Thanks for the invitation. I'm in Type-Moon, inheriting the legacy of Zi-O.

"Nian—Zhuo—!" Hector gritted his teeth, but what he conveyed was not hatred, but a soaring fighting spirit. "Next, I will pierce your heart!"

"You've got guts! Come and try!" The man opposite him responded in the same way. Nian Zhuo raised his Time Limit Sword and pulled the trigger again.

"You have the guts...?" I remembered, in that sunset, that's what that guy said too.

Even when faced with his own tactics of fighting and running, he got so angry that he jumped up and down like a child, saying things like, "As a hero and a warrior, give me a fair fight!" Such incredibly childish words.

"Haha, what childish guys, whether it's him... or you, Nianzhuo..." Yes, one is a hero who shouts for a fair and square duel, and the other is a fool who won't come up to finish off his opponent no matter how hard he tries.

One or two, they're both so dazzling...

“But…” With his last ounce of strength, Hector raised the butt of his gun. “The duel is far from over!”

"This duel!" The entire spear transformed into golden light, reflecting off Hector's ferocious face.

"This duel!" Nian Zhuo drew his Time Gun Sword and combined the longer Time Gun Sword with the Time Limit Sword, sending golden light soaring into the sky.

"I—will definitely win!" Then, the two made the same declaration.

“This is my feeble struggle! This is a strike I've given with all my might!” Hector’s eyes darted around, but his hand gripped the force of an unprecedented power.

He was laughing, laughing heartily.

"Target confirmed, position and angle fixed. 'The Indestructible Extreme Spear (Durandana)'. Get blown away!" The golden spear seemed to transform into a shooting star, flying straight into the sky.

[The Indestructible Extreme Gun]: A

This legendary javelin was once used by Hector and was said to be able to pierce through anything.

This was, of course, because he had extended the hilt of his sword at that time and threw it in the form of a spear. Although he could not use it as both a spear and a sword at the same time, he always possessed both of these Noble Phantasms, whether he was summoned as Lancer or Saber.

To defend against this javelin, one must prepare a defensive Noble Phantasm that can rival "Rho Aias".

Furthermore, strictly speaking, the true name of both Noble Phantasms is 【Durlindana】, so even if the latter part of the suffix is ​​omitted, the Noble Phantasm can still be activated.

A golden light seemed to flash from the sky.

Then... just like a real shooting star, it began its rapid descent.

In Nianzhuo's eyes, the golden light seemed to transform into an inextinguishable spearhead, pointing directly at his own heart.

but……

He was laughing too, with the same carefree smile.

"For everyone still fighting on the ship! I will not admit defeat!" In his hand, the golden sword light on the huge sword that had been merged into one gradually revealed its fangs.

"【King! Giri Giri Slash!】" Nian Zhuo roared, slamming the sword he had raised above his head down.

He doesn't have "Rho Aias" (the seven-ringed celestial aura), it would be strange if he did.

According to records, Rho Aias's defensive artifact, the Small World Encircling the Sky, was comparable to Achilles's, and Hector's spear once pierced through six layers of that shield.

If it's difficult to compare, then let's just explain it directly.

Achilles' shield can even completely block Noble Phantasms against nations (the strongest below Noble Phantasms against worlds), and in Fate/stay night, he even used it to block Karna's full-power God-Slaying Spear.

"Rho Aias" is that kind of abnormally powerful defensive Noble Phantasm, yet Hector pierced through six layers of it.

"So, in terms of strength, I will absolutely not lose!!!" Gritting his teeth, Nian Zhuo pressed the sword blade firmly against the blade with a smile.

The golden sword light, bearing the symbol "ジオウサイキョウー" (Zi-O is the strongest), met the incoming golden meteor.

"I am the Time King! I must, and will be, the strongest!!!" The enormous sword light met the golden spear tip thrown by Hector.

—However, he could not see any of these things.

With the full force of his Noble Phantasm just now, coupled with the fact that his Soul Core was destroyed, this great hero of Troy was beyond saving.

But he was not disappointed; on the contrary, he was very satisfied.

"This time, there was no need to consider the consequences; we had a good, satisfying fight..." Hector, struggling to turn his head, looked at Nencho, who was blocking his Noble Phantasm, and gave him a caring smile. "This old man really can't bring himself to hate you dazzling types..."

"We must stop him, we must restore this era... We must defeat Blackbeard, Nencho." With a satisfied smile, Hector's figure gradually transformed into golden particles.

He opened his eyes and looked at the sun hanging in the sky, seemingly within reach.

"The weather in Troy, no matter what, makes you feel comfortable and sleepy..."

He fell asleep.

Next up is Blackbeard.

Even though Hector had left the stage, his spear, which retained his last bit of magic, continued to attempt to advance.

With his mind in turmoil, he could only concentrate on gripping the sword hilt tightly, constantly unleashing golden sword light to resist the spear.

"Ugh... Uh..." The pressure made Nian Zhuo feel his hands begin to tremble, and cracks gradually appeared at the point where the slender slash met the spear.

"Bang—!" Then, the tip of the spear broke through the vanguard of the sword light, making a sound like shattering glass, and then crashed into the second section of the sword light without losing momentum.

"Ugh!" Suddenly, his hand felt heavy, and Nian Zhuo almost lost his grip on the sword hilt. The immense pressure from the blade made his forehead covered in sweat. "I can't... fall here!" His voice became a little hoarse. The golden sword light and the spear were still locked in a standoff.

In the end, Nian Zhuo, who still possessed magic, prevailed.

Having lost its magical power, the spear exhausted the last bit of strength it shared with its master and fell to the ground.

With a clang, the spear landed on the deck, finally lying there quietly, just like a real weapon.

"Ughhhh~" Suddenly all the pressure on his hands disappeared, and Nianzhuo almost fell to the ground due to inertia.

However, he managed to steady himself and didn't fall, then looked at the spear lying on the ground.

...That was proof of a man's, a heroic spirit's, struggle.

"Sigh..." Nian Zhuo sat up and slowly walked towards the spear lying on the ground, holding it in his hand. "It was... a thoroughly enjoyable battle, Uncle."

As he spoke, he thrust the spear upside down into the ship's deck.

The spear, stuck upside down in the ground, looked like proof of something lost.

The still straight spear resembles a fighter who refuses to give up.

“Sorry, Hector.” He patted the gun handle, his ethereal voice causing Nian Zhuo’s eyes to narrow slightly. “I have things to do, so I don’t have time to waste on you.”

"Get out of my way, you are no longer of any use. The Troy of my dreams, it's time for me to enter."

Finally, the erected spear seemed to form a dividing line.

Nianzhuo's figure stepped over it.

Sunlight shone on the butt of the gun, gradually extending downwards. It was like paying homage to the fallen soldier, or perhaps a discerning gaze.

Finally, bathed in sunlight, the spear transformed into golden particles and vanished as well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then shift the perspective to Blackbeard's side.

"Ugh... It's... not over yet...!" Blackbeard, covered in wounds, looked increasingly weak under the attacks of Drake and Mash, but he still gripped his short sword and musket, roaring like a gambler, "I haven't... shown my true strength yet! If I were serious, one or two Servants would be nothing! And I certainly wouldn't lose to... BBA!"

"You've suffered a fatal wound, yet you can still be so talkative..." Drake looked at the wound on the man's chest and couldn't help but admire him. "You've got some real perseverance. While I wouldn't call it respect, I do admire you, Mr. Pirate, who was born a hundred years after me."

Now, Blackbeard's performance has finally earned Drake's approval, and he is now addressed as Mr. Great Pirate.

"I know you want the Holy Grail, but give it up." The unique light of the Golden Grail rose from Drake's chest. "Because it is my treasure. The treasures of the sea have no rightful owner; striking first is the rule of us pirates, isn't it?"

"Hmm...that's right..." Unable to hide his weakness, Blackbeard clutched his chest and took a few steps back. "That's...that's a very satisfying conclusion. That's how pirates should be."

Then, a purple bullet suddenly struck Blackbeard's leg, causing his body to lurch downwards.

Emerging from the shadows not far away, Nian Zhuo, wielding the Time Gun Sword, narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Give up, Blackbeard." His words were hesitant. "You have no chance of turning the tables..."

"Hahaha." Blackbeard laughed heartily, slumping to the ground. "Since you're here, it seems our teacher... ah, that is, Uncle Hector, has already left the stage." He chuckled, but the blood gushing from his abdomen still caused him to cough up bright red blood.

"Cough cough... Really, I didn't expect that I still couldn't see through him in the end..." Blackbeard smiled helplessly, but then his face suddenly turned ferocious. "Don't... underestimate me...!!" He instantly raised the musket in his hand and pulled the trigger towards Nian Zhuo.

"——" However, Nian Zhuo simply tilted his head, letting the scorching bullet fly past his ear.

Out of respect for Hector, and because Nian Zhuo still harbored the idea of ​​recruiting Blackbeard, he decided to send Hector away so that Blackbeard could avoid being betrayed.

"Surrender, Blackbeard." Nian Zhuo calmly examined the wounds covering Blackbeard's body. "If you choose to surrender to us, you can still live."

“Hey, Mr. Nianzhuo—” Mashu and Ritsuka stepped forward to say something, but were suddenly stopped by a hand reaching out from the side.

It was Drake. She was also looking at Nianzhuo and Blackbeard, but a smile was spreading across her face.

"Don't worry, Blackbeard won't surrender." Drake said confidently, pointing to Nianzhuo. "Besides, Nianzhuo seems a bit confused, so let's hand over the area to them."

"Nianzhuo! What are you doing!" Mary, however, didn't care. Her voice, once connected, made Nianzhuo give a wry smile: "That's the enemy! The enemy! And you're actually thinking of recruiting him?!"

"Alright, alright... good girl, don't be angry." Nian Zhuo could only smile and comfort Mary. "I know what I'm doing, don't worry. Besides... I do have some questions I want to ask Blackbeard."

“Besides, look around, Mary…” Nianzhuo pointed to the now empty deck of the ship. “He can’t escape.”

"Blackbeard's men... have all disappeared." Mary stared blankly at the reaction on the screen, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Hahaha—!" Suddenly, a blurry golden cup appeared in Blackbeard's hand, and he shouted triumphantly, "Opportunity—!" Then, intense light filled the vision of everyone present.

"Oh no... Mr. Nianzhuo...!" Mashu was the first to react, and she immediately opened her eyes to look for that familiar figure.

However, all that remained was an empty ship deck; Blackbeard and Nianzhuo had vanished.

"This—!" Even Ritsuka's face showed a hint of panic, unsure of what to do.

"Don't worry." It was Drake again. She gestured towards the spot where the two had been standing. "I can see them using the power of that cup. They're right there, and nothing's wrong with them."

Of course, Nian Zhuo was unaware of all this; he only knew that after a flash of white light, he was pulled into this place created by Blackbeard himself.

"You don't actually think I'll let you off the hook, do you?" Nian Zhuo gripped his spear and sword tightly. "Let me make this clear beforehand: if you really choose to surrender, I suggest you sign a contract with Ritsuka outside, not with me."

"Alright, alright, let's not waste time on pleasantries." However, Blackbeard impatiently gestured for Nian Zhuo to come over. "The time for farewell is almost here, but please ask that BBA to tell her not to think she's won!"

"Okay, I understand." Nian Zhuo nodded to indicate that he understood. "So, is there anything else you want to tell me? You're not just using the Holy Grail to force your broken body to function, are you? You're just asking me to pass on a message, aren't you?"

"Didn't you want to ask me a few questions? Unfortunately, I'm not very good at answering questions, so I thought I'd just tell you my story instead—the warrior who defeated Hector." Blackbeard sat down calmly to the side.

After a moment's hesitation, Nianzhuo also chose to sit down.

On the Queen Anne, which carried only two people, the final conversation began.

“Let me start.” Blackbeard produced a bottle of rum from somewhere and chugged it down his throat. “An officer once told me this.”

“Pirates have infected the sea generation after generation, just like the BBAs outside.” He spoke slowly, as if telling someone else’s story. “And people like Blackbeard Edward Teach are doomed. The world is getting smaller and smaller. And the blank spaces on the map are getting fewer and fewer.”