Chapter 140: Dying Together

Arondight Overload: Breaking All Restraints (Overloaded Light of the Lake) is the human-mode Noble Phantasm of Lancelot.

By exerting an excessive load on the mirror-like lake light, the hidden magical power within it overflows and transforms into an attack. The radiance overflowing from the holy sword resembles the water of a lake.

Originally, it was intended to deliberately withhold the magical power meant for a light slash and release it upon striking the opponent up close. Lancelot incorporated his skills into this type of magic, honing a unique technique of his own.

When the holy sword strikes the enemy, it leaves behind concealed "lake light" at the wound. Only when Lancelot releases the true name of his Noble Phantasm does the highly compressed "lake light" transform into a light slash, wreaking havoc within the enemy's body.

Compared to the original "The Unfading Light of the Lake," this technique is more covert, consumes less energy, and possesses greater destructive power.

Every warrior knows that getting injured in battle is a normal occurrence. As long as one can achieve ultimate victory, what does a little superficial injury matter? However, Lancelot's sword turns superficial injuries into fatal wounds, making it an unstoppable killing technique.

"What...!"

Gilgamesh felt a searing pain rapidly spreading from his injured left shoulder to his chest, as if an invisible blade had penetrated his chest, piercing through his vital core, which was the most important support for maintaining his current existence.

"I told you, if you don't want to die, use the 'Sword of Rupture.' But you didn't believe me. 'Honesty' is one of the virtues of a knight, and I did not lie."

Lancelot's words made Gilgamesh both angry and amused.

"Although you're a mad dog, you're an interesting mad dog. It seems that obtaining Saber isn't as easy as I imagined. But that's fine. Things that cannot be obtained are the most beautiful."

At this moment, Lancelot could no longer hear what Gilgamesh was saying. Seizing the few seconds before his spiritual core completely collapsed, Lancelot transformed his final words into a longing and entrusted them to two clusters of spiritual particles, drifting into the distance.

The battle between Lancelot and Gilgamesh was brief. From the official commencement of the battle to the disappearance of both individuals, it took less than a minute. Kariya and Tokiomi had yet to make a move, but they sensed an abnormality in their master-servant contract.

The surging magical power suddenly had nowhere to go. The contract connecting Kariya and Lancelot, like an overstressed thread, finally severed.

In the moment before the severance, a calm thought entered Kariya's mind.

"My Master, the agreement has indeed been fulfilled, but I will stop here as well. Thank you for taking care of me during this time. Although it was not long, I am truly grateful. If there is a chance, please summon me again."

"It is I who should be grateful, Lancelot, grateful for fulfilling my wish."

Kariya said softly while reaching for his right wrist, where the proof of the contract was once engraved. He turned his head and looked at his distant archenemy (at least in his perception), Tohsaka Tokiomi.

At this moment, the elegance and composure Tokiomi valued the most were crumbling. His face displayed an expression of disbelief and confusion.

"King of Heroes, Gilgamesh lost? The strongest Servant was defeated? Defeated by Kariya's Servant? This... How is that possible?"

"This is reality, Tokiomi," Kariya looked down at Tokiomi.

It wasn't a physical height advantage; in fact, Tokiomi was 4cm taller than Kariya. This was a superiority that came from within, the pride of the victor. It was the first time in his emotionally defeated life that he had gained an advantage.

Upon hearing Kariya's voice, Tokiomi seemed to suddenly realize something and muttered to himself.

"There's still time. As long as I defeat the other Masters, I still have a chance!"

Kariya's gaze swept over Tokiomi's right hand, where two Command Seals remained. In an instant, Kariya understood Tokiomi's plan, and a growing sense of disgust filled his heart.

"No, you don't have a chance anymore. Whatever you're planning, I will stop you."

...

Outside the gates of Ryudou Temple, Saber heard that familiar voice.

"Oh, King, the mission has been completed. I apologize for only being able to report to you in this way."

"Lancelot..." Uncontainable grief filled Saber's chest. She had once again lost her dear friend, her most outstanding knight. But this time, he didn't carry any dishonor; he fought valiantly for her, protecting her back and meeting a heroic end.

"Oh, King, in the end, I want to tell you that you are the greatest king, the perfect ruler in the eyes of us knights. There is nothing happier for us than fighting under your banner. But you have always been dedicating yourself, sacrificing yourself without ever considering your desires. So, it is enough. From now on, please fight for yourself. This is my final wish and the wish of all the Knights of the Round Table."

"Dear friend..." Alongside the grief, there was an indescribable warmth, the radiance of the lake that symbolized Lancelot, containing his most sincere feelings.

So, I have already obtained the most precious thing; there is no need to envy conquering kings.

Iskandar, now I can proudly say to you that my subordinates, my knights, are no less than your subjects! They are the most outstanding!

"Oh, King, I sincerely wish for your peace and happiness."

Unconsciously, tears streamed down Saber's face, tears of mourning and regret.

"You said something wrong. I once thought about starting over, but I forgot that it would deny your efforts and everything we created together. How can I, who once thought about betraying you, deserve to be called the greatest king?"

"Thank you, my dear friend. It was you who corrected my mistake and made me realize. It is not Britain that needs redemption, nor is it you. It is myself."

"I will no longer hesitate, no longer be lost—for you, and myself."

Saber wiped away her tears and regained her clear gaze as she looked resolutely at the temple gates.

"Right, Assassin!"

There stood the Queen of the Land of Shadows, wielding her demonic spear.

"Yes, you finally understand. It wasn't in vain for him to go through all that trouble. So, will you give up the Holy Grail?"

"Of course not." Saber raised her Holy Sword. "Although I no longer have any wishes to fulfill with the Holy Grail, I promised Irisviel to obtain it for her. It's also the best way for me to mourn my fallen dear friend."

"That's right, no, I should say it has to be this way!"

At this moment, Scáthach's spirit soared, and her long-suppressed fighting spirit stirred the air with her mana.

"Come, this is the final battle. Which one of us will be the victor of the Holy Grail War?"

"Servant Saber, King of Knights, Arthur Pendragon!" Saber's Holy Sword shone in her hand.

"Servant Assassin, Scáthach from the Land of Shadows!" Assassin's demonic spear gleamed at her side.

=====

Support Me at Patreon.com/AbsoluteCode