Fate/Magus Path

Roy immediately sensed several abnormal surges of magical energy on the outskirts of Misaki Town.

One of these sources belonged to Aoko, while the identity of the other was unfamiliar. Judging by its aura, it radiated a power far beyond what any human could possess.

Within the same vicinity, he could faintly detect the residual magical energy of Shiki and Alice... though their presence was weak, like whispers fading into the night.

However, it was the clash of two overwhelming magical forces that truly seized his attention. The violent collision of their immense powers carved through life indiscriminately, harvesting souls with every devastating pulse. No wonder Aoko and the others hadn't reached the city yet... they had encountered formidable adversaries.

But… what kind of monster could possibly force Aoko Aozaki, the Magician of the Fifth Magic, and the Pure Witch, Alice, into such a desperate struggle?

The sheer scale of this magical force dwarfed even that of Vlov Arkhangel, whom Roy had only recently vanquished.

If his memory served him right, Shiki and Touko were supposed to be accompanying Aoko. Yet, he couldn't sense any trace of Touko's magic. Which could only mean one thing…

Damn it!!

A surge of dread flooded his mind as grim possibilities took root. Without wasting another second, he abandoned all pretense of composure. Rising to his feet, flames burst around him, propelling his figure like a comet streaking toward the direction of the Witch's Manor.

Wait for me

I'm on my way!!

The brief silence that followed was shattered as a brilliant streak of white light carved through Misaki Town's night sky, leaving the onlookers momentarily stunned.

"Huh? Roy, wait for me!!"

Recovering quickly, Arcueid reacted instinctively. Raising her arms, she conjured a pair of magnificent wings through conceptual manifestation, pushing herself to the limit to catch up, her form struggling but determined to match Roy's blistering pace.

"What… what just happened?"

Realizing something was amiss, Merem wasted no time. With a swift incantation, she summoned her mechanical familiar, commanding it to follow the soaring figures. Only Ciel remained, her mobility far inferior to the others, left standing alone amid the sudden emptiness.

In mere moments, the three figures who had been by her side had vanished without a trace.

Gazing up at the night sky, Ciel let out a long, weary sigh. Concern gnawed at her heart, but she forced herself to move, relying solely on her own strength to chase after them, her pace slower but fueled by determination.

She couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

Is flying really that impressive?

...

"Interesting, very interesting..."

"Roa, Vlov, and Nrvnqsr are all dead, and now even the Child of Einnashe has begun to sprout here."

"To claim the life of my foolish sister, that old fox Ortenrosse has indeed played a grand move this time."

"He even dispatched Child of Einnashe along with his elite forces."

High above Misaki Town, Altrouge, known as the Black Princess of the Dead Apostles, gazed down upon the unfolding events, flanked by her two loyal knights.

She had arrived long before, witnessing quite the spectacle... a performance orchestrated by magi and the Dead Apostle Ancestors.

As Roy and his companions departed, Altrouge turned to her black and white knights, her voice cool and inquisitive. "What do you make of tonight's events?"

The Black Knight, Strout, lowered his head, the first to speak.

"In just half a month, three Dead Apostle Ancestors have been buried in this city. Moreover, even Child of Einnashe has appeared in such an obscure place."

"This cannot be mere coincidence. Regardless of how foolish Nrvnqsr Chaos and Vlov Arkhangel were, Roa alone could never have drawn Child of Einnashe here. Someone is orchestrating a grand scheme, using Roa as a pawn to kill Arcueid."

"Oh? And who do you suspect this mastermind to be?" Altrouge nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"Without a doubt, it is the White Wing Lord, Trhvmn Ortenrosse."

"That old relic has gone to great lengths to achieve his goal, deploying not just Child of Einnashe but also his elite forces. His ambition knows no bounds." The Black Knight's voice was firm. "Though the roles of the other ancestors remain unclear, the one pulling the strings behind this grand game can only be him."

"Indeed, I am well aware of this. But Ortenrosse, sly as ever, merely tempts and provides resources. Even if his Dead Apostle troops are captured, the curse marks will trigger, ensuring their deaths and leaving no evidence."

"Since he hasn't acted directly, I have no grounds to execute him outright." Altrouge nodded thoughtfully.

"Furthermore, with Nrvnqsr Chaos and Vlov Arkhangel both slain by the guardian beside Arcueid, there's no concrete proof. That cunning old fox has skillfully extricated himself from the vortex."

"However, Ortenrosse's reach has grown too bold. If he's dared to target my foolish sister this time, perhaps next time, he'll set his sights on me."

She turned her gaze to the Black and White Knights, her tone cool yet commanding. "If that day comes, what will you do?"

"We shall sweep away all your enemies, Princess!"

Without hesitation, the two knights knelt, pledging their unwavering loyalty.

Though Ortenrosse was powerful, as Dead Apostle Ancestor themselves, they were far from weak... certainly not ones to fear him.

"Good. Once we return, ensure you sever any of Ortenrosse's overreaching claws. Consider it a warning for his transgressions. And if he dares to resist, use it as an excuse to eliminate him."

In just a few brief minutes, Altrouge had already charted Ortenrosse's fate, ready to assert her authority as princess.

Then, she posed another question to her knights.

"The guardian beside my foolish sister... do either of you believe you can kill him?"

The knights hesitated, exchanging glances before replying.

"No. In a one-on-one battle, neither of us would stand a chance."

"Even together, our chances of victory wouldn't exceed thirty percent. His power is far too overwhelming. I doubt the strength he displayed when killing Vlov was his full potential."

"However, if you truly wish for his death, Princess, we are willing to stake our lives for the attempt!"

Altrouge nodded slightly, raising her hand to signal them to rise, satisfied with their loyalty.

"There's no need. We have no conflict of interest with him, and I do not wish for you to die in vain."

"Even if, one day, my foolish sister dares challenge me with him by her side, I will never lose!"

Indeed, proud as ever, Altrouge paid no mind to the new ally at Arcueid's side. Her confidence in herself was absolute, the embodiment of nobility and pride.

"Then, Princess, what should we do next?" 

"We'll observe from afar. There's no need to interfere in their battle with Child of Einnashe."

"I also wish to see just how far my foolish sister, Arcueid, has grown."

With a faint smile, Altrouge turned, issuing her command to the knights.

"As you command, Princess."

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