*Boom!*
Like a bomb dropping from the sky, Zuke's figure landed in the central square of the Holy City. The immense impact sent the surrounding Knights of the Round Table flying.
However, three figures remained standing—three of the Round Table Knights.
Gawain, Mordred, and Tristan—Gawain and Mordred had been encountered earlier at the palace gates, while Tristan had rushed over upon hearing the commotion.
"Three Round Table Knights, huh..."
Zuke glanced at the three knights before him, noticing that they seemed to be subtly preparing to encircle him. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"Lancelot probably isn't in the Holy City right now... What about Agravain? Isn't he coming?"
At this point, there should only be five Round Table Knights serving under the Lion King.
Excluding Gawain, Mordred, and Tristan, who were standing before him, that left Lancelot and Agravain.
According to the original storyline, Lancelot should still be out on the battlefield, so the only one unaccounted for in the Holy City was Agravain.
Considering that Agravain was the Lion King's close confidant, it made sense that he wasn't here. He was likely busy directing the Knights of the Round Table to quell the chaos in the Holy City.
After all, this invasion wasn't just Zuke and the Chaldea group—they had also brought along the mountain people.
Although the mountain people weren't particularly strong, their numbers were enough to keep the Knights of the Round Table occupied.
In other words, with Fujimaru Ritsuka and her group of Servants escorting Bedivere to meet the Lion King, the only real obstacle they faced was Agravain.
And Agravain was the only one among the Lion King's Round Table Knights who hadn't received a "blessing." Fujimaru Ritsuka and her group shouldn't have any trouble dealing with him.
"Agravain's too rigid to act rashly. He's probably busy organizing the Knights of the Round Table right now."
It was Mordred who answered Zuke's question. The rebellious knight was straightforward, even when facing an enemy, she spoke her mind without hesitation.
"Although Gawain usually manages the Knights of the Round Table, when it comes to critical moments, Agravain is the one who... Gawain?"
Mid-sentence, Mordred seemed to notice that something was off with Gawain.
He was staring intently at Zuke, his hands gripping his sword trembling ever so slightly—a mix of challenge and fear that surprised both Mordred and Tristan.
It was the first time they had seen Gawain display such a loss of composure.
"It's you... I can't mistake this aura."
Gawain's eyes were completely focused on Zuke, ignoring everything else around him, including Mordred and Tristan.
He stared at Zuke. Although Zuke no longer looked as dark as before, Gawain was certain—this was the man who had devoured half of his body.
"You still remember, huh? Guess my earlier efforts weren't in vain."
Seeing Gawain's intense gaze, Zuke knew that his previous actions had left a lasting impression.
He could have had "Blackbird Requiem" devour Gawain without anyone noticing, but he had used "Tenore Sax" to create a realistic illusion, allowing them to see the Stand.
His goal was to leave a deep mark on Gawain's psyche, ensuring that he would fight even harder in future battles involving Zuke.
It seemed his plan had succeeded. No doubt, Gawain had left a painful memory for Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others.
If Gawain could make Fujimaru Ritsuka and her group more cautious about the Holy City, then Zuke's goal was achieved—and Gawain's usefulness had come to an end.
As he spoke, Zuke summoned "Blackbird Requiem" and used "Tenore Sax" illusion ability to affect everyone present, allowing them to see the Stand's form.
"So this is the thing that devoured Gawain, huh?"
Tristan, though his eyes were closed, could still clearly see Zuke's Stand, "Blackbird Requiem."
This Round Table Knight had blinded himself to avoid witnessing the internal strife among the knights, but after receiving the Lion King's "Reversal" blessing, his sight had been restored.
Closing his eyes was simply a habit.
"You...!"
Gawain was completely consumed by rage. Without hesitation, he swung his knightly sword at Zuke with all his might.
The power and speed of this strike far surpassed what Zuke had experienced when "Blackbird Requiem" had infiltrated the Holy City, but it still wasn't enough.
Zuke didn't even bother to block. He simply let Gawain's "Excalibur Galatine" slam into his scalp.
As expected, not even a single strand of Zuke's hair was cut—thanks to the reinforcement of his "ki," even his hair was incredibly resilient. Gawain's attack couldn't sever it.
"Your attacks are useless."
Zuke looked at Gawain, whose pupils were trembling, then casually kicked his knee.
*Thud!*
Gawain immediately felt an overwhelming force surge into his knee. The leg that supported his body felt as if it had been broken, leaving him unable to stand.
In an instant, Gawain collapsed to the ground in front of Zuke.
"To be honest, if it weren't for letting Bedivere return Excalibur to Artoria, I would've just used a Kamehameha to destroy the Holy City along with the Lion King."
Zuke looked down at Gawain, speaking calmly.
"You should be grateful that I'm giving you time to fulfill your duty—your task is complete, Gawain. Rest in peace."
With that, Zuke raised his hand, and a sword as radiant as the sun appeared in his grasp.
This was Gram, the Sword of the Tree, from the "Gate of Babylon." In the Type-Moon universe, this sword was the prototype of King Arthur's Excalibur.
Using this sword to send Gawain off was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it was also a fitting end for this Round Table Knight.
Infused with Zuke's "ki," Gram pierced through Gawain's heart, instantly extinguishing his life force.
Gawain spat out a mouthful of blood, then gradually lost consciousness. His body began to dissipate into motes of light, like a Servant exiting the stage.
"You've seen it for yourselves. With your strength, you can't win."
After dealing with Gawain, Zuke turned his attention to Mordred and Tristan.
Gawain's attack and subsequent death had happened in the blink of an eye, leaving both Mordred and Tristan stunned by how quickly he had been defeated. For a moment, they hesitated to attack.
However, upon hearing Zuke's words, Mordred laughed:
"Are you kidding me... Do I look like someone who'd back down!?"
Beside her, Tristan also turned his gaze to Zuke, his fingers trembling slightly on his bowstring, clearly preparing to attack.
"Is that so..."
Zuke sighed, realizing he'd have to deal with these two Round Table Knights as well.
To be continued…
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