At this very moment, Heroes and Mages across all worlds gazed at the figure of the First Emperor on the screen with profound astonishment.
That man… is that truly the Emperor!?
.....
〜In the Worldline of ██████ Chaldea〜
Romani watched the Heroic Spirit on the screen, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"This scale… could he be of Grand-class?"
"A Ruler with a Grand-class Saint Graph?"
Da Vinci was equally stunned.
Yet, the group knew full well that there was no such thing as a "Grand Ruler" among the Grand classes.
In other words, he was not a Grand Servant; he was simply an existence possessing a Saint Graph of that magnitude.
—
〜Viewer's Chat Room〜
[ Tohsaka Rin: So this is the legendary Emperor. He's certainly no simple matter; even through the screen, one can feel a crushing sense of oppression… ]
[ Hinako Akuta: That Emperor is no mere Heroic Spirit. He has ascended to an existence akin to a Xian(Immortal). ]
[ Waver Velvet: Based on the previous video's introduction, the First Emperor appearing on screen now is absolutely an entity that can be called a Xian(Immortal). Facing such an enemy… the hope for victory feels slim. ]
[ .....]
As the audience erupted into fervent discussion, the content on the screen continued to unfold.
『 At this moment, the First Emperor's voice echoed forth.
"I had no intention of using this, but after I debated with Jing Ke, I have changed my mind. I shall compete with you, humanity of Pan-Human History, to determine which way of existence as 'Human' is superior."
"You say… a way of existence for humanity."
"A peaceful and flawless conclusion, or the possibility of ruin and growth intertwined? Clinging to the Earth of Compiled Events, seeking which is more worthy of being 'Human'… Debate has become meaningless. Therefore, let us clash. Let us decide through combat. I permit you to strike back."
Upon hearing these words, everyone immediately grasped the Emperor's intent.
He meant to decide which world held more value through a duel.
"And the side that stands until the very end shall be the one to whom the future is entrusted!"
Hearing this exchange, the audience could not help but be shaken.
They had never imagined that the First Emperor would make such a choice.
Choosing this method of battle to determine which world had the right to exist. 』
『 .....』
〜In the Wordline of Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files〜
Lord El-Melloi II watched the scene and gave a slow nod.
"As expected of the Emperor through the ages… to be capable of such a decision, utilizing the oldest and most effective method to determine whether those before him are worthy of trust."
Based on the previous introduction, he understood all too well just how powerful this Emperor was.
The Epang Palace, the Mount Li that sealed the heroes of the Nine Provinces…
It could be said that the disparity in strength between the two sides was not even on the same level.
Yet, in such a situation, the Emperor had discarded all of that.
He chose to compete with Chaldea in the manner of 'Humans.'
This magnitude of spirit left him awestruck.
It was no wonder the man had ruled the Nine Provinces for over two thousand years…
—
〜Viewer's Chat Room〜
[ Ryogi Shiki: How utterly unexpected. I never thought that the Emperor would make such a choice! ]
[ Iskandar[F/Z] (Rider): HAHAHAHA!!!! Interesting, truly interesting! As expected of the Emperor through the ages, I truly wish to draft him into my army! ]
[ Tohsaka Rin: Stop trying to draft everyone into your army! Who do you think he is? He's an Emperor—how could he ever agree to be someone else's subordinate! ]
[ Qin Shi Huang (Ruler): Hmph…! I never imagined that the future me would make such a choice. Though it is not entirely incomprehensible. As for becoming your subordinate… that is an impossibility! ]
[ .....]
『 The voice of the First Emperor rang out once more. "I, who have become the one and only Absolute Truth, versus Fujimaru Ritsuka, one of the many."
"I believe that only the stronger side can face the world's next crisis. There is no judgment clearer or more lucid than this. Do you have any objections?"
Hearing these words, Mordred on the screen could not help but reveal an excited expression.
"Hahahaha! This guy is even more reasonable than I imagined. I have no problems with that."
On the other side, Chen Gong, upon hearing this, felt a surge of admiration for the Emperor before him.
He offered the Emperor a formal, solemn salute.
"My, although this conclusion is only reached because both sides' claims are deemed 'unreasonable' and scoffed at, this method of judgment is something we warriors of chaotic times crave. The world, after all, should be fought for in just this way."
At this moment, Mash's face wore a look of hesitation.
"Senpai, what should we do now…"
"Mash, I am fine. This is not born of hatred, but a battle to prove our worth…!"
In that instant, an unyielding will surged within Fujimaru Ritsuka, and the skill 'Steel Determination EX' was activated!
"Since that is the case, we cannot retreat! Let us fight! Let the Emperor see the way of existence of Pan-Human History."
"Yes! We are the Human Order Preservation Organization, Chaldea! No—as humans living on this Earth, within our own history!! We shall fight you, Your Majesty, the First Emperor!!"
As these words fell, every Heroic Spirit on the scene readied itself for battle.
Including their Master, Fujimaru Ritsuka!
Witnessing the resolve displayed by his opponents, even the First Emperor was momentarily taken aback, followed by a look of satisfaction.
"Hahahaha! A fine look in your eyes. This fighting spirit is worth crushing with my own hands. Give it your all, you who live for the people! Let me properly verify your power!" 』
『 .....』
At this moment, watching the two lineups on the screen, the audience across all worlds wore solemn expressions!
Though their stances differed—some Heroic Spirits stood with Human Order, others with the Lostbelt—there was no doubt that a sense of respect surged within everyone's hearts.
This was a battle staking the survival of two worlds!
Both sides were giving their all for their respective peoples.
Both were fighting to prove the validity of their own world!
This battle was, naturally, worthy of everyone's respect!
.....
〜In the Worldline of Fourth Holy Grail War〜
Emiya Kiritsugu watched the scene on the screen with a look of surprise.
"It truly surprises me. I never thought that the Emperor would make such a choice. However, a battle of this caliber… to use such a method to judge which world holds more value?"
Even Emiya Kiritsugu, who had always upheld the philosophy of killing the few to save the many, grew curious about the final outcome of this video.
He was curious as to what choice the Emperor would ultimately make.
Elsewhere, Kotomine Kirei watched this scene, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
"To think such a thing would happen—a duel concerning the survival of two worlds…"
Undoubtedly, this video had piqued his intense interest, sparking a sense of delight within him.
This was the kind of video he had been waiting to see…!
At this moment, he was profoundly curious. What would the final result of this battle be?
—
〜Viewer's Chat Room〜
[ Karna (Lancer): It is truly a heavy battle. That said, it is somewhat surprising that the Emperor would make such a choice. Is it out of absolute confidence in his own strength? ]
[ Olga Marie Animusphere: After all, he is an Emperor who has ascended to become an immortal. It will likely be very difficult for Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others to face such an enemy. ]
[ Jeanne d'Arc (Ruler): I see. No wonder he is a Ruler… He is indeed an Emperor worthy of admiration. However, Fujimaru Ritsuka's resolve is not to be underestimated either. ]
[ Mordred (Saber): I never thought I would appear on screen, but that's fine. Since the opponent is that great Emperor, there's no problem with causing a huge scene, right? ]
[ Chen Gong (Caster): I never expected to face this Emperor… but it no longer matters. While I may be insufficient as a projectile, the fact that the opponent is that Emperor makes me quite interested. ]
[ Merlin: DON'T SAY SUCH TERRIFYING THINGS WITH SUCH A STRAIGHT FACE!!! ]
[ Spartacus: Oh, oh, OH—!!! Then let us launch a rebellion against that Emperor! ]
[ .....]
At this moment, all the audience members were buzzing with discussion.
Without a doubt, everyone was anticipating this duel.
This was a battle that staked the life and death of two worlds, a battle that had captured the eyes of all!
.....
『 Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at the enemy before him with a deeply grave expression.
This was an Emperor who had become an immortal…
The powerful aura surging from his body was enough to make anyone shudder with fear.
But he did not want to lose this battle, and he absolutely could not lose!
Clinging to this thought, he issued his commands to the Heroic Spirits around him.
"Do not hold back any psychological burdens; fight by showing your true selves. I, too, will stake everything I have."
"Understood, combat initiated! The enemy is the First Emperor, who ruled the Great Qin for over two thousand years!"
As these words faded, every Heroic Spirit on the field immediately launched its offensive.
Mash gripped her shield and charged directly toward the First Emperor.
On the other side, crimson lightning surged around Mordred.
"HAH—!"
BOOM—!!
Facing their combined assault, the First Emperor responded with utter composure.
Even against the pincer attack of two Heroic Spirits, he appeared completely at ease.
Watching the battle unfold, Nezha, standing to the side, did not remain idle.
Wielding the Fire-tipped Spear, she charged toward the First Emperor.
Facing the assault of three top-tier Heroic Spirits, the First Emperor felt a slight strain.
After repelling the enemies, he looked at the Heroic Spirits before him with a serious expression.
"I did indeed underestimate you slightly. Very well… in that case, I shall take this a bit more seriously!"
Hearing these words, a sense of foreboding surged within the hearts of those present.
Could it be that this Emperor had not yet used his full strength?
Just as everyone was thinking this.
VRRR—!!
An incredibly powerful magical fluctuation surged forth from the First Emperor.
Under the pressure of this immense magical surge, the very space around them trembled incessantly.
Seeing this, Nezha could not help but raise her brows.
"That Emperor is about to activate his Noble Phantasm… everyone, be careful!"
"I don't know what kind of Noble Phantasm it will be, but it is best not to let our guard down."
Even Chen Gong wore a grave expression. 』
『 .....』
At this moment, all the audience members were stunned.
A surge of curiosity welled up within everyone; they were incredibly eager to see the First Emperor's Noble Phantasm.
.....
〜In the Worldline of Fifth Holy Grail War〜
Emiya Shirou watched everything on the screen with intense curiosity.
"Based on what I've learned, the possibilities for that Emperor's Noble Phantasm… seem quite numerous. The Twelve Metal Colossi, the Epang Palace, the Great Wall… I wonder what kind of Noble Phantasm it will be?"
Under the curious gazes of all the viewers, the content on the screen continued.
—
『 The solemn voice of the First Emperor echoed once more at this time.
"Between the heavens and the earth, humanity ought to be thus. Here, I enact a new law."
Following these words, everyone's eyes widened involuntarily.
The reason was simple: before their disbelieving eyes, countless stalks of wheat were taking root and sprouting upon the earth. Above the firmament, the Great Wall of Heaven, vast in scale to the extreme, slowly coalesced into form, extending in all directions to encircle the entire globe.
"The hegemon who surpasses the Three Sovereigns and towers over the Five Emperors. This is the First Emperor, and that is I."
Accompanying this chant, at the end of the endless wheat fields behind the First Emperor, a vast city stood tall.
The city was majestic to the extreme, possessing the historical vicissitudes of ancient architecture while simultaneously containing high-tech marvels such as floating wooden-carved subways and suspended mechanical cranes.
Undoubtedly, this was Xianyang City!
And the massive object that had just coiled around the Earth was the Cosmic Great Wall!
Its duty was to guard this Xianyang City.
This was the Noble Phantasm of the Emperor through the ages—the First Emperor!
It was the condensation of the great achievements of the First Emperor during his two thousand years of ruling the Great Qin. Thus, one could see the three representative structures of Qin Shi Huang within this Noble Phantasm.
The Cosmic Great Wall, the Epang Palace, and Xianyang City…! 』
『 .....』
Witnessing such a spectacular scene, the entire audience was left dumbstruck.