Chapter 91: Septem
The next day arrives, as Ritsuka looked at Dr Romani.
Dr Romani looked at Ritsuka as he spoke. "The next Singularty we have names Septem, it is set Doring the Roman empire during Emperor Nero time".
Ritsuka looked at him. "So during the time of the worst Roman leader".
Dr Romani let's out a chuckle. "Will more like in lesser evil days, anyway you know what to do, find out what the singularty is, fix it and come back with the grail, so who are you taking".
Ritsuka looked at Dr Romani. "Morgan is my main Servent, we need mash, Medusa maybe wants to come because Roman and Greek, and Kama, I think I will take Kirshtaria with me for some reason".
As then the door broke opened, as it was more like it was burned as it there was Jalter.
Ritsuka just gulped. "Oh no"
Jalter smirked at his with a crazy Yandere look. "I am coming with you no matter what".
Elizabeth then folloed behind her. "So am I".
Ritsuka's face paled as he watched the two walk into the room. He could already feel the tension rising.
Dr. Romani sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ritsuka, you really need to get a handle on your Servants. This is getting out of hand."
Ritsuka gave him an exasperated look. "Do you think I choose for this to happen? They just decide to do whatever they want!"
Jalter crossed her arms, flames crackling faintly around her. "If anyone's going to keep you safe in a place as chaotic as ancient Rome, it's me. I'll burn anyone who gets in your way." Her eyes gleamed with dangerous determination.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, was already practicing her singing. "And I'll bring some musical charm to the group! Rome needs a proper diva, and who better than me? Besides, I can protect you, Ritsuka."
Kama suddenly appeared, leaning casually against the doorway. Her smirk was as sharp as ever. "Looks like this little field trip just got a lot more interesting. I suppose I'll come along to make sure you don't get stabbed in the back—literally and figuratively."
Morgan appeared next, her expression calm but her voice firm. "I'll ensure order is maintained. This isn't a vacation."
Ritsuka groaned, rubbing his temples. "I haven't even left yet, and it's already chaos. Romani, are you sure I can't just go alone?"
Romani shook his head. "You know that's not an option. But... good luck. You're going to need it."
As Mash entered the room, trying to look professional despite the absurdity, she gave Ritsuka a supportive smile. "Senpai, I'm ready to assist you no matter what. We'll complete this mission together."
Ritsuka sighed deeply, looking at the eclectic group before him. "Alright, fine. But let's establish one thing: no fighting each other, no setting Rome on fire—" he shot a look at Jalter "—and please try to blend in for once."
Jalter grinned. "No promises."
Elizabeth struck a dramatic pose. "I'll make Rome love me!"
Morgan nodded curtly. "Let's just get this over with."
Kama chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos. "This is going to be fun."
Ritsuka threw his hands up in defeat. "Why me?"
With the party assembled, Ritsuka prepared himself for yet another unpredictable journey into the past, bracing for whatever awaited them in Septem.
Dr Romani just sighed. "Mash, Morgan, Jalter, Medusa and Elizabeth it sounds like a less of a mission and more of a vacation of you and Harem Ritsuka".
Ritsuka then looked at him. "What about Kirshtaria".
Dr Romani looked at him. "3rd wheels.... 7th wheel".
Ritsuka sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Great, now I'm the protagonist of some cliché harem sitcom in ancient Rome. Just what I needed."
Dr. Romani chuckled, clearly enjoying Ritsuka's predicament. "Well, at least you'll have plenty of company. Just make sure you actually focus on the mission and not... distractions."
Mash tilted her head, looking mildly confused. "Doctor, what do you mean by distractions? This is a serious mission."
Jalter smirked, folding her arms as she leaned closer to Ritsuka. "Oh, I think he knows exactly what kind of distractions we're talking about."
Medusa sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Can we please not turn this into a circus before we even get there?"
Elizabeth laughed, clearly oblivious to the tension. "What's wrong with having a little fun? Rome will love me—and if they don't, well, that's their problem."
Morgan's voice was cold and commanding. "Enough. This is a mission, not a spectacle. Stay focused."
Kirshtaria finally walked in, holding a cup of tea as though he hadn't a care in the world. "So, I'm the seventh wheel now? That's a new experience for me. At least I'll have front-row seats to the chaos."
Ritsuka threw his hands up. "Why does everyone keep calling it a harem? We're on a mission to fix history, not cause a scandal!"
Kama appeared once again, smirking as she leaned against the wall. "Oh, Ritsuka, denial looks good on you. But let's not kid ourselves—this group? In Rome? You're practically a walking headline waiting to happen."
Romani let out a tired sigh, shaking his head. "Just... don't burn down the Empire, okay? That's all I ask."
Ritsuka grumbled under his breath. "No promises. Let's just get this over with."
With the chaotic crew assembled, Ritsuka braced himself for what was shaping up to be one of the most challenging Singularities yet—both for the mission and his patience.
The team gathered at the Rayshift Chamber, each member preparing in their own way. Mash adjusted her shield, looking as determined as ever. Morgan stood tall and regal, her cold gaze scanning the group. Medusa silently checked her weapon, exuding a calm yet foreboding presence. Jalter, as always, had an air of fiery unpredictability, while Elizabeth hummed a tune, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Kirshtaria simply sipped his tea, unbothered by the chaos brewing around him.
Ritsuka, on the other hand, was trying to mentally prepare for what was sure to be a monumental headache. He looked to Romani for one last bit of reassurance.
"Any final advice, Doctor?"
Romani hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Yeah—don't die. And try to keep everyone from killing each other, okay?"
Ritsuka groaned. "Super helpful, thanks."
Da Vinci's voice chimed in through the intercom. "Ready for Rayshift? Coordinates are locked in. You're heading to the heart of the Roman Empire during Nero's reign. Expect a mix of chaos, drama, and maybe a musical performance or two, considering your team."
Elizabeth perked up. "A musical performance? Finally, someone who appreciates my talents!"
Morgan's eyes narrowed. "We're not here for entertainment, idol."
Elizabeth stuck out her tongue. "Whatever, queen. You'll see—I'll be the star of Rome!"
"Enough!" Ritsuka shouted, rubbing his temples. "Let's just get through the Rayshift in one piece. Everyone, focus on the mission."
The group stepped onto the platform, and in a flash of light, they were hurtling through the void of time and space. The familiar sensation of the Rayshift pulled at their bodies before they landed on solid ground.
They found themselves in the midst of a bustling Roman city, the sun beating down on white marble buildings and red-robed citizens. The grandeur of the Empire stretched before them, and yet, something felt... off.
Jalter was the first to notice. "This doesn't feel right. The air—it's too... heavy."
Medusa nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "The Singularity's corruption is already taking root here."
As they moved through the city, they were greeted by the sight of Roman soldiers marching in perfect formation. But their faces were blank, their movements almost mechanical.
Mash held up her shield defensively. "Something's definitely wrong. These soldiers aren't normal."
Before anyone could respond, a commanding voice echoed through the streets.
"Who dares disturb the peace of my Empire?"
The group turned to see a woman in a resplendent red gown, her golden hair shining like the sun. She held a theatrical pose, exuding an air of confidence and authority.
"Nero Claudius," Ritsuka muttered under his breath.
The Roman Emperor—no, the Saber servant—smiled brightly at them. "Ah, travelers! Welcome to my Rome! But beware—this is no place for the faint of heart. Tell me, are you friend or foe?"
Ritsuka stepped forward, offering a diplomatic smile. "We're here to help, Emperor Nero. There's a disturbance in your Empire that we need to fix."
Nero tilted her head, intrigued. "Interesting. Then perhaps you'll join me in my palace. We have much to discuss. But first..."
Her gaze flickered to Jalter, Elizabeth, and Morgan.
"You there—yes, you fiery one, and the diva with the strange energy, and the cold queen. Are you all part of this man's court?"
Jalter's eyes twitched. "Court? Do I look like a courtier to you?"
Elizabeth beamed. "Actually, I am a performer! Maybe I could entertain you, Emperor Nero!"
Morgan sighed deeply. "This is going to be a long mission."
Ritsuka facepalmed. "Here we go..."
As they followed Nero toward her palace, the weight of the Singularity's corruption loomed over them. And Ritsuka knew, deep down, that this chaotic group would make the mission anything but straightforward.
As then from Ritsuka Chalde watch, Dr Romani holographic image was shown as he saw Nero.
Nero looked at him and titled her head. "Oh my, are you looking at how Greta I am Umu, mage".
Dr Romani just blinked. "Nero Claudius was a girl".
Kirshtaria looked at him. "You know, this explains the bones the Mages association found".
Nero looked at them. "Mages Association".
Ritsuka looked at her. "Long story short, let's say we are traviler from a different lands, and we are here to help kinda, it is hard to explain".
Nero then laughed. "Umu, I gess if your here to help my Rome then welcome".
Kama then metally spoke to Morgan. "So are you sure that she isn't one of Ancestor because".
Morgan cut her of as she continues the mental conversation. "No, not at all just because our faces match doesn't mean anything, same goes for Jalter and me".
Nero's cheerful demeanor didn't falter as she turned and gestured for the group to follow her. "Umu! Travelers from distant lands, let us return to my grand palace. We can discuss your purpose over a splendid feast. Rome's hospitality knows no bounds!"
As they walked through the streets, Ritsuka couldn't help but notice the unease in the air. The citizens moved mechanically, their expressions devoid of life. Even the architecture seemed unnaturally pristine, as though frozen in time.
Dr. Romani's holographic image floated alongside them, his brow furrowed. "This isn't normal. The Singularity's corruption must be influencing the city. Nero herself seems unaffected, but we can't be sure for how long."
Kirshtaria nodded thoughtfully. "If the corruption has taken hold of Rome, it's only a matter of time before it manifests in more dangerous ways. We need to identify the source quickly."
Jalter glanced at Nero, her fiery gaze scrutinizing the emperor. "She's a little too cheerful. Are we sure she's not part of the problem?"
Elizabeth huffed. "Oh, please! She's clearly a star like me. Let's not start throwing accusations just because someone is fabulous."
Morgan, keeping her mental conversation with Kama private, interjected telepathically, "Let's not dwell on superficial similarities. Focus on the mission."
Kama responded with a mental smirk. "Sure, sure. But you have to admit, it's uncanny."
Morgan ignored her, maintaining her regal composure.
As they entered Nero's grand palace, the opulence was almost overwhelming. Gold adorned every surface, and intricate murals of Nero's "great achievements" decorated the walls. Nero twirled dramatically, her red gown flowing like fire.
"Welcome, my guests! Behold the glory of Rome under my reign! Umu!"
Mash leaned toward Ritsuka and whispered, "Senpai, isn't this... a bit much?"
Ritsuka sighed. "It's Nero. You get used to it."
Nero clapped her hands, and servants appeared, carrying trays of food and wine. "Now, let us celebrate your arrival. But do tell me—what exactly threatens my Rome? And how can I, Nero Claudius, assist you in preserving its glory?"
Before Ritsuka could respond, the ground trembled. The palace shook, and a deep, guttural roar echoed through the city.
Dr. Romani's holographic image flickered. "That's not good. Something big is happening!"
Nero's eyes widened, but her confident smile remained. "A threat to my Rome? Then it shall face my might! Umu! Come, travelers, let us face this menace together!"
Ritsuka stood, his hand instinctively reaching for his Mystic Code. "Looks like the mission's starting earlier than we thought. Everyone, get ready."
Morgan summoned her blade, Jalter ignited her flames, Medusa prepared her chains, and Elizabeth grinned, already humming a battle tune. Kirshtaria sighed, muttering, "Why does it always escalate so quickly?"
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy