Episode III: The Final Guidance

...Is Fergus okay, you think?

I can't detect his magical energy, maybe because of the fire. His temporary contract with Senpai appears to be broken.

Fou, foouu... Fouu...

？！

Don't make that face, Fujimaru. Celtic warriors live to challenge the powerful.

And you're still alive. Whether he died or not, he achieved his goal.

The most you can do is laugh. He'd say he didn't need anything, but if you want to give him something, that's enough.

...Right.

Did you not hear me? ...Hmm. Maybe you didn't.

Still, this town's flame sure is burning bright. Also, it seems we've been running around in circles.

？！

A town about to burn to the ground, huh? This place must have left strong impressions of death on you.

That's why there are so many remnants here that were abandoned even by death.

Exactly what you just said...

This place will be overflowing with those remnants, and much sorrow and pain as well.

So you're here. The last Heroic Spirit I prepared. The first spear of the glorious knights from the Fenian Cycle.

Fou!?

My true name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. I've been summoned as a Lancer for this temporary contract.

I will fight with you for the last trial. Scáthach, shield maiden, and my temporary Master.

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne! A hero from the second age of Celtic myths, the Fenian Cycle.

He brought glory to the Knights of Fianna along with the god-slaying hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Then...

...

Uh...

Sorry. I should have kept my mouth shut.

？！

No. Fret not, shield maiden. The incidents in the legend were a result of my own disloyalty and lack of virtue.

The hero's end was betrayal and death. A man of glory isn't guaranteed a happy ending.

That goes for more than just Diarmuid. The greater the admiration for a hero...

...the more likely they are to meet a tragic end. "I have no end," so it's not a concern for me.

Thinking back, yes... Not even Sétanta's end was a happy one.

Scáthach...

No, this is where you laugh, Mash. Celtic men leave behind nothing but tears and rage for their women.

If you don't laugh, you'll end up hating them. Of course, that's not an absolute rule.

It's true that I regret my end. That's why my lance can be of aid to you.

Even if this is a temporary contract, a Master is no different than a liege lord.

？！

...What a pleasant response... There are no lies in your heart, are there?

Then I, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, shall become your spear with all my spirit!

Yes, yes. I figured you'd get along. Diarmuid prefers Masters who are exactly what they seem to be.

I've raised so many warriors that I think I've got a good eye for when people will get along.

Well, I'm nothing of the sort, but... I don't mind being told that.

Heh. That's an interesting idea, Fujimaru. Goddess of Relationships... I might think about that...

S-Senpai! N-N-No! That's so rude...

N-No, I don't mean there's anything wrong with being an old matchmaking lady, but...

Hmm, I see, I see. You want to die. You want to die here, huh Fujimaru?

Mash's phrasing isn't too bad, though. Lady. That sounds elegant. I like it.

Well, the fact is, in human years I'm over 2000 years old. It doesn't bother me that much, and I haven't had the chance anyway.

The chance?

Hehehe. Don't worry about it. Perhaps I'll tell you someday, but not now.

？！

Now then. Enough fun. The last remnant approaches.

Fou, fooou! Kyuu!

I sense a Heroic Spirit, or no...

The Heroic Spirit Orion. Or no, your true name is one of the old gods of Mt. Olympus. Artemis, the moon goddess.

But what gave you that form? Oh, I see. The tales of you falling in love with a human are true.

That explains your human form, but...

Fou, foouuu! Kyuu!

？！

Perhaps that beast understands. Yes. This avatar of the moon goddess is another remnant abandoned by death.

Its ferocity and savagery... Oh, it rivals that cursed boar!

Yes, the ancient moon goddess had another side, a cruel one that would spread plagues, bring death, and drive men mad.

The gods are not always a blessing to humanity. Sometimes, like this, they will bare their fangs just like mother nature.

That's why we, the Knights of Fianna, were once needed in ancient Erin.

To protect the people from demons. To protect them from the gods.

The ferocity...of a god... I feel an incredible animosity and urge to kill!

I wonder if this remnant is from your past, or from your future.

Whichever it is, an avatar of a god is still a god!

Hahahaha! It's been so long since I've killed a god! I'm excited!

I'll kill you, Artemis! It's disgusting that you would take a "human form."

It's been so, so long since I've fought a Mediterranean god! I can't wait!

A splendid answer from the heart, Fujimaru!

？！

... ...

...We're going to fight a god. A Divine Spirit. No, but it's an avatar.

？！

...Yes, I'm fine.

Whether this is a dream, or reality, if I'm with you I can fight!

Here it comes! Are you guys ready?

...Oh?

Oh dear, oh dear... I feel like I've been very mean to you.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Even though Darling didn't tell me to, I...

...It was only for one battle, but if I was of use to you, there is no greater joy.

Shield maiden, temporary Master. Someday, beyond the end of time, we may meet.

Farewell. Scáthach... A million thanks for your compassion.

？！

Yes, Senpai...

Scáthach said this was the last remnant. Which means we should be done?

Correct. You get a perfect score. Now, since that's done...

This is as far as I go. The overflowing remnants have been removed from your hearts.

So there's no need for me to force myself to stay in this realm.

Foou, fou...

Scáthach...

Even if you die, you will never become remnants. So there's nothing to fear... Though I suppose it's cruel to say that.

Fear, tremble, and yet stand against a pride that would incinerate even death.

If nothing else, you've done it once.

So it should be just as easy to do it again, or three times, or a hundred. Do your jobs, and become the heroes who restored humanity.

？！

...Yes. We'll do our best until the end.

Foou!

Oh, yes. And with Fou's help, too!