-195- Before the final battle

It's only natural that Assassin would acknowledge Vlad III Călugăreşte as superior in terms of hunting.

Due to the legend of impaling twenty thousand soldiers in his lifetime, Vlad III Călugăreşte can create stakes from materials like wood, bone, flesh, shadows, and even hair within his range. Anything within his range can become a weapon for him, as he impales enemies just like he did in life.

This is Vlad III Călugăreşte's Noble Phantasm, "Kazikli Bey."

Ranked at C+, it's classified as an Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm, but it still possesses the power to eliminate a single Servant in one blow.

Given the range of this Noble Phantasm, Assassin wouldn't be able to match Vlad III Călugăreşte's hunting speed and efficiency.

Of course, Assassin also has a Noble Phantasm.

"Phantom Maiden."

This is a unique torture device that can gruesomely kill innocent girls.

This torture device hovers above Assassin's head, and along with the screams of the victim trapped inside, it infuses blood into Assassin. This allows Assassin to restore energy and launch attacks. Furthermore, when facing female opponents, its power, effect, and damage increase.

The rank of this Noble Phantasm is C, also classified as an Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm. Although it's slightly inferior to Vlad III Călugăreşte's Noble Phantasm and not as convenient, if one were to compare combat strength and hunting speed, Assassin wouldn't stand a chance.

"Since that's the case..."

"We don't have a choice..."

The two vampires could only exchange glances, their eyes flashing with bloodlust.

Clearly, these two were preparing to take action against each other to claim their prey.

"That's enough!"

Jeanne Alter shouted impatiently.

"Don't waste time on such pointless questions. Whether it's bloodsucking or bloodlust, as long as you kill, burn, or crush the bothersome enemy, it's fine. Understand the premise!"

Jeanne Alter's reprimand made the two vampires show displeasure on their faces, but they didn't say anything further.

Jeanne Alter then turned her gaze to d'Eon, who had been waiting on the side.

"Regardless of your reasons, since you've requested it, I'll grant your wish. I have only one condition: kill your opponent."

Jeanne Alter's voice held no mercy, causing d'Eon to lift their head slightly and then nod.

"I'm truly sorry, Jeanne," Caster spoke with extreme remorse, almost as if shedding tears of blood. "If I had stopped the other you and that human, you wouldn't need to worry about such matters. I really... truly..."

Caster was actually shedding tears.

Seeing Caster like this, Jeanne Alter's expression softened.

"It doesn't matter. These insignificant ants aren't worth my persuit. Let them come if they want to."

Jeanne Alter only revealed a smile that was both dark and twisted.

"Follow your instincts and indulge in your slaughter."

Upon hearing these words, all the Servants, except d'Eon, displayed smiles.

Those smiles were equally dark and twisted.

Then...

"------!!"

A roaring sound that shook the air echoed in the hall.

Only now did Jeanne Alter recall something.

"I almost forgot about you."

Jeanne Alter shifted her gaze towards the entrance.

"You must be annoyed by those useless tiny ants, right?"

"So, go ahead and cause a commotion."

"Destroy everything."

In response to Jeanne Alter's words, an even more violent and ferocious roar resounded.

"Hehe... Hahaha... Hahahaha!"

Finally, Jeanne Alter burst into satisfied laughter, filling the space with a sinister yet melodious sound.

In Orleans, the roars of the wyverns reverberated through the sky as well.

This night was destined to be the final tranquility.

...

The next day.

Before dawn had even arrived, the camp of the French army had extinguished its campfires, leaving behind the remnants of a feast.

Fully armed, French soldiers stood in formation, displaying no regret on their faces as they stood before the camp.

Gilles was reviewing the troops, conducting final pre-battle greetings.

Jeanne stood in the distance, observing the scene silently.

Elizabeth and Kiyohime rubbed their eyes, appearing as though they had just woken up, emerging from their tents.

Amadeus was looking at Marie, who was sleeping soundly in bed, with a helpless expression.

Rozen was naturally in his own tent.

"Fou!"

Fou called out and rushed into the tent, hopping onto the bed.

"Senpai, are you awake?"

Mash, also fully armed, entered from outside the tent. Her purple eyes looked towards the bed.

There, Rozen was still fast asleep, only waking up after Fou scratched him, jumping off the bed.

"Is it morning?"

Rozen mumbled with drowsy eyes.

"Senpai, it's already morning."

Mash spoke as usual.

"We have a very important battle today, so please gather your spirits, Senpai."

Mash approached, as if a considerate girlfriend, helping Rozen up and assisting him with his coat.

"Ah~"

Rozen, however, didn't seem nervous at all. He let out a lazy yawn.

Observing this scene from Chaldea, Roman muttered to himself.

"I really envy how you can be so lazy in the face of a big event."

While being overly nervous wasn't good either, couldn't he at least be a bit more on edge on the day of the final battle? At least...

"The director so angry, I'm afraid her feathers might fall off."

Romani's muttering resulted in a crazed owl swooping down on his face.

"Oww! I'm sorry! Director! My bad! Please forgive me! You're gonna wake up the staff! What if they see...!?"

Romani cried out and attempted to fend off the owl's attack, but it was futile.

Not long after, Romani's face was scratched up like he'd been mauled by a cat, with marks all over.

"...Doctor, you're not doing so well either."

Mash commented with a complex expression.

By this point, Rozen had perked up a fair bit.

"Come on, cheer up a bit, big bro. We need Chaldea's reconnaissance and detection over here too."

Rozen reprimanded his own elder brother.

"I got it..."

Romani, covered in claw marks, looked like he was about to cry.

With this humorous exchange, the morning of the final battle started quite cheerfully .

Rozen checked his condition.

"Magic circuits... functioning well."

"Mana... fully replenished."

"Command Seals... only two strokes left."

"Everything is ready."

Rozen opened his eyes and met Mash's gaze.

"This is the final battle of this Singularity, isn't it, Senpai?"

Mash smiled faintly.

"Ah, you're right."

Rozen nodded in agreement and responded to Mash.

This pair of partners from Chaldea were invigorated by each other.

"Well then, let's go, Mash."

"Yes, Master."

The two left the tent and walked outside, with Fou following closely.

Thus, the final battle of the First Singularity began.