With Gilles' death, the Singularity began to undergo a complete correction.
An invisible force slowly spread throughout the entire region. It was powerful enough to expel Arthur and everyone present from that world, permanently bringing that anomaly to an end.
Even so, the correction progressed gradually.
Because of that, there was enough time for everyone to say their goodbyes.
"...Looks like it's all over."
Arthur gazed at the sky for a few moments before letting out a long sigh.
Since Siegfried had already formed a contract with Arthur, naturally there was no problem taking him back to CHALDEA once the Singularity was corrected.
["Looks like things over there have finally come to an end..."] Olga Marie's voice came through the communicator.
"Yes. We'll be back at CHALDEA soon, Director." Ritsuka replied, visibly relieved.
On the other end of the line, Romani also let out a sigh of satisfaction. The mission had been completed without the Singularity spiraling completely out of control.
Meanwhile, Saint George's body slowly began to dissolve into bluish particles.
Even as he disappeared, his expression remained serene.
"This was not exactly an ordinary Holy Grail War. Even so, it was a great honor to fight alongside the Dragonslayer." He said.
Siegfried looked at the saint for a few moments before replying sincerely.
"I never imagined I would have the opportunity to fight alongside the legendary Saint George. It was an experience I will remember for a long time."
Saint George smiled humbly.
"The credit belongs to all of us. I sincerely hope we can cross swords again someday... this time, as companions from the very beginning."
Siegfried nodded.
"It would be an honor."
Richard approached the two with his usual enthusiasm.
"Hahaha! Sir George, it was a privilege to fight by your side!" he said.
Saint George chuckled softly.
"Coming from the famous King Richard, I consider that a great compliment. Your courage is exactly as the stories describe."
Richard grinned broadly.
"If we ever meet again, I promise to challenge you to a competition. No Holy Grail War... just to see who can defeat more monsters before sunset."
"I would be delighted to accept."
The two exchanged one last respectful nod.
Shortly afterward, Saint George's body completely dissolved into particles of light and disappeared.
Richard stood there for a few moments, staring at the empty spot before crossing his arms.
"What an extraordinary man..."
Not far away, Mozart also began to disappear.
"So, my role is finally over, huh? I'm exhausted. I worked so hard my butt hurts... Ah, I shouldn't make jokes like that. My apologies, Marie."
Marie let out a soft laugh and shook her head.
"You'll never change, Amadeus."
"Probably not."
Mozart smiled faintly before turning his gaze toward Arthur and Ritsuka.
"It was a magnificent performance. Arthur commanded the front lines like a conductor leading an orchestra, while Ritsuka held the rear without ever losing the rhythm. It was a masterful performance from both of you."
He then looked at Mash.
"And you as well, young shielder. Continue growing with every battle, and never stop listening to the music of your own heart."
Mash blushed slightly.
"T-Thank you very much..."
Mozart still found time to cast a playful glance at Ishtar.
"And Goddess, try destroying a little less of the scenery next time. The landscape would appreciate it."
"Huh? That wasn't my fault!" Ishtar immediately replied, crossing her arms.
"It was partly your fault." Mordred laughed.
"Oh, shut up!"
Even Artoria let out a faint smile at the exchange.
Mozart merely shrugged.
"Well then... it was fun. Farewell, everyone. I hope our scores cross paths again someday."
His body completely dissolved into particles of light, disappearing while still wearing that calm smile.
After hearing Mozart's final words, Marie remained staring at the place where he had vanished for a few moments. A gentle smile still rested on her face, though it now carried an unmistakable hint of longing. Taking a deep breath, she brushed aside her melancholy and walked toward Arthur with her characteristic elegance.
"I'm sorry about Amadeus' departure... but it would be so sad to return to the Throne of Heroes like this."
She then turned her gaze toward Jeanne d'Arc and Jeanne Alter.
"I haven't even had the chance to properly talk with Jeanne... and now there are two Jeannes here!"
Jeanne smiled gently at the remark.
"I can't deny that it's a little strange for me as well."
Jeanne Alter simply crossed her arms and looked away.
"Hmph. Don't compare me to that goody-two-shoes saint."
Marie laughed softly.
"Even so, I would very much like to get to know both of you better."
She turned her attention back to Arthur, clasped her hands in front of her, and smiled almost pleadingly.
"Sir Knight... would you be willing to form a contract with me?"
Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at that expression.
"Of course. Let's form the contract right now."
As soon as the contract was completed, a gentle current of magical energy surrounded them both for a few moments before fading away.
Marie placed a hand over her chest and closed her eyes for a moment.
"What a comforting feeling..."
"Welcome to the team." Arthur replied with a smile.
"I'll do my very best to live up to your expectations."
With that, Arthur had formed contracts with Marie, Jeanne Alter, and Siegfried.
His gaze then swept across the rest of the group until it settled on Elizabeth and Kiyohime.
Unlike Marie, Elizabeth and Kiyohime had spent very little time by his side.
Meeting both of them had been almost entirely accidental. Arthur had simply decided to bring them along to keep them from causing even more trouble during the Singularity.
Now that everything was over, the decision was theirs.
"So, what are your plans? If you'd like, I can form a contract with both of you."
Kiyohime first looked at Tamamo-no-Mae.
The kitsune merely crossed her arms and smiled patiently, as though she already knew exactly what the answer would be.
Only then did Kiyohime turn her eyes toward Arthur.
She gracefully opened her fan, hiding part of her slightly flushed face.
"I accept your offer. But know that I am an extremely persistent woman. No matter where you go, I will follow you. After all... that is precisely what it means to love someone."
Arthur blinked several times.
"...Love?"
He murmured the word to himself, clearly unable to understand where that had come from.
Ishtar let out an amused laugh.
"He really has no idea what he just agreed to."
Tamamo sighed.
"Our group just keeps getting bigger..."
Without thinking much more about it, Arthur formed a contract with Kiyohime.
The girl smiled so happily that she practically radiated joy.
"Wonderful... now we'll truly be together."
Elizabeth watched the scene with a rather complicated expression.
"Hmph..."
Arthur turned toward her.
"And you, Elizabeth?"
She remained silent for a few moments before answering.
"I was thinking about refusing..."
Elizabeth glanced sideways at Kiyohime, who was still smiling peacefully.
"...But I changed my mind. Someone has to keep an eye on this obsessive stalker."
Kiyohime's smile disappeared instantly.
She snapped her fan shut.
"...What did you just call me?"
Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips.
"You heard me perfectly."
"No, I don't think I heard you correctly."
Kiyohime smiled with dangerously polite composure.
"Would you mind repeating that?"
Elizabeth stepped forward without the slightest hesitation.
"Stalker."
Another step.
"Obsessive."
One more.
"And completely clueless."
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME, YOU STUPID CATERPILLAR?!"
"Besides being a stalker, you've gone deaf too? I'll really have to keep an eye on you."
"I don't need anyone to take care of me!"
"Yes, you do! Someone has to stop you from following him into the bathroom!"
"THAT'S CALLED LOVE!"
"THAT'S CALLED OBSESSION!"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING ABOUT ROMANCE!"
"AND YOU THINK YOU DO!?"
The two charged at each other at the same time.
"Here we go again..." Mash murmured, bringing a hand to her face.
"They certainly have a lot of energy." Jeanne commented with a resigned smile.
Jeanne Alter let out a mocking laugh.
"Those two are ridiculous."
"I completely agree." Ishtar replied immediately.
Even Artoria let out a faint smile at the scene.
Tamamo simply massaged her forehead.
"I'm going to end up taking care of two more children..."
Arthur watched the whole commotion for a few moments before bursting into laughter.
While Elizabeth tried to kick Kiyohime and Kiyohime retaliated by trying to smack her with her fan, Arthur simply took advantage of the moment to form a contract with Elizabeth as well.
Once he was finished, he raised the communicator.
"Olga, we're ready for the Rayshift."
["Understood. Preparing the return Rayshift to CHALDEA."]
Light slowly began to envelop the entire group, marking the definitive end of the First Singularity.
(End of Chapter)