To Become a King and a Magician 631-635

Title: Naoki Rushing to the Filming Set

For all of Chaldea, the past five months could be described as the most difficult period.

While the reasons for these difficulties stemmed from various factors, the greatest was the absence of Naoki, who served as the Head of the Operations Division and their greatest trump card.

Five months ago, when they heard from Fujimaru Ritsuka that Naoki had gone to handle the Imperial Capital Singularity, the Chaldea staff actually felt relieved. Having their trump card take the initiative to tackle a Singularity was a good thing. With his presence, they were sure to resolve the Singularity quickly.

Then Naoki stayed in that Singularity for over five months.

If it weren’t for Rei’s insistence that Naoki was definitely fine, Roman would have sent Ritsuka, Mash, and Hinako to check what was really going on.

But it was a Singularity that could hold Naoki for five months. Roman didn’t even dare imagine how dangerous it was. Thus, even if Rei hadn’t stopped him, he likely wouldn’t have let the three of them go in the end.

The three of them were Chaldea’s last combat strength. If something happened, what would they do?

As a result, given the circumstances, Chaldea could only postpone support plans for Naoki and focus on conquering the other Singularities.

And now, in these five months, out of the six remaining Singularities, Chaldea had successfully conquered three.

Singularity Two – Eternal Mad Empire – Seven Hills City.

Singularity Three – Sealed Four Seas – Okeanos.

Singularity Four – Magical Fog City of the Dead – London.

In just over five months, after fighting alongside the Roman Emperors to defeat King Attila of the Huns, racing across the End Sea with the legendary sailor and pirate Drake, and exploring the thick fog of London’s nights with Round Table Knight Mordred, Chaldea had now arrived at the fifth Singularity.

Singularity Five – North American Mythological War – E Pluribus Unum.

This was the alternative name given to the Singularity after discussions between Roman, Rei, and Marie.

Although the United States was a prominent superpower in the modern era, from a historical perspective, the American continent had the shortest developmental history in the world. Its mythological heritage paled in comparison to other regions, especially the United States, which, as the current center, was only founded a little over two hundred years ago and couldn’t develop its own myths and legends.

Thus, logically, the situation within this Singularity shouldn’t be too difficult.

But in reality, it resembled a mythological era.

Celtic Queen Medb, Mad King Cú Chulainn born through the Holy Grail, prominent Indian mythological hero Karna and his archenemy Arjuna, Rama the protagonist of one of India’s two great narrative epics, the Ramayana, and Shadow Land Queen Scáthach… Even by Holy Grail War standards, this was an extraordinarily impressive lineup.

In contrast, Servants like Edison, a collective of American presidents, Lady Helena, and Nightingale, the symbol of nursing, were somewhat lacking in mystery.

Fortunately, even in this challenging situation, thanks to Ritsuka’s efforts, it had developed into a resolvable scenario. Now, it was nearly time for the final battle.

“—And now, you suddenly come back!! Where the hell have you been, you damn bastard!?”

In the control room, Roman, who had just returned, screamed hysterically at Naoki, as if he were a wife abandoned for over a decade finally seeing her husband return.

The overly intense aura left Naoki stunned.

“Hah… Hah… Gulp gulp… Huuuuuf!”

Taking a few deep breaths and downing an entire cup of coffee to soothe his throat, Roman kept glancing at the women behind Naoki. “By the way, who are those women behind you? I heard you’re a woman-collecting machine who brings back women every time you go out, but wasn’t that years ago? Has that old habit flared up again? One of them is clearly underage—watch out, I’ll call the police!”

“Calm down, Roman. Aren’t you overreacting?”

“How can I not overreact! You need to know, for the five months you were gone, I had to handle all the responsibilities that were supposed to be yours! Don’t forget to pay me for covering your ass, you bastard! And about the Director—originally, you were there to listen to her complaints, but you suddenly disappeared for so long. The Director’s been sulking every day as if I owe her hundreds of lives. The atmosphere in Chaldea has become several times gloomier!”

“Even… I got so stressed I went to vent to Magical Merry, but she chewed me out instead! Sure, it felt good, but thinking about it afterward, it still stings! Pay me compensation for my mental damages!”

Naoki: “…”

It seemed Roman had truly worked himself to death during the five months Naoki was absent.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A few dozen minutes later.

After listening to Naoki’s brief explanation of what happened in the Imperial Capital Singularity, Roman, now back to normal, nodded in understanding. “I see… Only nine days passed there? There’s a time flow difference between the Singularity and the outside.”

“I think it’s Merry’s doing. I don’t know why she did it, but in the end, we were all manipulated by her. She’s in the seventh Singularity now. When I go there, I’ll hang her up and beat her.” Naoki finished, then looked at the three people behind him.

“Also, these three are Okita Souji, Angelica, and Asama Kaname. Okita is the Servant I summoned there, and she’ll stay in Chaldea as a permanent member moving forward. Angelica isn’t. I seized an item there that needs to be researched by Da Vinci and Touko.”

“As for Asama Kaname…”

Pulling Kaname to his side, Naoki explained, “She’s a native I brought back from the Singularity for certain reasons. I was asked to look after her. Until the Incineration of the Human Order is resolved, I plan to keep her in Chaldea for now—say hi, Kaname.”

“O-okay…”

The extremely shy Kaname nodded. “H-hello, I’m Asama Kaname… Please guide me, Doctor Roman.”

“Hmm, please guide me too, Kaname.”

(She has some mental issues. And her physical condition isn’t great either.)

As a doctor, Roman immediately noticed a few problems with Kaname. Then he glanced at Naoki with a hint of exasperation, as if saying, “Look at the kid you brought back.”

[Not my fault]—Naoki’s eyes responded as such.

After that, he asked, “By the way, Roman, you said Fujimaru and the others are about to start the final battle, right?”

“Yeah. Fujimaru and the others have teamed up with Servants like Edison, Helena, Nightingale, and Rama. They’re currently on their way to the final battle against Queen Medb and the others.”

“Hmm… In that case, it seems I need to head over soon, or Fujimaru might run into trouble.”

“Huh?” Roman was momentarily stunned. “Trouble? Our combat strength should be sufficient. If you’re saying there’s trouble… Is the other side going to intervene?”

Naoki waved his hand. “No, no. Not the other side. The Demon King probably won’t show up again. The trouble I’m talking about is that Medb’s combat strength can’t be handled by Fujimaru and the others right now—especially Mad King Cú Chulainn.”

“Though I have faith in Fujimaru—he’s proven he’s very capable by reaching this point without my support—it’s, how should I say, a bit of senior pride. I’m a little worried about my junior’s situation.”

“So I’ll go check things out for a bit. Besides, there’s a promise from ten years ago, and now’s the time to fulfill it.”

(Ten years ago? The Fifth Holy Grail War?)

Roman furrowed his brow. He had left that Holy Grail War before its conclusion, so he didn’t know what happened afterward. Did Naoki make a promise with someone after that?

“Well, that’s the gist of it—sorry, Okita, Kaname, Angelica, I have to head out again. Roman, please take care of them for me.”

“You think I’m your babysitter?!”

-

Title: Do You Like a Senpai Whose Normal Attack Is a Map-Wide AoE with Critical Hit Damage?

Fifth Singularity

Currently, for the sake of peace on this continent and the restoration of the Human Order, a war spanning the entire continent has formed, centered around two battlefields.

The southern battlefield, utilizing a vast number of mechanical soldiers created by Edison as its main force, is fighting against an equally vast number of Celtic soldiers created by Queen Medb with the aid of the Holy Grail. The goal of this battlefield isn’t victory but to protect the territory.

The observation difficulty level of the Fifth Singularity is the highest among the Singularities Chaldea has encountered so far. As the Celtic forces occupy more of the North American continent, the observation difficulty will gradually increase. According to Da Vinci and Roman’s predictions, if the entire North American continent is overtaken by the Celtic forces, Chaldea will no longer be able to observe it.

Similarly, Ritsuka, Mash, and Hinako inside the Singularity would be unable to return.

The southern battlefield was established to secure the final retreat route.

And now—

“What is that?! I’ve never heard of such a thing!”

In front of the countless mechanical soldiers, Servant Elizabeth looked at the enemy appearing not far away with a face full of disbelief.

Whether by coincidence or not, Elizabeth seemed to have a strange connection with Chaldea. Not only in this Singularity, but she had also appeared repeatedly in previous Singularities, providing significant aid to the restoration of humanity at the time.

This time was no different. Despite the mechanical soldiers developed by Edison, the Celtic enemies were warriors from a mythological era. Additionally, the enemy had several Servants. Thus, to ensure the front line held, Elizabeth, along with a few other Servants, was stationed on this side.

“It’s a nightmare! That kind of thing is totally not to my taste!”

Beside Elizabeth, Nero, dressed in a bridal gown, also shouted in shock.

Like Elizabeth, Nero wasn’t a newcomer to Chaldea. In the Second Singularity, Chaldea had fought alongside Nero when she was still the Roman Emperor—though the Nero appearing this time had a slightly different appearance.

She was one of the Servants stationed here alongside Elizabeth.

The reason both of them were so shocked, even showing expressions of fear, was the colossal creature that had suddenly appeared on the battlefield just seconds ago!

The Demon God Pillars.

In several previous Singularities, Chaldea’s people had faced the Demon God Pillars serving Solomon multiple times. They were formidable enemies, with just one being enough to challenge several Servants.

Now, twenty-eight of them had appeared at once!

[“What’s happening, what’s happening?! I just went to handle new staff registration procedures, how could there suddenly be such a terrifying Mana reaction?!”]

At that moment, Roman’s voice suddenly rang in Elizabeth and Nero’s ears—before the northern and southern wars began, Ritsuka had forcibly given them Chaldea’s communication devices, saying that even if they wouldn’t meet again later, there might be situations where they’d need to assist each other in the war.

[“Huh? Fujimaru managed to defeat Queen Medb? That’s good news… She used the Holy Grail to summon the Demon God Pillars before dying! And she fused them with the concept of the twenty-eight warriors!”]

Roman’s shocked exclamations, as he continuously received information from the staff, helped Elizabeth and Nero understand the current situation.

The twenty-eight warriors.

They were a group of warriors born from Medb’s legend. In the tales passed down, they were a “monster” combining the twenty-eight warriors.

And now, Medb had fused this concept into the Demon God Pillars—

“Thanks for the explanation, weakling Chaldea Commander! But give us a solution now—Aaaahhhh!!!”

Elizabeth screamed while unleashing a sonic wave to pierce the Demon God Pillars advancing toward their forces. But right after the Demon God Pillar was pierced, it instantly returned to normal, as if time had reversed!

It even had self-regeneration abilities!

“This will never end—”

[“It’s fine, I’m almost there.”]

Suddenly, another voice appeared on Chaldea’s communication channel—this wasn’t Roman’s voice. He couldn’t produce such a spirited, calming voice.

The one who spoke those words was…

*CRAAAAACK!*”

Above the entire battlefield, accompanied by a sound like something being torn apart, a massive “rift” suddenly appeared in everyone’s view!

Then, from the depths of that rift, even ordinary people with normal vision could clearly see a golden meteor streaking out at divine speed!

And then—

*BOOOOOOMM!!!*

The meteor crashed into the ground!

A shockwave like a meteor collision swept across the battlefield. The storm and impact wave that erupted in an instant sent all the Celtic soldiers in front flying to an unknown horizon. And the fused Demon God Pillar, combined with the concept of the twenty-eight warriors, had more than half of it obliterated under this impact and storm!

What happened?

Who arrived?

Who launched this attack?

These questions arose in the minds of everyone in their forces.

As Servants, Elizabeth and Nero immediately looked toward the center of the impact—there was one person standing there.

“A human…?”

“Is he our reinforcement? The one who just spoke?”

Unsure if he heard their murmurs, the person in the meteor crater turned toward them, nodding slightly, as if confirming their words.

[“You made it just in time? Natsukawa!”]

Roman’s voice on the communication device sounded immensely relieved.

[“Thank goodness you arrived, so I can relax—this is the abnormal situation you meant, right?”]

“You could say that, but I’m surprised Nero’s still alive this time.”

[“Thanks to the help of your Magus lady. In the previous operation to assassinate Mad King Cú Chulainn, though it ultimately failed and several Servants were lost, thanks to Aozaki’s magic, total annihilation was avoided.”]

Aoko was in this Singularity too?

That made sense. Perhaps when Nero was severely injured by the Mad King, she threw the reality of that severe injury far into the future.

“Aoko’s been helping you guys?”

[“Except for the Fourth Singularity. And there’s one more thing about the Fourth Singularity I need to explain…”]

“Tell me when I get back. There’s something more important right now.”

Cutting off the communication, Naoki looked at the fully regenerated fused Demon God Pillar and raised both hands to the sky—

*BOOOMMMMM!!!*

The atmosphere suddenly let out a heavy, muffled sound. A sudden pressure made everyone instinctively feel their bodies grow heavy. Then their vision abruptly darkened, as if the sky had been covered by something.

Following their instincts, everyone looked up.

A falling Red Moon instantly reflected in everyone’s eyes.

-

Title: The Golden Lightning Never Arrives Late

It was undoubtedly midday. The sun hung high in the sky, its scorching, radiant light drowning out all other glows in the heavens.

This was a fact acknowledged by all.

Yet, at this moment, a light other than the sun appeared in the sky.

In a different location from the south—the north—at the White House battlefield in Washington, Aoko, looking somewhat disheveled and covered in wounds, was the first to recognize the source of the Red Moon that had suddenly appeared in the sky.

“That irresponsible family-abandoning bastard… finally back, huh?”

“Back?”

Ritsuka didn’t immediately grasp the meaning of her words. But the next second, he understood, and his blood-and-dust-covered face almost instinctively showed an expression of relief.

Like him, Mash and Hinako quickly understood Aoko’s meaning as well.

The savior who had been missing for over five months, who had sworn to help them but then abruptly left and didn’t return, had now come back in the most conspicuous and dazzling way possible!

“Back…?”

The Mad King, leaning on Gae Bolg, was also drawn to the Red Moon. With a warrior’s instinct alone, he could tell—extraordinary! At the place where the Red Moon fell, there was an extraordinary warrior!

“Interesting… Truly unexpected—someone like this can still appear at a time like this.”

He wanted to laugh, to laugh at the fact that such an intriguing opponent had emerged.

But the Mad King couldn’t laugh.

Because he was a “King” a “King” born from Medb’s wish. He wasn’t a “warrior” not “Cú Chulainn”—he was merely an “Evil King” named “Cú Chulainn.”

“This level doesn’t feel like enough—but I still have reserves.”

As the Mad King’s voice reached Ritsuka and the others’ ears, a terrifying wave of Mana spread out. Looking back at the Mad King, Hinako’s expression shifted slightly: “The Holy Grail—!”

Forcefully embedding the Holy Grail into his chest, the Mad King roared: “[O Holy Grail, the ultimate vessel that grants wishes]”

“[Manifest, recall, reverse]”

“[What descends here are the seventy-two Demon God Pillars]”

A Mana surge even more terrifying than before erupted. The light emitted by the Holy Grail quickly engulfed and consumed the Mad King’s entire body, expanding and growing larger. Then—

Within that light, one, two… dozens of glowing red cross-shaped eyes opened in succession.

A “beast” clad entirely in black armor, covered in blazing red star-like eyes, and surrounded by an aura of death, appeared on the earth.

“[One of the seventy-two Demon Pillars, Halphas… No, it should be the Demon—Death Fang Devouring Beast (Curruid Coinchenn)!]”

“[All of you, die, Chaldea!]”

The Mad King made such a declaration.

In terms of Mana intensity, the Mad King was undoubtedly at the top tier of Servants, even slightly above that. Even if Mash, Hinako, Aoko, plus Rama and Nightingale from the other side surrounded him, they could only fight him to a stalemate.

And now, if this already overwhelmingly powerful Mad King was fused with a Demon God Pillar…

“What a disaster… I’m almost out of strength.” Aoko said with a bitter smile. “Ritsuka, how about you? Can you still fight?”

“Hmm… I’m fine… Ugh…”

Ritsuka desperately wanted to say he was okay, but after arriving in this Singularity, he had used his Mana excessively. With magic circuits that had never been trained, continuing to fight by converting life energy into Mana would be extremely dangerous.

The others were in the same state. The war had dragged on so long that their stamina was long depleted. The only reason they could still fight was the spirit and determination propping up their bodies. But now, even their spirit and determination were nearing their limits.

The only one still capable of fighting was Hinako, but she alone couldn’t possibly take on the Mad King in his current state.

*WHOOSH!*

The glowing red eyes on the Mad King’s body rotated in unison, and a black mist formed from excessive Mana suddenly appeared around the group!

This was how the Demon God Pillars attacked!

(Defend—)

Mash instinctively raised her shield, attempting to deploy a barrier. But the black mist came from all directions, and one side couldn’t block it all!

Too late!

*CRAAAAACK!*

But without warning, golden lightning seemed to teleport. In less than the blink of an eye, it shot from the direction of the fallen Red Moon to their side!

And then—

“Move.”

Accompanied by words that sounded like a command, an immensely powerful tornado formed! The black mist enveloping the area was forcibly pulled into the tornado without a moment’s delay and then launched entirely into the sky!

Standing in front of everyone, with his back to them, Naoki tilted his head slightly amidst the raging winds: “Looks like I arrived just in time—are you all okay?”

“Uh… Yeah! I’m fine! Department Head!”

Suppressing the emotions he wanted to pour out from his heart, Ritsuka nodded calmly. But the joyful expression on his face made it clear he was anything but calm.

(His emotional control is impressive… He’s really grown while I was gone, and so has Mash.)

Raising his hand, under Aoko and Hinako’s somewhat helpless gazes, Naoki ruffled Ritsuka and Mash’s hair: “Sorry, you’ve all worked hard. Now, go rest for a bit—”

Mid-sentence, Naoki suddenly turned around, and before anyone could shout, he raised his hand and swiftly grabbed a black demonic spear aimed at his head!

With cold eyes staring at the Mad King, now dangerously close, Naoki said in a heavy voice: “You’re really impatient. Can’t you wait until I’m ready, Black Dog?”

“War doesn’t give you that much time!”

“I figured as much—!”

*CRACK!*

The demonic spear shattered in Naoki’s palm. Countless chains appeared from thin air, instantly binding the Mad King in layers upon layers of chains!

“Alright, Fujimaru, Mash, retreat now. You’ve fought enough to get this far. Leave the rest to me—I can’t hold him for long before he breaks free.”

“Department Head… Be careful! He’s really strong!”

After a moment’s hesitation, Ritsuka glanced at his own wounded body and those of his companions. Gritting his teeth, he gave a warning before leading Mash and the others to retreat from the area.

And just two or three seconds later—

*SMASH!*

The chains shattered in unison!

Back on the ground, the Mad King stared at the final enemy remaining on this battlefield.

“You’re seeking a path to hell.”

“Who knows?”

-

Title: Can You Survive in ‘Musou’ Mode (Power Gathering)?

On the Retreat Path

Hurriedly following Ritsuka, Rama sensed the intense Mana emanating from behind and couldn’t help but ask, “Master, is it really okay to leave that man alone back there? Should I go back to help him?”

“I agree, or I’ll drag him back right now and check if his brain has some mental disorder!”

Nightingale abruptly stopped, preparing to turn around and pull Naoki back.

But before she could, Hinako held her back. “No need. Just leave that place to him alone. If we go back, we’ll only get in his way.”

“But…”

Could one person really take on that Mad King?

At the very least, Rama himself couldn’t fight and defeat him. He had a clear understanding of the Mad King’s strength, having had his heart ripped out by him before.

Ritsuka smiled. “I believe in the Department Head… I believe the Department Head is the strongest. I believe he’ll definitely win. Even though it’s been over half a year since I last saw him, I still believe in the Department Head.”

“Hmm, me too.” Mash nodded as well. “Trust in big brother, you two.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The Mad King could sense death.

Not because he had eyes that could see death, nor because he could predict the future. It was merely the instinct of a warrior telling him this fact.

He was now standing in a place very, very close to death.

“Your fangs are sharp, golden-hair.”

The Mad King sneered.

“Likewise. Your fangs are sharp too.” Naoki said, stretching his arms and legs. “So… before we start, can you answer one question, Mad King?”

“Huh? What question?”

“Is Scáthach dead?”

“…”

As if his system had crashed, the Mad King paused for a moment before sighing. “I thought you’d ask something serious, but it’s a boring question like this… That woman is dead, completely dead. I have a definite feeling that I crushed her Spirit Core—does that answer satisfy you?”

Spirit Core destroyed.

For a Servant, the Spirit Core is their heart, the spiritual foundation that forms their being. If it’s destroyed, they are indeed dead.

“I see… Well, that’s a relief. If I hurry, I might still make it in time.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Naoki smiled. “I made a promise with her ten years ago that the next time we met, I’d give her death—this might be my only chance. Though I arrived a bit late, I think I can still make it.”

The Mad King scoffed upon hearing this.

“You think she’s still alive?”

“Do you think she’s someone who’d die just like that?”

This rhetorical question left the Mad King momentarily speechless.

Indeed, thinking of that woman, something like that couldn’t be said to have killed her. He should’ve torn her body to pieces—but saying all that now was pointless.

“So you’re saying you still have a chance to fight her again?”

“Hmm, after I finish you off. To be honest, it won’t take much time—”

Before he could finish, the Mad King, still several meters away, charged toward Naoki. His armored arm, fully transformed into a beast’s, swung down fiercely as if to rip the ground apart along with him!

A sudden attack—it couldn’t quite be called that. For the Mad King, it was just his most basic strike. But even though it was basic, it was an attack he executed with utmost seriousness.

What he didn’t know was that even an attack like this, which seemed unpredictable and nearly impossible to react to for others, was considered extremely slow in Naoki’s eyes. For someone who could sense changes in the world, the moment the Mad King began his attack, Naoki was already prepared to respond!

*CLANG!*

The beastly arm and claws collided fiercely!

A sensation like striking a massive barrel reverberated back to the Mad King’s hand!

So hard!

What was this man’s body made of? Why was it so tough? This clearly wasn’t just Mana protection or physical reinforcement!

*BANG!*

As that question flashed through the Mad King’s mind, Naoki, with one hand blocking the beastly claws, clenched his other fist and smashed it into the Mad King’s side! The armor there instantly caved in, a hole blasted open with a single punch!

(Just with his physical strength… Impressive!)

“—Aaaaarrghh!!”

Completely ignoring all remaining thoughts, surrendering his body entirely to his wild instincts, the Mad King roared. The Mana in his body suddenly halted, and then, along with himself, it surged into a state comparable to a berserk rampage!

No, correction—comparable wasn’t needed.

He was truly in a berserk, uncontrollable state!

*BAMMM!!!*

Like every bullet in a magazine being fired at once, a massive number of black demonic spears shot wildly from the Mad King’s entire body! They were unleashed at Naoki from nearly point-blank range!

Every inch of his vision was occupied by black spears. At this distance, even if Naoki noticed the spears the moment they appeared, his current position made it nearly impossible to react in time!

He would be pierced—but that assumed one key premise. For an attack to hit Naoki, it had to either catch him off guard or have a guaranteed hit effect. A random area attack relying on luck like this…

*SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!*

The Mad King’s massive body was instantly pierced by countless black spears!

Displacement Magecraft.

In a certain sense, this was absolute defense. Unless someone could disrupt space itself, this technique was the strongest fortress.

How does it feel to be stabbed by your own attack?

Naoki didn’t ask that question. Instead, he raised his leg and kicked the Mad King’s chest with force. Once again, a sensation like being stabbed by a spear! The Mad King was sent flying dozens of meters by the kick!

*SWISH!* *SWISH!* *SWISH!*

Chains appeared again from thin air. The Mad King, unable to find footing in midair, had his limbs bound once more. Then dozens of chains twisted into one, piercing straight toward him!

The chains couldn’t fully restrain the Mad King, but that didn’t matter. One second was enough. Just holding him for a single second gave Naoki enough time to pierce his Spirit Core!

*PU-CHI!*

A spiral drill formed from dozens of chains pierced through the Mad King’s body without resistance! It completely shattered his Spirit Core!

But, right at the moment his body was pierced—

*CRACK!*

His four limbs, still brimming with strength, forcefully broke the chains. He yanked the chains in his chest until they snapped. Landing back on the ground, the Mad King created a crater upon impact. He transformed into a rampaging assault tank and charged at Naoki with full speed!

Was one strike not enough?

Or could he not be fully destroyed unless eradicated entirely?

Whatever the case…

“It makes no difference.”

Naoki flicked his finger slightly. The space in front of him trembled instantly. And as the Mad King charged into that trembling space, his entire shell, along with the frenzied beastly form, turned into a dense mist of blood in an instant!

Imaginary Manifestation – Spatial Layer Domain.

“Whether I kill you a hundred times or obliterate you in one go, it’s all the same to me.”

“Seriously, finishing you off won’t take much time at all.”

-

Title: The Strike of the Giant Star

Ten years had passed since then.

Imaginary Manifestation.

The ability Naoki gained after becoming a spirit was, in his own words, still incredibly overpowered even now.

The Mad King’s strength was undeniably formidable. He could easily take on three or four Servants at once, and if he unleashed his full power, he might even cause total destruction in an instant. Even if Gilgamesh came to face him, if he wasn’t serious, he could be completely overwhelmed or even killed.

Especially with the Holy Grail providing Mana and merging with the Demon God Pillar.

But all of that, in front of Naoki, was nothing more than fragile paper. The Spatial Layer Domain simulated by Imaginary Manifestation was a blade that could cut through anything. No matter how tough the armor or body, once it touched it, the only outcome was destruction.

“Though it wouldn’t be a problem to fight you to the death as you wish, sorry, I have a promise to keep, and I’m in a hurry.”

His hand reached into the air where the Mad King had been obliterated. A vast number of light particles immediately gathered from various places, forming a golden chalice in Naoki’s hand.

The Holy Grail was successfully retrieved.

“With this, the Fifth Singularity can be considered resolved.”

The Holy Grail was the source of the Singularity’s distortion. Now that it had been retrieved, Medb and the Mad King, the greatest threats to the Singularity, had been killed and eradicated. The remaining Celtic soldiers would surely vanish soon due to the era’s self-correction.

The Singularity would collapse at that point—even now, it was already beginning to crumble.

“How about it? Need more time to recover?”

Placing the Holy Grail on a rock beside him, Naoki turned and looked behind him. In his line of sight, Scáthach, holding two red demonic spears and wearing a tight, alluring outfit, shook her head. “No, no need. So much time has passed since then; I’ve long since recovered, especially with a good Master.”

“It took some effort to pull you back from the brink of death.”

Aoko, standing beside Scáthach, said with a wry smile.

In this war, aside from the two main fronts in the north and south, there was actually another front—a beheading team consisting of Scáthach and other Servants to confront Medb and the Mad King.

The reason for forming this team was obvious, and the outcome was as the Mad King had said. Scáthach lost in her final battle against him, misjudging his current strength. Even after activating her second Noble Phantasm and banishing him to the Land of Shadows, he still managed to break free and deliver a fatal blow to Scáthach.

Logically, Scáthach, with her Spirit Core destroyed, should have immediately faded away, but just before that, she managed to enter the Land of Shadows in time, barely saving her life, and then formed a contract with Aoko, who had arrived.

“You didn’t forget the promise from ten years ago, and of course, neither did I. This is a rare chance to appear. If I don’t take advantage of this reunion with you, the next time I want to meet you, I’d have to wait for you to come to the Land of Shadows.”

“Though time is limitless, I don’t have the patience to wait another ten years, especially after seeing you looking so tantalizing.”

Like the Mad King, Scáthach could also sense an aura from Naoki, as if standing on the edge of death. It might be embarrassing to admit, but after being defeated by her own disciple, Scáthach was now closer to the state of a challenger than her usual invincible self.

Her opponent was Naoki, who had effortlessly defeated the Mad King. In terms of strength, he was undoubtedly one or two levels above her.

As a warrior from Celtic mythology, there was no greater honor than challenging such a powerful opponent—though she wasn’t particularly fixated on honor.

“Alright, let’s begin, fairy child.”

Scáthach raised her two red demonic spears.

“Since we don’t have much time left, let’s settle this quickly—you don’t need to hold back, just unleash your full power.”

Full power?

Naoki sighed slightly and gave a helpless smile. “Alright then, as you wish, Miss.”

*DONGGGGGGG!!!*

His Mana Circuits fully opened, the normal Mana output limit was released, and Mana output was maximized—

Back in the Fuyuki Singularity, Naoki had only once shown his maximum power against Solomon. Now, out of respect for Scáthach, he was willing to unleash it again in this collapsing world.

Maximum Mana Output – Divine Spirit Level.

Holding the Holy Sword in his hand, his entire body enveloped in excessive Mana, Naoki, whose body seemed to burn with flames, stared at Scáthach.

And then—

*CRAAAAACK!!!*

The ground completely collapsed!

Naoki, transformed into a meteor, shot into the sky! Amidst the continuous sound of slicing through the air, he soared to a height where even Scáthach’s eagle-like eyes could barely make out his form!

With overwhelmingly terrifying Mana, he executed several consecutive air jumps, each reaching hundreds of meters in height.

(Truly… truly inhuman.)

For the first time in her life, Scáthach had a target she had to look up to.

In the air near the stratosphere, looking down at Scáthach below, Naoki gathered all his Mana behind his body.

If he wanted to end the fight quickly, the most direct way was to use his ultimate move from the start. But Naoki’s ultimate move, Moon Fall, wasn’t quite suitable. Releasing the Holy Sword might not be able to unfold multiple layers. And Summoning Magecraft might not be powerful enough.

So, the only thing he could think of was to use his full strength for a single strike.

Gathering Mana from the stratosphere, then falling at maximum speed—its power would be comparable to Moon Fall, perhaps.

*SWOOSH!*

As the Mana gathered, the immense Mana behind Naoki gradually emitted a glow in a strange shape. From a distance, it looked like a pair of giant dragon wings slowly unfurling.

“Almost at the limit… Here we go!”

*BOOOMMMMMMMM!!!*

The Mana gathering stopped, released upward—at that moment, almost everyone saw it. In the sky, with a small shining sun as the starting point, two radiant golden meteors suddenly shot toward the heavens and the earth simultaneously!

(It’s coming?!)

Seeing the falling star, Scáthach raised both spears in her hands—

“If a single spear strike reaches the ultimate level, even a god can be killed. Today, let me see if my spear can shatter a star!”

“Noble Phantasm released, Gae Bolg Alternative—!”

A vortex of red Mana gathered in her demonic spear. After condensing all her Mana into a single point, Scáthach threw the demonic spear with all her strength!

This wasn’t her usual two-stage ultimate move but a single strike aimed directly at a certain-kill target!

A golden star fell from the sky.

A red star soared into the heavens.

The moment the two met in the air, and the spear’s tip collided with the sword’s edge, Scáthach saw the outcome clearly.

The star she had thrown shattered without the slightest resistance.

And then—

*PU-CHI!*

The Holy Sword, falling from the sky at several times the speed of sound, pierced straight through Scáthach’s heart!

No further movements followed.

Scáthach looked at the young man before her with a hint of helplessness. “Until the end, you still had the strength to hold back… You’re truly outrageous, Naoki.”

“My goal was only to kill you, not to destroy everything around us.” Naoki smiled. “The winner and loser are clear, right?”

“Hmm.”

Scáthach nodded with a bitter smile.

“I lost.”