🎉 Fate Q&A: Chapter 294/296

Chapter 294: Break Through the Limits, Astolfo

Semiramis: "What's wrong? Are you scared again?"

Astolfo: "Who's scared? We have to win! I choose F!"

[Ding! Astolfo answered incorrectly. 1 Saint Quartz will be deducted.]

Astolfo: "Woo woo (╥╯^╰╥)..."

Sieg: "In that case, is it E?"

[Ding! Congratulations to Sieg for answering correctly. 3 Saint Quartz awarded.]

Astolfo: "Ah ヾ(≧▽≦*)o! You got it right!"

Semiramis: "Hmph."

Jeanne: "Why did you think it was E?"

Sieg: "I just believe that good things happen to good people."

Jeanne: "It seems you've learned a lot these past few days."

Sieg: "Well, everyone in the group has taught me something."

[The question session ends. The video continues playing.]


---

[The Hippogriff escaped from the dimension, piercing through the light bullets. It accelerated with its master, taking the lead and destroying one of the black coffins first. The price for this was—]

[At this moment, Astolfo felt like every bone in his body was about to shatter. He almost cried.]

[But even so, he didn't back down, and neither did his Hippogriff.]

[The third layer, Astolfo's "Trap of Argalia!" had been broken, forcing him to fight with his bare hands...]

[The sixth layer—the Hippogriff was bleeding profusely but still held on...]

[The tenth layer—To ease the burden on his companion, Astolfo took the impact himself, resulting in a bloody forehead and a broken left arm.]

[Only one remains. But in Astolfo's current state, destroying it seems impossible.]

Waver: "That's true. If there's no other way, just ram into it."

Astolfo: "Wow! That's really me!"

Astolfo: "But just watching it hurts (πーπ)"

Gordes: "I didn't expect someone as unreliable-looking as you to be so serious at a critical moment."

Caules: "But with just one black coffin left… given Astolfo's condition…"

Astolfo: "It's fine. I already gave you the answer. I'm totally okay~ (～) (~~▽!"

Semiramis: "Tsk, I can't believe my 'Elevenfold Black Coffin' was destroyed by the likes of you. How disgraceful."

Astolfo: "This should teach you not to underestimate people."

[Just as Astolfo was about to lose heart, the Hippogriff neighed, rallying his spirits.]

[Astolfo: "...Is it okay?"]

[The Hippogriff was in no better condition than its master, its hoof was cracked, its beak was broken, and even its entire face was distorted.]

[Yet, at this moment, it was far stronger than me.]

[Astolfo wiped his tears and gently combed through the Hippogriff's mane.]

["Alright! Let's go!"]

[This was the final strike. He no longer cared what would happen next.]

["This is not a mere phantom beast of this world!"]

[With "Casseur de Logistille" carving a path forward, Astolfo ignored the incoming light bullets, roaring as he and his companion launched their final attack.]

[This is my limit!]

[In an instant, the eleventh black coffin shattered.]

[The Hanging Garden of Babylon's defensive system—'Elevenfold Black Coffin'—had been completely destroyed.]

Sieg: "It worked!"

Astolfo: "Yeah! (＾－＾)V A huge victory!"

Jeanne: "Yes, this is your victory."

Tohsaka Rin: "It's just… that poor Hippogriff. Its whole face got messed up."

Tohsaka Rin: "Oh no, I can't get that image out of my head."

[The dying Hippogriff used the last of its strength to carry Astolfo to the Hanging Garden, preventing him from plummeting from a thousand-meter height.]

[Astolfo, too, used the last of his strength to recall the Hippogriff before falling unconscious.]

[Considering his current condition, it was already a miracle he hadn't disappeared from the battlefield entirely.]

["What a shame. I can't believe my 'Elevenfold Black Coffin' was destroyed by this fool."]

[Semiramis appeared before the unconscious Astolfo, looking down at him coldly.]

["Well, if this is your limit, there's no helping it. I'll just rebuild the black coffins…"]

[Semiramis raised her hand, ready to finish him off with a spell.]

[Astolfo had already passed out, and with that, "Casseur de Logistille" had naturally been dismissed.]

[But at that moment, a strange noise rang out behind her.]

["What is that?"]

[Semiramis turned around instinctively, but it was too late to dodge.]

[A missile came flying in, exploding right in front of her.]

Chihiro: "Madam, times have changed."

Fiore: "A missile?! Who the hell is that generous?"

Waver: "A missile? Well, this is certainly unexpected."

Semiramis: "Hmph, do you really think something like this could harm me?"

[The attack had been launched from a fighter jet, and the person sitting inside was none other than Mordred.]

[This was one of the aircraft obtained by Sisigou from an airbase, courtesy of the Clock Tower. Naturally, the bill should be sent to El-Melloi II.]

[Thanks to Fiore and the others' careful planning, they had managed to arrive without any interference.]

[Sisigou had already parachuted into the Hanging Garden, and when Mordred saw Semiramis appear, she fired without hesitation.]

[Even knowing the missile wouldn't do much, she just wanted to shoot one for fun.]

Waver: "..."

El-Melloi II: "..."

Mordred: "Looks cool, but it's a shame I won't get to crack it open this time."

Sisigou: "I'd say that's a good thing."

Thinking about the car Mordred wrecked earlier, he felt a bit relieved.

---

["…How boring."]

[Semiramis effortlessly blocked the explosions with her bare hands, her expression dark with irritation.]

[Being attacked by Mordred with missiles made her feel underestimated.]

["Tremble and fall."]

[Semiramis raised her right hand, summoning a violent storm that swept away an entire passenger plane.]

[She had aimed at Mordred's fighter jet, but Mordred had hidden behind the passenger plane, causing it to take the hit instead.]

[However, Mordred had no concept of retreat. She immediately turned around and started bombing the Hanging Garden.]

[This wasn't even proper interference, it was just looking for trouble.]

[And it worked. Enraged, Semiramis seized control of the damaged passenger plane and hurled it at Mordred's fighter jet.]

[Mordred, completely unfazed, flew straight toward Semiramis, forcing her to abandon the plane and switch to direct magical attacks.]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "Hahaha, now that's an Assassin for you."

Waver: "More like a Caster disguised as an Assassin."


---

["Assassin! I'm here for the Holy Grail!"]

[As the fighter jet exploded, Mordred burst from the flames, landing in front of Semiramis with a triumphant shout.]

[Neither side held back, both red Servants launched into combat immediately.]

[Their first clash lasted just a single exchange.]

[Semiramis' magic had no effect on Mordred, while Mordred only managed to inflict a shallow wound on Semiramis' shoulder.]

[Without hesitation, Semiramis retreated into the palace.]

[Mordred glanced at the unconscious Astolfo but chose not to act, instead leaving to regroup with Sisigou.]


---

Semiramis: "You actually injured me twice."

[In the video, she had dodged quickly, but Mordred still managed to land a hit. It seemed she had underestimated this reckless knight.]

Mordred: "Hahaha! Now you know how strong I am!"

Semiramis: "No need to rush. The real battle has just begun, let's see how this plays out."

Mordred: "Hah! What right do you have to say that when you just ran away?"

Semiramis: "Heh."


---

[Meanwhile, Jeanne d'Arc was in grave danger.]

[Atalanta fought like a wild beast, completely ignoring her own injuries in her single-minded desire to kill Jeanne.]

[Even as Jeanne's holy flag pierced her body, Atalanta refused to let go, gripping Jeanne's neck with terrifying strength. Jeanne felt her windpipe being crushed.]

[She struggled desperately, but it was useless. Her vision blurred as her consciousness began to fade.]

[However, in the midst of her fading consciousness, a spark of resolve ignited.]

["Atalanta… don't underestimate a Ruler!"]

[Summoning every ounce of strength, Jeanne released the holy flag and pried Atalanta's hands off her throat with both hands.]

[Finally breaking free, she grabbed the flagpole again and slammed Atalanta against the plane's surface.]

[This time, the impact was even greater, Atalanta was thrown from the plane, plummeting into the depths below.]

Tohsaka Rin: "Damn, that was intense."

If that fight had continued, she wouldn't have been surprised if Atalanta had started clawing at Jeanne's face, pulling her hair, or tearing her clothes.

Atalanta, completely consumed by madness, had abandoned all reason in her bloodthirsty pursuit of Jeanne's death.

Waver: "Atalanta can't fly, so after falling from this height, she should be out of the fight."

Kayneth: "Don't forget about Achilles. He should be free by now, he'll definitely rescue her."

Fiore: "Sigh… things are looking worse and worse for the Black Faction."

Caules: "To be fair, our chances of winning weren't high to begin with."

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Special thanks to Chronicle Clock for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

🎉Chapter 295: What a Servant Should Do Most

["Hah... It's over. We need to get to the Hanging Garden quickly…"]

[The plane beneath her feet was already unstable from the battle, and with the Hanging Gardens right in front of her, she only needed a single leap to reach them.]

[Jeanne intended to regroup with the others, but suddenly, she felt a foreboding sensation and immediately rushed toward the central palace.]

[It was an ominous feeling, if she didn't act now, it would be too late.]

[But Atalanta, who had fallen, underwent an unexpected transformation.]

[Atalanta couldn't fly, but in her current monstrous state, that no longer mattered. If she couldn't fly in her current form, then she would simply reshape her body to do so.]

[With a pained groan, her arms twisted and deformed, flesh and skin tearing apart. In their place, grotesque, alien-like wings sprouted, allowing Atalanta to take flight.]

[It wouldn't last long, but it was enough to bring her back to the Hanging Garden.]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "Oh my god! That looks insane!"

Waver: "I thought Atalanta had just lost her mind, but she's completely transformed into a monster."

Achilles: "Damn, big sis, you really went that far…?"

Atalanta: "..."

The others in the group were speechless, but even Atalanta herself seemed bewildered. She had no idea she was even capable of this.

Her demonic transformation had gone far beyond her expectations, proof of just how deep her murderous intent toward Jeanne ran.


---

[After landing, Atalanta's arms quickly regenerated, but they hung limply like tattered rags, blood dripping uncontrollably.]

[Yet, she paid no attention to it, instead sniffing the air like a wild beast, searching for Jeanne's scent.]

["Hey, big sis?"]

[A familiar voice called out to her, but she didn't respond. She had already found Jeanne's trail and immediately set off toward the palace.]


---

Achilles: "You won't even acknowledge my voice? Your sanity's completely gone."

Karna: "It's not about allies or enemies anymore. She simply has no interest in anyone but Jeanne now."

Achilles: "..."


---

[On Sieg's side, three minutes had passed, and he had reverted back to his original form.]

[Defeating a formidable enemy like Karna in just three minutes was simply impossible.]

["Cough…"]

[Sieg coughed up blood. It was the backlash from his transformation, but compared to the first time, it was barely noticeable.]

[Which meant… he could still transform and fight again.]

[Even if he couldn't take down his opponent in three minutes, he could push himself for another six.]


---

Waver: "This is only Sieg's second transformation, and he's already adapted this well?"

Kayneth: "Rather than just talent, it's because he's an awakened Homunculus with his own will."

Astolfo: "Sieg, you're amazing!"

Sieg: "It's not me who's amazing, it's Sir Siegfried."

Siegfried: "No, this is all you. You're the one who's adapting to the transformation's backlash."

---

["Wait—sorry, but could you hold off on transforming for a moment?"]

[Karna suddenly spoke, his expression unusually apologetic, leaving Sieg bewildered.]

["I have a request for Yggdmillennia's mage. I'd like to continue our battle after I settle this matter. It's rare to have two people present, after all."]

[Karna turned his gaze toward a nearby wall.]

[Realizing they had been discovered, Fiore and her younger brother stopped hiding and stepped forward.]

[Sieg noticed that Fiore was standing behind Caules, quietly crying.]

[It was clear, Chiron had already fallen. Though it was unclear whether he had lost outright or if both combatants had taken each other down.]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "Wait, why did they suddenly stop fighting?"

Semiramis: "Karna, are you betraying the Red Faction?"

Karna: "It was merely a temporary alliance, calling it 'betrayal' is inaccurate."

Karna: "Besides, I'm simply fulfilling my duty as a Servant."

He already knew what he intended to do in the video.


---

[Karna: "So... will you allow it?"]

[Sieg: "I understand. Please hurry."]

[Karna: "Of course. Magus of Yggdmillennia, follow me."]

[Karna led them to a house on the outskirts and into its basement.]

[Upon entering, Fiore and the others were stunned to see five men and women seated around a round table, murmuring incoherently.]

[Fiore and the others felt a chill run down their spines. Was this some kind of cult ritual or a sacrificial ceremony?]

---

Waver: "This is—! The Red Masters!"

Sisigou: "Good thing I was careful, or I'd be sitting in there right now."

Sisigou: "But, Father, you actually brought them to the Hanging Garden. Are they hostages?"

Amakusa Shirou: "I am merely protecting them. After all, what place is safer than the Hanging Garden?"

Sisigou: "Hah, do you even believe that yourself?"

Kayneth: "Saving one's Master, that is what a Servant should do. And I'm talking about you, @Shakespeare, you've been hanging around Amakusa Shirou since the beginning.

Sisigou: "Father, where are they now? Don't tell me you actually brought them to the Hanging Garden as well."

If that were the case, their ashes would have been scattered to the wind by now.

Amakusa Shirou: "Do not worry. Since we chose the Hanging Garden as the battlefield, it is no longer a safe place. I would not put them in harm's way."

Amakusa Shirou: "They are still in the church basement. You are free to go rescue them, it would be a noble deed."

Sisigou: "Hmph."


---

[Caules: "Hey, hey… these people aren't…!"]

[Karna: "Yes, they are the original Masters of the Red Faction."]

[Fiore: "Are they still alive?"]

[Karna: "Yes. Assassin poisoned them to dull their cognitive abilities, ensuring a smooth transfer of their Command Seals. I believe they can still be cured."]

[Caules: "So, Red Lancer, what exactly do you want us to do?"]

[Karna: "If possible, I hope you can rescue these five."]

[Karna spoke solemnly.]

["They were involved in the Holy Grail War, but they have already withdrawn from the conflict. We cannot leave them in this state indefinitely."]


---

[Caules: "And what do we gain from this?"]

[That's what he said, but in reality, the benefits were obvious.]

[Most importantly, these were elites of the Mage's Association. Saving them would provide Yggdmillennia with leverage in future peace negotiations.]

Caules: "If we could really save them, the pressure on Yggdmillennia would decrease significantly."

---

[Karna: "That may be the case, but I can only ask for your consideration in this matter."]

[Fiore: "Red Lancer, if we rescue them, what will you offer in return? As a hero known for his generosity, surely you won't expect us to work for free?"]

[Karna: "That is a fair point. However, I have nothing to offer you."]

[Fiore: "Then… how about your spear?"]


---

Waver: "Hey, that's just outright robbery. You're basically demanding his surrender."

Fiore: "This is how negotiations work. I have to maximize our gains."

Kayneth: "Indeed. If we could simply remove the Red Faction's strongest fighter, that would be ideal. Unfortunately, Karna has no intention of backing down."

[Karna shook his head.]

[Karna: "I'm sorry, but surrendering my spear would be akin to forfeiting the battle entirely. I cannot do that."]

["I swore to fight Black Saber, Siegfried, with my full strength."]

[It was a reasonable stance, leaving Fiore with no counterargument.]

[Suddenly, Caules had an idea and pointed at Siegfried.]

[Caules: "Red Lancer, since you swore to fight Siegfried at full strength… If you cannot defeat him within three minutes, will you consider it your defeat?"]

[Karna: "Hmm…"]

[Caules: "This is the situation now, Siegfried can only exist in this world for three minutes, and he has given those three minutes to fight you. If you fail to defeat him within that time, isn't that the same as losing?"

[Karna remained silent for a moment before nodding.]

[Karna: "Indeed… there is no honor in taking longer than three minutes to defeat a warrior who has given his all in that time. I understand."]

[Sieg: "Wait a moment, Red Lancer. Don't you think I can find a way to prolong the battle past three minutes?"]

[Karna: "That is fine."]

[Karna spoke calmly.]

["I swore to fight with my full strength. That is different from using tactics to stall for time and drag the battle to a draw."]

["In this scenario, the one at fault is me for failing to defeat you within three minutes."]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "Wait, doesn't this mean you just got tricked?"

Karna: "No. It is a fair conclusion. If I cannot defeat my opponent at his peak, then winning later has no meaning."

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Special thanks to Chronicle Clock for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

🎉Chapter 296: Astolfo Does Not Play by the Rules

[Karna: "Do you intend to run away?"]

[Sieg: "...Before that, I want to ask you something. Why did you save them?"]

[Karna: "Is it strange that I would want to save them?"]

[Sieg: "Not strange, but… why?"]

[Karna: "They were once my Masters. That alone is reason enough. I couldn't protect them. Even as a Servant, I failed to complete my mission. Even if they have escaped the Holy Grail War, I still want to save their lives. I suppose this desire is a bit excessive… even arrogant."]

[The three of them were stunned. How was that arrogant?]

Waver: "No matter how humble you are, you should at least recognize your limits."

Karna: "Is that so?"

[Karna: "Even so, I have no choice but to live this way. And… this way of living is surprisingly enjoyable."]

[Caules: "I understand, but the two of us alone can't take on five people."]

[Karna: "There is a room that allows teleportation to the ground. If magic is used, even I can send you back safely."]

[Caules: "Wait a minute. Does that mean anyone could do this?"]

[Karna nodded, confirming that was indeed the case.]

[Caules turned to Fiore and said, "...Sister, that's enough."]

[Fiore nodded slightly and said, "Yes. We need to contact Uncle Gordes and ensure they are properly protected and managed. We must return to the ground."]

[Chiron was dead. She was out of the Holy Grail War.]

[Caules: "Only my sister is going back. I intend to stay here."]

[Fiore: "Huh?"]

[Caules: "Didn't I tell you? I want to witness the final outcome of the Holy Grail War, as a member of Yggdmillennia."]

[Fiore: "But…"]

[Caules: "Red Lancer, please take us to the teleportation room. We need to get these Masters out of here."]

[Karna: "Understood."]

[Karna carried three people, while Sieg and Caules handled the remaining two. The four of them proceeded forward and soon arrived at the teleportation chamber Karna had mentioned.]

["Caules, please… you have to come back alive."]

["I know. I'll do my best."]

[As the door closed, Fiore felt the surge of magical energy around her. Instinctively, she shut her eyes. When she opened them again, she found herself on a small hill.]

[Fiore immediately contacted Gordes, requesting a vehicle to pick them up.]

Sisigou: "I didn't expect you'd choose to stay."

Caules: "After all, the Black Faction is still a participant. Someone has to witness the end of this."

Frankenstein: "Mmm…"

Fiore: "And what if you die, you idiot? Then what was the point of me giving you the Command Seals?"

Caules: "It's fine, sister. We knew what we were getting into when we decided to go up to the Hanging Garden."

Fiore: "Idiot… That just makes me look like a useless sister. I went up there and came back without accomplishing anything."

Caules: "Well… in a battle of this scale, I'm just grateful to be alive in the end."

Sisigou: "Yeah..."

["Thank you. I can finally set aside this burden."]

[Karna expressed his gratitude to Caules and Sieg, then said, "Now, let us decide the winner as agreed. I'd like to change the venue, would that be acceptable?"]

["Yeah," Sieg nodded.]

[Karna led them to a large auditorium, pushed open its heavy stone doors, and stepped inside.]

[The dimly lit room was extraordinarily spacious. The ceiling and far walls were nowhere in sight, it was clear that magecraft had been used to expand the space.]


---

Waver: "I thought the buildings in the Hanging Garden were just for decoration, but they're actually fully functional?"

Semiramis: "Of course not. This is my greatest masterpiece."

---

Karna: "If we fight here, no matter how much destruction we cause, it will not matter. Magus, please stand as far back as possible."

[Caules: "Understood."]

[Karna then turned to Sieg.]

[Karna: "Let us begin."]

[Sieg: "I have a request."]

Karna: "Speak."

[Sieg: "I took the name Sieg from the man who gave me life and silently told me to 'live on.' So, I ask that you call me by that name. In return, I will fight with everything I have. It may only be three minutes, but I will fight as the man who was meant to battle you."]

[Karna: "I see. Then, Sieg, let us face each other with our full strength."]

[Sieg activated his fourth Command Seal. A massive surge of magical energy enveloped him, and he transformed into Siegfried once more.]

[Karna: "Sieg, I am coming."]

[Sieg: "Bring it on!"]


---

Siegfried: "Good. You understand this well."

Siegfried: "Sieg, you are not a mere imitation of me. You are yourself—no one else."

Astolfo: "That's right!"

Sieg: "Yeah, I know. Thank you."


---

[Meanwhile, Astolfo, who had been unconscious for some time, finally woke up.]

["You're awake?"]

[A figure appeared, it was Achilles.]

[Upon seeing him, Astolfo immediately sprang to his feet in alarm, only to wince in pain.]

[He quickly reached for a weapon, his sword was given to Sieg, so he reached for his lance only to remember it was broken. Left with no other choice, he clenched his fists and took a fighting stance.]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "Pfft, this feels like a comedy scene."

Chihiro: "Haha, Astolfo always finds a way to be amusing."

Astolfo: "Hey, you can't blame me! I'm used to having weapons, and now I have none!"

Semiramis: "Achilles, why not take this opportunity to finish him off?"

Achilles: "Sorry, but I don't like sneak attacks."


---

[Achilles: "...You, are you an idiot?"]

[Astolfo: "Stop talking nonsense. Your survival means— Ah, you bastard! Archer was defeated, wasn't he?"]

[Achilles: "Yeah, I defeated my teacher. My long-held wish has finally been fulfilled."]

[Astolfo: "Damn it, do I have to fight you now?"]

[Achilles: "I'd advise against it. You can't beat me."]

[Astolfo: "Who knows? You're covered in wounds, maybe I have a chance."]

[Astolfo wasn't actually foolish. He had already noticed Achilles' Achilles heel, still bleeding.]

[Achilles: "You're not as dumb as you act. Unfortunately, I'm in a hurry. Find someone else to fight."]

[Hearing this, Astolfo casually turned away.]

[Astolfo: "Oh? Alright then, I'm leaving!"]

["...No, wait a minute."]

[Achilles, taken aback, reflexively called out to him.]

[Shouldn't he be the one to leave first?]


---

Achilles: "...This guy seriously doesn't play by the rules."

Illya: "Astolfo is hilarious."

Astolfo: "Hey, thanks for the compliment!"

Tohsaka Rin: "That wasn't a compliment."


---

[Achilles: "Your Master is just a counterfeit of Siegfried—"]

[Astolfo: "Don't call him a counterfeit! My Master has a name—Sieg!"]

[Achilles: "Fine, fine. Your Master, Sieg, is currently fighting our Lancer."]

[Astolfo: "Probably. The last thing I remember was them starting their fight."]

["I see."]

[Remembering his promise to Chiron, Achilles made up his mind.]

[Astolfo: "Well? If you're just going to stand there, I'm leaving."]

[Achilles: "I told you to wait a second. I have a request for you. Just listen, it won't kill you."]

[After a brief conversation, Astolfo readily agreed and left, while Achilles turned toward the palace with a clear objective.]


---

[At that moment, Atalanta had caught up to Jeanne, attempting to ambush her with Silent Hunting, but Jeanne's intuition allowed her to sense the attack in time.]

["Atalanta…"]

[Staring at the beast-transformed Servant relentlessly pursuing her, Jeanne finally lost her patience.]

["Stop getting in my way!"]


---

[Question: What will be the outcome of the next battle?]

A: Jeanne d'Arc is eliminated.
B: Atalanta is eliminated.
C: Jeanne d'Arc and Atalanta fall together.
D: Jeanne d'Arc escapes.
E: Achilles is eliminated.
F: Achilles and Atalanta fall together.

[Please answer within 1 minute. Exceeding the time limit will result in forfeiting your response.]