Chapter Ninety-Six: Tenacious! Invincible! The Mightiest!

“Although there’s no rank or corresponding skill bonus, every single person in this legion is a genuine heroic spirit... I have never witnessed such an overwhelming war even in the Age of the Gods.”

Gazing upon the scene before her, Medea felt a deep sense of awe. The memories she had obtained from her future self now seemed like illusions reflected in a mirror or a moon’s reflection on water—ethereal and distant. Even during their countless adventures and challenges, they had never encountered a spectacle so grand.

There was no doubt—this was a war.

Among the King of Conquerors’ royal army were heroes even stronger than himself. With the blessing of Gilgamesh’s Noble Phantasm, the combat effectiveness of this force had undergone a profound transformation. Even Enkidu, in his original form, could no longer casually unleash his Noble Phantasm to sweep through this army as he once did.

“Are you afraid?” Roland asked.

“Only worried about Master,” Medea replied, sticking out her tongue slightly and tilting her head with a smile. Despite the army’s overwhelming momentum, she stood quietly behind Roland—proof of her unwavering trust.

“It’s inevitable...” Saber exhaled softly, raising his holy sword.

“After all, this army is truly an invincible force.”

“Is that so? Then there’s even less to worry about,” Roland’s lips curled into a smile. Passing Saber who stood before him, he strode alone towards the peerless legion ahead.

“As far as I know, everything deemed invincible often meets an unfortunate end.”

Roland’s words were met with a thunderous roar that shook the earth and mountains. Behind the charging King of Conquerors was an unflinching army.

“AAAAlalalalala—!!!”

Weber stood atop the Conqueror’s chariot, joining the roaring chorus. Before the expedition began, he had refused the Conqueror’s wish to keep him behind. Rider treated him as a friend and did not want Weber caught in this perilous war, but Weber dispelled Rider’s concerns with a single sentence.

—You see me as a friend, Rider, and I see you as my lord. If you want me to stop, just command it.

Though his expression was as usual, Rider paused for a long moment before smiling again. Then he willingly pulled Weber, whose remaining two Command Spells had already blurred, onto the chariot.

Iskandar gazed at the lone figure standing before the vast army amidst the swirling dust and let out a triumphant howl. Without hesitation, he stubbornly maintained his charge.

This was a battlefield he had once conquered; behind him stood his unparalleled army, and above him the strongest ally. Of course, he noticed Roland’s clenched fist and the subtle thumb press—like detonating something—but it was not worth his concern.

The enemy before him was so formidable even Archer had to seek reinforcements?

So what!

Such things were meaningless. No matter what trump card Roland might reveal, the Conqueror had full confidence in overcoming them.

Strong! Invincible! Supreme!

Once the final flaw was mended, how could he not bear the pride of his illustrious legacy?

As they charged, the infantry behind began launching a rain of javelins as the first wave of attack. But Roland remained silent, standing motionless with icy eyes fixed on the descending assault.

“That guy...” Iskandar furrowed his brow, a faint unease and confusion creeping in.

What was Caster’s Master trying to do? Rely on that strange guardian spirit?

Yet, since that peculiar gesture, nothing had changed. His army had not suffered any damage.

Iskandar didn’t believe an enemy so fearsome that Archer had to call for allies would be intimidated by his own Noble Phantasm and surrender.

Then what was the enemy’s intent in standing still?

His doubts were soon answered.

As the javelins rained down, it was as if an indescribable force reached out a hand—those fierce spears vanished instantly.

No explosion, no block—just pure disappearance.

A low, muffled groan from behind made Iskandar instinctively turn his gaze, only to have his breath catch.

Comrades who had charged alongside him moments before suddenly bore bloodstains where holes appeared, collapsing helplessly on the battlefield.

Not only Iskandar but other heroic spirits in the King’s army noticed this too. Though their steps did not falter and their fighting spirit blazed on, the silence that replaced their cries spread like a plague.

Even facing cities, nations, and Noble Phantasms with world-shaking power, these warriors could summon fearless resolve.

But this unfathomable situation forced them to hold their breath.

“What’s happening? Why did the attack suddenly vanish... and why are our troops suddenly suffering casualties...?”

Weber muttered, observing the scene.

“This is beyond mere magecraft—it’s practically magic.”

Even though the order for certain victory had been given, Weber’s confidence in Rider wavered for a moment. But seeing the Conqueror’s unyielding expression dispelled his unease.

“Glory lies ahead! Advance!”

Though the truth of Archer’s retreat was becoming clear, and a thick sense of crisis enveloped him, Rider did not falter. Without hesitation, he charged forward faster, roaring louder with reckless abandon.

The charging chariot soared like divine thunder, its earth-shaking roar rekindling the morale of the army behind.

The dense ranks surged like locusts, like a tide, enveloping Roland. Then came the unhesitating charge.

Thirty thousand soldiers swallowed Roland whole, countless radiant Noble Phantasms aimed squarely at him.

Achieving their strategic goal so effortlessly, the army let out frenzied, ecstatic howls.

But the next moment, everything returned to the start.

Like a rising tide retreating, the army withdrew to its former positions. Roland still stood unmoved, unscathed, watching them.

As if they had never charged at all.

Only the drastically reduced numbers bore witness to the battle that had unfolded.

Standing before the army, Roland looked at Rider’s heavy expression and spoke indifferently.

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.