Though Naoki had his suspicions, he wasn't entirely certain of his own thoughts.
After all, that man was currently asleep in Avalon in a different world. How could he suddenly wake up and appear in this Singularity in this world? Moreover, given that man's nature, no matter how Naoki thought about it, he could only stand on the side of Humanity, and it was impossible for him to do anything that would destroy it.
So, while it was a guess, Naoki didn't have much confidence in it.
But now—
Looking at the figure seated on the throne, after speaking his piece, Naoki fell silent for a moment before letting out a few self-deprecating laughs.
"No, it seems I really asked a boring question. I know who you are better than anyone… Why are you acting so cold up there?"
"Arthur."
Arthur.
Arthur Pendragon.
King Arthur from another world, the one who had always fought side by side with Naoki until now. He was the only one Naoki could never forget.
The person sitting on the throne, reflected in his eyes now, was undoubtedly him.
"As expected, it's because of you?"
Standing up from the throne, the expressionless Arthur stared at Naoki, raising a hand to touch his chest. "My heartbeat is getting stronger. Are you the one causing this strange phenomenon in my heart, Natsukawa Naoki?"
Arthur didn't like this feeling. The sound of his heartbeat suddenly felt somewhat irritating at this moment. And when he looked at Naoki before him, his head inexplicably began to ache again.
At that moment, a cool sensation from a hand reached Arthur's temples on both sides.
Gently massaging Arthur's temples as if to alleviate his headache, Merry smiled and said, "Don't pay too much attention to this man, my lord. What you need to do hasn't changed."
"They are enemies who came to destroy this castle. You only need to eliminate them. That way, your reign will continue forever."
"Yes, as you say."
The face that had briefly wavered due to the headache returned to normal. In Arthur's hand, a golden light familiar to Naoki gradually gathered, and then a golden sword materialized from it.
(Caliburn…)
Naoki's expression grew serious. At the same time, he glanced at the white-robed woman behind Arthur.
"Is that… Sister Merry?" Gray asked with a hint of uncertainty.
From her appearance, clothing, and aura, the person standing behind Arthur was indeed Merry. But for some reason, Gray felt something was off, as if this Merry was one percent different from the Merry she knew.
[Her Mana signature isn't different; it's the same as the Incubus that gave me that feeling.] Add explained.
[But… just like you, foolish Gray, I also feel something's not right. It's like kissing plastic wrap when you kiss someone's lips—it doesn't feel great. Big brother feels the same, right?]
"Yeah."
Add didn't need to tell him—Naoki already knew this Merry wasn't the real Merry. After all, the real Merry was currently in the Seventh Singularity, using all her tricks to hypnotize Tiamat. She wouldn't appear here.
But… thinking about it, it wasn't entirely impossible. If it was her, she could definitely leave a substitute here with an illusion to confuse people.
"You… no, both of you… who are you really?"
"Hehe, what a strange question, Lord King." Merry giggled, covering her mouth. "We are, of course, [Merry] and [Arthur Pendragon], the two people you know best."
No, that's not right.
Though the two in front of him looked exactly like the two people Naoki knew, he could clearly sense a slight discrepancy compared to the originals.
"You, could you be—"
"Holy Sword, Release."
Just as Naoki was about to voice his thoughts, Arthur's emotionless voice echoed in the empty throne room.
A brilliant star-like light flared from the Holy Sword.
"Ngh—he's really going all out! Gray, get ready!"
Naoki said as he drew his own Holy Sword. An equally brilliant star-like light erupted and shone!
Seeing this, Gray immediately transformed Add into its shield form, maximizing its defensive output!
"Excali—"
"Excali—"
Both Holy Swords were raised simultaneously. At a distance of less than twenty meters, staring into Arthur's vacant eyes as if he had lost his sense of self, Naoki gritted his teeth and swung his Holy Sword first!
"—bur!"
True Name, Released.
The Breath of the Stars poured out from the Holy Sword! Though it didn't release any bindings, this attack still carried the power of an A+ Anti-City Noble Phantasm!
Strike first to gain the advantage!
However, the moment Naoki swung his Holy Sword—
"Release Restrictions, The Four Retained—Gawain, Lancelot, Tristan, Mordred."
(What—)
"Excalibur."
Like an iceberg, expressionless and with an emotionless voice, Arthur mechanically swung the Holy Sword in his hand. A star-like light, far more blinding than Naoki's, instantly enveloped Naoki and Gray's entire field of vision!
At the same time, the entire throne room was filled with the radiant light of the Holy Sword!
And within this light, in just an instant, Naoki's light was completely obliterated by Arthur's. The output in that moment was on an entirely different level!
(Damn it, Gray—)
Realizing his recklessness, Naoki immediately shifted his attention backward. At the fastest speed he could muster, he rushed in front of Gray, simultaneously fully activating his Displacement Magecraft!
*BOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!*
The star-like light completely devoured everything in its path!
However, this blinding light lasted only a moment. As if deeming it sufficient, Arthur, looking at the now-empty and ruined space caused by the Holy Sword's attack, turned and sat back on the throne.
"They escaped." Merry smiled. "That must be Displacement Magecraft. It's impressive they managed it in that split second. The Imaginary Manifestation unique to fairies is truly convenient—Shall we pursue, my lord?"
"They can't be chased. But they can be hunted." Arthur said in a deep voice. "Issue the order to Lancelot. Have him begin the hunt for Naoki and Gray, dead or alive. He is permitted to use the Holy Grail."
"As you command. A wise judgment, my lord."