Chapter 91.20: Parting with Mash! The Myriad Worlds are Shaken! Doctor Roman Takes the Stage?!!
『 "Now, allow me to show you. This is the end of your journey. The end of human history."
"This is the moment my great work is completed and the planet is reborn!"
Goetia's form ascended into the mid-air, that towering, terrifying silhouette transforming into the very incarnation of ominous fate, the singular Calamity of this realm!
Behind him, a pitch-black sun ascended, its terrifying light of death illuminating the entire world!
This was a strike potent enough to pierce through the sun, moon, and stars! An apocalypse capable of overturning the world and returning existence to its genesis!
No thermal energy on Earth could compare, nor could any existence withstand this blow!
"Third Noble Phantasm deployed."
"The Time of Birth Hath Come, I Am the Remedy of Eternity."
"Now, burn like the garbage you are!"
"ARS ALMADEL SALOMONIS—!"
⦍The Time of Birth Has Come, He Is the One Who Masters All⦎
Irresistible, unassailable, inescapable. Faced with this strike capable of terminating all phenomena, Ritsuka Fujimaru could find no method to halt it!
She tightly clasped the hand of the girl beside her, hoping at least to face the end together with Mash—
But the young girl released that tightly clasped hand. "Senpai, leave this to me. Mash Kyrielight, engaging!"
"Because the road to the future is still long. Your battle should not end in a place like this!"
"Mash!" Ritsuka Fujimaru's eyes widened in shock. She looked at Mash's figure in disbelief, but the girl had already positioned herself in front of her!
Just as she had in the beginning, that beautiful, pure, and reliable silhouette stood at the vanguard!
"I will stand on the seat of catastrophe."
"That which heals all wounds and grudges, our glorious homeland."
"Manifest yourself, LORD CAMELOT—!"
⦍Now is a Castle of Distant Ideals⦎
The pristine white walls of Camelot materialized—one warrior standing against ten thousand, an impregnable fortress!
The apocalyptic sun descended, swallowing Mash and this fragment of the world in a mere instant!
Merely the scattered aftershocks reduced the surrounding space to a wasteland, and in this moment, Mash was accepting the greatest malice of this world! 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Uzumaki Naruto (Naruto): "…It's possible, right! Mash can block that attack, right?" ]
[ Dio Brando (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure): "Are you insane, brat? That human girl's body is already boro-boro—completely tattered. With what power does she intend to block a strike of that magnitude?" ]
[ Achilles (Type-Moon): "Even my Akhilleus Kosmos couldn't withstand that." ]
[ Morgan le Fay (Type-Moon): "That shield… forget it. If we are comparing pure output right now, only the scabbard of Avalon could block that strike. However, under the Anti-Summoning ritual, no Heroic Spirit other than Mash can reach Goetia." ]
[ Goetia⦍BEASTI⦎ (Type-Moon): "There is no possibility. Abandon your final hope. This strike, sufficient to pierce the stars, will incinerate you and this planet together like dry grass! Mash Kyrielight, it is not too late to accept my offer!" ]
[ Space Ishtar⦍Archer⦎ (Type-Moon): "? What are you acting so high and mighty for! If you have the nerve, come trade shots with my Edin Shugurra Quasar!" ]
[ Merlin (Type-Moon): "That would make Boss Goetia question his life choices." ]
[ Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen): "Ara~ ara~ Could it be that Fujimaru Ritsuka will watch with her own eyes as Mash is burned to ash, and then follow her into death?" ]
[ Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen): "Say one more word and I'll kill you, Mahito-chan~" ]
[ .....]
〜Type-Moon World, ????? Worldline〜
Grand Temple of Time: Solomon—
"Mash, even at the very end, you refuse to wake up?"
Lev Lainur's expression was indifferent, his narrowed eyes revealing no fluctuation of emotion.
He had decided to destroy this world… precisely because of you.
A life created by humans, destined to vanish. Would it not have been better to deny Human History together and journey to the extremity?
He could not understand, nor could he accept it. Yet, even so, Lev still hoped Mash would realize this truth!
Throne of Heroes—
Lancelot stared blankly at that violet figure, already being swallowed by the beam of light.
That… was his daughter…
Back then, he found his son incredibly distinct… but now…
Lancelot's expression was one of agony, yet filled with pride. He murmured,
"Fight for your Master. Never retreat! Mash!"
Galahad gazed at the shield, his expression tranquil. After entrusting his power to that girl, he had ceased to interfere in any matters.
If the heart holds no grudge, the white walls remain flawless.
Whether you can achieve it depends on your heart, Mash Kyrielight.
In the Inner Sea of the planet, In The Furthest Tower—
"Here it comes, here it COMES!!!"
Every single cell in Merlin's body thrilled with delight.
Merlin knew, of course, that the Human Order would not perish, and Goetia would not succeed. It was just like the protagonists of other worlds; since they were chosen by the world, how could the protagonist die?
So, naturally, they wouldn't. The one to die would be someone else~!
"Uuuu, Mash-chan,"
Merlin wiped away tears with his hand, yet the cunning and amusement in his eyes were unconcealed!
—
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
Recalling Mash's battle record thus far, the audience shook their heads.
The first time, she deployed her Noble Phantasm while falling from a great height. The second time, she deployed it against a wavering Ereshkigal. The third time, she stood with Merlin against Tiamat's Nega-Genesis, but that was still under the condition that Tiamat was holding back infinitely.
The crowd did not have high hopes for Mash. The facts were laid bare: in the face of absolute power, what use was Mash's effort?
Furthermore, that girl's body… a genetically modified body, already shattered and broken. To speak ruthlessly, before even arriving at this Temple of Time, she was already an arrow at the end of its flight.
At risk of collapse at any moment. Under these conditions, how could she withstand Goetia? How could she protect her Master?
A mantis trying to stop a chariot; overestimating one's capabilities.
It would only leave behind grief and despair, forcing her Master to watch helplessly as she was destroyed…
The crowd sighed with sorrow in their hearts. They had come this far…
But in the next moment, the figure on the screen gradually emerged.
Blocked… She blocked it?!!
The crowd was horrified. How is this possible?!!
.....
『 The planetary-piercing beam collided violently with the holy walls of Camelot!
Everything in the world, every scene, dissolved into whiteness!
…It was a spectacle as if time stood still. There was no material on Earth capable of withstanding the heat of the light bands.
However…
THAT APPLIES ONLY WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF PHYSICAL LAWS!!!
Amidst the infinite heat of the light cannon, THE HOLY WALLS OF CAMELOT STOOD TALL!!!
Her protection is a guardianship of the spirit. If her heart holds no filth, no hesitation, it becomes an invincible rampart that will neither melt nor shatter!
If the heart holds no grudge, the white walls remain flawless!
Goetia's eyes held no ripples; he seemed to have anticipated this. He understood, of course, he understood. As long as it was her wall, it would surely defend against his Third Noble Phantasm. But…
The time of hell extended. Mash's body shattered layer by layer. The intense, unbearable pain caused the girl's beautiful brows to furrow tightly, yet Mash smiled.
While defending against the heat that could pierce the stars, she reminisced. The journey up to now. The journey from here on. The past where she existed, and the dream of a future where she was gone.
In this moment, the girl's time seemed to freeze. She wandered alone through those beautiful memories.
…For Senpai. Only for Senpai.
"Thank goodness. This is acceptable, right, Senpai?" The girl was in the extremity of agony, yet her face revealed a smile of absolute beauty.
"Thank you so much for looking after me all these days. I always wanted to repay you for everything you gave me, Senpai. That is why I endured my own weakness and traveled until now."
"Until this moment, I finally feel, personally, that my life has meaning. Captain Drake was right. At the moment of death, I would surely know my wish."
It must be so… that is why I hope you approve.
"However, I am still a little unwilling." The girl turned back with tragic beauty, her exquisite face illuminated by the brilliant light. Yet in this moment, nothing in the world could compare to the beauty of that pure, radiant smile.
"I was always the one being protected… at the very least, in the end, I wanted to be of help to you, Senpai."
A clear light scattered in the depths of the girl's eyes. Those moving pupils reflected Ritsuka Fujimaru, filled with reluctance to part and genuine joy.
That's right. Even after experiencing so many battles, her heart still felt it wasn't enough. The girl's gratitude toward Ritsuka Fujimaru was that intense.
Even if it was just a trivial catalyst, like meeting one morning.
The humanity she possessed was defined by being protected by Ritsuka Fujimaru, and stepping forward whenever she was in front of Ritsuka Fujimaru…
This was the meaning of Mash's life. From the moment the girl was born in a laboratory until now, she has finally found the meaning of her existence.
To be able to protect Senpai… truly, I am so glad.
After the ultimate daylight passed, the Snowflake Shield still stood upright on the scorched earth, but that pure, beautiful figure had long since vanished.
There was not a single scratch on the Snowflake Shield. She was still protecting her Master.
"….." Ritsuka Fujimaru stared blankly at the place where the figure had dissipated…
The tearing sensation and despair from her heart forced out the most hopeless roar buried deep within her soul!
"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"
Her crimson eyes trembled in madness, the girl's face, covered in blood and dust, twisting into a grotesque mask of grief!
What weakness… the truly weak one, the one who had truly been protected all along, was HER!!! 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Tatsumi (Akame Ga Kill): "She blocked it! Mash really did it! B-But! Mash, why didn't you protect yourself!" ]
[ Maple (BOFURI): "This is a true Shielder! Uuuu, Mash's feelings for her Senpai are a pure shield capable of withstanding a planetary-piercing attack!" ]
[ Dio Brando (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure): "Th-This sort of thing… how is it possible! That girl's body was clearly boro-boro da! How could she block a destructive attack of that level!" ]
[ Noah (Type-Moon): "This is a Conceptual Defense. It is a defense born of the mind. As long as that girl's heart is pure, her faith and will firm, she can block any attack… but the price is the shattering of her flesh, her complete erasure." ]
[ Artoria Pendragon⦍Saber⦎ (Type-Moon): "What a noble knight…" ]
[ Lancelot (Type-Moon): "My… daughter. Your father is proud of you!" ]
[ Fou (Type-Moon): "Fou-u!" ]
[ Merlin (Type-Moon): "Uuuuuuu! My cute little Eggplant! Goetia, you have no heart!" ]
[ Merlin (Type-Moon): "Next time, I suggest burying your body in Avalon and holding a Conceptual Shield. Let's see how Goetia fights that." ]
[ Chaos Evil Gudako (Type-Moon): "Mash… died?! Enough! I've had enough! ***! ...%! A world without Mash isn't fit to be called a world! I will create a world consisting only of Mash!" ]
[ Mashu⦍Eggplant⦎ (Type-Moon): "Senpai, calm down! I'm still here!" ]
[ .....]
〜Saint Seiya World〜
"Such purity. That child's soul…"
Hades, King of the Underworld, stared in a trance.
That kind of power was not worth mentioning in front of him; he could erase it with a wave of his hand. But for Mash, it was different.
Hades watched intently. That child's soul was so dazzlingly brilliant. Even though she was merely a modified human born of human desire… she was so radiant.
But Hades still did not change his view on humanity. He never subscribed to the idea of generalizing the whole based on a few exceptions.
—
〜Naruto World〜
"Suffering. Despair."
Obito Uchiha watched the dissipating figure and the sight of Ritsuka Fujimaru's despairing agony, murmuring to himself.
In this moment, Obito Uchiha felt no pain or sorrow in his heart, only contempt for Ritsuka Fujimaru's powerlessness.
Protecting nothing, unable to protect anything—simply an incompetent waste. Thinking this, Obito Uchiha's expression couldn't help but twist hideously.
Back then… wasn't he also watching helplessly as all of this happened!
A massive sense of self-mockery rose in Obito Uchiha's heart, but at the same time, it solidified the conviction within him.
He would definitely create a world that belonged only to Rin, a world where Rin would suffer no more pain!
Even if… he had to pay everything!
The Uchiha clan, his master and mistress, Kakashi, Konoha—everything flashed through Obito Uchiha's mind, only to be thoroughly pulverized by him.
For Rin… everything was worth it!
—
〜Type-Moon World, ????? Worldline, Chaldea〜
"Uuuu! Mash!"
Ritsuka Fujimaru hugged Mash without a care for her image, crying loudly.
And on the screen, seeing herself essentially confessing, Mash's face turned completely red, momentarily at a loss for words.
In the corner, Romani and Fou stared at Mash's figure, lost in thought.
—
〜Dragon Raja World〜
Red hair flowing, a stunningly beautiful girl in shrine maiden attire bathed in cherry blossoms, her exquisite face long since drenched in tears.
So sad. So painful. The sorrow in her heart made Erii's tears fall uncontrollably.
She truly envied the feelings between Mash and Ritsuka Fujimaru, and she desperately wanted Mash not to die, for them to be together forever…
—
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
Mash, Ritsuka Fujimaru's final reliance, was gone.
The girl's performance shocked everyone. Although for the supreme existences of certain worlds, blocking that kind of attack was trivial, what truly moved them was the girl's flawless, holy spirit.
So bright and dazzling, so radiant and moving, lingering before everyone's eyes even now.
It took the crowd a long time to recover. They turned their gaze back to the screen, where now, only Ritsuka Fujimaru and Goetia remained…
.....
『 "Look. The flesh evaporates, unable to withstand the heat of the light bands, but that spirit suffers no infringement from any existence. The Snowflake Shield remains unharmed and will continue to protect its master."
"That is why I said it. She is not some brave protagonist, nor is she the theme of the story."
"She was just a completely ordinary girl." There was no mockery or coldness in Goetia's words, only silence and sorrow for Mash's passing.
Goetia had long anticipated such a scene. The pure, brilliant heart of the Snowflake Shield's master had moved even him, which was why he had offered her chances time and time again.
But now, everything was over.
Ritsuka Fujimaru struggled to stand, walking step by step toward the Snowflake Shield. Her bloody footprints were blindingly harsh on the desolate earth.
She gripped the shield. The cold touch and heavy weight filled the girl's heart with grief and agony.
"Very well. I will allow you to strike me one last time." Goetia watched this scene without stopping her. He spoke plainly, "I can understand your feelings."
"Punch my body with your powerless human fist, and then die." He looked down upon Ritsuka Fujimaru's body, trembling with pain and despair.
"…That is all I could ask for!" The girl raised her head, her crimson eyes filled with killing intent and fury, growling in a low voice!
On the desolate earth, a breeze blew, kicking up dust. Compared to that terrifying figure, the silhouette of the girl holding the shield was so bleak and insignificant.
It is impossible to defeat such a monster… impossible to win. That is a fact. But…
But Ritsuka Fujimaru still walked resolutely toward that untouchable existence!
Not to save the Human Order, not to save the world. This emotion of grief, despair, and rage was solely for MASH!!!
The figure who had always protected HER!!!
But at that moment, a voice interrupted the girl.
"Let's calm down a bit, Fujimaru."
"Seeking death actively doesn't suit your character, you know. For now, let's accumulate some strength."
Ritsuka Fujimaru turned her head in disbelief. Why is the Doctor here?!! 』
『 .....』