Chapter 440

After a brief self-introduction, Galahad looked at the side that far outnumbered him and spoke again in a mocking tone.

"Ha, this little girl and I are basically Grandpa and his granddaughter, but I would never be interested in elderly people looking after children."

Galahad, the Holy Grail Knight, was the son of Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, and the most virtuous of the Knights of the Knights of the Round Table under King Arthur.

However, he, who should not have responded to The Lion King in the Sixth Singularity, not only appeared, but his appearance was also quite surprising.

However, Novia is somewhat familiar with Galahad, because Galahad should more accurately be Galahad Alter, and therefore its Class is not Shieldbearer but Saber. It is Servant that appears in "Fate/Requiem", which is the "New World where everyone has the Holy Grail".

Its fighting methods are solely dependent on its Master, and its attitude towards its Master is to let things take their course; no matter how badly it is beaten, it will never personally come out to fight.

"Galahad, are you still standing in our way even now?"

Percival raised the Holy Lance, aimed it at Galahad, and swung it forcefully, unleashing a wave of dazzling Od that surged forth.

Most people would have thought Galahad would casually dodge the attack, but to everyone's surprise, the holy knight remained completely still, without even raising an eyebrow, and took the blow head-on.

"Why beat around the bush? If you want to fight, just fight. Don't hesitate. I'm not familiar with you, but I am quite familiar with the man next to you. In fact, I would only back down if he questioned me."

Without a doubt, Galahad Alter was referring to Novia.

Me?

"Of course, Pope Novia."

Galahad, feigning indifference, looked away from Novia's gaze after being answered.

The only Holy Grail this Galahad had ever seen was in Camelot's phantom. He himself couldn't be sure whether his memories and experiences were incomplete or whether he had a similar yet different life as the real Galahad. The only thing he was certain of was that he had decided to give up the search for the Holy Grail.

"After all, having given up the search for the Holy Grail, I am like someone who has lost their key—"

I didn't agree to it.

Novia said that.

"... Um?"

"I've already given it, how can you just take it back like that? You didn't tell me when I was alive, so I refuse to accept a unilateral return."

Galaha suddenly looked up, his expression as if he were trying to pierce his bones into a wall to endure the pain.

"No, you've already passed away in my time, how could I possibly be here while you were alive—"

"Yes, that's the theory."

Novia shrugged. "But I'm right here now, which just means you gave up back then."

"Yes, it's that I gave up, not that I didn't give up."

After speaking, Galahad leaped backward, while Mash behind him leaped forward. The knight who touched the Shield of the Round Table shook his head helplessly. Then, Galahad's materialized figure instantly merged with the girl's petite figure, and the two became one. Mash revealed her original purple armor and stood on the ground.

"I'm sorry, this little girl's consciousness is being protected by another 'me,' so she is unable to speak or act, and I can only temporarily take her place."

"I see."

Novia nodded, which prompted Galahad to nod in agreement as well.

Actually, when he was corrupted by the Cradle Jerusalem, he was completely bewildered. In a sense, as an Alter, he followed a different path. What kind of Holy Grail would he be if he didn't pursue the Holy Grail? Perhaps it was because of this that he was an exception, meaning that his understanding and so on were not rewritten.

Therefore, while guarding the main gate of this Holy City, he would sometimes go to the 'self' that sheltered Mash's spiritual world to act as a villainous BOSS to hone the skills of this girl named Mash.

"In that case, let me, the Holy Lance Knight, fight against you, Galahad, who claims to be no longer seeking the Holy Grail."

After learning from Novia and Galahad's conversation that this Galahad seemed to be different from the one he knew before, Percival conjured the Spear of Longinus in his hand and then hurled it at Mash, who was possessed by Galahad.

Galahad, seemingly indifferent, watched the Holy Lance hurtling towards him, grabbed it, and then hurled it back at Percival with lightning speed. At the same time, he raised his longsword high, pointing it at the solemn-faced Percival: "My 'Sword of the Strange Drapery,' though not particularly powerful, has a history. It was the Sword of the King of Israel when he was still Shepherd. Though it may not look impressive, it is still a Holy Relic."

"So it was King David's sword."

Novia nodded thoughtfully in response.

"... Yes, this is King David's sword."

Perhaps because it was Novia who answered, Galahad's tone softened slightly, but when he looked at Percival again, his tone became quite cold, accompanied by a sneer, "Even if it is Percival, the Holy Lance you are so proud of, capable of Longinus through all defenses, I, who wield this sword, can still have a few words of criticism against you."

How should I put it? This scene somewhat reminded Novia of his first encounter with Lucius in the Bosphorus Strait.

At that time, I was using a sword, while Lucius was using Longinus.

Having encountered Galahad Alter, who should have appeared in the same world as Lucius, he couldn't help but think of this guy a little. In some ways, Lucius's life as Servant was quite comfortable; not only did he become the victor of the Great Holy Grail War, but he also lived a leisurely life for another ten years or so...

I wonder how many people he's told the tragic love story of his battlefield romance with that old Druid auntie.

"The Lord Camelot points to fragments of time of Calamity."

Galahad did not hesitate to use his Noble Phantasm.

The anecdotes that reveal Galahad's name Knights of the Round Table, the Noble Phantasm formed from the Inheritance associated with the [Seat of Calamity], and the empty seat in King Arthur's Round Table known as the 'Most Dangerous Seat', are said to be occupied by Galahad, son of Lancelot.

The Noble Phantasm summoned by Galahad Alter did not manifest as the White Chalk City defending itself or attacking people. Instead, it revealed one void rift after another with countless tiny cracks, as if the eyes of the sky had opened. Deep within the rifts, one could even glimpse a withered, yellow landscape.

This is an overwhelming manifestation of the Noble Phantasm of the same name, presumably a manifestation of Galahad's pursuit of the Holy Grail, even though he is no longer searching for Holy Grail.

"Huh? The City Gate's defenses are down to zero..."

Although the scene was somewhat eerie, Xuanzang keenly noticed that the defenses of the Holy City's Great Gate, which was so close at hand, were no different from those of an ordinary Great Gate.

She had originally planned to use all her strength to open it, but now it seems unnecessary...

"Hmph, offense is the best defense. If I'm unfortunately stopped, letting them in isn't something I can do but accept."

Mash, possessed by Galahad, said this with a cold smile and her arms crossed.

"That's quite a roundabout way of putting it..."

Kama glanced at Novia, "I told you, this religion in the west is no good at all."

For some reason, Kama became very suspicious of Galahad, mainly because Novia showed a nostalgic expression when she saw him. Although this expression was similar to Novia's recollection of Rama, Shiva, and Krishna, Kama was still very displeased.

It's probably because these are all India, and this Galahad is clearly the one who supposedly 'deceived' his own Kavia religion.

"Ha, are you Gods of India who uses the power of the Grand to satisfy your own selfish desires?"

Galahad sneered again, "In this respect, I should thank Percival. Although your strength isn't much, your character can have miraculous effects in the mythology of any region."

"Hmm? So what I did disturbed the Goddess Kama back then?"

Percival looked embarrassed. "I'm really sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it..."

"No."

Kama responded immediately with a calm expression.

"Absolutely not."

"I don't understand anything about Grand, nor do I know anything about Grand Power, and you haven't bothered me."

If Kama's expression were a little more natural and her blushing wasn't so intense, her words might have been much more persuasive... especially if she hadn't been pulling Novia's hand in front of her face while speaking.

However, while it might be possible for Kama to do it, it is entirely impossible for Kama to accomplish this.

For some reason, no one reacted after Kama spoke, and there was no whispering among the people; the scene was truly spectacular.

"Huh? Grand?"

Only Xuanzang tilted his head, looking completely bewildered.

According to this Mr. Galahad Mara possesses the Grand? Huh? The Grand? Isn't that a bit...?

It feels like Dīpaṃkara did this to her? But does Dīpaṃkara know anyone in the Grand? Sigh, my Teacher is always slacking off. Even when he sends me here, he doesn't give me any powerful weapons or anything. Honestly.

However, thanks to Galahad Alter's actions, the people were able to open the Great Gate of Jerusalem and enter in his presence.

Compared to its pristine and dazzling exterior, the interior of Jerusalem at this moment could undoubtedly be described as a 'filthy and evil place' in various literary works. A huge green mist rolled and rotted on the ground and walls, and a stench like Maize leaves that had been dried and rotted in a cold barn for a long time gathered on the Egg.

At the same time, sounds came from all directions.

"Ia! Ia! Forest! Ruler of the Harvest! Appear in the Cave of Night, and sing your praises in the Abyss of the Star Sea!"

"We love darkness more than light, and are born as Baby from our mothers' wombs..."

"The Desire of the Flesh, the Desire of the soul."

To this, Novia responded decisively:

"Jacques de Molay, do you intend to swallow me whole within Jerusalem, now the Temple Tower?"

Chapter 462 I will never let you touch a single hair on Novia's head!

"Clement, listen to me! How dare you pray before the portrait of Lord Novia! You won't have to wait until next year; you will soon pay the price for your sins before the great Lord!"

The fire at his feet was blazing, and Molay was bound hand and foot. Unlike the later Saintess, he did not calmly pray to God, but instead cursed the Pope and the king who were watching his execution.

"And you, Philip, do you think you can get away with blasphemy against the Temple Order of Knights? Do you think no one will remember your evil deeds against the Church in collusion with the Magecraft?! This is a colossal Evil! I curse you! I curse your bloodline for thirteen generations! You will be cursed!"

The raging flames flickered as if representing Molay's Wrath, and his Cyan eyes stared straight at the high-ranking king and Pope, eyes filled with hatred and Wrath.

Thus, on the evening of March 19, 1314, the Temple Order of Knights came to an end.

Philip IV used a small flame to burn Molay, meaning that he would suffer the pain of being burned in body and Flesh until he died completely, which in some ways was comparable to being starved to death.

The endless flames scorched Molay's hands, turning them charred black, and the bright flames illuminated the surroundings, distorting the scenery due to the intense heat.

The hazy tentacles carved cracks in the empty space, and from within the suddenly appearing cracks, the 'Mother of the Abyss' peered at his already collapsed form.

The next instant, a bizarrely shaped, illusory 'hand' emerged from the dark crevice. The enormous hand, which looked far beyond human form, pressed against the edge of the crack, making a cracking sound as it slowly widened the crack and moved toward him.

This was the last thing Molay saw before he died.

Normally, after death he would enter the Throne of Heroes and become a fairly well-known Heroic Spirit.

However, the unfounded charge against him included 'Demon worship,' which led to his association with Shub-Niggurath, the Black Goat of the Woods, one of the Outer God, since Demon in Western tradition are generally depicted with goat horns.

If Monet were to Class in the Present World as a Saber, he would already be Servant. Although he would feel pity for the France Royal Family as it eventually declined, he would no longer harbor hatred. He would simply want to get back the money he had lent out, nothing more.

Unfortunately, the Foreigner Present World in this world is Molay, who has already been possessed by Outer God. She still harbors deep hatred for the France Royal Family, so it is only natural that she would use the power of the Outer God Shub-Niggurath to cause trouble in this Sixth Singularity. After all, in this 'Cradle Jerusalem', basically no Servant can escape this 'tampering'.

At this moment, in response to Novia's question, Molay slowly emerged from the dark mist, seemingly overjoyed, a smile on her face.

"Well, it's a long story... but why are you speaking to me like that, Pope Novia? I can't completely believe in human conscience and Love of God, which is why I've become Heresy."

The more he spoke, the calmer Molay's tone became, completely at odds with the smile on his face.

"Commander Molay, lying and the refusal to repay loans are the first steps toward becoming a thief."

"Oh dear, my apologies, First Pope. I have not forgotten your glory. You are so noble... no, it is the Deity radiance that you bestowed upon me. Therefore, it is no wonder that I, a Heresy, feel such reverence before you."

Molay clasped his hands in prayer, "... After all, the names of mother and child, and of depravity, have no effect on you. If I say a few more words, I will be purified by your love."

The Holy City of Jerusalem has actually been transformed into the "Temple Tower" by Molay with the help of the Outer God. It is a place of Black Mass where Demon worship is performed in a terrifying Otherworld tower. The high concentration of curses has materialized, and the descending blasphemous energy has swallowed it into Molay's womb.

To some extent, every Servant was 'tampered with' was inside Molay's 'belly' during that period.

"But your Ritual is almost complete, isn't it?"

"Of course... no! But this is an opportunity we absolutely cannot let slip by; it's a crucial opportunity in the real world, so of course we should go all out and do our best."

Molay said to Novia with delight, "It's certainly fine that you were able to easily see through and resolve my purpose, but I won't let this opportunity slip by! That's actually what I meant."

Then, Molay nodded to himself and continued:

"Unfortunately, it seems that Jacques de Molay has been driven into a corner by Your Holiness the Pope!"

Molay was not lying, because from her perspective, Gawain was entangled, Galahad was holding back, and she had failed to successfully tamper with the Lion King wielding the Holy Lance and could only let him go. Her main target Ritsuka Fujimaru, had also failed to open her eyes as expected. Therefore, she had no idea how she could succeed against Novia.

"It's true! Molay isn't lying! Because the Mother of the Abyss failed to appear in her vessel, and the replacement hasn't awakened yet, it's truly a dead end! I've done everything I could, I've tried my best! Isn't that great!"

For some reason, even though this silver-haired girl was theoretically the mastermind behind this Singularity, she acted to Kama like a child hoping for praise for doing something... Ah, she's so enthusiastic on our first meeting. If she were a different gender—no, it seems like she'd be even more terrifying if she were a different gender...

"Yes, it's really great, Molay."

Novia answered the question, "As fellow Heroic Spirit of the Church, we could have had a long talk, but now that we are enemies, I can only defeat you."

"Of course! Lord Novia, you are the goal we all strive for, so it is only natural to ruthlessly eliminate all Heresy! Therefore, it is an immense honor that I have come here and am able to personally Protection the 'Temple' you left behind. This is the last joy of Temple Knight... I must not lose it. I must not lose it no matter what."

As he spoke, Molay's skin turned black, and purple bubbles appeared on the weapons behind him.

"Actually, Your Excellency, I sometimes recall this. Before joining the Temple Order of Knights —Jacques, just an ordinary young man, spent his days and nights practicing swordsmanship and horsemanship. He dreamed of one day rising to prominence as a knight on the other side of the ocean, and even imagined respectfully serving the King of Jerusalem and meeting you one day... Are these memories real? Haha... Ahaha..."

"That's certainly true."

Novia nodded. "So let me destroy this Jerusalem that has now become the 'Temple Tower'."

The Temple Tower was Molay's 'place of Judgment's when she was alive, and it was also the headquarters of the Temple Order of Knights in Paris. Therefore, for Molay, it was a place equivalent to a 'tombstone'. As a Foreigner and a god of Evil God, she used the Temple Tower as her Noble Phantasm, which can be described as ironic or perhaps a twisted sense of humor from the god of Evil God.

"Is that so? In that case, I thank you for destroying our shameful Tombstone Temple Tower. Could you please go easy on me? I'm so sorry to ask for this at a time like this."