Chapter 313

"... Senior, Consultant, I cannot comprehend such intense Wrath and hatred, even the desire to destroy the world..."

Mash raised her shield, looking somewhat helplessly at the 'Sea Demon' before her, and asked Novia and Ritsuka.

Because that's what human beings are like.

Novia asserted this, then looked at Ritsuka in thought with her head down.

He had already told the Orange-Haired Girl about Bluebeard's deeds, and Ritsuka had asked him at the time, "Why does Gilles Jeanne d'Arc so much, yet now want to destroy the country she Protection?" He didn't answer then, only saying, "I don't know," and brushed it off.

She should understand now.

Indeed, as Novia had expected, after hearing Bluebeard's confession, she had a premonition of the reason for this increase in evil, and she also had an answer to it.

Therefore, she headed towards where Bluebeard was, and Bluebeard, who had initially wanted to interrupt her, allowed her to proceed at the signal of Jeanne d'Arc Alter.

"Girl, what do you want to do? Why should an ordinary person get involved in this? Or are you childishly trying to dismiss my actions?"

"... I may have strong feelings like yours, but they are different."

Ritsuka paused for a moment, then said, "So I won't say I understand you, but I don't think you're wrong."

These words immediately drew the attention of everyone present.

"So what do you want to do? Join us and destroy the world as much as possible?"

"No! Of course we'll stop you, that goes without saying."

Ritsuka, her expression serious. "Gilles de Rais, it's understandable that you hate this world, and it's certainly reasonable that you want to destroy this country, but I and many others will still stop you, because even if no one is at fault—"

The girl's seriousness was resolute, just like the look in Novia's eyes when she looked at Bluebeard that day.

However, this time it's an ordinary human being.

"To leave you like this unchecked is absolutely a mistake."

Those were very gentle, expectant words, which further shocked the bewildered Bluebeard, leaving him momentarily stunned, but he quickly recovered.

So, for a human to say such a thing to him, Bluebeard should have gritted his teeth and retorted, "Fine, then die!"

This was exactly what Novia had said, but Bluebeard was convinced that she wouldn't say it to the girl. In other words, the two of them had similar attitudes, which is why they said the exact same thing.

Therefore, he felt that the figure of this human girl was overlapping with that of Novia from before. Sunlight shone down from the sky, and the figure illuminated by the light was right in front of him. Warm feelings slowly and gently came over him, so warm.

The last Master of mankind, I think her name was Ritsuka Fujimaru?

Ah, I see, I see. Such warmth, like that of His Holiness the Pope, no wonder, no wonder. It will surely bring back fond memories and new feelings to my heart.

Therefore, Bluebeard smiled gently and said to Ritsuka:

"Fine, then go die."

"A summoning type, huh? Alright, it's time for me to activate it--"

Just as the Great Sea Demon, in the form of Bluebeard, was about to launch its attack, Kiyohime, who had arrived with Novia, shouted out the name of this Noble Phantasm.

"Buddha and Tao become Maitreya Temple bell 108-style Fire Dragon rebirth."

In an instant, the scene transformed into a Hill surrounded by lush trees and flowers. If an outsider were to enter for the first time, they would see the Temple atop the hill like a dazzling pearl. The stone steps in front of the temple were moistened by the morning dew, glistening slightly, and stepping on them felt as if one could feel the warmth of the earth.

Wisps of smoke rose from the incense burners inside the temple, and the spacious courtyard was planted with Bodhi Tree, lotus flowers, and other plants symbolizing good fortune.

At this moment, there was only one person in the Main Hall of the Temple: Kiyohime.

This is her Anti-World Noble Phantasm: Buddha's Way of Maitreya Temple's Bell 108 Style Fire Dragon Reincarnation. Unlike the Turning Fire into Samadhi which directly transforms her into Great Serpent spewing flames, this technique recreates her experience of gradually transforming into a 'dragon' before the Buddha while waiting for the person she fell in love with at first sight.

In simple terms, the Turning Fire into Samadhi is the process of transforming into a dragon, and here it is a complete Dragon Kind. This is probably due to the fact that Maitreya, the deity worshipped at Maitreya Temple, has the intention of Future. Since the time period of the 'Future' is difficult to predict, the maximum number of years Dragon Kind can exist depends on the individual's Od.

In addition, it is a literal seal for summoning-type Noble Phantasm; even if the summoned creature is successfully summoned, it may be forcefully repelled.

"... What are you doing here?"

Kiyohime was kneeling and worshipping the Buddha Statue in the Main Hall, suddenly realized that in addition to herself and Bluebeard, who was imprisoned at the foot of the mountain waiting for her to transform into a dragon and deal with him, there was also Novia.

This greatly puzzled Kiyohime. Originally, this Noble Phantasm could conceal her hideous 'dragon' form, since it was just her and the enemy. But now, if an outsider saw her in her dragon form, wouldn't she be laughed to death? And why was this person even able to appear?

Western dragons and Eastern dragons are so different, they shouldn't appear in the Maitreya Temple, could it be that Buddha made a mistake?

Before Novia could answer, Kiyohime closed her eyes and continued activating her Noble Phantasm. After all, she needed to recall the person she had fallen in love with at first sight, even though she hadn't seen their face clearly, in order to successfully activate her Noble Phantasm.

However, for some reason, the dark sky that had been during her recollection suddenly transformed into a vast blue sky with the sound of an unknown voice. Under the radiant light, Kiyohime saw for the first time the figure of the person she had longed for day and night while she was alive.

It overlapped with the figure of someone I had just seen, and a burning emotion slowly, gently spread through me—

Novia?!

Why can someone from the past see someone from the Future? Isn't the age difference too big? The Future, Maitreya, Buddha... Ah, I understand!

In that instant, Kiyohime suddenly understood the meaning of 'Future' in the Buddha's chant, and she understood why she had waited and waited in vain. Thousands of years had passed—who could wait that long? She had been so foolish. Buddha, why couldn't you just say it clearly? The Future really was the Future in the literal sense...

Kiyohime originally thought that although she hadn't been able to wait for the person she longed for, she had at least gained a friend, so it wasn't too bad.

But when she realized that Novia was the person she had been longing for, she suddenly became unable to calm down, especially now that she had become a 'dragon'...

Oh no, I'm doomed! I'm so doomed! This look is going to ruin his plans. He's been looking forward to this meeting for so long, and I've made such a mess of it. Seriously, really... ahhhhhh...

Having successfully transformed into a dragon, Kiyohime's enormous body became paralyzed and convulsed all around the Temple. If she were in human form, it would probably be quite normal for her to drool.

"I actually think Kiyohime looks very beautiful."

Standing before the dragon that Kiyohime had transformed into, Novia said this: When the silver-haired youth learned about the various elements of Kiyohime's love story, he had a strange feeling that "this has something to do with me," and now, it has indeed proven that his feeling was true.

You actually said I looked good like that, how considerate! But I already knew it was just a white lie.

Not lying?! I genuinely think it looks good! How could this be? How could this be? How could this be? What a considerate person! How can I describe this feeling...?

Waaaaaah! Who can stand this?! I've waited so many years, I really can't take it anymore! Age difference doesn't matter, we're both Servant now, it doesn't matter anymore...

No, no, Kiyohime, you're a lady. You need to stay calm during our first meeting. You need to make a good impression...

Although Kiyohime tried her best to calm herself down, her surging inner Desire still compelled her to use her tail to move Novia onto her head, as if riding a dragon knight, and then she charged towards Bluebeard outside the mountain.

I still remember your indelible brilliance.

Bluebeard spoke calmly and rationally, then gave Novia, who was on top of the dragon approaching him, a smile that seemed to be that of a child returning home after being away from home.

"Alright, I really should go back now, back to my original 'era'."

Chapter 359 Ritsuka: This isn't the taste of Novia.

"... Gilles has disappeared."

Although it was only for a moment, Jeanne d'Arc Alter, who was confronting Jeanne d'Arc, keenly noticed this.

"Dragon Witch, surrender. You have no strength left to resist."

"That's right, exactly! That's the smug look on your face! I've always wanted you to submit to me! To trample you under my feet!"

Under the influence of surging Od, Jeanne d'Arc Alter appeared as if soaked in blood, her face filled with icy killing intent as she stared at Jeanne d'Arc with cold, clear eyes.

"Come on, and experience my true power, you real deal!"

As if wanting to sever everything Jeanne d'Arc of Arc had on the spot, Jeanne d'Arc Alter suddenly waved her Banner. At the same time, Jeanne d'Arc quickly launched a counterattack, and the shrill sound of the collision echoed outside Orléans.

She realized that she was not Jeanne d'Arc' Arc's dark side. After meeting Isabella in her Lily Form, Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily understood this. In the end, she, Servant, did not exist in the Throne of Heroes.

If that's the case, how did I acquire such immense power?

Power can only come from the Holy Grail, which means that "oneself," the "grown-up self," is the Holy Grail itself.

Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily) astutely noticed this, so this deduction naturally existed in Jeanne d'Arc Alter's mind after she returned to her original form. If she had always maintained this adult appearance, she probably would never have realized this. It was only when she was in Lily Form that she could discover it. However, Jeanne d'Arc Alter was not very disappointed about this.

She acknowledged her desire to be needed by others and therefore understood how twisted the means by which she created herself were, but the concept of 'Jeanne d'Arc Alter' had already been created and could not be erased, because it had been acknowledged by Joan of Jeanne d'Arc's mother, Isabella.

To be fair, Jeanne d'Arc Alter believes she still needs to thank Novia, since it was thanks to his efforts that she was able to be summoned again after being destroyed. However, the thought that this guy both 'betrayed' her and showed obvious favoritism towards that human girl, Ritsuka Fujimaru, makes her really unhappy.

"Speaking of which, where are Consultant Novia and Miss Kiyohime?"

"According to Mr. Georgios, Gilles's aura has disappeared. It was probably caused by the Consultant and Miss Kiyohime working together, senior."

Ritsuka, who was observing the situation, suddenly spoke up, followed by Mash, while Georgios, standing to the side, gave a subtle smile.

"Why did Kiyohime only bring in Novia, the Consultant? Couldn't Mr. Siegfried or Vlad be included?"

Ritsuka pressed for an answer.

"This..."

"It's probably because of Buddhism."

Georgios explained appropriately, ignoring the confused looks from Siegfried, Vlad III, Martha, "In the legend of Kiyohime, she burned down the Temple of Maitreya Buddha, and thus was punished by being transformed into one of the 'Dragon Host' under Maitreya's seat. There is also a saying that she was originally one of the 'Dragon Host' under Maitreya's seat, and was sent to the mortal realm for trials."

"What does this have to do with Consultant Novia?"

"I remember Ritsuka, you mentioned that Novia's Consultant has the shadow of many Servant, or perhaps one of them is related to Maitreya Buddha, which is why Kiyohime's Noble Phantasm dragged her into it. Of course, this is just my personal speculation; we should ask Kiyohime for the specifics."

"That's what Georgios said."

However, a huge uproar was brewing in his heart. As someone who had taken over the role, he naturally realized that the concept of 'Future Maitreya' unfolding from Kiyohime 'Noble Phantasm was completely consistent with the strength of Novia within it. He couldn't even imagine how his superior would feel if he found out.

Now, even if they swallow their pride and forcefully bring them back, it might be difficult. After all, these Buddhas and Bodhisattva are quite troublesome; one wrong move and they could shake the entire Universe...

Never mind, it's none of my business. I don't know anything about it. I'll just take some photos as a memento.

Finally, Saint George consoled himself with this thought.

"I see, so besides the Church, there's also Buddha...?"

After listening to Georgios's explanation, Ritsuka nodded thoughtfully.

She subconsciously imagined what Novia would look like as a 'monk,' his silver hair gone and bald, wearing a robe that could be easily removed... It wasn't entirely unacceptable, though—

Stop, stop, we can't think about this anymore; we have to stop this topic.

Perhaps thinking of something, the girl blushed slightly, then took a deep breath and continued to watch the battle between Jeanne d'Arc Alter and Jeanne d'Arc.

However, it was clear to everyone that Jeanne d'Arc Alter was no match for Jeanne d'Arc' Arc, even if Siegfried, Georgios, and the others had only watched from the sidelines without intervening; otherwise, she would probably have been defeated in an instant.

"Damn it..."

In that instant, accompanied by a voice filled with regret, Jeanne d'Arc Alter's body collapsed, and at the same time, the weapon in her hand was knocked away by Jeanne d'Arc and landed lightly on the ground.

In an instant, Jeanne d'Arc of Arc threw the Banner flew straight toward Jeanne d'Arc Alter with terrifying force.

Blood dripped instantly from Jeanne d'Arc Alter's tightly clenched lips as she accepted the fact that she was about to be destroyed. However, Jeanne d'Arc's Banner merely passed by her ear, embedded itself in the walls of Orléans with a booming sound, and fell to the ground.

"Bastard, if you're going to give it to me, just give me a quick death! How dare you insult me like this—"

"In fact, I didn't mean to show mercy; I was simply stopped by the land of 'France.' As for who can influence this land, I think you know very well."

Jeanne d'Arc looked directly into Jeanne d'Arc Alter's murderous eyes and shook her head.

"Huh? What do you mean? I don't understand..."

"Because I wanted to see you one more time, but even so, you don't have much time left."

The next instant, Novia emerged from the Bounded Field created by Kiyohime's Noble Phantasm and appeared before Jeanne d'Arc Alter.

"Traitor."

Jeanne d'Arc Alter naturally narrowed her eyes, her gaze returning to Jeanne d'Arc beside her.

That's really hard to hear.

Novia straightened her back and replied without wavering, "I've already said, if you wish to become my Master, since I am originally from Chaldea, you must be prepared to accept betrayal."

"Huh? You've never even said the word 'Chaldea'!"

"It's probably because I forgot to mention it."

The silver-haired youth smiled as he approached Jeanne d'Arc Alter and answered.

At the same time, in order to do what he was about to do, he also used a certain amount of concealment Magecraft to make himself and Jeanne d'Arc Alter disappear from everyone's sight.

"Heh, compared to my flawed Fake, those little devils and the real thing over there are more to your liking, aren't they?"

Jeanne d'Arc Alter had no expression, as if she were mocking someone, or perhaps she was shy.

"Be more confident in yourself."

"... Yeah."

As if confirming her own thoughts, Jeanne d'Arc Alter murmured to herself, then revealed a smile that was neither sad nor happy, but rather a combination of both.

"As expected, I'm powerless. But oh well, I'm actually quite happy. Just as I said when I shrunk, I'm very happy! So, in this story, my role ends here."

Novia looked at her silently, without saying a word.