Shinji Matou at Your Service

The dusk-colored light of the Phantasmal Greatsword was torn apart by thunder carrying an aura of absolute destruction, pierced the dragon's blood armor in an instant, followed by Siegfried's body in the next moment. Nevertheless, Siegfried continued to express his unwavering determination and his resolve to achieve victory.

In this critical moment, where his spiritual foundation was shaken by the thunder and even the master-servant contract was on the verge of collapse, how could he transform his resolve into reality?

With this doubt in mind, Gordes, disregarding the impact of the thunder on his eyes, stared fixedly at the most intense part of the thunder—since Siegfried had said he would not lose, he definitely would not lose. He wanted to witness Siegfried's victory!

Under the light of the thunder filled with a destructive aura, Siegfried's tall figure was no longer complete. His hands and legs below the knees had already disintegrated and disappeared, and this destruction was gradually spreading upwards.

This scene made Gordes' vision go black, and he nearly fainted. However, holding onto his trust in Siegfried, he still maintained a glimmer of hope, keeping his eyes wide open.

Finally, he noticed something peculiar.

Something was missing from Siegfried's body—his Saber class proof, the crystallization of the Nibelung forging technique—the Phantasmal Greatsword.

It was the most powerful and sturdy Noble Phantasm he carried, even stronger than the Armor of Fafnir. In his lifetime, he used this sword to break through the dragon scales of the evil dragon Fafnir and ultimately slay it.

Although Karna's final Noble Phantasm "Vasavi Shakti" was absolute destruction, this absolute destruction had a process: the fragile parts would be destroyed first, while the tougher parts could hold on a bit longer.

With the Armor of Fafnir still intact and the edges of the sword not yet reached by the thunder, this sword could not be destroyed.

So, where had the Phantasmal Greatsword gone?

Just as Gordes was pondering this, a faint glimmer of light tore through the thunder of absolute destruction.

It was the Balmung!!!

The surface of the greatsword was wrapped in a faint red glow, making it almost inconspicuous amidst the destructive thunder and flames. Yet, it was this inconspicuous glow that protected the sword itself.

In an instant, Gordes understood—it was his wish, the power of the Command Seal, the light of a miracle.

Realizing that he could not withstand "Vasavi Shakti," Siegfried had poured everything Gordes entrusted to him and his hope into this weapon that had accompanied him in defeating countless formidable foes.

This weapon persevered stubbornly amidst the destruction and finally, in the end, tore open a gap, creating a miracle unimaginable even to the gods.

A miracle is making the impossible possible.

The united effort of the master and servant brought forth new hope.

The flames and thunder surged furiously, trying to drag the sword back into destruction. But the light of the miracle protecting the sword was exceptionally tenacious. No matter how the thunder and fire struck, it remained unshaken until it completely pulled the silver sword-bearing hope away from destruction.

Karna was stunned. Even he did not expect anyone to survive the god-slaying spear.

In that moment of his daze, the Phantasmal Greatsword, protected by the red glow, suddenly radiated brilliant light.

It was still the dusk light, but it was not the light of decline at twilight. It was the final brilliance and splendor a hero exerted with all his might before the end.

"I will strike you down—"

Siegfried, enduring the light of absolute destruction, could no longer make a sound. But it didn't matter, Gordes was still there. He roared the final shout on behalf of his servant.

"—Balmung!!!"

The dusk light bloomed, just like thousands of years ago when the great hero of the Netherlands, despite being covered in wounds, swung the final sword that killed the evil dragon.

No, it was even more splendid than the sword Siegfried wielded in his lifetime.

Because in his lifetime, he was alone, but now he had Master's wholehearted support.

"Go!!!!!!!!!"

The sword energy surged, the sword light crisscrossed, and by the time Karna reacted, the Phantasmal Greatsword had already pierced his chest, destroying his heart and spiritual core.

He did not evade.

Was it because of that moment of daze?

No, even without that moment of hesitation, he couldn't have avoided that sword.

He was too confident in the absolute destruction of his spear, but he forgot that the spear's "absolute destruction" was aimed at a singular "one," while two people were facing him.

"I see, it seems I misjudged. I have lost."

Karna quickly accepted his defeat, his voice entirely devoid of astonishment or regret over his loss.

For someone who always accepted reality calmly, this outcome was by no means unimaginable.

This battle was truly exhilarating. He did not bear any burdens. There were no grudges, no sins, and no inevitability; it was merely a pure promise. Because of this, he cherished it greatly.

The dignity of a warrior, and the resolve to burn everything without hesitation after this battle, were met with the same resolve from Siegfried and his master. For him, this was an invaluable experience.

With the destruction of the spiritual core, the thunder and flames lost their support and dissipated, revealing Siegfried's body, mostly destroyed, with only his head remaining.

Undoubtedly, his spiritual core was also destroyed and he would soon disappear.

"No, you didn't lose, and I didn't win. It can only be considered a draw—sorry, master, although I didn't lose, I didn't fulfill your command."

"No need to apologize."

Gordes, using both hands and feet, stumbled and ran towards Siegfried, who was gradually turning into spirit particles.

"You did great, you did very well. It's my fault. If I had been stronger, perhaps the result would have been different..."

"Don't say that, master. If I hadn't won even with your support, that would be truly useless. However, it was a great battle; as far as endings go, it was not lacking. Farewell, Karna. Farewell, master. I leave the rest to you."

Gordes finally reached Siegfried, who gave him a bright smile before dispersing in the wind, leaving no trace.

"I'll handle it."

Gordes nodded firmly, then turned his gaze to Karna. The latter's body also began to dissipate, but the Phantasmal Greatsword lodged in his chest remained solid. He was fulfilling his promise to Siegfried with his last bit of mana.

Karna pulled out the Phantasmal Greatsword with one hand and tightly gripped the Immortal blade in the other, using his final strength to throw it into the sky.

"Let my spear substitute for Siegfried's armor. I hope you don't mind, Black Assassin!"

Under the radiance of gold and silver, Karna closed his eyes, ending his journey in the Holy Grail War.

The disappearance of the two servants finally brought peace to the battlefield. Completely exhausted, Gordes collapsed on the ground, tears streaming down his face silently, as if not to disturb the rest of the two great heroes.