A Villain's Journey Begins in the Type-Moon World

"No way, Black-haired Father, are you serious??"

……

Inside the dungeon, Wang Chong didn't go to find Artoria first, because Artoria was still asleep. His first target was someone else—Joan of Arc.

His clone had noticed that Joan of Arc was about to wake up, and Merlin had also reminded him that Joan of Arc's dream was about to end. Therefore, Wang Chong immediately set off for the dungeon.

Upon arriving at the dungeon, Wang Chong first sent his clone upstairs to keep an eye on Artoria's movements. He himself stayed with Jeanne, quietly waiting for her to awaken.

With a soft, gentle breath, Joan of Arc's eyelashes fluttered, and she finally opened her sleepy eyes. Joan of Arc felt as if she had been having a very long dream, in which she seemed to dream of herself and Wang Chong, whom she respected, finally defeating the enemy, sweeping away all the foes, and ultimately winning the Holy Grail War.

Finally, Jeanne witnessed Wang Chong make his wish for the Holy Grail. She didn't know what he wished for, but she offered her heartfelt blessings. Although the Holy Grail War was over, the summoned Servants wouldn't disappear immediately. Presumably, for a long time, she would absorb Wang Chong's magical energy and continue to accompany him in reality.

Then…then Joan of Arc woke up. Hmm, it had been a long time since she'd had a dream, especially that kind of peaceful return to everyday life in the fields—a dream Joan of Arc had always had. And in her dream, it had come true so easily.

Dreams are truly wonderful things... yet dreams are ultimately just dreams. One will eventually face the cruel reality, just as when, leading his army, he believed it would be the final victory, only to be betrayed by a sudden turn of events, ultimately sealing his tragic end.

“It’s you, Wang Chong.” Joan of Arc looked up at Wang Chong, who was quietly watching her from outside the railing. Even though Wang Chong didn’t say anything, everything was understood without words.

“You are much calmer than I expected, Joan of Arc.” Wang Chong looked at Joan of Arc, who had regained her senses. He knew that once she saw her surroundings and the stark difference in their positions, she naturally understood everything.

"After all, getting angry and yelling won't solve anything, will it? Besides, this isn't the first time I've been a prisoner." Jeanne felt the power within her body. Sure enough, her power had been sealed, or rather, her entire body was filled with weakness. It seemed that there was some incredible magic circle in the place where she was, which could even affect her Magic Resistance Ex.

"So, does Wang Chongjun intend to detain me here until everything is completely over, or does he intend to execute me?" Joan of Arc asked slowly.

“Neither…” Wang Chong slowly walked up to me. “If I wanted to kill you, the outcome would have been decided the moment you fell. If I wanted to keep you detained, I wouldn’t have come here to see you. You know I always have a purpose in everything I do.”

"...That's right. Whether you kill me or imprison me, you won't come to see me. So, what do you plan to do? You're not thinking of inviting me to join you, are you?" Joan of Arc nodded slightly, looking directly at Wang Chong, and asked.

"Yes and no." Wang Chong reached out his hand into the railing and said, "How about we settle this?"

"Reconciliation? At this moment? Wang Chong, are you joking?" Jeanne looked at Wang Chong with amusement. The matter was already so clear before them; Wang Chong was the Master of all the Otherworldly Servants. He had deceived everyone, especially himself, betrayed him... and even let down his own heart.

Well, Jeanne wasn't sure if this was her own feeling, or if Leticia's feelings within her were influencing her. But she was truly disappointed... She finally understood some of the feelings Irisviel had had for Kiritsugu Emiya.

“Indeed, I admit I lied to you. But if I didn’t do this, would I just stand by and watch you deal with me?” Wang Chong said calmly.

“But that is no excuse for your wanton deception…especially since you have betrayed three partners who trusted you so much,” Joan of Arc said.

“Yes, that’s why I’m planning to finally lay my cards on the table with you. But I’ve always been selfish. You know I prefer to keep the initiative in my own hands,” Wang Chong said. “It’s precisely because of your unconditional trust that I hope you can join my side, even if it means using some underhanded methods.”

"You mean we should thank you?" Joan's tone turned somewhat displeased. Even though she had maintained her composure, a woman's innate emotional nature made her feel even more disappointed and pained by Wang Chong's words.

Chapter 317 Forcing Joan of Arc

Wang Chong has been constantly monitoring Joan of Arc's current favorability rating, which remains firmly stuck at 80 points. It seems that although Joan has been disappointed in him, the emotions that have built up over this period cannot be completely destroyed with just a few words. The disappointment Joan is currently displaying stems more from her frustration with his lack of ambition and a hidden hope that he will turn back to her.

Well, in a sense, this should be considered the spoiled wife's emotions.

But he also knew very well that continuing to forcefully coerce her would only lead to a complete falling out with Joan of Arc. The reason Wang Chong was speaking so harshly was to test Joan of Arc's current psychological limits, so that he could gradually gain control of her.

Therefore, Wang Chong did not respond too strongly to Joan of Arc's words, but slowly said, "Joan of Arc, the reason you resist so much is simply because you believe that we are the anomalies of the Holy Grail War, and that we are the ones who are guilty of heinous crimes, is that right?"

"I don't know what you're trying to do, Wang Chong. But as a former friend, I still want to give you some advice: those who do many evil deeds will surely perish. Moreover, since you were able to know about my arrival in advance, you must have some understanding of the suppressor force. Even if you successfully stop me now, there will be more people and more powerful forces waiting for you. It's not too late to stop now." Jeanne calmed herself down after hearing Wang Chong's tone soften and spoke seriously.

"Hahahaha... Is it too late to back down now?" Wang Chong laughed, then asked, "You mean, if I surrender to you now and stop all my actions, you'll forgive me and pretend nothing happened?"

“At least I can do that. After all, you haven’t made any irreparable mistakes yet. The only ones you’ve wronged are the Masters who participated in this Holy Grail War. And even that’s within the rules of the Holy Grail War,” Jeanne said earnestly.

"Heh, you know perfectly well that even the worst things I do are only directed at those who should have died in this Holy Grail War. After all, they either die by my hand or by someone else's. That's in accordance with the rules of the Holy Grail War," Wang Chong chuckled. "Besides, you should also know that neither I nor my Servants have actually killed any of those people. We haven't spilled their blood. So, according to the rules of the Holy Grail War, am I... and my Servants guilty?"

"..." Jeanne was speechless for a moment. Indeed, emotionally, what Wang Chong had done was unacceptable to the person involved. But as Wang Chong said, the Holy Grail War was inherently a war of mutual slaughter. Ultimately, the Servants would decide the final victor. Therefore, no matter who killed whom, they should not be punished by the rules of the Holy Grail. Moreover, Wang Chong and his group of Servants had not actually killed any Servants with their own hands. On the contrary, the person who had killed the most Servants was the one being framed, Emiya Kiritsugu.

“However, if you still believe I am guilty, Joan, then fine, I can give you a chance.” At this moment, Wang Chong suddenly pulled the railing open, then grabbed Joan’s hand and pulled her out.

The sudden scene left Joan of Arc somewhat bewildered, but she quickly realized that after she left the room, the seal had quietly disappeared, and her body was absorbing the surrounding magic to recover itself.

"Why did he suddenly release me?" Just as Joan of Arc was filled with doubt, Wang Chong's next actions made her completely unable to understand what his purpose was. Wang Chong continued to grip his right hand, then drew his sword and pointed the tip directly at her neck.

"You?!" Joan of Arc was shocked that Wang Chong would actually make her hold a sword to his neck. Was he out of his mind?

“Joan of Arc, we’ve played many betting games before, haven’t we?” Wang Chong released his grip, letting Joan of Arc continue to hold the sword against his neck.

"What bet?" Joan of Arc couldn't help but ask.

"Didn't you think I was the one the Counter Force needed to eliminate? Didn't you think I was the biggest anomaly in the Holy Grail War, someone who would disrupt the Holy Grail War or use the Holy Grail for some evil? Then let's make a bet, Jeanne. Kill me, and will all the anomalies be resolved... or will you ultimately become an accomplice to evil, personally forging a true tragedy? Let's make a bet, with my life as the stake," Wang Chong said slowly.

"What!" Joan of Arc was shocked. She had never expected Wang Chong to do something so audacious. He was actually willing to gamble his life on his judgment.

"What...what exactly do you want to do? And...what exactly is this about aiding and abetting evil, and personally creating a real tragedy?" Joan of Arc asked hurriedly.

“Who knows? Shouldn’t you have more faith in your own judgment, Your Holiness, the just and upright saintess?” Wang Chong said slowly.

"What trick are you planning to pull now?" Joan of Arc asked sternly.

"Trick? What trick could I possibly have... Do you think you're the only one who's disappointed, Joan of Arc?" As he spoke, Wang Chong leaned forward, and the tip of the sword unexpectedly pierced the skin on his neck, drawing blood from the tip.

"Are you insane!" Joan of Arc was shocked by the sight and hurriedly tried to pull her sword back. However, Wang Chong grabbed it firmly the next second, preventing her from moving.

"Now, do you still think there's any conspiracy or trickery involved? My life is now in your hands." Wang Chong stared intently at Joan of Arc, as if he had completely seen through her feelings.

Joan of Arc panicked; she felt emotions she had never experienced before. For the first time, she felt flustered because of this man who was unafraid of death.

"Why...why?" Joan of Arc asked, puzzled.

“Didn’t you just complain that I was clinging to the initiative and using any means necessary? Well, now I’m handing that initiative back to you. It’s both an apology and a sign of my sincerity in wanting to cooperate again,” Wang Chong said slowly.

“Joan of Arc, the initiative is now in your hands. If you believe I am the culprit behind this Holy Grail War, then pierce my neck. I have no need for so-called magnanimity or pity.” Wang Chong paused after speaking, then continued, “I only hope that after my death, no matter what happens, you will stick to the path you have chosen and the principles in your heart. And take responsibility for the choices you have made.”

"What exactly do you know... Wang Chongjun? If Another Servants and Another Masters are not the root of evil in this Holy Grail War, not the root of my present world, then who is? Is it Emiya Kiritsugu, whom you have been persecuting?" Jeanne took a deep breath and continued to ask.

“If you trust me, I will tell you. If you don’t trust me, what’s the use of telling you? As for you, Joan of Arc… since you’ve already decided to make me the ringleader, why are you still hesitating?” Wang Chong took a step forward and fearlessly charged straight at the tip of the sword.

"You..." Joan of Arc quickly took a step back, just enough to create some distance. However, that close proximity still caused the sword tip to cut another wound on her neck.

"I want to believe you too... Wang Chong, but how can I believe you after what you've done... how can I believe you?" This was the first time Joan of Arc had yielded on such an important matter. She lowered her head, somewhat afraid to meet Wang Chong's gaze. She didn't understand why, when it was Wang Chong who had betrayed her, she was now the one who seemed to be at fault.

Chapter 318 Joan of Arc's Confession

Seeing Joan of Arc lower her head, Wang Chong understood that Joan of Arc still valued him and was still willing to believe in him. But Wang Chong could not relax now. He had to go further and, before Joan of Arc could recover from her emotional outburst, decisively define what he had done.

“Jeanne, I admit that I deceived you about Another Servants and Another Masters. But how many other things have I lied to you about? Even in the very beginning when we first met, I repeatedly warned you not to trust someone like me. I am selfish and calculating, and I showed you all of that from the start,” Wang Chong said slowly.

"Joan of Arc, if you're so uncertain, why don't you reflect on the past? You know perfectly well what kind of person I am, so why do you still choose to trust me?"

Upon hearing Wang Chong's words, Joan of Arc couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt. She did know what kind of person Wang Chong was. When she first met Leticia, Joan of Arc had been wary and even warned her several times.

Throughout the journey, Wang Chong maintained a friendly attitude towards Leticia, and although Joan of Arc remained somewhat wary, her attitude towards Wang Chong softened considerably.

Then came the sudden attack. Everything happened so fast that Joan of Arc had to react on the spot. Looking back now, there are many doubts, but at the time, she was indeed more inclined to save Wang Chong.

And it was precisely because of this attack that the connection between the two began to quietly grow closer. Through continued contact, Jeanne d'Arc did indeed see that Wang Chong was somewhat calculating and quite shrewd. She even realized that Wang Chong and Kiritsugu Emiya were similar in some ways—both were the kind of people who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

Even so, Joan of Arc couldn't bring herself to dislike Wang Chong; in fact, she trusted him more and more... Wang Chong was right to ask why... why, knowing Wang Chong's character so well, she still trusted him so much?

Just as Joan of Arc began to ponder deeply, Wang Chong didn't want to give her too much time to think. He only needed the woman before him to consider this possibility. Wang Chong slowly asked, "Joan of Arc, in the end, in your heart, am I truly your enemy?"

"I...I..." Joan of Arc's heart was in turmoil, and her mind was becoming increasingly confused. For some reason, Wang Chong's questions were imprinted in her mind like a demonic voice, constantly echoing. One question after another made it difficult for Joan of Arc to make a decision.

"Alright, since you can't choose, then I'll choose for you. Let's stick to our original bet... Will my death make this Holy Grail War better, or will it lead to a more tragic end? I'll bet my life on it!"

Having said that, Wang Chong actually charged towards the sword this time, and it was clear that he had no intention of stopping. The sword tip instantly pierced his neck, and because it was the carotid artery, blood gushed out in an instant, even spraying directly onto Joan of Arc's face.

"No!" Feeling the heat on her face, Joan of Arc's body reacted instinctively, drawing her sword and breaking free from Wang Chong's grip on the blade, throwing the sword to the ground. She then hugged Wang Chong, laying him flat on the ground. Watching the blood splatter all over her body like a fountain, Joan of Arc gasped for breath. She had never felt her heart pounding so fast, so tense.

"Calm down, calm down... Get first aid immediately. There's still time!" Joan of Arc removed her hand armor and pressed her jade hand directly onto the carotid artery on the left side of Wang Chong's neck to stop the gushing blood. Then, she placed her other hand on his neck and began to use her magic to repair the damaged wound.

A few minutes later, Joan of Arc felt that her palm was no longer passively receiving the splattered warm blood. The wound had finally healed. Fortunately, during her career leading armies, she had learned a lot about emergency treatments for wounds. Even though this time the wound was on her neck, apart from her extremely pale and bloodless face, at least she had saved her life.

Wang Chong had been watching everything Joan of Arc did. Seeing his favorability rating increase rather than decrease, he smiled; he knew he had won his gamble this time.

"What are you laughing at?" Joan of Arc's somewhat icy tone went straight to Wang Chong's ears. Clearly, Joan of Arc, who had been paying close attention to Wang Chong's condition, had noticed the change in his expression.

"What are you laughing at? I don't understand either... Just like I don't understand, since you no longer trust me and see me as an enemy, why are you coming to save me now?" Wang Chong smiled as he looked at Joan of Arc, lying on her lap as a pillow, and said.

“I don’t know…” Joan of Arc lowered her head and looked at Wang Chong. “Out of reason, out of responsibility, out of what you did… I should have put you on trial. But from the moment I saw that you were really going to die, I just started acting on my own.”

"It has nothing to do with any bet you mentioned... I just wanted to save him, so I did. That's just how unreasonable I am. I guess I still prefer to keep believing in you, Wang Chongjun." Joan of Arc said with a self-deprecating smile.

"So what's your answer now?" Wang Chong asked.

“Wang Chongjun…don’t you think it’s too cunning of you to always be the one asking questions?” Joan of Arc said.

"...Joan of Arc, what do you want to ask?"

"Tell me, what was your intention in that secret chamber last night?" Joan of Arc closed her eyes and pondered for a moment before asking the question she most wanted to know. Upon hearing this, Wang Chong secretly thought to himself, "As expected, this matter would definitely be brought to light." Not only Joan of Arc would ask now, but Artoria would surely do the same later. Now that they both know they are the true masters behind the Hanging Gardens, it's self-evident who orchestrated that secret chamber.

"Because I like you, and I want to have you." Wang Chong wasn't lying, because he knew he couldn't lie about this, so he might as well be honest and admit it.

“All the comments I’ve made, not just about Mrs. Irisviel, or the King of Knights, or even about you, Joan of Arc… and about Leticia hidden within you, were all sincere. You are all good women. And I am that kind of selfish person… I know that once my identity is revealed, we will inevitably part ways. So until then, I will do whatever it takes to get you.”

“Even if we eventually find out about this? Even if we harbor resentment because of it?” Joan of Arc said sternly.

“That’s right,” Wang Chong said firmly.

“Hopeless…” Joan of Arc murmured.

“I think so too… So this time, I’m handing you the choice, and my life. This isn’t just a bet… it’s also my apology to you and to them.” Wang Chong said with a smile, “Like I said before, if you think I’m guilty, you can take my life now. But… I still want you to understand, Joan of Arc. My affection for you is genuine.”

"Ha..." Joan of Arc slightly opened her eyes and looked again into the eyes of Wang Chong, whose face was somewhat pale. He was so weak now that she didn't need much strength; she only needed to reopen his wounds once more to take his life.

"Perhaps this is why I am merely a fragment of her projection. Perhaps this is why I cannot be that just and selfless saint, Joan of Arc." Joan of Arc suddenly spoke to herself, then revealed a somewhat poignant smile.

"Joan of Arc?" Wang Chong asked in confusion, then saw Joan of Arc bend down, a tear falling from the corner of her eye and landing on Wang Chong's cheek.

"I love you too, Wang Chongjun." Then, Joan of Arc kissed Wang Chong's bloodless lips. As Joan of Arc revealed her feelings, a tear of heartache shed in her eye.

“I’m sorry, Lord (God)... I’m sorry, the real me. I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with him... If it is a sin, I am willing to feed the devil with my body and lead him to good. If it is a great evil, I am willing to fall into hell with him and suffer all the punishments.” Joan of Arc prayed in her heart, “Please accept my confession... forgive me for making this choice.”

As Wang Chong watched Joan of Arc, tears of repentance streaming down her face, resolutely choose him, he felt a pang of bewilderment. Despite his successful scheme, he felt little joy. It wasn't that he regretted anything, but rather, amidst his complex emotions, he felt a deep pang of sympathy for the kind and innocent Joan of Arc before him.

He couldn't hear Joan of Arc's inner thoughts, but he knew what she had sacrificed to make that choice.

"If you do not betray me, I will not betray you," Wang Chong thought to himself.

Chapter 319 The Price Artoria Paid

"Congratulations, host! You not only successfully persuaded Joan of Arc, but also raised her favorability to 90 points... Why do you seem unhappy, host?" At this moment, the system's voice also rang in Wang Chong's mind, but the system seemed to have noticed something, so it asked.

"It's alright, I'm just feeling a little complicated, it's nothing serious. Please continue," Wang Chong thought to himself.

"Hehe, to be honest, your actions just now were so bad they scared me to death. You really dared to act! The sight of blood gushing out really startled me. Host, everyone else plays tricks, but you really play tricks and risk your life together. The system almost thought it was going to say goodbye to the host, boohoo." The system looked so sad and concerned that Wang Chong couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, alright, it's one thing if others don't know, but don't you know whether I'll be in serious trouble if I get stabbed in the neck? Have you forgotten what kind of constitution I have now? Even if I lose my head, let alone get stabbed in the neck, I won't die. I can always put it back in place."

Wang Chong is now a true ancestor of the royal family; he's not so easy to die in the Type-Moon world.

"Ah! I completely forgot about that. So it turns out you were just using tricks, host. Waaah, give me back all the gratitude I felt before!" the system cried.

"Alright, stop fooling around. We're still a few steps away from truly persuading Joan of Arc. I'm just keeping her calm for now. Hmm... speaking of which, Joan of Arc and Joan of Arc do have something in common. They both need to be coaxed a lot," Wang Chong said with a smile.

"So, host, is it Artoria's turn next? She's not exactly known for her good temper, as you've experienced before. And she's probably not as easy to appease as Jeanne d'Arc," the system said.

"Don't worry, I've put a lot of effort into Saber. I've been having Mordred fight her all this time, and those words of comfort weren't just casually laid out. Perhaps her progress will be even smoother than Jeanne's. Besides, I've already convinced Irisviel, and I also have Mordred, another Artoria, and Merlin. Even Jeanne is on my side now."

“Even if I am not capable, there will be great scholars to debate the classics for me.”

……

"Where is this..." Artoria looked at the scenery before her, only to find that there was only a road that could not be seen in front of her, and two bubbles floating on either side of her.

"What is this...?" Artoria looked at the two bubbles. One showed her participating in the Fourth Holy Grail War and fighting against many Heroic Spirits, while the other showed her standing on the Hill of Swords, having just killed Mordred, and looking at the desolate Kingdom of Britain.

"Didn't I wish to go back in time and change the choice I made to draw the sword? Why am I here now?" Artoria murmured.

"I have indeed granted your wish." Suddenly, a voice rang out, and Artoria looked to the side, only to see yet another version of herself.

"Who are you!" Artoria wanted to confront him with her sword or gun, but found that she was not carrying any weapons. She could only look warily at the guy who looked exactly like her.

"I am the Holy Grail, but I have taken your form to speak with you so that you can understand me better," the self-proclaimed "Holy Grail" said.

"The Holy Grail! So, has my wish been fulfilled? But why am I here?" Artoria couldn't help but ask.

"This is a path leading to the past," the Holy Grail said slowly, pointing to the pure white path. "At the end of the path is where you wish to arrive... Choose your moment."

"...Is that so?" Hearing this, Artoria eagerly took her first step, but as soon as she did, she felt a huge pulling force tugging at her back, refusing to let her go. Looking back, Artoria realized that what was preventing her from moving forward were the two bubbles from before.

"What... what's going on? Why won't you let me go any further?" Artoria stopped in her tracks, looked at the "Holy Grail" that looked exactly like her, and questioned it.

"Reversing time always comes at a price. At the very least, it requires a sufficient amount of magic power to allow you to travel back," the Holy Grail stated.

"As for those bubbles, they are actually the nodes of your memories and destiny. They belong to the future, not the past. Those memories are the anchors that hold you in the present, but they can also bind you, preventing you from going back to the past. If you don't remove these anchors, then naturally you can't move forward in the direction of the past."