Realizing something was wrong, Scathach swiftly ascended into the air, rushing toward the falling rainbow light with all her might.
However, fatigued from the prolonged battle, she was a moment too late. Shinji, moving faster, managed to grab the rainbow light first, just a step ahead of her.
The rainbow object was a short spear, similar in length to Altera's Sword of Mars, though its design was different.
While the Sword of Mars was a sword, what Shinji held was a spear—specifically, a short spear.
The materials used for its creation were also different. The Sword of Mars was a divine weapon forged from earthly materials. This spear, however, was made from a substance unknown to Earth—Anticells!
Anticells are the opposite of regular spiritual particles, and they were the raw material used to create the body of the giant god Altera, who devoured celestial bodies. The special effects of the spear, such as world anti-defense, civilization corrosion, and civilization absorption, all stem from the properties of Anticells.
Thus, the short spear was named the Spear of Rebellion.
The design and crafting of the spear were primarily Shinji's work. After defeating Sefar five years ago, he had been studying Anticells.
The final adjustments and guidance were done by the two Alteras, one on Earth and the other on the Moon. Since the spear was formed from parts of their own bodies, they could control it easily.
More importantly, at this moment, Shinji had already entered the Land of Shadows, leaving Scathach no time to react.
The reason he hadn't brought the spear at the start of the battle was to avoid Scathach's precognitive abilities.
If she had known in advance, she would have undoubtedly taken measures to guard against it. As Scathach had said, even if she were to die, it would have to be after giving her all in battle.
Given Scathach's abilities and experience, killing her when she was prepared would have been exponentially harder.
Therefore, Shinji chose not to bring the spear initially, relying on his strength to wear Scathach down. He fought until she was exhausted until her mental state weakened, and until the Land of Shadows itself became unstable, revealing openings.
Only then did the two Alteras guide the Spear of Rebellion, bringing it into the fray to draw a close to this long-awaited duel.
With his foresight, Shinji reacted faster than Scathach, successfully grasping the spear.
Despite Scathach launching a fierce counterattack, stabbing him multiple times, it was to no avail. The balance of the fight had already tipped entirely in Shinji's favor.
The Spear of Rebellion, now imbued with Shinji's blood and mana, emitted a strange glow. Without Shinji having to command it, its edge gleamed menacingly.
Its purpose was clear: to destroy worlds, to annihilate civilizations. The order of the world and the curses upon living beings were precisely the things it was designed to obliterate.
Spells cast against it were effortlessly pierced through.
Even the authority Scathach held over the Land of Shadows could not halt the spear's advance.
Her two magic spears, which she had used throughout the battle, were also shattered.
All creations of civilization held no meaning before the Spear of Rebellion.
In the face of this, Scathach could only retreat—from front to back, from sky to ground.
But the Land of Shadows had its limits. When she finally reached the edge of the wall, the spear, glowing with a tricolored light, was at her chest.
"I've won."
Shinji, holding the Spear of Rebellion, declared his victory.
The term "rebellion" not only referred to the Anticells but also to the student's rebellion against the master.
"I admit it, it's your victory."
Scathach's taut body began to relax. She no longer resisted or struggled, accepting her defeat with grace.
"You've surpassed me. As your Shishou, I'm proud."
"I've been under your care all this time."
Shinji gazed at her with a complex expression.
She was still as stunning as ever, and as calm as when they first met.
Scathach, too, looked at Shinji, no longer gazing down from above but slightly looking up at him.
"Now, fulfill my wish, my disciple. Kill me and grant me true death."
A tremor deep in her soul—a primal fear of death—told her that this spear was indeed capable of killing her. Even the order of the world and the protection of the Land of Shadows could not stop a weapon crafted from materials beyond this world, from a higher civilization.
As long as the spear pierced her chest, everything would end.
"I…"
Shinji's hand trembled.
Despite having fought for ten days without hesitation, now his body shook violently.
"Do it! Kill me!"
Scathach urged again, stepping forward so the sharp tip of the spear broke through her clothes, and skin, and a drop of blood fell.
At this moment, she had waited far too long—so long that she couldn't even remember the exact time anymore.
"!"
Shinji quickly steadied his hand and took a step back.
"Shinji, you've come this far, and now you're hesitating?"
Scathach rebuked him, her chest still bleeding, drop by drop, with no sign of healing.
"Shishou…"
Shinji muttered.
"Matou Shinji!!!"
Continuing to scold him, Scathach stepped forward again, pushing into the spear.
Shinji lowered his head, retreating step by step, completely losing the aggressive stance he had earlier.
"Do you want to be a coward?"
"I—don't want to be a coward!"
Shinji's body trembled, and he suddenly stopped retreating. He then lowered the Spear of Rebellion and threw it over the wall, into the endless darkness.
"So I won't kill you! I absolutely won't!"
Scathach froze, completely taken aback by Shinji's response.
"Why? Why? We were just one step away."
"Because I like you! I can't bring myself to kill you!"
Shinji, gritting his teeth, finally confessed his feelings.
This was the real reason behind his hesitation, his confusion, and his retreat.
Before, he didn't care how hard they fought because he knew it wouldn't be fatal. But now, faced with the reality of life and death, he simply couldn't do it.
"Like…?"
Scathach muttered.
"Yes, I like you, Master—no, Scathach. Ever since I came to this world, no, even in my past life, I've always liked you."
Now that he had spoken, Shinji didn't hold back.
"I don't know how to define these feelings—whether it's pure love or ugly possessiveness. But I know I like you, I don't want you to die, and I want to be with you."
Summoning his courage, he stepped forward and embraced his once-distant teacher, the queen who had always been above him.
"The greatest enemy of eternity is loneliness. Spending thousands of years alone must have been unbearable. But it'll be different now. I'll stay with you."
"With the Third Magic in my grasp, as long as I don't want to die, I won't. So no matter how long eternity lasts, you won't be alone."
"We'll explore this world together. And if this world isn't enough, there are other worlds, other civilizations far beyond Earth. I've already unlocked part of the key. The universe is vast, and I promise you'll never be bored!"
His voice grew louder, nearly shouting, as if he was using all his strength to make her hear his heart. Despite mastering Soul Magic, Shinji seemed to forget all that, instead choosing the most primitive, clumsy way to express himself.
"Shinji…"
For the first time, Scathach's unwavering expression showed a hint of hesitation.
She was shaken.
How long had it been since she had heard such words?
A thousand years? Two thousand? Or even longer?
She could only recall that ever since she became the Slayer of Gods, no one had ever confessed to her.
Even the Child of Light, in whom she had placed great expectations, had only adhered to principles, having the desire but lacking the courage.
Over time, she had forgotten what it felt like to be liked and to like someone in return.
Until she met this last disciple.
Back then, he was just a small child, yet shamelessly attempting to take advantage of her.
Even after exchanging dreams.
Even after parting time and time again.
He never changed.
At the time, she hadn't paid it much mind because there was an essential difference between them. She bore an eternal curse, while he would eventually pass away.
But now it was different. He had truly reached the same level as her, perhaps even surpassed her, and had willingly taken on the burden of eternity.
They were finally equals.
Memories of their past encounters flashed through Scathach's mind, and Shinji's words finally reached her heart.
"You're serious about this."
"Yes."
Shinji leaned in close to her ear, speaking with resolve.
"You realize you're going back on your word. You forgot what you once promised me."
"Better to break a promise than be a coward. Besides, you said the victor decides everything. I won, so I get to decide, including you!"
"And what about Justeaze, Sakura, and the others? I can feel them watching."
Shinji's arms around her trembled slightly but quickly steadied.
"I know. But I've made my choice, and I won't regret it. They can punish me later, but giving you up is not an option."
"Those girls were right. You are a womanizer!"
Scathach said this while pinching Shinji's waist.
Shinji winced in pain but managed to hold it in.
"Maybe so, but I don't think you, of all people, would care."
Scathach had lived in the Celtic world, during the Age of Gods. And the lifestyle of Celtic men, especially their morals… well, Shinji's womanizing nature was hardly worth mentioning.
More importantly—
"Yes, compared to eternity, what does it matter?"
Hearing Scathach's soft murmur, Shinji finally spoke the words he had longed to say.
"So, don't die. Stay with me forever."
"Can you do that, Shinji? Stay with me, never letting me get bored?"
"I can. Believe in me, Shishou. These sixteen years of effort are proof enough."
Scathach placed her hand on Shinji's face, making their eyes meet.
"If you fail—"
"—then we'll die together."
Hearing this, Scathach closed her eyes and lightly pressed her lips against Shinji's.
This was her response: they would be together, whether in life or death.
Shinji responded with equal fervor, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her even closer. Their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate by the second.
Shinji lifted his hands, gently cradling the face he had longed for.
"Shishou."
"Hmm?"
"Once we do this, there's no going back."
"Hmm. I won't regret it, though I do have one small regret."
"What's that?"
"I always hoped you would pierce me with that spear."
"Well, that's not a problem. I can do that anytime."
At this, Shinji suddenly grinned.
"Besides the Spear of Rebellion, I have another spear, one all men have."
Scathach realized his meaning instantly and glared at him, annoyed, while pushing him away.
"You still have the energy for that?"
"Ah—"
Shinji fell to the ground. At this point, he was running purely on willpower, and now that his wish had been fulfilled, his strength faded away.
Of course, he couldn't admit defeat so easily.
"A man must never say he can't! But… maybe not in front of an audience."
"Haha, I don't mind."
Scathach teased.
"Well, I mind! I'm a man, and I say what goes!"
"Oh? I'm a queen, so it should be my decision."
"Then we'll do it the usual way. Whoever's stronger wins. I won, so you listen to me."
"Well, I suppose I have no choice—hmm."
Scathach had also reached her limit and collapsed beside Shinji.
"Let's sleep for now. We'll talk more when we wake up."
"Hmm."
Shinji stretched out his arm, placing it under her neck.
Scathach tilted her head, resting it on his shoulder—something she had never done before.
But it felt… surprisingly good.
"Good night, Shinji."
"Good night, Shishou"
PS: We've finally reached the point where this story is wrapping up. What's left is a conclusion.
PS2: Great Success! Conquered a Queen!