Is it the Hrunting, the Hound of Red Plains?
Or perhaps the Caladbolg II, the pseudo-spiral sword that once grounded three mountain peaks?
Or maybe the one-ti fantasy collapse, the Broken Phantasm?
A deep purple hue coats the well-crafted arrow, rejecting such simplistic answers.
If he were to continue using these old tricks against his enemies, then Sakatsuki, who still lives in EMIYA's shadow, would have no need to compete for the Holy Grail.
From the very beginning, he possessed greater potential for growth and creativity than EMIYA, along with a powerful magecraft that Emiya Shirou could never hope to achieve in his lifeti—
Imaginary Number magecraft.
Although it is essentially a "projection" of a certain girl's ability, with its limits already set, after "replacent," this rare magecraft can be extended to more tactical applications.
Especially since Sakatsuki, who has read about this world beyond the fourth wall, would undoubtedly develop this magecraft further.
[Replacent activated, receiving support from the Magical Workshop.]
[Projection shaping complete, beginning loading.]
[Imaginary Number particles loaded.]
"The night is silent, and my shadow shall envelop the world."
After a calm declaration, the arrow breaks free from the bowstring, soaring toward the army, only to abruptly halt mid-air and disintegrate on its own.
This was not a failure of the new tactic—because as the flow of non-existent particles surged, a vast field suddenly opened up before Sakatsuki!
The Arrow of Imaginary Numbers · The Curtain of Night!
A defensive magecraft based on the 'Imaginary Number Pocket,' it condenses Imaginary Number particles onto the arrow and fires it, opening a passage to the Imaginary Number space, absorbing all attacks coming from the front.
Thus, hundreds of Noble Phantasms were drawn into the endless Imaginary Number domain as if encountering a golden bracelet, disappearing without a trace as the curtain fell.
But Sakatsuki had no intention of stopping there. With the incantation of projection magecraft, five arrows were nocked and fired simultaneously.
Though he lacked Chiron's exquisite archery skills, the arrows' inherent properties allowed them to lock onto Gilgash's position on their own!
Yet Gilgash remained standing proudly, ignoring the five attacks, as every arrow veered off course before reaching him, not even grazing his body.
The secret lay in the eclipse-shaped golden ornant floating over his chest—the Arrow Protection Amulet. As the na suggests, it greatly increases the wearer's evasion rate against projectile weapons and nullifies projectiles of D-rank or lower.
"Not bad, you're quite impressive. This battle has truly given many surprises. So, what other interesting tricks do you have?"
This arrogance, this composure, naturally drew a scoff from Sakatsuki.
"Then, let's see who has the greater arsenal—Imaginary Number Pocket, fully open!"
In contrast to the golden ripples behind the King of Heroes, countless deep purple voids appeared behind Sakatsuki, resembling wounds torn into the world.
But unlike the 'Gate of Babylon,' the weapons erging from the 'Imaginary Number Pocket' were of only two types.
The first was the Crimson Rose of Exorcism Gáe Dearg.
The second was the Yellow Rose of Mortality, Gáe Buidhe.
Though seemingly too simplistic to be flashy, it was precisely this simplicity that highlighted their purity and power.
'Gáe Dearg' could nullify magical enhancents and abilities attached to weapons, and it could pierce through Gilgash's golden armour and the Amulet of Protection Against Projectiles.
'Gáe Buidhe' could inflict wounds on Gilgash that would be difficult to heal, affecting the ensuing battle.
Under the threat of these two spears, Gilgash was forced to stand on equal footing with Sakatsuki—aning his life was equally threatened by these weapons.
"Then, let's begin the next round of battle!"
Sakatsuki held the iron bow as countless magical spears flew out from behind him.
"Hmph, let show you that I am invincible!"
Gilgash remained standing with his arms crossed, as the 'Gate of Babylon' erupted with light, not to be outdone.
Yellow, red, and golden lights intertwined high above, painting vibrant colours across the night's curtain, occasionally colliding and exploding into dazzling fireworks.
To an ordinary person, this might seem like a strange light show—but to those in the world of magecraft, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"Those two are real freaks."
The wounded Rider stood on the rooftop, watching the chaotic spectacle in the sky with Waver by his side.
"If I had my scabbard, I might have been able to defend against such an onslaught."
Saber leaned against the castle wall alone, a faint smile on her face.
"So this is your full power, Sakatsuki."
"Tokiomi, if this continues..."
"I only have one Command Spell left, Father."
Tokiomi Tohsaka sighed.
"What I want to know now is whether that young man fighting Archer is even human anymore."
Regardless of what the Holy Grail War participants thought, Sakatsuki and Gilgash were fully imrsed in their battle.
The familiar feeling of being evenly matched brought a smile to the King of Heroes' lips.
The thrill of dancing on the edge of death made Sakatsuki's eyes burn even brighter.
The treasures in the Gate of Babylon were inexhaustible, and the weapons Sakatsuki had stockpiled throughout the night were far from being depleted.
But the night was nearing its end. After Sakatsuki's consecutive battles with Saber, Berserker, Rider, and now Archer, the morning star on the horizon heralded the arrival of dawn.
"So—let treat you to my final strike, King of Heroes!"
Sakatsuki drew his bow once more, a spiral arrow forming on the string, ready to be unleashed.
"If this is all you've got, it's not even enough to scratch ! Let show you what a true decisive strike looks like!"
Gilgash laughed, further increasing the output of the Gate of Babylon.
This ti, having acknowledged Sakatsuki, the King of Heroes finally brought out more precious treasures from the Gate of Babylon—B-rank, even A-rank Noble Phantasms erged from the golden ripples, aid at Sakatsuki, and shot forth!
"Now, take your leave under this extravagant funeral, you chef!"
However, a diamond-shaped space opened, swallowing all the Noble Phantasms he had launched.
"What?!"
Gilgash was startled, a chill running down his spine.
Turning around, he saw that the decisive strike he had launched earlier was now attacking him from behind!
Under the higher-ranked Noble Phantasms, the Arrow Protection Amulet lost its effect, forcing Gilgash to redirect the Gate of Babylon to reclaim these weapons.
This montary distraction sealed Sakatsuki's victory.
Bang!
A sound like a gunshot, crushing and overwhelming.
The flying spears of Gáe Dearg and Gáe Buidhe held back the endless onslaught of the Gate of Babylon, and from the chaotic clash of weapons, Sakatsuki's long-prepared spiral arrow broke through!
Due to the simultaneous activation of the Gate of Babylon's retrieval and release functions, there was an inevitable delay. Now, Gilgash could only watch as the arrow pierced his defences and tore through his right arm!
"Sakatsuki—!"
The King roared in wounded fury, but the young man who had caused it all rely bowed gracefully and stepped into a replacent magecraft, disappearing from his enraged sight.
***
[T/N: I have exams in the next few weeks, so there will be fewer Chapters (most probably 7-9 Chapters a week) till mid May. From then on, back to regular schedule.]
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