The fall of the traitorous "Black" Caster brought a temporary lull in the all-out war between "Black" and "Red."
While the final outcome remained undecided, the fact that Father Shirou—Amakusa Shirou Tokisada—had achieved his objectives of seizing the Holy Grail and obtaining Master rights meant he had secured a strategic victory.
The "Red" faction, though having lost its Berserker and parted ways with its Saber, could hardly count Berserker as a proper combat asset, and "Red" Saber had always preferred to act alone. Moreover, with all Servants now concentrated under a single Master possessing decision-making authority, and those Servants being great heroes one and all, their losses could only be described as minimal.
In contrast, the "Black" faction had suffered significant damage worthy of the word "defeat": the severe damage to the Millennia Fortress, the death of their highest combat asset "Black" Lancer and their clan leader Darnic, the betrayal and subsequent defeat of "Black" Caster, and the loss of the Holy Grail.
Their remaining forces totaled six: "Black" Saber, "Black" Archer, "Black" Rider, "Black" Berserker, Ruler, and "Red" Saber. While numbers were now equal, considering the enemy Servants' combat abilities, Rider and Berserker still left room for concern.
They had to honestly admit they were at a disadvantage.
And if they couldn't find a way to break through, not only Yggdmillennia but the entire world would be affected.
The interior of the ruined Millennia Fortress was a devastated wreck, bearing no resemblance to its former state.
With Darnic gone, Fiore, now the acting leader, invited Ruler and "Red" Saber along with his Master to a conference room to discuss their future plans. Naturally, the other "Black" Servants and Masters were also present.
The room's furnishings had been toppled by the shockwaves, and the chandelier had fallen, lying in a pitiful state. However, Fiore and Gord worked together to restore it to its former orderly condition in seconds using magecraft—a task that would have taken craftsmen weeks.
Once a proper environment for discussion was created, Ruler relayed the detailed information she had witnessed in enemy territory to the Masters who were not fully informed.
"A Ruler who survived the Third Holy Grail War?"
Hearing this unbelievable information from Ruler, the "Black" Masters, starting with Fiore, fell into a heavy silence. The one who broke the oppressive quiet with a voice that seemed squeezed out was Celenike, leaning against the wall.
"You're saying a Servant has subjugated all the enemy Servants?"
"That appears to be the case. Regardless of their heroic pride, as long as that Ruler holds the Command Spells taken from the 'Red' Masters, the Servants have no choice but to obey."
Silence fell over the room again at Ruler's answer.
"Red" Rider, "Red" Archer, and "Red" Lancer were precisely the mainstay Servants of the "Red" faction. Yet, even they couldn't escape the binding of Command Spells. With 'Magic Resistance' of B-rank or lower, they couldn't resist even a single spell.
Ideally, the "Red" Servants would revolt and be forced to commit suicide. But Amakusa Shirou could compel obedience through Command Spells without resorting to that, making such hopes slim.
"And what does this Ruler intend to do with the Holy Grail?"
Fiore asked timidly. It was Archer who answered.
"The salvation of all humanity, apparently."
"The salvation... of all humanity...?"
Fiore repeated Archer's words as if trying to swallow them.
"Something about using the Grail to make everyone in the world immortal," "Black" Rider said boredly, hands clasped behind his head, leaning heavily back in his chair.
"Immortal? For all of humanity? Ridiculous! How can that be salvation?"
"It's one possible approach. Though it's not without its problems," Archer said with a shrug to the skeptical Gord.
"Archer, why do you think that?"
"The definition of salvation varies. It wouldn't be strange if Amakusa Shirou's desired salvation is immortality for all people. If immortality were achieved, conflicts born from the desire for survival would be eradicated. With no afterlife, religions preaching posthumous peace would lose meaning, and religious strife would vanish."
"Then what's the problem? Isn't that salvation?" If a world where no one dies were realized, the many people who live in fear of death would be saved. There would be no more gruesome deaths, no more suffering from hunger.
"Not dying also means there might be those eternally treated as slaves. It's unclear what form human society would take in an immortal world, but a completed world would forget change, perhaps even stop time itself. The solidification of disparities could permanently separate the oppressors from the oppressed. These issues aren't rooted in survival instincts, so I doubt immortality would solve them."
"I... I see... It sounds a bit like an ideal utopian society."
"If you view it as realizing a flawless, managed society, then yes, that's one perspective." The peace Amakusa Shirou aimed for held no room for human progress. A society lacking nothing might seem ideal at first glance, but humans would lose their freedom, their drive, and gradually wither away.
"A creepy world. A boring world like that makes me sick," "Red" Saber spat out disgustedly.
"First of all, granting immortality to all humanity would require a tremendous amount of magical energy. It's equivalent to reaching a Magic. Even for a single person, it would stretch the Grail's capacity to its limit..." Ruler muttered with a worried expression.
Originally, the Holy Grail descending in a Grail War was created with the purpose of using the souls of seven Servants as sacrifices to open a path to the Root. It possessed enough power to grant all sorts of wishes even incomplete, but reaching the Root required all seven souls. The sheer volume of magical energy needed just to bring a single person to a Magic was immense; applying it to all of humanity was a wish that far exceeded the Grail's capabilities.
"So, in the end, making everyone immortal is impossible?"
Ruler shook her head at "Black" Rider's words.
"Not necessarily. The principle of obtaining from elsewhere if you lack is universal. If magical energy is insufficient, he would procure it from another source. He might dry up one or two ley lines in the process."
"You can't be serious! Drying up ley lines won't just affect magecraft!" Gord shouted, as if confronted with an unbelievable outrage.
Ley lines were natural flows of magical energy, with places where it pooled becoming spiritual lands. Like the flow of a river, they circulated worldwide, but a ley line drying up was a grave event akin to the death of that land. Not only would using magecraft become difficult, but ecosystems could collapse.
For the magi of Yggdmillennia, a gathering of declining families, securing high-ranking spiritual lands was a supreme objective. Since the Grail's activation was within Romania, significant adverse effects were conceivable for their headquarters in Trifas and other related lands. While they might not care about humanity's salvation, the potential destruction of magecraft's possibilities forced them to raise their voices.
"All this pointless chatter won't get us anywhere. Whatever their goal is, to get the Grail, we have to defeat them, right? So, what's the point of arguing about that priest's aims?" "Red" Saber declared bluntly, steering the discussion back on track. Her words were rough, but she was right. What they needed to do now, regardless of Shirou's goals, was to settle things with the "Red" faction.
"Indeed, Saber is correct. So, Master. I believe we should focus our discussion on how to assault that aerial fortress. What do you think?" Archer, agreeing, deliberately passed the initiative to Fiore by asking her. Fiore nodded and shifted the topic to planning an assault on the enemy stronghold.
"However, even to catch up, we can't board it without locating it. Ruler, can you pinpoint the fortress's location?"
"Let's see... As a Servant with a particularly strong connection to the Grail, I can determine its general location even from a distance. But even if located, we lack the means to board it." The aerial fortress was literally a giant floating Noble Phantasm. Its extraordinary size, combined with the ability to ascend to extreme altitudes, made assault difficult.
"My Hippogriff can go whoosh right up there!"
"Can you transport all the Servants?"
"No way. Didn't bring a tank. One rider is the limit." "Black" Rider, the only Servant with flight capability, was a weak hero. Naturally, he couldn't achieve anything by charging into enemy territory alone; they needed some means to transport all Servants.
"Archer. Can't you produce a flying Noble Phantasm?"
"That's asking too much, Master. If I could, I wouldn't have engaged Rider in close combat." While Archer wielded countless Noble Phantasms, he couldn't produce just anything. He was basically limited to close-combat weapons; the further from that category, the lower his accuracy. A flying Noble Phantasm was something he simply didn't possess.
"Then, it seems an aircraft is our only option."
"Realistically, yes, but they have an Archer too. What about that?" Fiore had concluded that relying on modern technology was inevitable, but Celenike pointed out the existence of "Red" Archer.
A normal human's arrows could never hope to bring down a hunk of iron like an airplane, but a Servant's arrows possessed power and precision rivaling missiles. Finding a reason why they couldn't shoot down a plane was more difficult.
"Nevertheless, we have no other means of transport. We can consider countermeasures against 'Red' Archer later. Is this general direction acceptable?" At Fiore's confirmation, the Servants and Masters present nodded.
While there were still details to iron out, with no alternative to an aircraft, they had to proceed with discussing how to operate it.
To end the Great Holy Grail War, they would now have to fight, risking their lives.
The battle they had entered with every preparation had, in the blink of an eye, left them at a disadvantage: their leader dead, their strongest Servant lost, and the Holy Grail stolen. The enemy was an irregular, extremely powerful. Furthermore, with the task of rebuilding the clan that had lost its leader, Fiore had no time to rest.
By the time dawn's light streamed through the window, they knew time had passed.
The long night had ended. Squinting in the morning sunlight, Fiore exchanged glances with the Masters and Servants and judged they had exhausted the discussion for now. She decided to adjourn the meeting.
"Well, it's morning now, so let's end here for today. Those who wish for breakfast, please proceed to the dining hall. Those who wish to rest, please feel free to use any vacant rooms." Fiore smiled without showing fatigue.
The tension eased, and their gazes shifted away from Fiore.
"Alright, Archer! Breakfast! Breakfast!" The first to speak, Rider jumped up as if bouncing and addressed Archer.
"You want me to make it?"
"Well, you're the best cook, aren't you? Though you're probably tired, so just raiding the fridge is fine if it's too much."
"No, it's fine. You'd just make a mess of the ingredients." Sighing, Archer agreed to prepare breakfast. A situation where ingredients were wasted had to be avoided at all costs.
Cooking is multiplication.
Simply tossing the ingredients before you into your mouth is mere addition, sometimes even subtraction. However, a dish completed through the correct process doesn't just add flavors; it reaches a higher dimension through synergistic effects where they enhance each other.
As if expressing his own belief, "Black" Archer wielded a Chinese wok with gusto.
The savory aroma of fried rice filled the dining hall, and the crisp, appetizing sound of oil sizzling echoed pleasantly.
"What is this food? It's amazing!" It was "Red" Saber who was eating voraciously, openly showing her amazement.
Hearing about the meal, Saber's eyes had sparkled, and she had come to the dining hall with Shishigou in tow. In the end, almost everyone appeared in the dining hall except for Celenike, who disliked camaraderie and headed to her workshop, and Gord and his Servant, who had started on their own tasks. Fiore was also there, modestly eating a jam bun.
"Sis, is that all you're having?" Caules spoke up, concerned about his light-eating sister.
"I ate plenty last night, so this is fine." Fiore said, tearing off a piece of the bun and eating it.
Normally, Fiore didn't eat late-night snacks, but last night was different. To secure even a slight amount of magical energy supply for Archer, she had a light meal during the night. With the homunculi's assistance, it was a trivial amount, but having ample magical energy was better for Fiore. Of course, eating didn't instantly convert to energy, so it was merely a psychological comfort, but supporting within her capabilities was also a Master's duty.
"Huh, I see. Sis, you're not so heavy that you need to worry about..."
"Caules?"
"I-I'm gonna go check on Berserker!" Realizing his gaffe the moment Fiore pierced him with an icy smile, Caules hastily tried to flee, scurrying off to his Servant.
Watching her brother's retreating back, Fiore furrowed her brow slightly.
"Honestly, how rude." Even as a mage, she was still a young woman. Caring about her weight was natural, especially since Fiore didn't have a body capable of exercise. Adjusting her intake was a natural consideration, given her limited physical output.
However, though she wouldn't say it out loud, part of her wished she could eat to her heart's content.
Fiore directed a secretly resentful glance at the Servants devouring the food.
"Red" Saber, "Black" Rider, and surprisingly Ruler, who was also putting away a considerable amount. Rider's gender was male despite his appearance, so that was fine, but the other two were women and yet hearty eaters. Servants never gained weight no matter how much they ate; it all converted to magical energy. She couldn't help feeling a little—no, very—envious.
"Red" Saber paid no heed to Fiore's resentful stare, shoveling food into her mouth as if to show off.
The volume was excessive for breakfast, but a Servant's stomach was sturdy. Good food could be eaten anytime, in any quantity.
"I mean, it's kinda... breaks the image, y'know?" Munching on a fish burger, Saber glanced sideways at Archer, who was instructing the homunculus in charge of cooking.
"Indeed. Somehow, the fact that an apron suits him so unexpectedly makes me feel a bit defeated.
Ah, this is delicious." Ruler savored the salmon meunière. She had already eaten quite a bit but could still go on. It never got boring. Deep down, Laeticia felt anxious, but she convinced herself it was bad manners not to eat delicious food placed before her.
"Yeah, Archer of 'Black's' proud chef. Can't be helped." Following the other two, Rider also swallowed three shumai dumplings at once.
Faced with this heartburn-inducing scene first thing in the morning, Shishigou, "Red" Saber's Master, also seemed to give up and entered a coffee break.
"Hey, Ruler." Shishigou called out to Ruler, who was sitting across from him.
"Yes? I'm a bit busy right now."
"Just put the spoon down. It's pretty important."
"Muu, very well." Clearly reluctant to leave her meal, Ruler placed her spoon down and prepared to listen.
"Well, not a difficult topic. Figured I'd have you fulfill that promise since we have the chance."
"Oh, right. Almost forgot. Ruler, hand over the Command Spell as promised," "Red" Saber also demanded Ruler fulfill the promise upon hearing Shishigou.
"Guh... You remembered?" Ruler sighed. Shishigou and "Red" Saber grinned in unison.
However, it was Rider who cut in.
"Hold on a sec. What's this about handing over Command Spells?"
"Hm? Oh, when we took down 'Black' Caster, we made a deal: one Command Spell in exchange for cooperation."
"What? That's not fair. In that case, shouldn't we get one each too?"
"Wha—!?" Ruler's eyes widened as she looked at Rider.
"Ah, now that you mention it, we did have such an agreement, Ruler," Archer, now wearing an apron, had somehow appeared behind Ruler and was looking down at her.
"A-Archer...?"
"Rider is right. Favoring a specific Servant seems questionable for a Ruler. Therefore, I believe the best course, as we are to challenge the 'Red' faction together, would be to distribute the Command Spells equally. What do you think?"
"N-No way! Th-These are important!" Then, having overheard the conversation, Fiore approached in her wheelchair. For a moment, Ruler thought help had arrived, but soon realized she was also an adversary.
"Ruler, you wouldn't ask for our cooperation and then pay the contract fee only to 'Red' Saber, would you?"
"Guh... Nuuh..."
"I understand your duties as a Ruler, but there is already an enemy Ruler present. Given the circumstances, the formality of treating all Servants equally has already broken down."
"That may be so, but..."
"We are the rightful side here, correct? Command Spells are strategically and tactically vital.
Haven't we reached a stage where a rational judgment is necessary to protect the world?"
"Guh... Unnh..." Cornered from all sides, Ruler hung her head.
She had responsibilities as a Ruler, but the battle against the "Red" faction was also crucial. And if they lost, the world would be remade into something irreversible.
Furthermore, she couldn't break her promise with "Red" Saber, yet fulfilling it would cause discontent from the "Black" faction.
Trapped in a swirling vortex of thoughts, Ruler sank into a pit of despair.
"Uu... sniff... I'm a Ruler, and yet..."
While Ruler was in a teary state, the Masters were quite pleased.
In the end, the transfer of Command Spells proceeded smoothly.
With one transferred to each, Shishigou and Caules now had three Command Spells on their arms, and Fiore had four. It was decided to transfer some to Gord and Celenike later as well. At this point, the opportunity for Ruler to adjudicate "Black" Servants seemed unlikely, and if the Command Spells were better used as boosters, it wasn't a bad decision.
Only Caules looked somewhat apologetic as he ate the Japanese-style rolled omelet.
The instigator, "Red" Saber, wore a satisfied smile, gazing at Shishigou's fully restored set of Command Spells. Then, she turned her gaze to Archer.
"By the way, Archer. I heard you're a Heroic Spirit from the future." At "Red" Saber's words, the dining hall fell silent for a moment.
"And what of it?"
"Sure, Heroic Spirits can be summoned regardless of era, but a future Heroic Spirit becoming a Servant is a rare case, isn't it?" Since Amakusa Shirou had already exposed Archer's identity, there was no point in hiding it now. However, even knowing he was a future hero didn't reveal his history. The knowledge granted by the Grail covered all heroes up to the era of summoning, but not the future.
"'Red' Saber. While it may be interesting, is it necessary for us to discuss Archer's background?" Fiore said, trying to keep her voice low.
"Of course it is!" "Red" Saber declared loudly.
"When we fought before, this guy pinpointed my True Name. Even though my helmet has the power to conceal it! If we're gonna cooperate from now on, wouldn't it breed distrust if we don't clear this up?" That wasn't it. Distrust was the last thing on Saber's mind; her expression made that clear. However, the fact that Archer hadn't revealed his identity applied to the rest of the
"Black" faction as well. It could create unwanted fissures within.
Fiore exchanged a look with Archer and sighed. Claiming amnesia wouldn't satisfy anyone at this point.
"The reason I know your True Name is simple. I already knew your face."
"Huh?" When Archer fought "Red" Saber, she had been using her helmet's Noble Phantasm, Secret of Pedigree, but the helmet itself was off. It was true Archer could have seen her face.
But,
"A future Heroic Spirit knows my face? Impossible." The era "Red" Saber lived in and the era Archer lived in were vastly different. Knowing her face was, by common sense, impossible.
"Archer. Give a proper answer."
"It's not entirely impossible, is it? After all, here we are, meeting face to face."
"Ha...?" Saber was dumbfounded. Shishigou muttered, "So it's that, huh."
"In other words, you've participated in a Holy Grail War before. As a Master. In your lifetime."
"That would be the case." It wasn't just Saber who was surprised.
Everyone else in the dining hall listening also showed astonishment.
"Then, does Archer know how this war will turn out? You're a future hero, right?"
"Unfortunately not, Rider. This world exists in a different stream from the one I was born and raised in. Therefore, I don't possess knowledge of this 'future.' You could say I was summoned from a future in a parallel world."
"A parallel world?"
"In my world, Holy Grail Wars only happened in Fuyuki. That's because Darnic failed to steal the
Grail in the Third Holy Grail War." The reason Grail Wars were now happening worldwide was because part of the ritual leaked when Darnic stole the Fuyuki Grail.
In a world where Darnic failed to steal the Greater Grail's vessel, the Grail's ritual never had a chance to spread outside, so the Fourth and Fifth Wars continued to be held in Fuyuki afterward.
"So, you summoned this one?" Shishigou pointed a careless thumb at Saber. She twisted her face in displeasure at her Master's action.
"No. The one I summoned wasn't 'Red' Saber. But their features are strikingly similar."
"You, don't tell me..."
"Exactly that. I summoned King Arthur as a 'Saber.' It was only for about two weeks, but it was a significant experience."