Chapter 99: 99 The Conclusion
"Morgan..."
Inside the shattered bounded field, the late-arriving Artoria looked at Morgan, who was already imprisoned by Roy.
Her expression was somewhat hesitant, but more than that, it was filled with uncertainty about how to face the situation.
Similarly, upon seeing Artoria appear, Morgan's expression also became strange, her eyes seemingly avoiding contact.
She feigned indifference and said, "Are you here to mock me, my foolish sister?"
"No, sister, I know everything now... So please don't keep hiding things from me anymore..."
Artoria gently shook her head, then approached Morgan, bent down, and gave her a deep embrace.
A hug that was a millennium late.
She softly said, "Thank you, sister."
"What... what?!"
"What... what are you doing? Artoria... my foolish sister, have you lost your mind? I..."
Morgan Le Fay, tightly embraced by Artoria, gasped in surprise and spoke with a stiff expression.
"Please don't hide things from me anymore, sister. I know everything; I understand everything now, including what you and everyone else have done..."
"I... I know everything."
Listening to Artoria's voice, which carried a hint of tears, Morgan's heart finally softened. Instead of pushing Artoria away as she had expected, she embraced her back.
This was also a reunion after a thousand years, where she held her sister once again.
"Don't cry~" Morgan lowered her head, letting Artoria's face buried in her broad breast, her voice gentle. Like a true sister, she comforted her sibling tenderly, "You don't have to apologize to me; after all, I am your sister, right..."
"Mm..."
Watching this long-separated pair of sisters reunite, Roy let out a slight sigh, a smile emerging on his face, genuinely happy for Artoria from the bottom of his heart.
Glancing around at the impending collapse of the grand bounded field, he promptly used magecraft to isolate the space where the sisters were, giving them enough time to share the emotions and experiences of their millennium-long separation.
After doing this, he just shook his head slightly and consciously left the scene.
He couldn't help but sigh.
"What a touching scene... With this, Artoria should be able to truly let go..."
"Ahem... Since I also played quite a significant role this time, I made my timely entrance."
Merlin coughed a few times and then popped his head out of the darkness.
"…"
Roy looked at him expressionlessly, then decisively unleashed a flashy uppercut aimed at Merlin.
"You can't hit me!"
With agile footwork, Merlin easily dodged the sneak attack.
The Master Swordsmanships is not just for show!
"Why are you hitting me? Clearly, I helped a lot this time."
"Because you ruined the heartfelt atmosphere."
"Heartfelt?" Merlin scratched his head, displaying a confused expression, "I don't quite understand."
"Forget it, I didn't plan to let you, an incubus, understand such emotions."
Roy sighed, his expression somewhat helpless, "In any case, don't cause a ruckus here anymore; don't disturb their reunion as sisters. Let's leave for a while."
Using his distant sight to observe the reunited sisters, Merlin nodded, refraining from rudely approaching them.
"How gentle... I never expected to see such a gentle expression on the face of that witch Morgan."
"And Artoria, she's sharing her experiences and feelings with Morgan, as well as her gratitude towards everyone. What?! Why is she categorizing herself as useless when she also helped?!!"
Seeing Artoria labeling herself as useless, Merlin showed a heartbroken expression.
"I clearly tried hard!"
"Stop peeping! It's a touching reunion between the two sisters, and here you are, an old incubus, lurking in the shadows... what do you want?"
"But... I also want to see a happy scene."
"At your age, stop being coy. How disgusting, Merlin."
Looking at Merlin, who had surpassed his own limits, Roy kicked him in the backside without holding back.
"Ah!"
Merlin fell into the darkness in a graceful arc.
And so, not far from the touching reunion of the sisters, a pair of good friends in a good relationship began their friendly exchange in the shadows.
...
[Target Disappeared]
[Data Anomaly]
[Attempting to Analyze Target: ####]
[####]
[Analysis Unable to ####]
[Unable to Prove ####]
[Stopping Simulation ####]
After messing around with Merlin in the darkness for a while, the touching reunion drew to a close with Artoria's call.
Due to the shattering of the bounded field, Morgan's consciousness gradually detached from the vessel it was inhabiting, ultimately returning to Avalon.
The doll before them, which bore Morgan's appearance, was left as nothing but a fragmented shell.
*Crack*
Accompanied by the sound of the core within the simulation witch's body being shattered by Roy, a mechanical malfunctioning noise entered the ears of the two.
Then, under Artoria's astonished gaze, the simulation witch's body, which had been lying on the ground and still looked like Morgan Le Fay, suddenly began to decompose at an incredible speed, transforming into countless red sands that quickly condensed into a mass.
The true form of the simulation witch was these red granular substances, or rather, they should be called the Philosopher's Stone, an alchemical material.
Reaching his hand into this mass of red sand, and as the magic circuits on Roy's arm flickered with light, these fine grains seemed to be drawn by some force and began to flow rapidly, collapsing swiftly afterward.
Thus, the objectives of their journey were completely fulfilled.
They helped Gray see Artoria and helped Artoria see Morgan, allowing the sisters to truly reveal their feelings to each other.
They also had the opportunity to witness the supreme masterpiece of the Atlas Institute.
One of the Seven Superweapons of Atlas... Logos React was successfully shut down.
Next, they just had to wait for Zepia to come and tidy up.
...
Outside, within the Gravekeeper's Village.
Gray and Bersac, who had been thrown out by Artoria, were quite anxious.
However, considering their own strength gap and the now-missing entrance to the corridor, there was nothing they could do but wait outside, feeling helpless and frustrated.
Fortunately, the disturbance below didn't last long; after a few shakes, it returned to calm.
Yet Bersac and Gray still hadn't seen Roy and Artoria, and could only wait anxiously.
After a long time, about a few hours later.
In the case where the underground tunnel's exit had completely collapsed, an explosion resonated in the Gravekeeper's village.
Accompanied by soaring flames and the rising clouds of dust, a massive underground hole several dozen meters long opened up in the center of the village, with the victors triumphantly emerging from it.
"That's quite outrageous, Master, actually bursting out of the ground like this."
Roy was holding Artoria's arm, dragging her small body as he leaped out of the pit.
Hearing Artoria's complaints beside him, Roy merely smiled lightly, explaining, "Sorry, Artoria, but the entrance and exit down there have completely collapsed. If we didn't break through the ground directly, we wouldn't have been able to come out."
"I know, but…"
They landed on the tower, looking down at the villagers of the Gravekeeper's Village, who were gathering with torches, expressions a bit helpless.
The earlier commotion had startled the entire village; there was no way to conceal it.
This made Artoria a bit worried.
"Don't worry; someone will handle the residents."
Knowing Artoria's concerns, Roy smiled reassuringly.
"Really?"
"Is that you Sir Roy?"
"Lord Roy and King Arthur?!"
Hurrying over were Gray and Bersac, but upon seeing the gathering residents and the two standing on the tower, they felt equally helpless.
Such a huge disturbance could no longer be concealed.
What should they do?! Confess everything that happened underground to everyone? Absolutely not.
If they told them that Gray could not become the Vessel of the King Arthur and fulfill the prophecy, the Gravekeeper's Village would undoubtedly fall into greater chaos.
The devastation of a millennium of hope would bring about unimaginable consequences.
He could only silently pray that Roy would quickly take Artoria away from here and not do anything unnecessary.
"What should we do, Master? If they keep gathering…"
At this moment, Artoria also had a grim expression.
Having experienced despair, she understood the tragedy that would fall after shattered hopes.
As she spoke, Roy simply smiled, making her even more anxious.
"What are you smiling about? Is this a time to be smiling?"
"There's no need to worry, Artoria. I understand your concerns, and I can also comprehend your tenderness and indebtedness towards them."
"But please trust me; I will handle things here properly. I can assure you of that."
"Look, isn't the expert at handling these matters already here?"
Hearing these words, Artoria seemed to suddenly sense something, her eyes widening slowly. Then, at Roy's reminder, she looked towards the white figure running out from the big hole.
That was…
"Hello everyone! It's your favorite Magus of Flowers, Merlin, back on stage!"
Merlin, who crawled out, quickly distanced himself from the gathering residents, leaping to a suitable position.
He raised his head and greeted Artoria and Roy above, then, as commissioned by Roy, began to recite a spell to deal with the current trouble.
"You really love to cause trouble, don't you? But who told us we're friends?"
"In that case, let's give this magecraft a try."
As Merlin recited the spell, a fragrant scent wafted into the nostrils of the residents below. Suddenly, the night sky brightened, and they found themselves in a sea of flowers, countless petals swirling into their vision.
"Flower fragrance? And light, what are these?!"
"And these petals?"
"There are so many, and they're pink! I can't even see how many there are! If they…"
The Gravekeepers never expected so many petals to invade their view, and the number kept increasing, even filling their entire field of vision.
They couldn't see anything; what was happening?!
Overlooking the Gravekeeper's village, which had fallen into chaos, Merlin's raised hand slowly descended.
He placed his thumb to his lips.
"Shh... "
"Have a good sleep, and you'll forget everything when you wake up."
With a flick, he extinguished the last glimmer of light from his fingertips and turned away, the remaining magical energy in his body had completely vanished, his consciousness returning to Avalon.
Then, at that moment, the entire Gravekeeper's village fell into a deep slumber, merging with the night like flowing water, all consciousness entering the same dream.
This allowed Merlin to use illusions to simultaneously hypnotize all living beings in the village, ensuring that no one would remember this sudden massive unsealing, nor would they question the events underground.
What happened here would be filled in their minds with the most acceptable reasons to cover their memories.
As for the issues caused by the Mage's Association's accountability due to the seismic activity in Wales, let Kayneth and Eulyphis handle it.
As long as it was Roy's orders, they wouldn't refuse.
In short, the situation was resolved satisfactorily.
...
The situation was successfully resolved. After the large-scale illusion last night, aside from those few who had entered the underground corridor together, the remaining Gravekeepers in the village had their memories replaced by Merlin's hypnosis.
As for the enormous crack, it was later sealed up by Roy using earth magecraft.
Although the memories of the informed individuals were erased, the Logos react that had been stored underground was temporarily taken to a safe place by Roy according to Tsibia's arrangements.
It wouldn't be long before the higher-ups in the Gravekeeper's Village discovered the anomaly, and when that time came, a thorough investigation of the entire village to find the culprit would be inevitable.
Even though the entire Gravekeeper's Village combined wouldn't be enough for him to clear out with a few spells, Roy wouldn't attack the village out of respect for Artoria and Gray.
After all, they were all pitiful beings who had been imprisoned for a thousand years; why make things difficult for them?
The Church where Bersac resided.
Roy and Artoria, the two outsiders, were hiding in this place.
Before leaving, Bersac still had many things he wanted to say to them.
"Your Majesty, are you leaving?"
Bersac glanced at the silent Artoria, looking somewhat anxious, and lowered his head to speak.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, that you had to see such a disgrace upon your return. The residents of the entire village have remained loyal to you based on that twisted hope, which is truly shameful."
"Now, the Logos React stored in the underground corridor has already been taken by your companion."
"This matter cannot be kept secret; it's only a matter of time before it is discovered, so please leave this land."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Bersac."
Artoria looked at the elderly man before her with some guilt.
Last night, she had been struck by the truth spoken by Merlin, and then, seeing her sister lose control of her emotions, she had forgotten to ask her sister about how to break the curse.
So when she saw him again, she instinctively felt ashamed.
"No, you don't need to apologize. The ones truly at fault are us Gravekeepers." Bersac shook his head and said.
"The pain you bear far exceeds that of us Gravekeepers; even the faith we have given is merely a shackle imposed upon you."
"I am aware of our mutual shortcomings, but in the end, I still wish to boldly ask you for a small favor, hoping you will grant it."
"What is it? Please, go ahead." Artoria nodded.
"Please leave; take Gray with you and do not return until you find a way to break the curse."
"Take Gray away?"
Hearing this request, Artoria was slightly taken aback, looking questioningly at Gray, who was sitting next to Bersac.
"Yes, this child has no reason to remain trapped in this land any longer. The mystic code in the underground corridor has stalled, your companion has conveyed the truth, and with your resurrection, the persistence and wishes of the Gravekeeper family do not need to continue. In that case, the mission of Gray, existing as a vessel, naturally no longer needs to go on."
Bersac shook his head slightly and continued, "There are many decaying individuals in the village. Once they realize that the mystic code underground has disappeared, they will understand that their long-held wishes can no longer be fulfilled. By then, more scrutiny will be placed upon Gray. That is a responsibility that this child cannot bear, so please take her away."
Roy spoke up, "You mean the villagers will shift their gaze and expectations onto Gray because they have lost their goals, just as they once revered King Arthur?"
"Yes." Bersac nodded.
"What has happened has happened. If this child remains here, she will face an even more painful life, and may even completely lose her own identity as Gray."
"I once took Gray as my disciple and named her the next Gravekeeper to alleviate such a situation. However, the current circumstances are beyond my control, so I hope she can leave this place."
"I promise you, Mr. Bersac, I am willing to vow in the name of a knight to protect her afterward." Artoria said earnestly, nodding in commitment.
The King of Knights is noble; her vow is trustworthy.
With Artoria's assurance, Bersac's furrowed brows finally relaxed a little.
"Thank you for your generosity, my King."
"Alright, I also grant your request; I will take Gray away from this land."
Roy had walked over to the silent Gray, ruffling her hair with his hand.
"No one's life is predetermined. The little bird in the iron cage has been isolated for such a long time and will naturally yearn for the freedom of the blue sky, rather than be trapped in this cage. She should indeed soar freely in the sky outside."
"Don't worry; I still have some say at the Clock Tower, and arranging for Gray's future life won't be a problem. As for safety, with Add and Artoria protecting Gray, no magus will be able to harm her."
"Then I'll leave it to you." Bersac nodded.
"However, more than these trivial matters, I want to respect Gray's wishes."
Roy slightly bent down, gazing earnestly into Gray's eyes.
"Can we talk for a moment, Gray, about your views and choices regarding yourself?
"Do you want to leave this land?"
"Sir, I…"
Gray bit her lip, and at that moment, she lifted her head, mustering the courage to look seriously into Roy's eyes.
This timid girl had made her own choice.
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