Fate/ Grand Crypter

Chapter 31 (Septem)

Leo took in the sight before him with a welcome sigh. Stretching out before him was a grand city. Resting on the edge of a rushing river and climbing over 7 hills, the city of Rome lived up to its impressive reputation as the center of the 'modern' world. It had taken them a couple of days' travel to get here; hiding in caves on the way and helping Vel with his injuries had delayed them more than expected. But at last, their cross-county run was over.

"Bloody hell, I thought I would never see it again." Vel stepped up beside Leo and looked out over the city. Leo had grown used to his brusque manner as their journey had progressed. After he had realised that Leo and Oberon were not after his life, he had quickly begun to treat them without care, and the initial respect in his tone dropped almost instantly.

Looking at him, Leo noted his skin was even paler now than it was this morning. The pain relief and first aid that Leo and Oberon had provided had gotten Vel this far, but he needed actual medical attention. All the more reason to get into the city proper.

"Let's get moving. No reason to hang around on the outskirts."

"Agreed, Master. I will be glad to be within the walls of civilisation again, I think my wings are beginning to wilt without proper maintenance."

"I thought your wings were just for show?"

"Even wings for show need to be looked after, Master. How else will I show off?"

"Can you two shut up briefly while we get to the city? Goddamn it, what did I do to be saddled with two maniacs like you."

"Maniacs who saved your life, my friend! Important detail that!"

The idle conversation continued as the trio approached the city, Leo supporting Vel as he walked. The roman's strength had been decreasing over the past few days, limiting the amount of time he would walk unaided. Atop the walls of the city, Leo spied guards moving along the battlements. They had sighted their approach, and there was a bustle of movement as more guards moved towards the gateway. Leo readied himself for the barrage of questions he would need to face. The journey had been exhausting, made worse by the constant drain on his magical energy. But once they got inside the city, it would be easier. As Leo steeled himself, the gates swung open to greet them. Leo looked up in surprise as a familiar young woman, accompanied by her Servant, stepped out of the gates and assessed Leo and Oberon.

"Good to see you again," Ophelia said. "Looks like you had quite the journey here."

"You could say that. While I would love to catch up, this man here needs some help."

"Who the hell is this?" Vel grunted as Ophelia and Sigurd approached.

"Relax. She is one of my companions."

"Another blasted mage?!"

Vel reacted, shifting on Leo's shoulder, but he had no strength to shift away. Ophelia ignored the conversation as she moved over, examining Vel.

"Sigurd, can you do something?"

"One moment, Master." Sigurd stepped forward and began to carve some runes in the air. The light formed on Vel's skin, forming matching runes to the one Sigurd was carving. Leo felt Vel's weight grow lighter as he began to support himself again.

"What... is this?" Vel said in wonder.

"I have fixed his injuries and restored some of his energy," Sigurd said. "However, he will need rest and medical attention if he has been surviving with these injuries for this long. It appears that young master Leo and Oberon have been supporting him with magecraft this whole time."

"Leo..."

Leo looked away from Ophelia's judgemental gaze. Between his writing magecraft and Oberon's pain removal, he had kept Vel alive as they got to the city. He could feel the extra weight on his shoulders from the effort that the continuous spellcraft demanded. Vel, meanwhile, oblivious to the interaction, was standing up and swinging his arms, enjoying the feeling of being whole again.