Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

The screen split into two halves—one showing the Chaldea group, the other the Lion King's throne.

All viewers couldn't help but marvel at Alaya's mastery of framing.

The transitions, split-screen BGM—everything was executed flawlessly.

Amid the heavy, oppressive BGM, the divided screen unfolded.

The Lion King stood high above, looking down at the youth as if observing an insignificant ant.

The youth glared back with unyielding resolve, as if declaring, "Though I die nine times, I shall not regret it."

This scene, was nearly identical to when the young Shirou faced the tyrannical King of Heroes.

Both times, he confronted enemies so powerful they seemed insurmountable.

But this time, he faced a true god.

A fully unrestrained deity, free to walk the mortal world as it pleased.

Under the gaze of all, on one half of the screen, deep within the holy city's grand hall...

The king sat high upon the throne, gazing indifferently at the knight below. "Agravain, the Holy City has been invaded. Where are those Knights of the Round Table?"

"My king, that formidable foe has even defeated Sir Gawain!"

Agravain's expression was grave as he bowed deeply. "My king, there is no need to delay any longer. The Selection has concluded. Please activate the Tower of the End here."

"Let us establish the ideal kingdom of Britain—one that endures eternally, never to be invaded nor to invade others! I shall bear witness to your glory!"

He was the son of Morgan, King Arthur's sister.

And Morgan's most trusted child.

Originally sent as an assassin to overthrow King Arthur's reign.

Yet, Agravain had come to see the continuation of Britain as his highest duty, remaining a steadfast supporter of the king.

Most of the Knights of the Round Table despised him, unaware that he was the most indispensable figure by the king's side.

It was his death at Lancelot's hands that ultimately led to the collapse of the Round Table and Britain's downfall!

At his urging,

Lion King nodded lightly. "Very well. If the Iron Agravain speaks thus, then it shall be done."

"In the name of the Storm King, I shall grasp all within my palm. Camelot shall usher in a new era!"

Boom!

An immense surge of magical energy, vast as the ocean, erupted.

It was as if the entire world trembled and roared in response.

Above the Holy City of Camelot, an indestructible barrier suddenly manifested.

A radiant, dazzling light enveloped the entire city.

In that moment, the Holy City transformed into the world's last paradise, sheltering those chosen by the Selection.

The scene shifted to Chaldea's group.

Dr. Roman, remaining at Chaldea, exclaimed in awe through the communication link: "The magical energy readings have surpassed the maximum limits of our counters—it's immeasurable! This is a spatial rift-level defense!"

"That barrier is the outer form of the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad. Only weapons of extraordinary caliber can hope to pierce it!" Nameless declared solemnly.

In his hand, he held a peculiar card at the ready.

It was none other than the Phantasm Summoning Card—used once before in The Vow in the Snow!

As he produced the card, "Emiya-kun, based on the spiritual foundation data you provided, we've created this card to summon versions of yourself from across the timelines."

Da Vinci's expression was complex. "I don't know what confidence you have, but remember—using this card means preparing for sacrifice!"

To summon alternate versions of oneself as allies could never come without cost.

Once activated, his body would crumble and vanish completely, just like the great hero Arash.

"I know," the youth nodded softly.

This was humanity's battle against the divine.

To completely repair the Singularity and defeat the Lion King who had transformed into a deity, thorough preparations were naturally essential.

Da Vinci gave the otaku beside her a strange look. "I couldn't create this card based on your instructions earlier, but with the Doctor's hint, I finally succeeded."

"Ah, that was just a wild guess on my part. After all, I'm just an ordinary person," Dr. Roman scratched his head sheepishly, looking rather embarrassed.

"Thank you for your help, Doctor. After this battle, I'll treat you to strawberry cake when we get back—and maybe even find you a girlfriend!" Nameless clasped his hands in gratitude.

Dr. Roman grew even more flustered. "A girlfriend is unnecessary. Someone like me, a hopeless otaku, isn't really liked by anyone. Having Mari-chan with me is enough."

The conversation between these two.

Though it seemed perfectly harmonious, it left countless viewers feeling an inexplicable ache in their hearts—

-[Oh no, is Emiya the Hero about to throw himself into another suicidal battle, challenging the divine Lion King?]

-[My turn, draw! Activate Spell Card—"The Me Who Walks Through Human History"!]

-[Sigh, every time he saves the world, he pays with his life. How does he endure such brutal deaths over and over without going insane?]

-[Perhaps… this is what it truly means to be a hero.]

-[The greatest heroes fight for their country and people! But now, the Hero isn't just fighting for a nation—he's fighting for all of humanity!]

...

"Big Brother..."

Miyu watched the video of the boy holding the Phantasm Summoning Card, knowing full well that using it might cost him his life—yet he showed no hesitation. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Back in the timeline of the Vow in the Snow, he had willingly sacrificed everything for her.

He had wanted to participate in the Holy Grail War, yet not a single Servant answered his call.

In the end, the only one who answered him was himself!

Single-handedly carving his way through the Holy Grail War—it sounded exhilarating, but all she felt was heartache for her brother.

"Hey, why isn't that King Hassan doing anything?" Illya tilted her head in confusion as she stared at the screen.

While the boy fought against the Sun Knight Gawain, the figure simply stood by and watched.

It was as if he only wanted to see whether Emiya the Hero had truly learned his lesson.

And the result proved—

[You are the finest student I have ever taught! A true assassin strikes his enemies head-on, in broad daylight!]

"I don't know."

Miyu couldn't help but silently pray for his assistance.

This assassin was terrifying.

Even the Sun King, hiding within the invincible fortress of his greatest Noble Phantasm, had been beheaded without a sound!

If he intervened, he could truly help her brother defeat the Lion King.

And then—

As if responding to everyone's doubts—

In the video, the entire Holy City of Camelot was enveloped by an impenetrable barrier, completely isolating it from the outside world.

No one could even get close, let alone challenge this deity directly.

All they could sense was the overwhelming divine presence, arrogantly dictating the fates of all living beings.

Mash couldn't help but plead, "King Hassan, could you assist us in defeating the Lion King?"

"My blade only strikes down those who defy the will of Heaven. The Lion King's fate does not lie with me—it lies with you. Thus, my sword is of no use here," King Hassan replied.

"Those who defy the will of Heaven?"

Mash was puzzled.

"Indeed. The tolling of the funeral bell has yet to sound, proving the Lion King is not my target."

The figure of King Hassan gradually dissipated, "Go forth, young one, for you are the true agent of destiny..."

"Your Excellency!"

Mash still wished to plead.

But Nameless reached out and held her back: "Mash, I'm here!"

Having previously taught him the crown-level assassination techniques and assisted him in slaying Gawain, the Sun Knight who tolled the evening bell, was already help enough.

"But..."

Mash gazed at the Phantasm Summoning Card in his hand, feeling an overwhelming reluctance.

Using it would likely cost her senior's life, making it impossible for her to ever see him again.

Yet, as the last Master of humanity, he bore the mission of restoring the Singularities and safeguarding human order.

Mash stared blankly at him, "Senpai, you never wanted to be a hero of justice, never wanted to be a savior..."

"Perhaps, this is simply my fate."

The young man reached out and gently stroked the girl's pink hair, his face breaking into a radiant smile.

Then, he suddenly looked up at the vast sky: "Sun King, it's your turn now. Please help me shatter this obstructing wall!"

Before leaving, he had made a pact with the Sun King, Ramesses II—once he fought his way through the Knights of the Round Table, the Sun King would strike down the defenses of the Holy City.

Now, it was time for the other to fulfill his end of the wager.

***

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