Extermination

When it comes to combat, there's not much need for complicated considerations. It all boils down to a cycle of two people's thoughts – doing things that the other dislikes, imposing one's own desires, and rendering the enemy powerless.

In essence, combat is about the stronger claiming victory and glory. It's a straightforward matter.

And in that aspect, it can be confidently asserted that there's no one who can stand alongside this existence called the King of Heroes.

Infinite wealth.

Infinite possibilities.

Above all, the wisdom to choose among them.

With these aspects combined, one cannot afford to be careless or arrogant, for it would be absurd to be caught off guard.

And now, standing here, Gilgamesh has nearly none of those peculiarities.

Despite being an absolute powerful being, he possesses human-like thoughts and sensibilities. By balancing both, he would undoubtedly never fall behind any other existence.

...

"Are you... one of the Servants of those humans?"

"That's right. There's no way this appearance would look like a vagrant."

Standing before me is... a Lancer, discernible from the weapon he carries and his monk-like appearance. Although there's mist surrounding him, making it impossible to know his true identity, it seems the Shadow Servant's personal matters don't matter. The vessel is saying there's no need to keep an eye on the debris that will eventually disappear.

However, one must not underestimate the soul dwelling in the vessel. If we lose, there won't be a second chance. We are always in a desperate situation.

"Wandering alone is the epitome of foolishness. Allow me to pierce you and present your head to your master."

"Do as you please. If there's one who can make me deviate from my duties as a hero, then so be it."

...Come to think of it, whenever I voice my thoughts, the words come out sounding arrogant and conceited.

It's probably the pride of this vessel. To always be arrogant and disdainful, always looking down on others, that's what it is.

...It's not that I want to control this vessel known as the King of Heroes. What I wish for is to polish my soul with this vessel.

To see things from a hero's perspective and act with a hero's viewpoint.

And to protect the lives that strive earnestly and safeguard the future.

Someday, perhaps I'll be able to say that I did something for those girls to reach a peaceful future. That's what I believe.

What I can do as my reincarnated self.

"Well then, let's go for some clean-up. It won't take long."

From the golden ripples, I draw a different sword, not the one that emits beams.

"Roar, Servant of Gold. Now, receive this life of yours!"

Lancer readies himself and charges straight towards me.

The distance that once existed disappears, and we are in the range of deadly blows.

"Nuunn!!"

His powerful strike, fueled by explosive force, approaches my neck without missing.

Yet, everything – the unfolding of this confrontation – is foreseen by my red eyes.

With a slight movement of my head, I evade the attack and push Lancer away with a swift swing of my sword.

"Nu! You use bizarre body movements... then I'll overwhelm you with a barrage of attacks!"

"Hah, there won't be a next time for you."

Fresh blood and a cleaved body.

"――――!!?"

Why, the moment for contemplation is slow.

Lancer's spiritual core had already been severed.

"Ah, such a mysterious countenance. Allow me to explain, out of pity. This sword is a tool that confirms the cause and effect: 'Once swung, it cuts something.' It doesn't matter if you defend or evade; the result is set because it 'cut.'"

"Does that mean... my spiritual core..."

"That's right. No need for you to play at being a doll or whatever. It was quite a task to choose and draw the sword."

"Considering the effort, evading a breeze-like attack should be easy, right?"

"――Regrettable...!"

His spiritual core was completely crushed, and the Shadow Lancer dispersed. Though it was a fleeting moment, he perished without any drama, but...

"...A Lancer who stands equal to me seems to be quite scarce."

Those words were muttered by no one in particular, carrying a hint of desolation.

Now, the conspicuous Lancer has been dealt with safely. Next is...

"Alright, shall we go with that easy one?"

***

"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛――――!!!!"

Roaring like a beast, Berserker rampages with the power of a storm.

The next prey has been designated as Berserker – the Mad Warrior who has abandoned reason.

Muscled and towering, possessing the imposing presence akin to a massive rock. He exceeds this vessel's height, representing an overwhelming presence.

Yes. I'm glad I didn't bring the Master along. If they had ordinary sensibilities, they would've fainted. It's an overwhelming feeling that freezes the body.

Thankfully, this vessel seems unbothered at all. It's full of exasperating confidence and ego. If the body behaves like that, I can't afford to be overwhelmed.

"――――⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛!!!"

Swinging his weapon with unrivaled strength. The tremendous destruction blows the ground into tiny fragments like thin ice.

If I had delayed my evasive maneuver, I would have been minced. It's thanks to the abilities of a Servant's physical body.

"Now then, how should I deal with this?"

Speaking like that, I quickly came up with a means.

Berserkers are known for their strength and toughness. It's apparent at a glance. Unleashing their reason, their rampage becomes evident.

However, conversely, since they have lost reason, they no longer pay attention to subtle strategies.

So, there's no problem. If he had a Master who could serve as hisbrain, it might be different, but dealing with a mere wild beast that only knows how to rampage is easy.

I extend my hand into the golden ripples and grab the golden staff.

"Yes, this should do."

Confirming its effect, I deliberately expose myself to Berserker.

"Come on, muscle doll! If you can crush me with those fiber-packed muscles, give it a try!"

Shouting provocatively. As he turns towards me and reaches the ground, we close the distance simultaneously.

"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛――!!!!!"

His weapon swings upward, and in an instant, death lies in wait.

"――You mongrel, you're the one who stepped into the death trap!"

I lightly strike the ground with my staff.

As a signal, countless hands seize Berserker and raise him like an offering to the heavens.

At the same time, an 'altar' emerges in the surroundings, rising rapidly.

Taking the form of offering Shadow Servants, and then...

"!!!???"

Arms, head, legs, body. Countless hands writhe and chip away at Berserker's existence, devouring it like a sacrifice.

"This is the original text of human sacrifice, an Noble Phantasm of an unnamed altar dedicated to the nameless gods. It designates the captured existence as an offering and devours that existence greedily."

That overwhelmingly powerful presence is rapidly disappearing. Eaten, chipped, bitten, devoured. Its traces are vanishing.

"You must be an excellent offering. To be devoured twelve times instead of just once; that's quite a bargain!"

"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛, ⬛⬛⬛⬛――"

Eventually, Berserker's spiritual core is consumed, and he disappears completely. Even the faint lingering presence is rudely swallowed as a sacrifice.

"Well, you'll have to choose a Master who can be a brain next time. It's difficult for a beast without intellect to surpass a wise one."

Exhaling deeply, I retrieve the staff into its sheath.

Now, Berserker and Lancer have been rendered powerless. Next is...

"Alright, what to do next..."

"If it's Assassin, he's gone. I took care of him."

Turning around to the voice coming from behind.

"You...?"

"Hey, long time no see, golden boy."

There stood a blue-haired man with a hood on his head, holding a staff.

"I see, so you're Caster. The hound."

It seems this vessel knows him well.