At this moment, the Artoria who stood here was summoned by the remaining will of Kaelar within the Sword of Compassion. In a manner similar to that of a Servant, she was now present in this strange world caught between dream and reality.
In truth, her real body had only just finished a fierce battle with her sister Morgan and was sleeping deeply within the Inner Sea of Stars.
In that instant, she sensed the holy sword's movement, and with Morgan's assistance, they bridged the distance between realms to bring a part of themselves to this place where illusion and reality overlapped.
Despite a thousand years of conflict, despite harboring seemingly irreconcilable hatred, whenever it came to Kaelar, the sisters would, without exception, choose to cooperate—to help each other.
This was a bond that transcended words, a silent understanding shared only between the two of them.
The millennium of battle was born from ancient resentment, but some part of it, at its core, was just a reason for both of them to keep enduring in their endless lives, to keep going forward.
In truth, their resentment was less against each other and more against the helpless versions of themselves—those who had once been in such dire need that only Kaelar's sacrifice could save them.
"It's real, Artoria," Kaelar sighed, "and it's not a dream. I'm here because there's something I wish to tell you."
"My existence here is just a fragment of my consciousness, and what power I have left is fading. Soon, I fear, I'll be gone entirely."
"Which is why…Lily, I need your help."
Kaelar gazed at her with a warm look in his eyes, asking, "Artoria, my king, would you still be willing to help me?"
"Would you help a servant who does not necessarily heed the will of Britain's king?"
"If you promise to visit me often…"
Artoria nodded firmly. "You have done so much for me, Kaelar; this time, let me help you!"
Whether it's in hell or heaven, no matter what I must do, as long as you need me, as long as I can help you…
I'll come.
Kaelar clapped his hands together. "Then that's all I could ask for. Lily, thank you."
"Our world has already been twisted by my will; it's become a state unobservable by either Singularities or Lostbelts." Kaelar chuckled as he explained, "The moment I died forging the holy sword, I glimpsed the calamities to come in the human history that would follow.
"Sadly, I had already died; I have no second life to sacrifice for humanity."
He tried to use a light-hearted tone, hoping to soften Artoria's sadness.
It didn't work as intended. She couldn't hold back the flood of emotions inside her, collapsing against him and sobbing openly. "Kaelar, I don't want you to save human history. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for Britain…"
"All I want… all I've ever wanted… is for you to live, to be with me, always…"
"There, there." Kaelar patted her head, ruffling that golden cowlick of hers.
Though he was now only a fragment of his former self, a remnant of his soul, and though Artoria herself was a mere Servant, he couldn't help but comfort her: "There is a saying, Lily, that to die in the right place is a life well-lived. You don't need to grieve too much for me."
"My time is short now; please let me finish."
Seeing her nod, he continued, "And so, with what power I had left, I created a Britain between dreams and reality. I intended it to be a dam—to hold back the flood of disasters awaiting humanity in the future."
"But as they say, it's better to guide the water than to block it. This dam can only delay those disasters, not prevent them. So, naturally, I made other plans, hoping that someday those in the future would be able to overcome these trials."
"This world will eventually be surpassed, and when that time comes, I hope you won't try to stop me. Will you promise me that?"
In truth, Kaelar's purpose in creating this dual Singularity-Lostbelt world was to summon the holy sword he had sacrificed himself to forge, hoping it would serve as humanity's final test.
By now, a thousand years had passed. That holy sword could be anywhere, passed down to who-knows-where.
Yet, to his surprise, Artoria had chosen to ascend to the Inner Sea of Stars, becoming a deity in her own right, with the sword still in her possession.
Upon sensing the sword's call, both Artoria and Morgan had responded without hesitation, choosing to enter this "Endless Eternity, Perfected Britain."
With his absolute will, Kaelar could keep all outsiders confined to the world's edge, refusing entry.
However, those who belonged to Britain by right, as well as the Revelation Beast of the Apocalypse—Emperor Nero of Rome—were exceptions.
This was tied to the essence of the world, this Britain caught between Singularity and Lostbelt.
Besides…
Using his absolute will to deny entry to Artoria, Morgan, and those others of Britain…
That would be asking too much, even of himself.
Artoria bowed her head slightly, hiding her expression, then gave a nearly imperceptible nod.
"I… I understand," she whispered.
"But…even so, I don't wish to leave. I don't want to leave this world where you exist."
"If you're only asking me not to interfere, I'll do as you ask. But please, don't ask me to leave this world where you are. May I stay, Kaelar?"
"Even if… this is only a beautiful world of dreams, caught between illusion and reality…"
At her words, a helpless smile appeared on Kaelar's face.
Setting aside that he no longer had the strength to force Artoria from this place…
Even if he could…
How could he bear to?
Elsewhere, Morgan too encountered Kaelar in her dreams.
After all, these two women were the only ones capable of disrupting his plans. If he didn't console them first, who could predict what they—having spent centuries in resentment—might try to do?
He was genuinely concerned they would cause trouble.
After all, in this Britain that was both Singularity and Lostbelt, Kaelar existed only as a fragment of consciousness. He was already bearing a tremendous burden.
At this very moment, he was using his own power to dam the river of human history, holding back two catastrophic disasters.
This Britain, this Singularity, was continuously withstanding unimaginable pressures, and without his support, it would not be a surprise if it shattered under the weight of humanity's history at any moment.
In this state, he had no strength left to influence much within this fractured Britain.
"Kaelar, you may have fooled that idiot, but you won't deceive me!" Morgan's eyes gleamed, her gaze unwavering, filled with fierce determination. "I can sense it—the true nature of this world!"
"It is not simply a Singularity; it is something grander. If it attains a higher state, it could even become a genuine reality!"
"In other words, while this Britain may be an illusion, it doesn't have to stay that way!"
"Whether it's this enduring Britain…or you."
If this illusory world could transform into reality…
Then, perhaps Kaelar himself—who lingered here as only an echo—might have a chance to resurrect.
"But Morgan," Kaelar smiled calmly. "You know, I would never accept that. You know me."
"…" Morgan's bright gaze dimmed in an instant.
"Yes, I know. I should have known…"
Morgan held tightly to Kaelar's hand, as though he might vanish at any moment.
"If that's how it is…then I'll help you. Kaelar, I told you, no matter what, I'll always help you…"
In the next moment, Kaelar's remaining consciousness faded back into slumber.
In Britain, Morgan stood, her expression pained as she bowed her head and fell into a deep, silent reverie.
---
After touching down on Maple Ridge, Ritsuka Fujimaru rubbed her sore backside with a wry smile. "Well, that wasn't too bad of a landing this time…"
But that vision she had seen...what exactly was it?
That form, invoking pure, primal terror… it was unmistakable, like a "Beast."
No—perhaps that was a true Beast!
Compared to the abrupt, sometimes jarring landings in the past, this time's Rayshift seemed relatively smooth. Ritsuka and Mash had arrived directly within Maple Ridge territory, though Ritsuka's legs gave way momentarily due to the abrupt spatial displacement.
"Senpai… er, I mean, Master, are you alright?" Mash helped her up, saying, "According to Da Vinci's coordinates, this should be Maple Ridge."
Ritsuka wanted to bring up the vision she had just experienced, but something held her back. Instead, she glanced around. "If I remember right, Maple Ridge is one of the most prosperous territories in all of Britain… So why is it deserted?"
Before they could consider further, a clamor erupted nearby. Startled, Ritsuka and Mash ran towards the source of the noise, only to find a group of Round Table knights proclaiming something to the gathered crowd.
They slipped closer and heard one knight shout, "All citizens of Maple Ridge and all Britons must memorize and recite the Kaelar Gospel and Teachings of the Saint by heart."
"Remember, every moment you live is a debt to Saint Kaelar. His legacy must never be forgotten. Royal envoys and knights will monitor the people's progress, and if anyone fails to recite it…"
Ritsuka and Mash shared troubled looks. This sounded like an infringement upon human dignity—had they twisted Kaelar's teachings?
"Kaelar will create a Britain that never ends!" the knight continued, his voice fervent. "From this day, all Britons must journey to Maple Ridge to bask in Kaelar's grace."
"Remember, his mercy is boundless, a debt you'll never repay in full!"
Kaelar's grace piling up interest…
Ah, no, rather, his boundless grace that could never be repaid.
Hearing this, Ritsuka and Mash stood dumbfounded. Was this truly the legendary Round Table?
Cold, unfeeling, trampling on dignity and human rights…
Admiration for a saint should come from one's own heart, not as a mandate from those in power.
"Hold on… they're saying Kaelar's still alive?" Ritsuka rubbed her temple, sighing, "But if Kaelar knew about this, he'd never permit such things!"
"Master, I think it's time to summon Servants," Mash said quietly. "We need to meet with this Everlasting Britain's king."
Ritsuka frowned. "I think so too."
She activated her communicator, contacting Da Vinci and Dr. Romani. "Doctor, I need to summon some Servants for help."
"Of course!" Romani glanced behind him, cleared his throat, and asked, "Ritsuka, how many do you need? Twenty? Or if it's really tough, we can spare thirty!"
"Huh?" Ritsuka blinked. "But we don't need that many!"
"Well… they all insist on joining you in Britain!" Romani looked overwhelmed. Heaven knew why he had to deal with this. It was Ritsuka's choice whether they'd be summoned.
After a round of back-and-forth, Ritsuka ended up with three Servants—no more. As a less experienced mage, she couldn't maintain a large team, nor did she have enough Command Seals to use.
With Saber Charlemagne, Archer Tesla, and Ruler Holmes, and her trusty Shieldbearer Mash, her party of one Master and four Servants was more than enough for most Singularities.
Especially since Charlemagne and Tesla were powerful in combat, while Holmes was a brilliant support Servant.
Just as Ritsuka was about to say, "Help us out, Holmes," and ask him for a plan to sneak in and meet Artoria, Morgan appeared.
With a face nearly identical to Artoria's, Morgan said, "Greetings, Chaldeans. You've come to see my foolish sister, haven't you?"
"Morgan!"
Ritsuka recognized her instantly.
But this Morgan didn't seem to be merely a regular Servant. Her presence radiated a stronger aura, though it didn't seem to be her true form either. An elusive, enigmatic image, she materialized suddenly before them.
"Yes, it's me," Morgan said. "Since you wish to meet Artoria, follow me…"
"Camelot won't be where you find Britain's king."
She added, "And a word of advice—my foolish sister, standing here, could strike down Rome across the sea. Don't think your little tricks will go unnoticed by her."
"…"
Ritsuka grimaced. A variant of the Lion King? But the Lion King had lived for centuries and had already attained godhood, while this Britain's king hadn't been alive nearly as long… So how could she have the power of "Divine Judgment"?
Thinking it over, Holmes was the first to speak, his voice cool and calculating. "Let's go. Regardless of anything else, meeting her will help us understand what this king of Britain truly means to accomplish."
When they entered the grand castle hall, Artoria was already waiting for them.
Beside her stood the most elite knights of the Round Table. Those outside were merely foot soldiers; these were the true rulers of Britain.
Upon seeing Chaldea's party, Artoria didn't waste words. "Esteemed guests of Chaldea, I know who you are. Why have you come to my Britain?"
Ritsuka took a deep breath, her gaze steady and resolute. "We are here for the preservation and continuation of human order. This world has become a Singularity!"
"Singularity?" Agravain scoffed. "And what is a Singularity?"
Ritsuka replied, "A Singularity is a distortion in history, one that threatens to unravel human order and the unified history of humanity!"
"So, Chaldea… are you here to deny the history created by Lord Kaelar?"
With Agravain's words, every knight in the room turned to Chaldea's group, the atmosphere turning icy. Charlemagne placed his hand on his sword, smirking, "So, Britons—you call this hospitality?"
"Wait—you're saying Kaelar is alive?" Holmes, ever the detective, caught on quickly. Just a few words were all he needed to pick up on the subtle clues.
At that moment, Ritsuka's eyes narrowed slightly.
She saw Holmes, standing with his back to her, stretch his hand out towards her, his palm bearing the word Servant.
A Servant? Who was he referring to? Agravain, perhaps? Or the knights of the Round Table? The King Arthur they were about to meet? Or even Morgan?
Or… all of them within this Singularity?
Ritsuka glanced at Holmes, but he offered no further hints.
Instead, he sneered, "So, Kaelar is aware of this farce? A Kaelar Gospel and Teachings of the Saint? Please—are we to expect a Kaelar Anthology next?"
"Impudent! What right have you to question Lord Kaelar?" one knight spat.
"You know nothing about him—nothing of what he's done…"
Artoria raised a hand, quieting the agitated knights. "It matters not. Once the dust settles, you'll see the truth of your mistake."
"You will repent…"
"Kaelar's presence lingers, but he cannot be said to be alive… Regardless, young lady of Chaldea, if you are here to preserve humanity, then prove it to me."
Artoria's lips curved in an inscrutable smile. "The Beast of Rome is rampaging across Europe. Go to Europe. Defeat the Beast, and I shall tell you everything—all the truths you wish to know…"
"Kaelar reappeared because of that Beast's revival. Once Nero is vanquished, Kaelar shall naturally pass on."
Artoria's expression grew somber. "Let him rest…"
"Your Majesty, Artoria…" Ritsuka tried to argue, but with a mere wave of her hand, Chaldea's party was expelled from Maple Ridge.
Once outside, Artoria's gaze grew icy as she watched them disappear from the hall.
"…"
Unused to such treatment, Charlemagne fell silent.
After a moment, he spoke, "This king of Britain is indeed formidable. Master, we'd stand little chance against her in battle. At least a few Grand Servants would be necessary."
Were Charlemagne at his full strength, he might rival Artoria herself. But relying on Chaldea for mana, he'd stand no chance against her in a true duel.
Holmes then spoke. "Engaging her in battle would be a waste. More than that, I believe Britain's king has concealed numerous vital facts."
"No—perhaps she hasn't told us anything useful at all."
He paused, hesitant, then added, "Moreover, I suspect all of this circles back to Kaelar. I can't shake the feeling that this 'saint' is far from what he seems."
"Who knows—perhaps Kaelar is the true mastermind behind all of this."
Charlemagne cast a glance at Holmes before saying, "So even those who haven't heard of Kaelar feel the same? Then it may not be mere paranoia…"
"Still, seeing is believing. We'll need to confirm for ourselves."
Ritsuka stayed silent, sighing inwardly. Kaelar… I can't help but feel you never wanted to be some sanctified idol.
You've never cared for glory, have you? You only wanted to save the world, simply because you wished to save it, isn't that right?
The Round Table… could they have misunderstood your intentions?
Yet her Servants' opinions were mostly in agreement, and the apparent "facts" supported their theory, so Ritsuka held her peace.
Then, Tesla, who had been silent, finally spoke, "Whatever the case, that Beast is indeed a threat to human history. Let's take it down first!"
With their myriad doubts in tow, Chaldea's team set off for the Roman Empire.
Or rather—the ruins of the Roman Empire.
---
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