After the Ritual (Combined Chapter)

Book recommendation in the evening

Version 1.5.2 is out, and I haven't written anything since then...

I'm sorry, but I still have to say, Peng Mei is so cute!

Pay to win!

(Of course, if I manage to get the items for free, I'll consider adding extra chapters or making up for missed chapters!)

Good night!

(Run)

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(First release group 10-2/`0'_ /0' 3;_79"9`2/

Chapter 176. After the Ceremony (Part 2)

Fiore Fulvig Yggdmillennia, due to her outstanding qualities, was chosen by Darnic to be his successor. In other words, this seemingly delicate girl is the highly anticipated next head of the Yggdmillennia Clan.

As the next leader of her clan, her every move naturally attracted the attention of everyone in the clan, and Fiore originally planned to deliver a brilliant performance in this Holy Grail War.

Therefore, the catalyst Fiore prepared was one that could summon the world's strongest Archer.

It was an arrowhead stained with bluish-black blood, passed down from the Age of Gods.

--Only two Heroic Spirit can be summoned using this catalyst.

One is Heracles, the greatest hero of Greece, who shot the arrow. The other is Chiron, the great sage struck by the arrow. Both are archers in mythology who have inscribed their names. Whichever one is summoned will be an Archer-class Servant, and as an Archer, they will undoubtedly be the strongest.

But now--

Fiore had indeed summoned the Archer-class Servant she desired. When he appeared, Fiore felt her magical energy being drained, and upon seeing his figure, Fiore, who had once studied in the Department of Spiritual Evocation, immediately realized that the figure before her was a being beyond this world. Therefore, Fiore believed that her summoning had not been a mistake.

But the soaring emotions I felt when I was summoned also came to an end at that time.

Rider Astolfo, one of the four summoned Servant, is a Servant who can evoke no ill will in one's heart based on just one first impression.

While [TA] enthusiastically asked the other Servant for their real names, her own Servant replied in a slightly pained voice, "I'm sorry, I can't tell you my real name right now. I don't know why, but my memory seems a bit confused. To be honest, I can't remember my own name right now."

However, there was not a trace of apology in his tone for his mistake.

After returning to her room, Fiore glared at her Servant with undisguised displeasure.

The reason is obvious: he is not the Servant Fiore wants to summon.

It wasn't Heracles, nor Chiron. Although the reason was unknown, it was certain that the Servant he had summoned was a Heroic Spirit unrelated to the catalyst he had prepared.

Furthermore, he doesn't know or can't remember his own name. His ability stats can't be described as excellent either. Among the Three Knight Classes known for their ability stats, he can't be considered outstanding.

Furthermore, a Servant's stats are influenced by the Master's strength and fame. Even if someone has lost their memory and is summoned by a top-tier Magecraft, if they are Heroic Spirit who has left their mark on history, they should have decent stats.

In conclusion, Archer, summoned by Fiore, is considered a second- or third-rate Servant with low spiritual rank, even among Heroic Spirit.

"Archer, I'll ask you one more time, is what you said before true?"

Fiore's calm voice contained an unyielding will that would not tolerate lies.

"Yes."

As the one being asked the question, Archer responded to his Master with an affirmative tone.

"Ah... how could it have turned out like this..."

Upon hearing her Servant's reply, the girl in the wheelchair could only sigh.

This was a battle where defeat was not an option. They gave it their all for victory. But the summoning failed. And only Fiore made a mistake in the summoning. Even her talentless younger brother summoned the Servant he wanted.

Furthermore, given that the Servant is suffering from amnesia and her true identity remains unknown, Fiore's current feelings are a complex mix of disappointment, despair, unease, shame, and other emotions.

As the next leader of the clan, she was supposed to achieve corresponding results, but now...

Even the mild-mannered Fiore couldn't help but feel a little unhappy when she thought of her uncle Gordes's arrogant attitude.

Fiore raised her head to examine the Servant she had summoned once more.

A tall, white-haired man. He has a muscular physique, not overly bulging, but certainly robust. His sharp eyes subconsciously evoke the image of an eagle. One might say, as expected of Archer, his equipment—a red coat and upper-body armor—might qualify him as a knight, but the coat is Conceptual Weapon that Fiore can immediately recognize.

--Is it the Shroud of Magdalene?

Never mind.

Fiore, seemingly trying to find a clue based on Archer's equipment, sighed again. Since the summoning ritual was over, there was nothing that could be done; she couldn't just send the Heroic Spirit back to the [seat] and request a Servant.

Furthermore, even Servants with low stats can still have a significant voice in the Holy Grail War if they have the right tactics and the support of their Master.

Moreover, this battle is a team battle; Archer doesn't need to fight alone.

Let him serve as a scout in this war for now.

Just as Fiore was trying to comfort herself, the Servant who had been leaning against the wall suddenly spoke up, "It seems you're quite dissatisfied with the result of the summoning."

"That's right."

Fiore, already annoyed by her failed summoning attempt, instinctively spoke up after hearing the question, but the moment the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake.

Before the Great Holy Grail War began, Fiore had consulted relevant documents about the Holy Grail War. Whether it was the orthodox Holy Grail War that took place in Fuyuki City or those inferior Subspecies Holy Grail War, there had been cases where Master were killed by their own Servant.

Although Servant is a familiar, they also have their own sense of self and would not want to cooperate with someone who unilaterally criticizes them.

If one's relationship with Servant deteriorates before the war even begins...

This would undoubtedly be adding insult to injury for the already precarious situation of the Yggdmillennia Clan.

"Ha ha..."

Seeing Fiore's somewhat uneasy expression, Archer smiled.

"What's so funny?"

Fiore felt uncomfortable, thinking the smile was mocking his immaturity.

Archer's laughter didn't stop there; he explained in a slightly lighter voice than before:

"I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to express your dissatisfaction so directly. I thought Magecraft wouldn't reveal their true intentions."

"Well"

It seems Archer sensed Fiore's unease after saying those words, which is why he observed her so calmly.

Just like adults and children

In terms of life experience, the other person has definitely experienced more. Even if she's Magecraft, to Archer, Fiore is just a little girl.

Therefore, no matter what words Fiore uses to embellish her words in front of Archer, it's useless.

"However, it's quite interesting to Magecraft like you who speaks his mind. I really appreciate that attitude."

Fiore was surprised by Archer's unexpectedly high praise.

Although Archer's assessment mentioned her immaturity, no one would be upset by such high praise, Fiore replied with a smile:

"Then I'll take it as a compliment from you."

Then--

Fiore looked up and met Archer's gaze by the wall, took a deep breath, and spoke again:

"But this is the Great Holy Grail War. And your overall stats are all below average. Fortunately, unlike other Holy Grail War, this time you can fight alongside allies, and the Servants summoned by my uncles are all excellent. But—"

As he spoke, Fiore gripped his hands tightly on his knees:

"I bear the responsibility of succeeding Yggdmillennia as its leader, and I cannot stand idly by in this war."

Fiore looked directly at Archer and stated her resolve.

Although it was just a short sentence, Fiore's resolute tone caused Archer, who had been smiling, to change his expression and listen to Fiore's confession with serious eyes.

After a moment of silence, Archer spoke.

"You want to know how far I can fight?"

"You could say that."

Fiore nodded; she could access Archer's information, a privilege reserved for Masters.

It allows you to confirm the status, skills, and Noble Phantasm abilities of your own Servant. This is useful for reference when working with regular Servant and developing corresponding strategies. However, the Archer in front of you is completely unknown, even in terms of his origins and background. Without knowing the Archer's strength, it's impossible to even begin to develop tactics or strategies.

Whether Archer possesses strength beyond his own capabilities is a crucial factor that can determine Fiore's fate.

Archer propped himself up from the wall, walked over to Fiore, sat in his wheelchair, and Fiore, who was already petite, could only look up at him.

"No problem."

"Huh?"

I said, no problem.

With a sigh, Archer reluctantly repeated his previous answer, but this gesture could hardly be described as respectful in front of his Master.

"I am a servant, and I do not shy away from battle. I was originally summoned to defeat the enemy."

Even so...

"As you said, my stats are insignificant compared to other Servants. But that's just a numerical comparison. The outcome of a battle can change depending on strategy. And our war isn't simply a contest of strength."

Fiore couldn't refute Archer's words.

There's no need to refute it, because Fiore shares the same idea, and although Archer's stats as Servant are low, it doesn't mean he's incompetent in combat.

This might be fatal for someone like Saber or Lancer, whose primary attack method is melee combat, but he is Archer. Because he doesn't need to fight in close combat, low stats like Strength or Endurance are not a problem. As long as the tactics are established, the difference in stats with other Servant can be almost ignored.

"So you mean you can win, and you can fight other Servants without any problems, is that what you mean?"

Fiore asked again, and Archer answered Fiore question affirmatively once more.

"Certainly."

Finally, he crouched down and looked directly into Fiore's eyes:

"Furthermore, the servant you summoned couldn't possibly be anything less than the strongest."

Fiore didn't know where Archer's confidence came from, but she inexplicably didn't want to doubt him.

He himself was the same; even though he witnessed Lancer and Saber with his own eyes, he still claimed to be the strongest.

"I hope your bold pronouncements aren't just empty words, Archer."

Fiore smiled and answered Archer.

This was the first time Fiore had smiled at Archer.

But--

If Fiore knew that on the [Red] side, there was another Master who had suffered a similar fate, would she feel even a little comforted?

Bucharest, outskirts

Looking at the girl standing in front of him, a hint of disorientation flashed across Wang Xiaoming's eyes.

Because whether it was his own hazy memories or the dream he had in Medea, Wang Xiaoming had seen this girl before.

Her light purple hair was tied into a long ponytail that hung down her back. Her face, which was as delicate as a doll's... no, even more delicate than a doll's, was set with a pair of bright, dark purple eyes. A light, crimson robe wrapped around the girl's petite figure, revealing glimpses of her beautiful curves beneath the silk. Her skin, which was usually as translucent as porcelain, appeared even more radiant under the moonlight.

Although the girl still retained some childishness, one could vaguely make out the features of the person she longed for.

--As she herself said, the girl's true identity is Medea, the "Witch of betrayal" from Greece mythology. And her current appearance is that of a young girl who was not yet ensnared by [that person] and should have been carefree on the island of Colchis.

Upon seeing the girl, a mix of emotions—surprise, joy, and astonishment—overwhelmed Wang Xiaoming, leaving him with a profound sense of emotion.

Although he was surprised by the fact that he could summon Medea in her youth, it also meant that—

The summoning I had hoped for failed.

"Master..." Medea called out weakly to Wang Xiaoming.

"Ah... sorry!"

Wang Xiaoming, whose thoughts were interrupted by Medea's voice, gave her an apologetic smile.

Although it wasn't what she had hoped for, the child was still "Medea" after all...

"Nothing."

Medea shook her head, seemingly unconcerned.