The Next Day, The City Awakens to the Final Battle
At dawn, the night sky gave way to the morning light, causing the horizon to brighten.
As the first rays of sunlight touched the land, the Mountain City was already bustling with activity.
Today was the day of departure.
And not just any departure—it was the march toward the final battle.
Thus, long before sunrise, the soldiers had all risen and gathered in the city square.
But it wasn't just the soldiers who were up; the Mountain People were awake as well.
Knowing that today's battle would decide whether the Holy City could be reclaimed and the Sacred Land liberated, the civilians—though unable to fight—were determined to contribute in any way they could.
Because of this, the Mountain People woke up early and began lighting fires to prepare food.
Naturally, they weren't cooking for themselves but for the soldiers about to march into battle.
Each and every one of them had made the decision to provide support and nourishment for the warriors. Children, adults, and even the elderly roamed the streets and square, handing out steaming bowls of soup and fragrant pieces of meat to the soldiers passing by with weapons in hand. In return, the warriors offered heartfelt words of gratitude, deeply moved by the gesture.
The Mountain City was alive with fervor, and even the Servants gathered for the battle felt a surge of emotion at the sight.
But now was not the time for sentiment.
With war looming, the Servants needed to finalize their strategies, issue commands, and ensure that the troops were well-prepared.
Thus, Bedivere had arrived early, standing in the middle of the square with a stern expression as he delivered orders in a loud and steady voice. Hassan of Serenity was also present, instructing the soldiers on finer tactical details.
As for Jeanne [Alter], she had already left for the dragon horde's location.
Even Artoria [Alter] had awakened, standing atop the palace, silently watching over the Mountain City, waiting for the moment of departure.
And she was not alone.
Another figure stood in the high halls of the palace, gazing at the city below.
It was Rozen.
"It looks like everything is proceeding smoothly."
Rozen, rarely an early riser, had woken up before dawn and was now standing by the window, observing the lively Mountain City.
On his wrist, his communicator crackled to life as voices from Chaldea came through.
"After an all-night analysis and observation, we've mapped out the optimal march route."
Roman's voice was solemn.
"If we follow this route, we should be able to approach the Holy City without being intercepted by the Knights before reaching our destination. Of course, the light of judgment of Rhongomyniad is another matter."
Da Vinci explained the situation.
"Additionally, since last night, there have been intense mana readings from the Holy City. It seems your suspicions were correct—the Lion King must have used the Holy Grail to set up multiple layers of barriers around the city. Rhongomyniad is fully charged and ready to fire at any moment."
Olga Marie's voice carried a sense of urgency.
With the final battle upon them, the Chaldea team had abandoned all casualness and was now completely focused.
Any negligence could lead to failure—and if they lost this battle, everything would be over.
Only by winning, defeating the Lion King, recovering the Holy Grail, and repairing the Sixth Singularity could they restore Human Order.
"If we clear this Singularity, there will only be one left."
"This is it, Rozen."
"No matter how messy or desperate the fight becomes, you absolutely cannot lose. That is the one thing we cannot afford."
Roman, Da Vinci, and Olga Marie each gave their grave warnings.
No matter how playful, arrogant, or hot-tempered they might usually be, at this moment, all three had no choice but to be serious.
Ironically, it was Rozen who remained the most composed, a calm smile on his face.
"Don't worry." Rozen spoke with unwavering confidence. "The Lion King will fall."
His declaration was absolute.
"…We're counting on you."
"Good luck."
"Truly… we're counting on you…"
With those parting words, Roman, Da Vinci, and Olga Marie fell silent.
They didn't want to disturb Rozen's state of mind before the battle.
But undoubtedly, they had already mobilized Chaldea's full resources, monitoring, analyzing, and strategizing in real time to support the fight.
They had done everything they could.
Now, it was all up to Rozen and his allies.
At that moment—
"Hmm?"
Rozen, still watching the city below, sensed a presence and smiled slightly.
He turned toward the door.
There, just as he expected, the door swung open.
"Senpai."
Mash entered the room.
She was fully equipped—not only had she fastened the red-hilted sword at her waist, but she had already summoned her shield, gripping it firmly.
However, despite her determined stance, her cheeks were flushed.
Clearly, she was still embarrassed about last night's events.
Rozen seemed to recall the previous night as well.
Licking his lips, he appeared to savor the memory.
Although he hadn't completely devoured his adorable junior, he had certainly done everything but.
Mash, overwhelmed by Rozen's intense gaze, instinctively shrank behind her massive shield.
"W-We should get going, Senpai…"
She spoke in a small, flustered voice, trying to break the tension.
Rozen had a strong urge to press her down again, but he knew this was not the time.
(Once we return to Chaldea, I'll devour you whole.)
With that thought in mind, Rozen smirked.
"Alright, let's move out."
"Yes!"
Relieved, Mash responded promptly.
Together, they left the room and stepped into the outside world.
---
Mountain City – Central Square
Here, the soldiers, having eaten their fill, stood in perfect formation, silent but resolute.
At the front, Bedivere stood tall, his expression unshakable.
Hassan of Serenity gripped her weapon, her gaze firm.
Jeanne [Alter] held the Cursed Flag, standing proudly against the wind, while countless dragons soared above her.
Artoria [Alter] approached with powerful strides.
And with her—Rozen and Mash.
Standing before the gathered forces, Rozen swept his gaze across them all.
"————"
The soldiers said nothing, their unspoken words reflected in their eyes.
The air was thick with the aura of battle and unwavering resolve.
Rozen smirked.
"Let's march!"
A thunderous war cry erupted across the square.
With that, the vast army set forth from the Mountain City, disappearing into the horizon.
Their destination—the Holy City.