The Day of the Decisive Battle, Dawn—
"...It's finally starting."
"Zzz..."
"Munyaa~...♥"
"...My Reality Marble will be protecting America. I wonder how far I can live up to Gil's expectations; he even called it a trump card..."
(...The fate of America, huh. Fufu. Vomiting in the Chaldea restrooms feels nostalgic now.)
"...Let's just brace ourselves and do it. I've already died once, after all. There's nothing to be afraid of."
'You have received a message.'
"...?"
『If you lose, there's no tomorrow—that's true for everyone. Rather, I express my respect for your determination and resolve to stay and fight, fully aware of that fact and not running away.』
"—"
『You are truly doing well. Believe in the people around you, and above all, believe in yourself, and do your best! I am cheering for you! —Ele-chan』
"—Fufu. Thank you. Kind person whose face I don't even know—"
War Begins
...Three days had passed, each spent in their own ways.
Various speculations, hopes, determinations, beliefs, and affections.
Wrapping up all of them, fate now brings the conclusion to this place—
"—Now! It is time! My collective warriors, created solely for the purpose of killing Cu-chan! Hand over your outer shells to the Demon Gods!"
In the White House, now emptied of all but three people, Queen Medb held the Holy Grail high.
"I will trample and destroy everything they hold dear!!"
"—..."
Having invited the King to her side, the Queen's most vicious stratagem now bared its fangs—!
"Manifest! 'The Twenty-Eight Demon Gods: Clan Calatin'!!"
The Holy Grail shone, and responding to the Queen's wish, the summoning formula activated.
—In the center that divided the East and West of America, a grotesque collective of Demon God Pillars sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain.
Writhing together, crowding together, dominating even the weather, threatening the heavens and dividing the earth—Demon Gods!!
"Now! Come at me! I am here! We are here—!"
"...This is unexpected."
Sitting languidly, Cú Chulainn muttered.
"Knowing your viciousness, I thought you'd throw them at their base..."
At that question, Medb laughed brightly.
"No good. If I did that, it wouldn't be a 'duel,' would it?"
"...I see. You managed to act a little like a Queen after all."
"—This is pride. My pride. The me who loved you, and the Master who obtained you. The battlefield, the Demon Gods—they are nothing but garnish."
Gripping her whip, Medb looked forward.
"Yes, this is—a battle between me and that girl whose face I don't even know!"
"Is that so. —I'm just going to do what I have to do."
To Cú Chulainn's growl, Medb spoke without turning back.
"—Don't lose, Cu-chan."
"Like hell I'll lose. That's the royal road I've decided on."
At the King's words, Queen Medb nodded deeply.
"Now—first, try to break through! If you can't do that, you have no right to a duel—! ...Ah."
"...Ah?"
Medb muttered to no one in particular.
"...I should have asked for her name... The name of my nemesis..."
—In her life, there was no one who stood equal to her; there were only enemies.
The name of that 'woman'—her life's greatest 'rival in love'—
"Hoh. It seems even the incarnation of lust and vice possessed a shred of pride. —I had assumed she would drop them directly on top of the President's House."
In the sky, looking down upon the vast earth of America. From the heavens that looked down upon all, the Supreme King Gilgamesh, riding his Vimana, voiced his impressions with amusement as the world below reflected in his eyes.
—That formation, using no petty tricks... Is it safe to assume her intention is a fair and square fight?
The King replied in the affirmative to Ea's observation.
"Likely so. On this side, there is the man she yearned for, and the woman who obtained that. —It must be pride. To decide the winner. She wants to settle this with her own hands. Fuhaha. Is it not touching? That desire, that determination—it is worth kicking aside! Like scattering a virgin flower on the bed!"
—Yes! With respect and determination! Let us overcome her trial!
(I'm glad Ea is innocent.)
—?
"Spirits are high! Announce the opening! —Jeanne!"
"Yes! —In the name of the 'Mediator: Ruler,' I order the Servants of our camp!"
Carrying the flag of salvation, the flag of 'The Peeps of Chaldea,' Ruler Jeanne issued a command and blessing to all Servants using the 'Command Spells of Mediation' granted by Gilgamesh.
"Now, the curtain rises on the decisive battle! Entrust your backs to one another, wish for a single future, and push forward! In the name of my True Name, Jeanne d'Arc, I shall draw out your strength—!!"
Strengthening from the Command Spells now rained down upon the Servants below—!
"Now, it begins! If they block the path we walk, we shall shatter them together and step over them!"
—Treasury gunports, selection start! I won't let anyone be lost! That is why I am here—!!
(...I feel the presence of scum somehow...)
Now, the spark is struck—!
"Ohhh!! The direct current lightning dwelling within my body! Specifically speaking, the blessing of the Command Spell! Now is the time to accomplish the feat of granting light to all people!"
On the throne of the President's House, the King of Invention, Edison, roared like a lion, raging with energy.
"Yes, yes, only after Cú Chulainn and the others charge in. Haste makes waste."
"Indeed. It is not yet time."
Attending by his side were Karna and Helena.
—This was the team protecting and operating the President's House, which served as the base and the maintenance device for the Reality Marble covering America.
Helena and the local Karna protected Edison, who was both the President and the biological maintenance device.
"It's started, Nero! We're going to skewer those manner-violating tentacles!"
"Umu! This place is our concert venue! I shall not allow it to be destroyed!"
On the outer wall, glaring at the Demon Gods in the far distance, the devastating artistic duo stood shoulder to shoulder.
"Man, thank goodness! Thanks to everyone being here, we didn't end up having to have a fistfight with that!"
"Yeah, seriously saved us there. Punching something like that is absolutely impossible for me. Saved my life."
"Now, now, we have to contribute with traps and whatnot in return! I'd hate to make that King angry!"
"Ah, spoiling the mood of the High King of Good Moods would be foolish indeed. Right then, let's get to work!"
Billy and Robin continued laying every conceivable trap around the President's House.
"It will be fine. Let us believe. —That the gathered stars will illuminate everything far and wide."
Supervising and commanding them was Geronimo. through guerrilla warfare and resistance, they would enact defense and rebellion.
"Rikka-san, make sure you come back! ...Even if you say 'once in a lifetime encounter,' a farewell now would be too short!"
Standing like a Deva guardian before the gate of the President's House was Miyamoto Musashi. Holding two swords, arms crossed, ready to intercept.
"—...Now then, I wonder if there is a hero among those pillars capable of surpassing me."
Planting his spear and leaning against the wall was the God Spear, Li Shuwen.
"Speaking of unexpected, it is unexpected, God Spear-sama? I thought you would head out as well."
"Kaka! Once I get heated up, I have no confidence that I could follow the King's orders! If I don't kill the performers here, I'll end up becoming a beast! That would violate the promise!"
"As expected of China! Someone from the land of fidelity is different!"
Musashi teased, but Shuwen replied calmly.
"...Care to exchange a move?"
"Are you telling me to die!?"
—They were the keystone of America, guarding the base. The final fortress; if they fell, the nation would collapse.
And—
"—Everyone, Rama-sama. Please, be safe..."
Sita offered selfless prayers, kneeling with hands clasped—
...And the other unit was the main force. The combat unit maintaining the battlefront at the vanguard.
"—They've appeared! Is everyone ready!"
Running gallantly across the earth was the Great Hero of the Ramayana, Rama.
"Our struggle is the essence of war! We will hold back those Demon Gods with body and soul!"
"Understood. I, too, shall stake my body and soul to contribute to everyone's victory."
Flying above, illuminating the sky with golden radiance, was Karna. In his right hand, the God-Slaying Spear; clad in Golden Armor—Chaldea's Cleaning Club Leader, Karna Origin.
"Hercules! Are you ready! This is a battle for the prestige of Greece, between you and me! We can't afford to mess up!"
Led by the three horses Xanthus, Balius, and Pedasos, drawing a trail of jade green, the fastest hero, Achilles, raced through.
"Buhihihihi (Watch your heels. Dying as collateral damage wouldn't be laughable. No, wait, I would laugh)."
"...(This guy...)"
"Hihiiin! (We won't lose!)"
"Shut up, Xanthus!"
"I am aware. —What, they are small fry compared to the hundred heads of the Hydra; we can face them with composure."
Summoning and riding Cerberus via 'King's Order,' Hercules responded.
"—My beloved disciple is here as well. I cannot expose an unsightly appearance."
"Kyogoku, you too must run with pride, as a famous horse not inferior to theirs!"
"Bururu! (As you wish!)"
Riding a jet-black horse was the mother of Rikka's soul, the strongest mystery-slayer of the Heian period, Minamoto no Raikou.
"Mother will do her best too... Please, make sure to show me your safe smile—!"
"Hahahahahaha! Macha! Sengrain! We cannot be outdone!"
"Bururuaaa!! (I am the best—!!)"
"Hihiiin (Gotta make sure not to get in the way~)."
"...Don't rush. Just maintain your pace."
Charioteer King Loeg and the Hero of Connacht, Ferdiad, raced through.
"—Umu. To stand shoulder to shoulder with peerless warriors capable of killing me." (Or perhaps "Worthy of killing me.")
Utilizing rune teleportation, Scáthach ran at the lead. With the will of a Queen, she spearheaded the charge.
"Now, Cú Chulainn. I will handle this side. —Do not blunder!"
"I see them!! All forces, prepare—!!"
The peerless heroes gathered in America by Chaldea challenged the Demon Gods—!
...And then.
『Listen, Mash, Rikka. I have no intention of saying anything unrefined at this point.』
Olga Marie shouted encouragement to Rikka and Mash, who had completed their combat preparations.
『The next time we meet—will be after everything is over! Make sure, absolutely sure, you come back alive!』
"Of course! Believe! Believe in the me that everyone believes in!"
Rikka, fully equipped with katana, bow, mantle, shield, and bandages, responded with a thumbs-up.
"Thank you! Director, please don't push yourself too hard either!"
『Of course not! I am the Director of Chaldeas, Olga Marie Animusphere! Recklessness and impossibility are nothing to me!』
"Doctor. Please be safe. Your formula is still only halfway complete. Before anything else... please think of your own survival."
Responding brightly to Nightingale's words:
"Yep! A doctor's job is to not die first, right? That's what the fighting doctor Date Akira said!"
"Yes. —I wish for your safe return."
"Mash-san! Let's go! You and I, the Mash-Cons, will complete the opening act for Father and Master!"
Connla, hopping around Mash.
"Yes! Until the very, very end—let's do our best together!"
"Yes!!"
"...—Aniki."
To Rikka's call, Cú Chulainn responded with a powerful gaze.
"Let's go. Aniki! Let's show them that the greatest hero of Ulster is right here!"
She gripped Medb's glove tightly, very tightly.
"I'll fight so I won't bring shame as Aniki's Master, too!"
"Oh! Reliable as hell! Let's do it! —Ah, Young Lady."
Cú Chulainn, who had been overflowing with determination, suddenly spoke up.
"Can I ask just one thing? ...I just remembered one thing."
His tone was serious. Rikka swallowed hard and looked back at him.
"W-What?"
"Nah, it ain't much. —When we fight her, could you not aim for her hair?"
The request was uncharacteristic of Aniki. So much so that Rikka blinked in surprise.
"I just remembered it, see. When she was captured, she never missed a day of grooming her hair. When I asked her why..."
(Flashback)
"You don't understand! Hair is a woman's life, her pride! Even if life is lost, hair alone should be precious and beautiful!"
"—Ah, I see..."
"In war, you don't need that kind of consideration, I guess... but I remembered she had her own kind of pride. Could you just—respect that minimum amount of pride?"
To Cú Chulainn's words:
"Yeah! Understood! If I didn't accept a request from Aniki of all people, I'd be a failure of a woman!!"
Rikka smacked her fist into her palm.
"I promise! I won't aim for Medb's hair!"
"—Thanks. Young Lady. Beat her up so bad she can't even make a sound!"
"Yeah!!"
Fists bumping, the two laughed together.
"Now, let's go! Mash, Connla, Young Lady! Hang on tight!!"
"Yes!"
Mash responded.
"Of course! —Grandfather. Now, Connla will unleash all of your blessings!"
Connla harbored determination.
"—Let's go! Everyone!! Nightingale! I'm off!"
Humanity's Final Master, Rikka, nodded powerfully.
After bestowing runes of levitation, protection, and following upon the three...
"'The Beast of Crushing Death Fangs: Curruid Coinchenn'!"
Fusing with himself, clad in futuristic azure and silver armor, boosting his agility to off-the-charts levels, Cú Chulainn.
Fully deploying the boosters all over his body, going from a considerate 300 km/h around the President's House to instantly marking Mach 10—he dashed out!
"Be careful, Doctor Rikka."
Nightingale stared fixedly at the figure that vanished in an instant, at the afterglow—
From the western edge of America, an azure-silver comet raced through.
"Is that Cú Chulainn! Good grief, to be faster than us who went ahead, that's absurd!"
"I'll have to take down my sign as the fastest. Achilles."
"Shut up! It's a tie at best!"
Faster than the Demon Gods and Heroes could engage.
"—Hmph, flashy as always."
—Con-chan. Your father is undeniably the fastest and greatest warrior!
(Lancer is running!)
Faster than clouds tearing apart, faster even than the rising sun.
『Now, let's wrap this up! Oh Queen and senile King!!』
The King of the Battlefield, Cú Chulainn, became a blue beast and sprinted—!
"Cú Chulainn has sortied!! Olga Marie-kun!! Now!!"
『Yes! Direct connection to the Holy Grail, SHEBA, and TRISMEGISTUS! Linking to the President's House, projecting onto the entirety of America excluding the White House!!』
『Roger!』
『Well then, let's goooo~!』
To protect America from the aftermath, the Lion roared, and the Flower of Hope bloomed in full glory—!
"Behold! This is the great invention birthed by a genius!! 'W.F.D — World Face Domination'!!"
"'The Flower of Hope Nestling Close to Human Order: Chaldeas Animusphere'—!!!"
The reality marble projection device, heavily modified from the President's House, 'President World Face Domination'—Receiving the light of the Direct Current Invention King, now, the North American continent was overwritten by her mental imagery—!!
—E Pluribus Unum.
The battle staking the existence of America begins!
"—So you've come."
—And so, they meet.
"Oh, I'm here."
""————I will take that heart—!!!""
For them, the 'Final Battle' was nothing but a setting.
"Did you receive my glove?"
[Yeah. —I accept the challenge, Queen Medb.]
For them, this battle was—
"I won't let you interfere with them. No—is that the intention for both of us?"
"Of course! Connla and Mash came for that very purpose!"
"Grand Order, executing now!"
—Existing solely to welcome this moment—!
"'The Spear of Kicking and Slaughtering Death Thorns: Gáe Bolg'—!!"
"'The Spear of Gouging and Slaughtering: Gáe Bolg'"
Two rabid dogs now bared their fangs to devour one another—!!
"Ea, observe the Demon Gods well. How much killing until they die out? How much injury can they tolerate? Burn every detail into your eyes."
—Yes. That is preparation for what comes ahead, isn't it?
"Umu. Their headquarters will likely be teeming with meat-clumps. Even if we use Marduk to annihilate them, we must grasp the extent of their resurrection capabilities."
—Understood. I will grasp the entire cycle and span of death and rebirth.
"Umu. I have high expectations for you, Ea."
—Ehehe, you have expectations for me! I'll do my best! Watch me! Fou!
(Cuuuute— (Heart pierced by a rainbow spear))
—Fou—!!?
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