Sanae had always considered herself a mere supporting character in this Holy Grail War, primarily because she was Lin Luo’s Servant, and did a monster like him even need a Servant to back him up? Well, admittedly, he did need support staff—like adjusters such as Eirin Yagokoro and Byakuren Hijiri, or even Aya Shameimaru acting as a messenger. But those individuals had fixed roles; strictly speaking, they weren't Lin Luo's Servants but more like staff members for this game called the "Holy Grail War."

Even though Lin Luo, the game developer, shamelessly entered as a player, he still possessed a sliver of conscience and didn't use his administrator privileges to bully regular players... Take Satori Komeiji, for instance. As Lin Luo's personal Servant, didn't she just play a minor role and then promptly exit the stage?

Therefore, Sanae never truly believed she needed to seriously embody the role of a Servant. If her assistance was ever required, she figured it would be just like Satori’s—running a quick errand, grabbing a boxed lunch, and then heading home to sleep... Oh, right, aside from that, she also had to play the role of the leg-massaging maid.

But now, Sanae finally understood. In reality, she was quite busy; it wasn't as leisurely as she imagined, just sitting comfortably on a sofa watching others fight. Besides being the leg-massager, she also had to play an immensely significant role: one of the Four Heavenly Kings under the Demon Lord!

This utterly ridiculous title brought tears to Sanae’s eyes.

...Returning to about ten minutes prior, after Lin Luo announced his appearance as the BOSS, he immediately activated a Magic Mirror, projecting his and Sanae’s images before Cirno and the others. Of course, since there were too many people he knew but couldn't meet just yet, he didn't use his real appearance, instead mimicking the look of someone he recalled as being exceptionally cool and intimidating. Furthermore, Satori Komeiji and Reisen Udongein Inaba were not displayed in the Magic Mirror as they had already withdrawn.

The likes of Aozaki Aoko and the others hadn't yet recovered from Cirno's Innate Domain—the "Song of the Thousand-Year Recipe"—when they were startled by a massive Magic Mirror brazenly materializing high in the sky.

They instinctively looked up and immediately saw, within that mirror, a figure clad in crimson armor and a black cape, possessing silver-black long hair, a face as sharp and imposing as a blade yet strikingly handsome. This man was seated upon a throne cast from pure silver, radiating an air of arrogant dominance.

Standing beside this man was a green-haired girl, head bowed and silent, appearing deeply deferential to the man, not daring to even breathe too loudly.

"This is...?" Seeing this scene, the assembled group fell silent. Although it was just a Magic Mirror, upon meeting the man's gaze, they inexplicably felt a sense of awe.

This man and woman were naturally Lin Luo and Sanae. The persona Lin Luo simulated was indeed supremely arrogant and domineering, and now, playing the BOSS role, he exuded an air of untouchable supremacy. Perhaps this was the very definition of radiating kingly might.

However, the others had gravely overestimated Sanae’s composure.

The reason Sanae kept her head down and remained silent wasn't reverence for Lin Luo; she was simply too mortified to show her face... Being called the BOSS? She was completely unprepared for this! If any acquaintances saw her, how embarrassing would that be!

Of course, Sanae’s current mindset was pure ostrich behavior. She hadn't transformed; even if Aoko didn't recognize her, how could Marisa and the others from Gensokyo fail to identify her?

"I apologize for interrupting you all at this moment," before anyone could fully process the bizarre spectacle, Lin Luo finally spoke, his face devoid of expression. "My name is Melchizedek, the Fourth Demon Lord. I hadn't intended to meet you all so soon, but a slight unforeseen complication necessitated my premature appearance."

"The Fourth Demon Lord?"

"Melchizedek?"

Hearing Lin Luo's self-introduction, the native girls from the Type-Moon world were utterly bewildered. They had never heard these titles before; not even in legends was there mention of a Fourth Demon Lord... There was the Sixth Heavenly Demon Lord, certainly, but who was this Fourth Demon Lord?

While they were puzzled, the girls from Gensokyo exchanged looks while gazing at the Fourth Demon Lord in the Magic Mirror.

Youmu blinked: Hey, isn't that him? It has to be him!

Kaguya nodded: Definitely. Who else would dare appear before us with such arrogance!

Marisa blinked repeatedly: And look... Sanae's subdued demeanor. Is there any other man in this world who could make her so utterly compliant?

Alice looked confused: But why has he taken on this appearance? And why call himself the Fourth Demon Lord Melchizedek? Who even is this guy?

Patchouli closed her eyes: No comment.

Nue Houjuu showed a slight smile: It seems something fun is unfolding.

These silent communications did not reach Aoko's or the others' ears. In fact, even if they wanted to convey messages, it would have been impossible. To prevent their identities from being exposed, Lin Luo had set a strict condition on them early on: they were "forbidden from speaking any information about him." Even using Command Spells wouldn't make them reveal a single detail about Lin Luo.

This was the fundamental reason why Kaguya had told Touko Aozaki earlier that she knew nothing.

Meanwhile, atop a distant building, Eirin Yagokoro and Byakuren Hijiri watched the Magic Mirror in the sky, pausing briefly. Eirin sighed softly, saying with resignation, "What new scheme is that fellow cooking up now?"

Byakuren smiled faintly, brushing it off. "Who cares? Whatever he's playing at has nothing to do with us. Let him cause trouble... Though, speaking of which, with no actual incident occurring, it’s actually a bit dull."

"If it truly has nothing to do with us, that would be wonderful. I just have a nagging feeling... we might not be able to stay idle for long." As Eirin spoke, her gaze instinctively drifted towards Cirno in the distance.

Initially, she hadn't fully believed Lin Luo’s claim that Cirno’s three-stage transformation posed a threat to her. However, the sheer aura unleashed during Cirno's transformation moments ago was certainly not negligible. If they were to truly fight, Eirin couldn't guarantee a 100% victory.

"It appears you all have many questions regarding my identity," Lin Luo’s voice echoed again while everyone was lost in thought.

Although his current appearance conveyed an imposing dignity, it lacked an overwhelming oppressive force, so the crowd didn't feel overly uncomfortable. Hearing his words, Aoko immediately spoke up, "Not just your identity; I’m also curious about the reason you’re here."

What Fourth Demon Lord? Aoko had never heard of such a title. With her naturally competitive spirit, she certainly wouldn't bow to Lin Luo. Thus, her words carried a distinct edge of provocation.

Lin Luo stated calmly, "You will learn my identity in due time. As for my purpose here... I am, of course, present for the Holy Grail War."

"The Holy Grail War?" Hearing this term, Touko Aozaki instantly recalled the hypothesis she’d formed before coming to Fuyuki City, and instinctively blurted out, "Are you the hidden manipulator behind this Holy Grail War?"

"What?!" Touko Aozaki's statement made everyone jump, even Aoko seemed momentarily confused.

Touko explained, "Don't you all think this Holy Grail War is bizarre? Normally, the war involves one Master paired with one Servant, totaling only seven sets. Even if exceptions occur, they are phenomena kept strictly secret. But the current situation... A Holy Grail War that should only have seven Servants now features so many, with Masters even receiving aid from two Servants simultaneously. Moreover, even if a Servant is defeated and vanishes, a new one can be summoned. Most importantly... why are people like us, who shouldn't be involved, dragged into a Holy Grail War taking place in Fuyuki City?"

"This..." The group was momentarily speechless. Before coming here, they had all sensed the strangeness of the situation, but none had analyzed it as deeply as Touko Aozaki. Hearing her articulate it suddenly brought clarity, and all eyes turned toward Lin Luo.

"You are correct," Lin Luo said, still seated calmly on the silver throne. "This entire incident is orchestrated by me from behind the scenes... I bestowed the Command Spells upon you, induced you to summon Servants, lured you to Fuyuki City, and even caused you to intervene in a war you rightfully should have been kept out of... I did all of it."

"Why would you do these things?" Ryougi Shiki asked in a low voice.

"Because... I intend to conquer the world!" Lin Luo declared majestically.

"..." At this moment, a profound silence fell over everyone. Conquer the world... Was he serious?

Although the answer sounded absurd, none of them—Aoko, Touko, Shiki, or Akiha—took it as a joke. A mastermind who could control the Holy Grail War, manipulate it at will, and even introduce a large contingent of alternate reality Heroic Spirits—when such a person announced his goal was world conquest, they couldn't simply laugh it off.

"It seems we have indeed encountered a Demon Lord," Tohno Akiha observed.

"Whether I am a Demon Lord or not, I don't care!" Suddenly, Kurogiri Izuna stepped forward from behind, gathering her courage, and demanded angrily, "You say you controlled everything behind the scenes. Does that mean I can hold you responsible for the death of Reisen?"

"Heroic Spirits do not die..." Lin Luo began, then noticed Izuna’s expression hadn't changed, and paused before nodding. "Of course, if you wish to lay her death at my feet, you may. After all, the battle between you was guided by me."

"I understand. Then I will hold you completely accountable for this debt!" Kurogiri Izuna declared loudly, showing no fear of the Fourth Demon Lord's title.

"Very well, I shall wait," Lin Luo replied. Just as his words concluded, Akiha Tohno seemed to recall something and stepped forward as well. "I have a question."

"Speak," Lin Luo allowed.

"You just said you control this Holy Grail War. Then I need to know... were you involved in the Holy Grail War ten years ago?" Akiha asked gravely.

"Yes."

"Then, do you know a person named Makoto Tohno?"

"...I know him."

"Really?" Akiha's eyes immediately brightened.

Lin Luo stated the truth: "Of course, it’s real. How could I be mistaken about the person I personally killed?"

"What did you say?!" Upon hearing this, Akiha’s face dramatically changed color.

However, Lin Luo paid her no further mind, looking toward the others. He stated calmly, "Do any of you have other questions? This is a critical juncture; I will tell you anything you wish to know."

"I'm curious about why you are intentionally provoking our anger like this. Aren't you afraid that all of us will turn against you?" Aoko inquired.

"I am not doing that; I am merely stating facts," Lin Luo replied blandly, wearing an expression that showed he held no one in high regard. "Ultimately, no matter how much you resent me, with your meager strength, you couldn't even touch the hem of my garment."

"You!" At these words, even Aoko Tohno was enraged, responding with a furious laugh. "Hahahaha! What 'meager strength'! Since you put it that way, I insist on experiencing firsthand just what abilities you possess!"

"You are most welcome," Lin Luo responded.

In just a few sentences, Lin Luo had successfully drawn the enmity of the Shingetsutan, KnK, and Magic factions. Truly, the greatest Tank in history.

But it wasn't over. At that moment, Cirno glared furiously at Lin Luo and shouted, "I don't know who you are, but you’re the reason everyone is sad and angry, right?"

"Yes, that's me," Lin Luo nodded, though he felt a touch of confusion. He had expected the anger from Izuna, Akiha, and the others, but Cirno... even though she was an idiot, hadn't she transformed? Hadn't she evolved into a state combining wisdom and intellect? Why couldn't she recognize him? Or perhaps, even in her perfect form, low IQ remains a critical flaw?

"And you’re the one who plunged the land into chaos and panic?" Cirno continued her interrogation.

"Yes, that's me."

"And you’re the one who dragged everyone into this war?"

"Yes, that's me."

"And you’re the one who knocked that little sister out?" Cirno pointed at Remilia Scarlet.

"..." At this point, even though the collective anger level was maxed out, the others were momentarily speechless. The one who actually knocked Remilia out was her!

Yet, Lin Luo nodded, resolutely taking the blame. "That’s right, it was me."

"Also, is it your fault that I’m hungry and can’t eat grilled frogs?" As she said this, Cirno’s anger level noticeably spiked.

The instant Cirno finished speaking, a clatter sounded behind her as several people collapsed in a heap.

"..." Even though Lin Luo desperately sought to attract hate and take responsibility, this last accusation seemed genuinely indefensible. However, he couldn't disappoint Cirno either, so he finally nodded reluctantly. "If you want to believe that, you can. It's all my fault."

"I understand!" Upon hearing his answer, Cirno slammed her fists together with a loud boom, then pointed dramatically at Lin Luo and roared, "You just wait! No matter how far you run, I will definitely defeat you, you evil Great Demon Lord!"

"Excellent," Lin Luo said calmly. "If you all didn't come, I would be quite troubled. After all, my ambition to conquer the world requires your strength."

Although his method of attracting enmity was highly flawed, the resulting grievance points were undeniable. Akiha Tohno held a deep hatred for the killing of her father, Kurogiri Izuna a hatred for the death of her friend, Aoko Tohno the wrath born of contempt, and Cirno the pain of starvation... Under such profound grievances, details no longer mattered. They were all flexing their fists, eager to strike Lin Luo down immediately.

Watching their surging battle intent, Marisa and the others were left speechless, exchanging looks again.

Marisa: Hey, are we really supposed to fight him?

Youmu: Our current status is Servant; we shouldn't defy our Master's will, right?

Marisa: But the opponent is him... Fighting him would be suicidal!

Patchouli: Uh... he seems to be playing the role of the villain BOSS right now. Generally, in these scenarios, the hero should win in the end.

Alice: But what if the Demon Lord wins?

Patchouli: Then... it would truly be a masterpiece. But I don't recall him being a fan of masterpieces.

Kaguya: What if he suddenly gets a wild idea and decides on a divine development? What do we do then?

Nue Houjuu: At worst, we die, but we won't actually die, anyway.

Renko Usami: I like divine developments.

...

While the Gensokyo group was having their "discussion," Lin Luo didn't pause. "While your courage is commendable, challenging me requires more than just guts... I have Four Heavenly Kings under my command. You may challenge me after you pass their test."

As he spoke, Lin Luo waved his hand, instantly teleporting Sanae away. Simultaneously, Eirin Yagokoro and Byakuren Hijiri, who had been watching from a distance, were also teleported over. Additionally, a small, fluffy-looking dog-girl flashed into existence in a burst of white light, joining the other three.

"These are the Four Heavenly Kings under my command... Eirin Yagokoro, Byakuren Hijiri, Sanae Kochiya, and Momiji Inubashiri. Let them test your strength. If you prove unworthy, you have no right to challenge me, and this day next year will be your death anniversary!" Lin Luo stated coldly. As his voice faded, the Magic Mirror snapped shut.

Suspended in mid-air, the Four Heavenly Kings were brought to tears.

Damn it! None of them wanted to be these damn Four Heavenly Kings!

PS: Double points begin at 0:00 on the 29th. Are everyone’s monthly tickets ready? (To be continued)RQ