Light surged.
Light roared.
It was light that could illuminate the world, unmatched glory.
This light belonged to the ideal King, and the holy sword was proof.
If King's Army represented the commanding nature of the Noble Phantasm, then the King of Knights' Noble Phantasm, Sword of Promised Victory, was the embodiment of her unwavering belief; this proud brilliance was undeniable.
But now, Artoria had defiled her own glory.
This Sword of Promised Victory, meant to bring victory to her Master, was now wielded for another's Master, for someone completely unrelated to her.
But… so what?
Rider and Archer were right; a King should live for their beliefs; a King like her, so aloof and detached, was merely a figurehead.
A cynical smile touched Artoria's lips as she tightened her grip on the holy sword.
Her belief had never changed; Sword of Promised Victory was a sword of belief; the stronger the belief, the greater the power.
This strike was for no one but herself, for her own will and belief. Not the renowned King Arthur, but for the emotions of Artoria, the girl.
The Grail War, the factions, her Master—none of it mattered anymore.
This was the girl's wish, her longing; she would send this longing to the one she wished to reach!
For the first time, Artoria openly acknowledged her feelings as a girl.
Though these feelings might seem absurd and incomprehensible, she no longer cared.
Artoria knew this wasn't love, at best, gratitude—gratitude that Arthas hadn't exploited her vulnerability but had helped her.
Helping someone already successful is admirable, but it can't compare to helping someone in need.
That's why Arthas received Artoria's unwavering assistance.
Even if he didn't appreciate it, she'd done what she wanted!
"Sword... of Promised Victory!"
With the girl's proud and confident cry, the magic was accelerated by the unbound Dragon's Factor, transforming into a flash of light. This surging torrent created countless whirlpools, engulfing the courtyard.
There should have been nothing there, yet Artoria's attack caused unnatural distortions in space.
The world's powerful energy directly impacted the extra-dimensional King's Army. Finally, under the all-consuming light of destruction, all darkness was dispelled, a path forcibly carved between the two worlds by Artoria.
The girl raised Sword of Promised Victory.
"My name is Arthur Pendragon!"
No confusion, no doubt, no anxiety. With unwavering determination, she looked upon the magnificent world before her.
"Not as King Arthur, but as Artoria, the girl. Not for the Grail, not for the Grail War, but for the one I love!"
Saber's sudden intervention placed her before Rider's army and Arthas. Her words reached both sides.
"Saber, what do you mean? Do you intend to interfere in a fair duel?!"
Rider, caught off guard, angrily questioned her; she responded with a light laugh.
"Can't you understand? I'm not here for the Grail; as Artoria, the girl, I stand before you to protect the one I love!"
Artoria's words left Rider speechless, as well as Arthas, who looked utterly bewildered.
He hadn't said or done anything to warrant this from Saber. Noticing Arthas's confusion, Saber turned, her ice-blue eyes meeting his.
"I don't care what you think, whether you have a wife and children. I'm expressing my feelings. You may be indifferent, but at least respect my feelings as a King."
Artoria's declaration made Arthas twitch.
What could he say in response?
"Interesting… very interesting. To be noticed by the renowned King Arthur is quite something.
But Saber, is what you said true? You've abandoned the Grail War, abandoned fighting for your Master?!"
"That's right. I've broken with my Master; I act solely on my will. You can rest assured, Rider."
"Betrayal… that's not like you, Saber."
"So what? Even saints have limits, and it wasn't I who betrayed my Master; he betrayed me from the start."
Saber said this, raising her holy sword towards Rider.
"I admit, you and Archer are right. I was too aloof, and because of that, I lost the hearts of my people. It wasn't my people who betrayed me; it was I who betrayed them!"
Rider was speechless. He'd looked down on Saber as a King, doubting her worthiness, but now, her actions and words had completely changed his perspective.
"I don't know what changed you, but I have to admit, Saber, you've earned my recognition as a King!"
"Whether I am a King is not for you to decide. I want to see if you, Rider, are worthy of being a King. Can you show my sword?"
Faced with Saber's aggressive and resolute question, Rider paused, then burst into laughter. His army roared in response.
"Ask away. My army wants to see if the renowned King Arthur is truly as strong as legend!"
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