Finis Chaldea

[Apollymi]

Both of the younger individuals resigned from the Holy Grail War. The last words from Caster were quite interesting, if he managed something like that she'd be terribly surprised. In the moment she committed his visage to memory and would be on the lookout for a blue-haired spearman claiming to want to fight the Queen of Knights. Whatever the case, Artoria had made a claim and followed through all the way to the end, she could rest easy on her win, but as her footsteps approached the cup she'd left, her ears were assaulted once more by a voice she'd gone without hearing in nearly a decade. Her eyes trailed over the golden majesty that was the King of Heroes and though she was immediately annoyed she couldn't quite get rid of the smile on her face. He was congratulating her? Truly?! And even now his hand was on her cup. It was quite literally her cup. Artoria Pendragon had earned this for herself and her people. Truly none could argue this point. "King of Heroes," she said giving thought to her general response. "I suppose I should accept the compliment. Though I would assume you have something more pressing to do than to watch me do what I said I was going to," she said as those green eyes of hers tracing his form. She'd just been engaged his battle and he'd enjoyed watching her fight. It was such a strange notion, an annoying notion. The King of Heroes interest in her had always been so obvious that she'd not known how to argue against it, even so... she held open her hand. As her armor was banished that empty hand, she intended to fill with her grail. "I will have what is mine, King of Heroes..."

[Bloodedge]

King of Heroes, she chanted. They only ever addressed each other with utmost formality, but the way Gilgamesh saw things, they were mere steps away from being wed. It was only fitting that a couple so magnificent as them have discussions such as the present, in which Artoria questioned the state of his duties versus his chosen activity of watching her. "You fool. This world will burn before I turn my gaze from you. There is nothing more pressing than my pursuit of a most divine life, where you are my bride," he stated. In actuality, there was much more truth to his statement than he revealed. In coming here and taking the Grail into his own hands, he stayed the corruption of the fallen Avenger. Something about that Class was sinful. Even in dying, an Avenger would take vengeance. Gilgamesh had seen multiple possibilities, some of which involved the corruption of Artoria, her Grail, or even both. The decision he made was one that would corrupt the Holy Grail's very system in all future wars... but it was worth the sacrifice to keep this woman on her chosen path for the long-haul.

A hand was outstretched, implying that Artoria wished to be granted her Grail. In response however, Gilgamesh held the object dangerously close to his own lips, smirking over its brim. "H'oh? Would that be this cup, by chance? Or would it be the King of Heroes himself?" he questioned as if to pick at her wording. "Both are yours to partake of as you see fit, of course. But I suppose, my queen must first be crowned. Surely a queen must not pour her own wine, though. Shall I offer my queen her sustenance as the birdmother does? Or perhaps..." He had another idea─ a brilliant one. Out went the cup, but not into the woman's hand. Instead, he tilted it just slightly toward her lips, nearly touching her bottom lip with the brim. "Should I offer drink from mine own hand instead? Either way, this world does not have my permission to place the proverbial crown atop your head. Only I, Gilgamesh, may have that divine privilege."

[Apollymi]

The words. The King of Heroes was just the type to open his mouth and have flowers fall out when his speech concerned the Queen of Knights. What did he say this time, to make her give him a strange look? Well, he claimed the world could burn before he'd look away from her. He also claimed that there was nothing more important to him than his pursuit of her. Annoying. "Considering some would call you king of the world, that sounds like a gross dereliction of duty, King of Heroes," Artoria stated. Still, somehow she could not actually express much distaste at his words initially. It'd been a decade since she last saw him, and she'd sworn she'd told him in no uncertain terms to leave her be, but here he was, bothering her again.

The King of Heroes was to be addressed in the most professional of tones, with nothing but formality. Even as he so shamelessly flirted with her, she was sure he was simply amused by his own actions and rather obviously pleased to see her. That was still strange to her, aside from her own people no one was ever really pleased to see her, right? What was more he chose to question whether she was after the cup or himself. He even made the outrageous claim that she could have either. "Obviously, I mean the cup. I already told you I would not have you added to my responsibilities," she said. She was sure she'd said something to that effect a while ago. Yes, this was how she was. Of course given what this man was like she figured he'd simply not heard her the first time. She was now having her cup tilted towards her own face. She couldn't pour her own wine? He wouldn't give the world permission to crown her? Well that much was obvious by the way he'd titled her before she'd even reached this point. "King of Heroes, you still have flowers pouring out of your mouth for every three seconds of speech. But I am in a good mood today, so I will allow just this one indulgence from you..." she said as she pushed at her cup in his hand. She'd take hold of said cup eventually, but she had a wish to make presently.

[Bloodedge]

"On the contrary, my wonderful queen, one should consider it an acceptance of duty. If I am to be wed to the likes of you, I must rest every now and then. How else will I make sure I am prepared for consummation?" he inquired. Of course, that wasn't all he had to say. There was a great deal of anticipation in the King of Heroes, and he was sure to make it known what his intentions were. "After all, if you are even able to walk of your own accord the next morning, the failure is mine to bear. Ensuring that failure does not occur is the ultimate duty imposed upon King Gilgamesh by himself."

Though she may have thought otherwise, Artoria was heard loud and clear in her rejection each time it came. In fact, he intently listened to everything she said, every time. That didn't mean he was going to take her naysaying at face value. The best part about the functionality of his eyes, was the fact that he could see his own idea future, and decide to pursue it. "Hmph. Indeed, you did say such a thing. Since you enjoy reminiscing so much, be sure to do so as we share moments of fleeting consciousness following a fortnight of debauchery," he insisted. Perhaps that was more of the "flowers" she spoke of. Whether it was or not, his words were never lies. Whatever the case, Artoria's lips were soon pressed against the Holy Grail, with Gilgamesh's hand tilting the object forward to pour its contents into her orifice. There would be many more indulgences; this much, he knew. For now though, he would allow her to think otherwise while she temporarily became one with the Nexus by drinking the nectar of souls. Once within that blank space, Artoria would be met by the same voice that previously addressed... four others. "Another has claimed the Holy Grail. Your case is a special one; there is no name to grant you. Queen of Knights, you already are... and thereby, you must be my Queen. What would you have of me?"

[Apollymi]

Oh, he intended to turn this around on her? Well, that was part of his ability to converse, she supposed. He claimed his need to take a break now and again was necessary as he planned to wed her. He was truly still on about that. Artoria would have almost found such devotion endearing if it was anything she could process with any level of certainty. Yes, he was being sincere she could tell this but she still found it to be strange. "Still you flirt with me..." she murmured. It'd been a decade, she figured that was more than long enough for one to give up on fanciful notions. Though, he could see the future so it was also still possible he saw one where he got his way in the end, and he was clinging to that the way children did to stuffed toys at night. It seemed like the likeliest conclusion. "Well, I am not the one to strip men of their dreams. Even when I do not understand them so long as they hurt no one else," she said, obviously she could not argue against him yet, but she could withhold her own judgements one way or the other. That was about all that could be expected of the Queen of Knights.

Did Artoria enjoy reminiscing? Well, at least a little, fond memories were all one had in a long lifetime. The ability to enjoy and recall them was about all one could wish to do. The King of Heroes flirted and she let him, while also letting him have his particular kind of indulgence. The cup of trials was emptied into her mouth and that was an interesting thing to take in. It was almost like a perfect drink where all others paled by comparison even so, she'd not be bothered too much about it, as she'd soon have this strange voice to deal with. Artoria had been warned by her sister, to be nice to this voice, and she would, though one of the first things it said within this white room was exactly the sort of thing to inspire her ire. "Oh? You acknowledge me as your Queen and ask only what I wish? I should be more annoyed by that than I am... I will blame my good mood for any lack of spite," she said while staring into the emptiness of white space. "So, if you are not granting me a title and will move my lands as I see fit regardless, does that mean I can ask other things of you and receive them instead?" Artoria's questions were strange indeed, but she needed to know exactly how much room she had to work with. Her younger sister made it sound as if this voice was not forthcoming but in the moment it seemed she could potentially get whatever she asked for, that would be interesting indeed.

[Bloodedge]

With Artoria residing in another section of reality, or perhaps another reality altogether, Gilgamesh awaited her glorious return. He still had something of hers, after all─ a few things, if one were to ask him. Ah, but her discussion was with the disembodied voice inhabiting the Nexus. None had been granted such a detail as of yet, but Artoria could indeed be granted whatever she desired. "I cannot grant that which you already possess. Sanctuary belongs to you. You are my queen, and I, your servant. For you, the goblet was only a key." The voice spoke only in deferment to Artoria Pendragon, truly meaning every word it spoke. Here, she was sovereign, unquestioned as of yet. There was supposed to be another, but... something had gone wrong after the Holy Grails were created by the one named Solomon. Strange; they were meant to function as a bridge for those who took charge of "Sanctuary". Two were meant to appear together. It had once been thought that the first winners of the Holy Grail war were, in fact, those two... but they were not the chosen. Artoria Pendragon, once seen, was believed to be one of the two. Perhaps there was another mistake? No matter; she was the one that would be answered to henceforth. "If ever it is within my power to grant your wish, it will be granted. Your gift is being shared with the world as we speak. Speak your desire, Sovereign. For you, and the first cupbearer Solomon, the Nexus shall always be fully accessible."

[Apollymi]

Artoria was standing within this space, and being given more information than any other had been so far. Sanctuary belonged to her. The Holy Grail she came to possess only functioned as a key. Those green eyes of hers narrowed. She was a bit skeptical of something calling itself her servant. It was an abnormality she did not know how to handle yet. Her arms crossed over her chest as she processed this information and with the ability to receive it, she supposed it was her duty to find out all she could and help those who would come later and those already in a position of confusion. "I have questions," Artoria mentioned with haste. "They will be answered and then based on my understanding my desires will be spoken," she explained of the current situation. She was not the type to enter into an unknown situation nor was she at all the type to rest on the idea that she was all powerful. She definitely wouldn't be sharing with anyone the idea that this voice was one which answered to her as its Sovereign that would be unnecessary information. "I should admit I do not know Solomon, first and foremost. It was my understanding that the King of Heroes has the first cup," she explained this situation as this thing may not have fully understood what it was getting into. "Are you implying that you are the Nexus? I know what that is," she said her face not seeming to shift. "What gift of mine are you sharing and how many others have you shared?" she asked giving it a bit more thought. If she was able to converse directly with what she'd known as a video game interface, she could basically take a cheat or item of her own desire into the world. Her sister had established an organization with its own power structure, which meant that Artoria could be a bit more selfish with her own desires. Perhaps she should take a couple of things and test the limits of her control?

[Bloodedge]

Questions. This voice was expecting questions each time someone appeared here, but only once had it been so inclined to answer them. The one called Solomon had been given the method of receiving his own answers, but this one would seek them directly from the source. First though, there was mention that she knew nothing of Solomon. Strange... She had the first Holy Grail's light upon her as well, in the depths of her soul and all throughout her identity as an existence. Moreover, who was this King of Heroes she spoke of? "I have not named a King of Heroes. The first goblet went to the creator, the King of Magecraft as he titled himself when constructing the keys. The second divided between the King of Kings and the Queen of Queens. The third has reached the Queen of Saints, and to you, Queen of Knights, there is the fourth. These have been the only visitors to this plane," the voice explained. "Something is strange. I am sensing the title you speak of. The King of Magecraft's key been taken? The source seems the same."

Indeed, even the Nexus knew confusion. Trying to keep the world order was enough to keep even a conscious dimension on the ropes. Ah, questions were already being presented. In spite of the need to understand matters at hand, answering the queen took precedence. "I am what you understand as the Nexus, yes. This realm, and all that it encompasses, is the Nexus. The power you have seeded into the world is the power of versatility. You possess additional abilities beyond any other, and the anomaly that creates your second core is being processed."

[Apollymi]

A frown came to the face of Artoria. The Nexus was apparently confused and had never had direct contact with the King of Heroes. The rest of the names and titles, aside from the King of Magecraft were easily recognizable. "Yes, that first one is an unknown to me," she said. "And according to you his cup has been taken..." Artoria's eyes narrowed just a bit. "It seems a bit lax for you not to interact with someone who has one of these coveted titles or cups, you are talking about, even if it was not gained by conventional means," Artoria said. Perhaps she was a bit too strict as an individual, but it still seemed a bit irresponsible. What she understood of the King of Heroes was that he wasn't a direct thief. Of course, she couldn't know it as absolute fact, she'd have to think it through a bit more. Oh well, in the meantime she needed to have her questions answered and she would sit through this portion of the conversation and keep herself calm.

Versatility. According to the Nexus this is what the rest of the world would get from her. Abilities beyond the standard. What ability did she have beyond the norm? Well, she did take the skill Holy Queen even after having what should have been her omega skill. The levels on her person were also going up, but that wasn't unique to her. "My second core? I do not understand..." she said with her brows furrowing. "So, I can ask you for skills, abilities, or items?" she asked of the voice. Of course, she was not the sort to just ask for riches or anything of the sort, but there were a few things she would want one in particular was forming into an idea within her head.

[Bloodedge]

How did she not know the King of Magecraft? There must have been some trickery behind the presumably pilfered Holy Grail of Solomon. It did make sense that his Grail was used to activate Artoria, even while he was not in possession of it. Someone who bested him in combat could have taken his possession and attributed it to themselves. "If the owner is felled, the key may be taken. However, its other owner has not appeared before me. I am currently unable to interact with one who has not utilized the key," the Nexus explained.

Mention of the queen's second core was not understood. Of course, this was a new concept brought about by her own ascension─ something fresh even to the Nexus itself. "With the Queen of Saints' appearance, the Mystic Code was granted the form of Spiritual Foundation. Within, is the Spiritual Core. These are to be understood within the world as the Saint Graph and Saint Graph Core. You have developed a second core in this form, classified: Paladin. The template has been spread to the world. It seems that even if one of your cores is damaged or made otherwise unusable, the second will sustain you." That was the Nexus' understanding of how Artoria's spirit functioned, and how others would function in future. There was yet another within her, strangely, but that was something beyond even the Nexus' ability. That one was something... primordial, or even older. "I attempted to grasp something else within you, similar in concept to these cores. That power predates me, however. Now, you may ask anything of me. Material or immaterial─ even rewriting the world, if possible, will be bestowed."

[Apollymi]

Oh? The Nexus just mentioned the idea that the owner of a Holy Grail could be bested in combat and have their grail taken. That was an interesting bit of information. Well, what she understood of Gilgamesh he may have done that, even so, this was something that would need to be addressed by those of current holding. Apparently, the Nexus was only able to interact with people who utilized the key. "I think I understand a bit better now. That is quite useful information," Artoria said. Of course, she couldn't truly figure out Gilgamesh and there were a few others she couldn't quite read completely. That was a problem she could perhaps be helped with, especially given a long term problem she'd been having even before coming here.

More of an explanation was incoming. Apparently, there was a core, granted by the coming of the Queen of Saints, had created in the world a spiritual foundation for people. Saint Graph and Saint Graph Core, were already there and Hoshimi Emi had been the one to make it so. What did Artoria add to the world, apparently a secondary classing which could be used even if she damaged her first. Her own was apparently Paladin, that made sense considering the magical nature of her extra abilities. "I see, these things all make sense I suppose..." she said. What did she want? Her inner assassin said she wanted and needed clarity, and that it needed to be something no one should know. "There is something that is part of me that you cannot touch? How very interesting," she admitted. "If you can grant me what I wish I would like something specific," she admitted. "I wish the ability to discern the true motivation of people when I look at them, but I also do not want anyone to know I have this ability," she said carefully. She looked up quizzically. "Can you provide this? And can I ask for more?"

[Bloodedge]

At last, the wish of Artoria Pendragon had been spoken. The Nexus wanted nothing but to grant its Sovereigns' wishes, as that was viewed as the truest way of repairing the world. The Nexus could grant her desire easily, and would begin the process of doing so right away. In this realm was a single light─ one that enshrouded Artoria and kickstarted a new Saint Graph Core. "Artoria Pendragon. Designation: Ruler. Ability Code Designation: Pending. Attempting to access unknown core. . . Failed." A bit of a hiccup occurred, but the limits of possibility would be stretched for Artoria's sake. "Reattempting access of unknown core. Sacrificing: Wynebgwrthucher. Gateway opened. Accessing unknown core. Routing from unknown core to produce code. Ability Code Designation: llygad y Cymraeg Ddraig: The Eye that sees all tricks, and bends all fortune." Finally. Many calculations were performed in the span of several seconds, but forcing access to Artoria's mysterious additional power source made it possible to achieve what she desired. "You have your power, defaulted to Class designation: Ruler. What more would you have of me, my Sovereign?"

[Apollymi]

Artoria asked for something, and received for her trouble, a light enshrouding her person. It would seem that the Nexus was content to immediately try and do what she asked. Strangely, it didn't seem to be possible initially but with a few more specifications it was able to give her the ability under her title of Ruler without issue. "Oh, that is amazing," she said seeming to think such a thing good. This skill was connected to her in a strange way, and thus hidden among her other skills as if it was not there. Her own hidden Dragon Origin seeming to let her have the skill she wanted without the ability for it to be read. That was precisely the sort of thing she wanted. And given the title the ability had, she could assume it would do all she needed, and she'd have time to figure it out a bit more specifically. What else would she have of this Nexus? Well, she wished to ask it one more thing. "Am I able to access you freely even after now? I am not ready to make Albion move without final preparations. I also wonder if it is possible to ask more of you as I think of tasks you can help complete," she questioned this being at the final point. She didn't imagine herself abusing the power of the Nexus, but she did wish to make sure all was in order and every Knight she wanted with her was ready to go before she left. Perhaps there could be potentially an easier method of transport between the two places, she should look into that for both the Holy Knights and herself. Since the Nexus was like a home menu maybe something like quick teleports could be installed for those with the right 'key'.

[Bloodedge]

Artoria seemed pleased with the Nexus' gift to her. Good. Of course, there was also another thing she wanted, or rather another piece of information. That could be provided. As for access to this space, it was achievable under normal circumstances only with the "Holy Grail" as people of the world had taken to calling it. Those who used one to enter this space, however, became the Nexus' chosen. It was they who possessed the ability to function as creators, and they who could go beyond even Sanctuary and Celestia. "You may or may not find difficulty reaching this space physically. However, my existence lives within you. All who are brought here by the key have become envoys who carry a piece of this realm into the world, for the sake of themselves and those they influence. Within the world, this would be referred to as the Heavenly Aspect, not unlike the ones called divinities as you know them... but more specifically a connection to this plane, and an existence greater than theirs. If it aids your understanding, the King of Kings and Queen of Queens function as their own linchpins, though one could easily route their 'divinity' into an object, a location, or an ability. Would you like your access point connected to something now, or would you rather be given a placeholder to take it from later?"

[Apollymi]

Artoria was indeed pleased with the Nexus' gift. Beyond that, the question she wanted answered would come with some interesting information. According to the Nexus itself, her and those like her, carried a piece of the Nexus with them. Their keys allowed them access and while they might not physically be capable of reaching this place they could access it with varying degrees of ease. They were in a way similar to divinities but something beyond the ones known to the regular world. That was amusing to know, given her own interactions with the world divinities. A Heavenly Aspect, beyond the simplicity of worship. Good that meant nothing as simple as worship was necessary for them. The Nexus explained that divinity could be carried in body or object or even seeded into a place. "I see, so by understanding, I can have my power issuable like the Pharaohs of Egypt, or I could connect them instead to a place or object..." she said giving it a bit of thought. If she was to be any sort of Divinity it probably was not a good idea to let it rest within herself. First because her death was imminent and secondly because Artoria did not trust herself.

Well that wasn't entirely true, Hoshimi Eri knew herself to be a killer. A person like that could become something evil and be basically unstoppable. She wouldn't lend herself to doing the sort of thing that would endanger the world in such a way. And she definitely wouldn't do something which would make her siblings have to hunt down and slay her which was about the only way she saw true death coming even in such an instance. No, she would spare others her hubris. "You can connect my Heavenly Aspect directly to the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, I think that would be best given the situation," she said objectively. Little did Artoria know that doing such a thing was so innately her, and beyond that part of the greater good. She'd keep the rest of her powers and abilities. Her keen skill to corral and train knights and all of the like. But she did not think to set herself up with godhood at all.