Illya's Multiverse Odyssey

A-Rank Grand Magic—Teleportation!

A feat only top-tier mages could pull off, yet in Medea's hands it was as simple and effortless as a fireball. Medea appeared behind Artoria, and in her hand materialized a dagger twisted like a bolt of lightning—Rule Breaker!

"Watch out—don't let that sword touch you!" Red A shouted instinctively, the only one besides Illya who recognized that Noble Phantasm and knew what it did.

But he still underestimated the current Artoria, underestimated just how formidable the Path of the Shining was after it had elevated her Instinct to Rank EX. Without even turning her head, Artoria swung her sword backhand, and Medea, who had just appeared behind her, seemed to impale herself on the Holy Sword, pierced clean through. The Path of the Shining had foreseen not only Sasaki Kojiro's Tsubame Gaeshi but also Medea's sneak attack.

"Pwah—"

Stunned, Medea let out a shriek and hastily activated Teleportation again, vanishing from everyone's sight.

"She ran?"

"Don't worry. She won't abandon her Master. The legendary Traitor Witch is actually hopelessly devoted." Illya shook her head, then looked at Rin Tohsaka. "Have Archer see her off."

"Fine!" Rin didn't refuse. If Red A couldn't even take down a severely wounded Medea, he'd be utterly useless.

"Archer! Finish off Medea!"

Red A nodded, dematerialized, and chased up the mountain. Medea hadn't concealed her presence; she and Souichirou Kuzuki were both inside Ryuudou Temple.

"It seems my time is running out..." Sasaki Kojiro glanced at Red A, then turned his gaze to Heracles. "I'm already satisfied to have crossed swords with the legendary King Arthur. But since I still have a little time left, let me witness the martial prowess of the Great Hero Heracles, now that his reason has returned!"

Chapter 21: Growing Too Tall Isn't My Fault

Sasaki Kojiro issued a challenge to Heracles. His entire life had been devoted to one thing alone—the sword. Nothing else existed for him but the way of the blade. Now, to cross swords with heroes from different eras and different legends, he was overjoyed.

Likewise, after watching Sasaki Kojiro's duel with Artoria, Heracles felt a fire kindle within him. Though he had fought Sasaki Kojiro just a few days ago, back then he hadn't regained his reason. He had relied entirely on the overwhelming defense and strength of the Twelve Labors, using a cheap, trade-blow-for-blow tactic to suppress Sasaki Kojiro. This time, he wanted to compete in pure martial skill, as the founder of the Nemean Lion style, the Great Hero Heracles.

"Illya?"

"Go ahead!"

Illya smiled slightly and gave Heracles permission to fight. And then...

"ROAR!"

Heracles let out a wild bellow and charged forward. The mere wind pressure from his running shook all the maple leaves from the trees on either side.

Sasaki Kojiro's expression shifted instantly. His initial excitement turned into shock and... speechlessness.

"Damn! Didn't this guy get his reason back? Why is he still so savage! Is he going to pull that cheap trick again like last time?"

Fortunately, his worry was unfounded. Heracles was a Great Hero who valued martial honor. But even playing by the rules of technique, facing Heracles was no easy task, because technique didn't diminish Heracles' strength. Even reduced by thirty percent, Heracles' Strength was still Rank A+, while Sasaki Kojiro's was only Rank C. The gap was enormous. Add to that the weight of Heracles' nameless axe-sword, comparable to a full-grown man's size, and just a couple of clashes would shatter Sasaki Kojiro's blade.