Otherwise, you can find another savior.

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When you have strength but it's insufficient, the result is that after the great battle, you're the only one left standing on the battlefield.

Because he wasn't closely connected to the Rain Clan, he could accept the outcome.

But they were also terrified that the same thing would happen again in New Chaldea.

After all, by now, the original Chaldea personnel have been reduced from several hundred to only a dozen or so.

It has nothing to do with the depth of the feelings.

We have fought together to this day and given these combatants a lot of support. They are trustworthy and important comrades who need to be protected.

"You've been researching ORT these past few days, have you found anything new?" Scáthach casually changed the subject.

It's more effective to talk about serious matters than to simply offer comfort.

“No. It’s always the same stuff. Since the Clock Tower suffered heavy losses in the 16th century, it hasn’t organized any similar investigations. They can only examine the environment outside the forbidden zone.” Xi Jian answered her master without hesitation. “But I’ve read all those materials, and the Atlas Institute has pretty much the same information.”

"Hmm..." Morgan seemed thoughtful, but couldn't come up with any new ideas.

“By the way, didn’t the headmaster of the Clock Tower say that the ORTs wouldn’t awaken unless called upon by the planet?” Scáthach then brought up a point that concerned her, “Don’t you think that statement is quite intriguing?”

"The planet's call?" Shiomi sighed. "Of course I care. But if you look at it from this perspective, it means that although ORT is a super-powerful entity that descended from outer space, it is related to the planet itself, or rather, the planet's restraining force."

Unlike the repressive force of primates, the repressive force of a planet originates from the planet's unconscious survival instinct, which is only concerned with the planet's own continuation.

The planet's suppressive power showed no response to the two major crises: the burning of human reason and the bleaching of human reason.

The reason is easy to understand: for a planet, it doesn't matter how the fabric covering its surface changes.

Whether it's the Demon King Goetia or the unknown alien god, both plans may lead the planet to a more prosperous future. Therefore, the planet itself naturally doesn't need to intervene and can simply wait for the outcome.

"For example, summoned here by a planet?" Morgan said.

tide Jian tilted her head: "It's hard to say, but it might really be true. Perhaps for the planet, humans... no, I should say primates have unknowingly become a threat, something that needs to be eliminated."

“But that doesn’t make sense,” Scáthach pointed out. “Don’t forget Fou, that guy has the qualifications to be a primate killer, but he just doesn’t want to be, so he’s stuck at his current level.”

“That’s not wrong either,” Shiomi admitted.

The title of "Primate Killer" signifies the absolute power to kill primates. This is a power granted to the Fourth Beast by the planet, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a privilege.

If the goal is to eliminate humanity, then at least the primate killers should be mobilized first.

Chapter 8 A Difficult Question (2)

"Ah, no matter how many times I think about it, something just doesn't feel right."

tide Jian buried her head in her hands and lay face down on the table.

His concern wasn't about the ORT subspecies existing in the South American Lostbelt, but rather the fact that ORTs existed in South America during the Pan-Human History period.

After all, as the saying goes, there is always an antidote within seven steps of a venomous snake.

Although this statement is somewhat far-fetched, Shiomi believes that the key to conquering the South American Lostbelt and defeating the ORT subspecies must also lie within the Lostbelt.

Now he is more concerned about the unknown threat that may have been summoned by the planet and whose purpose is unclear, and which is slumbering on the planet.

It's something that's 100% aimed at humans, yet it's not in a hurry to act immediately.

If not handled properly, it could become an even more terrifying threat than "preying on wandering stars".

Ultimately, why would the planet want to destroy humanity, and what mistakes will humanity make in the future?

“Let’s take this opportunity to ask Fufu how she is,” Morgan said with a smile, trying to reassure her. “Now that my husband can understand those monosyllabic words, he’ll definitely know what to do.”

“I asked.” tide Jian rested her chin on the table, her eyes fixed on the chess piece that had been captured and placed outside the chessboard. “But Fu Fu didn’t know much about it either, only that it was related to what happened after the planet ended.”

“That’s too far—” Scáthach joked instinctively, but then suddenly realized something was wrong, “The end of the planet?”

"Any questions?" Morgan asked.

“No, it’s just a vague feeling,” Scáthach pondered. “Although planets have a survival instinct and have developed something called planetary restraint, their unconscious is more accepting than humans, and they will accept death as it comes naturally.”

Morgan raised an eyebrow: "It's amazing you know about this kind of thing."

“I didn’t become the ruler of the Land of Shadows for no reason,” Scáthach said. “The concept of death is completely different for humans and other life forms on this planet from the concept of the planet itself.”

“I remember Master said something similar before,” tide Jian suddenly recalled.

The teaching methods in the Land of Shadows are primarily based on martial arts, and the knowledge aspect often focuses on teaching how to fight.

Scáthach would gloss over any further secrets and knowledge with a nonchalant tone.

After all, even she felt at the time that those things had nothing to do with Xijian, so there was no need to go into too much detail.

“You still remember? That makes things easier.” Scáthach stared at the chessboard, a slight smile on her face. “Let’s consider this: if you were just ordinary humans, knowing you were about to die of old age, what would you think?”

“Then of course I have no choice but to accept it,” Shiomi replied frankly.

“Hmm.” Morgan’s attitude was similar.

"So, what if you knew that after death, the parasites that live on your body and cannot harm you can continue to live even after you die, no matter how decayed your body becomes?" Scáthach asked probingly.

Shiomi shrugged: "That's natural, isn't it? Isn't that how all human deaths happen?"

"Fairies turn into dust after they die, so it's hard to imagine, but if it's the law of nature, then there's nothing to worry about. After all, we're all dead anyway," Morgan said.

Their answer did not surprise Scáthach, or rather, that is what most humans would think.

Of course, there are also people who cannot accept this situation and would consider using methods such as cremation to erase their own remains.

“But it’s different when it comes to planets,” Scáthach said. “The death of a planet means that it no longer has the elements necessary for the existence of humans or any other life. But what if, in such a case, the primates living on the planet could continue to exist even after the planet dies?”

"...Is that possible?" Shiomi asked.

“Maybe,” Morgan said uncertainly. “If it were a human, they might actually be able to do it.”

After all, the now blank earth can be considered a phenomenon of planetary paralysis.

Even so, there are still Chaldea survivors on the planet.

“When the planet comes to an end, its restraining force will disappear, and beings like primate killers will also disappear,” Scáthach said. “At that time—”

“If life continues to exist on the planet after death, it’s understandable that the planet would send a request to the outer universe before it dies.” Artoria walked into the room.

"In other words, other planets also have the same survival instincts as Earth, just like our brothers and sisters." Shiomi understood Artoria's statement.

“It’s just a view that’s more in line with the current situation.” Since Artoria couldn’t find an empty chair, she sat on Shiomi’s lap. “ORT might have come about for this reason.”

Then, Shiomi asked the final question: "But right now, the planet is far from its end, isn't it?"

"I don't know about that." Artoria wrapped her arms around Shiomi's neck and snuggled against him affectionately.

“In the end, the problem still wasn’t solved.” Morgan nudged Artoria. “Move aside, you’re blocking my view.”

tide Jian had no choice but to turn her chair around and step back a few centimeters, trying to maintain a position where she could face all three of them at the same time.

"But it also provided some valuable insights that will be very helpful for what I should do next." Shiomi said with a smile, and then kissed the exposed area of ​​Artoria's chest as a token of her gratitude.

“As for what should be done,” Scáthach said thoughtfully, “just don’t let yourself be too bound by responsibility, or you’ll end up like the knight king in your arms, getting stuck in a dead end.”

“…Tianxi’s wisdom surpasses mine; she wouldn’t have taken me so long to understand like I did.” Artoria shook her head.

“It’s not that exaggerated.” Shiomi shook her head and reminded Scáthach and Morgan, “You two are too busy helping me think about the problem, why don’t you continue playing chess?”

"Who was it just now?" Morgan suddenly couldn't remember.

Scáthach thought for a moment: "It's probably my turn, but I'm currently deep in thought? Unfortunately, after thinking about other things for a while, I suddenly forgot which step I was planning to take."

"Master wouldn't want me to come up with a plan, would he?" tide Jian asked with a long face. "We'll lose."

“Winning or losing doesn’t matter, it’s just a way to pass the time.” Scáthach casually kicked Shiomi’s shin. “Since everyone’s here, why don’t I see my beloved student’s wisdom?”

"Master, please don't do this." tide Jian deliberately hugged Artoria tighter. "Why don't we let Her Majesty the Knight King come? She's definitely more skilled than me."

“Tianxi…” Artoria was surprised by Xijian’s way of making excuses.

Morgan casually straightened his cuffs: "What, afraid of losing to me... no, to your sister?"

"Not necessarily."

The provocation worked; Artoria got up from Shiomi and switched seats with Scáthach.

"Keep it up, everyone."

Then, it was Scáthach's turn to relax and put her arm around Shiomi.

Chapter Nine: Farewell to the Wandering Sea

"So, have you packed everything you needed?"

Shio opened the door to Orange's room and saw her putting some clothes into a suitcase.

“I didn’t have any personal belongings to begin with; it was all new stuff I bought at Chaldea.” Orange closed the box. “Besides, there are rooms on the ship, and the rooms here on the Wandering Sea are more like guesthouses.”

"That's not wrong."

Her statement drew agreement from Shiomi.

Storm Border itself has a huge and complex internal space, possessing all the elements of a doomsday ark.

Moving into the area lent to Chaldea by the Wandering Sea was simply to make it easier to travel between work and rest.

Of course, this convenience is no longer needed now.

Using Atlas Academy technology, Sion created Trismegistus II on the Wandering Sea, recreating the facilities needed for Chaldea's operation.

These facilities have been successfully relocated to Storm Border.

Right now is the time when Chaldea is about to bid farewell to the Wandering Sea completely.

"Once you leave here, there's no turning back," Shio said. "Are you mentally prepared?"

"This is the question I want to ask you." Orange dragged her suitcase and walked up to Xi. "I've made up my mind. No matter what happens next, whether it's victory or destruction, I will stay by your side until the outcome is clear."

"Okay, that's good." tide Jian nodded.

Orange already knew his answer, so there was no need to repeat it.

"Let's go over there, lest we be left behind."

Orange grabbed Shio's arm and pushed him toward the area where StormBorder was parked.

"How's the doll thing going?" tide Jian asked.

“It went very smoothly.” Orange replied with a smile. “Being able to obtain Valkyrie’s technology from the goddess Skadi, even though it’s not the same concept as my doll, has brought me many things that I would never have been able to obtain in my entire life.”

"It seems that even a puppeteer who has reached the pinnacle can go even further in the future?" tide Jian asked.

"It's hard to say..." Orange shook her head. "After all, it's a technology that's beyond human capabilities. If we're not careful, it could become a technology that hinders the continuation of humanity."

Shio-mi expressed her understanding: "So you plan to just learn it, but not use it?"

"I should say I don't plan to go public," Orange said, shaking her head.

It has nothing to do with the designated seal; these new technologies are just for my own use.

The doll's creation technique, which recreates the Valkyrie craftsmanship of Norse mythology, is probably not something that can be dealt with simply by sealing it.

The clock tower will be in an uproar, and the mysterious, declining history of humankind will once again take an unusual turn.

It's possible that, for reasons unrelated to personal grudges, he might become an enemy of Aoko again.

Just thinking about it is incredibly troublesome.

Orange now prefers a carefree and easy life to being constantly bothered by "trouble".

"As long as you think it's okay, then there's no problem." tide Jian's attitude remained the same.

This put Orange at ease.

The two walked and talked until they reached Storm Border. Nemo and his crew were unloading the last of their supplies. Orange carried the boxes onto the ship first, while Shiomi stayed below to keep an eye on the surroundings.

“Let’s get on the ship first, Mr. Shiomi,” Sion reminded him. “After the ‘Alien God’ descended, Storm Border only made one imaginary voyage in and out of the Wandering Sea.”

Her meaning was simple: the coordinates of the Wandering Sea on the planet, hidden under the protection of its heritage, had not been exposed.

“Even if there’s only a 0.01% chance, we still need to be careful,” Shiomi said. “Only I can defend against the attacks of the ‘Alien God’.”

"Oh dear, then I'll trouble you," said Sion.

Shiomi nodded: "You're actually willing to issue the eighth contract to help Chaldea save the world. Both the Clock Tower and this world owe you a favor."

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” Sion said. “I just think it’s a pity that this world is just disappearing like this. It’s a pity that Father doesn’t care.”

“Alchemists are, in the end, still magicians, aren’t they?” Shiomi said, hands on her hips. “I lack that magician’s mindset and can’t understand your father’s thoughts.”

“There’s no need to understand,” Sion said, “because my approach is the one that deviates from the usual style of the Atlas Institute.”