The group was wondering what their next move would be. They then looked at the center of the city where the castle was; it was definitely where Hou Yi and his Master were for sure. As they were about to walk, they saw an arrow. It was only for a split second, but it didn't hit any of them, ignoring them and going for Ereshkigal. She summoned an axe and cut it in half. Her lance had turned into an axe after her Beast Class transformation.
Everyone tensed up, quickly looking around for the source of the arrow.
Ritsuka spoke first. "Everyone, stay on guard. We might be facing Hou Yi sooner than we thought."
Arthur stepped forward, his eyes scanning the rooftops and alleyways. "An attack from a distance like that... It's definitely an Archer's move."
Morgan nodded, her new Caster form allowing her to sense the magical energy around them. "I can sense a strong presence coming from the castle. It must be him."
Ereshkigal looked at the remains of the arrow with a grim expression. "That was meant for me. He's already aware of our presence."
Mash tightened her grip on her shield. "What should we do, Senpai?"
Ritsuka took a deep breath, considering their options. "We need to reach that castle, but we can't leave ourselves open to more attacks. We'll have to move carefully."
Le Loi, who had been silent up to this point, finally spoke up. "I can lead the way. I have experience with navigating cities under siege. Follow me, and stay close."
As they moved forward, the tension in the air was palpable. Every step they took was measured, every alleyway and rooftop scrutinized. They knew that Hou Yi could strike again at any moment.
Kadoc glanced at Ritsuka. "Do you think he's alone, or could there be more waiting for us?"
Ritsuka shook his head. "Hard to say. We need to be prepared for anything."
They continued their cautious advance, the castle looming ever closer. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual bustle of city life replaced by an oppressive silence.
Suddenly, another arrow flew through the air, this time aimed at Morgan. With a swift motion, she conjured a barrier, deflecting the arrow harmlessly away.
"We're getting closer," she said, her voice steady. "He's trying to pick us off one by one."
Ereshkigal tightened her grip on her axe. "Let him try. We'll make it to that castle, no matter what."
As they neared the castle gates, the group steeled themselves for the confrontation ahead. They knew that Hou Yi and his Master were waiting for them inside, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Ritsuka looked at his companions, drawing strength from their determination. "Alright, everyone. Let's go in and finish this."
With those words, they pushed open the castle gates and stepped inside, ready to face Hou Yi and whatever other surprises awaited them.
The group then heard something. Looking up, they saw a rain of arrows falling down on them.
Kadoc, seeing this, just spoke. "Did this fucker just use his Noble Phantasm?"
Ritsuka just looked at him. "No time, Kadoc! Ophelia!"
Reacting quickly, Kadoc summoned a whole bunch of ice, forming a protective barrier. Ophelia made a shield, blocking the group similarly. Ritsuka summoned the Amaterasu flames and used his shadow manipulation, the black flames intertwining with his shadows as they covered the group as well. Anastasia added another ice shield like Kadoc's.
The combined defenses of ice, shadow, and flame held firm against the onslaught of arrows. The rain of projectiles clattered harmlessly against the barriers, failing to penetrate their defenses.
Le Loi watched the arrows fall and then spoke. "This isn't just a random attack. He's testing our defenses."
Ereshkigal nodded, her axe at the ready. "He's trying to gauge our strengths and weaknesses."
Morgan, her eyes scanning the skies, added, "We need to move. Staying in one place makes us easy targets."
Ritsuka nodded in agreement. "Let's keep advancing. Stay close and keep your defenses up."
As they moved forward, the arrows continued to rain down, but the group's coordinated defenses held strong. They pushed through the barrage, determined to reach the castle.
Ophelia, maintaining her shield, glanced at Ritsuka. "We need to find a way to counterattack. We can't just stay on the defensive forever."
Ritsuka thought for a moment. "Le Loi, can you sense where he's firing from?"
Le Loi closed his eyes, focusing. "He's moving, trying to stay out of sight. But I can sense his presence. He's somewhere high up, likely on the castle walls."
Ritsuka nodded. "Alright. We need to split up. Some of us will continue forward, while others will try to flank him and force him out into the open."
Arthur, standing tall with his sword ready, spoke up. "I'll lead the forward group. Ritsuka, you take the flanking team."
Ritsuka agreed. "Alright. Ereshkigal, Morgan, and Ophelia, you're with me. The rest of you, follow Arthur. We'll force Hou Yi into a position where he can't keep hiding."
With their plan in place, the group split up. Arthur led the charge forward, shields and defenses up, drawing Hou Yi's attention. Meanwhile, Ritsuka, Ereshkigal, Morgan, and Ophelia moved swiftly to the side, aiming to outmaneuver the elusive Archer.
As they navigated through the narrow streets and alleys, the flanking team kept their senses sharp, ready for any sign of their target. The sound of arrows whistling through the air grew louder, indicating they were getting closer.
Finally, they spotted Hou Yi, perched high on the castle walls, his bow drawn and ready. Ritsuka signaled to the others, and they moved into position.
Ereshkigal summoned her Beast Class powers, her axe glowing with a fierce light. "Let's finish this."
Morgan prepared her spells, her eyes locked on their target. "Ready when you are, Ritsuka."
Ophelia tightened her grip on her weapon, her determination evident. "Let's bring him down."
Ritsuka, his shadows and flames at the ready, gave the signal. "Now!"
With a coordinated effort, the flanking team launched their attack, forcing Hou Yi to abandon his perch and face them directly. The battle was on, and they were ready to give it everything they had.
A few more arrows went flying as the group dodged and moved out of their way. Taking a moment to breathe, they saw someone landing next to them, getting a proper view of him.
Hou Yi was a Chinese man with fair skin and a handsome face. He had long brown hair tied into a ponytail, and his right arm was covered in armor. He held a golden bow with sun-like arrows, and a gem resembling the moon in the center.
Hou Yi just looked at all of them. "So, you're the ones with Chaldea."
Ritsuka stepped forward. "Why are you doing this? It doesn't make any sense. In legend, you gave up your divinity and came down to the mortal world to protect people. Why are you fighting in this Holy Grail War?"
Hou Yi narrowed his eyes. "Big talk coming from someone who has contracts with a Beast." He aimed his arrows at Ereshkigal. "As long as beings like a Beast exist, it will be my job to end them. So, what is your number? Beast I or Beast IV?"
Kadoc looked at him, confused. "Taking down a Beast is the job of a Grand Servant. Don't tell me you're a Grand."
Hou Yi just looked at him. "You're smart, but no. The proper term would be Grand Archer candidate."
Ritsuka tightened his grip on his weapon, determination blazing in his eyes. "Whether you're a Grand or a candidate, we won't let you harm anyone here."
Ereshkigal stepped forward, her axe glowing with power. "I am no threat to humanity. My role is to protect, not to destroy."
Hou Yi's expression remained stern. "Words mean nothing. Prove it with your actions."
As the tension mounted, Ritsuka and his group prepared for battle, ready to defend Ereshkigal and themselves against Hou Yi. The archer's unwavering resolve made it clear that this would not be an easy fight.
Morgan, standing beside Ritsuka, whispered, "We need to be careful. His skills are legendary."
Ritsuka nodded. "We stick to the plan. Ereshkigal, you and I will engage him directly. Ophelia, support us with your magic. Kadoc, keep an eye on any incoming attacks and counter them."
With their strategy in place, the group moved into action. Ritsuka and Ereshkigal charged at Hou Yi, their combined strength aimed at overwhelming the legendary archer. Ophelia cast supportive spells to enhance their abilities, while Kadoc stayed alert, ready to counter any attacks.
Hou Yi, calm and composed, nimbly dodged their attacks, his arrows swift and precise. "Your resolve is admirable, but it won't be enough."
Ritsuka, using his shadow manipulation, tried to bind Hou Yi, but the archer's agility made it difficult. "We won't back down!"
Ereshkigal swung her axe with immense force, creating shockwaves that Hou Yi skillfully evaded. "For the sake of those we protect, we will fight with everything we have!"
The battle raged on, a fierce clash of wills and abilities. Each side pushed their limits, determined to emerge victorious. The outcome of this confrontation would shape the course of their journey and test their resolve to the fullest.
Ereshkigal moved swiftly, her axes glowing with both blue and red lights. Hou Yi tried to hit her, but she dodged the attack effortlessly. With a powerful swing, Ereshkigal's axe connected with Hou Yi. For a split second, Hou Yi saw the stars, moon, galaxy, and the universe, before being struck by two ethereal lions and sent flying.
Hou Yi got back up, looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "Okay, that was something. What are you?"
Ereshkigal stood tall, her presence radiating a mix of divine and otherworldly power. "I am Ereshkigal, ruler of the underworld and now, in this form, a Beast class servant. My power is not one to be taken lightly."
Hou Yi adjusted his stance, his expression more serious. "A Beast, huh? That explains the strength. But I can't let you go unchecked."
Ritsuka stepped forward, standing beside Ereshkigal. "She's not a threat to humanity, Hou Yi. She's here to help us. We have a common goal: to protect humanity."
Hou Yi's eyes flickered with thought as he considered their words. "Protection can come in many forms. If what you say is true, then prove it to me. Show me that you are more than just a Beast."
Ereshkigal nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Very well. Let our actions speak louder than words."
The air crackled with tension as the battle resumed. Ereshkigal's movements were fluid and precise, her axes swinging with deadly grace. Hou Yi responded with equal skill, his arrows blazing through the air with pinpoint accuracy.
Ritsuka supported Ereshkigal with his shadow manipulation and Amaterasu flames, creating openings for her to strike. Ophelia and Kadoc provided support, their magic reinforcing their allies and disrupting Hou Yi's attacks.
Despite their best efforts, Hou Yi's prowess as a Grand Archer candidate was undeniable. His experience and skill made him a formidable opponent, but Ereshkigal's newfound power as a Beast gave her an edge.
As the battle reached its climax, Ereshkigal unleashed a devastating attack. Her axes glowed with a brilliant light, and with a mighty swing, she sent a shockwave of energy towards Hou Yi. The force of the attack shattered the ground and sent him flying once more.
Hou Yi landed hard, but he quickly got back to his feet. He looked at Ereshkigal, his expression thoughtful. "You are strong, and your resolve is clear. Perhaps there is more to you than I initially thought."
Ritsuka stepped forward, extending a hand. "Join us, Hou Yi. Together, we can protect humanity and achieve our goals."
Hou Yi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will join you, but know this: I will keep a close eye on you, Ereshkigal. Prove to me that you are worthy of this trust."
Ereshkigal nodded, her expression determined. "I will."
With Hou Yi joining their ranks, the group felt a renewed sense of strength and purpose. They knew that the battles ahead would be tough, but with their combined power and unwavering resolve, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Hou Yi then looked at them. "I say leave as soon as possible. I can't break my contract with my current master."
Ritsuka then looked at him. "So, what, you'll be working as a double agent?"
Hou Yi just looked at him and then laughed a bit. "Yes, I guess so."
Ritsuka nodded. "Alright, we'll take what we can get. Just make sure you don't blow your cover. We need all the help we can get."
Hou Yi nodded in agreement. "Understood. I'll do what I can from within."
The group gathered themselves, preparing to move. Ereshkigal looked at Hou Yi with a mix of caution and respect. "Thank you for your help, Hou Yi. We won't forget this."
Hou Yi gave a small nod. "Just make sure you use it wisely. This place is dangerous, and we need to be on our guard at all times."
As the group started to move, Ritsuka took one last look at Hou Yi. "Stay safe. We'll be in touch."
With that, the group began their journey away from the city center, making their way towards a safer location where they could regroup and plan their next move. They knew that the challenges ahead would be tough, but with Hou Yi as a double agent, they had a valuable ally on the inside.
Ophelia looked at Ritsuka as they walked. "Do you think we can trust him?"
Ritsuka sighed. "We don't have much choice. We have to trust that he'll do the right thing when the time comes. For now, we focus on our mission and prepare for whatever comes next."
The group continued on, their resolve strengthened by their recent encounter. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but with their combined strength and newfound allies, they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
Hou Yi then looked at the group. "Also, two more things. Beast, I will be keeping an eye on you more than the others. And second, be careful once you meet the Caster of this war, him and his master are dangerous."
Ritsuka nodded, taking note of the warning. "Got it. We'll stay vigilant. Thanks for the heads-up."
Ereshkigal narrowed her eyes slightly but nodded. "Understood. We'll be cautious."
Hou Yi gave them a final nod before stepping back. "Good luck, Chaldea. You'll need it."
With that, Hou Yi disappeared into the shadows, leaving the group to their thoughts. Ritsuka turned to his companions. "Alright, let's move. We need to find a safe place to regroup and plan our next steps."
The group continued their journey, the weight of Hou Yi's warning heavy on their minds. As they walked, Ophelia looked at Ritsuka. "So, what's our plan once we find a safe place?"
Ritsuka sighed, thinking. "First, we need to gather more information about this Caster and his master. Then
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and sorry for not uploading yesterday and anyway enjoy