Chapter 19: A Decisive Move

"In short, let us hypothesize the 'World' as a giant circle."

Three silhouettes stood in that place.

One was the elderly gentleman who had just spoken. One was a young man with the air of a Magus. One was a brown-skinned youth wearing black vestments.

"Within that circle, multiple worlds exist. Heaven and Hell as recorded in the Bible, the World Tree Yggdrasil spoken of in Norse mythology, Olympus passed down in Greece, and so on. The space in the gaps between these circles is what we call the Dimensional Gap."

The elderly gentleman drew a circle on a piece of paper on the table, then proceeded to draw several smaller circles inside it. Some circles were isolated, while others overlapped. They varied in size and shape.

"However, the world we were in is different from the circle of this world."

The elderly gentleman drew another giant circle.

"One can move from the Underworld to the Celestial Realm if the means exist. It is natural, as they exist within the same circle. The Dimensional Gap likely serves a role similar to a sea. However, that world and this world are fundamentally different diagrams. This sense of distance is closer to that of planets than countries. That is precisely why one cannot freely come and go—with a few exceptions."

At the gentleman's words, the Magus-like youth—Georg—leaned forward.

"And one of those exceptions is the Summoning of Heroic Spirits via the Holy Grail, correct?"

"Precisely. To use an analogy, it is like a radio wave broadcast to aliens being picked up by chance. Well, if this world—this cosmology—had the Throne of Heroes, the story might be different. But as long as the Gods still exist in the modern era, the balance between Mystery and the Human Order in this world is ambiguous and distorted. Though, that might just be how it looks from my perspective as an outsider from another world."

To an inhabitant of a world where the Age of Gods ended and the Human Order was established, the state of Mystery in this world appeared contradictory. Yet, to the denizens of this world, it functioned. In terms of the concentration of Mystery in the modern era, this side was overwhelmingly superior. Any Magus from that world would likely search for a way to migrate the moment they discovered this world.

"But Professor. In this world, one likely couldn't create something close to Goetia's Holy Grail. No, I haven't seen the actual Grail, but after seeing this Temple of Time..."

"You can create an isolated space as well, can't you?"

"The dimensions are different."

Goetia's Reality Marble, the Temple of Time. The Second Noble Phantasm; Ars Paulina: The Time of Coronation Has Come, He is the One Who Begins All. A workshop in Imaginary Number Space severed from time; a micro-model of the universe.

The moment he stepped into that space, Georg had nearly gone mad.

Georg's Longinus (Sacred Gear), Dimension Lost, is the strongest barrier-type Longinus, capable of destroying a country. By activating its Balance Breaker, Cantutior, he could construct an even firmer barrier space. However, the Temple of Time was something it was impudent to even compare. The dimensions were different; the nature was different. The level was different; the stage was different.

He was made to realize how narrow-minded his accumulated achievements and techniques were. Georg was able to recover only because his intellectual curiosity and spirit of inquiry overcame his sense of defeat. For better or worse, he was a Magus and a scholar.

"Have you also taken an interest, Mr. Apep?"

The true identity of the youth in black vestments was one of the representative Evil Dragons, the dragon said to govern solar eclipses in Egyptian mythology: The Embodiment of Primordial Darkness, Apep. One of the aberrations resurrected by Valerie's Grail.

《Of course, it is an intriguing tale even to me. The condition for us Evil Dragons to cooperate in this plan is the challenge against an outer world and an unknown Hero.》

Evil Dragons. Dragons that were once destroyed. Aberrations possessing a destructive impulse and a suicidal desire. The most abominable of monsters.

《There is no place for us in the world the King of Men seeks to create. We are not even permitted to desire it. It feels as though our very existence is being denied. However, if we are to be taken to a new playground, that is a different matter. Azi Dahaka, Grendel, Ladon, and Nidhogg all agree with this plan. ...Though Crom Cruach seems to wish to see a different sight.》

"To wish to go to that world despite knowing there are multiple beings like Goetia... you all are quite mad yourselves."

《I am honored by your praise, Professor.》

From the gentleman's perspective, it was meant as irony, but it didn't translate at all. Naturally so. He was an Evil Dragon—the representative of those dragons said to be missing even the screws in their heads.

"A challenge to an outer world. Actually, I've discovered something new regarding the 'World.' Do you wish to know?"

《Oh? Intriguing. By all means, tell me.》

Not only Apep, but Georg also turned his attention to the Professor.

"I investigated the space between these giant circles. You see, I have to find a way for them to go home. I discovered then that there are not just two worlds. If we call this world 'D' and my world 'F,' I have confirmed the existence of a world 'E' apart from those. It seems to be a world with a Worldline significantly different from both our world and this one."

"What...!"

As Georg was reeling from this sudden revelation, he felt signs of frantic movement nearby. He even heard gunshots. He braced for combat, but understood the situation from the voice he heard next.

"Wait, Leonardo! Cavities are a dangerous disease! They must be treated immediately! With the latest treatment methods, it will be over with just a little drilling! So wait! I said wait!"

"............!"

Simply put, it was a child's resistance to medical treatment. However, the problem lay not with the patient, but rather with the one administering the treatment.

"...I'll go help before all of Leonardo's teeth are drilled away."

"Don't let the mummy-hunter become a mummy himself!"

Georg found himself facing a "dead-line" before the actual battle.

The attack on the Governor General of the Fallen Angels, Azazel, and the High-class Devil Tannin by a mysterious knightly order. That news spread in an instant, not just through the Underworld, but across all the mythologies of the world.

The news reached the ears of the Norse All-Father Odin, who was visiting the Underworld for a counter-terrorism conference—naturally, in much greater detail than the public version.

"Quite a surprise, isn't it?"

"Yes. To think the Governor General of the Fallen Angels and a former Dragon King could be outmaneuvered. Has the Hero Faction of the Khaos Brigade gathered a fighting force even more powerful than anticipated?"

At the words of his attendant Valkyrie, Rossweisse, Odin shook his head in exasperation.

"Nay. Those who attacked Azazel, Tannin, and the Red Dragon Emperor brat are not of the Hero Faction."

"Eh? W-what do you mean, Lord Odin?"

The culprits this time were a band of knights. Most of them were clad in full plate armor, their faces hidden, and they did not identify themselves. However, three of them were different.

One was the missing Church warrior, Irina Shidou. The Church had been searching for her—the holder of an Excalibur fragment—but her trail had been lost until this attack. This was partly due to the numerous problems the Church faced following the sudden peace treaty, which limited the personnel they could spare.

And the remaining two reportedly held Clarent and Arondight. One a King-Slayer, the other a Kinslayer. Both are cursed Demonic Swords. The one holding Clarent even identified themselves as Mordred.

Based purely on circumstantial evidence, one might think it was the Hero Faction, where descendants of heroes and reincarnations of braves are gathered. But Odin rejected that outright.

"To prevent public chaos, Sirzechs and Azazel will likely keep this truth hidden. Well, it's not like anything would change even if it were made public. I would do the same in their shoes."

"T-then, who on earth could they be?"

"That—even I do not know."

Hearing those words, Rossweisse shuddered. It wasn't just shock. Odin, who possesses an aspect as a God of Prophecy who governs wisdom and sees the future, had "thrown in the towel," claiming to know nothing.

"There are two facts not released to the public. One is that Ddraig’s soul was extracted from the Sacred Gear. The other is the figure mentioned by one of the culprits, Irina Shidou: the Lion King. Likely the enemy's leader, but the problem is that this person was referred to as a 'Goddess'."

"...You mean some mythology is pulling the strings from behind?"

"Such a thing was expected from the start. The likes of Hades or Taishakuten. The former to spite the Biblical factions, the latter to create strong warriors by inciting an era of war. ...It is ironic, but the peace made by those brats will likely serve as nothing but the kindling for war."

As Odin, he couldn't deny Taishakuten's way of thinking. Odin himself is a God of War, and accepting strong heroes into Valhalla is one of his roles.

"In that case, you might even find your own hero. Aren't you ashamed to be a Valkyrie who is a virgin at your age, with a 'boyfriend-less record' equal to your lifespan?"

"It's not like I'm a virgin by choice!"

"Then if you get the chance, be sure to seize it. To lead a Hero to Valhalla and serve him is the ultimate fulfillment for a Battle Maiden."

As Odin spoke, the image of his daughter came to mind. The Battle Maiden he had sealed in a hall of flames as punishment for defying his will. By some twist of fate, she fell in love with a human hero. And that love ended in tragedy. In perhaps the most famous tragedy in Norse mythology, the love between him and her ended.

"Um, Lord Odin. There is something that has been bothering me..."

"What is it?"

After a few seconds of hesitation, Rossweisse spoke up.

"Those pillar-shaped aberrations, the Demon God Pillars, was it? I heard the confirmed individuals identified themselves with the same names as the 72 Pillars. And the Hero Faction is composed of hero descendants and reincarnations. Furthermore, the 72 Pillars are considered part of the Khaos Brigade's strength. In other words, the Hero Faction has So—"

"A mere Battle Maiden must not utter that name so easily in this place. Especially not in front of the Devil Kings or the Angels."

A light that was anything but peaceful dwelled in Odin's lone eye. Standing there was not the usual sexual-harassment-geezer, but the Great God with the dignity of a Chief Deity and a God of War. But that lasted only a moment. The pressure vanished from his eye, and he shrugged playfully.

"Worry not. The situation you're imagining likely hasn't occurred."

"H-how can you be so certain, Lord Odin? With all due respect, given the circumstances..."

"Oh, it's simple. If his will had been resurrected, there's no way this Underworld would still be maintaining its current form."

Hearing that and understanding its meaning, a cold shiver ran down Rossweisse's spine.

"In the end, he was a human. But he was no slave to the God of the Bible. Though our mythologies got caught in the crossfire as well. Quite a nuisance, it was."

Odin smiled somewhat amusedly as he spoke.

"Now, I wonder what the brats who lost their master will do. For my part, I'd welcome more heroes coming to Valhalla. It might not be Ragnarok, but it looks to be a Wild Hunt."

Rossweisse remembered.

The great procession of the dead, the Wild Hunt, said to either add those who see it to their ranks or to be a harbinger of calamity. Various gods and Heroic Spirits are named as its leader, but Odin is one of them.

Other patterns mention the 'Pirate of the Nation's Salvation' (Francis Drake), the 'Queen of Victory' (Boudica), and the 'King of Knights' (Artoria).

"Report from Valac: The Biblical factions seem unaware of the threat posed by the Lion King."

"Supplement from Glasya-Labolas: The Rating Game by the young Devils will proceed as scheduled."

"Notice from Goetia: Prepare for the downfall of the Lion King while they are distracted by their festivities."

"Report from Vassago: The successor of the counterfeit Glasya-Labolas was assassinated by the Old Devil King Faction. The successor of the counterfeit Astaroth was eliminated by Florence Nightingale. Regarding these two, proxies have been selected from their bloodlines. Being proxies, neither the 'King' nor their household possesses power worthy of note."

"Supplement from Kimaris: The successor of the counterfeit Gremory is experiencing psychological issues within the household due to the weakening of the Red Dragon Emperor. The successor of the counterfeit Sitri suffers from a distinct lack of firepower."

"Supplement from Ronove: The successor of the counterfeit Agares has higher firepower than the Sitri household, but their composition is nearly identical. The successor of the counterfeit Baal possesses extremely high capabilities in both the 'King' and the household. The title of top-ranked young Devil is no lie. However, they are not to the extent of hindering the plan."

"Question from Saleos: Are there no forces to be wary of in the Angel or Fallen Angel camps?"

"Answer from Leraje: In the Fallen Angel camp, there are no wary forces beyond the Cadre level. In the Angel camp, besides Dulio Gesualdo, former Durandal-wielder Vasco Strada, former Excalibur-wielder Ewald Cristaldi, and the Child of Miracles Teodoro Legrenzi could become threats. However, their threat level is currently low."

"Point from Vine: Should we not bring them over to our side as well, not just Dulio Gesualdo?"

"Rejection from Vepar: Any further interference with the Church could lead to information leaks."

"Agreement from Morax: To begin with, due to the hasty conclusion of the peace treaty, there are internal conflicts of opinion within the Church. A change in the power balance caused by our contact is dangerous."

"Request from Furfur: The Hero Faction cannot defeat the Lion King. Even with the Evil Dragons, it is insufficient. Additional forces are required."

"Proposal from Allocer: Summoning Heroic Spirits is the most certain way to increase combat strength. Activate our Holy Grail."

"Refusal from Crocell: I will not permit borrowing their help any further."

"Agreement from Haagenti: There is a high probability of summoning Heroic Spirits that would harm us."

"Supplement from Amon: We destroyed the Human Order and fought numerous Heroic Spirits at the former Temple of Time. Since we have formed ties with them, we should refrain from further Heroic Spirit summoning."

"Proposal from Zepar: Then, let us increase our pawns within this world."

The Demon Pillar Meeting (Paraphrased)

Valac: "The Bible guys are being too soft on the Lion King."

Glasya-Labolas: "The young Devil Rating Game is on schedule too."

Goetia: "Let's take down the Lion King while those guys are partying."

Vassago: "That said, the proxies for Glasya-Labolas and Astaroth are super boring since they’re just last-minute replacements."

Kimaris: "The Gremory successor is all prickly because of Ddraig. The Sitri successor lacks 'oomph' when it counts."

Ronove: "The Agares successor is basically the same as the Sitri one. The Baal successor seems pretty legit. But not enough to mess with our plans."

Saleos: "Any VIPs among the Angels or Fallen Angels?"

Leraje: "Fallen Angels have nothing special. The Church has the former Durandal and Excalibur users and the Miracle Kid, but they’re not a huge deal right now."

Vine: "Should we try to scout them too?"

Vepar: "Contacting the Church more is a bad idea."

Marax: "The Church is in a really delicate mood right now, better not get involved."

Furfur: "The Hero Faction definitely can't take the Lion King. Even with Evil Dragons, it's not enough."

Alloces: "Then let's just summon more Heroic Spirits."

Crocell: "I absolutely hate relying on Heroic Spirits anymore."

Haagenti: "Yeah! What if we get turned into pancakes again!?"

Amon: "Well, you never know who's gonna show up. Catalysts aren't 100% foolproof."

Zepar: "Then let's use the people in this world as pawns. I have a secret plan."

All together now: "Zepar-whatever, don't you dare do anything unnecessary!"

(By the way, the Demon Pillars don't know Ddraig's true intentions, so they haven't realized Zepar screwed up.)