DanMachi: The Epic of the Heroic Spirits of Emiya Shirou

However, just as it was about to cross the passage and rush into the huge room, a black heavy axe cleaved down from the sky, smashing its hard skull.

With Hrunting in his left hand and Nine Lives in his right, Emiya stood blocking the only entrance.

"Projection, begin (Trace, on)!!!"

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and entered the passage.

With each step forward, several silver-white spears appeared, their shafts slanted into the ground with their tips pointing forward.

The spears were arranged in a crisscross pattern, forming a dense steel spear array behind Emiya.

The Spear of Leonidas

Leonidas, the Spartan king, is known as the hero who fought against a Persian army of 100,000 with only 300 men at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Beyond the gun emplacement lies the enormous room where the Lone King of the Labyrinth resides.

Before that, there was a raging tide of beasts.

And, there was only one soldier standing in front of the gun formation.

"The effect of the skill [?????? (Roadless Valhalla)] is activated."

Temporarily acquired the skill [Battle for Fourth Place]

In that instant, Emiya felt as if he were hallucinating; he seemed to hear the confident and flamboyant voices of men behind him.

"Alright, it's time for battle. Day and night, let's fight until we fall!"

"Son of man, do not be afraid, cross the 'trial'!"

"Let me show you the spirit of Sparta! We will not retreat an inch; wherever we stand, that is Thermopylae!"

For some reason, his mood calmed down, and he stared directly at the monsters in front of him who were intimidated by his momentary aura.

"From this moment forward, passage is prohibited."

Chapter Forty-Six: The Power of Heroic Spirits

Countless monsters were gathered in the passage.

Hundreds and thousands of monsters born throughout the seventeenth floor followed the call of the Lone King of the Labyrinth and arrived at this place.

The accumulation of numbers can create terrifying violence, just as even a level 4 adventurer would not dare to directly withstand the combined fiery breath of a dozen hellhounds.

Even first-level adventurers may be overwhelmed by endless waves of monsters.

Monsters are different from humans; a single, powerful warrior can rout an army of thousands. Even the most elite troops cannot maintain morale in the face of absolute violence. The story of one person destroying the courage, boldness, and confidence of millions is a true tale in this world.

Monsters, on the other hand, are different. A single monster may be afraid, timid, or turn and run away, but when thousands of monsters gather together, all that remains in their will is the most essential madness.

However, the monsters hesitated before a man. They sensed something deeper than instinct from his upright figure, the axe and greatsword in his hand, and the array of steel spears behind him.

"Roar--"

But soon, the mad instinct took over again. A hellhound roared, and from that roar, countless monsters began to roar and charge.

"what!!!!!!"

Their response was a roar that grew even more powerful.

【Red Plains Hound】slashed horizontally with lightning speed, like a black bolt of lightning, instantly tearing through the air to meet the hellhound that pounced from mid-air.

The sword pierced its waist with precision in an instant, and with a shrill scream, the massive body was severed in two, and blood rained down.

The greatsword seemed to possess a life of its own, greedily absorbing the monster's blood. After its pure black blade was saturated with blood, it shimmered with an eerie red light, like hellfire burning in the night.

At the same time, the ferocious axe was raised high above its head and swung down with a whooshing sound, smashing down on the Minotaur with the force of a mountain being shattered.

The heavy stone axe in the monster's hand shattered instantly under the impact of the giant axe, splitting open along with the Minotaur's thick head. Blood and bone fragments flew everywhere, and the giant axe brought with it an overwhelming aura of death.

The durability and vitality that once terrified countless opponents were like fragile paper before the heavy giant axe called "Shoot a Hundred Heads," offering no resistance whatsoever.

Each swing of the axe was like unleashing a devastating hurricane of death. The air was filled with the sound of wind being torn apart and the dying howls of monsters. Before that heavy axe, all struggles, whether in terms of strength or durability, seemed utterly insignificant.

A group of monsters from Greek mythology attempted to defy the power of the Nine Lives—

You bunch of bastards, are you trying to insult Hercules?!

Wielding two heavy weapons in his hands should have been an extremely illogical fighting style, but in Emiya's hands, this madness transformed into unparalleled power. The greatsword and axe moved swiftly in his hands, as if weightless, unleashing a series of lightning-fast attacks.

The pitch-black sword light poured down like a torrential rain, wave after wave, endlessly raining down on the oncoming horde of monsters. The sharp blades tore through the air, accompanied by heart-wrenching screams, but even those cries were drowned out by the storm of sword light.

The black greatsword was gradually enveloped in a deep red light, blood flowing down its blade, as if activating this dormant weapon of mass destruction. The blade devoured the lives of all living beings, as if it had gained its own consciousness. The stench of blood grew stronger, and the demonic madness emanating from the sword surged like a tide, even making the air heavy and suffocating.

Many monsters also tried to force their way through the entrance guarded by the warriors, but as soon as their bodies crashed into the spear formation, they were pierced by the spears and died on the spot; those who were lucky enough to survive were also killed by Emiya with a backhand amidst their screams.

"If we don't kill the man in front of us, we can't break through that gun formation," even the crazed monsters gradually realized this.

Three tiger claws pounced like a whirlwind, their strength no less than that of the Minotaur. Their sharp, knife-like claws sliced ​​through the air, gleaming with a deadly cold light.

The tiger claws attacked swiftly and fiercely, unstoppable, each strike capable of tearing through steel. A whirlwind of speed and oppressive force swept over him, the claws aimed directly at Emiya's chest.

"Roar!" Tiger Claw roared, even though its body had been pierced by the heavy sword and blood was gushing out, it still did not back down and continued to charge forward. Its sharp claws grabbed at the boy's shoulder in an instant before being severed.

Claws slashed across his shoulder, tearing a deep gash, blood gushing from the wound and staining his armor crimson. Yet, Emiya's gaze remained cold, unwavering. The excruciating pain in his shoulder did not weaken his will; instead, it ignited a fire within him.

"【Unyielding】Skill effect activated: Strength increased, durability recovery increased."

"【Battle for the Last Stand】 skill effect activated: During defensive battles or gatekeeping battles, strength, durability, and defense are increased; the skill effect is enhanced in adverse situations; and the skill effect is further enhanced in desperate situations."

Emiya raised his axe high and slammed it down on the tiger-claw monster. The claws and the monster's life force were shattered together, and a mist of blood spread through the air. He stood in the center of the blood-red battlefield, his body bathed in the blood of his enemies, covered in wounds, yet he stood firm like a hero from mythology.

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!!!"

The greatsword, now completely transformed into a deep crimson, was swung, and the surging sword light erupted like a storm, instantly slicing through all the enemies around him.

The unicorn rabbit, a monster with white fur and a single horn, appears cute but is actually a fanatical warlike creature. A single individual is merely the weakest enemy in the mid-levels; a Lv.1 adventurer can manage to hold off one. However, when they swarm together, transforming into a raging torrent, their threat level rises dramatically, making them considered Lv.2 monsters specializing in speed and attack power.

However, at this moment, Emiya's sword was even faster than the charging unicorn rabbits, slicing through with a chilling light. Before the unicorn rabbits, their deep red eyes flashing with fighting spirit, could even get close, they were all reduced to ashes in the sword light.

A few lucky unicorn rabbits managed to break through the sword barrier, slashing Emiya's body with their sharp horns, leaving several bloody wounds. But their lives were ended in an instant. With a crisp cracking sound of their neck bones breaking, those few unicorn rabbits that broke through were crushed in the neck by Emiya's foot, sinking into a pool of blood with their final cries.

The Crystal Mantis, a rare and precious monster, also appeared. Its body is made of translucent crystal, with light flowing within it. Its unique body makes it one of the most difficult monsters in the middle levels to be harmed by magical attacks.

However, its dazzling shell was as fragile as thin ice under the heavy blow of the Red Plains Hound.

With a resounding crash, the heavy sword slammed into its crystalline shell, causing the crystal to crack and shatter, turning into countless shimmering powders that fell like rain of light into the sea of ​​blood.

And then, even more monsters—Minotaur, hellhounds, tiger claws—swept in like a tidal wave.

The roar of the Black Goliath drove them completely mad, burning with endless greed and rage, as they launched countless charges at Emiya without fear of death.

What met them was a slash like the Grim Reaper wielding his scythe. The sword light that Emiya unleashed was neither slaughter nor a final act of redemption for these mad beings.

The blood transformed into thin, elongated streaks, splattering outwards in a ring, as if carving a blazing "ring of divine punishment" beneath his feet.

The hellhounds in the distance no longer charged irrationally as before. They began to gather, their bloodthirsty eyes filled with savagery, and then they all opened their hideous maws and spewed out scorching flames.

The flames burned and spread in the air, forming an overwhelming wave of heat that seemed to completely engulf the man's figure.

Throughout the entire middle level, this flame was undoubtedly one of the deadliest attacks from all the monsters. Countless adventurers' lives were reduced to ashes by the hellhounds' breath, leaving scorched earth in its wake.

However, facing this terrifying flame capable of incinerating everything, Emiya showed no sign of backing down. He neither dodged nor evaded, but simply gripped his axe tightly and swung it with all his might. The giant axe drew a perfect circle in the air, instantly engulfing the surging flames.

The black sword light ignited a layer of blazing golden ring, and the embers of the flames danced around the axe blade, like the edge of the sun's corona, fiery and dazzling.

The axe seemed to merge with the flames, transforming in Emiya's hands into an unparalleled weapon of slaughter, unleashing both intense heat and the aura of power.

The flying dragon, a dragon-shaped monster that is five meters long including its tail, is the only monster that can withstand flames and heavy axes and still charge forward.

The red, dragon-like monster charged towards Emiya, using its massive body to break the ring swung by the giant axe.

Even with its head severed, the dragon still delivered a heavy impact with its massive body, causing Emiya to cough up a mouthful of hot blood.

"【Unyielding】Skill effect activated: Strength increased, Stamina recovery greatly improved"

"Temporarily gains the ability to develop [Berserk] G"

"Temporarily gains the ability to develop [Berserk] F"

"Ah ah ah ah ah!!!!!"

Using the dragon's body to block another round of the hellhounds' breath, Emiya charged forward.

The monsters didn't advance an inch; instead, he found himself in an even more forward position.

However, this alone was far from enough. Although he could withstand the monsters' attacks, their numbers were simply too overwhelming. He had to find a way to annihilate them all before his physical and mental strength were completely exhausted.

That's not enough. I need even greater power.

"—Grow bigger!"

Such a sound came from behind.

"With their strength and actions, countless treasures and countless wishes will come. When the bells toll, they will pray for glory and dreams."

It was a melancholy and ethereal female voice.

"—Grow bigger!"

However, at this moment, the voice was so resolute.

"This body, having swallowed divine delicacies, is bestowed with the golden light of the gods. Returning the mallet to the earth, it is a blessing."

It was like a devout prayer, a prayer from a distant land.

"—Grow bigger!"

Golden particles of light surged into the boy's body like a warm tide, instantly permeating every inch of his flesh and blood.

My body became unusually light, as if freed from the constraints of gravity, and everything around me slowed down several times over. Enemies and their movements became clearer and more sluggish, and the weapon in my hand seemed to have become one with my body, making it easier to control, as if it were an extension of my body.

The feeling was like parched earth finally receiving the nourishment of a clear spring; the previously severe injuries became insignificant, as if they had never existed. Exhausted muscles were filled with strength again, and depleted physical energy was rapidly restored, even stronger than before.

If he had to describe it in one sentence, it would be that he had achieved a sublimation of the essence of life. Every breath he took was filled with boundless power, as if at this moment he had transcended the boundaries of the mortal world and approached the realm of the divine.

【Wanbao Hammer】

This is Haruhime Sanjou's only magic, and its effect is very simple, which can be described in just two words—"level up".

This effect can only be applied to one person, lasts for fifteen minutes, and raises the target's level by one.

And it is precisely this simple effect that makes the [Mighty Hammer] the most powerful support magic in all of Orario, no, it should be said that since the birth of Orario, and even since the descent of the gods!

Emiya suddenly hurled the [Red Hound], and the demonic sword, saturated with monster blood, instantly transformed into a crimson light, slicing through the air like a bloodthirsty hound charging into the monster horde.

The sword light leaped incessantly among the monsters, each flash like a hound tearing at its prey, sending blood splattering and screams echoing one after another.

[Shoot Down a Hundred Heads] transformed back into a bow; he nocked his longbow and began chanting—

Both the [Red Plains Hound] and the [Hundred-Head Shooter] are weapons designed to target individual enemies. Even with their special attacks against monsters, their wide-area damage capabilities are ultimately limited.

However, even with the blessing of the Oath of Protection, Emiya at level 1 did not have the ability to project an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm.

At this moment, the radiance of the [Treasure Hammer] descended upon him.

"Experience this true rainbow, [Pseudo-Spiral Sword (Caladbolg)]—"

For some reason, Emiya calmed down and murmured the true name of the Noble Phantasm.

A pure white light burst forth from the center of the longbow, instantly coalescing into a beam of light sword. Within that dazzling white light, which seemed to scorch one's vision, seven-colored neon glows slowly flowed, weaving together a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow.

The lightsaber pierced through the void, tearing space apart in an instant and mercilessly penetrating the atmosphere. The pure white light, like a divine punishment piercing through heaven and earth, tore apart all obstacles, bringing a moment of deathly silence and tranquility to the world.

The brief silence was like time standing still, with only the light shining quietly. But a moment later, a deafening roar that ripped through the heavens and earth surged forth like a tidal wave, distorting vision and shaking the entire space, as if announcing the end of this attack and its unparalleled power.

Emiya turned around, ignoring the monsters being devoured by the Anti-Army Noble Phantasms, and walked through the passage towards the Black Goliath.

The bow-shaped [Shoot Down a Hundred Heads] dissipated into particles of light. Emiya drank the last half of the elixir given to him by Alicia, using his remaining magic to complete the final projection of this battle—

It's just an ordinary stone, with no magic or mystery about it.

Emiya hurled the stone with all his might toward the giant's head. The stone sliced ​​through the air, hurtling toward the giant's head, and Emiya's body completely lost its strength after the movement.

His body fell limply to the ground, crashing down heavily. The world before his eyes gradually blurred, his consciousness receded like the tide, and he finally fell into a deep sleep.

-

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