satisfied after he took a glance at the young beauty who came out from inside.

Her reddish blonde hair hung on her head like a crown. She smiled like the mistress of a royal palace.

She wore a crimson dress with a design that exposed her shoulders. It was a dress of splendid make. In addition she was wearing a red cape with black vertical stripes pattern.

By the way the color of her hair ornament was also black. It was the color coordination of Rossonero.

「Long time no see, Erica Blandelli.」

Alec easily spoke that name.

She was one of the partners who supported Kusanagi Godou in public and private setting.

She was a child prodigy who was produced from a noted family that was prominent even in Europe, the magic association Copper Black Cross. Her uncle Paolo was also Alec’s old friend.

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3

After the reunion that was unexpected for Alec.

The young lady of Blandelli house who was a quick-witted girl in the past faced the guest who barged in without even any prior notice. With the face of an elegant noblewoman,

「It will be too boorish to have a conversation with the renowned Black Prince at a dirty place like this. If it pleases you, how about coming to my mansion?」

She suggested that respectfully.

「Though of course, I’m very well aware that Prince Alec has a slightly impatient nature due to valuing great swiftness extremely.」

She added that with a mischievous chuckle.

She forestalled Alec by saying that just before he could say 『No, I don’t mind talking in this place. Having conversation in a money lending store is also not bad at all』.

Alec closed his lips with 「Muh」 because he got beaten to the punch.

──Thus.

Alexander Gascoigne ended up going until a mansion near the sea with the horse carriage that Erica Blandelli called.

It was a very stylish mansion with the wall and pillars dyed white.

Alec was showed into a terrace where the azure sea and sandy beach could be seen. He was ushered toward a white round table and a chair of the same color.

A young male immediately came and placed two glasses of white wine on the table.

Blandelli House even had a devil king Campione as an ancestor. This mansion had the size and luxury that wouldn’t put any shame to that family name but──

「I see, it looks like you don’t have any lack of fund here.」

Alec said his impression that was far removed from elegance and refinement.

Erica had a beautiful face that reminded one of a rose in full bloom. She bowed with a theatrical gracefulness.

「Regarding that, it’s all thanks to the honorable Campiones, including Prince Alec. Allow me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.」

「……I don’t remember ever doing anything for you guys though?」

「No. It’s enough that you are simply reigning as a king and acting as you please. From there we too also made use of the situation as we please to find a business opportunity and built on it.」

「So you started a money lending business from there huh.」

「Yes. But strictly speaking, the loaning business is only a part of our business……」

「Aa──that’s what I thought. You are also accepting deposit other than loaning money anyway. From there you also allow money withdrawal from other branches right? In other words it’s a 『bank』 system.」

「……It’s exactly as you say. And, aren’t you going to start already?」

Erica questioned him after Alec talked with his usual style.

Alec asked 「Starting what?」 with a puzzled look. Then his old acquaintance chuckled with the elegance of a noble lady who excelled in social life.

「I mean the start of the exposition. Prince Alec who has never contacted us until now suddenly appeared in front of our doorstep. I hope to hear about the chain of events that led to that by all means. Furthermore, you even guessed right about the connection between the guild and Kusanagi Godou with such unruffled expression──」

「……Aa」

It was something that he didn’t mind to talk about in the future if he felt like it.

But Erica’s gentle urging made Alec looked just a bit daunted.

She was already a big shot even when she was still a teenager, but now her composure had increased even more. Even when facing one of the devil kings who had slaughtered even the gods, she kept a tight grasp on the initiative of the conversation.

Perhaps it was just to be expected from the 『wife』 of Kusanagi Godou──.

The Black Prince faced Erica with the white round table and white wine glasses between them.

「The new kingdoms that suddenly rose to power in this archipelago with a joke name of Claw Archipelago……I used the term forbidden realms to call them.」

「I’m aware. I’m also making use of that term myself.」

「When I coined that name, the number of kingdom was still six. Round table, the dead, and sea king’s capitals. Wolf Pack Pavilion. Dragon Capital and here ──Capital of Pleasure. But then before I realized it there were two more realms added to the list.」

「Prince Alec’s Shadow Chaser Forest’s isn’t it?」

「Yeah. Though I myself didn’t have any plan to make a country, so it gave me a strange feeling for my place to be called that. Anyway, the other one is the Explorer Guild──there isn’t any official declaration about it but, it’s an organization that is managed by you guys with the sponsorship of Kusanagi Godou.」

Alex fixed his glance sharply at the “founder’s wife”.

「The information about the true state of affair of this guild didn’t really come out to the forefront, so I don’t have a full understanding about it. But, I have heard several things. Like how it has branch everywhere in the Claw Archipelago, and travelers who belong to the guild can receive advice, help, and even banking system to where they go……」

「Yes. Those are our basic business.」

Erica admitted it. Alec spoke further to her.

「I’m also someone who has traveled everywhere after all. So I noticed. I caught sight of people with cloth tied around their uncle everywhere. And then I remembered. When I met with Kusanagi Godou a while ago, that guy looked like he want to improve the traveling condition of Hyperborea……」

「So you connected the Explorer Guild with Kusanagi Godou through that?」

Erica commented with a slightly exasperated tone.

「Just using instinct without even any definite proof!」

「No, there is also my own insight that told me there is no other eccentric than him who would try to make a mutual aid society for travelers. It’s insulting that you think I’m only relying on guesswork like that.」

「To possess both deep intellect and overly bold instinct and to use them properly as suit the occasion──」

Erica ignored Alec’s objection and muttered.

「That is the character sketch that I heard from the lady who was considered as the prince’s worthy rival in the past. As expected from the princess, it seems that she really hit the bull’s eye……」

「Mu」

「Aa, forgive me. I have interrupted your story. Please, tell me the continuation.」

「……Anyway, I tried following people who looked like the guild member. I learned that the guild possess a scale and financial power that surpassed my imagination so──I tried considering it. What kind of method the management of this organization used to obtain the capital.」

Here Alec pointed straight at Erica.

「You immediately came to mind. The daughter of Blandelli House that had acted as the leader of magic association Copper Black Cross for generations. This association is a prominent organization even in Europe and it’s also a society that is related to the genealogy of the well-known Knights Templar.」

Knights Templar──

It was a military order that was established at 12 ^th century, after the first Crusades.

Yerusalem was considered as sacred place by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. At that era this holy city was under the rule of Seljuk Dynasty that was an Islamic nation.

Even so, the Christian people of Europe had their eyes toward the holy land.

It was in order to go to a pilgrimage there and offer their prayer to the god as well as other activities like looking for sacred relics.

……Erica smiled at what Alec pointed out.

「Originally Knight Templar was established to assist with the pilgrimage toward the holy land of Christianity, Jerusalem──they were supporter of travel.」

「Yeah. They are truly the Explorer Guild of Middle Age Europe.」

「They created branch everywhere at Europe and devised a system where the pilgrims could deposit their traveling expenses and withdraw it from any branch.」

「They took interest, their money lending activity grew in intensity, and at the end they even started loaning large amount of money for countries.」

Alec spoke his conclusion.

「In other words they were the ancestor of the modern era bank. That was why I was convinced that even among Kusanagi Godou’s followers, you──Erica Blandelli would definitely be the one at the center of the guild. The designing of this large organization wouldn’t be that difficult for you who is a descendant of the Knight Tempalr and also someone capable with practical business.」

Alec intentionally asserted that and stared at Erica’s composed expression.

She showed no sign of denial. Alec was convinced of the correctness of his hypothesis.

「I predicted that you are at the Capital of Pleasure──simply because I judged that it would be convenient here to loan and invest a great amount of money as well as making use of them. After all Erica Blandelli is a rational person. She should place her base at the capital that has the most flourishing economic activity.」

「I’m extremely honored of your compliment.」

Erica spoke the words of gratitude along with a nod.

「Then prince, allow me to ask you once more.」

「What?」

「What is your objective for coming here today?」

「No──I’m thinking to meet with the most likely candidate of the anti-fate godslayer.」

It was a nice timing, so Alec spoke of his objective frankly.

Recently the phrase of anti-fate kept getting throw around like bargain sale, and there were even several godslayers who were crowned with that nickname appearing. And then there was that prophecy.

When the apostle of fate and the anti-fate godslayer fought, the chaos of the multiverse would deepen even further──.

「For me──I’d rather make the hero at the fate’s side and the anti-fate godslayer have their showdown within an area that I can observe rather than them having their quarrel somewhere far away. So first I want to confirm whether the person in question has the plan for that or not.」

Even after listening to what Alec had to say,

Elica Blandellie didn’t comment right away.

「The child of fate, has finally arrived──the hero of devil king extermination has once more……」

She was muttering while slowly pondering.

She was a hostess who could enliven any event with a skillful conversation skill, at the same time she was also a magician with outstanding intelligence. She realized that it wasn’t a problem where she could make statement lightly.

Alec gave her a question for the time being.

「Where is Kusanagi Godou right now?」

「I can’t say where he is right now, but currently he is on a trip for the sake of a certain objective. At the current time, he isn’t going to return back soon enough……」

「I see. ──By the way, can I ask you one thing?」

Alec’s threw his gaze to inside the mansion.

「Tell me already. Is there any reason for that man’s presence in this conversation?」

「……Aa. My apologies. I was planning to introduce him when the chance present itself.」

Erica smiled when Alec pointed that out.

A young man had been standing behind her all this time. He was tall, with a red hair that was like blazing fire, and a handsome appearance that had nothing to be criticized about.

He had a friendly atmosphere that also contained elegance at the same time.

He was the young man who served the white wine for Alec and Erica at the beginning.

Alec thought that he would immediately leave after that, and yet he remained in this terrace and stood still behind Erica with a friendly smile the whole time.

The young man bowed to Alec the moment the topic about him came up.

「Forgive me for my late greeting. My name is Leonardo Blandelli.」

「──Blandelli?」

「I threw a tantrum to mother so that she would allow me to be present here too when I heard that you are an old acquaintance of my parents.」

Even though he wasn’t a kid anymore, this handsome youth spoke about throwing a tantrum.

His tone was filled with amiability and playfulness. Surely he was a good-natured person who was loved by many people──Alec felt that even while tilting his head in puzzlement.

「Parents? Don’t tell me that you are a son of Paolo Blandelli? That guy, when did he get a son……what’s more, you are saying that his partner is also my old acquaintance?」

「No. I’m the son of Erica Blandelli and Kusanagi Godou.」

「Yes. He is my son.」

「I see, he is Godou and your──WHAATTT!?」

Alec almost nodded at Erica’s words.

It was extremely unusual, but Alec was so greatly taken aback that he even leaned backward.

He observed the mother and son really closely. The two were a pair of beautiful young woman and handsome man. They looked the same age no matter how he observed them. Certainly their facial features looked really similar but…….

Erica smiled elegantly and spoke nonchalantly.

「This talk is going to become extremely long if I talk about it in detail, so to explain it in a concise manner, just recently in this Hyperborea, I was able to get reunited with my son who was separated from me in the past.」

「……Well, we Campiones are always getting dragged into strange incidents.」

Alec somehow squeezed out such comment from his throat while maintaining his reputation as a sharp and able person.

Alec stared at the young man named Leonardo once more.

He was wearing a loose grey hooded robe. His appearance was more like a character that showed up in fantasy movie rather than an Earthian.

And then, Alec noticed something.

「You were reunited at Hyperborea──in other words, your son is also a planewalker? Did he travel the multiverse, crossing the boundary of worlds with his own strength or other’s strength……」

「A correct answer. Also, if I can add a bit more to my self-introduction.」

The young man Leonardo smoothly spoke.

「I’m also quite knowledgeable in regard to clairvoyance and meditation.」

「Hou.」

Leonardo Blandelli──.

He was able to act naturally easygoing even while knowing that Alec was a godslayer.

Such thing was impossible without considerable strength and self-confidence backing him up. He was just like his mother who would crack jokes to even Campione if a chance presented itself.

Those who excelled in clairvoyance technique sometimes could imitate a prophet as though they obtained a foresight or prophecy.

Those who excelled in meditation technique could do divination based on the lay of the land, read the countenance of other people, and keenly sensed the sign of mystic that the eyes of ordinary people couldn’t perceive. From there they could give advice or warning.

Leonardo──must be someone who could be compared with the prophet under Alec’s command.

What would this youth say next? The godslaying devil king waited for it with deep interest. In respond Leonardo spoke to him with a gentle demeanor and eloquent tone.

「Actually, is father really the only anti-fate godslayer?」

「……Are you saying that Theodorick is also one?」

Alec asked. However the godslayer’s son shook his head.

「Sometimes I get this feeling since coming to the sanctuary of Hyperborea. This world is filled with the “anti-fate momentum”.」

「Momentum, you say?」

「Yes. The will that bared its fang of opposition and rebellion toward the fate that is protecting the order of the multiverse to destroy the order. Such momentum is also born from the heart of the people──who listened to the song of that singing religion, and it’s also born from the heart of those who know of the existence and battle of all of you Campiones.」

「…………」

「And then as the momentum of anti-fate spread wider and wider, Hyperborea will become even harder to handle for even the mighty fate, and become a sanctuary where it’s hard for it to fight──the devil king extermination effort will be forced to fumble around for a way to fight in this completely different environment.」

「……I never realized that.」

Could it be Madam Aisha established that religion to aim for that?

He was planning so that the devil king extermination hero couldn’t rampage like before anymore. Although she was the most bothersome existence in the multiverse, that woman was someone extremely gentle. For her to do something like that…….

Alec was bewildered because he couldn’t come to term with his own thinking.

On the other hand, Leonardo smiled softly while telling him.

「That’s why Alec-dono. With just one of the Campiones staying here and acting as they please──that will already create an extremely strong anti-fate momentum.」

「What did you say?」

「Certainly, Kusanagi Godou is someone who has murdered a god of fate. But, I believe that the anti-fate godslayer isn’t just father alone……」

Alec felt strong persuasiveness from what Leonardo said, even so.

It was a problem that he couldn’t make any conclusion about all of a sudden like this. Faced with such thing, Alec muttered.

「Then even without dragging out Kusanagi Godou──I myself can take on the role of directly confronting the fate……」

He didn’t know anymore what was right or wrong even after deeply pondering everything.

Then, he could only take action and verify the matter himself. Alexander Gascoigne was different from a detective that did nothing except making deduction from his armchair.

.

4

「By the way Erica.」

Just as he was about to leave the seaside mansion, Alec asked the mistress of the residence.

She was following him until the entrance in order to see off the godslaying devil king.

「A capable person like you might have obtained some kind of information even in regard to the devil king extermination hero in question isn’t it?」

「If it’s just at the level of rumor that cannot be guaranteed its veracity, then I certainly have some.」

That reply was just to be expected from Erica Blandelli.

Erica had exhibited her strength and intelligence as a Campione’s groomsman for many years. She didn’t falter and spoke smoothly even toward this question.

「The group of Earthian that built the Capital of Pleasure in this area……its main members suddenly went to a journey just the other day.」

「What is their background?」

「A god’s descendant, a goddess who has lost the majority of her power and her partner or spouse, their background is something like that.」

「Hou. That’s quite an impressive lineup.」

「It seems that they are accompanied by a girl. This girl is most likely an Earthian who seems to originate from Japan. She is an extraordinary practitioner of the sword who easily took down Richard I of the Knight of the Round Table who incidentally came here at that time to pillage this place.」

「That self-proclaimed Lionheart King huh.」

Alec nodded.

It was unknown whether it was the real thing who came from 12 ^th century Middle Age Europe, or simply an attention seeker who self-proclaimed that, but that person was someone who boasted the greatest valor even in the Capital of the Round Table.

Alec grinned.

「That info is certainly just at the level of rumor, if it ends there. But an information that is gathered by Erica Blandelli must still have a continuation from there isn’t it?」

「Then, this is where I should ask for the information fee.」

Erica joked gracefully. Alec immediately spoke.

「I’m already planning to confront the hero as the anti-fate godslayer in your partner’s place. Just this alone should be enough for the payment with some change still remaining.」

「That’s certainly true.」

Erica smiled charmingly and replied.

「Then──how about going to the Sea King’s Capital? The trading ship that was boarded by the girl who seems to be the devil king extermination hero is heading there according to the information that I obtained!」

.

Thus, Alec crossed the sea once more.

He transformed into a godspeed lighting and soared in the sky. Of course he went to Houraiha Island that was located at the west side of Claw Archipelago.

He headed straight toward the main island and arrived until the sky above Sea King’s Capital.

「──That’s!」

A beautiful mountain was standing tall at the north of the greatly thriving capital.

A flash ran toward the sky from a spot seven-tenth of the way from the base of the mountain. It drew an arc before flying to the sea outside the island!

Alec immediately saw through it.

「That’s Sect Founder Luo Hao’s authority! What did she use the power of Deva Kings for!?」

Alec could freely fly around in his current lightning form.

Furthermore he could do it in godspeed. He chased after the flash of Sect Founder Luo Hao that was drawing an arc in the sky──and gave up.

The 『palm』 that was shining golden was tightly grasping a girl in school uniform.

That palm plunged into the sea and dragged the girl to the bottom of the sea with a terrific speed…….

「I guess, that’s the devil king extermination hero candidate huh.」

Alec was only able to observe for an instant, but he noticed.

The female student’s right hand was tightly grasping something──it was none other than a divine sword with platinum colored blade.

「That was, the divine sword of salvation wasn’t it……」

Alec once obtained a broken divine sword of salvation in the past.

Although he had never confronted the hero directly, he had the experience of facing the power of that divine sword and the trace it left behind many times. That was why he was able to instinctually feel that immediately.

Anyway──

Although he had a lightning body that moved in godspeed, he was unable to breath underwater.

Alec flew to the nearest harbor. He intended to procure a ship in order to bring himself until the sea area where the girl sank into.

If the “hero” was still alive, he could deal an additional blow to her──.

The Hyperborea people working at the harbor all were gossiping.

「Did you see the light just now!?」

「Yeah! It flew out from the residence of the sea king-sama!」

「The sea king surely has done something awesome again! Glory to the sea king for thousands of years! Sea King-sama, banzai!」

「Glory of thousands years for the Sea King!」

「Glory of thousands years for the Sea King!」

Sea King──there was no doubt they were referring to the Sect Founder Luo Hao.

As always she must have been forcing and educating her subordinates and people to praise her extravagantly.

「That damn narcissistic authoritarianism. Doesn’t she feel ashamed making other people praising herself so loudly like this?」

Alec cursed in his monologue. He had always full of criticism like this to her method since the past.

Anyway he waited for the 『banzai chanting』 to settle down──

Then he suddenly called out to the crowd.

「Someone! Send out a ship to bring me until the place where that light fall into! I’ll give a bag of gold to the one who take this request!」

「W──what did you sayyy!?」

The color of the eyes of the sailors and fishermen around him changed.

They immediately rushed at him saying 『Get on my ship』『No, come with me』. Alec then began to evaluate the request takers for the one who seemed to be the most obedient and considerate.

「Mister♪」

「Do you also want to take the request?」

Someone called out to him, so Alec asked toward the voice.

There was a young man with handsome look but frivolous looking face in front of him. However he didn’t look like a local resident of this city at all.

He was an Asian wearing a jacket and T-shirt from earth.

It seemed his black hair was dyed with bright color. He seemed amiable with charm exuding out from his body. This smiling Earthian looked like someone who really loved to talk──.

That young man spoke to him cheerfully.

「Too bad. I have no ship of my own unless I borrow one.」

「Then I have no business with you.」

Alec pushed him away. But the young man wasn’t perturbed.

「Don’t say that. I’m Rokuhara Ren. Just like you, I’m someone from earth. Let’s get along well as fellow Earthian.」

「How stupid. Something like that can’t serve as regional bond or connection at all.」

「Now now. Mister, why do you want to follow the light just now?」

「I’m looking for something. If the person in that light sink into the sea and die, then that’s that. That’s the result from the determination of fate. But if that person is still alive──well, I wonder what I would do then.」

「Hmm」

Rokuhara Ren stared at Alec’s face fixedly.

「Mister, you know that what fell into the sea is a 『living human』. As I thought, you aren’t 『normal』 mister.」

「And what about you yourself, Earthian?」

「Haha. I’m just as you can see, 『a modern youngster』 who is only good at running away.」

Rokuhara Ren spoke with a friendly grin at Alec’s question.

「But, the girls who fell into the sea are my soul mate. Right now they are in a middle of a troublesome problem, so I wish that there won’t be anyone who meddle with them unnecessarily.」

「Hou」

Alec narrowed his eyes.

「You yourself, you can understand the situation of your comrade who fell into the sea even though you are on land like this huh?」

「Ahaha. That’s only my feeling telling me. This is what you usually call foreboding feeling.」

「I guess──you are one of the founders of the Capital of Pleasure aren’t you? I don’t know why you are going around with someone like the devil king extermination hero but」

「Uwa. Mister, you even know those words!」

From the look of things, this frivolous Rokuhara Ren didn’t show any sign of stopping his talk.

Alec gradually got annoyed. This strangely overly familiar youngster was gradually getting even more proactive in talking to him.

──Perhaps I should change place. Let’s slip away from this place and looked for a ship somewhere else.

Alec activated his godspeed.

……Or that should be what happened.

「What?」

「What’s the matter, Onii-san? Ah, you should tell me your name already.」

Alec could enter the world of godspeed when he activated his authority Black Lightning.

All the movements at the surrounding became slow motion and he was the only one who could move normally. Alexander Gascoigne would run and fly freely in there.

However right now──his godspeed world wouldn’t start.

Even though it was an authority that he had been using for nearly twenty years, this was the first time something like this happened to him!

Alec immediately stared fixedly at Rokuhara Ren.

「……I see.」

「I don’t know what you are seeing though. Do you feel like talking with me now? If you don’t mind, please tell me your name already.」

「It’s Alexander Gascoigne. Have you ever heard that name before?」

「I think, it’s my first time hearing that name. But I already remember it. But it’s long, so let me call you with a pet name. What about Ale, or Alec, or perhaps Alex?」

「Alec is fine. Also, we won’t be able to get along with each no matter what. I guarantee it.」

「Eh, why? It might be strange to say it myself, but I’m someone with a lot of friend you see♪」

「Most of the time there will be quarrel when we brethrens encounter each other. From there even just half a day will be enough for things to become a dispute, battle, or duel.」

Alec spoke at length.

「That is the common disease of Campione, godslayers. Rokuhara Ren, your authority that is sealing my 『legs』 is really interesting you know?」

「Ah, haha──as expected you found out huh.」

When thing reached this point, Rokuhara Ren winked cutely.

「Actually, I also could use something similar with Alec in the past. Being able to move with amazing speed. That’s why……I could sense that you were about to move.」

The young Campione confessed while sticking his tongue.

「Sorry that I got on your way for a bit.」

「……Alright then.」

He encountered with a new brethren at a corner of heroic world Hyperborea.

The curiosity and sense of competition inside Alec were lit up. He loudly declared toward Rokuhara Ren.

「I’ll investigate your true identity first before the so called hero who fell into the sea!」

「Haha. You won’t find anything interesting even if you investigate someone like me!」

Alexander Gascoigne was the Campione of godspeed.

But, it never happened in the past that his prided speed got sealed like this.