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

Wang Chong chuckled, held the Rainbow Sword in his hand, and pointed it downwards.

"What are you going to do!?" Ritsuka suddenly felt a bad premonition and said.

"Ritsuka, you say you sympathize with and understand our plight, yet you still advise us to give up our revenge. Heh, there's a saying that goes, 'Don't advise others to be kind if you haven't experienced their suffering.' So, I've come up with an idea."

Wang Chong slowly said, "Only when you experience the pain of losing a loved one, and fully understand our suffering, will you truly have the so-called equal right to persuade us."

"What!?" Ritsuka exclaimed in surprise.

"The test is simple: you will pass if any one of your companions dies. And if you can still decide not to seek revenge after passing this test, then I will stop here and no longer interfere with the singularity, allowing it to return to normal."

After Wang Chong finished speaking, a cruel smile appeared on his face. He then aimed the "Rainbow Sword" at the crowd below and said:

"Come on, Ritsuka, considering how well you performed in the first two rounds, I'll let you make a choice. Sacrificing a comrade you care about the least can bring about complete peace. Why not?"

Chapter 141: You Pass

"Choose... Choose to sacrifice a comrade, and you will pass the test. Even if you can endure the pain and continue to persuade us not to seek revenge, then Ritsuka, you can truly win this singularity and achieve peace."

Wang Chong said with a smile, "It's a great deal, isn't it?"

"If I make a choice and any of my companions here dies, what will happen?" Ritsuka didn't immediately make a choice, but asked with a very serious expression. (The remaining text appears to be gibberish and unrelated to the question.)

"This is all just a scene I created. The Servants you see are nothing but illusions. Killing them won't have any impact... although I'd like to say that."

Wang Chong's tone suddenly shifted, and he said somewhat coldly, "But as I said, since this is a test, since I want you to experience real pain, then I can't use fake pain to fool you."

“Once you make your choice, I will truly kill the person who corresponds to you in reality! I mean what I say. When you wake up again in the cave, you will see the remains of the person you chose.”

"So... this test was designed from the very beginning to eliminate one of my companions?" Ritsuka said angrily.

"Heh, don't overestimate yourself, Ritsuka. I've said it before, I've been giving you opportunities from beginning to end," Wang Chong said with some disdain. "Whether you have one more or one less Servant is of no consequence to me. And all I've done is comply with your wishes."

"Didn't you want qualifications? Didn't you want to persuade us to give up our desire for revenge? Then this is the price you must pay. In our eyes, you've never even lost your comrades, so how can you understand our anger?"

"Heh, looking at your angry expression now, do you still think you can carry out those ideas from before?"

“I…” Ritsuka felt she had no way to argue, but she still clenched her fists and said, “Even so, I will not choose any of them. If the price of passing the test is to exchange the life of any one of them, then I would rather choose to give up.”

Seeing this, Wang Chong slowly said, "Heh, why are you doing this? You've already suffered two ordeals, and you were so close to clearing the level, you could even have completed this singularity in one go."

"Even if you choose to give up, you've led everyone to fight us. Do you really think you'll emerge unscathed? The number of deaths might be far greater than you imagine."

"Is it better to choose between one person dying to end this matter directly, or for a large group of people to die and still not be able to end it? Any normal person should know which to choose, right?"

"Besides, many of your companions are Servants who have already died. For them, death is simply returning to the Throne of Heroes. You have no need to feel guilty at all."

"No—this is completely different!" Ritsuka raised her head, meeting Wang Chong's gaze directly, and said, "I have no right to take other people's lives, especially my comrades' lives, to exchange for anything!"

"As for the latter choice, it may indeed result in countless deaths and injuries, but at least it is the result of everyone's collective decision! We have long been prepared for that struggle and sacrifice—the two are completely different!"

"As for the followers' arguments... Mr. Wang Chong, do you even agree with what you just said? If you do agree with this view, how could you be so angry about what happened to Miss Stheno?"

Seeing Ritsuka's rebuttal, Wang Chong fell silent for a moment, which was rare. Then he chuckled twice and said, "Fine, it seems I can't convince you... But have you considered that you've completely lost the right to convince us?"

"I have thought about it... but what I've figured out isn't that I've lost my qualifications... but that qualifications are never something that can be given to you by others, but something that you have to earn yourself."

Ritsuka clenched her fists. Perhaps it was the influence of the previous two trials, or perhaps it was the act of forcing her to sacrifice her comrades that had crossed Ritsuka's bottom line. She pointed at Wang Chong and said angrily:

"It doesn't matter if you don't give it to me. If I can't persuade you, then I'll beat you into submission! I, along with the Chaldeans and all of Rome, will defeat you!"

The voice was powerful and resonant, as if venting its own anger, pointing directly at Wang Chong in the sky.

"Hahaha, how arrogant! Alright, then I'll see if you really have the ability!"

Amidst his laughter, Wang Chong abruptly drew back the bowstring, aimed at a red-clad, white-haired man lying in the rubble below, and said coldly:

“You don’t want to make a choice, but I’m going to make one for you—do you think this archer is some kind-hearted person? I’ll tell you his true identity.”

"He—is the unseen consciousness I mentioned, the tool of Alaya, one of the two great restraining forces! He was influenced by Alaya step by step, and ultimately could not resist, becoming a puppet in its hands! He is what you will become in the future!"

"He—is the unseen consciousness I mentioned, the tool of Alaya, one of the two great restraining forces! He was influenced by Alaya step by step, and ultimately could not resist, becoming a puppet in its hands! He is what you will become in the future!"

"What?" Ritsuka exclaimed in surprise, turning sharply to Archer.

"Hehe, think back carefully. From the moment you met him, wasn't he intentionally or unintentionally pressuring you to quickly make a realization? You are deeply influenced by Alaya, and half of that influence comes from him."

"Since you don't want to choose, I don't blame you, but I will kill this scoundrel! Anything related to Alaya will be destroyed without mercy! If you still don't want to kill him, then let me see what you have to do to stop all this!"

After saying that, Wang Chong released his grip, and the bowstring in his hand quickly pushed the "Rainbow Sword" out, aiming directly at Archer on the ground.

This scene naturally fell into Ritsuka's view. However, Ritsuka's first thought was a strange feeling: [Let him die like this. Using his life to exchange for world peace is worthwhile.]

"wrong!"

However, this idea was immediately refuted and extinguished by Ritsuka. Before she could think about it carefully, she had already run out, her target being Archer.

"Even if I can't stop this sword, I must at least do my best to protect my comrades! They've helped me and protected me so many times... This time, it's my turn!"

Ritsuka arrived in front of Archer. Seeing the "Rainbow Sword" about to fall, Ritsuka leaped up and threw a punch at the "Rainbow Sword".

The instant her fist made contact with the "Rainbow Sword," Ritsuka felt as if her body was about to shatter. Yes, how could a mere mortal like herself withstand a Noble Phantasm?

The moment the blade pierced through flesh, it flashed with a dazzling seven-colored light, causing Ritsuka to close her eyes involuntarily.

……

"Ugh!" When Ritsuka opened her eyes again, she felt a sense of relief upon seeing the surrounding scenery, but then she felt a little strange.

It was obvious that he had returned to the stone chamber once again, but why had he passed the test again? Was it because he had blocked that sword?

"Alright, now that you're awake, stop pretending to be asleep on the floor."

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out, causing Ritsuka, who was still lying on the ground, to immediately stand up and look at the figure on the stone chair.

"So, I passed again?" Ritsuka asked in a deep voice.

“Indeed, this time, I admit I underestimated you, Ritsuka.” Wang Chong smiled faintly and said, “I not only underestimated your loyalty to your comrades, but also your own will and determination.”

"Loyalty? Isn't this test about sacrificing other people's lives?" Ritsuka repeated the two words.

"Of course, how can someone who doesn't even understand loyalty comprehend the importance of companions... or truly understand the pain of losing companions?"

Wang Chong said calmly:

"However, Stheno is more than just a companion to me; he's more like family. Well, Ritsuka, your feelings for them haven't reached that level yet, so testing your loyalty is enough."

"If you can coldly and ruthlessly abandon your comrades who fight alongside you, just for the sake of so-called qualifications and so-called 'world peace,' then you are the one who truly cannot understand our pain and desire for revenge. You have truly lost the right to persuade us... There is only one path between you and us: a fight to the death."

"Ritsuka, I can now announce with absolute certainty... you've passed!"

Chapter 142: Faded Memory

Hearing Wang Chong announce that she had passed the test, Ritsuka felt as if she were still in a dream, and she could hardly believe it.

"So this test is about loyalty? To be honest, before the test, I couldn't find myself possessing that quality. I just felt I shouldn't have done that," Ritsuka murmured.

"Maybe it didn't exist before, or maybe it did but wasn't obvious yet. But now it does. It's not just about loyalty. Once you pass these three tests, you'll have courage, integrity, and loyalty all at the same time."

Wang Chong paused for a moment, then continued, "These three tests can only be passed by those who can truly understand the fear, anger, and pain of others, and only by those who understand their own shortcomings yet can still overcome them and awaken to themselves step by step."

"Such a person, regardless of whether He can save the world, will at least never be subject to any will or become a puppet of others."

"It is precisely because you have passed these three tests that you have completely proven yourself to be this kind of person. Ritsuka, I will not stop you from coming to find us. The Sky Garden called Vanity has always been waiting for your arrival."

Wang Chong flicked his wrist, and a wisp of black mist landed on the bracelet on Ritsuka's wrist.

"Now, this bracelet can not only guide you to the Sky Garden of Vanity at any time, but it can also make you, who are already enhanced by the Black Mist, see more clearly what is inside the Black Mist Wall."

"As for how and when you want to use them, that's your business. You can leave now; once you have these, you can go."

Wang Chong said.

"Wait, Mr. Wang Chong. Since that's the case, can't you give me this opportunity for an equal dialogue now?" Ritsuka looked at Wang Chong and couldn't help but ask.

“I’m sorry, Ritsuka, I am just a wisp of black mist left here, merely a test to trap you completely,” Wang Chong suddenly said.

"Huh? Aren't you Mr. Wang Chong himself?" Ritsuka asked in surprise.

"Yes and no. At least if you really want to have a proper conversation, you still have to rely on what's inside that bracelet," Wang Chong said slowly, pointing to the bracelet on Ritsuka's wrist.

"Is that so..." Ritsuka said with a hint of regret.

"However, I really liked what you said in the third level, 'If I can't convince you, then I'll beat you into submission!' Hehehe... Ritsuka, sometimes fists can demonstrate your will and persuade others far better than words."

Wang Chong said this, then smiled and said:

"Alright, remember these words and go. The test is over, and I must now completely dissipate and return to my original form."

"Finally, how you plan to deal with that archer is your own business. However, as a piece of advice, you should still be wary of him. It's not that I don't trust his character, but he himself is caught in a bind."

After saying that, Wang Chong transformed into a black mist and flew towards a stone door that suddenly opened, right in front of Ritsuka.

"Mr. Wang Chong!" Ritsuka ran a few steps and looked at the suddenly opened stone door. It seemed that as long as she walked into the passage connected by the stone door, she could return to the outside world.

"...What a strange test. So, the reason I could see those magical beasts within the wall of black mist was because my body was strengthened by the black mist? And what about the influence of Mr. Archer and Alaya's side..."

Ritsuka muttered to herself, then stepped through the open stone door. While pondering, she emerged from the mountain and into the outside world in no time.

"Ah! The communication is established! That's great, Ritsuka, you're really alright!" Just as Ritsuka stepped out of the cave, Dr. Roman, who had been searching for her, successfully contacted her.

"Doctor, don't worry, I'm fine, and I even passed the test." Ritsuka said with a proud look, raising the pair of bracelets she was wearing on her wrist.

"Passing the test is secondary; the main thing is that you're alright... This seems to be the other side of the island, so you might have to take a detour. But I can also inform Mashu and have them head over here as soon as possible."

"Dr. Roman said."

"Doctor, let's just meet up where the ship is docked. That way, both of us can get there faster," Ritsuka suggested.

“Great idea! That place is right in the middle.” Dr. Roman acted immediately, quickly cutting off contact with Ritsuka and starting to contact Mashu.

And so, under Dr. Roman's guidance, Ritsuka successfully reunited with her other companions.

"I'm so glad you're alright, senpai." Mashu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Ritsuka. After all, she felt it was her fault for not protecting Ritsuka properly, which led to Ritsuka's capture.

“It’s alright, Mashu. I have successfully passed the test and now I have a way to find Wang Chong and the others’ hiding place directly.”

Ritsuka then showed everyone the black bracelet on her arm and said:

“It’s alright, Mashu. I have successfully passed the test and now I have a way to find Wang Chong and the others’ hiding place directly.”

Ritsuka then showed everyone the black bracelet on her arm and said:

"Moreover, this bracelet allows me to see the situation inside the black mist clearly, and I can find out exactly where those magical beasts are located."

"Is it really that amazing? That's wonderful! With this bracelet, wouldn't Ritsuka be able to act as our eyes and direct our advance?" Nero said, staring at the bracelet in Ritsuka's hand with some surprise.

"Would that divine messenger really be so kind?" At that moment, a man's voice rang out, and it was Archer who had already awakened.

"We'll find out once we try. After all, we're going to have to get through the Black Mist Wall anyway, aren't we?" Ritsuka said, her gaze towards Archer narrowing slightly.

She hadn't known Archer's identity before, nor why he had suddenly appeared and helped her. However, seeing that Archer meant no harm and had helped her and Mash a great deal, she didn't think much of it.

Looking back now, it does reveal a lot of strangeness. Although she still considers Archer her partner, Ritsuka is very concerned about Wang Chong's words "I have no choice in the matter".

"That's true... but this time we've gained quite a bit. Not only did we learn about their motives, but we also acquired such a treasure..."

Archer looked at Nero and asked:

"In that case, Your Majesty Nero, could you use these intelligence and treasures as bargaining chips to unite the remaining emperors under your banner?"

“No problem. With my diplomatic skills and these advantages, I will definitely be able to persuade the other five emperors,” Nero said with great certainty.

"That's good... This way we can ensure that the vast majority of our forces can fight the final battle against those people. Ritsuka, we'll have to see if this bracelet only works on you. If it only works on you, I'm afraid you'll have to work hard running around all night."

Archer said slowly.

"It's nothing, as long as we can find the general location, that's fine," Ritsuka waved her hand and said.

Soon, the group devised their next plan. As they finished their discussion, Jing Ke and Lü Bu arrived in a wooden boat—the very same small boat they had used to reach the island earlier.

Originally, the group planned to build a larger wooden boat to carry the six people back together. However, now that there is one more person who can guide them through the wall of black mist, they can naturally split into two teams to go home, so there is no need to build a new boat.

Soon, the group rowed out to sea again, splitting into two teams: Archer, Lü Bu, and Jing Ke in one team; and Ritsuka, Mashu, and Nero in the other.

"Speaking of which, senior, you still haven't told us what kind of trials you underwent after being abducted by that black mist?" Mashu asked curiously.

"Yes! I'm very curious too. This could be considered an epic story. After we get through this disaster, I'll definitely have the bards write about this wonderful experience in detail."

Nero looked at Ritsuka with some excitement, wanting to ask her about her experiences after being taken away by the black mist.

"Actually, it's nothing much, it's just that I was in a cave..."

Ritsuka was scratching her head, preparing to recount her experiences, when suddenly her voice stopped abruptly, and her expression changed from cheerful to somewhat strange.

"Senpai?" Mash asked, seemingly noticing that Ritsuka was acting strangely.

"No, it's nothing. Those trials are nothing special. They're basically just things that involve taking some risks, like challenging magical beasts." However, Ritsuka simply shook her head and then said: