Chapter 77: Guardian Knight, Artoria

Time passed, and finally, the Holy Grail War was about to come to an end.

Artoria arrived at her destination—a large auditorium. At its center, the Holy Grail emitted a dazzling magical radiance.

This is it?

This was the omnipotent wish-granting device, the powerful Holy Grail she had sought. Victory was within her grasp.

"Irisviel, I will definitely obtain it."

Gripping her sword tightly, Artoria advanced toward the Holy Grail with unwavering determination.

But at that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows—her Master, Kiritsugu Emiya.

Kiritsugu raised the back of his hand, revealing three intact Command Seals. Without hesitation, he issued his order:

"I, Kiritsugu Emiya, in the name of the Command Seal—release your Noble Phantasm! Destroy the Holy Grail!"

Artoria's eyes widened in shock.

"What are you doing?!"

A violent whirlwind erupted, twisting the air as flames flickered wildly. The golden sword, Excalibur, materialized in her hand. Against her will, the Command Seal forced her to act.

"No! Stop!"

Her shout echoed through the hall. For a brief moment, her Magic Resistance resisted the Command Seal's compulsion, halting Excalibur's activation.

"The Holy Grail is right before us! What madness is this?!"

But Kiritsugu did not relent. His Command Seal flared crimson once more.

"In the name of the Command Seal—Saber, release your Noble Phantasm!"

Artoria's resistance shattered. Magical energy surged uncontrollably into Excalibur, its radiant light engulfing the night.

BOOM!

The blast struck the Holy Grail—but instead of destruction, a torrent of black mud erupted from within. Like a tidal wave, it flooded the hall, consuming everything in its path. Kiritsugu, seeing his plan unfold, retreated into a nearby room.

Yet this was only the beginning.

The black mud surged outward, spreading like a plague. Flames, like crimson dragons, devoured buildings and lives alike. Over 500 perished, and 134 structures burned to ashes. The city became a hellscape of despair.

Kiritsugu watched silently, his heart numb.

Meanwhile, the black mud lunged toward Artoria. Broken by guilt, she stood frozen, unwilling to resist.

"I... did all of this...?"

Just as the darkness was about to consume her, a brilliant light split the sky—slicing through the encroaching corruption.

Arthur stood before her, his voice filled with sorrow.

"Are you alright, Artoria?"

"I... destroyed everything..."

"No. This was not your doing." Arthur turned his gaze to the writhing black mass above. "They were killed by the Holy Grail—by Angra Mainyu!"

Artoria looked up. The black mud had coalesced into a monstrous form—Angra Mainyu, now twice as powerful as before.

Kiritsugu stepped forward, his expression grim.

"You’ve seen the evil within the Holy Grail," Arthur said. "Its power is immense, and now all the world’s corruption has gathered. I cannot defeat it alone."

Kiritsugu understood. "What do you need?"

"I need Artoria."

Without hesitation, Kiritsugu raised his last Command Seal.

"In the name of the Command Seal—Saber, obey Arthur Pendragon’s command!"

A red light enveloped Artoria, but this time, she did not resist.

Arthur placed a hand on her head, his voice gentle yet firm.

"Artoria, will you become my Guardian Knight?"

Without hesitation, she knelt.

"I, Artoria Pendragon, swear upon my life—I shall protect you, now and forever!"

Arthur smiled.

"I, Arthur Pendragon, declare you my blade and my shield. May the light of knighthood forever guide you!"

A radiant bond formed between them—a bridge of trust and resolve.

"What now?" Artoria asked, her gaze fixed on the looming Angra Mainyu.

A voice echoed in Arthur’s mind:

"Mission issued: Eradicate this world’s evil. Reward: One random draw."

Arthur smirked. "Even the system despises Angra Mainyu."

Excalibur gleamed in his grip.

"Then let me tear you apart—once and for all!"

The final battle had begun.

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