In the Silver Moon Observatory, within the small World belonging to Artoria, the flow of time had returned to normal. Outside the window was the soft light of the Eternity sun; inside were familiar furnishings carrying the scent of two people. Minerva's projection sat quietly on a soft chair by the window, watching the drifting clouds outside, seemingly silently feeling this real, tangible "existence." The system sphere had turned itself into a ball of light, simulating a lazy sunbathing posture, humming and chirping in a corner of Artoria's consciousness, expressing the comfort of "finally being able to rest for a while."
But Artoria's heart could not be completely calm.
The most important goal—saving Minerva—had been achieved. The giant stone that had weighed on her heart for a thousand years was removed, and an unprecedented sense of relief permeated her entire body. However, this ease did not last long before another thought quietly emerged, weighing heavily on her mind.
The plot of the Super Seminary... is about to begin.
She was not from this World, but having stayed here for ten years and studied for a thousand, receiving Hexi's full mentorship and the protection of the Angel Civilization, this karma had already been established. She felt a sense of gratitude toward the Angel Civilization, toward her teacher Hexi, and even toward the high-and-mighty Holy Keisha, who had shown enough kindness and space in this matter.
Because of this, when she recalled the upheavals and pain the Angel Civilization experienced in the future of the "original work"—Keisha's fall, the deaths of countless young Angels, the internal ideological conflicts and growing pains, the confusion and struggle under the threat of the Void—a complex emotion grew uncontrollably in her heart. It wasn't just the sigh of a bystander; it was mixed with the helplessness of an "insider" and... perhaps an impulse to change something.
She knew that behind Keisha's "fall" lay a deeper layout, perhaps even a part of her active choice to break the deadlock and trigger reform. But that method was too tragic, and the price paid was too high. Countless vibrant Angel Warriors, those Angel sisters who had expressed kindness, curiosity, or admiration to her on the network, would perish because of it. The Angel Civilization would be severely weakened and fall into a long period of turmoil.
"Does it... really have to be this way?" Artoria whispered to herself, watching the silver light points gather and disperse in her palm.
She understood Keisha's considerations. The old order needed to be broken, the new generation of Angels needed to be reborn through fire, hidden enemies needed to be lured out, and new directions required an environment for secret development. Keisha's "fall" was a potent medicine, but also a risky move.
But was it possible... to change the method? A way that wasn't so tragic, not so passive, and could better preserve the vitality of the Angels?
Artoria's thoughts gradually became clear. The true foundation of the Angel Civilization had never just been the surface-level new generation of high-ranking guardian Angels. Those retired Ancient Angels who had experienced the baptism of blood and fire in the War of the Raging Sea and the Form War—they might have chosen silence due to ideology, injuries, or differing understandings of "justice," but their loyalty and love for the Angel Civilization were beyond doubt. Their strength and experience were incalculable treasures.
"For the sake of 'justice,' the new generation of Angels can face death with composure, dying without regret," Artoria murmured, a sharp light flashing in her eyes. "Then, for the sake of the survival and sublimation of the 'Angel' civilization itself, can't those old Angels 'die without regret' by stepping forward again, using their experience and strength to safeguard the civilization's transformation?"
Keisha used the "order of justice" to bind the Angels, the known Universe, and to some extent, herself, constraining the more "flexible" side of the Angel Civilization. But facing the imminent upheavals and unknown threats like the Void, perhaps some different thinking was needed. Since there was already a new technical direction sufficient to lead a civilization leap, the "power" to ensure the safe and efficient conversion of this technology into strength became particularly important. This power could not rely solely on the new generation that had not yet fully grown, nor could it be placed entirely on Keisha's personal prestige.
Those Ancient Angels were a ready-made, dusty, yet absolutely reliable force. Wake them up, give them a new goal—not to die for a specific "justice" creed, but to fight for the future of the "Angel Civilization" and to master new powers. This might reunite them, provide a solid martial backbone for the reform, and, at a critical moment, serve as the trump card to "flip the table."
Go directly to Keisha and say these things? Artoria shook her head. Keisha's will was as firm as a star, and her layout was profound; direct advice would likely have little effect and might even cause unnecessary suspicion. Keisha's "justice" and her pride might not immediately accept a proposal that nearly "negated" her original plan, especially coming from an "outsider."
But Teacher Hexi was different. Heavenly Base King Hexi was also a leader of the civilization, but she was more rational, more pragmatic, and more inclined to consider the overall interests of technology and civilization development. She could understand the possibilities brought by new knowledge and the importance of "power" in protecting the "tinder." Moreover, she had a special relationship with Keisha; it would be much more effective if she were the one to communicate.
Having made up her mind, Artoria no longer hesitated. She glanced at Minerva, who was quietly accompanying her, and transmitted the thought "I need to talk to Teacher about something important" through their soul link.
Minerva's projection turned her head, her azure eyes looking at her tenderly, nodding slightly to express silent support.
Artoria took a deep breath and opened a directional, highest-encryption dark communication, connecting to the target—Heavenly Base King Hexi.
The communication was connected almost instantly, and Hexi's calm voice, tinged with a hint of inquiry, rang out: "Artoria? Is something the matter?" She seemed a bit surprised that Artoria would contact her proactively at this time, after having just returned from the Royal Court not long ago.
"Teacher," Artoria's voice carried a rare solemnity, "there is something very important, something that might even relate to the future direction of the Angel Civilization, that I need to report to you. This involves... some information I haven't mentioned before, regarding... the observation of certain 'possibilities.'"
"Oh?" Hexi's voice rose slightly, clearly interested. "Let's hear it." Her environment seemed very quiet, suitable for a private talk.
Artoria organized her words, deciding to use a relatively acceptable explanation: "Teacher, as you know, I come from another Universe. My existence itself might carry 'information perturbations' or 'observational imprints' from different Worlds. During my past studies and limited contact with the Angel Network, combined with some of my own... special perceptions, I occasionally receive vague 'information fragments' or 'future projections' from... different branches of possibility. They are not necessarily accurate, but they often reveal key 'trends' or 'nodes.'"
She paused to give Hexi time to digest. This talk of "parallel observation" or "information perception" was not entirely incomprehensible in the Super God Universe, especially when involving the Void, Sub-biological entities, and special existences like Artoria and the system; it was more easily accepted as a reasonable explanation.
As expected, Hexi did not immediately question her, only asking calmly, "What did you see?"
"I saw a possible 'future'," Artoria's voice lowered, carrying a heavy premonition. "In this possible trend, before long, Queen Keisha will go to Earth to judge Morgana. But the God of Death Karl will intervene in secret, teaming up with Morgana, using the great clock and certain special means to... transfer and destroy Queen Keisha. The Queen... falls."
The other end of the communication fell into a brief silence, with only the sound of Hexi's steady breathing. Artoria could imagine that at this moment, Hexi's expression must have become extremely grave.
"Continue." Hexi's voice betrayed no emotion, but Artoria could feel the focus.
"The Queen's fall is like toppling the first domino," Artoria continued, recounting the "plot" from her memory in the form of "possibility observations." "The Angel Civilization loses its supreme commander, internal ideological conflicts intensify, and young Angels fall into a degree of chaos and confusion due to differences in their understanding of 'justice' and grief over the Queen's fall. Demons, the Styx, and even other lurking forces take the opportunity to become active, and the known Universe falls into new turmoil. Countless young Angel Warriors sacrifice themselves in the subsequent conflicts and wars. The Angel Civilization is severely weakened, undergoing a long and painful transitional period before finally finding a new direction in the ruins and moving forward with difficulty."
She described a tragic future filled with sacrifice.
"This future is one of the higher possibilities derived from currently known information and certain trends," Artoria added, adding a layer of insurance to her "spoiler." "I cannot guarantee it will inevitably happen, but the risks and possible costs it reveals are real."
Hexi was silent for even longer. Artoria knew that with Hexi's wisdom, she would instantly think of the possibility that Keisha might have already made a layout, as well as the deeper meaning behind that "fall." She was waiting for Hexi to digest it and for Hexi to ask questions.
As expected, after a moment, Hexi's voice rang out again, cool and sharp: "You are telling me this not just as a warning. You have an idea, don't you? About... how to 'change' this possible future trend?"
"Yes, Teacher," Artoria admitted frankly. "I believe that even if the Queen's 'fall' is part of some plan to break a deadlock, trigger reform, and buy time for new technology development, the cost... could perhaps be smaller, and the method... could perhaps be more proactive."
"Tell me," Hexi said succinctly.
"The true power of the Angel Civilization has never just been the high-ranking guardian Angels on the surface," Artoria stated her core view. "Those older generation Angels who have experienced ancient bloody battles and retired for various reasons—their strength, experience, and loyalty are one of the civilization's most precious foundations. Currently, the new generation of Angels can face death with composure for 'justice,' dying without regret. Then, for the sake of the 'Angel Civilization' as a whole being able to smoothly pass through the transition period, to protect the upcoming new knowledge and technology that can change the civilization's fate, can't those old Angels 'die without regret' by stepping forward again?"
"Instead of passively waiting for the Queen's 'fall' to trigger turmoil and letting young Angels grope and grow in pain and sacrifice, it is better to proactively awaken these silent forces. Give them a new, higher goal—not for a specific dogma, but for the future of the civilization, to fight to master new powers. This can stabilize the situation, deter small-time troublemakers, and provide the strongest martial protection for the research and application of new technologies. The Angels themselves possess the absolute strength to flip the table; they are merely self-constrained under the 'order of justice.' Now, facing possible upheavals and future threats, it is time for a portion of that power to be temporarily liberated from 'constraint' and used to 'guard' something more fundamental."
Artoria said it all in one breath, feeling her heart rate accelerate. This was almost questioning part of Keisha's strategy and even touched on some sensitive topics within the Angels. But she believed Hexi would understand.
The other end of the communication fell into silence again. This time, the silence lasted longer. Artoria could feel that Hexi was thinking rapidly, weighing pros and cons, and simulating various possibilities.
After a long time, Hexi's voice finally came through again, unreadable but carrying a calm born of deep deliberation: "Your meaning is to make double preparations. The'script' for Earth can continue, and even the Queen's 'descent' can proceed, but it won't be the true body in danger. Instead, a sufficiently realistic fake body will go to stage a play of 'falling,' deceiving the enemy and luring out the hidden opponents. Meanwhile, in the Heaven City, secretly awaken and re-enlist a group of reliable old Angels to form an undisclosed but absolutely loyal and powerful 'Guardian' force. On one hand, they will secretly protect the R&D of new technologies; on the other, they will provide the confidence to stabilize the situation or even directly intervene when necessary."
"Yes, Teacher." Artoria breathed a sigh of relief; Hexi had indeed understood immediately. "Moreover, awakening the old Angels and giving them a new, noble mission is itself a subtle change. Letting them step out of the glory or silence of the old era and devote themselves to the new cause of guarding the civilization's future might heal some of the rifts between old and new ideologies. It ensures the power of reform comes not just from the sacrifice of the younger generation, but also from the re-participation and leadership of the older generation. Reform doesn't necessarily have to be accompanied by tragic sacrifice and long-term pain; it can also proceed steadily while retaining most of its strength."
Another silence. Then, in Hexi's voice, there seemed to be a very faint, almost imperceptible hint of a smile: "A very bold idea, Artoria. And... very insightful. It seems that over these years, you've learned more than just knowledge."
"Teacher overpraises me. I just... don't want to see so many beautiful lives sacrificed in vain, nor do I want to see the civilization that gave me and Minerva shelter experience unnecessary pain," Artoria said sincerely.
"I understand." Hexi's tone returned to its usual composure, but with an added decisiveness. "This matter is of great importance; I need to discuss it in detail with Keisha. I will convey your 'observations' and suggestions. As for the final decision..."
"I understand, that needs to be decided by the Queen and you," Artoria cut in immediately.
"Mhm. You rest and recuperate, and stay with Minerva. For now, do not mention this to anyone," Hexi instructed.
"Yes, Teacher."
The communication disconnected.
Artoria let out a long sigh, feeling somewhat exhausted, but a great weight had also been lifted from her heart. She had done what she could. The rest depended on how Hexi and Keisha chose.
She looked at Minerva, whose projection gave her a gentle, supportive smile. Deep in her consciousness, the system sphere also flashed, popping up an emoticons: "(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧ Great job!"
Artoria smiled too, walked to the window, held Minerva's hand, and together they looked out at the endless river of stars outside the window.
"This is all we can do. Hopefully... there can be a better future."
Meanwhile, at the stargazing platform of the Heavenly Base King's palace, Hexi ended her call with Artoria. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the armrest, silver light swirling in her eyes as countless complex calculation formulas and information flows flashed deep in her pupils.
"Information fragments of parallel observations... possibility trends... old Angels re-enlisting... double preparations..." she repeated the key information in a low voice, the curve of her lips gradually widening.
"Interesting... truly interesting." Hexi stood up, walked under the transparent dome, and looked toward the direction of Keisha's Royal Court, her eyes flashing with the light of wisdom and decision.
"Keisha, it seems our chess game has gained some more interesting variables. Perhaps... we really can change the way we play."
She no longer hesitated; her figure flashed, turning into a streak of silver light, heading straight for Keisha's Royal Court.
A higher-level private talk concerning the future path of the Angel Civilization was about to unfold. And far away on Earth, the gears of fate were still slowly turning according to their established trajectory, only the force pushing the gears might be about to undergo some subtle yet crucial shifts.
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