Chapter 326: Ruler

He slightly bows, graceful, "Please allow me to release you from this crude binding."

He steps forward, not even using the tip of his gun to prod, but extends a finger gloved in silver armor, lightly brushing the rough hemp rope.

The hemp rope snaps as if cut by the sharpest blade, splitting cleanly.

Weigong Qiesi's body relaxes, staggers a moment, and barely steadies himself.

He moves his stiff, painful wrist, watching the strange knight before him warily.

The opponent's strength is undeniable; that purifying light has a special effect on the Insect Swarm, and his movements also display superb martial skill.

But… it's too strange.

From attire to speech, and even purpose, everything exudes an oddness that doesn't fit this world.

"…Thank you."

Weigong Qiesi's voice is a bit hoarse; he thanks cautiously while quickly assessing both the opponent and his own condition.

"No need for thanks; defending beauty and Rescue of the afflicted are a knight's duty and obligation."

YinZhi's smile brightens further, and in his jade eyes seems starlight flicker, "Seeing you trapped in filth yet still keeping calm and unyielding will, that alone is a commendable quality. Ah, even in such a predicament, the light in your eyes fighting for what matters remains so moving! This is exactly what the goddess advocates, 'the resilient beauty that blooms in adversity'!"

Weigong Qiesi: "…"

(What is he saying?)

He feels he may have encountered a Heroic Spirit whose mind is a bit off.

"I am Weigong Qiesi,"

He decides to give his name first, probing, "A… magician entangled here. The 'Pure Beauty Knight Order', 'Pure Beauty Star Goddess Idelira', 'Breeding'… I've never heard of."

"Ah, that is not strange, esteemed sir."

YinZhi is not displeased by the other's ignorance; instead he explains enthusiastically, "The Pure Beauty Star Goddess Idelira we serve, her radiance and doctrine may not yet illuminate this world. Our mission is to travel many worlds, spreading the goddess's beauty, and eradicating calamities like Breeding, which only knows how to destroy the harmony of all things and the beauty of individuals."

He points to the lingering traces of dissolved insect corpses on the ground, his tone turning serious: "These filthy things originate from the aftereffects of Breeding. Their very existence is a desecration of beauty. I sense this place is permeated with such filthy aura, so I came to purify."

Weigong Qiesi's brows furrow even tighter.

(Multiple worlds?)

These words completely exceed his Cognition scope, sounding more like some pagan myth or a madman's fantasy.

Yet the opponent's displayed power is real, and the suppression of the insects is also real.

Moreover… he previously mentioned "Ruler"?

"You just said, belonging to the Pure Beauty Knight Order,"

Weigong Qiesi catches this info, "and claims to handle Breeding… does that mean you are not a regular Servant summoned for this Holy Grail War? And your rank is… Ruler?"

"Exactly so."

YinZhi calmly admits, his bearing upright, "I am here by this world's Suppression Force's temporary invitation, manifesting with the Ruler rank. My duty is to handle the crisis caused by Breeding's invasion, maintaining this world's basic order and… its latent beauty."

He still does not forget to add a comment on "beauty".

Weigong Qiesi feels a tremor in his heart.

Suppression Force intervening?

Specifically handling?

This amount of information is huge, almost overturning his entire Cognition of the Holy Grail War.

Yet considering his Command Spell's abnormal failure, and Winterwood City's obviously abnormal activity tonight, it seems… not impossible?

He quickly gathers his thoughts.

No matter how bizarre YinZhi's origin, his formidable strength and his special attack against the insects are certain.

He claims to be the "Ruler" invited by the Suppression Force to handle the crisis; his stance is at least outwardly neutral, even leaning toward order.

Yet his Command Spell now fails, magic flow is blocked, acting alone is extremely risky…

A plan rapidly forms in Weigong Qiesi's cold, ruthless mind.

"I see, Your Excellency Ruler."

Weigong Qiesi's tone softens slightly, yet he still keeps distance, "Thank you for your assistance. As you can see, I am currently in poor condition and have limited understanding of the crisis here. However, as a local resident and Magus, I am fairly familiar with Winterwood City's terrain and power distribution."

He pauses, observing YinZhi's reaction.

The opponent still maintains that impeccable listening posture, his jade eyes focused on him.

"If you need to locate the source of Breeding, or operate here, perhaps… I can provide some guides and intelligence assistance."

Weigong Qiesi offers a seemingly cooperative suggestion, actually placing himself in a relatively safe position where he can use the other's power, "Of course, provided I do not interfere with you carrying out the duties granted by the Suppression Force."

YinZhi hears this, his jade-like eyes suddenly light up, as if hearing the most beautiful melody in the world!

He steps forward, excitedly grasping the hand Weigong Qiesi just freed (Weigong's body instantly stiffens for a moment).

"How noble! How selfless!"

YinZhi's voice is filled with sincere admiration, even a hint of emotion, "Sir! You just escaped danger, and your thoughts are not about your own safety, but to use your familiarity with your homeland to help this outsider cleanse the filth and guard this realm's peace! Such a heart, such responsibility, perfectly embodies the 'Beauty of Devotion' and the 'Beauty of Responsibility'! The goddess's radiance will surely favor you!"

Weigong Qiesi: "…"

(No, I just want to survive and use you…)

He feels his facial skin stiffen, tries to pull back his hand, but YinZhi holds tightly.

"Your proposal, I gladly accept!"

YinZhi releases his hand, steps back, elegantly performs a Knight's Salute, "It is YinZhi's honor to walk side by side with a brave soul such as you, who harbors the potential of beauty. Let us join hands, purify the filth of Breeding from this land, and let the pure order shine again!"

Looking at this enthusiastic, immensely powerful Pure Beauty Knight before him, Weigong Qiesi feels deep helplessness, yet must admit—this may be the least bad option for now.

At least, staying by his side, he temporarily need not fear being devoured by insects, and perhaps can use the chance to uncover how many terrifying secrets still lurk behind this increasingly bizarre "Holy Grail War".

"Then,"

He rubs his wrist, "We should leave here first. On the way, I can tell you what I know about Winterwood City and the recent abnormal situation."

"I will faithfully follow your guidance, sir!"

YinZhi's smile was radiant, as if what was about to begin was not a perilous purification journey, but a pilgrimage filled with beauty.