C554

Shirou, now fully absorbed in the topic, frowned and asked, "If this issue involves parallel worlds to such a significant extent, why hasn't Zelretch taken any action?"

"Zelretch's Second Magic played a crucial role," Romani replied. "Chaldea's Masters utilize his Second Magic for spiritron conversion, allowing them to traverse world barriers and clear connection points. Without Zelretch's Magic, repairing these connection points would be out of the question."

"I see," Shirou nodded. "But who is creating these connection points? Who's responsible for this?"

"The identity and motivations of those behind the connection points remain a mystery to us," Romani admitted. "What we do know is that they call themselves the 'Council.'"

"The Council?" Shirou repeated, his confusion evident on his face. He had never heard this name before.

"Our information on them is limited," Romani explained. "So far, Chaldea has only directly confronted a member of the 'Council' once, and that was during an operation at the first connection point."

"And who might that be?"

Romani's expression grew solemn as he said, "It was the Demon God King, Goetia."

Shirou was taken aback, "Wait, what? But you said Goetia wouldn't appear anymore, didn't you? What's going on?"

Romani shook his head, a mixture of frustration and confusion on his face. "I don't understand it myself. I've already destroyed the Human Order Correction Ritual, and according to what you said, he should never have come into existence. And yet, against all odds, he's here."

Shirou's brows knit together as he tried to make sense of the situation. Everything seemed to be turning on its head.

Why was Goetia, who should have ceased to exist, still alive and active? And what exactly was this mysterious 'Council'?

In that moment, he felt a strong urge, almost a need, to return and uncover the truth right away.

Romani said, "Anyway, please take care of Mash. To get rid of this connection point, we have to find it first. I know you're strong, but... it's really important to... meet up with Mash's team leader first... Oh no, the signal's dropping again...! We're only at a depth of D... I can't figure out why the signal is so unstable…"

As he spoke, Romani Archaman's image started to flicker and distort.

"Who's Mash's team leader?"

"It's Grey…" Romani managed to get out just before his image vanished with a 'beep.'

Mash tapped on her bracelet repeatedly, but it remained unresponsive.

Shirou took a deep, steadying breath. He was desperate to uncover what had transpired in his world during his absence. Yet, he knew that addressing the connection point in this world had to be his priority. At the very least, it was a chance to eliminate a potential threat to his home.

But what he hadn't anticipated was the revelation of Grey being Mash's team leader. If Grey was involved, he couldn't help but wonder...

Could Artie be with her as well?

If she's really here…

How on earth could he face her after breaking his promise?

"Uh…"

Just then, amidst a sea of bodies lying motionless on the ground, Jeanne began to stir. She gradually regained consciousness, her hand instinctively going to her forehead as she tried to sit up. Her energy seemed drained, her complexion was ashen, and her voice was faint and shaky as she whispered, "What in the world… happened to me?"

...

Beneath the city of Vâlcea, deep within its underground sewers…

The filthy, putrid passageways were home to an unsettling sight: a cluster of peculiar eggs pulsating unnaturally.

"Thump, thump, thump…"

The relentless, strong heartbeat reverberated, hinting at something ominous taking form within.

Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the dank tunnels, chilling to the bone.

Amidst the grime and stench, odd, octopus-like creatures writhed and squirmed. They came in various sizes, the largest stretching up to three meters, while the smallest was merely fifty centimeters.

The grim surroundings bore witness to a gruesome scene: scattered white bones, mangled organs, and severed fingers littered the area.

A human body, once whole, had been mercilessly torn apart and consumed by these monstrous creatures.

In the oppressive darkness, people met their end, their screams of terror swallowed by the void.

In one dimly lit corner of the sewer, a small candle flickered, casting a feeble glow.

Underneath its quivering light, a grimoire bound in human skin was being feverishly studied.

"Swish, swish, swish…"

The pages turned rapidly, each movement laced with desperation and a hint of insanity.

"Lord… Oh, Lord… Hahaha…"

A sinister laughter permeated the air, echoing off the sewer walls.

Red Caster, immersed in his reading of the human skin-bound grimoire, appeared deranged and unhinged.

To any onlooker, he was a madman.

But through his own eyes, he saw himself as nothing less than a devout believer.

He had no interest in the whimsical church established by his Master; instead, he harbored an intense obsession with his own Lord.

"Jeanne... You must have been led here by destiny itself. Fear not, fear not. I shall unveil to you the true face of the Lord, and then you shall renounce your false god, yes? yes?"

Caster stroked the human skin-bound grimoire gently, as if it were the fragile skin of a beloved, precious enough to be marred by the slightest touch.

"Master, Assassin… Hehehe…"

His laughter was filled with an unsettling joy.

...

Meanwhile, in the graveyard...

Sisigou Kairi had kindled a bonfire and was grilling some food.

But at this moment, he realized he had lost his appetite.

"Here, come on. Take a bite." The petite knight extended a plate of grilled meat toward Saber, spearing a piece with her fork and offering it to her.

Saber: "…"

"I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself," Saber remarked, a hint of irritation in her voice.

"My mom would surely open her mouth," Modred replied with a smile. "Come on, open up. Ah—"

Saber: "…"

She let out a deep sigh, closed her eyes, and reluctantly opened her mouth.

Modred delicately placed the food into Saber's mouth, watching her intently as she chewed.

Saber chewed a few times, but feeling uncomfortable under Mordred's gaze, she asked, "What now?"

"How is it? Does it taste good?"

Saber paused to consider before nodding, "It's quite delicious…"

She was very honest when it came to food.

The petite knight flashed a mischievous, cat-like grin and then opened her mouth, saying, "Ah—"

Saber furrowed her brows, "What are you doing?"

"You're obviously going to feed me."

Saber's expression changed, becoming somewhat dangerous as she asked, "Are you trying to steal my food?"

"My mother used to feed me... Ah, I see. The illustrious King Arthur intends to renege on her word, doesn't she? It's fine; breaking promises is commonplace. After all, no one would be surprised if King Arthur went back on her word. Rest assured, I won't go around proclaiming, 'King Arthur is untrustworthy; King Arthur is petty.'"

Saber clenched her teeth in frustration and finally relented, "Fine, open your mouth!"

The petite knight blinked innocently, opened her mouth wide, and repeated, "Ah—"

With great reluctance, Saber picked up a piece of meat, her hand trembling as she brought it to Mordred's mouth.

"Mmm, delicious! Now, it's my turn to feed you..."

Sisigou Kairi, who had been silently observing, suddenly felt a wave of nausea and stood up.

Mordred turned to him, her head tilted in confusion. "Hey, hey, hey, where do you think you're going, Master?"

"I need some fresh air. And besides, graveyards can be pretty suffocating."

Mordred chuckled at his remark, then turned back to Saber, opening her mouth once again. "Feed me again. And this time, say, 'My adorable little darling, you're the best and most well-behaved. Mommy loves you more than anything. Here, mommy will feed you.'"

Saber: "…"

Help, somebody save me!

I can't handle this anymore!

Saber was on the brink of losing her sanity.