Medusa thought back to the terrifying oppressive power Artoria Alter had displayed in close combat just moments ago.
Medusa possessed the Monstrous Strength skill, allowing her to unleash devastating power in short bursts. Yet that strength was completely insufficient against Artoria Alter. Even Heracles had been utterly dominated.
She opened her mouth, intending to warn Mash to be extremely careful of the king's overwhelming melee abilities, when the scene before her left her speechless.
Mash and Artoria Alter were actually fighting on even terms.
Mash was clearly giving it everything she had—teeth clenched, sweat pouring down her face. Meanwhile, every swing of Artoria Alter's corrupted Excalibur Morgan looked vicious, yet the moment the blade was about to land on Mash's shield, the force would mysteriously lessen.
The clashes between sword and shield resulted in nothing more than a contest of strength and positioning, with neither side gaining the upper hand.
Medusa stared at the seemingly evenly matched pair and froze once again.
Is this right?
She remembered how Artoria Alter had previously sent Heracles flying with a single swing, weapon and all. That overwhelming pressure… was this the same person who had fought her and Heracles earlier?
The way Artoria Alter was moving now looked far more like she was training Mash than actually fighting her.
Medusa: ...
She fell silent again.
Then another thought crossed her mind.
Even if Artoria Alter really was holding back to train Mash, at least she was currently occupied with her.
The real problem was that they had no effective way to actually defeat the black king.
Artoria Alter watched as Mash gasped for breath, seemingly exhausted. Perhaps growing bored, she leaped back and created distance.
She then glanced at Chaldea's current team and raised an eyebrow in confusion, as if remembering something.
"Where's the mage?"
"Did he not join your party?"
"That guy should be an enemy to 'us,' right?"
"It doesn't make sense for him not to cooperate with you."
It was unclear whether Artoria Alter was wary of a surprise attack from Cú Chulainn in the shadows, or simply disappointed that Chaldea lacked any powerful offensive options capable of finishing her off.
She continued, her tone growing more impatient.
"Is this really all you people from Chaldea can do?"
"I remember you caused quite a large disturbance nearby earlier, didn't you?"
"Hurry up and use it already!"
Hearing her words, the Chaldea group realized she was referring to the massive shockwave Adam's previous attack on Heracles had caused back at the school. It must have reached all the way here.
Artoria Alter's expression grew increasingly annoyed.
For some reason, Ritsuka got the distinct feeling that she just wanted to finish this quickly and go home.
When the Chaldea group still didn't make any moves, Artoria Alter's impatience reached its limit. She clicked her tongue.
"So Chaldea really only has this much to offer?"
"If this is truly the extent of your strength…"
"Then it's time for Chaldea to disappear!"
As she spoke, Artoria Alter's gaze shifted to Medusa, who was being supported by Ritsuka. A cold sneer formed on her lips.
"Hmph~"
"Let's start with you, then."
The sudden surge of murderous intent sent a chill through everyone present.
Artoria Alter despised traitors. That was why her hostility toward Medusa and Heracles ran so deep.
Even though they had originally been killed by her and then corrupted by the black mud to serve her, the blackened king didn't care about any of that. In her Alter state, she was a tyrant.
The situation took a sharp turn for the worse.
Artoria Alter dashed forward like an arrow, charging straight at the Chaldea group.
Before they could even begin to flee, she had already closed the distance.
Just moments ago, she had been evenly matched with Mash in close combat.
Now, as she stood before her, Mash attempted a shield bash, but Artoria Alter gripped her corrupted Excalibur Morgan with both hands and swung upward with explosive force.
The tremendous power instantly gave Mash a sensation of weightlessness. Her shield nearly flew from her hands as both she and the shield were lifted completely off the ground for a moment.
"You should sleep for a while."
Artoria Alter stared at her expressionlessly. Taking advantage of the opening, she drove her fist hard into Mash's stomach.
The force was so great that the air itself seemed to ripple.
"Ugh—!"
Mash felt her insides churn violently. Something rose in her throat as her consciousness began to fade.
The last thing she saw was Artoria Alter casually walking toward Ritsuka and the others as if on a leisurely stroll.
Mash's vision grew darker. With trembling fingers, she reached out, desperately trying to grab Artoria Alter's leg to stop her advance. But her body no longer obeyed. Her shaking hand ultimately failed to fulfill that final wish and fell limply to the ground.
Olga Marie and Ritsuka supported Medusa between them as they faced the slowly approaching Artoria Alter. There was nowhere left to run.
No matter how fast ordinary humans were, they couldn't outrun a Servant—especially not while carrying someone.
Medusa wanted to keep fighting, but she could barely even stand without Ritsuka's support.
Olga Marie's body shook uncontrollably as the black king drew closer. Yet in the end, her sense of duty as Director overpowered most of her fear. She bravely stepped in front of Ritsuka.
"Director?!!"
Artoria Alter looked slightly surprised at Olga Marie, but she could see the trembling in her body and understood her current state.
She gave a small smile and offered a word of praise.
"Admirable courage."
Then she raised her corrupted Excalibur Morgan, ready to strike.
Just as the sword was about to fall—
Artoria Alter's Instinct screamed in alarm.
In an instant, she leaped backward, abandoning her position.
A blue spear suddenly shot out from where she had just been standing, appearing out of thin air.
As Artoria Alter wondered who was responsible, a cheerful whistling sound echoed from the cave entrance.
"♪~♪"
Though the whistling was light and carefree, Artoria Alter could clearly sense the killing intent hidden within it.
Her brows furrowed tightly as she stared into the dark cave. The whistling grew steadily closer.
Her Instinct continued to send painful warnings. Something incredibly dangerous was there.
The immense pressure finally made her shout toward the darkness.
"Who the hell are you?!"
The whistling stopped abruptly. A figure slowly walked out from the cave entrance.
He was gently stroking Fou, who was happily rolling around in his arms.
He answered Artoria Alter's question in a calm voice.
"Just a passing Master."
Artoria Alter's frown deepened at the vague reply.
She was about to snap at him, but the words died in her throat.
Because walking out beside him was a figure that left Artoria Alter utterly stunned.
Morgan?!
***
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