Having chosen to take in Sakura, avenging her was Damien's undeniable duty.
So, for his Sakura, Kirei and Gilgamesh would have to die.
"Leave it to me, Sakura."
The girl cried in Damien's arms for a long time, until exhaustion overtook her, and she fell asleep with tear-streaked cheeks.
Morning sunlight bathed the peak of Mount Enzo.
Before Ryudou Temple, the stone steps leading down were still damp with dew.
Two figures, one tall, one short, tread on the fallen leaves blown by last night's wind, ascending the steps... Rider's team, Iskandar and Waver.
"Rider…" Waver trailed timidly behind Iskandar, like a startled rabbit. "If this really is Caster's stronghold, isn't it dangerous to just barge in?"
"True enough." Iskandar replied, showing no trace of tension as he glanced at his young Master. "But didn't you say this Caster might be the legendary King Solomon?"
Separated by roughly 600 years, Iskandar was still familiar with Solomon's legend.
After all, history recorded Alexander the Great slicing through the Gordian Knot, a tale tied to Solomon's wisdom.
"It's thrilling, isn't it? Clashing with three legendary kings at once."
The other two kings Iskandar referred to were Gilgamesh and Artoria.
Some of the most renowned kings, gathered in one place.
"Are you even listening to me?" Waver pressed. "Are you seriously planning to face King Solomon alone? He's an overpowered Heroic Spirit who controls demon god pillars!"
"I told you, I'm just here to deliver an invitation."
Iskandar paused. Unbeknownst to them, they'd reached the temple's gate.
Before they could knock, the gate swung open.
"Eek!" Waver yelped, darting behind Iskandar, trembling.
A burly middle-aged man with beastly ears appeared before Iskandar... Hoshiga, the Star Wolves leader.
Iskandar studied him with interest, assessing his strength.
"By my lord's command, I've been awaiting you, King of Conqueror."
Hoshiga stepped aside, inviting Iskandar into Ryudou Temple.
"Hahaha!" Iskandar laughed. "He foresaw my arrival?"
"Well then, I'll make myself at home!"
With a hearty laugh, Iskandar crossed the threshold, his boldness befitting Alexander the Great.
"Come on, kid!" He slapped Waver's back, striding forward while observing the surroundings.
Hoshiga's appearance sparked many thoughts in Iskandar.
The seventy-two demon god pillars indeed included such forms, lending credence to Waver's theory.
Still, Iskandar wouldn't jump to conclusions before meeting the man himself.
Soon, under Hoshiga's guidance, they entered the temple's main hall.
There, Iskandar and Waver finally met the enigmatic Caster... the one they believed to be the King of Magecraft.
The Berserker from that night!
And the woman who fought the golden guy!
Fran and Shion, standing by Damien's side, immediately drew their attention. Get full chapters from n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Fortunately, they'd anticipated this.
Beyond surprise, they had no other reactions.
Waver cautiously scanned the hall, noting the men and women dressed as warriors lining both sides.
Judging by their auras, every one was a Servant akin to Shion!
"First meeting, King of Conqueror Iskandar."
Seated at the head, Damien raised a hand, gesturing for Iskandar to sit.
Iskandar plopped down unceremoniously, and Waver, flustered, hurriedly sat beside his Servant.
Only then did they have a moment to study Damien closely.
Damien's appearance differed greatly from his pre-reincarnation self.
He had no interest in reverting.
Having started anew, he wasn't fixated on the past.
Shuna, accompanied by several shrine maidens, served tea and pastries before returning to Damien's side.
"Every one of them is like an elf from fantasy."
From the moment they entered, every Servant-like figure they saw, male or female, was impossibly beautiful.
It was as if they'd stepped out of a fairy tale, almost too fantastical.
"No need to be so tense." Damien said, conveying his thoughts to Iskandar. "Attacking guests upon entry? I'm not so low as to do that."
"Haha, as expected, Caster." Iskandar replied, sipping his tea before cutting to the chase. "I came here to ask you one thing."
Shedding his earlier casualness, Iskandar's tone turned solemn.
Damien surveyed the shrine maidens and his companions in the hall, smiling. "Isn't it obvious?"
As his words fell, all the Kijin, wolves, and others... including Shuna and Shion... bowed, offering their heartfelt loyalty to their Demon Lord!
No words were needed; Damien's will was their direction.
Iskandar's pupils trembled slightly.
He could feel it... the fervent, unwavering loyalty in their gazes, the kind only the most devoted followers showed!
Without doubt, at Damien's command, they'd offer their hearts in an instant.
"Are you the legendary King Solomon?"
Waver's sudden outburst startled Iskandar.
But the next moment...
A chilling, tangible killing intent enveloped them both.
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
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