The following story is a [FAN-FICTION!] All Fate series are all owned by Kinoko Nasu, TYPE-MOON, and its respective owners. Please support the official franchise!
Fate/birthscion Genesis -beginnings-
Act IV - Black Basalt Under a White Chalk
Summary: After Wol suffered a defeat by Morgan le Fay. Jeanne becomes worried for him. However, Chloe goes out of her way for a request: To expose the mole.
3/9/2182 Kingdom of Camelot Daytime - Clear Sky
Marsche 9th of Fyresday. Jeanne brought Wol to the Church since she wanted to have a chance to cheer him up after his defeat against Morgan le Fay. However, there weren't many people here aside from the two here in the morning. Jeanne had said to Wol that she liked going to churches all in a name to praise her Lord to receive its blessing. Even though Wol had zero interest. He simply lets her do her own thing. But ever since that incident… he seemed spaced out, or rather complacent after what happened. Yet, he stares blankly into the church's ceiling as the Viator continues to ponder and question his own strength. He hasn't spoken ever since the incident as Jeanne finishes praying at the altar, turning around to find Wol sitting on the bench as he did absolutely nothing.
"Wol… are you feeling okay? You've been acting off since yesterday…" Jeanne approached her Master as she heard no response from him. "I know you were reckless in trying to fight her but you mustn't look down on yourself."
"I know…" Wol continued. "I… I honestly don't even know where to start… I got too careless because of my strength."
"While I understand your mistakes. But fighting against that Servant would only get you killed. If you die, I'll disappear from this world as well." Jeanne continued as she placed her left hand to her chest. "As a Seeker-class Servant, I am tasked to assist you in your journeys to search for these answers left in this realm."
"I get it, Jeanne." Wol sighed as he looked at her. "But right now… I'm worried about what will happen next."
"I am, too. We need to find this mole that the Magus of Flowers has spoken of. If we don't act now… Camelot will be doomed to fall and there won't be any Avalon Festival if the situation is left unchecked." Jeanne said as she placed her hand onto his. "But rest assured, our Lord will find us the answers we seek. His blessings shall be with us."
"I'm not interested…" Wol replied with a deadpan look as he looked away.
"I understand your sentiment and respect your decision when it comes to having no religious preferences. As your Servant, I will not force you to do so but I will continue as I do." Jeanne then suddenly hears the doors opening as she sees someone behind the natural lighting.
"So I've heard." The voice of a familiar person steps into the scene as Wol stood up as he turned around to find this person who simply arrived.
"Chloe?" Wol said her name as she nodded before approaching them.
"Are you here for a prayer, too?" Jeanne asked her as she responded.
"Not really. I did overhear the words regarding the mole within the Round Table." Chloe continued with her composed expression. "As you can see. I've been tasked by King Artoria herself to assist her in searching for the culprit trying to pull the strings. My Servant, Percival, is aware of my intentions and is helping me to keep my guard up."
"I see… so you must be the person we're looking for." Jeanne said as she looked at her Master. "Wol, Merlin has exactly informed us of this clue. She is going to help us in finding the mole."
"Wait, Merlin told you to find me? Huh… I guess he really wanted me to get an extra hand from a Viator himself. That Magus of Flowers is really something, I kid you not." Chloe continued. "Instead of talking here in this church. Why not head to something that is busy. At the Sleepless Dog, I'll treat you with something good while we can continue the discussion there."
"Sure, we can head there. Think you can lead the way?" Wol said to her as she nodded.
"Leave it to me. I know what I'm doing." Chloe replied as the two would follow her to the tavern where it's located in the West District.
[Daytime → Afternoon]
As time passes where Wol, Jeanne, and Chloe had already entered a bustling tavern of the Sleepless Dog. Inside the building it was filled with people who are considered regulars. The Innkeeper had to provide food and beer for every type of person… even those who are straight-up drunkards. While it has two floors the whole area here isn't entirely spacious but the Sleepless Dog itself acts as the inn as well. There, the three were at their table as they already had ordered food that was available to them. Bread, soup with vegetables, meat, and spices. Of course, they do offer water as Wol and Jeanne only took them as their only preference. Chloe was the one who offered them food and drinks since she would be the one paying. As Wol was tasting the soup for the first time. To his perspective, it wasn't bad at all as it has some flavor as the spice has some little kick to it. Jeanne, on the other hand… had no interest since she is a Servant. She does not require food, drink, nor sleep. She primarily takes her Master's mana pool. Even though Wol isn't entirely aware of it, Jeanne knows in her mind that it is completely infinite through some capacity. Chloe remained patient for a short time as she would be the person to speak during the midst of the people's chattering.
"You can thank me later on buying you the food, Wol. Now then…" Chloe continued as she crossed her arms. "While the people are talking to each other, we should prevent that mole from trying to listen to our conversation. Therefore, we shouldn't raise our voices amidst the crowd."
"We're all ears, Chloe." Jeanne continued. "Surely you got something to say, no?"
"I do. So here me out. Because I think I've got some clues that lead to one person… The one who is considered a mole within Round Table's ranks." Chloe said as Wol stopped eating as he listened in.
"Then… Do you know who it is then?" Wol said to her as she pondered.
"I already counted out Moza Immergreen and Aren Joyce since they're contracted to their respective Servants like Tristan and Mordred. As for Koharu… That's already crossed out since she's stationed at the northern border fort with her Servant Galahad." Chloe takes a deep breath before continuing. "But one thing is for certain… I already suspect that the mole within the Round Table… is none other than Ramza Kinich Bazlage."
"Ramza?" Jeanne tilted her head a little. "You sure he's the culprit?"
"I'm almost certain. He joined the Knights of a Round Table two weeks ago. However, he does not have a Servant unlike us four. As for his role within the table… He is appointed as the reconnaissance expert tasked with surveying the lays of the land, checking for occurrences of Inversal Rain, inspecting the wildlife as well as Chimeras, and so on. Ramza only does this alone and comes back with success. However… I've only begun to suspect his 'other' activities that don't involve surveying." Chloe then proceeds to have a serious composure as she would continue her talking. "He is attempting to find every critical information he seeks everytime we try to bring up plans. Such as the preparations of the Avalon Festival. Or worse… conversing plans on how to defeat Morgan and Kupka. I can already assume that he is trying to warn either of the two of our plans and might try to be one step ahead of us."
"Is this why you're trying to be careful? Are your members or the knights aware of Ramza?" Jeanne asked as she shook her head.
"Sadly, no. I'm the only person tasked with finding clues involving Ramza who is secretly a double agent. I can't compromise my status and rank should I act too rationally." Chloe said as if she began to be a little paranoid. "Apologies… I just get a bad feeling that someone might be or is listening to our conversation amidst the chatter."
"You say that but… What happens if Ramza is the culprit?" Wol said to her as she would respond to that answer as her 'what if' scenario.
"The King would have most likely sent one of the members of the Round Table to eliminate Ramza should he be revealed. But I get the feeling that he's very cautious, trying not to blow his cover. So far, he remains in good standing with the King and the Round Table. But I'm sure I can expose him… or he intends to do the alternative." Chloe continued as she looked down. "But so far… I feel like I have zero leads. He's getting away with every chance he gets."
Chloe begins to worry about Ramza's actions and why she is suspicious of her. She knows that he isn't to be trusted and yet, none of the members of the Round Table is even aware about it. Wol and Jeanne looked at each other as they seemed complacent about what Chloe was talking about before looking back at the Lieutenant knight who was tightly gripping her fists on the table. Filled with uncertainty, paranoia, and fear. She is indeed nervous. Unsure of what to do, whether to give up the pursuit or risk chasing it. Yet, her mind is being clouded. She feels weak, unable to do anything. That is until…
"Why give up on your ambition when you can still continue fighting? That is how a warrior is meant to be. You either keep fighting, or die in the battlefield filled with regrets." The voice of a cool-headed woman spoke next to Chloe as she snapped back to reality.
She turned her head to see who that person was as well as to Wol and Jeanne's surprise. A dark-green haired woman with a black eye-patch and a crescent moon ornament on the left side of her head. She was seen holding a mug of alcohol in her hand. However, there was another person beside the woman as he was seen having his arms crossed. Of course, they have never met this person along with that young man. Their clothing seemed to be from the fat east in their mind.
"U-Umm… May… May I ask who you are?" Chloe asked in question.
"Who am I? That's a good question. Considering you Camelotians never heard of me, I suppose there's no risk of introducing myself. I am the feudal lord, the One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu and proud leader of the Date Clan… Date Masamune. I hail from the lands of Fuso in the Eisa Continent. This is my Master… my loyal retainer and Right Eye of the Dragon, Keisuke Katakura." The woman known as Date Masamune had introduced herself as Keisuke nodded.
"Greetings. I serve as her tactical advisor. Nothing more, nothing less." Keisuke replied.
"L-Lord Masamune… I-I heard words about you of your greatest achievements back from your land. May I ask why you are here in our kingdom?" Chloe replied as she proceeded to take a drink from the mug.
"Why am I here? For the Avalon Festival, no less. But considering the situation and the great dread would potentially befell this kingdom. Those problems would go through if left unchecked." Date continued. "As for why I left the lands of Fuso here, that isn't your concern to know."
"Lord Masamune. I wish not to be disrespectful." Jeanne continued. "Are you intending to help us?"
"Me? Help you guys? This isn't my problem to butt in. So no, I have no intentions of doing so. Nor taking part in this grand battle against your enemies should it happen." Date said as Keisuke spoke.
"As you heard from my Lord herself. She will not be helping you all aside from partaking in the festival itself." Keisuke added.
"However… I took a certain interest involving you…" Date then looked at Wol. "Of course, I'm talking to you."
"Me?" Wol continued as he pointed to himself. "What do you want with me, then?"
"Heh. You tried to take on a Servant which ended in your defeat. Reckless and impatient. I like that. But you need to be careful… If you aren't too careful of your awareness. You might as well die in vain because of your foolish indecisions." Date then closes her eyes as she crosses her arms as she only provided him the harsh truth of his actions. But Jeanne did not like that.
"I suggest you take back what you said to my Master, Lord Masamune…" Jeanne then coldly glares at her as Date opens her eyes to meet her unimpressed state.
"Calm yourself, girl." Date continued. "Besides, I'd prefer not to incite brawl fights inside the tavern if you are the one to start it. I was merely saying things out of my own words. After all, It's just how I speak."
"Most agreed, my lord. If anyone tries to harm her, I promise you that you won't see the light of day." Keisuke then threatens coldly as Date stops him with her hand gesture.
"Ease yourself, Keisuke. I did not intend to harm them verbally." Date said to her retainer as Keisuke steps back on his words and bows lightly. "As I was saying, Wol. I have some interest in ya. You call yourself a Master and are capable of fighting. That's what I like about warriors such as you."
"Jeanne… It's okay." Wol said to his Servant as she calmed down.
"U-Understood…" Jeanne complies.
"Now then… I believe you haven't told us your names, have you?" Date asked them as Chloe spoke up.
"R-Right. I am Chloe Morgan, Lieutenant of the Knights of Camelot and member of the Knights of the Round Table." Chloe introduced herself.
"I am Servant Seeker. But my true name is Jeanne d'Arc. And this here is the Viator, my Master… but he goes by Wol now." Jeanne then introduces herself and presents to Wol as he nodded.
"Nice to meet you." Wol replied with courtesy.
"Huh… To think a Master like you formed a contract with the Saint of Orleans. Color me impressed." Date continued. "As I said before, I can see the potential in you. All I can offer you is some advice."
"Advice?" Wol said in slight confusion.
"Exactly. Advice. Your strength is commendable, sure. But you've lost composure." Date said as she criticized him. "Do you have anything to say about that?"
"I… lost composure? I nearly had her." Wol responded.
"Except you didn't. She put up her guard and repelled you very easily. Her strength is beyond measure because she's a Servant. Rather than relying on brute force… try to focus on your wits. That will help you increase your chances of survival. So what I'm trying to say is… focus on your awareness and your footwork." Date said as she finishes drinkin the mug and lightly slams on the table. "Understand?"
"I think I get the gist of it, yeah." Wol replied as Jeanne looked at him.
"This might be a positive insight for you, Wol. That should help learn from your mistakes from yesterday." Jeanne continued. "I suggest that you take it to heart."
"You think so? I… I think I will." Wol said as Date chuckled and looked at him with a small smile on her face.
"Ahaha. That's the spirit, kid. You'd be a perfect addition to my ranks if I were to bring you into my Date Clan." Date said as Wol tilted his head in slight confusion. "Don't worry, I jest. Would be nice to bring you to the nation of Fuso but… you wouldn't like it. Besides, you have a fight going on here. Alright, I think we've over welcomed our stay. Keisuke, we're leaving."
"Understood, my lord." Keisuke said as both of them stood up and got off the seat.
"Shouldn't be paying before leaving- huh?" Chloe notices as Date flips her gold coin from her thumb as it lands on the table.
"Don't worry, let the waitress know. Now, if you'll excuse us." Date said as Keisuke spoke.
"Til we meet again…" Keisuke bows as the two leave the tavern in the process.
"These two are really something… Date Masamune and Keisuke Katakura… Those two really came from the lands of Fuso." Chloe then clears her throat before looking back at Wol and Jeanne. "Now then, as I was saying… Are you two willing to cooperate with me? In exposing the mole?"
"Definitely, we'll gladly help you." Jeanne said as Wol nodded.
"Sure, count on us." Wol replied as Chloe then smiled as she steeled her resolve.
"Thank you, you two. Let's hope we can find this culprit soon before the war and the festival, too." Chloe said as she lent out her hand to Wol as he took it.
However… outside of the Tavern where Ramza who was seen leaning next to the door entrance as he somehow heard everything despite the large chatter inside the building. He pondered the fact that the woman that is Chloe is now on to him as he decided to devise a plan in order to fully get rid of her along with Wol and Jeanne who are now collaborators. Thus, he makes his leave in order to plan ahead to prepare for his assassination attempt later…
[Afternoon → Evening]
As time passes by into Evening… It was night here and the sky looks clear as there has not been any Inversal Rain occurrences as of late. Chloe was already back in duty as she was seen guiding Wol and Jeanne to the South District, which also acts as the Main Plaza where they first came through at the castle gate entrance. Of course, the Camelot Castle is still shown on the hill. After all, Chloe is somewhat a history nut when it comes to land geography and such as she begins to speak.
"Did you know? The Kingdom of Camelot used Edinburgh from the Old World as a basis, known for being a compact, hilly capital while retaining its style of a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town. Of course, it has some Victorian-styled feel to it. Hence why this Kingdom was built upon Scotland's capital since that was 150 years ago. I'm sure there's something to learn about. After all, I'm always interested to see what the Old World has left behind. The skyscrapers, homes, everything. And don't forget the abandoned underground subways from the Camelot outskirts, it has been reported to be filled with nests of Chimeras that live underground." Chloe explained everything of how Camelot came to be here in this world as Wol and Jeanne were surprised about it.
"I'm happy to see that the civilians are living in peace away from these magical beasts. Who knows what would have happened if they'd broken through." Jeanne pondered the fact as she looked around.
"If they did, the kingdom would've been subjected to utter destruction if they came in hordes, killing everyone on sight." The voice of a young man as Chloe noticed a person in front of him… It was Ramza.
"Ramza? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be doing your reconnaissance?" Chloe asked him as he spoke with his arms crossed. Of course, his smug look and his eyes closed allows him to keep his cool.
"I was. But, I fear there have been reports of heavy Chimera activity located within the Losaria Forests. I can't handle this alone so… I was hoping if you three could help me. You don't need to bring Sir Percival with you, of course. I can imagine he's training some other knights like Gareth with endurance and such. Again, the four of us would do it." Ramza then continued as he looked at the two. "I know we haven't met before out of the blue so please. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ramza Kinich Bazlage, part of the Camelot's reconnaissance squadron and member of the Round Table. At your service. I've heard alot of great things about you, Wol and Jeanne d'Arc. Your arrival here in this kingdom has given people hope."
"We have?" Wol said as he nodded.
"Of course! People look up to you as the Destined Savior. Not that I'm complaining, of course.~" Ramza chuckled as Chloe sighed in annoyance.
"Just cut to the chase, Ramza. There isn't the time to praise the two out of nowhere. You said you need our help with our assistance, right? At the Losaria Forests." Chloe said with her usual tone as she only glared at him.
"Come now. I only asked for help. So are you willing to accompany me? It'll be quick once it's done. Not a big deal. Promise.~" Ramza only pleaded lightly as he is the type of person to be more straightforward in his response. Chloe then sighed after.
"Alright, we'll do it. Wol, Jeanne. You wouldn't mind helping him, wouldn't you?" Chloe asked as Jeanne would respond.
"Gladly. We'll certainly help Mister Ramza in his scouting at the forests. Don't you think so, Wol?" Jeanne replied as her eyes shifted to Wol as he pondered a little.
"Sure thing. I wouldn't mind either way." Wol replied as Ramza clapped his hands together to show appreciation.
"Fantastic!" Ramza applauded. "We'll walk by foot since Chimera are roaming around the open field so we need to tread carefully. So let's go, we're wasting time."
Ramza walked up ahead as Chloe followed him. So does both of them as Wol himself seemed uncertain regarding his behavior. Yet, he doesn't know what will happen next. For now, all he can do is to help Ramza with the reconnaissance.
Losaria Forests, Outskirts of Camelot Nighttime - Clear Sky
In the dead of night within the dark Losaria Forests. Wol was seen carrying a magecraft-powered lantern as it was lighting up within the woods that he had to borrow from Chloe. The moonlight is currently out in the open that shone dimly above the trees. However, the forest seems to be pretty quiet as Jeanne had sensed no potential threats of Chimeras residing within the forest. Chloe remained cautious as she had a stern expression. Ramza was simply leading the way with his usual smug look on his face. The walk within the forest continued for about five minutes. But it also took eight minutes to reach the forest's entrance.
"I don't like it…" Jeanne said as Wol looked at her.
"Something wrong?" Wol asked.
"There doesn't seem to be Chimeras wandering around in the forest. It just feels… off…" Jeanne said with uncertainty as Ramza stopped as the rest did. Now… They were really in the middle of the open forest. Yet, he doesn't seem to be turning around at all. Chloe knew that something was wrong…
"Ramza… You better have a good reason for why you wanted us to be in the middle of the forest. So out with it." Chloe then unsheathed her sword as she pointed directly at him. "There's no Chimeras within the forest at all."
Ramza then stood there as he did not respond. However, he was silently bringing out a small throwing weapon in order to enact his plan to assassinate three of them on his right hand.
"So tell me truthfully… Or perhaps you're the mole behind this little espionage of yours…" Chloe then accused him as Ramza only relented by quickly turning around.
"HMPH!" Ramza then proceeded to throw a knife which was directly going towards her head as she didn't have enough time to respond…
[CLING! STAB!]
Jeanne had summoned her flagpole to instantly deflect the incoming projectile away as it bounced off into the air right before stabbing the ground. Ramza held his head down with a smirk on his face as he proceeded to chuckle…
"Ahhh… oh well… Seems my cover was blown already… Didn't you realize how much I worked so hard to be part of the seat at the Round Table?" Ramza lifted his head up as he shrugged, acting all high and mighty with his inflated ego. Jeanne had a serious look on her face as she kept her guard up.
"You attacked Lady Chloe out of nowhere, Ramza! Have you no shame!?" Jeanne exclaimed as he proceeded to laugh.
"Ahahaha!~ Of course I don't! After all, I can't allow you three to get in the way of my plans to bring Camelot down the ground." Ramza replied as Chloe was visibly angry.
"So my suspicions are true… You're indeed a mole trying to gain intel from us, haven't you? Kupka's errand boy…!" Chloe exclaimed as he proceeded to clap his hands multiple times.
"Guilty as charged, as they say.~" Ramza continued as he looked up at the moonlight. "But of course, I do serve under both Kupka and Queen Morgan. But I've been tasked by Lord Kupka to spy on you insignificant trash heaps in order to find any critical intel in every meeting at the Round Table. Plus, I created some little diversions to let it happen so that worked."
"You're truly the worst…" Wol retorted with disapproval.
"I aim to please. But having a Servant with you is going to be a problem. But not to worry, once you're all dead. I'll report to King Artoria that all three are Killed in Action. As for you, Viator… I'll make sure that she'll give you a proper hero's burial once I slit your throat out.~" Ramza then draws out all six knives on both hands. Three of each like claws. He then assumes his stance to prepare for combat. "So why don't you all lower your weapons and die for me, okay?~"
"Not happening…" Chloe interjected as she looked at Wol and Jeanne. "I'm terribly sorry that I brought you into this… This is my fault…"
"Don't be." Jeanne shook her head. "You found the culprit behind it all so it's fair that we take him out and pray for his soul to rest."
"People like you don't deserve to live and get away with it…" Wol said as he summons forth his Blade of Thought as he was prepared now that he has taken the One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu's advice.
"Ahaha! Good! I like it when you shift your hatred to me! Now I can finally let loose and cut you all down into size!~" Ramza exclaimed with joy as they were forced into a stand-off. A Three-versus-One situation. Yet, the odds are stacked against him but he knew what he had to do. To kill the three and get with it. Suddenly…
[FWOOSH! STAB!]
An arrow was shot out of nowhere as it pierced his left knee from the side. He winced the pain as he flinched, dropping all six knives and kneeled down as he tries to bear it.
"Gah…! Shit!" Ramza cursed as he looked around as the three lowered their weapon in surprise. "W-Who… Who's there!?"
"I'm afraid that's enough out of you…" The mysterious voice of a young adolescent man spoke within the trees. But the voice came from the side where the arrow was shot.
There, the mysterious figure reveals himself out of the shadows. A young short red-haired man with a streak of white within with otherwise auburn hair as well as tanned streaks of skin throughout his body. He wore a white and blue sleeved shirt and blue jeans. However, he wore his black unzipped jacket over it. He wielded a black bow on his left hand that he was carrying as his golden-brown eyes glared at Ramza who was gritting his teeth. Chloe's eyes widened in shock as if she knew this person all too well. As for Ramza, he knows who this person is.
"H-Heh… Well now…" Ramza said as he slightly opened his eyes. "Never would I have thought to be intervened by the Iron-Wrought Hero himself… The Master of Grand Saber himself…"
"Shirou… Emiya…!" Chloe called out the young man's name known as Shirou Emiya as he approached Ramza within his close range. Wol and Jeanne only heard of the name before but seeing him in person was entirely different from their perspective.
"Ramza, correct?" Shirou continued as he dismissed his bow, summoning his black and white blades on both hands out of thin air. "Might I ask why you're trying to kill your own peers? Or perhaps you're trying to get rid of them in order to make Morgan's plan a reality."
"What do you know… you bastard…!" Ramza then grabs a knife from the ground and tries to attack him…
[TWANG!]
Shirou had already seen it through as he easily knocked away his knife, he then pointed his black blade to Ramza's neck as he dropped a sweat from his head.
"I will not say it twice. Saber is right about this… Never would I think a mole like you is trying to bring her kingdom to ruin. I was considering letting you go and let Saber banish you but… You're too dangerous to be let go." Shirou said to him coldly with a serious look.
"Ahaha… So what? You don't want info? Besides, I ain't telling you anything! No matter how tortuous it may be. I will never betray Lord Kupka and Queen Morgan! Never!" Ramza exclaimed. "But I will not stop… My mission is paramount! I will kill you all-"
[SLASH! PSSSSSSSSSSSSH!]
Shirou had swung his white blade from his left as he ultimately decapitated Ramza's head off. As the head falls over, the burst of blood violently leaks out like a bloody fountain as the entire body falls on the ground in the process. Jeanne couldn't help but look away as she knows how brutal this is. Wol then looked at Shirou as he dismissed his married blades away. But the moment he saw Wol's Golden Command Seal… Shirou then responds.
"So… the prophecy is true. You're truly the one who arrived in this world…" Shirou said as he continued. "The Viator, correct? "
"Yes but… I go by Wol now." Wol responded.
"Interesting…" Shirou said as he crossed his arms as he looked at Chloe. "By the looks of you, you seemed to be unharmed."
"L-Lord Shirou! P-Pray forgive my rudeness! I never thought that you'd finally appear until now!" Chloe then quickly kneeled down in order to show her courtesy as Shirou awkwardly laughed as he isn't into that type of stuff.
"H-Hey… C-Can you please raise your head? I'm not even a Lord to begin with. Just a person trying to fight in my own wars." Shirou stammered as Chloe did just that.
"I cannot, Lord Shirou. You are King Artoria's beloved. Therefore, you are part of Camelot's greater royalty." Chloe continued as she looked at Wol and Jeanne. "Wol, Jeanne. I'd like to introduce you to the Master of Grand Saber. The King's Sheath. The Iron-Wrought Hero… Shirou Emiya."
"C-Come now, Chloe-san… That's way too many titles. I'd prefer to not have one. Ahem… As she said, my name is Shirou Emiya. I am the Grand Master of Saber as well as the one who helped King Artoria to establish the Kingdom of Camelot in the Arvess Continent. But regardless, it is a great honor to meet you for the first time, Wol." Shirou introduced and greeted Wol with open kindness.
"Likewise." Wol replied.
"Shirou Emiya, if I may ask you… Why are you here in this forest?" Jeanne asked him as he explained.
"Well, you see… I've been fighting all on my own against the Saxons in order to halt their progress in invading Camelot. However, Morgan le Fay knows that I'm doing this alone so I'm trying to tread carefully at the moment. The Chimeras aren't too much of a threat. But with the Saxons now having this tool to control them is deeply concerning. Which is why I've been invading their outposts everytime they plan their attacks. So far, they're losing men and have begun to slow down." Shirou explained his situation on his battlefront against the enemies all on his own.
Wol and Jeanne are surprised by how much enemies like the Saxons and the Chimeras he can handle despite the odds. However, Chloe walked forward once and tries to reason with the Iron-Wrought Hero
"Lord Shirou… You've been overworking too much. King Artoria has been worried sick about you for a week. For the sake of your wellbeing, you must return to Camelot." Chloe pleaded as she was met by his sigh.
"As much as I want to but… I can't." Shirou replies.
"Can't…?" Jeanne asked.
"You see, the Saxons are brutally relentless and they'll stop at nothing until Camelot is destroyed. Roma's imperial armies and Frankia's Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne can handle it on their own but Camelot's military is severely lacking. Which is why I have to become the One-Man Army and halt their progression until the time of war happens." Shirou looked at his Command Seal from his back hand. But he looked back at the three. "So in order words… I can't return just yet. So would you mind telling Saber that I'm sorry? There are things that need to be dealt with."
"B-But Lord Shirou, you must!" Chloe interjects with concern as Shirou turns around as he makes his leave.
"Sorry, I can't stop now. Wol, I understand that our talk may be short, yes. But rest assured, when the time of war comes. We'll certainly meet again! Until then, farewell!" Shirou then suddenly makes his leave as he leaves a trail of wind that boosts him as he disappears back into the forest.
"W-WAIT!" Chloe shouted as she tried to call him but… "He's gone…"
"You're concerned about Shirou, no?" Jeanne asked her as she nodded.
"I am… King Artoria thinks the same, too." Chloe continued. "But as he said before… he mentioned that Our Majesty is intending to declare war against her half-sister with the assistance of Roma and Frankia, combining our forces into a formidable one. We don't know when it will happen but only time will tell."
"Then allow us to help you to aid the kingdom's cause to put an end to Morgan's terror." Jeanne continued. "Isn't it right, Wol?"
"We'll help you and the Kingdom. After all, I'm bound to meet Shirou again should that happen." Wol replied as this somehow moved Chloe.
"Thank you, you two. However, now that the mole is dead… Ramza, I mean… I'll have to report back to the Round Table to explain what happened. And I need you two to be my witness." Chloe continued as she turned around. "The night is still going, we'll have to retrace our steps back to the kingdom and tread carefully."
With it, their night in the forest comes to an end. With the encounter of Shirou Emiya and the death of Ramza Kinich Bazlage, the war between Camelot's allied forces and Morgan's forces looming soon enough. Wol only hopes that he can only improve himself and learn from his mistakes thanks to Date's advice. A journey in the lands of the Arvess Continent and his journey is far from over…
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Ending Theme - request by krage [English Version] (Solo Leveling)
*Theme plays*
The theme starts as it shows a dark brutalist corridor where the single door is shown. And through the door shows Wol who was seen sitting on the bed with the wall of TVs showing static.
Continuing laughter closes me
Keep on feeding my loser's dignity
One more step closer to death or rebirth
I'm wide awake down in the darkest hell
The scene starts with Wol having his hands to his face as he was grieving in disappointment while the TV screens show the split of Wol and Jeanne d'Arc. While Wol on the bed begins to lay down as he covers his eyes with his right arm. Then the TV screen then shows Artoria Pendragon along with her Knights of the Round Table at the audience chamber as Wol then grabs out his terminal slate as he looks at the screen to stare at the static.
Tell me what exactly you want more of me?
My blood and cells don't fit in your hierarchy?
I'll dive into fantasy and go hunt for a better version of me
Then the screen on his slate shows the perspective of Wol whose hand was taken by Jeanne as she was leading to places within the kingdom. Then the next scene shows Jeanne providing him with her cooking as she smiled at him. Wol turned off his slate as he looked at the door to stare at it before getting up.
Request request to hear the voice within
Request request to strengthen my heart and dream
Completely wake me up and take me to a different universe
Then the TV screen shows Merlin standing on the fields of flora as his hair was blown by the winds as the next screen shows Morgan le Fay sitting on her throne in the basalt walls of her throne room with Kupka standing beside her. Then, Wol tries turning the doorknob as it was locked.
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall"
Down to the hell you'll fall
I need, I need, I need to let the revolution begin
Wol then tries to barge the door down with every strength he attempts and struggles to break it down as the TV screen shows Wol looking behind as he turns his head with a sinister glare. As Wol takes a step back, he picks up speed and shoulder bashes the door down as he breaks it, falling to the floor as the TV goes completely static as ghostly dark hands come out of it as the corridor begins to flash red.
I wanna break through the limit from deep within
How far ahead do I have to go?
Leveling up, leveling up
In this dungeon I can't escape
Wol then proceeds to run down the corridor with his life as the ghostly hands behind him begin to multiply as they attempt to reach him. Thrusted in fear, he continues to run to escape from the hands within the corridor as each wall begins to have doors with each deterioration he passes by as the walls begin to show cracks.
I'm gonna break out of the prison that locks me in
What lies ahead for me to find is
A never-ending question
A never-ending quest = a next-level request
Will never ever end
As Wol sees the light up ahead from the beyond, he picks up the pace and tries to reach for that light until the hands behind him start to grab his legs, arms, and chest as he screams for his life. He struggles to move forward as he reaches his right hand out that shows his Command Seal. Then, a mysterious hand comes out of the light as it grabs Wol's hand, breaking free. The scene transitions to a windy plain where Jeanne was waiting for him with a kind smile. She helps him up as she points to where Camelot is. Wol nodded and smiled as the two headed down the path to the kingdom as it ended with his Terminal Slate on his hand he was carrying was still in static as it shuts off.
Author's Notes: Hello everyone. While this chapter is short. But after all this time, Shirou Emiya, the goat of all Fate, finally makes his appearance. With Ramza dead and the war looming on the horizon, Wol and Jeanne's journey is far from over. While I have nothing to say at the moment, please look forward to the next chapter. Until then, peace out!
-[The Glossary No. 4]-
[Shirou Emiya - Character]
Servant: Artoria Pendragon
Description: The Master of Grand Saber. He is the adopted son of the legendary Magus Killer, Kiritsugu Emiya. As well as a former participant of the Sixth Holy Grail War before the Chimera appeared out of nowhere. As a result, he has somewhat achieved Demi God-like status through unknown means as things like this are meant to be left alone. Thus, he can no longer age and be immune to all types of illnesses, even those that are life-threatening. However, the only downside is that he can be susceptible to death (i.e. Being killed). Through the course of 150 years, he has honed his Tracing magecraft to the point where his skills in tracing are nearly limitless. However, he and Grand Saber would be one of the founders who helped build Camelot in the Arvess Continent. As of currently, he has been fighting in his own battles to stop the Saxon's advance and take down Morgan by any means necessary. Of course, he is the bearer of many titles much to his dismay.
[Ramza Kinich Bazlage - Character]
Description: The traitor to Camelot and the Round Table. He somehow earned his seat in order to find any critical information and report back to his lords in order to bring down Camelot from within. While he acts as the member of the reconnaissance squad, he is perceptive and agile with his knives. However, he was later decapitated by Shirou Emiya after his failed assassination attempt on Chloe, Wol, and Jeanne.