p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"strongChapter 116. Five minutes to the elder/strong/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"A flash of blue light, a sparkling portal, and now they are standing in a green clearing, surrounded by tall fir trees. The cool air burned the lungs, and the silence was broken only by the crunch of branches and the rustling of grass underfoot. Ahead, towering over the forest like a grim giant, stood the Millennium Fortress - a massive structure made of stone, studded with spiers and towers, reminiscent of the claws of a monstrous beast./p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze, amazed at the sight of the fortress. Ritsuka, Mash and Jeanne felt more familiar, but even they could not hide their admiration. Mordred, crossing her arms over her chest, looked at the fortress with challenge, and Ellen with slight sadness./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Wow," Ron whispered, his jaw dropping in surprise. "What is this, a castle?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""More like a fortress," Hermione corrected him, without taking her eyes off the towers./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yggdmillennia don't like to joke," Jeanne commented, looking around the fortress with an appraising glance. "They know how to make an impression."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, a group of black-robed figures came out from behind the trees. Three homunculi, faceless and silent, approached the guests. At the head of the group was a tall woman with long silver hair and piercing red eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Welcome to the Millennium Fortress ," the woman said in a voice as cold as ice. "I am Sigur, the leader of the homunculi squad. Follow me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Without waiting for an answer, Sigur turned around and headed towards the fortress. The homunculi surrounded the guests in a dense ring, and they, without saying a word, followed them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They walked along a narrow path winding among the trees, and the fortress became closer and closer. Harry felt his heart beat faster. What awaits them inside?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, Sigur stopped and turned to the guests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Before we go in ," she said, "I must warn you. There are rules inside the fortress. You must obey them unquestioningly. Any violation will be punishable by death." An ominous light sparkled in her red eyes. "Did I make myself clear?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," said Harry, clutching his wand in his pocket./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Sigur nodded and continued on her way. Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other, feeling fear and excitement mixing in their chests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The massive oak gates, bound with iron and decorated with the coat of arms of Yggdmillennia, opened with a creak, allowing guests into the inner courtyard of the fortress. The bright sun flooded the paving stones, reflecting off the polished armor of the knights guarding the entrance. The scent of roses and jasmine was in the air, coming from the flowering bushes planted along the walls./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione looked around, amazed at the contrast between the fortress's harsh exterior and its cozy courtyard. Ritsuka and Mash looked at the architecture with interest, and Jeanne, accustomed to medieval castles, felt at home here. Mordred, frowning, clutched the hilt of her invisible sword, and Ellen, hiding her excitement, walked with her head held high./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What are these, roses?" Hermione was surprised, approaching one of the bushes and inhaling the sweet aroma. "Here, in the middle of all this... gloom?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yggdmillennia loves contrasts," Jeanne grinned. "They believe that beauty should be even more beautiful against the backdrop of ugliness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I like it ," said Ron, sniffing the roses. "Nice smell."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Don't get distracted," Sigur said coldly. "We still have a long way to go."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They walked through the courtyard, past the fountain with the sculpture of a dragon, past the training ground where the knights honed their swordsmanship, past the stables where the war horses snorted./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"-What kind of people are these? Harry asked Ritsuka in a whisper, pointing to a group of men and women in strange clothes watching them from the balcony./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""These are homunculi," Ritsuka answered. "Artificially created people serving the Yggdmillennia clan."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""They're... weird," Ron muttered, shivering./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""They are dangerous," Mash added. "Don't underestimate them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Finally, they came to the high doors leading into the main hall of the fortress. Sigur stopped and turned to the guests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You'll have to wait here ," she said. "The head of the clan will receive you when she is ready."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Without waiting for an answer, Sigur disappeared behind the doors, leaving the guests alone./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other, feeling the tension rising. What's next for them?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Well, friends ," said Jeanne, looking at her companions with a smile. "Are you ready to meet Fiore Forvedge?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The August sun flooded the courtyard of the Millennium Fortress, casting long shadows from the towers and walls. Harry squinted at the stone sculptures of mythical creatures that adorned the castle's façade. Griffins, gargoyles, dragons - each of them was made with amazing detail, as if the sculptor breathed life into them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ron, tired of the heat and the long wait, leaned against the cool wall, watching the knights train. Their movements were polished and precise, their swords sparkled in the sun, cutting through the air with a quiet whistle. Hermione, intrigued by the structure of the fortress, tried to remember the location of the buildings and towers, making a mental map./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ritsuka, lost in thought, silently paced around the yard. Mash looked with curiosity at the flowers growing in the well-groomed flower beds. Jeanne, with her arms crossed over her chest, stood at the entrance, like a sentry guarding her companions. Mordred, impatiently tapping her foot on the paving stones, cast disdainful glances at the castle. Ellen, hiding her excitement, watched everything that was happening, trying not to miss a single detail./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Time passed slowly. The sun had already risen high to the zenith, painting the sky in soft blue and azure tones. The heroes began to lose patience./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How long should we wait?" Ron grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Patience, Ron ," said Hermione. "The head of the clan will receive us when she is ready."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Or maybe she just forgot about us?" - suggested Harry./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I don't think so," Jeanne answered. "Yggdmillennia is not famous for forgetfulness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps was heard. A homunculus dressed in a black robe was approaching them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""The head of the clan is ready to receive you ," he said in an emotionless voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heroes looked at each other and, following the homunculus, headed towards the high doors of the castle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The doors swung open and they entered a spacious lobby./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A picture worthy of a royal palace appeared before their eyes. The walls were decorated with white marble, decorated with gold ornaments. On the floor lay a fluffy carpet with the image of the coat of arms of Yggdmillennia. The high ceilings were painted with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Tapestries woven from silk and gold hung along the walls, depicting scenes from the clan's history. In the center of the lobby was a wide marble staircase leading to the upper floors./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze, amazed by the luxury and grandeur. Ritsuka and Mash looked at the interior details with admiration. Jeanne nodded with a slight smile, as if acknowledging the taste of Yggdmillennia. Mordred, crossing her arms over her chest, looked around the room defiantly. Ellen, hiding her excitement, raised her head, ready to meet the head of the clan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The homunculus motioned for them to follow him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""The head of the clan is waiting for you upstairs ," he said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"And they, stepping on the soft carpet, began to climb the stairs, feeling how with every step they were getting closer to their destiny./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Climbing the majestic marble staircase, the heroes found themselves in a hall flooded with the soft light of crystal chandeliers. Along the walls hung portraits of stern men and women dressed in rich clothes - the ancestors of the Yggdmillennia clan, watching over their descendants from time immemorial. In the center of the hall there was a huge round table, at which sat the heads of the seven families that made up the clan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze on the threshold, amazed by the grandeur of the hall and the stern faces of those gathered. Ritsuka and Mash, accustomed to the strict hierarchy of Chaldea, behaved with dignity, but they could not hide their tension. Jeanne, crossing her arms over her chest, looked around at those present with a slight grin, assessing their strength and character. Mordred, frowning, clutched the hilt of her invisible sword, ready for any surprise. Ellen, hiding her excitement, stood straight, with her head held high, like a knight in the face of her judges./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Darnik Preston, the head of the clan, rose from his seat. A tall, lean man with long black hair and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an aura of power and confidence./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Welcome to the Millennium Fortress ," he said in a voice as cold as steel. "I am Darnik Preston, head of the Yggdmillennia clan. This is" he nodded towards Fiore. "My successor, Fiore Forvedge. We are gathered here to listen to your proposal." His gaze slid over the guests, stopping at each for a few seconds. "Please introduce yourself and explain why you came."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry took a step forward, feeling everyone's eyes on him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I am Harry Potter," he began, trying to speak confidently. "And these are my friends. We have come to ask for your help in the fight against the Dark Lord Voldemort. He threatens the entire world, and we cannot defeat him alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Darnik nodded, gesturing for him to continue./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Voldemort is a powerful dark wizard," Harry continued. "He created horcruxes - objects that contain part of his soul. As long as they exist, he cannot be killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Horcruxes?" asked Gordes Musick. A strong, imposing man with short blond hair and a mannered mustache, he gave the impression of a warrior accustomed to solving problems with force. "What kind of witchcraft is this?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And you want us to help you destroy these... horcruxes?" Selenike Icecalle asked. Her long white hair and icy gaze spoke of her cold and calculating nature. "Why do we need this?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry stood in front of the heads of the seven families that made up the Yggdmillennia clan, feeling their appraising gazes on him. There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace and the ticking of an ancient clock. He knew that a lot depended on his next words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Voldemort and his Horcruxes have not been the main problem for a long time./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I didn't come to you just because of Voldemort," Harry began, choosing his words carefully. "I... I saw the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at each other, surprise reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What do you mean by this?" Darnik asked, his voice full of skepticism./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We all know that Voldemort has seized power in Britain," Harry continued, trying to speak calmly despite the excitement that gripped him. "He became prime minister, and… another Arthur ascended the throne."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ellen shuddered when she heard the name./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What are you talking about?" Gordes exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "What other Arthur?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Arthur Pendragon Alter," Jeanne answered, taking a step forward. "An evil version of King Arthur, obsessed with power and destruction."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the heavy breathing of those present./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And what did he do?" Caules asked, his voice full of tension./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""He... they brutally suppressed a rally in London," Harry answered, struggling to contain his emotions. "They killed thousands of people, destroyed half the city... It was terrible."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore, who had been listening intently to Harry, narrowed her eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And what does this have to do with us?" she asked./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Voldemort won't stop at Britain," Harry answered. "He will want more. He... he will come for you too."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at each other, doubt reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How do you know?" Darnik asked./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry met Caules' gaze, his emerald eyes blazing with determination./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I saw it," he said firmly. "I saw Fiore and you... how you were killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A wave of shock swept through the hall. Caules turned pale, and the other heads of families froze, shocked by Harry's words. Fiore, however, remained calm, her penetrating gaze fixed on the young man's face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And you think we'll just take your word for it?" Selenike asked in an icy tone, her lips curling into a contemptuous grin./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You have a choice," Harry replied, not taking his eyes off Caules. "You can trust me and team up to stop Voldemort and Arthur Alter. Or you may not believe it and wait for them to come for you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. The heads of the families looked at each other, doubt and fear were reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is impossible," Darnik finally said, shaking his head. "You're just a boy. How do you know what will happen in the future?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I saw it," Harry repeated stubbornly. "I was there. I saw how Voldemort seized power, how Arthur Alter killed people, how... how Fiore and Caules died."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is nonsense," Selenike snorted. "You're just trying to intimidate us."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Why should we be afraid of some wizard?" Gordes supported her, hitting the table with his fist. "We have our own forces, our own army. We can cope with any enemy."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""But he's not alone," Jeanne objected, her voice sounding mocking and expressive of challenge. "Arthur Alter and other Servants are with him. They are very strong. Semiramis alone is capable of destroying an entire city."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families thought, digesting the information received. Caules, still pale, clenched his fists, but remained silent./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I can show you my memories," Harry offered, pulling out his wand and touching the tip of it to his own temple. "We can pour them into the Pensieve right now. This way you will be convinced that I am telling the truth."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families stirred, considering his proposal./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Memories can be faked," Caules countered, his voice full of suspicion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How does he know how to fake memories?" - Hermione stood up for her friend./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore, who had previously been silently watching what was happening, rode forward in her wheelchair. Driving up close to Harry, she looked at him carefully. The look of her huge blue eyes was penetrating and appraising./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I believe him ," she said finally. - I feel that he is telling the truth./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at her in surprise./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Fiore, are you sure?" Darnik asked, his voice full of doubt./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," Fiore answered, her voice firm and confident. "I suggest you listen to him. He might know something important."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"After a moment of silence, Darnik nodded./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Okay," he said. - We will listen to you. Tell us what you saw in the future./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry felt relief flow through his body. He had a chance to convince the Yggdmillennia clan that they were in danger. At the same time, he could not shake the feeling of the unknown weight with which the heavy gaze of Caules Forvedge was pressing on him. And he told. All. No hiding./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"No one interfered or tried to interrupt him, despite all the terrible things he had to say. As soon as he finished his story, the words about the death of Fiore and Caules himself caused a storm of emotions in the hall./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Caules looked at him, trying to figure out if he was telling the truth./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"- So what should we do? "he asked finally, his voice filled with despair. "Just sit and wait for them to come for us?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""No," said Harry. "We must unite. Together we can stop them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Unite?" Gordes chuckled. "With whom? With you, the boy who couldn't even protect his family?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Don't put pressure on him, Gordes!" Fiore stood up for Harry. "What could a one-year-old baby oppose to an adult dark magician?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And with us," added Darnik. "We are Yggdmillennia. Our fortress is impregnable, our army is strong. We don't need the help of some... wizards."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Is your fortress impregnable?" Jeanne asked, her voice was full of sarcasm. "What about Arthur Alter and his Servants? They were able to break into Hogwarts, one of the most secure schools of magic in the world. What will stop them from doing the same to your fortress?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families fell silent, thinking about her words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""She's right ," Fiore said. "We cannot underestimate the enemy." Arthur Alter and Voldemort pose a serious threat. We must be prepared for the worst./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall. The heads of the families pondered the words of Harry, Jeanne and Fiore./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Okay," Darnik said finally. "We will listen to your proposal. Tell us how you plan to stop Arthur Alter and Voldemort."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry felt hope rise again in his chest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They had a chance. A chance to save the world from darkness./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"After a long discussion involving Harry, Ritsuka, Jeanne and Ellen, the heads of the Yggdmillennia clan agreed to team up with them against Arthur Alter and Voldemort./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"An action plan has been developed, roles have been assigned, and goals have been defined./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We must act quickly ," Fiore said, addressing the crowd. "There is little time."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We're ready," Harry replied, feeling his resolve grow./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Then let's get started ," said Fiore. "Harry, please come with me to my office. We need to discuss some details."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry nodded and said goodbye to the others and followed Fiore. After everything, Harry felt like a lemon. Talking about the future he saw, about the suffering of Fiore and Caules, about the death of his friends - it was hard./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"He walked next to Fiore, who maneuvered her wheelchair with amazing dexterity, down a long corridor lit by torches./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Echoes of the conversation with the clan leaders were still ringing in his head. Their distrust, skepticism, anger... And finally, acceptance./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You're holding up well ," Fiore said, her voice soft and sympathetic. "Not everyone could survive this and then tell about everything."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I had to," Harry answered with a shrug. "I should have warned you about the danger."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They approached a massive oak door emblazoned with the House Forvedge crest. Fiore stopped the chair and, with the help of her magic gloves, opened the door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Please," she said, motioning for Harry to enter./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry entered the office and froze, amazed by its furnishings./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"It was not just a room, but a workshop, a laboratory, a library - all in one./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The walls were covered with maps and diagrams, open books and scrolls lay on the table, and in the corner of the room there was a massive wooden table littered with tools and parts. On top of it stood an unfinished exoskeleton, a complex structure of metal and leather designed to help Fiore move. Nearby lay magical gloves decorated with runes and symbols./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry looked at the office's furnishings with interest, amazed by the combination of magic and technology./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This... this is impressive ," he said finally./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore smiled./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," she replied. "This is my pride and joy."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She drove up to the table and, leaning on it, rose from her chair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry saw that her legs were thin and weak, like those of a child./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore sat down on the table and put on her magic gloves. With them she lured the exoskeleton and began to hook it onto her back like a backpack./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This will help me walk and protect myself from enemies," she explained. "It's not finished yet, but I'm working on it... and it looks like I'll have to hurry."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry looked at her with admiration./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"This girl, despite her physical weakness, had incredible strength of spirit and will./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You are strong ," he said finally./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," Fiore replied, smiling. "Now, let's talk about the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry watched as Fiore, using her magical gloves, activated her exoskeleton. It was not just a structure that helped her walk, it was a war machine that gave her freedom and strength./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The exoskeleton actually looked more like a backpack with limbs than a suit. Harry was even surprised at how easily this machine lifted Fiore into the air. For a second, he regretted that Tesla was not with him now - this great inventor would have burst into flames with delight, seeing the possibilities of technology./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Four metal legs ending in sharp claws fell softly to the floor, providing stability. Panels on Fiore's back opened, revealing firearms and grenades./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This... this is incredible," Harry whispered, amazed at the sight of the exoskeleton./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is my freedom," Fiore answered, her voice full of pride. "With its help, I can not only walk, but also fight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She raised her hand, and one of the exoskeleton's legs rose behind her and transformed into a machine gun./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""It hasn't been finalized yet," Fiore continued, "But now it's capable of a lot."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry remembered seeing Fiore in the future, fighting alongside her Servant./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She was a true warrior, despite her physical fragility./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You are incredible ," he said, sincerely admiring her strength and ingenuity./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore smiled./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," she replied. "But now is not the time for compliments. We must focus on the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She turned to the table on which lay maps and diagrams./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Arthur Alter and Voldemort are dangerous opponents ," she said. - We must be prepared for anything./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry walked over to the table and looked at the cards. They depicted London, Hogwarts, the Millennium Fortress and other important places. The Millennium Fortress was located in Romania, near the small city of Trifas. On other maps, Harry noticed Mahotokoro, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, the Clock Tower, and other schools of magic. Looking at them, he noted their importance to the future plan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN"***/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ritsuka, Mash, Jeanne and Ellen stood in the center of the spacious hall, surrounded by the heads of the seven families of the Yggdmillennia clan. There was tension in the air, mixed with anticipation. Today was supposed to be the ritual of summoning Servants - powerful heroes from the past who will help the Yggdmillennia clan in the Holy Grail War./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A complex magic circle, consisting of many runes and symbols, was carefully drawn on the floor. In its center lay two packages with catalysts for summoning the necessary Servants./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore and Gordes were on either side of the circle, preparing for the Summoning./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""All is ready?" Darnik asked, looking around those present./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," Fiore answered decisively./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Gordes nodded, clutching his catalyst - an ancient sword that belonged to one of his ancestors./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Then let's begin ," Darnik said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Gordes knelt down and placed their catalysts in the center of the circle as Fiore watched closely. The slightest mistake could not be allowed. Everything must go perfectly. The Grail will not forgive them for their mistakes and will summon the wrong Servants if they make a mistake in even one of the little things./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They began to recite the Invocation verse, their voices merging into a single stream, filling the hall with magical energy./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The rune symbols on the floor glowed with bright light, the air sparkled, and two vortexes of energy appeared in the center of the circle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry watched with bated breath. Who will be called? Which heroes from the past will answer the call of Yggdmillennia?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The vortexes of energy became denser and brighter, taking on the outlines of human figures./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackle of magical energy./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"A flash of blue light, a sparkling portal, and now they are standing in a green clearing, surrounded by tall fir trees. The cool air burned the lungs, and the silence was broken only by the crunch of branches and the rustling of grass underfoot. Ahead, towering over the forest like a grim giant, stood the Millennium Fortress - a massive structure made of stone, studded with spiers and towers, reminiscent of the claws of a monstrous beast./p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze, amazed at the sight of the fortress. Ritsuka, Mash and Jeanne felt more familiar, but even they could not hide their admiration. Mordred, crossing her arms over her chest, looked at the fortress with challenge, and Ellen with slight sadness./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Wow," Ron whispered, his jaw dropping in surprise. "What is this, a castle?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""More like a fortress," Hermione corrected him, without taking her eyes off the towers./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yggdmillennia don't like to joke," Jeanne commented, looking around the fortress with an appraising glance. "They know how to make an impression."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, a group of black-robed figures came out from behind the trees. Three homunculi, faceless and silent, approached the guests. At the head of the group was a tall woman with long silver hair and piercing red eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Welcome to the Millennium Fortress ," the woman said in a voice as cold as ice. "I am Sigur, the leader of the homunculi squad. Follow me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Without waiting for an answer, Sigur turned around and headed towards the fortress. The homunculi surrounded the guests in a dense ring, and they, without saying a word, followed them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They walked along a narrow path winding among the trees, and the fortress became closer and closer. Harry felt his heart beat faster. What awaits them inside?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, Sigur stopped and turned to the guests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Before we go in ," she said, "I must warn you. There are rules inside the fortress. You must obey them unquestioningly. Any violation will be punishable by death." An ominous light sparkled in her red eyes. "Did I make myself clear?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," said Harry, clutching his wand in his pocket./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Sigur nodded and continued on her way. Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other, feeling fear and excitement mixing in their chests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The massive oak gates, bound with iron and decorated with the coat of arms of Yggdmillennia, opened with a creak, allowing guests into the inner courtyard of the fortress. The bright sun flooded the paving stones, reflecting off the polished armor of the knights guarding the entrance. The scent of roses and jasmine was in the air, coming from the flowering bushes planted along the walls./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione looked around, amazed at the contrast between the fortress's harsh exterior and its cozy courtyard. Ritsuka and Mash looked at the architecture with interest, and Jeanne, accustomed to medieval castles, felt at home here. Mordred, frowning, clutched the hilt of her invisible sword, and Ellen, hiding her excitement, walked with her head held high./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What are these, roses?" Hermione was surprised, approaching one of the bushes and inhaling the sweet aroma. "Here, in the middle of all this... gloom?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yggdmillennia loves contrasts," Jeanne grinned. "They believe that beauty should be even more beautiful against the backdrop of ugliness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I like it ," said Ron, sniffing the roses. "Nice smell."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Don't get distracted," Sigur said coldly. "We still have a long way to go."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They walked through the courtyard, past the fountain with the sculpture of a dragon, past the training ground where the knights honed their swordsmanship, past the stables where the war horses snorted./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"-What kind of people are these? Harry asked Ritsuka in a whisper, pointing to a group of men and women in strange clothes watching them from the balcony./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""These are homunculi," Ritsuka answered. "Artificially created people serving the Yggdmillennia clan."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""They're... weird," Ron muttered, shivering./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""They are dangerous," Mash added. "Don't underestimate them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Finally, they came to the high doors leading into the main hall of the fortress. Sigur stopped and turned to the guests./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You'll have to wait here ," she said. "The head of the clan will receive you when she is ready."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Without waiting for an answer, Sigur disappeared behind the doors, leaving the guests alone./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other, feeling the tension rising. What's next for them?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Well, friends ," said Jeanne, looking at her companions with a smile. "Are you ready to meet Fiore Forvedge?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The August sun flooded the courtyard of the Millennium Fortress, casting long shadows from the towers and walls. Harry squinted at the stone sculptures of mythical creatures that adorned the castle's façade. Griffins, gargoyles, dragons - each of them was made with amazing detail, as if the sculptor breathed life into them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ron, tired of the heat and the long wait, leaned against the cool wall, watching the knights train. Their movements were polished and precise, their swords sparkled in the sun, cutting through the air with a quiet whistle. Hermione, intrigued by the structure of the fortress, tried to remember the location of the buildings and towers, making a mental map./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ritsuka, lost in thought, silently paced around the yard. Mash looked with curiosity at the flowers growing in the well-groomed flower beds. Jeanne, with her arms crossed over her chest, stood at the entrance, like a sentry guarding her companions. Mordred, impatiently tapping her foot on the paving stones, cast disdainful glances at the castle. Ellen, hiding her excitement, watched everything that was happening, trying not to miss a single detail./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Time passed slowly. The sun had already risen high to the zenith, painting the sky in soft blue and azure tones. The heroes began to lose patience./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How long should we wait?" Ron grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Patience, Ron ," said Hermione. "The head of the clan will receive us when she is ready."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Or maybe she just forgot about us?" - suggested Harry./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I don't think so," Jeanne answered. "Yggdmillennia is not famous for forgetfulness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps was heard. A homunculus dressed in a black robe was approaching them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""The head of the clan is ready to receive you ," he said in an emotionless voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heroes looked at each other and, following the homunculus, headed towards the high doors of the castle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The doors swung open and they entered a spacious lobby./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A picture worthy of a royal palace appeared before their eyes. The walls were decorated with white marble, decorated with gold ornaments. On the floor lay a fluffy carpet with the image of the coat of arms of Yggdmillennia. The high ceilings were painted with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Tapestries woven from silk and gold hung along the walls, depicting scenes from the clan's history. In the center of the lobby was a wide marble staircase leading to the upper floors./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze, amazed by the luxury and grandeur. Ritsuka and Mash looked at the interior details with admiration. Jeanne nodded with a slight smile, as if acknowledging the taste of Yggdmillennia. Mordred, crossing her arms over her chest, looked around the room defiantly. Ellen, hiding her excitement, raised her head, ready to meet the head of the clan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The homunculus motioned for them to follow him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""The head of the clan is waiting for you upstairs ," he said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"And they, stepping on the soft carpet, began to climb the stairs, feeling how with every step they were getting closer to their destiny./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Climbing the majestic marble staircase, the heroes found themselves in a hall flooded with the soft light of crystal chandeliers. Along the walls hung portraits of stern men and women dressed in rich clothes - the ancestors of the Yggdmillennia clan, watching over their descendants from time immemorial. In the center of the hall there was a huge round table, at which sat the heads of the seven families that made up the clan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron and Hermione froze on the threshold, amazed by the grandeur of the hall and the stern faces of those gathered. Ritsuka and Mash, accustomed to the strict hierarchy of Chaldea, behaved with dignity, but they could not hide their tension. Jeanne, crossing her arms over her chest, looked around at those present with a slight grin, assessing their strength and character. Mordred, frowning, clutched the hilt of her invisible sword, ready for any surprise. Ellen, hiding her excitement, stood straight, with her head held high, like a knight in the face of her judges./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Darnik Preston, the head of the clan, rose from his seat. A tall, lean man with long black hair and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an aura of power and confidence./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Welcome to the Millennium Fortress ," he said in a voice as cold as steel. "I am Darnik Preston, head of the Yggdmillennia clan. This is" he nodded towards Fiore. "My successor, Fiore Forvedge. We are gathered here to listen to your proposal." His gaze slid over the guests, stopping at each for a few seconds. "Please introduce yourself and explain why you came."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry took a step forward, feeling everyone's eyes on him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I am Harry Potter," he began, trying to speak confidently. "And these are my friends. We have come to ask for your help in the fight against the Dark Lord Voldemort. He threatens the entire world, and we cannot defeat him alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Darnik nodded, gesturing for him to continue./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Voldemort is a powerful dark wizard," Harry continued. "He created horcruxes - objects that contain part of his soul. As long as they exist, he cannot be killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Horcruxes?" asked Gordes Musick. A strong, imposing man with short blond hair and a mannered mustache, he gave the impression of a warrior accustomed to solving problems with force. "What kind of witchcraft is this?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And you want us to help you destroy these... horcruxes?" Selenike Icecalle asked. Her long white hair and icy gaze spoke of her cold and calculating nature. "Why do we need this?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry stood in front of the heads of the seven families that made up the Yggdmillennia clan, feeling their appraising gazes on him. There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace and the ticking of an ancient clock. He knew that a lot depended on his next words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Voldemort and his Horcruxes have not been the main problem for a long time./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I didn't come to you just because of Voldemort," Harry began, choosing his words carefully. "I... I saw the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at each other, surprise reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What do you mean by this?" Darnik asked, his voice full of skepticism./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We all know that Voldemort has seized power in Britain," Harry continued, trying to speak calmly despite the excitement that gripped him. "He became prime minister, and… another Arthur ascended the throne."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Ellen shuddered when she heard the name./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""What are you talking about?" Gordes exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "What other Arthur?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Arthur Pendragon Alter," Jeanne answered, taking a step forward. "An evil version of King Arthur, obsessed with power and destruction."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the heavy breathing of those present./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And what did he do?" Caules asked, his voice full of tension./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""He... they brutally suppressed a rally in London," Harry answered, struggling to contain his emotions. "They killed thousands of people, destroyed half the city... It was terrible."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore, who had been listening intently to Harry, narrowed her eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And what does this have to do with us?" she asked./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Voldemort won't stop at Britain," Harry answered. "He will want more. He... he will come for you too."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at each other, doubt reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How do you know?" Darnik asked./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry met Caules' gaze, his emerald eyes blazing with determination./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I saw it," he said firmly. "I saw Fiore and you... how you were killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A wave of shock swept through the hall. Caules turned pale, and the other heads of families froze, shocked by Harry's words. Fiore, however, remained calm, her penetrating gaze fixed on the young man's face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And you think we'll just take your word for it?" Selenike asked in an icy tone, her lips curling into a contemptuous grin./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You have a choice," Harry replied, not taking his eyes off Caules. "You can trust me and team up to stop Voldemort and Arthur Alter. Or you may not believe it and wait for them to come for you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. The heads of the families looked at each other, doubt and fear were reflected on their faces./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is impossible," Darnik finally said, shaking his head. "You're just a boy. How do you know what will happen in the future?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I saw it," Harry repeated stubbornly. "I was there. I saw how Voldemort seized power, how Arthur Alter killed people, how... how Fiore and Caules died."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is nonsense," Selenike snorted. "You're just trying to intimidate us."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Why should we be afraid of some wizard?" Gordes supported her, hitting the table with his fist. "We have our own forces, our own army. We can cope with any enemy."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""But he's not alone," Jeanne objected, her voice sounding mocking and expressive of challenge. "Arthur Alter and other Servants are with him. They are very strong. Semiramis alone is capable of destroying an entire city."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families thought, digesting the information received. Caules, still pale, clenched his fists, but remained silent./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I can show you my memories," Harry offered, pulling out his wand and touching the tip of it to his own temple. "We can pour them into the Pensieve right now. This way you will be convinced that I am telling the truth."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families stirred, considering his proposal./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Memories can be faked," Caules countered, his voice full of suspicion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""How does he know how to fake memories?" - Hermione stood up for her friend./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore, who had previously been silently watching what was happening, rode forward in her wheelchair. Driving up close to Harry, she looked at him carefully. The look of her huge blue eyes was penetrating and appraising./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I believe him ," she said finally. - I feel that he is telling the truth./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families looked at her in surprise./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Fiore, are you sure?" Darnik asked, his voice full of doubt./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," Fiore answered, her voice firm and confident. "I suggest you listen to him. He might know something important."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"After a moment of silence, Darnik nodded./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Okay," he said. - We will listen to you. Tell us what you saw in the future./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry felt relief flow through his body. He had a chance to convince the Yggdmillennia clan that they were in danger. At the same time, he could not shake the feeling of the unknown weight with which the heavy gaze of Caules Forvedge was pressing on him. And he told. All. No hiding./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"No one interfered or tried to interrupt him, despite all the terrible things he had to say. As soon as he finished his story, the words about the death of Fiore and Caules himself caused a storm of emotions in the hall./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Caules looked at him, trying to figure out if he was telling the truth./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"- So what should we do? "he asked finally, his voice filled with despair. "Just sit and wait for them to come for us?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""No," said Harry. "We must unite. Together we can stop them."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Unite?" Gordes chuckled. "With whom? With you, the boy who couldn't even protect his family?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Don't put pressure on him, Gordes!" Fiore stood up for Harry. "What could a one-year-old baby oppose to an adult dark magician?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""And with us," added Darnik. "We are Yggdmillennia. Our fortress is impregnable, our army is strong. We don't need the help of some... wizards."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Is your fortress impregnable?" Jeanne asked, her voice was full of sarcasm. "What about Arthur Alter and his Servants? They were able to break into Hogwarts, one of the most secure schools of magic in the world. What will stop them from doing the same to your fortress?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The heads of the families fell silent, thinking about her words./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""She's right ," Fiore said. "We cannot underestimate the enemy." Arthur Alter and Voldemort pose a serious threat. We must be prepared for the worst./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall. The heads of the families pondered the words of Harry, Jeanne and Fiore./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Okay," Darnik said finally. "We will listen to your proposal. Tell us how you plan to stop Arthur Alter and Voldemort."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry felt hope rise again in his chest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They had a chance. A chance to save the world from darkness./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"After a long discussion involving Harry, Ritsuka, Jeanne and Ellen, the heads of the Yggdmillennia clan agreed to team up with them against Arthur Alter and Voldemort./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"An action plan has been developed, roles have been assigned, and goals have been defined./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We must act quickly ," Fiore said, addressing the crowd. "There is little time."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""We're ready," Harry replied, feeling his resolve grow./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Then let's get started ," said Fiore. "Harry, please come with me to my office. We need to discuss some details."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry nodded and said goodbye to the others and followed Fiore. After everything, Harry felt like a lemon. Talking about the future he saw, about the suffering of Fiore and Caules, about the death of his friends - it was hard./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"He walked next to Fiore, who maneuvered her wheelchair with amazing dexterity, down a long corridor lit by torches./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Echoes of the conversation with the clan leaders were still ringing in his head. Their distrust, skepticism, anger... And finally, acceptance./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You're holding up well ," Fiore said, her voice soft and sympathetic. "Not everyone could survive this and then tell about everything."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""I had to," Harry answered with a shrug. "I should have warned you about the danger."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They approached a massive oak door emblazoned with the House Forvedge crest. Fiore stopped the chair and, with the help of her magic gloves, opened the door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Please," she said, motioning for Harry to enter./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry entered the office and froze, amazed by its furnishings./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"It was not just a room, but a workshop, a laboratory, a library - all in one./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The walls were covered with maps and diagrams, open books and scrolls lay on the table, and in the corner of the room there was a massive wooden table littered with tools and parts. On top of it stood an unfinished exoskeleton, a complex structure of metal and leather designed to help Fiore move. Nearby lay magical gloves decorated with runes and symbols./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry looked at the office's furnishings with interest, amazed by the combination of magic and technology./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This... this is impressive ," he said finally./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore smiled./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," she replied. "This is my pride and joy."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She drove up to the table and, leaning on it, rose from her chair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry saw that her legs were thin and weak, like those of a child./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore sat down on the table and put on her magic gloves. With them she lured the exoskeleton and began to hook it onto her back like a backpack./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This will help me walk and protect myself from enemies," she explained. "It's not finished yet, but I'm working on it... and it looks like I'll have to hurry."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry looked at her with admiration./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"This girl, despite her physical weakness, had incredible strength of spirit and will./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You are strong ," he said finally./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," Fiore replied, smiling. "Now, let's talk about the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry watched as Fiore, using her magical gloves, activated her exoskeleton. It was not just a structure that helped her walk, it was a war machine that gave her freedom and strength./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The exoskeleton actually looked more like a backpack with limbs than a suit. Harry was even surprised at how easily this machine lifted Fiore into the air. For a second, he regretted that Tesla was not with him now - this great inventor would have burst into flames with delight, seeing the possibilities of technology./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Four metal legs ending in sharp claws fell softly to the floor, providing stability. Panels on Fiore's back opened, revealing firearms and grenades./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This... this is incredible," Harry whispered, amazed at the sight of the exoskeleton./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""This is my freedom," Fiore answered, her voice full of pride. "With its help, I can not only walk, but also fight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She raised her hand, and one of the exoskeleton's legs rose behind her and transformed into a machine gun./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""It hasn't been finalized yet," Fiore continued, "But now it's capable of a lot."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry remembered seeing Fiore in the future, fighting alongside her Servant./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She was a true warrior, despite her physical fragility./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""You are incredible ," he said, sincerely admiring her strength and ingenuity./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore smiled./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Thank you," she replied. "But now is not the time for compliments. We must focus on the future."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"She turned to the table on which lay maps and diagrams./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Arthur Alter and Voldemort are dangerous opponents ," she said. - We must be prepared for anything./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry walked over to the table and looked at the cards. They depicted London, Hogwarts, the Millennium Fortress and other important places. The Millennium Fortress was located in Romania, near the small city of Trifas. On other maps, Harry noticed Mahotokoro, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, the Clock Tower, and other schools of magic. Looking at them, he noted their importance to the future plan./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"strongspan lang="EN"***/span/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ritsuka, Mash, Jeanne and Ellen stood in the center of the spacious hall, surrounded by the heads of the seven families of the Yggdmillennia clan. There was tension in the air, mixed with anticipation. Today was supposed to be the ritual of summoning Servants - powerful heroes from the past who will help the Yggdmillennia clan in the Holy Grail War./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"A complex magic circle, consisting of many runes and symbols, was carefully drawn on the floor. In its center lay two packages with catalysts for summoning the necessary Servants./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Fiore and Gordes were on either side of the circle, preparing for the Summoning./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""All is ready?" Darnik asked, looking around those present./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Yes," Fiore answered decisively./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Gordes nodded, clutching his catalyst - an ancient sword that belonged to one of his ancestors./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN""Then let's begin ," Darnik said./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Gordes knelt down and placed their catalysts in the center of the circle as Fiore watched closely. The slightest mistake could not be allowed. Everything must go perfectly. The Grail will not forgive them for their mistakes and will summon the wrong Servants if they make a mistake in even one of the little things./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"They began to recite the Invocation verse, their voices merging into a single stream, filling the hall with magical energy./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The rune symbols on the floor glowed with bright light, the air sparkled, and two vortexes of energy appeared in the center of the circle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"Harry watched with bated breath. Who will be called? Which heroes from the past will answer the call of Yggdmillennia?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"The vortexes of energy became denser and brighter, taking on the outlines of human figures./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN"There was silence in the hall, broken only by the crackle of magical energy./span/p