Episode 268: Humanity's Final Master! Run while you're still among the living!
[ Mash Kyrielight (Type-Moon): "…" ]
[ Fujimaru Ritsuka (Type-Moon): "A god who died… because of me." ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "She's for real, I'm crying my eyes out." ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "A god who was so pathetic before, yet ended up with a conclusion like this." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "We lost another one, the battle is a total failure." ]
[ .....]
〜KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World〜
At this moment, Aqua was complaining while wailing loudly, even drawing the attention of the entire tavern for a time.
"You damn Goddess of the Underworld! You useless damn Goddess! Waaaaahhhhhh…."
Aqua's shouting and screaming even made the people in the tavern think she was a lunatic for a moment.
Although Aqua soon snapped out of it and realized her loss of composure, she was surprised to find that Satou Kazuma didn't actually hit her this time. In fact…
Satou Kazuma's eyes were actually turning red, looking as if he might drop tears at any moment.
For him… this was something Aqua had never seen before.
Noticing Aqua staring at him, Satou Kazuma feigned a serious expression and wiped his eyes, trying his best to adjust his state.
"I didn't expect… this is a journey that definitely can't be called long, but… it makes one feel so…"
Satou Kazuma tried to steady himself, but in the end, he found he couldn't describe the feeling in his heart. He could only force out a sentence:
"These people… are all such determined fellows…"
At this moment, the hearts of both individuals were filled with ups and downs, even felt a trace of heartache.
—
〜One Punch Man World〜
Genos and Saitama, who had also been watching the video, felt the same.
Saitama sat in Genos's room, tears streaming down his face.
"Sensei…"
Genos wanted to say something comforting, but found he couldn't open his mouth. Even though he wanted to use his mechanical analysis, the result was simply that emotions could not be analyzed.
"Genos… She really!"
After thinking for a long time, Genos finally thought of a sentence to comfort his master.
"It's okay, Sensei… don't they go to that place called the Throne of Heroes after they die? So it's not true death…"
"Oh, right!"
Saitama suddenly remembered this and returned to his normal self.
"Genos… if the monster before us is Beast, the Evil of Humanity, then these humans, these people who have sacrificed themselves one after another, are the embodiment of the Good of Humanity."
"Throughout history, no matter which world it is, it's always these warriors who keep offering their lives to move forward… So Genos… if there's a chance like this in the future, we must also sacrifice ourselves without hesitation…"
Infected by the scene before him, Saitama spoke while wiping his nose and sobbing.
Although in Genos's view, war always involves casualties, seeing his master like this, he could only nod in agreement.
( Translator-kun: Hold your horse, I know some might think this is OOC, but remember: Saitama isn't an emotionless robot. He's just severely desensitized because of his strength. He still possesses a hero's heart and can be moved by others' resolve—it just takes a lot more to get a rise out of him than the average person! )
—
『 On the other side.
At this moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka seemed to be guided by the petals floating in the air, running nonstop toward Tiamat's head.
Fujimaru Ritsuka, this ordinary person, was now running atop a pile of rubble. Although he faced the danger of losing his life at any moment, at this very second, he was weaving and jumping between massive pieces of debris, agile and swift.
Even a single accidental trip or being hit by a rock several times his own size would cost Fujimaru Ritsuka his life. However…
As if he had lost the ability to feel fear, he continued to exert himself across the wasteland of the Underworld without stopping.
Under the surprised gazes of all the onlookers, his figure climbed higher and higher, getting closer and closer to the destination. In just a short while, Fujimaru Ritsuka had climbed to the chest of Tiamat's massive body.
Only a little distance left… just a little more…!
Having experienced one life-and-death struggle after another, even though every step for the mortal Fujimaru Ritsuka was a brush with death, he was now in a state of heavy breathing and gasping for air.
However, this did not stop him from continuing to climb upward in this seemingly hopeless adventure, like a mountain climber's determination during the final hundred-meter sprint.
To get here, countless people have paid the price of their precious lives… and I absolutely cannot fail everyone's efforts and sacrifices!
With this conviction in his heart, Fujimaru Ritsuka tightly gripped the golden dagger gifted to him by King Gilgamesh, his eyes so determined that it seemed nothing could stop his advance.
He understood that the upcoming critical strike relied on this small weapon to be completed; he had to bring a perfect conclusion to this arduous journey. Otherwise, they would become total losers in this battle.
As the thought flashed through his mind, his movement speed grew faster and faster, and he soon arrived at the position beside the Great Beast Tiamat's thick neck.
Just when everyone thought he would charge directly at the target, the Primodial God Tiamat suddenly discovered this insignificant yet exceptionally brave little human.
Immediately after, its pair of eyes glowing with a pinkish-purple luster, it slowly turned, focusing its gaze on Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was in motion just ahead.
Everyone's heart jumped into their throats because everyone present knew clearly that with just a slight glare from the opponent, this hero would instantly vanish from this world, forever becoming a blurry shadow in memory.
But facing such a massive disparity in power, how could he possibly respond?
Indeed, just as most people expected, while everyone watched with bated breath, several terrifying Lahmu suddenly lunged from both sides of Tiamat's distorted face, pouncing straight toward Fujimaru Ritsuka.
BOOM—!
The Lahmu instantly turned into several high-speed projectiles, smashing violently toward Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Although this strike allowed Fujimaru Ritsuka's agile body to luckily dodge fatal damage, the Lahmu in front of him… were simply impossible for him to eliminate.
How could a mere ordinary person possibly stand against these terrifying creatures from another world? 』
『 .....』
『 Viewers of Countless World 』
Looking at Fujimaru Ritsuka, who had been knocked down by the shockwave of that powerful smash and was now struggling on the ground to stand up, even the people watching felt an indescribable sense of despair shrouding the entire battlefield at this moment.
.....
〜Naruto World〜
"How could this happen… they clearly made it this far… How… how can he fight these monsters…"
Uzumaki Naruto became extremely anxious. He knew very well that the man before him was just an ordinary person who couldn't even use the Clone Jutsu, and dealing with these monsters that even he would find difficult to handle was simply an impossible task.
—
『 Just as everyone began to slowly give up hope and prepare to accept the fate of failure descending upon this land, suddenly, that young man named Fujimaru Ritsuka… actually moved again!
He gritted his teeth and charged forward recklessly. Although he knew very well in his heart that the Lahmu behind him only needed one hit to end his life, until the very moment he stopped breathing, he would use all his strength to run to the end.
Such a performance made people marvel: This is iron-like willpower!
Seeing the boy's persistent figure, a flicker of hope was rekindled deep within the hearts of the onlookers.
They all eagerly anticipated whether Fujimaru Ritsuka could bring the final turning point to Uruk in this seemingly unwinnable situation.
At this critical moment, the Lahmu that had been following closely behind Fujimaru Ritsuka but hadn't struck yet looked down at the tiny but unyielding human with a mocking gaze.
It raised its massive fist and repeatedly struck the ground or the surrounding rocks, creating loud noises as if mocking its opponent while intentionally provoking the boy's fragile psychological defenses—yet it refused to end it directly.
However, what was admirable was that no matter how many times he failed and fell, in the instant after every fall, this brave boy always managed to stubbornly stand back up in the shortest time and continue charging forward.
And at this moment, not far away.
A black figure—the Old Man of the Mountain, like the arrival of the Grim Reaper, continuously emitted a suffocating, terrifying aura.
The greatsword in his hand dragged across the ground, and with his steps, a deep crack gradually appeared, as if the earth itself was trembling before him.
The entire scene was like a prologue to the apocalypse, with the scent of death permeating the air.
That heavy armor still flickered with ghostly blue flames in the night, like will-o'-the-wisps from another world, swaying in the darkness and sending chills down one's spine.
"Dong… Dong… Dong…!"
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps broke the surrounding silence. Accompanying this low sound were two slashes swung by the Old Man of the Mountain, King Hassan.
These two lightning-fast sword lights instantly cut through the air, declaring the death sentence for these Lahmu.
Under this silent attack, the life force of those Lahmu seemed to be wiped out.
"Chua!"
Only a sharp sound of breaking air was heard, followed by the heavy black iron sword piercing deep into the body of one of the Lahmu. The Lahmu, which had been rampaging triumphantly just a moment ago, was left battered and lifeless by this single strike.
"Tear…"
In the next moment, the Old Man of the Mountain pulled the heavy sword out of the Lahmu's body with lightning speed. As the action was completed, thick, deep black blood erupted along with the greatsword, dripping onto the ground and forming dark stains.
At this moment, anyone could clearly feel how heavy and direct the aura of death was.
Now, gripping his weapon, the Old Man of the Mountain seemed to suddenly emerge from the void. He quickly stood firm and shielded Fujimaru Ritsuka behind him, forging an indestructible safety barrier for the boy.
"Since they are a swarm of death, it is only natural for Death to be their opponent." The Old Man of the Mountain spoke slowly with a deep, powerful voice, every word filled with irreversible determination and strength.
"Last Master of Humanity! Run, as one who lives!" he then barked at Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was too nervous to move an inch behind him, his words filled with encouragement and absolute trust.
Feeling the powerful presence radiating from the old man before him, Fujimaru Ritsuka didn't waste words. He nodded firmly, preparing to act immediately to seize their victory.
He knew time was precious and could not be wasted, especially when Mash and Merlin were outside struggling to hold back the power of Nega-Genesis. In this situation, there was no room for even a sliver of hesitation or retreat.
Seeing wave after wave of Lahmu frantically rushing over, the Old Man of the Mountain decisively charged forward, using his tall and strong body to block all attacks that could threaten Fujimaru Ritsuka.
In this way, through his own powerful presence, he successfully cleared a safe passage for the young man so that he could escape smoothly.
"Chua!"
Before everyone could fully react, after a piercing sound, they were shocked to find that the body of the Old Man of the Mountain, who had just been majestically protecting them, had been pierced by a Lahmu's tentacle…
More and more Lahmu surged toward his body, as if trying to tear the old man apart with human wave tactics.
But… he did not break his promise. Watching the encroaching Lahmu, King Hassan used his hands and sharp teeth to tear their bodies into pieces, using his own body to firmly block the Lahmu's path.
Not a single Lahmu could reach the path Fujimaru Ritsuka trod upon.
Although the Old Man of the Mountain's body had become extremely battered, even on the verge of collapse, he still stood firmly in front of them.
"Squelch—"
It was unknown how many he had torn apart, but it was clear that the old man's body was gradually failing to hold up, looking as if he could collapse at any moment. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Hold on, you have to hold on." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Over there, it should be ready soon." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "But his body… it should be at its limit already." ]
[ .....]
『 The remaining Lahmu, seeing Fujimaru Ritsuka getting further away, suddenly became very anxious.
They seemed to communicate and discuss a countermeasure through some means.
Almost simultaneously, the last few Lahmu launched a final strike against the Old Man of the Mountain from different directions.
SWISH—!
Three massive tentacles slammed into the Old Man of the Mountain's chest at the same time. Having long since exhausted his magical energy, the Old Man of the Mountain could no longer support himself and knelt directly onto the hard stone.
Feeling victorious, the Lahmu instantly revealed mocking expressions, their ugly laughter echoing within the boundary.
Although no one knew the reason why the Old Man of the Mountain was so weak, looking at his body, which was almost collapsing, everyone understood that the old man had done his best.
Although it was a pity that these remaining three Lahmu couldn't be completely eliminated, everyone was grateful to King Hassan for being able to do this much.
Just when everyone thought King Hassan was about to exit the stage, they saw him slowly exhale a puff of steam, and then…
BOOM—!
The kneeling King Hassan grabbed a Lahmu in each hand and slammed them together with force, instantly turning the two Lahmu into mush.
The Lahmu that had just been mocking him immediately lost its smile.
By the time it wanted to counterattack, it was too late. The Old Man of the Mountain lunged at that Lahmu, tearing it into fragments, finally standing up with difficulty and delivering a final stomp.
The Lahmu thus turned into a pile of mud, staining the Old Man of the Mountain's foot and gradually spreading out.
King Hassan finally fulfilled his promise. Indeed, as a Grand Assassin, even upon entering this boundary and enduring the heavy pressure, he still kept his word.
Now… all obstacles have been cleared. Everything depends on you, Fujimaru Ritsuka…
Savior of Humanity, advance bravely!
The Old Man of the Mountain finally fell, unable to endure the heavy pressure any longer. 』
『 .....』
〜Demon Slayer World〜
"Grandpa… you are truly amazing!!"
Tanjiro's reddened eyes were proof of how moved he was by King Hassan before him.
—
『 The scene shifted.
Fujimaru Ritsuka was now running forward unwaveringly, carrying the deep emotions and indestructible bonds forged across the previous Six Singularities. Every step was firm and powerful, as if turning all his convictions into the driving force for his advance.
This was an unprecedented adventure, a battle belonging to all of humanity, and for Fujimaru Ritsuka, this battle was equally his personal responsibility and mission.
On this extraordinary path, every step was a struggle against fate, an effort made to find the light. 』
『 .....』