Chapter 9: Sovereign of Seven Paths
Morning light bathed the resistance camp in gentle gold, the air noticeably clearer following the purification of Compiègne's anchor. As the forces prepared for the day's march, Xian stood slightly apart, testing the new celestial energy that flowed through his enhanced meridians. With a subtle gesture, he manifested a small constellation above his palm—starlight forming precise patterns that rotated in complex synchronization.
"Fascinating," observed a cultured voice behind him. "You create miniature celestial bodies with the same ease I might arrange musical notes."
Mozart approached, his elegant features betraying both exhaustion from yesterday's diversionary mission and genuine intellectual curiosity. Despite the grime of battle that dulled his normally immaculate appearance, the composer maintained an inherent refinement that spoke to his artistic soul.
"Not creation," Xian corrected gently. "Manifestation of existing celestial patterns—connections that already exist beyond conventional perception."
Mozart's eyes lit with understanding. "Ah! Like music itself—not invented but discovered, patterns that already exist in the mathematical fabric of reality."
Their conversation drew the interest of d'Eon, who approached with the measured grace that marked the knight's every movement. Today, d'Eon's appearance leaned more feminine, blonde hair framing delicate features that nonetheless carried the resolute determination of a soldier.
"Is this another of your techniques that might aid in battle?" d'Eon inquired practically, trained eyes assessing the celestial manifestation with tactical consideration.
"Potentially," Xian acknowledged, allowing the constellation to disperse into motes of silvery light. "I'm still integrating this particular energy pathway into my cultivation system."
D'Eon nodded with military precision. "When you've mastered it, I hope you'll consider a tactical briefing for the vanguard. New capabilities require adjusted formations."
The knight's professional approach to even otherworldly abilities demonstrated why d'Eon had been such an effective spy and soldier in life—adaptable, practical, and unfazed by the extraordinary.
As they joined the main group gathering for the morning's council, Xian noted the shifting dynamics among the assembled Servants. Marie Antoinette stood beside Jeanne, the queen's silver-blonde curls bouncing lightly as she gestured animatedly, bringing a rare smile to the more solemn saint's face. Despite vastly different personalities—Marie's effervescent warmth contrasting with Jeanne's measured devotion—the two had formed a natural alliance based on mutual respect.
Nearby, Sanson maintained his customary distance, the executioner's tall, lean frame eternally straight-backed as if forever at attention. His calculating eyes missed nothing, his severe features rarely betraying emotion beyond clinical assessment. Yet Xian had noticed subtle shifts in his demeanor—moments of protective vigilance when Marie entered potentially dangerous situations, betraying a complex loyalty that transcended their historical relationship.
Fujimaru approached, Mash at his side as always. The young Master had grown remarkably in confidence since their arrival in the Singularity, his initial uncertainty giving way to a natural leadership that drew the best from those around him.
"We've received reports from our scouts," he informed Xian, his orange hair tousled by the morning breeze. "The remaining anchors appear to be consolidating their energy—flowing toward Orleans itself rather than maintaining separate points."
"The Dragon Witch is adapting her strategy," Xian surmised. "Concentrating her remaining power at a single defensible location."
Mash nodded, her lavender hair framing earnest eyes that had witnessed too much for one so young. "We believe she's preparing for a final confrontation rather than trying to maintain the broader Singularity."
This tactical shift presented both opportunity and danger—a single point of corruption would be easier to target, but also meant facing the full concentration of the Dragon Witch's remaining power. The council convened to discuss their approach, EMIYA's tactical mind and Scáthach's battle experience providing the framework for their planning.
During this discussion, Xian felt his cultivation system processing the interactions between his newly enhanced celestial pathway and his established cultivation aspects. The integration was accelerating, connections forming that suggested new techniques beyond what he had previously conceptualized.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Multiple Aspect Synchronization Reaching Threshold ✦ Primary Aspects: • Sword Dao (83%) • Void Dao (87%) • Celestial Astral Energy (31%) • Purification Aspect (100%) • Body Dao (92%) ✦ Synchronization Creating New Compound Aspects ✦ Title Achievement Available: [Seven-Path Sovereign] • Requirements: Achieve high synchronization across five or more fundamental aspects • Effect: Enhanced energy circulation efficiency across all pathways • Passive Bonus: 30% reduction in technique transition costs • Accept Title? [Y]
The notification represented a significant milestone—his cultivation had reached the point where multiple paths reinforced each other in harmonious synchronization, creating a foundation for techniques that drew upon several aspects simultaneously. Accepting the title, Xian felt a subtle shift in his energy circulation—meridians widening to accommodate increased flow, connections between disparate pathways strengthening into permanent channels.
"You seem... different," Scáthach observed quietly, her immortal perceptiveness detecting the change despite its internal nature. The Queen of Shadows stood beside him, crimson eyes assessing with the accumulated wisdom of countless centuries.
"My cultivation has reached a new integration threshold," Xian explained. "Multiple pathways now function as a unified system rather than separate aspects."
She nodded with understanding that few others could have managed. "I've witnessed similar phenomena in the greatest heroes I trained—moments when disparate skills suddenly align into a cohesive whole greater than its parts."
"The strategic implications are significant," EMIYA noted, joining their conversation. The Archer's steel-gray eyes missed nothing, his tactical mind immediately processing the potential advantages. "New capabilities mean new options against the Dragon Witch."
"Precisely," Xian confirmed. "Particularly for dealing with concentrated corruption."
The council concluded with a decision to march directly on Orleans, where intelligence suggested the Dragon Witch had established her final defense. As the forces assembled, Xian took a moment to explore the new techniques made possible by his enhanced integration.
[New Fusion Techniques Available] ✦ [Celestial Void Sword Array] • Fusion: Celestial Astral Energy + Void Dao + Sword Dao • Effect: Manifests multiple conceptual blades anchored to celestial coordinates • Application: Area control and multiple-target precision strikes • Energy Cost: Moderate (sustainable for extended combat) ✦ [Divine Purification Star] • Fusion: Celestial Astral Energy + Purification Aspect • Effect: Creates celestial focus point that emits continuous purification waves • Application: Sustained corruption cleansing over broad area • Energy Cost: High (requires concentration to maintain) ✦ [Astral Body Transformation] • Fusion: Celestial Astral Energy + Body Dao • Effect: Temporarily transforms physical form to incorporate celestial attributes • Application: Enhanced physical capabilities, limited astral travel • Energy Cost: Variable (scales with transformation extent)
The new techniques represented perfect synergy between his celestial cultivation and established pathways, each fusion creating capabilities greater than the individual aspects could produce independently. Most promising was the Celestial Void Sword Array—a technique that would allow him to manifest multiple Void Horizon Blades simultaneously, each anchored to celestial coordinates for precision control.
As they prepared to depart, Jeanne approached Xian, her armor gleaming in the morning light, blonde braid swinging gently with her measured movements. Despite the battles she had already faced, her blue eyes remained clear and resolute—the unwavering faith that defined her legend still evident in every aspect of her bearing.
"May I speak with you a moment?" she requested, her voice carrying the natural authority that had once inspired armies.
"Of course," Xian agreed, stepping aside with her.
Jeanne's expression turned contemplative, gaze directed toward the horizon where Orleans waited. "You've faced my altered self twice now," she began. "You've seen her more clearly than perhaps anyone else. What do you believe she truly is?"
The question revealed Jeanne's depth—her concern extending beyond tactical considerations to the philosophical implications of her corrupted counterpart's existence. Xian considered carefully before responding.
"She began as a corruption—Eligos's manipulation of your legend to create its opposite," he explained. "But since being freed from direct control, she's evolving into something more authentic—a manifestation of possibility rather than mere inversion."
"A path I might have taken?" Jeanne suggested softly.
"Not exactly," Xian clarified. "More a manifestation of a question—what if faith met with betrayal had produced vengeance rather than forgiveness? Not the real you, but an exploration of a fundamental choice point in your legend."
Jeanne absorbed this with thoughtful dignity. "And you believe she's continuing to evolve, even now?"
"I do," Xian confirmed. "Without Eligos directing her actions, she's becoming something the Demon Pillar never intended—a being with authentic choice rather than programmed hatred."
This perspective seemed to bring Jeanne some measure of peace. "Then perhaps there remains hope for her, whatever form that might take."
Their conversation was interrupted as the march began, the resistance forces moving with renewed purpose toward Orleans. The landscape they traversed showed increasing signs of restoration—areas previously twisted by corruption gradually reverting to natural formation as the Singularity's stability continued to weaken.
By midday, they reached the outskirts of Orleans, where the corruption's concentration became immediately apparent. Unlike the gradual deterioration they had witnessed elsewhere, here the distortion maintained full potency—buildings warped into impossible configurations, the sky above the city a swirling vortex of crimson and black, reality itself seeming to bend toward the central cathedral where the Dragon Witch had established her final bastion.
Most concerning were the new guardians visible along the city's edge—not the familiar wyverns or conceptual wardens they had faced previously, but something that defied easy classification. Humanoid figures composed of crystallized corruption, each bearing aspects of different historical warriors, moved in precise formations that suggested both intelligence and coordination.
"She's created a new army," Marie observed, her usual cheerfulness tempered by tactical concern. "From the very corruption itself."
EMIYA's bow materialized as he studied these new entities with analytical precision. "Not just an army—look at their formations, their movement patterns. Those are elite guard configurations, developed specifically for defense against superior numbers."
"She's learning," Xian noted with interest. "Adapting military strategy without Eligos's guidance."
This development suggested Jeanne Alter's continued evolution—no longer relying on the Demon Pillar's tactical knowledge but developing her own approach based on the inherent military understanding that formed part of Jeanne's original legend.
They established a position on a hill overlooking the city, assessing the defenses before committing to an approach. While EMIYA and d'Eon conducted detailed reconnaissance, Xian prepared for what would clearly be their most significant confrontation yet, cycling energy through his newly integrated pathways.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Combat Preparation Initiated ✦ Configuration: [Seven-Path Sovereign] • Primary: Celestial Void Sword Integration • Secondary: Divine Purification Formation • Tertiary: Astral Body Enhancement ✦ Energy Reserves: 94% (Optimal) ✦ Signature Attack Ready: [Celestial Void Sword Array] ✦ Warning: Concentrated Corruption Detection • Analysis: Corruption Density 300% Higher Than Previous Encounters • Recommendation: Prioritize Purification Aspect in Initial Engagement
As evening approached, their scouts returned with detailed intelligence on the city's defenses. The information confirmed their initial assessment—Jeanne Alter had concentrated her remaining power at the central cathedral, transforming it into a nexus of corruption that sustained her crystallized army.
"The cathedral itself appears to be functioning as a combined anchor point," EMIYA reported, indicating positions on the hastily drawn map. "She's essentially collapsed the remaining anchors into a single concentrated source."
"Can we approach as we did in Compiègne?" Fujimaru asked, his tactical thinking becoming more sophisticated with each engagement.
D'Eon shook their head, blonde hair catching the fading light. "The city is too well patrolled. These crystallized guards maintain perfect coverage—no gaps in their defensive perimeter."
"Then we create a gap," Scáthach suggested with immortal certainty. "A focused assault at a single point, breakthrough rather than stealth."
The strategy quickly took shape—a direct attack on the eastern gate, where the city walls had partially crumbled in previous conflicts, while a secondary team circled to the southern approach to divide the defensive response. Jeanne would lead the eastern assault, her presence likely to draw the Dragon Witch's personal attention, while Marie's group with Fujimaru and Mash would approach from the south.
"And what of the cathedral itself?" Sanson inquired, his clinical precision cutting to the heart of the matter. "Once we penetrate the defenses, how do we address the concentrated corruption?"
All eyes turned to Xian, who had been monitoring the corruption's conceptual structure throughout their planning. "The cathedral represents a different challenge than previous anchors," he explained. "Not just a distortion of reality but a concentrated essence of the entire Singularity. It will require a more comprehensive approach than what I employed at Compiègne."
"You have something in mind," Scáthach observed. It wasn't a question.
"I do," Xian confirmed. "A new technique—Divine Purification Star. It should generate a continuous purification field capable of neutralizing even this level of concentration."
"At what cost to yourself?" the Queen of Shadows asked with the pragmatism of one who had witnessed countless heroes sacrifice themselves for victory.
"Sustainable," Xian assured her, "though it will require my complete focus. I'll need protection while maintaining the technique."
With roles assigned and strategies finalized, they prepared for the assault that would begin at dawn. As night fell over their encampment, the various Servants engaged in their personal preparations—rituals and practices as unique as their legends.
Mozart composed, his fingers dancing across an improvised keyboard fashioned from scavenged materials, the melody simultaneously beautiful and disquieting—a requiem for the coming battle. D'Eon practiced sword forms with meditative precision, each movement flowing into the next with lethal grace. Sanson sharpened his blade in methodical silence, the executioner's ritual unchanged across centuries.
In this atmosphere of anticipation, Marie Antoinette approached Xian once more, her inherent brightness somehow undimmed despite the gravity of their situation.
"May I join you for a moment?" she requested, her accent lending musical quality to her perfect French. Without waiting for a response, she seated herself nearby with natural grace. "I've been thinking about our conversation regarding my altered self—or rather, the absence of one."
Xian shifted from his meditation posture to give her his full attention. "Something has changed your perspective?"
Marie nodded, silver-blonde curls bouncing gently. "Watching Jeanne interact with her darker self made me consider what truly makes an Alter possible. You suggested it requires a conceptual foundation—a plausible alternate path. I've realized the reason I likely have no Alter is that my legend already contains both sides of such a dichotomy."
Her insight surprised him with its depth. "You're referring to the contrast between 'Marie Antoinette' the historical figure and 'Madame Deficit' the public perception?"
"Precisely!" Her blue eyes brightened with appreciation for his understanding. "History already created both versions of me—the frivolous, extravagant queen who allegedly said 'let them eat cake' and the actual woman who never uttered those words. The contrast exists within a single historical narrative rather than requiring a corrupted alternate."
The observation revealed Marie's remarkable self-awareness—her ability to recognize her own legend's complexity without defensiveness or denial. "A perceptive analysis," Xian acknowledged. "Legends that already incorporate seeming contradictions indeed provide less fertile ground for Alter creation."
"It's strangely comforting," Marie admitted with characteristic honesty. "To know that history already accounted for both the best and worst interpretations of my life." She rose gracefully. "I won't keep you from your preparations any longer. I simply wanted to share this thought while we still had a moment of peace."
As she departed, Xian returned to his meditation, but found his mind lingering on the conversation. Marie's insight highlighted something fundamental about the nature of legends and their manifestation as Servants—the interplay between historical truth and narrative interpretation, reality and perception.
These reflections were interrupted by a subtle shift in the conceptual atmosphere—the familiar sensation of being observed, but not by the celestial entity that had previously provided energy. This observation carried a different signature, heavier and more ominous.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Warning: External Observation Detected ✦ Source Analysis: Demon Pillar-Class Entity ✦ Identification: High Probability – Goetia Direct Surveillance • Not Eligos (Signature Distinct) • Not Previously Encountered Pillar • Conceptual Weight Suggests King of Mages Himself ✦ Recommendation: Maintain Normal Operations • Observer Appears to be Assessing Capabilities • Revealing Awareness May Provide Tactical Information • Shield Critical Techniques from Direct Observation
The King of Mages himself had turned his attention to the Singularity—perhaps alerted by the unusual methods Xian had employed against his Demon Pillar's corruption. Unlike the celestial observer's benign interest, this surveillance carried undertones of calculation and assessment—the attention of a grand strategist evaluating an unexpected piece on the board.
Xian maintained his meditation without outward reaction, though internally he configured his cultivation system to obscure certain aspects of his capabilities. Let Goetia see enough to recognize the threat, but not enough to develop specific countermeasures.
As dawn approached, Xian completed his preparations, rising to join the gathering forces as they made final arrangements for the assault. The integration of his multiple cultivation paths had reached new harmony, energy flowing through celestial, void, and sword meridians in perfect synchronization.
[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Path Trailblazer] ✦ Requirements fulfilled: Successfully integrate three or more conceptually distinct cultivation paths ✦ Reward: Unlocked [Path Convergence Point] • Effect: Creates temporary nexus where all active cultivation paths intersect • Application: Enables simultaneous deployment of multiple path techniques without energy conflicts • Cooldown: Significant (72 hours after activation) • Availability: Can be deployed once in coming battle
The hidden achievement represented a significant advancement—the ability to temporarily create a convergence point where his various cultivation paths intersected without interference. This would allow simultaneous deployment of techniques that would normally conflict energetically, though the significant cooldown meant it could only be used at the most critical moment.
As the first light of dawn touched the eastern horizon, the resistance forces moved into position. Jeanne stood at the head of the eastern assault group, her banner catching the morning light, its symbolism of divine guidance a direct counterpoint to her altered self's corruption. Scáthach and EMIYA flanked her, weapons at the ready, while d'Eon and Sanson positioned themselves to protect the flanks.
At the southern approach, Marie's group prepared their diversionary assault, Mozart's fingers poised to unleash his musical Noble Phantasm at the precise moment. Fujimaru and Mash stood at the center of their formation, the young Master's face set with determination, the Demi-Servant's shield gleaming with purpose.
Xian joined Jeanne's group, the Void Horizon Blade materialized at his side, now shimmering with the silver-blue light of celestial enhancement. His cultivation system hummed with balanced power, all pathways flowing in harmonious synchronization.
"It begins," Jeanne stated simply, raising her banner high.
With that signal, the assault on Orleans commenced—the final confrontation with the Dragon Witch and her concentrated corruption, a battle that would determine the fate of the Singularity and mark another critical step in humanity's defense against incineration.
The eastern gate defenders responded immediately to their approach, crystallized warriors forming precise defensive formations that spoke to sophisticated tactical understanding. These were not mindless constructs but extensions of Jeanne Alter's military genius—the same strategic mind that had once led France's armies, now turned toward defense rather than liberation.
EMIYA struck first, a barrage of transformed arrows raining down on the defenders' front line. Where conventional weapons might have proven ineffective against these crystallized entities, his projected Noble Phantasms carried conceptual weight that disrupted their corrupted essence.
Scáthach followed immediately, her crimson spear becoming a blur of lethal precision as she engaged the second defensive line. The immortal warrior moved with fluid grace that belied her ancient status, each strike finding vulnerable points in the crystallized formations with unerring accuracy.
Jeanne pressed forward behind this initial assault, her banner radiating purifying light that weakened the corruption sustaining the defender constructs. D'Eon and Sanson protected her flanks with complementary styles—the knight's elegant swordplay contrasting with the executioner's methodical precision.
Xian assessed the battlefield's conceptual currents, identifying the optimal moment to deploy his new techniques. The corruption flowed in distinct patterns, all leading back to the central cathedral where its concentration reached critical levels. Disrupting these patterns would create opportunities for their advance.
"[Celestial Void Sword Array – First Manifestation]," he intoned, channeling energy through his integrated pathways.
The air around him shimmered as reality thinned, revealing glimpses of the celestial framework underlying conventional space-time. Within this exposed framework, multiple Void Horizon Blades materialized—not mere duplicates but extensions of the original, each anchored to a specific celestial coordinate that corresponded to a corruption flow point.
With a gesture, Xian directed the array toward the defender formation's structural weak points—the junctions where corruption flowed between constructs, sustaining their cohesion. The blades moved with synchronized precision, cutting not flesh but the conceptual connections that maintained the defensive formation.
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Where the blades severed corruption flows, the crystallized warriors began to fracture, their coordinated movements disrupted as the sustaining energy faltered. Gaps appeared in the previously impenetrable defense, creating opportunities for the resistance forces to penetrate deeper.
"Forward!" Jeanne commanded, leading the charge through the largest opening.
From the south came the sound of Mozart's Noble Phantasm—a melody that dissolved corruption through pure conceptual dissonance, creating the planned diversion that would divide the defensive response. The crystallized army reacted as anticipated, forces splitting to address threats from multiple directions.
They fought their way toward the city center, the battle intensifying as they approached the cathedral. The corruption grew denser, manifesting physical effects that distorted the very landscape—buildings warping around them, the ground beneath their feet occasionally shifting like liquid, reality itself becoming malleable in the presence of such concentrated distortion.
Xian maintained the Celestial Void Sword Array throughout their advance, the technique proving more sustainable than anticipated due to his enhanced integration. The array continued to disrupt corruption flows, creating pathways through otherwise impenetrable defenses.
As they reached the cathedral's outer perimeter, a new challenge emerged. The ground before them erupted, crystallized corruption forming a barrier that rose like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf their entire formation.
"[Astral Body Transformation – Partial Manifestation]," Xian declared, activating another of his newly developed techniques.
His physical form shimmered as celestial attributes temporarily incorporated into his being. His skin took on a subtle opalescence, meridians glowing through flesh with silver-blue light, eyes shifting to contain what appeared to be miniature constellations. In this partially transformed state, the laws governing conventional matter held less sway over his form.
Stepping forward to meet the advancing corruption wave, Xian extended both hands, channeling purification energy through his celestial-enhanced meridians. "Divine Boundary," he commanded, establishing a conceptual line that the corruption could not cross.
The wave struck his boundary and halted as if hitting an invisible wall, corruption bleeding away where it contacted the purification energy. Through this temporary barrier, the resistance forces continued their advance, reaching the cathedral's main entrance.
The massive doors stood open in apparent invitation—a confidence that suggested either trap or genuine challenge. Within the cathedral's corrupted interior, they could sense a presence of tremendous power waiting to receive them.
"She expects us," Jeanne observed, her expression solemn but resolved.
"Then let us not disappoint her," Scáthach replied, crimson spear gleaming with anticipation.
They entered the cathedral to find a space transformed beyond recognition. What had once been a place of worship now resembled the interior of a living entity—walls pulsing with veins of corruption, floors shifting like muscle tissue, the ceiling opening to reveal not sky but a swirling vortex of crimson and black energy. At the center, where the altar should have stood, floated a crystalline structure similar to the anchor cores they had encountered previously, but vastly larger and more complex.
And before this corrupted heart stood Jeanne Alter—changed since their last encounter in ways that went beyond appearance. Her armor remained blackened, her banner still depicted France in flames, but her posture had shifted from rage-driven aggression to something more controlled, more authentically hers.
Most notably, her golden eyes now held awareness beyond hatred—calculation, certainly, but also something that might have been curiosity or even recognition. She watched their entrance without immediate attack, assessing with the tactical patience of a true military leader.
"So predictable," she greeted them, her voice still carrying that distorted echo of Jeanne's own. "The righteous crusaders come to cleanse corruption and restore proper history."
"This ends today," Jeanne replied, stepping forward with her banner raised. "One way or another."
Jeanne Alter smiled—a gesture that held genuine amusement rather than mere malice. "On that we agree. But not in the manner you imagine." She gestured toward the crystalline structure behind her. "This is more than merely another anchor. It is a distillation—the pure essence of alternative possibility."
Xian studied the structure with his enhanced perception, analyzing its conceptual framework. Unlike previous anchors that merely distorted reality around established history, this construct represented something more fundamental—a crystallization of alternate possibility itself, a nexus where divergent timelines could be manifested and sustained.
"You're attempting to create a permanent divergence point," he realized aloud. "Not merely a Singularity but an established branch of history."
"Very good, Architect," Jeanne Alter acknowledged, using the title with apparent familiarity. "You understand better than most what true alteration of reality requires—not merely corruption but reconstruction along different conceptual lines."
The revelation explained her strategic shift—concentrating remaining power at this single point instead of maintaining multiple anchors across the region. This was not desperation but calculation, focusing resources where they could create permanent rather than temporary change.
"It won't succeed," Xian countered calmly. "The underlying historical weight rejects such fundamental deviation. You're building on conceptual quicksand."
Something flickered in Jeanne Alter's golden eyes—recognition, perhaps, of the truth in his assessment. "Perhaps. But the attempt itself holds value beyond success or failure."
This cryptic statement suggested complexity beyond mere destruction—a purpose that hadn't been apparent in their previous encounters. Before they could question further, she raised her corrupted sword, darkness gathering around the blade.
"Enough philosophy. You've come to end this Singularity; I've prepared to defend it. Let the final battle commence."
With those words, she gestured toward the cathedral ceiling. The vortex above intensified, tendrils of corruption descending to surround her form with pulsing energy. As this power flowed into her, Jeanne Alter's form began to change—growing larger, her armor fusing with corruption to create a carapace of crystallized darkness, her sword extending into a massive blade of pure malevolence.
"La Grondement Du Haine!" she declared, naming her Noble Phantasm—the Roar of Hatred.
Flames erupted across the cathedral interior—not natural fire but manifestations of pure vengeful rage, seeking targets with intelligent purpose. The resistance forces scattered to defensive positions as the initial wave of Alter's Noble Phantasm transformed the battlefield into a literal inferno of hatred.
Jeanne countered with her own Noble Phantasm, her banner glowing with sacred light as she invoked, "Luminosité Eternelle!" The divine protection spread outward from her position, creating zones of safety within the raging firestorm.
EMIYA and Scáthach engaged directly, the Archer's projected weapons and the immortal warrior's crimson spear striking at Jeanne Alter from different angles. Despite their coordinated assault, the Dragon Witch's enhanced form deflected their attacks with surprising ease, corrupted armor absorbing impacts that should have penetrated.
D'Eon and Sanson moved to protect the more vulnerable members of their force, the knight's blade and the executioner's precision creating a defensive perimeter against corruption constructs that had begun manifesting throughout the cathedral.
Xian assessed the situation with tactical clarity, identifying the conceptual framework supporting Jeanne Alter's enhanced state. The corruption flowed from the crystalline structure behind her, channeling through specific pathways that reinforced her transformation. Disrupting these pathways would weaken her defenses, creating opportunities for their more conventional attacks to penetrate.
"[Divine Purification Star – Initial Formation]," he declared, activating the technique he had prepared specifically for this confrontation.
Drawing upon his fully integrated Celestial Astral Energy and Purification Aspect, Xian created a miniature star of concentrated purification essence. The celestial construct hovered above his palm, radiating golden light interwoven with silver-blue energy—divine purification channeled through astral coordinates for maximum effect.
With precise control, he directed the star toward the ceiling vortex, targeting the point where corruption entered the cathedral from whatever external source fed it. As the star ascended, it left a trail of purified space in its wake, corruption receding like darkness before dawn.
Jeanne Alter noticed the threat immediately, her tactical mind recognizing the strategic intent. "Clever," she acknowledged, even as she redirected a portion of her flames to intercept the ascending star. "But insufficient."
The flames engulfed Xian's construct, momentarily obscuring it from view. But rather than being extinguished, the Divine Purification Star absorbed the corrupted fire, converting its energy to fuel its own expansion. When it emerged from the flames, the star had grown significantly, its purification field extending to encompass larger portions of the vortex.
"Conversion rather than opposition," Xian explained calmly. "Corruption contains energy that can be purified and redirected."
Understanding dawned in Jeanne Alter's eyes—recognition that this technique threatened not just her immediate power but the conceptual foundation of the entire structure she had created. With a snarl of defiance, she abandoned her defensive position, launching herself directly at Xian with corrupted blade raised for a killing strike.
"[Celestial Void Sword Array – Full Manifestation]," Xian countered, channeling energy through all active pathways simultaneously.
The array manifested in its complete form—twelve Void Horizon Blades arranged in a perfect celestial pattern, each corresponding to a fundamental constellation in the cosmic framework. The blades intercepted Jeanne Alter's charge, creating a defensive formation that forced her to halt her direct assault.
The confrontation had reached its critical moment. Above, the Divine Purification Star continued expanding into the corruption vortex, steadily converting darkness to light. Below, the resistance forces pressed their advantage against the weakening corruption constructs. And at the center, Xian faced Jeanne Alter directly, his integrated cultivation pathways allowing simultaneous deployment of multiple techniques that would normally have been mutually exclusive.
It was time to activate his hidden achievement—the temporary convergence point that would allow maximum expression of his Seven-Path Sovereign status.
[Path Convergence Point Activated] ✦ All Cultivation Paths Temporarily United ✦ Energy Flow Optimized at 100% Efficiency ✦ Duration: 180 Seconds ✦ Available Techniques Enhanced: • Celestial Void Sword Array → [Celestial Sovereign's Domain] • Divine Purification Star → [Celestial Purification Nexus] • Astral Body Transformation → [Celestial Sovereign Manifestation] ✦ New Signature Attack Available: [Seven-Path Sovereign's Decree] • Ultimate integration of all cultivation paths • Applies conceptual authority across multiple frameworks simultaneously • Warning: Single-use technique (requires full convergence)
Drawing upon this temporary perfect integration, Xian's form began to transform—not merely incorporating celestial attributes as before, but manifesting the full potential of his Seven-Path Sovereign status. His appearance remained recognizably human but radiated conceptual weight visible even to those without cultivation perception.
"What are you?" Jeanne Alter demanded, genuine uncertainty entering her golden eyes for the first time.
"Something beyond what the King of Mages anticipated," Xian replied simply. "A variable outside his calculations."
Understanding flashed across Jeanne Alter's features—recognition that her creation had always been in service to a greater design, one that now faced unexpected opposition. In that moment of clarity, something shifted in her expression—a subtle realignment of purpose that suggested decisions being made beyond immediate combat.
But the battle continued regardless of this internal recalibration. Jeanne Alter renewed her assault with increased ferocity, corruption flames intensifying around her form as she engaged Xian's Celestial Void Sword Array with remarkable skill. Her swordsmanship demonstrated the tactical genius that had defined the original Jeanne's military leadership, adapted to a more direct combat application.
The convergence point allowed Xian to maintain multiple high-level techniques simultaneously, his consciousness expanding across several conceptual frameworks at once. The Celestial Void Sword Array evolved before the astonished eyes of all present, the twelve blades transforming into what could only be described as pillars of conceptual authority—each representing the intersection of multiple Daos aligned in perfect harmony.
"[Celestial Sovereign's Domain – Establishment]," Xian declared, his voice resonating with conceptual weight that sent vibrations through the corrupted cathedral.
The twelve pillars anchored themselves to specific points around the battlefield, creating a perfect dodecahedron that encompassed both the crystalline structure and Jeanne Alter herself. Within this defined space, reality began to operate according to rules Xian established rather than the corruption's influence—a temporary override of local conceptual governance.
Jeanne Alter felt the change immediately, her connection to the corruption vortex weakening as Xian's domain asserted precedence. "Impossible," she hissed, genuine shock evident in her golden eyes. "No magecraft can override established reality to this extent!"
"As I've noted before," Xian replied calmly, "this isn't magecraft."
Above them, the Divine Purification Star continued its expansion, now accelerated by the domain's supportive influence. The corrupted vortex began to contract, darkness giving way to purifying light that spread downward through the cathedral's twisted architecture. Where this light touched, corruption receded, structures returning to their original forms as historical reality reasserted itself.
Fujimaru and the others pressed their advantage, coordinated assaults targeting the weakening corruption constructs throughout the cathedral. Mash moved with newfound confidence, her shield techniques incorporating the conceptual understanding Xian had shared during their training session. Rather than merely blocking attacks, she now projected protection actively, her noble phantasm extending beyond physical defense to disrupt corruption at the conceptual level.
As the battle's tide turned decisively, Jeanne Alter made a startling decision. Rather than continuing her increasingly futile assault against Xian's techniques, she turned toward the crystalline structure behind her—the concentrated essence of the Singularity's distortion.
"If I cannot maintain it," she declared with grim resolve, "then neither shall you simply remove it."
Before anyone could intervene, she plunged her corrupted sword directly into the crystal's core. Instead of strengthening the corruption as might have been expected, her action created instability—cracks spreading across the structure's surface as conflicting energies warred within its matrix.
"What are you doing?" Jeanne cried, recognizing the danger immediately. "That will cause catastrophic collapse!"
Jeanne Alter's smile held complex emotion beyond simple malice. "Precisely," she acknowledged. "If this Singularity cannot persist, let it shatter rather than simply revert. Let us see what possibilities emerge from true conceptual fracture."
The crystalline structure's deterioration accelerated, energy discharging in violent bursts that threatened everyone within the cathedral. Reality itself began to fragment around them, pieces of the physical environment dissolving into conceptual static as the Singularity's foundation destabilized.
"She's forcing chaotic collapse rather than controlled reversion," Xian assessed quickly, recognizing the strategic implication. "We need to establish a stabilization framework immediately or the entire region will suffer conceptual fracture."
This represented a danger beyond mere physical destruction. Conceptual fracture could create permanent damage to the timeline itself—wounds in history's fabric that might never properly heal, leaving weaknesses exploitable by entities like Goetia for future corruption.
The situation required his most ambitious technique—the full expression of his Seven-Path Sovereign status, enabled by the temporary convergence point.
"[Seven-Path Sovereign's Decree]," Xian intoned, channeling energy through all integrated pathways simultaneously.
The technique manifested as concentric rings of light emanating from his form, each representing a different cultivation path now operating in perfect harmony. Sword Dao, Void Dao, Celestial Astral Energy, Purification Aspect, Body Dao, Elemental Control, and the nascent Death Dao that had developed since his near-death in Chaldea's reactor—all synchronized into a unified expression of conceptual authority.
The rings expanded outward, intercepting the chaotic energies released by the destabilizing crystal. Where they touched, chaos yielded to order, fracture mended into wholeness, corruption purified into original essence. The technique didn't simply oppose the collapse but guided it—transforming potential destruction into controlled transition.
Jeanne Alter watched this display with an expression that defied simple interpretation—part frustration at her thwarted strategy, part genuine fascination with capabilities beyond anything she had anticipated. As the Seven-Path Sovereign's Decree contained the worst of the collapse, she made no move to further interfere, instead studying Xian with analytical intensity.
"Fascinating," she finally commented. "You're not merely restoring the original timeline—you're guiding the transition, preserving aspects rather than simply erasing them."
Her observation was accurate. Xian's technique didn't merely revert the Singularity to its original state but established a controlled path for its resolution—preserving the experiences and developments that had occurred within it rather than simply erasing them from conceptual record.
"Complete erasure creates its own form of damage," Xian explained, maintaining focus on the complex technique. "History requires continuity even through correction."
Something shifted in Jeanne Alter's expression—a realization that transcended her programmed hatred. "Then perhaps there remains a place for me as well," she mused, "despite my nature as a distortion."
Before this philosophical exchange could continue, the crystalline structure emitted a final surge of energy before collapsing entirely. The corruption vortex above imploded, drawing remaining distortion energy upward in a reverse funnel effect. Throughout the cathedral and beyond, reality began rapidly reverting to historical accuracy—architecture returning to proper proportions, corruption receding like mist before morning sun.
The Singularity was resolving, but not with the violent snap they had feared. Instead, Xian's technique guided the transition with precise control, ensuring the timeline reintegrated with the broader course of human history without creating new distortions in the process.
As the cathedral's interior stabilized, Jeanne Alter's enhanced form began to fade, corruption armor dissipating as the power source that sustained it disappeared. She reverted to her base appearance—still the darkened mirror of Jeanne, but no longer augmented by external forces.
"It seems my time in this form reaches its conclusion," she observed with surprising equanimity. Her golden eyes fixed on Jeanne, her original counterpart. "But know this—I am more than merely your shadow or inversion. I have become something with purpose beyond hatred."
"What will you do now?" Jeanne asked, genuine concern evident in her voice despite everything that had transpired.
Jeanne Alter's smile held unexpected complexity. "Exist," she replied simply. "Find what possibilities remain for one such as myself." Her gaze shifted to Xian. "Your technique preserves rather than erases. Perhaps that extends to beings like me as well—manifestations of possibility rather than historical certainty."
Without waiting for response, she turned and walked toward one of the reality rifts that had formed during the crystal's collapse. These rifts weren't the chaotic fractures they had feared but rather controlled transition points—doorways between conceptual spaces created by Xian's stabilization technique.
"We'll meet again, Architect," she called over her shoulder. "When the King of Mages makes his final move. This game involves more pieces than even he recognizes."
With those cryptic words, she stepped through the rift, which sealed itself behind her—not with violent collapse but gentle closure, like a book reaching the end of one chapter before beginning another.
The cathedral continued its transformation, corruption receding completely to reveal the original historical structure. Outside, they could sense the same process occurring throughout Orleans and beyond—the Singularity resolving back into proper historical alignment, the damage to France's timeline mending under the guidance of Xian's technique.
[Seven-Path Sovereign's Decree – Resolution Complete] ✦ Singularity Successfully Stabilized ✦ Timeline Reversion: 96% Historical Accuracy Restored ✦ Conceptual Preservation: Key Developments Maintained in Record ✦ Path Convergence Point Expended (72-hour Cooldown Initiated) ✦ Achievement Unlocked: [Reality Architect – Minor] • First successful guided resolution of major timeline distortion • Effect: Enhanced authority over conceptual transitions • Passive Bonus: 20% efficiency increase in reality stabilization techniques
As the technique concluded and the convergence point dissipated, Xian felt the expected drain on his reserves—significant but not debilitating thanks to the enhanced efficiency provided by his Seven-Path Sovereign status. The newly unlocked achievement reflected his growing influence over reality's fundamental structures, a step toward true architectural authority in the conceptual sense.
"It's done," Fujimaru observed, looking around at the rapidly normalizing cathedral. "The Singularity is resolving."
"Yes," Xian confirmed. "The timeline is reintegrating with proper history. Orleans returns to its historical course."
Jeanne stood silently before the altar—now restored to its proper sacred form—her expression contemplative as she processed everything that had occurred. The confrontation with her altered self clearly left an impact beyond the tactical resolution of the Singularity.
"She wasn't what I expected," she finally said, turning to face Xian. "At the end. She had... evolved beyond mere inversion."
"Your darker possibility found authentic existence," Xian agreed. "A path of her own rather than merely opposition to yours."
"And you preserved that possibility," Marie observed, joining them with characteristic perceptiveness. "Your technique didn't simply erase the 'wrong' version of events."
"Some possibilities deserve preservation even when they cannot be allowed dominance," Xian explained. "Complete erasure creates voids in conceptual fabric—weaknesses that entities like Goetia could exploit in future attempts."
Their philosophical discussion was interrupted as EMIYA approached, his tactical mind already focused on practical considerations. "The Singularity is resolving, but we should establish a perimeter until the process completes. Instabilities may persist during transition."
With professional efficiency, they organized their forces to monitor the resolution process, establishing observation points throughout Orleans to ensure no unexpected complications arose. Servants paired with human resistance fighters in mixed teams, sharing their enhanced perceptions to identify any lingering corruption.
Xian worked with Scáthach to establish a monitoring network using his remaining celestial techniques, creating focal points that would alert them to significant deviations from expected resolution patterns. The Queen of Shadows moved with immortal grace beside him, her crimson eyes missing nothing as they traversed the city's perimeter.
"You allowed her escape," Scáthach observed neutrally once they were briefly alone. Not an accusation but a recognition of deliberate choice.
"She has evolved beyond her original purpose," Xian confirmed. "That creates possibilities worth exploring."
"The Queen of Shadows understands liminality," she replied, referring to herself in the formal third person. "Beings that exist between defined states often perceive truths others cannot."
This philosophical alignment reminded Xian why their Master-Servant bond had proven so effective—beyond combat compatibility, they shared a fundamental understanding of existence's complex, often paradoxical nature.
By evening, Orleans had largely completed its transition back to historical accuracy. The city stood as it should have in 1431, architecture and population restored to proper parameters. The residents themselves retained no memory of the Singularity's distortions—to them, history had always proceeded along its proper course.
The resistance fighters who had aided them found themselves gradually fading from the resolving timeline—not erased but gently returned to whatever proper historical positions they should have occupied. They accepted this transition with remarkable dignity, understanding that their contribution to restoring proper history necessitated their own reintegration.
As moonlight bathed the now-peaceful city, the Servants gathered at the cathedral for a final council before their return to Chaldea. The successful resolution of the Singularity had strengthened their bonds, creating connections that transcended their disparate origins and legends.
"Our task here is complete," Jeanne acknowledged, her armor gleaming in the moonlight filtering through restored stained glass. "France returns to its proper course. My legend continues as it was meant to."
"Including your execution," Marie noted softly, her natural compassion evident in her gentle expression.
Jeanne smiled with serene acceptance. "Yes. My martyrdom was part of a greater purpose—one I accepted then and affirm now. Without that sacrifice, France's history would have followed a different path entirely."
Her philosophical acceptance of her own tragic fate demonstrated why her legend had endured through centuries—not merely her military accomplishments but her unwavering faith in purpose beyond personal survival.
"What of the information we've gathered about Goetia's broader plan?" d'Eon inquired practically, ever the tactician even as their mission concluded. "The incineration of humanity continues on other fronts."
"We return to Chaldea with everything we've learned," Fujimaru replied, his growth as a Master evident in his confident response. "This was only one of seven major Singularities. Others remain to be addressed."
Xian nodded in agreement, his perception extending beyond immediate concerns to the broader patterns underlying Goetia's grand design. "The King of Mages orchestrates simultaneous corruption across multiple critical points in human history. Each Singularity we resolve weakens his overall strategy, but the central threat remains."
Their discussion turned to practical matters of return, magical energy configurations established by Da Vinci to ensure proper Rayshift back to Chaldea. As Servants of this specific Singularity, Marie, Mozart, d'Eon, and Sanson would remain in the restored timeline, their purpose fulfilled with the resolution of the distortion that had summoned them.
"It has been an honor," Marie declared, her regal bearing enhanced rather than diminished by the simplicity of her farewell. She approached Fujimaru and Mash, embracing each with genuine warmth. "You bring hope to timelines beyond your own. Never forget the wonder of that gift."
Mozart bowed with elegant precision, his artistic soul finding beauty even in parting. "The composition continues," he observed cryptically. "What melodies await in other movements, I wonder?"
D'Eon and Sanson offered more reserved farewells, the knight's formal salute and the executioner's solemn nod reflecting their respective natures. Yet both demonstrated respect earned through shared battle and purpose.
Jeanne would return with them to Chaldea, her status as a Ruler-class Servant granting her awareness beyond single timeline constraints. "My purpose extends beyond France's restoration," she explained. "The defense of human history itself requires continued vigilance."
As final preparations concluded, Xian sought a moment of private meditation to integrate the experiences of the Orleans campaign into his cultivation system. The battle against Jeanne Alter had pushed his techniques to new levels, the achievement of Seven-Path Sovereign status marking a significant milestone in his ascension path.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Orleans Campaign Assessment ✦ Cultivation Progress: • Celestial Astral Energy: 31% → 38% (Significant Advancement) • Sword Dao: 83% → 85% (Refinement Through Application) • Void Dao: 87% → 88% (Conceptual Authority Enhancement) • Integration Efficiency: Improved by 24% (Seven-Path Sovereign Effect) ✦ New Title Consolidated: [Seven-Path Sovereign] ✦ Achievement Integrated: [Reality Architect – Minor] ✦ Potential Evolution Path Detected: • Opportunity: Celestial Astral Energy Development • Method: Further interaction with Celestial Observer • Warning: Unknown Entity Intent Remains Unclear
His cultivation had advanced significantly, particularly in the celestial pathway opened by the mysterious observer's energy transmission. This direction showed particular promise for future development, though the observer's ultimate intentions remained an open question requiring careful consideration.
Most importantly, the integration between his various cultivation paths had reached new harmonization—each aspect enhancing others rather than competing for resources. The Seven-Path Sovereign title represented not merely achievement but foundation for further evolution toward true architectural authority over conceptual frameworks.
As midnight approached, the Rayshift coordinates aligned for their return to Chaldea. The French Servants gathered to witness their departure, a final farewell between allies whose paths had momentarily converged before returning to their separate historical contexts.
"Remember what you witnessed here," Jeanne advised them as energy began to coalesce around the returning group. "France's story continues along its proper course because of your courage and sacrifice."
Marie's smile held both joy and wisdom beyond her years. "And perhaps we shall meet again in some form," she suggested. "Legends have ways of recurring when needed most."
The Rayshift activated, reality dissolving around them as their consciousness translated across quantum space-time toward Chaldea's anchoring point. Unlike their tumultuous arrival in the Singularity, this transition proceeded with smooth precision—Da Vinci's calculations and Xian's enhanced conceptual understanding ensuring stable passage.
As Orleans faded from physical perception, Xian maintained awareness of the conceptual currents flowing through the quantum tunnel. Something had changed in the broader framework—subtle but significant adjustments in the patterns underlying reality itself. The resolution of two major Singularities had begun to stabilize humanity's overall timeline, strengthening resistance against Goetia's incineration ritual.
Yet within these stabilizing currents, he detected something unexpected—threads of possibility that hadn't existed before their intervention. The preservation techniques he had employed during Orleans' resolution had created something beyond mere restoration—conceptual pathways that represented new potential, branches of possibility that the original timeline hadn't contained.
Most intriguing was a specific signature within these new pathways—the distinctive conceptual weight of Jeanne Alter, not erased but continuing along her own trajectory. She had indeed found existence beyond her original corrupted purpose, her final words suggesting awareness of broader conflicts still to come.
Then Chaldea's anchoring point drew them home, consciousness reintegrating with physical form as the Rayshift completed. They materialized within the coffin-like devices of the Rayshift chamber, returning to the organization's Antarctic headquarters where humanity's last defense against incineration maintained vigilant operation.
As the chamber doors opened to reveal Romani, Da Vinci, and the other staff waiting expectantly, Xian knew their success represented merely one battle in a much larger war. Orleans had been restored, but other Singularities remained—each presenting unique challenges that would require continued evolution of his cultivation, continued refinement of his architectural authority over reality's fundamental structures.
The Heaven-Devouring Architect had taken another step toward his ultimate ascension, but the path stretched far ahead—through battles yet unfought, powers yet undiscovered, and cosmic observers whose purposes remained shrouded in mystery.
For now, it was enough to have preserved one critical fragment of humanity's timeline. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new Singularities to address, and new opportunities for the Seven-Path Sovereign to reshape reality according to his expanding vision.