Pochi-chan, I used to be a princess.

Tawaratota smiled calmly and said, "Well, it's a rare ultimate move, but it would be too lonely without an audience, so I'll just stay here. Let me see what you can do. Don't worry, if you mess up, I'll find a way. Please fire away without any worries."

Arash also smiled: "...I see. As a fellow Archer, I can't let you see my embarrassing side."

"My friend, sooner or later there will be a day like this for you and me, arranged by Hachiman Daibosho, to fight side by side against a powerful enemy."

Zaimokuza Yoshiki swung his coat vigorously and looked back at Hikigaya Hachiman, a fierce look appearing on his slightly fat face.

The scene playing on the screen at this time really hit his sweet spot. The brave and fearless warriors charged towards the gods in the sky with the goal of resisting the god-like power. Moreover, one of them was Tawara Tota, a believer of Hachiman Daibosatsu, which made him feel more involved.

Hikigaya Hachiman rolled his eyes at Zaimokuza Yoshiteru on the surface, but he was actually looking forward to how powerful Tawarota would be.

The Inquisition, who can take over from Arash and fight against a crater with one shot, must have a very powerful treasure, right?

Hiratsuka Shizuka said excitedly, "Speaking of the legend of Tawara Tota, he shot down a giant snake that circled the mountain seven times with a single arrow. It's almost as good as dealing with the Holy Judgement that fell from the sky."

The golden beam of light pierced through the atmosphere and slowly descended. It looked slow due to the vast distance, but in reality, it wasn't slow at all.

“O Allah, the Sun-like, Most Holy.”

Arash stretched his bow beyond its limit, feeling the magical power overflowing throughout his body, and wove words in response.

“O Allah, the Radiant One, who bestows wisdom, majesty, and power.”

"I still remember when I uttered these words in my lifetime, on the Persian land that had become the human world at the end of the noble yet illusory Age of the Gods. These were the prayers uttered by the archers under the command of the great Emperor Menuchehel, the legitimate heir of the dragon-slayer, to embellish the final moments of his life."

"Come to think of it, it is indeed so. Isn't it like a life built up bit by bit towards the end?"

"He is completely incomparable to this mortal world, possessing a power so powerful that it could be said to linger in the Age of Gods. Born like this, as an exception, his life as the greatest hero is destined to be."

"As a hero, he fought against many and slew many. Under the king's command, he drew his bow to end the sixty-year war with Turku."

[“Please understand my sincerity, my faith, and my ability!”]

"And then, the time arrived. The bloody days and nights of battle came to an end, a moment the people of both nations had eagerly awaited."

"Besieged by Emperor Menuchel, General Vlasiaber of Turku requested to end the war by determining the borders of the kingdoms. With the emperor's approval, the task of demarcating the borders fell upon his shoulders."

"Of course, it's impossible to forget. The arrow shot after praying is loaded with wishes."

"The people, the soldiers, their wives, their parents, their friends, all worn out by the long war, place their hopes on this vision of peace, regardless of vassal states. And this wish must be fulfilled by me."

"Look, O Creator of the stars and moons. Witness my actions, my end, the supreme devotion I will achieve!"

Arash prayed and pulled the bow dedicated to the gods with all his strength.

[Shoot the reed arrow, the arrow of salvation to end this battle filled with suffering.]

"——Stella!!"

[This is a unique skill that is still fresh in the memory of people in West Asia even after thousands of years.]

This form of wish, beyond the reach of any truly human being, can only be fulfilled by those who have been transported by the Age of Gods. Strangely enough, at almost the same moment, the miracle performed by the sage who is said to have appeared in Egypt and led the Nārīmī people resembled this beam of light that split the earth.

[But this isn't a miracle of the saints that split the sea; it's the end of the archers' aspirations to sever the earth. An extremely long-range attack of 2,500 kilometers.]

In the past, an arrow shot eastward from Mount Damavand reached the distant Oxus River. It is said that the land divided by the arrow formed a national border that lasted for more than two thousand years.

[Sever the land, end the conflict between the two nations—a supernatural skill that determines the borders of nations for the sake of lasting peace.]

[Arash's body gradually shattered, and the reed arrow shot from the bow flew into the sky.]

The sky was split open. The flying reed arrow was like a giant axe, splitting the sky as it had split the earth in the past. The wave of the arrow's passage split the air, and white clouds spread behind the arrow's feathers, echoing with a thunderous roar.

The reed arrow struck the spear of light falling from the sky. Arrowhead met spearpoint, and a magical power erupted between them, shaking the world. Everywhere it reached was filled with radiant, surging light. Scattering and rippling, it devoured everything with all its might.

The massive spear of light gradually shattered, and countless light particles filled the sky like a starry sky. When the reed arrow pierced the spear of light, it was like the last flash of light before dawn, and the golden light particles in the sky gradually dissipated.

Countless viewers were shocked.

Arash's will and Meteor's power are simply incomparably powerful.

"Who can compare? No one can compare!"

People couldn't help but sigh.

In terms of the will and awareness to usher in peace, no one in the Akashic Records could compare to Arash.

Although Arash is not the only one fighting for peace, the will and awareness they show cannot be compared with Arash.

This is not a difference in strength, but a perception of peace and the realm of life.

“May you be happy in heaven.”

“May the people of the world inherit your spirit.”

"Hopefully there will never be another war."

"Please bless this world and let peace always exist."

I don't know how many people stood up and paid tribute to Arash, hoping that this state of dedication to peace could be passed down forever. People in the West Asia region were in tears and prayed sincerely to this great hero.

Tawaratota sighed deeply, "...I can only think of admiration. While there are others who can shoot down stars, only this one has the divine skill to shatter them. His reputation is well-deserved. So beautiful, Arash. A truly powerful blow, as if possessed by the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman."

At the cave entrance, Sanzang burst into tears, "Too much, too much...! Even a Buddha would be saddened by something like this...! Wow, wow! Arash-san said he was happy to be summoned and to become a Servant. He said so himself, idiot, idiot!"

The children hiding in the cave also showed sad expressions. They had not witnessed Arash's death, but only heard Sanzang's crying and realized that the big brother who had always played with them, taught them archery, helped them hunt, and kept them safe was dead.

The children's eyes turned red, tears welling up in their sockets.

Tawara Tota hurriedly called out, "Calm down, Sanzo, and don't cry in front of the children. Your wailing will make everyone else cry too."

Sanzang burst into tears and shouted at Tawara Tota rudely, "I'm very sad, so what's wrong with crying? Besides, Tota, what have you done?"

Tawaratota was speechless, then began to mutter, "Hmm, that hits a sore spot... At least I drank my wine and watched him leave. I'd never say that again..."

Sanzang glared and lunged at Tawara Tota, beating him with his pink fists while cursing, "I heard everything, idiot! Why do you men always choose this way of saying goodbye?"

[Fujimaru Ritsuka walked out of the cave and couldn't help but sigh: "Sanzang is in a bad mood..."]

Mashu said sadly, "...Yes. Thanks to Mr. Arash, the village was saved. However, the price was... a Noble Phantasm that came at the cost of my own destruction... To think such a thing existed, it's not right..."

[After hearing Mash's words, Bedivere fell strangely silent.]

Chapter 233 The Weird Lion King

In the sacred chalk city of Camelot, within the solemn and majestic royal palace, the Lion King sat impassively on his throne. Lancelot, clad in purple armor, hurried in, knelt on one knee before the Lion King, and bowed his head. "I have returned, Your Majesty. I was carrying out an urgent mission for the Aide-de-camp, and I beg your forgiveness for the delay in my return."

The Lion King said calmly, "It's alright. The mission I've ordered you to perform is to protect those who meet the qualifications for the Saint's Baal. As long as you complete it successfully, I won't punish you. Hold your head high."

Lancelot raised his head and said solemnly, "Yes. I am deeply grateful. It is my great pleasure to have spared your majesty's favor. There are twelve people who are worthy of the Holy Rank. They have entered the Holy City and have been handed over to the administrators. From now on, I will also join the Holy City's defense. Your Excellency, the Assistant Officer, do you have any objections?"

Lancelot turned his gaze to the Lion King's side. Aggiwen's expression was as cold as stone.

Agguiwen said coldly, "...Of course. While the time spent on suppressing the rebels is a problem, since the king has already pardoned you, I will not inquire further. You will be assigned to guard the Third Spire. Thanks to your contributions, the king's plan has entered its final stages. The showdown with Osmandis is approaching. The Third Spire is the key point of the royal city's defense. It is an honor for you to be in charge of this defense. Report to the tower immediately."

Lancelot did not leave: "... Before that, please allow me to ask a question, my king."

Agguiwen rebuked, "This is disrespectful and meaningless. The King still needs to prepare for the Holy Lance. Watch your words."

The Lion King said, "Wait a moment, Aggiwen. This is the wish of a knight who has performed long missions without asking for any reward. I cannot refuse."

Agguiwen said reluctantly, "...Yes. You are permitted to speak. Speak, Sir Lancelot."

Lancelot said, "This time, I attacked the rebel village at Sir Tristan's request. It was because the village was harboring the rebels who had committed the crime of violating the Holy City's main gate, and I assisted them."

The Lion King nodded slightly. "I heard that. Well done, Lancelot. So what?"

Lancelot said in a grave tone, "...Why use the Holy Lance? Even the fires set by Sir Tristan in this battle were excessive. To send down the Light of Judgment on top of that would be too cruel. Your Majesty is using the Holy Lance to rule this wilderness. Moreover, even for the rebels, you have never sent down the Light of Judgment on their inhabited areas... In the face of the current crisis, terror is being used to quickly bring this region under control. We firmly believe this is the justice of the Lion King."

As he spoke, Lancelot turned his stern gaze towards Agraven and said pointedly, "But using the Holy Lance against a village is different. It is not only unjust, but even beyond the realm of terror. King, why did you treat that village this way? Please tell me your true intentions. If this was not your decision, but the opinion of someone else who participated in the administration, then it goes without saying. I'm sure the nobles present here are also concerned about whether the king's judgment was made by himself."

Anyone could tell that Lancelot's words were an accusation that someone was manipulating the Lion King and was using force against civilians.

Hoshino Miyako muttered to herself, "In other words, Lancelot truly believes that killing those who haven't passed the Holy Ba is a form of justice, and that he uses terror for the greater good, but that killing civilians beyond that is a crime."

Miyako Hoshino felt confused. From Lancelot's attitude, it was difficult for her to judge whether her father from the last week was good or bad.

Agguiwen asked coldly, "...What do you want to say, Sir Lancelot? Your words seem to have a deeper meaning."

Lancelot said righteously, "Only those with evil intentions would think so. We at the Round Table do not need any suspicious people."

Agguiwen's eyes turned cold: "...you."

The Lion King said, "Back off, Agaguiwen... Humph. I don't know why, but you always lose your temper when facing Lancelot. Listen carefully, my knights. The purge carried out by the Holy Lance is all my will."

The reason why the Holy Judgment has never been carried out in a populated area is simple: burning a village would only fuel the flames of resistance. This would strengthen the cohesion among the mountain dwellers, leading them to form an army capable of invading the Holy City. That would be pointless.

There's no time to waste on this boring mopping-up battle before we've completed the preparations for the Holy Lance. But the Holy Lance has entered its final stages. The Tower of the End can finally accommodate us.

Our greatest enemy was once time. We must open the Tower of the End before the king who completed the Burning of Humanity enters the next stage. And now, that is almost done. The resistance of the mountain dwellers is no longer a threat.

Therefore, I directly carried out the rectification of the village. If this leads to the rise of resistance forces, so be it. If it is a small-scale group that intends to perish along with the Holy City, the task of annihilating them will be left to Gao Wenqing alone.

This is my true meaning. Any objection, Knight Lancelot.

Takagi Saya said thoughtfully, "Tower of the End? It sounds like a kind of refuge."

Busujima Saeko said calmly, "Building a refuge before the end of the world, protecting those who can be accommodated, and executing those who become obstacles, there is nothing wrong with this."

Komuro Takashi frowned and said, "Just drive away those who cannot be tolerated. With the strength of the Holy City, are you still afraid of those who may resent you? Can such behavior really be called kindness?"

Komuro Takashi couldn't help but question the legitimacy of this behavior. Even though they were under the banner of saving some people, their actions did not show any respect for life.

These Knights of the Round Table and the Lion King, do they really care about the life and death of humans?

Hirano Toda whispered, "The Lion King's attitude is very strange. Why did she say something like, 'I don't know why, but whenever you go up against Lancelot, you always lose your temper?' I remember that Agravain died because he brought Mordred and 12 Knights of the Round Table to block Lancelot and Queen Guinevere's secret meeting. Lancelot then beat him to death with a single punch, snatched his weapons, and defeated the other 13 Knights of the Round Table. Afterwards, his brother Gawain said that he deserved to be beaten to death for not listening to his advice. King Arthur believed that if he hadn't listened to Agravain's advice, so many knights wouldn't have been killed."

Miyamoto Rei exclaimed in surprise, "Is this true? This is too clownish! Why is he acting like he's second to none?"

Takagi Saya said, "Because the Lion King's attitude is abnormal, could it be that the Lion King has no memory of that time?"

Jing Haoyong speculated, "Is this the kind of plot where a treacherous minister deceives the emperor?"

Busujima Saeko shook her head. "It doesn't look like that. The Lion King's authority is supreme. I don't see that Agaguiwen has the right to resist."

Takagi Saya crossed her arms and said unhappily, "Isn't that even weirder?"

Lancelot hurriedly said, "But...! In that case, there's no need for punishment! If the Holy City's defenses were flawless, there's no need to take their lives needlessly...!"

Tristan walked in from the palace gate and interrupted Lancelot: "...No, the defense is not perfect. The threat that disturbed the heart of our king still exists... Sir Lancelot. This is due to our negligence."

Gawain turned and greeted Tristan: "You're back, Tristan... But what do you mean by that?"

Tristan said melancholy, "...Sadly, the East Village has not been destroyed. Perhaps it was due to the resistance of the rebel Servants. They were completely shielded from the King's Holy Light."

Agguiwen asked in astonishment, "You said they were able to defend against the Holy Lance's attack? There's no such chess piece among them...!"

Tristan said, "But there is one among them. Arash, a master who is as good as me."

When people in Central Asia heard Tristan's words, they scoffed.

How can a knight whose most famous legend is about love be compared to a hero who divided the border between two countries with a single arrow and brought peace to them?

Mordred yelled loudly, "Really? That bastard is pretty powerful!"

Agguiwen looked at Mordred coldly: "Shut up, Mordred! You'll be scolded by the Lion King!"

Tristan said, "...Yes, he is indeed remarkable. Moreover, he was the opponent I asked Sir Lancelot to defeat... While it is true that my judgment was too naive, Lancelot, you are also at fault. As a result, the rebels survived and left the mountain. I knew they were heading towards the desert, but my thoughts snapped at that moment. Perhaps they were planning to join forces with Osmanthus. ...This is the worst possible combination."

Agguiwen angrily said, "What a mistake...! How will you take responsibility for this, Lancelot?"

Lancelot said calmly, "...Needless to say. Track down the rebels and capture them. Please wait until I have cleared my name before imposing punishment. I will then hand over this head to the king for his punishment."

Agguiwen said coldly, "No need, you fool! The pursuit will be left to others! You won't be given another chance! Lord Gao Wen, arrest Lancelot! Tomorrow morning, he will be dismissed from his post and sentenced to house arrest."

The Lion King disagrees: "Can you catch up, Lancelot? The rebels' star is swift and free. Can you catch it?"

Lancelot raised his sword and said solemnly, "Of course. By my sword, Arondite, I swear."

Agguiwen hurriedly called out, "King!"

The Lion King gazed at Lancelot. "I command you to hunt down the rebels, Lancelot. Go quickly. The wall of the royal city will soon appear. Return before then."

Lancelot accepted the order with surprise. He stood up, glanced at Agrawen, and walked out of the palace in high spirits.

Chapter 234: Beating the Old Father

【Agguiwen couldn't help but show his anger.】

The Lion King calmly soothed him, "Don't be so agitated, Agaguiwen. Nothing will go wrong if we just leave it to Lancelot."

Agguiwen said with a grim expression: "...Perhaps...that's the case. You always trust him so much...I have overstepped the bounds. Please forgive me, my king."

Tristan interrupted, "...Sir Aggiwen. I have one more thing to report. Can I continue?"