Chapitre 166: -163- [ Jeanne ] and [ Jeanne ]
From the conversations between Jeanne and Jeanne Alter, it seems that both are the same figure named "Jeanne," with one remaining a saint and the other having fallen into becoming a witch.
Is such a thing possible?
Does this world truly have two identical existences?
The answer is—yes.
At least, this is true for Heroic Spirits, also known as Servants.
"Because all Servants are incarnations of the original being within the Throne of Heroes."
Heroic Spirits themselves cannot be summoned. Only the world has the ability to summon Heroic Spirits. Humans can only summon Servants, who are incarnations or fragments of Heroic Spirits.
This principle was established from the beginning.
So, "if they are incarnations, then it should be possible for two incarnations to appear simultaneously, right?"
This is the underlying concept.
Although extremely rare, if a Heroic Spirit were to be summoned twice, it's not impossible to have two identical Servants. However, the term "identical" is used loosely here; they are the same existence, but not necessarily exactly alike.
For example, consider Cú Chulainn'. It's possible for him to manifest as a Lancer-class or as a Caster-class. Both incarnations are the same existence, but due to differences in class, attributes, time period, and other factors, their values, thoughts, personalities, and even their ways of life may differ.
After all, there is no concept of time within the Throne of Heroes. People can summon the same Heroic Spirit from different periods of time—such as the same individual when they were young, in their prime, or in old age. While they are the same existence, due to different experiences and events, they may possess varying strengths, skills, Noble Phantasms, and classes. This can lead to hostility or even combat between them.
Given this, it's possible for the same Heroic Spirit to be summoned twice in the same era, at the same location, resulting in two identical Servants. While it's extremely rare, it's not impossible.
Now, before Rozen, such a rare occurrence might have taken place.
It's highly likely that the Servant named "Jeanne" has been summoned twice.
Moreover, the differences in attributes have caused a divergence.
Similar to the case of King Arthur in Fuyuki City, the legendary King of Knights should naturally have the "Lawful Good" attribute, embodying chivalry, integrity, and a loyal nature. However, the Saber-class manifestation has the attribute of "Lawful Evil," displaying a cold, merciless demeanor while still retaining a sense of kingship. This difference stems from the distinct attributes.
In front of Rozen now, a similar situation might have occurred.
The regular Jeanne has the "Lawful Good" attribute, just like the legendary saint—upright, just, compassionate.
On the other hand, Jeanne Alter has the "Chaotic Evil" attribute. Due to the attribute shift, she has lost her compassion and benevolence. Moreover, due to the betrayal she suffered in her lifetime, she has descended into a pit of hatred and now seeks revenge upon the entirety of France.
In essence, both are Jeanne, but their differing attributes lead them to take different actions.
In response to this, Jeanne spoke.
"—'I'—never once thought of seeking revenge."
Here, "I" doesn't just refer to the Jeanne as she exists now, incarnated as a Servant, but also to her original existence within the Throne of Heroes.
"Even if I were burned at the stake, even if I were betrayed by the world, I have never held any grudges against anyone. I accepted this fate a long time ago and felt I was unworthy of the title of 'Saint.'"
Jeanne's words were genuine.
"Even after death, even as a figment of people's imagination, even as an imprint on the Throne, that thought has never changed."
Since the original being herself didn't harbor thoughts of revenge, even if her attributes have shifted, the most that would change is her personality—she would never contemplate revenge.
This is the essence of what Jeanne wanted to convey.
"...In other words, you don't recognize me as Jeanne, do you?"
The smile on the witch's face vanished.
It was replaced by coldness, hostility, and a murderous intent.
"Fine then, that's just as well. I've had enough of everything this name has brought."
The witch raised the flag in her hand and declared, "Just as I can't understand why you wouldn't seek revenge, you also can't understand me."
"You've denied me, so I'll deny you in return."
"Even if I lose titles, names, memories, the one thing I won't lose is this hatred itself."
"In that case, this is all I need."
"Embrace your fantasies about this country and join me in hell to face the stake."
With those words, the witch swung down her flag.
And in that moment...
"Woosh!"
Crimson flames of purgatory erupted.
"...!?"
Jeanne was taken aback.
From those flames, she felt intense resentment and negativity.
It was something unrelated to being a saint.
"How about this? You don't possess this power, do you?" The witch twisted her smile. "This flame is something only I, who have accepted that stake and resolved to seek revenge, possess. The flames of vengeance."
Heroic Spirits are crystallizations of myths, brought into existence through people's beliefs. Whether legendary heroes from myths or historical figures, they are recorded in legends and stories based on these beliefs.
Thanks to this, some Heroic Spirits gain powers they never had in life. If people add powers to a Heroic Spirit's legend or story after their death, then due to the faith and fame generated, the Heroic Spirit or Servant can acquire those powers.
Since the Jeanne Alter became a witch due to her hatred from betrayal, wanting to exact revenge on those who watched her burn and perished in those flames, it is only natural for her to gain new powers and Noble Phantasms from this.
"Only I, who was defamed as a witch, can use this cursed flame. Its purpose is to let everyone burn in these purgatorial flames just like me."
Alter Jeanne shouted with fury in her eyes.
"Experience once again this flame filled with hatred and resentment, and die within its Inferno!"
With those words, the flames surged like a storm, engulfing Jeanne.
"Ugh...!"
Jeanne couldn't afford to be complacent. She stood up, raising her holy flag in response.
"Clang..."
A faint brilliance immediately emanated from the unfurled banner, suffusing the air with a hazy golden light.
In that moment, both sides deployed their Noble Phantasms.
"This is the howl of my soul, tempered by hatred!"
Alter Jeanne unleashed her Noble Phantasm's true name with a resounding voice.
"〈Roar! My Rage (La Grondement du haine)〉!"
The purgatorial flames expanded dramatically, instantly blackening the floor and vaporizing the air. Like a tidal wave, like the breath of a malicious dragon, they surged towards Jeanne.
"O flag of mine, Protect my comrades!"
Jeanne also resolutely released her Noble Phantasm.
"〈My Lord is Here (Luminosite Eternelle)〉!"
A radiant yet faint golden light blossomed from Jeanne's holy flag.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone