The two-handed sword that the man in the white robe suddenly drew shone with a dazzling light and radiated a holy aura. It could easily be called a holy sword.
However, this seemingly unstoppable holy sword was stopped halfway by Enkidu's slender and seemingly delicate hand.
"Hmm, this is quite impressive. If you hadn't attacked me, I might have doubted my own memory."
The man in the white robe maintained a frivolous smile as he swung his staff heavily and simultaneously wielded his golden sword to strike at Enkidu.
"What is going on!?"
Lily and Mash, relying on their instincts and experience, reacted immediately. They pulled Ritsuka to safety and stood in front of her.
"Well... this is just an impromptu performance. It's not a lie that can be concealed for long. Maybe it's more accurate to call it a joke? Really... if we wait a little longer, we might see something interesting."
'Enkidu'—actually Kingu—smirked coldly, effortlessly deflecting the man's attacks and even counterattacking occasionally.
"The so-called last hope of humanity... Hmph, if humanity is a failure, you're the ultimate failure among failures. But even failures like you are rare. Presenting you to the goddess will surely make for a spectacular show."
"Are you really Enkidu!?"
Ritsuka's suspicions were confirmed, and she stared warily at Kingu, who was still engaging in a fierce battle while casually talking with the white-robed man.
At Ritsuka's question, Kingu's smile vanished. A powerful surge of magical energy erupted, sending Merlin flying several meters.
"Hmm... My body has grown a bit rusty from inactivity. But little Anna is so heartless. Doesn't she intend to help me?"
Although the man in the white robe had been thrown back, he quickly regained his footing and began shouting, while the petite girl in the black robe merely snorted coldly.
"Who cares? It's your own fault."
"…You're all a bunch of idiots."
Kingu's sinister smile reappeared as he observed the interaction between the two.
"Does it matter if I am Enkidu or not? I have the same body and functions as her, which is sufficient. But don't assume that if it is Enkidu, she will definitely side with humans. She is a weapon created by the gods. Isn't it natural for her to stand with the goddess?"
"That person's magical power is very close to that of a Demon Pillar. There's no need for further conversation. The person in front of us is an enemy. Since he went through so much trouble to lead you here, he clearly has no intention of letting you leave. You must fight to survive."
Roman's serious voice came through Chaldea's communicator.
"That's not a nice thing to say. We were all quite close until now... But sadly, you're right. It's a shame we won't get to enjoy the fun, but it's enough to just take your heads back. Let me put an end to your journey."
With that, Kingu crouched, preparing to attack.
"If it's low-performance trash, just let it die in the scrapyard."
"... King Ophis is right. It seems the fake Enkidu talked too much."
In this tense atmosphere, the man in the white robe stepped forward without any hint of tension.
"You bastard…"
"Let me tell you something. Although I don't like chanting spells, for a dual-wielding mage like me, there is a standard skill."
Before Kingu could respond, Merlin, from more than ten meters away, swung his holy sword.
"Um?"
Noticing the sword growing brighter, Kingu's expression grew serious as he focused intently on Merlin.
Then, a burst of light filled the area.
"Take my flash!"
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"Oh my, I finally escaped."
On the south side of the forest, the group came to a halt, looking quite disheveled.
"You... what kind of flashy technique were you using? It not only blocked our vision but also had no effect on the enemy!?"
Roman shouted through the communicator, clearly frustrated.
"Haha, I forgot that Enkidu can sense the ground as well."
"Who is that... enemy calling herself Enkidu?"
At last, Mash seized the opportunity to ask.
"It's a long story. How about we discuss it later? Instead of questions, shouldn't we get to know each other? What do you think, beautiful lady?"
Lily's mouth twitched as she pulled her hand away from the man in the white robe, who was kneeling and holding her hand without speaking.
"Um... I have felt something familiar about him for a while, and now his odd behavior... Is he really the teacher?"
"Oh, Lily actually remembers me! That's touching. Is this the perfect time for Altria?!"
The man in the white robe suddenly became excited. Lily, although still smiling, looked quite embarrassed.
At that moment, a white shadow flashed out and knocked the man in the white robe to the ground. His hood fell off, revealing his handsome face and messy rainbow-colored hair.
"Fufu──"
"Wow!? Damn it, Fou, you beast! Have you forgotten the kindness I showed you? I should have known better than to adopt you. You attracted so many meatball lovers just with your cute appearance. It's exhausting to have to work so hard and use so many tricks to deceive people."
"You're arguing at Fufu's level!"
Lily sighed, accustomed to the chaos, while Mash looked surprised and Ritsuka tapped her cheek thoughtfully.
"If you're talking about Lily's teacher... that's..."
"—Wait, I'm still trying to process this shocking development… Merlin, are you really that Merlin!? The great magician of the British Isles, the hybrid of a human and a succubus, the world's top kingmaker, are you truly that Merlin!? And you've been summoned as a Servant in this era!?"
"Doctor...seems a bit excited!?"
"Hahaha, thank you for the introduction, Romani Akiman. That's right, I am the Grand Mage, the magician among magicians, Merlin~ I was summoned to this era as a Caster Servant with a regular spiritual base, so please guide me well~"
Merlin struck a V sign and introduced himself cheerfully.