Artoria’s heart was filled with shock and bewilderment at Misaka Mikoto’s words. They had no idea how powerful their enemies truly were, but they knew it must be terrifying. This Number 36, in particular, had been highlighted by Yao Yao and Lin Luo as someone they needed to be exceptionally wary of.

And now, Mikoto was insisting on facing her alone, especially after sensing the sheer danger the opponent radiated.

Neither Artoria, nor Misaka Mizerō, nor even Elricute or Katsura Hinagiku could accept it. This was far too reckless—no, it was practically a death wish!

But Mikoto was resolute, refusing to change her mind. She finally managed to convince them with a solemn vow that she was absolutely confident she would return alive. Of course, the fact that their first team was incomplete played a role in her success.

The second, third, fourth, and fifth groups were all whole; if things became critical, they could form a finishing formation to decide the outcome. However, both the first and seventh groups were fragmented. The seventh group was somewhat manageable; each member possessed a unique quality, offering a hidden trump card. But the situation for the first group was grim: they were missing two members, and in terms of raw power, aside from Misaka Mikoto, the other four were not top-tier. In short, this first group was at a significant disadvantage.

They lacked the ability to hold their own, nor did they possess a formation to turn the tide. If they encountered a slightly stronger enemy, the outlook would likely be dire. Given these circumstances, if Mikoto was confident, allowing her to handle the fight solo wasn't without its benefits. First, it would allow Mikoto to fight with unbridled freedom. Second, the four extra members could then be dispatched to reinforce the seventh group.

It was for these reasons that Artoria and the others agreed to Mikoto’s proposal.

Meanwhile, the enemy, Number 36, remained completely inactive during this time, standing aside as if observing a play. Her utterly composed attitude was unmistakable. Only after Artoria and the other four had walked away did she turn to Mikoto with a slight smile and say, "Two of those four are at the Ninth Heaven stage, and two are at the Eighth. In any other context, they would be top-tier experts, but to me, they are utterly negligible. I could end their lives in an instant if I wished. Sending them away was a choice steered toward safety, and certainly a relatively wise one. However…"

Number 36 paused, her gaze shifting to Mikoto with evident disdain, and she sneered, "Though you are considerably stronger than them, you are still only at the peak of the Ninth Heaven. Are you truly certain you can handle me alone?"

Mikoto offered a placid smile, her demeanor as unruffled as Number 36’s. "Since you believe I only possess the strength of the Ninth Heaven, then it stands to reason that dealing with you solo should pose no problem for me."

Number 36’s eyes narrowed immediately, a chill underlying the movement. "I have no idea where you derive such confidence."

Suddenly, a suffocating wave of scorching heat surged toward Mikoto. Where the air moved, even space seemed to distort and melt, yet when the wave passed, Mikoto’s short shoulder-length hair merely swayed, completely unaffected.

"I have two reasons for my confidence. First, I am the first Host to form a pact. Second, I am the last Host to emerge from the Ancient Illusion Realm."

A subtle shift occurred in Number 36’s mind. Others might not grasp the meaning behind Mikoto’s words, but she did. Still, the aura emanating from Mikoto hadn't reached the level required to truly contend with her, which remained a point of concern. Or rather... what other trump cards was Misaka Mikoto hiding?

"The first and the last. Fitting. I was also the first to awaken... It seems we are quite compatible."

As she spoke, Number 36’s figure vanished from the spot. A brilliant flash of sword light appeared, and then, on the face of Misaka Mikoto opposite her, an expression of astonishment crystallized an instant before shattering into countless fragments.

"Sword of the Apex—this is the fastest sword technique in existence. Even Yukine, the foremost swordsman of the Time Travelers, cannot match my speed. But I am currently only using fifty percent of my power. If you cannot even evade this single strike…"

Number 36 returned her blade to its sheath, but before she could finish speaking, a complete Mikoto materialized beside the myriad pieces of the shattered version, asking, "Perhaps your sword is the fastest, but can it surpass light? Can it surpass electricity?"

Number 36 turned back to face the unharmed Mikoto and suddenly understood, excitement gleaming in her eyes. She said gravely, "I see now. You were concealing strength even I misjudged. No wonder you dared to face me alone. Very well... Today, we are guaranteed a satisfying battle!"

With that declaration, the sword shot out, accompanied by a flash of light.

Seamlessly executed, it was faster than lightning.

"I believe so as well."

Thunder roared, light sped, and energy exploded.

The aura was immense, the power immeasurable.

In an instant, the two experts of the Outer Heaven were locked in ferocious combat, causing even this vast universe to tremble.

...

On the other side, after separating from Mikoto, Artoria and her three companions quickly located the Seventh Group, led by Yakumo Yukari and others, guided by the mutual sensory link between Hosts. It was inevitable that they would soon encounter their designated enemies.

Number 40 and Number 42—the last two World Heart powerhouses serving under Luo Tianyi.

Number 40 was a girl of delicate, refined beauty, appearing quiet and demure. She wore an outfit of pale emerald green, giving the impression of a gentle, well-bred young lady. Moreover, she held no weapon and radiated no powerful aura, presenting an entirely harmless facade.

Number 42, however, was different. By outward appearance alone, she seemed even more harmless than Number 40. She barely reached 1.2 meters in height, and her infantile expression suggested she couldn't be older than ten. Even her clothing was decidedly childish. Yet, beneath her feet stood a monster larger than a mountain—dragon-headed, tiger-tailed, with menacing spectral claws, its cavernous maw dripping with gore.

This creature, which possessed a familiar yet ultimately indefinable appearance, caused even Yakumo Yukari and her group to flinch internally. But beneath the feet of little Loli 42, it behaved docilely. With just a slight tap of her foot, the monster, which had been thrashing about as if ready to devour them at any moment, instantly became as compliant as a kitten.

Appearances, indeed, could be deceiving.

Number 42's stunning contrast—the adorable contradiction—prevented Yakumo Yukari’s group from showing her any contempt. Likewise, although Number 40 appeared quiet, as a World Heart powerhouse, she could hardly be genuinely harmless.

The two parties met, but instead of immediately engaging, they observed each other. A moment later, the contrastingly cute Number 42 suddenly laughed heartily, pointing at Yakumo Yukari’s group, and said up to Number 40, "Our luck is terrible. These guys can't even form their finishing formation. Fifth Sister, do you want to