"Weapon... It is indeed a very fitting name, King Ophis."
Merlin still wore that inscrutable smile, and no one could tell what he was really thinking.
"Um... King Ophis, besides the matter of Lord Enkidu, there's something else I've been meaning to tell you..."
"Hmm? By the way, Siduri should go and carry out the order. Also, Ishtar's appearance is unusual... Let's investigate the 'Miko.'"
"...Yes, it shall be done."
Ophis waved her hand, signaling Siduri to leave.
It's not that she wanted to get rid of him, but many things needed to be addressed as soon as possible.
"In fact, besides the knowledge and memories I should have, I also have fragments of memories from after I died and became a Servant."
Jeanne of Arc's expression turned serious as she spoke.
"No, it's not a mistake. Initially, it was just a vague feeling, but the longer I stay in this era, the stronger this sensation becomes... Even though the events back then were on a smaller scale than now, the overall feeling is quite similar!"
Ophis rubbed her brow.
According to Qi, summoned Heroic Spirits don't have redundant knowledge. In other words, what Jeanne remembered was definitely not "redundant" but crucial information for her.
"Oh, so Miss Jeanne has experienced a singularity before? How surprising."
Merlin's expression remained unchanged, though his words were intriguing.
"Singularity?"
This term...
[Ah, singularity. That's indeed a very apt term.]
Qi, who was metaphorically swimming in soy sauce, suddenly interjected.
"Pray?"
[Eh? You didn't notice it? Since the large circle appeared in the sky, this entire area has been cut off from the world. Even I, a special being inside your body, can feel it. It's quite appropriate to call it a singularity, don't you think?]
"…"
[You really didn't notice, did you?]
"…"
Ophis had indeed been oblivious to this situation.
The separation from the world was so subtle that she didn't perceive the changes.
[Forget it... You should focus on what others are saying now.]
The speed of mental communication was incredibly fast. To others, it seemed like Ophis only pondered for a moment after hearing the word.
"Oh, it seems King Ophis has reached some conclusions. However, as the most trusted advisor, Flower Magician Merlin must contribute something valuable, so I'll share some information first~"
Merlin raised two fingers in a V sign.
"There are currently seven singularities, but most of them have been repaired. The one we're dealing with now is theoretically the last one. According to some old theorem, the last one is usually the most difficult~"
So what does V have to do with Seven?
"Jeanne, please describe your situation at that time, focusing on the main points."
"Yes... The time and space of that incident was likely in France not long after my death... The cause was that my former comrade-in-arms, Jill, obtained the Holy Grail and wished to create the witch 'Jeanne of Arc,' which shouldn't exist... to disrupt or destroy all of France as revenge..."
Listening to Jeanne's experience, Ophis could roughly deduce what this "singularity" was.
These are the seven crucial "points" in human history. Regardless of which parallel world, they are selected to drastically alter the course of history, deviating from the original world line, and creating what is called a "singularity."
The culprit is the so-called 'Holy Grail.'
As for the origin of the Holy Grail and why it appeared, there was no relevant information in Jeanne d'Arc's memory, nor was it possible to infer it.
What can be confirmed is that it definitely is not a product of the original era.
Ophis suddenly remembered what Qi had said.
A person with excellent 'eyes.'
Merlin seems to fit this description. He seems to know a lot of things.
Eyes are indeed troublesome...
Regarding these singularities, if the deviation from history exceeds a certain threshold, they will collapse... And the result...
Ophis guessed it would likely lead to the collapse of human history itself.
If that happens, human survival will become impossible—humanity will perish.
...This is really bad news, especially after Ophis was forced into such a responsibility by Enkidu.
At the same time, Jeanne d'Arc revealed another piece of information...
An organization called "Chaldea" claims to protect humanity.
"King Ophis seems to have processed all the information. Just as King Ophis thought, the future of humanity... is indeed at risk."
"In other words, while the singularity remains today, it will persist in a state of destruction?"
"Oh, you're indeed a king with the wisdom of the Age of Gods. Although there may be some deviations, your wisdom remains intact."
Ophis narrowed her eyes but chose not to respond.
"Anyway, that organization called Chaldea seems to have resolved the issues with the other six singularities. In other words, as long as we can hold out until they arrive, perhaps the difficulties here can be resolved more easily, right?"
Merlin, unaffected by Ophis's silence, continued with his arms outstretched.
"Relying entirely on others is the most foolish thing to do. It should not be considered unless there are no other options."
Ophis stood up, her gaze sharp and intense, focusing directly on Merlin.
"Just now, you bought me some time to calm down. I appreciate that, but it doesn't give you the right to speak nonsense... Magician!"
"Oh, I am truly impressed, King Ophis."
Facing Ophis's piercing gaze, Merlin seemed as though he was brushed by a gentle breeze, maintaining his frivolous demeanor.
"King Ophis and Lord Merlin, please calm down."
At this moment, a voice interrupted, though it wasn't particularly loud, it carried an undeniable authority.
The blonde girl stood with unwavering determination in front of the two men.
As one of the top Heroic Spirits, Jeanne d'Arc was not just some delicate figure.
Despite any denials, she was the true French saint who led her country to repel Britain!
After Jeanne's intervention, Ophis had no intention of continuing. She waved her hand in dismissal, signaling for the three individuals—herself, Merlin, and the silent Hercules—to disperse, and left the area first.
Looking at Ophis's departing figure, Merlin's smile remained enigmatic.