IBHJ 1171

"Hey, Fujimaru Shirou," called out Proto-Saber—or rather, Arthur, who had been following closely behind.

Shirou turned and offered a warm smile in return.

"I never thought that those of us who met and fought in the same Holy Grail War would reunite like this," Arthur remarked, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia.

"Indeed..." Even someone as proud as Gilgamesh couldn’t help but acknowledge the sentiment.

Since the collapse of the Shinjuku connection point, which had turned into little more than historical ruins, they had been trapped there as cursed corpses bound by Manaka’s malice. Time had lost all meaning until Shirou arrived to save them, just before he departed for the South American connection point.

"But perhaps you’re still confused, Shirou, and haven’t fully remembered everything yet," Arthur said with a gentle smile.

Shirou smiled back and shook his head. What Arthur and Gilgamesh didn't know was that during his time at the South American connection point, the Past Plane incident that was triggered by Manaka Sajyou's resurrection had already restored his memories. He had even made a promise with his past self that no matter what happened, they would secure victory in the future.

"When this is all over... let's share a drink together," Shirou suggested with a smile, his gaze sweeping across both familiar and new faces.

"Now that's an excellent idea!" Iskandar was quick to agree, turning eagerly to Gilgamesh. "At last, I'll get to savor the King of Heroes' legendary wine again."

"Hmph. My wine collection is for my enjoyment alone," Gilgamesh scoffed.

"Don't be so stingy, Gil," Enkidu chided playfully, tugging at his sleeve.

"Tch!" Gilgamesh shot a helpless look at Enkidu before letting out a resigned sigh. "Fine."

"Ha! Magnificent!" Iskandar's booming laugh filled the air as he clapped his hands in delight. He'd been yearning to taste Gilgamesh's fine wine again, but the King of Heroes had always been rather... selective about sharing.

"Hey, are you also Arthur?"

Arthur turned, puzzled, to find a girl who couldn't have been more than twelve pointing at him.

"You are...?"

"Mordred, mind your manners," Shirou said with a gentle smile before turning apologetically to Arthur. "This is my daughter."

He then gestured to Arthur, addressing Mordred. "This is Arthur Pendragon - you could say he's me from a parallel world. So be nice, alright?"

"Whatever, I don't have to listen to you. Great, another weird Arthur," Mordred huffed, spinning on her heel to join the crowd of Heroic Spirits watching Scathach put Cu Chulainn in his place.

Arthur watched Mordred's retreating figure, his expression conflicted. "Your daughter..."

"What's wrong? Does she remind you of your Mordred?" he asked quietly.

"No," Arthur shook his head, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. "I'm just envious... that you have such a lively and adorable daughter. If only my Mordred had been like that. But unfortunately—" his eyes clouded over with old pain.

"Actually—" Shirou patted his shoulder with a wry smile, "she's not cute at all."

Just then, a loud thud rang out as Scathach sent Cu Chulainn flying with her spear.

"Lost again, Cu Chulainn? I've lost count at this point. Come on, back to the stage—"

The gathered Heroic Spirits roared with laughter as they tried shoving the airborne Cu Chulainn back toward the training ground. A certain red-clad Archer seemed particularly enthusiastic about this task.

"No—stop—please!"

Cu Chulainn's protests came out as desperate yelps as he thrashed about, refusing to budge an inch. He looked exactly like a dog being dragged to the vet.

"Alright, that's enough. Leave my student be. He still needs more training," Scathach said, her lips curving into a smile.

Only then did the others reluctantly release their grip on Cu Chulainn.

An angel! She's an absolute angel!

Cu Chulainn was nearly weeping with gratitude at his release—until he caught sight of Scathach's expression. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks: she was the one who'd been beating him senseless in the first place.

To hell with gratitude!

What kind of angel was this? She wasn't an angel at all—she was a demon in disguise!

"Now then, who wants to spar with me next—?"

"I'm in!"

"How about a sword match?"

"My hands are just itching for a fight..."

The Heroic Spirits called out eagerly, Scathach's overwhelming strength hadn't intimidated them in the slightest. If anything, it only fired them up more. After all, what could be more thrilling than crossing weapons with such a formidable opponent?

Scathach's lips curved into a smile as she pointed her spear at Skadi. "You. Step forward."

"What? Me?" Skadi blinked in surprise, quickly waving her hands in protest. "I wouldn't stand a chance against you."

"Don't turn her down, Lady Goddess!"

"Yeah, show us what you've got!"

The crowd of Heroic Spirits couldn't contain their excitement.

"You can use your spells and divinity," Scathach said with a playful wink.

Cu Chulainn felt his stomach turn at her wink. He nearly retched, but the thought of the punishment that would surely follow made him choke back the bile rising in his throat.

What a repulsive old hag!

"My powers weren't meant for a spar. I'll have to decline," Skadi said with a polite smile.

"How about this?" Scathach's eyes lit up. "We could bet on who'd make the better teacher for Shirou?"

"If you want to fight, then fight," Mordred glared. "Why bring my father into this? Besides, Skadi couldn't possibly—"

"That's it!" Skadi's gentle manner vanished as she stepped into the arena, Gungnir appearing in her hand. "If I can use my spells, even you can't beat me!"

"Now that's more like it," Scathach's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she leveled her spear.

The two similar women who'd chosen different paths faced off with their weapons, moving like dancing butterflies across the arena.

Shirou couldn't take his eyes off the match.

…

"Kings of Pan-Human History." The atmosphere grew tense as Bedivere walked up toward the kings, looking troubled. "I am Bedivere, Apostle of the Eternal Empire. Might I have a moment of your time?"

Gilgamesh, Ozymandias, Iskandar, and the others frowned at this.

Richard and Arthur looked to Shirou, waiting.

"Of course, Bedivere," he said with a warm smile.

Seeing their leader agree, the other kings simply nodded.

"Thank you, Eternal King," Bedivere said with gratitude before leading them toward a nearby temple.

Joy never lasts long, but protecting their happiness also brings him joy. Shirou took one last look at the Heroic Spirits cheering on Scathach and Skadi's duel, then turned away with a smile and followed Bedivere.

The kings fell in line behind them.

The walk was heavy with silence.

"Nothing to say, Gil?" Enkidu finally asked, glancing at Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh kept quiet.

"Don't worry too much, Chains of Heaven," Iskandar said with an easy smile. "Our young Eternal King knows what he's doing. Besides... we might find allies within the Empire."

"To seek what can be found - that's the essence of kingship," Ozymandias added, eyes closed in thought.

"I understand all that, but that Emperor—"

"Have faith!" Richard the Lionheart spun around, flashing them all a bright, earnest smile. "Eternal King will help us take back our history. After all, he is the Eternal King!"