Chaldea Time.
December 31, 2015.
Exactly twelve noon.
In Da Vinci's private workshop.
"Ugh…"
Emerging from the Mystic Code changing booth, Ritsuka looked at her current appearance in the mirror.
Outside her usual Chaldea uniform, a layer of black armor covered her from her arms down to below her chest, complete with leg guards. Previously, every time she headed to a new Singularity, Ritsuka would receive a new Mystic Code from Da Vinci and Touko.
This time was no different.
The only difference from before was…
"I feel like this Mystic Code's function is more oriented toward—"
"Yes, its function leans more toward combat."
Da Vinci leaned against the table, smiling as she explained: "After all, this battle is different from the usual. We're the ones attacking, so even though you're a Master, you need to have a certain level of combat ability."
As she spoke, Da Vinci turned off the room's lights and projected a holographic screen between them.
"I'll briefly explain the effects of this Mystic Code."
"As usual, aside from physical protection and Magic Resistance, the Mystic Code has three types of Magecraft embedded. One is Reinforcement Magecraft, and another is Healing Magecraft. You've used both frequently, so I won't elaborate further."
Reinforcement Magecraft, Healing Magecraft.
These were the Magecrafts Ritsuka used most often. She employed them almost every time she supported Mash in battle.
"And the third one?"
"That's offensive Magecraft. As I mentioned earlier, this Mystic Code will give you a certain level of combat ability, and the reason lies in the third embedded Magecraft—Magic Cannon."
The holographic screen between them shifted, displaying a simple design in front of Ritsuka.
Da Vinci explained: "In simple terms, it's a spell that gathers, compresses, and then releases Mana in a directed manner—You've also been training in long-range shooting. This is the combat style most suitable for you."
"By the way, its prototype comes from the Fifth True Magic. After all, when it comes to Magic Cannon, no one in this world is more skilled than her."
(A Magic Cannon like Aoko-san's?)
Ritsuka had witnessed it multiple times and was deeply impressed by its power.
"I can use a Magic Cannon like that?"
"Yes, though there's a limit to the number of uses, its power is guaranteed to match the original." Da Vinci pursed her lips. "The allowed number of uses is ten. Essentially, one finger per use—To ensure its power, this Mystic Code will use your general nerves as a Magic Circuit. After absorbing enough Mana, the spell will be released from your fingertips."
"So that means, every time it's used, one finger will be damaged?"
Looking at her hands, Ritsuka slightly clenched her fists.
"Exactly. After all, I've never truly studied Magecraft. To produce a Magic Cannon as powerful as Aoko-san's, there has to be a price."
"It's only for a last resort." Da Vinci said after a moment's hesitation. "According to Natsukawa's battle plan, you and Mash won't be facing Goetia. You'll be dealing with the Demon God Pillars. There are many others fighting alongside you. In truth, you shouldn't need to use all ten Magic Cannons."
"If possible, I hope you won't need to use them at all."
"I understand. Thanks, Da Vinci-chan." Ritsuka smiled. "By the way, where's Touko-san? Why don't I see her?"
(Trying to change the topic casually?)
Da Vinci sighed and went along with Ritsuka's attitude: "She went to sleep. We designed and crafted this Mystic Code from scratch in one day. We're exhausted. So is Crane."
"Thank you so much, Da Vinci-chan. You all have worked so hard over the past six months."
"If you want to thank us, come back alive." Da Vinci smiled. "Come back alive with everyone, then throw a grand party to celebrate our final victory."
That was the most appropriate way to show gratitude right now.
Ritsuka nodded seriously: "I'll do it—Well then, it's almost time. I need to head to the control room to prepare for the operation. See you, Da Vinci-chan."
"Yeah, see you."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
A few minutes later, Control Room.
When Ritsuka arrived, the others were already there.
Hinako, Xiang Yu, Mash, Naoki.
"Took you long enough. You're late, Fujimaru." Hinako glared at Ritsuka slightly.
"Only a dozen seconds late. Don't be too hard on Fujimaru, Senior Hinako." Naoki said with a smile, looking at Ritsuka. "Fujimaru, that's… a new Mystic Code, huh. Looks like you're ready too."
"Then, let's begin the final pre-battle briefing."
As the Head of Chaldea's Operations Department, the overall person in charge of stopping the Human Order Incineration and executing the Restoration of the Human Foundation, in these final moments, Naoki, for the first time, gave an official speech as the supreme commander.
"Now, Chaldea officially commences the assault operation on the Final Singularity: Solomon."
"The operation personnel are as follows."
"Demon God Pillar Assault Group—Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash Kyrielight, Akuta Hinako, Xiang Yu, Sajyou Rei, Sajyou Ayaka, Atalanta, Okita Souji, Artoria, Mordred, Ciel, Angelica, Merry, Gray, Arcueid."
"The fifteen people above, upon arriving at the Grand Temple of Time via Rayshift, will begin the assault operation against the Demon God Pillars. Personnel who don't require Rayshift will be directly led by me, Natsukawa Naoki, via Spatial Transfer."
The total number of Demon God Pillars is seventy-two. To face them with just fifteen people was, frankly, like moths flying into a flame. Even though Arcueid alone could hold off half, the remaining thirty-six Demon God Pillars were still difficult to contain.
But it had to be done.
If they weren't confronted, human civilization would have no future.
"Then, the Demon God King Assault Group—Natsukawa Naoki, Aozaki Aoko."
"The two above, upon arriving at the Grand Temple of Time, will head directly to the temple's central area and engage in combat with the Demon God King."
One of the five Magicians in the world and the third-generation wielder of the Holy Sword of the Stars, inheriting Excalibur.
This was the most suitable and strongest force Chaldea could provide to face the Demon God King.
"The mission objectives are just two points."
Naoki looked at everyone present, glanced at Roman beside him, and spoke earnestly.
"Win, and come back alive."
"READY!!"
Everyone responded with spirited shouts.
And after watching the three operation personnel head to the Coffins (Rayshift pods) to prepare for Rayshift, Roman looked at Naoki, who was also preparing to depart to gather the other personnel.
"Sorry, Natsukawa."
"What do you mean?"
"That… no, never mind—Go. Go and end the battle we couldn't settle ten years ago."
In Roman's eyes, Naoki turned slightly and gave him a faint smile.
"Yeah, this time it will end, and I will win."
"I will truly defeat you, Caster—Solomon."