Chapter 18: This Sword Above, Fate Below
Clang—!
A clear, metallic resonance rang out, causing the entire temple to tremble.
"Hm?"
King Hassan watched Shirou, who had manifested a pitch-black greatsword at some point, blocking his attack. He could not help but let out a sound of surprise.
The pitch-black greatsword had irregular patterns, looking as if it might shatter at any moment.
However, King Hassan keenly perceived that in the gaps between those irregular patterns on the blade, a brilliant golden light was flowing. The violent, peerless power contained within was so vast that it was hard to imagine just how terrifying it would be when fully unleashed.
As King Hassan surveyed the black blade in Shirou's hand, Shirou's voice reached his ears.
"Perfect. Today, let me experience the strength of the First Hassan."
Hearing Shirou's words, the ghostly blue flames burning in King Hassan's eyes grew even more intense.
Clang—Clang—Clang!
The tolling of the funeral bell rang out once more.
Although his previous strike had missed, that did not mean his Noble Phantasm was inferior; on the contrary, it was incredibly powerful.
If anyone other than Shirou had been on the receiving end of that strike, they would have been unable to block it.
Because once the funeral bell tolls, someone is destined to die—this is the fate linked to causality.
"Have you heard the sound of this bell?"
King Hassan's voice echoed through the temple, accompanied by the sound of the funeral bell.
"This is the end of your destiny. Accept it and release your soul; this is your final chance to enjoy a peaceful rest as a human."
King Hassan's consistently deep voice gradually rose in pitch.
"The funeral bell has revealed your name—『Azrail』!!!"
Accompanied by the long, tolling bell, he—infiltrated.
No one could capture his position, just as humans cannot capture their own shadows.
He transformed into a phantom appearing before Shirou, his greatsword stained with ghostly blue light swooping down.
Shirou looked silently at the approaching King Hassan and lifted the pitch-black greatsword "Dusk" he held in his right hand.
"With this sword above, fate below!"
Even the slightest movement of the blade caused the surrounding space to tear.
The moment the two swords made contact, King Hassan didn't even have time to react before his body was sent flying backward like a meteor.
Boom—!
His body crashed through the temple wall but did not stop; it pierced through the mountains and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Mash and the others, who were standing on the spot and witnessing this scene, were left speechless.
It took quite a while for Bedivere to utter in shock: "So... so strong...!"
Whether it was the King or any of the knights in the Knights of the Round Table, Bedivere had never felt such intense pressure.
That was simply outside the category of a Heroic Spirit; it exceeded the limits of his imagination.
Gudako couldn't help but exclaim:
"I wonder if Solomon, the 'Magician King' who incinerated human history, reaches this level..."
With King Hassan sent flying, the area became deathly silent.
Romani, curious about what was happening because the connection had become unstable due to King Hassan, hurriedly asked after the video feed was restored.
"Hey, hey, looks like communications are back. Where's that 'Old Man of the Mountain'? Why can't I see him? Eh? Why is everyone not saying anything?"
Gudako and Mash were both at a loss as to how to answer that question.
Finally, Da Vinci explained the situation to Romani.
"What!?"
Romani couldn't help but exclaim after hearing it.
"Are you serious?"
"We felt just as unbelievable as you did, Doctor, but that is the fact," Mash said.
Because of Mash's words, Romani was simply brimming with curiosity about what had just happened, like an audience member who had missed a brilliant live broadcast, feeling so miserable he wished he could turn back time.
"Damn it! If only I could have seen such a spectacular battle with my own eyes!"
Romani's regretful words left Mash, the others, and Bedivere looking at one another in confusion.
Although the strength and fighting style displayed by the First Hassan were indeed magnificent, the ending of the battle felt a bit too simple.
Just as Romani wanted to ask for more details, King Hassan, who had been sent flying an unknown distance, came running back.
Shadows converged, and the tall "Old Man of the Mountain" reappeared.
"...Disciples of magic, you have earned my approval."
However, this time, his attitude had become much milder; he was like a completely different person from just moments ago.
"My sword is willing to lead your vanguard in battle. Let me face that 'Sun Knight' Gawain. Hmm... that is his name, is it not?"
King Hassan's gaze swept over Gudako, Mash, and the others, finally resting on Shirou, whom he treated as an equal.
"Let my sword become a bird of prey to peck out that man's eyes; let my black robes become the night to swallow the Holy City."
"Um... Grandpa..."
Gudako deliberated on how to address him before speaking, but Mash immediately stopped her.
"Master, would calling him 'Grandpa' be a bit rude...?"
"No, it is fine."
King Hassan said in a peaceful tone: "Address me as you please. I have no name, and I do not dwell on such things."
Seeing that the time was about right, Shirou spoke at the appropriate moment.
"Then, it is about time we headed to the Holy City."
King Hassan nodded upon hearing this: "Mm. I shall become a shadow and travel with you."
After everyone walked out of the temple, the other Hassans, having discovered the appearance of this First Hassan, had already flocked to the scene.
Upon seeing Cursed Arm Hassan, King Hassan's ghostly blue eyes suddenly flared with red light.
This was absolutely a gaze filled with murderous intent.
"Cursed Arm, you really have shown no improvement at all. Carry out your duty alongside these people. Once the deed is done, I shall sever your head."
Cursed Arm Hassan was not afraid; instead, he said respectfully to the King: "...I am grateful. I swear in the name of the 'Old Man of the Mountain' that I shall fulfill my mission."
The red light in King Hassan's eyes gradually receded, and he then looked at Bedivere.
"Let us go. Arrive at the Holy Land before the Lion King's Holy Spear reveals its true form, and return that sacred object to its master."
"..."
Bedivere looked silently at King Hassan, then bowed his head slightly with great courtesy.
As everyone boarded Shirou's flying craft, the Vimana, Mash suddenly pointed at the sky in a certain direction, exclaiming in surprise.
"Senpai, look over there!"
Everyone looked up in the direction Mash was pointing.
A huge shadow obscuring the sun—the dazzling golden temple belonging to the "Sun King" Ozymandias—was now floating in the sky.
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