274 Servants of Black

Romania, Trifas, Fortress of Millennia.

'The time has finally come...'

Darnic looked at the altar in front of him and sighed softly.

Sixty years of patience, silently accumulating power, collecting relics, raising the banner of rebellion against the Mage's Association—all for today.

The only miscalculation was the release of information about the Holy Grail War of Fuyuki.

Relics that could serve as catalysts disappeared worldwide. Catalysts for ancient heroes, knights with the strongest holy swords, and conquerors who ruled half the world, all scattered and missing.

Nevertheless, the relics Yggdmillennia had collected over decades were enough to summon outstanding Heroic Spirits, comparable to those gathered by the Mage's Association.

However, the unexpected activation of the Greater Grail's backup system was something he hadn't predicted. But in a sense, he was prepared for it. If he had control over seven Masters, the Mage's Association would undoubtedly intervene.

Seven against seven, at least in terms of numbers, it was an even match.

The Masters belonging to the Yggdmillennia were ready.

Gathered together, the four Masters of Yggdmillennia faced a summoning circle specially prepared by Darnic to summon all remaining Servants at once. The circle was adorned with a mixture of dissolved gold and silver, both luxurious and exquisite.

"Is it time?"

Particles of light soon converged on the throne at the top.

A man dressed in a pitch-black noble's attire, his face eerily pale, appeared in the radiance. Seated regally on the throne, his slender figure exuded an overwhelming aura.

This was Darnic's ultimate trump card for the Holy Grail War—Lancer of Black, Vlad III. The most famous hero in the land of Romania, his fame in this place was unparalleled, even rivaling that of legendary demigods.

"Yes, my King." Darnic respectfully bowed.

"Then, let it commence. Summon the Heroic Spirits who will soon become our comrades."

Every Master nodded, placing their respective catalysts on the summoning circle. Taking a deep breath, they raised their hands engraved with command spells, chanting the incantations deeply etched in their hearts.

""—I shall declare here. Your body shall serve under me. My fate shall be with your sword. Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail. If you will submit to this will and this reason... then answer!""

Although they hadn't rehearsed, their chanting synchronized seamlessly.

After each verse, the radiance of the summoning circle accelerated. The surging magical energy trampled and hit the four Masters. Yet, even Caules, the relatively lower-standing among them, stood firmly, unhesitatingly continuing the chant.

"—An oath shall be sworn here! I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven. I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell!"

The other three stopped chanting precisely on time. Only Caules, seizing the opportunity, chant two additional verses.

"—Yet you shall serve with your eyes clouded by chaos. For you would be one caged in madness. I shall wield your chains."

Despite the intense pain caused by their rampaging magic circuits, the eyes of the four still flickered with a fiery glow. After all, for mages, witnessing such Mystery was a rare experience.

"—From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power, come forth from the ring of restraint, Protector of the Balance!"

*Whoosh—!*

The moment the chanting ended, a fierce gust of wind swept through, and the surrounding homunculi hastily crouched down.

Vlad and Darnic, however, bore it calmly, as if enjoying a gentle breeze.

The intricately woven summoning circle emitted a dazzling light, and in an instant, miracles materialized. Heroes, existing in the realm beyond humanity, manifested through the flesh of human imagination, descended.

First to appear was a slender girl in a white dress, wielding a huge round hammer that didn't match her appearance. With metal horns protruding from her forehead, her vacant eyes slowly scanned the surroundings.

'Not Victor...' Darnic sighed inwardly. Except for Gordes, he personally provided everyone's catalysts, so he knew well what kind of Heroic Spirits they could summon.

He gave Caules the design of the legendary scientist, Victor Frankenstein. If they could summon that mad scientist and pair him with their Caster, Avicebron, they could potentially create an invincible army.

Unfortunately, what was ultimately summoned was the mechanical creation of that scientist.

However, in terms of compatibility, she was the most suitable candidate for a Berserker.

The second to appear was a young man clad in radiant armor. Silver-gray hair fluttered in the gentle breeze, and a long sword on his back unmistakably marked him as the strongest class, Saber.

Seeing Saber's figure, a slight smile appeared on Darnic's face.

Although Gordes's catalyst was not bestowed by him, as the head and leader of the Yggdmillennia, he naturally had the authority to be informed.

The legendary dragon-slaying hero, with fatal flaws as long as they remained hidden, was the most powerful swordsman.

*Whoosh—*

Suddenly, a formidable aura, no weaker than Vlad's, wildly spread.

Everyone turned their heads simultaneously, witnessing a towering figure of Archer standing on the summoning circle. The imposing presence made the surrounding homunculi tremble involuntarily.

If summoning Siegfried earlier pleased Darnic, now he was ecstatic!

They had summoned even the great hero in Greek mythology. This war was undoubtedly theirs to win!

"Ugh!"

Just as Darnic managed to settle his emotions, a painful groan suddenly reached his ears. He turned around to find Celenike tightly clutching her right hand, which trembled uncontrollably. Her beautiful face was filled with agony.

"My magical energy... it's not enough!" Celenike exclaimed with worry.

Hearing that, Darnic was momentarily stunned. He had only given Celenike a vial containing stains left by some kind of liquid from the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne for the catalyst. How could there be a shortage of magical energy?

Was the Heroic Spirit from the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne too strong, causing insufficient magical energy?

Although perplexed, Darnic acted swiftly. After all, stopping at this moment could not only lead to a contract failure but also risk Celenike's magic circuits exploding, endangering her life.

*Thud!*

He tapped his staff, releasing some restrictions. 

A massive surge of magical energy instantly flowed into Celenike's body, easing the pain on her face.

With the influx of abundant magical energy, the summoning circle suddenly burst into a bright glow.

*Whoosh—!!!*

Amidst the howling winds, an astonishing aura, no weaker than Vlad or Archer, spread throughout the room, causing it to tremble slightly.

Seeing this, Darnic was completely stunned.

The intense disturbance indicated that the summoned Servant was undoubtedly extraordinary.

Could it be they summoned Charlemagne himself, the emperor who unified France?

Darnic inexplicably felt a surreal sensation.

Had his accumulated luck suddenly burst forth? How could his family summon so many powerful Servants all at once?

The dazzling light soon faded into a hazy radiance, revealing a handsome young man with black hair and eyes.