North American Myth War (Middle)

Forward! The northern front has already clashed with the main army! There's no telling how long they'll last!

Speed! Speed will determine the winner! Full speed ahead!

Master! Enemy forces are straight ahead!

？！

Yes! All troops, charge!

No stopping, not even for a moment! We'll come down on them in one giant blow!

...

？！

...I'm sorry. I was thinking of Scáthach.

Scáthach said she could never defeat Cú Chulainn, but I didn't believe her.

I felt nobody could ever defeat Scáthach. Sothere was a part of me that wasn't worried.

A part of me that thought, even if we failed here, Scáthach would set it right.

But, it didn't turn out that way. ...Scáthach was right.

But, I still don't understand. I don't understand how Scáthach could've lost...

"Gáe Bolg!"

"Gáe Bolg Alternative!"

...

Ugh!

A clash of Gáe Bolgs, unimaginable during our lifetimes.

Both claim to deliver fatal blows, while at the same time evading them.

With different Noble Phantasms, this would've ended in death, not a draw. But both our Noble Phantasms are forbidden magical spears.

Both thorns of death trace identical paths and clash. A curious phenomenon one that may never occur again.

...But my, that right arm of yours. Have you been repairing it with rune spells as you throw your spear?

...Pretty much.

You're not waiting until the destruction ends to begin regenerating, unlike me.

You're regenerating while it is being destroyed. The pain must be excruciating... No, I am sure "excruciating" is not even enough to describe it.

Pain can be managed. I'm already prepared for the worst.

Hmph, you've been enduring it well too, my mentor.

Not really. ...In the end, I'm merely buying time.

In the past I've even dreamed of being killed by you.

...

"I should've died before things became this way," I thought. If I regret anything about my life, that would be it.

But, I have no desire to be killed by your current self. Personally, I preferred your previous self.

I'm not obligated to shoulder any of the burden you bear. My path is simple and straightforward.

I can't afford to be taking detours, nor can I afford to carry someone else's baggage.

I'll take the shortest path to be king, and to rule.

For whom? Is it for Medb?

Medb wished upon the Holy Grail, and made you into a king. But that was never your wish.

What makes you think so? Do you really think I've never dreamed of becoming king?

You never mentioned such a dream when you were alive.

True. Just as you sayin life, the thought of becoming king never crossed my mind.

However. Isn't it common for Servants to harbor new dreams that might not have existed when they were alive?

...So, it's the opposite. You're trying to become a king as a result of becoming king.

What a foolish contradiction. Despite becoming king, nothing indicated you became one.

That's why you have to destroy everything.

If a man stands alone in the deserted wilderness, then indeed, he must be the unopposed king.

Yeah, that's fine by me. That solution feels best. A hero's existence is full of contradictions, after all.

It's not for Medb. I brandish this spear for my own self-interest.

...Now, you must be running out of ways to stall for time. Let's put an end to this, Scáthach.

Such an idiot. You're an idiot down to your bones, yet you're thinking so hard.

But no matter. I'm finished with my questions. Gates, open.

Tch!

"Gate of Skye."

A Noble Phantasm that transports people to the Land of Shadows!

I'm sorry, but I'm taking you with me.

My mentor... You must've sensed it. That you can't defeat me.

You know you can't win, even using that Noble Phantasm, yes? That's correct.

A Noble Phantasm that transports, yet doesn't kill Your consideration for others this late in the game is why you will lose.

Noble Phantasm seal. Transform!

...Wh-What?

!!!

You stopped moving, Scáthach!

Gah!

"Curruid Coinchenn" This is one trick I didn't learn from you.

This Noble Phantasm is the one and only thing that can punch a hole in that gut of yours.

...So you've reached that far, huh? That's enough power to destroy the world.

I bet it is. As things stand, I'll be doing just that.

Cú Chulainn. That's what I don't understand.

Living and fighting. Those used to be your greatest joys.

Those were the big prerequisites. That is why you lived so beautifully.

Yet why do you insist on being so ugly?

...I'm ugly, yes. Because as far as I've seen, that's what a king is.

...What... ...Who knew you were such an honest idiot?

Goodbye, Scáthach. We'll probably never meet again.

Too bad. As a fellow spearman, I would've liked to try fighting him, but

I had to prioritize a previous appointment. You alive?

...Somehow. Jumping through the gates myself to fling my body to the outsides of the world must've worked.

I've patched up my outward appearance, but that's about it. To put it into perspective, 90% of my organs are destroyed.

Hm, that's a problem. You can't fight like that.

If we were to fight, it'd be when this era ends. Until then, Shuwen, would you help those guys out?

Which side?

...The North Army. The South Army has Fujimaru, but the North Army doesn't. This is a big difference.

All right. Then I'll head to the North Army. You stay here, until the era comes to an end.

I'll be sure to come back for you. Whether the era ends, or the world ends. I promise.

After all, that divine spear has reached a realm beyond human understanding. If you disappear before I fight it, I'll surely go mad.

...Suit yourself. How can I refuse so earnest a request?

Fine. I look forward to your return. If you don't mind a cowardly spear that lost to its disciple.

Kaka! I wouldn't count that as a loss. Your objective was different from the start.

Realize the competition of spears has just begun, mistress. Time to see if my divine spear will stand up to a true god.

...Well, I suppose I should save the world first, though. Too bad. All I want to do is fight strong opponents...

...but the world is such a hard place to live in.

That is the fate of us Heroic Spirits.

Hahahahahathat's for sure.

Yeah, yeah. Here they come again.

...Wait a second, how many of them are there? They just keep coming!

Did you really clean up 60% of them?

Well yeah, of course. I take my work seriously. It's one of my few redeeming qualities.

Poisoning their food and water, burning, drowning, dropping rocks... Even some treachery amongst them.

I used all sorts of tricks to cut out 60% of them. But there's still many left. Don't you just hate it?

...Seriously, what is it with those guys?

Normally when you lose 60% of your troops, morale plummets and retreat is par for the course.

I suppose there is one exception, though...

The case of ridiculously strong leaders being ridiculously tyrannical.

Encore after encore no matter how much I sing... I feel lucky as an idol, but I'm not happy about this!

That's just our job this time around.

How are they doing over there?

...Karna was killed in battle.

...I see. That guy was crazy strong, too.

Don't tell Old Man Edison. He'll probably sink into depression.

I figured as much. Is the Puppy doing all right?

Yeah, they defeated Cú Chulainn, who then retreated. They're marching toward Washington with Rama and the others.

Our tasks remain the same?

Not sure about that. Hey! Old Man Edison!

Should we keep going!?

Hahahahaha! Of course, sounds good!

Looks like it.

Ah, too bad. It's tiresome, but I guess we can give it one more push.

Direct current is the best! Am I right!?

Of course, Mr. Presi-king! All hail direct current! Brilliant domination!

Yes, yes, direct current is the best, the best. And now...

Behold, the Book of Dzyan in my hand. Light, shine here. Hierarchy in the heavens, Lemuria in the sea.

And on earth, myself! Old things and new, make everything clear!

Everything seems to be going smoothly... But life never goes so well, does it?

...Hm. Yes, it'll be here soon, without a doubt.

Huh, what'll be here? ...Wh-What the...

Life never goes so well, does it?

...Wait, is this it? A cunning Archer and a scrawny Lancer?

Where are the people who defeated me?

They're out. And it's "slender," not scrawny!

Hey, was that a compliment?

Yes, it's a compliment. Cutting us by 60%, just by laying traps. ...But with 40% left, victory is ours.

...Ugh, I can't stand it.

Crude, insensitive, and shameless. On top of that, muscles, tattoos, and stubble!

Nothing could be more vulgar! That settles it! You take him.

I'd like to say "Yeah, sure" But I'm afraid I may die without your help.

What a slacker.

My only talents are long-range combat, killing with poison, and sabotage.

Then go stand behind me and shoot your little arrows.

Bring it on, half-naked man. Having one dragon slayer is more than enough!

I'd appreciate it if you'd at least call me by my True Name, scr...slender Lancer!

Can you go assist Elisabeth and Robin Hood!?

That's impossible. It's taking all I can to hold back the Celts! You little...

...Alas, when it comes to tenacity, we just can't match these Celtic soldiers... How disappointing.

So these are the limits of mass production... No, not true! It's just that my approach was incorrect!

I can't lose. I must grasp the glory of success someday! As the one responsible, I must make an effort!

Ugh...

Hmph!

Bastard!

Ha!

Sorry. Despite being a Berserker, I'm not really insane.

If anything, I'm just a little more ferocious. I don't easily lose the techniques I've cultivated.

Damn it, I hate these types...

Eli-Eli and Robin are in trouble. Not good!

Then allow me.

Huh!?

Whoa. ...Hey now, who are you?

Just a passing divine spear. My True Name is Li Shuwen.

...Hmph. I suppose it's a perk for this job. To be able to fight the famous Beowulf. The highest honor.

Oh? Not one for modesty with a name like "Divine Spear." Li Shuwen... Yes, I've heard a lot about you.

Oh, it's just an old nickname. So, what shall we do?

Beowulf. You're the warrior known for killing the monster Grendel with your bare hands. In that case

Heh, you sure know how to flatter. And who were you, again?

Ah, yes, yes. "No Second Strike," right? Don't need a second strike! What a claim!

Hm. How about we put it to the test? We'll see if it's real or an exaggeration.

What a coincidence, for two Servants who can fight unarmed to meet in this place.

Fate is such an odd thing.

It sure is strange. Which means...

...a so-called fistfight?

I don't know whether these fists will work on you or not. But I think I'd like to give it a try.

Let's see you withstand my Bajiquan!

That's fine. Many winters have passed since my honoring as a Heroic Spirit.

Yet it's hard to forget that feeling... That moment when I beat that guy to death.

And now, a guy who looks even stronger than Grendel is standing before me.

Sono one would turn down such an opportunity!

Indeed!

One.

Two...

Three!

Whoa! A f-fistfight! Is it a fistfight!?

This is so scary! Stop them, Greenie!

No thanks! Even God couldn't stop a fight like this!

Wow, man, it's hard to believe we're the same species.

What's with that? Sometimes I don't get how men think at all.

Oh, come on. Girls box too, don't they? All warriors dream of a fistfight. It's their instinct.

...Although, being an inventor, I wouldn't know much about it.

Whatever.

Either way, the only Servant who could ever stand up to Beowulf in a fistfight is him.

Let's leave Beowulf to Li Shuwen. We should focus on doing what we can.

You're right. But Edison, I...have a bad feeling about this.

...Your bad feelings are always on the mark. Whatever is to come, let us be prepared.

All right! Mostly doneWhat!?

Medb's elite soldiers... Shadow Servants! Master, we should handle this! Your orders, please!

...All Shadow Servants have been eliminated!

We're almost at the capital, Washington. Cú Chulainn and Queen Medb should be there.

Karna and Scáthach are no longer with us. However, we do have our Master... Fujimaru.

If we concentrate our power, we can defeat them!

Gah. No, uh... Well, how can I say this...

...To be honest, I don't know if we can win. The difference in power is overwhelming.

Yet I feel as though we can. I had the same feeling when I faced the Demon King Ravana.

Hah, I know. I'm not forcing myself.

I'm still far from my limit Even if I reach it, I feel as though I can go further.

？！

Hey, Master.

I feel love for you. Mash and Nightingale, too.

I love these soldiers, who follow my orders despite my young appearance.

And I love Sita from the bottom of my heart, as she entrusted me with her life.

Love makes me want to protect, and love makes me not submit to fear.

Isn't it simple?

However, when you think about ita hero begins his journey from tiny feelings of that sort.

This is something I came to understand, after returning to my youth.

Now, let's go!