The sound of Jeanne and Astolfo's footsteps echoed through the vast corridors of the fortress, blending with the distant rumble of explosions and collapsing ruins. The magical lights on the walls flickered, casting shadows that danced alongside the two figures as they ran.
They moved in perfect sync, destroying every defense mechanism that appeared in their path without hesitation. The metallic sound of chains snapping and the dimming glow of runes left behind a trail of clean, precise destruction.
Though neither of them knew the corridors as well as Atalanta did, Jeanne and Astolfo advanced guided by sheer urgency. It didn't take long before they arrived at the grand chamber where Semiramis awaited them.
A massive iron gate loomed before them, adorned with ancient inscriptions and magical sigils. Jeanne and Astolfo stopped, exchanging a brief, silent glance — a moment of mutual understanding between comrades before the confrontation.
Just as they prepared to discuss what to do, the cold, melodious voice of Semiramis echoed from beyond the door.
"Come in. I imagine you're capable of handling any traps on your own."
Semiramis.
Jeanne sighed at the Empress's provocative tone and, without hesitation, pushed open the heavy door.
The sight that greeted them was nothing short of majestic.
It was the King's Chamber.
Though there were no knights or attendants present, the air was thick with solemnity. The vast hall was lined with ornate columns, and even in absolute silence, an overwhelming sense of authority emanated from the space.
Seated upon the throne was Semiramis, Empress of Assyria and Assassin of the Red Faction. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders like a silken veil, and her commanding gaze filled the room with imperious presence.
Even alone, she embodied a grandeur befitting the title Empress of the Hanging Gardens.
Astolfo let out a low whistle, eyes widening in awe.
"What an incredible place…" he murmured without realizing it.
Before the throne stretched a shallow pool of water, its crystalline surface reflecting the blue flames that illuminated the chamber. Lotus flowers floated lazily across it, adding ethereal hues to the serene — yet ominous — scenery.
Semiramis lifted her gaze, her lips curving into a calm, almost maternal smile.
With a snap of her fingers, one of the walls on the right dissolved into mist. A magical doorway appeared, pulsing with golden light.
"Go through that passage and descend to the lower levels. The Greater Grail awaits you below."
Jeanne frowned.
"What are you planning?" she asked firmly, suspicion evident in her tone.
Semiramis rested her chin in her hand, feigning boredom.
"Don't look at me like that, Saint. This isn't my wish either. But my Master's orders are absolute. The task of receiving you falls upon the Caster. So go. I have nothing more to say to you."
With that, she fell silent, crossing her legs with elegance, as if the conversation had already ended.
There was sincerity in her voice — or something dangerously close to it.
Even so, the tension was palpable. Jeanne could feel the hostility hidden beneath that mask of serenity.
She closed her eyes briefly, recalling Arthur's warning about the Red Caster.
Shakespeare.
A man whose pen was as dangerous as any blade.
Physically, he was the weakest of the Reds, but his Noble Phantasm was a stage of illusion — one that could destroy the very soul.
Jeanne took a deep breath and turned back to Semiramis.
"So this is it… our final farewell, Red Assassin."
Semiramis smiled, cold and regal.
"I suppose it is. Farewell, Ruler. You're a rather dull saint. I hope you perish along with the others."
Jeanne took a step forward, ready to head toward the glowing doorway. But before silence could settle, Semiramis raised her arm and pointed at Astolfo.
"Oh, and that one stays."
"What?" Jeanne immediately raised her flag, shielding Astolfo behind her.
She had assumed they would both go together, but Semiramis's words caught her completely off guard.
"Haha… did you really think I'd let so many of you approach my Master?" Semiramis mocked, her eyes glittering with venomous amusement.
Astolfo stepped forward, placing a hand on Jeanne's shoulder.
"Go ahead! I'll handle this!"
"But—" she began to protest.
"No buts!" he interrupted, laughing as usual, though his eyes burned with resolve. "The Holy Grail is what matters most! And hey, don't underestimate me. I'm Astolfo, one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne! I wouldn't be scared even of the Empress herself. Besides, according to the original battle plan, she's my opponent."
He winked playfully, trying to ease the tension — though Jeanne could see the seriousness behind his grin.
"Fran and Atalanta will be here soon, so don't worry about me."
Jeanne nodded, taking a deep breath and meeting his determined gaze.
"Understood… Astolfo, be careful."
Without another word, she turned and sprinted through the magical doorway — toward the Greater Holy Grail.
The sound of her footsteps faded into the distance.
And then, there were only two left.
Astolfo and Semiramis.
For a moment, silence reigned.
Only the gentle sound of water rippling across the pool filled the hall.
Astolfo raised his spear and pointed it at the Empress. The smile on his face was light, almost carefree — but his eyes burned like twin flames.
"Tsk…"
Semiramis regarded him with open disdain. Her cold, calculating gaze flickered briefly toward the passage Jeanne had taken.
She had considered fighting the saint herself, even if it meant disobeying orders.
But time was not on her side — Atalanta and Frankenstein were closing in fast, and Mordred was still out of reach.
The fortress's defense systems were already at their limit.
They were almost here.
Even for someone like Semiramis, facing four Servants at once would be a nightmare.
"Caster," she transmitted telepathically, "I've sent Ruler your way. Buy time until the Master completes his ritual. I'll handle those who come to me."
Refocusing on Astolfo, she rose from her throne. Her long cloak flowed behind her like smoke, its edges dissolving into the air.
"A second-rate Servant with a surprisingly important role in this war…" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Your very existence is irritating, Astolfo."
The knight grinned, resting his spear on his shoulder.
"Haha! Then I must be doing my job right, Empress!"
"Tsk."
With an annoyed click of her tongue, Semiramis raised her hand, summoning the power of her Noble Phantasm.
It was time to erase the intruder before the others could arrive.
"Sikera Ušum..."
---
Meanwhile, in a distant field, the clash between Arthur and Karna reached its peak.
The golden brilliance of Arthur's sword met the blazing radiance of Karna's spear.
Each strike was an explosion of divine might, illuminating the horizon and shaking the very earth beneath them.
---
(End of Chapter)
A/N: The total word count for this chapter is exactly 1111 words, hahaha.
(At least, in Portuguese.)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."