Fate/Magus Path

123 Reality Marble

Fwoom!

The moment the black flaming sword descended, waves of scorching heat surged forward like a tangible wall. In mere breaths, the fleshy swamp beneath their feet was reduced to charred remains, its searing intensity draining the moisture from the air and leaving those nearby with parched throats.

Hidden within the shadows, Nrvnqsr Chaos instinctively retreated from the infernal blaze. The oppressive heat, unnatural even to his inhuman form, forced discomfort upon him. For the first time in years, he regretted acting so impulsively.

The composed expression on his austere face crumbled, replaced by unease. His sharp, eagle-like eyes now fixed warily on Roy, filled with newfound trepidation.

Though Nrvnqsr had previously observed this boy in the city and dismissed him as a mere Church executor, he now realized how catastrophically wrong he had been.

The figure who wielded flames with such destructive force... Nrvnqsr didn't know his true identity, but the sheer menace emanating from his every move surpassed even that of the Princess herself.

Strength, speed, and magical energy reserves that dwarfed his own. A wielder of devastating magecraft attacks and eerie fire. How could such a terrifying individual escape his notice? And why had someone like this appeared in such a remote location?

Alone, Roy would already be a formidable opponent. But combined with the girl, whose seemingly ordinary strikes could carve through his very essence, Nrvnqsr found himself cornered. It was as if she were his natural nemesis. He could still feel the chill of her blade; had he not acted quickly to separate his flesh, that single stroke might have ended him.

Who were these two monstrosities the Princess had aligned herself with?

Nrvnqsr cursed his misfortune. Against opponents whose abilities so fundamentally opposed his own, continuing this battle was a grave mistake. One sought to suppress him, while the other could potentially destroy him entirely. And with Arcueid close by, the odds of survival dwindled further.

Retreat.

The thought emerged in Nrvnqsr's mind.

Even beasts, relentless in their pursuit of prey, would retreat when faced with existential threats. This survival instinct, etched into the core of life itself, applied even to a Dead Apostle Ancestor like him.

From the point where Roy's flaming sword had landed, half of the building and all the surrounding flesh and shadow were incinerated. The charred remains smoldered, releasing waves of heat and thick, acrid smoke. The very ground beneath them radiated suffocating heat.

For now, it was unclear whether Roy had struck Nrvnqsr directly. His companions could only guess.

"Are you scared, Nrvnqsr Chaos? Planning to flee?"

"A so-called Dead Apostle Ancestor, reduced to trembling before mere humans. How laughable."

Roy's words cut like blades, striking Nrvnqsr Chaos's pride with brutal precision.

Fear. Humiliation.

"...What nonsense."

From Nrvnqsr's dry throat came a strained voice, filled with bitterness.

To reach his current level of power, he had forsaken all remnants of humanity, ascending to the tenth seat among the Dead Apostle Ancestors. Yet now, he was mocked by mere humans... insignificant beings he had always regarded as cattle.

This was the ultimate insult.

Rage surged within Nrvnqsr's mind like a storm.

But even in his fury, his rationality did not falter completely. He knew that retreating just a few steps would allow him to escape. Yet fleeing in disgrace... leaving his enemies to sneer at his back... was unthinkable.