362 Final Struggle (I)
*WHOOSH—!*
In the pitch-black universe, crimson flames, like tides, mixed with thunder-like flashes, tore through the darkness, engulfing countless beautiful figures filled with indescribable allure, showing no mercy nor pity.
Yet, in the next moment, these figures reappeared, mocking as they looked at two men, a hint of glee playing at their lips.
"I need to admit, your resilience is somewhat beyond my expectations, but come on, you two should probably face reality by now, right?"
The vast and dim universe was adorned with countless shimmering stars, sparkling like pearls strewn across a black curtain, radiant and resplendent.
As if resonating with the countless stars, numerous figures appeared in various corners of the universe.
They were either young, childlike, or mature, but without exception, they all possessed beautiful features and an indescribable allure, akin to pristine angels yet akin to captivating devils.
They seemed like spectators in an arena, mocking as they observed the two weary beasts trapped in cages, their eyes filled with cold amusement and the thrill of revenge.
"Hey, still planning to resist to the bitter end?"
Kama remarked casually as she examined her nails, her gaze flicking between Heracles and Arkhan, a mocking curve playing at the corners of her lips.
Heracles and Arkhan stood side by side, silent. It wasn't that they didn't want to speak, but they needed to focus all their energy on the fight rather than futile arguments.
Now, they found themselves on the brink of desperation, their powers drained despite the restoration granted by command spells.
The obsidian longbow in Heracles's hand had dulled completely, cracks like spiderwebs forming on its surface like fragile glass on the verge of shattering after enduring countless battles.
Arkhan no longer wielded the Might of An-Utu nor Cleaver of Shamash but instead held dual pistols of Judgment of Shamash. His depleted magical energy prevented him from maintaining Shamash in its greatsword form, while the other Divine Keys remained in slumber.
Undoubtedly, this was the worst situation he had ever encountered after becoming a Servant.
After the homunculus cultivation chamber in the Fortress of Millennia was destroyed, he couldn't unscrupulously use his magical energy as before and had to conserve and utilize it as effectively as possible.
It was not as easy as in the previous world where he had several magical energy reactors from Kayneth.
Needless to say, both Arkhan and Heracles were now at their wits' end.
"Considering your decent strength, I can give you one more chance." Kama leaned back as if on an invisible chair, her fair, slender legs crossing elegantly. "If you kneel down and kiss my feet now, I might spare you and even allow you to serve me as my personal servants. You know, opportunities to serve a god up close aren't something everyone gets."
"Hmph, serve a god..." Heracles scoffed, his tone dripping with irony.
Once he had kneeled, but how could he allow himself to do so again?
He was a Greek hero, a demigod, the culmination of the legendary twelve labors. His history, his beliefs, and his pride destined him to die on the battlefield, to die gloriously without regret!
Black flames flickered and swiftly engulfed Heracles's body, spreading like wildfire, leaving cracks wherever they touched—his torso, arms, thighs, fingers—signs of his Saint Graph's imminent collapse.
*Crack* *Crack* *Crack* *Crack!*
The sound of glass shattering seemed to emanate from within Heracles's body, heralding the collapse of his existence.
In this final moment, the Greek hero no longer hesitated. With his belief, magical energy, resolve, Saint Graph, Noble Phantasm, everything—he stood amidst the rising black flames, towering tens of meters high, a manifestation of his glory in the endless darkness of the universe.
This was his pride!
No compromise, no retreat.
With unwavering faith and indomitable spirit, Heracles embraced his destiny, for heroes only knew glory in death!
"It's really your style, huh..."
Arkhan remarked as he glanced at Heracles, his face as stoic as a sculpture, a hint of madness curving his lips.
"Since that's the case, then I'll go on this path with you, even if it costs me my life."
*Crack* *Crack* *Crack*
Suddenly, cracks like mirrors burst forth on Arkhan's face, then spread across his body like dominoes falling, filling every corner with golden flames that dispersed the darkness and cold of the universe.
In his hand, Judgment of Shamash erupted in flames once more. In this searing blaze, a greatsword wrapped in fiery golden flames slowly materialized, like a rising sun.
Arkhan and Heracles exchanged a glance, a smile appearing on their faces. Though they hadn't known each other long, at this moment, some kind of bond beyond time and space connected them.
"Sorry, I won't be able to fulfill the promise I made to you..."
Heracles spoke as the obsidian longbow in his hand gradually transformed into a rugged stone axe-sword. His muscles tensed like blocks of stone, despite his body being on the brink of its limits. His strength, however, was unprecedented, like a dormant volcano ready to erupt.
"Cerberus, I might not be able to hand it over to you."
After all, he had just sacrificed his King's Order moments ago.
"No worries. I'll remember to ask for it when I see you next time." Arkhan casually replied. "I'm a bit petty like that. Whoever owes me something, I'll chase them to the ends of the earth to get it back."
Upon hearing that, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Heracles's mouth.
"You better be careful. My memory isn't great. Next time we meet, I might not remember you."
"Don't worry, I'll find a way to jog your memory." Arkhan smiled and responded nonchalantly.
"Is that so? Then I'll rest easy." Heracles smiled.
Watching the two men's powers grow more intense, Kama, nonchalant before, now wore a serious expression. Somehow, even in her own universe, she couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety.
'These two...'
Kama clenched her teeth tightly, her complexion visibly darkening at an alarming rate. If it weren't for her desire to recruit these two men, she wouldn't have dragged things out for so long. Since they were so bent on seeking death, she couldn't be bothered to continue playing along!
"Ignorant fools!" Kama snorted coldly, raising her arm.
Endless radiance emanated from the crown of light on her head, swiftly coalescing into a thick, sturdy whip of light that exuded terrifying power and awe-inspiring might.
Her other doubles also raised their arms, each wielding a similar whip of light. In an instant, countless light whips filled every corner of the universe, resembling a radiant forest!
It was easy to imagine the devastating power this forest of light would bring upon its descent. Even a planet standing in its path would be utterly destroyed by its unparalleled might.
This was the power of Beast III/L!
Arkhan and Heracles faced the endless whips of light without fear or despair. Since the moment they decided to burn themselves, they had already set their lives aside.
Whatever happened, their resolve wouldn't waver.
