I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

To say Artoria was surprised would be an understatement.

Karna and Atalanta teaming up was one thing—Karna was dutiful, and Atalanta cared more about achieving victory than personal glory. But Achilles?

Achilles, the combat-obsessed warrior who'd even disobey his Master if it interfered with his pursuit of battle, was now willing to fight alongside others?

She knew all too well what Achilles was like—a thrill-seeker who valued battle above all else. For him to cooperate with others was almost unthinkable.

Greek mythology truly is a mess, she thought, sighing internally. Their heroes may be famous, but morally upright ones are rare. With gods like those, what can you expect? If the head is rotten, the body follows.

She really didn't want to fight them. All I want is to do my job as a neutral Ruler. Why is that so difficult?

Amakusa, I don't care about your grand plan. Why are you targeting me? Go bother Jeanne—she's the one who'll actually stop you!

This is too much…

"This is your final warning."

Even the most patient person has their limits, and Artoria had reached hers.

The pressure she exuded became almost unbearable, a weight like a massive boulder pressing down on everyone present. For a moment, Karna, Achilles, and the unseen Atalanta felt an almost insurmountable resistance.

The air seemed to freeze, making even the simple act of breathing or moving feel as though they were wading through thick mud.

"Leave now, and no one will get hurt."

"Otherwise… you will all die."

Artoria's voice was calm, her words like frozen water—unwavering, unyielding, and utterly chilling.

"Well, aren't you bold…"

The first to move was Achilles.

Though her aura had initially shaken him, Achilles quickly turned his fear into anger—and excitement.

His blood boiled. His heart raced.

A strong opponent was right in front of him. What else could he do but charge forward and crush her?

"Let's go! A real fight!"

In an instant, Achilles' speed surpassed the sound barrier. His form became a blur, streaking toward Artoria like a shooting star.

The title of "Fastest Hero" wasn't for show. His sudden burst of speed even caught Artoria slightly off guard.

But she didn't panic.

"Light."

A faint golden glow enveloped her, just as Achilles' spear reached her. Artoria countered with a powerful punch.

Spear met fist, producing a resonant, metallic clang.

Achilles' first strike was a test, and within moments, the two began exchanging rapid blows.

"Fantastic! This is what I live for!"

The force of Artoria's punches sent tremors up Achilles' arms, making his hands ache, but the pain only fueled his excitement.

His attacks grew sharper, his movements faster. The spear in his hands became an extension of his will, each thrust aiming for Artoria's life.

But Artoria was no easy target. Her delicate-looking fists carried the power of a dragon, meeting his ferocity blow for blow.

In the blink of an eye, they had already clashed hundreds of times.

"Boom!"

Another thunderous punch connected. Though Achilles managed to block it with his spear, the impact left him winded, as though he'd been rammed by a charging bull.

The blow sent him flying backward. Artoria moved to pursue him, but her senses flared as a searing heat surged toward her from the side.

"Boom!"

The sun's flames, burning with divine intensity, roared in her direction. Even the real sun seemed dimmer compared to the brilliance of the inferno.

A streak of gold flashed through the blaze as Artoria sliced through the firestorm with a conjured blade of light. She turned her gaze to Karna, her expression tightening.

There was no need for words. In the next instant, the two were locked in combat.

Karna's divine flames were overwhelming, but his limited mana supply made it difficult for him to sustain them at full power. Artoria, with her greater reserves, held the advantage.

With a flick of her wrist, five radiant swords materialized around her and launched toward Karna.

Karna's eyes narrowed. His spear spun in his hands, trailing flames that scorched the air. The fiery wave he unleashed clashed with the glowing blades, the two forces pushing against each other in a battle of wills.

The stalemate was interrupted by laughter.

"Hahaha! Don't think you can get rid of me that easily!"

Achilles' wild voice echoed across the battlefield as he rejoined the fray.

His Noble Phantasm, Andreias Amarantos, rendered him immune to almost all attacks. Only those with divine attributes could harm him—and Artoria was one of the few who qualified.

Her earlier strikes had left their mark, evident in his disheveled appearance. But Achilles didn't mind.

This was what he lived for.

If my opponent can't hurt me, it's not a real fight.

Descending from above, Achilles thrust his spear toward Artoria, only to have it blocked by a shield of light.

He disappeared in a blur, reappearing behind her in an instant. His spear aimed for her chest.

Clang!

The strike hit its mark but failed to pierce the radiant barrier around her body.

Artoria's brows furrowed. The golden aura surrounding her flared, and a beam of light slashed out. Achilles had already anticipated her counterattack and leaped away, leaving the blade to cleave through the surrounding forest. Trees fell in heaps, their trunks sliced cleanly in half.

Before she could catch her breath, a new wave of heat bore down on her.

A blazing sun ignited in the sky before collapsing into a fiery spear that hurtled toward her, engulfing her position in an explosion of divine fire.

The resulting inferno consumed everything.

Lakes evaporated, air combusted into sparks, and the ground disintegrated into fine particles.

This was the destructive power of Servants—the overwhelming might of legendary heroes brought to life.

Though it wasn't a Noble Phantasm, Karna's attack had clearly pushed him to his limits. His spear returned to his hand as he caught his breath, his chest rising and falling with exertion.

His eyes remained locked on the smoke-filled crater, alert for any signs of movement.

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨