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“It’s the same old stuff. What they see is pretty much the same as what I see.” Shiomi shrugged. “They’re all young people who aren’t very good at dealing with people. They’re not the same type as Kirshtalia at all.”
“That’s why Kirshtalia Wodim was appointed captain of Group A. Even if Mary is biased towards Wufu, she can’t change this reasonable arrangement.” Morgan wasn’t surprised by this.
After all, Shiomi arrived later than the others, and rashly changing the appointments would actually bring chaos to Chaldea.
"It doesn't matter who the captain is, I don't care." tide Jian was also very frank. "Besides, I also showed them the battle records."
"Expecting them to help you analyze it?" Morgan asked.
"Not really. It's just that even though I only had a brief encounter with Hinako Akuta on the warship, I still noticed her," Shiomi said. "She's a magician with a background in botany, yet she adopts a fighting style that's not like a magician at all."
“Because she wasn’t a human magician in the conventional sense,” Morgan said. “Leaving aside the past, my husband should have already realized it during this naval battle.”
"...Wait a minute?" Shio nodded subconsciously before realizing Morgan's wording was problematic. "You already knew?"
Morgan nodded: "We knew all along. We knew before the incineration of humanity even began."
"What?" tide Jian was dumbfounded.
"Is my husband angry?" Morgan seemed a little embarrassed. "It's mainly because in Chaldea, where humans are everywhere, having a non-human in a similar situation to myself and keeping each other's secrets is like doing each other a favor."
"No, no, no, what I mean is, you actually found out so early?" tide Jian was very surprised.
“It’s not exactly a discovery, it was something she asked me directly.” Morgan clapped his hands. “I ran into Hinako Akuta once when I was borrowing books in the library. After looking at me for a while, she went straight to the point and asked, ‘You’re not human, are you?’”
Of course, this question doesn't mean that Morgan concealed her Servant identity at the time, but rather that she was not a human Servant.
“Once they confirmed that I was a fairy from Paradise, their attitude softened considerably, and they revealed their true form.” Morgan thought for a moment, “Of course, it’s also possible that they found my eyes troublesome and therefore didn’t cover them up.”
Shiomi sighed, "I think I understand now, so—"
“They are elven beings with physical bodies,” Morgan said. “They are similar to the True Ancestors in some ways, but they are not other vampire species of the same kind.”
“Is that so?” tide Jian raised her eyebrows slightly.
Surprised as I was, judging from the battle intelligence brought back by Artoria and Bagst, Hinako Akuta does indeed possess superhuman physical abilities.
Now, Morgan's words simply confirm the suspicions: the other party is not an unconventional magician, but a vampire.
"Speaking of which, although she doesn't seem to talk to people much, she actually has a rather volatile temper." Morgan thought for a moment. "When she talks about humans, her tone and wording are quite sharp, and it's clear that she hates humans."
Shio didn't seem surprised at all: "Whether it's elves or fairies, they are life forms created by the planet to regulate humans, like living terminals. Almost all such life forms have too much of an detached, bystander attitude towards humans... In their eyes, someone like you who accepts humans and gets married is an anomaly, isn't it?"
“Hehe~, what my husband said is true.” Morgan couldn’t help but smile, then pretended to be serious and corrected him, “But actually I don’t have much interest in humans. I only care about a very small number of humans. The reason I’ve helped my husband fight all this way is simply because that’s what my husband wants to do.”
Shiomi continued to smile, but her voice lowered: "Even if you don't help, it's okay. Just watching over my battle from the rear is enough."
"Then why didn't my husband just protect me, but also devote himself to my dreams and be on the front lines?" Morgan asked.
Then, the two of them laughed in unison, ending the conversation.
"How is it? Is the weapon with the blocked spiritual veins okay?" tide Jian asked.
“No problem. Based on the previous battles, I’ve slightly increased the output of the Spirit Vein Blocking Armor,” Morgan said. “After all, the Olympians have a numerical advantage, and I want to annihilate the enemy more effectively so that the front lines can focus on the main objectives.”
“Mm.” tide Jian nodded, agreeing with her idea.
“We should depart from Thanatos Island tomorrow for Eris Island, which is closest to Nemesis Island,” Morgan said. “Before launching the operation to break into the ‘Void Cavern,’ have you prepared what you planned?”
Shiomi nodded: "The land veins of Atlantis have been basically restored. Once we land on Eris Island, we will begin preparations for the summoning of Heroic Spirits."
"Let Artoria take charge?" Morgan chuckled. "It wouldn't be very safe for the Knights of the Round Table to see their king and his enchantress Morgan on the same side."
“The only one we need to worry about is Agravan; everyone else is reasonable,” Shio said. “Besides, at this point, there’s no need for you to continue playing the role of the Pan-Human Smogen. You are you, a completely different being from her.”
"That's true."
Morgan smiled and nodded. She took Shiomi's hand and left the circuit room, heading towards the room.
"By the way, I heard from Skadi that you're planning to set those two free?"
"Huh? I just said I planned to lift their confinement after this Lostbelt is resolved. Anyway, only Debit is missing, so it doesn't matter."
"That's good. I thought you were planning to let the tiger return to the mountain and then deal with it together."
"...That's far too cruel..."
"is it?"
"yes……"
Chapter 54 Knights of the Round Table Assemble (1)
"Originally, I had decided not to summon you all in this way, but to follow fate and meet you all again on the battlefield at the appropriate time."
Artoria Pendragon stood on the shore of Eris Island, gazing in the direction of Nemesis Island. The sky was overcast with dark clouds and flashes of lightning, suggesting that the journey to the Hollows of the Void would be anything but smooth.
Behind her stood several Knights of the Round Table.
Just now, Artoria summoned her Knights of the Round Table, just as she had done in the Sixth Singularity.
"However, as you can see, this is a Lostbelt. Humanity is currently facing a crisis called the bleaching of human history. On this ship beside me, called Storm Border, sit those who continue to fight to reclaim Pan-Human History. The battlefield is not paradise; there will always be death and injury, but I want to protect them, so—"
She turned around, her white cloak fluttering in the sea breeze.
"I no longer extend an invitation to my former comrades, to the honorable Knights of the Round Table, as the protector of humanity, to join me in challenging the Olympian gods and their armies in this Lostbelt to reclaim the history of all humanity."
Behind Artoria, the Knights of the Round Table, who had appeared in response to the summons, knelt on one knee together.
“You flatter me, my king,” Gawain said, bowing his head. “To protect the history of humankind that we once existed, this battle, which carries great righteousness, is one we will fight on even if you do not approve. If we answer the call, we will still go into battle.”
His statement was echoed by the other Knights of the Round Table. Although they were surprised to be summoned by the King himself, they understood why they were fighting and had already made their decision.
Even though... everyone retains records of the Sixth Singularity and the Temple of Time, and knows the important events up to this point.
Their king failed, and then chose the path of Chaldea, fighting their way here.
“It is more of an honor than a privilege. I was unable to accompany you to the very end back then, but this time, please, no matter what, let me follow Your Majesty to the very end of the battle.” Gareth raised her head, already beginning to cry.
“Of course, that’s what I’m planning too.” Artoria couldn’t help but feel a little sad, infected by her emotions. “Everyone, get ready quickly. Chaldea will soon be heading towards Nemesis Island on the other side of the clouds. Please be prepared and board Captain Francis Drake’s and Captain Bartholomew Roberts’ ships respectively.”
She made arrangements for the deployment of combat forces.
Storm Border has sufficient combat power, so the other two warships, as its allies, also need to supplement its combat strength.
Every additional bit of fighting power gained to enter Olympus will allow them to fight better against the great god Zeus and any alien gods that may arrive.
Having received the king's instructions, the Knights of the Round Table rose one after another, their armor clanging in unison.
"That's surprising, are these the only ones?"
Then, Shiomi's voice rang out from the deck, and the Knights of the Round Table looked up to see him slowly descending from the deck and coming to Artoria's side.
Despite having just explained her thoughts, in reality, there were less than half of the Knights of the Round Table standing before Artoria.
Gawain, Lancelot, Tristan, Gareth, Percival, and Bedivere.
"Regarding this, according to Mr. Jason, the few Knights of the Round Table who did not respond to the call had actually participated in the invasion of Olympus as the vanguard, but had lost contact. Only upon arriving at Olympus could the situation be confirmed."
Mashu, who had been present the whole time, spoke up to offer an explanation.
When Artoria was speaking, she almost knelt down as well, but was stopped.
Although Galahad entrusted her with his power, Mash was not Artoria's subject and did not need to go to such lengths.
“I see. No wonder I didn’t see Mordred, or that loyal Agraven.” Shio understood. He looked at the other Knights of the Round Table. “It seems that although the dispatch of the Counter Force is not specific, it has unexpectedly left us with quite a few familiar faces.”
"The same applies to us. Rather than having others do it, it's better for us Knights of the Round Table, who are more familiar with Chaldea, to cooperate with everyone in battle." Lancelot shared the same view.
“However, judging from what we’ve observed from the shore, we might be at war with the Olympian fleet as soon as we reach the stormy seas…” Percival looked worried as he turned to Gawain. “It’s a real shame that Gawain can’t exert his full strength at sea, as it’s so dark.”
"The sun's blessing is important, but fighting alongside my comrades is even more important." Gawain said fearlessly, "Even in the darkest night, I, Gawain, will never back down a single step."
The Knights of the Round Table began to talk amongst themselves, discussing how to coordinate and implement tactics during naval battles, and they also planned to speak with the two captains to learn about the situation on board.
"Regarding this, Knights of the Round Table need not worry," Shiomi said, looking at Artoria. "Your king already has a corresponding plan."
"A solution?" Gareth was taken aback.
Tristan was taken aback: "Could it be... the 'blessing' from that time?"
“There’s no need to be so tense, Lord Tristan. Since the King has chosen to walk the path together with humanity, there’s naturally no need to worry,” Bedivere said softly. “I suppose ‘Blessing’ is as well.”
“As you said, Bedivere. This blessing has no other purpose than to allow everyone to fight with greater peace of mind, and is simply something I have done within my power,” Artoria said. “Please come forward one by one.”
Without hesitation, the Knights of the Round Table knelt before the Knight King once again to receive her 'blessing'.
Gawain still got "Never Sleeps," which was exactly what he needed.
Lancelot also chose to be as "tragic" as before, hoping to see the situation clearly on the chaotic battlefield and maximize his strength.
Gareth received Immaculate; Tristan received Resolve; Bedivere received Courage.
Percival died as a knight who opposed the Lion King. This time, after careful consideration, he chose to be 'unyielding' and would not be afraid even if he faced the great god Zeus.
Seeing the knights' even more eager expressions after receiving the "blessing," Artoria smiled to herself.
“This time there won’t be any more mistakes, Knight King,” Shio said to her. “Don’t worry.”
"For you to think that I need to be comforted at a time like this, it seems I'm almost forgetting my original intention of being a king."
Artoria's smile grew even brighter.
Chapter 55 Knights of the Round Table Assemble (2)
The sight of Shiomi and Artoria chatting and laughing quickly caught the attention of the Knights of the Round Table, who were catching up and exchanging pleasantries.
"King Arthur smiled!" Gareth exclaimed excitedly. "I have never seen the King smile so genuinely."
“Speaking of which, is that person the Master of Chaldea?” Percival asked. “I sensed a similar aura in him.”
He didn't know that it was the feeling of someone who also possessed Longinus.
When Shiomi first met him at the Temple of Time, she had not yet reached this point.
However, Percival possesses the Longinus of Pan-Human History, while Shiomi's Longinus would be more accurately called the "Nameless Chosen Spear".
“That’s right.” Gawain recalled for a moment, “He was a very formidable opponent. Even with the protection of the sun, I was ultimately defeated by him and Lord Bedivere in their alliance.”
Bedivere couldn't help but chuckle: "That was just luck. I am able to answer the King's call in this capacity now thanks to Mr. Shiomi's assistance back then, which allowed me to fulfill my mission and be engraved on the Throne of Heroes along with everyone else."
“No, wait a minute, you two…” Lancelot stroked his chin, “Now is not the time to talk about your martial arts stories.”
Tristan casually strummed the strings: "Don't you all think the King's expression is exceptionally gentle and relaxed? And to put it extremely, the King's expression looks more like a woman—"
“That’s too loud, Lord Tristan.” Gawain quickly covered Tristan’s mouth. “Don’t forget, the king who summoned us was not truly dead, but was sublimated into the Holy Lance Goddess.”
Lancelot's cheeks were also covered in cold sweat: "If we put the king in a difficult situation, even with a formidable enemy at hand, he will still have to suffer the punishment he deserves."
“No matter what, the king wouldn’t go that far…” Bedivere smiled bitterly.
Then they realized that their side was suddenly much emptier, as Percival had walked up to Artoria and Shiomi, attracting their attention.
"Is there something you need, Percival?" Artoria asked without giving it much thought.
“No, I have just come to pay my respects to my king after not seeing him for so long,” Percival said respectfully. “Seeing the king in such good spirits greatly inspires us Knights of the Round Table.”
“You’re being too formal. You’re still the same as always,” Artoria said.
Then, Percival rather abruptly shifted the topic to Shiomi: "However, this Master of Chaldea seems to have a close relationship with our King, and must be the warrior most trusted by our King besides us, right?"
Although he spoke in a high-sounding manner, he still couldn't hide the fact that Percival was curious about the relationship between Shiomi and Artoria.
The Knights of the Round Table, who were listening to the conversation, were both worried that Percival's question wasn't tactful enough and praised him for asking a good question.
It was as if only he could ask such a question without seeming to have ulterior motives.
“I wouldn’t say we are deeply trusted.” tide Jian crossed her arms. “It’s just that we have been through countless battles together. No matter what kind of crisis or battlefield, your king and I can entrust our backs to each other and fight side by side on the battlefield.”
The flawless answer, however, also avoided the loopholes that Percival was trying to exploit by asking deeper questions.
"Speaking of which, Tianxi also possesses Longinus from other historical figures. Since Percival happens to be here, why don't we exchange some ideas?"
Before carrying out today's summons, Artoria had done her homework and had thought of ways to change the subject for each Knight of the Round Table.
"If that's the case, you must let me see it for myself."
Upon hearing this, Percival was indeed drawn to the matter. Longinus should only have one gun, and Shiomi must have obtained a different location for the gun from some Lostbelt.
It may not even have pierced the savior's chest.
“Oh dear, Percival’s attention has been diverted,” Tristan said.
As bystanders, the other knights noticed the problem.
But if they keep asking, they might find out that even at this critical juncture, they still have the mind to care about the king's trivial private affairs...
Lancelot could feel Mash's gaze sharpen, as if she were staring at him, making him hesitant to continue the conversation.
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