As the fleeting purple arc streaked across the horizon, a deep gash, stretching kilometers from hill through plain and forest, scarred the Mesopotamian landscape.
From above, it looked as if someone had wounded Gaia herself, a sight that sent shivers through onlookers.
What unnatural force could wreak such havoc?
Forced to brace their stronghold's defenses against this world-rending arc, the three remaining Demon God Pillars paid dearly for their folly.
Along with the captive Gorgon, Barbatos and his kin vanished instantly in the arc's wake, their existence erased without a ripple.
Their grand schemes, contingencies, and dreams of the future crumbled before they could react.
Yet, their reckless actions had unshackled much of Tiamat, the Mother of Genesis, whose power now far surpassed the mere ten percent unsealed in the original Seventh Singularity.
Even standing on the plain, Roy felt the crushing pressure from the distant sea.
No false or demi-god could compare, this was the true oppressive might of a Mother of Genesis. Tiamat had awakened.
[Self-Unsealing: 40%]
Amid the chaos, two enemy figures burst from the Blood Fort Andromeda's ruins, charging straight for Roy's group on the hill.
The earth quaked violently, contorting as if commanded. Dozens of sharp earthen spikes shot up beneath them.
Swish!!
The shrill whistle of mud spears, launched with cunning precision, caught the group off guard.
But such feeble attacks were no more than water guns to Roy, whose aura and state were at their peak. He shattered them with a casual wave of his hand.
Mash's pristine snowflake barrier, too, was impervious to these crude spears.
Clang! Clang!!
With metallic clangs, the earthen spikes splintered against the unbreakable snowflake wall, harming no one.
Roy's gaze fixed on the distant, mountain-sized beast resembling a lion, his expression icy. "So this is the new vessel the Demon God Pillars chose for Humbaba? Impressive frame. No wonder it forced Gilgamesh and Enkidu to team up. It survived my last strike."
"That stupid lion blocked me on this plain before."
Meeting her foe again, Quetzalcoatl seethed with rage. Were it not for more pressing tasks, she'd have skinned and gutted the beast to sate her fury.
"Ishtar."
"Huh?! What's up?"
Roy softly called the goddess behind him, turning to face Ishtar, visibly tense at Humbaba's sight.
"It's okay, Ishtar. Even without me here, this beast won't hurt you. Don't be afraid."
"A-Afraid? Who's afraid? I'm just… tense…"
"I understand, so…"
Roy patted her shoulder, then turned to Merlin, waiting in reserve, speaking earnestly. "Merlin, I'm leaving this front to you. You're a troublemaking nuisance, but undeniably my friend and the only one here who can manage the battlefield."
"I entrust you with commanding this fight. Protect Ishtar, Ritsuka, and the others. Can you do it?"
"Friend… you really acknowledge me as your friend? That makes me awfully happy…"
Merlin's expression shifted subtly at Roy's words, his gaze lingering on Roy's outstretched hand, a faint stir in his usually unfeeling heart.
Clap!
He gripped Roy's hand firmly, no hesitation.
"Honestly, Roy, I've always wanted to be your friend, truly. It's my deepest wish."
"Seeing you risk everything for Artoria and the others moved me. Even a guy like me wants to feel that."
"I thought we were just using each other, but you actually see me as a friend?"
"Of course. You're annoying, but you're my friend, Merlin."
"Let's both go all out for each other this time."
"Fou~!"
As their hands clasped, sealing their bond, the long-missing white beast popped from Merlin's hat, looking delighted.
Merlin raised his staff, casting his magic on all combatants as the battle loomed.
[Dreamlike Charisma A]
[Hero Creation EX]
With Humbaba closing in, mere steps away, Roy turned to Ishtar, smiling. "I leave the fight to our invincible Goddess Ishtar."
"Who do you think I am? A mere beast like Humbaba? You be careful too, don't die at sea."
Ishtar tilted her alabaster neck, a touch haughty. "I don't want to lose my mana supply if my Master dies and then lose to that beast. So… come back safe, got it? Ereshkigal's waiting for you in the Underworld."
"Yes, yes. I'll return safely, no dragging down Goddess Ishtar."
"Hmph, you know what's good for you."
"We're off, Roy. Good luck in your battle."
Without further chatter, Ishtar and Merlin charged toward the approaching Humbaba.
Roy reverted to his Magus state, severing Ritsuka's contract. His three Command Spells reappeared, glowing as they amplified Ishtar and Merlin's attributes.
Though the ground enemies were handled, the sky held another threat.
"He's coming. I feel his presence closing in, that vile solar aura!"
On the battle's cusp, Arjuna's long-suppressed emotions erupted. His heroic and regal composure vanished, replaced by a manic blend of excitement and frenzy.
His weapon, Pashupata, gifted by Shiva, one of Hinduism's trinity, hummed for the imminent clash.
This bow was key to facing Karna. Labeled an anti-"person" Noble Phantasm, it judged enemies individually within its range, "liberating" failures.
Liberation bordered on the instant death of the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. Higher divinity raised the chance; anti-heroes had lower odds. Karna, divine, was vulnerable.
With this bow, Arjuna could pierce Karna's golden armor and slay him.
A searing roar of flames heralded a crimson sun, wreathed in endless fire, as a white-haired warrior radiating solar heat sped toward them.
Protected by golden armor and his high mobility, Karna survived the apocalyptic strike, escaping the Blood Fort Andromeda.
Though free of the Demon God Pillars' control, his will was twisted, consumed by madness.
Sensing a loathed familiar aura, he blazed toward Arjuna's position.
"Karna!!!"
Recognizing the aura he'd dreamed of defeating, Arjuna's face lit with battle lust.
No mistake, this was his ever-sought rival, the great hero of charity, son of Surya, Karna.
But Karna, eyes blood-red, didn't respond to Arjuna's fervent call, only glaring and roaring with rage.
Facing the clashing flames and thunder before him, Roy urged Mash to take Ritsuka and leave.
He knew these Indian brothers would fight to the death, fully immersed.
Not just Karna, but Arjuna in combat was equally perilous.
Their duel was beyond Ritsuka and Mash's level; involvement risked Mash failing to shield Ritsuka.
Chaldea's Dr. Roman urged Ritsuka to flee.
Yet Ritsuka looked anxious, scanning around. "Anna? Where's Ana? Mash, Roy-senpai, have you seen her? She was just here."
"Anna?"
Romani froze, checking his instruments. Ana's signal had vanished.
The petite purple-haired girl was gone from sight.
At Ritsuka's cry, Roy paused, his pupils narrowing as he glanced at the Blood Fort Andromeda's ruins, realization dawning.
With time pressing, he couldn't explain. Grabbing Ritsuka and Mash, he handed them to Tezcatlipoca, instructing him to take them away and rendezvous at sea as planned.
Meanwhile,
Rumble, rumble!!!
The plain's temperature soared, endless flames erupting, thunder flashing through the fire.
Crackle!!
Blue lightning danced like serpents, weaving through the blaze.
Thunder and flame intertwined.
The sons of Surya, sun god, and Indra, thunder god, clashed with divine might.
The powers of Brahma, creation god, and Shiva, destruction god, shone limitlessly through them.
Their duel was fire and water, yet evenly matched, with no quick victor.
"Hahahahaha!!!"
"Yes! Yes!! This is the fight!! Karna, I've waited too long for this!!"
Amid the inferno, Arjuna, clashing with Karna, wore a frenzied grin, his mad laughter echoing.
Pulling back, he mercilessly drew Shiva's destruction bow, loosing arrows at Karna, shouting his name.
"Karna!!!"
But Karna, mind controlled, eyes mad, couldn't respond as before.
"ARRRRHHH!!!"
He raised his head, bellowing with murderous intent, charging through Arjuna's arrows.
"You've become a mindless beast?! Pathetic, Karna. If so… I'll send you to your end!!"
Arjuna, mocking Karna's state, loosed arrows.
Karna, dodging the barrage, teleported before Arjuna, thrusting his god-slaying spear.
Boom!!!
An explosion roared. Arjuna, unflinching, blocked with his destruction bow, eyes brimming with killing intent.
"You're just a beast now?! After all this probing, wake up! How long will you be their puppet, Karna?!"
"My dreamed-of rival can't be this weak!!!!"
Arjuna's words and strength stirred Karna's buried consciousness. His red eyes showed struggle, gazing at Arjuna's familiar dark face, roaring beast-like, "…Arjuna… Ar…juna!!!"
"Yes, regaining some sense? You still know me, Karna!!"
"Right, Karna! I'm your nemesis, Indra's son, fated to slay you. We're destined to kill each other. Remember that!"
With Ritsuka and Mash gone, Arjuna dropped his calm princely facade, embracing a Berserker's madness.
Seeing Karna struggle in a mire of consciousness, Arjuna didn't strike. He raised his right hand, conjuring blue light, gently pushing it into Karna's chest.
Boom!!
A deafening blast echoed over the plain, the recoil separating them.
Though sudden, Karna's solar armor shielded him from harm.
This was Arjuna's intent.
He gazed at Karna, clutching his head, torn between will and madness, not turning to Roy, speaking softly.
"Please leave, Master. Your battlefield is the endless sea. Leave Karna to me. I'll settle this today!!"
"I understand."
Roy nodded, not offering Command Spell enhancements.
He knew Arjuna sought a fair final duel with Karna.
Using external aid would insult his heart, rendering victory hollow and unfit for a warrior.
Arjuna had rejected Merlin's enhancement magic for this reason.
Roy respected a warrior's resolve, saying no more to avoid dishonoring it.
He nodded, advising, "Arjuna, fight freely, but Karna's no pushover. Your compatibility is poor, so be cautious."
"Thank you…"
Grateful for Roy's acceptance of his selfish choice, Arjuna's eyes softened.
In a war to save humanity, forgoing advantages for a fair fight was foolish.
He'd been ready to defy Roy, even righteousness, to face Karna honorably.
Yet, his new Master offered no rebuke, only understanding and encouragement to fight freely.
What more could a Servant say to such a Master?
Only victory could repay him!!
Arjuna's resolve hardened.
He couldn't lose!!
This time, he mustn't lose!!!
He'd defeat Karna or take him down with him, sparing his Master this burden!!
"Very well…"
Seeing Arjuna's steadfast gaze, Roy smiled, shouting, "Defeat Karna, divinely gifted hero, and grant him honorable liberation!"
"I won't fail my Master!!!"
Arjuna's voice rang clear.
He streaked toward Karna, determined to settle this in his truest state.
Karna, seeing Arjuna charge, ceased struggling, flames cloaking him. Roaring, he brandished his god-slaying spear, rushing forward.
"Arjuna!!!!"
Hearing Karna shout his name, Arjuna's battle lust blazed anew. Emotion surging, he yelled his rival's name.
"Karna!!!!"
Blue and red lights flashed, colliding instantly.
Roaring flames and surging thunder clashed again.
The fated duel of these mythic demi-god brothers reignited.
This time,
It would decide victory and death!!
___
If you're interested in reading more that 50 chapters, feel free to visit my pat reon,
https , // www .pat reon. com /XElenea