The Empire is Your Majesty, Your Majesty is the Empire
"I am an emperor after all." Rather than directly responding, Artorius spoke thus, "I don't shy away from challenges, but my position demands self-restraint when all of this is unnecessary."
"..."
The words of the Dragon Emperor silenced Crimson Moon. The very next second, she made her decision.
"At least... I will make you draw your sword."
With such determination, Crimson Moon's sword cleaved toward the Dragon Emperor. The terrifying power it held encompassed the concept of restoring the planet to its natural state, a genuine representation of a Noble Phantasm directed toward the planet.
The concepts seized by Crimson Moon were somewhat similar to the concept of the Sword of Rupture—Ea, held by Gilgamesh.
However, the magical energy and strength possessed by Crimson Moon's power went far beyond that of Gilgamesh in his Servant Archer form, not just tenfold but much more!
Yet, even with this unparalleled power, an attack capable of shattering the planet's surface, it was still thwarted by the Knights of the Empire.
"Eh?"
In the midst of Mash's astonishment, the 'Wall of Truth' descended upon the Imperial army.
Similar to Mash's Noble Phantasm—'Lord Camelot: Now is a Castle of Distant Ideals', it was the ultimate defense amplified many times over.
The 'Wall of Truth' represented humanity's aspiration for a better future, the pursuit of the ultimate good and beauty, and was bestowed upon the new generation of Imperial knights after the 'Throne of Empire' analyzing the Heroic Spirit System.
When one hundred and fifty Knights of Punishment all invoked the Wall of Truth simultaneously, its EX-ranked defensive barrier perfectly withstood Crimson Moon's attack.
"It's not over yet!"
Her sword beam proved ineffective, but Crimson Moon's strength was not limited to that alone. With her Rainbow Mystic Eyes flashing, she wielded her sword and charged toward the Dragon Emperor again.
Artorius remained indifferent, flanked by his court mages and loyal followers, all concealing their true abilities.
"Hmph!"
Gilgamesh snorted and continued to stand aside as an observer. Perhaps in his mind, this was a war of 'Modern Humans' and 'Modern Empire'.
Meanwhile, Iskandar had already disbanded his army; his expression was complex as he observed the battle.
"This is the ruler I serve now, Rider." By his side, the pale-faced Waver spoke with a tinge of emotion, "However, are you still going to challenge him?"
"That's a different matter altogether, Master."
While both of them were still speaking, Crimson Moon engaged with her new opponents.
It wasn't the Dragon Emperor, nor was it Lancelot or Mordred.
The first to clash with Crimson Moon was just an ordinary knight from the Knights of Redemption.
Roaring, filled with boundless sorrow and anger, one of the Knights of Redemption launched an attack with a spear.
Knights of Redemption, a knight order for those who brought pain and betrayal to the Empire. One who realized their mistakes, carried regret and a sense of redemption onto the battlefield, seeking to be the perfect knight, destroying enemies and themselves.
Unlike the Knights of Punishment with their 'ideal', the power of the Knights of Redemption stemmed from 'despair.'
It represented the power that erupted in dire situations, in the midst of despair. The greatest will, strength, and courage humans could muster in such dire moments—the blade of desperation.
"For the Empire!"
Facing an opponent far surpassing his own level, the knight found himself in dire straits. Despair naturally emerged, bringing with it an incomparable surge of power. Crimson Moon could not simply overlook this newfound strength!
Swords, spears, axes, knives, and even fists and teeth.
With peerless combat skills and unwavering battle spirits, the remaining Knights of Redemption joined the battle and effectively held back Crimson Moon.
"Bastard!"
Though she was enraged by this humiliation, Lancelot, who had been silent and just stood still among the Knights of Redemption finally took action.
He seized an almost impossible opening, a fleeting vulnerability, and with his magic sword—Sword of Misery, he pierced through Crimson Moon's heart.
This was no ordinary magic sword; it carried an attack infused with the essence of humanity. It symbolized the curse of human desperation, anger, reluctance, and sorrow—the very essence of all extreme negative emotions.
It was also Lancelot's punishment for his treason after being ensnared by the honey trap of vampires.
The one who wielded this sword was perpetually engulfed in misery. In this misery, drawing power from the depths of this emotion, even Crimson Moon, when faced with this malice within the human heart—
"Guh!"
Would also feel pain.
"Ugh!!"
Would also be infected.
"Gahh!!!"
Would also get harmed.
"Damn you!!!!"
Would die.
Crimson Moon endured an unparalleled pain, her hand tightly gripping her sword, a bitter resolve in her heart. With resentment, she swung down her sword to Lancelot's shoulder, slashing diagonally until his waist, cleaving him into two.
Ignoring the gruesome sight of Lancelot, the remaining knights rushed forward. Fleeting weaknesses were indeed beyond their grasp, but missing such openings was unacceptable.
First came the barrage of light beams.
Following the light beams, Mordred, laughing maniacally, launched a fierce assault with her greatsword.
Crimson Moon, who had been injured in the previous barrage, tried to evade as soon as possible but ultimately failed.
Thrusts of swords, spears, scythes, cleaves of battle axes and halberds, merciless strikes of warhammers and maces. Dozens, hundreds of weapons extended and elongated, penetrating Crimson Moon's body.
Like a chaotic whirlwind of dismemberment, she was suspended in mid-air.
"Argh..."
*Cough! Cough!*
As she coughed blood, Crimson Moon's gaze locked onto Artorius Pendragon.
Even after enduring such attacks, she hadn't perished yet, still clinging to life. Her intention was clear to Artorius.
She didn't wish to be defeated by any anonymous soldier; if possible, she wanted the Dragon Emperor himself to end her life.
"..."
Artorius remained silent, then drew his sword and said:
"To be honest."
"This is meaningless."
"It was humanity who defeated you. Not me."
"However, if this is your wish, I shall grant it."
*Swish—!*
After uttering these words, Artorius swung his sword into the air, and the Sword of Frost Emperor's radiance engulfed Crimson Moon.
When the radiance dissipated, the once tragic, yet majestic and formidable King of the Moon had vanished without a trace. Throughout the heavens and the earth, there was no longer the slightest hint of her existence.
"We've won..." Zepia muttered quietly.
"Amazing, Your Majesty. You even managed to defeat that Crimson Moon~" Merlin, by Artorius's side, spoke with a mischievous grin. With his annoying face and attitude, even if he complimented, it sounded like mockery.
"It's not that impressive. As I said, it's humanity and the Empire that is impressive."
"The Empire is Your Majesty, and Your Majesty is the Empire." Beside Merlin, Zepia spoke without hesitation.
Equally complimenting the Dragon Emperor, the director of the Atlas Academy knew how to flatter well. Coupled with his sincere attitude and expression, he managed to coax a faint smile from the Dragon Emperor.
===
Author's Note:
The Dark Six is an intriguing character in the Tsukihime. They're ranked second among the 27 Dead Apostle Ancestors, just a notch below Fou, and even outranking Crimson Moon who is third. Strangely enough, there's no concrete info on them.
The Dark Six was supposedly being kept for some new work or game, but then things took a turn. Blame it on us players who went all in shoving money on FGO, Tsukihime kinda got shoved aside and they prioritized Fate. So, the official concept of the Dark Six is probably something we'll never know in this lifetime.
By the way, trying to figure out what the heck Crimson Moon's Mystic Eyes can do? They only said as the highest rank of Mystic Eye. So, I just mashed up a bunch of Mystic Eyes abilities for the whole deal.