Dao Of Heaven

Chapter 565: Fried Rice

"Mhm."

Victoria smiled and nodded slightly at Aletta.

"Here's the menu. Once you've decided what to order, just let me know, alright?"

Since the restaurant was still rather busy, after handing the menu to Victoria, Aletta hurried back into the kitchen.

Not long after, she came out again carrying a freshly prepared dish.

"Miss Erina, you and your friends can look at the menu first. If there's anything you don't recognize, feel free to ask me. More than half of the dish names on it were written by me, you know."

Victoria didn't look at the menu at all. Instead, she slid it over to Erina and the others.

As for what she wanted to eat, she had already decided before even coming to the restaurant.

Erina accepted the menu and gave it a quick scan. After flipping through it once, she already had a clear understanding of the restaurant's dishes.

Possessing the "God Tongue," Erina had been tasting and judging cuisine at countless restaurants since childhood. She had experienced so many types of dishes.

It could be said that almost every dish in this restaurant, she had already tasted somewhere before.

As for how good the taste here would be, that depended entirely on the chef's skill.

Similarly, Alice, as a professional chef herself, was also familiar with almost all of the dishes offered here.

Only Darkness and Eris were poring over the menu with great interest.

With the chat group, they could easily understand the otherworldly text written on it.

After serving the earlier dish to a customer, Aletta came back again to Victoria and the others.

"So, dear guests, have you decided what you'd like to order?"

Hearing Aletta's words, Darkness and Eris exchanged a glance before raising their hands at the same time.

"One order of fried meat cutlet for me!" the two said in unison.

After some discussion, they had decided to choose the same dish.

After Darkness and Eris finished naming their order, Victoria smiled and said to Aletta:

"I'll have the same as always."

"The same as before means one French fruit pudding here and four to-go, right?"

Since most regular customers here tended to stick to their favorites, and the number of patrons wasn't overwhelming, Aletta could usually remember everyone's usual orders after a few visits.

"Yes."

"Alright, I've got it!"

Aletta nodded, then turned toward Erina and Alice, who hadn't spoken yet.

"And for you two guests, have you decided?"

Erina shook her head upon hearing this: "I won't order from the menu. Go tell your manager to bring out the dish he's most confident in."

Right beside her, Alice quickly added:

"Same for me."

Hearing their words, Aletta suddenly looked troubled.

Since becoming a waitress, this was the first time she had ever encountered such a request. At most, customers had only ever asked her to recommend something—but never directly demanded the chef's best dish.

But since this was what the customers wanted, she could only pass the request to the manager exactly as it was.

"Alright, I understand. I'll go inform the manager now."

Nodding to Erina and the others, Aletta turned and left.

When she entered the kitchen, she immediately relayed the request to the owner.

What had been difficult for Aletta, however, was no problem at all for the manager.

In fact, it was even easier than other orders.

After all, "most confident" simply meant "most practiced." Preparing two servings of his most practiced dish was nothing difficult.

It wasn't as if he hadn't considered the possibility of someone coming to cause trouble. Such things weren't rare in the culinary world.

But he felt no worry at all. In his eyes, the cooking level of otherworld chefs was still far too lacking.

"No problem. I know what to do. Go ahead and keep tending to the customers."

The manager—about thirty, with a thick beard—smiled as he spoke to Aletta.

"Yes, Manager."

After Aletta left, curiosity got the better of him, and the manager couldn't resist glancing toward the dining area.

Right away, he spotted Victoria's table. But when his eyes fell on Erina and Alice, they immediately widened in shock.

"JK uniforms?"

...

While waiting for their food, Erina and the others were chatting in the group with members who were watching the livestream.

[Asuna Yuuki (Level 7, Stage 2): The atmosphere in this restaurant is really nice.]

[Rias (Level 7, Stage 2): Indeed, it also seems like a place where people from different lands and races of another world can gather and interact.]

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): I just wonder how skilled the manager really is. Hopefully, he won't disappoint me.]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): And if it doesn't taste good, what will you do—smash his signboard?]

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): ???]

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): What are you even thinking? Do you really see me as that kind of person?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Haha, just kidding.]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): So then, what will you do?]

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): …]

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): Nothing. I only came to evaluate the food here, not to cause trouble.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Don't worry. Every customer has praised the manager's cooking. I'm sure the flavor will satisfy you.]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Don't be too sure! You haven't tasted true delicacies yet.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): True delicacies? Do you mean the dishes prepared by Miss Erina and Miss Alice?]

Having seen the memory images of Shokugeki no Soma, Victoria naturally knew how outstanding Erina's culinary skills were.

Although she felt that the exaggerated reactions of characters in those images must be dramatized—after all, how could one dish cause someone to lose all composure as if drugged—she did not doubt Erina's and Alice's cooking abilities.

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Though Erina's and Alice's skills are amazing, if we're talking about the strongest, that would of course be my Aoi-nee!]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): That's right! Aoi-nee's cooking is the best in the world.]

[Asuna Yuuki (Level 7, Stage 2): Hard to disagree with that.]

[Honami Ichinose (Level 7, Stage 1): Exactly. Once you've had it, you'll never forget it.]

[Honami Ichinose (Level 7, Stage 1): Speaking of which, I'm craving it again. I'll definitely come over tonight to freeload a meal!]

[Honami Ichinose (Level 7, Stage 1): Eriri, don't forget to call me when it's dinnertime.]

[Elaina (Level 7, Stage 2): Count me in too!]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): No problem, you're all welcome. Honami, be sure to bring Kei along.]

[Honami Ichinose (Level 7, Stage 1): Of course, that was my plan from the start.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Is it really that good? And who exactly is this Aoi-nee? Isn't she a group member?]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Who else could it be? Eriri's personal maid and also our household's chief steward!]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): No wonder everyone isn't that enthusiastic about Nekoya. Could it be because they've already eaten Aoi-nee's cooking?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): You're not wrong.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Looks like I'll have to try it someday.]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): No need to wait for a chance, Natsuki-chan. You can come anytime—I'd be very happy to have you~]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): Maybe later, we'll see.]

...

As Erina and the others continued chatting with the group members, Aletta began bringing out their food.

First came Victoria's order: French fruit pudding.

The soft pudding paired with creamy ice cream and several kinds of fruit immediately made Victoria pick up her spoon and start eating without hesitation.

Next came Darkness and Eris's order: fried meat cutlets.

Looking at the golden, crispy patties on their plates, both Darkness and Eris couldn't help but swallow hard.

Even before tasting them, just the appearance alone was enough to make their appetites surge.

Even though the group members had told them that there were even more delicious dishes, that was something to consider for later. For now, the most important thing was to properly savor the food that had already been brought out.

Seeing the knife and fork set on the plate, Darkness and Eris immediately knew how to eat the fried cutlet. After all, nobles in their world also used such utensils at meals. As a noble lady, Darkness was naturally very familiar, and Eris, being a goddess, needed no explanation.

Picking up the knife and fork, Darkness and Eris cut directly into the cutlet.

With a rush of steam rising, the rich aroma of the meat instantly invaded their noses, making them unable to wait any longer. They quickly used their forks to send a piece into their mouths.

Soon, expressions of enjoyment appeared on their faces.

After they had eaten nearly half of the cutlets, the dishes ordered by Erina and Alice were finally brought out.

This time, it wasn't Aletta carrying them, but the manager of Nekoya himself, dressed in a white chef's uniform.

"Ladies, here are the dishes you ordered."

The manager set the two plates down in front of Erina and Alice.

"This is my specialty dish—fried rice. Please enjoy."

Although the manager was skilled in various cuisines, what remained most deeply engraved in his memory was the fried rice he had learned to make while working part-time at a Korean restaurant during high school.

The reason he personally brought the dishes out, besides showing respect, was because he wanted to confirm with his own eyes whether what he had seen earlier was real.

From afar, he thought he had glimpsed school uniforms he recognized, but it could have been a mistake. After all, clothing from another world might look somewhat similar.

But upon closer inspection, he confirmed without doubt that the clothes Erina and Alice were wearing were indeed the school uniforms he knew.

At that moment, he began to suspect that Erina and Alice might actually be from the modern world he came from. Otherwise, their clothing couldn't be explained.

Since Nekoya connected to other worlds, it wasn't impossible for people to have been transferred to another world by accident as well.

If they truly were from modern Earth and unable to return on their own, he would gladly help them return through his restaurant.

However, now wasn't the time to ask questions. The manager decided he would wait until after they had finished eating before approaching them.

...

After the manager left, Erina looked down at the fried rice before her.

At first glance, it looked quite ordinary.

The ingredients and appearance were nearly identical to Japanese fried rice she had tasted before.

But the key lay in the flavor, which only her God Tongue could judge.

Without hesitation, Erina picked up the spoon placed on the plate, scooped a spoonful, and put it into her mouth.

Under the watchful eyes of all the group members watching the livestream, Erina closed her eyes and carefully savored the flavor of the fried rice.

Until she swallowed the bite she had chewed, not a trace of emotion appeared on her face.

She neither frowned in displeasure nor smiled in delight.

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Erina, so how is it? How does the fried rice taste?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Judging by that expression, it probably won't get much praise.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Alice also ordered fried rice, right? You've eaten it too, so share your thoughts.]

[Alice Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 1): It tastes alright. But my evaluation isn't as precise as Erina's. Let's wait until she's finished tasting.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): I think the fried cutlet is really tasty, perfectly to my liking.]

[Eris (Level 3, Stage 6): I agree, it's delicious. I just wonder if the other dishes are as good.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Didn't I tell you the manager wouldn't disappoint? Miss Eris, I recommend trying the French pudding—it's very good.]

[Eris (Level 3, Stage 6): Should I order one now?]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Of course. Today, everything is on me!]

Taking her words to heart, Eris—who had already eaten more than half her cutlet—immediately called out to Aletta as she passed by.

Without hesitation, she ordered a French fruit pudding as her dessert.

Chapter 320: Your Immortal Just Deployed a Starship to Fight?!

Late 15th century.

As the Honkai spread across Europe, the world's largest anti-Honkai organization, "Schicksal," intervened in European politics under the pretense of protection.

The expansion of their power brought greater prestige and authority, but gradually corrupted the will of Schicksal's bishops.

The original intention of guarding humanity against the Honkai was slowly replaced by ambition and greed. To annex more nations, Schicksal's leaders planned a massive eastern expedition.

The history of the Honkai world bore striking similarities to the Crusades on Earth.

But with the aid of Honkai energy, they went even further.

After several skirmishes, the Schicksal legion clashed with the Ming Empire, which held dominion over the land of Shenzhou.

The two sides engaged in a strategic decisive battle on the Kipchak Steppe.

"Ohhh, natives fighting… how nostalgic."

From a ship beyond Earth's orbit, Setsuna and the shipgirls looked down with keen interest at the scene below.

Fully armed Schicksal knights charged at the Ming Empire's army.

Blades, spears, and arrows intertwined.

The East and West's greatest powers faced off here in a battle for supremacy.

Against the ancient eastern dynasty, Schicksal's legion mobilized almost entirely, sending forth its most elite forces.

Wave after wave of their knights crashed upon the Ming army.

Even so, the knights that once swept across the Eurasian continent fell into a bitter struggle.

Risking the erosion of Honkai, they activated Honkai-powered weapons, barely holding off the Ming's counterattack.

The strength of ordinary soldiers was not on the same level. Even regular Ming soldiers possessed the ability to contend with Schicksal knights.

In addition, countless "martial sects"—independent groups of the martial world—stood on the frontlines against the invaders, refusing to back down.

Masters from all directions beat Schicksal's troops into disarray, leaving their bishops and commanders questioning reality.

What was going on with this eastern empire?!

Why did their army still crumble like clay chickens despite Honkai augmentation?!

Where had so many martial masters come from?!

The Seven Swords of Taxiuan also joined the battlefield. The first disciple, Lin Zhaoyu, wielded the Xuanyuan Sword "Light-Dust Willow," cutting through Schicksal's forces as if into an unguarded land.

The two-foot-four-inch blade reaped knights' lives like grass.

"Barbarians! Face my sword!!"

Brilliant sword-light shredded Schicksal's troops apart.

Almost no one could withstand a single strike from her.

Under this overwhelming disadvantage, Schicksal's crusading force decided to deploy their ultimate weapon.

Kallen Kaslana.

Shwoosh—

In the eyes of the Ming soldiers—

A white-haired, blue-eyed girl descended onto the battlefield, wielding a bizarre cross-shaped weapon.

With ease, she suppressed thousands of soldiers. Even united, the martial masters could not match her.

"So strong!—"

All eyes fixed upon the dark, cross-shaped weapon in her hands.

Oath of Judah.

The Eleventh Divine Key—the Key of Binding.

A weapon created by Mei, top scientist of the Previous Era, forged from a Herrscher Core.

"Tch—"

Lin Zhaoyu thrust her sword straight at Kallen.

The Xuanyuan Sword clashed against the Divine Key, releasing an ear-splitting hum.

The massive recoil sent out a shockwave across the battlefield, forcing both to retreat and widen their distance.

Boom—

Kallen drove the Oath of Judah once more, preparing to pursue Lin Zhaoyu.

The knights, encouraged, surged forward alongside Valkyries, unleashing a fiercer, more brutal assault against the Ming.

The battle seemed on the verge of turning.

At that moment—

Hum—

Crackkk—

The sound of space tearing echoed through the skies. The earth trembled violently.

Though it was midday, with the sun blazing overhead—

The heavens suddenly went dark.

Everyone instinctively looked up.

A colossal, shadow-grey starship tore through the clouds, descending slowly from the high heavens.

Its sheer size blanketed the entire battlefield. Even the distant Schicksal and Ming Empire command posts were shrouded under its shadow.

"This…"

Kallen looked up. Even separated by great distance, she could feel the heat radiating from the ship's engines.

A crushing pressure swept over the battlefield. Both sides unconsciously lowered their weapons, staring blankly at the sky.

This was also a part of the Eternal Snowfall.

Within the Juggernaut docks rested countless conventional starships.

If necessary, Setsuna could sortie in a Titan, battleship, cruiser, or destroyer.

"Capture them. Bring Kallen back."

Setsuna issued the order succinctly.

"Understood, Master."

Ikaros nodded.

Clack—

From the ship's underside, the hatch opened.

Tens of thousands of Angeloids burst forth, wings flaring as they dove toward the Schicksal legion.

High-energy beams crisscrossed the air like spiderwebs, reducing enemies to ash.

The close-combat models struck terror into Schicksal's ranks.

"Angels!!"

"They're angels!!!"

The Angeloids bore great resemblance to the angels of human belief.

In the fifteenth century, the power of religion was at its peak. Many devout believers, upon seeing the angels, collapsed mentally in an instant.

They fell to their knees, reciting scripture in trembling voices.

The Ming soldiers were equally stunned.

Though the angels had not yet turned on them, watching the Schicksal forces being mercilessly crushed made them realize their own fates would be no better should battle turn.

Suddenly—

Lin Zhaoyu spotted a familiar figure on the outer bridge of the starship.

"Master??!"

Fu Hua was observing the scene below, not noticing her.

"Your master? The Immortal Phoenix?!"

The martial artists nearby all looked at Lin Zhaoyu.

They couldn't help but think—the Immortal's entrance was a little unusual.

Yes, powerful indeed.

But who had ever heard of an immortal arriving aboard a starship to thrash her foes?

Meanwhile—

The Angeloids swept across the battlefield like thunder and storm.

Kallen, supported by the Divine Key, barely resisted their assault.

"What is going on…"

"A starship? Angels? Where did they come from?! Could it be the Ming Empire?!…"

Fending off the Angeloids, she staggered back.

Just as she prepared to unleash greater power from the Oath of Judah—

"Hey hey hey, little girl, you're pretty tough, huh."

"But this ends here. Don't cause trouble for the commander, alright?!"

A voice suddenly spoke from behind.

She turned—

A dragon girl smiled at her with narrowed eyes.

"You are?!"

Before Kallen could react, Tohru pressed a finger to her forehead. A red magic circle flared at her fingertip.

Shwoosh—

The girl's body went limp instantly, collapsing into Tohru's arms.

...

A few minutes later—

Tohru carried Kallen back, laying her before Setsuna.

"Mm…"

Kallen slowly opened her eyes, kneeling weakly, her body still drained by the spell.

She didn't know where she was, nor who the girls beside Setsuna were.

But upon seeing the Immortal Phoenix, she understood one thing.

She had been defeated and captured.

"You are… the Ming Empire?"

Kallen glanced around. The ship's interior was so futuristic it was beyond comprehension.

She had once thought Schicksal's technology was unmatched in the world. Compared to this starship of the Ming? Nothing at all.

"No, no. We come from somewhere much farther—outside this universe."

Setsuna answered with a smile.

"…"

"Then… will you kill me?"

Kallen asked, lifting her gaze.

She didn't understand the concept of the Starsea Empire. Her concern was with more immediate matters.

"Of course not. We intend to study Honkai energy and the Divine Keys. You're an important subject of that research."

Setsuna stood, patting her shoulder.

Then he crossed Kallen's name off his list.

In the Saga of Shattered Swords, there weren't many girls of value—soon, he'd collect them all.

In a sense, she was also the "starting point" of many subsequent events in the Honkai world.

Taking her away would itself become an interesting observation.

"…"

"Tch. Next one."

Setsuna marked a location on the holographic interface, sending the updated list to the shipgirls.

"Come on, let's grab Yae Miko—no, the Yae Sakura sisters."

"Ikaros, bring Hellmaru over."

"Also, Yat Sen is nearby… There's not much to do here. We'll wrap this up soon."

"Eh?"

Tohru blinked in surprise.

"Commander, we're not going to fully conquer this world?"

"Not yet."

Setsuna thought for a moment.

"The real focus of the Honkai world is in the Previous and Current Eras. We're just passing through the Saga of Shattered Swords—taking what we need and moving on."

"The rest will be left to the science division: researching Honkai energy, guiding history, and observing the natives."

By rights, his meddling would affect this world's future.

But Setsuna believed that with the ability of an interstellar civilization, making small corrections to the timeline later would not be difficult.

"Mm… perhaps when humanity here first reaches space, they'll look up—and find a fatherly alien observation station above their heads?"

...

At Setsuna's command, the shipgirls and companions swiftly began seeking their targets across this world.

With sophon providing coordinates and foreknowledge of the original storyline, their actions became incredibly efficient.

—Europe, Schicksal Headquarters.

News of the eastern expedition's defeat had already arrived.

From the rumors spreading from the frontlines, Schicksal's higher-ups learned something utterly unbelievable:

A space warship of unknown origin had released countless combat angels, sweeping across the entire Schicksal legion.

Their strongest Valkyrie, Kallen Kaslana, had been captured.

The ones aboard the ship belonged to an unknown organization… and Shenzhou's Immortal Phoenix?!

This absurd conclusion left the high command reeling.

With a crushing defeat at hand, society inevitably slipped into turmoil. To prevent the Ming Empire's retaliation—or worse—a counterstrike, the bishops ordered further research into the "Black Box."

—At the center of the city, inside a lavish mansion.

In the underground chamber, several girls, half-dead, were bound to crosses.

Some had already perished. Judging from their clothing, most were commoners, and all bore signs of torment.

A Schicksal cleric in ornate robes scribbled on parchment, occasionally glancing coldly at the captives.

His eyes lingered on the black box resting atop a stone altar.

"Still nothing…?"

Viktor grew impatient.

Tasked by the bishop, he was to study the "Black Box."

In the Previous Era, after the Herrscher of Corruption was defeated, they had attempted to forge a Divine Key from its core. The attempt failed, and the remnant was sealed inside this box.

After passing through many hands, the Black Box now belonged to Schicksal.

Faced with such a treasure—and the current threat—Schicksal would go to any lengths to exploit its power.

Even human experimentation was acceptable.

To the nobles and clergy, the lives of commoners were worth less than nothing.

"Dispose of the corpses. Find new test subjects."

Viktor ordered irritably, summoning a servant.

"Yes, my lord."

The servant bowed, about to leave.

At that moment—

A mechanical voice resounded overhead.

[Target located.]

[Mission objective: Retrieve "Hellmaru."]

[Authorization granted to eliminate all resistance. Commence operation.]

"?"

Before anyone could react—

Shwoosh—

A high-energy beam pierced the mansion roof, blasting a hole open.

From a small starship above, dozens of Angeloids descended.

They streamed through the breach in formation.

"What?!"

Before Viktor or his guards could respond—

Bang!—

In a single instant, plasma fire reduced them to ashes.

[Warning: Object may corrupt electronic systems. Maintain distance. Avoid direct contact.]

The Angeloids cleanly isolated the Black Box using force-field equipment.

With their prize secured, they re-boarded their craft and departed for the next mission.

[Next target: Retrieve war orphan, Vera.]

[Location: Geneva, 12 kilometers southwest suburbs.]

Shwoosh—

Without pause, the Angeloids continued their efficient sweep.

...

—Far East.

In Shinano, within a remote mountain hamlet—Yae Village.

Before the shrine, a crowd gathered.

Villagers, eyes burning with near-fanatical expectation, awaited today's ritual.

For generations, the village had worshiped a deity—the Fox God. By offering sacrifices, they prayed for its manifestation to bring rain.

In rain-scarce Shinano, the Fox God was the villagers' sole hope for a good harvest.

But at the last festival, after the offering, no blessed rainfall had come.

After long discussion, the elders reached a grim decision: they would repeat the ritual from ten years ago—by sacrificing a girl with shrine maiden blood.

This time, it would be the second daughter of the Yae shrine's head priest—Yae Rin.

Frail and sickly, unable to leave home, relying on daily medicine… In their eyes, she was the perfect choice as an offering.

"…"

Away from the noisy crowd—

A pink-haired, blue-eyed girl in a shrine maiden's outfit quietly packed her belongings.

Yae Sakura had no intention of letting her younger sister become a sacrifice.

Especially when she herself had been chosen to preside over the ritual—forcing her to kill Rin, who had always been by her side, was unimaginable.

Thus, from the moment the village decided Rin would be the offering, Sakura began planning their escape.

"I'll cure Rin's illness… We'll go see the cherry blossoms together, eat the most delicious foods…"

She whispered to herself for courage, preparing to flee with Rin.

But—

As she avoided the villagers and searched for her sister's whereabouts—

She stumbled upon a scene of despair.

The ritual had already begun.

"Sakura? What are you doing here?!"

The shrine head priest seized her and dragged her to the altar—before Yae Rin.

To prevent the sacrifice from escaping, Rin's tendons in her hands and feet had been severed.

The girl lay limp on the ground, bloodstains on her clothes, utterly unable to move.

"You will preside over the offering."

The head priest thrust a blade into Sakura's hands.

"!!!"

Sakura's mind went blank. She nearly collapsed.

All her plans, all her hopes for the future, shattered in an instant.

She stood frozen, staring at Rin.

"To help you, even at the end… Rin is happy…"

Rin forced herself to smile through the pain, speaking in broken whispers.

"I'm sorry… I can't go see the cherry blossoms with you…

"Big sister… you must become a great shrine maiden…!

"Sakura, quickly!"

"Don't miss the auspicious time!"

The priest, seeing Sakura motionless, seized her hand holding the blade, intending to carry out the ritual himself.

Suddenly—

[Target located.]

[Mission objective: Retrieve Yae Sakura, Yae Rin.]

[Ensure targets' safety. Authorized to eliminate all resistance.]

Boom!!—

Angeloids roared down from the skies on hurricane winds.

Slash—

Astraea drove her plasma blade straight through the priest's chest.

With a flick, she tossed his lifeless body aside like a rag doll.

"Don't worry. Master has come to save you."

"Yae Sakura, Yae Rin, come with me."

The golden-haired angel patted Sakura's head and lifted Rin into her arms.

"Ah…"

Sakura's mind, overwhelmed, shut down momentarily.

"Master…? Who is that?"

Cradled in Astraea's arms, Rin looked up and asked weakly.

"He's the Commander!"

Astraea, delighted, immediately contacted Setsuna.

"Master, we've found the Yae sisters. Rin is injured, though."

"Bring them back. Have the medical-type Agenloids heal her."

Setsuna opened the starship's hatch.

With the Starsea Empire's medical capabilities, Rin's frailty and severed tendons were trivial.

Even shattered organs could be restored.

Before leaving—

Nymph and Ikaros glanced back at the shrine's Fox God statue.

"Master, I don't think these villagers—or their god—are good people."

"…Do as you like."

"Apollon!!!"

"Not that one!!! Pick another!!!"

...

Onboard the ship—

Fu Hua watched in astonishment as Setsuna, within two days, methodically completed one mission after another.

The sealing of the Herrscher of Corruption's Black Box—she hadn't even known it was in Schicksal's possession. Setsuna and the Angeloids had struck with surgical precision.

As for saving the Yae sisters…

She couldn't understand why Setsuna would intervene for two shrine maidens in a fishing village. But true to her immortal nature, she did not pry.

This man's understanding of the world far surpassed her own.

"Yae sisters, Kallen, Hellmaru, Vera…"

"Mm, nearly all accounted for. Vera can be sent back to school later."

Setsuna crossed more names off his notebook.

"You came prepared? What's your next step?"

Fu Hua asked curiously.

She had followed Setsuna partly out of curiosity, partly to monitor him—to ensure he would not endanger Shenzhou.

Should he show the slightest sign of Honkai corruption, she would act without hesitation.

Whether or not she could defeat him was irrelevant. It was her duty.

Moreover, the Black Box weighed heavily on her mind.

"Of course."

Setsuna checked his mission list, then looked seriously at Fu Hua.

"The simple matters are done. Kallen and the Yae sisters will be cared for by the shipgirls and Angeloids."

"Next… it's your turn, Fu Hua."

...

Chapter 319: Manifestation of the Great Will of the Tree and Sea

A pure white and holy gentle radiance appeared before Phanes.

From the light emerged a sweet young girl with silver hair reaching her hips, wearing a sacred gown like a pure white wedding dress adorned with silver petals.

Behind her, the silhouette of a tree seemed to flash into existence, only to vanish in an instant.

She was none other than Mio, the Spirit of Origin of Kabbalah, ranked second among the four incarnations of Truth, second only to Phanes.

Although the incarnations of Truth differed in strength, the gap was not so vast that one could easily overcome another. If they truly fought, none would be able to utterly defeat the others.

Of course, that would be different if one attacked along the Truth Ring.

But that was essentially impossible. To do so would be to sever one's own path. If the universe were destroyed, it could still revive under Truth. But if Truth itself were destroyed, there would be no hope of restoration.

No—that was the case for ordinary universes. In Teyvat, such things could never happen. Even if the Truth Ring shattered, Lord Noah as Heavenly Principle could restore it with but a wave of his hand.

...

At this moment, Noah stood at the very peak of the auroral columns of light that shone from the north and south poles of the main universe, gazing down over the entire Teyvat Universe.

Behind him, a super single-universe level Truth Ring rotated slowly.

Everything within the Teyvat Universe was reflected in his eyes, and in his heart arose boundless comfort and satisfaction.

"By the years of Earth as measured by my own existence—disregarding the time-space order of Teyvat—since I first descended into this world until now, it has been less than ten thousand years. Yet I have developed Teyvat into a super single-universe with an internal multiverse."

The Teyvat main universe, surrounded by a dimensional gap thousands of times larger, was orbited by countless subsidiary universes operating under super-universe order. Around these spread an endless number of realms and small universes.

Some of those small universes had even been created by supreme gods.

In this way, the Teyvat Universe already resembled an internal multiverse.

Such a multiversal template required no further adjustment—only an increase of mass to advance to weak multiverse.

"Now all that remains is to let Truth govern these more than seven thousand Laws, then radiate them across the Teyvat Universe, raising its order to multiversal level. At that point, it will smoothly ascend into a super single-universe."

So-called multiversal order was nothing less than Laws governing every universe and all that existed within them.

Though divided into main and subsidiary universes, their connection was not true order—merely linkage.

Simply put, a strong single-universe system was like a mountain king, while a super single-universe system was like a local government. And Laws were the lawful foundation that made such a government legitimate.

Even if Teyvat was unlike ordinary universes, holding absolute control over its subsidiary universes, that still held true.

Phanes, Ophis, Mio, and Dream appeared behind Noah.

Phanes' golden eyes burned with fervor. "So the most crucial step has finally come, my Lord Heavenly Principle."

She had thought that Teyvat would only reach super single-universe when its civilizations matured to their peak.

Yet Lord Heavenly Principle had directly plucked nearly every kind of Law from the Imaginary Tree, and their total mass had already reached super single-universe level.

He always shocked her in ways she never foresaw.

Ophis smiled gently. "Using Laws to strengthen Truth in reverse… I can sense that my Ouroboros faction alone holds over nineteen hundred Laws. That is more than enough for me to reach super single-universe."

Dream folded her arms, pressing her chest flat. "If I ascend to super single-universe, I'll be able to mass-produce cosmos-structured small universes in my sleep. If I exert myself, I could even mass-produce weak single-universes without issue."

Mio clapped her hands lightly. "I don't have such exaggerated power. At most, I can only guide all newborn universes onto the right path."

Noah glanced at Dream and chuckled. "It seems, Dream, that you have taken on the Imaginary Tree's role of birthing universes."

"However, at present, what Teyvat lacks is Omega—the ability to harmlessly dismantle and recycle abnormal universes that it no longer needs."

Now Teyvat possessed Alpha of Beginning, but no Omega of End. That portion of structure was missing.

This was the essential Truth required for a super single-universe to advance toward the multiverse. Without it, one could only remain stuck at the super single-universe stage.

Ouroboros, Kabbalah, Dream, Alpha, Omega, and Pan-Human—these six supreme Truths were indispensable for a universe to ascend to multiversal level.

Those great universes stalled at super single-universe were almost always missing one or two, or even three of these Truths.

Take the Dragon Ball Universe, for instance. The Truths it contained could never exceed four—at most, perhaps three. Among super single-universes, the Dragon Ball Universe was undoubtedly at the very bottom. That it even reached super single-universe level at all was sheer luck.

"Are you ready? I'm beginning."

Noah spoke gently, and then the Truth Ring behind him began to shatter.

Crack, crack, crack—

Brilliant multicolored radiance illuminated the entire Teyvat Universe. The light of over seven thousand Laws gradually filled every corner of Teyvat.

The radiant glow pierced beyond the boundaries of the Teyvat Universe. The degree of its command could no longer be concealed by barriers—it could be seen throughout the entire Tree and Sea.

Even the highest point of the Imaginary Tree was bathed in its light.

For this was the moment an internal multiversal great universe began its advancement into a super single-universe.

And yet, the total mass of the Imaginary Tree itself was no more than that of a super single-universe. Of course, even among super single-universes there were vast differences.

It was like comparing lakes: an artificial pond was a lake, and so too was the Caspian Sea—but could their scale be the same?

After all, the Imaginary Tree was merely one-third of the structure of a weak multiverse.

Then—the Great Will of the Tree and Sea descended. Upon the highest strata of the Tree and Sea, within its multiversal order, a vortex formed. That vortex resembled an eye composed of countless universes' worth of power.

The entire focus of the Tree and Sea was now locked onto the Teyvat Universe, which was ascending into super single-universe.

From the multiverse, an invisible, intangible, unfathomable will descended silently upon the Teyvat Universe, which was in the midst of advancing into a super single-universe internal multiverse.

This power could not be seen, touched, known, or even conceived.

"Hmph, I knew this would happen. Do you really think I'm just some ordinary super single-universe?"

Noah, who was presiding over Teyvat's ascension, had long anticipated the descent of the Great Will of the Tree and Sea. And just as the ascension began, that will arrived.

Before Noah could even respond, the system's alarms rang out.

[Warning, warning. An unknown Super-Primeval Power of multiversal mass from the Great Will of the Tree and Sea is covering the entire Teyvat Universe.]

[This Super-Primeval Power has been named Quantum Imaginary Force by the system based on its characteristics.]

Hearing this designation, Noah couldn't help but complain. It would have been simpler just to call it Tree and Sea Force.

Although the Great Will of the Tree and Sea had struck, Noah felt no panic at all.

"Super-Primeval Power, surpassing six Truths, multiversal level… Its mass is far greater than mine. I thought you'd subtly and imperceptibly corrode Teyvat, but instead you chose something this direct and crude."

At this, Noah's lips curved in disdain.

"System, calculate the probability of the Great Will of the Tree and Sea successfully eroding Teyvat."

[Ding! Calculating.]

[Calculation complete. Probability equals absolute zero.]

"Then calculate the success rate of Teyvat pretending to be eroded by the Great Will of the Tree and Sea."

[Ding! Calculating.]

[Ding! Calculation complete. Probability approximately 99.63856…%]

"Now calculate: after pretending to be eroded, how many resources will the Great Will of the Tree and Sea invest into Teyvat?"

[Ding! Calculation complete. Probability approaches 100%.]

Noah's grin widened recklessly.

The Great Will of the Tree and Sea merely wanted to make Teyvat part of its structure. Fine, then—he would let Teyvat become part of it.

For a multiverse, anywhere covered by Super-Primeval Power became part of its structure.

Then let that Super-Primeval Power cover it.

Normally, once covered by another's Super-Primeval Power within their domain, there would be no way to separate again—akin to severing one's own limbs.

But with a single command, the system could detach Teyvat outright, taking with it all that the Tree and Sea had invested.

And that wasn't even the boldest part. Noah planned to play the Tree and Sea a truly ruthless trick.

For a multiversal structure, the Great Will of the Tree and Sea would never directly manage it. Instead, it would delegate a fragment of its consciousness to serve as the governing will of that structure.

Just like the Imaginary Tree and the Sea of Quanta, each had their own consciousness.

That consciousness would govern all the laws of the structure.

Here lay the opportunity: Noah directly handed Teyvat's secondary authority to that consciousness. Then, using the system's absolute control, he seized that consciousness and forced it to continuously send false reports back to the Tree and Sea's Great Will, assuring it that everything was fine.

Meanwhile, he would expand Teyvat's boundaries, encroaching upon the Imaginary Tree, the Sea of Quanta, and the Dimensional Realm.

Since Teyvat was already one of the universes in the structure, forming a competitive cycle was only natural.

By the time the Great Will of the Tree and Sea realized something was wrong, Teyvat would already have become its most critical universe-structure.

In human terms: only the brain would still be yours—the body would no longer belong to you.

When that time came, even if the Great Will of the Tree and Sea wanted to resist, it would be powerless, forced to watch as Teyvat devoured it piece by piece.

"At first, I only wanted to reap some benefits. But since you forced my hand with this move, don't blame me for giving you something big in return."

Of course, at the start it was simply because his own strength was insufficient.

Now, as Noah felt the Super-Primeval Power of the Tree and Sea completely shroud every corner of Teyvat, down to every fundamental particle of matter, he grinned and directly transferred Teyvat's secondary authority outward.

This secondary authority was at the level of a standard super single-universe. Noah completely concealed his true self behind it.

Teyvat's absolute authority was Noah himself. Unlike other universes, he would never set the authority of his universe as an object.

The Great Will of the Tree and Sea, upon receiving the full authority of the Teyvat Universe, revealed its joy. Throughout the Tree and Sea, the ocean of rules surged in response.

An intangible consciousness descended into the Cosmic Nexus of the Teyvat Universe.

The Cosmic Nexus was indeed the control platform of the entire Teyvat Universe—its operational core. But the true heart lay in the Temple of Truth within Eden, which Noah concealed completely.

At this moment, Ophis, Phanes, and Mio remained utterly unaware.

With their current strength, they could not perceive the presence of Super-Primeval Power. Only once they themselves ascended to super single-universe would they be able to sense it. But even then, they would never be capable of generating such power.

The only ones able to wield Super-Primeval Power were the First Causes of great worlds—the origin from which a universe began from nothing.

Unless Noah chose to share that power with them, they could not touch it.

"It's here! Hahahahaha…" Noah laughed aloud.

Phanes and the others, who were exerting all their strength to command over seven thousand Laws to form multiversal order and raise the mass of Truth, turned their gazes to Noah.

"What has arrived?"

"Why did you suddenly laugh?"

"Is it the joy of the universe's ascension?"

At that moment, Phanes suddenly lifted her head, her expression filled with disbelief.

She beheld, at the dome of the Tree and Sea's highest reaches, a vortex vast enough to contain untold numbers of great universes.

Streams of Laws and Truths, along with every known and unknown force, poured down like a flood into the ascending Teyvat Universe.

There was no obstruction, no resistance—it was as if this was how it had always meant to be.

Even Ophis, normally so indifferent, opened her mouth slightly in shock, her eyes full of astonishment.

"Such an unbelievable gift… What in the world is happening?"

Chapter 59: Now Is the Time for Our Campaign!

Within the Black Faction's fortress… everyone had gathered in the main hall. The power, which had shorted from the earlier tremors, was restored. The once dim halls were bright once more.

Chiron, having returned from the Aerial Garden, recounted everything he had witnessed.

The Greater Grail had fallen into Red's hands; Darnic had forced Lancer to unleash his Noble Phantasm, Legend of Dracula, transforming into Count Dracula himself, fusing with Lancer—only to be slain by Amakusa Shirou Tokisada. And Amakusa Shirou Tokisada was none other than the true name of Shirou Kotomine—himself a Servant, also of the Ruler class. And, of course, the betrayal of Caster, which the others were already aware of.

"Damn that Darnic…!"

Bang!

Gordes slammed the table in anger.

"Are you certain Vlad III has truly fallen?"

As always by the window, the Shogun turned back and asked Chiron.

"It's certain. They used a holy light magecraft specifically designed to slay vampires. In such conditions… Lancer stood no chance."

Chiron shook his head with regret.

"…."

Hearing this, the Shogun turned her gaze back to the night outside the window.

Another of Black's Servants had fallen…

Berserker, Caster, and now Lancer—three already lost. In truth, the only pillars left were herself and Chiron. Rider was entirely unreliable, Assassin could be dismissed, and as for Ruler… if she chose to aid them, she might yet count as a force.

Still… that was enough. Or rather, she alone was enough. She could stand for two, even three Servants. This was not arrogance, but confidence.

"Now we've hardly anyone left. What do we do?!"

Gordes stood and paced in agitation.

Fiore glanced at her uncle and sighed softly.

"It can't be helped. Archer, what is Caster's goal?"

She looked to Chiron.

"To secure the core of his Noble Phantasm."

"The core? You mean his automaton's power source?"

Gordes asked.

"Originally, Caster intended for Sieg to be that core. Not just anyone could serve—it required someone with high-quality circuits, and whose mind and nature resonated with combat as an automaton."

"I see…"

Fiore lowered her eyes.

"For him, the one most resonant in nature would be… his Master, wouldn't it?"

At last, she lifted her gaze, forcing out the truth.

"Indeed…"

Chiron's face darkened as well.

"Has any Servant of Red fallen?"

The Shogun stepped away from the window and came to Fiore's side, towering over Chiron as she asked.

"Unfortunately, no. Aside from Berserker and Saber, none have been defeated. Leaving aside my disciple Achilles, the rest are troublesome as well. Moreover, Lancer's abilities had been greatly diminished by the terrain. That was why Lord Darnic was forced to unleash the ultimate Noble Phantasm."

"Still, those two—Saber and Berserker—were both defeated by you, weren't they? Incredible! Truly, Fiore was fortunate to summon you~!"

Gordes praised her warmly. It seemed they could only rely on her now—after all, she was their mightiest force.

"There is no need for thanks. My meeting with her was perhaps a destined bond."

The Shogun glanced at Fiore as she spoke.

"S-Shogun///"

The girl blushed. Before others, she restrained herself from showing too much, but her shyness was plain.

Rumble!!

The floor shook violently, cutting off their thoughts. The chandelier swayed, chains clattering, the lights flickering.

"Wh-what now?!"

Gordes dove beneath the table instinctively.

"Sister!"

Caules ran into the hall.

"Caules, what's happening outside?!"

Fiore steadied herself, urgently asking.

"A giant automaton—taller than the castle walls! It's marching straight toward us! We can't hold it back!!"

"!" ×N

Hearing these words, everyone's faces grew grim.

It had to be Caster. At this moment, only he could be the one attacking the Black Faction's fortress!

"That must be his Noble Phantasm."

Chiron concluded firmly.

"Damn ungrateful bastard, betrays us and immediately comes to strike us down!"

Gordes cursed, though his words lost impact as he trembled beneath the table.

The Shogun drew Engulfing Lightning, ignoring Gordes' complaints, stepping forward before them all.

"No matter what, we must fight. Since the other side has cast away righteousness, do not blame us for being merciless."

The naginata shone brilliantly, thunder crackling around her.

"From the moment he betrayed us, his fate was sealed. And now—now is the time for our campaign."

Rumble!!

Lightning thundered, sparks exploding as the woman, like a general of armies, filled them all with courage.

"Good!"

The others exchanged glances, smiles of resolve crossing their faces, before striding from the hall to meet Caster head-on.

"Fiore."

When the others had gone, the Shogun looked to the girl in the wheelchair.

"Here—ugh~!"

Startled by the sudden call, Fiore straightened, only to groan cutely as her back pain bent her over again.

"You should remain here… your injury has not healed. You must rest."

"But… I'm fine. And now that Black's side is at such a disadvantage, how could I sit here quietly when every ounce of strength is precious?"

Fiore refused, unwilling to stay behind.

"If your wound worsens, it won't be a simple matter of pain."

The Shogun's concern was genuine—if her injury grew worse, no magecraft crest could heal it.

"I know… but the Shogun will protect me, won't you?"

Fiore's cheeks pinkened as she asked sweetly, a hint of willful charm in her voice.

"…You've grown quite eloquent. Are you growing familiar with this vessel?"

The Shogun sighed faintly, her tone laced with hidden affection and resignation.

"Hehe… Does Shogun dislike it?"

Fiore smiled shyly, asking softly.

"It is human nature—why would I dislike it? Since you are resolved, I shall respect your will. Come with me."

Clack…

"Ah~"

Without hesitation, the Shogun scooped her into her arms. In the next instant, they vanished in lightning, leaving only the empty wheelchair behind.

Rumble!!

Outside, the massive automaton smashed through the fortress walls, its grotesque, many-eyed head peering through. Its glowing eyes swept once over the homunculi charging at it, then its arm swung down in a colossal strike!

BOOM!

The fist struck like a boulder of a thousand pounds, shattering stone and crushing homunculi into pulp. Then, again, its arm rose to strike!

"Waaah!!"

Caules, on the ground, nearly wet himself as he scrambled away in a panicked crawl.

Crash!

Though he dodged, the shockwave blasted him through the air, sending him tumbling headfirst into the dirt.

Around him, homunculi brandished weapons to shield him.

"So that's Caster's Noble Phantasm? This giant automaton?"

He lifted his dirt-streaked face, fumbling for his fallen glasses, staring in disbelief.

ROAR!!

A deafening bellow erupted from the automaton's mouth, its breath forcing all to squint against the blast.

Crack…

It snatched two homunculi pinned under rubble and pressed them into the core of its chest. In horror, the two began to wither, their youthful skin drying, until nothing remained but husks.

"It… it devoured the homunculi?!"

Caules sat frozen on the ground, pale with shock.

But the next instant, the automaton turned its gaze on him.

"!"

Every hair on Caules' body stood on end. Its massive hand reached for him—

Ratatatat!!

The sharp roar of machine-gun fire rang out, a storm of mana bullets hammering the automaton's side, catching it unawares!

Boom! Boom!!

Explosions burst across its body, smoke and dust engulfing it.

But it was not over. From the fortress' watchtower, Chiron loosed a magic-soaked arrow.

Whoosh!

The arrow tore through the smoke like a beast, piercing into the automaton.

BOOM!!

Fire and thunder erupted. From within the smoke, the giant let out a hideous howl.

Chapter 58: Husband and 'Wife' Return Home Together~

"…If I don't sign a new contract, I'll definitely disappear. So… I chose Sieg as my Master. From now on, I'm his companion~!"

Rider clapped Sieg on the shoulder excitedly.

No doubt she had been waiting for this. With her previous Master's death, she was inwardly overjoyed. Such a careless person could never be relied on—so the Shogun judged.

"So… you came here just to flaunt that you've become a Master?"

The Shogun asked coldly.

"No… Now that I am a Master, I have the freedom to choose. My will is my own… I am no longer beneath you, but equal in standing."

Sieg declared firmly.

"Hmph! So that's it… Fine! Celenike's death was well deserved anyway. Since that's the case… then join us. Become a Master of the Black Faction."

Gordes mocked the deceased Celenike with disdain, then pointed at Sieg, suggesting he join them.

"No. I am not your ally."

Sieg refused decisively.

"Eh?" ×N

Everyone was shocked—except the Shogun, who only stared at him coldly.

"Please wait… Rider is a Servant of Black. Even if you've become a Master, you can't make such arbitrary—"

Fiore asked wearily. The situation was only growing worse. Why did so many new problems keep appearing?

"I won't join Black."

Sieg looked at Fiore and refused again.

"Sieg is right! I agree. I'm no longer a Servant of Black either~!"

Astolfo added fuel to the fire, siding with Sieg in his usual infuriating tone, utterly without hesitation.

"Hah… Then are you joining Red?"

Fiore asked again.

"No… I won't join either side. I'll stand alone. More than that, I'll be taking them with me."

Sieg gestured to the defeated homunculi behind him.

"That will not do."

The Shogun spoke once more.

"!"

Sieg and the others turned their eyes toward her again.

"What do you mean?" Sieg asked. Astolfo, gripped by lingering PTSD, quickly stepped in front of him.

"Today, they will not leave. Nor will you."

The Shogun's lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. The air around them grew sharp and frigid again.

"You have two choices. Join us—or die beneath this vessel's blade. Which will it be~?"

From the beginning, Musou Isshin's lightning had never dimmed…

"What the hell! That's not fair at all!"

Astolfo shouted angrily in protest.

"You claim independence. But who can guarantee you won't side with Red? And to prevent interference should the factions clash, it is only prudent to eliminate you first."

"Unstable factors must be dealt with. Besides, I already warned you—"

Bzzzt!

She raised her hand, lightning wrapping Sieg's body and dragging him forward!

Thud!

Her knee drove into his stomach—

"Urragh!!"

Sieg spat, collapsing at her feet, his insides nearly torn apart.

Bzzzt!

Both hands lifted Musou Isshin high, the blade glowing with even denser lightning.

"I warned you before. Your life—I can save it, or take it. Ingrate."

Her cold words blew like a storm of death. Beneath her gaze, Sieg's face twisted in terror. In those thunder-lit eyes, he saw a corpse—his own! The divine dread of impending judgment soaked his trousers in fear.

"Shogun!!"

Fiore called out anxiously, begging her to calm down. But the Shogun was utterly calm—merely executing her will.

"H-hey! You're really gonna cut him down?!"

Even Gordes was shaken by her terrifying aura. Beside him, Caules didn't dare speak a word. The sudden turn of events left them all frozen.

"Sieg! You bastard!!"

Rider seized his weapon. But then his eyes darted to Fiore—the Shogun's Master. If he took her hostage, surely the Shogun would stop! In the next instant, he lunged straight at the fragile girl in the wheelchair!!

"!"

Fiore's heart jolted in terror. A Servant's speed was on another level from a Master's—there was no way she could avoid it. Worse still, she was bound to a wheelchair.

[Shogun… behind you!]

Rider had no idea that "Raiden Shogun" was in fact two beings. Ei, who had been observing all along, saw Rider charge at Fiore and immediately warned the Shogun.

Ei's words were instantly understood. A streak of lightning burst from the Shogun's body, appearing in front of Fiore. A violet shield enveloped the girl from all sides, without a single blind spot!

The moment Rider closed in, thick currents of electricity surged outward from the shield!

Bzzzzt!!

"Ahhhh!!"

Rider's body convulsed as the electricity wrapped him whole, scorching him black. His body smoked as he collapsed to his knees, battered beyond recognition.

Such was the advantage of "two against one."

The battle ended in an instant—without suspense.

"Hah…"

Fiore finally exhaled in relief… If not for the Shogun, she would have been nothing but a burden again—or perhaps she already was.

The entire exchange had lasted less than two seconds. The Shogun never even glanced back, her gaze fixed coldly on Sieg, who had already wet himself in terror. Then—

Whoosh!

Musou Isshin, raised high, slashed down!

"Wait! Wait!!! Everyone be quiet!!"

Suddenly, Gordes shouted desperately.

Hum~!

The Shogun's blade stopped just as it touched Sieg's neck.

Slice…

Though it did not sever, the wind from the blade cut his skin, and blood sprayed from his throat.

"?" ×N

Everyone turned to Gordes. The Shogun did not look back, but paused, listening.

"Alright… Archer, speak."

Once all had stilled, Gordes addressed Chiron.

"…." ×N

Silence…

[Master… Caster has betrayed us!]

"What?! You said Caster betrayed—"

[Is Roche with you?! If he is, secure him immediately! Don't let him near Caster!!]

Chiron's voice was urgent, ragged with breath, as though fleeing. Footsteps of others could be heard around him.

"Roche… Where is he now?!"

Though Fiore could not hear Chiron, Gordes' face and words made it clear. Anxious, she asked the others, her gaze finally landing on Caules.

"Roche is at Caster's workshop. He said Caster had returned and rushed to find him."

"Call him back immediately!! Caster is dangerous now!"

Gordes barked.

"Ah! I got it!"

Caules, dumbfounded, bolted from the room.

"Archer, has anyone else returned? Is anyone with you?"

Gordes pressed.

[We'll explain once we're back—]

[Is Sieg with you?! Is he safe?!]

Now it was Jeanne's voice.

"Ruler is there too?!"

[Is he safe?!]

Her tone was full of worry.

"Ah… well…"

Gordes glanced awkwardly at Sieg, collapsed beneath the Shogun's blade, drenched in urine and blood. The Shogun also looked at him.

"(Is he dead?)"

Gordes whispered to her.

The Shogun lowered her eyes at the pathetic sight, blood still leaking from Sieg's neck.

"Not yet."

"Succinct…"

That "yet" was far too apt. Gordes gave her a thumbs up before answering Jeanne.

"Ahem… He… still…"

His eyes flicked back to Sieg's broken state.

"…lives."

So he replied.

"What happened?"

After Gordes cut the communication, the Shogun asked.

"Caster has betrayed us."

The reply was brief.

"…."

The Shogun pondered, then looked at Sieg, pathetic beneath her blade. With a sigh, she withdrew Musou Isshin, grabbed him like a sack of grain, and hurled him onto the charred Rider. The two crashed together, smashing into a nearby incubation pod with a loud crack.

Her eyes turned toward the cowering homunculi pressed against the walls. Under her sharp gaze, their bodies trembled, as though she might cut them down at any moment.

"Hmph… The duel is decided. Cause no further trouble, and remain obediently here. Should this vessel hear of further rebellion, this blade will show no mercy."

Step, step…

She turned, ready to leave, but remembered Fiore still at her side. Awkwardly, she went back, took hold of the wheelchair handles, and pushed her out. The chair bumped against the doorframe, jolting.

"Uuyaa~"

Fiore let out a soft, startled cry. All eyes turned toward her.

"…! ///"

Her cheeks flamed red as she clapped her hands over her mouth.

The Shogun glanced at her, suppressing laughter as she pushed her away, vanishing from sight.

"D-don't laugh~ ///"

In the hallway, Fiore, blushing furiously, pinched the Shogun's hand gently in protest.

"This vessel is professionally trained. I will not laugh."

She replied, still holding back amusement.

"Uuuh~ ///"

Fiore puffed her cheeks, slapped her hand again, and turned away.

Chapter 57: Trial by Combat · Youth Edition

"Trial… by combat?"

The homunculus froze for a moment, then repeated the unfamiliar phrase in confusion.

Not only her, but the rest of the homunculi, as well as Fiore and the others, were equally puzzled. Why had the Shogun suddenly said such a thing?

"Shogun?"

Fiore was the first to ask her.

The Shogun stepped forward, folding her arms, giving the homunculi an air of contempt.

"Yes. A trial by combat. This is the rule set by this vessel—under the witness of Narukami, life and death are to be decided by duel."

Her cold voice carried into everyone's ears. The entire chamber seemed frozen by the sheer sharpness of her aura, leaving them unable to move.

"!" ×N

Hearing her declaration, the homunculi felt a sense of dread. They instinctively stepped back, trying to distance themselves from the kimono-clad woman radiating such suffocating majesty.

"The rules are simple… you divide into two groups and duel. The victors shall leave freely—we will not interfere. As for the defeated…"

The Shogun raised her gaze, sweeping slowly over the fearful homunculi before continuing.

"…It means your strength is insufficient, and you shall reap what you've sown. You will remain here, accepting the fate that awaits you."

That "accepting fate" was an implicit way of saying: continue doing the work you were created for.

After finishing, the Shogun fell silent, maintaining her stance, waiting for their response. To the homunculi, it sounded like a cruel game—a game of death.

"Wh-what kind of… joke is this?!"

"We'll never agree!"

"Didn't we say already?! We won't abandon our companions!"

"Yeah! We'd never kill each other! Absolutely not—!"

They shouted back in protest, repeating the same cries as before—about not abandoning comrades, not wanting to die, and so on.

The Shogun's expression did not change.

"If you refuse… then you shall all suffer divine punishment."

Bzzzzt!

Thunder loomed. Blinding violet light gathered over her body as she raised her hand, summoning Musou Isshin, her words ringing with the dread of death itself.

Mana surged like a tidal wave, bursting out around her in an instant!

Everyone present struggled to breathe.

"Ahhh—!!" ×N

The homunculi recoiled in terror, retreating several steps at once. Some even collapsed to the ground, paralyzed with fear. The leading female homunculus broke into a cold sweat.

"Demon… demon!!"

"What god?! She's nothing but a devil!!"

Faced with their insults… the Shogun did not bother replying.

"You wish to live? Then prove it through your actions. To desire survival without cost, to taste sweetness without bitterness? Hmph… what fool's dream is that?"

She ended with a derisive laugh, spinning Musou Isshin into a flourish.

"Duel—for survival. Pay the rightful price. This vessel shall honor its promise and let the victors leave."

Silence fell again…

"Shogun… you needn't—"

"It is fine…"

Hearing Fiore's concern, she only shook her head slightly.

"I know the conflict in your heart. That is who you are—and I am satisfied with it. So, leave all of this to me. You needn't torment yourself further."

"Shogun…"

Why was she so gentle with her? Why think for her sake? She herself was but a half-measure, utterly unworthy of this woman before her… unworthy even of being her Master.

"This method is good! Quite fair, too!"

Gordes agreed readily, even praising the Shogun's proposal.

"Ugh…"

Caules covered his face in exasperation.

As the Shogun had foreseen, the homunculi finally raised their weapons, standing against one another under the rules she had set. Such was human nature—even in homunculi. Before the mountain of death, few could uphold selfless ideals. Most would choose survival. Those earlier declarations of "never abandoning companions" were nothing but empty words.

Heh… so they wanted to stir trouble? Then let there be trial by combat~!

And this was her holding back. In a true trial by combat, the losing side would be struck down by her own blade. That said, hardly anyone ever dared to propose such a deadly contest themselves… hardly. Not never. There had been, perhaps, one exception before…

After several minutes of clashing blades… the outcome was decided.

The victorious group rejoiced, some even bursting into tears of relief. The defeated lay collapsed in despair, while a few, knowing their weakness, accepted their fate calmly. Only the leading female homunculus wore a face full of grief.

"It seems it's over… This vessel keeps its promise. The victors may leave."

The Shogun pointed her blade toward the nearby doors, signaling to the winners.

"Let's go!" ×N

Excited, weapons still in hand, they hurried out of the chamber. Indeed, they were now free.

"Victory belongs to the strong, defeat to the weak. I expect the losers to honor their word and serve the Black Faction."

"No way! How could I… die here?! I won't die miserably here!! Ahhh!!"

One homunculus suddenly malfunctioned, screaming wildly as he seized a weapon and charged at the Shogun in hysteria.

"Shogun!"

Fiore cried out instinctively in worry.

"…Hah."

The Shogun sighed helplessly, already expecting this. She was about to knock him unconscious when—

"Stop!!!"

At the shout, all eyes turned to a young homunculus running over—Sieg.

He quickly placed himself in front of the deranged homunculus, shielding him. Lifting his gaze, he met the Shogun's eyes.

"Sieg…"

The female homunculus brightened upon seeing him, as though glimpsing a savior.

"Leave the rest to me…"

Sieg reassured her before turning back toward the Shogun, then glanced at the Masters behind her.

The Shogun's violet eyes narrowed dangerously.

"!"

The killing intent made Sieg falter, but he steadied himself again. With no other choice, he revealed his trump card.

He raised his hand, showing the back of it before the Shogun, making sure the others saw as well.

"This is—?!"

Gordes was the most shocked.

"Eh?"

Fiore was also surprised.

"…."

The Shogun showed no reaction, her expression blank as she regarded his display.

Etched into the back of his hand was the mark of Rider's Command Spells.

"I have words for Yggdmillennia. As Rider's Master, I should have the right to speak with you, shouldn't I?"

Sieg spoke solemnly, raising his hand.

"Wh—?!"

Gordes' face twisted in disbelief.

Fiore fell silent for a moment before speaking…

"Forgive me… but I don't understand. Rider's Master is supposed to be Celenike. Why are the Command Spells on your hand?"

"She's dead."

At that moment, Astolfo walked up to Sieg's side, answering for him.

"Eh? Dead? Why?"

Confused, Fiore pressed further. Rider scratched his head awkwardly.

"…Did you kill her?"

The Shogun's voice was low, her hand tightening around Musou Isshin, ready to cut them down in an instant. She remembered clearly—she had only knocked that woman unconscious, not killed her.

"Huh?! No, no, no!! Of course not! We didn't kill anyone!!"

Terrified of her killing aura, Rider frantically waved his hands, desperate to clear the misunderstanding. He had already been beaten by her once before and did not want to face that wrath again.

"She died by accident… I was going to drag her back to the castle, but the whirlwind from Red's fortress was too strong… It swept her away. I chased after her, but…"

His voice trailed off into silence.

"When we found her, she was already crushed beneath stones… beyond recognition."

Sieg quietly finished the explanation for him.

"I… I see…"

Fiore leaned back weakly into her wheelchair, her voice faint. The very thing she had feared most had come to pass.

Chapter 56: I Heard You’re Offering It for Free?

"What recklessness… those people. But… it seems they've been preparing for this for a long time already."

At this moment, Gordes also understood…

"Is that so, Sister?"

Caules turned to look at his elder sister…

"Mm… I'm afraid so. In that case, just like Uncle Darnic—no… more importantly, right now we must find a way to deal with the situation before us."

Fiore quickly shook her head, casting aside distracting thoughts. Lowering her gaze to think briefly, she then raised her eyes again—

"Roche, give orders to the remaining automatons to repair the fortress."

Facing the boy before her, she issued the command with firm tone!

"Understood Acting head!"

Roche playfully gave a salute before leaving the room.

Next, she turned toward Gordes.

"Uncle Gordes, please contact our kin across the lands."

"Eh… ah… I understand."

Confronted with his niece's undeniable tone and command, Gordes was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly agreed and rushed out of the room.

Fiore looked to her younger brother.

"Caules, gather the surviving automatons and homunculi from the battlefield, though I doubt many are left."

"I understand, Sister!"

Caules gave a slight bow, then left the room as well.

The only ones remaining were the Shogun and Fiore herself… Once again, silence filled the room.

"…."

The Shogun glanced at the fortress floating in the sky, then turned to head outside. She wished to provide support.

"Um… Shogun… please wait…"

Hearing the girl's plea behind her… she stopped her steps, turned back, and looked at the other. Her tone, completely different from when she had been giving orders, was now soft and gentle.

"…Shogun, could you remain in the castle? The defenses here are extremely thin… If you leave, it will be as fragile as paper. I fear the Red Faction may seize the chance to attack. Without you, we would be defenseless."

Though only speculation, it was still necessary to guard against the worst.

"So… I beg you… Shogun…"

The girl, seated in her wheelchair, bent forward and bowed deeply to her, her voice warm with gentle pleading.

"…I understand. And you need not perform such a courtesy. Just now… this vessel was most pleased."

The Shogun shook her head, urging the other to straighten, and spoke with praise…

The girl's earlier demeanor as a leader had truly impressed her. Indeed, this was someone worthy of being her Master.

"Shogun…"

Fiore lifted her head, meeting her eyes.

"Now, you are this vessel's Master. This vessel… shall follow your command."

"Mm!"

Encouraged by the Shogun, Fiore's eyes grew firm once more…

The outcome had yet to be decided. As Yggdmillennia's Master, as the Shogun's Master… she would not let the goddess she adored be disappointed!

She had believed that, after this, all would proceed as she had planned—restoring Black's forces. Yet once again, fate was unpredictable.

One hour later…

"Sister!"

Caules burst into Fiore's room in panic…

"Caules… what of the task I gave you?"

Fiore looked up from the list of Red Faction members in her hands, meeting her gasping brother's eyes with concern.

"It's bad! The homunculi… they've rebelled!"

Caules, bracing himself against the desk, caught his breath before hurriedly reporting.

"…Eh? Rebelled…?"

Fiore froze for a moment, stunned…

At the window, the Shogun also turned her gaze toward them.

"Ugh, I can't explain it here. Both of you, come with me at once!"

...

The creation of homunculi was Yggdmillennia's exclusive technique. First, they served as servants. Second, they acted as the mana supply source for Servants—essentially a kind of magical equipment.

Indeed, as "mana supply sources"—that was the reason they had been made.

Yet now, these magical tools were rebelling against them. No one had foreseen this. Truly, all manner of strange events could occur at such times.

In a certain area of the fortress was the underground chamber where the mana supply tanks were housed. All homunculi were born from here. The entire chamber glowed faintly green, rows of life-support pods arranged like tombs. Some had already been shattered by the rebelling homunculi.

Bang!

The next second… the underground chamber's doors were roughly pushed open. Four entered—the leader was Gordes, followed by Caules, Fiore, and the Shogun.

The loud crash of the doors drew the gazes of every homunculus inside. Seeing the arrivals, they instinctively stepped back, raising clubs in their hands—or even axes and swords scavenged from outside—staring at them warily, ready to charge at any moment.

Like slaves, sick of oppression, desperately seeking to be "free."

In an instant, silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of breathing. Beneath that silence simmered the tension of imminent conflict, thick with the scent of gunpowder.

But… the Shogun could see it. The homunculi were trembling faintly. Even if they wished to resist… they could not erase their fear.

"…" ×N

Both sides remained in silence…

"…What are you doing?"

The first to speak was Gordes… This uncle clearly preferred to charge ahead alone. His tone carried heavy hostility.

"Isn't it obvious… release them."

The leading homunculus stepped forward. Far from being cowed by Gordes' aura, he retorted calmly.

"What did you say? Do you know what you're doing?!"

"Of course… We're rebelling against you."

Facing Gordes' roar, the homunculus still answered coolly. Behind him, many companions nodded in agreement, making the atmosphere unbearably awkward.

"…Haa."

Fiore felt a wave of exhaustion… If this went on, it would never end. She wheeled herself forward, stepping in front of her uncle. At this moment, by her position, she was the leader among the three, and thus she had to step forth.

Coming face-to-face with the homunculi, she lifted her slightly cold blue eyes.

"—Artificial lifeforms, why are you doing this? Please, give me a convincing reason."

Her voice was cold, her tone that of a magus, devoid of anger or emotion. At this moment, Fiore only wished to hear the truth.

"…."

Perhaps because the girl's demeanor was so icy, the homunculus hesitated for a second. But in the end, he voiced his reason.

"After our mana is drained, we simply die like this. It's too miserable… We don't want that."

"Isn't that the role you were created to fulfill?"

Fiore responded without change in expression, calmly asking back.

"But… there's no need to always play this forced role."

The homunculus argued back…

"Forced? This is the meaning of your birth here… Do we need to force you to fulfill it?"

Fiore questioned again.

"That's why! We must reject that meaning! No one wants to watch their companions die!!"

The homunculus' composure cracked under Fiore's words, his voice rising with agitation.

"What nonsense!! Don't think just because you've gained awareness you suddenly have wings to fly! I—"

"Uncle Gordes, please calm yourself."

Fiore, weary, closed her eyes slightly, halting her uncle's roar once more…

"Ugh… tch…"

Choked, Gordes glanced at Fiore's expression and could only fall silent again.

Fiore opened her eyes, looking at the agitated homunculus before her…

"I understand your reason… But please also understand us. We are in a dire situation right now and need your help. Not all of you—just a few would suffice. In that case, will you agree?"

The production of automatons, and Caster's plans—everything depended on the homunculi's supply of mana. Now, these very beings wanted freedom. It was throwing their plans into chaos.

"…No. I cannot agree. Even a few are lives… they are our comrades. As I said, I will not allow a single one of them to be sacrificed!"

"I—I don't want to die!"

"Me neither!"

"Why must we be the ones to die?! Why don't you go instead?!"

The homunculi behind him began shouting as well.

"See… I cannot turn a blind eye to people crying out that they don't want to die."

The homunculus answered firmly.

"You bastards—!!"

"Uncle Gordes!!"

Fiore's patience broke as she raised her voice sharply.

"Fiore… can you really endure this rabble's nonsense?!"

"Sister…"

Caules turned toward her as well.

"…."

Fiore lowered her gaze slightly into silence… To be honest, she wavered.

It was truly a dilemma. If she let them go… Black would suffer tremendous losses. But if she didn't… they would resist, and she would be forced to annihilate them. Yet…

Looking at these lives, struggling desperately to survive in their despair… To kill them all would weigh heavily on her with guilt.

A few seconds later…

"In that case… let there be a 'trial by combat.'"

"!" ×N

Hearing the cold, elegant voice beside her… Fiore widened her eyes, slowly turning to look at the woman in the kimono at her side. The others did the same.

Chapter 72: Preparations

As if she had done something utterly trivial, the girl crowned with the title [Demon Buddha Māra] paid it no mind, instead lost in thought.

Around her, the three kings stood silently, keeping their posts.

"Hey, host, are you done playing around?" That familiar lackluster voice reappeared in her mindscape, this time with a hint of urgency. "If you don't find a way to stabilize the passage to the Naruto world, all your earlier arrangements will go to waste."

The girl—no, Satsuki Ōtsutsuki—shifted her awareness into her inner mind and "looked" toward the spatial channel sustained by the Space-Time Medal.

"The Vipralopa's power is too dreadful. It's even affecting the channel's stability. Host, hurry and think of something!"

Satsuki merely cast the reverted system—a glowing orb of light—a look of disdain, and said, "Quiet."

Her consciousness reached into the void and pulled forth a miniature version of the [Atlas].

Without hesitation, she tossed this priceless world-class item into the unstable spatial passage. Through the observation of her golden Tenseigan, she could see the immense changes wrought within the turbulent channel.

Inside, the [Atlas] expanded rapidly, the humanoid statue seeming to come alive. As if conscious, it glanced around the chaotic surroundings.

Enraged by the disorder, it let out a furious roar, raising its hands and stomping down with its feet, as though to anchor itself into the void. By its own strength and through the projection of world will, it firmly stabilized the surrounding chaos. The passage finally began to settle.

Only after finishing this did the colossal [Atlas] return to immobility.

"The result is as expected."

Withdrawing her gaze, Satsuki glanced at the speechless system, her brow furrowed. "Though the channel problem is temporarily solved, my connection with the Giant Tenseigan is unstable. I need to sever ties with this data space quickly."

The system finally snapped out of its stupor, realizing this was its responsibility.

"Uh… uh…" The most hopeless system across all worlds spun nervously in the void, then suddenly bounced excitedly. "Host, I've got it!"

"Speak."

Pff~

Tch. As expected, such was its style.

Behind Satsuki, six purple Vipralopa Truth-Seeking Orbs floated forth~~

Catching her sharp gaze, the system, desperate to survive, quickly said, "It's true, I really do have a method. Host, do you remember the two ways I mentioned to leave this world?"

"I remember." Satsuki's memory was flawless. "You said the first was to let the Space-Time Medal accumulate energy on its own, then wait for it to activate its traversal power again—about three years. The second was to wait until this data world experiences a massive upheaval, then use my power to project the entire world into another real one. That way, you could preserve the strongest data template and act independently."

Her gaze did not waver. "But what does this have to do with stabilizing my link to the Tenseigan?"

"Host, have you forgotten? The Giant Tenseigan was forged by Ōtsutsuki Hamura from all six of his Sage Tools. And the key to the Sage Tools lies in the fact that they each contained the fundamental laws of that world." The system bounced as it spoke. "This world is only virtual, so it contains no such essence. But once you reach another real world and regain freedom of action, obtaining items infused with that world's laws will be easy for you."

"And then?"

"Then, host, you only need to toss those items through this spatial passage. The Giant Tenseigan will automatically absorb them, amplifying its signal. That way, not only will its power grow stronger, but your connection with it will become stable. Even across multiple worlds, you could borrow its strength at will."

After hearing the explanation, Satsuki pondered. The system's words did seem plausible… but really, with this system's level of intelligence, could it have come up with such an idea?

Seeing her gaze, the system bounced irritably. "Host, are you doubting the ability of The Strongest System Across All Worlds again?"

Tch… forget it.

There was no need to dwell on such trivial matters. Satsuki withdrew her consciousness from the mindscape and returned to her body—in reality, only an instant had passed.

"Back to the Sixth Heaven."

With a command to the three kings who bowed respectfully, her figure flickered and returned to her original seat in Tāvatimsa Heaven.

With all players expelled from the dungeon "Six Heavens of Desire," the entire instance was reset. The once-ruined Tāvatimsa Heaven restored itself to its pristine state.

Once more, countless "Demon Buddha Worshippers" and grotesque elite monsters populated the endless land.

Disgust flickered in her eyes as she looked at the noisy NPCs that surrounded her, chanting incessantly. With a sweep of her palm, gray Vipralopa energy erased them like ink wiped from a scroll, reducing them to nothingness.

Sensing her wrath, the NPC mobs shrieked and scattered. After a few minutes, at last, the Sixth Heaven regained some quiet.

Seated upon a black mandala, Satsuki gazed at the three kings she now controlled with her advanced "Wheel of Heaven Reincarnation." Their silence and composure pleased her.

"From now on, this one wishes no disturbances. Furthermore, this one has a task for you."

"Your command, my lady."

"Phantom Spirit King, you possess the authority of [Status Infusion]. Great Brahma King, you wield [Energy Control]. I require the two of you to construct a formation that spreads the effect of the Brahma Chant throughout this entire world."

With a wave of her hand, a graceful figure appeared behind the three kings—it was the NPC [Gandharva], who had appeared once before.

Bound by her limited AI, Gandharva pressed her palms together reverently before Satsuki and the three kings. "Anantavata."

Ignoring the NPC's scripted actions, Satsuki continued: "Her Brahma Chant is powerful. But this one has no need of endless followers—that would only bring displeasure. Simply ensure that all who hear it completely forget anything concerning us. Nothing more."

"By your will." ×2

The Phantom Spirit King and Great Brahma King immediately departed with Gandharva to prepare the formation.

Meanwhile, the Wheel Yama King remained at Satsuki's side, his mood sour. He could not shake the shame of his avatar being defeated by the invaders, especially when the Demon Buddha awakened.

It was not that he lacked power. His pure combat authority of [Instant Death] could even evolve into the supreme [Super Instant Death], and he had once been the greatest pressure on Satsuki when she could not yet fully control the Demon Buddha. But arranging formations was far from his specialty, leaving him unsettled.

Naturally, Satsuki noticed.

"Yama King."

"My lady, your servant is here."

"Your value differs from theirs. You need not be troubled by my arrangements."

"…Yes, my lady. I understand."

Her next words tore open his wound without mercy: "As for your avatar's defeat—failure is failure. This one will not accept excuses or justifications."

Her words struck him like a heavy blow. His crimson head bowed low, trembling, unable to meet her gaze.

"But this one has always believed: strength and weakness are not absolutes, but relative. You, blinded by pride, failed to see this truth."

With a gesture, Satsuki lifted his head from afar, forcing him to meet her eyes.

"This one desires that you recognize the reason for your failure, not wallow in despair. Remember—this one can tolerate failure, but not stupidity."

From that day onward, under Satsuki's orders, the entire dungeon Six Heavens of Desire was soon filled with the effect of the "Brahma Chant."

Any player or GM who stepped into its range would instantly forget their original purpose and be randomly teleported to another map.

As time passed, what had once been a hot topic of raiding was swiftly forgotten within days. Even the official website announcements were replaced.

No one remembered that an End-Tier dungeon had ever existed, waiting for players to challenge it. All they knew was that the game would shut down one year later.

...

One year later

Only 35 minutes remained until the shutdown of YGGDRASIL.

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Underground

So happy… truly… so very happy…

Momonga sat silently upon his throne, immersed in memories of the past.

The system interface before his eyes remained unchanged, as familiar as ever.

The clock read 22:24:01, then ticked forward.

His quiet reverie was suddenly broken by a familiar voice in the corner of his interface, stirring waves in his heart.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it, Momonga-san?"

Momonga turned his gaze. At the other end of the grand, ornate white round table sat a black slime utterly mismatched with its surroundings.

"To be honest, I never thought you'd come, Herohero-san." Joy was evident in Momonga's voice. Though today was the game's final day, he was not alone.

"It's been nearly a year since we last met, hasn't it?"

The black slime's features showed exhaustion, but he still answered seriously. "It's been that long, huh. I still remember back then—I suddenly had to take several days off for no reason, and my boss chewed me out. Hahaha."

"Yeah…" Momonga replied wistfully. "That was probably the last time our guild managed to gather. I've already forgotten why, but it must have been for some great goal."

"I don't remember clearly either. Just that because of those days off, my boss kept piling overtime on me. Lately my sense of time is all messed up."

Uh…

Hearing this, Momonga grew worried about his comrade's health. "Herohero-san, isn't your situation pretty serious then?"

The black slime spread his hands. "You mean my body? Of course it's exhausted. It feels like my special ability is dragging me down along with it."

He seemed embarrassed. "Sorry, Momonga-san, I just keep complaining."

"Don't worry about it." Momonga quickly raised his hand with a smiling emote.

Herohero glanced at the clock, speaking wearily: "I need to log off."

With that, he tapped the system window with a soft hand.

"Oh…" Momonga's words caught for a moment, then he chose to properly send off his final companion. "Please rest well."

Before logging off, Herohero's hollow eyes swept around nostalgically.

"Still, I didn't expect Nazarick to still exist. The guild upkeep costs must be no small sum."

"Eh?" Momonga blinked.

"As guildmaster, you've kept it going all this time."

Even as an undead, Momonga could feel the gratitude in Herohero's tone.

"Well, Nazarick is the stronghold we all built together. It's the fruit of everyone's efforts. Of course I'll take good care of it."

Herohero tilted his head. "Momonga-san, you've really worked hard. If fate allows, let's meet again someday."

With that, he pressed the logout button, and his slime avatar vanished into light.

A system notification appeared: [Guild member Herohero has logged out.]

Leaning back into his ornate throne, Momonga sighed, then steadied himself. In a voice pretending his comrades were still there, he spoke into the empty air:

"Today marks the end of YGGDRASIL. A rare chance—why don't we stay together until the very last moment…"

The more Momonga spoke, the heavier his tone became. The empty throne hall around him silently echoed a cruel truth: now, the Great Tomb of Nazarick was home to only him.

After today, as working adults, everyone would likely have no "fate" to meet again.

...

Meanwhile, in the Sixth Heaven of Desire—

Satsuki fixed her full attention on the countdown timer the system displayed.

Since in-game time did not match real-world time, she had ordered the system to gather this information. With it, she could ensure no accident occurred during the world transfer.

As the clock drew closer to midnight—

Satsuki began stirring the Vipralopa power within her body while also activating the Space-Time Medal's accumulated energy. Instantly, the entire Sixth Heaven fell into chaos. Apart from the three kings, protected by authority-level power, every monster on every floor was caught in the distorted time-space force, turning to stone before crumbling into dust and scattering.

Satsuki remained in her usual reclining posture atop the black mandala. Above her, the clouds and sky twisted violently under the tremendous power. Thunder rumbled and spread through the warped space-time, and the earth itself groaned as if on the verge of collapse.

23:59:46

The Tenseigan in Satsuki's eyes burst forth with golden light. Behind her, nine golden Truth-Seeking Orbs appeared, arranging themselves into a massive formation.

23:59:50

A silver aura rose around her body, no weaker than the Tenseigan's ocular power. As it surged, a pair of dragon horns began to grow from her forehead.

23:59:55

Satsuki poured the extracted Ōtsutsuki Sage chakra into the floating orb-formation. From within her black robe, the embroidered five-clawed golden dragon leapt out. Even Candle Nine Yin, long dormant, emerged briefly for air. But this was no time for chatter.

Once an exalted sage, Candle Nine Yin had now fully submitted before Satsuki's unfathomable might. Without hesitation, it dove into the formation.

23:59:59

As the final second struck, Satsuki's vision plunged into total darkness. At that same moment, a colossal six-armed, three-faced statue manifested behind her. It gathered all its strength, channeling the overwhelming Vipralopa into its palms, and struck the space-time formation.

Even Satsuki, usually so assured, did not know if she had succeeded. She had invested everything into this moment—if the world could not be transferred, she would have to accept failure.

24:00:00

...

Darkness descended. A crushing drowsiness and searing pain wracked Satsuki. Though she was accustomed to such blackness, she rarely suffered true injury. Now, pain tore at her very soul, her vision bursting with golden sparks.

The three kings sensed through a mysterious awareness that their lord was in danger. In desperation, they invoked the only method left: each transformed into pure authority power, merging into Satsuki's body and forming a crystalline prism around her.

The radiant crystal sealed her within, isolating her from the unbearable torment. Yet the weight pressed down on her eyes, forcing them shut.

In her final fleeting glimpse before unconsciousness, she saw a string of white numbers:

00:00:01.

Chapter 159: Before the End

Gunshots. Roars. CRc gas filled the air.

Shattered walls, spiderweb cracks spreading outward, and a black-clad figure's body folding nearly in half as he was hurled through the air.

His arms stretched forward, gripping a massive, spear-pointed greatsword.

Afternoon sunlight pierced drifting dust, falling upon the armored silhouette that followed close behind. The violet-red radiance of her Kagune flickered irregularly, staining the bloodied blade in her hand. Like a crimson streak cutting through shadow, it split the smoke in an instant.

Clang!

Black spear-blade clashed against pale sword-edge, sparks spraying like molten steel from a forge.

The black-clad man faltered. His body bent under pressure, tilting, sword and man lifted and flung, crashing onto the blue-brick path in a burst of rubble.

The black-armored figure followed, leaving afterimages in the air. One boot stomped hard on the pale sword's spine, both hands swinging her jet-black weapon in a half-circle, lashing mercilessly at her pinned foe.

Cloth tore. Blood spattered. The black-clad figure curled like a boiled shrimp, knees nearly to chin, body whipping uncontrollably backward, slamming into the exterior wall of the building behind.

Boom! The wall caved in, shockwaves spreading, mist of blood exploding outward.

Bathed in sunlight, the armored silhouette simply flicked blood and grime from her weapon.

Her glossy spear-blade cut a trail of red through the air.

Crash— the building groaned, shaking to collapse. Shards of concrete, wall plaster, and glass fragments rained down, clashing against the beautiful figure in radiant armor—a striking contrast.

For a moment, the sight seemed gilded. Amid smoke and dust, her Kagune wings unfurled in flames, like a seraph descending to cleanse the world.

In a breath, the black-armored woman twirled her lance, hooking the pale greatsword off the ground. One hand opened, closed, and seized it.

With a simple sideways swing—

"Fire!"

Cannon thundered.

The screen shook, showing the armored woman turning away. Behind her, the Western-Japanese styled mansion burst in a blaze, flames consuming its materials, glowing orange sparks raining like a storm. The glare dimmed the image itself.

Click. The footage froze.

The explosion scene, soaked in American heroism—the "true warrior never looks back at the blast"—shrank to the corner, while the black-armored "seraph's" upper body portrait enlarged.

A caption appeared:

Vela Adelheid Russell — Commander of the International Anti-Ghoul Joint Operations Command, Martial Law Coordinator [Tokyo], and Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary [USA]

The host appeared at the right moment.

"…Just now, the CCG's target codenamed [Washuu] has been eliminated. Leaders Tsuneyoshi Washuu and Yoshitoki Washuu have been executed."

"Official channels now confirm that the noble Washuu family—hereditary holders of CCG leadership—were in fact a ghoul conspiracy group embedded in the government. According to confidential sources, the Prime Minister signed a Cabinet resolution yesterday stripping the Washuu of all political rights and human rights…"

Ward 20, Anteiku Café.

"The Washuu family—the head of the CCG—were ghouls?"

In the quiet shop, Ken Kaneki lifted his head in shock. Around him, men and women sat in heavy thought, shaken by both the terrifying power of the CCG's "Angel of Death" and the horrifying truth that the leaders of their longtime enemies were ghouls themselves. Under martial law, the flood of explosive news reports came one after another, overwhelming them.

Bang!

Touka Kirishima slammed the table.

The force knocked dishes and cups clattering to the floor, some shattering, coffee spraying in dark droplets.

"What kind of sick joke is this?!"

Her breath quickened, fury written on her face.

Not because the enemy's display of power enraged her—but because—

"The former Bureau Chief and Grand Chairman of the CCG were ghouls. Then what was the point of all our years of hiding and running from their raids?"

Her fingers dug into the tabletop, knuckles creaking. Her lips pressed tight, trembling as she cursed.

"How could they shamelessly lead investigators to slaughter their own kind for so many years?! A pack of beasts fit only for hell! Traitors! Ghoul-scum! Trash! Filth!"

The Washuu family scandal didn't just disgrace Japan's political world and the investigator system—it shattered the minds of countless ghouls hiding in corners and alleys of the city.

Especially those unwilling to fight, unwilling to kill for food, who had endured sweep after sweep with caution. Their mentality broke apart.

Why?

They had thought the Tsukiyama family were the most privileged among their kind. Yet even above them, there had been worse…

As the noble clan able to inherit the Bureau Chief post, much of the Washuu family's history was public.

Leaving aside their self-glorification, the fact remained: over a century ago, Washuu Daikichi had founded the CCG. Every Washuu boasted of this on their resumes, loudly proclaiming that their clan's mission across generations was to eradicate ghouls.

No one had ever imagined that the Washuu—Japan's chief investigators—were ghouls themselves.

Now that the truth was revealed, looking back on their words—

Ironic. Laughable.

The Washuu family's crimes were unforgivable!

Compared to that, the "Angel of Death" from North America killing her brother didn't feel quite so hateful anymore. After all, fighting and dying had been Ayato's own choice of how to live.

"Enough, Touka."

Kuzen Yoshimura lifted his eyes to the furious Touka and gently urged, "It's over now. The Washuu couldn't escape judgment. Extermination was their only end. Though it was Vela Russell who struck the blow—perhaps, I should thank her. She avenged me."

Touka froze.

"At this point, I should tell you all…"

Kuzen's closed eyes opened solemnly. He looked around at his like-minded companions, his juniors, Renji Yomo, Kaya Irimi, Enji Koma…

Finally, he turned his gaze to the television broadcasting more revelations about the Washuu family.

Footage captured up close in high definition showed the Washuu's enforcers—half-humans of the V organization.

That corpse-like pallor, those eyes with no sclera, all white—each detail broadcast clearly, the anchor emphasizing their inhuman traits.

"When I was young, I served the Washuu as a 'Cleaner' in their V organization. My duty was to eliminate the group's enemies. At the time, I didn't know V was their subordinate force."

Seeing Touka silent, Kuzen continued: "Until… because of one—no, two of the most important people in my life, I chose to leave."

"I couldn't save either of them. Alone, I could never resist the organization. In the end, to honor a promise to the most important person in my life, I came to Ward 20, opened this café, and sought a way for ghouls and humans to coexist, clinging to life in death."

"…"

Touka naturally understood the deep warning in his words.

Abandon vengeance.

End the spiral of hatred.

Revenge might feel sacred, but ghouls could no longer afford blind struggle.

With human technology advancing, the room to maneuver only grew narrower.

Even Kuzen, an SSS-class Kakuja among the strongest ghouls, could not resist the V organization and the Washuu behind them. Against the full machinery of human state power and nuclear weapons, what chance did they have?

Waiting was the rational choice.

Painful—but still hope.

Among humans were people like Kimi Nishino, knowledgeable and capable, willing to help normalize ghouls.

Researchers like Kouitsu Chigyou and Kanou Akihiro had proven through their work that ghouls could be saved.

Vela Adelheid Russell, whatever her motives, had spared Ryouko and Hinami Fueguchi. The project for artificial high-Rc food edible for ghouls continued, and the Legal Ghoul bill was still under discussion…

As her thoughts drifted, Kirishima Touka's gaze unconsciously returned to Kuzen Yoshimura. Today, the shopkeeper wasn't wearing his signature waiter's uniform.

"Manager, are you heading out? At a time like this?"

She asked without thinking.

"Ah… the time has come."

Kuzen only lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

"Renji, I leave the café to you. Take care of Touka and Kaneki, Irimi, Koma. I don't need you to follow me to the very end. Do you remember our promise…?"

Wait—why did this sound like last words?

The more she listened, the more wrong it felt. Touka's eyes widened. She was about to rise when—pat.

Her uncle, Renji Yomo, gently pressed a hand on her shoulder. "Let him go, Touka. This is his decision… as an unworthy father."

"…Thank you, Renji."

With a final, satisfied smile, Kuzen put on a round hat and pushed the door open.

"Eto…"

He whispered.

...

Since World War II, Tokyo had never been so tumultuous.

The anti-ghoul operations across the 23 wards had entered a white-hot stage.

Anti-ghoul had broadened into anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-collusion with ghouls, anti-tax evasion… It was, in truth, nothing less than a sweeping "American-style neo-economic purge and counterinsurgency."

At the right moment, CCG, Tokyo Prosecutor's Office, and Self-Defense Force operatives stormed into the Tsukiyama family estate.

Around the same time, the Tsukiyama's hidden hand moved. Their allied faction, the ghoul organization "Apollo Group," disguised as the Apollo Forestry Company, dispatched multiple cargo helicopters from Ward 6, flying north toward Honshu.

The CIA and members of the North American Commission of Counter Ghoul, who had been tailing them, also sprang into action.

...

Elsewhere, Vela led her forces to the ghoul detention center in Ward 23.

In the distance, through drifting smoke and choking CRc gas, the heavy reinforced concrete walls of Cochlea loomed. Vela tapped lightly on the Quinque case of her newly claimed [Owl], deep in thought.

Arima Kishou… what role will you choose to play?

Chapter 240: Aponia’s Sanatorium, Divine Key—Abyss Flower

After the Herrscher of Ice was brutally slain by Elias and Kalpas—

The village lay in ruins, and Kalpas, with no place left to go, became a wanderer. He didn't know where he was heading; he simply kept walking.

Eventually, after who knew how far, Kalpas arrived at this place known as Dusk Street.

Exhausted, he sat by the roadside, where children from Aponia's sanatorium discovered him. Perhaps because of the Tiga mask on his face, they weren't afraid of him—instead, they approached him without hesitation.

With nowhere else to go, Kalpas was taken in by the sanatorium, where he became a porter… as well as its gatekeeper and bodyguard.

And so, after a long journey, he found a new place of belonging. But peace never lasted long.

At this very moment—

Kalpas once again faced the torment of loss.

"APO—NIA!!"

Inside the sanatorium, Kalpas roared furiously at the nun before him, his wrath so fierce it seemed he might erupt into violence at any second.

But Aponia showed no fear—hardly even an emotional ripple. Her gaze upon him was like that of an adult looking at a child throwing a tantrum.

"Kalpas, please calm down."

"Calm down? How am I supposed to calm down?! Tch!"

Kalpas clicked his tongue in frustration. Aponia's words carried a strange power, one that made people subconsciously obey. His raging flames of anger did indeed wane somewhat.

But that only made him feel even more stifled and furious. His fists clenched tight—if he struck with full force, he could destroy the streets, even slay a Herrscher.

Yet brute force could not solve this problem.

"Three more brats are about to die today. At this rate, it won't be long before they all die."

"…I know."

Aponia's eyes brimmed with compassion.

When Honkai first erupted in Dusk Street, she had founded this sanatorium to shelter the infected. But all she could do was provide a place to stay.

Though she possessed the ability to "persuade" others, and to see the threads of fate, she could not alter destiny nor cure Honkai disease.

And after the Sixth Eruption, global Honkai concentration had surged. The young patients who once could endure a while longer… were now at their limits.

"You know—yet you still won't find a way to save them?! What good is praying every day?! That damn Moth already made a cure, didn't they?!"

Kalpas growled. Though he rudely called them brats, the sight of children writhing in pain from Honkai infection drove him into uncontrollable agitation.

"Thank you for caring about them, Kalpas."

Aponia smiled gently.

"Hah?! Who said I care about them?! I just—damn it! Don't look at me like that! If you've got time for useless prayers, then hurry up and buy that serum! Their screaming is driving me insane!"

Kalpas gritted his teeth, nearly overturning the table. Everything in this sanatorium soothed him—everything except Aponia herself!

"…I'm sorry. I am powerless."

"What?"

"Kalpas, Fire Moth never distributed Honkai serum to Dusk Street. We can't buy medicine here. And…"

Her gaze dimmed.

She had confirmed it countless times—their threads of fate were nearing their ends. Which meant inevitable death was already approaching.

"Enough! I already know your uselessness. In that case, I'll do things my way!"

Kalpas could stand no more of her fatalism. Like an enraged lion, he turned to leave.

But Aponia, knowing exactly what he intended, furrowed her brow.

"You cannot do that, Kalpas."

"Hmph! What I do is none of your concern!"

Kalpas' idea was simple.

Since there was no medicine in Dusk Street, Kalpas resolved to go elsewhere. He didn't mind robbing Fire Moth by force. The word "consequences" meant nothing to him.

But deep inside, a feeling of regret gnawed at him.

Back then, Elias had given him a communicator to stay in touch. Kalpas had smashed it without a word.

Now, thinking back on that, he wanted nothing more than to travel to the past and break the hand that had crushed it.

(If I could contact him now… I could get the serum. Damn it! Damn it! Bastard!)

Behind the mask, Kalpas' face twisted, torn between rage and pain.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the fire inside.

His decision was made. He would storm the nearest Fire Moth base and seize the serum, no matter the price. The children of the sanatorium would be saved first.

This was the second home he had finally found.

These were the family he had finally gained.

This time, no matter the cost, Kalpas would not repeat the past. He would protect what he cherished!

"Kalpas, you will not make it in time."

Aponia spoke as if stating an inevitable fact. Even with his resolve, the fate of the children had not shifted an inch.

Though she did not yet possess the ability to foresee the future, she could already imagine it clearly. By the time Kalpas returned from robbing Fire Moth, they would already be dead.

"Aponia—shut your mouth!"

Kalpas finally snapped. His fist punched through the wall of the sanatorium—half the building nearly collapsing in an instant.

And just then, a panicked voice cried out.

"Uwaaaah! Scared me to death!"

"Hm?"

"That voice…"

Both Kalpas and Aponia turned toward the entrance. They recognized the scream. Pardofelis—the petty thief who occasionally brought donations and supplies to the sanatorium.

"Uh… h-hey there, Brother Kalpas, hey there, Sister Nia."

Pardo waved awkwardly.

"It's you, Pardo. Welcome to the sanatorium. Sorry, but I don't have time to entertain you right now."

"No worries! I'm just leading someone here. Brother Kalpas, your friend came to see you."

"Eh? Kalpas… you have a friend?"

Even Aponia looked surprised. Though still stricken with sorrow for her patients, she was astonished to hear that Kalpas had a friend.

"Who?"

Behind the mask, Kalpas frowned. A friend? He didn't even know how to write the word, let alone have one.

At that moment, a figure in white appeared.

"Hey, Kalpas. Long time no see."

Elias waved casually.

"You?!"

Kalpas' eyes widened. Even with a mask covering his face, that voice and that striking white hair—he could never forget.

"Elias… why are you here?"

"Just came to check on you. And by the looks of it, I came at the perfect time."

He gestured to Sakura.

Understanding at once, the fox-eared girl stepped forward and unlocked the case. When the box full of Honkai serum was revealed, both Aponia and Kalpas froze in shock.

"Save the chatter. Let's heal them first."

"…Fine. Follow me."

Kalpas hesitated only a second before grabbing Elias and leading him toward the isolation ward.

Meanwhile, Aponia was utterly shaken.

Her eyes could always see the threads of fate. Not once had her ability failed—not even for an alien like Kalpas.

But just now… she could not see Elias' fate at all.

What Aponia saw was like a blank white canvas—signifying the boy's infinite possibilities.

(What is this? Why can't I see his thread of fate? And this girl's fate…)

She had already been shaken speechless by Elias, but when her eyes fell on Elysia, she was startled again. Her blue eyes widened in shock.

"My, being stared at like that makes me shy too. Hi there, beautiful lady. Hmm… I suppose I should take off this mask. Even if it's pink, a gas mask really doesn't suit me at all."

Elysia removed her pink gas mask, revealing a face as beautiful as fluttering blossoms.

"Hello, my name is Elysia. And you are?"

"Greetings, Miss Elysia. My name is Aponia. May I ask… what exactly are you and that boy?"

She couldn't hold back her question.

A boy with no fate.

A girl whose fate shone dazzlingly bright.

It was beyond Aponia's understanding, and without a doubt the anomaly she had long awaited.

"Such a direct question, hmm. Let me think. As for me… I'm nothing more than a radiant, love-struck maiden. And Elias… he is like the sun itself—the most beautiful boy in this world."

Elysia smiled as she spoke, her eyes sparkling.

"I don't know what exactly is happening here, but since Elias is here, there's no need to worry. Everything will turn out fine soon enough."

"…I hope so too."

Aponia took a deep breath, then quickly followed into the sanatorium's isolation ward. Her instincts told her she must not miss what was about to happen.

Inside, Elias and Kalpas were already hard at work, injecting serum into patients ravaged by Honkai disease.

"Ely, Sakura, come help!"

"Aponia, what are you waiting for?!"

At their call, the three women snapped out of it, grabbing vials of serum and administering them to patients.

The serum, made from Schariac Holy Blood provided by Elias, worked miracles. Those who had been in the final stages of infection—mere minutes from death—were visibly cured after the injection. The Honkai energy markings on their bodies faded rapidly until they disappeared entirely. However…

"There are way too many patients here. How many are there?! And you even dared gather them all together? Do you have a death wish?!"

Elias couldn't help but complain.

Gathering so many infected in one place was like concentrating a high-density Honkai energy source. A single misstep could have caused a localized Honkai Eruption.

Even if a new Herrscher wouldn't appear, powerful Honkai Beasts certainly would. And in such an event, all of Dusk Street would likely have been consumed.

Honkai patients couldn't just be quarantined. Before the serum existed, the only method was to kill them outright. That had always been the most effective solution.

"There are seventy-three patients in the sanatorium…"

"That many?! Then the serum we brought isn't nearly enough."

Both Sakura and Elysia were taken aback. The case contained only twenty vials, and even Elias hadn't expected Aponia to be sheltering so many.

So many patients gathered together—the outbreak risk could easily produce an Emperor-class Honkai Beast.

"I'll have more serum delivered immediately."

Sakura reached for her terminal to contact Fire Moth, but Elias stopped her.

"No need for all that trouble, Sakura. Leave this to me."

"What are you planning, Elias?"

"Well, this is a perfect chance to test Vill-V's craftsmanship again."

Elias reached into Imaginary Space and drew out a black-and-white knight's lance. Its spiral body gleamed with pure white, like a flawless blossom—yet within, a pitch-black spear was concealed.

This was the Divine Key forged from the Herrscher of Death's Core—Abyss Flower!

After extracting Sheele's Core, Elias had immediately instructed Vill-V to craft this Divine Key.

"I am the Black from the abyss, I am the White descending from the heavens. Born before Creation, existing beyond Oblivion, I shall grant the fountain of life freely to those who thirst."

Elias gripped the lance with both hands, chanting.

This chant had been designed by a certain grand magician. To unleash the Divine Key's true power, one had to recite this chuunibyou-styled incantation as a voiceprint password.

"Divine Key—Abyss Flower, Zeroth Power—Sacred Lance of the Orchid!"

He thrust the lance into the ground.

The next instant, beautiful white blossoms bloomed across every corner of the sanatorium… or so it should have been! But one must not forget—Elias himself was already the Herrscher of Rebirth.

The Core within Abyss Flower resonated with the Core inside Elias, triggering a burst of power several times stronger than normal. Even at Zeroth Power—designed to repair life at the genetic level and restore those near death—the synergy with his Schariac Holy Blood made curing late-stage Honkai disease effortless.

Elias: "This is… the moment of Creation!"

In an instant, the entire Dusk Street was transformed.

Beautiful white flowers, the symbol of Creation, blossomed across every corner of the district. Every living being within was healed—body and soul alike.

And this was with Elias deliberately holding back. Otherwise, not just Dusk Street, but the entire nation would have been enveloped in his authority.

"Uh… maybe that was a bit of overkill?"

Elias blinked. He had used only one-thousandth of the output, yet the effect far exceeded expectations. The dual-Core resonance amplified it too greatly.

Inside the sanatorium, every Honkai patient was cured—without even experiencing the usual period of weakness. Those who had been at death's door leapt from their beds, lively and strong.

"This… this is real…"

Aponia felt her very soul trembling.

"Fate… has been changed!"

She gazed in awe at the patients. Their threads of fate, once cut short, now stretched further ahead—their destined deaths overturned.

This was the first time Aponia had ever witnessed fate itself being altered. She was moved almost to tears.

Meanwhile, outside, countless gasps of astonishment rose up.

Lifting her eyes, Aponia saw it too.

The filthy, dim Dusk Street, once a den of sinners, was now blanketed in pure white blossoms. It was so beautiful, so clean, it was unrecognizable.

"Waaah… it's gorgeous…"

Elysia couldn't help but sigh in wonder.

The Pink Elf's eyes shone brilliantly as she looked upon the flawless paradise Elias had created. For a moment, she felt she had finally found the utopia of her dreams.

Or perhaps, Elias himself was her paradise.

Chapter 546: Aimi Wants to Go Too!

Akina Izumi looked at the photo of Tomoka Yuigahama and thought she looked more and more like her middle school friend, Tomoka Mizuniwa.

But since so many years had passed, her memories had become hazy, and she couldn't be sure the woman in the photo was really her old classmate. Back then, they had gotten along quite well. Whenever Akina forgot to do her homework, Tomoka Mizuniwa would readily lend hers to copy.

Like most students, though, their friendship gradually faded after graduation. At the time, they had written their contacts in each other's yearbooks, promising to stay in touch. But after graduation, how many really did?

Sometimes, when reminiscing about student days, a person's name might resurface. But then you'd realize in the blink of an eye, more than ten years had passed without contact. With a sigh at the fleeting days of youth and how fast time flies, life's busyness would soon take over again.

Akina handed the phone back to Yui Yuigahama with a smile. "Mrs. Yuigahama is so youthful. She looks just like a young girl."

Kotomi Izumi, chewing fried rice with a big spoon, didn't say anything aloud, but in her heart she fully agreed. Even though Tomoka often complained that she was almost forty and already an old lady, her complexion and appearance still looked like that of a woman in her twenties.

Only her demeanor and movements carried an added maturity and elegance.

It was precisely that maturity that had once compelled Kotomi to steal a kiss on Tomoka Yuigahama's cheek while she slept.

It wasn't just a feeling that grew over time. From the very first meeting, Tomoka Yuigahama's beauty, maturity, playfulness, and charm had been etched deeply in Kotomi's heart.

Kotomi had told herself many times: She's Yui's mom. But even now, she still couldn't stop herself from falling for Tomoka Yuigahama.

"Kotomi." Yui Yuigahama's voice came from beside her.

Kotomi quickly snapped out of her thoughts, worried that Yui might have noticed something odd in her expression.

"Ah?"

"A grain of rice—right on your mouth, just like a little kid."

Yui pointed at the corner of Kotomi's lips and smiled as warmly as spring sunshine. She had noticed Kotomi getting a rice grain stuck there while eating.

She had imagined reaching out to brush it away, like in a novel, then popping it into her mouth while gazing at Kotomi with a doting smile, making Kotomi blush in embarrassment.

But when it came to actually doing it, she lost her nerve. What if it didn't make Kotomi blush but instead made her angry?

If Kotomi got mad, would she whip her? …Wait, if that really happened, wouldn't that be kind of nice? The thought flickered through Yui's mind, as if she had awakened to yet another hidden trait—or maybe just leveled up the one she already had.

Kotomi licked away the rice grain, then glanced at Yui. One look at her expression, and she knew Yui was lost in her wandering thoughts again.

What exactly was going on in that head of hers this time?

Just as breakfast was wrapping up, Aimi woke earlier than usual. She had wanted to crawl back into Kotomi's bed to keep sleeping, but when she pushed open the door, she saw the bed neatly made and Kotomi's pajamas folded at the side.

Her drowsiness vanished instantly. She ran downstairs in a hurry. Kotomi's shoes were still there, which reassured her a little. But then she spotted another unfamiliar pair of women's shoes.

Her "enemy radar" immediately went beep beep.

Hearing her sister's voice from the kitchen, Aimi rushed toward it. She planned to run in, leap into Kotomi's arms, and cling to her just like when she was little, acting spoiled until her sister fed her.

"Onee-chan good morning give me a hu—huh?!"

One moment Aimi Izumi had been smiling sweetly, but the instant she saw Yui Yuigahama sitting in her spot, her expression instantly turned cold. Thankfully, it was Yui and not Megumi Kato—if Aimi had seen Megumi in that seat, the whole kitchen might have felt like it dropped into an ice cave.

Why are you here? Aimi almost blurted out. But then she remembered—this was Yui Yuigahama. Yui wasn't a bad woman who wanted to steal her sister away, so Aimi couldn't treat her like Megumi. That would be far too rude.

What? That attitude toward Megumi wasn't polite either? Well, Aimi didn't care about politeness when it came to Megumi. That wicked woman was always trying to snatch her sister away. Every time Aimi saw her, she wanted to run up and punch her.

Adjusting her mood a little, Aimi put on her practiced polite smile and greeted: "Good morning, Yuigahama-oneechan. Why are you here? Did you come to see my sister?"

"Good morning, Aimi. I made plans with Kotomi to go to karaoke today. The cultural festival's performance is coming up soon, so I wanted to practice with her while we have the day off."

Yui smiled warmly. Even before she knew Aimi was Kotomi's sister, she had already recognized her, since Aimi used to visit her family's cake shop often to buy Baumkuchen.

Though, for some reason, Aimi had stopped coming by lately.

"You're going to karaoke with my sister? Just the two of you?" Aimi's little ears twitched as her mind started racing.

"Mm!" Yui answered without hesitation, not suspecting anything.

"Then I want to go too!" Aimi suddenly declared. She didn't trust leaving her sister alone with Yui. Who knew if they'd really be practicing singing at the KTV?

Besides, Kotomi hadn't spent time with her yesterday either—she had gone shopping with Megumi instead. When Kotomi got home, Aimi had sulked for a long time. In the end, Kotomi only managed to coax her back into a good mood by agreeing to bathe together that night.

"…."

"…."

"No."

Before Kotomi or Yui could even respond, Akina Izumi set her chopsticks down and said flatly, forbidding Aimi from tagging along to the KTV.

If Aimi had insisted, Kotomi probably would've agreed to let her come, since she and Yui were really just going there to sing—not to go on some disguised date.

Honestly, who even goes on a date at a KTV? A net café would make more sense.

As for Yui—whatever Kotomi said, she'd go along with it. If Kotomi wanted Aimi to come, she wouldn't argue.

But before Kotomi could even answer, her mom had already spoken up and shut the idea down. Kotomi froze in surprise.

Mom, are you seriously trying to create a two-person world for me and Yui?

"Eh? Mom, why won't you let me go to karaoke with my sister?"

Aimi was stunned. She thought her mom wouldn't interfere, but suddenly she had said: You're not going.

If Kotomi had been the one to say it, there might have been room to argue. But since it was Mom, that meant there was no room for discussion. She'd have to obediently stay home.

Akina Izumi gave her a look that said Do you really need me to explain? and reminded her: "Today's Sunday. If I'm not mistaken, you haven't finished your homework, have you?"

"Ugh…" Aimi's face stiffened. Looks like her mom was right. Weekend homework—while she had written a little, there were still plenty of assignments left undone.

"Aimi, you didn't finish your homework?"

Kotomi was surprised. She remembered that in the past, Aimi always stayed up late on Friday nights to finish everything, leaving Saturday and Sunday completely free for play. Even now, in her third year of middle school with more assignments than before, Aimi had never dragged her homework past Saturday afternoon.

And yet here it was, already Sunday, and she still hadn't finished. Could it be the teachers had really assigned too much this week, since exams were coming?

"Ehehe… there was kind of a lot…" Aimi scratched her cheek awkwardly.

"It's not that there was a lot. It's that you spent ten minutes on homework and five hours gaming the past two days. After fifteen minutes of homework, you'd run straight to your laptop. How could you possibly be done now?" Akina mercilessly exposed her.

Blushing, Aimi wanted to run back upstairs.

She really had wanted to finish her homework early, but… the super yuri gal game she had been looking forward to finally released on Friday! An R18 one, at that!

Of course, she immediately logged onto the official site to buy the deluxe edition. After installing it, she couldn't resist diving in right away. The game had a total of 20 storylines, and in just two days she had already cleared 10 of them while sitting on her bed with her laptop—learning all sorts of new "knowledge."

As for the R18 age check?

Everyone knew how flimsy those were on Japanese websites. Just a popup: Are you 18 or older? with two options—yes or no.

Click yes, and you were in. No barriers at all.

That company's site was the same. One click, and she could browse, purchase, download, and install the game without issue.

Anyway, Aimi had spent Friday and Saturday glued to her game. It was fun, but it left a mountain of unfinished homework.

And how did Akina know?

Friday night, she had poured two glasses of juice—one for Kotomi, one for Aimi.

After dropping Kotomi's off, she entered Aimi's room just as the gal game reached the infamous CG scene. Aimi's big eyes were glued to the laptop screen, unwilling to miss a single detail.

The CG art and voice acting quality were top-notch. For the first time, Aimi thought her laptop screen felt too small, not nearly satisfying enough.

So absorbed was she that she didn't even notice her mom standing right there at her bedside, watching her play.

Akina didn't say anything. She just set the juice quietly on the desk and left, heading back to Kotomi's room to ask:

"Kotomi, do you have any spare headphones?"

"Headphones? Yeah."

Kotomi had plenty. Earlier in the year, she had bought a Razer headset, but after watching reviews, she'd picked up a SteelSeries one too. The Razer set was now sitting unused.

"Can I let Aimi borrow this for a while?"

"Of course."

Akina Izumi took Kotomi's headphones back to Aimi's room, just as the infamous CG scene was coming to an end.

Aimi, still unsatisfied, was about to load the save file to watch it again when Akina lightly cleared her throat. Only then did Aimi snap out of it and realize her mom was standing there in her room—holding a pair of headphones!

"M-Mom…"

"You like playing these kinds of games, huh? Well, you'll be in high school soon, so it's normal to be curious about them. But don't get so absorbed you forget to use headphones. Here—this is a pair your sister used before. With them on, you can play as loud as you want. Just don't stay up too late."

Akina set the headphones down, gave a quick reminder, and left—while Aimi wished she could dig a hole and bury herself inside.

"After they come back from karaoke, I'll finish my homework…" Aimi tried to argue weakly.

"No. Kotomi and Yui are going to practice for the cultural festival performance. What would you be doing there? Causing trouble? The Sobu High festival is less than a week away—you've seen the date on the tickets, haven't you? Do you really want to watch your sister embarrass herself on stage because she didn't practice properly?" Akina asked firmly.

"Ugh… I get it. I'll stay home…" Aimi hung her head, muttering quietly.

Kotomi could only smile helplessly at her mom's overwhelming pressure. Honestly, bringing Aimi along wouldn't have been a big deal. But since her mom had gone out of her way to create a private moment for her and Yui, Kotomi gratefully accepted her mother's kindness.

Thank you, Mom.

After breakfast, they waited at home until nine o'clock. Then Kotomi Izumi and Yui Yuigahama left together for the KTV near the station.

As they left, Aimi felt reassured about her sister being alone with Yui. With her self-proclaimed keen powers of observation, she concluded that Kotomi and Yui's relationship must be nothing more than pure friendship.

That thought let her relax as she watched them go.

Once they had walked a little farther, Kotomi casually reached out her hand toward Yui and said as if it were nothing:

"It's cold. Warm my hands for me."

"Okay!" Yui's face lit up with joy, her mind flying to who-knows-where.

Hand in hand with Kotomi, the silly dango walked along grinning the whole way.

Chapter 634: Watch Closely—What Is Valor, What Is Might

What are the Dragonia?

In this world, the Dragonia hold the fourth rank among the sixteen sentient races, extraordinarily powerful. It takes about fifty Flügel to bring down a single Dragonia—and the Flügel are ranked sixth. That alone illustrates the might of the Dragonia.

They are a supremely proud race.

First among the Three Dragonia Rulers, the "Oldest Being," the "First Dragonia"—the Final Dragon Hartyleif—was hailed as the "Strongest" upon birth.

Because the title of "Strongest" clashed with the God of War, Altus, fifteen thousand years ago during the Great Ancient War, these two "strongest" figures chose the world's tallest mountain as their battlefield.

Final Dragon Hartyleif, as King of the Fourth Rank, challenged the strongest Old Deus Altus. Their final duel turned the world's tallest peak into a strait.

The strongest Dragonia fell to the strongest Old Deus.

The second Dragonia Ruler, Aranleif, dared to wage war against the Ex-Machina with just seven subordinate dragons. In the end, he unleashed "Far Cry," dying in the process, but grievously wounding the Ex-Machina and leaving them weakened.

...

"Far Cry" is the Dragonia's ultimate attack, unleashed at the cost of their life. It summons heat and fire essence enough to destroy heaven and earth, the explosion releasing a devastating shockwave.

As the only surviving Dragonia Ruler, and the sole female among the three, Reginleif—the Wise Dragon—and her kin avoided needless conflict, disliking battle. But now?

The invaders marched right up to her doorstep, raining destruction upon her Gigant neighbors, sharpening their blades, slaughtering wildly—and killing her younger kin who guarded her home.

And now, the bald-headed leader of the invaders appeared, smashing one of her dragons dead with his hammer. Then, with a look of pity and righteous conviction, he declared to her:

This is your last chance. For your own good.

Two choices only—become dogs, or die where you stand, your race annihilated.

Could the Dragonia's pride endure this?

After the deaths of the other two Dragonia Rulers, Reginleif served six thousand years as sole Dragonia Ruler and plenipotentiary of her race during the Ten Covenants era (long since abolished by Selene). How could she possibly bow her head now? What would she become?

As for the Luna Wolves' prior gestures of courtesy—the envoy sent under Elven Gard bearing their letter of surrender, which the Dragonia burned unread and cast out as an insult—well… did that ever happen?

Roaaar—!

A trembling, muffled roar erupted suddenly from beneath the ruins. It was as though vast stockpiles of explosives had detonated underground, thunderous booms echoing as dragon cries pierced the sky!

"For Selene—!" came the Luna Wolves' answering war cry.

Zzzzt—hiss—!

That was the final wail before death.

Whoosh!

From the choking smoke, a jagged dragon's head burst forth.

Only the head remained.

The contorted bone visage bore clear signs of the torment it had endured. As the severed head reached its arc and fell, boiling blood poured down.

At its neck, the scales had lost all luster, like fossilized stone, cracked and broken. The gaping wound bore burn marks blackened and split, nearly covering the whole cross-section.

The cut divided into two parts: one section smooth as butter, its muscle fibers exposed in neat striations—clearly the work of a disintegration field from a power weapon. The rest was ragged, torn as though by jaws, tendons stretched and ripped, blood flowing.

Judging by the combatants' proportions, the former was the disintegration field's handiwork; the latter, brute force tearing.

"..."

In the midst of his formal parley, Horus turned his eyes to it. His mouth twitched, his brow furrowed, as if shaking his head at such brutality from his own warriors.

This was the style of the World Eaters, the Space Wolves, the Night Lords. But the style he had always sought for his Luna Wolves was silence and efficiency, elegance and precision, courage and harmony.

"So, there's no room for talk after all," he muttered. "Then capture the king to fell the army. By your Dragonia Ruler's head, I will honor my Empress."

"Insolent wretch, worthless scrap of iron!"

Reginleif, the Wise Dragon, burned with unprecedented fury. Not only at Horus' dismissive tone—but because she recognized the severed dragon's head. It had belonged to one of the most gifted of the new generation of Dragonia.

Roooaaaar—!!

As the roar of undying fury echoed across the world, the war itself… had already ascended to unimaginable heights.

The Spirit Corridors roared and boiled, as though the entire battlefield was aflame, lighting the sky in crimson.

Nothing could hide, nothing could resist, nothing could endure.

Ashes clashed with the power of the stars, and from the blood-red sky fell only drifting gray.

Once-great dragon lairs turned to dust. The torn earth was riddled with massive craters. The air reeked of burning blood. Pools of molten dragon blood and giant bones seeped into the ground, the ecosystem irreversibly shattered.

...

That was the planet itself wailing, bleeding…

"Hmph! Shameful dwarf tricks, unworthy scraps of iron! You wield such mighty bodies and high adaptability to magical energy, yet you stoop to the same pathetic toys as those contemptible dwarves!"

Fixing her gaze on the Luna Wolves' Titan formations dominating the horizon, Reginleif, the last Dragonia Ruler, thundered with scorn.

Before the Covenants were forged at the end of the ancient war, the Dragonia had fought alongside the Elves and Fairies as part of the Elven Alliance against the Dwarves.

The Dragonia were born with massive bodies, immense strength, profound wisdom, sharp intellect, and eternal lives. The Dwarves, unable to wield magic directly, crafted magical machines instead. The two races could never see eye to eye.

To the proud dragons, those who relied on tools and borrowed strength were nothing but trash!

True strength lay only in oneself. To Reginleif, Horus and his legion—though personally powerful and highly adapted to Honkai—demeaned themselves by wielding such machines. It was a distortion of values, a betrayal of truth.

Even the calmest of the Three Dragonia Rulers, the Enlightened Dragon Reginleif, could not hide the innate arrogance of her kind.

"Men and beasts differ in this: men make and wield tools."

Unfurling lightning claws, each blade shimmering with violet-red Honkai particles, Horus spoke calmly. "Every race walks its own path. Mine is to fulfill the will of Empress Selene—to walk the road of the Empire's rise."

Roaaar—!

Reginleif roared. The ancient Draconic Language, incomprehensible and raw, spread out with immense power, striking the void-borne warships and the Titan legions arrayed along the horizon.

The Draconic Language was one of their innate abilities. Their very words were magic, commanding all of creation.

It was the remnant power of creation itself—the primal language of Disboard.

Legends called it by many names: the Universal Tongue, the Language of Creation. Only the Dragonia knew its secrets and wielded it as a weapon.

"Even if the Dragonia fall to extinction, you pitiful trash are fit only to turn to dust beneath my wings, forever consigned to ash!"

"Roar, my wrath!"

"Burn all! Shatter all! Destroy all!"

Rumble—!

Terrifying, ominous, viscous spirit particles surged from Reginleif. Vast magic circles bloomed across her platinum-white scales. A storm of power erupted, dazzling and searing.

"For the dignity of your race you fight… Hmph. In spirit, I respect you."

Horus raised with one hand the warhammer named Worldbreaker. To other Astartes, it was too heavy to wield with ease, a black metal rod of colossal size, its spiked head as massive as a Space Marine in full armor.

...

Clad in that breathtakingly ornate pale armor, he stood like a merciless iron statue before the shadow of death.

"Advance!"

Boom! Boom-boom! Boom-boom—!

The Titans roared as though mountains collapsing, their colossal rail shells screaming through the skies. In mere fractions of a second, the shells struck the thick hides of charging Gigants.

...

Rumble-rumble-rumble—!

Bodies stronger than steel itself buckled under the relentless storm. Their fur was scorched away in breaths, flesh sizzling, oils burning, writhing like maggots before sloughing off. Yellowish, rancid fluids sprayed in torrents.

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!

The air itself screamed.

Titanic light-lance arrays and squadrons of airborne laser turrets painted the ash-darkened skies with dazzling fire. Uncountable beams and solid shells turned the primal continent into a rainstorm of fire.

Bang! Bang!

Beam and shell, light and mass, interwove into a torrent that tore the heavens, striking the onrushing flying beasts. Bursts of plasma flared midair like iron trees blossoming fire.

Explosions and fire spread in cascades, engulfing even the densest of scales.

...

Worldbreaker traced a sweeping arc through both dragon and Gigant. Space folded around his motion, his form a blurred afterimage.

The white wolf-pelt cloak trailing his back whipped like layered shadows at blinding speed. Lightning and storm were cast behind him.

Raising the massive lightning claw on his right hand—its twin barrels loaded with custom storm bolts—Horus fired. A violet-red cone of energy punched through a Gigant's chest.

One shot was enough.

The corrosive Honkai energy seared like venom, tearing screams from the colossus as it fell, breath guttering. In moments its massive body withered, leaving only skin draped on bone.

Its death cry was drowned in the thunder of battle, fading swiftly into silence.

Whoosh!

Horus swung Worldbreaker backhand. Violet-red crystalline energies flared, his protective field shimmering like a halo.

BOOM—!!

A vast skeletal gauntlet grasped the crystalline hammer, blotting out the sky as it crashed down. A black dragon attempting a diving strike was pulped instantly, its skull obliterated.

Worldbreaker swung again, shockwaves tearing the fog for hundreds of kilometers. The air howled like a torn sack, the earth beneath shattered like glass, fragments scattered in all directions.

A single strike sent multiple dragons tumbling. Their bodies shredded midair, falling in pieces across the shattered land.

All in Disboard knew: Dragonia scales, bodies, and bones were harder than any mineral of the earth. Even in death, their remains endured forever.

But before Horus and his legion—or rather, before the ominous violet-red Honkai particles—they shattered like glass beads.

Calm, unhurried, striding straight ahead, neither Gigants' death charges nor the Dragonia's suicidal Far Cry could halt him. Horus moved like an artist of war, embodying his doctrine:

Silent and efficient. Elegant and concise. Fierce and harmonious.

Roaaar—!

A white dragon narrowly evaded the deadly arc of Worldbreaker, its chest torn open by the lightning claw. Blood gushed, but as it had foreseen, it survived the blow.

And its choice—Far Cry!

Rumble—!

Light and heat exploded outward.

Temperatures soared, vaporizing all matter in an instant, unleashing lethal shockwaves.

Yet in the next moment, the fireball spanning nearly a kilometer seemed to reverse, as though rewound. Vwooom—!

The storm dissipated. Horus stood unscathed, his massive lightning claw gripping the condensed heat of the Far Cry like a second sun—before crushing it to nothing.

"The so-called Dragonia—for us, their destruction is effortless. Break their defenses, inject but a trace of outside force, and their own 'strength' will undo them."

"Enough."

The immense body of Reginleif, hundreds of meters long, cast her shadow upon Horus. At arm's length, face-to-face, her words ground out between her teeth: "How far will you go to insult me? I told you—never shall we be slaves.

"Even if Tet, that false god, has fallen… even if the 'Suniaster' was seized by your Empress… even if your master has learned every secret of my race, our fatal weakness laid bare… still—"

For Dragonia, past and future deaths all bore the same cause: self-destruction.

Their essence was as vessels containing a unique space. Their past and future echoed within, granting boundless power—drawing from themselves across time. They were, in a sense, multidimensional beings, living across past, present, and future.

But their strength was also their Achilles' heel.

If the vessel was breached, external force slipped inside, even a minor wound became infinitely magnified by reflection, devouring them from within until they perished.

Thus, to slay a Dragonia—one needed only to crack the vessel, then drip a single drop of water within.

And Honkai energy possessed precisely this power to pierce and expand.

Especially since the Suniaster—the authority of creation itself over all Disboard—had been consumed by Selene, Honkai had gained the ability to swiftly erode and assimilate Spirit Corridors.

"I am a Dragonia Ruler! Never has a Dragonia Ruler bowed—never!"

Before her words fell, a metallic resonance shook the air. Reginleif's wings spread, defying Titan fire as she ascended. Her scales, carved of billions of spirit particles, groaned and cracked.

Even the weakest Dragonia held within each scale as many spirits as a Flügel could command to their utmost. Dragons bore billions of such scales. And this was a Dragonia Ruler.

Whooosh—!

In an instant, platinum wings blazed with fire, her crimson body trailing light as she soared skyward. Explosive radiance expanded, scattering the ash-thick clouds like flies.

Her resolute roar shook the heavens.

Another Far Cry?

Horus understood well: Dragonia might submit—but never a Dragonia Ruler.

Had he let his sense of honor, his compulsion to duel, lead him astray again?

Silently he clenched his claw. A radiant Honkai crystal cube rose.

"Sacrifice."

...

Reginleif, the Wise Dragon, was dead.

Her fall marked the end of war for the dragon lairs and Gigant nations.

That cataclysmic battle shook the races of Disboard, who had gone six millennia without knowing true war.

One by one, the sixteen sentient races surrendered.

If the conquest of humanity's kingdoms had seemed, to other races, like a feat anyone might accomplish—then the ruin of the Dragonia and Gigants filled them with dread.

Most of all, it was the humans of Elkia who felt revelation. For the first time, they realized that humans, too, could be mighty—could be valorous, could be indomitable.

To wrestle giants. To dance with dragons…

Chapter 564: Western Restaurant Nekoya

Inside a tower covered in greenery, in one of its rooms, Victoria, dressed in a dark green dress, sat gracefully on her bed.

Though Victoria was already thirty-six, as a half-elf she still retained the youthful appearance she had at sixteen.

Her long silver-gray hair was tied up neatly at the back of her head, with flower-shaped ornaments pinned at both temples. On her delicate elven ears hung two green cone-shaped earrings.

Matching the color of her dress, she had a pair of beautiful emerald-green eyes that made her already exquisite face appear all the more noble and charming.

Just then, a few meters away from her, four identical white portals suddenly appeared in midair.

Seeing this, Victoria immediately stood up from her bed, her gaze filled with anticipation as she looked toward the portals.

Before long, Erina and Alice, along with Darkness and Eris, stepped out from within them.

At the time, both Erina and Alice were wearing the Tootsuki Academy uniforms. Darkness, as always, was clad in her knight's armor, while Eris remained in her goddess form.

"Victoria, we're here~"

The outgoing Alice was the first to approach Victoria with a cheerful smile, striking up a conversation.

Erina and the other two followed at an unhurried pace. When they reached Victoria, they greeted her with polite smiles.

"Good afternoon, Victoria."

"Good afternoon, Miss Erina, Miss Alice, Miss Darkness, Miss Eris!"

Victoria lifted the sides of her skirt and returned a noble curtsy, carefully addressing each of them by name.

Though they had already chatted for several days in the group, meeting in person for the first time still made Victoria a little nervous.

By contrast, the newcomers Darkness and Eris appeared much more at ease.

Darkness was never one for restraint, so she naturally didn't show the same nervousness as Victoria.

As for Eris, it went without saying. She was, after all, a goddess who governed an entire world, regularly overseeing the reincarnation of the dead. Having encountered countless humans over the years, she hardly felt nervous meeting strangers.

Meanwhile, Erina and Alice were veterans of the chat group. Situations like this were nothing new to them, so they too remained perfectly composed.

Hearing Victoria call her by "Darkness," a delighted expression instantly appeared on Darkness's face.

But her joy didn't last long.

"Lalatina, don't you find it tiring to wear such heavy armor?"

Alice had slipped away from Victoria's side and now stood beside Darkness, examining her knight's armor. She tapped it lightly in several places, producing a series of crisp metallic sounds.

"Please, Alice, I beg you, don't call me Lalatina!"

Blushing furiously, Darkness grabbed Alice's arm and shook it repeatedly, embarrassed beyond measure.

Darkness truly hated being called by her real name. It didn't excite her in the slightest; on the contrary, it embarrassed her deeply.

That was why she sincerely wanted the group members to call her "Darkness." Victoria's earlier choice of address had pleased her greatly.

Seeing Darkness's flustered state, Alice decided not to tease her further.

"Alright, alright, I won't call you that. Darkness, could you let go of me now?"

Relieved at Alice's answer, Darkness quickly released her arm, her expression awkward.

"Sorry, sorry, I got a little carried away just now."

"It's fine. But you still haven't answered my question."

Alice waved dismissively, her eyes returning to the armor.

"Oh, that. Honestly, the armor isn't that heavy. It's well within what I can handle," Darkness replied casually.

When Darkness wasn't making distorted expressions, she was the very image of an ice-cold beauty.

Tall and shapely, with a flawless figure, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful face—wherever she appeared, she was sure to attract attention.

Unfortunately, her perverse personality completely ruined that perfect image.

Afterward, Erina also formally reintroduced herself to Darkness and Eris.

Having seen Alice's example earlier, Erina didn't tease Darkness by calling her real name either.

"Victoria, did you manage to finish your magic refrigerator research?" Alice asked curiously.

"Refrigerator?" Victoria froze at the unfamiliar word.

"It's the storage box used to preserve food," Alice explained, using her hands to outline the shape of a small box, the same one she had seen in Victoria's memory images.

Realization dawned on Victoria.

"So the tool for preserving food in your world is called a refrigerator."

She had seen refrigerators in the memory images of other group members before, but she hadn't known the name.

And since refrigerators weren't magical items, she hadn't paid them much attention.

She nodded. "Yes, I've already made that storage box. But for now, I can't enlarge it beyond this size."

Turning, Victoria walked to her desk by the bed and took out a delicate little box from one of the drawers.

"This is the storage box. You must have seen it before in the memory images."

Holding the box, only a few dozen centimeters wide, in her arms, she opened it in front of Alice and the others.

Inside, it was completely empty—except for a small magic array running within.

Though Erina and Alice didn't know magic, they had some knowledge of energy studies.

So they could immediately see how the magic array functioned.

If they wanted, they could create the same kind of storage box using their own energy.

...

After chatting for a little while longer, they finally moved on to today's main purpose.

Led by Victoria, they went down the stairs to the next floor.

This room contained several tables and many bookshelves filled with books. On a few tables, bottles and jars were scattered around.

This was Victoria's workshop for magic research. Having seen the memory images, Erina and the others knew this well.

Without speaking, they walked deeper inside. Soon, they came upon a grand door standing proudly in the center of the workshop.

"So this is the portal to the Western Restaurant Nekoya. It really looks exactly like in the memory images."

Alice circled the door. Aside from the magic array beneath it, the door itself looked just like an ordinary wooden door.

Clearly, the real key to teleportation was the array, not the door itself.

Hearing Alice's remark, Erina couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Wasn't that obvious? Of course it looks the same—it was a recording of real events."

"No need to be so sharp. I was just making a casual comment."

Alice chuckled, unfazed by Erina's words.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's head in."

At Erina's words, Victoria didn't hesitate. She opened the Cat House portal at once.

At the same time, she also started a livestream in the chat group.

[Ding, Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6) has started a livestream. Members can close their eyes and use Immersion Mode to watch.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Livestream's up!]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Perfect timing, it's lunchtime. I'm going in first.]

[Asuna Yuuki (Level 7, Stage 2): Same here!]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): Let's go!]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Took you long enough to start the livestream. I thought you'd forgotten about it.]

[Alice Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 1): Of course we had to spend a little time bonding with Victoria first. And it wasn't that long, just a few minutes, right?]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): We've arrived at the restaurant. Everyone can join the livestream now.]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Here I come.]

Having just finished lunch, Eriri rested her head on Seraphim's lap, closed her eyes, and entered the livestream in Immersion Mode.

...

Since it was mealtime, the restaurant had more diners than usual—though still less than half the seats were occupied.

Among the guests were people of many races: beastmen, elves, and, of course, humans.

When Victoria entered the restaurant with Erina and the others, most of the diners instinctively glanced at them.

Those who had seen Victoria before at the restaurant nodded to her politely.

They then returned to their meals or waited patiently for their dishes.

Only one white-haired old man, drinking heavily with others, did not look away. Instead, he greeted her.

"Victoria, you're here. And you've brought quite a few friends today."

"Yes." Victoria smiled and nodded back.

For Erina, the others, and the group members watching, there was no mistaking this old man.

His name was Artorius, a great mage known as the Sage, one of the three heroes who once defeated the Evil God, and Victoria's magic teacher.

He had been her mentor for ten years. During her early years of study, he had often been at her side.

Aside from Artorius, the other diners were only fleetingly familiar to Erina and the rest. They had only glimpsed them in memory images, not enough to truly know them.

Even Arifureta, who had watched Isekai Shokudou in her past life, had forgotten most of the story—except for Eriri, who had edited the memory images herself.

Her edited memories focused only on the past and future of group members, not on background details of ordinary diners. It wasn't an anime anymore—it was a complete autobiography.

After greeting them, Artorius turned back to his drinking companions, not prying into the identities of Erina and the others.

Once Victoria and her group found seats, a blonde girl with blue eyes, dressed in a maid outfit, came out from the kitchen carrying a dish.

Seeing the cute girl with goat horns, Erina and the rest immediately recognized her.

Her name was Aletta, the restaurant's very first hire from another world.

Erina scanned the dining area and then the kitchen. She didn't see the second staff member. It seemed the story hadn't progressed that far yet.

The group members already knew plenty about that second waitress.

In addition to Victoria's autobiography, Eriri's memory images also included background information about the world.

It detailed the great battle between the Six Pillar Gods and Chaos in ancient times, describing each god to some extent.

The restaurant's second waitress was, in fact, one of the Six Pillar Gods—"Black."

Although Erina's main purpose today was to taste the restaurant's food, she wouldn't mind getting a glimpse of the pinnacle of this world's power as well.

...

After serving the dish to the waiting diner, Aletta brought over five glasses of iced water along with a menu.

Setting the glasses in front of Victoria's group, she smiled warmly.

"Welcome, Miss Victoria. And this time, you've brought friends with you."

Chapter 319: Schicksal? How Many Ships Does It Have?

Bzzz—

[Anchor point established, main node connected]

[Node No. 18: Honkai Universe (Honkai Impact 3rd)]

On the moon, Setsuna placed down a teleportation anchor.

This world was now connected to the Constantinople main node—

"Hm? Honkai Universe?"

The node name displayed on the holographic interface was somewhat curious.

It seemed that the current world was only one part of this universe.

Then—

"Anchor established, prepare for teleportation."

At his command—

"Bulin Engineering Team No. 31 reporting!"

With an energetic shout echoing from the holographic interface, the Bulin fleet passed through the teleportation anchor, breaking through the void and slowly descending into this universe.

"Materials sufficient, personnel sufficient, ready to begin construction, burin!"

Foreman Bulin excitedly reported to Setsuna.

"Go on."

Setsuna waved his hand.

Bulin piloted a ship, flying a bit further out into Earth's orbit.

From the cargo hold, they pulled out various materials and, at dazzling speed, began assembling a massive umbrella-shaped structure.

A space observatory.

In the sea of stars, this was a structure used by spacefaring civilizations to observe and study pre-spacefaring natives.

Suspended outside the planet's orbit, it concealed itself with optical camouflage—unless the natives broke past the atmosphere, it was nearly impossible to discover.

The observatory was fully equipped with living facilities, scientific research equipment, and basic self-defense systems—essentially a small research base.

Designed for researchers to live in long-term.

Building a full starbase here was too far-fetched, and leaving the science lolis on Earth was inconvenient.

An observatory was perfectly suited for long-term study.

"??"

Fu Hua watched with some confusion as Bulin worked in space, hammering away with such speed that afterimages were left behind.

She didn't know much about the space age, but her instincts told her that building in a vacuum with a hammer wasn't exactly… normal.

"Is that a robot?"

"This is the chaotic might of the Magical Shipping Route. You can visit the base sometime and see for yourself."

Setsuna answered.

Suddenly remembering something, he called over a special-colored Bulin.

"Can you make Divine Keys?"

"Hm?"

Bulin scratched her head.

"Bulin's never seen them, Bulin doesn't know. Do you have a blueprint for Bulin to look at?"

"Well, not at the moment. I'll have to reverse-engineer one later."

Setsuna thought for a moment, then waved Bulin off to continue working.

The Divine Keys required Herrscher cores. That meant he'd need to get them from the Cocoon of Finality—something that would take some effort.

Perhaps in the future, with Dr. Mei and Bulin working together, some interesting results might come.

He jotted it down in his memo as a to-do item, noticing Fu Hua's astonished look.

Clack—

Aside from the Bulins, hundreds of science lolis arrived by ship, accompanied by escort shipgirls, all landing aboard the Eternal Snowfall.

"Onii-chan! Are we doing research here this time?"

At the front, as always, was Kayo Senju. She and several lolis pounced on Setsuna, rubbing up against him.

"Hehe, looks like we're pretty useful to Onii-chan. No matter which world, you can't do without us."

"Yeah."

Setsuna rubbed the little loli's head.

He gave them a rough outline of the mission.

"This time, the main focus is researching Honkai energy in this world, as well as its mathematical laws, to try predicting and intervening in its future development."

"If possible, you can also study special weapons like the Divine Keys. But you must avoid too much contact with the local natives, and under no circumstances spread overly advanced technology to them."

"Got it!"

The shipgirls and lolis cheered, bustling happily around Setsuna.

Then they noticed Fu Hua standing nearby.

"Immortal Big Sister!!!"

The group of lolis swarmed her, leaving Fu Hua overwhelmed.

Normally, she maintained a detached nature, avoiding unnecessary emotions, and had long since distanced herself from mortals.

But when faced with such cute, lively little lolis, she couldn't possibly keep a stern face.

"Immortal Big Sister, can you use immortal arts?"

"Can you fly on a sword?"

"Can you teach me swordsmanship?!"

A group of little shipgirls and lolis crowded tightly around Fu Hua.

They were all very curious about the "Immortal" that Setsuna had spoken of.

Dressed in her cloud-ink robes, with an aura detached from the world, elegant and immortal-like, Fu Hua looked just like a reclusive master from a xianxia novel.

"Uh… well, the swordsmanship I practice is a bit different from what you imagine…"

Suddenly, she realized these little lolis were completely different from ordinary mortals.

Their physical qualities were astonishing. In terms of talent, they even far surpassed her own disciples.

"You are?!"

"Genetic Ascension."

Setsuna answered.

"They've all undergone genetic enhancement. You could say, like you, they're fusion warriors."

"Mm, though the Gastrea gene enhancement factor isn't as extreme as fusion warriors. They're researchers, so most enhancements focused on intelligence."

In the Previous Era, the MANTIS project was carried out to fight the Herrschers, fusing Honkai Beast DNA into humans to create stronger warriors.

Extracting superpower factors from Gastrea was not so different in principle.

The abilities of Honkai Beasts, however, were undeniably stronger than those of Gastrea. The empire's genetic technology here could be upgraded once again.

The science lolis rubbed their hands eagerly.

"Let's catch some Honkai Beasts and raise them on Mars!"

"Slice them up for study—didn't Muroto Sumire and Purifier love dissecting alien lifeforms?"

Their wild and dangerous suggestions left Fu Hua with a darkened expression.

"You're all scientists? Why are all the scientists of an interstellar empire little girls?!"

"That's just how the Starsea Empire is. You'll see more marvelous things in the future."

...

A few days later.

Outside Earth's orbit.

A space observatory dozens of kilometers wide, umbrella-shaped in structure, had been completed in orbit above Earth.

Fu Hua followed Setsuna and the shipgirls into the station aboard a shuttle.

The interior layout was simple yet futuristic, filled with experimental equipment she didn't recognize.

It was essentially a floating city in outer space.

Science lolis and Angeloids moved back and forth inside, clearly having already begun their work.

"This will be the base for researching the Honkai world from now on."

Grey explained.

"Our research focuses on three areas:"

"First, research Honkai energy. Analyze it, and if possible, attempt to create Herrschers or cultivate Honkai Beasts."

"Second, construct and simulate this world's mathematical model. This way, when carrying out large-scale time travel, there won't be deviations, and the right people will appear at the right place and time."

"Third, study the development of the natives. Organic social structures are quite interesting."

"..."

Fu Hua felt as if Earth had become like a monkey mountain, observed and studied after being caged by the Starsea Empire.

Her mood was more than a little complicated.

"The observatory is equipped with high-powered sensors. We also brought a sophon from the starbase. It can monitor every detail on Earth, all day, without blind spots."

A nanobot proudly activated the holographic interface.

[Sophon No. 21 is ready.]

[Now conducting real-time surveillance of Earth.]

Shwoosh—

A holographic projection of Earth was constructed before them.

"You… can monitor Earth from here?"

Fu Hua's eyes revealed curiosity.

"Of course. The sophon's monitoring precision can track down to every person, every movement."

"Even if you're bathing behind a closed door, it can live broadcast to the commander."

Grey casually cracked a dirty joke.

Whack—

The nanobot was smacked on the head, unsurprisingly.

"What's so interesting about watching the Immortal… flat and… ah, wait, is that really how the sophon should be used?!"

"???"

Fu Hua suddenly no longer felt like returning to Earth. She just wanted to stay at Setsuna's side and keep an eye on him.

This was, of course, to ensure the safety of Shenzhou—or so Fu Hua convinced herself.

"Well then, let's watch something proper."

Grey got up from the floor, tapped twice on the holographic interface, muttering:

"Sophon, show me the situation at Mount Taixuan."

"It's broad daylight now—surely no one's bathing, right?"

Shwoosh—

The projection of Earth zoomed in on the Eurasian continent, then further to within the borders of the Ming Empire.

Finally, the image fixed on a room atop Mount Taixuan.

The room was shut tight, but the sophon still projected the entire scene within.

Several young men and women in sect uniforms were gathered together.

"Fourth junior sister, you mustn't practice the Edge of Taixuan any further! You don't need to go this time…"

"Fall into demonic ways, and you must be slain! Fall into demonic ways, and you must be slain!! If Master finds out…"

A young woman was trying to dissuade the slightly younger girl beside her.

"We can beg Master for leniency, maybe…"

"Impossible. Master already has the demeanor of an immortal, never caring for mortal life or death. In her eyes, we are but fleeting pawns, discarded once used."

"She would never grant mercy. If discovered, we will surely die…"

The disciples whispered among themselves, breaking out into a restrained argument.

"!"

Fu Hua nearly slammed the table.

She had spotted faint traces of zombie transformation on her fourth disciple Jiang Wanxi from the projection.

"Wait."

Setsuna pulled her back.

During the Previous Era, Fu Hua had undergone the "Blade Mantra" modification.

It was a kind of hypnotic resonance designed to stimulate the human body to better adapt to Honkai energy.

But it also subtly altered one's mind, implanting powerful psychological suggestions, ultimately producing an obsession like a kind of madness.

Now, in a sense, Fu Hua was like that—her obsession being to fight the Honkai and guard Shenzhou.

Taken to extremes, it became "fall into demonic ways, and you must be slain."

At the slightest sign of Honkai corruption, no matter who it was, she would kill without hesitation.

The later tragedies of the School of Taixuan were inseparably linked to this.

"Let go."

Fu Hua's gaze was sharp as a blade, locking onto Setsuna.

"Don't be rash, your will has been influenced by the Blade Mantra."

"It's still treatable. I'll call Tohru, Mio, and Lucoa over to give you a triple consultation."

"I am not."

Fu Hua's voice was icy.

"You see, mental patients always claim they're not sick. The symptoms are classic."

Grey nodded in agreement.

"..."

Fu Hua realized that even if she tried to fight her way out of the station, it would be meaningless.

Just as she was about to argue further with Setsuna—

[Abnormality detected in observation target]

The sophon suddenly popped up an alert.

"?"

Setsuna tapped it casually.

The display shifted from Mount Taixuan to an endless grassland.

Fully armed, armored knights were marching.

Their ranks were orderly, their momentum imposing.

By the standards of the feudal era, this was undoubtedly a grand army.

On the army's flank—

A girl riding a horse, clad in Valkyrie-standard attire: a white fitted swallowtail coat with a black short skirt, gold-patterned white thigh-highs, and the insignia of Schicksal pinned at her chest.

She had white hair and blue eyes, her long braid trailing behind.

"Oh, so it's you."

Setsuna was momentarily stunned.

1475 AD, the Schicksal Crusade eastward.

Under the lead of Kallen Kaslana and her Valkyrie unit, they swept across the Eurasian continent.

Their blades pointed directly at the Ming Empire, with the decisive battle about to take place on the Kipchak Steppe.

The Immortal Phoenix, who should have made her great mark in this battle, was now idling in the space station.

"Tsk, looks like we'll have to step in."

"The history of the Honkai world—starting now, it's going to be rewritten."

Chapter 318: The Star Rail Ends—All Things Are Born of My Power

Sparkle looked at the very root of the Path of Elation that had appeared before her, somewhat astonished.

As a Pathstrider, she naturally knew this power well.

Yet she had never imagined that the Aeon of Joy would willingly hand her the power of an Aeon, instead of forcing her to seize it.

Though as a jester herself she could imagine the Aeon of Joy being delighted to see her take his place, she had still thought there would be at least some kind of resistance or struggle.

"Pfft—hahahahaha! Too funny, too funny… What I wanted most was to see that surprised, unbelieving expression on your face!"

Seeing Sparkle's reaction, Aha's mask laughed all the more gleefully.

Sparkle regained her composure. "Hehehehe… To suddenly become the joke, how fitting for me, Lady Sparkle. But I must admit, Lord Joy, I am truly surprised."

"For you to willingly abandon the power of an Aeon—this is without a doubt the greatest jest in the entire universe. Far greater even than the birth of an Aeon. This is the first time in history."

The birth of an Aeon was not unprecedented. During the Swarm Disaster, multiple Aeons had arisen.

But for an Aeon to willingly surrender their power—this was the first time since the dawn of the cosmos.

"Exactly, exactly! The first time since the universe began. Such a grand jest must belong to me, Aha, hahahaha! Even if you become the new Aeon, you cannot surpass me. After all, there can only ever be one 'first time.' The joy between the first and the second is worlds apart~"

Aha was thoroughly smug, as though flaunting a trophy.

Then, his tone shifted slightly, becoming a touch more serious.

"Of course… the most important reason is that this universe has already fallen from the Tree of Existence. It has been degraded. The birth of a new Aeon should have been impossible."

"For such joy to remain unfinished would be a desecration of Elation itself."

"So I chose to abdicate instead. After all, one must give opportunities to the young, hehe…"

"Besides… even if I am no longer an Aeon, Lady Sparkle, that does not mean you will truly surpass me, hahahaha."

At that, the mask cracked with a sharp snap.

"Well then~ I, Aha, congratulate the birth of the new Aeon of Elation."

With the mask shattered, a gray figure appeared, like a gentleman bowing slightly before Sparkle.

Having done this, it suddenly dispersed.

But in the universe, a laugh resounded for all to hear, ringing pure and unrestrained.

"Hahahahahahahahahahaha—"

The laughter slowly faded, until at last it vanished, as though it had been nothing but an illusion.

"Gone just like that. Well then—rejoice for me, Lady Sparkle!"

Sparkle laughed, and reached out to grasp the root of the Path of Elation. The old Path of Elation shattered, and fragments of philosophy fused into her body.

"Hahahahahaha! Rejoice, rejoice—the new Aeon of Elation is born—!"

Her manic, joyous voice echoed through the entire universe.

The power of an Aeon fully pierced causality and the laws of the cosmos.

The Path of Elation that belonged to Aha vanished entirely, and in its place was reborn the Path of Elation belonging to Sparkle.

At the instant the new Path of Elation was born, Sparkle's dimensional existence rapidly rose.

Four dimensions, five, six… ten… until she surpassed the very limits of the universe.

In that moment, her ordinary body was remade into a Holy Body by the power of philosophy.

Robin, the Aeon of Order, watched Sparkle's transformation in shock.

She had witnessed Aha hand over his Path entirely to Sparkle.

Could a Path truly be transferred? She herself was now the Aeon of Order, but she could not transfer her Path.

What she did not know was that for a Path to be transferred, there must exist another of the same Path—not identical, but rooted in philosophy strong enough to challenge the Aeon. Only then could such a transfer occur.

In other words, it was surrender. Though in the case of Elation, it was a special exception.

For Aha, this was no surrender at all—but a form of growth.

Though abandoning the Path weakened him somewhat, the act of transferring it allowed him to advance to another layer of existence.

Though the progress was slight.

Even now, Aha still remained at standard single-universe level. After all, even before becoming an Aeon, he had already broken past the universe's limits by his own strength.

"Rejoice! Human life, human existence need not be defined. The so-called self is simply—I do as I please hahahahaha"

The light of an Aeon's birth could be seen from every corner of the cosmos.

Within that radiance, a Holy Body vast as a star slowly took shape. From its fingertips extended threads, and connected to those threads were galaxy projections, Aeon dolls, and all manner of puppets.

She now seemed like a puppeteer in a cosmic circus, manipulating dolls with strings. Upon her face was a mask at once divine and beautiful, yet also clownishly absurd.

"Miss Sparkle… you…"

"Yo Miss Robin, who has already become the Aeon of Order"

Two Holy Bodies of Aeons shone across the universe, and the Penacony Galaxy was now enshrouded by the powers of two Paths.

Under such divine, philosophical, absolute brilliance surged the black beast tide, and the frozen masses who could only look up at them, their eyes filled with terror, confusion, despair, and hatred…

Unable to move, they were like freshly baked confections, devoured ravenously by the abyssal beasts.

But some were spared from the binding of Order's power—for they had lived in obedience and submission to Order, and thus would not be attacked by the abyssal beasts.

Dreamscape Hotel.

"What an unimaginable sight we have witnessed." Black Swan crossed her legs, sipping coffee as she looked out the glass window at the roaring tide of beasts.

"Wouldn't you agree, Miss Acheron?"

Acheron gazed down at the coffee cup in her hand, her face reflected in the dark liquid.

"I don't understand what you mean, Memokeeper." With that, she lifted her eyes toward the vast figure outside that obscured the sky.

Black Swan pressed her lips together, resting her chin in her hand. "Hehe, the universe, Penacony… even the last remnants of a bygone era shall soon vanish."

"But memories will not vanish. The universe will one day record it all."

...

Under Teyvat's full-force pull, the Star Rail Universe fell at a speed far beyond what should have been possible, as though the cosmos itself had been forcibly shifted.

On the scale of universes, the Star Rail Universe had already entered the Dimensional Realm, and was soon to enter the range where Teyvat's Truth radiated.

In Noah's golden eyes was reflected the shadow of the Star Rail Universe. His lips curved upward slightly, as behind him all the power of Teyvat unfurled.

This time, he was drawing in a great universe without relying on the system.

[Super-Primeval Power: Power of Beginning Without End]

[Whether in existence or non-existence]

[Whether visible or invisible]

[All things are born of my power]

Rumble— The Star Rail Universe ignored all the established order of the Tree and Sea and plunged straight into the Dimensional Realm.

The fall of a great universe into the Dimensional Realm should have caused unimaginable upheaval. Yet the Star Rail Universe descended like a phantom, stirring no disturbance at all.

Only when the pulling force ceased did its own repulsion emerge, pushing away the surrounding energies of the Dimensional Realm and leaving behind a vast hollow void.

At this moment, the Star Rail Universe had fully entered the range of the Teyvat Universe.

It now appeared as though it were a satellite universe orbiting Teyvat.

Compared to the vastness of Teyvat, the Star Rail Universe seemed far smaller—only slightly larger than a primordial universe.

Once within Teyvat's range, the Cosmic Nexus and the Truth of Teyvat immediately acted upon the Star Rail Universe.

There was no dismantling or devouring as with previous weaker worlds. A standard universe required no such thing.

It only needed to have all its roots assimilated by Teyvat.

Bathed under the dominion of the Cosmic Nexus and the Truth, the Star Rail Universe offered no resistance. On the contrary, it embraced it eagerly.

A primal joy emanated from its instinct.

For any universe, the first principle was survival.

So long as survival was assured, the instinct of a universe would not resist, even a great universe possessing its own will.

But the Star Rail Universe possessed no will—only instinct. The will of the Imaginary Tree was itself the collective of countless great universes' wills.

Cutting away a great universe was nothing to it—merely carving out a piece of rotting flesh, even if that flesh had nerves.

Now, the Star Rail Universe drifted close to Teyvat's main universe, becoming one of its orbiting subsidiary universes.

The scene resembled the layout of the Dragon Ball universes, though here the universes were more numerous, their mass far greater.

Once assimilation began, the Ether Anchor Points of the Star Rail Universe, formed from more than a dozen Laws, disassembled instantly.

The Laws were broken down and reforged into radiant halos encircling the Teyvat main universe. Rays of Law spread outward, illuminating all subsidiary universes.

Yet these Laws remained relatively weak—their quality still insufficient to form a chain linking all realms together with Truth.

Meanwhile—

At the very center of Teyvat's main universe, within the Temple of Truth in Eden—the root of all order and truth.

The power of the Paths flowed here, now subject to the temple's authority.

One branch of Pan-Human History intertwined with the Star Rail Universe, linking it into a shared cycle.

"A high-quality, though positionally defective, great universe has been taken into Teyvat. I did not expect it to be so swift. Though I still dislike the Abyss, the Abyss has indeed worked diligently."

Upon the Throne of Human Principle, Phanes slowly opened her eyes. Before her lay a projection of the entire Teyvat Universe.

As the embodiment of Human Principle, all within its radiance fell under her gaze.

Seeing a great universe steeped in Pan-Human History now placed under her dominion filled her with joy.

This was the happiest she had felt since attaining single-universe level.

For this was second only to the main universe in all Pan-Human History. Her strength rose by more than sixty percent in an instant.

The stronger Pan-Human History grew, the stronger she became.

Now at strong single-universe level, she could already sense that once the primordial universes began birthing civilizations, her strength would approach super single-universe.

She was, after all, the strongest beneath the Heavenly Principle, and could feel well what Lord Heavenly Principle had done.

That endless flood of Laws could certainly raise Teyvat to super single-universe.

And when that came to pass, she too would rise, lifted by Human Principle's ascension, and become super single-universe.

Yet within super single-universe, too, there were differences—just as disparities existed among strong single-universes, perhaps even more extreme.

"You've grown stronger again, Phanes."

A girl in maid-like black and white garments hovered above, not far from the Throne of Human Principle, watching Phanes calmly.

This girl was none other than Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, who had taken the Temple of Truth as her resting place. Now, even among strong single-universe beings, she stood among the upper ranks.

It could be said that the embodiments of Truth within the Teyvat Universe, if placed in the Tree and Sea, would walk unchallenged as the strongest existences.

For the Tree and Sea was far too distorted, its universes and civilizations overdeveloped, yet lacking in the balanced growth of true mighty beings.

Phanes spoke calmly: "Ophis, you've been asleep for nearly two thousand years since the last time you woke."

"You should take the time to harmonize some of the newly born primordial universes. The development of Teyvat cannot be delayed."

"For instance, ensure that the growth of universes and civilizations remain in balance. Otherwise, it will only slow the overall progress."

The only ones she regarded as equals were her fellow administrators of the Teyvat Universe.

Still, she harbored some dissatisfaction toward them.

Aside from the True Red Dragon God Emperor, Dream, who had ceaselessly guarded the cosmic barrier and created the Endless Planes, Kaballah Mio and Infinite Ophis had been lax—one constantly playing within the universe, the other endlessly sleeping.

Though their mere existence was beneficial to the cosmos, they were far too indolent. If they were even a little more diligent, the pace of the universe's development would increase two- or threefold.

Ophis lowered herself to meet Phanes at the same height, her gaze steady and her lips curved with a faint smile.

"Are you impatient because the natural development of the primordial universes is too slow?"

"Don't worry. This time, I awoke for precisely this purpose."

"Besides, I have not been idle. My sleep was only to raise the quality of the Ouroboros."

"I can already sense it. The Ouroboros is about to reach super single-universe level."

"This time, perhaps we shall surpass you first, Phanes."

At this, Phanes did not reply. Her gaze turned toward the seat of the Heavenly Principle.

"Yes, I know. But it will only be a brief surpassing. With the growth of civilization, I will remain the strongest administrator."

As she spoke, she slowly rose from the Throne of Human Principle.

"For Teyvat to ascend to super single-universe, we too must give our utmost."

"That's right, Sister Phanes." A melodious voice echoed in reply.

Chapter 55: This Is My Duty

"Looks like… I came back late?"

The Shogun crouched beside the young girl. Unlike her usual coldness, perhaps due to having grown familiar with her, she now spoke with a hint of teasing in her tone.

"Hah…"

Fiore finally let out a breath of relief, collapsing weakly onto the floor. Her white-stockinged legs, beneath the hem of her black dress, bent slightly, tracing the perfect curve of her thighs beneath her skirt. Her graceful form in that crawling posture was almost too alluring—like a helpless little rabbit, waiting to be taken.

[Your gaze…]

Hearing the pointed reminder in her mind, she instinctively withdrew her gaze, then realized and inwardly muttered a faint complaint…

[Shogun… since when have you become so… lovestruck?]

Ei's tone carried some bewilderment.

'Could you not mind such trivial matters?'

[Your gaze was improper. That's why I said it.]

Ei sighed helplessly. After all, she had been seeing from the Shogun's perspective just now. And why was her focus on the girl's legs?

'…I was only checking whether she was injured.'

The Shogun closed her eyes slightly, answering matter-of-factly.

[She fell on her upper body. Why check her legs for injury?]

Ei asked, confused.

'The legs are also important. They cannot be neglected.'

[Sounds reasonable, but really it's just sophistry.]

'I was not—'

[Enough… let's leave it at that. I've no wish to argue further.]

"Shogun? What's wrong?"

Fiore, still lying on the ground, asked softly, puzzled. Her blue eyes glimmered like crystals.

"Nothing… shall I help you up?"

The Shogun came back to herself, looked at her, and asked.

"Eh? Uh… yes."

Fiore's face flushed briefly before she nodded gently like a timid kitten. The Shogun easily lifted her up in a princess carry.

Held in the Shogun's arms, Fiore's face reddened further. Instinctively, her arms clung tighter around the woman's slender frame. Warmth spread from the Shogun's body into her own.

It was strange… though the Shogun was a puppet, she carried the warmth of a living person. Even her heart beat with life, without any trace of a machine's coldness.

What flustered her most was the Shogun's alluring chest pressed so close before her eyes—soft skin and fullness within reach, making her blush as she struggled not to rest her head there.

The Shogun gently set her down again onto her wheelchair in the corner. To the Shogun, it was nothing. But for Fiore, it left her lingering in the moment… if only it had lasted longer. Yet she was not selfish; obediently, she released her hold and settled properly into her chair.

"…Thank you, Shogun."

"It was nothing but a small effort."

The Shogun turned to the window, gazing at the receding airborne garden with a slight frown.

"What is that thing?"

"Mm… it should be a defensive Noble Phantasm belonging to one of the Red Servants."

Fiore wheeled herself closer, joining her at the window. Together they looked at the shattered fortress below, bathed in moonlight, and the great floating citadel drifting away above.

With the Greater Grail in their hands, that fortress seemed almost smug, flaunting its victory before them all.

"Why would they attack here?"

The Shogun turned to meet Fiore's eyes.

"…Because of the Greater Grail."

Fiore answered, then noticing the Shogun's slight confusion, she smiled faintly and patiently explained.

"The Greater Grail is a vast source of magical energy, the key to ultimate victory. At first, it belonged to us, the Black Faction. That gave us the advantage, placing us above the Red Faction, who could only react passively. However…"

Here, Fiore paused briefly.

"They understood their situation. So they devised a plan to seize it amidst the war, thus turning the tables in their favor."

The Shogun finished her thought for her.

"Yes, exactly as you say. Their strategy outmaneuvered ours. We had considered that they might attempt to take the Greater Grail, but not in such a direct way… truly, the world is unpredictable."

Fiore gave a bitter smile.

The room lay in darkness. Only the window, bathed in moonlight, illuminated them. The Shogun and Fiore stood together in that silver glow, their figures brushed in a faint sheen.

"Ah… right…"

Fiore suddenly remembered something, turning to the Shogun with gratitude.

"Thank you, Shogun… for defeating Red Saber."

During the battle, Fiore had been terrified the entire time in her room… afraid that in the end only Mordred would return. But fortunately, that was not the case. It was the Shogun who prevailed. Truly, her Shogun was incredible.

"This is my duty. Why speak of hardship?"

The Shogun shook her head. Since she had already formed a contract with Fiore, there was no need to consider such things. Guiding her Master to the final victory—that was her responsibility.

"Hehe… to be your Master is the greatest honor of my life."

Fiore smiled sweetly, raising her hand to touch the crest upon the back of her hand, pressing it against her chest as though confessing her heart to the woman before her.

"Hah… meeting you here must also be fate. This experience is a precious one for me. I should thank you as well—for allowing me to blend into this strange and wondrous era."

The Shogun responded in kind. It was not only courtesy; she truly meant those words. Fiore was her first friend in this otherworld, an irreplaceable existence.

"Hehe… this is my duty. There's no need to thank me, Shogun."

Fiore repeated her words from earlier, smiling shyly. The Shogun, too, revealed a faint, nearly imperceptible smile.

"Sister!"

At that moment, Caules' voice entered the room. The boy ran in, panting, to Fiore's side.

"…Caules?"

Fiore turned toward her younger brother. No doubt it was the earlier tremors in the castle that had brought him here.

The Shogun did not interrupt the siblings, instead leaning quietly against the window, watching the broken world outside.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Caules asked in a panic.

"I'm fine… what about you?"

As an elder sister, she naturally worried for her brother. But when she noticed the blood at the corner of his mouth—

"You're injured! How did this happen?"

Even though he had stayed inside the castle, he was hurt? Was it from the earlier shaking?

"No… I…"

For a moment, Caules didn't know how to explain, like a child caught doing something wrong.

"…So that's it… you had Berserker…"

Seeing his hesitation, Fiore instantly understood. Her voice lowered with regret.

In this war, not only had Red suffered losses, but the Black Faction as well. Caules' Servant—Frankenstein—had sacrificed herself. She had unleashed her self-destructive Noble Phantasm, hoping to perish together with Red Saber. But her opponent had been too strong and survived. Fortunately, the Shogun had slain that Saber, fulfilling the regret Frankenstein left behind.

"I'm sorry… Sister, I was too immature. I lost my Servant."

Caules clenched his fists tightly, guilt eating away at him.

"…No… this is war. You've already done well, Caules. And this isn't only your responsibility—it was our entire side's failure to plan thoroughly."

As his elder sister, there was no way Fiore would ever blame her own brother. For her, such a thought was impossible. In fact, she was only thankful that her younger brother was still alive.

"Sister—"

"Fiore!"

Just as Caules was about to speak further, another man rushed in from the doorway—Gordes, Chiron's Master.

"Uncle Gordes, I'm so glad to see you safe."

Fiore breathed a sigh of relief. So he had also survived.

"Ah… what just happened?"

Gordes, still shaken, entered Fiore's chamber, his voice unsettled.

"The Greater Grail was taken by the Red Faction."

"So it really was that?! Damn it! Those bastards!"

"I didn't expect it to come to this either… for them to march in so brazenly."

Fiore propped her chin with one hand, speaking bitterly. The secrecy of the war was already broken, but this was simply outrageous. It was as if the rules meant nothing to them—even though they were all magi of the Association.

"Fiore… what should we do? We can't reach the teacher."

At that moment, Roche entered the room as well, turning to the girl who now seemed to be everyone's pillar. After all, she was the future head of the family.

"Roche… what of the workshop?"

"Ah… it's gone. Completely collapsed. The automatons too."

"..." ×N

A heavy silence fell over them all.

"And the others?"

This time, it was the Shogun who spoke, turning toward them. By "others," she meant the Servants—Vlad, Chiron, and Avicebron. From earlier until now, she had been unable to sense their presences at all.

The others looked at her blankly, apparently unaware of their whereabouts. Only Fiore answered,

"They, along with Uncle Darnic, have already infiltrated the Red Faction's fortress to take back the Greater Grail."

Chapter 54: Once Again, the Goddess Saved Her

Red Faction's Assassin—Semiramis' fortress Noble Phantasm, the Aerial Garden of Vanity, though located above the battlefield, was safe from being targeted thanks to its altitude. On the contrary, it gave them a complete view of the entire war below. The atmosphere was calm and leisurely.

"—Master, we've already lost two members now, you know?"

The Empress sat on her throne, chin resting on one hand, her tone bored as she glanced at Shirou standing beside her. Not a trace of panic could be heard in her voice.

"Could it be that this, too, was within your calculations?"

She straightened in her seat, curling her lips into a sly smile.

"…"

At that moment, Shirou wore a stern expression he had never shown before, his eyes fixed on the massive screen projecting the battlefield.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! A first in history! Who would have thought our Saber would fall this early?! Ahh, what a miracle indeed!"

In the middle of the hall, Shakespeare twirled theatrically, narrating in a booming voice as though performing a play.

Shirou only shook his head quietly…

"No… this is beyond my expectations. In my calculations, Saber should have lasted until the end."

He let out a sigh.

"Well, no matter. The world is unpredictable. And Black Saber's strength is far too great—I know that firsthand. Since our Saber lost in their duel, it only proves the other is indeed superior."

It was time to proceed with the next stage of the plan. All was for the final outcome. Compared to the result, these sacrifices were nothing.

"Heh… look on the bright side. The Black Faction also lost a member. That makes it even."

"But… we've lost two."

The Empress' rebuttal carried no weight, her tone entirely casual—more like idle chatter than actual complaint.

"That doesn't matter. My plan had no use for Spartacus at all. Besides, that one was disruptive from the very start. Him leaving makes things easier for both sides."

"Ohh? So heartless, Master?"

She smirked, casting him a sidelong glance.

"There is no heartlessness here. Only tactical choices."

Shirou's tone never shifted, as relaxed as ever. The Empress showed no surprise. By now, she was more than used to her Master's nature.

Turning her attention away from him, she focused once more on the fortress' controls. During their conversation, the airborne citadel had already drifted silently above the Black Faction's base—the Fortress of Millennia.

From the sensors below, they could even observe the inner courtyards of the castle, as well as the distribution of homunculi and automatons stationed inside.

"We've arrived… Master, what now?"

She raised her eyes slightly at Shirou.

"Then let us proceed with the next stage. Assassin, begin the Greater Grail retrieval plan."

At his words, the Empress' lips curled into a wicked smile. She pressed her hand against a ruby embedded in the armrest of her throne.

Suspended directly above the Black Faction's stronghold, the airborne garden cast its vast shadow across Trifas, as though its palm had seized the moonlit night.

"Weak little magi of the Black Faction… open your eyes wide and witness! This is the true pinnacle of magecraft!"

Her voice resounded high from the throne, echoing with ethereal grandeur across the fortress below. Stretching out her arms, she unleashed her sorcery.

The bottom of the garden flared with a colossal magic circle, its brilliance illuminating the entire castle below.

Rumble! Rumble!!

Moments later, a tornado-like gale surged upward from the fortress, as though forming a tunnel linking directly to the entrance at the garden's base.

"Ohh~! Could this be—?!"

Shakespeare was ecstatic.

"Yes~! That is the very purpose for which this garden was built! All for the Greater Grail! Come forth—let us behold your true form!"

The Empress rose from her throne, arms spread wide, her voice ringing in exalted fervor.

Beneath the garden, within the Black Faction's fortress—

The fortress, caught in the cyclone, was on the verge of collapse. Glass windows shattered into fragments, concrete crumbled into gravel, and walls split apart, all sucked upward into the vortex and drawn into the passage leading to the aerial garden above.

The surrounding rooms trembled violently, threatening to collapse at any moment.

Inside the fortress, the homunculi panicked, running in all directions. Some were even pulled up into the skies.

Rumble! Rumble!!

Fiore felt her chamber quiver violently. She froze for a moment before realizing what was happening.

"Could it be—!!"

With that chilling thought, she slowly maneuvered her wheelchair toward the window to see outside.

"!"

Before her eyes was a castle crumbling under the cyclone's assault, nearly at the brink of ruin—and above it, the massive airborne fortress blotting out the moonlight.

"No way… are they trying to take the Greater Grail—"

Rumble!!

Before she could finish, the room shook even more violently.

"Ugh!"

She gripped the wheelchair's armrests tightly, holding herself steady.

Outside, the courtyard's surface was torn apart by the raging winds. Countless stones and bricks were sucked upward, revealing a massive golden sphere buried below.

The sphere, caught in the cyclone's suction, slowly rose into the air, drifting upward toward the fortress above.

So it was true!

Fiore understood at once. Red's true goal was clear—they had been deceived. The battlefield on the plains had only been a diversion, drawing their attention away while the enemy crept toward their castle. And now, caught off guard, they struck decisively. No… the real target had always been the Greater Grail hidden underground.

Click…

At that moment, the room's lights flickered out, plunging it into darkness. Only a sliver of moonlight spilled through the window.

Rumble!

A tremor even stronger than before shook the room!

"Kyaa!"

She was thrown from her wheelchair, hitting the floor hard.

Thud…

"Ugh… it hurts."

Damn… her back again…

Biting back the pain, she struggled to lift her upper body, crawling across the floor with her arms, dragging her useless legs behind her as she reached toward the wheelchair.

But her timing was unlucky. The fortress continued to quake, and the wheelchair rolled further away, sliding in the opposite direction.

"W-wait—hah…"

Watching her chair slip farther away, Fiore let her arms drop, her strength gone. She lay face down, gasping for breath.

The next moment, the heavy computer monitor on the desk toppled as its cords tore loose, falling over the desk's edge. Its path led straight toward the helpless girl below!

"!!"

Fiore's eyes widened. She raised her arms over her head, bracing herself in despair for the pain to come. But… it never did.

Whether by chance or fate, when she dared to open her eyes, she saw clearly—

Bathed in moonlight, a woman in a kimono had caught the falling object effortlessly, and quietly set it back in place.

Yes… the goddess she adored had once again saved her.

Fiore's gaze lingered on the woman's figure in a daze. Whether it was her imagination or not, in that moment, she felt the tremors of the room vanish—replaced instead by the pounding of her own heartbeat.

Chapter 53: Look at Other People's Kids, Then Look at You!

After severing Mordred's head, the Plane of Euthymia also collapsed. Like glass shattering, cracks appeared one after another until, under the spread of violet light, the surrounding background was erased, restoring the plain to how it had been at the start.

It was still nighttime. Though the battle had not been short, it had not lasted even an hour.

Mordred's kneeling, headless body remained motionless for a few seconds before dissolving into blue light particles, scattering into the night.

"Saber! How could this be?!"

Kairi Sisigou, who had been using Command Spells to keep track of Saber's position, turned pale at this sight. Finally, in despair, he collapsed to the ground.

There had been no warning at all—suddenly, his connection with Saber vanished, the figure itself gone. Just like that, she had exited the stage. It left him utterly dazed. He had thought he could hold out another night—no, perhaps even until the very last day—because he had Saber.

But reality slapped him harshly in the face. Though one Command Spell remained, it disappeared all the same. He never imagined that Saber, one of the mainstay classes, would fall so early!

In this Holy Grail War, without a doubt… he had lost. It was that simple.

In this situation… if the other side wished to kill him, it would be no surprise. With trembling hands, he lit a cigarette and held it in his mouth, ready to take the road onward.

"You may leave."

The Shogun only glanced at him briefly before speaking simply.

"?"

Kairi froze, then lifted his head to look at the kimono-adorned woman before him, holding Musou Isshin. She wasn't going to kill him?

"You have lost your qualification. That makes you a mortal. I do not cut down mortals."

If he forced himself to seek death, that would be an exception. Then he could not blame her for being merciless.

The Shogun's beautiful eyes lowered as she looked at the man collapsed on the ground, her voice cold.

"…"

Kairi instinctively glanced at the blade hanging at her side, swallowing nervously. Fortunately, this woman lived by her principles.

"Ah… I see… Black's Saber, I've lost."

Relieved, Kairi leaned back against the nearby car, chuckled, and took a drag from his cigarette, admitting complete defeat. At times like these, there was no choice but to yield—for the sake of his own life.

Hearing this, the Shogun no longer paid him any attention. She shifted her gaze, surveying the plain around her.

She had no idea how the battle elsewhere was faring. Could it be that Karna and Vlad III were still fighting? By the looks of it… yes, indeed.

Sigh… their side had finished fighting, yet those two were still dragging it out. Truly equally matched opponents.

But then—the next moment, voices of quarreling reached her ears. Turning toward the source, she saw Rider along with that homunculus… and by their side stood another woman.

The Shogun narrowed her eyes slightly, recalling the woman's identity… she seemed to be Rider's Master.

...

On the other side…

"Hey… Rider… tell me your true name~"

Black Rider's Master, Celenike, now stood before Astolfo, her face wearing a façade of 'kindness' as she gave her order. Around them stretched nothing but the boundless plain.

"Astolfo, one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne… and then what?"

Astolfo's expression showed obvious reluctance. Instinctively, he moved in front of Sieg, the homunculus who had barely survived being electrocuted by Berserker earlier.

"No, that's not it at all!"

But Celenike only put on an exaggerated smile, bluntly denying him.

"Eh?"

"You're a Servant—nothing more than a defective copy of the Heroic Spirit Astolfo!"

She wasn't wrong. Servants were not true Heroic Spirits, but high-grade replicas projected into reality by the Holy Grail. That was exactly why some Masters looked down upon them.

But for Sieg, hearing such words at this moment was unbearable. To him, Astolfo was his savior. Mocking his benefactor like this only filled him with hatred. His eyes blazed with anger as he glared at Celenike.

Celenike noticed his expression and sneered disdainfully.

"Mm… well, I suppose you could put it that way. Though I personally don't really think so."

Astolfo scratched his face awkwardly.

"So you see… I never once believed you were Astolfo. You're just a Servant! Just a familiar! Just a toy!"

Screaming wildly, she clutched at her hair with both hands, pulling and twisting it violently. The sound of crack crack echoed as she tore at her scalp. The sight left Astolfo and Sieg dumbfounded… instinctively, they both took a step back, wary that she might go completely mad.

"Always like this! Always like this!! Always like this!!! Yet you act like some idiot!! Reckless, always for the sake of this stray fly! Making me lose face again and again!!"

Crack! Crack!

Her nails tore through her scalp until blood seeped down, strands of hair yanked free, her rage so vicious it was grotesque. Her screams were so raw her throat nearly split.

"!" ×2

The two before her were so shaken that neither dared to move rashly.

"From the very day you were summoned, count how many things you've actually done right! You're utterly useless, a fool at everything! And yet all you ever do is cause trouble!"

"You helped that trash escape—it was you! You blocked us from capturing him—it was you! You spoke for him—it was you! And now, still, you stand before him! And look at you just now—beaten like a dog by Red Saber!! Berserker had to bail you out, and now what?! Berserker is gone too!!"

Under the relentless storm of insults, Astolfo faltered, glancing back at Sieg, who was drenched in cold sweat.

"This is bad, Sieg… hurry and escape."

He whispered urgently.

"Look at Fiore's Servant!! That Saber… that's the kind of Servant I want!! Strong and obedient! And then look at you!! Always defying orders, always shaming me! You worthless trash! Is it because of this garbage?!"

Her face twisted with fury as she glared at Sieg.

"Run!!"

Astolfo shouted frantically to Sieg.

Whoosh!

Celenike suddenly pulled out a silver needle wreathed in dark light and hurled it straight into Sieg's leg!

Stab!

"Urraghhh!!"

Sieg cried out in agony and collapsed to the ground, his body utterly powerless.

"Sieg! Stop this, Master!!"

Rider rushed to support Sieg, glaring at Celenike in fury.

"Trash should be cleaned up properly. But trash dirties the hands, and I won't do that. Isn't that what familiars are for?"

"What—?!"

"By the Command Spell of Black—I order you! Kill that homunculus! At once!"

Celenike raised her hand, Command Seal glowing crimson as she issued her first order.

Buzz!!

The Command Spell took effect.

"Ghhahhh!!"

Rider suddenly felt his body seized by a power he could not resist. A knight's lance appeared in his grip. Under its compulsion, he stepped forward, thrusting toward Sieg's heart!

"Move!! Hurry!!"

He screamed desperately. But Sieg, his body completely paralyzed, could do nothing but watch as the spearpoint drew closer and closer. Despair filled his eyes.

Yet—

Step… step…

Celenike sensed footsteps behind her. Just as she turned—

Smack!

A hand chop struck her neck. Her consciousness blurred instantly, and she collapsed into unconsciousness, her limp body caught by the newcomer.

With her defeat, the Command Spell's order was nullified. Rider dropped to his knees, panting heavily in relief. Bewildered, he turned around—

It was Saber. The Shogun.

The Shogun laid the unconscious Celenike gently onto the ground, then lifted her cold eyes to sweep briefly over the two. Without a word, she rose and prepared to leave.

"W-wait! Thank you… Saber."

Rider awkwardly voiced his gratitude.

"…"

The Shogun halted her steps.

"What she said… was not without reason."

"Eh?"

Astolfo blinked, startled by her sudden words.

"Someone as careless as you—no matter which Master you serve, they will be troubled by you. Take care to reflect."

She did not turn her head, leaving only the slender silhouette of her back in the moonlight.

Thankfully, he was not summoned by Fiore. Otherwise, that softhearted girl would have suffered endlessly if burdened with such a Servant.

"Why… why would you…"

Sieg, trembling with pain in his leg, forced out the words.

"…"

The Shogun understood his question. At last, she turned her head slightly, her gaze from the corner of her eye resting on the boy on the ground.

"Tonight I spared your life. You had best prove worthy of it. Otherwise… your life is mine to give, and mine to take."

Though she knew he was a disposable creation, regardless of the purpose, he had been brought into existence.

"!"

Sieg shivered instinctively, his body trembling. Hastily, he nodded, scooting backward in fear.

The Shogun paid him no further heed. Without another glance, she turned and departed, leaving the two behind.

Chapter 52: Stillness, the Sublimation of Shadow

The Holy Grail no longer mattered. What mattered now was victory!

Mordred was certain—if she could defeat this woman before her, there would be no other Servant in Black stronger or more outrageous. That would mean Red's assured triumph. All she had to do… was cut down this obstacle!

With that thought, mana flared violently across her body. She glared upward at the eternal god descending from above.

"Hey! Woman! I don't care which backwater village's god you are—god or not, you'll fall to my blade! Be my ghost beneath the sword!"

The Shogun did not anger at her provocation. Her heart remained utterly still. In her eyes, the knight below was nothing more than a speck of dust, screaming in defiance beneath the storm.

"If you have the power, then show it. Why waste your breath? Empty rage suits the powerless."

Her words cut cold, even mocking. She raised Musou Isshin before her eyes, settling into an opening stance.

"You—! You sealed my Noble Phantasm, damn it! If you've got guts, undo it!"

Mordred raged.

"Heh…"

The Shogun gave a faint, mocking smile. This was what it meant to stand a step above.

Without further words, she lifted her sword and slashed through the air.

Unlike Engulfing Lightning, Musou Isshin was a divine weapon of immeasurable power. Even a casual swing, though not on the scale of Musou no Hitotachi or Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu, could rend apart space itself.

Shhh!

A blade of void tore forth, cloaked in violet lightning. When the rift split open across the air, Mordred felt the very space twist around her. She rolled desperately across the ground, her helm scraping as she narrowly dodged.

"What the hell is that?!"

Cold sweat trickled as she muttered. She dared not even meet that strike head-on.

Step… step…

The Shogun descended from the sky, each step upon the air like walking down unseen stairs. Lightning trailed her blade, sparking even before it touched the earth.

"You said you wanted to face my sword. Very well. This time, I'll oblige you."

Her words fell as she spun the blade in a flourish, then drew into an iaijutsu stance. Lightning sheathed the weapon in a sheath-like layer of energy.

Bending low, one knee bent, her gaze sharpened to a killing edge.

"Raimei!"

Crash!!

In the instant of the draw, countless arcs of void carved across the battlefield, shredding space itself. Violet thunder detonated, searing light exploding outward.

Mordred could do nothing but flee in desperation. With her Noble Phantasm sealed, she was helpless against such overwhelming attacks. Her only options—run, or close the distance. She chose the latter.

But the Shogun was faster still. Anticipating her move, she flashed in a burst of lightning to Mordred's side, cutting down!

"Tch!"

The speed, the ferocity—unrelenting!

Clash!

Mordred barely caught the strike, but her eyes widened—

Zzzzt…

Her sword warped at the point of contact, the edge twisting unnaturally against the divine blade. Horror struck her as she shoved the strike away just in time. The moment the weapons separated, her sword returned to normal.

The Shogun pressed forward without pause. Her style of swordsmanship, Watatsumi-ryu, was flawless, every stroke lethal. Mordred parried some, dodged others, but each slash split the air with star-deep rifts, making her heart pound with dread.

Yet in one fleeting instant, she saw it clearly—

"!"

The edge wasn't sharpened?!

Crash!

"Ghhah!!"

One strike jarred her arms numb, blasting her across the field. She crashed down, rolling before pushing herself up to a crouch.

The Shogun, however, was done holding back…

But… how could a blade without an edge cut with such sharpness, with power enough to rend space itself? Reinforcement magecraft? No—it couldn't be something so lowly.

"Hey! That sword of yours has no edge, huh? Looks impressive, but maybe it's never even killed anyone. What is it, some brat's toy you stole?"

Mordred's taunt dripped with venom—a fatal mistake.

"…."

The Shogun's movements froze for a heartbeat, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Mordred had touched a forbidden line. Their line.

[Shogun…]

Ei's voice sank into cold steel.

[…Kill her.]

The words were soft, yet carried a chilling finality, sealing Mordred's fate.

And in less than a second—no, less than half a second—

The Shogun appeared before Mordred, faster than her eyes could follow. Mordred's gaze was still fixed on where she had been.

Her knee drove into Mordred's stomach with brutal force.

BOOM!

The impact lifted her body upward. The Shogun pressed the hilt of her blade against Mordred's helmeted head—

CRACK!

The helm shattered, exposing half her bloodied face.

"Ghhahh!"

Mordred coughed blood. Another knee smashed into her gut, hurling her away like a shell, skidding across the stony ground.

"Kh—khah! So you're finally angry, huh?! Good! I've hated that smug, composed look of yours all along! Don't think I'll go down easy, bitch!!"

BOOM!!

Red mana erupted wildly from her body as Mordred roared, face twisted in rage.

Clash! ×N

Countless arcs of steel tore across the battlefield, carving the ground with countless slashes. Yet in the end, the Shogun pressed the advantage.

Crash!

Her strike blasted Mordred back once again. Leaping to the center of Plane of Euthymia, the Shogun traced a circle in the void with Musou Isshin, like the hand of a great clock.

Darkness fell over the realm. Only the radiance of lightning gathered into her blade.

From the heavens, star-like spheres of thunder rained down, encircling the battlefield like stage lights. Each sphere struck the ground with the force of a meteor, detonating in thunderous explosions!

One, two, three—then countless more. The blasts drove Mordred scrambling, her body cut and bloodied even as she dodged desperately.

At last, the final star fell. Mordred gasped in relief, believing she had survived—

The Shogun's violet eyes snapped open.

And time stopped.

The world turned into pale negatives of black and white, frozen in silence.

"Stillness, the Sublimation of Shadow."

CRACK!

Blades of void filled the air like a forest, cutting across the battlefield. Mordred's frozen body was slashed through by countless strikes.

SHLK! ×N

Time resumed—

Blood burst from every wound as gashes crisscrossed her body. Her armor split, her flesh pierced, crimson spraying in torrents.

"Urragghhh!!"

Mordred screamed, collapsing to one knee. Her battered frame trembled as she forced herself upright. The Shogun became lightning once more, reappearing before her, and brought her sword down in a vertical cut.

"!!"

Clang!

With the last of her strength, Mordred blocked. But the Shogun gave no quarter. She knocked her blade aside, slipped behind her, and reversed her grip—

SHLK!

Musou Isshin plunged through her back, piercing armor and flesh, bursting from her chest through her heart.

"Ghhahhh!!"

Mordred coughed blood, strength leaving her. Her legs buckled, body quaking.

Clatter!

Her sword fell from her hands.

The Shogun twisted her blade free, turned the edge toward her neck—

SHLK!

With a single stroke, Mordred's head severed cleanly under the thunder's edge, tumbling to the ground.

The Shogun spun her blade in a final flourish, shaking off the blood. The weapon hung at her side once more.

CRACK!

Lightning split the heavens, striking between victor and corpse. It marked the execution's end—and the battle's conclusion.

Chapter 71: The Existence of Finality! Demon Buddha Māra

"It failed."

Among the three kings quietly watching the projection screen, it was the Great Brahma King who first broke the silence. His tone was calm and peaceful, betraying no unusual emotion.

The blue Phantom Spirit King nodded in agreement. "Mm, it seems these invaders are indeed skilled. To so quickly find the Wheel Yama King's template weakness…"

"Yes, after all, the Yama state was only bestowed upon an elite mob template. Though it possessed the protection of a world-class item, these elite mobs did not have immunity to instant death." The Great Brahma King observed closely. On the enemy ninja's twin blades had been an added instant-death effect, triggered by probability. Though the chance was very low, with that one strike, the other side had clearly realized the Wheel Yama King could not resist instant death effects.

"Tch, they're just a bunch of trash." The Wheel Yama King, whose projection avatar had been destroyed, shut down the screen in dissatisfaction.

—"Yama, they are not trash."

A three-layered female voice, as if descending from beyond the heavens, resounded throughout the Sixth Heaven of Desire.

At the sound, the three kings immediately ceased channeling their authority and dropped to one knee in midair.

"Welcome, my lord." ×3

In an instant, the entire Sixth Heaven was shrouded in black light. Yes, light should not be black, but in this moment, the three kings experienced firsthand a scene that defied all common sense.

Under this overwhelming force that bent the very laws of physics, even the proudest Wheel Yama King displayed the utmost reverence, awaiting the descent of this great existence.

The once-writhing Vipralopa power upon the cocoon's surface had now fully contracted inward—proof their master had finally gained complete control over the vessel.

Thump… thump… thump…

Alongside the cocoon's tremendous pulses came deep, heavy heartbeats. With each echo, a colossal pressure spread outward.

Even the invincible-seeming three kings bowed lower under the crushing weight, sweat dripping from their foreheads.

"This… this power…" For one obsessed with strength, the Wheel Yama King was shaken by such overwhelming might. His very body creaked under the strain. It should have been unbearable agony, yet he wore an expression of bliss. "Following my lord truly was the wisest decision I ever made."

Whooo~

From within the cocoon came a long, satisfying exhale. With that breath, countless cracks spread across its surface. The black light saturating the Sixth Heaven grew ever denser. Beneath this eternal night, under this breath, all other sounds vanished.

Perhaps it was just a simple cutscene. Or perhaps even the heavens could not bear to witness the birth of such a calamitous demonic embryo.

Even in the distant First Heaven, the Shitennō Heaven, Momonga's group felt the unprecedented pressure.

They had just defeated the Wheel Yama King and successfully recovered the Depiction of Nature and Society. Still immersed in triumph, they could not help but whisper nervously as they looked upon the sudden change in the skies.

As players, their in-game mindsets were usually detached.

"Momonga-san, this looks bad. Maybe we should retreat right away." Peroroncino summoned his yo-yo weapon once more.

"Momonga-san, regardless of whether you wish to stake the name of Ainz Ooal Gown, we must retreat this time." Takemikazuchi's years of battle-honed instinct locked onto a certain point in the sky. His intuition screamed that an unfathomable being had just swept its gaze over them.

Just from that glance, every buff in his system bar was erased instantly. In their place appeared a flood of debuffs: Gravity, Blindness, Paralysis, Confusion, Stun, Fear, Tremble, Bind… one after another.

Even the dreaded "Brahma Chant" debuff reappeared, escalating at an even more outrageous speed than before.

"Everyone, it's not that I don't want to leave, but I simply cannot cast any spell to take us away." The green glow around Momonga's body flickered constantly—this was his undead passive skill endlessly cleansing negative debuffs. Yet the next moment, new debuffs would be applied, keeping the cycle unbroken. Because of this, he was completely unable to cast properly.

The other magic caster, Adams, was in even worse shape. In the face of this energy that utterly opposed holy power, his strength had been drained entirely by just a single glance from that unknown existence. Only the "WORLD" defense from his cross-shaped world-class item barely allowed him to resist being dominated.

"Judging by this, it must be the final boss of the dungeon." The commander displayed a bitter smile emote. "This dungeon really doesn't play by the rules… no wonder it's been rated the first ever 'End-Tier' dungeon."

Just as they were immobilized by the debuffs—

The sky split open with a massive black spatial rift. From within, a white cocoon slowly floated out. Surrounding the cocoon were three figures, and to their shock, the players recognized them as the three GMs originally assigned by the officials to guide the raid.

Now, these three GMs stood expressionlessly around the cracked cocoon, gazing coldly down at the players below.

"What… is going on?"

As Momonga voiced the classic line, the silver-white knight beside him had already made his decision.

"Momonga, take them and leave. I'll hold them off."

With difficulty, Takemikazuchi drew a silver-white statue from his dimensional pocket. It depicted a humanoid figure holding up the sky with both hands. This was one of the rarest and most precious world-class items.

[Atlas].

Once Takemikazuchi activated it, his entire body glowed white. He quickly merged with the statue, his body swelling under a surge of mysterious power. In an instant, he grew hundreds of times larger, his form transmuted into diamond-like armor that was nearly impervious to blades or spears. All the debuffs binding him were dispersed at once.

An immeasurable martial aura burst outward, shaking the heavens and earth. Even top players under world-class protection were stunned by the sheer might Takemikazuchi displayed.

"Oh? A fight to the death, then?"

A cold, indifferent voice reverberated within the cocoon. But Takemikazuchi had no time for details.

Empowered by the [Atlas], he stomped the ground, cracks spreading for dozens of miles. Like a titan tearing through the sky, he leapt straight toward the cocoon guarded by the three GMs.

In this [Heavenly God Descent] state, his stats had reached the absolute limits permitted by the system template. For a short while, he had become the strongest form a player could possibly attain.

Thousands of meters vanished instantly before his godlike stride. In the next moment, his right hand cleaved the sky with his longsword.

[Champion Divine Skill · Dimensional Slash]

Under the Atlas' blessing, the strike reached world-shattering levels.

Everything in its path, from the clouds above to the grass and earth below, was cut in two.

It was as if God had split the heavens apart. The purest manifestation of strength, the ultimate spirit of resistance. Anyone who saw it would believe this light could cleave all creation.

Yet the three GMs simply stood coldly before the cocoon. They made no move to stop the Dimensional Slash, merely watching as the massive space blade descended.

Their arrogance sparked a flicker of hope in Ainz Ooal Gown's members.

If they could delay this boss even for a moment, they might escape the dungeon. Seeing the three GMs here, they already suspected that being defeated would mean falling under enemy control as puppets.

All their hopes were pinned on the slash as it struck the cocoon. But the moment it touched, before their eyes, the enormous Dimensional Slash vanished completely.

Without warning, without any sign or reaction, Takemikazuchi's strongest strike—unleashed through fusion with a world-class item, the proudest blow of Ainz Ooal Gown's mightiest warrior—vanished as though it had never existed.

At the same time, a massive backlash crossed space and time, slamming into Takemikazuchi. His once diamond-like armor and exoskeleton cracked all over. A spray of blood burst forth, and in an instant his HP plummeted to a sliver.

At that moment, whether it was the members of Ainz Ooal Gown, the black-armored World Champion, or Adams—if they could show facial expressions in the game, they would have all worn the look of "despair."

Meanwhile, the immense cocoon finally reached its end. Its surface began to split apart, black radiance spilling out from within.

And into the ears of every player present, including Momonga, came the dungeon's tailor-made BGM—"Return of the Demon Buddha."

Amid that soul-shaking music and the black light, a breathtaking figure slowly emerged under their upward gazes.

One step, two steps…

Those bare, delicate feet seemed to tread directly upon everyone's hearts. Such a scene might normally stir endless allure, but now, every player felt only suffocating pressure and dread.

As the figure walked through the sky, the black light that had blanketed heaven and earth gradually faded. At last, the players beheld with their own eyes the existence that filled them with such foreboding.

—A young woman, no taller than any ordinary person, appearing only seventeen or eighteen years of age.

Her beauty had surpassed all mortal limits. Under some special blessing, she had transcended the boundary of heaven and man, reaching a realm beyond description.

Her eyes remained closed, long black hair cascading behind her. From her ears hung a pair of sun-shaped Ōtsutsuki earrings. Draped upon her was a resplendent black robe trimmed with gold, embroidered with five-clawed dragons and twisted Sanskrit. A faint, otherworldly halo shimmered intermittently behind her head.

Around her body swirled the overwhelming power of the Vipralopa. Even a single leak of its aura shattered earth and sky, whipped up storms, and distorted space itself.

Above her head, four characters burned bright, declaring her identity as an End-Tier Boss:

[Demon Buddha Māra]

Rank: End-Tier

Level: ????

Abilities: ????

…

The rest of the data was entirely obscured—meaning this Boss stood far, far beyond the current players.

And she was none other than Satsuki Ōtsutsuki, now in full command of the Demon Buddha's power.

"You among these invaders are indeed a rare strong one. Had you chosen to flee without hesitation just now, perhaps a sliver of chance would have remained."

Her voice—layered as though countless tones overlapped—echoed ethereally as she gazed at the giant insectoid player before her. "You must realize, failure here is not as simple as returning to town. Your body, your will, even your very life, may be forfeit."

In his Heavenly God Descent state, Takemikazuchi had partially broken free of the player database's limits, able to display subtle actions beyond the game's usual boundaries.

His avatar coughed up a mouthful of blood into the air.

"Speaking of my will to an NPC may be absurd, but…" His multicolored, glassy insect eyes glimmered with determination. Striking a pose, he declared: "One who does not save the weak has no right to be called strong! The path of strength I pursue will always be to draw my blade against greater foes, for the sake of protecting the weak!"

Behind him, the phrase once mocked by comrades as a joke—[Justice Descends]—now radiated with monumental weight.

At his words, a strange light flickered in the girl's eyes. With a casual gesture, she drew back the Vipralopa power that had been crushing Takemikazuchi.

"This one wishes to know your name."

Breathing raggedly, Takemikazuchi struggled to raise his longsword. He abandoned his shield entirely, turning his body to stand between his immobilized companions and the enemy, gripping his blade with both hands.

"Ainz Ooal Gown—Takemikazuchi!"

"Mm. This one shall remember it."

"A strange Boss… but not one that inspires dislike."

Enough words. A world-shaking aura of death surged from Takemikazuchi's body, and from his insectoid mandibles burst a cry of agony.

"Uaaaahhhhhhh!!!"

Through his screams, a pair of radiant butterfly wings tore open from his back, vast enough to blot out the sky.

This was the hidden ultimate ability of the insectoid race—Cocoon into Butterfly.

In this state, all insectoid attributes broke past their limits and ascended to a higher template group. But the price for this brilliance was inevitable death. Only when Takemikazuchi resolved to risk everything would this final secret art be revealed.

Yet this was not the end.

Muttering issued from his mandibles—words that sounded like a dirge, or perhaps a tribute to his own past.

"I understand there are no eternal victors in this world, nor endless triumphs…"

In his colossal butterfly form, his voice resonated low and solemn, piercing straight into the heart. Even the very air seemed to halt its flow, as if bearing witness to the birth of a miracle.

"Once-kings will one day fall to earth, defeated by new challengers…"

His tone rose in strength.

"But belief in protection is different. As a spirit, it shall be carried on forever…"

Holding his longsword across his body, Takemikazuchi locked eyes with Demon Buddha Māra, now level with him.

"So even if the path is strewn with thorns, even if the end is certain defeat, I will wager everything and challenge this fate! This time, not for glory, not for victory, but to protect—the bond with my companions, and the ten years of memories we share… to protect Ainz Ooal Gown!"

With his declaration, every witness beheld how the greatest pinnacle of player power in all YGGDRASIL was born.

The butterfly-shaped Takemikazuchi began chanting. Golden light engulfed him—his ultimate Champion Divine Skill.

"For this— I, Takemikazuchi, forsake the title of Champion, in exchange for a chance at victory!"

[Transcendent Divine Skill · Fight Against the Fate]

Skill Description: There are no eternal victors, nor everlasting champions. Yet even when facing certain defeat, a Champion wagers everything to challenge fate. Abandon honor, pluck your own wings, arise! Brave one, draw your blade, and cut down all—at this moment! Even fate itself cannot ignore you.

Before the eyes of the few remaining players, Takemikazuchi's form turned into the purest light.

That light screamed beyond the limits of hearing, moved faster than sight itself could follow.

Even the three kings—now servants of the Demon Buddha—turned to watch the might displayed in this instant.

This was the strongest power a player could command under the system's authority.

The light then became a sky-rending slash.

No— not one slash, but a thousand!

The moment the skill was unleashed, the entire server lag spiked sharply.

It was a technique so great that even the servers themselves could barely contain it.

[Instant Thousand Slashes]

In Satsuki's vision—

Countless blades of light, crossing times and dimensions, struck at Demon Buddha Māra from every direction.

This fusion of thousands of slashes, even through the eyes of an End-Tier existence like Satsuki, was dazzling beyond measure. For an instant, it reminded her of the fleeting radiance of her fellow Senju clan beneath the sun long ago.

That man, for the sake of his clan and the future, had chosen to sacrifice his life to perish together with an unprecedented foe. Even at the end, he could not overcome the will of heaven.

And now, someone else walked that same path—though this was only a virtual game, and players did not fear death of the body when their avatars fell.

Still, the feelings of mutual support and protection among those here were no illusion. All the more so when this hero willingly cast aside his most treasured "Champion" honor—for the sake of protecting his companions.

Perhaps this was the one thing most precious to the towering insectoid warrior, second only to "companions" and "justice."

Thus, she stopped the three kings when they tried to use authority to erase the strike, instead silently watching as the brilliant sword-light, like a meteor across space, descended before her.

This was the swan song of a guardian who sacrificed everything. As an End-Tier Boss, she should accept it. Indeed—she must.

So, in the instant before the blade struck, Satsuki casually lifted a single hand, lightly placing one finger in its path.

CLANG!!!

Blazing light exploded at the point of contact. Everything nearby was sliced into atoms by the radiance, and even the entire Sixth Heaven of Desire groaned as it was split in two.

A vast black rift yawned across the sky, tracing the sword's trajectory, silently proclaiming the strike's brilliance.

And yet, at the end of that rift, Satsuki hovered in midair, stopping the apocalyptic blow with just one raised finger.

Her unruffled expression mocked Takemikazuchi's sacrifice as meaningless.

"Even after all that… the outcome still cannot be changed?"

Giving everything, yet unable to move fate in the slightest—such was the end for most in this world. The strength of fate lay in its absolute cruelty and impartiality.

Takemikazuchi had staked it all, even unleashing a [Transcendent Divine Skill], only to meet the tragic end of failure. His form shrank as the Cocoon into Butterfly backlash struck. His body began to crumble away.

"It seems… my training was still not enough. Sorry, everyone."

...

This scene drew heart-rending cries from his companions.

"Takemikazuchi!!!!"

"You single-minded fool!!!"

"To throw away your 'World Champion' class like that, you… damn bastard!"

Every member of Ainz Ooal Gown—even the Divine Exorcist who had always scorned heteromorphs—shouted hoarsely despite the crushing Vipralopa power, some voices even breaking into sobs.

"Silence!"

With a wave of Satsuki's hand, the Vipralopa pressure surged, even blocking their chat channels.

She coolly examined the fingernail nicked by the sword's light.

In less than a breath, the flaw repaired itself completely.

Lowering her hand, Satsuki cast her gaze upon the players below. Her ethereal voice rang cold:

"Leave what you carry. Disappear."

The domineering words of an End-Tier Boss brooked no resistance.

Her golden eyes opened slightly, releasing a radiance that enveloped the entire Shitennō Heaven.

All who met that light were plunged into absolute darkness and silence, stripped of all five senses. Their HP bars were forced down to a single point.

With a flick of her hand, the [Atlas] was torn from Takemikazuchi's body, pulled as a stream of light into her grasp.

Yet in that unnoticed instant, a flash of blue light rippled. The sacrificed [World Champion] hidden class, and the permanently lost attribute points from his ultimate skill, were quietly restored to Takemikazuchi.

It was the Phantom Spirit King who had done this. Bowing slightly toward Satsuki, she revealed nothing.

Satsuki did not acknowledge her. She only regarded the [Atlas] briefly.

Then, with but a thought, this goddess-like girl opened a vast teleportation gate upon the ground of the Sixth Heaven. The half-dead players were immediately sucked inside.

They were forcibly expelled from the dungeon.

Chapter 158: The Black Hawk Will Not Fall!

Tokyo, old calendar date—Nagatsuki 24th, afternoon.

With a single cannon shot fired from the Washuu family ancestral estate in Ward 1—

Within the city, the lingering warmth, reunion, and poetic atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival still present on the streets before noon vanished completely. Replacing it were blaring alarms, roaring military vehicles, and the entry of the "Heavenly Soldiers" into the city.

Bzzz… bzzz…

On the courtyard lawn, where collapsed walls and broken trees lay scattered, engines roared. Power hubs churned, treads rolling forward, flinging clumps of grass and soil to the sides. They crushed over blue bricks, sending pebbles scattering like brittle candy.

Guided by soldiers signaling from either side, the tracked M2 "Bradley" Infantry Fighting Vehicle screeched to a halt. Its turret rotated, the 25mm chain gun aiming at the wall breach already being fired upon by allied troops. Bang-bang-bang—!

In an instant, dust clouds rose. Shards of debris burst off the wall like tiny smoke bombs laced with sparks.

Inside the smoke-filled room, gray with CRc gas, the 25mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds exploded. Blood mist blossomed, fragments of flesh splattering against the shattered wall opening. Multiple muffled groans and screams followed. Two soldiers darted forward like cats, tossing in offensive grenades. After two sharp explosions, their comrades leaned out in unison—some with Ukaku, some with Quinques—firing at every possible target inside.

Thud!

Close by, an anti-ghoul agent swung a hammer-shaped Koukaku Quinque, smashing through the wall.

Moments later, another commotion erupted. CCG investigators stormed inside, dragging out four ghouls dressed as attendants. Their Kagune shattered, bodies bloodied, riddled with bullets across faces and torsos.

"Clear!"

Once the CCG investigators and North American anti-ghoul operatives confirmed that the targets were eliminated and no hidden passages were found, the leading sergeant of the "Λ" unit clenched his fist in signal, leading his squad of sweep infantry onward to another residence.

The infantry fighting vehicle rolled forward again.

Around them, gunfire and explosions echoed—sometimes scattered, sometimes dense.

Behind them loomed a towering structure, blending Western and Japanese styles, with an inverted-eave roof. Its exterior was already riddled with holes, windows shattered, bricks and tiles crumbled, rubble strewn across the ground, exposing the uneven rebar and concrete frame within.

This was the Washuu family ancestral home—now reduced to ruins.

The surviving Washuu clansmen and V organization half-humans had nearly collapsed. Their sporadic resistance was quickly crushed.

Casualties were inevitable, yet the US soldiers remained spirited.

Even as their weapons spat fire, they cursed endlessly—"Fuck," "Shit," "Bastards"—as they conducted the sweep.

After all, an intervention under the righteous excuse of exterminating man-eating ghouls was far too impeccable!

The congressmen of Capitol Hill and the generals of the Pentagon held great expectations for this battle, naming the operation—Operation Gothic Serpent β.

Off the record, rumors said the strict standards for combat death compensation would be relaxed this time, generously funded by the world's third-largest economy.

Doo-woo doo-woo

As police frantically honked and whistled to direct traffic and evacuate citizens, the joint enforcement operation surged forward—CCG, US military, North American Commission of Counter Ghoul, CIA, Tokyo Prosecutor's Office, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Self-Defense Forces, and more, all conducting simultaneous raids across Tokyo.

Meanwhile, outside the Washuu estate—

"M77 howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, even tanks are entering the city. They didn't just deploy Marines from Okinawa—they even pulled the 101st Airborne Division, one of the US Army's three rapid reaction divisions, from the mainland. Just how little do they trust us, Russell…"

With stains and grass marks still clinging to his clothes from rolling on the lawn, Marude Itsuki set down his cold compress, took a sip of water, and sighed deeply. Suddenly overwhelmed, he rubbed his forehead in frustration. Only after his pale, stiff expression steadied again did he glance at the orderly, armed US soldiers moving around him.

Marines were easy to recognize.

Among the US forces stationed in Japan, the largest contingent was the Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Division. Next came the Air Force and Navy, while the Army actually had the fewest numbers—barely over two thousand troops stationed in Japan.

In the Pacific theater, the focus had always been air and naval power.

But the soldiers before him, wearing camouflage distinct from the Marines and sporting the screaming eagle insignia on their shoulders, were unmistakably from the famed 101st Airborne Division of the US Army.

Secretly redeploying them from the North American mainland…

The political message this sent to the outside world was more than intriguing.

Considering the establishment of the Tokyo Commission of Counter Ghoul, the Washuu clan—who had led Japanese investigators for over a century—being revealed as ghouls was a pitiful reality. Truly, Marude Itsuki no longer had the strength to think about anything else.

Before tearing his face completely with his superiors of many years, he had still harbored a sliver of hope.

Unfortunately, faced with Vela's relentless pressure—ostensibly stripping power, but in truth wiping out the family—the Washuu clan had ultimately revealed their hidden true nature.

From this moment on, Tokyo's CCG had become the greatest joke of all.

The heads of ghoul investigators—were ghouls themselves?

Laughable!

Utter disgrace!

Viewed in this light, no emergency response from the international community would seem too surprising.

Marude gave a bitter laugh at himself. Carefully choosing his words, he asked: "Russell, just how firm is the North American Commission's resolve?"

His question was tactfully phrased.

Vela smiled.

"The resolve is complete eradication of ghouls."

Weighing the massive serrated greatsword in her hand—an SSS-class Kakuja Quinque, [Owl]—Vela disengaged [Arata-Ayato-α]. With a casual flourish of the giant blade, she drove it heavily into the ground at her feet. Looking at Marude, she said: "Marude, remember our identity. Ghoul investigators deal only with ghoul cases, not with anything else. Any collateral results are outside our jurisdiction."

With that, she stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him.

"Just focus on doing what we at the CCG must do."

She stowed her SS+ Chimera Quinque [Black Abyss] back into a spare case, then stood with hands behind her back, gazing at the Washuu main residence ahead. Its outer walls cracked and scorched, still burning—the marks left by Kaiko, leader of the V organization, after their bombardment.

It was meant to serve as a warning strike.

Attack helicopters and military vehicles? Not enough.

A month of high-intensity sweeps had dulled certain people's senses.

Only tanks and cannons rolling right onto their doorstep would make them understand that this time—it was both symptom and root, scraping poison from the bone!

Just like her return to Tokyo this time—not only to hunt ghouls and advance Quinque development, but to exterminate the Washuu clan—Vela had brought along a large contingent of North American anti-ghoul agents, taking up posts with funding in hand.

First, she secured a personal force she could command as an extension of herself, sparing time otherwise spent on building familiarity and expanding her base. Then, through social maneuvering, she pulled allied factions closer, leading by example and influence—eventually mobilizing the full power of the CCG for her use.

Both force and reason.

In this way, Vela had been able to, on the very next day of her reinstatement, mobilize the CCG for sweeping operations across the city. Using discovered failures to point blame at the Washuu, she exposed the scandal of ghouls infiltrating the Commission itself, and by accusing them of incompetence, forced them down from power.

Deploying the 101st Airborne, even slinging in M777 howitzers to shell the Washuu estate, was the same strategy.

Preemptive action. Increasing her leverage.

Even if only a brigade came, it was enough to excite the Marines in Okinawa who rarely saw battle. They eagerly rushed to Honshu to follow orders, while the Self-Defense Forces swallowed their misgivings, and Japan's politicians and businessmen clearly saw the consequences of continuing to secretly consort with ghoul "friends"…

Run into the muzzle again, and money alone would not buy them out of disaster.

"Commissioner, latest battle reports."

Dennis approached, PDA in hand, the device marked with a white-headed eagle insignia. Skimming the data, he reported while walking.

Vela took the PDA, swiping to open combat footage and tactical briefings from the sweep and inspection units.

[Ward 11: Encountered Aogiri Tree senior cadre, SS+ ghoul "Noro." Coordinating with the Self-Defense Forces—extermination battle underway!]

[Tokyo Prosecutor's Office: Official arrest and confiscation carried out against Diet member Yasuhiro Tanimoto for collusion with ghouls, bribery, concealing income, and violating the Political Funds Control Act…]

[Ward 14: Spotted member of the Clowns organization, SS-rated female ghoul "The Informant," currently being pursued!]

[Ward 4: Sighted former Ward 4 ghoul gang leader, SS-rated "Faceless Clown." US Army aviation forces have intervened!]

[Ward 8: CCG investigation unit ambushed—22nd Investigators Squad Captain Mutsumi Chino severely injured, multiple investigator teams annihilated. Culprit is Aogiri Tree, led by SS+ Kakuja Tatara! He appears to be searching for Special Class Kousuke Houji! Requesting support!]

[Report! Ward 24 underground ghoul tribes in upheaval—requesting support!]

...

A death struggle.

"Houji. They're looking for you."

Vela spoke.

Houji Kousuke gave a steady nod. "Leave Tatara to me."

Shinohara Yukinori, Kuroiwa Iwao, and others also requested leave—they needed to return to their respective jurisdictions. Since these vicious ghouls wanted to fight to the death, they would tighten the "net" to strangle them completely!

Vela exchanged nods of acknowledgment with each.

If she killed them all herself, forget it—it was no good to hog the credit. Achievements had to be shared appropriately.

But the One-Eyed Owl…

Vela's face grew thoughtful.

And Ward 20—was it truly stable now?

Her hand tapped the car's hood twice. "What about Rick's side?"

She turned her head to ask.

"Surveillance," Dennis replied after a pause, lowering his voice. "The Tsukiyama family is showing signs of movement. Just earlier—likely around the time you and the other CCG Special Classes entered the Washuu estate."

"Keep watch on Mirumo Tsukiyama and Shuu Tsukiyama…"

Vela tilted her neck to stretch. "Forget it. I'll go personally."

Gripping the hilt of [Owl], she was about to test its SSS-class Kakuja Quinque sharpness against the Tsukiyama family—

Suddenly, beep-beep—!

Her PDA vibrated.

Vela lowered her gaze.

Her indigo eyes narrowed slightly.

"Oh?"

[Ward 23 Report: Ghoul detention center Cochlea under heavy assault by elite Aogiri Tree forces. SSS-class ghoul, the One-Eyed Owl, has appeared. Special Class Shinme Haisaki has been killed in action! Special Class Arima Kishou is pinned down—they… they are deliberately sabotaging the prison cells holding ghouls!]

Chapter 239: Pardofelis—A Generous Boss!

"That was so humiliating. I have to get the serum back."

"Me too. My badge, and my phone…"

Sakura and Elysia both blushed in shame.

This time, they had really lost face. One was an Emperor-level fusion warrior, the other a Vipralopa-level fusion warrior—and yet they had been robbed by an ordinary person with no powers at all.

Truly, the simple folk of Dusk Street had shown them a new side today.

If it had happened in front of anyone else, they could have brushed it off. But for it to happen in front of Elias—Sakura and Elysia didn't mind losing face before the whole world, but they did care about losing face before him.

"It must have been that girl who 'accidentally' bumped into me earlier. Damn it, I let my guard down. Who would have thought she was such a skilled pickpocket?"

Sakura recalled the incident and immediately identified the suspect.

After arriving at Dusk Street, no one else had come near them. Only the brown-haired girl who had collided with her had the chance to steal the box containing the serum.

Elysia nodded. She too had helped steady the girl, and in the blink of an eye, her badge and phone were gone. The badge didn't matter much, but the phone did!

A girl's phone contained many treasures!

For example, a secret album of Elias' sleeping face, the latest doujin she had commissioned from Dan Zhu, chat logs, browsing history, and more!

Elysia (thinking): (Not a big problem! A Fire Moth terminal isn't that easy to hack, and my password isn't short. I'll definitely get it back before any of those treasures are exposed!)

Elias (thinking): (What a cat—stealing anything and everything. Then again… maybe she didn't even realize what she grabbed.)

Both the box and the phone had trackers. Using his authority, Elias quickly locked onto their location.

"Let's go. We can't give her time to fence the goods."

"Mm!!" ×2

Elysia and Sakura nodded firmly.

At that moment, the cat burglar had no idea what kind of dangerous things she had stolen. Still basking in the thrill of her haul, she skipped happily back toward her den.

...

In a hidden alley of Dusk Street—

A catlike girl wandered along. Her name was Pardofelis. She had a pair of mismatched eyes, one blue and one green, short brown hair, and an adorably cute face.

Though she lacked the 'proud' figure of Elysia and Sakura, she was slim, graceful, and full of girlish charm—at the very least, more endowed than a certain Shenzhou flatboard…

Pardo clutched a high-tech looking box, weaving through the alleys. After circling several times and confirming she wasn't being followed, she returned to her little home.

It was hidden deep in the alley, behind piles of garbage bins, a small shack pieced together with thin metal sheets. Inside, there was no furniture—just cardboard laid across the floor.

It looked exactly like an oversized stray cat's nest.

"Today I really met a big client. Ahhh, this badge is so pretty! The pink crystal sparkles so brightly—it's sure to sell for a good price. Hehe, I won't have to worry about cat food now."

Pardo's eyes lit up as she examined the badge with its embedded pink crystal. She could tell at a glance it was valuable. She carefully polished it with her clothes before setting it aside like a treasure.

Every time she stole something, Pardo would only keep enough to cover her food. The rest, she always donated to the poor nearby—like a sanatorium down the street…

"What about this phone? How does it work? Oh, it lit up! Needs a password? Hmph, whatever, same old trick!"

She picked up Miss Pink Elf's phone, frowning at the password screen. Closing her eyes, she jabbed at random.

When she opened them again, the phone was unlocked.

"Hehe~ no surprise. My luck always works!"

If Elysia had seen this, she would have been dumbfounded. Who could have imagined someone guessing an eight-digit password by sheer luck?

Curiosity brimming, the lucky cat immediately opened the photo album. And then—

"Uwaaahhhhhhhh—!"

Pardofelis froze on the spot when she stumbled upon Miss Pink Elf's secret stash.

Scrolling through thousands upon thousands of photos of the white-haired boy, plus dozens of gigabytes worth of "special" manga, she knew one thing for certain: if the phone's owner ever caught her, then even with nine lives, this cat would be done for!

"Waaah, this is way too spicy! To think the owner of this phone has stuff like this… hisss… n-no, this is bad. I've seen things I shouldn't. Better get rid of it later…"

Pardo hastily shut off the phone and set it far away, treating it like a live bomb.

"I didn't see anything, nope, nothing at all. Anyway, there's still the last box. Hehe, this one's gotta have something amazing inside!!"

She shook the box in her hand. Though it made no sound, just looking at the sleek high-tech design, she could tell it contained something valuable.

She tapped in some random digits, and what should have required a ten-digit password popped open with ease.

"Uwaaah—what is this?!"

Neatly lined up inside were rows of reagent bottles filled with crimson liquid. Pardo shuddered, nearly dropping the box. For a moment she thought it was blood.

"Wait, no… it's not blood. The color's so pretty… hold on, this looks like… the serum for Honkai disease!"

Dusk Street had never been allocated Honkai serum. The place was simply too chaotic. But while Pardo had never seen the real thing, she had seen pictures. Fire Moth had plastered advertisements everywhere to raise awareness and draw out hidden patients.

"Oh crap… looks like I really messed up this time. Were those three from Fire Moth? What do I do? Should I give it back? Please don't come after me…"

Pardo squatted down, scratching her head in distress.

Sure, her supernaturally good luck was her best trait.

But good luck also came with its own headaches.

Sometimes she ended up swiping something way too valuable—like now. And then all it became was a hot potato that she couldn't handle.

It was like a gacha player who was too lucky: pulling a ten-roll and getting a maxed-out five-star instantly, but with no materials to raise them.

"These… I can't sell these."

There were Honkai patients in Dusk Street too. And with no serum ever distributed here, if Pardo took these out, desperate people would hound her for them like mad.

No matter how scary she made up her nonexistent "Boss" to be, nothing could outweigh the chance to be saved.

She considered tossing the box along Elias' path later and hiding out until things cooled down.

But then she thought of Sister Nia's sanatorium, and the children there.

"With this serum… those kids could be saved, couldn't they? Aaahhh, forget it, forget it! Just this once, I'll take the risk!!"

After chewing her nails bloody from indecision, she finally made up her mind.

She wouldn't return it. She would risk it—for the sake of the children in the sanatorium.

But just as she was about to rush out to deliver the serum—

"Found you, little cat."

"Eeeek—!!"

Three masked figures stood before her. Pardo trembled, yowling like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

She had never expected them to track her down so fast. For the first time ever, her tiny shack was crowded by someone other than stray cats—and herself.

Elysia and Sakura glanced around in astonishment.

The thief's home was even worse than they had imagined. The thin sheet-metal hut didn't even look sturdy enough to keep out wind or rain.

Both of them felt a pang of pity, and silently decided not to punish her harshly.

"Return what you stole."

"Even cute girls can't go around stealing, you know."

They were just debating whether to give her a little scare to make her cooperate when—

Thud!

The catlike girl dropped to her knees with practiced ease.

"I was wrong! I shouldn't have gotten greedy, shouldn't have taken your things! Please, merciful sir and madams, spare me!!"

"…" ×3

Elias, Elysia, and Sakura were all stunned.

They had never seen anyone surrender so quickly.

Look at that flawless kneeling posture, that lightning-fast plea—who needed intimidation when this girl folded on her own? Elias thought that if Pardo had been born in his previous world, she would surely have been a proper French cat burglar!

"Uh… first, give back the things."

"Okay, okay! I'll return them right away!"

Pardo quickly handed over the phone, badge, and box. Neither Elysia nor Sakura suspected anything.

After all, she looked like nothing more than a petty thief—there was no way she had the ability to crack a Fire Moth password-protected phone or case.

But as soon as she returned everything, Pardo began edging backwards. Just then, the moment Sakura lifted the box—

"Something's missing."

Her brow furrowed, and in a flash she drew her blade, pressing it to the cat's neck before she could escape.

"Waaaah! Spare me, spare me!"

"So you could even open a Fire Moth lockbox… hand over the serum you hid."

Sakura's voice was cold and stern. She hadn't even opened the case, but her instincts told her it was lighter than before. A normal person wouldn't notice, but Sakura was both sharp and a MANTIS. She picked up on it immediately.

Beside her, Elysia keyed in the password and opened the box.

"Eh? There really is one missing."

"Ahaha… ahaha… ahahaha…"

The three pairs of eyes turned to Pardo again. The catgirl looked utterly panicked—and indeed, she was.

(No way… she figured it out? These people are terrifying! What do I do? Should I just hand it back?)

Her hand drifted behind her, where she had hastily tucked the vial into the waistband of her shorts, hoping she could slip away unnoticed.

"Um… c-could we maybe make a deal? Just one vial, please? I can even pay for it, if that works."

She forced a shaky smile. Even one vial could save a life. Though timid by nature, Pardo's kind heart pushed her to fight for the children at the sanatorium.

But Sakura's face remained icy.

"No."

This serum had been made from Elias' blood. Though Sakura knew it was now cloned and mass-produced, cheap enough to be considered commonplace—she would not allow it to be sold for profit. In her eyes, that was defiling Elias.

In fact, she had already dealt with several black marketeers trying to profit from Honkai serum. And right now, she saw Pardo as one of them.

Her blade began to rise.

But then—

"Wait, Sakura, don't be rash."

"Hear her out first, Sakura."

The two beside her stopped her.

"Elias, Elysia… why?"

"Sakura, you're just too serious. Relax a little."

"Yeah. Look at how quickly she surrendered, how scared she is. She doesn't seem like the type who'd do something truly bad, right?" Elias glanced at Pardo.

The catgirl nodded so fast it was a blur.

At most, she might steal a trinket or two. Serious crimes? She wouldn't dare. Pardofelis was just a catlike girl who wanted nothing more than to laze in the sun and muddle through life.

What evil could a little cat really harbor?

"The boss is right. I just wanted one vial to save someone, that's all! I swear I had no other intentions!"

Sakura's near-slash had terrified her. Pardo once again fell to her knees, clasping her hands, eyes shimmering with tears. The pitifully cute sight pierced right through Elias and Elysia's hearts.

"…Alright. Sorry, I acted rashly."

Sakura sheathed her blade. As long as it wasn't about profiteering off the serum, she had no objection.

"N-no problem, no problem! Um, so… do you three need anything else from me? If not, I'll, uh, be on my way then."

"Wait. I actually need a guide here in Dusk Street. You look like you'd make a fine one."

Elias curled his lips into a smile. He hadn't expected to get this lucky—meeting Pardofelis right after arriving. With a cat to guide them, finding Aponia's sanatorium would be a breeze.

After all, this cat was far more reliable than a certain emergency food in another world—at least she wouldn't say, 'This area is for later exploration.'

"Uh… sorry, boss, but I've got things to do. Acting as a guide…"

Pardo scratched her head nervously, stepping back. No way did she want to get mixed up with three masked weirdos. The last masked guy she ran into had already given kids trauma.

Looking at you, Brother Kalpas!

"Hehe~ I'll give you a chance to rephrase that. Don't worry—you won't be working for free."

Elias pulled a few coins from his pocket, tossing them lightly. The glint instantly hooked Pardo's gaze.

If they were just ordinary coins, she might have resisted. But these coins gleamed with a golden shine. One look told her they were real gold!

Her tune changed immediately. Pardo slapped her modest chest with confidence.

"Boss, you sure have an eye for talent! I, Pardofelis, am the best guide in all of Dusk Street! Nobody knows this place better than me! Please, let me serve you!"

"Mm~ not bad. Then take me to a place called Aponia's Sanatorium. I'm looking for a friend."

Elias flipped her a gold coin. Eden had given him a pile of them during a drinking spree days ago.

Pardo caught it at once, grinning from ear to ear. Jackpot! She quickly tucked the coin into the shallow valley of her chest.

"Oh? So you're friends with Sister Nia?"

"No, I'm friends with Kalpas."

"Wha—?!"

At those words, the cat's fur practically stood on end.

Kalpas—the most hot-tempered man in Dusk Street! Every time Pardo saw him, she worried she'd get incinerated.

At Aponia's sanatorium, just shouting 'Kalpas is here!' was enough to silence crying children instantly.

That raging volcano of a man… had a friend? Pardo eyed Elias' soulium mask and wondered—were they perhaps mask enthusiasts?

"B-boss, you're really friends with Brother Kalpas?"

"What, don't I look like it? I'll have you know, Kalpas and I are close. I even gave him the mask he wears."

"Seriously?! That's amazing! You can actually get along with him?!"

Pardo's eyes sparkled with awe.

Whenever she brought supplies to the sanatorium, she always made sure to steer clear of Kalpas. Even a Tiga Ultraman mask couldn't hide the aura of a perpetually erupting volcano.

"Of course~ By the way, how has he been lately? Any calmer?"

"Uh… he's working as a mover at Sister Nia's sanatorium. As for his temper… I couldn't really say."

Pardo hunched her shoulders as she led the way.

...

Meanwhile, inside a certain sanatorium in Dusk Street—

"APO-NIA!!"

Wearing a Tiga Ultraman mask, Kalpas bellowed furiously, shouting the nun's name at the top of his lungs.

Chapter 545: Yui’s Thoughts Are Too Simple

"Then let Yui come in quickly. Honestly, even if you told her not to be late tomorrow, she didn't need to come this early, right?"

Kotomi Izumi, still in her pajamas, had just gotten up. After hearing her words, Akina Izumi casually knocked on her daughter's head.

"Ah! Mom, why are you hitting my little head again? If you keep knocking my head, I'll become less smart."

"When were you ever smart?" Akina Izumi said helplessly. "Do you really think Yui came this early just because she's afraid of being late?"

Akina Izumi knew Kotomi had always been good at reading people. There was no way she couldn't guess the real reason why Yui had come so early to wait at their door.

Sure enough, Kotomi scratched her head and gave a silly laugh, pretending not to understand. Of course she knew why Yui came so early. Yui's thoughts were far too simple—she just wanted to see her sooner.

Precisely because she knew, Kotomi couldn't help but call her a silly girl in her heart.

"Hurry up and let Yui in. Has Aimi woken up yet?"

"I already let Yui into the living room to wait for you. As for Aimi… she's probably still asleep. Since it's the weekend, she'll definitely sleep in for two full days."

"Then let Yui come straight upstairs to my room."

"In a hurry, are we?" Akina Izumi said with a meaningful smile.

"Mom, what are you thinking? Yui is my friend. If a friend comes over, how could I leave her waiting in the living room? Of course I should invite her to my room."

"Alright, alright~ just friends. But let me tell you first—Yui is a stubborn girl. You'd better not bully her." Akina reminded her again before leaving.

Kotomi pretended not to hear as she changed her clothes.

After Akina went downstairs, Kotomi carefully closed her bedroom door. She had originally thought of deliberately half-changing her clothes to see how the dumpling would react if she "accidentally" walked in.

But after thinking it over, Kotomi decided against it. With Yui's shy personality, if she saw something that bold first thing in the morning, she'd probably never forget it until graduation.

Before Yui came upstairs, Kotomi had just finished dressing, only her socks left. Just then, she heard knock knock knock at the door.

"The door isn't locked. Come in yourself," Kotomi said while sitting in front of her wardrobe, choosing socks.

"Kotomi, good morning. Did I… come a little too early today?" Yui Yuigahama asked nervously as she opened the door, seeing Kotomi already dressed though still carrying traces of sleepiness on her face.

"More than just a little early. Silly girl, even if I told you not to be late yesterday, you didn't need to show up at my house at five in the morning."

Kotomi stood up and looked at Yui. But when she noticed Yui already wearing the white down jacket, she froze for a moment.

If someone asked which of the two—Megumi Kato or Yui Yuigahama—suited this down jacket better, Kotomi would, without hesitation, say Yui.

Megumi Kato simply looked beautiful wearing it.

Whenever Kotomi went on a date with her, Megumi always dressed up gorgeously. The Kato family had some money, so every one of her outfits was expensive. After so many dates, Kotomi had grown used to Megumi's beauty in nice clothes.

Kotomi had once mentioned this change in her feelings to Megumi. But instead of being upset, Megumi smiled and said: "That's what they call the old married couple feeling. Too bad we're not married yet. Want to go to city hall and sign the marriage papers now?"

But Yui rarely wore fancy clothes. At school she was always in Sobu High's uniform, and during breaks she usually wore jeans, hoodies, and sneakers. In summer, she just swapped the hoodie for a T-shirt. Always very plain.

That was why, when Yui put on the white down jacket Kotomi had bought for her, her whole aura changed. Kotomi couldn't take her eyes off her.

The fitted style of the down jacket accentuated Yui Yuigahama's curves. Whether it was from waiting in the cold outside the Izumi house earlier that morning, or from feeling shy being alone in Kotomi's room, her fair cheeks carried a faint blush. On top of that, she had gotten up early just to put on light makeup for today's outing. With the pure white down jacket, she looked soft and charming.

Feeling Kotomi's gaze, Yui grew flustered and looked away, whispering: "D-do I look okay…?"

"Very pretty. Looks like my eye for fashion wasn't wrong—this white down jacket really suits you."

"Thank you. Kotomi, I really like this jacket, but you spent so much on me… mmm!"

Before Yui could finish, Kotomi pinched her cheeks firmly, sealing her mouth shut. With a serious look, Kotomi said:

"It's just a down jacket. Don't talk about me spending too much. If you keep being polite with me, don't blame me for getting angry."

Kotomi intentionally pressed harder, squeezing Yui's cheeks until they felt soft and squishy in her hands. It only made Kotomi want to bully her even more.

"Mmm, I get it…" Yui nodded. She realized Kotomi really disliked it when she acted too polite. Kotomi always explained it as not wanting Yui to treat her like an outsider.

Not wanting me to treat her as an outsider… Yui's little dumpling brain worked quickly and reached a bold conclusion.

Kotomi wants to become family with me?! That's why she doesn't like me being polite!

How do two families become one… For example, if Kotomi changed her name to Yuigahama Kotomi?!

But if she doesn't want to take my surname, I could marry her instead, and change my name to Izumi Yui! As long as Kotomi is happy, I'll do anything!

Wait, no, what am I thinking? How did I suddenly jump to marriage?! We don't even know yet if she likes me.

If I confess now, I'll find out right away if Kotomi likes me. But if she doesn't, then wouldn't we not even be able to stay friends anymore? No way!

Lost in her thoughts, Yui completely missed Kotomi calling her name. After several tries, Kotomi raised her voice a little:

"Yui, Yui… Yui!"

"Ah! Sorry, Kotomi, I zoned out just now!"

"No need to say it. Looking at your face, I can already guess."

"Sorry… I won't—"

"It's fine." Kotomi shook her head. This wasn't her first day knowing Yui. She had long known that Yui often drifted off whenever she had the chance. Kotomi was always curious what Yui thought about in those moments.

Kotomi still hadn't decided which socks to wear today, so she tossed the decision to Yui instead.

"Yui."

"I'm here!"

With a mischievous little-witch smile, Kotomi waved two pairs of stockings in her hands.

"Which one do you want to see me wear~?"

"M-me? You want me to choose which pair you wear?! H-how could I decide something like that?!"

Just as Kotomi expected, Yui Yuigahama's face turned red with shyness, her words stumbling as she spoke.

"Come on, choose~" Kotomi coaxed sweetly.

Unable to resist Kotomi's pleading tone, Yui's cheeks burned even brighter. With trembling fingers, she pointed at the black stockings in Kotomi's hand and whispered:

"I-I want to see you wear the black ones…"

"Hehe, I like honest girls." Kotomi smiled mischievously like a little witch, put the white stockings aside, and slipped on the black pair as Yui requested.

"If you want to touch them, I'll let you, you know." Kotomi sat on the bed and, halfway through putting them on, tugged lightly at the toes of the black stockings with her slender fingers, smiling as she looked at Yui.

"H-how could I do something like that?! Kotomi, don't tease me!" Yui quickly turned her back, her little ears already flushed red.

If not for worrying that Yui couldn't handle anything too bold, Kotomi had actually wanted to trick her into sitting close, then suddenly slip her black-stockinged foot inside Yui's down jacket. But since they were at home, she gave up on the idea. Who knew if Yui would squeal out loud from embarrassment and end up waking Aimi?

"We're both girls, what's there to be shy about?" Kotomi said with a sly grin. She remembered once visiting an all-girls' school and, while wandering around, stumbling upon a few rather surprising scenes.

From that moment on, Kotomi's impression was that at girls' schools, close friends really did play quite boldly.

Yui didn't look back at all. Her face still red, she simply kept her back turned, waiting for Kotomi to finish dressing.

Seeing this, Kotomi didn't tease her any further. She quickly pulled on the stockings, then patted Yui's shoulder. "I'm done. Let's head downstairs. Want to eat breakfast here?"

"Is that… okay?"

"Silly girl, what's not okay? My mom should already be in the kitchen cooking. Besides, it's way too early. Even in Tokyo, no KTVs are open yet. At the earliest, nine in the morning."

"Ah… so I really did come too early today."

"More than just a little. If Mom hadn't woken me up to tell me you'd arrived, I'd still be in bed. When I heard you'd been waiting outside so early, I was honestly shocked. You really came way too early. Isn't your little brain supposed to be smart? How come most of the time you act so silly?"

Kotomi spoke with a mix of exasperation and affection, her heart aching a little. The weather was getting colder, and the coldest hours were always before dawn.

"Hehehe…"

Yui laughed awkwardly. There was one line she didn't dare say out loud, but only whispered in her heart: If Kotomi, you like me, then I'm willing to be silly for my whole life.

Leaving the bedroom and heading downstairs, they found Akina Izumi indeed cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

This was Yui Yuigahama's first time eating breakfast at the Izumi house, so of course Akina had to show her skills.

"Which KTV are you two planning to go to?"

She set a plate of beef fried rice on the table. Yui wasn't surprised to see that Kotomi's portion was nearly twice the size of everyone else's. She had seen Kotomi's appetite many times before. At home, Kotomi's bowls and plates were always the largest ones. If not for appearances' sake, Kotomi would probably have ordered a custom oversized spoon, because that was how she found eating most comfortable.

"There seem to be a few near the station. We'll go and pick one."

"I've already decided. We'll go to this one." Kotomi opened the official Twitter page of a KTV, showing the photos of the interior, and handed the phone to Yui so she could see.

"Eh, this one? I think I heard some classmates mention it. The small private rooms are cheap by the hour, and the microphones and sound system are all new. Their song list also gets updated regularly. Let's go with this one!"

"I didn't pay attention to the room prices. I just remember their pizza and fries are really good."

"Eh…" Yui Yuigahama hadn't expected Kotomi to judge a KTV's quality based on how tasty their snacks were.

Akina Izumi smiled wryly. That was just how Kotomi was sometimes. Ask her the meaning of life, and she'd answer without hesitation: Go to the pier and grab some fries.

Ask her what lies at the end of the universe, and she'd reply: Go to the pier and grab a bag of ketchup—fries with ketchup taste great.

"We're eating breakfast right now, so stop talking about KTV snacks." Akina tapped her daughter's head again, then asked: "Want some miso soup too?"

"Yes! Mom, make sure to give me extra tofu."

"I already put in extra tofu just for you. Eat slowly, there's still plenty left in the pot."

Kotomi liked scooping the tofu out of the miso soup and placing it on top of her rice, eating them together.

After serving Kotomi, Akina turned to Yui. "Yui, does the food suit your taste? Since this is your first time eating here, I don't know what you like yet. You should come over more often."

"It's really delicious! Thank you, Auntie. The miso soup is even tastier than my mom's. Every time she makes it, it's either completely flavorless or so salty I need a glass of water after one sip."

Yui always told the truth. Tomoka Yuigahama's miso soup really wasn't very good! Kotomi had tasted it before and had also wondered how Aunt Tomoka managed to make miso soup that salty.

"Haha, is that so? By the way, Yui, your mother's name is Tomoka, right?"

"Yes, Tomoka Yuigahama."

"Does she have orange hair?"

"That's right, my mom's hair is orange. Mine used to be orange too, but after middle school graduation I wanted a change, so I dyed it to this light peach color." Yui pointed to her short, peach-colored hair.

"Can I see a picture? I think I may have met your mom once before." Akina asked curiously.

"Oh, sure."

Without thinking much of it, Yui took out her phone and pulled up a photo of her mom, her little sister, and herself together. She handed it to Akina.

Akina looked at the picture. Although many years had passed and her memories were fuzzy, she recalled a classmate from middle school. Comparing that image to Tomoka Yuigahama in the photo—she really did look like her old friend, Tomoka Mizuniwa! And the name even matched.

Back in middle school, the two of them had been fairly close friends. But after graduation, they rarely kept in touch.

Chapter 633: The Dragonia Will Never Be Slaves!

Roarrr—!

Boom—!!!

The earth trembled like a heartbeat. Pale Titans slowly spread into formation along the scarred horizon, their ferocious cannons raised high. They resembled heavily armed knights, and their marching posture was no different from that of humans.

But they towered into the clouds, each hundreds of meters tall. Their flickering void shield arrays connected into one mass, advancing like mountains, unstoppable.

Zzzzz—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!

The shrieking of energy weapons echoed continuously. Heavy macro cannons roared, and spears of light rained down like hail, blotting out the sky.

Heavy plasma struck the barren plains, erupting into fireballs and clouds of dark-brown smoke. The fiery blasts lit up the heavens like day, burning and flattening everything. Each strike shook the land, tossing sand and earth high, only for it to rain back down.

Dragonia roared, Gigants bellowed.

The night sky glowed with the scorching heat of weapons. The land was drenched in blood, and wails filled the heavens.

...

If the human territory of Elkia on the continent of Lucia was little more than an armed parade, and the Elven Gard war zone—spanning three continents and ruling fifty-two provinces—was but a low-intensity conflict, then on this wild continent, home to dragon lairs and Gigant nations, what unfolded was a mythic war.

As one of the three great continents of Disboard, Valar was unlike Lucia or Alieira, which housed many sentient races.

Compared to the Eastern Union of Werebeasts with their skewed technological tree cobbled into a digital nation, Valar's infrastructure was primitive. Apart from the small areas developed under Elven Gard, it was nearly all wilderness.

This made sense.

For the Gigants and Dragonia were far too powerful. Their numbers were few compared to other lower races, so they had no need to form unified nations like Elves, Dwarves, or Werebeasts. Living as primitive tribes sufficed.

Dragon lairs, Gigant nations—home to races ranked fourth and fifth among the sixteen sentient races of Disboard. It was only natural they became the prime targets of the Luna Wolves Legion's assault.

"I am wrath, I am iron, I am the mercy of angels."

A thunderous explosion shook the skies, its shockwave blasting apart entire hills. Burning fragments of plants and clouds of dust filled the air. A wave of force spread outward from a Gigant's duel, forming a misty ring that first contracted, then exploded.

Bang!

"Roooaaar—!"

The towering Gigant crashed into the mountains, sending up waves of dust. Through the smoke, it let out an earth-shaking roar, the sound wave physically sweeping away the dust that veiled sight.

...

Thick body hair, towering bodies tens of meters tall, slightly hunched backs, slender limbs that seemed too frail for their massive torsos—everything about them declared their identity: the Gigants, ranked fifth among the sixteen races.

"Roar! Roarrr—!!"

Enraged that it had been bested in a contest of strength by such 'insects,' the Gigant roared furiously in its own tongue, hurling away its massive, battered metal club, corroded with violet-red blotches and nearly broken.

It rose again, bellowed, and smashed a nearby peak with one punch. The unique 'Spirit Corridor' technique of the Gigants unfolded, unleashing highly concentrated spirit particles in a projectile form—gathering, fusing, condensing.

At that level of spirit particle eruption, any living creature—even an elf—would be killed instantly upon contact.

Crack!

Forming a massive short-handled battle axe of neither stone nor metal, hot breath reeking of sulfur burst from its nostrils as the Gigant roared and charged again!

"Good, come!"

This radiant Astartes wore pearl-white armor, a wolf's head insignia boldly painted upon the shoulder guard. Beneath a noble crest, an olive-leaf wreath circlet was carved. Across his pristine double-headed eagle chestplate lay the sash and medals of honor belonging to an Astartes Grand Captain.

Clearly, this was a noble Luna Wolf Grand Captain, a high commander overseeing tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of Astartes warriors.

Zzz—!

Crunch, crack! Seeing the massive shadow close in, the Luna Wolf did not retreat. A crimson disintegration field burst upon his brutal thunder hammer. Violet light flared as countless Honkai energy particles lit up across his form.

As each Legion of the Astartes favored weapons styled after their Primarch, the XVI Legion—Luna Wolves—especially loved long-handled thunder hammers, great lightning claws, and power swords as complements to their ranged firepower.

Bzzzz!

The Astartes body, reforged through layers of Honkai genetic enhancement, surged with power.

Within his Grand Captain–grade masterwork power armor, every fiber of artificial muscle strained to its peak.

Forged with composite soulsteel, lined with black nano-shells derived from the super-dangerous dragon-beast Tyrand, the armor responded seamlessly with its wearer's will, binding flesh, armor, and wargear into one.

Augmented by Honkai energy—the might of the Selene Empire manifested once more!

A step forward—Boom!

"World-Breaker—!"

Rumble—!

A violet-red blast erupted, vaporizing the crust. The searing light turned earth to gas, sparking tremors. Superheated sand and soil, thousands of degrees hot, were hurled into the stratosphere…

Crack-crack-crack—

Zzzzt… hiss!

Thud!

The Gigant collapsed with a thunderous crash, blood spurting from its mouth and nose.

Its massive battle axe shattered to fragments. Its chest was caved through, boiling blood spraying backward in streams. Its spine shattered, jagged bone shards jutted like thorned flowers, tendons stretched and snapped, blood pouring.

Slow the moment by a thousandfold, and it was clear: the Honkai disintegration field of the thunder hammer instantly destabilized the spirit corridor construct of the Gigant's conjured axe. Like smashing Lego blocks, the weapon shattered. The Luna Wolf's thunder hammer, at its peak force, swung upward in a blazing arc, then crashed down upon the Gigant's chest.

"Roaaar—!"

Seeing their kin slain—perhaps family—another Gigant wailed and charged like a raging bull, smashing aside all in its way, rushing the Grand Captain. But—

This was war.

And war was never single combat.

From the rear, the Titans of the Empire, pressing forward and crushing the races of Disboard, raised their cannons.

Vwooom!

The massive blast of blue plasma dwarfed the Gigant's body. Even with defensive sorcery, under the concentrated fire of multiple Titans—

Crack!

The defenses shattered. Spirit particles, glowing faintly, scattered as gray ash—the remains left by slain spirits.

In Disboard, spirits were everywhere, the source of all magic. Using magic consumed them. Upon death, they left behind spirit remains, or "Black Ash," which corroded any living thing it touched. The Spirit Corridors constantly birthed new ones.

Rumble!

When its defenses failed, a quake cannon tore open the Gigant's chest, halting it. In the next instant, searing plasma engulfed it, leaving nothing but a hollow, headless corpse collapsing to the ground.

"I am the blade!"

Unless by death or surrender, battle would never cease. In the Empire's lexicon, there was no word for compromise.

With a triumphant war cry, the Luna Wolf Grand Captain roared toward a Dragonia.

"I am the fang."

On the battlefield, the war chant of the Luna Wolves Legion thundered.

"I am the spearhead."

"Luna Wolves—hold the enemy with severity!"

From the very beginning, the fighting had reached a fever pitch. Like a clash of mobile suits, Gigants against Astartes, Dragonia against Astartes, the struggle was brutal and unrelenting.

The Gigants, furious, hefted hundred-meter-long clubs, swinging them with such force that their howls split the air like thunder.

Astartes officers met them head-on, arms swift as wind. Power weapons, chain weapons, energy blades—combined with their masterful techniques, each strike was lethal. Every clash left trenches tens of meters wide and hundreds long gouged into the ground.

The word-spells of the Dragonia were no less fearsome—lightning flashed, storms raged, thunder and gale resounded like war drums across the battlefield. Explosions cracked the sky, meteors fell blazing, transforming in an instant into shockwaves that embodied pure destruction.

Man and beast roared together. Endless lances of light rained down from above. The whole world seemed to collapse, engulfed in seas of fire and light.

This was already a forbidden ground for mortals. Not even the Empire's auxilia and auxilia militia could step foot here—indeed, not even most of the Astartes had the right to enter.

Only those who had undergone multiple Honkai augmentations, flesh reforging, function enhancements, reborn and sanctified into towering warriors, could earn entry to this mythic battlefield.

Fortunately, the Gigants and Dragonia were few in number.

The invading Imperial fleet was not the Luna Wolves' full might, but it was the largest expeditionary fleet under the Primarch's direct command. Though forces were split across many theaters and countless exploration fleets struck outward, the numbers of officers and veteran soldiers were still more than enough.

Boom!

Amid thunderous blasts, a warhammer crashed through the sky. A struggling dragon was struck as though by a mountain, hurled backward violently. The earth shook as if a land-dragon had turned in its sleep, the ground rippling visibly like soft cotton candy.

Rumble—!

A cry like blood from a cuckoo tore the sky. A spray of crimson mist, a colossal red dragon hundreds of meters long, hurled across the land, reducing mountains within a kilometer radius to scorched rubble. Like a tornado, it whirled, convulsed, and then fell silent.

Upon closer look—the warhammer had crushed its skull entirely. Fractures spread like webs across the earth, running for dozens of kilometers. The dragon's head was twisted grotesquely, bones shattered outward, brow split, brain and blood sprayed together.

Thud!

...

Scarlet cloak billowing, a towering figure stood proudly upon the dragon's skull. Horus wrenched free the Worldbreaker warhammer—bestowed upon him personally by Empress Selene—and stood before the lair, unshaken even amid the fury of the dragon race, facing storm and flame.

"This is the most foolish choice, last Dragonia Ruler, Reginleif. Unless you desire the extinction of your kin."

His fair features furrowed with sorrow, as though grieved by the Dragonia's decision.

He lifted his gaze to the white Dragonia Ruler before him, western draconic features wreathed in human-like rage.

"No records of cannibalism. Then there is still room. I, Horus Lupercal, in the name of the Sacred Selene Empire, as Primarch, Apostle of Selene, and God-given Wolf Shepherd, promise you—the Dragonia will be given proper place."

So spoke Horus.

Of the twenty Primarchs, Horus was neither bloodthirsty nor eager for slaughter. A capable commander, yes, but also a man of compassion. Though he ruthlessly crushed the Empire's foes, he strove to avoid needless bloodshed.

Among the three factions, Horus was closest to Leiva's Third Legion Black Templars—the neutralists. Yet his conduct leaned more toward Alex's First Legion—the Dark Angels.

With the secrets of Disboard's history and races revealed by Selene, Horus had already drawn his lines between those to destroy, and those to draw in.

Alas, it was a bitter truth.

In this world, humanity was no more than hairless apes before the other races. The Demonia might hunt them—but no race considered humanity worth the effort.

Certainly not to eat. To the higher races, humans were ants. At best ignored in good humor, at worst crushed casually in bad mood. Food? Not even enough to wedge between their teeth. With no Spirit Corridors, no nutrition—they were waste.

Thus Horus could only laugh bitterly after his survey.

Shameful!

In other worlds, weakened humanity at least served as livestock, as food. But here? Whether luck or misfortune—humans did not even qualify as fodder! Truly worthless…

"Are you insulting us?!"

The Dragonia Ruler Reginleif saw sorrow in Horus' eyes—but felt only rage, the fury of insult.

"Extinction?! Even extinction, what of it?! Hartyleif fell to the God of War, Aranleif perished to the Ex-Machina—did Dragonia Rulers ever bow?!"

"You nameless self-styled 'human' race! Dragonia will never be slaves!"

Chapter 563: Eris

In fact, there was one thing Arifureta and the others hadn't mentioned—that aside from gaining another means of contact and the ability to use points to strengthen themselves, the most important thing was that they could now stay in the same chat group as Eriri.

That alone was enough to make everyone eager to join the group.

The reason they hadn't noticed the invitation refresh this time was simply because Erina and Alice were about to head to the Isekai Shokudou world, while Eriri had gone to deal with Seraphim's issue. Their attention had been drawn away.

So far, invitations remained a scarce commodity.

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): You make it sound like you've already got the purchase qualification. Don't be so arrogant, newbie!]

[Reina (Level 7, Stage 1): That's right. Nobody knows who it'll go to in the end. Maybe the lucky one this time will be me!]

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

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): I have a question—how exactly are invitations drawn?]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): Isn't that obvious? With point Red Packets, of course.]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): When the time comes, Eriri will send a luck-based Red Packet in the group. Whoever wins the luck king will obtain the right to purchase the invitation.]

[Chika Fujiwara (Level 7, Stage 2): If the luck king doesn't need it, then the right passes down to the second place.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): I see, I get it now. So this means we can grab a lot of points again, right?]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Not really. The Red Packet for the invitation qualification is based on headcount. One group member equals 10,000 points.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Right now, aside from Eriri, there are 55 members in the group. That means the Red Packet only contains 550,000 points.]

[Natsuki Minamiya (Level 2, Stage 8): That's still a lot! Even just grabbing 10,000 points would be enough for me to raise a stage right now.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): You really don't treat points like they're points at all, do you!]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Alright, you've got a point.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Isn't Eriri going to compete for the invitation qualification?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Eriri doesn't need to. Do you really think your luck can compare to hers? Not to mention, even Little Skirt belongs to her. She could get endless invitations anytime she wanted.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Fine, I spoke out of turn.]

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

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Ahem, alright, is everyone ready? If you are, I'll start sending the Red Packet.]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Could we wait a bit? Goddess Eris hasn't arrived yet…]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): No waiting! Just send it. That way we eliminate one cheating player, and everyone's happy!]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): Exactly, no need to wait. Send it and let her try to grab the last one. Let's see if her late arrival cheat still works.]

[Adele (Level 7, Stage 1): Eliminate every unfavorable factor in the cradle!]

Watching Ruri and the others' chatter, Darkness knew they were joking, yet she couldn't help but feel a strange… thrill!

The feeling of being excluded by others—it was strangely irresistible.

And at that moment, Eris, disguised as Chris, finally descended from the heavens.

When she saw Darkness looking so excited that she could barely control herself, Eris felt a pang of discomfort.

"Darkness, I don't know what's going on, but please calm yourself first."

Hearing Eris's voice, Darkness immediately opened her eyes wide and pulled her attention away from the chat group.

"It's fine, I'm okay, Goddess. The group's about to start drawing for the invitation purchase qualification. Please grant me a little bit of luck!"

Seeing the eager look on Darkness' face, Eris could only give her a helpless glance.

"I told you, down here you should just call me Chris."

"Also, could you explain to me first what this invitation is? You called me down in such a hurry just for this?"

"Mhm, I forgot to tell you earlier. This invitation is an item that lets you actively pull someone into the chat group. As long as I get the purchase qualification, I can pull you into the group!"

"There's really such an item?"

Eris felt tempted. Ever since Darkness told her two days ago about the miraculous existence of the chat group, she had been very curious.

Being able to predict a world's future—this was something even a goddess like her could not do.

And supposedly, every member in that group was unimaginably powerful. If she had the chance, she truly wanted to see it for herself.

But considering how special this item was, she was sure the price to buy it wouldn't be cheap. So she wanted to get more details from Darkness first.

"Darkness, the price to buy just one invitation must be huge, right?"

Before Darkness could reply, Eris continued:

"Don't tell me it's small, because I won't believe it. So just tell me honestly."

Hearing that, Darkness swallowed back what she had been about to say.

She had indeed planned to downplay the price, so Eris wouldn't feel pressured.

But before she could even say it, Eris had already seen through her.

So she had no choice but to tell the truth.

"Buying one invitation costs… one million points."

"What! One million points?"

Eris froze at the number.

She had some understanding of the value of points—Darkness had clearly explained it to her.

So at once, she suppressed her earlier temptation.

"Darkness, forget it. The invitation is too expensive. You should keep those points for yourself."

Though it was a pity, she wasn't the kind of god who would exploit her believers or friends, even knowing Darkness had more than four million points saved up.

"It's fine, Goddess. Compared to you, one million points is nothing."

"But…"

"No buts! Don't you want to join the chat group? At worst, once you earn more points in the future, you can pay me back."

Hearing Darkness's words, Eris wavered again.

After thinking for a moment, she finally accepted Darkness's goodwill.

"Alright then. I'll definitely repay you double in the future."

"That's more like it." Darkness chuckled. "Now can you raise my luck value?"

Eris was moved, and nodded. She then released her disguise, appearing before Darkness in her true goddess form.

Bringing her hands together, she aimed her palms at Darkness and recited a divine spell.

"In the name of the Goddess of Fortune, I bestow upon you unmatched blessing! —[Blessing]"

A radiant light burst forth from Darkness's body under the magic's effect.

When the glow faded, her luck value had been raised to its absolute limit.

"Done. I've maxed out your luck value. I wish you success in gaining the purchase qualification."

Retracting her hands, Eris smiled warmly at Darkness.

Although the boosted luck couldn't last forever, it would easily hold for more than ten minutes.

"Mhm, I'll do my best. I definitely won't disappoint you, Goddess!" Darkness nodded excitedly.

Hearing her still call her "Goddess," Eris couldn't help but complain again.

"I told you, no need to call me Goddess down here…"

But Darkness's focus had already returned fully to the chat group.

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Alright, Goddess Eris has maxed out my luck value. We can start the draw now!]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Okay then, everyone pay attention! Remember to grab the Red Packet! @Everyone]

[Ding, Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9) has sent a luck-based Red Packet.]

The moment the Red Packet was sent, all fifty-five members aside from Eriri appeared. In less than three seconds, it was completely claimed.

After all, this was for the qualification to purchase the invitation. If anyone failed to grab it, they wouldn't be able to determine who the luckiest was.

So at moments like this, no matter how busy the members were, they would never miss the chance to claim it.

Not to mention—who would ever dislike free points?

Once all the Red Packets were claimed, the luck king for this round was finally revealed.

And the one who obtained the sixteenth designated invitation purchase qualification was none other than Darkness, blessed by the Goddess of Fortune.

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Congratulations to Lalatina for winning this month's invitation purchase qualification.]

[Arifureta (Level 7, Stage 3 / Group Leader): Congratulations, congratulations.]

...

Following Eriri and Arifureta's lead, a wave of congratulations quickly swept through the chat group.

Darkness basked in the joy of both their blessings and her newly won qualification.

But deep down, she sincerely wished they wouldn't call her by that name.

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Thank you everyone! And stop calling me Lalatina!]

[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): You've really turned that into your catchphrase, huh?]

[Ruri Gokou (Level 7, Stage 2): Once again, I've lost the invitation!]

[Arche (Level 7, Stage 2): It's fine, we'll try again next month~]

Seeing the "Unavailable" next to the invitation in the group shop change into "Available," Darkness didn't hesitate for a moment. She pressed the purchase button with her will.

Instantly, one quarter of her balance of over four million points vanished, leaving her with just over three million.

Yet there wasn't even a trace of regret in her eyes—only the joy of being able to bring her friend into the group.

After purchasing the invitation, Darkness withdrew her attention from the chat group.

Eris, who had been waiting impatiently, rushed up the moment Darkness opened her eyes.

"Well? Well? Did you get the qualification?"

Seeing Eris's expectant expression, Darkness didn't keep her in suspense. She nodded excitedly.

"Goddess, thanks to your blessing, I've secured the invitation! Hold on, I'll pull you into the group right away."

Eris's eyes lit up. She nodded quickly, and a prompt immediately echoed in her mind.

[Ding, Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5) invites you to join the Multiverse Same-Sex ♀ Friendship Group. Do you accept?]

[Yes / No]

Eris took a deep breath at the message, then chose "Yes" without hesitation.

...

Eris's arrival didn't stir up too much of a wave in the group.

Of course, everyone warmly welcomed her.

After a round of casual chatter, time had already slipped past noon.

Instead of returning with Eu to the Saekano world for lunch, Eriri stayed behind to once again enjoy Kyoko's cooking.

Earlier, Seraphim had volunteered to prepare lunch, but both Eriri and Kyoko firmly refused.

They knew very well just how disastrous Seraphim's cooking was. For an ordinary person, a single bite would be fatal.

Though Eriri was a bit curious how she managed to make food that bad, curiosity alone wasn't enough to risk tasting it.

Meanwhile, with her own tasks finished, Erina was preparing to head to the Isekai Shokudou together with Alice.

[Erina Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 2): Victoria, are you free now? I've finished my business, so we can head over.]

[Victoria (Level 2, Stage 6): Yes, yes, I've been ready for a while now, just waiting for you.]

[Alice Nakiri (Level 7, Stage 1): Lalatina, when are you and Eris coming?]

[Lalatina (Level 2, Stage 5): Right now! And stop calling me Lalatina!]

[Eris (Level 3, Stage 6): Another universe… I wonder how it differs from ours. I can't wait.]

As a goddess managing her own world, Eris naturally knew the heavens oversaw countless different isekai.

But all of those worlds still belonged to the planets of the same universe. Until learning of the chat group from Darkness, she had never even heard of other universes.

Chapter 318: Fu Hua, You Don’t Want Earth to Be Shattered Either, Right?

Jingwei—or rather, Fu Hua.

In the fifty thousand years she had lived, witnessing the rise and fall of two civilizations—what was the greatest power she had ever seen?

The Judgment of Shamash? The Judgment-class Honkai Beast Chiyou, capable of swallowing an entire city in one bite?

It should have been the Herrscher of Finality, who effortlessly crushed the Previous Era and destroyed the entire surface civilization.

And now…

A man stood before her.

Telling her that this ship carried hundreds of weapons capable of annihilating stars.

The most powerful, the Fallen Star Lance, could reach across dozens or even hundreds of light years on an astronomical scale, and extinguish stars.

Photoids could easily shatter a planet into pieces.

A dual-vector foil could reduce an entire star system by one dimension—the strike zone eventually covering more than the Milky Way itself.

"..."

The Immortal's emotions were not stable.

She bit her lip, the cold, frosty look on her face betraying a trace of inner conflict.

The worldview she had constructed over thousands of years was collapsing.

Photoids and the Fallen Star Lance—relying on her past vast knowledge, she could barely understand them, treating them as highly destructive kinetic or energy weapons.

But what was a dual-vector foil?!

Reducing space by one dimension? Equivalent to turning Earth and the entire solar system into a piece of paper with no thickness?

Even exhausting her imagination, Fu Hua struggled to comprehend what sort of weapon that truly was.

The concept was too abstract—without having witnessed dimensional reduction, one could hardly envision it.

"You all… built this ship—for what purpose?"

Fu Hua asked.

"Of course, to beat up aliens. We can't just use it to play house, can we?"

"Oh, though sometimes I also throw parties aboard the Eternal Snowfall. You're welcome to join in the future."

Setsuna answered with a laugh.

"Aliens? What kind of enemy requires a ship of this level to face?…"

She still found it difficult to understand.

"Fu Hua."

Setsuna patted her shoulder.

"It's not just Earth in this great universe—or even within the Tree and Sea system—that hasn't stepped beyond its own star system."

"In the future, I'll take you to ride the Astral Express, perhaps? Your worldview is somewhat similar to theirs…"

"And remember, warfare on an interstellar scale is nothing like battles on the ground, destroying a few cities. It's far, far beyond that."

Shwoosh—

The holographic interface projected scenes from wars fought in the Three-Body universe.

Fleets blotting out the sky sailed through the starry sea. Sub-particle lances, more dazzling than the stars, tore through the heavens, annihilating enemy warships.

Photoids split the sun into fragments, the star's collapse sweeping across the entire system, crushing planets into dust.

Unknown alien civilizations were reduced to ash beneath high-energy radiation and orbital bombardment.

Compared to such wars, the battles against Honkai fifty thousand years ago on Earth were utterly insignificant.

"..."

Interstellar behemoths.

Fu Hua finally understood what kind of giant stood before her.

All the technology and achievements of the Previous Era seemed dim in comparison to the Eternal Snowfall.

In the face of a force capable of extinguishing suns and snuffing out stars, any further argument was meaningless.

An interstellar empire had set its gaze upon this world.

"If I now say that in the future I will eliminate the Honkai threat, recruit all Herrschers and Valkyries, and integrate this world into the territory of the Starsea Empire—would you believe it?"

Setsuna sat in the command chair, smiling as he looked at Fu Hua.

"..."

"Astonishing."

After a moment of thought, Fu Hua closed her eyes and gave a faint nod.

This ship had already exceeded her imagination.

Even at the height of the Previous Era, it would have been absolutely impossible to construct a Juggernaut-class starship.

Whether Earth had the resources or not was irrelevant—the technology here was thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of years ahead.

Then another thought struck her:

"Your technology and knowledge are far too advanced beyond Earth. If recklessly imparted, it would cause disaster."

"The Honkai Beasts, yes, I know."

Setsuna gestured that he understood.

Fu Hua's mission was the Project EMBER—to pass on the technology left behind by the Previous Civilization to the current one.

But imparting knowledge beyond the current era would also spawn powerful Honkai Beasts.

Judgment-class Honkai Beasts didn't bother him much, though their constant appearance was still annoying.

"Until we completely resolve the Honkai, our approach to this world will focus on observation and research. We have no plans to pass on advanced technology."

"..."

Fu Hua wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words.

She had absorbed an enormous amount of information in such a short time.

Her once unchanging life had been shattered by this strange visitor from beyond the stars.

If not for that unexpected communication, right now she should have been meditating in Mount Taixuan, or wandering the world to cut down demons and banish evil.

Gradually guiding humanity, alongside the surviving MANTIS, searching for a way to defeat the Honkai.

Yet fate seemed to have played a joke on her.

A starship from another universe had suddenly broken into this world.

He brought with him technology far beyond comprehension, and weapons she had never known.

Whether this was good or bad for human civilization, Fu Hua could not yet determine.

All she could do was take one step at a time.

As the guardian of Shenzhou, she decided she must keep a close watch on Setsuna.

"So then? What do you intend to do next?"

"Hmm…"

Setsuna thought for a moment.

"First, build an observation station, conduct research on this world's Honkai energy, and attempt to construct a mathematical model of this world—to simulate its future direction."

"This timeline is stuck in the middle—awkward. In the future we'll have to go back to the past, and forward to the future, to defeat the Honkai and recover those we need."

To conquer the Honkai world, not a single one could be missing.

Whether the Previous Era, the Current Era, or this in-between 'Saga of the Shattered Swords' timeline.

"!"

"Wait, go back to the past? You mean traveling fifty thousand years ago?!"

Fu Hua slammed her hand on the table, leaning in close, her emerald eyes fixed straight on him.

"Of course. We can change history. I already did it once in the Date A Live world."

Setsuna answered naturally.

"How?!"

Fu Hua leaned closer still, almost pressing right up to him.

A faint fragrance brushed against him.

Unfortunately, given her figure, even lowering his head revealed no enticing view.

"We do have methods of time travel, though they're troublesome."

"Fifty thousand years is a bit much. We'd likely need to combine magical means with Spiritron transfer devices, and it would consume a massive amount of energy."

Setsuna chuckled as he pushed her gently back into place.

"Three thousand years. Would three thousand years be possible?"

Fu Hua placed a hand firmly on his, asking seriously.

"..."

Setsuna paused for a moment.

"You mean…?"

"Over three thousand years ago, Cangxuan and Dan Zhu imparted knowledge far beyond the current era, causing the birth of the Judgment-class Honkai Beast Chiyou."

"I was far away at the time. They sealed it at the cost of their lives. If I had been there…"

Fu Hua's voice trailed lower and lower.

"Hmm…"

"It's possible. But we'd need to simulate that segment of history first, to make sure it doesn't disrupt the later timeline."

Setsuna thought briefly, then agreed.

He could treat it as a favor to Fu Hua—while also testing large-scale temporal jumps.

"Thank you."

Fu Hua bowed her head slightly in thanks.

After witnessing all the strange devices aboard the Eternal Snowfall, hearing Setsuna casually mention time travel no longer seemed particularly shocking.

Perhaps he really could rewrite that tragedy of the past, opening up a different world line?

A peculiar thought crossed Fu Hua's mind:

In their final battle against the Herrscher of Finality, humanity's most advanced technology was like a child's plaything before Finality.

Even with the Moonlight Throne overloaded, and Kevin striking with all his might, they only bought humanity a little extra time before extinction.

The surviving MANTIS had no choice but to hide, pinning their hopes on the new civilization fifty thousand years later.

But what if the Eternal Snowfall had crossed fifty thousand years of time to appear before the Herrscher of Finality and the Thirteen Flame-Chasers?

Her old comrades would surely be shocked.

Perhaps even Finality itself could be defeated.

"Hu…"

Looking at the endless sea of stars outside the window, Fu Hua let out a long breath.

"You should be able to defeat the Honkai, right?"

"No… why do I feel like you're actually more dangerous than the Honkai itself?"

Chapter 317: Sparkle—Welcome to the Final Curtain of the Universe

"Time to wrap things up."

After putting away the Pseudo Star Map Creation, Aether returned to the forefront of the Star Rail Universe.

"Ninety-nine percent of the cleanup is done. The final one percent doesn't need me to lift a hand."

The entire universe had already been purged by the black beast tide, and the last remaining stain was only a single galaxy.

Moreover, the two who had just ascended to Aeons carried the aura of Teyvat—they were Aeons belonging to Teyvat.

The Aeons of Teyvat would inevitably obey the will of the Heavenly Principle, and would surely erase the last stain.

"Time to head back."

Aether exhaled slowly. This time, he had fought to his heart's content. Though he had fallen into disadvantage, he had truly experienced the extent of his full strength.

With his current power, even on foreign ground, so long as the enemies were not in overwhelming numbers, the best outcome for them would be a fifty-fifty split. If the opponents numbered fewer than ten, he could wear them down with time to claim victory. If they numbered fewer than five, he could directly annihilate a standard single-universe.

And that was a proper universe possessing Truth.

Of course, a universe with Truth was extremely difficult to truly destroy. Even if destroyed, upon its ruins, it would give birth to new universes once again.

That was the unimaginable nature of Truth.

And gods who had not grasped Truth itself were incapable of affecting it at all—unless the disparity between them was so great as to span entire tiers.

If he wanted to obtain a Truth of his own, then that Truth would have to be below the level of cosmic structure.

Yet even if he obtained such a Truth, it would not be of much use to him. He himself could not nurture it into a standard single-universe.

A non-standard universe was of little use to a god at cosmic level—at best it could be cultivated as a primordial universe. But as the sovereign of an Abyssal Universe, raising another primordial universe would be pointless.

Not everyone was like the Heavenly Principle, capable of fostering the growth of universes.

Thus, gaining a Truth would be less useful than directly contributing it to the Teyvat Universe. It might even feed back certain Laws to him.

Truths above single-universe level and below it were entirely different concepts.

For the world, single-universe level was like mortals ascending to godhood.

Aether came to the nearest World Gate in the Star Rail Universe.

The black beast tide was surging endlessly into the World Gate.

The entire universe had already been cleansed. With no more targets, the beast tide was returning the way it came. Among the waves of beasts, several Abyssal gods could be seen proudly striding.

The merits they had earned this time were unimaginable. At the very least, they could ascend one or two minor tiers. The exceptional ones might directly ascend a major tier.

Aether was more than satisfied.

By conquering a great universe this time, the Abyss as a whole would see a surge of mid-to-high level gods. At least two-digit numbers of Supreme Gods would arise, and no fewer than five Primordial Gods would be born.

At the very least, Rheinndottir, the Creator of Beasts, would surely become a Primordial God—perhaps even attain weak single-universe.

After all, in this conquest of an entire universe, the beast tide accounted for half the credit.

And the other half of the credit naturally belonged to him, since it was he who sealed and restrained all the top-tier combat power.

"At present, there's only the one Aeon who never made a move from start to finish."

At the World Gate, Aether turned back to glance.

In the deepest reaches of the universe, cloaked in the mists of nothingness, was a purple-black existence.

Its mere presence altered the orbit of hundreds of thousands of galaxies, and even affected the fabric of existence itself.

That was IX, the Aeon of Nihility—representing the void itself. No matter what disturbances shook the universe, it made no movement. Were it not for the existence of the Path of Nihility, almost no one could even perceive it.

It was as though it were merely an ordinary, dormant black hole.

IX was without doubt the mightiest Aeon. Even stripped of Laws, as the master of a Path, its strength had diminished by only thirty percent—unlike the other Aeons who had fallen by seventy percent or more.

After all, whether visible or invisible, whether existing or not existing, everything ultimately boiled down to two points: being and non-being.

Nihility represented the side of non-being, while every other Path was proof of being.

Yet even now, Nihility was not the ultimate nothingness, because the Aeon of Nihility itself still existed. Only when even it no longer existed would true Nihility come to be.

Aether stepped into the World Gate, accompanied by the retreat of the last waves of the black beast tide—though near Penacony, some remnants of the tide still lingered.

At this very moment, endless voices cheered the birth of the Aeon of Order.

The high-ranking figures of the great powers were utterly dumbfounded.

They had thought this was merely the legacy of an Aeon. None of them could have imagined it would bring about the birth of a new Aeon.

As for their own power being diminished, even the very energies of the universe falling into dormancy, they all attributed it to the power of the Aeon of Order.

The fall of a universe from the Imaginary Tree—such a macrocosmic phenomenon was far beyond the perception of the insignificant beings within a universe.

Even among the Aeons, only a select few could discern the truth.

"The Aeon of Order!"

"The Aeon of Order—!"

Sunday gazed upward. Thanks to the Aeon's power, he could clearly see the sight beyond the atmosphere: those pale violet wings vast enough to veil an entire star system, shielding the entirety of the planet Penacony.

The divine posture struck deep into the heart. At that moment, he could no longer connect the supreme existence before his eyes with the sister he had always known.

He could not help but murmur softly:

"Sister… Robin…"

At the same time, a manic, gleeful voice spread across the entire galaxu, faintly contending with the cheers of countless voices.

While all raised their eyes to behold the Aeon, one tiny figure, insignificant compared to the Aeon, laughed wildly.

"Hahahaha! Welcome, dear VIP guests, to the final act! Before all eyes, I shall become the last protagonist—and in this ultimate revelry, the final tragic curtain shall fall~"

Sparkle's manic and joyous voice rang out as she boldly stood at the most prominent place on Penacony. Her strange behavior and words left the leaders of the great powers utterly baffled.

Diamond said: "The Emanator of Elation… though Masked Fools always bring trouble, this time we really must thank her."

Dongfang Qixing nodded. "Indeed. If not for the Emanator of Elation rallying the voices of the entire galaxy, uniting everyone into a collective consciousness, it would not have been so easy for an Aeon to be born."

Louis Fleming was so excited he nearly went mad. "Our actions have given rise to an Aeon! Even if it was through the legacy of an Aeon, it's not much different from Zandar creating Nous, the Aeon of Erudition!"

Dr. Primitive adjusted his glasses. "Hehe, what a thrilling and record-worthy specimen."

Under the unified will of the Penacony Galaxy, Robin, who had now become the Aeon of Order, slowly opened her eyes.

Her Holy Body was now as vast as a star, and the spread of her wings could shelter every planet within the star system. The light of her Path extended for light-years.

Behind her head blazed a pure-white halo, and boundless power of the Path swiftly covered the entire universe.

The Path of Order, once torn apart and abandoned, now rekindled. Yet this Order was utterly different from Ena's Order.

Order was the law ensuring the universe's continuation, guiding it toward better operation, with the ultimate goal of reaching the good.

When anything defied that final goal of goodness, breaking the law, it became a parasite devouring Order.

Order was not meant to restrain civilizations and gods, but to draw boundaries, establish moral lines, and stabilize the anchors of civilization.

Where there was intelligent life, there would be communication. Where there was communication, there would be groups. Where there were groups, civilization would arise.

And where there was civilization, there would be disparity, trade, and much more.

Order's greatest role, apart from maintaining stability, was the manifestation of fairness.

As the Aeon of Order, Robin instantly perceived the state of the entire universe. Infinite information flooded into her cognition.

At the same time, she received the calls of the people of Penacony, every thought in their hearts, and the sins each one had committed in their lives.

Even having become an Aeon, she still felt suffocated by the weight of so many sins.

She could hardly imagine the evil deeds intelligent beings could commit.

No wonder… that even the Aeons of another universe could not bear to watch, and unleashed the black beast tide to cleanse the universe.

By now, aside from Penacony, the entire universe had been fully cleansed. Every galaxy's civilizations had been reduced to only their purest, brightest fragments.

Countless voices of kindness, countless hopes for the good—all fell upon her ears.

Yet compared to those kind voices, the frenzied celebrations of the people of Penacony, whose hearts were filled with desire and ugliness, seemed all the more ironic.

In that single instant, she had already made her decision.

The universe now resembled a newborn child, its civilizations pure and untainted. If she allowed the remnants of Penacony—those dregs filtered out by the beast tide—to return, how cruel would it be for those newborn civilizations?

"Forgive me."

With a mere thought, Robin sealed the entirety of Penacony Galaxy with the power of Order. Every lifeform was frozen in place.

The revelry, the madness, the frenzy—all fell silent in an instant.

No one, not even the Emanators, could resist it for even a single quark-second.

Their bodies could not move, yet their minds spun wildly.

What's happening?!

I can't move!

Why can't I move?!

The power of the Aeon of Order?!

Then, covering all of Penacony, came a voice—like a whisper from the universe itself. It was the voice of an Aeon.

[To prevent the cleansed universe from being polluted once more, you too must face the trial of the black beast tide, as all other worlds have.]

Upon hearing this voice, every person in Penacony froze in disbelief. The frenzy and ecstasy vanished instantly, replaced with sheer terror.

Before they could even react, the entire cosmic space of Penacony was dyed in black and violet.

The power of Order that had been suppressing the spread of the Abyss completely dissipated.

In preparation for clashing with the power of Order, the Abyss had long since amassed in Penacony far more strength than in any other galaxy.

The moment Order's power vanished, the Abyss rebounded with terrifying ferocity. In just two seconds, the vast galaxy was covered to every last corner.

Dongfang Qixing, Louis Fleming, Dr. Primitive, Diamond, and all the leaders of the factions turned pale with dread.

Before they could even react, the space around them fractured in bizarre patterns. From the cracks spewed purple-black, twisted energy.

From those rifts, abyssal beasts roared forth.

The rifts multiplied densely throughout the Penacony Galaxy—wherever living beings existed, a rift would surely appear.

In the blink of an eye, abyssal beasts surged like a tide, submerging every planet in the Penacony Galaxy.

Ahhhh—!

Help—!

Why is this happening—!

Ahhhh… Aeon of Order! Why—!

Robin!

Don't eat me—!

The Planet of Festivities fell into eerie silence. Other than the howls of the beast tide, no other sound remained.

Robin feared that the final chaos and panic might cause innocents to vanish along with the guilty, so she froze every living being entirely.

She let the beast tide directly cleanse the remnants of civilization.

Louis Fleming stared in despair at the gaping maw of a wolf-headed beast lunging at him. "Ahhhh—! Why is this happening! Why—!"

Before his inner cries could even finish, he was swallowed whole.

Dongfang Qixing, Diamond, and Dr. Primitive likewise perished beneath the abyssal beasts, their final thoughts filled with frantic questioning.

Amidst the roars of the tide, a manic, joyous voice rang out.

"Hahahaha… how is it, dear guests? Welcome to this grand finale stage play: The Savior Raised Up by Sinners Shall Ultimately Judge the Sinners! Hahaha!"

"And of course, the director is none other than I, Lady Sparkle of the Masked Fools!"

"What a delightful and joyous deception this is~"

Buzzzzz—

Sparkle, standing amidst the black beast tide like a grand director, received the hatred of those being devoured. At the same time, her body shone with light bright enough to illuminate the galaxy, piercing through the very laws of causality.

That light only grew brighter—until it blazed so intensely the entire galaxy could see it.

At that moment, Aha's mask appeared before Sparkle, and the very root of the Path of Elation revealed itself.

"Ahahaha… wonderful, wonderful! Aha finds this as brilliant as the Swarm Disaster I once joined in!"

"And now, at this final moment, Aha will not fall behind."

"The climax—the final climax! A new Aeon of Elation shall take the place of the old one~"

Chapter 51: Where's My Noble Phantasm? Where's My Damn Noble Phantasm?!

The Shogun held her empty-handed stance—

Zzzzt!

In the blink of an eye, she turned into lightning, vanishing and reappearing at Mordred's flank with speed too fast for the eye to follow. Her kimono sleeves traced graceful arcs as she spun, fist wrapped within, striking hard toward Mordred's face!

Boom!

Her punch slammed solidly into Mordred's helmet, the force sending shockwaves outward. Even with the helmet's protection, Mordred nearly suffered a concussion, her body staggering. The Shogun stepped in, kicking the back of her knee to topple her balance, then pressed in with another palm strike.

Mordred raised a fist to block, but the Shogun immediately drove her elbow into Mordred's joint, forcing her arm aside. She spun, delivering a rapid series of strikes directly into Mordred's armored chest!

Thud! ×N

Metal clanged with each impact, the blows stirring clouds of dust and air pressure. At last, the Shogun gathered her strength into her shoulder and flashed with lightning, slamming forward in an iron-mountain-like body strike straight to Mordred's chest!

Crash!

The impact sent Mordred flying like a cannonball, smashing into the hard gray stone ground. The earth, too solid to crater, only erupted in clouds of dust.

Clang!

A second later, the naginata fell from the air back into the Shogun's hand. She gave it a spin, then casually batted Mordred's greatsword back toward her where it lay.

[Your skill grows sharper by the day…]

Ei's voice sighed within her. She could see that Mordred's swordsmanship was refined—but against the Shogun, it still fell short. Especially here, within Plane of Euthymia, where all conditions bent to her will. No disadvantages existed.

[Will there come a day even I cannot defeat you?]

Her tone was half-teasing.

'…Do not jest. I have no wish to cross blades with you.'

The Shogun's reply carried faint displeasure. She would never desire to fight Ei.

[Mm… forgive me. I misspoke. I too would never raise my blade against you.]

To harm the one she loved most—such a thought was unthinkable. To her, the Shogun was someone only to be cherished, never wounded.

'…'

The Shogun fell silent.

[Are you angry?]

Ei's worried voice pressed again.

'I am not angry… only reflecting on your words.'

[They mean nothing. Best ignore them.]

The matter closed, she turned her gaze back to Mordred, who emerged battered from the dust.

Her helmet was gone, revealing her bruised face, blood dripping from her lips. If not for that helmet, the Shogun's earlier punch might have ended it entirely. Her chest armor was dented deep, and each breath was ragged. Still, her eyes burned with defiance as she glared at the kimono-adorned woman before her. Weak-looking as she seemed, her strength was terrifying.

Now cut off from Kairi, Mordred could no longer heal, nor call for support. She was cornered, trapped with no retreat.

But she would not yield! She would not lose—not when her claim to her father's throne was at stake! How could she fall to a woman like this?

The final victory would be hers—hers alone!

"You bitch! Today, I, Mordred, will cut you down!!"

BOOM!!

Red mana surged wildly, engulfing her armored body. Raising her greatsword overhead, its blade began to split open like a mechanical device. Crimson lightning crackled across Plane of Euthymia, converging into the blade above her head!

Crash!

A searing crimson beam burst forth, piercing through the heavy red clouds above, twisting them into a whirling vortex.

"Rebellion Against My Beautiful Father—Clarent Blood Arthur!!"

Mordred's furious, twisted face glared at the Shogun as she roared the name of her Noble Phantasm!

The sword's raging beam swelled further, this time entwined with roaring winds and streaks of red lightning.

[Hm? This looks like her full-force strike… the range is vast. I'll have to stop her. Plane of Euthymia must not be damaged. I still need it.]

'…That last part is your true concern, isn't it?' the Shogun thought dryly.

[Shogun, use that technique.]

Though the realm itself would not be destroyed even if struck, its scenery and structures would be ruined—and rebuilding was troublesome. This was, after all, half her home. Better to prevent needless damage.

At Ei's words, the Shogun exhaled. She closed her eyes, letting her body float into the air. Engulfing Lightning hovered before her, suspended. Her shapely legs crossed elegantly, arms folded above her head. In an instant, mana equal to Mordred's own gathered around her.

The ground of Plane of Euthymia glimmered with violet particles, like drifting petals, swirling about her. Intense lightning converged into a single point as her hands moved. Behind her, the Chakra Desiderata appeared, absorbing the surrounding light until reaching its limit.

Zzzzt!

As her arms spread, lightning surged outward, covering the entire realm—swallowing Mordred's position as well.

Color drained from the world, fading into gray. Time froze for a heartbeat.

"This is the soil of eternity. It rejects all instability."

The gray shattered like glass—

Crack!

"Wh—!!"

Mordred's eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape.

Before her very eyes, her Noble Phantasm had vanished. Not dispelled—erased. The torrent of mana she had summoned collapsed into nothingness.

Looking down at her sword, now back to its ordinary form, she tried again, desperately forcing power into it—

"Damn it!! What's happening?! My Noble Phantasm… it won't activate?!"

Panic overtook her. It was as if a lock had sealed her weapon away, beyond her reach.

"…This is your doing, isn't it?!"

Her glare snapped to the Shogun, who had descended lightly to the ground.

"You know the answer. Why bother asking?"

The Shogun's cold tone carried a mocking edge.

She knew it seemed underhanded—but if it worked, it was fair game. To wield a skill the opponent did not possess was advantage, pure and simple.

"Our battle… it's time to end it."

The Shogun sheathed Engulfing Lightning and gathered her power anew. Lightning converged at her chest, a violet rift opening in the center. From it, she drew forth Musou Isshin—the blade of godhood, witness to time and eternity.

Raised high, its silver edge acted like a lightning rod, drawing torrents of thunder and current. Space itself twisted along its glowing edge. Overhead, the sky shifted—the red moon drowned in violet thunderclouds, the heavens trembling.

"…Gulp…"

Mordred stared, frozen, her throat tightening as she swallowed unconsciously. This divine spectacle pressed on her with godlike weight. No ordinary Servant could compare. Before her stood something far beyond.

"!!"

Shaking her head violently, she forced herself awake, refusing to yield. Not now—not ever. God or not, she would not bow! Even if it was madness, slaying a god was not impossible. If she held her focus, made no mistakes—then victory could still be hers!

Chapter 50: I, Mordred, First Time Getting Beaten Like a Dog by Raiden Shogun!

The Shogun unfolded her legs from their meditative pose and slowly descended from the air to the ground.

Buzz~

Engulfing Lightning appeared in her hand.

"Think what you like. The only reason I brought you here was to keep others from interfering in our battle."

With each step she took, the naginata's blade scraped the gray ground, leaving behind trails of violet light.

"Others? Don't tell me—?!"

Mordred immediately understood, her heart sinking. She tried to call out through the link with her Master, Kairi, using the Command Spell connection.

But no matter how she called, there was no response. It was like trying to call on a phone with no service—only the endless beep— rang back. Panic began to creep in.

Just as Mordred feared, Plane of Euthymia was sealed from the world, an isolated realm with no entrance or exit except for its master, Ei, and the Shogun. Those who entered could make no contact with the outside. Electromagnetic signals, mana, any form of connection—severed. Even the bond between Master and Servant was forcibly cut. With the Servant's presence lost, the Master could not even use a Command Spell—commands required a target.

This was what made Plane of Euthymia completely unlike any Reality Marble. It was not a construct, but Ei's meditative realm, a place that truly existed, albeit abstractly. Mordred could misunderstand it as a Reality Marble if she wished—the Shogun had no intention of explaining.

"Master!! Master!! Damn it—!"

Mordred's voice grew desperate. But before she could attempt anything else, a violet flash crossed before her eyes!

The Shogun vanished into lightning, reappearing in front of Mordred. She swung her naginata with blinding speed, a flurry of quick strikes!

Zzzzt!

Crash! ×N

Every blow crackled with violet electricity and carried crushing force!

Mordred cursed herself. She should never have let her attention wander. Hastily, she raised her greatsword, staggering backward as she parried strike after strike—each swing of the Shogun's weapon slippery and elusive, like shadows.

After several cuts, the Shogun unleashed a wave of sword energy!

BOOM!

A massive arc of violet swordlight tore across the ground like the fin of a shark, racing toward her.

"You damn—!!"

Buzz!

Red mana surged along Mordred's sword. A blast of crimson energy erupted from its tip, colliding head-on with the Shogun's attack!

BOOM!

The violent explosion blossomed between them, flames and smoke obscuring their vision. But their movements did not falter!

In less than a second, the Shogun appeared behind Mordred, leaping and swinging a horizontal cut. Mordred's instincts saved her—she ducked low in a flash of red light, narrowly evading.

Zzzzt!

The arc carved into the ground, thunder splitting the sky above. The gouged earth radiated with lethal menace.

Mordred flashed behind the Shogun, gripping her sword in both hands. With crimson energy coiled around its edge, she swung down like a roaring red dragon, splitting the air itself.

The Shogun's eyes flicked aside. With graceful precision, she twisted her body, pulling back her right foot. Smooth and elegant, she slipped past the strike. Her naginata flowed seamlessly through her hands, gliding from backhand to forehand, spinning across her waist, coiling around her neck, and returning once more to her grip. With a spin, she slashed sideways toward Mordred's head!

Whoosh!

The metallic hum rang in Mordred's ears. Her body stiffened mid-swing, unable to react fully. At the last instant, she bent backward, narrowly ducking beneath the blade!

Slice…

The edge sheared clean through her hair, cutting off half her strands. Supporting herself with one hand braced against the ground, unable to use her arms, Mordred switched tactics—

She flipped over, launching a reverse kick straight at the Shogun's head!

The Shogun flowed seamlessly into her next motion, planting the naginata's blade into the ground. Using it as support, her light frame vaulted upward. Both legs pressed onto the weapon's shaft, her right foot braced against the guard above the blade, while her left leg snapped out, kicking Mordred's shin and knocking her balance away.

"Tch…"

Mordred clicked her tongue in frustration and shifted into a low stance, sweeping her leg. But the Shogun shifted her weight, twisting the naginata's shaft beneath her. The blade slid back just enough to evade the sweep, her body rising on the haft's pivot. In the same motion, she lashed out with a kick toward Mordred's chest!

Boom!

Her heel slammed into Mordred's sword, which was crossed defensively before her chest. A wave of force burst outward, sending Mordred skidding back several meters.

The next instant, the Shogun dropped lightly to the ground. With one fluid kick, she knocked her naginata back into her hand, spinning it in a dazzling flourish. The violet blade traced arcs across her arm, behind her back, along her waist, curling like a dragon of lightning at her side.

At last, she spun it down along her thigh and sent it slashing outward with crushing power!

Crash!

Mordred braced her greatsword, angling it upward to deflect the incoming naginata. The clash sent the weapon spinning high into the air—

—only to be caught by the Shogun as she flashed forward. The blade whirled through her grip and exploded into a barrage of rapid strikes, dozens of cuts every second!

Clash! ×N

Mordred just barely managed to keep up, her sword intercepting blow after blow. Yet her cheek split open under the edge of one cut, streaks of blood trailing.

Clang!

Their weapons locked together at last, pressing fiercely. The Shogun sought to twist their blades to the right, while Mordred forced to the left. The clash deadlocked, neither yielding.

Their eyes met for a single second—then both abruptly released, letting the force carry their weapons free. The naginata and greatsword spun skyward, tumbling out of reach.

Without pause, the Shogun charged barehanded, her palm striking straight toward Mordred's chest!

"Wha—?!"

Mordred's eyes widened in alarm—she hadn't expected her foe to fight unarmed!

Crash!

She threw up her fist to block the palm. The Shogun's eyes narrowed, seizing her fist in a crushing grip, intent on shattering her bones. Mordred snarled and lashed with her other hand, aiming for the Shogun's elbow!

Smack!

The Shogun intercepted with her free arm, then snapped a kick! Mordred met it with her knee, countering with a kick of her own. Their legs collided again and again, each clash detonating shockwaves and thunderous impacts.

Above them, their weapons reached the peak of their arc, beginning their fall.

Perhaps thanks to her longer reach, the Shogun's leg snapped out and drove into Mordred's chest, hurling her back and widening the distance between them.

Violet lightning coursed over the Shogun's body, her hair rising in its current. Her sleeves snapped in the air with a sharp whoosh. Raising one slender hand, her movements traced fluid arcs, like flowing water. Her legs crossed in front-and-back stance as she settled into the posture of Watatsumi-ryu, her personal close-combat style.

Chapter 49: Plane of Euthymia

Zzzzt!

A dazzling bolt of lightning tore through the heavens, piercing the thick clouds. Like a falling star, it struck the dust-covered plain and took form—a woman in a kimono.

The Shogun stood still, quietly observing the surroundings. The ground bore marks of violent devastation, the scorched patterns spreading outward from a central point. Clearly, a fierce battle had just taken place.

She instinctively ignored Astolfo, who sat nearby covered in dust while holding the unconscious homunculus, and stepped toward the center of the blast. Before long, she reached a massive crater, the earth cracked deeply all around it. Its depth testified to the sheer magnitude of the explosion.

Step… step…

She walked to the edge and looked down. There, in the crater's center, sat Mordred—armor shattered, face disfigured, her whole body bloodied.

"Huff… huff… That damn woman! I let my guard down!"

Mordred wiped blood from her face, cursing the already-retreated Frankenstein in a dazed mutter.

"No… no way?! She's still alive?!"

Astolfo, hearing Mordred's voice, scrambled to the Shogun's side in panic, staring down at the battered Red Saber.

"Hahaha! Yeah, I'm still alive! Surprised? Next up is you—hmm?"

Gloating that she had survived, Mordred lifted her head—only to see the Shogun. That familiar cold violet gaze instantly ignited her irritation.

"Yo… bitch… you finally showed up."

Clang!

She drove her sword into the ground and forced herself upright, glaring back at the Shogun.

"You're really hard to kill."

The Shogun sighed faintly.

Mordred sneered.

"Heh… yeah, thanks to you. We've still got unfinished business. Until I take your head, I'm not gonna let some weaklings finish me off."

She was likely referring to the grudge over Kairi's severed arm.

"Laughable…"

The Shogun's lips curled in disdain, her violet eyes sharpening.

"You hurt my subjects, yet speak so boldly. Seems unless I cut you down here and now, your mouth won't close."

Fiore's wound was also caused by this woman. If there was a score to settle, the Shogun had hers as well.

"Heh… we'll see whose head falls. Master! Heal me now!"

Mordred shouted to Kairi, who was hiding at the side.

"Right! By the Command Spell of Red—I order Saber to recover and strengthen her stamina!"

By phrasing the order this way, he achieved two effects with one Command Spell.

Buzz~!

One of the Command Spells vanished from Kairi's hand. Mordred's body was enveloped in white light. Her ruined armor was restored, her bloodstains vanished, and her overall physical abilities grew stronger.

"Heh… that's better! Thanks, Master!"

Boom!

She leapt from the crater and stood face-to-face with the Shogun.

She twisted her neck and wrists, gripping her greatsword with a crazed grin.

"So Berserker sacrificed herself for nothing?!"

Rider muttered bitterly.

The Shogun glanced at Astolfo, who knelt nearby.

"Step back."

Otherwise, he'd be in the way. She didn't add the last part, for his sake.

"Eh? Ah… I'll leave it to you then! Saber, avenge Berserker!"

Astolfo froze for a moment, then hurried away to Sieg's side, guarding the unconscious homunculus.

[By the Command Spell of Black—I order Saber to strengthen her abilities!]

At that moment, Fiore's voice echoed in the Shogun's mind. Watching from her private chamber in the fortress, observing through her automaton's projection, she had seen Mordred instantly healed. She knew it must have been due to a Command Spell. Thus, she raised her own hand and used her first Command Spell in response. If the enemy used one to boost abilities, she had to match it to counterbalance the advantage.

The rest… she entrusted to her beloved goddess.

As the Command Spell took effect, the Shogun felt her own mana and elemental energy intensify further. She summoned her weapon—Engulfing Lightning—which appeared in her hand, spinning once before she set it at her side.

[So this is the purpose of Command Spells… tools that can reverse the flow of battle instantly. Truly dangerous.]

Just like this—when near death, one Command Spell could restore everything. Such a power tilted the scales too easily. Ei's thoughts grew uneasy. It was fine for them to use it, but as enemies, they had to beware.

'She still has one more chance to receive her Master's blessing. It's necessary to sever their connection.'

The Shogun, of course, understood Ei's intent.

[…Draw her into the Plane of Euthymia.]

Plane of Euthymia was a special realm, disconnected from the world and isolated from outside links. Most likely, it would also sever the tie between Master and Servant. Whether it would work or not—there was only one way to find out.

"You bitch! How long are you going to stand there dazing off?!"

Boom!

Growing impatient, Mordred stomped the ground, blasting off like a cannonball straight toward her!

The Shogun closed her eyes, then reopened them, violet light gleaming.

Whoosh!

She raised her naginata skyward—

Zzzzt!

Fierce particles of lightning gathered at the blade's tip. The space around them began to twist. As her mana surged, the distortion spread across the entire plain.

The world suddenly stilled. Then—

Crack!

Like glass, the space fractured, cracks spreading until it shattered piece by piece, revealing a vast abyss of darkness behind it!

"!"

Sensing danger, Mordred immediately aborted her charge, leaping back with wary eyes fixed on the crumbling world.

As the fragments fell away, the blackness spread outward, unfurling like a hand closing in.

"Tch… what the hell is this?!"

She bolted toward the shrinking rift where faint light still remained. Yet no matter how far she ran, the exit stretched further away, unreachable, like a road in a dream. At last, the darkness overtook her, swallowing the final trace of light.

"Huff… huff…"

Mordred stopped, surrounded by endless black. Tense, she scanned her surroundings.

"Hey! Hiding won't save you! Come out and face me!"

The moment her voice fell, the ground beneath her shifted.

A gray stone surface spiraled outward, etched with the patterns of mitsudomoe. Around her stood nothing but ruined stone pillars and eerie crimson torii rising from the earth, all in a barren desert plain.

Above, a dreadful red-black moon rose halfway over the horizon, casting its grim light upon the scarlet, storm-tossed sky.

"Tch… a Reality Marble, huh? Guess you've got some skill!"

The realm felt suspended in a single instant, time itself frozen. This otherworldly domain didn't belong to the normal flow of existence, its very stillness weighing on her soul.

"No matter how you examine it, you will learn nothing. For this is not a realm mortals can comprehend."

"!"

Mordred's heart jolted at the sudden voice. She whipped around, sword raised, glaring.

The Shogun sat cross-legged in midair, the red-black moon looming behind her. As her eyes opened, a dangerous violet light flared.

"Heh… you make it sound so ominous. But isn't this just a Reality Marble? Nothing new to us. And dragging me in here—what a waste of effort."

Mordred scoffed, dismissing the realm.

"…"

At her words, the Shogun's lips curved into a rare smile—a mocking one, ridiculing Mordred's arrogance and disdain.