Miracle Summoner

"No, neither the barriers nor the Light of Judgment can stop them anymore."

Standing atop the city walls, Agravain coldly acknowledged this fact.

The eighth barrier had already been shattered by that unknown twin-headed dragon, and the ninth was soon to follow. The relentless Light of Judgment, descending from the sky, was being completely deflected by the shield formed from the White Castle. It hadn't inflicted even the slightest damage upon the enemy. Though Agravain was reluctant to admit it, he had no choice but to face reality.

"I originally thought that in the worst-case scenario, we could use the barriers to buy some time to activate the Holy Spear, or rely on the King's Light of Judgment to weaken the enemy army before allowing Sir Gawain to incinerate everything with the Holy Sword. But now, it seems we underestimated the enemy's methods—and they, too, have an exceptionally formidable strategist, executing every tactic with meticulous precision."

Agravain could see it clearly. At a moment when his own forces had not yet fully deployed, the enemy was striking at the perfect spot—just like striking at the vital point.

With their advance at this exact timing, by the time they reached the Holy City, his side's formation would be at its most vulnerable.

And Agravain knew exactly who was responsible for this.

"The Master of Chaldea?"

While the enemy forces included many skilled in warfare, none among them should have been a true military strategist.

If that was the case, then there was only one explanation—it was the work of Chaldea's Master.

"No wonder they managed to conquer five Singularities", Agravain stated emotionlessly. "Unfortunately, you will not pass through this one."

With that, Agravain issued his orders.

"Have all the Knights halt their formation deployment and hold their current positions. Launch an immediate charge against the enemy. Once the tenth barrier is breached, the soldiers on the walls are to commence a full volley—without hesitation."

The moment this command was given, the knight beside him was visibly alarmed.

The reason was simple.

"Charging with our current formation will result in maximum casualties among the Knights. And if we fire upon the enemy the moment the tenth barrier falls, our own forces will also be—"

They, too, would be caught in the line of fire.

That was what the knight wanted to say.

But Agravain gave him no chance.

"It does not matter. No matter how many lives are lost, it makes no difference. As long as the King remains, the Knights can always be replenished. Deploy all of them—including those stationed to guard the Holy City."

Agravain spoke with ruthless indifference.

"Once the Holy Lance is activated, our purpose will be fulfilled. After that, the King will retreat into the Tower at the End with the chosen ones, and we will all meet our end sooner or later. The timing is irrelevant."

That was the reality.

Once the Singularity collapsed, the world's surface was peeled away, and human history was completely annihilated, only the Lion King and the selected five hundred individuals—taken into the Holy Lance—would survive. Everyone else would perish.

Because the Tower at the End could only accommodate five hundred souls.

There was no room for anyone else.

Not even the Knights of the Round Table.

In other words, from the very beginning, the Knights had been summoned for the sole purpose of being expended.

It was for this reason that only five Knights remained by the Lion King's side. The rest had refused to accept her ideals—not just because she was willing to sacrifice human history, but because her cold indifference was unbearable.

Knights could accept death, but not meaningless death.

They were knights of honor, not disposable tools.

Because of this, the other Knights of the Round Table had been slaughtered.

And Agravain and the others had long since accepted their inevitable sacrifice.

"You should recognize this truth as well. Now, fulfill your final duty and head to the battlefield", Agravain ordered coldly.

"Also, have Sir Gawain prepare for deployment. We cannot wait for the enemy to reach the main gate before engaging."

"Understood..."

The knight bowed his head and took his leave.

Thus, outside the Holy Capital, countless Knights began to surge forth—charging into battle.

Boom—!

Amidst the sound of shattering destruction, the ninth barrier was bitten through by the sliver-colored twin-headed dragon.

Boom—!

The Light of Judgment immediately followed, but once again, the White Fortress rose skyward to block it. Like a flood crashing against a dam, light scattered in all directions.

"Huff... huff... huff..."

Having once again blocked the overwhelming firepower of the Light of Judgment, Mash finally dropped to one knee atop the dragon she was riding, gasping for breath.

"Are you alright, Mash!?"

Rozen had been watching her closely. Seeing her current state, he couldn't help but call out.

It couldn't be helped.

Though Mash's Noble Phantasm possessed defense akin to invincibility, it did not protect its user.

The White Castle placed her outside its gate, leaving her to endure all the hostility, attacks, and damage alone.

In other words, each time the White Castle blocked the Light of Judgment, Mash was relying solely on the defense of her shield—her Noble Phantasm itself did not shield her.

Because of this, Rozen had long since cast Kongouriki on her, granting her invulnerable defenses to nullify the damage. But the Light of Judgment was an attack from the Holy Lance—an authority of the gods, a mystery surpassing all magecraft. Even Kongouriki could not negate all of its effects.

As a result, Mash had to endure the remaining damage on her own. Even if she wasn't injured, the strain was immense.

"Order!"

Rozen conjured a healing talisman, sending it flying towards Mash in a stream of light.

But at that moment...

"Senpai, watch out!"

Instead of relief, Mash's expression turned to shock as she cried out in alarm.

"Not good!"

"Lord Rozen!"

"Be careful!"

Bedivere, Hassan of Serenity, and Jeanne [Alter] all shouted at the same time.

"Whoosh—!"

A piercing sound of something slicing through the air echoed.

Like a ray of sunlight, a projectile streaked toward Rozen.

Rozen did not hesitate. He spun around instantly, raising his hand to manifest Magic Defense.

Boom!

A detonation rang out.

It was the sound of flames erupting from the Holy Sword of the Sun.

The blazing sword cleaved through the atmosphere, descending upon Rozen.

Clang—!

Like the tolling of a bell, the Holy Sword of the Sun struck the invisible shield, sending flames surging outward.

"I failed to kill him?"

The Sun's Knight descended with unwavering composure.

"Couldn't sit still any longer?"

Rozen smirked mockingly at his opponent.

"You are the enemy's leader. If I can cut you down instantly, this battle will be much easier."

Gawain stood with his Holy Sword of the Sun in hand, his demeanor utterly calm.

"Too bad. That's not happening."

Rozen replied with equal composure.

With the first and second great obstacles cleared, the third had finally appeared on its own.

At the same time, from the direction of the Holy Capital, countless Knights were charging forth.

The enemy army was upon them.

The battle was about to begin again.