Fate/Magus Path

182 Temple of Blood

Roy and Fujimaru Ritsuka continued their trek across the Mesopotamian plains alongside Kingu, who remained wary of the enigmatic green-clad Servant at Ritsuka's side, whose depths he couldn't fathom. For now, Kingu refrained from making any rash moves.

He kept guiding the pair toward the Blood Fort Andromeda.

Unaware of the full picture, Ritsuka had little choice but to follow, while Roy, harboring his own plans, trailed behind with a smile, revealing no cracks in his façade.

After traveling a considerable distance, Ritsuka began to sense something off. She lightly tugged at Roy's sleeve, lowering her voice as she leaned in.

"R-... Count, this path feels..."

"Like it's taking us further from our destination, right?" Roy turned to her with a knowing look.

"Yeah."

By now, Kingu had led them into a dense jungle wrapped in thick vegetation.

Stepping into this unnaturally tense forest heightened Ritsuka's unease. If Roy weren't by her side, her body might've already started trembling uncontrollably.

The sensation here mirrored the dread she'd felt on the plains when ambushed by magical beasts. Her instincts screamed that something deeply dangerous lurked at the heart of this jungle.

"Oh, don't worry, Master of Chaldea. This is the safest route to Uruk." Kingu said, sensing her discomfort. To avoid arousing suspicion, he turned around, flashing his signature warm smile.

He pointed toward the forest's end and explained, "With magical beasts roaming all of Mesopotamia, traveling overland is incredibly risky. But at the edge of this forest lies a river with an operational port. Gilgamesh left a small boat there for us. Take it, and the waterway will lead you straight to Uruk with ease."

"Is that so...?"

Though Kingu's reasoning sounded plausible, Ritsuka's expression remained tinged with doubt.

She couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't so simple.

Beside her, Roy wore a smile as well, though this time it curved higher than before, his gaze toward Kingu carrying a hint of amusement.

He knew full well that the so-called dock and boat were fabrications spun on the spot. The jungle's depths housed the stronghold of the Queen of Magical Beasts Gorgon—the Blood Fort Andromeda.

In the original tale, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash were supposed to encounter Merlin here after following Kingu, leading to their rescue and eventual arrival in Uruk.

Though Merlin hadn't shown himself yet, Roy could sense his presence nearby.

And his own Servant was already lying in wait within this forest.

The flower tucked in his pocket had begun subtly signaling him.

There was no need to keep up the act any longer.

Roy gave a slight nod, gesturing for Kingu to lead on.

So close to success, Kingu suspected nothing.

His mind was consumed with luring these two to the Blood Fort Andromeda, where he'd turn them into bait for the blood pool.

"There's no dock or boat at the end of this forest." Kingu thought smugly. "Just your graves, foolish Master of Chaldea."

But as he turned to continue leading, the pair behind him fell silent—

A strange floral scent wafted through the air, followed by a flash of black flame streaking through the jungle. A sudden, visceral sense of danger flooded Kingu's mind.