This wasn't a relic from his lifetime; it was a Noble Phantasm born from his ceaseless dreams. It resembled the "First Human (Adam)," a Reality Marble come to life.
Its name was Crown: Wisdom of the Wise.
As long as it remained grounded, it would continuously provide magical energy while gradually transforming its surroundings into a "paradise." Originally standing at fifteen meters tall, it had the potential to reach a staggering one thousand meters. But—
Jeanne halted, staring in disbelief at the towering figure emerging from the Black Faction's fortress. It had already grown to a height of sixty meters.
"How did it grow so quickly?"
"It's the Holy Grail's influence," Shirou said calmly, pushing open the remaining gates of the Black Faction's castle. "The Grail's immense mana accelerated the golem's growth. It's now far beyond our immediate control."
The massive golem swung its arm, sending the Holy Grail soaring toward the Hanging Gardens.
"Reckless, but effective," Semiramis commented with a smirk, snapping her fingers. Winds surged beneath the Hanging Gardens, drawing the airborne Grail into its grasp.
"This garden of yours is quite well-prepared," Cyd remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Shirou replied, joining Cyd as they watched the ever-expanding golem. "I designed it specifically to capture the Grail. With this Noble Phantasm, it's possible to turn the world into a paradise."
"But whoever's hiding this will have a major headache," Cyd said, planting the [Forged Pandora] into the ground with his left hand. "And Ruler's reputation might take a hit."
"Are you more concerned with these minor details than the notion of creating a paradise?" Shirou asked, frowning.
"A paradise? That's something humanity should achieve on its own, not through the whims of the dead," Cyd replied with a shrug.
"So, you still believe in humanity?" Shirou sighed, turning toward the Hanging Gardens. "I guess that makes us enemies."
"We were never allies to begin with," Cyd said, shaking his head as the crimson marks of Ares' blessing spread from his arm to his face.
Jeanne glanced at Shirou as he walked away, torn between stopping him and addressing the looming threat.
"We can't let this Noble Phantasm be fully unleashed," Jeanne declared, raising her battle flag.
"But first," Cyd shouted toward the golem, "Hey! I know you can hear me! Caster, stop the growth of your Noble Phantasm! If you can keep it at this size and prevent it from corrupting the land, I'll overlook it!"
"Wha—? How can you say that!" Jeanne gaped at him. "This Noble Phantasm clearly violates the rules!"
"Using a Noble Phantasm isn't against the rules," Cyd countered, pressing his right hand against Jeanne's face.
"But—!" Jeanne protested.
"It's not possible," Avicebron materialized on the golem's shoulder. "This Noble Phantasm is my life's dream. Now that it's realized, I have no regrets. Next, this giant will—"
Thwack—
An arrow flew through the air, piercing Avicebron's heart.
Cyd turned to see Atalanta drawing another arrow, ready to fire.
"He made his choice," Atalanta said with a shrug, letting loose the second arrow that exploded Avicebron's head.
Jeanne was stunned, her Ruler's authority confirming that Avicebron had been eliminated, his spiritual core obliterated.
Without Avicebron's control, the golem went berserk.
"This just got worse," Cyd muttered, slinging [Forged Pandora] over his shoulder in its Ares form. "Why does this feel so familiar?"
"No matter the cost, we must stop it!" Jeanne declared, her resolve unwavering as she faced the rampaging giant.
"Are you planning to self-destruct?" Cyd asked, tilting his head.
Why does this village girl, who knows only how to swing a sword and wield an invincible shield, think she can take down a nearly seventy-meter-tall giant?
Jeanne's expression stiffened as she stammered, "W-Well, I wouldn't hesitate, but the Lord's revelation says the real threat is that priest. If I use my Noble Phantasm now, I won't be able to stop him later."
"Got it. Then just watch and assist," Cyd said, waving Atalanta over. "Atalanta, give me a hand."
"Wait! I can pause the Holy Grail War and use Command Spells to get the other Servants to help with this giant," Jeanne hurriedly suggested.
"No way!" Cyd exclaimed, squeezing Jeanne's face with his hand.
"Why not?! This is an emergency!"
"Come on, Command Spells are meant to keep Servants in line, not order them around like that," Cyd sighed. "Honestly, I seriously doubt you'd use them responsibly. You were about to use them on all the Servants just now."
Jeanne's face went rigid. To be honest, she was just a peasant who defeated invaders through sheer luck and determination. If it weren't for Cyd, she might have already used a Command Spell.
"So what do we do about this giant..." Jeanne muttered, pouting.
"As Ruler, it's your duty to handle anomalies," Cyd said, patting her face before heading toward the giant. "Now that the anomaly is here, it's time to take care of it."
Thud—
A massive figure landed beside Cyd, rising from the dust.
"My ally, where is the oppressor?" Spartacus grinned, gently placing Frankenstein on the ground from his shoulder.
"Urgh, urgh!" Frankenstein sniffed the air and then, ignoring Cyd, dashed toward the ruins.
"An ally, huh?" Cyd extended his right hand to Spartacus as the black scales receded. "Then I'll be counting on you."
"Yes! I shall carve the path to freedom!" Spartacus's enormous hand enveloped Cyd's.
"Wait, wait, wait!"
With a thunderous roar, a chariot skidded to a halt beside Cyd. A battered Achilles leaped down, slapping his hand onto Spartacus's.
"Count me in for the fight!"
"Are you sure about cooperating with us, the Black Faction?" Chiron asked, shaking his head as he dismounted the chariot.
"Teacher, you rode on my chariot to get here," Achilles retorted with a frown. "Besides, I just want to help Ruler maintain the integrity of this Holy Grail War. And this big guy is going to ruin my fun."
"Then I suppose I'll have to help maintain the Grail War too," Chiron said with a smile, placing his hand on top of Achilles's.
"Teacher!" Achilles exclaimed sternly.
"Hmm?" Chiron tilted his head.
"Stop leaning on me from behind!" Achilles grumbled, shifting uncomfortably as Chiron used his centaur form to rest his chin on Achilles's head. It made him feel...
Embarrassed!
Atalanta silently leaned against Cyd's back.
She refused to mix with those men.
This man... They trust him so deeply. Despite this being a battle for his own desires, he commands their loyalty. With him, they probably wouldn't even need Command Spells...
Jeanne watched with admiration as Cyd was surrounded by the Servants.
"Let's fight," Cyd said with a grin, turning to Jeanne. "All of us, together."