The First Servant

After the appearance of the woman in armor. The battle became easier for Mash as her pressure she was under receded if only a little.

Meanwhile, Seth and Saber kept slaughtering their way into the army of Wyverns in the sky. For them, it was a walk in the park.

Seth even let himself get hit by a fireball from a Red Wyvern. It didn't do much damage, just some scorch marks. He managed to gain something from this, though.

Again, he allowed the Wyvern to shot a fireball at him. This time, however, it didn't leave any damage. It seemed he took the right path to unlock a new ability and by the looks of it, it was related to fire.

It didn't appear on his mind so that meant it was still incomplete. It still needed some sort of catalyst to become complete. At the moment it just provided resistance against flames but it would be enough considering that if there were even more Wyverns than the ones here, a Dragon would most likely appear.

Although his measly fire resistance won't work against a Dragon, he wouldn't be THAT defenseless.

Finishing the last of the Wyverns that were hovering high in the sky, Artoria and Seth came down to help the soldiers who were still struggling against the leftovers of the Wyvern's army.

It didn't take more than a couple of minutes to finish all the remaining Wyverns. While Mash was arguing with Romani because he was eating some sweets that were supposedly for Fujimaru. Seth approached the same soldier who they talked to earlier.

He noticed they were being wary and fearful of the girl who suddenly showed up on the battlefield. Getting closer, he asked. Not forgetting to use French. "Hey, what's the matter? You seem to be on guard with that little girl over there" He said, pointing at the woman with light armor.

"Huh? Oh...you are one of the travelers from earlier. Let me tell you, that's the Evil Witch! There is no mistake!" The soldier said while pointing his sword at the woman.

"So she is Jeanne D'Arc?" He asked again for confirmation, even if the aura she was emitting gave her identity away. 'Furthermore. she has the old man's blessing...' He will never understand Yahweh, he was too pragmatic for him. 'Really...making a little girl endure all that. As heartless as always.'

The soldier didn't respond and just ran for his life, fearing the wrath of the "Evil Witch". Jeanne, who heard their conversation, sighed. Sadness reflected on her face.

"Don't mind it." Seth said to her before walking in the direction of Chaldea's group. She just forced a smile and followed him.

Once they were all together, Jeanne said her thanks for helping the soldiers defending what little was left.

"It's nothing. But before that, are you a Servant?" Mash asked and Seth had the urge to facepalm. Wasn't that obvious already? But he kept his thinking to himself.

"Yes...I'm a Ruler. My True Name is Jeanne D'Arc." She said, surprising the rest.

"I thought you were dead." Fujimaru said with confusion.

"Let's talk about that later, I don't think we should speak in front of them. I'm sure it would create more panic." Jeanne said, pointing at the soldiers who still remained who were shooting her looks of hate and fear.

After saying that, she walked in the direction of the fort's gates.

"Should we follow her, Senpai? What about you, Kuro-san? What do you think?"

"I assure you, she is not evil in the slightest. I'm not fully aware of the situation yet but I at least can tell you that much." Saying till here, he followed the Saint.

"I hate to admit it but if he says that girl is not evil then I trust his judgment." Saber said from the side, awaiting her Master's response.

Fujimaru nodded. "At least we will know a little about the situation if we follow her." With that, the whole group abandoned the fort, following the Saint to a nearby forest.

Finding a good spot, they stopped. "I think we can settle down here. First, please tell me your names."

Mash was the first to respond. "Understood, my name is Mash Kyrielight." Pointing at Fujimaru she said, "And this is my Master, Fujimaru Ritsuka." now pointing at Saber, she added, "She is Ar—" "Saber" Artoria interrupted before Mash could finish. They knew very little about the situation to start revealing True Names left and right.

Deciding to get this over quickly, Seth spoke this time. "I don't have a name, but you can call me Kuro like those kids for some reason are doing."

Jeanne understood their concerns so she wasn't angry, not that she would ever be anyway. Noticing the markings on the hands of Seth and Fujimaru she said, "So there are Masters even in this Holy Grail War."

Mash shook her head. "No, it has nothing to do with a Holy Grail War. What's more, there isn't one, to begin with."

Jeanne seemed surprised hearing this. "It seems we need to clear things up first. I'm indeed a Servant, I belong to the Ruler class. I understand that but...information I should have about the war is missing. Not just that, my stats have ranked down as well. Not only have I lost the Anti-Servant Command Spells, but I also can't reveal their True Names anymore."

It was clear as day how helpless she felt. It seemed that the only positive thing about her situation was the fact that this was her homeland so she wasn't that lost.

"The soldier we met earlier said you were an Evil Witch. What did he mean by that?" Mash asked.

Jeanne also seemed troubled by this. "I don't know, I just materialized a few hours ago so I'm not sure what's really going on but...there seems to be another "me" who is trying to destroy France." She said with a sad voice.

"So the same Servant can be summoned at the same time, huh?" Seth said to no one in particular. This was new information to him.

Romani's voice came from the device on Mash's hand. "If we could look into the Holy Grail War's records I'm sure there would be a case where it happened. One thing is for sure, though. With the fall of France, human liberty and equality would be in danger as it was the first nation to promote this."

Jeanne was startled hearing a voice out of nowhere. "I just heard a voice... Is that magecraft? What in the world are you—"

She was cut short as Romani spoke again. "Sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Romani Archaman but everyone calls me Roman. I do various support tasks, nice to meet you Saint Jeanne."

After the introduction, Jeanne finally calmed down. With a smile she replied, "I see, Roman. You tend to be a dreamer!"

"Pfft" Seth quickly put a hand on his mouth, less he would laugh at poor Romani who was on the ground acting all depressed.

"What is this sense of defeat...? She complimented me and yet..." He really wantes to cry!

Mash interjected from the side. "Excuse me, Mademoiselle Jeanne. It's our turn to explain things now." After that, she told Jeanne about Chaldea, the incineration of humanity and their mission to stop it.

"...I see. To think the world itself has been incinerated. My worries seem so trivial compared to that." She said, processing the information.

"I'm an incomplete Servant, I even cannot trust 'myself'. That other me is controlling dragons no less." She added.

"You mean the Wyverns? Certainly, they didn't exist around this time period." Mash affirmed.

Saber from the side said, "The soldiers at the fort called you a Dragon Witch. While I trust that guy's judgment about you not being evil. I don't trust you enough to risk my life for you." Until the situation stopped being confusing anymore, she didn't plan to let her guard down around her less she risked his Master's safety.

Jeanne looked sad hearing those words but she also understood. It didn't hurt being careful at times like this. "I don't want to admit it, but the person controlling those dragons must be "myself". As for how, I don't know. I never had any relations to dragons during my life, after all." She said with a helpless tone.

After Jeanne spoke, it was Romani's turn. "If there is something that could bring an army of dragons like this..." he said before Seth finished his sentence. "...the Holy Grail." Romani nodded.

"Many points are unclear but at least we now know something. Mademoiselle Jeanne, what are you planning to do from now on?" Mash asked.

"I will go to Orleans and take back the city.To do that, I must defeat the other Jeanne D'Arc." She said with determination, nothing would stop her from liberating France once more.

"...I see. Even alone you would fight. As expected of a Saint." Mash said with admiration. Turning to face the others she spoke. "I was thinking...given that our objectives are the same. Why don't we help her?"

"Yes, it's natural that we help someone in need if we can." Fujimaru said. "I don't see the problem in giving a hand. We would have to fight anyways." Both Masters were on the same boat. Artoria, however, struggled to accept. But seeing her Master's expecting gaze she also accepted, albeit barely.

Once everyone decided to accept, Mash faced Jeanne once more. "Ms. Jeanne, we have our own objectives but we want to be of aid to you so will you allow us to fight under your flag as your companions from now on?"

Jeanne just smiled, with her hands in front of her chest she answered, "It will be my pleasure. I can't thank you enough... To be honest, I thought I will be in this fight alone."

Remembering something, Dr. Roman asked, "Saint Jeanne, how are your reserves of magical energy holding up?"

Putting a finger on her lips, she thought for a moment before answering. "I would say they would last around three days if we don't fight."

"Hm...I don't think they will last very long, specially if we have to fight more enemies like those Wyverns. In that case, why not forming a temporary contract?" Romani suggested.

'Your goofy attitude sure hides your real intentions. How much desperate for combat power are you?' Seth rolled his eyes.

"That would be a good idea but which Master I have to form a contract with?" She asked while tilting her head to the side.

It was Mash who spoke this time. "Senpai already has a contract with Saber and myself. So I don't think it's good for senpai's health to form another one. That leaves Kuro-san. Will you do the honor?" She asked him hoping for a positive response.

"I don't have any problems. What about you, little girl?" Seth gave his consent before asking Jeanne who was a little perplexed at being called little girl. 'We look the same age though...'

Setting her thoughts aside she nodded. "Yes, I don't have any problems. I will be in your care."

Seeing her agree he extended his open right hand in front of Jeanne, "Ruler, do you accept me as your Master? If you do, then this contract shall be established." At his words, the command spells on his hands started glowing.

"I, Ruler Jeanne D'Arc accept the contract. From now on, I shall be the sword that opens a path to your victory." With that, they were now Master and Servant.

At this time, one of the chains circling the ancient door inside Seth's soul broke. Different from last time, he know could see what was happening. 'So this is the representation of my sealed Divinity. For the love of evil, how many chains there are?'

Seth was brought out of his thoughts by a pained scream, Jeanne was kneeling on the ground clutching her chest in pain. Quickly realizing what was happening he cut the flow of magical energy towards her. Only then did Jeanne stop screaming.

Crouching so they could be at the same height he apologized. "I'm sorry. Are you okay?" It seemed that he had sent too much magical energy at once. If before the chain broke his Od reserves where 10 and he was giving her 3. Now his reserve were 100, making the amount he was giving her rise proportionately. It was like drinking a few droplets of water from a hose just for it to suddenly send you litters to your face. Of course it was going to hurt.

Giving him a pained smile she just shook her head. "I'm fine, thank you. It's just I wasn't expecting to receive that much magical energy at once."

"Can you walk?" He asked to which Jeanne nodded. "Yes, just give me a second." After she rested enough the group departed to find a place where they could set up a camp. Along the way, Seth resumed the flow of magical energy, making sure to not give too much this time.

After waking for a few minutes they heard multiples howls coming from all around them. The enemy was not in slight though, still hiding behind the trees.

"It seems we've got company. Perfect, I was getting bored with the meaninglessness chat." Saber said while readying her sword.

The growls were getting closer. Multiples figures jumped from the foliage to circle the group. They looked like a combination between a man and a beast. They were holding what seemed to be clubs.

"Saber, you will be fighting the enemies up front and Mash you will defend against the enemies that have gotten too close!" Fujimaru commanded, it looked like he was finally getting the hang of fighting as a Master.

Seth on the other hand, sat on the ground. "Listen Ruler, I won't be fighting this time. I wanna see for myself how you fight to formulate plans for the future. If you get hurt is your fault and if I get hurt it will also be your fault."

Jeanne wanted to cry, why would it be her fault if he got hurt just because he was sitting there? However, she was determined to complete this task.

"I won't fail." She said confidently.

He gave the little girl a small smile of encouragement. "Yeah, I trust you..."

'So he isn't as heartless as he looks!' Jeanne thought, happy that her Master wasn't that bad at heart. Even if now he was just watching as she fought multiple enemies at once...