Fergus left behind two critical pieces of intel.
First, the possible location where Rama's wife, Sita, was being held—Alcatraz Island, also known as Devil's Island, one of the most infamous prisons in Arican history.
Second, the identity of the true mastermind behind this Singularity: the one controlling the Holy Grail and who had turned Cú Chulainn into the monstrous Mad King—Queen db.
"If that's true, then things might be worse than we anticipated."
Shiomi stirred the fire with a branch, slowly roasting the fish he'd caught from the river.
"That's exactly why we're using this operation plan," Scáthach said, leaning lightly against Shiomi, her tone relaxed.
With this new intelligence, Shiomi formulated a strategy.
Caren would lead the other Servants in a large-scale diversion, drawing attention from the bulk of the Celtic army and their allied Servants. This would force the main Celtic force, stationed in Washington, to deploy more of their troops outward.
At the sa ti, the lone Servants Scáthach had previously recruited would link up with Caren's team.
anwhile, Shiomi and Scáthach would use the gap in Washington's defenses to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters and assassinate db, the Grail holder.
Since they couldn't be sure whether Cú Chulainn would remain at the main camp or be lured out by the feint, Shiomi and Scáthach were moving as a pair, ready to face a two-on-two—or even a two-on-many—scenario.
"So, Cú Chulainn... Should I be the one to take down senpai, or do you want to do it?" Shiomi asked, eyes fixed on the fire.
"Whoever gets the opening takes the kill," Scáthach replied with a helpless smile.
This high-speed, two-person deep-strike plan reminded Scáthach of the final days before Shiomi had left the Land of Shadows.
She had already passed down everything she could—there was nothing left to teach. So Shiomi would often leave the castle on her behalf to hunt down the monsters born of death.
And more often than not, those hunts turned into joint missions.
This felt the sa. The only difference was the target.
"Yeah."
Shiomi nodded, pulling up a projected map from the device on his wrist.
They were still 200 kiloters from Washington. Without a marked destination, his teleportation Magecraft couldn't perform an accurate transfer.
That ant the only option was to cover the ground with their own feet, enhanced by Magecraft, moving at inhuman speed.
"So far, aside from the Celtic warriors locked in a northern standoff with Edison's chanical army, the rest have already been diverted south toward the feint. By now... they've probably clashed near Dallas," Shiomi reasoned aloud.
He and Scáthach had traveled light and fast, staying out of enemy detection range, silently approaching Washington.
The vast central plains of the U.S. made their advance remarkably quick.
"Tomorrow," Scáthach said.
She ant they'd reach Washington by tomorrow at their current pace.
"Robin Hood lent us his Noble Phantasm, 'No Face May King.' Infiltrating the headquarters won't be a problem," Shiomi assured her.
Compared to Rune Magecraft's concealnt, Robin Hood's Noble Phantasm offered a unique advantage—it mimicked the effects of an Assassin's Presence Concealnt skill.
The only caveat was that while cloaked, the user remained physically present. Touching them would still give away their position.
"No," Scáthach said, shaking her head. "I ant there's not much ti left in this Singularity."
"Once dbis eliminated and the Holy Grail is retrieved, your mission here with Caren will be complete."
Shiomi's eyes widened slightly. Now he understood what she really ant.
Their long-overdue reunion was about to end.
This Singularity spanned the entire continental U.S. He had been rushing across it for over a week—and during that ti, he had spent a rare, precious week by his master's side.
The thought that they'd have to part ways again once the mission ended left a quiet, unshakable weight in his heart.
"It'll feel a bit lonely," Shiomi murmured, brushing his hair back.
"Hmm..." Scáthach let out a contemplative sound. "Isn't your wife still waiting for you back in Chaldea?"
"Uh..." Shiomi scratched his head.
Maybe the real trial would only begin after this Singularity was resolved.
No point in overthinking it. He'd only know how badly he'd be "dealt with" once he got back. Shiomi stood up from the stump he was sitting on and walked over to the riverbank, preparing a spell.
Monts later, a circular pit several ters wide and half a ter deep ford along the edge of the river.
Water flowed in, quickly filling it to the brim.
He tossed in two rune-engraved stones. The previously murky water instantly turned crystal clear and began to steam.
"You really don't give up on comfort, no matter where we are," Scáthach comnted as she approached.
"Master, want to go first?" Shiomi tilted his head with a grin. "Even if you're a Servant, a soak in a makeshift hot spring isn't a bad idea, right?"
"Is that really all you have in mind?" Scáthach replied with a faint smile.
Shiomi settled down on a nearby rock and said openly, "Don't worry, Master. Go ahead and enjoy the spring. I'll stay here and keep watch."
"So that's your plan. If you don't mind, I won't argue," Scáthach said, brushing her hair aside.
She undressed, stepped barefoot toward the spring, and dipped her toes in to test the water.
But just as she was about to enter, a soft rustling sound ca from behind.
Then she felt Shiomi wrap his arms around her, his body pressing against her back—his warmth, his scent, all unmistakably his.
"So, you couldn't hold back after all. Just like the mont I accepted your feelings back then." Scáthach raised a hand to gently stroke the head resting on her shoulder. "I thought you'd grown a bit more restrained since then."
"Can't help it. You're the one who turned
into a man," Shiomi replied smoothly, pulling her closer as they sank into the water together. "And over here, you're the one who visits
every night."
"Quite greedy, aren't you?" Scáthach murmured, though it wasn't clear if she was speaking of him or teasing herself.
At monts like this, she felt less like a legendary warrior—and more like a woman, simply and entirely.
"And tomorrow's important, right? You'll need more Mana, won't you, Master?" Shiomi whispered between kisses, hungrily tasting her lips and tongue.
Scáthach gripped his chin. "Do you sweet-talk her like this too?"
"Maybe I'm the one being tricked."
"Is that so."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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