Section 15 - 3 Node Recollection Quest (2/3)

Yes, yes, yes! This is awesome! I love a fight to the death! There's nothing better than war!

I can't believe it... These are the same soldiers we fought before! How can they be this much stronger just from a change in commander!?

Yeah, I hear you. Been a long time since I was up against a general who could make your blood run cold.

Monsters such as he are not unheard of in times of war.

(That said...I think this man's strategical sensibilities may even outpace Zhuge Liang's...)

I'm glad to see you're enjoying yourself, Han Xin.

Crap.

Oh, hello, Captain. Are you sure a hard-ass like you wants to get mixed up in a wild brawl like this?

The emperor asked me to keep an eye on you until this was all over.

...

Ahh, we really don't deserve such a wonderful emperor. I can hardly believe the emperor would care so much for a piece of trash like me.

You said it.

The emperor even told me I was free to fight all I wished, as a reward for my years of faithful service.

Hehehe. I see not even old age can slow you down.

Well then, let's get to it, shall we? At this point, I can't think of any better way to demonstrate our loyalty to the emperor than by going down fighting.

Heavenly Emperor has been kind enough to keep broken men like ourselves in check by allowing us to serve.

Now, we beasts who could never find solace in peace can finally repay that kindness!

That old man is an ordinary human... Does he truly mean to go up against Servants with his bare hands!?

Oh, you better believe it! Trust me, don't take your eyes off him for a second!

Even if he did catch me off guard, he still managed to stun my Spirit Core with one blow...

That general isn't the only distinguished warrior here! That old guy's as tough as they come, too!

You'd better not hold back against him!

(...Huff, huff, huff...)

？！

...W-we've neutralized the enemy fighters... ...Although

No, it's all right. I doubt they have the strength to even stand anymore.

Man, who knew there were so many monsters in China. Can't believe these guys put up this much of a fight with nothing but strategy and pure skill.

Let's hurry on. I have a feeling the Fusang Tree's practically around the corner.

...Han Xin? ...Are you still breathing?

Unfortunately. I never expected them to just leave without finishing us off... Tch, don't they know that goes against the rules of war?

Hehe, still, that was a good fight.

This building won't last much longer. If you can still stand, you should leave now, before it collapses.

Heh... As it happens, that battle really took every last bit of energy out of me.

...So I was hoping I might just be able to sit here a bit longer.

Heh, I suppose we'll just have to wait then...

You misjudged how much stamina you had halfway through the fight, didn't you? Did you think you could keep up the same pace as when you were young or something?

To my shame, yes. I hate to admit that I began feeling my age at a mere one hundred and fifty years old, despite the emperor giving me personal instruction in the sage arts.

You should've come to Mt. Li when you had the chance, instead of insisting on staying on active duty.

...Man, I wish I could've seen you fight in your prime. I bet it was something to behold.

...Well, I suppose there was a time when I went around threatening my enemies with my martial arts...

My, how time truly does fly. Those days I spent alongside Heavenly Emperor were more than I could have...ever asked for...

...

...Hah, some guys have all the luck. He looks so peaceful, you'd think he was just sleeping...

...The Chaldeans will soon reach the Fusang Tree in the treasury.

It will mean the empire's most valuable Mysticthe cornerstone of our peaceful civilizationwill fall into enemy hands...

No... Right now, the Fusang Tree is more important than even that... Isn't it, Yu?

...

This battle will determine the fate of the world...yet you still wish to avoid it?

I do. I understand very well how foolish that request is.

But...I cannot bear to see you wield your swords any longer. Indeed, that is the only thing I desire.

Even if that choice should lead to obliteration...

But the world is in peril even as we speak. This empire faces an unprecedented threat to its peace.

My programming would not permit me to simply stand by while this happens.

...

Forgive me, Yu. I cannot change who I am.

...Yes, you're right. This is who you are.

In that case, I will accompany you. Please, let me stay by your side until the very end.