The sky was a brilliant blue, the grass a vivid green.
A crystal-clear waterfall cascaded from the cliffs, painting a scene straight out of paradise.
Even Avalon, King Arthur's final resting place, could hardly compare.
At the center of this peaceful land stood a throne atop a pure white staircase.
"Eastern Observatory, Armory, Chamber of Life—silent. Western Intelligence Room, Control Tower, Gazing Star—also silent. The Heroic Spirits have proven far more capable than expected. Though we cannot truly disappear, they've managed to defeat us time and again. Truly unexpected."
Solomon, the King of Magecraft, calmly reported the state of battle in the Temple of Time. His eyes had seen the unending conflict—yet he remained utterly unfazed.
"No need to rush. You're the last one," Shiomi said, walking slowly across the grass with Gungnir in hand, drawing closer to the Mage King's throne.
"To entertain a human who's come from afar is a joy for any king. But regrettably, I hate humans," the King of Magecraft said with a dignified smile. "If you abandon your identity as a human, I'll forgive all your acts of rebellion up to now—child of Tiamat."
"Sorry, but I became Mother's child precisely because I refused to give up being human," Shiomi said, raising an eyebrow. "Besides, I didn't fight my way here through my companions' support for your hospitality."
"In that case, there is no reward for your long journey, nor will I show you any pity. What I feel... is nothing but rage—rage that demands to know: 'Why?'"
Shiomi pointed at the King of Magecraft. "Funny. I don't feel anything for you either. The Tablet of Destinies already exposed your true identity and motives. Falsely claiming to be the King of Magecraft and launching the Incineration of Humanity... I'd say it's about time the one behind you shows up, don't you think?"
"Behind me? What a foolish question. Even after borrowing the power of that King of Heroes and seeing through my identity, you still refuse to believe the reality before your eyes." Solomon sneered, making no effort to hide his disdain. "So this is what becomes of humans who've conquered death."
"...Is that so." Shiomi realized there was no longer any point in asking.
The King of Magecraft would never see it that way—no matter the reason.
Which meant he'd just have to drag that hidden existence out himself.
"In just a few more minutes... my hypothetical first Noble Phantasm, 'Ars Nova,' will complete its activation calculation," said the King of Magecraft with a cold smile. "Until then, let me entertain you for a bit."
"Your hypothetical first Noble Phantasm, huh." Shiomi recalled his secret talk with Romani—his conviction deepening.
The King of Magecraft rose from his throne. "As you can see, this space itself is my second Noble Phantasm: Ars Paulina: 'The Time of Coronation Has Come, Inspire All Things'. My Reality Marble."
Shiomi raised his hand. "No need for introductions. We've got our own genius Magus—more than a match for you. Your temple's true nature has already been exposed."
"Excellent, excellent! Humanity's final Master. The only human to have overcome death! You too shall become fuel for my light!"
Endless mana surged from the King of Magecraft's body as he stepped forward to personally face Shiomi.
They had clashed once before in the London Singularity. Back then, Shiomi's power was feeble—his heart pierced without resistance.
But it was that fatal strike that revealed a truth even Shiomi hadn't known.
That revelation was one of the reasons he was now able to stand before the King of Magecraft and challenge him again.
He'd come prepared to die—but if he couldn't even manage that, then there was nothing left to fear.
"Still not planning to show your true face, impostor?" Shiomi tensed, asking one final time.
"True face? I am King Solomon, the King of Magecraft. At least... this body is."
The King of Magecraft spread his arms wide. In an instant, a barrage of offensive magecraft surged forth.
But the Primordial Runes, already etched and awaiting command, answered Shiomi's will—launching a swift counterattack.
Their spells collided in that instant.
"Too bad for you. My magecraft has never belonged to the system of the King of Magecraft," Shiomi said, casually twirling his spear into a dazzling arc. "Just like this spear—it's a gift from the great god Odin!"
As such, the rings in the King of Magecraft's hands couldn't interfere with Shiomi's Rune Magecraft.
He charged up the pristine white staircase in long strides and, in a flash, closed the distance—thrusting his spear forward.
The King of Magecraft clearly intended to crush Shiomi through overwhelming magical force. As Shiomi advanced, the King's spells grew more intricate and intense, gradually surpassing the pace at which Shiomi could both attack and activate his Runes.
Even when employing Touko Aozaki's clever technique—using Runes to construct new Runes in order to match the King's rapid Divine Words—it still wasn't enough to catch up to the King of Magecraft's casting speed.
So, unsurprisingly, the thrust was intercepted—unable to land a single blow.
"I may not be the King of Heroes, but I've gathered quite a few treasures on my way here."
A surge of pure mana burst outward, sending Shiomi flying. As he lifted his hand, an enormous battle axe appeared—towering like a mountain.
The Axe of Marduk.
Even without True Name release, as a purely physical strike, its weight and presence alone—as a divine weapon of the war god Marduk—was enough to shake even the stern King of Magecraft.
He had no choice but to defend with everything he had.
But the burden of releasing its True Name was too heavy, and Shiomi couldn't be certain the blow would be fatal.
Which meant, before gambling on riskier moves, he needed to exhaust all safer options first.
"He who stole the name of Solomon, the King of Magecraft. He who burned the history of this planet, slaughtering us humans. With this spear, bestowed by the great god Odin, I shall tear away your false guise and reveal your true nature."
Shiomi declared, calm and unwavering.
"Become a shooting star—shatter the disguise. 'Gungnir'!"
Heed Shiomi's voice—release the True Name.
The divine spear tore through the air, streaking straight for the King of Magecraft's body.
Without expression, the King raised a hand to summon another layer of magical defense, intending to block Gungnir. A defense that over 90% of Heroic Spirits couldn't breach—
Shattered like glass.
The spear pierced clean through his heart. The Axe of Marduk followed, crashing down and severing one of his arms.
The King of Magecraft stumbled back a few steps, collapsing into the broken throne behind him, lowering his head.
"…Heh. Heh heh… Heh hahahahaha!"
Starting soft, the laughter built into wild peals that echoed through the temple.
It went on and on—until it stopped. Suddenly. Sharply.
"If you're so desperate to die... then as recognition of your strength, I'll grant you the honor of facing my true body!"