Fate/Magus Path

153 Sea of Trees

White flames flickered around his body as Roy, his brow furrowed, transformed into a streak of light, darting through the air at high speed. Behind him, Arcueid mimicked the form of a bird, manifesting a pair of massive wings to keep pace. As they approached the vicinity of the witch's manor, both noticed the peculiar barrier that enveloped the area.

Something was definitely wrong.

It was this very barrier that had severed the communication signals between them, effectively masking the disturbances and magical fluctuations in the vicinity. This clever ruse had allowed the enemy to operate undetected, even under the watchful eyes of Arcueid and Merem.

"Annoying obstacle, don't block my way."

Landing near the barrier, Roy, concerned for the safety of Shiki and Touko, wasted no time. He pressed his palm against the barrier, his magical circuits surging with energy. A torrent of magical power erupted from his hand, shattering the barrier that stood in his path.

"Not just a diversion, but a three-pronged assault. You've done well, Roa."

As Roy approached the manor, the true nature of the immense magical source became clear.

A lush, verdant forest exuded an aura of malevolence. Countless twisted branches coiled around each other, and atop each tree hung crimson, gem-like fruits that were both eerie and alluring.

What a bizarre existence...

With such a monstrosity lurking in the forest, it was no wonder Aoko and the others had been delayed.

Roy quickly grasped the situation and began to piece together the true nature of the writhing forest beneath him.

Arcueid, who had followed closely behind, was equally stunned by the horrifying sight. She hesitated for a moment before exclaiming, "This sea of trees... it's the Forest of Einnashe! But why is it here?!"

"So, it's that monster after all."

Hearing Arcueid's confirmation, Roy's concern deepened.

He was familiar with the Forest of Einnashe—a creature that preyed on all life. Any living being that entered its domain would become its next meal.

Shiki, Aoko, Touko, and Alice were undoubtedly trapped within this terrifying, man-eating forest.

While he trusted Aoko to protect Shiki and Alice, the forest's sinister nature and the passage of time left him deeply worried. If anything had happened to them...

Roy dared not dwell on the thought. Activating his Mystic Eyes, he unleashed his most powerful attack, determined to obliterate the forest blocking his path as quickly as possible.

"Get out of my way, you monster!!"

A black flame sword materialized in his hand, and with a swift motion, he brought it down.

The fiery blade, radiating intense heat and energy, effortlessly tore through the thicket of vines. However, the Forest of Einnashe, with its tenacious vitality, quickly regenerated the gaps. The forest's will directed its vines toward Roy, seeking to ensnare him and turn him into nourishment.

"Back off!!"

A burst of white flames erupted around him, effortlessly crushing the encroaching trees and vines.

"Calm down, Roy. Indiscriminate attacks like this won't get you to the core of the Forest of Einnashe."

As Roy and Arcueid paused to clear the twisted forest before them, Merem arrived on the scene, riding his mechanical puppet, the King of the Sky. Observing the writhing forest, he quickly deduced the situation.