The Root.
The origin of all things. The existence from which all phenomena flow. The truth of the world. Ultimate knowledge. The Root.
In the mystic world, it goes by many names. And how to reach the Root is the sole research topic of every Magus. No matter the type of Magecraft, no matter the study, the ultimate goal is for the Magus to obtain a path to the Root.
Now, after twenty years, Naoki had arrived here once again.
As if falling into a bottomless deep sea, or leaping from a great height. One moment still riding the ups and downs of a roller coaster, the next shifting into slow motion like rowing across a lake…
When he came to, he was standing amid falling snow all around.
"Welcome."
Before Naoki, Root Shiki smiled at him.
"You've come here again, Natsukawa-kun."
"Am I going to end up here every time I defeat a Beast?" Naoki shrugged. "If so, I didn't come here during the Seventh Singularity."
Root Shiki chuckled softly: "No, this time I deliberately brought you here. There are a few things I need to explain. After all, before the Human Order Incineration ends, this is the only place I can be."
Mifune City had burned to the ground, and Root Shiki's figure was nowhere to be seen in Chaldea or Avalon. Thus, this was indeed the only place she could reside.
"Then, what do you want to tell me?"
"First, regarding the Human Order Incineration—Congratulations, Natsukawa-kun. You won."
Root Shiki clapped with a smile.
"Your Mystic Eyes completely eroded Beast I soul. From now on, the magical ritual created by Solomon—Human Order Correction Ritual—and the most advanced summoning ritual in human history, the Seventy-Two Demon Gods, will both fully belong to you."
"If you wear the Ten Rings, it wouldn't be wrong to call yourself King Solomon."
Excalibur, fully unleashed, obliterated Goetia's body. The Soul Eater Mystic Eyes completely eroded Goetia's soul. The Seventy-Two Demon Gods, a complete entity with him, thus became entirely Naoki's.
And the nine of the Ten Rings bestowed by the heavens upon Solomon, worn by Goetia, now fell into Naoki's hands. Combined with the final ring he had taken from Roman ten years ago, all ten rings were now in Naoki's possession.
After a moment's thought, Naoki shook his head: "Forget it. I'm not interested in Solomon's power. After this, I'll return the rings to Roman. With the Human Order Incineration over, there's no point in me keeping them."
Naoki had taken the rings to prevent Roman from using his first Noble Phantasm. And now was indeed the time to return them.
The same applied to Goetia and the Seventy-Two Demon Gods. Though soul erosion couldn't be reversed, Goetia and the Demon Gods were fundamentally magical rituals. Thus, with modification, their operational rights could be transferred.
Chaldea had several Magus far surpassing human intellect—and Solomon himself. Modifying one or two magical rituals would only take time.
"I see. If that's what you want, I respect your decision." Root Shiki said. "Then, the second matter—this could be called a Conferment."
"Conferment?"
"It could also be called Certification. Since twenty years ago, Natsukawa-kun, you have consecutively defeated two complete Beast entities and two young Beast entities. Considering your Mystic Eyes and Excalibur, the Root has designated you as an existence qualified to hold Grand candidacy."
Root Shiki explained: "In simple terms, if you ever ascend to the Throne of Heroes in the future, you will immediately become a Grand Candidate—though this isn't particularly significant for you. If you were to ascend to the Throne of Heroes, it might take thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of years."
Essentially, a fairy's lifespan is nearly limitless. Normal death is almost impossible. Even if they die, they resurrect. The only way for Naoki to ascend to the Throne of Heroes would be suicide.
Thus, this Grand certification from the Root held no current meaning. At most, it granted him a position he would only occupy after thousands or tens of thousands of years.
"Next is the third matter—regarding what happens after this."
"Humanity Freezing."
Naoki whispered.
The Human Order Incineration was not the end of everything. After this, the Earth would turn white for unknown reasons.
Lostbelts, Fantasy Trees, the Alien God—the true Beast VII… More threats would emerge on Earth one by one. There was still much to do.
But Root Shiki's next words left Naoki stunned.
"Humanity Freezing will not occur in the parallel world you currently inhabit."
"Eh?"
It won't happen?
"For a certain future to occur, the conditions that enable and trigger that future must be met in the present. And in the world you are in, some of the conditions necessary for the emergence of the Humanity Freezing future are not fulfilled." Root Shiki explained.
"So, you don't need to worry about Humanity Freezing. For a very long time to come, there will be no major crises in your world."
"—However, small crises still exist."
Naoki had been about to breathe a sigh of relief, but hearing Root Shiki's additional remark, he instantly couldn't hold back. His expression fell apart.
Root Shiki looked slightly puzzled: "What's wrong?"
After frowning several times, Naoki rubbed his forehead: "No, it's just… you can actually joke?"
"Just a bit of fun. Maybe because I've been awake too long, I've been slightly tainted by worldly affairs." Root Shiki laughed.
"Quite surprising… But what are these small crises? Another mage organization trying to cause trouble? Or is one of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors planning to resurface?"
Root Shiki shook her head: "Neither. That wouldn't even be called a crisis for you anymore. True, if described most fittingly, it should be a family matter."
"A family matter?"
"There is still one more person connected to you that you must save. You, who have a very close relationship with King Arthur, are the most suitable to save her."
The final person the Wielder of the Holy Sword of the Stars must save?
Naoki was slightly confused by Root Shiki's meaning. And at that moment, a sudden weightlessness enveloped him.
"It seems it's time."
Root Shiki looked upward as Naoki began to float: "For us, our next meeting will be in a very distant future… I hope by then, you still remember me."
"Wait, Shiki, what do you mean?"
"Farewell, Natsukawa-kun."
"Shiki—"