Little Saber’s Aerial Overlord was so utterly tyrannical, it bordered on boundless; this wasn't just a bug, it was an outright cheat! Aside from Mikoto, who could maintain a degree of autonomy, everyone else fell into a state of sheer awe, their fighting spirit utterly crushed.

One had to admit, Little Saber’s ability was heaven-defying. However, the more powerful the ability, the greater the limitations must be, especially since this was Little Saber's Noble Phantasm. Without a doubt, this Phantasm was at least Anti-Army class, and for an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm, it was a remarkable feat for most Heroic Spirits to use it even twice with a complete supply of magical energy.

Little Saber had been severely compressed; her magical energy certainly couldn't compare to the other four-colored Sabers. Having perhaps a tenth would be considered excellent. It was only because she was so weak that her magical consumption was also much smaller, making her appear more enduring than the others.

But the moment the Aerial Overlord manifested, Little Saber’s magic drained away like sand from a funnel. The previous steady trickle instantly reversed, and her magic plummeted to zero. In barely a minute, the five-colored divine bird let out a long cry, instantly shattering into countless specks of light before vanishing into the sky.

“Waaah… My Aerial Overlord, my precious Aerial Overlord…” Little Saber immediately burst into tears. Without the Aerial Overlord, and with her magic nearly depleted, while maintaining a physical form was still possible, she was now effectively reduced to a mascot.

As the Aerial Overlord receded, all positive and negative status effects inflicted on both friend and foe vanished. Even so, the fight was clearly over. The demon soldiers, having been thoroughly harassed by Little Saber, were already feeling utterly defeated, even if they still possessed combat capabilities. Coupled with Asuna’s abnormal outburst earlier, nearly a quarter of the demon troops had been sent packing.

The white-haired youth, though still expressionless, felt a pang of heartache. These demon soldiers were summoned at great cost, and now nearly half of them were wiped out—a massive financial bleed.

“I didn't expect you to have such backup. It seems I was careless. This battle ends here today,” the white-haired youth stated coolly. Then, the magician beside him immediately activated a teleportation spell, whisking them all away.

The next instant, aside from Negi, Mikoto, and their small group, no one remained at the foot of the mountain, as if the battle had never taken place.

“To teleport so many people away at once, to deploy such a grand-scale teleportation array so effortlessly—it seems that magician wasn't using their full strength either,” Ryuuguu Mana said gravely. With that level of power, it wasn't surprising they could suppress both her and Nagase Kaede. She felt that without drawing upon demonic power, victory was impossible.

“In any case, thank goodness Misaka-san arrived in time, otherwise we would have truly been done for,” Nagase Kaede sighed in relief. She finally understood what it meant when people said there was always someone stronger out there.

“Well, I didn't help that much, really. If you think about it, even without me, things probably would have been fine. It seems he was really well-prepared, hehe,” Mikoto chuckled awkwardly. In truth, she hadn't exerted much effort this time; even fighting the enemy general hadn't required her to go all out. The real game-changer was Little Saber.

“…” The others could only offer wry smiles. They really didn’t want to bring up Little Saber’s ability—it was just too terrifying.

“Waaaaah, I don’t want to live anymore, I don’t want to live anymore!” Over on the other side, Asuna was unleashing the full arsenal of female theatrics—crying, making scenes, and threatening self-harm. Though her actions during the 'inspiration' moment were involuntary, it didn't mean she had no memory of it. Thinking of that 'muscle-bound' posture, she wished she could find a piece of tofu and smash her head against it.

“Asuna-san, um… Asuna-san, please calm down…” Negi frantically began to placate her.

“Calm down, my foot! That was me who turned into that, not you! I don’t care anymore!” Asuna retorted fiercely to Negi before turning and sprinting back toward the inn without a backward glance.

Everyone fell silent. They looked up at Little Saber hovering in the sky. Alright, they admitted it—they were genuinely terrified.

“Since the matter is resolved, I’m going back to sleep now. Bye,” Mikoto yawned, waved goodbye to the group, and headed toward the inn.

“Wait a moment, Misaka-san.” Before Mikoto could leave, Negi quickly called out to her and asked, “Um, what exactly is Professor Lin Luo?”

“You’ll know when he gets back. Though I don’t know where he went either, he should return soon,” Mikoto replied calmly, then pointed toward Little Saber in the sky. “Oh, and you don't need to worry about that little one either.”

Watching Mikoto’s retreating back, the group was momentarily stunned. They quickly analyzed: “From the current situation, Professor Lin Luo is likely not an enemy, and according to what Misaka-san just said, that little doll also belongs to Professor Lin Luo.”

“But the one who fought us on the cherry blossom path that day was a girl?” Kofei asked, utterly perplexed.

“Could Professor Lin Luo be a woman?”

“How could that be?”

“Forget it, let’s not dwell on these things. We’re safe for now, and the enemy probably won't attack again tonight. We can get some proper rest.”

The group debated for a long time but reached no conclusion, eventually letting it go and returning to their rooms to sleep. Meanwhile, Little Saber remained in the sky, looking up with an expression of deep sorrow… She wouldn't be seeing her Aerial Overlord for a very long time.

The following period passed as expected, peacefully quiet. The next morning, the group arrived at the headquarters of the Kansai Jujutsu Association, which was Konoka’s ancestral home. Although their enemies this time were also from the Kansai Jujutsu Association, it was only a faction within it—in short, an internal conflict.

When Negi and the others brought up the white-haired youth to Konoka’s father, Konoe Eishun, it made the latter realize the severity of the situation. This matter seemed more complicated than just an internal spat. He sensed a profoundly dangerous wind blowing from the magical world into the real world.

Simultaneously, in a secluded location, Lin Luo’s fusion process was nearing its conclusion. Due to the short duration, he could only unravel one percent of the rule power, but that was sufficient. Even one percent, when fused with ancient magic, would unleash power far greater than a simple sum.

It was at this very moment, far away at Mahora Academy, that the two most formidable monsters finally met.

“Just as I thought. The first time I saw you, I sensed you had some kind of objective regarding this cherry blossom tree. What are you planning, Teacher Izayoi?” Evangeline stood before the largest cherry blossom tree on the Mahora campus, wearing a strange, inscrutable smile, yet no one stood before her.

“Although I knew you were a dangerous person when I first saw you, I didn't expect you wouldn't see through even this,” a girl’s voice suddenly sounded from beneath the empty tree. Then, with a shwoop, as if teleporting, a silver-haired girl with her arms crossed leisurely appeared beneath the tree—it was Sakuya Izayoi.

“Your ability is strange,” Evangeline remarked lightly. Though her expression was casual, a hint of seriousness flickered in her eyes.

“Likewise. Your aura reminds me of an acquaintance of mine,” Sakuya smiled faintly. Their conversation seemed innocuous, but the atmosphere in the clearing subtly shifted toward danger.

“Isn't that convenient then,” Evangeline grinned, showing her teeth. “Though I am no longer bound, I have lived here for so many years as a nominal guardian of Mahora. Even things I dislike acquire some affection. Someone of your unknown origin is quite intriguing to me.”

“I am a teacher at this school, officially and legitimately,” Sakuya stated calmly.

“A legitimate person wouldn't hide their presence to approach this cherry tree at a time like this. You certainly know how to joke, teacher.” As she spoke, Evangeline’s eyes suddenly widened, and tangible killing intent completely locked onto her opponent.

But the next instant, Sakuya had vanished from her spot, showing no signs of movement, reappearing several meters behind Evangeline. She said nonchalantly, “I was just enjoying the flowers. You don't need to get so agitated.”

Evangeline was momentarily startled, then a look of excitement crossed her face, as if she had encountered something fascinating. “I see, I see. No wonder you act with such disregard for others. You actually control the monstrous ability of time!”

“Eh?” This time, it was Sakuya’s turn to be surprised. With just that single movement, her ability had been seen through—unbelievable. Regaining her composure in an instant, she laughed, “Indeed, vampires of the True Ancestor level cannot be underestimated.”

“You sound quite familiar with True Ancestors. Interesting.” With a tsk, Evangeline moved. If Sakuya’s speed relied on time to render her untouchable, Evangeline utilized spatial warping—using shadow magic to instantly appear over Sakuya’s shadow and thrusting out her scarlet nails with lightning speed.

Zzzzip

A piece of cloth was snatched by Evangeline’s grasp, but the enemy was gone. An alarm instantly blared in her mind. Activating her shadow magic again, she moved further away. But when she stopped, she glanced at her arm—a strip of fabric had been torn from her right sleeve.

Looking ahead, she saw Sakuya standing over ten meters away, holding a scrap of fabric just as she was.

Evangeline casually tossed the cloth scrap in her hand and laughed, “Time manipulation can be considered omnipotent, but it has its relativity. Although I don't know the extent of what you can do, for me, it seems you can only achieve deceleration.”

“That’s why it’s a bit troublesome,” Sakuya smiled faintly, showing no sign of headache, and tossed the scrap in her hand away as well. “Since coming here, although the old restrictions are gone, it seems I also cannot use my full power. Against the infinite immortality of a Vampire True Ancestor, merely slowing time makes winning rather difficult.”

“Likewise. I’m also not operating at full capacity here.”

“In that case, there’s no point in continuing the fight, don’t you agree, Classmate Evangeline?”

“You’re right. If we keep fighting, it might attract others. If such an interesting opponent is exposed now, I might not get the chance to fight you at full strength.”

“Then let’s save this battle for when the magic of this cherry blossom tree is fully charged.”

“That’s precisely what I intended.”

The two seemed to have reached an agreement, smiles blooming on their faces simultaneously as they vanished. The wind blew softly through the clearing, as if they had never been there, leaving behind only two pieces of cloth drifting on the breeze…

Kansai Jujutsu Association Headquarters.

In the evening, a white-haired youth bypassed the defensive barrier here and slipped in silently.

As he walked, the white-haired youth pondered: “Based on last night’s situation, that little doll’s ability should be unusable now. There are only two troublesome figures: Konoe Eishun and that woman named Misaka. Konoe Eishun is powerful, but attacking an unwary opponent should not be a major concern. As for that Misaka… I leave her to you. Just lure her out, use the frogs.”

“No problem.” A voice suddenly sounded beside the white-haired youth, followed by a gust of black wind sweeping past.

Shortly after, an enraged roar echoed from a certain location within the large mansion: “You bastard! How dare you kill so many Gero-ta in front of me! I won’t let you off!”

A blast of black wind swept out of that room, immediately followed by a brilliant flash of electrical light. The two shot out of the mansion in succession, heading into the distance. While the noise made those who heard it somewhat curious, they didn't pay much attention; people had tempers, and shouting a bit was normal.

But by the time they realized something was wrong, it was too late.

The elusive white-haired youth infiltrated the headquarters alone, catching everyone completely off guard. Before anyone, including Konoe Eishun and Ryuuguu Mana, could react, they were all petrified. In less than ten minutes, the Kansai Jujutsu Association was completely overthrown. The only survivors were Negi, Asuna, Setsuna, and Konoka.

“How could this be? Even the President has been petrified! What on earth is that white-haired youth?” At this moment, Negi and Setsuna were rushing toward the bathing area at top speed. They were relatively lucky, having avoided an encounter with the enemy, but the problem was that Konoka and Asuna had temporarily separated from them to bathe. If they didn't reach them in time, it would all be over.

“Konoka-sama, please be safe,” Setsuna gripped her longsword tightly, her face etched with anxiety.

On the other side, in the women’s bath, a considerable distance away, Konoka and Asuna were cautiously surveying their surroundings. Asuna had drawn her Demon-Breaking Sword and positioned herself in front of Konoka. This time, even the ordinary maids had been petrified, indicating the enemy was getting serious, and their target was Konoka. Asuna dared not let her guard down.

“Damn it! We’re at the Association Headquarters, why is the enemy still invading?” Although it was spring, Asuna was covered in a cold sweat; facing the enemy alone put immense pressure on her. “Negi isn’t here. Can I really protect Konoka?”

“Little Setsuna isn’t here either,” Konoka murmured, glancing around.

“It’s fine, just stay behind me, I definitely can…” Asuna trailed off, her expression suddenly changing. The Demon-Breaking Sword in her hand flashed backward with lightning speed.

Swoosh! A massive column of water was severed, and a white-haired youth rapidly retreated.

“He actually came. The enemy general,” Asuna eyed him warily.

Undeterred by the failed ambush, the white-haired youth showed no panic, stating calmly, “Impressive. Although you contributed little force on their side, among so many people, you are the only one who reacted. I underestimated you slightly. However, you are not qualified to protect the princess.”

Saying this, the youth extended a hand forward, and a surge of magical energy shot out. Starting from her clothes, Asuna’s body was instantly petrified.

“Asuna!” Konoka cried out upon seeing this.

But a bizarre scene unfolded: Asuna, who should have been petrified, instead shattered with a pop… No, only her clothes disintegrated. She herself was unharmed, but with her clothes completely gone, she was naturally naked and unable to fight.

“Ugh! What is this? Why do all magicians like using lewd moves? Negi was like that, and now you are too! I hate magicians the most!” Asuna immediately sank to the floor, yelling.

The white-haired youth tilted his head in confusion: Strange. I didn't intend to strip her. Was the incantation wrong?

Though bewildered, he didn't forget his mission. He used a transfer spell to summon a demon soldier. “Next, I will be taking the princess.”

“Don’t even think about it! I won’t let you have Konoka!” Asuna shielded her chest and lunged forward.

“Water Demon Array.” But the white-haired youth casually tossed out a talisman, and countless hands made of water tightly bound Asuna’s body, immediately immobilizing her.

Meanwhile, the demon soldier reached out toward Konoka. But an even stranger sight occurred. Konoka, previously deemed harmless, suddenly erupted with a burst of intense light from within her body. Before contact could be made, the demon soldier was flung backward by the powerful light.

“Hm? You possess infinite magical energy, yet you cannot use magic?” The white-haired youth was greatly surprised. Just as he prepared to act himself, a small figure suddenly darted out from behind Konoka, laughing loudly, “Idiot! How could such a useless grunt possibly breach the barrier of Avalon?”

“Little Saber-chan!” Konoka cried out, suddenly filled with excitement.

“It’s you!” The white-haired youth was shocked, but he quickly recovered. Even if she could summon that divine bird again, as long as he petrified her first, it wouldn't matter.

“Now that I know your ability, I won’t fall for it twice,” the white-haired youth said calmly, extending his hand.

But Little Saber looked at him with disdain. “Idiot, besides Aerial Overlord, I have an even stronger ability.”

“A stronger ability?” The white-haired youth paused slightly, his movement subconsciously slowing down.

At that moment, Little Saber roared at the top of her lungs: “MASTER! Save me!”

Yes, this was Little Saber’s strongest ability—Summon MASTER.

“How lovely. I arrive just in time to witness such a generous display. Fate, thank you,” a calm voice resonated behind the white-haired youth. He suddenly felt a sharp blow to his head and was sent crashing into a nearby wall.