Chapter 64. Time, Flow Again
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I Will Eventually Embark on the Path of No Return Called a Hero [Arc2] - 64. Time, Flow Again
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In the sky, fierce lightning surged, containing the power to slay even gods. Zeus had once used this power to obliterate the Titans who attempted to overthrow his rule, leaving no trace of them.
However, this was not the true power of Zeus; it was merely a projection. The blessings he held were also projections.
The gods' blessings were singular. As a Heroic Spirit, he possessed numerous bug-like Noble Phantasms due to the songs of praise from the people, but his most potent blessing had been weakened.
The true Zeus held blessings that could control even the skies. But as a Heroic Spirit, he could only weaken this sky's blessing into Zeus's thunderbolt. If it were the true Zeus, he could directly manifest Zeus's staff through [Reforged Pandora], firing divine lightning capable of slaying gods in rapid succession.
But now he could not. The divine strike required the temporary forfeiture of Zeus's blessing.
Karna, however, was different. His Noble Phantasm was not just a god-slaying spear: Brahmastra; it also embodied his noble will. Even as a projection, his will was genuine, and although he could only deliver a single strike, the power to annihilate a single target completely was not to be underestimated.
"I have to say, you are stronger," Cyd said with a light laugh. The staff in his hand had disappeared, replaced by a large circle floating behind him. The circle was evenly inscribed with the numbers one through twelve, with a long and short hand overlapping and resting at the twelve o'clock position.
Karna did not respond to Cyd. Rather, it was impossible for him to respond.
The divine thunder, the light capable of annihilating a single target—everything had stopped.
This was not a simple confinement. In the face of this power, no matter how unyielding the spirit or how formidable the Noble Phantasm, it was powerless.
"But I have an absolute reason not to lose," Cyd bypassed the thunder and light to stand behind Karna. His dragon-claw-like right hand pierced Karna's back, crushing his heart (spirit base) with precision. "I have made them wait too long, so long that even this power cannot erase it."
[Reforged Pandora], Fourteenth Form—Master of Time.
This form was born from [Reforged Pandora] after completely merging the flesh and blood of Kronos. As Hephaestus said, it is a box of hope. When it opens, hope comes to Cyd, sealing all calamities and becoming his power.
"Time, flow again."
"Click—"
The stopped hands began to move. The divine thunder was dispersed under Karna's light, and a straight hole appeared beneath their feet.
"Did I lose? I gave it my all and lost without any interference?" Karna sighed lightly as his Brahmastra began to dissipate.
"Hmm, it seems I'm a bit stronger," Cyd helped Karna to the ground.
"You don't need to comfort me. I'm actually quite happy now," Karna said with a light smile. "It's wonderful that I, who descended only to fulfill Master's wish, could feel so satisfied."
He had encountered various misfortunes in his life and ended up killed without using his real abilities. He wasn't resentful, but there was still a slight regret—he hadn't even given his all in the end.
But it was truly wonderful. He had lost…
Given his all in a fair, one-on-one fight, the result no longer mattered. After all, he wasn't particularly driven by a desire to win.
But if he had to say there was any regret…
"I know it might be a bit cheeky for a loser like me to say this," Karna said seriously. "My Master has already lost their qualification, so can you save him?"
"Hmm, they'll be fine," Cyd nodded.
"Thank you."
Karna closed his eyes contentedly, turning into a speck of light.
Red Lancer Karna's spirit base dissipated, confirming his death.
"This feeling… Siegfried and Achilles's spirit bases have also disappeared," Cyd raised an eyebrow.
So, the remaining Heroic Spirits were Red Saber Mordred, Red Assassin Semiramis, Red Caster Shakespeare, Red Archer Atalanta, Black Rider Astolfo, Black Berserker Frankenstein, and Black Archer Chiron—a total of seven.
It was not enough to completely fill the Great Holy Grail, but it was almost enough to fulfill his wish!
"Just wait a bit longer, Teacher, Atalanta, Medusa, Hephaestus. I'll be back soon!"
Cyd clenched his fists.
In the throne room, Semiramis fell to the ground from her throne, clutching her chest.
"How is this possible!" Pain twisted Semiramis's expression. She wasn't a hero; the pain that pierced her spirit base made her tears flow uncontrollably. More frustratingly, a situation that should have been a guaranteed victory had been overturned. Instead of being the victor who looked down from above, she was dragged down from the throne.
"Boom—"
The tightly shut doors fell with a roar. The silent stream of light had destructive power that was completely inconsistent with its aura. The door, which even Frankenstein couldn't break through, was instantly shattered.
Semiramis bit her teeth in humiliation. The light was not aimed at her but had merely happened to be within range.
"You are absolutely not allowed to leave!" Semiramis raised her hand. Now, she only needed to change the terrain to block them with a wall of toxic fog!
She would not consider herself defeated!
"Smack—"
A tall figure blocked Semiramis's view. It was someone who should have fallen.
Looking at the raised fist, Semiramis begrudgingly used the prepared teleportation spell.
"Finally driven her away, but I'm out of strength to continue attacking," Chiron swayed, placing his hand on the throne to prevent himself from collapsing.
If he fell now, it would truly be the end…
"Archer, come out quickly!" Fioré's voice came from outside the door.
Really, Master, this is not a situation where going out will be fine…
"Sorry, Master. Although it's a bit selfish, I can't stay by your side for this final moment," Chiron shook his head, supporting himself against the wall and moving towards the other door.
He had little time left. Before disappearing, he must…
"Bang—"
Chiron staggered and half-knelt on the ground, beginning to cough up blood.
"I must get to your side."
"Archer… I understand," Fioré took a deep breath, raising her hand. "By the Command Spell, Archer, you must survive. By the Command Spell, Archer, you absolutely must not fall. This is the last Command Spell…"
"You must…" Fioré shouted with the loudest voice she had ever used. "Fulfill your wish!"