"..."
Silence visited this space once again.
After the blinding flashes, the view before them gradually returned, and the scorching heat that had engulfed the entire chamber subsided.
The air in the large cavity still carried a slight warmth, and the ground resembled a pool of molten lava, glowing red and emitting a pungent smell of burning smoke.
When the dust settled, the divine barrier of protection that exuded a sacred aura gradually dimmed and eventually disappeared, revealing the people who had been shielded behind the shield.
"Did it work…?" Olga Marie stared in astonishment.
"Fou!" Fou made a happy sound.
"We did it..." Mash said, her face filled with disbelief.
"Huff..." Rozen sighed with relief, looking at Mash, and a refreshing smile spread across his face.
Seeing this smile, Mash felt like she had returned to reality, her eyes filled with excitement.
Recalling the divine barrier that had been erected just moments ago, Mash hugged her shield.
"So, this is... my Noble Phantasm..."
After successfully unleashing her Noble Phantasm, Mash finally understood the true nature of her shield.
It could form a powerful protective barrier in front of her, blocking enemy attacks, and even reflecting them back.
This was the effect of Mash's Noble Phantasm, as confirmed by the heroic mage.
"Well done, young lady. Thanks to you, we managed to survive," Caster said while holding his staff and laughing heartily.
"I never expected such an inconspicuous Noble Phantasm to be so effective."
Inconspicuous.
Indeed, it was inconspicuous.
At least, compared to Saber and Caster's Noble Phantasms, Mash's was not impressive at all.
It was only ranked at D-level and was a single-target Noble Phantasm. Compared to Saber and Caster's highest-level area-of-effect Noble Phantasms, it could be considered inconspicuous.
However...
"This shield is far from reaching its full potential," Caster said confidently.
"Just as Caster said, Mash's Noble Phantasm has yet to reach its full potential,"
Caster grinned. "After all, you instinctively unleashed it without knowing the true name of the Heroic Spirit possessing you. While you successfully released a portion of its power, the majority of its strength still lies dormant within this shield, waiting for you to awaken it."
This was the recognition of a hero and the premonition of a sage.
"Although my premonitions have never been fortunate in the past," Caster added, making everyone smile wryly.
Only he himself, despite saying such things, still wore a genuinely happy expression.
"I thought the Holy Grail War wouldn't bring any good, but I've still seen something nice. It wasn't in vain for me to manifest this time."
Caster's gaze shifted between Mash and Rozen, seeming extremely satisfied with both of them, nodding in approval.
"Thanks to you, I have also fulfilled my purpose."
Caster turned his head and pointed ahead.
"And what you desire is right there."
Hearing this, everyone subconsciously looked in the direction Caster indicated.
The next moment, they saw it.
"Clang..."
As the radiance emanated from it, a brilliantly colored crystal floated in the air.
Within that crystal, they sensed an extraordinary and astonishing magical power.
"So, that's the Holy Grail?" Rozen pondered.
"It seems this Holy Grail isn't fully formed yet," she continued.
As the name implied, the so-called Holy Grail should have the shape of a "cup." Although in modern times, anything that could grant a magician's wish might be called a "Holy Grail," not just objects resembling cups. Rozen felt that the Holy Grail before them was still in an incomplete stage, and the change in its shape might not have a significant impact on its power.
So, Rozen thought to himself.
(You really are impatient.)
To reveal the Holy Grail in its incomplete state and bestow it upon Saber, creating this Singularity. Wasn't that impatience?
(Do you truly desire humanity's destruction?)
With these thoughts, Rozen gazed firmly in the direction of the Holy Grail.
Next, all that remained was to retrieve it, and the mission of transferring Spiritrons would be complete. The Singularity would then be repaired, and humanity's foundation would be restored.
"So, it's up to you now."
Caster raised his staff, grinned, and suddenly emitted a bright light, seemingly on the verge of disappearing, transforming into radiant particles.
"Caster...!?"
Mash couldn't help but be surprised.
Only Rozen remained unsurprised.
"Are you ready to go back, Caster?"
Rozen looked at Caster.
Seeing this, Caster laughed nonchalantly.
"The Holy Grail War has ended, and there's no reason to stay in this era any longer."
As Servants, once their purpose was fulfilled, they would be returned to the Throne, their memories of this battle sent back to their true forms.
The Servants at Chaldea were no exception. If one day the purpose of laying the foundation was achieved, they would all be sent back. Otherwise, sustaining their existence required an enormous amount of resources.
In other words, no matter the Servant, the day of parting with their Master would come.
"Though it was just a temporary contract with a Master, you certainly made it enjoyable for me."
Caster burst into laughter.
"If you ever need a helping hand again, consider summoning me."
"It was quite pleasant fighting alongside you."
Leaving behind these words, Caster completely transformed into particles of light and vanished.
The group watched in silence as this easygoing hero departed, remaining silent for a long while.
"Alright."
Olga Marie was the first to regain her composure and spoke up.
"It's time to retrieve the Holy Grail. Once this Singularity is restored, Chaldea should notice and contact us proactively."
That was their only hope.
If they retrieved the Holy Grail and Chaldea still hadn't reestablished contact, they would be almost helpless.
"Let's retrieve the Holy Grail now, Mash."
"Yes, Director."
Following Olga Marie's instructions, Mash nodded and prepared to step forward.
However...
"Don't be in such a hurry."
Rozen held back Mash's shoulder and continued to gaze ahead.
"Fou! Fou!"
In Olga Marie's arms, Fou suddenly raised its fur, showing a defensive stance.
"Senpai...?"
"What's wrong?"
Both Mash and Olga Marie were left speechless.
Ignoring the two girls, Rozen kept staring ahead and spoke up.
"Still not prepared to come out?"
The voice resounded clearly.
Then...
"As expected, I've been discovered. It's not just my imagination."
A laughter responded, echoing in the surroundings.