(Is Japan just full of people like this? Truly, it's a demonic borderland of weirdos...)
—Aieeee...
The chaotic cultural exchange of the Japanese Servants continued.
"Honestly, I'm stuffed," Roman sighed. "Are we still going?"
"Hmph, let's make the next one the last for now... But seriously, why are only Japanese people showing up when we're talking about Uruk?"
Air, having regained her senses, chimed in.
—Perhaps Japan in the Age of Heroes possessed a level of Mystery and sturdiness comparable to Uruk?
"I see. So it wasn't a 'demonic' land, but a 'mystical' one... Why have modern humans become so weak?"
"Diversity! We emphasize diversity now!"
The circle spun one last time with Roman's backup.
"Well, let's see who comes. I care not who it is."
(I have my own standards. I hope it's a kind Servant who will be friends with Air.)
—Fou...
Air hugged Fou tight. The light faded, and—
"Hey there, everyone's relia—"
"MARLIN-MUST-BE-SHREDDED-FOU!!"
"Gwah?!"
The moment Merlin appeared, Fou launched himself like a drill, sent the Magician of Flowers flying.
"Fou! Die, Fou! Go to hell, Fou!"
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Cath Palug?! What happened to your 'cute mascot' act?!"
(I said a friend for Air, but I didn't ask for you! Die!)
"Adu-du-du-du-du!!"
Fou bit down with a vengeance. Roman smiled and started looking for the "dismiss" button.
"You guys are mean! No, wait, wait! I can be useful!"
—Merlin-san! Good work today! Did you walk here?
"Ah, such a warm greeting! Yes, I walked. I came to celebrate! Congrats on your Grand coronation and your retirement!"
"I have no need for your congratulations... but I'll take them for now."
"So salty! Man, I guess I have to provide some support in my own way."
Merlin grinned and turned toward Roman.
"You guys called me a piece of trash... and you, Roman, have obtained irreplaceable happiness... To make sure you never forget that blessing, I'm going to cut off your 'virtual idol' obsession!"
"Wait, what—?"
"Romani Archaman! Let's talk about the 'behind-the-scenes' of Magi☆Mari!"
Upbeat music started playing from nowhere. Merlin pointed a dramatic finger at Roman.
—Wait, what?! What's happening?!
"...Farewell, Roman. In a way, this is your true departure..."
Gilgamesh, sensing the coming storm, closed his eyes.
"Why was Magi☆Mari still active after the incineration of humanity? Why did the updates continue? Why were you able to communicate with her?!"
Merlin spun his words with a refreshingly evil smile.
"Stop! Don't say any more! (I have a feeling this is bad!)" Roman screamed, as Rikka rushed over to help.
"The answer is simple..."
(Stop him!!)
Fou ran. Sheba ran, sensing Roman's mental health was in critical danger.
"Heh... Romani Archaman...! The one who was updating Magi☆Mari... was ME!! Honestly, I'm sorry! It was just too much fun! But don't worry! Magi☆Mari lives on within all of you!"
The shocking truth was revealed over the "Excite! Excite!" background music.
"Eh...? ...Eh? No, that... no way... No, no, no. But... You're lying... You're trying to trick me... NOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Roman screamed like an action hero who just lost everything. He was crushed by the cold, hard reality.
—A shocking truth revealed at the end of the restoration of humanity?! So Magi☆Mari was Merlin-san's virtual avatar all along!
"You're subtly correct but also off the mark. ...This is why I told him: moderation in idolatry."
Gilgamesh couldn't stop drinking. Marie and Sheba patted Roman's back as he sobbed.
Merlin was promptly assigned as the King's "Storytelling Duty"... and the chaotic summoning session came to an end as Roman fell into a state of total exhaustion.
[Omake: The Demon General]
[Demon General... Are you the one who wields my technique?]
"Y-Yes! G-General?!"
[...To think a mere human, not even a Superhuman, would master my arts. It seems I must not underestimate your kind.]
"—...!"
[Fuj丸 Rikka.]
"Yes!!"
[An ultimate technique is not the goal itself. Rather, it is the starting point for even greater discipline. ...Strive not to tarnish the name of the Demon General. If you do, I shall kill you myself.]
"I'll do my best!!"
[Do not grow complacent in this fleeting peace. Peace is but a brief intermission in the struggle. Store your strength until the day of battle. —Farewell.]
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
[The Demon General has self-dismissed.]
"My... my heart can't take this..." Olga Marie wheezed.
"General... thank you!! I will never forget your words!"
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