Chapter 1010: Swear Victory with This Sword!
"I hope you can help me with something!"
As the massive monstrous shadow descended, a pitch-black Aurora shot into the sky.
In the manor, Eiji solemnly made his request to everyone.
Gather as many fairies as possible!
He could sense that the dream clone couldn't eliminate the Cursed Hand—more magical energy was needed!
But the fairies from earlier had already been drained dry and couldn't help in the short term. Forcing another drain would cause their vitality to plummet, even leading to their deaths.
That would be a futile effort.
"Prepare immediately!"
Pepe issued orders to the human guards without hesitation.
Thanks to Gudao and the others, a large number of refugees were taking shelter near the manor, so gathering those fairies wouldn't be difficult.
But it would take time!
Seeing that the dream clone was on the verge of collapse, Eiji gritted his teeth. Bloodshot veins suddenly filled his eyes, and the sword aura around him turned violently fierce for a moment before quickly subsiding.
This was a technique from Ittou Shura that broke the limits of life instinct. Due to its life-shortening effects, he hadn't used it in a long time.
With Mash's support, Eiji's pressure instantly lessened, and his complexion improved significantly.
"Even with this, you cannot destroy that Cursed Hand."
Just then, Grimm's figure suddenly appeared in the manor.
"What do you mean?"
Pressed for time, Eiji had no patience for pleasantries and immediately asked.
"That sword of yours, in the end, is also a product of a curse."
Grimm pointed at the inverted holy sword in Eiji's hand.
"The power of that sword is also an ominous force. Using a curse to fight a curse is not a wise judgment!"
There was truth to his words.
Using a power tainted by a curse to fight a curse would undoubtedly be an uphill battle.
"Even if you say that, who else here can provide more powerful firepower?"
Eiji retorted.
Looking around, whether it was Muramasa, Tristan, or even Grimm himself, none possessed a Noble Phantasm with such overwhelming firepower.
Moreover, Eiji wanted to defeat that great calamity with his own hands!
"You have a point there."
Grimm nodded thoughtfully.
"In that case, let me lend you a hand!"
?
Eiji was puzzled.
Until the next moment, when he widened his eyes in astonishment.
A clear spring suddenly rippled around him. The refreshing water seemed to contain endless knowledge, granting instant comprehension of countless wisdoms.
"Listen carefully. You've likely been treating that sword merely as a tool, so you haven't realized that a Noble Phantasm is the instinct of a Heroic Spirit—a fantasy that responds to its wielder's expectations. It changes according to the wielder's will and intentions. For example, a staff that protects allies can become a spear that pierces enemies, and a system that consumes magical energy can transform into one that consumes life force!"
"As for what form that sword should take to defeat that conglomerate of curses—ask your heart!"
Grimm expanded the spring.
An astonishing spiritual radiance rippled toward Eiji.
In an instant, it felt as if all distracting thoughts were cast aside. His mind became unprecedentedly clear, as if every problem could be effortlessly solved under this influx of wisdom!
Could this be the Well of Mimir?
Eiji was inwardly astonished.
These Heroic Spirits, every single one of them possesses extraordinary skills!
Legend says that Odin, the great god of Norse mythology, offered one of his eyes to the well and gained ultimate wisdom—the runes—allowing him to comprehend all the secrets of the world!
This power is akin to spiritual energy and is exceptionally effective against curses!
With unprecedented clarity of mind, Eiji recalled Grim's words.
Questioning the heart?
Does that mean using one's own heart to alter the form of the Noble Phantasm?
Indeed.
Against a curse, what is needed is not an ominous demonic sword, but a sacred holy sword!
"Return to your former self..."
Eiji's thoughts stirred the waters of the well, which flowed over the pitch-black blade.
The well's curse-neutralizing properties acted like ink being wiped away, gradually cleansing the red patterns on the sword.
Eiji finally understood that he had been mistaken all along.
He had assumed that the replicated sword was merely an empty shell—powerful, yet entirely lifeless, incapable of undergoing the changes the original could.
Thus, he had always treated the Noble Phantasm as a convenient tool, never considering the possibility of altering it.
But in reality, that wasn't the case!
The sword Eiji had replicated was the genuine article!
Within this holy sword lay the history and fantasies of King Arthur himself!
Crack!
The dark demonic energy coating the blade melted away like spring snow, and fine cracks began to spread across its surface.
"What will become of us now?"
"Who knows? The Count has a decent reputation, right?"
"Things can't get any worse, so why worry?"
One by one, the fairies entered from outside.
Some wore worried expressions, others looked resolute, as they gathered in the courtyard.
A rough count revealed nearly a hundred of them.
"You fairies all have land, work, or purposes here in Norwich, which is why you cannot leave no matter what."
Eiji opened his eyes, his gaze clearer than ever, shimmering with the clarity of a starry sky.
"In that case, for the sake of your goals, entrust your lives to me!"
"—I swear upon this sword, and with this sword, I pledge victory to you!"
Clang!
With a clear, melodious ring, the dark filth completely vanished from the blade.
In its place emerged a sacred golden radiance, adorned with blue enamel reminiscent of a starry sky.
The ominous aura dissipated instantly, and merely looking at the sword inspired trust in those who beheld it.
"Ohh!"
Little Da Vinci shed tears of emotion.
She had witnessed the corruption of holy swords but had never seen a demonic sword purified!
"What a beautiful sword!"
"What a beautiful person!"
"Hey, what should we do?"
"Even if we die, we'll just be reborn in the next generation. What's the big deal? Things can't get any worse!"
"More importantly, my forge must not be destroyed!"
The fairies joined hands, gathering together.
"I'll contribute my share as well!"
Pepe Rockino, as if on purpose, took the final baton and lightly placed his hand on Eiji's shoulder with a chuckle.
Eiji shuddered slightly, nearly breaking free from the state of wisdom granted by the Well of Mimir.
"Heh, don't underestimate an old man. I'll join too!"
Muramasa laughed heartily and willingly took the other side.
"Everyone, listen up! We're going in!"
A sharp gleam flashed in Eiji's eyes as he raised the holy sword high above his head.
Countless streams of magical power flowed from the fairies, coursing through Peperoncino and Muramasa before pouring into his body.
"This radiance is the hope of the stars, the proof of life that illuminates the earth! The gathered breath of stars, the shining torrent of life! Take this—"
"Ex—calibur—!!!"
The breath of stars transformed into a golden torrent of light!
A sacred golden pillar of light spanned heaven and earth!
The brilliance of the stars showered across the starry sky!
The massive cursed hand instantly grew alert, abandoning the chalk city on the ground and turning toward the tranquil port town, but the holy light had already roared forth to meet it.
This single strike pierced through with overwhelming force!
Like ice melting under the sun, the cursed canopy dissolved in the blink of an eye within the radiance!