After nearly half a year of continuous fighting, and with the cooperation of various allies, Yoshino and her group finally arrived at the Sky City of Ostia. This was Princess Erica's country, and the Perfect World's base of operations had been identified in the documents left behind by King Ariadne. It was the "Tomb Keeper's Palace" in the deepest part of the world's oldest city—the Royal Capital of Ostia—representing the world's first origin. Just as Evangeline had said, the people of the Perfect World had been hiding there all along.
"Why choose a place like this?" Nagi asked curiously, standing on a step that was almost in the air. This place was quite obvious in a sense, and it could easily be surrounded by countless aerial warships. Was there something important here that could help them destroy this world?
"Perhaps that 'God' finds such an approach more interesting. The origin of this world will become the place where it is destroyed," Al said meaningfully, his words tinged with a sense of irony. The beginning is the end. Is this the reason why the Perfect World chose this place? It's quite ironic.
"Is that so?" Yoshino said softly, looking at the magnificent palace floating in the sea of clouds in the distance. For some reason, she felt a sense of unease, as if something bad was about to happen.
The 'Graveyard Keeper's Palace' didn't actually resemble a formal palace; instead, it looked more like a massive aerial fortress. At this moment, the Perfect World's last stronghold was eerily silent. Despite having exposed their base, there was no sense of defense from the enemy, as if it were completely deserted.
"Their quietness makes one uncomfortable," Nagi said slowly, withdrawing his gaze from the distance.
"They probably look down on us. Isn't that how evil organizations always are? But this works in our favor, doesn't it?" Jack Lakan said, standing beside Nagi with a greatsword on his shoulder.
"I feel like the opponent might be accumulating strength. We should know that they have Magicians specializing in various elements. Perhaps in this battle, they will gather many Magicians to resist us," Yoshino said, thinking of the elementalists who had appeared before. Those people had mastered the power of single elements to their limits, making them quite threatening in a way.
"It's all the same. Wasn't that water element enemy beaten by you like a grandson last time, Yoshino? Even if they're accumulating strength, our Red Wings aren't to be trifled with!" Jack Lakan said dismissively, waving his right hand. The stronger the enemy, the more excited he felt; he wasn't worried about how strong they were, as long as he could fight!
"Mr. Nagi!" A magnetic young girl's voice came from behind them. Turning around, they saw a girl in an Ariadne Knights' uniform, her face slightly flushed. Was she nervous? Because she saw the idol of millions, Nagi? "The combined forces of the Empire, United Forces, and Ariadne are ready."
'This magic knight girl seems to be the Ariadne Commander who later helped Negi complete the Thousand Thunders. I didn't expect her to be a fan of Nagi. But... combined forces?' Shiina felt a little like laughing. The Empire and Ariadne had indeed mobilized all available combat units stationed nearby to help. However, the United Forces had very few troops arrive. Ultimately, it was because the ambitious individuals in the Elder Council simply didn't care about what was happening here, or perhaps they were planning something for their own benefit.
"Dio, can the Empire's Northern Fleet make it in time?" Yoshino asked the princess beside her.
"Time is too short, and the 'Mass Transfer magic circle' is completely unusable due to the chaotic magical elements. Although we are trying our best to rush here, I don't think we will make it in time for the main battle," Diotola said helplessly, looking a bit unhappy.
At this moment, Kato rushed back: "Ryuudou and I couldn't persuade the United Forces' regular army in time; the obstruction from the Elder Council was too great. Can the decisive battle be delayed slightly?"
"Impossible!" Al firmly objected. "Even if we give you time, the enemy won't. It seems we'll have to rely on our combined forces here."
"Time is up," Eishun said, walking over with a calm expression. "The palace's magical fluctuations are abnormal; the Ritual of Nothingness has begun!"
"That's right. They have already started the 'Ritual to Return the World to Nothingness.' And the key to the world—the 'Princess of Twilight'—has also fallen into their hands," Al added.
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