Chapter 581: As a Father

Basic Law of the Mysterious World 1: Mystery fails in the face of a greater mystery.

Basic Law of the Mysterious World 2: The older something is, the more mysterious it is, and the oldest things are often seen as the origin, possessing the highest level of mystery.

The oldest poisoner, Semiramis, possesses the highest mystery of the concept of "poison." Without a mystery of the same level or higher to counter it, any being that encounters Semiramis will only have one outcome: being poisoned to death. Even Artoria, with her 1500 years of accumulation, is no exception—unless she has the lost scabbard "Avalon" to protect her.

However, this is not the world Shinji lives in. In this world, the scabbard has long been lost, and without it, King Arthur is no longer invincible.

The situation has completely fallen into Semiramis's control, reaching the worst possible state.

"Come now, tell me your choice."

It appears there are four choices, but in reality, no matter which one is chosen, Mordred will die. Even if the command spells' combined power could break Semiramis's blockade, Mordred is already severely poisoned and might not survive much longer even if rescued.

What should be done? What should be done? What should be done?

Every second feels unbearably slow—this slowness only accelerates the inner anxiety.

Should they escape? I've already abandoned that child, how can I leave her again?

Just as Kairi Shishigou was tormented by his inner anxiety, Mordred's weak and indifferent voice echoed in his mind.

"Master, I might be finished here."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm trying to find a way out, aren't we supposed to win?"

"Yes, I know, so I'm going to tell you the way to victory."

"What way?"

"Have Father release the Holy Lance. Even a Throne Room can be easily destroyed by Father's Holy Lance without fully unleashing it."

"But—"

But what about you? Perhaps the Holy Lance can flatten the Throne Room and kill Semiramis, but what about you?

"Now is not the time for buts, Master. We agreed to win, so we must win. Don't worry, it's not my first time dying under the Holy Lance. This time, it's enough to drag that poisonous woman down with me."

Mordred died under the Holy Lance in her lifetime. Now as a Servant with a second life, will she repeat the same fate?

For the first time since that child's death, Kairi Shishigou felt a strong urge to cry.

However, before this urge could become reality, a voice suddenly invaded the special channel meant for the two of them.

"So this is what you all think."

A lazy and decadent voice, yet one that carried a condescending tone—it was Semiramis, forcibly intruding into their communication.

"You!!!"

Both Masters widened their eyes in shock.

"Don't be so surprised; it's just a simple trick."

The Empress proudly tapped the armrest of her throne, then directly spoke.

"King of Knights, your child just proposed a new option: to use your Holy Lance to destroy my Throne Room."

"What?"

Artoria's face showed disbelief.

"Oh my, what a wonderful suggestion. Indeed, with that Holy Lance, you could destroy my throne, but in doing so, your child..."

"Shut up, you poisonous woman!"

Mordred mustered her remaining magical power to shatter part of the chains.

"Father, don't worry about me, release the Holy Lance now!"

Artoria's hands trembled as if the Holy Lance she held weighed a thousand pounds.

Mordred's voice grew louder: "Have you forgotten your mission? Aren't you supposed to save the world? This isn't like you at all; you're the always-righteous King Arthur!"

"Well said, well said indeed."

Semiramis's high-pitched laughter filled the entire Throne Room.

"I originally thought the relationship between you and your child was terrible, but it seems history has once again recorded it incorrectly. So, what will you do?"

"I... I..."

Artoria opened her mouth but couldn't make a decision.

"Father!!!"

Mordred grew anxious.

Kairi Shishigou was also desperate, biting his lip until it bled.

"Hmph, it seems you can't make a decision. In that case, let me help you—your hesitation is all about this foolish fish I've hooked. So, why not just serve this foolish fish directly on the table?"

Semiramis spoke and snapped her fingers.

Two silver chains extended from the shadows behind her. Unlike the chains binding Mordred, these chains were not imbued with the concept of poison. The tips of these chains were not curved hooks but straight, gleaming spikes, as sharp as a beast's fangs.

These chains were meant for direct killing, targeting Mordred's throat and heart.

The chains shot out at high speed but were blocked just centimeters in front of Mordred by the Holy Lance, shimmering with the light of the stars.

At the last moment before Mordred's demise, Artoria decided to protect her.

"How foolish."

From her throne, Semiramis snorted contemptuously.

"Since you wish to die together, I shall grant your wish!"

In the next second, Artoria's once healthy complexion turned pale. Blood, dark as night, seeped from her mouth, nose, ears, and eyes.

She was poisoned.

"Father!!!"

Mordred cried out in anguish.

"Why? Why did you do this?!"

"Because I am your father."

Artoria turned her head and gave Mordred a gentle smile, one the latter had never seen before.

At that moment, more and more silver chains emerged around them, surging toward them under Semiramis's command.

"Let's see how long you can hold out."

Artoria grasped the Holy Lance in one hand and drew a sword obtained from Astolfo with the other, defending on both sides.

"In the past, I fought you because I was the King of Britain—"

The pressure on the sword and lance increased, making her breathing rapid.

"—and had to quell rebellion. But now, I am no longer a king."

More and more blood poured from her seven orifices. A misstep caused the armor on her shoulder to shatter under the chains' impact, but Artoria did not stop.

"Although your birth was part of my sister's scheme, you are my child, and that will never change."

The defensive circle grew smaller and more chaotic, her once pristine silver armor now tattered.

"Father, please go, run!"

Mordred wept.

"Master and Miss Reika both told me that as a parent, I must fulfill my parental responsibilities."

The magical armor shattered completely, and the Holy Lance fell to the ground as Artoria was worn down by poison and chains.

"I may not be a good father, but at least I must protect my child—"

"Please, Father, leave me!"

Mordred pleaded, but Artoria did not retreat. At that moment, a silver chain pierced through the long sword and then through Artoria's chest.

"Father!!!"

"As a father, how can I let my child die before my eyes?"

Blood gushed out, and her body temperature, strength, and consciousness faded as her body broke down.

Artoria turned once more, reaching out to touch her child's cheek.

"Come to think of it, I've never looked at you this closely or touched your face. Don't cry, don't be sad. Aren't you the one who hates me the most?"

Mordred sobbed uncontrollably, shaking her head.

"No, no, I, I love you the most, Father."

"I see. Then let's talk more next time we meet. Yes, we'll meet again soon."

A breeze blew by, and the hand on Mordred's face dissolved into spirit particles. Until the very end, Artoria's expression remained unchanged—a loving smile from a father to his child.

"Nooooooooooooooo!!!"