Chapter 125 – I Have a Bold Plan
[This dragon-headed monster does seem a bit strong.]
[The pressure is insane… and this city of Rome looks like it's about to crumble. Can it even hold out any longer?]
[Wait, what was the host planning to do in the first place?]
[Doesn't matter, just skip the whole plot. Basically, if something's got an HP bar, just beat it up.]
[Nero-chan really is weird, huh. Saying stuff no one can even understand! Like Depravity, Immorality… wait a sec... Nero, Depravity!!! I think I get it now!!!]
[The guy upstairs, what the hell do you think you understand!?]
...
The overwhelming pressure kept closing in—an unidentified dragon-headed Phantasmal Species was relentlessly attacking Iskandar and his group on the war chariot floating in midair.
"BOOOOOOOOOOOM————————————!!"
A massive breath attack once again burst from the Phantasmal Species' mouth!
The chariot instantly veered aside with agile movement, while Iskandar urged Bucephalus to charge at the creature from the side. He swung the sword in his hand, slashing down fiercely on the monster's head.
Agitated, the dragon-headed beast roared and twisted its body wildly, intent on destroying everything around it.
"This thing's not very mobile! Hold your positions and keep attacking—leave drawing its attention to me!!!"
Iskandar once again drove Bucephalus straight forward!
"Too slow! Like hell you're gonna bite me with that speed!!!"
Using Bucephalus' nimble movement, he repeatedly struck the Phantasmal Species' body with the Sword of Kupriotes.
Just as Iskandar was closing in on a blind spot in the creature's attack range and about to strike again—suddenly, the ground below erupted in a violent quake.
"GRROOAAARRRRRR——!!"
Another Phantasmal Species emerged from the sea of blood created by the Demon God Pillar!
This one had a head like a gigantic caterpillar-worm and lunged upward in a predator's pose, heading straight for Iskandar!!!
"Hmph!!"
Sensing the danger, Iskandar quickly yanked the reins to make Bucephalus dodge.
However, the enemy's approach was far too swift—it looked nearly impossible to evade!
At that moment—a black spear flew in from a distance, piercing directly into the mouth of the newly appeared worm-caterpillar!
Then, Jeanne Alter, standing atop the war chariot, triumphantly raised the black sword in her hand.
"Taste this!!!"
She swung her sword down powerfully!
"BOOOOOM——————!!"
The creature's mouth exploded in a violent blaze, causing it to shriek in pain.
Taking the opportunity, Iskandar pulled hard on Bucephalus' reins, breaking free from the attack of the other Phantasmal Species and retreating to the opposite side just in time.
He moved close to the chariot, gazing at the two beasts in the distance.
"Hmph... this is getting way too chaotic."
"Rider, are you alright?!"
Waver immediately asked with concern.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, hahaha. Though I nearly got wrecked just now."
Iskandar laughed heartily.
"But it seems like these bizarre Phantasmal Species don't come just one at a time. Everyone, we'll need to be extra careful."
"Melee combat is way too dangerous—we can't even predict what's going on around us."
Waver analyzed the situation with tension in his voice, eyes locked on Nero floating midair in front of him, who seemed to be savoring the battle.
"That target currently doesn't seem to have any intention of acting, but that also means she could move at any time."
"However, our side doesn't have any Archers strong in ranged combat. Fighting in the air is a huge disadvantage."
Sima Yi, speaking through Reines' body, chimed in.
"But if we have a Noble Phantasm suited for army-scale attacks, we might still stand a fighting chance."
"That much is obvious! If I could unleash my Noble Phantasm, I'd send both those damn things straight to hell in one shot!"
Mordred said in frustration.
"No. Mordred, your attack range is too wide—it might damage the chariot as well."
Ethan immediately shut down Mordred's idea.
"I know that! But if we keep going like this, we'll just be pushed into a disadvantage—our only option would be to drag the fight out, right?"
Dragging out the battle would definitely lead to defeat, because the other side probably hadn't even used one percent of their actual power yet.
"Everyone, I have a plan. I wonder if you'd be willing to give it a try?"
"Oh? Master, do you have a strategy?"
Mordred instantly lit up with excitement.
"Mordred, in a moment I want you to try using your Noble Phantasm to strike those two Phantasmal Species."
"Finally get to use my Noble Phantasm?! OK, I've got no complaints at all!!!"
"Senpai, didn't you just say Mordred-san's attack would affect the chariot too?"
Mash immediately questioned, worry written all over her face.
"That's why I need everyone to work together."
"If it's your plan, Senpai, then I'm in—no matter what it is."
Mash didn't ask further and nodded right away.
"I mean, I don't have any better ideas right now either. Might as well hear you out."
"Master's plan, huh? Sounds fun. I'll listen too."
Waver and Sima Yi didn't seem to have any objections either.
"Tch. Why the hell do I have to listen to your orders..."
Jeanne Alter turned her head away in annoyance.
"But if you die, that's a huge pain in the ass, so fine, I'll let you command me this once. But if you make me do any lame-ass stuff, I'm gonna burn you alive later!"
"..."
Ethan hadn't even opened his mouth yet, but Jeanne Alter had already unleashed her entire tsundere routine.
As expected, truly the easiest woman to deal with in Chaldea…
"If there's a practical strategy, then nothing could be better."
Iskandar looked at Ethan and said:
"Don't worry. With me—the King of Conquerors—clearing the path for you!"
"However, this chariot still needs someone to steer it."
They couldn't keep relying on the Divine Bulls to auto-pilot forever.
"That's easy."
Iskandar patted the two Divine Bulls.
"From now on, the two of you will temporarily follow the orders of this young man. His commands are the same as a royal decree from me."
"Mooo——————————!!!"
The two bulls roared in response.
"Now they're under your command. Go ahead and lead them with all you've got."
"Thank you."
Everyone would have to give their all shortly, so having Ethan take the reins was definitely the right decision.
Having made up his mind, Ethan immediately continued.
"Iskandar, I'll need you to keep drawing the two Phantasmal Species into attacking. If possible, try to get their heads as close together as you can."
"Just get them close to each other, right?"
"Umu. Once you do that, retreat immediately."
"Got it. Then I'll go on ahead! Let's go, Bucephalus!!"
Iskandar charged forward on his black steed toward the two Phantasmal Species.
Ethan also grabbed hold of the reins attached to the Divine Bulls.
"Everyone, from here on out—it's time for our counterattack!!!"