The Yggdmillennia had predicted that the Masters of the Association of Magi... in other words, the Red camp would attack them and had prepared plans to counterattack from all directions.
They might suddenly launch an attack from the city of Trifas, or they might attack from the east with a large army. The possibility that they might launch a surprise attack from the sky wasn't low either. But—
"...For them to attack with their own fortress is truly beyond expectations."
Archer of Black—Chiron sighed. His gaze was locked on Assassin's prided Noble Phantasm, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, as it floated in the air far above.
"Archer, what is that thing's current status?"
Fiore asked that in a thin voice from next to him. Archer could perceive a slight tremble in her voice, but that was only because he was a Servant. A normal human would not have sensed even the smallest tremble in her voice. Archer smiled at his Master as she tried to remain as calm as she could.
"It has come to a standstill in midair... This is just conjecture on my part, but it appears that the Erythros1 camp intends to use these grassland plains as their battlefield.
"So it's going to be an all-out battle."
"Yes. You and the other Masters should head somewhere safe. The other side likely intends to encamp themselves with their Servants and familiars."
"—So it seems. They appear to have summoned Dragon Tooth Warriors. Probably in order to face our homunculi and soldiers."
Darnic landed on the castle rampart with a soft tap. He seemed to have boldly gone around looking at that floating fortress.
"Grandfather..."
"Let's head inside, Fiore. We have no choice but to leave the battle to them now."
"Precisely, Darnic. What follows from here is the domain of us Servants."
Particles of light resolved and gathered together, regaining human form. Lancer of Black—Vlad III wore a savage smile as he gazed at the floating fortress.
No, it wasn't just Lancer. Berserker of Black, Frankenstein, and Caster of Black, Avicebron, also stood on the ramparts, glaring at the floating fortress.
"On top of intruding into my territory in that kind of ugly thing, they've scattered filthy skeleton warriors everywhere."
Lancer openly laid bare his displeasure. The moment they trespassed on his territory, they were enemies, conquerors, Ottoman Turks. A strong sense of duty that obligated him to massacre them all bound his entire body.
"My lord. We will take refuge inside the castle. But if those grassland plains become the battlefield, we will fight with our backs to the town. So you may wield your power to your heart's content."
Darnic respectfully bowed, and Lancer nodded placidly.
"Indeed. Also, release Rider and Berserker of Red. We'll have them added to our forces as well."
"Is that all right? Leaving aside Berserker, Rider is—"
"I don't mind. They've come this far seeking an all-out showdown. It is only good manners to throw out all our forces as well."
"...Understood. I'll go release them right away."
Darnic disappeared from sight. Fiore also followed after him and retreated into the castle.
"Archer. Take command of the organized formations of homunculi along with Rider."
"Understood, Lancer. However, should Rider of Red take the field, I will have to go in order to stop him..."
