Chapter 179: The End of the Third Singularity!
"You shouldn't have come back."
Noah looked at Ethan, then shook his head.
"In order to fight the creature from beyond this world, I used my authority to seal off this area. If I can't completely destroy it, I'll self-destruct to drive it away."
"Kamikaze is not a good civilization."
Ethan immediately rejected Noah's decision.
"I was granted the Grand Saint Graph, so of course I must bear this mission."
"If humanity cannot rely on its own strength to move forward, then sooner or later it will perish."
Ethan looked at Noah with determined eyes.
"Besides, I don't think that simply giving up the Grand Saint Graph would be enough for you to defeat that creature."
"I agree with Ethan on this point."
Dr. Romani's voice came through the communicator on the wristband.
"If your plan fails, then humanity's future will vanish as well. If that's the case, we might as well risk everything!"
"I see..."
After hearing Ethan's words, Noah gave a faint smile.
"Seems like I'm starting to understand why you awakened me."
Immediately after, he composed himself.
"Even though I've used my Authority to forcibly separate the Outer God from its 'vessel,' making it harder for it to fully manifest in this world, we are still under its observation. I fear we can't hold out much longer."
"So during this short window of time, we have to destroy it as quickly as possible, right?"
Ethan spoke up instantly.
"That's right. But as you saw, I already failed once with the Beast of Sodom. When it gets heavily wounded, the Black Mud disperses and begins to absorb power instinctively."
For once, a hint of worry appeared on the usually optimistic Noah's face.
Just earlier, when Ethan arrived, he did witness that scene.
"Johanna!"
Ethan turned around and saw Johanna trying to maintain a barrier over the small ship.
"Master, I'm here!"
"I'm entrusting you with the task of restricting the enemy's movements."
"Please rest assured, Master."
Johanna nodded slightly.
"I absolutely won't let that evil creature escape."
"Everyone, I'm counting on you for the rest!"
At this point, the only way to stop the descent of the Outer God was to destroy the massive Black Mud in front of them — the one serving as the 'vessel.'
"Seriously, Master, you're way too serious. Haven't we stood here today precisely because we defeated each of them like this?"
Mordred stood up, proudly slapping Ethan hard on the shoulder.
"It's the same this time. With me — the heir of Britannia — here, just leave it all to me."
"...That sounded kind of weird, but thanks anyway."
Looks like Mordred really isn't good at comforting others.
"It's just a slightly bigger lump of mud. Let's finish it fast and go home."
Jeanne Alter was still as grumpy as ever, arms crossed as she looked at Ethan.
"If you dawdle any longer, I'll burn you alive!!!"
Given her tsundere personality, this could probably be seen as her way of encouraging him?
"Master."
Heracles tightened his grip on his great bow and glanced over.
"I'll hold it back. Don't worry."
"Umu, thanks."
Heracles the "Bodyguard" was as reliable as always. As an Archer, when he says "hold it back," he'll probably just unleash Nine Lives directly...
"Hmph, how foolish. Do you humans always cling to survival in desperate situations like this?"
Draco sat to the side, clear contempt on her face.
"Though I admit the Human Order is a powerful force, humans are far more foolish than I imagined! Do you even understand what the hell you're doing?!"
Draco glared at Ethan, full of fury.
"Sorry. Looks like I let your goodwill go to waste."
"Idiotic!!!"
Draco shouted loudly.
"I was just acting on a whim! Did you really think I was helping you? You're just a meal I purposely left on the table!"
Then Draco staggered to her feet.
"If you want to apologize, do it after you defeat that thing! That way I'll have more reasons to mock you afterward."
"Umu, I understand."
Ethan nodded.
"Everyone! Make use of every second!!!"
As Noah boarded the ship, the small vessel — prepped from Noah's Ark — immediately responded to his command.
Right after that, Noah raised the Sword of Methuselah high in his hand.
"This sword was passed down from Methuselah, to protect the descendants of mankind. Now is the time of salvation — show your power!!!"
With Noah's resounding shout, red light burst forth from Methuselah, illuminating everything around them!
"CHIIIIIII————————!!!"
The surrounding space emitted a shrill scream along with violent tremors, and the crushing pressure bearing down on everyone immediately lessened significantly.
At the same time, the nearby Black Mud giant began to tremble all over.
"Fwoosh——————————!!!"
An arrow fired from Heracles' hand marked the start of the assault!
Nine arrows, fletched with feathers from the Stymphalian birds, shot into the sky, transforming into small bronze birds flapping their wings, launching the first strike!
The sharp bronze feathers pierced the body of the Black Mud giant.
"BOOM——————!!!"
A thunderous explosion rang out as the Black Mud giant swung its arm, grabbed two bronze birds, and crushed them into pieces!
"Take this!!"
Standing at the bow of the ship, Mordred poured all her mana into the brightly glowing Royal Sword.
"This is the evil sword that destroyed my father!"
"Clarent Blood Arthur!!!"
The ferocious frontal assault struck the Black Mud giant squarely.
"BAM BAM BAM BAM————————!!!"
After taking the hit, the black giant reached out, trying to block Mordred's attack.
"This is the howl of a soul filled with hatred!"
"La Grondement Du Haine!!"
Several long black spears shot forth, piercing the Black Mud giant's arms, setting its body ablaze in a violent inferno!!!
"Fwoosh————————!!!"
The next nine arrows from Heracles' great bow were unleashed simultaneously, their fierce air currents converging into a single massive arrow that pierced straight through the giant Black Mud's body!!!
"BOOM————————!!!"
Under the relentless barrage of attacks, the Black Mud giant collapsed once more, with enormous amounts of black sludge surging out continuously!
"Your glory fills all the world!"
Johanna had been waiting for this moment — she raised the silver holy staff in her hand.
"If you think this is punishment, it is; If you think this is redemption, it is."
"It is for you to interpret, While the holy word extracts the truth."
"Legendum Pāpa Thronus!!!!"
A radiant silver brilliance enveloped the entire space, sealing the black sludge within a sacred domain.
Had they succeeded?!
Ethan watched every movement ahead with intense focus.
Suddenly, a stream of black sludge burst through a gap in the barrier, charging straight at Johanna — who was still maintaining the seal!
"CLANG————————!!!"
Mash immediately raised her shield to block the impact.
"Ugh..."
The shock was so great that pain spread across Mash's face, but she grit her teeth and stood her ground without retreating.
"Mash!!!"
Ethan rushed over at once. Together with Mash, they used the shield to block the impact from the front.
"UAAAAAHHH——————!!!"
An overwhelming force surged into their arms, almost too much to bear. But if they retreated even one step now, everything would be over!!!
As if responding to that resolve, the gem on Ethan's chest suddenly emitted a radiant golden light!
When Ethan and Mash touched that golden light, it felt as if strength surged through them once again.
"The Black Mud seems to be multiplying rapidly using the power of the Holy Grail. If this keeps up, we won't be able to destroy it! We need a finishing blow!!!"
Doctor Romani immediately warned through the communicator.
But by now, everyone's mana was nearly depleted. Heracles, after unleashing his Noble Phantasm twice, was forced to use the belt of the war god to restore his mana. He prepared to risk it all to unleash Nine Lives once more.
"I will never allow... you to fall here!!!"
Though already extremely weak, Draco stood up again, raising her arm toward the sealed mass of Black Mud.
"Flames run rampant, laughter resounds. O' seven dragons, become my fingers!!!"
Though somewhat reluctant, the Seven Familiar Beast still manifested behind Draco.
"Embrace of the Golden Molten Theater! Babalon Domus Aurea!!!"
At her command, the Seven Familiar Beast roared and charged forward. Simultaneously, from above, scorching red beams of destruction rained down!!!
"BOOOM————————!!!"
With a thunderous explosion, the Black Mud was immediately incinerated into ash, gradually vanishing — even the last remnants were completely erased by that searing light.
"The Black Mud's presence has disappeared!!!"
But before Doctor Romani could even finish delivering the good news—
Suddenly — a massive tremor erupted without warning.
"The 'vessel' has vanished, and the space I created is beginning to collapse. Everyone, stay alert!!!"
Noah immediately issued a warning.
As soon as Noah finished speaking, everything around them began to fall apart.
"BOOOOM————————!!!"
Floods, tentacles, black masses of flesh…
Everything began to shake violently.
The sky was collapsing, the very air screaming in agony!
"CHIIIIIIIIII————————!!!"
That shrill screech rang out again.
Ethan looked up at the black mass of flesh overhead in the sky.
Countless tentacles began to twist and flail wildly, as if trying to seize anything that still belonged to this world.
It was as if some invisible hand was yanking it violently out of existence!
The small boat swerved to avoid the tentacles, hurtling outward at full speed.
But unexpectedly, one flailing tentacle managed to snag a corner of it?!
The boat was forced to slow down and crashed into more tentacles!
"CRACK CRACK CRACK————————!!!"
Under the tearing force of the tentacles, the ship was ripped to pieces!!!
Everyone was thrown from the wreckage, plummeting downward!!!
Ethan was no exception, flung away from the ship.
But in the final moment, he instinctively reached out, trying to grab the teammate next to him.
"Senpai!!!"
Unfortunately, he couldn't catch Mash in time and was thrown far away!
Damn it…
Was he really going to die — not at the hands of "Mother Goat" — but by falling from the sky?
That would be one hell of a pathetic end…
Not even time to regret it—
Ethan realized he was clutching a small figure tightly in his arms.
Her long, neatly tied blonde hair was streaming in the wind as they fell.
Draco…?!
Only then did Ethan realize — even though she was a Beast, the small girl in his arms had still chosen to help him.
No matter what her reasons were, the things she did — were undeniable facts.
So then… what exactly is "Human Evil"?
Ethan still didn't fully understand, but there was one thing he was certain of:
The little girl in front of him — was the one who helped him recover humanity's future.
"…How long do you plan to keep holding me like this, huh?"
Just then, the blonde girl opened her eyes and spoke with clear annoyance.
"So you're awake."
Ethan tried to smile.
"If you squeeze someone's hand that hard, of course they'll wake up."
Draco looked up toward the sky, quickly assessing the situation.
"You're really lucky, human — looks like you get to live a little longer."
"Yeah, seems like it."
Ethan nodded, then glanced downward.
Below them was a vast ocean stretching endlessly. Beside him — was Draco.
The two of them were free-falling together from the sky.
This scene…
Why does it feel kind of familiar?
"Why aren't you screaming in panic like last time?"
"How should I put it… kinda used to it???"
Strangely, he was beginning to grow accustomed to this weightless feeling.
But more importantly — with Draco beside him, it would probably be alright.
"Unfortunately for you, I've completely exhausted my mana this time. I can't guarantee a safe landing."
Draco's voice sounded softer than before.
"EH?!"
Ethan frantically waved his hands in panic.
"No way! Didn't you just say I'd get to live a bit longer?!"
"I changed my mind. I'm a Beast, after all!!!"
Draco laughed aloud as they continued falling at high speed.
It was the first time Ethan had ever seen her laugh like that.
But he couldn't laugh at all right now.
"If you want to live — then form a proper contract with me!"
"——————?!"
Suddenly, Draco said that to Ethan.
"You're bringing this up now?! And weren't you totally against forming a contract with me before?!"
"How could I let someone like you die at the hands of anyone else?!"
Draco reached out her small hand and grasped Ethan's much larger one tightly.
"For a fool who actually wants to make a pact with a 'Beast', I obviously have to witness your ending with my own eyes."
The dark clouds above slowly began to disperse, and sunlight started to shine through.
In that light, Draco's long golden hair streamed endlessly in the air.
"You better keep living — live until my Beast horns are fully grown, so I can carve you up and savor you properly, understand~"