Upon receiving Archer's report requesting withdrawal, Fiore immediately consented to retreat.
At that moment, Fiore's own battle had reached a stalemate.
Shishigou Kairi, the Master of "Red" Saber, was a renowned hunter. Compared to Fiore, who was fundamentally a researcher, the number of life-or-death situations he had survived was on a different level.
Their overall skill as mages could be considered roughly equal. Furthermore, Fiore's magical sense was undoubtedly superior. However, that wasn't something that could be fully utilized in the extreme circumstances of combat. Victory wasn't determined by magecraft alone. Combat involved skillfully using one's own magecraft while also utilizing terrain and other tools to defeat the enemy. What was required was a different dimension of magecraft application compared to research aimed at magecraft itself.
Fiore thought she understood that, but in terms of tactics, Shishigou was still a step ahead.
If Caules hadn't intervened, Fiore's head would likely have been blown off by a shotgun by now.
It wasn't quite a blunder, but the "Red" mages were all either mages with skills comparable to Darnic's or first-rate hunters who had taken down such opponents. Shishigou even treated modern firearms, which most mages despised, as Mystic Codes, placing him at the opposite end of the spectrum from Fiore, who had studied magecraft for the purpose of magical research.
They also couldn't rule out the possibility that the enemy still hadn't played their trump card. Now that the enemy had learned the weaknesses of her Mystic Codes, it was unwise to press further. Caules couldn't be counted as a real combatant. It was safest to withdraw while his bluff was still effective.
"Well then, Shishigou. I shall take my leave."
"Running away?"
Shishigou's words were provocative, but Fiore paid them no mind.
"Next time, in Trifas, at our fortress, we shall await you."
Leaving those words, Fiore departed.
Should he pursue? No.
Shishigou immediately discarded the tempting thought.
With the unpredictable variable of Caules present, a deep pursuit was dangerous.
At the very least, he should reunite with his Servant before giving chase, and by that time, the enemy would likely have retreated beyond reach.
If Saber had defeated Archer, that would have been perfect, but from the Noble Phantasm fired into the sky earlier, he knew Saber had used her own Noble Phantasm. Given that she hadn't returned triumphantly, it was better to assume she had failed.
Of course, it was impossible for Saber to have been defeated. If that were the case, he would know through the Command Spells.
It seemed the battle between Servants had also ended in a draw. Or perhaps, the enemy had disengaged first, resulting in Fiore's withdrawal.
In any case, that was all for today.
Shishigou plopped down where he stood and put a cigarette in his mouth. He lit it with a lighter and filled his lungs with smoke. As he knew it would be, it tasted bad. The expensive, yet disagreeable cigarette gave Shirou an indescribable sense of impermanence.
____________________________________________________________________________
"The true identity of 'Red' Saber is Mordred. ...Is that true, Archer?"
Having returned to the Millennia Fortress, Fiore and Archer reported to Darnic, who had ordered the contact attempt with Assassin.
They also reported on the battle between "Black" Assassin and "Red" Saber, and the subsequent battles with "Red" Saber and Shirou Kotomine.
"It is certain, Lancer."
In response to the question from Lancer, seated on his throne, Archer nodded in affirmation.
"'Red' Saber used her Noble Phantasm to intercept my arrow. At that time, the usual perception-obstructing effect seemed to be lost. I can still clearly recall the design of the sword. Although, once she used her Noble Phantasm, her identity was known, so there was no need to analyze the sword."
"I see. And the rank of the Noble Phantasm?"
"A+. An anti-army type. On par with our Saber's."
"Hoh... But knowing that, we can devise countermeasures. This is truly valuable information.
Well done, Archer."
"You honor me, Lancer."
Archer bowed his head courteously.
The information Archer obtained was highly valuable.
An A+ rank could be considered the highest tier for Noble Phantasms. The average Noble Phantasm possessed by a typical Servant is around rank B. Those exceeding rank A are generally limited to high-ranking spirits even among mythological heroes.
Although Mordred was infamous as the traitorous knight, her performance as a Saber was exceptionally high. In addition to the factual numerical data showing all parameters except Luck exceeding rank B, there were also her legendary exploits to support this.
The achievements of defeating Sir Gawain and inflicting a mortal wound on King Arthur. And the backing of her lineage as a homunculus created for King Arthur by the witch Morgan.
Furthermore, she stole the holy sword described by King Arthur as "the king of swords" and fought him. It was only natural that she would be a powerful enemy when summoned as a Saber.
Among the "Red" camp, the True Names of only two Servants were clearly known: Saber and Rider. Although their True Names weren't known, Lancer was a fierce warrior who could fight "Black" Saber on equal terms, and it was known that Archer was a female Heroic Spirit. Berserker had been captured and was now under the proxy Mastership of their Caster. The two Servants from the "Red" camp who had not shown themselves were Assassin and Caster.
But that was to be expected, as these two were not classes that appeared on the front lines. Whether they were calmly preparing in the enemy's stronghold or waiting for an opening on our side, being classes that targeted one's back, their unseen movements were unsettling.
After Fiore and Archer left, Darnic, who had been listening beside Lancer, drew a strategic map in his mind.
In terms of Servant quality, the enemy was indeed superior. That had to be admitted. However, their own servants were not inferior. Lancer Vlad III and Saber Siegfried were both universally acknowledged heroes, and Archer could function as a joker. Now that the enemy's Berserker was also in their hands, their numerical superiority was clear.
Given that they currently possessed the Greater Grail, the enemy had no choice but to attack the Millennia Fortress.
Not only did they not have to venture out, as the enemy would come to them, but they had also spent half a century on preparations. The fortress was fortified with powerful magecraft and could withstand Noble Phantasm attacks to a certain extent. Of course, even an Assassin couldn't enter easily. They had laid down sufficient Bounded Fields for that. Precisely because of this, they had the leisure to calmly prepare for the assault.
Their advantage in the number of Servants, terrain, and magical energy supply was undeniable. And these were the elements necessary for victory in the Holy Grail War. Even if they were slightly inferior in Servant quality, they were currently managing the situation advantageously.
Yes, there was no need to fear.
At that moment, a faint, electric current-like stimulus ran through Darnic's body.
"Darnic."
"Yes, my lord. It seems they have come."
____________________________________________________________________________
Shirou closed his eyes and slowly exhaled the air from the depths of his lungs, trying to calm his mind.
Listening carefully with a tranquil heart, he could clearly perceive the sounds of insects and the wind. A foreign land completely different from his birthplace. The scenery before his eyes was also unfamiliar. But when he closed his eyes like this, it felt as if these were only minor differences.
Even if the visible scenery changed, the world had not become something unknown to him. This world was still caught in a cycle of pain and resentment, yet Agape—divine love—certainly existed.
Then, why were there so many unsaved people in this world?
God's hands should be vast enough to gather up all the people in the world.
Shirou slowly opened his eyes.
The opened view revealed a star-filled night sky.
Perhaps because it was a rural town. The small twinkles shone clearly, undimmed.
"Well, is your meditation finished, my Master?"
"Assassin. Since when have you been there?"
"About an hour ago. I was wondering when you'd notice."
Kuku, Assassin laughed, her throat making a sound as if something was amusing.
"You're mischievous, Assassin. I didn't notice at all."
"What of it? It is because I am Assassin."
Assassin's 'Presence Concealment' skill could deceive even a Servant's perception. As long as she didn't enter an attack stance, she could sneak up on any enemy. No matter that Shirou belonged to the Holy Church, if she seriously hid, it was impossible for him to notice.
"Be careful, Master. Had I been the enemy Assassin, your head would have fallen by now."
"You're right. Thank you."
Shirou smiled serenely, unshaken by Assassin's threatening words.
"Besides, you probably don't need to worry too much about that. They say 'Black' Assassin is acting independently of the 'Black' faction's will."
It had been reported that "Red" Saber had engaged both "Black" Assassin and "Black" Archer. The fact that Archer attacked Assassin during that encounter, coupled with Assassin being the perpetrator of the soul consumption, indicated that Assassin was acting alone.
"So, the 'Black' fellows have been bitten by their own watchdog, have they?"
"It seems so."
Or perhaps, a completely different person had become her Master? That possibility seemed more likely.
"And what if that Assassin infiltrates here?"
"Then there's nothing to be done. I'll have no choice but to rely on you for help."
"..."
Assassin fell silent.
Shirou was her Master. Therefore, if danger befell Shirou, it went without saying that Assassin had to help him.
Even so, being told so directly that he trusted her, the world's oldest poisoner, so implicitly, left her somewhat disarmed.
To be honest, it was difficult to handle.
For Assassin, men were despicable, ugly beings. They were merely beasts who could easily be manipulated if one appealed to their desires for women. However, this boy possessed none of such selfish desires. He simply and single-mindedly guarded his beliefs and strove for his purpose. And that purpose itself couldn't even be called selfish desire.
"How dull, Master. The Holy Grail is right before us, yet you have no interest in power, money, or women."
"That's just the kind of person I am. Besides, if I were a Master obsessed with such things, wouldn't you have killed me first?"
"Kuku, you understand well, don't you?"
Assassin laughed, seeming amused.
He belonged to a category of human unknown to Assassin. At the very least, he occupied a different position and possessed a different spirituality from the "men" defined by Assassin.
Perhaps because of that, strangely, despite being male, he caused no feelings of disgust.
"By the way, Assassin. The fact that you are here means..."
"Preparations are already complete. We can go anytime."
Assassin smiled proudly with a bewitching expression.
Upon arriving at the throne room, two Servants were already there. However, describing them as 'waiting' would be too generous.
They had likely ended up here simply as a result of each acting freely, slovenly, and as they pleased.
Archer was roasting and eating meat from an animal he had hunted himself, skewered on a stick, while Rider was lying down, looking up at the ceiling.
Without offering any particular reprimand, Shirou asked about the whereabouts of Lancer and Caster.
"Ah—, Lancer was kinda zoning out, looking outside. Caster's in his workshop."
"Thank you."
Shirou expressed his thanks and went to summon the remaining two Servants.
"Now, wait, Master. There's no need to go fetch them personally. I can simply call them via telepathy."
Although an assassin, Assassin was simultaneously a high-level mage. Her inherent skill 'Double Summon' was an extraordinary skill that allowed her to possess the class skills of two classes. Because of this skill, she possessed the abilities of a Caster in addition to being an Assassin. She was depicted as a powerful mage even in her legends. She was a Heroic Spirit who wouldn't be out of place if summoned as a Caster.
The first to arrive, having received Assassin's telepathic call, was Lancer.
He was a tall, youthful man with a stern face, clad in golden armor. However, being taciturn and showing little change in expression made his tastes and preferences difficult to discern. He was a man of character who avoided idle talk and silently focused on fulfilling his duties.
"My apologies for summoning you like this."
"It's fine. Is something the matter?"
"I will explain once the other one arrives."
Then, a full five minutes later, Caster entered the throne room, late but unapologetic and without a hint of shame.
"Hahaha, my apologies. Inspiration simply welled up within me."
"Is your writing going well?"
"Yes, Master. This Great Holy Grail War. It is truly stimulating. 'The lunatic, the lover, and the poet are of imagination all compact.'"
Speaking thus, Caster——William Shakespeare seemed genuinely delighted.
He was probably the Servant with the highest name recognition among those summoned in this Holy Grail War. The great playwright who swept through medieval Europe. A great man known to all.
"By the way, Master. In this era, I believe a machine has been invented that types one character when you press a key, correct?"
"Do you mean a personal computer?"
"Yes, that's it. Could you possibly arrange for one?"
"Understood. I shall arrange for one by the day after tomorrow."
Caster nodded, seeming satisfied with this answer.
"Caster. Do not forget the Holy Grail War, you."
Assassin admonished the writing-enthused Caster with a sigh.
"Of course, Empress of Assyria. I, for one, have not forgotten my duty as a Servant."
"That is well, then."
"At any rate, I am an amateur in matters of magecraft and combat, and I understand my role to be recording your fierce battles."
"You're a Caster, aren't you?"
Rider couldn't help but mutter.
Even before being a Caster, his mindset was unacceptable for a Servant. While being a participant, he placed himself in a different position from the other Servants. A Servant who couldn't fight. Known throughout the world, with the highest fame bonus, yet possessing no combat abilities whatsoever, he was literally the weakest Servant. A Caster without any anecdotes related to magecraft was unprecedented to begin with.
"Well, 'But the gods are just, and of our pleasant vices make instruments to plague us'. That would be my magecraft, or my combat power, as it were."
"And of all things, it's the most necessary one, is it not?"
Assassin put a hand to her forehead as if she had a headache.
Men were generally foolish. She had no intention of revising that opinion, but even so, compared to this Caster, others seemed somewhat better. Or perhaps it was precisely because he was so exceptionally eccentric that his name remained in history. Servants usually had one or two peculiarities, and it seemed this Caster was no exception in that regard.
They couldn't entertain Caster forever. Assassin turned back to the other Servants.
"Well, that's that. Anyway, first comes the declaration of war. Our preparations are complete. The enemy will likely not leave their fortress. We've had our fill of skirmishes, so let us be the ones to attack, shall we?"
At Assassin's words, Rider and Archer's expressions changed. Both Rider, a true hero among heroes, and Archer, renowned as a hunter, were not Heroic Spirits satisfied with mere skirmishes. They were only satisfied when they could pour their full skill into defeating an enemy. Worthy opponents of that caliber were right before them. Particularly, Rider had identified "Black" Archer, who could wound him, as an enemy to be defeated. He had no objection to the word "attack."
"Ah, finally! I have been waiting, waiting for this moment! 'Expectation is the root of all heartache'. These past few days, I have been tormented by the heartache named expectation! I can no longer wait for the drama of the heroic souls, with blood boiling and flesh leaping!"
Caster raised his voice in delight.
Rider, Archer, and Lancer also assumed stern expressions, sensing the approach of the impending battle.
"By the way, Empress. Even if we speak of attacking, the enemy remains holed up in their fortress. Well now, how do you intend to attack? 'The first thing, of course, is to have a plan that is well-considered and appropriate. Once this is confirmed, carry it out resolutely.' Carrying it out is all well and good, but what is the plan?"
"Caster, you occasionally say sensible things."
Rider looked at Caster as if seeing something unexpected, then asked Assassin.
"So, what's the plan, Assassin? From the looks of it, we're holed up in our shell just as much as they are, aren't we?"
The "Red" camp used the enormous castle prepared by Assassin as their headquarters. They naturally knew this was Assassin's Noble Phantasm, but its specific abilities were unknown.
Only Caster, who knew the true nature of this castle, was nodding repeatedly with shining eyes, as if to say "just as I thought."
Assassin grinned.
"Holed up? That is incorrect, Rider. My Noble Phantasm was originally meant for attacking."
Perhaps unable to understand Assassin's words, Rider tilted his head.
In his common sense, the only moving structure was something like the 'Trojan Horse'. And that was a story from after Rider's time. He couldn't imagine a structure this enormous moving.
"Assassin. Without being so secretive, please let us experience it for ourselves."
"Very well, Master. Your heart is also stirred, isn't it?"
"I am still a man, after all."
Assassin smiled wryly and held her hand over a gem embedded in the armrest of the throne.
Instantly, the earth shook violently. The intense tremor lasted about ten seconds, then abruptly stopped.
"Now, go and look outside."
Everyone except Assassin rushed out of the throne room.
The cause of the earthquake Assassin had triggered was quickly understood.
"Wha——"
Looking outside, even Rider was rendered speechless.
There was nothing there.
A vast, empty space spread out below them, and the clouds were unnaturally close. In other words, they were floating.
"'Hanging Gardens of Babylon'. As you can see, my Noble Phantasm is a floating fortress."
Assassin's Noble Phantasm, 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon', was the legendary hanging garden counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Historically, it is said to have been a rooftop garden built in Babylon around 600 BC by Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
Therefore, it was not originally Assassin's Noble Phantasm.
However, the legend passed down for over two thousand years had granted her this Noble Phantasm upon her summoning as a Servant. Heroic Spirits, woven from human thoughts, are influenced by them in their abilities as well.
The name includes "Vanity" partly for that reason. However, even if it was vanity, now that she had materialized this Noble Phantasm in reality in this world, it had manifested with physical substance.
The hanging garden built to comfort a woman had transformed under Assassin's hand into a malevolent floating fortress.
The reason the "Red" camp had shown little major movement until now was entirely because they needed time to produce this Noble Phantasm.
A Noble Phantasm too vast for a Servant to personally possess sometimes needed to be created from scratch in this world.
In her case, it required gathering wood, soil, stone, and water from specific regions, assembling them, and undergoing a lengthy ritual.
Once activated, it could no longer be stopped. How effective would even an anti-fortress Noble Phantasm be against this?
Displaying such majestic form, the floating fortress slowly advanced through the sky.
"Then, everyone, prepare for battle. At this speed, we should arrive at the Millennia Fortress in about an hour."
At Shirou's words, the previously buoyant atmosphere grew tense. Within the silence, there was an undeniable fervor. Hearing the concrete number, their minds turned towards the battlefield.
The battles so far had been, as Assassin said, merely skirmishes. They were fights where both sides hid their hands while probing each other.
But the battle that lay ahead was on a different scale.
It was a genuine great war.
A fierce, brutal melee where heroes old and new would intermingle and fight.
None present here were afraid. The enemy was likely the same. A hero would never flinch from battle.
A creeping heat flowed among the silent Servants.