—The light subsided, and I opened my eyes.
"Ah, they're back! Welcome home, everyone!"
It was the familiar scenery of the Command Room.
(Welcome home, Air. You did a great job.)
My consciousness awakened at the sound of my best friend's voice.
—Everyone worked just as hard. Good work to you too, Fou!
As we exchanged greetings, I realized I was holding a Holy Grail in my right hand.
The World Holy Grail—a vessel that had scooped up the entirety of the Singularity and given it form. The crystal of the Singularity, manifesting 'The World Itself.'
[That makes the fifth one... The 'Golden Giant God That Tore Heaven and Earth Asunder, Marduk' can now be armed and operated without issue. We need one more to release its true functions... but there should be no problems with navigation and self-defense.]
The World Holy Grail bore a design of a boy and a girl embracing and laughing.
The boy and the girl who had sought each other out—had become eternal in this form.
—This is also proof of our precious journey. I want to treasure it forever.
I gripped it tightly. A warm wave seemed to transmit through it.
[Hmph. We shall use it for Marduk's furnace immediately. Letting it gather dust is out of the question. ...Well, perhaps we might use it as a catalyst for summoning.]
—Summoning?
[We shall discuss that another day. Come, we are resting immediately today. I must allow both you and the Sword of Rupture to heal your fatigue.]
—Yes! It feels like it's been a long time since we've had a paradise like this!
(Apparently, there is a Master here who put their body on the line even more than the Master who crossed America on foot, despite not actually walking across it.)
Wrapped in relief and peace, the three of us exchanged casual words.
"Paradise! I have retuuuurned!!"
Cheering energetically, Ricca leaped out of the Coffin.
"Welcome ba—Kyah!"
"Sorry for making you lonely, Marie! I'm home! Good work! Thanks for the Reality Marble!"
She hugged Olga Marie, thanking her first and foremost.
...She is the unsung hero. Without her mental landscape, America would not have been able to withstand everyone's full power and would have surely shattered.
[Umu. Without a doubt, you performed the greatest work. Truly the greatest miscalculation of the Demon Gods. And what blind fools they were. Had they turned you into a Demon God, the damage to our journey would have been tenfold, and the difficulty extreme.]
"...Thank you, Gil."
[Umu. A righteous deed. As expected of the head of the paradise that manages my treasures.]
Praised by her comrades, praised by the King. Olga Marie wore a smile.
"—I'm just glad everyone is safe..."
She savored it.
The joy of reunion.
And—the weight of everyone's struggle.
"I wonder how long Goetia and his lot are going to remain optimistic? They haven't sent a single obstruction."
To Romani, who tilted his head in wonder:
"Maybe they're surprisingly troubled? Since they made such a grand declaration, it would be unsightly to blush and interfere now, wouldn't it?"
"Though it's a pride that doesn't earn a single cent," laughed the Caster of Midrash.
"Ugh. this troublesome personality... Even though she's my familiar, it gives me a headache..."
[The reason you are harshly criticized by the Servants is likely because they instinctively sense you are the root of all evil.]
Romani turned pale at Gil's observation.
"I accepted that instantly! I see! So that was it! I'm sorry! But it can't be helped! At the very least, I'll do my best to save the world!"
"Right. More than any apology, we have to reclaim the future first."
"Fight on, Doctor! But make sure to get proper sleep and rest!"
Receiving warm encouragement, Romani smiled a mix of delight and guilt.
"...Yeah. Thank you!"
"Moderate rest... I must assist with that as well~ ♥"
Caster of Midrash slid up close to Romani. It seems they've become quite close. It's heartwarming to watch.
"Excuse me. Thank you very much for your hard work, everyone."
With a single greeting and a bow, the guardian of Chaldea, Lancer Artoria, entered the room.
"Are the arrangements complete?"
Artoria nodded with discipline at the King's words.
"Yes. Master, Mash, and all personnel will now enter recovery healing capsules under Da Vinci's supervision for a full day of rest. Especially Mash Kyrielight; she will be the priority."
Yes, the rest and the battle had already begun.
...The next Singularity, 'Camelot,' which had been reported many times.
A mission predicted to be excessively powerful and difficult. An important operation where not a one-in-ten-thousand human error would be permitted.
—That is why we rest immediately after finishing a great battle, to prepare for the next.
Everything is for the sake of a flawless ending.
"Okaaay! Alright, let's rest!"
"Mash, it will be cramped, but endure it. Think of it as a ritual to elevate your body to the realm of the Age of Gods."
"...Yes! I have no complaints. Please take care of me!"
"I'm... eh? Me too? Ahahaha, no, I'm..."
"Naturally, you too, Doctor Romani. We are ensuring perfection; it would be out of the question if you were absent."
Shrinking under the sharp gaze Artoria fixed upon him, he walked off dejectedly.
"A whole day without touching Magi☆Mari..."
"I will handle the miscellaneous tasks here, so please take your time~ ♥"
"Okay then, Marie! Mash! Let's go!"
Ricca pulled the two by their hands and left the room.
"Gil! Thanks as always! See you tomorrow!"
"It is because you are here that we can fight. —I will never forget the majesty of the King of Heroes."
"...King of Heroes... until the summoning ritual!"
[Umu. You fought well, you struggled well. A righteous deed.]
The King of Heroes waved his hand dismissively, watching their backs as they left.
—Everyone, take your time. You really worked hard.
Please, have pleasant dreams... You lovely girls running at the forefront of this world.
(—I have to brace myself for what comes next...)
Fou was quietly burning with fighting spirit. He could feel it. The battles ahead would become even more intense, even more tremendous.
—It's okay, Fou.
Though I was only a soul, I gently stroked his head.
—If everyone becomes one, we can overcome any hardship. Just as we have done until now, we will simply do so again.
(Air...)
—It's okay! I'm unreliable on my own, but we have the Gorgeous King of Heroes with us!
—...Yes. This is not negligence, nor is it arrogance. It is a 'Fact' and a 'Conviction'.
As long as we put our heart and soul into challenging difficulties, the King of Heroes will inevitably bring about the result that must be brought. He will surely illuminate us with his majesty.
Because I believe that, I can fight. Because I have that conviction, I can believe in myself endlessly.
He is the existence that protects, watches over, and guides us.
The Arbiter and the Absolute. —That is why I can believe.
An 'Ending unworthy of the struggle and effort'—a mediocre ending. I have the conviction that this King will surely blow such things away.
That is why—I can fight with confidence.
I will say it as many times as needed—
—The King of Heroes is amazing!
[—Hmph. Looking at me with those innocent eyes and respect as always. In terms of permitting not even a one-in-ten-thousand failure, your strictness exceeds even Siduri's.]
(Air's expectations are heavy, you know? After all, she is the 'Heroine Princess who finds joy in the entire world'!)
And she's my Princess! Fou puffed out his chest.
—Because it is you and no other, I can accept things without becoming servile. That is why—please, accept my expectations.
And please, forgive me for wishing this of you.
—To walk together, and grasp a flawless Happy End!
Gilgamesh accepted the Princess's straightforward feelings without wavering.
[—If you go that far, then it cannot be helped. You will have to give up your day off today, but do you mind?]
—Of course not! No Princess would make only the King work! I will support you with all my soul!
(Don't overdo it, Air.)
—I will do my best in moderation with all my soul!
[—Well said. Then I, too, shall face this with even more spirit!]
"Fuhahahahahahaha!!!"
Receiving the resolve of the soul, the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, laughed loudly.
"—You are in a good mood."
To the bewildered Artoria, he answered while laughing.
"Naturally! —Do you know, Artoria? Since coming to this Chaldea, the number of times I have uttered the words 'Mongrel' or 'Lowlife' can be counted on two hands!"
"—Is that true?"
—Now that you mention it!
(Just how much is this King enjoying himself?)
Yes, incidentally, the number of times he has been in a bad mood is also about two.
The crampedness of My Room, and the exploration of London. —He truly is the Great King of Universal Peace and Good Moods.
"That is proof of how high my spirits are. Hmph. This journey is packed with elements that entertain me! It is easy to understand if I say that banquets are being held day and night, raising the roofs of nations with completely different tastes, no?"
"—That sounds fun. —Yes, very much so."
"Fuhaha, is it not? If I am attending banquets, my purse strings loosen as well—and so."
With heartfelt amusement, he reached into a ripple and grasped a single treasure.
"Arthur would hesitate to touch this carelessly, and the mistaken Artoria would not desire an external awakening. Well, if she desired it, I would simply strengthen her again... But in mind, technique, and body, you are the most suitable."
"What is, this—?"
What was tossed to her was the 'World Holy Grail.' Though empty inside, it was a top-class Holy Grail that, if made to work as a 'Wish Granter,' could rival a true 'Holy Grail' and potentially elevate a Spirit Origin to an existence capable of granting 'Blessings.'
He entrusted the object that scoops up the Singularity itself—to Artoria.
"I will make you the vessel for the 'World Holy Grail.' If you return alive from the next Singularity, the Grail shall be filled. Incidentally, this will release your true worth and full power, serving as a countermeasure against the reported 'Judgment' and 'Blessings.'"
The King declared. The fate of the next Singularity depended on her.
[Air, you are fatigued, so we shall finish the work quickly. Compile the reported information on the Sixth Singularity.]
—Yes! Alright! One more push!
Air immediately began selecting the new treasures and the submitted reports.
(Is there anything I can do to help?)
To Fou, who hopped over, she answered concisely.
—I want you to stay by my side! If Fou is here, I can do my best! Let's take a bath together later!
(Ah—)
Embraced by white lilies, Fou scattered peacefully.
Fou—!?
[Do not overdo it. You can fall into complete dormancy when you get into bed.]
Laughing, the King proclaimed.
"O 'King of Knights' who stands at the apex of all knights. In the next Singularity, you will likely cross swords with those who were your brethren. The Round Table gone mad has been reported, after all. Of course, I am counting Artoria and Arthur, and incidentally the Traitor, as combat power as well."
"—You are telling me to cut them down."
"Naturally. Admonishing former subordinates is also the duty of a King. I believe there is no one more suitable."
Though he laughed, there was no playfulness in the King's words.
"With the resolve to strike down the savagery of your acquaintances as hindrances to our journey, I entrust that Grail to you. —Well? Do you have that resolve?"
"—That is a foolish question, King of Heroes."
Quietly, the King of Knights smiled.
"Sentiment does not dull my blade. If they obstruct our path, I shall sever everything. Sentiment, evil—even God."
She assumed a knight's bow and raised her voice.
"Upon the name of Artoria Pendragon. I swear to dedicate my all for the sake of Human Order."
Gripping the Grail and holding her lance, Artoria quietly revealed her determination.
"For that sake—I was invited to Paradise."
The King of Heroes smiled with satisfaction at that resolve.
"—I shall confirm the true meaning of those words at my leisure. Though I have not witnessed it, this 'Lion King' or whatever... seems to be no half-hearted matter—"
To defeat the Round Table gone mad, and the Knights who received the blessing of the King who sought to mercilessly protect goodness.
To demonstrate true chivalry.
—The Guardian of the Farthest Ends who appeared accepts the task of regaining the form of the True King of Knights.
The King laughs, and the Princess struggles without arrogance.
—Everything is.
Aiming for the completion of the Flawless Epic—
With this, the America Arc concludes! Thank you all so much, everyone!
How was Bro's (Cú Chulainn's) performance? I pride myself on this being more original and aggressive content than ever before.
Starting with Bro, Ferdia, Laeg, Connla... I wondered if it was okay to pack in so many original elements.
But somewhere in my heart, I had a firm conviction and trust that 'Everyone will definitely accept this.'
Because you are the good readers who have accepted the work of an amateur like me up until now! Really, truly, thank you!
As to why I focused so much on Bro... the trigger was the Heaven's Feel movie.
I'll hide the details, but the conclusion of Assassin vs. Bro, the sight of Bro standing there at the very end was so shocking that it left a deep scar on my heart.
Why does only Bro die unreasonably!! Let him win completely once in a while!! I snapped and let my pen run wild.
I love Bro! That coolness, that free-spiritedness, that manliness... I love it!
It's fine, right?! Having a work where Bro goes unmatched! Because Bro is strong! Because he's cool!!
...And as a result of letting my pen run on passion and letting Bro rampage, America turned into a huge mess.
It was sacrificed... to the Perfect Bro...
And I was very happy that Bro's comrades were also well received!
Original elements are only worth it if they are accepted! Thank you so much for accepting Ferdia, Laeg, and Connla!
If you imagine Ferdia voiced by Yuichi Nakamura and Laeg by Takuma Terashima, it feels kind of right...?
And I'm truly happy that Connla received a greater response than I expected! Actually, Connla's character was fleshed out based on an idea from a certain club member, so I was relieved in a double sense!
And one more thing that made me happy. Thank you, everyone, for seriously scolding Ricca!
Her psychology is accurate for a Savior, but it is hardly the mindset for a human being. When I wondered if she would continue to harbor that distortion, you all corrected her.
Really, truly, thank you! I cannot thank you enough that the protagonist is so loved! I have reaffirmed that this story exists because of all of you!
I would be happy if you could continue to watch over Ricca as she grows stronger and stronger! After all, it's like the Last Boss is playing the lead role!
...And finally, my pen is about to head toward Camelot and Babylonia.
A story too magnificent and huge to be spun by an amateur pen.
But it will surely be okay. Because I am not alone; I am supported by so many readers!
I will do my very best! So please, I would be happy if you could support me to the end!
Beyond Camelot and Babylonia—aiming for the Grand Gorgeous Finale of Part 1!
Please continue to treat me well! May the majesty of the Gorgeous King of Heroes be with you all.
And—may the divine protection and preciousness of the most precious treasure I was able to birth in my life, the 'Heroine Princess,' shower down upon you all forever—!
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