"Of course, it wouldn't be that simple," Cyd sighed as he surveyed the dense fog before him.
"It seems the Black Servants have been separated," Jeanne observed, holding her battle standard as she cautiously took a few steps forward.
"There's a wall there," she added.
"Thud—"
Jeanne clutched her forehead and crouched down in pain. "But there wasn't a wall here just a moment ago!"
"This is troublesome," Cyd muttered, waving his hand to disperse the fog, though it quickly filled back in. Without addressing the source, it would be impossible to clear it. "This fog... it's toxic," Atalanta remarked, her brow furrowing. "It won't affect us Servants much, but for humans, it's lethal."
"Toxic?" Cyd raised an eyebrow. To him, Thanks to his blessings, this fog was no different from ordinary mist.
"But how do we proceed?" Jeanne rubbed her sore forehead, clearly frustrated.
"Isn't it obvious? We go after the Holy Grail," Cyd shrugged. "Your Revelation should tell you where it is, right?"
"I know the location, but the route keeps changing," Jeanne sighed, pointing to the spot where she had bumped into the wall. "It's likely the work of the Red Assassin. This entire floating garden is under her control, and altering the terrain is as easy as lifting a finger for her."
So, that wall was probably Semiramis's doing, Cyd thought.
"As long as we know where to go," Cyd approached the wall and delivered a solid kick.
"—"
Jeanne gaped in astonishment.
"We'll just break through!" Cyd grinned.
"Tch, I knew you'd be the biggest trouble," Semiramis tapped her finger lightly on the armrest of her throne. Originally, she intended to delay Jeanne by constantly altering the route, but Cyd had chosen the most direct approach—breaking through. But she had anticipated this too.
Still, Cyd was positioned the farthest from the Grail, and even with a straight path, he would inevitably encounter a few surprises she had prepared.
"The others… they weren't separated from their Masters, but their locations are well chosen," Semiramis smirked as she observed the split groups on the screens. "Everything is proceeding smoothly."
"Of course, this would happen," Caules muttered in frustration, slipping on a gas mask.
"It was a good decision to have a friendly chat with Mr. Shishigou," Fiore added, also donning her mask.
Celenike silently put on her mask as well. They had taken precautions to avoid a betrayal from Jack the Ripper, ensuring each of them was equipped with a gas mask.
[Even if I can't remember the details, my body still recalls the burning sensation from inhaling that fog.]
Despite the masks, Caules could feel a faint stinging on his exposed skin, indicating that the masks only provided temporary relief. "We're still stuck in their trap," Caules rubbed his hands together, the sting reminding him they couldn't stay long. "But there's no way to confirm if Assassin is targeting us. With Presence Concealment and this fog, it's nearly impossible."
"Archer, can you locate Assassin?" Fiore asked, concerned.
"If Ruler were here, she might be able to pinpoint Assassin's location, but unfortunately, I lack such abilities," Chiron shook his head. "However, I can assure you that Assassin won't be able to ambush you."
"Then let's move forward," Fiore nodded. "We're better off advancing than sitting ducks."
"Indeed!" Chiron smiled slightly.
"It stinks," Astolfo complained, pinching his nose.
"So, my opponent is you after all," Vlad III summoned his long spear, focusing on the figure of Red Lancer Karna standing in the distance.
There was no need for Jack's toxic fog here; Karna's flames would easily disperse it once the battle began. Moreover, there was no point in assassinating Darnic—Vlad's power was severely limited in this floating garden, restricting him to close combat with Karna. Most concerning, though, was that his strength had diminished significantly.
"You've noticed, haven't you, Vlad III?" Karna swung his spear without attacking. "The Empress went to great lengths to prepare for this. This isn't your territory, and you, as a hero of salvation, won't receive any support here."
Darnic's eyes widened in alarm. "My lord!"
Vlad III raised a hand to calm him. "Even without that support, I am still your king. Wherever I stand, I will protect you. Watch my battle!"
"Though I can't reveal my true name, I will fight with all my might out of respect," Karna pointed his spear at Vlad III.
"No… no! Saber, we can't fight him!" Gordes tried to pull Siegfried away, but the Servant stood firm, like an immovable pillar. "That's an order!"
Siegfried disobeyed for the first time, knowing he couldn't turn his back on this enemy. To retreat would mean certain death for both Gordes and himself.
"Ah, she even made sure the battlefield was spacious. How considerate," Achilles mused from his chariot, glancing around. Like Karna, his battlefield was free of fog—completely open, with no cover at all.
This was Semiramis's way of allowing him to use his chariot's full power. But this was exactly why Gordes wanted Siegfried to avoid this fight. In this Holy Grail War, only Chiron could truly harm Achilles; anyone else was at a severe disadvantage.
"I can't run," Siegfried shook off Gordes's grip. "If we turn our backs, he'll crush us with his chariot."
"Yes, I never spare fleeing enemies," Achilles nodded.
"Master, I will protect you. Not just as your Servant, but as a friend of Sieg's," Siegfried drew his dragon-slaying sword and faced Achilles. "I will ensure your safety, even if it costs me my life. So… don't look back. Get out of here!"
Achilles raised an eyebrow but made no move to stop him.
"Damn it! Don't underestimate me!" Gordes shouted, his face red with anger. "I'm not running away! You're the dragonslayer—fulfill my wish and win this!"
Siegfried hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I will. I will win."
"That's the spirit!" Achilles grinned as he leaped down from his chariot, his spear glowing with anticipation. "You're worthy."
"Let's have a fair and honorable fight!"