[106] Well Done, Old Man

"Damn it, Master!

"Do you have any idea how many Heroic Spirits were fiercely fighting to become your Servant?

"Seriously, they almost tore my hair out."

The upheaval from the explosion of the summoning circle was a common occurrence at the Clock Tower, and the chaos quickly settled down.

Slumped on the soft sofa in the conference room, Tezcatlipoca, with her smoke-colored sunglasses, ripped open a packet of snacks on the table as if it were her own home and began munching on corn chips without any reservation.

Crunch... Crunch... Crunch...

"Hmm, these corn chips are pretty good. I am the ultimate victor who emerged from hundreds of Heroic Spirits."

"Pfff-"

Waver almost spat out the water he had just drunk.

Hundreds?!

Reinhard, are you some kind of incubus?!

"What did you say? Hundreds of Heroic Spirits?" Reinhard's mouth twitched at the thought of the sheer number. He had never attracted so many before.

Is it perhaps a character from his future simulation?

"Of course, most of them you wouldn't recognize... they just wanted to get to know you."

"Get to know me?"

"Heh..."

Tezcatlipoca pushed up her sunglasses, smiling mysteriously.

"Did you think the Throne of Heroes is some sort of vacation resort?

"From the quantum time lock, many flourishing but pruned world branches grow... yet, the Throne of Heroes is singular.

"So, while numerous parallel worlds may simultaneously host hundreds or thousands of Holy Grail Wars, everyone on the Throne of Heroes is constantly busy.

"Being summoned to the world often coincides with official duties, you understand?

"Using the Holy Grail to fulfill wishes is essentially a joke. Everyone in the know understands this... even the symbol of the Holy Grail is just a means for Pigeon to extend His influence.

"So... to put it bluntly, many Heroic Spirits are nothing more than high-level employees.

"No one exists in isolation from social relationships, and Heroic Spirits, elevated from human history and legend, are no different... many have bosses, and those bosses have even higher bosses.

"After all, mythology often reflects a strict hierarchy.

"Ascending to the Throne of Heroes brings peace and serenity, yes, but when the world calls for salvation amidst turmoil, work must be done.

"Thus, in these tumultuous times, you are the key figure with immense value for unity... do you know how many factions want to get to know you?"

Tezcatlipoca mockingly explained, making light of those eager employees.

There was nothing Tezcatlipoca wouldn't say, being a boss herself. She began to count on her fingers.

"Aegea, Aryan, Uruk, Scandinavian..."

When Tezcatlipoca continued to utter vague terms that even exceeded the count of her fingers.

Waver couldn't contain the trembling in his hands, although he didn't know why the girl in front of him spoke in such vagueness, as a renowned magus and detective, he could quickly grasp the vague terms.

Olympian, Vedic, Sumerian, Norse, Tian, Shinto, Egypt...

This... this included nearly all the widely known mythological systems around the world.

"So, it's like this... recognizing that you were summoning with your true form, the big bosses sent their subordinates to secure the position. It's normal for fights to break out."

"Thank you for the warning." Reinhard shook his head with a wry smile. "But... what do all these individuals want?"

He hadn't met most of these figures, and their enthusiastic attitude didn't bode well for him.

With Tezcatlipoca's reminder, he realized his recklessness in summoning with his true form. The summoned might not be familiar faces but rather those trying to become familiar.

So, if there's a next time, he'll definitely use a relic as a medium.

"Forming good relationships, testing your attitude, and even those with malicious intentions aren't few."

Tezcatlipoca laughed.

"After all, being summoned as a Servant is a convenient means of interaction... the Holy Grail War is a rare opportunity."

Saying this, Tezcatlipoca recalled the chaos on the Throne and rubbed her messy hair.

Seriously, her brain cells almost spilled out, it wasn't an exaggeration.

"Luckily, the Assassin class gave me an initial advantage... many with lower adaptability were filtered out, making it hard to break through."

The class serves as a filter.

The higher the compatibility, the easier the summoning.

Forcing a breakthrough based on a high affinity with the Master wasn't impossible, but it would downgrade the Heroic Spirit to an Assassin, altering their attributes to suit that role.

Tezcatlipoca found it amusing as she recalled the scene on the Throne.

"Do you know? That Fisherman tried to descend as an Assassin. It was hilarious. His Noble Phantasms were all sealed, leaving him to fight with nothing but a fishing rod."

Thinking about the Heroic Spirits who were blocked by the Assassin class and found their abilities awkwardly limited, Tezcatlipoca couldn't help but giggle, swinging her dainty legs back and forth.

"Oh, and I saw some of your old friends trying to vie for this position too." She said, shaking her head with a click of her tongue. "But sadly, they couldn't even get involved in the fight and could only watch from afar with mixed feelings."

Hearing this, Morgan sneered.

"A bunch of useless bimbos."

Reinhard scratched his head.

Indeed, with the restrictions of the Assassin class, it was too much to ask for someone like Caenis, Atalanta, or Medea to fit in...

So, perhaps that's why Artoria, Alcides, and his old man Vortigern couldn't come through either?

"The most troublesome one to deal with was Hassan. His saint graph was ridiculously well-suited... fortunately, my assassination skills aren't to be trifled with."

Tezcatlipoca looked at the dark-haired youth before her.

"In the end, Master, those minor gods weren't really a big deal. They knew they didn't stand a chance when they saw the situation... no, the fiercest competition came from the major factions."

"The major factions?" Reinhard was puzzled.

"Naturally, Aryan and Pigeon."

As a chief god of the Aztecs, Tezcatlipoca was reluctant to name these powerful factions directly... while they were all on equal footing as chief gods, the number of their followers was vastly different, and in her current form, she was far weaker. Naming them might attract their attention, so she said in vague terms

"Arjuna and Hassan... compared to me, they're still too green to compete with me. After all, I'm a chief god."

Tezcatlipoca ran her fingers through her golden hair, a victorious smile spreading across her face.

This revelation piqued Reinhard's curiosity.

"Wasn't it said... divine spirits couldn't participate in the Holy Grail War?"

"No, they actually can." Tezcatlipoca replied, her eyes gleaming mysteriously as she adjusted her sunglasses. "It's just that as chief gods, they rarely bother to respond to such trivial summons. Plus, descending for a Holy Grail War requires prior registration with the Throne of Heroes, and the process is quite tedious.

"The reason I managed to come through is that they care too much about their dignity. I, on the other hand, don't mind. You see, my avatar is registered on the Throne of Heroes, and sometimes, for convenience, I work part-time for the Counter Force, like... during the one in Britain.

"So, I'm basically a freelancer. No convoluted ties, and labor dispatch contracts are easier to sign. But for them, unless it's a special circumstance, they wouldn't lower themselves to join the Throne.

"At the core of it... they just can't swallow their pride."

Only a god of Tezcatlipoca's stature could speak so candidly about such matters... anyone else would cloak their words in riddles, making it a years-long endeavor to understand.

As expected from a Big Boss.

"And you, Boss." Reinhard interjected, leaning forward with interest. "Why did you come down?"

"Don't call me Boss. You're the boss now, okay... well, never mind, I do kind of like it. I came down because I was bored and found you intriguing, Master."

Tezcatlipoca chuckled.

"Surely you didn't think I wanted to save the world or something? I'm the almighty god of destruction. I have no wishes that need the Holy Grail."

Reinhard lowered his gaze. "Fair enough."

"And besides, in this weakened form... as you can see, my capabilities are very limited. The power of my Noble Phantasms, for instance, might be reduced to less than one percent. I'm just here for the fun of it."

Tezcatlipoca tossed the empty corn chip bag aside and beckoned to Reinhard with a mysterious smile.

"Come here, let me show you something. My Black Sun has a unique scenery that might remind you to your Dark Sun."

"Hmm?"

Reinhard hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.

Tezcatlipoca grabbed his collar, and a dark vortex, akin to a black hole, emanated from her hand, enveloping them both in an instant.

"Tezcatlipoca, you?!"

Morgan's hand shot up, a dark throne materializing behind her. Ten spiral lances hovered in midair, poised to strike.

"It's okay, I have Command Spells, dear."

Reinhard raised his hand, signaling to his wife and mentor to remain calm. Although he had only met Tezcatlipoca a short while ago, he trusted that this god who had once chosen to protect him and Morgan, would not turn against him now.

Since summoning Tezcatlipoca, the Command Spells had appeared on his hand, forming a pattern resembling a tree spreading its branches.

Command Spells were not particularly effective against a chief god. At best, they could serve as a source of magical energy or a teleportation device. He used this as an excuse to reassure Morgan and the others.

Moreover, the most crucial reason was... 

In terms of current combat ability, Reinhard didn't believe he would lose to Tezcatlipoca in her weakened state. He was reckless but not foolish enough to put himself in a dangerous situation.

So, was this upcoming event something that couldn't be predicted?

In the brief moment of Morgan's hesitation, Reinhard's figure was completely swallowed by the black hole.

Inside the dark space, illuminated by an eerie glow, Tezcatlipoca stood solemnly before the black-haired youth.

"This is my Black Sun. With its power, I can temporarily shield us from the Counter Force's detection. Unfortunately, this form's saint graph won't last long."

"I understood your hint." Reinhard nodded. "So, what is it you want to say, Boss?"

"Have you ever considered a question, Reinhard..." Tezcatlipoca adjusted her sunglasses, her voice deliberate, "...Why does the Counter Force hold such intense hostility toward Alvin?"

Reinhard was taken aback.

"Isn't it strange?" Tezcatlipoca continued, watching his reaction. "Why, even though the Grand Servants had almost reached a perfect reconciliation with Morgan, did the Counter Force go so far as to release the full power of the Holy Sword, doing everything possible to eradicate Alvin?"

"Don't you think the Counter Force's hostility is excessive?"

"Isn't strong hostility normal? After all, Alvin did transform into BEAST. It's natural for the Counter Force not to trust him, right?"

Reinhard's memories of the decisive battle in Londinium were hazy during his time as BEAST. Most of the details were filled in by Morgan.

"As an adversary, I was furious about it. But in a way, I admired its resolve. It nearly succeeded."

"No... you're mistaken.

"It's not 'it,' it's 'they.'"

Tezcatlipoca's words left Reinhard stunned once again.

"They?"

"The Counter Force actually consists of two entities... the collective unconscious of humanity, known as Alaya, and the planetary will, known as Gaia.

"The former aims to prevent human extinction, while the latter seeks the preservation of the planet. Together, they are known as the Counter Force.

"You're probably unaware of this, but in many instances, due to the various conflicts within humanity, these two forces should have significant differences.

"We, the seven Grand Servants summoned to defeat the BEASTS, were called forth by Alaya.

"And the full-power release of the Holy Sword was undoubtedly Gaia's doing.

"Gaia desires the Earth to have its own Ultimate One, a being of immense power that reigns supreme over all life. Alvin, as he continued to evolve, could have met that requirement... Gaia should have nurtured him.

"Even if Alaya wanted to eliminate the Beast Alvin as a potential threat, it had the perfect solution already. Alaya typically aims to conserve resources.

"This... creates a fascinating paradox.

"In dealing with Alvin, both forces were surprisingly unified in their approach... both poured everything into ensuring that Alvin was completely eradicated, even deceiving us, the Grand Servants, in the process."

Tezcatlipoca's gaze burned intensely as she stared at the black-haired youth in front of her.

"So, we suspect...

"...the Counter Force has been compromised."

Reinhard frowned deeply.

Indeed... now that he understood the Counter Force consisted of two entities, he quickly sensed something amiss. The needs of humanity and the survival of the planet were often incompatible, even in direct conflict. The ever-developing human society, in a way, was disastrous for the planet, and these two forces could hardly align.

Yet, in the matter of Alvin, they had astonishingly reached a consensus... to eliminate him.

"So..." Reinhard, as if in a sudden realization, considered the shocking possibility, "The Counter Force has been tainted by Chaos?"

"It's very possible, because think about what Alaya and Gaia ultimately aim for." Tezcatlipoca sighed. "In a word... survival."

"The collective desire of humanity is undoubtedly to live. Similarly, the planet also wants to survive. Humans don't want to die, they want peace. The planet, where humans reside, also doesn't want to die and seeks to endure long into the future.

"In other words, both forces strive for... continuity."

"Continuity."

Reinhard murmured the word.

"So, Chaos was the first to start the corruption... no, rather, the Counter Force itself was most susceptible to Chaos's pollution. Their concepts are beginning to merge."

Unable to pat his shoulder, Tezcatlipoca patted Reinhard's arm instead.

"Let's hope we're overthinking it, but this seems the only explanation... we Grand Servants have discussed it extensively, and from this perspective, we have faintly grasped some clues.

"Because Alvin's birth was encroaching on the domain of continuity held by the Counter Force.

"Thus, the two Counter Forces joined forces, doing everything they could to kill Alvin. Vortigerm's involvement was merely a façade. We were all kept in the dark.

"The tendrils of Chaos might have already extended into this world. In places atop the Throne of Heroes where we least expect."

"The Grand Servants are basically on your side.

"But you must remain extremely cautious.

"Because, as I said before...

"...the whole world is your enemy."

The dark vortex stirred again after three minutes.

Reinhard and Tezcatlipoca's forms reappeared in the meeting room.

Master and Servant exchanged words with smiles, appearing relaxed, as if they had merely been on a sightseeing tour.

Morgan and Waver exchanged glances, sighing with relief as they finally felt at ease.

"Now that I've summoned an Assassin, Professor, whatever Marisbury is plotting in Fuyuki will have to wait until I get there."

Reinhard looked up at Waver with a smile.

"In the meantime, I must trouble everyone to stay busy."

"With Miss Morgan holding the fort in London." Waver shook his head, "It's no big deal."

No one would dare make a move, a single blast from the witch's spiral lance could obliterate even their ashes.

While he proclaimed strong control over the Clock Tower, each department still operated independently. Reinhard had little interest in their secretive magecraft.

While some excelled at their craft, they were no match for professional combatants.

Given the promise of constructing the Root Chain, each department showed remarkable cooperation.

The transformation of the Clock Tower was proceeding steadily and smoothly, in a subtle yet profound manner.

...

"I have high expectations of you, Dr. Heartless."

Reinhard, seated behind his desk, tapped his fingers thoughtfully as he regarded the former department head.

"The formation of the Inquisition will be in your hands. You are the head of my Department of Intelligence... responsible for secret arrests, purges, and eradication operations. You should be quite adept at such dirty work by now, yes?"

The voluptuous red-haired woman nodded, a smile accentuating her features. "I am now known as Kyouko Adashino, Reinhard."

"Hmm…" Reinhard chuckled. "You don't plan to revert back?"

Her disguise was merely a formality, with the Clock Tower now under Reinhard's control, no one would dare trouble Heartless.

"I believe that serving you in this form will bring you greater pleasure."

Truth be told, it certainly would... Who would prefer looking at a middle-aged man?

Heartless's disguise magecraft had been meticulously crafted, making her exceptionally tall and... ample. Her chest was almost bursting from her outfit, easily surpassing the average standard.

As expected from a former department head, she had seen right through his preferences.

Standing beside the sensuous red-haired woman was Hephaestion, summoned as a Faker. She watched the scene unfold with keen interest. In just half a month, it seemed her Master had been utterly captivated.

No, more accurately, her Master was probably a deviant to begin with. No ordinary person would orchestrate such grand schemes.

As a shadow warrior, Hephaestion had to admit that the dark-haired youth before her possessed a certain magnetic charisma, a compelling force that made people submit willingly. This wasn't due to his compelling appearance, immense power, or vast wisdom.

It was... an inherent allure.

An allure that made even the most nefarious individuals want to follow him.

"As the head of the Department of Intelligence, let me emphasize your work priorities. We must move beyond mere violence, we need to focus on shaping public opinion."

Reinhard pondered for a moment before summarizing succinctly.

"Organize a group of promising students from various disciplines, have them study in the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory for a while, and then send them back to their respective areas. They should promote the superiority of modern magecraft and expose the flaws of traditional magecraft among the magus community.

"Additionally, highlight issues like the monopolization by noble families, the autocracy of the Lords, and the misuse of innocent citizens in experiments leading to turmoil in London's security, causing widespread discontent and a significant drop in the quality of life... All of this must be done quietly, leaving no trace.

"I'll provide a draft for the propaganda materials.

"Remember, we must infiltrate every discipline with our modern magecraft students. From now on, the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory should have the best teaching tools, the most abundant magic crests, financial aid for those in need, and the highest salaries for lecturers.

"We must not just tell others but make other mages observe inadvertently, guiding them to understand the superiority of modern magecraft and see the inherent flaws of traditional magecraft. This task is far more important than mere killing and purging, it will be your primary focus from now on."

As Reinhard outlined his intricate strategy to manipulate public opinion with just a few words, the red-haired woman's admiration for him deepened.

"Your will is my lifelong mission."

...

Dr. Heartless and Faker, responsible for intelligence, purges, and propaganda, were the perfect instruments for Reinhard's covert operations.

Waver and his useless foster sister, Reines, were tasked with overseeing the spread of modern magecraft within the Clock Tower. This was, after all, Waver's area of expertise.

Touko Aozaki took on the role of head of the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory's transformation. She provided an effective external circuit implantation solution for talented mages constrained by the quality of their magic circuits, becoming a crucial asset for Reinhard in garnering support from neutral mages.

The junior members of the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory bore the responsibility of promoting modern magecraft across various disciplines. The heavy burden of this promotional campaign largely fell on their shoulders.

As for Gray... she could be used to warm the bed.

Tezcatlipoca sat on the table, swinging her legs and marveling at how Reinhard had managed to organize the entire Clock Tower so efficiently within a few days.

"So why are you just watching, Boss?" Reinhard massaged his aching temples and tossed the document he was holding aside. "You're supposed to be the Chief God, can't you help your Master out a bit?"

"Hah, I can handle fighting and killing, but I don't understand a thing about magus politics."

Tezcatlipoca shook her head, her face a mask of amused frustration.

"You were born for this kind of work. If I had put you in charge of Aztec governance, maybe the empire wouldn't have fallen."

"Its just basic skills from playing strategy games. Besides... wasn't it you who repeatedly destroyed the Aztec Empire yourself?"

"Hahaha..." The blonde girl burst into hearty laughter. "I'm just saying, as long as you can beat me, you can do whatever you want!"

Tezcatlipoca grinned and patted Reinhard on the shoulder.

"So, any interest in joining our Aztec family? My sister keeps nagging me to hear your stories. She's quite taken with you."

"Tlaloc, the rain goddess?" Morgan sneered. "What a damp, vile woman. Besides... trying to steal hubby right in front of me, Tezcatlipoca, are you out of your mind?"

"Being out of my mind is a given."

Tezcatlipoca didn't take offense to Morgan's scolding. Their relationship was good enough for such banter.

"Just remember, as Reinhard's presence becomes more entrenched in this world's timeline, more women will come out of nowhere, trying to steal your hubby. Morgan, can you fend them all off?"

"In the end, they are merely concubines." The witch smiled, standing behind Reinhard, gently caressing his chin. "What's left is merely what I choose to give them."

"Heh..." Tezcatlipoca sighed. "You truly are a witch."

Everything within the Clock Tower was in order, and the plane tickets for the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory's trip to Asia were booked for three days later.

Reinhard stretched leisurely and closed his eyes, then leaned back, resting his head on the witch's soft breast.

For some reason, he had been feeling particularly exhausted these past few days, as if his spirit was being drained by something.

Was he overworking himself?

"I think I need a nap, my dear."

"Of course."

The witch smiled softly, holding her husband, feeling his breath gradually stabilize as he drifted into a peaceful slumber.

.

.

.

In a realm of nebulous chaos.

A silver-haired youth in pitch-black armor slowly opened his eyes.

His gaze was a mixture of confusion and bewilderment.

Reinhard lowered his eyes.

At that moment, he was seated on an enigmatic throne, entwined with vibrant greenery, surrounded by a void of dark, swirling chaos.

"Alvin...?"

In a daze, he sensed something.

Reinhard slowly lifted his gaze.

Before him, a spiral path gradually unfolded, and from its distant, deep end, he heard a girl's voice... a voice he knew all too well, calling out in uncertainty.

"...Daddy?"

Reinhard's expression froze for a moment.

The silver-haired youth stood up without hesitation and began walking toward the end of the eternal night spiral.

...

The Underworld's atmosphere always enveloped everything in a mist of deathly coldness.

However, at this moment, this realm of the dead was riddled with scorching soil, flowing like molten lava.

Violent explosions and thunderous roars filled the ghostly kingdom.

Thick beams of violet light burst from the gaping maw of a monstrous dragon, tearing through the once-impenetrable defenses of the alabaster castle with the ease of slicing through fragile tofu.

Boom!

The ground shook with the force of a magnitude-nine earthquake.

A massive, searing mushroom cloud slowly ascended from the Underworld of Uruk.

A purple-haired girl's body was thrown like a ragdoll by the explosion, rolling across the ground in a pitiful state.

"Mash!!!"

A red-haired girl screamed, her voice filled with anguish. She leapt off the cliff, disregarding the danger, and rushed forward to embrace the fallen girl.

"Ritsuka, don't go! It's dangerous!"

Gilgamesh gritted his teeth, raising his blazing Sword of Rupture high. This was the crucial moment for unleashing its power, and as the King of Uruk, the last hope of humanity, he couldn't afford to be interrupted.

"S-Senpai, did I... hold them off?"

Mash, cradled in Ritsuka's arms, turned her bloodied face weakly, her cracked lips struggling to move.

Her hands clutched the Round Table shield of Camelot, now covered in countless hideous cracks.

"You held them off! You held them off!"

Tears streamed down Ritsuka's face as she looked at Mash's battered form. To buy time for King Gilgamesh to unleash EA, Mash had burned her life force, projecting the final bastion of Camelot.

"We'll go back... we'll definitely solve this singularity, save everyone in Uruk, and return to Chaldea together..."

"That's... great... Senpai..."

The purple-haired girl smiled weakly, her eyes slowly closing.

Countless Laḫmu, with their gaping maws, crawled toward them, encircling the pair completely.

Holding her kouhai tightly, Ritsuka's determined eyes glinted as she slowly lifted Mash onto her back. Her bloodied hands gradually drew a golden dagger.

"Hiehehehehe..."

A ferocious Laḫmu lunged at Ritsuka.

Thud!

A blazing golden arrow shot down from the sky, piercing through the beast and pinning it to the ground.

"Ritsuka, get Mash out of here!"

Ishtar's urgent voice echoed from above. Ritsuka glanced up at the goddess relentlessly sniping at Tiamat and then turned to flee with all her might.

Tiamat's X-shaped pupils, filled with pink light, briefly regarded the struggling humans.

Having released a devastating beam, Tiamat ignored the feeble, mosquito-like attacks and began to rise, her enormous dragon form sprouting a pair of magnificent wings.

"She's going to fly out of the Underworld!"

Ereshkigal shouted in panic, "Gilgamesh!"

"Enuma Elish!"

Gilgamesh roared, swinging his sword of rupture.

"Die, you wretch!!!"

EA's power finally unleashed, a colossal crimson beam surged from the sword's tip, engulfing Tiamat's body, disintegrating her inch by inch.

Her wings were shattered again.

Her body was destroyed once more.

However... it was futile.

The chaotic ground churned, climbing over Tiamat's dragon form.

The massive dragon knelt, causing a tremor, and her wounds began to heal rapidly.

Gilgamesh watched in horror as Tiamat regenerated. He lacked the magical reserves for another EA.

Despair washed over the gods and humans witnessing this scene.

"Her immortality is too strong. We cannot defeat her like this.

"We must eliminate Tiamat's immortality, or we'll never stop her!

"Quetzalcoatl and Gorgon have already sacrificed themselves. Who else can do it?!"

Boom!

Tiamat turned her dragon head, unleashing a colossal energy beam that sent Gilgamesh flying amidst the explosion.

The chaotic tides, mixed with countless screeching Laḫmu, surged toward the red-haired girl's back.

"In the fairy tale adorned with distant dreams..."

The feeble chanting of the youth echoed through the realm of the dead.

Glittering scales fluttered down from the sky, turning all the black sludge and Laḫmu they touched into a dispersing array of light particles.

"I-I can do this!"

In the eyes of everyone frozen in place.

A silver-haired youth, wearing a crown of thorns, crawled slowly and unsteadily to his feet from the ground, his body covered in bloodied wounds.

"Oberon, you..."

One of the beautiful moth wings on the silver-haired youth's back had already been shattered, while the other was riddled with gruesome injuries.

This Faerie King of Britannia, who had ray shifting to the seventh Singularity along with Chaldea's staff, was adorned in a robe of splendor that was now torn and bloodied, his body looking as pathetic as a torn rag, on the brink of exhaustion.

"Ritsuka, you've been such a bother..."

He said as much.

Oberon staggered slowly, making his way toward Tiamat.

"You're the most annoying one, downright repulsive...

"After all... being summoned to Chaldea out of the blue and then having to work overtime... Saving human history... Is that something a guy like me should be doing?

"This unforgettable journey... is ultimately nauseating... Sickening enough to make one want to throw up...

"So... it has nothing to do with human history...

"I just... want you to hurry up and die..."

The silver-haired youth said hoarsely.

Gradually, as he spoke, he began to smile, emitting a cough.

"Cough... Cough..."

Fresh blood dripped from Oberon's wounded body, staining the Faerie King's footsteps crimson.

"Oberon, what are you doing?"

"What are you doing, Oberon!!!"

In the days of this journey intertwined with companionship, Ritsuka knew all too well that Oberon was a complete liar.

So, these words, though clearly his most unreserved tenderness.

"BEAST II, Tiamat."

Oberon looked up at the primordial mother before him.

"Ah... Seeing that beautiful body, I seem to remember something.

"BEAST...

"Alvin...?"

The silver-haired handsome youth slowly turned his head, smiling gently at the red-haired girl.

"I'm just a servant, Ritsuka.

"So, summoning me again will suffice, no worries.

"I remember now... until this moment, I finally remember.

"My name..."

From the tips of the youth's hair, a deep color slowly rose, dyeing his silver locks into an inky black.

The brilliant moth wings were torn off by him, and like a cloak as dazzling as the night sky, they slowly enveloped Oberon's back, weaving a curtain of darkness.

The transparent wings of the Faerie King were slowly torn apart like a cocoon.

The brilliant crown of thorns on his head suddenly turned dark, emitting a profound and mysterious glow.

The youth's form gradually grew into that of a young man.

Witnessing the beautiful BEAST, he finally recalled his own name, the Faerie King shed crystalline tears.

"Alvin...

"Ah... my son, how I long for you...

"Ritsuka, remember, you can remember if you want to.

"My true name is...

"Oberon Vortigern."

These simple words.

Make Ritsuka's expression was completely dumbfounded.

"Oberon, what are you saying..."

Vortigern.

Oberon is... that vile king, Vortigern?

"I am Vortigern... but also not Vortigern... never mind, I won't explain it to you.

"Goodbye, Ritsuka.

"I... detest you the most.

"I will take, Tiamat... "

"To the... endless spiral."

In the flowing shadows of obscurity.

Accompanied by the clear chanting of the youth, Oberon Vortigern's body slowly ascended in this realm of the dead.

"Evening shroud. Morning lark.

"The end of a rotten dream.

"Devour the twilight.

As if sensing some intense unease.

Tiamat's massive, mountainous dragon body suddenly burst forth with a thick, purple beam of light, directly piercing Oberon Vortigern.

The voice of the silver-haired youth softly faded into the mist of this realm.

"...Lie Like Vortigern!"

The silver-haired youth's body suddenly tore apart.

From the Faerie King's body emerged the black Hollow Insects.

The weapon meant to destroy Britannia had now become Uruk's salvation.

"In the time spent with you, Ritsuka..."

Oberon turned his gaze, shedding tears, smiling at Fujimaru Ritsuka.

"It's truly... sickening enough to make me want to vomit."

In the eyes of the stunned, pitying onlookers.

Crackle... 

The Hollow Insect spread its wings, blotting out the sky.

It opened its maw.

All attacks from Tiamat were annihilated and devoured by it.

Like a bottomless, endlessly deep spiral, it appeared in its mouth.

The Hollow Insect that devoured the BEAST.

Its name was Oberon Vortigern.

A larger Hollow Insect than Tiamat's dragon body itself opened its mouth and slowly began to devour the primordial mother.

"Nega-Genesis!"

With a resolute prayer.

The authority of BEAST II was suddenly triggered.

Hum... 

A barrier that seemed to drain the color from everything suddenly rose from Tiamat's body, expanding and unfolding.

Every life within the barrier, all the creatures born after the primordial era, were instantly annihilated by Tiamat.

However... Oberon Vortigern.

He was not a life of this world.

Therefore, he could not be annihilated by Nega-Genesis.

The endless spiral of the Hollow Insect's body confronted the authority of Nega-Genesis.

A brilliant Holy Grail slowly rose from Tiamat's body, pouring out endless magical power to resist the Faerie King's complete liberation.

"They're deadlocked..."

The people and goddesses at the scene watched anxiously as Oberon and Tiamat struggled.

Ritsuka smiled as she touched Mash's face, tightening her grip on the golden dagger.

"Ritsuka... You?!"

"Let me go. Only I can help Oberon. Only I am not of this era..."

"Please, take care of Mash for me."

The red-haired girl leaped off the cliff.

With her face covered in blood and a determined look in her eyes, Ritsuka slowly approached Tiamat.

Countless Lahmu around her suddenly lunged and bit at her.

From the sky, the golden light of the Gate of Babylon shot down, providing covering fire for the red-haired girl.

But...

Suddenly...

A deep shadow within the realm of the dead seemed to flow like mercury.

In the almost frozen gaze of everyone present...

A hand covered in black arm armor slowly emerged from the spiral of the Hollow Insect, grasping the Holy Grail suspended in the sky.

Hum... 

In a flash.

A surge of overwhelming shadows burst forth, seemingly engulfing the entire realm of the dead.

The authority of Nega-Genesis was halted.

The liberation of the Hollow Insect was interrupted.

The colossal Hollow Insect's body crashed to the ground, crumbling inch by inch, reverting back to the Faerie King's form.

Looking at the figure suspended in the sky...

Ritsuka's gaze trembled violently.

"A-Alvin...?!"

The man, who threw the Holy Grail in his hand away like worthless trash onto the ground

Holding his adorable daughter close to him.

The silver-haired youth clad in black armor slowly stepped out from the embrace of the shadows, walking towards Oberon with a gentle look in his eyes, gently patting his head.

"Son of the White Dragon, Alvin Pendragon, summoned from another world."

The silver-haired youth smiled.

"Well done, old man."