Chapter 77. The fantasy of snow
Ritsuka Fujimaru woke up to the sound of an owl's tapping, a familiar and reliable companion that accompanied him on countless dangerous and unpredictable missions. He rose to his feet with the dignity befitting an experienced wizard and approached the window, as if emerging from the depths of the dream fog that still enveloped his consciousness. Overcoming the flickering morning rays, he opened the window, inviting the owl into his modest room.
The owl solemnly extended its clawed foot, which held a fresh newspaper with hot news. Ritsuka gratefully accepted the morning correspondence and paid the owl with a coin, intending to show his appreciation and respect for the feathery messenger.
Closing the window to the sound of a gentle breeze, Ritsuka read the headline of the newspaper: "London Under Fire: Mysterious Beast and Two Girls in Armor Cause Chaos in the Capital." Reading every word of the article with unwavering attention and tranquility, a feeling of suppressed heartache arose within him.
The Times:
London Under Fire: Mysterious Beast and Two Girls in Armor Cause Chaos in the Capital
On the evening of December 23rd, London was shaken by a series of explosions, fires, and destruction that engulfed the city's central districts. According to eyewitnesses, the cause of this was the appearance of a mysterious Beast that attacked people and buildings. Two girls fought against it, dressed in medieval armor and armed with swords. One of them was a 19-year-old blonde, and the other was a 16-17-year-old brunette. Who they are and where they came from is still unknown.
The police and firefighters arrived at the scene but were unable to deal with the situation. The Beast was incredibly strong and resistant to fire and bullets. The girls in armor also demonstrated supernatural abilities such as speed, strength, and magic. They moved through the city, pursuing the Beast, paying no attention to the destruction they left behind.
According to police reports, the Beast and the girls claimed at least 50 lives, with another 200 suffering injuries of varying degrees. Among the damaged buildings were Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and many others. The damage from the fires and explosions is estimated in billions of pounds.
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for this terrorist act. Some link it to the return of the mysterious Death Eaters group, which previously killed people across the country. Others believe it was an experiment by some secret organization or the government. There are also those who believe in a supernatural explanation, such as a battle between the Knights of the Round Table and ancient evil.
King Arthur Pendragon, who recently ascended to the British throne after his return from legend, addressed the nation. He expressed his condolences to the victims and promised to find and punish those responsible. He also called on the people to maintain calm and unity in these difficult times.
In excitement and fear after the incident, his lips stretched into a smile, so horrible and distorted that it seemed to belong to anyone but him. He could easily imagine the power possessed by the two armored girls who had challenged this London Monster. The newspaper's descriptions amused him, but he immediately understood who they were referring to. Their fearlessness and endurance did not surprise him at all after everything he had ever seen during his work in Chaldea.
He darkened for a moment at the thought of breaking the Statute of Secrecy, but immediately realized that it no longer mattered. All these horrors, Death Eaters and the London Monster, were trivial problems of the world that had long ceased to fit within the bounds of normal perception. So much so that they had already involuntarily become commonplace.
Realizing all this, he shuddered involuntarily again, but paid no attention to it. After all, what could change in a world where everything was falling apart, when three servants of unknown forces were fighting in the heart of London? It was just a drop in the ocean of unnamed horrors that awaited the world beyond his understanding.
He looked back at his work and realized that his own place in this world had already changed forever and was unrecognizable. He barely controlled anything or had the ability to track anything. Every day he doubted more and more ordinary things, analyzing every step and rechecking every memory. Had he made any small mistakes? What if his main mistake was trying to fix the anomaly with Jeanne Alter? Who knows how wrong he was when he sent her on this mission?
Ritsuka remembered the moment when he sent Jeanne Alter on this dangerous mission. The hero's shining eyes were ablaze with determination. Although he knew that some might doubt his decision, he had confidence in his mission and Jeanne's abilities. Let them shake him, tear him apart, but he knew it was necessary. He was too experienced to let something like that undermine his self-control.
Fujimaru let out a sad laugh. Although he questioned himself, he knew the truth: the anomaly had occurred long before he came on the scene. It was a deep-rooted disease that needed to be eradicated. Not without the help of others, of course, but it was too early to think about those thoughts. For now, the main thing was to maintain the balance of power. And yesterday's battle in London confirmed that Ritsuka was on the right path, a path whose end he couldn't see or imagine.
He frowned sternly, knowing that there was still much to be done. But in his heart burned the flame of unwavering determination, heroism, and resolve, shining brighter than the stars filling the endless night. His time had come. And Ritsuka was ready to challenge the very shadows to restore harmony to the world and save it from the forces of evil.
The breakfast was filled with a tense atmosphere, as if there was a mysterious energy hanging in the air. Ron, with a serious expression on his face, engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with Cedric, searching for valuable information about the recent conflict with the Order of the Phoenix. Their conversation unintentionally steered towards the Triwizard Tournament, delving into the darkest secrets.
"And then the cauldron disappeared and he appeared," whispered Cedric, his eyes reflecting a truly overwhelming horror. Ron, taken aback, completely forgot about the chicken leg in his own hand and asked the question that had been on his mind:
"What did you feel when you saw him come back with your own eyes?"
Cedric flinched, trying to find the right words.
"To be honest, I was in shock," Cedric replied. "I am still in shock when I think about it. I still can't believe that I was standing face to face with the most evil and dangerous dark wizard of all time. I had only heard about him from books and stories before, but I never thought I would see him in person. In that moment, I felt fear and despair engulfing me. I immediately realized that the three of us were trapped and had no chance of escape. We were saved by a miracle."
As he spoke the last words, he glanced towards Hermione.
"I have to say, I was surprised that she didn't annihilate all the Death Eaters and their leader, but then it dawned on me that she doesn't act randomly. For two years, the entire Order of the Phoenix hunted down his followers and systematically destroyed them."
"By the way, about destruction..." Hermione interjected, pointing to the headline of her newspaper. Hermione had already thoroughly studied the article and was persistently pointing at it.
The Sun:
LONDON IS ON FIRE! ZOMBIES, GORILLA, AND TWO ARMORED WOMEN CREATE HELL IN THE CAPITAL
Londoners experienced true horror in the night of December 24th, as the city center turned into a nightmare. According to witnesses, the streets were overrun by the undead, who were biting and tearing apart the living. Strange, black projectiles flew through the sky, exploding with deafening booms. A giant gorilla wreaked havoc on buildings and cars, screaming and roaring. And two women in iron armor swung their swords and cast spells, battling some kind of Monster.
The police and firefighters were powerless in the face of this madness. They couldn't stop the zombies, the gorilla, the Monster, or the women. They could only try to rescue people and extinguish the fire that engulfed half the city.
According to the police, at least 50 people died as a result of this night of terror, with around 200 more injured. Among the destroyed buildings were Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and many others. The damage from fires and explosions amounted to billions of pounds.
No one knows who, or why, caused this chaos in London. Some say it was the work of the Death Eaters, who want to bring back dark times. Others believe it was an experiment by a secret organization or the government. There are those who believe in a supernatural explanation, such as a battle between the Knights of the Round Table and ancient evil.
After returning from legend, King Arthur Pendragon, recently crowned as the British monarch, addressed the nation. He expressed his condolences to the victims and promised to identify and punish those responsible. Additionally, he called upon the people to maintain calm and unity in these difficult times.
Ron's eyebrows furrowed as he read the headline and cast a worried glance at Mordred sitting next to him. There was something mysterious in her expression as she leisurely finished her breakfast and nonchalantly took another spoonful of pudding from her plate. She easily caused a stir among those around her. It didn't take more than a few seconds for all eyes to turn towards her. She couldn't ignore them for long. Suddenly, as if the clocks resumed ticking, Mordred raised her head with graceful allure and calmly asked:
- What do I owe this attention to?
But only then did Harry pick up his newspaper from the table. Now he pointed at the article, tapping his finger on the front page.
Daily Prophet:
LONDON ON FIRE: HAS THE HOLY GRAIL WAR BEGUN?
On the evening of December 23rd, London was engulfed in flame and chaos. According to witnesses, this was caused by the appearance of a mysterious Creature that attacked both people and buildings. Two girls, dressed in medieval armor and armed with swords, fought against it. One was a 19-year-old blonde, and the other was a 16-17 year old brunette. Who they are and where they came from is currently unknown.
According to the Ministry of Magic, this was not an ordinary attack by dark forces, but something more serious and dangerous. Rumor has it that this was a battle of Servants – powerful spirits of past heroes, summoned to participate in the Holy Grail War. The Holy Grail War is a secret ritual in which seven Master mages fight each other for the right to obtain the Holy Grail – a legendary artifact that can grant any wish.
According to sources within the Ministry of Magic, the Creature was a Berserker-class Servant, serving one of the Masters. The girls in armor were Saber and Lancer-class Servants, serving other Masters. They were trying to kill Berserker in order to reduce the number of competitors for the Grail. However, Berserker was too strong and invulnerable for them, so they had to join forces against him.
According to witnesses, the battle was brutal and bloody. Berserker swung a huge sword and tore apart everything in its path. Saber and Lancer used their swords, spears, and magical abilities to defend against him. They also summoned their blessed swords – Excalibur and Gae Bolg – which possessed immense power. However, even these swords could not penetrate Berserker's defense.
The battle lasted for about an hour until a third Servant – Archer-class – intervened. He shot a black projectile from his bow, which flew through the city and hit Berserker. The projectile turned out to be a living girl dressed in black, who plunged her dagger into Berserker's heart. This was the final blow that killed Berserker and ended the battle.
Archer took the body of the girl-projectile and disappeared from the scene. Saber and Lancer also left, ignoring the destruction and casualties. The police and firefighters arrived at the scene but could not find any traces of the Servants or Masters. They were faced with another problem – the appearance of resurrected corpses that were attacking people. According to the Ministry of Magic, this was a result of the use of Gae Bolg – Lancer's spear, which has the ability to curse the ground and raise the dead.
According to the police, the Creature and the Servants claimed at least 50 lives, and around 200 people were injured to varying degrees. Among the affected buildings were Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and many others. The damage from the fires and explosions is estimated to be billions of pounds.
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack. Some relate it to the return of the mysterious Death Eater group, which previously killed people throughout the country. Others believe it was an experiment by a secret organization or the government. There are also those who believe in a supernatural explanation – for example, that it was a battle between the Knights of the Round Table and ancient evil.
King Arthur Pendragon, who recently claimed the British throne after his return from legend, addressed the nation. He expressed his condolences to the victims and promised to find and punish those responsible. He also called on the people to maintain calm and unity during these difficult times.
He also addressed the Masters and Servants participating in the Holy Grail War. He said that he has no objections to their desire to obtain the Grail, but he will not allow them to threaten the peace and safety of his people. He demanded that they move their battle to another location where they won't hinder ordinary people. He also warned that if they do not listen to him, he will personally join the Holy Grail War and show them his power as both a king and a Servant.
- I'm not a brunette! - Mordred protested.
- Is that all you're worried about? - Ron exploded, his face now blending with his hair. - Couldn't you have been a little more careful?
- And what's your plan? - Mordred flared up. - Come up with a plan for when this mountain of muscles drags you face-down on the ground or beats you up like a club, what will be your first thought? - she nodded towards Jeanne and continued. - He taught her how to fly, by the way.
Ron paused for a moment and cooled down. At that moment, Terrible Eye appeared in the doorway. In his strong hands, he clenched several fresh newspapers and greatly enjoyed the amusement he felt.
- Take them! - he exclaimed, throwing a couple of newspapers to Harry and Dudley. - Read them. I'm sure you've never read such amazing nonsense in your life.
Harry rarely saw Grum so animated, which is why he took the newspaper in his hands with particular attention. At first glance, it seemed like a regular tabloid, nothing particularly remarkable about it. However, the content captivated him so much that a smile uncontrollably blossomed on his face.
London on Fire: Terrorists or Aliens?
On the evening of December 23, 1996, the center of London was engulfed in flames and destruction. According to eyewitnesses, the cause of this was various anomalous phenomena, such as risen dead, a giant gorilla, a flying girl in black, and the mysterious London Monster. The police and firefighters were unable to deal with the situation, and the authorities have still not provided an official explanation for what happened.
Some experts believe it was the work of terrorists who employed new types of weapons and explosives. Others claim it was an alien invasion, with extraterrestrials intent on taking over Earth. A third theory suggests it was the result of experiments with secret technology or paranormal forces.
However, the most unusual testimonies come from those who claim to have seen two women in medieval armor, battling the London Monster. According to them, one of the women resembled King Arthur, who had recently ascended to the British throne, while the other resembled his knight. They used swords and magic to confront the evil creature, which appeared to be a hybrid of human and animal.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them. They were so beautiful and brave. They saved my home from fire and destruction. I think they're real heroes," one eyewitness told us.
King Arthur Pendragon declined to comment on these rumors, stating only that "it has no bearing on crown affairs." He also urged the population to remain calm and promised to find and punish those responsible for this tragedy.
In the next second, Dudley burst out laughing wholeheartedly next to Harry.
"Shall we swap?" Harry suggested.
Taking the newspaper that Dudley had received, he did not regret the exchange.
The flying girl in black: who is she and where did she come from?
Another one of the most unusual and intriguing phenomena that occurred in London on the night of December 24, 1996, was the appearance of the flying girl in black. This girl, who was dressed in a black suit and cloak, was spotted by several witnesses who claim she was flying through the air without any visible means of propulsion. According to their accounts, the flying girl in black was beautiful, cold, and mysterious. She did not speak and paid no attention to those around her. She simply went about her business.
"I saw her when she flew over my house. She was so elegant and graceful. She flew so high and fast that I could barely make her out. She didn't look at me or anyone else. She was focused on her path. I think she's some kind of angel or fairy," one of the witnesses told us.
According to our information, the flying girl in black was part of a secret counter-terrorism operation conducted by a special service under the leadership of King Arthur Pendragon. The king wanted to utilize new forms of weaponry and technology that allowed for flight without any visible means of propulsion. But he did not consider the risks and consequences. As a result, one of his agents was discovered and pursued by enemies.
King Arthur Pendragon admits to knowing about the existence of the flying girl in black but refuses to disclose her identity or mission. He claims it is a matter of national security and state secrecy. He also asserts that he will not tolerate any interference in his work. He refers to our newspaper as "inquisitive and intrusive" and demanded respect for his privacy.
Harry glanced at the beautiful, cold, and mysterious Jeanne and burst into laughter. She caught his gaze and grabbed the newspaper, suspecting something was wrong. Over the next few minutes, the newspaper passed from hand to hand until it reached Ritsuka.
The Death Eaters are back: Who is behind the attack on London?
On the night of December 24th, 1996, London was subjected to the most horrific attack in its history. Hundreds of people died or were injured from fire, explosions, and the chaos that engulfed the city center. According to the police, the crime was committed by unknown individuals who used unusual methods and means.
However, according to some experts and witnesses, behind this attack is the mysterious group known as the Death Eaters, who have previously orchestrated acts of terrorism and murder. The Death Eaters are a cult of fanatics who believe in the existence of supernatural powers and worship the dark lord known as Voldemort. Their motivation and goals are still unclear, but they are enemies of King Arthur Pendragon, who is fighting against them.
"I saw them emerge out of nowhere, dressed in black cloaks and masks. They were shouting something in a strange language and shooting beams from wands that made noises and lights. They killed and injured anyone in their path. They were ruthless and insane," said one survivor.
King Arthur Pendragon confirmed that he is aware of the existence of the Death Eaters but denied that they are involved in the attack on London. He stated that it was a "provocation and falsehood" aimed at discrediting his reign. He also added that he is not afraid of Voldemort and is ready to confront him face to face.
Ritsuka studied the article that filled his heart with astonishment. It was hard to believe that his loyal servant, Jeanne d'Arc Alter, had garnered such attention and had become a subject of speculation. His face displayed a restrained seriousness, emphasizing his undeniable expertise and significant contribution to this captivating world-encompassing affair.
Ritsuka understood perfectly well that Jeanne had no connection whatsoever to King Arthur and his service, as he himself was the Master. He realized that Jeanne was the embodiment of an Avenger, existing with the purpose of seeking revenge and destruction. She never confessed to anyone about her arduous mission. Instead, she sat beside him as a partner and a reliable defender of undistorted truth, helping to confront Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
Jeanne's face, bathed in the soft glow of the cloudy sky outside the windows, seemed illuminated by the wisdom of tranquil composure. The search for mutual understanding flickered deep within them with each encounter. Everything around them had taken on an intensely contemplative hue as they once again merged into their personally woven destiny.
Ritsuka squinted at the article as much as the poor lighting allowed.
"So, what do you think of this piece about you?" he asked Jeanne, trying to maintain a calm tone. "They call you the flying girl in black. They say you were part of King Arthur Pendragon's secret operation to combat terrorism."
Jeanne turned her gaze towards Ritsuka and snorted contemptuously.
"What? That's utter nonsense! I didn't work for him, I worked for you!" she replied, without hiding her outrage. Ritsuka scratched the back of his head and added:
"Yes, I know, but they don't know that."
Jeanne remembered all too well the previous evening when she had to go through all this. She experienced pain and humiliation, but Arthur had nothing to do with it.
"Yes, it was difficult, humiliating, and insanely painful. And I hate those liars capable of twisting everything inside out," she said firmly. Ritsuka took her hand and soothingly said:
"But despite all that, you didn't give up. You came back to fight and helped Mordred."
Jeanne's eyes gleamed as she recalled her assistance to Mordred.
"Yes, we supported each other. She is good in battle, although not always acting wisely. She defended me, warding off his attacks, and I did the same for her," Jeanne replied proudly.
Ritsuka smiled and asked, "Tell me, did you defeat Hercules?"
Jeanne nodded, remembering the unpredictability and danger of every moment in the battle.
"Yes, we dealt with him. It wasn't easy, he was extremely resilient and persistent. He didn't give up even after our strikes. But we weren't going to give up either. We kept striking him with our swords and phantasms. We kept fighting until he disappeared from the battlefield," Jeanne said with visible tension in her voice. Ritsuka involuntarily shivered, realizing the effort it took.
"And what did you do to him afterwards?" Ritsuka continued, curiosity evident on his face.
Jeanne furrowed her brow pensively.
"We didn't do anything to him. We couldn't kill or capture him. It was incredibly dangerous and challenging. We concluded that he no longer posed a threat to us or anyone else. We decided that the lessons we taught him were enough," Jeanne explained, her voice filled with determination and certainty.
Ritsuka looked at Jeanne with warmth and satisfaction.
"And how do you feel now, Jeanne?"
Before him stood a strong and experienced Servant, which filled his heart with pride and gratitude.
"I feel great, as always," Jeanne replied, emphasizing her independence. Ritsuka smiled.
"I'm happy for you, Jeanne. You're an amazing Servant."
But Jeanne shrugged off such compliments.
"But you're a weak Master and companion. You're an accident in my life and essentially insignificant," Jeanne retorted disdainfully. Ritsuka felt his heart squeeze at such a contemptuous statement, but he remained calm.
"Don't be so cruel, Jeanne. You're a strong Servant, and you matter to all of us," Ritsuka said.
Jeanne raised an eyebrow and calmly stated, "Stop talking nonsense, Ritsuka. You're an unnecessary Master and an obstacle on my path. You're temporary in my life."
They continued to argue and exchange compliments and insults, each staunchly defending their own point of view. Harry couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He still remembered his recent argument with her. Deciding not to reveal his thoughts, he picked up the latest issue of "The Quibbler" that had just arrived with an owl from the Luna.
The Gossip reveals the truth: London was attacked by a giant gorilla!
While other newspapers are trying to hide or distort the facts about what happened in London on the night of December 24, 1996, The Gossip is the only magazine that tells the truth. According to our sources, the cause of all this was a giant gorilla over two and a half meters tall, which escaped from the zoo and began to destroy everything in its path.
"I saw her with my own eyes. She was huge and terrifying. She smashed cars, houses, and people. She roared and threw things. She even lifted a bus and threw it at Big Ben. It was horrifying," one eyewitness told us.
According to our information, the gorilla was part of a secret project to create super soldiers, which was being conducted at the zoo under the guidance of King Arthur Pendragon. The king wanted to use alchemically modified animals for his military purposes, but he did not consider the risks and consequences. As a result, one of the gorillas broke out of its cage and went on a rampage.
King Arthur Pendragon refused to admit his guilt in this incident, saying it was "absurd and slanderous." He also claimed that he had no connection to the zoo or the gorilla. He called our publication "false and incompetent" and demanded that we stop spreading lies.
Harry received the last newspaper from Sirius.
The London Monster: Who or What Is It?
One of the most mysterious and terrifying aspects of the attack on London on the night of December 24, 1996, was the appearance of the London Monster. This creature, which appeared to be a hybrid of a human and an animal, was spotted by several witnesses who claim it was engaging in a battle with two girls wearing medieval armor. According to them, the London Monster was enormous, powerful, and vicious. It had sharp fangs, claws, and horns. It emitted growls and screams. It tore apart and bit its opponents.
"I saw it emerge from the darkness and attack one of the girls. She fought it off with her sword, but it was too fast and strong. It grabbed her by the neck and lifted her into the air. She screamed and struggled, but it wouldn't let her go. I thought it would kill her," one of the witnesses recounted to us.
According to our information, the London Monster was created as a result of a failed genetic engineering experiment conducted in an underground laboratory under the supervision of King Arthur Pendragon. The king wanted to create a new form of life that would serve him faithfully and truthfully. But he didn't consider the risks and consequences. As a result, one of his creations escaped and began wreaking havoc.
King Arthur Pendragon denies his involvement in this incident, stating that it is "fiction and fantasy." He also claims to know nothing about the London Monster or the girls who fought against it. He calls our newspaper "unreliable and untrustworthy" and demands that the spread of lies cease.
Harry briefly reflected on how difficult tonight and morning must have been for the British king. Mentally wishing the monarch good health and success, Harry placed the newspaper on the table. He had had enough of all these newspapers for today. It was time to act and help all those people who had experienced an unprecedented catastrophe last night.