Chapter 13
Argenta VS Sparta
Chaldea made their journey back to Rome only to be run into an active battle between the United empire and Roman Sentinels armies. Doomguy ran below deck to wake up the sleeping Masters and Servants while Vega was scouting out the battle. The sentinels were outnumbered but holding strong due to each Soldier being a servant. However, the invading army appears to be stronger than the forces they fought before. The moment the ship hits land, Nero was quick to jump into the fight to assist her people with Chaldea behind them. A Sentinel scout spots the returning group and runs up to take them to Commander Valen.
"Praetor Valen! What is the situation?" Nero asked.
"Our forces were preparing for your return but have crossed paths with the enemy. It is good to see that you all have returned safely. I assume that the nest was dealt with?" He looked at Doomguy and got the expected nod.
"Yes the beasts are not taking over my Rome anytime soon. Now, We must deal with the forces in front of us." Nero said as a servant jumps over the frontlines and faces against the sentinel warriors.
"No, You must return to Rome and plan our next move. My forces will deal with the enemy emperor." Valen said as a blue portal opened up behind them.
"If you are facing another emperor then you need our help!" Mashu asked, not wanting to leave them behind. Valen shook his head as battles like these were fought throughout a sentinel's lifetime.
"You forget, young one, We are sentinel. We are forged for battle from birth until we fall. That is the way for the people." Valen said accepting his role in defending this era from Destruction
"Empress Nero, We got lucky the nest was far away from any civilians. If the Demons invade again, no doubt they will double the death and destruction. You must end this war to save your people" Valen said with a deeply serious look in his eyes.
Nero turned silent from her allies' words, she thought she'd be done with the Demons after the nest was destroyed. She looked to the slayer, the bane of the demons and a hero in her eyes for an answer. He nods, he has seen the destruction of not only his own world but the fall of the sentinel people. Romani and Vega suggested that the singularities are the only path the Demons can use to reach this world.
"Very well, I hate to leave an ally behind. I wish you luck, Praetor Valen, and thank you for helping my people." Nero said as she headed for the portal. Ristuka, Gudao and Mashu look at each other concerned but Valen was right, they needed to find that Grail sooner rather than later. They followed Nero into the portal with doomguy tailing behind them.
"Slayer," Valen called out, stopping Doomguy.
"King Novik and the spirits of argenta will do their best to help you on your journey but even they have limits. Only finding your true strength will be the only way to assure your victory." He said before running into a heated battle of a servant knocked around many sentinel warriors. Doomguy watches him before entering the portal, leaving Valen to his battle.
Leaving no time to spare, Valen gets to the middle of the fight where a man in roman armour wielding both spear and shield was defeating many sentinel warriors. Valen knew this had to be the leader of the enemy army and was taking the fight into his own hands. Their eyes meet and the enemy servant removes his foot that was pinning an allied warrior.
"Answer me, are you the leader of this army?" The servant asked under his brass helmet that had a burning flame atop it.
"I am Commander Valen of the army of Agenta." Valen answers respectfully.
"Ah, A fellow leader in the ways of war. I will give you my name in return. I am King Leonidas of sparta. I am of the lancer class and part of the united empire. You must be part of the foreign group of warriors my scouts have been telling me about." Leonidas stopped for a brief moment.
"Well, the scouts that were able to make it back alive. Your people are mighty and ruthless." He continued as both he and Valen walked in a circle while both facing each other.
"We are raised to be warriors from Birth to the day we fall. That is the way of Argenta." Valen answered as both armies watched their leaders face off.
"You and your warriors would've lived well in my home of Sparta. The training ground our cradle, and the battlefield our tomb. It is a shame that we must fight on opposite sides." Leonidas said.
"The feeling is mutual." Valen said.
There was a pause...as both leads stared each other down, waiting for one to hit the first strike. Valen brings his hammer up for a guard as Leonidas dashes forward with his spear. Sparks fly as Valen holds his ground against the King of Sparta, they break away as the Sentinel warrior swings his hammer. Leonidas brings up his shield and blocks the red energy hammer with his strength. He holds his guard up against Valen's blows that could shatter many men with one swing. Leonidas thrusts his spear when an opening appears, Valen dodges at the last second but still gets his arm grazed by the blade. The man backed away as his blood dripped onto the desert floor.
"Your guard is commendable. No doubt it's what brought you to your title as a heroic spirit." Valen said, raising his hammer.
"It's to compensate for your lack of armour, it keeps you mobile while still providing protection. Our people did the same...Once upon a time." Valen then tosses his hammer at him. Leonides deflects ready for a follow-up from his foe but was hit was a bone-crushing punch to the face. It was followed by a kick to the jaw, shattering the bronze helmet. Valen used his armour's dash thrusters to close the distance and get past his guard The Lancer servant was sent skidding across the ground but got himself back up to charge with his spear. Valen was without his hammer and a form of guard but he wasn't worried. He stands his ground and counter punches Leonidas back.
"Guh…" Only if he was a little bit faster. The Spartan was able to stab his foe in the torso before getting punched back. The spear broke his armour and drew blood that was flowing from him.
"Tell me, what do you fight for?" Leonidas said as he stood back up. His red eyes glaring at him as his hair flowed in the wind.
"Huh?" Valen said.
"I said why are you here, you are warriors from a foriegn land. As a servant I have no knowledge of such warriors." Leonidas asked.
"We are here...To help the Slayer and his allies!" Valen said, picking up his hammer and ran at him.
"Thermopylae Enomotia!" Leonidas yelled, deploying his Noble Phantasm that creates multiple Sparta shields in Phalanx formation around him. It didn't stop Valen from using his armour's boosters to charge the shield with his hammer. His hammer slams against the shields but they are holding. Valen keeps pushing, seemingly hopeless against this impenetrable defence of Sparta legends.
"A single man cannot hope to break my guard! It is hopeless! You will fail!" Leonidas said as Valen kept pushing on his hammer.
"Do not judge the power a single man can wield!" Velan does another swing even stronger than the last.
"Then show me! Show me what makes you raise your hammer to fight!" The King of Sparta challenged. Valen pauses, for all of his life it was for his family and Sentinel honour. Sadly, both were lost to him when he went mad and helped the Demons consume the Sacred Wraiths. Dooming his people to the lies of the Maykr's, putting his son's soul into eternal torment and leaving to be branded a traitor. A Betrayer.
Until the Slayer returned, he didn't believe that a single man could undo the damage he caused...Then, one day, the Betrayer's son appeared in front of him in spirit; he didn't say anything but his smile said millions of words.
He was forgiven.
"I will show you the strength of not just a man, but a betrayer that will correct all of his mistakes!" Valen steps back and raises his hammer to the sky.
"Let my sins power the strength to correct them, Let the memories fuel my redemption. I raise my hammer for my kings! HELLBREAKER!" Valen yelled as his hammer burst into an inferno. He slams it against Thermopylae Enomotia, the impact sending out beams of light into the sky!
Valen Yelled as he put all his strength into his hammer, so Leonidas did the same, keeping his shield together.
"AAAGGGHHH!" Valen yelled, going beyond his limits causing cracks to appear on Thermopylae Enomotia. He will put an end to the false emperor, he will not let another proud civilization fall to the darkness of hell. The cracks grow larger as to Leonidas' amazement and respect. He'll see what this warrior has planned to the very end, that was his decision. He raises his spear for a javelin throw as his barrier shatters, causing a massive explosion that could be seen for kilometres. Both armies waited for the dust to settle to see who was still standing after the blast. Once it cleared there was a clear winner, Commander Valen.
Leonidas laid on his back, body scorched but not so sad about his loss. It was a battle between great warriors, nothing more that he can ask for. Raises his fist into the air.
"Troops, Our battle ends. Return to your families. " He said as his army obeyed the order and retreated.
"Just as I thought, huh? Came to a battle with nothing to protect… He then fades away as the dust clears around his opponent.
"Commander!" The knights ran to his aid as he was impaled by the lancer's spear. He coughs up blood and falls backwards as the spear disappears leaving a gaping wound.
"We need our apothecary and healers now!" A captain called out as the soldiers surrounded their fallen leader.
"Don't worry sir! We will stabilize you and get you to Rome!-" the Captain's words were stopped by Valen grabbing his arm.
"No…it is too late for me…" Valen said coughing.
"But sir-!" Valen tightens his grip.
"This is not the end for me...This body is just a projection by our king. Unlike the rest of you, I will return to my physical body." He then sets himself up ignoring the pain.
"I do have one question for all of you. Why did you follow my orders this whole time? Even after what I did to the wraiths and our home." He asked his troops and there was silence until the captain spoke up
"It's because we forgive you. All of us." He gestures to the rest of the troops and each one gives a bow of respect.
"Our people have suffered too much from the lies of the Khan Maykr and her priests. We all made that mistake, so we shall redeem our sins together...For King Slayer." He said and all the soldiers stood at attention.
"KAR EN TUK!" They chanted as Valen began to fade in blue light.
"Thank you...However, the battle isn't over! Go help the empress of roses! She has her goals and we have ours. Keep the Demons at bay and prove that you are worthy to fight by the Slayer's side! For our king!" Valen shouted as he stood up raising the Hellbreaker to the sky!
"KAR EN TUK! RIP AND TEAR! " They all shouted.
Memories and Preperation
Nero sits on her throne, safe in her beloved city of Rome along with Chaldea. A look of guilt is present on her face as she didn't want to leave Valen behind. She let the people of Chaldea rest after they planned to assault the base of the remaining emperor and were waiting on intel from one of her generals. Mashu and Gudao were peacefully sleeping while Ritsuka was mumbling.
"...No...Don't...Go…" Ritsuka tossed and turned in her sleep. She eventually woke up with tears in her eyes. The dream was of her family before someone was taken away from it. Such memories always make her feel sad and wish that she could go back to those days.
She looked around to find her friends still asleep and it was the middle of the night. The young novice mage decides to get up for a short walk to help her fall asleep again. She walked around the palace of Nero and admired marble architecture.
"So, that is his story among the Sentinels?" A familiar voice echoed down the hall. Curious, Ritsuka quietly walks towards the voices while listening in.
"Yes, Valen Exiled himself after that portion of Argent d'Nur was dragged into hell. Damning the Sacred Wraiths to the dark realm and cutting off the Sentinel loyalists from their empowered weapons." Vega said, conversing with Boudica and Nero.
"That's...Really sad. He seems like such a passionate warrior." Boudica said with Nero agreeing with her.
"His son, being turned into such a monster...I hope someone was able to grant him mercy." Nero said. Vega was giving the story of Valen the Betrayer to Nero and Boudica as they all ran into each other due to servants not needing sleep.
"The Doomslayer did just that. He fought the Icon of Sin which was born from the heart of his son. Now it would appear that Valen sees himself in an incredible debt to The Slayer." Vegas explained as both women now have even more respect for Doomguy for freeing Valen from his pain. After some more small talk, they all take their leaves and Vega hovers past Ritsuka who was hiding.
"I know you are there Master Ritsuka." Vega said without turning around.
"Eek!" Ritsuka said, falling out of her hiding spot and Vega hovers over to her.
"You should be resting. I predict that the upcoming battles will be our last in Rome." He said.
"S-sorry I woke up and could fall back to sleep so I was walking around and heard you guys talking." Ritsuka said sheepishly.
"Is there a problem, Master Ritsuka? Perhaps nervousness from the upcoming" Vega asked but Ritsuka shook her head.
"I..I had a dream about my family back home." Ritsuka said. This wasn't surprising to the AI as both masters were youths, and taken from their families under short notice by Chaldea. According to the approved Master's lists, they were accepted due to their tests showing very abnormally high servant compatibility. They were late additions and were rushed through the testing right before the attack on Chaldea. All of this adds to the theory that both Ritsuka and Gudao were homesick.
"I am sorry, If there is anything you want to talk about I do my best to listen." Vega offered but Ritsuka began to rub her eyes as the urge to rest called back to her.
"Maybe another time…" She said with a yawn and walked back to her room to sleep. She gets back into the room without waking her teammates and curls up back into bed. Before drifting back to sleep, she thought about the rabbit and the voice from her dreams. The Rabbit was Daisy, a pet that he loved very much but what about that voice?
"Doomguy...who are you?"
This was it, The United empire was routed and the Imperial army was cutting through the enemy territory with great haste. They were to rendezvous with Boudica, Spartacus and Two other Generals before the final assault. It was a race against the clock as the longer the United empire was around, the higher the risk of Demons causing more damage. With quick speed, they reached their allies and were surprised to find the Remaining sentinel forces with them as well.
"Ah! Good to see you all made it here in one piece!" Boudica said while giving Mashu and Ritsuka a big hug. Both girls look at Gudao for help from this death hug, but all he can do is shrug. Nero and Doomguy went to go speak to her troops and get the word about what happened to Valen.
A woman in white eastern looking clothing approaches the group
"I take it you must be our allies we have heard so much about. I am Jing Ke. Assassin Class. I am a guest commander like Boudica. And this…" Jing Ke then gestures to a fearsome looking warrior in Blue armour.
"His name is Lubu Fengxian, A fearsome General from China's history. Unfortunately he is a Berserker so he's unable to speak." She said introducing her ally.
"We are kind of used to that. I'm Ritsuka. Here is my fellow Master Gudao, His trusty servant Mashu, and Doomguy. Our own Berserker." Ritsuka introduces everyone and Jing Ke looks at the Slayer and Bows with respect.
"Good to meet you all. I was personally drawn here to take a chance at killing multiple rampant rulers but here I am acting like a General. Totally opposite from what I did back in my day. Lucky Lubu handles the battlefield work in my stead" The assassin said as Lubu lets out a low growl.
"Jing Ke, Famous rebel assassin that attempted to put an end to Qin Shi Huang's Dictatorship via assassination. Her tactics involved teaching the peasants the wonders of reading and writing." Vega said from reciting data from Chaldea's database.
"Wow! Nice to meet you Jing ke." Gudao said while offering a handshake. Jing Ke accepted while studying the boy up and down. She could tell that he, with Ritsuka, were well acquainted with combat as masters.
"Likewise. Because of your actions earlier, Boudica didn't get captured by the enemy." Jing Ke said after Boudica let the two girls go.
"Wait. Boudica was in trouble?" Romani said, causing Jing Ke to draw her knife at the new voice. With a quick explanation, she sheathed her blade with a look of embarrassment.
"Oh don't worry too much I had it all under control." Boudica tried to play it off.
"Are you sure?" Ritsuka looked concerned for Boudica.
"Alright, I will admit things got a little hairy at one point but without their leaders I was able to hold out until Jing ke's reinforcements." She buckled from the trio's concerned look in their eyes.
"Anyways, You guys want some intel about some Wizard working with the enemy?" The assassin asked.
"Yes! That would be extremely helpful as that person might be our true enemy." Romani said.
"Out for vengeance. I like it. Well, from what we were able to collect. He's the bastard that roped in most of the servants into working against Rome. Latest reports suggest he never left the United Empire Capital. Sound like your guy?" She asked.
"Most likely. Sounds like just what happened on our previous journey." Romani said, Now that they know that Leff is in the remains of the enemy territory.
After greeting the new servants, the trio was left alone while the others prepared. Ritsuka was playing with Fou until he noticed Gudao watching Mashu as she warmed up on some practice targets projected by Vega. Those two got really close to each other real fast ever since Fuyuki. Both were pretty well in sync with each other and got along well...Like a couple…
Ritsuka then got an Idea, A VERY devilish Idea.
"Fou?" Fou yelped.
"Don't worry about it, little guy. I am just going...get them closer…" She then walks over to her black hair colleague while he wasn't paying attention. Once Ritsuka was right behind him she leaned over his shoulder.
"Enjoying the view?" She said
"Ye-wait what?!" Gudao said, startled and nearly fell off the rock he was sitting on. Ritsuka just smiled at him with a weird look in her eyes.
"So you like watching our little kouhai?" Ritsuka said, looking towards Mashu as the demi-servant trained.
"Well yes..Not in a weird way! Just…I'm her master so of course I have to watch her in combat!" Gudao stammered feeling his cheeks turn red which brought amusement to Ritsuka.
"Oh really? She's not your type? Ah I get it?" Ritsuka said.
"W-what? No I am not saying that she isn't..! Gah!" Gudao was getting more embarrassed and angry at the red-headed words.
"I guess then I should take a crack at her then?" Ritsuka winked.
"What! No I…!" Gudao then paused.
"You are yanking my chain aren't you?" He said calming down and unamused. Ritsuka then bursts out with a big belly laugh after a few seconds.
"Yep, but you should've seen your face! Relax, I am just rustling your jimmies." She said, wiping tears from her eyes. Gudao let out a sigh of relief that her taunts were over and we're glad that Mashu didn't hear any of that.
But there was one burning question.
"Ritsuka, were you joking about...Being interested in-" Gudao said.
"Don't worry about it, Gudao." She said with a smirk and again caused Gudao to blush, however, he felt odd...Relieved.
"Hello Senpai's. We just got a message from Nero" Mashu said, approaching them along with Vega.
"What's up? Are we heading out?" Her master asked, noticing Mashu's depressed frown on her face. Which was odd as it looked like she was having fun training.
"Preparations are complete but I have just received some news from the Sentinels. Valen was successful in defeating the enemy Emperor from yesterday. His name was Leonidas, King of Sparta. Both agreed to a duel, both have fallen." Vega gave them the news on what Happened to Valen.
"...Dammit." Gudao cursed while Ritsuka remained silent, she remembered his story of repentance to the slayer.
"Is he...gone for good?" Gudao asked while hoping for a chance to see him again
"Not likely, he wasn't dead back in our world. We are likely to see him again if King Novik is still helping." Vega said. The Trio has yet to meet the king of the warrior race and were very thankful that he was helping them. Now wasn't time to mourn the death of allies as they were needed on the battlefield.
"I hope we get to see valen again, I want to thank him for helping us." Ritsuka said before they all return to the main combat force being led by Nero. They discovered that the enemy wasn't holding out in an encampment or fortress, but a city made in the image of Rome. Regardless, The Emperor of Roses stood in front of her troops to give a speech.
"I stand in front of you today to see the end of the united empire once and for all! Our journey here fought hard and I understand you are weary from not only this false empire but the Demons as well. But we all pushed through that's to you and our allies from a far off land." Nero gestures to all of her friends: Her Servant Generals, Chaldea and Sentinels.
"...Without them, our losses would've been catastrophic. It's because of them you all get to sleep at night with your families. Not ever asking for anything in return, even after losing one of their own. So let's pay them back by fighting Rome one last time!" Nero shouted and her people cheered for their Emperor.
"Wow, She really knows how to give a speech. Even I feel a boost of morale from her words." Mashu said, watching the speech with Gudao and Ritsuka. She noticed that Doomguy was standing in front of the Sentinel troops as if he was about to give them a speech like Nero.
"You don't think…?" Romani said wondering if he'll get to hear the guy talk. The Sentinels stood at attention to their warrior king, the man who was once an outcast and became one of their own through combat.
Doomguy walks from one of the formations to the other until stopping with Lucifer's Bane in hand and raises the double-barreled sword of justice into the air.
The Sentinels all cheer and chant:" KAR EN TUK!"
"They just accept that?" Romani facepalmed at the staggering difference between the two leaders' motivational techniques.
"What can you expect? That's just how he is, All action, few words. It's a blessing that Vega and I are around to handle the talking. Kinda cool though, like one of those silent protagonists in video games." Ritsuka added while observing her servant.
"What does 'Kar En Tuk' mean by the way?" Gudao asked.
"Rip and Tear." Ritsuka answered the boy's question
"Wait, you understand Ritsuka senpai?" Mashu looked amazed but Ritsuka shook her head.
"It just popped into my head. I don't know, he's been killing demons for a long time without stopping at all... Not until it is done." She said with a sad look in her eye.
United Rome
The battle begins, Siege weapons are unleashed against the approaching Imperial armies. Fire rained from the sky but that did not deter the Roman Armies as they covered the main strike force led by Chaldea and Nero.
"I hope we can find the court mage!" Mashu said running along behind her master.
"You mean Leff?" Gudao asked
"I can't say for sure, but it's a strong possibility." She said as they reached the gates.
"Ground team, be extremely careful. Who knows what will happen if we run to the owner of the grail. A dragon was summoned with it's power last time and it brought the demons to our world. Anything can happen at this rate." Romani warned as they stood in front of the gates.
"Warning! Servant signature detected." Vega warned and everyone got into battle stances.
"...brave ones." A man appeared, jumping from the heights above.
"You are truly brave, and that is why you rule over the current rome" A Tanned man in bronze armour wielding a lance made of ruby red stone.
"Visual confirmation. The target is right in front of us." Vega said and Doomguy loaded his shotgun.
"Is he...Talking to us? It seems Nero heard him too." Mashu said.
"I see. So you are Nero? How adorable. How beautiful. How gorgeous. I can see how you held Rome up with those slender arms of yours.." The man said, looking at her with his red eyes.
"Now come. The past, the present, the future. All that is Rome loves you." He said, extending his arm towards Nero which seems to cause a revelation.
"What? What's No, I-I can't would...that..even be..possible. No, no, but…" Nero seemed very confused about this individual.
Mashu spoke up: "Nero? You don't look well. Did someone cast some spell on you-"
"I'm not detecting any traces of magical energy. It's probably not due to magecraft or servant skills" Romani said which brought more concern on what has her so distraught.
"He is the founder of Rome. Romulus." Vega spoke up and everyone was stunned as the man smiled and nodded.
"How did you know?" Ritsuka asked, surprised.
"It was one of many hypotheses I had created for the data I have collected. We have been fighting Roman emperors from past and future. The odds of the Founder of Rome being summoned was very high." Vega stated.
"So you knew that it could happen? Us fighting the god that made the country I rule?" Nero said slightly disheartened that Vega would withhold this information.
"I am sorry. I highly respect you Emperor Cladius. I didn't want to let my hypothesis cause you more stress." The AI apologized.
"You are a very observant fellow. Yes, I am Romulus so I AM Rome. Now come, come back to Rome, my dear child. It's Rome. Rome is the true leader of the United Empire-." Romulus' words ended when Doomguy stood between them.
"Why do you, an outsider, deny Rome their peace? Clearly She needs the help of The Holy Progenitor." Doomguy aims his chaingun at the servant, Ignoring his words.
"Can't you see a young child? They are your real enemies. They step in the way of Rome.
"None of what you say is true! Vega said, hovering beside Nero who was shocked at his raised voice.
"You decided to go against what she believed in. You risked the lives of the people of Rome with this pointless war and sullied the image of Rome linege…" Vega's words resonated with everyone around him, even Doomguy.
"...However, your worst transgression is: Letting the demons take control of your own and risk everything in the process." Vega words sunk deep into Nero. It...brought warmth to her heart in a way that should've never happened before…but still felt so familiar.
"Vega's Right! You weren't there to help Iskander and his allies when they decided to stop the Gore nest! Where were you in all of this?!" Ritsuka yelled, feeling her anger grow at Romulus playing with Nero's belief.
"I..." Romulus was surprisingly stunned. His words were stopped by a mere familiar and a child.
"Holy Progenitor." Nero said Raising her sword as it burst into flames.
"I have a duty to my people and a debt to be paid. I will end this war so that everyone can finally be at peace.
If that means striking down the founder of my beloved city. So be it!" Nero with fire in her voice
"Praetor Slayer." Nero said and Doomguy revs up his chaingun.
"As one ruler to another. Kar En Tuk!" With her words the Slayer fires a hailstorm of Bullets at Romulus as he twirls his lance, blocking the bullets.
"Come, Child. Come to Rome." He said before vanishing into spirit form.
"We can't let them get away! Into the city! Leave all non-combatants
unharmed. Be on your guard!" Nero yelled as they ran into the city with the Roman army behind them.
The city inside was a near replica of Rome, right down to the marble tiles. It was slightly disturbing to the Roman emperor but she had to keep pushing for humanity's sake.
"I have never seen Nero This determined before." Gudao said as he supported Mashu against the enemy soldiers that were pushing onto Nero's position.
"Yes, Senpai. Vega's words really got through to her." Mashu said as they fought through the city. Ritsuka was right behind Doomguy who was making quick work of the enemy forces. He was restraining himself on the troops resorting to only his fist and their own weapons. Surprisingly his Berserker rage wasn't kicking in so he was able to not maim the soldiers. The battle turns to the favour of the Romans as all of the generals lead the charge towards the capital builds.
"The generals have returned! Victory is within our grasp! Glory to her majesty, The Emperor!" The soldiers chanted as they crushed the enemy forces. During the final push, Jing Ke and Boudica had a quick discussion on Nero's current mental state along with Chaldea.
"...I see, the founding ruler. So that's why she's acting like that. Such a gloomy face would affect morale" Boudica said.
"Emperor Nero? I wouldn't worry about it too much. Vega seems to get through to her. Founding ruler or not, letting demons invade is unforgivable in her eyes." Jing Ke said as she cleaned her knife.
"Right. Vega, The Slayer and the Sentinels gave it their all for this...Still she must feel responsible for Valen's death." Boudica then looks over the battles that filled the streets.
"Well, Right now we are fighting human soldiers,and the boss is hiding in the palace. It should be fine but...If that founder shows up again then I hope Doomguy can help her." Boudica said as she observed even the civilians were taking up arms and attacking the Roman forces.
"The Morale of the United Empire Troops is strangely high. The soldiers were all ready to sacrifice themselves. More so, each capital civilian is acting like a soldier, and attacking our troops on sight." Boudica observed the terrifying power of Romulus's words making normal people act like moths to a flame.
"You think it's why Doomguy is going easy on them? Because they could be civilians?" Gudao asked Ritsuka.
"Maybe, he seemed to be very calm ever since the Gore Nest was destroyed." She answered as her servant resorts to using his fists and smaller firearms to easily overpower the human enemies.
"Perhaps seeing demons destroyed allows him to think clearly? His madness enhancement seems to be more of an impairment to him rather than a boost?" Boudica said, comparing her experience with Spartacus and the Slayer.
"It's a valid hypothesis, although there still need more data to confirm." Vega said.
"Could it be that Doomguy-san being a berserker is actually affecting him negatively?" Mashu pondered as she took a sip from a cantine.
"Like Vega said, we don't have enough data on that to answer it. Right now we need to focus on the battle at hand." Romani said as Nero regrouped with Doomguy as there was a calm moment in the heart of this battle. The Slayer used to be a soldier and killing the enemy wasn't new to him, however, he wasn't human anymore... it felt wrong to use his full strengths against a man that had no chance against him. So, he stuck with using his pistol and fists as they were enough to deal with human soldiers.
"Praetor Slayer, May I have a word with you? It will be quick." The crimson sword wielder asked and after Doomguy confirmed Ritsuka was safe, he obliged.
"I am sorry about what happened to Valen, I wished to stay and help him but perhaps he knew that this war needed to end. I think I understand more now that we need to end this conflict so that those...Beasts don't get another chance." She said with a sad look in her eyes.
"I am very grateful for you and your people coming to aid Rome in it's time of need...so I have something I need to ask of you." Nero said and Doomguy continued to listen.
"I won't lie that I am wary of fighting the great founder, but I know all this madness will end when he falls." She steps closer to him and extends her hand.
"So I ask of you, will you help me defeat the hero of the land that made me it's fifth emperor?" Nero asks him the question that she should already have the answer to, but this was something more than just asking for help.
Over his time in Rome, Doomguy felt a little nostalgic as it reminded him of his time at Argent D'nur and its people. As the mission continued he saw Nero's devotion to fighting and Protecting Rome, even after facing the Demons of Hell she still stood strong. Her blade was sharp as her heart was burning with passion that accepted all that came to her city.
However, none of that matters more to the Slayer than two things.
She killed the Demons and protected the innocent.
Doomguy Nods and shakes her hand and the 5th Roman Emperor let a beaming smile grow on her face.
Nero Claudius has earned the Slayer's Respect. Something she has been trying for since Valen first told her about him.
"Umu, Thank you! Now Let's head for the Palace!"
Hidden Corruption
With one final push, they reach the palace and kick open front gates as they charge in. Jing Ke guided them through the palace as she scouted the place before the siege. As they opened the doors to the throne room, Romulus was standing in the centre of the room as if waiting for them
"..here you are, Beloved child." He said calmly as Nero stepped forward.
"Umu, I am Here! O proud founder of our great nation, King Romuluus!" Nero said.
"...Splendid radiance. In that case Should I call out your name 'Emperor'?" Romulus said.
"Oh, there's no need. Call me what you did just now-Whether it's past, present or future. I am the one and only fifth emperor of Roman Empire! Holy Progenitor, O King Romulus! I hereby challenge you with my warriors, my swords!" Nero challenged the man that birthed Rome.
"I'll allow it, Nero Claudius. Show me you can trample over Rome's love with your Love. Behold! My spear-" Rome is here!" Romulus yelled as a wave an energy pulses out of him.
"An enemy Servant is approaching. Speculated class is Lancer. Battle Commencing. Masters,your orders." Vega said.
"Come at me Visitors of Rome!" Romulus charges forward at Nero but Mashu blocks the spear with her shield. Mashu stomps her left leg into the floor for support as she parries the spear back leaving him open to a Rocket from doomguy. Romulus takes the blast but falls back to change targets.
"So this is the king of the warriors from a distant land. Come at me! Show me that you are worthy of Rome's love" He said to Doomguy.
The Doomslayer fires a volley of micro missiles as the opening attack as he closes the distance. Romulus uses his speed to dodge most of the explosives but it was with a ballista bolt followed by a few frag grenades.
"Romulus can surely take a hit. Mashu keeps it up, he has to have a limit" Gudao noticed as even The berserk servants of Orleans struggled against him.
"He could be being powered by the grail itself. We're going to need to go all out on this." Romani stated while scanning Romulus. He noticed abnormal energy readings from him for a brief moment but it could've been anything. Doomguy drop kicks Romulus followed by Jing Ke stabbing him in the back with her knife. Romulus grabs the woman by the leg before she could escape and slams her into the wall.
"Gahh!" She grunted as Romulus then threw her right into the walk shattering a pillar on them.
"Jing ke!" Nero and Ritsuka yelled. Both run-up to the bloodied assassin.
"Don't worry! I got you!" Ritsuka said she used her mystic code to heal her while Nero looked mortified at why the Holy Progenitor did.
"This Brutality isn't like him." She said turning around seeing Romulus fighting like a beast rather than a hero. The Aura of Rome's love that radiated from him has become twisted and tainted by something dark.
"It can't be…" Something dark and sickening struck Nero's thoughts.
"What is it, Emperor Nero?" Ritsuka asks as she manages to keep Jing Ke alive. Nero remains silent as she is trying to cope with the realization. Jing Ke coughs up blood as she pushes herself back up.
"Wait! You're still hurt." Ritsuka said.
"No, I won't stand down...Not for what that bastard has done…" The tyrant killer said with venom in her voice.
"What do you mean? What did Romulus do-" Ritsuka stopped due to the
sound of Romulus screaming as his torso was cut by a chainsaw.
Doomguy had the upper hand thanks to Mashu distracting him with her abilities.
"I can't…" Romulus grunts as if fighting some sort of urge as his wounds heal.
"He's healing!?" Gudao said while supporting Mashu.
"...I won't use it...My love for Rome is enough…" Romulus grunted as he raised his spear once more dashed at Doomguy with sudden hatred. Doomguy narrowly dodges the attack with his boosters and drops an ice grenade on Romulus. It doesn't affect him at all, even the firstborn Barons freeze on the spot and ready to get riddled with buckshot.
"I will defeat you all...for all..R-GAAAH!" Romulus screamed as the flesh of his spear arm contorted and twisted as if it had a mind of its own.
"You are weak" A dark voice came out from the shadows.
"No! I don't need your curse. I will defeat them on my...ARGH!
"You are nothing, I shall take over…." Cancerous tumours began to grow and spread to the rest of his body.
"No, Holy Progenitor! Why!? Why Side with the Demons! I thought you Loved Rome, our people!" Nero cried.
"I got confirmation! It's just like with Caligula! He's been corrupted! Watch out everyone!" Romani warned.
"GAHHH!..Nero!...Slayer! Kill...me…." His voice turned dark as his eyes turned pure red with blood. He was now under hell's control, which brought horror to Nero. She falls to her knees. First, her own family and now someone that was a Holy Icon was there nothing left that won't fall to its corruption.
"No...why...Why?" She fell into a pit of despair, her eyes welling up with tears. She wanted to believe that Romulus would've reprimanded what Caesar did but he was conspiring with hell all this time!
"What's wrong with Nero?" Mashu asked while blocking the ravaging attacks of the Possessed Servant.
"She just saw the symbol of Rome fall to the temptations of the Demons. I hate to say this but I'd bet she is questioning herself if she is even worthy to be the fifth emperor" Jing Ke said painfully pushing herself up as Ritsuka was still patching her up.
"Arrggh!" Romulus screamed as what appeared to be blood covered roots came shooting out of his body and attacking everything in sight. They whipped Mashu with the force of a thousand tyrants, she managed to land on her feet but her arm was heavily bruised.
"Mashu!" Gudao ran to her as Doomguy went full-auto shotgun against the assault of Hell Roots.
"I'm fine. Senpai...but that attack was like a Noble Phantasm in strength!" Mashu said.
"According to my readings it was. Perhaps being possessed also corrupts the Noble Phantasm of the servant. Not even requiring its name to be revealed for activation." Vega observed while trying to get Nero back on her feet but she wasn't budging from her frozen state of despair. Romulus then dashes past Doomguy and targets Nero. Ritsuka tried to pull her up, however, Nero appeared to accept her fate as a failure.
"Doomguy! To me!" Ritsuka used a command seal to teleport her servant in front of them to block the attack. Romulus swings his spear madly against the Doomguy's Sentinel armour boost.
"ARgh!" Romulus roars trying to crush The Slayer while Ritsuka helps Jing Ke get to safety.
Doomguy felt his rage build once as he unleashed a blood punch right into Romulus Jaw. The force sent him skidding across the room, smashing into the wall. Doomguy then fired multiple arbalist bolts into the enemy which each shot faster than the last thanks to its upgrades. Such damage would down even the toughest of barons but Romulus comes roaring back and tackles Doomguy to the ground. Romulus looked more twisted than ever with each hit as a possessed servant and Slayer fought.
"Child of rome..." Nero hears a voice in her head…
"Don't be sad. This was my mistake, That voice that stands with you was right. I should've disconnected my empire after Carligua. I thought my love was strong. But this hate is corrupting" The voice was of the Holy Progenitor.
"Romulus?" She looked at the corrupted beast.
"Please, Stand and fight for what you love. Just as that warrior fights against me now" The remnant of Romulus urges her to get back up as she looks at Doomguy fighting in her place.
"He fights...for what he loves?" Nero asked as she thought about The legend of the Slayer. A single man becoming the bane of hell, no doubt a path full of pain and torment
"I believe deep down everyone fights for what they love…" Romulus's voice faded, however, Nero felt her determination start to come back. If a man like The Doomslayer can stand against hell for hundreds of battles, A woman like her should be able to Protect her home!
"Ritsuka." She said standing back up and takes up her beloved blade
"Nero? Are you alright?" Vega asked
"I am better now. Come, I need Ritsuka's help and make sure Jing Ke can handle at least one more strike!"
AN: Heyo! Almost done with Septem! I hope my adjustments to the story made it a little bit more interesting. I'll admit managing multiple servants interactions with Doomguy is a tough one. So apologies if things appeared rushed, Not going to lie that the earlier FGO story chapters leave much to be desired. After Septem will be a couple of At Chaldea's Gate episodes to have some fun involving one-shot sections during Events and a few more side stories.
Just a wee break between singularities.
So, I hope you guys enjoy the way that Vega is developing. I kinda want him to be like a person that is always willing to listen when someone needs it and using that experience to evolve himself. Similar to how Mashu learns more with each adventure that occurs in FGO.
Anyways. Next up is the final chapter for Septem!
Thanks for ready and...As always, have a nice day!