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

Chapter 379 The Inner Sea and the Court of Avalon

"Hmm... let me confirm this carefully."

Now, relying on Arcueid'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.

Arcueid reconnected to the planet, carefully sensing the coordinates of the inner sea. He quickly confirmed the direction, pointed to the barrier ahead, and said, "This is it... It looks like soil, but it is actually the boundary between the inner sea and the real world, constructed from mystery and true ether."

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

"Hehe, the simplest way is to become a soul and go in~ But there's another way suitable for a True Ancestor, which is to enter through an opening." Arcueid said with a smile, "Watch me—Imagination Manifestation!"

After Arcueid linked to the planet, a blue light shone beneath her feet. Then, as she reached out and touched the barrier, a huge and distorted spatial rift appeared before the two of them.

"Imaginary materialization can be done to this extent?" Wang Chong hadn't expected that Arcueid would be able to open the hole connecting the real world and the inner sea of ​​stars so easily.

"Yeah, as long as we know the coordinates, clearing it shouldn't be a problem. We can try again from time to time." Arcueid said, stepping into the spatial portal, and added, "Let's go! Charge! Let's hurry and finish what you wanted to do in the Starry Sea!"

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

……

"Arrived at the most beautiful scene in the Type-Moon world—the Sea of ​​Stars! It's a great time to check this out!" Wang Chong took out his phone and snapped a few photos of himself before Arcueid, who also loves taking pictures, squeezed in. After the two of them took many photos together, Wang Chong finally began to appreciate the scenery of the Sea of ​​Stars.

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

"It doesn't feel much different from Okita's house... I thought the Inner Sea of ​​the Stars would be much different." Arcueid took a deep breath and said with a slight frown.

That's right, it's just like being at home. LOL, the grandeur of the Starry Sea is just as strong in my Dimensional House. In a way, staying in my Dimensional House is no different from staying in the Starry Sea. No wonder those knowledgeable magicians who entered my Dimensional House before were so astonished.

The only difference is these blooming flowers. Whether it's the scenery during the day or the scenery at night, it's hailed as the most beautiful scene in Type-Moon, the final destination of several Type-Moon works, so its value speaks for itself.

"I'll bring Ilya and the others here later so they can have a good time. But before that, let's finish up the important business first. System, can we start tracking now?" Wang Chong thought to himself.

"No problem, the Golden Sword of Victory, Avalon Sheath is searching... Target found, host, follow the direction I indicate, you won't go wrong!" After a search, the system confirmed the destination and said.

"Okay, Arcueid, let's go. This time, we should bring back our old friend who has been waiting for so long." After Wang Chong finished speaking, he carried Arcueid away in a certain direction, enveloped in black mist.

The scenery along the way wasn't static, nor was every place a sea of ​​flowers. During their journey, Wang Chong and Arcueid encountered many more fantasy creatures, fairies. They got along fairly well with each other. Most of them noticed them flying overhead, but due to the overwhelming power they exuded, they quickly dodged away, daring not to offend them in the slightest.

“There are many familiar souls down there. Those should be true pure-blooded dragons... I wonder if we can use some of their blood... But does the concept of a physical body still exist in the Star Sea?” Wang Chong said, looking at the surrounding scenery.

“For them, there’s not much difference between the physical body and the soul anymore. It’s only when they float to the surface of the planet that they feel a difference. Speaking of which, I feel a bit warm as soon as I entered here… not that I’m uncomfortable, it just feels strange.” Arcueid said from the side.

"You're feeling hot?" Upon hearing this, Wang Chong glanced to the side, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Arcueid intently. Arcueid blushed slightly and asked, "Why are you staring at me like that? Have I undergone some strange change?"

“If I had a mirror, I would definitely show you… Arcueid, haven’t you noticed that your hair has grown long? And your clothes have changed too.” Wang Chong pointed at Arcueid and said.

"Hey...hey! When did you change into this outfit?" After Wang Chong's reminder, Arcueid realized that her hair had grown to her ankles. The white shirt and skirt she was wearing had been replaced with the off-shoulder princess dress she wore in the Thousand Year City. Her whole demeanor had changed from her original lively and approachable temperament to a dignified and divine beauty, like a flower on a high mountain, with an aura of solitude spreading outwards from within.

For a moment, Wang Chong was completely mesmerized. Whether it was Bai Ji with short hair or long hair, she possessed a unique beauty. Under Wang Chong's intense gaze, Arcueid's ears flushed red, but her heart felt as sweet as if it were filled with honey. She asked, "Chong...do you like me like this now?"

“I like it, but you have a unique charm with short hair too. It’s just that I rarely see Arcueid with long hair, and I was captivated for a moment. Anyway, I like Arcueid no matter what she looks like,” Wang Chong flirted.

"Hehe..." Arcueid chuckled foolishly, thoroughly enjoying Wang Chong's words.

Just as the two were deeply in love, a somewhat disappointing voice sounded in Wang Chong's mind: "Host, we're almost at our destination. Do you see that tall tower?"

"Hmm? We've arrived at our destination?" Wang Chong turned his attention ahead and saw the sea of ​​flowers, with a tall tower standing before him. Hmm, it looked familiar. He often saw that tower and that sea of ​​flowers whenever he used a certain scoundrel's Noble Phantasm.

The Court of Avalon has arrived. This marks the end of Wang Chong's journey over the past month. Wang Chong has come here, naturally, to bring back an old friend who has been waiting for him for a thousand years.

"Duang—"

"Damn it! Merlin, you old thief, you even created a barrier?!" Just as Wang Chong began to recall the purpose of his trip, with a loud "Duang," he felt his head hit something hard and was abruptly stopped. Only then did Wang Chong realize that a barrier enveloped the Court of Avalon, keeping him outside.

"Open the door! Merlin, you old scoundrel, open the door now! Don't hide inside and keep quiet! I know you're home!" Wang Chong landed on the ground with Arcueid, who was also scratching her head. Then, Wang Chong slammed his fist into the barrier so hard that it almost shook the space itself.

"Hey! My goodness, have mercy on me. My place can't take this mess." Just then, a familiar, extremely annoying voice rang out from inside. The familiar white-haired old thief, looking like he had a headache, hurried over, afraid that if he was a step too slow, his whole house would be torn down.

Chapter 380 Reunion

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

At this moment, Wang Chong led a group of people, following Merlin towards the center of the Court of Avalon. While Merlin temporarily opened the barrier with his spell, Wang Chong entered the Dimensional House and brought out Irisviel, Jeanne d'Arc, and Mordred. Originally, Wang Chong also planned to ask Artoria (Alter) to come, but she said that this moment belonged exclusively to her other self, so she didn't come out directly.

Merlin, however, chuckled and said, "It's not that I want to close any doors... but as you know from the legend, I was forced to stay here, although I have ways to get through this barrier."

"Were you forced? Are you sure it's not because someone did something underhanded, and you're so guilty that you've locked yourself in the Court of Avalon?" Wang Chong was skeptical of Merlin's words; he knew this old scoundrel very well.

"Let's not talk about that... Look, my queen is right there. For thousands of years she has sat there, watching the east. I never expected you to come from another direction." Merlin said, pointing to the familiar figure sitting in front of him.

On a patch of lush green grass, Artoria, whom she hadn't seen for over a month, sat quietly on the ground. A gentle breeze stirred her golden hair, and everything seemed so peaceful and serene. At this moment, she was like an old willow tree rooted in the soil, having waited here for who knows how long, enduring the howling wind, steadfastly waiting.

"My friends are reunited, so I won't disturb them any longer." Merlin, quite tactfully, transformed into petals, which dissipated with the wind. It seemed that what came to greet them was merely another avatar of Merlin.

Some of the petals that were fluttering in the wind just happened to brush past Artoria. At this moment, Artoria, who had been silent all along, seemed to sense something and her body moved slightly.

Seeing this, Wang Chong exchanged glances with the others and then stepped forward together.

"You've come..."

As they approached Artoria, a familiar, gentle voice came from her. Then, Artoria, dressed in a white dress, slowly stood up and turned to look at Wang Chong and the others.

“Yes, it’s been a long time, Artoria,” Wang Chong said, extending his hand.

For them, only a little over a month had passed since Artoria's return and their reunion. But for Artoria, it felt like a thousand years had passed since they last met.

Artoria took Wang Chong's hand and slowly walked closer, led by him. Then Wang Chong pulled Artoria into his arms and said, "We've come to pick you up, Artoria."

“Hmm…I know. I knew the moment you returned the scabbard and the golden sword to me, Wang Chong. That’s why my body and soul were able to enter the Court of Avalon and have been waiting for you here.” Artoria hugged Wang Chong affectionately.

As the final chapters and a thousand years have passed, the layers of masks and identities that Artoria once wore have been washed away. The one standing here now is neither the glorious knight-king nor King Arthur, who led Britain's struggle. The one here now is Artoria herself, and only herself.

"Look, everyone's here." At this moment, Wang Chong loosened his embrace and brought Artoria to Irisviel and the others.

“Alice… It’s been a long time. I don’t know how much time has passed since I left. But for me, the memories of those days a thousand years ago are still vivid. Alice, my Master and my dearest friend, it is truly a joy to see you again after so long.”

Artoria's first gaze fell upon Irisviel, her most trusted Master and one of her few close friends in the modern world. She was delighted to see Irisviel still radiating the same happiness she had a thousand years ago. It seemed that her friend had been living a fulfilling and exciting life ever since, which made Artoria genuinely happy for her dear friend.

"Joan of Arc... it's been a long time too. I still vividly remember the days we fought side by side. In the time I was away, was Wang Chong bullying you? Do you want me to help you get revenge?"

Then, Artoria looked at Jeanne and teased her half-jokingly. This Servant, who, like herself, had been deceived by a bad man, was someone Artoria understood perfectly well. She was even a little worried about whether Jeanne had truly come to terms with the matter.

The Holy Grail War is now over, and Artoria still hopes that Jeanne can completely let go of her inner turmoil and find happiness. Some things don't need to be taken so seriously anymore; this is the answer she has finally come to after a thousand years of contemplation.

“Wang Chongjun does sometimes do things that are a headache, but perhaps that’s just his unique personality. Sometimes I can only try to persuade him with words… However, as far as I’m concerned, Wang Chongjun has always done very well… That’s enough for me.”

Joan of Arc naturally understood Artoria's implied meaning, and her loving gaze towards Wang Chong spoke volumes. Seeing this, Artoria felt relieved.

"Don't make it sound like I always like to bully you guys..." Wang Chong said, feigning innocence.

“I’d be surprised if you didn’t bully them. You must have tormented Alice and Jeanne quite a bit at night while I was away,” Artoria said with a smile as she looked at Wang Chong.

"Ah, this..." It has to be said that Artoria's sudden change of heart left Wang Chong speechless. After all, Artoria was not lying. Over the past month, he had basically been singing and dancing in the Dimensional House every night, and he had indeed had quite a bit of "exercise" with Alice and Jeanne. Moreover, each time, relying on his time management skills, he had tormented the two of them quite a bit before letting them go.

No, to be precise, everyone and Wang Chong exercised like this at night. Therefore, they basically ate to the point where they either didn't eat at all or ate until they were full for a whole week.

“We’ll settle the score when we get back. Let me see what happens next… Lord Mordred.” Artoria’s expression turned stern the moment she saw Mordred, who was hunched over. This was a completely different attitude from how she treated everyone else.

Mordred trembled upon hearing her father mention her name and walked over. Seeing Mordred's somewhat apprehensive expression, Artoria shook her head and said:

"Lord Mordred, I still prefer your former arrogant self. Could you please restore your former self?"

"Um... Father... Hehe~" Mordred scratched his head, finally feigning ignorance. Don't blame Mordred for becoming like this; it's because over the past month, he's experienced a mountain of "fatherly love" from another "father."

However, a hand landed on Mordred's shoulder and patted her. Mordred was startled, only then realizing that Artoria had lost her previous cold demeanor and was now gentle as well, saying, "...Long time no see, Mordred. It seems you've made good progress during this time."

“Father…” Mordred was taken aback at first, then his nose tingled slightly. It had been a long time since he had received his father’s approval and praise.

"Don't get complacent or satisfied just because of a small compliment."

"Ok!"

Mordred smiled brightly and nodded earnestly. Seeing Mordred's relieved expression, Artoria also felt somewhat at ease. She then turned to the last person, frowned slightly as if pondering something, and said, "You are...?"

“Arquette, we met a little over a month ago, but we weren’t that close… Ah, although it’s only been a month for me, it’s been over a thousand years for you, so it’s normal to have forgotten. Let’s consider this a new acquaintance, and I look forward to your guidance.” Arcueid didn’t seem to mind, and after considering the other person’s feelings, she greeted him very warmly.

"I'm sorry... Artoria, it's a pleasure to meet you." Artoria replied with a smile.

“Now that we’ve already greeted everyone, Artoria, would you mind if we stayed here for a while and wandered around? We could also chat about what happened to us while we were away,” Wang Chong suggested, seeing that he had already greeted almost everyone.

“Yes, I’m also very curious about everyone’s experiences during this time. Then let me show you around the Garden of Avalon,” Artoria invited with a smile.

Chapter 381 A Secret Talk with Merlin

"I see. No wonder Joan of Arc said you would do some things that would give her a headache."

Time passed slowly, and the group sat in a pavilion, resting. Artoria heard about Wang Chong's upcoming trip and his "foolish" antics, and shook her head repeatedly. She didn't object to Wang Chong punishing evildoers, but deliberately playing the fool to lure others in... well, he was still the "unconventional" man she remembered.

"Haha... However, those people, for their own selfish desires, instigated wars, and even went completely mad and extreme because of religious beliefs. Wang Chongjun's elimination of them can be considered as bringing some peace to the local people." Joan of Arc chuckled twice, then fell into deep thought, and looked at the children playing outside the pavilion in a daze.

"Joan of Arc? What's wrong?" Irisviel asked, noticing Joan of Arc's absent-mindedness.

“No…it’s just that seeing the children playing so carefree here, and recalling what I saw in the Middle East, I felt a little emotional. It is precisely because of this contrast that I can better understand how hard-won human happiness and peace are,” Joan of Arc said slowly.

During their earlier chatter, Wang Chong returned to the Dimensional House and brought everyone out to experience the environment of the Star Inner Sea and the Court of Avalon. Those familiar with the Star Inner Sea were naturally amazed to have arrived at the most mysterious place on this planet.

The children, naturally curious about the outside world, were having a wonderful time in the garden. Interestingly, while they were playing the game of "eagle catching chicks," two "older children" joined them. Mordred was one of the "older children," playing the role of the eagle, while the other, Ayaka Sajou, took on the role of the mother hen, protecting her chicks.

"So why did I get dragged into this bunch of childish brats and made to play these childish games..." Sajō Aika looked around at the situation and was speechless. She didn't know why she had ended up surrounded by children and was being treated as the leader of the kids, playing with the shameless Mordred opposite her.

"There's an opening!" Mordred suddenly launched into a tiger-like attack, bypassing Sajou Ayaka and lunging directly at Asagami Fujino, who was at the bottom of the pack and couldn't move in time.

"Ah! Don't even think about it!! Only Your Highness can beat me!" Sajō Aika grabbed Mordred's waist with a swift grab, forcefully pulling her down from the air.

"Hey! That's foul play! What kind of hen cuddles an eagle?" Mordred shouted.

"But the rules don't say a hen can't hug an eagle~ Hmph, now there's nothing you can do!" Sajō Aika said, holding on tightly.

"Don't underestimate me! Hah—!" Mordred used his superhuman strength to run with Ayaka Sajou on his back. But Ayaka Sajou, perhaps because she had gained experience from always grabbing and cuddling King, managed to hang firmly on Mordred's waist and was not thrown off.

For a moment, the two stood frozen in place, completely forgetting they were playing a game of tag. The other children, however, watched with amusement, cheering them on.

Artoria, witnessing this harmonious scene, felt a pang of empathy. Like Joan of Arc, she had witnessed the most difficult times for ordinary citizens of the nation. However, on this rare day of reunion, it wasn't appropriate to delve too deeply into this topic. So, Artoria changed the subject, looking at Leticia outside the pavilion, who was happily gathering flowers and weaving a wreath. She then said, "Speaking of which, Joan of Arc, you and Miss Leticia have separated?"

“Hmm… This is one of Wang Chongjun’s abilities, the ability to materialize the soul. That way, I won’t need to rely on Leticia’s body anymore,” Jeanne said. “By the way, Wang Chongjun will also use this power on you, Artoria, later. Then you will essentially have a body that can remain in the mortal world.”

"Is that so? No wonder Wang Chong was so confident in bringing me into the mortal world. But..." Artoria hesitated, seemingly lost in thought, before finally smiling and saying, "It's nothing, we'll see when the time comes."

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

"I don't know... It was Lord Merlin who approached me first, he must have something important to tell me." Artoria looked towards the tower where Merlin was, lost in thought.

……

“So that’s how it is… The recording tape… Is there another source? I didn’t expect things to become so complicated…” Wang Chong stood on the tower, looking down at the many Servants playing and chatting, and remained silent for a moment.

"So you understand now, your method is just a temporary fix. But with your unique power, you've provided them with a temporary anchor point for their foundation. In other words, your so-called Dimensional House has essentially replaced the function of Valhalla, which is why they can stay here so peacefully. It's a shortcut, but it won't too much affect the progress of the record tapes." Merlin said very seriously at this moment.

"But... Our Queen is different. Her fate is firmly anchored on the recording tape. If we rashly change it, such as bringing the complete Our Queen into the present world, it will inevitably cause great chaos. In a sense, Our Queen can only stay in your dimensional house and the inner sea of ​​the star, but she must never be brought into the present world. Because on the real recording tape, Our Queen's death is the end of the mystery's retreat."

"What would happen if I brought Artoria into the real world?" Wang Chong asked.

"If our Queen were to appear in the mortal world and affect the recording tape, it would inevitably have immeasurable consequences. I have tried many times over the years, but all have ended in failure. Our Queen is aware of this. To be honest, it is already quite remarkable that you have a place that can accommodate our Queen, and I believe our Queen understands this. For our Queen, you friends are what she needs most. For a thousand years, she has been all alone; this child has always been lonely."

Merlin sighed, noticing the slight gloom between Wang Chong's brows, and once again reverted to his previous nonchalant demeanor, smiling as he advised, "Alright, alright, stop frowning. Like I just said, it's quite good that our king can go to your little world and live out the rest of his days peacefully. Besides, there's almost nothing in this world that can threaten you anymore. Isn't it better to live happily? Why keep causing trouble?"

Wang Chong remained silent, only nodding slightly. Seeing that Wang Chong still seemed confused, Merlin scratched his head in annoyance. He felt that this man was incredibly stubborn in some ways, but he was genuinely worried that it might cause some serious trouble... Although he enjoyed watching the drama unfold, he couldn't handle such a huge mess; he might even die.

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

"Hmm? Looking at someone? Who?" Merlin was a little confused. Seeing the other person's inexplicable smile, he felt a little uneasy for some reason.

“The monarch of the Celestial Sciences—Marisbury Animusfia,” Wang Chong said calmly.

Chapter 382 The Old Director of Chaldea

Marisbury Animusphia, the monarch of the Celestial Sciences. However, he later became more widely known as the founder of Chaldea, the Old Director, the one who summoned King Solomon.

Wang Chong's sudden mention of this person indicates that he has set his sights on Chaldea. Since it's impossible to change Artoria's situation at this point in time, why not use spirit particle transfer to go back in time and see if they can make a small-scale intervention in Artoria's history, without changing the overarching themes of Britain's end and the retreat of the mystics, and see if they can find a way for Artoria to appear in the present world.

Now, Wang Chong tells Merlin that he wants to observe the old director to see how far the director's construction of Chaldea has progressed and whether he can control it. Another reason for observing him is that Wang Chong is worried about another unpleasant possibility—that something unexpected might happen in his current worldline, causing it to shift into the FGO worldline.

It's important to understand that the outcome of the Fourth Shinobi World War is different now. Since the Fuyuki fire didn't occur, it's impossible to enter the Fate/stay night (FSN) timeline. There are only three possible directions for this world to move forward: First, the Magical Girl Illya timeline. After all, I've prepared the (fake) Ruby, and Illya will grow up well under my care; this route is the most likely.

Secondly, in the FGO world line, since Fuyuki did not suffer any disaster, and the Holy Grail War ended too strangely, it is very likely to arouse the interest of that astronomical monarch. If he intends to restart the Holy Grail War and summon King Solomon to win the Fifth Holy Grail War, then it is highly likely that he will enter this world line.

However, the possibility of this timeline is almost infinitesimally small. The reason is that the Fuyuki Grand Grail is now completely in his hands, and he can even control the will within the Grail. Whether the Holy Grail War can begin or not is not entirely up to him. As long as he does not start the Fifth Holy Grail War, the opponent cannot summon King Solomon, and the burning of the Goetia will not occur. This timeline will be firmly suppressed by him.

Third, a completely new and unknown worldline. This possibility is probably the most likely, after all, given his ability to cause trouble and his status as a transmigrator, he is undoubtedly the biggest anomaly in this world, and who knows how far he might distort this worldline.