The Plan, The Holy Grail, and Rest

Even half a Magus is still a Magus; their abilities are naturally not to be underestimated.

While Shiki was tending to his eye injury, the Saintess had already swiftly completed her mental introspection, returning to her original state.

However, upon seeing Justitia, who had reverted to her true nature and wore a faintly sickly smile, Shiki couldn't help but think that her girl-like form from earlier had actually been more pleasant.

"Shiki~ It should be fine now, right?"

The Saintess, seated opposite Shiki, said this.

At this moment, she somewhat understood the dangers of directly absorbing knowledge.

Recalling her girlish appearance from earlier, she couldn't help but blush, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Such behavior, the feeling of embracing the boy, the slight flutter of excitement and joy in her heart, and speaking in a spoiled tone—these were all unprecedented experiences for her. She even felt a touch of lingering fondness for those emotions.

However, when facing Shiki, she still tried her best to conceal these thoughts.

She acted well, and Shiki didn't notice anything unusual. He only vaguely felt that the Saintess before him had changed slightly.

But he thought it was normal. Absorbing someone else's knowledge would inevitably lead to some changes, as long as it didn't exceed common sense.

"Very good, Justitia, you're much better now."

"Then Shiki, let's talk about the Eye of the Moon Plan~"

The Saintess proposed enthusiastically.

"..."

Shiki was speechless, the Eye of the Moon Plan again.

Looking at the Saintess's irrepressible excitement, he thought, Can't you tone down that expression a bit?

But out of helplessness, he could only accompany Justitia in discussing the plan.

After all, there was no Divine Tree in this world, and its execution would be fraught with difficulties. It would be best to dissuade the Saintess during their conversation.

Yet, it was clear that the Saintess's determination to carry out the Eye of the Moon Plan was far stronger than Shiki's.

She told Shiki everything she knew, discussing the feasibility of its implementation through exchange, accumulating ideas little by little.

From the World Tree in Norse Mythology, the Baobab of ancient Egypt, the Tree of Life in Central America, the Bodhi tree of India, to the Jianmu and Fusang trees of the Heavenly Dynasty, and many other famous great trees from legends and myths that Shiki had never heard of.

Starting from the characteristics of each great tree and the mysterious qualities they represented, she finally concluded: as long as the key features of these trees could be fused together, the Earth pillar in Shiki's plan—the Divine Tree—could definitely be recreated.

The Saintess spoke, lost in her own vision.

The boy's mouth twitched.

"Heh heh, heh heh, that's great. Let's take it slow. First, we need to win the Holy Grail War and deal with the Greater Grail. We'll see if there's a chance to open a path to the Root. If we can open it, then it'll be simple; if not, we'll use the vast magic power to create the framework of the great tree and proceed step by step."

As she spoke, even Shiki was almost convinced. Fortunately, he still had a shred of reason and wasn't completely "fooled."

The Saintess said confidently, "Mhm, Shiki is right. We don't need to rush. We have plenty of time since both Shiki and I are Longevity species."

"Huh? How am I a Longevity species? I didn't know that."

Shiki was full of confusion. He was just an ordinary Earthling, not some non-human race like an Otherworldly Being, nor a demi-human race like an Elf or a Dead Apostle. How had he become a Longevity species?

But the Saintess said with certainty, "Don't worry, Shiki. I will definitely be able to communicate with the Root in this Holy Grail War and become a Magus who masters the Third Magic. At that time, I will recreate the Third Magic on you, and then you will become an immortal Longevity species."

"Heh heh, then you go for it, Justitia."

Shiki knew in his heart that communicating with the Root was not that easy.

The obstruction of the Counter Force was still present. It wouldn't be easy for the Saintess to break through to the Root using a Heroic Spirit, unless he helped her.

But he didn't want to dampen the Saintess's enthusiasm, so he let her go back first.

After all, the Saintess, without a physical body, expends a lot of energy just manifesting in the outside world in her materialized soul form.

As mentioned before, a complete human requires a body, soul, and spirit; all three are indispensable.

When the Saintess had finished her enthusiastic chat, she obediently returned to the interior of the Greater Grail through the altar.

Before leaving, she reminded Shiki, "Shiki, don't forget, hurry up and end the Holy Grail War and free me."

"OK, I understand, Justitia, don't worry." Shiki replied.

"Shiki, let's reach the Root together and make our dreams come true."

"Yes, yes, yes, I got it."

After bidding farewell to the Saintess, the Saintess on the altar transformed back into Irisviel.

Seeing Irisviel's slightly exposed body, Shiki quickly looked away, yet he couldn't help but sneak a glance, secretly sighing in his heart, Yeah, indeed, Irisviel is quite a bit more voluptuous than Justitia.

The Black Knight found a cloak from somewhere and gently draped it over Irisviel, displaying the noble character of a knight.

"Master, Miss Irisviel?"

Seeing Irisviel still asleep, the Black Knight was somewhat confused. Hadn't the Holy Grail already been extracted? Why hadn't Irisviel woken up yet?

Shiki let out a long sigh. A body in puberty was indeed prone to restlessness. He explained to the Black Knight, "Sir Lancelot, didn't Justitia say before that after the Holy Grail was removed, a large void would be created inside Irisviel's body? She's currently adjusting herself, and it will take a long time."

The Black Knight nodded as if he suddenly understood.

Although he didn't fully grasp the explanation, he understood that Irisviel was not in any serious danger and merely needed time to recover her body.

Seeing Shiki's exhausted expression, he quickly advised, "Master, you've used too much magic today. Controlling such immense magical energy also consumes considerable energy. Why not rest for a bit to prepare for the upcoming situation?"

Shiki rubbed his forehead. Now that the Black Knight mentioned it, he could feel his fatigue and lack of energy.

Overusing his Magic Eye was indeed tiring.

"Then I'll ask Mr. Lancelot to prepare. I'll lie down on the altar for a while first."

"Yes, Master, please wait a moment."

After speaking, the Black Knight went to prepare the bedding.

Shiki lay down on the altar next to Irisviel, intending to take a short nap. However, the pleasant scent coming from beside him suddenly reminded him of something.

"As expected, a body materialized from Soul Materialization has no scent."

He thought these somewhat impolite thoughts to himself and closed his eyes, falling into a deep sleep within seconds.

When the Black Knight had finished preparing the bedding, he saw that the Master was already fast asleep. He could only gently take out a pillow and a blanket, covering both the Master and Irisviel.

Looking at the two of them, the Black Knight was unexpectedly surprised to discover, "When these two are asleep, they both look as innocent as infants."

Of course, there was one thing he didn't say aloud: their auras felt inexplicably suited to each other, harmonious and natural, giving a sense of being one.

Considering the Winter Saintess, and then looking at Irisviel lying next to the Master.

These two... and this Master...

"The areas I'm concerned about seem a bit redundant."

Realizing this, the Black Knight quietly vanished into thin air.

At this moment, in the great cavern, only the occasional falling water droplet made a "drip, drip" sound, as if asserting its presence.

Besides that, there was only the calm, synchronized, orderly, and harmonious breathing of Shiki and Irisviel.