Bab 163: -160- From the light into the dark
It's quite normal to be out of breath.
Mash's display of power was remarkable, easily overwhelming even the seven Servants and countless Wyverns that couldn't stop her charge. The devastation left behind speaks volumes about the expended energy.
"If I could maintain Mash's strength like that, we might even consider confronting those seven Servants head-on."
Maybe we can't win, but with Mash's exceptional defense, maintaining an undefeated stance for a short period isn't impossible.
However, Rozen used up a significant amount of magical energy after Mash's powerful performance.
If it were another magus instead of Rozen, their magic would likely have been depleted long ago after such consumption.
"But at least the objective was achieved." Rozen confirmed his plan's success after using Heaven's Eye to survey the surroundings.
"The infiltration was a success." He couldn't help but smile faintly.
From the moment Gilles proposed the attack on Orleans, Rozen knew that the operation wouldn't be an easy success. Despite Gilles's meticulous planning, Rozen still believed things were not so straightforward. Couple that with the suspicious points he discovered, Rozen wasn't very optimistic about the mission.
Rozen had prepared for the possibility of failure even before agreeing to Gilles's plan. He secretly devised multiple escape routes, allowing him to agree to the attack on the city.
Rozen's agreement to the operation under seemingly unfavorable circumstances wasn't just about gaining insight into the enemy but also about his purpose.
"Using the opportunity of the military's retreat, I'll separate myself and infiltrate Orleans alone. With the focus and strength of those Servants directed elsewhere, who would think that anyone would dare to remain here?"
This was Rozen's plan.
"Compared to the obstacles and dangers of a frontal attack, isn't it easier to act in the shadows at a time like this?"
With this thought in mind, Rozen employed a strategy of diversion. While Mash and Gilles drew most of the attention and combat power to themselves, Rozen quietly moved to infiltrate the base of the Dragon Witch. He hoped to find an opportunity to seize the Holy Grail or disrupt the summoning method for the Wyverns.
For this purpose, immediately upon infiltrating, Rozen contacted Roman through Chaldeas' communication system, informing him of the plan. He instructed Mash to lead the French forces in retreat to divert the enemy's attention, and then he promptly cut off communication with Chaldeas to avoid detection.
"Though it's a bit unnerving not having any Servants nearby..."
However, unlike in the previous world, in this world, Rozen had Command Seals to rely on.
"In case I'm truly exposed and combat erupts, I can just use a Command Seal to summon Mash."
That's how Rozen planned it.
"Now, let's see if I can find anything useful there."
Rozen directed his gaze towards the direction of the square.
There, a castle stood, emitting an imposing yet oppressive atmosphere.
If it were before the attack, there should have been numerous Wyverns patrolling there. However, now that the battle had just concluded and the Wyverns' forces, led by the Servants, had left, there seemed to be no guards in the vicinity.
Of course, Rozen wouldn't be reckless enough to openly walk in from the front entrance.
"I wonder how that little guy's mission went." Rozen mused aloud, and almost as if in response to his words, the scout he had sent returned.
"Fou!"
Recognizing the call, Fou emerged from a corner and leaped onto Rozen.
"Back already?" Rozen caught Fou and inquired, "So, did you find a way into the castle?"
"Fou!" Fou responded and then leaped down from Rozen's embrace, heading towards a nearby path.
"Good job." Rozen praised, following after it.
...
Orleans, inside the castle.
Guided by Fou, Rozen followed a discreet path into the castle.
Upon entering, an overwhelmingly unpleasant smell assaulted his senses.
"Is this the stench of Wyverns?" Rozen covered his nose and mouth, struggling with the smell.
"No wonder the Marshal mentioned this place as the Wyverns' nest. From this smell, it seems to be true."
However, Rozen wondered if there were still Wyverns patrolling inside the castle.
"Fou, you've been here before, right?" Rozen patted Fou and asked in a hushed tone.
After sneaking into Orleans with Fou, Rozen had released it to conduct reconnaissance on the castle. Now, it seemed that Fou had a fair grasp of the castle's layout and paths. Having Fou guide him was the best option.
Therefore, Rozen asked, "Did you find anything? If you did, lead me to it."
"Fou! Fou, fou!"
Fou made a few sounds and then moved ahead, prompting Rozen to follow.
"You're quite audacious? Aren't you afraid of being discovered?" Rozen chuckled softly as he followed along.
Previously, Rozen had also researched Wyverns. Although he wouldn't go into the specifics of his studies, he had gained some understanding of Wyvern traits.
For example, Wyverns had heightened vigilance and keen vision. Even from high altitudes, they could clearly spot human tracks. This trait had posed a considerable threat across the whole of France, wreaking havoc and destruction upon cities and humanity.
However, in a castle with various hiding spots, their excellent vision wasn't as useful. Even if their vision was acute, they wouldn't be able to detect what was concealed.
Similar to how Archer in Fuyuki City worked, even if someone had the ability to see everything miles away, hiding in a sewer and approaching undetected would remain possible.
Furthermore, compared to their vision, Wyverns' hearing and sense of smell weren't as developed. Given this advantage, Rozen could move with a bit more freedom. As long as he didn't make overly conspicuous movements, even if there were Wyverns in the castle, they shouldn't be able to sense him.
In this situation, Rozen allowed Fou to lead the way while he followed closely, treading lightly through the castle.
He couldn't help but remark, "This castle is truly macabre."
Bloodstains covered the walls, the air reeked of blood, and even the floor had scattered bones. It was hard to believe that a normal person could endure this on a physiological level.
As Rozen ventured deeper, the intensity of this atmosphere didn't diminish—it only grew stronger.
Finally, Rozen arrived in a grand hall.
"Fou!"
Fou stopped, showing Rozen what it had discovered.
"What is this...!?"
Seeing what lay in the hall, Rozen's eyes narrowed, and he held his breath.
In his mind, only one thought remained.
"This has gone too far..."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone