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

“He glanced at the goddess several times…” Ritsuka frowned slightly, his fingers unconsciously stroking his chin. “Could it be… that he’s also interested in vying for the goddess?”

She tried to connect the new intelligence provided by Dr. Roman with the information she had previously gathered, quickly sorting through possible clues and motives in her mind.

However, the clues remained fragmented. Ritsuka pondered for a long time, but in the end, she could only give up temporarily and suppress her doubts. "It seems that I can only continue to observe."

……

Time slipped by unnoticed, and the setting sun painted the horizon a deep orange-red, gradually approaching dusk. Jason's earlier swift and decisive actions had, in the end, had had some effect.

The frequency of subsequent title defense battles decreased significantly, but the quality of the challengers who took to the stage improved remarkably.

Clearly, those pirate crews that considered themselves weaker wisely chose to give up after witnessing Jason's ruthlessness and the appearance of other powerful figures, rather than sending their own men to their deaths or be humiliated in vain.

Those who dared to continue taking the stage to challenge were basically the best of the pirates, all of whom were top experts carefully selected by various pirate crews.

Although their strength has not yet reached the level of Servants, their combat skills, experience, and entertainment value are far superior to those of the previous grunts, making the battles on the arena intense and exciting.

Ritsuka and the others seized this relatively stable opportunity and successfully allowed Asterios and Mash to take over the 5th and 6th rings respectively.

Among them, Asterius's battle was without suspense. His huge body and terrifying strength were a huge deterrent in themselves. Ordinary pirate masters were as weak as children in front of him. Often, he only needed to throw a casual punch to send the challenger and his weapon flying out of the arena.

Chapter 620 Seizing the Initiative

Mashu also demonstrated her formidable strength. She held her massive cross shield firmly in front of her, like an insurmountable wall.

Faced with the pirates' attacks, she always managed to deflect them with precise parries, then seized their weaknesses and delivered a steady and powerful blow with her shield, cleanly knocking her opponents off the stage. From beginning to end, she appeared to be in complete control and undefeated.

Ritsuka stood in the stands, watching the battles on both arenas with bated breath, silently praying that Asterius and Mash wouldn't encounter any other hidden Servant-level opponents too early in the rest of the day's matches.

Only after the sun had set and the bugle call signaling the end of the day's matches sounded, and seeing that both fighters had safely defended their respective rings, did she finally breathe a long sigh of relief, her heart finally at ease.

Once everyone returned to the Golden Deer, they immediately gathered together to review and analyze the key intelligence gathered that day. Dr. Roman was the first to raise his biggest question:

"It's really strange. I clearly observed that the cloaked man glanced at the goddess on the platform several times, and his gaze was definitely not unintentional. But he just kept his eyes on the spot, holding back, and showed no intention of going on stage. What exactly is this guy up to?"

“I suspect his strategy is similar to ours. He’s also waiting for the right moment, probably watching Hector and Theseus in rings 2 and 3.”

Mashu immediately offered her own insights, her thinking clear and logical:

"Perhaps that cloaked man also plans to seize another arena that is not currently occupied by a powerful Servant at the crucial moment before Hector and Theseus are about to successfully defend their arena for three days and qualify for advancement. This way, he can avoid revealing his strength too early and ensure that he can obtain a spot to advance."

“Mash’s analysis makes a lot of sense. But this means that tomorrow will undoubtedly be the most intense and crucial day of the entire title defense match.”

Ritsuka nodded slowly, her expression becoming serious:

"Because once tomorrow is over, Hector and Theseus will have successfully defended the arena for three days. According to the rules, their defense will automatically end, and they will qualify for the knockout stage."

She looked around at everyone and continued to analyze the current grim situation:

"Currently, arenas number 1 through 6 are all occupied, leaving only the last three arenas where challengers are constantly changing."

"We not only have to bear the immense pressure of defending our arenas tomorrow, ensuring that Asterius and Mash hold onto the existing arenas #5 and #6, but we also have to fiercely compete with other equally eager Servants for the remaining three arenas."

"The battles between Servants vying for spots are probably unavoidable. We must make the most thorough preparations in advance to deal with this high-intensity confrontation."

Upon hearing this, everyone deeply understood the importance and danger of tomorrow's battle, and the atmosphere became tense.

In particular, the three who needed to participate, Asterius and Mashu, as well as the little Medusa who could appear at any time, all showed serious and focused expressions.

"Actually, if the situation develops to the worst point..."

Medusa, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up and proposed a bold idea:

"If the remaining three arenas are occupied by other unknown powerful Servants, and we lose the chance to compete... then I can take the initiative to challenge arena number 2 or number 3."

She calmly analyzed:

"After observing Hector and Theseus for the past two days, I have basically figured out their fighting styles. If I can successfully drive one of them off the stage before they finish defending their position, I can weaken the Agor's strength and reduce a powerful opponent before the elimination rounds officially begin."

"This..." Everyone was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

Upon hearing this, Ritsuka looked at Medusa with some concern and said:

“But Miss Medusa, this strategy does have its value. However, challenging them will inevitably be a tough battle, which means you will likely have to reveal most or even all of your trump cards.”

"As a result, in the later knockout stages, when facing other equally strong opponents, your battles will become extremely difficult, and you will lose the element of tactical surprise."

"It's alright, this is just a backup plan to deal with the worst-case scenario."

Little Medusa shook her head slightly, her tone calm yet resolute:

"Instead of facing three unknown Servant opponents with unclear backgrounds and unknown strengths in the knockout stage, and engaging in a three-way battle full of variables, it would be better to take the initiative within the rules and challenge an 'old rival' whose fighting style we are relatively more familiar with."

Medusa's suggestion echoed in the slightly somber air. The group exchanged glances, and after a brief silence, had to admit that it was indeed the best solution they could think of at the moment.

"It's alright... If it really doesn't work, we can go up to the ring early."

Ritsuka's voice broke the silence, carrying a deliberately maintained composure, attempting to dispel the pervasive unease:

"Moreover, the situation may not be as bad as we thought. The arena may not be completely occupied by several Servants tomorrow morning."

After speaking, Ritsuka paused briefly, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the edge of the ship's gunwale, sorting through her analysis:

"Based on the number of Servants observed by the doctor, there are still three Servants on the field who haven't yet made a move. If one of these three happens to be another member of the Agor..."

As she spoke, Ritsuka turned her gaze to Medusa, her expression reassuring, and said, "Then, Miss Medusa, you don't need to worry too much about your position being taken away."

"After all, if Jason's words are true, and their Agor already has three Servants occupying the arena, then according to the rules, the other heroes of the Agor cannot participate in the subsequent competition."

"Of course, that's assuming Jason and his men don't break the rules again... but we really can't guarantee that..."

"In addition, there is another point, which is that the above analysis is based on the premise that the number of Servants remains unchanged... But if more Servants arrive tomorrow, if we still wait until sunset to make our move as before, there is a high possibility that we will not be able to grab a spot in the arena."

After speaking, Ritsuka took a deep breath, glanced at her companions, and made her decision:

"In short, after entering the arena tomorrow morning, I will immediately contact the doctor and ask him to confirm the exact number of Servants in the arena again."

"Based on this crucial information, we will decide whether to seize the arena in advance. Once we detect a significant increase in the number of Servants on the field, we must act decisively and take the lead in securing advantageous positions!"

After listening carefully to Ritsuka's well-organized analysis and clear action plan, everyone's tense expressions eased slightly.

They exchanged affirming glances, and finally nodded in unison, agreeing to Ritsuka's plan. A clear goal temporarily dispelled the anxiety brought on by the unknown.

"By the way..." Just as the battle plan for tomorrow was roughly finalized and the atmosphere eased a little, Euryale seemed to suddenly remember something, her fingertips lightly twirling a strand of hair at her temple, and said seemingly unintentionally, "You still haven't encountered or found the Master and his team today?"

"You mean Mr. Wang Chong?"

Ritsuka immediately understood her meaning, then shook her head regretfully, a hint of confusion and disappointment appearing between her brows, and said, "Unfortunately, we have not found any trace of Mr. Wang Chong."

Then, Ritsuka couldn't help but speculate on the possibilities, muttering, "Could it be... that Mr. Wang Chong didn't intend to participate in this duel? Or, did he learn of the news but was unable to arrive in time for some reason?"

“Anyway, there’s still one day left. Maybe Mr. Wang Chong can arrive in time…” Mashu said cheerfully from the side, a gentle smile on her face:

"However, if Mr. Wang Chong really decides to participate, then I'm afraid no one will be his match. At that time, we won't have to worry too much about either the threat from the Agor or the behind-the-scenes manipulators of the arena."

“Mash…” Ritsuka sighed softly upon hearing this, her tone carrying a hint of warning, “While what you said is true, please don’t actually develop the idea of ​​completely relying on Mr. Wang Chong. You don’t want the Rome incident to happen again, do you?”

Then, Ritsuka's words became firm, and she said, "To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. No matter what, relying on oneself is fundamental."

Ever since that profound conversation at the Rome Singularity, where she learned the true purpose of this intense trial from Wang Chong, Ritsuka has constantly reminded herself to stay clear-headed. She would never entrust anything to others that she could handle herself.

However, deep within Ritsuka's heart, a complex emotion quietly began to grow...

She was both afraid that Wang Chong would cause her trouble and she missed him, and longed to receive his guidance again.

At the same time, Ritsuka is eager to prove to Wang Chong that she has grown up and is able to independently deal with and resolve the crisis of the singularity.

Chapter 621 The Mysterious Japanese Female Warrior

Time passed quietly, and the hustle and bustle of the third day in the arena arrived as scheduled.

Ritsuka and her group arrived early, quickly found their usual seats, and held their breath to observe the changes in the arena today. The air was filled with the tension of an impending battle.

However, they had barely sat down when Dr. Roman's almost hysterical exclamation suddenly rang out from the communicator:

"Wow...wow...there are just too many Servants coming all at once! They're surging out like a tidal wave!"

The exclamation struck Ritsuka like a hammer blow, instantly plunging her into despair. The dramatic increase in the number of Servants undoubtedly added far too many uncertainties to today's arena battle, making the situation suddenly extremely dire.

"Doctor, how many more people have been added exactly?" Ritsuka suppressed her unease and immediately asked, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tension.

"Nine more Servant reactions in one go!" Roman's voice was still filled with disbelief. "Could it be that those pirate crews had been holding back? Are there so many pirates with enough prestige to descend upon the world as Servants?"

“That’s not surprising at all.” Captain Drake took a swig of his rum, his gruff voice carrying a hint of seriousness. “In this era, while my pirate crew may be considered a powerful force, the seas are never short of formidable figures…”

She smacked her lips, her eyes sharpening:

“Take that damned Edward Teach for example. I just had a fierce battle with his men before you guys even showed up…”

"Tsk, although I don't want to boost their morale, that bastard almost brought down my flagship, which I personally led. Today, we might actually see him personally take to the field."

“Edward Teach? Blackbeard?!” Dr. Roman’s voice was full of understanding. “No wonder then. He’s a notorious sea monster. It’s no surprise that he’s descending as a Servant. It seems the pirates’ power is not to be underestimated.”

Just then, Medusa, who had been quietly observing the arena below, suddenly stood up from her seat, her purple hair swaying slightly with the movement.

Her head immediately turned towards Ritsuka, her tone urgent and decisive: "Ritsuka, the number of Servants has surged to this point, and the situation is urgent. According to yesterday's plan, we must seize an arena immediately before they can establish a firm foothold!"

A fleeting hesitation crossed Ritsuka's face, but the urgency of the situation spurred her to make a swift decision. She nodded firmly, her eyes filled with trust and entrustment: "Understood! Miss Medusa, I'm counting on you from now on!"

"Leave it to me!" Little Medusa replied briefly, her petite figure rushing towards the passage leading off the field like an arrow, her purple skirt fluttering, as if afraid of missing that fleeting opportunity.

Ritsuka's gaze followed the purple figure rushing away, her worries not completely dissipating.

Just then, Dr. Roman's voice rang out again, urgent and tinged with relief:

"Ritsuka! Thank goodness you acted decisively and sent Medusa! I just detected another Servant rushing towards the arena at incredible speed on the other side of the stands! Her target is very clear!"

The doctor's voice was filled with urgency:

"In this way, of the nine arenas, only the last one remains unclaimed! Those Servants who have realized what's happening will probably start a frantic battle for this last spot right away!"

Roman's words startled Ritsuka, who secretly felt a sense of relief.

Sure enough, by the third day, all the participants had dropped their pretenses, and the principle of striking first was perfectly illustrated.

If action is not taken in time, once all the remaining arenas are occupied, Medusa will face the huge risk of the defending champions being well-rested and waiting, greatly reducing her chances of winning.

"Fortunately, with Medusa's speed, taking over a ring shouldn't be a problem." Ritsuka breathed a slight sigh of relief, her gaze fixed on Medusa's approaching figure. "Next, she'll need to focus all her efforts on dealing with the endless stream of challengers..."

Ritsuka immediately realized the key point and asked, "By the way, Doctor, from which direction did that Servant who rushed towards the arena come? Which arena was it aiming for?"

"I didn't see her exact location, but when I spotted her, she was already almost at the edge of the ring."

Roman responded quickly, trying to recall the observation footage, and said:

"But I saw that she seemed to be heading straight for ring number 7. Miss Medusa also keenly noticed this and changed direction during her sprint, turning from heading towards ring number 7 to the adjacent ring number 8!"

"So...they acted before us?" Ritsuka's heart jumped again, and her gaze shot towards the direction of Arena 7 like lightning.

Just as her gaze settled, a lithe figure swept across the arena like a gust of wind, gracefully leaping onto the stone slab of arena number 7.

She was a spirited woman dressed as a Japanese samurai, her white hair, tied up, fluttering as she moved.

She held a long, sharp blade in each hand; her right hand held a gleaming katana, and her left hand held a sharp wakizashi.

Once the woman had steadied herself, a bright and confident smile graced her face. Facing her astonished pirate opponent on the stage, who held a scimitar, she calmly performed a simple yet powerful samurai salute.

After the ceremony, she immediately assumed a fighting stance.

"Japanese samurai?" Ritsuka murmured in surprise, her brows furrowing as she quickly searched her memory for relevant information. "Historically... were there such famous female pirate samurai?"

“Ah… samurai again, pirates again…” Roman’s voice was filled with confusion. “Could it be a ronin or a Japanese pirate? And as a woman… that is indeed extremely rare in history.”

“I say, Roman, and Ritsuka,” Leonardo da Vinci, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of keen insight, “don’t you think… the stance that female warrior is striking has a strange sense of familiarity?”

"Position?" After being reminded by Leonardo da Vinci, Dr. Roman and Ritsuka immediately focused all their attention on the female warrior, carefully examining her unique preparatory stance.

The woman gripped her katana tightly in her right hand, pointing it forward and downward, while her left wakizashi was slightly behind and parallel to it, the two swords forming an aggressive angle.

Her body was not standing straight, but rather slightly hunched over, with her center of gravity lowered.

At first glance, her posture seems slightly out of place, but upon closer inspection, one can see that her muscles are in a state of high relaxation yet poised to strike, like a taut bow, concentrating all her strength and energy into a thunderous blow that will erupt in the next instant.

"That stance looks so familiar...it's like I've seen it in a painting somewhere before..." Dr. Roman stared intently at the female warrior's unique ready stance on the screen, his brows furrowed. "But...there's just something subtly off about it..."

"Ah, she's attacking! So fast!"

Ritsuka exclaimed almost simultaneously. The purple figure on the arena suddenly transformed into a streak of light, flashing past the pirate wielding the scimitar at a speed too fast for the naked eye to follow!

In the next instant, the female warrior had already stopped steadily a few steps behind her opponent, assuming a standard horse stance, her hands crossed in front of her, her posture dignified.

On the blades of the two sharp blades in her hands, one long and one short, a clear and glaring scarlet line of blood appeared!

"Pfft—!"

Almost at the same time the bloodline appeared, two huge, deep wounds that revealed bone suddenly burst open on the pirate's chest, running diagonally from his waist to his shoulder, forming a shocking "X" shape!

Blood gushed out like a fountain. The pirate's astonishment hadn't even fully solidified when his entire body collapsed forward, turning into specks of pale golden spiritual dust that quickly dissipated into the air above the arena.