"You said you would remain a spectator until the end and never join the fray, didn't you? Why are you saying this now? Have you changed your mind?"
"Of course not."
Shakespeare, having read their thoughts, spoke to himself. However, he didn't rush to explain. Instead, he maintained an enigmatic expression, savoring the brief moment of being the center of attention for these great heroes.
After a while, he revealed a smug smile. "Father Shirou, Empress of Assyria, this is a rare opportunity. May I showcase my 'work' here?"
"Of course, I was just thinking of having others test it out," Shirou nodded happily.
"It's not just your 'work'; you must include me and my master," Semiramis corrected.
"Yes, as you said, it's a creation by the three of us together. This garden, blending illusion and reality, Father Shirou's miraculous power, my life's work, and the Queen's Noble Phantasm created this masterpiece, this miracle!"
Shakespeare declared loudly, as if on a grand stage, the focal point of everyone's attention.
"Now is the time for this miracle to be born. Assassin, Father Shirou, let us begin. First, Assassin—"
"Watch your tone, writer!"
Semiramis glared at Shakespeare, displeased but not rejecting his command.
Her slender, delicate fingers moved rhythmically in the air, and everyone felt an indescribable wave of magical energy.
Subsequently, the space began to warp—spatial manipulation, a domain of the Second Magic, yet Semiramis accomplished it. This was not only because she was a demigod, a powerful magus from the Age of Gods, but also because this was her garden, her territory.
Indeed, no matter which country this aerial garden traveled to, it would always function as her domain. As long as she stayed in the garden, Semiramis would enjoy the same benefits as Vlad III in Romania. All her attributes would be enhanced, her fame would rise to the highest level, and her attacks would receive beneficial adjustments. Performing magic at the level of true magic, such as spatial transfer or creating puppets, would not be difficult.
Of course, this came at a cost. This Noble Phantasm itself was almost at a game-breaking level. Once outside the garden, Semiramis would be powerless. However, this garden was a mobile fortress, making it impossible to leave.
The puppets created by Semiramis were not ordinary ones. Compared to the grotesque clay puppets made by Black Caster Avicebron, Semiramis's creations were undoubtedly more exquisite.
The puppets were made of metal, yet they did not give off a cold feeling; instead, they emitted a warm, ceramic-like luster. The construction of the puppets was incredibly detailed—from the overall shape and weaponry to the smallest lines on their bodies, all meticulously crafted as if by a master sculptor.
"Ooooh, no matter how many times I see it, it's always so beautiful," Shakespeare expressed with an exaggerated look of intoxication as if gazing at his lover.
"Naturally. Whether it's the garden or the puppets, I only use the finest—this is the dignity of a monarch, the tools of a noble."
Semiramis's serene expression, her lofty demeanor, and her unreserved words reminded everyone once again that she was a ruler who pursued wealth and grandeur.
"Now then, Caster, the vessel is ready. It's your turn."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Shakespeare placed his hand on his chest, then raised both arms dramatically, a book appearing in his hands at some point. The magical energy radiating from its cover made it clear to everyone that this book was the sublimation of the legendary works of this great playwright.
"Behold, this is my Noble Phantasm, 'First Folio: (When the Curtain Rises, the Applause Shall Be as Ten Thousand Thunders).' Let me first introduce this Noble Phantasm."
A Noble Phantasm is a Servant's ultimate trump card, and anyone with a sane mind would hide its information as much as possible. Shakespeare's proactive disclosure and detailed explanation were virtually unheard of. However, considering his various eccentric behaviors, it wasn't surprising for him to do such a thing. Sometimes, the line between genius and madness is very thin.
Shakespeare's sole Noble Phantasm embodies the pinnacle of his life's work in theater:
First Folio: When the Curtain Rises, the Applause Shall Be as Ten Thousand Thunders.
Rank: B
Type: Anti-Unit Noble Phantasm
Range: 1–30
Maximum Target: 1 person
This stage-type Noble Phantasm compels the world to enact the story according to the script. It possesses the same enforceability as a Reality Marble. Under certain conditions and with the cooperation of the surrounding environment, it can impart independent will to actors playing specific roles. These actors, driven by their obsession with the target, use their will to erode the world, recreating their souls and transplanting their original personalities and memories. They appear as classless Servants, but as actors' souls, their physical shells are as frail as those of elderly men.
The Noble Phantasm inflicts almost no physical damage but can be devastating to certain Heroic Spirits. Shakespeare can target the deepest traumas in an enemy's heart, bring them to the surface, and mock or thoroughly critique them, causing the target's spirit to be broken. The more confident someone is in their physical strength, the more easily they fall into this Noble Phantasm. Only a few who can assert that their lives are spotless and pure can overcome this Noble Phantasm. Those who can face their psychological wounds might be able to counter Shakespeare's critiques.
When one's spirit is broken, one suffers from a negative status called [absentmindedness]. During its duration, they are defenseless against anything, unable to act unless they have a Noble Phantasm that can automatically counter malice.
After hearing the explanation of the Noble Phantasm, Achilles did not hide his disgust, instinctively sensing that this Noble Phantasm might be his nemesis.
"Are you planning to use your Noble Phantasm to launch a psychological attack on the enemy, and while they are in a state of [absentmindedness], kill them with these puppets? Such a dirty tactic."
"No, no, you misunderstand, great hero blessed by the gods," Shakespeare waved his hand.
"First, I said I wouldn't enter the battlefield, so your guess is incorrect. Second, a truly strong person should be strong in both body and spirit. Mere physical strength is just the boast of a brute."
"Then do you want to test my strength?" Achilles was provoked by Shakespeare.
"I've already said, I'm not good at fighting. Or do you, a great hero, want to bully a weak and powerless writer?"
Shakespeare looked at Achilles with a faint smile.
Achilles scoffed disdainfully.
"A clown who only knows how to play with words and pens."
"Words and pens are also a form of power," Shakespeare said, making a grasping motion with his empty hand, causing a quill to appear out of thin air. "If certain conditions are met, this power can become real and overturn reality."
Achilles snorted coldly. "I'd like to see how you turn words into reality and overturn it!"
"Please enjoy—"
With that, the book in his left hand opened, and its pages turned one by one. The quill in his right hand wrote in the air—the words appeared in sequence and began to move.
Then, the scenery of the throne was replaced, and the content of the book began to erode reality.
"First Folio: (When the Curtain Rises, the Applause Shall Be as Ten Thousand Thunders)! Respond to the creator's (my) call and manifest here—"
"Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet, Othello..."
PS: Yes, Shakespeare is just that dramatic. Before using his Noble Phantasm, he explains it to you, though even knowing it doesn't help you handle it.
PS2: Shakespeare: The lie of lies can instantly reverse truth and falsehood. The falsehood of falsehoods can instantly become reality.