09. Superstition
"And then Waver said, 'My King ordered me to live. That's why I can't challenge you.' The King of Heroes praised his loyalty and left him."
Archer was retelling the events of 4th Holy Grail War to Illya. He told the war from the perspective of Waver Velvet, one of the Master competing in the war.
At one point in his life he had met Waver, and he had gained Waver's memories of the war. From this he gained memories of weapons that the Servants used. Archer didn't say what he exchanged for Waver to give his memories.
Saber was only one of the participant. Her account of the war was not complete, and Archer told Illya many things she hadn't heard. Such as Iskandar's last charge against Gilgamesh.
"So cool! I think I want to do this conquering the world!" Illya said with enthusiasm. She had turn her back on Gilgamesh and become Iskandar fan.
"What was it he said? If Ionian Hetaroi was armed with weapons from Gate of Babylon, the planet itself can be conquered. I don't have thousands of army but I already have a small army. And you guys are strong, right?" Illya turned to her companions.
They were walking leisurely in a small alley surrounded by bamboo trees. This alley was a bit isolated but the entrance to HCC headquarters was located here.
Illya was a girl that didn't get to experience much fun at life. She was created as instrument for a magecraft ritual. She spent most of her life inside a snowy castle. She had to study magecraft to fight in Heaven's Feel. She was ordered to die. Her expected lifespan was only less than twenty years.
That's why, after being presented with second chance at life, she decided to live to the fullest. She didn't really know what it meant to live fully, all she knew was that she tried to have fun and did entertaining things. She would conquer the world if she thought it was entertaining.
"Or do you guys want one or two Noble Phantasm from my treasury?" Illya asked.
Saber declined, saying "My sword is enough."
Lancer also declined. "I can only use this one."
Rider thought in silence for a while and said "You can let me control Vimana sometimes. Other than that I think I have enough."
Archer smirked. "You already gave me thousands, Master."
"Cool! I think I am the strongest Master. But I don't want to conquer the world. Because, taking responsibility of the citizens and ruling them is a hassle. Is there anyway I can conquer but not taking responsibility?" Illya asked with smiling face.
"I don't think so. Ah, we have arrived. Rider, is this the place?" Saber spoke while looking at a big gate. This was the entrance to a big mansion surrounded by bamboo forest.
Rider nodded in affirmative. "Yes. This mansion is Kyoto's HCC Headquarters. One of the three Headquarters they have."
Illya took Veil of Isis and wore it as a scarf. "Okay. Here we go!" Illya said.
Illya knocked on the wooden front gate. A while after that someone dressed in traditional yukata opened the gate a little and looked outside. His mannerism was like a servant. "Who are you? What do you want?" His tone was unfriendly.
"Yahoo! I am Iriya! I come to play!" Illya cheerfully said with a smile
"Iriya? Never heard that name. This is not a place for a child to play. And especially not for a commoner like you. Go home." He closed the gate.
SLAM
Apparently he was in a very low hierarchy and not privy to the latest secret information.
...
...
...
Illya's cheerful smile changed into scary smile.
"Child? Commoner?" Illya muttered in dangerous tone.
The Servants were wisely silent. They also disliked the rude treatment.
"Never heard of me?" She shrieked. "I will make everyone in this house heard my name and remember it for a hundred years! Nay, a thousand years!"
She summoned Rule Breaker and stabbed the door. The weak version of bounded field that this world used was instantly dispelled.
"Lancer, Rider, Archer. Subdue anyone hostile." Illya gave her order. They changed into battle outfit. "Ah, don't forget your helmets."
Saber also summoned her armor, gauntlets and silver helmet. "What should I do?"
Illya took a stance in front of the frontgate. "Protect me." She reinforced her fist and punch at the big wooden door.
BOOM
The frontgate was crushed. Illya stepped inside the courtyard. The previous servant was running toward them and said "W-wha! What is the meaning of this? Do you know what place is this?"
Illya smiled like an angel. "Yes, I know. The meaning of this? This is an invasion. Berserker! Wreck that building!"
===break===
"No. Do not show that video to our King."
Andrea Rivera was the King's Butler, a nickname he received because he was a chaperone to Italian King Salvatore Doni. He was in a position to prevent the young Campione to make trouble. And he was always getting a headache because of it.
The latest potential trouble was the video of Iriya Rangers.
"If he saw that video, who knows what kind of trouble he would create just to be able to fight them. He would fly to Japan and try to create disturbance. Please, act before you think!" He was now speaking with another young mage from Italian mage association.
"Anyway, he will know about it sooner or later. But it's best if it is later. Just don't help him." He ended the conversation.
===break===
"We humbly welcome Your Majesty to our place. We are very grateful for your mercy that you spared our lives. May we be enlightened about the cause of your displeasure? "
Seishuuin Ran was prostrating herself on the floor. She was the only one of the Four Families Head staying in Kyoto right now.
Iriya suddenly came to the mansion and destroyed the front gate. She and her servants subdued everyone that tried to resist them. When the more elite and stronger mages arrived at the scene, they were either defeated or instantly surrendered.
Ran can't fault those who instantly surrendered. Several of them were the ones who recognized Iriya. They knew that resistance was futile and instantly beg for mercy. The others were merely overwhelmed by the black giant presence.
Ran was immediately informed and greeted Iriya and her servants. She deduced that there must be a reason why Iriya destroyed the front door and the majority of the front wing.
"Berserker, enough. Put that down." Iriya ordered. The black giant was lifting a big boulder from the miniature park.
BAAM
The big boulder was put down and created a big crater.
"This person here." Illya pointed to a person hanging lifeless from a tree. "Called me a child and commoner, and said that he never heard of me. So I thought I will imprint my name to your memories." Illya smiled beautifully. "And people said that a terrifying experience is hard to forget."
Calling a Campione as Commoner? No wonder she got angry. Ran looked at Iriya. She didn't wear her golden armor, but her clothes and appearance can't be recognized. It seemed that the Concealment Authority was active.
"Our utmost apologies. He is just a lowly servant and he has not heard about your exalted name. We tried to limit the information about your identity to prevent leaks." Ran spoke again while prostating.
"Hn. Very well. Your apology is accepted. Now I want to see your Command Center."
"Command Center?" Ran asked, confused.
"You don't have that? A room where there is a big monitor and you give order to the underlings at another place." Iriya spoke while folding her hands.
"...Yes, we have it. Please, come this way."
===break===
Samantha University, Los Feliz, United States of America. In a room of Humanities Faculty, Foreign Language Department. An old African American man and a young caucasian woman with vibrant red hair were in the room.
"This is the latest fad in the world of magic today. Everyone was excited to see a full recording of a Campione's battle."
The man, Professor West, showed a video to Annie Charlton using his office computer. Professor Joe West is a benevolent mage that was known as collaborator to John Pluto Smith.
And Annie Charlton was the real identity of Los Angeles Superhero John Pluto Smith.
"This is very unusual." Annie said while watching. Professor West also nodded. "To record a whole battle between a Campione and Heretic God. This is the first time. Make you wonder how they did it."
"No. I mean, yes there is that, but that's not what I mean." Annie pointed to the monitor. "That flying thing. It was not a divine beast. How many Campione nowadays that can create inanimate things? Usually we transformed ourselves or summoned a flying beast."
"And who is the one making this subtitle comment? Outlandish Flying Vehicle? Iriya Rangers? Red Knight, Blue Knight?" She raised her voice. Professor West tried to sooth her. "Now now, the subtitle will be interesting later. Keep watching."
Annie kept watching and soon her eyes were transfixed to the monitor. After the video ended, finally she said something. "What... was that?"
"Interesting, isn't it. What do you say your chances are, if you fight them?"
"It depends. I need to know if they are five different Godslayers or just one Godslayer that summoned fighters." Annie said while closing her eyes, imagining several scenarios.
"Hm? Why is that?"
"If it was five different Godslayers, then I can ask for one on one fight. The battle can go which way, depending on the compatibility. I would hate to fight someone who can shoot thousand of swords, but I can think of something."
"And if it was only one..?"
"If it was only one Godslayer, and they were only manifestation of her Authority..." She took a deep breath. "I would rather not fight her. I can't see a path to victory."
===break===
Illya was disappointed. The Situation Room, as HCC called it, was small. It was obviously a normal tatami styled meeting room. The big monitors on the wall were added later in a hurried manner.
She expected something like NERV Command Centrer when they battle descending Angels. Oh well, maybe they hadn't got the technology.
"Okay. Show me the giant monster that appeared in the sea." Illya told a granny that was introduced as Ran something.
"Ah.. Our apologies. We had not prepared our surveillance devices. If Your Highness are willing, please be patient and wait while we set it up." Ran said while bowing.
"Eeeh? It need to be set first?" Illya spoke in surprise. After all they didn't set up the giant monitor in anime. "Okay then. While they set up the monitor, you can answer our questions here."
Illya and her four Servants sat down in their usual position. Berserker was in spirit form. They still covered their faces with helmet and wore armor.
Illya motioned Saber to begin questioning. Incidentally, the helmet masked her feminine voice.
"Seishuuin Ran. We would like to know the situation in Kumamoto after we have left. Was there any more trouble? " Saber asked while her eyes keep level gaze to Ran.
"Trouble? Ah, I don't think so. Beside the usual cover up and information control, there was no trouble. Well, there was a big project to restore the national park... but that was expected. In fact, the amount of damage was minimal so we are very grateful. "
Saber nodded and proceed to second question. "What about the Master?"
"Master? I am terribly sorry. I don't understand your meaning." Ran looked really confused.
Saber frowned. Didn't they know that Servant have Master? Or they used different word here? "I mean Master of Nezha. His summoner must still be around."
"Summoner? Ah. We didn't find any. It was possible there was no summoner or they were already dead. Actually, since the Heretic God was already killed, it's not really important. "
Saber frowned. No Summoner? Not important? Heretic God? "Why do you think that the Master is not important?"
Ran said with matter of fact tone. "... That.. That is because summoner is not his master. A Heretic God has no master."
Heretic God. That's twice already she used that term. But if she asked about it, they risked the other party knew that they didn't know. It would show weakness. She telepathically asked Illya.
Illya instructed Saber on what to say after consulting Archer. "I am sorry. It seemed we used different terms in my home country. For reference, what is this country definition of Heretic God?"
Seishuuin Ran stared at Saber silently as if seeing exotic animals. After taking a deep breath, she recited:
"Gods, Heroes, and Divine Monsters that were recorded in the myths. From the essence of the world and the myth human has passed down, they were born. A portion of the gods that reside in the Domain of Immortality rebelled against Myth attributed to them and manifest upon the world. They would wander around the place who give them their names or go to faraway place. They brought disaster according to the powers they held in legend. Simply by being present they could cause calamity to human world around it."
Saber frowned. That was a lot similar to Heroic Spirit. And the domain of immortality can be their terms for Throne of Heroes. She silently discussed it with Illya.
Illya asked Rider about gods, because she had met gods face to face in her lifetime. Rider replied, "Gods were strong. The gods I met were far stronger than Nezha. More than hundred times stronger. Nezha was more like an abnormally strong Heroic Spirit, his power didn't reach the gods I know."
"These gods," Saber asked. "They are generally as strong as Nezha?"
"Yes, though we can't really measure their exact power." Seishuuin Ran answered. "But it was widely known that their power are roughly equal. Some are stronger than the others, but not by far."
"And are you sure they are not human?" Saber continued. "Or biological beings, such as... Vampire? Or maybe... Alien?" There were the Types and True Ancestor and Dead Apostles in their home world, and some of them could match the power of Heroic Spirits.
"No, I am sure." Ran replied with careful tone. "Their bodies are not made from flesh. It materialized from mana and divine power."
"Are you sure they are gods?" Saber asked. "Or you mistake them with Elementals? Or Spirits? Maybe they are supernatural entity that live here?" Saber pressed on.
"They didn't exist in this world before. At one point, they just arrived and... manifested." Ran answered again. Her gaze now showed suspicion to Illya and her Servants. It seemed that these things were common knowledge.
"But beside gods, you also said 'heroes'?" Saber asked again. "So, a legendary hero had manifested in this world before?"
"Yes, for example, a hero named Siegfried had descended before." Ran said.
"But the gods and heroes all have equal power?" Saber asked.
"Well... I think yes." Ran said.
Saber stopped asking and turned to Illya. They discussed the new information. Based on what Rider had said, there was no way the entities that manifested in this world from time to time were real gods. And even if she had become powerful, there was no way Illya could kill a real god.
Also, Nezha and Siegfried were not gods. They had history and carved their legends in this world, becoming Heroic Spirit. And if all the other entities had the same power level, then they all must be the same, Heroic Spirits. But why did people in this world regarded them as true gods?
Illya thought, this must be superstition. These mages relied heavily on religion and gods to chant, so it was not weird that they also claimed that these gods can materialize in the world naturally. That's why the idea of a Master summoning a Heroic Spirit is alien to them.
She telepathically conveyed this to her Servants.
"And this Heretic Gods descended anywhere in the world?" Saber continue asking.
"Yes. They can manifest randomly in any parts of the world."
"Were there any of this Heretic Gods in this country other than Nezha lately?"
"No, in fact it was a long time ago. Maybe around fifteen years ago since one had manifested in this country." Ran replied in subservient manner.
"When was the first time this Heretic Gods appeared?"
"We are not sure. The oldest legend passed down was the fifth century, but it was possible they had existed before that."
Illya was now convinced. This world is ridiculously dangerous. It was not infestation of giant monsters happening. It was a global scale Holy Grail War, and it had occurred for centuries, maybe millennia.
There was no way Heroic Spirits could naturally manifested in this world, and even with superior spiritual body compared to Servants in Fuyuki Grail War. That could only mean something somewhere was summoning them. Illya bet it was another Holy Grail, or something similar. She knew that different worlds must have something that stay the same. 'So even in different world, There is a battle royale between Servants for a magecraft ritual.'
And the worst part was that nobody remembered the origin of the ritual. At one point in history, a group of magi created the framework of Holy Grail War and the summoning of Servants. But they foolishly set the battlefield to the whole planet.
Of course, the Master would be selected randomly from all places on the planet. Even if they didn't know how to summon a Servant, the Holy Grail would summon for them. Even if they have no willingness to participate, just like Shirou.
Of course there was no transportation in the ancient world that can cover the whole earth. Servants can't kill each other if they can't meet. No matter how strong they were, crossing the ocean was too much. The ritual failed, and would always fail for subsequent cycles for several millennia. Only in modern world would this scheme worked. And so the cycle continued until now.
And the original group of magi who set it up perished or completely forgot about it. The knowledge was lost after several generations or destroyed by time
The Masters themselves might not know about it. Even if they knew, maybe they hid it to protect themselves. Who knows what other mages would do if they find out that someone summon hero of legends. And the Servants, wishing for battle but unable to find opponents, began to create trouble and brought disaster.
And with no Gaia in this world, maybe Servants could exist stronger and independent from Master. They might kill Master and be free to wreak havoc. After getting bored for years, they might turn to surrounding populace and kill for entertainment.
In time, people saw them as natural phenomenon. Gods that descended naturally and create trouble. These people didn't know that these were just Heroic Spirits called by Holy Grail. After all, if they were real gods, they couldn't be killed. Gods couldn't be killed, Servants could.
"So, if this Heretic God showed up, what will you do? Do you have countermeasure against them? " Saber asked.
Ran stared at them incredulously for several seconds and answered. "Generally, there were three responses. One, we pray and offer sacrifices to pacify them. Second, we tried to seal them if they are weak gods. Third,... try to defeat them..."
Defeating a Servant? Saber was curious. Have they find a method to defeat Servants? "How do you defeat Heretic Gods?"
"Humans can't hope to oppose a god. But fortunately, Pandora created a ritual in ancient times..."
""Pandora!"" Saber and Illya interrupted Ran by shouting.
"You. You know Pandora?" Illya raised her voice.
"A-a-ah I know of her. Only from story." Ran answered in fear.
"Tell me what you know!" Illya spoke with intimidation.
"P-pandora i-is a goddess. S-she is the one... t-that create ritual... so we h-human can fight... t-the Heretic G-Gods... by her step-p c-children."
Illya remembered about being adopted as a daughter and asked again. "What is this about stepchildren? Speak!"
Ran was very afraid now and spoke in stutters. "P-Pandora stepchildren i-is the o-o-only one t-that... h-have power to f-fight gods."
Illya now understood. This Pandora was an ancient witch that created a very complex and difficult ritual to make a superman. To help humanity fight Servants, she did something like that. And if she still lived now and gave Illya superpower, she must be a very powerful witch. Or a Dead Apostle Ancestor? She must be a True Magician.
"Do you know where is Pandora? Where does she live?"
"N-no."
Oh, maybe she was living secluded somewhere in secret. But if Pandora's child was superman, that means...
"John Pluto Smith. Is he a child of Pandora too?" Illya asked Ran.
"Y-yes. Yes he is."
So Pandora created superheroes with superpowers. And the giant monsters were...
"The giant monsters. What are they?" Illya wanted confirmation.
"They are divine beasts created from a part of Heretic Gods power." Ran had calmed down a little.
So they were created by Servants. Maybe with the same method used by Caster in the 4th Fuyuki Holy Grail War.
But if there were many superheroes, then how many Servants were there? Can it be that there were multiple Holy Grail Wars for every continents?
"How many children of Pandora are there?" Illya asked again. Saber was now silent, giving up her position as spokesperson.
"Until recently, six. But with Iriya-sama and your other companions..." Ran spoke with the silent question. She wanted to know if Iriya was a Godslayer. And what about her four companions?
"Eh? It was only me. Did you guys meet Pandora too? You know, pink haired, twintailed, flatchested, pointy eared?" Illya asked her Servants.
"I think not."
"Don't know her."
"Certainly not."
"No."
Illya turned back to Ran and said, "See, I was the only one adopted. She called me her cutest daughter. The other children were ugly, old, rude, smelly big man! That's what she said!"
Actually, Pandora didn't said that much, but Illya was the only witness, who could dispute her?
Ran gaped at her. She also turned her stare to the four Servants with disbelieving expression.
"Excuse me. Your majesty. The monitor is ready now." A subordinate spoke from the side with a deep bow.
"Alright. You will tell me about these six other children later. Now tell me about this giant monster in the sea." Illya said while taking a cup of tea offered.
=====break=====
Seishuuin Ran was observing Iriya.
She was watching the monitors that now showed photos of giant shadow in the sea. The monitors showed many different images from different camera. There was no livefeed, only slideshow of images. It can't be helped, trying to record it in real time while it swam around was very difficult.
Iriya was a Campione, there was no doubt. She admitted herself that she was Pandora's child.
The problem was the other four or five people. Who were they? Any gods should know Pandora by name, so they were not gods. They also denied knowing about Pandora, could it be that they were unaware of being adopted? It was possible, the story of Campiones had them become amnesiac temporarily after reincarnation. Maybe only Iriya remembered.
"So, what is your plan to defeat this giant monster? If left alone, this monster could create trouble, right?" Iriya asked Ran.
Ran immediately bow and spoke in haste. "Yes we are hoping that the Iriya Rangers would help us..."
"Iriya Rangers?"
Ran panicked by the slip of tongue. "I'm terribly sorry. It was just a silly codename thought up by our younger subordinates. We truly mean no disrespect. It was just the fanclub..."
"Fanclub? I have a fanclub?" Illya's eyes were sparkling.
Ran now was pressed between rock and boulder. She couldn't imagine what Iriya would do if she found out that the other four individuals were the one who had fanclubs, not her. So she did something to save her skin.
"Yes Iriya-sama. You have a fanclub comprised of our younger members. They admired your gallant and heroic figure."
Iriya stood up from her seat and smiling happily.
"Ha ha ha ha! I have a fanclub! Yes, I am Iriya, Vanquisher of All Evil. The One and Only True King. It is obvious that I have a fanclub." Illya folded her hands and raised her nose in a Superior Pose.
The other four were silent and have neutral reaction, as if used to the sight.
Ran thought, after this she would force the merger of four fanclubs and named it Iriya fanclub. No matter how. She absent-mindedly noted the title Iriya used and file it for later.
"Of course this Iriya would take care of this. I am a hero. We are all hero. You can put your mind at ease." She placed her hand on her chest.
"We are truly grateful for your benevolence."
Ran had a thought. It seemed that Iriya was still a child. Then, it would be easy to manipulate her...
"You may think that she is a child. But don't forget that I am advising her. Your plan will fail." Silver Knight suddenly said to Ran.
Ran was shocked. How could this person read her mind? But manipulations have many method. For example, if a handsome young man is approaching her...
"I would squash any cockroach that approach her." The Red Knight interrupted her thoughts.
Scary! They were scary!
"Huh? What are you talking about? Manipulation?" Iriya tilted her head. "I welcome anyone who wants to manipulate me!" She said in happy tone while smiling.
"Because I only have one way in dealing with liars and cheaters." She snapped her fingers and the black giant materialized behind her. "I send Berserker here to deal with them."
"▂▂▃▃▅▅!" The black giant shout boomed in the room.
Ran now was determined. No matter what, she would not try to manipulate Iriya in any way.
A little later, when Iriya was going exploring the mansion, Silver Knight approached her. "There is one more thing. Why did you call Iriya 'Your Majesty'? How do you know that she is a King?"
Ran was totally confused. These Iriya Rangers say somethings very confusing sometimes. "All Child of Pandora was considered King in the world of magic."
"Ah. That is why. So you don't mean she is King in normal sense of the word. Thank you for answering that." The Silver Knight turned and left her.
What did it mean? King in normal sense? Iriya was a real King unrelated to being Campione?
===break===
"So that is the Strongest Steel."
Black Prince Alex had just finished watching Iriya Rangers video. He already had a theory. Combined with his information network, he had gathered enough clues.
The first clue was a name that recorded in a hotel guestbook. Guinevere.
The second clue was a name of a sword. Excalibur.
The third clue was the way those people dressed. Knight Armor.
Fourth clue, the short young girl named as Iriya.
He theorized that Iriya's real identity was Divine Ancestor Guinevere. She somehow gained power as Campione and also recruited several Heretic Gods. It was plausible, she already had one god as protector. Why not adding four more?
But one of them must be The King of The End. The Strongest Steel. He understood now. To be able to create thousands of legendary weapons, that was the true might of the Strongest Steel. He wrote his theory on paper and sent it to Sir Iceman for further investigation.
Of course, few months later he would receive information that disprove his theory, but that was still another story.
===break===
After getting a secluded beach location from History Compilation Committee that was suitable for fighting giant monster, Illya and company went there with Vimana. They also instructed that woman - Ran something - to secure the surrounding area and prevent accidental observer.
"Archer. What are you thinking? " Illya asked Archer who had been silent this whole time. They were still en route to the confrontation site.
"I agreed with your theory about the Rogue Servants. But I feel somethings don't add up. And there were Nezha's weapon." Archer spoke with concerned face.
"What's wrong with his weapon?" Illya tilted her head.
"I can't trace them, or I can but resulted in very degraded copy. I understood most of its production process but there are some unknown parts. It was usual for a Divine Construct such as Excalibur or Avalon. But the Fire Wind Wheel also had this parts." Archer explained.
"So?" Illya still didn't see the problem
"I can't trace Nezha's Fire Wind Wheel well, but I can trace your Proto Fire Wind Wheel almost perfectly. Your version doesn't have unknown parts." Archer demonstrated his point by tracing them and equipping them. He floated and flew from Vimana, doing some aerial maneuver, and landed back to the deck.
"Show off." Lancer said.
Even if they were 'wheels', they were still metal construct with sharp edge, and so could be classified as 'sword'. That's why Archer could copy them.
"The version Nezha has should be downgraded version of the original. He shouldn't have a better version!" Illya said in surprise. The Gate of Babylon had the prototype of all treasures that later spread throughout the world. All other heroes Noble Phantasm was supposedly come from it, or downgraded version from the original that was created later.
"No. It wasn't a better version. Both your version and his version are not better than each other. They are similar, but there are differences in production process."
That didn't make sense to Illya, but they had to stop their discussion because they had arrived.
Illya wore her golden armor and adjusted the power of Veil of Isis. And then she blared her magical and divine aura to maximum. This would lure the giant monster to them.
After around five minutes, Illya felt something. A threat. An enemy. Similar to a Servant but different. Weaker. It was from that direction...
The Vimana suddenly moved, evading an arrow. Rider who controlled it spoke, "Enemy. From that cape!"
On a land below, a shadow of someone wearing armor was holding a bow. It was obvious that this was the thing shooting at them earlier.
"Archer. Kill it." Illya ordered mercilessly.
Archer didn't say anything. He silently shot a B-rank Broken Phantasm as fast as he can. After a explosion and clouds of dust, that thing was gone.
"Weak. Is that the scout?" Illya said with disdain.
"The giant monster is here." Rider informed them. The Vimana could detect it underwater.
"I see the shadow. We should let it surface first before killing it." Saber peering below.
Suddenly, another aura was felt. This time it was from the sky. "A giant eagle. I almost think it was Gidorah." Archer who had sharp eyes told them.
"Rider. Kill." Illya ordered again.
The Vimana opened fire. Laser beams were shot to the giant eagle without mercy.
"It is surprisingly agile. I managed to scratch it but the damage is superficial. " Rider updated the situation.
"Its wings are injured. Its flying become awkward " Archer observed.
Suddenly, there was a presence. This time Illya's fighting spirit raised considerably. Pitch black clouds had arrived and rumbled with thunder. A shadow was formed from dark clouds in the sea, creating giant silhouette in the sky. The body and head were very big, reaching the clouds above. Her hair was quite long. Her posture was graceful.
"My new Lord Hero. I finally found you." That silhouette spoke as if in whisper. That voice was a young woman's voice. Her voice was rich and melodious.
This feeling, there was no mistake. It was a higher ranked Heroic Spirits just like Nezha. With this kind of aura, it was no wonder people think they are real gods.
Illya ordered her Servants to stand down for now. "You are searching for me? "
"Yes. Ufufufu. I have searched for a new love for long time. Almost a month ago I felt it. Your presence, your power. You are the one destined for me." Whispers heard from the sky. The tone of her voice was like a lovestruck teenage girl.
(Phssst. Archer. Isn't she talking about you?), Illya whispered.
(It must be Lancer. He is the lady killer.) Archer whispered back.
(No. My presence was not much. Maybe she felt Saber?) Lancer denied.
(It is possible. I was targeted twice by two Caster. This one has to be Caster.") Saber nodded. She had experienced something similar in the 4th war.
(Maybe we should ask.) Illya whispered again, and then she addressed the Caster. "Umm. Are you sure you are not mistaken? Maybe you are talking about these four handsome and pretty and good-looking mature knights?" Illya spread her hands to offer her Servants.
"Ah? No, not them." Caster glanced to the Servants. "They are surely fine gentlemen, but they fell short of my standard. My lover should be King or Hero-God." Caster then pointed at Rider and said, "and I don't like woman."
"Ah? No, not them." Caster glanced to the Servants. "They are surely fine gentlemen, but they fell short of my standard. My lover should be King or Hero-God." Caster then pointed at Rider and said, "and I don't like women."
Illya didn't understand, and why she didn't think Saber qualified? And Illya was a woman too! This Caster really misunderstood her gender. And couldn't she see her childish body?
"Umm. I think I am too young to have a lover." Illya tried to talk her way out.
"Young? Well, I haven't see you clearly... why is there a fog around you... but these eyes can see the truth. Oh! You truly are young. But it's okay. I love small boys. I can mold them while they are still young. This is most pleasing. Young and already powerful." Caster said with happy chuckle.
It seemed that Caster couldn't see through the Veil completely. She still thought that Illya was a young boy.
(She is a shotacon.) Archer whispered. The other Servants look at him, not understanding the term.
(A girl who like young boys.) Archer whispered again.
"We have a lot to talk about. Please accept my invitation." The shadow said.
The giant eagle with fifteen meters wingspan was homing at them. A giant fifty meter long snake came out to the shore.
"Why are you attacking me if you want to invite me?" Illya shouted, but she already materialized Berserker and signalled the others to intercept.
SQAAAAAAAAAAAAWK!
The giant eagle approached but it was driven away by laser beams. The Vimana raised altitude so the giant snake wasn't a threat.
HIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!
The fifty meter giant serpent roared. Illya thought it was cute, hissing vainly like that.
"You are so powerful that I can't feel safe if I don't chop two or three limbs." Caster replied to her question.
Illya felt a little angry. Chop her limbs? She would chop her pets first. "Berserker!"
Berserker jumped down and charged to the giant snake. He swung his golden axe and began to chop the snake to pieces. The snake tried to resist but it was completely outmatched.
Illya didn't wait to see the scene below. She told Rider to stop attacking and wait for the giant eagle to come near. When it was 20 meters from Vimana, she called Enkidu to bind the bird. That stupid bird was struggling but it couldn't free itself.
"Rider, Archer. Finish it." Illya coldly ordered.
Several laser beams and traced weapons were shot to the bird. It couldn't do anything and died instantly. At the same time, the giant snake also died, chopped in pieces.
"Well. What are you gonna do now? Oh, I haven't got your name." Illya spoke to Caster while smiling. She quickly withdraw Enkidu and Berserker.
"... Aren't you a little too strong?" The silhouette had a rather agitated voice. But soon after she changed her attitude.
"Such power! You are stronger than I imagine. These gentlemen and that lady are your powers, right? Ohohoho you can call me Fire Goddess for now. May I ask your exalted name, my lord hero?"
"No. You have to tell me your name first!"
"Ohoho. No matter. I can know your name anytime I wanted. Your name is... what? Impossible! You...you... you don't exist!"
"Hey, that's rude. I am here."
"I know all things between heaven and earth. Everything in this world, the moment they were created, their records were added to the Akashic Record. You... there is no record about you."
Well that was because she was not from this world, Illya silently thought.
The Servants are whispering amongst themselves.
(Hey, do you think she was familiar somehow?) Archer whispered.
(Indeed. That tone, that accent, that obsession...) Saber also realized.
(You think she is Medea?) Rider asked
(Who else is crazy like that witch? I say it was 50% chance) Lancer said.
Illya also heard her Servants whispering, so she decided to guess blindly and bet on her luck. The similarities between Fire Goddess and Medea could be coincidence, but they could be related too.
"On the contrary I know something about you. You seek love, and a powerful witch. You must be related to Medea of Colchis!" Illya shouted with confidence.
"...how? You know my... You have met her?" Caster almost slipped her relations with Medea. But that clue was enough. She definitely was related to Medea. Mother? Aunt? Daughter? Niece? Cousin?
"Yes. I met her." Illya admitted. "So, you are not interested in Holy Grail?"
"Holy Grail? That little Guinevere's trinket? No, I have no interest."
Another name. Guinevere. Illya filed it for later.
Then she decided to try something. "Hey, I am not interested in love. But how about you forget that and join my army? I will treat you as friend and share the glory of conquering the world." Illya spread her hands in imitation of Iskandar.
"No. I am not interested in world conquest. I am just a woman seeking a hero to love." Caster declined.
"Ehm. I am willing to discuss terms." Illya said hopefully.
(Hey, is she serious?) Archer whispered to Saber.
(I don't think so. It is just a spur of the moment. She want to copy Iskandar speech word per word) Saber replied.
(This is because you two keep telling her story about that man) Lancer said to both of them.
"No. I will come again for you my Lord Hero. A mysterious hero with unknown powers, my heart is beating fast! I will think of another strategy for our next encounter. For now, I will take my leave" The silhouette began to disappear.
"You think you can just leave? If you reject my offer, you die. Rider! Locate her real position. We will attack her temple."
Caster class always built temple /base /workshop with territory creation skill. There were traces of magic from the giant monster and the silhouette that can be detected by Vimana.
"I tracked the source. It was an island quite far away , south of here."
"Full speed. We invade."
========00%00=======
Did you guys foresee that? That was in response to reviewers who think that they should be told the truth. There you have it.
AN
1. I don't understand why they keep misunderstanding
People, no matter how smart, open minded, and intelligent they are, have preconceived notion. They have prejudice, they have a lot of assumptions filtering their perspective. Even if they know that this is different world, something like natural law shouldn't be different. They would try to understand things by the framework of something they know.
Let me give you an example. Suppose you were transported to another world. One day, you see a married couple go to a temple and pray. And then they later tied a paper with their names on it on a sacred tree branch in the temple courtyard. When you asked them what did they do, they answered that this is how they got a child. They asked the god for a child.
What would you think? Normally you would dismiss it as superstition, or tradition, or belief, or just a good luck charm. Because EVERYONE know that people got a child by the act of reproduction through intercourse, right?
Imagine how surprised you are when few months later, the branch of the sacred tree bear fruit and a child come out from that fruit. The paper tied there identify the parents, because there are many other fruits.
Basically, that is how Illya and friends saw the world of Campione. I planned to eventually make them realized the truth, but It was more logical at this point to keep misunderstand. They are at the stage of hearing the story and not seeing them with their own eyes.
The fruit-child mentioned above was a world of Juuni Kokki.
2. True Rho Aias
I just upgraded regular one to 10 petals. I think I read about 10 petals version somewhere. For the reviewer who said about the canon original, I never heard of them and I can't find it referenced anywhere.
There is Shield of the God, featured in Prisma Illya, but that was different.
3. What about Liliana, Erica, etc
I want to try including them. But I don't want Godou to become Campione. His personality is not to my taste.
You can give me suggestions on why would the girls involved with Illya. Something normal, plausible, and not forced.
4. Iriya
I got this from Prisma Illya anime. If you noticed, Illya's room got a sign in front of it hanging on the door, the sign name was in katakana and it spelled: I-RI-YA.
So the name actually canon. Yes, I know that Japanese have no R.
5. Illya's Command Spell on her body
I will accept someone suggestion and make it 3 times per day. It will be regenerated the next day