The Great King Has Passed Away (Continued)

Without any hesitation, Rovey lived up to expectations and gave Gilgamesh the same answer.

"Oh?"

A smile appeared in Gilgamesh's eyes.

"If it is unavoidable, then I will do everything in my power to stop Tiamat and prevent her from doing something against her own will and heart."

This was decided long ago.

In unavoidable circumstances, he will take responsibility to bring everything to a close.

"You've really worked hard..."

Gilgamesh sighed upon seeing this.

If it were before, he would have been frantic upon learning of this situation, because no matter how you looked at it, they had no chance of winning. But now, with Rovey's words, there is still a chance of winning regarding Tiamat, and it could even be said that the chances are very high.

And Rovey was well aware of what Gilgamesh was referring to.

—The Temple of Time.

Thanks to the traitor Lev's efforts, Solomon's legacy is split equally between him and Goetia. Goetia obtained Clairvoyance and Solomon's body (Spirit Origin), while Rafe possesses the Ten Commandments, the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars, and the Temple of Time is shared. This is the way to break the deadlock now.

The Seventh Singularity must not be destroyed under any circumstances, so shifting the battlefield is of paramount importance.

If someone had suggested to Gilgamesh that he use Reality Marble to teleport before this, Gilgamesh would have laughed and whispered in their ear, "You mongrel, are you even thinking straight?"

With Tiamat's power comparable to a humanoid Ea, the magical energy she generates is enough to tear the world apart. What Reality Marble could possibly contain her?

Programs like Unlimited Blade Works and Ionian Hetairoi, or the Great Barrier of Uruk, would be popped like bubbles with just a word from her. This idea is as ridiculous as trying to put fire in paper.

Gilgamesh only remembered this after he saw the Demon God Pillars and was sent flying back.

The answer does exist, but it was automatically ignored before because it was too unrealistic. Now, however, it has truly become the hope for a turnaround.

"I can see that after obtaining those Ten Rings, you are now able to use the Temple of Time, which contains Solomon's records, right?"

"That's right." Hearing his question, Rovey nodded and replied, "I can indeed use the Temple of Time now, and I also understand what you mean."

"Hmph, it's good that you understand."

Seeing that Rovey understood, Gilgamesh smiled and said, "Use Solomon's barrier Noble Phantasm to transfer Tiamat to the Temple of Time. No need to destroy her, just control or seal her. Even the Ea can't tear that place apart. Similarly, Tiamat herself. No matter how many times it's destroyed, that world will automatically regenerate. It's already considered the best sealed prison; no matter how much it's destroyed, its stability won't be affected. And..."

Gilgamesh looked at the circle in the sky and proposed his plan.

"Goetia's Humanity Incineration also relies on the Light Wheel stored in the Temple of Time. If Tiamat causes damage there, he will definitely return to defend. At that time, the three-way battle will be achieved, which will also prevent things from becoming irreversible. Do you understand? Moreover, when the two beasts collide, even if the Counter Force pretends to be dead, it will have to provide support. At that time, the Counter Force will activate that thing that has always existed but has been unwilling to use - Final Battle Magecraft: Heroic Spirit Summoning."

"Heroic Spirit Summoning..."

Upon hearing the name, Rovey pondered for a moment.

He was, of course, familiar with the name Gilgamesh: the Final Battle Magecraft, Heroic Spirit Summoning. This was the Counter Force's final, crucial trump Magecraft. The Counter Force judged that an unavoidable catastrophe of Human Order destruction existed, and thus used the Final Battle Magecraft, Heroic Spirit Summoning, to summon the seven Grand Rank, thereby averting the catastrophe and ensuring the continued existence of the primate world. This Magecraft was tightly controlled by the Counter Force and would never be used unless absolutely necessary.

Logically, the Counter Force should have activated when Goetia manifested as Evils of Humanity in the Sixth Singularity. However, due to the slow response, Rameses II, who was on the front lines, disappeared before he could obtain his coveted Grand Rider. Goetia then used Anti-Summoning to seal the Singularity, banning the Heroic Spirit Summoning function. The only remaining Servant, King Hassan, was already there, and there wasn't enough time to send a suitable Servant to assist, almost resulting in a total annihilation. It was utterly useless.

According to Gilgamesh, if things turn out this way, then the Counter Force will definitely activate this final spell.

After all, Goetia Tiamat are now together. If this is resolved, then the Humanity Incineration officially end. If they don't find a way to resolve it, then they might as well all stay in the grave together.

"Will there be seven Grand Rank champions joining this time?" Rovey asked curiously.

Logically speaking, dealing with one Evils of Humanity should require the deployment of seven Grand Rank, but this time two have appeared at once, so we might actually see Grand Rank team fight.

"I think you're just dreaming. Not only has the [Grand Caster] Spirit Origin been used by Goetia, but the other Grand Rank might not be able to deploy in time. It would be good if there were two or three Grand Rank. However, there will definitely be quite a few Heroic Spirit participating in the battle, since this is the last chance."

Gilgamesh said, "You, myself, and several divine Servant— this is already a luxurious enough lineup. We can't do anything about any more Counter Force."

"But what about counter-summoning? Even if it's Grand Servant, it's still Servant. As long as it's Servant, it can't be damaged by counter-summoning, right?"

What Rovey was thinking about was that Goetia itself blocked the counter-summoning of Servant.

With this, no matter how many Servant come, they cannot harm him.

Unless we use that...?

Putting aside whether he was prepared to sacrifice himself, he didn't even know how to use that Noble Phantasm. Solomon's last Noble Phantasm, and even with the Ten Commandments, he still didn't know how to use it. Did he have to learn it from Romani?

Then, he actually took the act seriously and traded one for one with Goetia?

Thinking about this gave Rovey a headache.

If that's really the case...

Then he might really have to take over for Roman.

Goetia...

Is this the only way?

Rovey touched the ring on his hand and felt the cool touch on it.

This is Solomon's ring.

It is also the only way to defeat Goetia in the original storyline.

Only--

Will this really work?

No, I should say, can I do it?

The courage to sacrifice oneself.

This must be another test left by that guy. Perhaps he knew this all along, which is why he allowed me to use the Ten Commandments. Really...

That's absolutely awful.

However, you underestimate me too much; I am just a life.

But could he predict whether doing this would really make things better?

Humanity Incineration away, and he went to Heaven. Tiamat was sealed away, and then Human Order Freezing.

It seems like everything has been resolved, but in reality, nothing has been resolved at all.

That's why he didn't want to accept this outcome.

Rovey clenched his fists tightly.

This was only a last resort; he still needed to find other possibilities within the final timeframe and do everything he could.

After exchanging Gilgamesh for a while, night quickly fell.

Merlin has gone out to search for the Slab of Destiny and has not yet returned.

Meanwhile, Merry was studying Tiamat, saying she had some inspiration.

Black Lancer Artoria went to the front lines to leave a safety net in case the Demonic Beast suddenly swept in.

Rovey stood on the rooftop of the palace, gazing at the distant Arabian Sea.

The cold night wind felt like knives scraping against my face.

He unexpectedly felt cold.

Logically speaking, his constitution should have made him completely immune to the cold wind, but the source of this chill was not the night wind, but rather the coldness in his heart.

Reality is too cruel.

Despite all the effort, this is still the outcome.

It was cruel enough to overwhelm anyone.

But that still couldn't bring him down.

His heart was delicate and fragile, yet incredibly strong; at most, he felt somewhat powerless.

In fact, Rovey was also very puzzled. He was just a transmigrator who happened to be there by chance, an ordinary person, a mortal who only participated in the Holy Grail War to go home. Why did such a thing happen to him, and why did he end up like this?

He couldn't understand this at all.

He started Magus Alchemy, striving to repay his teacher's kindness and to return home. Later, seeking peace of mind, he continued his efforts, hoping for an easier life. Still later, for his lover, he pressed on, but the road seemed endless; each time he thought he had succeeded, more troubles would inevitably arise.

However, this still couldn't defeat him.

It's just a few difficulties, some hardships, and a little bit of hardship.

He could simply walk away now, go straight back, or even more simply give up and go to Heaven...

But he couldn't let go. As someone Holy Spirit said, "I am a person with deep attachments, and it is difficult for me to attain true enlightenment."

At the time, he didn't take it seriously. If a person has no obsessions, is he still a human being?

If there are difficulties ahead, then strive to overcome them; if there are obstacles, then muster all your strength to step over them. It's not a big deal.

"But this level is... way too difficult."

Rovey looked at his hands and gave a bitter smile.

Those he wanted to save couldn't, and he couldn't bring himself to leave. Letting Merry take Black Lancer Artoria and Lily away would be disrespectful and irresponsible. But wouldn't it also be irresponsible to die alongside Goetia?

This is so frustrating, so upsetting... It's just too difficult!

What should I do?

To simply leave, or—

"Honey!"

Just as Rovey's thoughts were churning, he suddenly heard Merry's voice in his ear. Rovey clenched his fist, suppressed his bitter smile, and then turned his head to look. He saw Black Lancer Artoria and Merry standing at the entrance of the rooftop.

"What's wrong? Merry, and Lily too..."

Rovey asked aloud.

"It's nothing." Black Lancer Artoria shook his head and said, "I just missed you, so I came here. I've already built the Tower of the End on the front line, and now even if Gorgon comes, it will be difficult to break through. As for this guy, I met him on the way. He said he had something important to tell you."

"Oh... I'm sorry for making you worry. I'm sorry, Lily. We're family now, but I haven't been able to fulfill my responsibilities. I..."

Are you blaming yourself? Do you feel like you've let me down?

Before Rovey could finish speaking, Black Lancer Artoria asked a question first.

"Hmm." Rovey nodded and replied, "Yes, I am well aware that what I am doing now is definitely not that of a good husband, and I have disappointed you."

"Well, as your husband, although you are indeed a bit of a womanizer and have unintentionally caused me a lot of trouble, but... I don't regret it." Black Lancer Artoria raised her head, then gently took his hand and said earnestly. In those clear eyes, Rovey's current appearance was reflected.

"As expected, no matter what she becomes, Artoria is still Artoria."

Rovey nodded and said.

That's why I like you, isn't it?

"That's true..."

Rovey leaned forward slightly.

"Cough cough cough!" Merry coughed a few times. "Because I was very sour, I appeared just in time."

"Uppercut!"

With a roar, Rovey delivered a perfect uppercut from below, slamming it into Merry's chin.

Why?!

Merry landed on the ground in a very graceful parabola.

Although the person in the way was knocked away, the atmosphere was completely ruined.

Rovey awkwardly grabbed Black Lancer Artoria's hand, glanced at Merry beside him, and asked, "Alright, so what brings you here? Are you here to comfort me? Or to stop me? Shouldn't you be with Tiamat right now?"

"Hmph, Tiamat doesn't need to stay with you. She's learning to make butter bread at the bakery. And I'm certainly not the kind of weak woman who can only offer comfort in crucial moments. I'm here because I have something important to tell you."

Merry patted her chest and then spoke triumphantly.

"What's up?"

"Now I have a solution to the Tiamat problem."

A strange smile appeared on Merry's fairy-like face, then she spoke mysteriously, "And the method is— 'Fairy Transformation,' but we'll need your help with the specific implementation."

Rovey: "!!!"

Silence fell over the room.

A cold evening wind howled past, but this time the wind wasn't as cold as before.

"Explain in detail—"