"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Mental link"
"Noble Phantasms"
POV
Chapter 28: Hands on approach
Chaldea POV
Olga tried to get her breathing under control as she approached the Rayshift chamber. Her first Rayshift had been by accident into an area she wasn't prepared for.
This was different! She knew she was going into a potentially hostile environment! So she shouldn't be so nervous about this. She even had a servant.
Albeit the Servant was a form of Golem who couldn't speak, but it was a strong Golem regardless. Therefore there was nothing to worry about. She was the Director of Chaldea! She could do this! Rayshift in, find Master Candi-...Find Ritsuka Fujimaru, help solve the Singularity and then leave.
Easy. She wasn't incompetent! She'd show everyone she could do it if she really wanted to!
"Yahoo!" Astolfo's beaming face entered her field of vision. She stumbled back with a squeak of shock as the Rider puffed out his chest and looked her up and down "Heard you were going down with a new Servant, so I thought I'd wish you luck!"
"I-I don't need luck!" Olga retorted, looking away with a scoff "This operation requires skill! Relying on something as foolish as luck would be ludicrous for any competent professional."
Astolfo raised an eyebrow at her, but simply shrugged "Alright then. I'm still wishing you luck though!" his smile never left his face as he turned to the Berserker servant and gaped at him "Wow! You're big!" he danced around the servant with an excited expression on his face "That's so amazing! You have this cool looking axe and this big shield! Are you made out of metal?"
The Berserker's head followed him around, then he dematerialised his weapons and held out a hand to grab the Rider on the shoulder. Astolfo didn't seem perturbed in the least.
"You have really big hands! Wow, they are cold too!"
The Berserker stared down at him, its other hand raised above the boys head and slowly descended until it rested atop his hair. The Rider now looking perplexed by the action.
Olga watched the servant incredulously, then the Berserker did something unexpected.
It pat Astolfo's head. Rather gently as well.
It was, without a doubt, one of the most peculiar things she had ever seen in her life. Clearing her throat loudly, she got the attention of her servant again. The armoured Berserker turning to look at her "Enough dawdling. We're going down to the Rayshift chamber."
The Berserker nodded its head, then unhanded the boy and followed after his Master. Astolfo stood in the corridor, still frozen with wide eyes and a slacked expression before he span around to face the retreating Berserker and chased after him "Noooo! Don't stop patting my head now! No one's done that to me in ages!"
The sounds of Olga's annoyed cry echoed through the corridors.
"So she's off then is she?" Siegward asked Cu as the pair enjoyed a pint of Siegbräu in the pub "I will admit I am surprised by this. She did not strike me as the type do frequent the front lines."
"Ah, just means she's growing." Cu grinned as he downed the drink greedily, slamming the mug back onto the table "Holy shit, this stuff is great."
"Thank you." Siegward accepted the praise with a smile "In truth I am quite proud of it. Took many years to get the recipe just right." he sighed "And rather unorthodox use of miracles as well. Blessing fermenting fruit with a talisman is quite a hassle."
"Still, never would have guessed that you could make a drink this good with magic." Cu shrugged his shoulders "Well, I suppose you could but most mages would consider it a waste of time."
"Their loss then." Siegward chuckled "Still, I had plenty of time on my hands as an adventurer, travelling to different lands provided me with quite the menu of foods."
"Really?" Cu titled his head, then frowned "I assume you don't make most of them because of that...undead thing."
"Unkindled." He replied, shaking his head "And I'm afraid so. Our senses have long since dulled, in truth all we can eat and drink is Estus." he let out a quieter laugh "Half the reason I tried so hard to make Siegbräu."
"...That sucks." Cu comments, all levity gone from his voice as he held a rather sombre expression "Being robbed of the taste of food and drink. It ain't right for a warrior."
"Perhaps." Siegward sighed "Although we never had much choice in the matter." he chuckled, then remained silent for a few moments "I heard from Lady Da Vinci that we had a created world to train in which could replicate different locations."
Cu nodded "Yeah, they called it a simulator chamber or something."
"Is that so?" He smiled "A world forged by men. This might be as close as I get to a painted world." he clapped his hands "Still, I was hoping you would do me the honour of a spar."
Cu froze, his tankard barely touching his lips as he lowered it back to the table. Blank expression quickly giving way to a feral grin and a shine in his eyes "Now that's something I can get behind. All this waiting about ain't good for us servants."
"I agree." Siegward nodded "As much as I enjoy a rest. I do find myself in need of stimulation." he chuckled, rising from his seat "Shall we?"
"After you big guy!" The lancer servant downed the rest of his drink and wiped his chin, turning to the man in charge of the pub "Barkeep! Have a pair of this guys brew ready for when we return!"
"My names Francis." The man muttered under his breath, but nodded his head as the two servants walked out of the room.
"Do you want to see Lady Olga off first?" Siegward asked, Lancer nodded his head.
"Yep." Still grinning "From what I understand this will be the first time she's intentionally charging into battle. Hell if I'm gonna miss that!"
"Let us be away!"
"How's the suit?" Da Vinci asked, Olga idly scratching her shoulders as she wore the mystic code uniform. The Caster having prepared a special one for her in the style of her usual outfit.
"Its…" She frowned, narrowing her eyes "It fits perfectly," she gave Da Vinci a suspicious glance "Too perfectly."
Da Vinci grinned "Never underestimate a genius!" her eyes glinted with amusement "Also I got your measurements while you were being moved into your doll body."
"You wha-"
"Told you she was still here!" Came the boisterous voice of Cu as he marched into the room, grin on his face as Siegward followed behind him.
"Oh?" Da Vinci giggled "Here to see off the brave heroine?"
"Indeed." Siegward laughed "I would be remiss if I did not offer Lady Olga good fortune in her journey." he looked over to the Berserker servant and tilted his head "Most unusual design of armour."
"We suspect he comes from your world?"
"Really?" Siegward raised his eyebrows "I'm sorry to say I do not recognise him."
"Its a living suit." Olga huffed, shaking her head "Besides, I don't need luck! I have…" she trailed off, trying to think of something to say.
"Determination?" Cu offered helpfully with a carefree expression "An easy to tease face?"
"Yes." She nodded, then widened her eyes in horror and blushed "N-no!" pointedly proving the Lancer correct as he burst into laughter, Siegward releasing a quiet chuckle of her own.
Olga growled, then sent a glance at Berserker. The armoured giant stared down at her unmoving.
"Can we just hurry up!" Olga huffed, crossing her arms and looking away.
"Alright." Da Vinci eased up, leading Olga over to one of the spare coffins "Just stand in here and we'll send you down." she explained, then looked over to Berserker "You are slightly too big my friend, so you'll have to stand outside the coffin."
"...You mean we don't actually have to stand in them?" Cu spoke up, raising his eyebrow.
Da Vinci shrugged "Its actually mostly for those with physical bodies. You're technically already spiritrons, so the coffins are unnecessary for you. It just makes the process a little easier."
"Huh." Cu scratched his chin "That's fair." he looked over to Siegward "Well, we've wished you luck! Make sure you and this big guy kick some ass for us!" he grinned as he and Siegward walked away, the Saber calling out to her over his shoulder.
"I have faith in your abilities Lady Olga! Return victoriously! We shall celebrate!" With that the door closed.
Olga had a deceptively blank face at the servants declaration before she let out a scoff "Celebrate? I haven't even done anything yet and he's already talking of celebrations." she scowled "And what is it with luck!? What we need is competence and skill! Not luck!"
Da Vinci watched her rant with a small smile on her face, eventually placing a hand on the Directors shoulder, Olga whirled on her with an incredulous expression.
"What!?"
"You'll do fine." She replied, her usual bright tone replaced with a softer one "We're here to back you up if you need it."
Olga stared at her for a few minutes then huffed, stepping into the coffin "Just tell Romani to get ready to Rayshift."
Da Vinci nodded her head, jogging out of the room.
"Director?" Romani's voice came over the intercom "I'm just letting you know that interference might not get you to where we want you to go. But don't worry! You'll likely end up within a few miles of where we want to send you."
"Fine!" Olga called back "Just hurry up, we're wasting time."
"Alright." Romani replied "...Just hope she doesn't materialise hundreds of feet above the ground."
"Wait, what!?" Olga shouted back in a panic "What do you mean!? Romani!?"
"This thing is still on!?" Romani cried "N-no, you'll be fine! Everything is under control here! No problems!" his muffled voice came next "Quick send her down!"
"No, answer the question! Roman-"
The Rayshift announcement cut her off as she and Berserker disappeared in a flash of light.
Romani slumped in his chair, nervous expression on his face.
"Hey, Doc?" Maxwell called out to him, the Rayshift operator swivelling around in his chair "You think she's gonna materialise in the air?"
"No chance." Romani shrugged him off with a shaky expression "The odds are so slim you'd have to be incredibly unlucky for something like that to happen. She'll be fine and she won't get mad at us."
"…"
"…"
"...She's going to materialise in the air, isn't she?"
Romani's head made contact with his desk "Probably…" came his depressing muffled reply.
"...She's going to kill us."
Romani groaned into his desk, his despair filled wail was shared by the other operators in the room. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked up again "By the way, has anyone seen Fou?"
Olga POV
"AHHHHHHH!" Olga's cry of fear disturbed the silence of the area, if it could have been heard over the sound of rushing wind as she plummeted to the ground.
She swore, if she somehow survived this. She would make Romani suffer.
"B-Berserker!" She cried out in a panic, curling herself up into a ball as she fell, the armoured Giant grabbed her body and pulled him close to his chest. Holding his shield out in front of him to take the impact of the ground.
The descending lump of metal smashed into the earth with enough force to send debris in all directions and kick up a dust cloud large enough to cover both their forms. Olga's body jolted with the thud, ears ringing and limbs numb as she crawled out from the Berserkers grasp and rolled onto the ground.
Vomiting violently.
She quickly descended into a hoarse cough, while weeping at the same time. The Berserker watched her, albeit rather pathetic, display without moving. Still crouched over.
When she eventually stopped coughing, she rose to her feet. Stumbling about before leaning on her Servant to steady herself and prevent her legs from giving out underneath her.
"I-…" She panted heavily, panic quickly giving way to fury "I'll kill that stupid, useless, worthless, lazy, pathetic, son of a bi-"
"Ahem." A voice brought her out of her rant. She looked up to see she was surrounded by nearly a hundred armed soldiers. All of which were Roman in design.
Most looked like they had only just stopped what they were doing to surround her.
She paled rapidly. Berserker rising from his crouched position and manifesting his axe, standing protectively in front of Olga. The sight of the armoured giant sent murmurs through the ranks of the soldiers, many backing away, although a few looked caught between outright fleeing or attacking.
"State your name and your intentions woman." The Centurion asked, eyes darting between her and the Berserker nervously.
"I-I'm…" She swallowed, standing up and puffing out her chest "I am Olga Marie Animusphere from Chaldea!"
"…" The Centurion stared at her for a few minutes, scrunching his face up in confusion and then looking around to the other soldiers, several shrugged, at which point he looked back at her "Never heard of it. So, Olga." he narrowed his eyes, hand resting on his sword "State your intentions before I have the men cut you down."
A metallic groaning emanated from Berserker, his head tilting down to look at the Centurion, causing the man to sweat, rather heavily, under the intense gaze of the giant.
"We're here to help." She huffed, looking at the man with a schooled expression. Completely ignoring her introduction of dropping out of the sky.
"That why you landed in our camp and nearly crushed several soldiers?" The Centurion scowled "...But you said you were here to help?"
"Yes. I have subordinates already here doing the same."
"...Hmmm." He frowned, then sighed "Not like we can deny it. We need all the help we can get." he looked up at Berserker "That and your giant hasn't immediately stared murdering us all yet."
"Like I said." Olga repeated, sounding more annoyed this time "We're here to help."
"Right, right." The Centurion took his hand off his sword, waving for the others to stand down. Berserker relaxed after a nod from Olga "Well...Welcome to Rome."
Olga's eyebrows raised "This is Rome?"
"Yeah." He shrugged "Its a few thousand paces up the road." he scratched his helmet "We're only here because the Emperors new court magician said to expect help to arrive around this place." he looked up "Although I wasn't expecting it to drop out of the sky. Must be a gift from the Gods." a relieved smile came to his face.
Olga, however, focused on something else "What do you mean we were expected?"
"The Emperors new Court Magician, and consort." The Centurion repeated "She has the gift of foresight. She said that help would arrive to deal with the crisis."
"Clairvoyant." Olga muttered under her breath, then frown "Can you take me to her?"
"The Emperor wanted to meet those who help anyway." The man shrugged his shoulders "We weren't sure what to expect which is why we brought a small detachment." his posture relaxed "But since you're here. We can provide escort, not that you need it, but it'll probably put everyone else at ease if you are seen with a guard."
Olga bit her thumb, holding up her hand "One moment." she pressed her communicator, the blue screen flashing up "Fujimaru, Report?...Mash?" she clicked her tongue in annoyance "Romani?"
"-rector! You're alright!" Came Romani's relieved voice as his face appeared "And we can read you just fine!"
"You're an idiot." Was her blunt response "I materialised in the air."
"...Oh…"
"I can't make contact with Fujimaru or Mash." She scowled "They must still be in the zone of interference." she looked back at the Roman's briefly, then back to Romani "Regardless, the Romans were here when I arrived. They appear to have a Clairvoyant who foresaw our arrival."
Romani blinked in surprise "Whoa...That would have to be some powerful Clairvoyant. Who is it?"
"I don't know." She hissed "However, I'm being escorted to meet the Emperor. Continue trying to make contact with Fujimaru and Mash, I'll report back when I meet with the Emperor."
"Alright." Romani nodded "Be careful!"
"I don't need safety advice from you right now." Romani winced, Olga clicked the communicator off and looked back to the Romans, who all seemed non-pulsed about her communicator.
"Huh…" The Centurion stared at her, then shrugged "Prefect Solaire's is more impressive." was all he could say "Are you prepared to depart, Lady Olga?"
"Lets go."
True enough, Olga had actually been quite fortunate to materialise only a few miles from Rome itself, it was close enough that she would be there by the evening. While she was still bitter about materialising in the air of all things, she could at least count her blessings that she was close to a source of information.
That, and to be able to speak with a powerful Clairvoyant who had accurately been able to foresee her arrival was not something she was going to pass up. They needed actual information.
Whether...Lev, was working alone or not.
Her thoughts turned bitter when she thought back to the man. He'd been one of the few pillars of support she had ever had in her life...and he denounced her as a failure and a fool.
And he was right...She had failed. The world had been incinerated and she hadn't even noticed it, the facility was sabotaged and most of her Master candidates were on the verge of death.
She...she really was worthless wasn't she?
Her shoulders slumped, eyes turning downcast. She was the Director of Chaldea, she was supposed to lead by skill and example.
And here she was, traipsing around a potentially world ending singularity because she wanted to reclaim her pride that she could do at least one thing right. What a stupid childish notion that was.
She blinked as she felt a hand on her back. Turing around and looking up, she saw that Berserker was staring down at her, arm extended to give her a comforting pat on the back, or as best as the servant could manage.
She almost let out an incredulous laugh there and then 'Am I really so pathetic I need an actual Golem to comfort me?'
The Berserker removed its hand from her back, as if it had been a fleeting impulse and turned its head back towards looking ahead. She did her best to put on an air of composure and self assurance. She was going to meet and Emperor and Clairvoyant.
She needed to appear confident. She needed to demonstrate Chaldea's resolve to these people.
And to herself.
She froze when something warm passed up her back towards her neck. It was small, and felt fluffy, followed by a muffled cry. She instinctively scrambled her arms to the back of her neck to try and find whatever it was, when something burst from her collar and landed on her shoulder.
"Fou!" The little white creature stared at her, she stared back in shock.
"What the Fu-!"
Elsewhere POV
"That was a complete failure." Lev huffed, a dissatisfied expression on his face showing his disappointment in the situation, however his tone indicated he hadn't been surprised in the least.
"Your affirmations as to our lack of progress are a welcome addition. Demon." Aldrich retorted "And it was not a complete failure." he reminded, a grin coming into existence on the puppet corpse "We are now aware of the forces Chaldea fields."
"And all it cost were several familiars and the element of surprise." Lev went on, unimpressed "That undead Saber recognised you."
Aldrich froze, corpse body slowly craning down towards Lev. "Do not tell me what I already am aware of. I recognise the Saber as well. He is a nameless unkindled and of no consequence."
"Impressive bluster." Lev gave a faux clap "I'm sure it was even more impressive before he killed you."
Aldrich's body released a growling noise as it snaked around the room "Do not test my patience." he hissed, voice of the puppet body being mixed with his own in a disturbing echo. "The circumstances are different. I will not be denied a second time." he craned up "Not when I'm so close."
Lev stared at the creature with half-lidded eyes before looking away "As you say. Still...I would be remiss if I didn't do anything to ensure your victory over the Chaldean's."
"Another servant?" Aldrich crossed his arms "...Do as you wish. As long as they obey my commands, I care not."
"And as long as you obey the Kings commands, I care not." Lev replied in an equally disinterested tone as the Grail in his hands flashed with light.
A pillar of energy shot forth from the floor upwards, the light illuminating the room before it died down. As it did, the form of a man was revealed.
Clad in a long, light grey cassock with a similarly coloured shoulder cape, on his back between the two cloths hung a blue rectangular piece of fabric with an ornate white design embroidered into it, underneath the coat was chain mail armour. On his hands were elbow length black leather gloves, wearing dark leather trousers with brass coloured shin guards atop brown leather boots. The man's face could be described as handsome, sharp features on his face set in a stern expression with long black hair extending past his shoulders. On his back hung a large sheath for a great sword.
His eyes opened to reveal dark hazel orbs, a rich voice escaped his throat "Servant. Foreigner, I have answered your call…" they flickered over Aldrich, lips curling in disgust before they went to Lev.
Where they then went wide, the man backing off and hand instantly going for his sword "Filth!" he hissed, gripping the blade and ripping it free of its scabbard, pointing it at the demon in disguise "You dare hide behind the form of man!"
"...I can see you have a certain insight." Lev drawled, looking back at the Grail with a raised eyebrow "Now then...What can it tell me about you?" he hummed as the information filtered through his head.
A smile came to his face, he sent Aldrich a glance "Despite first appearances, he'll do nicely."
"Oh?" Aldrich chuckled "Learn something did you?"
"I did indeed." His grin turned shark like "I need only use your Noble Phantasm to make you more agreeable."
The Foreigner servants eyes went wide "NO! I am no beast!" he howled, charging Lev ready to cleave him in two.
He didn't get far before being tackled by several spiders, the arachnids doing little to prevent him as with refined movements he slew them in rapid succession. However, the spiders succeeded in their mission.
"By the Power of Command Seal." Lev grinned "Let the spirit of man leave you, let a great terror replace your flesh, become an unsightly beast. Let yourself be accursed."
The man stopped, blade just shy of striking Lev, before he keeled over. Screaming in pain as his body began to writhe and contort. Skin split as extra limbs forced themselves from his body, bones snapped and were extended, flesh turned a sickly grey colour.
"That is quite unsightly." Lev chuckled as if seeing something amusing. By the end of the transformation. The Abomination stood up, towering over both Lev and Aldrich, eyes tinted with madness. "More agreeable now, aren't you?"
The beast gave no rely, still staring at Lev.
"I see…" Aldrich spoke, a new found tone of intrigue "To think a creature could be born without the Abyss...quite disturbing." he looked over the servant with something akin to childlike curiosity "What a fascinating form, and yet I sense such power. Yes...You shall do nicely. What was his name?"
"Oddly enough it was a German one." Lev shrugged "Yet there is certainly no mention of something like this in human history. Quite disgusting. Perhaps another world, I would say they are proving an annoyance, but if they produce servants like these I cannot complain."
"He seemed to moral before." Aldrich laughed "But it always the noblest of individuals who fall the furthest. The suffering they feel as a result of their failures is most...exquisite to look upon."
Lev rolled his eyes "Yes, most amusing." he sighed "How do you plan on using this one?"
"Oh...I shall find a use for him."
Fujimaru Ritsuka Group POV
Solaire held up his hand to stop the column, Arash stood next to him with narrowed eyes. "You see something?" the Saber asked him.
"About twenty Roman soldiers approach us." He replied, looking at Solaire "Friends of yours?"
"Ah!" Solaire sounded pleased "Centurion Magnus. I had him remain behind with out equipment we could not take into the forest, along with a small detachment of men. If we did not return, he was to ride back."
"Friendly then." Arash smiled "That's good."
"They carried provisions." Solaire offered "While we servants may not need to eat, and undead such as myself cannot taste it, I cannot say the same for the humans in our quarry."
"I'll say." Arash chuckled, looking back towards the rest of the group "We've got some friendly soldiers approaching us with supplies."
"Food and shelter?" Ritsuka called back.
Arash looked at Solaire, the knight nodded once.
"Yeah."
"That's good." Ritsuka let out a breath of relief "I think me and the others are getting tired."
"Boy…" Aulus stood near Ritsuka, an amused smile on his face "Your stamina is terrible." he pointed at Mash "She has been carrying around her shield and fighting with it and she still looks spry."
"She's different." Ritsuka huffed "Besides, I exercise plenty...Just never prepared for cross country sprints away from monsters before."
"Neither did I." Aulus retorted, gesturing to himself "And I've been running for nearly a whole day, I've only just gotten tired."
"That might be your old age Sir." One of the men joked, walking past him.
"Fuck you Felix." Aulus huffed, although the insult lacked any genuine meaning too it "This old man is still spry enough to beat your hide in training."
"As you say, Centurion." Felix raised his hands, staring back at Ritsuka "Still, maybe we should get our new friend to join in. Looks like he could use the workout."
Ritsuka paled "W-well I-"
"As beneficial as it would be for my Liege to hone his physical body." Verndari interrupted, placing a hand on Ritsuka's shoulder "I fear as though your training would be too rigorous for him at his current health. Rest assured that I will put my utmost into his training however."
"...Huh?"
"Makes sense." Aulus replied "He doesn't look like a soldier." he frowned "But he doesn't look like some Senators son either." he shrugged "Not my problem though. He could be from some barbarian hovel in Gaul and I wouldn't give a shit. You're all apparently here to help us, so I can't complain."
"R-right." Ritsuka nodded his head.
"Optio Felix." Aulus spoke to the slightly shorter Roman "With me. It seems that Prefect Solaire has made contact with Centurion Magnus."
"Yes, Centurion." Felix nodded, the pair walking off to the front of the column.
"They do speak truly however." Verndari said after a few moments, looking down at Ritsuka "You could use training for your stamina."
"Probably." Ritsuka replied, looking slightly sheepish "Although I don't think any training in my physicals is going to help me keep pace with you."
"It won't." Verndari admitted "But it is important nonetheless. If for no other reason than ensuring you live a healthy life."
"...You sound like my mother." Ritsuka joked "She's always going on about that."
"...Sounds like my mother." Verndari shrugged "Although something tells me yours did not beat you with a stick to ensure you actually trained your body."
"What the heck!? No!" Ritsuka looked horrified at the idea "Yours did!?"
"When my father wasn't around to anyway." Verndari shrugged, sounding almost wistful "They always did want me to try hard. That was their way of motivating me. My Father would tell me that if I didn't block or avoid his strikes, he would keep beating me." he shook his head, chuckling "I miss them."
"That's horrible!"
"Is it?" Verndari sounded confused "They wanted what was best for me, and I admit that it gave me an edge over the other squires when I joined."
Ritsuka was still staring at him in shock, he hadn't really expected the man to say his parents literally beat him into shape. Sure, his Mother would gripe on about him, which is why he started exercising, but she never outright did something like that.
"Hm?" Verndari looked on ahead "It appears that Squire Kyrielight is still speaking with the Demon." he huffed "Filthy thing." he muttered under his breath. Ritsuka subconsciously winced at the mention of Rider. It wasn't that he'd even spoken to her that much.
It was just that he was far too scared of spiders to even approach her. Although Mash seemed to lack that same restraint. He was a little jealous of her in that regard.
Mash and Quelaag POV
"And this inventor…" Quelaag went on, brows furrowed "She can truly make clothes resistant to flames?"
"Maybe not the flames themselves." Mash replied "But she can definitely make it resistant to the heat."
"Hmmm…" Quelaag hummed in thought, resting her chin on her hand as she mulled over the suggestion "I am due to disappear when this singularity is over. It would be a waste."
"We could make it for you in case you come to Chaldea." Mash replied with a small smile.
"The same place as all those puffed up knights and a potential Darkwraith." She scoffed "I think not."
Mash looked down "Ah...sorry."
"Tch." Quelaag huffed and looked away "Don't look so depressed. Its disgusting to look at."
"Sorry."
"Stop apologising too." She crossed her arms, frowning "You're a knight! At least act the part! Insult me, say you'll slay me, do something other than act like a handmaiden."
"But...why though?" Mash asked, looking up at Quelaag curiously "You're helping us. Saying mean things about you would be wrong."
Quelaag stared back at her for a few seconds before she sneered at her "You are, without a doubt, the worst knight I've ever met. I'm a monster! You should want to kill me on principle."
"But that seems wrong." Mash frowned, shaking her head "You might look different, but you aren't actually a monster are you?" she smiled "You're helping us and helped those Romans. That's not very monstrous is it."
"…" Quelaag released a huff of air from her nose and looked away "...Honestly...remind me too much of her…" she muttered under her breath "You're a terrible knight, girl." she shrugged "You're also an idiot. I'm helping them so I don't die. That doesn't make me any less monstrous."
"...Do you want to be seen as a monster?"
"What?"
"Because...you look lonely."
Quelaags eyes briefly widened before they narrowed, her lips curling downwards in a frown before she looked away "What do you know about how I look. Maybe I just don't want to waste my time speaking with fools." she waved Mash away "Leave me, go play with your 'Master.' I dread to think what notions of 'chivalry' that steel plated oaf is instilling in him."
Mash hesitantly backed away from the Rider, then moved back towards her master. Not before casting a fleeting glance back at Quelaag. There was something about the Rider that Mash was curious about.
She said she despised proper knights, but then said that Mash was a terrible one.
So...did that mean she liked her then?
One thing she could settle on was that Rider was confusing.
AN: So Olga is now in the Singularity and we have name dropped Aldrich and one other servant.
A foreigner Servant with connections to an Eldrich God, A German name and transforms into a monster…
Anyway. Aldrich's stats and Dialogue
Aldrich, Devourer of Gods
Servant: Caster
Strength: C
Endurance: A
Agility: E
Mana: A
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: B
Deus comedenti: C (Anti-unit) Max Target: 1, Max Range: 0-10 Will wrap itself around target to consume them. Skills and knowledge are acquired.
May utilise weakened versions of targets Noble Phantasm.
Deepmoon Shadow: B (Anti-Team) Max Target: 50, Max Range: 0-40
Uses a perverted version of Gwyndolins Noble Phantasm, fires bow into sky and calls down rain of arrows which follow targets.
Life Hunt Scythe: B (Anti-Divine) Max Target: 1, Max Range: 0-2
It is not actually the scythe itself. Rather a spell designed to emulate its effects. It is ranked down from the original, but is no less dangerous.
Class Skills
Item Construction: B
Territory Creation: A
Lord of Cinder: A
Lit the First flame and continued the Age of Fire as a Lord of Cinder he has protection against attacks of a spiritual kind
Equal ranking to divinity
Personal Skills:
Saint of the Deep: A
High knowledge of curses and Abyssal Sorcery
Consumer of the Divine: EX
Divine spirits are naturally weak to him
Clairvoyance: A+
Capable of seeing the present and the future. However is ranked down from EX as it can only be accessed when Aldrich is dreaming.
Summoning
"Interesting...to think you would call me forth to save Humanity. Hahahaha...most interesting. Still...it would be remiss of a Saint not to aid his followers.
Dialogue 1
"I am also one for planning. But do not dally, summoner...If I wait too long, I may start to get...hungry."
Dialogue 2
"A Master and servant relation? Oh, foolish little morsel. You are my acolyte now. You confirmed it when you summoned me."
Dialogue 3
"Do I care how I am perceived? I am myself, because I could see the grander picture. Fretting over the views of morsels is beneath me."
Dialogue 4 (If you have Divine Spirits)
"There is a certain taste in the air. A most succulent flavour...Ahhhh...Lords is it? Why summoner, you should have told me you had meals prepared, perhaps their unfamiliar nature to me will add a certain spice to the taste.
Dialogue 5 (If you have Nameless King)
"He hates me...quite amusing. Although it is also amusing how he abandoned his family first, whatever occurred to his relatives after should be none of his concern."
Dialogue 6 (If you have Ashen One)
"Foul unkindled who ruined all. I would have lived in the era of deep seas. Years of waiting and preparation wasted because of it. If this thing did not leave a lingering taste of ash, I would consume it."
Dialogue 7 (If you have Gwyndolin)
"I can see the way he flinches whenever he stares at me. Oh it is must amusing. Let me tell you a secret Master...Gwyndolin still lives...no...I'm not speaking of the one you have...hehehehe…."
Dialogue 8 (If you have Pontiff Sulyvahn)
"My ever loyal servant. One who understands the value of the deep. Although even I cannot match his hatred of the Gods...or rather he can only hate them because he knows naught else. Such an empty thing he is..."
Dialogue 9 (If you have Priscilla)
"I saw her in a dream once...long ago. A little girl alone with monsters in a cold wasteland. How fitting that the being who could have killed the gods, in some way served the one who could devour them."
Dialogue 10 (If you have Gravelord Nito)
"I do avoid him, yes. I saw the first of the dead in a dream once...and he saw me."
Likes
"What I like? Power, growth, and domination. If you can rise above the others, you should. Assert your dominance of the weak, as is your right."
Hates
"Hates? Weakness. Those who cannot survive the progression the world do not deserve to live.
Wish for the Holy Grail
"I will perfect myself with my own will. Not with a chalice of some power."
Bond Level 1
"Hmm...Eating you as you are now is a waste. No better than a like meal."
Blond Level 2
"Yes...I can see some potential here. Perhaps you are not a meal just yet...but perhaps you are. We shall see."
Blond Level 3
"You prove useful so far. Hmph, continue to do so morsel."
Bond Level 4
"I should congratulate you, you are no longer worth eating. Instead, perhaps you have a different use."
Bond Level 5
"You hold power over me. I can acknowledge that. But do not get too cocky morsel, you are only useful for so long..."
Birthday
"Why tell me? Unless...I suppose sufficiently aged meat does taste better, although the freshest is always the best. Perhaps I should act before you become too old."
During an Event
"Hm? Perhaps I shall prove my dominance."
1st Ascension
"Ahhhh….this feeling of power. You perform Well, morsel."
2nd Ascension
"Continue to strengthen me...but do so at your own peril."
3rd Ascension
"You continue? Well done Acolyte...your usefulness shines through yet again."
4th Ascension
"Hahahahaha...This feeling...With this, I could consume the Gods themselves...well done acolyte."