AN: Enjoy the chapter.

Ch 25 Heading Back Down South

Melromarc, Capital

"Your Majesty, we received news from the Campaign Heroic Knight Tristan." A Knight informed Aultcray with a report in his hands,

The grey-haired King turns around to the Knight with the message, "Ah, excellent! Did Heroic Knight Tristan quell the Insurgence in the Northern Territory?" Aultcray asked the Messenger Knight, being hopeful with the news he brought.

The Knight gave a worrisome expression, holding the news in his hands. "U-Unfortunately your Majesty, but Heroic Kight Tristan's Platoon has suffered defeat against the Insurgence in the Northern Territory." He informed the King.

Aultcray froze at the news, "W-What do you mean, Heroic Knight Tristan's Platoon was defeated by those ruffians!?" The King demanded, "That Platoon has Dragon Knights, Heroic Knight Tristan's Party, and two members of the Three Heroes Roundtable!"

"How in Hell did that outstanding Army of that scale able to be defeated by a mere gathering of lower Class People!?" The King of Melromarc demanded before asking the most important part. "What about the Piece that Heroic Knight Tristan is meant to retrieve?"

The Messenger Knight frowns, informing his King of what happened. "Y-Your Majesty, I'm afraid that Heroic Knight Tristan was not only defeated but he failed in retrieving the Piece in the North." He informed him, to which anger was shown on his face. "Also, Heroic Knight Aid Gareth has suffered from extensive damage to his Armor and his Body."

"How can this be!?" Aultcray exclaims, his voice filled with anger and disbelief. "Who can possibly defeat two Heroic Knights in a row?" He asked,

"That answer is simple, my King." Both Aultcray and the Knight Messenger turn to the entrance of the Throne room. Entering was the King's most trusted advisor, Saber of Melromarc. "The Chaldean master has discovered a way to render the Heroic Knight's power immobile."

The pale blonde-haired Saber looks at the King, "In short, the Chaldean master has discovered a way to reduce the Roundtable's Gifts to their level."

Aultcray slams his fist on the Roundtable in the Throne room, frustrated with what he has heard. "Lord Lancelot's Brother has proven to be far more of a threat than I could imagine. How could we possibly defeat him now that he has a way to weaken the Three Heroes Roundtable." The King commented, seeing the seriousness of the Chaldean master.

Saber of Melromarc merely smiles at the King of the Country. "From where we are currently, it's impossible to know what the Chaldeans are planning next." The Grand Servant explains to the King,

"Saber, what are we going to do with Lord Lancelot's Brother? With him going around causing havoc around the Country the Heroic Knights are having trouble just trying to catch him." Aultcray states, asking the pale blonde Servant for his insight.

"Simple, we send not only we send one Heroic Knight to retrieve Lord Heroic Knight Lancelot's Brother. Instead, we send two," The Grand Saber suggested to the King of Melromarc.

Aultcray flinched, looking at his most trusted Advisor with panic. "B-But we're leaving the Capital defenseless. Heroic Knight Tristan and Heroic Knight Aid Gareth are too injured to even defend us if the Chaldeans decide to Attack!" The King panicked, expressing his concern over sending two Heroic Knights after Ritsuka.

Saber of Melromarc held his hand at the King, calming his worry. "Your Majesty, don't give yourself any more stress than you're already in." The pale blonde Servant said, ensuring him that he got everything handled. "Don't forget, your Majesty, we still have Lancer here to protect the Capital and myself, along with the Dragon Knights."

"R-Right, you're right, Saber," Aultcray said, being reinsured by the Grand Servant. "H-How could I forget, both you and Lancer are the ones who bestowed the Names to the former Cardinal Heroes…in any case, I do believe Heroic Knight Lancelot and Gawain are left."

"Indeed, I already sent the two to the Southern Regions. An Army will be easily noticed and will start foreign disputes." Saber of Melromarc explains to the King.

Aultcray nodded, agreeing with what the Servant was saying. "Right, that's something I don't want to deal with later." The King sighs, looking at Saber of Melromarc. "Who did the two Heroic Knights bring with them?"

Saber chuckles, "Lord Lancelot's Party as always along with Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere." The Grand Servant explains who's going after the Chaldean master. "However, Lord Gawain decided to go with Heroic Knight Lancelot's Party on his own."

Aultcray was taken aback by what the pale blonde Saber said. "W-What do you mean? Heroic Knight Gawain's Party? Why did Heroic Knight Gawain decide not to bring his Party?" The King of Melromarc asked.

"That is something I don't know myself," Saber of Melromarc commented, unsure why Heroic Knight Gawain rejected the company of his Party. "For now, that doesn't matter. As long as there are two Heroic Knights after the Chaldeans then it shouldn't be a problem." He said,

"Right, the only thing to do is to wait and hope for the best." The grey-haired King said, hoping for the best for the Three Heroes Roundtable.

Melromarc's Northern Territory

After the Battle of the Northern Territory and Heroic Knight Tristan's defeat, things were settled peacefully between the Chaldeans, the Great Heathen Army, the Shield Hero Party, the Underground Rebellion, and the Heroes of Partisan.

The Chaldeans and Harriet departed from the Great Heathen Army after establishing an Alliance between them. Before they left, Castoria gave Berserker of Einherjar a Communication Mystic Code so they could communicate with them.

They all agreed that when each Resistance against Melromarc was ready, they'd meet up at a meeting point before what the Resistance and Rebels Soldiers were calling the upcoming Siege of Melromarc.

Riding on Carriages through the Underground Railroads, Ritsuka and Naofumi started to return to the Southern Border to return to the Town they were staying in. Rishia was taken as a Prisoner by the Shield Hero and Ritsuka since they decided to take her in.

For the most part, Risha was nervous, unsure what they were going to do with her. However, instead of being treated as a Prisoner, they treated her like one of their own, being watched by Archer of the Red Cliffs.

"King Rivalen…" Naofumi ponders on the Name that Itsuki was gifted.

"Something the matter, Sir Naofumi?" Arthur asked the black-haired Hero, holding the reigns of the Horses. "You're muttering to yourself," The King of Knights commented,

Naofumi turns to the Saber, hearing him speak. "I was just thinking of the Name Itsuki was given. Rivalen…I'm not too versed in Arthurian Legends." The Shielder said, "Is there anything else that King Rivalen did in our History that made him famous?"

Arthur closed his eyes, thinking back to his time as King and how he met with Rivalen during Court sessions in Camelot. "Rivalen was the King of Lyonesse who fell in love with Lord Mark the Lord of Cornwall's Sister, Blancheflor. Other than being the Father of Sir Tristan, he's not well-known outside of that."

"A King who's only known for birthing a Knight of the Roundtable," Naofumi commented, finding that notion to be sad. "How come someone who's not that famous is somehow powerful? I may not know about Servants but from what Arturia said, they gain their power from how much their story is well-known." The Shielder commented,

"Probably in this World, King Rivalen and the other Heroic Spirits that the other Heroic Knights have must be pretty famous than in our World." Ritsuka opens the tarp, overhearing the conversation from inside,

Naofumi and Arthur turn their heads after hearing the master of Chaldea speak. "Is everyone asleep, Fujimaru?" The Hero asked, knowing Ritsuka was taking care of Pavel, Filo, and Melty inside with Raphtalia.

"Melty, Filo, and Pavel fell asleep just a while ago. Raphtalia…well, you can see for yourself," Ritsuka moves aside, showing Raphtalia speaking to Da Vinci and Archer of the Red Cliffs on improving her Skills.

Naofumi smiles at his Party taking it easy after the Battle of the North. After checking on his Party he proceeded to ask him about what he said. "So, Fujimaru, what do you mean by King Rivalen might be more famous here than in our own History?" He asked,

Ritsuka placed his hand on his chin, thinking of some explanations. "Well, my theory is that the original Hero of the Bow was King Rivalen." He said, assuming that was the case. "This is the case for the other Heroes from Legends."

"Then the first Hero of the Bow might be King Rivalen," Arthur commented, seeing that might be possible. "Since Itsuki has Failnaught in his possession, it's right to assume King Rivalen wields it in the Past." The Saber stated, basing what his master theorized.

Naofumi and Ritsuka seem to agree with the theory, finding it to make sense. "Then what about the others, Ren and Motoyasu?" He asked the Magus and the King.

Arthur looks at both black-haired Men, "Most likely they are the Kings and Lords in Camelot's Court." The blonde Saber added, having a few ideas on the other Heroic Knights' True Names.

"Well, the only way to find out is to meet and defeat each Heroic Knights of the Three Heroes Roundtable, where Fitoria Merlin's Spell to take over," Ritsuka stated, explaining again their plan to defeat the three Heroic Knights.

Soon the entire group arrived at the Staging Grounds near the Northern Territory.

Upon arrival, the group was met up with the rest of the Underground Rebellion. Mordred and Masamune were waiting for them, wanting to hear the news.

"Master!" Mordred walks up to the group returning from the Northern Territory.

Ritsuka looks up, hearing the Knight of Rebellion calling his Name. "I heard you guys defeated that Bastard who stole Tristan's Name." Mordred smirks at her, still having her Helmet off. "So, how is it? Truly defeating one of those Heroic Knight Bastards and knocking him a few pegs?" She smirks.

Ritsuka blinks, surprised that Mordred has knowledge of what happened in the Northern Territory. "How did you know about that, Saber?" The Magus asked his Servant.

"News travels fast here in the Underground Rebellion." Date Masamune walks up to the Chaldean master and Shield Hero. "Lady Ruler has sent a Bird with a message of the Battle of the Northern Territory." The Saber commented, looking at Harriet who was getting off the Carriage.

Mordred crossed her arms, "And word has it that you captured an Enemy from one of Bastard's Party." She added, looking at the new Servant and Gareth taking Risha down. "Huh, not what I'm expecting."

"Rishia will be our Prisoner of War. We've spoken a bit in the North and she agreed to talk once we return to the Boarder Town." Ritsuka explains to the Knight of Rebellion.

"So a Wallflower, got it," Mordred said, already getting the picture from the moment she laid eyes on the green-haired Adventurer.

Naofumi looks over to the Ruler Servant, "You sent a Bird to the others on what transpired in the North?" The black-haired Pseudo-Servant asked.

Harriet turns to Naofumi, explaining to him why he sent the message. "Don't get me wrong, but it's only right to inform the rest of our Allies of our accomplishments." The Ruler explains to the Shielder. "I'm sure you want the rest of your Allies to know the current events on our Enemies."

"She's right," Da Vinci got off from the Carriage, hearing the conversation. "I was about to tell the rest of our Allies in the Town we're based at." The Caster explains,

"Hey, it's fine. We're all fighting the same Battle here, it's only right to tell everyone what was going on." Ritsuka said, seeing no problem with sharing information among Allies.

Naofumi was skeptical, he always kept his Guard up among the other Resistances they met. One could never know there might be a Spy within the Resistances.

Once everyone unloaded the Carriages, they all rested after the Battle of the Northern Territory. Many were injured by the Dragon Knights and regular Knights, as such they are being treated by Healers.

Ritsuka and his Party were resting as well, Naofumi approached the Magus curious about what they were going to do now. "We finished our business in the Northern Territory and know Itsuki's Heroic Spirit's True Name now. What now?" The Shielder asked, "Are we going back to the Town?"

"Most likely," Ritsuka said, "We still need to find the remaining Pieces of Rhyongomyniad. Thanks to Fitoria Merlin, there's a Piece located in the Southern Countries." The Magus informed the Hero of the Shield.

"The Southern Countries? Then why didn't we go after that than the one we went for?" Naofumi asked, seeing there was a Piece close by to their main Base.

Ritsuka was about to answer when Naofumi held his hand out, "Don't answer that, Fujimaru. I was just saying something in my head." Naofumi said, not wanting to hear an explanation from him before asking for some more details. "So, where exactly this other Piece is?"

"The Southern Countries are a large search area for a Piece of a Spear," Naofumi commented,

"I know, but Fitoria Merlin has given a hint on where we can start looking," Ritsuka informed him of what the Merlin of this World told them. "She said we should follow the Riders to find the Piece."

Naofumi nodded, thinking back to who has the title of Rider. "The only People I know who goes by Rider is…"

"The Rider of Bermuda and Rider of the Heroes Partisan." Castoria walks over to the two Leaders of the group. "Rider of the Heroes Partisan was sent further down South where the Amazon Tribes are located,"

Ritsuka ponders to himself, "The Amazons…Warrior Women of Greek Mythology…." He commented,

"What about the Rider we met in Faubrey?" Naofumi asked the blonde Caster Servant,

"He's probably still in Faubrey, since Masamune is with us it's only right for Rider to stay in Faubrey to train the troops," Castoria explains to the two. "I take it that we're heading back to the Southern Countries? To Faubrey, master, Onii-san?"

"Not before we stop by the Bordertown, I'd like to check up on everyone," Ritsuka explains, to which both agreed with the idea.

Soon enough Ritsuka and the others got ready to depart from the Staging grounds. Ritsuka pops his head out of the Carriage, meeting with Harriet. "You're not coming Ruler?" The Magus asked,

"I still have some things to do here in Melromarc," Harriet explains to her Contractor. "There's still a lot of Slave Camps here with many Demi-Humans. It's my-no, it's the Underground Rebellion's duty to free every Slave in the Country." She stated,

Galahad sitting at the end, nodded. "That's admirable of you, Lady. I do hope your efforts will be fruitful." The Shielder said, admiring her dedication to her Resistance's motives.

Ritsuka nodded, looking at the Ruler Servant. "Thank you for accompanying us to the Northern Territory, Ruler. Let's meet again when it's almost time to take the Capital." The Chaldean master said,

Harriet nodded, understanding that soon it'll be time to take the Capital from the ones who caused this Chaos. "Safe journeys, Ritsuka, and everyone. We'll see each other soon."

The group departed the Northern Staging Grounds, following the passageway back to the Border. The trip was rather quick without the interference of Melromarc's Knights.

It took almost a Day, and soon enough, the journey from the Northern Territory to the Border was quick.

Arthur and Bedivere, who's taken the reigns from Naofumi saw a glimmer of Sunlight. "Master, we've reached the entrance of the Southern Railroad entrance," Bedivere informed everyone within the Carriage.

Pavel pops out of the Carriage with Filo after resting. "We're back already? That was fast," Pavel commented,

"Fou, Fou," Fou added to Pavel's comment.

Filo smiles, jumping in place. "Ooh! Can Filo pull the Carriage now?" The Filoial asked the King and Knight of Loyalty.

Raphtalia placed her hands on Filo's shoulders, "You should rest more, Filo. You just came back from a big battle with Ritsuka-dono and the others." The new Pseudo-Servant commented,

Filo puffs her cheeks, wanting to pull the Carriage. "But Filo wants to pull the Carriage!" The blonde Filo stated, pouting at Raphtalia.

"Filo don't complain. listen to Raphtalia and rest up," Naofumi raised his voice at the Successor of Fitoria Merlin. "You can pull the Carriage later after we rested up. If you continue like this then we'll use the Horses Berserker of Einherjar gave us." He scolded the Filoial,

Filo flinched, hearing the threat that her master gave her. "EEEEHHHHHHHH! Don't do that, master! Filo likes pulling the Carriage!" She begs Naofumi not to take that away from her.

Naofumi sighs, closing his eyes. "Then behave, Filo. If you refuse to rest then I'll do it," He stated.

Da Vinci chuckles, placing her fist on her cheek. "Wow, such a strict Fatherly Persona." She looks over to Ritsuka who was just smiling at the scene. "You should take some pointers from Iwatani-kun, Fujimaru-kun." The Caster said,

"Hahahahaha…not gonna happen, Da Vinci." Ritsuka laughs, not wanting to be too strict with Pavel or Romani.

Risha looks at everyone, not expecting this ride to be joyful. She couldn't help but giggle at the sight before her, "Laughing is good for you. You should do that often," Archer of the Red Cliffs commented,

"I-I haven't really laughed for a long time, it's nice," Rishia commented, can't exactly remember the last time she laughed like that.

Soon the group made it to a familiar road, where they proceeded a bit fast due to the familiarity.

Departing from the Capital, Heroic Knight Lancelot's Party and Heroic Knight Gawain headed towards the South at the request of the King.

"Papa is right about us sending us to bring back your Brother, Lord Heroic Knight Lancelot." Myne smiles, clinging to Motoyasu's arms. "I'm glad he could trust us to handle this task, right?" She asked the blonde Hero.

Heroic Knight Lancelot smiles, scratching the back of his head. "Y-Yeah, I'm grateful to His Majesty for giving me a second chance to save Ritsuka." He said, looking at Myne, feeling sorry for what she and the others have been through. "Myne, I'm sorry that Ritsuka left you tied against the boulder. I swear, I'll give him the scolding for his behavior-"

Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere shook her head, "Oh, don't worry about it, Lord Lancelot. I completely understand, my Sister is the same way." She held her hand, sending out some Crocodile tears. "Sometimes, I worry that if she continues this path then…then…"

"Don't worry, Myne," Motoyasu said to his Heroic Knight Aid, holding her hands. "I swear to you, Myne. As Heroic Knight Lancelot, we'll make our young Siblings see that they are being used by Evil People and bring them back to the light." The Lancer said, promising the First Princess.

"Oh…Heroic Knight Lancelot…a-are you sure?" Myne pretended to blush, seeing he was completely under his control.

The blonde Lancer nodded, "Of course, am I right, Ren?" Motoyasu looks at Ren, walking beside his Party alone.

Heroic Knight Gawain looks up at Heroic Knight Lancelot, "Hmm? O-Oh, yes, you're right Motoyasu…" He answered, even though he was pondering to himself,

The red-haired Bitch lowered her brow, frowning at the black-haired Saber. "I wonder why Papa and Saber of Melromarc just allowed Heroic Knight Gawain to go and not bring his Party." Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere asked herself, knowing she was talking loud.

"That's because we're going to a Foreign Country. We are crossing their lands without their permission," Ren responded, taking that comment as an insult. "A small Party like this will be fine to sneak past any Patrols and prevent an international crisis," Heroic Knight Gawain said, lying to Heroic Knight Lancelot's Party.

In truth, he was going to tell Ritsuka and Naofumi about a new player on the gameboard. Both he and the Shadows were keeping tabs on Saber and the King, leading to them catching a glimpse of Caster of the Waxing Moon.

Ren was about to send an encrypted message and give it to the Shadows until the King called for him. Right there and then, it's best to deliver the message in Person, but the question he's been pondering is how to relay the information without Motoyasu and the others watching him.

Heroic Knight Lancelot nodded, "Ren's right, we have to be careful when finding Ritsuka in the Southern Countries. Let's go," The blonde Lancer commented before continuing to the Border where their mission will begin.

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