The Sekirei’s Covenant

The temperament of residents in southern and northern Italy is completely different.

Of course, this is just common opinion. The north is wealthy and metropolitan, while the south is relatively poor. So some say the people in the south are more simple and warm-hearted.

Milan represents the northern metropolis, known worldwide as a center of culture, economy, fashion, and sports.

Everyone who knows Erica Blandelli knows she is the essence of Milan.

She is the eldest daughter of the noble Blandelli family, a prestigious Milanese lineage. Beautiful and noble, she was deeply educated from childhood, full of wit and talent.

She is a gorgeous maiden like a blooming rose!

In a grand and luxurious mansion, Erica was sitting opposite a man, both savoring coffee served by servants, their manners full of nobility and elegance.

"Uncle, have you heard about the Sardinia incident?"

Putting down her cup, Erica lightly parted her pink lips and spoke to the man. Her voice was as clear as spring water, as beautiful as a nightingale's song—once heard, unforgettable.

"Yes, it seems real. There is a high possibility that a 'Heretic God' has descended. But our leader, Lord Salvatore, is on an expedition in South America and won't return for some time. We should gather intelligence and investigate the local situation first."

With a serious expression, the man Erica called uncle sipped his coffee and nodded.

Paolo Blandelli, a man's name and Erica's only blood relative. His figure could be compared to Michelangelo's David.

Though nearly forty, he was still youthful and vigorous, with a sculpted face full of intellect and charisma. His perfectly trained body was like steel—befitting his title as the highest knight.

Italy's strongest knight is the Sword King—Salvatore Doni.

But the highest-ranking knight is Paolo Blandelli!

"Then please entrust this mission to me, Uncle—no, Commander Blandelli of the Copper-Black Cross, Knight Erica hereby petitions!"

Standing up, Erica gave Paolo Blandelli a formal knight's salute, her tone filled with expectation and excitement.

"Erica, you are the treasure of me and the entire Copper-Black Cross, a genius maiden destined to stand at the top of the order. I admit this is my personal hope, but you have no experience encountering gods yet. Their terror far exceeds what you can imagine."

Slightly stunned, Paolo Blandelli finally shook his head, his gaze full of endless affection.

Blandelli's evaluation of Erica was no exaggeration. She had trained in martial arts since childhood and, at only fifteen, had absorbed all the magic from ancient Rome to medieval Europe and the Templar lineage. In Italy, only Liliana Kranjcar from Milan was her recognized peer and rival!

"That's true, but precisely because of that, I must accumulate experience!"

Though her tone was somewhat impudent, Erica's expression was resolute, showing absolute confidence in her abilities.

"Uncle was awarded the title 'Crimson Devil' for his achievements fighting alongside Princess Alice of the Witenagemot against the Black Prince Alec. If I am to inherit Uncle's title, I must demonstrate my extraordinary talent."

Seeing her uncle still unwilling to agree, Erica spoke with urgency.

"He was already twenty-five then, ten years older than you are now. Don't rush; there's still much to learn. Even if it takes a few more years to approach the gods, it won't be too late."

Looking at this niece who had been extremely competitive since childhood, Paolo felt a mix of pride and deep helplessness.

"Too slow. If I don't earn merit now, the title of 'Crimson Devil' that Uncle guards will be inherited by that rude and vulgar Genaro. I absolutely don't want to hand over the noble title of leader of the 'Copper-Black Cross' to a man like him!"

Her tone was filled with unwavering determination. Uncle was the goal and idol Erica had admired since childhood. Usually, she obeyed him very well, but on this matter, the young girl would not yield at all.

Paolo Blandelli had earned the title "Crimson Devil" about twenty years ago. This was an honorary title held by knights representing the "Copper-Black Cross" organization. However, three months ago, after finally being promoted to the supreme commander of the society, he returned the title.

Because he could not hold both the chief knight and supreme commander positions simultaneously, he effectively retired from active knight duty.

Although Erica was called a prodigy, her experience was still too shallow. To inherit this title, she lacked both the achievements and the reputation.

But if she could earn merit by fighting the "Heretic God"—the greatest disaster manifested in the world—the result would be different…

"Erica… do you want to become a god slayer?"

With a hint of surprise, Paolo asked Erica.

"I'm not that arrogant. Of course, if I had the chance, I wouldn't mind becoming someone like Lord Salvatore, but that's just wishful thinking… Still, I do have the intention to seal or suppress the gods."

Shaking her head, Erica's expression showed some helplessness and regret.

Though proud, Erica was not conceited. No matter how talented or strong a human was, it was impossible to defeat a god—that was the eternal truth!

She was a genius girl, a treasured prodigy of the society, and already had the strength of a top grand knight at a young age. But when thinking of the terror of gods and god slayers, even Erica felt a chill down her spine.

"Huff… Looks like you have come to terms with it and are ready."

"Alright, Erica, going to dangerous places and showing courage and valor is the duty of a knight. I entrust this to you!"

"Since you've said it, you must complete this challenge, understand?"

Looking deeply at the girl he had raised since childhood, Paolo understood her determination. His tone was solemn and serious.

"Yes, Sir! Knight Erica will complete the mission. Please look forward to my good news!"

She performed a standard knight's salute again, a faint smile blooming on her lips like a captivating beauty…

…

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Earth—

"Stop! Boy ahead, if you don't stop, we'll shoot!"

Several armed police officers chased a sword-carrying boy, shouting as they ran.

Yes, the sword-carrying boy was none other than our classmate Sora!

It was quite ridiculous. Because he was going to Italy, a completely unfamiliar place, Sora habitually brought his sword. At airport security, the alarm went off repeatedly, causing panic among staff and passengers. A group of police suddenly appeared, trying to detain Sora and take him to the station.

Knowing he was in serious trouble, Sora wasn't about to surrender. Although he hadn't done anything wrong, being questioned was a huge nuisance, so the kid just ran!

This made the police even more suspicious, and they chased him desperately.

After running for an unknown time, they left the city and reached a cliff overlooking a turbulent sea. Sora finally stopped.

"Hah… hah… kid, you running? Try running again!"

"You have nowhere to escape. Surrender now!"

Exhausted like a dead dog, the police officers were furious seeing Sora calm and unbothered. They bent over gasping for breath, pointing guns at him with grim faces.

Damn it, this kid definitely has something wrong! You're so fast, let's see where you can run now!

"Dear police officers, you're the ones who drove me to this! May you live the rest of your lives in endless guilt!"

Instead of surrendering, Sora shouted angrily, then without looking back, leapt off the cliff into the sea…

The police looked at each other, confused. They had chased him hard and acted tough, but he hadn't really done anything criminal. They only wanted to take him back for questioning, not to kill him!

Kids these days, do they have to be so reckless with their lives?

It all felt a bit melodramatic…