Secret of the Ancient God

Umu, that was some nice wind! It was the most aggressive voyage ever!

... Thank goodness my semicircular canals were enhanced.

If I hadn't become a Demi-Servant... Ugh...I'm not going to go there.

Y-You seem to have gone through an ordeal. I could tell by your vitals.

The soldiers couldn't leave the ship either. Oh, poor men!

Since the emperor offered to take the wheel herself, I thought she had impeccable skills.

But wait, maybe, just maybe! Those were impeccable skills, in a sense.

I mean, the ship's still standing after such a rocky journey. It also leapt through waves, and drifted some turns...

It's amazing when you think about it. Just what you'd expect of the emperor...

？！

Hahaha! Oh c'mon Fujimaru, you didn't get mad, did you?

Anyways, you landed safely on the rumored island. You should start looking for this ancient god

Wait, maybe we don't have to look after all? It seems the god is coming to greet us.

However, I am detecting a Servant. Be on your guard.

!!!

What, another enemy attack? So this island is also under the United Empire's control.

No, this is...a Servant, but... Something is off. It's different than normal, what is this?

Yes, that's right. I'm not a "normal" Servant.

Good day heroes, welcome to my humble temporary home for this era, the "Shaped" Isle.

My, oh my. I was wondering what kind of magnificent hero was here.

But to my surprise, it seems there are Servants in your group. Unfortunately, I was waiting for human heroes.

This presence

What in the world...can this even be possible? Her reading is definitely like a Servant, but different...

？！

An immeasurable divinity level! Without a doubt, she's definitely a god. No, a goddess!

That's right. I am a goddessmy name is Stheno.

One of the three Gorgon Sisters. Though, I rather dislike being called an ancient god.

But it's fine. It is true that where you're from, I am a past god.

You may call me whatever you wish. After all, time is irrelevant when it comes to my beauty.

Servant of a Divine Spirit, not a Heroic Spirit? Doctor, this is different from what we talked about.

Y-Yeah, I guess everything has an exception. O-Oh this is unheard of, a Divine Spirit Servant.

Furthermore, one of "the" ancient Greek gods! That's an authentic god!

Is that possible? She is actually standing before you. Even so, there's no way she can remain "as a god."

I mean, it's the same for Heroic Spirits. Her power must've been downsized.

Gods no longer have "Authority" on this land. If that's the case...

Aren't you the knowledgeable one, Mage. That's right, you are not mistaken there.

However... There's one thing you should remember, pure one.

W-What is it? To think a goddess would personally instruct me.

Oh, what a wonderful voice. It has a nice sound to it, I would love to see your face but...

Such a shame. You're in a place where even my "eyes" can't reach.

If you were in my arm's reach, I'd have done something nice to you in the wink of an eye.

Whoa... I just had shivers down my entire body... This presence is different than Dark Jeanne!

Oh, that's just your imagination. Allow me to inform all of you clueless people.

Not all gods are powerful. "Myself" and I are quite "feeble" beings.

???

Based on the readings you are quite an individual... So does that mean you're not hostile because your combat abilities are low?

There are goddesses who are never asked to fight. For instance, you over there.

You mean me?

You are one such, no? Your power is not to kill, but to protect.

...It is.

Hehe, I do like honest girls. I'd like to pamper you like I do to my "little sister."

(Oh, I just got a shiver.)

(I had a shiver, too!)

Fou.

...Wait. I'm detecting another presence on the beach!

Oh my.

How dare they interrupt an emperor and a goddess. Who are they? From the United Empire?

...No, they're just ghosts. But they are closing in.

？！

Yes Senpai, commencing interceptive combat!

Anyway! Stop leaving me out of the conversation!

I get the gist of what you're saying. That goddess isn't our enemy, right?

Right. I'm assuming that's the case.

Hmm, in that case, isn't it simple? Ancient Goddess Stheno, come to Rome!

I am Rome. The fifth emperor of the Roman Empire, Nero Claudius.

I shall accept you as a new god. Let us defeat the United Empire together!

Well now, how dazzling you are, as much as Apollo. But I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

I am not suitable for combat.

Now that I've taken on the form of a Servant, I do have some skills and basic functions, but...

I don't possess the power to fight valiantly like my younger sister.

What?

I said I don't have the power♡ You'll get stabbed in the back if you don't stop being insensitive.

...Sorry, I get it. She's more of the type of goddess who hunts her prey, I guess.

But, you are a hero who came all the way here.

I should give you a reward. Though back in the day, I would've incited Medusa

？！

Incited?

Did you say incited?

Ahem, hehe. Never mind! I'll give you a goddess' blessing.

As you walk along the coast, you'll find an entrance to a cave. All the way in the back...

I prepared a treasure. It doesn't exist in nature, it's something special.

I'll give it to you because you're fun. Haha, I don't usually reward someone like this.

Well, a goddess' blessing... That's really...

It's interesting. It could be the Holy Grail.

It doesn't match up with Caesar's information. That said, I think there's still a chance...

I don't care what kind of treasure it is. I try to love everything.

All right then, let's head for the cave now!

Ugh...

...It's so dark, and clammy...

It's not exactly comfortable in here, is it? It's hard to see ahead.

Oh...

Doctor, is something wrong? Your face...no, I mean your voice sounds funny.

I've been deceived. Forgive me, multiple magical energy signatures up ahead.

What?

They're not Servants, but a type of monster. Does this mean...that goddess...

Set us up? Oh, hahaha...

(clank, clank, clank)

What's going on here? This cave is full of skeletons!

Well, let's hope they're just skeletons...

Multiple signatures incoming! I think a lot of skeletons are coming...

Mm, mmm, mmm! Sword-wielding skeletons aren't treasure by a long shot!

Please give me your orders, Master!

Phew, I'm getting a little exhausted... I want to go back and rest...

But what do you know? Looks like we reached the back of the cave while fighting.

I'm getting a unique signature there. This amount of energyNo, that's not possible.

What is it, Doctor? Could the Holy Grail really be here?

No...no, it's not the Holy Grail at all! It's a Phantasmal, not a dragon, but a powerful mystical beast!

GARRRRRRRRRR!!

This is

It's so huge! Oh, but that lion has a cute face!

It's a chimera, a legendary beast of ancient Greece. This is not a product of magecraft, but a true mystical beast!

Why would a thing like this be here? Oh, I know why. That goddess.

It's powerful and has considerable toughness, so be careful!

Roger. Master, commencing battle!

Haha. Welcome back, did you enjoy your special reward to the fullest?

I'm tired... so exhausted...

Yes, I'm sure... Consecutive battles in a closed space will wear you out beyond belief...

Yes, I think you should rest immediately... Should we return to the ship?

Are you sure? Senpai, at times you display extraordinary endurance...

？！

Really, you're so lame! I could've taken on a big cat like that without breaking a sweat!

Ahahahaha!

Master, I'm sensing two enemies. Either lizards, dragons, or maybe idols...

At any rate, we're going to take them out!

I know, I know!

But she's dangerous, Senpai. I have a feeling that she might screw everything up!

I agree... Let's pretend we don't notice her, so we can get away with it Fujimaru!

It's the right choice. I'm sure they will bring up some absolute nonsense!

？！

What, that reaction again! You ugly, weird deerlet!

Ahahahaha!

Senpai, a weird person told me I'm weird!

？！

Hmph, I guess that cave was really tough. Well, it can't be helped with the Puppy's ability.

...Who the hell are you, appearing all of a sudden and talking nonsense?

Who the hell are YOU? Oh, I'm not sensing any magical energy...wait a human? You?

Not sure why you're so surprised. You are rude and insensitive. I would have slashed you already if you didn't look so cute.

I'm Nero Claudius, the emperor of this era. ...Um, why are you looking at me like that?

Are you kidding me? The real Nero?!

The real...

What do you mean by "real?"

Ahahahaha!

This is worse than France! I'm even more confused about what's going on!

Anyway, when I materialized in this world I dragged these two with me.

I didn't feel like I'd be able to complete the Heroes' Cave on my own.

So I had these two serve as my testers for the cave, that's all I think?

Hmph, it was a totally boring dungeon. Oh, but a live show in an underground cave is a new concept, right?

Ahahaha!

So you know Elisabeth. What about this one?

Ahahaha!

Uh no...we've never met. Although, I know she's a Servant

Ahahaha! All right, let's introduce ourselves!

I am Tamamo Cat, one of the Tamamo Nine!

I tag "woof" at the end of my sentences. My hobby is cafe management. My favorite food is carrots.

Hmm. That's pretty inconsistent even for me. Woof woof.

She talked!

She did that on purpose, too. Woof!

...Neutral, huh? I'm glad she's not a hostile Servant. Or maybe I should say I'm glad she's not our ally?

I was laughing because it was fun. I'm a laughing drunk.

Oh, s-sure.

I'm Tamamo Cat, one of the Tamamo Nine! Can I speak in cat language?

What?

What's the Tamamo Nine?

No? How about dog language?

Umu?

Hehe! Your reaction was better than I thought. It requires technique to communicate with her.

Thank you, Tamamo Cat. But why weren't you in the treasure chest?

You were supposed to be the last trick. After they dealt with the chimera, you should've come out.

Now I'll get my carrots as the reward!

Did you eat the chest? Oh my...okay. I understand.

H-Hmm. Their conversation seems to be working out...

She's a goddess after all. She doesn't even flinch at that oddball.

Oh, well. Though this island has been somewhat fun, I guess we came here for nothing.

？！

Ahahaha! It happens! Don't look so depressed. Why don't we return to Rome for now

But it looks like we can't! There's a Servant over there!

Huh? (←Servant)

Indeed. (←Servant)

Oh? (←Servant)

Doc? (←Demi Servant)

Sorry, that didn't come out right! There's another Servant besides you guys, it's coming from the sea!

My!

My! My...actions...are...fate!

Sacrifice your life! Sacrifice your flesh!

Uncle?

What? Who? Nero's uncle?

He seems to be pretty "tangled up." That's how one should deal with Servants, I suppose.

That's just bad taste.

Beautiful... You're beautiful...

You popped out of nowhere and now you're hitting on girls? W-What's with you, I know I am an attractive idol and all.

But acting like a lowly beast is the worst! What kind of royalty are you?

Beautiful...Really beautiful! You are beautiful!

I want to take it, lust over it, and tear it apart. Your purity, your divine beauty, everything!

I want to trample all over you with my entire body! I...love...you, my beloved sister's child

Nerooooo!!

...That's right. You are a beast. You are no longer my uncle!

My uncle is dead. I still can't stop thinking about his regrettable death.

But still, if you appear before me after being lost in death...

...Then I shall sing a requiem for you. Know it's my duty as your niece, and as a proper emperor!

Master, this is going to be a Servant battle. Your orders!

Nero...Nero... My...beautiful...niece...

You...are...so... very...beautiful...

More so than...the goddess...of the moon... More than...the radiance of...the Holy Grail...

Uncle...

...I've defeated the enemy commander, Caligula. I've slaughtered yet another pretender to the throne!

What a splendid job. Thank you Mash, Fujimaru.

Oh, it was definitely something. Now I'll have to think up another reward.

You really are kind, Fujimaru. But no need to worry, I am the emperor of Rome after all.

？！

Anyways, you guys have saved me so many times.

I can assure you that the reward for the defeat of the United Empire's shall be grand.

I won't send a monster and say, "Here, it's your reward."

Are you talking to me? You, not a Servant, but a mere human?

The queen of this era seems to be brave.

You might actually be a proper hero. Oh, how I wish you were a man.

No, I am not a queen or a hero. Listen well, I am

I am, the Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire!

Yes of course, that's what I shall call you. The Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire.

As a special gift, I'll give you a real goddess' blessing. This time it won't be a monster.

It is also my thanks, for taking out a Servant who was not a hero.

Your enemy, this so-called United Empire, and the gathering ground for their "emperors"

The United Empire capital. I shall tell you its exact location.

!!!

This is...an unexpected reward. Good thing we got into the cave, eh guys?

R-Really?

？！

...Y-Yes. T-That's right. Sorry.

... (←Did nothing)

... (←Did nothing)