When thought and knowledge are equal, all conspiracies and tricks become meaningless.
This is a fact.
But if it was Arthur, even knowing this, he would not stop employing futile tactics.
And as if to confirm Arthur's thoughts, Arthur ALTER began to move.
"If you don't try, how will you know?"
In the next moment, the weapons scattered across the battlefield, abandoned by their former owners, were seized by invisible giant hands and swiftly rose into the air.
Arthur said nothing, responding by manipulating an equal number of weapons to rise and collide midair.
A cacophony of clashing steel echoed violently. As each weapon was destroyed, another—hidden beneath and overlapping the first—rose up to strike again.
[Telekinesis]. The exact same skill. The exact same strength.
But this stalemate was meaningless.
Rather than waste time like this, it was better to seize the initiative. Arthur waved his hand, activating the Magic Card: Wind. A whirlwind of weapons surrounded him, and, driven by gales, they became a steel storm hurtling toward Lucius.
Arthur ALTER responded in kind.
For a moment, the howling storm surged and spread, plunging the chaotic battlefield into further madness.
Arthur used the obscured vision to his advantage, moving at high speed and leaving behind several gleaming traces of light. In the next instant, these points exploded, transforming into beams of compressed energy that pierced the storm and shot toward Arthur ALTER.
But the opponent blocked the attack in an even more brutal manner.
The black holy sword slashed through the air, unleashing a dark light curtain more terrifying than the storm itself, shrouding both Arthur ALTER and Lucius in shadow.
In response, the Holy Sword of the Star in Arthur's hand transformed—its blade extended by golden light until it stretched a hundred meters long, sweeping through the darkness like divine judgment.
Indeed, both Arthur and Arthur ALTER were using modified versions of Star Sword Unleashed. While their magical output was reduced, their attack power remained immense, equal to that of a full Star Sword release.
Still, no matter how much it's unleashed, such force cannot destroy the essence of the Holy Sword of the Star.
By altering its form and relying on the blade's inherent strength, Arthur forcibly broke through the magical discharge.
But Lucius and Arthur ALTER had vanished into the black curtain.
Arthur wasn't surprised.
If things could be resolved so easily, then the replica created by the Holy Grail would be far too fragile.
Without hesitation, he turned, retracted his fist, and struck.
"Inch force—crack the skull."
Bang—
Invisible energy exploded at close range. The shockwave froze both Arthur and the suddenly appearing Arthur ALTER in place.
But this battle did not belong to just the two of them.
"Restrictions lifted! Witness the glory of Rome! Take it, Artorius! This is the Emperor's Sword of Rome (remains)—Florent!"
Scarlet thunder exploded forth—savage and violent, just like its master, Lucius.
Arthur ALTER was consumed instantly.
However, both Arthurs had anticipated this.
"Liberate Avalon."
The strongest defense, separate from the world, ignited in tandem.
Yes, even without the power to retaliate, if the situation was foreseen, one need only set countermeasures in advance.
Boom—!
Avalon—an absolute defensive barrier.
Not only did it shield its wielder, it absorbed magical energy and returned it. Arthur and Arthur ALTER had the same idea, and without hesitation, they reflected the sword's magic back at their attacker.
The resulting explosion blew both Arthurs apart.
Arthur landed on the far side of the battlefield, his right arm severed at the shoulder.
Thanks to Avalon being pre-deployed, the protective magic lasted just long enough to deflect a fatal blow. The rest was sheer luck. And this time, luck was on his side—losing only an arm, which, under the protection of the holy sword and scabbard, would regenerate quickly.
But the pain—
Even prepared, even having hypnotized himself into a calm state using spiritual incantations, he couldn't stop his body's natural response. His movements faltered for just an instant—and in that split second, the crimson devil sword slashed through his waist and abdomen.
"Lucius..."
"What's wrong, Artorius? Is that all you've got? Don't you want to kill me? Then come on!" Lucius snarled, his expression twisted, before raising his foot and kicking Arthur away.
But even as Arthur flew through the air, his remaining left hand flared with golden light. The Holy Sword of the Stars shimmered again with magic.
One end was held in Arthur's hand; the other unraveled into countless fine chains, each tipped with a blade. As Arthur pulled, golden light rained down from the heavens like a storm.
Of course, this was all accounted for—by Lucius... or rather, Arthur ALTER.
How cruel, to fight against yourself.
Artorius... what grave sins did you commit in your past life to deserve this?
Lucius didn't pursue. He merely spun his sword at incredible speed, deflecting the rain of golden blades.
The next moment would decide the victor—
That was how it should have been. One second passed. Two. Three—
Nothing happened.
Arthur ALTER, who was supposed to deliver the killing blow with seamless precision, did not appear.
Lucius's smile froze.
What happened?
A lapse in attention on the battlefield could be fatal.
The chains retracted in an instant, transforming and condensing at lightning speed. The intense magic surged, combusting into pure destructive energy.
Lucius, standing at the center of the sword formation, tried to dodge, but even with his unparalleled swordsmanship, he couldn't avoid everything. One strike hit his arm—and in an instant, it was charred to cinders.
The situation had returned to a stalemate.
Lucius turned to Arthur.
A faint smile seemed to flicker in those cold eyes.
Though he knew it was merely an illusion—his own mind playing tricks—Lucius still burned with rage. "What did you do, Artorius? You bastard!"
"Feeling anxious because things aren't going as planned?" Arthur rose, his injuries rapidly healing. "The more intricate the plan, the easier it is to overlook a tiny flaw. His tactics were near-perfect—but he underestimated the valor of the Knights of the Round Table."
Even if Arthur ALTER possessed all of Arthur's strength—or even surpassed him—he could never truly defeat the Round Table.
The earlier ambush may have paralyzed the knights temporarily.
But to destroy them? A fantasy.
Yes, without their magical gear, Gawain, Kai, and Gareth were too injured to rejoin the fight.
But Skadi was different.
Arthur ALTER was ultimately a fake.
His abilities were copied. His holy sword was forged. His memories fabricated. How could he possibly understand the full extent of the Round Table's power?
Weakened by the barrier's suppression?
Please.
Maybe some knights relied heavily on magic, and in this world, that power would indeed wane.
But the Round Table's evolution had always emphasized extreme specialization—and Skadi's strength wasn't magic or swordsmanship.
It was her body.
"Unfortunately for him," Arthur said, "he happened to land on my Round Table's battlefield."
-End Chapter-
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