I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 109

"Ugh... Why is even Mother acting like this... I'm clearly the biological mother!"

Biting her lip, Mordred, unloved by her parents, tearfully threw herself into Blackie's arms.

"Mmm, Father, I'm so..."

"Damn it! How disgusting, my snot is all stuck on me!"

As Black Saber lifted her foot, a world was born where only Mordred was injured.

Chapter 288 The Key to Arriving at Cretaceous

Communication with the Atlas Institute went surprisingly smoothly. On the night Kenneth returned to the Clock Tower, Tsbia waited for him in the Minerals Department's office as if he had been prepared. As he laid out the list negotiated by the Atlas Institute, Tsbia explained:

"Your Excellency need not be surprised. Although I am unable to deduce your trajectory, I can still make some calculations about people who are not closely related to you. As long as I do enough calculations, there will always be a few places with a high probability."

Considering the feasibility of what Tsbia said, Kenneth had to admit that Tsbia had once again raised his understanding of ordinary magicians. After glancing at the list on the table, Kenneth refocused his attention on Tsbia.

"How long will it take at the earliest?"

"In mid-2000, even if we stopped all projects, we could only achieve this speed, and that was on the premise that Philosopher's Stone made a major breakthrough."

Too slow, still too slow. According to the scales of the two worlds, by the time the Atlas Academy here is completed, Chaldea will probably have already reached the Qin Dynasty. Losing two beasts who have used all their trump cards is a price Kenneth cannot afford. Seemingly sensing Kenneth's thoughts, Tsbia continued:

"This is the optimal solution obtained from evolution. Unless there are means that transcend the world, the Atlas Institute cannot complete such a massive project in a limited time."

"Methods to transcend the world? A limited timeframe... Let me ask you this: do you still have enough contracts in reserve?"

Muttering Tsbia's words to himself, Kenneth revealed a malicious smile. Realizing that Kenneth was about to give him another big surprise, Tsbia suddenly opened his eyes.

"Your Excellency, the contract with Atlas is not something that can be established lightly. The Philosopher's Stone was already an exception, and even I..."

Before Tsbia could finish speaking, Kenneth slightly raised his finger, and the space around Tsbia was accelerated. Through a narrow barrier, a sense of temporal discontinuity suddenly flooded into Tsbia's mind.

"This technology of dividing the timeline! Isolating the world from its accelerated interior, this!!"

In the Moon World, time, this pseudo-scientific concept, is not magic, and time travel is by no means an unattainable miracle. Based on the control of inherent time, Kenneth brought Tsbia into an accelerated world. Even though Tsbia's words sounded like a string of sharp noise to Kenneth, just from the other's expression, Kenneth knew that he had no choice but to take Tsbia's contract.

Having given the buyer a taste of the wonders of time, Kenneth rested his chin on his hand and awaited Tsbia's choice. Time is not magic, but very few people in the Moon World can control it. Moreover, to continuously fight against the world and achieve the miracle of time acceleration, it can be said that apart from Kenneth, who possesses infinite magic power, no one can control time to this extent. Relishing the taste of accelerated time, Tsbia wavered.

"Sir, you've really given me a difficult problem!"

For the Atlas Institute, which was engrossed in its research, time was the most precious thing. The Atlas Institute had also studied similar technologies, but in the end, the cost of accelerating time far outweighed the value it brought. Now, Kenneth, who wielded miracles, had broken this established conclusion. How could Tsbia sit still?

So, what's your choice?

"Your Excellency, how large can this barrier be maintained, and how much of the acceleration rate can be maintained if it is removed from you?"

Suppressing the urge to immediately pull out the contract, Tsbia didn't believe Kenneth would go to the Atlas Academy with him. What he needed to determine now was how much of the effect would be retained after leaving Kenneth's barrier, which was the key to his interests. Looking at Kenneth's confident expression, Tsbia, as the seller, desperately needed the seller to prove his strength.

"I think it should be fine within a radius of 100 meters, and as for the multiplier... three times."

Taking a sharp breath, Tsbia watched as the magic furnace Kenneth had retrieved from the imaginary space crashed. Several minutes later, Tsbia, having recovered, obediently pulled out a contract from the Atlas Institute.

"Your Excellency is truly my nemesis. Now my name will be firmly engraved on the pillar of shame of the Atlas Academy."

After making what wasn't exactly a joke, Tsbia handed over the contract with a wry smile. Kenneth carefully put away the contract that granted him unconditional control over the Atlas Institute, and casually tossed the core of the furnace, which was enough to shake the magic world, to Tsbia.

"If the foundation of the barrier will be established together with the Philosopher's Stone at Atlas Academy, then it will be a pleasure to cooperate, Dean Tsbia."

......

With the problem with the spirit particle calculation device resolved, Kenneth began to ponder how to modify the device that reflects the world. Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Chris, Kenneth's personal assistant, walked in expressionlessly.

“Master, I have found something useful about Lord Animusphia.”

Looking at the more than one-page investigation report, Kenneth's lips curled into a sardonic smile.

"He couldn't sit still anymore. I thought he could endure it a little longer."

The information is simple: in short, Maris Billy and the former dean of the Modern Magic Department, Hartles, got involved in investigating the Holy Grail War and collecting relics from all over the world.

This is quite intriguing. Chaldea's construction is already complete, but Marisbury still noticed the Holy Grail. Whether this was a correction of the world or Marisbury's realization of Kenneth's intentions is unimportant. Chaldea's construction is on track, and Marisbury's value is no longer as important as before. After destroying the data in his hands, Kenneth gave Chris an order without expression.

"Keep an eye on it. Once the near-future lens—Sheba—is complete, let it rest. This world doesn't need a doomed ending."

"I understand, Master! I will handle this matter well!"

Her voice betrayed an uncontrollable surge of emotion. After years of enduring hardship, Chris displayed the brutality befitting a weapon. Noticing the look of despair on Chris's face as she left, Kenneth rubbed his chin in bewilderment.

"Am I...exploiting you a bit too much? No, how can you call it exploitation when it's the work of capitalists? Putting aside the facts, I'm just reaping a blessing!"

Unconsciously denying his capitalist nature, Kenneth opened a spatial rift and stepped inside. His next stop was the El-Melloi family's underground workshop. Opposite Morgan, who was engrossed in his research, Kenneth cut through space and emerged.

"How is the research going? Will it be able to reveal its original form?"

“It’s difficult, you know. Those guys won’t approve of a bad woman like me. I’ll try again, starting with the simplest thing.”

Having said that, Morgan took out Mordred's hair and began to communicate with the consciousness within the Holy Lance. Reflection requires affinity; the higher the affinity, the more time is saved. However, in the current situation, the Round Table consciousness residing within the Holy Lance collectively ignored Morgan's spell.

This battle is not a battle against evil; we do not acknowledge it!!!

Morgan's voice was stubborn and irritating, and his face darkened visibly. Looking at Morgan's expression, Kenneth could already imagine Mordred getting a good beating from Morgan tomorrow for stepping into the room with his left foot.

"Fine! Laugh if you want!"

With a dark expression, Morgan burned Mordred's hair to ashes with a single fire. Actually, freeing the Holy Lance wasn't difficult. As long as Artoria held the handle, at least half of the King's fans would agree. But the problem was that there was also the sentient Rungomminiad next door. Morgan really didn't feel comfortable letting the ahoge (cowlick) pick up the Holy Lance.

"Pfft!! Hahaha, so what if she's a bad woman? I really enjoy the taste of a bad woman. Even if I can't liberate her, it's okay. It's just a few more fireworks."

Kenneth laughed heartily at the scene of maternal love and filial piety. Under Morgan's reproachful gaze, he picked up the Holy Lance, and as the magic surged in, the intense repulsive force instantly tore Kenneth's skin apart.

"You really have a fiery temper, but this bit of resistance won't stop me. Let me see what kind of truth you're hiding inside!"

A massive influx of magical power poured into the Holy Lance, and Kenneth began to analyze Rungomminiad in the most violent way. It was at this moment that, as Kenneth forcibly took control of the Holy Lance, the Lion King, seated in the City of Chalk, opened his eyes. Unbridled magical power surged through the barrier and into his body. The goddess Rungomminiad, who had transformed into the Lion King, summoned the Holy Lance and unleashed a strike powerful enough to shatter the earth at the end of the barrier.

"You impudent fools who dare to spy on me, know the limits of life!"

A second before the breath of the stars was released, Kenneth threw the Holy Lance into the pre-prepared alternate dimension. The space, far exceeding the bounded barrier, collapsed, and the feedback of the magic gave Kenneth a rough estimate of the Lion King's strength.

"As expected, it was noticed, but that's enough. Since you've already extended an invitation, it would be a shame not to accept."

Under Morgan's monstrous gaze, Kenneth grasped a few glimpses of the world's secrets, having already secured a shortcut to the City of Chalk.

Chapter 289 The City of Chalk

Camelot's chalk city shattered like snowflakes, the Radiant Composite Temple fell, and the Sun King, with his will, cleared a path for Chaldea to the inner city. The pillar of light anchoring the landmark collapsed under the impact of the pseudo-cosmic pyramid, and the last obstacle to the Lion King's throne vanished before the two Chaldeans.

"It's finally here, but it's all in vain."

Sensing the tremors of the barrier, the Lion King, seated at the edge of the world, awaiting the end of human history, opened his azure eyes, now filled with golden light. The paradox of whether gods were born from human faith or whether humanity existed because of divine creation no longer mattered in this world about to burn. As the waves sweeping across the world crashed down, the goddess, deeply loving humanity, decided to continue the traces of human history in her own way.

God loves humanity, but God's love is often a burden that humans cannot understand. Preserving souls that should not be forgotten, and continuing the humanity she deeply loves through the eternal mystery of this planet—this is the Lion King's purpose, and also the mercy of the goddess Rungminiade. I love you, but this has nothing to do with you. Perhaps, this is the view that the gods see from above.

Human struggles and the chaos in the outer city are meaningless to the Lion King. The flames have already spread to every era, and the foundation of human reason has collapsed from its source. Rather than placing hope in the already fragile humanity, preserving the embers of the era in the tower on the anchored planet is the only way to continue human reason.

Inside the Tower of Light, where only the throne remained, the Lion King, having waited for a long time, stood up, supporting himself on the cold throne as the Chaldea duo approached. His silver armor made a cold, creaking sound, and his crown, resembling thorns, proclaimed the goddess's seemingly indifferent yet profound love for humanity.

"Who are you? I am the Lion King, the King of the Storm, the Lord of the End. Answer me, why do you come to the end of this world?"

With a tone devoid of any emotion, the Lion King looked down upon the humans who were rightfully hers to be saved, her vision transcending time. Her eyes held no compassion, no liking or dislike; even the repeated interruptions of her ritual by the Chaldean duo were of no consequence. What she was about to do required no human understanding.

Even without summoning the Holy Lance, the pressure emanating from the goddess Rungomminiad far exceeded that of any enemy Chaldea had encountered so far. As he watched the flashing red light on the control room screen, cold sweat poured down Romani's temples.

"Ritsuka! Mashu! You guys...face@#￥＆＆..."

"We have come to stop you, to restore humanity, and to reclaim the future for everyone!"

Chaldea's signal is frequently down, but even so, Gudako, who is staring at the Lion King, understands what the doctor is trying to say. This is the most powerful enemy she has ever encountered, a goddess of the mortal world who has stepped into the realm of the gods! However, having experienced countless partings, Fujimaru Ritsuka is no longer the rookie magician who was chased around by the Dragon Fang Soldiers. She will defeat the enemy before her and make everyone's efforts rewarded!

"Saving humanity... humanity has long been burned down. Perhaps only at the ends of the earth can we find salvation."

However, no matter how determined Gudako was, this burning will could not affect the goddess standing at the edge of the world. "You are not a fish, how can you enjoy the fish's pleasure?" Given the absolute difference in their levels of existence, the goddess's will had long transcended the realm of human comprehension.

"Redemption? You actually call this redemption?! I absolutely refuse to acknowledge such redemption!"

The act of saving is rejected by the object of the rescue. This might be an unacceptable blow to an ordinary person, but to Rungomminiad, the goddess who has observed humanity for thousands of years, Gudako's rejection is incredibly weak.

“I love you deeply, so I cannot bear to lose you, but you are as fragile as withered leaves. I preserve your purity and endow you with eternal existence. You do not need to admit this.”

Reaching out, he caught the ashes falling from behind the curtain of fire. The Lion King's eyes were still filled with the divine light of reason. Leaving a trail of golden footprints, the Lion King, who suppressed the ends of the world, walked towards Gudako and the other two.

"To allow lives that should have ended to exist forever—this is the ultimate conclusion for protecting humanity, your happiness, and your only possibility."

Humans struggle to understand each other, let alone gods. The Lion King's salvation is utterly cold to humanity, and Gudako's rebellion is as laughable to the Lion King as a child throwing a tantrum. The wills of gods and humans clash, and mortals once again choose to defy the gods.

The air grew increasingly dry and cold, and the Lion King's will pressed down on the frail humans without reservation. It was at this moment that the two, unaware of the divine pressure, began to make inappropriate jokes while suspended in mid-air.

"I won. It seems you'll have to do everything you can to please me tonight."

"Hehehe~ Yes, it seems I'm going to be tormented by you tonight. Please have pity on this poor witch, Lord Demon."

At the edge of the world, a sudden voice stopped Mashu from refuting before she could even speak. When Gudako saw that the newcomers were Kenneth and Morgan, joy immediately replaced her expression. Even Mashu, who had been tense all the time, relaxed when she saw Kenneth.

"Mr. Kenneth! And Miss Morgan! I never expected to see you again!"

Along the way, Gudako and Mash have experienced too many partings. Now, being able to meet their companions on the Path of Beginning at the end of the world brings peace of mind to the two girls. After all, with the strength shown by Kenneth and Morgan, their chances of defeating the Lion King have increased. Seeing Kenneth, who intends to face him alone, Mash instinctively wants to stand at the forefront.

"It's been a long time. You've all grown a lot. Leave the rest to me. After all, taking the reward without putting in the effort will incur the witch's revenge."

After making a sarcastic remark about Morgan's efforts over the past few days, Kenneth smiled and stood opposite the Lion King, sizing up the indifferent-looking Rungominiad. Kenneth had to admit that he was a little tempted by the bulging heart of the Lion King.

To defile holiness and pierce indifference—this is something every man has thought about. As a beast that bears the principles of prosperity, every cell in Kenneth's body thirsts for the Lion King's warmth. Faced with Kenneth's undisguised greed, Rungomminiad, sensing the familiar magic, slowly raised his left arm.

"Is it you, you insolent scoundrel who covets my body? You beast that devours humanity, at the ends of the earth, witness the truth beneath the surface of this world!!"

[Holy Lance! Pull anchor!]

As a goddess who deeply loves humanity, Kenneth bears evil as conspicuously as a stain on a blank sheet of paper. Light emanates from her palm, and amidst the swirling arrows, a lance forged from light extends from the Lion King's hand. From the sky, Rungomminiad appears like a tree of light growing from the earth, anchoring the planet.

"So that's how it is. The Pillar of Light that anchors the planet—that name is rather inappropriate, Rungomminiad!"

Previous investigations had yielded no results, but when Rungomminiad personally pulled out the tower that anchored the planet, Kenneth glimpsed the true nature of the Holy Lance Rungomminiad: an anchor point similar to the Imaginary Tree, or rather, the Holy Lance Rungomminiad itself was an Imaginary Tree whose completion had reached its limit.

The Holy Lance fixes the world's appearance to the surface of the earth, while the Imaginary Tree fixes the pruned branches to the planet. The only difference is that the Holy Lance fixes the pan-human history, while the Imaginary Tree only fixes the remnants abandoned by human history. However, as the Imaginary Tree grows, the planet will eventually be covered by the Imaginary Tree. At that time, the newly born Imaginary Tree will become the Rungomnid of the new world.

"Tch, I should have thought of that a long time ago, but it's okay, it's not too late now. I'll make good use of you in the future."

Silently chanting in his heart, Kenneth looked at the cone of light descending from the sky. The oppression was unparalleled; even from ten thousand meters away, Kenneth could feel the surging divinity.

[They expanded their territory, built cities, crossed oceans, and cleaved the sky. All for what... Holy Lance, speak of your end—Rhongomyniad!!]

In response to the questioning of the enemy of human reason, the goddess who loves humanity unleashed a strike that pierced the earth's surface, tearing open the sky and breaking through the clouds. The raging fire that burned with human reason was instantly blown away by the wrath of the Storm King. This was the consciousness of the gods, a light woven from human reason. And now, the anchor point that should have been aimed at the planet has locked onto the insignificant humanity.

"Heh, isn't that a bit too enthusiastic of you to say hello? But it suits me just fine!"

With a hum, grayness replaced the world, and the power of evil, also humankind, covered the incinerating halo of human reason with overwhelming power, unleashing a devastating wave of destruction upon the goddess who loves humanity and the beast that devours human reason.

Chapter 290 Familiar Light

Tearing through the ground and soaring into the clouds, the sixth beast, which shattered the planet, raised its arms to catch the anchor woven from human reason. Its scales, flowing with malice, turned blood-red under the wash of light. In the collision between divinity and evil, the ear-piercing friction sound, accompanied by bursts of flashes, illuminated the turbulent sky.

Aaaaaaa——！！

With a roar full of greed, the sixth beast, with its horned dragon body, bared its fangs to crush humanity at the anchor of light that fell from the sky. A pillar of aurora, which had shattered humanity, surged forth, and a darkness deeper than darkness itself emerged. With a deafening boom, the chalk city, which stood at the edge of the world, collapsed under the impact of the sinking. The judgment from the goddess was instantly annihilated before the evil beast born from humanity.

"Ah! This is the demon I should serve. This oppression, this power, is intoxicating... I can hardly bear it anymore."

Upon hearing Morgan's remarks, which were quite inappropriate in every sense, Mashu, who was kept in a safe area, immediately covered Gudako's ears. In particular, the way Morgan licked his lips made Mashu, who was still an innocent young girl, blush instantly.

"Oh my, what a lovely child. Don't worry, my devil lord will never lose."

“I…I also believe in Mr. Kenneth.”

Faced with the alluring Morgan, Mashu, her face flushed red like a monkey's bottom, instinctively took a few steps back. It wasn't that she was worried Kenneth couldn't defeat the Lion King, but rather that Mashu's intuition told her that Morgan in this state was terrifying, and if she didn't stay away, she might lose something very precious.

"Is that so? Then why are you backing away? Am I that scary?"

With her fingertips pressed against her lips, Morgan giggled as she walked toward Mashu. Putting Galahad aside, Morgan quite liked Mashu, this strong little girl. Since it was still a while before it was her turn to appear, Morgan wanted to find some amusement for herself and tease Mashu a bit.

Looking at Morgan, who exuded an aura of power, Mashu's face turned so red it could bleed. Just as Morgan was about to extend his hand, a clang rang out, the cold light was blocked by the barrier, and Bedivere's sword stopped just in front of Morgan's forehead.

"Are you alright, everyone from Chaldea?"

Morgan's reputation among the Knights of the Round Table can only be described as "those who know, know." The title of "Witch of Destruction" is well-deserved. As a representative of bad women, Bedivere had just entered when she saw Morgan hitting... cough cough, Mashu. She drew her sword and slashed, combining the blows. Before Morgan could react, Bedivere grabbed the Chaldea duo and pulled them behind her, one in each hand.

"Sir Morgan, what brings you here? And what is your relationship with...the King?"

Bedivere's tone was very respectful, but anyone with eyes could hear the wariness in it. Artoria's current state was inextricably linked to him, and Bedivere was filled with self-blame for it. However, the fact that King Arthur, who guided the people, had become so extreme was still beyond Bedivere's imagination. Now that he had met Morgan, Bedivere felt that everything made sense. Morgan was the mastermind behind it all. His king would never regard his subjects as cold numbers.

“Mr. Bedivere, no, Miss Morgan is our companion. She came here to help us.”

Compared to Morgan's past madness, Mash's explanation seemed so pale. Subjectively believing that Morgan had bewitched the Master from Chaldea, Bedivere took a deep breath and drew her sword. At this moment, Morgan's eyes twitched uncontrollably. Damn it, are these Knights of the Round Table out of their minds? Galahad is, the consciousness residing in the Holy Lance is too, and now even the butler who always follows Artoria around dares to draw his sword at her. Do they really think she has a good temper?

"Good! Very good! Bedivere, is that right! You've done well! The steward who serves King Arthur, King Arthur's most loyal knight, is that right! Let me see if you still have the skills you had back then!"

Morgan was furious. Putting aside the earlier sneak attack, Bedivere's failure to return the Holy Sword was the root of all their problems. The Lion King was tempting, that's true, but Morgan couldn't tolerate Artoria's body being possessed by a weapon. Today, Morgan was going to show Bedivere the true value of cursing King Arthur's woman.

Along with the ominous aura came ripples in the space—a dark, ominous, and malevolent purple. Pillars of fire shattered the ground, thorns pierced the sky, and the goblin spirits that Morgan commanded crawled out from the shadows. Sensing Morgan's murderous intent, Bedivere, who had already prepared to give everything, unleashed a surge of pure magic from her arms.