"To resist my gaze... you destroyed your own eyes without the slightest hesitation!?"
Crimson Moon Brunestud, who had been cleaved in two by [Aegis: Pyra], swiftly restored himself to his original state.
His regenerative ability surpassed even Nrvnqsr Chaos's, negating Shirou's all-out strike at the level of reality itself.
Although the King of the Moon's noble body remained completely unharmed, the sight had shaken him deeply.
"So what if I did?"
Shirou drove the blazing greatsword into the ground, tore a strip of red cloth from his sleeve, and wrapped it around his eyes as he answered indifferently.
"..."
Crimson Moon Brunestud stared at him in disbelief.
Shirou's eyes might not have been extraordinary, noble Mystic Eyes, but they were still one of the few exceptional talents he possessed.
Through [Reinforcement], they granted him superhuman dynamic vision and spatial awareness. It was precisely that extraordinary eyesight that had carried him through countless battlefields and allowed him to attain his current, divine level of swordsmanship.
Yet Shirou had destroyed both eyes without hesitation, along with the Magic Circuits within them.
Necrotic circuits could never recover. Even if Shirou somehow survived his final battle with Crimson Moon, he would remain blind for the rest of his life, unable to fight as he once had.
Even knowing that, did he truly not care?
"I couldn't defeat you otherwise, could I?"
Shirou had already transformed himself into a sword that existed solely to slay the invader.
The moment he learned that his enemy was an Ultimate One, he had prepared himself to make any necessary sacrifice.
If it meant defeating Crimson Moon Brunestud, the loss of his eyes was entirely acceptable.
Even if this history was only a fabrication.
Even if he had lost all memory of the past.
The Shirou Amamiya of old would undoubtedly have made the same choice.
"I have taken a liking to you."
The Pure White King stood beneath the moonlight, an alluring smile appearing on his beautiful face.
"Become mine, Holy Sword Bearer."
"...What?"
Shirou frowned and turned his ear toward the voice.
Although he had spent the past several days practicing how to move without sight, the emptiness that came with actually losing his eyes was still difficult to adjust to.
"It would be a terrible waste to kill you now."
Crimson Moon Brunestud smiled.
"Come to my side, Son of Man. I shall grant you eternal life and power."
Shirou continued stalling for time as he adjusted to the darkness.
"...You intend to turn me into one of your followers?"
"Precisely. It is a great honor. You need only accept it with gratitude."
Crimson Moon Brunestud spoke with his usual condescension.
Hearing that arrogant declaration, Shirou could not help giving a wry smile.
"Sorry, but I have no interest in becoming some primitive monster that devours raw flesh and drinks blood."
"...I see."
As the King of the Moon, this was likely the first time a human had rejected him so decisively.
Crimson Moon Brunestud did not fly into a rage. His expression remained unchanged as he calmly said:
"Then disappear."
With that, he swept his long, pale arm downward.
Shirou did not understand what was happening, but instinct made him leap backward.
The instant his feet left the ground, the earth beneath him was sliced into several pieces with perfectly smooth surfaces, as though it were a cake.
A rift in spacetime...!
"!!"
Shirou was speechless.
Only now did he finally understand.
All this time, Crimson Moon Brunestud had merely been "playing" with him.
Now the game was over. The King of the True Ancestors had unleashed his genuine killing intent.
Crimson Moon Brunestud swept his claws down again, tearing through the atmosphere.
Perhaps only the greatest warriors could have understood what had just occurred.
He had not launched a claw strike that cut through space. He had [created a rift in spacetime at designated coordinates].
It was an act only he could perform.
As the Moon's Mind and its Agent, as well as the future King of the Earth Sphere, Crimson Moon Brunestud could freely manipulate the laws of spacetime across the planet's surface.
The instantaneous attacks he created along the coordinate axes had no delay and could not be reacted to. No matter how skilled a warrior might be, evading them was utterly impossible.
And Shirou Amamiya had already lost the [Eagle's Eyes] upon which his survival depended. He was now completely blind.
He had narrowly avoided the previous strike through [Instinct], but what would he do against this?
Crimson Moon Brunestud unleashed ten times as many attacks as before.
"————————!!"
Hundreds of spacetime rifts now surrounded Shirou from every direction like an inescapable cage, driving him into certain death.
"...Please, Mythra."
The red-haired boy whispered.
The next instant, the greatsword in his hands overflowed with emerald Mana and began to creak as it transformed.
A brilliant green radiance enveloped both Shirou and the blade.
When the light faded, the crimson sword in his hands had transformed into a beautiful blade of pure white and gold.
"Oh..."
Crimson Moon Brunestud narrowed his eyes with interest.
With a single swing, Shirou deflected the attacks projected along the coordinate axes. Enormous, terrifying gashes like deep canyons appeared across the surrounding earth.
Shirou had switched the [Aegis] from [Pyra Form] to [Mythra Form].
Unlike [Aegis: Pyra], which possessed the greatest firepower and could even sever Crimson Moon's body when he was caught off guard, [Aegis: Mythra] was the fastest of all swords.
Since Crimson Moon's attacks could not be reacted to, Shirou only needed to counter them before they were launched.
The power required to accomplish that was:
[Prediction of Causality].
It was an inherent skill possessed by [Aegis: Mythra].
Before a thought could even take shape in Crimson Moon Brunestud's mind, the image of Shirou being surrounded by spacetime rifts had already appeared inside Shirou's head.
That was what allowed him to parry and counter them.
Now it was Shirou's turn to attack.
Mythra's [Prediction of Causality] was certainly useful, but Shirou would never defeat Crimson Moon by remaining on the defensive.
He closed the distance himself and swung the massive white and gold sword.
"To think you survived my attack. You truly are remarkable, Holy Sword Bearer."
Amid the shower of sparks, Crimson Moon Brunestud smiled contentedly.
Blade and claw crossed dozens of times in a single instant.
To those watching from afar as this decisive battle determined humanity's fate, what sort of mythical spectacle must it have been?
"To fight me to this extent despite being human. Allow me to offer you my sincere praise. I believe I now understand, at least in part, why the Dragon of Albion died at your hands."
"You'll meet the same fate!"
With the aid of [Prediction of Causality], Shirou gained the advantage in close combat.
Crimson Moon also possessed the ability to foresee the future, likely through his [Rainbow]-rank Mystic Eyes.
Even after surrendering his sight, those extraordinary eyes remained deeply engraved in Shirou's memory.
That multicolored radiance had seemed capable of drawing in Shirou's very soul.
[Crimson Moon's Mystic Eyes], the greatest Mystery in this world, spoken of among Magi since the Age of Gods.
Countless supernatural abilities were stored within those eyes. Predictive future sight usable in battle was likely one of them.
However, there was one crucial difference between Shirou's and Crimson Moon's methods of predicting the future.
Shirou had eliminated the process of [seeing]. Instead, [Prediction of Causality] merged directly with his thoughts and manifested inside his mind.
Magi often said that [seeing] was the first form of Magecraft.
Among the five senses of a living creature, vision processed the greatest amount of information.
For the same reason, Mystic Eyes were the fastest form of Magecraft. Their effects could activate even faster than a skilled Magus's Single Action.
But what if Shirou removed the process of [seeing] entirely?
This was the new realm he had reached after destroying his own eyes.
Had he not physically destroyed them, his body would still have received information through his eyeballs before producing a corresponding reaction.
That was only natural for humans and all other living creatures. It was a survival instinct that no amount of training could overcome.
Now, however, Shirou had destroyed the path through which his eyes transmitted information.
He had entrusted everything to his remaining senses and Mythra's [Prediction of Causality].
His movements surpassed Crimson Moon Brunestud's.
"...Tsk."
Crimson Moon pulled back slightly.
As an Ultimate One, his physical capabilities were dozens of times greater than Shirou's. He could escape Shirou's pursuit through brute force alone.
But Shirou had no intention of allowing him a moment to recover.
With the divine speed granted by [Aegis: Mythra], Shirou became a streak of green light and closed in on Crimson Moon in the blink of an eye.
Dozens of slashes unleashed within a single breath rained down upon the Pure White King like a storm.
"Urgh...!"
Crimson Moon let out a muffled groan.
His luxurious white evening gown was shredded by the barrage, exposing broad stretches of smooth, alluring skin.
Shirou had thought he might be able to cut directly through his flesh...
[Aegis: Mythra] possessed the greatest abilities and the highest speed, but it was somewhat lacking in raw power. It could not break through Crimson Moon's defenses.
"!"
The white and gold sword suddenly flared with green light.
Oh no. Mythra was angry...
Shirou hurriedly explained that their enemy was simply too strong, and that Pyra had only succeeded so easily because she had taken him by surprise. That finally soothed the sword's displeasure.
"Pyra!"
Shirou switched back to Pyra Form and brought the deep crimson greatsword down with all his strength upon Crimson Moon Brunestud, who had been momentarily staggered by the previous assault.
The tremendously heavy, destructive blow left a wound on the King of the Moon's body and sent him flying into the distance.
This time, Shirou did not pursue him.
His wrists and shoulders felt as though they were about to give out.
It was like striking the surface of the moon itself with a sword.
Shirou had long since become capable of slicing through steel as easily as tofu, yet he could not do the same to Crimson Moon.
He drew several deep breaths.
Albion's heart released an immense surge of Mana, healing the fatigue and pain in his arms.
When the red-haired boy raised his head again, [Prediction of Causality] showed him a scene of utter despair.
Long golden hair fluttered through the air.
Beneath the intoxicating crimson moonlight, Brunestud smiled with breathtaking beauty.
His body was immaculate. Only the luxurious white gown still bore a few traces of Shirou's slashes.
"...Ha."
The King of the Moon bared his sharp fangs at Shirou.
"Since the birth of that fragile species called humanity, you are the first... to drive me to such an undignified state."
What part of you looks undignified? Shirou wanted to ask.
He gritted his teeth.
Unlike Shirou, who was fighting with everything he had and staking his convictions on the outcome, Crimson Moon Brunestud was enjoying their battle to the fullest.
"As I thought, it would be a terrible waste to kill a man like you."
Crimson Moon Brunestud smiled and elegantly extended a hand toward Shirou.
"I need you, Holy Sword Bearer... Come to my side."
Had Shirou not destroyed his own eyes, he would probably have been unable to resist that command and dropped to his knees by now.
Even without his sight, the King of the Moon's declaration seemed to pierce his very soul, making his body stiffen.
"You're still spouting that nonsense..."
Through gritted teeth, Shirou said, "I'd rather you kill me outright than turn me into one of your followers."
"I take back what I said before. You are a man with backbone."
Crimson Moon Brunestud looked down at the red-haired boy below him and smiled arrogantly.
"However, I must correct you on one point. I have no intention of making you my subordinate."
As he spoke, the Pure White King of the Moon narrowed his crimson eyes, a suggestive expression appearing on his breathtakingly beautiful face.
"?"
Shirou suddenly felt enveloped by an inexplicable sense of unease.
Although he could no longer see anything, Crimson Moon Brunestud's eyes were so powerful that Shirou could still faintly feel his gaze.
Yet in the middle of this fight to the death, a trace of softness had entered Crimson Moon Brunestud's stare.
It made Shirou deeply uncomfortable.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" he asked in a low voice.
"Become my husband, Holy Sword Bearer."
"...Huh?"
Crimson Moon's completely unexpected declaration left Shirou dumbfounded.
The Fairy Consort and the Knights of the Round Table watching the decisive battle from several kilometers away, along with Crimson Moon Brunestud's True Ancestors and Dead Apostles, were probably staring in disbelief as well.
Naturally, the supremely arrogant King of the Moon paid no attention to anyone else's reaction.
His crimson eyes, shimmering with iridescent light, now reflected the boy's stunned expression and half-open mouth.
Crimson Moon Brunestud said, "What is it? Are you so overwhelmed with joy and honor that you cannot speak?"
"Hmm. That is the appropriate reaction..."
"N-no way! What are you suddenly talking about?!" Shirou shouted angrily.
"Oh, so you are simply embarrassed..."
The King of the True Ancestors smiled faintly.
"There is no need to feel self-conscious. You need only take pride in this moment, for you are the man chosen by me, Crimson Moon Brunestud."
"Become my husband, Holy Sword Bearer... I shall let you experience a supreme pleasure that you could never know as the King of Humans."
"..."
What kind of expression was Morgan-nee-san making right now?
The mere thought sent a shiver through Shirou's entire body.
At a loss for words, he said, "Wait a second. More importantly... aren't you a man?"
Morgan had told him that although Crimson Moon Brunestud appeared to be a transcendent blonde beauty with a voluptuous figure, the personality within was actually male.
Shirou had sensed as much during their earlier battle.
Crimson Moon Brunestud replied dismissively, "That is merely the limited perspective inherent to the insignificant species living upon this planet... How foolish."
"The concept of gender does not apply to me in the first place."
"If you insist on judging me by human standards, then yes, I lean toward the male side."
"However, I have no objection to joining with another man. Gender is not among my criteria for choosing a partner."
"I see. So you're interested in my strength?"
At that question, the corners of Crimson Moon's beautiful lips curled in open mockery.
A vein throbbed on Shirou's forehead.
This bastard...
"Absurd. Do you truly believe I would take an interest in that pitiful strength of yours?"
Crimson Moon placed a hand against his full chest and looked down proudly at the boy.
"What matters is how you make me feel."
"Neither gender nor strength determines my choice of partner. What matters is whether that person can entertain me."
"Holy Sword Bearer, you are the first man ever to bring me such pleasure. That is all."
Shirou fell silent.
This guy was surprisingly pure-hearted.
Then again, making "love at first sight" sound this infuriating was a special talent in its own right.
"I imagine you have already heard that Crimson Moon Brunestud is searching for a Successor."
"Centuries of experimentation have yielded no results. The True Ancestors are incapable of bearing my will."
"Even Altrouge, who possesses the qualities of both a True Ancestor and a Dead Apostle, is ultimately nothing more than an unstable failure…"
"Even I cannot help feeling frustrated."
So even you can feel frustrated... Shirou thought privately.
"And then, just moments ago..."
A heated, almost sensual gleam suddenly appeared in Crimson Moon Brunestud's intense gaze as he stared at the boy.
"During our battle, inspiration struck me."
"If the True Ancestor Brunestud were to join with a human, perhaps the child naturally born of that union could become a suitable Successor."
"That is why I require your assistance, Holy Sword Bearer."
"Become my husband, and give me a child who carries your blood."
"...You have to be joking."
After hearing that absurd proposal, Shirou clenched his teeth as anger surged through him.
"You intend to use your own biological child as a vessel for your reincarnation?"
"Is that how it appears from a human perspective?"
Crimson Moon Brunestud paused, then nodded.
"Yes. You may understand it that way."
"You can breed with whatever human you please, but I refuse!"
"That will not do."
Crimson Moon Brunestud furrowed his elegant brows.
"As I already explained, this is a matter of personal feeling."
"If it is not a man who has caught my interest, I will be unable to bear a perfect Successor."
The King of the Moon raised his pale arm and extended his hand toward Shirou once more.
"Now, do not make me repeat myself again and again."
"Come to my side, King of Humans."
"——————!!"
Crimson Moon's only answer was the white and gold greatsword erupting with searing light.
Shirou rose to his feet and said coldly, "Sorry, but I already have two lovely queen consorts. I have no intention of expanding my harem."
***
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