To Become a King and a Magician 751-755

Title: They Say, We Can Start

Inside Uruk’s Ziggurat.

The Throne Room used by Gilgamesh for state affairs.

Feeling the distant tremors, Merlin opened his eyes: “Looks like the operation has begun. Then, it’s time for me to hurry too. You’ll be fine here alone, right, Morgan?”

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” Morgan glanced at him coldly. “I really don’t want to work with you a second time. It’d be better if you just died in the battle against Tiamat.”

“Haha~~~ You really won’t give me even a bit of face. I thought our relationship had improved a little, but it seems not.” Merlin smiled. “However, I’m not ready to die yet. At the very least, I have to attend Lia’s wedding ceremony first... Well, you won’t be able to see it. Such a pity.”

This Singularity is Morgan’s final meeting with everyone. After this Singularity ends, Morgan, who has been summoned as a Servant for twenty years, will disappear, entrusting everything to her true self and returning to the Throne of Heroes.

Perhaps she won’t be summoned again in the future, as she would have no reason to respond to a summoning after this.

“Then, farewell, Morgan.”

“Get lost, Merlin.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The Underworld.

This was the first time Ritsuka and Mash had come here.

All things in the Age of Gods existed on the same ‘canvas.’ Flying upward would reach the heavens, and digging downward would reach the Underworld—what was happening now was the literal meaning of that phrase.

Due to the impact of Ishtar’s Noble Phantasm, the Sea of Chaos was completely set ablaze, and the earth shattered. As planned, Tiamat fell into the massive hole struck by Ishtar. Ritsuka and Mash, who were nearby, were immediately swept up in the impact and fell into the Underworld.

“Pitch black, can’t see anything... This is the Underworld?”

“Please hold my hand, Master. We’ll make an emergency landing!”

As she said that, Mash directed her shield toward the ground. However, the next moment, both their bodies suddenly felt light, like two feathers floating gently toward the nearest stone platform.

And on that platform—

“Welcome to the Underworld, Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash.”

Holding a spear, Ereshkigal smiled at the two: “This is our first official meeting. I am the mistress of the Underworld, Ereshkigal.”

Seeing the Goddess before her, who was almost identical to Ishtar except for her hair and eye color, Ritsuka nodded slightly: “Nice to meet you, Goddess Ereshkigal. We’ll be troubling you from now on.”

“No problem, it’s already agreed upon. Besides, I’ve temporarily granted you the right to move and exist in the Underworld—”

“Ah, that!” Ritsuka hurriedly rummaged through her pocket, pulled out two flowers, and attached them to herself and Mash: “Actually, Merlin already made us Mystic Codes that can provide a similar effect, so you don’t need to sacrifice your power to grant us privileges.”

“Eh? That Incubus can even do something like that?”

Ereshkigal was slightly surprised—she had wanted to show off her prowess as a Goddess, you know. How did they know her action would require sacrificing power?

But this was good too. If she didn’t need to expend power, she could use more strength to fight Tiamat.

“AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa—!!”

Tiamat’s cry echoed from the depths of the Underworld. Ritsuka and Mash hurriedly went to the edge of the platform and looked down. They saw Tiamat crawling on all fours at the bottom of the Underworld, with flashes of light like lightning constantly emanating around her, continuously singing and screaming.

【Is that the Underworld’s defense system? Every second, those lights deal damage equivalent to Ishtar’s Noble Phantasm to Goddess Tiamat!】

Roman’s voice was full of excitement. With such output, even Tiamat would suffer significant injury.

Ereshkigal came to their side: “After all, this is the Order established by this Uruk world. Though Mother came to the Underworld, she’s just an ordinary God... Or so they say, but it actually doesn’t affect Mother much.”

“Eh? Why?”

Ritsuka couldn’t help but widen her eyes. Even the Underworld’s damage couldn’t harm Tiamat?

Just how strong was this Goddess of Genesis!?

【Calm down, Fujimaru. Isn’t everything still going according to plan so far?】

Roman reassured.

【The timing calculation should be close. The Marduk Axe dropped by Quetzalcoatl will greatly weaken Tiamat’s divinity—】

“Fujimaru-dono! Mash-dono!”

At that moment, Nobunaga’s voice suddenly sounded from above. Flying swiftly through the air while riding a matchlock rifle, she arrived before the three and said: “The Marduk Axe will be thrown soon. Prepare to dodge. Be careful not to get hit!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The Surface.

Right above the Underworld Gate destroyed by Ishtar.

Sitting on Vimana with a slightly pale face, Ishtar looked at Quetzalcoatl in front: “It’s up to you next, Quetzalcoatl. I have absolutely no Mana left after that attack.”

“Hmm, good job. Leave the rest to Onee-san!”

Quetzalcoatl said with a smile. Beside her, the Marduk Axe, over forty meters long, was now lifted and floating in the air by dozens of Pterosaurs. Quetzalcoatl’s sole task was to throw this axe with full force into the Underworld Gate, delivering a heavy blow to Tiamat from absolute height.

“Alright, it’s time for me to show my skills—Kids, release the binds!”

At Quetzalcoatl’s command, the Pterosaurs holding the Marduk Axe released the thick hemp ropes pulling the axe. Just as the axe began to fall, she suddenly leaped, darting onto the axe in an instant!

(Just throwing it isn’t enough. If I want to deal greater damage, I need to deliver the biggest impact at the start—)

Thinking so, Quetzalcoatl’s entire body suddenly blazed with sun-like flames.

(That kid burned the Sea of Life with solar flames. Then, now, I’ll pierce the Underworld Gate with a single solar strike!)

“Witness the great impact of South American Underworld power that annihilates many lives!”

Aiming at the Marduk Axe below, Quetzalcoatl, enveloped in heat, unleashed her Noble Phantasm with full power!

“—Xiuhcoatl!”

Falling from a thousand-meter height, the burning flames converged into one point. Quetzalcoatl’s full-force strike, falling like a meteor collision, hit the Marduk Axe with a powerful kick!

*BANG!*

After a muffled collision sound, the giant axe suddenly turned into a true meteor! It struck the Underworld Gate below at full speed!

The sharp blade cleaved through the stone layers, as if slicing a gap. The Underworld Gate was even split in two by Quetzalcoatl’s kicking strike!

And after falling rapidly for a few seconds, under the shocked gazes of Ritsuka and the others—

*BANNGGG!*

Like in myth, the Marduk Axe’s blade heavily struck Tiamat’s head!

“AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa—!!”

This time, Tiamat’s cry showed clear emotional fluctuations for the first time.

She felt pain.

-

Title: Before the Final Battle

[T/N: Some readers might be confused about why Tiamat’s defeat was suddenly skipped; I’m puzzled too. This isn’t the translator’s doing, but the original author indeed did not write the complete process of defeating Tiamat. I’ve checked several raw versions on various sites, and the result is the same. Tiamat was suddenly defeated, and it moves to this chapter.]

Chaldea, Main Control Room.

The time is three hours after Naoki returned from the Seventh Singularity.

*BEEP!* *BEEP!* *BEEP!*

The entire control room was now filled with deafening alarm sounds. A large number of screens in the control room continuously flashed red lights symbolizing danger. Meanwhile, at the other end of the Sheba Lens, CHALDEAS, which over the past six months had gradually returned to normal, symbolizing the light of Earth’s civilization, reverted to a blazing red state.

“Outside Chaldea, the Seventh to Third Attack Theories have been annihilated! Existence verification failed!”

“The intensity of the pseudo-spiritrons formed within Chaldea is experiencing fluctuations! Pulled by the Knot-Fixation Quantum Recording Band!”

“Time remaining until external Chaldea confirms reaching the year 2016 is minus 4,368 hours!”

“...”

One by one, reports were delivered by the frantic staff. In the six months since the Human Order Incineration began, the situation unfolding now was the most serious crisis Chaldea had ever faced!

Right after analyzing all the Holy Grails collected, and unexpectedly discovering the coordinates of an unobserved Singularity, Chaldea received interference from the outside that should have been impossible!

Standing in front of the main commander’s chair with both hands supporting the table, Roman stared intently at the rapidly passing analysis data on the screen.

“Finally... it’s here. This day.”

Yes, that day had arrived.

For others in Chaldea, the current situation was an unprecedented emergency. But for Roman, this was supposed to be the day it finally arrived.

Since the Holy Grail War ended ten years ago, being informed about the Human Order Incineration by Naoki, and witnessing it all with his final Clairvoyance, Roman had been waiting for this day.

*CLICK!*

The control room door behind him opened.

Naoki, Ritsuka, Mash, Hinako, and Xiang Yu.

Chaldea’s five direct combat personnel entered in succession. After approaching Roman and glancing at the situation on the screen, Naoki’s eyes gleamed: “Found it?”

“Yes, found it.”

Roman nodded.

“After analyzing the seventh Holy Grail you brought back, and combining it with the analysis data from several Holy Grails collected previously, three minutes ago we obtained the coordinates of a hidden Singularity never observed before.”

While saying that, Roman displayed all the observed information on the holographic screen in front of everyone.

“Based on current observations, there, we observed an independent Singularity. The entire structure of that Singularity resembles a living creature, and even more so a temple. That temple gathers unimaginable Mana from various eras of human history, forming an extraordinary Mana vortex at the temple’s center.”

“No doubt, that’s our final destination.”

The final destination.

The Seventh Singularity was not the ultimate goal of Chaldea’s journey so far. After all, the mastermind behind the Human Order Incineration had appeared once in the Fourth Singularity. Her name was Solomon, one of the Grand Servants chosen by the Root. If she wasn’t defeated, the Human Order Incineration would not end.

Until now, aside from the Fourth Singularity and the earliest Fuyuki Singularity, the other party had never appeared again, even in the Seventh Singularity.

Therefore, even though all seven Singularities had been completely resolved, the Human Order Incineration had not ended. There was still a final enemy to face.

That enemy was now in the new Singularity observed by Chaldea.

“Really gives no time to rest.” Hinako scoffed. “The Seventh Singularity battle ended just three hours ago, and a new battle already has to start.”

“Time waits for no one.” Naoki shrugged. “If possible, I’m sure Roman would want to fully prepare before heading to that Singularity, but circumstances don’t allow it.”

“Yes.”

Roman explained: “We did observe the coordinates of the Singularity where the other party exists, but it works both ways. The moment we learned of it, King Solomon also learned Chaldea’s coordinates and is pulling us in.”

“In fact, right now, Chaldea is merging with that Singularity, and it’s beyond our control.”

Merging?

Ritsuka frowned: “Merging means... becoming one?”

“No, we will be annihilated.” Roman shook his head. “Just as light is assimilated by stronger light, the same applies to spatial intensity. The Singularity’s spatial intensity is far stronger than Chaldea’s. At the moment of contact, Chaldea will be assimilated by it, and we will be completely annihilated too.”

“There’s only one way to avoid such an end: before both sides make contact, perform a Rayshift to that Singularity, defeat King Solomon, destroy the Singularity, and end the Human Order Incineration.”

“This is the only way.”

This was overly sudden information. After all, they had just finished the Seventh Singularity battle, and the fight against Tiamat was only three hours ago. Until now, let alone preparation, they hadn’t even had enough rest time. As Naoki said, emotionally, Roman surely hoped to give a few more days for everyone to rest well, adjust their condition, and then face the final battle. But time didn’t wait. Based on current estimates, in two days, Chaldea would collide with the Magecraft King’s Singularity.

At that moment, defeat would be instantaneous. And if Chaldea, the last remnant of human civilization, was defeated, it would mean the Human Order Incineration could no longer be stopped.

In other words—Total Human Extinction.

The final five hours before contact was the time for the decisive battle.

“Roman, how’s the Rayshift preparation?” Naoki suddenly asked.

“Rayshift can be performed anytime.”

“Good.”

Turning around, Naoki looked at the four behind him: “As the Head of Chaldea’s Operations Department, I’m giving you instructions—disperse now. Regroup here in twenty-four hours. During that time, ensure your mental and physical conditions are at their best.”

“When you return to this control room, that’s when the final battle begins. Magecraft King Solomon. The mastermind behind the Human Order Incineration, our greatest enemy. This final battle must be won, no matter what.”

“The Singularity we’re heading to is called Solomon—the Final Singularity, Grand Temple of Time: Solomon.”

-

Title: Each Person’s Feelings

One hour after the dispersal.

In Ritsuka’s private room.

“Mom, how are things with you all there?”

Through Chaldea’s computer, Ritsuka was video-calling her mother.

The outside world had been incinerated, and the internet was naturally gone. However, since the Root maintained Mifune City, limited internet access was still available between Mifune City and Chaldea. Thus, Ritsuka could communicate with her parents like this.

【What could happen to us? Same as usual. It’s you, how’s your work going?】

Fujimaru’s mother smiled at her daughter.

【I remember you said you were going to... Mesopotamia? Is the work there done?】

“Yeah, just finished. I just flew back to Chaldea. Didn’t I call right away to report I’m safe once I got some rest time?” Ritsuka tried to sound as casual as possible. If she could, she didn’t want her family worrying about her.

However, no one knows a child better than their parents. This holds true for a mother and daughter too. Though Ritsuka hid it well, how could Fujimaru’s mother not notice her daughter’s current state?

【Did something happen?】

“Eh? What are you talking about, Mom?”

【Your brows are furrowed tightly, and your gaze isn’t quite right. Is your work too exhausting?】

“Ah~~~ Hmm, it is a bit tiring. After all, I flew back right after finishing work. Didn’t I just say? I only now got some rest time.”

【Is that so? Then make sure to rest well and don’t get sick. When are you planning to come home this time? Your dad and I will prepare a table full of your favorite foods.】

Hearing her mother’s words, Ritsuka fell silent for a moment, then gave a bitter smile and shook her head: “No, I’m not coming home this time. The timing’s a bit tight. Work’s pretty heavy right now. The day after tomorrow, I have to head out again.”

【Eh? That soon? Only two days of rest?】

“Yeah, yeah. There are still quite a few issues in this world, so Chaldea’s really busy. Next, I have to go to... Uh, if I’m not mistaken, Israel?”

【That’s quite far... Well, if that’s the case, it can’t be forced.】

Ritsuka clasped her hands together and smiled apologetically: “Sorry, Mom. But after that, I’ll definitely have time. There’s a long vacation scheduled, and I’ll definitely come home with Mash!”

【Is that so? That’s good to hear... By the way, can you bring that Department Head so your dad and I can meet him?】

“Eh? The Department Head? Why?”

【Because you keep mentioning him, Ritsuka. So your dad and I were thinking, maybe you have feelings for this Department Head—】

“Aaah~~~ Mom, don’t talk nonsense!” Ritsuka hurriedly cut off her mother’s gossip, her face flushing. “That would trouble the Department Head. Besides, the Department Head is getting married, so it’s not appropriate!”

【Eh? Getting married? That’s a pity... But it’s fine to bring him for us to meet, right? After all, he’s the one who’s always taken good care of you. We need to thank him.】

“Ah... that... I’ll talk to the Department Head about it. If he has free time, maybe he can...”

【Hmm—well, time’s almost up. I need to go shopping to prepare dinner for your dad. Let’s stop here, Ritsuka. Talk again next time when you’re free, or when you come home. Oh, and be careful out there, stay safe.】

“I know, Mom.” Ritsuka smiled and waved. “See you. I’ll come home after the next mission.”

“—Definitely.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In Hinako’s room.

“The final battle, huh...”

Sitting on the edge of the bed with Xiang Yu, Hinako let out a faint sigh.

“Finally, this day has arrived... It’s hard to believe ten years have passed.”

Ten years ago, because of Naoki’s promise, Hinako followed him to Chaldea, vowing to help fight the Human Order Incineration in exchange for the chance to reunite with Xiang Yu.

And recently, the wish she pursued for thousands of years was fulfilled. Reuniting with Xiang Yu was the happiest and most joyful thing for Hinako in those thousands of years.

However—

“Yu, for this final battle, don’t you want to join?”

Xiang Yu, understanding his wife’s thoughts, asked.

Hinako leaned against Xiang Yu and nodded slightly.

The final battle, the fight against Solomon, the battle against Demon God King Goetia—honestly, Hinako didn’t want to go. Her contract with Naoki had been fulfilled. Over the past six months, she had always participated in Singularity battles. In terms of the contract’s contents, she had fulfilled it perfectly.

So, it wouldn’t matter if she didn’t join this final battle.

And if she went...

“Lord Xiang Yu, Yu (Hinako) is very afraid of losing you again.” Hinako said in a low voice.

Solomon was a formidable enemy, and her true form, Demon God King Goetia, was a Beast on par with Tiamat, an existence stronger than a Grand Servant.

If they fought together, Hinako wouldn’t mind, but Xiang Yu might...

Hinako didn’t want to see that outcome. She had waited bitterly for thousands of years just for this chance to reunite with her beloved. She absolutely didn’t want to part with Xiang Yu again.

If the battle would lead to such a result, she’d rather not fight.

She was already satisfied just maintaining the current state.

Listening to his wife’s heartfelt words on his shoulder, Xiang Yu was silent for a moment, then said: “Then, for the final battle, let me go forward. Yu, stay in Chaldea.”

“NO WAY!”

Without the slightest hesitation, the moment Xiang Yu’s words fell, Hinako rejected them with intense emotion, like a reflex.

Memories of the night in Gaixia a thousand years ago surfaced from the depths of her heart.

It was just like this back then. The night they parted a thousand years ago was just like this!

Hinako knew why Xiang Yu wanted to fight—because he desired World Peace. That was the core command set when he was created. And in this endgame of the Human Order Incineration, if the world was to return to peace and prosperity, Solomon had to be defeated.

Therefore, Xiang Yu had to fight.

“Lord Xiang Yu, you...”

Gripping Xiang Yu’s collar tightly, Hinako buried her head deep in his chest.

“If you go, there’s a high chance you’ll fall on the battlefield again.”

“If that creates World Peace, then my life is worth sacrificing.” Xiang Yu gently stroked his beloved’s black hair. “Yu, I know your thoughts. This is the reunion you waited a thousand years for. You don’t want to part with me again, don’t want to witness my departure again. I understand that well.”

“But don’t worry, and don’t be sad, my wife. I believe this won’t be our eternal parting.”

“My existence has been etched into the Throne of Heroes. Wherever and whenever you are, as long as it’s your call, I will surely respond and return to your side.”

“Lord Xiang Yu...”

Hinako clutched Xiang Yu’s collar.

“Yu... understands.”

“If you disappear after this battle, Yu will definitely call you back!”

-

Title: A Promise Delayed by Ten Years

As Ritsuka and Hinako made their final preparations in their own ways, on Naoki’s side—

“Ugh~~~ All done~~~”

Closing the laptop in front of her, Merry sprawled back on the sofa: “Really unexpected, I’m not quite used to playing the role of someone I’ve never met.”

Behind Merry, Naoki was massaging her temples: “Thanks for your help. You just woke up and already had to get back to work. But Fujimaru’s matter really needed your touch.”

Ritsuka’s parents, at this point in time, could actually be considered dead.

Mifune City was sustained by the power of Ritsuka, the Root (Shiki), and because she left for the Seventh Singularity, even briefly, Mifune City had turned into a sea of flames.

Everything there had been affected by the Human Order Incineration.

Thus, including Ritsuka’s parents, everyone had perished. Although everything would return to normal once the Human Order Incineration ended, at least for now, contacting them was impossible.

The reason Ritsuka could reach her mother at this moment was purely because Merry was temporarily impersonating her.

“You really care about little Ritsuka’s feelings.” Merry leaned against her great king’s chest, “When will you be that considerate toward me just once?”

“Don’t talk as if I’m always harsh to you. I usually spoil you enough. It’s you who keeps pushing the limits until you almost get smacked.”

“Hehehe~~~~”

Rubbing her chest against Naoki, Merry laughed: “Well then, since little Ritsuka’s matter is settled, it’s time for us to start too. The planning meeting for our departure.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

As he said that, Naoki snapped his fingers. The Chaldea room instantly vanished, transforming into a large space resembling a castle hall.

And in that hall, almost all the women connected to Naoki had gathered.

Arcueid, the Sajyou sisters, Aoko, Artoria, Mordred, Riddell, Ciel, the two Servants Atalanta and Okita Souji, Angelica...

The only ones absent were Olga Marie, Chaldea’s Director; Touko, who was crafting a special Mystic Code for Ritsuka with Da Vinci; and Gray, who was preparing lunch for everyone in the kitchen.

After scanning everyone, Naoki spoke in a heavy tone: “I assume you all know the situation. Though the Seventh Singularity battle ended just a few hours ago, the final battle begins in one day.”

“Our opponents are the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars and Beast I—Demon God King Goetia. I’d love to boast that I alone am enough, but in truth, he’s not an enemy I can face alone, nor one that Chaldea’s strength can handle.”

Each Demon God Pillar requires more than one top-tier Servant to suppress it. With Chaldea’s strength, they couldn’t win, even if Naoki could hold off half of them alone.

“Well, that means we have to go together.” Aoko laughed, “No need to bother saying this to us. After all, everyone here, except for a few whose combat strength is truly lacking, are people who will fight alongside you.”

“Aoko... Yeah, thank you.”

Fourteen years ago, in a parallel world, Aoko once told Naoki, [Saving the world isn’t your burden alone], and she intervened in his actions in the most decisive way.

And now, before truly saving the world, Naoki was no longer recklessly acting alone like in his youth but immediately thought of gathering everyone’s strength.

In some ways, Aoko had the greatest and deepest influence on Naoki.

“So, what’s the plan of action, Master?” Artoria asked, “If the opponent is a Beast, do we need to devise a strategy?”

“No... To face Goetia, we don’t need too many people. Just a few will suffice. I already have an idea about that. And for now, I hope you all will handle the Demon God Pillars.”

As he spoke, Naoki activated his wristband, projecting a three-dimensional analysis diagram of the Grand Temple of Time in the air.

It was clear that the entire Temple of Time was shaped like a circular altar. The central area was completely isolated from the outer edges. Infinite Mana converged toward the central point, and outside that central point were individual red dots.

“All these red dots are entities with abnormal Spiritron reactions. After database comparison, they perfectly match the Spiritron pattern of the Demon God Pillars that appeared in the Singularities, and their number is exactly seventy-two.”

“Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars surrounding the temple?” Artoria frowned. “To break through this situation...”

“Breaking through isn’t the issue. The biggest problem is that the Demon God Pillars are essentially immortal. After all, the total number of Demon God Pillars is constantly maintained at seventy-two. No matter how many are destroyed, Solomon can summon them back, keeping the count at seventy-two Pillars.”

This was the most troublesome aspect of the Demon God Pillars, roughly equivalent to infinite numbers and immortality.

“One day from now, Chaldea will transfer us to the Grand Temple of Time via Rayshift. At that time, we need to defeat Solomon before Chaldea collides with the Temple of Time, and to do that, we must first break through the defensive line formed by the seventy-two Demon God Pillars—I’ll handle that part. However, after breaking through, the Demon God Pillars will still pursue, and I hope you can hold them off.”

Although many Servants might come to assist at that time, it wasn’t certain. After all, Naoki didn’t go through the entire Singularity journey with Ritsuka, so it couldn’t be guaranteed whether Ritsuka could spontaneously summon Servants to help.

Thus, arrangements still needed to be made now.

“Lia, Mordred, Atalanta, Angelica, Rei, Ciel, Souji, Merry, and Gray who isn’t here—you stay at the outer edges with Chaldea’s people, holding off the Demon God Pillars.”

“Arcueid, you too.”

Arcueid facing the Demon God Pillars as well?

Everyone was slightly surprised but soon understood—after all, the number of Demon God Pillars was too great. Relying only on those mentioned above might not be enough to fully hold them off. Meanwhile, Arcueid, like Naoki, could use Imaginary Manifestation to handle the majority on her own.

And with this calculation...

“It’s rare to have a final chance to fight alongside you.” Aoko laughed. “Looks like this is a situation where my magic will be used.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you, Aoko.”

“This final battle, let’s end it together.”

This was the Goetia Operation Squad, consisting of only two members.

—Naoki.

—Aoko.

(I’ve waited ten years. The duel that couldn’t be settled ten years ago will definitely end this time.)

(And then, I can tell everyone here...)

-

Title: A Promise Delayed by Ten Years

Inside Chaldea, there is no concept of day or night.

To determine whether night has arrived, one can only judge based on the clock ticking at a standard pace.

Exactly at midnight.

*CREAK!*

As usual, Naoki’s room door was opened from the outside by someone other than himself.

In some ways, Naoki’s private room was considered a public area, as quite a few people could come and go freely. However, the person who came to him late at night was always the same one.

Using the faint light from the clock on the desk and relying on bodily memory, the person in the darkness smoothly made their way to the side of the bed, carefully observing it.

“Hmm? Only one person. Is Rei not here today?”

Under normal circumstances, there should always be two people lying in the bed, but now, unexpectedly, there was only one.

It was a bit surprising, but actually better.

Crouching beside the bed, the person reached out toward the bed, intending to shake the sleeping figure awake. However, as they moved—

*CLICK!*

The sound of a light being switched on came from the doorway. Instantly, the dimly lit room became brightly illuminated, revealing the figure in the darkness.

It was Olga Marie.

“Ugh…!”

The sudden brightness made Marie instinctively squint her eyes. Then, as she looked toward the door—

“Eh? Natsukawa? Why are you…”

“Why am I here?” Naoki smiled. “Because I was waiting for you. I thought you might come looking for me around this time, so I kept waiting. After all, fairies don’t need to sleep.”

“Then, the one in the bed…”

“Just a small illusion. Not on Merry’s level, but good enough for a basic trick. You always barge in at night, so once in a while, I wanted to see your reaction when you came to an empty room.”

As he said that, Naoki walked to the side of the bed, wrapped his arm around Marie’s waist, and sat down.

“Eek—!”

Like she’d been shocked by electricity, Marie let out a strange yelp due to the sudden physical contact, jumping out of Naoki’s lap with a flushed face, looking as if she’d been touched in a sore spot.

Naoki frowned in confusion: “What’s wrong, Marie?”

“Uh… nothing, just… not used to it yet.”

With her cheeks bright red, Marie sat beside Naoki like a shy girl: “T-this is enough. For now, this is fine…”

If any other woman saw this situation, they would immediately understand Marie’s state.

Simply put, she hadn’t fully adjusted.

After all, just a few days ago, she had ended her one-sided love and officially became husband and wife with Naoki.

For Marie, this change was very sudden—suddenly being told by Merry about Naoki’s shrinking condition, suddenly being taken to Avalon, and then, while her mind was still in a daze, fulfilling her long-held wish…

The fact that she was now with the man she’d loved since childhood made Marie incredibly happy and satisfied. But because it all happened so abruptly, it gave her a dreamlike feeling.

That was why she reacted this way.

Unfortunately, Naoki didn’t understand the nuances behind it at all.

“Are you feeling unwell? How about lying down and resting for a bit?”

As he said that, Naoki moved to help Marie lie down. Seeing him get closer, the extremely shy Marie froze double-time, her mind collapsing. She immediately scooted her hips to the edge of the bed!

This somewhat unusual action left Naoki even more puzzled.

“Marie?”

“Ugh—!”

Unlike the earlier call, this affectionate address sent Marie, who had been “floating on the sea’s surface.” plummeting straight to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

(Calm down, Marie, calm down. It’s just a change in how he calls you, nothing to get excited about. Calm down. Show your Commander’s dignity. Acting like a young girl like this is so embarrassing in front of him…)

Covering her chest and taking several deep breaths, after her heartbeat gradually calmed, Marie turned to Naoki: “Sorry, Natsukawa, you saw my immature side. I was a bit unsettled earlier. Now let’s talk about serious matters.”

“Yeah, I figured you had something to discuss with me.”

Naoki nodded slightly: “Go ahead, what do you want to talk about tonight?”

“Ahem, ahem~~~! There’s quite a bit to discuss. Let’s go in order… First, about the final battle happening tomorrow—no, I mean today.” Marie cleared her throat and said, “You, you’ll definitely win.”

There was a clear hint of anxiety in her words.

After thinking for a moment, Naoki spread his hands: “Who knows.”

“Eh?”

“Things like winning or losing can’t be fully certain until the fight actually happens. So I don’t know if I’ll ultimately win—but I can guarantee I’ll do everything to win. After all, I can’t afford to lose.”

Yes, he couldn’t afford to lose.

Having come this far, having waited ten years for this day. Whether for human civilization or for himself, he absolutely couldn’t lose.

“Then… after you win, everything will be over.”

The Human Order Incineration would end with Chaldea’s victory, the human crisis would be resolved, and everything would calm down.

“No, it won’t be over.” Naoki immediately rejected Marie’s idea. “It won’t just end like that. Even if the Human Order Incineration ends, that doesn’t mean all problems are solved. After all, after that, we’ll welcome the true Tomorrow, won’t we?”

The true Tomorrow.

No matter how severe the Human Order Incineration was, the world wouldn’t stop functioning because it ended. The usual tomorrow would come. Everyone would greet a new future with hope.

And for Naoki, this was even more true.

“Besides, after everything’s over, it’s time for me to get married.”

“Ma—”

Marie’s expression froze instantly.

Married!?

Seeing her shocked expression, Naoki couldn’t help but laugh: “What’s so surprising? I’m almost forty, isn’t getting married normal? Actually, if it weren’t for the Human Order Incineration, I would’ve married ten years ago…”

Ten years ago, when Merry faced Naoki’s proposal, she said—if he could win the Fifth Holy Grail War, she would marry him.

Although it was essentially Naoki’s victory, due to his personal pride, he decided to wait ten years, until after resolving the Human Order Incineration and truly defeating Solomon, before getting married.

“Now, I can’t just marry Merry alone. Merry, Aoko, Touko, Lia, Mordred…”

Naoki counted on his fingers, naming the candidates he would propose to.

And finally—

“Marie.”

Naoki called Marie’s name.

Marie was slightly startled: “M-me too?”

“Of course. There’s no reason not to marry you.” Naoki reached out and touched her cheek. “Or do you not want to?”

“No! I’m not refusing! Just… a bit surprised… I thought you… didn’t have feelings for me.”

*SMACK!*

A light flick landed on Marie’s forehead. Naoki laughed and said: “Have a little confidence in your charm. If it was the younger you, that’s one thing, but the you now has grown into a top-class beautiful woman. Plus, with our relationship spanning over eight years, do you think I’m some block of wood who wouldn’t be moved by a woman as beautiful as you?”

“Don’t underestimate yourself, and don’t underestimate me.”

Whether it was being called captivated by beauty or a member of the appearance fan club, Naoki did indeed like Marie, just as he liked Rei, Merry, Artoria, and the others.

Thus, after everything was over, Naoki would propose to them all.

This was something he had decided long ago.