Fate/Magus Path

170 Acknowledged

"Hahaha! Interesting, truly interesting! Kid, you're far too amusing."

Amidst the shattered remnants of the rain-drenched jungle, Quetzalcoatl lay sprawled on the ground, arms outstretched, looking rather disheveled yet utterly content.

The satisfaction in her eyes, the lingering smile on her lips... it was clear that she had thoroughly enjoyed the intense wrestling match that had just taken place.

After all...

"There are few gods who can fight me to such a state."

"Not at all. You held back considerably. You didn't use your divine constructs or noble phantasm against me. You chose to compete with me in the simplest, most direct manner. If you had fought seriously, I would have stood no chance."

Roy, still standing only by virtue of the Third Magic's restorative properties, sighed, feeling utterly drained.

He had no right to accept such an honor.

Even without relying on her noble phantasm or divine constructs... without even utilizing her inherent skills... Quetzalcoatl had been able to break his bones hundreds of times over.

If not for the Third Magic, which allowed him to heal and continue fighting, he would have long since been twisted into an unrecognizable heap by her overwhelming and unparalleled wrestling techniques.

She had already suppressed her own power to the greatest extent possible, yet he had still needed to rely on the Third Magic just to endure.

There was nothing to take pride in.

Even now, as she lay on the ground, Quetzalcoatl had not truly lost her ability to fight. She was merely savoring the moment, finding no need to continue the battle.

Give her a brief rest, or let the divine sunlight shine upon this place once more, and within a few breaths, she would be back to full strength.

Sure enough, after reveling in the jungle floor for a moment, she stood up again.

But this time, as she looked at Roy, the battle-hardened intensity in her gaze had vanished, replaced instead with a hint of respect and recognition.

Slowly, she stepped forward, raising her hand lightly and placing it upon Roy's own.

Then, channeling her energy...

"What is this?"

Roy looked at her in surprise.

"Haha, don't be so shocked, kid. This is a reward for the victor, as well as a token of my recognition."

Seeing Roy's astonished expression, Quetzalcoatl let out a hearty laugh, patting his shoulder in admiration.

"In terms of temperament, strength, and many other qualities, you are someone worthy of trust. That is why I choose to believe in you. You possess the qualifications to become my Master. I am willing to stand by your side and fight alongside you."

She met his gaze, her expression solemn as she asked, "So, do you have the resolve to grasp the fire of the sun, kid?"

"Feathered Serpent Goddess..."

Staring into her earnest eyes, Roy nodded solemnly, his voice steady and determined.

"I am willing. Though I cannot be certain that I can accomplish such a grand task, I will give my all to see it through."

"So please, forge a contract with me, Feathered Serpent Goddess. Lend me your strength and stand with me in the battles to come."

"Of course, Master. That is precisely what I intend to do."