[102] Chaos!

"Well, isn't this Aatrox? It's been 2,500 years. The World Ender seems rather deflated."

The trio of magus, now Reinhard's most trusted confidants, stood in the apartment, staring at the blood-soaked greatsword before them.

Both Waver and Morgan wore serious expressions, standing behind Reinhard with hands poised on his shoulders, ready to activate teleportation magecraft at any moment. After all, this was a vanguard of the wandering star, an alien being that invaded Earth 14,000 years ago.

When Reinhard explained this to Waver and Morgan, it stretched their understanding of magecraft and the Root to the breaking point. Alien civilizations and Machine Gods were beyond their traditional knowledge, and the figure of 14,000 years felt overwhelmingly distant... Morgan's own 1,500 years seemed trivial in comparison.

This time, Reinhard hadn't brought back a troublesome woman but a troublesome sword, embedded deeply in his heart... literally.

The presence of Aatrox made Morgan feel an unexpected surge of danger. This opponent was far more formidable than the rivals she was used to dealing with, who only fought for Reinhard's affections.

Reinhard, with his black hair, lay nonchalantly on the sofa, fully aware that Aatrox wouldn't harm him. After all, it was stubbornly loyal.

"Damn, you really are..."

Hearing Reinhard's taunt, the sword trembled weakly.

Aatrox was not in good shape.

After attaching itself to Reinhard, it had barely managed a few words before slipping into a deep, weary slumber.

When Reinhard woke up, Aatrox had not.

So Reinhard spent three days nourishing it with his own magical energy, though the modern ether paled in comparison to those of the Age of Gods. He eventually fed Aatrox 500cc of his blood, which finally stirred it.

"Ah... Finally, I've had my fill of happiness. Your blood has a family taste."

Reinhard couldn't help but laugh.

"What the hell do you mean family taste? I'm not your mother."

"You don't understand... I've been through so much... Kratos."

"Use a different name. We're not in Greece anymore." Reinhard smiled. "I'm called Reinhard now."

"Reinhard... World Tree? Imaginary Tree? Kabbalah Tree of Life?" Aatrox seemed confused, glancing at Reinhard in a daze. "Your existence... is it occupying the timeline?"

"What nonsense. That's my real name. Where did you get the impression my name was related to a tree?"

"Ah so no? One of the civilizations I destroyed had data on that although the spelling was different." Aatrox was surprised. "I thought you picked it deliberately... I must say, it's a good name."

"Explaining my affairs to you would be too complicated... let's talk about you first."

Reinhard smirked at the sword.

"How did you end up being sold off as a commodity, Aatrox? It's like a fallen elven knight, disgraced and lost."

Such piercing words would have enraged Aatrox in the past, making it lash out. But now, it only glanced tiredly at Reinhard and then stared blankly at the ceiling, offering no rebuttal.

...Really?

Reinhard chuckled, amused by the notion of Aatrox as a fallen knight. It seemed even the World Ender could be worn down by life.

"Cheer up. Now that you're with me, things will get better." Reinhard consoled. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. Just rest."

Reinhard stood up, exchanging a look with Waver and Morgan, preparing to discuss recent critical decisions with his master and wife.

The events on the Mystic Eyes Collection Train had been witnessed by too many magus to cover up. The situation was already starting to ferment, with the Clock Tower preparing to convene the Twelve Lords for Grand Resolution.

They would discuss deeper development of the Spiritual Tomb of Albion, the sealing designation of Heartless, and their stance on Reinhard.

After all, the revelations were earth-shattering: the wife of a magus from the age of gods, the liberation of the thirteen restraints of the holy lance, the return of a dead apostle ancestor, a human capable of fighting heroic spirits, and the implantation of mystic code enhancing talent.

Each of these issues was enough to shake the Clock Tower to its core. The atmosphere in the moonlit world was tense, with storm clouds gathering over sunny London.

During the past few days, countless eyes had turned towards the Department of Modern Magecraft. The Lords and department heads were frequently traveling to and from Norwich, where Reinhard resided.

Even when visiting (or ambushing) Marisbury at the Animusphere estate, Reinhard could feel the numerous gazes tracking his every move... his actions were under constant scrutiny.

The Department of Policies had issued twelve orders for Reinhard to cooperate with an investigation, but he ignored them. Everyone knew that such orders were worthless unless they sent a team to Norwich.

Compared to the turmoil outside, Reinhard remained calm. He continued his classes, cared for his wives, and lived a comfortable life.

During these days, Morgan had even cheerfully suggested to Gray to stop eavesdropping and learn from the experience, much to the silver-haired girl's embarrassment.

Reinhard felt a bit overwhelmed, but Morgan seemed disappointed.

Having learned advanced techniques in Greece, the 1% increment in his power from Kratos significantly enhanced Reinhard's strength.

Although the modern ether environment was too poor to fully sustain his power, and Aatrox was still dormant, Reinhard's newfound vigor was more than sufficient to keep his witch well-fed.

Morgan couldn't keep up, surrendering after just two hours each night, leaving her a limp, creamy puff of a witch. Consequently, Reinhard finally managed to maintain a normal sleep schedule, which was a delightful change.

Today, he took the time to check on Aatrox's mental health. Being sold as a commodity would surely weigh heavily on the bloodthirsty sword's psyche.

"Do you want to reside within my body? Or would you prefer to remain in your sword form?"

After a moment of silence, Aatrox slowly turned its gaze.

"After you left, I was picked up by Zeus and became the Blade of Olympus."

Aatrox began, recounting its experiences.

Reinhard settled back onto the sofa, finding a comfortable position to listen.

"They rebuilt Olympus... The River Styx was drained by you, devils vanished from the underworld, Leonidas was resurrected, and the Argonauts sailed again on its adventures. Your statues were erected in various Greek city-states, and the gods decided not to interfere with human development anymore. Greece entered a golden age of prosperity."

Listening to Aatrox's hoarse voice, Reinhard's eyes grew distant, imagining the scenes described. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

"...That sounds wonderful."

"But... you never returned. Everyone was waiting for your return."

"In the chaotic void, there is no concept of time. I haven't returned because I haven't reclaimed what's mine yet." Reinhard explained slowly. "I will eventually return from the chaos."

The black-haired youth lifted his gaze to the ceiling, his eyes seeming to pierce through the building, reaching the sky and beyond, touching some ethereal, mysterious depth.

All forms are illusory, all selves are one.

Having ended the simulation with Kratos, Reinhard had an inkling of understanding... the Firelink Greatsword, Aatrox, Dante, and Vergil, even the simulation system... he was beginning to grasp where they originated.

The world is merely a manifestation of will. This was a journey he had embarked upon.

"They knew that, so they didn't call you a liar, but they were lonely..." Aatrox continued softly. "After a couple of hundred years, the age of gods in Greece came to an end. Anything with divinity had to retreat to the inner sea of the planet. Zeus and the others left, leaving me on the surface and entrusting Sparta to take care of me."

"Why didn't you go with Sefar to the moon or retreat with them to the inner sea of the planet?"

"You motherfucking shit!" Aatrox snapped, anger flaring. "Wasn't it you who promised to come back for me?!"

Reinhard scratched his head, realizing it was indeed his fault. He had made a 2,500-year promise to Aatrox to bring its karma to his modern self.

"...It's fine now."

Reinhard felt a pang of guilt. One sentence had made Aatrox wait for 2,500 years.

"But you, the World Ender, how did you end up being sold off as a weapon?"

"Fuck you! You're the fucking weapon!" Aatrox cursed. "Rome rose, Sparta fell. I got tired of boring wars and found a few hosts, like those downtrodden, rejected, vengeful young men, and enjoyed my retirement while waiting for you."

Damn, Aatrox was like some ancient matchmaker.

"I'd drink blood when I felt like it, kill when I felt like it... just living freely. A few more centuries passed, but I don't remember the exact time... My bloodthirstiness attracted a blonde girl who wanted to be my host."

As Aatrox continued speaking, his tone turned wistful.

"She was very strong. Although she couldn't quite match your peak, she stood at the pinnacle of that era's power.

"Sadly, Sefar had fallen into some sort of slumber due to unknown reasons. So, when I faced that blonde girl, I was defeated. She forcibly made a contract with me and turned into a True Ancestor of the vampire race."

"I see." Reinhard mused, rubbing his chin.

"A blonde girl... That must have been Crimson Moon, the original True Ancestor of the Dead Apostles."

"Ah... That's why Heartless was able to use you as a medium to summon the Child of Einnashe."

"Our relationship... was actually quite good. At least, she was more pleasing to look at than you." Aatrox said, casting a sidelong glance at Reinhard's irritatingly smug smile and emitting a disdainful hiss.

"And then?" The black-haired youth asked, clearly interested.

Reinhard was genuinely curious about how Aatrox had ended up in such a miserable state.

Upon hearing this, Aatrox fell silent for a moment before continuing slowly.

"...She was a bit too extreme."

"Huh?"

"Later, I learned that the blonde girl was actually the Ultimate One of the Moon summoned by Gaia, the representative of this planet. As a True Ancestor of the Dead Apostles, she naturally wanted to destroy humanity.

"Then, an old man appeared. He seemed to be the strongest magus on the human side. Without saying a word, he fought with her, and even the fundamental principles of the world were eroded."

Listening to this, Reinhard remained unmoved, but Waver's hand holding his cigarette trembled slightly.

"That must have been the former Wizard Marshal Zelretch." Waver murmured, his excitement barely contained.

The Old Man of the Jewel, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. The holder of the Second Magic, a legendary figure of the Clock Tower.

To hear such historical secrets, ones that countless magus sought to uncover, left Waver almost trembling with excitement.

"All this talk of races, survival, civilizations... You know, Kratos, I never really cared about such boring disputes. I've seen grander battles... the war against Olympus, the destruction of Chaos.

"I am the World Ender, after all. They should be bowing at my feet!"

Aatrox's sword body shook as he spoke.

After a few seconds, Aatrox sighed heavily, a tone of resignation in his voice.

"But... I chose to help that old man in the end. I used up all my power to bind all the True Ancestors except her. Otherwise, he would've been overwhelmed."

"Why?"

Reinhard was puzzled. This didn't fit Aatrox's character.

"Didn't you always claim indifference?"

"Weren't you say you will come to get me? How could we play if humanity was destroyed?"

...Well, fair enough.

In that light, Zelretch's victory over Crimson Moon was indirectly Reinhard's doing.

Reinhard pondered for a moment. It seemed that way...

Waver patted his disciple's shoulder. "You have such a seductive charm that even a sword can't resist. One word from you and a vanguard of the wandering star saved the world."

"What incubus blood do you have?"

"Actually, I quite liked that blonde girl."

Aatrox sighed wistfully.

"She was strong-willed, domineering, capricious, and filled with a twisted sense of humor. She often decorated my blade with those detestable daffodils.

"Especially when she danced in the moonlight. It was beautiful.

"...She never understood why I betrayed her.

"Even to this day.

"I can't forget her expression in that final moment.

"Sorrowful and compassionate.

"Confusion mixed with questioning.

"And... despair...

"She wanted to ask me, why did I betray her, when she believed she understood me well enough.

"But she will never get the answer."

Aatrox spoke softly, his voice tinged with weariness.

Aatrox's raspy voice seemed to fade into the morning mist of London, echoing with a lingering melancholy.

Silence.

A long silence followed, until Reinhard spoke softly.

"I'm sorry, Aatrox. I shouldn't have asked..."

"It's alright." Aatrox replied. "After that, I was tired... too tired to care about this world anymore.

"I didn't care if it was destroyed or not.

"With that thought, I closed my eyes and fell into slumber, leaving only a trace of my bloodthirsty power.

"Until you came to get me."

To betray the one who trusted you the most, even if she wasn't human and wanted to destroy humanity... Such a betrayal took its toll.

Saving the world meant nothing to a vanguard of the wandering star.

It was a bond... that made Aatrox choose.

Reinhard finally understood where Aatrox's weariness came from.

Aatrox had slept for too long.

If you don't think, you don't feel pain.

"Sefar in the moon ... seems to have encountered some issues. She fell into slumber, and I can't reach her. But she's surely waiting for you. When you have time, go see her."

"I will."

Reinhard's hand gently stroked the sword hilt.

"It's okay. We're home now."

"...Yeah."

Sinister blood threads slowly seeped from Aatrox's blade, crawling up Reinhard's arm and gradually merging into his body.

"It's good to see you, old friend."

...

In the quiet of his private apartment, Reinhard sat on the sofa, exhaling clouds of smoke while browsing his notes on his laptop. A wry smile played on his lips.

"The council's attitude is quite peculiar, Reinhard. My inbox is nearly overflowing with emails from them these days. It's like the sun's rising in the west... these old folks have finally learned how to send emails."

"People adapt when they're forced to." Reinhard replied with a smile. "As long as they listen, it's fine. Those stubborn old folks should have been paying up a long time ago."

"The Clock Tower has its scale and heritage, after all. I want to reform its educational system as quickly as possible, to make it contribute to the promotion and popularization of magecraft. Even though most of the people there are useless, they still have their value."

"The quality of magic circuits shouldn't be a shackle for magus. The thought process of magecraft is the key to its development. The common magus will be the foundation and support for the future of modern magecraft studies."

"To attract common magus... does this mean you've made progress in optimizing the Sandevistan? Have you figured out how to solve the issue of physical rejection?"

Waver's hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly. His own magical aptitude had been severely limited by the poor quality of his circuits, a painful obstacle he'd faced for years.

"For this, I'll be working with Miss Aozaki to develop a specialized implantation procedure to enhance your magic circuits. However, implanting external circuits into the body and dealing with surgery and rejection is too slow for widespread adoption. I have a more efficient idea."

Waver's excitement was palpable at the prospect of a personalized implantation, but Reinhard's next words made him ask, "Are you abandoning the promotion of the Sandevistan?"

"Not exactly. It's just that the cost of implanting external circuits is too high. With current research progress, each case needs to be individually optimized. I plan to use it as a way to attract common magus."

Reinhard had thought it through. "Magical energy is a convenient and useful energy source. So, we should use it directly with external circuits for magecraft."

"External circuits?"

"The leylines and the inner sea of the planet are essentially the Earth's magic circuits. What I want to develop is a new kind of mystic code... a piece of equipment that uses the world itself as its etched circuits."

Reinhard explained his vision slowly. "For a product or technology to spread rapidly, it needs to be standardized, industrialized, regulated, and mass-produced. To establish a consensus on magecraft among all of humanity, we need to make magecraft accessible to everyone without requiring them to understand it."

"Just like mobile phones, home appliances, or the internet. People should only enjoy the convenience brought by development without needing to understand the principles behind these tools."

"Practically speaking, aside from the impact of the secrecy correction, science and magecraft are very similar systems. In fact, from a dialectical materialist perspective, magecraft is also a form of science. Both explore and develop objective laws."

"Magus, in the context of a research system, are akin to researchers specializing in advanced knowledge. The magecraft products developed can benefit the general public, reinforcing the belief that magecraft is useful, convenient, and powerful."

"So, the new mystic code I want to develop, I'm calling it the Magical Network. It's like the internet but for magecraft."

"It's not a physical object but an abstract rule enveloping an area. I plan to start by modifying the leylines here in Norwich, embedding them with pre-developed magic crest."

"Once given the necessary permissions, anyone, even ordinary people with no knowledge of magecraft, can activate these crest by uttering the right command, causing the leyline to release a magical effect."

Hiss...

The cigarette Waver held fell from his fingers, burning a small hole in the tablecloth, releasing a faint sizzling sound.

Waver Velvet's mouth hung open in astonishment.

"Reinhard, you..."

It was a world-shaking idea. If such an innovation were to come to fruition, it wouldn't just disrupt the noble faction's dominance in the Clock Tower. It would be like digging up their ancestors' graves!

"Goodness, hubby!" Morgan seized the moment to plant a kiss on her husband's cheek, always ready to steal a kiss whenever she could.

"Ah... you understood, my dear?"

Reinhard originally thought Morgan had no interest in modern magecraft.

"Not really."

"..."

"I don't get much of the modern terminology, but it sounds impressive." She cradled Reinhard's face, her breathing heavy with excitement. "I'm smart. You can teach me your studies."

"You mean academic studies, right? Not the... bedroom kind." Reinhard eyed her suspiciously.

"We can study together~ I learn fast."

"Alright, alright."

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A rhythmic applause echoed from the doorway. A red-haired figure Reinhard had summoned stepped gracefully into the room.

"Such a revolutionary idea, Reinhard. You never fail to surprise us."

She applauded, her praise genuine.

Reinhard looked at the elegant red-haired woman with a gentle smile. He felt a familiarity in her presence, though he had never seen her before.

"Reinhard, who is this...?"

"Heartless, take a seat." 

"Hah?" Waver stares in disbelief.

His cigarette he had just lit slipped from his fingers again, burning a second hole into the tablecloth.

"Professor, I'm glad to see you taking care of your health." Reinhard tossed Waver's cigarette into the trash. "What's with that expression?"

"You... H-He..."

Waver's voice faltered, filled with shock and bewilderment.

"No need to be so startled, Waver-chan~" The red-haired woman shook her head with a clear, melodious voice.

"It's just a disguise spell."

"Heartless, did you seriously use a disguise spell to change your gender?!"

Waver gaped at the former department head. Heartless had previously disguised himself as Caules to steal his relic. The disguise had been so perfect that no flaws could be found. But disguising as a man was one thing... this was a whole new level!

He stared at the red-haired woman's ample bosom, undeniably real.

"Is that so surprising?" The red-haired woman smiled warmly and bowed to Reinhard.

"And by the way, Heartless is dead. From now on, please call me Kross."

"Ahem..."

Hearing that name, Reinhard suddenly heard a voice about a certain Kokodayo in his ears.

"What kind of name is that?"

"It's a name I used when I was a grave robber in Albion. Why, is there a problem, Reinhard?"

"Can you choose another name?" Reinhard struggled to explain. "I feel like this one isn't a good idea."

"Hmm..." The red-haired woman pondered for a moment, not making a big deal out of it. "Then, let it be... Kyouko Adashino."

"Adashino..." Waver furrowed his brows. "If I recall correctly, you're the foster brother of Hishiri Adashino."

"Indeed."

"You should be under heavy scrutiny from the Enforcers recently. Disguising as a woman is to..."

"This is Reinhard's arrangement."

Waver's eye twitched as he glared at his student.

"Former Department of Modern Magecraft Head, Dr. Heartless, was killed by me on the Mystic Eyes Collection Train. The train staff can testify." Reinhard shrugged. "That's how it is. Case closed."

Waver let out a long sigh of relief.

"The Enforcers aren't going to buy such a flimsy excuse."

"Whether they believe it or not is irrelevant." Reinhard said with a smile. "What matters is my stance."

His gaze slowly shifted to the red-haired woman before him.

"You really are shameless, Heartless. You're undeniably talented, and I appreciate talented people who are shameless."

"I just want to witness the world you're envisioning."

Kyouko Adashino pressed her hand to her chest and bowed her head respectfully.

"The folks at the Clock Tower are fools. I want to see the twisted, despairing expressions on their faces. So, please show me what true modern magecraft can be, Reinhard."

The red-haired woman smiled.

"For this, I pledge my loyalty."

"I see..." Waver muttered. "You're not trying to save the Clock Tower by achieving magecraft of the age of gods, Heartless. You just want to prove their stupidity and overthrow the current magical world order."

"The brilliance of magecraft of the age of gods and the revolution of modern magecraft are already before me. There's no need to chase after trivial details." Kyouko Adashino bowed respectfully to Morgan. "Lady Morgan, don't you agree?"

Even such a madwoman couldn't resist falling under her husband's charm.

Morgan looked at Kyouko Adashino with great interest, admiring her insight, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Do your best."

"As you wish."

Heartless's pledge of loyalty finally provided Reinhard with a capable and reliable ally.

Waver was a weakling in combat, unable to handle many tasks. Reinhard also couldn't bear to send him on dangerous missions.

Morgan was too powerful, he feared she'd reduce the Clock Tower to rubble, which would waste the magus. Better to use them for more productive purposes.

Heartless, skilled in all sorts of dirty work, was perfect for guarding the Department of Modern Magecraft and handling delicate operations.

"Your Magical Network concept, embedding magic crests into the leylines, will require an astronomical amount of magical energy."

As a former department head, Kyouko Adashino immediately identified the key issue.

"I assume you've found a solution?"

"The Holy Grail."

Waver and Morgan's eyes lit up.

"Indeed, the Holy Grail is an embodiment of the Third Magic." Waver took a sharp breath. "The Materialization of the Soul can theoretically provide an endless source of magical energy."

"And hubby, you don't need its wish-granting function." Morgan mused, feeling everything fall into place. "If you can deconstruct the Grail to draw energy..."

"The Holy Grail, akin to a controlled fusion reactor, an incredibly efficient energy source... yet it's always used for childish Holy Grail Wars, like some sort of playground drama..."

Reinhard sighed.

"What a waste."

"A Holy Grail War as a waste, that's a unique perspective." Kyouko Adashino smiled. "Don't you seek the Root?"

"The Root? Can it provide an army? A interstellar fleet?" Reinhard countered. "Can it help me fend off Warp Storm?"

"...What are you talking about?" Kyouko Adashino was taken aback.

Waver and Morgan exchanged a concerned glance.

"..."

"Apologies, I'm exhausted."

Realizing his slip, Reinhard waved his hand, signaling it was time for his guest to leave.

"I'll call you when it's time for the decision. Keep an eye on Marisbury's movements for me in the meantime. Don't worry about the investigations targeting you, I'll handle them. If anyone dares propose a sealing designation on you, let me know, and I'll personally deal with them."

"As you wish."

Kyouko Adashino gave a deep, respectful bow to the black-haired young man before her and then withdrew.

The room was engulfed in a profound silence.

Waver Velvet pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag, exhaling a plume of smoke.

"Hmm..."

He spoke softly, "Can you tell me, Rein?"

"Tell you what?"

"Why are you in such a hurry..."

Waver lowered his gaze.

"You've been obsessively researching for the past year, had implant circuits in you, and now you're hastily reorganizing the Clock Tower and laying out your future plans...

"Do you really think it's wise to try to spread magecraft across the entire planet within five years? Isn't that a bit too ambitious?

"You even said it's too slow. What exactly are you worried about?"

"An interstellar fleet? And what does that Warp Storm even mean?"

Waver took a deep breath, then looked up, his eyes filled with concern for his downcast student.

"This building has thin walls, so I can hear your sleep talk."

"..."

Reinhard looked slightly stunned, raising his hand to cover his mouth as he stared at his mentor.

"...I didn't mean to." Waver said with a bitter smile.

"But... Bloodborne Plague, Hell Rift, Fallen Empire, Contingency, Swarm Invasion..."

He stumbled over the unfamiliar terms.

"...and Warp Storm."

"You've said these things many times in your sleep."

Hearing this, Reinhard rubbed his face, then glanced helplessly at Morgan.

The witch approached and kissed him on the lips.

"...I heard it last night too."

"Tch." Reinhard chuckled bitterly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You look adorable when you talk in your sleep, hubby." Morgan said with a sweet smile. "Every time you do, I steal a kiss."

No wonder his face was covered in lipstick in the morning.

In the ensuing silence, Reinhard thought for a moment.

"You'd be scared out of your wits, Professor."

"Hah... that bad?" Waver laughed, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"No problem, I can cling to your leg and scream, Rein. Lady Morgan won't mind, will she?"

"Are you not afraid of her anymore?"

"After seeing Gray's face as your gender-swapped look-alike, I'm used to such things."

During these past days, Waver had realized that this British witch queen was very approachable, without the slightest arrogance.

Or rather...

Their care for their student and husband was identical.

As a result, Waver had grown almost immune to the Saber-like faces, discussing Reinhard's situation with Morgan every day.

Gray, Morgan.

Now there were two Saber faces around him, and even his top disciple had the same face (confirmed).

"I can't escape the faces of those connected to King Arthur." Waver smiled. "Resistance is futile."

"Then why did you move out recently?" Reinhard tried to change the subject.

"Because you two make so much noise I can't work." Waver sighed. "The entire building shakes."

"Cough... cough... "

Reinhard coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Sorry..."

Morgan, however, beamed with pride, her face alight with joy.

Seriously, my dear, what are you so proud of?

"Why don't you two get your own place? No offense, Lady Morgan..."

Reinhard and Morgan exchanged glances.

"Buckingham Palace sounds nice." The witch said with a sly smile.

"Ahem... " Waver coughed forcefully. "Please... be calm..."

"Then let's find a scenic spot in the countryside and build a castle. Consider it a dowry."

Good grief.

Waver was envious and unable to keep up with their extravagant conversation.

"What's your plan for the Grand Resolution, Reinhard?"

"I'm taking Morgan directly."

"Oh..." Waver smiled expectantly. "London's in for a quake."

Engaged in small talk, they chattered away, filling the air with banter.

Finally... it all faded into an eerie silence.

Reinhard exchanged glances with his mentor and wife.

He sighed softly.

"Let's start with the concept of Chaos first."

...

"What is Chaos?"

Facing Marisbury's question, Solomon's indifferent expression showed a hint of fluctuation, a rare occurrence.

"Aren't you curious why I don't use my Clairvoyance to observe?"

"Indeed, your wisdom is said to encompass both past and future, yet you never use your Clairvoyance." The white-haired man respectfully lowered his head. "Is it too presumptuous of me to ask?"

Standing on the outskirts of Fuyuki, on the summit of Mt. Enzou, the King of Magecraft gazed expressionlessly at the bustling city below.

"It's irrelevant. It simply lacks meaning."

"No meaning?"

"Because, in this timeline disturbed by Chaos, both past and future are subject to change."

"The future is changing... it makes sense, Your Majesty Solomon." Marisbury asked, "But why would there be changes to the past, which is already established?"

"You established Chaldea with the intention of achieving just that, didn't you?" Solomon's lips curved into an eerie smile. "To manipulate history, ensuring continuity of humanity... isn't that the goal of the Animusphere family?"

Marisbury paused for a moment, then a glint of astonishment flashed through his eyes.

"I succeeded."

"Marisbury... you are indeed astute." Solomon glanced at him. "Let me show you a demonstration, then, of what happens when I observe him."

As he finished speaking, radiant light began to swirl within Solomon's golden pupils.

Fuyuki. Japan. Asia.

His gaze traversed countless mountains and seas in an instant, landing on London, on a certain modern Magecraft facility.

And then...

Solomon saw it.

A massive, distorted, grotesque entity, constantly writhing and squirming, indescribable in nature, situated between Morgan and Waver Velvet.

A piercing, excruciating pain surged through Solomon's brain.

Yet, it didn't show on his face. There was only...

In Marisbury's stunned gaze.

Black blood oozed slowly from Solomon's eye sockets.

"His presence is spreading and occupying the timeline. Now is his most vulnerable moment, so it's also the best opportunity to get rid of him.

"The Counter Force fears him, that's why I respond to your call.

"This is... Chaos."

"Corrupting, grotesque, and engulfing all in its storm."

"Attempting to observe his essence with Clairvoyance will only lead to contamination."

"Because..."

The white-haired man slowly turned his gaze, a peculiar smile playing on his lips.

"...God cannot be seen."