A/N : Hello everyone! Sorry but this isn't an actual chapter update for the story. Anyway the purpose for this is that I wanted to get your opinion about something. As you know, I have a reputation of abandoning a story and posting another one that has the similar settings and whatnot. Most of you are getting tired of it, and honestly I am as well.
I want to make a change about it. I don't know which story I should continue. So if possible could I take a moment of your time to make a vote on which of this story you guys are more interested to read.
Also if some of you guys are interested. Can I ask for a beta-reader? Whichever of this story won the poll may get some changes (From the plot view and technical. Especially the plot I honestly forgot where I'm heading with the story) And would like to hear some second opinion before I post a new chapter or rewrite ones~ (PM if you're interested)
The poll is in my profile so check that out~ (if it doesn't show. Might be because of the browser you're using. It not then feel free to leave a review of your vote as well!)
The choices are -
Colorful World (currently has 7 chapters)
Fate Extella Link: Knocking through Heaven's door (currently has 6 chapters)
Fate Extella: Another Link (currently has 24 chapters)
Fate Extra : Another route (currently has 3 chapters)
Just a draft I made a long time ago. I repeat not an actual chapter update. But hopefully you guys enjoy this little chapter while you're waiting for the poll result which will end on Nov 1, 2021.
After many years of war. It all started with a wish that was granted by the Holy Grail.
Humans and Heroic spirits known from history, myths, religion, and stories all around the world had started living together. By working together they created a vast utopian reality where Magecraft advanced so much that it became a norm throughout the world.
But after years of harmony. Humans' greed for power turned them against the beings that helped them. By discovering a forbidden knowledge, they learned that by turning a heroic spirit into a catalyst, they can absorb the beings power and make it their own.
Once they succumbed to that hunger, they started hunting them, tricking many heroic spirits before taking their freedom. And many of them are betrayed by the humans they trust and aren't able to fight back.
Those who are now fused with the Heroic Spirits are calling themselves as Apostles. Seeing themselves as Gods, rulers, and omnipotent of the new world that the human and heroic spirit built together.
Fearing what the Apostles can do to the world. The last remaining heroic spirits. The four legendary Kings. Worked together by combining their powers to defend the world. They summoned myriads of catalysts that will search for a chosen one that will protect the world from the Apostles.
These humans are called Extella. They are blessed with a catalyst. Where they can fuse and use the heroic spirit power naturally. Where both souls are in harmony compared to the Apostles.
Thus the beginning of a war between the two. The Extella and the Apostles. Where the winner will decide the course of the world's future or its doom.
=break=
In a countryside village where the wind blows gently and the land glows green in the light of the sun. It's people had a smile on their faces as they greeted one another with pleasantries. Among the cheerful crowd, there was a girl with long golden hair, an adorable face that those who saw will stare at her in admiration, and a beautiful voice that was a music in the ears.
Her name is Laeticia. She's a normal girl living in this peaceful town. A student who is doing her best for a brighter future. And someone that has a great religious faith. Today she was called by the town's priest to the church. There was something important that he needed to discuss with her.
As she stands before the door of the holy ground. She knocked first before pushing the door and went inside. There she saw the priest standing near the altar and talking to a young man with frizzy raven-hair that fell over his eyes, gray colored pupils, and a set of large glasses on his face.
She's not familiar with him nor did the girl ever see the young man in the village before. But judging from the uniform he is wearing, he seems part of the Mage's Association, an organization fighting against the sinful army called the Apostles. Seeing one of them in the village makes her nervous. She could not help but to wonder what they were doing in the village?
When the priest noticed her appearance. He smiled before calling her name. "I'm glad you've come. Please come over here, there is someone I would like to introduce to you." He said and waited for her to get closer. "Sir, this is Laeticia, an Extella."
When their eyes met, the young man noticed her surprised expression painted on her face. "Did you already talk to her about this? She seems not aware of this meeting we are having." He then moves his sleeve and looks at the wristwatch. "It's best if you explain everything to her."
"After all, you may have made a sacrifice but you're forcing a bigger sacrifice on her. So please, do the right thing."
The man stood up. Though he appears to have a slouched posture, he wears his uniform primly and properly. "I'll head outside and walk around. Call me later once she reaches her decision. See ya." He said before bowing his head and then walked to the door.
Once he was gone, Laeticia fiddled for a moment, thinking over what he said before leaving. 'Forcing a bigger sacrifice on her?' She thought, trying to understand what it meant. "Um, Head Priest. Is there a problem? What is someone from the Mage's Association doing in our village?" She asks.
"How about we take a seat first? There is a lot to explain." He said, forcing a smile to his face. When they both sat on the pew, the priest was quiet, pondering where he should start. How is he going to explain it to her?
"Laeticia, do you remember when you first came to this village?" He asks and the girl nodded quite dejectedly. "Days wandering aimlessly, you were in such poor condition when we first saw you. And when we invited you to the church, we couldn't talk to you, you were crying and shut yourself in the room."
"Day by day we tried to approach you. Until you eventually opened up and told us what happened. For such a young age you already experience such grief. We did our best to comfort you, however, we realize there is another thing that is causing you pain."
He then stands up and goes behind the altar. When he showed up again he was carrying a rectangular box. The priest then opened the box, revealing a peerless sword inside.
Laeticia looks at the item as if it's a ghost of the past. "We were surprised after knowing that you're an Extella. However, you told us that you don't want to become one. That you wanted a normal life. That you don't want to see this sword ever again." He said.
"I…" Laeticia's body is shaking the longer she looks on the sword.
"I know this is hard for you." The priest gazed at her kindly. "And trust me, it's not easy for us either. But being an Extella was a divine revelation. It was God's calling to you, seeking for you and many others to stop this war. I think it's time for you to answer it." He said.
"Truthfully, we are afraid that this war between Mage's Association and the Apostles is getting more and more brutal each passing day. And the peace we are experiencing now may end soon." The look on his face was very troubled. "I don't want to imagine what will happen to everyone in this village when their war gets into us."
"Then we should start evacuating everyone and head to Mare Aurum. I'm sure the Sovereign will let us stay there." Laeticia suggested.
"I thought about that as well. But I was told that the Imperial city is at full capacity now. We cannot even stay outside of its wall." The priest replied with dejection in his tone. "Also evacuating the whole town in the middle of a war is very dangerous. Even with the help of the Mage's Association, they cannot guarantee everyone safety." He added.
"Our only option is asking for their protection." The girl saw his gloomy expression. "I'm sorry for not telling you. By sending you to them, in exchange for your service fighting against the Apostles, they will send a group of their zealots to protect the village."
"Me…?" The girl utter in disbelief. The thing she was avoiding for all this year. They are sending her to join the war?
"I hope you understand, Laeticia." He then looked at the sword in his hand. "But I begged you, please use the La Pucelle and help end this conflict once and for all." The priest then kneeled to the ground and offered the sword to her.
Laeticia gazes over the sword. "La Pucelle…" She murmured. It's been years since she last saw the catalyst. She didn't want to get involved with it anymore. By having it in her hand, people she cares about are dying. It wasn't a gift, it's a curse! But then...If she denies it once more, then the village will be left...
"So Laeticia, will you use its power and help the Mage's Association to stop the Apostles?" He asks in a hopeful tone.
By accepting it, she will need to leave the village and have her normal life dragged into this war. Is she ready to throw it all away? To make a sacrifice for everyone's sake? To have her hand drenched in blood?
"I…"
But how is she going to protect them? She failed to protect those who are important to her.
"I…"
What if it happened again? What if because of her someone got killed? She doesn't think she'll be able to cope with it again.
"Maybe I shouldn't ask you for an answer immediately." The priest's voice stopped her train of thoughts. "The young man said he isn't in a hurry. He can wait until you reach your decision." He then took her hand and gave the La Pucelle to her.
"But please, hold onto it until then. Maybe it could help you. No- I believe it will." He said with a sincere smile on his face. The girl took it but was still somewhat hesitant. It's been so long since she felt it on her hand.
"I will be back soon." Laeticia told the priest. Perhaps she needs to be somewhere else. A special place to calm her mind. Maybe by then she will have an answer to give.
From a cliff where the ocean's horizon can be seen. Though there are dark clouds above, signifying a coming rain, the girl sat on the bench while still carrying La Pucelle with her. Laeticia's gaze ran from the sword's beautiful hilt to the sharp end. She heard that it was from a maiden who became a Saint after stopping a hundred years' of war.
They also said that even though the saint has the sword on her waist. She never swung it once in her lifetime. A virgin sword that even in the time of war has never taken someone's life. She couldn't help but to wonder, among many others, why was she the one who received the sword?
When she was a child. There was a lot of expectation from her. Many depended on her to protect them from harm. Because she was one of the gifted people that will stop the war. But she has never been a fighter, she doesn't know how to use a sword or let alone any weapon, and she refuses to hurt anyone. All she had was her faith from the almighty God.
So why? Why her?
"It's about to rain soon, are you not coming back?"
Hearing a voice behind her. She startled for a second. Turning her head around, the voice came from the young man earlier, though his posture looks lazy, he is looking at her with a worried expression.
"I was…" The girl looked above and only did she realize the gloomy clouds. "Oh I didn't notice." She replied half-spirited. Though what is he doing here? Is he following her? He doesn't look like a stalker type. But still cannot stop herself from wondering why.
"You must have lots on your mind to not notice it." He said before taking a seat on another bench beside her. "Is it about what you and the priest talk about?" His question was answered by a slow nod of the girl's head. "I see. No wonder why you are so pensive."
"How did Mage's Association know about me? Did the priest tell you about me?" Laeticia asks. Only the people of the village know about her birth. But considering how big their group is, there is a possibility they knew about her from the start.
"I cannot tell you how exactly. But we have ways of finding an Extella." He answered while gazing on the horizon. "And the priest did contact us. He fears that the war will soon reach the village."
"I see…" She couldn't blame the priest. Her's and the many others are also starting to feel anxious from the news going around. "So Mage's Association sent you here to pick me up?"
The young man nodded. "Only if you say yes." Though his superior gave him orders to take her by force. The Mage's Association is in need of more Extella to fight. They are losing in numbers against the Apostles' growing army. He understands the desperation. But if he does that, then he wouldn't be different from the enemy's method.
Nevertheless, in case she said no, he will cross that bridge.
"But then Mage's Association will not send anyone to protect the village from the Apostles."
The young man didn't answer. But he has a conflicted expression on his face. It was the rule that the higher up made. No; it was the fate of the Extellas. They are forced to be part of war with or without the Mage's Association or Apostles involvement. He could only let out a sigh.
"In all honesty...I don't know what to do…" He heard her whisper, and when he glanced at her, he noticed the tears falling down her cheeks. "They said I was a miracle child. That I was the reincarnation of the saint inside this sword. That I will protect them from harm…!"
"But I...I'm just useless...I couldn't protect anyone, not even my parents who got themselves killed defending me from the wrath of the villagers after I failed to defend them when the Apostles attacked."
It was back from her hometown. During the aftermath of the attack, the villagers rioted and blamed her for what happened. They were so furious that all morals were gone, they wanted to give her to the Apostles, in exchange for sparing them. Her parents knew how evil the Apostles were, so they ran away, escaping the villagers that were hunting them like animals.
Her parents sacrifice themselves just for her to escape. The last thing she remembered was their smile as they left her in the basement of an abandoned house. After that she wandered around and eventually found a sanctuary in this place.
Since then she blamed herself for what happened to her parents. And doesn't want to see the sword ever again. Laeticia settled for an ordinary life, striving for a brighter future, and didn't want to be part of the war.
But now her past is coming back. She doesn't know what to do anymore.
"I don't want to leave this village...I want to keep this ordinary life…" The girl continued crying. "But then...Is this really the right answer? I don't know what to do...I don't..."
"I've been in the same situation as you before." The young man said, staring at the dark clouds above, reminiscing the memories of his past. "I too didn't want to leave everyone I care about. Still life isn't always kind to us, sometimes we are forced to make hard decisions, and we are left without knowing the consequences of our actions."
"I cannot tell you what is right or wrong. I cannot guide you to what choice to make. But as long as you hold to your resolve, your will, and a strong heart. Nothing will ever faze you, not even the most difficult decision in life, because by then you are strong enough to face hardships head on." He said before giving her a courageous yet gentle smile.
Laeticia couldn't help herself but to stare at him. Despite looking the same age as her, the young man seems to experience a lot in his life, both it's beauty and ugliness, happiness and sadness, pain and relief. Yet he is still able to put on such a smile in spite of all that.
Will she be able to do the same as well? To be strong enough like him?
"Oh, it's starting to rain." Commented the young man as the rain fell from the sky. "You should head back now." And to Laeticia's surprise, he removed his uniform and put it above her head. "Be careful alright?"
"Eh? Are you not coming as well?"
He shakes his head. "I think I'll return next week. That way you have more time to think about what you want." He said.
How very considerate of him.
"I see. Thank you." Laeticia smiled at him. Talking to the young man was very comforting. Putting both her mind and heart at ease. "I'll hold onto your uniform. Until then, please come back alright? I promise that I can give you an answer to the decision I choose."
"It's a promise then." The young man returned a smile of his own. "Until then. See ya." He said before walking the other way. Laeticia could only watch his back as he was getting far away.
"Wait...I forgot to ask his name." She murmured in disappointment. It would be nice to know who he is. She would very much like to talk to him again. "Hmm?" Laeticia then felt something on the uniform chest pocket. When she looked at what it was. She saw his Identification card.
A picture of him and his name printed below.
"Ren Amamiya." Laeticia read his name softly. Her lips then curled into a smile. "Until our next meeting. Ren-kun." She said before running to return to the village.
If you want it, then take it. If there's a blade in your hand, then swing. That is the family line of thinking that Atrum Galliasta grew from. When the time for his father to choose the next head of the family, he and his brothers pit against each other in a number of trials meant to curry political power. And Atrum was the one who dealt with those trials most efficiently.
But he is still not satisfied about it. Soon Atrum surpassed his father who had refused to step into the world of magic and joyfully adopted it as his own. Seeing magecraft that was considered old and outdated, he instead saw profit and potential.
Even the tormenting physical pain of accepting his family's Magic Crest was a pure pleasure for him. He looked at it with a delighted smile on his face. Because that pain symbolizes power, the value of his own triumph.
Now he is aiming for a much greater feat. Once the Apostles achieve their goal for world domination. He will be one of its rulers. A king-, no a God that no one will ever disobey.
But first he must gather more power. He is still not satisfied with what he has right now. It's weak and insufficient, he needs a powerful servant to fuse with him, one that has God-like strength.
"Tell me, priest. Where is the Extella you're hiding?" He asks the village priest who is pinned on the ground by a Dragon tooth warrior. "Refuse to answer and I will kill more of your people." Atrum warned without any sign of remorse to his tone.
"Please! I d-don't know w-what you're talking about!" Said the priest in a stutter and panic. One of the villagers shrieks and is on the verge of crying when their captors then grab them by the hair and press its sharp blade to their neck.
"How stubborn. Then you give me no choice." Atrum said before giving his order to execute the villager. And one by one, the priest watches how their captors slit their throat and their lifeless bodies drop to the ground. "Do not push my patience, priest. Where is the Demi-servant?!"
The priest couldn't answer, his body was wavering, traumatized from watching five innocent civilians die before him. Atrum clicks his tongue in annoyance, he orders his Dragon tooth warrior to take more villagers. "I will kill more if you do not answer, priest. Do not make me turn this place into a massacre ground." He warned.
When the priest is still too shocked to answer. Atrum let out a sigh. He doesn't like idiots who cannot cooperate. "Then so be it. Execute them!" He shouted as the captured villagers' terrified scream filled the air.
"Stop!"
Atrum heard a voice of a woman. "That uniform. An Extella?" He murmured after noticing the uniform she is carrying, however, his attention shifted and focused on the sword wrap in it. Incredible, he can feel something powerful inside it, even surpassing the heroic spirit fused with him. "That sword…" He said before his lips curled into a smile. "Hand it over to me, peasant."
It's still in raw form. He can still get its power! How marvelous!
When she returned to the village. The girl was met with distress shouting coming from the villagers. Then she saw them running away as they were getting chased by the bone-like warrior. Her body trembled in fear, she simply hid behind the crates and prayed that they wouldn't see her.
However, she saw the priest taken among the hostages, and then heard the man's demand. Laeticia's mind began to race. It's happening again. What exactly occurred to her home village. They are getting killed and she isn't doing anything to help. She should do something but-!
"Laeticia…Don't give it to him! Run!" Shouted the priest to the girl.
She heard the priest's desperate voice. Her body simply moves by itself. And now she is facing the sinister man who is destroying the village that welcomes her, killing the people that took care of her without remorse.
"Listen to him peasant and I will kill each and every single one in this village." Warned by Atrum as he glanced at the hundred villagers that are held captured. "Be it a man or woman, young or old, they will all die if you disobey me peasant!"
But seeing the hesitation from the girl. Atrum could not hold his running patience anymore. "Give it to me now!" He shouted, causing the girl to startle from his furious voice.
"Then you give me no choice." He said and with a little move of his head. The Dragon Tooth Warriors threateningly put their blade on the villagers neck. "Kill them." Atrum ordered.
"No stop!" Laeticia shouted. But their captors didn't listen. Atrum smiled as he watched the despair on their faces. The girl held the sword in her hand tightly. "Please...Please…" They are going to get killed if she doesn't do something. She does not want them to get hurt. She does not want the past to repeat again. So she's begging the sword, the heroic spirit inside it, to lend her its power.
So that she can protect them. Protect them from harm. Protect them from the evil of this world!
"I hear you, Laeticia. But if I lend my powers to you, you will be dragged into this war, there is no returning to your normal life. Is this really what you decided? If so then you only need to call my name."
"I do…" Remembering what the young man earlier told her. This resolve came from her heart. "I made up my mind...I will protect them so please…" Her body then glowed in bright light. This made Atrum and his warriors stop what they were doing. "Jeanne D'Arc...!" Laeticia shouted on the top of her lungs.
The light that is on her body then envelops the surroundings. They saw the silhouette of the girl in the middle. They can feel its warm yet fearsome powerful presence. Once the light vanishes, Laeticia looks very different, from her clothes into the expression on her face.
It's not the same girl who faces him looking afraid. Perhaps it's not her anymore. Atrum is now facing a girl who is determined to protect the people he is hurting. Her name is Jeanne D'Arc. The Holy Maiden Savior.
"What the…" He murmured in disbelief. The report was right. This girl is indeed holding a powerful servant! It's one of the servants that the Forever King wanted to acquire. The difference between his and her power is huge. But then if he is able to bring her to the Forever King. He will be rewarded dearly, even get a higher position than his peers.
Though their power is different. But he has more experience in battle and being fused with a servant. He should take that in advantage. He can win this, there is no way he will lose to a peasant! "Dragon Tooth Warriors! Get her!" Atrum ordered his summoned soldiers.
When the skeleton-like warriors charge at her with sharp blades in their hands. The armored maiden stood firmly without sign of fear in her face. "O' Lord, give me the strength to defeat this evil. Guide me to victory!" She murmured before materializing her weapon. The holy battle flag that she kept by her side all her life.
Entering her battle stance. The flag bearer let her enemies come closer. Waiting patiently for them to attack before she easily parries it and strikes them down. Even with their great number, they couldn't break her defence, the maiden remains unharmed.
And she is getting closer to him.
Atrum couldn't believe his familiars were losing to her. They have the number advantage, so why are they having a difficult time beating one girl!? The man clicked his tongue in annoyance. It's not his fault, It's because of the incompetent servant inside him.
Regardless, he could not depend on anyone else but himself. If they could not defeat her, then he'll just do it himself. Breaking into a smile, a sinister one, his eyes focus on the maiden who just defeated all of his familiars. "Defeat does not know me. And that will remain forever."
A purple summoning circle appeared on where he is standing. This causes his body to glow in the same light. When it faded, Atrum clothing changed entirely, turning into a purple bluish hooded cloak, and a magical staff on his hand. Completely fusing with the servant inside him. The man can feel incredible powers surging through him.
He then soars through the air, his cloak acting like wings, and gazes wrathfully at the flag bearer on the ground. "Behold! The magecraft from the Age of the Gods!" Atrum said before firing multiple rays of purple lights at her.
Jeanne didn't need to move against his attack. Her class skill [Magic Resistance (Ex Rank)] gives her a high anti-magic from her unwavering piety. Additionally, at this rank, she cannot be wounded even by magecraft from the Age of Gods. However, this resistance only turns spells away from her. In other words, it doesn't negate them.
And with the use of her other class skill, [True name Discernment (B Rank)]. With a simple glance. The information about the servant inside Atrum, from Skills and Parameters, is automatically revealed to her.
The Heroic Spirit fused with him is Medea. She was an unfortunate princess that is labeled as a witch in Greek Mythology. Forced by her love to a single man, she betrayed her country, killed her brother to save herself, and had taken the throne by deceit.
Though after Medea and the man she loved dearly was chased out of the country. They fled to another and were welcome by its ruler. There she finally found a peaceful rest in this land after her abduction and denouncement. But that didn't last very long.
Jason, the famous hero from the Argo Expedition, the man she loves, chooses another girl over her. This led to her exile, her actions afterward were those that have truly marked her as a witch.
She appeared at Jason's wedding, and burned all who attended with her magic. Everyone except for Jason was killed, including the King of Corinth and his daughter, and Medea's fate after she left Corinth is unknown. As her life was filled only with betrayal, it is said that the princess became a true witch and continued to roam the Greek lands.
Judging from the information she received. Jeanne is facing a Caster class servant, one of the servant's seven classes, one who is proficient in using any arts of magecraft. The battle maiden deduces that she overwhelms the Caster in all terms. From Parameters into Skills.
The only thing she should watch out for is the Noble Phantasm. It's a powerful armament made using human imagination as their core, and are the weapons and/or abilities owned by Heroic Spirits. As humanity's illusions, they embody the ultimate mysteries of a hero as symbols of their existence through historical fact and anecdotes.
Considering the heroic spirit inside him came from the Age of Gods. He must have a fearsome Noble Phantasm in his sleeve. It could be more than one or two, she better not underestimate him.
Atrum was in disbelief seeing that no matter how many spells he casted on her. It's not hitting her. Even with intense focus, his magic simply did not reach her or go into different directions. "What is happening!?" He gritted his teeth furiously. "Stupid servant! Can you do anything right!" The man blamed the servant inside him.
"Do you surrender? Or would you rather be struck down?" Jeanne asks the agitated man.
"Goddammit! I should have picked a better servant!" Distracted from his thoughts. Atrum continued throwing tantrums to himself. "Stupid! Stupid! This is all your fault! Dammit!"
The maiden let out a sigh. It seems the man is too preoccupied that no words will reach him. Then she will strike him down so that he will never be able to hurt everyone in the village. Preparing her battle flag, she was about to attack him from behind, but Atrum evaded either by instinct or luck, he quickly soared through higher in the air.
"No...No...No!" He shouted before multiple purple-colored summoning circles appeared behind him. "I won't accept being defeated by anyone!" His eyes look venomously at Jeanne. "There are other ways to win. If I cannot hurt you, then I will hurt those important to you until you give up!" The sound of his menacing laugh as more summoning circles appeared behind him is a sight to be afraid of.
"Die! Die! Die!"
Rain of Light. Is an offensive spell which is a volley of rapidly fired beams of light, each with an A rank power of attack. Capable of destroying the body of a servant with direct hit. It's a difficult spell to cast, requiring one magic circle to summon a single beam, ten counts of incantations, one minute of casting for a normal Magus, or thirty seconds with a High-Speed incantation.
But due Medea's class skill called [High-Speed Divine Words (A Rank)] that was transferred to Atrum. It allows him to cast any magecraft at a speed of single-action spell. This gives him the ability to use such powerful spells in a rapid succession without any preparation after simply targeting the enemy with his wand.
He can fire them without pause when he has a supply of stored magical energy, and the result is something that resembles a bombing raid that leaves the ground scorching red.
Jeanne knew that her class skill could protect her from the spell. But it's only affecting her, those around her, the buildings, the environment, and the villagers are not. She can hear their cry of distress as the ray of light is descending upon them. Even if she tried, she is not fast enough to get everyone out of harm.
But there is a way to save them. However, her connection with Laeticia might be cut off. Laeticia might be a Demi-Servant. But she has no special abilities or Magic Circuits. The power Jeanne is using is mainly coming to herself. By using her Noble Phantasm, she will spend all of her magical energy, enough to cover the entire village, thus leading for her to return back into La Pucelle.
If that happens then who is going to continue the fight against Atrum?
Yet she can feel Laeticia's determination. She wants to protect everyone from harm. "I hear you, Laeticia." She whispered as her hand held the flag tightly. "I won't let anyone die. Everyone! Gathered around me!" The holy flag then glowed in luminous light.
"Here's the work of the Lord!" Her voice was firm. Full of her resolve as she slammed the flat end of the pole to the ground. Spreading it's light throughout the entire village. "My flag, defend our brethren!" Jeanne's eyes focused upon the many rays of light falling from the sky like meteors.
"Luminosité Éternelle!"
The Noble Phantasm converts her [Magic Resistance (Ex Rank)] into protection against all harm, both physical and spiritual. The protection is initiated by an angel's blessing, and it is centered around the flag within the range of 10. It brings about a light that completely isolates anyone within it and cuts them off from their surroundings, much like the divided water from the myth of Moses splitting the Red Sea.
As all the ray of light hit the ground. Jeanne withstood its devastating power. Though her ability to protect was incredible. It has a downside to the ability that the damage accumulates within the flag, causing it to begin to tear as she uses it. Yet she refuses to fall, even if the flag is destroyed completely, she will protect everyone.
But she noticed something. His attack wasn't as powerful as she expected. Though it's not possible because her enemy misjudges the amount of power to put. He definitely wanted to hurt them badly. Yet why does this attack feel like it's being restrained?
Could it be because of the heroic spirit he fused with? A human may be able to use the power of the servant they fused with but the source of that power is still coming from that servant. If the two aren't in sync, then they cannot use their full potential.
If that is the case then, Medea does not want to be with Atrum. But couldn't do anything because she was bound, shackled, trapped with the spell that fused them together.
That servant must be seeking help. But how is she going to help them? She isn't a Caster that can think of a spell that will destroy the contract that binds her to this man.
Then there was a huge explosion that enveloped the village in dust. Atrum watches the premise from the sky. He saw that Noble Phantasm that peasants use. It was magnificent. It's no wonder the Forever King wanted that power. But at the same time, he also desires that power, he could not imagine what he can do with it.
"Wonderful. How wonderful." He said with a smile before preparing another round of Rain of Light. Atrum couldn't help but to think if he is going overboard. But then again, he did say he'll continue harming them until she gives up.
However, that seem to be the case anymore. When the smoke faded, the villagers were fine and alive, and the girl that was protecting them returned to normal. He couldn't feel the servant's presence anymore. Atrum laughs to himself as he descends to the ground.
He still remains undefeated. How hilarious! Even if he's using a worthless servant as Medea, he still manages to win against a powerful heroic spirit!
Laeticia opened her eyes after feeling a hand on her head. She then gritted when Atrum forcefully pulled her hair to look at the girl's face. "What a disaster you brought to these people, you stupid peasant." She heard from him. "You shouldn't even try fighting against me."
"Now I will kill everyone in this village." The smile on his face is making her uncomfortable. "But since you're beautiful. I will spare your life. But then you must satisfy my needs." Atrum chuckled as his hand touched her cheek. "If not then I will dispose of you as well."
With a click of his finger, several dragon tooth warriors appeared behind him. "Make sure she will not escape. And captured those villagers." He said before setting his gaze on the sword laying beside her. The catalyst of that servant is now in his hand. "I need to make sure you will obey me as well."
A blade then manifests in his hand, a weapon that embodies the Divinity of the heroic spirit inside him. It is an iridescent and jagged dagger that is thin, brittle, and blunt. It is effectively nonexistent in its capacity as a weapon, comparable to that of a regular dagger at most, and it would not be suitable for even killing a single person.
But the blade isn't meant for taking one's life. It's purpose is to destroy any kind of magecraft. A dagger that nullifies all effects created by magecraft, despite whether such an effect is an enchantment, a relationship formed through contact, or even life created through magical energy.
Once it comes into contact with the ensorcelled item or person, enchantments, connections bound through contracts, and creatures created and maintained by magical energy, they will all be returned to their original components in a state "before they were made."
"Now then, I know you can see this." He said to La Pucelle. "This here is called Rule Breaker. My Noble Phantasm. It can destroy any magecraft this blade came into contact with." Atrum then pointed the jagged dagger to the sword. "Listen here, if you didn't not accept me as your new owner, then I will hurt you badly."
He pressed its tip to the sword's body. Resulting into a disperse of energy. Atrum continued, not caring about the damage it was causing to the sword. "Just a little more…" The man said with a menacing smile.
Laeticia for some reason can feel the pain of the servant inside it. "Stop! You're hurting her!" She said to Atrum who only looked at her sharply. "Just take me and stop hurting anyone!"
Atrum laughed at her. "You're just a peasant I'm taking for my carnal desire. However, this one here is what I'm after, it's power shall be mine." He said before continuing. The man has no idea what will happen when the Rule Breaker touches a Catalyst. All he knows is that he's hurting whoever is inside the catalyst.
"No please!" Laeticia begged but to no avail the dragon tooth warrior holding her shut her mouth. No he's killing her! If she doesn't do anything then Jeanne will be killed! But what can she do!? Please...anyone…
"HELP US!" She shouted. Hoping for someone. For anyone. To hear her voice and stop this man.
"Are you alright?"
She heard a man's voice. Tone full of genuine concern. And a very familiar one. The dragon tooth warrior that was holding her fell to the ground and dispersed into black dust. Laeticia can feel his arms as she is gently placed to the ground. When the girl looked at who it was, the sight of that frizzy raven hair, and those glasses, put her at ease.
"Ren-kun…" She whispers his name. The young man looked surprised at her for a second. Probably wondering how she knew his first name.
"You can rest easy. I will take care of him." He said with an assuring smile on his face. She fought hard. Until the very end. The girl protected everyone. Ren couldn't help but to admire her.
"And who is this fool?" Atrum asks in arrogance. He could barely gauge his magic circuit, it's a pale comparison to him, no it's not ever fair to compare them to one another.
This is hilarious, he couldn't even take him as a threat. Though what he did against those warriors was impressive, it's only because he isn't paying any attention, now that he throws away his element of surprise, then he cannot do something like that anymore.
"Who are you and what pathetic bloodline of Magus did you come from?" Atrum asks without hiding the arrogance in his smile.
"Are you sure you want to know?" The young man returned a question. Matching his arrogant smile with his cocky smirk. "Most of your people run away once they know who I am."
"Then again perhaps it's better if you'd know. That way you wouldn't get yourself hurt." Ren then glanced at the girl behind her, then to the village, and then to the villagers that were captured. "However, what you did to them is unforgivable, I will not let you get away easily."
It annoys Atrum after he hears that from the man. "Such bravado coming from a weakling." He said before ordering his Dragon Tooth warrior to surround him. "Do you know who I am? I'm Atrum Galliasta. Born from a family who is destined for greatness! Which is why the Apostles seek us! Because they saw our great and unequal potential-!"
"The Apostles are saying that to everyone." Ren replied before drawing his knife that is unsheathed to its wooden holder. "I heard the same thing from your people. But I still do not know what makes you special." Though his question was genuine. It struck a nerve to Atrum and was even more furious than before.
"You dare to insult me…?! Kill that bastard!"
The young man smiled. He is smiling not because of the danger. He is smiling because of the thrill of being in danger. In a blink of an eye, he swiftly cut off the one behind him without even unsheathing his knife. "This is over before it even started." He whispers to his enemy before one by one he slashes them like a speed demon.
"Hmph!" Positioning himself properly. He then dashed forward the unfortunate target, swinging the knife horizontally from left to right. The knife then bounces back, and after an instant of being held still at his left side, another horizontal swing from left to right is executed.
Defeating each one of the enemy while leaving a trace of horizontal square from the strike of his knife.
Atrum was in disbelief. How can a human move that fast? Could it be that he is under the influence of [Reinforcement] magic? Or maybe there was someone nearby that was enhancing him? There is no way this is his natural speed. Impossible!
"What is he!?" He murmured in pure shock. His Dragon Tooth Warriors are falling one by one without even touching a string of his hair. And his cutting them down like they are nothing, despite having a skin strong as where they are named after, he's doing it while having his knife still on its sheath.
And he is not even in servant form!
"Is that all?" Taunted by the young man after taking down all of Atrum summons.
Atrum then soars through the air, his cloak acting like wings, and gazes wrathfully at the young man on the ground. "Burn you vermin!" Atrum said before firing multiple rays of purple lights at him.
Ren easily dodge the coming lasers, running around and making it hard for the man to hit him. Experience in battle gives him advantage. But he cannot defeat the man while he is in servant form. Though he can inflict severe damage on him, however, only servants can defeat servants. There are rare cases of a magus defeating a servant but that requires great magical power to accomplish.
Still he easily discerned his enemy class. He may be able to win this fight without using too much of his power. But first he must retrieve the catalyst from him. Drawing a special model TT-33 gun model from his waist. Firing eight rounds of emerald glowing bullets.
Atrum could only laugh as the bullets quickly dissolved after making contact with him. "You fool! Your petty bullets cannot hurt me!" He said before firing back a ray of light at him. Needless to say, he is very much agitated seeing his enemy not turning into a servant. Is he not fighting him seriously?!
The young man smirks from his ignorance. "Those aren't meant to inflict pain." They are special bullets coated with magecraft. It does not inflict pain but puts a curse that will affect the target's speed. Using the grappling hook device on his wrist, he fired it to the Caster floating in the air, attaching its hook to his feet, and then launched himself toward him.
Atrum soon realizes that something is wrong with him. His body felt heavy all of the sudden. Like he is carrying tons in his back. "What is this!?" He then noticed that he was affected by a curse. 'Those bullets!? Could they be?' The man then saw the young man coming towards him.
He tried to retaliate by firing a lightning spell in his direction. But Ren swung up in the air to avoid it. The young man then landed on his shoulders before smacking the gun model behind the back of his head. It was enough for Atrum to lose consciousness for a second. As they blast off to the ground, Ren takes the sword on his waist before firing his grappling hook to a solid object and pulls himself out of danger.
Ren can feel the presence of the servant inside the sword. However, it was faint and weak. He then noticed that the sword was damaged. It's still intact but there was a cracking hole in the middle. It might be the reason why the heroic spirit inside is in this condition.
This is problematic. He needs to get the sword back to Extella and get it repaired. Or else the servant will die.
"I have enough!" Atrum shouted as he stood up from the crater of his fall. On his hand is the jagged dagger he used to get rid of the curse that the young man put on him. "Give that back to me!" He furiously demanded.
"Young man...The servant you're facing...It's name is Medea. The witch of betrayal."
Ren heard a voice inside his head. He doesn't know if he's imagining it. But it seems that voice came from the sword. "Medea...?" Being part of the Extella. They are knowledgeable about the source where the Heroic Spirit came from. And judging by her name and title. It didn't take a while for him to know her entire history.
"Please set Medea free from him. Help the servant inside of him."
"Save her? But how?" The young man murmured. How is he going to do that? He has no idea what to do.
"Her Noble Phantasm. That is the answer."
His eyes went into realization. "I see." There was a smirk on his face as he said that. If that is the case then he can save her. To break the contract that binds the two together. This is going to be the first time for him. Yet if successful, then Extella will be delighted to hear the result.
"What are you smirking at?" Atrum glares angrily at him. "I will not be defeated by you! You are doomed to fall on my hand!" He declares furiously.
"Doomed to fall? Heh that's cute." Ren replied while staring at the Caster. "You were asking who I was earlier, correct? Then allow me to introduce myself. Perhaps by then you will realize that what we are having right now is not closer to what I call a fight." His clothes then ignited with blue flame. Running to his entire body. Before replacing it into a black tailcoat, a pair of red gloves, and a black and white domino mask covering a small portion of his face.
And the aura he is giving. He is overflowing with confidence.
When Atrum notices the mask. He knew that he made a mistake. Blood rushed through his head in nervousness. "It cannot be...!? Why are you here!?" They warned him about this man. The notorious Magus Killer!
When he took a step forward, Atrum flew back, his aggression and confidence now wiped out on his facade. "Don't come any closer!" Atrum shouted before firing rays of light at him. But the young man easily dodged each one of them. He keeps casting spells but nothing ever hits him. "I need to escape...I need to-!" As the Caster was about to fly and leave, he felt something coiled around his feet, it was a hook attached to a long rope.
"It's too late for you to run now." Ren said before smashing him to the ground.
The man crawled but he could not escape him. There is no one that can escape from him. "Get away from me!" Atrum said as he wave in panic the jagged dagger on his hand.
Letting out a sigh, he dashed before appearing behind Atrum. "I stole it." He whispered to the man. Atrum turned around and was about to stab him with the blade, but then noticed that he wasn't holding the blade anymore, it was replaced with a decorated card on his hand.
"What in the…?" Atrum murmured and read the glimpse of words written in it. "I, the Great Phantom Thief, Arsène Lupin, have successfully stolen your treasure!" His mind processed what its meaning was. "Arsène Lupin?" Could it be, that was the servant inside him!?
And then he saw the jagged blade is now on the young man's hand. "Magic's principles, divine providence, the principles of the world…" He murmured, chanting the spell of the blade. "All Creation...I will send back everything to their origins." The blade then shines in purple light.
"No! No! No!" Atrum then tried to escape. But it was too late. He's in checkmate.
"Rule Breaker...!" The young man shouted and used the Noble Phantasm he used against him earlier. Stabbing the blade to his chest. Atrum cried in agony, something was breaking inside him, something was leaving his body, it hurts! It burns! What is happening!?
Stop it! Make it stop! Stop!
"AHHHH! JOKER…!" He yelled before the surrounding was enveloped in bright light. He shouldn't have fought him. He should have escaped when he saw him. Damn his luck for encountering Joker! The Phantom.
Well then see ya on whichever story won the poll!