[FMMIKA] Chapter 332: Father?

Stheno didn't guess everything correctly.

While Scathach didn't teleport with them to the coast of Gaul, she didn't stay on the battlefield with Artorius and Romulus either. Instead, she headed inland to the so-called capital of the United Roman Empire.

Her target was Lev Lainur Flauros, to be precise.

Even while battling Romulus, Artorius didn't forget who or what his real target was.

To kill the Demon God Pillar.

Taking down Flauros was the key to freely controlling this Singularity and turning it into the nourishment for the New Human History.

"You must be Lev... or Flauros?" Scathach asked and looked at her opponent with interest as he used a powerful magecraft barrier to block her spear.

"Scathach..."

Flauros muttered her name as he looked at her with wary eyes.

Not a Servant, not a Heroic Spirit. She was a living being, possessing the characteristics of a goddess, a monstrous force difficult to match, surpassing Flauros in strength and status.

"Oh? It seems I'm quite famous. Then we can skip the introductions." Scathach revealed a captivating smile. "In that case, surrender obediently and accept your fate."

"My fate is not to die here!" With a roar, Flauros shed the human facade, revealing the true nature of the 'Demon God Pillar' with tentacle-like appendages.

A colossal, grotesque monster created from human grudges, madness, and agility.

"Die, Scathach!"

Tentacles swung, aiming at Scathach. At the same time, an endless surge of magical energy bombarded the Queen of the Land of Shadows.

Such immense power instantly tore apart the magnificent and grand palaces of the United Roman Empire.

Despite being a fool and lacking knowledge in matters of state, politics, and military affairs, no one could deny the terrifying power possessed by the Demon God.

"Quite a formidable one..."

Whether it was the swing of the tentacles or the barrage of magecraft, none of it managed to hit Scathach.

Like an old pro familiar with bullet hell games, all attacks just brushed past her. The tentacles' swings were even less impressive.

"With such immense power, but lacking in consciousness and combat experience, you really don't measure up."

Scathach said while smiling with joy, completely immersed in the ecstasy of battle.

===

Meanwhile, on the other side.

"Artorius!"

"Romulus!"

The battle between the dragon and the titan had also reached a boiling point.

Neither side seemed to care about injuries, abandoning defense entirely and focusing solely on attack.

Dragon claws clashed with a spear, and the dragon tail countered a fist. Their entire bodies transformed into weapons of slaughter. Soon, scales scattered, and blood bathed the battlefield. Amid excitement and rage, they sensed the moment of victory.

"All Things Lead to My Spear!"

"I am—Dragon Emperor!"

While Romulus liberated his Noble Phantasm, Artorius also unleashed his Noble Phantasm in the form of a lance imbued with the concept of the Dragon Emperor.

After consolidating all the concepts related to Rome, Humanity, World, Emperor, Dragon, and Artorius, a lance of frosty silver materialized.

The tips of their weapons clashed, emitting a terrifying roar, reminiscent of the destruction of the world with its power rapidly spread outward.

In an instant, the entire Spain and half of the Mediterranean felt the impact, resulting in massive craters spanning thousands of kilometers. This triggered intense earthquakes and tsunamis.

"Wow!"

"Senpai, be careful!"

Even those watching from the coast of Gaul were affected, but fortunately, their abilities were sufficient.

The Roman army stood closely together, arms linked to form a human wall, protecting the civilians. Mash opened her shield, and like a sea dike, the Castle of White Walls—Camelot, descended, blocking the surging tsunami.

"Who won...?"

"Who actually won?"

After a while, the distant light and intense explosions all disappeared. This relieved everyone, but their relief was short-lived, replaced by a greater anticipation.

Who emerged victorious in this war? Was it Dragon Emperor Artorius, or Divine Ancestor Romulus?

As they thought about that, everyone couldn't help but feel anxious. If it were Artorius, that would be best. But if it was Romulus, did it mean this world was about to be destroyed?

Even someone like Ritsuka couldn't help but worry and feel fear. Worse still, she couldn't do anything. All she could do was silently pray and hope.

"You have to win..."

Ritsuka sincerely prayed.

"If you come back safe and sound, I'll treat you to a feast."

If it were any other time, Mash by her side would surely sarcastically comment something like 'Senpai, are you thinking about naughty things again?'.

But now, Mash didn't have the strength to retort to Ritsuka.

'If only my power were stronger, I could assist His Majesty and not stand here helplessly watching.'

Mash couldn't help but feel self-blame for her powerlessness.

===

Meanwhile, on the battlefield.

"Unbelievable, unbelievably powerful, and dazzling..."

The person lying in the sea, with golden blood gushing out, illuminating the entire ocean, and muttered those words was Romulus.

His face wasn't a healthy bronze or a polluted black but rather a gray ruin symbolizing death.

"So strong, too strong. Just as expected."

Though acknowledging his defeat, though aware of his imminent departure, Romulus's smile remained sincere and joyful.

"Yes, indeed. The future Rome... the future Rome, will undoubtedly surpass the Rome of the past, becoming even more outstanding and powerful."

"..."

"Anything else you want to say?" Artorius asked calmly.

"No, nothing. I entrust the future—"

Romulus wanted to say something like 'I entrust the future to you with peace of mind.'

However, before finishing his sentence, he suddenly widened his eyes and his gaze toward Artorius became incredulous.

His face had a radiant blush, and the words he spoke surprised and puzzled Artorius.

"No, that's not right. You're not just the future Rome... You're a god, the most powerful god, the Roman god who transcended time and space—"

"What?"

Romulus's words left Artorius perplexed.

Was it just the ramblings of a confused mind on the brink of death, or something else?

"Be specific. What are you talking about?" Artorius asked with a puzzled tone.

"Father..."

"Huh? Father?" Artorius raised an eyebrow, confused.

Romulus's last words only served as an introduction. As his body could no longer support itself, he transformed into golden light particles and disappeared without a trace.