Chapter 78: My Position Remains Unshaken!

Roland's eyes held no hesitation; from the moment he sensed Enkidu's fighting spirit, the outcome was already decided.

The grand spectacle of the Chains of Heaven, for all its seeming might, was fundamentally a double-edged sword. Against gods, it was nearly invincible, but in the face of ordinary mortals, it was little more than a chain like any other. While most powerful heroes possessed a touch of divinity, there were exceptions—especially Roland. He was not native to this world, and to use the sword of a former era against the officials of the current one was wishful thinking. Even if he had to force the comparison, he was a demon sorcerer, not a god. If anything, he had more in common with those eight undying gods born of righteousness.

Bound by the Chains of Heaven, Roland took a deep breath. Along the crimson path of flame, the earth melted beneath him, the air seemed to boil, and the trees vanished in an instant.

Enkidu, caught off guard, suffered the blow. Though not killed, it was enough for Roland to achieve his goal.

Approaching Danic, Roland waved his hand, exposing the scene on Danic's chest before his eyes.

"A sheep?"

Seeing the familiar symbol, Roland shrugged, unsurprised.

Upon confirming the presence of a charm on Danic, and judging by his actions, it could only be this one.

Soon, however, Roland's brow furrowed.

The sheep charm was wrapped in a mass of chaotic souls. Though it had no effect on the charm itself, it was as annoying as having one's car plastered with unwanted advertisements.

At that moment, Enkidu, who had been knocked back, returned. Seeing Roland holding his master's life in his hands, Enkidu was not anxious; instead, a look of relief appeared on his face.

Roland silently withdrew his hand, turning his gaze to Enkidu.

"You won't even offer a token threat? You're content to let me do as I please with your master? This charm—it's the key to his personality, isn't it?"

Though his Wisdom of Thousands had been worn down, his accumulated experience and knowledge allowed him to relearn at a remarkable pace. With his current mastery, Roland could already discern the core of Danic's magic.

"Without it, your master would become nothing more than a homunculus governed by instinct. Are you alright with that?"

"It should be fine," Enkidu tilted his head and smiled. "In fact, I think it might be better for him."

"So that's how it is. Danic hasn't made a true contract with you, just exploited a loophole. Come to think of it, what exactly did he do before, and what brought him to Fuyuki City?"

Roland reached for the charm, but did not remove it immediately. Instead, he gently touched it, pouring his magical energy into it.

"But even if I ask him, I doubt I'll get an answer. So... I'll see for myself."

Even unactivated, the charm in his hand displayed power far surpassing others.

Though the sheep charm seemed ordinary, its true owner could unlock many abilities from it—chief among them, manipulating another's soul by extending into their dreams and altering their memories.

Danic had made his mark in the realm of souls by these means. Even in the unsealed state of the charm, such feats were difficult; let alone now, when the charm was depleted.

But for someone who had abandoned his own existence and wholly entrusted himself to the charm—a pitiful creature—he could only submit to Roland's will.

Had Danic been conscious, he would have been horrified to find his memories flashing before his mind, sometimes blurred, sometimes crystal clear.

The memories of Danic's life flickered before Roland like a film, and Roland sifted through them, absorbing the knowledge he needed like a sponge.

"Hmm—"

After a while, Roland's brow furrowed deeply.

He had effortlessly acquired the rare knowledge of a Grand Magus: the variations of spells, the techniques of casting, and all sorts of forgotten arts. For most, their personality would have drowned in such a deluge, but for Roland, blessed with the Wisdom of Thousands, it was a mere drizzle.

When he finished reading, Roland's eyes shone with a subtle light.

He now knew every secret sealed away in the Third Holy Grail War, and had seen how Danic's caution turned into obsession with the charm.

Roland let go of Danic, not taking the sheep charm, but stood and regarded him with a curious gaze.

He also understood why Danic had so readily made a pact with him: Danic believed that once he achieved his ultimate goal in the Holy Grail War, he would no longer fear the binding of the contract.

But in the end, he truly did wish to honor the pact.

—Because his purpose in this Holy Grail War was not the Grail itself.

"Take your master away. He'll wake soon enough."

Roland spoke calmly, heading back toward the Einzbern Castle.

"What are you scheming?"

Enkidu's expression was unmoved, but his eyes darkened slightly. As a weapon, he would never rebel against his master, but when it came to the enemy, things were different.

He had not expected this strange, otherworldly being to spare Danic, nor to leave the precious charm untouched. It was utterly unexpected. Thus, he could only resume his duty as a servant.

"Indeed, why? I'm still searching for the answer myself," Roland replied with a slight smile, turning his head. "Oh, when he wakes, pass on a message for me."

After Roland departed, Enkidu, wary of a surprise attack, cautiously approached Danic, but found no traps left behind.

"This is..."

Enkidu stared at Roland's receding figure, hoisted his master onto his shoulder, and swiftly left the forest.

He had barely placed his master on the sofa at their hideout when Danic slowly lifted his heavy eyelids.

"Lancer? Where are we..."

As he spoke, Danic, ignoring his pain, instinctively touched his chest. Even knowing that consciousness meant the charm remained intact, he still felt compelled to confirm it with his own hands.

"Roland let us go? What is he planning?"

"He only asked me to pass on a message," Enkidu said, his gaze complex, imitating Roland's hoarse, low voice.

"—No one can stop their nails from growing, and even less can suppress their innate nature. So, go forth and act."

This made Danic's pupils contract; he instinctively examined Enkidu's expression, and finding nothing amiss, slowly responded.

"He didn't tell you anything else?"

"No."

"I see."

That Roland—had he seen through my purpose? Or is he hoping to use me to obtain the Grail?

No—I must not hesitate! I have important work ahead, vital work!

Three Command Seals remain, the charm has not been taken, and Lancer is still my captive lamb, a sacrificial offering.

I am Danic, the Master! My position is unshaken!

When I merge with my servant, the shell sealing the charm will be shattered, and its power released. Through the link of souls, I will be the first to inherit its strength.

Then, whatever you may plot, with this divine power, I will have nothing to fear.