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Chapter 14 - The Holy Grail War

With an ominous presence, Amakusa Shirou descended out of the Holy Grail and started to proclaim, "My wish was granted! It was indeed granted." As the priest made his way towards the Holy Maiden, Jeanne couldn't help but be taken aback by the sudden appearance of Amakusa Shirou. In a calm and composed manner, the priest proceeded to explain to the Holy Maiden that his long-awaited desire had been finally fulfilled by the benevolent powers of the Holy Grail, stating with conviction, "The third magic has been put in motion, initiating the materialisation of the human soul." The priest explained to her that the Holy Grail is now infused with an immense magical energy drawn from every soul the Hanging Garden will encounter during its journey across the world. It was designed to bring about a transformative shift in the essence of humanity. The ultimate purpose behind this grand mission was to liberate humanity from the constraints of their physical bodies. It was believed that through this endeavour, the inherent instinct of survival would be transcended, eradicating all traces of selfishness from the human psyche. As humanity transitioned to a state of existence as beings with mental bodies, the ordinary folk would be bestowed with the gift of eternal life without having to forfeit fundamental emotions like love. The priest elucidated that this undertaking aimed at ushering in an epoch where immortality coexisted harmoniously with profound emotions, envisioning a future where humanity evolved into ethereal beings grounded in the purity of their spirit.

 

Gill, who firmly believes in the priest's guidance, earnestly endeavours to convince Jeanne that following this path is not only the right choice but also the key to finding redemption for both their past transgressions. The Holy Maiden, drawing upon all her inner strength, resolutely opposes their persuasion. Just then, amidst the charged atmosphere, Sieg arrives at the scene, driven by his unyielding pursuit of the Holy Maiden.The unexpected arrival of Sieg captivates them all; his presence seems to hold a promise of change in the air. With swift determination, the warrior rushes towards the holy maiden, his resolve palpable in the tense air around them. In the midst of this intense moment, Jeanne experiences a profound surge of complex emotions towards Sieg that she struggles to comprehend fully.

 

Jeanne finally knew he was in love with Sieg despite the conflicting emotions, with tears dropping from her eyes. The Holy Maiden, with a sense of strength, told the priest she was not going to allow him to have his way, emphasising that his proposed method of action would greatly disrupt the delicate balance of the universe itself.

 

Gill, with tears streaming down his face, was deeply aware of the irreversible crimes of murder he had committed, filling him with overwhelming regret. He sought redemption with a heavy heart, earnestly questioning how he could ever find salvation. The Holy Maiden turned her gaze towards Gill, solemnly stating, "If you truly seek atonement, do not hope for simple salvation. The weight of your sins is heavy, and you must bear it. Gill, you cannot erase the stains of those crimes. The same burden lies on my soul as well." 

 

Gill, now on his knees, expressed his belief that forgiveness was beyond his reach, consumed by self-loathing and guilt. In a moment of profound wisdom, Jeanne countered his despair with a gentle smile, remarking, "Our Lord offers forgiveness boundlessly. However, those you have taken from this world will never extend that same grace to you. Even in your darkest moments of self-condemnation, you must step forth to protect the living as a heroic spirit." Inspired by her compassionate words, the warrior found a rekindled sense of honour igniting within him, readying himself alongside Jeanne to confront the formidable adversary, Amakusa Shirou. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as the priest harnessed his energy to unleash a powerful attack on his foes. Feeling the tension rise, Jeanne made a swift decision, handing her flag over to Gill with a look of determination. With a sense of purpose, she instructed him to lift the flag high, and she prepared to wield her sword in a devastating strike that could obliterate not only the priest. She knew the risk involved, understanding that this act could potentially put her own life at stake. As the priest directed his attack towards them, the unfolding scene held a breathless intensity, but Gill's grip on the flag seemed to radiate with a mysterious power, neutralising the impending danger.

 

As the tension in the air mounted, the Holy Maiden, with graceful determination, began her sacred ritual in preparation to unleash the full might of her ultimate attack. Meanwhile, Gill valiantly intercepted the strikes of the priest, fending off his relentless assaults. The atmosphere was charged with the anticipation of a momentous battle about to unfold. Jeanne, her unwavering faith guiding her, manifested her divine sword and commenced her incantations with solemn reverence. "The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the Firmament proclaims his handiwork," she spoke, her voice echoing with divine power. Each word she uttered carried a weight of centuries-old wisdom and devotion.

 

As the verses of ancient scripture flowed from her lips, a surge of energy enveloped her being, igniting her with golden flames that danced with ethereal beauty. The verses resonated through the battlefield, their profound meaning inspiring awe and wonder. "Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge," she continued, her voice unwavering in its conviction. In that moment, the Holy Maiden's presence seemed to transcend the mortal realm, blending with the divine essence that coursed through her veins.

 

"My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned. Here, I will meet my end. Here is where my life ends. Such is my ephemeral life. With what I am leaving behind, please protect his steps. O' Lord, I entrust my body to you," she intoned, her words a powerful declaration of selflessness and devotion. With each syllable, the golden flames intensified, swirling around her in a mesmerising display of sacred power. The very air seemed to vibrate with the energy of her prayer, channelling the forces of heaven and earth to converge at her fingertips. In that transcendent moment, the Holy Maiden stood as a beacon of divine grace, her faith unwavering and her resolve unshakable. With a resolute gaze fixed on her target, she prepared to unleash the full force of her power on Amakusa Shirou. The battlefield shimmered with otherworldly light, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Jeanne d'Arc, the Holy Maiden, whose faith and courage knew no bounds.

 

 

Gill, with a contented smile gracing his face and a profound sense of fulfilment in his heart, gracefully began to fade away from the intense battle scene before him. Meanwhile, Jeanne, determined and unwavering, unleashed her ultimate attack, the "Crimson Saint," a ferocious onslaught of colossal and devastating flames that surged forth with an unstoppable force directed towards Amakusa Shirou. In that critical moment, Amakusa Shirou realised the dire intention of the Holy Maiden—to obliterate the Holy Grail itself. In a bold move to protect the sanctity of the artefact, Amakusa Shirou valiantly sacrificed one of his hands, offering it up in a selfless act to redirect the destructive power of the attack outwards into the vast emptiness of the void. The clash of powers and wills heightened, escalating the tension as the struggle for dominance unfolded. Tragically, the formidable assault took its toll, draining the Holy Maiden of her life force until she gave her all in that final, brilliant but costly display of power.

 

The Holy Maiden essence began to gradually fade away, a poignant scene unfolding as Sieg cradled her delicate form in his arms, his own grief evident through the tears that streamed down his face. Despite his heartache, Sieg felt a strong urge to offer solace to Jeanne in her final moments. Amidst the ethereal glow that surrounded them, the Holy Maiden gazed into Sieg's eyes, a profound understanding of the future dawning upon her. With a bittersweet mixture of sorrow and reassurance in her voice, she whispered, "It's okay. Time holds no power over our connection; we shall reunite, no matter how vast the expanse that separates us." Sieg, his commitment unwavering, clasped Jeanne tenderly, pledging to wait steadfastly for their eventual reunion. As the luminous radiance intensified, the essence of the holy maiden dissipated, her corporeal form transforming into the serene visage of Leticia.

 

Astolfo, who had arrived late to the chaotic scene, rushed towards Sieg, his heart pounding with a mixture of concern and determination. Sieg, his expression grave yet resolute, approached Astolfo, gently passing the weight of Leticia's still form into his care before turning towards Amakusa Shirou. The gravity of the situation hung in the air as Sieg prepared to engage in combat, his eyes reflecting a fierce determination to protect those he held dear.The clash between Sieg and Amakusa Shirou was nothing short of intense; the two warriors were locked in a battle of wills and strength. Sieg, embodying an incredible display of skill and bravery, channelled the spirit of Siegfried without the aid of command spells, surprising all who witnessed his power. The resonance of steel meeting steel reverberated through the battleground, each strike a testament to the fierce determination driving both combatants forward.The magic emanating from the battlefield weaved a tapestry of light and power, each spell adding to the spectacle of their clash. Sieg and Amakusa Shirou fought with every fibre of their being, each move calculated and executed with precision. As the battle reached its zenith, a crescendo of attacks filled the air, echoes of metal on metal resounding like a symphony of war.

 

In a moment of simultaneous strikes, Amakusa Shirou's blade found its mark, a decisive blow that echoed through the battlefield. Sieg, undeterred by the pain of the attack.The priest, who thought he had won the duel against Sieg, was grabbed by Sieg in a suicidal attack, an ultimate attack that Frankenstein the Berserker once used. As fate would have it, on that fateful day, Frankenstein released her ultimate attack in the battle with Mordred, Knight of Treachery, and was defeated. Sieg, who had been unconscious at that time, was hit by Frankenstein light, and his body absorbed the power. Sieg unleashed the power of Frankenstein, the Blasted Tree, in order to end the battle. The explosion damaged the body of Amakusa Shirou, and Sieg was victorious.

 

Astolfo and Sieg, who emerged victorious in their quest, found themselves standing before the Holy Grail, entrusted with the opportunity to have their wishes granted. As they entered the sacred space, an ethereal figure materialised before them—a mystical manifestation taking the form of a young woman, embodying the essence of the Holy Grail itself. Curiosity sparked within Sieg, prompting him to inquire about the possibility of undoing the wish woven by Amakusa Shirou, yet his hopes were dashed as the otherworldly maiden sorrowfully revealed the impossibility of such an endeavor. She did, however, offer a glimmer of hope by hinting at the potential solution lying in transferring the Holy Grail to a place revered within the world's fabric. Embarking on this journey of faith and fate, Astolfo's gaze fell upon Sieg's hand, a subtle realisation dawning upon him as he noticed the absence of the last command spell. This revelation stirred a deep concern within him, for he recognised the clear danger lurking beneath the surface—the gradual transformation of Sieg into the Phantasmal Evil Dragon Fafnir.

 

As the Hanging Garden began to collapse, Astolfo found himself tasked with an urgent mission: leading Leticia to safety away from the chaos unfolding within the mobile fortress. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Leticia, who had just regained consciousness, turned to Astolfo with a look of concern and questioned the whereabouts of Sieg. In that critical moment, a magnificent dragon soared through the skies, clutching the Holy Grail in its formidable claws. It was Sieg, the one who had made a resolute wish to counteract the ominous desires of Amakusa Shirou. Sieg's wish was a selfless yet daring act. By commanding the Holy Grail to transform him into a dragon and strip humanity of its quest for immortality, only the phantasmal evil dragon known as Fafnir could embark on the perilous journey to the edge of existence. This transformation into Fafnir was a revelation foreseen by the Holy Maiden, Jeanne d'Arc, before her untimely departure from the mortal realm. She had foretold of a benevolent dragon that robbed humanity of immortality.

 

Sieg, cradling the sacred Holy Grail in his palm, took flight into the unknown sky of uncertainty, leaving behind a bittersweet air as Astolfo tenderly uttered his farewell to his departing master. Turning to Leticia, who stood beside him with a wistful expression, Astolfo fielded the poignant inquiry about Sieg's potential reunion with Jeanne, to which the noble hero responded with unwavering certainty, assuring her that their paths would inevitably intertwine once more. Time passed, marking the conclusion of the turbulent Holy Grail War, and Leticia found herself readying to make her departure from the imposing walls of the Yggdmillennia estate, her mind laden with both memories of the recent conflict and anticipation for the simplicity of everyday life. With a parting gaze cast towards Astolfo, who stood as a stalwart guardian of fleeting moments, she bid her own farewell and embarked on the journey towards her routine existence. As the mansion's atmosphere settled into a quiet reverie, Astolfo felt the allure of the horizon beckoning him towards new horizons, a sense of adventure stirring within his very being, igniting an insatiable curiosity for the untold tales waiting to be unravelled on the roads untraveled.