One Wave Has Yet to Settle, Another Rises

"I never thought something like this would happen..."

Fiore clenched her hands tightly, her brow furrowed with gravity and concern. Gord, seated beside her, wore an equally incredulous expression. As Masters, there was nothing they could do about the floating garden in the sky. They knew little of what was happening inside, and it was only when the Homunculus soldiers sent word that they learned what had occurred there.

But even so...

"That Darnic actually..."

Gord looked utterly stunned, then shook his head. It was no wonder he reacted that way. Darnic was the most prestigious member of the Thousand Tree Clan, and everyone had always seen him as a calm, steady Magus. Yet no one had expected him to commit such a downright insane act.

How had things turned out like this?

Fiore raised her head and looked out the window. Outside, the Homunculi were doing their utmost to repair the damaged castle. Everything had gone smoothly until today, but once the war had truly begun, it had veered in an entirely different direction. Up to now, the situation for the Black Faction...

No, it could no longer even be called a situation.

The Great Holy Grail had been taken away, and their Servants had practically been wiped out. Saber, Berserker, Rider, and Lancer had all been eliminated. At present, only her Archer, Caster, and Assassin remained...

"Master!"

At that moment, the voice of her Servant suddenly rang out in Fiore's mind. Hearing Chiron's voice, Fiore hurriedly focused and responded.

"Archer? What's happening?"

"The situation is dire. Is Lord Roche there? Send someone to protect him immediately. Caster has betrayed us!"

"What?!"

Fiore froze at those words.

Rumble—!

At that moment, a thunderous roar came from outside. Then the tightly shut doors were abruptly shoved open, and Caules rushed