69 Chapter 68: Another mission and a reunion with 'them'
(Titus's POV)
As my eyes blinked open, I found myself in an unfamiliar room, disoriented by the change in scenery and time. The walls bore the mark of hand-crafted cement, giving the space a stark, bare feel.
Turning around, I was found another person in the room.
He had Auburn hair with striking sharp golden eyes. He adorned body armor: a snug black, sleeveless shirt with silver accents highlighting his muscles, accompanied by black pants secured by dual straps on his thighs and shins. Black metal-plated shoes seemed integrated into his trousers. His iconic red coat, resembling a holy shroud, featured separate sleeves joined by a rear metal plate, revealing his upper torso and midriff. A crimson open skirt, fastened with an agemaki knot, peered from beneath a silver metal plate.
"Are you enjoying this newfound power?" I inquired, observing the man as he examined his altered appearance and the surge of strength coursing through him.
"So this is how a servant feels," he murmured, processing the unfamiliar sensations. He turned to me, his eyes reflecting a mix of realization and curiosity. "Titus, I sense a surge of strength, a wealth of fighting experience I've never known, and memories I've never shared. Is this my alternate self?"
"Indeed, but now it will become your own strength," I affirmed, locking my gaze firmly with his. "Who are you? State your name and your servant class."
The man nodded, a sense of pride enveloping his introduction. "In the alternate universe, he was known as Nameless, a warrior who fought valiantly but met an untimely end. His legacy as a nameless mercenary preceded his involvement in the Moon Cell Holy Grail War as an Archer Class servant, serving under Titus Dusklock, yet meeting failure." He smiled, the glint of familiarity shining through. "However, in this alternate iteration, I am Shirou Emiya, a loyal comrade of Titus Dusklock. Class: Archer, and I am here to serve once more."
"Then, my friend, let's cook together," I responded with a smile.
[Nameless (Archer) has been summoned.]
A new chapter began.
---
[Requested Mission: The True Epic of the Hero of People (Imaginary Dreamshift)
Destination: Germany, 430 AD.
Quest: Thwart Siegfried's interference in the delicate relationship between Kriemhild, the Burgundian princess, and Brunnhilde, the Icelandic queen. Aid Siegfried in realizing his aspirations.
Status: 0%
Attempts: 1
Restrictions: None, except refrain from employing Moon Cell.
Rewards: LCs, Skills, ???]
As you cans see, our setting was the 5th century in Germany, a time when the Burgundians held dominion over the lands.
I embarked on this mission after brainstorming a solution for Sakura's dilemma. The goal was to get Shirou to reclaim his Servant powers swiftly. While the conventional method involved leveling up in the dungeon I'd crafted, time wasn't on our side. That's when a theory struck me – what if I bestowed upon Shirou his Servant strength? I delved into the system, seeking answers, and eventually formulated a plan.
Engaging Dreamshift with Shirou, I initiated the summoning process to imbue him with Servant abilities.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Shirou's interruption jolted me out of my contemplation.
"Dude, you're looking seriously handsome. Those abs and muscular arms are adding major charm points to your overall vibe. I'm kinda jealous," I admitted, nodding in approval.
In addition to a change in attire, his physique had notably transformed, appearing slightly taller than his usual self. As a protagonist in the making, even the slightest alteration accentuated his allure. It was no surprise that individuals within the Nasuverse held an obsession for him.
And then there was me, despite being stronger than him, stuck with the unremarkable appearance of a background character.
"Haha, thanks, man," Shirou responded with a bashful grin, clearly pleased with his newfound strength. Curious, he inquired, "So, what's the mission?"
"Hmm..." I contemplated, glancing outside to witness a parade featuring two prominent figures leading the way—Siegfried and Kriemhild, the married duo.
'I wonder if Kriemhild will sound like Aoi Koga...' I pondered. As an avid Kaguya-Sama fan, my admiration for the voice actor led me to summon Kriemhild in the game.
(AN: I didn't summon her; I got spooked by Parvati.)
"So, about the mission, let me first delve into the details of the legend and outline what's in store."
Siegfried, born into nobility in The Netherlands, bore the prestigious sword Balmung, a relic from the Nibelungen family. His life brimmed with battles and exploits, culminating in the title of "Dragon Slayer" after vanquishing the menacing Fafnir. Bathing in the dragon's blood rendered him invulnerable, save for a hidden vulnerability—a single linden leaf, unbeknownst to him, clung to his back, his sole weakness.
Yet, most of Siegfried's valorous escapades remained untold, whispered only as tales by others. The legend only touched upon his triumph over Fafnir and acquisition of Balmung, leaving much to the imagination.
His fate changed course upon hearing of Kriemhild, the beautiful princess of Burgundy. Their union marked the onset of tragedy. Rallying for the Burgundians, Siegfried brought victories and married Kriemhild, ascending to the Dutch throne. But shadows crept in as he aided his brother-in-law in a controversial courtship, unknowingly igniting a series of conflicts.
The intricate web of alliances and deceptions led to a clash between Kriemhild and Brunnhilde, his brother-in-law's wife, forcing Siegfried into a fatal choice. Sensing impending catastrophe, he sought resolution through his own demise, believing it would quell the escalating tensions.
Entrusting his sole weakness to his closest confidant, Siegfried's request for an end was met through betrayal. In a cowardly ambush, he fell victim to his hidden vulnerability, succumbing to betrayal from a vassal of the Burgundians. His tragic demise, a result of deceit, branded his former friend as a despicable villain.
The loss of Siegfried ushered in further tragedy, entwined with the curse of the Rheingold. Kriemhild, consumed by vengeance, waged a vendetta against her husband's killer, Hagen, and even her brother, King Gunther. Her descent into darkness culminated in her defeat, wielding Balmung in a bid for retribution.
As I wrapped up the story, Shirou appeared utterly stunned.
"Impressed, right?" I smirked.
"Yeah," Shirou replied, genuinely impressed. "I knew you were a nerd, but I didn't realize you were so passionate about these legends."
"Hey! Just because you've become handsome doesn't diminish my status. Don't label me a nerd," I retorted.
"Haha, alright..." Shirou chuckled, then sighed. "So, in the end, that's how heroes meet their demise. Siegfried seemed more like a servant to the people than their hero. It's not as heroic. Where was his sense of justice?"
I grinned. "And that's precisely why you're here now. It's not just about granting you your rightful strength but guiding you to understand the true essence of heroism."
"Thanks, Titus. I genuinely appreciate it," Shirou expressed his gratitude before asking, "So, what are my orders?"
"According to my Odin's Eye," I began, outlining the timeline, "Siegfried will accompany Gunther, Kriemhild's brother, to propose to the Queen of Iceland. He'll aid Gunther in completing Brunnhilde's trials and marrying her. Your task is to infiltrate the caravan, get close to Siegfried, and prevent him from assisting Gunther in marrying Brunnhilde."
I also clarified that this was an Imaginary Reality, relieving Shirou of any concerns about altering human history.
"I..." Shirou hesitated before speaking, "I've never been on a spying mission. Are you certain I can handle this on my own?"
"Absolutely. There's a first time for everything. In my case, during Nero's reign, I made numerous mistakes initially and nearly faced execution if not for Nero's intervention," I recalled, reflecting on that period.
"Okay, Titus. I'll complete this mission and bring hero Siegfried to his senses," Shirou declared, rising with determination.
"I'd be grateful. And since you already possess Independent Action as your class skill, you'll manage for a while. But if you start running low on magical energy, contact me. I'll provide you with a magical device," I explained, handing him a tablet-like object.
Independent Action allows a servant to move without relying on the magical energy of a master. Typically granted to Archer and Faker class servants, Shirou held this skill at Rank B. It enabled him to operate independently from me, using his powers, but he couldn't access his noble phantasm and could sustain this form for a maximum of two weeks before needing a reset. To maintain the connection, I had to remain close to him.
"Report to me every second day and let me know if anything goes wrong. I'll assist you," I instructed firmly.
"I should manage. I aim to complete this solo, so I won't ask for help unless necessary," Shirou declined, shaking his head. "I'll see you after completing the mission. Goodbye, Titus."
I nodded, and with our final farewell, he vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Let's see what role I play in this world," I muttered to myself, opening the system panel.
[Titus, a seemingly unremarkable individual, arrived in Burgundy with the façade of a wealthy merchant. His influence extended even into the royal court, and his skills did not go unnoticed. Princess Kriemhild extended an invitation for him to become her advisor—an offer that remained open for consideration.]
Simplifying matters, I had initially considered the role of approaching Kriemhild, but I decided against it. The mission at hand was straightforward, and I had confidence in Shirou's abilities. There was no need to involve the berserker queen in matters as trivial as simplicity.
However, I harbored another purpose for entering this reality.
First acquiring a plot of land with a spacious house away from the capital, I utilized Magecraft to furnish it according to my preferences. After making some adjustments, I found myself standing in a closed room.
After a moment's hesitation, I opened the Summon Servant panel and initiated the summoning.
Finally, the time had come to meet 'them.'
In the next moment, two magic circles formed in the room, and as these circles ascended, two beautiful women materialized.
One boasted lustrous golden hair cascading like molten sunlight, framing a regal countenance. Her captivating eyes, reminiscent of amethysts, held an entrancing allure. Fair, porcelain skin adorned her visage, accentuating her air of royalty. Adorned in a resplendent ensemble, she often sported an opulent red dress, embellished with intricate golden accents that mirrored her flamboyant yet dignified persona. With an air of grace and authority, the woman exuded an aura befitting her legendary status.
On the other hand, the other woman bore luxurious, flowing locks of lapis lazuli hue, cascading in waves around her ethereal form. Her eyes, pools of mesmerizing amber, held an otherworldly allure, reflecting centuries of mystique. Her alabaster skin, porcelain smooth, radiated an almost otherworldly glow. She adorned herself in an elegant, traditional Japanese attire, a resplendent kimono adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, befitting her mystical aura and ancient origins. This woman's presence commanded attention, a harmonious blend of grace, allure, and an enigmatic charm.
They were none other than my two beloved wives, Nero Claudius and Tamamo-no-Mae.
"Welcome back."
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