Chapter 122: Ancient Rome
Everyone rode atop the chariot pulled by the Divine Bulls, soaring through the skies with Iskandar as they headed toward the distant city of Rome.
Along the way, all the towns below were thrown into utter chaos.
Due to the earthquake's impact, both civilians and soldiers were fleeing for their lives.
Houses collapsed, mountains crumbled, farmland was destroyed, and livestock scattered in panic...
"So cruel…"
Mash, witnessing the chaos below, couldn't help but utter a pained whisper.
Ethan gently patted her shoulder in comfort.
"Up ahead is Rome."
Iskandar looked straight ahead.
"I want to see just what kind of being is powerful enough to drown the entire city of Rome."
Vwoooooooosh——————————!!!
Just as they were nearing the city, a flash of light suddenly shot toward them at breakneck speed!
It looked like it was about to strike the airborne chariot directly.
"Haa!!!"
Iskandar yanked the reins hard, driving Bucephalus forward, then drew his sword and slashed at the incoming light.
"Seriously, not even a proper greeting? Isn't this just an ambush? Hey, are you all okay?"
"Thanks for the save, Iskandar-dono!"
Mash finally lowered the shield in her hands.
"But to be able to hit from such a distance… they're clearly not to be underestimated."
Immediately after, Iskandar charged forward on horseback.
"I'll clear the way! Everyone, stay close!!!"
Under his command, Bucephalus surged ahead without hesitation.
Moo————————!!!
The two Divine Bulls of Heaven, responding to the Emperor's call, also suddenly darted forward.
Vwoosh, vwoosh, vwoosh————————!!!
During this time, beams of light continued to fire from afar, but Iskandar intercepted every last one with the Sword of the Kupriotes in hand.
Thanks to Iskandar leading the charge, the chariot jolted violently as it plummeted downward at high speed!
Ethan felt like he was trapped in a violently shaking elevator falling straight down, his stomach flipping upside down.
To make things worse, Mash was gripping his left hand, while Jeanne Alter was holding his right.
If this chariot suddenly came to an abrupt stop, he feared he'd quite literally be "E/than"...
"Haaaa————————!!!"
After deflecting the final strike, Iskandar and Bucephalus finally brought the chariot crashing into the city of Rome.
But the Rome that greeted them no longer held any of its former glory—ruined and devastated, its streets and plazas were filled with panicked citizens and guards.
As the dust settled, a massive, malevolent pillar of flesh came into clear view.
"Senpai, that's the same kind of evil creature we saw in France!"
Mash immediately raised her shield in front of her.
"Given its form, I'm guessing this is also one of the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars, like Demon God Pillar Andromalius."
Ethan quickly scanned the surroundings, finding no other notable presence aside from the Demon God Pillar ahead.
But just Lev alone couldn't possibly have caused the tsunami.
"What is this, huh?! Come on, show us your true form already!!!"
The massive Demon God Pillar bellowed in Lev's furious voice.
From its entire body, every eye fired indiscriminate beams of light in all directions!
"Everyone, stay sharp!!!"
Mash instantly activated her Noble Phantasm, raising her shield to block the attack.
It seemed Lev's main target wasn't them, so Mash was able to block it with ease.
"To think something this ugly could be born on the once-prosperous land of Rome... It's honestly depressing."
Iskandar shook his head as he raised his longsword, aiming straight at the distant Demon God Pillar.
"That voice... could it be Lev?!"
It seemed the connection with Doctor Romani had finally gone through, but the signal was still distorted, cutting in and out.
"Oh? Even Chaldea's rats have found their way here?"
The eyes of the Demon God Pillar turned toward them.
"Lev… you're a Demon God Pillar too?!"
"How foolish. Upon seeing this form of mine, you should've realized it long ago."
"…So it's true. You planned this from the very beginning."
Doctor Romani sounded as if he didn't want to believe his own conclusion.
"From the very founding of Chaldea, you were already involved. This entire operation… was all connected to you…"
"HAHAHAHA! If you've only just figured it out now, then you're truly an idiot, Romani!!"
"But alas, I don't have time to concern myself with the likes of you. Take your time and enjoy your final moments."
As he spoke, countless eyes across Lev's monstrous body once again fired beams of light, this time directly at the group!!!
CLAAAANG————————!!!
Mash stood firm, once again blocking the barrage with her shield.
"So he's still saying we're not the main target?"
Mordred, already resting Clarent on her shoulder, stared down the Demon God Pillar before them.
"Heh… you'll regret this in a minute!"
"Knight of Rebellion, while we rarely see eye to eye,"
Jeanne Alter stepped forward too, raising her Evil Dragon banner high.
"For the sole purpose of making this bastard regret his existence, I'm absolutely on board, muahahahahaha!!!"
"Hehehe!!!"
"Muahahahaha!!!"
Watching the two in front of him, both armed and grinning wickedly, their bloodlust flaring…
Ethan suddenly wasn't sure who the real villains were anymore…
And Mordred—why are you joining in on the 'muahahaha' squad too? If your royal father saw this, wouldn't she break your legs on the spot?
"Looks like those two are more than ready to fight."
Reines turned to Waver.
"Onii-sama, let's get ready too."
"Reines, you'll use your Mystic Code to support them as needed. I'll set up a temporary base in this area as our defensive point. I'll leave the barrier construction to you."
"——————?!"
Hearing her usually cold and stern brother entrusting her with a task so directly, Reines paused in surprise before smiling.
"Onii-sama, you're being too formal. We're siblings, aren't we? No need for all the ceremony. But since you've asked, as your little sister, I'll gladly lend a hand."
She glanced at the mercury maid, Trimmau, who was quietly awaiting orders beside her.
"All is ready, ojou-sama."
"What a team of fighters we have here. Even when facing such a powerful foe… Looks like the Master who summoned me this time is someone who can bond with many Heroic Spirits."
Seeing everyone's rising spirit, Iskandar felt his own fighting spirit surge.
"Then allow me to lead the charge!!!"
"Everyone, please wait!!!"
Just as the group prepared to attack the Demon God Pillar, Doctor Romani suddenly shouted.
"We've detected a being with extremely high magical energy up ahead to the right! Based on the readings, they were already fighting the Demon God Pillar prior to your arrival. Please confirm their identity before engaging!!!"
And then—within everyone's field of vision, a blonde-haired girl floated in midair.
At the same time, it seemed she'd noticed them too.
"Oh? Looks like the party has some new guests."