Perhaps because the Rider was pulling him along, it was much easier than running normally. However, since his original body was too fragile, the two of them made slow progress in their escape and got nowhere.
Although they passed several homunculi in the castle corridors, none of them called out to him. Instead, they silently watched him leave with sorrowful eyes.
"Haah... haah... haah...!"
The two of them panted as they finally escaped Milenia Castle.
However, that did not mean the Artificial Lifeform had gained freedom.
On the contrary, what awaited them was treacherous terrain and countless magical traps all around them.
"...Listen, you absolutely must not let go from now on."
"Mm, but what are we supposed to do next?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'll summon my beloved steed! We'll ride it away!"
As part of the Holy Grail War knowledge implanted in him, the Artificial Lifeform knew Rider's Noble Phantasm.
Astolfo had ridden a Griffin or Malbec and created many legendary adventures. The most famous of them was the Hippogriff, a fantastic steed that did not exist in this world.
The Hippogriff was a Magical Beast born from a Griffin and a mare—the offspring of predator and prey.
Its upper body was that of an eagle, and its lower body that of a horse. Born of two different creatures, it should have been an impossible existence.
If they rode it, they could indeed escape the Thousandth Tree Clan's territory quickly.
According to legend, Astolfo had even ridden it to the moon.
But—
"That's your Noble Phantasm, isn't it?"
The Artificial Lifeform said anxiously, "If you use it without permission, they'll really treat you as a traitor and kill you...!"
"Hm? It's fine! I'm already doomed anyway! Hehehe!"
Astolfo laughed cheerfully, completely unconcerned.
Then, he summoned the fantastical Magical Beast