Fate: I Will Eventually Become the Hero of Justice II

Chapter 263

Within the military camp, Shirou made use of Merlin's "Clairvoyance" to gain a comprehensive understanding of Ravenna's internal structure. Simultaneously, he maintained discreet communication with his spy, Altrouge, who had successfully infiltrated the city.

Undoubtedly, the swift capture of the city by the coalition forces owed much to the invaluable intelligence provided by the spy, as well as the covert assistance rendered by the True Ancestors who had been won over to their cause. Their combined efforts played a pivotal role in the successful operation.

Initially, Shirou had intended to eliminate the True Ancestors once they had fulfilled their purpose. As the King of Men, he could not afford to leave potential threats behind.

However, when the moment arrived to execute his plan, Shirou found himself hesitating.

Arcueid's joyous reaction upon seeing the True Ancestors played a significant role in his hesitation. She informed him that they were the ones responsible for her creation. Taking action against them would disrupt the timeline and jeopardize Arcueid's very existence.

The potential consequences of altering the records were immense, and Shirou realized that it would lead to irreversible changes. This realization forced him to lower his weapon and reconsider his course of action.

Moreover, he discovered that the commander of the True Ancestors was none other than the White Winged Lord, Trhvmn Ortenrosse, the future King of Dead Apostles. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the situation and demanded careful consideration.

The formidable bounded field erected by the crimson moon in Ravenna proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for Shirou. Without the intervention of Zelretch, he lacked the means to breach the city's defenses. Therefore, Shirou enlisted the covert assistance of Altrouge, tasking her with aiding in breaking the bounded field.

Altrouge, although consumed by fear and trepidation, understood the gravity of the situation. She had to navigate the delicate task of executing clandestine maneuvers while remaining under the vigilant gaze of the crimson moon. Reluctantly, she resolved to steel herself and accept the perilous assignment, recognizing that she had no other choice but to do so.

Artoria hesitated, her grip tightening on the Sword of Promised Victory. She directed her gaze towards Shirou, seeking his guidance. "My King," she inquired, "should I continue to refrain from joining the battle?"

Since the beginning of the war, Shirou had kept Artoria by his side, forbidding her from participating in the war.

While protecting the king was the honor of a knight and what Artoria sought, she desired more than that to share the burdens and difficulties with the king.

Shirou locked eyes with Artoria and spoke with conviction, "Your sword is the linchpin of this battle. It must remain concealed from the prying eyes of the Crimson Moon until the crucial moment."

Her determination burned within her as she nodded, understanding the weight of her responsibility.

Rising to his feet, Shirou placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The outcome of this war hinges on your sword."

"Yes!" she tightened her grip on Excalibur.

...

Ravenna.

"What on earth is the Crimson Moon up to? What is he thinking? He's taken control of the empire, so why does he simply stand by, observing those jesters frolic in front of the empire? Does he truly desire the empire's downfall?" Valentinian III roared.

Lucius, feeling the weight of the situation, remained silent and lowered his head respectfully.

"I need to confront him about this!" Valentinian III stormed off with a fierce aura.

However, Lucius swiftly reached out and grabbed hold of him, urgently advising, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! The Crimson Moon... He is not like us humans. If you approach him in such a manner, he will show no mercy."

"He is already after my life!" Valentinian III shouted.

Lucius spoke up, "Your Majesty, I dare say that the ongoing siege of Ravenna by the rebel forces may have an unexpected silver lining."

Valentinian III furrowed his brow, intrigued by Lucius' statement. He leaned in and inquired, "Pray tell, what do you mean by that?"

Lucius conveyed his suggestion earnestly, his voice tinged with hope. "If the rebel forces can successfully defeat the Crimson Moon, it would present a unique opportunity for the Western Empire to liberate itself from his grasp."

Valentinian III's eyes widened with concern. "But in doing so, my empire would face destruction!"

Undeterred, Lucius pressed on, his voice steady yet persuasive. "True, Your Majesty, the risks are undeniable. However, we must not overlook the potential alliance with the Eastern Empire. Once, the East and West Empires were united. By seeking their support, we can pool resources and strength. Moreover, with your recognition of the Pope and the acknowledgment of the Church, you can rally the faithful to our cause. The people, united under the banner of God, can become the cornerstone of our empire's restoration. Sometimes, one must break in order to rebuild."

Valentinian III was filled with uncertainty.

...

Trhvmn Ortenrosse, known as the White Winged Lord, burst into the palace, his face filled with panic and urgency. His voice echoed through the halls as he cried out, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The enemy has encircled the city! The situation is dire! We must consider a temporary retreat!"

Crimson Moon, seated on his throne, regarded the White Winged Lord with a calm demeanor, seemingly unfazed by the news. With a sense of quiet confidence, he responded, "Why do you fret so, Trhvmn? These foes are nothing more than the building blocks of a new world on the verge of its birth. How can they possibly pose a threat to us?"

"Your Majesty, you must not underestimate them! Their numbers are vast, and more importantly, there is something peculiar about them."

"What might that be?"

"Black mud and red mud. Our Dead Apostles and ghouls perish instantly upon contact with these muds, as if there is an inherent force suppressing our kind."

"No need to worry. The one thing in this world that could oppose us has already vanished. This planet is practically ours."

"Your Majesty, it would be wise to exercise caution."

"If you're so afraid, then lead the way. I will demonstrate to you what true power is."

"Your Majesty..." Trhvmn gazed at the composed Crimson Moon and couldn't help but let out a sigh.

His king had changed.

Ever since he destroyed that sword, his king started to change.

The once approachable king had become completely unapproachable.

Perhaps from the beginning, the king was never approachable, never meant to be understood because his king was not of the same entity as him.

Trhvmn was able to communicate with his king before, but perhaps this was merely an illusion as the king had been concerned about that sword and the planet, which prevented him from freely using his own power.

But now, after the king destroyed that sword, there were no more concerns. He fully displayed his true nature as a different kind of entity.

The entity known as Crimson Moon!