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IBHJ Chapter 355
🕑 Added 2023-07-07 03:50:10 +0000 UTCThe malice emanating from Astraea's being carried within it profound curses and the accumulated malice of the goddess herself. Yet, he smiled and spoke, "How kind you are, goddess."
"What...!?" she was left dumbfounded. "King of Men, have you... lost your mind?"
He waved off those around him and proceeded to slowly step out of the army formation, venturing alone into the vile pool of evil mud.
The onlookers were astounded.
Could there truly exist someone like this? Someone who would willingly tread into the cursed pool of malice, alone?
"You are really kind..."
Astraea's expression twisted with anger as she proclaimed, "I am the embodiment of evil, a fallen goddess!"
"No, you are a benevolent goddess," he countered. "Your actions were driven by concern that this 'evil' would bring ruin to humanity. So, you took it upon yourself to contain all this 'evil' within you."
She scoffed, her voice dripping with defiance. "What utter nonsense! I am the fallen god, the goddess of evil! Everything I do is aimed at punishing those humans who have forgotten us gods! Curses and calamities, they're all part of our divine retribution! I am the embodiment of darkness and chaos!"
"Stop deceiving yourself. You're a kind-hearted goddess. If you were truly an evil god, you wouldn't be able to wield that Noble Phantasm," he asserted, pointing towards the scales clutched in her hand.
Astraea's eye twitched, her composure faltering for a moment.
"If this so-called 'evil' is my burden, then I won't deny it. I'll accept it, and I'll bear it tenfold, a hundredfold."
Young Shirou walked calmly through the cursed mud, just as he had done nine years ago when he walked through "All the World's Evil."
Unfazed and relaxed, the curses and the surrounding malice posed no threat to him whatsoever.
And why should they? As the King who had shouldered the burden of "All the World's Evil" and the "Vampiric Evil," how could a mere goddess's "Divine Evil" possibly harm him?
Scathach glanced at the King as he fearlessly striding through the cursed mud and let out a mixture of emotions, muttering, "Here it comes..."
"What's going on, Scathach?" Galahad asked in confusion.
She gazed at Young Shirou, her expression turned remorseful and tender.
A flicker of understanding crossed Young Shirou's face, his features softening as he spoke, "The clearer the water, the easier it is to become muddied. If you've lost sight of your true self, I'm here to help you rediscover it."
Astraea stood dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the situation. "This can't be happening... How is this even possible?" she stammered in disbelief.
Someone... Someone was actually traversing her "Divine Evil," claiming to help her, a fallen goddess, return to her true self? How could such a person exist? How could there be someone like this?
Evil, in all its forms, was universally regarded as degrading and undesirable. No one willingly embraced it or acknowledged its existence. Even if this cursed malice was that of a benevolent goddess, no one would affirm it.
The presence of the fallen goddess, entangled in darkness, seemed utterly inconsequential. Ultimately, she would be forgotten, fading into obscurity.
Yet, against all odds, there was someone defying the common sense, bravely treading through the very depths of this "evil," drawing nearer to her.
How could this be possible?
Isn't this too unfair?
How was it even possible? How could someone dare to walk through the curse, through the very heart of this "evil"?
"Don't... please, don't come any closer! Stay away!" Astraea's expression twisted into one of sheer terror as she watched Shirou slowly closing the distance.
In that moment, she, a goddess, was just like any ordinary human. Fear and terror were etched on her face in the presence of this unknown being.
"Astraea-neesan, there's no need to be afraid. I won't cause you any harm. All I seek is to hear your true inner voice," he approached with a calm demeanor.
"What... What kind of sick joke is this? Do you view me as a fragile human? I'm not that delicate... I... I..." Her gaze shifted to his gentle and sincere eyes, and a trace of bitterness filled her heart.
"No way! How is this even possible!?" Waver's expression held an overwhelming mix of shock and disbelief.
And it wasn't just Waver; everyone present shared the same astonishment. The curse itself was formidable, something that even the Heroic Spirits might struggle to withstand.
After all, it was the malevolence of a goddess—a curse directly from her divine essence.
The curse and its accompanying "evil" had consumed the land, seemingly leaving no escape in sight.
Yet, against all odds, the King had managed to forge a path. He simply moved forward, and with each step he took, the cursed mud parted, cleaving a path beneath his feet. It was a path that led him straight to the goddess herself.
The people stood in bewildered silence, utterly unable to comprehend the astounding spectacle unfolding before their eyes. It was a phenomenon beyond their understanding.
That "evil," that curse, was something inherently repulsive and meant to be avoided at all costs. It was something that should never be embraced. How could someone find a path within it?
Yet, as the King walked, the curse, the very essence of "evil," vanished completely.
How could something like this happen? It was truly unbelievable, beyond any rational comprehension.
With measured steps, Young Shirou approached Astraea, and as he did, all traces of the cursed evil dissipated into thin air.
"I want to hear your true inner voice," he spoke gently. "You have my word, I won't treat you with disdain."
She gazed into his eyes, ablaze like flickering flames, and within her heart, she experienced a profound bitterness.
This person wasn't merely the stoic king who concealed his love within his heart; he was something more. He was a... friend who found joy in the happiness of others and shared in their sorrow.
The best and most incredible friend.
She couldn't help but voice her confusion, her words trembling slightly, "But... Why? How is it even possible? Humans can never truly be devoid of their dark side. As long as darkness exists, it's inevitable to despise the 'evil' and become cursed by it. How can you walk through the 'evil'?"
Throughout the long era, spanning from the Age of Gods to the Age of Men, Astraea had borne witness to countless human heroes.
These so-called heroes of humanity were nothing more than individuals endowed with great power, yet they were often tormented by their own inner "evil" and shadows.
But this person... Why did he appear to be so different?
"Every person possesses a dark side that cannot be erased, but everyone has the ability to transform it into light. You are no exception."
He continued, "The true source of your fear, your anger, does not lie in humanity's dark side. It is simply a reflection of your desire to protect your world from destruction, and your fear of being forgotten,"
Astraea found herself at a loss for words.
"If the world's destruction stems from my actions, I vow to be the one who saves it. Even if the world forgets about you, I will always remember you. And not for any other reason, but simply because you are a kind and gentle goddess."
Astraea: "..."
This person...
This human...
He's absolutely insane!
Something must be wrong with him!
And yet, perhaps it was for this very reason that he deserved the blessings of the goddess.
"Let everything return to its original state, neesan."
She gazed into his gentle eyes, exhaling a deep sigh. She couldn't help but be impressed. "I must admit, I'm truly amazed. It's remarkable to encounter someone like you who can bear even the so-called 'evil' of the gods. Perhaps I've also been influenced by the personality of this body... To think that... To think that..."
She sighed and raised her scale high, "Noble Phantasm - Let Order Be Returned Here!"
As the darkness of evil receded from the scale, a radiant light emerged, illuminating everything in its path.
It was the embodiment of the goddess of justice's authority, restoring everything to its original state!
Not only could injuries be healed, but even the deceased would be brought back to life through the power of this Noble Phantasm!
Truly, Astraea's ultimate trump card, a game-changer among Noble Phantasms!
The knights and soldiers who had materialized thanks to the first Noble Phantasm began to fade away under the influence of "Let Order Be Returned Here!"
However, there was no trace of regret in their expression; instead, a sense of contentment shone through their faces.
Once again, they were able to reunite with their king!
"Until we meet again, my king!"
Shirou smiled warmly in response. "Hmm. Until we meet again!"
Gradually, they dispersed, their presence fading into the surroundings.
Scathach's gaze fell upon him, her expression heavy with guilt. "Shirou... I..."
"Please, don't wear that expression, Shisho," he interjected with a smile. "Because the next time we meet in dreams, I'll continue teasing you, just as always."
Scathach's face froze. "..."
In an instant, any trace of guilt or sentimentality vanished completely.
With a face full of annoyance, she disappeared.
"Goodbye, my king," Galahad bid his farewell.
He nodded, "Goodbye, Galahad."
"Actually... Father and Kay wanted to be here to see you as well, but due to your magical energy..."
"I understand. If my magical energy were stronger, they would have surely made an appearance."
Galahad slowly dissipated, his expression a mix of satisfaction, happiness, and a hint of regret.
"What troubles you, Galahad?"
"Nothing, my king."
"Is that so? I hope there's nothing weighing on your mind."
"Thank you for your blessings, my king! I must take my leave!" Gawain said before turning around and gradually fading away.
However, his heart let out a sigh.
Mordred...
I want to see you one more time...
Astraea returned to her true divine form, and the divine radiance surrounding her returned to its usual state.
She gazed at Shirou and spoke in a gentle tone, "Oh, King of Men, these are the words of an immature goddess. Do not indulge in 'evil', for its burden is too great for you to bear."
He responded with a smile, "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Astraea-neesan!"
Unable to restrain herself, she added, "There is one more thing..."
"What's wrong?"
Astraea's expression turned serious as she pleaded, "Please, please, make sure Zeus doesn't catch sight of you!"
He was caught off guard by her request but quickly nodded in agreement. "Sure, got it!"
"Well then, I guess it's time for me to go."
Gradually, Astraea's divine presence faded away. Her divine attire gradually disappeared, and the radiant glow that surrounded her merged back into Luvia's body.
Her once golden eyes, brimming with divinity, gradually lost their luster, revealing Luvia's original eyes.
Tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't control her sobs.
The sensation of disappearing was utterly terrifying—it filled her with an indescribable fear.
"Don't worry, Luvia-neesan," Young Shirou said in a gentle tone, trying to reassure her.
Luvia glanced up and met his gaze.
She saw it.
That same gentle look he had given her nine years ago.
"You don't have to be scared anymore. Because I'm right here by your side."
Overwhelmed with emotion, she tightly hugged him, tears streaming down her face.
"Hey, let go of Shirou!" From a distance, Arcueid shouted.
He scratched the back of his head and jokingly asked, "Could you release your grip on me first?"
Luvia lifted her head, her tear-filled eyes locked on him.
He turned his gaze towards the ritual taking place in the distance. A troubled expression appeared on his youthful face, "Morgan really gave me a huge problem... How am I supposed to solve this?"
Comments
Azelios Rosemile
...Did Arthur/Shirou knew about Modred?
JeanMartin Freites
Looks like they're not out of a fire just yet but once again the Eternal King shines bright.
