C443

The soldiers' glimmering red lights came together, creating an enormous red dragon with wings outstretched, its mighty roar echoing into the sky!

This was the second form of his first Noble Phantasm. It granted the hundred-thousand-strong army the concept of 'Dragonkind,' bestowing upon them the power of the red dragon.

And this was the manifestation of the eternal king's philosophy, "Each person was a feathered wing of the red dragon!"

With a graceful sweep of his cloak, he triggered his Imperial Privilege [EX] Noble Phantasm!

Mana Burst [C]

Mana Burst [C]

Mana Burst [C]

He granted his hundred-thousand-strong army three stacks of Mana Burst [C], instantly propelling their momentum to greater heights!

"Ah... Ah... Ah... Ah...!!!"

Every soldier among the hundred-thousand-strong army gripped their Noble Phantasms tightly, unleashing resounding roars as the power of dragons surged through their veins.

Crack... Crack... Crack...

The muscles of each soldier bulged and expanded, while their combat power and aura rose even further, rendering them even more formidable.

And thanks to the three layers of Mana Burst [C], a dense magical energy enveloped the bodies of each soldier, resembling a horde of Super Saiyans, transforming their appearance into something truly fearsome!

The hundred-thousand-strong army blazed with ominous energy, the sheer intensity of these magical flames causing a slight tremble in the surrounding space.

The sight was genuinely chilling, resembling the earth being consumed by a raging sea of crimson fire.

Crack... Crack... Crack...

The dragon in the sky shifted its enormous head, as if waking from a long sleep. The creepy, humanoid figures clinging to its neck started to stir as well.

Shirou looked up and snorted, "So, they've noticed this king, huh?"

His eyes moved to Caliburn, which was slowly getting wrapped in a glowing white halo. Once that halo completely covered the sword, it'd mean the first Noble Phantasm was fully unleashed.

However—

"The battle is far from over, and it's too early to end it now. Consider yourself lucky—you get to live a little longer."

He slid Caliburn back into its sheath, glanced at his soldiers, and flicked his cloak back with a flourish. "Listen up, my warriors, wipe those freaks off the face of the earth!"

"Yes—!" His soldiers roared back.

Turning to his elite Royal Guard, he added, "Head to the coast. Push that black mist back to where it came from."

"Yes—!"

The Royal Guard's shout echoed powerfully, their fierce spirit slicing through the air.

The vast army thundered across the battlefield.

With each synchronized step, the ground shuddered beneath them, echoing the raw might of humanity!

The monstrous creatures didn't stand a chance. Wherever the army went, they flattened the fiends underfoot.

Shirou summoned the power of the Holy Lance, Rhongomyniad.

A radiant pillar of light shot up, weaving a protective barrier in the sky above.

He turned to Galahad and stated, "Galahad, now that you've earned the title of king, I want you to hold the frontline."

Galahad dipped his head respectfully. "In your presence, I wouldn't dare claim to be a king."

Shirou raised an eyebrow. "Why hesitate? If I say you're in charge, you're in charge. No need for second thoughts."

"Understood!" Galahad responded, still keeping his eyes down.

Leaving the other knights in Galahad's capable hands, he started to walk away, Scathach at his side.

After a moment's hesitation, she spoke up. "Where are we headed, my king?"

He glanced over, "There's one more troublemaker I need to handle."

She was no fool. With the [Wisdom of Dun Scaith] at her disposal, she could read between the lines of his words.

As an observer from the outside world, seeing through his eyes, she had a clear sense of whom he was attempting to confront.

Still...

She looked up, about to say something, but the stern look on his face stopped her short.

"The king has his reasons," she thought with a quiet sigh, choosing to remain silent and continuing to trail behind him.

Locking onto Artoria's presence, he made a beeline for her.

As they walked, several of those eerie humanoid monsters that had slipped away earlier lunged at them. Scathach made quick work of them, skewering them with her spear before they could even get close.

Shirou kept walking, unfazed. A brilliant white light emanated from him, casting a glowing trail on the ground beneath his feet. It was as if the path itself was acknowledging his authority, lighting the way forward.

...

Artoria, Arcueid, and Attila had cleared the area of those humanoid monsters, carving out a safe passage for the civilians they'd rescued.

Artoria gestured toward the path and instructed, "Go this way. There will be soldiers on the other side to help you out."

"Thank you, oh thank you...!"

Tears filled the eyes of the grateful survivors.

They had no idea who she and the others were, but anyone wielding such incredible power was clearly a hero in their eyes. All they could do was mumble heartfelt thanks as they made their way to safety.

Gray commented, "That wraps up the rescue mission for this street."

She gave a nod of approval. "Gray, use the communicator to update the king on our situation."

"Will do, Your Highness."

Just as Gray reached for the communication stone, a glow shimmered in the street nearby, signaling the arrival of someone significant. Walking down a path of radiant light, the king himself appeared and spoke in a calm voice, "No need. I'm already here."

Artoria and her team looked over.

"Shirou!" Arcueid's face lit up, and she began to dash toward him. But a quick glance from him caused her to halt abruptly, stopping her in her tracks.

"Is that really you, Shirou?" she asked cautiously, unsure of how to engage with this version of him.

"It is I, Eternal King."

"My king!" Artoria's face softened as she looked at him, the stern demeanor she'd had while battling the enemy melting away.

She stepped forward, knelt down, and greeted him with happiness. "Welcome back, my king!"

He looked down at her briefly, then scanned the faces of Gray and the others. His eyes paused for a moment on Attila before he declared, "You've all done an excellent job. You have my commendation."

He then looked back to his knight and commanded, "Artoria, stand behind me."

"Of course!" she rose to her feet.

Oh, Artoria, you clueless soul. Scathach couldn't help but facepalm, letting out a sigh for her friend's apparent lack of awareness.

Shirou led Artoria toward a building and turned to address the others. "Either wait here or go handle your own business. Scathach, stand guard at the entrance."

"Understood," she nodded.

Turning to Artoria, he spoke softly, "Come with me."

"Yes—!" she hesitated for a moment, then followed him into the building.

Scathach looked after her, her eyes tinged with sadness. 'Artoria, you're so blind when it comes to the king, aren't you?'

With another sigh, she took up her post at the entrance.

Shirou led Artoria through the building, taking her up the stairs and all the way to the top floor.

She walked behind him, her eyes on his back—much like they were over fifteen hundred years ago, when she had followed him just as faithfully.

Yes, maybe what she really longed for was this: the simple act of following her king, watching his form as he led the way.

He suddenly asked, "How long after I left did you take the throne?"

"A year later," she answered.

"And how many years have you been in power?" he continued.

"Five years and eight months," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of sadness as she lowered her head.

They finally stopped in front of a door. "How long did you fight with Attila?"

"Five years and three months," she answered, standing three paces behind him.

He pushed the door open and glanced back at her. "Go in."

Her eyes met his unreadable, steely gaze. A flicker of fear crossed her mind, but she nodded anyway. "Yes..."

She stepped inside, her movements hesitant.

He followed her in and shut the door behind them.

...

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