Chapter 489
Although the design and construction are the same, it is more than ten times larger than the crossbows used in the Demonic Beast Front.
The green-haired youth infused it with the magic and Divine Aura emanating from him.
"You're just as foolish as Gilgamesh."
Just because you can toss weapons around like a child playing in the sand, do you think you're on par with me?
Hahaha! Don't be so arrogant! Old model (human)!
"But I've never felt like I'm equal to you."
Shirou was gradually losing ground in the firepower exchange, but his face showed no sign of anxiety; instead, he appeared relaxed and at ease.
"You've been asserting yourself since the beginning, but you're actually quite confused inside, aren't you?"
Confused about the meaning of their own existence, they can only find a sense of being alive in the pleasure of ravaging humanity...
"Shut up...!"
Enkidu's face was contorted with rage, his back teeth clenched.
There is no longer any need to communicate with this human.
Because humans are beings that must be extinct.
All I need to do is follow my mother's wishes.
Enkidu slowly raised his arm, causing the muzzle of the King's Cannon (melammu dingir) to aim at Shirou.
"... You can die now."
In an instant--
With a roar and a radiant glow enveloping the cedar forest, Shirou's descending sword strikes were completely deflected.
What was fired from the cannon barrels were the Anti-City Noble Phantasm, stored in the "Gate of Babylon" and recreated through the "Wisdom of the People".
The overwhelming artillery barrage instantly shattered the rain of swords that filled the sky.
Shirou never thought that the mass-produced version could withstand Enkidu's full-force attack.
Accompanied by the Projection emerald light, a sword appeared in his hand.
Among Gilgamesh's countless collections, the strongest sword Original Sin, second only to Vortex Sword.
It is said to be the original text of the Sword of Selection, which has been passed down throughout the world.
Shirou could certainly Projection the Holy Sword of the Stars or Vortex Sword here, directly overwhelming Enkidu in terms of firepower.
However, his purpose today was to investigate the enemy's strength and background.
So you're a good fit.
Shirou gripped the cursed sword, which he had kept as a backup plan, with a sense of apology.
Thus, the combined might of "the Wisdom of the People" and "the Gate of Babylon" clashed.
The shockwave blew the surrounding trees away, and the intense beam of light rising from the ground was clearly visible even from tens of kilometers away.
"Shirou!"
When Ana and the others returned to the forest, Enkidu had already disappeared, and only the red-haired boy remained.
Not only Ana and the Chaldea duo, but even Merlin was very surprised.
"Shirou, have you defeated Enkidu?"
"No, it's less about defeating him... and more about him escaping."
Shirou was also somewhat confused.
The clash of Noble Phantasm just now was evenly matched; both sides actually held back.
However, for some unknown reason, Enkidu suddenly clutched his head in pain and inexplicably fled in a disheveled state.
Did the wave bring back some unpleasant memories?
"You must be Mr. Shirou? I've heard about you from Merlin and Ana."
Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash came forward and started talking to Shirou.
"Ah, hello, I've also heard about you from Merlin."
"Really? Really? So you already knew what happened."
Ritsuka Fujimaru spoke with a forced smile, gradually approaching Shirou...
"If you already know this, why did you still drag Mash and me into your attack?"
Do you know how dangerous that was? Mash and I almost evaporated in the aftershocks!
"Well..."
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Shirou's cheek.
"Actually, that was Merlin's suggestion..."
He said you are heroes who have crossed six Singularity, and this level of sneak attack is nothing to you.
"If it were Mash, it would definitely be possible..."
Shirou looked to his side, only to find that Merlin had already disappeared without a trace.
"Fu~Fu~"
The white cub cast a sympathetic look at Shirou.
"... Mr Shirou? Is there anything else you'd like to explain?"
Ritsuka Fujimaru, cracking her knuckles, and Mash, wielding a large shield, approached step by step.
Shirou was cornered by them next to a large tree, with no way out, and could only lower his head resignedly.
"I'm sorry... I went too far, I will reflect on my actions."
"Hmph, that's more like it~"
Ritsuka Fujimaru crossed her arms over her chest, then narrowed one eye with a mischievous grin.
"I was just joking... Mash and I were saved today thanks to Mr. Shirou's help."
Ritsuka Fujimaru, her bright orange hair swaying, smiled and extended a hand, "Nice to meet you from now on, Mr. Shirou."
Shirou breathed a sigh of relief and grasped the girl's hand in return, "Yes, nice to meet you, Ritsuka- san."
"Mash Kyrielight, nice to meet you, Mr. Shirou."
He also shook hands with the Shield Girl.
"?"
Shirou frowned.
This feeling... it has a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Miss Ritsuka."
"What's wrong?"
"Have we... met somewhere before?"
After Shirou asked that question, Ritsuka Fujimaru was stunned at first, then a sly smile flashed across her face.
That was a seductive smile that didn't match the lively impression the girl gave off.
"Hehehe! How could that be! We're meeting for the first time!"
Alright! More important than this, let's get out of this dangerous place quickly, Mr. Shirou!
Ritsuka forcefully pushed Shirou's back and walked towards the edge of the forest.
Volume 7: Chapter 316 Tiamat has transformed into Shirou's form!
Shirou, Merlin, Ana, and the girls of Chaldea joined forces and exchanged names and purposes.
After that, Merlin invited Ritsuka Fujimaru to go to Uruk with him.
To conquer this Singularity, King Gilgamesh's assistance is indeed indispensable, and Uruk is the most suitable city to serve as a base for operations.
After discussing it with Mash, Ritsuka decided to accept the proposal.
However, Ana became upset when she heard that they were going to a southern city next.
"... This isn't what we agreed on. We agreed to defeat the goddess as soon as possible."
Merlin shrugged it off, saying, "Don't be so angry. Although I said I would take you to the temple, you're well aware of the current situation, aren't you?"
We can't get into that temple on our own. This is a classic case of "haste makes waste."
"But going to human settlements..."
For some reason, Ana was extremely averse to contact with humans.
The same thing happened when Ritsuka and Mash tried to shake her hand; they were coldly ignored and told, "Please don't come near me."
I wasn't treated so coldly when I first met Ana...
Shirou wondered: Does Ana dislike noisy, crowded girls?
Seeing Ana's reluctance, Merlin kept winking at Shirou: "Hurry up and think of a solution!"
"... Really."
The boy sighed and walked to Ana's side.
"Shirou?" The girl looked up.
"Let's go back, Ana," Shirou said.
"... Um."
The girl pulled down her hood. "Shirou said so... there's no other way, let's leave here first."
"Miss Ana and Mr. Shirou are very close."
Mash remarked upon witnessing this scene.
"Huh? What are you grinning about, senior?"
"No, it's nothing."
On the way to Uruk, Merlin explained the current situation to Ritsuka, Mash, and the two backup personnel in the Chaldea control room.
The enemy of humanity in this era is known as the "Three Goddess Alliance".
Although it is said to be Three Goddesses, according to current information, there are actually four pillars among the goddesses.
Ishtar, the goddess of the skies who launches indiscriminate attacks from the heavens.
Ereshkigal, the Queen the Underworld who hides underground and continually kidnaps human souls.
The Goddess of Demonic Beasts who ravaged the north was only known to be revered as "Mother" by the Magical Beast.
The Goddess of the Jungle killed the scouts Servant King Gilgamesh; details are unknown.
Besides these four goddesses, it's also worth noting the imposter Enkidu whom Ritsuka just encountered, who was acting as a mediator for the "Three Goddess Alliance."
"Merlin, may I ask a question?"
"Please speak."
Ritsuka Fujimaru asked curiously, "Why does Merlin address Shirou- sensei as 'disciple'?"
"Yes! That's something I care about too!"
Mash interjected, "Based on the explanation just given, Mr. Shirou should be from Japan in 2002 AD."
Although there is an error of about fifteen years, Mr. Shirou, like myself and my predecessors, is a modern person. Why then did he become Mr. Merlin's apprentice?
"Did she learn Magecraft from you after arriving in Uruk?"