Everyone harbors an ideal, whether attainable or not; it matters little. What truly matters is that without an ideal, a person is but a walking corpse.

Some might aspire to be a King of the Harem, others to rule the land, some yet to achieve eternal life, or perhaps to be utterly invincible... and so on. While these ideals often border on mere fantasy, and those clinging to such daydreams rarely strive for them, an ideal itself is blameless; its purpose lies in wish fulfillment.

Then there is Cirno. Though she is an idiot, that doesn't preclude her from having an ideal.

Cirno’s ideal is... to become a woman who is mature, sexy, composed, graceful, possessing temperament, depth, refinement, and wisdom; unmatched in might, peerless in beauty, adored by all, blooming flowers in her wake, a smile capable of toppling cities, a second smile to ruin nations, and a third that bewitches a hundred charms... the ultimate apex predator!

This has always been Cirno’s long-held ideal, or perhaps, her grand illusion. Since Gensokyo lacks a Divine Right Hand, no one has ever shattered this fantasy for her. Naturally, Cirno herself has never truly exerted herself for it; she remains, fundamentally, an idiot.

But!

This world is brimming with possibility!

Just as some people possess incredible luck while others are cursed with the worst, this mysterious thing called possibility—not just misfortune that clings to Lancers—will favor certain individuals.

Take Misaka Mikoto, for example.

Currently, if Remilia is the God of Fate, Hatsune Miku the God of Music, and Haruhi Suzumiya the God of Solipsism, then Misaka Mikoto is the God of Possibility.

Cirno, having once been possessed by Misaka Mikoto’s possibility, has effectively received a divine favor. Though the possibility remaining within her body is slight, even a minuscule trace is still a possibility. Under normal circumstances, this sliver of chance might be useless, but in specific moments, this small possibility can ignite a miracle.

Now, having become a Heroic Spirit and possessing the Noble Phantasm of Three-Stage Transformation, Cirno has finally brought forth that dormant possibility, the one even she was unaware of, turning fantasy into reality!

The current Cirno... possesses an angelic face, a devilish figure, elegant bearing, and majestic grace. When she smiles, she exudes a captivating charm; when angered, she radiates supreme authority. Ineffably, she carries the air of a high-and-mighty sovereign... this is the ultimate realization of her ideal—the Mature Queen version!

“Th-th-this is...” Although Remilia’s magic power had been completely drained, she hadn't lost consciousness. At this moment, seeing Cirno standing there in such terrifying splendor, she was utterly dumbfounded, nearly petrified, incapable of uttering a word.

That desperate strike she expended so much mana on had indeed eliminated one of Flandre’s avatars, but Remilia’s primary target was Cirno. If Cirno hadn't suddenly intervened, none of these accidents would have occurred. But... Cirno was clearly dead, so why had she resurrected?

Remilia could neither comprehend nor remain calm. She finally understood that all her efforts had merely paved the way for another’s triumph... Gazing at Cirno’s current appearance filled her with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

“If God made me, why must He also make ⑨!”

Watching Cirno, Remilia was suddenly overcome with a desolate melancholy. She let out a long sigh toward the heavens, then violently coughed up a mouthful of blood. Her head lolled to one side, and instantly... she fainted from sheer emotional shock.

Ambition unfulfilled, beauty fades early... A tragedy!

“Remi! Remi?” With Remilia down, the Shingetsu Group immediately descended into chaos.

The surrounding onlookers understood the gravity of the situation clearly. They knew Remilia was the cornerstone of the Shingetsu Group, akin to Zhuge Liang of Shu Han or the Wolf of Jiangdong. With her fallen, the Shingetsu Group was surely doomed.

Neither the Magic Group nor the Empty Boundary Group held any goodwill towards the Shingetsu Group. Aside from the feud over Reisen, Aozaki Aoko was intensely irritated by their similar aesthetics. But more significant was the Shingetsu Group's recent stance of sitting back to watch the tigers fight. At this moment, everyone longed to charge forward and annihilate the Shingetsu Group instantly.

However!

The greatest enemy now was not the Shingetsu Group, nor the ruined Flandre of the Broken Group, but Cirno of the Idiot Group... Even such a terrifying anti-fortress Noble Phantasm failed to kill her; instead, it catalyzed her transformation. The crushing sense of oppression made them all hesitant to make a rash move.

The Magic Group and Empty Boundary Group were even secretly considering that if Cirno were to go berserk like Flandre, they might have to abandon their grievances and unite with the Shingetsu Group to oppose her.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the very instant Remilia collapsed, Cirno’s expression shifted, and she lunged forward abruptly... Touhou Akiba and the others felt a mix of shock and fear as Cirno charged, but the sheer pressure emanating from her paralyzed them, leaving them watching helplessly.

Then, just as Marisa and the others braced themselves for Cirno to attack the prone Remilia, they saw Cirno gently cradle Remilia in her arms, radiating a saintly, benevolent glow. She softly stroked Remilia’s cheek and murmured tenderly, “Poor child, you coughed up so much blood. But don’t worry, Big Sister will surely save you.”

Hey, she was clearly angered into unconsciousness by you, wasn't she?!

The crowd couldn’t help but inwardly criticize.

As Cirno finished speaking, she placed her hand on Remilia’s chest, and a torrent of rich magic power flowed into Remilia's body... At this point, not just Akiba, but everyone else could clearly sense that Remilia’s completely depleted mana reservoir instantly refilled, and even the color in her cheeks became noticeably healthier.

Seeing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances... What was happening?

Initially, like Marisa, they assumed Cirno intended to seize the opportunity to eliminate the Shingetsu Group. But based on the current scene, she appeared genuinely intent on saving Remilia. Could it be... she really was a good person?

The crowd was filled with question marks. Regardless, this was the Holy Grail War. Even good intentions should have limits, shouldn't they? Very few Servants would save an enemy Servant!

But no matter how much they doubted, facts remained facts. Because mere minutes later, thanks to Cirno’s magical infusion, Remilia finally awoke. She slowly opened her eyes.

“I... I’m not dead yet?” Though conscious, Remilia’s awareness was still hazy. Before fully assessing her surroundings, she mumbled to herself.

“That’s wonderful, little sister, you’re finally awake! Big Sister is so happy!” Upon seeing Remilia open her eyes, Cirno was even more ecstatic than Touhou Akiba and the others, declaring excitedly.

Hearing the voice, Remilia instinctively blinked. Her vision gradually sharpened, and upon seeing the face she could never forget even if it were burned to ash, Remilia’s heart clenched instantly.

And then...

Pffft! Remilia coughed up another mouthful of blood and promptly fainted again.

“Huh? Why did she pass out again?” Cirno looked genuinely alarmed.

Of course, she passed out because you angered her! The first person she sees upon waking is you. Who wouldn't pass out a second time...? The crowd couldn't help but inwardly groan.

Looking at Remilia’s pale complexion and the fresh bloodstain before her, a few tears welled up in Cirno’s eyes. “She is so pitiful. Despite having such a weak body, she still tried so hard. Big Sister is both moved and saddened... But it’s alright; as long as Big Sister is here, I absolutely won’t let you die. I will revive you even if I expend all my mana.”

Saying that, Cirno once again began transferring mana to Remilia, completely unconcerned with the drain on her own reserves. A moment later, Remilia woke up again, but... the instant she opened her eyes and saw that same face that inspired envy, jealousy, and hatred, Remilia let out a sharp Pfft and spat out a third mouthful of blood.

Then, her head lolled to the side, and she fell unconscious once more.

“Oh dear, this is terrible. Why won’t she stay alive?” Even Cirno was starting to get anxious. She instinctively reached out, intending to transmit more mana to Remilia.

The onlookers’ brows twitched violently... Damn it! She faints every time you 'save' her, and you want to 'save' her again? Are you trying to save her or kill her?!

“Wait a moment!” Just then, Touhou Akiba finally snapped out of the oppressive trance Cirno had cast, shouting loudly. Seizing the moment Cirno paused, she swiftly snatched Remilia away.

“Hey! What are you doing? I’m saving her!” Cirno asked, genuinely bewildered.

She wouldn’t have died, but if you keep 'saving' her, she really will! Touhou Akiba thought, but she dared not voice that sentiment. Instead, she said, “It’s fine. She has passed the critical period, and her mana is fully replenished. There’s no longer any danger to her life.”

“Is that so? But her face looks so pale, and she coughed up so much blood without waking up,” Cirno said doubtfully.

“She’s truly fine now. This is a normal reaction; she just needs rest,” Akiba quickly assured her. She was genuinely terrified now. This person, in both personality and sheer existence, defied all her established common sense. Who knew if she meant to kill or to save?

Fortunately, Cirno didn’t seem inclined to push the issue. Hearing Akiba’s assurance and sensing that Remilia’s life force was indeed less dim than before, she nodded. “Alright, if you say so, then I am relieved. But if anything unexpected happens, you must tell me immediately, okay?”

“I understand, I understand,” Akiba nodded repeatedly, though inwardly she thought, Understood what? Damn it, I don’t understand anything!

After confirming Remilia was out of danger, Cirno stepped away, allowing Touhou Akiba and her group to exhale a collective sigh of relief. Although Cirno hadn't attacked them moments ago and had even rendered aid, the truth was, they preferred to avoid such scientifically impossible entities if possible.

“Say, shouldn’t we run away now?” Marisa whispered.

Touhou Akiba frowned slightly. While that had indeed been their original plan—to flee quickly using Marisa’s mobility once Remilia’s attack concluded—glancing back at Cirno’s distant figure, she had an inexplicable feeling that escaping now might lead to terrible consequences.

“Let’s watch a bit longer,” Akiba decided in the end.

The current situation was complex. With an illogical entity like Cirno present, the other groups wouldn't likely attack them immediately, and Cirno’s stance remained opaque. Theoretically, staying put posed no immediate danger.

“I also think it’s better to observe the situation,” Youmu agreed.

“Fine, if you both say so...” Marisa ceased her objections.

Meanwhile, the Empty Boundary Group and the Magic Group had also gathered their members, each harboring separate thoughts.

“Hey, that’s your former companion, right? How did she turn out like that? Have you ever seen this before?” Aozaki Aoko nudged Patchouli’s side and whispered.

“I have no idea. She used to be an absolute idiot, incapable of even calculating one plus one. I’ve never seen her like this before...” Patchouli was equally baffled and couldn't answer Aoko’s question.

“Alice, what about you?” Kuzuonji Arisu inquired.

Alice shook her head. “I had no special connection with that idiot. If Patchouli doesn't know, then naturally, I wouldn't know either... It’s quite strange; where did she acquire this ability?”

Alice’s tone of curiosity held a faint trace of envy.

“Mokou, what do you think?” On the other side, Aozaki Touko asked Mokou for her opinion.

Mokou coolly lit a cigarette for after the event, exhaling clouds of smoke. “From my perspective, this entire incident is highly irregular; there must be some hidden scheme at play.”

“No kidding!” Kurogiri Hisui rolled her eyes, then couldn't help but critique Mokou, who was smoking and fidgeting like a delinquent teenager. “Are you really in the mood for a smoke right now?”

“Of course! A post-event cigarette is better than immortal life! How could I not smoke it!” Mokou retorted with an air of self-righteousness.

“...” Hisui was left speechless.

At this moment, due to Cirno’s unexpected change, the fighting was suspended. Yet, no one left. Factions huddled together, watching the developments. Even Flandre and Asagami Fujino noticeably retreated from their berserk states, watching Cirno with intense interest.

However, even though the battle paused, the atmosphere of tense confrontation had not dissipated, especially for Tohsaka Sakura, who, with the powerful reinforcement of Meimu, was absolutely determined to achieve victory!

Even if, based on the current scene, Cirno appeared far stronger.

As everyone observed Cirno, waiting to see what came next, Cirno was sweeping her gaze across them. Noticing that many held weapons, poised as if ready to fight at any moment, she inquired, “What are you all doing? Were you looking for a fight?”

“...” The crowd fell momentarily silent. How were they supposed to answer that question?

“This won’t do!” Seeing their tacit agreement, Cirno declared, “Everyone engaging in improper behavior—everyone is a good person, and you must coexist harmoniously.”

You are the least qualified person to say that!

The crowd strongly resisted the urge to retort, but suppressing such intense desire was agonizing, leaving them all irritable.

At this point, Cirno suddenly placed a hand on her chest and smiled slightly. “Though I hate to brag, I believe Big Sister has many qualities you can learn from, such as temperament, refinement, depth, and even my figure... As fellow inhabitants breathing the air of this world, you all should get along peacefully... Perhaps there were some misunderstandings before, but if you just sit down and talk, everything can be resolved... Now, next, Big Sister is going to sing a song. Everyone sing along with me...”

Then, without waiting for a response, Cirno tilted her head slightly and opened her mouth: “Xiao Long Bao, Char Siu Bao, Custard, Sesame, Red Bean Bao, large Meat Buns, Vegetable Buns, and Soup Dumplings... Peking Duck, Mapo Tofu, Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce, Dan Dan Noodles and Hot & Sour Noodles, and also Zhajiangmian, Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, Poyang Lake Crabs, Hainan Wenchang Chicken, Roast Suckling Pig, Dongpo Pork, and add Potato Shreds... Traveling the world with you; actually, I just want to eat my fill everywhere, tasting the north and south of the great rivers...”

The listeners burst into tears. What kind of song is this?! You’re clearly just listing a menu! You glutton, do you dare list so many dishes?! Listing so many... listing so many is making us hungry!

“Oh my, that’s strange. Why do I feel a little hungry?” Halfway through the song, Cirno suddenly stopped, clutching her stomach and murmuring.

“...” The crowd felt blood rush back into their throats three times over. They no longer wanted to complain. Damn it! This isn't a song; this is an Innate Boundary—Mutual Hunger!

At this moment, everyone’s fighting spirit vanished, replaced only by the desire to go home and eat a satisfying meal.

...

It wasn't just the people present, starved into speechlessness, but even Lin Luo and the others watching from the reception room. After listening to Cirno’s grand, resounding song, they were momentarily stunned into silence.

Although Lin Luo knew that the Three-Stage Transformation would result in this appearance—after all, it was Cirno’s ideal form—what he hadn't anticipated was how disastrously troublesome her personality would become!

“Looking at them, it seems a fight won’t break out after all,” Komeiji Satori murmured, watching the monitor.

The reality was indeed so. Never mind the Thousand Recipe Ode that induced hunger, as long as this Saintly Cirno was present, coupled with her power level capable of overwhelming Adjusters, no one else could possibly initiate a fight.

“This won't do. If they don't fight, they won't attract the mysteries of this world. It seems I have to tweak the script slightly,” Lin Luo shook his head and said.

“Tweak the script?” Sanae looked utterly confused.

“Yes,” Lin Luo smiled casually. “Originally, all I needed was for them to descend into chaos. But since it has reached this stage, we’ll have to deploy the BOSS... Come on, it’s time for us to make an entrance.”

Saying that, he rose from the sofa. (To be continued...)