Like a pandemic, like a spider's web, it spread. Anyone with magic circuits, anyone who saw the text, anyone who heard the name—they would all 'perceive' that Chaldea was secure and belonged to them.
A poison spider's trap, baited with the flower of hope.
Even if it were broken, it wouldn't matter. In a week, the main systems would be moved to the Marduk, leaving the facility a hollow shell. No one would ever misuse Chaldea again.
The Clock Tower, the Church, the UN—they were all being danced across Olga's palm without knowing it. If they destroyed themselves plotting to take a facility they already 'owned,' all the better. And if they tried to take it by force? Military action was the easiest move to counter.
Simply put—in terms of pure malice, no one in those three organizations could surpass Olga Marie anymore. The 'Bible of Evil' taught to her by Mr. Dandy and the other masterminds lived on within her.
"People see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe. So, let them believe their delusion: 'Chaldea is ours.'"
Despite her villainous smirk, she had added a clause stating "No support or aid required," proving she wasn't quite evil enough to be a parasite.
"There will be no audits, no inspections. As far as the world is concerned, 'Chaldea: No Abnormalities.'"
"Hah! You really are a bad girl! Using perfectly logical paperwork to slip in a Trojan horse!"
"They're the idiots for not noticing. Our journey belongs to us alone. Now, let's slowly look into bringing the families of the Chaldea staff here, shall we?"
The treasure of the Animuspheres was now, entirely and completely, the property of the Arbiter.
"Before I can be exposed to their malice, I shall dominate them with my own. Farewell, everyone who 'cooperated' with the Animuspheres. I'm going to trample every one of your schemes and intentions."
Olga Marie sang her triumph to the heavens. It was a "Perfect Crime" that ended the struggle for Chaldea before it could even begin.
(...Maybe I should secure at least one spy, just in case?)
As long as Olga was there, Chaldea would never fall into the wrong hands. That was what the title of Director was for.
"So... what about the Servants?" Rikka asked.
Roman nodded. "Originally, everyone was supposed to be unsummoned. But! They're all still here! They're saying things like, 'This is the best workplace I've ever had, it'd be a waste to leave before I die!' They're so dishonest. They could just say they can't bear to leave you alone."
"Well, we really can't," Jalter added. "Especially with Rikka's lack of 'feminine charm.'"
"Guh!"
In truth, Jalter had gone around bowing her head to every single Servant.
"Rikka is missing so much of what she needs to return to modern society," she had argued. She told them everything she saw in that hell, pleading with them. Don't leave her yet. At least until she recovers her womanhood...
She had cast aside her pride, even prostrating herself for Rikka's sake. If it was for Rikka, her reputation didn't matter.
The result? Every Heroic Spirit currently manifested decided that Rikka was "too much of a handful to leave behind" and stayed. Rikka's fatal lack of domestic skills and the weight of her karma had become the anchor that held everyone together.
"We, the Heroic Spirits, will do our utmost to revive your feminine charm! The goal is to make your womanhood as cool as your combat prowess! We have a lot of work to do! Let's give it our all!"
The Avenger, fighting for her Master's sake, laughed brightly.
"WHAAAAT?! THAT'S GOING TO TAKE DECADES—!!"
Rikka's cry of joy and despair echoed through the halls. Everyone was still here.
"And Rayshifting is officially ours too~❤️ No one's complaining, so who cares?❤️ Let's keep Rayshifting for the sake of humanity's future—and our wallets!❤️"
"I've rigged it so it won't start without Gil's authorization, just so you know," Olga added.
"D-Darn it!! My easy life... my camels..."
Sheba-nyan drooped her animal ears in disappointment, only for Roman to pull her close and kiss her forehead.
"Instead of Rayshifting, let's go see the real thing. Together."
"...Yes! ❤️❤️❤️"
"DAMN IT ALL! EVERYONE, SURROUND THEM! WE'RE CELEBRATING—!!"
"""BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!!!"""
Sheba-nyan and Roman were tossed into the air in celebration.
The era of screaming in pain was over. From here on, there was only a noisy, brilliant future.
The Girl at the End of the World
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"