"Even if the gods have departed, I am still growing… It is the same now. I have always held you in the highest respect and caution. If I didn't exchange blows with you to this extent, I wouldn't think I could easily win."
Moran slightly smooths his disheveled hair.
Afterward, the wounds that pierced his shoulders and abdomen immediately disappeared, as if they had never existed in the first place.
Purely physical wounds were insignificant.
For a being of Moran's Grand God-class existence, only compatibility and concepts were the most troublesome enemies.
In fact, even if Alcides had not usurped the Sword of Rupture, Ea, Moran would have had other ways to defeat Alcides.
However, those methods were not as brilliant as this one, nor were they as reliable and effective.
"Heh… this move is practically Odysseus' Trojan Horse… However, even though this body has reached such a broken state, my long-cherished wish has not changed!"
Alcides raises his ghastly face.
What overflows from his body is resolute killing intent.
Even if his body is destroyed to the point of being riddled with holes, and he no longer possesses extra lives, he will continue to fight.
Even if he is not a hero at this moment.
At the very least, he can be considered a pure warrior.
"…Yes, I know… Even at this point, you won't have any thoughts of giving up. If it weren't for that, you wouldn't have become like this. This is where the world praises you, and also where it feels sorrow."
"What need is there for praise… what need is there for sorrow? These are not things I desire. I am merely a hideous Alcides. What I yearn for is nothing more than the moment of revenge being achieved!"
"Heh, then, let's fight!"
Moran is not angered by Alcides' words.
Nor does he feel sympathy for this Alcides.
What he gives is nothing more than respect for a past friend, and a heartfelt sigh.
No one has the right to stop Alcides' revenge.
Nor can anyone easily deny it.
Because Moran is not a god high above; what he can do is prevent his friend from trampling on himself.
[A Heroic Tale Eternally Sung]
The moment Moran activates this unique skill, a dazzling light engulfs everyone's vision.
It is like the appearance of the Knights of the Round Table from before.
However, now it is more like a handover, with several figures slowly emerging from the light.
"That's… Jason, Asclepius, Paris, Theseus… Why are you all here too!?"
Atalanta reveals a surprised expression.
She did not expect that Moran could bring out his former comrades, and at this crucial moment.
"Hahaha, how could this kind of occasion be without this great one? But… I never expected… Heracles, oh, no, it should be Alcides. Alcides, seeing you in this state, this great one can't remain indifferent…"
Jason gazes at Alcides.
As the greatest braggart in all of Greece, seeing the great hero of the past become this hideous,
The emotions in his heart are more complex than anyone else's.
"Heh, Moran, you bastard… to actually bring them here, it seems you have completely grasped my lifeline."
Although Alcides says it in a resentful tone.
However, he cannot help but curl up the corners of his mouth.
Although it is a hideous, devilish smile, he cannot hide a trace of relief and joy in his heart.
"My friend, you are too gentle…"
"Is that so? I don't think so. Or are you not considering us as comrades? Seeing you even denying yourself, we can't stand by and watch."
"…If that's the case, then let everything end here.
Having trampled on so many dignities and souls, then let me bear the sin of trampling you all underfoot once more!"
Even when facing his former comrades.
The friends who once understood him.
He still responds with terrifying killing intent, not even sparing Jason, who admires him.
This scene causes the Argonauts to stand ready.
Just like when they were subjugating evil beasts in the past.
However, this time, the target of subjugation has become Alcides.
"Let's go, a final showdown!"
Moran's loud shout unveils the final curtain.
Although it is the final battle, there is no mistake.
However, Alcides is already on the verge of collapse, completely relying on the black mud to barely stand here.
Moran also understands the words of killing intent spoken at the end.
—In order to allow his friends to slay him without regret, Alcides chooses to smear himself with the black mud of sin.
It is precisely because he knows Alcides' thoughts.
At this final moment of conflict, the two of them inexplicably smile.
Just like before on that ship.
The past of practicing martial arts together like brothers, of subjugating evil beasts for the world together, of drinking and celebrating together.
—The past, floats into their minds.
Now, they no longer want to dwell on revenge and sin, nor do they want to understand it; they only want to continue moving forward.
Under the dazzling light, Moran and his once proud companions together—
"[Nine Lives]!"
It is the technique that Alcides used on Ishtar before.
Now, it is recreated in Moran's hands.
Using imaginary number space to construct a crystal ice bow, he simultaneously shoots nine arrows infused with divine energy from the string.
Compared to the filthy, poisonous magical dragon from before.
This time, Nine Lives is purely a majestic, sacred radiance, as if to cleanse the sins of the Alcides.
This final collision is a manifestation of divine power that they both believe can kill each other.
Nine arrows pierce through Alcides' entire body like the dawn.
Leaving no room for doubt, it is also a divine technique.
"Ugh…"
Seeing the archery skills he once taught to Moran being used against him, Alcides felt a strange sensation.
–Warm and peaceful.
The fire of revenge that had been entangling his heart seemed to calm down in an instant.
Within the shining afterglow was the flame of friendship.
Being utterly defeated by his close friend using his own techniques, he felt no resentment in his heart.