Chapter 80. Target: Holy Church, the battle to take back Saber!
Of course, "Summon Buddha" was just the name Raku Sou gave to the power he had just obtained.
It could just as well be called something else.
If inspiration exploded, he could totally name it something like 『Super Ultra Invincible Flashy Spiral Giant Buddha Summoning Art』, or 『Secret Technique of Raku Clan • Super Badass Buddha Summoning』, something like that, but when it comes to skill names, simple and brutal is best.
(Note: Minato: Nice~ ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧)
In fact, rather than calling [Summon Buddha]an inherent skill, calling it an "Authority" would be more appropriate.
Because his own fame had skyrocketed, it became a form of "Authority" etched deeply into his instincts. Once activated, it costs nothing and can transform an object, a mountain, an ocean, or a building into a Buddha, turning it into his mercenary.
Depending on the specific object, there's no level restriction.
The bigger the mountain, the stronger the power.
It can be activated once a month.
If he climbed to the top of Everest and turned the eight-thousand-meter-high, trillions-of-tons-heavy Himalayas into a living Buddha, then even gods and alien demons could fight him on equal terms.
But that doesn't mean he's invincible.
For example, one day Raku Sou suddenly gets the urge to destroy the world, runs up Everest intending to summon a gigantic Buddha to cleanse the entire surface of the Earth.
After that…
He would definitely fail.
Activating this Authority requires facing a massive object.
If used on the corpse of the Inu General, facing a skeleton roughly a hundred meters tall—
Even though he could also summon a majestic mountain range and bring forth a Buddha over a thousand meters tall, the visual effect definitely wouldn't be as grand.
An eight-thousand-meter-tall mountain needs an opponent about eight hundred meters tall to reflect it properly.
Enemies of that size are extremely rare.
Take his past life with Naruto as an example— even summoning [True Several Thousand Hands] wouldn't be enough, because that move of Hashirama's is only a bit over six hundred meters tall.
In the entire Fate series, there isn't a single monster over two hundred meters tall.
Although [Summon Buddha] has some limitations, it's undeniably strong. After all, it's a type of Authority that, at the upper limit, can reach star-destroying levels. The reason Raku Sou could obtain it isn't just because Celestial Curtain broadcast Fate.
But also because the faith toward Buddha accumulated over thousands of years in this world had long since reached astronomical levels.
That consumed Divine Authority Jade was merely a "primer."
And this is just Buddha— if it were the God of Christianity… the coverage would be even more terrifying.
"Next time I show up, maybe I'll play around with some Holy Light too?"
Raku Sou placed a thumb on his chin, looking thoughtful.
Relying on his current combined strength, he could almost be called the strongest person in the world.
If he were to obtain the faith accumulated for thousands of years by Christianity as well, and convert it into "Authority"...
Perhaps there would no longer be any powerful figure on this planet who could stand against him. Even facing the epicenter of a Big Ivan nuclear explosion (Note: Big Ivan = Tsar Bomba) directly might not be a problem.
How exciting that would be...
...
In the city of Chiba, among the ruins of Higurashi Shrine, an uninvited mysterious intruder appeared.
It was someone completely shrouded in darkness, with a beautiful face, sinister and cold eyes, deathly pale skin that didn't look like that of a living person, long jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders, dressed in a black ceremonial outfit.
She coldly rummaged through the rubble, and after digging through countless pieces of debris, the corners of her mouth finally curled into a satisfied smile.
"I've found you, So'unga."
Hagoromo Gitsune smiled coldly, her aura exuding a twisted charm.
"...It's you?!"
The ancient soul inside So'unga was terrified—this one is still alive?!
The mother of the "Master of all evil spirits" who once reigned over Tokyo long ago—after all these years, she still hadn't been eliminated?
No…
No, that's not it…
The energy on her body was too chaotic, like a furnace containing more than ten different types of supernatural powers.
Hagoromo Gitsune raised an eyebrow slightly, as if sensing the sword spirit's alarm, and smiled charmingly: "To clear the path for Seimei after his resurrection, I need more… and stronger."
"The power of the Onmyoji, the power of the Killing Stone, and even the remnants of the Divine Relic in america…"
So'unga muttered, unable to believe it—without absolute adaptability, how could anyone absorb so much?
It was practically suicide!!
Suddenly.
So'unga's pupils shrank violently. From Hagoromo Gitsune's body, it discovered a truth even more terrifying, and screamed in utter horror:
"You… you dare absorb the power of an Outer God sleeping on the moon? Aren't you afraid of awakening it and causing the destruction of the world?!"
"So what?"
"In seven days, the Grand Rite will be held. My child will return to the world."
Hagoromo Gitsune sneered, raising the sword shaped like Kusanagi:
"As a mother, what's wrong with clearing the way for her child?"
Her tone was resolute.
She turned coldly and left.
Only So'unga in her hand continued to tremble violently, struggling desperately to escape.
...
At the same time, elsewhere…
Under urgent pressure from the power centers of nations, scientific research groups across the world launched a new research initiative — researching spiritual power weapons and building a military that integrates superpowers with modernization.
Because events like the Pacific Evil God and the White Bone Giant Beast in Chiba City kept occurring...
Everyone realized that the times had changed.
Some invisible form of balance had been broken.
The enemies of humanity were no longer just humans, but also demons and evil spirits lurking in the shadows.
Once the research direction was realigned, focusing on developing weapons that target individuals and supernatural beings...
It was certain that results would be achieved in a short period.
Not hoping to defeat "Grand Caster" Raku Sou of this world, but at the very least, there must be the capability to destroy those at Servant level, right?
"The times are changing too fast."
In Laboratory No. 5, Hawking couldn't help but sigh, his current research had reached its limit.
He could only wait for Celestial Curtain to restart, to gather more information for continued analysis.
...
Time gradually passed.
July 22nd, 5:00 PM.
Under the anticipation of countless people on Earth, the Celestial Curtain covering the skies of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres slowly lit up.
Countless people cheered in excitement.
"This is awesome!!"
"So happy, we get to watch the parallel world again!"
"Yukino-sama saikou! Junko saikou! Saber-sama saikou...!"
"...Shouldn't it be 'Flat-no' instead?"
"That's dangerous, be careful or the second young miss will hear and have someone throw your corpse into Tokyo Bay."
"UwU... (innocent face)!"
"So hyped, I wonder which side will win the Holy Grail?"
"My Big Sis Medusa is probably about to turn into Gorgon, right? I wonder if it's scary?"
"Medusa nee-sama is the most beautiful!"
"No no no, clearly my Caster is the most beautiful."
"Why is no one talking about Purge King, is my Purge King not cool enough?! (angry)!"
"Bro above, are you Natsuku Subaru?"
"...."
...
"It's starting?"
At Toyogasaki Private Academy, Sawamura Eriri blinked and looked up at the Celestial Curtain.
School was about to end. Switching to physical experience mode should be fine, right?
Studying was what honor students were supposed to do — what did that have to do with her drawing doujinshi?
...
At the same time, not far away, Kasumigaoka Utaha put down her pen and let out a light sigh of relief.
The outline for her new novel was complete — using Fate/stay night as the framework, and Yukinoshita Yukino from the parallel world as the model for the protagonist — strong-willed, decisive, fighting for justice. It would surely become a sensational hit.
What should the protagonist be named?
Maybe… just call Shirou.
...
Under everyone's anticipation, colorful visuals appeared on the Celestial Curtain.
Accompanied by a gentle background score — the symphony orchestra played, making viewers feel a sense of peace in their souls, the corners of their mouths unconsciously curling into a smile.
Outside the elegant, ancient residence of the Shinomiya family, two swift figures were locked in battle atop a mountain. Lancer frowned as he swung his curse spear, leaving behind countless blood-colored afterimages. The girl wielding Kanshou and Bakuya coldly countered.
The wind roared fiercely, sword aura tearing the ground apart.
The air, compressed and shattered, formed shockwaves that spread for hundreds of meters.
The land was ravaged, the forested mountains quaked — as if an earthquake had just occurred.
"Yukinoshita Yukino is training?"
Hanma Baki stared intently at the scene, every muscle in his body unconsciously tensing up, blood boiling, passion igniting.
This was a power even his father — Hanma Yujiro — had to look up to!
Capable of standing against Heroic Spirits of ancient times.
His own strength would definitely soar!
...
On the screen, the two stopped after a storm-like clash and began to converse.
The official storyline began.
[Fuyuki City, in a remote mountain range, a hearty laugh of admiration echoed.]
["Amazing progress, Yukino!"]
[Cu Chulainn smiled, giving the girl a thumbs-up.]
[He hadn't expected such a frail-looking young girl to grit her teeth and endure the "hell training regimen" he had personally designed — something even many warriors of Ireland couldn't withstand!]
[In return, her strength had surged under his tutelage.]
[If she had once been merely a qualified warrior, now she was a fierce and valiant hero!]
[A pseudo-servant's physical attributes combined with Projection Magecraft, plus the combat awareness, experience, and inherited memories of Archer — defeating third-rate Servants was no problem, the only thing lacking was a Noble Phantasm.]
["...Thank you, Lancer."]
[Yukinoshita Yukino softly spoke, a faint smile appearing on her pale face.]
[Under Lancer's intense training, she had improved rapidly. At last, there was a glimmer of hope to reclaim Saber, even if it was faint.]
["If only we had more time, I'd have taught you Rune too."]
[Cu Chulainn spoke with some regret.]
[This girl really was quite likable to him. A pity she didn't study the spear and instead chose the sword. Moreover, as a Servant, he couldn't stay in the human world too long. Otherwise, he truly would have passed on his techniques.]
[Come to think of it, she clearly handled swords so well, why did she end up using a bow later?]
[And even became an Archer who liked close combat...]
[Unbelievable. This generation really was full of oddballs.]
Overwhelmed with excitement at seeing the Celestial Curtain, people around the world immediately flooded the screen with humorous comments.
"Hahaha, Wan-chan is so right! If you're good with a sword, then just use a sword! Why turn the sword into an arrow? Melee Archer, hahaha!"
"Come on, just let her be. She's good with a sword, but in her heart lives the soul of an archer. It's passion, that's all."
"Hmph, talking trash about my waifu like that… I'll make some videos of Lancer bro and destroy his cool image completely."
"You dare? Not afraid Doggo bro will trace your IP and come smash your face?"
"Not afraid! I worship a statue of Big Boy Heracles at home, light incense every day, bathe and purify myself. The spirit of Heracles in the heavens will protect me!"
...
Suddenly.
["Yukino, my Master just found the whereabouts of the Caster group."]
[As if remembering something, Cu Chulainn's expression turned serious and his voice lowered.]
[After Medea kidnapped Saber, Kogoro stopped fishing and ogling pretty girls. He focused all his efforts on tracking the Caster faction and finally found a lead.]
[Now he brought it up so Yukinoshita Yukino could make a decision.]
[Continue hiding and training...]
[Or go take back Saber!]
["How's Artoria?!"]
[As expected, the girl immediately asked with concern.]
[Cu Chulainn recalled the intel his Master had given him and replied thoughtfully: "She's currently being held in the church of Fuyuki City. The original overseer of the Holy Grail War is missing — possibly killed by Caster."]
["Yukino, what are you going to do?"]
["..."]
[The girl hesitated at once, momentarily unsure of what to do.]
[Raku Sou had been missing all day, seemingly investigating something.]
[Kaguya wasn't a magus and had no combat ability.]
[Cu Chulainn might be an ally, but he wasn't truly "one of her own."]
[She was just a lone individual.]
[And the enemies were…]
[Assassin, Archer, Caster, and even Saber — who might become an enemy.]
[There were only seven teams in the entire Holy Grail War, and Medea's side had already taken more than half.]
[Such a disparity was enough to make one despair with just a glance, sending chills down the spine.]
[What should she do…]
[What should she do…]
["Ahahaha, don't worry, I've had a plan for a long time now."]
[A hearty laugh rang out, instantly cutting off Yukino's tangled thoughts. She looked up in surprise, only to see the corners of Cu Chulainn's lips curl into a wild grin, and the curse spear had already appeared in his hand.]
["The opponents are a bit troublesome, but all I need to do is stir things up to lure them out."]
["You sneak into the church to rescue Saber — if that works, the strategy's a success."]
["But if we do that, what about you, Lancer?" Yukino frowned and shook her head, speaking anxiously, "With that many Servants gathered, even if you are the 'Child of Light' from Irish mythology, you could still die..."]
["Tch~ Are you underestimating me?"]
[Cu Chulainn pouted. His eyes were sharp, and he held his head high with pride. "If I get taken down by something like that, how can I call myself a hero!"]
["Follow me. Time to move out!"]
[Under the glow of the setting sun, Lancer turned around and walked away without hesitation, awe-inspiring and dignified.]
[Yukino parted her lips, about to speak but stopped, moved as she chased after him.]
"Lancer really is a man among men, a true bro."
At Celestial Curtain, Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but feel emotional watching this scene.
Not only was Cu Chulainn noble in character, even Mouri Kogoro was a man of virtue.
Otherwise, how could he have tacitly allowed Lancer to assist Yukino?
"They match so well, Uncle Mouri must also be the compatible summoning type."
Luo Tianyi murmured, touched, then took another puff of Jinshan Antivirus.
"That... Where's Raku-kun? Why doesn't he summon the Great Buddha to smash Medea's crew?"
The famous idol Hatsune Miku bit into a green onion and asked in puzzlement.
"Oi oi oi, girl, you've wandered onto the wrong stage — Raku-kun from the two worlds isn't the same person!"
Immediately, someone responded with a mocking tone.
You people, stop confusing the same person across two worlds!
...
Time passed.
The perspective shifted rapidly.
[Outside the Holy Church.]
[A crimson spear like a bloody lightning bolt was hurled, tearing through the air.]
["BOOM BOOM BOOM...!!"]
[The massive church trembled violently, the intense explosion blasting a crater over ten meters deep.]
[In an instant, a majestic figure stepped out from the church unscathed, her icy gaze locked on the attacker.]
["Lancer, are you trying to provoke us?"]
[The white-haired female Servant with a ponytail spoke coldly, both hands summoning the twin blades Kanshou and Bakuya.]
[The air exploded as her aura surged, stirring a raging windstorm.]
["Tch~ That pressure is seriously intimidating."]
[Cu Chulainn looked unimpressed as he raised his curse spear, his eyes glancing toward a certain direction.]
[Without hesitation, he charged in, and his opponent moved at the same moment.]
[Two ancient heroes from myth and history clashed under the setting sun!]
["CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG...!!"]
[In a flash, spear and swords collided, brilliant sparks bursting forth as if to tear the sky asunder.]
...
Elsewhere, inside the dim Holy Church.
["Phew~."]
[The young girl carefully slipped deeper inside, using Rune to mask her presence, not daring to make a single sound for fear of alerting the enemy.]
[Upon reaching the innermost chamber, Yukinoshita Yukino suddenly widened her beautiful eyes in shock — the lovely blonde knight was currently bound and suspended, seemingly imprisoned and unable to act.]
[It was Artoria!]
[She was instantly overjoyed, lifting her foot quietly as she prepared to move forward and rescue her.]
[Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the silent church.]
[And a voice — an elegant, contemptuous laugh.]
["I knew something felt off. Turns out it was a little rat sneaking in."]
[Yukino's pupils contracted. She turned around and instinctively conjured two black-and-white swords.]
[Before her stood a witch in a cloak, sneering at her with disdain.]
[The atmosphere was chilling to the bone!]
["Medea..."]
[The girl frowned, her expression troubled as she muttered the enemy's name.]
[This… is bad...]