Has she finally made her choice?
Watching Artoria Pendragon strap the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad to her back, Lot and Morgan thought to themselves.
Well, hopefully she won't lose herself to this power.
That was the shared thought in both Lot and Morgan's minds.
As for the rest, there wasn't much need to worry.
Though the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad's true form serves as an anchor that fixes the surface layer of the world, simply drawing it out wouldn't cause any major repercussions.
Or rather
If it did bring about change,
That would be something Lot and Morgan would welcome.
The existence of fantasy would be of immense help to Camelot's survival.
...
"I wonder if letting Artoria obtain the Lance That Shines at the World's End was the right choice. It might even strengthen Morgan and Lot's side. But… this is fine. At least she's taken action. Even if it backfires, it's still far better than doing nothing."
Outside the battlefield, Merlin observed the scene and spoke these words after some contemplation.
"These fairies have been influenced by parallel worlds. I wonder what my counterpart in another world is like perhaps living a far more comfortable life than I am now."
Though he couldn't spy on Lot's situation, eavesdropping on the fairies' secrets was child's play for Merlin.
Thus, he had learned of the circumstances of the parallel worlds.
Just imagining a version of himself who hadn't encountered the terrifying duo of Lot and Morgan filled Merlin with sorrow.
A profound melancholy gripped his heart.
Why must I be the only Merlin to suffer?
...
On the battlefield, Melusine tilted her head as she watched Artoria appear before her.
"You're no match for me."
She addressed Artoria plainly.
In yesterday's battle, had the Wind Clan's leader not fled, Artoria would already have been defeated by her hands. Now, facing her again, Melusine didn't even entertain the possibility of losing.
Today's rematch would end no differently.
"The outcome of war is only decided after the battle is fought."
Artoria offered no further words, instead charging at Melusine with Excalibur and Caliburn in hand.
She had yet to reveal the lance on her back.
"Is that so?"
Seeing her advance, Melusine raised her twin swords to meet her.
The two clashed once more.
Having fought Artoria the day before, Melusine had already grown accustomed to her rhythm.
This time, her strikes were even fiercer.
Every swing of her blades aimed for a vital point.
But Artoria, too, had adapted to Melusine's tempo through their previous battle.
Weaving left and right, she relied on her Instinct to evade Melusine's attacks.
Her growth was remarkable.
Compared to yesterday, her sensitivity to Melusine's movements had sharpened.
Moving in measured steps, she not only dodged the onslaught but even managed to counterattack once or twice.
All in all
Though Melusine still dominated the flow of battle,
Artoria was far from being completely overwhelmed.
However, this style of combat placed an enormous strain on Artoria's stamina. Melusine's physical prowess clearly outstripped hers.
If this continued, victory would still belong to Melusine.
...
On another front of the battlefield, the knights' charge was about to crash into the fairies' ranks.
Led by their chieftain, the Wind Clan unleashed a barrage of spells upon the advancing soldiers.
The front line of knights was nearly wiped out in an instant by the onslaught of magecraft but at that moment, Morgan's own spells took effect.
With her here, the fairies couldn't freely bombard the knights with magecraft. With a flick of her wrist, layers of defensive enchantments enveloped the knights,
Shielding their lives to the greatest extent possible.
Under this protection, the knights finally broke into the fairies' midst.
When spellcasters let warriors get close, it's like a Sylas kicking an Ahri who's already burned her ultimate and Flash.
What followed?
A scene of pure carnage.
Witnessing this, the Wind Clan's leader turned pale with fury.
Then, using magecraft to amplify her voice, she screamed at Melusine in the distance:
"What are you dawdling for?! Finish this now!"
Hearing this, Melusine actually felt a flicker of relief.
Good…
At least she's telling me to end the fight quickly.
Not like yesterday, when she demanded I save her.
With this thought, Melusine steadily intensified her assault.
Step by step, she forced Artoria toward defeat.
After several more dodges, Artoria's stamina began to wane.
Her footwork grew erratic,
Her grip on both swords slackened.
When their blades clashed again, Melusine stood firm while Artoria staggered back several steps.
Bracing herself with her sword against the ground, Artoria panted lightly.
"It's over."
As she spoke, Melusine glanced toward Lot, watching for any sudden movement ready to intercept if he tried to ambush her.
But before Lot could act, Artoria instead reached for the case strapped to her back and brought it before her.
Then
She opened it, revealing a gleaming golden-white knightly lance.
"Now, I shall face you with this lance in hand."
Artoria declared.
"Very well."
Melusine gave a slight nod.
"What are you doing?! Crush her now!"
The Wind Clan's leader nearly lost her mind at the sight.
Yet Melusine waited a moment longer, allowing Artoria to take up the Lance That Shines at the World's End.
And then
Upon grasping the Holy Lance, its nature began to transform Artoria herself.
Her height increased, her body matured.
Watching this metamorphosis, Lot pondered one thing:
[Wait… if Artoria becomes a Lancer, won't her gender become impossible to hide?]