"Wow, what a drastic change all at once?" Seeing Cirno resurrected and even entering her Super-9 Mode, Sanae, who had retreated from her dark state, couldn't help but exclaim. "You're making a fuss over nothing; this is quite normal," Lin Luo said calmly, his gaze fixed on the screen. "As the only two Berserkers, both Flandre and Cirno have the potential for instantaneous combat power enhancement.

It’s just that, relatively speaking, it’s a bit trickier for Cirno to enter the enhancement phase. But… her inherent belligerence combined with Eiliyah, the best Master in history, made entering the enhanced state inevitable." "So that's why you gave Cirno to that girl?" Komeiji realized suddenly, yet looking at Eiliyah on the screen, she couldn't help but frown. "But isn't that a bit risky?

I could sense within her heart that the moment Cirno died, her entire being was enveloped in negative emotions, teetering on the edge of despair and collapse. If Cirno hadn't come back to life, that girl would have been completely ruined." "Yes, I think so too," Sanae nodded in agreement. To them, this Holy Grail War was just a game, or perhaps a farce, and for Eiliyah to lose loved ones and friends twice in this farce was a bit too much.

"You don't understand," Lin Luo stated. "What do you mean?" "..." Lin Luo hesitated for a moment. "This Holy Grail War is a meticulously planned operation for me; it must succeed.

For you, it's a game where the winner doesn't matter. But for some people, it holds an extraordinary significance—it's not just about victory or defeat, but about what can be discovered within the process." As he spoke, Lin Luo walked to the window. He drew back the curtain and looked out towards the distant battlefield.

"Some people are forever bound to a single moment by their past experiences, unable to grow no matter how many years pass. Why? Because they refuse to accept harsh realities, because they wish to live forever in beautiful memories, even knowing it's impossible.

Yet, they crave it so deeply, subconsciously refusing their own development." "You mean that girl..." Komeiji’s eyes lit up; she suddenly began to understand. "Giving Cirno to her was also considered with this in mind. After all, although Cirno is weak, her potential is immense.

Her three-stage transformation also symbolizes hope rising from despair... For someone immersed in the past, if they cannot experience absolute despair once, and then erupt with all the emotions they've suppressed for years within that despair, they will never be able to move past their history." "But despair alone only ruins people, so if hope can be seen after that despair, they might realize the past isn't the only path, and the future might hold better developments. At that point, they will instinctively want to move toward the future… Even if they don't consciously think of leaving the past behind, once they move forward, the shackles of the past will dissolve… The 'Senpai's three-turn-head' scenario involved despair following hope, but my script is hope following despair." Saying this, Lin Luo turned around and smiled slightly as he looked at Eiliyah's surprised expression on the screen.

"Judging by the results, the script has proceeded perfectly so far." Indeed, the script was progressing flawlessly. It couldn't have been better for Lin Luo, for Eiliyah, or even for Cirno. When Cirno reappeared in Super-9 Mode, Eiliyah instantly turned from grief to joy.

Coupled with the sudden release of years of suppressed emotion, her heart was both relieved and ecstatic at that moment. What shocked her even more was Cirno's current state... All her stats, including Luck, were A-rank.

Aside from lacking the Instinct skill, she was now almost as formidable as her previous Servant, Heracles. However, while Cirno lacked the Twelve Labors, she possessed the flight ability Heracles lacked, along with more flexible techniques and mastery over diverse weaponry. Crucially...

although Cirno was in the Berserker's frenzied state, she hadn't lost her rationality. "Uh, this doesn't seem very useful, does it?" Eiliyah muttered, looking at the description on Cirno’s status screen that read 'Enraged but not irrational.' After all, Cirno’s IQ was only 9; rationality and rage were both forms of foolishness for her, so what was the difference? Perhaps, precisely because she was a fool, being enraged didn't cause her to lose her mind.

Eiliyah thought this as Cirno charged toward Flandre, unleashing a peerless slash that descended like Mount Tai, making the very earth tremble. Flandre could ignore a normal Cirno, but Super-9 Cirno was something she absolutely could not overlook. Sensing the terrifying aura rushing from behind, she instinctively felt danger.

In the instant she knocked back Aozaki Aoko, she immediately spun around for a counter-strike. Instantly... BOOM!!!

The Blazing Demon Sword Laevateinn collided with Cirno’s great cleaver, which resembled a giant watermelon slice. A deafening crash erupted, and a violent surge of energy swept out in all directions. Even Remilia and the others, standing a hundred meters away, were affected, their brows instinctively furrowing under the shockwave.

"Damn it! That girl actually transformed!" Although the shockwave couldn't harm Remilia, her expression was grim. The thing she feared most had happened.

If Cirno couldn't be slain, her entire plan would fall apart. But... who could possibly kill Super-9 Cirno?

If this were Gensokyo, with Remilia's power, it might be achievable; perhaps not many people besides her could slay a Super-9. But having become Heroic Spirits... surveying the entire battlefield, she felt that only Flandre and Keine might be capable of killing Super-9 Cirno.

However, Flandre was split into four, fighting enemies in four directions, meaning she could only barely keep pace with Super-9 Cirno alone. As for Keine, setting aside the fact that no one knew what she was truly planning, she was currently locked in an intense duel with Flandre, having no time to spare for Cirno. The reality was stark: in the past, Cirno in Super-9 Mode could contend with figures like Yukari Yakumo or Kasen Ibaraki.

But after Yaya's interference, the power levels of Gensokyo's residents had grown exponentially. Not to mention the powerhouses like Yukari and Kasen, most Youkai now possessed power equivalent to a Super-9 even in their normal states... and given Cirno’s intellect, she was probably the only fool whose strength hadn't improved at all.

In today’s Gensokyo, Super-9 was no longer enough to dominate. Having transformed into Heroic Spirits, everyone’s power was significantly weakened, and Super-9 Mode was no exception. If Flandre had used all four of her concurrent existences against Cirno, Super-9 wouldn't have stood a chance.

Even in the current fight, Keine and Flandre held a seventy percent advantage in their engagement, while Super-9, facing only one Flandre, held less than a sixty percent edge. Who was stronger or weaker was immediately clear. Moreover, no one knew if Keine was using her full strength.

Based on visible power levels, Flandre remained the strongest, followed by Keine, with Super-9 in third place. Yet, under these circumstances, Keine certainly wasn't going to ally with Cirno. Meanwhile, now that Cirno had engaged Flandre, Aoko Aozaki was suddenly free.

Despite her competitive nature making her a little unwilling, this wasn't the time to dwell on that, as Patchouli and Alice nearby were clearly nearing the point of withdrawal. If no one supported them soon, they were doomed to fail. Aoko, therefore, had to set aside her misplaced pride and charge without hesitation toward Patchouli and Alice's battle...

While Patchouli and Alice were in a difficult spot, it didn't mean they were weak; it was just that their fighting style limited their effectiveness. Their weakness in close combat had kept them suppressed by Flandre throughout, allowing them to utilize perhaps only fifty percent of their full power. But with the addition of Aoko, a top-tier melee fighter, blocking Flandre's direct assault, the mountain that seemed to weigh upon them instantly vanished.

With no constraints left, they could finally unleash their full capabilities. A close-combat mage slightly less powerful than Flandre, two mages possessing crowd control, ranged attacks, and various status spells—the combined force of the three immediately reversed the previously one-sided situation, pushing Flandre back instead. Finally, there was the battle between the Kara no Kyoukai trio and Flandre.

Although Ryougi Shiki, Mokou, and an unnamed companion had been suppressed by Flandre, defeating them wasn't simple for Flandre. After all, Ryougi Shiki and Nyuu joined the fray later as fresh forces. Even if their power wasn't equal to a rampaging Flandre, being listed among the three most 'sadistic little sisters' wasn't for nothing.

Coupled with Mokou’s legendary tenacity, which was second to none in Gensokyo... although the fight was tough, defeat was not yet in sight. As a result, three of the four Flandres were suppressed, and the last one was only fighting to a draw.

The tide of battle instantly shifted toward the 'United Forces.' "Hahaha! How interesting! This is so much fun!" Although Flandre was gradually being pushed back, she showed no signs of frustration; instead, she grew more excited and laughed heartily.

This was natural. For her, this wasn't a battle; it was merely a game. If her opponents gave up too easily, that would be disheartening.

"Hmph, watch me take your head off in ten more rounds!" However, Keine, her enemy, was not in a good mood. Her original plan was to end Flandre in one move, but now over a hundred exchanges had passed, and Flandre was still vigorous. How could she, a cosplay enthusiast, endure this?

"Sakura—Hana—⑨—Saku!" On the other side, the Super-9 Cirno was constantly unleashing massive techniques. With the support of Eiliyah's vast magical power, she had no issue with consumption. Even these ultimate moves, while occasionally throwing Flandre into disarray, couldn't land a killing blow in a short time.

"Hey, what should we do now?" Marisa asked Remilia, watching the four-way battle turn completely around. "I think we should offer some help now. It would be good if we could take this opportunity to repel Flandre.

Besides... everyone else saw us sitting on the sidelines watching the fight. Once they deal with Flandre, our position will become very dangerous," Youmu interjected before Remilia could answer.

"Hmph!" Remilia let out a cold snort, offering no opinion. Youmu's worries were exactly what she feared. But the nice plan she had was ruined by the unexpected appearance of Cirno, making her unwilling to accept this outcome.

"If you don't want to help anyone, then let's just go back. We can always try again later," Marisa repeated. Remilia remained silent.

Her gaze swept across the various battlefields before finally saying, "Fine. You two take Akiha and the others to the side first. I have one more thing to do before I leave." "What are you going to do?" Marisa asked, confused.

"You’ll know soon enough. Let's split up," Remilia offered no further explanation. Since she wouldn't elaborate, there was nothing else to do.

Marisa and Youmu immediately headed to rendezvous with Akiha and the others. At that time, Akiha was still fighting Asagami Fujino alongside Ryougi Shiki and the others. Due to the severe power drain from her rampage, Asagami Fujino was no longer as overwhelmingly fierce as she was at the start.

Although they still couldn't find a decisive opening, they could at least suppress Fujino somewhat, and the battle was gradually moving in their favor. But just then, Marisa pulled Akiha out of the fray without a word and tossed her onto her broom, flying away... With one corner missing from their four-person combined tactic, the coordination instantly shattered, and the other three were immediately thrown into chaos by Asagami Fujino.

If they hadn't reacted quickly enough, they would have been wiped out in one sweep. That damn Black and White... The three were extremely frustrated, wishing they could tear Marisa limb from limb, but they weren't the type to get angry easily.

Even if they were furious internally, they wouldn't show it much, so they merely cursed her in their minds. Furthermore, just dealing with one Asagami Fujino was already difficult; they had no spare time to worry about Marisa. "What are we doing?" Akiha, forcibly removed from the battle and now sitting on the broom, looked blankly at Marisa, unable to figure out her intentions.

Not only Akiha was confused; Marisa didn't understand either. "Don't ask. Remi must have a plan.

Let's retreat first." As Marisa led Akiha out of the engagement, Youmu also pulled Kohaku and Hisui out. The five quickly gathered together but didn't leave; instead, they retreated to the edge of the battlefield... As a Rider, Marisa had the highest mobility on the entire field.

Even if an unexpected event occurred, this distance would be enough for them to escape. Looks like they are all ready... Remilia nodded secretly as she looked at Akiha and the others at the edge of the battlefield, then glanced again at Cirno and Flandre locked in fierce combat.

With my remaining magical reserves, I can only manage one shot. But if I ensure it hits, I can simultaneously eliminate both Flandre and Cirno, and in their current state, they have a very high chance of being unable to evade my attack... Although afterward, my own magic will be completely depleted, potentially causing operational incapacity, Akiha will know what to do.

After that, escape will be easy thanks to Marisa’s mobility. So... as long as I can secure this double kill, the subsequent battle situation, no matter how it develops, will favor us...

I have to risk it! With this thought, Remilia’s eyes faintly sparked with fire, brimming with infinite fighting spirit. Immediately, she floated up from the ground, ascending high into the air.

She spread her arms and wings, closed her eyes, and began to chant softly... Because most people were focused on their own battles, hardly anyone noticed Remilia's actions at this moment. "That is darkness more silent than the grave; that is cruelty more sanguine than slaughter.

Through my body, through my life, come forth to this place... Whether god or ghost, demon or immortal... all things under heaven lie beneath me; nothing can resist, no power can alter...

Spell of the Divine and Demonic—Killing Array Descends!" Remilia softly recited the curse until the final word, when her voice suddenly rose, and she snapped her eyes open. Her crimson pupils flickered with a profound light. Simultaneously, the magical energy surging from within her instantly converged high above, forming a massive magic array.

Directly beneath that array were Flandre and Cirno. The two were completely enveloped by the high-altitude magic array before they even noticed the change around them. By the time they finally realized it, an equally massive magic array appeared beneath their feet...

The two arrays, one above and one below, resonated with each other, instantly forming an unbreakable barrier that sealed off the entire space. Then, Remilia materialized the Holy Lance Gungnir in her hand once more. Betting everything on her obsession and resolve for victory, Remilia hurled Gungnir fiercely.

Swish! The sharp scarlet spear tore through the night sky, instantly piercing the center of the magic array above. As if igniting the fuse of a bomb, both magic arrays trembled violently.

An immensely powerful surge of magic seemed to materialize, shaking heaven and earth. Rumble! Rumble!

Rumble... Waves of terrifying sound washed over them, a heavy pressure descending upon the land... At this moment, not only Flandre and Cirno trapped within the array felt mortal danger, but even Aoko Aozaki and Mokou outside the array paused their fighting.

Ryougi Shiki and Asagami Fujino also instinctively halted their movements, staring at the magic array in shock. "That is..." Touko Aozaki looked at the array, a feeling of dread rising within her. She vaguely sensed that the power of that array was sufficient to destroy a city!

"That girl... does she intend to...?" Touko Aozaki and the others didn't know Remilia’s exact goal, only sensing an inherent danger. But those familiar with Remilia already suspected that she was unleashing her single most powerful ultimate technique!

Although Remilia's most potent Noble Phantasm was the ability to alter destiny, that Reality-Warping Phantasm held no offensive power. Whether before or after becoming a Heroic Spirit, Remilia’s strongest ultimate move had always been only one: "Let the entire world enter a nightmare... Descend!

My Killing Array!" Remilia raised her hand. As her crisp command fell, she swept her arm downward, and simultaneously, the power of the magic array was fully unleashed... The two arrays burst forth with a blood-red light, instantly dyeing the entire world red.

Then, countless Gungnirs manifested from within the array, their piercing spear-light chilling those who witnessed it. The next moment, under the stunned gaze of everyone present, tens of thousands of divine spears rained down like drops of rain, while even more spears shot out from the sides of the sealed barrier... Within the entire magic array, there was absolutely no blind spot that could not be attacked!

Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!

The terrifying momentum, the terrifying barrage of strikes, completely swallowed Flandre and Cirno. This was Remilia’s most lethal siege-breaking Noble Phantasm, her ultimate, strongest technique—Remilia's Cataclysmic Killing Array! Once trapped within this formation, no one could survive!

Because the blood-red glow emanating from the endless divine spears obscured everything, no one could see what was happening inside the barrier. But... everyone could imagine that under such an attack with no blind spots, no matter how heaven-defying Flandre and Cirno's abilities were, resistance would be impossible.

And the reality proved it true. When the attack finally ceased several minutes later and the magic array vanished, the figures of Flandre and Cirno were completely gone from within the barrier.

While in terms of actual combat power, Remilia still fell short of Flandre and Super Nineo Cirno, as Servants, their Noble Phantasms were absolute armaments that transcended their base strength... At this moment, let alone just Flandre and Cirno, even if all the power present were gathered, they would never withstand Remilia's Catastrophe Array!

"Success!" Seeing that both Flandre and Cirno had vanished from the ravaged ground across from her, Remilia was immediately overjoyed... Though perhaps it was a bit excessive, as the Demon King, even if this was just a game, her pride would not allow her to fail.

"With this, victory... is... within reach..." Remilia murmured, completely relaxing as she spoke, but at this instant, her magic was completely depleted. As soon as she let down her guard, she could no longer sustain herself and began to plummet from the sky.

"Lancer, Conceal!" Akiha sensed Remilia's current state and snapped back to reality. Seeing Remilia falling helplessly, she quickly used a Command Seal to render Remilia intangible and instantly brought her back to her side.

Meanwhile, the others remained utterly stunned. While they understood the power of an Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm, they simply could not believe that two of the strongest Servants had been eliminated in a single strike. This was unbelievable... Everyone stared blankly, as if paralyzed by shock.

Especially for Lilya, Cirno, who had just managed to resurrect, was killed once again—this situation...

"Oh dear, this is getting genuinely terrifying," Sanae couldn't help but exclaim as she watched the battlefield through the screen.

Komeiji adopted a serious expression. "Remilia achieved a double kill using her Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm. With the greatest threat, Cirno, eliminated, Flandre's rampage will soon conclude, pushing her to the brink of retirement... After this, as long as she rests and recuperates for a while, no one will be able to defeat Remilia again."

"No, you are mistaken." However, Lin Luo shook his head.

"Where are we mistaken?" The two immediately looked confused.

"The mistake is that Remilia's magic reserves are too low."

"Too little magic?" This answer left both of them completely bewildered. While it was true that Remilia's magic wasn't abundant, she had still managed to deploy her Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm, and it had succeeded.

Lin Luo explained, "Remilia's tactics were excellent. If she had sufficient magic, she would have used both her Anti-World and Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasms simultaneously. That way, the advantage granted by Luck would have allowed her to genuinely achieve a double kill. But... given the disadvantage of E-rank Luck combined with Cirno's three transformations, it's less accurate to say she achieved a double kill, and more accurate to say she delivered an assist to Cirno... Just watch, the strongest idiot is about to descend."

Hearing Lin Luo's words, the two immediately focused their attention.

"Let's go. Remilia's objective is complete; we can leave now too," Marisa stated immediately after Akiha retrieved Remilia.

Akiha nodded and was about to depart, but just then, Youmu shouted, "Wait!"

"What is it?"

"Look!" Youmu pointed towards the spot where Cirno had been obliterated.

Everyone followed her gaze and were astonished to find that the ground, which had been completely devastated, was now beginning to freeze over, emitting wisps of white mist. Even from that distance, the chilling cold could be felt.

Simultaneously, the gazes of everyone else were drawn to this bizarre scene.

Then, under the bewildered eyes of the crowd, the white, cold fog slowly coalesced, gradually forming a human shape. Finally... with a sharp crack as the ice layer shattered, a girl... no, perhaps a woman, appeared before them.

The woman was clad in a blue and white dress, possessing a tall and well-proportioned figure, featuring rounded hips and significantly ample breasts. Beneath the blue short skirt were tantalizingly fair thighs. Her light blue hair floated without wind, gently swaying, and on her delicate, beautiful face rested a smile full of confidence and intelligence.

Full breasts, high hips, white silk stockings on her legs—what an utterly peerless mature beauty!

Upon seeing this woman, everyone froze.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Cirno, the Fairy of Ice. It is a pleasure to meet you all." The woman standing atop the ice gently lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed gracefully, smiling faintly.

Cirno? This dignified, queenly milf was actually Cirno?

Hearing her words, the crowd felt as if struck by rolling thunder, leaving them scorched on the outside and tender on the inside.

"Holy cow! This is unscientific!!!"

In the end, everyone roared in unison.

P.S.: The system crashed today. I thought it was over, but thankfully, it was saved in time, narrowly preserving my perfect attendance streak. What a joyous occasion, what a joyous occasion. (To be continued)