Golem Keter Malkuth

Twenty minutes ago.

As Nidhogg's claw shattered Frankenstein's Saint Graph, Caules, who waited for news inside the Fortress of Millennia, shuddered, his face instantly paling.

Fiore, being quick to notice her brother's distress, hastily inquired.

"What's wrong, Caules? Did something happen?"

Hearing the question, a bitter smile appeared on Caules's lips, his gaze dimmed.

"Berserker... died."

The hall fell into sudden silence; everyone exchanged puzzled looks, disbelief evident in their eyes.

No one had expected that, despite having the upper hand in this Holy Grail War, they would lose a Servant first, especially considering Berserker's robust endurance in prolonged combat, which played a crucial role in the overall strategy.

Her withdrawal was a significant blow to the Black Faction.

"It's alright. With Caster at our disposal, our front-line combat capabilities won't decline much. Once Rider is free, dealing with these dragon tooth warriors will be a piece of cake."

Darnic breathed deeply and consoled everyone, containing the shock and confusion caused by Frankenstein's unexpected demise. As the head and leader of Yggdmillennia, he couldn't afford to let chaos ensue at such a crucial moment.

Mentioning Caster, Roche's face immediately displayed a proud expression, as if saying—Now you finally know how powerful my teacher is!

"Cut it out. What's there to be proud of? My Saber drove their Saber away right from the start." Gordes remarked, sneering.

"Caules..." Fiore looked at her brother with a worried expression, witnessing him in such a distressed state for the first time.

"I'm fine, Big Sister..." Caules forced a faint smile. "I'm just a bit tired... I want to go rest for a while."

"Don't worry, Caules." Darnic patted Caules on the shoulder. "I promise, whoever killed your Servant will pay for it!"

Caules nodded silently, turning away and walking toward the exit of the hall, his figure exuded a lonely and desolate aura.

Fiore gazed at his retreating back with mixed emotions, tempted to reach out and stop him several times but ultimately choosing silence. She understood her brother's temperament well. In times like these, letting him be alone for a while was the best choice.

"Is that Servant really that important to him?" Gordes muttered under his breath.

"Well, you know, a Servant is like our best buddy. If anything happened to my teacher, I'd probably feel just as bad, or even worse." Roche answered, casually leaning back with his hands behind his head.

"Huh? What a coincidence..."

Roche tilted his head as if listening intently to something. Soon, a pleased expression flashed across his face.

"Uh, Teacher needs me for something, so I'll be off!" Roche exclaimed and quickly jumped off the couch.

"What happened?" Darnic asked, puzzled.

"Teacher said there's a golem that needs my assistance for some adjustment." Roche said with a hint of pride as he rubbed his nose. "Guess I've got some useful skills to help out Teacher after all."

"That's good..." Darnic said while patting Roche's head kindly. "Learn some useful knowledge from Caster. The future of the Yggdmillennia depends on you young folks."

"Yeah! Gotcha!" Roche nodded brightly and bounced out of the room.

'It's nice to get along so harmoniously with your Servant.' Darnic seemed lost in thought, his eyes revealing a complex expression as he watched Roche's departing figure.

"Uncle?" Fiore tilted her head.

"Ohh, nothing. Just pondering some future matters..." Darnic took a deep breath. "By the way, what about Archer's situation?"

"I'm not sure... Once Archer entered that pyramid, I lost contact with him..." Fiore said while gazing at the dazzling pyramid structure on the vast land with a hint of worry in her beautiful eyes.

"Don't worry, with Saber around, Archer will be just fine." Gordes, more relaxed than her, commented.

After all, they were the great hero of Greece and the dragon-slaying hero of Germany. Even the greatest pharaoh of ancient Egypt would find it challenging to deal with both of them simultaneously.

"Can't be too careless. If the Red Faction could handle Berserker, it means they still have some cards up their sleeves. We must be cautious."

Darnic reminded everyone with a serious tone.

===

"Teacher?"

In the underground factory, Roche looked puzzled as he watched Avicebron with his back turned to him.

"Which golem did you ask me to adjust for you?"

"It's this one." Avicebron stepped aside, presenting a giant golem in front of his student. "This is the golem I need you to help tune—my Noble Phantasm, Golem Keter Malkuth."

"Really? Let me fine-tune your life's work, Teacher?" Roche's eyes widened instantly, his excitement palpable.

"Um, it's a task that only you can handle, my student..." Avicebron whispered.

"But Teacher, isn't that homunculus still with that fat guy Gordes? Without him as the core, won't your Noble Phantasm fail to activate?" Roche tilted his head in confusion.

"Don't worry, I've already found a suitable substitute. Now it's the final preparation stage." Avicebron said calmly and tightly clenched his fist, eyes fixed on the giant golem.

"I see, that's great! Teacher, your wish can finally come true!" Roche excitedly rolled up his sleeves and headed toward the giant golem. "Don't worry, Teacher. I'll give it my all and make sure you won't be disappointed."

Unbeknownst to the unsuspecting Roche, as he crossed past Avicebron, a glinting dagger emerged, its target being Roche's right hand engraved with the command spells.

"Thank you, Roche. You're my finest student, meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life..." Avicebron's voice was as distant as a gentle breeze. "But, for the sake of my lifelong dream..."

*Pu-chi!*

The dagger sliced through the air, and crimson blood bloomed like an eerie rose.

"I have to sacrifice you."

Roche's expression instantly froze, his right hand—gone!

"AHHHH! MY HAND—!!!"

Roche collapsed to the ground, clutching his shoulder, intense pain rushing to his mind, his face obscured by tears and saliva.

"Teacher! Teacher! Save me! Please save me!"

Avicebron, without uttering a word, grabbed Roche by the neck, pressing him against the giant golem's chest.

Roche's body gradually got absorbed, his consciousness fading away.

"Wait! Wait! Teacher! No! I—" Roche, overwhelmed by intense fear, cried out.

"...Sorry."

In utter despair and helplessness, the boy disappeared into the giant golem's chest. His magic circuits and magic crest, all transformed into the driving force behind 'Golem Keter Malkuth'.

Golem Keter Malkuth, named Adam, had its eyes lit up as it finally possessed a core.

*Rumble!*

Robust thighs firmly planted on the ground, though a creation of wood, stone, and soil, it carried an appearance as if it willingly incorporated the greatness of nature, truly deserving admiration for its beauty.

In the next moment, a 'miracle' occurred.

As it stepped onto the earth, plants flourished and flowers bloomed brightly as they seemed to sing praises to Adam's birth. Trees touched by it immediately bore ripe fruits, falling to the ground and rapidly growing into new trees.

Not only that.

Creatures that should have been kept away by Yggdmillennia's bounded field appeared from unknown places. Akin to insects attracted to light, they lightly attached themselves to Adam without hesitation.

These creatures left not a drop of blood behind as they got absorbed by Adam.

They willingly did so, as if unintelligent beasts were eager to cling to it.

Moreover, the surrounding environment, including the earth, was revitalized, and a faint, sweet honey scent drifted into the air. Just by breathing it in, an overwhelming sense of happiness filled the lungs.

Meanwhile, Avicebron obsessively watched Adam's robust and beautifully sculpted figure.

This was the supreme creation pursued by countless Kabbalah believers, the miraculous and powerful being, Adam, capable of transforming the entire world into a paradise.

His long-cherished wish was finally fulfilled.

"This thing is different from ordinary Noble Phantasms, no wonder you went to such lengths to complete it..." Archer of Red's voice came from the shadows. "Anyway, congratulations. But... It's about time to start the real deal, no?"

"Don't worry, I know what to do." Avicebron replied nonchalantly.

Adam bent down, holding Avicebron with its hand and placing him on its shoulder.

"Alright, my golem, let's start saving the world."