On the other side, Karna's ultra-high-speed thrust did not harm the fastest-charging Astolfo and Sieg due to the appearance of a certain individual.
The sword energy that cut across the sky, the presence as imposing as a mountain, and the undeniable heroism all clearly indicated his identity.
"—So you've come, Black Saber."
Karna did not show the slightest hint of surprise, only casting a burning gaze at the man swiftly approaching.
The man who had promised to battle him again was riding alongside his Master on the Pegasus that once belonged to the Black Assassin, unleashing a terrifying slash that surpassed even Brahma's light.
That was the greatest trump card of the dragon-slaying hero Siegfried, the true name release of the Phantasmal Great Sword he obtained from the Nibelung, known as—
"Phantasmal Great Sword—Balmung!"
With the invocation of its true name, the twilight-colored aurora released from the sword swept across half the battlefield, striking Karna before he could change direction. The divine magic power from both the flames of the sun and the Phantasmal Great Sword clashed, illuminating the faces of the two great heroes with a bright and glorious light.
The result of the collision was unsurprising; Karna, who faced an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm of A+ rank with his body, not only had his forward momentum completely neutralized, but the flames of the sun surrounding him were also entirely consumed. In the end, he was flung away as if scattered like petals.
However, this level of attack, simply being struck from a distance by a Noble Phantasm, could not kill him—Siegfried was well aware of this.
"Please, Pegasus Bellerophon."
Siegfried's riding skill was only at B rank, not enough to fully control a high-level Phantasmal Beast like Bellerophon. However, the relationship between a knight and their steed is not just about control but also mutual communication and cooperation.
Even Shinji, a human without inherent skills, had cooperated with Pegasus Bellerophon in this manner. Now, Siegfried was doing the same.
Hearing Siegfried's request, the intelligent and kind Pegasus let out a long, resonant cry and flapped its restored white wings with all its strength, charging straight at Karna.
Semiramis would not allow Siegfried to pursue her strongest spear without interference. The black coffins turned, all aiming at the Pegasus, seemingly prepared in advance.
In the time it took for the black coffins to change direction and adjust their aim, Astolfo had already broken through the blockade and rushed towards the nearest black coffin.
Even with Hippogriff, destroying the defensive weapons of Tiamtum Ūmu of the Hanging Gardens was impossible. Even if successful, only two or three could be destroyed. If eight remained, they would still be a formidable defensive force. This was Semiramis's evaluation of Astolfo's power.
Her assessment was very accurate, but the proud Empress forgot one thing—turning the impossible into possible is what makes a Heroic Spirit, granting them the right to be summoned as a Servant seeking the Holy Grail. Even if Hippogriff alone couldn't do it, Astolfo still had a magic book and a spear in hand.
"—Alright, let's go. No problem, just trust in her book!"
"Yes!!!"
Wrapped in swirling, flying pages, Astolfo and Sieg charged forward on the Phantasmal beast, holding a golden assault spear in his right hand.
He knew very well that such a charge had a high chance of ending in failing, and the intelligent Hippogriff and the magic book told him so. But—if he combined the power of the book and the Hippogriff, it might be possible.
"Whether we can break into the aerial gardens and stop Amakusa Shirou Tokisada largely depends on whether you can break Semiramis's defensive barrier. If you fail, we'll have to risk our lives."
These were Shinji's words to him before the action, and he remembered them well.
The hopes of his comrades were all pinned on him; how could he give up now? Even a weak knight had his pride.
"Master, lend me all your magical power!!!"
"Charge!!!"
Though they looked cuter than most girls, at this moment, the aura they exuded was more manly than any man.
The swirling pages scattered more chaotically, deflecting all the surrounding magical energy.
Sensing its owner's resolve, the Phantasmal beast let out a high-pitched whinny and accelerated further.
The two, transformed into an arrow of light, successfully shattered Semiramis's proud defensive device. However, the cost was high—as expected, they only managed to destroy one.
"Ugh, argh...!"
Feeling a pain so intense it seemed like all his bones were about to break, tears welled up at the corners of Astolfo's eyes. But it was just pain, nothing more.
"Hippogriff, can you still go on!?"
The Hippogriff responded with a confirming whinny.
"What about Master?"
"No problem!"
With trust in his partner, Astolfo continued the assault.
Their efforts were not in vain. The destruction of one black coffin created a gap in the magical barrage blocking Siegfried, allowing Bellerophon to transform into a comet, breaking through the barrage with dragon-like defense, and delivering Siegfried right to Karna.
Karna had already recovered from the direct hit of the Noble Phantasm in a short time, dodging Siegfried's charge with a mid-air maneuver.
Siegfried did not give up. He pushed off Bellerophon's back and leaped high, continuing his pursuit of Karna.
This was 7,500 meters above the ground, with the vast, boundless ocean below. A single misstep by a swordsman without flight capabilities would result in a tragic end.
However, Siegfried did not waver in the slightest, and his Master Gordes placed all his trust in him.
"Go, Siegfried!"
With Gordes's shout, the Phantasmal Great Sword turned into a stream of light and hit Karna's body for the second time.
The force of an avalanche poured out, pushing both their bodies unreservedly toward the direction of the Hanging Gardens.
Though the method was a bit unconventional, Black Saber Siegfried indeed became the first to land in the Hanging Gardens.
This greatly boosted the morale of the attacking side.
"Hahaha, well done, Black Saber, Black Rider! We can't lose either. Teacher, Big Sister, Ruler, and Master, hold on tight. I'm going to accelerate. Xanthos! Balios! Pedasus! Let's go! Run as if your life depends on it! My life is a shooting star! Troias Tragōidia!!!"
Achilles laughed heartily and swung the reins with all his might. The silver chariot drew a serpent-like trajectory in the sky, biting towards the throat of the Hanging Gardens.