The power of the Lostbelt and Pan-Human History had no comparison.
This didn't mean the Lostbelt was necessarily stronger than Pan-Human History. In previous Lostbelts, Ritsuka and Mash had faced enemies with power nearly equal to Singularities.
But this Britain Lostbelt was different.
Under Naoki's influence, Melusine and Barghest—the two opponents who would originally trouble Chaldea—were now far, far stronger than before!
*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*
The fairy sword Arondight slashed at the Round Table Shield with unimaginable speed.
Not only was her movement speed blindingly fast, Melusine's attack speed left Mash no chance to counter—she could only passively endure the near-endless barrage!
"A fine shield. Is this the weapon of my child from Pan-Human History?"
Melusine recalled info on Galahad and Mash.
A defense that never breaks as long as the user's will holds—truly worthy of the name. She'd slashed hundreds of times, yet left not a scratch.
Note: each strike equaled a Noble Phantasm. Until now, no being had survived her cuts unscathed.
(Hmm, if Naoki and I had a child, would they have a shield like this? Or should I make one from my bones or shell? But first, I need to deal with Aesc—she stole the wife position. So annoying.)
Melusine pondered very Lancelot-like thoughts while overwhelming Mash.
She wasn't serious.
It was still morning. Her energy was sleepy. Unilaterally suppressing Mash was already her maximum effort. She was so drowsy she didn't want to bother attacking from the sides.
And as the one directly receiving Melusine's attacks, Mash's feelings were nearly the opposite.
(So fast… and strong. Every strike feels like it'll pierce the shield… My arms hurt so much…)
Though the shield blocked each blow, Mash's arms still absorbed the direct impact. A dozen Noble Phantasm-level strikes were manageable, but dozens to hundreds piled up—even Mash was overwhelmed!
Moreover, with accumulating impacts, her body was gradually pushed back by Melusine. She'd retreated over a dozen meters from her starting position.
(If this continues… I'll fall first—)
*CLANG!*
Suddenly, the strongest slash yet struck the shield. The abrupt force sent Mash flying backward, spinning twice in the air before landing.
But just as Mash quickly rose to face the next attack, Melusine shook her hands: "No good… So tiring. My wrists hurt after hitting a wooden post thousands of times in a row. I'll have Naoki massage them properly later."
(Her wrists hurt? Meaning she can't attack for a bit?!)
"Mash!"
"Ready!"
Seizing the rare chance, Ritsuka immediately cast strengthening magic on Mash. With physical abilities boosted a level, Mash charged Melusine, leaped high, and slammed the round shield with full force!
*CLANG!*
Blocking the shield mid-air with her fairy sword's scabbard, Melusine sighed resignedly: "Let me rest a bit."
"Sorry, no—Miss Ayaka!"
"On it!"
Farther from Ritsuka, Ayaka—who'd been waiting—donned a fiery haori, hair blazing red, raised her high-heeled shoes (worn at some point), and stomped the ground!
The earth under Melusine suddenly glowed red-hot, then like a volcanic eruption—
*CRASH!*
A scorching fire pillar erupted from below, engulfing Melusine entirely! Then Ayaka's appearance shifted—fire to ice. She clenched her fist toward the pillar!
*CRACK!*
The blazing pillar instantly became a solid ice pillar, freezing Melusine tightly inside!
(Good, this'll hold her temporarily. Now for Fairy Knight Gawain.)
Just as Ayaka thought this—
*CRACK!*
The ice pillar suddenly cracked from the center.
Amid dizzying sword flashes, the entire pillar shattered into countless ice fragments. The next moment, Melusine burst out and appeared before Ayaka!
*BAM!*
A single punch landed in Ayaka's stomach, hurling her into a nearby house, crashing through several walls.
Melusine—still covered in ice shards—quickly shook her head and hair, rubbing her hands: "So cold… So sleepy… Waking up early is torture enough, now fighting with ice. I really want to sleep in Naoki's blanket now."
*BAM!*
At that moment, a magic bullet flew straight at Melusine's head from afar! Startled, she tilted her head to dodge! Glancing toward the source: "Your Majesty, watch stray bullets. Nearly hit me."
"Really? My apologies, Lancelot. I sensed impure aura from you just now. Thought a Mors appeared, so I attacked reflexively."
(Ugh… This is definitely because she heard my muttering earlier, right?)
"More importantly, get serious, Lancelot. Depending on your performance, another threesome sleep might be possible."
*BOOM!*
Instantly, Mash and Ritsuka felt Mana fountain from Melusine's body. Faint dragon roars echoed in their ears!
Then—
"ROAR——!"
Unlike her earlier drowsy, half-asleep look, Melusine showed extreme seriousness. Fairy sword Arondight unsheathed from both arms—amid deafening dragon roars, Mash and Ritsuka were instantly surrounded by dense blue light ribbons!
Like a giant dragon coiling around them.
Then, within the ribbons—countless meteor showers rained inward!
*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*
Melusine unleashed an all-directional storm attack on them both!
(For some reason, though I don't know why… even though it's morning, I'm suddenly super energized!)