Chapter 211

Novia thought about what Draco had said when he hugged her earlier, "The old me was so foolish. I didn't know who I really was, I was so complacent. So I wanted my Teacher to repeat my words and scold the old me." No matter how she thought about it, she didn't want to turn back into Nero.

"That's not necessarily true!" Romulus patted Novia on the shoulder. "Novia, you didn't ask Rome, did you? And they might not even say it outright. Besides, my approach isn't to force Draco to never turn back, but to give him a choice. Whether it's Nero, Draco, or even the older version of herself, she can change as she pleases."

Then, Romulus patted his chest reassuringly and smiled again, "That's right, this is Rome's super transformation form!"

"So come, Novia, join me in helping Rome realize its dream!"

"The Teacher went to another world... Is it because of that Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg?"

In Sajyou Manaka's apartment, Draco felt a violent surge of Od, desperately suppressing the urge to follow the shouts. It was something completely different from hatred or Wrath; it was an irresistible desire coursing through his body, as if his self-awareness was about to be swept away.

She guessed that this must be due to her Teacher's certain abilities related to the entire Holy Church, which enabled him to invoke many people associated with the Church, Pope, Saint, Doers of Righteousness, those Followers of the Way, those who are remembered by noble people even though they are dead, those who bear the Cross of history, and so on.

As the second Pope, he lacked this ability and could only suppress the impulse.

But in reality, Draco couldn't do it.

That summons was practically spontaneous; in other words, she genuinely wanted to go. However, she simply didn't want to appear in front of so many juniors in the Church. The Holy One's Sole Disciple, the second Pope of the Holy Church, was actually a beast!? It was simply too disgraceful for her Teacher.

Draco has managed to suppress her so far because Novia genuinely felt she didn't want to come and therefore stopped shouting.

"... Eh!"

However, before Draco could even relax, the Od surged again, and Future resist, he vanished from his spot.

"... That Teacher is really something, forcing me to do it even when I clearly didn't want to."

The next moment, Draco, who had come from the apartment into this blank world, turned his head slightly.

"--The Divine Ancestor!?"

Standing before Draco was Romulus.

"Nero, my beloved child, the embodiment of Rome's glory and shadow, my Rome."

"... Don't come any closer, Divine Ancestor... I am not some Rome!"

Draco was somewhat confused as to how things had turned out this way—this was a place usually frequented by figures associated with the Church, so why was the founding emperor of Rome here? Nevertheless, she quickly glared fiercely at Romulus Quirinus, who approached with outstretched hands.

The side of the god appears, dressed in the rank of Grand Lancer.

Why did the Divine Ancestor, who was previously a regular Lancer-class character, suddenly switch to Grand form?

The Answer is simple: first, Novia, who agreed to his request, became his Master, and then Novia summoned him again.

The so-called Grand Servant are the seven Protection Human Order, standing at the pinnacle of their era. They are seven heroic Heroic Spirit selected from the Root and standing at the top of the Seven Grand Classes. They are the means by which the Counter Force uses the great calamity (Beast) that threatens Primate... That being said, there are still Multiplicity.

Novia possesses ample Od, and her own ability to Counter Force is beyond reproach. Furthermore, she is currently dealing with a beast, and the Divine Ancestor has voluntarily appeared. Therefore, both scenarios for the appearance of Grand are fulfilled: one is that there is a beast that needs to be eliminated by Grand, and the other is a decisive battle Magecraft that is actively summoned with the conditions prepared, as in episode 252.

As for Noah, who should be dealing with Draco... he's probably still on Noah's Ark, drinking with Tezcatlipoca and Jiang Taigong.

"No, you are Rome! I can only love Rome, and you carry the essence of Rome within you. There's no mistake, you are the child I love, you are Rome!"

Romulus Quirinus, dressed in blue, stopped and laughed loudly.

"Shut up, shut up! Believe me or not, I'll kill you right now, Divine Ancestor..."

"Nero, Rome is the world, the world is Rome, and even so, you are still Rome."

Draco lowered her head quietly; although she used to say these things, she found it difficult to say them now.

Divine Ancestor, I am not some Rome... those... are merely things of the past... I am not caused by extreme desire, nor by a simple Dragon Maleficium, but rather a return to some origin, a primordial form...

It's not the anthropomorphism of humans; quite the opposite, it's that some kind of beast descended to earth in a form that adapted to the Human World —that is my true nature.

"Rome, what truly bothers you is your beastly identity, isn't it? It's not your fault. You haven't done anything wrong. You bear no guilt for becoming who you are now."

If I had to say there was a fault, it would be that I, who clearly saw all of this happening, still created Rome.

As Rome, one cannot help but Rome.

"My child, Rome."

As Romulus Quirinus finished speaking, a city that Nero could never forget suddenly appeared in the previously blank world— Rome.

However, unlike the Rome she remembered, the city was filled with white and gold walls, green leaves, and vibrant red Rose, making it look almost like Wedding Hall.

Furthermore, the overwhelming 'brilliance' of the seven Hill east of the Tiber River in the heart of Rome, converging at Quirinal Hill — Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill Aventine Hill, Mount Viminal Hill, Esquiline Hill, and Caelian Hill —was concentrated in the hands of Romulus Quirinus.

The immense light that appeared in that instant, along with the corresponding ethereal flower shadows, moved toward the place where Draco was.

Romulus Quirinus's EX-rank Anti-World Noble Phantasm, "Our Arms Open All Things to the Heavens," is both an expression of the Pride of those who All Creation and a manifestation of humanity's brilliance in dreaming of continuous progress towards tomorrow. If used for attack, it would cause immense destruction.

If used for Protection or creation, it might radiate an even more dazzling light.

Right now, Romulus Quirinus is using the second effect: the concept of the Seven Hills combined with sacrificing her Grand for enhancement, allowing the beast-like Draco to revert to Nero, which is also the effect of her being able to transform into whatever she wants.

But for Draco, First-Rank Planetary Class being, it was naturally not so easy for her to be hit by Grand Divine Ancestor. However, in this land where the cries of Novia could be heard, she couldn't help but agree. Therefore, the radiance seemed to blend together, enveloping her in light.

"These hands of mine are not for destruction, but for opening the darkness of ignorance, touching the unknown, Protection Rome, and existing for the love of humanity." Romulus Quirinus, exhausted and about to disappear, pointed to the sky above the white world, "Rome, Nero, the stars in the sky are blessing you—"

I bestow my blessings upon you, wishing you a life filled with romance and Rome.

Then, Romulus Quirinus left the stage.

"Remain..."

A few seconds later, the light dissipated, and Nero, who emerged from it, stared blankly at his normal hands and the tail that no longer existed behind him.

"It's back to normal..."

However, Nero also realized that she could probably turn back into her original form again, but looking at the pure white wedding dress she was wearing, the blonde girl still felt that at least for now, it wasn't necessary. She could be like Draco and be wildly affectionate with her Teacher anytime.

"Hmm, Teacher should be waiting for me at the Pantheon, right?"

The surrounding scenery reminded Nero of the day he became the Rome, so he immediately ran towards the Pantheon.

"Seriously, is this some kind of wedding ceremony for Yu? All this thinking is for Yu's Teacher, she's so cute..."

Nero smiled naturally, the girl's boots landing with a clatter as she walked step by step toward the Pantheon.

She arrived at the Pantheon soon, where the dazzling sunlight shone directly on her, and Novia, just as she had expected, was sitting in the "Eye of the Dome" of the Pantheon, waiting for him, just like that day.

"Oh, Teacher, Yu has returned safely! This time she's dressed in a wedding gown! Isn't she beautiful!"

Golden strands of hair swayed gently beneath a white hat adorned with a Golden Laurel wreath. On the girl's fair face, her emerald green eyes shimmered like a rippling, icy lake.

"It suits you quite well." Novia nodded slightly. "Well, since everything is developing as the Divine Ancestor predicted, Nero, you've transformed back from Draco, I should be able to undo—"

"No, that won't work."

Nero, dressed in a pure white wedding gown, smiled and nestled into Novia's arms, pressing down on her and placing the laurel wreath she wore on Novia's head.

"Teacher, do you know why I wore this laurel wreath back then and why I still wear it now?"

"This is not necessary for every Ritual-- "

"No," Nero said softly, gently touching Novia's lips with his finger. "Because this is the laurel wreath I personally presented to you, Teacher, at the Triumphal Ceremony. I've always regretted that this laurel wreath might have carried Teacher essence. I've treasured it all this time for that very purpose."

Then, Nero whispered in Novia's ear:

"The previous ones don't count, that was Draco. The Teacher needs someone who is Nero... Strange, my head is itchy--"

"Nero, you... have grown fox ears."

"Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? How could my body be like that—" Nero was slightly panicked for a second, then seemed to realize and licked his lips, "It's caused by the scent of a fox. I say, Teacher, when did you encounter a real Fox Spirit? Let me make you completely forget that wild fox!"

Also, after the wedding, I'll change into the Pope robes. Hmm, I designed them myself, and only I have ever worn them. Teacher, you can take a good look now. What should I wear afterwards? Teacher, you choose!

In short, this is the victory declaration of the Rome, who at this moment can freely switch between Nero, Arcade Wolf Mu, and Draco the Elder and Younger.

Chapter 282 The End of the False Scripture- Holy Grail, The Girl Guarding the Malignant City.

"Huh? You weren't forced... it was all voluntary?"

Inside the Yggdmillennia Castle, Semiramis, who had come with Romulus, looked at the white White Dove, her former Familiar, with a very surprised expression.

During her lifetime, the Queen of Assyria grew up under the protection of Dove that could withstand any storm and nourished by milk brought from them.

Although she was discovered by a male shepherd more than ten years later and taken to the Human World, and the person who became her parents taught her skills such as dancing and makeup, these were merely weapons and techniques she possessed to survive. For an abandoned child, the real parents were those White Dove who were not human.

As for humanity as a whole, Semiramis hates women, showing no mercy even to Fallen Goddess who are manipulated by men.

Mocking men, while belittling women, ultimately reveals them to be nothing more than objects to be manipulated by those with animalistic minds.

This is her philosophy, and also her understanding of the world.

"I hope I can treat that guy the way I would treat my parents..."

The Queen of Assyria murmured the advice the White Dove had given her, her face instantly darkening.

She genuinely couldn't understand what kind of spell the Americas Sun God had cast on the White Dove. They were all surrounding her like loyal fans, praising her highly, making her want to immediately cut off her Telepathy with White Dove...

But Semiramis ultimately didn't do that, after all, these White Dove were the White Dove she had raised, and they were the ones she genuinely considered her parents.

She wouldn't dislike the White Dove, but the girl's pent-up resentment would be directed at the yet-to-appear the Americas Sun God.

In contrast to her resentful state, things were bustling with activity on the other side, in a place adorned with several flowers.

At this moment, facing the Red Faction trio of Semiramis, Achilles, and Atalanta are the Black Faction trio of Siegfried, Chiron, Astolfo, and Frankenstein, as well as Mordred, who should belong to the Red Faction. However, with the Greater Grail still destroyed, Amakusa's departure, and Chiron, their Teacher among the many Greece heroes, present, the scene is not a duel of battle, but rather a different kind of spectacle.

"Achilles, I'm a very powerful Servant! That's right, I'm a Rider- Class Servant, the hero known for my weakness being my heels. However, not everyone can touch my heels! The fastest human foot isn't just a name, you know? What do you think, Siegfried?"

"Indeed, but we're not comparing legs right now, Achilles."

"Go for it, Sir Siegfried! Teach Achilles a lesson and bring honor to the Black Faction! Go, go! Siegfried, you are now the best Saber!"

Hearing Altosfor's encouragement, Siegfried, who was shirtless like Novia, nodded. He stood at one end of the bench, his feet firmly planted on the ground, his hands clenched into fists, gently adjusting his breathing, and quietly gazing at Achilles opposite him.

Sunlight filtered through the Leaf, dappling a corner of the field.

At this moment, Achilles had changed out of his armor into casual clothes similar to those of a 'diver'. His hands were slightly open, palms facing each other, and he was gently moving his wrists. His muscles were faintly visible under his tight-fitting clothes. Each deep breath seemed to move the surrounding air. His eyes showed both confidence in victory and anticipation for the fierce confrontation that was about to begin.

What the two of them had to do was--

Wrench strength.

"Alright, Siegfried, since you dare stand in front of me, it means you want to lose, right... And Teacher, big sister, cheer me on!"

Perhaps feeling that Altosfor was too dazzling standing behind Siegfried, clapping and shouting wildly, Achilles shouted this.

"I'm sorry, Achilles, I'm the referee now, and I can't show favoritism. I'm cheering for both you and Siegfried."

The centaur mentor smiled and refused his disciple's request.

"Boring."

Atalanta, basking in the Sun, simply responded indifferently.

"Yeah."

Achilles, rejected by both men, did not appear particularly disappointed; he simply closed his eyes slightly.

These hands of mine sing praises to the world; they have witnessed everything in my life's journey, they can embrace the people I love, and they reflect what I wish to Protection. Therefore, they are surely like my shield; if I so desire, I can overturn people, armies, cities, and even the various forces of gods.

Come on, Black Saber, let's see if my hand wins, or the Dragon-Slaying Hand wins.

"Start!"

With a signal from referee Chiron, the wrestling competition officially began.

Siegfried took the initiative, his right arm suddenly sinking down, attempting to crush Achilles' wrist with Thunderbolt force. However, Achilles was not intimidated. He quickly adjusted his posture, clenching his fists tightly and interlocking them with Siegfried's wrists. His arm muscles instantly tensed, as if countless small snakes were writhing under his skin, releasing astonishing power.

The contest of strength between the two instantly reached a fever pitch. Their arms were pressed tightly together, their muscles taut and more defined. Sweat, created to appear realistic, slid down their foreheads and dripped onto the bench with a soft sound. Their breathing became rapid and heavy, each exhale seemingly releasing the power within them.

Siegfried and Achilles both have a B+ strength and an A endurance, so their Flesh stats are basically the same. Therefore, it's normal for them to be locked in a stalemate for a while.

"Oh! Oh! Siegfried, you'd better try your best and show your cool side! You are Lady Avia's sword, blade, and spear! Don't lose to this guy!"

Altosfor's voice naturally reached Achilles's ears once again.

I never expected Siegfried to have such a cute girl cheering him on. Seriously... no, I never lacked male cheerleaders when I was alive. What's so enviable about girls cheering me on...? Okay, I'll ignore the older sister, and the Teacher will observe. Am I supposed to fight alone? Absolutely no problem, because that's what makes a hero!

"Go, fast -Fleetfoot big brother!"

"Ugh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

Upon hearing this female voice, which was no weaker than Altosfor's, Achilles, his blood boiling with passion, let out a battle cry.