[FMMIKA] Chapter 239: Throne of Empire, The First Imperial Heroic Spirit

"Eternal life isn't always a blessing."

Scathach, standing next to Artorius, commented with a complex tone in her voice.

"Indeed, that's why we need to find some fun. Let our eternal life be filled with everlasting youth and vitality. This is the most crucial thing for immortals, or should I say, for gods."

Artorius replied that way after listening to Scathach's complex words.

Upon hearing him speak like that, Scathach only stayed silent, which was considered an agreement.

Listening to their conversation, in which she couldn't understand a word, Medb became even more anxious and lost. It wasn't until Artorius reached out and held her hand, cradling her gently in his arms, that she began to feel a bit more at ease.

This feeling had little to do with romantic attraction between a man and a woman; it was more about comfort, like the sense of security a child or a sheltered girl might feel.

What she hadn't obtained when she was still sane, was obtained when she was already insane.

Life's twists and turns were truly mysterious.

===

A few days earlier, inside Earth's second secret base, the Throne of Empire's first official operation commenced.

Unlike the known future timeline in which Artorius previously participated in the Fourth Holy Grail War, this event took place three to four hundred years ahead of its expected schedule.

Because of this shift, this version empire's power grew stronger than the empire of that future, with more talent and an increased number of mages flocking to join the empire.

With the help of the Moon, Gaia, Crimson Moon, and the research of Altera, the empire's research progress received a significant boost.

Therefore, one of the Empire's most crucial core technologies, 'Throne of Empire' was completed centuries ahead of time, following a series of experiments and adjustments, with minimal issues after consuming a large number of artificial Servants. It was ready for official use.

However, a small problem arose.

Who should be the first official Imperial Servant?

Someone who carried a slight risk but held great symbolic significance. Who should take on this role?

The Artorias eagerly volunteered, wanting to play this role. But Artorius vetoed the idea.

It was unknown what side effects might occur if they turned one of the Servants from Servant Universe into an Imperial Servant. And they weren't sure if it would compromise the Artorias' ability to freely travel between the two worlds.

Similarly, Artorius didn't want to risk the other excellent knights, generals, commanders, and mages of the empire.

After careful consideration, Artorius made a decision.

"Oh right, isn't there that one person?"

The so-called 'one person' referred to the individual who occasionally sipped Artorius's bathwater in the Celtic Holy Spring on the Reverse Side of the World.

The pink-haired beauty, the Queen of Connacht, Medb.

In recent times, her mental capabilities had regressed to that of a child. If left unattended, she would likely disappear without a trace in another two years or so.

Seeing her in this state, Artorius's last bit of unease vanished.

'If we don't do something about her, she'll be gone in two years.'

'Instead of that, why don't we do this and that to her?'

With those thoughts in mind, Artorius and Scathach went to the Reverse Side of the World and brought Medb back.

They were also fooling around a bit in the Black Castle of the Land of Shadows, which resulted in further straining Scathach's lower back muscles.

Afterward, the truly exciting moment finally arrived.

===

In a world that had completely shed its classical and medieval essence, it was a realm of relentless mechanization. Everywhere one looked, there was metal or the shimmering frost-blue glow of the secret base.

They stood before the grand and colossal 'Throne of Empire'.

Artorius held Medb's hand, casting a slightly nostalgic gaze toward this massive, frosty blue structure that resembled a colossal space portal.

"No matter how many times I see it, I can't help but be amazed. Don't you think so, Artorius?"

Beside Artorius was Scathach, as well as a few Artorias Species from the Servant Universe who exclaimed "Wow" with enthusiasm.

While some of them expressed disapproval, noting that he still had his arm around Medb's waist.

"C'mon, you can do it."

Under Scathach's complex gaze, Artorius smiled and encouraged Medb.

"Keep it up. I believe in you."

With those somewhat insincere words, Artorius let go of Medb's hand and gestured for her to move forward with his eyes.

Medb took a couple of hesitant steps forward before turning back to give Artorius an uneasy look.

A bit farther away, researchers of the empire, elite mages, and alchemists were bustling with excitement.

"Fuel injection into the Throne of Empire is complete."

"All data is within normal parameters."

"It can be initiated."

"Repeat, it can be initiated."

"Imperial Heroic Spirit, Code 01, true name Medb."

"Physical condition is good."

"Soul contamination level at 50%."

"You can enter the Throne of Empire. Repeat, you can enter the Throne of Empire."

"A brilliant future awaits you, Medb."

Watching the Queen of Connacht who turned her head and gave him an uneasy gaze for every step she took, Artorius wore a gentle smile.

"Go on, you're a good girl."

"..."

Seemingly encouraged by Artorius, Medb made up her mind.

After a slight nod, Medb took a deep breath, then turned and, gritting her teeth, carefully walked toward the direction of the Throne of Empire.

She cautiously reached out to touch the shimmering white light of the gateway and immediately withdrew her hand.

Only after ensuring there was no issue did she exhale in relief, reach out her hand again, and pass through the membrane formed by the light, stepping inside bit by bit.

"The Throne of Empire has been activated."

"The Throne of Empire is operational."

"Number 01, Queen of Connacht, Medb of the Celts. Begin recording!"

Amidst the excited shouts of the researchers, a frosty blue light shimmered. In that instant, the onlookers felt as though they were facing an immense and unparalleled order, a concept of 'Law'.

An existence known as Medb.

Her past, present, and future.

Her past lives, present life, and future life.

Her id, ego, and super-ego.

Time and space, body and soul.

Everything, material and spiritual, that comprised the existence of Medb was imprinted, recorded, imported, and stored by the Empire, becoming a part of the Empire and Artorius Pendragon.

"This feeling is truly unforgettable."

Artorius's body emitted a light similar to that of the Throne of Empire. A sense of 'I have now dominated Medb' arose within him.

"We've succeeded."

"I've created a 'reincarnation'..."

"This is a step away from proper human history for the empire, and a step toward my ascension to the throne of god."

"Mastering the souls and reincarnation of humanity."

"Is this what they called as 'Supreme God'?"

"Y-Yes, indeed, but... controlling over souls and reincarnation feels different than the one from the Age of Gods." In Artorius's mind, Gaia answered his question.

"Could you be more specific?"

Artorius closed his eyes, experiencing the sensation of this entirely new power while continuing to inquire.

"Be more specific... t-that..."

Gaia hesitated and couldn't explain it clearly, leaving Artorius somewhat unsatisfied.

Concepts of life, death, reincarnation, and the soul existed even in the Age of Gods. Weren't the underworld gods who controlled all of this also one of Gaia's 'sense of touch'?

So logically, Gaia should have a clear understanding of these things.

"No, what I mean is..."

Sensing Artorius's doubt, Gaia appeared very flustered.

As the empire continued to grow stronger, in the face of Artorius, both Gaia and Crimson Moon, who had once stood on relatively equal footing, gradually shifted towards subordination, even servitude.

Gaia, who was weak-willed and easy to deceive, adapted more quickly to this transformation. She suffered more bullying but received more treats in exchange.

Crimson Moon, who had a stronger character, adapted more slowly in comparison, faced less bullying, but received fewer treats.

In this situation, Gaia looked as if she'd been bullied again and was on the verge of tears. This was one of the reasons Artorius liked this fellow.

"What's going on, exactly?"

"..."

"Earth is not something I alone decide on..."

"And those gods weren't created by me alone..."

"..."

Listening to Gaia who spoke with hesitation, Artorius couldn't help but want to continue asking. He seemed to have stumbled upon an intriguing secret. Something about the Age of Gods.

But before they could continue the conversation, a burst of cheers diverted his attention to the present moment.

"We did it!"

The Empire's researchers were rejoicing without restraint, hugging and high-fiving each other, shouting with joy—The Throne of Empire, for the first time, had been successfully entered.

In the midst of the radiance, the newly born Imperial Heroic Spirit, designated as number 01—Medb, walked out and devoutly knelt before Artorius, kissing his fingertips.

"My Great Emperor." Medb said with reverence toward Artorius, "Your loyal servant, willing to offer everything to you."

Her eyes sparkled with fanatism, proving her words were not empty. The wisdom that had disappeared due to her chaotic days had returned, even stronger than before.

What had also been enhanced was her physical abilities, magical energy, and an unexplainable charm.

The degenerate and decadent charm she had before seemed to have completely vanished after she became an Imperial Heroic Spirit. In its place was a more uplifting and positive vibe charm which made Artorius feel revitalized.

"Welcome to my empire, Medb..." Artorius said, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Rejoice, from today onwards, you're mine."

"..."

The former Queen of Connacht didn't use words to answer; instead, she wholeheartedly submitted herself through actions, prostrating with devotion before the Dragon Emperor.

Medb's body and soul, everything now belonged to the Dragon Emperor Artorius.