Battle of Servants (III)

Just as everyone thought Cu Chulainn would be eliminated, a powerful surge of magical energy suddenly emanated from him.

"Slaughter, without exception." 

"Liberate all curses. Without moderation."

"Be prepared to challenge despair..."

"Curruid Coinchenn!"

*BOOOM—!!!*

A colossal storm of crimson magical energy instantly surged forth from Cu Chulainn's body.

Cu Chulainn's hands and head were instantly covered by heavy black and red armor. His entire body was filled with an indescribable oppressive force. The two glows of crimson light from his eyes that leaked through the armor's gaps were no longer clear, only pure madness akin to a beast.

This was Cu Chulainn's ultimate form as Berserker, discarding sanity and reason to manifest temporarily as the bone and skeleton of the sea monster Curruid, which was used as the material for Gae Bolg.

He aimed to crush the enemy before him with absolute power.

"HAAAAAAAAAA—!!!"

Cu Chulainn roared towards the sky, wielding claws as sharp as Gae Bolg, creating a dazzling display as he swiftly severed the primordial rune's restraint.

A more ferocious intent to kill emanated and the red glow in Cu Chulainn's eyes intensified. In a flash, he transformed into a series of black and red afterimages, charging straight towards the nearest—Gilgamesh!

"You damn mad dog!"

Gilgamesh first blinked in surprise, then became enraged. He raised his hand and countless divine weapons immediately poured out from the Gate of Babylon, all directed at Cu Chulainn.

However, relying on 'Protection from Arrows', Cu Chulainn easily broke through Gilgamesh's assault. With the Curruid armor equipped, his speed not only did not decrease, but it surged more than twice as before.

*Whoosh—*

In the blink of an eye, he reached Gilgamesh, and his crimson claws mercilessly descended upon the golden king.

*BOOOM—!!!*

Gilgamesh couldn't dodge in time and was instantly sent flying. If not for the armor he wore, this single blow would have severely wounded him.

"Grrrr—!*

A joyful growl escaped Cu Chulainn's throat as he continued charging towards Gilgamesh.

"You damn bastard!"

Gilgamesh roared, his serpent-like crimson pupils boiling with raging fury. From the ripples behind him, golden chains shot out, immediately restraining Cu Chulainn's body. Even with A+ Strength and EX Endurance, the latter couldn't break free from this seemingly fragile chain.

"Open your eyes wide and see clearly who your enemy is, you damn mad dog!"

Gilgamesh waved his hand, lifting Cu Chulainn high with Enkidu, then, as if throwing a bowling ball, threw the frenzied beast towards Arkhan.

Watching Cu Chulainn descending toward him, Arkhan's eyes narrowed slightly, and soon, a strong aura of death suddenly emanated from him.

"Black Dragon Body!"

*ROAAAAAARRR—!!!*

A resonant dragon's roar echoed, majestic and profound.

Behind Arkhan emerged an enormous shadow, a silhouette of a pitch-black dragon. Its colossal body exuded an ancient and solemn aura, with deep, abyssal eyes that seemed to connect with the underworld. The jet-black bone wings, stretching to the edge of sight, threatened to shroud the world in unity with the night.

Dark mysterious tattoos climbed Arkhan's body. His black hair cascaded to his waist, and his eyes transformed into inhuman vertical pupils. A formidable magical energy, accompanied by a terrifying power of death, permeated the air.

In an instant, the temperature within several tens of meters plummeted, an eerie atmosphere enveloping the area, as if a divine beast had descended upon the mortal realm.

"That is..." Artoria glanced at the black dragon silhouette behind Arkhan, her pupils slightly contracting.

"Nidhogg, the dragon of despair... I never thought he'd harbor the power of this legendary dragon..." Iskandar mused, rubbing his chin, and a gleeful smile played on his lips. "Looks like this battle is getting more and more interesting!"

"Humph, in the end, he's just a mongrel." Gilgamesh sneered, though a hint of unidentifiable unease flickered in his eyes.

Sensing this overwhelming presence, Cu Chulainn showed no hesitation. The crimson glow in his eyes intensified, and a murderous intent spread. Like a dragon, his crimson claws lunged relentlessly toward Arkhan without mercy.

Arkhan's black pupils glinted, standing still as his black dragon heart thumped rapidly. The immense magical energy flowed incessantly into his limbs, elevating his strength to its peak. His hands clenched into fists, moving at an incredible speed, colliding with the crimson claws in a series of thunderous impacts.

*BANG—!!!*

Despite being pure physical collisions, the sounds echoed as if hard metal clashed with hard metal. Dazzling sparks flew, and the magical energy released by the clash created visible shockwaves in all directions.

*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*

Arkhan and Cu Chulainn wildly exchanged punches, their speed surpassing human perception. Only black and red blurs collided, and the magic-infused shockwaves resembled visible gusts spreading in every direction.

The power of these residual magical energy waves was comparable to C-rank magic missiles. Even sturdy steel succumbed to their ruthless power!

This was a battle transcending human comprehension as if ancient gods were resurrected!

Other Masters, observing the battlefield through their familiars, were left dumbfounded.

When did Lancer become capable of directly challenging Berserker in pure physical strength?!

This was absurd!

However, this was the true confrontation between top-tier Servants, after all. Their existence alone symbolized absolute power. Any slightly weaker Servant, even if near the periphery, would suffer severe consequences from the battle's aftermath.

"Tch, turns out that guy held back that night..." Iskandar clicked his tongue. If Berserker charged into his Reality Marble with that form that night, he'd probably have lost his head by now.

Seeing the clash between Arkhan and Cu Chulainn, Artoria's eyes showed a clear sense of solemnity.

Despite her petite appearance, fueled by the vast magical energy generated by the red dragon heart, her physical strength was not weak. However, compared to the two freaks in front of her, it seemed like a small fry against giants.

If she joined the battle, she estimated she wouldn't last even three minutes.

"Hmph, a boring barbaric game." Gilgamesh crossed his arms, with a disdainful expression, openly ridiculing this primitive way of fighting.

He didn't take the opportunity to attack Lancer, not because he was intentionally holding back, but because the current Berserker had completely fallen into madness, unable to distinguish friend from foe. If he intervened now, he might attract the attention of this mad dog.

So, it was better to let this mad dog consume Lancer's stamina and magical energy. When the time was right, he would personally step in and deliver the final judgment for Lancer.

Revenge was the strongest and sweetest wine, after all.

As Gilgamesh imagined the scene of Arkhan dying at his hands, a satisfied smile slowly appeared on his lips.