Chapter 48: Meeting the Dragon Girl Idol
Reality proved that Ethan's thinking was still too simple.
The straight-line distance was 500km, but the actual distance was probably closer to 5000km.
The entire central region of France was full of mountains and lakes. If they followed conventional routes, it could take up to ten days to reach Orléans.
At this speed, by the time they faced Jeanne Alter, all of France might have already surrendered.
Who would have thought that the real obstacle to saving humanity would be the speed at which the French surrendered?
Thinking about how they might fail to repair the Singularity just because of this… Ethan felt a terrible headache.
Realizing the problem, Ethan immediately made a decision:
Encounter a forest? Go through it!
Encounter a mountain? Blow it up!
Encounter enemies? Cut them down!
What initially seemed like a travel livestream through France had been turned into a full-fledged speed race by Ethan.
Of course, among the audience, there were those who enjoyed this kind of content. Fans of extreme sports were especially thrilled by Tarasque's off-road mountain-climbing abilities.
[This iron dragon is amazing! Durable and multifunctional! Host, drop the purchase link!]
[You guys are in luck! Today, the host is introducing the latest model—the large-sized Iron Dragon! Even more durable than the original! Only $69!]
[Host, can this Iron Dragon be shipped for free to remote mountainous areas?]
[Come and get it! Free shipping at Truck-kun.isekai.com!!]
[Having an Iron Dragon like this would be awesome for travel. Host, how much weed does it consume per km?]
Ethan had no mood to banter with the chat full of talented but mischievous viewers; he was focused solely on moving forward.
Pushing as hard as possible, the group finally arrived at a small town near Orléans before sunset.
BOOM!!!
The moment they set foot in the town, Tarasque collapsed.
It looked as if it didn't want to take another step.
"Everyone, rest here for now and gather some intel."
The town gate ahead was wide open, but inside, it was utterly desolate, with no traces of life for a long time.
Most of the buildings in the town had been destroyed.
Emiya Kiritsugu went ahead to scout, while Mash followed behind.
"Senpai, it seems like there's no danger around here."
Mash carefully confirmed the safety of the entrance multiple times—there really were no signs of any other living beings.
Ethan looked at the ruined walls, covered in claw marks and scorched by fire. It was immediately obvious that this was not the work of a human army.
This place had long been attacked by wyverns.
It seemed like there was nothing valuable left. They should rest for a while and then continue on their way.
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG———!!!
A series of crisp gunshots rang out from afar.
It was Emiya Kiritsugu's gunfire!
As soon as they heard the shots, Mash and Ethan exchanged glances and rushed toward the source of the sound.
"Appearing in a young girl's room so suddenly without a change in expression—you really are an Assassin who has no sense of manners."
"State the reason you are here. That shot just now was only a warning. From now on, you have ten seconds to give your name and purpose."
Emiya Kiritsugu held a Calico M950 in his left hand, aiming the barrel directly at the girl in front of him.
His right hand was ready at all times on a single-shot pistol already loaded with an Origin Bullet. If the opponent made any sudden moves, he wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.
"That was just a warning shot?! You were clearly firing with killing intent! If I weren't quick, I'd be dead!"
"8."
"Wait, shouldn't we introduce ourselves to each other first?"
"6."
"Alright, I get it. You're also one of that tentacle guy's people, sent here to take me back, aren't you?"
"4."
"Ahhh, I can't take it anymore! Why is my luck so terrible?! Ever since I was summoned to this world, I've been captured, then escaped, and in the end—everything just keeps turning into a complete mess!!!"
"0."
Emiya Kiritsugu showed no emotion, coldly uttered the final number, and immediately prepared to pull the trigger.
"Damn it, if that's how it is!"
The girl in front of him had no choice but to get serious, preparing to swing the long spear in her hand.
"Wait!!!"
Ethan and Mash appeared right behind Emiya Kiritsugu, immediately calling him back.
"Master, I've detected an unidentified Servant here."
Emiya Kiritsugu reported at once, his gun still aimed straight at the girl in front of him.
"Who are you calling unidentified?! I just don't feel like telling my name to someone I just met!"
The other party responded with dissatisfaction.
"Senpai, this place is dangerous. Please stay behind me."
Mash raised her shield in front of Ethan, ready to step into battle.
"Hey, what do you guys think I am?!!!"
The girl in front of them pouted in frustration, and even the tail behind her twitched a few times to express her displeasure.
The moment Ethan saw this girl, he froze.
Wasn't this Elizabeth?
According to the original storyline, she was supposed to be with Kiyohime, fighting against the wyvern army. Why was she here?
According to Martha, Jeanne Origin, Queen Marie, Mozart, and Siegfried had all been eliminated by Jeanne Alter.
Because of that, Ethan had given up searching for any stray Servants and decided to launch a direct attack on Jeanne Alter's main base.
Yet now, Elizabeth had suddenly appeared. Based on her abilities, she wasn't particularly outstanding—so how had she managed to escape?
"This is our first time meeting, but you are Elizabeth Báthory, correct?"
Ethan spoke from behind Mash's shield.
"——————?!"
"——————What?!"
Everyone was stunned.
After all, Ethan was just a Master. He shouldn't have the ability to see through true identities like a Ruler.
Yet, with just one glance, he had recognized the other party's true name—this was truly shocking.
"Hmph, how do you know my name? Oh, wait… could it be that you're a fan of mine?"
Elizabeth seemed quite surprised that Ethan had called her by name.
"A fan…"
Suddenly, Ethan's mind was flooded with sounds that could barely be called "songs." Buried memories abruptly surged forward to assault him… (note: I personally think she and Nero sing quite adorably).
"Elizabeth Báthory?"
Mash suddenly became wary.
"If I remember correctly, the one who attacked us yesterday also had that name. Could it be that the Holy Grail has summoned you again?!"
"Hmm? You guys have met me somewhere else before?"
Elizabeth put on a puzzled expression.
"Don't play dumb! Are you planning to attack us here?!"
Due to the previous incident, Mash held absolute hostility toward any Servant with that name.
"You were the ones who attacked me first! And now you have the nerve to accuse me!!!"
Elizabeth stomped the ground furiously.
At this moment, the tension between both sides had escalated to the point where even the slightest movement could ignite a battle.
"Everyone, stop right now!"
Ethan immediately stepped in to intervene.
"No need to worry. She is not our enemy."
"But, Senpai…"
Ethan gently patted Mash's shoulder, signaling with his eyes that everything was fine.
Then, he stepped toward Elizabeth.
"If I'm not mistaken, you escaped from the Dragon Witch, didn't you?"
"Oh? Looks like there's at least one person here who knows how to think."
Elizabeth's tone softened considerably.
"Alright, I'll hear what you have to say."
"I need you, Elizabeth."
Ethan extended his hand toward Elizabeth.