[Open Terrain – Second Singularity]
The Rayshift's glow disappeared in a dance of particles, revealing Leonel, Mash, Emiya, and Kiyohime on a vast, dusty plain. The sun burned overhead with a scorching intensity, and heat rose from the parched ground like a living wave.
In the distance, among hills, a walled city rose like a jewel stained with blood. Black smoke spiraled up from its walls, and the echo of shouts, drums, and clashing steel filled the air. The smell of fire and war permeated the atmosphere.
—Elevated temperature... coordinates correct... we are in the Second Singularity,— Mash reported, raising her shield as she scanned the surroundings with her visor. —I detect unusual magical fluctuations from the city. There is an active battle.
—Interesting...— Emiya murmured, observing the scene with sharp eyes. —But this is not normal history. Rome should not be at war with itself... and those insignias...
Kiyohime gripped her spear, though her gaze only sought one thing: Leonel.
—My love, you are unharmed, right? The journey didn't hurt you... because if this sun dared to burn you, I will tear it from the sky with my own hands,— she said with chilling sweetness.
Leonel could only smile nervously as he gently moved the serpentine Servant aside. Then, he closed his eyes for a moment, entering his mind, consulting with that which dwelled in the depths of his soul...
[Leonel's Mental Plane]
A void wrapped in dark smoke. Echoes of distorted laughter. And at the center, the reflection of a jaguar enveloped in an obsidian cloak, with eyes like glowing embers.
Tezcatlipoca, the god of the smoking mirror, the one who sees the hearts of men. His Persona.
It didn't speak. That wasn't its style. But the message was clear, etched like fire on stone:
"Chaos is on the throne. The war is not war, but sacrifice. The city is an altar... and you are the intruder."
An image crossed his mind: an emperor crowned in gold, surrounded by flames and beasts. A Rome that should not exist.
[Return to the physical plane]
Leonel opened his eyes, serene but tense.
—We have to go to the city. We'll find answers there. This isn't broken history... it's corrupted history.
Mash nodded.
—Understood. We will try to approach without drawing attention. If we find any civilians or resistance, we could get local context.
—I'd rather not wait for them to attack us,— said Emiya, drawing his twin knives. —Let's take the high ground from the hills. If they see us, we'll already be positioned.
—At the first sign of danger... I will burn for you, Leonel,— whispered Kiyohime, as sweet as a divine threat.
Leonel swallowed and smiled with complicity.
—I know... and I'm grateful. But let's try not to burn down the entire city, okay?
The four began to move, descending the hill towards the city with calculated steps. With each meter they advanced, the atmosphere grew more tense. The air... had the metallic taste of blood.
The Second Singularity had barely begun... and Rome was already screaming in the language of the gods.
[Outskirts of the City – Second Singularity]
The sound of horse hooves, war cries, and the whistle of arrows cut through the air as Leonel, Mash, Emiya, and Kiyohime discreetly descended a hill towards the battlefield. The city stretched beyond the walls, partially set ablaze, while two large forces clashed on the outskirts.
—Is this... Rome?— Mash asked, perplexed at seeing banners with imperial symbols and legionnaires on both sides. —But... they are fighting amongst themselves...
—Two Romes...— Emiya murmured with a furrowed brow. —This isn't a normal civil conflict. Something has completely divided them.
Leonel looked up and, amidst the fray, saw her: standing at the vanguard, golden sword in hand, a scarlet dress that shone amidst blood and dust. Nero Claudius, with her imposing command voice, was leading her army.
But it wasn't his Nero, not the one he had left behind in Chaldea to avoid a paradox. This one had the same energy, the same burning beauty... but something was different: more solemn, more imperial. An alternate version... or perhaps a pure historical manifestation.
Facing her, leading the enemy army, was an obese man, wearing a twisted laurel crown, his face red and sweaty, brandishing a decorative sword he clearly didn't know how to use. He had grotesque features, a living parody of an emperor.
—That fat man doesn't look like someone who should have power,— Kiyohime grumbled with disdain, holding her spear.
—That is not an emperor... he's a fraud,— Emiya muttered.
Leonel closed his eyes and, once more, let the dark voice of his Persona emerge.
[Mental Plane – Tezcatlipoca]
The jaguar appeared again, this time atop an obsidian pyramid. The battlefield was reflected in its smoking mirror.
"The mirror is broken, but the smoke still reveals the truth."
"The empress's fire is real. The shadow of the false idol devours time. If you wish for the world to continue, protect the legitimate flame."
[The Battlefield]
Leonel opened his eyes with determination.
—We will help Nero, the legitimate empress of this era. This conflict is part of the distortion... and that man will only worsen the singularity if we let him act.
Mash nodded firmly.
—Understood! Preparing to enter combat!
—Finally...— said Emiya, summoning his blades. —A decision that makes sense.
—For you, my love, I will crush the enemy... like a sweet offering,— whispered Kiyohime, already glowing with magical energy.
Leonel raised his hand and gave the order. The three Servants launched themselves into combat like arrows in the wind, surprising the enemy army from a flank.
Mash planted herself like a wall between the enemy lines and Nero's troops, deflecting projectiles with her shield.
Emiya fired with surgical precision, eliminating commanders and sabotaging formations.
Kiyohime, amidst fire and roars, terrified the enemy, causing many to flee before even being wounded.
Meanwhile, Leonel, guided by Tezcatlipoca's vision, located the weak points of the invading troops, shouting coordinates, retreat routes, and attack formations with an impossible precision for someone who had never studied Roman tactics.
The enemy was repelled.
Victory was Nero's.
[After the battle – Imperial Camp]
Nero descended from her chariot with a brilliant smile, though her expression was more formal than Chaldea's version. She approached Leonel and examined him from head to toe, before raising an eyebrow and extending her hand with elegance.
—Brave warriors from distant lands... who are you, who fight with divine fire for Rome?
Leonel, knowing he couldn't speak to her as he did to "his Nero," bowed his head slightly, smiling.
—Just lost travelers... who recognize the brilliance of a worthy empress. We have come to aid you.
Nero let out a musical and dramatic laugh.
—Ah! You are welcome under my standard! You shall be my allies, my generals! Rome welcomes you as children of destiny!
Leonel nodded respectfully, but inside he could only sigh.
"This Nero is different... but she's still Nero. At least I won't have to deal with two jealous ones at once..."
The sun descended behind the city walls as the troops reorganized their lines. The calm was only temporary. Leonel knew the true cause of this distortion had not yet emerged from the shadows. But at least now... they had an imperial ally.
And Tezcatlipoca, in silence, observed everything from the depths of his soul... waiting.
[Path to Nero's Camp – Dusk]
The sun sank on the horizon, staining the sky red as if reflecting the blood that had bathed the field hours before. The group walked along a dusty path bordered by dry trees. The battle had ceased, but tension still hung in the air.
Leonel marched at the head, with Emiya walking beside him. Both remained silent for a while, until the archer spoke in his neutral tone, almost as if hesitant to broach the subject:
—You chose to support Nero without hesitation... Do you trust her that much? Or is it because of what she represents?
Leonel did not answer immediately. He looked ahead, but his thoughts resonated with the deep voice of his Persona, Tezcatlipoca, who gave him clarity amidst the chaos.
—It's... both,— he finally responded. —This Nero is different from Chaldea's, but her will is genuine. And if we want to restore the proper flow of time, I must trust the one who belongs to this era... not the one corrupting it.
Emiya nodded slightly, crossing his arms as he walked.
—A good decision. But it won't be easy. This era is deformed... the enemies are not simple warriors. Some... might even come from our own past.
Leonel looked at him with a confident smile.
—Then it's good that I have good allies with me.
[A few meters back – Mash and Kiyohime]
While the guys walked ahead, Mash tried to maintain a professional posture... though Kiyohime's intense gaze, tilting her head as if analyzing her soul, made her sweat.
—Mash, dear...— Kiyohime said in a honeyed voice. —Don't you think it's time to stop looking at Leonel like a pastry you can't eat?
Mash blushed immediately.
—W-what?! What are you talking about, Kiyohime-san?! I'm not... I'm just fulfilling my duty as a Shielder...
Kiyohime smiled like a cat who had just caught a mouse in its game.
—Hmm~ How curious. Because that way you furrow your brow, that slight gleam in your eyes when he speaks... and that little gesture of discomfort whenever I get too close to him...— she leaned in and whispered. —They are classic symptoms of a girl in love.
Mash averted her gaze, red as a tomato, trying to maintain her composure.
—It's not... that! It's just that... he is our leader, and... I admire him, and...
—Sweetie, I am a professional yandere,— said Kiyohime without losing her smile. —I smell feelings before they even bloom. You don't have to hide it.
Mash swallowed, visibly nervous. Kiyohime patted her on the shoulder with an indulgent smile.
—Don't worry. I'm just saying... that maybe you should confess before the list grows too long. For now it's short... but believe me, if you wait too long, you might end up fighting for hug shifts.
Mash babbled something incomprehensible, covering her face with both hands as Kiyohime laughed to herself with satisfaction.
—Oh, young love... How thrilling it is to see it bloom!
[Cut to Leonel, who stops and turns]
[Inside the city of Rome – Imperial Throne Room]
The city of Rome rose proudly despite the conflict, with its majestic architecture and its disciplined people maintaining routine amid the chaos of war. Once inside the capital, Leonel, Emiya, Mash, and Kiyohime were led to the great throne room, where columns of white marble guarded the passage and red banners waved in the Roman wind.
Seated on the imperial throne, Nero Claudius received them with a radiant smile and the grace only an empress could display.
—Citizens of Rome and faithful soldiers! I present to you our saviors of today: allies sent by the gods to help us protect this glorious empire! Honor their presence!
The Roman generals in the room—centurions, strategists, and nobles—bowed their heads respectfully. Despite some curious looks at Leonel's group's unorthodox attire, there was no opposition. Their help on the battlefield spoke louder than any doubt.
After the welcome ceremony, Nero descended from the throne and guided them to an adjoining war chamber, where maps, strategic figures, and documents covered the tables.
—Now that the formalities are done,— said Nero, her tone becoming more serious,— it is time for you to understand the true weight of this war. What we face... is something that defies history itself.
She pointed to the main map. On it, two factions were represented: the Roman Empire, under her banner, and on the other side, a different symbol: an amalgamation of ancient banners.
—Our enemies are not barbarians nor invading tribes. They are... emperors. My predecessors. Caesars who have returned from death, uniting their forces under a common banner. They call themselves the United Roman Empire.
Leonel furrowed his brow and crossed his arms.
—Ghosts...?
—That's how we've cataloged them,— Nero replied. —Figures from the past who should be in the afterlife, but who now march with armies and take cities as if they had never died.
Emiya then intervened, with his firm voice.
—They are not ghosts. They are Servants. Heroic spirits summoned by means of a magical summoning system. Someone is bringing them to this era. A magus.
Leonel nodded.
—Someone is interfering with this era, likely with a greater purpose. That makes this region a singularity. Our mission is to correct it.
Nero became thoughtful for a moment. Then her eyes shone with recognition.
—That explains that report...— she said, turning to a side table and pulling out a dusty parchment. —Weeks ago, one of our scouts spoke of a "shadow magus" who was seen performing a strange ritual outside Ostia. At the time we dismissed it, thinking it was some minor sect...
Leonel exchanged a quick glance with Tezcatlipoca, whose voice resonated in his mind with disdain:
—A magus. A poor fool if he thinks he can play with the destiny of the great. But that gives us a path...
Nero looked up at them, with a more determined expression.
—Then, heroes from another land... if you know the nature of these enemies, tell me: how do we defeat those who have already died?
Leonel, without hesitation, stepped forward.
—By cutting the root. We need to find the magus who summoned them. Without their link to the physical world, those emperors will fall one by one. But meanwhile... we will face them on the battlefield, as we did today.
Mash nodded with conviction.
—And we will protect this time... whatever it takes!
Nero smiled broadly, raising her arm with determination.
—Then, may the gods and muses bless us! The flame of Rome shall not be extinguished!
Leonel notices Mash and Kiyohime have fallen behind. Seeing Mash completely flushed and Kiyohime smiling as if she had pulled a prank, he sighs.
—I don't even want to ask what they're talking about...
Emiya smiles with a raised eyebrow.
—Believe me, it's better this way.
[City of Rome – Imperial War Chamber]
The great chamber was illuminated by candelabras and torches, the atmosphere dense with the concentration of strategic thoughts and the tension of imminent combat. Around the central table, the group of allies gathered with Nero, several of her generals, and a detailed model of the campaign map.
Leonel approached the center, with his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the enemy position marked with a solitary banner.
—According to reconnaissance reports,— he began, pointing with a pointer to a spot to the northwest,— this stronghold is currently under the control of one of the United Empire's leaders. But unlike other fronts, no allied troops or activity from other emperors are reported here.
Emiya nodded from his position.
—Too quiet for someone so dangerous. Who is it?
Nero responded with a mixture of solemnity and theatrical annoyance.
—Gaius Julius Caesar. The conqueror of Gaul, the dictator of Rome... and apparently, the only man who can get fat even after death.
Mash blinked.
—Excuse me...?
Kiyohime, with a strangely cheerful smile, whispered:
—He must have been a gluttonous man in life. Though I must admit the irony appeals to me...
Leonel shook his head with a barely visible smile, returning to the point.
—Caesar is a Saber-class Servant, therefore an expert in close combat. Despite his... peculiar physical state, our reports show him wielding his sword with terrifying precision. The fat hasn't taken away his skill.
Emiya crossed his arms.
—It could be a trap. What kind of general separates himself from the rest like that?
Leonel nodded.
—I agree. But precisely because of that, it's an opportunity. If Caesar falls, we not only weaken the United Empire, but we send a clear message to the other emperors. We can fight them and win.
Nero tapped the table softly, her eyes shining with approval.
—What an audacious move! That's why I chose you as an ally, Leonel! Attacking head-on, like a true Roman.
Leonel raised three fingers.
—I have three proposals:
Lightning Attack: We go in with all our power and eliminate Caesar before he can react.
Distraction Strategy: One of us poses as an emissary or enemy soldier to infiltrate and weaken from within, while the rest assault the fortress.
Tactical Siege: We use long-range Servants to weaken the outer defenses before entering, minimizing risks.
Mash timidly raised her hand.
—What if there are civilians inside?
—We'll verify it with Tezcatlipoca before launching any attack,— Leonel responded confidently, placing his hand over his heart. —My goal is to restore history, not destroy it.
Tezcatlipoca, manifested as a shadow beside him, murmured in a deep voice:
—He will fall like all who defy the order. But beware, Caesar is not just muscle... his tongue can move armies.
Nero stood up, raising her golden cup.
—Then so be it! The Lion of Chaldea will lead the first blow against history's most cunning traitor! For the Empire! For glory!
The soldiers and generals shouted in unison.
The war for Rome's soul had begun, and the first target was chosen: Julius Caesar, the Overweight Swordsman.
[Stables of the Headquarters – Outskirts of Rome]
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, tingeing the sky in reddish hues. The scent of leather, metal, and hay permeated the air as preparations for the march took shape.
Leonel, with his sleeves rolled up, adjusted the girth of the horse assigned to him. His armor, a blend of Roman style with modern touches granted by Chaldea's technology, hung at his side, already polished and ready.
Mash watched from nearby, her shield firmly strapped to her back. Though her battle attire wasn't conventional armor, her expression was just as focused.
—Are you sure you don't need help with that, Senpai?
Leonel shot her a confident smile.
—Don't you trust my Mexican cowboy instinct?— he said jokingly as he adjusted the straps. —Though this is more warhorse than ranch horse...
Mash laughed softly, but her gaze remained on him a moment longer than necessary.
A few meters away, Kiyohime stood under the shade of an olive tree, slowly combing her hair with a small bone comb, as if the battle were nothing more than a stroll.
—I don't need to prepare anything,— she murmured with a calm smile.
Emiya, on the other hand, stood more apart, sharpening his knives with an almost monastic calm. His eyes did not look up, but he was fully aware of what was happening around him.
—Don't think this will be simple,— he commented without taking his eyes off his blade. —Caesar might seem like an easy target... but emperors didn't reach their position by mere fortune.
Leonel put on his armor, fastening the breastplate clasps and adjusting the gauntlets with precision. His expression mixed the concentration of a leader and the burden of one who has already seen what's at stake.
[Imperial Palace – Nero's Room]
In a chamber decorated with gold and marble, Nero Claudius observed her reflection in the mirror. Her ceremonial armor was placed on a mannequin, while she still wore a semi-transparent white tunic adorned with crimson details.
—Ufufufu...!— she chuckled as she ran her fingers along the edge of the breastplate. —How glorious this morning will be. Marching to war with my beautiful and noble army... and at the forefront, that most interesting boy!
While placing the imperial tiara on her head, her eyes shone with anticipation.
—Julius... old rival. Your role ended centuries ago. It is time to give way to my brilliant light.
In the background, two handmaidens awaited instructions, but Nero ignored them, focused on adjusting each piece of her armor with firm hands. She would not let anyone else dress her for a battle of honor.
—Today, Rome will be reborn under my banner...— she whispered—
[Back at the stables]
Leonel mounted his horse, watching as the others readied themselves one by one. Tezcatlipoca appeared for a moment in the form of black smoke behind him, with a serpentine smile.
—Ready for the first act, warrior? Tell me... will you make him tremble like a god, or face him like a man?
Leonel responded with seriousness:
—As both.
Mash, hearing that, gripped the edge of her shield tightly.
Kiyohime let out an enchanted sigh.
Emiya simply smiled under his breath.
War drums began to sound from the walls. The march towards Julius Caesar's fortress was about to begin.
[Exterior – Stone Fortress atop a Hill]
The sound of war drums echoed through the valley as a dense morning fog slowly dissipated. In the distance, the red banners of Rome waved in the wind, leading the march of the imperial unit.
Leonel was on a nearby hill, observing the situation through a small enchanted monocular. Beside him, floating with an ethereal presence, Tezcatlipoca glowed with a bluish radiance, his penetrating gaze analyzing every corner of the enemy structure.
—There are towers with enchanted ballistae on the north and east corners. I also sense a magical trap at the main gate,— the god said in a grave voice.
Leonel nodded, then activated his tactical communicator.
—Emiya, north and east towers. Can you eliminate them?
[From a nearby cliff]
Emiya already had his bows materialized. Without a word, he aimed with surgical precision.
—Trace... on.
A pair of sword-shaped arrows materialized, glowing with spiritual energy, and were fired at supersonic speed. Two quick, clean explosions signaled the fall of both defenses.
Leonel (via communicator):
—Good work. Kiyohime, move the vanguard and keep the pressure. Don't let any damn arrow reach me.
[On the field, near the entrance]
Kiyohime, with a burning smile and her naginata in hand, advanced at the front of the squad. Her kimono waved like living flames as she blocked magical and physical attacks aimed at Leonel.
—Don't you dare touch him! My beloved needs to concentrate!— she shouted fiercely, unleashing a wave of draconic fire towards the enemy soldiers.
[Inside the fortress – Central Courtyard]
The metallic clamor of combat resonated off the stone walls as Nero Claudius, clad in her scarlet armor and laurel crown, carved a path with her imperial sword. Beside her, Mash covered the flanks with her shield, blocking enemy charges and deflecting attacks away from the empress.
—Advance, Majesty! I will hold them!— shouted Mash, stopping two reinforced soldiers with a single blow from her shield.
Facing them, with a booming laugh, was Gaius Julius Caesar. His robust body did not prevent him from moving with surprising agility, and each of his slashes created shockwaves that shook the air.
—Hahahaha! My dear descendant! Have you come to dethrone me all by yourself? What audacity! But admirable, as befits an empress!
Nero smiled with that haughtiness only she could project.
—I am not alone, old fox! And your reign as a relic ends today!
Both emperors clashed swords with a crash that shook the ground.
[From his position]
Leonel analyzed every movement of the combat.
—Tezcatlipoca, do you see any opening?
—Yes... when Caesar finishes a combo of four slashes, he leaves his right flank exposed for less than two seconds.
Leonel activated the communicator.
—Nero, when he performs four consecutive slashes, attack his right flank. His defense drops at that moment.
Nero dodged the third slash.
—Understood! Thank you, my dear strategist!
Just as Caesar performed his fourth slash, Nero spun, lunging at his right with a clean cut that made the Roman colossus bleed.
—Argh... clever! As an empress should be...!— Caesar growled, retreating for the first time.
Mash, without losing the rhythm, struck the ground with her shield and shouted:
—Now is the moment! Everyone, advance!
[Meanwhile, outside]
The walls began to give way under the combined fire of the loyal Roman soldiers, Kiyohime, and Emiya's projections. With a battle roar, Nero's allies finally broke through the outer defenses.
Leonel descended the hill on his horse, speeding towards the heart of the fortress.
—Let's finish this,— he murmured, his gaze determined. The battle had only just begun... but Rome, at least this Rome, was advancing with force.
[Interior – Fortress Central Courtyard]
The walls rumbled from the intensity of the combat. Stone fragments flew as clashes of steel and magical energy collided like lightning in a storm. At the center, Gaius Julius Caesar, imposing and resplendent despite his voluminous body, moved his sword with lethal mastery.
Each of his slashes created pressure waves that forced Mash and Nero to stay in constant motion. His golden armor shone, covered in engraved runes that increased his physical power and slowly regenerated his wounds.
—You cannot defeat me, not while the glory of Rome is with me! I am the conqueror of the Gauls, the emperor who broke the republic!— Caesar roared, brandishing his sword with titanic strength.
Nero spun elegantly, deflecting his slash to the side with her sword Aestus Estus.
—And I am Rome incarnate, the light of the Empire! Today, the flames of my passion will consume you, Caesar!
Mash, seizing the angle, charged with her shield.
—Shield impact, maximum thrust!
A shockwave pushed Caesar a few meters back. He roared in annoyance, but before he could respond with another attack, his armor glowed faintly... and regenerated.
[From the command hill, with magical vision]
Leonel frowned upon seeing the regeneration.
—Tezcatlipoca, can you analyze those runes on his armor?
The Aztec god crossed his arms and observed intently.
—Yes... they are an imperial self-healing seal. Ancient, but effective. Fueled by historical pride. It will only break if attacked directly while he is pronouncing his full title.
—Perfect...— Leonel activated the communicator:
Mash, Nero, when Caesar launches into another pompous speech, seize that instant! His armor becomes vulnerable just when he is talking about himself.
[Return to the battlefield – Central courtyard]
Caesar took a step forward, raising his sword.
—I am Gaius Julius Caesar! The master of Rome, he who undid the Senate and tamed Pompey!
Nero shouted quickly:
—Now, Mash!
Mash leaped forward, her shield glowing with pink-purple energy.
—Lord Camelot, inverted defensive release!
Her shield transformed for a second into an offensive barrier and slammed directly into Caesar's chest. The impact shattered the energy core in his armor, causing it to explode into golden fragments.
Nero lunged at the same time, spinning with elegance and unleashing a direct thrust into Caesar's torso. Her sword blazed with prana energy as she shouted:
—Laus Saint Claudius!
The imperial sword pierced Caesar's broken defense, and a beam of light in the shape of a phoenix enveloped him.
Caesar fell to his knees, laughing with a hint of admiration.
—Heh... What a glorious end. You certainly are a worthy empress... Neronia...
He vanished into motes of golden light.
[Exterior – Fortress Walls]
Meanwhile, Caesar's and Nero's soldiers were still in combat. Shouts, clashes of spears, banners that fell and rose. The sky was tinged with smoke as Kiyohime protected the wounded and Emiya fired enchanted arrows from the heights, knocking down golems summoned by enemy mages.
Leonel watched from his post, panting a little from the tension.
—One down...— he murmured. —But this is only the beginning.
Tezcatlipoca, still floating beside him, smiled with a mixture of pride and danger.
—Prepare yourself, child. The next emperor will not be so easy to persuade with words or glory.