He tore through the Holy Grail War, and you still call him a dragon?

The towering blaze shocked all those hiding in the darkness.

In the very first moment of the explosion, the massive transport container at the center was completely erased from the earth. The blinding flare of heat, equal in its destruction, incinerated the entire carriage full of slumbering shiji and the confused armed personnel of the Chen family nearby.

In the second moment, the shockwave swept across the surface like an invisible hammer of death, hurling hot metal fragments and debris that collapsed a large section of the warehouse in an instant.

Amid the chaos—falling concrete chunks, panicked screams of survivors, and the roaring of awakened shiji—the world plunged into turmoil.

Zero stood at the front, calm and unshaken. A transparent barrier extended from her body, shielding her teammates.

It was Muchin no Chi (Dustless Domain), or more accurately, a replica of it copied from a Zhou clan member's genrei using her Kagami Hitomi (Mirror Eye).

Kagami Hitomi is a rare top-tier gift known as a "Bloodline Engraving." It allows rapid parsing and temporary replication of genrei. When replicating those with lower lineage, the user can even outperform the original.

Zero gave commands within the domain of Muchin no Chi, blocking the oncoming blast, searing winds, and flying debris.

The warehouse's explosion illuminated the earth and Zero's seemingly calm face—with golden irises flickering with intense emotion.

Such unbelievable power...

Since long ago, Zero had always obeyed her boss Lu Mingze without question. She prioritized perfect execution over understanding the motive.

But now, she understood why he sent the three of them to help Emiya's team with all their strength.

Because this was a grand fireworks show.

Around the Chen family compound, disciples of major Shenzhou clans had gathered. While sealing off the area, they were also watching this "fireworks show."

Its brilliance and wind would blow away the stubborn beliefs of the old era, forcing the ignorant to witness the birth of something new. To realize—"the times have changed."

Inside the warehouse, chaos continued. Despite the damage, much of the structure remained, and many shiji still in cold storage survived. Some began to awaken, while others perished, screeching in agony as their ignited fat burned from the explosion.

Some turned their blood-hungry eyes on the Chen family's armed hybrids. Driven mad by starvation, they lunged at the moving blood-meals before them.

Through heat-warped air, Zero watched a hellish scene: roasted limbs, fog-like blood, like a painting of the underworld.

Just like the destruction of Black Swan Harbor she had witnessed as a child.

A few burning shiji and hybrids writhed desperately, trying to crawl from the inferno—like the souls of Black Swan Harbor clawing their way out.

Shing.

Zero heard the sound of Emiya drawing another projected weapon, his bow ready.

Weapons of the new era once again pierced the sky—at the cost of the Chen family's fall.

Chen Family Manor

"Another toast to you! Once our path clears, the Chen family will be relying heavily on your esteemed support."

At the lavish banquet, Chen's patriarch beamed. The once-stern middle-aged face was now masked in sycophancy, clinking glasses with the Gattuso family's envoy and downing his drink heartily.

Banquet culture was deeply rooted in this land, well-known even among the Gattuso clan far off in Italy.

It was said that nothing, big or small, couldn't be resolved at a dinner table—and every gesture of a toast was steeped in social nuance.

The Gattuso family had long shed their gangster roots, proclaiming themselves noble hybrids. Their representative was extremely cautious, downing glass after glass to avoid slighting his host—until he was nearly a walking wine barrel.

Beside them sat the exquisitely dressed Nono, styled like a princess. She had recently passed the so-called Gattuso elder interview—

Which, in truth, amounted to a few old men in robes glancing at her over a video call. That was it. And somehow, that was considered a pass.

Nono wasn't there to drink—not with these two, at least—but to provide flair and conversation at the banquet.

Chen's patriarch lifted his cup and gestured to her: "Our dear Motong performed splendidly in the interview. Once she marries over, she'll surely become the Gattuso family's most esteemed and virtuous lady."

The Gattuso envoy, in broken Mandarin, agreed: "Of course. We value lineage deeply. Miss Motong will receive the highest education and become a worthy bride of the heir."

Nono watched the two men's empty flattery coldly. Words like marriage and bride, treated as bargaining chips, made her feel sick.

But having recovered from the shock of Frigga's clone revelations, she didn't lose her composure.

She now carried the ancient dragon serum gifted by a ninja master, along with a short blade and a Beretta Tomcat pistol—

All concealed beneath her long formal gown, strapped to her thigh. No one at the manor would dare search the young lady of the house.

She was just waiting. Once the moment was right... there would be a very "filial" surprise.

The feast continued. The Gattuso envoy was flush with drink. Chen patriarch was about to serve more when his expression shifted—he pulled out his phone and excused himself.

Nono's eyes lit up. She also excused herself to the restroom, then veered in his direction, trailing him from a safe distance.

(End of Chapter)

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