[Ding! The first question is about to begin!]
[This question is a three-part quick-answer round. Each question must be answered within 1 minute. All group members are eligible to participate.]
[Correct answers will earn 3 Saint Quartz, while incorrect answers will deduct 1 Saint Quartz. If no correct answer is submitted within 1 minute, the question will be declared invalid.]
Tohsaka Rin: "It's no longer multiple-choice, but a quick-response format this time."
Waver: "It seems the earlier questions were easier to accommodate the newer members of the group."
[Please watch the following video.]
---
[Video begins.]
[The Black Faction is seen gathered in Darnic's castle as they watch surveillance footage. The sun is beginning to set, painting the skies a reddish hue. On the screen, Spartacus, the Red Faction's Berserker, is seen charging recklessly toward the castle, his face lit with uncontrollable excitement.]
[All the magical traps the Black Faction placed along the way fail to stop him, unable to inflict any significant damage.]
["Gentlemen, this Servant approaches us without hesitation, day or night," one of the Black Faction magi comments.]
[Darnic analyzes the situation calmly. "This must be the Red Faction's Berserker. He's clearly out of control."]
[Fiore: "What's the plan, Uncle?"]
[Darnic smirks. "We cannot let this opportunity slip away. If everything goes according to plan, this Berserker may very well become our pawn."]
[Standing nearby, Vlad III, the Grand Duke of Wallachia, rises from his chair. His voice carries a tone of gravitas. "Darnic, the time for glorious battle is upon us. Let me hear your strategy."]
[Darnic: "Yes, my king."]
---
Kenneth: "It looks like the two factions are about to clash for the first time."
Emiya Kiritsugu: "A camp battle isn't just about raw power, it's a test of tactics and strategy."
Darnic: "That's correct. And it seems the Black Faction will take the initiative this time."
Spartacus: "Hahaha, oppressors, wait for me!"
---
In the Red Faction's camp, Spartacus could no longer contain himself. Overcome with zeal, he began marching toward the Black Castle, loudly declaring his intent to crush his enemies.
"That guy's the real deal," Atalanta remarked with a sigh as she exchanged a helpless glance with Achilles.
"Should we stop him?" Achilles asked half-heartedly.
"There's no point," Atalanta replied, shaking her head. The two quickly reported Spartacus' behavior to Kotomine Shirou, who decided to ignore him for now until the ongoing question-and-answer session concluded.
---
[The scene shifts to Spartacus, who has entered the Black Faction's territory and is now engaging a group of golems crafted by Avicebron, the Black Caster. The golems, though weaker than Spartacus, are numerous and manage to temporarily block his advance.]
[From the treetops nearby, Atalanta and Achilles observe the skirmish in silence, their expressions a mixture of frustration and resignation.]
[Spartacus' reckless behavior had completely derailed their plans. Despite their repeated attempts to reason with him, Spartacus had simply ignored their words. Unbeknownst to them, his actions had been subtly encouraged by Shakespeare, the Red Faction's Caster.]
[Atalanta: "It seems we have no choice but to leave him behind, Achilles."]
[Achilles: "You're the one who thought you could reason with him, Big Sister."]
[Atalanta: "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that? Just call me Atalanta or Archer."]
[Achilles: "Hahaha, it's just a term of endearment. Don't take it so seriously."]
[Achilles' gaze shifts toward Darnic's castle in the distance. His expression turns serious.]
[Achilles: "Still, this is a rare opportunity. Let's head down there and see how the Black Faction operates."]
[Atalanta: "Fine, but if Spartacus activates his Noble Phantasm, we retreat immediately. That's non-negotiable."]
[The two prepare to move out.]
["Master…" Achilles' tone softens as he hesitates. "Big Sister, have you seen our Master recently?"]
["No," Atalanta replies, her expression darkening. "The only Master I've seen is Semiramis'—the priest, Kotomine Shirou."]
[The conversation grows heavy as they discuss their Master's absence. Despite the Command Spells and mana link being intact, neither Achilles nor Atalanta has met their actual Master. Their interactions are solely mediated through Kotomine Shirou.]
["This is unusual," Achilles mutters, his brows furrowing.]
[Atalanta hesitates. "It's not impossible for a mage to keep themselves hidden, but…" She sighs, her tone tinged with frustration. "It feels cowardly."]
---
"There's something off about the Red Faction's setup."
It was Kotomine Shirou who had given the orders to Karna earlier. Now, the two Servants, Achilles and Atalanta, only respond to Kotomine Shirou and seem unable to connect with their own Masters. There's definitely something wrong with this situation.
Mordred, standing nearby, waved her hand dismissively and said, "Those two really do seem fishy."
Sisigou sighed helplessly and replied, "Yeah, this time we not only have to fight the Black faction but also keep an eye on that priest. We're really getting attacked from both sides."
"What exactly is that priest planning?"
---
Back at the Black Castle, Darnic addressed his allies. "If we can uncover what the Red Faction's priest is plotting, it might give us the leverage to dismantle their alliance entirely."
Unfortunately, without an Assassin-class Servant, the Black Faction lacked the means to conduct effective reconnaissance.
---
[Meanwhile, Spartacus continues his rampage, demolishing dozens of golems with reckless abandon.]
[Achilles: "At this rate, it's only a matter of time before he activates his Noble Phantasm."]
[Atalanta shifts her attention to the Black Castle in the distance.]
[Atalanta: "They're here."]
[The camera pans to show Darnic, Roche, and Celenike stepping out of the castle, flanked by their respective Servants. They survey the chaos caused by Spartacus from a safe distance.]
[Darnic: "What a dreadful sight."]
["That Berserker was born for battle," Darnic observes, "and destined to perish in it."]
[Astolfo: "This is weird. He can talk. Maybe we can negotiate?"]
[Darnic: "I wouldn't count on it. To him, we're all oppressors."]
[Astolfo: "Aw, what a shame."]
[Despite his complaints, Astolfo readies his weapon. Celenike gives him a firm order.]
[Celenike: "Show them the power of one of Charlemagne's Twelve Paladins."]
[Astolfo: "I hate violence, but… oh well. Let's get this over with!"]
[Astolfo puffs out his cheeks and summons his Knight's Lance, rushing toward Spartacus with uncharacteristic determination.]
---
[Video paused.]
[Question: In the fight between Black Rider Astolfo and Red Berserker Spartacus, who gains the upper hand?]
---
Kenneth: "The key here is the definition of gaining the upper hand. It doesn't necessarily mean victory."
Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Exactly. The fight might be interrupted by outside factors before a clear winner emerges."
Emiya Kiritsugu: "That seems likely. With so many Servants gathering, the battle probably won't have a decisive outcome."
---
Astolfo: "It's obviously me! I'm the one who gains the upper hand!"
Celenike: "Astolfo, didn't I tell you to consult with us before answering?"
[Ding! Congratulations to Astolfo for answering correctly. 3 Saint Quartz have been awarded.]
Celenike: "…"
Astolfo: "See? I was right! I'm amazing!"
---
Tohsaka Rin: "I didn't expect that. How did you gain the upper hand?"
There were only two possible outcomes to this situation. She initially believed that Spartacus would undoubtedly gain the upper hand, but to her surprise, it was Astolfo who ended up taking the advantage.
It's true, you really can't judge a book by its cover.
---
[Video resumes.]
[Astolfo engages Spartacus in battle but is quickly overpowered. The sheer difference in their raw strength forces Astolfo onto the defensive. Spartacus' massive attacks leave a trail of destruction, flattening trees and forcing Astolfo to dodge constantly.]
["Come, oppressor!" Spartacus bellows. "Your arrogance shall be shattered, and the pride of the mighty broken!"]
[A broad grin spreads across Spartacus' face as he presses the attack.]
[Astolfo: "Hey, can you let me finish my speech for once?!"]
[Despite his complaints, Astolfo activates his Noble Phantasm, his lance glowing brightly as he circles around Spartacus with impressive agility.]
[Astolfo: "Let's see how you handle this!"]
[The lance strikes Spartacus' right leg, causing it to disintegrate into particles of light. Spartacus stumbles and falls, momentarily incapacitated.]
[Astolfo: "Amazing, right? My lance forces whatever it touches to revert to spirit particles!"]
---
Kayneth: "So that's your Noble Phantasm… It's more versatile than I expected."
Waver: "Properly utilized, it could be very effective."
Astolfo: "Right? I'm the best, aren't I?
***
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