Thanks for the invitation. I'm in Type-Moon, inheriting the legacy of Zi-O.

"Dong—" A bell rang out from somewhere.

“KAMEN RIDER CHRONICLE”

The cartridge, glowing green, automatically inserted itself into the blue driver at my waist.

"GASHAT" "Henshin──"

He pressed the "BUGGLE UP" button on his belt. A dark green screen appeared above Nian Zhuo's head, and a huge dark green clock behind him split in two.

The word "time" kept appearing on the driver at my waist.

"The Chronicles of the Sky Rider are inscribed; this moment is the ultimate moment!" Green lightning resounded, and a golden clock appeared behind Nian Zhuo. Emerging from within it was none other than Kamen Rider Chronos.

Black and green intertwined, the cloak at his waist fluttering even without wind. Nianzhuo stepped out from behind Mashu's shield, facing the dark king directly.

"Hello, King of Knights of Great Britain, I am the legendary knight, Kamen Rider Chronos." A simple self-introduction. "And also, the one who will defeat you."

"Hmph, that depends on whether you have the ability." Dispelling her Noble Phantasm, Saber Alter's dark golden eyes fixed intently on Nian Zhuo, who had exerted immense pressure on her. Then, black magic once more enveloped the demonic sword, as if to destroy it in one strike. "Disappear under this blow!" Her hand, holding the demonic sword high, was about to strike.

But it will never be possible to swing it again.

I pressed the red and blue buttons on both sides of the waist driver.

A colorless wave of "Pause" swept across the area. At that moment, time in the world stopped.

Saber Altair's hand, holding the demonic sword aloft, froze in place. Mashu's pure white walls remained. Mary and Ritsuka also stopped in their tracks.

In this world, only Nianzhuo is free to move around.

“During the trial, there is no need for bystanders to interrupt.” He walked slowly to Saber, looked at the demon sword she held high above her head, and flicked it lightly. “Similarly, during my trial, no resistance is allowed.”

"You morally corrupt king... now let me make you, the last of your kind!" Nian Zhuo pressed the blue button on his waist twice.

The green clock behind the "Decisive Technique - CRATICAL CREWS-AID" sign has its minute hand rotating counter-clockwise.

A golden clock appeared beneath Nianzhuo's feet. At this moment, she, in black, was positioned at the "12" mark. Nianzhuo, on the minute hand, would personally announce the end of the "12" hour.

As he raised his left leg, the minute hand spun along with him, then struck Saber, unleashing a burst of green light and a surge of green lightning.

"The Final Strike—"

"The corrupted king is now a collector's item."

With his back to the king, Nian Zhuo slowly announced the end of the game.

He pressed the red and blue buttons on the left and right sides of the belt.

"RESTART—" Time begins to flow.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh—" In the instant after the flow, Nen Zhuo's heavy blow struck Saber. Her slender figure flew out, crashing into the ground and creating a huge crater. "Why...why?"

“My king, you have lost your way,” Nianzhuo said slowly, turning to look at Saber behind him.

"But there's one thing I hope you'll remember: your knights, every single one of them, are utterly loyal to you." Nianzhuo, having once again conveyed Galahad's assessment of the king through his own words, spoke again. Saber, looking into Chronos's dark green eyes, suddenly felt a sense of relief.

"So you were taught a lesson by Galahad's apprentice? Kamen Rider Chronos, that's not your real name, is it?" "Yes, my real name is Nianzhuo..." Looking at the Servant he once admired so much, Nianzhuo offered his real name.

"A victory for the power of protection... truly befitting the conduct of that pure and innocent one." Looking at Mash, who sat exhausted on the ground not far away, a slight smile played on Wang's lips. Looking at Nianzhuo before him, his expression was a mixture of helplessness and advice.

"In the end, no matter how the outcome changes, as long as I'm alone, will I face the same end...?" Golden particles appeared, and Saber's figure began to become transparent.

"Your Majesty, what does this mean?" Nianzhuo asked the dying queen, even though he already knew the answer, he still hoped to hear it with his own ears.

"Grand Order, the war surrounding the Holy Grail has only just begun. Nenju, and all of Chaldea, strive to survive..." Without further explanation, Saber Altair uttered these ambiguous words and departed.

Nianzhuo watched her golden figure dissipate, remaining silent.

End everything, protect everything

The golden particles dissipated, and so did the king, who vanished from this place.

Everything will come to an end. Yet these are also the beginnings.

"Yo!" A familiar voice came from behind. Nian Zhuo and the others turned around and saw Cú Chulainn, who had just finished his battle with Archer.

However, golden particles have begun to flicker around his body, a sign that he is about to leave.

"Ah, since this has appeared on me too, it means Saber has been defeated by you..." Looking at his condition, Cú Chulainn couldn't help but sigh. "Sigh, I was originally going to ask her why the Holy Grail War turned out like this... It seems unlikely now. Anyway, congratulations. You've achieved your goal..." Turning to Nencho, who had deactivated his transformation, he said, "Yo, kid, there are two little sisters here. I'll leave the rest to you."

"Cú Chulainn..." Seeing their Caster, who had helped them so much despite their short time together, about to leave, Mash and the Director still looked reluctant to part. Nian Zhuo waved his hand; even knowing what would happen next, he wanted to say a proper goodbye to this kind and upright Heroic Spirit.

"Goodbye, Cú Chulainn," Nian Zhuo said, clenching his fist at Cú Chulainn. "Next time we meet, let's have a proper battle..." Cú Chulainn laughed heartily, slung his staff behind his back, and responded with the same expectant tone.

"Oh! If there is a next time, summon me as Lancer." Having made the promise, Cú Chulainn finally vanished from this shattered world.

“That won’t do. Lancer, you’re easily betrayed.” With these ambiguous words, Nian Zhuo’s smile vanished as he looked at the magically glowing platform, as if waiting for something.

Golden coordinates appeared, and Mash said with a somewhat uncertain tone, "It's confirmed that Saber and Caster have both disappeared... We've won, haven't we?"

At that very moment, Ritsuka's Chaldea communicator on her wrist also rang.

"Well done, Fujimaru, Mashu," the doctor's voice came through the phone as soon as the call connected. "It seems we can't video chat with you from here. What a pity, I won't be able to see you looking happy." Sure enough, Ritsuka and Mashu both wore relaxed smiles as they looked at Mary, who was standing not far away next to Nencho.

"Director, now we can finally rest assured about Singularity F..."

Before the doctor could finish speaking, the director looked at the heavily injured Nian Zhuo with a grave expression, his eyes filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

"Why did that Grand Order Servant use that title..." "Mary?" Struggling to stand up, Nianzhuo gently took Mary's trembling hand.

"Ah... um, I'm fine." Suddenly snapping back to reality, she looked at Nianzhuo, then smiled as she faced Ritsuka and Mash, who had also come over out of concern. "Well done, Mash, Fujimaru. Especially Mash—whether you're immature or a temporary Servant, your prayer and your determination allowed you to successfully activate your Noble Phantasm... You had no desire whatsoever to obtain a True Name and become a true Heroic Spirit. So your Noble Phantasm responded to you."

It was like encouragement, like acknowledgment.

After saying that, Mary let out a long sigh. She spread her hands. "Ah... this is practically a legend!" Seeing the two's puzzled looks, she said, "I was just making a lighthearted comment. Don't take it to heart, but using a Noble Phantasm without a known name is inconvenient, isn't it? I'll help you think of a good name." After saying that, Mary closed her eyes, staring at Mashu's shield for a moment, as if she really wanted to unleash the Noble Phantasm for Mashu.

"How about we call it 'Pseudo-Expansion/Humanistic Foundation (Lord Chaldeas)'?" A happy and confident smile appeared on her face. "Chaldea is a very meaningful name for you, isn't it?" Unexpectedly, Mash readily accepted the name, even expressing her sincere gratitude. "Thank you very much, Director." Gently stroking the shield in her hand, Mash's eyes softened.

“Simulated expansion/humanistic foundation,” a relaxed and satisfied smile.

Unfortunately, the world rarely lets you get what you want so easily.

"Clap-clap-clap!" A burst of applause suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

From that high platform that always shimmered with purple light.

Aside from Nian Zhuo, who had been watching intently for a long time, the remaining people all looked on incredulously.

Snap snap snap snap snap--

The applause started slowly and then quickened, and finally, the person clapping spoke.

"Oh dear, I didn't expect you to go this far," a tall, black figure appeared. "This has truly exceeded our plans and surpassed my limits."

"Who are you?" "Professor Rafe" recognized the owner of the voice, and Mash calmly answered Ritsuka's question.

“Eh, Professor Rafe?” Upon hearing this unexpected name, Mary’s eyes suddenly flickered as she stared intently at the familiar figure. Before Nian Zhuo arrived, Rafe had been helping and supporting her actions from behind, just like Mary’s teacher.

Now that her teacher has come back to life, Mary, unable to contain her excitement, was about to rush forward when Nianzhuo blocked her way.

"Nian...Zhuo?" Marie looked around in confusion at the hostile gaze of her Heroic Spirit, but in the end she chose to stand behind Nian Zhuo.

"Mary, that guy is no longer Rafe." After delivering the explosive news, Nianzhuo stared intently at the figure on the high platform, ignoring Mary's wide eyes.

"Hey, Olga, you've had a tough time too..." Looking at Mary, who was staring at him with suspicion and uncertainty, and Nian Zhuo, who was filled with murderous intent, Rafe remained nonchalant, his hands behind his back.

"These are all unexpected situations, it's infuriating," Rafe said, his tone shifting abruptly. His voice was almost cold, his hands clenched tightly behind his back.

"Huh?" Apart from Nianzhuo, the other three looked like they hadn't reacted yet.

"Romani, I clearly told you to come to the control room immediately." The doctor's voice came through the bracelet, his expression furious.

"And Olga," Leif's hatred intensified as he stared at Mary behind Nianzhuo. "I clearly planted the bomb at your feet, but you were rescued by that useless Heroic Spirit." Seeing the deeply hurt Mary, Leif's hatred shifted back to Nianzhuo.

"They actually got Spirit Transfer and Master Adaptability because of this useless guy? It's an insult to this magnificent stage play!" With wide eyes, Leif looked at the three speechless astonished people below with a gleeful smile.

"It's...it's a lie, right?" Mary slumped down, clutching her body tightly, her arms trembling uncontrollably. "How...how could this be?"

A warm sensation came from above her head. Looking up, she met Nian Zhuo's calm, dark eyes, which seemed to possess a calming magic. Mary's breathing and emotions gradually calmed down.

"You promised, you'd trust me, right?" Nianzhuo gently stroked Mary's soft silver hair. He slowly embraced Mary's trembling body. "I'm your servant. It was a promise that I would bring you victory, so don't be afraid. As long as I'm alive, you'll be alright." He patted Mary's back. Feeling her even breathing, Nianzhuo took Mary's hand and they stood up together.

"Watch out, Master. I will bring you victory and glory. Besides, I am also a member of Chaldea." He took out his driver and equipped himself with the most basic Zi-O gear. He stepped forward and stood at the very front of everyone.

"Hmph, Chaldea, huh?" As if recalling something amusing, Lev waved his hand, transferring the golden coordinates to his own. Looking at the fruit shimmering with golden light, he took it into his hand with a smug smile. "As a reward for your efforts to get this far, let me show you what Chaldea looks like now."

He snapped his fingers lightly, and suddenly a purple hole appeared in the air above him, revealing...

It was Chaldea, glowing red, in a state of overheating and out of control.

Do not pray to aloof gods.

Staring at Chaldea, which glowed fiery red like the sun, the people below the stage were all stunned.

"What is that...it must be a lie." Mary reacted the most, staring at Chaldea, which she had helped build with her own hands. She clenched her fists weakly and murmured in disbelief.

“That’s just an illusion, right, Rafe!” Mary questioned Rafe on the platform, her expression still one of disbelief.

The only response was Rafe's calm and unmoved words.

“Of course it’s true… I specially linked the timeline for you…” At the same time, Chaldea’s image was displayed on the Chaldea screen. “As long as you have the Holy Grail, this kind of thing is still possible.”

Finally, as if to bring this dramatic scene to a close, Rafe raised his arms out to the side.

"Say it—open your eyes and see clearly, descendants of the Animusphia family!" Seeing Mary's panicked expression and Nianzhuo's explosive rage, Nianzhuo said, "This is the consequence of your foolishness—" His hand, radiating golden light, pointed directly at Mary, who was hiding behind Nianzhuo.

Then, Mary's figure flew up uncontrollably.

In Leif's eyes, the useless heroic spirit also took flight at the same time.

"You! Let her go!" Almost the instant Mary took flight, she donned the Ex-Aid armor, burning with surging rage. Nian Zhuo clenched his fist and slammed it hard against Rafe on the high platform.

But that's not enough, it won't work, it can't.

Nian Zhuo's fist stopped in front of Rafe, just a few centimeters away, yet it felt like an insurmountable chasm. No matter how Nian Zhuo advanced, his fist could not get any closer to Rafe.

A cruel smile spread across Rafe's lips as he looked at Nianzhuo, who was trying to advance, and simply extended a single finger.

A gentle flick—

Like thunder, like a heavy hammer, it slammed into Nian Zhuo's body. Sparks flew everywhere, accompanied by black smoke, and Nian Zhuo was sent flying backward, crashing into the ground and creating a large crater.

"Nianzhuo! (Mr. Nianzhuo)!" Looking at the figure whose fate was unknown amidst the billowing black smoke, Mashu and Ritsuka, despite their worries, could only keep their eyes fixed on the demonic figure on the high platform.

"Hmph, hahaha!" Rafe laughed, covering his face with one hand. It was as if he were mocking him. "What a useless Heroic Spirit, like an ant trying to shake a tree! You should have seen it long ago. Just how vast is the difference in strength between you and me!!" But the matter was far from over.