They Call me Vox

Singularity F: Act 11

Before we entered the chamber containing the Greater Grail, I expected some sort of villain lair out of a spy movie. All dark and edgy. Well, it's certainly dark, but there's nothing that screams villain lair. It's an extremely large chamber, so large that I can barely see the roof. Ahead of us is this miniature cliff, atop which is a beacon of light that I can only assume is the Greater Grail.

No, that is the Greater Grail. The sheer concentration of magical energy around the damn thing is enormous.

"This is the Greater Grail..." the Director says in awe from beside me, "It's an ultra-superior Magical Reactor... what's it doing on this island nation in the Far East?"

"According to our data, it was built by an eminent family of alchemists called the Einzberns," Roman reports, "Though apparently they didn't belong to the Mage's Association, and were solely made of homunculi."

"Sorry, that's it for the chitchat," Caster interrupts, "The lady has noticed us."

"Speak of the devil, and they shall come," I mutter as a woman walks out of the darkness and towards us.

She is clad almost completely in black armor, which is dotted by splotches of red that look like blood. Her head is exposed, showing her pale blonde hair and yellow-gold eyes. In her hands is a European longsword that is black in color with red markings. Even with my restrained magical senses, I could sense the sheer corruption and wrongness emanating from that sword and, to an extent, woman.

"Unbelievable magical output, is that really King Arthur?" Mash asks as she and Ushiwakamaru step slightly in front of the Director and I.

"No question. She seems to have changed somehow but she's the king of Britain, Arthur, wielder of the Sacred Sword," Roman says, "Her gender's different than the legend, but she had her reasons for dressing like a man in Camelot."

"That doesn't matter right now," I interrupt Roman before he can go into a long and unnecessary explanation, "All that matters is that this King Arthur, this Alter, is dangerous."

"The kid's right. Don't be fooled by her appearance. She's a monster," Caster says, "Her power is not of muscle, but a ridiculous amount of magical energy. Every single strike is massive. If you're not paying attention, the top half of your body will go flying."

"Basically, just think of her like a human rocket," Mash summarizes, and I have to hold back a laugh, "Understood. I'll fight back with everything I've got."

"Good. If you defeat her, the anomaly in this town will disappear. Listen, that includes both me and her," Caster says, and I turn to him with wide eyes. Casters notices and looks me in the eye as he continues, "After that, it's your job. I don't know what will happen, but do the best you can."

"I see," Saber Alter says, "You've got an interesting Servant with you."

"What! You can talk?" Caster exclaims, "You were just maintaining your silence all this time!?"

"Yes, and you were being watched the whole time you were chatting," Saber Alter replies, "I merely acted as a scarecrow."

I groan, "This is why we don't have pep talks and philosophical discussions when the enemy is directly in front of us!"

"I like this one. She has reason," Saber Alter says, looking me over before turning to Mash, "And I'm curious about that Noble Phantasm. Be ready, strange girl. This sword shall test the truth of your shield."

"She will not fall, and neither will I!" I declare, loosening up my restrictions slightly.

The illusion over my eyes lessens, letting out a soft purple glow. I could feel the Master-Servant bonds I have with my Servants try and regulate the new wealth of mana that has been opened to them.