Davidian's Holy Grail War

"Are you ready, my daughter?" At this moment, Davidian announced Gareth's identity to all the members of the Glorious Perpetual Legion. Gareth was his biological daughter, his dearest flesh and blood.

However, no one was surprised, since they were now only related by blood. Everyone could see that since Gareth joined the team, Davidian had been raising her like his own daughter.

Artoria, who was still on Vimona, widened her eyes. So Gareth over there was Davidian's daughter?

"I'm ready! Father! And why aren't you wielding the Dark Sword Moonshade this time?" Gareth had already assumed a charging stance. What could be more glorious than charging alongside his father?

"Let's not worry about that. Alright, let's go!" Ignoring his daughter's natural inclinations, David led the six hundred elite soldiers of the First Dalian Army in a fierce charge towards Iskandar, intending to crush Iskandar's royal army with this attack.

Stephen Zhou, the elite First Veteran Company Commander, and Gareth, the Legion's Deputy Commander, followed David's flanks as they charged in through the breach opened by Percival. The Second and Third Assault Companies, responsible for supporting the First Company, had already completely breached the gap before their arrival, and now their efforts had not been in vain.

The soldiers of the First Company fought alongside Davian, their blood flowing freely. Though some fell behind, their advance was astonishingly rapid. Soon, Davian had reached Iskandar's front, and Iskandar knew this was the final battle. Soldier against soldier, general against general, Davian was now here to directly destroy his core.

If victory were the only goal, Iskandar should immediately withdraw, regroup, and continue fighting the Glorious Eternal Legion. But his passion and fervor were ignited; he was the Conqueror, he was Iskandar, he was Alexander the Great! He would not retreat; he would launch a desperate assault on Davian.

So he rode his beloved horse Bousifaras at top speed toward Davian, while Davian gripped his nameless sword and charged toward Iskandar. The battle between the two was decided after this one sword strike.

Busifaras collapsed with a groan, and Iskandar fell to the ground with a sizable but not fatal wound. Davidian had indeed kept his word at the last moment; he had not killed Iskandar.

The next moment, both sides simultaneously sheathed their Noble Phantasms, and the battle ended. Vimana returned to the King of Heroes' treasury, and the four of them once again gathered in a circle to drink. However, Artoria's expression was much more relaxed than before.

"Seriously, I never thought I'd lose in the end because of a moment of passion and enthusiasm. Should I really be a calm commander directing from the rear?" Iskandar grumbled, taking a sip of his drink. After all, he did have a chance to win, but in the end, he got carried away and didn't want to back down.

“You did manage to hurt me, but I recover much faster than you. That girl over there, is your name Irisviel? Could you please cast a healing spell on Iskandar?” David asked the white-haired girl over there to cast a spell, since the injury wasn’t minor.

Irisviel looked at Artoria, and Artoria nodded in agreement. Iskandar's injuries were healed under the magic's glow. He couldn't help but scratch his head, truly grateful for the favor.

“Alright, I should take back what I said earlier. Don’t I have wonderful companions and subjects? Eldest sister, the Knight King, don’t really think you’re so aloof. Let’s end it here for tonight.” He raised his glass, only to find it empty. As soon as he put it down, Davian refilled it for him.

He looked at David, who responded with a smile, but then said seriously, "While there are a few reasonable points, most of it is nonsense. Remember, you mustn't speak such nonsense to King Arthur again, or my holy sword will surely take your head, understand?"

"Hahahaha! Having seen such a treasure, who wouldn't understand reality?" With that, he tilted his head back and downed the wine in one gulp. "Well then, let's end it here for tonight. This has truly been... a very enjoyable exchange."

Having said that, he brandished his sword, summoned his divine chariot, and led his master away from the courtyard.

The Hero King also stood up. He looked at the bright moon in the sky before saying to Artoria, "Loyalty is the essence of righteousness. Your subjects are loyal to you in this way. Don't let your own obsession negate their recognition of you and the history you created together with them. In their hearts, you are the best king. Keep up the good work, Knight King. In their eyes, you are right."

He had said his piece, and he only offered his guidance to Artoria out of respect for Davidian. Otherwise, he would have said something even more out of arrogance.

Chapter 178 Awakening

Watching the strange, glittering golden creature depart, David raised an eyebrow. Not bad; Merlin's warning and his own presence had made him somewhat more restrained. After all, taking down this guy reliably was already quite troublesome, and he had many other things to do; he couldn't afford to waste his time.

"What am I like over there?" Artoria sat on the ground, quietly asking Davidian about things she didn't know.

“You’re no different from the one here, really.” Davidan responded to Artoria with the most sincere expression. Was there really any big difference between the two? Actually, there wasn’t. One had finally come to terms with it, while the other was still clinging to it.

But this only deepened Artoria's confusion and anguish: "Then why did this happen? They left me one by one, which ultimately led to Camlann's downfall. No one possesses a Noble Phantasm like yours, and people's hearts were not united in my world. In the end, everyone was torn apart."

"Are you going to tell me next—that the King doesn't understand people's hearts?" Davidian, unusually at a loss for words, poured himself a glass of wine brought by the Conqueror King using the golden cup left by Gilgamesh. He also poured one for Artoria; why was this girl so stubborn?

"You know? It's like this on your end too?" Artoria was surprised. She thought only she was being criticized like this, but it turned out that it was the same on David's end as well.

"Sigh, the only difference between our two sides is the order in which things happen. But what's meant to happen will happen, like the campaign against Vortigern. You defeated him too, didn't you? I don't know how you accomplished it, but on our side, it was just the five of us—you, me, Tristan, Gawain, and Lancelot—who took him down. And the Roman affair, and even the final Camran, it was the same."

David began to recount those events, many of which Artoria herself had done, and by comparing the two of them, they could get a general idea of ​​what had happened.

"So don't think about the king not understanding people's hearts. Believe me, if I summon Tristan right now, he would want to commit suicide in front of you to show how stupid he was to leave Camelot with such a thoughtless statement. It's a pity that Lancelot never joined the Glorious Eternal Legion, otherwise I would have summoned him as well, and you would know his loyalty and recognition to you."

Davidian recounted the stories of the knights, explaining that aside from those who left due to various unforeseen circumstances, the others harbored no resentment towards the king even after their departure. Even in exile, they remained the king's Knights of the Round Table, still holding him in the highest regard.

"Then, how could Gareth be your daughter?" Artoria suddenly asked this question, and David's eyes widened and his eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

"Weren't we just discussing your problem? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" Davidian changed the subject; he didn't really want to talk about it. It was his regret, and he felt deeply saddened by it.

This was the first time Artoria had ever seen sadness and regret creep onto David's face. Before this, he had always appeared nonchalant, as if nothing in the world mattered to him anymore. But now, Artoria suddenly knew the emotions buried deep within him; he was not without personal regrets.

"As for the matter of Camlann and the end of Britain... don't worry about it anymore. I can understand your desire to save it. But let it go, because it's really not necessary anymore. Everyone in that era, you, the people at the Round Table, the princes of Britain, everyone was just being pushed along by the times, playing their own roles. It's already quite good that Britain had eleven years of peaceful life."

David's words only served as an aid; the real key was still his Noble Phantasm. When those people acknowledged the banner bestowed by the king, and recognized the legion that fought for Britain to the last moment, when this miracle had already been accomplished while David was still alive, it proved one thing—

In that era, King Arthur was not wrong; she was right to be the Queen of Britain, and her actions were correct.

"Don't worry about what the King doesn't understand people's hearts, or what the Conqueror King said about you not guiding the people. We have this Noble Phantasm because we accepted your guidance, and we have this timeless glory that shines brightly no matter when. As for the final outcome... I can only say that human power is ultimately limited, and that is really not your responsibility."

If before tonight, Artoria hadn't fully trusted Davian's words, believing she should overturn history and have someone else become king to bring a new future to Britain, then at this moment, she finally accepted the reality that was right before her.

People believed in her, and even with this ending, she remained their ideal queen. Even if she met a fate like Camlan's, it didn't matter, because she and her subjects had done their utmost.

"Not to mention, if you don't want to be king, who do you want to be king? Morgan? That won't work either. The world won't accept that outcome. If Morgan were to become king, even if Britain were to experience prosperity, it wouldn't be the right kind of prosperity."

"So you do know Morgan. Gareth is your child with her, isn't he?" Artoria's intuition kicked in, and she keenly sensed this. At the same time, she also noticed a slight fluctuation in David's emotions when he spoke of Morgan. He said he had lived for 1,500 years, but even after 1,500 years, he still couldn't help but feel strange emotions when he mentioned Morgan.

She now looked at David with interest, more interested in these amusing tidbits now that she had broken free from her own obsessions. It seemed that many interesting things had indeed happened over there because of David's presence.

Davidian couldn't help but cover his head, realizing he shouldn't have said too much about it. But in the end, he admitted it: Gareth was his and Morgan's child. His side was just that outrageous; Morgan had five children: the first three were descendants of King Loth, Gareth was Davidian's daughter, and Mordred was a descendant of Artoria.

Artoria became even more excited when he admitted it, but Davidian still said, "I'm glad you've gotten rid of that obsession, but there's no need to pry into my private affairs. After all, I'm quite a problematic fellow. Merlin was right when he said that the most interesting thing about the Round Table is that everyone who has a seat there is an oddball. Although I've never actually sat at that Round Table, I am, after all, the Lord of Camelot, so I'm pretty much one."

Artoria finally smiled. Davian's words reminded her of something she had almost forgotten. Even during the golden age when everyone at the Round Table was still alive, they were all rather eccentric people. But the ability to unite these eccentric individuals was precisely Artoria's personal charm.

Chapter 179 Purpose

"So, Lord Davidian, what exactly have you been striving to survive until now? You say you obtained the Holy Grail to fulfill your wish, but what exactly is your wish?" Artoria was also very curious about this; fifteen hundred years is no simple matter. What kind of wish could have kept Davidian going until now?

Without a word, Davian presented the split lion-shaped helmet to Artoria. Artoria's eyes widened in disbelief. Wasn't this the helmet that Mordred had split open on Camlann? Had Davian been wandering with this helmet for so many years?

"I must find the owner of this helmet. If she still needs my loyalty, then I will be loyal to her. If she is in pain and confused, then I will bring her the end she deserves." David looked at the helmet, his mind filled with her image. He was determined to find her.

Artoria's eyes widened in disbelief. Was she still alive? Camran had clearly already happened; how could this have occurred?

"It was just a minor mistake by Lord Bedivere. Although I was indeed very angry at first, I understand now. It was a moment of weakness, but Lord Bedivere simply didn't want to see the King die." David sighed. During his fifteen-hundred-year journey, he would occasionally see Bedivere. He just didn't want to disturb him; their paths were not the same.

Although he was initially furious, after so many years, Davidon had long since forgiven Lord Bedivere. Among the group at the round table, Bedivere was the one whose mindset was closest to that of an ordinary person.

“Artoria, I don’t know what state you’re in now, but I think you should have let go. Then, the task Lancelot entrusted to me is complete. I must complete my mission.” Davidian stood up. If he killed Iskandar today, only three Servants would remain. However, a promise made is a promise kept. Let him live one more day.

Gilgamesh, Iskandar, Diarmuid, and Artoria remain. The top three riders are still alive, and of the bottom four, only Iskandar is left.

Hassan-i-Sabah's audacious act of running out was likely on the Master's orders, making the mastermind behind it all too obvious. Fortunately, even though Tokiomi knew about Iskandar's Noble Phantasm, he was unaware of Davian's killing move. After all, Hassan had already been wiped out before Davian could unleash his Noble Phantasm.

Furthermore, simply knowing that David possesses such a Legion Noble Phantasm is useless, since David has yet to use his Noble Phantasm's strongest ultimate ability. The price David would have to pay to use that ultimate ability is currently unacceptable.

"Didn't you feel you had enough of today's battle?" Artoria asked, puzzled, as Davidian seemed genuinely anxious.

Davidian shook his head; he wasn't in a hurry to fight. Instead, he wanted to talk about something else, so he looked at Irisviel.

"No, it's not that. I just think I need to find a place to sleep. To be honest, I haven't slept in a bed in a long time. Hey girl over there, do you have a room? I'd really like to get a good night's sleep."

Irisviel certainly wouldn't resist this. After the banquet in the courtyard, having already absorbed the souls of three Servants, she was now almost at her limit and needed to rest.

Gilgamesh, now back at the Tohsaka mansion, was filled with discontent. Tokiomi's underhanded tactics had already greatly angered him. Such a disgraceful affair at the King's Banquet was unbearable for anyone with a modicum of pride, let alone the oldest hero-king.

If Devian were willing to submit now… no, even just to call him Big Brother, he felt he could pack his bucket and run off to play with Devian. He knew Devian's wish probably wouldn't consume much of the Greater Grail's magic, and he himself didn't have any wishes; he just wanted things to be interesting. Besides, if he joined forces with Devian, then this Holy Grail War would practically be unwinnable.

Unfortunately, Davian misjudged the situation and failed to seek an alliance with Gilgamesh. Don't think Davian is incapable of killing Tokiomi; he's done plenty of things over the past 1,500 years. Having fought in the Holy Grail War himself, he wouldn't hesitate to deal with a traditional magician like Davian.

He strolled through the garden of Tohsaka, occasionally glancing up at the moonlight, letting his discontent gradually dissipate. Gilgamesh was genuinely looking for a new Master, but couldn't find anyone interesting to suit the time being. Kirei Kotomine, Tokiomi's disciple, was quite interesting, but time was running out. He couldn't bring him to his side.

Davidian's entry into the Holy Grail War was too swift and too fierce; in just a few days, three of his Servants had already been defeated. If they didn't join forces with him, Davidian would surely come after them for their lives. Gilgamesh didn't mind losing, but a defeat that was too dull or frustrating wouldn't suit his mindset.

"It's true, this is what happens when you see such loyal subjects and friends. Even if it's just an obsession, it's an obsession worthy of respect." Gilgamesh crossed his arms, but then he suddenly noticed the little child hiding there, spying on him. He remembered, wasn't this Tokiomi's eldest daughter?

He waved in that direction, expecting the little girl to shy away. However, the child was surprisingly bold; she walked gracefully to Gilgamesh and looked directly into his handsome face with her bright, shining eyes. Gilgamesh saw no fear or distance in those eyes; all he saw was curiosity and envy.

Gilgamesh sat on the ground without a care, taking out his treasured drink from his golden treasury and giving it to the child. The child should have been asleep by now, judging from her pajamas. But meeting was fate, and Gilgamesh was always very patient and generous with children, especially this girl who gave him a sense of déjà vu.

"Who is this big brother? Why is he in my yard?" Rin sipped her drink with great composure, then asked the blond handsome man in front of her in a low voice. Could he be some kind of bad guy?

“I am a friend of your father, nothing more. I’m just staying here for a short while. I will leave once I have finished my business.” Gilgamesh told Rin the truth in a more appropriate way. Chatting with this little girl allowed him to relax for a rare moment, which was a good pastime for him.

Well, let's just enjoy the present moment; it's a pretty good time anyway.

Chapter 180 The Most Hated Situation

As yet another night fell, Davidian approached the fourth martyr of this Holy Grail War. Or rather, if possible, he still hoped to recruit the victim to his side as his Servant.

Amidst the ruins, Davian spotted Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The poor fellow had indeed landed a rather unsuitable Master this time; he should have been paired with that young man named Waver, or that man named Matou Kariya.

“Lord Camelot, Davidan Sleirik.” Diarmuid approached him, gripping his twin pistols and cautiously eyeing his enemy. This was the strongest foe he had faced in this Holy Grail War, comparable even to that golden-haired fellow.

"The Knights of Fiona, Diarmuid Ua Ua Duibhne, as I said before, I have come. To kill you, or to kill your Master. I have heard that your Master is completely crippled." Davian had not yet transformed and was facing Diarmuid in his human form. He was in a good mood and was happy to exchange a few words with Diarmuid.

Diarmuid laughed, then brandished his twin lances in the best possible stance to meet Davian, saying, "Then kill me first, then my Master! It would be truly outrageous if a knight died before his lord."

Upon hearing his words, Davidian recalled certain events and spoke up, "You're right. It would be unacceptable for a knight to die after his lord. But dying early isn't good either; it would be best if they could die together on the same battlefield—that would be a true legend. Alright, here I come. Diarmuid, I will give you the ending you deserve."

"Come on, Lord Camelot!" Diarmuid, brimming with fighting spirit, launched the first attack, and Davian charged towards him without hesitation. The Phoenix Armor was fully armed, and the twin pistols and longsword clashed together. Davian was quite cautious in the face of Diarmuid.

The red rose that wards off evil, the yellow rose that guarantees destruction—who knows what effect those two things would have on him now? Therefore, while attacking, Davian was also dodging Diarmuid's attacks. He didn't want any unexpected events to happen to him; there was no need for that, it would only cause him trouble.

“I must commend you, Diarmuid; your spear skills remind me of a friend of mine. But if that's all, it's not enough.” Davidan swung his sword, relentlessly suppressing Diarmuid. For the first time in his life, Diarmuid felt such immense pressure. This man's martial arts were ridiculously strong.

But this only fueled his fighting spirit. Diarmuid wielded his twin pistols with impenetrable precision, responding to the powerful Davian before him with all his might. Both were noble knights, and both possessed formidable martial skills. Yet, for now, Diarmuid was at a disadvantage.

Hidden in the shadows, Kenneth grew increasingly anxious. He had heard Davian's words clearly. If Diarmuid were defeated by Davian now, Davian's black sword would be aimed at his head. In this situation, why cling to chivalry? Shouldn't he run away immediately?

He desperately wanted to use his Command Spell to order Diarmuid to flee with him immediately, but the awkward thing was that if he chose to run away now, Davian's relentless pursuit would only make their situation more dangerous. After all, Lord Camelot could transform into a phoenix and fly around here.

But then, a voice rang out behind him. He hated that voice with a passion, but when he turned around, the man's gun was pointed at his beloved wife. He was immediately caught in a dilemma; now Kenneth's weakness was being exploited, and he was utterly doomed.

But instead of attacking, Kiritsugu Emiya, who was holding a gun, tossed over a scroll. Kenneth opened the scroll and saw that its contents were simple: Kiritsugu was using Sorawie's life to force him to hand over the Command Seals and control of Diarmuid, but he also promised that once the transfer was complete, he would never harm Kenneth and Sorawie.