Chapter 38

CHAPTER 3 The Raid The troglodytes in question had already infiltrated the manor, entering the front garden. “Hmm. Is this Luna Artur’s base, Elaine?” One of them was Hitoshi Kataoka. “That’s right, Master Hitoshi.” One was Elaine—Morgan le Fay—following Hitoshi like a shadow. “……” And then there was Sir Tristan, watching the two from afar and looking awfully disinterested. The three did not try to run or hide; instead, they stood in the middle of the garden. “…Can I help you? …Well, I guess I don’t even need to ask,” Luna addressed the intruders from a dozen feet away. Rintarou, Sir Kay, Felicia, and Sir Gawain were lined up behind her. They had left Emma and Nayuki in the manor. The former had lost her Excalibur when she was robbed of her position as King, and the latter was a civilian. An Excalibur granted physical strength to their holder. Special powers depended on the Excalibur, but in the official owner’s hands, it basically guaranteed a basic boost for attacks, speed, and stamina. Paired with Mana Acceleration, a modern human could fight like a knight from the ancient era. Without her Excalibur, it was too dangerous for Emma to engage in combat. The one and only exception to the rule was Rintarou Magami. “I’m Hitoshi Kataoka—a King fighting in the battle for the throne. I came here to defeat you.” His burning gaze pierced Luna. “I heard what happened. I can’t let your foul deeds go any further! No one like you is fit to become king! As the righteous ruler, I will put you where you belong!” “Um… What am I in trouble for?” Luna furrowed her brows, looking a little lost. This was the King Arthur Succession Battle. She obviously wasn’t reluctant to fight other Kings. After all, the winner was the last person standing—battle-royale style. She was prepared to crush her opponents and knew they all had their reasons to fight. “Choosing to play dumb? Fine! I have nothing to say to criminals like you!” But it was a little concerning to see someone acting hostile for no discernible reason. “……” Rintarou scanned Hitoshi up and down. The kid seemed drunk off his confidence. …Hmm? Who is this brat? All talk and no action. Rintarou couldn’t detect any signs of a strong Aura, and he seemed to reek of mediocrity. Even the boosts from his Excalibur seemed decidedly average. It wouldn’t be hard to kill him. Even a rock would do it. What’s that cloth package on that chump’s back…? His Excalibur? That’s why he must be so confident. Rintarou passed his eyes over the girl standing next to Hitoshi. Luna called out to him. “Hey, Rintarou… Isn’t that girl…?” “Uh-huh. Still alive, huh…?” Beauty concealed under a black robe, the girl that Hitoshi had called Elaine was the same one who had created fissures all over the international city of Avalonia. At the time, Rintarou had thought Sir Lamorak had too easy of a time slitting the girl’s throat… And it seemed he’d been right. It must have been a magic mirage. If that was the case, Sir Lamorak should have seen through the illusion, which basically supported their working theory that the two had been conspiring together behind the scenes. In other words, this girl had to be the mastermind who had placed the Curse of a Changed Heart on Emma. “Elaine. Step back. It’s dangerous out here. Leave the rest to us.” “But I want to battle with you, Master Hitoshi!” “I get it… But don’t worry. I’ll protect you…” “Oh, Master Hitoshi… I don’t deserve that…” This time, she was hanging around some nobody, flirting with him… Something smells fishy… Real fishy… He had a gut feeling she had been involved with Souma Gloria Kujou, too. That would explain why Mr. Kujou had been at the center of strange phenomena—from the students-turned-puppets to the parallel world designed to look like Camlann Hill. What was she hoping to achieve by exploiting this battle? I only know one thing… We absolutely need to eliminate her. She must have felt the hostility radiating off him. “…Hee-hee,” giggled Elaine—Morgan—entwining herself around Hitoshi. To provoke Rintarou, she was trying to get Hitoshi’s attention by smiling at him. Ew… I know she’s trouble…but we need to watch out for… He trailed off, glancing at the Jack who stood behind Hitoshi. Blond hair. Blue armor. A knight who was blindingly hot. Sir Tristan. Geez… The last of the three strongest knights of the Round Table… Never imagined he would be next…! Rintarou gnashed his teeth, fixing his eyes on Sir Tristan. “To think we have to face him…!” Sir Kay shouted. “Why…? Oh, why does this always happen to us…?” Sir Kay and Sir Gawain already seemed beat. They had gotten a firsthand view of Sir Tristan in the ancient era. And they’d had it with him. “……” Sir Tristan himself didn’t look like he wanted to fight. He glanced at his old acquaintances and offered no reaction. “Rintarou, what’s wrong? Do you know…that Jack?” Luna asked. “Yeah, Tristan. Ring a bell?” Luna gulped, scrunching her face. Sir Tristan’s fame was close to that of Sir Lancelot, while Sir Lamorak hadn’t made a name for herself after she went AWOL. Luna must have been familiar with him. “…What do we do now, Rintarou?” she asked, looking nervous. “The brat is nothing. But the witch in black and Sir Tristan are going to be a handful,” he explained. “I’ll stop Sir Tristan. Sir Kay, Gawain, and Felicia…hold back that witch. You don’t have to beat her.” Rintarou looked at Luna. “Take care of the brat. If you get him, Sir Tristan will disappear. Or destroy his Round Fragment. I know you’re too soft for this shit.” “…Got it.” Upon wrapping up their little strategy meeting, they drew their swords and readied themselves. “Hmm? Is your plan all in order? It won’t change our victory.” Hitoshi was composed as he stood straight and tall. He seemed confident. “…Hmph.” Sir Tristan slowly raised his bow and arrow… “Let’s commence this fight for justice! To determine who will be king!” Hitoshi commanded, certain of his win. This marked the start of their battle. “Tch!” Rintarou sprinted ahead, taking the lead and unsheathing his favorite pair of swords—a red blade and a white one. He barreled toward Sir Tristan, making his attack direct and immediate. He moved like a flash of lightning zipping through the air. “That was fast!” Sir Gawain exclaimed in astonishment. “Go get ’em, Rintarou!” Sir Kay cheered, admiring Rintarou’s speed. He was just about to plunge his swords into Sir Tristan’s chest… “…Hmph.” The knight suddenly made his move. With the bow in his left hand and the arrow in his right, he let his arms glide into place. In an instant, Sir Tristan had an arrow nocked in his bow, and he sent it whizzing toward his opponent. He moved faster than a fast draw of a pistol by a seasoned professional. Light trailed off the arrow, signaling that it was charged by Aura. Its path was like a shooting star, arching to assault Rintarou from the side as he raced in a straight line for Sir Tristan. That trajectory would have been impossible for a normal arrow. “Aaaaaaaaaaaah!” Rintarou sliced the arrow with his right sword as if he had predicted this would happen. The arrow whizzed back, piercing the ground…and detonating like dynamite. The wind whipped around them, pushing away Luna’s team as it exploded in every direction. “R-Rintarou?!” “Don’t worry about me! Go, go, go!” Sir Tristan had fired another arrow in that time. Just what kind of skills did he have to account for his speed? Sir Tristan had shot four arrows in a single breath. The fatal projectiles curved and zigzagged, moving unpredictably and individually. There was no way they were normal arrows. “I’ve heard about your Buffer Bow!” Rintarou barked without slowing, striking down the incoming shots. With each arrow came an impressive explosion that ruined the topology of the front garden. The Buffer Bow—Sir Tristan’s illusory artifact weapon. Any arrow shot from the bow would always hit its mark unless it was physically whacked away. He had perfect aim. He was proud of that. This pride was channeled into his bow, making it a magic weapon. “Impressive! You’re the only one from the Round Table who’d be able to turn your own weapon into an artifact, Tristan!” Rintarou fended off an arrow with crossed swords, picking up his pace. He was a storm. Sir Tristan’s arrows were getting caught in this typhoon. “Don’t go thinking these arrows have anything on me!” “Uh-huh… This is just the beginning.” In Sir Tristan’s hand, the arrow burst into bits of mana…and he finally drew his sword. “I doubt you can handle my sword when you can’t even defeat my bow.” …It’s go time…! Rintarou thought, curling his lips into a smile as he closed the distance between them. Sir Tristan wasn’t feared for the masterful wielding of his bow. He hunted for sport. This was just a little hobby. He terrorized the people with the power of the gods of war—his divine brawn. His strength had been celebrated as the greatest of the Round Table, and his sword packed a powerful punch. Despite his delicate looks, Sir Tristan was someone who relied on raw power. Sir Lancelot had technique, Sir Lamorak had defense, and Sir Tristan had strength, making up the three strongest knights of the Round Table. …What to do?! Half a moment later, they were one step within striking distance. Rintarou’s mind raced… That said, my options are limited! Fomorian Transformation. At present, that was the only thing Rintarou had to face Sir Tristan. During his fight with Sir Lamorak, his Fomorian Transformation had powered up considerably. And he didn’t have a choice to shy away from it. That was why Rintarou made his decision. “I’m going full throttle! Let’s do this!” He invoked the most evil and sinister power within him… “HAAAAAH!” He was going to swing his pair of blades… “Huh?” “What?!” Everyone’s eyes were wide open. All he managed to do was lash out like a normal person…and that was it. The blades were casually stopped by Sir Tristan’s sword. “What…just happened…?” Rintarou was the most shaken out of everyone. He was sure he’d invoked the Fomorian Transformation…but he hadn’t transformed. Where was that sensation of absolute omnipotence? He could usually feel the power pulsing through him, flooding his body, but even that wasn’t present. Rintarou remained as he was. “Rintarou?!” “What’s happening?!” Luna and Sir Kay balked at this lack of change. “Y-you can’t be taunting them! This isn’t the time to—” “N-no, Sir Gawain! Rintarou wouldn’t do that—” He was right in front of Sir Gawain and Felicia, who were rooted to the spot. “Is that all you got? I guess you’re capable for a modern human…” Sir Tristan seemed bored, addressing him over their crossed weapons. He gave a sweep of his sword. THUD! Rintarou was sent flying through the air, looking like a complete joke. “AAAAAAAAH?!” He was blasted sideways in the direction he had just come from, bouncing off the ground and rolling through the dirt until he started to tumble back. “R-Rintarou! Are you okay?!” “…Tch…?!” Luna ran over to Rintarou, who had returned to his starting point. “What… What’s going on…?! I can’t invoke Fomorian power…?!” He sat up on the ground, staring down at himself. He just couldn’t believe it. It should have come to him as naturally as breathing. But he couldn’t detect any signs of it in his body. What is this…?! When did I…?! He started to tremble. “Ha-ha-ha. You wanna use the Fomorian power? “You rejected me. You want to have your cake and eat it, too.” Something was ringing in his ears. It sounded like someone whispering… But even when he scanned his surroundings, no one was there. And he already knew who it was. You little! Rintarou barked in his head. Then he heard the voice again—echoing like it scratched his brain from the inside out. “Looks like this is going to be a close match, mate. I bet you’re ready to beg me to give you access to my power…” Cut the crap! Rintarou thought. Stop being so greedy! “Says the one who abandoned his mission.” What mission…? “Don’t make me repeat myself. Your mission to kill Arthur.” Remember when I told you to stop messing with me…? Arthur is already— “Arthur is right there, right in front of you.” What—? He was floored by his own cryptic comment. “RINTAROU!” His vision was filled by Luna’s face as she peeked into his eyes. “What’s gotten into you?! You spaced out! You’re not acting like yourself!” “I-I’m…” His companions were looking down on him, appearing anxious. However, Rintarou didn’t have an answer. “Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! What have we got here? Someone is all spirit—and has no bite!” Hitoshi clapped his hands with glee. “See? That’s my power. We’re just not the same! Surrender if you get it! And I’ll let you be one of my vassals!” “…What a joke…!” Luna retorted, but her comeback didn’t hold her usual confidence. It might have been because of Rintarou’s unusual behavior, but she was gripped by an uneasy sensation. “Someone doesn’t get it. I guess you can’t see that we’re cut from different cloths… Fine. See for yourself!” Hitoshi shouted, looking at his Jack. “Get them, Sir Tristan! Teach them pain!” “…Hmph.” Sir Tristan took a step forward, looking unenthused by the prospect. “Gh…” Rintarou readied his swords, even though he shrank back a step. “Rintarou, are you okay? Can you fight?” asked Luna, legitimately worried. “Uh, yeah… It’s…it’s just…,” Rintarou managed to reply. “I think it’s a symptom from that other fight… I don’t think I can transform…” “…Okay.” Luna didn’t blame him. She nodded gently. “I don’t like it when you use it anyway…,” she admitted. “I get a bad feeling from it.” “……” “Don’t worry! We’ve got nothing to fear! You’ll still lead us to victory… Right, Rintarou?” “Uh, yeah… Count on me.” Just fake bravado. Battles require fighters to quantify their strength. Courage and mental fortitude weren’t part of the initial equation. They were at the bottom of priorities. Fighting without the Fomorian Transformation would be a huge negative in the battle equation. That was an unshakable truth. He had only won against Sir Lancelot and Sir Lamorak with the Fomorian power. The strongest fighter in Luna’s party was out of commission. That was unprecedented. An even greater hellscape was about to unfold… In the lounge of Logres Manor— “……” “……” —Emma and Nayuki were idly sitting on the sofa. It was silent, as if their racket had never happened. Tick, tick, tick, echoed the wall clock. It sounded grating in their ears. They could hear occasional metal clangs coming from outside. “…Um…!” Nayuki piped up, unable to stand the silence any longer. “Um… What’s going on? All I know is that they jumped outside looking serious… Did something happen?” The anxiety on Nayuki’s face was plain as day. Emma could see that for herself. She offered a gentle smile to offer her some respite. “It’s all fine! It’ll all be fine!” “Are you sure…?” “Um…I can’t go into detail, but they’re definitely fine! I mean, they have my master with them, after all! Everyone will be back in no time!” Emma was a terrible liar. She hadn’t explained a thing. If anything, she had implied that something was up. “……” Nayuki observed Emma…and then her eyes narrowed. Something in Nayuki had changed. Her gentle face turned serious. She didn’t even look like herself. “……I knew this was going on,” she muttered. “Hmm? Did you just say something?” Nayuki stood up as though she had settled on something. “…I need to go.” “What?!” Emma cried. Nayuki tried to leave the room. Emma immediately grabbed the back of her sleeve and stopped her. “Where…are you going?!” “To Rintarou. I must go.” “No! You can’t leave! I can’t explain what’s going on, but it’s dangerous out there!” “But—” “No buts! Please, Nayuki! You need to stay here and—” THUMP. Something about the air inside the manor had changed. “—Gh?!” Emma realized Nayuki had vanished. She couldn’t hear the fight breaking out anymore. Her world was dominated by the ticking of the clock. “Is this a netherworld?!” They had gotten her. Emma trembled. Someone must have used Netherworld Transformation on Logres Manor. Emma was cut off from the real world, locked away somewhere that bore a resemblance to her home. She was alone, trapped. “But…why…?! Why would there be a netherworld in here…?” Nothing could hide her surprise. That was when she noticed something. …There’s something here… Her sixth sense picked it up. There was…someone else with her. It wasn’t Nayuki. Emma imagined she was panicking in the real world when Emma disappeared. She could sense the hostility coming from the other person, who was creeping toward her. It was so obvious. The other person was targeting… “…Me? But why…?” She wasn’t paralyzed by fear…but by their reason. “I’ve already lost my Excalibur and Round Fragment… I’ve been robbed of everything that makes me a King… So why…? There’s no point in killing me…!” She didn’t get it. But the person who had set up this netherworld was most certainly targeting her. …Everyone else is outside… I wonder if they’ll notice this Netherworld Transformation… The odds seemed slim. Based on sound alone, she had been able to tell that their battle was a desperate one. It wasn’t like Rintarou would notice the subtle presence of a netherworld when they were fighting for their lives. Regardless, she doubted they would make it in time. Which meant she needed to do something herself… This wasn’t the time for her to sit and panic. “…Guh!” Emma yanked a sword off the wall. It was there for decor, but it had practical use. The only thing was that the sword was a very mediocre one. Compared to her Excalibur, it wasn’t anything special. But Emma knew channeling her Aura into the weapon might help. She gripped the sword, leaving the lounge behind. Emma ran into the person in the sprawling foyer. It appeared the intruder had purposefully projected hostility to draw in Emma, and they waited there patiently for her. “……” Stairs continued from the second floor to the entrance hall. Emma observed the person standing near the landing. It was a girl wearing a black sailor school uniform and a hooded cloak. In her hand was a dagger with a curious luster. It didn’t seem like it was gold or silver. Its molding was sinister…and the blade was sharp. It had to be an Excalibur. “…You’ve come, Emma Michelle.” The girl seemed to sense her entrance, looking at Emma from the distance. Her cold glare peeked out from her hood and behind her black hair, piercing Emma’s soul. “…Who are you?” Emma feigned composure to keep her ground. “…Reika Tsukuyomi. A King fighting in the battle for the throne.” “Reika…huh?” Emma sucked in a deep breath, focusing on remaining calm. “I can feel murder coming off you… Are you planning on defeating me?” “…Yeah. You’re making my job easy.” “I’m not planning on begging for my life, but I assume you realize I’m not a King anymore. My defeat won’t count toward the succession battle.” “…I know.” Reika was incredibly calm—merciless. “But I have my own responsibilities. And it requires my taking your life.” “…What?!” “I haven’t got anything against you, but…I need to kill you,” she said. Reika didn’t seem to need a response. She steadied the dagger, holding it with a backhand grip. “Gh?!” Emma raised her weapon. Her opponent was a King with an Excalibur. Which meant she had to have a Jack, too. Meanwhile, Emma was a former King who had lost her Excalibur. And she didn’t have a knight to protect her. I hate to admit that I can’t even compare to her… But she couldn’t give up. That was a lesson she’d picked up from her master—Rintarou. I’m still trying to find my purpose in life…ever since I was robbed of my right to be King… But I told myself that I would figure it out… I want to be with master and Luna and everyone else…! That’s why— Emma roared courage as she glared at Reika. Her opponent’s coat and hair fluttered from the pressure. “…I’m not going to lose! I hope you don’t think you can get rid of me!” Emma was ready to respond to her every attack. She was going to find a way to escape. She had no other choice. “You’ve got guts. I don’t think anyone from the ancient era was as sincere as you.” Reika flashed her a small cold smile. “…Gh!” She held up her dagger. “Wha—?!” Emma’s eyes went wide. Thousands of daggers appeared above Reika’s head, pointing at Emma. “…I’ll make sure you don’t suffer a painful death. Die, Emma Michelle. Know it won’t be in vain.” With her free hand, Reika drew a sword—an ornamental one with a white blade. It caught the light of the chandelier, glaring ominously. “…M-master…,” Emma whimpered. She hadn’t lost her will to fight. And she hadn’t fallen to her knees in despair. This just cemented her suspicion that Reika was the better fighter. Reika Tsukuyomi was strong. There was no means of escape. And if she resisted, her death would be handed to her without ceremony. Emma was certain of this. Silver flashes shot through the air. The daggers over Reika’s head had fired like a meteor shower toward Emma Michelle. — “RAAAAAAAH!” Rintarou sprinted, looking like a bolt of lightning as he whizzed across the ground. Left. Right. Left. He launched himself to every blind spot, every opening that he spotted, zigzagging across Sir Tristan’s vision. He leaped into the air, trying to get Sir Tristan from above. “…Hmph.” But Sir Tristan must have had a hunch, because he sent his opponent flying back with a sloppy sweep of his sword. “Whoa?!” His body shot through the air like a ball hit by a bat. “Dammit!” Even as he tumbled through the dirt, Sir Tristan pursued him with terrific speed. Rintarou launched off the ground, using momentum to land on his feet. Sir Tristan’s sword came crashing down, aiming to crack Rintarou’s skull open. Rintarou was in a tough spot. He had no way of protecting himself from Sir Tristan’s sword anymore. “Rintarou!” “Nh?!” But he was saved by a hairbreadth. Sir Kay and Sir Gawain rushed in from the outskirts, crossing swords over his head to stop Sir Tristan. “Ack—” “Whoa?!” But it wasn’t enough. Their swords were pushed down. Sir Tristan was going in for the kill. “You…!” Rintarou boomed, jumping to his feet and slipping his sword between the cracks to join the other two. “Heh… We might—?!” But it didn’t stop Sir Tristan. His sword was unstoppable, pressing against the lattice of blades…until he broke through. “GAAAAAH!” “GRAAAAH!” “AAAAACK!” The three fighters were blasted away like leaves at the mercy of a tropical storm. Sir Tristan immediately chased after them— “‘Dance, dance, nymphs of the flowers, dance and scatter as you bloom flowers of flames!’” Felicia chanted, activating the fairy spell Flower Fire Dance. A cyclone of petals swirled around Sir Tristan, catching fire and combusting his body. But that wasn’t enough. Even in the raging flames, his sword continued to swing. And it was enough to cut through the storm, blowing the embers away. “Gh…! What even are you?!” Felicia looked at her own sword, her Excalibur in the shape of a rapier. It was the Radiant Steel Sword of Glory—and she had already declared its inscription. The blinding light from the blade weakened enemies and invoked Sun’s Blessing in Sir Gawain. Which meant it would have been effective on Sir Tristan. Except it didn’t seem to have any effect on him. When she’d weaponized it on Sir Lancelot and Sir Lamorak, Felicia could sense that it dulled their movements. But Sir Tristan was acting like nothing had happened to him. “No… It’s working…! I’m counting on you to keep it going, Feli—cough!” Rintarou hacked up blood, using his swords as crutches to stand himself up. “That’s the only thing saving us!” he called out. “Without it, he would take us down…!” “Rintarou…! I don’t know how long I can keep this up…!” “I know. It’ll just get worse…” “I’m…not blaming you or anything…but is your Fomorian power…?” “……” He didn’t answer. Felicia’s face hardened when Rintarou confirmed her suspicions. Their original plan had been for Rintarou to hold back Sir Tristan, which left Sir Gawain, Felicia, and Sir Kay to restrain the witch in black. Luna was supposed to bring down Hitoshi. That had been their plan. But for whatever reason, Rintarou had lost his Fomorian Transformation. To hold back Sir Tristan, Sir Gawain, Felicia, and Sir Kay needed to be mobilized, but that wasn’t possibly enough… And that meant it would be impossible for Luna to get through to that witch in black to bring down Hitoshi. Hitoshi Kataoka was a nobody, but this mission was too dangerous with that witch protecting him. Rintarou knew her power was unimaginable… She made for a terrifying opponent. His team was simply understaffed. They lacked the basics—strength and numbers. I didn’t want to count on a crappy plan, but… Rintarou glanced behind him. Luna was standing quietly in the very back of the battlefield with her eyes closed. Her sword was in its sheath, and her hands were at her sides. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and she stood wordlessly. We’ll use Luna’s Steel Sword of Camaraderie to blow away that witch and kid… It would take time, but if she could invoke it, her Excalibur could emit an ultimate attack that would blast away just about anyone. Even magical defenses were rendered meaningless. It could even demolish a netherworld if they decided to hide in one. It had been impossible to use during their fight with Sir Lamorak, but it could have broken her shields if it had been successfully weaponized. It was their prided and powerful trump card. In fact, all they could do was bet everything on it. Thankfully…the witch hasn’t made any moves to protect the little brat… Maybe we can finish this while they continue to conceal their true powers… Raising his swords, Rintarou faced Sir Tristan, who was walking toward him in order to corner him… Tch… Where are Gawain and Sir Kay…? They were in the distance, leaning on their swords to stand. With Felicia’s Spring Wind of Abundance, their skin was starting to regenerate, but it would take a bit longer for them to come back into battle. Damn… I just need to focus on buying more time… Rintarou desperately tried to think of a way. That was when something happened. “Okay, Sir Tristan. You can stop,” called out Hitoshi from the other side of his Jack. The witch in black waited on him. He looked mighty proud of himself. Sir Tristan silently halted. “…Oh?” Rintarou muttered. If Hitoshi was stopping his knight…he must have wanted to talk things over. That or he was thrown off his game or was maybe even placated. Rintarou grinned, letting his mental gears whir. Bargaining would let him make use of his knowledge as Merlin. Hitoshi addressed Rintarou next. “Did you see for yourself?” “Heh. See what?” “That we’re on different fields. Obviously.” “…” Rintarou waited patiently to hear what was coming next. But…Hitoshi just grinned from ear to ear, looking like he’d already won. “…Hmm? …Is that all you have to say?” Rintarou called out. “Yeah… What about it?” “…” Rintarou’s jaw practically dropped to the floor. …Does he have no brain cells? Really? That was all he had to say when they were fighting with their lives on the line? Did he really stop the battle just to say nothing? In this situation? When he obviously had the upper hand? This just confirmed Rintarou’s assessment of the boy: Hitoshi Kataoka was a total amateur when it came to fighting. Because Hitoshi had not the slightest hint of strength, Rintarou had suspected he was a prime negotiator who relied on brain and tact to worm through the battlefield…but that didn’t seem to be the case. If he had even the average amount of tact, he never would have paused the battle at this moment in this situation…for no discernible rhyme or reason. Hitoshi Kataoka was a King who genuinely didn’t have a clue. “…Huh. Different fields?” Rintarou humored him. It was like Hitoshi didn’t know the price of extra time…to the advantage of Luna’s team. Rintarou had run out of options to buy time…when this opportunity fell in his lap. “Yeah. I get it now. You’re right. I guess you’re not even in the same universe as my King.” “Told ya. I’m just glad you can understand—” “You suck so much that you’re basically on the other side of Earth.” Rintarou had hyped him up—only to shatter his ego. Hitoshi’s face dropped as soon as Rintarou provoked him. I knew it. He’s still a little brat. He wants everyone to glorify him but has no talent to show for it. He wants to be liked so badly. He’s just a cringey kid going through growing pains. With a ravenous appetite for approval. Rintarou could read him like a book. He knew that if he picked a fight, Hitoshi would snap back. It was in his blood. “You call yourself king? Quit pulling my leg. A talentless hack could never. A king? You’d make a better emperor—one without clothes. Go home to your mommy and suck on her tits.” “Did you just call me talentless…?!” His personality couldn’t take it when other people treated him like an idiot. Hitoshi’s face flushed as he jumped to his feet. “I’m not a hack! I’m not like all the other idiots around me! I’m smarter! I-I’m special!” “Heh. Special? Yeah, right. You’re a dime a dozen.” “What?! You should just accept the truth! I’m a King! I’m different…! I’m a descendant of King Arthur! Look! Behold my power as a King! You haven’t been able to lay a hand on me! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” “But you haven’t done a thing,” Rintarou pointed out, which seemed to touch a nerve. A critical hit. “You can’t do anything—can’t fight, can’t think, can’t even make a single decision… You hide behind your knight and nod along, bending over backward to follow the woman… Wah-wah. A little baby. Are you into ageplay?” “N-no! …Don’t mess with me! I would never…! I’m…I’m…!” Hitoshi was on the verge of exploding in anger. “…Pay no mind to the heckling of a boor, Master Hitoshi,” the witch in black gently urged, nestling up to Hitoshi. “No matter what anyone says, you have the potential to be a king. That’s why I appeared before you—to guide you…” “Elaine…” Hitoshi seemed to be slightly satisfied by her praise. “The people of this world are juvenile. Few can see things for their true value. All the more reason why I must protect you…” “Right… I almost forgot… You came to me like a dream when I’d been handed a sword, at a total loss… You guided me and brought me here…” Hitoshi glared at Rintarou like he’d regained his confidence. “Dumbasses everywhere! You just can’t accept someone who’s actually special! It was like that at school, too! All those idiots looked at me like I was stupid! Well, I used my power as a King and sent them all to the hospital! They’ll never recover! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! They had it coming for them!” “……” “All because they thought I was nothing… But I’m special… I’m going to become a hero… I’m meant to become one…! I’m different from human garbage like you…!” Rintarou was honestly beat. He’s unsalvageable trash… Not like I’m one to talk. He was starting to get genuinely irritated that Hitoshi had cornered them. But even this meaningless drivel served a purpose. Even though their conditions weren’t perfect, Sir Gawain and Sir Kay were on their feet again. “…Rintarou, I think I can do it.” From behind him, he heard Luna murmur quietly. His lips curled up. “I was waiting, my king,” he said. “Go, Sir Tristan! Kill all of them!” “…Hmph.” Sir Tristan brandished his sword and rushed at them. “Gawain! Sir Kay! Felicia!” Rintarou yelled, facing the incoming enemy, standing in the line of fire. “AAAAH!” “Hragh!” “Gah!” Sir Gawain and Felicia flew in from both sides. Sir Kay approached from behind. They surrounded Sir Tristan and crashed into him. “Hmph!” But he repositioned himself with impressive footwork, immediately jabbing his sword to handle the attacks—driving the three fighters off, dispelling, repelling, rebuffing, and fending them off. And even though he was on the defense, he was gradually overwhelming them and pushing back. “Ack!” Sir Kay was the first to get critically hit, flying back, armor and all. “Aaah!” As Sir Tristan returned to his position, he sent Felicia’s sword flying, using the momentum to get her, too. “GAH!” As her backup, Sir Gawain stopped Sir Tristan’s sword as it came down over his head. But the knight broke through Sir Gawain’s parry, slicing through his armor, deep into his collar. “I won’t let you!” Rintarou screamed. He aimed for Sir Tristan’s neck, assaulting him violently. Sir Tristan was one step ahead. He drew back…which gave them the perfect window of opportunity. “Luna! Nooooooow!” Rintarou yelled. “Royal Road!” Luna snapped open her eyes and unsheathed her sword, raising it over her head. In the next moment, light flooded out of her weapon, shooting up to the heavens to create a towering blade of light. It practically reached the clouds. The aurora whited out their vision. “Eek?! Wh-what is that thing?!” Hitoshi shrieked, wide-eyed and panicked, gaping at the undulating light radiating from her sword. “You need not worry, Master Hitoshi.” At that moment, the witch in black suddenly appeared behind Luna, attempting to slit Luna’s throat with a short sword. “Not on my watch!” Another Rintarou had appeared out of the shadows, swinging his sword to repel her. “Gah!” “Heh. Obviously, I would keep my eye out for that.” Rintarou’s specialty. Shadow Burrow and Silhouette. Dark magic. Upon completing its role, the Silhouette Rintarou dispersed into the air. “DO IT! LUNA!” Luna started to chant. “My Excalibur, the Steel Sword of Camaraderiiie!” The light showed no mercy as it came crashing down on Hitoshi, who was frozen by fear. They were Kings. This was a battlefield. They had known from the start that this was a fight to the death. Luna showed no signs of hesitating. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH?!” His trembling body was completely consumed by the light of Luna’s sword. The torrent bathed everything in white. Brilliant white. However… “‘King, hath the new Excalibur, which the Dame du Lac bequeathed to ye, been to thine liking?’ asked Merlin. “King Arthur looked on the sword as he said, ‘Very much so.’ “Then Merlin asked him, ‘Whether liketh you better? The sword or the scabbard?’ “‘I like the sword,’ said King Arthur. “‘Ye are more unwise,’ said Merlin. “‘For the scabbard is worth ten of the swords. Whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never sore wounded. Therefore keep the scabbard always with you.’” John Sheep, LAST ROUND ARTHUR, FIRST VOLUME, TWENTY-FIFTH CHAPTER …The light had settled. “What…?” “…Y-you’ve got to be kidding…” All who were present were stunned. Luna’s sword had been almighty. The area had been obliterated from damage. It was as if a towering dragon had dragged its claws through the dirt. The earth had been gouged. The front garden had been rendered into ash. There was value in choosing to make their primary residence in a remote location. “Ha-ha… Ha-ha-ha,” chuckled Hitoshi. He had fallen on his ass—unharmed. “Impossible.” “Wh-why…? I made sure to use all my power…” Rintarou and Luna were in disbelief. Their eyes widened. How had he survived? Through Luna’s Steel Sword of Camaraderie? Unscathed? “Even if he used protective magic…that’s impossible…” Even Rintarou in his Fomorian Transformation would have been obliterated by Luna’s Excalibur. Did that brat actually withstand it? Rintarou was at a complete loss. “I—I thought I was going to die for sure, but…my Excalibur is amazing… I didn’t think it’d protect me from that…!” With a hint of a tense smile forming over his lips, Hitoshi tore off the cloth package on his back with trembling hands before proudly raising its contents so the others could see. It was a scabbard—a beautiful one—decorated with gold, silver, and precious gems. “It’s the Steel Sheath of Undying Defense! It’s the strongest Excalibur—and it’s mine!” “A scabbard?! Tch… I see…!” The scabbard from the legends of King Arthur was famous by word of mouth. Rintarou recognized the potential of Hitoshi’s Excalibur in an instant and spat out in annoyance. “Listen closely. So long as I have this Excalibur, I will never be hurt! Neither will anyone steal it from me! You got that?!” It seemed Hitoshi was getting so wound up, he was spilling confidential information. Rintarou was lost in thought, ignoring him. Tch… I never would have guessed that cheat would’ve been made into an Excalibur… The scabbard rendered all attacks null—from swords, arrows, bullets, any physical assaults, magic spells, spiritual attacks, and curses of all kinds… It explained why the amateur could be so cocky on the battlefield. Dammit! This is so irritating, but we can’t do anything about him now! What could he do? Hitoshi didn’t give Rintarou the chance to think that over. “Is this the time to be lost in thought?” Once again, Sir Tristan rushed at Rintarou, trying to rip into him. “Crap!” Rintarou leaped back once and then twice before repelling Sir Tristan’s attacks. With every hit, the impact from their blades shocked his arms, zapping Rintarou’s body. It wasn’t long before he was sent flying. He was nearing his limits. He felt like he was about to be defeated. “R-Rintarou?!” Luna had gotten to the point where she just couldn’t watch anymore. She started to run toward Rintarou, trying to come to him as backup. “I’m coming right now!” “Don’t! Run away—” Rintarou was ready to propose withdrawing when something happened. “And so the Britain King Arthur ruled, and the plentiful knights of the Round Table took pride of the peak of their glory and prosperity. “Yet, in King Arthur’s heart remained some malady. “‘A babe that should destroy the king should be born on May Day.’ “In times past, Nimue of the Dame du Lac slew the prophesier Merlin, and yet his prophecy stayed in the king’s mind. “‘But have no fear, my king, for thou hast me. “‘As long as I am by thy side, thou art safe, my king.’ “Yet, Merlin was no longer with King Arthur. “From his plight, King Arthur said, ‘Let send the children born on May Day, upon pain of death for any that refuse. “‘Slay each child with a dagger and leave not one alive.’ “Then he gathered all the children begotten on May Day in the realm and killed each one to leave not a single child to spare. “The young Mordred had been among them but was spared the plight, for the ship put to sea wrecked. “Many of the lords and subjects were displeased. “This was the first step toward King Arthur’s ruin and the collapse of the kingdom of Logres.” John Sheep, LAST ROUND ARTHUR, FOURTH VOLUME, TWENTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER “Luna, above you!” Rintarou shouted. “?!” Luna looked up. Hundreds of silver daggers had snaked around her, coming down on her like a downpour. “Eek?!” She had no time to escape. Luna immediately fired her Aura and her sword in place of a shield for defense. The blades rained down on her, ripping through her delicate frame, which bloomed with blood. Finally, it stopped. “Gah—hah?!” Luna collapsed, robbed of her strength and skewered by the daggers. She narrowly missed having fatal wounds, but she could no longer fight. “LUUUUUUNA?!” FWOOSH! Something came down to stand behind Luna, who remained facedown on the ground. “Royal Road—Sword of Destruction…” It was a girl in a hooded cloak. In her hand, she held a curious dagger. “Any king has a good side…and a bad one. This Excalibur embodies the latter in King Arthur. Don’t hold this against me.” “Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Nice one! Reika Tsukuyomi! An excellent vassal! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” She ignored Hitoshi, who was in a fit of laughter. Reika seemed like she was trying to strike the finishing blow on Luna… She put away her dagger and unsheathed a sword—an ornamental one with a white blade. Had she used it just earlier on someone else? Because it was dripping with blood. “Dammit!” In fury, Rintarou launched himself at Luna like he’d exploded. “I won’t let you through.” Sir Tristan stood in his way. “MOVE!” Rintarou tried to strike Sir Tristan. Not that he could be hit from any slipshod attempts. Sir Tristan lazily parried Rintarou’s rapid attacks from both swords. “Luna!” “Gah! I’m coming to help you right now!” Sir Kay, Felicia, and Sir Gawain dashed toward Luna. “How rude. Leaving a girl to dance alone?” The witch in black snapped her fingers. SLRP, SLRP, SLRP… The ground melted into an inky swamp. The three of them started to sink. Hands shot up from the murky waters, pulling them down into the depths… “Crap…! This again?!” “Aaah! It’s just an illusion… It’s just an illusion…!” It was incredibly strong magic. And even though they resisted, they couldn’t break the illusion, all attempts thwarted by the witch. “Dammit…!” As he observed his other teammates, Rintarou channeled his power into his attacks, trying to slice through Sir Tristan. “I said move!” But the knight didn’t budge an inch. It was almost as though he were a rampart. Crap! I might still make it! I need my Fomorian Transformation! That’s all I have! Dammit! Give it to me! Rintarou howled in his mind. But not even the slightest bit of power was activated. He didn’t even hear the voice anymore. What is with you? Eventually, Sir Tristan fended off Rintarou’s stormy assault and returned a blow like a battering ram. “GAH?!” CLANG! Rintarou narrowly protected himself with his swords’ hilts, blown away in the opposite direction of Luna. As he lay helpless, Reika stood next to Luna and looked down on her. “Ugh… Uh… Rin…ta…rou…” Luna still tried to reach out a trembling hand to pick up her fallen sword. But Reika kicked it away. “…Ugh…” Her eyes flooded with despair. “If you want to hate me, go for it,” Reika dispassionately and coldly told Luna, announcing her death sentence. “Your death will not be in vain.” She plunged her white sword into Luna’s back. “GAAAAAH?!” “LUNAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!” Rintarou’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. He knew with his sixth sense that the white sword was drawing something out of Luna—lethally draining her. The white sword burned red as it drew the substance out. “…Ah…” Luna was weakening before his eyes. “No…! Lu…na…” As her spiritual companion, Sir Kay was beginning to fade, fingertips decomposing into particles of mana. She looked down in disbelief… She was disappearing. “Nooooooo! Luna, please!!” “Crap! Move out of the way!” Felicia and Sir Gawain struggled wildly, but it was all to no avail. “AAAAAAAAAH!” Rintarou tried to do something to overcome Sir Tristan. But it was impossible. “Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Told ya. I’m stronger! I’m going to become the hero! I’m going to become the true king! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Hitoshi’s ear-piercing cackle echoed. They made to snuff out Luna’s life as one would a candle flame. That was exactly when it happened. All of a sudden, something ruptured in the air behind Reika. “I won’t let you!” A girl came swooping down on Reika. In her hand, she held a sword made from ice. The air froze over as she brandished her weapon, scattering diamond dust in its wake. “Tch—” Reika immediately yanked her white sword out of Luna and leaped away. The ice sword sliced through the air. A shallow wound opened along Reika’s cheek. The cut instantly froze, not spilling even a drop of blood. The girl then exuded incredible mana. “—Winter Storm.” Fwsht! A chilly tempest blasted into Reika and the witch in black. “…Tch!” “…What kind of mana…?!” They sprinted from its range as it froze the blood in their bodies. Felicia and Sir Gawain were released from the illusion. “I won’t let you kill Luna.” As though to protect Luna, the girl stood in front of her, wielding her ice blade. She was… “…Nayuki?!” …Nayuki Fuyuse. Something about her was completely different from her usual self. Even though she had Nayuki’s face, her hair had turned a frosty blue. Her eyes were icy, like jewels. He had no idea when she had changed, but she was no longer wearing her school uniform, donning an ultrathin white-and-blue dress in its place. Her modest accessories were aglow with curious magic. Coupled with her ephemeral bearing, she could have been mistaken for an ice fairy. “Tch…you again,” Reika muttered resentfully. “I can’t believe you got in the way earlier…which is why I couldn’t draw it out.” “……” “And I can’t believe you got out of that netherworld… Above and beyond my expectations,” Reika spat. Rintarou and the others’ vision started to shift. “I-is this…a Netherworld Transformation…?!” “It’s mine, Rintarou. I banished them from this world.” Nayuki turned to him. “We need to withdraw now.” “N-Nayuki… What are you…?” “We can talk later. Even though I’ve separated us with the Netherworld Transformation, it won’t buy us much time as long as that witch is around.” She was right. Rintarou gritted his teeth as he picked up Luna’s battered body. She was still breathing. It was a whisper of a breath, but she was alive. Rintarou was bewildered by how immensely relieved he felt… He glared at Hitoshi’s group as they disappeared into the warping landscape. “I’ll remember this…! Don’t think your death will be painless…!” he threatened. “Eep?!” Hitoshi trembled, shrinking back a step. “Ha. Ha-ha. Sore losers just love to blame the game…” Rintarou turned to Reika, ignoring him. “Reika, huh…? That white sword… I see what’s happening.” “Ha… Great guess, Merlin.” He gnashed his teeth, glaring angrily at her. “A hundred years since I’ve seen you… I’ll get you next time… You’re mine.” “Ditto. I’ll kill you with my own two hands.” Was it fate? “I will purge you, Merlin. Even if it’s just you…” Rintarou and Reika gave each other death glares. The tension was palpable. Hitoshi, Reika, and the rest of his group disappeared into the wavering air. And it was like all their worries were gone. They sank to the ground, knowing they were saved. “…Rintarou…” Nayuki seemed apologetic. “Well…I don’t want to say this…and I know it’ll be hard…” “…Yeah, I know.” Rintarou repressed every emotion in him and once again picked up Luna’s limp form. He turned to the others. “They’ll come right back… We’re abandoning this place… We can escape to safety.” “……” The silence felt heavy. Scrinch… His bones creaked as he curled his hand into a fist. His nails broke through his skin, making his blood trickle down his palm.