Chapter 303

Before the words were even finished, the tension between the two had already risen. Even though neither of them wanted to, the sword as the source and the sword as the simulated sword would seek each other out, prompting the two sword-wielding hands to move. Although Novia was not currently wielding a sword, she was merely using Book formed by Od to fight against it.

In an instant, like rain falling from a clear sky, water was poured over the King of Knights, soaking his armor. The King of Knights initially thought it was some kind of power, but realized it was just ordinary water, so he didn't pay any attention to it.

Swords and Book, two seemingly disparate things, even with completely different foundations, revealed different powers depending on who wielded them. The moment they came into contact, a booming sound echoed throughout the space.

The impact of the conflict even sent Mash, who was armed, flying straight into the rocks behind her. Ritsuka and Olga Marie were lucky enough to avoid the impact by crouching down with their heads covered.

"Waaah!"

The terrifying aura and the extremely dangerous battlefield, Mash being knocked down by the mere impact, coupled with the King of Knights's support from the Holy Grail, and the fact that neither of their own two were able to use their Noble Phantasm —all these circumstances caused the already distraught Olga Marie to burst into tears.

"No, how can we possibly win? We're going to die here, and we'll never get back to Chaldea..."

"..."

Ritsuka, who had just helped Mash Ritsuka, saw Olga Marie like this and didn't know what to say for a moment. She could only look at Novia, who was still exchanging blows with the King of Knights, with expectant eyes.

"Why not use your full strength?"

The King of Knights stared intently at Novia, puzzled as to why she was doing this. After all, based on his impression of her, it wouldn't be difficult for her to quickly eliminate him, yet she was now watching the three behind her fall into despair, which was very strange.

"There are some things that, even without my intervention, those who fight to the very end to survive would have accomplished."

A faint smile appeared on the silver-haired youth's face, but it vanished instantly, leaving behind an unbelievably calm expression.

I believe that.

With that, Novia jumped backward.

"... How boring."

At the same time, the King of Knights raised his Holy Sword high, "Let's finish this with this move."

The Od reaction on the King of Knights's body increased dramatically; the Od particles were no longer light, but had become darkness that devoured light.

"Devouring the light, the Excalibur!"

The vast, dark light shone directly towards Mash, who was holding a large shield and blocking their path. Without warning, the terrifying radiance was split in two.

"Ah, ah, ah ah!!!"

Faced with immense pressure, Mash could only shout to keep herself from letting go.

How terrifying! Actually, ever since the first battle, I've felt terrified. I just want to run away. It's so scary! The turbid currents of light are swallowing everything. Can I really hold it off all by myself? The shield is so heavy! I can't hold on any longer! Someone, please save me!

Just as the Pink-Haired Girl was feeling lost and confused, two hands simultaneously reached behind her shield.

"Gu, Consultant, and senior..."

"I don't want to yet..."

Ritsuka lowered her head, closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her face without her realizing it.

Novia and Mash naturally noticed this reaction, and Novia said the last word the girl uttered for her.

"I don't want to die either."

In that instant, those words touched Mash's heart.

Why would I want someone to protect me? I should be the one standing up, facing the enemy. Even if I'm not a hero, I'm still Servant. I must use it, even if it's not a true Noble Phantasm. It doesn't matter if it's just to hold out for this moment. If I can't use my Noble Phantasm, everyone will die!

In that instant, a radiance appeared on her shield— Mash's Noble Phantasm was unleashed.

At the same time, the King of Knights's Holy Sword was suppressed, and the dark light stream was also swallowed up.

"Heh, I didn't expect to be able to use it. But I still have Od, while you're already exhausted."

Looking at Ritsuka lying paralyzed on the ground, the King of Knights once again raised the Holy Sword, but this time he could not do as she wished.

There will be no next time, King of Knights.

"What--"

At that moment, a Cards appeared in Novia's hand, and in an Olga Marie, a drawing of a sword that looked remarkably like the Holy Sword wielded by the King of Knights appeared on it.

"During our close combat, as Spiritron Analyst from the Atlas Institute, I have already mapped some of the data of your Holy Sword. Therefore, with the help of this unknown Servant's abilities, I declare, King of Knights, your Holy Sword has been analyzed by me, and your Od has been absorbed by me--"

Novia grabbed the Cards with the sword printed on it, which was floating in front of her. A crack appeared on the Cards, and a sword that was a mixture of white, red, and black slowly emerged from it. A kind of extremely compressed aura was emanating from the sword, as if it were about to penetrate into countless thunderstorms, enveloping her entire body.

In an instant, the world was transformed into blue.

It was a sea-red, a color that would not fade for a while, a color that seemed to weep blood, and also a color that seemed to express joy.

"Spiritron-Analyzed Holy Sword."

When Novia took the sword, Mash and Olga Marie, who were already stunned, probably didn't notice, but the King of Knights, who was wielding the Holy Sword, had already realized that this was not some kind of Spiritrons analysis, but clearly the real Star Sword. Moreover, how could his Od be consumed so quickly that he couldn't even use his Noble Phantasm?

"I didn't expect my Od to run out so quickly. It's because of the water you just used, isn't it?"

Seeing this, the King of Knights immediately put down his sword and faced Novia, who seemed to be far away, waving the sword as if it were a joke.

It was difficult for ordinary people to see, but the King of Knights, as the Protection of Human Order, saw it long ago. The small patch of air was filled with a concept that made everything irresistible. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was a strike created specifically to kill everything.

"Although it's actually unnecessary, and we could just wait for your Od to dissipate and you to slowly leave the stage, I still think it's better to take action."

"What's the meaning?"

"As a senior, it must be hard to accept seeing three children crying all at once, especially since it's related to me."

"... Hahahaha, senior, what an interesting title..."

For some reason, the King of Knights suddenly laughed, then looked down at the sword stuck in the ground, "However, blindly pursuing what one is obsessed with has only led to this end..."

The next second, the King of Knights left the stage.

"Consultant Gu, the Master— "

Seeing this, Mash, who had finally been able to breathe a sigh of relief, anxiously said to Novia.

"Using Noble Phantasm consumes Od, and the Master provides the missing Od. In other words, Ritsuka is just too tired and has fallen asleep. Mash, don't move either, my healing Magecraft is being applied to you."

"Okay, okay..."

Upon hearing Novia's words, Mash immediately froze.

"How was it? How was your Noble Phantasm? Do you know its true name now?"

"I'm so sorry, no, I don't know anything..."

"Really? But I heard it."

Novia smiled and said, "'It doesn't matter if you're not a hero,' 'It doesn't matter if you're a fake Servant,' Mash, you unleashed your Noble Phantasm with such a mindset. You wholeheartedly protected me, Ritsuka, and the Director, bravely facing the world as Heroic Spirit— "

Mash's figure was clearly reflected in the silver-haired youth's blue eyes.

"And your Noble Phantasm has answered your wish; it's truly a beautiful story, almost like a fairy tale."

He continued.

"But it's hard to use Noble Phantasm without knowing its true name, right? We'll have to think of some chanting lyrics. Mash is a very meaningful name for you, Chaldea, isn't it? How about calling it 'Imaginary Noble Phantasm: The Foundation of Human Order (LordChaldea)'?"

"Um!"

Under the sunlight, Mash, who was struggling to hold back her tears, nodded.

After dealing with Cú Chulainn, who had just arrived as a Heroic Archer Heroic Spirit, he happened to witness Ritsuka's awakening.

"I told you it could be resolved smoothly..."

After exchanging glances and nodding with Novia, Cú Chulainn patted Mash and Ritsuka on the shoulder.

"The young ladies are all very hardworking. Although they are novice Master, they possess the most important qualities of a navigator: the ability to control one's Fate and the judgment to make decisions when luck comes. To help this young lady, they even stood up against powerful enemies. Don't forget that fearless spirit! People like you often receive the Blessing of the stars—"

At this point, Cú Chulainn shook his head and glanced at Novia.

"Or rather, the Universe... Anyway, little girl, if you could form a contract with this guy next to you, you'd have incredible fighting power! The Heroic Spirit within him has a very deep origin, even I want it, hahaha! Remember my promise!"

"Speak," Cú Chulainn said, and vanished before the crowd as Spiritrons.

Upon hearing Cú Chulainn's words, Ritsuka turned to look at Novia and shouted confidently:

"Alright! Let's go retrieve the Holy Grail and then return to our original era!"

Although Ritsuka fell unconscious after Mash used her Noble Phantasm, she learned through her conversation with Mash that Novia was the one who ultimately defeated the King of Knights, and that she used a sword with some kind of Spiritrons analysis, which was also very beautiful. It was a pity that she didn't get to see it.

However, the girl wasn't discouraged; after all, it was just the beginning, and there would be plenty of opportunities to see more in the future...

Then, Novia said to Olga Marie, who was secretly wiping away her tears and following behind the group:

"Director, you just looked quite envious."

"Yes, mind your own business!"

Olga Marie's cheeks inexplicably flushed, and she couldn't help but retort with her emotions, but after speaking, she lowered her head dejectedly.

... And it's like this again. I haven't gained anyone's approval. That's normal, though. In the end, I haven't accomplished anything. Whether in Chaldea or Fuyuki, all I did was complain from the sidelines... It's so embarrassing. I know perfectly well that self-righteous effort won't earn recognition from others.

"Director, I want to thank you. Thanks to your arrival, things went so smoothly."

"... Huh?"

The Director, puzzled by Novia's words, voiced a question.

"Isn't that right? Ritsuka has been listening to your explanations most of the time. Although I'm Consultant, I'm Demi-Servant like Mash, so I haven't had time to explain. If it weren't Director you, Director, Ritsuka probably wouldn't have been able to accept all of this so quickly."

Upon hearing this, Olga Marie lowered her head deeply.

Novia could tell she was crying, but she didn't point it out. After wiping away her tears again, the Director looked up and called out to Ritsuka in front of her.

"As Consultant Novia said, although you are just an ordinary person, your contributions are quite significant, so I acknowledge you, Ritsuka Fujimaru. As the Director of Chaldea, I recognize your achievements."

"Thanks."

Although Ritsuka found the Director quite nagging during this time, she could also sense that she genuinely meant well, and accepting kindness was not a bad thing.

But then, Novia continued to look at Olga Marie, as if gazing into the distant horizon.

"Why, why are you still looking at me--"

"Director, you should remember that you cannot perform Spiritron Transfer, right?"

At the same time, another voice rang out along with Novia's voice.

"It's absolutely disgusting."

Take responsibility. jpg

Chapter 351 Goetia: Lev, is this really the only time? (7. K)

The owner of that voice was extremely familiar to everyone present, except for Ritsuka.

"Ray, Lev?! Thank goodness, you're alive!"

Director seeing Lev, who had once supported her in Chaldea, the director was so excited that she forgot what Novia had just said to her.

"Ugh, really..."

As Lev approached the group, he suddenly bent down, removed his green hat, revealing a ferocious and crazed expression, and roared, "You're all disorganized and undisciplined scum!!!"

Immediately afterwards, Lev pointed at Ritsuka Fujimaru.

"I thought you were completely unaware, the forty-ninth Master, the Adaptor, whom I kindly let go, is now the last Master."

Then he pointed at Mash.

"Mash Kyrielight, who has become Demi-Servant."

Finally, when facing Novia and Olga Marie, his hands trembled even more, and his expression became increasingly ferocious.

"These are all unexpected situations, it's infuriating! But what surprised me most were you two, the foolish Novia Consultant and the pathetic Olga Marie!"

In that instant, Olga Marie felt that Professor Lev, who had once supported her, had become so unfamiliar, sending a chill down her spine. His gaze was so cold and malicious, just like the gazes of the people from the Association and Chaldea after her father's death three years ago—

Three years ago, Olga Marie shed tears at her father's funeral.

She told herself, "I'm only giving myself this one chance to miss my father and shed tears for him," because she also had the heavy responsibility of inheriting her father's business. She was not only the head of the Animusphere Magecraft Family, but also the new Director of Chaldea, a school her father had personally supported.

But.

"Have you all had enough?!"

Olga Marie, now the Director, slammed her hand on the table, berating her staff, "Do you really think I'd approve a report like this?! The Future of humanity depends on us!!! Don't you understand? Such a careless attitude towards work is unacceptable!"

Afterwards, Olga Marie, who was hiding in a corner of Chaldea, naturally overheard the staff's private discussions about her.

"That Director is completely incompetent."