Chapter 379: The Inner Sea of ​​​​the Star and the Court of Avalon

"Hmm... let me double-check."

Now, relying on Elquet's perception of the inner sea of ​​the star, Wang Chong completely ignored the interference of mystery and ether on space and environment, and easily arrived at the end of the passage opened by Albion, the node closest to the inner sea of ​​the star.

Elquet once again connected to the planet, carefully feeling the coordinates of the inner sea, and quickly confirmed the direction. Pointing to the barrier ahead, he said, "This is it... It looks like mud, but it's actually a boundary constructed of mystical and true ether, separating the inner sea from the real world."

"Is there any way to get in?" Wang Chong asked

"Hehe, the easiest way is to transform into a soul and enter. However, there is another method suitable for the True Ancestor, which is to enter through a hole." Elquet said with a smile, "Watch me - fantasy materialization!"

After Elquet connected to the planet, a blue light appeared under his feet. Then he reached out and touched the barrier, and a huge and twisted space hole appeared in front of the two of them.

"Can fantasy materialization be achieved to this extent?" Wang Chong did not expect that the method of opening the hole connecting the present world and the inner sea of ​​the stars would be so simple and effortless in Elquet's hands.

"Well, as long as you know the coordinates, it shouldn't be a problem to get through. Chong can try it often in the future." Elquet said, stepping into the space hole and saying, "Let's go~ Chong, hurry to the Star Inner Sea and finish what you want to do~"

"Yes." Wang Chong nodded and immediately entered the cave, passing through. After the two of them entered, the cave automatically closed, as if nothing had changed.

……

"We have arrived at the most beautiful and famous scene in the Type-Moon world - the Star Inner Sea! It's a good time to check in again~" Wang Chong picked up his mobile phone and took a few photos of himself. Then, Elquet, who also loved taking pictures, squeezed in. After the two of them took many photos together, Wang Chong began to seriously appreciate the scenery of the Star Inner Sea.

Flowers were blooming everywhere, and the environment was so refreshing. The rich ether around made Wang Chong feel relaxed and happy. This feeling was like... like...

"It doesn't feel much different from Chong's home... I thought the inner sea of ​​​​the star would be very different." After taking a deep breath, Elquet said with a slight frown.

That's right, it felt like being at home. Hilarious! The atmosphere of the Star Inner Sea was just as rich as my own dimensional home. In a way, staying in my dimensional home was no different from staying in the Star Inner Sea. No wonder those experienced magi who had previously entered my dimensional home were so surprised by it.

The only thing that stands out from the others is the blossoming flowers. Whether it's the daytime scenery or the nighttime scenery later, it's hailed as Type-Moon's most beautiful scene, and the final destination of several Type-Moon works. Its value is evident here.

"I'll bring Illya and the others out here later and have some fun. But before that, I'd better finish the important work first. System, can I start tracking?" Wang Chong thought to himself.

"No problem, the Golden Sword of Victory and the Scabbard of Avalon are being searched... The target has been found, host, just follow the direction I directed, you won't go wrong!" After the system conducted a search, it determined the destination and said.

"OK, Elquet, let's go. This time, it's time to bring back our old friend who has been waiting for a long time." After Wang Chong finished speaking, he carried the black mist and wrapped Elquet in it and flew quickly in a certain direction.

The scenery along the way wasn't static, nor was it all a sea of ​​flowers. Along the way, Wang Chong and Elquet saw more fantastical creatures, fairies. They seemed to get along quite well with one another. Most of them noticed Elquet and himself soaring overhead, but due to the overwhelming power of their presence, they all dodged, daring not to offend.

"There are many familiar soul bodies down there. They should be real pure-blooded dragons... I wonder if I can use some of their blood... But is there still the concept of physical bodies in the inner sea of ​​​​the stars?" Wang Chong said as he looked at the surrounding scenery.

"For them, there is no big difference between the body and the soul. It's only when they float to the surface of the planet that they feel the difference. Speaking of which, I felt a little hot as soon as I came in here... It's not that I'm uncomfortable, it just feels very strange." At this time, Elquet on the side spoke.

"You're feeling hot?" Wang Chong glanced to the side after hearing this. His eyes narrowed as he examined Elquet very seriously, staring at her so hard that she blushed. "Why are you staring at me like that? Have I undergone some strange transformation?"

"If there were a mirror, I would definitely show you... Elquet, didn't you notice that your hair has grown long? And your clothes have changed too." Wang Chong pointed at Elquet and said.

"Hey... Hey! When did you put on this outfit?" After Wang Chong's reminder, Elquet discovered that her hair had grown to her ankles. The white shirt and short skirt she originally wore was changed into the off-shoulder princess long dress she wore in Millennium City. Her whole temperament also changed from the original lively and friendly temperament to the dignified and divine beauty, just like the flower on the high mountain, the aura of independence radiated from the inside out.

For a moment, Wang Chong was mesmerized. Whether Bai Ji had short hair or long hair, both possessed a unique beauty. Under Wang Chong's scorching gaze, Elquet's ears blushed, but her heart felt as sweet as honey. She said, "Chong... do you like me the way I am now?"

"I like you, but you also have a unique charm with short hair. It's just that I rarely see Elquet with long hair, and I was fascinated by it for a moment. Anyway, no matter what kind of Elquet it is, I like it." Wang Chong couldn't help but flirt.

"Hehe..." Elquet smiled foolishly, enjoying what Wang Chong said in his heart.

Just as the two were enjoying each other's affection, a somewhat disappointing voice echoed in Wang Chong's mind: "Host, we are almost at our destination. Do you see that tall tower?"

"Hmm? Are we at our destination?" Wang Chong turned his attention forward, only then seeing the sea of ​​flowers and a tall tower standing before him. Hmm, very familiar. Every time he used a Noble Phantasm on someone, he'd often see that tower and that sea of ​​flowers.

They had arrived at the Court of Avalon. This was the final destination of Wang Chong's month-long journey. Naturally, Wang Chong had come here to retrieve an old friend who had been waiting for him for a thousand years.

"Duang—"

"Holy crap! Merlin, you old scoundrel, you're even setting up a barrier?!" Just as Wang Chong began to recall the purpose of his trip, there was a loud bang, and Wang Chong felt his head hit something hard, abruptly stopping him. Wang Chong then realized that a barrier was enveloping the Court of Avalon, blocking him out.

"Open the door! Merlin, you old thief, open the door quickly! Don't hide in there without making a sound! I know you are at home!" Wang Chong landed on the ground with Elquet, who was also touching his head. Then, Wang Chong smashed the barrier with his fist. The force was so great that it almost shook the space.

"Oh my! My old brother, please be kind. I can't stand your torment here." At this moment, a very familiar voice sounded from inside, and the familiar white-haired old thief came towards him quickly with a headache on his face, fearing that he would be a step slower and his whole house would be demolished.

Chapter 380 Reunion

"Merlin, why are you closing the door in broad daylight..."

At this moment, Wang Chong and his group followed Merlin, heading towards the center of the Court of Avalon. While Merlin cast a spell to temporarily open the barrier, Wang Chong entered the Dimensional Home and brought Irisviel, Jeanne, and Mordred out. Wang Chong had originally planned to call for Altria, but she said this moment belonged to another version of herself, so he didn't follow them out directly.

Merlin, however, said with a chuckle, "It's not that I want to close any door... but you know the legend well. I was forced to be imprisoned in here, although I have the means to pass through this barrier."

"Were you forced? Are you sure it wasn't because someone did something unethical that they sealed themselves in the Court of Avalon out of guilt?" Wang Chong didn't believe Merlin's words at all. He knew this old thief inside and out.

"Let's not talk about this anymore... Look, my king is right there. She has been sitting there for thousands of years, looking towards the east. I didn't expect you to come from the other direction." Merlin said, pointing to the familiar figure sitting in front.

On a patch of emerald green grass, Artoria, who hadn't been seen for over a month, sat quietly on the ground. A gentle breeze ruffled her golden hair, and everything seemed so peaceful and tranquil. At that moment, she was like an old willow tree rooted in the earth, watching for who knows how long, regardless of the wind's roar, waiting patiently.

"Friends, I won't disturb you." Merlin tactfully transformed into scattered petals, dispersing as the wind blew. It seemed the one who had come to greet them was just another of Merlin's clones.

Some of the petals fluttering in the wind just happened to pass by Artoria. At this time, Artoria, who had been motionless, seemed to have noticed something and her body moved slightly.

Upon seeing this, Wang Chong exchanged glances with the others and then walked forward together.

"You are here..."

As they approached Altria, a familiar, gentle voice rang out. Then, Altria, dressed in a white dress, slowly stood up and turned to look at Wang Chong and the others.

"Well, long time no see, Altria." Wang Chong stretched out his hand and said.

For them, only a little over a month had passed since Altria's return, but for Altria, it felt like a thousand years.

Altria held Wang Chong's hand and slowly approached him. Wang Chong then pulled Altria into his arms and said, "We're here to pick you up, Altria."

"Well... I know. I knew it from the moment you, Wang Chong, returned the scabbard and the golden sword to me. It is also because of this that my body and soul can enter the Court of Avalon and have been waiting here for your arrival." Artoria also hugged Wang Chong in a clingy manner, with a very intimate attitude.

The end and the passage of a thousand years washed away the layers of masks and identities that Artoria had once worn. The one who finally stood here was neither the glorious Knight King nor King Arthur, the leader of Britain's struggles. Now, the only one left was Artoria herself, alone.

"Look, everyone is here." At this time, Wang Chong loosened his arms appropriately and brought Altria to Irisviel and the others.

"Eri...it's been a long time. I don't know how long it's been since I left you. But, for me, the memories of those days a thousand years ago are still fresh in my memory. Eri, my Master is also my dear friend. I'm truly happy to see you again after such a long time."

The first person Artoria looked at was Irisviel, her most trusted Master and one of her few close friends in the modern era. She was delighted to see that Irisviel still exuded the same happy demeanor she had a thousand years ago. It seemed that her friend had lived a fulfilling and exciting life since then, which made Artoria truly happy for her dear friend.

"Joan of Arc...it's been a while, too. I still remember the days when we fought alongside you. While I was away, were you bullied by Wang Chong? Do you want me to help you get back at him?"

Then, Artoria looked at Jeanne and half-jokingly quipped, "This Servant, who, like herself, had been deceived by a bad man, she understood her feelings and thoughts very well. She was even a little worried about whether she had fully come to terms with the situation."

The Holy Grail War was now over, and Artoria still hoped that Jeanne could finally let go of her worries and live happily. Some things didn't need to be taken so seriously anymore. This was the answer she had finally reached after a thousand years of reflection.

"Wang Chong-jun does sometimes do things that are truly troubling, but perhaps that's just how unique he is. Sometimes all I can do is give him some advice... But, for me, Wang Chong-jun has always done a great job... and that's enough for me."

Jeanne naturally understood the hidden meaning in Altria's words, and the loving look she gave Wang Chong explained everything. Altria felt relieved upon seeing this.

"Don't make it seem like I always enjoy bullying you..." Wang Chong said, pretending to be innocent.

"If you didn't bully us, I would find it strange. You must have tormented Ellie and Jeanne a lot at night when I was away." Altria looked at Wang Chong with a smile and said unconsciously.

"Ah, this..." Admittedly, Wang Chong was speechless at Altria's sudden move. Altria hadn't lied. For the past month, she'd been spending most of her time at the Dimension House singing songs, exercising regularly with Ellie and Jeanne. Each time, relying on her masterful time management skills, she'd tormented them severely before letting them go.

No, to be more precise, everyone and Wang Chong who exercised at night did the same. Therefore, they were basically all full for a week after eating.

"We'll slowly settle the debts after we get back. Let me see who's next... Sir Mordred." When Artoria saw Mordred with his neck shrunk, her expression suddenly turned stern, which was completely different from her attitude towards other people.

When Mordred heard his father talking about him, he trembled and walked over. Looking at the trembling Mordred, Artoria couldn't help but shook her head and said:

"Sir Mordred, I still like your unruly appearance back then. Could you please recover for a while?"

"Um... Father... Hey~" Mordred scratched his head and finally played dumb. Don't blame Mordred for being like this now. It's because over the past month, he has felt the heavy "fatherly love" from his other "father".

However, a hand was placed on Mordred's shoulder, patting her. Mordred was startled, realizing that Altria had lost her stern demeanor and was now gentle. She said, "...Long time no see, Mordred. It seems you've been well-trained during this time."

"Father..." Mordred was stunned for a moment, then his nose felt slightly sore. It had been a long time since he had received recognition and praise from his father.

"Don't be complacent or satisfied with just a little praise."

"Ok!"

Mordred smiled brightly and nodded seriously. Seeing Mordred's relieved expression, Altria felt relieved. She then turned to look at the last person, frowned slightly, as if pondering something, and said, "Your Excellency is..."

"Elquet, we met more than a month ago, but we weren't that familiar... Ah, although only a month has passed for me, it has been more than a thousand years for you. It's normal that you have forgotten. Just treat it as a reacquaintance this time. I hope you can give me your guidance." Elquet didn't care about these things. Instead, after considering the other party, he greeted him very enthusiastically.

"I'm sorry...Altoria, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir."Altoria responded with a smile.

"Since we've already greeted each other, Artoria, do you mind if we stay here for a while and walk around? How about we chat about what happened to each of us during the time we were away?" Wang Chong suggested, seeing that everyone had been greeted almost once.

"Well, I'd also like to know what you've experienced during this period. So let me take you on a tour around the Garden of Avalon." Altria invited with a smile.

Chapter 381: Secret Talk with Merlin

"I see. No wonder Jeanne said you would do something that would give her a headache."

Time passed slowly, and a group of people sat in a pavilion, relaxing. Artoria heard about Wang Chong's upcoming trip and all that "nonsense" she'd heard, shaking her head. However, she didn't object to Wang Chong punishing the wicked; he was simply being the victim, deliberately luring them into a trap... She could only say that he was still the same "unconventional" man she remembered.

"Haha... However, those people provoked wars for their own selfish desires, and even went completely crazy and extreme because of religious beliefs. Wang Chongjun killed them, which can be regarded as buying some peaceful days for the ordinary people in the area." Joan of Arc chuckled twice, then fell into deep thought, and then looked at the children playing outside the pavilion in a daze.

"Joan of Arc? What's wrong?" Irisviel looked at Joan of Arc in a daze and asked.

"No... I just felt a little emotional when I saw the children playing here so carefree, and recalled the scenes I saw in the Middle East. It is precisely because of the contrast that we can better understand how hard it is to achieve human happiness and peace." Joan of Arc said slowly.

While they were chatting, Wang Chong once again returned to the Dimensional Home and brought everyone out to experience the environment of the Star Inner Sea and the Court of Avalon. Those who knew something about the Star Inner Sea were naturally amazed at having arrived at this most mysterious place on the planet.

The children, curious about the outside world, had a blast playing in the garden. Interestingly, while they were playing the game of "Eagle Catches Chicken," two older children joined the group. Mordred was one of the older children, acting as the eagle, while the other, Aigo, played the role of the hen, protecting her chicks.

"So why was I dragged into these childish brats and made to play this kind of childish game..." Sajo Aika was speechless as she looked at the situation around her. She didn't know why she was surrounded by children and was treated as the king of the kids, playing with the shameless Modred opposite her.

"There's a flaw!" Mordred suddenly did a tiger descending from a mountain, bypassing Aika Sajō and directly pouncing on Fujino Asagami, who was at the bottom of the group and had no time to move.

"Ah! Don't even think about it! The only one who can defeat me is His Royal Highness the Prince!" Sajo Aige grabbed Modred's waist and pulled her down from the air.

"Hey, hey! You're breaking the rules! How can a hen catch an eagle?" Modred said loudly.

"But the rules don't say a hen can't hold an eagle~ Humph, there's nothing we can do now!" Said Satiao Aige as she held on tightly.

"Don't underestimate me! Haha!" Mordred relied on his extraordinary strength to run with Sha Tiao Ai Ge, but Sha Tiao Ai Ge, perhaps because of his experience in hugging King Chong every day, actually hung on Mordred's waist and refused to be thrown off.

For a moment, the two of them stood there in a stalemate, forgetting that they were playing a game of "Eagle Catches Chicken." The other children, looking like they were just enjoying the fun, cheered them on.

Altria, observing this harmonious scene, felt a certain empathy. Like Jeanne, she had witnessed the most difficult times for ordinary citizens. However, on this rare occasion of reunion, it was inappropriate to dwell too deeply on this topic. Altria changed the subject, looking at Leticia, who was gathering flowers and happily weaving a wreath outside the pavilion. Then, she said, "Speaking of which, Jeanne, have you and Miss Leticia separated?"

"Hmm... This is one of Wang Chong-jun's abilities. It can materialize the soul. This way, I won't need to rely on Leticia's body anymore," Jeanne said. "By the way, Wang Chong-jun will also use this power on you, Artoria. By then, you'll have a body that can remain in this world."

"Is that so? No wonder Wang Chong was so confident in bringing me into the real world. But..." Altria seemed to be hesitant to speak, not knowing what she was thinking. Finally, she smiled slightly and said, "No problem, we'll give it a try when the time comes."

"Speaking of which, Wang Chong and your...teacher? His name is Merlin, right? What did they discuss?" Alice couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know... Lord Merlin came to me first. He must have something important to tell me." Artoria looked towards the tall tower where Merlin was, not knowing what she was thinking for a moment.

……

"I see... the record tape... is there a source? I didn't expect things to become so complicated..." Wang Chong stood on the high tower, looking at the many servants playing and chatting below, speechless for a moment.

"So you understand, your method is only a temporary solution. But with your unique power, it can be regarded as temporarily providing them with an anchor point for laying the foundation. In other words, your dimensional home is equivalent to replacing the role of Valhalla, so they can stay here so peacefully. It's a trick, and it won't affect the progress of the record too much." Merlin said very seriously at this time.

"But... my king is different. Her ending is firmly anchored in the tape. Any rash changes, such as bringing the intact king into the real world, would inevitably cause great chaos. In a sense, my king can only remain in your dimensional home and the inner sea of ​​the stars, but must never be brought into the real world. Because in the real tape, my king's death is the end of the mysterious retreat."

"What will happen if I bring Altria into the real world?" Wang Chong asked.

"If our king were to appear in the real world and affect the record, it would inevitably have immeasurable consequences. I've actually tried this many times over the years, but they've all ended in failure. Our king is well aware of this. Honestly, it's already quite difficult for you to have a place that can accommodate our king, and I believe our king understands this. For our king, friends like you are what she needs most. For thousands of years, she has been so alone. She has always been lonely."

Merlin sighed, and noticing the slight gloom between Wang Chong's brows, he regained his usual cynical demeanor and smiled, saying, "Alright, alright, stop frowning. As I just said, it would be great if my king could go to your little world and live out the rest of his days in peace. Besides, there's almost nothing in this world that can threaten your existence. Wouldn't it be nice to live happily? Why bother going on?"

Wang Chong said nothing, only nodded slightly. Seeing that Wang Chong still seemed unconvinced, Merlin scratched his head in annoyance. He felt that the man before him was quite stubborn in certain ways, but he was genuinely worried about causing a major disturbance. Although he enjoyed watching the fun, he couldn't stand the prospect of such a big mess. He was afraid he would die.

"...Merlin, can your clairvoyance help me see someone?" Wang Chong suddenly turned his head as if he had thought of something, and said with a strange smile.

"Huh? Looking for someone? Who?" Merlin was a little confused. Seeing the other party's inexplicable smile, he didn't know why he always felt a little uneasy.

"The monarch of the astronomy department - Marisbili Animusphia." Wang Chong said lightly.

Chapter 382: The Old Director of Chaldea

Marisbil Animusphia, the ruler of the Department of Astronomy. However, he would later be better known as the founder of Chaldea, the old director, and the one who summoned King Solomon.

The king's sudden mention of this person indicated his intentions towards Chaldea. Since there was no way to change Altria's situation at this point in time, why not use spirit particle transfer to travel back in time and see if he could slightly interfere with Altria's history? Without changing the overarching theme of Britain's end and mysterious retreat, he could find a way for Altria to reappear in the present world.

Now, Wang Chong had informed Merlin that he wanted to observe the old director, intending to see how far he had progressed with Chaldea's development and whether he could control it. Furthermore, there was another reason for observing him: Wang Chong was worried about another unfortunate event—whether something unexpected might happen in his current worldline, causing him to be transported to the FGO worldline.

You have to understand that the outcome of the Fourth World War is different now. Without the Fuyuki Fire, it's impossible to enter the FSN worldline. There are only three possible directions for this world to move forward: First, the Magical Girl Illya worldline. After all, I have the Ruby (fake) ready, and Illya will grow well under my care. This route is the most likely.

Second, the FGO world line. Since no disaster occurred in Fuyuki, and the Holy Grail War ended too strangely, it is very likely to arouse the interest of the astronomical monarch. If he intends to reopen the Holy Grail War and summon King Solomon to win the fifth Holy Grail War, then he is very likely to enter this world line.

However, the probability of this worldline being possible was almost infinitesimal. The reason for this was that the Fuyuki Grand Grail was now completely within his control, even the will within it was controlled by him. Whether the Holy Grail War could begin was entirely his decision. As long as he didn't start the Fifth Holy Grail War, the other side couldn't summon King Solomon, and the Goetia Incineration wouldn't have occurred. This worldline would have been abruptly suppressed by him.

Third, a completely new and unknown world line. This scenario was probably the most likely. After all, with his own ability to manipulate things and his identity as a time traveler, he was definitely the biggest mess in this world. Who knew to what extent this world line would be distorted by him?

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