Miracle Summoner

Meanwhile, the fierce battles continued on the other two fronts.

Especially on Artoria [Alter] and Mordred's side, the momentum far surpassed that of Mash and Lancelot.

While Mash and Lancelot were locked in a situation where one relentlessly attacked and the other defended, maintaining a stalemate, Artoria [Alter] and Mordred showed no intention of holding back. Both sought to kill each other, as black storms and crimson lightning ceaselessly clashed and burst across every corner of the battlefield.

"Clang—clang—clang—clang—clang—"

The intense sound of swords colliding echoed continuously. Black and crimson figures chased each other at breathtaking speeds, like two streaks of lightning flashing and intertwining across the battlefield. In mere moments, they had exchanged hundreds, if not thousands, of blows, sending both mana and the air itself into chaos.

"Haaaahhhh!"

Mordred roared furiously, her King's Sword slicing through the air with flashes of thunder, launching a storm-like barrage of attacks at Artoria [Alter]. The crimson lightning seemed to rage uncontrollably, vibrating with intensity.

"Hmph!"

In response, Artoria [Alter] simply let out a cold snort, her Holy Sword moving like a beam of light as she parried the incoming thunderous slashes one by one. She even closed the distance amid the crimson lightning, advancing like a ferocious black dragon, her Holy Sword like its fangs, savagely aiming to tear into Mordred. Several times, Mordred barely escaped with her life.

The battle between the two was so fierce and perilous that there was no room for anyone else to intervene.

Under normal circumstances, Artoria [ Alter ] and Mordred's strength should be nearly equal.

Mordred inherited Artoria's bloodline. Although her existence was the result of Morgan's schemes, she was nonetheless a legitimate successor of the King of Knights, and her power was not significantly weaker. Their skillsets were almost identical, both possessing high-level Instinct skill and Magic Resistance. Moreover, while one wielded the Holy Sword and the other the King's Sword, Artoria's stats were slightly superior but not overwhelmingly so.

Now, however, with Artoria [Alter] in her corrupted state, she was recklessly unleashing her immense mana, making her even more ferocious than usual. She should logically be stronger than Mordred. However, with Mordred enhanced by the blessings of three Holy Grails, she had become significantly more powerful than Artoria [Alter] in her normal state.

But at this moment, with the contract between Artoria [Alter] and Rozen granting her a spirit foundation enhancement and mana far surpassing that of a Holy Grail, she had become an equal match for the blessed Mordred—perhaps even slightly stronger.

Even with Mordred's boosted Mana Burst, which significantly amplified her thunderous power, Artoria [Alter] had no trouble matching her in mana output. Supported by planet-level mana reserves, she was unyielding.

Thus, as the intense confrontation raged on, the battlefield looked as though it had been ravaged by black storms and crimson lightning. The ground either cracked apart or exploded violently. The earth trembled, and deafening booms reverberated, creating a scene of apocalyptic proportions.

Yet...

"It's about time to end this."

Artoria [Alter] coldly declared amidst the clash.

This infuriated Mordred.

"You think you've already won…!?"

Mordred shouted angrily.

"Isn't that obvious?" Artoria [Alter] replied expressionlessly. "In pure strength, we are roughly even. No, I'm slightly stronger. That slight edge is enough to defeat you."

"Keep dreaming, King Arthur!" Mordred laughed angrily, shouting, "Once I cut off your head again, you'll understand that victory isn't determined by sheer strength! True kingship lies in triumph!"

"That's true," Artoria [Alter] admitted. "Without victory, even the greatest power is useless. Let me demonstrate this by piercing you, rebellious knight."

"Try me if you can!" Mordred snarled without a shred of fear.

Thus...

"Hah!"

Artoria [Alter] suddenly let out a battle cry, spinning her body and stomping on the ground with tremendous force.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion rang out as dust erupted into the air.

From within the dust cloud, a black shadow shot forth.

It was the Holy Sword.

Artoria [Alter] had hurled her Holy Sword with incredible precision, sending it hurtling toward Mordred.

"What…!?"

Mordred was stunned.

No one could have anticipated such a move.

For a knight, losing one's sword was akin to losing one's life. Who would have thought that Artoria [Alter] would willingly throw away her Holy Sword?

"Are you out of options, King Arthur!?"

Mordred quickly regained her composure and slashed her King's Sword.

"Clang!"

A sharp, clear sound rang out as the black Holy Sword was deflected by Mordred's King's Sword.

"Without your Holy Sword, let's see how you defeat me!"

Mordred shouted triumphantly and charged at Artoria [Alter].

The gust of wind she generated blew away the dust, revealing Artoria [Alter] standing within it.

But...

"Whoosh!"

A piercing sound cut through the air as a shadow infused with mana burst forth.

Mordred had no time to react.

And then...

"Splurt!"

The sound of tearing flesh was accompanied by a spray of blood.

"...!"

Mordred froze, her eyes widening.

Artoria [Alter], crouching low, stood before her, eyes cold and indifferent.

Upon closer inspection, Artoria [Alter] was holding a spear—one she had picked up from the battlefield amidst the cover of dust. Infused with overwhelming mana, it pierced through Mordred's abdomen, its tip protruding from her back.

Blood spilled onto the ground.

Artoria [Alter] spoke icily.

"Don't forget how you died by my hand in your previous life."

Indeed.

In life, Mordred was not slain by the Holy Sword but was pierced through the abdomen by King Arthur's Holy Lance.

Thus...

"Whether or not I have the Holy Sword makes no difference when it comes to killing you," Artoria [Alter] said coldly as she withdrew the spear, causing blood to gush out like a fountain.

"Fath...er…"

Mordred choked out, blood spilling from her lips as she slowly collapsed.

Meanwhile, a heavy thud echoed across the battlefield.

"Boom!"

With that sound, Lancelot was sent flying, crashing into the ground and rolling several times before coming to a stop.

"Huff..."

Mash lowered her shield after delivering the decisive blow, letting out a sigh of relief.

It seemed that this battle had also reached its conclusion.