A Gamer's rise in Marvel

Disclaimer: I don't own marvel or any other work of fiction.

Chapter 18 : Let it Snow!

5 Minutes...That's all it took...5 minutes, for everything to completely fall apart.

I was being complacent. Thinking that a quick portal in and out wouldn't be enough time for a servant to come around...So much for that.

I look at my surroundings once again. First thing I notice is the absence of clanging blades and more importantly, the extreme Blizzard from Before.

'Asako, how is it going?' I ask through our mental bond.

She takes a few seconds before answering:" I'm unsure Master. I've successfully driven back the enemy, but I believe they intentionally withdrew. They've moved to a location just outside of the city. Should I pursue?"

"No! Come back for now. This is their territory and they are probably trying to lure us into a trap."

"Understood Master"

It takes a few seconds for Asako to return. I quickly notice the frost on her arms and clothes. To bad that ice based abilities don't really narrow it down when it comes to Russian servants.

"Asako, what can you tell me of our Attacker?"

She takes a while to catch her breath...Shouldn't she be used to these activities as an Assassin?

Not if she's used to the Climate of the Middle East.

This Blizzard will make it incredibly Hard to breathe for her.

Shit. I didn't think of that at all.

Asako finally relaxes before answering:" I couldn't really make out their shape or form within the Blizzard. It also appeared that the enemy was able to create various Ice based Golems that counteracted my other bodies."

This...this isn't good. Whatever were dealing with, I'm not sure we can take them. Asako's Strength is that of her numbers, but area of Effect Attacks may just prove to much for her to handle, not to mention if this Servant can create other Ice Golems. The biggest Issue is that I cant sustain Asako, her Noble Phantasm and my own Servant Mode at the same time.

Looking over my Stats, I go over the Math.

I have about 4,152,700 MP and a regen rate of 833,946 MP/m.

Servant Mode is 1,000,000 MP/m and Asako requires 500,000 MP/m in Total

that amounts to a loss of 666,054 MP/m giving me about 6.23 minutes of Full power.

If we don't make it in time, Asako will disappear when my Mana depletes and will have to be re-summoned. Not to mention that I wont be able to reenter Servant Mode due to the One day time out enforced by Ephemeral Dream (A Rank)...I need more Mana if I want a chance of winning this.

I turn to Vanko's Body and more specifically the stats he had.

Ivan Antonovich Vanko( Whiplash/Crimson Dynamo) Diseased LV 134

STR 43

VIT 52

DEX 18

INT 346

WIS 85

CHA 5

LUK 0

Unique skills:

Theoretical Physics LV 159

Advanced Robotics LV 132

I quickly dump both the metal cylinder with the Arc Reactor blueprints as well as the briefcase I brought into my inventory.

I move to Vanko's Body and loot him for his apartment Key. I quickly find it and deposit Vanko into my inventory as well. I start running into the building and rush up the staircase towards Vanko's Apartment.

"Master?"

"Come on Asako! Any shelter we can get from the Weather, the better. We need to make a plan of attack, not to mention a power up."

I send her the relevant information through our mental bond and she quickly begins moving. She grabs Fou,who had been hiding in the snow, and races towards the apartment by running up the walls.

I guess that's what A Rank Dexterity looks like.

We soon reach the Apartment and enter it. Its filled with mechanical gadgets and strewn apart electrical parts. Thirst thing I do is find a decently sized work bench, clear it entirely by throwing everything of the side and immediately dump Vanko's Body on it.

Its been a while since I've eaten any raw Meat, but I cant be picky right now. I expose his Arm and take a large bite out of it. I chew a few times before wolfing the piece down

Error! Devour can only function if Target was killed by the user.

Before I can even react to theGame Message, I'm overtaken by extreme nausea and have to empty my stomach...

I quickly wipe my Mouth and get up once more. I'm Quite enraged my the secret condition of my Ability but cant really let that distract me right now. At least my hope doesn't die here. I still have another way to power up after all.

'Good thing I saved up' I think while looking at my 164 Stat Points. I move to allot them to my intelligence and Wisdom stats as a ping interrupts me.

Error! Stats cannot be allocated during a combat encounter.

"FUCK!" I yell out in Frustration. What's with these hidden Rules coming up now! This is some real BS Game. You know what! You can go sh-

Gamer's Mind activated

The Ability calms be right back down. While still angry, I focus on whats important once again.

I quickly dump the body in my inventory once more. I stand still before deciding on my next course of action.

I turn to the an empty space and begin spinning my hands while channeling Magic into the ring on it. Soon a Portal opens back to New York.

I enjoy a good fight, but these conditions aren't acceptable. Even if they pissed me of, this servant gets to live another day. Just as I'm about to enter the Portal, Merlin's Voice echoes out from Fou.

"Wait! You cant run from this!"

I turn to Fou, whose Mana is once again used to form Merlin's shape:" Why not! Our Chances of Winning are shit. Id rather live to die another day, thank you very much."

I finish my outburst and look at Merlin's extremely serious face. I know Merlin is kind of a joke character, but he is proven to be incredibly competent when he gets serious..like now.

"I don't disagree with a tactical retreat, but in this case you cant afford it. I was able to somewhat analyze the servant and specifically it's connection to Angra Mainyu. It's locked onto your Mana signature, if you leave now it will continue hunting you. Not to mention it somehow provides a foothold for his Power. It may summon even more servants on the way to you, making any extra time useless. You have to beat it here and now. There's no getting out of it!" He states.

Shit...he's right if that's the case...But I cant rely on six minutes, I need something more.

Well Monaco is in a week right?

I'm sure Vanko finished his Project already.

Wait...You mean his Whiplash Prototype?

I look around at SYSTEMS suggestion and find a sturdy container in the Corner. Moving towards it, I use my enhanced strength to Rip the Lid off. I now see the glowing light and the soft hum of Vanko's Arc Reactor. I pull the contraption out of the Case and hold it in front of me. I'm not sure how the Exoskeleton can help me, but I may as well take it with me for now.

Wanting to be thorough I take every piece of equipment and scrap I can see within the apartment. As we're about to leave the apartment, we're alerted to a chirp coming from the window.

I turn around to see Vanko's Bird locked in his cage. I move over and open both the window and the cage." Sorry little guy, but I already have a pet to take care of. Try to make it on your own ok?"

The bird props itself up and flies out of the Window. Guess I did a little good deed there.

Isn't that a Cockatoo?

The kind that only lives in Australia and the surrounding nations?

The kind that wont survive in this Weather?

Way to ruin that SYSTEM...

I shake my head at all the bullshit that happened today and move out of the Apartment. We move into the Parking lot once again. Now then, how to reach the servant without being Frozen or stabbed during our advance.

Looking around, I see something that may help. Vanko's Car, A Ford Transit Van. I once again fish through his pockets and find the Car keys. I give the keys to Asako so she can drive while I prepare in the back. I open the door to find more crates neatly sealed and ready for transport. Vanko was preparing to leave after all. I quickly deposit them in my inventory and enter the car.

Asako starts the engine and pulls out of the Lot and brings us to the streets. The Weather has nearly cleared up now so visibility should be easier.

While Asako slowly makes her way out of the City, I lay the Whiplash Prototype out onto the Floor and think of my Options. Simply put, this isn't an armor and I'm not used to its Weapon system making it basically useless to me...

"Damn Damn DAMN" I yell out at no one. Once again Merlin materializes next to me.

"I guess you're not too confident in your abilities. What seems to be the Problem?" He sarcastically asks with a smile.

"I don't have enough Mana to sustain myself and Assassin during the Fight" I clear him up.

He puts his hand on his chin before Asking:" You're assassin. She is one of the Hassans right? the hundred faced one?"

I nod at his Question. He soon continues;" And this device? I thought it would help you?"

I merely chuckle:" well I thought so too, but its not that simple. It uses Whips as its main weaponry. I don't know about you or Asako, but I cant learn how to use a new weapon in just a few minutes. Not to mention that it probably wont stand a chance against a Servant and their Weaponry.."

He thinks for a bit before asking: " whats the Glowing bit on it? Seems important." He taps the surface of the reactor lightly with his staff.

I try to push him away, only to phase through his body once again. Oh right...Just a Projection...

Hmm, Maybe use Projections somehow, maybe not use my servant mode and instead try to-

I'm shaken from my thoughts by Merlin who now flicked me on the Forehead:" You didn't answer my Question Jeanne?!" He whines.

I know hes just acting to lighten the mood but I do appreciate the effort. I rub my forehead before eventually answering him:" That is an Arc Reactor, It's used to Power the device and has a spectacular Output as far as I know. But right now its pretty useless for the fight. Its just dead weight right now!" I yell out at him.

He raises his hands to calm me down while giving a calming smile:" Now Now lets not get hasty again." He turns to the reactor again before asking" You said it was a Power source right? What kind does it make?"

I'm confused by the Question but answer nevertheless:" Electricity, why do you ask?"

He furrows his Brows in slight confusion:" Electricity, That's basically lightning right?"

"More or less yes, Why do you ask?" I say while holding onto the hand rails within the Van. We left the city Limits a few minutes ago and have been entering worsening roads ever since.

My Reply Somehow causes a massive grin from him:" Hahahha! How wonderful! Praise me as your savior for I am the greatest Magician of all time!"

"I ain't praising shit until you give me something to work with! What did you figure out!." I yell angrily at him.

He gestures wildly and answers with a smug look:" Why my dearest Jeanne. Many years ago, during a rather long campaign on the Fields of Wessex, I myself had depleted most of my reserves, however! during the Encounter, a great Storm was raging across the Battlements and I had an Idea. If I can Use Mana to Conjure Lightning, Why cant I absorb Lightning to create Mana! And with a brilliant idea, and a few lightning strikes later, I had my Spell to do just that!"

…...

…...

Is it just me or did this guy stumble upon his greatest achievements. This literally means that he figured out the law of energy conservation and already implemented it in a usable form. Energy cant be destroyed, it can only be transformed...That law was made in the early 18th century and he figured it out at least 800 Years earlier...

…...

Fuck me...Fuck him. Seriously!

I shake my head and ask:" Ok ok...That's seriously amazing. Do you think you can somehow use it here?"

He merely grins:" Let me have one of your assassin's bodies real quick and I may just be able to do something."

I look towards Assassin:" Asako, you heard the man. Give us a hand, or rather a body please."

"Of course master"

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20 Minutes later

Asako brings the van to a stop after driving over some really bad dirt roads. I guess this Servant really wants us isolated from Civilization.

Me and Merlin just finished buttoning up the Arc reactor and are now exiting the Van. We're leaving most of the Exoskeleton behind as I'm only using the Arc reactor and a skimmed version of the Chest plate. It's a bit uncomfortable due to not having my Tits in mind when it was made, but it'll have to do.

This will definitely be a pain when I'm fully grown up... Well its not like i'm planning on using it again any time soon.

I look down on the device to inspect it one last time.

The Arc reactor still looks identical to its original version except for some runes carved into the sides and the Light now giving a vibrant violet color instead of a white one. I honestly like it.

What I don't like, is the Wiring we stabbed through my rib cage. So yeah, A Line to my Heart, isn't that nice. I sigh as I close the door of the van and give the reactor one last look. Even if its a shoddy and incredibly dangerous setup, at least it gets the Job done.

Arc Reactor (Mana)

Quality: Low Grade (Homemade)

Condition: 100%

Output: 500,000 MP/r

With this little contraption, I only lose 166,054 MP/m giving me 25 minutes at full capacity. And Its completely sustainable if Asako doesn't use her Noble Phantasm during the Battle. Even by herself, she is still one of the deadliest Assassins to ever live. I'm certain we could win this fight now.

Without further Ado, I activate my servant mode and let the corrupted Armor form around my body. Due to the Chestplate already there, I focus on dissipating the Servant Armor that occupies the same Region. Now that I think about it, the Original armor I wore during the Hundred Year War was some serious bullshit.

It had armor plating over the Navel and abdomen but nothing for the chest and shoulders. My chest and therefore a direct shot to my heart, was completely exposed with nothing but a bit of cloth in the way. I had Gauntlets and Boots, but the didn't cover my Thighs or upper arms...Seriously, why did I ever wear this stuff.

I mean sure.

Is it hot? Definitely.

Is it cool? Fuck yeah it is.

Is it actually any good in Battle? Hard no...

You know what, when we're done with this I'm building an armor Like the one Mordred had. Seriously. Some Full body stuff with an awesome Helmet, now we're talking.

Not to mention my little headpiece. I tap the cold metal with my armored hands...Armored hands...

Oh shit! This is an ice based Servant! Will it be ok for me to wear Armor?

I inspect my apparel once more and conclude most of the armor plating to be safe due to it having various layers of Cloth underneath. The only piece in direct contact with my body is the Headpiece I questioned earlier. I remove it from my head, meaning to dissipate it, as I'm suddenly assaulted by a memory.

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Shaken by the sudden change, I quickly take in my surroundings

I...I'm standing in a tent of sorts...a table is in front of me, with a map of northern France depicted on it. my attention is grabbed by someone talking outside of the tent " Jeanne? May I come in?"

Suddenly no longer controlling my body, I answer;" Of course, please enter"

the unknown person enters...I turn to see a woman, her features hidden by a cloak and hood...But her Voice...

"Jeanne, I remembered how sad you were when you mentioned that you'd have to cut your hair if you wished to use a helmet. I asked my master's Help and he aided me in Making this for you"

She reveals the Headpiece from beneath her cloak and hands it to me. I take it into my hands to inspect the craftsmanship. Its unlike any I've ever seen, but sadly not suitable for the war, "While I do appreciate the Gesture Breanna, I do not see how this could be of the same help as a proper Helm. I do thank you though, its a magnificent piece." I say while smiling at her.

She removed her hood, revealing long locks of blonde hair. So the ancient one did have hair once. She merely smiles while gesturing to the piece of armor:" Well officially you could say its a good luck charm, A sign of your Bravery."

Finally getting her intentions I ask:" And unofficially?"

She grins:" Its a highly enchanted Headpiece that will attract any damage otherwise meant for your head. Arrows, swords, you name it. It wont Burn your skin or freeze it when exposed to the elements. It will also prevent your hair from fluttering into your face during battle and it wont be removed or fall off unless you will it to do so."

I gaze at the Piece in new admiration:" Quite extraordinary, to create such a wonder"

Breanna on the other hand was looking uneasy:" Will...Will you accept it? Even though it is magic?"

I look at her in confusion before giving a warm smile:" Of course. I do not see it as some foul evil crafted by a witch, but rather a gift from a caring friend. Besides, Its for a noble cause, so I am certain the Holy father will forgive you and allow you to enter the heavenly gates. Even though you practice witchcraft Breanna, you are a kind soul and use your knowledge for good. So yes, I will gladly accept this gift and wear it into battle."

She seems to be relieved , but seemed slightly unnerved at my preachy speech. I forgot that I was a hardcore christian thinking I was chosen by god. What lovely fate that brought me.

"Jeanne?"

I look back to her:" Yes Breanna?

"Jeanne!"

"What is it, whats wrong"

...While focusing on her, I barely notice as the memory fades away once more...

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"JEANNE!"

I'm startled by the sudden noise. Turning quickly to see that the voice came from Merlin. As I realize that I wasn't reacting so I quickly stutter out:" S..sorry. I..I just remembered something and it...Anyway lets get going now. We have a servant to beat." With my fading embarrassment I put the Headpiece back on my head...i should visit the Ancient one some time soon...

'Dammit, I have to focus!'

I move to the front of the car where Asako Just got out of the driver's seat. Fou will will accompany us but has strict orders to flee should it get too dangerous for him. Now with all of us prepared, I finally inspect our location.

Asako parked in front of a large gated property extending into a forest. The Walls ant the gate itself is in a shoddy condition. It probably hasn't been tended too in many years.

I move in front of our group and kick the gate with my armored boots. It blasts of its hinges and flies at least 10 meters. I'm in Servant Mode right now and that is even stronger due to me being an Avenger class of an actual heroic spirit. But even so, I cant grow overconfident. Stats aren't everything when it comes to a fight and many servants have tricks up their sleeves that completely disregard them.

I order Asako to activate her Presence concealment and have her follow me from shadows and elevated positions. As I slowly make my way through a decrepit path, I sense Asako zipping through the treeline above me. Now that I think about it, this is the first battle where I'm not fighting alone for a change.

I make my way through the frozen forest until I reach a large building. No a Mansion rather. Even though years or even decades of Neglect are showing, its still obvious to see that It once was a truly beautiful place.

I finally reach a courtyard with the remains of a statue in the middle of it. Moving closer to it, I see that it was deliberately destroyed, with only an inscription at the bottom remaining.

'В честь русской королевской семьи. пусть они процветают вечно.'

"Yo Asako, can you read Russian?" I ask through our Mental Bond, Hoping that she can read it. I know the holy grail usually supplies servants with the knowledge to speak other languages but it wasn't involved in her summoning. Though she was an assassin, I'm sure she knew other languages.

'The Nation of Russia did not exist during my lifetime nor did we see any need to learn the language of the then existing Nations of Novgorod and Vladimir. I am sorry of not being useful in this endeavor Master' Asako replies over our bond.

'Think nothing of it, I can hardly blame you. Even so, any information on this place would be useful.'

I turn to Fou:" Merlin ca-"

"Why yes I can. As the greatest mage to ever live, I also spent my time le-"

"Shove it and translate, we're on a tight schedule." I reprimand him.

"Fine Fine, you big bully." He whines once again as Fou walks in front of the broken statue.

"Now then lets see...it more or less means 'In Honor of the Russian Royalty. may they prosper forevermore,' Now this will get interesting." He answers finally.

"And it barely narrows it down, It basically just means that we're dealing with A Romanov or someone close to them. And I'm pretty sure most of the Russian Heroes Fall into that category anyway."

"I'm surprised you know of that." He ponders.

"Which Part?"

"That you're dealing with Romanovs"

I question him:" Isn't that common Knowledge that the Russian Family consists of the Romanov's?"

He merely laughs at my reply:" Your "common Knowledge" seems to quite uncommon actually. As you know, During the Napoleonic Wars Many people of Europe were liberated from the final clutches of Serfdom and Feudalism. He promulgated a new constitution and a civil code reflecting the chief accomplishments of the Revolution: popular sovereignty, trial by jury, equality before the law, a citizen army, freedom of religion, abolition of feudal privileges, and freedom of the press and so on. He also enforced those policies in all the countries he conquered.

This however failed in Russia as Napoleon was beaten and defeated by them."

"Never underestimate the Russian Winter, I know. How is this relevant to the Romanovs?"

"I'm getting there. Now then. During the War, the ruling Tzar of Russia realized how hated the ruling class was within his nation and how desperately they desired the changes Napoleon brought. He believed that one day the population would turn on the royalty. So he enacted a plan to bring anonymity to the Russian Family.

He did this by decreeing that all members of the royal family no longer gave out their actual names to members outside of the family. The identities of close allies and advisors were also kept secret. He also ordered thousands of Families in Russia to adopt the name "Romanov" for which they received a good sum of money. Over the decades, no one could truly know anymore which Romanov was of actual Royalty."

"Couldn't he have just adopted the Policies Napoleon brought instead of committing to such a convoluted plan?" I ask, concerning that absurd plan

"Well That would have required him to give up quite a bit of his power and you know how that usually goes."

"Yeah, Governments are always good at taking power, but giving it up is always a problem...Now that I think about it, this does explain why members of the Romanovs and the Rasputins still live today. I always wondered How someone Like Natasha Would have survived in the Soviet Union with that last name..."

I shake my head and resolutely say:" Well it's pointless in guessing who were dealing with right now. The only choice we have is to confront them."

With a certain Power in my steps, I open the door to the Main Hall of the Building. The lack of lighting is making things harder to see and I don't really want to reveal my Mystic eyes to the enemy.

So, Blue flames emanate from my armored Body and begin to fly towards various chandeliers. They weren't that modern and still used candles. One by one, blue flames turn red and start illuminating the Grand foyer.

Fou pulls my attention to a figure standing atop the left staircase. With the newly lit chandeliers, I can clearly make out their features. Its a beautiful Woman with long white hair and a fringe covering her icy blue eyes. She's wearing an ornate white gown and a white fur cape with gold designs and blue lining on it. What really stands out is the face though. A face oddly similar to Natasha Romanov...

I Guess my hunch was right then. May as well get some specifications

Caster Ascension 1

True Name :A̸̧̛̰͆̈̓͌̎͛̿̊͂̾̃͗̒̽̆̓͆̍́̀̀̾́͘͝͝n̷̨̢̤̻̪̪͖̲̲͕̣̙͇̉́̀̄͒͛͗̇̎͘ͅͅa̵̡̢̡̛̜̗̫͔̫̰͎̦̦͚̝̬̺̥̰̋̋̓͌̄̾͜͜͝͝ͅs̵̢̯̹̫̺̮̜̜̺̰̝̝͓̬͎͓̟͉̟̙͇̰̝̤͚̥̓̋̈́́̒͒̈́̊̾͛̅̽̍͜͝͠͝ͅt̵̢̲̻̟̳͈̅̾̎̆̓̏̐͂̏ą̸̱͕̗͕͍̤̣̣̭̱̜́̂͂͆̿͋́́̿͒̑̌́̐̔̽̈́͛̽̋͆͜͝ͅś̵͉̦̙̭͓̤͊̐͋͗̂̕͠͠ḯ̸̢̧̥͋̈́̾͊̎͌̉̏̈́̒̔͋̎a̶͕̍͆̓̀͋̄͒̏͑̔̂̈́͗̅͋̍̿̂́͊͂̅͠ ̵̧̖͙̰̣̙̰̖͕͆̐́̇̀̇̈́̃̀̎̋̿̈́͗̃͋̃͘̚͠R̷̡̧̧̡̩̭̖̞̳̼̯͙̮̼͇̜̤̱̦̥͎̮̟̟͚̫̽͜ͅǫ̴̢̢̢͉͔̗͖̻̪̖͖̝̬̘͕̩̙̮͔̫͉͈̬͒͗͂̀̊̽̋͑̂̆̂̋̐͐̽̑̚̕̚͜ͅͅm̴̩̖̠͉̘͚̻̼͎̰̗̊́̅̉͒̃̈́̈́͊͊́͋̂́͗̂̋̇̏̉̿͗͊̔̀͘͘͝͠ą̸̰̬̳̼̣͉̒̊̑̆͜n̵̰̦̏̏̈́̽̃̉̀̀̓͌̿̔̈́͗͊̍̑͑̀̔̅̀̊̊̎͋̒̀o̵̳̱͖̝͈͐v̸͇̟̣̾̑̈́̎̏̍̇͒̉̄͜͝

STR E+ (50)

VIT E+ (50)

DEX C+(750)

INT A+ (2000)

WIS A+ (2000)

CHA C+ (750)

LUK D+ (400)

NP: Error

'Ow ow ow ow.' My eyes start pulsing in pain at the scan. At least I got her name out of it. I hope this wont be the case for every Servant. Wait a second. Why are all her stats boosted? Every one of them has a + on it. What gives?

Probably that ascension 1 thingy.

Probably some upgrade to combat you and your servant.

Its a number disadvantage after all.

Well that's almost as disheartening as not being able to view her noble phantasm...But I think I've done enough talking for now. Even if she had a tragic fate, I'm not showing her an ounce of mercy.

I put my armored boot on the first step of the staircase and face the enemy servant;" That man you killed was quite important to me. So I wont show you any mercy for that murder 'Anastasia Romanov'!"

She is clearly taken aback by the name I've uttered;" How...How did you?" She pauses for a while before facing me with an earnest expression herself" No. It makes sense that a witch who deals with devils could know my name. And spare me your attempts to make me regret killing that man. He was surely one of your accomplices!"

Clearly confused by her statement, I go to ask, only to be interrupted by her:" Oh I know what you are Monster! The grail has told me all about your scheme to enslave the Throne of Heroes for your evil. You will not succeed!" She cries out as she summons a wall of icicles behind her" Your scheme fails today!"

I give of a light smirk as I finally understand the situation. Sure Angra could enslave the Throne of Heroes to fight against me, but it wont be very effective. These are Heroic Spirits. They would resist Angra's Power if they aren't fully corrupted. And even if they are fully enslaved, without free will, their true Prowess wont shine through in their mission. So why send out unwilling slaves, when you can make willing soldiers. So he uses the Guise of the Holy grail to convince the heroes of a great Evil that threatens them and Humanity. Quite an ingenious plan honestly. Make me the bad guy and the Heroes will fight. But that isn't enough is it?

I ask Caster:" Tell me Caster. Did the Grail also promise you a wish of your choosing should you be successful in killing me?"

She continues looking at me in contempt:" To think you even know that. What have you done to gain such knowledge?!"

I merely chuckle:" It was an educated guess really, but Please. before we begin Would you mind revealing your wish. I think it only honorable to tell me, if this is my last day of life no?"

Her face scrunches in disgust:" Fine! But I highly doubt a demon like yourself could ever understand!"

she pauses for a bit before gesturing to the building we are standing in.

"I lived a happy life with my Husband Dmitri, A courageous Boy who had worked in the Kitchens of the very building you stand in. He risked everything to save my life when the Reds Stormed our home. No one knew my true name, so it was possible to live peacefully. Dimitri was a kind boy and an even greater man for whom I happily bore a son. And our little Ivan grew up to be just like him. But he was rebellious, he wanted to live free. He wished to take his wife and newly born Daughter to America...I hadn't heard of his fate. My wish is to know it..." She finishes with a quiet tone, clearly sad for her sons disappearance.

I wasn't expecting that...My thoughts were more along the line of "Prevent the Bolshevik Revolution" or something. Not something so...normal.

Wanting to confirm my suspicion I ask:" Tell me. Your Grandchild's name. Was it Natalia Alianova?"

She is startled by the name and fearfully asks:" Y..Yes. Why do you know her?"

Maybe we can solve this peacefully after all." Well you don't have to wish for anything then. I would try to convince you that the grail was corrupted by an evil god but you have no reason to trust me. So why don't I Fulfill your wish instead and tell you of their tragic fate."

Her eyes widen at my words:" What do you mean "Tragic"?"

"Its no secret that those caught trying to leave were punished. Would you prefer me to lie?" I simply ask.

"N..NO! Please...Tell me what happened to them."

I take on a neutral expression as I begin. I don't want to look disingenuous after all:" I'm not sure what happened to your son or his wife, but I do know of Natalia, or Natasha as she goes by now. I can only guess that her parents were either killed or sent to an internment Camp. Little Natasha had a very different fate in store for her. She was recruited for a secretive Government Program, The "Red Room". Its purpose was to train Female assassins skilled in both espionage and infiltration. She excelled in those fields and eventually found an opportunity to defect to the US." I finish the story. I left out aspects like Natasha being Sterilized against her will or the fact that she is forced to work for SHIELD in return. I don't want her to be too sad.

Though I guess that Idea backfired, judging by the great amount of tears and sobbing now coming from her. I guess I should've worded that better. Maybe Telling her that her own son got whacked and her Granddaughter was turned into an assassin so simply wasn't that great an idea.

You Think?

Ehh...I give her a few seconds to calm down before asking:" I fulfilled your wish Anastasia, Do you still intend to kill me?

She looks at me, slight sobs still coming from her:" I...I Don't know...it doesn't matter anymore. My ow- Arghrh!" Before she can finish, a faint red glow emanates from her form as she grunts out in pain.

'Master, This energy. It's'

'A Command Seal' I finish Asako's thought. Of course Ahriman wouldn't have so little control over his servants. He needed a fail safe for this exact case and the Command seals are the perfect medium. It wouldn't wonder me if he even had an infinite number of them.

I now focus on the scene once more and specifically how it would go in terms of a fight. She's a powered up caster and we're literally in her Territory. That alone is a death wish. There's also the fact that she is up high on the staircase. IVE SEEN ENOUGH MEDIA TO KNOW THAT ONE RESPECTS THE HIGH GROUND!

I turn around to see the entrance already locked up tight. I glance back at Caster to see the Floating icicles behind her slowly spinning up. I don't need anymore warning than that.

I Quickly dash to the nearest Doorway and Ram through it with my shoulder. The Old door splinters into pieces from the impact, leaving me free to run down the Hallway just behind it. Just in time it seems, as I already hear the Icy Projectiles close in from behind. Knowing that I cant possible outrun them, I let them take their course.

My armor received the same enchantments as my clothing and can also deliver the same effect of redirecting incoming Projectiles.

I continue running down the corridor and reach for a door leading to the side. I once again crash through it.

-80000 HP

-80000 HP

-80000 HP

I turn around to see three Shards sticking out of my shoulder. Looks like my enchantments do have a limit to how much they can redirect then. I look forward with the intention to continue running, but am stopped by various ice golems. They aren't bulky or clunky, but rather perfect Ice sculptures in the likeness of what I assume to be the old Royal Guard.

Guess I'm not running away anymore. I only summon my sword, A Polearm isn't that good for a tight corridor. I coat my blade in hell fire and charge at the Golems. One by one they either shatter or a molten in half by the extreme heat.

'Master. Should I aid you?'

'Not yet Asako. She doesn't know of your presence yet and her defenses aren't that good. All we need is one lethal strike. Keep following me for now and notify me if she moves.'

'Yes Master!'

I once again turn to see a wall of icicles racing towards me. Not wanting to get hurt again, I summon a wall of Hellfire to counter the assault. The only thing reaching me now a warm splashes of water. I also set fire to the corridor itself, my intention being to destroy the validity of her territory.

It isn't really hers if its just a charred heap of wood and ash. I continue racing through the mansion burning any enemies I come across while also setting fire to the building itself. I finally reach the entrance towards the inner courtyard. It mainly consist of a frozen garden filled with more Golems to kill.

I light my blade once more only to notice something strange. The flame...Its weaker than before. I give a quick glance to the building behind me to see the flames slowly dwindling.

"How...My Flames...Why...are..." I cant seem to catch my breath. I know I haven't been in a fight for half a year, but I should n be this out of shape. I turn back to the golems that were about to close in and Blast them with my flames. They all melt without much effort, but my breathing once again worsens. Why is this happening!

Status Effect "Oxygen deprivation" Stage 1 : All stats are decreased by 20% when active.

What! How! I'm standing in the Open, how is a Caster doing thi-...A Bounded Field! or something of the sort. Wards perhaps. It would keep anything unwanted from entering the territory. And in this Case that is fresh air from the surrounding area...That bitch. She was planning on having me burn away my own Oxygen. To think that even Hell fire respects the laws of physics

I look up to a nearby balcony which just opened up. Speak of the devil. She's even got the red eyes.(Though they are from the command seal)

"I apologies for this, but it seems I have no choice but to kill you. You may be wondering how I, a hero of no notable achievement is skilled in such complex Magic." She gestures around her in pride as new ice constellations form once more. They surround me completely, leaving just a small void for me to see her through" I was taught By Grigori Rasputin himself. He was an advisor from the The Russian Ministry of Magic, The council of Frosts. Though only meant to advise my father, he also taught me of his magic. Even though we are not true enemies, I will still vanquish you with all my might! You will behold the power of my Magic"

With her final Words, the ice constellations around us begin wiring to life as she prepares for them to strike from every angle.

'Asako! Please tell me you're in position to strike her!'

'I am Master! Just give the word!'

'Get her as soon as her attack launches. I wont have her redirect them to defend herself.'

Anastasia knows I cant escape her attack, but she doesn't know I can defend myself from it. I channel my Mana and focus a small flame Plume at the ground beneath me. Just as intended, the Snow turns to steam and clouds my immediate area.

Status Effect "Oxygen deprivation" Stage 2 : All stats are decreased by 40% when active.

"Do you truly think hiding yourself will do any good? I have you surrounded and dead to rights. There's nothing you can do!" Anastasia Screams from above, oblivious to the assassin climbing down the wall just next to her.

I punch the ground and use my earth Magic to create a dome around myself to protect me from the icy attack. Just in the nick of time as well.

The icicles and spears all fly towards my position. Most shatter from the walls, but some pierce through and graze my flesh. 2 seconds pass before a blinding pains shoots up from my back.

-500,000 HP

I look down to see a spear pierce through the armor in my abdomen. It doesn't pass through my entire body, but still gets quite far. There goes my stomach. I realize that the assault finally ended and quickly shout out in my mind

'Now Asako!'

Felling her move through my bond, I pause a few seconds before removing the walls. Looking up towards the balcony I see Asako standing over Anastasia's unmoving body.

As I let Hope fill my body, I suddenly see Asako turn towards the Balcony and bracing herself with her arms only to be be blasted from the Balcony. I run forward and catch her before she could fall to the ground.

"I was warned of your Assassin Witch! Do not underestimate the Preparedness of the caster class." Anastasia says as she is moves out onto the courtyard. Her body which Asako had stabbed now lost all color and features, reviling itself to be an ice sculpture as well.

With her true form now in front of us, do I see the recent changes. Her white dress is filled with black blotches, locks of her hair having turned red and her face is now showing black veins.

I guess this is the fate of a servant that resists Angra then.

Asako climbs out of my Arms and removes the icicles that punctured her arm. Time to think then, I cant use my fire and her own Magic is immensely stronger than my own. She can create body doubles so we wont know who the real one may be. I do believe the caster in front of me to be the real one, but I cant be too sure...Dammit, why dis we have to end up in a caster's territory!

Why not try your earlier plan then.

Destroy her territory

How would I do that! My Fire is useless here!

I never said anything about fire and I cant recommend any options.

I can say though, Your luck is boosted right now as is your intelligence and wisdom.

I'm certain you can figure something out!

Fine fine. I see your point. I already knew a servant would require a bit more ingenuity to beat and this is that moment. I once again Use Earth Magic to form a wall in front of us as I inspect the Area. The building was last used during the 1920s, meaning that a lot of modernization didn't quit reach this area of Russia just yet. I continue analyzing the Area with my eyes as I finally find my solution in the sewer system running beneath the Estate. Anastasia once winds up to blast us with a barrage of ice based attacks.

"Asako" I turn to her " Activate your Noble Phantasm! I have a plan!" While yelling out the command and empowering it with my command seal, I also inform her of her mission through my mental Bond.

I Strengthen the Wall of Earth with my reinforcement and use it to defend the attacks, as Asako begins her chant

« Now...!"
"We as a group are an individual, and the individual, a group. The group's innumerable shadows possesses a hundred faces. Now..."
"Zabaniya! »

Shadows begin to grow from her form and quickly begin taking shapes around us. The first shapes and that of Asako herself begin sprinting away from our location and quickly jump down a nearby Manhole cover. About 40% of the newly spawned troops now stand beside me to help with the defense against caster. I look at my HUD and activate a timer.

25 Minutes remaining. Lets count em down.

Me and the nearby assassins, those equipped for open combat, wearing armor and shields, now steel ourselves for the coming assault.

Anastasia merely grins at us:" A Battle of attrition then? To see who folds first? To bad that you have no chance of winning then!

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20 Minutes later

"Urgh" I grunt as we just survived another barrage. I'm down to 3 minutes of Mana left due to me using so much for reinforcement and earth magic. My breathing has only gotten weaker due to the increased oxygen consumption of the extra assassins. But the message I just received from Asako makes it all worth it.

'I still need a few seconds to finish up master'

'that's fine. Good work Assassin. Evacuate your bodies and stay in position'

'Are you sure Master!? If you don't move in time, you will be hurt as well!'

'Not to worry dear, I'm staying right here. Just be ready, Understood?'

'…..Yes Master. Good luck'

I grin at assassins little sign of compassion. A good fight is always a good bonding experience after all. I wait for the remaining assassins to leave through the sewer systems before dropping all of my walls.

"Oh? Are you facing your death with honor instead of hiding like a coward? Or do you plan to run like your assassin? My Wards may not affect her, but they do affect you. You will not escape this place!" Anastasia boasts

I merely chuck;e while wiping away some blood that had flown into my eye:" Sorry to disappoint Anastasia, but I don't plan on doing any of those. And no, My assassin wasn't running away, but rather dooming your fate."

"Really now? And how did she do that even though she fled ? What could she possibly have done to help?"

I merely smirk as I prepare my earth magic once more:" Well in my Experience, a good plan usually fails when you explain I before actually doing it. So tough luck you bitch! I was stalling all the time!"

I yell out as I form a thick cocoon of earth around my entire body.

With Asako already in position, she does as instructed.

All of a sudden, The ground beneath the estate begins to shake as Plumes of fire burst forth from beneath the ground. One by one, Explosion occur like a chain reaction and the entire property is engulfed in flames and destruction.

'This is definitely going to be on the nightly news' I think as I watch the happenings with my mystic eyes. My body is heated up from the warmth and is also thrown around by the mighty tremors.

A few more seconds pass before it finally stops. As I want to make sure that caster didn't survive, I quickly break out of the Earthy shell and inspect my surroundings. The first thing I notice is the clearly better air, even though a large explosion just occurred, I can once again breathe normally

Status effect "Oxygen deprivation" Has been removed

It's all gone. Every building every statue, even the ground is sinking in at certain places. Looking past the devastation, I see the form of Caster lying sideways with the buildings entrance partially collapsed upon her.

'Asako, get back as soon as you can. I'm not sure if she survived'

'Yes Master! I'll be there immediately' she pipes up, clearly happy for my survival

I now move towards Anastasia. She begins to cough as I approach, but not enough to stop my advance. The Red splotch of blood staining her chest more than enough to assure my safety. Her face and most of her clothes are badly burned. Her left cheekbone is actually showing and entire chunks of her shoulder are missing.

With a pained breath she wheezes out:" …...How..."

I honestly contemplate killing her now instead to rub her defeat in. You know the "You will never know" Kind of thing, but I don't think she actually deserves it. She;s just a pawn in the end and this was technically her house.

"I guess you deserve the truth then. You see, this is quite the old building so it doesn't have any electrical lines. What it does have are gas lines." Her eyes widen in confusion as I continue:" yes yes, no one is living here, so the city wouldn't pump any gas this way. Well that's what my dear assassin was up to after all. While some of her body opened up the valves which ran under the estate, she made her way towards the city to redirect the Gas flow. And soon enough the whole mansion once again had a working gas connection. We didn't stop there of course. We also manipulated the valves to ensure that a good pressure was built up beneath the foundations." I stand up while gesturing towards the devastation

"And after that, the assassins evacuated the tunnels with only one remaining to ignite the whole thing. And you obviously know how the rest went. I do apologize for wrecking the place, i'm sure it was quite beautiful once. But all things must come to an end someday."

She merely chokes on some blood before whimpering out:" I...guess...so...Well fought...then..."

the final look she gives me is honestly perplexing. On the one hand relief, but also sadness...I guess I can understand that at least.

Not wanting to suffer anymore, I plunge my spear straight into her skull, painting the flag red.

Her body now begins to dissipate, Slowly particles radiate from her body as she simply dispersal into the cold afternoon.

Level up X6

Earth magic leveled up to LV 28

Reinforcement leveled up to LV 53

After the messages fade away, I inspect her remains

Now taking up her space is a small ornate box. Its golden in color and of high quality. I Pick it up and receive the message.

Caster Catalyst Acquired (Russian Music Box)

I open up the Box and turn the key attached to it. Within are two figures. A Man dressed in a Royal uniform and a Woman wearing a beautiful purple gown. The Melody begins playing an I quickly recognize it.

"Once upon a December..." the melody is enough to wrench apart my feelings of victory, but a hidden compartment deals the deathblow. Sliding out of the music box I find two pictures.

One shows a couple dancing in field of wheat. I quickly recognize the woman as the one I had just killed.

The other shows another couple. They both smile at the camera while holding a small toddler in their arms. The smiling child is sporting Beautiful red hair which shines stunningly in the moonlight...

I slide the pictures back into the music box and use the attached key to lock it up. After that I place it all in my inventory.

I deactivate my servant form and also chuck the arc reactor into my inventory.

I sit myself on the ground, my mind blank as I don't wish to think of anything...I dearly hope this sort of thing won happen with the other servants as well...

Asako finally arrives. I stand up to as she closes in.

She is quick to realize my mood and doesn't say anything.

I open a Portal back to my New York Apartment:" …..Lets go home Asako..."

She merely nods as the both of us along with little Fou leave through the Portal, leaving a burning wasteland behind us.

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Hope you enjoyed the chapter...Please review.

For those of you who didn't know, this version of Anastasia was partially based on the 1997 Movie of the same name...

I also included this chapter to explain how people like Natasha Romanov and Piotr Rasputin survived in the Soviet Union. With their names being what they were...

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Lastly for the reviewer "Fandoms x song" I do usually read any reviews I get so you don't have to worry there. I do prefer Pming People when they have questions though. It wasn't available for your account.

Now to your Questions. I do know the son Joan by Heather Dale and do like it quite a bit.

Sadly, I do not know Inuyasha or Katekyo hitman. (I have heard of them though)

I did see the Old guard but doubt I'll be implementing it. (On that note, the Anime "Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne" Follows a similar concept and I can recommend it)