Fate: How About a New Savior?

The next day, in the domain of Ozymandias...

As Shiomi and the others drew closer, it became easier for Nitocris, tasked with monitoring the Singularity, to sense their presence.

As Chaldea's representatives and returning guests, they encountered no barriers or wards obstructing their entry into the domain.

"So this is Ozymandias' territory... and this air from the Age of Gods…"

After getting off the sand buggy with Morgan and his master, they followed a road flanked by wheat fields. Along the way, they passed numerous mud-brick houses—typical residences from the Sixteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt.

There were also commoners working in the fields. It seemed that when Ozymandias brought his domain into the Singularity, he also brought along these people to sustain its productivity.

After all, without subjects, what kind of Pharaoh would he be?

Recalling the Mad King of the Fifth Singularity, Shiomi couldn't help but shake his head.

"This is just a controlled environment. The Rune protections are enough to endure it. But if..." Scáthach said, "...we were to truly enter the Age of Gods, we'd need more suitable preparations."

Morgan stood with her hands behind her back, her gaze drifting to the golden wheat swaying in the field. "Ever since the seventh Singularity was confirmed to be in the Age of Gods, Da Vinci has been preparing Mystic Codes tailored to help them operate there."

"Just saying upfront—I don't need one," Shiomi quipped.

"Even if you did, we wouldn't prepare one for you," Morgan replied with a dry smile. "If you can't even handle the air of the Age of Gods, then your training in the Land of Shadows was for nothing."

"How harsh. Are you insulting me as well, his master?" Scáthach snorted.

Shiomi slumped his shoulders. "How do you two still have the energy to argue...?"

"My Mana replenished a little too well—ended up wasting quite a bit," Scáthach said, rubbing her chin as if recalling something.

"You're the one I should be asking. How are you holding up?" Morgan asked with concern.

"Feeling great… really great…" Shiomi answered, a little sheepishly.

In truth, though a large amount of his Mana had been drained, his mental state was unusually vibrant.

If they weren't still in the Singularity with urgent matters to handle, he might've pulled them back to that oasis to laze around a few more days.

As the golden pyramid of the "Ramesseum Tentyris"—Ozymandias' shining temple—grew larger in view, Shiomi was about to ask what kind of person this Pharaoh really was, when a cheerful voice echoed from the long corridor at the temple's entrance.

"Sensei! Shiomi-sensei!"

Olga Marie emerged from a pitch-black mirror, calling his name as she ran toward them.

"When Nitocris said you were coming, I thought she was joking. You're really back, sensei! If it weren't for you, I…"

Her voice was filled with joy but also sounded like she might burst into tears at any moment. Then, with a thud, she threw herself into Shiomi's arms.

"It was just Rhongomyniad from the Lion King, nothing serious," Shiomi replied lightly, ruffling Olga Marie's hair. "But you, Marie—choosing to stay here in Ozymandias' domain as Chaldea's liaison—now that was impressive."

"Being a liaison was just incidental. I mainly wanted to use this environment to test Kirschtaria's theory." Olga Marie rubbed against him like a contented cat.

"You mean the one about that Grand Astromancy theory he came up with?" Shiomi blinked.

He had heard about it. Purely on a theoretical level, Kirschtaria was a genius—even Shiomi had to admit some envy. But it was just theory.

According to the Mage's Association, those ideas were little more than empty conjecture—impossible to realize without the conditions of the Age of Gods.

As the direct disciple of former Director Marisbury, Kirschtaria's theories were naturally known to Olga Marie, his successor.

"In the end, it's still a secret weapon worth utilizing. As part of the force we'll use against Camelot, it has merit," Morgan commented.

Only then did Olga Marie remember that her teacher wasn't the only one who came to meet Ozymandias. Embarrassed, she let go of Shiomi and stepped back.

"The preparations for the Grand Magecraft are pretty much done, but without permission from Ozymandias, I can't activate it or test its real effect," she mumbled. "So don't expect too much."

Scáthach placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're an exceptional Magus yourself. Don't sell yourself short."

"Y-Yes…"

Receiving praise from the Queen of the Land of Shadows left Olga Marie flustered. She nodded quickly.

"So… what did the Sun King actually say? Is it really okay for us to enter like this?" Shiomi double-checked with her.

"…Sorry. When I heard you were coming, I got so excited I forgot to ask Nitocris," Olga Marie replied awkwardly.

Right as she finished speaking, the great temple doors burst open.

But it wasn't a welcoming gesture—dozens of sphinxes charged out. This was nothing like before, when Nitocris had arrived with only a single sphinx. Now, over a dozen came rushing from the temple.

"Eh… What's going on? Why are they—" Olga Marie panicked, thinking she'd accidentally caused trouble.

Shiomi stepped forward and pulled her behind him protectively. Morgan and Scáthach had already moved to confront the incoming beasts.

"I knew it wouldn't be that simple," he said without surprise.

"That Pharaoh's arrogance isn't any less than Gilgamesh's. He clearly stated—unless we bring back our captured 'husband,' he won't even consider moving to the next step," Morgan said coolly, gripping her magical spear.

Scáthach twirled her crimson spear. "After all that Mana replenishment, it's the perfect time to warm up a little—wouldn't want to be out of shape during the final battle at Camelot."

"Master… Why does it sound like you're about to tear a muscle—ow ow ow!"

Shiomi muttered under his breath, only to get his face pinched so hard it seemed like it might come off.

"You've still got enough energy for smart remarks. That means you're fine," Scáthach said, finally letting go.

Then, without missing a beat, she dashed forward to lead the charge, spear in hand.

"My wife, I'll leave Marie to you," Shiomi called out, summoning Gungnir and rushing after Scáthach. "Time to test out my new weapon!"

The moment they saw the new Noble Phantasm in Shiomi's hand, all three of them were momentarily stunned.

But there was no time for explanation. He stomped forward heavily and hurled the spear at the nearest flying guardian beast. The Sphinx dropped with a thunderous crash, shaking the ground so violently that Olga Marie nearly fell over.