"I see."
Victor raised his head in surprise and gazed at the massive golden sword floating majestically above them.
This blade had been created simply by combining his spiritual power with sword intent, but he had never imagined it could help others suppress their maddened thoughts.
"Don't worry, everything I say is true. If you voluntarily withdraw, not only will I refrain from harming Illya, I will also grant her a perfect body that will neither age nor succumb to illness."
As an artificial human and the container of the Holy Grail, Illya had an extremely limited lifespan and suffered from numerous physical defects.
The most obvious manifestation was her stunted growth.
Though Illya appeared to be a primary school student around ten years old, she was actually seventeen or eighteen years of age.
Berserker's heart was moved by this generous offer.
Although he had only known Illya for a few days, he truly regarded her as his own daughter.
If he could exchange his existence for Illya's bright future, he would not hesitate for even a moment.
"Berserker! I don't want you to leave me!"
Illya stretched out her small hand and tightly grasped Berserker's little finger, which was thicker than her entire wrist. Her tearful eyes overflowed with desperate pleading.
Berserker crouched down, gently rubbed Illya's head, and spoke with tender compassion, "Don't be sad, Illya. I am a Heroic Spirit. Even if I don't depart now, I will return to the Throne of Heroes after the Holy Grail War concludes."
"Since we are destined to separate, I will exchange myself for your lifelong peace and happiness."
"I believe that we will meet again one day. I hope that by then you will be taller and able to spend every day filled with joy."
"Berserker..."
Though Illya had stopped sobbing, she wiped her tears again and again, but they simply wouldn't cease flowing.
Chloe felt her heart ache when she witnessed this heartbreaking scene.
Unable to bear it any longer, she stepped forward, gathered Illya in her arms, and offered gentle comfort.
"I'll give you half an hour to say your goodbyes."
Victor was in no hurry and was willing to grant them time for their final farewell.
Wait, he thought with sudden self-awareness, looking at it this way, why do I feel like a villain forcibly separating a father and daughter?
"No, thank you." Berserker shook his head with quiet dignity.
"Goodbye, Illya."
He took one last, lingering look at the girl who had become so precious to him.
Then he voluntarily terminated his contract with Illya.
After losing their connection, Berserker's form finally transformed into countless particles of light that dissipated into the evening air.
As the sixth Heroic Spirit departed the stage, the Holy Grail absorbed sufficient souls and began manifesting within the earth veins of Ryuudou Temple.
At the same moment, Illya, who had been crying, suddenly collapsed unconscious, her face contorted with visible pain.
"What's happening?" Chloe clutched Illya protectively, her expression filled with panic.
"Don't worry, she'll be fine."
Victor approached Illya, and his fingertips moved across her chest as if tearing through space itself, extracting the heart that served as the Lesser Holy Grail from within her body.
Then he retrieved a healing pill and placed it gently in Illya's mouth.
The torn wound healed instantly. Even the lost heart regenerated completely, and the agonized expression gradually faded from her peaceful features.
The ground trembled slightly, and the distant mountain suddenly split open, revealing underground veins containing tremendous magical power.
Witnessing this phenomenon, Rin Tohsaka couldn't help but exclaim, "I never expected such massive spiritual veins to exist beneath Fuyuki City. No wonder it was chosen as the venue for the Holy Grail War."
At that moment, the Lesser Holy Grail in Victor's hand seemed to sense an irresistible call and swiftly flew into the exposed earth veins.
After several minutes, a tarnished golden chalice slowly emerged from the depths.
"That's the Holy Grail? Why is it so dark and ugly? It's not even as attractive as the chamber pot that Markh 7th and I encountered on the Xianzhou." Stelle's face displayed obvious disgust.
These heroes had fought to their deaths for such a wretched cup?
Victor explained patiently, "The authentic Holy Grail is actually quite beautiful. This vessel is merely a replica of the genuine article, and a corrupted replica at that."
As if to confirm Victor's words, the moment he finished speaking, viscous black mud began continuously pouring from the Holy Grail's interior.
Honestly, it was thoroughly revolting.
It resembled the overflow from a septic tank that had reached capacity.
The sooner they destroyed it, the better.
Victor raised his hand toward the heavens and commanded, "Sword!"
In an instant, the million-foot celestial blade transformed into a three-foot emerald sword that descended into Victor's waiting grasp.
Victor swung the weapon toward the corrupted Holy Grail.
Sword light poured forth like a galactic torrent, and the concentrated sword energy formed a substantial storm that carved black rifts in the surrounding space, demonstrating world-destroying power.
The Holy Grail was instantly pulverized into fine powder, and even the flowing black mud was completely annihilated.
The sword energy continued its trajectory beyond the earth, finally rushing into the star-filled sky and disappearing into the boundless heavens.
At this moment, the Holy Grail War reached its definitive conclusion.
From this day forward, there would be no more Holy Grail Wars.
"It's finally over." Rin Tohsaka couldn't help but sigh with mixed emotions.
To be honest, this Holy Grail War had ended rather quickly.
But that was entirely thanks to Victor's overwhelming strength.
"Yes, it's finished."
Chloe looked down at her gradually becoming transparent body, her eyes carrying a hint of reluctance.
"It appears I must return as well."
"Please take good care of Illya for me."
Chloe gently transferred Illya from her arms to Victor's protective embrace.
"Finally, I hope you'll come visit me when you have the opportunity."
Victor nodded diplomatically, "We'll discuss it when time permits."
As someone who habitually avoided firm commitments, he never made definite promises.
If pressed, his standard response was always "definitely next time" or "we'll talk when I have time."
After bidding farewell to Chloe, the remaining group returned to the Tohsaka residence.
After settling the unconscious Illya and Sakura Matou in comfortable guest rooms, Victor and the other two gathered in the living room.
"Are you planning to return home next?" Rin Tohsaka inquired.
Stelle nodded and was about to respond when Victor interrupted her.
"There's no rush. Let's sleep here tonight and depart tomorrow morning."
Hearing this suggestion, Stelle glanced at Victor and caught a hint of expectation and desire flickering in his eyes.
She immediately understood what Victor was thinking, and a barely noticeable blush colored her cheeks.
Rin Tohsaka didn't give the matter much thought. She wished them both a good night's rest before returning to her own room.
But Victor and Stelle were destined not to retire early.
And Rin Tohsaka would soon find herself subjected to torment once again.
Listening to the distinctive sounds emanating from the neighboring room, Rin fell into complete despair.
"I'm exhausted... Let this torture end quickly..."
Time flowed onward like a gentle stream.
In what felt like mere moments, morning had already arrived.
Victor and Stelle emerged from their room with slightly flushed faces.
They had intended to enjoy breakfast together before returning to their respective worlds.
However, Rin Tohsaka, sporting prominent dark circles under her eyes, angrily expelled them both from her home before they could even sit down to eat.