Darkness.
Darkness.
Darkness.
All that encompasses darkness, blackness, shadows, whatever one could call them.
Darkness is produced when there is an absence of light. Darkness itself is not a physical entity or a wave. When no light is present in a particular space, that area appears dark to an observer. This absence of light can occur due to various reasons such as shadows, obstructions blocking light, or simply the lack of a light source.
What was once just natural nightfall had become a veil of pure mystically enforced obscurity that did nothing as direct and easily dealt with as blinding the Servants with the mana infused fog (?) that started to flow in, that the gathered Servants with high enough mana or magic resistance could have brushed aside or dealt with.
What was an abrupt freezing chill that the Masters felt was, despite its origins, completely mundane. The cold air that rushed in and the temperature drop they were not prepared for was just a hypothetical scientific experiment made into reality.
Light plays a crucial role in regulating temperatures on Earth through processes like evaporation, convection, and radiation. In complete darkness, these temperature regulation mechanisms would be disrupted, potentially leading to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Then there's the effects of the absence of light it had on living organisms that were known as the ages of Babylon. Without light, plants would not be able to photosynthesise, leading to a decrease in food production. Additionally, animals would become disorientated and unable to find food. This would ultimately lead to a decrease in biodiversity. This would have caused a disruption in the food chain and would have caused an imbalance in the environment. As a result, species would have gone extinct and the environment would have suffered.
Then there's the affect on humans.
The absence of light triggers various responses in the brain and body that can impact mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
The lack of sunlight during these seasons can contribute to feelings of lethargy, sadness, and even depression in individuals predisposed to this condition.
The weight that all felt was just the air sinking down. The only reason that the Servants felt it was from the mana used to create the effect.
The feeling of lethargy and drowsiness. Weariness and listlessness. Fatigue and sluggishness.
In the realm of observation, light plays a crucial role. Light is used as a tool for observation in many experiments.
Moreover, when light interacts with particles during observation, it can cause changes in their momentum, position, or even their state. This interaction is fundamental to understanding quantum mechanics and how measurements are made in this domain. The observer effect becomes particularly pronounced when light is involved in the measurement process, as it introduces uncertainties and disturbances that affect the observed system.
Devoid of light, anything is possible.
One in the shadows can do "anything" so said her dramatic Master
Magecraft.
Reinforcing or shortening a natural effect. Making the possible "easy" to realize. Enhanced by power not seen since Gods walked the earth and ruled over all that could be surveyed in ancient times before the written word.
Magecraft not on the level of the upper echelons has never been the ability to do the impossible. Just a shortcut to one's own ability. Just like technology.
Technology has become a powerful tool that has enabled humans to create wonders that were previously unimaginable. It has enabled us to access resources faster, communicate more easily, and open up new frontiers of knowledge. Technology has also allowed us to create miraculous feats of engineering, such as the pyramids of Egypt. Healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. It has improved medical treatments, made travel more efficient, and provided endless sources of entertainment and information.
Technology has truly transformed the way we live, work, and interact with the world, propelling human progress to new heights.
And now it will be shown to the scions of mankind's past.
Instinct.
Instinct.
What is instinct?
Instinct is an inborn impulse or motivation for action typically performed in response to specific external stimuli. It is generally described as a stereotyped, apparently unlearned, genetically determined behavior pattern. Unlike learned behaviors, which are acquired through experience and education, instinctual behaviors are innate and do not require prior knowledge or conscious thought. While learned behaviors can be modified and adapted based on new information, instinctual behaviors are often fixed and consistent across individuals of the same species.
Behavior, intuitive hunches, congenital aptitudes or dispositions, deep-seated impulses etc.
Charles Darwin used the term "instinct" in various ways to refer to what impels animals to breed, dispositions like courage or obstinacy in animals, selectively bred behavior patterns, feelings such as sympathy in humans, and stereotyped actions like those of honeybees constructing honeycombs.
In essence, instinct represents a complex interplay between genetics, behavior, cognition, and environmental factors that shape innate behaviors observed across species.
For a Servant such as Artoria, Instinct was the ability to instantly identify "the best personal course of action" during combat. Giving her a heightened sense of awareness and strategic advantage in battle. It was a valuable asset that enabled her to make split-second decisions and react swiftly to any situation that arose.
Saber was summoned by Kiritsugu Emiya to participate in the Fourth Holy Grail War on behalf of the Einzbern family. She was partnered with his wife, Irisviel von Einzbern, to act as Saber's Master in the open while he acted from behind to win with his own methods. She swore that she would defend her and win the war. Stopping still in time and space on the Hill of Camlann, Artoria was summoned to every age and all eras from the abyss of death, pursuing the Holy Grail as a Servant in order to complete the contract she has with the Counter Force.
That was put to the test very very quickly. She was faced with not one Servant, but based on the veil of shadows that banished all light and blinded her despite her high magic resistance, including very very powerful or skilled Caster, all Servants. All the enemies.
Despite being blinded by the veil of shadows, she relied on her honed combat skills and extensive combat experience to anticipate her enemies' movements and launch precise counterattacks.
The time to act was now and it had to be taken.
As a natural reaction, despite no knowledge of her position and the vertigo in everything disapating as light was pulled apart from all directions, Saber repelled Lancer's spear with the arm that held the sword, ignoring the pain. It was neither too serious nor sharp, just a common strike.
But...
"Ha!"
A cry escaped her lips, bringing the sword down. Between the entangled spear and sword, an abrupt, unexpected gale rolled in and blew around.
"Wha-?!"
Letting out a shocked voice, Saber took three steps towards Lancer's spear.
The gravel was easily dismissed with a mana burst that also allowed her to move gracefully. Her movements were swift and graceful.
She only leaned out of the way of the long spear as much as needed, reflexively avoiding earning a large gash right under her eyes. Saber's heart pounded in her chest as she processed the sudden turn of events. She felt a mix of surprise, excitement, and determination coursing through her veins. The unexpected gale that came about and the near miss with Lancer's spear only fueled her resolve.
A spin and another slash with a powerful surge of energy.
And she put her full force into striking the short spear.
Her speed, her strength-
They converged in that strike, and a shrill cry split through the air as her Mana Burst could not be countered by whatever the spear did, and so-
Lancer's weapon was ripped out of his hand as he twisted his body. Yet even so, skipping forwards, the sword tore into his chest, ready to tear him in half-
"Dodge!"
Yet, Lancer's Master successfully used a Command Seal at the last second, and so Lancer managed to get away with a massive slash on his chest. Saber was ready to follow-
And stopped, as lighting began to shower near them as another Servant approached.
Interference.
It was it was obvious which one, too.
The antique chariot with two prows. War horses not yoked on the shaft, but "handsome" bulls with muscles rippling like waves. Their hooves ploughed through the empty space, pulling the luxurious and splendid chariot forward.
No, the chariot was not merely floating in the air. Its wheels blared loudly; it was not solid ground but lightning that the bulls stood upon. Every time the bulls' hooves and the chariot 'stomped' upon the empty sky, violet lightning spread like a web, rolling the air upwards with deafening roars. The prana spurting from the lightning was probably what Lancer and Saber could only unleash if they used up every single ounce of their strength. It's buildup was also what allowed them to dodge.
The chariot that treads on lightning circled above Lancer and Saber menacingly but no strike of further attack was given and it almost seemed as if he was just randomly blasting the might of the sky anyway or how.
To be enveloped by such an enormous aura of lightning and thunder, blessings from a thunder god.
Lightning.
That which cleaves through the heavens.
A powerful and destructive force of nature.
Scientifically, it is an electrical discharge between electrically charged regions in the atmosphere, resulting in a flash of light and a loud thunderclap.
This discharge can occur within a single cloud, between different clouds, or between a cloud and the Earth's surface.
In various mythologies around the world, lightning is associated with powerful deities who control thunder and storms. Many religions attribute lightning to divine forces or gods. For example, in Greek mythology, Zeus wields lightning bolts as symbols of his power and authority.
Lightning has historically been viewed as a force beyond human control, inspiring awe and reverence for its importance in agricultural societies to how its often seen as a tool of divine intervention or punishment in many cultures.
Early civilizations believed that lightning was a manifestation of gods' anger or power, considered sacred events that influenced religious practices and rituals.
While ancient cultures revered lightning for its mystical qualities, modern science explains it as an electrical discharge caused by atmospheric conditions.
However...
Despite scientific explanations, the cultural significance of lightning in myth and religion continues to influence beliefs and traditions worldwide.
And thus, with its still mysterious nature and strong superstition, there are interesting ways of using it.
Alexander the Great was renowned for his unconventional tactics and innovative thought processes on the battlefield. His military strategies were often ahead of his time, showcasing his strategic brilliance and adaptability to various situations.
During the Battle of Gaugamela , where he faced a much larger Persian army, Alexander demonstrated his ability to think on his feet. Instead of relying on traditional encirclement tactics, which would have been challenging due to the enemy's vast numbers, he devised a unique combat formation. By arranging his units in levels and creating a breach in the enemy's defensive lines, Alexander was able to outmaneuver and defeat the Persians.
To conquer the island city-state of Tyre, Alexander the Great employed a strategic approach that involved both siege tactics and engineering ingenuity. Alexander first blockaded and besieged Tyre for seven months due to its strategic location on an island with formidable defenses. Unable to attack the city directly from the sea, Alexander's engineers built a kilometer-long causeway or raised road from the mainland to the island. The causeway was constructed over a natural land bridge just a few meters deep below the water's surface, allowing for relatively shallow water foundations.
After reinforcing his position with naval power, Alexander coordinated attacks from both land and sea to breach Tyre's defenses.
Once his troops breached the walls, they overtook the garrison and captured the city.
Despite the so-called frivolous actions, according to his Master Waver, he had taken throughout the time of his summoning , his interest in all things modern extended to the sciences and modern concepts as well. Something he would deploy, even if untested.
Like all the unconventional tactics he had committed in days of old, he was doing a similar thing now.
For example, recent studies showed that lightning can potentially be used as a form of sonar or mapping through the detection of underwater sound produced by lightning strikes hitting dry or water surfaces. Research has shown that lightning strikes to the coastal ocean can generate underwater sound, which could be utilized for mapping purposes.
The acoustic signals generated by these strikes can be detected and analyzed to potentially map underwater features based on the intensity and direction of the sound waves.
By utilizing specialized equipment to detect and interpret the underwater sound generated by lightning strikes, it may be possible to map underwater topography, identify geological features, or even track lightning activity in remote oceanic regions where traditional mapping methods are limited.
While using lightning as a form of sonar or mapping presents unique opportunities for scientific research and exploration, there are limitations to consider.
Factors such as the frequency of lightning strikes, the accuracy of detection equipment, and the range over which underwater sound can be detected all play a role in determining the effectiveness of this approach.
While unconventional, exploring the use of lightning as a source for sonar or mapping applications could open up new possibilities for understanding our oceans and coastal environments in ways that traditional methods may not allow.
Despite the fields attempt to rip apart and disapate the light show it only reinforced the clarity.
And in an "ocean" of darkness , near docks, with mystically enhanced servants provided via one's ascension to human godhood , a Servant container and the conceptual and cultural might of Zeus' lightning in general …
Interesting.
It only took her a moment to analyse what was happening and deduce what (was most likely) Rider's strategy.
Despite his introduction it was honestly very clever.
It would certainly justify his reputation if he continued to make plans like these at a moment's notice.
It was also unlikely that most of the enemy Servants understood or could use the unconventional sonar, if they even knew what it was, as the Grail did not deem that necessary knowledge.' The artist genuinely couldn't help but be impressed by Rider's intelligence and quick thinking. It made her realize that she was up against a formidable opponent who could outmaneuver the enemy with ease.
This heightened the excitement and anticipation of the battle, knowing that she would have to bring her A-game to stand a chance against such a cunning adversary.
Which is why she waited until all the energy thrown around was safely stored-
"Enough."
Then all she knew was gold.
As he automatically titled his whole body to the side until his spine protested as far as it could, ignoring the rush of air from the narrow hit, he briefly mused at what it said about his life and his mentality that he felt relief that something had happened when everything was going well. In his many years as Batman while other superheroes were lured by peace and stability then surprised by Murphy, Batman expected to find chaos and adversity.
Even before the second the lightshow of lighting ended only to be eclipsed by radiant gold not unlike that of the sun being brought to the stocks, he was still tense.
As he used the momentum in his dodge to slide into a crouch stance that balanced himself for a powerful hammer throw from below, due to the bright sun like light, he briefly saw the exposed lounging and healed form of Kiritsugu Emiya with a serrated military knife aimed at where he was.
The reinforced gauntlets had a bit more force when they stroked his liver than they would normally from that revelation. The blow carried a newfound determination to incapacitate his opponent, knowing that any hesitation could mean giving Kiritsugu the chance to recover and counterattack.
When the force was enough that Kiritsugu Emiya was elevated meters above the ground, he wondered if it was too much.
The answer came to him when it looked like Emiya was trying to arrange himself in a safe fall while angling his body to strike back.
He, being practically raised by a well-bred Brit, of course was polite enough to respond to such a nicely given opportunity with a full forced jab that dug deeply into his ribs.
A little too deeply.
In all his years, he had become intimately familiar with human (and not so human) anatomy. He had once mentally reconstructed the facial structure of the punk's face and used it to track him from the feeling he had when he punched them. And in the milliseconds right after this action was taken, he quickly contemplated how even though the force he was exerting through his newly enhanced and reinforced armored knuckles should be breaking any ribs, the problem seemed to be that there was none in the area his hands were in contact with.
Hmm.
In a fit of inspiration at this information, paranioa at the possibility of escape for his "prey" and somewhat repressed in spite that Tim was not here to call out on, at the time his fist was still in the empty space where Kiritsugu Emiya's ribs were supposed to be his free had swiped what he needed from his utility belt and as he removed it, right before gravity could assert its hold over the scumbag, he gave him an uppercut that immediately repositioned him to be up straight up, punctuated by the small crunching sound that could only be heard of his teeth cracking under the forceful collision of the mid-air juggle.
He continued his assault by digging his fist further into the uppercut in defiance of gravity's demands.
The other man in black's tolerance to punishment was expressed in how he attempted to retaliate with his free arms to bash his ears. He however casually dismissed the action by slapping the arms away and slamming an open palm into his unprotected throat full.
As he paused for a moment to respond to his body's automatic reaction, the vengeful vigilante repaid the attempted discompulation with his own by slamming his opponent's ears.
Then quickly jamming two fingers in his throat again before gripping his neck.
Before he could grip hard enough to cut off circulation, Kiritsugu used force to redirect his body away by slamming his boots into his sternum and flying himself away.
That was too quick.
From years of honed reading of the body in the middle of combat, he knew that it was a quick draw, instinct or improvisation.
As he watched him roll away in a controlled fall, the slight tumble showed it wasn't an ingrained skill.
It was the equivalent of someone consciously committing to a time-sensitive action for the first time.
He already showed some level of superhuman resilience or regeneration. That reaction was quicker than the 0.25 or even 0.15 seconds that most could respond to. It was only thanks to his esoteric skillset that he could see it.
Maybe an altered perception at least twice that of a normal human being.
Great.
He had to use a bit more force.
As Emiya gains quite the distance in the very short time he spent deliberating, further reinforcing his hypotheses about his metahuman or 'magi' capabilities, he calmly whisks out the grapple gun, aims and shoots at his enemy's calf.
As it pierces, and most likely breaks, the assassin's lower appendage, he berates himself for enjoying this.
It doesn't stop him from grabbing the more powerful and repurposed prototype of a hand-held Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle and applying it to the grapple line.
As his query seized in a fit of seizures from the debilitating volts of electricity and was quickly being pulled towards him rabidly, he made a note to invest in this new TASER (?) technology.
GET OUT OF THERE!
It was at that moment that everything went to hell.
He did not know what it was that was so dangerous that Da Vinci screamed at him from their telepathic link and he knew if he pondered, he would regret it.
After he pushed his suit's reinforcement function to the point of burning from overload, he quickly got Emiya away from whatever possible danger he was in as he was pulled in with the grapple line with one of the few good things David Cain taught to him.
The kick Bruce gave him was enough to quickly send him back even further than what he reached when he ran initially before leaping away immediately.
Under normal circumstances, that kick could shatter an oak tree's trunk at full force.
It being magically reinforced tenfold certainly had enough explosive force to evacuate someone.
Usually, he would not use it on most of his opponents. At least those that could not take it. And there were very few who could.
Emiya demonstrated he could take it.
And just in time to avoid the waves upon waves of pure power in the form of anachronistic craftsmanship of some type of weaponry, covered in a corona of golden energy as it blasts away the area he was previously from existence, forcing Batman to take shelter below a piece of wreckage just as another flew away, randomly destroying the area further without regard.
From the way the bulky crimson red and smokey black object flew backwards in a blur of dangerous motion, Berserker was the unfortunate target.
Once the energy wave dissipates, from what he could discern from the sides, Saber readies her sword and leaps into action with a rush of magical energy, being followed by Lancer. As she leaps up to possibly hit one of Archer's shins, a random club gilded in gold only glances at her as her superhuman reactions and her sword's position save her but it still leads to the force body slamming her to the ground causing it to burst into a crater with an obnoxiously loud boom.
As she rises, Archer with a casual wave of his hand over his shoulder, fires another tool that is dodged by a hair but the air pressure alone punches Lancer away.
When a random sword shot fires a heat beam of all things at Saber, she blocks with her sword and an explosion of raw mana. Despite the quick counter, it keeps pushing her hard enough to fly back, making her dent the build structure behind her with her body's impact. She quickly recovers and runs for the beast.
Throughout this entire ordeal which only amounted to a couple seconds at best, the golden Archer stared directly in his direction with a face that had a look of pure amusement and cruel curiosity that was emphasized by the slight twitch in his lip even as random shields of every region and time period be they animal hide, woven reeds, wicker, aspis, scutum, bucklers or even hungarian punch shields to casually block the lightning shower that sprayed at his specific location in the sky.
He instantly recalled the golden... and how it was emanating from him.
Combined with the casual display of versatility and power, his next action was an easy one to make
DA VINCI, DO IT NOW!
He had already whipped out the grapple gun before his gaudy opponent had even started to leisurely raise his arm up before mockingly bringing it down as one gate was aimed at him.
It almost barely matters.
The first vantage point, he was given almost no repreve as the dimensional gate rippled another weapon, while significantly slower than any that were aimed at the Servants, it was now twice the speed of the initial volley. The Servants barely had time to react and if it were increased, they would quickly be overwhelmed. The tide of the battle had already shifted dramatically as the dimensional gate unleashed a constant barrage of weapons. He knew he could not do anything different right now.
Then it was the same again. With every passing moment, the barrage of weapons from the dimensional gate intensified, forcing Batman to rely on his agility and reflexes to dodge the onslaught. The pressure was mounting, and he knew that any misstep could be his last.
And again
And AGAIN.
With every passing moment, the barrage of weapons from the dimensional gate intensified, forcing Batman to rely on his agility and reflexes to dodge the onslaught. The pressure was mounting, and he knew that any misstep could be his last.
Each grapple was to get him AWAY!
And after hitting a building outside the docks too fast, Batman intentionally fell down on the fire stairs, and threw a mana-infused smoke bomb while jumping away.
Before he could wonder if this was how he died, he felt it.
First it was sheer mana that emanated.
Then the wind blast as the mana in where the docks were increased the gravity a hundred fold.
Then the explosions as a, to his relief, familiar metallic monstrosity lept out in his direction regardless of what structure stood in its way.
Then, for the 3rd time tonight, there was light bright enough to confuse this corner of the world into believing that the sun was coming up early.
Who is there to compare with him in kingship?
Who like Gilgamesh can say:
'I am king indeed?'
His name was called Gilgamesh
From the very day of his birth,
He was two-thirds god, one third man,
The Great Goddess Aruru designed him, planned his body, prepared his form
A perfect body the gods gave
For the creation of Gilgamesh
Shamash the Sun gave beauty
Adad the Storm gave courage
And so he surpassed all others.
The air he stood in was simultaneously brightened by his inarguable brilliance, and tainted by the sheer malice that poured off him in waves.
A golden figure who seemed to shine with an inner light even through the darkness descended.
Gilgamesh sighed in either boredom or annoyance.
The idea that this paltry tarp could think to snuff out the star of the heavens would have warranted death if it was the mongrel's main method of subterfuge. But that it was but a distraction only made slightly more tolerable.
But it was his pride that demanded recompense. To show them the man who swam through the abyss unscathed.
Servants were beings afforded with strength, minds, memories, ideals, charisma, egos, and as the greatest heroes in the world-
Indeed, the man clad in gold managed to radiate a strength, an ego, beyond comprehension.
And it was reflected in his voice.
For his very first words, despite all that was held in his voice, the golden Heroic Spirit looked as blank as a canvas in his expression, yet with but a glance, it was still scorning as from above, now floating, at the three Servants with a glare. His words were haughty, but unlike Rider, they held scorn and cruelty. He was clearly disgusted by their presence, yet his disdain was expressed in a tone that carried an unmistakable superiority.
The king's voice, while all encompassed here, was an instinct whisper as it rolled across Fuyuki, and what it brought was light, and a storm.
Golden ripples spread from them, as if stones had been hurled into a lake of molten gold, and as the light grew objects appeared in the portals.
Swords. Spears. Daggers. Maces. Everything from elaborate scythes that few could even hold to simple quarter staves, weapons of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. Some elaborate beyond imagination, some deceptively simple, but each and every one shone with the obvious quality of a master's work. Each of these weapons had clearly been the greatest masterpiece of an exemplary craftsman.
Even the simplest of them was a work of art.
Again.
Swords, spears, axes, scythes, daggers, hammers, weapons of all shapes and sizes. Each one made the air around it hum with raw magical power, each one obviously priceless, and each...
The treasure swords and spears all around him changed direction. Their tip was now fully aimed at the new target; that is, the Berserker.
"You shall at least entertain me when you scatter away, mongrel."
Though his Master had commanded him to attack the Servant of Tohsaka, Berserker was forced only now to focus upon the enemy before all others, feeling unparalleled danger.
A sword and a spear cut through the air and moved forth.
The weapons came out of nowhere and shot without a warning—
If he had started with the original couple, treasures as he originally intended, he might have done better based on his attempted counters.
But the game has changed.
That Berserker had used the enemy's Noble Phantasm was in and of itself a miracle even as he could not withstand the onslaught. A miracle that left Archer's face twisting with disgust and hatred.
"…How dare you touch my treasure with your filthy hand... ?!"
The air surrounding the Archer starts dancing again. Like a halo, a golden majesty twirls in circles to show a flock of new Noble Phantasms— now sixteen of them.
Spears and swords. Hammers and halberts. Even items too esoteric to recognize by sight.
"That's not possible…"
Rider's Master murmured in the chaos.
Forget having that many Noble Phantasms, the amount of energy brought out by those weapons should have drained any Servant dry. The only way that could happen were-
If Archer not only had access to all these Noble Phantasms, but he could call upon them, fully stocked, without any cost beyond the mere act of calling them.
"Let's see— just to what point this little compulsive thief can keep up!"
At the Archer's command, the flock of Noble Phantasms floating in the air were left loose, rushing towards the Berserker.
A thunderous roar shook the night's air. A flash of light exploded through the sky.
And after the first volley, the Archer's fierce attack didn't stop.
The surroundings, including storehouses and street lights, were in complete disrepair. The black knight had a battle axe in his right hand and a simple sword in his left even as he was collapsing on a cargo container. All the other Noble Phantasms were scattered at Berserker's feet, or stuck in the rubble around. Even as he was pushed he still was impressive.
The first count of glowing Noble Phantasms had reached thirty-two after the veil was thrown down. The Berserker could have endured a continuous attack of sixteen Noble Phantasms, but there was no way to resist twice that number. That was the same for all the other Servants.
The fact that another twenty was firing at the other Servants was just the nail in the coffin.
Nobody could estimate the limits of the latent power of the golden Archer.
Then he saw...
The single most hilarious sight in all his time since he was summoned.
Two mongrels engaged in the most one-sided flogging possible in the middle of the absolute destruction of the pitiful stage for his glorious eminence.
Two men dressed in black. One wore a black suit and trench coat with his face is blank and his eyes are vacant even as it was pounded into a distorted mess and he was juggled in the air. He could already tell he was a pathetic and boring creature.
Those had to be the eyes that used to be shining eyes and formerly tanned skin that had shifted from various travels before staying at one place to probably skulk and brood for years at a time.
The other was certainly dressed for the role of a jester.
Or enforcer as he showed a modicum of finesse in his trouncing. Even with the touch of viscousness, it was controlled and effective with a dash of spectangle with the use of the opponent's body in a couple of aerial stunts.
An attire that consisted of a bodysuit with its major protection consisting of separate movable layers of armor plating which seem to be kept in place with some type of steel wiring.
He bore a bat symbol separated by armor plating of some material and a cowl with an inner layer and an outer layer of a strong fiber-like material with multiple segments to easily remove the cowl.
The dramatics were certainly more interesting than the pretenders attempting to blindside him.
He thought all Masters would be a bore in this war.
He would see if this fool's eccentricities had any weight in his ability or he was just another madman blessed by fortune when he entered the field.
Aiming one gate at him and with the speed that would be due for one of his best soldiers of old, he aimed.
Gilgamesh then slowly gestured, and a dozen shining stars that stood on standby around him became, at once, a hundred comets around him.
When he used an alluring contraption to zip himself away. He decided since he had such a tool along with the mystic tool he wore as an armament, to go twice as fast.
Then he dodged again.
He blasted the attemot from the little girl dressed as a knight and the boar victim.
He still kept it at one gate but now at twice the speed of the previous shot.
He, impressively, dodged with another rapid hook shot. It was interesting seeing this mongrel dance around honestly that even if it would be an insult to open more gates for one human, it would end such a sight too quickly.
He ignored the burrowing lightning of the divine with a casual thought.
It would behoove him to expend more effort.
As he was about to launch a warning shot, maybe a loss of limb here and there and to see how he struggled on, as a sign of his magnanimity...
The weight of the world was enforced around and consequently, upon him and his treasures veered off course further devastating the area as a vehicle with a gripping image not unlike a phantasmal of renown burst through and sped away.
Gravity has been a fundamental concept in physics for centuries, with various historical figures contributing to our understanding of this force.
Aristotle believed that objects naturally moved towards their "natural place," which he described as "down."
Through experiments, Galileo demonstrated that all objects fall to Earth at the same rate due to gravity. However, he couldn't explain the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon.
Newton revolutionized our understanding of gravity with his Universal Gravitational Law. According to Newton, every object in the universe with mass attracts every other object with mass. This force is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Einstein introduced his general theory of relativity in the early 20th century, describing gravity as the warping or bending of space in the presence of mass. In Einstein's theory, massive objects warp space-time, affecting how other objects move through it.
Gravity is a fundamental force that causes mutual attraction between all objects with mass. It is significantly weaker compared to other fundamental forces but plays a crucial role in shaping celestial bodies and governing motion on Earth.
Every object with mass exerts a gravitational force on other objects. The strength of this force depends on the masses of the objects and their distance apart. Objects closer together experience a stronger gravitational pull.
Gravity keeps planets in orbit around stars, moons around planets, and shapes galaxies. On Earth, gravity holds us down and gives us weight by pulling us towards its center.
Einstein's general theory of relativity provided a new perspective on gravity by linking it to the curvature of space-time caused by mass. This theory explains phenomena like black holes and gravitational waves.
According to her Master's data, scientists are currently exploring quantum theories of gravity to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics at very small scales. The search for gravitons and experiments detecting gravitational waves are part of this ongoing research.
Gravity manipulation has been in the repertoire of magi for centuries.
Flight utilizing brooms is a form of Mystery that is currently supported by the Thaumaturgical Foundation - Black Magic section all over the world. It acts as a transportation method utilizing Magical Energy as fuel.
Female Magi can easily achieve Magical Properties such as "foot not making contact with the ground" and "repelled by the earth" when employing a broom.
Gravity can be reduced to about 1/6 of normal by using an ointment of witches to enhance the effect of "repelled by the earth."
It was certainly a useful distraction to allow her Master to escape with the prepped Batmobile and his latest cargo.
Increasing it is only a question of mana.
However there was a problem. Or a boon as it were.
In increasing the power, even when it was concentrated on specific targets based on their mana signatures,to overcome any possible magic resistance, she drew more than necessary from the leylines to the point of reaching into the Grail itself and thus had to concentrated it in combination with all the energy gained from absorbing all that light. At least, it would allow her to practice filtering its power for her own ends at least.
And testing a fear she had.
There seemed to be something pulsating inside the Holy Grail.
It's nature is to deny each and every form of life.
She can only test its simulated effects to be sure and prevent any possible accidents
She felt the force of the world pulling her into its embrace increase a hundred fold. Her heart raced as her chest tightened, struggling to keep up with the rapid acceleration. The pressure in her ears grew, causing a dull throb that reverberated through her skull. Every muscle in her body tensed, bracing against the overwhelming gravitational pull. Her vision blurred as her view had given her a distorted image of her surroundings not made better by the intense light and shadow of snakes. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead and trickled down her face, mingling with the fear that gripped her. The weight on her shoulders became unbearable, threatening to crush her under its weight.
She ignored the intensity of the thunderstorm.
She ignored the prone form of the lancer as he sank into the ground.
"AAAAaaaarrrrrrr-"
The slowly, slowly rising Beserker.
Even the golden particles of Assaasin as he faded away.
Only for focused on her near panic-
Iri-
"Saber are you OK?! Why are you on the floor?"
Huh.
She strained just enough to see out of the corner of her eye that her proxy Master was ... fine.
In fact most of the areas that the Servants were not spread on were unffacted by the Earth's pull...
She understood.
She would not fall.
Not now.
Not... now.
She poured prana into her legs and arms, the air around her exploding with wind from the sudden release of power. A physical statement of resistance to the forces that sought to crush her.
Enough to stand.
Enough to move.
She charged, the speed from the prana burst letting her keep just barely ahead of Berserker's own lunge, so near she could feel his breath on her back, feel the vibration from his footsteps.
And as she charged, she cut down the storm of blades.
It wasn't the best plan.
To charge while maintaining a solid defense and channeling enough mana to strengthen her limbs to even move was a tactic that strained even her swordsmanship skills and combat instincts.
A sword slipped past her, grazing her cheek.
Another struck the armor on her left arm, and she felt the limb go numb. She drew in her guard, sacrificing the defense of her midsection to maintain defense of her limbs; she could trust her armor to give her heart some protection, but if her legs were damaged she would die here, that much was certain.
With a shrieking of metal on metal, the pressure on her arms and searing pain in her body suddenly ceased, replaced with a shockwave that buffeted her, sending her hair and skirt rustling madly.
"... dare attempt to make me kneel?!"
There is a mountain for those on the top.
The weight is indescribable.
Endless pressure in a world of stone and darkness. Sealing you in. Grinding you down into the dark. It's a physical weight.
A mental weight.
A single idea, a single, monolithic thought; a giant as tall as the peak above you.
Humanity.
Flawed and irreparably broken and indescribably beautiful.
Six billion lives.
Six billion mongrels snapping in the wreckage of a dying world.
Swollen with the ranks of the billions that will come before.
The billions that would come after.
Numbers so enormous that most couldn't hope to behold them, to grasp their sheer enormity but he does.
And how each is unique.
The lives of each of these fragile, delicate things.
Darkness tried to surround Gilgamesh. For naught.
There was a pool, a puddle of light with him in the center.
"You. Would. Dare."
His words shatter the stillness.
Despite the force pushing him down to the Earth again, despite the strain, he stood tall while the rest barely made it off their knees.
"The nature and judgment of all things are mine, and no one else's. This world is my garden, and I am king. All living things capitulate to my throne. This burden of mind and body is nothing"
And he took a step. And another. before he started walking despite how each movement created a crater underfoot.
"... and that is the final truth!"
There is nothing but silence… before a beam of light shattered the veil and struck him.
PEW
A flash of light barely caught their eyes. Yet the devastation was immense.
They weren't even the main targets but they would have died.
They only survived through either command seals, positioning, luck or supernatural precognition that the war did not end in one night.
Berserker had been resummoned.
Lancer knocked after he dived into the water.
"Assassin" died long ago from stray fire.
Rider was high enough and far enough thanks to the god king's thunder to avoid the chaos
Saber pushed all her mana to what would be later realized as unnecessarily shield Irisveil.
The one Servant present and conscious Saber was all speechless.
It was like comparing an archer hitting a target accurately to a bazooka leaving only ashes of the surroundings but the target.. serviceable.
While the armor had a mystic glow to it before, it now glowed due to the sheer heat the gilded metal had met. If one paid attention, they could hear the sizzling of flesh and see the shattered remains of dozens of priceless and valuable shields. The battlefield was now a scene of utter destruction. Smoke billowed from the smoldering debris, while the acrid smell of burnt flesh and scorched metal filled the air. The aftermath revealed a haunting sight, with shattered remnants of armor, shields, and weapons strewn across the ravaged landscape, serving as painful reminders of the fierce battle that had just taken place.
With a look of abject annoyance and irritation, the Archer nearly spat.
Hundreds of portals appeared... then they stayed for a moment before disappearing.
"Do you think a sermon from someone like you could appease a king's anger? You're quite presumptuous, Tokiomi..."
With a tone of abject annoyance, the Archer spat in a suppressed voice. The glow of the countless Noble Phantasms around him disappeared at once.
"…You dodged death until next time you prove yourselves."
Night shrouded Fuyuki in an unfamiliar cloak of darkness. The shadows seemed to hold a more sinister edge. In the heart of the city, the Batmobile raced through the deserted streets, its sleek frame cutting through the silence like a knife.
Inside the vehicle, Batman gritted his teeth against the searing pain that engulfed every inch of his body. Each movement sent waves of agony rippling through him, threatening to overwhelm even the indomitable will that defined him. His vision swam before him. The world blurred into a haze of lights and shadows. But amidst the torment, Batman's resolve remained unyielding. He clenched his fists, drawing upon every ounce of mental and physical strength he possessed. With each labored breath, he reminded himself...
He had pushed too far and even the healing function barely held.
Memories, both vivid and haunting, flickered through his mind like fragments of a shattered mirror. He saw the faces of villains he had faced, the battles he had fought, and the scars he had earned.
As the pain threatened to drag him into unconsciousness, a voice cut through the chaos. It was Da Vinci's voice, laced with urgency and desperation, calling out to him with a sense of urgency that pierced through the fog of his mind.
"Master, MASTER-"
Then he was out.
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the long wait
