Artemis simply leaped to dodge the holy wave of the Sword of the Victorious, which advanced, destroying part of the forest.
In an instant, Gilgamesh was in front of Artemis, who widened her eyes as Gilgamesh swung Caliburn down at her. Thanks to her centuries of experience, she managed to dodge by a hair.
When Artemis landed, she couldn't help but be shocked as a deep cut appeared on her left arm, leaking blood.
Artemis turned her gaze to Gilgamesh and widened her eyes, seeing him with Caliburn raised, glowing with a holy aura about to be unleashed.
Artemis tried to move but widened her eyes as she realized the ground beneath her had turned into quicksand, preventing her from moving.
Artemis braced for the strike, but her eyes widened as she sensed a familiar energy approaching.
As Gilgamesh was about to unleash Caliburn on Artemis, he widened his eyes, looking up to see dozens of weapons raining down on him.
Gilgamesh quickly leaped back to dodge the steel rain and unleashed all the accumulated power of the sword against it.
"Caliburn"
A wave of holy energy shot out, destroying the weapons.
A few seconds later, an explosion erupted beside Artemis, revealing another divine presence.
When the dust settled, a man was visible, excessively muscular. On his head was a Spartan war helmet, and tied to his back was a valuable war hammer. His face was full of scars and an eternal scowl that made him look like some kind of gangster; his eyes were red like fire.
The man emanated a divine aura radiating bloodlust and brutal power.
"Looks like you're in trouble, huntress," the man said with a sarcastic smile, earning a growl from Artemis.
"What are you doing here, Ares?" Artemis asked the now-revealed God of War.
It was Ares, the Greek God of War, son of Zeus and his wife Hera, and one of the Twelve Main Gods of Olympus.
"Zeus sent me here because he had bad feelings about this, and it seems he was right," Ares said with a wide grin.
Artemis swiftly freed her leg from the sand and positioned herself beside Ares.
"It pains me to say this, but to defeat him, we have to fight together," Artemis said as she summoned her bow.
Ares simply gave a crazed smile as a flaming aura surged around him when he grabbed his war hammer.
Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes as he summoned another sword in his left hand.
Its form was unique but could be classified as a broadsword. The edge was blue like a gem, followed by gold adorning the tip. The guard was semicircular on the left side of the handle, extending to the bottom just above the pommel, with a small extension on the right side of the handle.
It was a sword said to be unmatched, a sword that claimed 100,000 living men, a sword believed to be able to cut anything, a sword believed to be capable of creating a miracle, a sword that was a divine construct.
Rising to the sky, its power was already free from its cage. The sword, now in his hand, used to be a beautiful, unmatched, unbreakable, and holy sword. It was even capable of granting miracles.
It was Durandal, the holy sword of Roland, one of Charlemagne's paladins.
The two beautifully forged holy swords by God were being wielded by Gilgamesh.
The two Gods grew excited as they felt the power of the two swords.
Ares was the first to charge brutally at Gilgamesh while Artemis prepared her bow.
Ares advanced on Gilgamesh, raising his hammer and bringing it down with enough force to crush Satan-class beings.
The King of Heroes raised Durandal and struck against Ares's war hammer, causing divine auras to be released throughout the area.
In a swift move, Gilgamesh threw Ares back, only to have to dodge Artemis's arrows.
Ares, in a quick move, threw his hammer at Gilgamesh, who blocked with Caliburn. Gilgamesh swiftly swung Durandal, releasing its holy aura, creating a large cut across Ares's chest, making him spit blood.
The God of War gave a crazed smile as he swung his hammer at Gilgamesh, who blocked with Caliburn but was sent flying into the trees.
Artemis quickly seized the opportunity and fired a barrage of arrows at Gilgamesh.
The King of Heroes simply swung Caliburn, unleashing a wave of light that vaporized all the arrows in an instant before Gilgamesh touched the ground and charged at Ares.
Both began an intense and brutal exchange of blows.
If Artemis was a Goddess who utilized every move, moving as if dancing on the battlefield with incredible dexterity and agility, the God of War was the opposite.
Ares was a brutal fighter; he didn't use technique and fought solely with his war and battle instincts, being brutal and striking where he needed to and knowing when to do it.
Gods of War in all mythologies were extremely feared; even if they weren't always among the strongest, their skills and prowess in battle made them something to be feared.
But all this was futile against Gilgamesh, who quickly dominated Ares and, with a strike from Durandal, sent the God of War flying.
Ares quickly positioned himself and raised his hands, summoning dozens of weapons and throwing them at Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh's eyes darkened at this.
How dare Ares try to rain weapons on him? That was his thing.
Gilgamesh didn't hesitate as he swung Durandal, sending a powerful wave of holy energy that destroyed all the weapons.
Artemis seized the opportunity to charge at Gilgamesh, but a single strike from Caliburn sent her flying.
Gilgamesh prepared to charge at the two but stopped midway, surprising both Gods.
Gilgamesh widened his eyes as he turned his attention toward Kuoh.
Gilgamesh was a great sensor, and from here, he could still sense Valerie's power due to the protective rune he had placed on her.
And he was feeling Valerie's magical power diminishing, which could only mean one thing.
Valerie was in danger.
Gilgamesh quickly diverted his attention from the recovering Gods and dissipated his swords as he shot toward Kuoh as fast as possible.
But before Gilgamesh could take to the sky, Artemis and Ares stood in his way.
"Where do you think you're going?" Ares asked as he regenerated.
Gilgamesh's gaze darkened as he charged at both.
Artemis was the first to fire at Gilgamesh, trying to hit him with a punch.
Gilgamesh grabbed her hand, to the Goddess's surprise, before delivering a knee to her stomach, making her spit blood as her ribs broke. With a swift elbow, Gilgamesh struck Artemis's head, knocking her out and sending her crashing into a mountain.
In an instant, Gilgamesh appeared in front of a surprised God of War and delivered a punch so strong it pierced through the God of War's chest—not fatal, but he would be gravely injured. In a swift move, Gilgamesh knocked out the God of War, sending him flying into a mountain.
In just four moves, Gilgamesh had defeated both Gods.
Gilgamesh quickly shot toward the direction he sensed Valerie's energy.
He only hoped he would arrive in time.
**A Few Minutes Earlier.**
**With Valerie.**
Valerie was calmly walking through the city; she had left home to buy some things.
Valerie had gone out to buy some things for the house, especially sweets.
Valerie loved sweets more than anyone; they were the first thing she ate when Gilgamesh rescued her from the Tepes Faction two years ago.
Though she preferred the sweets made by Gilgamesh, she was content with these.
Valerie walked a few more meters before stopping; the entire sky had turned purple.
She was inside a barrier.
Two presences appeared behind Valerie, who turned her attention to them.
It was a man and a woman.
The woman, about 20 years old, had short hair adorned with several ribbons.
She wore a purple gothic lolita outfit.
The man was young, with glasses, blonde hair, and a strand covering his face, usually wearing a business suit and carrying a sword at his waist.
They were Walburga and Arthur.
The woman had a malicious look on her face.
Arthur, however, seemed… different. His eyes seemed almost empty, as if he wasn't really there.
"Who are you?" Valerie asked, looking at the two.
"Pleasure to meet you, Valerie-chan. I'm Walburga, and this is Arthur," Walburga said with a smile.
"What do you want with me?" Valerie asked, looking at them.
"Oh, don't be like that. We finally meet after you escaped, Grail-chan," Walburga said cheerfully.
Valerie narrowed her eyes, especially at the way she was called.
"Are you allied with Rizevim?" Valerie asked.
Obviously, she knew all about Rizevim's plans with her Longinus because Gilgamesh had told her.
Walburga placed a hand on her chin and made a cute expression.
"Well, that's not entirely correct, but it's not wrong either. I don't work for him, but my leader is an ally of old Rize-kun; both have an interest in the Holy Grail," Walburga said while waving her hands.
"Do you really think you'll get out of here alive?" Valerie asked as her magical power began to circulate through her body.
"Of course I do! After all, your friend is quite busy now dealing with a Goddess," Walburga said with an expression that worried Valerie.
"Now, let's get started, Grail-chan. Arthur, please," Walburga said, smiling.
Without a word, Arthur drew his sword, raised it toward the sky, and turned it toward Valerie, unleashing a high-powered holy wave at the Dhampir.
Valerie widened her eyes at the sight of the holy energy wave and quickly extended her right hand, creating dozens of protective magical circles; the circles were massive.
The holy energy wave advanced, destroying the first layers, but for each layer destroyed, Valerie recreated three to protect herself, slowly causing the holy energy wave to lose its potency and vanish, to Walburga's surprise.
"Well, it seems the little girl has learned some tricks," Walburga said, surprised.
In an instant, Arthur charged at Valerie at blinding speed.
Valerie widened her eyes and dodged the strike at the last moment, which unleashed waves of holy energy. Quickly, Valerie used her [Blood Manipulation] to create a sword and launched it at Arthur, pushing him back.
Extending her hand, Valerie created dozens of magical circles that fired magical waves at Arthur, who retreated and unleashed a holy energy wave from his sword, nullifying them.
Valerie analyzed Arthur's sword for a moment.
"Holy Sword?" Valerie bit her lower lip as she noticed this: "Yes, it's definitely a Holy Sword, but what Holy Sword is it… it seems stronger than the average Holy Sword. It's not Durandal… could it be an Excalibur…? Maybe… no, Excalibur was broken into seven fragments, and this feeling from that blade… no, it couldn't be, the Holy King's Sword, Caliburn!"
Deducing the sword, Walburga didn't even deny it.
"The ultimate sword for killing demons and dark beings~"
Valerie realized this had just gotten very complicated.
Holy swords were lethal to dark beings, and Valerie was a Dhampir, a human-vampire hybrid. Though she didn't have as many weaknesses as a normal vampire, it was still lethal.
And this wasn't a normal holy sword; it was Caliburn, the strongest Holy Sword, surpassing even Durandal and the original Excalibur, a sword that could even manipulate space.
This was dangerous, but the strangest thing was about Arthur.
He seemed to be in a trance, almost as if he was being manipulated.
Valerie's attention was drawn to the two as they began to attack.
Walburga extended her hands, creating dozens of elemental magical circles.
Blasts of fire, lightning, earth, air, ice, and even light and darkness were fired at Valerie, while at the same time, Arthur unleashed a holy energy wave at her.
Valerie quickly extended her hands, creating dozens of magical circles aimed at Walburga, releasing massive amounts of flames, ice, water, lightning, storms, and darkness. She also cast forbidden-type elemental magic spells, creating a purple flaming skull, cursed cyclones, and black lightning.
As their magics clashed, Valerie created dozens of magical barriers that nullified Caliburn's waves.
Valerie widened her eyes as she saw Arthur raise Caliburn, creating a far greater amount of holy aura than before and firing it at her.
Valerie extended her hand, creating a magical circle and gaining control of the holy aura before casting her magic.
"Reverse," Valerie called as she activated her magic.
Suddenly, the entire wave of holy energy was transformed into darkness, to the surprise of Walburga and even Arthur.
Reverse is a special type of magic capable of reversing the characteristics and effects of various spells and objects like Sacred Gears and magics, causing an opposite effect.
That's what Valerie did, transforming the holy light aura into darkness.
Manipulating the darkness, it quickly advanced toward the two, who defended themselves. Walburga created protective magical circles, while Arthur unleashed a holy energy wave.
As the explosions occurred, a cloud of dust was raised, and Arthur seized the opportunity to charge at Valerie.
Quickly, Valerie extended her hand, creating a magical circle that released massive flames that advanced, burning everything in their path.
Arthur didn't hesitate and cut through all the flames until he stepped on a spot that made Valerie smile.
In an instant, a magical circle appeared at Arthur's feet as he fell to his knees due to the increased gravity.
"Damn it," Walburga shouted as she prepared, but before she could do anything, Valerie looked at her and smiled.
"I don't think so," Valerie said, extending her hand toward Walburga.
A five-layered magical circle appeared, trapping Walburga, who could only scream as a massive lightning bolt struck her.
But before Walburga could be fried, Arthur stabbed Caliburn into the ground, releasing a torrent of holy aura that broke Valerie's magical circle, and he charged at Walburga, cutting the magical circles trapping her.
Valerie snapped her fingers as she prepared to attack again but was interrupted by Arthur, who literally cut through space, creating a rift behind Valerie that unleashed a holy energy wave at point-blank range.
Valerie quickly created a protective magical circle that managed to contain only part of the impact before retreating.
However, Walburga seized the opportunity to attack from the right, unleashing various types of magic in a massive explosion. The magic ranged from fire, ice, lightning, water, to even darkness and light, all fired at her in a single point to bring her down.
Valerie extended her other hand, creating a protective magical circle that blocked part of the attack but sent her flying. She could only widen her eyes as Arthur appeared in front of her and struck, sending her flying.
Valerie quickly skidded before hitting the ground, spitting blood, and saw a small cut from Caliburn on her arm, applying healing magic to prevent it from becoming serious.
"So, do you surrender, Grail-chan?" Walburga asked, floating and smiling at Valerie.
Arthur had the same emotionless face.
Valerie only smiled, confusing Walburga.
"Well, I'm not alone," Valerie said, smiling.
Walburga widened her eyes, only to look behind and see something she didn't expect.
Above Walburga, in the air, was Mordred with a ferocious smile on her face, wearing her armor and holding Clarent.
In a single move, Mordred swung Clarent down at Walburga, who could only create a protective circle before being thrown forcefully to the ground.
Arthur, seeing this, quickly tried to charge to protect Walburga, but halfway, Arturia appeared, fully clad in her armor, holding Excalibur.
Arturia simply struck with Excalibur, which Arthur blocked but was sent flying back.
As he landed and prepared to charge, he had to stop when, in an instant, Karna was behind him with his spear at his throat, with a clear warning.
"If you move, I'll kill you," Karna said seriously.
Mordred charged, trying to cut Walburga in half, but at the last moment, the witch used her teleportation magic and dodged.
"Tch, bitch," Mordred cursed as she turned her gaze to her.
Walburga had a large cut on her arm, leaking blood.
Behind Valerie appeared Sebas, Enkidu, and Fenrir, and by their looks, they weren't in a good mood.
"Are you okay, Valerie?" Enkidu asked the Dhampir.
"No problem," Valerie said as she stood up.
"Where's Gil?" Enkidu asked.
Her friend should have arrived here quickly; they took so long because there was a strong barrier around this place, which hindered locating Valerie.
"He was lured into a trap; they wanted to keep him away from me. He's fighting a Goddess now," Valerie said, surprising everyone.
Their surprise ended as they turned their attention to Walburga, who was laughing.
"Looks like the little girl has some pretty strong friends, and not just the King of Heroes," Walburga said, laughing.
"Do you think you'll get out of here alive, witch?" Arturia said grimly.
To Arturia, the Dhampir was a very important person who helped her adjust to this world, and as long as the King of Knights breathed, she wouldn't allow harm to come to Valerie.
"Well, one at a time, I could handle, but all of them? No," Walburga said arrogantly.
"As if you could, witch," Mordred shouted angrily.
"Don't try to resist, witch; it'll be worse for you," Enkidu said as his aura surrounded his body.
"Well, wouldn't it be better if you went to help your leader? He must not be doing so well," Walburga said, expecting some reaction from them, but was surprised when nothing happened.
"I think you misunderstood; if anyone needs help, it's the Gods," Enkidu said, smiling.
Walburga didn't understand but widened her eyes as she felt a powerful magical energy approaching.
In an instant, a golden blur hit the ground, causing everything to shake slightly. When the dust settled, Gilgamesh was revealed, and by his look, he wasn't happy.
"H-how? You were supposed to be fighting Artemis," Walburga shouted, perplexed.
"Do you really think a mere Goddess could stop me?" Gilgamesh said with a grim voice.
Gilgamesh turned his gaze and saw that Valerie was fine, sighing in relief.
"You're not getting out of here," Gilgamesh said as he prepared.
Gilgamesh's entire group prepared to charge, and Walburga realized the dire situation she was in.
In an instant, she unleashed a wave of magical energy at Gilgamesh, who nullified it with his divine power.
In an instant, Walburga teleported behind Karna, who noticed and struck with his spear, but Arthur, now free, blocked the strike and was sent flying into a house. Walburga quickly protected him with a magical circle before standing by his side.
As Walburga was about to smile victoriously, she spat blood as a massive cut appeared across her body.
"B-bastard," Walburga shouted at Karna, who had cut her the moment she teleported.
In an instant, Fenrir charged at them with the intent to tear them apart, but before that, Arthur unleashed a holy energy wave that forced the wolf to retreat. Before anyone could reach them, Walburga created a teleportation magical circle.
"I'll be back to get you," Walburga shouted at Valerie before disappearing with Arthur.
Everyone sighed as they turned their attention to Valerie.
"I'm fine, guys," Valerie said, receiving all the attention while smiling.
Karna approached Gilgamesh and bowed slightly.
"Forgive me for letting them escape," Karna said with a hint of regret in his voice.
Gilgamesh shook his head.
"No problem; the most important thing is that we take care of Valerie," Gilgamesh said as he went to help the Dhampir.
He had a feeling this was only the beginning.
**Gilgamesh's House.**
Everyone quickly returned home, where Asia was waiting with Tiamat, who stayed to protect the girl.
Asia quickly healed any injuries Valerie had.
Valerie told them everything that happened.
"Do you think it was Rizevim?" Gilgamesh asked Valerie.
Everyone there knew about Valerie's past, so they were on alert.
Gilgamesh knew it wouldn't take long for Rizevim to come after them; the reason he hadn't until now was that Lucifer's son didn't know Valerie's location, which was vital to his plans.
Gilgamesh was already preparing an attack to kill Lucifer's son once and for all after the events of the third season.
That's why he summoned Karna.
Rizevim and his group were strong; he was a Super Devil with power to rival Gods and had an army of vampires and other beings, plus Euclid, a Satan-class demon.
But the most dangerous were the Evil Dragons allied with Rizevim. Gilgamesh didn't know if they had been revived yet, but he couldn't help but worry.
Especially about Apophis, Azi Dahāka, and Crom Cruach, who had reached Heavenly Dragon-class.
"I don't think it was him; Rizevim would be much more brutal, but it seems the witch's leader is allied with Rizevim," Valerie informed.
Everyone nodded.
Gilgamesh turned his gaze to Karna.
"From today on, you must protect Valerie from anything. When I'm not with her, you must protect her. They'll probably try again," Gilgamesh said to the son of Surya, who nodded.
"Understood," Karna said expressionlessly.
"So, the ones who attacked were that Walburga and Arthur," Mordred said, not recalling who they were.
"Yes. Walburga is a very famous magician, and Arthur is the wielder of the holy sword Caliburn," Gilgamesh said, surprising everyone, especially Mordred and Arturia.
"Caliburn? Wasn't it destroyed?" Arturia asked, surprised.
"Not in this world. Here, Caliburn was never destroyed and remained with the Pendragon family after King Arthur's death. The Arthur who attacked is a descendant of King Arthur in this world," Gilgamesh said to Arturia and Mordred, who were shocked.
"And is it strong?" Mordred asked.
"Yes, Caliburn is considered the strongest holy sword in this world; it surpasses Durandal and Excalibur and can also manipulate space," Gilgamesh said to the two.
Arturia was very surprised by this, as she hadn't imagined it, and even more surprised to learn that this Caliburn could manipulate space.
Though she truly didn't consider this world's Excalibur worthy of comparison to hers.
"Hmmm, Gilgamesh, we have an intruder," Enkidu said, noticing someone approaching.
"Oh no! What's this? Another attack?!" Asia asked desperately.
"Another enemy?" Gilgamesh asked.
"It's not any of the signatures from before, but it feels strong to me. Maybe we should go investigate?"
Gilgamesh nodded as a cute scream, accompanied by a loud crashing sound, came from outside.
Heading toward the window and looking out.
He was surprised.
"Eh, I don't think it's an enemy."
"Then what is it?"
Valerie asked curiously, and Gilgamesh let out a small laugh.
"…Well, it's a beautiful girl."
Everyone quickly went to see.
Walking to the window, they looked out at the beautiful blonde-haired magician whose face was eating the ground.
"Let's check it out," Gilgamesh said.
Gilgamesh opened the door and stepped out, with the others behind him.
The young woman in question lifted her body, dusting off her clothes.
"Oh my, crash landing. That wasn't in the plans."
Gilgamesh stepped forward.
"Excuse me, magical girl…"
The girl paused her movements at the voice.
Her eyes lifted to meet Gilgamesh's.
"…Oh my God, am I dreaming now? Did that fall knock me out? B-Because I'm… wait, this city is…"
Muttering incoherently, Gilgamesh gently patted her head, surprised to see who it was.
"My name is—"
"Gilgamesh-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" She let out a feminine scream: "Oh my God! It's you after all! Gilgamesh-sama! I-I must have come to Kuoh without even realizing! I was just following my brother's trail and ended up with Gilgamesh-samaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"I guess you know who I am then."
He laughed, as the young woman's lower lip trembled.
"C-Clearly, m-my name is Le Fay!"
Gilgamesh was surprised to discover who it was, but it kind of explained why Arthur was attacking them and seemed to be manipulated.
"Oh, Le Fay-san, it's a pleasure to meet you face-to-face. Did you receive my recent letter?"
Le Fay jumped up and down in place, unable to imagine a life where Gilgamesh would speak to her so casually, nodding so fast her neck nearly broke.
Valerie looked clueless.
"Wait, Gilgamesh knows her?"
"She's a fan of his," Enkidu replied, tilting his head: "I believe she's in Gilgamesh's fan club."
"H-He has a fan club? Can I join?" Asia asked innocently.
Enkidu nodded to the girl, who smiled.
"G-Gilgamesh-sama, t-this has been a dream of mine… b-but, I also… w-well, I need to t-think about… oh God, Gilgamesh-sama… Gilgamesh-sama."
Gilgamesh approached, noticing marks on her body; it seemed she had been injured. He crouched down toward her and gave a gentle smile.
"You're hurt. Come with me; I'll have Asia heal you, alright? Then you can tell us what happened."
Le Fay laughed awkwardly and started to walk forward when her legs gave out, buckling beneath her.
Gilgamesh extended his arms and caught her, lifting her in a bridal carry.
"Oh my God… a dream of mine has come true… T-To be carried by Gilgamesh-sama… T-To be held by Gilgamesh-sama… I must be dreaming; this doesn't happen in real life! Gilgamesh-sama's arms are so strong and comforting. After all the photos I took of Gilgamesh-sama from images, it feels so surreal… hehe, to be carried by Gilgamesh-sama…"
Le Fay's face turned red.
The warmth in her chest grew stronger.
Being carried by Gilgamesh was a true dream of hers, a dream she didn't want to end.
Gilgamesh was perplexed and started moving.
It seemed Le Fay needed help, and if that helped understand what was happening with Arthur and the attack, they would do it.
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