Chapter 588: Let Me Tell You A Story Of A King (Bonus) (Patreon)

If anyone could feel the impact of the collision between Shinji and Shirou's final strike most vividly, it would undoubtedly be Semiramis. Although she knew her Master had a mysterious and profound background, she couldn't help but worry in the face of this torrent of magical power beyond the level of a Servant.

"So even you, the venomous woman, can show such an expression."

Mordred taunted. Completely incapacitated and on the brink of death, her voice was very weak, yet it couldn't hide the madness and satisfaction of revenge.

"Looks like that guy did a good job. I wonder if your Master died in the explosion."

"Shut up!"

Semiramis's face turned grim, her eyes flashing with a bone-chilling murderous intent.

"So agitated, could it be that he is dead?"

Mordred wouldn't let her have her way and continued speaking.

"I told you to shut up!"

"I wonder if you can still—mmph!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Semiramis flicked her finger, directly sealing Mordred's mouth with a poisonous chain.

With no one buzzing in her ear, Semiramis could finally sort out the situation.

The contract still exists, so Shirou should be fine, but the space where the altar is located has been destroyed, and my surveillance spells are... No, I must go check.

The creaking sound interrupted Semiramis's thoughts. Looking back, she saw Mordred biting the chain with her teeth, making intermittent sounds.

"Come, not, in, time, you, will, die, your, Master, too, will, be, the, same."

"You!!!"

Semiramis was extremely furious.

She had planned to spare Mordred's life as a witness to the activation of the Greater Grail, but now—

"Since you want to join your father so soon, I will grant you that wish. Die, along with your equally foolish Master."

Two fingers pointed out, weaving two highly concentrated beams of magical energy, aiming at Mordred and Kairi Sisigou, who had both resolved to face death. Even in their final moments, they continued their conversation with calm and openness.

"Master, why didn't you run away?"

"Where could I run to? Would that venomous woman let me go?"

"Maybe if you run fast enough, you'll escape."

"Even if I escape, only my body would survive. Here is already dead. Since my heart has completely died, my future life would be worse than an old man's remaining years."

"Master, you can occasionally say such beautiful words, not bad."

"I think so too."

"Then let's face the end together, Master."

"Ah, yes. Too bad I don't have a cigarette. I wanted to smoke one more."

"As a final statement, that's lame. You said such beautiful words before, and now you're ruining it."

"Haha, that's just me. You should know that well."

"True, that's the Master I know. Sorry, I couldn't fulfill my promise to you."

"I should be the one apologizing. As the Master, it's my main responsibility. Though saying this now is meaningless."

What a good Servant, Kairi thought. She was too excellent for him. Her way of living was incredibly dazzling, but he couldn't protect her light.

"Yes, so goodbye, Kairi Sisigou, my best partner."

"Ah, goodbye, Saber, no, Mordred."

The spiritual connection ended in an instant, and both Master and Servant closed their eyes, welcoming their end.

Then, the roaring magical power illuminated the Throne Room.

...

On the ark a thousand meters away from the courtyard, the red-clad Archer crossed his arms and clicked his tongue in admiration.

"Quite a spectacle. Looks like that other guy did a good job."

"Praising him is the same as praising yourself. That's also your favorite tactic."

The black-clad vampire standing on the other side said with a half-smile.

"No, no."

The red Archer waved his hand repeatedly, "I'm not as wasteful as that guy. My Broken Phantasms are projections and can be recreated anytime. That guy uses the original Noble Phantasms—well, it suits his extravagant style."

"Are you very familiar with him?"

The red Assassin, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

Archer was taken aback, looking at the Assassin in surprise before shaking his head after a while: "I know someone somewhat like him, but it's not him. But you... you give me a familiar feeling. Have we met before?"

The assassin remained silent for a while and then answered in a dull voice, "No, I have no memory of you. Even if I did, it wouldn't matter. We are just tools."

"Is that so... You're right," Archer sighed, casting one last glance at the assassin before turning his attention back to the garden.

"The Watcher has left the stage, the Greater Grail has appeared and is operating. Should we intervene now?"

"It's time. It won't be long before the Greater Grail starts affecting the real world," Solomon known as the King of Magecraft nodded. With just a wave of his hand, he induced a small tide of magical energy, proving himself worthy of the title of King of Magecraft.

"The Greater Grail is to be handled by the King of Magecraft and Princess White. Princess Black and we will handle any unexpected situations. I'll be the first to break through the garden's barrier," Archer said, gripping a black longbow in his left hand while holding a weapon that looked like both a sword and a drill in his right.

"Could it be that you also want to—?"

A knowing look flashed in Princess Black's eyes.

"Yes, since that guy used such a move, I can't be left behind."

As Archer's right hand drew the bowstring, the drill sword gradually transformed into a drill arrow nocked on the string.

"I am the bone of my sword. Calad——!!!"

Just as the drill arrow was about to be released, Archer's eyes narrowed, and he halted his movement.

"Hey, look at that. What is it?"

"That is..."

Princess Black squinted into the distance, "...starlight? How could the light from the Sea of Stars appear here? Could it be—?"

"Exactly, that 'could it be'. The gateway to the utopia has opened. It looks like Miss Watcher intends to resolve this matter herself. In that case, there's no need for me to stay here," the King of Magecraft said, his body gradually becoming ethereal.

At the same time, the body of Princess White, who stood at the edge of the ark and seemed out of place with the others, began to float slowly.

The red Archer quickly intervened, "You're leaving now? Although the Watcher's combat power is strong, she might not be able to—"

"The Watcher cannot leave the utopia. Since her true form has appeared in the real world, the other one in the utopia won't stand by idly. That one also has the qualifications of a grand Caster, no less than myself," Solomon, now just a shadow, raised his head, his deep gaze crossing space to meet another equally profound gaze.

At that moment, Princess Black, Archer, and the assassin caught a whiff of a fragrance, as if they were in a sea of pink flowers, with a faint male voice echoing in their ears.

"Let me tell you a story of a king..."