Defeated

"Maybe you're right... You have indeed endured much unfair blame and punishment, accumulated much hatred and anger..."

Arkhan nodded indifferently, his gaze suddenly sharp as a sword.

"But these are not reasons for you to oppress the weak. What you've given is not love, but absolute dominance and control. You merely want to impose the oppression you once suffered onto those innocents."

As if overwhelmed by Arkhan's imposing aura, Kama found herself momentarily speechless but clearly refused to accept it.

Wiping away the tears on her face, Kama sneered.

"Hmph, anyone can talk tough. You, standing on the shore, how can you understand the pain of someone drowning like me?"

Arkhan closed his eyes slightly, deciding not to continue arguing with her. It was evident that she had already dug herself into a hole, unable to be pulled back.

In the end, arguing with Beasts was pointless. Their way of thinking had long departed from the realm of normalcy.

Negotiations failed, then get ready for a confrontation.

*Crackle—!*

The blazing flames spread along the gilded blade of the Might An-Utu akin to flowing lava, instantly raising the temperature in the area dramatically.

*Crack!*

The ground beneath Arkhan's feet cracked as a result of him restraining the power of Might of An-Utu.

He didn't do this to protect the environment with such noble motives. Just like a compressed spring, the more it was suppressed, the more terrifying the explosion of power once it was released.

Feeling the icy killing intent enveloped within the scorching heat, Kama couldn't help but shiver.

"You can't kill me!" Kama screamed hysterically.

Arkhan remained silent, his gaze coldly fixed on her. At this point, he couldn't think of any reason to stop himself from ending her.

"If you kill me, she'll be doomed too!"

With a casual flick of her hand, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Kama.

Seeing the figure in silver armor with red patterns and a demon-like helmet emitting a chilling aura, Arkhan frowned slightly.

'Mordred...'

He suddenly remembered that when they were all pulled into Kama's realm of love earlier, he, Heracles, and Mordred were all trapped in the illusion created by Kama. However, in the end, he and Heracles managed to escape and wake up, but only Mordred didn't wake up.

Furthermore, all beings entrapped in Kama's realm of love would ultimately meet one fate—losing all reason and will, becoming her slaves and tools.

Looking at the motionless Mordred, Arkhan's expression became slightly complicated.

"Hahh..." Arkhan let out a long sigh.

He could also understand Mordred.

The realm of love created by Kama truly had such immense attraction for a child who had been deprived of love since childhood.

He even felt that Mordred might have sensed that she was in a dream, but she willingly chose to sink into it, unwilling to wake up.

Noticing Arkhan's complicated expression, Kama's heart leaped with joy.

"As long as you let me leave this world, I can immediately release my control over this girl!" Kama spoke hurriedly.

Seeming to think that her offer wasn't enticing enough, Kama added.

"I can transfer her control to you too. With my authority residing within her, even the Counter Force can't intervene. You can have her by your side as long as you wish, and she'll obey you unquestionably, with no resistance."

From some events that had occurred before, anyone could clearly see Arkhan's extra care for Mordred, although nobody knew why, however, this had become Kama's only means of saving herself.

She didn't even dare to use Mordred to threaten Arkhan, only dared to propose a trade, which seemed gentler.

Jeanne looked at Arkhan's back with concern, as if she wanted to say something, but didn't know how to start.

"No need..." Arkhan said calmly. "Since she chooses to have a good dream, I'm not willing to disturb her. Having the chance to have such a beautiful dream might also be a good thing for her."

"What? Wait—"

Before Kama could finish, Arkhan had already raised the Might of An-Utu in his hand and swung it forward without any expression.

*WHOOOOSH—*

The blazing surge of flames, like flowing lava, rushed forward, instantly engulfing the figures of Mordred and Kama.

"STOOOPPP—!!!"

===

Meanwhile, inside a dream.

The blood-red sunset cast its glow on the expansive open-air balcony.

Mordred, who had just been officially bestowed the status of heir apparent, suddenly shuddered.

"What's wrong? Mordred, did something happen?"

A gentle voice came from beside her.

Mordred turned her head to see the once cold and emotionless face, now adorned with a gentle smile.

After a moment of silence, she shook her head lightly.

"Nothing, just lost in thought for a moment."

As the nearby Agravain heard that, his already gloomy face turned even more gloomy. While on the side, Gawain and other knights exchanged glances, only able to smile wryly and shake their heads.

To be lost in thought while the King was speaking about the duties of kingship, only Mordred would dare.

"It's alright, what I was saying earlier was just about the usual ways of dealing with nobles and commoners. If you don't remember, it's okay. As you gain more experience, you'll naturally know what to do."

Artoria, who usually valued efficiency, showed unprecedented patience and tolerance this time. The emotion in her sacred eyes was like the reflection of the sky on a clear lake, warm and beautiful.

"As a king, there's actually only one thing you need to do."

Artoria turned to look at the bustling city before her, her voice ethereal as if coming from another dimension.

"Do your utmost to protect the people of this country."

Mordred looked at the approaching fiery clouds on the distant horizon, silent for a moment before nodding gently.

"Yes, Father."

===

The Beast had been defeated.

Under terrifying high temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun, Beast III/L, who had lost most of her strength, completely dissipated into smoke and dispersed.

Although Kama behaved quite disgracefully at her last moment, Jeanne couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as she watched this formidable enemy being defeated.

"This time, thanks to you two."

Upon hearing Arkhan's words, Jeanne paused for a moment, somewhat flustered, and waved her hand in panic.

"No, actually, it's not really because of me. It was all thanks to Mr. Amakusa's hard work. He is the true hero."

Upon hearing that, Arkhan turned to look at Shirou, who smiled and shook his head.

"No need to call me a hero... With my amount of faith, I'm not worthy of praise from an honorable saint like yourself. In the end, I'm just seeking revenge..."

After a pause, his expression suddenly became more serious before continuing his words.

"Moreover, I feel like this matter might not be over yet."

"Oh? What do you mean by that?" Arkhan raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling extremely certain that Kama had been totally obliterated.

However, from Shirou's expression, it seemed that there might be some other danger yet to be revealed.

"Archer of Red's Master..." Shirou's expression became serious. "I always had a feeling of uncertainty when I faced off against that woman... She seemed to know Archer of Red's true identity from the very beginning."

"A Master who used Beast as Servant?" Arkhan furrowed his brow slightly. "What's her name?"

"Sesshouin Kiara."