Natsukawa Naoki.
Regarding the existence repeatedly mentioned by Flauros, Solomon didn't know much. His knowledge was limited to reports.
It was said he had defeated Solomon directly ten years ago.
It was said he could pull the moon from the sky.
It was said he was the Star Holy Sword Bearer chosen by the planet.
...
There were many things Flauros had mentioned, all emphasizing the strength and threat he might pose. But Solomon had never taken it seriously. Even if Naoki was truly as described, once the Burning of the Human Order began, his goal was already 90% complete. The rest was merely cleanup work.
Nothing could stop his plan. The Burning of the Human Order would succeed. Humanity was finished.
Therefore, Solomon had initially not planned to come personally to this Singularity F. But perhaps due to the repeated emphasis, Flauros's concerns gradually influenced all seventy-two Demon God Pillars. More than half of the Pillars believed that even though victory was near, they must remain vigilant and eliminate the last flicker of hope.
In this situation, Solomon finally came here.
And now, he considered it the right choice. Besides the three weak ants over there, the two people standing before him now—Rei and Naoki—were truly worthy of his attention.
One was a magus connected to the Root, and the other was...
"The Star Holy Sword—the weapon that once banished the giant white god who fell from the sky in ancient times."
As he stared at the Holy Sword in Naoki's hand, Solomon discarded his casual expression and for the first time showed a serious one. "It seems Flauros was right. Judging by the count, this is the third generation? And your composition of existence… not human? But a true Fairy?"
A Star Holy Sword Bearer, a true Fairy species.
Either one alone would be enough to make Solomon take notice, but combined...
"Tragic. Truly tragic, this existence named Natsukawa Naoki."
As if witnessing a deeply sorrowful tragedy, Solomon cried out in a tone full of sadness and regret: "Star Holy Sword Bearer, the true 'hero' whose very existence means saving the world—I never expected this generation to be a Fairy! Tragic! So very tragic!"
"Remember well, Natsukawa Naoki, and lament your helplessness—this time, you will not be able to save the world. Your sword will not even touch my ambition. Your defeat was decided from the very beginning!"
Solomon's declaration left Hinako and the others stunned in confusion.
What did he mean? Why did he say Naoki couldn't defeat him at all? Why did he claim Naoki was already defeated from the start?
Wasn't the Star Holy Sword Bearer the ultimate savior capable of defeating all evil?
"I know."
Naoki's words broke the silence.
"But in some ways, theory doesn't equal reality. How can we know unless we try? I don't understand this idea of 'no chance of winning at all.'"
"Besides… you might not know, but there's an unfinished battle between you and me. It's been delayed from ten years ago until now. My patience has run out. They feel the same way, so let's settle the winner quickly and cleanly this time."
Mana surged from Naoki's body. Out of habit formed over years, even though he had become a true Fairy, Naoki still prioritized using mana from within his body. And this Lesser Source, normally weak compared to the Greater Source, now equaled the power of Hinako's suicide attack!
And it kept rising!
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"This mana output is…"
Inside Chaldea, the staff monitoring Naoki's mana output now wore expressions of disbelief—or rather, shock as if seeing a ghost!
From the level of an average Servant at first, then to Phantasmal Species, Dragon Species… in just a few blinks, Naoki's mana power skyrocketed to Divine Spirit level!
(Natsukawa, you… do you already possess strength this great now?)
Fairies have infinite mana, but output has an upper limit. For example, Hinako's upper limit is restricted to the domain of human Heroic Spirits. But for Naoki, the upper limit was exactly as it appeared now—
In terms of pure mana strength, he was unquestionably in the Divine Spirit domain.
(But this state can't be maintained for long. If he keeps sustaining this overflowing condition, Natsukawa's 'vessel'—his body—will be in danger!)
Thinking this, Roman immediately shouted through the communication bracelet: "Natsukawa! This isn't the time for a final battle! And the Singularity you're in will soon collapse and vanish—Saber Black has been defeated, the Holy Grail War has ended, and the Holy Grail itself has disappeared—it should be considered gone! If you stay there, all of you will vanish into an unknown place!"
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Hearing Roman's series of warnings, Naoki responded with slight resignation: "Yes, I know. Anyway, Roman, prepare quantum transfer now. Prioritize Fujimaru and the two of them returning to Chaldea. Rei and I will find a way back later."
"Find a way back ourselves… AAAAAARRRRRGHHHH! You're being reckless again! You're always reckless! Think of me too! If you don't come back later, Chaldea will collapse! I'll die!"
"Don't stress too much, Roman. You won't die. Even if I die, you won't die. Trust me just once—then again, let's do this."
Cutting off communication unilaterally, Naoki turned his back to the people behind him: "So, Fujimaru, Mash, Senior Hinako, and Rei, you all leave here and return to Chaldea first. Once I finish handling this, I'll be right behind you."
"If you say that, I feel reassured."
Hinako nodded firmly, then without looking back, immediately ran toward the exit. Mash, seeing this, panicked: "Akuta-Senpai—Brother, you have to come with us…"
"Let's go, Mash."
Unlike usual, this time Fujimaru herself grabbed Mash's shoulder. Now, she was filled with questions. The situation had developed too quickly. Just moments ago, they were basking in the joy of victory. The next second, a super demon king, suspected to be the final boss, suddenly appeared.
She was useless staying here. She could only pass the baton to the most reliable senior.
Looking at Naoki's back standing not far away, Ritsuka took a deep breath: "Department Head, we'll be waiting for you back at Chaldea!"
Now, she could only believe in the department head.
Ritsuka's eyes conveyed this meaning. After reading it, Mash bit her lip hard, then, like Hinako, she and Ritsuka quickly left the cave through the exit.
Rei left with them too.
She knew she didn't need to say anything, because Naoki would definitely return afterward—he didn't dare not return, unless he wanted to turn into a mummy.
Soon, only Naoki and Solomon remained inside the cave.
"Sorry to keep you waiting so long. Well then, let's begin."
"No problem. After all, these will be your last words in this world. Vanish here together with this Singularity, Star Holy Sword Bearer."
Four—somehow, the number had multiplied into sixteen—all the eyes on the total sixteen Demon God Pillars now stared at Naoki!
And at the same time, just as before, dazzling starlight instantly greeted them!