Castle of Snow and Ice (End)

Senpai, look!

Those birds are back...

Does that mean we're near another one of those patches of land between ice and fire?

I don't think we saw any birds around Gerda's village. Given what she said, animals are pretty rare here.

Since they have fish in the village pond, they may be more used to aquatic life.

Huh, you don't say. So you two can see those birds too.

？！

It's a good thing. Those birds are a good sign for us.

They've guided me the whole time I've been here. Even led me to you two.

Huh? Th-those specific birds? Really?

Kidding, obviously. Now come on! It's morning, and we need to pick up the pace of this march!

Go ahead and activate those thruster things. We're almost to Her Majesty's castle!

If we were still in Proper Human History, this castle would be considered an architectural masterpiece.

Well, here in this Lostbelt, it's the largest building around, not that that's exactly a high bar to clear.

A castle of ice and snow. A kind of temple, where a real-life god resides.

The one and only castle in this whole Lostbelt, standing tall in the northern part of the Oslo Fjord in the Scandinavian PeninsulaOslo in Proper Human History.

I'll say this: it sure looks like a place where the ruler of this icy land would live.

Fou, fo fou.

How do we get in?

Through the back.

You've probably figured it out by now, but this isn't my first time here. I tried breaking in once before.

As you can imagine, it didn't go particularly well.

But it wasn't all for nothing, right? I may not have left with much in the way of spoils, but I got info.

？！

Damn straight!

I know what Heroic Spirits are supposed to be like in my head, but it's hard to put into practice.

It's not like I was overly confident in my power or anything... I was mostly just curious to see how far I could go.

Plus, I had a few reasons for doing it. I might not've taken any of them down, but I did learn a few things.

One of them was this underground passage leading to the castle's main building.

If you just walk across the big bridge up top, you get swarmed by a mountain of envoys... Guess it's just in their nature...

Fo, fo fo fou...

Down below is much easier. Not nearly as heavy security down there.

Yeah, I figured this'd be the case. She didn't increase security after I broke in. So, must mean she doesn't see me as an enemy.

...But she definitely knows we're here. That's just who she is.

She's the real deal; there's no telling how strong she might be. Be ready to face her when we get up to the castle, 'cause I promise you, she'll be waiting.

R-right.

...Right. Here, she's the king of this Lostbelt. And of course, she has no way of knowing who we are.

？！

Fo...fou! Fo fou!

Fou?

...Senpai, Napoleon, there are magical energy signals up ahead. Is that

Nah, those are just ice beasts that decided to make this place their home. Let's take 'em out and be on our way!

Artillerymen, forward!

Phew. I swear, what the hell do those things eat to get so damn big!?

Anyway... We weren't too loud, right...?

I was...careful with my...cannon...

... ...

... ...

Um...

No no, don't say it. I should've known from the moment I materialized with this giant cannon that I wasn't really going to be great at covert ops.

...Doesn't look like the castle garrison's about to storm us, but it's probably too much to hope they didn't notice.

Well, may as well keep on going. There's a staircase leading up not far ahead. And once we get there

The queen will be...waiting for us...?

Sure will. Maybe that Sigurd guy, too. We're not here for a rematch, but you might not have a choice!

All right, let's get a move on, Private!

It's beautiful...

I-I mean, we've made our way into the castle. This seems to be the throne room. Scanning for magical energy now...

I'm getting a powerful magical energy signal from...the entire place! It's as though the castle itself is emanating magical energy...

Yes, I suppose it would be.

I made this castle of ice and snow out of my own magical energy. You may as well be standing within me.

You can't even sense the Servant standing nearby, can you? That is because these walls are hardened snow, the very same snow that falls all across my Scandinavia.

Fo, fou fou! Kyaaau!

That voice...!

Well that didn't take long! Haha, ol' Queenie here sure likes to make an entrance, doesn't she!

A god...

...is eternal. A god is absolute.

In ancient times, humans saw gods in everything...but in my world, my Lostbelt, there is only one.

If a god is everywhere, in all things, then so am I. If a god is incredible power, then so am I.

I am told the gods are gone in Proper Human History. I am told they are reduced to Divine Spirits, and that humans never see them.

It must be painful, living in such a world.

To think that humans have no choice but to bury the objects of their worship deep in their hearts, that they must rely on idols instead of true deities.

But in this world, I exist...

You may bow your heads and kneel before me, human children. I am Scáthach-Skadi, and I shall love you as my own.

？！

...She really does look exactly like Scáthach...

Fo... Foooooou...

Hm? Is that the only part of my name that draws your attention?

Ah, yes. I remember now. The Crypter told me you are acquainted with a Heroic Spirit from Proper Human History.

Scáthach, the Celtic warrior, was it? Regrettably, I know almost nothing about her...

But, I do know all about you. I'm told you fought bravely within that lump of metal you call the Shadow Border.

You also rescued one of my precious human children. It seems you caused an unfortunate incident in Village 23 arising from a misunderstanding, but I forgive you.

I forgive all of it. I shall love you as my own children.

You did well to survive the demonic sword's assault. That is how it should be. I do not wish for any living thing to suffer such pain more than once.

...

？！

(I think so, Senpai. I can even sense genuine, um, affection in her words.)

(But, at the same time...)

(...her magical energy is such that I can't even begin to process it! It's filling the entire castle!)

(...What's more, it's so concentrated that I almost feel like I'm going to pass out! It's enough to kill any normal creature instantly!)

(It even reminds me of the Seventh Singularity...and the massive magical energy in the atmosphere there...)

Fo, fooo...u...!

That's real generous of you, Your Majesty. Does that mean you're putting us under your protection?

Ah, it's you. That Archer whose name escapes me.

You are alive because I wish it to be so. How about that? Is that enough to know that I love you?

Damn, my name's that hard for you to remember, huh?

I'm Napoleon Bonaparte. I used to be an emperor. Now I'm a hero of humanity.

That's the second time I've told you that.

Haha, forgive me, Archer. I have no interest in the names or deeds of those from Proper Human History.

Naturally, I permit you all to exist here in Scandinavia. I am god here, and there are only two possibilities I have for you.

A simple question... Do I kill you, or love you?

I have decided to grace the three of you with my love. I will, therefore, not kill you. That said...

...I will not be telling you where the Tree of Emptiness lies. I suggest you do not pursue it further.

!!!

You mean to cut it down, do you not? That would be a sin even I could not forgive.

As for the Paper Moon, you are free to do with it as you will. Of course, I imagine its current owners may have something to say about that.

Haha. So what, you want us to put on a little show for you and fight them for it?

That is not the worst idea...but no, I had something else in mind... Thrúd.

You called for me, my Goddess?

Capture them.

...!

Oh...?

They have not yet broken the seam, but as I expected, they have begun to form a group. As such, they shall enjoy my love here, where I can watch them closely.

Understood. Command received, Scáthach-Skadi. What should I do if the targets resist?

Do not kill them. They, too, are my precious children.

As you wish.

Then I will attempt to neutralize them without killing them. Once I activate my White Swan Mystic Code, I will engage my light spear's combat function.

...!

It's difficult to accurately gauge her magical energy inside this castle...but she is much more powerful than the envoShe's a Valkyrie!

Haha! Obviously! She's one of the originals they used as a base model!

She and her two sisters lead that entire army! You should be thanking your lucky stars we get to see her for ourselves!

That's Thrúd! She's a daughter of Odin himself. She's a demigod who's been around since the Age of Gods!

Demigod...!?

Fo!?

Don't be afraid! Don't retreat now! Her Majesty herself is watching, so let's show her what we can do!

Scáthach-Skadi, permission to release a Muspel to limit unforeseen possibilities in combat.

Fighting alongside one would greatly reduce the difficulty of restraining the targets without killing them.

Granted. Use him well, Thrúd.

A hole just opened in the floor! And...something's climbing out? ...Is that...a giant!?

It has the same kind of mask as the other giants we've seen! It's also chained down by

Scratch that! The chains just went flying and the giant is coming right at us!

We didn't even see any giants underground on the way here! Guess this place is still full of surprises!

Quasi-link to Muspel established. Commencing target neutralization. Engaging combat mode.

...It is time you learned the power of the Goddess's servants, people of Proper Human History.

Dance, my human children. Dance. Show me how fiercely your passion burns!

The giant presumed to be a Muspel has been defeated... I believe it's most likely the strongest type of giant we've seen so far!

Muspels are flame giants! In Norse mythology, they were said to live in the fire realm of Muspelheim!

Basically means they're mythology's ultimate badasses. You better believe they're tough if not even the gods want them running around unsupervised!

But! This was still no match for the Grande Armée!

...Hrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaah!

...Defending against the Archer's ranged attack. It is powerful, but insufficient to destroy my shield.

So this is what it's like going up against a real Valkyrie. Fun stuff! Puissance aside, your gear's something else!

Was that stuff made in the Age of Gods? Don't tell me Odin himself forged it!

...You are strong, brave warriors from a far-off land. You have forced me to reconsider several of my underlying presumptions.

And you, Archer, would seem to possess an exceptionally keen eye.

My Divine Iron Shield was indeed forged before Ragnarök, and bestowed upon me by Odin.

It will not break no matter what manner of strange firearm you wield against it.

Hahaha, of all the times to be right! Oh, as for my weapon here, this is called a cannon! Don't forget it!

Understood. Designation: cannon. I'll remember that. It's simpler than I expected.

Hey, you actually listened to me... I like that. Haha! And you're just as beautiful as the queen, though in a distinctly different way.

But, sadly, here in Scandinavia, I'm already promised to another!

...Khh!

Thanks for the defense! Great teamwork! You've got a knack for this!

Thank you! But, I'm afraid that fighting a true Valkyrie is much more difficult than the envoys...

Adjusting Ortinax's output. Auto-maintenance functionality activated.

...This Lostbelt is full of beautiful, powerful life-forms. I still can't determine how strong the queen is, but...

...even putting her aside, I never thought there would be so many other enemies on par with Sigurd here...

Hehe. My, my.

You shouldn't speak that name lightly, young shield-maiden. Words have weight, after all.

Now, the one who filled you with such dread approaches...

...Hehe, if only you had not spoken his name, he might have remained out of sight.

!

(Unbelievable. This place should make it impossible to detect a Servant's distinct presence, yet I can still feel his intense burning cold as clear as day...!)

Sigurd the Dragon Slayer...!

Fou, fooou!!!

Fo!

Fooou...

？！

Haha, now I see! Boy, do I ever see!

Ooh la la! This is a tough one! He's just as the shield mademoiselle described! I'm getting goose bumps!

But I'm afraid that's where it stops. That isn't enough to make me swap my cannon for a white flag...

I've still got ammo, and plenty of gunpowder. If anything, now I'm just more curious than ever.

Just how many shots DOES it take to break to the center of a great hero's Spirit Origin...?

...Why are you here, child of Barnstokkr? Do you mean to interfere with my task?

Hmph.

Don't worry. I hear I'm supposed to be a knight now, so I'm just here in case Her Majesty needs me, like my princess told me to be.

Those the Chaldeans? Well here they are, just like Her Majesty said.

What do you want to do about them, Ophelia? If you want them dead, I can kill them right now.

...Be quiet, Saber.

Ophelia...

...

...Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to have Thrúd stand down? I wish to speak with that young woman.

Granted. Did you hear that, Thrúd? Stand down.

As you wish.

Mash Kyrielight.

It's been a while since we last spoke, yes? Two years, if I'm not mistaken?

...That's right. It's been a long time, Ophelia.

I've been wanting to talk to you again too. I've wanted to tell you everything about what happened in Chaldea, about our journey to restore humanity.

I wanted to tell you about who I was then and who I am now...and to ask you about the name "Crypter."

Looking back, I never really talked with anyone else.

I only ever offered my opinion on what was happening in a given moment. I couldn't really express how I felt about things back then.

But that's not true anymore. I've been to so many places now, and learned so much from so many people.

I've learned so much about life. About good and evil, and how people retain their humanity even in difficult times.

But at Chaldea, even though we were all on the same team, I never tried to get to know the other members of Team A.

And that's why...I want to get to know you all now.

That first year as members of Team A... I want to find out what meaning there was to the time I spent with all of you.

...I see. I'm glad to hear that.

You really are earnest, aren't you?

But, I'm afraid we won't be able to do that, Mash. This is where your journey ends.

Ophelia!

You've seen so many things I don't know about, and been to so many worlds I'll never visit.

I would love to hear about all of it. I really wish we could sit down and have a long talk.

I've felt that way ever since we first met. I mean that.

And with how you've grown since then...I think we might be able to have an even better discussion now.

But, that doesn't matter.

I'm not going to change. I can't. I'm a Crypter now, with all the responsibility that entails.

I can't let you all go. I won't.

... ...

...Even if it means resetting the entire planet?

What if it did?

That's who the Crypters are. That's who I am, under Lord Kirschtaria Wodime's guidance.

It's strange, isn't it, Mash? ...You were originally supposed to come with us.

Now you've become a Demi-Servant, and our enemy.

I'm not sure if this is irony, or fate.

I don't think of myself as your enemy. I would like to resolve our differences peacefully, if we can.

Is that...not the case for you, Ophelia?

Me?

Well, I suppose I

Whoa there, slow down. Let's not try to skip to the end here. Go easy on the poor girl, Mademoiselle Mash.

Napoleon? Do you and Ophelia already know each other...?

Well, this is the second time we've met. We first met when I broke into the castle.

In fact, let me be frank.

Mademoiselle Ophelia Phamrsolone isn't just beautiful. She's also...

...my fiancée!

Fiancée!?

？！

I-I'm trying and failing to imagine Ophelia...and Napoleon Bonaparte, the Heroic Spirit...married...

B-besides, aren't you already married, Napoleon? ...Oh, wait. If I recall correctly, you divorced your wife, but then went on to marry an archduchess...

B-but then, I do suppose there are Heroic Spirits who make a clean break from their past when they materialize, s-so...

N-never mind that! I still can't believe Ophelia is your fian!

I'm not.

Huh...? You're not...?

Of course not.

I'm one of the seven chosen Crypters. Such trivialities are rather unimportant now.

Besides, Mash, you said it yourself. The world we grew up in has been completely wiped clean, right?

Engagement? Ridiculous. Marriage...family... Every institution of the society humans cultivated is gone.

All that remains now is the new worlds in each Lostbelt, with new societies and new norms to guide humanity.

Take a look at this Scandinavia! The very idea of marriage doesn't even exis

I proposed to you!

You never said no!

Then you ARE engaged!

Damn straight! But would you mind letting me finish, Mash?

Listen, Ophelia. Not saying no outright to a proposal is like saying yes. Don't go all Talleyrand on me now.

I want you to be my beloved Joséphine! No, wait, scratch that. That's an awful thing to say.

I want you to...to take your place beside Joséphine in my heart. There we go.

Fo fo fooou, fou!

... ...

...Y-you really didn't turn him down...?

B-because the very idea was preposterous! It was so stupid, it didn't even merit a response!

Regardless of your absurd claims, my silence in no way indicates an affirmative answer!

That's all okay with me. ...I fell in love with you.

!

Yeah, that's right. I'm in love with you. How's that? Are you convinced now? Ma chérie, Ophelia Phamrsolone?

？！

You bet I'm serious. Never been more serious about anything. What's so strange about that? She's one of my main motivations.

If a woman I'm in love with is here, I can't just sit back and do nothing, now can I!?

Fou! Fo fou! Kyau, kyaaau!

Y-your words ring just as hollow now as they did back then... I can't stand to listen any longer.

Why would you even think to propose to someone you'd only just

Haven't you ever heard of love at first sight!?

... ...

I have neither time nor patience for jokes. Any Heroic Spirit fighting for humanity is our enemy.

Your Majesty, will you grant me permission to stain this castle's walls with his filthy blood?

No.

What are you saying, Ophelia? This man seems as if he would make a perfect partner for you.

Regardless, ending the life of one I have elected to love is a grave crime. You may be my daughter in charge of growing the Tree of Emptiness, but that is a request I cannot grant.

You will capture him without killing him, Ophelia.

...As you wish, my queen.

...You heard her, Saber. Neutralize them. No killing.

And make extra sure you don't kill Mash Kyrielight, even by accident.

Got it.

Precision work isn't exactly my specialty, but if that's your order for me, fine. So I just have to not kill the shield girl, right?

I meant what I said, Saber.

...Oh, my, Ophelia. You can be quite the stubborn girl, can't you.

Heh. This won't take long.

...!

It should be impossible to sense magical energy here, and yet... It's still unbelievably powerful...!

And then there's that odd air about him...

？！

Ortinax output is stable. This battle won't turn out like the last one! I'm ready to go, Senpai!

Well damn...guess I'm the one who stirred this pot! Sorry 'bout that! But don't worry; if we're gonna do this, I'll make damn sure you two make it out alive!

Time to undo some of the damage I just did to my reputation here!

...Go ahead and get ALL your hopes up! I won't let you down, no matter how big they are!

...Well, well. You are moving better than the last time.

We're really straining the Ortinax, but its output hasn't fallen. I can still fight, Senpai!

I think Napoleon is somehow providing some sort of spell boost...

Don't tell me you forgot? I'm the only hero of humanity in this whole Lostbelt.

I believe I'm basically calibrated for fighting here. And that's not even the only trick I have up my sleeve!

How 'bout you, great hero?

... ...

...Now I see. Joint resistance from Proper Human History, huh.

Clever. Hehe, good. This would just be boring if you couldn't fight back at least a little.

...?

(Am I imagining things, or is Sigurd smiling...?)

Ophelia. Release one of my limiters.

Very well. I'll give you that.

...Forced Spirit Origin Ascension limiter release. Destroy all who would stand in our way, my knight.

A Spirit Origin Ascension...!?

Phase two limiter released. Authorization granted to Heroic Spirit Sigurd for full employment of the demonic sword Gram.

Now then, how should I kill you? Which one should I kill first? Ah, what am I saying. I've gotta start with you, lover boy. Maybe that'll shut you up.

Oho, more armor and blades, huh! I see, I see. So you're starting to take us seriously, eh?

I can tell his magical energy is spiking even higher! I haven't even touched him, and I can still feel the Ortinax groaning under the strain...

But...but I can still keep on going, Senpai! The Ortinax's auto-maintenance is keeping its output high and stable!

...I see. You really have grown, haven't you...

You never showed such fierce determination before, Mash.

It's dazzling to behold. And beautiful.

...

Ophelia, I don't know what the Crypters' reasons are for doing this.

But even if I did, I can't walk away...no matter how strong the Lostbelt Servant you control may be!

We know someone who may not have been strong himself, but if he were here now, he would still yell at us not to lose just because our opponent was stronger...!

I see. You've grown so much stronger since I last saw you, Mash. Shockingly so, in fact.

...I'm sorry about this.

Huh...!?

Hey, Ophelia. What's up with your eye? Why's it look like that...?

It's a Mystic Eye! But I don't know exactly what it can do!

Senpai! Napoleon! Be ready! She's about to use some sort of powerful spell!

...Phenomena, schufen auf.

That armor of yours is impressive. Ich will es niemals glänzen sehen.

!!!

Ah...! The load on the Ortinax just increased exponentially...!

Output is dropping rapidly across the board, even though the auto-maintenance is working fine...!

Wh-what's going on...?

Does this mean...you were able to rewind phenomena...over a limited area...?

My Mystic Eye's rank is Jewel.

Once I have decided I don't want to see something shine, it will never shine in front of me.

I never showed this to you before, did I? Well, now you know: this is what I can do if I feel like it.

I'm sorry, Mash, but you're going to sit this one out.

So once you define a target, you can manipulate its passage through time...

But, that's the domain of True Magic! Even with a Mystic Eye, that could never just be an extension of any regular magecraft!

There must be more to it... Something I'm not seeing...

Worry about that later! Here he comes!

Done talking? I want to get back to it. Let me show you what Gram can do when its limits have been released.

It's still a ways off from its true power, but you'll just have to deal with that. There's no way Ophelia's going to let me use my third phase.

Now, time for you to die. Hehe. Hehe, hehehehe!

Hahahaha! Whadda ya know! This great hero guy hits even harder than the giants!

...Looks like I can't let my guard down, even for a moment. Mademoiselle Mash, if your armor's not working right, just hang in there and focus on defense!

No! I can...still fight...! I'm not going to turn and run...not for a third time against the same opponent!

I can't turn back now, Senpai!

？！

...I won't! I'll make sure to keep just shy of reckless!

...Ooh la la, Lostbelt Servant! So this is the power of your demonic sword, huh!

It's strong. Really strong. Makes me wish I had a whole bunch of them for my Grande Armée!

But, I guess that'll have to wait for another time.

Hey, Ophelia! I'm happy you're looking my way, but can't you look a little happier, too!?

Not that angry is a bad look for you, but lighten up a little! I did come to profess my love!

...

...Hmph. Don't let him get to you, Ophelia.

A Heroic Spirit, and a hybrid, huh. You're more of a challenge than I thought. Something's helping you out.

Maybe it's because you materialized with power your own Spirit Origin could never hope to possess.

But...it's still not enough. The best you can hope for is Ophelia's Mystic Eye to stop you in your tracks.

You're going to need to be a hell of a lot stronger if you plan on killing me.

If you're going to prattle on about love, you'd better make sure you're good enough to back it up.

...Well now. That's food for thought, isn't it?

...That was a most impressive dance, everyone.

But I am afraid it is curtains now. Ophelia, that is quite enough.

Poor Mash is about to collapse. Can you not see how she is gasping for breath?

I cannot abide seeing my beloved children fight to the death.

I-I'm...fine... (Huff, huff)... I can...still... (Gasp, gasp)...

...This is...nothing... We've always...

... ...

As you wish, Your Majesty. Saber.

Hmph.

I'm warning you both: next time, I won't hold back.

Hmm... Well, this may not be entirely necessary, but I shall finish this myself.

Oh, do not worry. I won't kill you, and you will feel no pain.

I'm afraid you will have to stay in the dungeon. But be warned: resisting this time will not yield such a pleasant dance as just unfolded here.

Let me show you what I mean...

？！

Bow down; rejoice that such divine power courses through your body. Bow down; this is the light of the rune inherited from the Allfather himself.

I will not hurt you, nor will I rob you of your magical energy. I have simply rendered your body inert.

Now stay. Savor the depths of my godly power and love.

Khh...! Sen...pai...!

...Now I see. This is something...!

Wow, gods really are something else...! I seriously can't even lift a finger...!

...

People of Proper Human History. My new children.

I am a bit disappointed to see this is apparently the best you can do, that this is all the combined power of humanity and Heroic Spirits can offer.

I was expecting something more after I was told you destroyed the king who ruled over the Russian Lostbelt, but it seems you are not quite up to the task of killing a god.

Know your place, and accept sweet repose in your mother's lap.

Couldn't agree more, Queenie... Gods are eternal. Gods are absolute.

Humans could never kill one. That's still true for those of us who have become Divine Spirits, too.

A new threat...!

Haha, guess we're not the only surprise visitors today! It's hard to make out her presence with the castle's magical energy getting in the way, but it looks like

A Servant, but...! Senpai, that Servant isn't a Heroic Spirit. She's

Damn straight. I'm no Heroic Spirit.

...I'm a Divine Spirit!

...!!!

My, my. What a strange thing to say.

A Divine Spirit, you said?

No such hollow things are to be found in my Scandinavia. Here, I am the sole god.

In which case, you must be... Ah, yes, I see. You are here from another Lostbelt. ...Ophelia?

This is Caenis, the Divine Spirit... A Lostbelt Servant who serves Lord Kirschtaria.

She's a special emissary with the Authority to cross between Lostbelts in order to inspect them.

Would you agree with that assessment, Caenis?

Yeah, sure. That's all accurate.

But you know, after poking my head in here and seeing a demigod and a demonic sword wielder going at it, followed by an actual god showing off her power...

...I can't help but want a little reward for myself.

Reward?

Don't worry. I'm not demanding you hand over your life or anything.

Yeah, I think just one oughta do the trick. It's been dull, not having anyone to kill these last few months.

Almost as dull as following your precious man's orders all the damn time...

(She's a barrel of destructive impulses, this one. This ancient Greek Divine Spirit's obviously pretty excited about killing.)

(And she's got some kind of boost from the god of the sea or something. No wonder she feels powerful enough to go around calling herself a Divine Spirit.)

(So...who's she going to kill?)

Hey, woman, I'm talking to you. Phamrsolone, was it?

(Where's her spear gonna end up falling?)

(Ophelia? Nah, it won't be her. But it'll be someone similar, since she's not gunning to fight a Servant.)

(In which case...)

...I can't authorize that. I'm certain you still don't have permission to fight.

Your power is meant to help Lord Kirschtaria make his ideals reality. It is not to be used for idle mischief.

The hell? Ideals? Did you just say "ideals"? That jackass's goals have nothing to do with ideals.

He's just a vindictive little bitch. Ambition. Desires too big for his human britches! That's all he's got!

So much so that I actually feel better about myself for losing to such a shitty piece of work!

...But I digress. I've still gotta decide who I'm gonna kill.

Don't worry, Phamrsolone, it's not you. No, I think I'm gonna go for...

...the Master of Chaldea! Haha, so you killed the King of Russia, did you!?

Wouldn't you know it, I've got a thing for killing kings myself!

Looks like you and me got a lot in common. So I got an idea...

Let's have a go!

...Hey, you. What do you think you're doing, pointing that thing at me?

Ooh la la! Sorry 'bout that! Wouldn't you know it, my arm just slipped a bit!

You can't be more than ten centimeters away, putting you in point-blank range of a cannon. Divine Spirit or not, I don't think you can dodge it... Wanna find out?

Ha!

So you can move, King of Europe! And here I thought you'd been hit with a Primordial Rune!

Haha! Let's just say this is one of those adrenaline rush things! Maybe you've heard about them!

Haha! I like your style, Heroic Spirit! You're a straight shooter, in more ways than one. Makes you easy to kill!

...Well now. Didn't think you'd block the round with just a hand.

'Course I did! Didn't hurt a damn bit! I'm a Divine Spirit, remember!?

What, you don't believe me? Go ahead, fire another. 'Course, if you're too weak to even do that...

...!

...Why don't I just take a little off the top of your head!

...The hell's up with this castle? What, is it too fancy for the likes of me? Killing against the rules or something?

Indeed, I prefer elegance over boorishness.

You heard the queen. She's the scariest thing here. If she says no, there's no arguing.

Yeah? Do I look like I care? Outta my way, sword boy.

These are my quarry. I don't recall tossing them to a feral beast.

So before you start yapping about a reward again, maybe you do your damn job and tell us your master's message.

So somebody never learned to share, huh? Didn't peg you for such a loyal lapdog.

Dog, huh. That brings back memories. Everything even similar to those disappeared from here ages ago.

There aren't any animals left to draw analogies to here in Scandinavia. They're all gone. It's all going away.

That goes for you too, Caenis. I don't know how rotten the world you come from is, but now that you're in this one, you'll end up the same way.

If that's what you want, go ahead; keep doing what you're doing.

I'll make sure you end up staying here for a long, looong time.

...? If you think I'm gonna be scared by

...Aha. So that's how it is. Interesting.

Russia was nice and simple, but this Scandinavian Lostbelt's a real mess. It's way more interesting!

Don't worry, I'm not so uncouth as to do anything to ruin it. I'd say someone else has that covered.

You win. No more killing unarmed brats. I'll let him off the hook for killing the Tsar.

Best to do this sort of thing in your own world, anyway. Ain't that right, sword boy?

...

...Are you satisfied now, Caenis?

Can't you tell? I couldn't be more done. Don't you talk to me, Ophelia.

Just shut up. Don't say a word, don't even look at me. I hate women like you more than anything. I'd have killed you long ago if you weren't a Crypter.

How odd. We actually agree about something.

But how we feel has nothing to do with our jobs. Now hurry up and do yours.

Back in Russia your only duty was to act as an observer, but this time around you've got a little something extra, haven't you?

Oho? You've got more guts than I gave you credit for.

If you can give as good as you take, you might not be so bad after all.

...Here. It comes with a message from my boss just this once.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Queen of the Scandinavian Lostbelt. My apologies for delivering a recorded message rather than visiting in person.

I am Kirschtaria Wodime.

I am in charge of the largest Lostbelt, Greece, and the leader of the Crypters.

As for you, Chaldeans, welcome to this bleached Earth. As your "senpai," I'm proud to welcome you here.

While I confess that doing so required some speculation on my part, I have taken the liberty of sending this message to the king of Scandinavia with the assumption that you will all be present as well.

Given how you triumphed in Russia, and how close this Lostbelt lies to it, I am confident you will have reached it by the time this message is delivered.

...!

Our goal is to rebuild human history. This entails recreating a land for gods to inhabit.

Proper Human History was not a mistake per se, but neither was it correct.

Instead of loss and gain resulting in a net benefit, they became caught in a system that resulted in unchecked growth for both.

It was an incredible waste. What should have been a virtuous cycle was effectively stuck in a rut.

The Foreign God wept to see the state of this planet, and decided to grace it with their presence.

As Crypters, our duty is to help the Lostbelts take root and become stronger than Proper Human History.

The King of Mages' answer to humanity's failure was to have other humans incinerate it, but not me. I choose to rewrite history, with the Foreign God's help.

People have had gods running the world behind the scenes since ancient times. They believed gods were both the planet itself, and the laws of nature that governed it.

But humanity lacked self-awareness. Those laws were meant to be used, not obeyed.

It was that mistake that led to humanity and the gods parting ways.

Humanity did not forget the gods. They abandoned that possibility once they became unable to handle them.

...

Your Majesty, Queen of Scandinavia.

You care for a mythological ecosystem that met its end in a self-imposed ruin, rather than one which ended when its people forgot it, like Greece.

Keep the Tree of Emptiness safe. As long as it exists, that Lostbelt will never vanish.

I implore you to turn your back on your fate, and to choose the path of survival. Once you do that, I would like nothing more than for you to face off against my own Tree of Emptiness.

My Tree of Emptiness is already fully grown.

While the Norse world has Yggdrasil, a world tree that serves as the foundation of its every realm, Greece now has a Tree of Emptiness supporting the very heavens...

Thus, it has been dubbed the World Tree Atlas by my ally, the great god Zeus.

Chaldeans, I can say that, as far as you are concerned, Atlas is your greatest and most important target.

The roots of my Lostbelt's Tree of Emptiness now cover eighty percent of the earth's surface.

Even if you succeed at cutting down every other Lostbelt's tree, you will never be able to restore Proper Human History so long as Atlas remains standing.

Queen of Scandinavia, you are a god, and so I have high hopes for you.

...Indeed, you could even think of this as the gods taking revenge on humans for usurping their throne.

As for me, I am prepared to make full use of the gods despite being human myself.

I will create a fully realized Age of Gods. A glorious history where human weakness is a thing of the past.

It will be a world that will endure no matter how heated human consciousness becomes. A place where life can flourish with neither deficit nor fragmentation.

Be warned that I will show no mercy to any who would stand in the way of that goal. I hope that, alongside Ophelia, you will choose the best possible future.

Lord Kirschtaria...

？！

Wrong. It was a declaration of victory. That is how you should hear it.

Thanks to Lord Kirschtaria's leadership, we Crypters have already begun a new chronicle for humanity.

Hmm. So he is the Crypters' leader.

I see, I see. So he wishes to restore the Age of Gods, and help us take our revenge. Fascinating.

Does that mean I am the closest to his ideal?

If my Scandinavia's Tree of Emptiness were to continue growing as it is, it will eventually swallow up his Lostbelt as well...

Of course, Lord Kirschtaria would be perfectly happy with that outcome.

He has even said he would like nothing better, and that the Greek Lostbelt is not necessarily the best.

Oho, is that so? How admirable of him. What's more, he says he will make full use of us gods...

Hehe. Hahahahaha!

Indeed, my Scandinavia never did have anyone willing to voice such grand ambitions!

Right? He's the damn avatar of human foolishness and hubris. I bet he and Zeus get along great.

Zeus. He's an ancient god from the Mediterranean, yes?

Ahh, I remember now. Caenis. I've heard that name before.

As I recall, it belonged to a ferocious member of the Argonautai: a tyrant who boasted that she was a god by virtue of her strength, beloved by the sea...

No, wait. She was not beloved by the sea, but tainted by

...!

Caenis! What are you

So, you would point your spear at an ally's throat? This says a great deal to your Master's judgment in adjutants.

Stop it, Caenis...! Do you mean to completely betray Lord Kirschtaria's trust in you!?

...Tch.

...Begone, Caenis. Your role in this Lostbelt is over.

Don't bother stopping by the other Lostbelts, either.

...I'm told that a number of Heroic Spirits from Proper Human History have shown up in the ocean now that the god of the seas is gone.

I ask that you return straight to Lord Kirschtaria, without stopping anywhere else.

...Good point. Besides, I've still gotta check in on that pain in the ass Artemis.

Yeah, don't worry. I'll be outta your hair and on my way straight back to your precious Lord Kirschtaria real soon.

See you around. So long, Chaldeans.

You guys are probably gonna rot in this dungeon or end up on the wrong end of sword boy's blade. Not gonna lie, shit's lookin' BLEAK for you. But hey, I want a chance to kill you idiots myself, so hurry up and crush the weirdos in this Lostbelt.

Now that we've had a chance to say hello and all that... Next time we meet, the gloves come off.

Make sure you're halfway decent warriors by then. If I wanted something with lifeless eyes, I'd go fishing!