Caligula reached out helplessly, trying to speak, to question why they resisted. But no words came... his body dissolved into pure mana.
Nero, stunned, watched. "He's gone… Uncle is gone…"
Mash observed the retreating soldiers. With Caligula's death, they fled.
"Uncle must've been their commander. I never thought I'd see his face again…" Nero murmured.
She turned, noticing the man she'd overlooked earlier... Morpheus... putting away his bow.
Clearly, he'd fired the lethal shot.
"That was a Berserker, but Morpheus took him out in one arrow. Otherwise, we could've checked for remote control," Olga Marie said through the communicator.
"It's definitely remote control. I can guess who's behind it," Morpheus replied.
Nero, hearing the voice, asked, "Hmm? A woman's voice but no one's here. By instinct, is she a magus?"
"You can think of it that way. We're all from Chaldea," Morpheus said.
Romani tried to continue, but Nero cut him off.
"No matter! Though I don't know the unseen one's status, your combat was splendid. I thought the girl was impressive, but that frail-looking man has such power. Worthy of praise!"
She began her introduction.
"Before I ask your identities, I shall start. I am the true guardian of Rome, the embodiment of Rome itself.
"Indeed, I am sworn to the gods, ancestors, myself, and the people to rebuild the empire! I am Nero Claudius, fifth emperor of Rome!"
Her grandiose speech, spoiled by Morpheus's earlier remarks, drew no surprise... just silent stares.
Seeing their calm reaction, Nero grinned proudly. "Heh, stunned, aren't you? So shocked you're speechless!"
Mash and Ritsuka nodded politely, humoring her.
Nero beamed. "Right, right! Be amazed, revel in my glory... it's my gift to you!"
Morpheus sighed inwardly. What an idiot.
Leaving Nero's interaction to Mash, he looked into the distance, pondering his next move.
If they needed to set up a terminal, the best spot was… that distant volcano.
Morpheus approached Ritsuka, pointing to it. "Take Mash and set up the terminal there."
Ritsuka frowned. "What about you?"
"I'll deal with the enemies here. If I'm lucky, I can wrap this up in one go."
Her jaw dropped. "You're going alone?"
"What else?"
"Isn't that dangerous?"
"If I'm in danger, you'd better head back immediately," Morpheus grinned, glancing at Nero. "Take Nero with you. She's strong... perfect bodyguard material."
"An emperor as a bodyguard? Will she agree?"
Morpheus smirked. "Just sweet-talk her. She's a fool."
Ritsuka, stunned by his bluntness about a nation's ruler, was at a loss.
Morpheus didn't wait for her response, leaving the group and heading toward the direction he'd divined.
After a short distance, he took flight, speeding toward his destination.
Per Nero, much of this world was embroiled in war, caused by the United Roman Empire, which had attacked regions including Gaul, home to the Celts.
That area was now a Roman military camp, filled with soldiers... and Servants.
Landing, Morpheus was immediately confronted by two Servants... a man and a woman. The woman resembled a knight, the man a chained eccentric, hinting at peculiar tastes.
"Who are you?" The woman asked.
"I'm here to fight the United Roman Empire. Who are you?" Morpheus replied.
"I'm Boudica, former queen of Britannia. And he…"
Morpheus looked at the man, whose voice was hoarse.
"Spartacus."
Seriously? Two rebels against Rome, now saving it?!
Morpheus was incredulous.
Why summon these two? By territorial ties, Artoria would've been a better choice. Wouldn't they attack Nero on sight?
"You're Servants?"
"You know something. But Nero, that foolish emperor, seems unaware... maybe missing memories," Boudica said, showing concern.
Morpheus was shocked.
"You don't hate Nero?"
"If not for my choices, that disaster wouldn't have happened…"
"Forget it, I'm done talking," Morpheus rubbed his eyes. "If that old queen I know were here, she'd smack you with Curtana…"
Ignoring them, he launched into the air, adjusting his course and speeding forward like a jet, leaving the baffled Servants behind.
In flight, Morpheus was stunned by Boudica's reaction.
Then by the absurdity of the plot.
"What kind of nonsense is this? Boudica allied with Nero, got betrayed, her daughters violated, and Britannia crushed. And this is her reaction? Even as a Servant, shouldn't she at least kick Nero?"
Instead, what did he see?
"Foolish emperor… with fondness and pity? Am I reading a romance novel? Is this Stockholm syndrome?"
Morpheus sped past the battlefield, spotting a portly Roman emperor... Caesar!
"You're the Servant attacking the city? No, a human with a Servant's aura…" Caesar eyed Morpheus with interest, then sighed. "Troublesome."
"Planning to fight me yourself, Caesar?" Morpheus asked.
"Calling an emperor by name? Bold, but I allow it." Caesar raised his sword, aiming at Morpheus.
"You seem displeased?"
"Not with you, human."
"With your situation, then."
"You noticed?" Caesar admitted. "I'm displeased with that lord. His mind is full of delusions, leading to destruction!"
"I'm here to stop him. Defeat him, and the timeline resets. Those who died because of this will revive, time reverting to before it began."
"You've convinced me, but I must fight you. I'm his summoned Servant, bound by orders," Caesar said, lifting his head. "Fight me, human, and prove you can defeat us all!
"But first, your name!"
"I declare my magic name: Veritas000, seeker of truth!"
"Interesting... a magic name. I don't grasp its meaning, but I feel your resolve!" Caesar said. "I am Caesar, emperor of Rome! Let's fight, human!"
Boom!
Morpheus moved, unleashing his full power. In an instant, the four archangels descended, hundreds of magical formulas activating, pushing his body to its limits!
This terrifying strength broke the sound barrier, leaving a visible airstream!
No flair... just raw physical power as their weapons clashed.
The impact shattered the ground, forming a massive crater!
Caesar felt the immense force, stumbling back several steps!
Morpheus seized the moment, charging faster, his War God's Sword striking at a cunning angle, piercing Caesar's abdomen!
A single blow wounded him!
"Such strength... are you truly human?!" Caesar exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.
Morpheus didn't bother replying. A book appeared in his left hand, paired with the ring on his right, triggering instant magic!
Michael's fiery power gathered, enveloping the War God's Sword in flames.
The shortsword became as if wielded by Michael, imbued with angelic might!
Morpheus slashed, flames dancing, forming a massive blade that cleaved Caesar in half!
No pause, no last words... Morpheus accelerated, charging toward the enemy's stronghold to clear this Singularity!
He'd pieced together the plot.
One Roman Empire, one United Roman Empire, and someone Caesar called "that lord"... not Lev.
Only one figure fit: Romulus, Rome's mythical founder, son of Mars and Silvia.
Legend said he and his twin, Remus, were abandoned, raised by a she-wolf, and founded Rome, but Romulus killed his brother.
Clearly, Romulus was behind this, like Jeanne Alter in the first Singularity, but a true Servant, not a construct.
"Mars, the war god? Just Ares by another name!" Morpheus laughed, thrilled at the chance to discipline Ares's son for such chaos.
…
In the palace, Lev seethed.
"Caesar failed… and Caligula, too? How did they die so fast?" He muttered, furious.
"Caesar said he needed the Grail for a wish, so I sent him… No matter. New Servants can be summoned as long as I have the Grail."
His face twisted. "Pity Caligula didn't kill Nero himself. That would've been perfect. Such strength, yet so bound... ironic!"
He laughed, then steadied himself. "Fine, summon more Servants for the front lines."
With his words, the Grail activated, the summoning ritual beginning.
A golden warrior, Leonidas, appeared in the circle.
Lev turned to the mysterious man beside him. "How will you fight them?"
The man glanced at Leonidas, said nothing, and walked out.
"Ugh, troublesome," Lev sighed. "Leonidas, complete your mission!"
At Lev's command, Leonidas set out to intercept the intruders, ensuring they didn't disrupt the plan.
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL