Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

Even if her spirit origin is destroyed, Metatron, who possesses "single manifestation (angel)," will not simply disappear, but her plan has indeed failed.

Savior and saintly woman who saved the nation, you have indeed won.

Be proud that you have indeed defeated Archangel Metatron... but the destruction of the world is now inevitable.

—The crown inside Metatron's body malfunctioned.

That was the network hub that Metatron used to command a million angel legions, and its functions were also damaged in the explosion of "La Pucelle".

One million out-of-control, rampaging angels will continue to appear in the world. What will this planet become then?

The future of humanity is predictable.

Metatron didn't mock or admonish Shirou and the others; he simply felt a deep sadness.

As expected... nothing will change...

"You actually hate humanity somewhere deep down, don't you?"

"—!"

Metatron turned around.

The shadow of another girl is reflected in her own light.

"Am I still alive, Sloth? I'm more tenacious than I thought."

Metatron shrugged and said, "After all, my only advantage as a weakling is my adaptability."

Metatron noticed that time had stopped around him.

She actually activated the barrier. Does she (Sloth) have such powerful strength?

"Why did you come to the outside? Come to think of it, the Holy Sword Wielder was able to escape from my body so easily because you helped him, right?"

"I don't deny it."

Seeing her nonchalant expression, Metatron felt a surge of annoyance.

"It's clearly my profile, yet it's become a human's partner..."

No, you can't even be considered a side of me; you're just a redundant personality trait used to accommodate "sloth."

Metatron (Sloth) puffed out his cheeks: "That's too much—but it's true."

I was discarded by you as something unnecessary, just like the people in this world.

Metatron paused for a moment: "So... is this a case of shared misfortune?"

"Perhaps so, but there's an even simpler truth."

The blonde girl gazed up at the starry sky, her eyes narrowing as if she were reminiscing.

"...The month I spent with him wasn't exactly sunny; the sky was always overcast and gloomy, but I was still very happy."

Although there are things that need to be done, I end up wasting time in the game of "laziness".

Forgot their purpose, and gazed up at the sky in a daze.

These days, and the time I spent with him, and myself... all of this made me feel very happy.

However, the sin of "sloth" exists because there is something that must be done.

I've come to find you now because of something I absolutely have to do.

Metatron's expression was indifferent: "Disappear. I don't need any 'sloth'."

First—firstly, is it alright that the individual named you will disappear like this?

"If you really want to ask me if it's good or not, then it really isn't good—but there's nothing I can do about it."

That is why I have lived until now, to reunite with you, to make you truly perfect.

You fear me (laziness), afraid that it will weaken you and prevent you from achieving your goals.

Fearing that time would slip away due to "laziness," and that her hatred for humanity would dissipate as a result.

"........."

The archangel's expression twisted.

"But that's all in the past now, ever since you decided to carry out vigilante justice against humanity."

"—Stop! I'm not perfect at all, I'm not perfect at all...!"

Metatron (Sloth): "From the moment you came into being, you began to degenerate into an incomplete god, an incomplete being."

From the moment you responded to Amakusa Shiro Tokisada's wish, it was already destined to be this way.

Even if it possesses the body of Joan of Arc and the core of Metatron… it is still merely a counterfeit deity, and needs elements that are more closely similar to those of a human.

Metatron: "--Yes, you were born around that time."

"The great sin (sloth) that arose because of me—only through recognizing your existence can I better understand humanity."

"Then you went down the wrong path, trying to mask your impulses and hatred stemming from understanding with a cold facade. You carried out your hatred by cutting away my 'sloth'."

Metatron frowned: "What exactly did you come here for... could it be..."

Metatron also looked troubled: "Just like how you feel a surge of disgust when you look at humans, I feel... well... in this case, it's a bit strange to say it surges."

Training, but it doesn't feel quite right. Let me think... nurturing? ...I've been watching them very closely.

Humanity, despite its temporary indulgence in pleasure, ultimately decides to move forward.

"........."

Metatron (Sloth) smiled and said, "Well, living with Shirou is surprisingly enjoyable."

So, I think... we should lend humanity a hand.

Metatron coldly replied, "Boring. He is the real culprit, the savior who brought about the end of humanity because of his self-satisfied desire for justice."

"If it weren't for the fact that the Britain he founded prolonged the planet's age of gods, humanity could have avoided such a tragic future—"

Upon hearing her say that, Metatron (Sloth) revealed a sly smile.

"You really didn't notice? It's a well-known fact among magicians in this world, yet you don't even know the most basic premise."

This is precisely the bias that arises from your arrogance; it could also be seen as proof that your "omniscience and omnipotence" are not perfect.

"………………What exactly are you talking about?"

"This planet should have died out 1500 years ago."

The blonde girl said calmly, "Because of Shirou's courage, the history of humanity in this world has been extended to this day."

Metatron: "Are you talking about the Moon King...? He is indeed the greatest threat, but not enough to end human civilization. It will only bring about a long period of darkness."

Metatron (Sloth) shook his head slightly: "No, I meant 'cutting out the phenomena'—"

"If it weren't for Shirou, this world would have been sealed back then."

"!?!?"

Metatron stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

The holy sword enabled him to...avoid "fixing the situation"...?

This is truly an unbelievable topic.

"impossible!"

"Nothing is impossible; that's just the way it is."

What do you think he was after—the Holy Grail, treasure, or dragons?

Was it merely to save Britain?

"........."

Metatron was speechless.

Seeing the once arrogant woman in such a disheveled state made Metatron (Sloth) feel that his trip had been worthwhile.

And so, the existence called "sloth" gradually dissolved.

She should have perished along with Jeanne d'Arc's special attack Noble Phantasm, so it was an incredible miracle that she was even here, and she even activated the barrier.

This should be considered her first and last instance of diligence.

"Finally, I can get some rest," the girl thought happily.

Her very existence is "sloth".

Although I understand Metatron's (my) situation, I'm still too lazy to move and cling to my happy life.

Anger, jealousy, and greed are all sins that can harm others.

However, only "sloth" can exist without harming others.

For this reason, only "sloth" was discarded.

Because the tender feelings hidden deep within the girl's heart, which is called "sloth," are the complete opposite of the judge's hatred.

However, this is also about to come to an end.

Although she wanted to see humans a little more, and see the people Shirou believed in a little more.

I want to continue living that boring, mundane, and utterly awful life with him...

Ah, I have so many regrets in my heart.

If I had worked a little harder, I might have done even better and had a more satisfactory outcome.

But I don't want to work hard anymore, I have no motivation, so I don't want to get up.

No, that's just an excuse.

I just simply felt that I didn't want to do anything.

That is the essence of "sloth," and also the original sin.

Therefore, all those regrets are just punishment for myself.

...It should have been like this from the very beginning.

"—That's not how it is, you 'sloth'."

I heard Metatron's voice, which remained so aloof until the very end.

"Because of your existence, I can continue to maintain my identity."

Because you are here, I am able to make a decision that is not impulsive.

"is it?"

The blonde girl smiled upon hearing this.

She said in a weak voice, "In that case, help them (humans) for my sake, my serious other self (Metatron)."

“I refuse. Having once abandoned humanity, I have no right to interfere in their plight, so…”

Metatron clasped his hands together and closed his eyes.

The radiance surrounding the archangel overflowed and flowed towards the girl lying on the ground.

Metatron (Sloth) stared wide-eyed.

"Wait... what are you doing...!?"

Metatron, who was praying, opened one eye and revealed a sly, wicked smile that shouldn't be on the mind of someone who is a representative of God.

"As my fragmented spirit, you must do your part to complete the final work for me... No slacking off, okay?"

"what?"

Metatron (Sloth) turned pale and struggled on the ground, crying out, "No, no, no, no! I don't want to!"

Stop transferring power to me! Make me disappear! Let me ascend to heaven! I don't want to work!

"Stop it now!"

……

……

"Metatron... no, is it Sloth-chan?"