Chapter 366

"However, it seems unnecessary now, and besides..."

"In addition?"

When Chloe paused, Luvia frowned slightly.

"To be frank, it's impossible for you to get the Class Card, because it's the foundation of my existence, and I won't give up like this. After all, I still want to live. So if you want it, you'll have to fight me. If I win, you won't get the card; if you win, I'll die."

After the words were spoken, silence enveloped the room.

The two people present understood what she was saying. After all, they had a fundamental conflict with Chloe. Both of them wanted to collect all the Class Card to become the disciple of the Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, but Chloe needed this Class Card to survive.

Besides, even if we don't act now, the Association will still send people to retrieve it later, and won't the outcome be the same then?

"... Actually, I didn't really want to target children, especially since I recognized their faces."

Rin Tohsaka sighed softly.

Come to think of it, she was also wondering why she suddenly asked that question. After all, she had already investigated Ivia's identity. There was a possibility that she was a member of the Church, or a local force. In any case, she was a believer in God... However, at that moment, Rin Tohsaka suddenly hallucinated an adult version of Ivia, along with a childlike version of herself, a bespectacled woman who ate Chocolate all day, and a blond guy who ate nothing but rice together in a very strange scene.

"I think so too. Why don't we change it? That way, our burden will be lighter..."

Luvia rubbed her shoulders, then changed the subject, "Speaking of which, how did you come to know that Ivia brother? Things progressed way too quickly, didn't they? It couldn't have been something like inheriting Ilya's genes, could it? Also, are there any strange people or things in your Elementary School Division?"

You asked about this because of Miyu, right?

Chloe mercilessly exposed Luvia's reason for asking the question.

This is natural, since in Luvia's heart Miyu has indeed become her younger sister, so she is very worried about her. During this period, Luvia felt that Miyu's condition was really bad. She could originally be described as Perfection maid, but now she is careless from time to time, and it is obvious that she has something on her mind.

But Miyu always says "I'm fine," and Sapphire keeps quiet, which really exhausts Luvia.

Miyu, can't you just say what's on your mind? I'm your nominal older sister!

Perhaps sensing Luvia's feelings, Chloe continued in this manner.

"Actually, I can see her problem; it lies in..."

Miyu cares a lot about Ivia, Chloe can tell, and it has nothing to do with the 'bullying' Chloe Ilya thinks about, because who would be so clueless if they were bullied? It's obviously impossible. But Ivia doesn't really think that the brother she's taken in is a bad person.

So, what is the Answer?

From her sister's perspective, Chloe could only conclude that it was Miyu's fault. Even if it really was Ivia's fault, it was still Miyu's fault. That's what she thought.

She originally wanted to say "in Ivia", but she felt uncomfortable saying it that way, so she said it again.

"It's up to her; no one can influence her otherwise."

After a brief interlude, Luvia and Rin Tohsaka stood up, ready to fight Chloe.

This was unavoidable; after all, the Class Card were something neither of them could abandon, so this was the only option. Chloe understood the reason for their battle and was therefore willing to fight alongside them. As for why it was just one person, and not Ivia...

The reason is actually quite simple: Chloe was thinking that she would only call for help if she was truly losing. Did you really think she would give up so easily? She didn't want to die.

The basement was shaking.

This is Luvia preparing for Jewel Magecraft; the Magic Bullet formed from the gems on her fingers continuously split and trace spiral-like trajectories.

As for Rin Tohsaka, she was strengthening her body to make it easier to use Bajiquan next. After all, it wouldn't be convenient to use Jewel Magecraft together here, so she chose one to fight at a distance and the other at close range. This is a common setup when the two rivals fight together.

Although Rin Tohsaka's Bajiquan skills are still under training, her strengthened body is enough to unleash astonishing speed and power. She amplifies her strength by rotating her entire body, and with the help of refined Od flowing through her body, she unleashes her power by striking her opponent directly from behind.

Chloe, on the other hand, casually fiddled with the knife in her hand, seemingly oblivious to the two people in front of her.

This is normal, after all, the two men's auras were just so-so to the girl who had experienced the previous battle, and were far from being terrifying.

Then, when any of the three makes a move, that will be the signal for the battle to begin.

But--

That's all.

Such a sound broke in, and a figure with blue hair quickly emerged from the basement stairs, followed closely by an old man.

"I'm so sorry, Miss, I really couldn't stop them..."

The old man was Luvia's butler, and his panting appearance suggested he was telling the truth.

Naturally, all three people present focused their attention on the Blue-Haired Girl in the yellow raincoat, holding a Pilgrim's Staff. Rather than being attracted by her, it was more like their gazes were drawn to her, and they couldn't help but look at her.

The Blue-Haired Girl's shoes were covered in mud, as if she hadn't come from the City but had traveled a long way to get here. Even so, the three of them had an indescribable feeling, which was not their attitude towards people, but something more Root, like their attitude towards something Divinity.

Of course, believers would generally treat priests and nuns with similar enthusiasm, but for the three who had no Faith, it was even more earnest and joyful. It was this peculiar feeling that would surely bring even more genuine joy to believers.

After a brief moment of surprise, Rin Tohsaka was the first to come to her senses. Looking at the familiar figure in front of her, a vague question arose in her mind.

"... Luce's cosplay?"

She recognized at a glance that it was Luce, the mascot created by the Holy Church in recent years. She had also made a fortune by reselling this image at the beginning, so she couldn't help but sigh when she saw the girl who appeared to be almost identical to her.

After being reminded by Rin Tohsaka, Luvia felt like she was cosplaying, but she possessed very strong Od and even called out the name of the Holy Church... Could Luce really be a member of the Church?

However, the Blue-Haired Girl ignored the two of them and instead looked at the bewildered Chloe. Then she quickly raised her Walking Stick and touched Chloe's shoulder. Finally, as if she had realized something, she sighed.

"Oh, it really isn't, but thankfully it isn't."

"Um, you--"

Chloe wanted to protest loudly, but was suppressed by the powerful eyes of the Blue-Haired Girl. So Chloe closed one eye to emphasize her dissatisfaction, but the Blue-Haired Girl approached her gently and said with a smile.

"It's alright, don't worry, you won't die here, because I heard your voice saying you'll live, and that's what it is—"

Her voice was so lovely that if you listened closely, it was as if you could hear the voice of a distant era.

Her slender limbs were unmistakably female, and the color of her hair, which was extremely rare in nature, and her bright, scallop-shaped eyes suited her perfectly.

On the chest of her yellow raincoat, a simple Cross swayed. It was this Cross and her blue hair swaying in the wind that made those present realize that she was a real being being blown by the breeze. Her entire body was so perfectly balanced that it reminded them of an ancient Greece sculpture, which made them feel that she was not a living being.

It's almost like some kind of creation.

"Will of God."

A little earlier.

In the Elementary School Division, Ilya, who was constantly bullied by Chloe and could only sulk, was returning love letters to Ivia. Because of her bad mood, she walked silently. Sometimes, if she accidentally made eye contact with Ivia, or heard him mentioning that class and that desk, she would pout and huff, "Hmph!"

He walked on, determined to keep going.

Stop it, Ilya. You're turning into Loser! One day is one thing, but a whole week of this is unacceptable. Kuro is laughing herself silly. You need to break out of her rhythm...

Ruby, who was secretly watching everything from inside her schoolbag, was very worried about Ilya's Future, but the girl was so stubborn that she wouldn't listen to Ruby's advice at all.

Therefore, Ruby was somewhat helpless, since she couldn't play as a substitute player.

But as Ilya walked, she suddenly noticed that Ivia behind her had stopped, seemingly looking at the contents of a love letter. Since this was the first time Ivia done this, she couldn't suppress her curiosity and secretly took a few steps back to peek.

When Ilya saw it, I felt like the sky had fallen again.

First, there was a crooked, illegible piece of writing, followed by a ticket for Animal Paradise that she knew all too well.

Finally, the name of the letter writer caught the girl's eye—

Miyu Edelfelt.

Chapter 400 must be God reaping what he sowed.

I have a feeling that being saved by people from this Church isn't a good thing.

The setting sun cast a blood-red glow on the horizon; it was around five in the afternoon.

At the entrance and exit of the Fuyuki Market, Chloe and Luce walked side by side, their hands full of all kinds of vegetables. Behind them, the market was as lively as ever, with vendors shouting loudly. There were hardly any empty spaces, and even more stalls than were designated.

"Hmm~ Hmm~"

The Blue-Haired Girl, with her terrifyingly friendly demeanor, hummed a strangely rhythmic song while curiously observing her surroundings. After leaving the market, she turned to Chloe and smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth, making her friendly attitude even more obvious.

"Thank you so much Kuro, for introducing me to your brother."

As Luce spoke, a gentle smile graced her face. Even amidst the clamor of the crowd, her voice was both stern and clear, radiating an aura that made others pale in comparison and appear imposing.

This brought a subtle smile to Chloe, but the wary look in her eyes remained.

This was entirely your doing, half-forcing me, okay...

Earlier, this girl from the Church, who called herself Luce, stopped Chloe, Rin Tohsaka, and Luvia from their impending battle. The two thought it was not advisable to clash with the Church members at this time, in order to avoid pressure from the Clock Tower.

After all, they understood that the competition within the Clock Tower for the task of collecting Class Card was extremely fierce. The reward was becoming the disciple of that Grand Sorcerer, and what normal Magecraft wouldn't be interested in that? In fact, having only two people was far too few.

Of course, besides that, the biggest reason is that Luce told the two that there is another Class Card below the Forest next to Fuyuki Beach. If they are not in a hurry to retrieve Chloe, they can go and find that Class Card first.

Luvia was skeptical about the Eighth Class Card information that was unexpected from the Clock Tower's intelligence. She sent her butler with Rin Tohsaka to check it out. After confirming that it was true, she realized that a fight was not going to happen for the time being. Therefore, she decided to find this extra Class Card first and then discuss matters related to Chloe.

In short, the battle was resolved.

However, just as Chloe was about to leave, Luce grabbed her hand, his signature smile and adorable expression continuing to shine through.

"Take me with you, it's Will of God."

So Chloe, somewhat dazed, started taking Luce along, and during their conversations, she inadvertently revealed information she knew about 'Ivia.' Each time Chloe said something, she inwardly berated herself for saying it, realizing she hadn't intended to...

So now, Luce's words have changed from "Take me with you, it's Will of God" to "Take me to see your brother, Kuro, it's Will of God." How to put it, since he always ends with "it's Will of God," Chloe feels that Luce is like a fanatic, and being completely controlled by him like this is a situation she has never experienced before.

"Speaking of which, after hearing so much about your brother from you, Kuro, it seems you two have a very good relationship."

"That's natural."

Chloe nodded without hesitation.

"They have a very good relationship; they're probably often mistaken for a couple."

Luce's eyes Gilgamesh brightly.

"Well, how should I put it..."

Perhaps she was indulging in some inappropriate thoughts, for Chloe's cheeks flushed slightly, and she then gestured with the dishes in her hands.

"It's not that bad yet, we're still a long way from getting married..."

"Hmm? Has Kuro already thought about marriage?"

Luce glanced at Chloe thoughtfully. "But then again, it's just a nickname, it's normal. It's just a playful way of addressing someone."

Hearing Luce say that, Chloe paused, staring intently at her, with the unsettling feeling that she might pull out a knife and fight this mysterious Church person at any moment.

Although she had said a lot, she had never revealed the fact that she and Ivia were only adopted siblings. But now Luce had exposed it, which naturally made her, who was already wary of Luce, react strongly.

However, upon seeing Chloe's reaction, Luce merely swayed from side to side, his smile remaining unchanged despite Chloe's blatant hostility.

"It's okay, because God told me this, so don't worry."

"... god?"

Chloe murmured the name.

She knew perfectly well what kind of God the Church referred to; after all, it was the world's foremost Faith, an entity that could not be underestimated even from a mystical perspective, given the vastness of the Holy Church and the fact that its Son of God had accomplished feats that would have been impossible after the end of the Age of Gods.

That is, the complete resurrection of the dead.

After the end of the Age of Gods, the souls will no longer remain on this land, but will return to their Root and be reincarnated.

Therefore, the complete resurrection of the dead after the Age of Gods ended was a miracle beyond True Magic. As for what constitutes a complete resurrection of the dead, no one knows; perhaps only Teacher Daiki himself knows.

Simply put, only a 'complete resurrection' is a miracle that transcends True Magic, while an 'ordinary resurrection' is not. True Magic 'Jesus resurrection is the former, while Aoko's resurrection of Shirou by throwing his death to the end of time, or Caster's resurrection of Kuzuki Servant gathering the souls of all Class, are examples of the latter.

Chloe's current state cannot be considered a resurrection, but rather an 'appearance,' since she was able to break through the seal and emerge from Ilya's body only because of the Archer Class Card and the immense Od that empowered her.

Whether Luce did it intentionally or unintentionally, Chloe, reflecting on her situation, felt she had to go see her former family, her mother, to inquire about the connection between the Class Card and the Holy Grail War, and whether the Class Card would disappear after the Holy Grail War ended.

Speaking of which, right now, the only ones who really understand what Class Card is are probably Miyu and Ivia.

"Yes, yes, everything was told to me by God."

Luce continued in a leisurely tone, "And, someone with a name similar to Ivia also has a younger sister, but she seems to have... blonde hair? Or White-Haired Goddess? It seems she can change her appearance depending on the form, um, Williams."

Looking at Luce like this, Chloe suddenly had a question.

Could it be that she actually knows Ivia?

However, Ivia He was a Buddhist, and there was no way he could be associated with the Holy Church. Could it be that the Burial Agency had taken a liking to him?

"Don't tell my brother he's actually a member of the Church; after all, it's unlikely someone who's a Buddhist would..."

"Um?"

Hearing Chloe's rambling, Luce blinked, her smile instantly freezing. "Your brother is a Buddhist?"