In the simple magic workshop, aside from the People-Clearing Field that had been set up in advance when the property was purchased, a complex summoning magic circle had now been inscribed across the floor.
Lines of mercury, along with gleaming precious gemstones and crystals, were connected through intricate and exquisite patterns. The complexity was like a sky full of constantly shifting stars. By the later stages, even Rin Tohsaka, with her current level of magical perception, was beginning to lose track of the circle's structure.
"Wrong, wrong, wrong. Ritsuka-chan, that's not right. The secondary sub-rune of the summoning circle is tilted three degrees to the left. It needs a slight correction."
"Waver-chan, wow. Your magical potential might indeed be a bit weak, but your fundamentals are unexpectedly solid."
"Tohsaka-chan, and here... mm-hmm, that's it..."
Projected onto a screen that appeared out of thin air within the room, Leonardo da Vinci had replaced Romani Archaman at center stage. Resting her exquisitely sculpted chin in her hand like a figure from a painting, she continuously pointed out adjustments as the three human Masters worked on engraving the magic circle.
Why only Waver, Rin Tohsaka, and Ritsuka Fujimaru? Well, it couldn't be helped. Shirou Emiya was only half-competent, and Illyasviel—the one with the greatest magical talent in the house, at least in name—was still lying there unconscious.
"Good work, the three of you. A trinity magic circle combining guidance, summoning, and fusion—even for me, the 'all-talented' Da Vinci-chan, this ranks among the more complex ones."
"Da Vinci-chan, thank you so much for your help!"
Holding a coffee pot, Romani, now fully playing the role of an eager attendant, cheerfully poured a cup of fragrant Lavazza Italian coffee for Da Vinci.
"Hehe, Romani-chan, you were the one who boasted about it yourself, yet you still had to ask for help... how lame. So, how are you planning to repay me?~"
"Ahahaha..." Romani laughed awkwardly, trying to brush it off. "That's because I knew something this small wouldn't trouble the 'universal genius' Da Vinci-chan."
Limited by his identity as a 'normal person,' Romani might possess knowledge, but when it came to actual execution, he had no choice but to rely on Da Vinci.
"Hehe, I'll happily accept your flattery, Romani-chan."
Known as the 'Uomo Universale,' the universal genius, Da Vinci was one of the rare prodigies who had left a profound mark on the development of civilization and secured a place in human history.
Although in direct combat she might even lose to an ordinary Imperial Army soldier under Selene, her abilities in invention, manufacturing, administration, logistics, operations, and strategy were nothing short of monstrous.
Her inherent skills—
Pioneer of the Stars: EX
A special skill granted to heroes who stand at turning points in human history. It transforms impossible journeys and hardships into realizable outcomes. As Leonardo da Vinci provided countless opportunities across many fields for human civilization, this skill possesses an extremely high rank.
Wisdom of the Gifted: EX
A skill that displays unparalleled innate intelligence. Aside from physical burdens such as divinity and abilities unique to specific heroes, numerous skills can be utilized at A-rank proficiency.
And Da Vinci's Noble Phantasm: Uomo Universale
Rank: EX
Type: Anti-Unit, Anti-Army
Though much of her Noble Phantasm's resources seemed to be allocated toward operating Chaldea, with her knowledge and a fraction of those resources, remotely guiding the creation of a composite summoning magic circle in a short time was not difficult for her.
"Phew... Da Vinci-chan, Doctor Romani, we're about ready."
Finishing the final stroke, Ritsuka Fujimaru stood up and wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead. Feeling the surging magical energy within his body, he nodded toward the projected images of Da Vinci and Romani and murmured softly.
"A genius known as the universal man, huh... hahaha... I acknowledge you."
At that moment, Gilgamesh, who had been waiting outside the workshop for quite some time, swaggered in. He first placed several large golden crystals at the core nodes of the magic circle, then looked at the somewhat plain design. After a moment of thought, realization dawned upon him.
"Not flashy enough!"
As he spoke, golden ripples spread open. A crisp clatter echoed as Rin Tohsaka's eyes suddenly widened, her breathing growing heavy.
"Tohsaka...?" Shirou Emiya asked quietly, noticing her unusual reaction.
But before he could finish, the scene before him left him stunned. A torrent of treasure—gold, high-purity gemstones, and jade—poured out from the golden ripples in front of Gilgamesh.
"Hahaha... now this suits a king."
Looking at the roughly 'decorated' workshop, Gilgamesh nodded in satisfaction.
"This is just brute stacking, isn't it?! What kind of 'decoration' style is this, Archer?! This is way too excessive! As long as the necessary mediums, vessels, guiding formulas, and magical energy sources are prepared, there's absolutely no need to be this extravagant... it's just wasteful!"
Swallowing hard, breathing heavily, Rin's gaze could no longer move away. Her eyes burned as she stared at the gold and jewels—especially those high-purity gemstones—her pupils practically turning into currency symbols.
"Hahaha... woman, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll overlook your disrespect for now. How could a commoner understand a king's aesthetics? It seems you are just as vulgar as your father."
"However... your current expression reminds me of a rather troublesome woman."
With a smile, Gilgamesh suddenly appeared in front of Rin. His crimson eyes reflected the girl's greedy yet forcibly composed expression, and he let out a soft chuckle.
"Interesting. Truly interesting. I suddenly feel that not bringing the Omniscient Omnipotent Star ten years ago was a mistake. Perhaps I would have discovered even more amusing things."
After his remark, Gilgamesh stepped into the center of the magic circle and turned his head, speaking seriously to Ritsuka and the others.
"Then, Fujimaru, Ruler, and the two hiding beyond the world—begin."
"Mm. Ruler, please proceed according to plan." Ritsuka Fujimaru nodded toward Jeanne and Waver.
"Understood."
Without further words, Jeanne and Waver exchanged a glance. A pure white fleur-de-lis battle flag manifested in the girl's hand. She unfurled it, gently planting the flagpole onto the floor. Placing one hand over her chest, Jeanne chanted:
"Hear the voice of the Lord."
"O Lord, please guide the people."
"Bring forth the works of the Lord upon this place!"
Buzz!
In an instant, golden light burst forth from Jeanne's entire body, transforming into streams of radiant brilliance that connected with the magic circle beneath her feet.
"Ritsuka! Now!" Da Vinci called out immediately, seizing the moment.
"Yes!"
"For the elements silver and iron. For the foundation, stone, and the archduke of contracts."
...
"Cycle and repeat, the next is five; yet when full, it is the time to discard."
...
"From the Throne of Heroes—King Gilgamesh, descend!"
Following Da Vinci's instructions, Ritsuka Fujimaru began channeling his magical energy. Within the trinity composite summoning circle, the power guided and activated by Jeanne merged with Ritsuka's own, rapidly spreading throughout his body.
In that instant, the swelling pain from the massive influx of magical energy made Ritsuka's expression twitch.
In the next moment, that brilliant golden light completely engulfed Gilgamesh.
The intricately patterned magic circle slowly rose, then began spinning rapidly in midair, stirring up a fierce wind that caused everyone's hair to flutter wildly...
Magical energy continued to pour out, and the special formation began to shine with dazzling brilliance.
"It worked!"
Romani, who had been closely monitoring the changes in the Servant's Saint Graph on the screen, suddenly cried out in excitement.
Clack, clack, clack...
In a daze, Ritsuka Fujimaru seemed to hear the sound of footsteps striking the ground.
"Ritsuka, long time no see... hmm, that's not quite right. In truth, it hasn't been that long."
That familiar tone instantly widened Ritsuka's eyes. "Gilgamesh? That's great!"
The one who appeared was still Gilgamesh—but it was the wise king Ritsuka remembered fighting alongside.
Although he was still adorned with numerous golden ornaments and armor, with golden gauntlets on his hands, that extravagant, luxurious, almost ostentatious aura remained overwhelming.
However, this time, the domineering arrogance and absolute self-centeredness were gone, replaced by a calm, wise magnanimity.
The wounds on his body had already healed. His upper body was dressed in a luxurious outfit with distinct Mesopotamian style, leaving his chest exposed. Wearing a crown-like cloth headdress, Gilgamesh smiled warmly as he greeted Ritsuka.
"I already understand the general situation, Ritsuka. You've really done it this time—dumping such a huge mess on me the moment I arrive. It seems both you and I are facing quite the trouble."
As he spoke, Gilgamesh gazed toward Mount Enzou, his brows tightly furrowed as he hesitated before speaking.
"Hurry up, Gilgamesh! Use your invincible Sha Nagba Imuru and figure it out—what exactly is that chaotic evil god possessing the body of the beast goddess Gorgon?!"
"Tch, you really know how to order people around, Doctor Romani." Glancing sideways at the projection of Romani on the screen, Gilgamesh revealed a bright yet sinister smile.
"The capable should do more work," Romani scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"All this work because of... sigh, never mind. Let's talk about the enemy first."
At this moment, seeing such an agreeable Gilgamesh, Saber was completely stunned. Did I meet a fake Archer before? The difference is way too great. What caused such a drastic change in his personality?
Could this guy have split personalities...?
Ignoring the strange looks from Saber and Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh spoke to Romani through the screen.
"The one occupying Gorgon's body is not some evil god. Judging her by good and evil is far too narrow."
"In a sense, she is indeed a 'benevolent deity.' Her divine authorities include, but are not limited to—courage, authority, life, harvest, victory, wealth..."
"A benevolent deity? Explain in detail! Is it like the Three Goddess Alliance in the Seventh Singularity—could we possibly form an alliance?"
"Don't interrupt me!"
Recalling what he had seen through Sha Nagba Imuru, Gilgamesh crossed his arms and spoke seriously.
"Impossible. Her so-called 'goodness' is not the kind of goodness we understand."
Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm: Sha Nagba Imuru
Rank: EX
Type: Anti-Unit
A Noble Phantasm born from the spiritual sublimation of the King of Heroes, its radiance spreads across the land like starlight, perceiving all phenomena. A continuously active Noble Phantasm.
It grants a form of clairvoyance, allowing one to see through true names, Noble Phantasms, and truths hidden beneath layers of concealment.
"Her 'good' is a tyrannical good—the kind that brings everything under her absolute dominion, where life and death, all are subject to her will."
"And as for her usurpation of the authority of the primordial mother goddess Tiamat—you are underestimating her far too much." Gilgamesh's expression turned grim. "Her existence may even surpass Tiamat herself."
"Surpass Tiamat? Could she be a creator god?"
"You could say that. What I was able to discern—she is a foreign divine queen, an absolute ruler, the empress of all races, the supreme sovereign of the world, the embodiment of the highest laws of the universe."
Hearing this, even Romani was stunned, and the others wore expressions of disbelief, as if listening to an incomprehensible myth.
"Lev... where did that man even find such an ally? A creator-level deity like this has no reason to participate in something as trivial as this, right?"
"Tch, who knows? And besides, aren't gods known for their unpredictable temperaments? Maybe she's just looking for entertainment."
"What, don't tell me you're thinking of surrendering?"
"Of course not!"
"Then stop complaining and think of a solution..." Gilgamesh sighed irritably.
"This is exactly why I hate gods. Ones like Ishtar are... cough, far too rare. Their unpredictability is too great."
"However, things are not entirely hopeless. After descending in the form of a Servant, she has been weakened to a degree we can hardly imagine. That is our opportunity! So..."
"So?"
Back in Chaldea, Romani practically pressed his face against the screen.
"Find more allies, of course!!"
"Are we supposed to just throw ourselves at her with this small group? That's not bravery—that's suicide! Romani, whatever backup or reinforcements Chaldea has, stop holding back and send them all here!"
"As for magical energy supply, don't worry—I'll handle it. There's no need to hesitate. If my observation is correct, the final battle for the restoration of human history will take place here."
"And the first ally I choose..."
Gilgamesh turned to Rin Tohsaka, who looked completely bewildered, and suddenly coughed lightly.
"Ahem... impoverished commoner. I'll give you a chance—an opportunity for immense profit, enough to rid yourself of debt in one stroke. Are you interested?"
"Huh?"
...
Meanwhile, at Ryuudou Temple.
"That sensation... someone's watching?"
Sensing something, Selene suddenly straightened her massive body. The sheer weight caused Mount Enzou to tremble violently.
"Well, whatever. It doesn't matter. It's time to meet the real mastermind—Demon God King Goetia."
Without dwelling on it further, Selene lifted her gaze toward the gap in the void.
There, within a void temple surrounded by radiant bands of light, a man resting upon a throne sensed her gaze—and slowly opened his eyes.