Gawain, Lancelot, and Tristan are women.
In the air.
Glancing at Melusine, who was now getting serious over there, Morgan also pulled back her divided attention.
(With this, Melusine no longer needs worrying about. Though she's the most reliable knight, mornings always make her a bit concerning. Energizing her now is good.)
(Gawain never needed worry from the start. She's always been extremely reliable and serious. Should finish in a few minutes.)
As Morgan predicted, compared to the minor issues on Melusine's side, Barghest's side was a one-sided suppression.
Or rather, a slaughter.
Despite facing five alone—including Angelica using the Gilgamesh Class Card—she showed no weakness. Neither Angelica's fired Noble Phantasms nor Atalanta's arrows could injure Barghest at all. Jeanne Alter and Gray, engaging in close combat, were continuously pushed back.
Meanwhile, Ciel and Touko were completely unable to help.
After all, Barghest was a black hound that devoured Mana. Both were Magi relying on Mana to fight. The fact their opponent could consume Mana already declared their helplessness.
(Battles on both sides are just a matter of time. Then it's my turn here—)
*CLANG!*
A radiant Holy Sword slashed alongside a lightning-wreathed blade while Morgan was thinking. But right before touching her, both were forcibly blocked by an invisible barrier in the air. Then Artoria and Mordred felt a powerful counterforce, instantly pushing them back to their original spots.
Morgan glanced coldly at them: "Just this much? Artoria of Proper Human History, and my daughter Mordred. If only this, don't expect to take Naoki back—you'll die here today."
With borrowed flight Noble Phantasm from Angelica, Artoria glared at Morgan: "Don't talk big, Morgan. We will take Master away. If you block us, I'll defeat you."
"With just you, unable to breach even my automatic defense Magecraft?"
Morgan sneered.
Automatic defense Magecraft—This was Magecraft Morgan prepared on Naoki's advice shortly after the Fairy Nation's founding. Its effective range was a spherical area with an 85-centimeter radius centered on her. Attacks launched from outside this area would be absorbed, then converted into pure shock force returned to the attacker.
The reason for developing this Magecraft was simple—precaution. Though since the Fairy Nation's founding no one could harm Morgan, Naoki knew what end she'd face, so he had her prepare it to prevent that.
Morgan understood Naoki's intent and had no complaints.
"Release your Holy Swords, Artoria and Mordred." Morgan said. "I'll make you realize the gap between us. Proper Human History is just a chaotic bunch."
"That means you're not even taking my Holy Sword seriously, huh."
Artoria sighed slightly: "You're truly arrogant, Morgan. Are you confident you can withstand my true-name Noble Phantasm release unharmed while facing me?"
"Of course. A low-grade Holy Sword—I've seen its light countless times. Nothing to fear." Morgan descended slightly. "Come, I'll give you time. I'll take your Noble Phantasms head-on, then crush you directly—and with this, announce your Proper Human History's defeat."
"Don't talk so much—!"
Though the enemy was her own mother, Mordred held nothing back. Using exploding red lightning as propulsion, she charged straight at Morgan. The brilliant, beautiful Clarent slashed with full force!
*BAM!*
Same as before—no difference. The moment the blade touched Morgan's automatic defense Magecraft, Mordred was hurled back to her starting point, as if struck by a sledgehammer.
Morgan looked at Mordred with slight disappointment: "Don't waste my time, Mordred. Release your Noble Phantasms. That's your only way to defeat me."
"Tch—you said it yourself! Mother!"
Horned helmet released. Mordred raised Clarent high. Brutal red lightning crawled along the blade. A beam of red lightning suddenly shot skyward!
"I am no King, but one who follows the King's footsteps. For the King's peace, I'll drive away all enemies—Clarent Blood Arthur!"
Shouting the Noble Phantasm's true name, Mordred swung Clarent—firing a red lightning light cannon at Morgan!
*CRASH!*
The true-name-released Noble Phantasm collided with Morgan's automatic defense Magecraft.
(An A+ rank Anti-Army Noble Phantasm, huh… So, though power is average, its mystery level surpasses my Magecraft. Can only hold briefly?)
No matter how strong Morgan's Magecraft effect, it was still Magecraft. Its mystery level couldn't compare to a Noble Phantasm—crystallized fantasy. Being able to withstand a Noble Phantasm even briefly already showed how terrifying that Magecraft was.
It would be pierced in three more seconds.
(But, only this much.)
Morgan placed her hand on her staff, gripping the protruding handle—
*SHUAAA!*
A flood of black light suddenly exploded!
The lightning released by Mordred's Clarent lasted only a moment in that black light before being completely swallowed and submerged! Then the light wave directly struck Mordred's body!
*CRUSH-BANG!*
Armor shattered into pieces. Amid intense burning sensation, Mordred was hurled from the sky to the ground—her entire body covered in severe burns.
"Mordred!"
"Your turn, Artoria."
Morgan gave Artoria no time to worry about her daughter, pressing: "Let me see it—your Holy Sword. Should be more interesting than that useless daughter."
"Ugh… Wait, that in your hand—"
Seeing what Morgan gripped, Artoria'sscribed eyes shook.
Though details differed and it was entirely black, it was clearly…
"Excalibur… Why do you hold a Holy Sword, Morgan? And its shape—"
"Nothing, just a replica."
Morgan gripped the black Holy Sword without interest.
"Just one of the relatively better results from many failures I should've made in the past but never succeeded."
"Just a decent-quality fake."