Regarding the situation of the Incineration of Humanity, to be honest, Ritsuka didn't know much. She could only recount what she herself had learned.
After listening to Ritsuka's explanation, Atalanta fell silent for a moment.
"So it's come to this… the situation is truly this serious?"
Human history has been entirely consumed by fire. Aside from the city of Mifune, not a single place on the entire planet remains intact. And behind all of this stands a figure using the false name King Solomon—his true identity being Goetia, the Demon King.
Seven Singularities. Seventy-Two Divine Demonic Pillars. The Holy Grail…
Sighing as if overwhelmed, Atalanta murmured, "I knew that whatever path he followed would never be easy… but I never imagined it would escalate to this extent."
"Him? You mean the Head of Department?"
Atalanta nodded. "He's always been like this. In the blink of an eye, he gets dragged into one crisis after another—Dead Apostles, True Ancestors, the Holy Grail War, the Root Girl… Every year, he makes everyone worry, even though he himself doesn't need to be worried about anything."
"Your brother's past experiences are truly rich."
"After all, he is the Sword Star Bearer." Atalanta sighed. "From your description, you've already seen his Excalibur, haven't you?"
Excalibur?
Ritsuka immediately recalled the radiant sword Naoki wielded in Fuyuki City: "Yes, it felt incredibly powerful. By the way, what exactly is a 'Sword Star Bearer'?"
She'd heard the term several times before, but had never understood its specific meaning. Was it a title? It didn't feel that simple.
"The person who wields Excalibur." Atalanta explained. "The sword in Naoki's hands is Excalibur—a weapon forged by the planet and the Fairies, the most potent Excalibur capable of annihilating all evil. Those who hold Excalibur are called Sword Star Bearers, and they bear the mission to save the world."
A mission to save the world?
The Head of Department?
"In fact, Naoki has saved the world multiple times. I personally know of at least two instances—and there are surely many more I don't know about. He's never been the type to boast about such things."
"So… the Head of Department is that incredible?"
Ritsuka's assessment made Atalanta laugh. "Incredible? Hmm. To you, perhaps. But for him, he simply does what he can—or perhaps, in those situations, only he could do it."
"Do you love the Head of Department because of that?"
At the sudden question from Ritsuka, Atalanta's ears twitched slightly, and her cheeks flushed faintly. "W-well… partly because of that, and there are other reasons too—but someone as young as you doesn't need to know about such things."
"I'm already seventeen!"
"That's still childhood. Until you grow up, you're still just a child."
With a playful exasperation, Atalanta tapped Ritsuka on the head. "By the way, since you've gotten the chance to return, aren't you planning to go home and see your parents?"
"Yes, I plan to visit them later. I just wanted to come back to school first… Then, Sensei, Mash and I will be going."
"Go ahead."
As if eager to shoo them away, Atalanta waved her hand dismissively, urging Ritsuka and Mash to hurry off to their home. Once she watched them depart, she sat down and pondered quietly. Atalanta let out a long sigh.
"Ah, what can I do? It seems my teaching duties must be put on hold for now."
"I have to go and take care of that fool who always insists on shouldering everything alone. Besides…"
Since her student was now involved, as a teacher, Atalanta couldn't merely stand by and watch her student embark on such a dangerous adventure.
Should she formally teach Ritsuka archery for combat?
(Forget it. That's not something to consider right now. After all, as a human, even if she learned archery, it wouldn't help much. In the battles ahead, she'll need to rely far more on Servant power.)
Only a handful of people can fight against Servants with mere human bodies. Atalanta didn't believe teaching Ritsuka archery would make any real difference. Rather than wasting energy on that, she should focus on strengthening Ritsuka's abilities as a Master.
(We'll talk about it later. For now… I need to return and pack my belongings, then prepare to resign.)
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Meanwhile, as Atalanta and Ritsuka parted ways.
The Ryougi Residence.
A few minutes after Naoki's communication ended.
Accompanied by the sudden appearance of a luminous doorway materializing from thin air before the Ryougi residence, Naoki stepped out immediately, swiftly regulating his breathing.
"Running all the way from Chaldea here really drained me… Seriously… Long-distance travel is definitely better done by plane."
Technically, Naoki could have used Imaginary Manifestation to create a spatial portal and teleport instantly. But if he used it within the Reverse Side of the World, he risked being sent to some bizarre, unpredictable location. So in the end, he had no choice but to run.
He was, admittedly, a little exhausted.
At that moment, as if sensing his arrival, Angelica appeared swiftly along the stone path extending from behind the Ryougi gate, and hurried forward to meet him.
"Welcome back, Natsukawa-sama."
"Yes, I'm back, Angelica. It's been nearly a month. Sorry for troubling you earlier."
"If you're referring to Fujimaru-sama and Mash-sama, that hardly counts as trouble." Angelica replied flatly. "Besides, Natsukawa-sama, you needn't apologize. All your actions were correct and reasonable. Any problems that arose were due to my own improper arrangements. Please assign me punishment."
"Ugh… Let's discuss that later. First, take me to Shiki."
Angelica nodded. "Understood. Please follow me, Natsukawa-sama. Ryougi-sama should be here."
"No need—I'm already here."
No sooner had Angelica turned than a soft voice cut through her movement. Looking toward the nearby figure emerging gracefully, Angelica immediately bowed in respect. Meanwhile, Naoki regarded the woman with a gaze and tone tinged with nostalgia. "It's been a long time, Shiki."
"Yes, it has indeed been a long time, Natsukawa."
Shiki smiled in reply.