F/GO Septem Summary

The Second Singularity - Septem
The Eternal Mad Empire (A.D. 0060)
(Thanks to Kyte for the text dump.)

Prologue:

We start off by waking up. Mashu asks if you've had a good nap, and is glad to hear you have. Who knows how many Ley Shifts there's going to be, so it's important to get rest while you can. No staying up late too.

Mashu then shyly asks if you had any strange dreams last night, but you haven't. She explains about the Master-Servant dream sharing (Da Vinci explained it to her), and while she doesn't really get it, it doesn't matter since you haven't had any.

Anyway Roman's waiting for you, so she tells you to head over as soon as you finish breakfast.

Roman gives a grand welcome, which he immediately notes is kinda silly since you three are the only ones in the room. Da Vinci chimes in, and he admits that she's there too. They're both kind of exhausted from analyzing the Holy Grails you've recovered, since they don't trust the regular research team not to screw up.

Anyway the preparations for the Ley Shift are ready. This time around you're going to the first century. Your destination is Ancient Rome, the origin of a large empire that controlled the Mediterranean Sea. Da Vinci thinks this sounds cool and wants to tag along, but Roman denies her because she's got work to do. Da Vinci thinks it's a shame, she wanted to try talking to a Roman emperor. Especially Caligula or Nero, since she bets they'd have mutual hobbies. Roman mutters that she's got that right.

Changing the subject, Roman notes you're going to the capital of Rome, also named Rome. He doesn't know where the Holy Grail could be, or what could've changed history-wise. He's sorry, but they couldn't really get a good analysis of the place. Mashu says it's fine, you and her will figure out both. Roman's relieved at how reliable the two of you are.

The plan's the same as last time: investigate and correct the Singularity, and either retrieve or destroy the Holy Grail. The history of humanity is depending on you and Mashu, so good luck! And come back safely.

Mashu reassures him you'll return safely, and then requests that you continue to guide her well. Your orders are very important. You can tell her she's important too, but she'll say that she'd be lost without your orders.

Roman muses that Servants were probably summoned to Rome too. He says you should see if they'll lend you a hand, and hopes that none of them turn out to be hostile. Mashu is curious how they can even tell the difference between a hostile and a neutral Servant, and Roman explains that once you get close to a Servant the team in Chaldea can sorta tell. It's thanks to Shiva and Trismegistus. But they can't do anything while you're still in Chaldea, so he apologises again.

Mashu says it's fine, it's just... You finish that she'd just like to avoid danger. She agrees, saying that the best strategy is to just avoid battle altogether. She apologizes for asking for the impossible, but Roman says he should apologize since he knows full well how absurd this situation is. There's a bit of a serious moment where he pledges to support you.

Said moment is immediately broken when Roman declares it's time to Ley Shift! Mashu is flustered, but Roman doesn't like this serious atmosphere so he sends you off right away.

>Announcer: Starting Unsummon program. Initiating Spiriton conversion.
>Announcer: Initiating Ley Shift in 3, 2, 1...
>Announcer: All processes - Clear. Initiating Grand Order.

---

Chapter 1: A Breezy Hill

Mashu's relieved the Ley Shift was a success. She looks around, and is impressed at the scenery; she's seen things like it so many times through monitors, but actually being there is completely different.

You ask if she wants to take a break, and figure the Ley Shift must've tired her out. She says it did, but what she's feeling right now has nothing to do with that. Back in Orleans things were too frenzied for her to really enjoy the scenery, but now that she can she's overwhelmed.

Four pops out of her cleavage and chimes in. Mashu and you are surprised, though exactly what you're surprised about is up to you. Four squeaks some more, and Mashu translates that he'll be tagging along again since the outside world is much nicer than the cramped Chaldea. Mashu agrees, and adds that even if fighting is scary, being able to experience this new world makes her very happy.

She then notes that even in this era's sky, she can see "that". Just like back in Orleans, there's a ring of light in the sky. She realizes it's the same thing, but she can't really get a good glimpse at it since. You know. She is staring into the sun.

Roman comes in at this point, amused that Mashu's the same as always. But he agrees that the sun really is amazing if you think about it. It's been there for so long, and it's only going to keep being there.

Anyway Roman's surprised that you don't seem to be in Rome, and you say you're on some random hill. You can also ask if he's sure, which will cause Mashu to confirm that no, you're not in Rome. You're on some random hill.

Roman's a little confused since he set things up so you'd end up in the capital, but it seems like you're just in the outskirts nearby. Since a mistake has clearly happened, Mashu's worried you might even be in the wrong era, but Roman confirms you're in the first century. This is the reign of the fifth Roman emperor, Nero Claudius, and more specifically the last few years where everything went to hell.

Roman figured you'd end up meeting Nero, but Mashu once more confirms they are on some random hill. There aren't even any sheep. Roman finally just decides he has no clue, and asks if anything's going on nearby. Four yelps, and Mashu agrees she can hear it. Both you and Roman ask what, and she elaborates she can hear a large scale battle nearby. Roman is confused, because there shouldn't be a war going on this close to Rome right now. So that means... Mashu agrees, this must be an abnormality in history.

You say to charge towards the noise, and off you go.

You reach the scene of the battle, and Mashu observes that it's one large force facing off against an exceedingly small force. They both wear crimson and gold colors, but the designs of their uniforms differ. Roman explains that crimson and gold were Rome's preferred colors, and asks if she can see anything else.

Mashu can see the leader of the smaller force: a single young woman. And an extremely powerful one at that, so she figures the woman must be a Servant. But Roman denies this, and Mashu's inability to feel her proves it: that woman's someone from this time.

Mashu muses that for some reason, this woman reminds her of Jeanne. Roman tries to think of anyone similar from this time period, but can't come up with anyone. But that's all besides the main point here: for some reason an impossible war has broken out. That means there's only one thing to do, and by that I mean two because you can either say you want to save the woman or protect the town. So I guess you're near a town.

Regardless of your choice, Mashu and Four agree. Roman says your enemies are neither Servants nor monsters, but there's still a lot of them so you should be careful.

After the battle, the woman approaches and declares victory has been achieved. She wonders if you're reinforcements from the capital, but also adds that that'd be kinda weird since as far as she knew the capital had been blocked off entirely. Regardless, she praises your skill. Then she wonders if you're people from the other side who have switched to her cause, and declares that if so she is perfectly willing to forgive your previous transgressions. Then she starts going on about how seeing someone as slight as Mashu wield such a large weapon fit her sense of aesthetics perfectly, and decides to offer you the supreme honor of fighting by her side. And THEN she finally notes that she's never seen anyone dress like you, so she wonders if you're foreigners.

Nero is kind of a motormouth, as you may have noticed.

You can either humbly accept her praise like a true suckup or just say you were passing by reinforcements. If you say the latter, she wonders if you're under Boudica's command.

With that all out of the way, she says the victory today was thanks to both you and her, so she'll reward you handsomely. She then immediately chides herself for making promises so recklessly, and admits that right now all she has is her sword. Everything else is back in Rome, so you'll have to follow her there!

---

Chapter 2: All Roads Lead to Rome

The unnamed lady (she hasn't introduced herself yet) asks where you're from, because it doesn't seem like you're from Britannia. You don't even seem to be from lands furthest to the east. You can either reply that you're from Chaldea or from the future. Either way she's confused, and if you say the latter she even wonders if you've hit your head recently.

Mashu cuts the talk off to alert you that a second wave of enemy soldiers has come. Nero affirms that... I think they're called the Alliance Empire? Anyway, she affirms that more Alliance soldiers have come, and remarks how rude it is to interrupt her imperial voice.

She declares that she, alongside Mashu, will act as your shield. Mashu's surprised, but just decides to go with it and tells you to order them like usual.

Afterwards, Ms. ??? is glad you've escaped another crisis. She thanks you again for helping her, because she was getting really sick of being on the outnumbered side.

Speaking of which, I'm not really sure what happened to the forces she was supposed to have been leading. I guess they're all just all quietly standing off to the side?

Mashu cuts in that more are coming, and what's more this time she can feel something. Roman confirms it's a Servant, and it's one hell of a reading too.

A man enters the scene and immediately calls out (or hoarsely yells, I guess) for his beloved niece. Ms. ??? is surprised to see her uncle, but then immediately decides she can no longer call him that. Anyone who sides with the Alliance, no matter the reason, is a fool! She then introduces him: Caligula.

Roman wonders if he heard that right. Did their blonde ally just call that Servant her uncle? Mashu helpfully confirms that yes, he did hear that right. Perhaps Ms. ??? is related to Caligula? Roman tells her to put that aside for now to focus on the Servant that just popped up. Then he tells you to get ready for your first Servant battle upon entering this era. Mashu is also encouraging.

I'm honestly not sure exactly what the hell Caligula is saying here, but he stutters out something about how his behavior is fated and how he wants Ms. ???'s life, her body, and her everything. Ms. ??? is appalled at how far her uncle's fallen.

After the fight, Caligula again calls out for his beloved niece and despairingly wonders why she wouldn't give him what he wanted. He then vanishes whilst repeating "My...", over and over.

Ms. ??? is confused why her uncle suddenly vanished. Meanwhile Mashu notes that her Servant Sense isn't kicking in, and the enemy army appears to have withdrawn. Ms. ??? figures her uncle must have been leading that squadron, and is amazed to have seen him again.

Roman confirms that Caligula's dissipated entirely, and congratulates you. He was a Berserker, so it's really unlikely he decided to retreat either. But if a Servant is here... shouldn't there be a Master?

At this point Ms. ??? finally asks what the hell is up with the weird voice from nowhere and the image of a man that keeps popping up. Are you magi? Roman says it'd be easier if she just thought of it as magic. He introduces himself, as well as you two, as being members of Chaldea. Ms. ??? interrupts him (much to his grief) to say she doesn't care. She doesn't know about Roman, but you and Mashu were spectacular so she praises you once more.

And then Ms. ??? suddenly realizes that before she asks about you, she should introduce herself first. After a bunch of purple prose, she declares herself as the fifth Roman Emperor: Nero Claudius Augustus.

>You: (Somehow, I figured.)
>Nero: Mwahahaha! Were you surprised? You were surprised, weren't you?

Nero grants you special permission to be as surprised and fascinated as you like. Meanwhile Mashu and Roman are blown away that Emperor Nero was a girl.

>Roman: History... is deep...

---

Chapter 3: The Eternal Capital

The moment you reach Rome, Nero proudly commands you to behold its splendor. And indeed, it's a nice, energetic place. Nero agrees that it is the greatest city in the entire world, and gives a brief history lesson on how it was originally called Septem and how the Divine Ancestor raised the curtains on a glorious history.

Her rant is cut off when she notices a nearby stall. She asks the shopkeeper if she can have an apple, and as soon as the shopkeeper recognizes her he's happy to oblige. She tells you and Mashu to grab one too, and to not worry about manners since you've just come back from the battlefield. Something sweet like an apple will easily help you recover from fatigue and injury!

Mashu says she's fine, so Nero turns her attention to you. You can turn it down (which will cause Nero to note you're quite modest), or you can chow down right then and there and impress Nero with your eating habits. Either way you ask what about her, and she stammers out that normally she's much more refined, she just wanted to boast about her city. She then immediately changes the subject.

>Mashu: (So cute...)
>Roman: (So cute...)

Nero declares once again that she's very pleased with you all. She doesn't fully understand everything you say, but she can tell that you and Mashu are honest people. Roman immediately thanks her for her words, and introduces your group as that of a magus and his pupils. Nero figures that if that's the case, she can just ignore all those weird words like "Master" or "Servant" as magic stuff. Her grasp on the situation is that you and Mashu are pupils, and Roman is a magus instructing you through long distance magic.

With that out of the way, she asks why you helped her. Roman starts talking about how Rome is the greatest empire in the world, and how in this era there should've been no such major threat to it. So clearly the Holy Grail must be screwing things up. He figures this must be the cause of the Singularity, as if something happened to Ancient Rome then surely human history would've been affected. If you can protect it from collapsing, that might resolve the issue.

Nero has no idea what the fuck he just said.

Mashu explains more clearly that they're after something called the Holy Grail, a special artifact that enhances magic. Its mere presence can cause things to go mad, and it's very possible it's the cause of Rome's current problems. Nero seems to understand, and while Mashu apologizes for how weird the stuff she's talking about must sound, Nero says it's fine. But the words "Holy Grail" make her feel a little uncomfortable...

She plays it off as her being needlessly anxious, it must've just been something she saw in a nightmare once. She then invites you to her palace so you can talk more comfortably, but then enemies attack the city (and that apple shopkeeper) so you go deal with that first.

Afterwards, you're at Nero's palace. She starts off the conversation by explaining that Rome is in peril, and has regrettably lost some of its glorious territory. There are two sides to this conflict: her, the legitimate Emperor of Rome, and several other "emperors" who appeared out of nowhere and formed an alliance. This Alliance Empire has snatched away over half of her territory by now. Nero doesn't know much about the Alliance, since any spies she sent never returned. All she really knows for certain is that these fake emperors have gathered to seize the capital, her base of power.

Nero explains it's high treason to proclaim oneself an emperor to her face, but... She doesn't finish the sentence, and passes it off as her being foolish enough to listen to the words of traitors. There's no way something like that could've happened, after all...

You point out that her expression fell, so she admits that she's been thinking about what happened a little while back. The Alliance's enemy commander was Caligula. Before you and Mashu arrived, he had already butchered most of her forces. He is one of the so-called emperors in the Alliance. And he, she pauses here, is her uncle.

Roman notes that at this point, he should already be dead. Nero agrees with "the formless magus", and then starts talking about her imperial court's magus. They were extremely powerful, and yet Caligula easily slayed them by himself. A truly mighty magus being defeated so easily should be impossible, and yet it happened. Roman muses about how extraordinary Servants are to be able to casually crush even magi from this era.

Mashu wonders if one of these emperors has the Holy Grail. Roman agrees that it's likely, and figures they're probably the source of the Singularity too.

Nero then admits that the Alliance Empire is truly powerful. They're running rampant all over her land, terrorizing her people. She's sent out nearly everyone she has, and yet the Alliance seems utterly unfazed. The battle earlier was an Alliance expeditionary force; they're already within spitting range of the capital. She has exceedingly few troops left for a final stand, and while it vexes her to admit this she can not defend Rome on her own. So she orders, no, begs you to help her. She wants you to be the new commander, and adds that if you do she and Rome will be happy to assist you in your quest for the Holy Grail.

Roman says she doesn't need to beg. In fact, your group might even share goals with her. Mashu agrees, and asks for your opinion. You can either just say yes, or ask if Nero will pay you (she will, anything you want if you can win).

Once you've agreed, Nero appoints you the position of Governor General (or whatever the Ancient Roman equivalent is). She then gives your reward for earlier: tonight you'll rest in a room fit for a Governor General. She then remembers Roman, and asks if he wants a bed too. He obviously doesn't need one, so he tells her not to worry about it.

>Roman: By the way, My Emperor. Have you ever heard the name Lev Reinol?

Nero has no clue who the hell Lev is.

Mashu explains that Lev's a magus from your era. He's a traitor to Chaldea, and a traitor to all of humanity at that. It's possible he's in this era, though honestly you still don't fully understand his actions. Nero muses over this, and notes that she HAS heard her soldiers talk about seeing some powerful magus commanding the Alliance from the frontlines. Roman thinks the chances that it's Lev are high, and thanks Nero.

That being the case, Roman asks Nero to send you and Mashu to the frontlines as well. Nero ask if you're sure, and after some hesitation Mashu affirms. Lev is your enemy.

> You: ...It'll be revenge for the Chief.

Having heard your sad tale, Nero agrees to move you to the vanguard. She, the Roman Gods, and their divine ancestor will all hope for your success in slaying your foe. But first, a banquet! They're at war so it won't be as luxurious as usual, but she'll still do her best to make it lavish. She asks if Mashu is fine with alcohol, and she's stammering out a no when a Roman soldier bursts in.

He apologizes for interrupting, but Alliance soldiers are right outside the eastern wall of Rome. They're apparently remnants of the scouts you crushed earlier, and they're overwhelming the garrison at the wall. Nero is displeased that her first party in a while is going to be put on hold, and Roman tells you and Mashu to get going already. Mashu and you agree, and Nero asks you to show her what you can do once more. The party will be waiting once you all come back!

When you reach the eastern wall, Mashu observes that the enemy forces are already in combat formations. Roman once again warns you that, even if you're not up against Servants or monsters, you're still facing a bunch of enemies. So be careful.

The fight starts, and with that this ridiculously long portion of the chapter ends.

After you win, Mashu notes that even though it's getting dark the enemy's attacks have yet to cease. Roman yet again worries about the sheer number of enemies you're up against, and warns you to be careful about your stamina and mana reserves. Mashu agrees and tells you to do your best not to overdo it.

Cue another fight.

This time Mashu notes that it's full on night now and yet still the enemies forces continue to attack. How god damn big was this expeditionary force if these are the remnants?

Roman is surprised at the willpower of their enemies, and chalks it up to it being the era of hand-to-hand combat. He once again warns you to take care, and then tells you to get ready for another wave.

Once that fight is done, the enemy army has finally withdrawn. Mashu notes that there wasn't a single Servant, it was all just humans. Roman also notes that nobody like Lev showed up either, then congratulates you for fighting even past sunset.

Mashu recommends you head back, and notes the possibility of a nighttime assault. If that happens, they need to be as rested as they can. She then notes she said something similar this morning. You can either agree or whine you're not sleepy yet. Meanwhile Roman laughs that he should head off to bed too.

>Roman: Oh, I should check Magi☆Merly's homepage, too. There should be an update soon...

You can either give him a flat stare (which will cause him to extol about the virtues of net idols, free from the mudslinging of social media and television) or say that you thought the outside world had been destroyed. In response to the latter he'll go on a nerd rant about how the affairs of the outside world have nothing to do with the supreme idol Magi☆Merly before calming down and explaining that the one he's following is just an AI he made from her existing posts. Or at least I assume that's what "source data" refers too.

Either way Mashu tells him to quit it with his weird ~30-year old bachelor hobbies and keep it professional. Otherwise she'll delete his "precious folder". Roman panics and says he was joking, he's always checking their surroundings.

With that comedy act finished, he tells you to get back and get some rest. Nero should be waiting for your report too.

---

Chapter 4: The Mountain of Raging Flames

The next morning, Roman politely asks Nero if your group can go to the Etna Volcano. He explains that it's very important for your safety, as they're important leylines. Nero is familiar with it since her court's late magus also went there often, and asks why you need to go in particular. You can either full on explain you're going to set up a terminal point to Chaldea, or you can just say it'll let you increase your fighting potential.

Once again, Nero has no clue what you're talking about. So she just asks if you going to Mt. Etna will help her and Rome. Mashu says yes, so Nero's happy to let you go. She'd love to come along herself too, but there's an ongoing investigation of the Alliance Empire so that's a no go. She warns you to watch out for enemy soldiers and off you go.

The journey there is surprisingly easy. Roman wonders if Mt. Etna just isn't very important to the Alliance, but then Mashu interrupts him because something's surrounded the leylines. It's a whole bunch of ghosts, which pretty much confirms that Mt. Etna must be pretty spiritually powerful. You need to clear them out so you can set up the terminal point though, so you go do that.

Afterwards, you set up the terminal point. Roman's initially surprised Da Vinci didn't pop in to chat, but then he realizes she's still busy maintaining Shiva.

A bit later and Mashu reports that the summoning circle is up and ready too. Now you can summon allied Servants from Chaldea, a huge boost to your combat capabilities. She says it's time to go back to Rome, and that hopefully you won't have to fight anything on the way. So of course Roman immediately detects something. Before you established the summoning circle some magical energy leaked out and attracted some random enemy.

Once you beat it, Roman is glad to see he can't detect any more nasty surprises. He warns you to be cautious of Alliance soldiers as you descend the mountain, but the trip back to Rome ends up being just as uneventful as the trip to Mt. Etna. You pass the time by wondering if Lev really is leading the Alliance and marveling at how weird it is that Servants have entered this war. Roman muses that Nero would've surely been killed if your group hadn't shown up and encourages you and Mashu to do your best. You reply the same to him.

Nero welcomes you when you make it back, but also apologizes. You may have just gotten back, but she wants you to go with her to Gaul. She wants to go there to both save and encourage her troops. Mashu asks you to decide, and Roman figures that Gaul is probably the current frontline of the war. That means there's a chance that either the Servant in possession of the Holy Grail or Lev is there. So he recommends that you go despite the danger. The dialogue choices imply you're slightly reluctant to accept, but you do. Mashu feels the same.

Upon hearing your decision, Nero announces that they'll depart immediately and orders a nearby Roman soldier to make the necessary preparations.

---

Chapter 5: Now, Onwards to Gaul

You're on the road now, and Nero is curious if you've ever ridden a horse before. Mashu answers that while she has the Riding skill, you're still not very used to it. Worried, Mashu asks if you're all right and if you can handle such a long distance trek. Your responses are either that you'll be fine (Mashu figures you must have been the outdoors type prior to coming to Chaldea) or to ask if Mashu will be fine (she says she's a Demi Servant, so of course).

Roman laughs that it's fine if you can't keep up with Mashu's pace, you're only human after all. He's glad your horse is so calm, and muses it's good you weren't traumatized from when you fell off your horse earlier. I'm not sure if that's something that happened during the interim between chapters or back in Orleans. Mashu scolds Roman not to tease you, but he just laughs again. It's not like he has much else to do to enjoy himself while he's collecting data.

Then Roman suddenly tells you to stop, because he's just detected a living being nearby. It's not a Servant, but it seems to be an enemy regardless. Nero is impressed at how convenient he is, so much so she's even considering offering him a job at her court. Roman humbly accepts her praise and then wonders if working at a royal palace would be considered a promotion. Mashu is not amused, and Roman immediately says he was joking.

Anyways, the enemies he was detecting are trying to pincer you from the left and the right. Nero says to leave the left side to the regular troops, so you take on the right side.

Once you defeat the enemy troops, Nero is grudgingly impressed at just how many more troops the Alliance has compared to her. But she is once again impressed at Mashu's skill and your abilities as a commander. In fact she's so impressed with you she asks if you want to permanently join her as Guest Commander. There's no greater glory than being on her side, you know? Of course it'll have to wait till after you beat the Alliance.

Mashu is silent, but Nero wants an answer.

>You: Well, maybe...
>Nero: Just as I expected. You're quite the obedient fellow. Heheh, I'm getting more and more interested in you.
>Mashu: Senpai. We have a mission. You didn't forget, did you?
>Mashu: ...You didn't forget, DID YOU?

You can also just say you'll think about it, to which Nero will say it's quite humble of you not to be able to make an immediate reply. Still, think about it, okay?

Nero muses that in if they successfully defeat the Alliance in Gaul, they'll be able to take "foolish" Britannia next. She then suddenly changes the subject entirely, saying that she understands that she's quite lavish, but have all the banquets she's been holding really been that weird? She decides to asks a nearby soldier if she is not glorious, even compared to the previous emperors. The soldier immediately agrees, claiming that Rome is now both a shining sun and a bustling existence. Nero is pleased and brags that she too is sparkling.

Mashu is silent watching this, and meanwhile Roman quietly notices something. Mashu asks him to speak up, but Roman immediately says it was nothing. And oh hey, look! More enemy soldiers! Nero is once again pleased at how convenient Roman is, and declares that you'll easily win again. And you do.

After the battle, Mashu is pleased to see there doesn't seem to be many injuries on your end. She congratulates you, then asks if you're tired. You can either congratulate her in return (she shyly accepts it, then says she's worried about all of Nero's soldiers) or admit you are (she chides you not to push yourself and says she'll go ask Nero for a break). Roman will then cut in to say that you'll all have to wait just a bit longer to relax, because you're nearly at your destination. Yet again, Nero is pleased with how handy he is.

Nero is in the middle of once more offering Roman a position when she recognizes that yup, you're in Gaul. It's been a long, troubled trip, but you've reached the campsite of the expeditionary force she sent out earlier. It's time to rest.

---

Chapter 6: The Campsite

At the camp, Nero is rallying her troops. She thanks them for putting in so much effort to defend her, her nation, and her Rome. She says that now she too will fight alongside them, and also declares that a "peerless commander" is here too. There is zero reason for them to lose, so let she and her lovable troops achieve victory for Rome!

Mashu is stunned by how loud Nero's audience is cheering, and figures it must be the charisma of Emperor Nero in her prime. Roman agrees, but also thinks it's weird. If Nero was so adept at rallying her people's hearts, then why were her final years so...? He decides to just stop there, because the people of the past shouldn't learn of their fates.

Then he detects some Servants! A man and a woman appear.

The woman's surprised at how fast Nero got here, then figures you must be the commander she's heard so much about. She decides you must be stronger than you look. She thanks you for making such a long trip, and introduces herself as Boudica, the current leader of the expeditionary force at Gaul and (after Mashu parrots her name) the queen of Britannia.

She tries to introduces her gigantic companion, but then he interrupts. He's happy to see another soldier show up to the battlefield to fight against oppressors and invites you to rebel with him against these peerless despots. That's honestly a very brief summary of what he actually says because man he talks weird. And surprisingly formally too.

Mashu is initially confused, but then regains herself. She can feel that these people are Servants. Meanwhile Boudica is surprised that Spartacus took interest in someone. That's rare. Or to be more exact, it's rare that he didn't just charge forward to attack someone as soon as he saw them.

At this, Mashu, Four, and Roman all quietly agree that Spartacus is a complete musclehead. But, as Roman points out, Boudica and Spartacus are Servants, and apparently non-hostile ones. Mashu then asks what's up with Spartacus, because she didn't understand a word he said. Roman figures he's probably a Berserker.

Then Spartacus asks for your names in a very longwinded fashion with as many uses of "treason" and "rebellion" and other such words as he can. Mashu is again confused, but you properly answer with your name.

>Mashu: Was he asking for our names just now? Really?

You can also be lame and say you have no idea what Spartacus just said, to which Mashu will agree. But he said it all with such a carefree smile on his face... Roman is surprised to hear that, and muses that Mad Enhancement really is terrifying.

Anyway, these two are proof that there are Stray Servants in this era acting of their own free will. Considering this has happened for two Singularities now (three if you count Fuyuki), it's likely it'll continue to happen. He's glad that you'll have some help besides the Servants you summon from Chaldea.

Boudica cuts in to ask if Roman's the "formless magus" she's heard about, and Roman apologizes for not introducing himself. He proceeds to do so, and Mashu follows suit by introducing herself and you. I think she was about to tack on Senpai after your name, but then she remembers your more proper title is Governor General now.

Boudica's glad to know your names, then asks Nero if you're her favored Guest Commander. Nero is silent in response, prompting Mashu to also call out to her. This wakes her from her daze, and she explains she was just a little tired. She requests Boudica to trust your group then says she's off to bed. She just heard about the battle situation in Gaul and has a huge headache now. Boudica agrees to trust you, so Nero excuses herself. She recommends you rest too and then leaves.

Boudica silently watches her go.

Then a Roman soldier bursts in. He apologizes for interrupting, but they've found a force of enemy scouts. Boudica asks if your side is in pursuit, but the soldier says they can't catch up. At this rate they'll get away. Roman confirms that a group is breaking off from the campsite, likely holding valuable information about your side. He says you should go stop them, and you and Mashu agree.

After the fight, Mashu thanks Boudica for her assistance. Probably Spartacus too. Boudica seems to have figured out who you really are, to which Roman is thankful. He straight up asks if she's a Servant, an action that Mashu is uncertain about. Boudica tells her it's okay, and confirms that yes. She is someone who has already died. She figures you're probably curious why she of all people is fighting for Rome. Mashu admits that yes, it was bothering her.

>Boudica: I will never forgive either Emperor Nero or Rome. Indeed, I swore that to the Celtic gods.
>Boudica: ...To think that someone like me, of all people, would manifest here. I'd never have imagined that I'd end up in the era immediately following my death.
>Boudica: I thought this would be my chance for revenge but... Watching the Alliance devour Rome...
>Boudica: My body moved on its own. It wasn't for the sake of Nero, it was for the sake of the people living here.

Boudica supposes she should apologize to her fellow Londinium colleagues, who similarly perished in their quest for revenge. Even though these are her own actions, she really doesn't understand why she's doing them. But then, she figures, she was always like that. She was always the kind of person who fought for the sake of protecting someone.

Anyway Nero seems to have misunderstood Boudica's situation as her just being a worthy rival who refuses to die. She apologizes, but she'd like it if you... You complete her sentence by asking if you should keep her status as a Servant (or the fact that she's dead) a secret. Boudica confirms, and laughs that you're really something. And here she was worrying over what you'd do.

Mashu understands the situation too, and remarks that Boudica truly is a Heroic Spirit. Someone people aspire to be, and a symbol of the concept of power being used to protect humanity from atrocities. In response, Boudica laughs that it's really just a whim of hers. Anyways, as you can see she has no ill intentions. Roman's honestly impressed she can say something like that, and is dazzled by her pride.

At this point, Mashu asks if you understood the conversation just now. You say that you don't, so she helpfully exposits about Boudica. Once she finishes, Boudica just says that at the end of the day, she found siding with the Alliance more repugnant than siding with Nero. Then she asks if Spartacus ever thought he'd end up fighting alongside Nero.

>Spartacus: Hahaha. The walls of the arena have already crumbled. Already, the entirety of this vast land is an arena.
>Boudica: Right?
>Mashu: (I didn't understand.)

Roman once again mutters that it's because of Mad Enhancement.

Changing the subject, Mashu observes that the situation here is similar to Orleans'. Several Servants manifested, but not all are your enemies. Some will help you correct the Singularity. Boudica's kind of embarassed to hear it said like that, and doesn't think it's such a big deal. Spartacus says something about how he's the proof of treason or something. Boudica translates that to "He's feeling shy too."

>Mashu: ...
>Roman: ...

Mashu asks if you can understand what Spartacus is saying.

>You: Pretty much.
>Mashu: Oh. R-Really?

You also have the option of cheerfully admitting you don't have a clue, to which Mashu will embarrassedly agree.

Boudica then says it's time you get started. Mashu is confused, so Boudica explains that while it's not like they're doubting your skill... No, actually they basically are, aren't they? Anyway there's a lot of Alliance troops in Gaul right now, so much so that even Boudica and Spartacus can't beat them all. The fact that the enemy commander, another emperor, is very strong doesn't help. His mind, body, and flab are peerless, and his abilities are vastly different from what you'd expect from someone with his appearance. So Boudica wants to see if you're good enough to fight him.

Roman is surprised since he'd pegged Boudica as the intellectual sort, but at the end of the day she's the type of person who talks with her sword. Boudica laughs in response, then reassures you that she'll make sure not to kill you. And once this is over, she'll make you something nice to eat too. Something from Britannia, not Rome of course.

>Boudica: My True Name is Boudica, and my class is Rider! My chariot is reaaaaally tough, you know!

After you win, Boudica admits she didn't think you'd be THAT good. But it's a nice mistake to make. She thanks you for being willing to show off your prowess, even though you were still tired from the trip.

She then notes that her offense and Spartacus's defense are a good pair. The fact you didn't pull back, even facing them, is very good. She's particularly pleased with Mashu, because she's quite fond of the idea of a Heroic Spirit of a Shield. But she also thinks Mashu really needs to bulk up! She's far too thin to properly use her shield. Mashu is a little embarassed to hear this.

Regardless, Boudica notes that Nero and Mashu also make a good pair. Kind of a fire and earth sort of duo. She asks if Mashu agrees.

>Mashu: ...Yes.
>Boudica: Yup, that's a good response. Yup. Yup.
>Boudica: Yup...
>Boudica: Yup, yup. (She's staring.)
>Boudica: Yup, yup, yup. (Still staring.)

Mashu shyly asks what's wrong, and Boudica admits that now that she's taken a better look at Mashu... She's adorable! She proceeds to hug the daylights out of Mashu, greatly flustering her. Apparently Mashu reminds Boudica of her younger sister. So do you, actually.

Your response is either to say that Boudica is like a kind aun- er, big sister or marvel at how Mashu's face is smack dab in the middle of Boudica's cleavage. Whichever you pick, Mashu's kind of having trouble breathing now. Boudica, still on cloud nine, apologizes for being so initially wary of you two because you were Nero's allies. She'll make up for it by making you something delicious to eat. She's quite proud of her cooking, actually, so she hopes Mashu will enjoy it.

Mashu lets out a stuttered thanks, then haltingly asks if you're hungry. She's probably gasping for air now that she's free from Boudica's grasp. You can either reply that you're starving (Mashu agrees) or say that you're exhausted (Mashu apologizes for forgetting that you're still tired from the trip here).

Boudica cheerfully tells you to eat and rest, as that's the secret to good health. Then, turning back to Mashu, she proclaims she's going to stuff Mashu till she's full and then get in a bath with her. Mashu can help clean Boudica's back!

Mashu has no idea what is going on.

Boudica was shocked when she found out, but Rome has amazing baths. Even Nero can be helpful sometimes, surprisingly. It feels so good that even Spartacus calms down when he's soaking!

Mashu still has no idea what is going on. But it looks like you'll be splitting up from her here...?

Meanwhile Roman is just impressed to hear you can calm down Berserkers by letting them take a bath. What a discovery!

---

Chapter 7: Retake Gaul!

On the Alliance side, a soldier is talking to an emperor. A horse has returned from the frontlines, carrying message of an increase in enemy (or rather your) attacks. They also alert that the False Emperor Nero is leading a small but incredibly strong squad. The soldier's worried that the "special" enemy commander his emperor has spoken of is among that squad.

Caesar (they don't even hide his name) considers this, and when asked what the Alliance should do says to just leave you alone. Only a Servant can handle another Servant. Caesar thinks it's amusing that the whims of the gods have brought him here, and as a Saber at that. He sighs that it's time for him to draw his sword. The soldier, stunned, asks if Emperor Caesar is heading out.

>Caesar: Fool.
>Soldier: Yes.
>Caesar: I will not be heading out. They will be coming to me.

Caesar says he'll handle the situation, so the soldiers should flee. The soldier protests, saying he's a proud Alliance soldier and that it was the gods' intention that Gaul be conquered. How could they just retreat?! Caesar once again calls him a moron, and repeats that an ordinary human has no chance against a Servant. The soldier is still hesitant, so Caesar finally just orders him to fight moderately, because he doesn't want his soldiers to die. Hesitantly, the soldier finally agrees. But he also swears to do everything he can and then heads off.

>Caesar: Even though I said that, they are likely to die. All for the sake of the Rome they believe in.
>Caesar: Good grief... This is all just one of "his" whims.
>Caesar: The perfect government. The perfect leadership. And yet they're still just a purposeless group.

Cut to your side. Boudica says she and Spartacus will handle the stragglers, so you and Nero should charge straight for the enemy camp. Spartacus proceeds to charge off, ranting all the while, and ignoring Boudica yelling at him that he's going the wrong way. He does seem to be happy he's fighting alongside the "queen of treason" though.

Watching them go, Nero says she's counting on Boudica. And she means that in a lot of ways. She then cherrypicks a line out of Spartacus' rant and agrees with it. It's time to defeat the false emperor and take back Gaul. Mashu and you agree, though you can either give an encouragement or a warning to be cautious. Mashu agrees either way and then asks for orders like normal.

After the battle, Mashu is pondering the Golem you fought at the end. Roman confirms it was created through magecraft, likely either an enemy Servant or an enemy magus. Possibly even Lev. Then Nero cuts in to get your heads out of the clouds and keep moving.

The next bit starts with Roman detecting something non-human. It's not a Servant, but it's magical, so it's probably more golems. Mashu says she'll smash them to bits.

Nero announces you've arrived at the enemy camp. Caesar makes his entrance and complains you kept him waiting far too long. Still, at least there's something here worth his time.

>Caesar: That beauty.
>Caesar: It is lovely. Gorgeous. Truly beautiful. How appropriate that Rome should possess the most beautiful thing in the world.
>Caesar: Successor to my beloved Rome. Tell me your name.

Nero clicks her tongue in response, causing Caesar to sardonically note that she ought to be eloquent, even on a battlefield. And to not even introduce herself before crossing blades? Is this the kind of person the current Emperor of Rome is? He once more asks for the name of the person who made him take the trouble of unsheathing his sword. Nero finally does, stating both her title and her full name, and then declares she's going to defeat Caesar. Pleased, Caesar then turns his attention to you and Mashu. Describing you as hailing from a truly faraway country, he says it's all right for you to introduce yourself too.

You can choose to do so, to which Mashu will follow suit. She'll also say she's a Servant, to which Caesar will say that's a word he's heard a lot of lately. It's true what they say, all roads lead to Rome.

But what you should actually respond with is a question as to why he's so fat. Caesar answers it's only natural, Rome was the origin of gourmet food. It's made him quite strong, and of course a little plump. Further proof of its culinary excellence is Nero, whose... "affluence", shall we say, surpasses even that of his lover's, the queen of the desert. Nero is actually flattered to hear that, but she says she won't be like her mother. She's going to stay single, so Caesar's words didn't even make her heart throb. Caesar is shocked...! And Roman says to cut it out already.

Getting back on track, Mashu has questions about the Alliance Empire and the Holy Grail. Caesar is about to respond, but he doesn't know your name (or just forgot it if you picked option 1 earlier but why) so you have to introduce yourself. Caesar recognizes you as being a Master, and then places Mashu as your Servant. Things are going differently from what he expected, and he actually wonders if he's on the right side. But regardless, you are his enemies. So while it's a pain, he'll do what he has to do.

>Caesar: This is your reward for coming so far. Savor the taste of my golden blade, Crocea Mors.
>Nero: Now you've said it, gold is MINE! I am the one who made the Golden Theatre! I, Nero!

Caesar is pleased at Nero's enthusiasm, then instructs Mashu to do her best defending you. Then he says that he'll tell you about the Holy Grail if you fight well. Declaring that the die has already been cast, he attacks.

After you clash, Caesar is impressed at your strength. Then he corrects himself, saying that all things considered it wasn't a very good idea to make a famous commander fight as a regular footsoldier. But you have to use the best man you have for the job, he supposes.

Mashu is amazed Caesar would say that when he's swinging such a fearsome sword around so easily. Roman's just impressed with the Saber class.

Nero is winded, and is furious at herself for having so much trouble against a false emperor. Caesar promptly corrects her, saying he is indeed an emperor. Though, when he was alive, that wasn't what the position was called. Musing that he ought to respond to Nero's beauty and courage, he finally introduces himself to your group as Gaius Julius Caesar. Nero immediately recognizes him as the one who led Rome prior to the first Roman Emperor, but then points out that that's impossible: Caesar's long dead. Caesar responds that she should've already met Caligula. In fact, she probably already knows full well that both he and Caligula are the real deal. This shocks Nero out of her battle stance entirely, to which Caesar laughs. He once more praises her beauty, so fitting for someone bearing his name. Then he starts praising Mashu as well.

>Mashu: ...!
>Caesar: Your courage, your strength, and your beauty. I stand in admiration of them. Therefore, I shall tell you one thing.
>Caesar: The Holy Grail is in the capital city of our Alliance Empire. To be more precise, it is in the hands of the man we employed as our imperial court's magus.

Mashu wants to know the man's name, but Caesar said that he'd only tell her one thing. He has no reason to say anymore. Turning his attention back to Nero, he says he didn't intend to make her suffer. He explains that he is fighting so he can claim the Holy Grail and make a wish. It's rather greedy of him considering he's already dead, but he's already made an agreement.

With that said, Caesar decides it's time to get serious. Mashu and Roman alert you that he's gotten a lot stronger, and Roman also confirms that in your last fight Caesar wasn't even trying.

>Caesar: I came. I saw. So all that is left is to conquer...!

When you win, Nero is overjoyed. Roman notes that the reading he's getting from Caesar is going down, and congratulates you on your victory. Mashu praises the strength of Caesar's sword blows, but with your instruction guiding her she was able to hang on.

Caesar just muses that losing to beautiful women isn't a bad way to go.

He's still annoyed about being forced to fight as a footsoldier, and exasperatedly complains about how troubling "his" eccentricity is. Nero asks for clarification, and Caesar provides: "he" is surely waiting for you in the Alliance capital. Like Caesar, "he" isn't an emperor, but "he" is still someone no leader of Rome would ever deny. He thinks it'd be fun to see what face Nero would make when she catches sight of "him", but also notes that Nero would be beautiful regardless of her expression.

And with that, he fades away.

Nero is confused at this sorcery, so you either explain that Caesar was a Servant and that's just how they die or say that he's disappeared entirely from this world. Mashu fills in the blanks regardless.

>Mashu: A Servant extinguishes upon meeting death. Their temporary body vanishes, and their experiences are sent to their seat on the Throne.

As you might've expected, Nero doesn't really get it, but she switches the topic back to Caesar. Notably, she switches from a derogatory pronoun to a more respectful one while referring to him. Roman confirms it was really him, and Nero is a little ashamed to have raised a weapon against the wise Caesar. Mashu tries to comfort her, but Nero just says it's nothing.

Praising you for defeating an emperor, Nero declares that Gaul has been retaken. This is a major setback for the Alliance Empire, and it will not be the last. As long as her will and her nation's people remain, and as long as the gods and the Divine Ancestor bless her, she will take back all of Rome. Nothing will stop her.

Cut to the Alliance Capital, where Lev and Mr. ??? are speaking. ??? observes that Caesar has fallen, and Lev says it's fine. He can just summon as many more Servants as he needs. The real problem is that foolish Berserker... Well, actually, "foolish" is kind of in the class description so that's redundant.

>Lev: I was surprised when he went against my orders. Is this what they mean when they say blood is thicker than water? How amusing.

And there's Caligula, still murmuring about fate and how much he loves his niece. I'm not sure if Lev just called him back when you beat him in chapter 2 or if he was re-summoned, the game doesn't explain. Lev apologizes, but he'll be having Caligula murder his own niece. And then destroy this entire era. It's a good thing Caligula isn't smart enough to mourn anymore. He grimaces that Servants are truly inconvenient beings, then declares that no matter their legend nor their capabilities, at the end of the day they're all just familiars. They have the power to go wherever they'd like, and yet they have no freedom at all. The irony!

Lev asks what Mr. ??? thinks, but then realizes he's being rude since ??? is also a Servant. But then, that's exactly why ??? has to obey him. This era will be destroyed, Emperor Nero will die, Ancient Rome will collapse, and human history will vanish. That is the duty his king gave to him.

With that all said, it's time to summon new Servants. Unlike the incomplete system back at Chaldea, he can summon as freely as he'd like. And so he does, and gets Leonidas.

>Lev: Oho, the Heroic Spirit of Thermopylae. Not bad. Now then, with all of your power, erase Nero Claudius from existence!

---

Chapter 8: On the Way Back

As the chapter title implies, you're going back to Rome. Nero seems concerned with something, and eventually asks if you remember what that peasant trader you passed by yesterday (offscreen) said. Specifically, about the ancient god that's supposed to have appeared. She asks if you think it's true, and Roman is surprised that of all things was bothering her. Mashu clarifies that in the past few days they've heard that rumor four times, and to her eyes nobody seemed to be outright lying.

The exact rumor is that a god has appeared on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Gaul is near the Mediterranean so Nero think it's not strange they caught ear of such a rumor, but the number of times they've heard it have started to concern her. She wants to go check it out on the way back. Roman's sorta interested too now, so he asks for your opinion. And honestly, both of your choices are kinda dumb. You can either ask if everyone just heard the rumor wrong (Mashu reports that they've heard it so many times that's incredibly unlikely) or say that the holder of the Holy Grail might be on that island. Mashu points out that Caesar said that the Alliance Empire's court magus is supposed to have the thing, but since the game really wants you to go Roman points out that's it's possible Lev moved to that island and is calling himself a god now. Or it could also just actually be a god. Who knows.

Roman thinks the idea of an island where a god dwells is very romantic sounding, especially to a modern man like him who lives in times where Divine Spirits have vanished from daily existence. Mashu asks if it's possible to manifest Divine Spirits, presumably as Servants. Roman answers that it's very difficult, so difficult it may as well be impossible. And at the very least, he can confidently say Chaldea's system couldn't do it. You ask what a Divine Spirit even is, and Mashu will tell you that they're pretty much existences beyond even Heroic Spirits. Roman elaborates that they are the gods spoken of in the world's many legends. Sometimes they're embodiments of nature, sometimes they're symbols of power. They've long since vanished from the world, or maybe they just never had a physical form to begin with. Roman goes off on a long tangent about how little modern magi know about Divine Spirits, though at the very least there's slight evidence that they exist on a higher plane of existence. There's no firsthand proof, of course, since nobody can reach there. But if some kind god exists, maybe they could help your group restore the future?

Getting back on track, Roman confirms that Divine Spirits can not be summoned as Servants. Or rather, WE can't summon them. If the gods felt like it, they could probably figure something out. Mashu asks if that's the case for the god at the island, and Roman answers that all things considered it's incredibly unlikely a Divine Spirit has truly manifested. But hey, why not go find out? Nero is very interested too now, so you're going.

At this point, a Roman soldier pops in to say that the soldiers at the back of the formation are under attack. Nero is annoyed your conversation was interrupted, while Roman detects more monsters brought forth by the Holy Grail. You order Mashu to engage (either encouragingly or cautiously), and she accepts.

Afterwards Nero puts the conversation back on track. Mashu asks if she's really fine with not going back to Rome, and Nero answers that she's very interested in Rome's mythology. Particularly its Divine Ancestor and founder, Romulus. It'd suck if the Alliance's emperors stole a march on her too. Roman laughs that if the emperor commands it, you as the Guest Commander ought to follow suit. Mashu tells him to stop playing around, but he claims that's not it. It's just that his curiosity as a researcher is overflowing, really! Mashu and Four are skeptical.

Nero is oddly silent, and Mashu is worried your group's offended her. Then Nero snaps back to her senses and comes to a decision: crossing the Mediterranean will be an appropriately glorious return to Rome. She's bored of going by land anyways. Mashu's still weary of that odd moment where Nero did nothing, though, and Roman points out it's just like Boudica said. Cue a flashback where Boudica observes that ever since the Alliance showed up, Nero's been having some odd moments of silence. And while she might be imagining it, Boudica says she can feel a slight magical power whenever it happens. It's weird since Nero's still alive and most certainly not a magus, but she's sure she felt it. It seems as if Nero isn't all that there too, so Boudica asks you to pay close attention to Nero and to take care of her. She'd do it herself, but her and Spartacus are going to be holding the fort in Gaul. Mashu agrees, but also notes that it seems like Boudica's actually worried about Nero.

>Boudica: I'm not worried about Nero! ...I'm not speaking as an individual here.
>Boudica: For better or for worse, she's the symbol of this land. If anything were to happen to her, defeat would be guaranteed.
>Boudica: And personally, I'm already sick of losing. That's the only reason she's been on my mind lately.
>Mashu: ...I see.
>Boudica: Good. Okay, that's enough of that! Mashu, do you still have some free time?
>Mashu: Uh, um...
>Boudica: Before you leave, let your big sister teach you how to make some amazing Britannian cooking!

Boudica thinks Mashu's so cute that it'd be a shame not to teach her something useful for when she gets married. She shoves Mashu into her bosom again and carefully warns her not to get hurt or to do anything crazy. Mashu tries to stutter out that that's impossible since she's your Servant, which just causes Boudica to squeal that Mashu's such a dedicated kouhai. Mashu just gives up at this point.

Back in the present, Roman agrees that he can detect something magical. Has Nero had a spell cast on her? Mashu wonders what sort of spell it could be, but Roman just sighs they don't have enough information. Meanwhile Nero is going on about how you need to hurry up and reserve a ship, only to get stopped by Mashu telling you that she's detecting remnants of the enemy army. Roman confirms they're likely the survivors of the battle of Gaul, and Nero says that while she'd normally ignore fleeing soldiers, it's a different story if they're attacking. Time to fight them off.

After you win, Nero once more gets back on track. She enjoys traveling by boat, and brags to you that she'll show off just how well can can steer one. You can say it sounds fun (she'll respond that it will be, and is pleased you're so obedient) or say you're worried (she tells you you don't have to be shy). Roman's impressed how Nero always seems to have an answer to anything she hears. Mashu is just silent.

---

Chapter 9: The Mystery of the Ancient God

You've arrived at the island, and you got there ridiculously fast. Nero's cheerful, but basically everyone else is not exactly in the best of states. Mashu is thankful she's a Demi Servant, while Roman sympathizes with the poor, ordinary soldiers, who are unable to even get off the boat. He then thinks back on Nero's... "impressive" skill at the wheel. To think someone could make a boat dance in the skies, or even drift... You tell him to shut up and stop reminding you. He quickly apologizes and then says that at least you can go search for that god now. Oh wait, actually you don't need to because he's detecting a Servant nearby.

Mashu suddenly freezes, and Nero asks if it's another enemy attack. Has this island already fallen into the hands of the Alliance? Roman denies it, and says it's a Servant... but no ordinary one. A young girl shows up and agrees, she's definitely not ordinary. She formally welcomes your group to her humble abode, and then is slightly surprised to see Servants among your group. And here she was, waiting for some brave, human hero. Mashu and Roman are still freaking out over what they're feeling from the girl, so you ask what the deal is. Roman answers that all the readings are saying one thing: she's a god. Goddess, rather.

The girl affirms it, and then introduces herself as Stheno, one of the three Gorgon sisters. She'd rather not be called an "ancient god", but she does admit that it's an accurate descriptor as far as your group is concerned. Mashu is stunned to see a Divine Spirit as a Servant, and asks Roman how this could've possibly happened when he just finished saying it couldn't. Apparently he forgot how he said it could happen if the god felt like it, because he just stutters out that it looks like there's an exception for everything. But wow, a real god? And one from Ancient Greece at that! He's stunned this is really happening, but then he quickly notes that all things considered Stheno isn't exactly beyond human comprehension like you'd expect a god to be. He quickly realizes the situation's similar to a Heroic Spirit, she's been "downsized" into a Servant. She probably won't be able to use her divine powers. Stheno is impressed and confirms it. She isn't exactly happy to hear Roman go on about how weak she is now though, but sadly since he isn't actually here she can't beguile him into becoming her slave with her gaze.

>Roman: Gah... A shiver just went through my whole body... It's a totally different pressure than that time with the black Jeanne!
>Stheno: My. That's just your imagination.

Stheno then goes on to explain that gods aren't all powerful as a rule, anyways. She and Euryale are good examples. Roman thinks the magical response he's getting from her is still pretty impressive though... But at the same time, she doesn't seem very hostile. Stheno says she has no interest in fighting, and compares herself to Mashu.

>Mashu: Me?
>Stheno: Isn't it the same for you? Your power isn't for the purpose of slaughter, it's for the sake of protecting something.
>Mashu: ...That's right.
>Stheno: Heheh. I like obedient girls like you. I'd like to show you the same amount of affection I give my younger sister.
>Mashu: (Ah. I just felt a chill.)
>Nero: (I am trembling too!)

I think you can guess which younger sister the furigana specifies. Anyway Four pipes up, and Roman says he's picking up something on the beach. Stheno is amused, and Nero wonders who would be so arrogant as to interrupt a conversation between a goddess and an emperor. An Alliance soldier? Mashu says no, it's just some ghosts. You tell her to beat them up, and so off she goes.

Afterwards, Nero proclaims she has a rough grasp of the situation: Stheno isn't an enemy. Mashu agrees, so Nero thinks this conversation ought to be simple. She welcomes Stheno to Rome, formally introduces herself, and then says she'd be happy to accept Stheno as a new member of the Roman pantheon. Together, they will surely be able to crush the Alliance Empire. Stheno's impressed with how radiant Nero is, even saying she's a match for Apollo. But too bad, she doesn't want to. She may be a Servant now, with the skills to match, but she has no intention of courageously fighting like Medusa once did.

In any case, since your group has come so far Stheno thinks she ought to reward you. In the times of old, she'd have sicced Medusa on you.

>You: Sicced? [You can also just pretend you didn't hear that.]
>Nero: Sicced?
>Mashu: Did you just say "sicced"?
>Stheno: *cough*. Heheh, no, it was nothing. Now then, shall I grant you lot the blessing of a goddess?

If you continue down the beach, you'll find a cave. There, in the deepest depths, Stheno has prepared a valuable treasure. Nero and Roman are very interested, and Roman even wonders if it's the Holy Grail. Mashu interjects that that would go against what Caesar said, but also admits the possibility isn't zero. Nero just says she doesn't care what it is, she's the type of person who can love just about anything. So off you go.

Once you actually get to the cave, Nero starts complaining about how gloomy and cramped it is. Mashu is also displeased, though also because her view is restricted. Roman suddenly gasps, and Mashu immediately asks what's wrong. His face seemed... actually she can't tell what his face looks like, so she changes her words to say that his voice sounded bad. Roman groans that you've been tricked: he's picking up a huge magical reading from up ahead. It's not a Servant either, it's some monster. And it's likely that Stheno really did put it there. He starts nervously laughing as some skeletons clatter over.

Once you win, Nero can't believe how many bones there are in this cave. Mashu's glad that you're just fighting skeletons, though. Then Roman picks up more enemies approaching, so everyone gets ready again.

After that fight's over, Nero complains she's tired and wants to go home and rest. Meanwhile Roman points out that over the course of the battle, you ended up in the deepest part of the cave. He picks up something magical and gasps. Mashu asks if it's the Holy Grail, but Roman immediately denies it. It's another Phantasmal Species, and while it's not a dragon this time it's still really strong. A chimera shows up, and Nero is impressed at its size. But at the same time, she thinks the lion face is really cute. Roman doesn't understand why it's here, but then realizes it's probably also thanks to Stheno. He warns you to take it seriously, and the fight is on.

Later, your group's made it back to Stheno. She greets you and asks if you enjoyed her treasure. Nero and Mashu are completely exhausted, but you can say it was nothing and surprise Mashu with your stamina. You can also say you're tired too. Then Elizabeth and Tamamo Cat show up out of nowhere and make fun of you (or rather, Elizabeth talks smack while Tamamo Cat just laughs). Mashu points them out, and particularly focuses on Elizabeth.

>Mashu: A lizard, a dragon, or maybe an idol...
>Mashu: Anyways, let's take them down!
>You: Wait, that's Elizabeth!
>Mashu: I know. I know, but...!
>Mashu: She's dangerous, Senpai. She'll likely make a mess of everything!
>Roman: I agree... Okay, let's pretend not to know her and beat her up, [Your Name]!

Your other option was to get right on the "beat up Elizabeth" train. Roman approves. Elizabeth is annoyed your group's giving her this treatment again, and calls you all uncute weird fawns. Tamamo Cat is still laughing. Mashu alerts you that a weirdo like Elizabeth is calling you weird, and you fire back with a "Well that's because SHE'S weird!" (or just go "yep she sure did").

Anyways Elizabeth is actually impressed you made it through the cave, but figures she expected no less from the puppy (her nickname for you). Nero finally makes her way into this conversation to ask who Elizabeth is and why she came out of nowhere like that.

>Elizabeth: And what do YOU want? Eh? I can't feel any magical power... Wait, are you a human? YOU?
>Nero: Why are you surprised? You're quite the rude fellow. You may look like a beautiful girl, but that won't stop me from cutting you into pieces, you know?
>Nero: I am Nero Claudius, the current emperor... Hm. Why are you looking at me so familiarly?
>Elizabeth: No way, a living Nero?!
>Mashu: Living...?
>Nero: What do you mean, "living"?!
>Tamamo Cat: Ahahahahahaha!

Yes, Tamamo Cat is still laughing. Roman despairs that Elizabeth is even harder to understand than she was in France, and the scene ends.

Stheno tries to get the conversation back on track, and explains that Elizbeth and Tamamo Cat manifested at the same time she did. They helped her set up that cave, and she had them test run it too. Elizabeth grumbles it was awful, but then changes her tune when she realizes that holding a concert in an underground cave is a fresh idea. Tamamo Cat is STILL laughing.

>Stheno: I see you're acquaintances with Elizabeth. Very well, how about this girl?
>Tamamo Cat: Ahahahahahaha!
>Mashu: No, um... This is our first meeting. I understand that she's a Servant, though.
>Tamamo Cat: Ahahahahahaha! Okay, I'll introduce myself!
>Tamamo Cat: I am one of the Tamamo Nine, Tamamo Cat!
>Tamamo Cat: My verbal tic is "woof". My hobby is running a cafe. My favorite things are carrots.
>Tamamo Cat: Hmm. Wait, that's not right. Okay, woof. [The joke is that "Hmm" is Nero's verbal tic]
>Nero: What a chatterbox!
>Mashu: And what a forced "woof"...!

Roman pegs her as a neutral party, and is glad she isn't an enemy. Or maybe he should be glad she's not an ally? Tamamo Cat explains she just likes laughing.

>Mashu: Ah. Um, okay.
>Tamamo Cat: I am one of the Tamamo Nine. Tamamo Cat! Is it okay if I use cat speech?
>Mashu: Yes.
>Nero: What is the Tamamo Nine?
>Tamamo Cat: Okay. Is dog speech okay?
>Nero: Hmm??

Stheno's enjoying watching this trainwreck of a conversation. Then she complains that Tamamo Cat refused to play along. Her original plan was that once you defeated the chimera, you'd open a chest and be surprised by Tamamo Cat popping out. Stheno and Tamamo Cat chat for a bit, and Nero's surprised that Stheno can keep up with such an odd person. She truly is a goddess.

Roman points out that while this has been sorta fun, the whole trip to the island has overall been a waste of time. You shoot back this was his idea, and he laughs that, well, this stuff happens. But it's time to head back to Rome... Or at least it would be, but he's detecting a Servant!

>Elizabeth: Huh? (<- Is a Servant)
>Tamamo Cat: What? (<- Is a Servant)
>Stheno: Hm? (<- Is a Servant)
>Mashu: Doctor? (<- Is a Demi Servant)
>Roman: No, uh, sorry, that was a bad way to put it!

Roman's detecting a Servant OTHER than the ones already here. And indeed, straight from the sea comes Caligula. He's still ranting about how his behavior is fated and how Nero should give him her life and body. Elizabeth has no idea who he is, while Stheno just muses that Servants can end up like Caligula too. She also thinks he has tasteless hobbies.

Caligula switches to groaning about beauty again, causing Elizabeth to wonder if he's a pervert. I mean, sure, she's a charming idol, but she's also nobility! She's not going to let some disgusting pervert get near her! Meanwhile, Caligula actually starts to get a little more coherent.

>Caligula: Beautiful... Beautiful...! You are beautiful...!
>Caligula: I want to steal you away, I want to devour you, I want to tear you apart. Your goddess-like purity, your goddess-like beauty, everything...!
>Caligula: I want to run rampant all over you with my entire bodyyyy! I, love, you, my, beloved, niece
>Caligula: NEROOOOOOO!!
>Nero: ...I see now. You are a beast. You are already no longer my Uncle!

Nero proclaims her uncle is already dead. Even now, she thinks it was a tragic death. But now that Caligula has appeared before her, still lost in his madness, she will grant him requiem. That is her duty as a niece and as an emperor. Mashu alerts you a battle among Servants is about to start, and as always asks for orders.

>Caligula: Nero... Nero.... My, beloved, niece...
>Caligula: You... are... s-so... beauti, ful...
>Caligula: M-More, than, the goddess of the, moon... M-More, than, the radiance of... the Holy Grail...

Caligula vanishes once more.

>Nero: ...The enemy leader Caligula has been slain. Only one false "emperor" remains. We shall slaughter them!

Nero then turns to you and Mashu and praises your abilities once more. You can either say it wasn't a big deal (Nero will respond that it was, and she needs to consider your reward) or ask if she's all right. She'll say you really are a kind person, and also not to worry. She will be fine, for she is the Emperor of Rome.

Nero muses that your group has helped her quite a bit. Once the Alliance is defeated, your reward will have to be quite fearsome indeed. But she assures you it won't be a monster... unlike a certain SOMEONE'S reward. Stheno is amused at Nero's not so subtle jab, and muses that the queens of this era are certainly brave. She declares Nero a true hero, and actually seems to be a little disappointed that Nero's a woman. In response, Nero declares she is neither a queen nor a hero. She is the Fifth Emperor of Rome. Stheno chuckles and agrees to refer to Nero as that.

Stheno now intends to give your group an actual blessing: the location of the Alliance Empire's capital. Nero is stunned, and declares to everyone that going into that cave turned out to be a good thing after all.

>Mashu: I-Is that so?
>You: But Dr. Roman didn't do anything.
>Roman: ...Uh, yeah. Y-You're right. My bad.
>Elizabeth: ... (<- Didn't do anything)
>Tamamo Cat: What? (<- Didn't do anything)

You can also say that the cave had nothing to do with the gift, but that doesn't really fit with the rest of the conversation.

---

Chapter 10: A Triumphant Return

The group is almost back in the capital city of Rome, and you're exhausted. Mashu encourages you to keep going, while Nero figures she should've brought a chariot. She apologizes for not bringing along any chariot men, despite otherwise bringing the best of the best, so a nearby soldier then pledges to prepare one for the next battle. Nero tells him that's not necessary, since in the next battle your group will be heading straight for the Alliance capital. Then Roman detects a bunch of enemies up ahead, so you fight them.

Mashu's a little confused why there are still so many enemy soldiers, and so is Nero. You just took Gaul, after all. Nero ponders if the enemy is invading by sea, but also notes her scouts hadn't said a thing. Roman points out that the scouts may have just been killed, and says there's a possibility a powerful battalion of enemy forces has landed nearby. He'd like to explain further, but he's detecting more enemies. Mashu and the soldiers wish each other safety, and then Mashu asks for orders like normal.

Nero thinks those soldiers you just fought were a little different from the usual Alliance fare. They didn't LOOK very different, but there was something about them that's bugging her. Mashu confirms that they felt like more like Servants than ordinary people. She asks Roman what's going on, and he says it could be a lot of things. Maybe a Noble Phantasm? And not an ordinary one either (as far as you can call a NP ordinary), it'd have to be something powerful enough to affect a battlefield.

Next scene starts with Mashu detecting a Servant. No, hundreds of Servants. They feel like the soldiers you just fought, too. Then a Roman soldier reports that you're being attacked by a force of hundreds, and Nero is astounded that so many enemies could ambush them from out of nowhere.

>???: This is not an ambush. It is just that I have decided to hold this ground.

A strange man with his head on fire declares that now that you've tread upon his territory, he must defend it. He'll crush Nero's army with brave attacks and an enduring defense, the Spartan method of holding ground. He invites you to try a taste of his body, which probably sounds a lot less sexual in Japanese.

Mashu notices that he mentioned Sparta, and pieces together who she's talking to. Leonidas introduces himself anyways, saying he doesn't need to hide his True Name since this isn't an ordinary Holy Grail War. Nero recognizes the name, and asks if he is truly King Leonidas of Sparta. He confirms it, and she's very surprised to see a man right out of the legends. She figures he must have been resurrected like the other emperors. Then, in a flash of insight, she realizes that if other people can be resurrected too, then Boudica- You either interrupt her by saying there's a battle to be won, or shit on Elizabeth by pointing out that she was a Servant too. If you did the latter, Nero will ponder the matter a bit longer but ultimately conclude that there's no way that Boudica could've died. Either way, Mashu will awkwardly change the subject to how there's a bunch of enemies.

Nero is worried about how badly you're outnumbered, but Mashu explains that if you defeat Leonidas, all of the other enemy soldiers will vanish too. She asks you for orders, and the battle begins.

>Leonida: Just, as I thought. Fighting without something to protect is...

And so Leonidas vanishes, having had about eight lines total. Nero was expecting it this time, and takes it as a sign that Servants truly are not of the mortal world. Mashu notes Leonidas was a formidable opponent, and perhaps the Heroic Spirit best at holding a point. And Roman says the surroundings are totally clear of enemies, so Nero decides it's time to get back on track to the capital. She encourages you and Mashu to stick your chests out with pride, and then says that Mashu in particular should do it because she's packing quite the chest. Though she also notes that Mashu isn't on Nero's level yet, which I'm sure some people are very interested in knowing. Mashu is just embarrassed.

You make it back to Rome without incident, and go right to Nero's palace. Nero is glad for a little peace and quiet, and Mashu comments on how bustling it was outside, like it was a festival. She adds that you got jostled a lot by the crowd, but also that you didn't seem to mind that much. Do you just like that sort of thing? You reply that that's just normal at festivals (or a non-comittal "meh" that again doesn't flow with the conversation), and Mashu makes a mental note that festivals are events where everyone is very intimate.

Roman chimes in and says Mashu just isn't willing to admit she had fun savoring the taste of victory. Nero asks if Roman's familiar with that, and he responds that no, but he can certainly imagine it after all the things your group's run into thanks to Nero. Then Nero notes that Mashu really kept to herself. She asks if Mashu is bad with other people touching her, and laughs that it's only appropriate that a warrior of the shield would be so chaste. Mashu decides to take the compliment, and apologizes for any trouble she might've caused. She then apparently stares right at you.

>You: Isn't it nice to be loved?
>Mashu: Y, Yes... Um. No. It's nothing, I just... No, it's really nothing.

You also could ask why Mashu was looking at you. Same answer.

And then, like basically every scene where you're chatting with Nero, a Roman soldier busts in to interrupt. It seems the special expeditionary force Nero sent out earlier is on its way back. Both of the generals are in good health, but they ran into a large battalion of Alliance soldiers and are surrounded. Nero will not allow this and apologetically asks you and Mashu for help. Mashu agrees and asks for orders. And you can either tell her to go save the generals or remark that if Nero's ordering something, there's no other option but to listen. Either way Mashu will agree.

Cut to Lu Bu screeching something. Jing Ke is there too, and I'd hide their names but that would make writing this summary awkward. Jing remarks on how impressively surrounded they are. There are enemies everywhere, they're practically like fog. And while it normally wouldn't be a problem for them...

>Lu: *screeching*
>Jing: Indeed. We'd end up losing the soldiers Nero Claudius entrusted us with. I'd like to avoid that, if at all possible.

This is just the deadly situation that both Jing and Lu have been looking forward to, but to their soldiers it's a huge problem. Jing ponders what to do, but then she and Lu notice reinforcements coming. Jing wonders if it's the Queen of the Chariot (Boudica) and the Warrior (Spartacus) she's heard about it, but it's just you and Mashu. Mashu identifies Jing from the description she was given and explains you're here to link up with her and Lu. You can either be glad you made it in time or say you thought you were going to die. Mashu will agree with both, but for the latter she'll also say that even if charging through the enemy lines was a little never wracking, they were all ordinary humans so there wasn't much danger.

Jing's never seen you before, but she can tell you're not an enemy. Mashu confirms you're allied reinforcements from Rome, and asks for Jing and Lu's names. Jing just says you can talk later, and asks if she's right in assuming Mashu is the same as her and Lu (as in she's a Servant). Mashu confirms.

>Jing: In that case, let's open up an escape route together. I'd like it if as many soldiers as possible could return to Rome.

Mashu alerts you this is a large scale battle, then asks for orders like always.

After you crush the enemy army with minimal allied casualties, Jing thanks you for the assistance. She introduces herself, and explains she was also appointed as Guest Commander by Nero. Which would probably make her the person Boudica was thinking about when she first met you. Anyway Jing's pretty much here because she heard there were some emperors that needed to be murdered, and she ended up a general before she knew it. She's more of the scout/assassin type, though; running rampant over the battlefield is Lu's job. Even now he's still chasing enemy soldiers, though he should come back sooner or later.

Roman chimes in to exposit a bit about Jing's backstory. For her part, she figures out that your group has come from a different era, and actually seems to grasp what you're here for. Not that it matters to her: all she and Lu want to do is slaughter some emperors. They've apparently already killed three, and she offers to make it a competition. Mashu is unsure about this, but you proudly declare you won't lose, to Jing's amusement. You can also admit you've only killed two, which will cause Jing to try and reassure you that you can still catch up.

Once Jing and Lu make it back to Rome, Nero will launch a full scale invasion of the Alliance Empire's capital. And once that starts, the contest will really begin. Jing's looking forward to it. Meanwhile Mashu is still very unsure about this, and privately admits to you she doesn't feel like Jing is a person she can really talk to. You can either tell her it's fine because you're here or just encourage her. Her response to both choices is to get flustered.

Cut to Lev musing over how the plan to get rid of Lu Bu failed. Mr. ??? asks what should be done, but Lev responds it doesn't matter. He has the Holy Grail, after all, so he can just summon yet another Heroic Spirit. And once again, he does.

>Alexander: ...Servant Rider. Hmm. So that's my class, huh?
>Alexander: And? What should I do, Master?

Alexander doesn't reveal his name and Lev doesn't say who he is either, but I'm just going to use it since there's already a ??? on the scene. Just like with Leonidas, Lev orders Alexander to quickly kill Nero. Mr. ??? offers him some troops to do it with, and tells Alexander to do whatever he wants with them. Alexander asks if he can start a war, and Mr. ??? is fine with it. This makes Alexander pretty happy, since war has always been a strong suit of his.

---

Chapter 11: The Assault on the Alliance Empire Capital

Cut to Alexander and an older man at a camp. The older man's just finished writing a report on Nero's troops, and recommends Alexander read it later. He throws in a personal comment too: Lu Bu and Spartacus should be considered walking calamities, as trying to fight either of them head on is a pointless endeavor. But at the same time, they're relatively easy to handle because they're Berserkers. They're pretty much really dumb AI, so it should be easy enough to manipulate them. The man notes they were lucky neither of those two were summoned in some other class, and Alex makes a crack that that's just his high Luck stat at work. The man shoots back that it's just reality favoring them, not luck, and in response Alexander muses that that school of thought exists too.

Alexander doesn't really care either way, he just wants to get a good look at Nero. He wants to see what kind of king (or rather, emperor) the fifth Roman emperor is, and the man swears to make that dream come true.

>Alexander: Thanks. But you know, this is kind of a strange feeling.
>Alexander: I may be a bit of a curve ball of a Heroic Spirit, but this is still a little different from how I remembered things being.
>Alexander: To think you'd become my teacher. It's a little strange.
>???: That's what I should say. Ending up as the vessel of some completely unrelated Heroic Spirit, getting flung into the past, all sorts of things have happened.
>???: What has happened to the me of my era? Have I swapped places with this Heroic Spirit?
>???: Or is it that time has stopped in my era, and that I've come here somehow merged with a Heroic Spirit?
>???: ...Good grief, I can't come to any conclusions at all.
>Alexander: But in the end, you came here. As my new teacher.
>Alexander: Right, Professor Zhuge Liang?
>???: Incorrect. Well, no, that IS what I should be known by as a Heroic Spirit but...
>El-Melloi II: I am Lord El-Melloi II.

Off to your end of the battlefield. Mashu explains once more about how Nero's army is launching an invasion on the Alliance capital, then notes that Jing has gone scouting and has confirmed that a capital-like city exists in the place Stheno told us about. Boudica and Spartacus are on the way over, as are Lu and Jing. Counting Mashu, that makes five Servants on Nero's team, and meanwhile there appear to be no enemy Servants on the Alliance side. Lev hasn't been seen either, and Nero's army has been advancing daily. No matter how you look at it, your group's battlefield prospects look great. And in the midst of all that, she-

>You: What are you doing?
>Four: Four!
>Mashu: Aaah! S-Senpai? Four?!

You can also more politely grab her attention by asking if she's writing a journal. She explains it was Roman's request, since he's a huge military history nut. Roman chimes in with great fervor, saying Mashu's journal will be titled the New Commentaries on the Gallic War as a homage to Caesar's original work. He's quite excited about how interesting this journey's turned out, especially since a god of all things popped up midway. You ask if Roman intends to publish this, since theoretically this should all be classified. Roman gets a little more serious, and explains that he's been thinking about what might happen after you save the world. There's no guarantee the attack on Chaldea will be reversed, so his paycheck's at risk. You get where he's going with this?

Mashu is impressed at how prepared the Doctor is, but also asks why he isn't writing this then. He stutters out an apology and tries to claim this is a good way for Mashu to keep up with the war situation. Mashu says she understands, so she'll be tearing up this journal and delivering a battle record to Da Vinci later. Roman is depressed, but also a little happy that Mashu's so familiar with how things work. Meanwhile you can either support Mashu or say that it'd be a waste to throw away all of her work so far. She's silent either way.

Four pipes up as Nero walks over. She's curious what you're all talking about, since usually it's something interesting. Then Boudica comes in and scolds you all to stop playing around since enemies have been discovered. Roman confirms it, and also notes it's just some ordinary soldiers. Nero's a little annoyed since she finally had time to talk with your group, but decides to take down the enemy soldiers first. She commands her troops to spare any enemies who decide to surrender and swear allegiance to her Rome.

>Boudica: "Her" Rome, huh.
>Nero: Hm?

Mashu recommends you go too, so you do.

Afterwards, Jing observes the Alliance soldiers are in disarray. Apparently you ran into an independent force or something. The situation looks nice, and Nero's quite confident in the strength of her army, especially with all of the Servants. Jing warns her not to get careless, as the enemy capital is still tightly defended. Nero embarrassedly agrees, and praises Jing's wariness. Jing just asks if Nero forgot Jing's an assassin by trade. Planning and being vigilant are what she's good at.

A Roman soldier rushes in to report that you're being pincered by enemy troops from the front and the back. Mashu's confused at why you're being attacked from the back, but Roman points out that that's where Lu and Spartacus are. If you let them deal with it... Jing groans that those two will go on a rampage as soon as a battle starts and break formation, which is why Nero put them in the back to begin with. Seems that plan backfired, so now Nero's counting on you and Mashu to stop the rear enemies from getting near. Mashu is fine with it, since she's better at defensive battles anyway. Well, relatively speaking. You either tell her to get a move on or to not do anything crazy.

Afterwards, Mashu reports that you've crushed the enemies, monsters and all. She thinks it's over, but then Roman alerts that more enemies are approaching. And what's more, these ones are much stronger! Mashu notes you'll be facing a gauntlet, and asks for orders like always.

After that fight is done, Roman is relieved you managed to stop the enemies and protect Lu and Spartacus. He congratulates you and Mashu and is glad a chance for a breather's popped up. Jing comes in and says the rearguard will have to more vigilant from now on, as it seems the enemy has a solid understanding of your formation. Both Roman and Mashu seem to think it might be due to an enemy Servant, but they can't feel any. Though Mashu then clarifies that she DID feel the other four allied Servants... or rather the other three? Jing explains that as an Assassin, she has Presence Concealment so three was an accurate reading. But it doesn't seem like there are any enemy Assassins either, the other side just has a smart commander.

Later, you hear a loud screech. Nero is surprised by the noise and wonders if it's some animal, but Mashu alerts that she's detected a Servant. The chances that it's an enemy are high. Nero pegs them as the enemy commander, and wonders if it's another one of the Alliance's emperors. Mashu tells her to withdraw the regular troops, since they don't have a chance against an enemy Servant, but Nero's already sent them to go under Boudica's supervision to the rear. So your group's free to advance.

Once you get to the scene, Mashu sees and Roman detects a whole bunch of ghosts. Maybe you're dealing with a Caster? Mashu notes that the thing that made that roar earlier is nowhere to be seen, and warns that it could've been a Berserker. But regardless, you need to take down these ghosts. So you do.

El-Melloi II (or Waver, as I'm just going to be calling him) observes that your side seems to have summoned Servants as well. He wonders if it was Lev's doing, but figures it probably wasn't. He asks what Alexander thinks, and for his part Alexander just wants to ride his horse already. Your group got here a lot faster than he was expecting, after all.

Alexander then changes the subject and asks if Waver's heard of the rumored goddess in the Mediterranean. And aside from that goddess, there's supposedly two other women there. It's kind of funny, he thinks. In comparison to those three, Alexander here has been chained down by what I am tentatively going to translate as a Binding Summon.

Waver apparently doesn't bite on this topic change (I'm honestly not sure if I'm missing something or if this conversation just flows really weirdly) and remarks he doesn't like a battle plan that relies on luck. Alexander tells him not to put it like that, especially after Waver went through all that trouble of putting a chink in the enemy formation. But anyways, they should hurry up and get ready while that guy stalls for time.

>Waver: ...Is this really all right?
>Alexander: Hm?
>Waver: Even if he's been manifested through a Binding Summon, he's still quite terrifying.
>Alexander: Yup. That's Darius III for you. A daring and resolute Persian King, he was a worthy rival in my lifetime.

Alexander is pretty sure he'll end up fighting Darius again soon, but that's fine. Right now he just wants to talk with Nero.

Your side has made it to the Berserker that was making so much noise. As Waver and Alexander helpfully explained, it's Darius III. Roman is amazed at the strength of his presence, and the readings more than confirm he's a Servant. Mashu immediately decides that trying to talk with him would be pointless, and labels him as an enemy Servant. She asks for orders, but then Darius roars and causes her to flinch. You encourage her anyway, and the battle begins.

And down goes Darius, with only three lines total. Mashu congratulates you, and Roman muses you and Mashu seem to have gotten used to fighting Servants. Mashu denies it and says that's she only making it through thanks to your orders. As a side note, you could probably make a drinking game over how many times Mashu talks about your orders in this Singularity.

A Roman soldier comes over with a message from Nero. Apparently while you were busy fighting off Darius, another contingent of enemies sprung a second ambush from the back. Spartacus and Lu have thus broken off from the group. Roman's stunned, but the bad news just keeps coming. Spartacus and Lu are doing fine for themselves at the moment, but they're getting farther and farther away from the main forces. And meanwhile, another pincer attack resulted in Boudica getting captured. Roman grimaces over how bad the situation's gotten.

A little bit later, you've linked back up with Nero. She's spacing out again, but when Mashu calls out to her she snaps back to attention saying she was just thinking. Mashu is once again unsure about that. But anyways, Nero admits that in the last battle, her army fell victim to the enemy's numerical superiority. Two of her generals have left, and one has been captured. She's confident that Lu and Spartacus will eventually make their way back, though, so rescuing Boudica should take priority. Fortunately, Jing has already found the enemy fortress Boudica is likely being held in, so this shouldn't be very hard.

Roman is uneasy, so Mashu asks what's wrong. Roman points out that only another Servant could've captured Boudica, so why are they bothering to hole up in a fortress? Especially a fortress that's so close to the Alliance capital at that. Mashu follows his train of thought and concludes this is likely a trap. Roman goes on to say that the enemy's plan to take out your army was very well thought out, as in one fell swoop they've reduced the number of Servants in your army from five to two. Mashu thinks that whoever they are, they definitely understand that there's a massive difference between humans and Servants.

Anyway Roman tells you to decide what the group should do. You can either say you want to save Boudica (Roman figured you'd say that, but points out that this is a war. You need to think more strategically) or...

>You: If it's a trap, then we just have to crush it.
>Mashu: ...Senpai. That way of thinking is just like a Berserker's.
>Mashu: It's true that this time numerous Berserkers have manifested, but you shouldn't let them get to you so much.

But regardless, Mashu doesn't dislike the way you think.

Nero understands how you feel, and declares she'll help you take out the enemy fortress. Warning her soldiers to be careful, she calls for an all-out assault.

---

Chapter 12: Rescuing Boudica

Mashu warns you that she can feel a Servant nearby, and Roman specifies that he's picking up two. Meanwhile, Nero is calling out for Boudica, because she's absolutely certain that Boudica couldn't have died. Then Alexander comes in and points out how overly self-convenient that kind of talk is.

>Alexander: But you can relax. She's safe. Right now, she's soundly asleep thanks to his magic.
>Waver: It's a magical restraint. It's different from being soundly asleep.
>Alexander: But she went to sleep, didn't she? And soundly too.

Nero's surprised her enemies just nonchalantly strolled in, as she can easily tell they're the ones in charge of this fortress. She formally introduces herself, and Alexander's a little troubled on how to respond since he has a lot of names. But eventually he decides on Alexander, or more precisely Alexander III. He's about to introduce Waver too, but Waver beats him to the punch.

Waver goes on to explain how "Lord El-Melloi II" isn't actually the name of a Heroic Spirit, so your group can feel free to forget it. Alexander tells him not to be like that, especially since as far as Nero's concerned the duo are enemy generals.

>Alexander: Right, Ms. Roman Emperor?

Nero agrees, but is also a little surprised at how relaxed Alexander and Waver are. Alexander casually affirms, and Mashu wonders if the two are even enemy Servants. Waver reveals he's just a Stray Servant, while Alexander admits that he doesn't get along with his Master at all. He came here with his own goals in mind. Which is to say that he was waiting for Nero to show up. He's a little interested in her, and as always wants to meddle a bit.

>Alexander: I wanted to talk. With you.
>Alexander: So to do it, I came to the middle of a battlefield.

Alexander thanks Waver for granting his selfish whims, but Waver tells him to cut it out. Alexander was behind half the enemy plan up to now, apparently. Nero is confused at all this, but then Mashu interrupts the moment by announcing that enemy soldiers have come and are aiming at Nero. Nero fears it's another pincer attack, but Alexander reassures her the two of them won't do anything. But...

>Alexander: I think those Alliance soldiers can't be stopped anymore. As soon as those guys noticed you were here, about half of them automatically rushed at you.

Mashu gives another alert, and you either tell her to intercept or to protect Nero. And so she does.

Once that fight's over, Alexander wants to get the chat started. But he admits they should hurry, because as they speak both his and Nero's soldiers are dying. And it's for that exact reason that Nero doesn't understand why Alexander would even want to waste time on a conversation at all. She decides Alexander must be planning something, and demands to know what the objective of this talk is. Alexander agrees that human life is precious.

>Alexander: But all the same, I think doing this is for the best.
>Alexander: Because you've been on my mind lately, Fifth Roman Emperor Nero Claudius.
>Alexander: Why? Why do you want to fight?
>Alexander: Why didn't you swear allegiance to the Alliance Empire? Do you really intend to continue fighting like that? No, like this?
>Alexander: As one of those chosen as "Emperor", shouldn't you avoid a pointless battle like this?
>Nero: Pointless...
>Nero: You just said this battle was pointless, didn't you.
>Alexander: So I did. What will you do about it?
>Nero: ...I shall not forgive you.
>Nero: Among those resurrected from the dead were a relative of mine... a wise ruler from bygone days...
>Nero: A general from ancient times... and a great king whose name stands highly amongst the legends...
>Nero: But now! Right now, only one person stands as emperor! I, Nero Claudius!

Nero shouts that only one person can be allowed to love and be loved by an entire nation. Only one person is desired by the entire nation to do that. Only one person can be a Holy Ruler, or whatever 王聖 is supposed to translate to. Only one can be a shining star. Only one can be allowed to be proud enough to carry an entire nation on their back. And even if the entire Roman pantheon were to come down and tell the Alliance otherwise, the identity of that one person has already been decided. If Alexander thinks Nero would retreat from this battle, he's trampling on both her life and her destiny. She will not step back, no she'll take control and show him a magnificently prospering world: Rome.

So basically this battle isn't pointless because Nero thinks defending the sanctity of the title of emperor is super important.

>Alexander: Wonderful! That answer, that's what I've wanted to hear for so long.
>Alexander: You pass. It was for the best that you became a dynast. No, an emperor! You have what it takes!
>Alexander: The rose that calls forth prosperity! A position only a human could hold, a beast that exemplifies depravity!
>Alexander: You have what it takes to become a Demon King!
>Nero: Silence! Silence, silence, silence! You need not say anymore, so be silent!

Nero turns to you and Mashu and asks you to help her kick Alexander's ass. So you do.

After the battle ends, Alexander has some parting words:

>Alexander: That pride... It's something precious, as radiant as a flower in full bloom. However.
>Alexander: Someday, it will surely become something dangerous. One way or another...

And thus Alexander falls. Then Waver grumbles that there really is nothing Alexander wouldn't voice. But this kind of meddling is just like him. And it's probably worth noting he switches from referring to Alexander with a rude おまえ to a more respectful 貴方. But anyways, Waver vanishes too.

>Nero: I... have not made any mistakes. Not a single one...
>Nero: I will be the only... emperor...
>Mashu: ...

---

Chapter 13: The Signal of the Decisive Battle

Nero's rallying her troops for the final battle as you close in on the Alliance capital. She declares the decisive battle is at hand, asks for her soldiers' help in restoring the unity of Rome, and tells them to become her blade and strike down the false emperor. She calls for a cheer, and the responding outcry (and Nero's voice, for that matter) is so loud Roman comments on it from wherever your group is in the formation.

Mashu observes the battle has now begun, but she still hasn't detected any Servants. She says you'll be joining the group invading the enemy palace, since then your group will be able to identify the Alliance Empire's court magus. You ask if she means Lev, and she responds that there's no proof of that yet. But all the same, there's a distinct possibility. You also have the option of sorta mournfully going "Professor Lev...", to which Mashu will say he is a dangerous person who killed the Chief. There is no room for you to be sympathetic.

Roman gives you two yet another warning to be careful, as who knows what might happen when you encounter the owner of the Holy Grail. Last time in Orleans a dragon was summoned, so don't think the wielder of the Holy Grail is only restricted to Servants. He's about to go on, but then cuts himself off when he picks up a nearby Servant.

>???: ...What courage.
>???: Truly, you are brave. Just what I would expect from the current leader of Rome.

Mashu can see Mr. ??? now, and explains he's standing near the entrance of the palace. He's looking right at your group, and his voice is carrying far enough that even regular humans like Nero can hear it from across the entire battlefield. Roman's impressed that even a Servant's vocal chords surpass those of an ordinary human's.

>???: I see. So you are Nero.
>???: What charm, what beauty, what brilliance. I truly praise you for being able to support Rome with such slender arms.
>???: Now, come to me.
>???: The past, the present, the future. No matter the era, the entirety of Rome will surely love you.

Nero starts freaking out. Mashu wonders if some sort of magic was cast on her, but Roman denies it since he's not picking up any magical power. It doesn't appear to be the effects of a Caster either. Mashu has no idea what could be going on then, so you ask Nero what's up:

>You: Do you know that man?
>Nero: Th, That's...
>Nero: Rome... That's... That gentleman is...
>Nero: It was only a glance, but... I understood... That gentleman is...
>Nero: He's, Rome...

As a note, Nero refers to ??? as "御方", which is either a polite way of referring to someone (the translation I went with) or "ally", "friend", or some other synonym. It's the mikata in "seigi no mikata", a phrase you're likely familiar with.

As another note, you can also ask what's got Nero so afraid, to which she'll go "Something that could make ME scared...? But I'm the Emperor of Rome... That's it, Rome..." and then continue on. It doesn't fit in the conversation very well.

Anyway, ??? sees that Nero understands who he is. He once again tells her to come to him, for his beloved child to return to Rome (he refers to himself as Rome). To return to him, the leader of the Alliance Empire. He's perfectly happy with having Nero join him, saying that he will permit everything about her. Even the beast inside of her will be loved, something that he claims only he could do. Because he, if he hasn't quite hammered the point in yet, is Rome.

Nero is still freaking out over who ??? is. Actually, to be more specific, she's excited! She's overjoyed to see, in front of her very eyes, the unmistakable figure of the founder of Rome! The Divine Ancestor, Romulus!

Mashu cuts in to say that more enemy troops are closing in, once more aiming at Nero. You tell her to intercept, so off she goes.

After the battle, Lu and Spartacus return, much to the joy of the generic Roman soldiers. Meanwhile, you've apparently just told Boudica and Jing about Romulus. Boudica says now she understands why morale has fallen so much, which confuses Jing because as far as she can tell Nero's still going around inspiring her troops as cheerfully as ever. But Boudica responds that compared to normal, Nero's mood is notably less bright.

But regardless, Romulus withdrew back into his palace. Right now you're just fighting the Alliance soldiers, though Boudica's worried that just means he could make another dramatic appearance and hit your army's morale hard again. Meanwhile the Alliance's morale couldn't be higher, they all seem entirely ready to lay down their lives for the cause of a Rome united under Romulus. Boudica figures it must be Romulus' charisma at work.

Jing feels like she has a good grasp on the enemy situation: they're blindly devoted. You can see it in how they're being commanded. Still, she agrees that in terms of morale the Alliance is leaps and bounds above Nero's army. She also admits that yes, Nero seems different than normal. Mashu nervously agrees, and slightly empathizes with what Nero is feeling. There was a sort of ambitious atmosphere around Romulus, and just being near him made her feel like she was in his shadow.

But regardless, Mashu's shocked that you're fighting the founder of Rome himself. You ask for exposition, and Roman provides. Then he notes that you already know this, but Heroic Spirits are beings ordinary people aspire to be. And in this case, it seems Nero aspired to be like Romulus, the shining hero who crafted Rome. For him to turn out to be an enemy must've been a great shock. Boudica says it'd be like if the Celtic gods were to betray her, but Roman says it's a more intimate relationship than that. It'd be like if your husband betrayed you, something Boudica immediately fires back is completely impossible in her case. Roman sheepishly responds it was just an example, but then notes that it's time for you guys to get to work because he's picking up some monsters approaching.

Jing says she'll look for a way to infiltrate the enemy palace, and Boudica moves to defend Nero and the ordinary soldiers. Boudica says she'll be counting on you and Mashu to take out the monsters, to which you can either affirm (Boudica will be glad then head off to save that "unreliable emperor") or say not to expect too much (Boudica will say she's going to anyways, and Mashu will say you're the type who pulls through when it counts). Either way Mashu will alert you that the monsters are almost here, so the battle starts.

After the battle, the scene changes to you and Nero. I think a day or two has passed as well, too. Nero asks where Mashu is, and you apparently answer that she's on a bathroom break. Nero is a little surprised you're not by her side regardless, because as long she's known you the two of you have been glued at the hip.

>Nero: ...
>Nero: I've shown you quite the miserable sight, haven't I. It's hard to believe I could have gotten so distracted.

Nero thought that time with Caligula was bad enough, but somehow this time was even worse.

>Nero: I...
>Nero: What if. What if, at some point in my journey, I erred.
>Nero: ...That's impossible, obviously. I am Rome, I am the Fifth Emperor.
>Nero: But, the moment I heard the Founding Ruler's voice, thoughts like those came to my mind.
>Nero: What if...
>Nero: The other day, I tried very hard not to show what I was thinking. It was quite shameless of me.
>Nero: But, regardless, I thought about it. Of all things...
>Nero: I thought that it would be acceptable for I too to submit to the Divine Ancestor. No, I should say it. I must say it.
>Nero: There is no other option BUT to submit. Those were my true, innermost feelings!
>Nero: It is the Divine Ancestor! There is no doubt that that man is the Founding Ruler!
>Nero: If my path has gone awry, if that is what I have come to decide, then I would like to entrust it to him. I WANT to entrust it to him. To the Alliance Emperor!
>Nero: But...
>Nero: But, I mustn't. That alone is something I must not do. The Divine Ancestor has surely made a mistake.
>Nero: Look at the nation under the control of the Alliance. Look at its people. Not a single one is laughing!
>Nero: Even if his reign is perfect, I can not bear the thought of a country without laughter!
>Nero: So I must... I must...
>You: You haven't made any mistakes. Just keep going!
[You can also completely ignore everything and remind her you're in the middle of a battle.]
>Nero: ...You are right. Yes, you are right!
>Nero: Indeed. I'd almost forgotten something truly important.
>Nero: No matter who I face, I must never hesitate. I must accomplish whatever I have set out to do.
>Nero: My thanks, [Your Name]. I feel as though my eyes have been opened.

And then Mashu comes back. She's surprised to see you with Nero, who for her part says that now that Mashu has returned it's time to wrap this whole matter with the Alliance up. Mashu is confused at how energetic Nero is again, and wonders if you cheered Nero up or something. You can say that that's just how Nero always is, to which Mashu will agree. She goes on to say that Nero is like the sun and constantly captures the hearts of a countless number of people. Even now there are many fighting for her sake, what a terrifying charisma.

You can also say this:

>You: I just encouraged her a little.
>Mashu: Only a little... And it led to that?
>Mashu: I see... In that case, that's good.
>Mashu: I can't do anything about women. Senpai, you're terrifying.

Nero is annoyed you two are ignoring her, and wants to join in on the conversation. But as much as she'd like to chat, she can be patient. Because right now, it's time to attack the enemy palace. Jing has already found an entrance, so a small strike squad will infiltrate and defeat Romulus.

>Nero: This is the final battle. I would like for you two to come with me, Mashu, [Your Name].
>You: Of course. / We have something to do inside there too.
>Nero: Hm. Very well then, let us go!

---

Chapter 14: Emperor

You're in the palace now, and Nero asks if Jing is sure you're going the right way. She reassures Nero not to worry, as this is the second time she's on her way to an emperor. I'm unsure if she means this is the second time she's using this specific path or if she's talking historically, but I feel like it's the latter.

In any case, Nero is confused because both this entire palace and the city it's in are built like her own and like her Rome. She has no idea when they could've been built either, and wonders if some magus is behind this. Roman says it's possible, but it could also be due to the Holy Grail. The real reason is because that way they wouldn't have to draw a new background though.

Jing says to cut the chatter because some non-human enemies are approaching. Roman adds they don't seem to be Servants, so they're probably monsters. Nero couldn't care less because she's long since stopped being afraid of anything. And Mashu just gives her standard "enemies are approaching, a battle is beginning" line.

>Romulus: ...So you've come, my beloved child.
>Nero: Hm, I have indeed come! And you are the exceedingly honored ruler who founded our nation, the Divine Ancestor Romulus!

Romulus is pleased with Nero's radiance, and prepares to repeat the offer from before. Nero tells him not to bother.

>Nero: Whether it be the past, the present, or the future, I shall always be none other than the Fifth Emperor of Rome!
>Nero: Therefore, Divine Ancestor Romulus! Therefore I and the soldiers who serve as my blade shall confront you!

Romulus is fine with this, and notes that Nero's love has splendidly surpassed even his own. He draws his lance, claiming it to be the proof that he/Rome is here. Hearing that, Mashu figures Romulus is probably a Lancer and asks you for orders like usual.

>Romulus: ...What dazzling, love. Nero.
>Romulus: The eternally crimson and gold empire. I shall entrust all of it to you and those who will succeed you.
>Romulus: Do not forget. Rome is eternal.
>Romulus: Therefore, the world must, be eternal. Remember that...

Romulus vanishes and Mashu reports your side has won. Nero is a little broken up at first, but gets it together and muses that now Rome will return to how it used to be. Roman responds that that's probably the case, but the job's not over yet. You still haven't found the magus you're after, or the Holy Grail. Nero is confused as she figured that defeating the Alliance Empire would be the end of things, so Roman tries to explain that your group needs to secure the Holy Grail. But he gets interrupted by Jing, who alerts that someone else is here. And they aren't a Servant.

Lev makes his entrance, amused you defeated Romulus. He remarks that Mashu (or rather the Demi Servant) sure is impressive, and notices she's grown in strength a little since the last time you met in Fuyuki.

>Lev: But in the end, you're just a Servant. It's sad, but it's impossible for you to surpass the power of the Holy Grail.
>Mashu: ...!

Nero pegs Lev to be the court magus you're after, and the Holy Grail to be the golden chalice he's holding in his hands. Mashu confirms, citing that it looks just like the one you saw in Orleans. Meanwhile Roman remarks that Lev's a pretty bad court magus if he just lets his ruler die. He sure is good at betraying people, isn't he? But then, that's just how Lev is. Seems like he's really living it up compared to back when he was with Chaldea. You either angrily tell Roman to cut the small talk or demand that Lev hand over the Holy Grail. Lev is amused at how big your mouth is and then grumbles that your efforts in France really put him through the wringer. He was supposed to head back to the temple, but instead he gets sent on this fool's errand. Hence the current state of the era.

Lev muses that he hoped the Holy Grail would've fallen into the hands of someone appropriate again so he could have fun watching, but this time that didn't happen. From that, Roman hypothesizes that it's totally random who gets the Holy Grail. Back in France it fell into the grasp of a man who decided to drive the era into chaos on his own, but this time... Mashu finishes that this time Romulus got it, and he had zero intentions of wishing for something catastrophic. So Lev took matters into his own hands, a fact Roman uses to insult him: there is nobody in this entire era who would betray humanity like Lev did. Lev just says he never had any expectations of humanity to begin with.

>Lev: The same goes for you, [Your Name].
>Lev: You've scraped together so many Servants, but do you actually think you can stop me?

You can either bite out that you've changed since Fuyuki (Lev actually agrees you've matured, into a fool that is) or more pertinently demand to know Lev's goals.

>Lev: I believe I already told you that my goal was achieved long ago. Haven't you already asked this, [Your Name]?
>Lev: "What the hell kind of reason justifies destroying humanity?", as I recall!
>Lev: Well, even if you ask me that, I have neither a reason nor the right to answer.

Lev then insults all of you for your poor grasp of the situation. Do you think that collecting all of the Holy Grails and restoring all of the Singularities will save mankind? You're all morons who are far too late to do anything. There is zero point whatsoever to your resistance, because the conclusion has already been decided upon. So he may as well take pity on you and just kill you all. Thus he declares as he demands you behold the favor his king has bestowed upon him.

And in comes a Demon Pillar.

Four freaks out, Mashu is stunned, and meanwhile Nero is disgusted at how ugly the thing is. Surely nothing in the world is uglier! Lev, who is maniacally laughing at this point, agrees but also says that this ugly thing is going to murder all of you. And Roman is going nuts over the readings he's getting. You're up against neither a Servant or a Phantasmal Beast, it's a flat out demon.

Lev decides to introduces himself one more time: he is Lev Reinol -Flauros-. Flauros, as in one of the 72 Demon God Pillars, the enemy you're facing right now and the favor his king has bestowed upon him. Nero is still appalled at how ugly Flauros is, and Mashu is trying to take in its appearance. She describes it as a massive pillar of flesh sticking right out of the ground, and is also astounded at how much magical energy she's feeling from it. Meanwhile Roman recognizes the name Flauros, and wonders if that means the king Lev keeps yammering about is... No, he decides, you still don't have enough information. But anyway, he had no idea that the Demon Gods actually existed!

Roman admits he can't make out anything about Flauros, but it's definitely dangerous and it's coming right at you. You'll have to completely destroy it.

Once you beat it, Mashu happily reports your victory. You can either cheer alongside her or remind her not to lose track of the situation. Meanwhile Lev is completely astounded mere Heroic Spirits were enough to repel his namesake. He quickly decides he just made a miscalculation, and that Flauros must've weakened from being separated from the temple for so long.

Regardless, as the man entrusted with the role of incinerating humanity, Lev naturally has a backup plan. Roman then warns you and Mashu that he's detected the activation of the Holy Grail. Lev explains that in order to destroy Ancient Rome, he's going to summon the strongest Heroic Spirit he knows of. He tells Nero to rejoice, because it's quite appropriate for this Heroic Spirit to be the one to destroy Rome. Nero fires back that Rome is the world, and the world can never be destroyed. Lev basically goes "we'll see about that", and tells Nero to feast her eyes on the destruction of her world.

Lev gives a summoning speech, but I'm way too tired to try and properly word it in English so I'll just give the cliff notes. He orders the Heroic Spirit he's about to summon to obey the orders of his king and to completely destroy this place, one of the seven foundations of human history.

>Lev: Come forth! The Great Hero of Destruction, Altera!!!!!!

There really were six exclamation marks. Anyway in comes Altera, much to Mashu's shock. Lev orders Altera to kill, to destroy, to incinerate, to use her power to raze both Rome and this entire Singularity to the ground.

>Lev: Hahaha! It's over, Romani Archaman! The continuation of the Human Order was nothing more than a dream!
>Lev: This Servant is the ultimate destroyer! Altera may be a Heroic Spirit, but this power is-
>Altera: Silence.
>Lev: What?
*sfx*
>Four: Four...!
>Roman: What...? Lev Reinol's reading has vanished!
>Mashu: He... He... He was cut in half by the Servant he summoned. Her True Name is Altera, I'm afraid she might be a Saber!
>Mashu: The Holy Grail is in Altera's hand! It's being absorbed... Yes, she's absorbing it...

This will not be the last time the game awkwardly tries to get around not having a narrator.

Altera haltingly introduces herself as a soldier of the Xiongnu and the Great King of Destruction who will destroy the western world. She then charges up, and Nero alerts Mashu that she can feel that something is coming. Roman warns that Altera is using her Noble Phantasm, and that from the looks of things it's an Anti-Fortress class. Mashu turns to you, and you immediately order her to hurry and deploy Lord Chaldeas.

>Altera: You people have spoken of me,
>Altera: Of how I am divine punishment.
>Altera: Of how I am the Scourge of God.

There's a flash and the screen fades to white.

---

Chapter 15: The Scourge of God

The palace has been completely destroyed, but much to Nero's surprise you're all still alive. Roman's shocked too, he's amazed you were able to survive being right next to an Anti-Fortress level Noble Phantasm going off. He thanks Mashu... and Boudica, who he praises for her nice timing. For her part, Boudica's just glad she made it in time to use her own Noble Phantasm. Apparently she was at the palace entrance when she got a bad feeling and sprinted over.

Mashu thanks Boudica, saying Lord Chaldeas alone couldn't have defended against Altera's attack. Boudica brushes it off, since Chariot of Boudica couldn't have done it alone either. But more importantly, what will your group do now? It's unfortunate, but Spartacus and Lu were still at the palace entrance. They were hit directly, and while they don't seem to have died (though they might as well have since they're gone from the story now) they won't be able to fight any further. As if that weren't bad enough, Roman is tracking Altera and it seems like she's going to straight to Rome. Nero asks if Altera is going to burn Rome to the ground, and Roman says it's likely.

Even if Nero's still alive, if the capital city is destroyed then the Roman Empire is doomed. And chances are pretty good anyways that once Altera's done with the capital, she's going to find and eliminate Nero for a clean win. Nero won't allow either of those to happen, so Mashu notes that you have no choice but to fight Altera. She was expecting that, but... She admits that the power of Altera's Noble Phantasm reminded her of the holy sword you faced back in Fuyuki.

>Mashu: That time, I had the support of a powerful Caster. But this time...
>Nero: You can't do it, Mashu?
>Mashu: ...

Nero isn't so sure about that. She cites the numerous times you and Mashu have saved her, and declares she has faith that both the gods and fate are on her side. After all, your group came to her side. What more proof does she need?

>Nero: Rome will be saved. My nation, my Rome, they will remain for the sake of future generations. I am absolutely certain of it.
>Nero: The Divine Ancestor said the same. I heard him.
>Nero: He spoke that the world must be eternal. For as long as it is, Rome shall continue on in that eternity.
>Nero: Even if its name is someday forgotten, the many buds Rome has planted will simply change their shape and continue onwards.
>Nero: The Eternal Empire will continue to exist. Even if its emperor changes, even if its country changes, and even if its name changes.
>Nero: The genealogical tree of life known as human beings. They are the reason behind the prosperity of humanity.
>Nero: [Your Name]. We shall protect that for no other reason than because we too are humans.
>Boudica: ...Nero. I don't really understand what you're trying to say.
>Nero: I see. The truth is, I don't either.

Mashu, at least, has a slight idea. Even if something were to be destroyed, it would still remain in the world through its memes. And before you snicker, she means that in the anthropological sense. Roman agrees that the whole concept is sorta romantic sounding, and says Nero's words have given him courage. He believes you'll be able to defeat Altera because... Well, he doesn't have any real justification for believing that, but hey, why not at least try? He asks what you think.

>You: Let's believe in Nero.
>Mashu: ...Understood. In that case, I'll believe in Senpai's words.

Boudica agrees to follow you too, because she won't just stand by and watch as something is destroyed. She's about as annoyed with Altera as she is with Nero. Then Jing comes in and says she has no idea what you're talking about, but Nero's a lucky person so she'll believe in you. Nero asks where Jing has been, and she answers that she was searching for Altera. Who seems to be taking her time, so if you leave now you should be able to catch up. At least Jing assumes that's the plan, given what she heard of the conversation. Roman answers it is, and praises Jing for her nice timing too.

Roman declares that it's time for your group to go take back the Holy Grail and save the world and Rome... Or at least it WOULD be, but he's picking up a large scale magical reading. It looks like Altera and the Holy Grail tied to her ended up drawing over some Phantasmal Beasts, wyverns to be specific. Nero is shocked, since as far as she knew wyverns were just fairytales, but Mashu tells her they're real and very dangerous. She asks you for orders like always and the battle begins.

Afterwards, Roman's still picking up a lot of monsters. Altera just walking around seems to be calling them, though he also wonders if she's actually summoning them. But regardless, you need to hurry and catch up with her.

Then more wyverns show up. Nero muses that she never thought she'd be fighting dragons, so Mashu says that since you and her have gotten a little used to it, Nero can leave the vanguard to you. Nero's fine with doing that, and thus another fight starts.

Once you clean them up, Roman says he'd like to congratulate you but now's not the time. He's picking up even more wyverns, and this time on a scale far surpassing the previous battles (much to Nero's surprise). Boudica decides that she'll stay back and fend them off, and asks if Jing wants to help. Jing responds that monsters aren't really her field of expertise, but sure why not, it could be fun. Nero cuts in at this point to ask if Boudica and Jing really intend to stop here, and Boudica confirms. She then tells Nero to hurry up and get going. Nero tries to protest, but the loud roar of a wyvern interrupts her.

>Boudica: Just go, you stupid emperor! It's fine, go save your world.

Nero hesitates for a bit, but she ultimately agrees. She apologizes to Boudica for the trouble and declares that the Queen of Britannia truly is her worthy rival. Roman agrees, but also says you don't have time to turn around and watch. Altera is close.

When you catch up to her, Altera asks if you intend to bar her path. You can either confirm it or tell Altera she won't be going any further. It doesn't really matter which you pick because then Nero will say both.

Nero can't understand why Altera would want to destroy the world, pointing out that it's overflowing with beauty. There's flowers, songs, gold, love, and more than anything else her beloved Rome. Does Altera truly intend to destroy all of it? In response, Altera once again haltingly introduces herself as a soldier of the Xiongnu and the Great King of Destruction who will destroy the western world.

>Nero: This again...

Nero thinks Altera is a sad existence. In fact, she thinks Altera is so sorrowful that she's actually beautiful. But she can't just let Altera be, a contradiction that's tearing Nero up inside. She doesn't know if she can match Altera in strength, but she's certain that Altera can not rival her in love.

>Altera: Beauty. Love. I do not, know of them.

Mashu observes that this time Altera's saying something different, which would mean at the very least that she's not some robot who responds to everything the same way. Roman's looking at the readings, and figures out that combining with the Holy Grail is what's causing Altera to go on a rampage. She's probably normally more reasonable, but right now conversation is impossible.

Roman's detecting another buildup of magical energy and figures it means Altera is about to engage you in battle.

>Roman: This is your final battle in Rome, Mashu, [Your Name]!

And just like always, Mashu asks for orders.

>Altera: ...I, see.
>Altera: There was... something in this world... even my sword could not... destroy...
>Altera: I was called, the Scourge of God...
>Altera: Even with my...
>Altera: Even with the sword of Mars... I see...
>Altera: This is...
>Altera: Slightly... plea, sant...

Altera vanishes, leaving behind the Holy Grail. Nero seems a little regretful, and says that if possible she'd like to fight against Altera in some different manner someday (hint hint). But in any case, is it over now that you've regained the Holy Grail? Mashu confirms, and says that the operation has concluded. She deeply thanks Nero... and then starts to fade. Nero panics at first, but then she notices the same thing is happening to you and Four.

>You: Goodbye.

Nero admits that somehow, she knew this was going to happen. Her intuition is very sharp, you see. You were going to vanish, just like Caligula, Romulus, and Altera did... And just like Boudica will, right? And Lu, Jing, and Spartacus too. After a pause, Mashu confirms. She tells Nero that now that this era has been corrected, all memories of the battle with the Alliance will fade. Nero thinks that's lonely, and Mashu hesitantly agrees.

Nero has long since ceased to doubt you, so she fully believes Mashu's words. She's troubled, as she never got to reward you. If you were to stay, she would've kept you not just as retainers but as something more. But still, all the same, she has no need to stop you. For wherever you end up going, it will also be Rome. For Rome and the world are the same: that's what both she and Romulus truly believe.

>Nero: That's why I won't say farewell. I will only give you my thanks.
>Nero: Thank you. To your efforts, I offer the whole of my gratitude as well as this rose!

And thus you return to Chaldea.

Roman greets you when you get back, and thanks you for the hard work you put into obtaining the Holy Grail.

The next part is weird since it seems to come out of nowhere and is rife with magibabble, so I'm kinda skimming over it. You ask if it's really okay, presumably referring to the Holy Grail, and Da Vinci shows up to explain. The Holy Grail you picked up isn't the real thing, just something Lev "crystallized" or whatever. The team at Chaldea can't analyze it, but they can at least seal it away using Mashu's shield so you can bring it back to Chaldea. Mashu is surprised her shield could do something like that, and Da Vinci further explains that only one Holy Grail can fit in the shield at a time. Then she plucks out the Holy Grail you just got.

Da Vinci thanks you for the delivery, and tells you she'll be counting on you to get more Holy Grails. Roman adds that now you've got two, and furthermore you've accomplished your original objective of pursuing Lev. You can either say Lev's dead or point out that you never got any real information from him, both of which Roman and Mashu will further elaborate on afterwards. But regardless, even if you still don't really know anything at least you've made progress on the Singularities. There are only five left now. Roman also notes that Lev mentioned that he was only one of many "pillars", so in all likelihood you'll still be facing other enemies. But that's all you understand right now, so for now you should just focus on retrieving Holy Grails and repairing Singularities.

>You: You can count on me for the next Holy Grail too. / There's still a long way to go.

Whichever you pick, Roman's pleased with your answer and says he'll be relying on you. But he's taken up enough of your time, so he recommends you get a good rest tonight. Just like last time, you did a whole bunch of walking this Singularity, so maybe you should get a massage.

You're walking with Mashu down the halls later, and she's a little depressed. You ask if she's still thinking about Nero (or just comment she looks a little down). Mashu explains that she's worried over how the two of you suddenly separated with Nero. Even if the world of the Singularity is going to vanish, she thinks it's inexcusable how you and her just left Nero alone at the end. Nero had to defeat the person she looked up to more than any other, and then separate from her worthy rival and her other allies. Now she's all alone in that vast empire, with nobody else to rely on.

>You: ...Was the battle this time tough on you?

You can also ask if Mashu thinks Nero feels lonely too, but like so many other dialogue choices in this Singularity it has nothing to do with the rest of the conversation.

Anyways, Mashu firmly denies it. It's true the battle was tough, it's true that she thought she was going to die, and it's true that no matter how many times she fights she's still going to be scared. But despite all of that, she thought it was an enjoyable journey. Thanks to the ever glamorous Nero, she had a lot of fun.

>You: It was a bustling empire, just like Nero.
>Mashu: ...Yes. I will never forget that sky or that land. Never.

>Mashu: By the way, Senpai. Earlier the Doctor said something.
>You: You mean the massage?
>Mashu: Yes. It's something that helps care for exhaustion. Would you like me to give you one?
>Mashu: I'm currently studying an effective method of massage. It's from the Orient, it involves points or something of the sort.
>You: I'll be counting on you, then.
>Mashu: Really?!
>Mashu: ...*cough*. I thought you'd like to try it out a little.
>Mashu: Okay. That's that, then. Oh, but...
>Mashu: A while ago, I tried it out. Back then, it was awful, I was in so much pain... Ah!
>Mashu: Th-That's already not the case anymore. I've practiced a lot since then, mentally.
>Mashu: Huh? Senpai?
>Mashu: Where did you go? Oh, do you want me to give you a massage in your room?
>Mashu: Senpai...?