"Boom!"
The crimson spear, resembling a mortar shell, tore through the sky, soaring straight towards Rozen's back, much like the lethal assault that had occurred in the basin not too long ago.
It was believed that in a matter of seconds, a repetition of the deadly attack would unfold upon Rozen.
At that moment, even if Rozen managed to avoid a fatal blow as he did the last time, as the Master, who provided magical energy to the gathered Servants, would be severely injured, potentially undermining the last vestiges of victory in the current situation.
Recognizing the potential impact, Cú Chulainn, as the king on the Celtic side, saw through it.
Consequently, Cú Chulainn initiated the assault once again, concealing himself without hesitation and then liberating his Noble Phantasm, launching a fatal strike towards Rozen.
Unfortunately...
"Do you think the same method will work again?"
Rozen didn't even turn around. Sensing the impending fatal blow from behind with his "Mind's Eye," he immediately released all of his magical energy, infusing it into his Servant.
Which Servant?
"Mash!"
Rozen called out the name.
"Haa!!!"
Below, Mash, who had dodged the charging chariot, witnessed the events unfolding in the sky. Seeing the rapidly approaching magical spear's radiance behind Rozen, she shouted loudly while slamming her shield forcefully.
Unable to protect Rozen during the previous incident, which nearly resulted in Rozen's demise, had been a source of deep regret for Mash. Although Rozen had already mentioned that it was normal for her not to hold her ground against a heart-piercing spear, Mash couldn't be convinced.
Because, if Mash truly exerted her full power, there was a way for this Shielder to withstand Cú Chulainn's spear.
This fact might have subconsciously been sensed by Mash herself, which contributed to her feelings of guilt. Rozen, likewise, discovered a secret within Mash's ability parameters after that incident.
...
Class: Shielder
True Name: Mash Kyrielight
Alignment: Lawful Good
Attribute: Order · Good
---
Parameters
Strength: C
Endurance: A
Agility: D
Magic: B
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: —
---
Class Skills
Magic Resistance: A
Negates magecraft with a chant below three verses. Even modern mages would need a great deal of preparation to harm her.
Riding: C
Can skillfully manage vehicles.
Self-Field Defense: C
Power displayed in defensive battles for oneself or one's faction. It can demonstrate damage reduction surpassing defensive limits. The range of protection expands with higher levels.
Inheritance of Prowess:?
A special skill possessed by the pseudo-Servant, inheriting one of the skills of the Heroic Spirit the vessel embodies and refining it into its own style. In this case, the inherited skill is "Magic Resistance," a skill of the same type as "Mana Burst," capable of directly transforming magical energy into defensive power. With substantial magical energy, it becomes possible to serve as the sacred barrier protecting an entire nation.
---
————Retained Skills————
Transient Wall of Snowflakes: —
Converts the user's mental strength into physical defense. The stronger the mental resilience and conviction, the higher the defense, though its true value has yet to be fully realized.
Obscurant Wall of Chalk: —
Momentarily shifts the target on the timeline, evading attacks. At higher levels, it can even avoid attacks from higher dimensions.
Shield of Rousing Resolution: —
Summons courage, refusing to yield the one being protected, regardless of the opponent.
---
These are Mash's ability parameters, a pseudo-Servant born specifically for defense and protection, with all skills designed for this singular purpose.
Such a Mash is undoubtedly capable of withstanding any attacks towards the Master.
Even Cú Chulainn's spear would be no exception.
Rozen discovered this possibility within one of Mash's skills.
Shield of Rousing Resolution: Summoning courage, it attracts all attacks aimed at the one being protected.
In other words, as long as Mash summons courage, all attacks directed at Rozen would be drawn towards her.
Even Cú Chulainn's magical spear would be no exception.
And then...
"Swoosh!"
In the high sky, the crimson spear, approaching Rozen's back, suddenly traced an involuntary trajectory. Like lightning, it abruptly changed direction, soaring towards Mash, who had erected a shield on the ground.
The fatal strike of the cursed spear was thus attracted by Mash.
Perhaps, to onlookers, it seemed like merely a change of sacrifice.
However, only Rozen knew that the spear's strike couldn't harm Mash at all.
Because Mash had another skill.
Transient Wall of Snowflakes: Temporarily displaces the target on the timeline, evading attacks. At higher levels, it can even avoid attacks from higher dimensions.
If the first skill could attract all attacks from enemies, the latter skill could dissolve all attacks from enemies.
Even the sure-hit heart-piercing spear, the Noble Phantasm of fate reversal, if the target disappears from the timeline, it is destined to return empty-handed.
"Hum——!"
Amidst the hum of the air, Mash's body seemed to turn into a mirage, swaying and becoming ethereal.
"Swish!"
With a sharp sonic boom, the magical spear passed through Mash's body, landing in empty space.
"What...?"
Witnessing this scene, even the ruthless and cruel King of Madness couldn't help but make a surprised sound.
And then...
"Where are you looking, fool!"
Behind Cú Chulainn, who was on the battlefield's edge, Scáthach flashed like a ghost, her two crimson spears releasing ominous magical energy, stimulating Cú Chulainn's nerves.
"Pierce through..."
Just as a reciprocal measure, facing a disciple who no longer possessed the heroic spirit and could resort to any means for slaughter, Scáthach showed no hesitation. She immediately prepared to release her Noble Phantasm.
But...
"Don't think you can harm Cú!"
With a resounding shout, the chariot, driven by two horned oxen, charged madly towards Scáthach. It rushed in her direction.
As a result, even Cú Chulainn found himself within the attack range, seemingly destined to be trampled.
"Hmph!"
Scáthach snorted coldly but made no attempt to evade.
The reason being, someone would block Medb's advance.
"Order!"
In mid-air, Rozen released several talismans, which shot out like bullets, heading towards the underside of Medb's chariot.
In the next moment, these talismans blossomed with light, causing thick roots to rapidly grow from underground, entwining Medb's chariot.
Medb's chariot was forced to a sudden halt, even with the oxen pulling desperately, it couldn't budge.
"Ah!"
Standing on the chariot, Medb couldn't help but let out a cry.
While Medb's charge was halted, Scáthach's Noble Phantasm had no one left to stop it.
"Gáe Bolg Alternative!"
Facing Cú Chulainn with widened pupils, Scáthach loudly released the true name of her Noble Phantasm, and the spear in her hand was suddenly thrown.
"Boom!"
Like Cú Chulainn's earlier release of a Noble Phantasm, the spear cut through the air, thundering towards Cú Chulainn.