Chapter 435
"None of that matters. What's important is that right now, 'you' are standing here."
Richard looked puzzled upon hearing this, while Novia sighed and smiled, saying, "Although I have never been to Purgatory, I should be able to give Saladin the coordinates, given my abilities as Ruler."
In fact, Novia could sense Richard's Abhimanyu; it was as if he had no intention of giving up the fight, even when facing her.
However, he didn't particularly dislike it. In fact, even if Richard's Spirit Origin hadn't been distorted, he would have made the same choice, because the so-called Richard the Lionheart was an existence that combined the piety of believers with the fearlessness that even Deity could not be feared.
Richard revered and Faith in God, but at the same time, he was fearless in the face of God.
He merely wanted atonement, to atone for the sins he had committed—'God, let this body be scorched by the Purgatory Flame until the end of this world.'
"Great You, I understand once again how incredibly loving you are."
As if proposing a reunion to someone absent, the Richard the Lionheart sang of his own idea, his eyes and voice brimming with hope, "One day, I will seize 'your' empire! If you do not wish to, then come find me in Purgatory! But remember to bring some fruit! I will spare your life!"
During the Crusades, Richard's warhorse fell off. Saladin sent Richard two fine horses, and Richard, naturally, did not disappoint Saladin's kindness. Deeply moved, he accepted the horses and personally led the vanguard into battle, ultimately achieving a glorious victory.
After the Battle of Jaffa, both Richard and Saladin fell ill. Saladin once again sent fruit to Richard and ordered a doctor to treat Richard. For the two men, each was the other's greatest nemesis, yet they also respected each other.
After the Eastern Expedition ended, Richard wrote to Saladin saying that he would return to conquer the Holy Land in three years. Saladin agreed and then wrote back saying that he could not think of any Lord more likely to take his empire than Richard.
"In that case, Richard the Lionheart, show me your lionheart, for you have no intention of backing down so easily."
The Richard who appears is a Rider, Spirit Origin Class will not shy away from any evil deeds in order to achieve victory. He will transform into a tyrant who will ruthlessly and decisively throw everything he possesses into the war.
Even if someone is an enemy of the god he Faith, he will challenge them with reverence, even with their ever-changing tyranny.
"I would be delighted."
As the name suggests, Richard, in his black Lion Form, had a cheerful and optimistic expression.
"I declare to Sir Lancelot, Lord Tristan, Lord Gareth, and Mordred, not as a king but as a knight—"
Behind that cheerful smile, Richard's eyes gleamed with a sinister light.
Besides, this is Novia, losing to him is not shameful at all! On the contrary, it is an unparalleled honor!
"The kingship and honor of the Round Table gave you your birth! Tragedy and destruction tempered your souls! As long as human prosperity and the glory of knighthood endure, many will surely offer praises to the departed Round Table!"
Richard's words implied that they, as members of the Round Table, should contribute their strength to him, so that he could better demonstrate his 'Lionheart' in front of Novia. The so-called Lionheart is someone who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. That is why Richard did not invite Percival.
Because the Knights of the Round Table he called upon were all those who were willing to give everything for King Arthur at this moment, and to offer their blessings to his beliefs.
In a normal Sixth Singularity, Percival would have resisted the Lion King's orders and died in the Round Table civil war. Even Gareth, tormented by her inner turmoil, ultimately chose to sacrifice herself to bind the Demon Richard, both for victory and for liberation.
The Knights of the Round Table, summoned by Richard, gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Although you and we have already lost our right, Richard the Lionheart."
Thus, Richard's Noble Phantasm was activated with its power fully amplified.
"O Lion that devour me from within, Lion that crush the world with my consciousness."
The original gray earth of the Mountain Valley turned into a crimson landscape, with Purgatory Flame, fueled by Richard's will and permitted by Novia, surging forth at its edges.
The Od and Noble Phantasm from Tristan, Lancelot, and Gareth caused the three large Lion shadows behind Richard in his black beast form to become even larger and more substantial. As for Mordred, she had long been annoyed by Richard and therefore chose to refuse.
"Your self-imposed bondage and blessings, I will reveal with the Purgatory Flame; Greed, prayer, decay, and destruction will be etched into our path with a roar at the end of the narrow crevice!"
Legend has it that a strange and passionate priest once said:
Richard the Lionheart had three daughters: Pride, Greed, and lust; if he did not keep them away, only destruction awaited him.
The Richard the Lionheart replied, "Then let the Pride marry the Order of Knights, the Greed the monastics, and the wicked the Church."
This wasn't because his daughters were getting in the way of his tyrannical path, nor did he intend to corrupt the Order of Knights or the Church; it was simply that the Richard the Lionheart found it very amusing.
Pride and loyalty, Greed and compassion, lust and purity... all these are manifestations of human nature. Isn't it interesting to accept both Sin and virtue as family? Isn't it fascinating how Sin and virtue attract each other after intense conflict?
Do the daughters branded with Original Sin truly exist? Or are they merely three shadows within the heart?
Regardless, the three Lion engulfed in Purgatory Flame behind Richard the Lionheart were clearly visible at that moment.
"Roar, Lion! Sing of the blazing Purgatory!"
The Purgatory Flame gather; the Lion comes from Purgatory.
At the same time.
The light of salvation gathers.
The Spear of Longinus was first held in Novia's hands.
Percival was not unfamiliar with the radiance emanating from the Holy Lance Longinus, but this was the first time he had witnessed it radiate light as if it were a celestial river carrying the Galaxy and countless stars, enveloping the entire sky.
He even felt that only in this man's hands could the Holy Lance Longinus truly be called a 'weapon'.
In fact, the Holy Lance that is known to the world to have pierced the Son of God can never be called a 'weapon'. The Holy Church says: the Holy Lance is not a worldly weapon; if it is not wielded for justice and Faith, it is tantamount to blasphemy and will be punished.
In fact, many people have wielded the Spear of Longinus over the past two thousand years. Besides the most famous Lucius Longinus and Percival of King Arthur, there are many other legends about people who possessed it. For example, Charlemagne himself, who is currently known, Frederick I, the Divinity Rome, one of the "Three Kings" in the Christianity Crusades, or Melora, the daughter of King Arthur in the Ireland version of the King Arthur legend.
But in whose legends it is, the Holy Lance is mostly used as a talisman to ward off any impending misfortune after everything is over.
It is not a weapon, not an armed force for killing, but a compassionate salvation from heaven that descends upon the earth for Judgment and redemption.
The short gun barrel looked as if it carried the Galaxy and countless starlight as Novia slowly raised it.
The colors of Universe permeate everything in this small valley.
But the burning Purgatory Flame ceased, as if time had stopped flowing; in fact, perhaps time truly did not flow here.
For in that instant, Percival seemed to hear a whisper echoing in his ears.
That's a distance that shouldn't be able to reach both ears.
Lord, have mercy on this body.
This is the simplest and most commonly used chant in the Holy Church, yet when spoken by Novia, it seems to remain deeply within the Planet and permeate Human Order. Hope is beauty, hope is the Root hope.
The Primate of the Age of Gods were gods; only later Primate became humankind.
The First Century AD served as a dividing line for most regions, marking a significant moment for the Church's Faith as it emerged from the Primate and decaying past and became Anchor Point of humanity once again, for the Od in the atmosphere would return to zero by the year AD after Solomon's death.
The Foundation woven by the First Pope of the first century to define the new Primate of the stars surged here, a colossal spell created far beyond the conventional concept of Planet — Magecraft Formula powerful enough to evaporate even the Deity themselves, even in the Age of Gods.
That was one of the earliest Anchor Point of humanity as the Planet's Primate Bible Foundation, replacing Deity.
As long as humanity does not come to an end, this Foundation will continue forever—the largest Faith in human history.
"To witness your lion's heart..."
The next moment, the Spear of Longinus itself released its Od, and the heat inside surged out completely.
"I will bring an end to Purgatory."
A pure white light, carrying the colors of the Universe, devoured everything.
At the same time, in Mountain Village on the other side, Cursed Arm and some Hassan looked at each other.
That was an aura that couldn't be mistaken, because the aura emanating from there was undoubtedly incredibly close to the aura of the Valley of Shadows where the Venerable One resided. Whether it was the Cursed Arm in the present era or the Hassans who were summoned, their destinies were all ended by the Old Man of the Mountain, and they sensed an aura like that sword from there.
Did the Venerable One personally appear to save the Mountain People?
Such thoughts swirled in Cursed Arm's mind, causing him to subconsciously glance towards the direction of the Spirit Mausoleum.
"This... this is Lady Novia's aura. I sensed it during that Holy Grail War; there's no way I could be wrong."
Just then, Hassan of the Zealot spoke up to explain.
Although she didn't know how Novia had gotten there so quickly, the aura was unmistakable; it was indeed Lady Novia.
"If that's the case, why did Your Excellency detain this gentleman for five days...?"
To this, Hassan of the Zealot could only shake her head slightly. After all, she knew nothing about the relationship between the Venerable One and Lord Novia; she could only sense their presence... Surely they couldn't have started chatting because they hadn't seen each other in a long time?
"Let's go take a look--"
Instantly, all the Hassan, including the Hassan of the Zealot himself, trembled from the overwhelming aura of death emanating from them. Tears welled up in their eyes involuntarily. This was an instinctive reaction for them; fear, joy, and worry were all natural reactions. As a result, they all subconsciously looked towards the direction of the Spirit Mausoleum.
Hassans had no room for doubt, nor any need to exclaim "How is this possible?" Every member of the Mountain Order clearly understood what it was. Whether amidst endless curses or in Divinity Spirit Mausoleum, the "Holy One" remained the "Holy One."
The Primordial Old Man, Hassan-i Sabbah, will appear.
However, unlike the other Hassan, Hassan of the Zealot sensed something subtle and amiss.
The air was thick with the scent of death, yet something was missing.
Then a rebellious thought came to mind.
Is the revered figure in the Spirit Mausoleum truly a revered one?
In some respects, her qualifications may have surpassed those of all the Hassan except for King Hassan. During her lifetime, at the end of an extraordinary period of asceticism, her Flesh and spirit were reorganized, completely different from when she was born.
After all, to learn the Number Eighteen unique skills possessed by successive Hassan, one must first sacrifice everything, offer up pain, the past and the Future, and lose most of one's emotions, even one's own name, original intention and prayers, because even the original reason has been forgotten.
Because she couldn't explain why she went up the 'mountain,' she was able to notice subtle anomalies more effectively than the other Hassan.
Therefore, Hassan of the Zealot's mind was made up.
If the being before her, who might not be the Venerable One, had previously deceived Lord Novia within the Spirit Mausoleum, then she would not hesitate to fall into the depths of darkness, even if it meant attacking the Venerable One who might truly be the 'Venerable One,' just to... What was this? She couldn't explain the reason; she simply wanted to...
Then, in this moment of utter tension for the Hassan, the Great Gate of the Azrael Mausoleum, which had shown no Od reaction, no Servant reaction, no sound, and no sign of life, opened, revealing what appeared to be symbols of death—
A skull mask.
"Oh."
Although the Mountain Village was two days' journey from the Azrael Mausoleum, the Hassans still heard the sound.
The sound seemed to come from all directions, yet it came from only one direction.
Upon closer inspection, one could see shadows surrounding the skull mask slowly emerging from the Spirit Mausoleum, forming a human-shaped silhouette.
This petite girl must be the embodiment of some concept, whose very existence is uncertain, appearing almost like Deity.
"Hehe, only 5 days, there are still 36,545 days to go."
Before the ancient and dark Spirit Mausoleum, Kama slowly raised his index finger, making this declaration.
"This responsibility isn't finished yet, Kavia."
Kama could even vividly picture Novia with an awkward smile.
However, she felt no Evil, after all, it was her duty to love.
Besides, he often makes rather outrageous demands on himself, so we're all in the same boat.
The question is, how do we proceed for the next 36,545 days?
The Hassans didn't know the reason for the voice, but it seemed to be something she was saying to someone who had just left.
Therefore, the Hassans were slow to realize the situation, were all confused.
No, who is this 'silver-haired woman' holding the Venerable One's mask?! How did she get out of the Spirit Mausoleum that should be the Venerable One's residence? Venerable One, where are you? Where did you go?
Chapter 458 Is the Best of the Year Childhood Sweetheart?
The Old Man of the Mountain, the Old Man of the Mountain, Hassan who killed Hassan.
When the Old Man of the Mountain decays, falls into depravity, and strays from the path, King Hassan will appear before him.
To end its destiny.
His face represents Hassan's death, and his sword represents Hassan's execution. Many of the masks that Hassan saw at the moment of his death appear on Kama's forehead.
For the Hassans, the 2.2-meter-tall King Hassan of their memories was vastly different from the petite height of the young girl they knew, giving them a Grandpa -granddaughter feeling... For some reason, this kind of rebellious thought surfaced in the minds of the Hassan.
However, because Kama emerged from the Azrael Mausoleum, the strong 'mountain' aura that Kama originally possessed due to the Spirit Mausoleum was rewritten. The quality and quantity of the aura remained unchanged, but the aura manifested as 'mountain' underwent a complete transformation.
If the previous 'mountain' was one where even the perceiver couldn't hear its own breathing, resulting in a sense of being deprived of hearing and the realization that one's own existence would be trapped in the shadows, isolated from existence, as if one were instantly annihilated by nothingness.
The mountain now is like a still mirror, surrounded by raging snow. Hope is offered to it from its feet, which seems so distant and contrasting with the death that is everywhere. This is a kind of pillar of the world, so even if there are class distinctions, everyone is equal.
Whether we know each other or are complete strangers, we see each other as a community rooted in the same land, as members of the world.
The north wind howled, and the mountains and forests roared; such a direct and visual scene constantly intertwined between the sky and the earth at this Singularity.
Not the Old Man of Death who roams the Valley of Shadows and mountains, but one of the mistresses of the Himalayas Mountains, the highest mountain in the world, and Kama, one of the Three Goddesses Love God India.
In later Hinduism, the order of the three Goddess in Kavia is generally Durga first, followed by Mohini, and then Kama last.
After all, Durga also has Kali as an aspect, as well as the Time Mother form, which was regarded by later Faith as the highest existence and the origin of life.
Mohini, as Vishnu's sister, is Goddess of Supreme Beauty, a beauty whose very concept could rewrite the rules of the world. As for Kama...