Before the War

In the air, some distance from Trifas.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

A garden Semiramis never possessed or even saw in her lifetime had now transformed from illusion into reality, floating hundreds of meters above the ground, advancing toward Trifas, visible to the naked eye.

"Isn't this a bit overkill?"

On the observation deck outside the Hanging Gardens, Achilles gazed at the scenery below.

Semiramis was constructing a fortress with various antiques and materials gathered by Amakusa—they knew that. They had even seen the fortress before. Initially, Achilles thought Semiramis would use it as a headquarters.

But now…

"It's turned into an aerial fortress. No wonder you called this an offensive Noble Phantasm, Assassin."

"You can keep praising me, Archer. This is my pride, my Hanging Gardens."

Semiramis laughed.

Beside her, Amakusa addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, please prepare for battle. At this speed, it'll take about one hour to reach Trifas and come within the Black Faction's line of sight."

"Mister Naoki and Saber have already eliminated four of the Black Faction's Servants for us. Only three remain. Let's end this Holy Grail War tonight."

"Didn't they steal all the spotlight?" Achilles's tone carried a hint of frustration. "If I'd known, I would've joined them, turning it into an unprecedented massive battle. Now we're just left with cleanup and finishing touches."

Amakusa shook his head. "It might be the opposite. Escaping Mister Naoki and Saber proves the remaining three Servants are quite capable. Of course, I believe in your strength, Rider. Let's see the invincibility of your war chariot on the battlefield."

"Need you ask?"

One hour left?

Unlike Achilles's high spirits, Karna and Atalanta appeared calmer. Karna was naturally stoic, while Atalanta…

Gripping her Sky Bow tightly, Atalanta stared toward Trifas.

One hour until she faced that man again.

'Just wait, Naoki. This time, I'll definitely…'

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same time.

At the Red Faction's temporary headquarters.

After painstakingly tracking down Atalanta, who was leaning against the bell tower, Achilles greeted her. "Yo, Sis, why're you hiding up here alone?"

"You, what's up?"

"Just half a day left before we head out. The Pastor wants us to gather at dusk." Leaping beside Atalanta, Achilles sat and took in the view below. "Your mood's been off lately, Sis?"

"Why ask that?"

"Well, your expression and eyes look a bit weird, and you're hiding here. A woman doing stuff like this usually means she's in a bad mood."

Atalanta shot him a glare, then sighed. "It's nothing, just thinking about something. Instead of worrying about me, you should sharpen your spear. The war's about to start, and you're our front line."

"My spear and war chariot are always in top shape. Besides, Lancer's got the tougher job."

Achilles pointed upward, where Karna stood atop the bell tower, unnoticed until now.

"Red Saber's Master, though human, isn't simple. He can gain a huge advantage even against two Servants alone. I'm itching to fight him."

"You're facing Naoki? Lancer." Atalanta was slightly surprised. "The Pastor's tactical arrangement?"

"Exactly. Why, Archer, you interested in that Master too?"

"Just want to put an arrow through his head."

Rubbing the cheek Naoki had slapped before, Atalanta gritted her teeth. "Lancer, can we negotiate? Before you fight Naoki, can you let me face him first?"

"There's something I need to take back from him."