You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

"What an impatient person!"

Circe helplessly spread her hands, while Medea covered her mouth and smiled: "It was expected."

Unlike Circe, the island's nymphomaniac, Medea participated in the Golden Fleece expedition and sailed on the Argo. She understands the heroes' thoughts far better than the average caster.

This is why, despite possessing Command Seals, she never sought to completely control these people, demonstrating remarkable magnanimity.

(The reason why Saber was trained that way in UBW was partly due to personal preference, while Archer was much more lenient.)

"It's much quieter now."

Circe turned to look at the former Black Master, who was waiting respectfully there, and the members of the Yggdrasil family.

"This is none of your business. Run away if you want, hide if you want."

The only reason these people were kept alive was to avoid provoking Chiron and the others. Now that the final battle is approaching, they no longer have any value as hostages... But Circe is not a bloodthirsty maniac, so he has no intention of dealing with them and instead sets them free in accordance with the agreement.

Fiore and the others exchanged glances, respectfully took their leave, and then ran back to their rooms and workshops to prepare for the impending turmoil.

No one really intended to run. Firstly, the World Tree was their foundation; without it, they would just be a group of declining magicians. Secondly, given the current situation, the outside world might not be as safe as the castle...

At least Fiore had been instructed by Chiron that as long as they didn't do anything unnecessary, the Reds wouldn't slaughter the magicians to vent their anger even if they breached the castle.

Meanwhile, the androids also sprang into action. Their command had long been taken over by Medea, and the traitorous witch made good use of these loyal servants. In her view, the androids were much more useful than the dragon tooth soldiers and puppets.

They are like worker ants, keeping this massive war fortress running.

"Then we should go back into the maze."

Circe chuckled, "It's been a long time since I've felt this way, sitting comfortably in a perilous palace waiting for foolish challengers to come and die."

"...That's really bad luck."

Medea rolled her eyes at her aunt: "In mythology, such characters are always eventually defeated. Be careful that your words don't come true."

"What's there to be afraid of!"

Circe was unfazed: "Asterius has completed the ritual of utter corruption; ordinary Servants are nothing to him. That 'dragon' can be summoned at any time, and no one in this Holy Grail War can take the Greater Grail from its guard."

Besides, our labyrinth is impregnable—they can't get in!

Medea frowned, feeling her luck was getting lower and lower.

She herself was the type to become complacent once she had the upper hand, but Circe seemed even more frivolous than her.

"You're too serious, smile, Medea~"

The island witch with wings on her back smirked and said, "Anyway, this is just a game for us, isn't it?"

"A game that will drag the fate of the world into it?"

"When did you start caring about these things?" Circe circled Medea, scrutinizing her. Despite her advanced age, she looked much younger, making her seem quirky and mischievous.

"So, you really want to win?"

"..."

Medea chuckled and said, "Isn't that just a matter of course?"

"That's what I say, and I do want to win, but I'm just doing it for fun, so it doesn't matter if I lose. But you, Medea... you always give me the feeling that you have an obsession."

Circe, holding his staff behind his back, pondered with a cute expression, "Thinking about it carefully, although I took the initiative to approach you, our relationship doesn't seem to be so good that you would agree without even thinking about it."

"You are my dearest aunt, isn't it only natural to help your own family?"

"Help me? Like you would your brother?"

"..."

The air in the hall seemed to freeze. The Eagle-Winged Witch clearly sensed the change in atmosphere, but instead of shutting up, she curled up the corners of her mouth.

"Oh dear, sorry, did I bring up something that's bothering you?"

"No."

The betraying witch coldly replied, "I don't care!"

"How strong you are, my lovely niece Medea!"

Circe turned around, took a light step, and began to talk about something completely unrelated.

"Your little master, what's his name again? It seems he's always been protected by you in the labyrinth. Given your style, it's unbelievable that you would take such good care of the former Master."

"..."

"But that's understandable, after all, he... looks a lot like him, doesn't he?"

Circe somehow found her way to Medea's side, tiptoed up to her ear, and whispered, "With Absyltus."

hum!

The deep purple light dissipated into particles, and Circe spread her wings and leaped backward into the air, looking down at Medea with amusement.

The Betraying Witch now revealed her true form, which she had kept hidden all along. Her pointed elf ears showed the noble bloodline she inherited, and her beautiful, glass-like eyes held a murderous intent.

"That's right, that's right, this is the Medea that the world fears."

Circe chuckled, seemingly unafraid: "Does that child remind you of your brother who was dismembered by you? Or perhaps your two children?"

It would be quite surprising if word got out, wouldn't it? That treacherous witch actually—"

hum!hum!hum!

The immense magical power was compressed into dazzling orbs of light, each comparable to a Grand Magic Spell of Rank A, which Medea completed instantly and could be released at any moment.

But she didn't make a move. Instead, she said coldly, "Aunt, our cooperation has always been pleasant. Anyway, it's none of your business, so why ask so many questions?"

"I'm just curious about your real purpose."

Circe landed on the ground, folded its wings, and chuckled, "Now I understand a little bit—I regret it, don't I?"

"..."

Indeed, for the deceased who have already lived their lives, the thought of 'regret' is too embarrassing, as it is tantamount to denying the past.

Of course, for some people, life isn't a pleasant experience... Some regrets and remorse are things they would do to undo even if it meant denying themselves.

The Eagle-Winged Witch stopped smiling as she spoke, her fingertips unconsciously fiddling with the short hair by her ear.

"To truly change the past, the power of a single wish is not enough; that would mean altering history, or even creating a new timeline... I understand why you are so actively trying to modify the Greater Grail."

For magicians like you and me, with enough magic power, there's nothing we can't do!

"...Do you want to stop me?"

"Stop? Are you kidding me? What reason would I have to do that?"

Circe smiled slightly, waved his tin staff, and turned to leave the hall.

"Now I have no more questions. Since I'm free anyway, let me lend you a hand~"

Whether it's guilt towards her younger brother, longing for her two sons, or simply wanting to return to her hometown, to go back to before everything happened...

There's nothing to hide. If you have the ability to change a tragedy, but instead watch it continue to exist, that would truly be against human nature!

You did a great job. Give this world that has betrayed us a little surprise, my lovely niece~

Chapter 146: Just One Page in the Story (Bonus Chapter, 4K)

"Alright, then I will witness this fateful showdown!"

Facing the rusty night wind, the orange-haired girl resolutely declared, "No matter the outcome!"

On the wilderness, the black rider on her warhorse stood proudly, while opposite her was a group led by Fujimaru Ritsuka. Among them, Mordred stepped forward, a fearless and arrogant smile on her face, glaring defiantly at her opponents.

King Arthur vs. the Rebellious Knight!

Even the out-of-control Holy Grail War could not affect the duel between these two. Compared to the complex and profound cause and effect between them, everything else had to be put aside.

From Lion's perspective, he should have stopped the battle, because regardless of the outcome, Mordred's chances of survival were not high. Once he lost his Servant, he would be withdrawing from the Holy Grail War, not only failing to complete the Association's mission but also negatively impacting the fate of the world.

However, he chose to respect Saber's choice and let her rebel against her handsome father!

"Thank you, Master."

Mordred grinned at Lion's Robbery, and the terrifying-looking man nodded knowingly in acknowledgment.

"This is probably the end of my Holy Grail War..."

A flash of red light appeared, and the carefully preserved three-stroke Command Seal was consumed without hesitation, as powerful and pure magical energy surged into Mordred's body.

"First command: Saber, you must achieve final victory!"

The second command: Survive no matter what!

"Uh-oh!"

Mordred responded with great spirit and strode towards his destination, or perhaps the starting point of breaking his destiny.

"Final order!"

Lion Robber watched Mordred's figure gradually disappear into the distance, recalling the daily interactions he had shared with her during this time. Although there had been some noise, how long had it been since he had laughed so happily?

"You must become the King of Britain!"

"Ride freely, Saber!"

"Up!"

Crimson lightning surged, and steel armor appeared on the rebellious girl's body. Driven by surging magic, she shot towards the King of the Wild Hunt like a cannonball.

"Is that so... As far as Master is concerned, yours is better."

A barely perceptible smile appeared on the lips of the dark-skinned King Arthur before being concealed by his cold steel mask.

"In that case, any rebellious subject who dares to challenge the king's majesty will only meet a tragic end, trampled to death by iron hooves!"

Black and red magic clung to the spear, and Rider charged forward on his horse, fiercely thrusting out the divine weapon that could pierce through everything!

Clang! ! !

The Crimson Lightning Demon Sword clashed violently, and the surging magic power stirred up a gale that blew everything around it away.

"Senior, be careful!"

Mashu held up the round table in front of Ritsuka, blocking the strong wind pressure, and then opened her eyes wide to look forward.

As the successor of "Galahad", she felt obligated to witness the outcome of this battle!

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Achilles once again encountered Chiron. The master and apprentice did not hold back because of their past friendship and engaged in a fierce battle.

Subsequently, Atalanta and Karna, who were not stopped, arrived at the base camp of the Thousand World Tree. Although there was a barrier against spirits outside, the defenses were naturally vulnerable to damage when left unguarded.

"That won't do!"

Just as Karna was about to forcefully break through the barrier, a lazy voice rang out, causing the Son of the Sun to slightly twitch his eyes.

"So it was you... Why were you blocking our way?"

"If you get into the maze, things will get complicated."

The newcomer was Iori, dressed in a black Shinigami uniform, calmly facing the scrutiny of the Son of the Sun.

"Although Medea prepared a lot, she was ultimately just a magician and could not understand the essence of a hero—the true hero is one who opens up a path in desperate situations and creates possibilities from the impossible!"

Even if we prepared a hundred traps, we couldn't let someone like you into our lair.

Karna asked calmly, "Have you teamed up with the Black Caster?"

"No, it's just to balance the strength of both sides and slow down the pace."

"What?" The Son of the Sun asked, slightly puzzled.

Iori gazed at the other side of the battlefield for a long time before turning back to Karna and saying, "Could you please wait here for a moment so that the real 'protagonist' can make his appearance?"

"Is the protagonist... that girl from a parallel world?"

Without any further hints, Karna inexplicably understood Iori's meaning: "Do you want Fujimaru Ritsuka to enter the labyrinth and seize the Greater Grail?"

“After all, this is her 'story',” Iori said earnestly. “I came to this battlefield to ensure that her story can continue smoothly.”

As the Master of Humanity, Ritsuka will witness the duel between Mordred and King Arthur, then encounter the victor between Achilles and Chiron, receive a blessing or item, and arrive at the Yggdrasil Castle to witness the clash between the Hanging Gardens and the Spiked Fortress. Amidst the chaos, she and many Servants will enter the Great Labyrinth, embarking on a thrilling adventure.

In the final stage, join forces to challenge the guardians of the great maze, and perhaps the witch has another trick up her sleeve.

In the epilogue, Amakusa might appear and demonstrate to the Holy Grail what it means to "want but not get".