Chapter 43

Thought Partition Three: "How about we bind him with Aether Lines?"

Thought Partition Four: "I believe that this person's accelerated heartbeat is a topic worthy of significant research, something to be treated as top-tier material for thorough study."

Thought Partition Five: "Why is research material able to move and breathe? Shouldn't it be properly confined within the institute for my use?"

Thought Partition Six: "...Why am I the only one who wants to cry?"

In less than a second, an intense discussion unfolded within the young girl's mind. This was the most basic ability possessed by the alchemists of the Atlas Institute, a compensatory measure for the deficiencies of solitary research: High-speed Thought and Thought Partition. High-speed Thought referred to a thinking speed far surpassing that of ordinary individuals, while Thought Partition meant the ability to divide one's consciousness into multiple parts for separate discussions.

Alchemists of the Atlas Institute were required to maintain at least three partitions of thought, allowing for selves vastly different from the original. This wasn't a simple additive process; with their thought latency nearly zero, all thoughts could be shared, and all problems could be explored from as many facets as possible. It wasn't just additive; it could yield effects far exceeding multiplication.

In other words, with three partitioned thoughts, one could achieve three to the power of three, or twenty-seven, distinct lines of thinking. With four, it would be four to the power of four, or two hundred fifty-six.

Thought Partition Seven: "I don't care what this person is called, I don't care at all. By the way, can you get rid of Sajyo Aike next to him? She's bothersome to be around him. Although I shouldn't use Aether Lines on people, as long as his results aren't taken, simple restraint should be permissible."

Thought Partition Two: "What if we can't win? It would be embarrassing to be killed after making the first move."

Thought Partition Seven: "That's impossible. We shouldn't entertain the thought of defeat; that would be a disgrace. Our Aether Lines are practically a top-tier armament in combat against humans... So, what do you all think?"

Thought Partitions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six: "Agreed. Since we are one, the deduced answer is correct."

Shion grudgingly accepted the thoughts of her partitions. Thus, the genius alchemist girl from the Atlas Institute declared in a cold voice:

"I have determined that there is something worthy of my research within you. I apologize, but I will certainly compensate you properly once I'm finished."

The girl raised her arm, and the fifth ether line of the micron-level Void element connected to the bracelet on her hand surged forth like a living entity. Then, the Aether Line attacked like a beast closing its jaws. Merely by speaking, its erosion advanced completely.

"Simply put, I don't want you to escape right now. In short, I need you."

But just as it was about to strike, an anomaly occurred. The micron-level threads, a hereditary trait of the Eltanum family, one of the six origins of Atlas, seemed to stop in mid-air, mere inches from Novia, as if beyond Shion's control.

This caused Sajyo Aike, who had noticed this earlier and was planning to use wind magic to disperse the threads, to become slightly curious. After all, when Novia stated his name, she had observed that Shion seemed to intensely dislike it, to the point of attacking. But why wasn't Novia defending himself? Had he already anticipated this situation?

She had originally intended to feign intervening for Novia, then get "accidentally" injured, thereby showcasing herself. But just as she finalized her plan, Novia, through telepathy, stated that she didn't need to act no matter what happened next.

Aike naturally agreed outwardly, but thought to herself that she would still proceed as planned, nodding in agreement. However, Novia then added via telepathy:

I think I really quite like you, Aike. Because you listen to me so well, I'm sure you'll come to like me more and more.

...Pressing a hand to her chest, suppressing the joy welling up inside and the corners of her lips that threatened to curl into a smile, the blonde girl naturally acted in accordance with her words.

"Why aren't you continuing?"

Novia gently touched the Aether Line floating before his eyes, reminiscing about two thousand years ago in the Submarine Alexandria Library, fighting the Divine Body Osiris alongside Shiyali, who looked exactly like the Shion before him. He recalled how he had acted like a villain towards Shiyali, who was not yet his friend.

For that reason, he didn't particularly dislike anything, including the Aether Lines that could steal others' thoughts. Perhaps it was also due to her personality; she was a good person, but not entirely 'human'.

So when he had seen Shion's back earlier, it was as if he was seeing the back of someone he had witnessed during the final moments in Rome.

Leaving footprints on the yellow sand of the gravel desert, her departing figure appeared in his eyes as he lay fallen in the sea.

Thinking back now, the request he had given her back then was so bizarre and difficult. After all, it was the remains of Albion, possessing immense mystery. Once exposed, it would undoubtedly invite trouble, yet she had done it so resolutely.

It was as if she was shouldering such a heavy responsibility alone, even though it wasn't something she necessarily had to do, because it wasn't something she was meant to bear—

"You're not going to dodge..."

Shion clenched her fists, an intense strangeness burning through her body. She couldn't get used to this feeling at all. Why was she trembling?

"Are you... truly... the... main body?"

She then slowly uttered, word by word. She had already shut down her Thought Partitions, and she didn't know why she was saying these words, nor why she couldn't bring herself to strike. She could have controlled him if she had just moved a little closer.

The girl still hadn't arrived at a clear answer to the question arising within her heart. Perhaps the desire to cry was making her thoughts sluggish, to the point that she said nothing to Novia, who was approaching with the Aether Line, merely watching him.

"Because I am the true main body, not a false illusion, it is only natural that I wouldn't dodge. Also, you know, Shiyali, you should be called Shion now."

Novia reached out and wiped away tears the girl hadn't even noticed. In the darkness of the demonic den, brilliant gems that shouldn't have been shed during this reunion were scattering.

I am grateful for your help, and I have always wanted to express my gratitude. I'll put those words aside for now.

What should be said now is—

"If you have some free time, would you come and keep me company?"

081: Aike: That woman!

Sajyo Aike had never imagined that at the age of thirty-seven, she would have such a wonderful beginning.

She had met someone with whom she wanted to have children and raise them together, and then she had come to this so-called demonic den to enjoy their time alone.

Novia had also saved those who were likely to rush to their deaths; he was not arrogant or cold, but gentle, like the morning sun. Although Aike would have preferred him to show her a sharp gaze or act with force, this was also quite good.

But overall, Aike found her private time with him before this to be so joyful and interesting, comparable to a date or a trip. If only they could continue like this, slowly savoring these incredibly romantic days, but—

That woman! That purple-haired one!

Aike gritted her teeth slightly, staring at the girl fighting with Aether Lines in front of her, her hands involuntarily placed on either side of her face, clenched into fists.

Despite it being their absolute first meeting, after crying unladylike tears, she was now standing next to Novia as if it were the most natural thing, even holding his hand. Damn it, she hadn't held it for that long herself...

What a scheming woman who knows how to exploit Novia's gentleness! This bespectacled alchemist definitely intends to do something unspeakable with her family's Aether Lines. Especially that wink she gave me, definitely a provocation, thinking I'm just thirty-seven.

Even though my sister wears glasses too, she's not this sinister. I must protect Novia. My feelings for Novia aren't just 'like'; he is the air to me, the hydrogen, the water, the light, the lover. I absolutely cannot be without him.

"Oh, what are these? There wasn't any of this in the first layer where Novia and I were."

Aike sat gracefully atop the Golem that Novia had just defeated, tilting her head cutely as she looked up at Shion, then continued to gaze at Novia who was still sweeping away the magical beasts.

The ground here was scattered with the fragments of the Crystal Golem that had just been defeated, as if it were inlaid with countless gems. Faint magical afterglow still emanated from them, making the countless crystals that fell to the ground sparkle and shimmer.

"Because this is a very special sub-species Holy Grail War, Servants without Masters wouldn't rely on something like this to maintain their magic, you really don't understand that at all?"

Shion replied coldly. Since just now, she had a rough understanding of her and Novia's situation. She was the reincarnation of Director Shiyali, and he should be the reincarnation of Novia. In that case, she shouldn't repeat the mistakes of two thousand years ago, especially since the Strongest Dragon and the Roman Emperor were not present.

Speaking of which, Sajyo Aike was already thirty-seven years old, twenty years older than her, yet she still used such a cute tone and appearance. It was truly displeasing.

"Hmph~" Aike swung her legs on top of the Golem, her voice and expression still retaining their cute tone. "That must be really tough, a Servant without a Master. Luckily, Novia is always by my side. I should thank him for protecting me so many times."

"Is it really okay for you to act like this when you're already thirty-seven?"

"Wow, the wise one from the Atlas Institute, the daughter of Atlas, you're quite arrogant. Don't come crying to me for sympathy later."

Aike maintained her smile, gently, happily, and cheerfully, as if a young girl were conversing with someone in a garden. She opened her soft lips, and her voice flowed smoothly from her throat.

Shion met Aike's gaze directly, then leaned in, her lips parting slightly.

"Let me recalculate the magic of the Clock Tower and the Sajo family."

"That's exactly what I want, you uncouth fellow."

Aike's fingers were filled with the radiance of magic. Shion abruptly tugged at the bracelet on her right wrist, and new threads immediately adorned it.

Therefore, Sajyo Aike was the Magic Circuits, and Shion Eltanum Ataraxia was the High-speed Thought operating at full power.

One was the Root Princess connected to the Root, and the other was the next director of the Atlas Institute.

Then, Aike and Shion turned their heads simultaneously.

Behind them, Novia was watching them both with a calm expression.

"Wuwu, Novia wanted to control me using Aether Lines. I was forced; I was very obedient."

"Wait, what nonsense are you spouting, you old hag! You were the one provoking me."

Novia ignored their words. A warm light emanated from his body, which had accepted the four streams of magic from the sub-species Holy Grail War. This light seemed to materialize within the demonic cave, quickly illuminating the entire space and binding Aike and Shion, rendering them both immobile.

"...To think I'd be treated like this. Isn't this too fast? Although I don't mind, I was expecting it in the room..."

Faced with being restrained by Novia, Aike was actually quite happy, as she had long been anticipating Novia to show her a sharp gaze or perform forceful actions.

"It seems you have peculiar tastes. I never imagined you'd have such hobbies. Is it because you've been a shut-in for too long?"

Shion, seemingly unfazed by being restrained, spoke to Aike in an aggressive tone.

"I've also confirmed your condition multiple times, but it's clear you're truly insidious, alchemist of Atlas."

"I think so too, you old auntie who pretends to be young at thirty-seven,"

Shion said somewhat indignantly, having failed to maintain her usual calm demeanor.

"Heh, if it weren't for Novia, I would have gone easy on you. Otherwise, your mouth wouldn't be able to speak from the very beginning."

"Thank you for your elder's kind intentions. I was planning to sacrifice an arm to endure it anyway."

"Aike, Shion."

Novia said with a smile. His tone was extremely calm yet undeniably authoritative, causing both the Root Princess and the alchemist to fall silent.

"I don't think there's any need for you two to fight, and you should get along well. Is there anything wrong with that?"

In response to the silver-haired youth's question, the purple-haired girl and the blonde girl exchanged glances, then nodded somewhat unnaturally.

Afterward, the light summoned by Novia's power vanished, and Aike and Shion, now freed from their bonds, continued to stare at each other, with Novia standing between them.

The gazes of the three intersected. Novia's gaze was plain and gentle, seemingly devoid of any possibility of deception, doubt, or dispute.

"Whether it's Aike or Shion, to me, you are all the same in my heart, as are the two who are not here. This will not change. After all, there is no one I want to, or am willing to let go of."

082: God Loves "Man"

The girls on either side of Novia clearly heard his declaration. Their reactions naturally differed.

Shion frowned, her cute brows knitting together, but she quickly relaxed them.

It was likely that her internal Thought Partition had, after a brief discussion, reached a consensus again. After all, she understood that those two had accompanied Novia for a longer time than she had, so she could barely accept it.

However, this Sajyo Aike had blonde hair. Could she be the reincarnation of that Emperor Nero?

Shion glanced at the stunned Sajyo Aike.

No, it shouldn't be. She was already thirty-seven. There were no fluctuations whatsoever, as if there were none. No matter how she reincarnated, there shouldn't be such a difference. But if she wasn't, it would be difficult to accept.

Sajyo Aike, on the other hand, had fallen into a state of brainstorming. Although she was extremely happy that Novia said he wouldn't let her go, she wondered why there were two other people besides this Shion. Could there be more in the future?

"No matter what, this is a bit too much..."

Aike couldn't help but murmur, then, like a student being reprimanded, she lowered her gaze and said no more.

Since Novia had stated it so openly, there was nothing to complain about. If she didn't like this situation, she could just leave.

However, if she could never see Novia again, Aike believed she would definitely feel lonely and sad, even to the point of tears welling up in her eyes and her chest feeling like it would burst with pain.

Because this was only natural. She only had Novia in her heart and couldn't fall for anyone else. Moreover, anyone other than Novia was worthless. She would even be willing to give her life for him.

Past, present, future. In this world, the only one she loved, the one who made her like a human girl, her everything...

Novia saw through Aike's inner turmoil. After all, the girl named Sajyo Aike was essentially an 'alive' yet 'dead' doll. She understood emotions but couldn't feel them. In other words, if she were human, she would be lacking certain 'parts,' and once she truly became 'human,' it would bring disaster.

However, in reality, it wasn't quite like that. At least, not for the thirty-seven-year-old Sajyo Aike standing before Novia. She could easily bicker with her family and friends, enjoying the thrill of causing trouble and being scolded by her younger sister, yet she could also protect her sister when she was in danger.

Novia also knew that even if he didn't say much more, Sajyo Aike would, through some form of self-hypnosis, convince herself to agree.

After all, she valued herself above all else right now. Honestly, anyone would be happy to be held in such high regard by her. He was no exception, because everyone likes to feel valued.

However, his thoughts remained the same as when he had first returned, before he had even seen Sajyo Aike. He wished she could continue living her life just like this. Rather than being seen by her as her entire world, he preferred her to like him as a genuine "person." That was what Novia truly desired.

It was for this very reason that Novia had told Aike earlier that he hadn't fallen in love with her at first sight.

Even though she had fallen in love with him at first sight, since he had accepted her affections, he had to reciprocate with an appropriate attitude. He couldn't abandon her and let misfortune befall her.

"Listen carefully, Aike. When you told me before that you fell in love with me at first sight, to be honest, I just saw you as a good child. But, as I told you earlier, I really like you now, Aike."

Novia's words were devoid of any pretense or falsehood. After taking a deep breath, he continued, "In fact, I know a lot about you, Aike. Because of that, what I like is you as you are now—this Sajyo Aike who can happily call her sister an idiot, and be called one in return."

The arm Novia had around Sajyo Aike tightened slightly. Although the girl could have easily pulled away, for some reason, she didn't want to. It was as if, in that instant, something she felt had already ended before it even had a chance to begin.

Novia is so mean. Why? Why say such nonsensical things? I was almost convincing myself, truly becoming a lady. Then I could do anything for you.

"If you say that, Novia, I... I'll still cry."

Sajyo Aike's face was completely devoid of tears. Her expressionless face showed only lips, lightly colored, trembling slightly.

"You'll cry, Aike?"

"I will, but I won't cry in front of you, Novia. I'll only cry alone where you can't see me. So you'll never see me cry, only my smile."

"More than the smile you will always possess, Aike, I wish you wouldn't cry. But that's asking too much. So, if you must cry, please don't hide it from me."