Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

"...Senior, advisor, I cannot comprehend such intense anger and hatred, even the desire to destroy the world..."

Mash raised her shield, looking at the 'sea monster' in front of her with some helplessness, and asked Novia and Ritsuka.

"Because that's what human beings are like."

Novia asserted this, then looked at Ritsuka, who was deep in thought with her head down.

He had already told the orange-haired girl about Bluebeard's deeds, and Ritsuka had asked him, "Why does Gilles admire Jeanne so much, yet now want to destroy the country she protected?" At the time, he didn't answer, only saying, "I don't know," and brushed it off.

She should understand now.

Just as Novia had expected, after hearing Bluebeard's confession, she had a premonition of the reason for this increase in evil, and she also had an answer to it.

Therefore, she headed towards where Bluebeard was, and Bluebeard, who had originally wanted to interrupt her, allowed her to proceed at the signal of Jeanne Alter.

"Girl, what do you want to do? Why should an ordinary person get involved in this? Or are you childishly trying to dismiss my actions?"

"...I may have strong feelings like yours, but they are different."

Ritsuka paused for a moment, then said, "So I won't say I understand you, but I don't think you're wrong."

These words immediately drew the attention of everyone present.

"So what do you want to do? Join us and destroy the world as much as possible?"

"No! Of course we will stop you, that goes without saying."

Ritsuka nodded, her expression serious. "Gildre, it's understandable that you hate this world, and it's certainly reasonable that you want to destroy this country. But I, and many others, will still stop you, because even if no one is at fault—"

The girl's seriousness was resolute, just like the look in Novia's eyes when she looked at Bluebeard that day.

However, this time it's an ordinary human being.

"It would be absolutely wrong to leave you like this unchecked."

Those were very gentle, expectant words, which further shocked the bewildered Bluebeard, leaving him momentarily stunned, but he quickly recovered.

So, Bluebeard, faced with such words from a human, should have gritted his teeth and retorted, "Fine, then die!"

This is exactly what Novia said, but Bluebeard is convinced that she wouldn't say it to this girl. In other words, the two of them have similar attitudes, which is why they said the exact same thing.

Therefore, he felt that the figure of this human girl was overlapping with that of Novia from before. Sunlight shone down from the sky, and the figure illuminated by the light was right in front of him. Warm feelings slowly and gently came over him, so warm.

The last Master of humanity, I remember his name was Fujimaru Ritsuka?

Ah, I see, I see. This warmth, so like His Holiness the Pope's, no wonder, no wonder. It will surely bring back fond memories and new feelings to my heart.

Therefore, Bluebeard smiled gently and said to Ritsuka:

"Fine, then go die."

"A summoning type, huh? Alright, it's time for me to activate it—"

Just as the great sea monster, in the form of Bluebeard, was about to launch its attack, Kiyohime, who had arrived with Novia, shouted out the name of this Noble Phantasm.

"Buddha and Tao become Maitreya Temple bell 108 styles fire dragon rebirth".

In an instant, the scene transformed into a hill surrounded by lush trees and flowers. If an outsider were to enter for the first time, they would see the temple atop the hill like a dazzling pearl. The stone steps in front of the temple were moistened by the morning dew, glistening slightly. Stepping on them, one could almost feel the warmth of the earth.

Wisps of smoke rose from the incense burners inside the temple, and the spacious courtyard was planted with Bodhi trees, lotus flowers, and other plants symbolizing good fortune.

At this moment, there was only one person in the main hall of the temple, namely Kiyohime.

This is her special artifact: Buddha's Way of the Maitreya Bell 108 Style Fire Dragon Reincarnation. Unlike the Reincarnation of Fire Samadhi which directly transforms her into a giant serpent spewing flames, this technique recreates her past experience of gradually transforming into a 'dragon' before the Buddha while waiting for the person she fell in love with at first sight.

Simply put, the Samadhi of Fire Transformation is the process of transforming into a dragon, and here it is a complete dragon seed. This is probably due to the fact that Maitreya, the deity worshipped at the Maitreya Temple, has the intention of knowing the future. Since the time period of the 'future' is difficult to predict, the maximum number of years a dragon seed can exist depends on the individual's magic power.

In addition, it is a literal seal for summoning-type Noble Phantasms; even if they are summoned, they can be forcibly repelled.

"...What are you doing here?"

Kiyohime, who was kneeling and worshipping the Buddha statue in the main hall, suddenly realized that in addition to herself and Bluebeard, who was imprisoned at the foot of the mountain and waiting for her to become a dragon to deal with him, there was also Novia.

This greatly puzzled Kiyohime. Originally, this Noble Phantasm could conceal her ugly 'dragon' form, since it was just her and her enemy. But now, if an outsider saw her in her dragon form, wouldn't she be laughed to death? And why was this person even able to appear?

Western dragons and Eastern dragons are so different, they shouldn't appear in Maitreya Temple, could it be that Buddha made a mistake?

Before Novia could answer, Kiyohime closed her eyes and continued activating her Noble Phantasm. After all, she needed to recall the person she had fallen in love with at first sight, even though she hadn't seen their face clearly, in order to successfully activate her Noble Phantasm.

However, for some reason, the dark sky that had been during the recollection suddenly gave birth to a vast blue sky with the sound of an unknown voice. Under the light, Kiyohime saw for the first time the figure of the person she had missed day and night while she was alive.

It overlapped with the figure of someone I had just seen, and a burning emotion slowly, gently spread through me—

Novia?!

Why can someone from the past see someone from the future? Isn't the age difference too big?! The future, Maitreya, Buddha... Ah, I understand!

In that instant, Kiyohime suddenly understood the meaning of 'future' in the Buddha's chant, and she understood why she had waited and waited in vain. Thousands of years had passed; who could wait that long? She had been so foolish. Buddha, why couldn't you just say it clearly? The future really was the future in the literal sense...

Kiyohime originally thought that although she hadn't been able to wait for the person she longed for, she had at least gained a friend, so it was alright.

But when she realized that Novia was the person she had been longing for, she suddenly became unable to calm down, especially now that she had become a 'dragon'...

Oh no, I'm doomed! I'm so doomed! This look is going to ruin his plans. He's been looking forward to this meeting for so long, and I've made such a mess of it. Seriously, really, ahhhhhh...

Having successfully transformed into a dragon, Kiyohime's enormous body became paralyzed and convulsed around the temple. If she were in human form, it would probably be quite normal for her to drool.

"I think Kiyohime looks very beautiful."

Standing before the dragon that Kiyohime had transformed into, Novia said this: When the silver-haired youth learned about the various elements of Kiyohime's love story, he had a strange feeling that "this has something to do with me," and now it has indeed proven that his feeling was true.

You actually said I looked good like that, how considerate! But I already knew it was just a white lie—

Not lying?! I genuinely think it looks good! How could this be? How could this be? How could this be? What a considerate person! How can I describe this feeling...?

Waaaaaah! Who can resist this?! I've waited so many years, I really can't take it anymore! Age difference doesn't matter, we're both Servants now, it doesn't matter anymore...

No, no, Kiyohime, you're a lady. You need to stay calm during our first meeting. You need to make a good impression...

Although Kiyohime tried her best to calm herself down, her surging inner desires still made her use her tail to move Novia onto her head, riding her like a dragon knight, and then she rushed towards Bluebeard outside the mountain.

"I still remember your indelible brilliance."

Bluebeard said calmly and rationally, then gave Novia, who was on top of the dragon coming towards him, a smile that was like that of a child returning home after being away from home.

"Alright, I really should go back now, back to my original 'era'."

Chapter 359 Ritsuka: This doesn't taste like Novia.

"...Jill has disappeared."

Although it was only for a moment, Jeanne Alter, who was confronting Joan of Arc, keenly noticed this.

"Dragon Witch, surrender. You have no strength left to resist."

"That's right, that's exactly it, that smug look on your face. I've always wanted you to submit to me! I wanted to trample you under my feet!"

Under the influence of surging magic, Jeanne Alter appeared as if she were soaked in blood, her face filled with icy killing intent as she looked at Jeanne with cold, clear eyes.

"Come on, and experience my true power, you genuine article!"

As if wanting to sever everything about Joan of Arc on the spot, Black Joan suddenly waved her flag. At the same time, Joan of Arc quickly launched a counterattack, and the shrill sound of the collision echoed outside Orleans.

She realized that she was not Jeanne d'Arc's dark side. After meeting Isabella in her Lily form, Alter Jeanne Lily understood this. In the end, she was not a Servant in the Throne of Heroes.

If that's the case, how did I obtain such great power?

Power can only come from the Holy Grail, which means that "oneself," the "grown self," is the Holy Grail itself.

Jeanne Alter Lily keenly noticed this, so this deduction naturally existed in Jeanne Alter's mind after she returned to her original form. If she had always maintained this adult appearance, she probably would never have noticed this. It was only when she was in Lily form that she could discover it. However, Jeanne Alter was not very disappointed about this.

She acknowledges her desire to be needed by others and therefore understands how twisted the means by which she created herself are, but the concept of 'Joan of Arc Alter' has already been created and cannot be erased because it has been acknowledged by Joan of Arc's mother, Isabella.

To be fair, Jeanne Alter believes she still needs to thank Novia, since it was thanks to his efforts that she was able to be summoned again after being destroyed. However, the thought that this guy both 'betrayed' her and showed obvious favoritism towards that human girl, Fujimaru Ritsuka, makes her really unhappy.

"Speaking of which, where are Consultant Novia and Miss Kiyohime?"

"According to Mr. Georgios, Gil's aura has disappeared. It was probably caused by the advisor and Miss Kiyohime working together, senior."

Ritsuka, who was observing the situation, suddenly spoke up, followed by Mash, while Georgios, standing to the side, gave a subtle smile.

"Why did Kiyohime only bring in Novia, the advisor? Couldn't Mr. Siegfried or Vlad be included?"

Ritsuka pressed for an answer.

"This……"

"It's probably because of Buddhism."

Giorgios explained appropriately, ignoring the confused looks from Siegfried, Vlad III, and Martha, "In the legend of Princess Kiyohime, she burned down the temple of Maitreya Buddha, and thus was eventually punished by being transformed into one of the 'Dragons' under Maitreya's seat. There is also a saying that she was originally one of the 'Dragons' under Maitreya's seat and went down to the mortal realm for training."

"What does this have to do with Consultant Novia?"

"I remember you said, Ritsuka, that Novia's advisor has the shadow of many Servants, or one of them is related to Maitreya Buddha, which is why Kiyohime's Noble Phantasm dragged him in. Of course, this is just my personal speculation. We should ask Kiyohime for the specifics."

"That's what Giorgios said."

However, a huge uproar was brewing in his heart. As someone who had taken over the role, he naturally realized that the concept of 'Future Miroku' unfolded by Kiyohime's Noble Phantasm was completely consistent with the strength of Novia within it. He couldn't even imagine how his superior would feel after learning this.

Now, even if they swallow their pride and forcefully bring them back, it might be difficult. After all, these Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are quite troublesome, and one wrong move could shake the entire universe...

Never mind, it's none of my business. I don't know anything about it. I'll just take some photos as a memento.

Finally, St. George consoled himself with this thought.

"I see, so besides the church, there's also Buddha... "

After listening to Georgios's explanation, Ritsuka nodded thoughtfully.

She subconsciously imagined what Novia would look like as a 'monk,' losing his silver hair and becoming bald, wearing a robe that could be easily taken off… It didn't seem so unacceptable, though—

Stop, stop, we can't think about this anymore, we have to stop this topic.

Perhaps thinking of something, the girl blushed slightly, then took a deep breath and continued to watch the battle between Jeanne Alter and Jeanne d'Arc.

However, in reality, it was clear to everyone that Jeanne Alter was no match for Jeanne d'Arc at all. This was only because Siegfried, Georgios, and the others were just watching from the sidelines without intervening; otherwise, she would probably have been defeated in an instant.

"Damn..."

In that instant, accompanied by a voice filled with regret, Jeanne Alter's body collapsed, and at the same time, the weapon in her hand was knocked away by Jeanne d'Arc and landed lightly on the ground.

In an instant, Joan of Arc threw the flag, which flew straight toward Black Joan with terrifying force.

Blood dripped instantly from Jeanne Alter's tightly clenched lips as she accepted the fact that she was about to be destroyed. However, Jeanne's banner merely passed by her ear, embedded itself in the walls of Orléans with a booming sound, and fell to the ground.

"Bastard, if you're going to give it to me, just give me a quick death! How dare you insult me ​​like this—"

"In fact, I didn't mean to show mercy, but I was stopped by the land of 'France'. As for who can influence this land, I think you know very well."

Jeanne d'Arc looked directly into Alter Jeanne's murderous eyes and shook her head.

"Huh? What do you mean? I don't understand..."

"Because I want to see you one more time, but even so, you don't have much time left."

The next instant, Novia emerged from the barrier created by Kiyohime's Noble Phantasm and appeared before Jeanne Alter.

"traitor."

Jeanne Alter naturally narrowed her eyes, her gaze returning to Joan of Arc beside her.

"That's really hard to hear."

Novia straightened her chest and answered without wavering, "As I said, if you want to be my Master, since I am originally from Chaldea, you must be prepared to accept betrayal."

"Huh? You've never even said the word 'Chaldea'!"

"It's probably because I forgot to mention it."

The silver-haired youth smiled as he approached Black Jeanne and answered.

At the same time, in order to do what he was about to do, he also used a certain amount of concealment magic to make himself and Jeanne Alter disappear from everyone's sight.

"Hehe, compared to my incomplete fake, those little devils and the real thing over there are more in line with your requirements, aren't they?"

Jeanne Alter had no expression, as if she were mocking someone, or perhaps she was shy.

"Be more confident in yourself."

"……Yeah."

As if confirming her own thoughts, Jeanne Alter murmured to herself, then revealed a smile that was neither sad nor happy, but rather a combination of both.

"As expected, I'm powerless. But oh well, I'm actually quite happy. Just as I said when I shrunk down, I'm very happy! So, in this story, my role ends here."

Novia looked at her silently without saying a word.