On the west side of the city, miles away from the battle, a red garb figure stood over a tall storey building as he spectated the entire transpirations of event, without any change in his demeanour.
"So Berserker's failed" Archer muttered before shaking his head wryly "no it's more like, the enemy was so powerful that he had no other option but to fall under his might, kuh"
When he had found out about Berserker leaving the Einzbern mansion and heading into the city, he had suspected his initial suspicions were indeed correct. As impossible as it may seem like; a child of Heracules is still present in an age devoid of the Gods, but will not help the Godsblood, Heracules still in his madness will destroy all the interlopers at once.
A cynical part of him noted that, Heracules most shameful legend will be re-enacted once more this time of his own doing, so he decided not to intervene. Caster, as powerful as he may be will fall all the same to the Grecian hero, same with the Sheilder, not to talk of the Godsblood that he spotted to be currently inert.
'Well at least he will pass on without any form of pain' he thought in dark humour. It was all well and good victory was theirs once again… what a Goddamn joke.
A demi-god! The boy just had to be the living specimen from a divine heritage. He truly wanted to scream, how that is even possible! He thought that all signs of the divine were tethered to the reverse side of the world, but it seems like Alaya has allowed the ascension of a mortal into the ranks of the divine.
Not to even talk about the maelstrom of power he could feel even as he was miles away 'heir to the mantle of Heracules my ass' he truly wanted to say foul. Heracules had never displayed the power the boy had just shown! And heck he could clearly feel it, throughout the entire course of the battle, he was still holding back, by a lot. And to think his change had also gone to his servant as well, he clicked his teeth in irritation.
What was once a nuisance had become a predicament he was a hundred per cent sure he could not manage. Not to mention his Noble Phantasm, its power. He slowed as he took in the destruction it had caused.
'It holds more destructive might than her own light' he licked his lips nervously, there was no winning was here, he concluded giving a defeated laugh.
Even as the villain it seems like the spirit of Emiya will always remain a failure.
But that is fine. He took a deep breath as he traced out one of his trump cards. If his fate is to be a failure even as a villain, then he shall be so to the very end.
" I AM THE BONE OF MY SWORD" an apt description of himself, if there ever was one " MY CORE IS TWISTED IN MADNESS…" mana hummed around him, as the tip of his cylindrical projectile began to expel light, and just as he was about to take the shot…
The voice of one who he adored so much stopped him.
"You will do no such thing, Archer" a female voice called within his head, he knew her so much, that was why even in her madness. He still decides to stand by her.
"But Saber, the boy-"
"The boy has just won his battle; allow him to commemorate it. And even if he does comes for the Grail, I will be ready; the Dragon Tyrant will not fall to some youngling demi-god"
'I might not be so sure about that' he said to himself, but still begrudgingly did as she said, as her emotionless tone brokered no form of argument 'still the same as always Saber' he gave a shaking sigh 'always trying to fight your own battles yourself. Unheeding to the fact of the ones who want to fight with you… not like I have anything to say myself, I was the same too when I was younger' he stood up and dispersed his arms.
Well to be truthful, he wasn't sure his attack might even so much scratch him; he just wanted to test how far it will actually affect him.
And so he turned casting the view of the ruined landscape far behind, as he headed towards the mountain in preparations of the final battle.
......
Have you ever experienced the true meaning of shock?
That… electric washing feeling that runs through your body, as your mouth gagged wide open unconsciously with your body slouching weakly, as you cannot seem to register or even begin to fathom how to feel concerning a certain spectacle?
Well if such a question is asked to Olga Marie ever again, then her new answer with a resounding yes!
"T-the city!" she squeaked as beads of sweat ran down her body. Was there even a city left? She thought as she watched over forty per cent of the city vaporise into nothing. Is that the power of Heroic Spirits… or the full might of Billy Batson, she was still trying to wrap over the fact that an employee she initially did not recognize has become a demi-god, and now to talk about this.
"Excellent I applaud you young demi-god"
She tiredly shifted to the Caster who had been clapping with respect, after Billy-kun had released that-that T-sar bomb of a Noble Phantasm, she again shivered at the sight of the magna terraformed landscape, for better or worse this was someone from the age of man, not from the age of the Gods.
She gave a sigh, as she registered two approaching silhouettes hoping the building tops as they came to their location, with a composed breath; she tried to assuage her raging storm of emotions as she awaited their return, only to hear the most confusing discussion between her two Chaldeans.
"Mash, it seems like you really need your glasses back on. I said I did not cry!" the male voice cried aggrieved.
"Master, don't be ashamed to admit the truth, just between me and you. I also cry a lot" the female voice replied back sagely.
As the unknown figures slowly became visible to the Chaldean head well… she didn't even know what to think anymore.
"He's just like a giant" she dumbly muttered, there was no other way to describe him 'what is with all the arms accessories and is that actually sword?!" she could faintly spot the steel blade he held with one hand, it was almost as tall as she was! 'And add gangster looks to it' she added as her eyes ran over the etchings on his body. His-his…. She halted her thoughts as she felt blood gathering on her cheeks, her attention quickly turned to the other surprise of the day… night. Well whatever the time period was.
"And now even Mash too" this time she dryly sighed, as the duo finally arrived at their location.
"Heya, guys!" Billy the first to arrive cheerfully greeted, raising one of his hand.
Mash arriving next, gave a short smile "director, Caster… battle's finished. Enemy servant elimination confirmed"
Caster huffed crossing his arms "no need to tell me that. We could all tell as much even from miles away" as he turned to address Billy "hey boy, don't you know the meaning of the word 'Over kill…'"
The living demi-god puffed his cheat, replying smugly "nope it was never in my dictionary. And also, don't call me boy" raising a fist threateningly "that is unless you want to test this fist O' mine"
The Uyster style hero took a surrendering pose, grinning back "well sorry about that. Billy"
The Chaldean gave an accepting nod before turning confused to the silent observer "so what's up with you, Marie? Is everything fine up there" he went over waving his hand over her face.
Caster at the back jeered "well I think you broke her Billy"
"Ah... ok I don't understand"
Mash explained this time "what Caster meant was that, apparently your new divine status had mind blown the Director, master"
Billy still in a state of confusion habitually scratched his neck "is it really that big of a deal"
"OF COURSE IT IS YOU, IGNORAMOUS BUFFON! IT'S LIKE THE NEWEST DISCOVERY OF THE CENTURY, NO MILLENIUM FOR US MAGES. AND YOU ACTUALLY DARE TO ASK WHETHER IT IS ACTUALLY THAT BIG OF A DEAL. WELL OF COURSE IT IS YOU DOLT!!" the finally snapped Olga Marie roared back.
'W-well it seems like Caster is absolutely right' Billy observed as he retreated away from the now heaving Lion boss 'man she is practically a volcano'
Mash hesitantly raised her hands in an attempt to placate the Chaldean director "d-director p-please calm down"
But it seems like the lion wasn't through letting it all out yet, with fire still in her eyes she turned to her next prey Mash "AND YOU MASH"
The girl in question squeaked.
"DON'T YOU TELL ME TO CALM DOWN" and like that, all the fire she held left her as she finally slumped tired "what has happened to you Mash" giving the lilac hair a look over, she commented "it's like you have become a whole new person. You're now even taller than me!" all the stress had finally gotten to her.
Mash face took on an understanding turn "director…"
But Olga Marie shook her head "you know what? Time out" she took on a recess pose "what I clearly need is a time out. A place to rest and gather my thoughts; I just can't function as I am right now"
"Well if it's a place with peace and quiet, then I know a place up ahead" Caster offered in amusement.
Olga Marie not ready to deal with him just asked "and where is this secure location?"
"Just some few miles away, somewhere I use to bunker down when I want to hide from preying eyes"
"Ok then, tell me what the place is?"
"Well…."
...
"It's a school" Olga Marie's left eye sporadically twitched, as she tried reining in her seething emotions "well no matter. Not like I need it for anything else anyway"
After a few minutes spent following Caster, the location he led them to was one belonging to that of the educational sector.
"Well then let's go in" Billy announced, signalling the rest of the group as they entered the abandoned school.
...….
Caster went to the building top to secure the perimeter taking the director with him, as for the master-servant duo, well…
They were in a classroom that had a view of the destroyed city, and where at the moment, a glorious event was about to take place.
"Billy-kun here" Mash offered to Billy what was like the Holy Grail to him at the moment.
"At last!" he boomed as tears ran down his eyes "at f*cking last! It is finally in my hands" he cradled it carefully as he appreciated the sight of the object, while he set aside his sword.
"B-billy-kun… it's just food" Mash dryly added.
"Nonsense my dear Mash" Billy objected, unseen by him Mash blushed at that "what you see before you is more than gold!" it was revealed to be "Food!"… A packet hamburger: well two hamburgers to be exact.
"Don't worry Mr Hamburger" he cooed lovingly "I will make sure to savour you as I partake in the feasting of your- of your… well your wheat, meat, leaves whatever. Ok now, time to eat!"
And then with big chomps, he began to veraciously devour the bite food, with the sound of his eating travelling out of the classroom into the hallways.
"Billy-kun please eat carefully" Mash tried to correct him, but the hungry demi-god only cared about filling his belly, so was not in the mood to listen.
That was until it got stuck at the wrong nasal pipe.
Billy's face turned constipated as he began to cough while beating his chest, but it was rather lucky of him that Mash had the foresight to bring canned beverages with her, so she quickly handed a drink to her master.
"Thank you Mash" Billy managed to croak out, before accepting the canned drink. Drinking he took notice of the taste as he commented with a smile "mint flavour huh, I love it. Thanks Mash"
"Anytime Billy-kun, although at least now you should eat carefully"
The demi-god nodded back as he continued to eat, albeit more carefully.
A few minutes later
Billy stood up this time more energised as he said with a smile on his face, while rubbing his pecked stomach "damn! I really thought that we might not be able to find food and I'll be hungry for the rest of the time we spent here. But am glad you got me to search with you Mash"
"Like I said it's no problem"
While as they left the classroom, and began striding slowly through the hallways, Mash commented as she observed the empty desolate classrooms "I wonder what has happened to all the students in the school"
Billy popped a neck as he too glanced around "I also wonder…" to be honest he might have an idea on what had happened to the students of the school, as he mind flashbacked on the fight he had with Lancer.
Stones effigies littered all round, as the monster of Greece ripped of the stone statues head off resulting it to spurt out blood. And as all this was happening, she held a maniacal smirk on her face.
He quickly shook his head to clear out the image; he really doesn't want to think about that, just too grim for his taste.
And so silence reigned as the duo quietly went up the stairs to the rooftop to meet with up the others.
As they finally arrived they spotted the director in the middle of a discussion with Caster while she was inside a spell circle. It gave out a yellow glow with strange alphabets moving around in a clockwise rotation.
"Oh it's good that you're all here now" Caster called out to us, as he had sensed our presence "come let's begin the last strategy discussion for the final battle"
Mash silently nodded while the Chaldean demi-god affirmed with the heroic mage "it's time to end all this madness"
Olga Marie stood up from the magic circle as it luminesce slowly died down, pocketing some smooth stones in her sleeves, and added "all right then, let's begin"
....
"Before we start Caster, there is something I wanted to confirm with you from the beginning" the Chaldean head began.
"Hmm, what's it"
She crossed her arms as she asked in an interrogative tone "you know the True Name of the servant Saber don't you? I mean from the way you spoke about her, it was like as if you had fought with her several times"
Cu Chulain gave an amused huff as he replied back "well it's not like I was not going to tell you all, after all she's someone you all must face if you want to achieve what you all came here for anyway" he narrowed his eyes in seriousness "as for who she is. Well it is more like any who's been struck by her Noble Phantasm will know right away. Pulling the sword from a stone selects the king; I think it's the most famous holy sword of all even in your own time period, its true name is-…"
"Excalibur…" Billy unintentionally guessed out loud "its king Arthur, Saber is King Arthur right"
"Excalibur…" the Animusphere heiress eyes dilated in shock "you were about to have Billy-kun and Mash fight against King Arthur. Caster, are you insane!"
"Nope, but allow me to explain first. The percentage of us going against Saber, before Billy here became a demi-god and winning was around six per cent. And I was banking it all based on her shield" he answered as he snapped his fingers at the demi-servant.
Mash confused by his speculation asked "but why? My Noble Phantasm hasn't been released at that time and I wasn't as strong before as I am now"
"Why huh? Let's just say that wary of that shield, there was a certain bowman who had targeted you in fervour"
"Do you mean Archer?"
The Celtic sage laughed as he commented "yep, and believe me, that was the first time I had ever seen that guy getting that flustered, even before he became corrupted. And that means for whatever reason, he was afraid of you meeting Saber and I was hoping to bet on that"
We all looked at Mash or more specifically, at her shield. As for the young girl she too looked at her shield holding it more tightly, she doesn't even know her the True Name of the servant, but she will still try her best not to disappoint whoever had given her the power.
Caster continued on "and if there was another reason, well… that'll be you Billy"
Billy raised an eyebrow at that "me?"
"Yep, actually you were the first one I actually placed my hopes on before. When I first saw you, you were brimming with the strength of a Godsblood, and I thought that just having you in the fight against Saber would make a difference in the fight. But now look at you. A proper living demi-god and one who isn't chained to the title of a Divine spirit class at that, truthfully speaking as you are now; you are much more powerful than even Saber and you are capable of defeating her just by yourself"
"Really?" the demi-god asked gratified.
"Yep, remember while I appear as a Caster, at my core I am a warrior and still capable of telling the strength of an opponent. Don't underestimate yourself Billy, with your own strength you are capable of going against multiple servants or even those that are in the High ranks!"
Caster words resounded with the group as the realty of the matter dawned on them once more; Billy Batson is now a demi-god and an extremely powerful one at that. As for the director unless she sees the strength of the Saber class she prohibits from deciding who is stronger between the two as while Billy Batson is Heracules in all but name, King Arthur is the slayer of the white dragon Vortigem.
"Heracules and Arthur Pendragon huh" she sighed in long-suffering "well I wonder how the landscape will change when they both start to duke it out. I just hope I survive when it all starts"
Billy smirked at her remark "no promises director"
The director's face turned pale, as she zoomed on him with her face almost touching his "no am serious about what I just said Billy-kun! Just look back at what the battle between you and your predecessor caused the city! There isn't even much of a city anymore! So please-please when you fight have it in your mind that your fragile director is still there and she doesn't want to die from an after blow"
Billy sweat dropped as he replied "o-ok Marie, I'll try my very best so that you wouldn't be caught in"
She released an air as she slinked back "please do so" as she muttered this time to herself "not even the precautions I had just prepared will spare me from the glances of both your blows"
Billy sobered as he was reminded of the director's situation. Mash as a demi-servant is tough so she will be unscathed under the spilled collision waves caused when he begins fighting with Arthur, but Olga Marie not much. It might be immature of him saying this but he knows how strong he is and how much strength his hands held, with a precise strike he feels like he could fall a monolith in one blow maybe even more larger structures. So if by mistake a glancing blow of his goes off near her… well the term human tomato would just be the result.
Nope he just has to be careful, and that's what he will be.
The sight of wooden staff obstructed his line of sight as he turned to the Caster who was currently giving him a placid look "while we are on the matter of your upcoming fight with Saber. There is one thing I want you to make clear" seeing that he got the Chaldean's attention he continued "for one while you are stronger than Saber I just want you to know that you should still be careful of her sword. Divine mantle or not, it will cut you up like butter so be careful as you fight. And secondly, don't hate me for telling you this but… your fighting style sucks big time"
"Hah!" ok Billy did not expect that.
"Let me clear it up, the servant you are about to fight is not a warrior of instinct like Berserker where simply swinging your sword lets you smash it with the other. While you are stronger than her, your strength doesn't surpass hers by that wide of a margin. Swing your sword at her like that and you'll lose your head faster than you can blink… unless you decide to go all out. Attack her with more power, more fleetness, and begin to fight like a true madman, that is the only way to defeat the King of Knights"
The director groaned in "but that defeats the essence of me telling Billy-kun to rein his strength, now I'll be dead at the first blow"
Caster smirked "but that's why you have Mash director"
Mash wanted to object already not liking the position Caster was about to assume to her, but he cut her off "it's not like you will not fight with your master, but your turn will come soon enough"
"But-…" she couldn't continue as she felt a pressure settle on her hands, Billy looked at her and gave a nod showing that he supported Caster's arrangement, and with a light squeeze back she begrudgingly relented.
"Ok now that you two lovers have finally settled on the issue lets continue"
The two duo's face flushed as they both quickly removed their hands away from the other, the Chaldean demi-god couldn't help but growl as he glared at the Ulyster style hero "it seems like you really want to get punched Caster, just say the word and I will send you to wonderland right now"
Cu Chulain rolled his eyes brushing off the glare "tell me that when am a Lancer then we will settle it, lover boy"
"Why you!-" Billy advanced forward getting ready to pummel the mage before he halted suddenly asking "wait Caster… tell me again, at which location is Saber"
The Heroic Spirit who had already positioned his staff for a fight relaxed his stance "haven't I said it before, she is at the city's main ley-line"
Billy reciprocated as he went back to his spot, unsatisfied he needed a more definite answer "I know that, but my question is at which spot"
"Oh so that's what you meant, well it's at a cave at the base of the Fuyuki Mountains"
Billy exhaled as he slapped his face wearily "yep that's what I thought. It just had to be located under the Earth"
"Master what's the matter?" Mash asked.
"You remember my Noble Phantasm. Keranous; O Fulmen Vikn… let's just say it comes with a small caveat. You see Zeus as powerful as he is, was still just the Overlord of the skies, and even though I can call down his thunderbolt, I cannot just use it freely"
Olga Marie deduced as she slowly began to fit in the pieces "that's because there is no sky underground isn't it Billy-kun. Zeus as a God could call upon his lightning without any form of repercussions, but you being a demi-god must still have some kind of limitations when using his power"
The demi-god nodded as she was correct as he added "what the director said just now is correct, my Noble Phantasm basically summon bolts of lightning to strike my enemies but the only way to do that is to be under the Heavens. The sky and the Earth are two different aspects as they do not support each other, so basically am useless underground"
"But master do you have any other Noble Phantasm apart from Keranous" Mash inquired.
"Of a matter of fact I actually do" as the demi-servant and the director brightened up, he quickly added "that one also comes with another limitation"
He raised the hand in which he held his sword, as all who were present watched it dispersed into showers of lightning, with a new weapon took its place.
"Billy-kun is that…?" Olga Marie trailed off.
"Yep the second weapon that houses my other Noble Phantasm. Helios Shot" he presented a bow to the group. Unlike the former weapon, the bow did not possess the same exquisite appearance as the sword had; it was an antiquated re-curve type, with a unique kind of wood serving as the body limbs, the riser grip looked like it was made of metal giving it a velvety feeling.
"The power of this bow in some way surpasses that of my sword, but while I can still bring out some powerful shots with it, I just can't use its full power at night" he explained, as he switched the bow for the sword with the same theatrics.
"Hence the name Helios Shot, huh" the director sighed, to be totally honest she wasn't surprised that such a divine weapon would possess such kind of restriction and a cynical part of her thought it quaint to be so. Realising that, she bit the inner walls of her cheeks trying to quell her rising contrition.
And once more the group was stuck with the conundrum before them with no way to go about it.
That was until the living demi-god snapped his fingers as he urgently asked the Celtic hero "Caster how strong do you estimate the power of Saber's Noble Phantasm is?"
The mage leaned on his staff closing his eyes and answered "well… it's probably around your level of firepower, with yours just being a smidge stronger"
A smile bloomed on Billy's face "that is more than enough to blow away any mountain right?"
Cu Chulain eyes widened as he slowly grinned back "and even more than that"
Creepy cackles emerged between the two demi-gods as they both donned on conniving expressions.
The demi-servant spooked out asked nervously "m-master why are you asking Caster those questions"
The demi-servant's master halted as he turned to his servant with a serene smile on his face and replied "well it seems like you have an important part to play in the upcoming battle Mash"
"Master?"
But the Chaldean demi-god already continued on "all right guys I have a plan we could use in the upcoming battle. So how about we go at like this. When…."
And so began to inform them of his unorthodox plan.
...…..
A few minutes later, saw them leaving the school grounds. As for the Sheilder, the plan of her master still rang in her mind.
'How radical' she thought, as there was no other way to describe it. A quick glance at the head director told her she was of the same opinion as well. She knew that she wanted a role in the upcoming fight, but it seems like fate has entrusted to her one for the most important role, and a much more risky one.
She shifted her sight to the seven foot man before her, who turned to smile at her before resuming his stride. She immediately shook her head; she really needs to get rid of the creeping negative thoughts if she really wants to perform well in battle.
'I… no we are not going to lose. Not to this' she affirmed.
"All right we're here" the Irish sage called out, the world zoomed in back to her as she and the others stood before the woods that led up the mountain.
"This is it guys" Billy succinctly spoke out "the last battle. Hope you're all prepared, remember, stick to plan and it will all work out"
The whole group nodded back as Mash readied her shield replying back "yes master!"
And with that, they all took a step to their final opponents in the singularity F.
Deep in the cave located around the Fuyuki Mountains, in a wide carven area where the Holy Grail resided, a figure opened her eyes as she began speaking to thin air.
"So you have arrived at last intruders, very well then. Come; let us see who shall be victorious. Will it be the Tyrant Dragon King who dominates or shall it be the Demi-god of Strength who conquers. As I promise to you a battle to remember"