Avalon 2
Atlas Institute," Void Shiki continued, her voice soft but carrying absolute certainty. "A nexus of recorded human knowledge."
"Atlas?" Mash's eyes widened. "That's where Sion is currently stationed!"
"We need to contact Chaldea immediately," Ritsuka said, turning to BB. "Can you establish a secure connection through... whatever is happening to reality around us?"
BB's usual cheerful demeanor returned as she winked and materialized a complex digital interface. "Please, this level of reality distortion is child's play for the ultimate AI! One super-secure quantum-entangled communication link, coming right up~!"
As BB worked on establishing communications, Void Shiki approached Roman, studying him with her empty blue eyes.
"You interest me, Doctor," she said quietly. "You should not exist, yet you do. A paradox given form."
Roman shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "I'm still trying to understand it myself. Your master somehow pulled me back from... well, from nowhere."
"Not nowhere," Void Shiki corrected. "From everywhere. What you perceive as non-existence is merely existence spread infinitely thin. My Master simply... gathered the pieces."
Before Roman could respond to this unsettling revelation, BB announced triumphantly, "Connection established! Chaldea's on the line!"
The holographic display flickered to life, showing Da Vinci's concerned face.
"Ritsuka! We've been trying to reach you for hours! The Wandering Sea completely disappeared from our sensors and—" she paused, noticing Void Shiki. "I see you've received additional reinforcements."
"The situation was more advanced than anticipated," explained Avalon Scáthach. "The Void anchor has been neutralized, but we've discovered there are seven more manifestation points."
"Seven?!" Da Vinci's eyes widened.
"The next will target Atlas," Ritsuka explained quickly. "We need to warn Sion and prepare a defense team immediately."
"I'll contact her right away," Da Vinci nodded. "In the meantime, you should return to Chaldea for debriefing and to plan our next move."
"Agreed," said Ritsuka. "We'll rayshift back immediately."
As Da Vinci ended the transmission, Void Shiki turned to the group. "I must return to Avalon Evernight to report directly to the Master. The manifestation of the Void is accelerating. He will need to adjust his plans accordingly."
"Wait," called Anastasia as Void Shiki prepared to step back through the golden doorway. "What is he like? Your Master, Ramiris. In his private moments, when he's not addressing outsiders like us?"
A ghost of a smile touched Void Shiki's lips. "See for yourself," she said softly. With a gesture, the golden doorway expanded, transforming into a window through which they could observe Avalon Evernight itself.
Chapter 9: A Day in Avalon Evernight
The viewing portal opened into a scene of breathtaking majesty. Ramiris's private chambers in Avalon Evernight were more akin to a palatial suite than mere rooms—soaring ceilings of crystal and stardust, walls adorned with moving frescos depicting cosmic battles, and furnishings crafted from materials that seemed to shimmer between states of matter.
The Supreme Monarch himself stood on a balcony overlooking infinite gardens where constellations bloomed like flowers. He was dressed more casually than when they had met him—a loose black shirt with gold embroidery open at the collar, and fitted trousers that somehow managed to look both comfortable and regal.
"Dawn approaches, My Resplendent Lord."
The soft voice came from Ereshkigal, who entered carrying what appeared to be a goblet carved from a single diamond. Her maid uniform, accented with touches of the underworld darkness she commanded, somehow enhanced rather than diminished her divine presence.
Ramiris turned, his golden eyes lighting up with genuine pleasure. "Ah, my diligent Keeper of the Underworld Gardens! Right on time, as always."
He accepted the goblet with a gracious nod. "Your morning nectar continues to be the highlight of my day. No one else quite captures the essence of twilight flowers the way you do."
Ereshkigal's pale cheeks flushed a delicate pink at the praise. "You honor me, Lord Ramiris. I've added essence of lunar pearl to this morning's blend—I thought it might please you."
"Thoughtful as ever," he commented after taking a sip, his smile widening. "Perfect. Just the right balance of sweetness and that distinctive lunar bite."
The goddess bowed deeply, her happiness at his approval evident in every line of her body. "Will you be taking breakfast on the Star Terrace as usual, my lord?"
"I think not," Ramiris replied, setting down the goblet. "The throne room today, I believe. Our allies in Chaldea have encountered their first Void anchor, and I expect reports momentarily."
As if summoned by his words, Morgan appeared at the chamber entrance, her fairy queen aura contained but still palpable beneath her elegant maid attire.
"Void Shiki has returned, Lord Beyond the Mists," she announced with formal precision. "The first anchor has been neutralized, but with... complications."
"Complications?" Ramiris raised an eyebrow, his casual demeanor shifting subtly toward the commanding presence they had witnessed during their first meeting. "Elaborate, Keeper of Secrets."
"The anchor was more developed than our projections indicated," Morgan explained. "Void Shiki was required to intervene directly. She awaits your presence in the throne room with a full report."
"I see." Ramiris nodded thoughtfully. "Then we shall not keep her waiting. Ereshkigal, please inform Artoria Avalon to prepare the Observation Pool. I want to see these anchor sites directly."
"At once, King Among Kings," Ereshkigal responded, bowing once more before departing swiftly.
Morgan remained, stepping forward to assist Ramiris with his formal attire. As she helped him don an elaborate battle coat with the practiced efficiency of someone who had performed this service countless times, she spoke in a lower tone.
"There is something else, my Eternal Crown. The humans of Chaldea... they're watching us now."
Ramiris laughed, the sound rich and untroubled. "Of course they are. Void Shiki would have shown them. Her way of satisfying their curiosity while assessing their reactions." He glanced directly toward the viewing portal, golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "Good morning, Chaldeans! Enjoying the show?"
Through the portal, the Chaldean team froze, startled at being directly addressed.
"He can see us?" whispered Roman.
"Nothing escapes my notice in my own realm," Ramiris replied conversationally as Morgan fastened the last clasp on his battle coat. "Though I admit, I'm flattered by your interest in my morning routine."
He approached the viewing portal, his smile confident but not unkind. "Since you're watching anyway, why not join me for breakfast? I find diplomacy flows more smoothly over good food, don't you?"
Before anyone could respond, Ramiris snapped his fingers, and the viewing portal transformed into a full gateway. "Do come through. I promise the return trip to Chaldea will be expedited."
Ritsuka exchanged glances with his companions, then nodded decisively. "We accept your invitation."
The throne room of Avalon Evernight had transformed since their last visit. Instead of formal rows of maids standing at attention, the vast space now contained an elegant dining arrangement—a long table of what appeared to be polished moonstone, set with dishware crafted from materials that caught and reflected light in impossible ways.
Several maids moved about with practiced efficiency, preparing for the morning meal. Kali—the fierce divine warrior they had only glimpsed during their first visit—was now directing the placement of various dishes with the same intensity she might command an army.
"The celestial fruits to the eastern position, in harmony with the dawn," she instructed another maid. "The ambrosial breads opposite the nectars—balance in all things!"
"Still treating breakfast like a military campaign, Commander of Combat?" Ramiris called out with affectionate teasing as he entered.
Kali immediately straightened to attention, then bowed deeply. "Supreme Monarch! Every detail in your service deserves perfect execution."
"And none execute more perfectly than you," he replied warmly, causing the fierce goddess to actually blush—a sight so incongruous with her fearsome reputation that several of the Chaldean team blinked in surprise.
Ramiris gestured for his guests to approach. "Welcome once again to Avalon Evernight. Please, be seated. We have much to discuss, and I've found that difficult conversations are always improved by excellent cuisine."
As they somewhat hesitantly took seats at the massive table, more maids appeared with an array of foods both recognizable and utterly alien. Arcueid Brunestud—the True Ancestor vampire in her full, unrestricted form—placed a carafe of what appeared to be liquid sunlight near Ritsuka with a playful wink.
"Morning nectar, fresh from the celestial gardens," she explained, her voice musical and light. "Don't worry—it's been adjusted to be safe for human consumption, My Ramiris is very particular about not accidentally vaporizing his guests."
"Th-thank you," Ritsuka replied, somewhat taken aback by the casual reference to potential vaporization.
"Arc, stop teasing the humans," Ramiris chided gently. "They have enough to process without worrying about their beverages disintegrating them."
"Apologies, Master of the Moon," she replied with a grin that suggested she wasn't particularly sorry. "Shall I fetch the modified pastries as well?"
"Please do," he nodded. "And ask Tamamo to bring her special blend for our medical friend here." He gestured toward Roman. "The good doctor might appreciate something to settle his nerves."
As Arcueid departed, Queen Gilgamesh entered the throne room, now returned from her mission to Chaldea. She immediately approached Ramiris and knelt gracefully beside his chair.
"Glorious Ramiris, I bring reports from our contingent at Chaldea," she announced formally. "The humans are adapting to our presence, though the lesser Gilgamesh continues to be... difficult."
"Of course he does," Ramiris laughed, gesturing for her to rise. "I would expect nothing less from any version of you, my treasure keeper."
Queen Gilgamesh stood, a pleased smirk playing at her lips. "You honor me with your understanding, King Among Kings."
"Join us," he invited, indicating the seat to his right. "Your insights on the Void's manifestation patterns will be valuable."
As breakfast progressed, the Chaldean team observed with fascination the interactions between Ramiris and his maids. Despite their formal titles and obvious reverence for him, there was a genuine warmth in their exchanges—a comfortable familiarity that spoke of long association and deep trust.
Meltryllis arrived with a platter of crystalline fruits, her blade-like limbs moving with impossible grace as she arranged them. "Your favorites, Supreme Idiot," she announced with a haughty sniff that contrasted with the care she had clearly taken in the arrangement.
Rather than take offense, Ramiris laughed delightedly. "Ah, my Dance of Blades returns! How went your reconnaissance of the outer boundaries?"
"Boring, as expected," she replied, though her expression softened slightly. "Though I did eliminate three minor reality fractures that might have become problematic. You're welcome."
"Your vigilance is, as always, appreciated," he said sincerely, causing her to blush faintly despite her apparent attempt to maintain her aloof demeanor.
Throughout the meal, a pattern became clear to the observing Chaldeans. Each maid, despite their immense power and often fearsome reputations, seemed to genuinely enjoy serving Ramiris. There was none of the resentment or hidden rebellion one might expect from such powerful beings in a subservient role. Instead, they appeared to take genuine pride in their service, competing subtly for his attention and praise.
"I begin to understand," murmured Anastasia after watching Tiamat gently adjust Ramiris's collar with maternal affection. "It's not servitude as we conceive it."
"Indeed not," agreed Void Shiki, who had joined them silently midway through the meal. "It is recognition of absolute harmony. Each of us, in service to the Master, becomes more fully ourselves than we could be alone."
"That sounds like religious devotion," commented Roman carefully.
"Perhaps," acknowledged Void Shiki with the barest hint of a smile. "But is devotion not natural when one encounters true perfection?"
After the meal concluded, Ramiris led them to a different chamber—the Observation Pool he had mentioned earlier. It was a circular room dominated by a large pool of what appeared to be liquid silver, surrounded by complex magical arrays maintained by Artoria Avalon, who knelt beside it in deep concentration.
"First Vanguard," Ramiris addressed her gently, "show us the remaining anchor points."
"As you command, Master," she replied, her voice carrying the unmistakable nobility of the King of Knights, yet softened with a devotion Arthur Pendragon had never displayed in Chaldea.
She touched the surface of the pool, and images formed within the silvery liquid—seven locations around the world, each pulsing with a subtle darkness that was more absence than presence.
"Atlas, as Void Shiki reported," Ramiris confirmed, pointing to the first location. "Followed by Fuyuki—the site of your first Holy Grail War and a nexus of spiritual energy. Then the Reverse Side of the World's thinnest boundary in South America. The remaining four are the North Pole, Jerusalem, a deep ocean trench near Okeanos, and..." he paused, his expression darkening slightly, "Chaldea itself."
"Chaldea is a target?" asked Mash in alarm.
"The final target," confirmed Ramiris. "The Void seeks points of conceptual significance. What could be more significant than the organization that has repeatedly defended human history?"
"These anchors," Roman leaned forward, studying the images with scientific interest. "They appear to be manifesting in a specific pattern. Not random at all."
"Correct, Doctor," Ramiris nodded approvingly. "They form a seven-pointed seal when connected—a conceptual lock designed to permanently separate your reality from all others, making it easier for the Void to consume."
"How long do we have?" asked Ritsuka pragmatically.
"Less time than I initially calculated," Ramiris admitted. "The Void adapts quickly. I estimate the Atlas anchor will fully form within 48 hours, with each subsequent anchor following approximately 24 hours after the last."
"We'll need to split our forces," realized Avalon Scáthach. "A team for each location."
"Precisely," agreed Ramiris. He turned to Artoria Avalon. "First Vanguard, you will lead the defense of Atlas alongside our Chaldean allies. Take BB and Altera with you."
"It shall be done, My King," she replied with absolute conviction.
Ramiris continued issuing assignments, matching maids to locations based on their specific abilities. Throughout the planning session, the Chaldean team couldn't help but notice the absolute trust his maids placed in his judgment—not blind obedience, but the confidence of elite warriors in a supremely capable commander.
As the meeting concluded and preparations began, Ramiris approached Ritsuka privately. "A word, Master of Chaldea, if I may."
Ritsuka nodded, following Ramiris to a small balcony overlooking the infinite expanse of Avalon Evernight.
"You've been observing my relationship with my maids quite intently," Ramiris commented, his tone conversational rather than accusatory. "I imagine it seems strange to you."
"It's... different from what I expected," Ritsuka admitted. "They clearly serve you willingly, even eagerly. But why? Beings of such power..."
Ramiris smiled, looking out over his realm. "Power recognizes power, Fujimaru. But more importantly, purpose recognizes purpose." He turned to face the human master directly. "Each of my maids spent eons in conflict, in stagnation, or in endless cycles of meaningless existence. Here, they find meaning."
"Through service?" asked Ritsuka skeptically.
"Through belonging," corrected Ramiris. "Through being part of something greater than themselves. Is that not what you offer your servants at Chaldea? A cause worth fighting for?"
Ritsuka considered this. "I never thought of it that way."
"And yet, it's true. Your servants—gods and heroes alike—choose to follow you despite your human limitations. Because you give them purpose, direction, meaning." Ramiris's golden eyes seemed to see right through him. "We're not so different, you and I. Just operating on different scales."
Before Ritsuka could respond, Morgan appeared at the balcony entrance. "My Eternal Crown, the preparations are complete. Our forces stand ready for deployment."
"Thank you, Keeper of Secrets," Ramiris nodded. "We'll join them momentarily."
As Morgan bowed and departed, Ramiris turned back to Ritsuka. "Seven battles await us, Master of Chaldea. Seven opportunities to fail, but also seven opportunities to prove that existence itself is worth fighting for."
He extended his hand. "Shall we show the Void that both our realms refuse to be erased?"
Ritsuka grasped the offered hand firmly. "Let's end this."
Chapter 10: The Final Stand
The next two weeks passed in a blur of constant battle across multiple fronts. As predicted, the Void anchors manifested with increasing speed and power, each requiring a unique approach to neutralize.
At Atlas, Artoria Avalon led the defense alongside Sion and the Chaldean team, her Excalibur purified to its most conceptually fundamental form—a sword that rewrote reality rather than merely cutting it. Together with BB's reality manipulation and Altera's destructive authority, they managed to contain and destroy the anchor before it fully formed.
In Fuyuki, Queen Gilgamesh opened her true Gate of Babylon, unleashing prototypical weapons that existed before concepts had names, countering the Void's erasure with primordial creation.
At the boundary to the Reverse Side of the World, Tiamat channeled her full authority as Mother of Creation, weaving new concepts to replace those the Void consumed, while Morgan reinforced the boundary with fae magic so ancient it predated humanity itself.
Each battle was harder than the last, with the Void adapting to their tactics, growing stronger and more insidious in its approaches. By the time they faced the sixth anchor in the oceanic depths near Okeanos, even the maids of Avalon Evernight were showing signs of strain.
"The Void learns," explained Kama as she tended to an injured BB after the Okeanos battle. Though the Moon Cancer's wounds weren't physical, the conceptual damage was evident in the flickering of her form. "Each anchor we destroy provides it with information about our methods."
"Then we change methods for the final battle," declared Ritsuka. The Chaldean Master had grown even more determined through the successive conflicts, stepping fully into his role as humanity's last defender.
Now, as they gathered in Chaldea's command center for the final confrontation, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Instruments across the facility detected the imminent formation of the seventh and most powerful Void anchor—directly within Chaldea itself.
"It will manifest in the primary summoning chamber," announced Da Vinci grimly. "In approximately thirty minutes."
Ramiris, who had come personally to Chaldea for this final battle despite the strain his presence placed on reality, nodded solemnly. "As expected. The place where concepts are given form—where servants are summoned from the Throne of Heroes. Conceptually, it's the heart of your entire operation."
He turned to the assembled forces—a mixture of Chaldean servants and his own maids, now united in common purpose after weeks of fighting side by side.
"This anchor will be different," he warned. "Stronger, yes, but also more... aware. The Void has been learning, evolving. It will actively resist our efforts."
"How do we counter something that knows our every move?" asked Roman.
Ramiris smiled—not his usual confident grin, but something softer, almost sad. "With sacrifice, Doctor. With willing sacrifice."
A hush fell over the command center.
"What kind of sacrifice?" asked Mash warily.
"The kind only I can make," Ramiris replied. He looked around at his maids, his expression gentle. "My loyal subjects have always understood this possibility."
Tiamat stepped forward, her usual serene composure breaking as she grasped Ramiris's hand. "My Beloved King, there must be another way."
"There isn't, Mother of Creation," he said softly. "You know this as well as I."
Queen Gilgamesh's crimson eyes flashed with rare emotion. "We refuse to accept this, Glorious Ramiris. Let us fight in your stead."
"Your devotion honors me, as always," Ramiris said, touching her cheek gently. "But this is why I exist—why I have always existed. To stand at the final threshold when nothing else remains."
He turned back to the Chaldean team. "The Void seeks to erase all concepts, all possibility. It can only be countered by something equally fundamental—a concept so powerful it cannot be negated."
"And what concept is that?" asked Da Vinci.
"Absolute Authority," Ramiris replied simply. "My essence—my very being. I will become the counter-concept that closes the door forever."
"But that would mean—" began Roman, understanding dawning on his face.
"My end? Perhaps." Ramiris shrugged with forced casualness. "Or perhaps merely my transformation. The beauty of concepts is their flexibility."
Arcueid stepped forward, tears in her eyes despite her attempt at a smile. "My Ramiris always did enjoy being dramatic."
"It's part of my charm," he replied with a wink, though the strain behind his lightheartedness was evident.
One by one, each maid approached him. Despite the urgency of the situation, Ramiris took a moment with each, exchanging quiet words, gentle touches, meaningful glances. The depth of connection between them was palpable, transcending their formal roles to reveal relationships built on genuine devotion and mutual respect.
Void Shiki, typically the most emotionless, surprised everyone by embracing Ramiris fully. "Lord of Silence," she whispered, "we will find you again, whatever comes."
"I know you will," he replied softly. "You, more than any other, understand that endings are merely transitions."
When all had said their farewells, Ramiris addressed the combined forces one final time. "The plan is simple. My maids will establish a containment field around the summoning chamber. The Chaldean servants will defend against any manifested Void echoes. Ritsuka, Mash, and Roman will monitor from the command center and coordinate the defense."
He looked around at all of them, his golden eyes bright with determination. "When the anchor fully forms, I will enter alone and execute the Counter-Concept Embodiment. If successful, all Void incursions in this reality will be permanently sealed."
"And if unsuccessful?" asked Goredolf, voicing what everyone feared to ask.
"Then existence was a beautiful dream while it lasted," Ramiris replied with a sad smile. "But I don't intend to fail."
As predicted, the Void anchor began forming in the primary summoning chamber precisely thirty minutes later. Unlike previous anchors, this one materialized with frightening speed—expanding from a pinpoint to a swirling vortex of absolute nothingness within minutes.
Ramiris's maids took up positions around the chamber, each channeling their unique powers into a complex containment field that glowed with layered protections. The Chaldean servants formed an outer perimeter, weapons ready as reality itself began to warp and distort.
"Void echoes incoming!" warned BB from her monitoring station. "Multiple signatures—far more than previous encounters!"
From the walls, floors, even the air itself, they emerged—faceless echoes of erased existence, moving with unnatural speed toward the defenders. The battle erupted instantly, with servants and maids fighting side by side to hold back the tide.
In the command center, Ritsuka, Mash, and Roman monitored the situation with growing alarm.
"The anchor is growing exponentially faster than our models predicted," reported Da Vinci. "We have minutes, not hours."
On the main screen, they watched as Ramiris strode calmly through the chaos of battle, his white half-cape flowing behind him as he approached the containment field. His maids, even while fighting, maintained perfect coordination, opening a path for him through their defenses.
"Ramiris, wait!" called Ritsuka over the communication system. "The readings are off the charts—it's too dangerous to approach yet!"
"Danger is relative, Master of Chaldea," Ramiris replied with a ghost of his usual confident smile. "Besides, timing is crucial. The anchor must be at precisely the right stage of manifestation for my counter-concept to take hold."
As he reached the inner containment barrier, he paused, looking back at his maids one last time. Though they continued fighting with perfect discipline, their eyes never left him, each stealing glances at their master as he prepared for his final act.
"My loyal subjects," he said softly, yet somehow his voice carried to each of them over the din of battle. "It has been my greatest honor to be worthy of your service."
Then he stepped through the barrier, approaching the swirling vortex of nothingness alone.
The Void reacted instantly to his presence, sending tendrils of emptiness toward him like curious fingers testing a new sensation. Where they touched the floor, reality simply ceased to exist—not destroyed, but retroactively erased as if it had never been.
Ramiris stood his ground, golden eyes blazing as he began to glow with internal light. "You seek to erase all concepts," he addressed the Void directly. "But you cannot erase that which defines existence itself."
He spread his arms wide, and the light within him intensified until his form was barely visible within its radiance. "I am Ramiris, Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, Concept of Absolute Authority. And I declare your encroachment... ENDED."
With the final word, he thrust himself forward into the heart of the Void. The moment of contact created a blinding flash that overloaded all sensors and forced everyone to shield their eyes.
When vision returned seconds later, an extraordinary sight greeted them. The Void anchor remained, but it had transformed—now a perfect sphere of crystallized light, within which Ramiris could be seen suspended, arms still outstretched, expression serene despite the evident strain.
"What's happening?" whispered Mash.
"He's... containing it," Roman realized, studying the readings in awe. "Converting its conceptual erasure into conceptual stasis."
Outside the containment field, the maids of Avalon Evernight had ceased fighting, each dropping to one knee as if in unified prayer or tribute. The Void echoes had vanished, leaving only the crystallized sphere and its precious cargo.
"My King..." whispered Tiamat, tears streaming down her face.
Within the sphere, Ramiris's eyes opened. Though he couldn't be heard, his lips moved, forming words clearly meant for his maids. Though strained, his expression held no fear—only peace and, surprisingly, joy.
"He's saying goodbye," translated Anastasia softly.
Queen Gilgamesh shook her head fiercely. "No. Not goodbye. Never goodbye." She rose to her feet, crimson eyes blazing. "He is saying 'until we meet again.'"
The sphere pulsed once, twice—then began to contract rapidly, growing smaller and denser with each passing second. Ramiris's form became increasingly indistinct within it, merging with the light until he was indistinguishable from the energy containing the Void.
With a final pulse of blinding radiance, the sphere collapsed to a single point of light—then vanished completely.
Silence fell over Chaldea.
For a long moment, no one moved or spoke. Then, one by one, the maids of Avalon Evernight rose to their feet. Though tears marked many of their faces, their expressions held not despair but resolute determination.
"Is it... over?" asked Goredolf hesitantly.
"The Void is contained," confirmed Void Shiki, her empty eyes fixed on the space where Ramiris had vanished. "Sealed by the ultimate concept—willingly given authority."
"And Ramiris?" asked Ritsuka quietly.
Tiamat turned to him, her expression serene despite her tears. "Our King exists now beyond conventional understanding. Not gone—transformed. His essence maintains the seal between existence and non-existence."
"He sacrificed himself," said Mash, her voice thick with emotion.
"No," corrected Queen Gilgamesh firmly. "He fulfilled his purpose. There is a difference."
BB, uncharacteristically solemn, nodded in agreement. "Ramiris-sama always knew this might be necessary. It's why he created Avalon Evernight in the first place—a realm that could continue even in his absence."
"What happens now?" asked Roman. "To all of you, I mean."
The maids exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them.
"We continue," said Scáthach simply. "We maintain Avalon Evernight as he would wish. We guard the boundaries between realities. And..."
"And we search," finished Arcueid, a determined smile breaking through her tears. "Throughout all concepts, all possibilities, all versions of existence."
"For what?" asked Da Vinci.
"For our King," replied Void Shiki with quiet certainty. "What is scattered can be gathered. What is transformed can be recognized anew."
Queen Gilgamesh stepped forward, addressing Ritsuka directly. "Master of Chaldea, our alliance has served its purpose, but need not end. The boundaries between our realms remain open—a lasting gift from our King."
"We would be honored to continue working together," Ritsuka replied sincerely.
"As would we," she nodded. "Though most of us must return to maintain Avalon Evernight, some will remain as liaisons, if you will have them."
"Of course," agreed Goredolf quickly, clearly pleased at the prospect of retaining such powerful allies.
As preparations began for the maids' departure, Tiamat approached Roman privately. "Doctor, a moment of your time."
"Of course," he replied, still processing everything that had happened.
She studied him with ancient eyes full of quiet wisdom. "You, more than anyone, might understand what Ramiris has done. You who sacrificed your very existence once before."
Roman nodded slowly. "I think I do. He's become a concept rather than a person—a fundamental law rather than a being."
"Yes," she confirmed. "But concepts take many forms across the multiverse. They manifest in patterns, in echoes, in new interpretations."
She pressed something small into his hand—a tiny crystal that pulsed with familiar golden light. "When you see a pattern that reminds you of him, place this where the echo is strongest. It will help us find the path back to him."
"I will," promised Roman, carefully pocketing the crystal. "Though I'm not sure what pattern I'm looking for."
Tiamat smiled mysteriously. "You'll know it when you see it. Pride without cruelty. Confidence without arrogance. Authority freely given and freely accepted. The essence of what made him worthy of our devotion."
One by one, the maids of Avalon Evernight said their farewells to their Chaldean allies before stepping through portals back to their realm. Those chosen to remain—BB, Arcueid, and Meltryllis—took up positions alongside Chaldea's servants with surprising ease, as if they had always belonged there.
As the last portal closed, Void Shiki—the final maid to depart—paused at the threshold. "He is not gone," she said with quiet certainty. "Merely waiting to be found. And we have eternity to search."
With those words, she stepped through, and the portal closed behind her.
In the silence that followed, Ritsuka gazed around at the summoning chamber—now fully restored, with no trace of the Void's presence or Ramiris's sacrifice visible to the naked eye.
"Do you think they'll find him?" asked Mash softly.
Ritsuka thought of the maids' unwavering loyalty, their absolute devotion, their unshakeable determination. He thought of Queen Gilgamesh's fierce pride, Tiamat's maternal wisdom, BB's irrepressible spirit, and Void Shiki's quiet certainty.
"I wouldn't bet against them," he replied with a smile. "After all, existence itself couldn't stand in their way."
Epilogue: Patterns in the Stars
Six months after the defeat of the Outer Void, life at Chaldea had largely returned to normal—or as normal as life ever got for the guardians of human history. The maids who had remained integrated smoothly into operations, their powers proving invaluable for subsequent missions.
Roman had resumed his duties as Chief Medical Officer, though occasionally staff would find him staring thoughtfully at the small crystal Tiamat had given him, which he kept always in his pocket.
One evening, as Chaldea's staff celebrate
d the anniversary of humanity's restoration after the Lostbelt conflicts, a peculiar phenomenon appeared in the night sky above Chaldea's remote mountain location.
"Da Vinci!" called a technician from the observation deck. "You need to see this!"
The genius inventor hurried to the massive windows that provided a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and sky. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight.
Stars were rearranging themselves.
Not all stars—just a specific constellation directly above Chaldea. The stars shifted slowly but perceptibly, forming a pattern that seemed almost... deliberate.
"Get BB and Arcueid up here immediately," Da Vinci ordered, already activating various sensors to record the phenomenon.
Within minutes, the command deck had filled with curious onlookers. BB arrived in her maid uniform (which she insisted on wearing despite numerous offers of standard Chaldea attire), floating slightly above the floor as was her habit when excited.
"Ooooh, pretty lights~!" she exclaimed, pressing her face against the glass before suddenly freezing. "Wait a minute..."
Arcueid arrived seconds later, her crimson eyes immediately fixing on the celestial display. "That's not random," she said softly.
"No," agreed Roman, who had just entered. "It's a message."
The stars had formed what appeared to be a crown with a distinctive half-cape flowing from it—a silhouette instantly recognizable to anyone who had met Ramiris.
BB's usual playfulness vanished, replaced by an intense focus. "It's him," she whispered. "Darling Sovereign is reaching out!"
"How is that possible?" asked Mash. "Ramiris sacrificed himself to contain the Void."
Roman's hand went to the crystal in his pocket, which had begun to pulse with gentle warmth. "Tiamat said concepts take many forms across the multiverse. Perhaps this is one of them."
Arcueid was already working at a console, her movements almost too fast to follow. "We need to contact Avalon Evernight immediately. Queen Gilgamesh left us a communication protocol for emergencies."
"This qualifies," agreed Ritsuka, who had joined them silently.
The communication array activated, shimmering with golden light as the connection to Avalon Evernight established. The image of Queen Gilgamesh appeared, her crimson eyes widening slightly at the urgency in their faces.
"Chaldeans," she acknowledged formally. "What warrants this call?"
"Look at your sky," replied Arcueid without preamble. "The same pattern should be visible from Avalon Evernight."
Queen Gilgamesh's image disappeared momentarily. When she returned, her composed demeanor had cracked, revealing genuine excitement. "The Pattern of Return," she breathed. "Void Shiki predicted this might happen, but so soon..."
"What does it mean?" pressed Ritsuka.
"It means, Master of Chaldea, that our King is finding his way back to us." The pride in her voice was unmistakable. "The concept he became seeks to remember its original form."
"How can we help?" asked Roman, showing the now-brightly glowing crystal.
Queen Gilgamesh's eyes fixed on it. "The Resonance Stone. Excellent. Bring it to the exact center of the constellation's projection on the ground. We will open a synchronized portal from our side."
"When?" asked Da Vinci.
"Now," came the simple reply before the communication ended.
An hour later, a small team had assembled at the calculated focal point—a clearing in the snow-covered forest below Chaldea's mountain base. Roman held the crystal, which now pulsed with light so bright it was difficult to look at directly. Around him stood Ritsuka, Mash, Da Vinci, and the three resident maids from Avalon Evernight.
BB had abandoned all pretense of casual cheerfulness, her expression intense with anticipation. "If this works," she explained, "we're not bringing back Ramiris exactly as he was. The concept he became is... more than the person we knew. He'll be different."
"Better or worse?" asked Mash.
"Just... different," BB replied, unusually thoughtful. "Like comparing a song to the emotion that inspired it."
The stars above continued their impossible realignment, now forming a perfect circle around the crown symbol. The light from Roman's crystal suddenly shot upward, creating a beam that connected the ground to the center of the constellation.
"It's starting," breathed Arcueid, her eyes shining with excitement.
The air before them shimmered, and a portal of pure golden light opened—far larger and more stable than any they had seen before. Through it stepped a procession of familiar figures: the maids of Avalon Evernight, each in her formal attire, moving in solemn ceremony.
Tiamat led them, her cosmic presence barely contained even in this reality. Behind her came Void Shiki, Morgan, Scáthach, and others—each radiating power that seemed barely restrained.
"Children of Chaldea," Tiamat greeted them, her voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "The Pattern has appeared across every realm simultaneously—an echo of our King calling himself home."
Queen Gilgamesh stepped forward, addressing BB, Arcueid, and Meltryllis. "You have served well in his absence. Today, your vigil may be rewarded."
The assembled maids formed a perfect circle around the point where the light beam touched the ground. As one, they knelt, heads bowed in a display of synchronized reverence that spoke of countless rehearsals.
"We call to you, Supreme Monarch," began Tiamat, her voice rising in ritual cadence. "From across the void of concept and meaning, hear our summons."
"Return to those who serve by choice, not compulsion," continued Queen Gilgamesh.
"To the realm that awaits its rightful ruler," added Morgan.
One by one, each maid contributed to the summoning, their words forming a complex incantation that seemed to bend reality itself. The light beam widened, and the snow-covered ground began to shimmer with golden energy.
"Should we... do something?" whispered Mash to Ritsuka.
"I think they have it covered," he replied, watching in awe as the ritual continued.
The circle of light grew brighter, and within it, a silhouette began to form—tall, regal, unmistakable even as a mere outline. The maids' voices rose in perfect harmony, their devotion palpable in every syllable.
"King Among Kings!" "Dancing King!" "Master of Pillars!" "Beloved Sovereign!" "Peerless One!" "Lord Beyond the Mists!"
Each title was offered like a precious gift, laden with personal meaning from the one who spoke it. The silhouette solidified further, white hair with golden streaks becoming visible, followed by the outline of a familiar half-cape.
"My Lord of Silence!" "Darling Sovereign!" "Beautiful Tyrant!" "My Ramiris!"
With the final name—spoken by Arcueid with unmistakable affection—the light flared blindingly bright. When vision returned, a figure stood at the center of the circle of kneeling maids.
Ramiris—yet not quite the Ramiris they had known.
His appearance was similar: the wild white hair with golden streaks, the handsome features, the casual elegance of his stance. But there were differences too. His eyes now contained actual stars—miniature galaxies swirling in golden irises. His skin seemed to shimmer faintly with internal light. And an aura of absolute authority surrounded him that made even breathing in his presence feel like a privilege granted rather than a right exercised.
For a long moment, he simply stood there, looking around at the kneeling maids with an expression of wonder. When he spoke, his voice carried the same confidence they remembered, but layered with something deeper—something fundamental to reality itself.
"My loyal subjects," he said softly. "You found me."
As one, the maids bowed their heads lower, a gesture of profound respect rather than subservience. Queen Gilgamesh was the first to speak, her typically haughty voice thick with emotion.
"Of course we found you, Glorious Ramiris. Did you imagine we would do anything less?"
A smile spread across his face—the familiar, slightly cocky grin that had been his trademark. "I should have known better than to underestimate your stubbornness, my treasure keeper."
He moved forward, approaching Tiamat first. With gentle hands, he raised her from her kneeling position. "Mother of Creation. Your guidance held the realm steady in my absence."
"As was my duty, Beloved King," she replied, tears streaming freely down her face as she gazed at him with maternal adoration.
One by one, he acknowledged each maid, speaking words meant only for them, receiving their tearful greetings and heartfelt welcomes. The personal nature of each interaction—perfectly tailored to each maid's unique relationship with him—spoke volumes about the genuine connections that bound this extraordinary court together.
To BB, whose typical mischief had given way to uncharacteristic solemnity, he said with a wink, "Did you behave yourself in my absence, Architect of Avalon?"
BB's composure shattered instantly as she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tackle-hug that would have knocked over any lesser being. "Darling Sovereign!" she sobbed dramatically. "I was absolutely terrible! You would have been so proud!"
Ramiris laughed—a sound like distant thunder and silver bells combined—as he returned her embrace. "I expected nothing less."
When he had greeted all his maids, he turned finally to the Chaldean team, who had watched the reunions with a mixture of awe and awkward intrusion, feeling like outsiders witnessing a deeply personal moment.
"Chaldea," he acknowledged with a respectful inclination of his head. "Once again, our paths cross at a moment of significance."
Ritsuka stepped forward. "Welcome back, Ramiris. Though I'm not entirely sure how you've returned."
"Neither am I, to be perfectly honest," Ramiris admitted with a candid shrug that reminded them of his old self. "The concept I became—Absolute Authority Freely Given—apparently found its way back to its original pattern. I have memories of... everything and nothing. Of being everywhere and nowhere."
He glanced up at the stars, which had begun returning to their normal positions. "I remember watching countless realities unfold, unable to interact yet inherently part of their fundamental laws. And I remember..." his gaze softened as it returned to his maids, "hearing their calls. Constant, unwavering, across the entire conceptual spectrum."
"Your sacrifice sealed the Void permanently," said Da Vinci. "Our reality has been stable since your... departure."
"Good to know it wasn't for nothing," Ramiris replied with a hint of his old humor. "Though I suspect my return may have consequences we don't yet understand."
Roman, who had been studying him with scientific curiosity, finally spoke. "You're still connected to it, aren't you? To the seal."
Ramiris nodded, impressed by the doctor's perception. "Yes. I am the seal, in a very real sense. What stands before you is both Ramiris as I was and something more—a personification of the concept that maintains the barrier between existence and non-existence."
"Does that mean you'll be staying?" asked Mash hopefully.
Before Ramiris could answer, Queen Gilgamesh stepped forward possessively. "Our King returns to Avalon Evernight, where he belongs," she stated firmly, though she shot a sidelong glance at Ramiris as if seeking confirmation.
Ramiris smiled indulgently at her. "Indeed, my treasure keeper, I shall return to our realm. But," he added, raising a finger as her expression turned smugly triumphant, "not exclusively."
He turned back to the Chaldeans. "My new nature allows me to maintain a presence in multiple realities simultaneously. A useful ability for one who serves as a conceptual lynchpin."
"So... you'll be able to visit?" asked Ritsuka.
"Better than that," Ramiris replied with a widening grin. "I propose a formal alliance between Avalon Evernight and Chaldea. Your organization continues to defend human history; mine guards the boundaries between realities. Together, we can ensure nothing like the Outer Void threatens either again."
Queen Gilgamesh looked like she wanted to object but held her tongue, recognizing the wisdom in his proposal despite her obvious desire to keep him exclusively in Avalon Evernight.
"We would be honored," Ritsuka replied sincerely, extending his hand.
As Ramiris clasped it to seal their agreement, reality itself seemed to acknowledge the pact—a brief shimmer in the air around them, like the universe sighing in relief.
"Now then," said Ramiris, turning back to his maids with obvious affection, "I believe I have a realm to reclaim and loyal subjects who deserve my attention."
The maids' faces lit up at his words, each reacting in her own characteristic way—Queen Gilgamesh with proud satisfaction, Tiamat with maternal warmth, BB with barely contained excitement, Void Shiki with serene acceptance.
"Will you be returning with us immediately, Supreme Monarch?" asked Scáthach formally, though the eagerness in her voice was unmistakable.
"Indeed, Gatekeeper of Death," he confirmed. "Though I suspect our Chaldean friends will see me again soon enough."
As the maids prepared to return through the portal, arranging themselves in ceremonial formation around their restored king, Ramiris approached Roman privately.
"Doctor," he said quietly, "I owe you my thanks. The Resonance Stone you carried helped guide my consciousness back to this form."
"I was just following Tiamat's instructions," Roman demurred.
"Nevertheless," Ramiris insisted, "you recognized the pattern when it appeared. That speaks to a unique perception on your part." He studied Roman thoughtfully. "Perhaps because you too have experienced existence beyond conventional boundaries."
"Will you remember it?" asked Roman curiously. "Your time as a concept rather than a person?"
"Parts," Ramiris replied, his star-filled eyes distant for a moment. "Like fragments of a dream too vast to fully recall. But enough to change me, I think."
"For better or worse?" echoed Roman, remembering Mash's earlier question.
Ramiris smiled enigmatically. "That remains to be seen, doesn't it? Though my maids seem pleased with the result, so I count that as a victory."
He glanced back at his waiting court—each maid watching him with varying degrees of adoration, impatience, and possessiveness. "They found me across the conceptual void itself. Their loyalty humbles even me, if you can believe it."
"I can," said Roman sincerely. "It's clear they serve you out of genuine devotion, not obligation."
"The greatest responsibility I bear," Ramiris agreed soberly. "To be worthy of such loyalty." He clapped Roman on the shoulder. "Until our paths cross again, Doctor. Which, I suspect, will be sooner than you might think."
With that, he returned to his maids, who closed around him protectively as they prepared to depart. The portal shimmered, expanding to accommodate their procession.
"Avalon Evernight awaits its King's return," announced Tiamat formally.
"And its King has missed his home," replied Ramiris, genuine warmth in his voice as he gazed at each of them. "Lead on, my loyal subjects."
As they passed through the portal one by one, the Chaldean team caught glimpses of the maids' faces—each transformed by joy and relief at their King's return. The devotion in their expressions transcended mere duty or admiration, reflecting a bond forged through something deeper than conventional understanding.
Ramiris was the last to step through. Before the portal closed, he turned back with a final confident smile and a casual salute.
"Until next time, Chaldea. Try not to break reality while I'm getting reacquainted with my throne, hm?"
With that characteristically cocky farewell, he was gone, the portal closing behind him in a shower of golden light.
The Chaldean team stood in silence for a moment, processing everything they had witnessed.
"Well," said Da Vinci finally, "that was certainly dramatic."
"Would you expect anything less from him?" asked Arcueid with a knowing smile.
"I suppose not," admitted Roman. "Though I wonder what form this 'alliance' will take."
Ritsuka looked up at the night sky, where the stars had returned to their normal positions, though they somehow seemed brighter than before.
"Whatever comes next," he said thoughtfully, "I think having the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight on our side can only be a good thing."
"Especially," added Mash with a small smile, "when he comes with such devoted maids."
Meanwhile, in Avalon Evernight...
The throne room erupted in celebration as Ramiris returned, stepping through the portal with the casual confidence that defined him. Maids who had maintained perfect decorum and discipline for months allowed their joy to show freely, creating a scene of genuine emotion rarely witnessed in the solemn halls.
"The King has returned!" The cry echoed throughout the infinite palace, carried by magic to every corner of the realm.
Ramiris moved through the crowd of his subjects, accepting their greetings and touching hands outstretched toward him. Despite his new, more cosmic nature, he maintained the personal charisma that had always defined him—the ability to make each interaction feel singular and significant.
When he finally reached his throne—a magnificent structure of white gold and crystallized concepts—he paused, running his hand along its arm with nostalgic familiarity.
"Well," he said to no one in particular, "it seems you've kept my seat warm."
"No one else would dare sit upon it, My King," replied Morgan, who had materialized silently beside him. "Though many stood guard over it in cycles, ensuring it was never left unattended."
Ramiris raised an eyebrow. "Never?"
"Not for a single moment," confirmed Queen Gilgamesh proudly. "We maintained a rotation—one maid always present, regardless of hour or circumstance."
"Even during the Void incursions at Chaldea?" he asked, genuinely touched by this revelation.
"Especially then," said Kali, stepping forward. "When danger was greatest, our vigilance intensified. It was... necessary." The fierce goddess's voice softened uncharacteristically. "The throne could not stand empty when its rightful occupant might return at any moment."
Ramiris looked around at them—these beings of immense power who had maintained unwavering faith in his return. His expression, typically marked by confident amusement, shifted to something more vulnerable.
"I don't know that I deserve such devotion," he admitted quietly.
"That," said Void Shiki softly, "is precisely why you do."
Tiamat approached, maternal warmth radiating from her. "Come, Beloved King. You must be weary after your journey across concepts. Your chambers have been maintained exactly as you left them."
"Actually," Ramiris replied with a growing smile, "I think I'll sit here awhile first." He settled onto his throne with casual grace that somehow managed to be both irreverent and regal simultaneously. "I've missed this view."
The view in question was not the magnificent architecture or infinite gardens of Avalon Evernight—it was the sight of his maids, his loyal subjects, arranged before him in their distinctive uniforms, each a perfect embodiment of power harmonized with purpose.
"Besides," he added with a wink, "I want to hear everything I've missed. Something tells me you've all been rather busy in my absence."
BB bounced forward eagerly. "Oh, we have SO much to tell you, Darling Sovereign! I kept a complete record of everything—every minor crisis, every interdimensional hiccup, every time Queen Gilgamesh sulked because she missed you—"
"I did not sulk," interrupted the queen in question indignantly. "I maintained dignified anticipation of our King's return."
"You sulked," confirmed Meltryllis with a smirk. "Beautiful Tyrant, she practically haunted your chambers, talking to your portrait."
"Traitors, all of you," muttered Queen Gilgamesh, though a faint blush colored her cheeks.
Ramiris laughed—the sound somehow fuller and richer than before, as if his time as a cosmic concept had added new dimensions to even this simple expression of joy. The maids visibly relaxed at the familiar sound, tension they had carried for months finally releasing.
"I have missed this," he admitted, gesturing to encompass all of them. "Missed you—your bickering, your devotion, your unique ways of showing loyalty."
"And we have missed our purpose," replied Scáthach solemnly. "Avalon Evernight remained, but its heart was absent."
"Well," said Ramiris, his star-filled eyes twinkling, "its heart has returned. And I believe I promised our Chaldean allies an ongoing alliance, which means we have work to do."
He leaned forward, instantly commanding everyone's complete attention. "But first, I want a full accounting of everything—how each of you maintained your duties, how you coordinated the search for my return, how you supported our Chaldean friends. Leave nothing out."
As night fell across Avalon Evernight—a night filled with stars brighter than any seen since its creation—the throne room remained illuminated and active. The Supreme Monarch had returned, and his court blossomed in his presence like flowers turning toward the sun.
Ramiris listened to each report with genuine interest, offering praise and occasional teasing commentary. His maids competed subtly for his attention, each trying to impress him with their dedication during his absence.
Queen Gilgamesh presented the treasures she had collected—artifacts specifically designed to aid in his potential return. Tiamat described how she had maintained the conceptual foundations of the realm. BB detailed the complex algorithms she had created to search for his pattern across realities. Each contribution was acknowledged with the perfect balance of authority and appreciation that defined Ramiris's unique leadership.
As dawn approached—a magical twilight that bathed the realm in gold and silver light—Ramiris finally rose from his throne.
"My loyal subjects," he addressed them fondly, "your devotion has moved even me—and as you all know, that's no small feat given my healthy self-regard."
This drew appreciative laughter from the assembled maids, the tension of months of uncertainty finally fully broken.
"Avalon Evernight stands stronger than ever," he continued, "not because of my power, but because of your unwavering commitment to what we've built together. I may be the Supreme Monarch, but you—all of you—are what makes this realm worth ruling."
He spread his arms in a gesture that encompassed the entire court. "Now, I believe I have a realm to reacquaint myself with, and each of you deserves my personal attention after such exemplary service."
As the maids dispersed to their various duties, excitement rippling through the ranks at their King's return, Ramiris walked the familiar halls of his domain with renewed appreciation. Everywhere he went, maids paused in their tasks to bow or curtsy, their faces lighting up at the sight of him.
Reaching the Star Terrace—his favorite private retreat—he found it maintained in perfect condition, as if he had left only moments ago rather than months. On the small table sat a fresh goblet of morning nectar, still steaming slightly.
"I prepared it every morning," came Ereshkigal's soft voice from behind him. "In case this was the day you returned."
Ramiris turned to find the Keeper of the Underworld Gardens watching him shyly from the doorway, her pale features tinged with uncertainty.
"Every morning?" he asked gently.
She nodded, her long hair shifting like pale fire around her shoulders. "It became a ritual. A promise to myself—and to you—that your absence was temporary."
Ramiris crossed to her, taking her hands in his with genuine gratitude. "Your faith honors me, My Resplendent Ereshkigal."
"The underworld knows patience," she replied simply. "But even my patience was tested by your absence, Lord Ramiris."
He smiled, raising her hand to his lips in a courtly gesture that made her blush deepen. "Then I shall endeavor to be worthy of such patient devotion."
As the sun rose fully over Avalon Evernight, bathing the realm in golden light, its Sov