The transformed Colosseum pulsed with malevolent energy, its architecture now a grotesque fusion of Roman design and organic corruption. What had once been stone arches now resembled rib cages of impossible proportions, while the arena itself had become a churning pool of liquid corruption that reflected the unnatural constellations above. Corrupted citizens continued to stream toward the structure, moving with the methodical precision of components assembling themselves into greater machinery.
"The convergence is nearly complete," Jeanne observed, her banner glowing faintly as its purification properties reacted to the surrounding corruption. "The three Pillars are creating something new—not merely combined operation but unified entity."
"We need to strike before the unification finalizes," Fujimaru determined, his tactical understanding having grown considerably through previous Singularity experiences. "Once fully integrated, their capabilities may exceed our countermeasures."
Xian studied the converging energy patterns with his enhanced perception, analyzing the conceptual architecture taking shape within the corrupted Colosseum. The structure displayed unprecedented sophistication—three distinct Pillar intelligences merging their specializations into complementary system with distributed consciousness but unified purpose.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Corruption Convergence Analysis Complete ✦ Classification: Tripartite Pillar Integration (Unprecedented) ✦ Component Entities: • Zepar: Historical Causality Manipulation • Raum: Population Control and Religious Reconfiguration • Vine: Conceptual Framework Restructuring ✦ Integration Status: 87% Complete ✦ Unified Capabilities (Projected): • Timeline Anchoring Through Multi-Vector Corruption • Reality Stabilization Via Population Integration • Dimensional Barrier Weakening For External Entity Access ✦ Vulnerability Window: Approximately 12 Minutes Before Completion ✦ Recommended Approach: Multi-Aspect Strike at Integration Nexus • Primary Target: Central Arena Where Final Unification Occurs • Secondary Targets: Structural Support Pillars Maintaining Energy Flow
"We have less than twelve minutes," Xian informed the team, sharing his analysis findings. "The integration is creating nexus point at the arena center—that's our primary target."
"Direct approach would face overwhelming opposition," Scáthach noted, indicating the rings of corrupted guardians surrounding the structure. "They've consolidated their defenses along with their operations."
Musashi studied the Colosseum with practiced tactical assessment. "Multiple approach vectors possible, but all heavily monitored. Conventional infiltration unlikely to succeed within available timeframe."
"Then we abandon conventional approach entirely," Xian decided. "This requires immediate application of high-impact techniques to disrupt the integration process directly."
The situation demanded techniques beyond individual combat applications—area-effect approaches capable of disrupting corruption across significant radius simultaneously. Xian had developed several such techniques following his aspect integrations, though their energy requirements and potential collateral effects had limited practical deployment opportunities until now.
"I have techniques that can directly target the integration nexus," he explained to both teams. "But they'll require setup time and protection during deployment."
"We'll create that opportunity," Fujimaru assured him, the young Master's confidence in his Servants evident in his direct gaze. "What's the optimal approach position?"
After brief tactical assessment, they identified elevated position overlooking the Colosseum's interior—remnant of imperial viewing box that provided direct line of sight to the arena center where corruption convergence focused. Reaching this position would require navigating multiple defensive layers, but once established, would offer ideal deployment platform for Xian's large-scale techniques.
"Jeanne, Mash, and I will create frontal diversion," Fujimaru outlined their approach. "Drawing defender attention toward the main entrance while your team secures the elevated position."
"An effective distribution of resources," Scáthach approved. "The Queen of Shadows and the Sword Saint can ensure your deployment window while you prepare the primary technique."
With roles assigned and approach vectors established, they moved into position as corruption convergence continued around them. Team Beta initiated their diversion with dramatic effectiveness—Jeanne's banner flaring with purification light as they approached the Colosseum's main entrance, instantly drawing defensive response as corruption guardians recognized the direct threat to their operations.
Taking advantage of this distraction, Xian's team advanced rapidly toward their designated position. Scáthach moved with immortal grace, her crimson spear dispatching intercepting guardians with lethal efficiency, while Musashi demonstrated why history remembered her as peerless swordsmaster—her twin katanas creating "emptiness" through which they advanced untouched.
"Impressive technique," Xian commented as Musashi's perfect cutting created temporary void spaces in the corruption's defensive line, allowing their passage without direct engagement. "Your Void understanding manifests differently from cultivation approaches, but achieves similar results."
"The Empty Void isn't absence but ultimate potential," she replied with characteristic philosophical depth beneath her cheerful demeanor. "Perfect cutting exists in the space between intention and action."
They reached their designated position as Team Beta's diversion reached maximum effectiveness. From their elevated vantage point, they could observe both the diversionary battle and the arena center where corruption convergence approached completion. The pool of liquid corruption now pulsed with rhythmic precision, three distinct energy signatures visibly intertwining as they approached final integration.
"Nine minutes remaining," Scáthach assessed, her immortal perception tracking the convergence process with precise awareness. "The integration accelerates as it approaches completion."
"Begin your technique," Musashi encouraged Xian, her katanas held ready as she positioned herself at the approach vector requiring primary defense. "We'll ensure your working space remains uninterrupted."
With defenders engaged by both Team Beta's frontal assault and his own team's perimeter security, Xian prepared his most ambitious technique combination—a multi-aspect approach targeting the corruption's conceptual foundation rather than merely its physical manifestation.
First, he established stable platform for the technique—a Void Dao application that created localized reality anchoring, ensuring the corruption couldn't simply alter local physics to disrupt his preparation. "[Void Anchor – Stability Domain]," he intoned, the technique manifesting as subtle distortion in surrounding space as reality parameters locked into fixed configuration.
With stable foundation established, he began primary technique preparation—a fusion approach combining his most advanced aspects into complementary application designed to disrupt corruption at fundamental level.
"[Astral Cataclysm – Initialization]," he declared, channeling energy through multiple pathways simultaneously.
The technique began forming above his outstretched hands—celestial astral energy condensing into singularity point of incredible density while tribulation lightning coalesced around this core in concentric shells of judgment-infused purification. Gravitational manipulation formed the technique's outer framework, creating containment field that would direct the release toward specific target rather than omnidirectional discharge.
As the Astral Cataclysm formed, the corruption below seemed to sense the gathering threat. The convergence process momentarily faltered, energy patterns showing disruption as the Pillar intelligences detected potential existential threat to their integration. Defensive resources immediately redirected toward Xian's position, guardians abandoning engagement with Team Beta to address the primary threat.
"They've identified your technique," Scáthach warned, engaging the first wave of redirected guardians with practiced efficiency. "Defense reorienting toward our position."
"Buying you time," Musashi added cheerfully, her katanas becoming blur of perfect cutting as she intercepted guardian reinforcements approaching from secondary vector. "Focus on your work, Master!"
The Astral Cataclysm continued forming, power accumulating as Xian channeled energy through perfectly aligned pathways—his Seven-Path Sovereign status enabling simultaneous aspect application that would otherwise have been impossibly complex. The technique's core grew steadily denser, gravitational properties beginning to affect surrounding space as light itself bent around the forming cataclysm.
"[Astral Cataclysm – Second Phase]," he continued, the technique entering more advanced formation stage.
Below, the corruption convergence process accelerated in apparent response to the threat—the Pillars rushing final integration rather than proceeding with original methodical timeline. This adaptation represented both risk and opportunity—hastened integration might introduce vulnerabilities absent from more carefully executed process.
Defensive pressure intensified around their position as the corruption directed increasing resources toward neutralizing Xian's technique before completion. Scáthach and Musashi fought with extraordinary skill against overwhelming numbers, their complementary styles—immortal spearwork and perfect swordsmanship—creating defensive perimeter that allowed Xian's continued concentration.
From the Colosseum floor, Team Beta witnessed the defensive reorientation and recognized strategic opportunity. Fujimaru directed immediate exploitation—Jeanne's banner deployed to maximum purification range while Mash's shield expanded protective field around them as they advanced directly toward the now less-defended corruption pool.
The battle reached critical intensity as Xian's technique approached deployment threshold. The Astral Cataclysm now resembled miniature black hole surrounded by lightning storm of judgment energy, gravitational field containing catastrophic power oriented precisely toward the convergence nexus below.
"[Astral Cataclysm – Final Configuration]," Xian announced, the technique reaching deployment readiness.
At this precise moment, the corruption below reached singular decision point—resources divided between completing convergence and neutralizing imminent threat. The Pillar intelligences chose convergence prioritization, dedicating remaining integration timeline to accelerated completion rather than defense optimization.
"Now!" Scáthach called, immortal perception recognizing perfect deployment window as defensive pressure momentarily relaxed.
"[Astral Cataclysm – Release]," Xian commanded, directing the fully-formed technique toward the corruption nexus with precision born from perfect integration of multiple aspects.
The technique discharged with catastrophic force—condensed cosmic energy released as gravitational collapse storm, astral shards tearing through reality's fabric while tribulation lightning annihilated dimensional integrity everywhere it touched. The combined effect created localized apocalypse centered precisely on the corruption convergence pool.
The impact exceeded even theoretical projections—the technique's multiple aspects creating synergistic effect that attacked corruption simultaneously across physical, conceptual, and dimensional parameters. The convergence process shattered completely, integration forcibly reversed as the three Pillar intelligences found their carefully constructed unification framework disintegrated at fundamental level.
From the pool erupted three distinct entities—manifestations of Zepar, Raum, and Vine forced back into separate existence by the technique's catastrophic disruption of their integration process. Each manifestation displayed evidence of significant damage—corruption energy dissipating in uncontrolled discharge as their combined working unraveled completely.
"They're vulnerable!" Fujimaru called from below, recognizing critical opportunity. "All Servants, target the separated Pillars!"
Team Beta moved with coordinated precision—Jeanne directing purification energy through her banner directly into nearest Pillar manifestation while Mash deployed shield bash technique against second target, the conceptual weight of her noble phantasm disrupting corruption at fundamental level.
From their elevated position, Scáthach instantly assessed optimal engagement vector. "The third manifestation attempts withdrawal," she informed Xian, indicating Pillar retreating toward dimensional weak point created during convergence process. "If it escapes, it may attempt reconstruction elsewhere."
"Musashi," Xian directed, recognizing perfect application for the swordswoman's unique capabilities.
"On it!" she confirmed with eager anticipation, already moving with impossible speed toward intercept position. Her experience traversing dimensional boundaries made her ideally suited for preventing the Pillar's interdimensional escape attempt.
The legendary swordswoman reached optimal position with perfect timing, twin katanas already tracing signature technique as the Pillar attempted reality transition. "Void cutting isn't limited by dimensional boundaries," she declared confidently. "[Emptiness]!"
Her technique manifested as perfect cutting that transcended conventional space—blades creating "emptiness" that severed the Pillar's dimensional transit capability entirely. The entity found its retreat suddenly blocked, dimensional doorway collapsing as Musashi's technique severed its conceptual foundation.
With escape impossible, the Pillar turned to desperate defense, corruption energy coalescing into protective barrier around its damaged form. This final resistance proved inadequate against Xian's follow-up technique—a Dream Aspect application specifically designed to penetrate such defenses.
"[Dream Boundary Severance]," he invoked, the technique targeting the space between definite states where the Pillar attempted to establish protection. The corruption barrier collapsed instantly, reality reasserting proper parameters as the Dream Aspect technique eliminated possibility spaces the entity had attempted to exploit.
With its defenses neutralized, the Pillar faced coordinated finishing strike—Scáthach's crimson spear targeting its conceptual core while Musashi's twin katanas executed perfect cutting against its manifestation framework. The combined attack struck with devastating precision, the Pillar's form disintegrating as its corruption energy dispersed without structural integrity to maintain cohesion.
Across the Colosseum, similar scenes unfolded as Team Beta dispatched their respective targets with equally decisive effectiveness. The three Pillars' forced separation had created critical vulnerability window, their hasty defensive measures proving inadequate against concentrated opposition after integration disruption.
As the final Pillar manifestation collapsed, reality around them began immediate reconfiguration—corruption losing structural anchor as the intelligences directing its formation disappeared. The transformed Colosseum started reverting toward proper historical parameters, organic corruption components dissolving as architectural elements returned to ordinary stone and mortar.
Most significantly, the corrupted citizens who had been drawn to the convergence showed immediate signs of recovery—unnatural coordination disappearing as individuals collapsed momentarily before returning to normal consciousness, corruption influence dissipating from their systems.
"The Singularity stabilizes," Jeanne observed as Team Beta rejoined them on their elevated position, her banner still glowing faintly with residual purification energy. "History begins reclaiming its proper course."
"Three Pillars neutralized simultaneously," Fujimaru noted with justified satisfaction. "That's unprecedented in our Singularity operations."
Romani's voice came through their communication devices, transmission clarity improving as corruption interference dissipated. "Confirmed from our monitoring systems—the Singularity shows rapid reversion toward historical baseline. Timeline integrity restoration proceeding at optimal parameters."
"The Astral Cataclysm proved more effective than anticipated," Xian acknowledged, his cultivation system already analyzing the technique's performance for future refinement. "The tribulation judgment component created vulnerability exploit that enabled complete convergence disruption."
"Your timing was perfect," Musashi complimented, sheathing her katanas with practiced precision. "I've rarely seen energy manipulation with such effective application."
As they observed Rome's continuing restoration around them, Xian felt his cultivation system processing the significant energy expenditure from the high-level technique deployment. Despite considerable reserves, the Astral Cataclysm had required substantial resources, particularly given its multi-aspect fusion approach.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Technique Assessment: Astral Cataclysm ✦ Performance Evaluation: Exceeded Theoretical Parameters • Disruption Effectiveness: 94% (Exceptional) • Energy Efficiency: 76% (Above Projected) • Collateral Effect Mitigation: 89% (Optimal) ✦ System Status: • Current Energy Reserves: 42% (Significant Depletion) • Recovery Timeline: Approximately 36 Hours for Full Restoration ✦ Evolution Opportunity Detected: • Technique Refinement Potential: Gravitational Framework Optimization • Improved Efficiency Possible Through Pathway Reconfiguration • Implementing Adjustments During Recovery Cycle
The assessment confirmed what he had intuitively recognized—the technique had performed beyond theoretical projections, its effectiveness against corruption convergence exceeding anticipated parameters. This performance data provided valuable refinement opportunity for future applications, particularly regarding gravitational framework optimization.
Their mission successfully completed, they coordinated return preparations with Chaldea. The Rayshift process would require specific positioning given the Singularity's continuing stabilization, temporal coordinates carefully calculated to ensure proper extraction without disrupting the restoration process.
"Return coordinates established at original arrival point," Romani informed them. "Temporal alignment optimized for minimal disturbance to continuing restoration."
As they made their way back toward their designated extraction point, they observed Rome's remarkable recovery—buildings returning to proper architectural parameters, citizens resuming normal activities with no apparent memory of corruption influence, governance structures reverting to historically accurate configurations.
"The resilience of proper history continues to impress," Jeanne commented as they passed the Senate House, now completely restored to its original form with no trace of corruption remaining. "Once the distortion anchor is removed, reality reasserts itself with remarkable determination."
"The inertia of established history provides significant resistance against permanent alteration," Xian agreed. "Which necessitates the Demon Pillars' elaborate corruption infrastructure to maintain distortion against natural reversion pressure."
"Like cutting water," Musashi added with philosophical understanding. "Without continuous force application, the divided elements naturally reunite."
They reached their extraction point as evening approached, Rome's skyline now displaying proper stars rather than corrupted constellations, the city's rhythm returned to historical accuracy as if the distortion had never occurred. The Singularity's resolution represented their most significant success thus far—three Demon Pillars neutralized simultaneously when previous operations had addressed only single entities.
"Rayshift preparations complete," Romani announced through their communication devices. "Quantum connection established. Prepare for consciousness transfer in thirty seconds."
As the countdown began, Xian sensed familiar observation pattern—the celestial entity that had shown increasing interest in his development. The observer's attention felt more focused than previous instances, as if his successful deployment of the Astral Cataclysm had triggered heightened recognition.
[Heaven-Devouring Ascension Matrix: Cosmic Reforged] ✦ Celestial Observer Status: Active Monitoring ✦ Assessment: Entity Displays Increased Interest Following Technique Deployment ✦ Analysis: Observer Recognition Patterns Suggest Identity Confirmation • Hypothesis: Your techniques demonstrate pattern familiar to entity • Potential: Direct interaction probability increasing with each significant demonstration ✦ Recommendation: Maintain passive receptivity during Rayshift • Opportunity: Potential energy transmission during quantum transit • Caution: Unknown motives still represent variable factor
The notification suggested intriguing possibilities regarding the observer's identity and intentions—particularly the hypothesis that Xian's techniques demonstrated pattern recognition triggers for the entity. This implied potential connection beyond mere scientific interest, though specific nature remained undefined.
"Five seconds to Rayshift," came the final countdown. "Four... three... two... one..."
The familiar sensation of consciousness separation enveloped them—physical forms remaining in position while awareness converted to spiritron format for temporal transit. As Xian's consciousness entered the quantum tunnel connecting Rome to Chaldea, he maintained passive receptivity toward the celestial observer as recommended by his system.
This receptivity created unexpected opportunity during transit—the observer's attention focusing momentarily with apparent intentionality rather than mere observation. For brief instant, Xian sensed distinct transmission attempt—not merely passive monitoring but active connection establishment.
Before he could fully process this development, the quantum tunnel collapsed as designed, consciousness returning to physical form within Chaldea's Rayshift coffins. The connection attempt terminated with transit completion, though residual signature remained within his cultivation system—trace energy pattern suggesting potential for future communication rather than merely one-way observation.
They emerged from their coffins to find Chaldea's command center staff waiting with evident relief and excitement. Da Vinci approached immediately, her brilliant eyes alight with scientific curiosity.
"Three Pillars neutralized simultaneously!" she exclaimed with characteristic enthusiasm. "The monitoring data shows unprecedented corruption reversal patterns. We have so much to analyze!"
Olga Marie maintained more reserved demeanor, though satisfaction showed beneath her administrative authority. "Preliminary assessment confirms complete Singularity resolution. Rome's historical trajectory restored to baseline parameters."
The debriefing proceeded with expected thoroughness—each team member providing detailed account of their experiences while Chaldea's analysts cross-referenced with monitoring data to create comprehensive understanding of the operation's success. Particular attention focused on the Pillars' convergence attempt—unprecedented tactical adaptation suggesting evolution in Goetia's strategic approach.
"The combined Pillars represented significant escalation beyond previous Singularities," Romani noted with professional concern. "This suggests Goetia recognizes our successful interventions and adjusts accordingly."
"An adversary that learns from defeat," Olga Marie summarized grimly. "Which means subsequent Singularities will likely feature additional tactical innovations."
This assessment aligned with Xian's own analysis—the Rome Singularity had demonstrated clear strategic adaptation based on experiences from Fuyuki and Orleans. The King of Mages was evidently monitoring their operations closely, reconfiguring his approach in response to Chaldea's successful interventions.
When formal debriefing concluded, team members dispersed for well-earned rest and recovery. Xian returned to his quarters to begin cultivation cycle focused on energy restoration and technique refinement based on deployment data. The Astral Cataclysm had exceeded theoretical parameters, providing valuable optimization opportunity for future applications.
As he settled into meditation posture, a knock at his door interrupted preparations. Opening his eyes, he sensed Musashi's distinctive spiritual signature—the legendary swordswoman apparently seeking conversation before retiring to her own assigned quarters.
"Enter," he called, curious what she might wish to discuss after their successful mission.
The door slid open to reveal Musashi still in her combat attire, twin katanas as always at her hip, though her expression showed contemplative interest rather than battle readiness. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important," she began with characteristic directness. "Just wanted to discuss something I noticed during our operation."
"Not interrupting," Xian assured her, gesturing toward seating area. "I was about to begin recovery cycle, but conversation first is welcome."
Musashi settled into offered seat with natural grace that belied her informal demeanor. "That technique you deployed—the Astral Cataclysm. It contained familiar elements I've encountered during my dimensional wanderings." Her perceptive eyes studied him with undisguised curiosity. "Particularly the celestial components. They carried signature I've sensed in certain... let's call them cosmic borderlands."
Her observation demonstrated remarkable perceptiveness—recognizing specific energy signature that even Chaldea's advanced monitoring systems hadn't identified during their analysis. "You've encountered celestial entities during your interdimensional travels," Xian surmised, not entirely surprised given her unique experiences.
"More like sensed their influence," she clarified. "Places where cosmic principles operate differently from normal reality—borderlands between conventional existence and something... larger." She leaned forward slightly. "Your technique tapped into that same energy framework. Not something commonly accessible to human practitioners."
The conversation confirmed Xian's growing hypothesis—Musashi's dimensional wandering had exposed her to conceptual frameworks beyond conventional reality boundaries, including potential contact zones where celestial entities interacted with terrestrial dimensions. This shared reference point explained their natural compatibility despite different cultivation approaches.
"The celestial aspect represents my system's newest integration pathway," Xian acknowledged. "Still developing, but showing significant synergy with established aspects."
Musashi nodded with evident satisfaction at this confirmation. "Thought so. The energy resonated with certain... let's say 'cosmic waypoints' I've encountered." Her expression turned more serious. "Just wanted to mention—entities operating at that level typically have perspectives very different from human understanding. Even well-intentioned ones."
"A valid caution," Xian acknowledged, appreciating her indirect warning regarding the celestial observer's potential motives. "My system maintains appropriate boundaries while exploring integration possibilities."
This seemed to satisfy her concerns, her expression returning to characteristic cheerfulness. "Good! Just looking out for a compatible Master." She rose smoothly, stretching with casual comfort. "Better let you get to that recovery cycle. That technique looked energy-intensive, and who knows what our next mission might bring!"
After Musashi departed, Xian returned to meditation, initiating recovery cycle focused on energy restoration and pathway optimization based on deployment data. His conversation with the swordswoman had provided useful contextual perspective regarding the celestial observer—confirmation that entities operating at that level had been encountered by others with interdimensional experience.
As his consciousness expanded through deepening trance, he methodically processed the Rome mission's experiences, particularly the successful deployment of high-level fusion techniques against coordinated Pillar opposition. The Seven-Path Sovereign status had proven its value in combat application, enabling technique combinations that would otherwise have exceeded practical implementation parameters.
Most significant was the apparent correlation between his technique deployments and the celestial observer's increasing interest—particularly the connection attempt during Rayshift transit. This suggested evolving relationship beyond mere scientific monitoring, though specific nature remained undefined pending further interaction.
His cultivation system continued optimization processes throughout the night, energy pathways gradually restoring while structural refinements implemented based on performance data. By morning, reserves had recovered to approximately 60% capacity—sufficient for normal operations though still below optimal parameters for high-level technique deployment.
Dawn brought new activity throughout Chaldea as analysis of the Rome Singularity continued alongside preparations for addressing subsequent distortions. The timeline monitoring systems had identified next major Singularity location—Okeanos, 1573, the Age of Exploration where humanity's understanding of global geography expanded dramatically through maritime discovery.
This new challenge awaited once recovery completed and strategy formulated—another critical point in human history requiring protection against Goetia's incineration ritual. The pattern continued, but with each successful intervention, Chaldea's understanding of the King of Mages' grand design improved, bringing them incrementally closer to confronting the orchestrator himself.
For now, Xian focused on consolidating recent advances—integrating the celestial signature received during transit while refining technique applications based on combat experience. Each Singularity provided both challenge and opportunity for evolution—tests that pushed his cultivation system toward new configurations while revealing pathways previously unexplored.
The Heaven-Devouring Architect continued his ascension, each step revealing broader vistas of possibility as his understanding expanded beyond conventional parameters. The path stretched forward through challenges yet unfaced, powers still undeveloped, and cosmic observers whose purposes remained veiled in mystery.
The journey continued—one Singularity at a time.