The Temple of the King of Magecraft does not exist within the bounds of proper time.
In terms familiar to the world of Magecraft, it resides in Imaginary Space—a realm far vaster than the real world, yet utterly empty. Without navigation or coordinates, safe traversal is impossible; entering recklessly means being lost forever.
After acquiring the Holy Grail from the Seventh Singularity and analyzing its nature, Chaldea was finally able to obtain the temple's coordinates within Imaginary Space.
At that location, the King of Magecraft's temple had formed a unique Singularity.
Thus, unlike past Rayshifts, this operation required the entire Chaldea facility to serve as a vessel to connect with the Singularity and launch a rapid, high-intensity strike.
The operation's objectives were simple:
First—storm the stronghold.
Second—defeat the King of Magecraft.
Third—escape enemy territory alive.
According to data from Chaldea's Near-Future Observation Lens: Sheba, this Singularity was a complete microcosm existing within Imaginary Space—a so-called conceptual universe.
If Chaldea could be seen as a miniature sandbox of Earth, then this Singularity was like a miniature sandbox of the cosmos.
Yet, despite being "cosmic," it contained no other celestial bodies. In human terms, it resembled a single-celled organism.
Moreover, the path to the Singularity's core—where a massive vortex of mana swirled—had already been sealed off.
"How does it look?" Shiomi asked, observing the still and lifeless Singularity beside Morgan.
After completing their Rayshift and entering the Time Temple of the King of Magecraft, she had immediately begun analyzing the Singularity.
"Rather than a conceptual universe, it's more like a Reality Marble," Morgan said, halting her analysis. "Though, to be clear, it's in a completely different league from what we typically consider a Reality Marble."
"How so?" Artoria asked.
Scáthach rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "It's like the framework of the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki. The Einzbern's Holy Maiden of Winter was essentially dissected—her magic circuits preserved and used as the foundation for the system."
"This temple... is the same. It was built using a Magus's body," Morgan continued. She raised a hand and pointed into the distance. "Head that way and you'll reach the throne of the King of Magecraft."
The rocky, winding path ahead was difficult to navigate, but thanks to the specialized war chariots constructed by Chaldea, they could move swiftly. Still, the journey was far from peaceful.
Aside from the seemingly dormant Demon Pillar husks scattered along the route, the entire Singularity radiated a powerful Beast signature.
Having previously encountered the Beast Class, Shiomi had no intention of charging in carelessly.
"Let's approach this differently from Uruk," Shiomi said, turning to the others seated in the chariot. "Morgan, Master, Artoria, and I will take the lead and scout ahead. Director, Ritsuka, and Mash will remain outside to defend Chaldea. Even though we've been maintaining the Proof of Existence, if that gets disrupted, it's over. Even if we win, we won't be able to escape."
He turned his gaze to Sakura, Caren, and Gray.
"Sakura, you'll be in charge of piloting the chariot and following our route," he added.
Both fronts carried heavy responsibilities. There was no room for hesitation or preference.
Using their strongest combat force to break the path forward was the logical choice—and no one objected.
Except for one sudden, jarring sound: applause.
Because the one clapping... wasn't one of their own.
"You crossed seven Singularities to make it this far… No—rather than luck, I should say your strength is truly commendable." Lev Lainur stood atop a raised platform, looking down upon the Chaldea group.
His gaze fell directly on Shiomi at the front.
"The Witch of Britannia, the Queen of the Land of Shadows, and..." Lev's eyes moved to Artoria. "The Lion King. I didn't expect you, who understood my King's will and once sought to preserve a handful of souls, would end up participating in Chaldea's foolish crusade."
Artoria stepped forward.
"The future of humanity belongs to the humans living in this era. Whether it's me or the King of Magecraft, we are both beings that should have been lost to history. My Master proved that his path was more right than the one I chose—so I will lend him my strength."
"Foolish. My King allowed your actions in Jerusalem, even had me deliver Chaldea's intelligence to you. Yet in the end, a so-called Holy Lance goddess is nothing more than a fool reborn." Lev's eyes narrowed with a chilling smile. "But it doesn't matter anymore."
His gaze shifted to the three standing beside Shiomi.
"Each of you is a Heroic Spirit with a name etched in history, and yet none of you can comprehend my King's mercy. Truly pitiful."
"I care little for the King of Magecraft's mercy," Scáthach said coldly, eyes fixed on Lev. "But his Incineration of Humanity turned the Land of Shadows into a sea of fire—and destroyed everything my beloved disciple left behind. From that moment, I became your enemy."
"Hmph..." Lev locked eyes with Shiomi. "So what exactly are you? The explosion in the control room should've been flawless. How did you survive and return from Imaginary Space? How did you live through the death my King granted you?"
Shiomi grinned. "Obviously because I have a wonderful daughter. Thanks to her efforts, I made it back from Imaginary Space. As for the divine authority? That just saved my life afterward."
"Divine authority?" Lev's brow twitched.
"My companions and I crossed through seven Singularities—and now we stand here." Shiomi exaggeratedly spread his arms, spun twice in front of the group, and mockingly mimicked Lev's lofty manner as he introduced himself. "I am Tenkei Shiomi: Master of Chaldea, husband of the Witch of Britannia, disciple of the Queen of the Land of Shadows, companion to the Lion King, and also... the twelfth offspring of the primordial mother goddess, Tiamat. Though honestly, that last one's more of a title than anything else."
He finished with a mocking glance at Lev.
"The child of Tiamat… No wonder that goddess abandoned her original intentions and returned to the Sea of Imaginary Numbers," Lev muttered, finally opening the eyes he had kept narrowed. His gaze turned cold, white sclera gleaming menacingly. "So it's you—you're the greatest obstacle standing in the way of my King's path!"
At his gesture, the dormant Demon Pillars began to stir and writhe.
The magical energy they released far surpassed that of any other Singularity before.
This was the Temple of Time—Solomon's domain. Here, the Demon Pillars, the King of Magecraft's most loyal servants, could unleash their full power without restraint.
"My King cannot leave his post, so I will be your opponent. Let's see if you're truly worthy of those grand titles you boast!"
As he declared this, Lev's staff transformed into a compact magic wand.