The shouts roared like a tsunami, a tidal wave of voices from soldiers and citizens, forming an ironclad rebuke.
This was why Iskandar waited until now to explain his rejection of Saber.
Only under such undeniable proof could his words become absolute, shattering any defense Saber might muster.
"I... am not..."
Listening to Iskandar's reprimand, Saber realized her true mistake.
It wasn't her wish itself, but her irresponsible notion.
"My king... do you still wish another to take your place? Do you still believe... we followed you only because of the Sword of Selection?"
A familiar voice, once a friend's, echoed in her ears. Saber whipped around, scanning...
Nothing but endless sand.
"..."
Saber fell silent, her gaze hardening with resolve.
"No! My friend, my wish remains unchanged, but I will lead Britain myself once more. This time... with you, with all our strength, we'll keep Britain standing! So now... I cannot lose to Rider!"
Her eyes resolute, Saber's golden holy sword blazed with divine radiance.
Across the boundless desert hill, countless specks of light rose from the sand, converging on Saber.
In the sun-scorched desert, golden glimmers ascended, faint but vast, their multitude bathing the entire Reality Marble in golden light.
All eyes were drawn to this sacred glow.
"Shimmering, that sword embodies the noble, sorrowful dreams of soldiers lost across past, present, and future on the battlefield. Such will is worthy of praise, such loyalty must be upheld. Now, the Ever-Victorious King will proclaim the true name of this miracle."
Irisviel, watching the steadfast Saber and her sacred sword, narrated.
As all the glimmers gathered upon the golden blade, a pillar of light shot from Saber's sword to the heavens, illuminating the entire land.
"This..."
Iskandar, gazing at the sky-piercing beam, realized he'd misunderstood. Saber wasn't shirking duty or abandoning her people; her words were merely misspoken.
But...
"Hmph! She bears the hopes of an entire era, all her people, on her shoulders alone to shine so brightly. Her brilliance is her pain. To think such a heavy burden was placed on a mere naive girl! A girl never cherished like a delicate flower, never burned by love, cursed by the name of 'ideals,' leading to such a heart-wrenching fate."
"Charge!!!"
Iskandar's command rang out, ruthless and resolute. Then—
"Oraaaa!!!"
A deafening battle cry followed.
"EX..."
"My king! You can't teach that fool a lesson like this! Answer us! Answer... our call! Don't bear our ideals alone anymore! Answer us!!!"
Lancelot's voice reached Saber again. Countless voices called to her, awaiting her response.
Lancelot, Gawain, even Mordred—all the knights who fought beside her were calling.
"Answer us! Answer us!"
"Come, my knights! I need you!!!"
The pillar of light collapsed, countless rays coalescing behind Saber. Knights from epic legends emerged from the glow.
The holy sword who bearing others' hopes and ideals crumbled. Shared ideals shouldn't rest on one alone!
"EX-rank Anti-Army Noble Phantasm—The Ideal Camelot!"
"Give your command, our king!"
Lancelot knelt, his dark armor now radiant silver, his noble visage shining, a sacred blade at his waist.
Saber looked back. The knights she'd bonded with, fought alongside, stood behind her, all smiling at their reunion.
"Counterattack!!!"
"Charge!!!"
"Hahaha! Come, Saber! I won't apologize for my earlier scorn. If you want revenge, pierce my chest with your sword!!!"
"The enemy is Britain's Ideal King, the noble King of Knights, leading her warriors to block our path! Brave warriors, tell me what to do!"
Iskandar shouted, his soldiers drawing blades and leveling spears, charging forward, ready for battle.
"Crush them!!!"
Their war cry surged like a tidal wave.
"King of Conquerors, I don't need your apology. You were right then, but I reject your kingly way. Let my bond with my knights challenge you!"
A tall white warhorse trotted to Saber's side.
"Partner!"
Saber mounted.
"The foe insults our king, and thus us all! Knights, take their heads and sing of victory!"
Lancelot's roar ignited the knights' fury, their angry cries awaiting Saber's command.
"Advance!!!"
Events shifted wondrously. What began as one against an army became a clash of two forces.
The rugged, barbaric army of the King of Conquerors collided with the radiant, noble knights like crashing waves.
"My comrades, throw!"
As the armies closed, Iskandar issued the first command.
"Throw! Throw! Throw!"
Countless javelins and spears rained down, piercing like a storm.
Clang, clink, thud!
Knights parried with swords and shields, weathering the barrage, though many fell in the assault.
But the distance between the armies shrank.
As the waves neared collision, all eyes fixed on the two kings leading the charge, their clash set to ignite the war.
***
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