The pressure from the approaching attack cracked the ground around Altera. Trembling, she struggled to raise her sword. It wasn't fear that caused her difficulty, but the immense pressure from the spear, making even the smallest movement a challenge.
But giving up was not an option.
Altera had resolved to protect.
At the very least, she needed to neutralize this enormous threat before it was too late!
Responding to Altera's will, the Sword of the God of War, which had previously weakened, surged with renewed power, creating a fierce three-colored storm.
Though she couldn't fully reactivate the Noble Phantasm, she could still channel magic to boost its power.
Even if it meant perishing alongside her opponent...
The figure that had frequently shielded her in the past now appeared before her once more.
Altera's eyes widened. "You... why..."
The opponent's defense was formidable, with an EX-level Noble Phantasm offering absolute protection. Yet, it wasn't enough. Despite the spear's overwhelming power, armor alone couldn't withstand it. Altera knew that without the girl's intervention, she would certainly die, but now, with the girl's presence, the situation was different.
The girl would undoubtedly perish, but the EX Noble Phantasm would mitigate the aftermath, giving Altera a chance to survive.
Altera tried to push the girl away, but the restraining force made it nearly impossible to move, let alone remove her from harm's way.
"How foolish..." Altera sighed.
"Yeah, I'm just a not-so-smart country girl..." Jeanne replied with a wry smile as she faced the incoming spear.
"So, I'll ask you to continue protecting Uruk…"
With that, Jeanne's holy flag shone with a brilliance rivaling the spear of light.
"O' Flag, protect my people!
Luminosité Eternelle!!"
The situation was dire.
Ritsuka, sweating and anxious, watched the snake woman advance. Although Altera's situation was critical, Ritsuka had to focus on the immediate threat. From the beginning of the singularity to now, Ritsuka has faced many powerful servants and even true goddesses. Yet, none exerted the pressure that the snake girl did.
Despite this immense pressure, retreat was not an option. Restoring the singularity was her duty, a responsibility she accepted willingly.
If the snake woman succeeded, Uruk would be doomed. Ritsuka could not afford to back down.
She rolled up her sleeves, revealing the three blood-red Command Seals on the back of her hands. These seals were her trump card, capable of forcing servants to follow orders, enhancing their power, or enabling them to perform otherwise impossible feats.
Unlike Orpheus, who had limited control over his summoned servants and could only cut off their magical supply, Ritsuka's Command Seals could directly influence her allies. With only three uses available, she decided to use one now.
Although she would rather face the danger herself than risk Mashu or Lily, Ritsuka knew she had to fulfill her role as Master, supporting her Heroic Spirits.
"Mashu, please!"
"Yes!" Mashu replied with determination. The snake girl's strength was immense, but Mashu trusted in her shield and her Master's support. As long as her will was unbroken, her shield would hold.
Lily, on the other hand, felt helpless. Despite her growth over the years, she felt inadequate at this moment.
"If only..."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand on her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Ritsuka asked, turning to see Merlin, who was smiling slyly and pointing.
Ritsuka looked again... and saw nothing.
"Where's Ophis?"
Ophis, who had been beside them, had disappeared.
Just then, the snake woman's tail swung down with tremendous force, capable of destroying the city if it struck the center of Uruk.
"Master!" Lily called out, pointing in a direction.
Amidst the trajectory of the attack, Ophis appeared in mid-air. She glanced at the snake girl with indifference and extended her hand.
Despite her petite stature, standing about 1.45 meters tall, Ophis held the colossal force of the snake's tail effortlessly.
*Boom!*
The force of the impact created a powerful wind that forced Ritsuka and the others to shield their eyes.
When Ritsuka dared to peek, she saw that Ophis remained unmoved, taking the blow with calm composure.
Then, Ophis's lips moved slightly as if she whispered something.
In the next moment, a brilliant blood-red light erupted, blinding Ritsuka.