Dao Of Heaven

Chapter 48: Blasted Tree

As the car sped at high velocity—

BOOM!!

Suddenly, a figure dropped onto the road, smashing into the ground with a heavy tremor!

"!!"

Mordred quickly jerked the steering wheel, sending the vehicle drifting past the figure ahead. The car flipped once in midair before landing safely back on the ground and skidding to a halt.

Clang!

She kicked the car door clean off and stepped out.

"This damn thing was a rental!!"

Kairi Sisigou's expression twisted as though he had swallowed something foul. Just his luck—exactly what he feared had happened. He should've hired another driver after all!

"So noisy~! Broken is broken… who's to blame if this piece of junk's too fragile?"

Mordred scratched her head unconcernedly.

"You're not the one paying for it! A vehicle tough enough for you would have to be a tank! Damn… my wound hurts again."

Still shouting, Kairi clutched his injured arm and climbed out, ignoring the nearly wrecked car. First, they needed to see who this crash victim was.

"Ugh… pain, pain, pain…! Huh? You're… Red Faction's Saber?"

Astolfo, sprawled in the pit, groaned and rubbed his back. When he looked up and saw Mordred, surprise crossed his face. He had just been fighting against the Red Assassin's Aerial Garden of Vanity, only to be outmaneuvered and shot down! Any normal person would've been smashed to paste, but as a Servant he had survived—though his back was killing him. And to make matters worse, he had fallen right in front of these two… what rotten luck!

"Yo~! You're a Black Servant… uh, right?"

Mordred crouched to examine the long-haired boy in women's garb—sling dress, stockings, and all—then turned toward Kairi.

"Mm… from the roster, this one should be Rider."

Kairi recalled aloud.

"Oh? Doesn't look that tough."

Mordred straightened, unimpressed by the Rider now kneeling on the ground like a duck.

"Don't underestimate him. We're still in the middle of a battlefield."

Kairi sighed.

"Tch… of course I know that!"

Mordred snapped back, then turned her eyes to the seemingly frail Astolfo before them.

"And as for you—what now? If you surrender, I'll make your death quick. You won't even feel pain."

Red mana surged across her body, forming red-and-white heavy armor. She raised her greatsword, aiming it at Rider.

This was humiliating.

Astolfo thought so bitterly.

"No way… I'm still a Servant! If you want a fight, come on! I'm ready!!"

Clutching his aching back, he forced himself upright and drew his lance, lowering his stance for battle.

"Oh? You're sure?"

"Yeah! Don't look down on me—I can fight you too!"

One minute later—

Thud!

"Ughhh!!"

With a single swift strike, Mordred had flung Astolfo flying. He crashed back to the ground, his head spinning with birds circling in his vision. The bold words from earlier felt like a joke now.

"Ha… pathetic! Only lasted a few exchanges, weakling! Go die!"

Mordred raised her sword, ready to decapitate him—when—

"Urraghhh!!"

"!"

A sudden roar made her halt, leaping back instantly!

BOOM!

The ground where she had stood exploded into a crater. From the dust, a figure slowly emerged.

"Hah? And I thought it'd be someone else… turns out it's just that madwoman."

Seeing Frankenstein, Mordred pulled a face that screamed, are you kidding me?, her disdain obvious.

"Ahhh!!"

Provoked by the insult, Frankenstein bellowed furiously and charged forward, swinging her hammer!

"Heh… come on then, madwoman!"

Mordred raised her greatsword, meeting her head-on.

Clash! ×N

Sword and hammer collided again and again, each strike unleashing violent shockwaves that tore up dust and stone. Red and pale-green lights tangled ceaselessly.

Kairi, taking cover behind the car, carefully observed the clash between the two.

There was no denying it—Saber's overall combat power far outclassed most other classes. Rider was no match, and even against Berserker, Mordred held the advantage. By now, she was pressing Frankenstein back.

The Berserker had grown more frenzied and lost all sense of reason, leaving countless openings in her attacks. Seeing this, Kairi knew they had already won. No need to waste a Command Spell here—he would save those for when they faced Black Saber, that troublesome woman.

Clang!

Mordred deflected Frankenstein's hammer with force, channeling mana into her greatsword. A blast of light fired from the blade!

BOOM! BOOM!

"Urraghhh!!"

The explosion engulfed Berserker. Her body trembled violently, heat rising from burns across her frame. Her once pristine dress was in tatters. One wrist had been severed, exposing wires and mechanical bones beneath her skin. Her hammer lay far away on the ground.

Mordred approached the writhing figure.

"Tch… still struggling, huh?"

Her eyes fell on the exposed wires and artificial skeleton.

"So, a homunculus? Just a patchwork doll. Fine… I'll send you off with one strike."

"Stop!!"

A sudden cry from behind made Mordred blink in confusion.

"Hah?"

She turned—and saw a brown-haired youth awkwardly thrusting a sword toward her. Calling it a thrust was generous—it was sluggish, clumsy.

Mordred stepped aside lazily, then kicked him in the stomach.

Thud!

"Urraghhh!!"

The youth—Sieg, the homunculus—coughed violently as he was sent flying and slammed into the ground.

"Sieg?! Why are you here?!"

Rider's expression paled as he recognized him.

Mordred ignored the boy, turning back toward Berserker—only for Sieg, stubborn as a cockroach, to force himself up and lunge again!

Stab!

"...?"

Mordred felt a sting of pain at her side. Glancing down, she saw his sword had pierced through her armor. Blood trickled down.

It was the same spot Berserker had struck earlier—already dented and weakened.

"…"

Her face darkened. Without a word, she gripped the blade with her hand, wrenching it free while dragging Sieg's body closer. She raised her greatsword—

Shlk!!

The steel drove straight through his torso.

Blood sprayed, splattering the ground.

"Sieg!!! Saber, stop!!!"

Rider's horrified scream broke out, tears spilling from his eyes.

"Ghh—ahhh!!"

Shlk!!

Mordred thrust the sword deeper, then ripped it free with force. Blood gushed once more as Sieg's limp body collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

"Fool. Waste of time."

Crash!

She kicked his corpse aside, sending it flying.

"You… you bastard!! I'll never forgive you!!"

Overcome with rage, Rider rose again, clutching his lance. He charged at Mordred recklessly, fury driving his every step.

Their weapons clashed violently once more. But as the fight dragged on, Rider's strength waned. He was losing ground.

Shlk!

Her blade slashed across his waist!

"Urraghhh!!"

Thud!

Mordred slammed him down and strode forward, raising her sword to finish him.

"Last time, that madwoman saved you… but this time—!"

"Wait!"

Kairi's voice cut in sharply.

"What now?!"

Mordred glared back at him, irritation clear.

"Are you sure Berserker's dead?"

"Uh…"

She froze, then turned toward where Frankenstein had fallen. But the spot was empty. She had not disappeared from the battlefield—her hammer was still embedded in the ground.

"What the…?"

Mordred muttered in surprise.

The very next instant—Berserker seized the opportunity, leaping down from above and clinging onto Mordred's head like a monkey!

"Wha—?!"

"Urraghhhhh!!!"

With her furious roar, torrents of mana surged forth, converging around them. A storm of pale-green lightning swirled violently, centered upon the two! Beside them, her massive hammer—Bridal Chest—shifted and transformed into some mechanical device, spinning rapidly.

Seeing this, Rider rushed forward, shielding Sieg with his cloak to block the storm.

[Berserker, is this your wish? Hah… I understand now! I will support you with a Command Spell!]

Within his chamber in the fortress, Caules grasped his Servant's will—her resolve to perish together with her foe. As her Master, he too understood the gravity of this moment. Gritting his teeth, he invoked a Command Spell!

[By the Command Spell of the Black Faction—Berserker! Remove all restraints, unleash your Noble Phantasm, and destroy the Red Saber!]

Agonizing pain lanced across Caules' arm and through his entire body as the Command Spell took effect!

On the battlefield, Berserker's whole body trembled with fervor as her Master's words reached her.

"You bitch! Let go of me!!"

Mordred panicked, struggling with all her might to shake the opponent off. But Frankenstein clung tightly, with no intention of releasing her.

"Together… we… depart! Noble Phantasm—Blasted Tree!!"

Her words rang clearer than ever before. In that moment, a violent radiance engulfed them both—Mordred and the Berserker—as well as the vast plain and skies around them!

Lightning cascaded down, enveloping the land in destruction. Hundreds of meters of terrain were obliterated in the storm!

A colossal explosion followed, fire pillars erupting skyward, illuminating both the sky and the bleak plain.

Chapter 70: Legendary Battle

BOOOOOM~

A colossal beam of light ripped through the heavens with the might of creation itself, crashing brutally into the earth.

The azure pillar resembled a requiem for a falling star, determined to erase all anger, all energy, and all existence in its final instant.

Even thousands of meters away, where the others stood, the indescribable force of destruction caused the ground to quake and sway violently.

"Momonga-san… was that super-tier magic?"

Peroroncino sent a horrified emote, his trembling finger pointing toward the beam. "Next time you use a spell with particle effects like this, at least give me a heads-up so I can lower my graphics settings! My frame rate just dropped into double digits."

"Ah, sorry, sorry, Peroroncino-san."

Momonga raised the golden staff in his hand. "I didn't expect that with its help, my super-tier magic would be boosted to this level."

The two World Champions exchanged speechless looks. Truly, each era had its own gods of magic.

Even Nishikienrai, hidden in stealth, was forced out of concealment by the shockwave alone.

"Momonga-san, I think this spell's power may already rival Ulbert-san's Catastrophe."

"Not at all, this is only because of the equipment's amplification. On my own, Ulbert-san is stronger," Momonga replied with his characteristic humility.

Just then, the Divine Exorcist, Adams, shouted loudly: "Be careful! The enemy is counterattacking!"

Though the super-tier magic had been earth-shattering, no one thought it could defeat the foe outright. Instantly, they all shifted into battle stance.

Excluding Nishikienrai, who slipped into invisibility, magic patterns lit up beneath each of their feet, interlinking into a massive formation.

Those two minutes of chanting had done more than add a "few buffs"—they had prepared a grand strategy.

On the other side, the Wheel Yama King, now serving as boss, erupted from the massive crater left by Fallen Down at impossible speed. His body glowed faintly with radioactive light effects, but bore not a single wound.

With one glance, he saw through the intruders' setup. "Hmph, you think arranging such a formation will allow you to contend against me?"

Having seized the Depiction of Nature and Society, the Wheel Yama King blinked several times through the air, charging straight into the heart of their formation. His twin wings flashed with crimson radiance.

With a single beat, countless razor-sharp scarlet feathers tore through the air, streaking toward Momonga and the others. Their trajectory made clear it was a targeted skill.

"Touch Me-san!"

"I know!"

No further words were needed. The silver knight's right hand gripped the longsword that had felled countless foes. With a sudden slash through the air—

[Champion Divine Skill · Supreme Aura Break Slash]

This ability was exclusive to the special class "World Champion." Its lesser versions were Aura Break Slash and Greater Aura Break Slash.

The former could nullify spells of tier 3 or below, the latter tier 7 or below.

But the Champion's divine skill—Supreme Aura Break Slash—could erase even super-tier magic!

By virtue of this single move, within Ainz Ooal Gown, only Ulbert, the World Calamity, who possessed an equivalent-level special class, could duel Touch Me as an equal. Any other caster would inevitably fall before him.

The golden blade of the slash spread into an immense curtain of light. Under layers of luxurious buffs and the aid of a world-class item, it became an unparalleled defense.

Scarlet feathers crashed into it with relentless force, sparking clanging sounds like steel on steel. But then—something none had expected occurred.

Even with such preparation, even with a divine skill, they could not withstand the enemy's casual strike.

The immense sword curtain buckled under the barrage of crimson feathers, retreating step by step. Spiderweb cracks spread across its surface, the stressed impact points groaning creeeak, creeeak, threatening to shatter entirely.

At that critical instant, another equally grand golden sword curtain overlapped atop it, sealing the cracks and elevating its magic-nullifying effect to a higher level.

It was the same Champion Divine Skill—Supreme Aura Break Slash.

With the two Supreme Aura Break Slashes overlapping, the once-precarious situation stabilized. The divine sword curtain held firm against the endless barrage of crimson feathers.

Everyone clearly saw who had acted: it was none other than the coalition's overall commander, himself also a bearer of the [World Champion] class. (…Do I not deserve a name?) He too was clad in the distinctive armor exclusive to World Champions—black where Touch Me's was silver, but otherwise nearly identical.

"This setup… a Dark Knight and a White Knight joining forces against a Demon King?"

Peroroncino couldn't resist a jab, even as he drew back the golden Houyi Bow. The blazing "Sun-Shooting Arrows" ignited behind him, and his aim locked squarely on the foe now named the Wheel Yama King.

[Storm Boost · Gale Arrow Rain]!

Peroroncino's fingers danced across the bowstring like a pianist's hands, producing countless afterimages. In the blink of an eye, innumerable Sun-Shooting Arrows tore through the air toward the Wheel Yama King.

"Hmph~~"

A scornful snort echoed. The Wheel Yama King showed no fear before the sky-darkening storm. With a casual sweep of his hand, a massive scroll unfolded between them.

The Depiction of Nature and Society absorbed every last arrow into its hundred inner dimensions. But he wasn't finished. Snapping his fingers, he sneered: "Take them back."

The scroll trembled. Thousands of glowing circles shimmered into existence, and from each circle shot forth a reflected Sun-Shooting Arrow—now aimed at Ainz Ooal Gown's party.

The Sun-Shooting Arrows were not magic attacks. They pierced straight through Aura Break Slashes. And by the same logic, the defense of Supreme Aura Break Slash could do nothing against them.

"This—impossible?!"

Even Momonga, master of the "Easy PK Ritual for Anyone," felt his form flash green in shock. But this too had been within his calculations.

He slammed the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown to the ground once more. A massive array expanded outward—

[Greater Mass Teleport] activated.

In the instant before the deluge of arrows struck, the Ainz members vanished from the spot.

The ground they had occupied was obliterated in a carpet-bombing of divine arrows. Thousands of Sun-Shooting Arrows, infused with solar fire, unleashed flames strong enough to incinerate anything below artifact-grade.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOOOM!

The explosions raged without end. Each arrow carried a meteor-like property of secondary detonation—sacred damage of the most lethal kind. Even without the Instant Death Domain, any player caught head-on would have been instantly killed.

When the devastation subsided, the group reappeared, stepping from another direction through warped space.

"Momonga-san, this boss is broken! It even uses items on its own? I say we retreat!"

Peroroncino lowered his Houyi Bow, recognizing the futility. His attack not only failed—it had been reflected and turned back against him.

And he wasn't alone. Everyone who had witnessed it felt the urge to retreat.

A GM that wielded world-class items intelligently? What chance did mere players have?

"No!"

Momonga's voice cut sharp with resolve. His crimson gaze fixed firmly on the Wheel Yama King, who glanced at them out of the corner of his eye.

"He is not invincible. And as this is our first battle alongside these companions, I would rather fall in defeat than flee in disgrace!"

Gripping the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, Momonga stepped forward, his declaration bold and unyielding:

"Under the name of Ainz Ooal Gown—we shall not be defeated!"

"You're not the only ones who refuse defeat!"

The black-armored World Champion also strode forth, golden light enveloping him in a Devotion Shield.

It was absolute defense—an invincibility-like barrier, the ultimate secret of the highest-tier holy classes.

"I won't let you heteromorphs hog all the glory as heroes."

The Divine Exorcist, Adams, raised his massive cross, pouring streams of holy energy into it. That Devotion Shield was his creation.

And in the next instant, the crimson figure of destruction descended once more.

"Impressive resolve… but all you are doing is struggling like trapped beasts."

Even as the Wheel Yama King's voice resounded, everyone realized with horror that in the blink of an eye, he had already appeared in the very center of their formation, glowing with a violent crimson radiance.

"Allow me to show you… the ultimate power of this world."

[Amon Aeto · Eternal Blazing Sun]!!!

Amon Aeto was the earthly name of YGGDRASIL's fire elemental god, a deity known only through lore and statues. Whether this god truly existed had long been a matter of debate among elementalists—especially fire mages.

To invoke his name as a prefix for a spell was far beyond any player's reach. It was a unique power only GMs could construct as special skills.

By invoking Amon Aeto, the Wheel Yama King revealed his other identity—one who occasionally role-played as YGGDRASIL's fire god, albeit only as a voice actor.

The crimson glow condensed above his head. Before their eyes, a blazing miniature sun, no larger than a millstone, appeared.

Holding this terrifying orb aloft in one hand, the Wheel Yama King swept his gaze over the intruders, all frozen in place by the spell's effects.

"Now then… what will you do, when stripped of all ability to act?"

Green flashes rippled over Momonga's form—not merely because his skill bar had gone entirely gray in "Silence," nor because he couldn't even move.

No, his alarm was greater still: When did even bosses gain access to time magic?

The instant teleportation that had brought the Wheel Yama King into their midst couldn't have been simple speed. If it were, he could have slaughtered them all in an instant.

That meant he had shifted into another timeframe—time magic. And beings from separate frames could not directly inflict damage on each other.

Yet not everyone was bound by the spell.

"Did you forget me?"

The black-armored World Champion, glowing with the golden Devotion Shield, resisted the Eternal Blazing Sun's suppression through sheer invincibility.

He raised his sword and pointed it straight at the Wheel Yama King. An invisible thread of fate instantly linked the two.

[Champion Divine Skill · Death of Enemies]

Effect: You may slay your designated nemesis with a single strike.

Description: This is the ultimate proof of being a Champion. Every Champion has conquered all foes in their world to stand unrivaled. Any designated as their nemesis is fated to meet only defeat.

But immediately, a system alert popped up: [This entity is too powerful to be designated.]

"Hahahahaha! An insignificant ant dares to name me its nemesis?"

The Wheel Yama King laughed thunderously, still holding the blazing sun aloft. Then his face hardened.

"Who gave you such courage?!"

Suddenly, the Eternal Blazing Sun burst into countless nail-sized white spheres. Each one was compressed solar flame, imbued with properties that ignored magic immunity and bypassed all resistances.

Their sheer number rendered evasion impossible. And within the Instant Death Domain, even a single hit meant instant annihilation.

Realizing his nemesis skill had failed, the black-armored Champion immediately stepped in front of Adams. He knew all too well: as the sole holy-class support present, Adams' survival was vital.

Under Adams' full support and the reinforcement of a world-class item, combined with the Champion's own exclusive gear, the golden Devotion Shield miraculously withstood the storm of Eternal Blazing Sun.

Had anyone glanced at the Champion's system log, they would have seen his entire screen flooded with lines:

[You resisted Amon Aeto · Eternal Blazing Sun]… [You resisted Amon Aeto · Eternal Blazing Sun]… repeated endlessly.

Meanwhile—

As the blazing [Amon Aeto · Eternal Blazing Sun] bore down on them, the members of Ainz Ooal Gown were frozen in place by its crushing effect. Then, a radiant glow erupted from a ring on Momonga's finger.

Even the Wheel Yama King paused at the sight. For he recognized it at once—this was the mark of a true whale, a paying player's treasure: the Shooting Star Ring.

This ring could amplify [Wish Upon a Star] into a more practical and easier-to-cast super-tier spell. Its value could be summed up in one line—Momonga had staked his entire year-end bonus into gacha pulls to obtain this single item!

Previously, Momonga had used it to wish for "Party-wide immunity to one death."

With its power to warp fate itself, the overwhelming blaze of Eternal Blazing Sun was swept aside, completely nullified by the even more unreasonable authority of a paid item.

"My power—dispelled? Impossible!"

Stripped of his past persona and memories, reshaped into a new will, even the Wheel Yama King faltered before this incomprehensible force.

"You were too confident, Wheel Yama King!"

In that instant, the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown triggered its Auto-Counter ability in response to Eternal Blazing Sun.

[Auto-Counter]: When struck, there is a chance to refresh all skill cooldowns and restore all MP.

The seven jeweled serpents adorning the staff all glowed, channeling energy into Momonga and forcibly refreshing every skill. The silence effect was also erased in the process.

And that was not all.

Nishikienrai broke stealth at last, twin blades Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi flashing as he struck at the Wheel Yama King's back.

Caught in a long post-cast stiff state from having his spell dispelled, the Wheel Yama King was momentarily unable to act—and was struck.

The system log chimed: HP -20.

"That's it?"

Recovering, the Wheel Yama King lashed out with his wing, nearly clipping Nishikienrai. Only his Glorious Verdant Body auto-trigger and a well-timed Substitution saved him from the monstrously wide attack.

The Wheel Yama King's crimson gaze locked on Momonga. "You went to such lengths—only to shave off twenty hit points?"

"No…" Momonga's scarlet eyes glowed as he tightened his grip on the staff. "It was to confirm something. And now I have my answer."

"What answer?"

"I'll gladly explain once you're dead."

With that, he raised the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown high, chanting his ultimate incantation:
[The Goal of All Life Is Death].

A massive brass clock face appeared behind him. As its chime rang, a dreadful premonition surged in the Wheel Yama King's chest. He spread his wings and charged, determined to kill the skeletal caster before the spell could complete.

But a wall of countless blades materialized, forming an impenetrable barrier. Even he could not ignore them.

For this was the world-class item—Billion Blades.

"This—was swapped in with that ninja's substitution?!"

In his moment of shock, his last chance slipped away.

Momonga's follow-up spell had already activated: [Widened Effect · Wail of the Banshee].

The shrieking cry pierced the Wheel Yama King's ears, stunning him.

He tried to invoke time magic, but Momonga had already anchored the area with Time-Space Anchor, preventing any frame-shift escapes.

"I suppose I can now call myself a Time Management Master!"

Momonga pulled out a crimson, diamond-shaped gem, crushed it without hesitation. (Green gems meant instant cast, red gems meant instant resolution.)

The normally lengthy cast of The Goal of All Life Is Death completed in an instant.

As the clock's hands struck twelve, a final chime resounded—the sound of ending.

The once-proud Wheel Yama King's face contorted in disbelief before his form disintegrated into fine powder, scattering into nothingness.

Chapter 157: Tokyo No-Limit Fighting Tournament (3/3)

"Father…"

Seeing Tsuneyoshi's headless corpse collapse, Yoshitoki Washuu faltered mid-retreat, stunned.

As a former CCG Bureau Chief, he naturally saw through it—the V organization wasn't putting in full effort!

There were traitors among the branch families!

The next moment, special gunfire laced with electricity rang out. He felt searing pain rip through his neck and legs, then darkness blurred his vision. His movements slowed, until finally he felt a chilling cold. Eyes wide, he stared down at the jet-black spearpoint thrust clean through his chest.

Puh-puh—

The detached thorn-blade shredded his chest cavity.

"Not a bad plan. You must have monitored me for quite some time. But tell me—did you really think I wouldn't conceal my hand? This large-caliber electromagnetic revolver is designed precisely to pierce the Rc-hardened epidermis of ghouls."

From behind, her voice came coolly, muffled through the sharp-edged 'V'-shaped Quinque mask.

Blood mixed with bits of viscera bubbled from his lips. Yoshitoki Washuu croaked hoarsely:

"Accountability… resignation… abolishing hereditary rule… all just pretense… You knew long ago… Washuu were ghouls… When… when were we exposed…"

Before his last words finished—

Shhhk!

Vela pulled the spear free in a diagonal slash. His head flew skyward.

Blood fountained, hot liquid spattering across [Arata-Ayato-α]. The living Quinque armor writhed, vein-like vessels pulsating as crimson Kagune patterns surged alive.

It was ecstatic. It was hungry.

This was the most exquisite feast of cannibalism.

Exhilaration!

"Ho."

Vela's brows arched.

She could feel the Quinque's exhilaration, its sense of fullness—far stronger than when it had bathed in Nimura Furuta's blood.

Was it because the Washuu main family's pure-blood ghoul lineage was so primal?

Through [Resident Evil]'s extraction tech—using [Cyberpunk]'s black braindance methods to harvest fresh brain matter from Furuta's severed head—she had already uncovered much of the Washuu family's secrets.

The Washuu originated from the Middle East.

And the earliest recorded ghouls also appeared in the Middle East, before spreading worldwide.

The first One-Eyed King of the 24th Ward had been a Washuu—the "One-Eyed Ghoul."

As for the so-called "Dragon"—according to the intel Furuta had known—the previous Dragon was a Washuu who hated his own clan. By devouring countless pure-blood kin, he transformed into the Dragon.

The "Binge Eater" Rize Kamishiro was also of the Washuu family, a pure-blood ghoul. Originally intended to be used as breeding stock to produce the next generation, Furuta—unable to bear his childhood friend's cruel fate—secretly released her.

That had set off everything.

Kaneki Ken's eventual rise as the One-Eyed King, his transformation into the Dragon, was only possible because he inherited Rize's Kakuhou and organs—gaining the purest Washuu bloodline.

Piecing this together, Vela now had the framework for a ghoul Kakuhou production chain.

Donors were critical.

"Rize, hm…"

Deep in thought, her movements grew faster.

"Let's try this. Overload."

Her lips curved.

She drove the Quinque's claw-blade into Yoshitoki Washuu's still-living flesh.

Swinging her black lance, she swatted aside several V enforcers who rushed her, slicing them apart as the weapon drank deeply.

Whoosh—!

[Arata-Ayato-α] roared into full overdrive. Bathed in Washuu pure-blood, backlash was nearly nonexistent. Crimson Ukaku wings blazed wide, and in an instant, a storm of crystallized Kagune spikes filled the hall.

Shhh-shhh-shhh!

Light flared, steel clashed.

The terrifying crystalline storm tore through the ceiling, shredded the walls, exposed the gray rebar of the concrete structure. Chunks of masonry rained down, shredding the V operatives and their weapons.

The crushing pressure on Shinohara and the other Special Classes instantly lifted.

Then—they saw Vela unleash speed beyond all before. She shot up like a cannon shell.

In a blur, she streaked past a V enforcer who had barely escaped the storm. Before he even realized, the world spun—

Thud!

His body slammed into the wall, caving it in with spiderweb cracks, the impact no different from being hit by a truck.

Twisting midair, she vaulted from wall to wall, wings flaring for double-jumps, accelerating through the ruined hall with breathtaking agility.

Spin, parry, cleave, thrust—

In Vela's hands, [Black Abyss IV] struck with alternating styles: sometimes heavy and forceful, thunderous and overwhelming; other times light as a feather, graceful as a phoenix, flowing like a dragon. Every move linked seamlessly, executed with precision and elegance.

The V enforcers were strong—most equivalent to S-rated ghouls. But no more than that.

Slash, crack, rip— Within seconds, five or six of them were flung aside in pieces.

Scarlet light clung to the matte-black armor as Vela darted and struck. Shinohara Yukinori's eyes widened in shock. This was not human combat—her style resembled an SSS-class Owl. No—lighter, swifter, even more deadly than the Owl!

"Tsuneyoshi Washuu and Yoshitoki Washuu have fallen. You all, withdraw."

Clearing her field of view, Vela relayed to Marude's group.

Her gaze shifted toward the second floor balcony. The rash loyalists who had charged blindly for the Washuu main family were already dead. The remaining V operatives lingered with a detached air, as though indifferent.

"Your masters are dead, your kin are dead—and you just stand there watching?"

Her voice cut sharp. "Leader of V—Kaiko."

A raspy, low laugh answered.

From the shadows, Kaiko stepped out.

His features were almost identical to the other half-human operatives, clad in the same black uniform and hat. The only difference—while the others wore bowties, he wore a necktie. In his hand, a black-gold Quinque case.

"…The Washuu bloodline was too great a burden. Perhaps I should thank you, esteemed Commissioner."

Removing his hat with elegant manners, Kaiko spoke: "As a branch member, to annihilate the main family with my own hands… better to let an outsider do it. If you hadn't acted today, I might have acted myself in a few days. It was rare for the Washuu to summon us to their ancestral home…"

"So, you intend to surrender?"

Vela cut off his speech.

"My kind, surrender? Even our North American brethren cannot easily escape the curse of our fate."

His tone dipped, then he raised his hand.

"But now, a grand road lies before us. I formally invite you, Commissioner Russell—join us. Together, we can break free of this cursed destiny. Surely you do not wish to wither and die in the prime of your youth?"

Beneath her mask, Vela's lips curved in a smile.

Asymmetry of information.

He thought she was half-human.

Half-humans—those born with ghoul blood yet lacking Kakuhou, able to eat normal food, stronger than ordinary humans but with shortened lifespans.

His "grand road" could only mean this: using the pure-blood donor Rize Kamishiro to trigger mass cannibalism among Washuu, birthing a new Dragon, then consuming the ghoul virus to transcend mortality.

"No interest."

Her soft laugh carried disappointment as she turned her back on him.

Unseen, she watched the cracks in the walls, the broken windows. CRc gas was already seeping in.

"You don't even have Kagune or Kakuhou. Killing you hardly excites me."

"But your precious donor Rize does interest me. As do the hidden facilities of the Sunlit Garden, the stashes in your V safehouses. And I don't share."

Kaiko's expression darkened.

"Who told you this?!"

"Nimura Furuta."

"That worthless fool!"

Eyes blank-white, he snarled: "If you insist on seeking death… kill them all! I'll hold her off! Move the Rize donor immediately! Our lifespans depend on it—we cannot let the American devils take her!"

He slammed the release on his black-gold Quinque case.

Zzt!

At the same time, the true V assault surged toward the retreating Special Class investigators.

"Ui-boy, get back!"

Mougan Tanakamaru shoved the smallest of them—Ui Koori—aside. Gunfire rang out. With a grunt, Tanakamaru staggered, blood spraying from a fresh wound.

"What a sorry sight, Ui-boy. I think we should have brought our Quinques… Watch out, Lady Aura!"

Before the words had finished—Boom!

Vela slammed down hard, a whip-kick snapping out. The V enforcer lunging for Kiyoko Aura twisted midair like a bent lobster, blood and Kagune fragments scattering as his body spun and crashed through the wall. The breach widened, letting in the noise from outside.

Crash! She flung another enemy out, breaking the gap open further.

Then she grabbed Marude Itsuki by the collar and tossed him out first.

"Out you go, Marude."

"Ah—wait… Russell…"

The Acting Bureau Chief could not be allowed to fall here—he was her political leverage!

"Withdraw."

Holding [Black Abyss IV] as rearguard, Vela blocked before Aura and the others. Her crimson-purple Ukaku wings unfurled like a phoenix, bristling with crystal spikes that locked the V operatives in place. She didn't even look back.

To protect them, she was forced to restrain herself somewhat.

But it didn't matter. There was no better way to earn loyalty than saving lives—and no deeper severance than spilling blood.

The 24th Ward was still in Tokyo. Vela would be in Japan for some time.

"…Thank you."

Aura and Ui nodded gravely.

Though shaken by the revelation—the Washuu family, founders of the CCG and leaders of Japan's anti-ghoul operations for over a century, were pure-blood ghouls—their composure as Special Class investigators remained intact.

Because this mission had been about confronting their former superiors, and as local CCG loyalists, Aura, Tanakamaru, Ui and others who had little direct history with Vela did not want to provoke her further. Believing their purpose was merely to witness her abolish Washuu hereditary rule, they had not even brought their main Quinques.

Better not to stay and add to the chaos.

"You all, withdraw too."

Vela ordered Shinohara, Kuroiwa, and the other five weary investigators.

"Be careful."

Shinohara gave one look at the troops outside the estate, then nodded and pulled back without hesitation.

The first one Vela had tossed out, Marude, was already being carried away by waiting CCG investigators.

Shhh-shhh-shhh!

A hail of Kagune projectiles streaked toward Vela.

Clang-clang-clang! Her black lance whirled, impenetrable. Ukaku shards shattered or deflected off her guard.

Thump. Thump.

Kaiko stepped forward slowly, hefting a massive serrated white greatsword easily as tall as himself.

Clack-clack. His Ukaku shifted automatically from ranged to melee form.

An SSS-class Kakuja Quinque—[Owl]!

Vela's eyes narrowed.

Dual form—ranged and melee. She liked that.

"You'll regret this," Kaiko said darkly. "What I cannot obtain, neither shall you."

"Is that so? How long do you think you can stall me?"

Vela straightened, lance in hand, crouching low. One step—crack!

The mosaic tiles under her boot split apart.

Ding!

Steel clashed, sparks bursting high. Her armored boots sank deep into the stone floor, forcing Kaiko's body into a bow under the sheer force.

A veteran half-human older even than Arima. An SSS-class Quinque wielder. Not bad.

But could he withstand five "Vela's" worth of power?

"At last, I've drawn you out. Be grateful—I'll make you famous. As the world watches this live broadcast, you'll serve as the prime example of a half-human, half-ghoul."

With a sudden surge of strength, Vela twisted waist and shoulders, her [Black Abyss IV] striking not like a lance but like a war hammer, a massive axe, smashing toward Kaiko's serrated blade.

"You dare treat me as one of your kind? You are not worthy."

Whoosh!

Air shrieked around the strike, wind howling.

Kaiko braced his jagged greatsword to block—BOOM!

The explosion of force hurled him backward. His feet left the ground, body crashing through furniture, smashing shelves to splinters before slamming—

Crash!

The force of the jet-black thorned lance sent him crashing through the outer wall, slamming into the uneven garden lawn. Dirt and grass flew in sprays like a plowed field.

Vela followed close behind. Her armored boots, glowing faintly red, sank three inches into the soil, leaving deep impressions in the lush greenery as stone edging shattered and burst apart.

She stomped down on [Owl]—crack!—bones in his arm snapped audibly.

Driving [Black Abyss IV] into the ground, she swung it like a brutal, off-form golf club. The black shaft tore through the air, smashing into Kaiko's waist. His dislocated fingers lost their grip, and with a whoosh, he was flung away.

Boom!

The heavy exterior wall crumbled under impact, a jagged rebar spike punching through his abdomen. Flesh burst open like a split flower, blood pouring out in torrents. His scream was chilling, but Vela only shook her head.

"Look over there."

She pointed beyond the inner courtyard, toward the fence gate more than 250 meters away.

"…What is that…"

Kaiko struggled to see. His failing half-human eyesight blurred—but beyond, there were military trucks, clusters of soldiers in camouflage—and… artillery?

"Fire!"

Bang—!

With a deep metallic blast, the M777 howitzer's barrel spewed flame. Dust and dead leaves were blown into the air by the shockwave. The 155mm recoil shook the gun's heavy stabilizers, sending cracks through the asphalt and concrete curb beneath.

BOOOOOM—!

The deafening explosion blossomed into a fireball. Even a half-human's flesh ignited instantly in the searing heat.

Sand and stone rained down in a storm. Slowly, the smoke began to clear.

Weighing the SSS-class Kakuja Quinque [Owl] in her hand, Vela stepped beyond the estate wall and gestured forward.

"Begin."

"Yes, ma'am!" ×N.

US soldiers surged into the Washuu ancestral home, beginning a full sweep and purge.

At the same time, using the cannon blast from Ward 1's Washuu estate as a signal, Tokyo's 23 wards erupted into action. Military, police, and special forces moved simultaneously—

Every marked building, every target location—

Joint enforcement. Kick down doors. Hunt the ghouls.

Chapter 238: One Day, They Fell from the Sky

"Ely, I'm heading to Dusk Street to take care of something~"

"Dusk Street? Elias, what are you going there for?"

"Nothing much. Just to pick up two… no, three talents. The Honkai will be escalating soon, and we need to gather every bit of usable strength on our side."

After resting several days in the hospital, Elias felt like he was starting to get lazy. Every day he was looked after with painstaking care by Miss Pink Elf and Miss Pink Fox.

Eden had become his personal record player, singing whatever songs he wanted. And at night, a certain green snake often slipped into his bed.

In short, his life had been nothing short of heavenly.

Though he wished it could last forever, Elias knew the world still needed him. He had to get back on his feet. Only after indulging for a few more days did he reluctantly leave the hospital.

"For someone to be called a talent by you, Elias, they must be remarkable indeed. But… would such people really be in Dusk Street? Hard to imagine."

"Curious? Want to come see for yourself?"

"Can I? Yay, I'm coming!"

Elysia cheered. Elias chuckled softly, then continued reviewing the intelligence Fire Moth had collected on Dusk Street.

A gray city of mixed fish and dragons, crawling with criminals. In the shadows lurked a mysterious figure known only as "the Boss"… Contact with the area not recommended.

Elias ignored the final line with amusement. Mysterious boss, shadowy mastermind—it was all just a lie made up offhand by a little cat. Yet somehow, everyone believed it.

What did surprise him, though, was that Fire Moth wasn't indifferent. So far, the higher-ups had sent many investigators there.

They had all died.

"Could it be Kalpas' doing? Eh, I'll know when I see him."

Elias shook his head, then put on a cool-looking mask Eden had designed. His name and face were now known worldwide—he had to disguise himself somewhat.

At the same time, Sakura arrived, carrying a case.

"Everything's ready. We can leave anytime."

"Excellent. Then let's go."

...

At a regular Fire Moth high council meeting—

Several council members looked at each other awkwardly, their faces filled with bitter smiles and helplessness.

Elias, Mei, Eden, and Mobius weren't attending. And without them, what use was their discussion? Everyone knew by now those four were the true masters of Fire Moth.

"Eh~ forget it. Since they're not here, let's just chat idly. Weren't you lot planning something against Elias? How's that going?"

"Who was planning that? Not me. Nothing to do with me."

"Come on, stop pretending. He and his women aren't here, and nothing we say will be recorded. Speak up."

"…Eh~ the plan's been scrapped. Even if we could touch Elias, who in the world would dare now?"

Someone sighed heavily.

Elias' reputation had grown to terrifying heights. On the streets, probably nine out of ten people were his worshippers.

Killing enemies could never earn as much renown as saving lives. By curing countless Honkai disease patients with the serum, Elias had gained countless devoted, fanatical followers.

Now, anyone daring to oppose Elias—no, anyone even standing against him—would be standing against all humanity.

And for the sake of petty power, who would risk making an enemy of the entire world?

"Who could have expected him to be this powerful? Honestly, I'm starting to believe he really was sent by heaven to help mankind defeat the Honkai. How do they put it in Shenzhou? Heaven's Chosen Child? Anyway, anyone who opposes him is doomed."

"Ahem. Well, I for one plan to accept reality. And to be honest, after playing the villain for so long, it actually feels kind of nice to act like a righteous ally for once."

"Mm, true enough. Besides, even if we wanted to disobey, we couldn't. Our lives are still in his and Mobius' hands."

Anyone who had risen to the rank of Fire Moth councilor was no fool—they all understood the situation clearly.

Under Elias' pressure, they had been forced to set aside their ambitions and devote themselves fully to fighting the Honkai.

At first, many were still dissatisfied. But now, quite a few had come to relish the feeling of being the good guys—as if they truly were turning over a new leaf.

"By the way, I heard Elias was discharged yesterday. What's he up to today?" someone asked curiously.

Every move Elias made now attracted scrutiny and wild speculation. Whatever he did, people assumed there had to be some deeper meaning behind it.

"Not sure. Only that he took Elysia and Forget-Me-Not with him to Dusk Street."

"!!!" ×N

At that, many of the councilors tensed instantly.

"Don't tell me he's discovered that we sent assassins to Dusk Street. We're doomed!"

"Calm down, calm down. We never targeted him directly, and those people are already long dead. What could he possibly trace back now? And… even if that matter did get exposed, it was only a nursery rhyme. There's no way he'd connect the dots."

"Alright… let's hope so…"

Several of the councilors wore faces of dread and unease.

They had sent countless assassins into Dusk Street—but every last one had died. Since the mission had been to investigate highly confidential matters, they couldn't risk sending soldiers, either.

Then, after Elias stripped away much of their power and seized control of their very lives, forcing them to focus on the Honkai, they had neither the time nor the energy to pursue Dusk Street any further.

Which was why the matter had been left to rot…

As for why they had sent assassins there in the first place, it all traced back to a song.

"One day, they fell from the sky. People lifted their heads, and so they saw the stars…"

At some unknown point, this rhyme had spread through Dusk Street. But the seemingly innocent words had alarmed the Fire Moth councilors greatly—because hidden within was a secret they absolutely had to conceal.

A secret codenamed [Origin Event].

Before Fire Moth had even been established, years before the Herrscher of Reason's birth, their predecessor organization had conducted a lunar expedition—and discovered mysterious ruins on the moon.

Within those ruins, they found a fragment of the Final Herrscher! But during their investigation, due to improper handling, a portion of its energy separated and fell to Earth.

To this day, some suspected that the very reason Honkai had manifested on Earth was because of that fallen fragment of energy.

But whether true or not, the fact remained—it was a secret Fire Moth had to guard with their lives.

Whether the Dusk Street rhyme was intentional or accidental, they had resolved to trace it back and erase it completely.

Yet in the end, every assassin sent had perished. And with Elias' meteoric rise, none of them had the resources left to continue acting on it.

"Forget it. Leave it to fate. Anyone know what Elias is actually going to Dusk Street for?"

"Who knows. I heard it's to recruit talent. But really? Is there anyone left in this world worth Elias personally recruiting?"

"Exactly. Come to think of it, where did we first estimate that fragment of energy fell?"

"Some little town called Vostok 51. We searched it several times and found nothing. Wait a minute… wasn't that also Elias' and Elysia's birthplace…?"

As if struck by the thought, someone quickly pulled up their partial public records.

When the others saw the birthplace entry for both Elias and Elysia clearly marked as [Vostok 51], silence fell across the room.

After a long pause, someone finally spoke, their voice trembling.

"Coincidence. It has to be a coincidence, right?"

"Yes! Just a coincidence! It must be a coincidence!!"

In that moment, every person in the council chamber swallowed hard. Though their mouths insisted it was only a coincidence, their minds couldn't help but wander.

(If it isn't a coincidence… then what kind of beings are Elias and Elysia really?)

Linking it to the extraordinary traits the two had shown so far, the thought made them shiver. But soon enough, the councilors calmed themselves.

Because they realized something.

No matter how darkly they tried to imagine it, they simply couldn't picture Elias and Elysia standing against humanity. Not at all.

Even if someone told them straight out that those two were enemies from the side of the Honkai, their first reaction would be to call the speaker either a lunatic or a traitor to mankind—and then shoot him in the head to check what he was thinking.

Enemies from the Honkai? Anyone in the world might be—but those two? Impossible! Just look at what they'd done so far.

Other than the First Herrscher—defeated by Fire Moth itself—all the others had been beaten by Elias. If not for Elysia's bad luck and slower hands, she'd have claimed a few herself.

And now Elias had even developed a serum to cure Honkai disease. And you tell me he's the enemy? Whoever dared spread such nonsense should be executed with a Gatling gun for ten minutes straight!

"Let's not overthink. All we need to do now is follow Elias' lead, cling on until we defeat the Honkai, then beg him to remove our poison. That's all there is to it."

"Exactly, exactly. Another day of working hard against the Honkai!"

"Logging off here—spotted a Chariot-class mosquito. Someone bring out the railgun!"

"Tsk tsk, wasting electricity firing a railgun at a mosquito. Caught you slipping! I say just send in a fusion warrior."

Ever since Elias had forced these councilors to direct their fangs at the Honkai, they'd found themselves enjoying life.

It was at least better than scheming against each other.

Watching those detestable Honkai Beasts vanish in explosions at their orders was surprisingly therapeutic.

Before, they had competed for power and wealth. Now, they competed for battle records. If not for their lack of strength, some councilors would've been eager to challenge a Herrscher themselves.

...

Dusk Street.

While the councilors were holding meetings and boasting about their combat results, Elias, Elysia, and Sakura had arrived at the infamous district.

Miss Pink Elf stood with hands on hips, cheeks puffed in a pout, glaring unhappily at the two beside her. She felt excluded.

"Fine if Elias wears one, but Sakura, why do you have to wear a mask too?! If I'd known, I would've brought one myself."

"Ahem. As a subordinate, of course I should match my superior. Nothing more than that, Elysia, don't get the wrong idea."

Sakura had donned her Forget-Me-Not mask. She meant nothing by it—seeing Elias wear one, she simply followed suit.

It made them look like a pair, and at the same time, it left out a certain pink elf. Perfect.

"Eli, I want a mask too!"

"Alright, alright. What kind do you want?"

"A cute one!"

"Got it."

Elias shrugged, casually conjuring a magical-girl-style mask and tossing it to her. Naturally, it was rejected. To his surprise, he realized his sense of aesthetics for masks might be a little… questionable.

In the end, after half an hour of fuss, Elysia reluctantly put on a pink gas mask.

"Uhh, don't we look really suspicious now?" Elias muttered in disbelief.

"..." ×2

Even in Dusk Street, a place full of shady types, three people walking around in masks looked extra conspicuous.

Normally, outsiders dressed as finely as they were would be warmly welcomed by the rough-and-tumble locals—but in reality, no one dared cause trouble.

"Ahhh! S-sorry, sorry! I didn't mean it! I'll leave right now, please don't kill me~!"

A girl suddenly came around a corner and bumped into Sakura. The moment she saw the masked pink fox-eared woman, she shrieked and scrambled away on all fours, fleeing in terror.

Sakura's ears drooped in dismay. Was she really that frightening?

Elias shook his head, then nodded. It depended on who you asked. But in Dusk Street—where most were criminals—Sakura was indeed a terrifying figure.

"Damn! Look at that long-eared freak!"

"That must be one of Fire Moth's monster super-soldiers."

"Shit! Don't get near her! That thing could wipe us out with ease. If she catches me, the crimes I've committed would get me killed a dozen times over!"

"Crap, is Fire Moth planning to clean out Dusk Street? No way, I'm outta here!"

For these lawless villains, violence wasn't the only principle, but it was the one most revered. And fusion warriors were violence incarnate.

If Sakura so desired, she could slaughter everyone in Dusk Street—save for two particular individuals in a certain sanatorium, and perhaps one ridiculously lucky cat.

"Elias, did I mess things up?"

"Of course not. Their guilty consciences are their own fault. How could my Sakura ever mess up~"

He comforted her, stroking her fox ears.

"Thanks. But what do we do now? If someone dared to provoke us, we could at least squeeze some intel out of them. But now…"

Sakura looked around at the empty street, cleared by her presence. Maybe she should just grab someone at random to interrogate? After all, in Dusk Street, any stranger could easily be a wanted criminal. There was no need to worry about guilt.

Elias shook his head, smiling wryly.

"Actually, it's not that no one dared provoke us."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"Check carefully. Aren't you missing something?"

Sakura blinked, quickly checked herself—and her fox ears shot straight up in shock.

"The serum! The serum I brought is gone!!"

"Sakura, you actually got robbed…"

Elysia looked shocked—and amused. An Emperor-level fusion warrior, robbed? It was hilarious.

"Hah~ my dear Ely, you too."

"Huh? Ah! My phone, my badge—they're gone too?!"

"Elysia, you actually got robbed…"

Sakura immediately fired back, mocking her. Sure, it was embarrassing for an Emperor-level fusion warrior to be robbed—but wasn't it even worse for a Vipralopa-level like her?

"Alright, alright. You're both equally disgraceful."

"..." ×2

Elias chuckled, mocking them both equally. As for the culprit, he already knew.

For an ordinary person to steal from two high-level fusion warriors… there was only one in all of Dusk Street capable of that.

That outrageously lucky cat.

Elias: "Guess it's time to prepare a cat bed. The house feels too empty. Might as well raise a cat as a pet."

Chapter 544: Did You Find a Girlfriend in Tokyo?

Tokyo.

"Professor Kanagawa, how about another round?"

Having just downed his drink in one gulp, Sota Juta looked at Eiren Kanagawa, who was about to stand up, and asked with a smile.

"No thanks. I guess after becoming a teacher I don't drink as much anymore. I feel like my tolerance has gone down. Better to head back to the hotel before you all get to see me drunk and laughing like a fool." Eiren Kanagawa shrugged and spoke half-jokingly.

"Then I'll walk you out." Juta set down his glass and followed Eiren Kanagawa out of the restaurant.

When they reached her car, Kanagawa patted Juta's shoulder before getting in. "I'm really looking forward to your private exhibition in ten days. Do your best."

"Mm!" Juta nodded firmly. She realized that even though it had been six, nearly seven years since graduation, her old advisor Eiren Kanagawa hadn't changed one bit: "I'm really grateful that you're coming to my exhibition. Honestly, when I first sent you the invitation, I was worried you wouldn't come."

"Haha, it's no big deal. What teacher wouldn't want to see their students succeed? When I got your invitation, I really had to marvel—who would've thought the student who was always failing classes back in school would now be hosting her own private exhibition."

Eiren Kanagawa spoke with satisfaction. Juta hadn't been her most outstanding student, nor the most naturally gifted, but she had certainly been one of the most memorable.

Absences, failed classes, constant lateness—this girl had been the bane of her advisor's existence in college. She was always being called into the office for heart-to-heart talks. Forget grades—could she at least show up on time for roll call?

If not for her exceptional entrance exam results in high school, Kyoto University would never have let her in. Otherwise, given her record of failed courses, she probably wouldn't even have graduated.

Back then, Juta was full of pride and arrogance. She had told her then-advisor Eiren Kanagawa directly:

"I think the knowledge taught in college is boring. It's stuff I've long since mastered, so why repeat it in class? Each class is two hours at minimum. Sitting there feels like a waste of time and life. I'd rather skip and paint in the studio."

"Even in freshman year at Kyoto University's Fine Arts Department, there are still differences in students' abilities. Naturally, the first-year curriculum is going to be on the simpler side."

"I know, that's why I can't be bothered sitting with them wasting my time. Besides, your teaching level is really low."

Kanagawa, who was never known for her mild temper, curled her lips at that. "I keep it simple so the majority of students can follow along. If I always spoke at a high level, maybe you'd understand, but what about the others?"

She rolled her wrist as she continued:

"Seems you really doubt my teaching ability. Fine then, let me show you exactly why I earned the position of advisor in Kyoto University's Fine Arts Department. And by the way, even though I haven't been here long, the next professorship in the department is already guaranteed to be mine."

Two hours later, Kanagawa picked up her glass of water, took a sip to moisten her throat, and looked with satisfaction at Juta, who now sat dazed, eyes wide, as if a whole new world had just opened before her.

The once arrogant and dismissive Juta had been completely overwhelmed.

After that, Juta did indeed show up on time for class—but only for Eiren Kanagawa's lectures. For everyone else's classes, she still skipped out to the studio.

Juta shrugged and smiled. "Of course I'd be able to hold my own exhibition. I've got the skill for it. But I owe graduating smoothly to you, Professor Kanagawa."

"You really… it's been six years since you graduated, and your personality hasn't changed at all. Don't get too cocky. I'm not even talking about a world-class prodigy like Mashiro Shiina—"

Not long ago, at the first exhibition of the Tokyo Metropolitan University National Youth Art Award, one student's work drew the attention of the Tokyo Five Beauties, as well as professors from both Kyoto University and Tokyo University's Fine Arts departments.

Even though she was only a first-year high school student, some professors, upon seeing her paintings, immediately slammed the table and said: "Why waste time in high school? Give her a guaranteed admission! Get the paperwork ready now! Let her enter university immediately—I'll take her as my student personally!"

When she was in Kyoto, I tested her more than once, but she didn't seem interested in guaranteed admission. Sigh… I had even prepared the paperwork to admit her directly into Kyoto University's Fine Arts Department."

Eiren Kanagawa let out a wry smile. If Kotomi Izumi had been a fine arts student, she might not have been the one with the strongest technical skill, but she would definitely have been the most socially adept, the one who knew exactly how to talk.

She spoke well, looked beautiful, yet her personality was unpredictable. While you were here trying to persuade her to skip high school and jump straight into a prestigious university, she would sidestep smoothly, seizing the chance to change the subject before you realized it.

Eiren had been confident she could make Kotomi agree to the offer within three days and join Kyoto University's Fine Arts Department. She too thought it was a waste for someone with such talent to spend three years of high school instead of moving forward at university.

She had listed every advantage of early admission, and Kotomi had seemed to listen seriously. But when asked directly if she agreed, Kotomi would blur her answers, and whenever pressed further, she would successfully shift the topic elsewhere.

"Maybe she just wants to continue enjoying high school life. Teacher, you spent most of your student years abroad, so maybe you don't understand—those three years of high school might be tough, but for most students, they become unforgettable memories for a lifetime." Juta gave a playful look that said You just don't get it, and smiled.

"Oh? I praise another student's talent and you're not jealous?"

"Why would I be jealous? It's not like I'm your girlfriend. I admit I was arrogant back then, but after graduating, I've come to understand there are always people stronger than me, skies beyond the sky." Juta shot back.

Eiren Kanagawa blinked, then patted Juta's shoulder again. "Looks like you've grown up—become a little more mature."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Juta said, then glanced around to make sure no acquaintances were nearby before leaning in and asking quietly:

"Professor Kanagawa, my private exhibition isn't for another ten days. You came to Tokyo this early—was it really just for work? Or… did you maybe get yourself a girlfriend here in Tokyo, or in a nearby city, and you're planning to spend these ten days having a sweet time together?"

Just as Eiren Kanagawa was about to take out her car keys, she looked at Sota Juta with a hint of confusion and asked:

"Why did you immediately assume it's a girlfriend?"

"Back when you were still our advisor, weren't you dating a woman? I remember once, when I went to your apartment to borrow an art reference book, I saw a woman lying on your bed, clothes scattered on the floor. At first I thought she was your sister or something, but later I found out she was your girlfriend. Then when I asked you again at graduation, you said she dumped you."

"Oh, you still remember that? I thought you were only curious about that sort of gossip back when you were my student. Didn't think you'd still remember after graduating all these years."

"So am I right or not? You came to Tokyo this early—not because you couldn't wait for my exhibition, but most likely because you've found yourself another girlfriend nearby." Juta said confidently.

She really hit the mark… Eiren chuckled inwardly. Lighting up a cigarette, she took a few drags before continuing:

"She's not my girlfriend yet. She probably doesn't even know I like her… I'm just preparing to pursue her."

"How old? 28, 29?" Juta asked.

Eiren shook her head.

"25 or 26?"

"Not that either."

"21, 22? Damn, what makes you think you can go after such a young girl?"

Eiren frowned slightly. She didn't think she was that old herself, so she said: "She's still a second-year high school student."

The moment the words fell, silence settled between them.

Juta stared at her for a long while before slowly forcing out: "Professor Kanagawa, you're seriously a beast. Even calling it robbing the cradle doesn't cut it!"

"Watch your words. I'm not that old, okay?" Eiren shot back, displeased.

"So what, you're really planning to pursue her? Someone that young? Not even in college yet?"

Eiren smoked quietly until she finished the cigarette, then said:

"When I first met her, if you judged her as a student, her talent was so low you could already see the end of her road in art. But she never gave in—she kept drawing, kept grinding away, no matter how many pencils she wore down or how many sheets of paper she filled.

"At first, I despised that kind of blind effort, thinking she was just indulging in self-satisfaction. I treated her differently because of it. But then, one day, I saw her standing in front of her painting, with an expression full of satisfaction yet tinged with regret.

"Maybe for her, just having her work displayed in an exhibition was already something wonderful. But since the competition had three phases, and with so many talented students, her work would most likely be eliminated after the first round.

"I watched her staring at her painting, and when I realized it, I had already fallen for her."

"Love at first sight?"

"Yeah. I want to pursue her, help her improve, stay by her side. If possible, I even want to marry her. Why would a Kyoto University Fine Arts professor fall for a girl with such ordinary talent? There's no answer. And I don't need one."

Eiren laughed softly, pressed the car key, and opened the driver's side door to sit down.

Juta stood outside the car. "Professor Kanagawa."

"Mm?"

"When will I get to meet this way-too-young girlfriend of yours?"

"At your exhibition. I've already promised to take her there."

"So you're not coming to my exhibition for my art—you're just using it as a date spot."

Juta laughed, then waved her hand.

"Drive slow on your way back—wait, no, you drank! Get out right now. I'll call a chauffeur."

She quickly pulled Eiren out of the driver's seat and called for a designated driver.

The chauffeur drove the car to the hotel parking lot where Eiren Kanagawa was staying. After parking, he handed the car keys back to her.

"Thanks. Here, a tip."

"You're too kind. Here's my number—call me directly next time if you need me."

"OK."

Back in her hotel room, after taking a shower, Eiren lay on the bed and picked up her phone to send Hibiki Naegi a Line message.

Eiren Kanagawa: [I drank too much.]

Even after waiting an hour, there was still no reply. Feeling a little annoyed, Eiren tossed her phone aside and went to sleep.

A bit tipsy, she didn't realize that when she sent the message, it was already past midnight. And at that hour, even if Hibiki Naegi wasn't asleep, she was "busy" with Seiko Kirigiri, so how could she possibly notice Eiren's message?

Beep beep beep.

The alarm clock rang. Kotomi stretched her hand out from under the blanket, and with a practiced motion, shut it off while still half-asleep.

She instinctively wanted to keep sleeping, but her mom suddenly opened the door, yanked the curtains wide open, and let the sunlight flood in. Kotomi groaned:

"Mom, it's Sunday… let me sleep a little longer."

Akina Izumi smacked her daughter's blanket, making Kotomi yelp.

"Sleep, my ass! Didn't you promise Yui you'd go sing karaoke with her today?"

"Oh… right…" Kotomi mumbled groggily, only then remembering that she was supposed to go to karaoke with Yui today.

"'Oh right' my foot! That poor kid Yui's been waiting at the gate since early morning in the freezing cold. She's so considerate she wouldn't even ring the doorbell for fear of disturbing us. If I hadn't woken up early to bring in the bedding from the clothesline and happened to see her crouching there blowing on her hands for warmth, she would've kept waiting until you came out."

Akina spoke with exasperation, her words dripping with heartache for Yui. How could that silly girl be so stubborn? What on earth does she even see in Kotomi?

"What?! Dango's already here??!" Kotomi snapped fully awake, jumping out of bed. She glanced at the clock—it was only 6 a.m.!

Which meant Dango had shown up at 5 o'clock to wait for her.

Sure, Kotomi had told her yesterday not to be late. But this silly Dango… there was no need to wait outside in the freezing cold from 5 a.m. just to make sure of it!

Chapter 632: Aftermath and Alyssa’s Discovery

In the sky city of Avant Heim, the tightly shut "door" of the Eighteen-Winged Council suddenly swung open.

As the homeland of the Flügel, Avant Heim technically had no doors or corridors in its architecture. Either there were single spaces built from masses of cubes and crimson tree-trunk vines, or simply broken platforms formed of chaotic, interlaced blue cubes.

Of course, the vast spatial transfer network woven from countless "Spirit Corridors" allowed the Flügel to teleport easily and smoothly throughout Avant Heim.

In some ways, this was far more convenient than walking.

Naturally, when a spatial transfer wavelength not belonging to the Flügel was detected—

"An intruder?"

From Azril, the elder sister of the Flügel who had been browsing records, to Jibril, the youngest carrying a silver tray, to the Flügel standing upon the throne's steps receiving Honkai energy maintenance and growing accustomed to the power of the Honkai webway—every gaze turned toward the source of the disturbance.

Who had the nerve to intrude at such a time?

Riiip—!

A broken tear in space disgorged a figure one-way. "Quuen—!"

The voice was clear, melodious, brimming with the innocence of a young girl's liveliness. Selene, who had just been teasing the Flügel girl beside her throne, softened her expression, allowing a gentle smile to emerge.

The scarlet glow in her eyes shifted away from the ancient, broken gemstone ring in her hand, its azure parsing light dimming.

Within the vast cubic space, a narrow rift tore through the wall of reality. A head of gray hair poked out first, sky-blue eyes shining brightly with irrepressible joy.

"Hehe, Alyssa has good news…"

But then…

Alyssa froze.

She stopped in her tracks, scanning her surroundings. The path up the steps to the throne, built of radiant cubes, was suddenly blocked.

Clang! Clang-clang!

A crowd of "angels," their hair reflecting light, amber eyes gleaming, luminous wings of woven light and geometric halos above their heads, raised weapons of dark radiance—swords, blades, scythes—ready to strike at any moment.

Most crucial of all, two figures standing close to Selene drew Alyssa's attention.

Honkai energy particles drifted around them, glowing under the fluorescence of the Spirit Corridors like starlight dust, highlighting the transcendent presence of the woman at their center.

Yes, as always, Her Majesty was regal beyond words.

But—!

One woman with emerald hair and a single horn, giving the impression of a secretary, had taken the role once held by Sebas, reporting from thick tomes in her arms.

And that scantily dressed little hussy was leaning over the throne's armrest, rubbing her head against Her Majesty!

Hey! You're drooling!

At this scene—at these relationships…

I was gone fighting a few battles, and when I return I've become an outsider?!

In Alyssa's mind flashed another image.

Damn it, has the Empress created more servants… no, wait! Has Her Majesty been fooling around again… no, that's not it!! Ahhh!

Uuuhh… I mustn't get angry, mustn't lose composure… I have to understand Her Majesty's difficulties. After working so hard, isn't she allowed a little entertainment? I must show the tolerance and maturity of the 'eldest child'…

It's fine, they all came later. I was the first!

I am the one born with the Honkai Beast!!!

Alyssa screamed inwardly.

She didn't care if Sebas's role had been replaced. But that pink-haired floozy—!

Hey! That's my spot! Get out of it!

"Who are you?" Alyssa muttered aloud.

"The Imperial Guard. Preliminary designation: Third Sequence."

Waving a hand to stop the Flügel's movements, Selene signaled Alyssa to step forward. She answered in Azril's place, not lowering her voice, while at the same time instructing the gathered Flügel on their future roles.

The Imperial Guard—naturally, they would be her personal guards, the most elite and loyal force at a sovereign's side.

Hearing this, all the Flügel present, including Azril and Jibril, bowed low to the ground.

"Ah… the Imperial Guard? Them? Really… isn't this a bit sudden?"

Though she knew her own status could never be compared to these newly appointed "concubines," Alyssa still pouted with a touch of arrogance, casting sidelong glances at the delicate, alluring Flügel who seemed to lack the stern majesty of the Imperial Guard or the Sisters of Silence.

The comparison didn't flatter them… Her expression made her thoughts plain.

Studying their revealing figures, Alyssa muttered, "This is basically a harem… Though, well, with the Queen's status, opening a harem is hardly an issue…"

"What are you muttering?"

Smack!

"Ow—!"

Withdrawing her hand from the chop she'd delivered, Selene set her teacup back onto the tray Jibril was holding.

"Enough. Alyssa, you'll have plenty of chances to interact with Azril and Jibril."

Selene could easily read Alyssa's slightly jealous posture. Her response was simply to ignore it.

Was she supposed to explain herself? Hmph. She was the Empress! And besides… she hadn't been unfaithful.

"After I move Avant Heim into the Honkai Dimension, as the 'eldest sister,' Alyssa, your responsibility will be heavy. Of course, the Flügel cannot be placed under your Sisters of Battle command system, but guide them well. Familiarizing them with the Empire's laws and codes will be your duty."

More effective than any explanation was to redirect her attention, binding her with a new task she desired.

Seeing Alyssa's fixation on being 'the first,' Selene smiled faintly.

Very well, something as trivial as teaching them the Empire's order hardly required her personal oversight. Sebas already had enough burdens. To heap on more would be excessive.

Originally, she had intended to entrust this to the Imperial Guard. But seeing Alyssa's reaction—fine, she'd let her handle it.

A little sulking was fine, a way to show closeness. Selene even enjoyed such fleeting warmth of 'familial affection.' But everything had its limits. Cross the line, and Selene would simply toss her back to Sebas for retraining.

Didn't you want to emphasize your dignity as eldest sister? Very well, here's your chance.

"I will see it done!"

Stepping forward, Alyssa smoothly nudged Jibril aside. Her mood quickly settled as curiosity deepened while she studied the haloed, winged Flügel girls.

Truly, jealousy wasn't her style. Besides, she knew—was Her Majesty someone to be easily seduced?

"Remember, if they cause trouble, the responsibility is yours."

Selene gestured for the Flügel still frozen in place to resume their duties—those practicing with their bodies, continue; those categorizing books, continue. She then approached Alyssa and lightly patted her proudly lifted head.

"Now then, tell me—what's your good news?"

Under Selene's stern gaze, Alyssa coughed lightly. "Ahem… concerning the Dark Angels Legion's 2125th Expeditionary Fleet—the campaign against the as-yet-unnamed planet of the cosmic Godzilla monster has concluded."

"The colossal creature capable of restructuring a planetary ecosystem with itself at the apex has been captured and delivered to Your Majesty's Imperial Hunting Grounds."

"And as for the one called Ghidorah the Star-Eater, worshiped by natives as a 'higher-dimensional monster' or 'King of the Void'—a higher-dimensional lifeform dwelling in the rift between dimensions… um, Quuen, because Alyssa was a little too hasty at the time, perhaps… perhaps…"

"Did you at least leave a complete corpse?"

It had been no more than a whim anyway. Now that she had the Flügel as her new 'toys' requiring careful attention, the 'three-headed golden dragon' was no longer a priority for Selene.

Yes, Selene was indeed one who quickly grew bored of the old and enamored of the new.

"I did, I did. Though I melted one of its three heads and tore the other two apart, its torso I preserved mostly intact. Its regenerative ability is strong. When I had that weirdo Dr. Stylish install it on his ship, I pieced it back together."

"And, Quuen, while crossing the Honkai Hyper-Spatial Webway en route to the expedition front of the Luna Wolves, I discovered an unknown world."

Before Selene could question her, Alyssa quickly deflected, offering her excuse for being late:

"I couldn't help it, I just had to scout that unknown world a little… I thought I could earn some merit. I landed on some nameless planet that looked like it had seen war… ugh, disgusting, it was crawling with bugs. After filing a report to Sebas, I came here, which is why I was delayed."

Recalling the revolting sight, she made a face of disgust.

"'Disgusting,' 'bugs'?" Selene immediately seized on the words. "Details."

"O-oh, one moment, Quuen."

Alyssa raised her hand and gestured through the air.

Immediately, the geometric symbols on the floor lit up, contracting toward the center.

Countless violet-red lines emerged, sketched and etched into shape.

A simple application of Honkai energy.

Soon, the projection appeared. From Alyssa's dragon-form perspective, the planet she descended upon caved in instantly under her kilometer-sized weight, revealing vast hollow caverns beneath, carpeted with damp, reeking fungal mats. The disturbance was like kicking a hornet's nest—within moments, the wasteland erupted in shrill, piercing cries.

Tiny insectoid creatures with scythe-like forelimbs flooded her view. Startled, Alyssa reacted instinctively—unleashing a plasma breath. Boom! The projection flared white, the planet exploded.

Uh…

This footage yielded no useful data.

With so many bugs, which swarm was it supposed to be?

Selene covered her face, glancing at the gray-haired dragon scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. You… Forget it.

There was nothing wrong with preferring cleanliness.

In truth, if Selene herself were suddenly swarmed by countless meter-high insects dripping foul mucus and stench as they leapt at her face, she would have reduced the planet to ashes as well.

"Disgusting. Those bugs were even uglier than the Demonia."

"Even if someone offered me their heads as trophies, I wouldn't take them."

...

While the Flügel were still engrossed in Alyssa's projection, Selene abruptly shifted the topic. "Ex-Machina. How many have been found so far?"

"Huh?"

Azril, temporarily serving as secretary, quickly responded: "At present, the auxiliaries have discovered one unit, the auxilia another, and the Luna Wolves have found three units…"

But Selene cut her off, answering herself: "In other words, nearly half. Very well, no need to wait. Retrieve all surviving Ex-Machina immediately."

"Yes!"

Selene turned her gaze to the Disboard world map etched in Flügel script. On it, she marked thirteen points—the locations of all remaining Ex-Machina.

The cost of slaying gods from below had been heavy.

Six thousand years ago, at the end of the Great War, the Ex-Machina had possessed around fifteen thousand units.

For Riku Dola's plan, they committed eleven link-bodies, sacrificing 4,802 machines to replicate the combined energies of Artosh's "Godly Smite," the elves' "Áka Si Anse," the dwarves' "E-Bomb," and the Dragonia's "Far Cry." This weapon, the "Stalemartyr," output at 72.8%, was entrusted to Riku.

Meanwhile, with twenty-one remaining link-bodies—9,177 units—they launched a fierce barrage against Artosh's Avant Heim faction, slaughtering over half the weakened Flügel.

Finally, 701 units challenged Artosh directly, stripping away his divinity. In the end, Riku Dola pulled the trigger of the "Stalemartyr," piercing the planet, revealing the Suniaster, and ending the war. Only twenty-eight Ex-Machina survived the battle.

Over six millennia, even those machines exceeded their operational limits. Only with time-stasis technology were thirteen preserved.

Now, these thirteen would serve one last purpose for Selene. Framed as a 'lucky treasure hunt,' the mission was issued to the troops—any soldier and their unit that recovered one would be handsomely rewarded.

It was a welfare gift from Selene to her soldiers, with a two-day deadline.

"Tell Horus to set aside diplomatic appeasement for now. I know he dislikes meaningless slaughter, but blood and fire are the prerequisites for forcing those aliens to sit quietly and listen."

"As for those resisting stubbornly, those who dare raise their heads—kill them in batches."

Chapter 562: Meme King

When Kyoko reappeared before Eriri and the other two, half an hour had already passed.

During that half-hour, Eriri and Seraphim had talked about many things. Although Eu didn't take the initiative to speak, whenever she was asked something, she cooperated fully in answering.

Through this half-hour of conversation, Seraphim gained a much deeper understanding of Eriri.

At the same time, their relationship became much more harmonious, no longer as serious as at the beginning.

Seeing Seraphim chatting and laughing with Eriri at her side, Kyoko's head immediately filled with a giant question mark.

"Eriri, why hasn't this Vampire Ninja left yet? Don't tell me the matter isn't resolved?"

"It's already resolved. Oh, right, Kyoko, let's do some reintroductions."

Eriri stretched out her right arm to wrap around Seraphim's smooth, snow-white shoulder, her palm boldly resting atop Seraphim's ample chest.

"This is Sera. From today onward, she's one of us. Be sure to get along with her from now on~"

Seeing the self-satisfied smile on Eriri's face, Kyoko was left speechless.

But given how well she understood Eriri's tastes, she wasn't surprised in the least. In fact, when Eriri had first asked her not to go too hard on Seraphim, she had already guessed this outcome.

Now, it was simply confirmed.

"Fine, as long as you're happy."

Saying that casually, Kyoko sat down nearby.

As long as the matter was settled and Seraphim wouldn't be constantly bothering her, she didn't mind being on friendly terms with her.

But that didn't stop her from venting in the chat group.

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Family, who gets this feeling!]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): What's wrong? Why does this sound so bitter?]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Didn't Eriri go over to your place? Is there gossip?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Spill it! popcorn.jpg]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Actually, it's nothing. Maybe I shouldn't say…]

[Erica (Level 7, Stage 2): ?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Are you messing with us? Say it or I'll buy a Cross-Realm Teleportation talisman and spank your butt! angry.jpg]

[Adele (Level 7, Stage 1): Agreed, count me in, hehe!]

[Lefiya (Level 7, Stage 1): Of course, I won't miss out either! rubbing hands.jpg]

[Riveria (Level 7, Stage 1): Lefiya, it looks like you've really gone bad. Come here, I'll teach you a lesson!]

[Lefiya (Level 7, Stage 1): Nooo, Lady Riveria, I was wrong!]

[Reina (Level 7, Stage 1): Lefiya is pathetic, caving in at just one threat.]

[Riveria (Level 7, Stage 1): Sounds like you also need some discipline, Reina! smile.jpg]

[Reina (Level 7, Stage 1): …]

[Reina (Level 7, Stage 1): Forget I said anything!]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Alright, alright, since you're all pressuring me, looks like I can't keep quiet. sigh.jpg]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Basically, Eriri came here to deal with the Vampire Ninja issue. But in less than half an hour, she's already cuddling up affectionately with that same Vampire Ninja.]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Photo evidence: cuddle.jpg]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): How did it come to this? I was clearly the first one! Whether meeting Eriri or hugging her—it was me first! So why? Why has it turned out like this…]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): First you sound bitter, now you're whining like a White Album protagonist. Seems you've got range.]

[Alice Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 1): What do we do when we encounter a White Album-type?]

[Gabriel (Level 7, Stage 2): Do you even need to ask? Beat them to death!]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Beat the White Album protag!]

[Fumino Furuhashi (Level 7, Stage 2): Beat them!]

[Lefiya (Level 7, Stage 1): Beat them!]

...

Watching Gabriel and the others kick up the chant, even the quieter group members began joining in the repetition.

The chat group quickly grew lively.

For Natsuki Minamiya and the other three who had only joined the group a few days ago, this bizarre scene left them utterly confused.

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): What's a White Album protagonist? And why beat them to death?]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Same question!]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): I'm curious too.]

[Frieren (Level 2, Stage 8): It doesn't sound like a compliment.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Did you all finish watching the memory footage in the group?]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Yes, I did.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Of course!]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Then you should've seen the footage called White Album, right?]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): "White Album" refers to the messy love triangle of the three main characters. Kyoko's words earlier were almost copied straight from the lines of the two heroines. That's what makes her a White Album protag!]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): And that's why White Album protags must be beaten to death!]

During the New Year's party, Setsuna Ogiso had been invited to sing. Out of casual interest, Eriri had uploaded the anime White Album to the chat group.

After some playful banter between Eriri and Arifureta, the "White Album protag" meme unexpectedly caught fire in the group.

Although discussion of it eventually quieted down, Kyoko's recent message had revived the meme.

Not only that, even Kyoko's earlier bitter line was a recycled phrase from the chat group itself.

And most of these memes originated from Eriri and Arifureta.

Of course, other members from modern worlds would also occasionally toss in memes from their own worlds.

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Applause! clap.jpg]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): clap.jpg]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): …]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Are you all really this bored?]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Haha, it's just chatting. As long as it's fun, don't take it too seriously!]

[Yuuki Asuna (Level 7, Stage 2): That's right. If it's too serious, there's no fun.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Fine, as long as you're happy!]

At that moment, while Eriri was still chatting with Seraphim, she quickly noticed the noise in the chat group and split her attention to take a look.

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): I enter the group for one second and already see people gossiping about me!]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Not at all! Heaven and earth can attest—I only spoke the truth!]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Kyoko, you've got guts. Did you forget Eriri's right next to you?]

[Moeha Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 1): Kyoko-nee, careful, Eriri-nee might spank you~]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): So what! Even if I die, nailed inside a coffin, I'll still shout with my rotting vocal cords…]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): …Eriri, I was joking!!!]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): …]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Did Miss Kyoko really just get spanked by Miss Eriri?]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Don't frame me! I didn't hit her.]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): 6]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): You're all really good at this…]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Hahaha, Kyoko, you're killing me here!]

[Moeha Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 1): Kyoko-nee, you're just too funny, hehe.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Kyoko, looks like the crown of Meme King belongs to you this time!]

[Kyoko (Level 5, Stage 2): Hehe, I was just joking around~]

No one in the group mentioned how quickly Eriri and Seraphim had gotten along.

After all, for them, that sort of thing was far too common to be worth bringing up.

Did they really think only Kyoko understood Eriri's tastes?

Of course not. If Kyoko could guess it, so could they.

So the moment Eriri showed interest in Seraphim in the group, they all knew she wouldn't escape her clutches. It was only a matter of time.

[Frieren (Level 2, Stage 8): Quite interesting.]

Watching the constant scroll of messages in the chat, Frieren felt her mind—stagnant for centuries—becoming active again.

Whether it was the group's discussions or the way everyone interacted, Frieren found it all fascinating.

Though she had spoken little in the group these past few days, outside of her usual sleep and training, nearly all her attention had been fixed on the chat group.

Meanwhile, Natsuki Minamiya was also very satisfied with the atmosphere in the chat group.

In just a few short days, her sense of belonging here had grown stronger and stronger.

Now she could proudly say: The chat group is my home! The members are my family!

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Speaking of which, isn't it funny? Today's the day invitations refresh. Haven't you noticed?]

Of course, Eriri could simply have Little Skirt add everyone's chosen invitees all at once. But that would be boring.

So she had deliberately kept the invitation system. Aside from showing a little favoritism early on by letting Luo Cuilian and Myne in with a fresh batch of members, everyone else was treated the same.

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): That's right, it did refresh. Back then everyone was so eager about it. Now nobody even notices.]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Well, we've already invited almost everyone we wanted. Hardly anyone needs it anymore.]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Shut up, you damn lucky European! I haven't even gotten one yet!]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Ehehe~]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): I could really use one too, but my luck's been terrible. I've never drawn one.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Invitations? I don't really need one. There's no one I'm eager to invite, and I don't have the points to spare anyway.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Same here.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): I actually want to bring Eris in to play.]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Then I suggest you call Eris over and stick close to her. She is the goddess of luck. No way your luck will be bad~]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): You're right! I'll call her right now!]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): That's cheating!]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): Looks like I won't be getting an invitation again this time…]

Just after contacting Darkness in the heavens through special means, Lalatina saw Ruri and Arche's complaints and hesitated.

After carefully considering for a moment, she made her decision.

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Um… how about I give up my chance this time and let you two have it instead…]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Uh…]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): We were only joking! You don't need to take it seriously. Honestly, we're not that desperate for invitations, so don't worry about it.]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): Exactly. Otherwise, why do you think Yue-chan said hardly anyone even pays attention to the refresh anymore?]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): With Eriri's World Gates, everyone can freely bring family and friends to members' worlds and even other discovered worlds.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Joining the chat group just adds a contact method and a way to use points to get stronger. But since none of us are lacking strength now, the desire to add new members has dropped a lot.]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Just like they said, Lalatina, don't force yourself to give up over something so small. Our chat group doesn't work that way.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Don't call me Lalatina! …Alright, I get it. Sorry to make a fuss.]

Looking at the group messages, Darkness felt her heart warm, though she also felt a little embarrassed.

Chapter 317: Fu Hua: Huh? I Just Got a +8 in Sociology?!

"You can think of it as us having some additional means of observation beyond this world."

Setsuna casually made up an excuse.

Fu Hua remained half-skeptical.

The other party knew her inside and out—even about the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, her travels across Shenzhou, and the Fireseed Project.

Yet she knew nothing about him.

The feeling was unsettling.

Setsuna could tell what was on her mind.

So, with the aid of a holographic projection, he gave Fu Hua a rough explanation of his side.

"The Honkai world you are in is part of the Trea and Sea system. And the Trea and Sea universe itself is part of the greater multiverse…"

"My universe is right next to yours. We're basically neighbors. Look—this is the Starsea Empire."

Shwoosh—

The projection displayed a thriving capital cityscape, leaving Fu Hua momentarily dazed.

The Previous Civilization.

No, it was a world even more prosperous than the Previous Civilization.

Mega-cities stretched for thousands of kilometers, buildings rising from the earth all the way to the heavens.

Angeloids soared through the skies, while starships traversed the stars.

Even the Previous Civilization, destroyed by the Final Herrscher, had never reached such heights.

This was a galaxy-spanning interstellar empire, fundamentally different from surface-bound civilizations.

Let alone here, where civilization had only just emerged a few thousand years ago, not even close to modern society.

Fu Hua's comprehension was exceptional. With Setsuna's explanation, she quickly grasped the situation.

"You come from another world? No wonder…"

"For civilization to develop to this degree—there wasn't any Honkai outbreak?"

"Cangxuan (Fuxi) and Dan Zhu (Nuwa) merely passed on knowledge beyond their era and triggered judgment-level Honkai beasts. But you…"

She stopped mid-sentence, realizing her line of thought had led to a foolish question.

"In our universe, Honkai doesn't exist. The Starsea Empire's tech tree follows Stellaris + Three-Body + Azur Lane."

Setsuna chuckled.

"The magic side relies on the Spirits, dragon girls, and Type-Moon Heroic Spirits creating their own system. Honkai can't exactly cross worlds to enforce itself, right?"

"How wonderful."

Fu Hua sighed sincerely.

A world without Honkai, where civilization could flourish without fear of constant calamities, Honkai beasts, or Herrschers.

Truly enviable.

If the Previous Civilization had not been destroyed by the Final Herrscher, could fifty thousand years later it have also become a mighty interstellar civilization like the Starsea Empire?

Instead of what it had become now—struggling for survival through one Honkai after another?

The thought came to Fu Hua unbidden.

After a few words of admiration, she confirmed that Setsuna's group indeed bore no hostility.

Though the claim of being from another universe was bizarre, their sincerity could not be faked.

After pondering briefly, she looked at Setsuna.

"Then may I ask, what is your purpose in coming here?"

"…."

"What year is it now?"

Setsuna asked casually.

"Year 1475 of the Common Era. The Ming dynasty's current emperor should be the Chenghua Emperor?"

Yat Sen activated her ship equipment, scanning the surroundings.

"Hmm, though it looks like this civilization is advancing faster than the normal historical line—likely due to some guidance?"

The development of the Common Era had relied heavily on the Flame-Chasers' legacy, leading to rapid evolution beyond the norm.

"…."

Setsuna fell into thought.

The Honkai world's timeline was awkwardly wedged in between—

Neither fully Current Era nor fully Previous Era. For now, meeting Elysia or Kiana was out of reach.

But looking at it positively, there were still things he could do in this timeline.

In the original story, Fu Hua would soon be betrayed by seven disciples, losing most of her power and immortality.

To protect Shenzhou, she had been forced into a deal with Otto, becoming one of his Valkyries.

That could never be allowed to happen again.

Fu Hua was Fu Hua. The price she paid to later become Squad Leader Fu Hua was far too cruel.

Besides, wasn't there also supposed to be a certain pink-haired fox waiting in the Far East for him to rescue?

And then there was the Schicksal Legion's eastern expedition, along with a series of butterfly effects it triggered…

Setsuna quickly reviewed the current world situation in his mind, following the timeline.

"Are we going to fully conquer this world?"

Seeing Setsuna deep in thought, Tohru asked.

"This world's overall strength isn't high. We should be able to take it quickly."

The dragon girl stated what was natural to the Starsea Empire.

"?"

Fu Hua glanced at Tohru and Setsuna, her expression complex and incredulous.

World conquest… a term common among ancient emperors.

She had seen many who bore such ambition, wanting to build eternal empires.

They led armies to sweep across continents, seeking to conquer all within their sight.

But no one had ever truly succeeded. And as the protector of Shenzhou, she could not allow outsiders to invade its land.

The rulers of Shenzhou, bound by the limits of feudal technology, neither had the ability nor the will to conquer the world.

Yet these visitors from the stars seemed to be seriously discussing it.

As if conquering other worlds was routine for them.

"No."

Setsuna thought for a moment.

"We'll save full conquest for later. For now, our approach to this world will be primarily observation and research."

"Have Grey send some Bulin and research lolis over here. Build an observation station in Earth's orbit to study this world's Honkai Energy and its natives."

"Also, besides microcosmos research, the science division should focus on technology related to mathematical laws."

"Try constructing a mathematical model of the Honkai universe. I'll provide relevant data. The difficulty should be lower than back home."

It was foreseeable that, due to his presence, the Honkai world's plot would be drastically rewritten.

If certain people disappeared because of changes to the timeline, that would be a huge loss.

To ensure the outcomes he wanted—to make sure the right people appeared when they should—

Setsuna considered using an advanced technology he had just learned from the Zero-Homer: Mathematical Law Weapons.

By building a complete mathematical model of the universe, he could simulate and manipulate its development.

The Zero-Homer could deduce the fate of civilizations trillions of years into the future, and the universe's end itself. Setsuna didn't need that level of complexity.

Just simulating the Honkai world's direction was enough. He had plenty of reference material for the research lolis.

When the Honkai universe's mathematical model was complete, he would clearly see every person's fate within it, and alter them at the right time.

This was also a chance to study and wield a Law Weapon.

"Understood."

At Starbase, inside the research building, a nanobot who had been working at a desk looked at the message, stood up, and clapped its hands.

The research lolis all turned their heads.

"Alright everyone, pack your bags. Bring along Bulin and the Angeloids."

"We're heading to another world again. This time, we've got a new mission: observing the natives."

"Hooray!!"

The little girls cheered excitedly.

"???"

Fu Hua was dumbfounded.

Law Weapons? Observing natives?

What was he talking about? Why couldn't she understand any of this?!

"Could you explain more clearly? What exactly do you plan to do with this world—and with Shenzhou?"

Out of a strong sense of duty, she stared at Setsuna and asked.

"…."

"In simple terms, this Earth hasn't mastered faster-than-light travel, nor has it built starships. It's still a primitive civilization."

"For such primitive civilizations with research value, we generally construct an orbital observation station and observe the natives."

Setsuna explained.

"Of course, we'll also conduct experiments related to Honkai Energy—it is, after all, this world's unique trait."

"?"

Fu Hua froze.

"You… how exactly do you observe them?"

She pressed further.

"Well…"

Setsuna opened a holographic document titled Space Sociology II: Observation Rules for Primitive Civilizations, and began explaining:

"For pre-space-era primitive natives, the Empire currently has several observation methods: passive observation, active research, indoctrination, and technological enlightenment."

"Passive observation means keeping a safe distance and studying them without their knowledge. Active research involves abducting or luring locals to study them more directly."

"Indoctrination is using various means to align native thought and ideology with ours."

"As for technological enlightenment—that's helping natives rapidly advance to the space age, then integrating them as our vassals."

Setsuna explained each one to Fu Hua.

"Given the existence of Honkai Energy here, we won't conduct technological enlightenment for now. So, we'll mainly use passive research."

"…."

Fu Hua stared blankly at the holographic display.

She noticed that the textbook even said: Produced by Starsea Empire Starfleet Academy (Authors: Chen Hai, Hai Tien).

What was this?

Building an orbital station to monitor Earth? Studying Honkai natives?

She had never seen or heard of anything like it.

I don't understand, but I'm deeply shocked.jpg

Am I being treated as a native too?!

Fu Hua—questioning life itself.

She had walked the lands of Shenzhou for countless years, revered by the people as its protector, and recognized in the martial world for centuries as the foremost master.

Even emperors had to address her as "Immortal" with reverence and respect.

Through thousands of years, she had witnessed joys and sorrows, dynasties rising and falling.

No matter the situation, Fu Hua's heart had long been still as water—nothing could stir ripples within her.

Years of experience had forged a detached and tranquil disposition, allowing her to view the world from a higher vantage point.

But this scene—she had never seen before.

An interstellar empire? Observing natives?

What kind of nonsense was this?!

"You… no, wait…"

Fu Hua struggled to find the words, rare for her to lose composure.

Here, in the Common Era, she was confronted with a super-civilization whose technological level far surpassed even the Previous Era.

"No rush. Take your time. I'll answer your questions as best I can."

Setsuna leaned back in his chair, smiling at her.

"Observation, and then what? You said you wanted to research Honkai—then what is your goal?"

After calming herself, Fu Hua asked.

"My plan is to find a way to recruit this universe's Herrschers and Valkyries, and form two special forces units alongside the shipgirls, Spirits, and Heroic Spirits."

"Once that's accomplished, this world will be annexed into the Starsea Empire, and governed by the Empire."

"Of course, before that, I'll eliminate the threat of Honkai, and ensure that under the Empire's rule, the civilians here will enjoy better living conditions."

Setsuna replied.

"???"

If not for the fact that the man before her radiated steady energy and spoke with logical clarity—

If not for the fact that his earlier words, though bizarre, still carried a consistent logic—

Fu Hua would have thought he was a lunatic who had gone astray in cultivation, or was suffering from severe delusions.

Recruiting Herrschers?

Valkyries?!

Why did he act as though defeating Honkai was such a simple matter?!

And what in the heavens were Heroic Spirits and shipgirls?!

There were too many absurdities; Fu Hua didn't even know which to question first.

In all her thousands of years of cultivation, this was the first time her mind felt like it had crashed.

Seeing her incredulous expression—

Setsuna stood, patting Fu Hua lightly on the shoulder.

"In that case, Immortal—"

"Come. See with me the world beyond Earth. The era has changed."

...

A few minutes later—

Shwoosh—

Fu Hua followed Setsuna onto a small shuttle.

Even from the perspective of the Previous Era, the shuttle's structure was advanced.

She didn't know why she had agreed to Setsuna's request.

Perhaps curiosity, or perhaps responsibility.

When faced with such a strange visitor from beyond the stars, as Shenzhou's guardian, she had to understand his true nature.

"Master?"

Just as they were about to lift off, a young woman with long black hair in ancient attire hurried over.

Drawn by the commotion in the mountains, she gazed in astonishment at the ship before her.

"Return."

Fu Hua waved her hand.

The young woman froze for a moment, then did not move further.

"Oh, your good disciple, huh."

Setsuna clicked his tongue.

No matter the excuses, Fu Hua's seven disciples conspiring to murder their master was undeniably heinous.

According to the timeline… it should happen next year?

But now that he was here, who knew what the future would become.

Fu Hua didn't notice the implication in his words.

She simply nodded lightly.

"My first disciple, Lin Zhaoyu. She has been with me the longest, and to the others, she is like a second teacher."

"tsk…"

Hum—

The shuttle's thrusters roared to life, breaking through the atmosphere, into outer space.

"…."

Fu Hua gazed through the window at the vast sea of stars, thoughtful.

She recalled her final battle with the Final Herrscher. It had been far too long since she last stepped into the starry skies.

"Speaking of which, I always wanted to learn Edge of Taixuan."

Setsuna said casually.

"In the early days, when I first went to the Demon Slayer world, I seized a bunch of breathing techniques and sword arts. Back then, I thought—these aren't very interesting to practice. If only I could learn Edge of Taixuan, that would be better."

"If I'd known you were here, I would have contacted you sooner. Maybe conquering some of the later worlds would've been easier."

"Oh?"

Fu Hua didn't quite understand what "Demon Slayer world" was, but she could tell that the man before her had a genuine interest in Edge of Taixuan.

That was her signature art, and aside from a few disciples, few even knew of its existence.

She carefully studied the man in front of her.

"The best time to temper the sword heart is in youth—the earlier, the purer. Adults cultivating the sword heart is like trying to grasp the wind with your palm—futile."

"Have you studied the sword?"

"Mm… I guess I've learned a bit of ahoge swordsmanship?"

Setsuna drew Excalibur, giving it a flourish.

Spoils from the Second Singularity—not something he used often.

He had sparred a bit with Artoria, but he didn't know the names of the moves. So, he just made one up.

"Ahoge swordsmanship?"

Fu Hua shook her head, thinking the name was rather odd.

She observed him more seriously.

"Your swordplay seems unpolished. You haven't practiced much, have you?"

"Your breathing is steady, your talent is good. With proper practice, grasping divine essence may not be difficult…"

She cut herself short halfway.

Though his potential was high, he was not her disciple. There was no need to say too much.

"No worries. For me, practicing swordsmanship is just to add skill points and keep fit."

"In most cases, I don't need the sword—it's too inefficient, and its power too limited."

Setsuna sheathed the blade.

"Hm?"

"Inefficient…?"

Fu Hua's brow furrowed.

As they spoke, the shuttle broke free of Earth's orbit.

Judging the distance sufficient—

Setsuna extended his hand.

Shwoosh—

The colossal form of the Eternal Snowfall was projected into the void.

Fu Hua felt as if an immense giant had appeared before her.

It stretched thousands of kilometers in length, wings of armor casting darkness over the stars. Looking up, she could only see endless arrays of turrets and missile silos.

Starlight streaked across its metallic hull in silver bands. The longer one stared, the more it induced vertigo.

"Wh-What is this?!"

Fu Hua's heart quaked.

When they had once fought the Final Herrscher on the moon, this vessel was even larger than the moon itself.

"The Eternal Snowfall—my ship-body. You can think of it as something similar to Project Bunny. No… you probably haven't seen Project Bunny yet…"

Setsuna thought for a moment, then explained it in terms Fu Hua might understand.

"Projecting a warship from nothing?!"

Fu Hua was even more stunned.

The shuttle ascended, landing within the vast command bridge.

The futuristic arrangement filled Fu Hua with wonder and awe.

"Hua, as you see, this is the flagship of the Starsea Empire—and a part of me: the Eternal Snowfall."

Setsuna stood at the main console, turning around, with the sea of stars behind him as he spoke calmly.

"The Eternal Snowfall is armed with one Fallen Star Lance, one hundred and twenty positron lances, one hundred and twenty-eight photon particle cannons, and sixteen thousand medium-range artillery."

"The underside houses six massive hangars and one neutron eradication device—capable of wiping out planetary civilizations without damaging structures. Had the Final Herrscher swept Earth with neutron eradication back then, no one in the shelters would have survived."

"The Fallen Star Lance can, within a ten-thousandth of a second, reduce the moon to molecules—or shatter the sun. At full firepower, I can extinguish an entire star cluster in an hour."

"If necessary, I can also deploy dimensional-reduction weapons—dual-vector foils. No three-dimensional lifeform can escape being flattened."

Finishing, he looked sincerely at Fu Hua.

"I came to help you resolve the Honkai crisis. I believe this level of force should be enough."

"…."

Fu Hua remained silent for a while. She was, indeed, shaken by this pinnacle of technology.

Resolve the Honkai crisis?

Now she felt that Earth itself was in crisis.

Chapter 316: Devour Me? The Tree and Sea’s Clever Scheme

By now, Noah's actions were no longer hidden beneath the surface—they were openly carried out right before the face of the Tree and Sea's Great Will. He had assumed the Great Will of the Tree and Sea would surely descend upon him with pressure, restricting his actions.

Exaggerating slightly, it could even have directly cast Teyvat out entirely.

"No, no, no… something is very wrong here. In fact, it's downright strange."

Noah frowned. The Great Will of the Tree and Sea was behaving peculiarly.

No matter how mighty a world, it could never escape its instinct for growth.

If a world were likened to a human body, then he now was like a parasite siphoning its nourishment. The normal reaction would certainly be extermination or rejection—even if the parasite could bring some benefit.

Once it threatened the body's health, it would never be tolerated.

"Unless…"

Other than that, there could only be one possibility. Noah's lips began to curl upward.

"How long has it been since I felt this way? This thrill, hahahaha…"

"System, begin scanning all activity of the Tree and Sea, then analyze its trajectory of growth."

[Ding! Scanning in progress.]

[Scan complete.]

[The Tree and Sea was advancing toward the level of a standard multiverse. Yet the span required for this growth was incredibly vast. Quantified, it was equivalent to 7.64 × 10^321.]

[That span was far too long. But—if it devoured and dismantled the Teyvat Universe, then the Tree and Sea would acquire infinite cosmologies and multiversal templates. With such ready-made multiversal components, its path to becoming a true multiverse would shorten to merely 10^12—about one trillion years, the span of a universe's lifetime.]

Hearing the system's words, Noah couldn't help but laugh aloud.

"Well, well, well! As I thought—it must be this way."

"You shear my wool, while I pluck one of your feathers. And in the end, you still plan to swallow my Teyvat whole. Truly a fine scheme! No wonder you ignore my actions—you're just fattening the pig for slaughter, aren't you?"

How amusing. He sought to devour the Tree and Sea, and it was scheming to devour him. Both had arrived at the same idea.

The Great Will of the Tree and Sea must have thought: not only would devouring him allow it to ascend to multiversal level, it could also seize the ability to annex worlds.

The system's ability to annex worlds was far beyond multiversal—at least infinite multiversal, perhaps even outerversal-level.

Now that Noah had become a super single-universe being, he could indeed annex universes on his own. But it was nothing like the system's flawless precision. His own attempt amounted to crudely forcing two universes together, barely managing to fuse cosmologies amid endless conflict.

And as for the system's true power—he could not comprehend it. Much less could the Great Will of the Tree and Sea.

"Since you want to fatten the pig, then I'll make you lose everything. And when you are weakened, I'll turn the tables and devour you instead."

For the Great Will of the Tree and Sea to imagine swallowing Teyvat—it was pure fantasy.

Not to mention that it was only at weak multiverse level. Even if it became a standard multiverse, it could never devour Teyvat.

For he himself was Teyvat entire. To consume Teyvat, one would have to deal with him first.

And to deal with him, one would first have to overcome the protection of the system.

The system's protection was power beyond multiversal measure.

...

Meanwhile, in the Star Rail Universe—

The universe had become sealed. All universal energy began to sink into dormancy, its activity plunging drastically.

In particular, both Imaginary energy and Quantum energy dropped to the minimum threshold required to sustain a standard single-universe cosmos.

Severed from the Imaginary Tree, the universe instinctively entered the most economical survival mode.

At the same time, the eighteen Laws once sustained by the Aeons detached, converging at the universe's center to form its ultimate cosmic authority.

This was the necessary step of any world cut from the Imaginary Tree—to stabilize its structure.

Once its structure was fixed, the universe fell into stasis, incapable of further growth.

And if that structure were ever damaged and not immediately repaired, the universe would fall into unending decay.

This ultimate authority of the universe was the embodiment of its structural control. In other words, it was the Ether Anchors.

Whoever held the Ether Anchor Points became the absolute god of that world.

Yet once they appeared, they were immediately claimed and bound by Noah's Super-Primeval power as his own possession.

At the same time, with the universe's energy activity falling to absolute zero, all transcendent beings within it felt their strength drastically wither. The power they could wield was far lower than before, and panic spread instantly.

Even the power of the Paths sank into dormancy.

After all, the force of a Path also required the use of universal energy.

Most severely affected were the eleven Aeons locked in battle against Aether, the Sovereign of the Abyss, within the dark side of the universe.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Threads of Law were drawn away from their Holy Bodies, causing their power to plummet at terrifying speed.

Originally, the eleven together could still maintain a slight advantage. But now, with their Laws constantly siphoned away, they could no longer withstand Aether's Pseudo Star Map Creation. A single pillar of pitch-black radiance smashed through them, shattering their divine forms.

Crack—

A column of black aurora pierced straight through the cosmic barrier, shooting into the void beyond.

Even from Teyvat, this spectacle could be seen.

This was an attack born of cosmology itself, one that did not directly damage the Star Rail Universe.

Had it struck the universe directly, the blow could have shattered its Möbius loop, causing irreparable destruction.

Crack! Crack!

Qlipoth's Holy Body shattered more than half. Their hands could no longer form the colossal hammer, and the blazing stars within their body dimmed. Even their Path began to waver. One step further, and the Path of Preservation itself would break.

Though the Paths were by nature beyond universal constraint, their strength depended on breadth of concept—the more universes they spanned, the stronger they became.

If a Path covered only a single universe, it was merely at single-universe level, often weaker still. The Aeon of the Hunt, for instance, showed only the might of cosmic structure.

If a Path extended across multiple universes, its wielder ascended to strong single-universe level. Yet even across ten thousand universes, it could not surpass to super single-universe—for this was a question of essence, of tofu and steel.

[What has happened to the universe? Why is it trembling—why is it falling silent?]

Amber Lord was utterly stunned. The power once bestowed upon him when he became an Aeon was now being drawn away by the universe itself.

Since the day he began building the Wall, the universe had never undergone such violent change. Now, the entire cosmos seemed to be dying. Everything was falling into silence, and he could barely feel any vitality left within it.

He had built the Wall precisely to prevent the universe's aging and death, so that even if the cosmos perished, he could at least preserve the portion protected within the Wall.

But now, all the Aeons had been grievously wounded by a single eruption from Aether's Pseudo Star Map Creation. Their strength continued to collapse, dropping at frightening speed.

Though they had not yet fallen below standard single-universe, they teetered at its threshold.

As masters of their Paths, the foundation of their strength was that a Path's coverage of even one universe equated to standard single-universe. Yet within that rank, they were among the weaker, comparable only to the most ordinary Almighty Gods of Teyvat.

The advantage of a Path was that it transcended the boundaries of a universe, forming a philosophical network that spanned multiple universes.

But the Laws did not belong to them. They were merely executors of the Laws.

Without Laws, as mere masters of Paths, their strength was reduced by at least seventy percent.

"Lord Heavenly Principle has taken action."

Aether ceased his attack and looked beyond the cosmos.

What he saw shook him to his core: the radiance from Teyvat pulling the entire great universe away from the Imaginary Tree, drawing it toward itself.

"The majesty of Lord Heavenly Principle… it's beyond belief."

"No matter how many times I look up, I feel my own insignificance."

Now he felt that Lord Heavenly Principle was even further beyond him than when they had first met.

And he Himself was at standard single-universe level—one of its upper ranks.

"Hehehe… it's over, Aeons."

Aether turned back toward the Aeons, shattered and weakened, their power reduced to a tenth of what it had been.

The universe itself had fallen away from the Imaginary Tree, and with that, its rank was immediately degraded. Though it retained the scope of a great universe, its very mass was already collapsing.

For without Truth, a universe was no true universe, but a malformed child.

Only those universes attached to the Imaginary Tree could possess a proper cosmic rank.

As the universe degraded, so too did the Aeons.

From executors of Laws, they had become mere masters of Paths. Though they still retained the potential of strong single-universe beings—potential was all it was, unrealized.

The Aeon of Abundance, Yaoshi, had their Holy Body fractured. Of their six arms, three were broken. Abyssal infection had seeped into them. Even as the Aeon of Abundance, they could not heal it.

For the Abyss was no sickness they could cure. It was the other face of the universe itself. Their voice, usually steeped in compassion, now carried anger.

"I feel the universe weeping, in sorrow, in pain, in lamentation."

"Outsider, what have you done? Even when you imprisoned us, you never sought to harm the universe. Are you now truly destroying it?"

"All life is already suffering—why destroy the very soil of their survival?"

The abstract, mosaic-like Aeon of Equilibrium spoke in indistinct tones.

[This is not the work of the Outsider. The universe itself laments. The universe is becoming independent. The umbilical cord to the Tree of Existence has been severed. This universe… has been judged unnecessary because of this war.]

As one of the top three Aeons, he understood well the nature of cosmic existence.

Of all Aeons, those most ignorant of the cosmos were surely Voracity and the Hunt.

"Hahahaha! Should we call it sorrow, or amusement?"

The Aeon of Elation, Aha, burst into wild laughter. His once-repaired masks were now all shattered and broken, yet he laughed with joy.

"What I thought was merely a cosmic war of shocking scale… has triggered a judgment. The universe has been pruned by the Tree of Existence itself, cast down toward the Sea."

For he, who often climbed the Tree of Existence, had seen such fallen universes before. And from that, he had come to understand the pruning mechanism of the Imaginary Tree.

Worlds with no future, uncertain futures, warped cosmic structures, or otherwise abnormal universes were all subject to judgment, to be pruned and cast down into the Sea of Quanta.

And before a universe could even reach the Sea of Quanta, it would often disintegrate under the tearing forces of its fall. Only small worlds could endure long enough to reach the Sea.

Yet even small worlds, once fallen, became bubble worlds—a slow suicide. The longest-lived bubble He had ever seen lasted only a hundred thousand years before dissolving.

"Moreover, the world has sealed itself. Unless its cycle is broken, we cannot escape either, hahahaha."

The greatest reason universes shattered during descent was not external strain, but the refusal of higher beings within them to remain trapped in a doomed world. From within, they broke the loop apart.

[Analysis, analysis… commencing analysis… interference detected. Unable to perceive cosmic conditions. Priority: break the domain known as Pseudo Star Map Creation.]

The voice of Nous resounded. But despite all the Aeons besieging Aether for so long, they had never truly shaken the Pseudo Star Map Creation. How could they break it now?

[The universe's sorrow… memories of its cries for help… even the universe itself is pleading for salvation…]

The Aeon of Remembrance, Fuli, whose form of countless mirrors had only partially reformed, stirred. For him, the universe's memory of its own plea was a supreme memory—far more meaningful than any battle.

"We are no longer your match, Sovereign of the Abyssal Universe. What path will the universe take? Oblivion—or assimilation with you?"

The Aeon of Harmony, Xipe, their body of starlight veils torn apart, let dark-blue blood spill like scattered stars.

"In time, you will see. I am not the one who decides. For now—this battle ends."

Aether gave no direct answer. Raising his hand, He began to contract the entire dark side of the universe.

The Cosmology itself detached from the Star Rail Universe—and with it, the Aeons were drawn into its collapse. Compressing the Cosmology, He wielded it as a prison, sealing the Aeons within.

Before, the Laws of the Aeons had rampaged chaotically, preventing this. But now, he could finally enact it.

Against the seal of the Pseudo Star Map Creation, Aeons who retained but a tenth of their power were nothing more than fish in a barrel.

In but a single breath, the Pseudo Star Map Creation reformed as a celestial globe, floating upon Aether's palm. Within it, eleven glowing points of light shone.

These eleven points were the eleven Aeons—sealed away within the cosmic prison.

Chapter 47: Why Do You Always Love Praising Each Other?

Berserker had been erased by her—consumed completely, not even scraps of flesh remained.

Crackle…

The blade of Musou Isshin still hung at her side, wreathed in intense lightning that whipped up dust around her feet. Her eyes showed no emotion—only coldness and killing intent. The sky too began to change, thick clouds smothering the moonlight, streaks of lightning tearing through within.

"!"

From afar, Atalanta frowned deeply, cold sweat sliding uncontrollably down her forehead.

That mana release… as expected of Saber!

She knew full well—in this state, she could not possibly fight the Shogun. And with her injuries now, even less so. Best if she did not draw Saber's gaze, at least until her body healed.

But the Shogun had already noticed. Slowly, she turned, her merciless violet gaze locking on the archer clutching her abdomen nearby.

"!"

Atalanta stiffened at once, her jaw clenched, every nerve on edge. For a moment, she thought the Shogun might flicker across the battlefield and cut her down where she stood!

"Oh~ Such exquisite skill. That strike truly impressed me, Saber."

Boom!

Breaking from his clash with Karna, the Grand Prince turned toward the Shogun, speaking with genuine admiration. It was no empty flattery, but heartfelt praise. That one strike had been flawless—clean, decisive, beautiful, and overwhelming. It concentrated countless perfections into a single lethal blow.

"Indeed… I must agree with Lancer's words. Before, I wondered—why you, a Saber, did not wield a sword. But now I understand. The instant you draw the blade, your foe's death is already sealed. Swordsmanship is your ultimate art, hidden until the decisive moment."

Karna, resting his golden spear behind him, echoed the Grand Prince's words in his own composed style. This too was part of the Holy Grail War's allure—to witness heroes of different ages and worlds reveal their finest blows was a rare honor.

Though a battlefield, it was also a grand gathering of heroes. A gathering of strength, of charm, of ideals—exchanged through combat.

[Were we… just praised?]

Ei's voice sounded uncertain. Here, people always seemed eager to flatter or return compliments, this "praising trade" almost a ritual. Was this what it meant for heroes to meet in battle? Oh no, no, we dare not accept such words~

"…Overpraised."

Hearing their words, the Shogun showed no hint of pride, only a calm and simple reply.

BOOOOM!!

Suddenly, pale-green explosions erupted across the distant plain, spreading like clouds into the sky. Bolts of pale-green lightning laced through the storm.

Crackle…

The lightning twisted into a tornado, sucking up dust from the earth, swelling larger and larger.

At its peak, it burst outward!

BOOOOM!!

The tornado fractured, giving birth to a towering tree of pale-green lightning that pierced the heavens. It was no true tree, but a magical construct formed of dense mana, a source of boundless energy.

Its radiance lit the entire battlefield, drawing the eyes of all present.

Moments later, another explosion rocked the earth. The lightning tree burned with fire, waves of heat rolling outward. The ground swelled and billowed like the sea, blasting up clouds of dust that rolled across the plain.

The Shogun calmly expanded her lightning shield, blocking the ash from staining her kimono. The others likewise defended themselves in their own ways. The Grand Prince summoned spires of iron to form a wall. Karna's body flared like the sun, burning away sand and grit. Atalanta, lacking such protection, ducked awkwardly behind a dirt mound.

The storm passed in seconds. At last the plain grew still. But the Dragon Tooth Warriors and homunculi, caught in the blast, now lay strewn helpless upon the ground.

Crack…

"What happened just now? That mana surge… was it Berserker?!"

The Grand Prince dismissed his spikes, asking sternly.

"…No. That was our Saber. It seems the enemy has also unleashed a Noble Phantasm."

Karna frowned as he too sensed the mana from the explosion.

"Heh… looks like it's time we settled this, don't you think? Lancer."

The Grand Prince chuckled, casting a confident, wild smile toward the handsome man before him.

"Yes. That is the purpose of this battle, Black Lancer."

Karna replied with calm courtesy.

"..."

The Shogun gave the two of them a speechless glance. Enough already, these two praising each other like merchants trading compliments. Shaking her head, she turned her gaze toward the source of the explosion. Her eyes narrowed with unease.

That surge of mana—it had been Frankenstein's. Though the Shogun did not know the details of her Noble Phantasm, such power likely meant it consumed her very life to unleash.

She could still feel Mordred's mana, but Frankenstein's had vanished entirely. Which could only mean…

[Should we go and see?]

Ei's voice interrupted her thoughts.

[It won't help to stand here guessing. Better to confirm with your own eyes.]

Clang! Clang! ×N

Nearby, Karna and the Grand Prince's weapons clashed, their collisions echoing like cannon fire, shockwaves whipping dust into the air.

The Shogun gave them one last disdainful look, sighing softly.

Enough. Let them be.

Crackle!

Her body dissolved into violet lightning, shooting skyward like a meteor. She streaked across the night sky toward the site of the explosion.

…

A few minutes earlier—

"The weaker you are, the more reckless you get." If ever there was a phrase to describe Kairi Sisigou right now, this was it. There was no real need for him to come along—Mordred alone would suffice. He had already lost an arm, and yet he insisted on tagging along.

Originally, he was the one who drove. But now, missing an arm, the task fell to Mordred in the driver's seat. This car was a replacement—well, technically a rental. The last one had been totaled by Fiore's claw strike. He'd had to pay out compensation for that. Now, in the middle of the Holy Grail War's climax, finances were a problem for another time.

Vroooom…

But in hindsight, he should never have let her drive!

With Riding Skill in hand, Mordred treated the cheap car like a racing machine, speeding across the plains at max velocity, even drifting across the grasslands.

"Damn it… I'm going to have to pay for this one too, aren't I?"

Kairi gritted his teeth, clinging with his remaining hand to the handle above the window as the car shook violently. His heart ached just thinking about it.

"Hah? What'd you just say?!"

Mordred, hair whipping in the wind, yelled back, unable to hear his muttering over the roaring wind.

"…I didn't say anything!!"

Kairi shouted back, exasperated.

"Oh~."

Mordred grinned, unconcerned, and kept driving wildly.

Thud…

"Urrgh!"

Kairi smacked his head against the roof, groaning as he glanced at the girl beside him, her grin wild and reckless.

As if that weren't enough, the car radio had been blasting heavy metal rock nonstop, making his head pound.

Click!

Without hesitation, he reached forward and shut it off, relishing the sudden quiet.

"Oi! What the hell was that for?!"

Mordred turned to him, indignant.

"It's noisy! Can't you keep it down before a battle? You're making me even more nervous."

"Hah! You lost an arm because you got careless, and now you're taking it out on me? If not for me, you'd already be dead, you know that?"

Mordred scoffed, her words sharp. She could read him easily—he was irritable, restless, his pride wounded by his injury. But she was also right. If she hadn't pulled him away in time, he wouldn't have lost just an arm—his skull would have been split in two.

"Ugh…"

Kairi was left speechless, silenced instantly. Slumping in his seat, he turned his eyes to the retreating plains beyond the window, sulking quietly.

Chapter 46: Secret Art — Musou Shinsetsu

"Urragh… so it's the oppressor from before, hahahaha!! Do you wish to once again taste my—"

BOOOM!!

Before he could finish, the Shogun transformed into lightning once more, soaring into the air like a thunder dragon before crashing down like an air-to-ground missile directly into Spartacus' body!

"Urrraaagh!!"

With a scream, the giant was blasted skyward again. Lightning flashed above him, where the Shogun reappeared in human form, her eyes glowing with oppressive violet light.

Bzzzz—

From the void, a rift opened. The massive Eye of Stormy Judgment slowly emerged, its size enough to eclipse the moonlight. From its pupil stretched forth a colossal, doll-like arm. Empty-handed, it clenched into a fist and smashed down like a hammer upon the airborne Spartacus!

CRASH!

A heavy impact thundered, air currents exploding outward as space itself seemed to quake.

Like a spiked ball slammed down in tennis, Berserker's body was sent crashing into the earth at terrifying speed, raising a massive cloud of dust.

Dispersing the ominous eye above, the Shogun descended gracefully to the ground, gazing mockingly at the massive crater before her.

"This is repayment for earlier. Tell me, warrior—are you satisfied?"

Indeed, her grudge was heavy—far too heavy! A small quirk of hers, perhaps inherited from Ei?

No one interfered. Karna was still locked in combat with the Grand Prince, and the wounded Atalanta could do little but linger at the edge of the battlefield as a spectator.

Thus, this was a duel—just her against Spartacus.

Resting Engulfing Lightning behind her, the Shogun walked with calm, steady steps to the crater's edge. Her violet eyes glowed as they fixed upon the giant within.

Boom!

The next instant, a massive shadow leapt from the crater, landing before her.

"Hahahaha!! More! I haven't had enough yet, oppressor!!"

Spartacus touched the gaping wound carved across his abdomen. As he did, new muscle tissue sprouted rapidly, knitting the injury closed. Yet the new flesh was darker, mismatched against his skin.

The Shogun narrowed her eyes…

So he could regenerate? Quite the troublesome ability.

"Hahahaha! Oppressor—surrender your life for your deeds!!"

Spartacus crouched low—

BOOM!

The ground split beneath his massive frame as he launched forward like a cannonball!

A foe who only grew stronger the longer he fought—this battle could not be dragged out. It had to end swiftly.

The Shogun flashed into lightning, surpassing his speed. She appeared beneath him, slashing at his ribs!

Crackle!

A normal man would have been cleaved apart. Spartacus merely faltered for an instant before the wound began closing on its own.

Hearing the sound of flesh mending, the Shogun instantly vanished again, reappearing behind him. Turning sharply, she unleashed a surge of violet lightning from her palm onto his body.

"Transcendence: Baleful Omen!"

Her entire body erupted with storming electricity. In a flash, she appeared before Berserker once more, delivering a furious slash!

Slash! ×N

As her blade cut down, violet scars ripped open the air itself, slashing across his body like phantom blades.

Swish! Swish!

With machine-gun speed—ten slashes in a single second—her naginata carved him apart. All around, the spectral blade marks shredded at his massive frame like a meat grinder.

In an instant, blood gushed like a fountain. Spartacus' face was mangled beyond recognition, his limbs severed one by one, his armor shattered into fragments.

Finally, she transformed into lightning once more, piercing clean through his body. In the next instant, their positions had reversed—back-to-back, facing opposite directions.

From her crouched stance, the Shogun rose slowly, spinning her naginata before resting it casually behind her.

CRACK!!

At that gesture, a blinding bolt split the night sky between them.

Slash!

Spartacus' body shattered like brittle ice, fragments spraying blood and flesh across the ground with sickening sound.

"!"

Atalanta, who had watched the entire exchange, had just begun to rise when the next sight froze her in place again.

"What?! This guy can still…"

He was… growing?

The Shogun heard Atalanta's cry but showed no outward reaction. Slowly turning, her cold eyes fixed on Spartacus' broken, dismembered body—already beginning to knit itself back together, exactly as she had expected.

Before her eyes, the severed cross-sections of his flesh began not merely to regenerate, but to swell grotesquely, as if reborn in excess. The wounds festered like ulcers, bulging with corruption, birthing abhorrent features no longer resembling anything human.

With a sickly, tumor-like body, Spartacus rose again. A surge of mana, stronger than ever, burst forth, his entire frame glowing crimson. Within the swelling growths, something writhed endlessly, like living flesh struggling to burst free. His torn neck ballooned as though foaming.

[This form… revolting to behold.]

Ei's tone was laced with disgust.

'More than "revolting."'

"Urraghhh!!! Hahahahaha!!!"

His voice had twisted, deeper and harsher, though the maddened grin remained. It was only made more grotesque upon his rotting face. Without weapon in hand, he charged forward on monstrous legs!

Boom! ×N

The thunder of his colossal steps rang out. Yet the Shogun merely stood still, eyes closed in calm, making no attempt to dodge.

"Hey!"

Atalanta instinctively cried out in warning.

Bzzzz—

The Eye of Stormy Judgment appeared above the Shogun's head. Floating ominously, the great pupil began to spin, releasing torrents of thunderous energy. Faster and faster it turned, gathering elemental lightning to its utmost limit.

Crackle—!!!

Ear-splitting thunder roared across the plain, violet light flooding her entire body.

Just as the warped Spartacus closed the last few steps—

The spinning pupil above suddenly froze in place like a stopped clock. A heavy toll, like a funeral bell, reverberated across the world.

CRACK!

Time itself stopped. Dust, stones, the moonlight above, even life itself—all were frozen in this suspended moment, without warning.

"!"

The Shogun's violet eyes flared. Upon her chest, her garments split to reveal a rift to another space.

Crackle…

A lightning-wreathed hilt emerged from within!

Her left hand rose before her chest in stance. Her right hand seized the hilt, and in one swift, absolute motion she drew it vertically forth!

The blade slid free from her chest, radiant with thunder and starlight of the cosmos, crossing paths with her merciless violet gaze.

In that moment—she was thunder incarnate.

This strike was not "Musou: Blank Mind," but "Musou: Dream."

With countless words of truth gathered, with the will of the Chakra Desiderata—she unleashed a strike to shatter all curses.

—Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu.

"Now, you shall perish!"

With blinding speed, she cleaved horizontally toward Spartacus!

CRACK!!

A colossal scar split across the battlefield, spanning the horizon, fracturing space itself like shattered glass.

Above, the Eye resumed its rotation, and time flowed once more.

The rift cleaved Spartacus cleanly in two. But it did not end there. His wounds failed to regenerate—corroded by violet lightning. His body crumbled into particles, consumed by the spatial rupture like a black hole.

"What is this?! Oppressor—Urrrraaaaghhh!!"

For the first time, Spartacus screamed not with joy, but with despair. His flesh dissolved into light, dragged piece by piece into the void, until even his twisted face fragmented and vanished into the abyss.

And then—

BOOOOM!!!

Far away, an entire mountainside was sheared clean off. The shockwave swept across the plains like a tsunami, sending dust surging like a tidal wave, engulfing the figures of all who stood there—

Only the dreamlike violet glow remained.

Chapter 45: I Hold Grudges

Boom! ×N

Heavy footsteps rang out with a cheerful rhythm as Berserker of the Red Faction—Spartacus—stormed across the plain littered with skeletal Dragon Tooth Warriors and homunculus golems. Having slipped out of the Shogun's sight a few minutes earlier, he finally arrived at the chaotic battlefield!

Crack! ×N

The Dragon Tooth Warriors before him instinctively mistook him for an ally and did not attack. The homunculi, however, were not so lucky.

"Hahahahaha! Don't block my way!!"

Boom!

With overwhelming force, he smashed aside the homunculi and golems that blocked his path like scattered building blocks, charging unhindered straight through the battlefield!

Ignoring the minor soldiers around him, Spartacus suddenly barreled toward Red Lancer Karna and Archer Atalanta. By now his mind was nothing but chaos, killing everything in sight. Blind instinct drove him toward the fiercest point of battle.

"That's… Berserker?!"

Atalanta's eyes widened as the giant rushed in.

"Spartacus, huh… you've come at just the right time."

Swish!

Dodging a series of thrusts from the Grand Prince, Karna caught sight of the charging Berserker at Atalanta's shout and calmly remarked.

"Don't get distracted in the middle of battle, Lancer!"

The Grand Prince gripped his lance and swept it wide.

"The Lord of Execution!"

BOOM!

A vast area of the ground glowed red before countless steel spikes erupted upward like a hedgehog's quills!

Karna's form ignited into crimson flame as he slipped swiftly through the gaps, batting aside the thrown lance aimed at him and soaring directly into the sky.

The Grand Prince leapt upon the spikes as footholds, chasing him into the air!

Crash!

The two clashed again midair.

After several strikes, they slammed back to the ground with tremendous force, raising clouds of dust.

"Lancer, behind you!!"

Atalanta's shout made Karna whirl around just in time to evade Spartacus' ground-smashing strike!

BOOOOM!

The earth split apart under the impact.

"Hah… looks like Caster's spell worked—!"

But before the Grand Prince could finish, Spartacus swung at him again. He barely leapt aside, scowling grimly.

"So it failed after all? No matter… he's an enemy to be defeated either way!"

The battlefield had grown even more chaotic—an unstable berserker in the mix made things worse.

Huff… Huff…

On the other side, Karna brushed aside the dust and calmly gazed at the maddened Spartacus.

"Spartacus, are you truly betraying your faction?"

Swish!

The giant swung his greatsword.

"Hahahaha! To every oppressor, I bring death in turn! None of you shall escape!!"

His eyes now only white voids, Spartacus declared loudly, pounding the earth as he laughed in ecstasy.

"I see… then I must apologize for mistaking you as a traitor. You are merely carrying out your mission."

Karna spun his golden spear and held it behind him, replying with composure, his voice devoid of displeasure.

"Hahahaha!! Now die!!"

Swish!

The giant leapt high, bringing his blade down in a mighty overhead slash!

Karna swiftly evaded the devastating strike.

BOOOOM!

The ground shattered beneath the blow, shockwaves rippling outward.

From the sidelines, Atalanta drew her bow, nocking an arrow aimed at his ankle, and loosed!

Whoosh! Thud!

The arrow pierced his lower leg with pinpoint accuracy.

"Hahahahaha!!"

Yet he did not falter in the least, still grinning wildly as he charged at Karna, each step carving cracks into the ground.

"Tch… I should've aimed for his tendons back then!"

Atalanta clicked her tongue in frustration at the ineffective strike.

Karna evaded another of Spartacus' swings, only to find the Grand Prince attacking him again!

One against two was indeed a disadvantage.

Clang!

Blocking the Grand Prince's lance with his own, Karna called back while holding his ground—

"Archer, I'll leave that one to you."

Now the numbers balanced out, not yet beyond control. He would handle the Grand Prince—Atalanta could deal with Spartacus.

"Understood!" Atalanta replied at once.

-Atalanta gave a firm response, pulling her mask up over her mouth as she sprinted toward Berserker!

"Urragh!"

Spartacus raised his greatsword, swinging it down at the spot where she was about to pass.

But Atalanta smirked mockingly, lowering her stance and sliding beneath him.

Swish!

She slipped cleanly under the giant's legs, rolling to her feet behind him and instantly drawing her bow, aiming at his back.

"To think of it, you really are a pitiful creature!"

Swish! ×N

With those words, dozens of arrows shot out like a shotgun blast, streaking through the air like beams of light and piercing into his back.

The attack pinned Spartacus in place, driving him to one knee.

"Heh…"

Atalanta sneered, just beginning to rise—but then—

"Hahahaha! Not enough! I told you, it's not enough!!!!"

He roared, his body instantly recovering. Without the slightest warning, he spun and lashed out with a brutal kick!

BOOOOM!!!

"Urragh!!"

The blow landed squarely in Atalanta's abdomen, striking her completely unguarded. The impact blasted dust and air in all directions.

Pfft!

She spat blood as her body was hurled like a bullet, tumbling across the ground and carving out deep craters before she finally stopped dozens of meters away.

Clutching her stomach, she curled up, her face pale—it seemed she could hardly rise again. Several ribs had been broken by the strike, the pain so sharp it nearly made her faint.

"Damn… khh…"

She forced herself upright, coughing, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth.

"Hahahahaha!!"

Still grinning manically, Spartacus strode toward her with heavy steps, eager to finish her himself. But—fate had shifted.

BOOM!

A streak of lightning split the night sky like a dragon, slamming into Spartacus' side with such force his massive body twisted unnaturally, bent into a U-shape. To onlookers, it looked almost comical, even grotesque.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The earth cracked beneath the impact, fragments of soil rising as though defying gravity, swirling into the vortex of thunder and storm.

"Urraghhhhhh!!"

At last, Spartacus' smile vanished, replaced by a scream of agony.

CRASH!

His body was hurled like a cannonball, plowing through the battlefield like a bulldozer, gouging out a massive trench in his path. Dirt and dust rose in torrents as he skidded for several seconds before finally coming to a halt.

Atalanta could only stare, dumbfounded, unable to even process what had just happened.

Facing the Grand Prince, Karna too noticed the familiar lightning. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"So… you've arrived?"

His words were confirmed.

The violet lightning that had struck Spartacus condensed upon the ground, materializing into the form of a woman in traditional robes. One hand pressed to the ground, the other gripping her naginata, she knelt on one knee, raising her gaze with eyes of thunder.

"Black Faction's Saber."

The Shogun tilted her head slightly at Karna's words, before turning her sharp gaze upon the berserker she had just blasted away. The trench his body carved into the earth glowed faintly with sparks of fire and electricity.

[Finally caught up. This one really can run.]

Ei sighed in her mind, complaining. They had been chasing him all along—he truly was fast.

This meddler was far too disruptive amidst the chaos of battle. It was best to eliminate him here. That was her purpose in arriving as well.

Chapter 44: Has the Shogun Entered a Rebellious Phase? Could There Be Distance Between Us?

Whoosh!

After releasing elemental power to blow away the surrounding dust, she found the opponent had already vanished without a trace.

[I've noticed these people aren't very good at fighting, but they're certainly quick to run.]

'Agreed.'

Now, only this big brute remained at the scene…

"Urragh! Hahahahahaha!! You! Oppressor! Surrender your life to me!"

It seemed the time limit of Caster's spell had expired. This man had already become somewhat deranged, striking at anyone he saw. Best to eliminate him, lest he cause trouble later. In fact, Caster's actions had no use at all, instead bringing trouble to her own Black Faction.

With that decision, the Shogun raised her naginata, taking her stance as she waited for him to charge.

"Hahahahaha!!"

Still with that childlike grin of joy, he charged toward her with steps like one rushing toward a meal.

Boom!! ×N

Each step made the ground tremble violently.

[Why is he so happy?]

'How should I know.'

[Could it be he's fallen for us?]

She thought one who fell for another would always be this feverishly intense.

'Don't lump me in with this. And next time, don't pick such a disgusting example as a way to indirectly compliment yourself.'

Boom!

The ground caved as the Shogun's body burst forth, scattering dust as she transformed into lightning and flashed in front of Spartacus.

Swish, swish!!

Engulfing Lightning, wrapped in thunder, danced in her hands in a graceful arc before she swung down vertically!

"Urragh!"

Seeing this, Spartacus fearlessly raised his greatsword and brought it crashing down against her naginata!

Clang!

The screeching clash of steel echoed from both sides, spreading through the forest and startling the birds into flight.

BOOM!

The ground shook as cracks split the center.

The Shogun narrowed her eyes. Despite his massive frame, his strength matched his size. To be able to withstand her strike was no small feat.

Crackle…

Lightning coursed endlessly across the naginata, sparks mixing with the clashing blades, as blinding as welding light.

"Hahahaha!! Oppressor, your power will become the cornerstone of my advance!"

At those words, the Shogun clearly felt his strength surge again, forcing her blade back little by little.

Clang!

She gathered force and pushed him away… then swiftly struck again!

Swish! ×N

Each slash was trailed by violet lightning, nearly ten in a row without a second's pause!

Clang! ×N

Like a storm of machine-gun fire, the strikes resounded in the forest… yet Spartacus perfectly parried them at the same pace.

This man… could it be?

As she crossed blades with him, the Shogun pondered continuously—why was his power still rising?

After deflecting her barrage, he launched his counterattack—his slashes even faster than before!

Swish! ×N

The Shogun frowned slightly, tracking his blade with her sharp gaze, parrying the first few strikes. But as his speed grew, she abandoned direct contest and transformed into lightning, evading the rapid cuts.

She flashed behind him, dashing in at high speed beneath his stance. Twisting her naginata to his neck, she gripped its end with one hand and thrust upward in a sharp rising slash!

Clang!

Sure enough, Spartacus raised his greatsword to block—

But that was exactly what she wanted. Seizing the moment, she feinted the strike. Abandoning the upward slash, she transformed into lightning once more, appearing instantly above his back.

Her slender body spun midair… her naginata following the motion as she swung down toward the back of his neck!

Yet… it would not be that simple.

So he anticipates my feint? Spartacus had sensed it—ducking just as the blade neared, letting it skim his skin without deep injury. Exploiting her missed strike and momentary stiffness, he spun with a powerful home-run swing aimed at her abdomen!

"Your life is mine!!"

Swish!

The sheer force of the swing was overwhelming even to behold… the air itself twisted into a vortex as his arm swept through. In that instant, Spartacus erupted with terrifying mana, pouring it all into a single merciless strike aimed at her.

"!"

Seeing this, the Shogun unleashed her elemental power and swiftly raised her naginata horizontally in front of her.

BOOOOM!!!

The clash resounded like an explosion.

She managed to block his full-powered blow, but even so, his strength was not to be underestimated. Compared to his enormous frame, her body was slender and delicate… and thus she was blasted several meters back by the force.

"!"

Within the Pure Land of One Heart, Ei suddenly opened her eyes.

Just as the Shogun was about to crash heavily onto the ground, she bit her lip, intending to twist her body. But in the very next second, violet motes of light burst from her chest, quickly forming into a human shape. At the moment of impact, it appeared from behind her, catching her in its arms.

Thud…

"..."

She felt the back of her head sink into something incredibly soft and springy, and her waist was gently encircled by a pair of slender arms.

Startled for a moment, she slowly turned her head.

There floated Ei in her true form, holding her from behind, cushioning her head against the softness of her chest. Her violet eyes gazed down at the Shogun's dazed expression.

"You… why did you come out?"

The Shogun's stunned look was almost adorable. She seemed entirely unaware of how ambiguous their posture was.

"…Do you think I could bear to let you crash to the ground like that?"

Though her parts could be replaced, Ei's heart ached nonetheless—after all, this was her own flesh and blood.

"Pointless. Even without you, I would have landed safely."

The Shogun averted her eyes slightly, her tone uncharacteristically awkward… yet to Ei, it only made her seem cuter.

"When did you learn to act this way? Could it be… a so-called rebellious phase?"

Ei teased as she gave the Shogun's cheek a light pinch, her voice filled with doting affection.

"You!… Childish."

Feeling her cheek being pinched, the Shogun glanced at her with clear displeasure, muttering a sulky retort—yet her protest sounded powerless.

"But still…"

She met Ei's eyes again in silence.

"…It's not so bad. Thank you."

She averted her gaze once more, as if to conceal the strange shyness within.

"No need for thanks. It was nothing."

Ei nodded with satisfaction, then gently placed her back on the ground. Slowly, she dissolved into motes of light, merging once more into the Shogun's body. Normally, the Pure Land of One Heart was sealed, but these days, in foreign lands, Ei could not help but leave a gap open, watching the outside world. It served as a third eye for the Shogun.

"..."

The Shogun lifted a hand to her chest, feeling the emptiness within her heart grow full once again.

Boom! ×N

Far in the distance, Spartacus had already vanished from sight… likely heading toward the plains.

[Shogun… did you notice?]

Ei's voice sounded once more in her mind.

'That brute?'

[Yes… his fighting pattern.]

'A style of battle that grows stronger when facing greater strength.'

Through several exchanges, both warriors had discerned his physical traits and abilities akin to a Noble Phantasm.

[Dragging the fight out against him offers no chance of victory. The only way is to defeat him with a single decisive strike.]

Ei's tone now carried a dangerous edge.

Chapter 43: The World Shall Never Know When the Thunder Arrives

The overwhelming assault by way of lightning—based on the intelligence Karna had provided earlier, there could be no doubt. None but the Black Faction's Saber possessed such power.

This was troublesome… Shirou had intended to seize the opportunity to eliminate the Black Faction's Berserker, but instead he had encountered one of their greatest strengths!

High above, the Shogun watched him in his disheveled state, a faint smile of beauty mixed with disdain curling on her lips. It seemed this man had deliberately chosen to attack Frankenstein, knowing her combat ability was lacking. If so, then let him amuse himself with her instead. After all, he had brought this upon himself.

Boom!

With a muffled airburst, she vanished in a flash of lightning.

"!"

In the very next moment, she reappeared before Shirou, who had not even had time to react. He froze, caught off guard.

"Nothing but openings."

Whoosh!

Lightning surged outward from her body as she brought her naginata sweeping toward his neck!

Crackle! Crackle!

The storm's fury drew cold sweat from Shirou. At the last instant, he crossed his Black Keys before him, blocking desperately.

CRAAAASH!!!

The deafening impact thundered through the forest, shaking the air itself and scattering dirt in all directions.

BOOM! ×N

The Black Keys shattered instantly under the blow. Shirou's body was hurled backward uncontrollably, smashing through several trees before he finally crashed to the ground.

The Shogun spun her naginata lightly, then turned her gaze toward Frankenstein, who stood stunned nearby.

"Go lend aid elsewhere. Leave this one to me."

"Urragh!"

Frankenstein nodded and lumbered away with her hammer, heading toward the chaos on the plains.

Moments later, Shirou rose once more from the dust.

"My, my… as expected of Saber. Your strength is truly extraordinary."

His voice remained gentle, his smile calm, as though the one battered just now had not been him.

The Shogun only gave a faint scoff, raising her naginata into stance, her style poised.

"You look far too at ease. Do you perhaps still have some hidden trump card?"

She knew full well he could not match her in combat.

"No… I have no such trump card. Yet to behold a woman of unparalleled beauty possessing such mastery of martial arts—it leaves me in awe. Saber, unlike that pitiful beast earlier, you I truly admire."

So now he resorted to flattery? Pointless.

"True warriors are not divided by age or gender. As for 'mastery of martial arts'—hmph. That is nothing. The true ultimate art, I have yet to use. You… have no right to witness it."

At her words, lightning gathered once more around her body, as if to prove them.

"Heh… you're not wrong. However… perhaps you misunderstand. I did not come here to battle you."

Shirou smiled.

"Oh? Then what—do you wish to sit and chat idly with me?" she mocked.

"You could put it that way. In truth, though you may not believe it, I can see into your heart. I know the essence of your soul. I know what it is you truly seek."

The Shogun narrowed her eyes, violet light flickering with danger.

"..."

Yet Shirou did not stop, continuing smoothly.

"Even you, a god, have not fully reflected upon it, have you? The duality within your soul and heart, and the true meaning of your existence."

Strange… how did this man know of her divine identity? Had Karna, who had fought her before, revealed it? If not, could he really discern her True Name at a glance?

But Fiore had said before… only a Servant's own Master could perceive such things. Which meant—

There was something suspicious here. She must not be careless.

"You seek the highest ideal. In some sense, you and I are alike. I understand you. I know you. To encounter a kindred spirit is a rare fortune in any life."

Shirou extended his hand, smiling warmly.

"…"

The Shogun stared at him blankly, utterly unmoved.

"Well then? Will you take the place of the fallen Spartacus, and become the second Saber of our camp? Because I understand you… I know why you pursue your ideals. I can guarantee that we will defeat the Black Faction, seize the Grail, and realize your wish. For that, we need your strength—my divine one~!"

At last, Shirou knelt on one knee before her, pressing a hand to his chest as if pledging fealty, bowing deeply. It was as though he imagined himself her vassal—though he was not fit to be one.

"Hah…"

Seeing he had finally finished his rambling, the Shogun let out a sigh.

"This vessel is already bound by contract to another. What betrayal could there be? Moreover…"

Crackle…

Her violet eyes flared with oppressive lightning.

"You… have no right to know me. Just as…"

Flash!

In an instant, she became lightning itself, flickering behind Shirou. Her cold voice whispered into his ear.

"The world shall never know the moment thunder strikes!"

"Wha—!!"

Cold sweat drenched Shirou's back. He had not even perceived her movement—it was as if her words and actions had fused into one!

Slash!

The Shogun, wielding Engulfing Lightning, swept past in a streak of thunder, her naginata cleaving through.

She stopped gracefully, her blade crackling with lightning as it leveled behind her.

Crack!!

A searing wound appeared across Shirou's waist.

"Tch! Command Spell—grant my body the strength of steel!"

Scarlet prana flooded his body, clashing with the purple lightning wound. Dust and leaves scattered violently around them.

Boom!

With the reinforcement born of expending a Command Spell, he barely negated the fatal strike—but even so, the force sent him crashing into a tree with bone-jarring impact.

[Hm? That attack should have landed. Something negated it.]

Ei's voice murmured in suspicion.

"His prana… the same as Fiore's Command Spells. He is a Master?"

[Then stranger still—Masters are limited to three Command Spells. Yet since earlier he has already used more than several. How is it possible?]

The Shogun shook her head. Too many irregularities.

But one thing was certain: he was Red Faction. Which meant—she need only kill him.

"Kh… so that is your answer? As expected, Black Saber…"

Spitting blood, Shirou stood unsteadily, sneering in tone though panic churned in his heart.

This was bad. Against Saber, his chances were slim to none. Now was not the time to risk all in battle. He had to retreat.

The Shogun's arrival had been the worst disruption, unraveling his plans. Yet escaping was near impossible—and her killing intent pressed on him, weighing his body down.

Flash!

The Shogun advanced, blade ready to finish him—

But then, from deep within the forest, came a pounding, rhythmic sound.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Heavy footsteps shook the ground, approaching steadily.

"Hahahahahaha!!!!"

Bursting forth, a massive man charged in with the laughter of clanging iron bells, barreling forward with wild, open strides!

What… is this?

The Shogun's movement paused, her mind momentarily blank.

The giant's eyes immediately fixed upon her far smaller frame. Steam burst from his mouth, and with a bright, savage grin he turned toward her, swinging his massive blade downward!

Clang!!

The Shogun narrowed her eyes, blocking effortlessly with her naginata. She ducked low and swept her leg, toppling the giant's unbalanced frame.

"Urragh!"

The enormous body lifted into the air. In the same motion, the Shogun spun and delivered a sharp roundhouse kick.

BOOM!

Her leg slammed into his bulk with a resounding thud. The shockwave tore up earth and dust all around!

Like a cannonball, the hulking form was sent hurtling straight toward Shirou!

"That damned meddler—!!"

Shirou flipped aside just in time, narrowly avoiding being crushed.

CRASH!

The giant smashed into the ground, shaking the forest violently. A cloud of dust billowed high, blotting out sight.

From amidst the haze, Shirou's eyes darted. This chaotic interloper—perhaps he could be of use after all. Perfect cover for retreat.

Taking the chance, Shirou reinforced his body and leapt into the trees, vanishing from the battlefield.

Chapter 42: Lightning Falls On The Land Of Eternity

"Archer, you and Rider will command the homunculus troops together."

"Understood! But… if the Red Faction's Rider appears, I'll have to fight him."

Chiron accepted the Grand Prince's order but noted his own conditions. The opposing Rider, Achilles, had once been his student. Now that Achilles stood on the enemy side, only Chiron could face him—after all, he alone knew Achilles' weakness.

"It's fine. As long as you lead them at the start. Once the battle descends into chaos, the golems and homunculi will be consumed in the clash anyway."

Chiron nodded. The Grand Prince was right—once the initial armies collided, the fight would devolve into skirmishes between Servants.

"Next, Caster… when the battle begins, release the Red Faction's Berserker. Exploit him as much as possible. Regardless of the outcome, it's worth attempting."

"As you command."

Caster manifested from spirit form and bowed slightly. He intended to test whether Berserker could be swayed to their side. If not, then eliminating him would suffice.

"Berserker, fight as you wish."

"Urrraaagh!!"

Frankenstein let out a bestial roar. From the start she had been crouched at the wall's edge like a giant hound, baring her teeth and glaring eagerly at the distant skeletal army.

Before long, the imprisoned Rider, Astolfo, was also released and joined the others.

"Hm~? So even Lancer rides a horse? What use is a Rider like me then?"

As ever, his flippant tone made others shake their heads. It seemed he had learned little from his confinement. Chiron repeated the plan to him.

"Saber…"

The Grand Prince fixed his eyes on one of the Black Faction's greatest strengths—the ever-distracted deity before them.

The Shogun turned her head to meet his gaze.

"You call for me?"

"Indeed. You will fight freely, just as Berserker does. Aid whomever you wish. Of course… should the Red Saber appear, she will be your opponent."

The Shogun merely nodded silently. So it was to be guerilla warfare amidst the chaos, alongside Frankenstein.

"Excellent!"

Whoosh!

Satisfied, the Grand Prince mounted his steel warhorse and raised his gleaming silver twin-bladed lance high.

"We shall claim victory! The enemy are but savages—defiling our land with arrogant, base laughter. Fools who know only the road to death!"

"Comrades! Slay them with smiles upon your faces! Advance!!"

Eeeeehhhhh!!

With his rousing declaration, he tugged the reins. The warhorse neighed and leapt from the walls.

Whoosh!

The wind of his charge whipped across the others' faces, stirring battle fervor in all save the Shogun.

"Urrraaaaghhh!!"

Frankenstein bellowed and leapt down after him.

Rider summoned his mount and soared into the air.

Leading the army of golems and homunculi gathered before the fortress, they charged forward like beasts toward the forest at the edge of the plain!

"Well then… we'll take our leave, Saber."

With that farewell, Chiron and Caster vanished.

Only the Shogun and Fiore remained.

"Shogun… please be careful. I pray for your victorious return."

Unable to accompany her Servant further, Fiore offered her most heartfelt blessing.

"The time for my sortie has come. Take care of yourself as well."

"Mm…"

Crackle! Crackle!

Purple lightning surged around her body. In the next instant, the Shogun transformed into violet sparks, streaking across the sky like a meteor until she vanished from Fiore's sight.

"…"

Fiore lingered, gazing after the trail of thunder until it faded. Only then did she reluctantly wheel herself back to her room.

Shogun… please, be safe.

...

At that same time, the Red Faction's Berserker, Spartacus, was bound in the central courtyard of the fortress's ground floor—guarded by several homunculi and golems.

As the first Red Servant to be easily captured, Berserker had become Caster's test subject.

"Berserker, your Master is me. Do you understand?"

Caster approached the giant, his voice laced with hypnotic suggestion, reinforcing the magic already cast upon him.

"Oh! It seems that without your power, I cannot exist. A servitude hard to accept…"

Indeed, the effect of brainwashing began to take hold.

"Then, will you kill me?"

Caster asked as he released the restraints binding the giant's limbs, granting him freedom.

"But I cannot kill you, for my mission is not yet complete. I must strike down the oppressors and seize hope at despair's end!"

Spartacus shed his shackles, gripping his greatsword tightly. Though his eyes were blank white voids, his wide grin never wavered.

"I see… then your enemies are the Red Servants—the lapdogs of power. That should be reason enough to fight them."

"Urrraaaagh!!"

Boom!

With the final seal undone, Spartacus swung his greatsword skyward and roared. A surge of mana erupted outward with a shockwave, stirring great clouds of dust.

Crash! ×N

Without the slightest regard for Caster, Spartacus leapt high into the air, bounding from the fortress with thunderous strides like cannon blasts, charging toward the clash between Red and Black.

"Hahahahahaha!!!"

Like a man running to dinner, his joyous grin returned. His booming laughter echoed like weights clanging together, growing fainter as he vanished from sight.

Caster let out a weary sigh. The magical suggestion was only temporary. Perhaps it would serve some purpose, however small—but when it wore off, Spartacus would surely revert, lashing out indiscriminately. At that point, it would fall upon others to erase him.

...

Elsewhere—

The traces of battle lingered.

The Shogun, streaking through the forest as lightning, sensed signs of combat nearby. She veered toward them at once.

From above, she spotted the combatants: her own Berserker, Frankenstein, locked in fierce battle with a man whose identity was uncertain. A gray-haired youth in priestly garb.

He did not appear to be a Servant, yet he fought evenly against Berserker—at times even suppressing her. His weapons were peculiar: throwing-blade-like short swords, three in each hand, six in total. Even when depleted, he drew fresh ones from his robes.

It mattered little who he was. Fighting against her ally made him the enemy.

She raised her hand, gathering storm clouds overhead. A blinding bolt of lightning crashed down from the heavens!

"Lightning Falls On The Land Of Eternity."

BOOOOM!!!

The man—Shirou—felt danger crawl across every inch of his body. Abandoning his assault, he leapt back with all speed. Above, the once-clear night sky had swirled into a vortex, thunder-light gathering at its core like a black hole devouring the world.

Crack!!

A blade of lightning descended toward his head!

"!"

Gooseflesh prickled across his skin as he hurled himself backward again and again.

BOOM! BOOM! ×N

Each strike slammed into the earth, exploding violently. The bolts split apart, countless beams of lightning streaking down like searchlights, tracking his evasions.

The open ground around him lit up as sword-shaped sigils appeared, connecting in circuits of electricity to form a radiant field of lightning.

"Damn it!"

Shirou cursed under his breath, darting through the gaps in the barrage. The sigils spat paralyzing sparks, slowing his movements.

BOOM! ×N

Explosions erupted like a carpet-bombing run, the forest blazing white with thunder. For once, Shirou was driven to a rare state of disarray.

At last, a colossal bolt several kilometers wide fell without warning!

The surrounding sigils detonated as well.

BOOOOOOOM!!!!!

The entire lightning domain erupted into a fiery wasteland, searing flames and thunderclouds surging skyward to burn away the night.

From within the dust, Shirou staggered forth, his black suit caked with grime and torn apart.

"Kh… haah… haah…"

He panted raggedly. Every wound had been countered by Command Spells on his back. Without them, he would surely have perished beneath that Noble Phantasm.

"This kind of attack… the Black Faction's Saber, then!"

Such destructive thunder and lightning could only belong to her.

Chapter 41: Another Adorable Side of the Shogun

The time had come to around eight in the evening—

The floating Aerial Garden had already entered the territory of the Black Faction, halting on the plains several kilometers from the Fortress of Millennia.

With a gesture from the Empress, a storage chamber about three meters in diameter materialized beneath the Aerial Garden. Floating downward past the bow of the vessel where the Red Servants stood, it reached its designated point before inverting and opening its hatch.

Clatter, clatter!!

In the next instant, a torrent of yellowed bone fragments poured forth like rainfall. As they sank into the soil below, they sprouted like seeds—birthing countless skeletal soldiers resembling lizards.

Though fragile and easily broken, their sheer numbers made them a dark, crushing tide—a massive army advancing with relentless, oppressive steps toward the Black Faction's fortress!

This scene was observed with perfect clarity through the Eye of Stormy Judgment hovering above the Shogun's head.

Suspended in the air, the ominous eye shifted its pupil as though alive. Standing with Fiore upon the fortress's watchtower, the Shogun narrowed her eyes slightly at the sight.

It seemed the Red Faction intended to decide the battle tonight.

The Black Faction had considered many possibilities, predicting various methods by which the Red Faction might attack, and had prepared accordingly. After all, in a Holy Grail War, reckless charges without planning were unthinkable.

They had accounted for the possibility of a direct assault through Trifas, or perhaps a ground invasion with troops, and even an aerial strike. But—

"Never expected they'd bring their entire fortress to attack us."

Chiron shaded his eyes with his hand, gazing at the massive floating castle with unease.

"What?! Are you serious?!"

Gordes, hearing this, paled visibly.

Indeed, just as Chiron had said—the enormous Aerial Garden hovered boldly in the distance, as if flaunting itself, daring them to notice.

"Shogun… what's the situation now?"

Fiore turned toward the Shogun beside her. Though she showed little surprise, there was the faintest tremor in her voice.

The Shogun dispelled the Eye of Stormy Judgment in the sky, then cast the girl a brief glance.

"The enemy has ceased advancing. It seems they intend to use this plain as the main battlefield."

She reported calmly to Fiore and the others.

"So… this will be a full confrontation?"

Fiore's expression grew solemn.

"More or less…"

Seven days were allotted, and most had already passed. Now, both sides could no longer avoid direct conflict.

"Tch… those bastards finally came!"

Though Gordes tried to sound defiant, his voice betrayed his deep tension. Of them all, he was the most stubborn in his bravado.

Step, step…

At that moment, Darnic—the effective leader of the Black Faction—arrived with the Grand Prince and several other members at his side.

"Masters, please withdraw to a safe location. The enemy likely intends to pit Servants and familiars against one another."

Seeing the approaching army, he turned back to caution the Masters behind him, then fixed his gaze on his niece.

"Fiore, you too should go inside. Your body is still injured and you need rest. From here, the battle's outcome must be entrusted to the Servants."

For his niece, Darnic showed genuine concern. From a broader perspective as well, Fiore was Saber's Master—should any harm befall her, it would deal a grave blow to the Black Faction's strength.

"Understood…"

Fiore hesitated a moment, but in the end did not try to resist. As her uncle had said, this was now the Servants' battlefield. Masters' strength counted for little here—and besides, she had faith in the Shogun.

"Darnic speaks true. From this point on, it lies within the Servants' domain. To trespass upon our territory and even dare to spread such filthy incarnations—!"

Hum!

With a wave of the Grand Prince's hand, a spear materialized in his grasp, and a massive steel golem warhorse was led to him by attendants.

"My king, I bid you—unleash your might without restraint."

Darnic placed a hand to his chest, bowing respectfully before the Grand Prince.

"Ah… and release Rider and the Red Faction's Berserker as well."

"…Are you certain, releasing that traitor?"

Darnic raised his head, questioning.

"Of course. The enemy seeks a full confrontation—only by committing all our forces can we meet them in proper form."

"I understand. I'll see to it immediately."

Whoosh!

With that, Darnic vanished from sight.

"Sister… how's your body holding up?"

At that moment, Caules approached Fiore with concern.

"It's fine now. Thanks to the Shogun's treatment, I survived. Sorry for worrying you, Caules."

Fiore smiled gently from her wheelchair, reassuring her younger brother. Though her back still ached, she was much improved—the rest was only a matter of recovery.

"I should be the one to apologize… if only I had—"

"Caules… there's no need to blame yourself. Perhaps this was a trial I was meant to endure. Everything is my own responsibility. But… your feelings reached me. Thank you."

Fiore knew her brother's doting nature all too well. She couldn't force him away, so she could only accept him in this vague, gentle way. Perhaps it was her own weakness—being too soft-hearted.

"Mm… and Saber, about my sister's condition—huh?"

As Caules turned to thank the Shogun for saving his sister, he froze, struck dumb by her sudden behavior.

"?"

Noticing this, Fiore also turned curiously toward the Shogun, who had been silent the entire time.

Just a minute earlier, while the others discussed battle, the Shogun had been standing idly as if nothing concerned her. Spacing out was something she often did—in her own words, she was merely on "standby."

Flutter, flutter…

At that moment, a plump little sparrow, its wings covered in soft down, fluttered over and perched on the stone wall before her. The faint sound of its wings stirred her from her daze, and she lowered her gaze toward the tiny life before her. Her hand instinctively rose toward it.

"…!"

Flutter…

The sparrow tilted its head, then, as if indulging her, hopped onto her hand, pecking lightly at her fingers with its beak.

"…"

The Shogun gazed at the small creature in a quiet trance. She slowly raised her hand closer to her face, tilting her head like a child as she studied the sparrow intently. Every twitch and movement was captured in her violet eyes as though recorded by a lens.

Perhaps sensing the unwavering gaze, the sparrow stopped pecking, cocked its tiny head, and looked directly back into her eyes.

"…"

"…"

For about a full minute, the two stared silently at one another without so much as a blink.

When the Shogun tilted her head, the sparrow tilted its head in return.

Apparently bored at last, the sparrow shook out its wings and feathers, scattering droplets of rainwater it had carried from the earlier storm—splashing them onto the Shogun's face—before taking flight.

"!"

Feeling the cool, wet touch on her face, she reflexively turned her head aside, shutting her eyes and wiping away the droplets with her hand.

"…"

"…"

Sensing two pairs of eyes on her, she turned—and found Fiore and Caules staring at her in a daze.

"…Were you just calling me?" the Shogun asked with a puzzled tilt of her head.

"Eh? Ah… I mean, um… about yesterday—thank you for saving my sister," Caules blurted awkwardly, picking up where he had left off.

So it was about Fiore…

The Shogun exhaled softly.

"To protect her safety is my duty. There is no need for thanks."

"Hehe… yes. I'll go prepare, then. See you shortly."

Relieved by her words, Caules reassured his sister before leaving the watchtower. Berserker, slated to fight soon, remained behind.

"Mm…"

Fiore nodded faintly. After Caules left, she looked at the Shogun with a smile she struggled to suppress.

"…Why do you laugh?" the Shogun asked, confused.

"Pfft… nothing. It's just… I saw another side of you."

Blushing, Fiore turned her face away, her voice tinged with laughter. The Shogun truly did possess a natural air of cuteness—that was her charm.

"…?"

The Shogun's mind went blank.

What was that supposed to mean?

Chapter 69: Different Motives

"Ainz Ooal Gown contributed greatly to clearing the dungeon, and that is an undeniable achievement."

The third speaker was a representative of another top guild from a different world region, his whole body shrouded in a white, gold-trimmed priestly robe. Judging from the buff effects on him, his class was Divine Exorcist.

His words were polite: "I believe everyone here will agree with this decision."

The other guild strategists present were all shrewd individuals and nodded in agreement.

"Adams is right. Although Ainz Ooal Gown arrived the latest and with few members, each one of them is equipped with artifact-grade armaments. Among them are countless special classes and top experts, such as the 'World Disaster' Ulbert and the 'World Champion' Touch Me. Both are renowned figures, and their participation is indispensable to us."

Bukubukuchagama clicked her tongue softly, using her webbed hand to pull out a handkerchief to wipe at the digestive fluids dripping from her tentacles, then casually incinerated the fine cloth with an alchemic flame.

Anyone who knew her would recognize this as a sign of displeasure.

"As far as I know, the Great Tomb of Nazarick once suffered the largest-scale assault in 'Yggdrasil's' history—eight guilds joined forces along with other associated guilds, mercenary NPCs, and in total 1,500 participants. Yet Ainz Ooal Gown, with only 41 players and several hundred NPCs, defended using the terrain advantage. The result was total annihilation of the invaders, creating a legendary tale."

The final representative of a top guild stood to speak, his words equally laced with hidden sharpness: "Though that war did not involve top guilds, it still showcased the terrifying strength of Ainz Ooal Gown. Considering that today, one of your members casually used a world-class item, I believe what we have seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg. In principle, I also support Ainz Ooal Gown's participation in the loot distribution."

"These fellows… not a single one is easy to deal with." Punitto Moe forwarded the attitudes and statements of the other guild representatives into the internal guild channel.

Peroroncino: "Eh? We're also taking part in dividing the loot? I didn't know that. I thought after the GM promised rewards, we were just here to play the hero and enjoy the spotlight. I already made friends with a few people—they've got some good stuff. Once we log off, I'm adding them to my friend list so we can check things out together."

Bukubukuchagama: "Tch. When will that H-game-filled brain of yours start working properly? It's because you always focus on your lower half that your career has gone nowhere."

Peroroncino muttered softly: "Voice acting in H-games isn't career progress I want at all. It's too embarrassing. I'd lose years off my life."

Bukubukuchagama: "What did you just say!!"

Peroroncino: "N-nothing! I mean—long live Nee-san, Nee-san is the best, Nee-san's voice acting is the most wonderful 'Yamete' ever!"

Ignoring the antics of these two clowns, the rest of the guild members discussed seriously.

Punitto Moe: "The meaning of those two guilds' words is clear. They don't object to Ainz Ooal Gown sharing in the loot, since our contributions are undeniable. They can't brush us aside."

Tabula Smaragdina: "But they raised several conditions: 1. Equipment—priority distribution to them. 2. Special-class materials—priority distribution to them. 3. Guild-upgrading items—priority distribution to them. 4. In future raids, we must act as the main force."

Warrior Takemikazuchi: "I did not sense such conditions from their words at all… it seems my training is still far from enough."

Nishikienrai: "The ninja's way is to hide the deadliest trap beneath the most beautiful flower."

Touch Me: "In my view, it doesn't matter. There's plenty of equipment and materials. Plus, we have the GM's promised rewards. Giving up a little isn't a big deal."

Self-Destruction Maniac: "Same here." (Not an official guild member, prohibited from speaking)

Ulbert: "Hmph, what right do a bunch of ants have to claim loot? With one cataclysm, I could turn them into loot myself."

Variable Talisman: "Well, my attitude is more or less the same as Touch Me-san's, but I still feel uneasy about accepting such conditions."

Herohero: "Though I, as an ancient black ooze, have no real right to demand equipment, I still want some special-class advancement materials."

Herohero's words prompted others in the guild to stop hiding their true thoughts as well.

After all, the internal power distribution within the Great Tomb of Nazarick was extremely uneven. While being heteromorphs gave them a certain unity, the vast gap in strength among members inevitably corroded their bonds.

From Bukubukuchagama unleashing a Depiction of Nature and Society that cleared the battlefield, it was clear: the gap between those who had world-class items and those who didn't was like a chasm.

And although Nazarick held the greatest number of world-class items, not just anyone could use them—their ownership was restricted to core members only.

Now, back to the matter of the demand itself.

To be fair, Ainz Ooal Gown's demand was not excessive.

Objectively speaking, the role their world-class items played far outweighed the contributions of several raid groups and the magic chanters who had cast hundreds of super-tier spells daily over the past three days.

Without the Self-Destruction Maniac's explosions, and without Ainz Ooal Gown's Depiction of Nature and Society, the situation would likely still be the same as days before, with players barely managing to hold the line. Progress would have been impossible.

However, this demand was far from pleasant for the other guilds.

Yes, undeniably, Ainz Ooal Gown had turned the entire battle around, and it was no exaggeration to call them the greatest contributors.

But the top strategists of the other guilds were thinking far more long-term.

They could see it clearly: through this display, Ainz Ooal Gown had instantly become the most sought-after heteromorph guild in all of YGGDRASIL. In the future, countless heteromorphs would flock to join them. Would such a guild remain content with just one Great Tomb of Nazarick?

Even if guildmaster Momonga promised so, would his members agree? To put it bluntly, the Great Tomb of Nazarick was a guild base with a fixed level cap, and a guild could hold no more than 100 members. How would they allocate internal benefits then—such as NPC creation rights? What if applicants exceeded the 100-member limit? And so on…

Moreover, every player who saw Momonga instinctively regarded him as a sort of "Overlord." Having lain low for so long, only to suddenly rise so prominently in this operation, surely there must be a meticulous plan behind it. Such a man would never settle for mediocrity if conditions allowed.

Thus, these top guilds—who had been opposing each other for years—instantly reached a tacit understanding. Since they could not confront this rising star guild head-on, they would instead obstruct Ainz Ooal Gown in subtle ways.

And just as everyone was still discussing the details of loot distribution, Bukubukuchagama suddenly exclaimed in the guild chat: "Crap, I can't retrieve the Depiction of Nature and Society!"

Bukubukuchagama's message made every member of Ainz Ooal Gown's heart sink.

As a world-class item, the Depiction of Nature and Society had already shown its immense power during the raid. Yet, when Bukubukuchagama had introduced this prized item, she had deliberately concealed one critical fact.

The Depiction of Nature and Society could forcibly imprison opponents into alternate dimensions during battle. These dimensions numbered in the hundreds, very similar to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's 'Kekkei Mōra' Amenominaka. In terms of variety alone, it even surpassed it.

However, the Depiction of Nature and Society had a weakness. There were forty different ways to break it, and if even one method succeeded, ownership of the artifact would immediately transfer to the one who solved it.

Back then, Ainz Ooal Gown had acquired this world-class item precisely by exploiting that weakness and seizing it from its previous owner.

Thus, having once experienced this themselves, they instantly realized the gravity of the situation.

The thought of monsters within this dungeon being able to break free of such a world-class item was unimaginable. Worse, there was no time to complain to the GMs.

The quickest to react was Momonga. As the very person who had once cracked the Depiction of Nature and Society, he immediately grasped the severity of the danger.

He planted the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown into the ground, and a massive magic circle spread outward from him.

[Maximized Magic · Forced Expulsion]

The surrounding players who had been cheering in celebration didn't even have time to react before the enormous circle forcibly ejected them from the dungeon.

Only a handful remained: four members of Ainz Ooal Gown, and just two others from the coalition guilds.

Among them was the World Champion commander himself.

"Guildmaster of Ainz Ooal Gown, what is the meaning of this?"

Another guild leader, the Divine Exorcist, drew out the enormous cross from his back, radiating with holy power. Simply gazing at its light filled Momonga's system log with warning messages. Golden light flowed across the massive cross, covering its wielder with the protective buff known as 'WORLD.' This was unmistakably a world-class item.

"Stop this!"

Even as he spoke, Peroroncino, Touch Me, and Nishikienrai stepped forward in unison to shield Momonga. Though avatars could not display facial expressions or tone, the World Champion and the Divine Exorcist could feel the undeniable fighting spirit emanating from the three.

A flash of green light ran across Momonga's form as he lifted his gaze toward the Depiction of Nature and Society in the sky, clutching the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown tighter than ever before.

"Those without world-class protection have already been expelled by me. Soon, you'll understand why I did this."

In an instant, a suffocating pressure crashed down upon everyone present.

The ground beneath their feet sank several inches.

And within the system, every single player's status bar now displayed the same debuff:

Instant Death Domain (Duration: N/A): The target will be instantly killed if struck.

"What is this?!"

Before anyone could recover from the sudden turn of events, the Depiction of Nature and Society trembled violently in the sky and unleashed an overwhelming suction.

But because of Momonga's foresight in expelling unprotected players, everyone still present was equipped with world-class items, nullifying the artifact's pull completely.

The World Champion and the Divine Exorcist both noticed the system prompts, immediately realizing the true meaning behind Momonga's earlier actions. And more than that—they grasped the terrifying implication:

The dungeon's monsters had broken free of the Depiction of Nature and Society… and seized control of it!

As the artifact failed to absorb its intended victims, a soft "hmm?" drifted out from the scroll.

Moments later, a crimson silhouette stepped leisurely out of the painting. At the sight of this figure's face, both the commander and the Divine Exorcist cried out in shock.

"Red Phoenix GM?!"

"What?!"

The four remaining members of Ainz Ooal Gown were stunned by the name they had just heard. Even with the restrictions on world-class items lifted, making them the peak among players, compared to a true "god"—a GM—they were still far from qualified.

When they turned back to look at the crimson, red-named target, the signature scarlet wings and handsome features were identical to the Red Phoenix, ranked eighth on the official website's list of most popular GMs.

"What is going on? Why has a GM become our enemy?"

Seizing the moment before battle was joined, Momonga immediately questioned the figure.

"I don't know, but I have a bad guess." The Divine Exorcist gave a bitter smile emote. "There were three GMs participating in this raid."

The members of Ainz Ooal Gown recalled the earlier explanation when they had accepted the commission outside: with GM support, this raid had seemed certain to succeed. But now, they were facing one of those very GMs—one who had somehow "betrayed" them. Such a shocking development might never occur again in all of YGGDRASIL's history.

In the sky above, the "Red Phoenix" waved a hand. The massive Depiction of Nature and Society instantly rolled back and shrank, becoming a one-foot-long scroll that he slung behind his back. Then, as if no one else existed, he slowly descended toward the ground.

"Troublesome. With the Depiction of Nature and Society, he also has WORLD protection. World-class items will no longer work on him." Touch Me's gaze was fixed grimly on the opponent, his hand tightening on his artifact Earthly Cover. For only the second time in history, he sent out a grave emote. "From the earlier debuff, it's clear—we cannot withstand even a single strike from this GM. Everyone must rely on teleportation magic to evade."

Peroroncino drew his golden Houyi Bow, behind him manifesting the blazing "Sun-Shooting Arrows." His hawk eyes locked onto Red Phoenix with innate precision.

"This is the first time I've felt such an intense thrill. I suddenly think this game has something that rivals H-GAMEs after all."

Meanwhile, Nishikienrai had already slipped into stealth without a word, vanishing so completely that even guildmates could no longer sense his presence.

At the center, Momonga followed the steps he had learned from Punitto Moe's "Easy PK Ritual for Anyone," joining the Divine Exorcist in casting a relentless barrage of buffs.

"Glorious Verdant Body, Blessing of the Caster, Infinite Barrier, Holy Magic Ward, Essence of Life, Greater All-Stats Enhancement, Freedom, False Data: Life, True Sight, Extraordinary Instinct…"

All the non-caster classes stared wide-eyed at the two of them: "Momonga-san, Adams-san, you two could be rap artists."

Even Red Phoenix, not far away, twitched his brow at their drawn-out preparation. If not for being transformed by his master into a raid boss and bound by AI limits that prevented him from striking first, he would have acted already. As it was, he had no choice but to watch them rap out buffs for two whole minutes.

By the time they finished, their status bars were packed with buffs. The surge in power was unmistakable—their combat strength had doubled, if not more.

Normally, Ainz Ooal Gown's raid strategy began with Ulbert's World Disaster, instantly driving bosses into execution range and then chaining other skills to finish the fight. That strategy had once allowed them to defend the Great Tomb of Nazarick with only 41 people.

But now, since Ulbert had been forcibly expelled by Momonga for lacking world-class protection, the opening strike would fall to the guildmaster himself.

Vast magic power coiled and roared around Momonga, rising skyward. At his command, countless blue magic circles manifested, overlapping in an intricate structure that nearly covered the entire sky.

"[Super-Tier Magic · Fallen Down]!!"

Chapter 156: Tokyo No-Limit Fighting Tournament (2/3)

"Fire!"

Bang!

Boom—!

Unlike the clamor of the city streets, the sudden explosion tore through the bustling veil of the metropolis.

On a nearby street, startled pedestrians turned their heads after the fact, eyes widening in shock as they saw plumes of rolling black smoke shoot skyward from the blaze.

It was a large mansion, surrounded by tall hedges, high walls, and manned guard posts.

Clearly the residence of someone powerful and influential, its secrecy suggested a deliberate attempt to keep prying eyes away. Under the setting sun, the dark rooftops inside could just barely be seen—there were quite a few buildings.

"What's going on?"

"A fire, or maybe a gas explosion?"

"Is this a drill?"

"Is the CCG fighting ghouls again?"

The crowd erupted into noisy speculation.

Some froze in place, others instinctively fled, a few pulled out their phones to take pictures, while others tried to call the police. But faster than any of them came an emergency lockdown announcement.

On both sides of the street, giant LCD screens mounted on storefronts suddenly cut their ads and entertainment shows, replacing them with the stern figure of the government's Cabinet Spokesperson.

"Attention all citizens, nationals, and foreign visitors. Effective immediately, in response to the severity, urgency, and unpredictability of the current ghoul disaster, Tokyo's 24 wards are now under a state of emergency…"

Almost at the same time, people's phones buzzed. With a sharp beep-beep, the screens flashed, displaying a red alert UI resembling an earthquake warning.

—[Entering Level 1 Emergency State]—

[Area: Capital Region, Tokyo 24 Wards]

[Signed by: Prime Minister / Commission of Counter Ghoul / USFJ Command]

...

A lockdown? A Level 1 red emergency response?!

After over a month of continuous high-intensity joint CCG operations across departments—cat-and-mouse ghoul hunts that had dulled sensitivity and bred a sense of "crying wolf"—citizens had grown accustomed to police and soldiers marching noisily through the city. But now their eyes went wide in shock.

Just last month, when chemical troops from Yokota Air Base intervened in the anti-ghoul operation in Ward 6, the lockdown had only covered a few blocks, with only those residents evacuated.

But this time—it was the entire Tokyo metropolis?!

Something big was happening…

The thought of watching out of curiosity vanished. Countless people broke into a sprint—heading home, fleeing the city, escaping to the countryside, or rushing offshore. Everyone had their own choice.

Suddenly, more artillery fire roared.

The thunderous explosions shook the air.

The heavy tiled roof of the mansion crumbled under the impact, billowing thick clouds of smoke.

Fragments of brick and wood, shattered concrete, collapsing eaves—this time, the booming detonation was crystal clear. It was followed by a deep whirring that grew closer…

"Look! Over there! It's the JGSDF—and the USFJ!"

Someone shouted, pointing excitedly.

Whrrr… whrrr…

The whine of rotors, the rumble of vehicles, soldiers barking commands, the clatter of equipment—all of it blended into a thunderous backdrop.

Two hundred meters away, beyond the mansion's guard gates, a relatively open street was being cordoned off. US soldiers in urban-gray camouflage and tactical goggles worked quickly to set up a blockade.

Behind them stood several 60mm and 81mm mortars, already manned and loaded. The earlier rounds had been signal shots and test fire.

The area's civilians had already been cleared. Aside from state media, even the bolder journalists who tried to remain were forcibly driven away.

Nearby, a group of CCG investigators and agents from the North American Commission of Counter Ghoul stood with US officers, pointing toward the mansion as they exchanged urgent words.

Clang!

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter descended, carrying an M777 howitzer slung beneath it. Guided down by soldiers waving glowing batons, the massive gun was released onto the asphalt with a deep metallic thud. Over four tons of steel hit the ground with a heavy, resonant crash.

"Quickly deploy heavy fire teams. Work with the CCG investigators to completely encircle the Washuu family estate—don't let a single man-eating beast escape! Throw CRc gas to weaken them! Tear down that guard post! Sniper teams, listen well—anyone not on the cleared list of CCG Special Classes or the Commissioner herself, kill on sight!"

"See that main residence? 60mm mortar team, fire a base round of the new CRc gas shells into that breach. 81mm mortar team, prepare demolition rounds. Artillery crew, set up the 155mm howitzer immediately. On my command, fire directly at the target!"

Wearing black oak-leaf camouflage, a US Army lieutenant colonel raised his binoculars, surveyed the Washuu mansion, then began issuing orders.

"Yes sir!" ×N.

At once, the M224 60mm mortars launched round after round in continuous saturation, hurling CRc gas shells into the estate.

The M777 howitzer's split-trail carriage was quickly unfolded, the spades dug in and locked against the curb. The barrel was lowered to its extreme depression, calculations barely needed. The breech locked shut, the gunner sighted on the Washuu main hall, hand on the lanyard, eyes turned to the colonel.

The setup made it clear—they were about to shell the Washuu estate. The sight terrified the few pedestrians who hadn't yet fled.

Small arms, heavier weapons, even attack helicopters—Tokyo citizens were used to CCG sweeps using such force. Some Quinques, like those forged from Ukaku, caused as much destruction as cannons. Tokyoites had grown numb.

But now—155mm howitzers?!

This wasn't counterterrorism, nor even anti-ghoul warfare. This was localized war.

A political purge, on a massive scale…

"Agent Dennis, serving as bait… you're sure Commissioner Russell will be fine?"

The lieutenant colonel lowered his binoculars and asked his federal colleague.

"No problem."

Carrying a Quinque case, Dennis replied firmly: "Commissioner Russell never fights without absolute certainty. Colonel, as long as we don't hit our own men, with her experience and skill in anti-ghoul combat—even if every CCG investigator inside dies—she'll walk out unscathed."

As a veteran agent who had worked with Vela for years in North America, Dennis had absolute confidence in her.

He himself was an ace of the North American Commission of Counter Ghoul, once serving in the European anti-ghoul organization GFG, with distinguished merit in the eradication of the German ghoul clan, the 'Roswald family.' Yet, not once had he ever won in sparring matches against Vela.

The harder he trained to close the gap, the more he realized—it only grew wider!

"The most tedious, troublesome steps have already been handled by Commissioner Russell. All we need to do is follow her plan."

The lieutenant colonel shrugged without refutation.

Their 101st Airborne Division was lucky to be stationed in Japan at one of the best US overseas bases, and even luckier to earn battle honors—thanks entirely to Special Commissioner Russell.

By now, the US troops had sealed the mansion tighter, disarming and detaining the guards at the checkpoint. Several figures reacting violently to the CRc gas were immediately gunned down. With muffled blasts and relentless gunfire, the mansion's outer walls shattered under impact.

Concrete blocks sprayed outward like shrapnel. Two bloodied men in black were thrown, their twisted bodies buried beneath the collapsing wall.

"Stop—Russell, go easy… ahh, my… my back!"

A tall, gaunt figure was flung out next, crying out as he tumbled across the lawn, rolling several times before landing disheveled, his flowing black hair whipping in the wind.

"That's Marude Itsuki, Acting Bureau Chief of the CCG."

A sniper reported over the radio.

Then, more gunfire and explosions thundered inside. Footsteps, ghastly roars, the howls of Kagune whipping through the air followed in a chaotic cacophony.

"It's Special Class Shinohara! Special Class Kuroiwa! Associate Special Class Ui! Special Class Houji… all the Special Classes are in there!"

From beneath the crumbled estate wall where an armored vehicle had rammed through, the CCG investigators closest to the front cried out in shock.

Through the gaping hole, they could see seven high-ranking CCG investigators—six men and one woman—bloodied, covered in dust, fighting as they retreated.

And at the very front, covering their withdrawal, was a black-armored female figure, wielding a spiraling crimson-purple thorned lance.

Inside the mansion, eerie hissing echoed through the halls, mingling with the chilling sound of flesh being torn apart.

Through gaps in the shattered walls and collapsed roof, fragmented beams of sunlight spilled inside. Dim though they were, when they struck that imposing figure, the brilliance remained—dazzling and sharp.

Her Kagune wings unfurled. In an instant—clang!!!

"You dare treat me as one of your kind? You are not worthy."

Steel clashed against steel, sparks bursting blue and white as her jet-black thorned lance struck against a massive serrated sword.

...

A few minutes earlier.

Inside the Washuu estate.

"Intolerable! The Washuu family has already conceded more than enough—why must you hound us again and again?!"

As artillery shook the outer roof, debris rained down like a leaking ceiling. Tsuneyoshi Washuu and his son Yoshitoki Washuu glared, kagugan flashing with fury.

Clatter—

Like a signal, figures in black coats and gentleman's hats appeared around the hall. Pale-skinned, their eyes blank white, each wore a dark-red bow tie, looking for all the world like British gangsters. They carried Quinque cases or firearms, clearly weapons designed to counter investigators.

Ordinary investigators were only human. Even standard bullets, when hitting flesh, could draw blood or kill.

"And if I hound you—what then?"

Vela calmly pressed the release on her black-gold Quinque case. At the same time, her other hand subtly opened.

Zzt!

Already prepared, Yukinori Shinohara and Iwao Kuroiwa immediately donned [Arata] to serve as shields in front of their colleagues. Chuu Hachikawa raised his Ukaku Quinque, spraying the black-suited men emerging from all sides. Kousuke Houji brought up his S+ grade explosive-type Ukaku, [Hollow].

In an instant, the hall filled with the crash of breaking wood, the roar of gunfire, the sound of flesh being ripped, the groans of dying men—and the flickering of firelight. A bloody symphony.

Ratatatatata!

"Kaiko!"

Apparently dissatisfied with his men's resistance, Tsuneyoshi Washuu rose in anger, calling the name of a subordinate. "Why are you still waiti—"

Bang!

His words cut short.

It wasn't the crack of gunpowder—it was the electric discharge of a railgun.

Ordinary bullets pinged harmlessly off [Arata-Ayato-α]. Spearing a Washuu clansman through the chest, Vela lifted his corpse as a shield while a mocking smile curved her lips.

"You don't even realize the branch families scheme against you… Your clan deserves extinction, Washuu."

In her left hand, the smoking barrel of a high-tech Techtronika RT-46 Burya revolver from Cyberpunk's advanced US military arsenal gleamed.

Behind the wide wooden table lay the body of an elder in formal kimono and hakama. Headless.

Blood, bone, and brain matter sprayed in all directions.

Vela had seen it clearly.

Even as his head exploded, the body had reared back, crimson Kagune erupting from his spine. The Kagune had already pierced the floor tiles, ready to drive him backward—Tsuneyoshi had been preparing to leap away.

Indeed, he hadn't wanted her within ten meters.

Because of the power she had shown when killing Nimura Furuta at Ward 7, he had been wary.

But who said she couldn't fight at range?

Not every ranged attack required an Ukaku or the CCG's small-caliber pistols.

There were bigger guns.

And she knew a thing or two about "American Iaido."

The moment she exposed their ghoul identities and donned [Arata-Ayato-α], one after another they had unleashed Kagune, their kagugan flaring. But instead of fighting, they had retreated, relying on branch family retainers hidden in the corners of the hall to stall for time with their lives.

The main family's wanton use and exploitation of branch families…

It was familiar.

No wonder.

According to what Vela knew, the Nimura Furuta she had slain had long plotted with V to betray the Washuu.

The V organization's core members were descended from the Washuu branch families—half-humans.

And Kaiko was one of them—the leader of V under the Washuu.

Chapter 237: Elias—With My Blood, I Will Save All Living Beings!

Outside Mobius' laboratory, a crowd had gathered.

Everyone stared gravely at the tightly sealed doors that had been shut since half a month ago, worry heavy in their hearts.

"It's been so long already, and still not a single person has come out."

"Could something have gone wrong? Should we break in and take a look?"

"If it were just Mobius, maybe we could guess what she was up to. But Elias went in with her too—now we really have no clue."

"Feels like something big is about to happen. Sakura, your ears are the sharpest—press them against the door and see if you can hear anything inside."

Elysia, Sakura, Mei, Fu Hua, Eden, Kevin, and the others stood at the entrance, all uneasy.

Ever since Elias had entered Mobius' laboratory half a month ago, the place had gone into complete lockdown. For fifteen whole days, not a single person had come out.

And from time to time, terrifying sounds had echoed out—roars, shrieks, hysterical laughter—causing the entire base to speculate wildly about what sort of horrific experiment was being conducted inside.

Elysia's first thought had been that Mobius was testing some new impact project, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Fifteen days straight? Impossible. Absolutely impossible.

"Looks like we really do need to break the door down! Kevin, you go first!"

"Uh… can't someone else do it? If I see something I'm not supposed to and Elias kills me, I'd rather pass. Kosma, you go."

"..." (frantic head-shaking)

After much back-and-forth, Miss Pink Elf clenched her teeth and decided she would break the door down herself.

She couldn't take it anymore—she really couldn't! It had already been fifteen whole days since she last saw Elias.

Elysia felt like she was going to die of loneliness!

But just as she raised her bow and aimed at the laboratory doors—

Creaaak…

The doors opened on their own.

And then, a white-haired boy appeared, supporting a green-haired "girl," with three other people lying unconscious behind them.

"E-Elias? Mobius?!"

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

The boy's trademark white hair was disheveled beyond recognition, dark circles hung beneath his golden eyes, and the Mobius he supported looked just as worn out.

They were both haggard and in disarray, but their eyes still shone brilliantly. Shaking, Elias weakly raised his left hand—clutched within was a vial of bright red serum.

"We did it. Finally, we succeeded. Now everyone can be saved…"

"Elias, what is this serum? And what happened to you two?" Mei asked, her voice trembling.

The group was utterly stunned.

Never before had they seen Elias in such a pitiful state. His staggering steps looked like he could collapse at any moment—it was almost like an illusion.

Elysia's heart twisted painfully. She rushed forward, catching Elias in her arms, carefully taking the red serum from his hand. Her intuition told her this was something unimaginably important.

The next words that came from Elias' mouth shook everyone to their core.

"This is a mass-produced serum that can cure Honkai disease. We've developed it. The exact formula is recorded on the lab's computers. Mei, contact Vill-V and have her set up production lines immediately."

"What?! A mass-produced serum for Honkai disease?!"

It was like thunder exploding in their minds.

Honkai disease—an incurable, fatal illness. A 100% death rate. Anyone afflicted could only await their end in despair and pain.

That contracting Honkai disease meant certain death had already become common knowledge in this era. And now, that "truth" was overturned—the hope of salvation rested in Elysia's hands.

Even the ever-calm Dr. Mei found her breath quickening, her heart racing wildly. She immediately issued orders:

"Sakura! Dystopia! Guard this lab entrance. From this moment on, anyone who attempts to enter without permission—kill them on the spot!"

"Elysia, Kevin, Kosma, Hua—you must protect this serum at all costs! Especially you, Elysia, hold it steady! Remember, what you're holding right now is the lives of billions!"

"Contact Vill-V immediately! No matter what she's doing, have her stop at once and set up a production factory for the serum as fast as possible!"

"Yes!!!" ×N

Mei instantly assumed command. She knew exactly how urgent and important the situation was. A serum to cure Honkai disease—and a mass-producible one at that!

If this truly had been developed…

Then it was now the most important thing in the world!

"Elias, Mobius—you've done an incredible job!"

She looked deeply at Elias, who had already fallen fast asleep in Elysia's arms, and at Mobius, collapsed on top of him. Mei knew what came next was her responsibility.

"Notify all Fire Moth bases to be ready. Eden, we also need…"

"This is the password to my bank account. Spend it however you wish, but please—use it to deliver the hope he created into everyone's hands as quickly as possible."

Eden unhesitatingly invested everything she had, speaking with absolute gravity to Mei.

"I will." Mei nodded firmly, then quickly strode into Mobius' lab. She recorded the formula Elias had mentioned from the computer, making several hundred backups just in case.

Meanwhile, Elysia clutched the vial tightly, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. Ignoring the grime on Elias from half a month without bathing, she hugged him tightly with all her strength.

"Elias, my Elias, you really…"

She didn't know how to express her feelings at this moment. Elias had truly done it! Ever since that day they returned from the hospital, he had created a miracle in just half a month!

"Elias, Dr. Mobius—thank you, thank you both. On behalf of all Honkai disease patients, I thank you."

Su knelt on one knee before them.

For once, his eyes—usually closed—were open. Kevin had never seen Su so emotionally shaken, his body trembling uncontrollably.

But of course—it was only natural.

As a doctor, Su had seen countless people die from Honkai disease. He had wished countless times to change their fate, but no matter what he tried, he had never been able to save a single one.

But now, at this very moment—

Hope to save everyone had appeared!

Su was overjoyed to the point of tears streaming down his face.

"You don't need to thank me. The one who gave the most to create this serum… was Elias."

Mobius shook her head, not sparing Su a glance.

Those weary snake-like eyes held a tenderness never seen before, gazing solely at the sleeping white-haired boy.

"Heh… it's the first time I've seen you in such a pitiful state, my dearest little lab rat. You've really worked hard this time. So rest well. Good night, Elias."

Mobius lifted a hand, gently brushing his snowy white hair, as if caressing the most precious treasure in the world.

Though Elias now lacked his usual composure and elegance, to her he seemed more dazzling and beautiful than ever. Over the past half month, Mobius had personally witnessed the strength of his will.

After all, as a Judgment-level fusion warrior, how could she outlast a Vipralopa-class one like Elias? And yet now he had collapsed, while she remained awake.

The only reason was that Mobius, Klein, Cangxuan, and Dan Zhu had still managed to sleep a couple of times in the past two weeks. Elias, however, had not closed his eyes once.

She had witnessed his persistence.

Until the mass-produced serum was complete, Elias had not rested for a single second.

She had witnessed his ambition.

If it were only about curing Honkai disease, the serum had actually been completed five days earlier. But Elias had insisted on finding a way to save even those already transformed into zombies.

She had witnessed his sacrifice.

Elias had not only been the researcher and developer, but also the experimental material. Over these two weeks, he had nearly drained himself of blood multiple times.

If before, the main reason Mobius had fallen for Elias was his unique power and his understanding of her pursuit of the infinite, then now…

Mobius had become captivated by everything about him—especially that indomitable will and unyielding pursuit of a perfect ending. She simply couldn't bear to look away.

"Elysia, I will never give up on Elias. No matter what, he will be mine."

As her consciousness sank into slumber, Mobius declared with a breathtaking smile.

Elysia's face showed no surprise. She only hugged Elias tighter, her expression brimming with pride, devotion, and… irredeemable love and infatuation.

...

After that, Elias slept for three straight days.

When he awoke, he found himself in a Fire Moth hospital, surrounded by Elysia, Mobius, Eden, and many others.

"The serum—how is it? Has the production line been set up? What about treatment results?"

Hearing the first three questions he asked upon waking, everyone's eyes softened.

Gods, how could such a beautiful boy exist in this world?

"It's done, it's done! Vill-V burned herself out for two days straight and built the production line. The serum works wonderfully—already, many Honkai disease patients have been saved."

"Good… that's good…"

Elias let out a deep sigh of relief. After a hearty meal, he then fell into another heavy sleep for two more days, finally recovering the energy he had burned through in his half-month of sleepless effort.

Elysia willingly became his body pillow.

Eden sang countless lullabies to soothe his rest.

Sakura prepared mountains of food for him to eat whenever he woke…

At the same time, over a thousand soldiers stood guard outside the hospital.

When news spread that Elias and Mobius had successfully developed a cure for Honkai disease but had exhausted themselves to the brink, these soldiers didn't even need orders. They volunteered to protect them.

Among these soldiers were many whose own families, friends, or lovers were suffering from Honkai disease. They had already given up hope—but now Elias and Mobius had brought it back.

So now, should anyone dare disturb their rest, these soldiers would never forgive them.

Under Mei's leadership, Fire Moth's efficiency skyrocketed. By the time Elias awoke again, the mass-produced serum was already being distributed.

And Mei had also made the truth about the Honkai public.

Now, everyone in the world knew about the Honkai. Yet no widespread panic or chaos arose.

Because there was a boy named Elias.

He had given people boundless hope.

After all, even if this was a crisis to end the world—so what? A savior had already been born!

After Mei revealed his deeds, countless people across the world already saw Elias as a messiah.

Online, nearly every discussion revolved around him. The rare trolls who dared to utter even a single word of slander against him were instantly overwhelmed by online backlash and doxxing.

If Eden was the superstar of the age…

Then Elias was now the hero of the age.

His popularity had even surpassed that of the world-renowned songstress.

"Uh… waking up to find things changed so much, I almost thought I'd time-traveled."

Elias glanced sheepishly at the online comments.

"By the way, you should tell everyone to withdraw. I'm awake already—there's no need to keep guarding me."

"I'm afraid only you can say that, Elias. Otherwise, I doubt anyone could make those soldiers leave. Now open your mouth—ah~"

Elysia lifted a slice of apple to feed him. These past days she hadn't left his side for even a moment. Likewise, Sakura had stood silently nearby, guarding him like a blade-wielding sentinel.

Elias could only laugh bitterly. To outsiders, it probably looked like he was fragile as glass. But awake, wasn't he the strongest in the world? Even Kevin could be taken down with one hand now.

"Looks like I'll need to wear a hat and sunglasses whenever I go out from now on."

Elias joked. At the same time, he couldn't help but admire how brilliantly Mei had handled everything. And besides…

(With my current reputation, even if I revealed my Herrscher identity, nothing would really happen, right?)

The great achievements he had accomplished were far too many. Compared to that, the label of Herrscher was nothing—it could no longer overshadow Elias' glory.

"Forget it. Better to let sleeping dogs lie."

Elias shook his head, dismissing the idea of making such an announcement. Too many major revelations had already been made recently—it was better to give ordinary people some time to adjust.

Besides, whether he revealed it or not, it made no difference. In Elias' eyes, he was always human, and that was enough.

Mei knew he cared deeply about the situation, so she uploaded real-time progress to his terminal, allowing him to monitor freely.

At present, the serum to cure Honkai disease was already being delivered to hospitals around the world. It wasn't free, but its price was as low as a common cold treatment.

And its effect was remarkable—a single injection immediately erased the erosion of Honkai energy.

But that was only the first step.

The serum Elias and Mobius had developed in half a month, when administered at ten times the dosage, could even revert zombies back into humans!

Of course, the most important raw material—Schariac Holy Blood—did not need to be supplied by Elias himself. With cloning technology, Mobius and Mei had already managed to artificially reproduce it.

Elias wasn't surprised. If even Otto could achieve it, there was no way these two couldn't.

"Speaking of which, Mobius' reputation has flipped completely."

"If it hadn't, that would've been the real surprise."

"Haha, true enough."

Once branded a mad scientist by the scientific community, her very name a taboo—now her reputation had made a complete 180. Online, she was almost being hailed as a saint.

Incidentally, Elias kept his promise of rewards. The Cangxuan and Dan Zhu sisters were naturally taken care of, and Klein finally received a long vacation—she was still asleep even now.

"Wonderful. Everything's going smoothly."

Elias lifted his arm, and through the sunlight streaming in the window, it was as if he could see the Holy Blood flowing within.

"With my blood, I will save all living beings. Heh… feels pretty good. But… I wonder if that place has received the serum yet. Oh… of course not."

Checking the distribution records, Elias found one location had indeed been overlooked—Dusk Street.

"Emmm… I wonder how Kalpas is doing now. I'll go there myself later. Besides, it's about time I met Pardofelis and Aponia as well."

Chapter 543: Yui—I Like Kotomi, Super Like!

Lying on her bed, Yui Yuigahama saw Kotomi's reply and happily hugged her phone, rolling around on the bed while letting out joyful mmm mmm sounds.

She knew that if Kotomi found out she was this excited, Kotomi would definitely laugh at her. But right now, Yui was just really happy!

Just thinking about how Kotomi had stayed home the whole day today, just to rest up so she could go sing karaoke with her tomorrow, filled Yui with endless joy!

Yui Yuigahama hurried to her wardrobe, opened it, and began rummaging through her clothes:

"When I go see Kotomi tomorrow, what should I wear? This dress? No, it's too cold.

"This one? The color's too plain.

"This one? The colors are way too flashy. Speaking of which, I bought this back in my first year of middle school. At the time, I thought clothes with lots of colors mixed together looked really good. But now that I'm in my first year of high school, I don't think it looks nice at all—actually, it feels like a piece of my embarrassing chuunibyou history.

"Let me keep looking… Ugh, what on earth should I wear tomorrow?! If I had known, I would've bought myself a new outfit at the mall today."

Yui stared at her wardrobe, but not a single outfit felt right.

Normally, she thought she had bought more than enough clothes. But now that she was going to karaoke with Kotomi, and since she wanted to be Kotomi's girlfriend, Yui couldn't help but treat it as a date—even though she knew it was just karaoke practice.

That was why she was being extra serious in choosing her outfit. But after all that effort, she still couldn't find one she was satisfied with.

She thought back to this morning at Chiba Mall—hadn't she seen an outfit that looked really nice? If only she had bought it then, she wouldn't be worrying about what to wear to her "date" with Kotomi tomorrow.

Ding dong.

Just as Yui was stressing over her clothes, the doorbell suddenly rang downstairs. It was already evening, and since both her mom and little sister were home, she wondered—who could it be?

Yui ran down to the entrance. Looking at the video screen connected to the doorbell, she saw… a delivery man.

A delivery???

Yui's head filled with question marks. She hadn't ordered anything online lately, so why would there be a package for her?

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang again.

"Hello, is Miss Yui Yuigahama home? There's a delivery for you. Please sign here."

My delivery???

Yui put on her shoes, stepped outside, and took a look at the package. The recipient's name was indeed hers. Inside the waterproof bag was a cardboard box with a bit of weight to it, though she had no idea what it was.

"I don't remember ordering anything online…"

She muttered in confusion, then glanced at the sender: Chiba Shopping Mall?

Why would Chiba Shopping Mall send her a delivery?

Puzzled, Yui hesitated for a moment before signing her name and accepting the package. Once she had signed, the courier left.

Holding the medium-sized box, Yui thought carefully. Instead of immediately carrying it inside, she set it down at the door and went to the kitchen to grab scissors.

She came back, cut open the outer waterproof bag and the protective bubble wrap inside, and found a shoebox-style carton with a clothing store's logo printed on it.

"Isn't this from that store on the 5th floor of Chiba Mall?"

Earlier today, when she and her mom and sister were shopping, they had passed by this store. The clothes were all pricey, so they only looked from the outside without going in.

Opening the carton, Yui froze. Inside was a long white down jacket.

This was the new release she had seen before in a fashion magazine. She had loved it at first sight—especially this white version.

Originally, she had planned to save up money and hopefully buy this down jacket next winter. But after seeing the estimated price, she gave up on the idea immediately. This down jacket was really expensive.

And now, this very white down jacket had been delivered straight to her door—with her name on it as the recipient?!

"Could it be that they wrote the wrong name?"

Yui Yuigahama stood blankly at the entrance, staring at the jacket inside the box, unsure of what to do. Should she return it? After all, she hadn't paid for it.

...

After Yui signed for the package, Kotomi Izumi received a confirmation message on her phone, notifying her that Yui had already signed for the white down jacket.

"Same-city delivery is this fast? Not even a day, and it's already arrived."

Kotomi murmured to herself, then quickly picked up her phone to message Yui. If she had guessed correctly, that silly dumpling was probably staring at the box right now, wondering if it had been delivered by mistake, and even thinking about sending it back!

...

Yui's phone suddenly chimed with a new Line message. She quickly grabbed it and saw it was from Kotomi.

Like a puppy running instinctively to its owner when facing trouble, Yui had just been about to ask Kotomi what to do about suddenly receiving such an expensive down jacket. But before she could, Kotomi's message came in.

Kotomi Izumi: [Did you just receive a delivery? Inside is a long white down jacket.]

[I lied to you earlier. I didn't actually stay home all day today. This afternoon, I went to Chiba Mall alone. At first, I only went to the supermarket on the first floor to buy groceries for dinner for my parents. But since I was already there, I went up to the 5th floor to look around. When I passed by a clothing store, I saw a down jacket I really liked, so I bought one.]

[The salesgirl told me there was a promotion—buy two and get a discount. It was a really good deal, so I decided to buy two. But then I wondered, who should I give the other one to? And right away, the image of you, my little dumpling, came into my mind. Because when I saw this white down jacket in the store, I honestly felt that in this whole world, the person who suited it the best was you.]

[Both jackets have already been paid for! The discount's been used, so you're not allowed to be polite with me. Just accept it properly! If you really want to thank me, then tomorrow dress up nicely, wear this down jacket, and come see me. That way, you'll prove that my eye for fashion was right!]

[Oh, and earlier you mentioned that you went to Chiba Mall with Aunt Tomoka and little Yuka this morning. If I had known, I would've gone in the morning too. Maybe we could've had a chance encounter~]

When Yui finished reading Kotomi's messages, she was stunned again. But as the meaning sank in, an uncontrollable smile spread across her lips.

Her face flushing red, Yui squatted down, pulled the white down jacket from the box, and hugged it tightly in her arms. Her blushing cheeks pressed against it as she let out silly giggles.

"One for Kotomi, one for me… Does this mean… this is our first couple outfit?!

No, no, not yet. Kotomi and I aren't lovers yet. At least, not until our relationship officially becomes that of lovers can these two down jackets truly be considered our first couple outfit!

Mmm~ I don't want to wear it, I just want to treasure it. I want to save it until after Kotomi and I get married and have kids, then show it to them and say: Look, this was the couple outfit your mom and I wore back in our student days!

Uuu… I like Kotomi, super like! But… does Kotomi like me too?"

Yui Yuigahama: [I've received the down jacket, thank you Kotomi! I really love it!]

Seeing that Yui had already opened the package and tried on the jacket, Kotomi asked another question.

Kotomi Izumi: [Does the down jacket fit?]

Yui Yuigahama: [It fits perfectly! I just tried it on, and I'm super surprised. I never told you my clothing size, so how did you manage to buy the perfect one?]

Kotomi Izumi: [You told me your size before, didn't you? Did you forget?]

Yui Yuigahama: [Did I? Hmm… I can't remember. Maybe I did tell you, and then just forgot about it myself.]

Seeing Yui's puzzled reply, Kotomi gave a wry smile. Yui had indeed never told her the size, and she hadn't guessed either. Kotomi was terrible with numbers and would never be able to figure out someone's size by guessing. But she did have an excellent memory.

Earlier, while talking with Tomoka Yuigahama about a female protagonist's outfits, Kotomi had casually asked what Yui's clothing size was. Tomoka had answered offhandedly, and Kotomi had taken the chance to also ask about Tomoka's size.

That was when Kotomi remembered Yui's measurements.

Yui Yuigahama: [Kotomi! Should I send you a picture right now?!]

Yui was even more excited than Kotomi, just like a puppy that, upon getting a new collar, immediately circles around its owner, wagging its tail and waiting to be praised.

And Kotomi, the "owner," couldn't help but smile in quiet amusement.

Kotomi Izumi: [I'm not looking forward to you sending me a picture. Besides, since I chose this jacket for you, I've already imagined almost perfectly what you'd look like wearing it! Go to bed early. If you dare to be late tomorrow, I'll kick you hard!]

Reading Kotomi's "threat," Yui couldn't help but secretly think about deliberately being late tomorrow, then lying on the ground and letting Kotomi kick her without mercy!

Wiping away the drool at the corner of her mouth, Yui hurriedly replied: [I definitely won't be late!]

Kotomi Izumi: [Good night.]

Yui Yuigahama: [Good night!!!]

After putting down her phone, Kotomi booted up her computer. Her mouse skipped smoothly past the Word icon and headed straight for Steam. She had planned to send Kiyoko Matsumatsu a quick Line message, asking if she wanted to game together. But before she could even click on Kiyoko's avatar, her phone rang—it was a call from Haruno Yukinoshita.

"Kotomi, have you written the outlines for Volumes 2 and 3 of Sword Art Online yet?"

"…Outlines?"

Kotomi twitched her lips and opened her folders. As expected—nothing there.

"The illustrator, Hanayui-sensei, has already finished nearly all the illustrations. The publisher is about to begin the printing process. The only thing missing now is your outlines. Judging from your tone… don't tell me you still haven't written them?!!!"

Busted! Not only had she not written them, Kotomi had completely forgotten she even needed to! She had already submitted the outlines for Volumes 2 and 3 earlier…

"Of course not. I already wrote them ages ago! I just need to read through them again and see if they need revisions. Tonight, I'll send them over to you!"

Kotomi spoke with full confidence while at the same time opening a brand-new Word document.

"Really? Perfect. I'm working overtime tonight, so I'll be waiting for your outlines. Remember to send them quickly, okay?"

Why did you have to work overtime tonight of all nights?! Kotomi cursed silently, then forced a smile. "S-sure, no problem."

After hanging up, Kotomi sighed. It seemed there would be no gaming with Kiyoko Matsumatsu tonight. Writing two entire outlines wasn't much—together they wouldn't even exceed a thousand words. But from planning, to writing, to polishing, it would still take at least over an hour.

The so-called story outline isn't the formal outline an author writes for themselves and the editor. A formal outline could easily run into tens of thousands of words, and if more detailed with careful plotting, even hundreds of thousands.

The story outline, however, is what gets uploaded to the official light novel label website, online bookstore product pages, and printed on the back of the paperback volume.

Likewise, the copy on the volume's obi strip counts as a kind of story outline too, and needs to be written separately. But the word count there is much shorter, since most of the obi is used to list limited edition extras or the price.

If the series has new developments—like an anime adaptation, drama CD, or manga—those announcements are also made on the obi strip.

Of course… Kotomi hadn't written that either.

In short, the story outline is a teaser-style introduction for the volume, meant to spark readers' interest and make them eager to read the main story.

And whether for the back cover or the obi strip, Kotomi hadn't written a single word. Not even one!

"I completely forgot I needed to write the story outline. Think, think… Okay, I'll write it like this!" After quickly organizing her thoughts, Kotomi placed her hands on the keyboard and began typing the outline into the new document.

Usually, story outlines are written by the editor after reading through the manuscript.

The outline for Volume 1 of Sword Art Online was written by Haruno Yukinoshita for Kotomi, and to be fair, it was decent.

Back in university, Haruno had studied science and didn't really understand light novels. She would sit in front of her computer struggling for ages—typing ten words only to delete nine. It took her three whole days to finally finish the outline for Volume 1 of Sword Art Online.

But when Kotomi read it, she wasn't very satisfied, so she told Haruno: "Next time, I'll write the outline myself."

Some editors, when hearing this from an author, refuse—thinking, "Writing the outline is the editor's job. Don't underestimate light novel editors! How infuriating!" They'll insist on doing it themselves no matter what.

Others, though, are happy to let the author handle it, since one less outline means a lighter workload.

After all, some editors manage several light novels at once. If multiple series are scheduled to release around the same time, they could spend entire days doing nothing but writing outlines for authors—from clock-in to clock-out. And if deadlines are tight, they might even need overtime.

As for Haruno Yukinoshita—she simply wasn't good at writing. Back in elementary and middle school, her language arts teachers often summoned her parents, because whenever there was a composition assignment, Haruno was always the last to turn it in. And when she did, you could always find the original version somewhere among her classmates' essays.

A classmate wrote: "Summer arrived, and I went to the pool with my parents on the weekend." Haruno wrote: "Winter arrived, and I went skiing at the resort with my parents on the weekend."

In the middle of summer, it hadn't even rained much, let alone snowed. Where did you find a ski resort? And how did your skiing essay suddenly turn into swimming midway through?

This was Haruno's first time serving as a responsible editor, and when faced with the Volume 1 outline of Sword Art Online, she honestly didn't know what to write or how long it should be. On top of that, she was never good at writing in the first place, and worried that a bad outline might hurt the series' sales.

All she could do was keep asking her friend Ai Kagami for advice, fumbling through bit by bit until she finally produced a passable outline.

So when Kotomi said she would write the outlines herself, Haruno agreed without hesitation.

Fifty minutes later—

"Should've known better than to say I'd take on the outlines myself. If I'd asked Haruno to do it, she could've gotten some writing practice in too."

With a faint smile, Kotomi saved the outlines for Volumes 2 and 3 and sent them to Haruno Yukinoshita via email.

Chapter 631: Everyone Has a Bright Future

Bang! Bang bang!

Cold, trembling, scorching…

An indescribable chill, as though a rough file was tearing apart a frozen body.

Why is it so noisy? And why is the bed so hard? Did Shiro kick me off the bed again? Hiss… It's cold, must be Shiro—she even turned the AC down so low.

She's getting more and more outrageous. Looks like it's time I showed my authority as her onii-chan…

In thought, his hazy mind gradually cleared. Crimson eyes opened, adjusting to the light, slowly focusing. What he saw was blood and fire everywhere. On the scorched earth drifted the smell of leather and burnt flesh.

Huh?

The red, spiky-haired young man lay sprawled on the ground, blinking in confusion.

Looks like I really need to rest. Pulling all-nighters for almost a week straight… Shiro doesn't even care if her beloved onii-chan dies from exhaustion. Controlling four characters at once to PK against an entire guild… that's inhuman.

He thought silently, then closed his eyes again, instinctively turning over, reaching for the blanket, the phone… Wait?! Where's the blanket? The phone?

In that instant—hold on!

Whoosh! Realization struck. He shot up, eyes wide, scanning around.

What filled his vision were barbed wire fences crisscrossing the charred, broken ground.

From near to far—faces filled with fear and confusion, tall and robust guards clad in unknown exoskeleton armor, officers in peaked caps like those of the Imperial Guard at Tokyo's Chiyoda Palace, barbed wire, armed automatons, massive tanks, humanoid tactical weapons…

Who am I?

Where is this? Where did I come from? What just happened?

His mind trembled. Broken thoughts began to reconnect.

My name is Sora. Eighteen. The proud brother of my sister—Shiro.

This is a different world called "Disboard."

My sister Shiro and I were brought here from our home in Tokyo by an unreliable existence calling itself the God of Games.

At the request of a new friend, Stephanie Dola—the last princess who suffered—plus our own desire to make a mark in this world where everything is decided by games, we took part in this.

He and Shiro had been in Elkia's royal palace hall, participating in the so-called "next king selection" gambling tournament, preparing to defeat that guy cheating with elf magic.

And then—nothing. Sora only remembered that fighting broke out, and while running with Shiro and Stephanie, he was knocked unconscious.

But… where's Shiro?!

Cause and effect clicked together. Panic filled his expression as the red-haired young man searched frantically, his chest tightening with suffocating dread, pale fear creeping up his body.

"Shiro…"

His whole body trembled uncontrollably, his face pale, teeth chattering as though he had lost the strength to move.

Until—

"…Nii…san…" A soft, pure, trembling girl's voice.

"Nii-san… Shiro is here."

And just like that, those words melted away his despair, as if it had never been.

Sora turned with joy, and as if their hearts were connected, the girl, waking from unconsciousness, staggered to her feet.

She was a girl in a dress, her name as true as herself—Shiro. Snow-white long hair slightly messy, crimson eyes under her bangs, a frail, delicate body.

"Sis!"

Almost collapsing to the ground in devotion, Sora lunged toward his sleepy sister, clutching her tightly in his arms. "Thank goodness, you're safe!"

"Nii-san…"

A deeply touching scene of sibling reunion—but no one paid it any mind.

The Elkian human residents, resettled here by the Empire's Public Security forces, only glanced briefly at the siblings before quickly turning their eyes toward the soldiers beyond the wire, watching with unease as Imperial troops passed by in pairs and squads, restless with fear.

The Imperial garrison stationed in Elkia's postwar security zone also noticed—these so-called humans were obedient to the extreme.

Tell them to go east, they wouldn't dare go west. After the abolition of the "Ten Covenants," facing the Empire's landing forces with iron warships and artillery, they didn't even entertain the thought of resisting.

But it didn't matter. For the Imperial troops garrisoned in Elkia, this actually made things easier—no need to pick out examples to execute as warnings.

They were Imanity, not humans—much less sacred citizens of the Sacred Selene Empire, basking in the radiance of the Divine Empress.

Fine. Everything would be handled according to regulations.

Unless there was a jailbreak or riot, nothing that happened in these reconstruction camps was worth their notice. Providing them with the most basic necessities of life was enough.

"Seizing the 'Elkia National Library' counts for more collective merit than occupying the entire kingdom of Elkia and capturing all these Imanity combined… Tch, truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight."

"Well, it is a library holding over a hundred million volumes—six thousand years of Imanity's accumulation."

"Nothing we can do about it. Elkia's entire population is only a few million. Our landing forces alone outnumber this tiny foreign kingdom."

"Not to mention, they have no police or army. As for proper weapons and military equipment, forget it. Beheading these Imanity civilians for kill-count merit would only get you cursed out by the military clerks. You'd be lucky if they didn't dock your score."

"Out of curiosity, I looked into Elkia's national system. Oh, my god—they don't even have tax police. I can't fathom how this country has managed to survive. Do they just rely on game rewards, plundering from those 'Unknowns'?"

The so-called 'Unknowns' referred to the races living in Disboard outside the sixteen sentient races that signed the Ten Covenants.

"Looks like the land in this world is just too fertile. Even with such wasted production, they've avoided famine? It's very suitable as an agricultural world."

"It could also serve as a resource world, a sightseeing world. Perhaps even a composite 'garden world.' If our administrators govern this world properly, maybe next time we can even bring our families here for vacation—with discounts."

"Heh, before I die, I want to rack up more merits. Enough to buy noble titles for my worthless brats back home, a few estates and farms, and stash away some savings… If I can do that, this life will have been worth it."

"Hah, dream on. Jobs this easy aren't common… But still, let's encourage each other."

"Hahaha… to the Empire, to the Empress!"

"To the Empire, to the Empress!"

Wearing standard bulletproof armor and carrying the Gauss electromagnetic rifles issued to their corps, pairs of auxilia soldiers lit cigarettes with their fingertips as they passed through the wire-fenced corridor.

"Orders from above say the Ex-Machina are an endangered race. Any unit that captures even one will be richly rewarded…"

"Ha, don't dream. Luck like that won't come our way. We're stuck in Elkia as security garrison troops…"

The orderly footsteps and voices faded into the distance.

The siblings couldn't understand the language.

Sora and Shiro exchanged glances.

After calming their emotions from reuniting, the siblings had already begun planning how to break out of their predicament.

Sora spoke: "It's not Japanese, not English, not Chinese either."

"'Ex-Machina'… 'Ex-Machina.' The pronunciation sounds very similar to Imanity's common tongue that Stephanie mentioned." Shiro judged.

"Tenth-ranked in the hierarchy, the Ex-Machina, huh?" The spiky red-haired youth didn't doubt it. Following his sister's reasoning, he nodded in thought.

He knew all too well Shiro's ability.

As a true genius, she had spent just one night in Elkia's royal study and mastered the language of Imanity. By analyzing the grammar and phonetics used by the Empire's auxiliaries, she was already able to infer their meaning.

In order to play games without worry and research background materials, he had self-taught six languages. His sister Shiro went even further—mastering eighteen modern and ancient languages.

"Double-headed eagles, Roman columns, wolves devouring the moon, peaked caps, military coats… Shiro, I have a bad guess."

"War?"

"Yeah."

Bang bang bang!

From another fenced area came a burst of gunfire. Like wheat being cut, people inside fell in rows. "Ah—" Shiro, startled, almost screamed, but Sora quickly covered her eyes and gently stroked her head.

At the same time, his gaze darkened toward where the gunfire had sounded. A mass execution…

If it were Shiro and me, what would I do?

The corpses looked like torn, filthy rags, no part intact. Clothes and flesh fused together by heat, exposing horrifying wounds.

"This is the price of stubbornness! The Empire's authority is unquestionable!"

"This is the Empire's mercy! You alien mongrels, since this is your first offense, the ringleaders will be executed as punishment. But if it happens again, the entire group will be slain!"

When the gunfire ceased and the officer left, only a slaughterhouse remained. It was then Sora realized—the executed weren't humans.

Without exception, their bodies bore animal features.

More importantly, this time the officer hadn't spoken Imperial Common, but instead used a small device to translate into Imanity's tongue. Sora heard it clearly—"Empire."

Clatter!

At that moment—"Sora, Shiro! Thank goodness you're safe!"

Creak—

The sound of a metal gate sliding. Flowing crimson wavy short hair, pale skin, a graceful figure, an outfit of royal English style—a short dress with a white cloak.

It was Stephanie Dola.

The girl, usually as warm and bright as a sunflower, now looked dejected. Tears welled in her emerald eyes.

"Stephanie, you…"

"Elkia is gone."

She spoke heavily: "Even the name of Imanity will be erased. The Empire has no plans to grant us citizenship…"

"Because you are not qualified. Rights and obligations are inseparable. And right now, you are not even capable of fulfilling the Empire's most basic obligations of labor."

"Only by rebuilding can you stand. Citizenship—depends on your future performance."

As she spoke, a female officer in the white uniform of the Valkyrie Corps patted Stephanie's shoulder, then stepped past her, cutting straight to the point.

"Sora, Shiro, correct? I need to confirm Commander Raven's instructions. First question—where did you get these items?"

Before her words had even finished, two smartphones, two handheld game consoles (DSP), two multipurpose spare batteries, two solar chargers, multifunction power cables, and a tablet were placed before the siblings by automatons.

She spoke in Japanese.

"You understood me."

Before they could reply, the Valkyrie had already caught the subtle change in their expressions. No matter how clever, raised in a time of peace, the pressure of death made their leakage obvious.

"Tokyo natives, then. Based on the inspection of these electronic devices, their residence before coming to Disboard was Tokyo. One of the phones still has shipping invoices recorded."

"Judgment: this world is a composite. Disboard is just one we've detected. Report filed and forwarded to Legion Commander Horus and Commander Raiden Mei. Briefing uploaded to the Military Affairs network."

Efficiently adjusting her stance, the Valkyrie extended an invitation to the siblings. "Out of courtesy, we did not soul-search you. But you are not Imanity, so staying in their temporary security zone is inappropriate."

"I can help you return to your original home—but I require your assistance."

Assistance? More like invasion!

Sora screamed silently in his mind.

But refusing…

Although he had long dreamed of experiencing such a dramatic reenactment, now was clearly not the time—because this time, refusal could really mean death!!

"This was only a matter of time. There is no such thing as luck."

As though she could see straight into their hearts, the Valkyrie officer pointed at the temporary camp built upon the scorched earth of the embassy district. "If it had been the Luna Wolves, the situation would have been a hundred times worse than Elkia."

"The final chance for a peaceful change of banner… Tell me, what is your choice?"

Threats and inducements—do we really have a choice?

"Nii…san…"

His sister's call pulled Sora into the depths of painful decision.

In his home world, their parents were already gone.

His sister, unaccepted by society.

And himself, unable to accept society.

Only within the screen did they have a place to stand—that world.

Reality itself was nothing but a rotten game!

He told himself this in his heart, biting his teeth hard to stop the trembling.

Slowly, he opened his mouth—

...

"Three million?"

In the vast cubic chamber of the Eighteen-Winged Council.

Before the holographic screen formed by the Spirit Corridor formulas, Selene reclined casually upon the throne once belonging to Artosh, the God of War, and turned her head slightly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. This is the preliminary population estimate of Imanity in the Kingdom of Elkia… Excluding those enslaved or scattered among elves, werebeasts, and dwarves, this is already the highest estimate."

Azril, the eldest of the Flügel and now the perfect personal secretary, wings faintly trembling, flipped quickly through records detailing Elkia's birth, rise, and fall.

"Less than four million?"

Far too few.

Even if all were slaughtered, it would make no difference.

The front-line strength of many auxiliary corps within the Empire alone exceeded the entire population of Imanity.

Around ten million total among the sentient races… Small in number, yes, but considering their exceptional quality, it hardly mattered.

Selene looked down. At the far end of the dense violet-red cubic space, countless dazzlingly beautiful figures stood, radiating an aura of despair—because they themselves were its embodiment, weapons made to slay gods.

With Selene's arrival, Avant Heim had been fully revived, brimming with vitality once more.

Yes, only the Old Deus and holders of the Suniaster were eternal. All others had lifespans. The Flügel's very existence was sustained by formulas, and without the God of War's maintenance, their systems would eventually fail.

Thus, many Flügel remained dormant, waking only in turns.

But now that Selene had come, the Flügel saw blue skies again.

Not only did they no longer need to worry about maintenance, but their sleeping sisters were awakened, those who had killed themselves at the end of the Great War were restored, and in time, new sisters would even be created!

"Over six hundred wings…"

This was the result of Azril's desperate preservation.

At the end of the Great War, the Ex-Machina seized the chance when the Flügel were weakened, slaughtering half their race.

With twenty-one linked units, over nine thousand machines combined to analyze Artosh's "Godly Smite." Along with the elves' "Áka Si Anse," the dwarves' "E-Bomb," and the Dragonia's "Far Cry," the weakened Flügel were devastated. Not even their remains could be preserved.

"But as the seed of a new beginning, it is enough."

Selene leaned back against the vast throne, shifting to a more comfortable pose, smiling at her own masterpiece.

Her snowy hair, soft and flowing in gentle waves, drifted without wind, framing fair skin and scarlet diamond-shaped eyes. Countless angels stood below the steps, making her appear like the goddess of a heavenly kingdom.

Sacred, untouchable. Beautiful beyond compare.

Yes, this was right. The Imperial Guard and the Sisters of Silence exuded majesty, but they lacked gentleness, far too suffused with killing intent.

Look at the Flügel—the perfect image of my mercy.

"Your Majesty, please…"

Like a personal maid, Jibril lifted a porcelain teacup in her white hands, little finger lifted elegantly. Her eyes shone with devotion that said, "You are all I see."

"If this Ex-Machina reincarnates as human, little Jibril, will you continue that unfinished battle? Will you take her head and present it to me?"

Selene rubbed Jibril's ahoge with one hand, while in the other she raised an ancient, worn ring that floated quietly between her fingers. From its style, it appeared to be a woman's wedding band.

"Mm, Your Majesty's will is Jibril's will…"

At those words, Jibril's lashes fluttered. She leaned against the throne's armrest like a small beast awaiting affection, eyes shimmering with watery brilliance.

Until—"Queen! I'm here!"

"Hehe, Alyssa has good news… ahhhhhhh—!"

Chapter 561: Voluntary Surrender

This was by no means unimportant information. If it was true, then their Vampire Ninja village would inevitably be shaken to its core.

Not only would there no longer be any need to worry about succession, but even the conflict between the conservatives and reformists could be resolved.

However, Seraphim quickly reacted and did not so easily believe what Eriri had said.

"That's impossible!" Seraphim shook her head.

"The leader's death is something known by everyone in the village. Besides, if the leader isn't dead, then why hasn't he appeared for over a hundred years?"

Eriri did not answer Seraphim's question. Instead, she threw out another one.

"Do you know the exact cause of your leader's death?"

"Of course I do. Over a hundred years ago, our Vampire Ninjas fought against a certain faction, and our leader died in that battle. Everyone in our village knows about this."

"Then do you know which faction your enemy was?"

"This…"

Seraphim froze on the spot.

All along, she had only known that the leader died in a war more than a century ago, but she had never heard any detailed information about that war.

Looking at the dazed Seraphim, Eriri didn't continue speaking. Instead, she pulled Eu along and headed toward the living room.

By the time Seraphim came back to her senses, Eriri and Eu had already passed her and reached the entrance of the living room.

Without time to think, Seraphim hurriedly followed them.

Soon, the three of them arrived in the living room.

Eriri casually sat on the sofa with Eu's hand in hers, then picked up the remote control beside her and turned on the television.

Having lived here for nearly two months already, Seraphim showed no restraint and naturally sat down on the single sofa across from them.

Although the topic Eriri had just raised left her very curious, she didn't rush to speak. Instead, she quietly watched as Eriri leisurely switched channels with the remote.

Like that, several minutes quickly passed, until Seraphim finally could no longer hold herself back.

"My lady, may I ask your name?"

Though earlier, when she had first come before Eriri and Eu, she had heard Kyoko call out Eriri's name before leaving, Seraphim still wanted to confirm it herself to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Hearing her inquiry, Eriri finally put down the remote, then turned her head toward the respectfully looking Seraphim.

"Listen carefully. My name is Eriri Spencer Sawamura. Just call me Eriri."

"Understood." Seraphim nodded seriously, then continued.

"Lady Eriri, since you mentioned the cause of our leader's death, that means you must know what really happened back then. Could you please tell me what occurred more than a century ago?"

"Oh my, forget it. Even if you knew, what difference would it make? Don't you already believe your leader is dead?"

Eriri leaned back on the sofa, showing a disinterested expression.

Seraphim was left momentarily speechless, her eyes revealing a trace of grievance.

How could she not know that Eriri was teasing her? But her curiosity had already been completely piqued, and giving up now was too difficult.

After all, this was a secret from more than a hundred years ago.

Moreover, this matter was very likely tied to the leader's survival. Otherwise, Eriri wouldn't have brought it up all of a sudden.

The question of whether the leader was still alive was the most important matter for the entire Vampire Ninja clan. If he truly lived, then the clan's situation would definitely improve greatly.

So, whether it was to satisfy her own curiosity or for the sake of her people, she had to find out more.

Taking a deep breath, Seraphim stood up from the sofa and dropped to her knees before Eriri in a formal bow.

"Lady Eriri, I beg you, please tell me what happened over a hundred years ago!"

"Alright, since you're so sincere, I suppose I don't mind having a good chat with you."

"But before that, get up first."

Hearing Eriri's words, Seraphim finally let out a breath of relief and obediently rose from the ground.

Once Seraphim sat back down on the single sofa, Eriri spoke up.

"Let me ask you a question first. Have you ever heard of Villiers?"

"Villiers? What's that?"

Seraphim's face showed a blank expression. It was the first time she had ever heard the term Villiers.

"Villiers is a nation in another world. Its specialty is a group of Magiclad Girls (Masou-Shoujo) who wield various magical weapons and transform to fight."

"By the way, Kyoko is one of Villiers's Magiclad Girls."

At first, while listening to the earlier part, Seraphim's expression hadn't changed much. But when she heard Kyoko's name, her face instantly filled with shock.

She was quite familiar with Kyoko's strength, after all. In the beginning, she had suffered more than once at Kyoko's hands.

Although she didn't know why Kyoko had spared her life back then, she was certain Kyoko's power far surpassed all Vampire Ninjas.

If every Magiclad Girl from Villiers was as strong as Kyoko, then their Vampire Ninjas would be utterly powerless before Villiers.

"Could it be that this Villiers nation was the faction our Vampire Ninjas fought against more than a hundred years ago?" Seraphim asked solemnly.

"Exactly!"

Hearing Eriri's confirmation, Seraphim immediately lost hope about the leader being alive.

Facing such an overwhelmingly powerful Villiers, it was only natural that their leader had fallen in battle.

Just as she was feeling down from this "truth," Eriri's voice sounded again.

"Perhaps you don't know this, but your leader was originally a member of Villiers—and not just that, he was the creator of the Magiclad weapons."

Seraphim's eyes instantly widened in shock.

"If that's the case, then why has our village never had any rumor of Magiclad weapons?"

The Vampire Ninjas already had considerable power. If they could also wield Magiclad weapons, their strength would have increased dramatically.

"Because Magiclad weapons can only be used by those with Villiers blood. The unique magic within their bodies is the key to controlling them."

Hearing Eriri's words, Seraphim finally understood.

Though she had never heard of Villiers, she did know a bit about the origin of Vampire Ninjas.

There was a detailed record of it in the clan. Otherwise, the village would not have sent her to this city to find Eu in order to revive the leader.

Vampire Ninjas, put simply, were a race born from the fusion of Eu's blood. In a sense, they could be considered Eu's kin.

Without caring what Seraphim thought, Eriri continued speaking after a short pause.

"Over a hundred years ago, your leader joined forces with two powerful Magiclad Girls to launch a rebellion against the reigning queen of Villiers. Unfortunately, the rebellion ended in failure."

"As punishment for leading the revolt, your leader was cursed by the queen of Villiers—a curse that left him in a constant state of near-death."

"After the rebellion, your leader did not return to the village. Instead, he faked his death, concealed his identity, and went into hiding."

"So your leader has never been dead, not even once~"

After listening to Eriri's account, Seraphim's heart could not calm down.

She no longer doubted Eriri's words. Eriri had explained everything so clearly, and besides, she had no reason to deceive her.

Now that she knew the leader was still alive, the first priority was to find him and bring him back to the village.

Moreover, since he carried such a severe curse, he had to be brought back and protected in the village, and they had to seek a way to break the curse.

For the majority of Vampire Ninjas, the leader was akin to faith itself. All the more so since the head of the conservatives was his own daughter.

Although Seraphim still didn't know Eriri's true identity, both her extraordinary aura and the attitudes of Eu and Kyoko toward her made it clear that Eriri was no ordinary person.

Thus, she once again sought Eriri's help.

"Lady Eriri, do you know where our leader is now?"

"Of course I do. There's nothing in this world I don't know," Eriri replied confidently.

Seraphim's heart leapt with joy at her words. But before she could ask the leader's location, Eriri spoke again.

"However, I don't think you need to go looking for your leader. If he doesn't wish to show himself, he must have his reasons. When he decides to appear, he'll come before you on his own."

Hearing this, Seraphim fell silent. She deeply agreed with Eriri's words.

"I understand…"

After saying that, she once again fell silent, this time for nearly ten minutes.

During that time, Eriri and Eu also remained quiet, leaving only the sound of the television filling the room.

When Seraphim finally moved again, she walked straight over to Eriri.

"Lady Eriri, thank you for telling me these things. As repayment, from this day forward, I will serve by your side as a servant. I hope you won't despise me!"

As she spoke, Seraphim half-knelt in front of Eriri.

Eriri looked in mild surprise at Seraphim kneeling by her feet.

She had considered several possibilities for Seraphim's next move—perhaps leaving to return to the Vampire Ninja village, or continuing to beg her for more answers, or even staying with Eu to find a way to lift the curse.

But she had never expected Seraphim to directly pledge herself as her servant—and without any conditions at all.

Even if Seraphim had asked for the position of Vampire Ninja leader in exchange, Eriri wouldn't have been surprised.

But her astonishment only lasted a few seconds before it faded. She simply chalked it up to her own overwhelming charm.

And since this was a beautiful woman's voluntary surrender, she naturally had no reason to refuse.

"Are you serious? Think carefully. If you become mine, there'll be no chance for regret."

"Yes, I've thought it through." Seraphim looked at Eriri with complete seriousness.

"Alright then. I accept your request. From now on, you are my exclusive servant."

Eriri stretched out her right hand and gently stroked Seraphim's head.

"Since you've become mine, naturally, I won't treat you poorly."

As she spoke, Eriri deftly planted an energy seed into Seraphim's body.

It had been about half a year since she last implanted such a seed. Using this method again after so long brought back a sense of nostalgia.

"Do you feel the energy within your body? This is my reward to you. Through training, this energy will make you stronger."

Eriri wasn't worried in the slightest that Seraphim would take advantage of her and then run away.

Whether Seraphim had some hidden purpose in pledging herself didn't matter to her. She didn't bother probing her heart.

Because the moment she accepted Seraphim as her servant, their lives became forever bound together.

Hearing Eriri's words, Seraphim—who had been flustered by the sudden appearance of unknown energy within her body—quickly calmed down. Then an unexpected joy welled up inside her.

"Thank you, Lady Eriri."

In truth, Seraphim's desire to become Eriri's servant held no ill intent. It was simply gratitude—and perhaps also the pull of Eriri's charm.

Originally, she had intended to serve Eu. Now that her service was directed at Eriri instead, it wasn't such a big difference.

And now, having received such a great gift from Eriri, she felt her decision had been exceedingly wise.

"Alright, Sera, get up. From now on, you don't need to perform such unnecessary formalities."

Eriri chuckled softly, giving Seraphim's cheek a gentle pinch before withdrawing her hand.

Nodding crisply, Seraphim stood up from the floor.

As she was about to return to the single sofa, Eriri suddenly held her back.

When she turned, she saw Eriri patting the empty spot beside her.

"Come sit here~"

"Yes."

Seraphim didn't refuse Eriri's order. With a trace of excitement, she sat down right beside her.

Chapter 316: Greetings to the Tree and Sea Universe… Who Are You?!

Half an hour later—

The noisy shipgirls, Spirits, and Heroic Spirits gathered in the administrative center.

"Are we going to fight aliens?"

Several little shipgirls who hadn't gotten enough playtime in the Three-Body universe peeked out curiously.

Right now, they were hoping the Commander would find a suitable world for them to wage interstellar war.

Preferably one with a large enough enemy fleet and vast territory.

Otherwise, the photoids cannons they had just remodeled really wouldn't have anywhere to be used.

"Aliens… do Apostles and Klaxosaurs count? They aren't as strong as you imagine."

"Besides, give others a chance too. You had fun in the Three-Body universe, but the Spirits and Heroic Spirits were stuck in the capital—bored to death."

Setsuna rubbed the heads of Yukikaze and Tashkent.

"Bleh—"

The little shipgirl stuck out her tongue, acting cute.

Shwoosh—

He projected a star map before the crowd, roughly explaining the situations of the four worlds.

"These worlds aren't too difficult. All within our firing range—no, within the scope of truth."

"The Human Instrumentality Project in EVA is interesting, worth in-depth research."

"As for the Food Wars world, you can go over and have fun, exchange cooking techniques, and just bring back some chefs for me."

"…."

"Oh?!"

The Royal Navy shipgirls perked up.

Cheshire, with her cat ears twitching, rubbed her fists together:

"Food Wars? Deciding victory through cooking?"

"At Totsuki Academy, as long as your cooking is good enough you can do whatever you want?!"

"Darling, even without starships and Angeloids, I can definitely conquer them through cooking, nya!"

"?!!"

Ning Hai, Ping Hai, Ying Swei, and the other Dragon Empery shipgirls were horrified.

"I think it'd be simpler if you just conquered them with cannons?!"

"Your Starlit Reverie could even flatten Artoria. Isn't the God Tongue something that kills people if they eat it?!"

"That was then, this is now! We Royals also have delicious food!"

Cheshire argued stubbornly, attempting to defend the nonexistent reputation of Royal cuisine.

Meanwhile, the Heroic Spirits and Spirits focused their attention on Re:Zero.

"Sin Archbishops… interesting."

"Their Authorities are peculiar."

The Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops, named after the Seven Deadly Sins such as Sloth, Gluttony, and Lust, each possessed flashy and intimidating powers.

"Gluttony" could devour someone's memories and name, causing the target to lose their identity or be forgotten by everyone.

"Wrath" could share and resonate emotions within a certain range, synchronizing damage onto others.

"Greed" had abilities similar to time-stop and depositing its own heart elsewhere.

Each sounded more outrageous than the last.

Artoria and a few Spirits began to seriously consider what they would do if they encountered them.

"Hmm…"

Mio thought for a moment, tilted her head toward Setsuna, and said:

"Husband, I think they probably can't beat me?"

"Mhm."

Setsuna nodded.

Simplicity was supreme—no matter how flashy their powers were, Territory and Zaphkiel could end them instantly.

"Orbital bombardment!! Just bombard the Sin Archbishops from orbit! I refuse to believe they can resist positron lances!"

The shipgirls who subscribed to the doctrine of firepower superiority immediately raised their hands to propose.

"Give us a chance to go out and play, okay?!"

The Spirits and Heroic Spirits chirped noisily.

"Commander, let the shipgirls handle the technological worlds, and leave the magic worlds to us!!!"

...

After half a day of discussion about which world to attack next, no unified decision was reached.

Most shipgirls wanted to go to the Franxx world to fight Klaxosaurs, or to the EVA world to fight Apostles.

The Spirits and Heroic Spirits wanted to go to Re:Zero, to see what another magic world was like.

And of course, a small faction led by Cheshire of the Royal Navy wanted to stir up trouble in Food Wars under the guise of culinary exchange.

Thus, the decision was left to Setsuna.

"Commander, what is your opinion?"

Richelieu asked.

"Hmm… considering we just came back from the Three-Body universe, how about we change the flavor and go stroll around a magic world?"

"…."

Setsuna stared at the star map for a while.

He suddenly realized that, long ago, there was still one neighbor he had never interacted with.

Honkai Impact 3rd.

More precisely, the Tree and Sea Universe.

Back then, because of the need for large-scale time jumps, he decided to leave it for later.

But as for what the current situation was over there, what era it was in, he actually had no idea.

This neighbor had been nearby for so long, it stirred his curiosity.

"Let's take a look first."

Setsuna pondered for a moment.

If it was the Current Era civilization, he could just bring the fleet, dragon girls, and the Spirits to sweep through with plain attacks and settle things quickly.

As for time travel, either Grey and the Siren girls could build a super high-powered time-travel machine, or later they could go next door to find Madoka, and let Goddess Madoka settle everything.

If it was the Previous Era civilization, he could also resolve the Honkai—but the aftermath would be more troublesome.

Shwoosh—

On the star map, he selected the target.

[Honkai Impact 3rd (Pre-Space Age)]

Comparison of Strengths:

Technological Level: Like an Ant. Military Strength: Like an Ant. Economic Power: Like an Ant.

"…."

"Pre-Space Age?"

Setsuna thought about it. It could be the Current Era, or it could be the Previous Era—both explanations made sense.

He opened the communications interface.

"Hello?"

"Elysia? Kiana? Theresa?"

"Who over there is nominally the leader or protagonist?"

...

After a burst of static—

The screen displayed a tranquil valley.

A young woman dressed in traditional clothing sat quietly under a bamboo grove, seemingly in meditation.

Her outfit carried hints of both cheongsam and Taoist robes, with a white base adorned by dark cyan cloud patterns. A cloth strip was casually tied around her waist as a sash, from which hung a tassel.

Ink-like patterns traced the edges of her robes, varied in thickness like brushstrokes of a Chinese painting—elegant and dignified.

A cloud-pattern hairpin loosely gathered her long hair, which flowed down her back.

Her features were handsome, her aura ethereal, with a faint sense of aloofness—she looked just like an immortal.

"Ah??"

"Fu Hua?!?!"

Setsuna froze for a moment, instinctively blurting out her name.

"Hm?"

Fu Hua looked at the holographic interface that suddenly appeared before her with some surprise.

She had seen such advanced technology before, but it should not exist in this era.

She gazed at the man on the screen with slight confusion.

"Who are you?"

"…."

Setsuna hesitated.

He realized this was outside both the Current Era and the Previous Era—an unforeseen timeline altogether.

"What year is it now?!"

"..."

Regarding the Honkai world's timeline, Setsuna had envisioned many possibilities.

It might have been around the year 2000 in the Current Era civilization, or perhaps fifty thousand years ago during the Previous Era.

What he had never expected was this—an unforeseen timeline.

"Saga of the Shattered Swords?!"

He looked in surprise at the Immortal Fu Hua before him.

"Does the Ming Empire still exist?!"

"???"

Fu Hua stared at Setsuna, utterly confused.

She had seen many holographic projections before, but the image before her was not of any familiar MANTIS or previous civilization figure.

It was a completely unfamiliar man.

Setsuna, dressed in casual attire back at the base, reminded her of people from the Previous Era.

As an Immortal, her temperament was calm and detached—unlike others, she did not panic at suddenly receiving a cross-world communication.

She frowned slightly, stood up, and looked toward Setsuna.

"Who are you?"

Her voice was cool, though one hand unconsciously pressed against her waist weapon, ready to respond to any sudden changes.

"Hmm…"

Setsuna thought briefly, then replied succinctly:

"This is the Starsea Empire. We come from another universe."

"I thought I'd see Elysia or Kiana… but it's you, Hua."

"?!"

Her true name being spoken aloud, Fu Hua's composure faltered.

The sheer amount of information in his two sentences briefly unsettled her, though she usually kept emotions hidden.

"Starsea Empire? Another universe? What are you talking about?"

"How do you know Elysia's and my names?"

"…And who is Kiana?"

She frowned, her tone calm, yet the questions came one after another.

"…Step back. I'll come to you."

Setsuna spoke.

"What?"

In the next instant—

Shwoosh—

A space-time passage suddenly tore open above.

A small spacecraft emerged from the void—one of the smallest escort-class vessels of the Starsea Empire.

Even so, it nearly overshadowed the entirety of Mount Taixuan.

"Space being torn apart?"

"A starship?!"

Fu Hua's pupils trembled violently. Once again she beheld something that did not belong to this era.

Hum—

As the vessel slowly descended, Setsuna stepped out with several companions.

With a flick of his hand, the shuttlecraft was retracted into ship equipment.

The Eternal Snowfall carried countless small spacecraft within its hangar; whatever was needed could be projected at will.

"Oh? So this is Mount Taixuan?"

Setsuna glanced around.

The place carried the air of a hidden cultivation sect from xianxia novels.

Serene environment, scarcely populated.

Amid clouds and mist, faint outlines of a distant small city could be seen.

For ordinary mortals, reaching Mount Taixuan would indeed require effort.

The shipgirls curiously observed this new world.

After being accustomed to the towering skyscrapers of the Starsea Empire, they now felt a sense of returning to simplicity.

"Yo, Fu Hua—or rather, should I call you Jingwei now?"

"Immortal Phoenix, greetings."

Setsuna greeted her with a smile.

"..."

After experiencing in succession: cross-world communication, a space rupture, aliens descending from a starship—

Fu Hua felt a headache coming on.

She watched Setsuna and the shipgirls stepping out of the spacecraft with vigilance.

The strangers carried no hostility, and even seemed overly familiar, already knowing her information.

But their aura was unfamiliar, not belonging to this world.

"Who exactly are you?"

"Where did you come from? And what is that starship?"

...

Half an hour later—

Inside a bamboo chamber on Mount Taixuan.

Setsuna and Fu Hua sat opposite each other.

Before her, he opened a holographic display, marking both the Starsea Empire and this universe's location.

"We are the Starsea Empire, from another place within the great multiverse."

"We've been neighbors for a long time, but only recently thought to make contact."

"Neighbors?"

Fu Hua stared at the star map, finding his explanation rather peculiar.

"Commander, this isn't the same as you described before?"

"Didn't you say there were Valkyries and Herrschers before? Why is there only one cultivator lady here?"

Yukikaze peeked out and asked.

"…."

Setsuna thought for a moment, then decided to first explain things to his own people.

Simply put, this world contained a unique concept—Honkai.

Honkai was a periodic natural disaster, and at the same time a cyclical rhythm of the universe's adjustment.

Its outbreaks were irregular, unpredictable in form—wars, plagues, climate catastrophes, comet impacts, even the descent of colossal beings were all possible manifestations.

When Honkai erupted, it released a highly efficient yet dangerous energy—Honkai Energy. And after each great eruption, a Herrscher would be born.

The Herrschers' purpose was to execute the will of Honkai, carrying an intense urge to destroy existing civilization.

Fifty thousand years ago—

The humans of the Previous Era had already begun fighting against Honkai, exhausting every means at their disposal. Ultimately, they were no match for the Final Herrscher. Surface civilization was utterly annihilated.

At the brink of destruction, Fire Moth initiated the Sanctuary Plan, sinking all shelters deep underground to evade the Herrscher's gaze…

The surviving warriors retreated to Earth, entering deep underground shelters, beginning cryosleep…

Fu Hua was one of them.

Fifty thousand years later—

The era of the new civilization began. Hua was entrusted with passing down knowledge and culture to the next generation, known as the "Project EMBER." She chose to settle in Shenzhou, changing her name to Jingwei.

Her responsibility was to guard the land of Shenzhou with the strength of an Immortal, ensuring protection against the threat of Honkai.

From the dawn of civilization, through countless dynasties, she had fought bloody battles against Honkai beasts, safeguarding Shenzhou's peace.

She had once guided tribal civilization's development, and even fought shoulder to shoulder with the armies of the Tang dynasty.

At present, it was the Ming dynasty era.

She had established a sect on Mount Taixuan, selecting gifted youths as disciples, together defending Shenzhou's peace.

The imperial court of the Ming Empire had conferred upon Jingwei the title of "Immortal Phoenix." Each new emperor, upon ascending the throne, would go to Mount Taixuan to pay her respects, showing her extraordinary status.

"Ohh…"

The Honkai timeline and story were far too complex to be explained in just a few words.

Setsuna only briefly explained the worldview of this world, what had generally happened in the Previous Era, and the origins of the Immortal Phoenix before them.

The shipgirls, dragon girls, and Spirits listened in a daze.

When they looked at Jingwei again, their eyes carried an additional layer of reverence.

It was hard to imagine that this beautiful "Immortal" before them had lived through more than fifty-four thousand years.

She had personally witnessed the fall of the Previous Era, and countless separations of life and death.

To guard Shenzhou and fight Honkai, she endured betrayal and isolation, yet still pressed forward alone.

—To avoid forming unnecessary attachments, Fu Hua had long since ceased to draw close to mortals.

Even with the few disciples she accepted, the relationship remained only master and student.

"Wow, so that means Jingwei-granny is even older than Sister Tohru? She's over fifty thousand years old?!"

Yukikaze's ears twitched.

"Jingwei… granny?!"

Even with Fu Hua's serene mind, hearing a little loli call her granny almost made her lose composure.

Tohru nodded as well.

"Yes, she's over three thousand years older than me. Hmm, in my world, I've never met a human this long-lived."

"?"

Fu Hua didn't quite understand—why was it that she and the dragon girl were both around fifty thousand years old, yet one was called "sister" while she was called "granny"?

What puzzled her even more was another matter:

"Why do you know so much about the Previous Era, and about my identity?!"

Chapter 315: The Star Rail Universe Falls from the Imaginary Tree

Not only was Robin dumbfounded, but even the high-ranking figures of the major powers who had been scheming for the Aeon's legacy were left stunned.

However, the Emanators were the first to react.

"The power of the Path of Elation… those Masked Fools."

"I had heard there was an Emanator of Elation in Penacony, but I didn't expect she had been preparing all along. Truly worthy of those people who appear everywhere."

"After all, they are Masked Fools. Wherever trouble can be stirred, they will appear. In Penacony as it stands now, they must be eagerly at work."

"Yet even Masked Fools, when faced with mortal peril, always prioritize saving their own lives. Only in such times do they act seriously. For instance, in the Swarm Disaster of history, they too contributed considerable effort."

"Since the Emanator of Elation has already acted, let us simply watch."

The leaders of the major forces communicated through their channels, when suddenly an audio broadcast cut into their transmission.

"Hello～ dear VIP audience～ welcome to Sparkle's grand stage play! Hehehe～ how is it? Surprised and delighted, aren't you～"

"To hear Lady Sparkle's narration is a privilege for you VIP viewers～"

"Now, please direct your eyes here! This is the most spectacular Aeon-ascension ceremony in universal history, hahaha～"

"Let us welcome our next winner of the great Order Aeon Award—Miss Robin～"

"Now, Miss Robin will betray Harmony for the sake of all, and establish her own banner～"

As a proto-Aeon at the level of cosmic structure, there was little left in the universe beyond her ability to toy with.

The moment Sparkle's words fell, stirring music resounded across the Penacony Galaxy—the very songs of Robin herself.

At this instant, every being of the Penacony Galaxy turned toward the interstellar broadcast. Oppressed and downtrodden, they poured all their emotions into the single hope shining upon the screen.

Oooohhhhhh—

Having long been submerged in despair, suddenly beholding hope drove the ordinary people utterly mad.

[Hehehe～ audiences, cry out loudly for the arrival of the new Aeon of Order—our only hope!]

Sparkle's voice echoed across all the live broadcasts. Already driven insane by the atmosphere, the audiences screamed with all their might for Robin and for Order.

Even Aha's mask could not help but marvel at the sight. To unite an entire galaxy in such fervor, to forge the collective will of all its lives—this was something even he had never accomplished.

"Ahahaha! As expected of Lady Sparkle! This time, Aha truly admires you."

As an Aeon, he could feel the resonance of this unified will with the universe itself. Power was descending from beyond the cosmos—from the Imaginary Tree.

He knew clearly what this power was.

It was the very power that had descended when he himself became an Aeon.

But this time, it belonged to Order.

"She's really about to become an Aeon… how remarkable!"

"Aha is so thrilled I could break into dance, ahahahaha!"

Such unification of an entire galaxy's will had happened before in the universe.

That was when the Aeon of Propagation was born, amid the swarm consciousness of countless insects.

The people of the Star Rail Universe did not realize that this was none other than Alaya's Will.

In the original timeline, the Dreammaster and Sunday had attempted to reawaken Ena. Even gathering only the unified will of a fraction of dreamers, they had nearly succeeded in calling back their remnant consciousness.

How much more so now, with the hopes of an entire galaxy?

Of course, more than ninety-nine percent of those in this galaxy would be filtered away—proof of the desperate will to survive, even among the wicked.

Together, they were driving Robin to become the savior who would bear the mantle of the sinner.

Buzzzzz～

Suspended in the skies of Penacony, the legacy of Order burst into radiant brilliance, unleashing the power to establish every law.

The operation of the entire galaxy was rewritten in an instant.

The Aeon of Order, Ena, as one of the oldest Aeons, had originally set the cosmic order of operation—the very celestial mechanics still governing the cosmos today—and once harmonized the stars to bring peaceful light to all.

The Emanators directly felt that overwhelming, unreasonable power.

Diamond exclaimed in excitement: "The legacy of Order has been activated! What incredible power—this is truly the power of an Aeon!"

"Although that Masked Fool may have exaggerated, saying Robin would become an Aeon, the Aeonic force within this legacy cannot be faked."

Louis Fleming nodded. "Indeed. With such power, it is absolutely possible to resist those beast tides and survive this universal catastrophe."

...

As the frenzied shouts of the entire galaxy roared, a radiant road of light extended downward from the legacy of Order, landing at Robin's feet.

This scene drove the frenzied crowd into even greater madness.

Robin bit her lip as she watched these already distorted, frenzied faces.

At this moment, it felt as though she stood in Hell itself, with countless evil spirits cheering as she reached for the sun in the heavens.

...

Robin took a deep breath and stepped onto the path of light. In that instant, the Path of Harmony upon her body shattered completely, and she arrived before a glowing sphere radiating gentle light.

She froze for a moment, before the next instant a torrent of vast information surged into her mind.

Before she could react, the sphere of light sank directly into her chest.

Buzz—

In that instant, a radiance erupted from the Penacony Galaxy, illuminating the entire universe.

This light transcended the laws of causality. No matter how distant—even at the edge of the universe—it could be clearly seen.

...

At the same time, endless Laws poured down into the Star Rail Universe from the Imaginary Tree.

The number of Laws descending into the Star Rail Universe had already exceeded seven thousand, nearly reaching the upper limit of Laws that the Imaginary Tree itself could generate.

At that moment, the Imaginary Tree suddenly halted the flow of Laws.

Despite absorbing such an immense number of Laws, the Star Rail Universe displayed no growth whatsoever. The judgment mechanism of the Imaginary Tree rendered its final verdict.

This universe had already reached its end. It possessed no potential for growth—only an unrestrained, degenerative consumption. A distorted cosmos.

Buzz—

At the very moment of judgment, the Star Rail Universe was severed by an inexplicable force, slowly being pruned away from the branches of the Imaginary Tree.

Rumble—

A tremor from the void reverberated throughout the entire Star Rail Universe. The endless flow of energies and Laws from the Imaginary Tree was suddenly severed—like the umbilical cord of a fetus being cut.

The instant the Star Rail Universe was pruned from the Imaginary Tree, the cosmos instinctively radiated messages of grief, despair, and pleas for help, spreading throughout the vast Tree and Sea.

Yet such cries were utterly meaningless to the Tree and Sea.

The moment a universe was severed from the Imaginary Tree, it transformed from open to closed, beginning an internal cycle of self-sustenance.

Although a universe could still absorb certain nourishment from external sources, for a mature universe this supply was far outweighed by its vast demand.

The universe sealed its interior, and its crystal wall transformed into an endless Möbius loop of circulation.

This meant that within the universe, unless one reached the level of a single-universe entity, no lifeform could break free of the loop to leave it.

This was the universe's form of self-preservation. Yet once it fell into the Sea of Quanta, it would also face corrosion.

So it was with Teyvat once before. But the Star Rail Universe, being a great universe, even after falling into the Sea of Quanta, would endure so long as its internal cycle remained intact—at least for tens of billions of years, no different from a normal great universe with infinite endurance.

After all, unless a single-universe level or higher being deliberately destroyed it, a great universe could only extinguish itself.

Regrettably, the Imaginary Tree never infused Truth into universes. Otherwise, even severed, a universe could achieve eternity.

From the Teyvat main universe, one could look toward the Imaginary Tree and see a bright star falling from its branches, slowly descending toward the Sea of Quanta.

Though its descent seemed slow, in truth each second spanned the scale of an entire universe. Yet in the vast, weak-multiversal Tree and Sea, the Star Rail Universe would still require at least ten thousand years to fully fall into the Sea of Quanta.

Noah walked upon the cosmic barrier of the Teyvat main universe.

Each step he took sent ripples through the starlit blackness beneath his feet, as though upon water.

He lifted his gaze toward the falling Star Rail Universe, a colossal prismatic halo slowly revolving behind him.

The mass of this halo already outweighed the combined mass of the entire Teyvat Universe many tens of times over. Thousands of layers of radiance from Laws spread outward from him, flooding the entire Teyvat Universe.

At present, the Teyvat Universe already possessed a strong single-universe main cosmos, and dozens of primordial universes forged from cosmologies, each at weak single-universe level.

Beyond these, the Endless Planes within the Dimensional Gap encircling the main universe and all primordial universes together already amounted to the mass of ten single-universe equivalents.

If one dispersed the mists shrouding the Teyvat Universe, one would behold a violet sphere enclosing its structure: at the center, the main universe, and around it, two outer rings of primordial universes, each one-fifth its size.

Though they appeared separate, they were in truth inseparable from the main universe, forming one body.

Surrounding these were countless motes of starlight—each one a plane on the scale of a galaxy or greater. Among them were even thousands of small universes spanning hundreds of thousands of galaxies. Not to mention the innumerable medium and minor planes without starlight.

By scale alone, Teyvat had already reached super single-universe.

But the measure of a super single-universe was not merely scale—it was mass, and the sublimation of Rules into Laws.

A block of tofu one meter wide and a block of steel one meter wide—how could they be the same?

To sublimate Rules into Laws required the weight of Truth to reach super single-universe level.

At present, Teyvat's Truth had only reached strong single-universe, still far from super single-universe—the difference of a lake to an ocean.

Normally, that was how it should be. But Noah was far from normal.

He did the opposite—directly devouring the Laws of a weak multiverse-scale world, then using those Laws to nourish his Truth in reverse, forcing its rapid growth toward super single-universe.

...

"How swift… Teyvat had only just ascended to strong single-universe, and already it steps toward super single-universe."

Noah's lips curved upward as he gazed upon the falling Star Rail Universe.

"O universe, wait for your civilization… perhaps such a thing can only happen here, in Teyvat."

"No need to rush Teyvat into ascending to super single-universe just yet. First, I will draw the Star Rail Universe over and devour it."

Noah's golden eyes flared brightly. Behind him, the halo of over seven thousand Laws erupted with power.

[Power of Beginning Without End]

[I think, therefore I am]

Noah's Super-Primeval power burst forth at full strength.

The concealing mist shrouding Teyvat, which had hidden it from observation, dissipated. The entire universe now shone with a brilliance too dazzling to behold.

It illuminated half the Tree and Sea itself, and at that instant, the other universes within the Tree and Sea could observe it.

From the Teyvat Universe, the radiant light stretched outward into a luminous path directed toward the Star Rail Universe.

And the already-falling Star Rail Universe responded with a faint glow of its own, forming a light-thread stretching back toward Teyvat's path.

As though father and child, separated across distance, reaching out their hands to one another.

"This is the first time I have unleashed the Power of Beginning Without End at full force. As expected, a mere universe—once I leave even the slightest imprint, drawing it to me is effortless."

By now, he had become a true super single-universe entity, and among them, one ranked at the higher tier.

For in the infinite superdimensions, super single-universe beings were uncontested absolute powers.

The existence of a super single-universe entity was itself a Super-Primeval God—capable of casually destroying uncountable great universes, or just as easily creating uncountable great universes.

Though such universes lacked Truth, being mere ordinary great universes, their display of power was unaffected.

"So then… what exactly is the Great Will of the Tree and Sea thinking?"

For once, Noah was puzzled.

He was now openly devouring worlds. Even a blind fool would recognize the disturbance. Yet the Great Will of the Tree and Sea remained utterly silent.

Chapter 40: The Aerial Garden of Vanity

This evening—the heavy rain that had lasted the entire night had finally ceased, and the sky once more revealed a clear and tranquil scene.

At this moment, Darnic held a set of documents in hand, reporting the gathered intelligence to the Grand Prince seated before him.

"As I mentioned earlier… large numbers of ancient relics and antiques from dismantled ruins have been transported into the country."

The Grand Prince swirled the red wine in his goblet, his brows faintly furrowed as he stared into its depths.

"…The Red Faction, then?" he asked.

Darnic nodded.

"Most likely materials for Caster's workshop."

"Hmph…"

Upon hearing this, the Grand Prince leaned back against his chair with a mocking laugh.

"So, their movements are faster than we expected. If they intend to attack us…"

He lifted his glass before his eyes, the twilight at the window dyeing the wine with a golden glow. His dark-golden eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement.

"…then will it be tonight?"

"!"

Darnic was visibly startled for an instant—but the Grand Prince did not miss it. Seeing his Master's reaction, the Servant merely let out a light chuckle.

"Heh… war is just like that, Darnic."

"Which means, our time is limited. Our opponents will not sit idly by; they may already possess some means to counter us."

At these words, Darnic suddenly understood. He lowered his head slightly and bowed.

"I will begin preparations at once, my lord."

"Ah… of course, preparations must be made. However…"

The Grand Prince paused, turning his face to the side for a moment.

"My lord?" Darnic asked, puzzled.

"How fares Saber's Master? Was she not gravely injured yesterday?"

"Yes, but according to Saber herself and her Master today, her injuries are no longer serious. She can still fight for the Black Faction. Moreover, in yesterday's battle, Saber managed to sever one of Kairi Sisigou's arms. I imagine the Red Faction's Saber will behave herself for some time."

Darnic promptly relayed the information.

"Oh? Truly worthy of our Black Saber. Her martial skill is superb, and her Master is likewise exceptional. Together, they have rendered great service."

The Grand Prince smiled approvingly and took a sip of wine.

"Indeed… Fiore is a genius in both spirit mechanics and artificial engineering. However, as a proper magus, she is still somewhat immature. This time, appointing her as Saber's Master was also meant as a test."

Darnic bowed slightly as he replied.

"No one is proficient from the start; all must grow step by step. As long as she has the will, that is enough."

The Grand Prince waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned with such trifles.

"I shall confirm again with Fiore whether she can continue in the Holy Grail War. Then, my lord, I take my leave."

With polite words, Darnic informed the Grand Prince, then turned to leave the chamber.

...

Meanwhile… deep within the forest on the outskirts of Sighișoara, there stood a vast castle-like structure hidden under a powerful barrier.

This was Assassin—Semiramis' mage workshop. By now, nearly all of the Red Faction, save for Saber Mordred, had gathered here to prepare for the next decisive plan.

Clack!

At Shirou's command, the Red Lancer—Karna—pushed open the great doors and stepped inside. The vast hall spread before him, metallic in hue and adorned with thorn-like ornaments.

At its center stood a throne entwined with brambles. Seated upon it was the mistress of the workshop, the Empress Semiramis, with her Master, Shirou Kotomine, at her side.

Nearby, Rider and Archer lounged in casual repose—Rider lying sideways upon the floor with his head propped up, while Archer leaned against the wall with arms crossed, eyes closed in meditation.

Karna showed no expression at the sight, striding with heavy steps down the central path past the two of them, until he reached the space just before the throne. The scrape of his armor against the metallic floor rang crisply, echoing through the vast chamber.

"Lancer, forgive me for summoning you here so suddenly," Shirou greeted him, his usual calm smile unchanged, his tone polite.

"It matters not. Are the preparations complete?"

Clearly aware of the plan soon to unfold, Karna did not waste words, asking straightforwardly.

Shirou smiled softly and nodded.

"Yes… the last one is about to arrive."

Clack!

As if to prove his words, the doors were pushed open once more. The Red Faction's Caster—Shakespeare—strode in, wearing a self-satisfied, infuriating grin. All eyes in the room turned toward him.

"Sigh…"

The Empress caught sight of him and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Ah, ah! Like the depths of Hell! Like the pitch of Night! Such beauty I see in you, radiating brilliance beyond compare!"

Speaking in his usual flamboyant cadence, Shakespeare bowed theatrically before the throne.

"…Am I supposed to take that as directed at me?" the Empress asked, not even bothering to look directly at him.

"Who else but you, O Empress of Assyria!"

With those words, Shakespeare twirled in a dramatic spin like a stage performer.

"Caster… do not forget that this is the Holy Grail War."

"Of course I haven't forgotten~! Since we've all been gathered here, surely it must be time for a most spectacular opening performance, yes?"

At that, the others grew serious, their gazes turning toward the hosts of this gathering—the Empress and Shirou.

"And so, I shall watch with admiration as each of you gives your most splendid performance!"

Such shameless words…

"Are you implying you will not fight?" the Empress frowned, her tone displeased.

"Indeed! I am truly poor at combat and combat thaumaturgy… how embarrassing! But surely, everyone has their weaknesses, do they not?"

Scratching his head awkwardly, Shakespeare offered another smug grin. If she could, the Empress would have cut him down where he stood!

"—Enough. Everyone is gathered now, yes? Even if Saber is absent, it hardly matters. That one's Master had his arm severed by the Black Saber—his own fault."

The Empress dismissed Shakespeare's nonsense and went straight to the main point.

Karna closed his eyes lightly at those words, the faintest trace of a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"With preparations complete, the time has come to march forth. Since this rare Holy Grail War is before us… should we not play on a grand scale?"

The Empress chuckled slyly, like a fox.

"Oh? You even went as far as to construct a castle. Do you intend to hole up inside and defend it?" Rider asked casually, knocking against the iron walls of the hall with his fist.

"Defend? Hmph… ridiculous."

The Empress scoffed dismissively, then placed her hand upon the jewel embedded in the armrest of her throne.

Hummmm—

BOOOOM!!

Suddenly, the ground trembled violently! After several seconds, the shaking gradually subsided.

"Oi… what happened just now?!" Rider asked in alarm.

"See for yourselves~" the Empress replied with amusement.

At her words, everyone except her and Shirou rushed to the balcony.

"Wha—!" ×2

Rider and Archer were struck speechless. Lancer remained calm as ever, while Caster gazed in delight.

The fortress had lifted into the sky, floating like a vast airship. Below them, the city sprawled helplessly like an anthill beneath their feet!

"The Aerial Garden of Vanity—Hanging Gardens of Babylon. My Noble Phantasm."

The Empress joined Shirou at the balcony, proudly introducing her trump card.

"Truly worthy of its name…" Shirou smiled in approval, praising the Assassin beside him.

"Mm~! But of course," the Empress preened at his compliment.

The Noble Phantasm of Semiramis, the Empress of Assyria—Hanging Gardens of Babylon. A floating fortress, both offensive and defensive in nature. It could not be materialized by mana alone, but required specific materials painstakingly gathered in advance.

It was called "Vanity" because she had never truly built such a fortress—until now, it had existed only in her imagination. But now, that fantasy had become reality, their decisive weapon to secure victory for the Red Faction!

And the fortress's target now was none other than the Fortress of Millennia—the Black Faction's domain!

Chapter 39: Promising the Dream of Subjects

A fierce flash of lightning cut across the sky… illuminating her face.

[Wherever lightning flashes, a shadow will be cast.]

Standing behind that person… she gripped the naginata in her hands, becoming the shadow of that bolt of lightning.

[I am Shadow.]

Behind her were thousands upon thousands of soldiers, raising high the banner marked with the Tomoe crest, trampling all obstacles in their march. Dust surged upward with the thunder of their footsteps, their might as awe-inspiring as Tenshukaku looming behind them.

[With 'Musou,' I would purge all that obstructs Inazuma's path.]

Before her was the giant serpent that invaded their lands—she cut it down without hesitation!

Above was the thunderbird that destroyed civilizations—she pierced it without regret!

Around her were the demons and fiends that brought endless suffering to the people—she struck them down mercilessly!

[Yet… with every step forward, something was lost…]

—Musou.

[He left.]

—Munen.

[She vanished.]

—Eternity.

[…She too… was gone.]

They all left her, until only her solitary figure remained beneath the cherry blossoms.

[In the end… even 'she' was lost.]

A single tear slid down her cheek, falling into the clear pool beneath the bridge, shattering the reflection of her face.

[Those deeds are still whispered beneath every thunder sakura tree.]

A shrine maiden with hair like cherry blossoms stood before the shrine, gazing with a complicated expression at the blooming tree radiating violet lightning.

[Yet the scars of those 'losses' remain, burning upon this nation.]

Beneath the sakura tree that concealed countless wandering souls, a kimono-adorned woman with an umbrella rose slightly, turning back to look at her with gentle eyes.

['Then pursue it, even if only a fleeting light. At the very least, we still have "this moment."' She once said this to me.]

[Until… she collapsed in my arms, her breath fading away.]

Holding the woman's body, tears flowed—tears that had never fallen even when she lost her dearest comrades. In that instant, her heart was utterly shattered.

[Life is too small, too fragile. Even gods are no exception. 'Erosion' is the enemy of us all.]

[They… took her from me.]

Watching as the woman slowly closed her eyes, a violent hatred surged within her heart.

Filled with rage, she seized the hilt left behind, and struck down the nation that sought to reach higher than the world itself!

[I witnessed that nation, running with all its might, lose everything before Celestia and the gods.]

Her fury had long since turned to dust. There was no joy in vengeance fulfilled—only emptiness, and… solitude. She turned her eyes back to the woman's body lying lifeless upon the ground.

[The thunder's might is but a fleeting flash. Perhaps only by halting time itself can lightning endure.]

The gears of time spun ceaselessly. She took up her blade and wedged it into the gaps between the grinding wheels!

['This moment' is fragile illusion. Only 'Eternity' lies closest to Celestia's order.]

Upon the dais lay a body resembling her own—a puppet vessel. She gently touched its cheek with the back of her hand, as if sensing some hidden possibility.

['She' entrusted her authority to me before her passing, along with her final fragment of lightning.]

Gazing at the entrusted hope in her hands, she looked once more toward the puppet.

['Ei… after I am gone, do not sink into grief. Let her accompany you. Protect her well—she is the only hope we leave behind.']

'Her' words lingered still within her heart… perhaps this was Inazuma's future.

She placed that fragile soul—so delicate it seemed it might shatter at a touch—into the puppet's core.

When the puppet opened its eyes, a rush of unbearable sorrow welled within her. Yet as she gazed at this newborn form so like her own, she revealed a smile long absent, tears slipping down her cheeks in quiet joy.

That bolt of lightning had brought new life. And thus—

The most perfect version of her was born.

The newly awakened Raiden Shogun sat serenely before her, listening to all that had been—about her, about 'her,' about them all. The future of Inazuma, painted with dazzling hues.

"Abandoning the flesh means no return. Do you truly not regret this?"

She asked.

[No. Your existence is my answer.]

She handed the hilt into the other's hands, letting herself fade into it, returning to the Pure Land of One Heart. Watching the back that succeeded her… she sank into meditation with peace.

[Now, I am no longer Shadow.]

"This body is the exalted vessel, destined to hold dominion over the world."

At this moment, she stood at the pinnacle of Tenshukaku, gazing down upon all the people of Inazuma… and upon the Statue of the Omnipresent God.

"In the name of the Shogun, this vessel grants her people a dream—an Eternity unchanging through countless generations."

...

Slowly opening her drowsy eyes, Fiore lay dazed in bed for a while. She instinctively tried to roll over lazily, but the pain at her back reminded her instantly of all that had happened yesterday.

"Mm…"

She winced softly, abandoning the thought of turning over, and remained lying on her back.

Through the gap in the curtains, faint light filtered in—it was already morning. But the sky remained dim, as though the storm had yet to end.

"Haa…"

She had slept long, breathing deeply as she exhaled. Her hand lifted to her forehead as her mind drifted back to the dream she had just seen.

The dream… of the Shogun.

It had been vivid, almost as if she herself had lived through it. Her heart was still unsettled, and to her surprise, tears had slipped unbidden from the corners of her eyes.

She had heard that Masters occasionally dreamed of their Servants' pasts and histories. Now she believed it. This dream must have been the Shogun's story.

Eternity… The Shogun's Eternity… what did it truly mean?

Even with those dreamt memories, she could not fully grasp it. But now she knew the Shogun's true nature—that the Shogun was a puppet.

At that thought, Fiore smiled faintly. At last, she could understand her, even if just a little. A god's puppet… somehow, she found the thought oddly endearing.

Yet she would not tell the Shogun outright. Such things were surely private, perhaps things she did not wish others to know. Fiore was not one to pry—she feared she might only upset her.

"You're awake?"

Hearing a faint stir, the Shogun, kneeling properly upon the carpet beside the bed, slowly opened her violet eyes.

"Ah—! Sh-Shogun…"

Fiore jumped in surprise—she had not even realized someone had been there.

"Why are you so startled? You fell asleep halfway through my story last night. I chose not to disturb you, and remained seated here in silence."

"I-I see… I'm sorry…"

Fiore apologized awkwardly.

"It is nothing. Sleep is difficult to resist, especially when you were wounded yesterday."

The Shogun shook her head.

"Shogun, you…"

"This vessel has no need of sleep."

As if anticipating her question, the Shogun answered calmly. It did not mean she lacked the function—she could rest if she willed it. But there was no necessity. Time was better spent in meditation, or handling the countless affairs of Inazuma.

"Will you not rise?"

She asked.

"I… mm~ I still want to lie here a little longer."

Fiore yawned, curling back into her blanket, showing only half her face, her voice soft with drowsy sweetness.

The Shogun looked into those clear blue eyes and sighed faintly.

"Lingering in bed in the morning is a poor habit. But… given your condition, I will make an exception."

With that, she closed her eyes again and returned to meditation.

"Uh-hehe…"

Fiore chuckled sheepishly. Then, she noticed something odd. Touching herself, she realized she was now dressed in a nightgown. Yet she remembered falling asleep in her soiled clothes.

Her gaze darted to the bedside. Her clothes, damp and dirty from yesterday's rain, were neatly folded there.

"Your clothes—I removed them for you. They were soaked through. Sleeping in them would have harmed your rest."

The Shogun's voice answered her thoughts calmly, without even opening her eyes.

"Eh? Then… this nightdress…"

"I changed you into it. Catching a chill in the night is another hazard to sleep."

Her tone was matter-of-fact, perfectly reasonable. But Fiore could only smile bitterly, her face heating until she felt it might burst into flame. Had the Shogun seen all of her body by now?

Though a part of her felt happy… she could not help but blush furiously!

"Was it… unnecessary of me?"

The Shogun opened her eyes, noting her reaction, and asked with puzzlement.

"N-no, not at all… you helped me greatly, truly!"

Fiore shook her head quickly, face still crimson.

"…I see."

The Shogun closed her eyes again with a slight nod, unconcerned by what had caused the girl such embarrassment.

Chapter 38: My Healing Style—Electro Seal

Her fingers brushed gently across the girl's back…

"…"

Watching the ever-spreading patches of bruises, the Shogun fell into silent thought.

'It seems the bruising shows no signs of stopping.'

She reached out to Ei in thought.

[If this continues any longer… her life will be in danger.]

Though Ei's tone was not overtly anxious, there was still a clear seriousness within it.

'If I use elemental power to drive it out, and then follow up with treatment, would that work?'

The Shogun offered her idea.

[…]

Ei was silent for a while, seemingly considering.

[Use the Electro Seal.]

At last, she gave her conclusion.

'My style of healing…'

[Though the Electro Seal is considered a recovery technique, it can also serve as a highly effective healing art. In the past, when I was wounded, I used this method for self-healing. But there is one condition… the recipient must endure the pain.]

Pain. Ei's words made it clear. This was the hardest part to endure. And the girl beneath her was already gravely injured.

'…'

The Shogun fell silent for a moment.

[What is this—could it be you pity the girl?]

'Foolish question. If this is the only way, then I must attempt it. Otherwise, there will be no saving her.'

Resolute, the Shogun's decision was made. Ei, reassured, once more closed her eyes in meditation.

The Shogun gently caressed Fiore's battered back with the back of her hand…

"Mm~!"

The girl lying on the bed trembled again, a small pained whimper escaping her lips.

Then, the Shogun pressed her palms together and separated them again. A sphere of violet light emerged between them. The next instant, she pressed the index and middle fingers of her right hand against the bruises on Fiore's back.

With her other hand, she absorbed the sphere's power—violet patterns of the Electro Seal formed upon her palm. Just before she placed that palm upon the girl's back, she lifted her eyes to look at the dazed Fiore.

"When this hand descends, the pain will be unbearable. If it becomes too much, you may cry out, or—"

She raised her other hand before the girl's lips.

"—you may bite my hand instead."

Fiore, seeing this, shook her head weakly without hesitation. She could not bring herself to treat the Shogun that way.

Seeing her refusal, the Shogun no longer hesitated either. She pressed the palm marked with the Electro Seal directly upon the center of the bruises on her back!

Bzzzt—!

In an instant, lightning spread across her skin, seeping deep into the girl's body.

"Uwaahhh!!! Uhh… nnngh!!!!"

The pain magnified severalfold at once, surging from her back like a wildfire. Fiore could not contain it—she clutched the bedsheets tightly, burying her face deep into them, screaming aloud.

Sweat instantly drenched her forehead and hair, soaking her clothes as her body convulsed uncontrollably…

"Ahh! Uhh… haah… haah…"

She gasped desperately for breath, trembling, her eyes spilling tears born of pain.

"Bite me."

Seeing signs that the girl might faint from shock, the Shogun pressed her palm to Fiore's lips, offering it for her to bite and endure. Her own body, a puppet, would not be harmed.

Through teary eyes, Fiore saw her hand and words. Trembling, she placed both her own hands over it, and with effort, shook her head once more. It was as if she would rather die than leave a single mark upon the Shogun.

"Mm… mm…"

Perhaps not wishing to worry her further, Fiore forced herself to muffle her cries instead, pressing her wrist over her lips to suppress the sound. Her moans became subdued.

The Shogun turned her eyes back to the girl's back. The bruises were fading at a speed visible to the naked eye. The purplish blotches cleared, restoring her fair skin and natural tone. Fiore's convulsions weakened, and her muffled cries grew quieter. At last, as the Electro Seal's healing came to an end, silence returned to the chamber.

The Shogun lifted her hand, looking down at Fiore now lying sprawled on the bedding, gasping desperately for breath.

"Haah… haah…"

"How do you feel?"

The Shogun asked softly.

"Haah… better… haah… much better."

Through her tears, the girl opened her blue eyes, still wet with sorrow, and answered in a faint but relieved voice.

At this moment, Fiore's hair was disheveled, her whole body soaked… her fair skin glistened with crystalline sweat. Her legs and feet, wrapped in white silk stockings, were stained with rain and flecked with traces of dirt from the storm. Normally, one would clean such things before lying in bed, but the urgency of her condition left no room for such concerns. Only her shoes had been removed, now left in a damp heap beside the bed.

Sensing the Shogun's thoughts, the girl shyly shrank her bare upper body, her face reddened… but without any hint of rejection.

"Forgive me… for letting… the Shogun see me… in such a disgraceful state."

Fiore's weak apology slipped out as she lay prone, speaking softly to the Shogun, who supported herself with one hand against the mattress.

"…Such words are unnecessary. To endure the pain of the Electro Seal is no small feat. Your resolve just now—this vessel is satisfied."

The Shogun shook her head slightly, her tone softened with a trace of gentleness. This was a divine healing technique. For a human to endure it through willpower alone—what more could be demanded?

"To satisfy the Shogun… I'm glad…"

Fiore closed her eyes slightly, whispering faintly.

"But your injuries are not yet healed. You must continue to rest in the days ahead. As the saying goes, 'a hundred days to heal bone and sinew.' Though the Electro Seal hastens recovery, do not take it lightly."

Cold yet tender, her voice carried reassurance. It was a comfort so profound that Fiore felt she could entrust her entire body to her.

The Shogun then picked up Fiore's discarded blouse and dressed her again, though she left the buttons undone. Her alluring figure was exposed in the center, with the faint outlines of her curves hidden just behind the loose fabric.

"If your body feels numb, lie on your side. It won't affect your wounds."

Hearing this, Fiore shifted her numb body slightly, rolling onto her side. Her gaze fell directly upon the Shogun kneeling gracefully upon the bed.

Inside, her heart was torn between grievance and gratitude… unable to express herself. All she could do was slowly extend her right hand, carefully covering the Shogun's resting hand upon her lap.

"…"

Feeling the warmth upon her hand, the Shogun lowered her gaze briefly. Fiore did not move further—neither drawing closer, nor withdrawing—remaining like a lost child unsure of how to respond.

"Shogun's people… must all be so happy, mustn't they?"

Fiore's lips curved in a weak, blissful smile as she whispered.

"…"

At her words, the Shogun's violet eyes flickered subtly before closing halfway.

"Why do you think so?"

She did not feel anger. To blame an ignorant girl for such words would only be unreasonable.

"…Because of the Shogun's kindness… to have a god who brings such comfort…"

The hand upon hers tightened slightly, shifting from a caress to a grasp. Seeing this, the Shogun looked into Fiore's eyes.

"If I were… the Shogun's subject… I would be so happy. Strange, isn't it? To say something like that…"

Fiore lowered her gaze, flustered, her expression both shy and enchanting.

"Haa…"

The Shogun only sighed softly.

"…You would not be."

"…Eh?"

Fiore looked up in confusion.

"This vessel… is not a worthy god. I am not… 'her,' nor anyone else. I have evaded the flow of time, sealing it within a single moment. The so-called God of Eternity—perhaps that is all it truly means."

Her eyes dropped again, gazing upon the blue eyes that still shone at her unwaveringly.

"To stand within or to remain without—that is the difference. If you were one of Inazuma's people, you too might despair of me. Perhaps even rebel."

Her words carried no emotion, only a calm, resigned smile.

Fiore shook her head faintly.

"I don't know the truth… but even if it is as you say, I would not despair of you. Because I know you must have your reasons—your own stance. I have come to know the Shogun's nature. You've been kind to me… and responsible. That's enough."

"Haa… Is this meant to comfort me? Perhaps there is subjectivity in your words… but this sentiment, I will accept, Fiore."

She spoke with a faint smile.

"!"

The moment Fiore heard her name spoken from the Shogun's lips, her face instantly flushed, her heart skipping a beat. The woman before her was far too captivating—she could hardly bear it!

"In Teyvat… there is a nation called 'Liyue.' Their god is the God of Contracts. A contract means promise, exchange, and commitment. Now, I too shall follow his ways, and forge a contract with you."

Her violet eyes glowed faintly as she gazed upon Fiore's flushed, entranced face.

"In this war, I will guide you to the door of victory, and help fulfill your wish. In return for this contract, Fiore, you must live resolutely for my sake."

Fiore's eyes widened slightly. The Shogun asked not for her wish, but only for her survival—for her sake. Why… why was she still thinking only of her?

Suddenly, a pang welled within her chest. Her nose stung, and tears fell once more, though her gaze never left the woman before her. She nodded firmly.

"Yes! I will!"

She would not let the Shogun down!

The Shogun also nodded calmly in response.

"Shogun… could you tell me stories of Teyvat? About Inazuma, perhaps… I can't sleep… would you?"

The girl pulled the blanket over herself, still lying on her side, revealing half her face as she spoke with soft pleading.

"Haa… if that is your wish, I shall recount a tale."

To her, perhaps the story would only make sleep more difficult. But still… better this than silence between them.

Chapter 37: Forgive My Rudeness

The one who pulls you from despair at your darkest moment… will always be the greatest blessing you could ever meet, the one most worthy of trust. From childhood, Fiore had firmly believed this truth. And now, after experiencing it firsthand, her conviction only deepened—she had not been wrong.

That violet silhouette mesmerized her, reliable beyond measure, carrying an air of mystery and grace. It was like the shadow she had so often chased in her childhood dreams—always reaching, but never able to touch. And now, beneath the heavy rain, wrapped in thunderlight, though only a few short meters away, that back felt a lifetime apart, leaving her with an irresistible urge to reach out.

Shogun…

Her heart whispered the name again and again, thoughtlessly, without reason. Simply seeing her back stirred the word from her lips.

"Those who harm my people… shall be slain."

The thunderous words still echoed in the air as Fiore's consciousness began to fade again.

Am I… one of the Shogun's people…?

Heh… that's wonderful… she hasn't… given up on me…

That was her final fleeting thought before unconsciousness claimed her.

Mordred, furious, gripped her blade tighter and stepped once more in front of her Master. Her eyes darted toward the bleeding Kairi, worry gnawing at her even as rage consumed her.

"You bastard!! Playing dirty tricks on us, are you?!"

The Shogun let out a soft, cold laugh.

"Foolish question. An eye for an eye—that is the law of war."

Swish, swish!

Spinning her lightning-wreathed naginata in a dazzling flourish, she leveled it across her body. Then, with casual disdain, she kicked the severed, charred arm at her feet into a nearby puddle as though it were nothing more than a stone.

"This limb is the price for harming my people. I always repay my grudges."

She acknowledged that the Red Saber's reflexes had been sharp. If Mordred had not pulled him back in time, Kairi would already have been cleaved in two.

But even so, the man was gravely wounded. That alone was enough. One strike had been repaid on Fiore's behalf.

"In that case… damn it… then fight me! What glory is there in striking down my Master?!"

"Heh… such hypocrisy."

The Shogun's lips curved in a faint sneer.

"What?!"

"Was it not you who reduced her to this state first? I merely returned the cruelty you inflicted."

"You—!"

"Ugh… Saber! Retreat!"

Clutching the bleeding stump of his arm, Kairi strained his voice to issue the order. To stay here was madness. The magical energy radiating from the Shogun was heavier than even Mordred's—pressing forward would only lead to certain defeat. Tonight had already gone terribly wrong.

He could not gamble his future here. No matter the loss, they had to live to fight again another day.

"Tch! But she—!"

"Retreat!!"

He roared once more, his patience breaking.

"Dammit! Fine!!"

Mordred clicked her tongue in frustration, glaring hatefully at the woman before them. Still, she knew Kairi's condition left no choice. Blood pooled at his feet; he would die without treatment.

Grinding her teeth, she braced her Master's body and dragged him back toward their broken car.

"Cough! The car's finished!"

Kairi gasped through clenched teeth, blood pouring from his shoulder as he reminded her.

"What—?! You bastard! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

She cursed furiously, then hefted him over her shoulder. With a powerful leap, she carried him away from Sighișoara, retreating under the Shogun's cold gaze.

The Shogun made no move to stop them. Fiore's condition was dire—her injuries severe. If she did not receive treatment soon, her life would be in danger. There was no need to waste more time here. Another day would provide another blade for justice.

Dismissing her Elemental Burst, she sealed away Engulfing Lightning and knelt before the unconscious Fiore. Thankfully, the protective barrier she had placed earlier shielded the girl from the worst of the storm, but her body was still soaked through. Wet strands of hair clung to her back, her pale face marked starkly by the crimson of blood trailing from her lips.

The Shogun reached out, gently wiping away the blood at the corner of her mouth. The touch roused Fiore faintly, her eyes fluttering open.

"Sho…gun… cough…"

Her words came in weak, broken gasps.

[Not good. Her injuries are grave—she must be treated immediately.]

Ei's voice carried a rare trace of urgency.

The Shogun gave a small nod.

"Hush… no need to speak. I'll carry you."

She knew what the girl wanted to say, but this was no time for words.

"Mhm…"

Obediently, Fiore quieted down.

The Shogun carefully unfastened the broken pack from Fiore's back, then gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, supporting the weightless legs that hung limply. With delicate control, she lifted the girl into her arms and slowly rose to her feet.

"Ugh! Hhnn!"

The instant she was lifted, a sharp wave of pain surged from Fiore's back throughout her body, draining the color from her face as a pained cry escaped her lips.

The Shogun cradled her in a princess carry.

In the next heartbeat, their figures vanished into lightning, streaking away from the storm-tossed city.

...

Inside Fiore's private chambers in the Fortress of Millennia—

Clack!

The door burst open as the Shogun rushed inside, carrying Fiore swiftly to the bedside. She laid her down with the utmost care, turning her body gently so she lay face-down upon the sheets.

The maids and homunculi who had followed to assist tried to enter, but they had already been forbidden by the Shogun. Even Caules was barred; too many people would only bring distraction and hinder healing.

The young man now paced anxiously in his own room, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Damn it! If only I'd gone too!"

He crouched down, clutching his head in regret. The very reason he had wanted to follow was to prevent this exact outcome. His sister…

Meanwhile, in Fiore's chamber, the Shogun sat at the bedside, gazing at the girl's back now bared by her stripped, rain-soaked blouse. If there was bleeding, it could be treated easily enough. If not…

Her eyes narrowed faintly. With gentle hands, she slowly lifted the wet fabric from Fiore's shoulders.

"Haa… haa… Shogun… it's fine… take it all off. I'll be alright."

Fiore's frail voice whispered the words.

The Shogun gave a small nod, then carefully removed the rest of her garments, stripping her upper body bare.

Across the pale back spread vivid bruises—deep crimson mixed with bluish blotches, glaring against her fair skin. Reaching out, the Shogun's fingers brushed softly against the injuries.

"Hsshh—ahh!!"

Fiore cried out, her body trembling as pain wracked her again.

"Severe bruising across the back. The internal bleeding from earlier confirms damage to her organs as well."

The Shogun's calm voice carried her diagnosis. She rose, pacing briefly as she contemplated the best method of treatment. The positioning was awkward, and her brows furrowed slightly.

"…Forgive my rudeness."

At last, she slipped off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, kneeling beside the injured girl. Leaning forward, she pressed her slender fingers gently against the battered expanse of Fiore's back.

"Hhhhnn!! It's… it's fine… I don't… mind…"

Fiore understood what those words meant. Despite the waves of pain, she managed a weak smile, her voice quiet and soft. If one looked closely, a faint blush could be seen coloring her otherwise pale cheeks.

Chapter 36: Those Who Harm My People Shall Be Slain

"By the power of the Red Command Seal—Saber, return to me!!"

At Kairi's shout, a stroke vanished from the Command Seal on the back of his hand!

"Damn it… did you really have to call me back now?!"

In the next instant, a crimson light burst forth beside him. From its glow stepped Mordred, armored and gripping her sword, wearing a distinctly displeased scowl.

"Master!"

But the moment her eyes fell upon the battered Kairi, her expression hardened into seriousness, fury blazing across her face as she turned toward Fiore.

"!"

Seeing Saber's return, Fiore immediately withdrew, her Mystic Code propelling her swiftly backward to put distance between them.

She knew the tide had turned against her. A pang of self-blame struck her heart—she should never have hesitated, never wasted time speaking to him. In the end, it was her lack of resolve, her hesitation. That weakness had doomed her.

I'm sorry… Shogun.

Apologizing silently to her Servant, she raised her arm, revealing the triple-bar Command Seal on her hand, intending to call upon the Shogun.

"By the Black Command Seal—!"

But before she could finish—

Boom!

With a thunderous step, Mordred appeared right before her, crimson eyes burning with murderous rage.

"!"

Fiore froze in shock.

"You're the one who hurt my Master, aren't you?! Then I'll pay you back in full!"

With a furious roar, Mordred's red-and-white blade surged with overwhelming mana, the very air and dust trembling with its force.

The sheer presence of it nearly stole Fiore's breath away…

"Jupiter: Tin arm of Protection, intercept!"

Abandoning her Command Seal chant, Fiore crossed her mechanical arms in front of her, forcing them into a defensive stance. She knew there was no escaping. Against the might of a Servant, her Mystic Code could never withstand such power… but it was all she could do to lessen the inevitable damage.

Crash!!

The impact of Mordred's blow was like being struck head-on by a massive freight truck at top speed. Even through her armor, Fiore felt her insides twist in pain as her body was hurled through the air.

Smash!

She slammed mercilessly into a distant concrete wall.

"Ahh!"

Her pack shattered under the blow, and her back was crushed by the brutal impact. Pain unlike any she had ever known tore through her entire body, ripping a cry from her lips.

Screech…

Her main control unit had broken. The four mechanical arms fell limp, powerless, unable to support her weight. Her body bounced slightly off the wall before sliding down.

Without the aid of her Mystic Code, her legs collapsed like those of a rag doll. Powerless, they bent inward as she slumped into the dust-covered ground.

Her vision blurred. A raw, tearing cough swelled in her chest.

"Cough… cough."

Clutching her ribs, she coughed violently, the metallic taste of blood spreading through her mouth.

Bright red trickled from the corner of her lips, trailing down her chin and staining her skirt.

Damn it… my back… it hurts so much.

She couldn't even straighten her spine. Her body trembled uncontrollably under the agony, her back feeling as though it had been shattered.

"Heh… that's all it took? Your fancy gear can't take much of a hit, huh."

Mordred lowered her sword, sneering at the broken girl slumped at the base of the cracked wall.

Kairi, meanwhile, watched Fiore's dimming eyes as though she were about to faint. He lit a cigarette, clenched it between his teeth, then picked up the shotgun she had knocked from his grasp earlier. Reloading it with care, he walked over and leveled the barrel against her sweat-soaked forehead, strands of hair sticking to her skin.

"Heh… tables turned, eh? This is what a magus' fight really looks like. Don't worry… I won't bother wrecking your legs. I'll give you a clean end."

Kairi smirked as he taunted her.

Fiore's blurred gaze tried to focus on the distant figures of two silhouettes. Fighting against the pull of unconsciousness, she felt no fear, no resentment… only guilt and regret.

Regret toward the Shogun… guilt for being nothing but a burden.

I'm sorry… Shogun… I… disappointed you… I couldn't… help fulfill your wish…

I'm sorry… that you ended up with a useless Master… like me…

Her expression was filled with sorrow. The heaviness in her head deepened, and drowsiness overtook her consciousness, dragging it further away.

"Farewell, Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia."

Click…

Kairi's finger tightened on the trigger.

Rumble…

But at that instant, dark clouds spread once more across the sky. The low, oppressive growl of thunder rolled, and raindrops began to fall, one by one.

Then more… and more.

Shhhhhh…

A sudden downpour cloaked Sighișoara in a veil of gray and mist. Both Kairi and Mordred turned their eyes briefly upward.

The abrupt storm was unnatural. Kairi's brows furrowed faintly. What he failed to notice was the way the heavy clouds above had begun to twist into a vortex, thunderlight gathering within.

"—! Master!!!"

An overwhelming sense of pressure instantly set Mordred on edge. Her body stiffened as every hair stood on end. Realizing what was coming, she yanked Kairi forcefully aside—!

But… it was a second too late!

BOOOOM!!

Like a thunder dragon, a colossal bolt of lightning crashed down from the heavens directly above Kairi's head!

"MASTER—!!!"

Mordred pulled with all her might, dragging him backward at the last possible moment.

"!"

Still half in shock, Kairi's body froze mid-motion. He hadn't even processed what had happened—still holding his shotgun up as if nothing had changed.

CRACK!!

A blinding flash swallowed his vision, and in an instant, something was torn from him.

Splatter!

Blood sprayed violently, sizzling into steam as the lightning consumed it.

Thud!

Kairi was dragged onto the soaked pavement, dazed.

"M-Master—ugh!"

Mordred's face twisted as her eyes locked on him.

Kairi followed her horrified gaze downward… to where his arm had been.

From the shoulder down, there was nothing. Only air.

A severed cross-section spurted blood furiously, dyeing the rain-soaked ground beneath him.

Then the agony came. A burning, consuming pain ripped through him, tearing away what remained of his composure.

"AAARGHHHHH!! AAAAAHHH!!"

He clutched the stump of his shoulder, curling in agony, screaming as the pain ripped his throat raw!

His severed arm lay nailed to the flooded earth, skewered mercilessly by a naginata wrapped in lightning—its flesh seared black, smoke curling upward.

As the storm's glow gathered, a violet figure emerged—kneeling in the rain, beside the Engulfing Lightning still driven into the ground. Bathed in crackling thunderlight, the Shogun rose to her feet. She spared only a cold glance toward the crippled Kairi before shaking the sleeve of her kimono with calm grace.

"Ughhh…"

Kairi could only groan, clutching his wound, already robbed of the ability to fight.

"Master!! You bastard!!! Pulling tricks like this?!"

Mordred's face twisted with rage, screaming at the Shogun, who regarded her with only silence.

"Ugh… cough…"

Perhaps stirred by the cold rain soaking her body, Fiore stirred faintly, consciousness creeping back. Through blurred vision, she lifted her eyes—just enough to see the Shogun's silhouette, radiant and terrible in the storm. A weak smile touched her lips, as though her pain eased just by her presence.

"Shogun…"

Her hoarse whisper still reached through the downpour.

The Shogun tilted her head slightly, her eyes softening for a fleeting moment as she glanced at the broken girl leaning against the wall. But her gaze returned swiftly to Mordred and Kairi—once more cold, once more merciless.

She ignored Mordred's shouts. Instead, she drew Engulfing Lightning from the ground, twirling it lightly before setting it behind her in a ready stance.

Meanwhile, a faint violet membrane spread around Fiore's body, shielding her from the mingling of stormwater and thunder.

The Shogun's amethyst gaze gleamed, arcs of lightning flashing at their center. Behind her, the outline of the Chakra Desiderata spun faintly into view, while thunderlight rippled across the drenched ground.

"Those who harm my people… shall be slain."

Her chilling, resounding voice carried over the storm, echoing through the rain-swept night.

Chapter 35: The Still-Immature Girl

A Mystic Code could be said to be a magus' very "arms and legs." For Fiore, this was even more so. Through daily training, her control over the mechanical arms had reached a point where they responded as perfectly and naturally as her own limbs.

Their automatic defensive reaction speed was nearly flawless, likely comparable to Miss El-Melloi's autonomous maid—the Volumen Hydrargyrum.

At this moment, crouched behind the car to evade her bullets, Kairi peered through the crack of a shattered window, analyzing her movements.

But…

Every tool has a weakness. And in this case—

"She's not suited for handling wide-area destructive attacks, is she?"

Though she possessed a shield, its coverage could only block part of an assault, leaving numerous blind spots.

"In times like this, it calls for this."

From his pocket, he drew a heart-shaped throwing device. Embedded within were teeth and nails of magi, crafted into a necromantic tool of considerable value.

Upon exploding, the shrapnel infused with malevolent mana would penetrate flesh and unleash bursts of magical energy, rotting skin and organs in an instant.

He pulled the string. The "heart" began to beat. Finding his angle, Kairi leaned out and hurled it toward Fiore's feet!

That's…!

Fiore had been closely watching his movements all along. The instant she saw him throw the device, her gaze locked on it.

She knew exactly what it was. Back at the Fortress of Millennia, through the eyes of Caster's puppet eagle, she had witnessed him use this same tactic. Later, she had examined the reclaimed homunculi corpses destroyed by it. The destructive power of that grenade was undoubtedly lethal.

"Saturn: Lead arm of Roaring, trample!"

At her command, the steel claw of her right foot shifted, transforming into a concave, bowl-shaped form. Just as the device struck the ground, her claw clamped down over it! With a further adjustment, the claw's surface reshaped, sealing it tightly within.

Boom!

With a metallic shudder, the grenade exploded, smoke seeping faintly from the gaps… but all the shrapnel that should have torn her apart was locked away beneath her claw. The ground below cracked violently instead.

"Haa…"

Fiore let out a small sigh of relief, then refocused her gaze forward—only to see that Kairi had already climbed into the car and started the engine.

The vehicle had been reinforced with magecraft. Even under heavy assault, it could still start and run.

Vrrrm—!

The roar of the engine bellowed like a beast.

"Miss… try this on for size!"

Whoosh!

With that taunting cry, Kairi slammed the accelerator. The beast charged straight toward her at full speed!

Wait—! Isn't this too reckless?!

Blinded momentarily by the car's glaring headlights, Fiore was shaken for an instant by his overwhelming momentum. But only for an instant. Narrowing her eyes, she calculated swiftly and seized her chance.

Bang!

At the very moment the car would have hit her, she shot out a claw, latching onto the car's window and pulling herself onto the hood in a single bound.

"Tch…"

Kairi clicked his tongue at the sight, then pressed the pedal harder, the vehicle surging faster!

"Ugh…"

At this rate… she'd be thrown off!

Squinting against the rushing wind, Fiore clung to the hood with one claw while driving the other into the wall beside them!

Bang!

Skrrrch!

The steel claw pierced the wall, grinding against it as the car dragged her along.

Crashhh!

A spray of sparks burst forth where claw and concrete met, leaving a long scar gouged deep into the wall.

The opposing force slowed the car's speed little by little…

"Damn it!"

Kairi cursed. He had thought brute force would work, but she had met his recklessness with even greater recklessness—hand-braking the car with her own arm!

Their eyes met through the windshield: Fiore clinging fiercely to the hood, Kairi gripping the wheel in the driver's seat.

The car's engine was already nearing its limit, black smoke beginning to leak from beneath the chassis.

"Please… stop this nonsense!"

Fiore too noticed the black smoke rising from beneath the hood and shouted a warning to Kairi, who still stubbornly clung to the wheel.

"If this isn't madness, then what do you call a battle between magi?!"

Kairi roared back, slamming down the accelerator once more. Estimating his timing, he suddenly pulled a sharp drift!

Crack!

The violent force sent Fiore flying off the hood! Even the claw embedded in the wall ripped free along with chunks of concrete, and part of the car's hood was torn away with her.

The girl and her steel arms were hurled into the shadows of a nearby alley, vanishing from sight.

Screech!

Seeing this, Kairi immediately braked after the drift, leaning out the window to scan the alley. No sound. The furious clash of moments before had vanished as though it had never been.

Behind his sunglasses, his eyes narrowed warily. He dared not lower his guard.

"Where did she go?"

Bang!!

"!!"

Suddenly, a deafening crash shook the roof of the car, nearly stopping his heart!

Bang!

Another impact.

Crack!

A massive mechanical arm punched straight through the iron roof, claws slashing wildly for his head like blades.

"Hey—hey! Cut it out, lady!!"

Panic-stricken, Kairi instinctively stomped the accelerator, sending the car lurching forward again.

Fiore clung to the rooftop, seizing the handle with one hand as her other arm smashed down once more!

Bang!

Another hole burst open in the roof, revealing Kairi's head beneath.

Seeing her opening, Fiore smiled faintly, her claws seizing the edges of the tear. With brute strength, she ripped the steel roof apart!

Crack!

"Please surrender yourself."

Her other arm transformed into a gleaming blade, slicing straight for Kairi's throat!

"!"

He ducked just in time. The blade sheared through the window beside him instead.

Gritting his teeth, Kairi wrenched the wheel into a sharp turn.

Screeech!

The screeching tires threw Fiore slightly off balance, forcing her strike to miss again.

She glared in annoyance at the vehicle beneath her, then plunged her blade deep into the exposed engine!

Sparks burst forth—the motor sputtered as arcs of electricity shot across its frame.

"Damn…"

Kairi could feel the car losing power, stuttering as it finally rolled to a stop!

"Playtime's over, isn't it, Mr. Sisigou?"

Clack!

With a dark smile she could no longer suppress, Fiore swiped away the shotgun in his hands with her claw. Grabbing his collar, she yanked him bodily from the driver's seat and hurled him to the ground.

Thud!

"Ugh!"

Kairi landed heavily, pain shooting through his back. His old spine protested violently.

Fiore leapt down from the wreck, walking toward him as he struggled to rise.

"Kairi Sisigou, withdraw from this Holy Grail War. I can let you leave alive—this is your final chance."

Her arm shifted back into its gun form, the barrel aimed directly at his head as she gave her last warning.

"Heh… I already told you… you know my answer!"

Despite the weapon at his brow, Kairi laughed, unafraid. Twisting his body slightly, he revealed the heart grenade in his hand—its pin long since pulled—now lying at Fiore's very feet.

"!"

Fiore's eyes widened.

"…Going down together isn't such a bad ending, is it, Miss Fiore?"

Kairi smiled in release.

"You…! Saturn: Lead arm of Roaring, trample!!"

Panic struck her heart as Fiore hastily reshaped her claw into a bowl-like form, clamping down over the grenade again.

But in the next instant, Kairi's lips curled into a triumphant grin.

This girl was still too green. Throughout their exchange, he had seen enough—Fiore was inexperienced, unseasoned. A recruit, perhaps. Or more bluntly put… far too softhearted. Always warning, always hesitating before the kill. Always missing the decisive moment.

That weakness—her fatal flaw—was exactly what he had gambled on to snatch victory!

Rolling swiftly out of her reach, he cried—

"By the power of the Red Command Seal—Saber, return to me!!"

He unleashed his first Command Seal!