The smoke cleared, and Gilgamesh had already regained his posture.
Without a word, he calmly withdrew the Chains of Heaven that had anchored his body and looked in the direction of his opponent. What he saw was Karna, clad in golden armor just like himself, still floating effortlessly in mid-air. The spear that slays gods had also returned to its master's hand.
Karna was unharmed, even though he had been closer to the explosion than Gilgamesh. This undoubtedly showcased the extraordinary defensive power of the son of the sun god.
"Hmph, I admit you have some skill, Son of the Sun!" Gilgamesh said arrogantly. "Sooner or later, we will have to settle the score between us. Only one of us can remain."
"You might as well be honest," Karna said sincerely. "You know I can see through your heart."
"Hahahaha!" Gilgamesh laughed, a rare display of amusement. After their intense battle, the King of Heroes acknowledged Karna's spirit and character. "You truly are remarkable, Son of the Sun!"
"If we had met in life, perhaps we could have been friends," the King of Heroes said, looking down at Karna with a proud smile. "But alas, we are but shadows of our former selves now."
"Indeed, the dead cannot move forward," Karna nodded. "Farewell, King of Heroes. The next time we meet, it will be to decide life and death."
With those words, Karna slowly rose higher into the air. Then, with a surge of blazing magical energy, he accelerated like a shooting star, disappearing into the sky.
Gilgamesh paused for a moment before turning his gaze toward Semiramis, who had vanished into the ruins of the Einzbern castle. He snorted disdainfully.
"Uncultured woman!" Gilgamesh muttered in annoyance. However, he had already lost interest in the place and simply turned his flying vessel, Vimana, around, heading in the direction of the Tohsaka residence.
At that moment, Tohsaka Tokiomi finally breathed a sigh of relief. The intense magical expenditure that had persisted until now had finally come to an end.
After using up a good portion of his stockpile of magical energy gems, Tokiomi managed to endure the fierce battle, allowing the King of Heroes to enjoy himself while also protecting his allies.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, Tokiomi stood up and adjusted his elegant burgundy suit, preparing to welcome the King of Heroes' triumphant return in his best condition.
Emiya Kiritsugu anxiously made his way through the ruins, entering the core tower of the Einzbern castle that had yet to collapse.
Although the tower was still standing, its glass windows had been thoroughly shattered by the massive shockwaves, and the interior decorations—including crystal chandeliers and clocks—were in disarray and severely damaged.
But none of this mattered to Kiritsugu. Compared to his wife, Irisviel, the Einzbern estate's wealth was utterly insignificant.
"You needn't worry," a flock of white doves gathered and transformed into the unscathed and still graceful Semiramis, the Empress of Assyria. "Before the battle began, I sent your wife and your... companion to 'that place.' They are perfectly safe."
"Maiya is not my lover," Kiritsugu said curtly. "How is 'that' coming along?"
"Say what you want. Men always have their excuses," Semiramis shrugged. "The garden is fully prepared and can be activated at any time."
"Let's inspect it first," Kiritsugu said as he began walking.
Semiramis listened to his orders and merely waved her hand. A staircase leading deep underground appeared on a section of the floor in front of them.
Kiritsugu took the lead, quickly descending the staircase. Semiramis followed at a steady, unhurried pace.
After about ten minutes, the two arrived at a vast underground space beneath the Einzbern estate.
Contrary to what one might expect of an underground area, this space was brightly lit—or rather, something within it seemed to mimic the function of the sun.
Kiritsugu took in the sight. The space was filled with ornate sculptures, majestic palace-like architecture, and doves flying between fountains and trees. It was impossible to tell that this garden had been built deep underground.
Looking around, Kiritsugu finally spotted his wife sitting absentmindedly on a bench near a flowerbed, with Maiya standing guard beside her.
"Iri!" Kiritsugu rushed forward, grabbing his wife's shoulders and frantically checking her for injuries.
"I'm fine, Kiritsugu!" Irisviel quickly comforted her panicked husband. "Lady Semiramis had us hide in this Garden long ago. Neither Maiya nor I were hurt!"
"That's a relief!" Kiritsugu pulled Irisviel into his arms, holding her tightly as if overwhelmed by a sense of loss and recovery. He refused to let go for a long time, completely ignoring Semiramis and Maiya, who stood nearby.
The Empress of Assyria watched the peculiar couple with amusement. Glancing at the expressionless Maiya, she couldn't help but indulge in her wicked curiosity: when the time came, would this man—who fought for humanity's salvation—abandon his wife without hesitation?
Which was more important to him: the Holy Grail or his wife?
Known for her mastery of poison and betrayal, the Empress savored the thought of the poisonous fate awaiting this man. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, she would witness his ultimate decision. The thought filled her with anticipation.
"Assassin, is this Garden ready for activation?" Kiritsugu asked, his tone returning to its usual cold rationality as he released his wife.
"The construction is complete," Semiramis replied. "As you can see, it can ascend at any time."
"Good. Then let's ascend now," Kiritsugu said, surprising Semiramis with his words. "Do it immediately."
"Aren't you worried about becoming a target?" Semiramis asked. "After all, this will be highly conspicuous."
"We've already become a target," Kiritsugu shook his head. "After tonight's battle, someone is bound to notice this place. We need to act quickly, play our hand, and establish enough deterrence in a short amount of time."
"As you wish," Semiramis nodded. "Head to the Throne Room. There, I will complete the ascension of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. You'll be amazed by its grandeur."