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Zelretch possessed a second magic in the domain of Operation of Parallel Worlds. This extraordinary ability allowed him to navigate through multiple parallel worlds while retaining his own identity. It was no wonder that he earned the moniker of the "Kaleidoscope" magician. With this power at his disposal, Zelretch could catch fleeting glimpses of the hidden truths scattered across countless parallel dimensions.

Armed with his Jeweled Sword, Zelretch boldly confronted Crimson Moon in the expansive sky above. Although referred to as a sword, the Jeweled Sword was, in fact, a remarkable Mystic Code that stood at the pinnacle of its kind. Its primary function revolved around the second magic, serving as a conduit to harness vast reserves of magical energy from infinite parallel worlds. Through this immense wellspring of power, Zelretch could unleash devastating attacks upon his enemies.

The reason behind the Mystic Code assuming the shape of a short sword remains shrouded in mystery. It could either be attributed to Zelretch's personal interest or, perhaps, as a deliberate attempt to vex and annoy Merlin.

In a dramatic spectacle, meteorites descended from above, an unrelenting torrent of magical energy cascading towards the earth. The sky itself transformed into a battlefield reminiscent of ancient mythologies, where gods clashed with titanic beings.

Crimson Moon, with his formidable powers, materialized countless meteorites, each brimming with immense destructive potential. However, undeterred, Zelretch brandished the Jeweled Sword, tapping into the boundless resources of magical energy sourced from parallel worlds. With unparalleled mastery, he transmuted these energies into a seemingly infinite array of Ether Cannons, launching a relentless barrage upon the encroaching celestial projectiles.

Zelretch, wielding his access to vast reserves of power from parallel worlds, possessed an overwhelming advantage in terms of sheer firepower. It was evident that he could overpower Crimson Moon with relative ease. However, in his relentless pursuit of his enemy, he displayed a callous disregard for human lives. The casualties left in the wake of his counterattack were of no concern to him.

As the meteorites shattered under Zelretch's onslaught, their fragmented remnants rained down upon the earth, bringing devastation and turning countless unfortunate individuals into gruesome casualties. It was a macabre sight as the remnants of shattered meteorites claimed numerous lives, reducing them to mere mincemeat.

Among the chaos, a twist of fate saw a huge number of these fragments hurtling towards Shirou. Left with no other choice, he activated the Tower of Light, invoking its mystical powers to counter the imminent threat. He channeled the tower's energy, reducing the incoming meteorite fragments to nothing more than dust.

Within the realms of higher dimensions, this conflict transcended the boundaries of conventional warfare. In this extraordinary battle, the presence of normal human armies was rendered insignificant, their might futile against the cataclysmic force that Crimson Moon had become. Like an unstoppable natural disaster, he towered over all, leaving little hope in his wake.

Recognizing the futility of engaging in direct confrontation, Shirou swiftly issued orders for the army to retreat. The preservation of their nation's power became paramount in the face of this overwhelming threat.

In that critical moment, Altrouge, serving as an invaluable inside contact, successfully established communication with Shirou amidst the chaos.

"I have opened the eastern city gate. Hurry and come in," Altrouge urgently conveyed.

However, Shirou's response was unexpected, "It is no longer necessary. I have a new mission for you."

"W-What... What mission?"

"Take your loyal True Ancestors and Dead Apostles, and eliminate all the True Ancestors and Dead Apostles who refuse to submit to you. Spare none of them, eliminate them all on my behalf!"

"Well... Isn't that a bit problematic? Crim... Crimson Moon is still around... If I were to take action, he... he won't let me off easily!" her voice wavered uncertainly.

"Don't be afraid! He's practically done for! Once you achieve this, you'll replace him and become the new King of True Ancestors and Dead Apostles!" his voice held persuasive confidence.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Altrouge spoke through clenched teeth. "Fine, I'll do it. I'm staking my life on you... You... you must kill Crimson Moon!"

Just as her words hung in the air, a deafening explosion erupted from the east of Ravenna, followed by a flurry of people and horses fleeing into the distance.

"What's happening?" Shirou frowned.

Anxiously, Altrouge responded, "The humans in the city took advantage of the chaos and escaped. But don't worry, I'll handle it."

"No need to trouble yourself. Go and deal with those disobedient True Ancestors and Dead Apostles!"

"Understood." she abruptly severed the connection.

...

Above the sky.

Crimson Moon gazed at Zelretch, his expression calm and composed, as he spoke, "I see, even though the mechanism eludes me. Your magical energy surpasses any I have witnessed since my arrival on this planet."

Perplexed, he continued, "However, I fail to grasp why, with such potent magical energy, you would seek to impede my efforts in constructing the new world I envision. Shouldn't you be able to thrive effortlessly within it?"

"I simply find you annoying." Zelretch replied with a touch of displeasure.

Crimson Moon's surprise was evident as he questioned, "We have had no prior interaction, so what could possibly have caused your annoyance towards me?"

He responded curtly, "Your arrogance surpasses even my own, and that is why I find myself annoyed. It's as simple as that."

Crimson Moon, although still perplexed, brushed off the matter, asserting confidently, "I may not comprehend your motives, but it matters not. You shall become my servant." As he waved his hand, several cone-shaped peaks manifested out of thin air, hurtling towards Zelretch with great velocity.

Caught off guard by Crimson Moon's attack, Zelretch found himself lacking the time to tap into the vast reserves of magical energy from parallel worlds. Instead, he resorted to his second method, swiftly opening a fissure in the fabric of reality and taking refuge within it. The cone-shaped peaks, now reduced to mere fragments, collided harmlessly against the crack.

Emerging once more from the rift, Zelretch wasted no time in activating a spell, channeling the accumulated magical energy from countless parallel worlds. With a brilliant flash, the energy coalesced into a formidable True Ether Cannon. He unleashed a devastating bombardment, directed squarely at Crimson Moon.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom—"

The sky crackled with thunderous energy, and beams of dazzling light rent through the heavens, as if rending the very fabric of the world asunder.

"Boom!"

In a breathtaking display of power, a colossal peak, reaching several kilometers into the sky, materialized before Crimson Moon.

"Boom!" Multiple True Ether Cannons, unleashed with unrelenting force, shattered the mountain into countless fragments.

Crimson Moon's realization dawned upon him as he spoke, "I see now. You harness the boundless magical energy from parallel worlds."

Zelretch chuckled with a mix of satisfaction and amusement, his voice laced with confidence, "So, you comprehend the extent of my power. In a direct confrontation, you are no match for me."

"I find myself truly bereft of means to counter you. However, in a direct confrontation, you are outmatched."

"Then come—" Zelretch began to retort, but his words were abruptly cut short. His eyes widened as Crimson Moon materialized right before him, his slender palm transforming into a fist, surging forward with immense power aimed at Zelretch's abdomen.

With a surge of urgency, Zelretch swiftly employed his boundless magical energy to construct a sturdy magical shield, forming an impregnable barrier just in time to intercept the incoming blow.

However—

"Crack!"

The sheer magnitude of the devastating force proved too overwhelming for Zelretch's magical shield, causing it to shatter into fragments. The unstoppable power crashed directly into his abdomen, unrelenting and merciless.

"Spurt—"

A pained gasp escaped Zelretch's lips as blood erupted from his mouth, his veins pulsating with intensity. The impact had ravaged his internal organs, leaving them torn and mangled.

Crimson Moon's icy voice pierced Zelretch's ears with chilling calmness. "Your physical body is too fragile compared to your magical energy."

Zelretch quickly cast a healing spell upon himself, desperately attempting to create some distance between them. However, Crimson Moon clung to him like an unshakeable shadow, relentlessly closing the gap. Each step brought him closer, and his claws sliced through the air, leaving behind trails of radiant blood-like light. The sheer force of his attack caused the very fabric of space to tremble.

Crimson Moon effortlessly tore apart Zelretch's magical shield, leaving a gaping wound on his chest, exposing his vulnerable, beating heart.

Zelretch swiftly restored his damaged body and sought refuge by opening a fracture in the fabric of reality. Desperate to escape, he attempted to slip into the crack. However, in a decisive maneuver, Crimson Moon abandoned the use of Marble Phantasm and swiftly closed the distance. With lightning speed, she seized Zelretch by the leg, forcibly dragging him out of the rift in the world he had created.

"Damn it—!" Zelretch clenched his teeth in frustration, channeling his determination into activating his Jeweled Sword. With a resounding blast, he unleashed a powerful True Ether Cannon, aiming it directly at Crimson Moon's face.

Yet, to his astonishment, Crimson Moon emerged from the attack unscathed, with only faint trails of white smoke wafting from his skin.

"What can a feeble body hope to achieve?" Crimson Moon's clear and calm voice resounded.. With one hand tightly gripping Zelretch's leg, he summoned a colossal mountain into existence using his other hand. With a mighty swing of both arms, he mercilessly slammed Zelretch against the solid mass.

"Boom!"

A thunderous impact filled the surroundings as the mountain crumbled and contorted into a rough semblance of a humanoid figure.

Zelretch felt a chill run down his spine, his body drenched in a cold sweat. Had he not fortified himself with a protective magical shield and augmented his physical capabilities beforehand, he would have been reduced to a mere pulp under the tremendous force inflicted upon him.

However—

Crimson Moon's grip on Zelretch's leg tightened further, causing a bone-chilling series of cracks to echo through the air.

"Crack, crack, crack—"

Muscles were crushed, and crimson streams of blood erupted from every pore, spraying out like a fountain.

...

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