As Ritsuka and Elizabeth came back to the place where they were staying with the group to make a new plan with that or Nero to deal with that to the United Roman empire, the Moment Ritsuka opened the door he was tackles and sent back a few fits.
Ritsuka head spinner a bit, as he saw who has tackled him it was Kiyohime. "Kiyohime?"
Few minutes later
Ritsuka just looked at Mash, as she had explaines everything to him. "So let me get this straight, while I was gone, you guys were talking about, and some how during they time, you say Ray shift signal as then Kiyohime was the one who came out of it, so yeah, what".
Da Vinci then spoke as her holographic images was shown. "We tryed stop her Chaldea, but she just basically teleported hee self there using the ray shift technology".
Kadoc holographic images was shown as Anastasia was holding a Ice pack on his head. "We tryee to stop, but then punched me through a wall, and Pepe".
Peperoncino's holographic image appeared next, waving casually. "Oh, don't worry about me, darling~. I just let her pass. Who am I to stand between a girl and her beloved?"
Ritsuka sighed, rubbing his temples. "So, let me get this straight. Kiyohime basically forced her way into the Singularity because she missed me?"
Kiyohime, still clinging to him, nodded rapidly. "Of course, my beloved! How could I sit idly by while you were off in a dangerous place? I had to come and ensure your safety!"
Elizabeth crossed her arms, pouting. "Tch. And here I thought I was making progress. How do you people just pop in randomly like this?"
Morgan, who had been quietly sipping tea, finally spoke. "So, what do we do with her? She's already here, and sending her back will be... troublesome."
Da Vinci sighed. "Yeah, unless we manually recall her, she's part of the team now. Not that we had a say in the matter."
Kama smirked. "I mean, at least she's direct. Better than some people who take forever to admit their feelings." She side-eyed Jalter, who glared back.
Jalter clicked her tongue. "Shut it."
Ritsuka groaned as Kiyohime nuzzled into him. "I swear, every time I think I have a handle on things, something new happens."
Kadoc grumbled, holding his bruised ribs. "Welcome to our lives, Fujimaru."
Ritsuka sighed again. "Alright, let's just focus on dealing with the United Roman Empire. Kiyohime, you're here now, so you might as well help."
Kiyohime's eyes sparkled. "Of course, my beloved! I will burn all who stand in your way!"
Mash deadpanned. "That's what we're worried about."
Nero clapped her hands, trying to regain control of the conversation. "Enough! We have a war to plan! And as Emperor, I cannot allow distractions! Ritsuka, we must strategize at once!"
Ritsuka, still pinned by Kiyohime, just sighed. "Yeah, yeah… let's get to it."
Nero then spoke, showings a map. "Now we don't know how many there are, we don't know which Servant they have on there side, So Umu we need to careful, which means".
Ritsuka then looked as he spoke. "Reinforce your army, and if any city is capture free them".
Kirschtaria then spoke looking at Ritsuka. "At the same time, we need to make use of what ever information we have and get any free servant that may have been summons by the counter force just like that of in Orleans to help us to get on our side".
Ritsuka nodded. "Yeah, Orleans was a mess, but the Counter Force did bring in Servants who resisted the tyranny there. If we can find any here, we should recruit them."
Morgan tapped the table. "We also need to consider our resources. Fighting a large-scale war isn't just about Servants. Supplies, logistics, and morale all matter. If we spread too thin, we'll be vulnerable."
Kirschtaria crossed his arms. "Then we prioritize gathering intelligence first. If we know where their strongholds are and who leads them, we can strategize accordingly."
Nero smirked. "Umu! A sound plan! Then we shall send scouts immediately! My legions are ready to move."
Da Vinci's hologram flickered in. "I can try to analyze the leyline structure and see if any Servant summoning anomalies pop up. That might help us locate allies before the enemy does."
Mash looked at Ritsuka. "Senpai, what will you do?"
Ritsuka thought for a moment. "I'll go with a scouting team. If we run into enemy Servants, I can handle them, and we need firsthand information."
Jalter scoffed. "Tch. You better not do anything reckless."
Kiyohime clung tighter to Ritsuka. "If my beloved is going, I'm going too!"
Kama smirked. "Same here. This sounds like fun."
Kadoc groaned. "Just don't make it a harem field trip…"
Ritsuka sighed, already regretting his decision. "Alright… let's move out."
Ritsuka, Kama, Kiyohime, Mash, and Kirschtaria set out from their temporary base, moving through the ruined outskirts of Rome under the cover of night. The city was eerily silent, save for the occasional patrol of Roman soldiers—some clearly enhanced by magecraft.
Kirschtaria studied the city layout with a frown. "The United Roman Empire's influence is spreading fast. If they have Servants stationed, we'll need to be careful."
Kama smirked. "Careful? Or do you mean 'let Ritsuka handle everything while we watch'?"
Ritsuka rolled his eyes. "You know, just because I can doesn't mean I should."
Kiyohime clung to Ritsuka's arm, her tail swaying behind her. "My beloved will protect us all~."
Mash sighed. "Senpai, we should focus on gathering intelligence first. Fighting here could expose our position."
Suddenly, Kirschtaria raised a hand, signaling for silence. Ahead of them, a group of soldiers was escorting a hooded figure in chains. The aura of magical energy around the prisoner was unmistakable.
Kirschtaria narrowed his eyes. "That's a Servant."
Ritsuka activated his Mystic Eyes, focusing on the prisoner. "Yeah… and a strong one at that."
Kama leaned in. "So, what's the plan? Stealth rescue or full-on chaos?"
Kiyohime grinned. "I wouldn't mind a little fire…"
Mash adjusted her shield. "We should observe first. If we can figure out where they're taking the Servant, we might learn more about the enemy's base."
Ritsuka took a deep breath. "Alright. We follow them. No unnecessary fights."
Kama pouted. "Boring…"
The group moved carefully, shadowing the Roman soldiers as they led the captive deeper into the city. The further they went, the clearer it became—this wasn't just a military base. This was a temple, and the energy emanating from it was unmistakably divine.
Kirschtaria muttered under his breath. "This is bad. This place is consecrated to a god…"
Ritsuka's expression hardened. "Then we better find out which one. And fast."
Ritsuka looked at the markings on the wall. "Mars…"
Before he could think further, enemy soldiers rushed at him. Activating [Mana Burst], he propelled himself into the air before slamming his foot down on one soldier, sending him crashing into the ground. Another soldier tried to move, but Ritsuka quickly used [Arrow of the Heart], striking several enemies. He made sure not to kill them—only immobilize by stabbing their legs.
Kirschtaria, Kama, and Mash prepared to join the fight when suddenly, the hooded figure they had seen earlier broke free from her chains. Without hesitation, she pulled out her sword and swiftly ended the enemy soldiers before Ritsuka could react.
His instincts screamed at him, and without thinking, he activated [Crimson Eyes]—his normally blue eyes turning red as he prepared to control the Servant if necessary. He didn't want to, but another enemy was the last thing they needed.
Ritsuka tightened his grip on his weapon. "Who are you?"
The woman put her sword away, reaching up to remove her hood. As she did, Ritsuka got a clear look at her. She had long, flowing red hair and sharp blue eyes. She wore a regal white outfit with gold accents, the design leaving a slight glimpse of her chest. She held a golden and red shield in one hand and a sword in the other. A red skirt covered her legs, leading to brown boots. She had fair skin and an air of nobility, but most notably—she was strikingly beautiful.
She met Ritsuka's gaze as she spoke. "I am Rider. My name is Boudica, and you just ruined my plan."
Ritsuka blinked. "Boudica?"
Boudica sighed, crossing her arms. "Yes, and before you ask, I was letting them take me to their leader so I could assassinate him. Thanks to you, that plan's completely ruined."
Kama smirked. "Oh? And what was stopping them from just executing you before you even got close?"
Boudica gave her a sharp look. "I had it under control."
Kirschtaria stepped forward, studying her carefully. "You're a Servant summoned by the Counter Force, aren't you?"
Boudica nodded. "That's right. I don't know what's causing this mess, but this so-called United Roman Empire is a direct insult to my people and history. I've been fighting them alone for a while now, trying to rally forces, but they've been one step ahead of me."
Ritsuka sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, sorry for ruining your plan, but we're also here to put an end to this Lostbelt. If you're willing, we could use your help."
Boudica studied Ritsuka for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But if you get in my way again, I will punch you."
Mash cleared her throat. "Um, we should move before reinforcements arrive."
Kama grinned. "Right, right. Let's get out of here before more Romans show up."
As the group began to retreat into the shadows, Boudica walked beside Ritsuka, glancing at him curiously. "You're different from other people I've met."
Ritsuka chuckled. "Yeah, I get that a lot."
Boudica smirked. "Good. That means you might actually be useful."
With their new ally secured, the group made their way back to the base, unaware that their actions had already drawn the attention of a far more dangerous enemy.
As Ritsuka and the other war Running, Kirschtaria slowed his speed, as he looked at Ritsuka. "What are the chances that two of the new servant we meet is Another queen who lead an army agent's Romen, First you summoned Zenobia and now we meet Boudica".
Ritsuka looked at him as he spoke. "She is going to flip when she sees Nero, or probably not, we just have to wonder what will happen when they meet".
Mash, who was running alongside them, sighed. "Senpai, do you think we should keep them apart for now? If history is anything to go by, things could get… intense."
Kama smirked, floating slightly above the ground as she kept pace. "Oh, I don't know, Mash. A little drama might be fun to watch. Besides, Ritsuka already has enough queens in his life—what's one more?"
Ritsuka groaned. "I'd rather not have another war break out just because of a grudge that's over a thousand years old."
Boudica, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "I don't hold personal hatred against Nero as an individual, but Rome itself…" She clenched her fist. "That's another matter entirely."
Kirschtaria gave her a knowing glance. "Then let's hope your grudge doesn't interfere with our mission. Right now, we have a bigger enemy to deal with."
Boudica sighed, relaxing her grip. "I know. I won't let personal feelings get in the way."
Ritsuka nodded. "Good. Because we're about to have a hell of a fight ahead of us."
As they continued running, Nero's voice suddenly rang through their communication devices. "Umu! My Praetor, where are you? We're about to engage in battle! Do not keep your empress waiting!"
Ritsuka sighed again. "Yeah… this is going to be a long day."
They arrived to the base, as Ritsuka then enter. "Will we found one Servant to help us".
Nero came down as she spoke. "Umu that si Excil-". She cut her self of when she saw Boudica, as the awkwardness in the room was something else.
Elizabeth looked at Kiyohime as she spoke. "The Awkwardness in this room is so tick it can be cut with a knifes".
Kiyohime looked as she spoke, what she heard was a muffle words. "What?"
Elizabeth picked up a knife, cut the air into a square, pushed as it hit the ground with a thud just like that di jelly. "I said the Awkwardness in this room is so tick it can be cut with a knifes".
Ritsuka pinched the bridge of his nose. "Elizabeth… did you just physically cut the air?"
Elizabeth puffed out her chest. "Of course! It's a metaphor made real! What, you think I'm just some dragon idol with no talents?"
Kama snickered. "I mean… yes?"
Elizabeth huffed but chose to ignore the jab. Meanwhile, Nero and Boudica were still locked in a silent stare-down, the tension in the room reaching its peak.
Mash awkwardly stepped forward. "Um… maybe we should—"
Boudica finally broke the silence. "Nero."
Nero folded her arms, her confident smirk never wavering. "Boudica. It seems fate has decided to make us allies."
Boudica narrowed her eyes. "For now."
Nero chuckled. "Umu, I shall accept that answer… for now."
Ritsuka clapped his hands together. "Great! Now that we've settled that without any bloodshed, can we focus on not dying to the United Roman Empire?"
Kirschtaria nodded. "Agreed. We still need to figure out our next move. If Rome is being influenced by something beyond history, we need to find the source."
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy