[FDJ]Chapter 57: Malice
Aetius did not hesitate to respond to Brunhilda's questioning. This issue had been "resolved" for him a long time ago. "If it weren't for Attila the king of Hun being in the same era as me, where else could I find a suitable opponent? Milady, could you introduce me to another human hero in this era who possesses a deterrent power comparable to the 'scourge of God'? I see, it's because you are too weak! You cannot comprehend the glorious stars destined in our human history. You should feel honored that your name is associated with a Valkyrie from Norse mythology, and the name of Brynhild will be remembered in the future. You have the opportunity to become a Heroic Spirit, instead of being forgotten in the river of history."
In reviewing the history of human civilization in the 5th century AD, during the era later known as the "Decline of Classical Civilization," it is difficult to find heroes who are not inferior to Attila (the scourge of God) and Aetius (the Last Romans). The coincidence of these two individuals is remarkable as if the divine beings deliberately arranged for them to perform a requiem together in the late period of classical civilization.
Even in the face of a Servant, Aetius confidently offered his mockery. Ever since his return to Western Rome after his time as a hostage, he was constantly seeking the path of ascent. Even a castaway who only knew juggling tricks could become a grand magus who inherited the secrets of Roman magecraft. He wasn't a lost soul who resorted to the Holy Grail to strip away the false facade of myths. His goal was clear and unchanged, even now: to surpass Attila the Hun!
"Enough! Shut up! Human, just because you possess talent and luck, does that give you the right to scorn those who have failed?" Brunhilda was infuriated and prepared to use her Noble Phantasm. She had initially planned to spare Aetius's life and let Attila deal with this magic-savvy magus. But now, she had changed her mind. Since Archer had already been defeated, she could bring forward the backup plan. From the beginning, Brunhilda had a plan to seize the Holy Grail at the critical moment, which was prepared when she couldn't find a vessel to replace it.
Aetius was slightly surprised for a moment, and he politely replied with a question. "Is that not allowed? Then what should I do? Show pity for your failures or offer some mercy?"
---
Suzuki Yuki saw Caster appearing alone outside the camp. Both he and Saber Gilles de Rais witnessed seven green lights descending into the forest, followed by Archer's magical energy signature weakening until it disappeared.
"It's so unsightly. The esteemed Marshal of France was only able to escape after being defeated." With a sinister and exaggerated smile on his face, Caster approached the two.
Caster defeating Atalanta completely exceeded the expectations of Suzuki Yuki and Gilles de Rais. After they had taken refuge inside the camp, they had preliminarily devised a tactical plan to lure and counterattack the hostile Servant, based on Atalanta's information. However, they never expected Atalanta to be defeated so quickly.
"No need to be surprised. That Archer is indeed strong, but she is not good at dealing with people like me. And I had much better luck than her."
Beneath Caster's smiling face, there seemed to be a hidden malevolence. Even without that, anyone who gazed upon his smiling face for too long would feel a peculiar sense of terror. A Servant aligned with the Chaotic Evil faction was inherently dangerous.
Caster sensed the concerns of Suzuki and Gilles de Rais. Due to his excessive use of his abilities, the facade he used to disguise his expression had somewhat revealed his true nature. The fabricated demon possessed an evil that was not inferior to that of a genuine demon. However, this time, he was also a Servant.
"I didn't originally plan to risk getting close to Archer and attempt a life-or-death magic performance. But I'm interested in further understanding your statement. 'Chaldea respects every Hero, and both saints and demons can contribute to the salvation of humanity.' It's the first time I've heard such a unique invitation. As a magus who hails from the future, you don't mind joining forces with a notorious demon for the sake of saving humanity, do you?"
The answer was apparent. His Master, Aetius, had secretly informed him. Suzuki Yuki, not strictly speaking a human, had an unwavering belief in preserving humanity. It was everything that resided within Suzuki Yuki's heart, and it was also the fate that had been set for Suzuki Yuki. Caster wanted to hear firsthand, that even demons could be needed by a "savior."
As expected, Suzuki nodded in response. He indeed respected every Servant and every Hero on the Throne of Heroes. On the surface, Chaldea's organization was the same. "The labels of saint or demon aren't important. Anyone who can contribute to the salvation of humanity is welcome to assist Chaldea. Anyone."
"Anyone, you say?" Caster enjoyed this gullible child, but he currently had no intention of playing games of deception with Suzuki. His Master was engaged in battle with the powerful witch Brunhilda. The army under his Master's command was suffering under the torment of enemy black magic. Some of the few wounded soldiers with poor physical conditions might have already succumbed to the torment of black magic. The black magic couldn't be allowed to continue. "Let's discuss the rest after the battle is over. Suzuki Yuki, do you have any way to stop this magical ritual?"
Suzuki was almost completely unaware of black magic. He glanced at Gilles de Rais, with whom he had just formed a contract, hoping that the latter would provide some insights on how to resolve the situation.
"I have a method, and I've come up with two possibilities," said Gilles de Rais, pointing towards the direction where Aetius and Brunhilda were engaged in battle. "First, we can go together to support your Master. With three against one, we have a certain chance of repelling Brunhilda, as long as she doesn't have any tricks up her sleeve. Second..."
Slightly hesitant, Gilles de Rais pulled out a Magecraft book that had been hidden beneath his armor. The cover, made of stitched human skin, was exposed to the gaze of others. The tentacle-like patterns on it immediately began to wriggle irregularly, emitting faint unintelligible murmurs.
Suzuki quickly averted his gaze, no longer looking directly at Gilles de Rais' book. Caster, on the other hand, observed with great interest. He had thought of himself as wicked enough, but seeing Gilles de Rais' book, he realized there was still quite a gap between them.
"Using my book, we can harness the flow of dark magic and strike back in reverse. If we're lucky, we might be able to kill Brunhilda in one fell swoop. If Brunhilda is luckier, we can at least inflict heavy injuries on her," Gilles de Rais explained, looking earnestly at Suzuki and Caster. "Which option do you choose?"
Those who hadn't seen Gilles de Rais' human skin book would undoubtedly choose the latter option. But having witnessed Gilles de Rais' trump card, even Caster felt that the latter option had greater benefits but also significantly higher risks. Caster didn't answer; he only focused on Suzuki's choice.
"Brunhilda, who has changed her class, will disrupt the human order. We must defeat her," Suzuki answered with unease. He instinctively resisted looking directly at Gilles de Rais' book, and even approaching it made his scalp tingle.
Gilles de Rais knew his new Master would choose this option. He deliberately didn't mention the cost of the latter option, only emphasizing the benefits. "Very well, let's leave it to luck."
Gilles de Rais returned to the edge of the camp, removed a gauntlet, and used it as a piece of charcoal to draw a magic circle on the ground. His movements were not very skillful, and he kept the book tucked under his arm from start to finish, preventing Suzuki from seeing the full picture.
"Master, let me ask one thing first. Can you use a Command Seal to command me?" After completing the magic circle, Gilles de Rais casually asked, with a furrowed brow and his back turned to Suzuki.
"Yes, I can."
"That's good. Please step back at least 50 meters from here," Gilles de Rais took a step forward and entered the magic circle himself. "In case I lose control, it's better not to waste a Command Seal for that."
Suzuki still had two Command Seals remaining, and even with the additional contract with Gilles de Rais, the number of Command Seals he possessed did not increase. "Lose control?"
Before Suzuki could approach and ask further, Caster suddenly stood in front of him, preemptively grabbing Gilles de Rais. "Your Luck Rank is only D, while mine is B. Let me handle this. Just open your book and chant the incantation on the magic circle. I am a Caster-class Servant, more suited for magical contests."
"No! Please step back..."
Before Gilles de Rais could finish speaking, Caster flicked his wrist, pulling Gilles de Rais out of the magic circle and taking his place. Their actions switched, with Gilles de Rais now gripping Caster's arm, and the book falling into Caster's hands.
Gilles de Rais couldn't change the direction of his force and instead withdrew his hand. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to open the page of the book! Hahaha..." Caster laughed loudly and whispered his intention to Gilles de Rais. Upon hearing it, Gilles de Rais quickly turned around and grabbed Suzuki, running in the direction away from the magic circle. The Caster they encountered this time was truly not a good person. If it weren't for the unique circumstances of the Holy Grail War, they would undoubtedly do something dangerous.
"It feels good to be needed by someone." Caster opened the cover of the book, activating the magic circle beneath his feet, which connected with the black magic enveloping the military camp. Time was limited. Once Brunhilda reacted, the established bidirectional channel would also be an excellent pathway for Brunhilda to attack another spellcaster.
The pages of the book automatically flipped to the corresponding page with the magic circle. It was filled with incomprehensible human text, and the twisted symbols would drive ordinary people without resistance directly insane. Even Caster could only understand the general meaning, but it would suffice.
Reciting the incantation to activate the magecraft, Caster quickly realized that his body was no longer under his control. Heavy malice surged out from the book and the magic circle, confined within his surroundings but making him feel extremely uncomfortable.
On the other side, Brunhilda had yet to unleash the true name of her Noble Phantasm when an invisible force pulled her body. She turned around and only saw a pair of five-colored eyes staring at her from the bottomless darkness, while dozens of thick wrists firmly gripped her body.
Without a moment's hesitation, Brunhilda turned and unleashed her Noble Phantasm against the evil entity attempting to devour her.
『Until Judgment Descends Upon Me (Brynhildr Tragedy)』