Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter was originally edited by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
Important note: When I use wizards and witches, it refers to those who were born with and use their magic core, those from the Harry Potter series. Mages refer to those who Awakened the ability to use magic. Magnus/Magi refers to those who were born with and use their magic circuits, those from the Natsuverse/Fate series. Spellcasters are used for everyone.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot. All other ideas belong to their original sources. Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking.
"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Chapter 74:
Opening Scene: Oral, Kazakhstan
Artoria, Scáthach, Harry, Hermione, Daphne, Jeanne, Fleur, Kahlua, Kokoa, and Esdeath were sitting in a small conference room, surrounded by a privacy barrier.
"Is everything ready?" Artoria asked.
"All the enchantments have been placed on the trucks," Hermione reported.
"All the guild members of Avalon are present and accounted for," Harry reported.
"Same with Chevalier," Jeanne confirmed.
"All allied members of Iron Resolve and Blood Lotus are here," Moka added. Esdeath nodded silently in acknowledgment.
"Good," Artoria said. "Get ready to move out." She then gestured for Fleur to lower the privacy barrier, and everyone exited the conference room. They stepped out from a modified magical tent.
"Everyone, get ready to move out," Artoria called.
"Yes, ma'am!" came the collective reply as everyone packed up and began to board their trucks. In twenty minutes, Artoria was the only one left outside. She leaped onto her military truck, which was at the head of a convoy of 20 other trucks.
"Everyone be ready to leave as soon as you hear the signal," Scáthach's voice crackled over the built-in radio. Artoria shifted into her holy mode and summoned Excalibur.
(Play Fate/Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works OST II Excalibur)
Excalibur's silver blade radiated a golden light.
"It's the light of the sad but noble dream of all soldiers, past, present, and future, dying on the battlefields," Scáthach began, recalling Myrddin's words when Artoria faced her other half.
"Clutched to their hearts, with their last breath, holding aloft their dying wish, assuring that their loyalty will not be in vain," Scáthach continued.
Everyone watched as Artoria held Excalibur with both hands and raised it high.
"Behold, the invincible king, about to sing out the true name of the miracle she wields." Artoria closed her eyes.
"Hearken to its name..." Scáthach whispered. Artoria opened her eyes and swung Excalibur down.
"EXCALIBUR!" Artoria yelled. A massive beam of light shot toward the barrier, slicing through the black dome and continuing for about 16 kilometers (10 miles).
(End Music)
"CHARGE!" Scáthach ordered through the radio. Scáthach opened the door as Artoria slipped into the passenger seat. The convoy of military trucks moved forward in a modified V formation.
The black monsters began to emerge from the black dome and rushed toward them.
"M17 to M21, follow the plan!" Scáthach commanded.
"Got it!" Harry, Hermione, Daphne, and Fleur replied. The four trucks at the tip of the V formation veered off, charging toward the black monsters. The mages in the trucks launched spells at the monsters, allowing the other trucks to push through the broken barrier. As the trucks passed into the dome, their field of vision darkened due to the lack of light. Quickly, they turned on their headlamps to navigate.
Five minutes later, the last truck passed through the border.
"The rearguard is past the border!" Jeanne announced it on the radio.
"Regroup with the rearguard!" Harry shouted. M17 to M21 turned around and quickly rejoined the convoy. The black monsters, however, did not pursue. Instead, they began repairing the broken wall.
"Anything to report?" Scáthach asked.
"No injuries to report," Harry said.
"Once we left the area, the black monsters prioritized fixing the black dome," Hermione added.
"I see... keep an eye out to see if the black monsters decide to pursue us once the black dome is repaired," Artoria instructed.
"Yes, Your Highness," they all responded. The entire convoy continued its journey toward Moscow.
Scene Change: Grand Kremlin Palace
In the heart of Moscow stood a grand white palace. Inside, a man dressed in black robes sat on a throne. Suddenly, a younger man hurried into the room and kneeled a few feet away from the throne.
"Speak, Messenger," the man on the throne said.
"Your Highness, the black dome has been repaired," the messenger reported.
"Has anyone from the outside world entered?" the man asked.
"A convoy of 21 entered," the messenger replied.
"Have our forces intercept them and kill them," the man ordered in a nonchalant tone.
"According to the Wraths, the barrier was destroyed by a powerful holy attack. We believe the user of this holy attack is among the convoy," the messenger added.
"I see... Do we have any idea where they are heading?" the man asked.
"According to early observations, they are heading toward Moscow," the messenger said.
"Have all our forces prepare to meet them in Moscow. Have our reconnaissance units probe their movements," the man ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness," the messenger replied, quickly standing up and leaving.
Once the messenger had left, the man stood and walked to a chamber beside the throne room. Inside, a glowing mirror awaited him.
"Prophet!" the man called out to the mirror. Moments later, a face appeared. It had ten eyes, seven of which were open, and one mouth.
"Speak," the prophet responded. Their voice was a distorted chorus, making it impossible to identify their true nature.
"You prophesied that we would be safe from all conflict from the outside world for at least another year," the man said.
"Something has caused ripples in your future. Remove the disturbance before the ripples alter the future beyond repair," the prophet warned.
The mirror returned to show the man's reflection.
"Dammit!" the man yelled, punching the mirror. It shattered on impact.
Scene Change: Russia Plains
Artoria and her forces continued their drive towards Moscow, passing through desolate plains with only dead vegetation in sight. Occasionally, they spotted dungeons in the middle of the dead landscape, but fortunately, none showed signs of a dungeon break. In the distance, they saw the first signs of a city.
"Everyone, be careful. We don't know what's living in this city," Artoria warned.
Due to the narrow streets, the convoy was forced into a two-column formation. As Jeanne's truck entered the city, everyone suddenly heard a loud roar. They looked up to see monsters perched on the rooftops. These creatures, resembling humans, stood over 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall. Their skin had completely dissolved, exposing their muscle tissue, and their bones were grotesquely altered. Their ears and noses had shriveled, and their eyes had melted away, leaving only rows of jagged, wriggling fangs for mouths.
"RAHAH!" they roared, leaping off the building toward the convoy.
"Barriers!" Scáthach commanded.
Wands shot out from the trucks as the spellcasters quickly reacted.
"Barrier!" They cast in unison.
"Protego!" Most of the wizards and witches shouted.
"Protego Duo!" Harry, Hermione, Daphne, and Fleur called together. A giant, transparent shield formed above them, and the monsters crashed into it. They quickly recovered and began pounding the shield with their fists.
"Wizards and witches, banish them in front of us! Drivers, reverse the trucks!" Artoria ordered.
"Depulso!" The spellcasters cast, sending powerful blasts of magic toward the monsters. As the creatures were pushed back, the drivers shifted gears and began reversing. The monsters hit the ground with a thud, but they quickly rose and charged again.
"Warriors, attack the monsters! Spellcasters, provide artillery and support!" Artoria commanded.
A group of guild members leaped out of the trucks, armed with swords, spears, and other weapons.
"Charge!" Kokoa yelled as she swung her bat-shaped Morningstar. The warriors charged toward the monsters, attacking fiercely. Some managed to cut off the monsters' limbs, but the creatures continued to fight.
"Aim for their heads!" someone shouted. A swordsman swung at one of the monsters and decapitated it, but it kept moving.
"It's not working!" the swordsman yelled, blocking an incoming attack. In a desperate move, he pierced the monster's heart with his sword. The creature went limp and died.
"Aim for the heart!" he called out.
"Try to keep one alive!" Hermione ordered.
The warriors quickly adjusted their strategy and focused on targeting the hearts. It took them a few more minutes, but they were able to capture one alive and kill the rest. Artoria and Scáthach stepped out of their trucks.
"Anyone who's injured, go see our healers. If you're fine, I need you to patrol and guard the perimeter!" Artoria commanded.
"Yes, ma'am!" the warriors shouted as they spread out to follow orders.
Hermione, Daphne, and Fleur approached the captured monster and began studying it.
"Have you found anything?" Scáthach asked.
"A mess," Daphne said.
"What she means is that these monsters are a mess," Hermione corrected.
"Explain," Artoria said.
"These monsters are the result of human experimentation," Hermione explained.
"I see…" Artoria murmured. "Do we know what they did to them?"
"No," Daphne admitted. "We need more time to study it."
"Can we track them using Homenum Revelio?" Artoria asked.
"Let me check," Hermione replied, casting the spell in front of the monster. The spell ignored the creature.
"They're not considered human," Hermione said.
"Study it later," Artoria decided.
"Got it," the witches responded. Hermione pulled out a matchbox-sized box, tapped it with her wand, and it expanded into a large chest. She opened the chest, and the witches carefully lowered the monster inside, securing it. They quickly closed the chest and shrank it down again.
"What should we do about the rest of the town?" Fleur asked.
"Check to see if there are any survivors," Artoria ordered.
"Okay," Fleur said, turning to the available witches and wizards. "I need anyone available for this." A group of spellcasters approached, and Fleur led them through the city, casting Homenum Revelio in search of any humans. After a brief search, they returned, shaking their heads.
"All right, everyone. We're packing up and resuming travel. Wizards and witches, continue using Homenum Revelio as we move through the city. Once we're out, we'll burn this place down," Artoria instructed.
"Yes, ma'am!" they responded as they climbed back into their trucks. The convoy moved forward, with the spellcasters keeping a watchful eye for any more survivors.
After another hour of driving through the city, they reached the outskirts. They stopped briefly, and with a collective effort, set the city on fire. Once the majority of the city was engulfed in flames, the convoy resumed its journey. They soon found themselves on an empty plain.
"Keep an eye out," Hermione warned. "We're not sure if the local animals have been experimented on."
Suddenly, they spotted a pack of twenty mutated wolves. The creatures' bodies appeared to have been torn open from the inside, giving the disturbing impression that they had been hollowed out. The mutated wolves rushed toward the convoy.
"Spellcasters, incoming enemies from the front!" Scáthach commanded.
"Stupefy!" The wizards and witches cast.
"Fireball!" the mages followed suit. All the spells hit their mark, but the wolves swiftly dodged.
"Reinforce the trucks! We're ramming through!" Scáthach ordered. She drew runes in the air, which glowed as she stomped on the gas. The trucks surged forward, their enchantments increasing speed and power. The mutated wolves leaped to the side to avoid the speeding vehicles but quickly began to chase after them.
"They're still following us!" Jeanne reported.
"Wall of Earth, both styles, on the count of three!" Hermione shouted.
"One!" The wizards, witches, and mages pointed their wands.
"Two… Three!"
"Murus Terrae [Wall of Earth]!" All the wizards and witches cast.
"Earth Wall!" the mages echoed. A massive, four-kilometer-long (2.485 miles) wall rose from the ground, blocking the mutated wolves from continuing their pursuit. The wall reached a height of two kilometers (1.243 miles).
"Let's get some distance from them," Scáthach said, pressing the accelerator. The convoy followed her lead. "Okay, let's slow it down," she said after twenty minutes of high-speed driving.
"We'll stop for a ten-minute break. Drivers, rotate with someone else in your truck. Lunch will be on the move," Artoria ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" the warriors responded as the convoy came to a halt. Artoria and Scáthach leaped atop their trucks to keep an eye on the surroundings. Other senior guild members joined them to give the rest of the group a chance to relax.
"Time to move out!" Artoria ordered once the break was over.
"Yes, ma'am!" the warriors shouted as they returned to their trucks and resumed their journey.
As they continued, they encountered another mutated animal—this time, a mutated bear. It was much larger than a normal bear, its fur stripped away to reveal dark gray skin. The bear attacked the convoy, proving stronger and more resilient than a regular one. However, the convoy was able to outsmart it and capture the creature.
They also faced a few more packs of mutated wolves, which they were able to eliminate. The group came across several more cities with mutated humans, killing the creatures, checking for survivors, and burning the cities down.
After four more hours of travel, they reached Shumeika, Russia, home of the New Saratov Bridge. Artoria had everyone stop in front of the bridge.
"Warriors, keep an eye out for any mutants!" Artoria ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" the warriors yelled as they began forming a perimeter around the area.
"Spellcasters, make sure all the trucks are enchanted with weightless and water-repellent charms."
"Yes, ma'am!" they responded, inspecting the trucks.
"Fleur, please get Harry and the rest of the peerage and come here. Jeanne, you too," Artoria requested through the peerage connection. Moments later, they met up with Artoria.
"Privacy barrier, please," Artoria added. Fleur waved her wand, creating a privacy barrier around them.
"You think we'll be attacked on the bridge?" Scáthach asked.
"Definitely," Artoria replied. "The number of mutants we've encountered has increased the further we've gone."
"I think we should send some people to survey the bridge," Hermione suggested.
"I think we have a few flying Animagi," Daphne added.
"Fleur, can you lower the barrier?" Artoria asked. Fleur waved her wand, lowering the barrier.
"Do we have any flying Animagi?" Artoria asked.
"I am," three mages answered as they approached. The first was a Caucasian woman with a muscular build, long blonde hair, and blue eyes. The second is a tall woman with dark skin, brown eyes, and long black hair kept in a ponytail. The third had an athletic build, olive-colored skin, thick black hair, and gray eyes. All wore lightweight armor.
"I am Dinah Lance. My Animagus form is a black canary," she introduced.
"I guess your parents are fans of DC Comics?" Harry joked.
"They actually are," Dinah admitted. "They joked that it was destiny when they found out about my Animagus form."
"I am Rachel Johnson. My Animagus form is a peregrine falcon," she introduced.
"Any relation to Angelina Johnson?" Harry asked.
"She's my aunt," Rachel answered.
"I went to school with your aunt," Harry said.
"We can catch up later," Hermione interrupted.
"Sorry," Harry muttered.
"I am Jade Chan. My Animagus form is a great horned owl," she introduced.
"Okay, I want all three of you to fly around the top and bottom of the bridge and report back anything you see," Artoria instructed.
"Yes, ma'am," they responded. They transformed into a black canary, a peregrine falcon, and a great horned owl, then flew toward the bridge.
The Animagi returned ten minutes later and transformed back into their human forms.
"What did you find?" Artoria asked.
"The entire bridge appears abandoned. The only things on it are rusted, abandoned cars," Rachel reported.
"I checked underneath the bridge, and it seems normal," Jade reported.
"I took a look at the water and didn't see anything abnormal," Dinah added.
"Thank you. Go help the rest of the mages," Artoria said.
"Yes, ma'am," they responded, joining the other mages in inspecting the trucks. Fleur raised the privacy barrier again.
"While we cross the bridge, I want the four of you to report to me if you detect any abnormalities," Artoria said.
"Constant vigilance," Harry added. Artoria and Scáthach nodded.
"We believe we'll be attacked as we cross the bridge," Scáthach said.
"It would make sense from an enemy's point of view," Daphne commented. Hermione nodded.
"We'll keep an eye out," Harry said.
"Good," Artoria replied. Fleur lowered the privacy barrier. "Everyone, prepare to move out!"
"Yes, ma'am!" they replied as they quickly entered their trucks. The convoy formed a single-file line due to the occasional abandoned car on the bridge. As they crossed, everyone remained on high alert.
Halfway across the bridge, someone spotted something crawling up the side. It was a mutated starfish the size of a small car.
"Monsters are crawling up from the side of the bridge!" someone shouted.
"Drivers, drive faster! Spellcasters in front, move the cars to the side while the spellcasters in the back attack with your spells!" Artoria ordered.
Scáthach floored the accelerator, and the rest of the convoy followed suit. The spellcasters pulled out their wands and obeyed Artoria's command. The cars in front were thrown back toward the incoming mutated starfishes. Spellcasters at the back began casting spells at the creatures.
By the time they were three-quarters of the way across the bridge, the convoy noticed that the mutated starfishes had stopped following them.
"Don't relax yet," Artoria said. "We're still on the bridge. We can relax once we find a safe spot."
"Yes, ma'am," they replied. It didn't take long before the end of the bridge came into view.
"Dammit!" came a shout over the radio. The words captured everyone's thoughts. At the end of the bridge stood an army of mutated starfishes, with one as tall as a building.
"What are we going to do, ma'am?" someone asked, and everyone looked to Artoria for an answer.
"Artoria, take the wheel," Scáthach said, opening the driver's door. Artoria slid into the driver's seat, taking control, while Scáthach leaped onto the moving truck. She summoned Gáe Bolg and, with a swift motion, jumped into the air, pulling her body back as if drawing a bowstring. "Gáe Bolg!" she shouted, hurling the spear toward the army of mutant starfishes. The space around Gáe Bolg distorted, and multiple copies of the weapon appeared in the air, raining down on the creatures below.
Scáthach landed on top of another truck, then leaped back to the front of the convoy. She raised her hand, recalling Gáe Bolg. All the copies reformed back into one, which flew back into her hand. She allowed the weapon to disappear before slipping back into her truck.
"Spellcasters, throw the bodies into the sea," Artoria ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" they replied, waving their wands to send the dead mutant starfishes into the sea. They continued across the bridge, eventually reaching the other side.
"We'll take a break once we're a safe distance from the water," Artoria said.
"Yes, ma'am!" they replied, driving another thirty minutes before halting for a break.
"We'll stop for ten minutes. Drivers, rotate with someone else in your truck," Artoria ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," they responded, beginning their break. Artoria called a meeting with Scáthach, Fleur, Jeanne, Harry, Hermione, and Daphne. Fleur quickly erected a privacy barrier around them.
"The enemies we encountered were likely testing how strong we are," Artoria said.
"I assume the main forces will be in Moscow," Harry speculated.
"Possibly," Artoria responded.
"What can we do to prepare for this inevitable battle?" Hermione asked.
"Should we store our forces in the trucks and move in one vehicle?" Harry suggested.
"Bad idea," Daphne said. "If what Her Majesty said is true, they'll get suspicious if they see fewer troops than before."
"Can we use magic to drive the trucks for us?" Jeanne asked.
"It's possible," Fleur answered.
"Then can we use magic to drive while our forces rest?" Jeanne suggested.
"We can, but it will require a lot of energy to cast and maintain," Hermione said.
"I can do it," Fleur offered.
"We can help give you some of our energy through the peerage connection," Scáthach added. Hermione turned to Fleur.
"Are you sure?"
"I'll let you know if I need help," Fleur assured her.
"I think we should send those Animagus witches to scout Moscow first, so we know what to expect," Artoria said.
"Good idea," Scáthach agreed.
"I can give them a large communication mirror," Harry suggested.
"That's a good plan. We'll be able to see what Moscow has become," Daphne commented.
Fleur lowered the privacy barrier.
"Dinah Lance, Rachel Johnson, and Jade Chan!" Artoria called. The three women quickly approached.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they responded.
"I have a mission for all of you," Artoria said. "I want you to fly ahead to Moscow and scout the area. Use this mirror to report back to us." Harry handed Dinah the mirror and quickly explained how to use it. She took the mirror from him and stored it safely.
The three Animagi transformed into their respective animal forms and took off. Fleur, Hermione, and Daphne went to the other trucks, adding additional enchantments as necessary.
"Form up!" Artoria ordered. The others quickly gathered around her. She instructed everyone to rest in the trucks while Fleur controlled them.
While they were moving, Dinah contacted Artoria.
"This is Artoria," Artoria answered.
"Your Highness, we've arrived near Moscow. The enemy is amassing a large army against us," Dinah reported, showing Artoria the scene. Moscow was surrounded by a massive white wall, and outside the wall, an army of mutated humans, wolves, bears, and wraths waited.
"This army will easily overwhelm our forces," Artoria thought. "I'll have to use Rhongomyniad to destroy them."
"I'll personally go ahead of the convoy. I'll contact you once I'm closer to Moscow," Artoria said.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Dinah replied.
"Until I get there, continue monitoring the situation. Make sure your team has all the necessary charms up," Artoria instructed, cutting the connection.
"There's a large force of mutated animals outside Moscow, waiting for us. I'm going ahead to charge Rhongomyniad. Let me know when the convoy arrives," Artoria said, sharing her brief conversation with Dinah through the peerage connection with Scáthach, Fleur, and Jeanne.
"Okay," Scáthach responded.
Artoria opened the truck door and summoned her horse. A white warhorse, clad in silver armor, appeared. The horse kept pace with the trucks effortlessly. Artoria leaped off the truck and onto the horse's saddle.
"Let's go, Dun Stallion," Artoria said. The horse neighed and swiftly galloped ahead of the convoy, reaching Moscow a few hours before them.
Jade flew down and transformed back into her human form.
"Welcome, Your Majesty," she greeted.
"Hello," Artoria replied. She jumped down from Dun Stallion and allowed him to vanish. Jade led Artoria to their hiding spot, where Artoria could see the immense size of the enemy's army.
"Continue observing the enemy," Artoria instructed. "I'll be elsewhere, charging my attack." She moved around the area until she found a position that allowed her to align herself with the enemy. Once in place, she quickly cast a privacy barrier around herself, then added a charm to conceal the holy energy emanating from Rhongomyniad. She summoned the lance and began gathering holy energy. It took several more hours before the convoy arrived, and by then, the enemy's army had nearly doubled in size.
"We're here," Scáthach said.
"Good. Is everyone in the trucks awake?" Artoria asked.
"Yes," Scáthach replied.
"Then continue driving toward Moscow, as if you're unaware of the enemy army."
"Okay," Scáthach answered. Artoria raised Rhongomyniad into the air.
"Light, may you be released from the ends of the world," Artoria began chanting. Holy light radiated from the tip of Rhongomyniad, swirling around the lance. "Anchor of the storm!" Artoria pivoted, aiming the glowing Rhongomyniad at the enemy. "May your holy light split the heavens!" More holy light spiraled around the lance. "And tether the Earth." The light consolidated, making Rhongomyniad appear even larger. "Rhongomyniad!" she shouted, thrusting the lance forward.
A massive cyclone of spinning holy energy shot from Rhongomyniad, the attack far larger than before. It decimated the entire enemy army and most of the white wall, continuing for about 24 kilometers (15 miles).
"CHARGE!" Artoria yelled as she summoned Dun Stallion and rode into battle, keeping Rhongomyniad with her. The convoy sped up to join her, and a few enemies who somehow survived the initial attack tried to defend themselves. Artoria pierced their hearts without hesitation and moved on. They soon reached the Grand Kremlin Palace in the center of Moscow, where a large concentration of magic was sensed. They were forced to proceed on foot.
The majority of the warriors positioned themselves in front, with Artoria and Scáthach at the center. The mages, along with Fleur, Jeanne, and the rest of the warriors, followed behind. They began their invasion of the Grand Kremlin Palace, encountering more mutated humans inside. Some appeared of normal size, but with mantis-like blade arms, while others had extra appendages sprouting from their backs. The mutated humans attacked them, but the warriors quickly charged and pierced their hearts, bringing them down swiftly.
They followed the trail to the Throne Room, the source of the magic. There, they saw a man sitting on the throne, dressed in elaborate jet-black armor with purple and golden accents, a red cape flowing from his back.
"Welcome to the Grand Kremlin Palace," the man said.
"I'm surprised to see His Highness, Vladimir Putin, here," Harry remarked.
"That's not him," Artoria said. "The energy around him isn't human."
'Vladimir Putin' smiled, and his human flesh began to bubble and melt away, revealing a skeleton. Dark red lights glowed from the empty eye sockets.
"I suppose I should properly introduce myself," the skeleton said. "I am Nagash, the Apostle to the Overlord of Darkness, the Father of Demons!" Nagash proclaimed, red flames radiating from his eyes. "Now it's time for you to join us!"
Nagash summoned a bone-white longsword and lunged toward them.
"Get away!" Artoria ordered, summoning Excalibur and blocking Nagash's downward slash. Everyone quickly scattered to avoid getting caught in the strike.
"Warriors, defend the spellcasters! Spellcasters, start casting rain spells on him!" Scáthach ordered. Jeanne joined the warriors while the mages began casting spells at Nagash. Artoria pushed Nagash back, using the opening to launch a downward slash at him.
"You're only delaying the inevitable!" Nagash shouted as he blocked her attack with his longsword.
"Our spells aren't doing anything to him!" Dinah yelled. Fleur's eyes widened as she recalled something.
"The fight won't end unless we destroy his soul container," she said.
"Soul container?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Whenever an undead evolves into a lich or death knight, they store their soul in a container, which grants them immortality," Fleur explained.
"How do we find this soul container?" Daphne asked.
"From my experience, most liches and death knights don't keep their soul containers on their bodies but in a secure location."
"Accio Nagash's soul container!" Harry cast. A loud clang echoed as if something had fallen. Harry, Hermione, Fleur, Daphne, and Scáthach ran toward the source of the sound. Nagash noticed them heading toward his secret chamber.
"NO!" he yelled, trying to pursue them. But Artoria appeared in front of him and fired a blast of holy energy from Excalibur. The blast slammed into Nagash's chest, pushing him back several feet.
"You will not pass," Artoria glared, unwavering.
"Wherever you're going must be important. Nagash tried to follow all of you," Artoria said as she fired another energy blast at Nagash.
"Thank Harry. He used a Summoning Charm on Nagash's soul container," Fleur replied.
Nagash stood up, his empty eye sockets glowing red with fury, and rushed toward Artoria.
"Hurry up. I'll stall him as much as I can," Artoria said, blocking Nagash's attacks and countering with precision.
"We need to hurry. I'm not sure how much longer Artoria can hold him off," Fleur said. Everyone nodded, urgency in their eyes.
They soon arrived at a dead end.
"Accio Nagash's soul container!" Harry cast again. They heard a loud thud as something slammed into the wall.
"It's behind this wall," Hermione said. She, Fleur, and Daphne quickly cast spells on the wall.
"The wall is sealed from our side. Only someone inside can open it," Hermione reported. Fleur and Daphne nodded silently.
"Do you think we can break the wall?" Harry asked.
"We can try," Hermione said, pointing their wands at the same spot on the wall.
"Bombarda Maxima on three," Harry said. "One… Two… Three."
"Bombarda Maxima!" They cast the spell, and a massive explosion shook the room, sending dust and debris flying.
"Evanesco," Hermione quickly cast. The dust and debris vanished, revealing a golden trophy with black gemstones on the ground.
"Accio Nagash's soul container," Harry said. The golden trophy flew into his hand. "That was easy."
"We got it," Scáthach confirmed.
"I could tell," Artoria replied. "Nagash's attacks became more reckless as he tried to pursue all of you."
"Should we destroy it immediately?" Harry asked.
"Maybe we could use it as a bargaining tool?" Daphne suggested.
"We can try," Scáthach agreed. They returned to the throne room, which was now mostly destroyed. Artoria was slightly out of breath, and Nagash's black armor was covered in scratches and dents. His red cape lay abandoned on the floor.
Nagash's eyes locked onto them, seeing his soul container in their hands.
"MY SOUL CONTAINER!" Nagash screamed, charging toward them.
"Avada Kedavra!" Fleur cast at the soul container. The green spell hit it directly.
"AHHHAH!" Nagash screamed in agony as his soul was destroyed. He staggered, using his sword to keep himself standing.
"You may have destroyed me, but I hope you enjoy my present," Nagash sneered as the red glow from his eyes faded. His body collapsed to the ground, as though the strings of a puppet had been cut.
Suddenly, the entire castle began to shake, and black trees shot up from the ground. Fleur's eyes widened.
"A Seed of Einnashe!" she shouted.
"What is that?" Harry asked.
"Imagine if a vampire and a tree had a baby," Fleur explained.
The black branches shot toward them. Artoria charged forward and slashed through the branches with Excalibur. The Seed of Einnashe let out a painful shriek. Excalibur began to glow with holy light as Artoria unleashed a weaker version of her Noble Phantasm. The Seed of Einnashe screamed again as it was consumed by the light. The attack subsided, revealing the dead Seed of Einnashe.
"Um… we've got a bigger problem," Hermione said, glancing out the window.
Everyone turned to look outside, where they saw multiple Seeds of Einnashe scattered throughout the city. Unlike the one in the throne room, these were much larger and surrounded by a purple haze.
"Oh no…" Fleur muttered.
"What's the problem? It's just more Seeds of Einnashe," Harry said.
"It's not that simple," Fleur replied. "What's down there is called the Forest of Einnashe. All the trees are connected like a hive mind, allowing them to coordinate as one. They also release a poisonous purple haze that not only weakens you but makes it impossible for us to use spells or magecraft."
"How do we destroy it?" Artoria asked.
"We need to destroy the roots," Fleur said.
"Do you think I should use my Noble Phantasm to destroy them?" Artoria asked.
"No," Fleur said firmly. "Your Noble Phantasm, while powerful, isn't precise enough to take out the entire Forest of Einnashe. And it might accidentally destroy the barrier, releasing them into the world."
"It looks like the Forest of Einnashe is already outside Moscow," Hermione added.
"Dinah, Rachel, and Jade!" Artoria called.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied, immediately transforming into their Animagus forms and flying off. They returned a few minutes later.
"The Forest of Einnashe is everywhere," Dinah said.
"Same," Rachel and Jade confirmed.
"We need something that can unleash holy energy, and fire, and can bypass the Forest of Einnashe's defenses," Scáthach concluded. Artoria's eyes widened as she remembered something.
"Can someone locate the controls for the barrier?" Artoria asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the response. The group searched the throne room and surrounding rooms for the controls. Meanwhile, Artoria contacted Ichigo.
"Ichigo," Artoria called.
"Yes, Artoria?" he replied.
"Is it possible for you to send us Longinus?" Artoria asked.
"Why?" Ichigo responded. Artoria quickly explained the situation.
"I see… Give me one moment," Ichigo replied, then cut the connection. Artoria turned to the others, most of whom had returned.
"Did you find it?" Artoria asked. Most of them shook their heads.
"I think I found it!" Kahlua called from behind the throne.
"Show me," Artoria said, walking over. They found an empty hole shaped like a trophy behind Nagash's throne.
"Where's the soul container?" Artoria asked.
"I have it," Harry said, handing her the soul container. She placed it into the hole. The trophy lit up, and a secret compartment opened behind the throne. Inside was a book. Artoria picked it up and opened it.
"Anyone know how to read Russian?" she asked.
"I do," Kahlua answered. Artoria handed her the book, and she began to read aloud. "This diagram here shows an overview of the ward." She pointed to a section. "This portion controls what is allowed in or out of the ward."
"I see…" Artoria said, processing the information.
"Artoria," Ichigo interjected through the connection. "I can send you Longinus, but only Jeanne can wield it."
"Why?" both Artoria and Jeanne asked in unison.
"When Longinus was created, God placed a restriction on it," Ichigo explained. "Only someone who is a devoted follower of the Bible can properly wield Longinus."
"But Ichigo, you aren't a follower of the Bible," Jeanne pointed out.
"I am an exception since I saved Jesus and was declared his sworn brother," Ichigo said.
"WHAT?!" Jeanne shouted, both shocked and in awe.
"Anyways…" Artoria interjected. "How will you deliver Longinus?"
"Jeanne will need to go to the highest point in the Grand Kremlin Palace. Once you're there, you'll kneel and make a prayer to me and to Longinus," Ichigo explained.
"I'll try," Jeanne said, walking toward the window. She opened it and stepped outside.
"What is she doing?" Harry asked.
"Getting help from Kaie," Artoria replied, intentionally not mentioning Ichigo's name.
Jeanne eventually arrived at a balcony where she could see the devastation caused by the Forest of Einnashe. She knelt down and began to pray.
"My Master, I ask that you hear my cry. Below us are the wicked who pollute our lands. I ask that you bless us with the blessed lance imbued with the Drops of God. I ask of you, my master, answer my cries," she prayed.
Suddenly, Jeanne began to glow with holy light.
"Child." Jeanne looked up to see Longinus floating before her. "Our Master has heard your cries and has answered them. Our Master has blessed you with this miracle. Use me well, Saint of Longinus," Azrael's voice echoed.
Jeanne stood up and grabbed Longinus. The holy energy around her formed a pair of golden angel wings and a golden halo. She used her new wings to fly to the top of the black dome. Holding Longinus with both hands as if it were a flag, Jeanne closed her eyes and concentrated.
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions," Jeanne began to chant.
Longinus began to glow with holy energy.
"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, and then concentrate your holy energy into purifying them," Jeanne continued, opening her eyes. She released her left hand and arched her back.
"HOLY FIRE'S JUDGMENT!" Jeanne shouted as she hurled Longinus toward the ground. The holy energy surrounding Longinus transformed into flames as it slammed into the ground, unleashing waves of Holy Fire at the Forest of Einnashe.
The Forest of Einnashe tried to flee from the Holy Fire, but it was futile. The flames began to incinerate everything, from the black branches down to the roots hidden in the ground. The Holy Fire consumed the Forest of Einnashe entirely, climbing up the black barrier and purging it of all the corrupted souls trapped within.
After an hour, the Holy Fire finally extinguished itself, leaving the entire country purified of Nagash's dark magic. The barrier, once black, was now clear, distorted glass, allowing the setting sunlight to shine through while preventing anyone from seeing into the country.
Jeanne floated down from the top of the Grand Kremlin Palace, landing in front of Longinus. She pulled it from the ground, and the holy energy around it glowed before it disappeared, likely returning to Ichigo.
Jeanne walked back into the throne room, where the others were waiting.
"I guess that's that," Artoria said.
"Indeed," Jeanne replied.
"Now, who will control which part of Russia?" Moka asked.
"Moka and I will claim everything west of the Yenisey River," Esdeath said.
"That is fine," Artoria said after a moment of consideration.
"I will claim the area between the Ural Mountains and the Yenisey River," Jeanne proposed.
"Then I will claim the area west of the Ural Mountains," Artoria said. Kahlua added everyone's names into the book, allowing them to freely cross through the ward.
"We should organize a press conference to announce what happened here," Daphne suggested.
"Agreed. I will host one in Britain," Artoria said. She glanced at Jeanne, Moka, and Esdeath. "Is that all right with you three?"
"Sure," Jeanne answered.
"That's fine," Moka replied. Esdeath simply nodded.
They left the throne room and regrouped with the rest of their members before using a portkey to return to Britain.
Scene Change: Britain, 3 PM
Everyone appeared outside Avalon's Headquarters.
"Your Highness," one of Artoria's subordinates said, immediately taking a knee. Quickly, everyone else followed suit.
"Rise," Artoria ordered. The group stood up. "Inform the press that we will have a press conference regarding the operation in Russia."
"Yes, Your Highness!" everyone shouted as they quickly began preparing for the press conference. Artoria turned to the others who had participated in the operation.
"We will begin to look at what the Russians did," Hermione said.
"Go ahead," Artoria said. "Everyone, except for Scáthach, is free to take the rest of the day off." She paused, glancing at the other guild members. "I believe the same applies to your guilds?"
"It does," Jeanne said.
"Same here," Moka replied.
"Recover for now. We'll have more work later," Esdeath said.
Less than an hour later, Artoria stood before a podium. Behind her stood Jeanne, Scáthach, Moka, and Esdeath. In front of them were reporters from across Europe.
"Testing one, two, three," Artoria said. The reporters immediately quieted down.
"Good afternoon, everyone. In a joint operation, Avalon, Chevalier, Crimson Lotus, and Frozen Resolve all attacked the black barrier surrounding Russia and entered the country," she began. She briefly explained what had happened. "Any questions?" A few reporters raised their hands.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. How many people were you able to rescue?" one reporter asked. Artoria gave the reporter a sad look.
"We found no survivors," she said softly.
"I see…" the reporter replied, scribbling down the information.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Any thoughts on this 'Overlord of Darkness, the Father of Demons'?" another reporter asked.
"I believe this being is the leader of the monsters," Artoria said, partially lying. She had asked Ichigo about the "Overlord of Darkness, the Father of Demons," and Ichigo had revealed that it was one of the seven Overlords, leaders of the invading force.
"Your Majesty, a follow-up question." Artoria nodded in acknowledgment. "Do you have any plans to attack this Overlord?"
"For now, no," Artoria replied. "We need more information before we can plan a proper attack." She gestured to another reporter.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Are there any plans to repopulate Russia?" the next reporter asked.
"Russia has been divided into four parts, one for each guild that participated in the operation," Artoria explained, pausing for a moment.
"Esdeath and I have claimed everything west of the Yenisey River," Moka announced.
"I have claimed the area between the Ural Mountains and the Yenisey River," Jeanne said.
"Avalon has claimed the area west of the Ural Mountains," Scáthach added.
"Any other questions?" Artoria asked. The room fell silent. "I conclude that this press conference is over," she said, stepping away from the podium. Jeanne, Moka, Esdeath, and Scáthach followed behind her.
"I wonder how the other two operations are going," Artoria thought to herself.
I know, I know. This is a much shorter chapter than normal. I considered starting the D-Day Africa here but I decided not to simply because it would collide with the story's flow. Anyways no author notes this chapter.