So, If You Go Out, Don’t Forget to Bring a Scanner

The ruins of Yggdmillennia Castle.

Two days ago, this place was reduced to a small meteor crater due to Naoki's sudden attack. Now, a simple workshop had been constructed there.

Earth, trees, stones, metal… As Avicebron's Master, Roche Frain Yggdmillennia was a skilled golem craftsman. In just two days, with the aid of golems, he managed to build a decent workshop.

This was the final stronghold of the directionless Yggdmillennia Clan.

Their main fortress had been obliterated by Naoki in a flash, and most of their hidden bases scattered across Romania were destroyed by Jack the Ripper. With the Red Faction's movements unclear, aimless travel was obviously dangerous. Adhering to the principle that the most dangerous place is the safest, and to protect the Great Holy Grail, the remaining Servants and Masters of the Black Faction returned to the Grail's location.

No matter what, the Great Holy Grail had to be protected—the Yggdmillennia Clan, on the brink of collapse, could only rely on it for revival.

The workshop was arranged as a simple quadrilateral fortress, with the Great Holy Grail at its center, extending fifty meters in each direction and reinforced with a barrier powered by the Grail. Even a Servant would need time to breach this turtle-shell-like barrier.

Of course, this standard applied to Frankenstein. In other words, the barrier could withstand just three of Frankenstein's attacks—a remarkable feat in mystical terms.

While it couldn't be expected to hold off the Red Faction's assault, something was better than nothing.

Additionally, to maximize Chiron's abilities, watchtowers were erected at the workshop's four corners, each equipped with Surveillance Magecraft covering up to one kilometer. No matter how sharp Chiron's vision, he could only watch one direction at a time. Unmanned towers would scan for enemies using Surveillance Magecraft.

This was all the Yggdmillennia Clan could manage in two days. The old Yggdmillennia Clan could have done better. Their castle had abundant magical materials and ancient relics, Mana was supplied by homunculi, and golems were mass-produced… but all that was annihilated by Naoki's single Moon Fall attack.

Now, in the Black Faction's final stronghold, the three remaining Masters and Servants held their last meeting.

"Earlier, I received information from surviving clan members that a massive fortress in Sighişoara suddenly took flight and is heading our way." Said Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia, the clan's interim leader.

"Based on timing, it should arrive soon."

"A fortress… Caster's Noble Phantasm?" Caules Forvedge Yggdmillennia frowned. "There were reports of large quantities of ancient ruins and magical materials being transported into the country. I thought they were for Caster's workshop, but an aerial fortress…"

"Completely unexpected. Our faction has no effective countermeasures for a fortress." Fiore added.

"My griffon can't fight an aerial fortress either. It'd just get pummeled." Astolfo chimed in.

"Hmmmm—!"

The three remaining Servants all admitted their helplessness.

Suddenly, Astolfo, who had just declared himself powerless, had a brilliant idea. "Oh, right! We don't need to bring the fortress down, do we? Just sneak inside, defeat all the Red Faction Servants—especially Caster—and we're good, right?!"

"Eh? C-can that work? That's the enemy's headquarters!"

The idea shocked everyone except Astolfo.

Storming the enemy's base—what was that if not suicide? Only Astolfo, whose rationality had evaporated, could dream up such a crazy plan.

But—

"This is the only option we have right now." Chiron said after a moment's thought. "Lacking effective defenses, staying on the ground will only leave us open to one-sided attacks. Though Rider's plan is risky, it's the most effective approach we have."

"See, see!" Astolfo beamed.

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At the Same Time.

Inside the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Watching the scene displayed on the light curtain before her, Semiramis couldn't help but laugh. "What a bold idea, Black Rider. Unfortunately, my gardens aren't so easily breached."

Not only had Semiramis prepared numerous dragon-tooth soldiers within the gardens, but the exterior was guarded by eleven warding rituals, each capable of unleashing Mana attacks as powerful as a meteor strike. If the Black Faction dared to break through, they'd be shot down one by one.

"Well, regardless of the Black Faction's plans, I didn't expect you'd already placed surveillance on them, Mister Naoki."

Amakusa, beside Semiramis, looked at Naoki below.

About five minutes ago, with the help of Angelica's Vimana, Naoki and his group had boarded the Hanging Gardens and joined the Red Faction. For tactical reasons, Naoki openly revealed he'd placed Surveillance Magecraft near the Great Holy Grail. With Semiramis's Magecraft, the Black Faction's situation was projected in real-time.

"It's the Great Holy Grail, after all. If it's not closely monitored, what if the Black Faction sneaks it away?" Naoki laughed.

In truth, he was wary of someone stealing it back.

The Grail thief, Amakusa Shirou, needed watching.

Naoki's gaze shifted to Achilles.

"Achilles, what's your plan? Now that you know your mentor is with the enemy faction, what's next?" Naoki asked. "Among the Black Faction's Servants, he's the only one who can match you."

"Need you ask?"

Shouldering his spear and rising, Achilles stared at Chiron on the light screen. "I'll handle Black Archer. No one interferes. It's rare to meet my mentor in a situation like this, and facing him as an enemy might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Let me savor it fully."

In the Red Faction, Achilles was the most eager for battle. With the Holy Grail War reaching its final stage and him yet to fight, his patience was surely at its limit.

"Then I'll leave Black Archer to you, Rider. I hope you return victorious." Amakusa said with a smile. "Lancer, Archer, please follow the plan as well. Mister Naoki, please stay here. Though you have the strength to defeat Servants, it seems your power won't be needed anymore. Take a rest."

"Rest… huh?"

Watching the three depart, Naoki gave a faint smile. "Alright."