『 The entire surface of the sea was shrouded in a heaven-obscuring miasma; condensation formed on Ritsuka Fujimaru's face, sliding down drop by drop.
Powerless… The Servants had been struck down one by one, scattered across the ground. Even Mash was no exception.
The Beast, unknown to the world, had long since lost its power. There was no way to halt the advance of death. Command Spells, Magecraft, reinforcements—everything had lost its meaning.
A single error in judgment had led to the near-total annihilation of Chaldea in an instant. But who could have foreseen that Kirschtaria Wodime would possess power of such magnitude?
In a space of pure white, someone spoke to Ritsuka Fujimaru.
Ritsuka was drowning in despair, yet in that moment, an unknown existence reached out a hand to her. Though she could glimpse no emotion, nor hear any spoken language, she somehow understood.
It was ridicule directed at the self lying prostrate on the ground; it was abuse, and it was disdain.
The young girl's heart was filled with self-mockery. She did not want to give up so easily—it was always like this, always so powerless. It felt as if… having lost everyone, she could accomplish nothing.
Her vision gradually darkened, but at the very last moment, a figure blocked the path in front of Ritsuka Fujimaru. He murmured, "Retreat."
And then, the streaks of brilliance tearing through from the depths of the cosmos truly vanished in the blink of an eye!
"That is…!" The figure stood with his back to Ritsuka and the others, bathed in radiant light. But that familiar back…
Ritsuka Fujimaru simply gazed at that silhouette, and a surge of uncontrollable grief and excitement rose within her heart.
Kirschtaria remained silent, though his handsome brows furrowed tightly.
"…Tch, honestly. In the end, you still make me go through all this trouble," the mysterious figure scoffed, gazing outward. "This is an unforeseen development. Truly, life is such a thing."
Hearing this, Kirschtaria could not help but retort, "…That should be my line."
Then, his expression turned solemn as he inquired, "You are the Mage of unknown identity saving people across the various Lostbelts—the Man of Chaldea, I presume."
"Why appear here? As I understand your objective, it is to investigate and evaluate the humans within the Lostbelts. You should have no reason to assist Chaldea."
In an instant, a gale swept through. The fog obscuring their vision was scattered by this wild wind, and the brown cloak concealing him was blown open. An orange ponytail cascaded loose; he no longer hid his face. He spoke softly.
"It is truly strange for you to say such things, Kirschtaria."
"Do I need a reason to help Chaldea?" Romani Archaman's face was revealed. He gazed quietly at Kirschtaria, his expression holding not a single ripple of emotion.
Yet, the figure standing before Ritsuka Fujimaru did not move a single inch. 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Peter Parker (Earth-616): "The one saving the day at the end… is still the Doctor?! With great power comes great responsibility! Did the Doctor kick open his coffin lid and crawl out?!" ]
[ Deadpool (Earth-10005): "What a classic 'great power, great responsibility.' You won't even let him rest in peace after death, huh? Kid, you're invincible." ]
[ Aqua (KonoSuba): "I'm a bit dizzy, what on earth is happening?! Wasn't Romani dead without even a speck of dust left?!" ]
[ Romani Archaman (Type-Moon): "That's right, wasn't I left without even a speck of dust?! Hmm…? Wait, I'm not dead yet." ]
[ Loki Odinson (Earth-616): "Even if you aren't dead, that has no connection to the events on the screen. What is shown there is the future that proceeds after your death." ]
[ Gabriel (Gabriel DropOut): "It's simple. Just possess him again, right? Since he could be possessed once, it's perfectly normal to wear the Doctor's identity again, isn't it?" ]
[ Starlight (The Boys): "Are you suggesting that someone, just like Goetia, occupied Solomon's identity, has now occupied Romani's identity?" ]
[ Tezcatlipoca (Type-Moon): "Hehe, perhaps it's Yahweh showing off his power and bringing Romani back to life~" ]
[ Jogo (Jujutsu Kaisen): "Talk is useless. Since he appeared directly in front of Chaldea, we'll know if he's dead or alive in a moment." ]
[ .....]
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
The audience speculated on the possibility of the Doctor's resurrection, but this answer was quickly rejected.
First, the Doctor had already used his Ultimate Noble Phantasm to thoroughly return himself to the heavens; his existence had vanished from both this world and the Throne of Heroes.
Second, if it were the Doctor, would he have resurrected as Solomon or as the Doctor? Looking at that tsundere attitude earlier, he resembled neither the cold King Solomon nor the timid Dr. Roman.
Third, if the Doctor were alive, surely he wouldn't hide from Chaldea?
Possessing such great power, the Doctor would certainly do everything possible to help Ritsuka Fujimaru.
.....
〜Puella Magi Madoka Magica World〜
"Isn't the answer already obvious?"
Homura Akemi elegantly sipped her coffee, a ripple of emotion in her eyes.
Recalling the Final Singularity and looking at the current Lostbelt, Homura sighed with emotion. Indeed, the simplest way to drag someone onto your team is to beat them up.
He once claimed Ritsuka Fujimaru was trash, yet now he resolutely stood before her as a shield.
—
『 "That is truly a logical answer… Doctor. May I assume this is your only transgression?" Kirschtaria asked in a deep voice.
"Of course, Kirschtaria. You and the entirety of Team A were once saved from the abyss of death by the Alien God," Romani said, fixing his gaze on Kirschtaria.
"Then, it is not excessive for them to be saved from the abyss of death once as well, is it?"
"Do you not feel that only in this way are you finally equals?" 』
『 .....』
〜Type-Moon World, ????? Worldline, Chaldea〜
The members of Team A had all more or less guessed something, though they had not yet settled on a definitive answer.
Aside from Daybit and Kirschtaria, the others were mostly bewildered. How had they been saved by the Alien God…?
"Truly cunning, Goetia."
Seeing this scene, Kirschtaria did not get angry but instead laughed, his expression as gentle as a spring breeze.
But this was only natural. How could he refuse such words?
Moreover… now that he had witnessed Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash's journey with his own eyes, his perspective on the two had changed once again.
But… Kirschtaria's wish remained unchanged. He wanted to realize it; he would realize it.
That era where everyone… could become a god. All humans are gods. The world would welcome a cataclysmic transformation.
—
『 "I see." Upon hearing this, Kirschtaria revealed a faint smile.
"Indeed, it is fair. You are as eloquent as ever. Although I would very much like to ignore you, if we must fight, it would be a second battle that I cannot avoid."
"Very well. Out of respect for you finally stepping onto the stage, the battle is over."
"Chaldea has survived once again. Will you let me leave?"
"Hmph, I don't want the trouble either. If you retreat, I will also depart. Not just from here, but from this Lostbelt entirely."
Romani also revealed a slight smile. It was best if he retreated; if he couldn't understand human speech, Romani also knew a thing or two about throwing hands.
Kirschtaria smiled. "You have the nerve to say that, when you had already decided to give up and leave regardless."
Kirschtaria's figure began to fade. Finally, implying something deeper, he chuckled and teased, "Farewell, Doctor."
"We likely won't meet again. Let me give you a piece of advice: you really aren't very good at imitating others."
As his voice fell, Kirschtaria's figure dissipated on the spot. Within the field, the only conscious ones remaining were Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash.
They stared blankly at the figure before them. They wanted to say something, but they didn't know how to begin.
That figure had appeared in Ritsuka Fujimaru's mind countless times. How she wished that everything back then had been fake, but now that the Doctor was right in front of them, they couldn't quite believe it.
"…Doctor." Ritsuka could no longer hold back and was made to rush toward him, but the Doctor raised a hand to stop her. "Don't come over. My head will hurt."
Those originally emerald eyes now flickered with a complex, brilliant gold. Ritsuka and Mash's vision began to blur, light swirling in their teary eyes.
Sure enough… they should have known… 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece): "What are they talking about?! Stop with the riddles!" ]
[ Elaina (Wandering Witch): "Haven't you figured it out yet? Your IQ is truly worrying. That isn't the Doctor; that is the King of Humans, Goetia! The true King of Humans who comprehended the meaning of life!" ]
[ Merlin (Type-Moon): "Hahahahahaha! As expected of Boss Goetia, the King of Humans Goetia! Woohoo, the gap-moe Boss Goetia has arrived~" ]
[ Gabriel (Gabriel DropOut): "The final boss of Part 1, helping the protagonist speedrun the game? Good, good. When this game comes out, I definitely have to play it." ]
[ Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen): "It hurts, it hurts too much. The Doctor that Ritsuka sees isn't the real Doctor, and the King of Humans, Goetia, understands the feelings in their hearts clearly. He doesn't even dare let them approach. Ugh, sob~!" ]
[ .....]
〜The Eminence in Shadow World〜
"Tch… having one's identity exposed is no fun at all."
Under the full moon, Shadow, shrouded in darkness, shook his head.
Only by concealing one's identity well and remaining the mastermind behind the scenes can one step onto that grand stage time and time again, seizing infinite opportunities to look cool.
"Boss Goetia, you just don't get it. You revealed your identity way too early."
—
〜Type-Moon World, Fourth Holy Grail War Worldline〜
"Ah~"
Kirei Kotomine revealed an expression of euphoria. Indeed, that person was certainly not Romani. After Romani unleashed his Noble Phantasm, he had severed all his vitality; there was no possibility of his appearing again.
Therefore, the one appearing here was undoubtedly Goetia occupying Solomon's corpse!
Which is to say, the King of Humans, Goetia, who has understood the joy of life!
What truly made Kirei Kotomine feel yorokobe was… he felt as if he were seeing Gilgamesh's mood when looking at Kingu all over again.
Pleasure… it was simply too pleasurable~!
〜Type-Moon World, G̶̘̏̕͜ṟ̶͠a̵̹͂̆n̵̻̤̎d̶̞͐ ̷̫͇͑C̸̛̪̬ȃ̴̯r̵̓̓͜n̸̜̋͗î̷̭v̸̱͆ȃ̷̫̚l̵͚̋ Worldline, Chaldea〜
"Puhahahahahahahaha!"
The Chaotic Evil Gudako laughed maniacally with pure delight, the lights of the entire Chaldea flickering in sync with her mirth.
The lewd eggplant Mash trembled in fear.
"Senpai… Senpai, why are you laughing?"
"Hahahahahaha! I'm laughing at that tsundere Goetia and the foolishness of the Human Order!"
Originally, Goetia could only be considered half a Beast of Chaldea, but now?!
He was completely Chaldea's private property! He must be ruthlessly locked in the dark room… cough, he must be ruthlessly exploited.
That's right…
The chaotic will seemed to pierce through the void, transforming into tentacles that knocked again and again upon the door of the Human Order.
Human Order… open the f*CKING DOOR!!! I'm a good person!!
—
『 Romani also noticed the dim expressions of the two. He said no more, simply warning them to forget everything that had happened here—there was a mole within Chaldea.
Before parting, he feigned coldness and said, "There is nothing left to see in this Lostbelt. I have no interest in your battles. If you don't want to die—no, if you want to survive, then struggle with everything you have."
"Although the outcome likely won't change. No matter what, this planet is beyond saving." With that, his figure dissipated directly on the spot.
"…" Ritsuka Fujimaru clenched her fists, her expression one of pain and confusion, but she soon pulled herself together. She concealed certain details regarding the Doctor and evacuated the sea area first.
Meanwhile, the Dioscuri did not follow Kirschtaria's orders to treat Caenis. Although they respected Lord Kirschtaria immensely, their loathing for Caenis outweighed that respect.
The two directly dumped Caenis into the sea— 』
『 .....』
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
It was simply a textbook example of a tsundere. Boss Goetia, could it be that the meaning of life you comprehended was tsundere-ness?
The audience couldn't help but laugh, looking at the conflicted Boss Goetia.
Clearly, he wanted to help Chaldea, but due to his identity, stance, and various other reasons, he couldn't intervene directly. Goetia really was a tsundere longing for recognition.
As for Goetia's mention of a mole within Chaldea, the audience was not surprised in the slightest.
After all, the one thing an organization never lacks is a mole.
.....
〜Detective Conan World〜
"If Big Bro and I were there, we could definitely sniff out the mole!"
Vodka declared confidently.
His eyes were a measuring tape! No mole could escape his gaze!
In the Organization, he caught one mole after another. He believed that sooner or later, he'd catch them all!
It couldn't possibly be that half the Organization was moles, right?!
"Isn't that right, Amuro Tooru!"
Vodka laughed, slapping the back of Amuro Tooru standing next to him.
"….?"
—
〜Bleach World〜
"Betrayal, you can see, is not terrifying. What is terrifying is the betrayal that no one can see."
Aizen adjusted his glasses and smiled.
What if even the traitors themselves didn't know they were the traitors?
Or perhaps, true betrayal is far more than the literal meaning—not selling out or deceiving, but a betrayal that no one had ever conceived of?
Aizen smiled. He thought once again about the Human Order.
What, exactly, was the reason Chaldea was shut out from it?
—