-164- As long as it's your command

"Roar! My Rage (La Grondement Du Haine)."

This is the Noble Phantasm unique to Black Jeanne, who manifests as "Jeanne d'Arc Alter", the dragon witch.

It has the ability to convert resentment from oneself and the surroundings into magical energy and incinerate them. It can even amplify the opponent's attacks and transform them into physical attack power.

It's a powerful anti-army Noble Phantasm ranked A+, capable of releasing flames akin to dragon's breath, rebounding onto the opponent, burning them to the bone.

In this moment, Jeanne Alter unleashes this Noble Phantasm, transforming resentment and curses into raging flames, engulfing everything while consuming Jeanne.

Facing this anti-army Noble Phantasm of formidable A+ rank capable of inciting curses and resentment, even a saint cannot withstand it.

"Burn!"

"Burn!"

"Burn!"

Jeanne Alter shouts defiantly, as if venting all her hatred and animosity, causing the flames to intensify.

As a result, the floor starts melting.

The air begins to char.

Space twists.

Temperature skyrockets.

The entire audience hall turns into a scorching sea of fire, transforming the area into a hellish realm, emitting black smoke.

Amid this inferno, one area remains unscathed.

It is the area where Jeanne resides.

"Clang!"

Amidst a hazy golden light, an invisible barrier seems to protect Jeanne. It emanates from the fluttering flag, enveloping the surroundings.

"Lord, please protect me."

With closed eyes, Jeanne faces the flames that would incinerate her as they grow in strength, her expression devoid of fear or dread. She fervently offers her prayers, holding up the flag emitting golden light.

——"My Lord is here (Luminosite Eternelle)."

This is the Noble Phantasm derived from the sacred flag Jeanne wielded during her lifetime.

By invoking the blessings of angels, it guards a specific area centered around the flag. It directly converts her "Anti-Magic" into physical defense, blocking all attacks. It's the manifestation of the legendary power of the maiden who saved her nation, wielding her flag standing near-invincible on the battlefield.

It's ranked A, the highest level.

While the rank is lower than Jeanne Alter's Noble Phantasm, Jeanne's "Anti-Magic" reaches an extraordinary EX rank. After transforming into physical defense, its capacity to withstand attacks is evident.

The hazy golden light barrier successfully blocks the incoming inferno, steadfastly protecting Jeanne.

However, the turning point is imminent.

While Jeanne's Noble Phantasm boasts remarkable defense, the flag itself accumulates attack damage over time. If overused, it becomes unusable.

In contrast, Black Jeanne's hatred, resentment, and magical energy are limitless, steadily increasing instead of diminishing.

"Burn! Burn! Burn!"

Jeanne Alter's cries grow louder and more sinister, while curses and magical energy fuel the Noble Phantasm's power, causing the eruption to resemble a volcanic explosion.

"Ugh... Ugh...!"

Jeanne's expression gradually becomes strained.

The golden light on the flag starts to dim.

If this continues, without a doubt, Jeanne's Noble Phantasm will be breached.

"Hahaha!"

Jeanne Alter laughs freely, her voice as clear as Jeanne's own voice, echoing in the surroundings.

In this tense situation...

"Thud!"

The ground around Jeanne Alter suddenly collapses.

"What...!?"

Jeanne Alter is taken aback, unable to react before being engulfed by the collapsing earth.

When Jeanne Alter finally reacts and attempts to leap up, another unexpected event occurs.

"Crunch..."

"Crunch..."

Amidst a sound like teeth grinding, massive ants emerge from all around, their powerful forelimbs biting onto Black Jeanne and dragging her underground.

They are magic ants.

"What's...?"

Jeanne, struggling to hold on, was surprised.

And at that moment...

"Why are you just standing there!?"

A hand grabs Jeanne, shaking her awake.

Only then does Jeanne notice that someone has come to her side without her noticing.

"Who are you...?"

Jeanne asked in astonishment.

But Rozen doesn't have the luxury of time.

"You'll know later, for now, let's retreat."

Rozen pulls Jeanne up without hesitation, employing magic once again.

"〈Summon Gigantic Fowl〉!"

A massive eagle spreads its wings and soars high, emerging from a revolving magic circle.

"Quick! Get on!"

"Uh... Yes!"

Urged by Rozen, Jeanne pushes aside her thoughts and quickly mounts the eagle, taking her place on its back.

Naturally, Rozen also mounted the eagle's back.

"Go!"

At Rozen's urging, the eagle emits a sharp cry and flies out of the Audience Hall.

Almost simultaneously, from beneath the sunken ground, a devilish roar resounds.

"Burn!"

A scorching flame erupts from the underground, shooting upwards, turning the rock layers red.

The demonic ants are incinerated by the flames, reduced to ash before they can even emit a scream.

Jeanne Alter emerges from the flames, her face darkened, and returns to the Audience Hall.

"So many rats today."

Black Jeanne remarks in disbelief but doesn't pursue them.

Because...

"Leave it to me, Jeanne."

Caster, holding a grimoire, appears beside Black Jeanne, just as if they were there from the beginning, offering sincere counsel.

"Whether it's an immature saint or a human who appeared out of nowhere, you don't need to worry too much."

Caster wears a seemingly understanding yet rather sinister smile as he speak.

"I'll take care of all the bothersome enemies for you, even if they are gods."

Hearing these words, Jeanne Alter's expression improves slightly.

"Then I entrust it to you." Jeanne Alter's tone softens as if placing complete trust in the magus. She continues, "You won't disappoint me, right?"

Caster responds without hesitation.

"Of course."

This is something that hasn't changed, whether in the past or the present.

"As long as it's your command."

Caster bends exaggeratedly.

"Good."

Jeanne Alter nods, her voice echoing clearly.

"I entrust it to you then."

"My most trusted marshal, commander, and friend."

"————Gilles de Rais."

Upon hearing this, Caster————Gilles de Rais, bursts into laughter.

That smile is dark, wicked, cruel, and merciless.