Thanks for the invitation. I'm in Type-Moon, inheriting the legacy of Zi-O.

"No, it's nothing, maybe I'm overthinking it. It's just that I feel like I've had that kind of nightmare before." Then, turning around and looking at the tall palace not far away, Nero's tone returned to its usual liveliness.

"Alright, let's get started. We can discuss the details later when we get to the manor." Suddenly, Nero stopped and looked to the side. "...Huh? What's wrong? Something seems to be happening at the market?"

It was the same fruit shop owner from before, but now he was facing a minor crisis.

"Ugh, whoa! What are you doing! What are you trying to do to my shop?!" The shop owner could only watch as his fruit was brutally snatched away, but the sheer number of fruit made it impossible for him to resist.

"In my Rome, such atrocities have been committed against my people!" Clearly, the girl before him was enraged, drawing her fiery red greatsword once more. "Was it the work of the enemy? In any case, it is unforgivable! Charge!"

However, someone was faster than her.

Just as the shop owner screamed in alarm, Zhuo took out the driver.

A bright silver time ring flashed, and Zi-O's basic armor was completed.

"After all, I ate half of your apple, so I owe you a favor." With a stomp of his foot, Zhuo's figure vanished instantly.

The next moment, a knight in silver armor appeared in front of the shopkeeper.

------It's a group of thugs who are constantly robbing citizens of their belongings.

"Kneel down." Zhuo punched the thug in the stomach, trying his best to control his strength so that he wouldn't punch through the thug in front of him. Almost as soon as the thug fainted on the ground, Zhuo's figure appeared in front of another thug.

"Thump---" The sounds of fists colliding with flesh came one after another, and with each sound, a thug fell to the ground unconscious.

"Really! That warrior actually stole my thunder!" Unwilling to accept that the number of thugs was gradually decreasing, Nero also joined the battle.

The thugs, who had no skills whatsoever, were quickly knocked unconscious by Nian Zhuo and Nero, and then taken away to prison by the belatedly arriving guards.

Stretching, they could finally go to Nero's palace with peace of mind.

Upon reaching the throne, Nero's tone was no longer as lively as before. After a long pause, she spoke with a hint of disappointment.

"----Let me put it this way. My Rome is currently in a crisis. It is very regrettable that the once prosperous empire has now been fragmented. One side is the legitimate Roman Empire that I have unified, which is the territory centered on the capital, Rome." The girl's finger slid across the map.

"On the other side is a united empire that suddenly appeared without warning, led by several emperors, excluding myself. Those guys call themselves the Allied Roman Empire and have seized a third of the empire's territory." The girl's finger stopped sliding on the map for a moment, and she said with some disappointment, "The true situation of the allied forces is still unknown, because none of the scouts sent out have returned. As a result, we still have no clue as to the location of the pseudo-emperors' capital."

"Multiple emperors?" Mashu's expression also turned serious; having multiple emperors as enemies was indeed quite troublesome.

“That’s right.” Nero nodded. “To me, they are all traitors. And…” His expression suddenly changed; the emperor before him clearly had something difficult to say.

"...Never mind, it's all just trivial matters. It's nothing but the nonsense of traitors." Nero seemed to be comforting himself. "That's right, the so-called emperor is just self-proclaimed. After all, it's impossible for him to achieve this."

"Your Majesty, you seem a little downcast. Is something bothering you?" Nian Zhuo activated his innate skill, {Reading Expressions}!

“Mr. Nianzhuo!” Mashu looked at the indifferent Nianzhuo with some reproach, knowing that this impolite remark might anger and displease Nero.

“No, it’s alright.” Nero looked at Nianzhuo, completely unconcerned about his previous rudeness. “So, you saw it just now, didn’t you? Caligula, the general of the Allied Forces, is the man who single-handedly annihilated my army before you all arrived. He is one of the Allied Forces’ great traitors who calls himself {Emperor}, and also, he is my…uncle.” With her eyes lowered, this flower of the empire seemed somewhat sad.

“He should be dead, Nero, am I right?” Nian Zhuo tapped his head. In his memory, Caligula should have died before Nero became emperor.

“Indeed, an unknown warrior, that is it. My court magician also died at the hands of my uncle Caligula. If he were still alive, he would surely get along with you. That magician even boasted that he could transcend life and death. I did indeed see him perform some very powerful magic.” Nero recalled the scene of the previous battle, feeling somewhat suffocated.

“However… that {emperor} killed him with a single blow.” Nero’s expression became complex, a mixture of reluctance, sorrow, and anger. “He should have mastered the magic of immortality, yet he died so easily… This should have been impossible, yet he died.”

“The magicians who can easily defeat this era are not human, but Servants.” Nian Zhuo recalled the crazed appearance of the purple-haired man after unleashing his Noble Phantasm, which even he found somewhat troublesome. “With the boost from his attributes, his body must be immune to many types of magic.”

"By the way, Your Majesty Nero, you just mentioned that the Roman Empire took away one-third of your territory. Does that mean you now hold two-thirds of the territory?" Nian Zhuo suddenly recalled the different plot from before, and his expression towards Nero became playful. "To be able to hold onto two-thirds of the territory from a bunch of Servants, that's truly impressive, Your Majesty."

“No, that’s not it.” Nero’s expression darkened further, and the ahoge on his head seemed to bend along with his owner’s low spirits. “A third of it is still ruled by that bat-like monster under the full moon that we saw in the last battle.”

"What?!?!" Nian Zhuo's eyes widened instantly. "How is this possible! A third of the country is in that monster's hands?!"

“…Yes, although I don’t know why you’re so shocked.” Nero rubbed his aching temples. “That monster only came to this empire not long ago. At that time, we had already lost half of our territory to the combined Roman Empire. However, after that monster arrived, it attacked both sides of us without saying a word and took away a third of our territory.”

"Is it just that monster alone?" Zhuo sensed that this battle was somewhat dangerous.

“No, there are a few more: a blue monster with a blade, a green monster that can unleash green magic, and a purple monster with a large hammer.” Nero looked at Nianzhuo. “These three monsters must be the three generals under that bat.”

"They call themselves the {Blood Moon Empire of the End}, and servants of the Beast of Time. Warrior, do you have any clues?"

Looking at Nianzhuo, Nero was somewhat expectant of his answer.

Chapter 119 Let's put our doubts aside for now.

"Alright, let's leave aside the territory occupied by the monsters for now." After briefly introducing the situation of the Otherworldly Luna and the others, Nero moved his finger back to the map of the United Roman Empire. "To be honest, the United Empire is far too powerful. They have wreaked havoc on wars in various places, bringing suffering to the people."

Nero's eyes held a hint of sadness, as if he were grieving for the people suffering in dire straits.

“I dispatched almost all of my governors and generals, and committed almost the entire legion. But I still couldn’t stop the allied forces’ momentum.” At this point, Nero clenched his fist and slammed it on the table. “And just now, the allied expeditionary force has already reached Rome. They’ve even invaded the city. Even if I wanted to stop them, my forces are limited…”

Finally, Nero sighed and could only helplessly loosen his clenched fist.

"I feel deeply regretful and humiliated... and now, I alone am powerless to reverse the situation. Therefore—" The rose-like emperor extended his hand to the Chaldean group, "I command, no, I beg you gentlemen! Be my guests! Support me and Rome for the sake of the Holy Grail!"

“I couldn’t be happier to hear that,” the doctor’s voice came through the communication device again. “Thank you. I’m afraid we have something in common.”

“That’s right, I also think His Majesty’s suggestion is the best choice.” Mashu nodded, then looked at the two behind her, “Mr. Nianzhuo and Senior, what do you think?”

"Sigh, I should have known better than to eat that apple." Nian Zhuo sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, thanks to Rome's kindness, this power is at your service, Your Majesty Nero."

"Me too! We'll definitely help you!" Ritsuka said, raising her hands, still full of energy.

"Oh, really!" A smile returned to Nero's face. "I didn't expect you to agree so readily. I will appoint one of you as governor, including the rewards for your previous achievements. Rest well tonight. I will prepare private rooms for each of you commensurate with your governorship." Nero looked around, as if searching for something. "Ah, right. Does the elusive magician also need a room?"

"Don't worry about me, just prepare rooms for those two." Dr. Roman continued the call while sipping his coffee. "By the way, Your Majesty, have you ever heard of the name Rafe Lenore?"

"...Hmm?" Nero closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to recall. "No, I've never heard of him before. Who is he?"

“He was a magician from our time.” Zhuo clenched his fists again, the helplessness he felt when facing Leif resurfacing. “He betrayed Chaldea and all of humanity… He was also my mortal enemy. He might be in this era. However, we don’t know if he will openly show himself.”

“A magician from another realm?... Hmm.” Nero frowned slightly, as if recalling something. “I’ve heard that there’s a figure in the Allied Forces who can wield powerful magic. Soldiers have said they’ve seen him on the front lines.”

“…It seems possible,” Dr. Roman pondered for a moment, knowing that Rafe might indeed do such a thing. “Your Majesty, I have a request.”

"Go ahead and speak up." His Majesty Nero was in a good mood, having now recruited several generals.

"I hope you can send Nencho, Ritsuka, and Mashu to the front lines if possible," the doctor suggested. Indeed, once they reached the front lines, they would likely face the person with powerful magic. But—

Zhuo looked at Ritsuka beside him. Although he knew that the magician was not Rafe, the present was not about changing the plot. He also wanted to see Ritsuka, the only ordinary person, make a choice when facing this kind of battlefield.

“That’s fine…” Nero looked at the orange-haired girl standing to the side, “But can Ritsuka accept this? That’s the front line, you know?”

"I'm the kind of person who always gets revenge~" Ritsuka's energetic smile remained unchanged as she nodded to show she could handle it. "Besides, I won't agree to anything that says our future has no value!"

"..." Nianzhuo was somewhat surprised by the resolute expression on Ritsuka's face. Although we used to choose the storyline, it was only after seeing Ritsuka in person that he understood she was also a human being with thoughts. That's why her awareness as an ordinary human being was so dazzling.

"As expected of you, Ritsuka." Nencho patted Ritsuka's head, and when she turned her head in confusion, he looked directly into her eyes and said, word by word, "I will definitely protect you, don't worry."

“Alright, I understand. I, Nero Claudius, will fulfill this wish! I will also petition the gods and ancestors of Rome, praying for your success in vanquishing the enemy.” Looking around, Nero rubbed his temples. “Then first… right! Let’s hold a banquet before we rest! Since it’s wartime, the scale can’t be compared to peacetime, but why not have an extremely lavish feast?”

"Mash, Ritsuka, are you used to drinking alcohol?" Nero waved to his soldiers to prepare, his face beaming with excitement. "I have some top-quality wine sent from the East!"

"Ah, no...no..." Mashu hesitated for a moment, "I'd rather not drink..."

However, happiness is always preceded by some unscrupulous enemy trying to sabotage it.

A messenger rushed anxiously to the palace, “Your Majesty, I humbly report! A medium-sized allied army is launching a surprise attack on the eastern gate of the capital! It should be the remnants of the expeditionary force... Our eastern gate garrison is unable to resist…!”

"Ugh..." Nero's cheeks puffed out unhappily. "Such a pleasant banquet is about to be ruined..."

"Well then, Mash, Nencho, and Ritsuka. I didn't expect it to be your turn so soon." The doctor's voice came through the communicator. "A Servant could appear as an enemy general at any moment, just like before. Don't let your guard down!"

"Understood! Is everyone ready?" Ritsuka looked at Mash behind her, who had picked up her shield, and Nencho, who was fully equipped. "Then, let's go!"

“I entrust this to you, my guests. Especially the warriors clad in silver armor,” Nero said, setting aside his fiery red greatsword, his words brimming with trust. “Let me witness once more that crescent-shaped sword light! The banquet can wait until things are settled! I will await your triumphant return.”

The three figures left the palace and rushed towards the east gate.

The thick black smoke could be seen from a distance, and when Nian Zhuo and his group arrived, the allied forces were engaged in continuous battles with the garrison.

"Hmm, the other side is neither a Servant nor a monster, but a human force. Let's teach them a lesson, all three of you!" Dr. Roman, seeing that there was no reaction from Servants or monsters on the screen, finally felt relieved and continued to pick up his coffee.

Since it was a human army, things were much easier. Zhuo only needed to transform into the basic Zi-O armor, and Mash also used the shield back to charge into the enemy's camp.

Soon after, the screams of the enemy soldiers rang out again.

Chapter 120 Wabi Wabi?

However, to Nianzhuo and his companions' surprise, although the report stated a "medium" combined force, the enemy had not retreated even as the sun was about to set, and—

Looking at the many unconscious Allied soldiers behind him, and then at the sea of ​​people in front of him, Zhuo scratched his head in frustration. "The enemy's offensive shows no signs of abating."

"The main problem is that there are just too many of them!" Looking at the densely packed biological reactions on the screen, Roman now felt that it would be easier if it were servants or monsters. "Pay special attention to Ritsuka's stamina and mana consumption!"

"Yes, Doctor." Mashu nodded and looked at Ritsuka, who was panting slightly. "Master, please try not to push yourself."

"It's...it's okay, I can still hold on." Ritsuka waved her hand, indicating that her physical strength and magical power were still sufficient, so Mashu was relieved and rushed back into the battlefield.

"Tsk..." Looking at the crowd in front of him and the sound of spears rubbing against armor, Zhuo's eyes turned red. "If I take out the Time Gunsword..." Unconsciously, Zhuo's tone seemed to be tinged with killing intent.

Just as his right hand was about to form a Time Gun Sword, someone seemed to stop him from making that move.

"Nencho, have you forgotten our promise?" Haruto and Kouta, their illusory forms stopping Nencho's actions.

"!" Zhuo's eyes cleared instantly, and he looked around in disbelief, but there was no one there.

"No, I haven't forgotten." Nian Zhuo tapped his head and charged back into the enemy ranks with a smile. He used to need to control his strength to knock out the enemy, but now he felt that he didn't even need to control it. His body would adjust its strength to make the enemy unconscious.

-----The battle has begun again, and the setting sun in the distance is gradually sinking.

Finally, night fell again, but the city gates remained brightly lit.

"...It's getting dark." Mashu looked up at the sky, where the night was falling like a dark curtain.

"But the enemy seems to be still incredibly motivated. It's truly an era of hand-to-hand combat; everyone's stamina is extraordinary." Even Dr. Roman, a habitual night owl, yawned, refilling his coffee cup after cup. Yet the enemy still acted as if they could fight on. "However, this is precisely the time to persevere! Don't let your guard down, Ritsuka!"

"It's okay! Me! I can do it too!" Forcing herself to cheer up, Ritsuka gave another instruction.

At this moment, Zhuo was still engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

Finally, as night fell and the moon rose high in the sky, the enemy forces could no longer hold out and began to retreat.

"...Phew, the enemy has begun to retreat." Leaning on her shield and panting heavily, Mash was also a little tired. "There shouldn't be any Servants among them, they are all human soldiers."

"Hmm~ I didn't find any magicians who resemble Rafe either." Reviewing the reactions from beginning to end, Roman was certain that there was no magician named Rafe Lenore among the enemy forces. "Anyway, everyone, thank you for your hard work. It's so late."

"Let's go back, Mr. Nianzhuo and Senior." Looking at Nianzhuo and Ritsuka, who both looked exhausted, Mashu sighed helplessly. "If someone attacks tonight, we'll have to fight again. Especially Mr. Nianzhuo, you're starting to get dark circles under your eyes now, please get as much rest as possible! I told you this morning!"

"I'm not sleepy yet..." Zhuo yawned, his eyelids drooping slightly. "After all, I'm used to staying up late..."

"Me too..." Ritsuka said with difficulty, raising her hand and looking very sleepy.

"Haha, seeing how listless you all look, I'm a little tired too." The doctor, half-jokingly, tidied up a stack of reports in front of him. "I'll go back to my room and rest then. I also need to check Magic☆Merry's blog; it should be updated soon..."