a few years have passed since that incident, the higher-ups that were behind the scenes making decisions for Italy became aware of Masaru's existence. Due to his young age they felt that it was possible to control him as their puppet, so with that thought in mind they even tried to poach him from the red and blue knight corps.
That was until both Lord Kranjcar and Paolo Blandelli went and officially declared that Masaru was engaged with Erica and Lilliana. It was a shock to the three children at first, naturally, they were told about the reason since both fathers did not want to hide anything from their beloved daughters. Yet surprisingly the two girls did not reject it and openly accepted it, in the end they became even closer.
At the age of 7, Masaru learnt Karate to black belt tenth dan. This took him six months to gain due to his Campione physique, and also because his rise attracted many people so he had many chances to challenge masters one after the other to learn everything he could from them.
At the age of 8, Masaru had travelled across the world together with his father, Erica and Liliana where he has done extreme sports such as mountain climbing, surviving in the rainforest, surviving in Sahara or living in the wilds of Kruger National park where wild animals moved freely, scuba diving, abseiling, surfing, cycling, shooting, kayaking, climbing and snowboarding.
At the age of 9, Masaru was given his title as a Greater Knight due to his prowess in both swordsmanship and magic growth was as terrifying as what the people expected of a Campione, and thus he was given a unique name, Diavolo D'argento. He was originally meant to inherit Paolo's title, but Masaru declined with a phrase.
"I will surpass my father, and make him proud"
Paolo, never felt disheartened about this and even felt incredibly proud of Masaru, they might not be blood-related but the two of them shared a bond like a real family. So it was agreed that in the future Erica will inherit it, her talent in Swordsmanship and magic was inferior to Masaru but far superior compared to other geniuses.
Since he was not a true member of the Blandelli Household, he was not required to travel the world in search of his magic sword.
At the age of 10, Masaru continued his survival training during school holidays while attending school as per normal. Yet somehow, he felt that his life at school was false, making him dream about being an ordinary schoolboy instead of being a supernatural human.
Erica and Liliana both of them earned their knighthood at the age of twelve. As part of their household tradition, shortly after earning their knighthood, both travelled to gain Magic swords for themselves at the Saint Gilardino Monastery outside of Florence, Italy.
There, they first encountered Salvatore Doni, just after he had become a Campione. However, Masaru did not join them at that time as he followed his father to meet up with the French at that time to get his own magic sword. If Masaru was with them he would have been pulled in this natural battle junkie's duel request which was also something Paolo wanted to avoid.
While travelling with him, they encountered the retired Great Knight Saint Raffaello, the only knight to gain two swords from the Monastery, and one of Doni's teachers, from whom they gained from two magic swords, Il Maestro and Cuore di Leone.
Six months after Erica and Liliana's traditional journey, Masaru's rank as Greater knight was upgraded and thus now crowned as a Paladin. The reason for the fast elevation was that the higher-ups did not give up on trying to grasp Masaru in their hold, and control him. They were willing to do anything to control him, but they did not go past the line as there was a famous line that every country's supernatural organisation knew.
'Never piss off a Campione, ever.'
With a status equal to that of his father's, Masaru was able to help Paolo much more actively compared to being on standby for when Heretic Gods appears. It was only problematic that his identity of Campione caused his true status to be far above Paolo, and this status Masaru would only use it towards people he could not get along with.
'It's been a long time' Masaru thought while glancing at a historical book which contained information regarding Solomon's journey, and where he met the angels and devils which he contracted with. He had been searching for the devils to seal them in his bronze vessel, as a summoner Masaru knew he was weaker compared to other Campione's.
His physique was stronger than many people, but was the weakest amongst the Campiones. The reason for that was the fact that his authority leans towards the Magician class, so most of his power came from his intelligence and innate power. But it did not make him any weaker than other Campiones, because, unlike other Campiones who look down on others.
He researched a lot of things, to increase his power with the aid of knowledge. Knowledge is power, could not be more true to Masaru's case. But even then, Masaru felt the need to have a few pillar devils or an archangel. That would at least lessen the pressure he felt, the pressure that came from a question. 'When is the hero resurrecting?'
"Masaru, you should focus in class!" Liliana was sitting next to Masaru while pouting adorably, ever since their engagement was confirmed this girl rarely get shy in public but in private she was really a little lamb he enjoyed spoiling.
However, "Masaru, you should instead focus on me" Erica was currently sitting on his lap gazing into his eyes lovingly, Masaru knew this little prankster enjoys the manner how the boys were gazing at Masaru with envy and hatred and the girls looking at her with similar eyes yet the two of them ignore it.
Masaru smiled gently before caressing Erica's face before leaning closer, "You want to become a mother so soon?"
Erica who heard this became aware of something that was poking underneath against her bottom causing her to blush beet red before gently getting off his lap sitting at the table next to him, Liliana was pouting on the other side but when Masaru gently flicked her ear she blushed a bit when she knew he was also paying attention to her.
"These three who keep flirting in front of us!"
"My heart hurts! My Queen Erica! Please punish me!"
"My Goddess Lilliana! Please heal me with a smile today again"
All the boys began to scream while crying when they saw the daily occurrence between Masaru and the two princesses.
"Masaru, my grandfather called me to come as a Witch to join the Ritual Voban arranged to summon a heretic God" Liliana muttered feeling worried, she naturally knew of the incident that happened a few years ago when Masaru told her and Erica, and she felt worried that Masaru would do something dangerous if he heard of this.
Masaru who heard this had a fierce gleam in his eyes for an instant before smiling warmly, gently he placed his hand on her head caressing her hair gently while enjoying the feeling of her hair to calm himself down "No need to worry, I will speak with that old man tonight. I will not have you girls participate in it"
Masaru strictly forbids Liliana to be sacrificed because of her grandfather's whims, a sinister smile appeared on his face while he turned to Erica "Contact Salvatore and give him the details about the Ritual so he can interrupt it. Count it as a lesson for Voban who thinks he can do what he wants"
Erica smiled happily while taking out her cellphone sending a message to Salvatore's close associate, she even went to add some more details to ensure that Salvatore would bite the bait. Seeing the two of them working already for her sake, Liliana smiled happily at how caring Masaru was and how Erica was supportive.
The school carried on as normal until it was time for everyone to head home, this was the time Masaru would have to endure the fiercest glares ever when the two girls would hook their arms with his while he escorted them into the black Cadillac which was prepared to take them home.
"Black Copper Knight Office" Masaru ordered,#
"Yes young master" The driver affirmed without questions, he was paid to drive and that is what he does. a Professional.
'Don't blame me for being ruthless old man, you dare to place your hand on my woman' Masaru thought while closing his eyes, he was worried that he would alarm his girls if they knew how angered he was to hear this news from Liliana.
"Masaru, is it fine to confront my grandfather?" Lilliana would choose Masaru over her grandfather if she had to but she did not want to create trouble for Masaru, that was just how much she loved Masaru who supported her with everything, even her dreams.
Masaru gently caresses her cheek "Silly girl, you chose me as your soulmate and it is my responsibility to ensure your safety. I am not sure how I will end up rampaging if anything were to happen to you two"
Erica pouted "We can fight perfectly on our own"
Masaru chuckled looking at how cute Erica was, he nodded while hooking his arm around her shoulders. "I know, but at times like this allow me to be a proper fiancee for you two. Otherwise won't the people look down on me thinking I am a wimp?"
The girls both blushed a little before nodding, it has been six years that they had been together and never separated unless it was special missions, the care and love Masaru gave them spoiled them to the point that they could not always endure being separated from him. But they too spoiled Masaru as well since the three of them understood each other the best, a relationship depends on both sides and not only one.
Soon they arrived at the Manor where Liliana's grandfather was currently at, Masaru lift his arms so the two girls could hook into them since he will be appearing with the identity as their fiancee and Campione before this old coot.
"Master, Young Master Hayami, Lady Blandelli and Lady Kanjcar has come to pay you a visit" One of the servants announced to Lord Kranjcar Father, who is Liliana's Grandfather, the old man sighed feeling he aged a few more years as he knew Masaru was furious about his arrangement.
But he was between two Campione's, one side was Voban who they supported for many years and on the other was Masaru who was the youngest Campione in age. "Bring them in"
When he ordered his servant he saw Masaru walking proudly with his granddaughter and Erica hooked on his arms, he could only smile wryly as the three youngsters entered his office closing the door.
'I see, so that is his situation' Masaru thought, one look was all he needed to know that this old man was pressured. Dealing with Campione's were that difficult.
"Old man, I have a proposition for you" Masaru spoke first as he did not want this old man to die from a heart attack under stress as Masaru knew the presence of Campione was really too stressful for them.
Liliana's Grandfather nodded waiting for Masaru to continue, "I want you to approve Lilliana leaving Copper Black Cross and joining under me, that way Voban can't pressure you as he will have to come to me which he won't do, that old coot is still avoiding me since he is afraid of the power that is behind me"
Masaru spoke out confidently, he might not be a match against Voban in terms of experience. But when it comes to versatile powers and knowledge, Masaru was definitely at the top since he saw it with his own eyes most of Voban's authorities.
'If Voban were to know that the power is gone, he would have acted differently' Masaru thought
Liliana's Grandfather sighed but a smile was on his face as Masaru could see some weight was taken off his shoulders, "You going to start your own Organisation?"
Masaru smirked, "It already exists and is running, I will only add another department to it. a Department dealing with the supernatural world. I will need to build a personal power for my use since my existence became known to those old coots in Rome who keep trying to control me"
"If it was not for the fact that I had to wait until my father gave in, I would have never been able to gain my family's inheritance so early. I was only waiting for the chance to take Liliana and Erica, that's all" Masaru said with a confident smile while continuing,
"Now it is finally time for me to form my own organisation, I can form a secret alliance with Bronze and Copper-black Cross knights so you all will still be under my protection in secret while on the surface you will be under the protection of Salvatore, as for Voban I never understand how his head works in the first place I doubt he would even lend you a helping hand should you need it"
The old man nodded thinking this proposition was good, it even safeguards his granddaughter in a way that Voban will have no reason to implicate his entire family. Masaru spoke a bit more with Liliana's grandfather before the girls joined in the discussion as well, luckily the misunderstanding was clarified before something happened as Masaru almost thought the old man wanted to sacrifice Lilliana's life for his selfish ambitions.
Masaru contacted one of his servants back in the Blandelli Manor to arrange a room for Lilliana and have someone move her properties over while he took the two girls out on a double date.
Meanwhile, Liliana's grandfather had a cramped face as he did not want to agree with Masaru's arrangement but he could only agree as dealing with Campione's is like dealing with a time bomb, cut the wrong wire and it's over. He sighed before calling a specific speed dial number, "What is it?"
He could hear Voban's voice feeling displeased to be disturbed but he still had to report, "My granddaughter will not be able to participate in the Ritual, Masaru came to take her"
He could hear that Voban went silent before chuckling sinisterly which caused him to shiver out of fear that this old Campione might go mad, "Let her go, we already have more than enough Miko's and witches so nothing will go wrong, just make sure that boy stay away from the ritual and not mock this one up"
The old man nodded his head like a woodpecker, "Yes, of course, he already gave his word he will not appear"
Voban silently approves but neither of them would realize that Masaru sent the information to Salvatore who will instead interrupt him.
>\/<
When Masaru and the girls came home they saw Paolo having a defeated face, Masaru was not certain what was going on till the most unwanted face appear from behind Paolo, a young handsome man in his middle twenties with spiky short blonde hair and dark blue eyes.
Currently, he was wearing an open blue shirt, grey pants with sunglasses on top of his head. Salvatore Doni, someone Masaru has been avoiding since this fool became a Campione. "So you're Masaru Hayami I heard so much about"
"No sorry, my name is Kusanagi Godou" Masaru said while standing behind Erica and Liliana like a servant,
"Huh?"
"huh?"
"EH!?"
Everyone was flabbergasted as Masaru swift change in gears, even his acts and speech was that of a servant causing Salvatore to flinch for a moment wondering if he spoke with the wrong person. it was only Paolo who smacked his forehead thinking that his adoptive son was something else, he could lie without batting an eye, like a real professional.
"Tsk, I would have preferred if you ignored my existence as I ignored yours" Masaru clicked his tone as he spoke neutrally the moment he noticed that Salvatore managed to clear his mind and realize that Masaru was trying to trick him, he knew this fool only crave battles and nothing else, although he liked to fight as well he still prefers to enjoy it moderately.
"How about a battle between you and me?" Salvatore challenged with a confident smile,
Masaru smirked at Salvatore who challenged him, after a moment Masaru still end up shaking his head declining it. "If you can defeat me in a game of chess fair and square I will battle you anytime. This is my only condition, do you dare to accept?"
Salvatore was surprised as other Campione's would either ignore his request or immediately fight him, but since Masaru gave his word Salvatore accepted the condition without any second thought.
After a while, Salvatore went home with his shoulders slumped but he still called out to Masaru he will be back tomorrow for another game, Paolo looked at his son who managed to handle Salvatore impressively without having this knucklehead go on a Rampage but instead made him feel stubborn to win against Masaru in chess.
"You really know how to handle him" Paolo said with a hearty laugh,
Masaru chuckled, "The best way to deal with someone who craves challenges, is to give him a challenge. Besides, he will study chess and perhaps his brain will start to work properly for once"
Masaru spoke causing Erica, Paolo and Liliana to laugh since everyone knew that was mission impossible for the famous Idiot Salvatore Doni.