Miracle Summoner

"A calamity far greater than the Mage King...?"

Artoria's words left everyone stunned.

Even Artoria [Alter] and Mash were no exception.

Rozen was also momentarily taken aback. Then, as if realizing something, his pupils contracted.

This reaction did not escape Artoria's notice.

"The Seventh Singularity harbors an enemy even more powerful than the Mage King."

Artoria unveiled a shocking truth.

"The Mage King created seven Holy Grails as the foundation for disrupting Human Order."

Her voice spread slowly.

"Of these, six Holy Grails were entrusted to the Demon Pillars and magus who inherited his power. They were scattered across different eras, becoming the distortions that led to the Singularities."

"But there was one Holy Grail that the Mage King kept for himself and personally sent back into the past."

"That Holy Grail was the first step in disrupting Human Order—the initial seed of the bomb known as the Incineration of Humanity. From that moment on, Human Order was already being twisted. Once all seven Holy Grails came into existence and the seven Singularities formed, the Incineration of Humanity was finally complete."

"In other words, the disaster of the Incineration of Humanity had already begun before the Mage King even appeared in the world."

"Thus, the Seventh Holy Grail is the Mage King's true trump card. The Seventh Singularity is the origin of everything. There exist an enemy whom the Mage King himself dreads. As long as that Singularity remains, the Incineration of Humanity will never be overturned."

Because of this, the Mage King was unbothered by Chaldea's actions. He allowed them to repair the Singularities one by one under his watchful eyes, only appearing once at the Fifth Singularity and otherwise not interfering with Rozen and his companions at all.

To that Grand Caster, the first six Singularities were irrelevant. The seeds of destruction had already been sown. As long as the Seventh Holy Grail remained and the Seventh Singularity was left unrestored, his plan could continue unabated.

In other words, everything Rozen and his team had done thus far had not even been considered a threat by the Mage King.

"Because I became a deity, the Master of the End, I gained a vision equal to that of the Mage King. Only then did I understand the true reason for his confidence."

Artoria fixed her gaze on Rozen.

"The Seventh Singularity exists in an age far more ancient than the Mage King's own lifetime. In that era, there were not only terrifying existence but also gods on my level."

At this point, Rozen and his companions understood what Artoria was trying to say.

"The Seventh Singularity belongs to the Age of Gods. The Seventh Holy Grail exists in a world where gods still walked the earth."

"There, your enemies will not be mere Heroic Spirits—but true deities."

"Gods like me... or even stronger."

In such a world, finding the Holy Grail and seizing it from the hands of the gods would be no easy feat.

Not to mention, there existed an enemy there even more terrifying than the Mage King.

Artoria believed that against such a being, humanity stood no chance.

"Unless the Seven Apostles of Heaven intervene, overcoming such a catastrophe is utterly impossible."

This was Artoria's conclusion.

For this reason, she saw no future for humanity and ultimately devised her plan.

By the way, the Seven Apostles of Heaven she referred to were the Seven Grand Servants.

In other words, unless the Grand Servants took action, defeating that enemy was impossible.

And even then, it was only a possibility.

"The miracle known as Heroic Spirit Summoning was designed as the ultimate magecraft for the salvation of Human Order. The Seven Apostles of Heaven, recognized by the world and granted the Grand Saint Graphs, were tasked with combating the catastrophes that threaten Human Order. And such a catastrophe awaits in the Seventh Singularity."

Artoria spoke in a calm tone, revealing a truth so oppressive it could lead to despair.

If not for this, Artoria would not have believed that humanity had no hope and that Human History could not be restored—thus choosing to abandon it entirely.

At its core, it was because she had gained a vision equal to the Mage King's that she perceived this truth.

When Artoria claimed that Rozen and his team had not yet won, she did not mean that Rozen had not defeated her. Rather, she meant that they had not yet overcome the disaster of the Incineration of Humanity.

The Seventh Singularity—an age where gods still roamed and a great catastrophe awaited.

"If that Singularity is not restored, talk of saving Human Order is nothing but nonsense."

Artoria spoke without emotion.

"I do not believe humanity can triumph."

She delivered this ruthless verdict.

However...

"If it's you, there may still be a sliver of hope."

Her tone suddenly shifted, and her eyes locked onto Rozen's, shining like the stars.

As if trying to see through his very soul.

Then, Artoria spoke again.

"The power that allowed Sir Bedivere to defeat me... The power that is hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of times denser than the magical energy that forms the foundation of the world and mystery... If it is that power, then perhaps..."

Leaving these enigmatic words behind, Artoria turned and departed.

"Wai—"

Mash was about to call out to her, but Artoria [Alter] stopped her.

"She won't stop now."

Artoria [Alter] placed a hand on Mash's shoulder, watching Artoria leave.

Mash fell silent, saying nothing more.

Rozen, eyes flickering with thought, lowered his gaze.

"The Seventh Singularity..."

The final Singularity of the Incineration of Humanity.

"It seems that restoring it and completely re-establishing Human Order won't be easy."

That was Rozen's impression.

Then, brilliant light began to radiate from Rozen and his companions.

"This is...?"

Rozen, Mash, and Artoria Alter immediately snapped back to attention.

At the same time, two voices rang out.

"It seems there's no doubt now—this Singularity is indeed beginning to be repaired."

"Rozen-sama, it's time for you to return to your proper place."

The ones who appeared while saying this were none other than Jeanne [Alter] and Hassan of Serenity.

"Took you long enough. What were you doing over there, idiot king?"

Jeanne [Alter] immediately jabbed at Artoria [Alter] with her words.

"I should be the one saying that. I thought you'd handle the small fry quickly and get here sooner, assault woman."

Artoria [Alter] was not one to back down.

"Miss Jeanne, Miss Serenity."

Seeing them arrive, Mash's gloom finally lifted a little.

Light continued to radiate from the group, dazzling and brilliant.