Chapter 97: The Star Sword and the Mandala
It was a terrifying curse power, more than ten times that of a standard 'Godslayer.' The presence of so many Demon Kings caused Rama to function as if he had activated a "Kaio-ken"; his volume of curse power was now greater than the sum of all seven Demon Kings combined.
In truth, Rama himself was a 'Heretic God,' but were it not for the 'Covenant,' his original strength would not have been enough to contend with any single Demon King. However, with the aid of the 'Covenant,' the current Rama lived up to his title as the 'King of the End,' possessing a prowess so formidable it made the Demon Kings' hearts tremble.
As Rama raised the 「Salvation Dungeon Blade」, pointing the tip toward the cosmic firmament, a white-gold sphere of light suddenly appeared in the sky. Its brightness rivaled the sun, resembling a white star, and it immediately shot toward the heavens!
"This is...!?"
Salvatore Doni's pupils dilated as he watched the white-gold sphere pulverize nearly ten of his massive meteors. The white-gold divine power radiating from the 'King of the End' had become physical; even gazing at it from a distance made the 'King of Swords' tremble, his body stiffening and his thoughts coming to a halt.
"So powerful, so incredible... his mere presence is enough to kill a 'Godslayer.' Such a figure is truly worthy of the title 'King of the End,' the hero who annihilates Demon Kings!"
Even while shocked by Rama's power and unable to help but feel fear, Salvatore Doni simultaneously felt an unparalleled sense of excitement. He had never flinched when facing 'Heretic Gods' stronger than himself in the past, and naturally, now was no different.
"It's not over yet!"
Salvatore Doni roared with excitement, his body transforming into a demonic blade and merging with the meteors coming from space. The remaining eight meteors aligned in a single row, with Salvatore's body serving as the sword's tip, assuming a posture to pierce the earth as he lunged at the 'King of the End'!
Facing this strike, Rama held the 「Salvation Dungeon Blade」 high. He chanted no Word of Power, yet a Mandala-like ritual formation unfolded around the blade's body. Immediately following, countless bolts of lightning flew out from the Mandala, crackling and roaring.
Shirou could see clearly that they weren't mere lightning bolts; each flash of lightning encased various weapons—sabers, spears, swords, and halberds. Every single weapon was a Divine Tool, a crystallization of myth!
Swoosh swoosh swoosh—!!!
The lightning, carrying numerous divine artifacts, exploded in the air with a thundering roar. The falling stars of the eight giant meteors were turned to dust in an instant, becoming scattered points of starlight.
Before Salvatore Doni could even react, Rama swung the 「Salvation Dungeon Blade」. A massive sword-qi, capable of cleaving mountains, tore through the 'King of Swords' body. Amidst a piercing roar, Rama sent the Italian Godslayer flying from the North Sea of Japan all the way to the distant Gulf of Alaska with a single strike.
In the past, whenever three 'Godslayers' existed in the world, the 'King of the End' would awaken and activate the 'Covenant' to annihilate these earthly Demon Kings. Now, with seven Godslayers in the world, Rama was naturally more powerful than ever before. The combat power he displayed now was of a crushing grade for all 'Godslayers' except Shirou.
Salvatore Doni's strength ranked among the top of the 'Godslayers'; the offensive power of the sword techniques he painstakingly researched was something even Marquis Voban or Cult Leader Luo Hao could not withstand head-on. Yet, the 'King of the End' crushed it with ease, then silently watched the 'King of Swords' who had been blown hundreds of kilometers away.
As the 'King of Swords' vanished beyond the horizon, Rama withdrew his gaze. He then looked at Shirou, whom he had regarded as a formidable rival from the start, and spoke with sincere eyes.
"In truth, I have no grievance or hostility toward you, but this fate has placed shackles upon me that I cannot break. If you wish to kill me, then please exert your full strength."
"Is that so..."
Shirou smiled and nodded, his voice clear as he spoke: "The fate the gods have imposed on you... let me see if I can cut it down."
The gazes of Rama and Shirou met, both sensing the other's state of mind. In the next instant, their forms turned into white-gold and azure lines, interlacing chaotically in the sky. Spacetime faults and tears appeared and were mended by the world's consciousness; their battle seemed never-ending, yet there were no sparks of hostile tension. It was like old friends catching up after years of separation; through the clash of weapons, they already understood one another, and thus continued this exuberant battle.
Meanwhile, on the other side:
Annie Charlton, Alexander Gascoigne, and Madame Aisha were facing Lancelot, Hanuman, and Guinevere, respectively. The battle between Lakshmana and Cult Leader Luo Hao was also underway.
Facing the golden palm pressing down from the sky, Lakshmana met it without fear. As a prominent figure in the Ramayana epic, Lakshmana also possessed legends that allowed him to become a 'Heretic God.' He existed as a subordinate god following in Rama's shadow; if
anyone dared to disrespect his brother, Lakshmana would kill them without mercy, be they wife or daughter.
Fury rose from Lakshmana's heart, his bronze face flushed red with rage. He vowed to slay anyone who dared insult his brother! To Lakshmana, Rama was a true Great Hero, one worthy of giving everything for—even his life. He would allow no one to insult him.
Clearly, Luo Hao's words had provoked Lakshmana, sending him into this state of violent rage. Soaring into the sky, Lakshmana's clenched right fist erupted with white-gold divine power as he smashed it toward the approaching golden palm!
BOOM—!!!
A massive sound erupted in the sky. Amidst the swirling smoke, Lakshmana's figure fell like a meteor toward the island below.
Thump!
Debris flew and trees were pulverized. A crater a thousand meters in diameter appeared where Lakshmana landed.
"Hahaha! It's not bad that you could take one of my strikes. Let's see how much more you can do!!"
Cult Leader Luo Hao laughed loudly, her black hair, as smooth as silk, braided and swaying wildly in the air.
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