Mari?

Meanwhile, sensing those souls emitting sweet and tempting fragrances gradually drifting away, the chaotic mass of flesh in the sky became furious.

*ROOOAAAAAARRR—!!!*

Its mouths opened in unison, emitting wild roars, while its massive tentacles contorted and swung wildly, smashing down toward Arkhan below.

It had realized that it was this black-haired human on the ground who had stolen its food.

'Unforgivable! Unforgivable! Unforgivable—!!!'

'Since it's like this, then offer your own soul to fill my hunger!'

A massive, grotesque tentacle-like arm, nearly ten feet in diameter, descended with ferocious speed and strength. By the standard of Servant prowess, this strike was akin to a full-force blow from a Noble Phantasm.

Arkhan stood unwavering in place, his deep, black eyes reflecting the charging tentacle.

Once again, he unleashed the Might of An-Utu and slashed it forward.

*Whoosh!*

The heat emanating from it rivaled the blazing flames of the sun's surface, instantly reducing the tentacle to ashes.

*ROOOAAAAAARRR—!!!*

'It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts—!!!'

The chaotic mass of flesh churned violently, the roar from its mouth turning into wails of agony.

'Not enough! Not enough! Not enough—!!!'

'I must become even stronger!'

Under the dual pressure of pain and hunger, the chaotic mass of flesh began to undergo significant changes.

Among its countless proliferating mouths, seven were gradually expanding, transforming into jaws with teeth.

If this continued, before long, these 'jaws' would metamorphose into 'heads', and at that moment, the 'Domina Cornam', known as the 'Crown of Domination', would descend upon the earth.

Since its mother had merged with it, it would truly transcend its chaotic and grotesque form, metamorphosing into the complete 'Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Crowns', bringing the ultimate baptism to this world.

This was its purpose, its purpose in descending upon this world.

The rumblings of destruction had already begun.

Evil began to howl, its wicked intentions stirring, ready to invade the world of mortals.

As the oppressive sensation descended from the sky, Beast VI, thirsting for the agony and despair of mortal souls, prepared to conquer the world, just as the Bible had foretold.

Awakening from the depths of the abyss, it promised to bring about destruction to the entire world.

Arkhan tightened his grip on the Might of An-Utu's handle, exhaling a breath of scorching air.

Abyss Flower had reached its maximum output as his burning organs slowly regenerated. At this rate, he should be able to wield the Might of An-Utu two or three more times.

However, could this truly defeat Beast VI?

Arkhan fell silent, pondering what he should do to win.

Against a creature that had merged with the Root Princess, even he, with all his prowess, lacked the certainty of victory.

Even so, he couldn't retreat.

This was a battle that wagered the fate of this world.

Standing here, he carried the hopes of countless lives and the wishes of the departed.

He had no reason to step back.

He wouldn't waver nor retreat, just like in the past, he would cleave through fate with this greatsword!

After a while, the chaotic mass of flesh in the sky had already taken shape into a vague form—head, eyes, mouth, tongue, torso, limbs, tail—it was a complete organism, fashioned to reign over humanity in the form of a red dragon.

Its heart began to beat, blood surged, and the neural pathways of magic circuits began to function.

Finally, it was time to break free from its shell.

"I WANT TO BE BORN, I WANT TO BE BORN, I WANT TO BE BORN..."

"I WANT TO EAT SO MANY DELICIOUS FOODS..."

"I WANT TO EAT, I WANT TO KEEP EATING..."

"I WANT TO BE BORN..."

From its seven monstrous mouths, human words were finally spoken.

Its seven detestable brains were being solidly constructed with the spiritual core as their foundation.

Until suddenly—

"Nope!"

A tender voice abruptly echoed in the corner of the ruined royal palace.

In this forbidden zone of life, someone suddenly stepped out.

A young girl at the age of thirteen, with a dusty face, a slender figure, carrying a basket on her back, and holding a sickle in her hand.

"Only you, absolutely cannot descend upon this world."

She remarked lightly, looking up at the monstrous creature in the sky as if stating some kind of truth.

"...Mari?" Arkhan stared blankly at the newcomer, then furrowed his brow. "No, you're not Mari, who are you?!"

"I am indeed Mari, or at least, the Mari you know..." Mari turned her head and gave Arkhan a familiar smile. "But, I'm more than just Mari."

As the radiance of magical energy flowed around her body, her simple linen clothes turned into exquisite white robes, her thin body grew taller bit by bit, her messy yellow-brown hair transformed into pure white, cascading to the ground like mercury, and the sickle in her hand turned into a luxurious staff amidst the surging light.

In just an instant, the rustic young girl disappeared, replaced by an elegant and noble mage.

Seeing the familiar yet unfamiliar face, Arkhan couldn't help but feel a strong shock in his heart.

"Mr. Arkhan, you seem quite surprised. Is it because you've been watching too many pirated copies and suddenly seeing the genuine one feels a bit strange?"

The female mage tilted her head sideways, a somewhat childish gesture that seemed perfectly natural for her.

"I thought you were the type who never changed his expression no matter what happened. I even thought, if my Arthur had your unwavering will, he wouldn't have been easily manipulated by that woman who knows where she came from. Don't you think so~?"

Looking at her beautifully smiling face, Arkhan fell silent for a moment before speaking up.

"So... you knew the truth from the beginning, didn't you, Merlin?"

"Oh~ sorry, although everyone calls me Merlin, I prefer it if others call me Mari to sound cuter."

Merlin replied with a slight smile, appearing calm and easygoing as if the current situation was nothing serious.

"As for your question... Well, I can't help it. After all, I've been Arthur's mentor and caretaker since he was a baby. How can I just stand by and watch my little cabbage that I've raised get snatched away by some stinky wild boar?"

After saying that, Merlin looked up at the monster in the sky and continued with a soft voice.

"Besides... it's a Beast that doesn't even know how long it's been rolling in the mud, reeking so bad that it's unbearable from head to toe."