Chapter 13

Three days later, Adam was inside the library reading books about history and Magecraft. Those are essential knowledge for his continuous task as a Master in resolving the Singularities.

'Lord Mage, Dr Romani had requested everyone's presence in the Command Room.'

"Assassin? Ah, did the next Singularity finally stabilize?" He wondered.

Adam placed a bookmark and slammed the thick book shut before placing that particular book in his inventory instead of returning it to the large pile on the floor next to him. Then he left the library for the Command Room.

———

When Adam arrived at the Command Room, basically everyone was present except for the maintenance staff that was still busy repairing the Chaldea's infrastructure and facilities.

"Alright, everyone is here. Then let's begin the briefing." The sleep deprived Romani said while taking another gulp from his mug which definitely contained extra concentrated shots of espresso.

"But before that, let me remind both of you of our objectives during Rayshift because both of you are absent during the pre-Rayshift briefing." Romani said and began his long and boring briefing that between Ritsuko and Adam, only Adam clearly listened through everything while Ritsuko almost fell asleep on Mash's shoulder.

"So, basically we will drop into a Singularity and our main objectives would be to identify and investigate what had deviated from the 'proper history' and the Holy Grail. Then defeat whoever is misusing the Holy Grail and retrieve it?"

"Well, that's the gist of it for the overall goal of Rayshift. But, there is also an additional mission while you all are resolving the Singularity. That is to locate the leyline as in Fuyuki to not only deliver essential supplies during Rayshift but also summon Servants with connection to the land and swapping your Servant roster." Romani nodded and talked while his focus on the computer-like device never waver.

"Anyway, let's talk about Singularity." Romani said and did a final tap before an array of information appeared on the large screen.

"There is little information we could obtain this time around. Not the location or time which is troubling. Which basically means all of you are dropping in blind." Romani said with a sigh while Adam and the majority of the Servants were looking at the screen with a frown.

The lack of information is a very critical concern as they have absolutely no idea what they will fight or where. That leads to inadequate preparation, both physically and mentally which will affect morale.

"Well, that aside. There are also Mystic Codes since both of you missed out on the distribution. Though, I think only Fujimaru-san would need it." Romani hands over the white uniform with black skirt to Ritsuko while none to Adam.

"Also, Da Vinci finally completed the Coffin specially made to fit Adam. And that's basically it from me. You both can prepare and head to the Rayshift room with your Servants." Romani said and turned around to look at everyone which inadvertently showed his terrible state to everyone.

"Dr Romani… when was the last time you took a rest and slept?" Mash asked out of concern.

"Sleep? That guy hadn't slept a wink since three days ago and had been overdosing on caffeine." Archer spilled out all the information as a witness who spent most of his time at the cafeteria. "At this point, he might as well take caffeine tablets instead of draining our dwindling supplies of coffee."

"Doctor!" Mash looks incredibly shocked to learn about that and vow to reform his bad habit.

"Wait! Wait! I have a good reason alright. As the Acting Director, it's my job to sit here and observe all the activities with the Singularities. Until Director Olga is revived, I have to do this like it or not. I'm not doing this because I like it either." Romani grumbles and mutters something about him rather than spending his time on a certain virtual idol.

Anyway, after that. The group was chased out from the Command Room and moved to the Rayshift Room where Da Vinci is standing and waiting.

"Good that everyone arrived just on time." Da Vinci said while standing next to the oversized Coffin for Adam.

With her help, she coordinates everyone into their Coffin. The Servants didn't need them though since they are basically just souls and have no problem Rayshift without a Coffin.

After Adam, Ritsuko and Mash are fitted inside their Coffins, Da Vinci gives them a last look and says, "Alright. Everyone is good to go." Before she left and moved to the Command Room and talked through the PA system.

"All systems are clear. We can initiate the Rayshift immediately." Da Vinci said before Romani's voice took over. "Remember, the first objective is to set up a base camp and locate a leyline. After that, we can plan our next move based on the information we can discover about the Singularity."

After that, the automated announcement started playing.

"Unsummon Program start."

"Spiritron Conversion start."

"Rayshift starting in 3, 2, 1… All procedures cleared."

"Grand Order, commencing operation."

———

When Adam opened his eyes again, for the first time in a few thousand years. He can see, smell and touch the grass. His action might seem weird to all but Archer. But he didn't care and curiously explored his surroundings until a voice interrupted him.

"Aaa… Test 1 2 3. Test 1 2 3. Can you all hear me?" Romani's voice appeared out of nowhere. "Finally, we are connected. Although, the video quality isn't the best."

"Loud and clear, Dr Romani. The Rayshift concluded without any issue and successfully. We arrived at the Singularity as planned." Mash reported.

"Ah, Mash. Good. Anything else?"

Mash didn't reply immediately and started fiddling with something invisible to Adam but after a while, she answered.

"I have confirmed the time axis coordinates and cross-referencing them with the pre-recorded data. Looks like we arrived in France in the year 1431. It means we're in the middle of the Hundred Years' War."

"Great! Then, you all can proceed as planned. I will be here in case anything big happens or if we detect any Servants."

"Alright, Dr Romani." Mash replied although didn't look pleased that Romani didn't go to sleep instead.

Then Mash turns to look at Ritsuko and then Adam. For some reason, Ritsuko turns to look at him too.

"What?" He asked, confused, why they all looked at him.

"Adam senpai will be the leader since you are the most competent to lead between the both of us." Ritsuko said which Mash nodded and the other Servants also supported.

"No. This is the best opportunity for you to learn. There's no better method of learning than hands-on experience." Adam said as the other Servants nodded in support. "But of course, if the situation gets out of hand. I will definitely help and I will also give advice when necessary. So, you can rest assured."

With the reassurance, Ritsuko reluctantly took the role. Which started with a brief lecture from Adam.

"So, to get started. You remember the introduction we made right after the Servant Summoning, right?" Ritsuko nodded. "Then you recall what their specialty and role is, right?" Adam asked and Ritsuko nodded again, seeming to catch the hint Adam was giving her.

"Lancer and Saber are only good in battle. But Archer and Assassin are good and capable in reconnaissance." Ritsuko tried to recall.

"Yes. And you must remember in any battle. Small or big, information is absolutely crucial. To decide the outcome and flow of any battle."

"Right. So, Archer and Assassin will go and gather information." Ritsuko turns to look at the two mentioned Servants by Adam's side.

"Well, you both got your order." Adam also turned to his Servants who were looking at him for his explicit permission.

"Well, I'm off then." Archer said and shifted to spirit form before reappearing on a tall tree in a distance only Adam and the Servants noticed before Archer vanished again and no longer detected except for Adam that can sense their Master Servant bond to sense Archer's approximate location.

"As the Lord Mage willed." Assassin however didn't turn to spirit form. Instead, he used his ability Presence Concealment which made his presence extremely thin that isn't basically invisible but Adam can still sense Assassin through his connection to the Warp that works like radar to reveal all nearby souls to his mind.

"Wait." Adam suddenly said, which caused everyone to halt. "Correct me if I'm wrong. But I don't think that is natural, right?" Adam said while pointing at the ring of light up in the sky.

"Huh? What is that? I can't see." Romani said.

"Wait, Dr Romani. I will send you a visual immediately." Mash said while fiddling with some invisible interface again.

"Wait! This is… indeed not natural. It's gigantic too and from our sensor, it's an effect of magecraft although we cannot accurately detect what kind of magecraft. But without a doubt, it has something to do with the disappearance of our future. The Chaldean staff and Da Vinci will analyze it on our end. You guys can concentrate on surveying onsite."

"Alright." Ritsuko replied and ended the transmission.

Meanwhile Adam has been staring at the ring of light until Ritsuko ordered everyone to move.

"Did you sense anything?" Cu asked when he noticed Adam was staring at the sky with a frown.

"Nothing. But my intuition tells me that the Daemon I sealed has something to do with that ring which had traces of Demonic presence." Adam replied before he stopped looking at the sky and summoned Alina and Sif to ride on Sif since he believes she would definitely be eager to enjoy the beautiful nature.

Meanwhile Ritsuko looks at Sif with jealousy and then to Fou with disappointment who seems to have tagged along again somehow, curled on Mash's shoulder.

Seeing the look on Ritsuko that directed at it, Fou turned angry and attacked Ritsuko but stopped in time by Mash who pacified Fou.

Adam interrupted just in time to inform Ritsuko that he detected some armed soldiers he believed to be French Soldiers.

"Should we greet them?" Ritsuko gave sound suggestions but it wasn't that simple.

"No, I don't think it would work in this case. Those Soldiers, their minds are clouded by fear of something. Meeting strangers like us will make them agitated."

Cu whistled. "Whew, you can read minds too?" He was impressed by the versatility of Warp power.

"I could. But not in the manner you are thinking of. No, I don't read their mind. I simply see the color of their soul and they are clouded by the color of fear." Adam explained with varying reactions to his apparent ability to see soul but most are subdued except for Ritsuko who gasped and asked if she could learn.

"Cough. Anyway, what should we do if we can't meet them without agitating them?" Ritsuko asked Adam for advice.

"Well, if they are agitated. You just need to calm them down." Adam said as an aura suddenly surrounded him which felt calm and disarming. Like they were transported into a miraculous zen garden.

With that said, Adam approached the French Soldiers which initially aimed their spears and blade at Adam the moment he appeared from behind the bush. But moments later, the French Soldiers lowered their weapon and became willing to talk.

What Adam learns from them is quite alarming. Apparently hordes of wyverns and undeads are attacking their fortress and the people have nowhere else to turn to with dwindling supplies and constant attacks. Also, Adam noticed some key information such as the executed Saint was revived as Dragon Witch to kill Bishop Pierre, whoever that guy is.

But what is important is a Saint who should have died was revived and become a Witch that summoned a dragon, horde of wyverns to exact her vengeance against the people that forsake her.

With the help of Romani and the others, it didn't take long before they narrow down a name for the saint, Saint Jeanne D'Arc who supported to lead France against the invading England under the calling of the God only to later betrayed by the very people she saved when she was burn at stake because she held too much influence and the ruling party want her dead so she can't rally the people under god's banner to revolt against them.

To Adam, it sounds like the people of France had it coming to kill their savior as heretic. To be perfectly honest, he would let them die because they are not worth saving if they can immediately turn against the very one that helps them win their freedom and put her at stake to be burned alive as a witch and heretic. Then again, the nobles and high rankings officials are always like that throughout history.

Anyway, Adam manages to convince the French Soldiers je and the Chaldean are good people and they are here to help. So, he asked the Soldiers to lead them to their base. Which they did although with suspicion once they saw the group. But their eyes turn dull and turn a blind eye at the strangeness of the Chaldean group.

Along the way, Mash asked the Soldiers question to learn more in depth about the situation in France.

"So, the peace treaty was never signed by King Charles because he and most of the nobles had been executed by the Witch?"

"Yes. Also, the England soldiers had already long retreated. But us, France is our home. We have nowhere else to run to and sooner or later, we are all going to be devoured by the wyvern that has been treating us like livestocks." A soldier said and got emotional when Mash consoled the soldier.

"You didn't need to worry because we will definitely resolve this situation and put an end to the Dragon Witch's terror."

"Thanks… The war has been stressful and all of us are fighting a hopeless battle. We are glad to finally see some hope at the end of the tunnel." The soldiers said while turning their eyes filled with worship at Adam who pretended he didn't notice them. "Anyway, here we are. The fortress that we are currently holding in. Not much but—"

'Master I see a big flock of Wyverns flying towards the fortress. Contact in a minute.' Archer informed them before the loud sound of a bell being rung reached them.

"Oh no!" The Soldiers panicked.

"What's wrong?" Ritsuko asked. But Adam interjected.

"Archer detected a flock of wyverns arriving at any moment at the fort. Your orders?"

"Of course, we fight." Ritsuko replied with a determined face.

"Alright, then. Let's go." Adam once again catches both Ritsuko and Mash before throwing them up on Sif before he orders Sif to run for the fort.

As for Cu, Saber and himself, they run and Adam turns his Vox to loudspeaker mode and amplifies his voice.

From what he knows from the talk between Ritusko and Mash with the French Soldiers, the French Soldiers and the common people gathered in the fort are helpless to fight against the Wyverns. They are basically sitting ducks in a cage waiting to be dragged away and eaten by the wyverns.

In this kind of situation where the fighting force had been crippled both physically and mentally, that one ability Adam has is really suitable. [The Victorious War God] ability is more of an army buffing skill that came into creation due to his tale of battles shared by those who he led. With strong faith, the Warp gives Adam his boon in the form of this ability. Which gives basically a watered down but still very broken abilities of his.

The trigger conditions are simple. Anyone that heard his call and rallied under his call will receive the buffs. In the previous universe, Vox broadcast was able to transfer his voice far and wide which significantly increased the range. But here, there is no such technology in place.

So, Adam has to rely on his voice and the Vox device on him.

"Brave Guardsmen and people of France who hear my voice! Raise up and arm yourself with weapons! Heed my call and fight for I shall promise you victory!"

Adam's voice boomed through the entire fortress. Even though there are some who are swayed by his words, especially the France Soldiers. But it wasn't enough. Adam knew that. Even his voice carries the unnatural and immense Charisma the Emperor has, it's not enough to overturn tge despair and helplessness felt by the common people who have nothing to be inspired in the first place unlike the Soldiers.

Adam stood at the tallest tower of the fort in his Aegis Armor, holding Titansword in front of him with both hands. Its blade crackling with wild silvery white lightning amplified by the Relic Force weapon. The clouds turn dense and heavy above the flock of wyverns before it suddenly rains down devastating lightning strikes.

After that display, the people immediately cheered and declared him as aid sent by god to help the helpless them from a disaster.

Soon many, even the civilian pick up farming tools, stone, sticks, anything that can be weapon and they resisted the wyvern attack much to the Wyvern's and the Chaldea's confusion when the weak and helpless French civilians become so fierce they basically throwing their body at the enemies and driven with blind faith that made them basically invincible. Even the Servants can get the buff and their immediate reaction is that of shock.

Humans are driven by their instinct and the most basic one is the instinct of self preservation. But when that is out of the window and coupled with the fact they suddenly become impervious to any damages. The oppressed French people and soldiers returned with great fury, taking vengeance against the monsters that drove them out from their home and killed their loved ones.

With reckless abandon, they catch and pin down the wyvern's with their numbers and then tore their wings, smashing their head and beating the crap out of the wyverns until it can't even crawl away.

The food chain overturned and the Wyverns suddenly overwhelmed by fear and retreated.

"Woohoo! We did it! We chased away those dragons!" The people cheered happily before they recalled Adam's help and cheered on him instead.

But Adam isn't relaxed yet. He can sense something is coming. Something unnatural although not fully evil either.

'Master, I detected a horde of Skeletons and Zombies.' Archer suddenly interrupted.

"Got it." Adam replied before he explained the situation to Ritsuko and the Servants.

"Well, Skeletons and Zombies are easy and basically harmless enemies to Servants. Although to the Humans, the Zombies can spread their curse and raise more from their dead." Romani interrupted to explain.

So, once more. Adam used his speech and Charisma to rally the Soldiers to fight the undeads. Upon hearing his call, they all eagerly walk up to the gate of the fortress and are already cheering for victory before the battle even starts.

"Victory is one hell of an addicting drug." Adam sighed at the state of the Soldiers and even common people.

Like drug addicts high on drugs, they are eager to walk up into the battlefield with disregard of everything and only want to win even more. Normally, such a situation is good. Because this makes those soldiers more likely to fight better without fear of anything. But in this world and especially in this time period, they don't need this kind of mindset. They are not fighting literal daemon or horrific xenos races. They are just fighting against fellow humans. Thankfully Romani said that Human Order Revision or whatever that is, will make the original history unaffected by whatever happened in the Singularity. So, he can go ham as Romani said.

Half an hour later, The Chaldean with the help of the French Soldiers, managed to repel and destroy the horde of Skeletons and Zombies.

"Whew. That's very exhausting." Ritsuko looked like she was on the verge of passing out before Mash caught her.

"You worked hard, Senpai. We should really establish our camp and rest." Mash said and looked to Adam for his opinion. But she was interrupted by a group of French Soldiers walking up to Adam.

"Sir Knight, we are incredibly grateful for your timely assistance. I wonder if there is anything we can do to repay your action?" The high ranking and better dressed French Soldiers said, lacking the borderline fanatical look the other French Soldiers and people gave Adam.

Adam didn't reply immediately and he can read through the man's expression. There is indeed an interior motive to offer him rewards when they have barely anything left to even eat.

"No, that is unnecessary. I helped without expecting anything in return. Besides, I still have other tasks to do. We are here to investigate and deal with the Dragon Witch. So, instead of monetary rewards. I hope you can repay me with information instead."

Listening to Adam's refusal. The leader immediately frowned and looked increasingly desperate to hold him down to their group. But when he heard Adam is going for the Dragon Witch. His expression improved a bit.

"Ah, did the Holy See finally dispatched someone to deal with the Witch?" The leader asked but Adam neither confirmed or denied which caused him to speculate on his own that Adam is indeed someone dispatched by the Holy Church after seeing his armor which is exactly what an ignorant one would expect a Holy Paladin would look like.

"I see. Then, I shall do my best to assist." The leader said and started answering all the questions Adam and the Chaldean have for him.

From what he learned, there is still another army of French Soldiers under the leadership of a knight named, Gilles De Rais. The army was said to have assembled under the banner of the Holy Saint, Jeanne D'Arc that should have turned into a witch. But for some reason they still fight under her name and allegedly still fiercely fighting against the Witch.

Aside from that, the majority of the cities around the capital had fallen along with Orleans by the Witch's underling which is interesting because it seems the Witch not only commanded the Wyverns but also a group of people with abnormal power which he and the Chaldean collectively decided are definitely Servants.

After obtaining their information, Adam, the Chaldean and the Servants went into the woods where Archer located a Leyline.

They locate the Leyline and set up a camp there to rest. But when they arrived, there were quite some hostile creatures occupying the Leyline which was dealt with quite easily and they were finally able to build a camp and establish connections to Chaldea.

Ritsuko unfortunately passed out from exhaustion after the camp was assembled l, before Archer could finish cooking a fish soup using fish Cu caught from the nearby river.

Looking at their eventful and successful first day on the Rayshift, Adam nodded. Ritsuko did improve well. Well beyond his expectations in fact that he started to think she had a natural knack for leadership. Especially when she could stay calm during an intense battle and still survey her surroundings and try to lead as best as she could.

Then Adam turned his head towards the woods that were now shrouded in darkness of the night and barely visible with the glow of the moonlight.

Sif on his lap who is receiving head scratches and pats suddenly lifts her head up and looks at the woods before growling.

"No, Sif. I doubt she is a bad person when her aura feels that holy like a saint." Adam said but Sif then whined and grumbled with a low growl. Adam facepalmed at himself before he apologized. "Right, sorry. I tend to forget your sense with your five senses only. My bad."

"Anyway, how long are you going to hide or should I send someone to fetch you, Miss Saint?" Adam called out the hidden person which caught the attention of everyone in the camp.

After a few minutes, someone did show up and with a displeased expression too.

"I do not consider myself a saint. So, please call me Jeanne instead of Miss Saint. Also, how did you manage to detect me? I made sure to stay out of the Archer's detection range." She asked curiously at this obviously not a Servant person that displayed a feat better than that of a Servant.

"Firstly. Sure, Miss Jeanne. As for my method of detection, let's just say it's a trade secret. Anyway, welcome to our camp. I have a feeling that we would have a lot of things to discuss about." Adam invited the unknown Servant which he temporarily identified as Jeanne, the good one at least instead of the Dragon Witch.

The people on the camp welcomed Jeanne too without suspicion since she already passed Adam's test. She has to be the real one right?

—————

(AN: After we reach chapter 20. I will start a stable release schedule.

Three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Early released Chapters will be available on Patreon that may range from none to a dozen, depending on how fast I write.

Also, if I have more than ten stock chapters. I may do an additional release on the weekend to help free readers catch up to the story depending on Power Stone donation. I will announce in advance if there's any.

Basically, the usual business as the previous fic for the old readers.

Anyway, hope ya enjoyed.)