I, Fujimaru Ritsuka, am back with a max-level character!

But I'm not Gudako from next door, and I won't steal your captain... The worst that can happen is I'll just steal you...

So the problem lies with Mashu.

"You must be a newbie in conquering singularities. You've worked hard on the Fuyuki Singularity. As an ordinary person, you've done more than enough."

"Then I won't beat around the bush."

Ophelia said very seriously, as if stating something that was a matter of course: "I hope you can break your master-servant contract with Mash."

"Eh...Ophelia-san—?!"

Mashu paused, looking at her with some surprise, her eyes seemingly filled with confusion.

"You should know your own abilities. Only by having Mash form a contract with someone else can you maximize your current combat power."

Most people would see this as an excuse to cause trouble, but Fujimaru Ritsuka wouldn't.

He knew that Ophelia had actually given this matter serious consideration, without any malice, but she did have her own selfish motives.

It was probably out of a sense of responsibility as a friend to meddle.

After all, in their minds, it was already incredible that they, as the bottom of Group B, would even have the opportunity to go on a mission.

"Well, that's really the kind of thinking you magicians have..."

Fujimaru Ritsuka sighed.

"What? Do you have any objections...? If you want to exchange conditions, that's negotiable."

"It would be too dangerous for Mashu to follow an ordinary person like you. This is for your safety."

......

She has every right to say such a thing; after all, with that demonic eye, it's not impossible for her to save Fujimaru Ritsuka even from a Noble Phantasm.

The terms seemed very tempting, after all, Fujimaru Ritsuka had the power to ask for an exorbitant amount.

But... Fujimaru Ritsuka doesn't need it.

Even without Group A, he could have single-handedly overcome the Singularity and saved humanity.

This is not confidence, but fact.

"I'm sorry, Ophelia-senpai, I refuse your offer."

"Why? Can you tell me your reasons?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Ophelia's eyes, but she still asked very calmly.

"Because, Mashu isn't an object."

Fujimaru Ritsuka smiled knowingly: "She made a contract with me based on her own will, and she is a very important partner to me."

"It's impossible for me to give up on Mashu based on just a few words. At the very least, don't you think Mashu's own opinion is more important?"

"senior...!!!"

This Master is reliable; he's truly dependable when something happens!

Mashu felt a warm glow inside her, as if countless tiny ants were crawling all over her.

It seems... I've finally gained my senior's approval!

Fujimaru Ritsuka: Mashu, mine, mine, little eggplant is mine!

How dare you steal my little eggplant?

How dare you do what Goetia wouldn't?

The grass on the last grave mound that someone wanted to steal was already two meters tall.

Chapter Nineteen: The Founding of Ophelia

“…”

Ophelia was silent for a moment, then retorted.

"No, I don't treat Mashu as an object... but the Humanity Burning is a crisis beyond our comprehension, and personal emotions and will are insignificant... even if it means sacrifice, it must be carried out."

Fujimaru Ritsuka:......

Why do you think I'm standing here?

If that's really the case... Ophelia, it will leave an indelible scar on your heart.

This scar is a despair that no amount of saving worlds or destroying Lostbelts can fill.

Yes, we won.

But I hope you can see the future after the victory.

I've made up my mind.

You fight to defend humanity, and I fight to defend you who defend humanity.

"I did this for everyone's sake...after all, it's the best option to restore humanity."

Logically, that's true, but I, Gudako—have never reasoned in my life!

Mashu looked at Ophelia with some difficulty, then resolutely moved towards Fujimaru Ritsuka.

“Um… I understand that Ophelia is worried about me, but I will try my best to help everyone. Besides, you are a very good Master and can be of great help to me in battle, so I stand with you based on my own will.”

[Click——]

Fujimaru Ritsuka seems to have heard the sound of a certain Mystic Eyes' heart breaking.

I was the one who met Mashu first...

A flicker of disappointment crossed Ophelia's eyes, like the slight disappointment one feels when a close friend has found another playmate.

They're really cute.

However, Peperoncino was right. If Fujimaru Ritsuka hadn't suddenly appeared and defused the bomb, none of them would be standing here alive.

Perhaps he has some unknown advantages.

Ophelia felt she couldn't be too harsh on her savior, so she simply changed the subject.

"Wodym and his men have already headed northwest to prepare. Our mission is to go to Orleans to establish a base and, incidentally, gather information."

"I see."

Fujimaru Ritsuka nodded contentedly.

"Leave dealing with people to me! I've already interacted with all sorts of people before coming to Chaldea."

At least we won't encounter awkward situations like meeting a French person speaking English.

By the way, why don't people use translation-based formal attire or Latin?

Perhaps civilians and soldiers wouldn't understand...

I won't think about such complicated things.

Ophelia said seriously with a straight face, "Fujimaru, although it may be presumptuous, I still want to remind you - the heavy responsibility of repairing human history rests on our shoulders, and we will spare no effort no matter what the cost, so you would be better off being more serious."

"It's because Ophelia-senpai is too serious."

Fujimaru Ritsuka gently picked a wildflower from the roadside and said seemingly casually.

"If we are to save humanity, then we should live more like an ordinary human being."

"As expected of a senior, you can still face this situation with optimism."

"Haha... because running away won't help. Precisely because I'm weaker, I should cherish the things around me even more... because I can't do anything without relying on the people around me."

Fujimaru Ritsuka gently pinned a violet wildflower in Mashu's hair, the combination of her pinkish-purple hair and the flower making the girl even more adorable and charming.

Is running away... pointless?

Ophelia stared blankly at the boy and girl as they walked away, feeling a sense of disbelief at the same time.

I felt a subtle stirring within me.

There was a hint of envy in her eyes.

Perhaps it's because I hate the part of myself that can't escape the "bindings of fate".

“I finally understand... why you chose him. Even as an experimental subject... you wanted to move towards the future you desired, right, Mashu?”

Ophelia murmured to herself, then made up her mind and walked forward.

But...she dared not, and resolutely moved forward.

Just then, countless dark shadows suddenly swept across the sky.

A dark mass of two-legged flying dragons instantly dominated the sky.

The battle began in an instant.

--------------

[Outside Orleans Castle]

The wyvern's corpse lay scattered across the plain outside the castle. After greedily collecting the dragon scales and teeth, Gudako and the other two entered the fortress, which was barely holding on.

Gudako is trying to gather information from a short, slender soldier.

"Hmm, I see. So that's what happened... You guys really have it tough. Joan of Arc, who came back from the dead, has become the [Dragon Witch]. The feeling of having your faith shattered must be hard to bear, right?"

"Heh... We simply can't believe it. Even though Lyon's garrison surrendered immediately, it didn't change their fate of destruction. That saintess... why did she end up like that!"

The French soldier said with a pained expression, a hint of helplessness on his face.

"We clearly tried..."

That was a despair mixed with resentment and cowardice.

"Don't worry, I'm certain that your Joan of Arc did not betray you. The one destroying France now is not the real Joan of Arc."

Gudako patted him on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

"Huh?! Is that so...!"