The abomination was wiped out—so easily it felt like a joke. Saber's True Name Release swallowed it whole, erasing it into nothingness. The Caster within, of course, had no chance of surviving.
The people of Fuyuki City never even got a look at what the sea demon had been. All they could do was sear that dazzling golden pillar of light—lancing straight into the heavens—into their memories.
"What a boring farce."
By now, Ishtar had recovered from the shock of witnessing the holy sword's radiance. She sighed and turned away.
"Seriously, what did I even come over here for… whatever. I'm tired. I'm going back."
All her interest seemed to have been burned away along with the sea demon under that holy light. Ishtar looked a little listless.
Saber's sword had exceeded the goddess's expectations. Its raw power alone still wasn't enough to make a goddess choose retreat—but the meaning behind that light was what made Ishtar abandon the idea of poking at it for fun.
It wasn't fear. It wasn't just respect for that era, that struggle. It was the radiance born from the faith of every warrior, on every battlefield, across past and present. No matter who wielded it, no matter what was in their heart, a light like that could not be denied.
And if you faced it with a frivolous attitude… even Ishtar herself wouldn't permit it.
"And you? You're not going to rest?"
As she was about to leave, the goddess narrowed her blood-red eyes and flicked them toward Ophis.
"The threat right in front of you is gone. That strategist will turn his blade toward the final enemy next. I'll admit I underestimated him. You're restricted by your Saint Graph right now, and from where I'm standing… if he and that girl Master work together, it isn't impossible for them to find a way to kill you amid those countless possibilities. And as you are now, if you die… you really die, don't you? In the end, you're still just a Servant."
A Servant was bound by their Saint Graph and Spirit Core. No matter how mighty an existence might be, it couldn't escape that rule. The so-called seven Grand Classes stood unchallenged at the pinnacle of all Servants not only because their strength was terrifying, but also because they possessed the highest-grade Saint Graphs.
Ophis had been summoned by the Holy Grail using one facet of her Heroic Spirit-ized self as the target. Naturally, she was subject to the same restrictions.
If her Spirit Core were truly shattered—reduced until not even a single molecule remained—then even Ophis, without her infinite essence as she was now, would be powerless to recover.
"Let me be clear," Ishtar added, tilting her head as though making a casual declaration. "If you don't ask, I absolutely won't step in. That would make everything terribly boring. And it'd be bullying."
"Ishtar can rest easy."
With Ea put away, Ophis—who had remained silent until now—kept her gaze on Chaldea as they celebrated their victory.
"The girl's possibilities may someday be enough to bring forth a miracle," she said. "But that is a story for the future. Her claws are still too young to threaten me."
"Is that so?"
Studying Ophis's earnest expression, Ishtar suddenly laughed.
"But you don't really think that, do you?"
"?"
Ophis drew her gaze back and tilted her head at the goddess, puzzled.
"You're looking forward to that girl defeating you, aren't you? No… that's not quite accurate. What you want is to see what kind of possibilities she can show you."
"…"
Ophis looked again toward Ritsuka and the others, who were speaking with the King of Conquerors, newly arrived. She fell silent for a moment—then the corner of her mouth lifted, just slightly.
"I have never regretted letting go of humanity, because it was the inevitable course of the age—the future. But in truth… I have never had enough confidence in humans walking on their own. Even to my eyes, the 'possibility' of humanity reaching its end through any number of accidents always exists. Perhaps… when the time comes, the true answer will be confirmed."
"…"
This time, it was Ishtar who fell silent. Then she let out a quiet sigh.
"Do what you want. In your eyes, gods like us are just antiques the age no longer needs, aren't we? Honestly… I have no idea what Father was thinking, making a rebel like you into a king. Not that I care, from my end." Her eyes narrowed, bright with interest. "Besides, I'm curious about the answer you end up getting."
With a wave of her hand, Ishtar leapt straight off the building and vanished into the crowd below.
...
"Oh? You want an alliance with me, do you? You seem like a terribly dreary strategist."
Iskandar stroked his chin, looking down at Lord El-Melloi II from on high.
"That's right. You've already seen that Archer—the King of Heroes—in action, haven't you? She's an extraordinary Servant, far beyond the norm. She isn't someone you can handle with only one or two Servants. Even if you have absolute confidence in yourself, an alliance that reduces the burden on you isn't exactly a bad proposal."
"Hm. When you put it that way, that young lady's strength is indeed something even I can't afford to underestimate." Iskandar's grin spread. "In that case, your proposal is certainly enticing."
"Then…"
"But!"
Lord El-Melloi's eyes lit up when he saw Iskandar appear ready to accept—only for Iskandar to cut him off with a sweeping hand.
"How will you prove you have the right to stand beside me?"
"Huh?"
Lord El-Melloi blinked, momentarily thrown.
"Wait—our side has this many Servants, at this level of strength. I'm not saying we'll simply fall under your command, but you can't possibly think they're unworthy to—"
"No. You still don't get it."
The King of Conquerors stared straight at him.
"I'm talking about you. Strategist—gloomy as stagnant water, wearing that grief-stricken face. If you hold that position, then you're the one commanding the whole board, yes? But as you are now, I can't put my trust in you."
"What?"
Lord El-Melloi's expression collapsed—especially when he caught the smug, gloating look on that boy's face behind Iskandar.
"Compared to the bigger picture, whether someone looks gloomy or not is—"
"Still, joining your alliance is fine."
Just as Lord El-Melloi hurriedly tried to press his case, Iskandar abruptly changed tack.
"However, don't think I'll necessarily follow your orders. Show me your road, shadowed strategist." He threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Hahahahahaha!"
---
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