After all, the so-called Heavenly Ladder consisted of hundreds of glowing rectangular glass panes. Each pane hung in midair, with no connection between them.
If she fell, with no Saintess's protection anymore, death was her only fate.
"〔Laeticia〕, give me your hand."
The girl looked up at Shirou, then hesitantly nodded and released his body.
"D-Don't let go..."
And so, Shirou held Laeticia's hand as they climbed toward the throne a kilometer above them.
So scary... It's really still so scary...!
Laeticia's legs trembled uncontrollably.
However, her trembling gradually stopped as time passed--
The warmth and strength flowing from Shirou's palm gave her an indescribable sense of security.
Volume Five, 254: Come, Enter Mother's Womb
After Shirou and Laeticia crossed all the steps, they returned to the garden from a week ago.
"...You're later than I expected."
The final and strongest Boss stood right before them. Several wings had grown from the girl's back, and her entire body was shrouded in golden holy radiance. She stood there like a guardian.
"Metatron."
"Savior, I knew you would appear before me again.
After all, you're such a foolishly obsessive man."
Although she possessed the exact same beauty as the Ruler, her aura felt utterly unfamiliar to Shirou.
A doubt had lingered in Shirou's heart: Could he really bring himself to strike Jeanne's face without mercy?
Now, that doubt was completely dispelled--this woman had nothing to do with the Ruler. She was merely someone else wearing the Saintess's skin.
Shirou snorted disdainfully. "Don't talk as if you know me so well."
The archangel's face remained cold. Only her lips moved. "Ah, of course I know you very well.
After all, I personally selected you as the 'Preserver.' You bear the great mission of watching over Old Humanity and protecting New Humanity."
"...?"