C279

Stepping into the realm of gods as a mortal imposed an eternal curse, a fateful consequence that now unfolded before her.

Exiled to the outermost fringes of the world, a solitary figure stood in a desolate land, devoid of life or hope.

Scathach had long prepared herself for this inescapable outcome, accepting it willingly, as if embracing a predestined path. Yet, her heart bore the weight of regret. If only she had never seen that radiant light before.

It was during her six years in Camelot, where she lived as an ordinary human, that she discovered her own mortal nature, realizing that she was just as fragile as the beings around her.

But the world, in its cruel decree, rejected her very existence. Forever banished to the outer boundaries of existence, she found herself a powerless spectator, eternally severed from the human world, forever trapped in the clutches of solitude.

She might have withstood eternal loneliness and resigned herself to dwell in perpetual darkness had she never known the touch of light, the taste of true happiness. Yet, because she had once basked in its warm glow, she found the burden of this eternal isolation utterly unbearable.

Had she made the decision over 1,500 years ago, Scathach might have chosen not to come out of the Shadow land, sparing herself from the torment of such insufferable loneliness. Yet, those memories—the ones she cherished most—were the ones she couldn't bear to relinquish.

From the very moment she was burdened with eternal life, her existence began to lose its significance, fading into shades of gray, devoid of purpose.

Perhaps that's precisely why she embraced the role of a teacher, offering guidance and sharing her vast knowledge. In doing so, she sought to infuse a splash of vibrant color into the lives of the children she mentored, an attempt to counterbalance the monotonous hues that permeated her own existence.

And it was perhaps for that very reason that the individual known as Scathach did not refuse the command of the Eternal King all those centuries ago. The brilliance and radiance of that person were too dazzling, temporarily casting away the gray skies that enshrouded her and causing her to momentarily forget her true identity.

Thus, for over 1,500 years, despite the decay of her soul and mind, and the relentless yearning for someone to end her life, she stubbornly clung to that memory. It became her sustenance, a feast upon the remnants of a past life, even as everyone she knew faded away into oblivion.

In that desolate realm of darkness, she lingered, marking the passage of time with a heavy heart. Yet, deep within her, a glimmer of hope remained. Scathach had been waiting for the arrival of the child prophesied by the Eternal King, a figure who would carry on the legacy of Camelot and shape the future.

She yearned for that child, solely driven by the hope that he would ultimately become the one to bring about her own demise, thus putting an end to her role as a teacher. 

It wasn't for any other reason, but rather a selfish desire to achieve what even the Son of Light, Cu Chulainn, had failed to accomplish. Fulfilling the King's command came second; her true objective lay in nurturing and instructing that child to become the very executioner who would liberate her from the unending suffering.

Indeed, she had long since succumbed to the ravages of decay, her existence reduced to a mere shadow of what it once was. However, everything changed when Merlin, the bringer of revelations, disclosed to her that the child she was destined to train was, in fact, the younger self of the King. 

In that singular moment, Scathach found herself dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the weight of this revelation. But as Merlin unraveled the truth further, a potent mix of revenge and elation sprouted forth from the depths of her heart, overwhelming her decayed soul in an instant!

Could anything in this world bring greater delight than tormenting that wretched King? The mere thought of kicking him to the ground, stabbing him, or even plucking out his hair filled her with unparalleled joy. These were actions that had been confined to the realm of dreams over 1,500 years ago, but now, they held the potential to be enacted in reality. Scathach's heart swelled with anticipation, eagerly counting down the days until that long-awaited moment would arrive.

In truth, she may not have fully grasped the depth of her own yearning. It was as if the weight of her anticipation had become unbearable, pushing her to the edge of patience. The wait had become insufferable, and her eagerness grew with each passing day.

And finally... 

Upon seeing the young King, a gentle and graceful smile graced Scathach's face. "Nice to meet you. I am the mistress of this kingdom, Scathach. You may refer to me as Scathach-sensei."

Before the young King could utter a word in response, she swiftly and relentlessly struck him down, repeating the act twenty-one consecutive times. Each strike aimed at his heart, his eyes, and even included forceful flying kicks. Every action fulfilled the fantasies that had danced through her dreams, leaving the young King battered and bruised, save for his hair, which was too short to pull.

Regrettably, the young King's mental fortitude proved to be incredibly feeble. After enduring the brutal assault twenty-one times, he reached his breaking point. Scathach was forced to temporarily halt her special "training", observing as the young King lay on the ground, his desolate gaze directed towards the sky.

Meanwhile, she played with a dandelion, tickling his nose. "Let's get up and continue."

"What a joke! I haven't recovered yet. I don't want to get up!" The young King shouted, clutching the ground.

"I've never taught such a disobedient disciple before,"

"I never said I wanted to be your disciple!" The young king was starting to lose it.

Initially, she had merely intended to bully an ordinary child, someone who had no direct ties to the Eternal King. However, to her surprise, she found a genuine sense of joy welling up from deep within her, as if she had stumbled upon something truly delightful.

However, a question sprouted in her heart—was this child truly the Eternal King? His weakness, both in physical form and in skill, could be attributed to his tender age. But his weak resolve, his avoidance of confronting his own fears—could such a demeanor truly belong to the King, renowned for his indomitable willpower?

No matter from which angle she looked at it, he appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary child with a slightly mature outlook on life.

And most importantly, he even threw tantrums at her!

That was simply impossible for the King to do. She even momentarily suspected that she had been deceived by Merlin.

However, she couldn't voice those doubts, because even Merlin himself had started to question whether this child was truly the King. After all, the King would never show such weakness.

This child was merely an ordinary soul who had stumbled upon the stage of heroes—a child who had captured the attention of the bastard King over 1,500 years ago. Despite this realization, she remained steadfast in carrying out the King's command, subjecting the child to various trials.

And the most fitting trial for this child was the Holy Grail War he found himself entangled in.

She revealed to the child that a wicked person had set his sights on him but cleverly omitted the King's name from the disclosure.

Misled by her words, the child came to believe that it was Gilgamesh who targeted him and harbored an intense hatred towards the Golden King as a result.

She willingly played her part, weaving a web of deception through her words.

Deep down, she had always harbored suspicions that this child was not truly the King. Yet, she silently allowed him to endure, driven by her own selfish desires for his growth.

Yes, she yearned for him to grow.

To grow swiftly.

Ideally, to reach a point where he could end her own torment by taking her life.

But, the burden had become unbearable for her. Despite the deceit and trickery, the child had consistently relied on her, exposing his vulnerabilities and seeking solace in her presence.

It gave her pause, for no other child had ever leaned on her so openly.

And so, she presented him with a suggestion—to go towards the Greater Grail, to seek out the protection of the enlightened one.

Once he reached the sanctuary, he would find safety, and she could finally release herself from this matter.

However, the child, consumed by the looming specter of death, remained paralyzed by fear. His eyes and mind were shut tight, rendering him unable to perceive the path before him or the inner agitation she experienced.

Ultimately, he didn't go to the Greater Grail.

And she, burdened by her own secrets, chose to endure the silence, refusing to reveal her doubts or intentions.

Until...

"Scathach-nee, in this lifetime, you are the number one in my heart."

"Shisho, can you continue to enter my dreams and train me in the future?"

"You... Are you sure you want to entrust yourself to a despicable and twisted woman like me?" she asked.

"Shisho is not despicable and twisted at all!" The child replied earnestly.

At this moment, she realized just how despicable she had become, while the child still believed in her and relied on her.

Regret filled her heart, so when the Holy Grail opened the rift in the world, she manifested in the real world, wanting to make amends for her mistakes.

However, the King of Heroes had already set his sights on the child.

She was powerless to take the child away and could only bring him to Ryuudou Temple, relying on the authority of the enlightened to protect him.

However, it was already too late.

Upon discovering the child, she witnessed a remarkable transformation.

The flame ablaze within his eyes mirrored that of the King's.

Yet, it flickered with a fragility that threatened to vanish at any moment, lacking the resplendence and magnificence characteristic of the King.

Nevertheless, it undeniably bore the essence of the King's flame.

In that moment, comprehension flooded her mind. She grasped the truth at last.

This delicate, apprehensive, occasionally tantrum-prone, and reliant child... was the Eternal King.

He hadn't been the invincible King from the very beginning; he had been a mere ordinary child, yearning for happiness and simply trying to survive.

It was she who had propelled this child to the path of Kingship.

The King had foreseen it all right from the start. Having experienced every aspect firsthand, he was merely ensuring accurate record and avoiding historical confusion.

Ultimately, that King still bore the burden of history.

Scathach understood everything, yet all she could do was grieve silently within as she wore a smile, sighing at the radiant and resplendent flames within the King's eyes.

As time passed, the King absorbed the "Evil" from Ryuudou Temple, embracing its existence.

Gradually, he transformed from a fragile, delicate, and timid child into an imposing, unstoppable, and towering King.

Perhaps that child had never thought about how powerful his future would be.

Yet, he bestowed upon her a smile so pure and gentle, uttering earnestly, "Shisho, if your heart is clouded, I shall pave the way to freedom for you."

Devoid of deceit or lingering resentments, that child possessed an incredible gentleness akin to sunshine, dispelling the dust within her heart.

It was in that precise moment that she truly understood.

Why that King emanated such radiance, why his name eternally lingered in her thoughts, why... she still yearned for that detestable King to this day.

The King's path diverged from the conventional path of kingship.

It was not driven by avarice or brutality, nor was it focused on conquest.

The King's path was akin to a single matchstick.

A flame that ignited oneself, consumed oneself—a feeble spark that could be snuffed out by a passing breeze. However, it possessed the power to ignite others, birthing a roaring fire that surpassed it tenfold, a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even tens of thousands of times over!

That was the King to whom she had willingly submitted herself.

Scathach sighed and faded away, retreating into the land of shadows, where she could only observe as the King descended into the past, meticulously chronicling his reign.

Yet, she had mentally prepared herself.

Upon the child's return, he would likely become that detestable King. And her days of peace would likely come to an end.

However, no matter how despicable things that King did to her, she wouldn't get angry.

Perhaps, she had been waiting for that King since a long, long time ago.

Longing to bask once more in that light.

To allow the King to mend her decayed heart.

That King, or rather, that child, had spoken the truth. Her heart had long been shrouded in dust, and the King would illuminate the path to freedom for her. It was simply that she couldn't entirely accept the way in which this path was opened.

...

In the dream realm, he roamed through the desolate land, searching for his mentor.

"What's the matter? My dear shisho, I've been eagerly awaiting our training session. Where have you disappeared to? Show yourself!" Shirou chuckled lightly. "Oh, you won't reveal yourself? Then you'd better find a good hiding spot, because I won't rest until I find you. And trust me, the consequences will be quite severe if I do."

The King's voice reverberated through the realm of death, resounding with authority.

Meanwhile, Scathach quivered, concealed within the depths of the shadow land.

"Oh no! I've discovered your hiding place!" a triumphant voice teased.

In an instant, thunderous light erupted from the sky, obliterating Scathach into powder.

Resurrected, she swiftly hid herself in another valley, silently observing the Eternal King as he stood in the open field.

Seated upon the throne, the Eternal King gives off a commanding presence, his regal stature matched only by the imposing magnificence of the Tower of Light by his side.

Alongside the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, there are also other Noble Phantasms like Excalibur, Galatine, and Caliburn... all capable of unleashing devastating power, drifting around the tower of light.

Had it been only these weapons, Scathach might not have found herself in such a dire state. With her unparalleled martial skills, she could engage in close-quarters combat even amidst the relentless artillery barrage.

However, the most dangerous element lay in the Eternal King's summoning of the Avalon. Concealed within its sanctuary, he remained hidden while the Tower of Light stood in plain sight. 

From the depths of Avalon, his ability to to see through everything, combined with Merlin's Clairvoyance (EX), allowed him to lock onto Scathach's position with unerring accuracy. Then, using the Tower of Light, he mercilessly bombarded her from a distance.

As the Eternal King's second Noble Phantasm, this ability held significant importance.

Originally, without Merlin's demise and his records not preserved within the Throne of Heroes, the Eternal King would not have gained access to Merlin's Clairvoyance (EX). However, it seems that some form of negotiation took place, perhaps along the lines of a threat like, "Surrender the records of Clairvoyance, or face your demise, with your ashes scattered across the sea from the Stone Tower." Whether it was fear that plagued Merlin or a twisted pleasure derived from her misfortune, he ultimately surrendered his records to the Eternal King.

As a result, the Eternal King could harness the power of Clairvoyance (EX) through his second Noble Phantasm.

By incorporating the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, Excalibur, Galatine, and Avalon into his second Noble Phantasm, the Eternal King had consolidated all his Noble Phantasms.

By concealing himself within the protective confines of Avalon, the Eternal King assumed an invincible position. Leveraging the combined power of Clairvoyance (EX) and his ability to see through everything, he precisely locked onto his target and subjected her to a relentless barrage of the Holy Lance.

Such a strategy had become the fundamental tactic used by the Eternal King.

His unparalleled defense, impervious to any form of interference, along with the Eternal King's Clairvoyance (EX) and his ability to see through everything, left her with no place to hide.

She found herself trapped, unable to evade the relentless bombardment from the Tower of Light, Excalibur, and Galatine.

"What's the matter, my dear shishou? Why not reveal yourself already? Didn't this King promise to pave the path to freedom for you? Are you yearning for death? Fear not, for this King shall grant your wish! Hahaha!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom boom boom boom boom!"

...

On that fateful day, Scathach endured a relentless barrage, enduring a total of twenty-eight strikes. Her face glistened with cold sweat, betraying the intensity of her struggle.

"Are you still lost in despair? Still consumed by pain? Do you still yearn for death? Come forth... and confess your desires to this King! I shall personally grant your wish for death! Hahaha!"

"...Enough! I don't want to die anymore!" Scathach trembled, tears of regret streaming down her face.

Regret flooded her mind. From the very beginning, she should have taken decisive action!

That wretched being deserved to be stabbed countless times over!

"Hahaha! Let me give you one more shot... Huh? Out of mana?"

Upon hearing those words, Scathach, who had trembled in fear, suddenly ceased trembling. Her expression twisted with anger as she leaped out of the valley.

Finally, that wretched King had depleted his mana!

With no mana left, he was rendered incapable of unleashing his potent Noble Phantasms and was forced out of the protective shield of Avalon.

The absence of mana, preventing him from deploying his Noble Phantasms, revealed the greatest weakness of that detestable King.

Scathach resolved to seize this opportunity, ensuring that the arrogant King learned the true meaning of respecting and honoring one's teacher!

However, as she emerged from hiding, her moment was abruptly cut short. She fell under the control of that loathsome King, ensnared by the power of his second Noble Phantasm.

"Well, that's enough for today. I'll gather mana for another ten days or half a month and come play with you again, my adorable shishou."

With those words lingering in the air, the bastard King departed from the dream.

Scathach clenched her teeth, her voice filled with desperation as she cried out, "Merlin! Merlin! Keep him away! Don't let him return! I don't want him to come back!"

She no longer wished to engage in battle with that despicable King. It had become utterly... meaningless!

...

Shirou emerged from the confines of the dream and made his way towards Homurahara Academy.

Today marked an important milestone—a day of entrance exams. From this point onward, a new chapter of his life would begin.