The strike that should have pierced his shoulder was deflected, leaving only a shallow mark on the Berserker's shoulder skin.
Artoria had intended to repeat the same tactic, but this sword was slightly less durable, so it had been deflected.
This Holy Sword was combined with Clarent, the resplendent king's sword.
It was a ceremonial sword, and also the sword Mordred had taken. The sword itself was Rank B, but after Mordred took it, it dropped to Rank C. Though it still possessed Rank B strength in Artoria's hands, it was limited.
Artoria had originally planned to release its True Name once the sword struck Heracles. That would naturally have been the best option.
But that move had failed from the very beginning.
Heracles did not even feel it. He raised his axe-sword and swung it backhandedly.
Caught off guard, Artoria could only block with a projected Holy Sword.
"Ugh—!!!"
The impact sent Artoria flying. However, she immediately adjusted her posture in midair and finally landed steadily.
"That was close—"
Artoria let out a slight breath of relief.
"Berserker has been reinforced with magical energy. Every blow is like a heavy siege hammer... taking them head-on is not a wise choice."
White still had quite a few Holy Swords, but these weapons were projected after all, and were somewhat more "fragile" than the originals.
Although White could still use Holy Sword Loading, recovery would still take time if they were damaged.
Heracles charged again.
But endlessly evading would not work either.
"—Wait, that axe-sword... doesn't seem to be a Noble Phantasm?!"
Though it had somewhat similar properties, that thing did not seem to be one.
"...I see. Is it something like a cornerstone?"
Artoria felt that she had roughly understood.
When this Berserker had been summoned, he probably had not