Chapter 128: Another 4 summon

(Titus's Perspective)

"We will not accept the impure!"

And there it was, hypocrisy at its finest.

After I returned with the victims of the kidnapping, we were halted at the gate by a bulky man blocking our path. The majority of the women, including minors, had suffered brutal assaults, while the men were largely crippled. It would burden the rest of the villagers to care for these helpless individuals. Women would be ostracized from society, and men without skills would be deemed useless.

Thus, the very villagers who had implored Atalanta and me to rescue these people were now turning us away. I could not speak for everyone, but the three men standing at the entrance clearly shared this sentiment. Judging by the looks on their faces, they appeared to be the stereotypical villains.

"How dare—" Atalanta began, stepping forward in fury, but I held her back. She glanced at me with disdain, yet this time, she did not argue. "Why are you stopping me?"

"Atalanta, they only seek violence. And consider their point of view: is caring for the impure and impoverished a standard in Greece? Do you plan to fight everyone?"

In this era, there was no institution like an orphanage. Typically, an orphan would be entrusted to relatives after their parents' death. If an orphan had no relatives, it was the state's responsibility to ensure the child's welfare. However, this principle was limited to major cities like Athens. A poor village could not afford to care for so many.

"So, you suggest we just abandon those children?" Atalanta asked, her voice laced with defiance.

I smiled and shook my head. "No, it's their ideology that we need to challenge. Remember, you have unwavering faith in the Gods, but even you can see they have ignored the plight of these victims."

When I presented this perspective, Atalanta was left speechless. Although I disliked challenging someone's beliefs, it was necessary for Atalanta to reconsider her views. Her philosophy could become a hindrance if it remained unaddressed.

"T-then what do you propose?" Atalanta stuttered, her gaze lowered.

"We will engage them in dialogue and win them over with kindness and warmth," I responded, offering a reassuring smile. Although playing the saint was not my preferred role, the sight of so many children compelled me to set a positive example.

With that, I turned towards the bulky man blocking our path.

"Please, let us enter—"

"No, and take that green-haired hunter away from—"

At that instant, my fist connected with the bulky man's face, sending him soaring into the sky until he vanished from sight.

The villagers and their muscle-bound enforcers stood agape, while the children and others behind Atalanta looked on with impassive expressions.

"Winning them over with kindness and warmth, you said," Atalanta remarked, arms crossed.

"Yes, but there are boundaries. A malevolent glare towards my wife is where I draw the line," I declared.

Atalanta choked on her words, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue.

I then turned to address the villagers, "I understand some of you fear these thugs, but do not be intimidated. If you do not take a stand now, you never will. Abandoning your loved ones in their time of need ensures your own abandonment in the future. Please, do not make this mistake."

I spoke with conviction, drawing on my experiences from my London Dreamshift, where I would make speeches urging people not to forsake their children, even in challenging times.

In that moment, a woman burst from the crowd and embraced a small girl standing behind me. Tears streamed down both their faces, a silent testament to the community's readiness to welcome the marginalized, the impoverished, and the disabled.

Following the woman's lead, several others stepped forward, each accepting the victims one by one.

---

Bifrost energy is a formidable force known for its incredible capabilities, such as cursing, and manipulating time and space.

In legend, Bifrost connected Asgard to other realms, but in this universe, it's a supernatural phenomenon wielded by Odin. He utilizes it to teleport across realms, bolster his strength, and enhance his combat prowess with his spear, Gungnir. However, my understanding and usage of Bifrost are limited. My spear alone has the capability to merge Bifrost with lightning, delivering blows that rival the might of Zeus's lightning bolt. Yet, I lack Odin's mastery over Bifrost.

Eager to harness this energy in an era rich with mana, I stood in an open field, my palms crackling with purple lightning. Drawing energy from my spear, Gungnir, I attempted to channel it through my veins, but even a small amount caused my skin to rupture.

"Kh!" I groaned, the pain nearly unbearable. The energy tore through my flesh, disrupting my mana circuits and soul. However, Tamamo's healing skills were continuously repairing the damage. The process was agonizing, as my flesh burned and regenerated, but gradually, I began to understand the workings of Bifrost.

"Success!" I exclaimed, a grin spreading across my face as I managed to channel Bifrost through my magic circuits. Cautious by nature, I only allowed a tiny fraction of Bifrost's energy to flow. Acknowledging the need for patience, I decided to conclude my training session and exited my domain.

"Mommy~!!" The sound of a cheerful voice made me open my arms wide, catching Jack in a warm embrace. "Mommy! Mommy! I love you!!" Jack exclaimed, nuzzling her cheek against mine.

"Hehe, what's the occasion?" I laughed, planting a kiss on Jack's cheek.

"Nothing, I just missed mommy~, UwU."

"Awee!" Overwhelmed by her adorable smile, I hugged her tightly. Carrying Jack in my arms, we engaged in light conversation as we strolled through the village. It was night, and most of the villagers were asleep.

"Atalanta, I have lived a long life and have seen much. From my time in the modern world to the ancient eras, I have witnessed many societies and cultures. However, one constant remains clear: good and evil are present everywhere. Happiness is often tainted, ensuring that people do not live in a fairy tale but continue to move forward. Conversely, evil cannot be allowed to take over entirely; if it did, humanity would ultimately perish," I shared my story. "Atalanta, your anger was justified, but I still cannot offer any assistance. I am sorry."

There was nothing more I could do. The Holy Grail no longer exists, making her wish even more unattainable. She needed to understand that it's not possible to save everyone.

"I-I understand…" Atalanta muttered, then looked at me. "Then what about them? Should we let them be?"

I smiled and petted her head. "Atalanta, even though these children will never receive the love they deserved, I never said that you cannot give them any."

Atalanta widened her eyes.

"Atalanta, even though we can't save everyone, I never said we can't save those we could save," I explained. "I exist to assist you in your wish, and I will do anything in my power to make your wish come true."

Atalanta's eyes turned wet. "Then… can we take them in? Can I look after them and give them the love they deserve?"

I smiled and nodded. "My honor."

On those words, Atalanta's eyes beamed with light as she nodded. Wiping her eyes, she leaned on my chest and wrapped her arms around my body. "Thanks…" With that gesture, she closed her eyes.

Yeah, Atalanta was a woman of few words, but I was expecting an apology at least for slapping me, but I guess she didn't remember it.

"She sure is soft," I smiled and kissed her head. I then looked at the dark sky through the window and sighed, "Well, it seems like I need to get a few more hands."

---

The first figure to appear was a man of tall stature. His white hair and stern, sharp eyes, combined with his dragon blood, filled the room with a ferocious aura.

"Servant; Saber. Siegfried has answered your summon, Master," Siegfried announced, kneeling on one knee.

The second servant had blue hair and wore a tight bodysuit. "Well, boss. I will be in your care," grinned Cu Chulainn, also on one knee.

The third servant manifested as a therianthrope woman, adorned in elegant navy blue robes. Her three tails waved behind her, and her fox ears twitched; she was indeed Tamamo-no-Mae. "Your foxy wifey is here~! Tamamo-no-Mae greets her beloved husband."

The last one was a tall woman with crimson red hair and a striking figure. Her blue eyes nearly took my breath away. She was Boudica, the woman with whom I had spent most of my time, the woman who helped me become the person I am today. "Hey."

"...hey," I smiled and scratched my head, unsure of how to act in front of her. We had lived together for almost two decades. Although our relationship was not romantic, we shared a deep love and respect for each other. I believed she felt the same way.

However, this was not the time for reminiscing. I cleared my throat and began, "I am sure that all of you have already received my memories and understand my intention in summoning you."

Upon hearing these words, everyone nodded in affirmation. Atalanta was also in the room, so I took the opportunity to introduce her to everyone. She was a bit overwhelmed by the presence of heroic spirits from both the past and the future, but she greeted and conversed with them confidently.

After the introductions were complete, I started to delegate responsibilities. "Siegfried and Cu, your duties will be to impart your fighting skills to the children and to protect this land."

"Ha! Your command is my order," Siegfried responded with a bow.

"I get it," Cu sneered, a playful tone in his voice. "But boss, I think you appreciate my skills quite a bit, summoning me for the second time in a row."

"Actually, I didn't intend to summon you, but…" I scratched my cheek. I had hoped to summon Shirou, known for his nurturing abilities, but someone else insisted on summoning Cu.

Cu looked puzzled until the door was abruptly opened.

"Sup, lil' bitch," Scathach greeted Cu with a smirk.

Upon seeing his mentor, Cu Chulainn's face went pale.

"BOSS! UN-SUMMON ME! THIS IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR!" Cu screamed, only for Scathach to knock him out with a single chop.

"This doggo is coming with me," Scathach declared, placing a collar around Cu's neck and beginning to drag him away. "Siegfried, right? Care for a spar?"

Siegfried looked to me for approval, and after receiving a nod, he smiled warmly. "It would be my honor to spar with the legendary mentor from the British Isles." And with that, he followed Scathach.

It seemed they would be occupied with their duel for the remainder of the day.

Turning my attention to Tamamo, Boudica, and Atalanta, who were awaiting their instructions, I said, "As for the women…" Their expressions were attentive. "You three will be in charge of the kitchen."

Their smiles immediately disappeared.

"Just kidding… hehe." I couldn't resist making a small joke. Clearing up the misunderstanding, I then assigned Atalanta to Tamamo and Boudica, entrusting them with the task of assisting Atalanta in raising the children and fulfill her wish.