In the simple workshop of magecraft, aside from the pre-installed barrier to ward off intruders set when the property was purchased, a complex spirit summoning magic circle had now been etched onto the ground.
Lines of mercury and radiant gem crystals linked in intricate, elaborate configurations, resembling a sky full of constantly shifting stars. By the later stages, even Rin Tohsaka's magical vision could no longer keep up with the pattern's development.
"Wrong, wrong, wrong, Ritsuka-chan. No, the sub-rune for the second-tier summoning circle is off by three degrees to the left—it needs a slight correction."
"Webber-chan, wow~ Your magical potential may be weak, but your fundamentals are surprisingly solid."
"Rin-chan, over here too.... mm-hmm, just like that...."
Appearing out of thin air and on the room's screen, Da Vinci-chan, having taken over Romani Archaman's former central seat, delicately held her artistically perfect chin, continuously pointing out adjustments and corrections to the three human Masters working on the magic circle.
Why only Webber, Rin Tohsaka, and Fujimaru Ritsuka? Because Shirou Emiya was a half-baked magus, and the one supposedly most talented in this residence—Illyasviel—was still out of commission.
"Good work, all three of you. A trinity-style magic circle combining convergence guidance, summoning, and fusion is complex even for me, Da Vinci-chan, the 'Universal Genius.'"
"Da Vinci-chan, thank you so much!"
Holding a coffee pot, Romani, acting as the gofer, cheerfully poured a cup of rich, fragrant Lavazza Italian roast coffee for Da Vinci-chan seated at the table.
"Ehehe, Roman-chan, making big claims and still needing help... so lame~ Roman-chan, how are you planning to repay me~?"
"Ahahaha...." Romani laughed awkwardly, trying to deflect. "Of course, it's because I knew a little thing like this wouldn't trouble the 'Omnipotent One,' Da Vinci-chan."
Restricted by his status as a "normal human," Romani had the knowledge, but had to rely on Da Vinci-chan for the actual magical execution.
"Hehe, Roman-chan, I'll gladly accept your flattery."
Praised as the Uomo Universale (Universal Genius), Da Vinci-chan was one of the few true prodigies in human history who left an enormous mark on the progress of civilization.
Though she might fare poorly in direct combat—perhaps even losing to a mere Imperial foot soldier under Selene—in invention, administration, logistics, operations, and strategy, her capabilities were nothing short of monstrous.
Her inherent skills included:
Inherent Wisdom: EX
A skill that reflects unparalleled natural intelligence. Aside from divine-class burdens or unique heroic traits, she can demonstrate proficiency at rank A in a wide array of skills.
Pioneer of the Stars: EX
A unique skill bestowed upon heroes who served as pivotal turning points in human history. Any impossible expedition or undertaking becomes achievable. Da Vinci, who provided humanity with countless opportunities in various fields, possesses this at an exceptionally high rank.
And her Noble Phantasm:
Uomo Universale (Universal Genius/The Universal Man)
Rank: EX
Type: Anti-Unit, Anti-Army Noble Phantasm
Although this Noble Phantasm's resources were mostly allocated to running Chaldea, with a small portion combined with her vast knowledge, it was not too difficult for her to remotely guide and fine-tune a composite spirit summoning magic circle.
"Phew... Da Vinci-chan, Doctor Roman, I think we're just about ready."
Completing the final stroke, Fujimaru Ritsuka stood up and wiped the nonexistent sweat from his brow. Feeling the boiling magic within him, he nodded toward the screen projection of Da Vinci and Romani, softly murmuring:
"A genius hailed as the Universal One, huh... hahaha... This king acknowledges you. But let this king see—hmm, something still feels missing...."
At that moment, Gilgamesh, who had been waiting outside the workshop for some time, swaggered in. He first placed several large golden crystals at the core points of the magic circle. Then, staring at the somewhat plain formation, he pondered briefly before suddenly realizing:
"Not glorious enough!"
With that, golden ripples spread out. The crisp clatter sound followed, and Rin Tohsaka's eyes suddenly widened, her breathing becoming labored.
"Rin...?" Sensing Rin's strange reaction, Shirou Emiya spoke softly.
Just as he was about to ask more, the sight before him left him dumbfounded—treasures composed of gold, high-purity gemstones, and emeralds poured forth from the golden ripples before Gilgamesh.
"Hahaha... now this is worthy of a king."
Looking over the workshop now crudely "decorated," Gilgamesh nodded in satisfaction.
"This is just excessive piling! What kind of 'decorating' style is this, Archer?! This is way too much! As long as the proper mediums, vessels, guiding formulas, and mana sources are in place, there's no need for such extravagance... it's just wasteful."
Swallowing hard and panting lightly, Rin Tohsaka could no longer move her eyes away, her gaze locked onto the gold and gems—especially the high-purity jewels—her eyes practically turning into ¥¥.
"Haha... woman, this king is in a good mood, so I'll let your disrespect slide for now. How could a commoner comprehend royal aesthetics? Seems you and your father are both vulgar people~"
"But, seeing you like this now reminds me of a certain troublesome woman."
With a laugh, Gilgamesh suddenly teleported right in front of Rin. Reflected in his crimson eyes was the image of the girl trying hard to suppress her greed—he let out a snort.
"Interesting. Truly interesting. This king suddenly feels that not bringing the 'Omniscient Omnipotent Star' during his descent ten years ago might've been a mistake. Perhaps I missed out on more amusing things."
After his musings, Gilgamesh stepped into the center of the magic circle. He turned and solemnly addressed Fujimaru and the others:
"Now then—Fujimaru, Ruler, and the two hiding outside this world—it begins."
"Right. Ruler, as planned, we're counting on you." Fujimaru looked to Jeanne and Waver and nodded.
"Understood."
Without further words, Jeanne and Waver exchanged glances. Then, Jeanne summoned her pure white Fleur-de-lis war flag, unfurled it, and gently planted the pole onto the floor. With one hand clenched over her chest, she chanted:
"Listen to the voice of the Lord."
"O Lord, we ask that You guide mankind."
"Let Your divine work descend upon this place!"
Buzz!
In an instant, Jeanne's entire body shone with golden light, transforming into radiant streams that connected with the magic circle beneath her feet.
"Ritsuka! Now!" Da Vinci, seizing the moment, shouted.
"Right!"
"Silver and iron. The great foundation contracts with a prince."
...
"Repeating cycles—five in total; yet when filled, it becomes discarded."
...
"From the Throne of Heroes—King Gilgamesh!"
Following Da Vinci's instructions, Fujimaru Ritsuka began channeling magical energy. Within the trinity-style composite spirit summoning circle, the power Jeanne activated quickly merged with Fujimaru's and surged through his body.
In an instant, the rush of immense mana caused a sharp pain to flash across his face.
In that moment, the golden radiance swallowed Gilgamesh whole.
The intricately patterned magic circle slowly rose, then began to rotate rapidly in midair, stirring up a gust of wind that sent everyone's hair fluttering wildly inside the room....
Magic continued to pour out, and the special formation began to radiate a dazzling brilliance.
"It worked!"
Romani, who had been closely monitoring the Servant Spirit Origin changes on the screen, suddenly cheered in excitement.
Clack, clack, clack....
In a daze, Fujimaru Ritsuka thought he could hear the sound of footsteps striking the floor.
"Ritsuka, long time no see... or not really, I suppose it hasn't actually been that long."
That familiar, affectionate voice made Fujimaru's eyes widen instantly. "Gilgamesh? That's great!"
The one who appeared was indeed Gilgamesh—but not the haughty tyrant. This was the wise king who had once fought beside Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Though he still wore a great deal of golden armor and jewelry, and golden gauntlets adorned his hands, exuding the same sense of luxury and extravagance—
This time, he lacked the arrogant, domineering aura of "only I reign supreme," replaced instead by gentleness and wisdom.
His wounds had fully healed, and he now wore an opulent, chest-baring outfit characteristic of the ancient Mesopotamian region. On his head rested a crown-like cloth cap, and he greeted Ritsuka with a warm smile.
"I've got the general idea already, Ritsuka. You sure know how to dump trouble on me the moment I show up. Looks like we've both gotten ourselves into a real mess this time."
As he spoke, Gilgamesh gazed toward Mount Enzō, frowning, and said with a trace of hesitation:
"Speak, Gilgamesh! Use your invincible 'Omniscient Omnipotent Star' to come up with something. What is that chaotic evil god that possessed the body of the monster goddess Gorgon?!"
"Tch. You're really good at ordering people around, Doctor Romani." Casting a sideways glance at Romani's screen projection, Gilgamesh gave a roguish yet cheerful smile.
"The capable do more." Romani chuckled and scratched his head sheepishly.
"And who do you think ends up doing all that 'more'... sigh, forget it. Let's talk about this enemy first."
At that moment, Saber was utterly stunned by Gilgamesh's calm demeanor. Was this even the same Archer she knew? The difference was like night and day. Could he be suffering from a split personality...?
Ignoring Saber and Rin's baffled stares, Gilgamesh looked at Romani and said, "That thing that's taken over Gorgon's body isn't some evil god. Judging it by good or evil is far too narrow."
"In some ways, she really is a 'benevolent god.' Her divine domains include—but aren't limited to—courage, authority, life, harvest, victory, and wealth...."
"A benevolent god? Explain further! Is there a chance of forming an alliance like the Trinity of Goddesses from the Seventh Singularity?"
"Don't interrupt this king!"
Recalling what he had seen using his 'Omniscient Omnipotent Star,' Gilgamesh crossed his arms and said solemnly, "It's impossible. Her so-called benevolence is not the benevolence we generally understand."
Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm: Sha Naqba Imuru (The Omniscient Omnipotent Star)
Rank: EX
Type: Anti-Unit Noble Phantasm
A Noble Phantasm born from the spiritual sublimation of the Hero King, illuminating the world like starlight. It is always active.
It possesses the effect of "Clairvoyance," capable of seeing through true names or Noble Phantasms that are hidden behind multiple layers of concealment.
"Her 'goodness' lies in absolute dominion—placing everything under her control, with life and death dictated solely by her will. A tyrannical sort of 'good.'"
"And you're underestimating her usurpation of the Mother of Creation, Tiamat's, authority."
As he said this, a terrifying expression crossed Gilgamesh's face. "Her status might even surpass Tiamat's!"
"Even higher than Tiamat? Could she be... a Creator God?"
"You could say that. What I can see is this: a foreign god-king, a deity of absolute control, the emperor of all races, the supreme ruler of the world, the manifestation of the ultimate law of the cosmos."
At those words, even Romani—who had seen his share of the impossible—was stunned. The rest of the room wore equally dumbfounded expressions, as if listening to utter nonsense.
"Where the hell did Lev and that guy find someone like this for backup? A creator-class deity like that should have no reason to meddle in something this small-scale."
"Tch, who knows. Then again, aren't you familiar with how eccentric and unpredictable gods can be? Maybe she's just... amusing herself."
"What, don't tell me you're thinking of surrendering."
"As if!"
"Then quit whining and start thinking of solutions...." Gilgamesh sighed with visible irritation.
"This is exactly why I despise gods. Fools like Ishtar are too rare.... ahem Their kind are simply too uncontrollable."
"But in the end, things aren't entirely hopeless. Since she descended in Servant form, the resulting limitations are unimaginable even to her—that's our chance! So..."
"So?"
In Chaldea, Romani pressed his face up against the screen.
"We gather more allies!!"
"You think we can face this with just our current numbers? What are we, suicidal?! Romani, however many cards Chaldea still has in hand, however many allies you've hidden—send them all over, now!"
"And don't worry about mana supply. This king will handle it. Have no doubt—if what I've observed is correct, the final battle for the restoration of humanity will begin here."
"And the first helper this king has chosen...."
Gilgamesh turned toward Rin Tohsaka, who looked completely confused, and suddenly smirked.
"Ahem, impoverished commoner, this king offers you an opportunity to pay off your debts and strike it rich beyond measure—interested?"
"Huh?!"
...
Elsewhere, at Ryuudou Temple—
"A prying gaze?"
Sensing something, Selene suddenly rose. Her massive frame and weight caused the entire Mount Enzou to shake.
"Well, whatever. Doesn't matter now. Time to meet the real player—King of the Demon Gods, Goetia."
Without further hesitation, Selene raised her head and looked toward a rift in the void.
There, in a divine temple surrounded by radiant energy bands, a man lounging on a throne slowly opened his eyes in response to Selene's gaze.
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