Chapter : 24 : Stars! Dragons!

Mash P.O.V

We've been winning. Everything has been going well. Senpai is happier than ever. Yes, everything is going well, better than it ever did back in Chaldea. I think this as I walk through the halls of the strange new realm we got teleported to in the name of a tournament called Ragnarok. A tournament we've just won the fifth round of. Just a few more and we get to go home... so why...

Gudako: Kama... not here...

Kama: Hmm~ don't I deserve a little reward~?

Why do those two keep doing it?! I hurriedly run past the slightly hidden alley that those two are... doing... uhh... l-lewd things in. Really... in such... s-such scandalous places too! Senpai is getting corrupted by spending too much time with Kama! Too much! Too much I say! Hiding the blush that is creeping up my face and a pang of something in my heart, I-

*Thump*

Mash: A-Ah!

I feel myself fall backward, it seems I was too caught up in my own thoughts-

???: Whoa there! It wouldn't do for a warrior to be so unaware of their own surroundings!

Looking up, I notice I haven't actually fallen over, and what greets my eyes as I open them are piercing white eyes through a golden helmet. Ah! It's Sir Leonidas!

Mash: Ah... thanks...

Leonidas: No worries, it wasn't any trouble. Though make sure to pay attention next time, alright?

Mash: I-I understand...

... Uh? Is he going to let me go- wah?! He's gone and picked me up like a sack?!

Leonidas: This won't do, my fellow shield wielder!

Mash: What won't do, Sir Leonidas?!

Leonidas: This! Being so downtrodden won't do at all! I have a hint as to what is causing it... so do forgive me for my rough handling.

Mash: Thanks but... why are you saying that as you're sprinting down the halls?!

Leonidas: Simple! I'm bringing you to train with us Spartans!

Mash: Uh... how is training supposed to help me?

Leonidas: That too, is simple...

He raises a finger to the air as if he were a teacher about to explain the meaning of a lesson to his students.

Leonidas: Training your body, your spirit, and most importantly, your muscles! All of these things contribute to your appeal!

Mash: Appeal?! W-wait I think you aren't getting the proble-

Leonidas: Master isn't looking your way, no? Trust me on this!

Mash: But I still don't get how this helps?! ( And since when was Sir Leonidas so keen on things like this?! )

Clicking his tongue as if he was disappointed in me for not getting it, he turned his head to face me and spoke loudly.

Leonidas: Whether it be a man... a woman... muscles and strength... will always be attractive! You must show her your reliability and strength! That you are dependable as her shield! Both in battle and out of it, show your worth with training!

Then he picked up the pace and burst through some doors along the hallway we were previously traveling through.

Mash: Uhh... where are we?

As my eyes adjusted to the brighter light of the room we were now in, I saw it. Rows upon rows of Spartans training, sparring, and lifting impossibly large weights.

Leonidas: You'll see it soon. Now! Spartans!

In an instant, they all stopped, including a man who both stood out and then soon stood up, wearing a... Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses?

???What the hell happened to stop bothering me?

Leonidas: You too, other me, lazing around won't do.

Mash: Wait... other you?

Leonidas: Yes, for that man before you smoking a cigar and reading magazines is none other than this realm's version of me, the King of Sparta... Leonidas!

He proceeded to take a sip from a drink he had beside him. That's... this world's version of Leonidas? He seems a bit...

Leonidas(?): I know what you're thinking, so can it and fuck off. Unless I'm beating a certain asshole God to death and back, I don't want to hear it.

I turn to look at Leonidas, who briefly looks discouraged until puffing up and shouting again.

Leonidas: Do as you wish then, other me! You're always welcome to join in anytime!

Leonidas(?): Fuck off and let me lounge around in peace! I've already had it with those two Japanese sword freaks going in here to spar all the time because they tore up the other training rooms!

Leonidas: Their spirit and motivation are admirable, try to see its value!

Leonidas(?): The only value I see in it is if they stop going at it already! I'm going to hear steel ringing in my head for the next thousand years at this rate!

Leonidas: The sound of battle... is a truly great thing! 

Leonidas(?): And you shutting up is a truly great thing! Let me drink in peace!

He certainly is... a character. He even throws an empty can of beer at us, although Sir Leonidas catches it and throws it away properly in a trash can. I'm sure Senpai would have something to say about his personality and how our version is better- oh right... she's with Kama... doing... stop thinking about it! Stop thinking about how they're going at it-

Leonidas: Haha! Don't mind him too much, I'm sure he'll come around to training along with us soon enough. The other Spartans' spirit certainly doesn't seem to have been dimmed in the slightest, after all! Look at them go!

I snap out of my daze and see the insanely intense training of the Spartans, it is impressive and all... but I don't see how that would help me...

Mash: O-oh, right! They really are motivated... but uh... aside from that other version of you, is there any reason you've brought me here?

Leonidas: I thought I made it clear enough already. Do you not yet understand?

Mash: Sorry, I don't really get it still.

Summoning his shield and spear, he clangs the two weapons together as he looks at me.

Leonidas: Then let me make this perfectly clear! Mash Kyrielight! Protector and shield of the Master of Chaldea since the very beginning! I have seen very well your dedication and strength firsthand... and it is truly admirable! However, it seems Master isn't quite seeing that... so with the help of the spirit of us Spartans...

He slams his shield and spear to the ground, and without me noticing, it seems the other Spartans have followed his example.

Leonidas: Let us make that spirit shine bright enough for her to see! Let your dedication and strength break through to her with our assistance! Then she will look your way and see your value as her trusted defender! 

I don't know what to say... although this help obviously has the flair of a Spartan to it... they are trying to help me in their own way. Yes! I have to show my determination to both Sir Leonidas and Senpai! Sitting around and being timid won't do! I'll only lose out then! Yes! I see his point now!

Mash: S-Sir Leonidas... t-thank you... I'll do my best- Ow!

I look to see yet another empty beer can hit me in the head. Thrown by none other than...

Leonidas(?): Motivation this and doing your best that! Just leave me the fuck out of it and stop screaming in my ear!

It seems not everyone is so eager though...

...

But that won't stop me! I'll appeal to Senpai and get her to look my way no matter what!

-----

Third Person P.O.V

Atop the towering spires of the darkened and twisted Camelot which were conjured by none other than Morgan le Fay, repairs were underway. The modified Enforcer Knights clearing out rubble... with magical flamethrowers and giant thunder sledgehammers... but nonetheless, they were "fixing" things. 

Amongst the piles of stone and craters, cheerily walking through the once peaceful and bright streets of a relatively remote town, was a certain rogue A.I. This was BB, who with a simple wave of her pointing stick, instantly fixed any and all damage. This sped up the process of repairs from the previous battles, albeit to the dismay of the Enforcer Knights whose work was now pointless.

BB: La~ La~ La~ I just showed a failure of a Roman Emperor her place~ today is going great~

She sang in a sing-song voice, much to the confusion of the Enforcer Knights and the people who had to now accept they were forcibly citizens of this magical city. She continued this, along with a few more added parts to her makeshift song that was something along the lines of being the best junior and how everyone else was trash. This was soon interrupted, however...

*Clap* 

*Clap* 

*Clap* 

???: Bravo! Bravo! I don't really know what "Roma" quite is, but your skill in singing is nothing to be humble about. I'd say it's even better than that one drunken bard I see around back where I was from. Oh, and of course your repairs are impressive as well!

The sounds of clapping, the kind with one's hands, were heard along with the praise from seemingly nowhere. The source? It was none other than...

BB: Ah, if it isn't the ice pirate guy! More accurately, the completely useless ice pirate guy!

Feigning mock hurt, a man emerged from behind the rubble of a destroyed building. An eyepatch over one eye, long dark blue hair tied into a ponytail, and an outfit consisting entirely of various shades of blue and black, save for a fluffy white coat wrapped around his neck that was reminiscent of a mage of the abyss.

Kaeya: The name is Kaeya and not "completely useless ice pirate guy", you know? 

BB: Same thing, you didn't do anything in that last battle aside from causing the red-haired fire guy to slip so the water guy could get a clean hit in.

Kaeya: I can't deny that... but are you really just referring to all of us as elemental guys? It's not nice to refer to your colleagues- or well I guess enemies too, so dismissively.

BB: I can remember your names perfectly fine, I just choose not to!

Kaeya: Wow~ talk about harsh! Anyway, I have some important news I was asked to relay.

BB: Ah, so you did have something important to say! So spill it already.

Kaeya: Still not letting up on the harshness, huh? Well, it seems our little Queen has called us all back to the summoning area already.

BB: When did she give that message?

Kaeya: Hmm... twenty or so minutes ago?

BB: Great! We already missed it since you were so slow! What a useless messenger you are!

Kaeya: Hey now! It's not my fault-

BB: Can't hear you~! Teleporting!

Kaeya: What-

*Fwooosh*

Before the man who only seemed to dress in dark colors could process what had happened, he was in the middle of a pit of chaos, also known as the summoning platforms. 

???: I love all races! Even the bad ones!

???2: Observation complete, it seems I have been transported to another world. This is both an opportunity and a setback.

???3: None of this was on Elio's script... hah... this might be a bit problematic~

Upon three of the summoning platforms were three new people. One was an old man dressed in what appeared to be a dated ship captain's outfit with many symbols of crosses and the like. The other, is an extremely pale girl with an equally extremely revealing outfit, sitting on a bed of black and yellow tentacles. Last but not least...

???: Oh well... since it's not on the script... I guess I'm free to mess around a little.

A woman with a dominating aura tightened her purple gloves, patted down her loose coat, and fixed the sleeves of her shirt before looking back up with her dull purple eyes at an equally dominating woman staring back at her with icy blue eyes. Tension was in the air until the former let out a smile that lacked any warmth at the latter and spoke again.

???: Well? Are you just going to keep staring or what? I know I tend to have that... effect on people, but it'd be nice if I knew a little more about what was going on here.

Breaking out of her silence, the current leader of this faction, Morgan le Fay responded.

Morgan: Ah, my apologies. You have been summoned to this particular Grail war under our faction. To put it simply, we are fighting against another... "team" in order to win a wish-granting device. 

???: Oh? That does sound interesting...

Morgan: Indeed, so it would be most helpful if you were to aid us in fighting against our opposition-

The dull purple eyes of the woman lit up for a second, and in her hand, a gun had suddenly appeared, which she tapped with one of her fingers idly. 

???: But... what if I don't want to join in your little game? Hmm~?

At that very moment, a  burst of mana erupted from Morgan. An endless sea of black and blue power emanates from her as if she were a generator of unlimited magical power.

Morgan: Then I'd eliminate you right now.

The tension in the air grew palpably thick until the mystery woman tossed her gun aside and began walking forward with her hand outstretched, to which Morgan was still defensive.

Kafka: Don't worry, I'm just asking, that's all.  My name's Kafka by the way, and I'll be working with you from now on.

A bit surprised by the fact this had not taken a violent turn, Morgan took a second or two until she responded herself and ceased emitting magical energy.

Morgan: A-Ahem. I go by Morgan le Fay, although a few of the others have taken to calling me by other names or titles. I appreciate your cooperation.

Kafka: And I appreciate your cooperation as well, Morgan le Fay. I'll be taking a tour around by myself if you don't mind.

Morgan: So long as no trouble is caused, it shall be allowed.

Kafka: That's good to hear. See you around then~

Walking away with a sway to her hips and an elegant wave of her hand, Kafka was soon gone from the summoning platforms. This left two remaining newcomers, who had yet to move from their initial spots... probably due to the fact that mere moments ago it seemed as if a fight was about to break out. 

Morgan: Now... you two.

Turning to address these two people, Morgan was once again surprised as one of them, the pale girl, was now missing. Confused, she looked around until she spotted her... with Purifier, another member of her faction.

Purifier: Hey! Hey! I can't believe you're here too! This is going to be so much fun! 

???2: Fun is subjective, Purifier.

Purifier: No it isn't! Fun is objective, Alphy! It's called mass genocide!

Observer: Hah... I told you already, call me by Observer Alpha. Not that nickname. 

Purifier: But that's no fun, Alphy! 

Observer: Hah... this is going to be a long research excursion...

Deciding to not interfere with Purifier who was practically clinging onto Observer Alpha, Morgan turned to the old man. The same old man who had been summoned immediately said some very questionable things. Yet for those mere moments, she had been distracted by the antics of the two Sirens, it seemed that old man had gotten up to antics of his own.

???3: You there! Indian man! Dark skin! Fetch me a drink, I'm thirsty!

Pointing with his sword to the self-proclaimed pirate, commonly known as Kaeya, the old man shouted even more questionable things.

Kaeya: Me? Indian? Excuse me, but I don't know what that is.

???3: Ah, I see. Forgive me, I mistook your race! You must be a n***a.

Kaeya: A what now?

???3: An African, that's what!

Kaeya: I really don't get what you're trying to imply here. ( I'm used to confusing others, I guess this is what it's like. )

Columbus: Ah! It must be because you don't know who I am yet! I'm Christopher Columbus! The one who discovered the new world and conquered it for my benefit! Now, do what I said! Hahahahahaha! Slaves are the best!

Kaeya: ...excuse me?

To this interaction, someone with knowledge of the modern world, that being BB, could only stare in mild disbelief. She wasn't one to not take a chance to belittle and tease someone, but she certainly wasn't just outright discriminatory or the like. No matter who you were, she'd bully you just as much as anyone else. So even she was a bit shocked by this discriminatory man before her.

BB: Did we just summon...

A blonde Valkyrie had walked up to the side of BB, staring in equal disbelief at what she was hearing.

Durandal: A raging racist? 

This was unknown to a red archer who had just appeared, who was also soon to be another unfortunate victim of Columbus's racism.

EMIYA: Everyone! Lunch is ready-

Columbus: Good! It seems one slave knows his place and did his job right! Some of these [ Gamer Word ] I tell you! Useless! Can't even toil away until they die of exhaustion for me correctly! 

EMIYA: The fuck?!

Looking at this... mess of a faction. The former Queen of Fae Britain could only rub her forehead and sigh. Her headache was growing, but so was the chance at victory with each new member. So sucking up her fatigue and standing up straight, she turned around with regal elegance and power as she.. went to go eat lunch.

Columbus: Hey! Where are you all going?! Is the food not going to be brought to me by a slave- 

*Boom*

Melusine: I have finished my patrol. No hostiles in a 1000km radius.

Silenced at last, Columbus was left in a crater and barely able to breathe by an "unfortunate" landing from Fae Knight Lancelot as she had just finished her patrol, now heading to the same destination as her Queen. However, there was something different to her this time, her outfit consisted of much more blacks and reds. 

She even possessed similarly colored horns despite retaining her usual appearance, untwisted by a transformation into Albion. Her jet as well, pulsing not only with her magical power but the sound of crackling thunder. This different appearance soon faded from her body, her looks returning to normal, as she approached her Queen.

Morgan: A job well done. Speaking of,  there is food prepared as well. I am sure such a long patrol was taxing, which is why you are free to relax for the rest of the day. 

Melusine: Ah! Forgive me, my Queen. Am I late?

Morgan: No, in fact, it has just been prepared. Worry not, I am sure the food is still warm.

Melusine: Hoora- ahem. That is most excellent, my Queen.

Morgan: Then let us go, it would be rude to keep the others waiting.

Melusine: I agree... but what of that... person I landed on?

Morgan: Leave him be, if he doesn't survive... he was simply too weak.

Melusine: Understood.

Leaving the racist to maybe die in a hole, the two white-haired women walk off together. The others of the Faction already heading there separately or already being in the castle. While Morgan and her members were living in mostly peace and luxury, the same could not be said for their sworn enemies.

*Clang*

*Clink*

*Boom*

Lily: Ah! C-can we not slow down a little?!

Said the young King of Knights, as she struggled to defend against a rain of red spears. All tossed by a certain old ha-

*Stab*

Y-youthful and powerful teacher, the renowned Scathach, who had taught many a hero in life, not that she ever truly died.

Scathach: No, this is necessary and part of the training regiment set in place. 

Lily: But- ah! Isn't this super- guh! Dangerous!?

Scathach: It is, but in order to train your instinct... it must be life-threatening! You must feel death inching closer each second!

Lily: U-Understood! 

Narrowly dodging a spear and deflecting another with Caliburn, Artoria Lily can only barely squeak out a single question to her extreme teacher. Though despite this, she accepts the painful and difficult training, as she aspires to become a strong and reliable King. Her Knights have very differing opinions, however.

Gawain: Stop throwing spears at the King! 

Scathach: It's training.

The Celtic spearwoman spoke nonchalantly, as she fired off spear after spear like a pitching machine with Lily as the batter. 

Gawain: How is this training?!

Scathach: It's training.

*Fwoosh*

Getting into a stance, Scathach threw out an especially strong and fast spear despite Gawain's protests. Busy having just deflected a spear that had bounced off another for a double-sided attack in a masterful display of throwing skill from her teacher, Lily did not have the time to block this rapidly incoming projectile.

Lily: ( I can't block it- )

Gawain: My King! Dodge!

Scathach: Hmph. Too slow.

Yet the rising star of team Merlin wasn't about to get accidentally sent to Avalon from a training incident, for Gawain was not the only Knight of the Round Table present. The red-haired archer who was perpetually gloomy was present too after all. Somehow seeing the spear despite having his eyes closed, he uttered two words, barely above a whisper.

Tristan: Time Alter... Double Accel.

One moment he was doing maintenance on his bow, and in the next, he had deflected the spear that had a collision course with the young Artoria's head with a rapier. The sword also let out a beautiful musical tune as if it were a flute while it was swung, a masterful display of skill from both the wielder and maker of the weapon.

Tristan: Hmm... it seems that Muramasa is quite an excellent blacksmith, his fame is more than earned. How sad that his blades were deemed cursed... they are beautiful...

Busy admiring his new weapon, all of a sudden it was as if his brain had reminded him he had a duty to make sure his King was alright, so Tristan swiftly turned around to check on the young Artoria.

Lily: T-thank you for saving me...

She said on the ground, having fallen backward from thinking she was about to be hit.

Tristan: My king-

Gawain: Are you alright?!

Interrupting Tristan and somehow having appeared right beside Artoria, Gawain had beaten him to assess her wellbeing.

Lily: I'm alright...

Tristan: Then... why such sadness... Why are you crying?! Are you hurt, my King?!

Lily: Huh? I'm- oh...

Wiping off tears from her face that she didn't notice, Lily saw her tear-soaked gloves and her voice began to tremble.

Lily: I-It's just that... I'm always being saved. I want to save others... be a good leader and King... but I can't... I keep failing and needing to be saved...

Gawain: Do not fret, my King. The path to being a leader and Knight is long and arduous, and you are doing more than enough on that front. Our situation is tough, but I have faith in you, so do not feel weak or as if you were a burden.

Tristan: I agree once again with Sir Gawain. Making such progress and struggling... it is not something to be sad over. Despite all these hardships you keep on trying for our all sakes... that is most admirable. I would weep over how you are once again burdened at such a young age... but that would be belittling of your willing efforts-

*Fwoosh*

Scathach: Gae...

The encouragement session was soon interrupted by winds blowing and a red glow. Clearly, the ruler of the land of shadows had not read the room as she prepared her Noble Phantasm.

Lily: T-Teacher?!

Tristan: For what purpose is this for?!

Gawain: I say the same thing over and over, Sir Tristan!

With a straight face, she said once more.

Scathach: It's training. Now! Bol-

Interrupting the certain death weapon was a storm of petals and a hand pulling down the throwing arm of Scathach. The one and only Magus of Flowers had returned!

Merlin: Now, now, Miss Scathach!  When I said to train Artoria while I was gone I didn't mean to kill her! So let's calm down and lower the spear, alright?

Scathach: Hmph, very well. Training is over for today. Come, Skadi.

Skadi: Huh? I wasn't sleeping! I wasn't- ah! Please don't drag me so roughly! I'm a Goddess!

Walking off and picking up her basically identical twin Skadi along the way, who was definitely not busy taking a nap on a bed of flowers, Scathach had soon disappeared into an opening to the land of shadows once again as she typically did when off-duty. Scratching the back of his head, Merlin awkwardly looked back to the two Knights, who were busy glaring daggers at him.

Tristan: You were the one who suggested Scathach as a teacher to the King?

Gawain: The one known to train her students to near death? Am I correct, Sir Merlin?

Merlin: H-Hey... I thought it would be helpful! I train Artoria in swordsmanship and even magecraft, but a little more help couldn't hurt, right?

Tristan: It can definitely hurt... Sir Merlin... it was almost a tragedy...

Gawain: Yes, the King was in danger thanks to you.

Yet before scorching flames could burn the field of flowers or Merlin could be hung by deadly musical strings, Lily stood in defense of the half-incubus once again, still trusting of the magus.

Lily: I-I don't think we should be so mean to Sir Merlin! He's been a super big help! He trains me all the time, he helps Sir Tristan use that magecraft from the summoning ritual, and he's the one to set up our base! We should... we should... be nicer to him! 

Before the radiant innocence and kindness of the young King, her Knights were left helpless.

Tristan: That is true... he allowed me to manipulate even the flow of time to serve you better.

Gawain: As much of a difficulty as he is sometimes, I must agree that Merlin is helpful in this war we are in.

Taking this opportunity, Merlin clapped his hands together and swerved around to stand in front of Artoria. So with a closed-eyed smile, he spoke.

Merlin: So! With that done and over with... I think this is the perfect time to proceed to the next stage of our plan! First up, let's get all of our members together!

Lily: Understood! A team effort... I'll do my best to lead it!

Gawain: I am sure you can do it, my King!

Tristan: Such passion... how wonderful, my King.

Merlin: ( But I'm the team leader though? Oh well... I'm not winning the popularity contest anytime soon against her anyway. )

With that, the group of four began collecting the other members from around the camp. Although much has changed since the last time they had fought their enemy, in no small part thanks to the fact that in the distant Heavens, once again, Gudako had slain yet another God. Meaning both sides were recipients of more rewards from the summoning system.

Though, not all of their additions were from the summoning. For one, the stolen Rhongomyniad, with a little tinkering from Merlin himself, had its ownership transferred to Artoria. Adding onto the new weapons was a special rapier forged by Muramasa himself for Tristan, with Merlin even having merged a Mystic Code of Time Acceleration from the recent summoning to the archer.

Of course, the Magus of Flowers did not give all the gifts to others. For he had kept a small reddish-purple orb in his own possession, which he shoved into his staff. For what it did exactly? That was still unknown to everyone but Merlin himself. Although he had conveniently side-stepped explaining to the others why there was an oddly perfect crater in the side of the mountain their base was on all of a sudden.

Farther into the past events that had transpired, Artoria had learned a few runes from Skadi, some spearmanship for Rhongomyniad from Scathach, and more versatile magecraft and swordplay from Merlin. To say team Merlin was putting all their eggs into one basket would be an understatement, as it would be more accurate to say they are putting the fortune of the King of Heroes himself with all this focused training on the King of Knights.

That aside, the collection of all the members of Team Merlin for the reveal of the next plan of action against Morgan le Fay was almost complete. The long list was almost complete, that being Gawain, Tristan, Artoria Lily, Diluc, Venti, Enterprise, Saber Alter, and Nero. But that wasn't quite all of the faction, as some were not simply lounging around out in the open.

Merlin: Alright, everyone! It seems we're just missing a few more people, but for this... I'll have to ask that you all stand back, alright?

Lily: Alright? I'll do that, then.

Stepping back cautiously, and the others following as well, Merlin took a deep breath as if he were preparing to shout.

Merlin: Edmond Dantès-

*Smack*

Merlin was sent flying a few meters back from a punch to his face, by none other than the person whose very name he just spoke. Although, that person hated being called as such, and thus normally goes by...

Dantès: It's the Count of Monte Cristo to you.

Merlin: Ow! Ow! I got that! It's just the fastest way of calling you over!

Dantès: There are certainly better and less annoying ways than that, but I suppose that's just you.

Merlin: Gah! I'm being slandered for my efforts again! Anyways... mind calling Scathach and Skadi back over here? Getting to them, even for me, is a bit troublesome.

Dantès: To traverse a land of shadow and death isn't too troublesome for one such as I, so I'll do as you wish for now.

A gust of wind blew as the Count of Monte Cristo disappeared from his spot instantly. The rest of the group does not even bother to ask what that was about, or the fact that he had apparently been part of their team the whole time and had just been hiding somewhere. Moved on and past a tent with a cross on it, which for being a place of healing was awfully loud with pained screams.

Lily: Uh... is that really a hospital? I mean, we dropped off our injured there... but it sounds... very... painful.

Merlin: I'm sure they're fine! Nightingale is a great healer, after all, I'm sure she could fix up those bullet holes-

Interrupting the conversation was a certain King of Conquerors, and along with him his ever-trusted tactician and former Master, both covered in bandages. 

Iskandar:  We're making a run for it! That is the least healing place of healing that I have ever been to! 

Waver: *Muffled noises*

The latter failed to speak, having been covered like a mummy in bandages. A girlish scream was also heard, a hand reaching out of the tent before a gloved one pulled it back in.

Iskandar: Shit! We left the girl! Tch, we're going back-

But before the Iskandar could even finish his sentence, a certain nurse dressed in red appeared behind him, as if this were a scene straight from a horror movie.

Nightingale: That won't be needed. I'll be taking you back, injured patients shouldn't move.

Iskandar: Wait, we can talk about this- agh!

Waver: *Distressed muffled noises*

Forcibly dragged back against their will, the two were silent for a moment as they entered, but soon after their screams were heard as menacingly calm words along the lines of "Do not resist." and "This is treatment." were also heard. The screaming soon stopped, until another more mature woman's screams broke out.

This too was quickly silenced and followed with yet another statement, but this time it was something along the lines of "Oh? Do you like small children? That can be solved with a lobotomy." This was indeed the main medical center of team Merlin, a tent with a simple red cross painted upon it... and a very... peculiar head nurse.

Salter: Are you sure you didn't just send them to be euthanized since we can't afford treatment?

Spoke the altered King of Knights, walking up to Merlin with a bored look on her face, despite the morbid things she had just said.

Merlin: I- uh... probably not? ( Even if Nightingale ends up breaking a few bones, Garden of Avalon should fix it. )

Lily: Sir Merlin, what's euthanasia?

Salter: Oh? You don't know? Well, when someone is so pathetic and weak that living is pointless... you mercilessly end their life as they are at their most vulnerable-

Her description was interrupted by the two Knights once again coming to the rescue, covering the ears of the young Artoria.

Gawain: My King, do not listen to- uh... the other King! I implore you to stop describing things in such an unnecessarily crude way!

Tristan: Yes... such tragic words must not taint the young King so soon...

Salter: Fine...

Seeing what buzzkills the two knights were, Artoria Alter simply disappeared for a moment, before reappearing with a red-haired blacksmith in hand, which did help with collecting the rest of team Merlin, if only due to her efforts to satiate her hunger. Afterward, she threw him in front of a campfire and said only one thing.

Salter: Cook.

Muramasa: Uh... little miss... you do know I'm a blacksmith?

Salter: So? I'm hungry. Cook. Now.

She began raising Excalibur Morgan into the air as it thrummed with power.

Muramasa: Fine, I'll try! Don't ya expect too much!

Salter: Hmph, I'll be expecting it to at least be edible.

Appearing beside the corrupted King was a lady dressed in a militaristic uniform, none other than Enterprise herself. 

Enterprise: Hmm... if you're cooking... make this as well, please.

She said, throwing down what appeared to be a brown brick that concerningly sounded like a solid rock as Muramasa caught it.

Muramasa: Well... I think I could... ah well! I'll do this one too while I'm at it! Ya, two wait right there if ya wanna watch! ( Though her order might need an anvil and hammer to even make... )

Enterprise: I'll be waiting then.

Salter: So will I.

Muramasa: Hah... guess this is how my day is goin' now...

As the Japanese blacksmith was forced to change professions by a hungry British monarch and an American carrier, all while the injured were... probably getting treated by a probably trained professional, Merlin continued leading the rest of the remaining group. They had lost a few, but they were all vaguely in the same area that Merlin could still carry out his plan.

Merlin: Alright... so that just happened! Anyways! Just a few more to go-

*Fwoooosh*

The sound of wind blowing past and the screeches of a bird were heard, and looking up, the group saw... a pink-haired person riding upon a mighty winged beast, all the while a gray-skinned man cheered. This was Astolfo and Spartacus, who had been conveniently rescued by Dantès during the previous engagement with the Fae faction.

Astolfo: Woohoo! This is fuuun! Don't you agree?

Spartacus: We have rebelled against the weight of the world! Overthrown the chains binding us to the ground! Gravity is the oppressor... and we have defeated it! This is freedom!

Astolfo: Uh... yeah! What you said! Weeee!

With a tired sigh, a red-haired winery owner grabbed a green bard by his cape and gave a look to the Magus of Flowers.

Diluc: I'll go and catch those troublemakers, and I'll be bringing this one with me to make sure he doesn't wander off while I'm at it.

Venti: Ehhh~? But I'm *hic* sober! I can be *hic* by myseeelf!

Diluc: Hah... not in a million years, you useless God.

Venti: So meaan- wah!

Dragging Venti off to make sure he didn't get into more trouble, Diluc had gone after the flying pair of trap and gladiator. While Merlin and company at least could check off finding those two around camp, it would seem like finding the last few members, seeing as they weren't yet here, would seem like a difficult task.

...

It was not a very difficult task.

Lily: Uh... why is there a giant glowing building?

Merlin: A what now- oh, I think we have where our last few members are.

What was it the two were seeing? Well... an extremely out-of-place modern building, with a giant glowing sign that read:

"Silver Wolf's Gaming Shack"

Along with a crudely added-on sign made of stone that read:

"And Avicebron's Golem Making Workshop"

Even more crudely tacked on was a piece of paper taped onto the already added-on sign from Avicebron, with letters drawn in crayon reading:

"Plus me and the Bigger Sister Bronya's Hideout"

Before any of the Knights, Lily, or Merlin could come up and knock politely at the door, a rogue Roman Emperor had kicked it down.

Nero: Umu! Behold! You stand before the presence of the ever beautiful and grand Emperor of Ro- ack!

A game controller had been thrown at her forehead, by none other than Silver Wolf, still bearing her trademark deadpan Bronya-faced expression.

Silver Wolf: So noisy... be quiet. 

Nero: Why?! I am allowed to be as loud and proud as I want-

*Smack*

This time a keyboard had been thrown at her head.

Silver Wolf: And this is my space, so I'm allowed to tell you to be as quiet as I want. Plus, the child is sleeping.

Nero: Hah?! What child- gah!?

*Bonk*

This time an entire gaming console was thrown at Nero's head, knocking her backwards and out of the building.

???: Mmmnn...

A small girl with hair just above the shoulders, appearing raven black on the outside and dark blue inside, also wearing a white sundress, slowly stirred awake. 

Silver Wolf: Ah. Go back to sleep. Shush. 

Silver Wolf desperately tried to get the little girl to go back to sleep, which included shoving a teddy bear on her face, which only caused her to wake up more.

???: Mmmnnn... bigger sister Bronya?

Silver Wolf: I keep telling you that's not my name. Hah... just go back to sleep already, Seele.

Seele: Hmm... don't wanna! I wanna play with your games again!

Silver Wolf: Alright... here. This one is a two-player game.

Seele: Yay! This will be fun!

Silver Wolf: Just don't make me carry you too much. ( Doing big sister stuff again isn't half bad... )

Being the bearer of bad news, Merlin came into the room, stepping over the dazed body of Nero to request the assistance of the skilled hacker-

Silver Wolf: No.

Merlin: I didn't even say anything yet?!

Silver Wolf: I don't want to. First of all, what you're doing is boring. Second of all, it's tiring. Third of all, I'm busy playing a game.

Seele: I'm dying! Help!

Silver Wolf: Die and disappear you trash mob NPCS. Anyways, not joining. 

Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, Merlin turned to the other person in this room in the hopes of getting him in on the plan. It was none other than the constantly masked man who was obsessed with golems, Avicebron.

Avicebron: Sorry, I won't be joining either. I'm busy making more golems... that blonde lance wielder crushed all my previous ones to bits...

Merlin: Ah, I understand. I'll get going now then! ( I got refused without even saying anything again... )

Closing the door behind him, Merlin was greeted by an eager Artoria as he exited the building.

Lily: Are they helping us? I promise I'll be a good leader!

Merlin: Unfortunately, I don't think they'll be joining us on this one.

Lily: Aww...

Tristan: How sad...

Gawain: Unfortunate, but I am sure we can achieve our goals despite this!

Lily: Agreed! I'll keep on doing my best!

Tristan: So will I, to the best of my abilities... I will serve you even to my death.

Lily: P-Please no dying though!

Recovering from her daze, an angry Nero tossed the items that had been thrown at her at the closed door of the building.

Nero: Hmph! Like I needed your help! I can defeat them without your useless assistance! Umu!

Storming off, Nero left the group to nurse her wounds while praising herself, as to make sure her ego and face had not been damaged. This meant the group was once again reduced to the original four, consisting of Tristan, Gawain, Lily, and Merlin. Though the effort was not in vain, they had all been gathered close enough together, well those willing to participate.

Merlin: Well... that's that! I think it's about time I showed everyone the next stage of our plan! Operation... Falling Dragon!

-----

Team Merlin was currently observing the so-called grand plan of the Grand Caster. A pile of maybe metal doors strapped to oversized arrows.

Salter: Is this a poor joke?

Lily: A metal door... strapped to an arrow? Eh? I don't get it.

Tristan: This is... confusing...

Gawain: I fail to see how this relates to the name of the operation.

Muramasa: When ya said to make somethin' fit for the air, smackin' chunks of metal into a vague square attached to oversized arrows ain't what I had in mind, that's for sure.

Astolfo: Uh... I'll just ride Hippogriff instead! 

Nero: Umu! This looks like a pile of trash! This is certainly not fit for one such as myself!

Spartacus: Gravity is oppression! Let us break free from its chains once more!

Diluc: I regret deciding to stay here more and more by the day.

Venti: Ehh? I'm too sober for this! Another bottle down the hatch for me!

Enterprise: An interesting strategy... forgoing actual planes in favor of... stealth vehicles of some kind?

Spinning his staff around, Merlin outstretched it to the empty space beside him.

Merlin: Of course that's not all there is to it. Give a warm welcome... to our new members!

Another storm of petals erupted as two figures emerged from it, for what reason were they introduced like it was a magic show? Merlin thought it would be fun, that was all. One bore a teal chest plate, along with red greaves and gauntlets, wielding a scarlet red bow. The other wore tight black clothing with an exposed chest, along with silver shoulder pads and long wild hair of the same color.

Arash: I am Arash, Hero of the East. Nice to meet you!

Siegfried: Siegfried. I have come in response to your summons. Please give me the order.

With a smug look on his face, Merlin continued the explanation of his plan to the confused members of the Merlin faction.

Merlin: I've taken the liberty of filling them in on the current situation, which is why you haven't seen them around until now. That aside, I present to you the first step of Operation Falling Dragon...

The archer from the East stepped forward with a happy look on his face, as if oblivious to the height-based horrors he was about to unleash.

Arash: The return of Arash Airlines!

...

A chill was felt in everyone's spines.

-----

Starting from a cave lodged into a mountainside, the one and only Grand Assassin watched as falling "stars" flew across the sky, accompanied by terrified screams. Dusting off some remaining dirt from being blasted through a few dozen walls by Morgan le Fay from their previous encounter, the bringer of death turned to face the dark behind him.

First Hassan: Beast of Disaster, hath thee found the spirit to speak thine words?

???: UuuUuuuuu...

First Hassan: O' Primordial Mother... what a meek and feeble form you display. 

???: UuuuuuuuUUu... AAaaaaaa...

First Hassan: Is my presence frightening? Worry not, so long as thine wish for regression is not made true, ye head is safe upon thine body.

???: AAaaaaAAAaaaa... I-I... uuUuu... I- alright...

First Hassan: Well done, Goddess of Creation.

Looking forward once more, the assassin spots a tiny figure launching off from the dark castle of Morgan le Fay, the faintest sound of engines roaring like a mighty dragon resonating through the air. Squinting his eyes further, he sees the petite jet-like being seeming to be on a path to intercept the falling "stars".  In addition, a blackened and smoky vehicle followed closely behind.

First Hassan: It seems as if thine assistance may be needed soon...

???: R-really?

Turning back around, a small petite figure of a woman emerged from the shadows. Long pale greenish-blue hair and regal clothes colored in a much darker shade of blue, all on top of ornate and curved horns sprouting from her head. In addition, her eyes possessed a unique shade of pink with even more curious x-shaped pupils. 

First Hassan: Indeed, fallen Goddess... Tiamat.

Tiamat: Eek!

First Hassan: ???

However, this arrangement might not be the best for either party, seeing as said Goddess was freaked out by the Grand Assassin simply turning to face her. Yes, the Grail War taking place upon the once peaceful country sides of the world commonly known as Goblin Slayer was continuing to become more and more fierce with each new addition.

This was not the only thing growing fiercer with each passing moment, however. For returning once again to the Heavens of a distant universe, the tournament between Mankind and the Gods was still raging on. For traversing through the dark corridors leading up to the arena, was a legendary commander and warrior. 

Musket in hand!

Cape billowing in the wind!

Oversized hat on her head!

Yes...

It was the famous...

Greatest...

Most spectacular...

Most chuunibyou of them all...

Nobunaga!!!!

Nobunaga: Wahahahaha! It's time for the true Demon King of the Sixth Heaven to make her appearance!

-----

Merlin's Team:

"Will break your skull in two to solve a headache" Nightingale:

Edmond "Edgelord" Dantès:

"Dragon (S)layer" Siegfried:

Arash "Suicide is Epic!" Kamangir:

"Orphanages Suck" Seele(Tiny Edition):

"Freedom Lover" Spartacus:

-----

Morgan's Team:

Kaeya "Tiddy Window" Alberich:

"Mommy- sorry- I meant Mommy- sorry-" Kafka:

Observer "I know where this is going" Alpha:

Christopher "I'm about to say the gamer word!" Columbus:

-----

Neutral:

"Literally your Mom" Tiamat:

----------------------------------

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