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MP : 96 The Witch
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 16:00:01 +0000 UTC"Damn it! How can they be so reckless and disrupt all the plans I've arranged?"
Compared to the smooth and unobstructed path of Roy, the mood of the young witch on the other side was quite the opposite.
In Avalon.
Through the magical mirror in front of her, Morgan le Fay watched as Roy shattered the bounded field she had set up, feeling a surge of anger in her heart.
"Ah, don't be angry now."
"After all, this new Magician is not the kind of person who follows rules. He's quite a restless character and certainly won't advance according to the rules you've set."
Seeing Morgan's fury, Merlin couldn't help but feel pleased. He stood up and smiled as he poured her a cup of flower tea.
After all, as the person who had spent the most time with Roy, he was naturally very familiar with him.
The level of restlessness from that Magician was something that couldn't be explained in just a few words.
But to be fair, it was quite interesting.
He didn't dislike being around such mischievous beings.
That's why, after the Holy Grail War ended, he continued to keep in close contact with Roy, to the point that they had become friends.
Now that Roy had gained recognition from the Root and was mastering the Third Magic, he was no longer just a pawn who could only drift with the tide during the Holy Grail War.
It was unrealistic for Morgan to expect him to act according to her will.
"The Magician of the Third Magic, a special existence that masters the Heaven's Feel, could even be compared to the Chief Gods during the peak of the age of gods if one were to elevate his power and expound upon concepts. He is indeed quite tricky." Morgan mused.
"So, are you prepared to give up?"
Upon hearing this, Merlin couldn't help but chuckle and continued to advise, "I think since Artoria has been reborn as a heroic spirit and has let go of her past tragedies, we shouldn't interfere in her life anymore."
"You have been preparing for her for so many years, haven't you hoped that after her revival, she would start a brand new life?"
"The curse of the gravekeeper or whatever, it's better to lift it. There's no need to create a whole bunch of trials for her, only to end with a drama of sisterly betrayal spanning a millennium. Such a development is too cruel for that girl; it will only make her sad."
"Oh?"
Merlin's words made Morgan pause slightly, raising an eyebrow and saying somewhat playfully, "I never expected to hear such words from you, of all people. What's wrong, Merlin? Didn't you used to enjoy such spectacles?"
"Didn't you say you wanted to pursue the interesting stories of the world? Do you think this kind of story lacks interest?"
"Ah? Really? I forgot…"
Merlin scratched his head awkwardly, but under Morgan's scrutinizing gaze, he slowly opened his mouth.
"It's definitely interesting. To be honest, I'm also quite looking forward to it, but for now, let's not."
"Roy is my friend, and I don't want to see him angry, especially regarding his feelings for Artoria…"
"Sigh... If I had to explain, it's probably a sense of debt. Artoria's death is still the only thing that evokes special emotions in me to this day."
"The feeling of guilt has long been entwined in my heart, and this emotion is quite uncomfortable. It even made me feel regret and self-blame for a time, so in the days that followed, I've been trying my best to make it up to her."
Merlin sighed and said with a hint of guilt, "Roy's arrival helped me fulfill this wish."
"During the Holy Grail War, he awakened Artoria's confused heart with his sword and words, helping her learn to let go. Now, with the use of the Third Magic, we've successfully brought Artoria back into the world as a heroic spirit, hoping she can have a new life."
"You've done enough already; Artoria has also moved on, so Morgan, you should also let go of that obsession."
"Merlin…"
Morgan gazed into Merlin's eyes and suddenly spoke.
"What is it?"
"Your pretentious demeanor is truly disgusting. The one who killed Artoria is you and that damned old man Uther! You pushed her onto the throne!! You made her bear that doomed fate!!!"
"What you're doing now is just a coincidental compensation. Do you really think you've done enough? The harm you brought to Artoria is far from just this!!"
"I'm sorry… that's my responsibility; I must bear it. If you want to blame me, I won't complain." Merlin did not argue, bowing his head.
"If you truly want to judge me, I won't fight back or run away. But please, be gentle; I'm quite afraid of pain."
"Judge you? And then let you find so-called relief and completely let go of this matter? Merlin, your degree of despicability is still as disgusting as ever."
Morgan lightly tapped the table with her delicate fingers. In an instant, fueled by her rising magical energy due to anger, a horrifying tear was ripped open at the place where her fingertips fell, and the exquisite teacups on the table fell to the ground, making a crisp sound.
"Merlin, I don't want to argue with you, the murderer, nor will I lay a hand on you. Because you're not worthy; that disgusting soul and body would only dirty my hands."
"Artoria is my sister. Although there were many unexpected events in the past that soured our relationship, we are still sisters by blood. I would never harm her as you did, pushing her into a dead end."
Morgan stood up and spoke unequivocally, "The world has already closed off, and it's hard for us in Avalon to come and go freely."
"But the things left in my village can help me leave briefly; this is also a rare opportunity for us sisters to meet."
"So… I advise you not to do anything unnecessary this time, Merlin. Otherwise, your fate won't be as simple as being locked in the Tower of Avalon."
After finishing her words, Morgan no longer lingered, raising her pitch-black staff to tap the ground. Her figure transformed into black mist, dissipating in the Tower of Avalon, leaving Merlin alone, looking down with a bitter smile.
"Really… it seems I won't be able to help you again, Artoria."
"Roy, it's up to you next, my friend…"
...
[Online Streamer - Magi☆Mari: I was scolded by my good friend today, and I'm so troubled. What should I do?]
...
"Is that Morgan le Fay? Or something else? But the design of the bounded field here is indeed very interesting."
The reckless act of directly shattering the grand bounded field with magical power had clearly disrupted the plans of the mastermind behind it.
For example, a certain witch, Morgan le Fay, who sensed Artoria's return and hurried back overnight.
The unknown power that Zepia mentioned, which seeks to seize control of the Logos React, originated from this witch's handiwork.
She knew that Artoria would definitely come here, so she spent a lot of effort setting up the grand bounded field in the gravekeeper's forbidden area, along with various trials and challenges, hoping for a touching sister reunion (heartfelt) in the end.
However, Roy's brutal actions completely shattered her plans.
The strong do not need to act according to the rules set by the weak.
The so-called rules are merely prepared for those who do not follow them, and Roy was clearly no longer the type of person who needed to abide by them.
He had no interest in the trials arranged by the witch.
Thus, his crude infusion of magical power forcefully crushed the bounded field, burying not only the circular corridor but also many arrangements behind it under the debris caused by the shattered bounded field.
Many elite monsters that had not yet made an appearance were directly buried alive by Roy.
It was a complete display of power; without even starting the trials, he jumped straight to the end. This made Morgan le Fay quite annoyed.
The gifts prepared for Artoria had been completely ruined by an outsider. She was really looking forward to seeing her sister regain her faith and fight bravely.
Now, all of that was gone.
This made Morgan extremely furious, and she decided that she must teach Roy a lesson!
"Let's see about that, you brat!"
...
ROOOOOAR!
Due to the collapse of the underground bounded field, many ghosts and monsters that were about to be buried alive let out piercing shrieks and began to flee wildly in this area.
Roy, merely glancing at the screaming ghosts around him and the beasts escaping from deeper within the bounded field, showed them no mercy. Volumen Hydrargyrum in his sleeve transformed into a silver sword, and his azure eyes sparkled with a strange light. The powerful magical energy erupting from his body shattered all the enemies blocking his path.
"Ghosts, skeleton soldiers, puppets, wyverns, and even black dogs. There are quite a variety of phantasmal species here. Is the gravekeeper's underground a zoo or something?" Roy joked.
"You're joking… I have no idea why these monsters are hiding here." Bersac replied behind him, swallowing hard at the terrifying sight reminiscent of a beast tide, and he had no mood to engage in Roy's jokes.
The number of phantasmal species hidden in this forbidden area could probably launch an assault on the clock tower. If he had entered alone, he would have undoubtedly met his doom.
Thinking of this, he felt a chill run down his spine.
If it weren't for the two companions beside him this time, he wouldn't stand a chance against these monsters.
"Gray, hold on tight to me."
Swish Swish Swish
The sound of several blades slicing through the air echoed.
Artoria held Gray with one arm while wielding the Excalibur with the other, quickly shattering several approaching skeleton soldiers.
"O-Okay!"
Gray buried her head in Artoria's chest.
Thanks to her agile movements and the endless supply of magical energy from her Master, Artoria was able to fight with all her might.
Channeling the powerful magical energy within her, the sharp green aura coiled around the Invisible Air, ruthlessly reaping her enemies, and Artoria's gallant figure continually shone amid the enemy ranks.
No enemy could obstruct her path.
As she carved a path through the fray, countless monster corpses fell at her feet, and blood and cries couldn't keep up with her speed; her form sliced through all obstacles like a sharp sword.
"Hahahaha, as powerful as ever, Artoria! This scene of fighting side by side reminds me of when we fought alongside Gawain and the others fifteen hundred years ago; it's truly nostalgic!"
Compared to the anxious Gray, Add in the birdcage felt no tension at all. He knew that with Artoria's strength, these insignificant foes were of no concern, no matter how many came.
Although the magus over there, who directly smashed enemies with magical power, looked even more impressive.
"We're almost at the end."
As they moved quickly, amid the continually shattering bounded field, they finally saw a white light, with the magical energy leaking out from there.
Without a doubt, that was the breakthrough point of the bounded field; as long as they passed through it, they could leave this established bounded field.
However, things were obviously not that simple.
Buzz Buzz
A harsh scratching sound rang out, like steel scraping against stone, the agitation was slight but exceptionally grating. Even amid the tunnel's collapse, Roy accurately caught that sound.
Someone else also noticed…
"Watch out!!"
As they neared the exit, Artoria, who was following closely behind, suddenly stopped and shouted at the top of her lungs to warn Roy. Her sharp instincts had caught onto something.
A dangerous entity was approaching rapidly, and it was very close... almost right at their fingertips.
And the direction was…
Clang!!
As a large spark flew out, the silver sword formed from Volumen Hydrargyrum clashed violently with the sharp blade that emerged from the shadows, cutting through the darkness was a pair of eyes gleaming with a pale blue light.
"Get out first."
As the silver sword shattered, the two figures swiftly separated. In that instant, Roy threw Bersac behind him, seriously focusing on the figure that stepped out of the shadows.
It was probably a human, but he didn't really understand what this thing was at its core.
"Get out of here first; I'll stay back to help Master."
Following Roy's command, Artoria led them to the light gate's end, gently setting down Gray and urging the two to hurry through while being cautious, promising she would return shortly.
She absolutely couldn't leave Roy alone in such a place to fight on his own.
"But…"
Bersac hesitated, and Gray was very worried too, but she knew that even if she stayed behind, she wouldn't be able to help much. Instead, she would only cause trouble for Roy and Artoria, so she timidly said, "Please be careful…"
"Mm, I will. My sword won't be dull anymore."
Artoria nodded.
"Hahaha, although it's a bit out of place right now, seeing your transformation is truly wonderful, Artoria."
Add laughed heartily, saying, "Do you need my help? Your spear is inside my body; as long as you bring me along, there will be no difficulties."
Spear…
Artoria knew exactly what Add was referring to.
"No, thanks, Sir Kay. You should stay by Gray's side to protect her. I'll be fine with just my sword."
Artoria shook her head, not retrieving the holy spear. Then she no longer hesitated, drew her Excalibur, and quickly ran toward Roy.
...
Indiscernible yet undeniably real.
Just hidden in the shadows, making it difficult to pin down.
Roy raised his hand, deflecting several fierce attacks coming from different directions with his silver sword, while carefully contemplating the true nature of his enemy.
Although allowing that thing to continue attacking would be unlikely to harm him, prolonging the confrontation could lead to trouble.
Moreover, the bounded field here was about to collapse, so a swift resolution was the best choice.
If it couldn't be observed, then he would try to force the one hiding in the dark out into the open.
Fortunately, this was a collapsing large bounded field; there were definitely no ordinary people around, and thus he wouldn't be endangering any innocents. He could afford to let loose a little.
Turning back, he noticed that Artoria and Gray were also gone from the vicinity, which was a relief.
"Hmm, it seems they've mostly left. It's just the two of us left here."
"Although I don't know what your intentions are, I will make you reveal them."
He stared into the shadow where the entity existed and spoke calmly.
Then he spread his hands, and magical energy began to circulate.
"Dust to dust, earth to earth, return to the embers in the name of fire."
A wisp of dark green flame ignited from Roy's fingertips, and the gift residing in his soul was reignited in his hands.
"Spirit of flames, essence of fire, along with the soul of revenge."
Roy then opened his hands, channeling the almost boundless magical power within him to ignite the black flames dwelling deep within his soul.
Four motions, perfectly overlapping.
Close, open, rotate, pull.
As the final decisive gesture was completed, he flattened his left hand, and with two fingers of his right hand, he pulled the flames into a fiery longbow, drawing it taut... ready to shoot!!
"Fire, blaze brightly!"
Boom!
As the air ignited with a roaring sound, the dark flame arrows quickly formed between his hands, the black fire illuminating Roy's face, reflected in his eyes.
With a gentle breath, the flame arrows shot out like thunder, their terrifying momentum and shrill sounds dragging a burning path through the darkness. In the blink of an eye, they had already pierced into the shadows, then…
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The continuous explosion sounds, coupled with the sizzling air burned by the flames, triggered a vacuum explosion that thoroughly shattered the collapsing passage. The entity hidden in the shadows had nowhere to hide from this strike.
Faced with this searing fire, it emitted a creaking, boiling sound, but even so...
"To be hit by such an attack and remain unscathed? That's quite astonishing."
Watching the figure emerge unscathed from the shadows, Roy couldn't help but feel moved.
He saw that the black flames he had unleashed had not disappeared or extinguished but were still clinging to her body, continuing to burn. However, the puppet's expression showed no change, treating it all as inconsequential.
She merely patted the flames off her body as if shaking off dust, tossing the attached fire away.
Upon witnessing this, he gained important information.
The figure before him was not a living being. The black soul flame was the nemesis of all that had life. Her direct confrontation with the flames, remaining unharmed, could only mean that the figure before him had no soul, merely a puppet controlled by consciousness.
So, his unleashed flames had no substantial effect? It seemed he had used the wrong method.
"Truly remarkable flames, possessing not only a high temperature but also the ability to ignite souls. Coupled with your terrifying magical power, it's no wonder you were able to join forces with Merlin to breach the Throne of Heroes and summon my foolish sister."
Her voice was somewhat cold yet familiar. Along with her words, which revealed almost no cover other than the veil, one could easily guess her identity.
"Morgan le Fay? So you do still exist in this era, but it surprises me that you could come out of Avalon."
"However, to meet such a powerful witch in a place like this, in such a manner, is quite an honor."
"Surprised? Weren't you searching for me?" She smiled gently.
"A Foreigner who touching the Root and disrupting the world's progression... what is your true purpose? What is it that you seek?"
Morgan le Fay looked at Roy coldly and continued, "What I find more curious is, where does your soul come from? Who exactly are you?"
It wasn't the first time someone had seen through his identity, so Roy felt no surprise.
The Counter Force could sense it, Zelretch could see it, and Void Shiki could also discern it. Clearly, the Witch of Britain, Morgan le Fay had no reason to be unaware, especially since that Foreigner's aura was so out of place.
"Who am I? That question is indeed full of philosophical depth…"
Roy shook his head and calmly replied, "I am myself, Artoria's Master and partner, and also the Magician of the Third Magic, Roy. That's all there is to it."
"Is that all? A Foreigner marked as an enemy by the Counter Force, and you still remain oblivious to your position? That's quite laughable."
"Hah? Those two useless thing still hold such animosity towards me?"
Morgan's words puzzled Roy.
Wasn't the Counter Force supposed to recognize him as the Magician of the Third Magic and not cause him any trouble anymore?
Could it be that he was blacklisted again for forcibly rescuing someone from the Counter Force along with Merlin?
"However, you've also solidified my resolve. A terrifying person like you, who can't even grasp their position, must not be allowed to stay near her any longer."
Morgan, hidden behind the veil, slightly gritted her teeth, and a hint of displeasure seeped through her words.
"Enough of this nonsense, Foreigner; get out of this world!"
Morgan said solemnly, her right hand slightly opening, and a raging storm immediately filled the entire tunnel. The black aurora rapidly converged in the witch's hand, quickly taking the shape, held by this queen of magecraft.
The raging wind spread instantly, and the light subsided at that moment, revealing the appearance shrouded in black light before Roy's eyes.
It was a pitch-black spear, enveloped from top to bottom in black light and energy, with several black barbs extending from the spear shaft like fangs. Although its appearance was vastly different from when it was in Artoria's hands, the transcendent power belonging to the planet-forged weapon assured him that this strangely shaped black spear was indeed the legendary Anchor of the Planet... Rhongomyniad.
Roy couldn't help but feel a sense of novelty upon seeing this.
After all, he knew that the true Anchor of the Planet... Rhongomyniad was undoubtedly sealed within Add's body and was currently in Gray's hands. So where did this holy spear in Morgan's hand come from?
Logos React.
Recalling the location, Roy already had the answer.
Morgan had intervened here in advance, inputting new data into the Logos React stored in the underground, setting it to react only when King Arthur entered this place.
That was why when Artoria entered, it triggered the inherent bounded field that had long been set up here, causing such a disturbance.
What a hassle this has caused, Zepia.
Roy roughly understood the situation.
The Logos React left behind by Zepia had been tampered with by Morgan, using its power to create the simulation witch in front of him.
The essence of the simulation witch in front of him was... a reenactment made possible through the Logos React; it only required meeting sufficient conditions and specifications, allowing it to simulate a character's personality and abilities that closely resembled the original within this specific space.
So it wasn't a fake; both Morgan and the Anchor of the Planet before him could be considered as incredibly close representations of the witch of the age of gods, fully possessing the standards of top-tier heroic spirits.
Roy could even be certain that the consciousness within the simulation witch was not an evolved personality simulated by the Logos React, like Add's, but rather the true Morgan le Fay. She had synchronized and grafted her consciousness with the simulation witch, thus completing the manifestation.
If that were true, it certainly made things interesting.
"Sure enough, not only can Artoria wield this spear that maintains the surface of the world, but you can also command it."
Watching Morgan le Fay wield the black holy spear Rhongomyniad, a faint smile appeared on Roy's lips.
"However, arrogant witch, this is no longer the era of mystery belonging to yours."
Roy spread his arms and directly tore off the restraining pendant around his neck, his gaze and words filled with confidence. Radiant magic circuits covered his body, and powerful, terrifying magical energy rippled around him.
"Next... welcome to the Age of Man, which is also my era! Lady Morgan le Fay."
He countered with a momentum that was no weaker than that of the simulation witch.
"Do you wish to challenge the authority of the age of gods? Attempting to defeat the Anchor of the Planet as a Magician is utterly foolish. Is the Third Magic your greatest reliance?"
"Well, you may certainly try."
Roy replied with a smile, still showing no signs of fear.
"Arrogant brat, if you insist on seeking your own death, I will comply and grant you death."
Morgan le Fay raised the holy spear, her emotionless gaze fixed on Roy. The magical power within the Anchor of the Planet surged higher, unleashing a black storm that seemed poised to tear everything before her apart.
"Prove your reality to me with all your strength, Magician. Let me see if you are worthy to walk alongside her and share in this fate."
Facing the incoming black storm, Roy did not flinch or evade but continued to elevate his magical power, standing firm like an immovable rock at the center of the black storm.
"Heh, as you wish."
"However, I must correct one thing first, Lady Morgan, you are the challenger!"
His face remained filled with confidence.
