Chapter 907
Wait, wait a minute... Shirou... are you really going to just stand by and watch me die?
If this continues, I really will be killed by Bageko!!
Shirou seems to genuinely intend to stand by and watch.
At least, he didn't intend to make a move until Artoria and Barghest had settled their score.
You idiot Shirou! Shirou idiot Shirou! You idiot Shirou! You idiot Shirou! You big idiot! If I die, I will never let you go! I will become Night Call and haunt you forever!
While complaining inwardly, the Paradise Fae began to think of a solution.
The difference in magical power between Artoria and Barghest... is probably more than a hundred times.
This is a gap that cannot be bridged by tricks like Magecraft.
Even if Barghest merely waved his tentacles, the sparks falling from the blade would be enough to burn the souls of the Paradise Fae.
How exactly can we win?
It's impossible to win... It's impossible... Don't joke around... Waaah...
"You are more capable than you think, so you should acknowledge your strengths to truly face yourself."
Shirou's words echoed in my ears.
You idiot Shirou! Shirou idiot Shirou! All you can do is talk a good game, but if you can't beat an opponent, you just can't beat them!
"As long as you follow the steps carefully, you can make delicious food."
Have more confidence, Artoria... After all, you are my number one disciple in this Fae Kingdom.
Don't be ridiculous! Fighting isn't as simple as cooking!
Even if you teach me the techniques, I still can't do everything like you!
"..."
Although she kept complaining in her heart, Artoria never stopped thinking and never thought of giving up.
This indomitable spirit is her noblest quality.
As Shirou's disciple, what is the best thing I can do...?
As Barghest drew nearer, Artoria remained lost in thought.
Gazing at Shirou's retreating figure, what is it that I yearn for...?
During their journey together, Artoria had been observing them.
In Norwich, the city of forging...
In Hector's workshop...
What exactly was that indescribable fluttering feeling I was experiencing?
"..."
The girl slowly closed her eyes, allowing her emotions to gradually calm down.
Barghest viewed this action as a declaration of giving up on life.
That's all.
Barghest calmly raised the burning greatsword in his hand.
That was her atavistic manifestation as a fairy— the Horn of A-Rei.
It is more powerful than any weapon in the world, and it is comparable to any divine weapon in the legends of Pan-Human History.
"Artoria, pay the price for your past arrogance. It's over."
Barghest remained unfazed and swung his blazing greatsword down at the girl.
"..."
At the same time, Artoria opened her eyes.
At the end of her deep contemplation, she realized something.
I've finally found what I truly want to do.
I finally understand what I am capable of.
A fairy from paradise whispered a magical incantation.
"--------Trace On (Forging, Beginning)."
A golden sword inscription was faintly visible on Artoria's forehead.
This is the path abandoned by her predecessor, another Paradise Fae — Morgan —and now Artoria has inherited it.
Thus, the sword-forging fairy was born.
Volume 11: 531 Morgan: Am I the only one without a collar?
"What...!?"
Barghest noticed Artoria's unusual behavior and his eyes widened.
Her instincts as a member of the Fang Clan made her feel threatened like never before.
It was Magecraft that defied all reason, even surpassing the mystery of fairies.
"------Forging, begin (Trace On)."
Artoria tensed up.
The Child of Prophecy has finally found what he wants to do and what he can do, and therefore will not tolerate any mistakes or compromises.
"Gurgle, um, ahhh, ah..."
Identify and create concepts.
Define the basic framework.
Replicating the material composition.
Imitation manufacturing techniques.
Share your growth experiences.
Reproduce the accumulated years and months.
Surpassing, completing numerous projects --
"Guh────Ahhhhhhh!!!!"
A brilliant light and immense magic appeared out of nowhere without any warning.
At this very moment, the sword that embodies all of fantasy is complete—
The Paradise Fae gripped the gleaming Golden Sword tightly with both hands, blocking the Devouring Horn that fell like a pitch-black sun.
"Ugh!"
Barghest's eyes widened.
The dazzling starlight emanating from the sword that Artoria summoned caused her to squint.
"What exactly is this...?"
"Don't get distracted, Bageko!"
"Varied..."
"Experience my years of accumulated resentment!"
She sensed a will in Artoria's eyes and anticipated her next move.
"Hmph... A duel of Noble Phantasm, huh? Fine! I'll play along to the end!"
Barghest roared in response, freeing A-Ray's tentacles.
The black flames enveloping the greatsword expanded instantly, even suppressing the golden radiance for a moment.
However, this level of fear is insufficient to frighten the Child of Prophecy or subdue the Paradise Fae.
"Sword of Selection, grant me power...!!"
Artoria gritted her teeth.
"Just crush it like this!!!"
Barghest revealed his sharp canines.
"---- The Unbeatable Golden Sword (Caliburn)!"
"----Blackdog Galatine, the Horn That Devours Shemesh!"
They unleashed their Noble Phantasm simultaneously, face to face, a distance close enough to involve both of them.
The golden radiance clashed with the raging black flames.
Two raging flashes of light, aimed at destruction, spread outwards, blowing away all the trees within a radius of two hundred meters and turning everything to ashes.
Before Barghest and the Queen's army arrived, Shirou had already Oberon to help the fairies take refuge.
The fairies hiding in the distance witnessed this solemn yet tragic scene, and without exception, they all trembled.
The duel between the Child of Prophecy and the Faerie Knight was practically a declaration of the end of the world.
After several tens of seconds, the ever-expanding magic gradually subsided, and finally settled down.
The land where Artoria and Barghest once stood has been reduced to scorched earth.
"Gurgle...!"
Barghest knelt down on one knee.
She couldn't even maintain her balance and had to use the greatsword to support her body.
On the other side, Artoria was still standing.
However, the sword in her hand had broken in two, and her hands were also ruined from the struggle with Barghest's strength.
A draw...?
No, Artoria no longer has the strength to fight.
The Sword in the Stone shattered due to the overload of released magic, and her own magic was also completely exhausted. The reason she was still able to stand was entirely due to her willpower.
In contrast, although Barghest was covered in wounds, superficial injuries were no problem for the Fang Clan, whose recovery speed was extremely fast, and her magic power was still abundant and unfathomable.
"Barghest has won, "Shirou calmly concluded.
"Waaaaah...!!"
Artoria finally lost the strength to stand and collapsed to the side.
Shirou rushed over and hugged her.
"I'm sorry... despite the high expectations placed upon me, I still couldn't defeat Bageko..."
She said, somewhat unwillingly.
Shirou shook his head. "You've done very well."
The fact that they were able to drive Barghest, who had been unsealed, into such a desperate situation without even ringing the Bell of Pilgrimage far exceeded Shirou's expectations.
"Now you should get some rest, Artoria."
"Okay, I'll leave the rest to you, Shirou."
The Paradise Fae nestled in Shirou's arms and closed her eyes peacefully.
Meanwhile, Barghest's men rushed to the scene in a panic.
Just as they were preparing to swarm and attack Shirou and Artoria, Barghest raised his arm.
"Stop! You are no match for that man. Don't waste your lives."
"The judgment is correct, Barghest," Shirou said.
"...!"
The moment the white-haired youth called out her name, the blonde female knight felt her heart skip a beat.