The blazing platinum sun hovered beyond the planet, radiating an intense brilliance. Its overwhelming presence was akin to the center of the universe itself.
Its true nature was the strongest blade, capable of splitting stars and unleashing an annihilating light that could reduce all creation to ashes.
The strike carried the power equivalent to a thousand Godslayers, an apocalyptic decree of divine judgment capable of destroying the world itself.
Faced with such a cataclysmic attack, Artoria remained calm.
"A mere planet-destroying attack... it's not like I haven't seen this before."
She had already faced similar powers before—Arjuna Alter's [Mahapralaya], Zeus's ultimate thunderbolts—both carried enough force to shatter stars.
The difference, however, was that she wasn't alone in those battles. She'd had reliable allies by her side: Karna, Romulus-Quirinus, Mash, Miyamoto Musashi, Captain Nemo, Da Vinci… the list went on.
But this time…
Placing her hand over her chest, Artoria smiled to herself.
"Since your strength comes from the gods and fate, there's no harm in me seeking the aid of those who support me, right?"
Gripping her sword with both hands, Artoria closed her eyes.
The dark aura enshrouding her holy sword began to fade, revealing its original radiance.
Golden light flowed like a stream around the silver blade. Mysterious, ancient runes etched into the blade glimmered with magical energy. Its golden guard shone brilliantly, and the azure grip was adorned with a gemstone at its center.
This was no ordinary weapon. It was the embodiment of the wishes and fantasies of all living beings, forged by faeries within the Inner Sea of the Stars. A weapon born not of human craft, but of dreams and miracles—the ultimate armament.
Because of its immense power, no human could ever fully control it. As such, this sword bore restraints.
"Thirteen restraints—release. Round Table Judgment, commence."
Artoria's solemn voice echoed across the battlefield.
In the next moment, spectral figures materialized around her, exuding a commanding presence. Including Artoria, they numbered thirteen, forming a circle with the holy sword at its center.
"This is a battle for survival—Sir Kay, acknowledged."
"This is a battle against a foe stronger than oneself—Bedivere, acknowledged."
"This is a one-on-one duel—Palamedes, acknowledged."
"This is not a battle that defies human reason—Gaheris, acknowledged."
"This is a battle in pursuit of truth—Agravain, acknowledged."
"This is not a battle against faeries—Lancelot, acknowledged."
"Mordred, acknowledged."
"This is not a battle for personal desire—Galahad, acknowledged."
"This must be a battle for honor—Percival, acknowledged."
"This is not a battle against the righteous—Gareth, acknowledged."
"This is a battle my king firmly believes in—Gawain, acknowledged."
With each acknowledgment, the light of the holy sword grew brighter, its power swelling immeasurably.
By the time the final voice rang out, the sword's brilliance rivaled the platinum sun in the sky.
Under the vast expanse of stars, Rama watched the radiant light in awe, his expression softening as realization dawned.
"A blade that gathers the wishes and dreams of all people… guiding them toward a brighter future. So this is the true '[Sword of Salvation],'" Rama murmured, his smile tinged with a newfound serenity.
As if he had resolved something within himself, Rama's expression grew peaceful.
At that moment, Artoria spoke the final restraint.
"This is a battle to save the world—Arthur, acknowledged."
Artoria's golden eyes opened, their brilliance mirroring the radiance of the stars.
Golden particles of light flowed like a gentle river, spreading across the battlefield and transforming the world into a golden sea.
It was the sorrowful yet noble dreams of every warrior who had fallen in battle throughout history.
With pride in their intent and unwavering faith in their ideals, the Ever-Victorious King raised her sword high and called out its name:
"[Ex—Calibur]!"
"This is the true [Sword of Salvation], is it?" Rama muttered, tightening his grip on the [Divine Savior Blade]. "Even after being distorted and reversed by myth, it still shines with such brilliance and radiance."
As the breath of the stars surged toward him, Rama responded with his own resolve.
He swung his blade, unleashing the ultimate strike—the blade capable of splitting stars.
The platinum sun fell, colliding with the light of the stars.
In that instant, the world became an ocean of blinding brilliance.
All was consumed by the light.
In his final moments, Rama recalled the gaze he had seen in Artoria's eyes during their duel.
What beautiful eyes… purer than even the clearest summer lake.
Though those eyes had reflected his face, Rama couldn't shake the feeling that they were looking past him, to something far beyond.
It was as if they were saying:
"You are not my destination. Beyond you, I have a much longer journey to complete."
"So that's it… You're still traveling, aren't you?"
"Before you reach that faraway goal, you'll encounter countless meetings and partings, endure endless hardships, overcome impossible trials, and write stories no one can imagine…"
"A journey beyond even the Twelve Labors of Heracles. A pilgrimage through the unknown, toward the edges of the stars."
"Thank you for coming here. Thank you for releasing me from the prison of this fate… O Traveler of the Stars."
"If this power can aid you in the future, in ways even fate cannot foresee… then take it. Take it without hesitation."
"As payment for liberating me… this is all I have to give. It may not be enough, but I have nothing else left to offer."
"In the end… let me give you my blessing."
"May you one day reach the stars. May you never be bound by fate."
Rama's figure faded away, leaving behind only the platinum [Divine Savior Blade], standing silently in the earth.
For the blade was Rama's true essence, and no force in this world could destroy it. This was the truth behind Rama's immortality.
Even Artoria couldn't break the sword; it was protected by the blessings of fate, imbued with a divine [Anti-Supremacy Defense Buff].
But Artoria had no intention of destroying the sword.
She intended to claim it.
Fate had been deceived, the world misled. Both saw Artoria as the true Last King.
And the only difference between her and Rama was the [Divine Savior Blade].
Thus, in the moment she grasped the blade left behind by Rama's passing…
Artoria became the one and only true Last King of this world.