Chapter 114: Chapter 38. Whispers
I Will Eventually Embark on the Path of No Return Called a Hero [Arc2] - 38. Whispers
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I hate humans…
Each one of them is repulsive. They put on a friendly face as long as they have value, but when their value is gone, their expressions change faster than anything else.
Even if it has nothing to do with them, they will show disgusting jealousy towards the achievements of others.
But there was one person who was different. His smile was incredibly pure. Unlike those who asked him for his techniques, he called him "teacher" from the heart.
Though he still couldn't handle children, …
Avicebron clenched his fists. He didn't want to betray that child's smile.
For a brief moment, a thought rose in Avicebron's heart that it might not matter if the Noble Phantasm couldn't be completed, but this thought was ruthlessly shattered by Kotomine Shirou's words.
"Is that all you wish for?" Kotomine Shirou whispered in Avicebron's ear, like a demon tempting someone to fall, "A true magician is one who immerses himself fully in the mystical arts, unbound by any human constraints. This is what you are. To give up your wish for a fleeting, beautiful fantasy—only to find in the end that your hands hold nothing."
Avicebron's expression under his mask stiffened. Kotomine Shirou's tone, as though having experienced everything, shattered his naïve thoughts.
He had descended to this world to complete his Noble Phantasm, only to abandon his hard work for a smile.
"A magician should… not have a heart," Avicebron tightened his grip on his heart.
"It's not your fault. If you need to blame someone, blame this cruel world. Then use your Noble Phantasm to purify it," Kotomine Shirou patted Avicebron on the shoulder. "Consider it your atonement."
"Can I leave with my Master? He respects me greatly, and as long as I…"
"You need to use him as the core."
Avicebron stared blankly at Kotomine Shirou. No matter how gentle the smile on his face was, Avicebron felt no warmth, only endless coldness.
"Abandon that meaningless thought in your heart. Your Noble Phantasm only has its core left. We can't move it to the hanging garden, but if we use the core, it will activate immediately. As long as it's completed, no one can stop it," Kotomine Shirou leaned closer to Avicebron. Despite the mask, Avicebron felt as if his eyes were being intensely watched.
"We don't have time to find another skilled magician."
"There are other Masters here," Avicebron took a step back.
"But they have command seals and can call back their Servants at any time. Our time is running out. To activate your Noble Phantasm without drawing attention, the most suitable method is to bring your Master over," Kotomine Shirou stood still, calmly looking at Avicebron.
He knew Avicebron's obsession was strong. For someone with such an obsession, it didn't matter what happened to others. Such a person would come to terms with it on their own, even without his pressure. Now, Avicebron was merely deceiving himself. The most suitable core had long been in front of him; he was just pretending not to see it. But time was running out. Though it was somewhat cruel, Kotomine Shirou was still ruthless in exposing Avicebron's mask.
"It's time to reveal your true self."
In the command room, the Black faction Masters were nervously watching the images transmitted by their familiars.
It was truly a battle between Heroic Spirits. Whether it was the thrilling artillery duel between the Red and Black Sabers or Cyd's hard clash with the Twelve Magic Cannons, these magicians marveled at the Heroic Spirits' prowess. The most shocking was the battle between the Red and Black Lancers. Even through the screen, the will emanating from Karna was palpable.
"We should be able to win." Caules adjusted his glasses. "The Berserkers are sweeping the battlefield, and the Dragon Tooth Soldiers are almost dealt with."
"The Archer is suppressing Achilles, but can't take him down immediately," Fiore nodded.
"The Rider… I don't know where he's been blasted off to," Celenike said, her face dark with frustration. Her Servant was probably the least useful, taken out by a single shot at the start and achieving nothing.
"The Saber successfully repelled the Red Saber," Gordes said with some pride. "And is supporting the Lancer."
"This Holy Grail War… we can win!" Darnic tightened his grip on his staff. When he saw Vlad III being suppressed by Karna, he briefly thought about going out to make Vlad III use his Noble Phantasm. The strength of the Red Lancer exceeded his expectations, but Siegfried's appearance relieved him.
As long as Siegfried and Vlad join forces, they will definitely defeat the Red Lancer!
His unfulfilled wish, his destiny, could finally come true.
With the Holy Grail, he could continue his family line and tear off the label imposed by the Mage's Association!
[Your magic circuits are inadequate, at most five generations.]
Just because of that single sentence, everything was lost. Friends, lovers, family—everything was gone. Even his final pride was trampled by the Mage's Association.
But it didn't matter. Everything had become his motivation to strive. Now! It was time to turn all his efforts into results!
Next, he needed to prepare everything, resources and environment, for the future of his children.
At this moment, Darnic felt as though a stone weighing on his heart had disappeared. After his obsession vanished, his vision had broadened, allowing him to see a bit further ahead.
"Hmm? That… The teacher is looking for me," Roche raised his hand and then jumped up from the sofa with a whoosh.
"Hmm, what's the matter?" Darnic looked kindly at the talented young man.
He was also one of the future pillars of the Yggdmillennia.
"Uh…" Darnic's sudden change left Roche somewhat disoriented, but he still wiped his nose and said proudly, "The teacher said he needs me to adjust a golem. I can really help the teacher!"
With that, Roche waved his hand and skipped out of the room.
How nice…
To get along so well with his own Servant.
"Uncle?" Fiore tilted her head.
"No, I'm fine. Just thinking a bit about the future," Darnic shook his head.
"Teacher?"
Roche tilted his head, looking confused at Avicebron, who had his back turned.
"Where is the golem you need me to adjust?"
"Roche? The golem is right here," Avicebron moved aside. "This is the golem I need you to help adjust. My Noble Phantasm, Golem Keter Malkuth: Royal Crown - the Light of Wisdom."
"Oh! Really? Let me adjust your hard work, teacher!" Roche's eyes widened, and his excitement was like a long-awaited acknowledgment of his efforts.
"Yes, only you can," Avicebron stared intensely at the massive golem.
"Great, teacher! I'll do my best!" Roche rolled up his sleeves and struck a determined pose.
However, he didn't notice a sharp blade raised behind him, aiming at his hand marked with a command seal.
"It's so good to have met you, Roche," Avicebron whispered. "For my long-cherished wish…"
Roche's expression froze. His hand… was gone!
"Ah! My… my hand! Teacher's command seal!" Roche fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder, tears and saliva mixing. "Teacher! Teacher!"
A hand grabbed Roche's neck from behind and pressed him into the core position of the Malkuth.
"Teacher, save me! I…"
"Sacrifice yourself."
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