Ritsuka observed Shalltear approaching him, her battle armor splattered with blood. She carried herself with the confident poise of a seasoned warrior, though there was a trace of disappointment in her expression.
"So, how was the fight with the other two vampires?" Ritsuka asked, his voice calm as he continued to hold the sleeping Jalter.
Shalltear scowled slightly, her displeasure evident. "They were weak. You told me heroes from the Throne of Heroes are strong," she remarked, clearly unimpressed by the battle she had just endured.
Ritsuka nodded, understanding her frustration. "Vlad and Carmilla are indeed strong," he explained. "But they were under the influence of Madness Enhancement. It distorts their abilities, making them more brute force than strategy. Without it, they would have posed a greater challenge."
Shalltear sighed, her earlier excitement dampened by the explanation. She then shifted her gaze to Jalter, who was still unconscious in Ritsuka's arms. "So, what about her?" she asked, curiosity laced in her voice.
Ritsuka glanced down at Jalter, his expression softening. "She's a special case," he began. "Jalter's power is immense, but it's driven by her hatred and despair. I had to be harsh with her to subdue that rage. But now… she's under my protection. I'll guide her, just as I guide you."
Shalltear tilted her head, considering his words. "So, she's one of us now?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and acceptance.
Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, she is. She'll learn to channel her power in a way that doesn't consume her. It'll take time, but with our help, she'll find her place."
Shalltear's lips curled into a small smile. "Very well, then. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her," she said, her voice carrying a hint of possessiveness.
Ritsuka chuckled softly. "I'm counting on you, Shalltear." He gently adjusted the blanket around Jalter. "For now, let her rest. She's been through enough."
Shalltear nodded, stepping closer to Ritsuka, her presence both comforting and protective. Together, they stood over Jalter, a new ally in their ever-growing circle, bound by the trials they had all faced and the battles yet to come.
As Shalltear and Ritsuka flew back to rejoin the group, they landed gracefully near Kadoc, Mash, and Anastasia. The three of them had clearly been waiting, with Kadoc looking particularly agitated.
Kadoc, still processing the overwhelming display of power he'd just witnessed, was the first to speak. "Okay, what the hell was that? 'Nuclear Blast'? It was like you activated a whole other magic system."
Ritsuka chuckled, the sound light and carefree despite the intensity of their recent battle. "Remember when I told you I've visited other worlds? Did you really think I wouldn't pick up some magic from those places?" He gave Kadoc a playful grin, as if what he had done was the most natural thing in the world.
Kadoc stared at Ritsuka, trying to wrap his head around the implications of that statement. He opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly at a loss for words. After a moment, he sighed, resigned. "Yeah, at this point, I won't even question it."
Mash and Anastasia exchanged glances, both of them more accustomed to Ritsuka's eccentricities but still impressed by his abilities. Anastasia, with her ever-present doll in hand, gave a small, knowing smile. "It seems you're full of surprises, Master," she commented, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Mash nodded in agreement, though her concern was evident in her eyes. "As long as you're careful, Senpai. We rely on you."
Ritsuka smiled warmly at Mash, appreciating her concern. "Don't worry, Mash. I'll always make sure to come back in one piece." He then glanced at the horizon, where the remnants of the battle still lingered. "Now, let's regroup and figure out our next move. The fight's not over yet."
With that, the group, now even more aware of the mysterious depths of Ritsuka's power, prepared to move forward, united in their purpose and ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Ritsuka, with a determined expression, handed Jalter over to Shalltear, who cradled the unconscious Servant with care. Without another word, Ritsuka spread his wings and took off into the sky, heading towards a different destination. As he flew away, Mash couldn't help but voice her concern.
"Where is Senpai going?" Mash asked, her gaze following Ritsuka as he became a distant figure in the sky.
Shalltear, her eyes locked on Ritsuka's retreating form, responded calmly, "He's going to meet the ringleader."
Ritsuka soared through the air, his wings carrying him swiftly toward a castle that loomed ominously in the distance. Without hesitation, he crashed through the heavy doors, shattering them with ease. As the dust settled, Ritsuka found himself face to face with the source of the singularity's chaos: Gilles de Rais, the Caster who had brought forth the nightmare plaguing the land.
Gilles de Rais, with his twisted smile and dark aura, stood before Ritsuka, clearly anticipating a confrontation. But before Gilles could even utter a word, Ritsuka's expression hardened, cutting off any preamble.
"Yeah, not even going to talk," Ritsuka declared, his voice cold and resolute. "Just die. I'll be taking the Grail back."
With those words, Ritsuka raised his hand, summoning the immense power he had cultivated across countless worlds. The air crackled with energy as he prepared to obliterate Gilles de Rais and reclaim the Grail, determined to put an end to the singularity once and for all.
With a simple yet devastating combination of Hollow Blast and Soul Fire, Ritsuka annihilated Gilles de Rais, sending the corrupted Caster back to the Throne of Heroes. A part of him considered the possibility of erasing the Caster Servant from the Throne entirely, but he decided to let it be for now. His mission was complete.
Ritsuka swiftly returned to his group, and together they made their way back to Chaldea. As they arrived in the familiar halls, Dr. Romani greeted them, surprise evident in his tone.
"Well, that was fast," Romani remarked, his eyes scanning the group.
Ritsuka shrugged nonchalantly. "Yes, it was. Anyway, I won't be coming to the other six Singularities."
Kadoc's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what?"
Ritsuka met Kadoc's gaze calmly. "Hey, I'm not going to hold your hand through everything, Kadoc. None of these Singularities will be a problem for you, especially after you all train in the Instant Dungeon. So yeah, it's time for you to handle things on your own."
Kadoc nodded slowly, realizing the truth in Ritsuka's words. He had grown stronger, and with Anastasia by his side as his own Servant, he knew he could rely on more than just Mash.
Anastasia, still unfamiliar with much of the terminology and events around her, spoke up with curiosity. "Instant Dungeon?"
Kadoc turned to her, remembering that she was new to all of this. "Oh right, you don't know. The Instant Dungeon is a training facility Ritsuka created. It allows us to train in a controlled environment, facing challenges that help us grow stronger without risking our lives. It's... quite something."
Anastasia's eyes widened slightly in awe and interest. "That sounds incredible. I suppose we have much to learn."
Kadoc smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his Servant. "Indeed we do. But with Ritsuka guiding us, and the Instant Dungeon at our disposal, we'll be more than prepared for whatever comes next."
Ritsuka watched them for a moment, a faint smile on his face. He knew they would do well, even without him by their side for every battle. With that, he turned and began to walk away, his mind already focused on the next task at hand.
Ritsuka's gaze settled on Mash, his expression calm yet expectant. "So, Mash, what is your answer to my question? Yes or no?"
Mash's face flushed with a deep blush as she recalled the moment when Ritsuka had asked her to join his harem. The question had caught her off guard, and even now, with all the battles they had faced (instead Dungeon) and the camaraderie they had built, she found herself at a loss for words. Her heart raced, conflicting emotions swirling within her.
She looked down, her hands clasped together as she struggled to find the right response. It wasn't that she didn't have feelings for him—far from it. Ritsuka had been her constant companion, her support, and her guide through countless trials. But the idea of being part of a harem, of sharing him with others, was something she hadn't fully come to terms with yet.
After a moment of silence, Mash finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "Senpai... I... I'm not sure I can answer that right now."
Ritsuka nodded, his expression understanding. "I get it, Mash. Take your time. There's no rush. I just wanted to know how you felt."
Mash looked up at him, a small, grateful smile on her lips. "Thank you, Senpai. I... I just need some time to think."
Ritsuka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Whenever you're ready, Mash. No pressure."
With that, the tension eased, and they both turned their focus back to the tasks ahead. But the question lingered in Mash's mind, something she knew she would have to confront eventually.
Ritsuka entered his room, greeted by the sight of his three wives—Olga Marie, Ereshkigal, and Kukulkan. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with Kukulkan in the midst of a cheerful conversation with the other two.
Ritsuka smiled as he observed them before turning his attention to Kukulkan. "So, Kukulkan, did you and Ereshkigal meet before today? I mean, you two are both ancient gods, so I wondered if you had crossed paths in the past."
Kukulkan looked up at Ritsuka, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "No, Ritsuka, we never met before today. Though we both hail from different mythologies and regions, our domains never really intersected. I ruled over the wind and rain, while Ereshkigal governed the underworld."
Ereshkigal nodded in agreement, adding, "Our realms are quite distinct, though I must say it's fascinating to finally meet another god from a different pantheon. We have much to learn from each other."
Olga Marie, sitting nearby, chimed in with a smile, "It's interesting to see how well you all get along, despite your different origins."
Ritsuka felt a sense of relief and happiness seeing his wives interacting so harmoniously. "I'm glad you all are getting along. I've always wondered how it would be if gods from different pantheons came together."
Kukulkan chuckled softly. "It's not as strange as it might seem, Ritsuka. We may come from different worlds, but we share a common understanding of the divine and the mortal. That connection makes it easy to find common ground."
Ereshkigal nodded, her expression warm. "Indeed. And besides, we have you in common, Ritsuka. That's more than enough reason to get along."
Ritsuka smiled, feeling the warmth of their bond. "I'm lucky to have all of you by my side."
Olga raised an eyebrow as she looked at the sleeping Jeanne d'Arc Alter (Jalter), who was wrapped in Ritsuka's arms. "And who is this?" she asked, her tone curious but with a hint of concern.
Shalltear, standing nearby, was quick to respond, "Our husband's new addition to the harem."
Olga's eyes widened slightly as she turned to Ritsuka. "What?"
Ritsuka let out a sigh, gently placing the still-sleeping Jalter on the bed. "It's not official, but it was my way of apologizing to her," he explained, his voice tinged with a bit of weariness.
Olga crossed her arms, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "Apologize? For what, exactly?"
Ritsuka looked at Olga, knowing he needed to explain himself properly. "Jalter… she's been through a lot, twisted by hatred and madness. I fought her, and she didn't stand a chance. But rather than just sending her back to the Throne, I offered her a choice—to stay with us and find a new purpose, away from the darkness that consumed her."
Ereshkigal, who had been quietly listening, nodded in understanding. "You gave her a second chance."
Ritsuka nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at Jalter. "Yes. I don't want her to be lost in that madness anymore. She deserves better, even if it means bringing her into our lives."
Kukulkan placed a reassuring hand on Olga's shoulder. "It's Ritsuka's nature to save others, even those who seem beyond saving. If he believes Jalter can be redeemed, then we should trust his judgment."
Olga sighed, her initial surprise giving way to acceptance. "I suppose you're right. Just… try not to bring too many surprises like this home without warning us first, okay?"
Ritsuka chuckled softly, relieved that Olga was willing to understand. "I'll do my best, Olga. But you know how things go in our line of work—unexpected is the norm."
With the tension eased, the group settled in, allowing Jalter to rest while they continued their evening together, the bond between them all growing stronger through their shared understanding.
The next day came as Jalter had finally woke up, as she did she saw a black gates, as before she moved out of the door came out and the dropping to the floor was Mash, Kadoc, Anastasia, and Olga
Kadoc groaned. "The instead Dungeon is hell"
Jalter was confused before she saw who came out next, her blood went cold as she saw who it was, it was Ritsuka, as Ritsuka eyes moved to her
Ritsuka just looked at Jalter. "Good morning"
Jalter looker at him and then she screams. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Ritsuka just looked at and though to him self. "Did I have that much of an effect on her".
Jalter's scream echoed through the room, her fear palpable as she scrambled to her feet. Her eyes were wide with shock and confusion, darting around as if searching for an escape. The memories of her battle with Ritsuka flooded her mind, making it hard for her to distinguish between friend and foe.
Ritsuka, standing calmly by the door, watched her with a mix of concern and curiosity. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction from her, but he understood where it was coming from. After all, their encounter had been anything but gentle.
"Good morning," he repeated softly, trying to ease the tension. His voice was calm, almost soothing, as he approached her slowly.
Jalter's breathing was rapid, her hands trembling slightly as she backed away. "Stay… stay away from me!" she shouted, her voice wavering between anger and fear.
Ritsuka stopped in his tracks, giving her some space. "I'm not going to hurt you, Jalter," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "What happened before… it was necessary, but now you're safe. No one here will harm you."
Kadoc, still recovering from the brutal session in the Instant Dungeon, groaned as he sat up. "Yeah, trust me, he's not the one you need to worry about anymore. That dungeon is the real nightmare," he muttered, rubbing his sore muscles.
Olga, who had just managed to catch her breath, looked up at Jalter with sympathy. "Jalter, you're not our enemy anymore. You're one of us now, and we're all here to help each other."
Jalter's gaze flickered between them all, still unsure, but the sincerity in their voices started to reach her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The panic was still there, but it was beginning to subside.
Ritsuka remained where he was, his expression calm but serious. "I know this is a lot to take in, and I don't expect you to trust us right away. But you're not alone, Jalter. You have a place here, with us."
Jalter hesitated, her mind racing. She could still feel the remnants of the madness that had driven her, but there was also something new—a sense of relief, maybe even hope. She glanced at Ritsuka again, this time with less fear and more curiosity.
"Why… why did you spare me?" she asked, her voice quieter, almost fragile.
Ritsuka smiled faintly, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Because I see potential in you, Jalter. You deserve a chance to be more than just a tool of destruction. To find your own path, free from the madness that consumed you."
Jalter blinked, the words sinking in. It was a strange feeling—being given a second chance, one she never thought possible. Slowly, she nodded, still wary, but willing to take the first step.
"Alright," she said, her voice steadier now. "But don't think I'm just going to forget everything that happened."
Ritsuka nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't expect you to. But I promise, you won't have to face it alone."
With that, the tension in the room eased a little more. Jalter still had a long way to go, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she wasn't entirely lost.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones