-902- The unprecedentedly intense heartbeat
"Zing..."
As time passed, the specially crafted jet-black talismans in Rozen's hands gradually dimmed, and the spiritual energy became extremely faint.
Rozen closed his eyes, drawing spiritual power from the ten Valkyries lying in the form of talismans in his hands, slowly replenishing the magic power he had expended.
Not only from the Valkyries, but even from Hokuto's side, Rozen was also drawing spiritual energy to replenish himself. Mash stayed by Rozen's side, watching his complexion gradually recover, and her expression relaxed considerably.
After a while, Rozen slowly opened his eyes.
"Senpai!"
Mash's eyes lit up instantly, and she spoke promptly.
"How are you feeling?"
The concern and care in her words were unmistakable.
Rozen exhaled, turning his head to look at Mash.
"I'm fine, don't worry." Rozen shook his head and continued, "The expended magic power has been replenished; I'm just a bit tired."
Saying that, Rozen looked at the talismans in his hand and spoke softly.
"You've all worked hard."
These words of comfort came from Rozen.
"Zing..."
Ten jet-black talismans suddenly radiated a faint light again, as if responding to Rozen, then completely dimmed.
Watching this scene, Rozen couldn't help feeling a bit regretful. Although the Valkyries had undergone many improvements, they were ultimately shikigami created from talismans. Even though they were guardian-type shikigami, each possessing the strength of a upper-level familiar, they were not like Hokuto, who had survived for thousands of years as a spirit beast, nor were they like Kinu and Gyokuto, who were deities.
The Valkyries had almost no room for improvement; they might remain upper-level familiars for their entire existence without breaking through to the top-tier.
So, in the top-tier battles, the Valkyries could no longer assist Rozen in combat. They could only serve as reserves for magical energy, providing Rozen with spiritual power for recovery.
However...
(Even so, I'm very grateful to them.)
If there was a chance to make use of them again in the future, that would be great.
With this thought, Rozen collected the jet-black talismans in his hand.
Soon after, Rozen raised his eyes and looked ahead.
Before him was a desolate area, where the dragons that had ravaged before and the visible sea of fire had all disappeared.
This was the power of the highest-tier anti-fortress Noble Phantasm.
"Truly worthy of the Primordial Runes."
Once again witnessing their power, Rozen was quite satisfied.
"As the wisdom Odin sacrificed one eye for, this level of power is indispensable."
Rozen muttered to himself in reflection.
His self-talk prompted a response.
"You are currently only able to wield a fraction of their power. The true Primordial Runes contain endless wisdom that even the gods would marvel at. You have a long way to go to reach the level of the chief god, Odin."
The one giving Rozen this lecture was undoubtedly his teacher, who imparted such wisdom to him.
"Although that's true, as a human, you daringly wield the Primordial Runes. If the gods still existed in this world, your presence would surely attract various divine attentions."
Scáthach approached slowly, her wounds emitting a faint glow as they visibly healed using rune magic.
Evidently, Scáthach, too, was utilizing rune magic to heal her injured body.
Rozen and Mash, however, were both captivated by something Scáthach held in her hand.
"The Holy Grail...!"
Mash couldn't help but exclaim.
Rozen's eyes also brightened as he looked at Scáthach.
Seeing their reactions, Scáthach smiled.
"You've done well, Rorelai, Mash."
Scáthach, in her role as a teacher, gave recognition to the young man and girl before her.
"As humans and pseudo-servants from the future, on this continent invaded by myths, you never gave up hope or abandoned redemption. You ultimately led numerous servants to victory in this mythological war. As the Queen of the Land of Shadows, I affirm your achievements."
"You've been a constant source of surprises for me. Seizing you on the battlefield back then wasn't in vain. It also allowed me to explore the world outside the Land of Shadows."
"With the added bonus of you dealing with my foolish disciple, I must thank you."
After speaking, Scáthach looked at Rozen.
"My expertise lies in spear and magic arts. Even though teaching you the intricacies of spear techniques would likely be futile given your talent, since even my foolish disciple has a magical spear, I can't leave you empty-handed."
Scáthach raised the Holy Grail in front of Rozen.
"Though it's just a temporary arrangement, this Holy Grail is rightfully yours. Take it back to Chaldea."
Hearing this, Rozen nodded, extending his hand to accept the Holy Grail before him.
Thus, the Holy Grail of the Fifth Singularity was recovered.
With the defeat of the Celtic forces, it meant the imminent restoration of this Fifth Singularity.
Rozen took two days to restore the Second Singularity, three days for the Third, seven days for the Fourth, and another seven for the Fifth.
Anticipated to require four months to repair all four Singularities, Rozen completed the task in less than a month.
This achievement would undoubtedly leave a splendid mark in Chaldea's records.
"Next is sweeping the battlefield, dealing with the remnants. It's just a post-meal dessert for you, and I'll gladly accompany you for a while."
Scáthach suddenly smiled.
"No worries, this is just a piece of cake for you. I'll stick around a bit longer."
Rozen smiled in response to these words.
Beside him, Mash also smiled in relief, her tense body relaxing.
The trio prepared to return to the battlefield once again, aiding the other servants and clearing obstacles.
However, the next moment, something unexpected happened.
"Thump, thump...!"
A resonating thudding sound echoed.
It was the sound emanating from Rozen's chest.
More precisely, it was the sound of Rozen's heartbeat.
Rozen's heartbeat, unprecedentedly intense, reverberated.
"Ugh...!"
Rozen abruptly clutched his chest, halted his steps, and his complexion turned ashen.