Chapter 74: Battle between Magus and Magus Killer (11)

Name:Shinji Matou At Your Service Author:
Chapter 74: Battle between Magus and Magus Killer (11)

Noon has arrived.

Literally, it means that "noon time" has already arrived.

Noon is one of the traditional time units in China, referring to the period from 11:00 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.

"Noon has arrived" doesn't have a specific meaning by itself, but in certain contexts, it can be given special significance.

In traditional Chinese culture, noon is the time when Yang energy is at its peak during the day. Executing criminals at this time can effectively balance the Yin energy associated with their deaths, preventing them from becoming vengeful spirits and causing harm to the world. It reflects the core value of Chinese culture, which emphasizes the harmony and balance of Yin and Yang.

Therefore, "noon has arrived" can sometimes be used to indicate "the time for execution has come."

From Kenneth's perspective, Emiya Kiritsugu's "noon time" has arrived.

The pillar-shaped defense system he reconstructed has several times the defense power of the membranous structure. He is certain that Kiritsugu's bullets cannot penetrate his Volumen Hydrargyrum.

After blocking this shot, it will be the damn rat's turn to suffer. Kenneth will make that rat understand the wrath of a Magus Lord—Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald will deliver what he promised!

However, in reality, it is Kenneth to whom "noon has arrived."

The magical power required to transform mercury into a pillar is not comparable to a simple membrane. Each of the thorns, as thick as steel wires, must possess the hardness and tenacity to repel bullets. Constructing such a defense, even for someone of Kenneth's caliber, requires the utilization of his entire magical power.

This is exactly what Kiritsugu hoped to see. His trump card, the "Origin Bullet," exists precisely for this moment.

Origin, also known as the "Primordial Impulse," is conceptually similar to primitive instincts and predestination. All things, including life, have a direction (cause) determined at their inception and will inevitably develop towards that direction.

For humans, this direction gives rise to a primitive impulse, which can still be suppressed by acquired personality and wisdom. However, since the origin is decided far in advance at the "Root Vortex," it is an absolute command at the core of all things, and even the cycle of reincarnation cannot change it.

If the magus's magic circuit is likened to a high-voltage electric current line, Kiritsugu's bullet is like a drop of water. If a conductive liquid attaches to a dense electrical circuit, there is only one result: a short circuit in the line, and uncontrolled current that burns the circuit itself. This is the terrifying effect of the "Origin Bullet."

To prevent the effects of the Origin Bullet, it is necessary to block the bullet not solely relying on magecraft but through physical means. For this reason, Kiritsugu chose the .30-06 caliber Springfield sniper rifle round, as based on the technology at the time, only the armor of an armored vehicle or higher-level physical defenses could guarantee complete immunity.

Just one shot, that was enough.

Kiritsugu boldly chose a Thompson Contender, a handgun that could only hold a single bullet, making it a sinister choice among handguns. It was paired with the "Origin Bullet" Mystic Code to be carried and used as a handgun with maximum physical destructive power.

So far, not a single "Origin Bullet" has been wasted. The bullets, made from parts of Kiritsugu's own body, have destroyed the lifelines of thirty-seven magi. The one who has fallen now is the thirty-eighth victim.

After the beloved gun fulfilled its mission, Kiritsugu pressed his finger against the trigger and swung the long barrel down, shaking off the bloodstains.

The empty shell casings flew out from the folding mechanism of the magazine and fell into the void, leaving behind a faint residue of gunpowder on the marble floor.

Kiritsugu felt no emotions toward victory. Just like before, it was simply a successful execution guided by careful calculations and predetermined conclusions.

The destructive power of the "Origin Bullet" depended on how many magic circuits the target activated at the moment of impact. Because the magecraft used to destroy the victim's body was their magical energy. This was fatal for Kenneth, who was constantly provoked and exerted his maximum magical power, allowing Kiritsugu to achieve the desired outcome.

Kenneth collapsed in the sea of mercury that had returned to its liquid state, his body twitching slightly. The immensely powerful Volumen Hydrargyrum had lost its source of magic and was no longer sustainable.

The once formidable Lord El-Melloi had become as harmless as a baby. His body no longer possessed the power of a magus, let alone the functions of an ordinary person.

Although Kiritsugu knew that leaving him be would eventually lead to his demise, his principle was to deliver a final blow to the fallen enemy. He switched his M950 with the remaining bullets to semi-automatic mode and approached Kenneth, who was already akin to a walking dead.

With a shot to the head at close range, one pair of the seven Master-Servant pairs contending for the Holy Grail would be eliminated.

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the darkness and grabbed the barrel of the M950.