286 The Changes of Britain

Church.

Kotomine Shirou, having finished his daily prayers, stood up and turned to the empty space beside him.

"How's Lancer holding up?" 

Soon, faint light particles converged from nothingness as Semiramis emerged from within.

"Not great. Though he's not severely injured, his golden armor has been damaged quite a bit, reducing its defensive capabilities. That pharaoh is assisting the witch in repairs, but it'll take some time."

Hearing the bad news, Shirou furrowed his brows slightly.

"Is Nidhogg really that powerful?"

To think that even the divine armor bestowed by Sun God Surya couldn't withstand it.

"According to that witch, it seems that this black dragon specifically targets the concept of 'Divinity'. The stronger someone's 'Divinity', the higher the damage inflicted." Semiramis replied while playing with her hair absentmindedly. 

'Special attack against divinity...'

As a Ruler himself, Shirou naturally understood the importance, causing him to feel even more troubled for a moment.

The two powerful Servants on their side were Lancer Karna, the son of Sun God Surya, and Rider Ozymandias, the renowned pharaoh of ancient Egypt, also known as Ramesses II.

However, both of them possessed strong divinity, which meant that when facing Rider of Black, they would likely be at a significant disadvantage. If they were to fight, they would undoubtedly be severely handicapped.

But, apart from these two Servants, they didn't have any other Servant capable of going toe-to-toe with Rider of Black.

"Try contacting the Masters of Saber and Archer..." Shirou sighed with resignation. "Right now, we can only hope for the best with them."

"Oh, come on, Master. I've got some tricks up my sleeve too, you know?" Semiramis complained, giving him a disgruntled look. "Once my Hanging Gardens of Babylon is complete, I can easily defeat that lizard."

She wasn't bragging.

The vanity-filled flying fortress, known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, was an extraordinary Anti-World Noble Phantasm. Although its activation conditions were strict, its power was astonishing once fulfilled.

Inside the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Semiramis's entire status would be strengthened, reaching the highest rank, and her attacks would gain advantageous modifiers. She could even unleash magecraft that was close to the realm of true magic.

Plus, there also existed a defensive technique known as 'Tiamtum Umu', capable of firing eleven 'Anti-Army' light beams, each equivalent to a meteorite impact. Essentially, it was an 'invincible' super fortress.

"But Rider of Black is not to be underestimated. Moreover, we're still unsure if they've summoned other powerful Servants than him. Being prepared is always a good thing." Shirou gently explained.

"Do as you wish then." Semiramis waved her hand casually. "Those two are definitely coming unless they plan to take on the entire Black Faction alone."

As she finished speaking, a magical device placed nearby suddenly activated on its own. After a moment, a line of text appeared on the paper of the magical device.

Shirou picked up the paper, read its contents, and after a while, a slight smile appeared on his face.

He quickly turned to Semiramis.

"They've arrived."

===

Fortress of Millennia.

The golden glow of the setting sun streamed through the French windows, casting a layer of shimmering gold on the floor.

In the room filled with a rosy and ambiguous atmosphere, Arkhan and Nidhogg lay on the plush memory foam bed, the disheveled traces on the bed revealing the madness that had taken place earlier.

Nidhogg's cherry lips slightly gasped for breath, her beautiful eyes filled with a hazy mist. Her naked, delicate body was covered in a sheen of fragrant sweat, the smooth and tender skin adorned with tempting rosy hues, resembling a blooming narcissus, becoming even more alluring.

Seeing this, Arkhan's fingers gently slid over her skin.

Nidhogg, in the aftermath of passionate lovemaking, found herself in a highly sensitive state. When Arkhan's fingers made contact with her skin, her body trembled slightly.

Seeing his naughty hand, she swiftly grasped it, her large eyes revealing a hint of pleading.

"Can we take a break? It's been seven hours already... I really can't go on..."

"Oh? That's funny." Arkhan smirked, giving her a playful look. "Who was just riding on top of me, declaring to drain me completely, but now you're begging for mercy?"

"I'm sorry, I was wrong. Please spare me..." Nidhogg surrendered without any pride.

"Heh, that's more like it."

A subtle smile played on Arkhan's lips as he ceased teasing his wife.

"Hmph, you big dummy..." Nidhogg gently bit his chest. "I really don't understand where you get so much energy all the time. Clearly, I'm a true dragon here, and you're more like a human, yet every time we do the deed, it's me who can't handle it..."

'Duh, that's because I have Abyss Flower on me, Missy. You'd be surprised if you knew...' Arkhan thought funnily to himself.

As his lust subsided, he gradually became more composed and began to inquire about the changes since he left his world.

Thanks to his thorough preparations before leaving, Artoria smoothly ascended to the throne.

The legend of 'The Chosen King will return when Britain is in danger' kept other kings and nobles in check. Although some foolish ones still emerged here and there, Artoria could effortlessly crush their foolish attempts.

Currently, the entire British Isles were firmly under her control. Following Arkhan's development plan, she refrained from hastily expanding to the European continent, focusing on steady growth and accumulating strength on the British Isles.

With her exceptional charisma, she had gained the trust of everyone, leaving Arkhan somewhat nostalgic. The once naive and immature girl had finally grown into a qualified ruler.

"What about Big Sis Morgan? What's she up to?"

Hearing her sister-in-law's name, Nidhogg sighed.

"Ever since you left, she has been restless and shut herself. Two years ago, she moved out of Camelot and returned to Orkney. No matter how Lily and I tried to persuade her, she refuses to come out."

Hearing what occurred to his elder sister, a complex expression flickered in Arkhan's eyes. He knew all too well that Morgan's actions were driven by guilt over his departure.