I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

"The vision of a divine spirit is beyond our understanding. Humans perceive divine spirits as 'embodiments of natural phenomena.' They are higher existences than Heroic Spirits or fairies—mysteries of the highest order. We cannot know the extent of King Arthur's apotheosis, nor can we determine whether she possesses the ability to 'observe the future,'" Darnic stated calmly.

In essence, Darnic's conclusion was: "I have no idea."

Since the Age of Gods ended, divine spirits had long vanished from humanity's sight. For modern magi, Heroic Spirits were already an exceedingly high mystery—let alone divine spirits, who stood even above them.

The existence of a divine spirit version of Artoria was a direct challenge to the worldview of every mage present. However, faced with irrefutable reality, they had no choice but to accept it.

Fortunately, the magi gathered here were all outliers in the world of magecraft. Their adaptability far surpassed that of traditional magi, who focused solely on pursuing the Root. Such orthodox magi would likely go mad at the revelation of divine spirits—although, to be fair, the mere existence of Heroic Spirits might already drive them insane.

Darnic's point was straightforward: without evidence or proof, aimless speculation would yield no results and only waste time.

"Even if Ruler truly possesses the ability to see the future, it only underscores her importance. This gives us yet another reason to maintain good relations with her—or at least prevent her from aligning with the Red Faction."

"The good news is that, regardless of the reason, the Red Faction's actions have likely left Ruler with a negative impression of them. This works in our favor. One could say fate is on our side."

Darnic's words met with unanimous agreement, effectively concluding the discussion about Artoria.

Just then, Astolfo raised his hand, a thought seemingly striking him.

"By the way… if Ruler really can see the future, wouldn't that mean she might've seen us talking about her just now?"

Everyone: "..."

A strange silence settled over the room, making the atmosphere heavier.

"Ahem! That possibility can't be ruled out…" Darnic coughed, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Still, we have no intention of antagonizing Ruler. So, even if she did see this discussion, it wouldn't matter… No, in fact, it could work in our favor. At the very least, it might help convey our goodwill, which would benefit future negotiations."

Darnic maintained an air of composure, as if the earlier awkwardness had nothing to do with him.

"Now then, let's move on to the next topic."

The discussion shifted to the other Ruler, Jeanne d'Arc.

The Black Faction had extended an invitation not only to Artoria but also to Jeanne. The emissaries for this task were Gordes and his Servant, Siegfried.

However, it was clear the attempt had failed. Jeanne had declined their invitation, choosing to maintain absolute neutrality as an adjudicator.

Much like Caules's encounter, Gordes and Siegfried had encountered Red Faction Servants intent on eliminating Ruler. These enemies had reached Jeanne before them, leading to a confrontation.

Siegfried ended up battling the Red Faction's Rider.

Contrary to Gordes's expectations of Siegfried effortlessly dominating the fight, the legendary hero was actually being suppressed.

This was unsurprising, given that Siegfried's opponent was none other than Achilles—the Greek hero second only to Heracles.

With his Comet Form A+, the fastest footspeed among mortals, and Amaranth of the Brave B, an immortal body granted by the River Styx, Achilles was nigh invincible.

That Siegfried could fight Achilles to a standstill was a testament to his extraordinary strength. However, Gordes, ignorant of these nuances, failed to grasp the significance.

He assumed Siegfried was holding back and ordered him to fight seriously and end the battle quickly. Yet, the tide of the battle didn't shift.

When Gordes demanded that Jeanne join the fight, she refused, citing her impartiality as Ruler.

Ultimately, as dawn approached, Achilles—frustrated at being unable to fully enjoy the fight—retreated under his Master's orders. Jeanne also rejected Gordes's invitation and departed alone.

Humiliated by his failure, Gordes had no choice but to return empty-handed with Siegfried.

Back in the hall, the group resumed their discussions, this time focusing on Jeanne d'Arc and the identity of the Red Rider.

The fact that the Rider could suppress Siegfried made them all wary, especially his apparent immortality, which presented a daunting challenge. Without identifying a weakness in this immortality, devising a countermeasure would be impossible.

Perfect immortality didn't exist. After all, why else would such beings have died and become Heroic Spirits?

The first step to uncovering the Rider's weakness was to determine his true name.

This became the focal point of their discussion.

---

Meanwhile, Artoria had no interest in their deliberations.

After leaving the main hall, she was led by Chiron to the room the Black Faction had prepared for her.

Along the way, Artoria noticed that Chiron's Master, the wheelchair-bound Fiore, occasionally glanced at her, only to quickly avert her eyes.

"Is something the matter, Archer's Master?" Artoria inquired.

"Ah!?" Fiore let out a startled squeak, sounding more like a shy girl next door than a calculating mage.

"Was it… that obvious?"

"Very obvious, Master," Chiron interjected, his tone teasing. "It's as obvious as a kitten hiding its head in a hole while leaving its tail sticking out."

"Ah! Then I've been embarrassing myself all this time? Archer, why didn't you warn me? I was so nervous…"

Fiore blushed deeply, clearly mortified.

"So, what's the matter?" Artoria asked again.

"Ah, it's not… how should I put it…" Fiore hesitated before patting her chest and replying timidly, "I was just… a little nervous, I guess. After all, I'm meeting someone I've idolized."

"Since long ago, I've admired King Arthur—the ideal king. I never thought I'd get to meet you in person. It's a bit overwhelming, really."

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