Is he dead?

The group took a deep breath, as they heard an explosion of fire, seeing it come from where they were it was purple flames mixed with red and yellow, everyone looked at it.

Kadoc was the first person to say, "I don't want to be a downer, but I think Karna is dead."

Ritsuka looked as he felt a bit sad, one of the few times he could bond with his ancestors was no longer there. "It seems like it, or maybe he is not. If he is, there goes an extra servant."

Mash put a comforting hand on Ritsuka's shoulder. "We can't lose hope yet. Karna is incredibly strong. He might still be fighting."

Ophelia, her eyes scanning the battlefield, added, "We should prepare for the worst but hope for the best. If Karna is still alive, he'll need our support."

Ritsuka nodded, determination hardening his features. "You're right. We need to stay focused. Let's move closer, but carefully. We need to see what's happening."

As they cautiously approached the battlefield, the smoke began to clear, revealing a scene of devastation. The ground was scorched, and debris was scattered everywhere. In the center of it all stood Karna, battered but still holding his lance, his armor cracked and smoldering. Across from him were Chiemon and Jalter, both showing signs of wear from the intense fight.

Karna, his voice steady despite his injuries, called out to Ritsuka and the group. "Stay back! This is my fight. I will handle this."

Ritsuka, seeing Karna still standing, felt a surge of hope. "Karna! We're here to support you. You don't have to do this alone."

Chiemon, noticing the group, sneered. "More of Chaldea's meddling. No matter, I will end all of you here."

Jalter, her expression fierce, nodded in agreement. "You should have stayed away. Now you'll pay the price."

Karna, his resolve unwavering, raised his lance. "I won't let you harm them. As long as I stand, you will not pass."

With renewed energy, Karna launched himself at Chiemon and Jalter, his lance blazing with golden fire. The battle intensified once more, with Karna using every ounce of his strength to fend off their attacks. Each clash of weapons sent shockwaves through the air, the sheer power of their strikes shaking the ground beneath them.

Ritsuka and the group watched, ready to intervene if needed. They knew the stakes were high and that Karna was giving everything he had to protect them. Despite the odds, they held onto hope, believing in Karna's strength and their own resolve to see this battle through.

Jalter looked at the group. "Tuis De Laiser."

She gathered all the death and destruction in the area, channeling it into a massive attack aimed directly at them. The sheer power of the attack was overwhelming, the air crackling with malevolent energy.

Seeing the impending danger, Ritsuka acted quickly. "Everyone, stay close!" He enveloped the group in his shadows, using his shadow travel ability to teleport them away just as the noble phantasm was about to hit.

For a moment, it looked as though the attack had obliterated them. The area where they had stood was now a smoldering crater, the sheer force of Jalter's noble phantasm having left nothing but devastation in its wake.

Chiemon, seeing the aftermath, smirked. "Looks like they're gone. One less problem to deal with."

Jalter, her expression unreadable, lowered her flag. "It's not over yet. We need to make sure."

Meanwhile, Ritsuka and the group reappeared a safe distance away, hidden within the shadows of a nearby forest. They took a moment to catch their breath, the adrenaline from the narrow escape still coursing through their veins.

Ritsuka, panting slightly, looked at the group. "Is everyone okay?"

Mash nodded, her shield still at the ready. "We're all here. That was close."

Ophelia, her eyes scanning their surroundings, added, "We can't let our guard down. They'll come looking for us."

Ritsuka, his determination renewed, said, "We need a plan. We can't keep running. We have to find a way to turn this around."

Kadoc, his mind racing, suggested, "If we can find a way to separate them, we might stand a chance. Karna is holding his own, but he needs support."

Ritsuka nodded. "Alright. Let's regroup and come up with a strategy. We can't afford to lose this fight."

As they began to formulate a plan, the battle between Karna, Chiemon, and Jalter continued to rage on. Despite his injuries, Karna fought with unyielding resolve, his lance clashing with their weapons in a blaze of fire and steel. Each strike he delivered was filled with the determination to protect his allies and see the battle through to the end.

Le Loi looked at them. "Okay, that's enough. Let's move to the next district."

Ritsuka looked at him, concerned. "What do you mean? Karna is still fighting."

Arthur stepped forward. "Enough, Master. Don't you see what he's trying to do? He's buying us time to escape while he fights. Us going back there would make his sacrifice, if he does die, meaningless."

Ritsuka clenched his fists. "But why?"

Ereshkigal was the first to respond. "Probably because he wanted to atone for the sins of his past life."

Morgan nodded, agreeing with Ereshkigal. "I mean, he did some inhumane things during his time alive."

Kadoc, recalling his knowledge, added, "Oh right, the Mahabharata. Karna's life was filled with complex and often tragic decisions. Perhaps this is his way of making amends."

Ritsuka, feeling the weight of their words, took a deep breath. "You're right. We have to respect his decision and make sure his sacrifice isn't in vain. We need to keep moving and find the other districts. We can't let his efforts go to waste."

The group nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened. They began to move cautiously through the forest, heading towards the next district. Each step was filled with a mix of determination and sorrow, knowing they were leaving a comrade behind but understanding the necessity of their actions.

As they traveled, the forest began to thin out, and the distinct architecture of a new district came into view. This one had an unmistakable French influence mixed with Chinese elements, much like the other sections they had encountered.

Ritsuka looked at the group. "Stay alert. We don't know what we'll face here."

Le Loi, taking the lead, guided them through the district, their senses heightened for any sign of danger. The streets were eerily quiet, and the air felt heavy with tension.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, and the group readied themselves for another confrontation. But instead of an enemy, they were met with a familiar face.

"Karna?" Ritsuka gasped, seeing the Lancer standing before them, though clearly battered and exhausted from his previous battle.

Karna, leaning on his lance for support, managed a faint smile. "I… managed to hold them off. But we need to keep moving. They'll be on our trail soon."

Ritsuka rushed to his side, helping him stand. "Thank goodness you're alive. We thought…"

Karna shook his head. "No time for that. We have to focus on the mission. Let's go."

With Karna rejoining them, albeit in a weakened state, the group pressed on, determined to uncover the mysteries of this war and find a way to end it once and for all. Their journey was far from over, but with each step, they grew closer to their goal, fueled by the sacrifices and unwavering spirit of their comrades.

Karna looked at Ritsuka. "You know, I think I still need to make up for everything I've done. You all have figured that out, haven't you? That is what a sinner like me needs to do."

Kadoc looked at Karna and then at Ritsuka. "Like descendant, like ancestor."

Ritsuka, confused, glanced at Kadoc. "What?"

Mash sighed and looked at Ritsuka. "Senpai, after everything, haven't you been calling yourself a sinner, someone with the blood of many on his hands?"

Ritsuka's eyes widened as he realized the parallel. "I... I guess I have."

Karna placed a hand on Ritsuka's shoulder. "We all carry our burdens, Ritsuka. But it's how we face them and strive to atone that defines us. You are not alone in this."

Ritsuka nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "You're right. We both have our sins to atone for, but we'll keep moving forward."

The group set up camp for the night, each member deep in thought. The fire crackled, casting shadows that danced around them.

As they sat around the campfire, Le Loi spoke up. "Our next destination will likely be just as challenging. We need to be prepared for anything."

Ritsuka nodded. "Agreed. We need to gather as much information as we can and find allies where possible. We can't afford to lose anyone else."

Karna, despite his exhaustion, remained vigilant. "I will stand guard. Rest and regain your strength. We have a long journey ahead."

The group settled in for the night, knowing that the battles ahead would be tough, but with their unwavering resolve and the strength of their bonds, they would continue to fight and uncover the truth behind this Holy Grail War.

As the fire crackled in the campfire, everyone was asleep except Ritsuka and Karna. Karna looked at his descendant and said, "Go to sleep, kid. You don't need to stay awake with me."

Ritsuka shook his head. "I know, but I just want to show you something."

He then demonstrated a small and common spell of sun magecraft. Karna's eyes widened in surprise.

"Is this... sun magecraft?" Karna asked, astonished.

"Yeah, it is," Ritsuka confirmed.

Karna laughed softly. "You know, I thought no one would use it in this day and age. My son wasn't very good at it."

Ritsuka smiled. "I wanted to learn it because it felt like a connection to you, to my ancestors. I wanted to honor that legacy."

Karna's expression softened. "You've done well. It's a difficult craft to master, but you've shown great promise. I'm proud of you."

Ritsuka felt a warm surge of pride and determination. "Thank you, Karna. I'll continue to use it and become stronger, not just for myself, but for everyone who relies on me."

Karna nodded. "That's the spirit. Now, get some rest. We have a long journey ahead, and you'll need your strength."

Ritsuka reluctantly agreed and settled down to sleep, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As he drifted off, he knew that with Karna's guidance and the support of his friends, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Karna looked at Ritsuka with curiosity. "So, how many generations has it been?"

Ritsuka responded, "50th."

Karna raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot of generations. There should be more in your magic crest."

Ritsuka shrugged. "Do you really think that after so many years, there wouldn't be twins or additional children in our family line? Mages often seek to ensure their best potential is preserved."

Karna nodded, understanding the implications. "Indeed. The pursuit of the strongest lineage often leads to multiple offspring, especially in families that value magical prowess. It's a way to maintain and enhance their legacy."

Ritsuka smiled. "Exactly. And it's a reminder that even after many generations, the connection to our past remains strong. It's why I strive to honor our legacy and make the most of the abilities we've inherited."

Karna's gaze softened with approval. "You're doing well, Ritsuka. It's clear you understand the importance of your heritage and the responsibilities that come with it."

Ritsuka nodded, feeling reassured by Karna's words. "Thank you. I'll keep working hard, not just for myself, but for everyone who came before me."

Karna smiled. "That's the spirit. Rest now. We have much to do, and the journey ahead will be challenging. But with determination and the strength of our ancestors guiding us, we will prevail."

Ritsuka then looked at Karna. Can you tell me something.

Karna just looked at him wait an raise eyebrow. What is it.

Ritsuka just spoke to him. Why do you fake emotion

Karna sighed and looked at Ritsuka. "You know my story, right? How my mother placed me in a basket and I drifted until I was found. Well, I didn't have a birth mother to teach me about emotions. As demi-gods, we aren't born with emotions; it's something we have to learn and build for ourselves."

Ritsuka nodded, listening intently. "So, it's a matter of learning and adapting then."

Karna nodded. "Exactly. It's not that we don't have the capacity for emotions, but rather that we have to develop them on our own. I've spent a lot of time understanding and cultivating them. It's a constant effort to balance what I was born with and what I've learned."

Ritsuka considered this. "It must be difficult, trying to navigate emotions and interactions when they're not naturally part of your being."

Karna gave a small smile. "It is challenging, but it's also a part of what makes us grow. By facing these challenges, we learn more about ourselves and become more in tune with others. It's a journey, and every step teaches us something valuable."

Ritsuka smiled. "Thanks for sharing that. It helps to understand the depth of your experience and the effort you put into connecting with others."

Karna's smile widened slightly. "I'm glad to share. It's important to remember that we're all on a journey, learning and growing along the way. And sometimes, sharing our experiences helps others understand their own path a bit better."

To be continued

Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones, also have a new fanfic it is called Fate/Lust breaker check it out please