The Savior's group of three stared in shock as Aoko, with just a wave of her hand, annihilated the powerful pursuing troop of fairies. Each of them wore a dumbfounded expression—not that they hadn't seen powerful magecraft before. The magecraft inherited from Morgan of Proper Human History was indeed formidable, but it seemed insignificant compared to what Aoko had just demonstrated.
The one with the most complicated feelings was Toneriko herself. She had always been confident in her magecraft talents, and even more so after inheriting Morgan's memories from Proper Human History. Yet, the various forms of magecraft she just witnessed from Aoko were utterly incomprehensible based on her previous experience. She couldn't even grasp the first clue. The magecraft wielded by this red-haired fairy seemed to appear out of thin air, belonging neither to Fairy Britain nor to Proper Human History.
A faint sense of unease grew in her heart—not because she feared this red-haired female fairy, but because she instinctively sensed that these three in front of her signified change.
Ever since arriving in Fairy Britain from the Sea of Stars and being adopted by the Rain Clan's chief, she had witnessed too many tragedies and felt too much pain. Nonetheless, she also developed a deep love for this land she grew up in and vowed to protect.
It was this love—for the island, for Britain, and for the many kind fairies she met during her journey, like Totorot, the Black Knight, and Sage Grimr—that allowed her to persist as the Savior despite being hunted and betrayed countless times. She never completely lost hope in this world.
According to her plan, as long as Uther could marry Queen Mab, humans and fairies could unite and move toward a future where no one would be hurt, where fighting would end—a gentle world for all.
Yet, on the eve before this dawn, with peace almost within reach, these three fairies appeared—bringing a completely unpredictable change to Britain's future.
"Hmph, these riffraff," Aoko put away her staff, clapping her hands. "They acted all high and mighty while slaughtering others, but look how pathetic they are when it's their turn?"
Artoria stood silently to the side, her expression cold and composed. Yet she couldn't help but be curious about this golden-haired fairy—because no matter how she looked, the girl resembled herself in her youth. Could she be her counterpart from a parallel world...?
Pepe maintained a surface smile and also stayed silent, but he was on high alert against everyone present. Even the smallest fairy here would be difficult for him to handle, let alone his direct superior, Aoko Aozaki. So, the less said, the better.
After dealing with the fairies, Aoko finally turned to face the Savior's group. She first stared at them expressionlessly, making the pressure mount, but then suddenly broke into a friendly, smiling face and stepped toward Toneriko.
"Hello," Aoko extended her right hand. "I'm Aoko Aozaki, a magus from Proper Human History. I'm here looking for a friend who's lost in this world."
"H-hello..." Toneriko was momentarily stunned by Aoko's reaction. She hadn't expected those words. While she knew of Proper Human History from Morgan's memories, seeing a visitor from that world in person left her flustered.
"Oh, there's no need to be scared." Aoko smiled and warmly clasped Toneriko's hand, finding the fairy's hand soft and tender—so pleasant that she couldn't help but squeeze it a few more times. "Let's find somewhere to chat and have something to eat~"
"Hey! You! Let her go!" Totorot immediately grew indignant at Aoko's outgoing manner, ready to charge forward with her spinning wheel and pick a fight.
"What a loyal knight, Habenyan," Aoko laughed as she watched Totorot being hurriedly restrained. She thought to herself, these are all talented folks—it's a waste leaving them here in this backwater Fairy Britain. Maybe...
"...Thank you for saving us," Toneriko said reservedly after calming Totorot down, facing Aoko. Totorot still glared at Aoko, unconvinced, while the Black Knight appeared more relaxed, resting his weapon on the ground and saying nothing.
"Though we have many questions, we can travel to a nearby stronghold together."
"A stronghold?" Aoko asked, thinking for a moment. "Is it near a city?"
"That's right," Toneriko nodded. "The Round Table coalition has a base nearby, in Salisbury. We can stay at the Starlight Sanctuary there."
Hearing the familiar name, Artoria's emotions stirred. She was already curious about the golden-haired fairy who resembled her younger self, and the mention of the "Round Table" only deepened that feeling. She was in no rush—there would be plenty of time to figure things out.
"Sounds nice," Aoko raised an eyebrow. "I'm a little curious about these fairy-made imitations of human cities."
"Um... are you human?" Toneriko looked at the three with some doubt. The one who looked like a man seemed normal, but both the blonde woman and the red-haired Aoko had mana so vast it was unfathomable—like a boundless ocean. Even in Morgan's memories, she'd never seen humans with such magical powers.
"Genuine article," Aoko put her hands on her hips and deliberately struck a pose to show off her figure. She was dressed in a stylish khaki trench coat, lady's slacks, and boots, fully embodying urban beauty. "I'm just a 'tiny bit' stronger than the average human."
As she spoke, Aoko made a universe in her fingers gesture, causing Toneriko to hesitate, but she now accepted that these three were visitors from Proper Human History—humans, but different from the humans of this world.
And so, three humans and three fairies—six in all—formed a temporary party, strolling through the forests of southern Britain, heading for Salisbury.