The Trip Back Home

...Hmm.

Did you hear what that farmer said just now? The traveler we passed yesterday said the same thing.

That "an ancient god has appeared." Could it be true?

I wonder. It's an interesting phrase. If he said "ancient god," could it be from the Age of the Gods.

To be precise, it's the fourth time we've heard it. None of them seemed to be lying.

"An ancient god appeared on an island in the Mediterranean." For a rumor, it's very specific.

Well, Gaul faces the Mediterranean. It's not unusual to hear such rumors...

But after hearing it over and over, I'm intrigued. Though we're on our way back to Rome now.

Hmm, it is intriguing, huh? I mean, I'm extremely intrigued.

Fujimaru, what do you think?

Well...I don't know about that. Caesar said their Court Mage has possession of it.

We can't tell if it's Lev Lainur or not, but is it possible that he moved to the Mediterranean?

And is claiming to be a god. It's a likely story.

No, well, he could be a real god.

No, we've heard it multiple times for sure. Senpai, have you forgotten?

？！

An island where a god lives, huh. Ah, that sounds so romantic!

An ancient god in the 1st Century! The supposedly gone Divine Spirits returned to the land once more!

Question Doctor, is materialization of Divine Spirits really possible?

It's difficult. So much so that it's nigh impossible. At least, it's not possible with Chaldea's system.

Yes, a Divine Spirit.

Yes. It is different than a Heroic Spirit. It is said to be a higher being than elementals.

？！

Divine beings are mentioned in many legends of this world. Sometimes as a natural phenomenon, or symbols of authority.

They are what you may call God, or gods. Just think of Divine Spirits as a term to define them.

They're already gone from the face of the Earth. Perhaps they never existed in the first place?

It's hard to understand with magecraft developed after Anno Domini. After all, we can't observe them in our time.

When you pray to the gods in times of trouble, they don't give help that easily do they?

...Maybe that was a bad example. In any case, they "do not exist."

However, several pieces of supporting evidence exist. Hence we predict Divine Spirits exist in a higher dimension.

At the very least, they won't do anything directly. No, they can't do anything.

Anyways, it's impossible. The world has long been that of humans and civilization.

Even if there was a kind god, realistically they wouldn't be able to regain a lost future.

We're the only ones who can possibly save the world and its future.

So, let's get back to an earlier topic. Whether or not a Divine Spirit can materialize as a Servant.

They can't. That's the answer.

Even if "they" were inclined to do so. Even if technology reached realms of True Magic, it's disadvantageous.

In theory, it should not necessarily be impossible though.

Then, the god of the Mediterranean

It's probably not a god from somewhere. Probability of a materialized Divine Spirit is quite low.

But, there might be that one in a million chance if it's a god that fell from its throne.

This is pointless. Umu, if it's on our minds so much, fine!

It would be a good idea to verify. Fortunately, we're facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Your Majesty! Rear ranks are being assaulted by an unknown monster!

We can't hold it down! At this rate...

...Mm, perfect timing.

I am detecting traces of magical energy. It could be the Holy Grail that's causing the monster to spawn.

Let's go, Senpai!

？！

Yes, Master. Commencing battle!

The battle has ended. There are no reinforcements.

Ahh, how awful. To think that spirits of the dead would materialize on their own.

I'm used to it. So, uh, what were we talking about

Right, that Mediterranean god! Personally, I'd really like to find out about that.

Are you sure? Don't you need to return to Rome?

I don't know what this ancient god may be, but what if it's truly one of the gods?

It's not impossible, right? There are Roman legends.

For instance, Romulus the founder and first king of Rome became the newest god after he disappeared in lightning.

Things like that occasionally happen. Ancient gods. How amusing.

Further, assume they are gods of Rome. If the United Empire's "emperors" took that god away, we'd have bigger problems.

I don't want that. That's the one thing I absolutely cannot stand.

I see, Your Majesty's words are reasonable. As guest commanders, we'd be happy to accompany you.

...Aren't you enjoying this too much, Doctor?

That's not true! I just can't hide my overflowing curiosity as a researcher!

But that's...

Fu...Kyu, kyu. Fou.

...

Come on Nero, say something...

Nero? Are you all right?

...Hmm, what? No, I've decided. A triumphant return from the sea might not be so bad!

Then, we'll continue our journey back through the sea. I'm rather tired of traveling on land!

(She spaced out just now.)

(Right. This must be what Boudica was talking about.)

There's something I'm worried about. Something about Nero.

It happened right after you got here. I wonder if you noticed.

She occasionally spaces out. She been like that ever since the United Empire showed up.

I think it might be just me, but when it happens, I feel a slight trace of magical energy.

...She's a human from this era, not a mage. Still, I definitely feel it.

I asked her about it, but she doesn't feel it at all.

Can you guys keep an eye out? I mean, about her.

As the governors of Gaul, Spartacus and I must to continue protecting this place.

About her... If possible, I'd like to rely on you all.

Understood. You are...worried about Nero aren't you.

I wouldn't worry about her at all! ...It's not something I want to do personally.

For better or for worse, she's the symbol of this land. If something happens to her, it would be a war lost.

I don't want to lose another war. That's the only reason I care about her.

...Right.

Well then, that's that. Mash, we still have time, right?

U-Um

Before you leave, I will teach you the best of Britannia cuisine!

I'd be happy if you learned it and made it your specialty!

N-No, that's

You're so cute, you should start training to be a bride!

Oh, geez, so cute! Come here!

W-Wah! Again Your breasts

There, there. Good girl, good girl.

You stay cheerful forever. Don't get too hurt, and don't be too reckless.

You really are an adorable girl.

Y-Yes, well, I-I am Senpai's...Um...

There, there! I am so happy to see you grow into such a fine lady!

...

...

(Yeah, I definitely sensed a trace of magical energy in Nero. But that might just mean she has the potential to be a mage.)

(I wonder what it is.)

(Hmm, we don't have enough info...)

All right, then it's settled! Let's go, we must first hurry and procure a ship!

Before that, Master look, the enemy army remnant. I feel their presence.

Yes, I have detected multiple lifeforms. I am getting hostile readings from the United Empire troops in Gaul.

I'd leave them be if they're fleeing home, but if they're headed here it can't be helped. Let's defeat them!

It's more or less taken care of. Now then, let's regroup and head out to the sea.

It's good to travel by sea. Fujimaru, let me show you my brilliant sailing skills!

Right? Right? Heh, heh, such a honest fellow.

No need to be embarrassed. Heh, heh, you're bad at hiding your feelings, huh?

？！

The emperor is amazing! Whatever you say, she interprets it in a positive way!

...