Finn, Riveria, Ryuu, Ais, and the others gathered on the open ground. This place was the exit of the artificial dungeon, and also the final assembly point.

The air was filled with the scent of blood and gunpowder. Although the war was nearing its end, the tense atmosphere had not completely dissipated.

"Has the battle... ended?", Someone cautiously asked.

Finn nodded and replied in a calm tone, "It's over."

The remnants of the Evilus, the designer of the artificial dungeon, the red-haired beast-tamer woman, [Man Killer] Phryne, the fallen fairy... all the enemies had been completely dealt with.

Now, the only enemies left were the [Masked Man], and, Emiya had not yet returned.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Suddenly, footsteps echoed at the exit of the underground waterway. Everyone instantly looked up, their gazes all turning in that direction.

In the dim light, a figure slowly walked out.

Emiya's figure gradually became clear. He was drenched in blood, his clothes soaked and stained a deep red. His body bore many deep wounds, and his steps were slightly unsteady, yet his back remained straight.

In his right hand, he carried a metal weapon case about one meter high and fifty centimeters wide, which appeared exceptionally heavy.

During his chant state, Emiya had to concentrate all his magic and spirit, so his close combat ability was impaired. Most of his injuries were sustained during that time.

However, after activating [Unlimited Blade Works], the battle quickly ended.

When everyone saw Emiya's appearance, their hearts tightened. Ryuu, Ais, and the others immediately ran up to him.

"E-Emiya-dono...", Lefiya looked worried, "Did you... did you defeat that [Masked Man]?"

Seeing Lefiya's anxious expression, Emiya used his free left hand to pat her head and nodded.

Lefiya's expression relaxed slightly. She noticed the weapon case in Emiya's hand and wanted to help carry it, but Emiya gently shook his head, refusing her goodwill.

Then, Emiya looked up and turned his gaze to the elven princess in the team.

"Riveria...", Emiya slowly walked up to her and handed over the weapon case, "There are some things I need to trouble you with later."

Riveria looked at Emiya. A trace of complexity flashed in her eyes as she received the weapon case he handed over, her eyes showing concern.

"Are you... okay?", Riveria's voice carried a tinge of gentle distress.

"I'm fine," Emiya smiled. Although his voice was tired, it still carried a reassuring strength, "Just a bit tired, that's all."

Then, he looked at Riveria and spoke softly, "Don't open this box for now."

Riveria nodded, looked down at the metal case in her hands, and subconsciously tightened her grip.

Emiya took a deep breath and then gently smiled. He looked at everyone, "Let's go home."

"Yes!", The adventurers cheered.

They set off, beginning the journey back to the surface of Orario.

The sky was filled with gloomy clouds. The breeze carried a faint chill. Raindrops fell gently on the ground, stirring subtle ripples, as if washing away everything from the past.

———

"Although I lost this time, I admit defeat," Before being sent back, Thanatos sighed to Loki in front of him, "Also, that matter... I'll leave it to you."

Then, this God of Death leapt lightly from the high platform, and immediately, a coarse rope tightly wound around his neck.

Having received a fatal wound, the divine power began to automatically repair his body, and a pillar of return light rose along with it.

Thanatos's figure was gradually swallowed by the light, eventually leaving only a faint silhouette, slowly vanishing within the pillar.

Loki stood where she was, squinting as she watched the dissipating light. Her face showed no expression.

As the pillar faded away, under the Tower of Babel, many citizens were still murmuring. But Loki did not stop and turned to walk toward a secret room inside the tower.

Emiya, Finn, and others stood aside, guarding the god Dionysus bound in the center of the room.

At this moment, Dionysus was no longer his suave and composed self. His hands and feet were bound, and his once calm face twisted in pain. His body trembled violently from time to time.

Loki entered the chamber, her gaze falling on Dionysus.

[God-Slaying Witch], This was a special awakening based on Aura's original skills, a power of "god-slaying."

It worked only against Dionysus, not a poison, nor a curse, but something like "fate" itself.

In fact, at the moment he was pierced by Aura's sword, Dionysus had already "died", and Filvis's falna also failed at that moment.

After being killed by this skill, Dionysus would not return to the heavens like other gods. Instead, he would truly die and enter a long cycle of reincarnation.

Even Loki could not be certain whether, one day in the future, when the god of wine is reborn, he would still be this "Dionysus".

As for why Dionysus was still alive. Although he had already received a fatal wound, the other adventurers present, out of kindness, used a large amount of healing magic on him, even consuming many precious healing elixirs.

However, "death" had already been decided by fate. These treatments didn't truly save him, and instead only prolonged his suffering.

Everyone's intentions were good, and the effect was even better.

Dionysus's body kept trembling within the restraints, his face twisted, his forehead soaked in cold sweat, and his body convulsed in agony. His throat seemed to be tightly gripped by something, unable to utter any sound. He could only shiver silently, his eyes filled with despair and fury.

Loki stood not far away, coldly observing everything. Her lips slowly curled into a smile filled with demonic mockery.

"I've already spoken with Thanatos," Loki began, her smile stretching almost to her ears, "Next, we'll announce to the whole city that Thanatos is the 'City Destroyer, Enyo'."

Hearing this, Dionysus's pupils shrank violently. He struggled fiercely, even trying to lift his head with all his remaining strength. His bloodshot eyes glared venomously at Loki.

Seeing his pathetic appearance, Loki smiled even more brightly and continued, "Thanatos is happy to go along with it too. After all, he was also tricked by you."

"Also, when he returns to the divine realm, he'll spread the same story~", Loki's tone was casual, but every word stabbed like a blade into Dionysus's heart.

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[Dionysus]

— Identity: A completely ordinary, mid-tier deity in Orario.

— Cause of death: Attacked and killed by his familia's vice-captain, who was under mind control magic from the Evilus remnants.

— Punishment for attacker Aura: Considering the suspect acted involuntarily, under the control of the Evilus, no punishment. Furthermore, as Aura herself was a victim in this incident, the Guild decided to issue medical compensation. Also, given Miss Aura's unstable mental state, she has been temporarily hospitalized for treatment.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

"As a side character, just die in agony like this," Loki said, "And then, you'll be completely forgotten by the city, and by this world."

Then she looked at Emiya nearby and raised an eyebrow, "Or, Emiya-kun, want to give him the final blow?"

Emiya didn't respond immediately. He quietly stared at the struggling Dionysus, eyes filled neither with anger nor sympathy. After a moment, he gently shook his head, "I respect Aura's will. I'll stay here until it's all over."

"Mm, no problem," Loki smiled lightly at his reply, "Finn, let's go."

Inside the chamber, the light was dim. Only Emiya and the dying Dionysus remained.

Dionysus's breathing grew weaker, and his struggling more feeble.

Until the next morning, when sunlight filtered in through the cracks in the window, Emiya finally stood up and left the chamber.

[T/N: Well, that was a brutal death. All the credit he worked hard all his life for was stolen by someone, who'll enjoy the infamy that was rightfully his. Instead, he will be tormented to death by an extra. Cherry on the top~]

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