Enuma Elish.
The most destructive Noble Phantasm in Gilgamesh's treasury, one he takes great pride in.
Its origins lie in Mesopotamian and Babylonian mythology, tied to the great god Ea (Enki) and the Babylonian creation epic Enuma Elish.
With the Sword of Rupture Ea, named after the Mesopotamian deity, it severs space to achieve the monumental feat of dividing heaven and earth. Both the sword's name, "Rupture," And its ultimate form, Enuma Elish, were christened by Gilgamesh himself, signifying the sword's maximum output.
When the three blades—representing Heaven, Earth, and Underworld—rotate in unison, the Sword of Rupture gathers mana, harnessing the gale between heaven and earth, recreating the primal power that once parted the cosmos.
It rends the sky, shatters the earth…
Though the Epic of Gilgamesh describes Ea far less than Arthur's holy sword, Hercules' Twelve Labors, or Cú Chulainn's demonic spear, its simple depiction as a divine tool that split the world suffices to convey its immense power and wonder.
Due to the scarcity of Ea's mentions in the epic, the three heroes challenging Gilgamesh were unaware of its existence. Its appearance shifted everything, nullifying their plans in the instant of cosmic division.
Only those witnessing the cataclysm of creation's eve could grasp the absolute awe of Gilgamesh's power.
For heroes like Finn and Iskandar, this reenactment was a sublime spectacle; for Kayneth and Waver, it was a worldview-shattering collapse.
The King's Army, once near-invincible, was annihilated in moments under Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm.
Such terrifying strength and impact befitted the Holy Grail War's pinnacle Servant, the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh.
"How did this happen?! How did it come to this?!"
Kayneth, once confident of victory, lost all composure. His confidence, along with his worldview, was crushed by Ea.
As the crimson beam, bearing the gale of creation's eve, descended, its unstoppable force tore the sandy world apart. A chasm swallowed the King's Army—both the desert realm and the battle-hardened legion that conquered nations—reduced to ash in an instant.
No matter how many heroes or human achievements stood against it, mortals could not reach divine heights.
Gilgamesh, wielding Ea, demonstrated this truth, using Enuma Elish to obliterate the King's Army's every advantage.
Gifted by Enki, this world-splitting divine sword was a true anti-world Noble Phantasm. Fully charged, Ea could recreate the light of creation, severing the world itself.
Sensing danger and recognizing the sword's origin, Finn felt a sinking dread. He fled, piloting the Gordius Wheel to escape Ea's range, braving the tempest to save Kayneth and Waver.
Disadvantage.
An absolute disadvantage.
Against Gilgamesh wielding the anti-world Ea, Iskandar faced an overwhelming deficit—not just in raw power but in compatibility.
Iskandar's pride, the King's Army, was the pinnacle of human endeavor, summoning countless comrades who believed in him, willing to follow him through fire. It unfolded his heart's world, a reality marble overwriting reality.
But Ea, an anti-world Noble Phantasm used by Enki to divide creation, was the bane of the King's Army and any reality marble or pocket world. The battle was decided before it began—Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm was its perfect counter.
No matter how many heroes or spirits stood with him, they relied on the King's Army's framework. Under Ea's destruction, his warriors were obliterated before they could act.
The reality marble itself was collapsing. Without Command Spell reinforcement and the mana furnace's support, Iskandar would have already succumbed.
Yet, even with his King's Army annihilated…
Iskandar felt no fear, no urge to retreat.
Gripping the reins with his broad hands, he urged his black steed—his companion through countless campaigns—across the abyss, charging into the swirling sandstorm.
For Iskandar, facing an invincible foe offered no reason to waver, no choice to retreat. He was a king! The King of Conquerors!!
—Alexander!!!
Boom—!!
His sword crackled with thunder, blinding light erupting around him. Drawing on his divine blood, Iskandar channeled lightning into his blade, slicing through the gale, charging forward. His crimson cloak billowed in the wind.
"—King of Heroes!! I am Iskandar, the king who conquers all! The king of dominion!!"
Iskandar roared, "Today, I strike you, the most ancient king, with my full might!!"
"Oh? Come, then!" Gilgamesh laughed wildly. "Hahahahahahaha—!!"
No gale could halt a king's ambition. Even from afar, Gilgamesh heard Iskandar's defiant roar.
In that moment, his heart stirred with rare delight.
"Here I come!!"
—Boom!!
The sand parted under blinding lightning. Thunder exploded before Iskandar, his steed neighing, joining its master in this fearless conquest.
They gave their all.
Gilgamesh watched the lightning pierce the gale, a faint smile on his lips, a glimmer in his eyes.
"Well done, King of Men who calls himself Conqueror."
'Facing certain death, knowing defeat is inevitable, yet mustering the courage for a final charge—this is worthy. I acknowledge your spirit.'
The King's Army, the ultimate human Noble Phantasm.
Countless spirits united for this conquest.
Or the trace of Zeus's divine blood in him.
To Gilgamesh, these were insignificant, unworthy of stirring his heart.
He stood at the world's pinnacle in Noble Phantasms, treasures, and lineage—nothing could faze him.
What impressed him was Iskandar's will in the face of despair, his fearless spirit.
"King of Conquerors, Iskandar… Well done. Your name and final stand are etched in my memory. I acknowledge your unyielding will."
"To honor that will, I'll respond with my proudest treasure."
"Come forth, my friend! My greatest Noble Phantasm—Enkidu, Chains of Heaven!!"
Clatter—!!
As his words fell, golden gates opened behind Gilgamesh. Dozens of golden chains shot from the Gate of Babylon, surging toward Iskandar from all directions, piercing the sandstorm with terrifying force, surrounding him in an instant.
Bang—!!
His sword fell, his steed pierced and reduced to a corpse. Iskandar crashed into the sand.
"—Rider!!!"
From the sky, Waver's anguished cry echoed as he saw Iskandar fall.
"Master…"
Iskandar, sprawled in the sand, heard Waver's call. Looking up at the tearful youth, he gave a wry smile.
"Really, didn't I tell you? A man doesn't cry—he stands strong… Sorry, this is my exit…"
"Outskilled, no regrets there, but I can't help feeling disappointed… The dream of world conquest waits for next time. Withdraw, Master, and live well, carrying your growth."
"Hmph, is that it?" Gilgamesh snorted, granting Iskandar final respect. Instead of piercing him with the Chains of Heaven, he raised Ea, aiming for the final strike.
"With this, you end, King of Conquerors!!"
Boom—!!
Crimson light gathered, its terrifying force shattering the already broken reality marble.
The world-rending beam surged, targeting the figure in the sand.
A strike to extinguish thunder.
"King of Heroes!!!"
In that cataclysmic blow, Iskandar saw only the approaching crimson light.
"It's over…"
He closed his eyes, awaiting annihilation.
"Arrrrrrr—! Arrrrrrrr—!!!"
An unexpected roar rang out. A black figure plummeted like a cannonball, wielding twin black shields, standing firm before Iskandar. Its frail form became his sturdiest wall, colliding with the crimson beam.
—Boom!!
The heart-world of the King's Army collapsed entirely.
The world ended.
The sky screamed, the earth roared.
The sand met its end.
All reached its conclusion.
…
In Fuyuki's forest.
"I've lost…" Iskandar muttered, clutching his chest's fatal wound. He gazed at Lancelot, reduced to half a body, spiritualizing after blocking Ea's final strike, his heart heavy with complex emotions.
Not only was his Noble Phantasm crushed, but his comrade died shielding him, unable to share final words. This powerlessness pained Iskandar deeply.
With the reality marble shattered, Waver leapt from the Gordius Wheel, ignoring Kayneth's protests, rushing to the dying Iskandar, tears streaming.
"Rider, your body…"
Seeing Iskandar's broken form, ravaged by Ea, Waver's tears flowed uncontrollably.
No words were needed—he knew Iskandar's fate.
No salvation…
Half his body was gone, his spiritual core pierced. Death was certain.
"Why cry, Master? It's just time to part, as we always knew. I've died once before—no need for sorrow."
Seeing Waver reduced to tears, Iskandar patted his head, smiling as always.
"Master, you know, being your Servant was the greatest joy…"
"Rider…"
Waver sobbed softly.
"Don't cry. Didn't you promise to be a fine man?"
"I know… but I can't help it…"
"I see…"
Iskandar flicked Waver's forehead, as usual.
"Rider…"
The familiar gesture stunned Waver. He looked up, seeing Iskandar's carefree smile replaced by a profound solemnity.
Changing his usual demeanor, Iskandar asked seriously, "Waver, there's something I've always wanted to ask, and now I must. Waver Velvet, will you become my vassal and serve me as such?"
"…"
Silence fell. Waver trembled, tears flooding like a broken dam.
The impossible question he'd always longed for.
Wasn't it obvious?
"I… I will! You're the only—"
Waver wiped his tears, kneeling before Iskandar.
"The king I've always longed to follow… Thank you for your guidance and care. I'll follow you… to witness the shore of dreams. Please, continue guiding me, my king."
His answer brought a smile to Iskandar's face, clearly pleased. For Waver, his king's smile was the greatest reward.
Thus, Iskandar had no regrets.
"Haha, to gain a vassal like you at the end—this Grail War was worth it."
Iskandar patted Waver's head, then struggled to stand, summoning the Gordius Wheel with Kayneth aboard.
"What are you doing? Don't tell me you want me to pledge loyalty? Dream on!!"
Seeing himself summoned, Kayneth's face changed, sharply refusing.
Though Iskandar's final stand impressed him, he had no intention of serving him.
"Hahaha, who wants you, lemon-head? You'd just bicker with me daily…"
Iskandar laughed, pulling Kayneth down, stepping onto the Gordius Wheel with his old friends.
"…Huh?"
Waver tried to board, but Iskandar stopped him.
"This is far enough, Waver. No need to follow."
"Revealing what dreams are is my duty as a king."
"Your duty, as my vassal, is to witness my dream and pass it to future generations."
Iskandar spoke calmly, seeming distant despite his nearness, untouchable.
"So, live on, Waver! Spread my story and dreams to the world. Understood?"
"I… I understand, my king."
Waver bowed his head, unable to look up.
"That's good…"
Iskandar nodded, smiling warmly.
"Hey, lemon-head… no, Lord El-Melloi…"
He turned to the silent Kayneth, bowing for the first time, sincerely requesting.
"Hm? What now?"
Hearing Iskandar use a respectful title instead of "lemon-head," Kayneth's expression shifted.
"Take care of my Master, whatever the outcome. Protect him, I beg you."
"Hmph, you don't need to tell me! Waver Velvet may be a talentless fool, but he's my student, part of the El-Melloi classroom. As long as I'm here, he won't be harmed! It's my duty as a lord and professor!"
"You annoying red-haired gorilla, stop wasting time and do what you must while you're still alive."
Kayneth snorted, bickering with the fading Iskandar.
"…Good to hear."
With Kayneth's reply, Iskandar let go of all concerns.
"Let's go, Gordius Wheel!!"
Casting aside doubts, Iskandar gripped the reins, charging toward his final foe with a mighty roar.
"You're joining too?"
Gilgamesh coldly eyed Finn, who stood in his path.
"No, this is the King of Conquerors's battle."
Seeing the farewell conclude, Finn sheathed his spear, returning to Kayneth's side, leaving the stage to Iskandar and Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh snorted at Finn's actions.
"Mongrel, I'm not so tactless as to interfere…"
He mocked Iskandar, charging on the Gordius Wheel. "In your pathetic state, are you worth my effort? You'll die without me lifting a finger…"
"Hahahaha, true, I'm at my end…"
"But until my final breath, my steps won't stop! Take this, King of Heroes!!"
Roaring, Iskandar, with his battered body and remaining Noble Phantasm, launched his final charge.
"Foolish."
Gilgamesh frowned.
Yet, to honor Iskandar, he opened his treasury, deploying his proudest Noble Phantasm.
Golden chains danced around him, the Chains of Heaven surging toward Iskandar.
One hundred meters.
The chains bound the divine oxen, halting the Gordius Wheel, forcing Iskandar to charge on foot.
Seventy meters.
"—Charge!!"
Iskandar roared, his body fading faster from his reckless charge.
Thirty meters.
"Please, my friend, send this king off—Chains of Heaven (Enkidu)!"
Golden light flashed, swift golden serpents piercing Iskandar's chest and legs, pinning him motionless.
The victor was decided.
"Pfft!!"
Blood sprayed, splattering Gilgamesh, who showed no displeasure. His gaze held only respect and admiration.
"Are you satisfied, King of Conquerors?"
Gilgamesh spoke softly.
"Ah…"
Iskandar's eyes blurred, but he smiled. "A fine expedition… it stirred my heart…"
"Hmph, amusing. A rare thrill for me."
"You did well."
Piercing Iskandar's chest with Ea, Gilgamesh sent him off. His body spiritualized, the chained Gordius Wheel collapsing.
In his final moments, laughing, Iskandar bid farewell to the crowd, turning to Waver and Kayneth:
"After this, don't seek Saber or the strategist. Leave this city."
His last effort, a final path for his vassal.
His body turned to golden particles, vanishing. With his spiritual core shattered by Ea, salvation was impossible.
He closed his eyes.
"The sound of the endless sea echoes in my ears…"
"The waves of Oceanus, ever resounding in my heart…"
***
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