King's Sword!
Miko hesitated for a moment, then followed after him, ultimately choosing to trust Shirō.
This wasn't just because of the help—intentional or unintentional—he had offered so far. She wasn't a sentimental person. Normally, if anyone else had interfered this much, Miko might have developed suspicion or even hostility.
But Shirō was different.
In her perception, he didn't seem to be scheming against her; rather, he genuinely wanted her to survive. That was one reason.
The other was more terrifying.
Successive generations of Miko possessed the ability to foresee death. For those unable to control it, this ability often felt more like a curse. That was one of the reasons why they were called Miko—shrines to death and fate itself.
As their power grew, they learned to control it, to let the visions appear only at will.
When she first looked upon Shirō, she had planned to test him. If he harbored ill intent, she would let him know the cruel truth of his fate. If not, she would offer only a slight warning.
But what she saw wasn't the future.
It was the past.
And more than that—someone had escaped the prophecy of death.
This ironclad law, unbroken for generations, had been shattered. Which meant… perhaps her clan, too, might one day be free from the curse.
Still, she was the queen of a nation. Her composure never cracked, no matter the storm within her heart. She sent men to investigate Shirō, but nothing of substance surfaced.
In the end, she chose to trust him. Whatever the outcome, it could hardly be worse than what awaited her otherwise.
---
Meanwhile, Shirō was walking steadily toward the battlefield.
This wasn't for show. He was charging his Magic Crest.
To measure its capacity, he had simplified the calculations: one Magic Crystal equaled one unit of stored chakra. The numbers weren't exact, but it was enough for battle preparation. At present, his Crest's limit was about one unit.
Magic Crystals were only for storage. To restore his own chakra, he relied on Military Ration Pills—safer, in his opinion, since Crystals might have side effects if consumed recklessly.
As he advanced, the Crest on his right arm spread its intricate lines up to his shoulder, glowing faintly as it activated. Without this slow "preheating," the Crest could easily overload and cause serious backlash.
Thanks to Clairvoyance, Shirō could track the battlefield from afar and choose the perfect moment to enter. By the time he stepped into view, the Crest was fully charged.
---
"Shirō? Why are you here—and what's with that look?" Nakamura frowned.
It was no wonder he asked. The patterns of the Magic Crest now crept across Shirō's face, making him look both sinister and strangely charismatic.
"Captain, seniors," Shirō said firmly, "hold it back for a moment. I have a Secret Skill that can deal with this!"
"…Although I don't know why you're pushing yourself so hard," Nakamura sighed, "I am your captain. We'll cover you."
"You've sure got a lot of hidden cards, kid," another veteran muttered. "Fine. I'll trust you one more time."
"Anyway, we've got no better option. Everyone, let's go!"
---
At Nakamura's command, the allied shinobi unleashed jutsu in unison:
"Earth Release: Antlion Jutsu!"
"Earth Release: Fissure!"
"Lightning Release: Lightning Pillar!"
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
This time, their purpose wasn't to kill, but to restrain.
"Hahaha! Ants, all of you!" Mōryō's deep, mocking voice roared over the chaos. "Do you think such tricks can bind me?!" His eyes suddenly shifted, locking onto Shirō. "Miko! So, you've finally come!"
He sneered. "And who's this? Some child playing hero? You don't even realize death is at your doorstep!"
"No," Shirō said quietly, stepping forward. "With the King's Sword in my hand."
He spread his hand.
"Projection… start."
In an instant, a Western knight's sword shimmered into existence.
Clarent — the King's Sword.
---
Clarent, the King's Sword
Rank: C
Type: Anti-Unit Noble Phantasm
Range: 1
Targets: 1
Effect:
Once stored within King Arthur's armory, Clarent symbolized rightful succession to the throne. Its brilliance was said to rival even the Sword of Promised Victory, Excalibur.
Bestowed only upon the heir to the throne, Clarent amplified the King's majesty—raising their aura and physical might by one rank. In its true state, its rank was B.
However, when Mordred, unqualified to inherit kingship, stole the blade and poured her hatred into it, its majesty warped. Its noble light dimmed, replaced by crimson malice, and its rank dropped to C. Yet, its power to "amplify" remained.
---
And when its True Name is released:
Clarent Blood Arthur: Rebellion Against My Beautiful Father
Rank: A+ (up to A++)
Type: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm
Range: 1–50
Maximum Targets: 800
Effect:
Clarent becomes a cursed demonic sword, wrapped in red lightning and hatred. Its blade, once silver, stains black and crimson, unleashing destructive power. In legend, this strike nearly felled even Sieg in his Saber Alter form.
Though Shirō lacked Mordred's hatred and magical output, even a weakened release carried enough force to turn the battlefield.
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