[FMMIKA] Chapter 316: My Goal is to Shatter Their Ambition

'He's charging over.'

As Alexander joyfully approached his location, Artorius sensed the overwhelming and terrifying aura—a presence surpassing even the 'golden age' Alexander he had encountered before in the Fourth Holy Grail War.

'He's been enhanced.'

'And...'

'This might not just be the King of the Demon Gods—Goetia.'

'Powerful gods have joined the game.'

'Speaking of which, in the Age of Gods, Gaia was just a small fry. But if it's a collective of the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars, it might pose a bit of a challenge.'

'Gaia aims to become a new 'celestial body', advancing beyond Crimson Moon's ideals. But talking about immortality, eternity, invincibility, and such is still too exaggerated. And from the cosmic perspective, the scope is not grand enough.'

'But then again, in the era of King Solomon, the Age of Gods had already waned, and the gods had hidden themselves. So, whether the gods of the Age of Gods or Solomon's demons are stronger... well, let's not overthink it.'

'I just need to know that the player in this game isn't just Goetia; it seems the Greek gods are also pulling the strings behind the scenes.'

'As for this Alexander, it's evident he's the piece the Greek gods have put on the board, charging at the forefront.'

'Whether he's a pawn crossing the river or the mightiest 'rook', that's a matter of perspective.'

"Artorius—!!!"

In the next moment, as Artorius joyfully contemplated things related to Alexander, a pleasant and frenzied voice accompanied by a powerful gust of wind, lightning, thunder, and magical energy descended.

It was Alexander, astride his warhorse. A man with gray-white hair and a beard, a face wrinkled with accumulated years, appearing to be well over sixty.

Though his body remained robust, and his mind sharp, the inner workings of his thoughts had changed drastically from his youth and even his earlier years as an adult.

This was Alexander who had 'ruled a vast empire for decades' and whose 'power was firmly established' in the 'realm of another possibility.'

The older he got, the more greedy he became.

The more stubborn.

The more arrogant.

This was Alexander, who, in his old age, completely abandoned the wise spirit, transforming into a tyrant.

Throughout decades of ruling his empire, he controlled the teetering power chariot with violence, strength, and his divine self. He indulged his desires for conquest, disregarding the well-being of the people, laws, and national governance. He pursued the pleasure brought by war and conquest, abusing his power.

The more he abused this power, the more the people under his rule suffered.

When war couldn't bring tangible benefits to the people.

When the over-issued inferior currency led to the collapse of the empire's economic system.

When the well-crafted irrigation systems left by the Persians went unrepaired, fields lay fallow, and workshops closed in large numbers.

This aged, insane, stubborn, and greedy 'sixty-year-old Alexander' became the epitome of villainy for everyone.

His son resisted him.

His subordinates rebelled against him.

His people and soldiers launched riots and uprisings.

Despite all this, he remained alive, greedily controlling all power and strength simply because he was Alexander the Great. One day, the gods informed him that his subordinates were conspiring against him by presenting him with poisoned wine. Afterward, he turned 'them' into his most 'loyal' puppets and ceased to trust anyone.

From that moment on, the 'Alexander' as a human being ceased to exist. Only a 'puppet of the gods' with a crown on his head remained.

In an instant, when the crazed Alexander charging towards Artorius appeared in his field of vision, he saw through the essence of this old man in a timeline intentionally distorted by the gods—a prop completely turned into a puppet.

This was the nature of this 60-year-old Alexander.

"I will conquer you just like I conquer everything!"

As Alexander declared that, his sword swung toward Artorius, seemingly oblivious to the anger in Artorius's eyes.

"Someone who focuses too much on martial prowess and neglects the well-being of the people ends up like this." Artorius spoke calmly while his sword intercepted the attack. "All alone in rebellion."

*Clang!*

"Absurd!" Alexander shouted with his face turned red with anger and excitement. "I am the greatest ruler, the master of the world!"

"And also the number one tyrant in history." Artorius added.

As the exchange of attacks continued, the walls of Damascus had already been reduced to rubble and debris.

"I'm a bit curious." Artorius spoke casually while swinging his sword, and a light beam engulfed Alexander. "How much have you sacrificed to maintain your empire? How much have you betrayed? Offspring? Wealth? Faith? Or perhaps, your soul—"

"—Shut up!"

Alexander interrupted Artorius with an angry yell. Like a nuclear explosion, the terrifying magical energy erupted from his body, hurtling toward Artorius.

For the Dragon Emperor, none of this mattered naturally. He was unaffected, still sighing, lamenting.

"I've seen you before."

While continuing to battle with the opponent, Artorius continued.

"Back then, you were a bold and likable guy. Even though you're in your thirties, you still act like a big kid, naively making people think you're a fool. But even with that, I didn't find you detestable. Because even in that state, you had your shining moments. Your soul was undeniably radiant, worthy of being called a heroic figure. However, at sixty. You've become a complete bastard."

The next moment, when Alexander's eyes filled with bloodshot rage, roaring and launching an attack at Artorius relentlessly, he was sent flying by Artorius.

"If I had accepted Stheno's proposal, would my fate eventually have turned out like this? Who knows."

Artorius muttered to himself as he moved toward the rubble burying Alexander.

"Guided, deceived, suggested, inspired, indulged. In the end, the gods molded you into this. You're somewhat innocent, but you're not innocent either."

*BOOM!*

The next moment, the raging Alexander leaped out from the ruins, only to be kicked down by Artorius and stepped on his chest.

"But still, thanks." Artorius said calmly as his sword pierced Alexander's throat. "I kind of understand what kind of opponents I'll face in the future."

"Arghhh!" Alexander wanted to argue but couldn't.

"They're shameless. They're hysterical. They're corrupt and indulgent. Furthermore, they're already the trash and residue of history, outdated by the times, yet still deluding themselves into restoring the 'good old days.'"

Artorius's sword, having pierced Alexander's throat, also pierced his heart.

"My goal is to shatter their ambitions."

*Cough!*

As Alexander coughed up blood, perhaps because it was his last moment, a flicker of sanity returned. When Artorius finished saying all of that, Alexander's gaze regained clarity.

"Every... thing... I... leave... it... to... you..."

As Alexander said that with difficulty, regretful tears streamed down his face.

"Trust me. Go in peace."

Artorius replied solemnly and his sword pierced Alexander's head.