POV Caster of Red (William Shakespeare)
"Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg, at your service."
I sat up as he announced his name, the dramatic introduction, the delivery, the ambience. "Wonderful." I gave a small clap. "Ah, how I wish I could pick his brain." I bit my thumb, oh how I wished to go learn of his thoughts, to understand this character that entered the stage, front and center.
Declaring he'll take on both factions, simply marvelous!
"If you keep speaking, I will be more than happy to toss you off the edge of my Gardens so you can head down and see for yourself." A venomous voice rebuked my appreciation.
I am surrounded by critics. "My dear Assassin, I am but a humble writer, I'm afraid the mere fall will force me off the stage for good." I bowed.
"We can only hope." She drawled, flicking her finger to enhance the long-distance magecraft viewing spells she had cast.
"Schweinorg." I turned my gaze towards the one who spoke. Our 'master' so to speak. Not the person who had summoned me, but the one who now held my 'leash'. Well, I did find him more interesting than that bore who performed the ritual.
"Does the name hold significance, my master." I grinned, and twirled my pen.
He turned to me; his eyes lit with a small fire within. This was a true main character; I was excited to see how this play unfolded before my eyes. "Schweinorg, it's the name of the Second Magician, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg." Master looked at the man who had wounded him, intently. "I was not aware that the Kaleidoscope had any family members."
"Ohoh, his character becomes even more interesting." A possible relation to such an illustrious figure? How mysterious this new addition to the stage is.
"Irrelevant." Assassin spat out, tapping her fingers on her throne. "Inside my Garden, even a Magician can't move freely." She stared at his face, the Master that was fighting against multiple servants and scowled deeply. "I'll teach him a lesson if he has the courage to step foot here."
She had been quite irritable after healing up our master from that little meeting.
Well, more so than usual.
Shirou Kotomine suffered no major wounds, but he was still injured and the scars lingered.
I suppose her arrogance is well earned. My artistic flair started and ended with the written word, but I could appreciate other avenues of expression. And to deny her Noble Phantasm was a work of art would be the height of foolishness.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Would this flying fortress be a stepping stone or an unassailable wall for our performers?
As a Caster-class Servant I could understand this place more so than any another class, even if I never practice Magecraft in my life. Not only was it a fortress high up into the heavens, it was Assassin's workshop.
A plot twist it was, to have our Assassin also be our more traditional Magus of the group.
"I will believe in your ability, Assassin." Our Master said without any hesitation, making our dear Assassin puff up happily.
Oh, Master, if only you weren't a man of the cloth, this could have been a fun romcom side story. A bit low brow for my tastes, but it's hard to not enjoy the simplicity every once in awhile, especially since it wouldn't detract from the main plot.
"I have been left woefully in the dark, master." I clutched my heart, aghast at this turn of events. "What plans have you devised so I may prepare myself accordingly?" I readied my pen and parchment.
Master had a small smile on his face, looking at the viewing of the battle. "His entrance has given us a good opportunity to acquire the Grail."
"Oh my, to assault the enemy's stronghold while their forces are away?" I began scribbling down my thoughts. "Do you wish to sneak in or openly attack the front." I looked up, waiting for an answer then paused. "Wait, don't tell me." I stopped myself, I wanted to see how this would play out without any spoilers.
"You can always come along, Caster." Shirou gave a small laugh.
"I am but a humble playwright, my Master. The battlefield is no place for me."
"Gods forbid he does something useful." Assassin added, off handedly.
"Assassin, I am wounded by such harsh words." I clutched my heart. "Did I not apply my talents in healing Lancer?"
"I did most of the work." She scoffed in annoyance.
"Ah, but it would have taken at least another day to fully heal him had I not intervened." I pointed out, much to her chagrin. "And I shall apply my efforts once again." I declared, turning back towards our Master. "I shall provide you with a fine blade to fight for your ideals, Master."
So, struggle.
Attempt to prove your ideals to the world and I will watch it all.
***
POV Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia (Master of Archer of Black)
"This location is suitable, thank you." I politely dismissed the Homunculus that was navigating my wheelchair.
"Fiore." Darnic spoke, his voice was not loud, but it carried across the entire room we occupied. "How is the situation with Archer?"
"His last report noted there was no movement around the perimeter, and he was focusing on the battle and waiting for an opportunity to intervene advantageously." I replied.
Archer—rather Chiron, had taken the highest point on the castle and was relaying information to me.
"Good, well done, Fiore." Darnic praised.
"Thank you, Lord Darnic." I bowed my head slightly in appreciation. "Is the long-distance scrying ready?" I inquired.
"It's done." Gordes, the master of Saber slammed the door open, apparently answering my question. Behind him, Celenike sauntered in. "Is this it?" He looked around with an annoyed expression.
"I'm here too." Caules arrived late, as per usual. I swear, If I didn't keep on him, he wouldn't ever show up.
"Everyone else is busy with their own duties." Darnic raised his scepter, and screens appeared at the center of the room, giving us a long-distance scrying of the battle.
"We'll take you all on." The Master that Saber had spoken of appeared on the screen, all of us seemed surprised at his arrival and sudden declaration.
"That brat!" Gord slammed his fit on a nearby table.
"Ohoh." Celenike let out a haughty laugh. "Is this the one who attacked you?"
"He snuck up on me." Gordes snapped. "If he didn't sneak attack me, I'd have easily taken him."
He had conveniently forgetten that this Master had fought with a Servant, per Saber's words.
Caules seemed to ignore them, staring at the image. "So that's his Servant, any guesses?"
"I do not see any clues besides her being from the East and wielding a sword as a woman. That should narrow it down a little bit, but it still leaves us hopelessly in the dark." I said quietly.
"Indeed." Darnic nodded towards me again. "It may prove more fruitful to focus on Saber of Red's Master instead."
We continued to watch, mostly in bated silence. Insofar there was no need to assume command over out Servants. Lord Darnic's Servant – Lancer, was leading them well enough. I was not a military expert, so I could not comment beyond what I saw on the surface.
The army of skeletons was a bit concerning, but they didn't look very strong. But they seemed utterly insignificant when the Master and the Rider servant clashed right in the middle of the army.
"Ha, he's attacking his own faction." Gordes sneered. "Let them kill each other, we can clean up the rest."
That didn't last long as he also took on Lancer. I didn't understand this Master's mindset, why he looked so confident to fight so many Servants by himself. His Thaumaturgy was beyond impressive, I've never heard of a Magus with such control over Lightning Magecraft before. "Is he really a nobody?" I whispered.
"There's no way." Celenike crossed her arms. "No way in hell a guy like that is unknown. He must be disguised or something."
I glanced at her, but I think she spoke the words on everyone's minds right now judging by the looks on everyone's faces.
It was common knowledge that a Magus couldn't match up to a Servant yet...he was fighting several at the same time….
The surprises continued.
A Noble Phantasm.
He possessed a Noble Phantasm that was not his Servant's. That would have turned the entire Mages Association upside down if it came out. The Fraga clan is the only known owners of a Noble Phantasm, and they are a very unique situation.
No if that wasn't enough, Rider declared the Staff the Master pulled out to be a Divine Construct.
I....how was I supposed to react to that? This war was already something I had a hard time coping with, and now there's someone like this running around?
"Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg, at your service." The name of the Master was finally revealed, and what should have turned into discourse to plan our next course of action instead continued in utter silence.
"….Like the Wizard Marshall…?" I said quietly.
"Does he have any family?" Caules, my younger brother, sighed, sitting down.
Celenike's hands balled up tight. "Is there an idiot in this world who would dare to use the Kaleidoscope's name like that otherwise?" She spat out angrily.
"I...." Gordes just looked lost.
We all turned towards Lord Darnic for direction. I felt at ease when his reaction didn't' change, his Aristocratic expression still hardened and unwavering. There was a reason he presided over the family, why we were all willing to be under him and go against the Mages Association, truly he is –
"...fuck." The uncharacteristic word left his mouth.
…oh
***
Wilhelm POV
Well, based on what Raikou told me, my last name isn't really noteworthy as the name 'Zelretch' had taken much higher precedence.
Oh well.
Anyways.
I looked up at the sky, the memory of fighting that dragon had come back and I smiled brightly. "Strun Bah Qo"
Storm Call.
The moon was immediately covered, and my storm enveloping the sky. It was smaller than the dragon's but that was expected I suppose and it wouldn't last very long. I had less experience with this shout than it did, so it was impressive in its own way.
I held out my hands and laughed as Lightning Bolts began to fall from the sky, targeting the Servants.
"What the hell!?" Achilles was the first to look confused at the sudden turn of events. Even to the other Servants that didn't have the same protections, this wouldn't do much, but it was a good harassment strategy.
"RAAAAAH!" Berserker roared, getting hit head on.
"Annoying." Lancer scowled, throwing his arm up, summoning Stakes to intercept the blasts.
Speaking of harassment.
I saw Archer hopping around, avoiding them entirely.
I took that moment to grab Mirage and shift the space around me, appearing dozens of yards away and right next to Archer. I could see the fur on her ears stand up, her head turning to me with shock. I revealed my name, there was no point in hiding my Magic.
Her bow was already facing mye, arrows knocked and pointing towards my head, but I was quicker. Even as the arrow passed by, barely grazing my Aura, my Mirage pierced into her chest.
"SIS!" I heard Rider's cry and the battlefield erupted at his sudden movement. I described his movement before as instantaneous, and this put that to shame. His spear came like a meteor as I adjusted myself to defend, my Aura flared to its max and my other hand, which held my Staff, moved to block.
The fury he displayed only exemplified the force behind his spear.
The force push my Staff back to my chest, his strength impressive with the force of his speed behind it. I let go of Mirage, instead grabbing his Spear with my free hand, and a spell circle formed at the tip of my Staff of Magnus.
"You think I'd fall for something like that?" Rider howled, as something appeared in his other arm and swung at me.
A shield, my vision was consumed entirely by the sight of a shield. It was like the world went silent and my heartbeat stopped, my breathing ceased.
I summoned my Boosted Gear onto my arm and held it up like a shield.
My vision went momentarily dark as his shield hit me. I blinked and the next moment I was hurling through the air, skipping across the ground. My aura was shattered by the blow, not able to absorb everything, about half of it gone from that single shot. I rose to my feet, a little shaky, as I looked at what happened, the distance I was from where Rider stood, fussing over Archer.
"I'm fine." Archer hissed, removing my sword and tossing it to the side. "My spirit core is intact."
[Look at the Gauntlet.] Ddraig's words echoed in my ear.
I did as he said, and my eyes widened. There was a crack on it.
"That's not good…."
[It's not as bad as it looks, it'll repair itself over time. But you should know what kind of ridiculous thing would be needed to damage the Gauntlet like this.]
"Yeah." I looked up at Achilles who seemed rather pleased with himself. I wiped away the blood flowing down my nose and the corner of my mouth.
It felt like I was hit by a mountain, maybe something more.
Well, he's already out, no point in hiding it. I put the Staff away, holding my hand out to bring Mirage back to my hand while my other swords returned to my side. Our eyes locked, I held the Gauntlet up. "Boost!" I called out, doubling my physical capabilities.
The rush was always insane, intoxicating.
"I'm not used to being ignored." I turned at Lancer who casually strode over. That baleful aura enveloping as he jerked his hand up. The ground was torn apart, hundreds upon hundreds of stakes burst out into the sky, weaving around at his command.
Like a torrent, they moved around him, and it was just a flick of his wrist that made them turn at come right at me.
"Well…..allow me to rectify that." I was unperturbed by the sight. It was certainly impressive, and even dangerous, but I was feeling rather confident right now. My sword of Destruction moved infront of me as I fed it my Aura.
These were no Divine Flames.
It erupted in my Power of Destruction, pointing towards the mass of Stakes and shooting at them. They were nothing more than paper infront of my sword, infront of my bloodline that could even reach the divine. The crackling of that dark energy jutted out in every direction, engulfing all the stakes that it passed by.
"What!?" Lancer blurted out, his composure changing for the first time. "What is this disgusting power!?" He flexed his arm, more stakes coming forth, but it was unable to stop my Sword of Destruction from moving forward towards him. He ceased the fruitless endeavor and instead lifted his spear up about to strike, but paused.
He eyes glanced to the side as another figure materialized next to him, great sword in hand colliding with my Sword of Destruction, knocking it away.
[He's here.] Ddraig spoke in my soul.
I could feel him as well.
With a mental command, my sword flew back to me, my Power of Destruction rescinding.
"I told you to wait for my command." Lancer looked at the Saber Servant in annoyance.
"I'm sorry but, he is someone I must face." Saber declared, eyes not leaving mine.
"Get in line, buddy." Rider stepped forward, that fury he had before seemed to disappear, and I didn't have the chance to see where Archer went. But by the sounds of battle to the side, and lightning cracking, I think her and Berserker are fighting.
Funnily enough, fighting all of these Servants actually handicapped them. If one of them wanted to release a wide-range Noble Phantasm, it was likely they would be ganged up on by the other side.
I looked at saber and let out a sigh, but a smile crept up on my face. "So, you finally noticed?"
"This feeling I felt in my heart when I first saw you, this burning need to turn my blade towards you." Saber gripped his sword tight. "I now know why." He took a proper stance. "You are a dragon."
***
Sorry for the late chapter, was having trouble writing today. Just a heads up, there may not be a chapter tomorrow, more work stuff still not settled. Fingers crossed I get back to normal in the next few days.
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
We have a discord -- JbwkdNDt7F
Berserker of Red (Minamoto-no-Raikou) POV
Master….
I watched him go headfirst into a battle between many servants, yet, my eyes could not leave the one infront of me. I knew I should have been supporting him, but this feeling inside of me made it impossible to ignore Lancer of Red.
Even if he told me to move as I wanted, I felt uneasy. A mother should be there to protect her son, especially on a battlefield such as this.
Is it really okay for me to be greedy?
I bit my lip glancing back at the battlefield then back at Lancer who I followed this far away. An unconscious action that we both moved away to fight without interruptions.
"You are distracted." Lancer's words broke me from my thoughts. Despite this feeling, this compulsion to draw my sword, I was eerily calm and he appeared much the same. "Are you worried about your Master?" He followed my gaze into the distance, a small smile forming on his face. "You are lucky to have him as your Master. I have not spoken with mine since my summoning, yet yours will fight by your side. I still can't help but feel jealous of you, Arjuna."
"Arjuna?" I said in confusion.
Lancer shook his head. "Apologies, that was a slip of the tongue." He didn't take a battle stance, instead preformed something of a proper greeting. "You have this feeling as well? This pain in my chest that does not allow me to exist while you still breath?"
"I cannot live while you still draw breath." I placed my hand on my sword's hilt. "I have never met you before in my life, why do I feel this way?" I couldn't look at him as an insect, I was more clear minded than I had been since my summoning.
"I am Karna, son of the Sun God Surya." He introduced himself, spear hefted up. "And you…..appear so similar to my brother. It is almost like a jest. Is it a cruel twist of fate or a boon I should be thankful for?"
"The Hero of Charity." I whispered, the knowledge coming to the forefront of my mind and many things began to make sense now. "I am Minamoto-no-Raikou, Daughter of Gozu Tennou."
"Gozu Tennou, an aspect of Indra." A flash of understanding was seen on his face.
"Yes." I confirmed.
"Indeed, this battle was inevitable." He shook his head again, but did not look displeased. "Daughter of Indra, sister to my brother and fated foe, Arjuna." Flames ignited around him. "Fight me or return to your master's side and we can continue our battle like so."
He was letting me choose…..this fight was important to him, more than I could understand even with this strange feeling compelling me to raise my blade against them.
I don't want him anywhere near my Master. "No, you are dangerous." I shook my head, my sword drawn from its sheath. "I will crush you here. This time it will not end with merely an arm."
He smiled lightly holding up the arm that had been healed, before letting out a small laugh. "It took a Command Seal, and two other servants to heal me this quickly, your attack was praiseworthy." He gripped his spear back, taking a proper stance this time.
Instinctively, I summoned forth my Divine Lightning, as if it had the incessant need to display itself against his flames.
"Yes, that is the lightning I know." Karna was more expressive than I've ever seen of him yet. "Is it the will of the Gods that this fight happens again or just a happenstance of fate." He gave a genuine smile. "Father, watch over me." Karna spoke softly.
"Father." I felt myself whisper under my breath without even realizing my actions.
My Light roared, and his flames burst out as we collided for the first time.
***
Wilhelm POV
I locked eyes with the Dragon Slayer, his gaze unwavering. I felt the trepidation, the call for my blood that pulsated off his blade. It was the first time I've had a Anti-Dragon weapon pointed at me as opposed to being nearby.
It was different than even the Holy attribute of the Church that's like poison to my Devil heritage. With them, it carried a 'purifying' principal, the desire to remove my 'evil' from the world. For this Dragon Slayer, I felt a murderous intent baring down, to cut me to pieces and scatter my ashes to the wind.
His words gave me a moment of respite. Achilles looked at me strangely, his lackadaisical attitude was shifting to something more serious. He briefly exploded in anger when I hurt his companion, but he shifted back to that fun-loving fool that I've seen plenty of times now. Even when he was 'angry' at my provocations it didn't feel like he was all that invested beyond just having fun.
Lancer of Black, he looked like he was mentally advising strategies. He didn't appear to be the type to run in headfirst like Rider of Red unless overly provoked to do so. Even this 'fight' I was having with him, he didn't openly enter my range, taking the opportunity probe and feel me out.
"Well, if no one's going to make the first move –" My head jerked up at the clouds and I realized, they were no longer being struck by my Lightning bolts. I held my hand out and static crackled all around me, but it wasn't of my own make.
We all turned to see a massive pillar of green lighting shoot to the sky. My eyes widened as I realized who had just taken hold of my lightning, the Berserker Servant. My eyes Reinforced, I could make her out of the crowd of disposable minions, her fighting Archer of Red.
She raised her mace up, and slammed it into the ground.
Pillars of lightning erupted all over the area, the ground beneath us sundered from the unleashed torrent of power.
We all moved to dodge, as the battlefield became completely chaotic. Out of the corner of my eye, an arrow made its way right for my eye, but it was not from Archer of Red. I caught it with a scowl, tossing it to the side as I continued to move.
"Annoying." I spat out as another arrow coming from the direction of the Yggdmillennia castle came at me. With a swipe of my sword, I deflected it easily, and another was right in the spot where I continued to move in. I dodged to the side, and there were two more right upon me.
Okay…..he was pretty damn skilled to predict me like this.
I unleashed two Birds effortlessly to destroy them, yet once again another was right infront of my chest. My Aura flared, blocking it, only for a barrage to land in the same exact spot, even as I moved with a burst of lightning.
One arrow pushed against my Aura, another burst through the base of that one, hitting the same spot, and several more followed suit in the blink of an eye, like they were released with utmost certainty moments before I had even stood here.
I looked down, and there was an arrow sticking out of my shoulder, my aura having been punctured through.
I was more impressed than angry.
I pulled it out, the arrowhead not being very deep. The wound healed almost immediately, but it was the fact that he managed to land a clean blow on me from so far away that really grabbed my attention.
Well, I suppose I should return the favor.
At this distance, I could only vague make out the silhouette of an Archer up on the highest tower over at the Castle.
Arrows for arrows.
I held my hand out, my Lightning danced around my palms.
It should go like this….
Condense. Form. Accelerate.
"Lightning. Arrow. Burst."
My lighting formed into the shape of arrows, aiming far away. With a thunderclap, they shot off into the distance. They arced across the sky visibly, nosily colliding with a Bounded Field that sprung up around the Castle.
The defenses didn't budge, and I just clicked my tongue in annoyance, but I think the Archer already abandoned that sniping spot, so the effort wasn't wasted.
Well, for a hastily made spell, it wasn't bad.
I pivoted, foot digging into the ground as Mirage swung up to meet a bloodthirsty blade coming down on me. "Well, you're first I suppose." I grinned at the Dragon Slayer.
I didn't react, but I was hesitant about being hit by that sword.
"Forget me already?" I snapped to the side and held up the Boosted Gear as a shield to block the familiar spear of Rider, as it struggled to move against my Gauntlet. "You're blocking me with one arm." Rider said with confusion.
"The strength of a dragon, I don't know how, but he's intertwined with one." Saber spoke up.
"Hoh, both sides working together against me? I'm flattered."
"Tsk." Rider clicked his tongue. "I don't need help to beat you, bastard." He said, but didn't dismiss Saber.
Saber pushed down on his sword, and I buckled slightly. His strength was no joke, but I wasn't even at my peak yet.
"The strength of a dragon, well you're not wrong. What do you think, Ddraig?"
"[He has good insight, I can see how he was able to slay Fafnir.]" The jewel on the Boosted Gear lit up, his voice projected out.
"What!?" Rider looked taken back.
Even Saber's blade hesitated. "You can speak?"
"[Of course, do you think I'm incapable of it?]" Ddraig scoffed. "[Don't put me on the same level as that greedy dragon you killed.]"
"You know who I am?" Saber still seemed utterly shocked that this conversation was happening.
"[I've met that dragon in the past, do you think I wouldn't recognize the person who carries his scent? Siegfried.]"
"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Rider scowled and I held back a laugh.
I stepped forward, push his blade away and swung in a wide arc to force both Saber and Rider back.
"It's as you say." Siegfried hefted his blade up again. "I am Siegfried, The Dragon Blooded Knight. If you can speak, I would ask your name, dragon."
"[Haha, actually asking my name, I like you. Struggle, Dragon Slayer. Fight with all your might and test yourself against my wielder." Ddraig declared. "[I am Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon Emperor.]"
"I will remember your name." Siegfried nodded.
"[I have one more thing to say.]"
Siegfried perked up attentively.
"[Boost]." Me and Ddraig said at the same time.
Again, Siegfried's eyes widened, my sword swinging up from below at him, he moved his sword – Balmung to block, but it his guard was destroyed at first contact.
I ducked down as Rider's spear moved through the spot my head had just been, no indication that he even moved, his speed still ridiculous, but at this point, it didn't seem out of my reach anymore.
He twirled his spear, swinging it down in the same movement to try and catch me, I slid to the side and slashed my sword at him, full of magical energy. He quickly brought his spear up to block, only to get blown back at the impact, ground upheavaled as he regained footing.
I flicked my hand towards Siegfried, Talismans flew out forming a spell around him. "Three Elements Sealing Formation." I didn't give him another second glance as my Gauntlet-clad hand launched out, connecting with Achilles face.
The force of my blow knocked him off his feet, his head jerking to the side.
To his credit, he didn't back down, he didn't get disorientated by the fact that I had just managed to land a solid hit on him even when he's been having the speed advantage. His own fist snapped back, an otherwise sharp and crisp jab I had narrowly dodged. His speed was still something else, and I was starting to think he had an ability that allowed him to match my own speed in some capacity because it felt like his was keeping pace even after two boosts.
His knee shot up, but I pushed it down with my palm, followed up by an elbow from his side. His martial arts were indeed impressive, aiming for every opening I had to sneak a jab into. Pankration, I believe it's called, the most famous bare-handed fighting style of the Ancient Greeks.
This didn't mean he abandoned his spear, it tried to sneak in, but was continuously rebuked by my Sword, which had the advantage at this distance. He was losing ground, quickly. At this point, my physical abilities trumped his, each of my blows forced him back, and he buckled under the strain.
I glanced to the side to see Siegfried already tearing through my Seal after only a few breaths worth of time. His physical prowess combined with his innate Magical Resistance did short work to my hastily applied spell. He was already charging at me in a single blink of an eye.
His overhead slash tore apart the ground, but I held firm as Mirage was brought up to block. With a single hand, I pushed his sword back to his chest as he struggled to fight against me.
Achilles Spear shot out again, this double teaming was a bit annoying, I guess it was time to do something about it. My other sword flew at him, while not doing much, it was enough to give me a moment as my Gauntlet-clad palm opened up towards the Rider servant. "Penetrate." I called out as a beam burst forth, tearing through his chest."
Achilles let out a pain shout, perhaps mostly filled with surprise at his defenses being overcome so abruptly.
I gripped Mirage with two hands, and knocked Siegfried's blade away. Following up, my free hand opened up and Ascalon flew down into it as I slashed down his own chest. "You're not the only one with an Anti-Dragon Noble Phantasm, Dragon-blooded Warrior." I grinned, my sword cutting deep into him.
"Rider!" It was Archer this time who shouted, arrows flying at me from the distance, my swords darting out to meet them in mid air.
"Saber." Another voice joining the fray, the Lancer of Black decided to rejoin after backing away in the initial chaos.I guess he couldn't sit still after I just wounded two Servants simultaneously.
"Woohoo!" A shout erupted from above as my head snapped up, a person came flying down on a strange creature, lance in hand as he tried to stab at me.
I swiped my hand, shattering the space around me, appearing a little distance away in a few steps, only to be bombarded by a hail of arrows, this time from the Archer of Black, whom I had yet to get a proper look at. I dodged easily enough, but that just opened me up to new problems.
"RAAAAAHH." A massive torrent of lightning was discharged my way.
Stabbing my swords into the ground, The Staff of Magnus appeared infront of me, and I cast a Greater Ward to defend. The residual blast scorched the earth around me for dozens of meters in every direction, but I was otherwise unhurt. Letting it go, I allowed it to float around me just like my swords, easier to call upon.
A loud whistle filled the air, and a chariot flashed through the air and a speed that made even Achilles look a bit slow. The three-horse noble phantasm sliding in under everyone's noses to pick up the Rider Servant as Archer of Red astralized and disappeared.
The Chariot zipped through the air in a way that was extremely hard to track. In a literal blink, it had already disappeared from sight.
Unfortunate, I was hoping that blow would have taken him out, but there was good money on him having some variation of Battle Continuation. Some Servants in their legends had survived having their hearts gouged out, and conceptualized into the ability to fight through such things. If they could heal Lancer's Arm, it was entirely possible that wound was not as debilitating as I would hope.
But now, I was surrounded by the entirety of the Black Faction, though I've seen nothing of their Assassin, which kept me on guard.
"How long are you going to stand around?" I called out, the Servants look at me warily.
"Hmph. I was watching you flail around like a novice, it was fun to watch." Mordred voice flowed into my ears, her vibrant armor materializing next to me.
I couldn't help but grin, sweeping my gaze around at all the enemy Servants. "This is my Berserker Servant." I introduced.
"Fuck you, I'm a Saber!" She shouted in return.
"See, a Berserker." I laughed.
"Grrrr." She just growled, but didn't keep arguing.
"You're outnumbered, surrender and we may work something out." Lancer leveled his spear towards me.
"It took me a moment to figure out your identity." I replied, looking right at him. "It's obvious in hindsight, but I was caught up with other things admittedly. Your Majesty, I should have expected the Black Faction to summon you since this is your territory."
"Hoh, You have good eyes." Lancer looked please.
No, Vlad the Impaler.
"You are a King." I nodded. "It was expected that you would try to gain the advantage without any loses on your side as well. To bring us over to yours would be the best outcome." I couldn't fault him, nor did I feel particularly offended at his attempt.
"Your answer?"
"My answer." I pursed my lips, holding my hand up. "Here it is." I snapped my fingers, the Dust-Bombs all around the Castle exploded as one, the Bounded Fields shuddered and burst as the numerous elemental effects cascaded in every direction.
They all snapped their eyes back to their base of operations. I would be the first to admit that their defenses were impressive, it could even keep servants out without relying on Noble Phantasms to brute force in for the most part.
Mirage swung up, resting on my shoulder. "Should I repeat my answer?" I said with a cocky smile.
***
Work is finally starting to normalize, now I just need to catch up on everything I missed.
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
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