Otherwise, you can find another savior.

“At least, I can’t just turn a blind eye.” tide Jian shook her head.

What caused this crisis, and what was its purpose?

Only by finding the answers to these questions can he arrive at a clearer path.

"Isn't that enough?" Morgan lowered his eyes. "My husband can show mercy and salvation even to the most despised fairies. How much more so to the world you care about."

"No... back in Britain, I was just—"

“He only cares about me.” Morgan waved her hand, her eyes full of gentle smiles. “I’ve heard the answer countless times, and I’ve witnessed it myself. Now there’s no lingering attachment or reluctance. So…”

She held up a finger and pressed it to her lips.

“My husband must also live without regrets. If in the end, you can only save a few of us, and we can only accompany you to guard the grave of the dead world…” Morgan shook his head. “I don’t care, but you will have endless regrets.”

tide Jian was stunned; he saw the same support in their eyes.

This makes even words of gratitude that should be spoken feel cumbersome.

"Sigh... Skadi, Touko, and Mary should all be present at such an important time." Shiomi could only put her hands on her hips and pretend to be embarrassed.

Then, Scáthach suddenly slapped his butt.

"You made these arrangements for safety reasons. Also, Nikitich is here; he'll probably ask when we're leaving."

When Scáthach reminded them, everyone else also realized it.

A short while later, Nikitich emerged from the dense undergrowth.

"Taigong Wang asked everyone if they had decided when to set off. You may not have been affected, but in fact, Taigong Wang was already working very hard just to maintain the present world."

"As expected." tide Jian nodded. "Then please inform Lord Taigong Wang that we will meet up there in ten minutes and prepare to head towards the core area."

Chapter Six: The Pride of Heroic Spirits

Just as Shiomi and the others had previously noticed, this strange realm of Tunguska does indeed reject non-human heroic spirits.

However, judging from the feelings of Taikomochi and Nikitich respectively, both being unmastered servants summoned by the Counter Force, Taikomochi needed to use magic to maintain his presence and avoid being forcibly repelled by this domain, but Nikitich was completely unaffected.

This is also a very important point.

But more than that difference, what Shiomi is complaining about now is that Taiko-no-Wang is lying on the back of a tapir in a very unladylike manner, being carried by the tapir as they travel across this pristine land.

"Even if you need magic to maintain the present world, it shouldn't be to the point where you can't walk, right, Lord Taigong Wang?" tide Jian suspected that he just wanted to slack off.

"Hahaha, how could that be? I am indeed very tired right now. It would be best if the Four-Faced Beast could carry me, which would save me some energy. After all, I am manifesting in the world as a Rider this time, it would be a waste not to use a mount." Taigong Wang explained with a hearty laugh.

Despite the damage to his image, he didn't seem to care at all; rather, he appeared to be a carefree hermit.

It's not surprising that a disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun, who was seventy years old when he met King Wen, had such an open-minded personality.

"So this is the legendary Four-Faced Beast." tide Jian examined the Baku.

“If Tianxi finds walking tiring, I can call Dong Starion to take her for a ride,” Artoria said. “We also have mounts, which are no less than those of Lord Taigongwang.”

"Where did you get your competitive spirit from, Your Majesty the Knight King?" Shio covered her face and complained. "But if you want to get around, I won't object, since there aren't even any proper roads around here."

They are now completely relying on Nikitich to lead the way, which is quite convenient for them as they don't need to worry about anything themselves.

Artoria wasn't afraid of the hardship; she shook her head and declined Shiomi's suggestion, instead continuing their previous topic:

"Speaking of which, Lord Taigong Wang is a Rider class, but as far as we know, you should be a top-tier divine magician. As you just mentioned, you maintained your presence here using magic, preventing you from being forcibly expelled."

“That’s right.” Taikoubou nodded. “If I manifested as a Caster, I might have been able to get the Grand Caster class. After all, it’s about defeating the Beast, and they didn’t even give me a Grand class. The Counter Force is really stingy.”

Shiomi suddenly realized: "So, Lord Taikoumochi is also a Grand Caster candidate. But the position of Magic King is still taken by Goetia, so it's probably impossible to arrange a second Grand Caster."

“Actually, Grand Rider is also an option, and I am qualified too, so it’s just that I’m being stingy.” Taigong Wang casually stated a remarkable fact.

They had seen quite a few Servants with Grand rank qualifications or Grand Servants by now.

However, Taigong Wang is truly the first person to possess both Grand Class qualifications.

Even if the Servant of such caliber is just an ordinary Spirit Origin, Shiomi feels that he is not simple.

Moreover, according to legend, Taigong Wang should have ascended to the celestial realm after his lifespan ended in the human world, becoming a divine spirit.

In other words, a deity named "Taigong Wang" should actually exist.

So, perhaps the servant Taigong Wang in front of us is just a manifestation of the original body's divided spirit.

Moreover, before he came here, both Nuwa and Yuanshi Tianzun had entrusted him with matters related to Xijian, which makes it easier to explain how to do it.

Although the gods and the Throne of Heroes are both located outside the world, it is not difficult for the gods to interfere with the Throne of Heroes.

"Why did you suddenly stop talking? Is there a question?" Taiko asked casually. "Don't be surprised. I'm just an ordinary Spirit Origin now, and I'm currently being interfered with by the Otherworld Domain, so I can't exert my full strength. The battles to come will still require the help of a few of you."

“One thing at a time, it’s truly unique to encounter a Servant who possesses qualifications for two Grand Classes simultaneously,” Scáthach said at this moment. “As the leader, my beloved student is bound to be somewhat surprised.”

"Could it be that you're thinking about magic?" Taigong Wang asked. "If I had let you become a disciple of Chinese magic from the beginning, it wouldn't be impossible. But you've already grasped the wisdom of the great god Odin, so you don't need to hope for anything else."

tide Jian waved her hands repeatedly: "That's not true. Even if I were greedy, I would still want extra power."

"As expected of someone who has become a god, he is truly confident." Taigong Wang's words were full of praise.

"Isn't the Prime Minister of Tian Shu also one?" tide Jian inquired meaningfully, deliberately using a Taoist title to address him.

However, Taigong Wang covered up the question with laughter, clearly having no intention of answering it.

So Shio had no choice but to get down to business:

"Then, allow us to give a more detailed introduction. We are here as a special operations team of Chaldea to subdue Tamamo-vich Koyanskaya, who once helped destroy Antarctic Chaldea as an accomplice of the Alien Apostles, and who has appeared in the Lostbelt several times to hinder us and tried to devour me."

Shiomi heard her full name from Group A. According to Fufu, Koyanskaya should not be related to Tamamo-no-Mae. She probably used this name to conceal her true nature.

"But I still know nothing about Chaldea's battles so far, or your experiences," Taiko said. "Nikitich and I, although we are Heroic Spirits from the Human Order side, came here to seal the object at the center of this area and are familiar with the things in this area, but conversely, we do not know Chaldea. We only know that it is a resistance organization that fights to protect Human Order."

“I understand that Lord Taigong Wang wishes to exchange information.” Shiomi nodded. “I will try my best to explain any issues that are within reasonable limits.”

“Very good.” Taigong Wang raised his hand, indicating that tide Jian and the others should make themselves at home. “We will discuss the matter of the battle later.”

"Later? We're already on our way now?" Morgan noticed the change in wording.

At this moment, Nikitich stopped and called out to Taigong Wang, "It's very open here, you should be able to move around freely now, Taigong Wang!"

"So good."

Taigong Wang urged Sibuxiang to quicken his pace and went to Nikitich's side.

As it walked, the four-legged creature's appearance changed, transforming from a tapir into a qilin-like being.

"Lord Taigong Wang?" tide Jian smiled, puzzled. "Does it mean that even at this point, we still need to test our strength?"

"Even heroic spirits have their pride, please understand, Lord Tianxi."

Taigong Wang bowed respectfully while standing on the back of the four birds.

"All right……"

tide Jian scratched her head for a while before agreeing.

Chapter Seven: Sparring (1)

Shiomi originally thought that encountering Taiko no Momo and Nikitich this time was a good thing.

He is both capable and easy to talk to.

But then, things turned out like this, and now they insist on having a fight to test their skills.

It's said to be the reserve of a heroic spirit.

However, sparring with each other and understanding each other's strengths can be beneficial for future battles, allowing for a quicker resolution of problems.

After all, he doesn't know how far the "Alien God" has progressed in the Chinese Lostbelt, and he hopes he won't miss the deadline.

Adjust your breathing and clear your mind of distractions.

Shiomi raised her head and looked at Taiko-Wang and Nikitich in front of her.

Nikitich had already removed his cloak and felt hat, revealing his light combat attire and voluptuous figure.

She brandished weapons that, without her noticing, had transformed from a hammer into a long-handled axe.

Behind them, Morgan, Scáthach, and Artoria took a few steps back.

After all, Taikomochi and Nikitich's attitude was quite clear: they mainly wanted to test Shiomi's strength.

So they chose not to get involved, and the two of them tacitly approved of that.

However, Taigong Wang did not rush to make a move; instead, Nikitich took the lead in the confrontation.

Nikiji was indeed more eager to fight and see what would happen, and as a strategist-type Heroic Spirit, Taiko-no-Wang planned to let her test Shiomi's fighting style first before deciding on specific tactics.

"Not carrying a weapon? You should have a weapon, right?" Nikitich asked in surprise.

"Swords and spears have no eyes. If we act rashly and injure our allies, it will be detrimental to our future battles." tide Jian assumed a fighting stance.

“Such confidence, I suppose he truly is a god…” Nikitich smiled, then suddenly frowned, “Don’t regret it.”

The magic emanating from his body spread out, stirring up tiny wisps of dust.

Nikitich charged forward with a roar, brandishing his axe, heading straight for Shiomi.

The other party didn't ask her to show mercy, and she didn't really know how to show mercy. Anyway, Xijian was a god, so she wouldn't be hurt even if she took a few solid blows from the axe.

In an instant, she appeared directly above Shiomi, the magic power wrapped around the axe in her hand transforming into icy blue flames.

"what!"

With absolute confidence, Nikijic swung his sword down toward Shiomi's head.

Any opponent would defend or dodge at this time, so you must aim for the vital points from the beginning. If you think about showing mercy, you will end up completely missing your target.

Nikijic decided to test Shiomi's fighting ability first. She had heard Taikoubou introduce her to Shiomi Tenkei's master, Scáthach, who was not only a magician who was well-versed in primordial runes, but also a warrior with godlike marksmanship.

At the very least, we must force Shiomi to take out her weapon—

"……What?"

The icy blue flames were not released from her magic, but rather from the dragon of her second Noble Phantasm, something that imbued the weapon with its power.

Even the most powerful members of the Strange Family couldn't withstand the flames, yet Shiomi caught them with her bare hands.

...No, it can't even be considered a direct confrontation.

Her axe fell and struck Xijian's outstretched palm. There was no sound of flesh tearing after the impact, but it sounded like striking metal or stone, producing a solid impact.

Nikitich, who had landed, tried to press down on the weapon, only to find that it did not budge.

Shiomi gripped the axe blade tightly, with such force that it was like a vise that she couldn't let go.

“My turn,” he said softly, as his free left hand slowly rose. A sudden gust of wind swept across the tranquil field, gathering in his left palm. “Luna Hurricane.”

A soldier's instinctive perception of danger alerted Nikitich to the dire situation, but it was too late to retreat. 8

The compressed air was released instantly, transforming into incredibly sharp blades. The tornado spread in all directions, and Nikitich was sent flying, axe and all.

She flipped in mid-air and landed, smashing the axe on the ground to stop her retreating momentum.

He wasn't injured, but if it weren't for his second Noble Phantasm, "The Pure White Dragon-Slaying Armor," which he often wore as armor, Nikijic would have lost the match and ended the sparring session with just this one attack because he wasn't serious enough at the beginning.

"Oh, so you can unleash magic of this scale without chanting." Taikoubou lazily placed his hand on the back of the Four-Faced Beast's neck, analyzing Shiomi's fighting style. "It's less like magic and more like direct interference with phenomena, manipulating them at will, isn't it?"

Then, he raised his voice to remind Nikitich: "Your Excellency Nikitich, you'd better be serious, otherwise even a friendly spar won't be as enjoyable as it seems."

“I oversimplified things,” Nikitich agreed.

After all, tide Jian was still standing in the same spot, without moving an inch.

"Come on, my beloved horse!"

As a Rider who manifests in the world, in addition to the essential excellent riding skills, there is another advantage: possessing a mount-based Noble Phantasm that one can be proud of.

Iskandar's oxcart and Perseus's winged horse are examples of this type.

The same is true of Taigong Wang, who possesses the famous Four-Faced Beast as his mount and treasure.

Then there's the mount and treasure of another Rider, the dragon-slaying hero Nikijic—

"Love...horses?"

tide Jian tilted her head, thinking she had misheard.

What emerged from the light was not a warhorse, but a four-legged white dragon with a pair of large wings on its back.

Compared to the white dragon of Britain, Vortigern the Humble King, Shiomi did not sense any ominousness from Nikitich's mount, but rather an aura of purity and innocence.

A dragon species that transcends fantasy species.