[Exterior – Battlefield, just outside Caesar's fallen fortress]
The enemy banners fell to the ground, one after another, as Caesar's soldiers abandoned their weapons and fled through the dust cloud. The roar of battle slowly faded, giving way to the murmur of the wind and the crunch of earth under the boots of the victors.
Leonel, covered in dust and breathing heavily, watched the horizon as he lowered the hand holding the magical communicator.
—It's over...
Emiya, a few meters behind, sheathed his projected twin swords and dropped to one knee to rest.
—They were lucky that Caesar underestimated your tactical support, Leonel. That's what tipped the scales.
Kiyohime, still with her spear in hand, came running over with a radiant smile. Her eyes shone with intense affection as she looked at Leonel.
—Anchin-samaaa~! You're safe! I knew you would do it! —she exclaimed before throwing herself at him with a fervent hug, enveloping him without reservation.
Leonel staggered a bit but couldn't help smiling slightly.
—Thanks, Kiyo. I wouldn't have done it without you all.
Mash arrived at that moment, panting lightly, her shield still floating behind her. She stopped upon seeing the scene... and pursed her lips with a slight blush.
—U-Um... Kiyohime-san... that hug is a bit... excessive, don't you think?
Kiyohime barely turned her head, with a victorious smile.
—Excessive? But my dear Anchin survived a mortal battle! Doesn't he deserve that and much more?
Mash gripped her shield with a mix of jealousy and discomfort, unsure how to respond.
Nero Claudius arrived behind, her sword still in hand, though deactivated of energy. Her outfit was somewhat torn from the battle, but her bearing remained regal.
She lifted her head proudly and proclaimed:
—Total victory! Caesar's rebellion has been crushed by the power of the true Empire! Good work, everyone!
The imperial soldiers erupted in cheers.
But Nero didn't take long to turn her gaze to Leonel, observing with interest the scene between him, Kiyohime, and Mash.
She didn't feel jealousy... but a strange curiosity.
There was something about that boy: his calm under pressure, his strategic intelligence, and that odd feeling of authority he emanated... without evident magic. As if his power came from something deeper, something she couldn't explain.
Nero thought in silence, a mischievous smile adorning her lips.
—(Hoh... interesting. Very interesting. How curious that I'm starting to take notice of a mere strategist... or perhaps not so mere.)
Meanwhile, Tezcatlipoca appeared briefly, floating in his ethereal form, next to Leonel.
—A clean victory. But there are still emperors to face.
Leonel nodded.
—I know. And each one will be harder than the last. But now we know it's possible.
Mash, still beside him, gave him a shy smile.
—I'm glad I fought by your side, Senpai...
Leonel returned the smile, but before he could respond, Kiyohime already had him by the arm again.
—And you'll keep fighting with us, Anchin-sama! Because I'll never let you go into a battle without me.
Nero watched everything from her spot, amused... but also contemplative.
—(Yes... you are definitely not a mere human. I'm beginning to understand why others are drawn to you.)
[Interior – Ruined Imperial Temple, decorated with colossal statues and floating magical flames]
The imposing figure of Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, stood before a huge ethereal map of the fragmented continent. His golden spear rested to the side as he silently observed the flow of war. His serene, almost melancholic face was that of someone who had lived a thousand glories... and also witnessed a thousand falls.
Beside him, emerging from a column of dark mist, appeared Lev Lainur Flauros. His black magus robe brushed the floor as his eyes shone with contained fury.
Romulus spoke first, without turning:
—So, Caesar has fallen... And he fell fighting like a true son of Rome.
Lev narrowed his eyes in disgust, gripping his staff tightly.
—An unnecessary... loss. I thought Caesar's brute force and charisma would be enough to crush those insects. But no! It turns out the "heir empress" is more competent than she seemed.
Romulus nodded slightly, his tone grave and solemn.
—Nero Claudius... That flame in her soul... is Rome. It is the indomitable spirit of our people. The battle has awakened it... and that, in itself, is worthy of celebration.
Lev grimaced.
—Celebrate? Have you also forgotten which side we're on, Romulus?
The hero finally turned his face, his expression impassive but his eyes flickering with a certain discomfort.
—I have forgotten nothing. But even an enemy can be worthy of respect. That young woman fights with the heart of an empress, and the boy at her side... that Leonel...
Upon hearing that name, Lev couldn't contain a growl of rage. He stepped forward, letting his magic briefly manifest in a reddish aura.
—That damnable...! He shouldn't be alive! His soul was marked to perish in the First Singularity! I saw it with my own eyes! Not only does he still breathe, but he leads and alters the course of destiny with every step he takes!
Romulus raised an eyebrow.
—And is that not precisely what makes a true king? A worthy opponent?
—No! —shouted Lev, striking the ground with his staff, making the temple tremble slightly. —That makes him a threat. Something that shouldn't exist in this world... nor in any other.
He took a deep breath and calmed a little, though his brow remained furrowed.
—From now on, I will make no more mistakes. I will send reinforcements to all strategic points. I will increase the magical synchronization with the Servants loyal to our cause. They will not have such an easy victory again.
Romulus looked back at the map, where red points now glowed: forces being formed, new units summoned, and energy fields beginning to bloom like plagues upon the land.
—Do what you must, Flauros. I... will be waiting for the right moment.
—For what?
—To test the mettle of the new Rome... and perhaps, to remember why I founded it.
Lev walked away, his thoughts laden with hatred and calculation.
"Leonel... You don't know what you're getting into. This time, you will not escape your destiny."
[Victors' Camp – a large bonfire in the center, makeshift tables, and a festive atmosphere]
Flames crackled in the center of the camp as Nero's soldiers celebrated with shouts of joy and songs narrating their victory. Roman music filled the air and food was plentiful. Though wine was scarce (thanks to Emiya who confiscated 80% "for security reasons"), spirits were high.
Leonel was seated on a log, looking around with a smile as he served himself some water. Beside him, Kiyohime looked at him as if he had just returned from war turned into a god.
—Aaaaah, Anchin-samaaaa, you fought so intelligently... so majestically... so kawaii. You should let me pamper you tonight... eeeeh, just a little foot massage, yes?
—What? Kiyohime? Are you drunk? —asked Leonel, raising an eyebrow.
—I haven't had a single drop —she responded with a goofy smile—, but love... love intoxicates the soul! 💕✨
Mash, who was a few steps away observing the whole interaction, approached visibly annoyed, her cheeks puffed up like a hamster's.
—Kiyohime-senpai... please step away from Leonel-senpai a little. You're invading his personal and emotional space!
Kiyohime looked at her with a soft chuckle, with that provocative tone that boded no good.
—Oh, Mash-chan, jealous? I didn't know you had such intense feelings for our dear Anchin.
—I'm not jealous! I'm just being responsible! And you smell like incense and madness! —shouted Mash, crossing her arms.
—Madness? I am the incarnation of eternal love! And you are a talking armor with a bucket of emotions!! —Kiyohime screeched, dramatizing her pose.
The two entered a heated argument, shouting nonsense while trying to compete to see who could be closer to Leonel.
From the shadow of a tent, Emiya watched them while eating a meat skewer in silence, slowly raising an eyebrow.
—...Time to intervene —he said in a flat tone.
With enviable efficiency, Emiya walked over to both girls, took one under each arm as if they were drunk grocery bags, and with a sigh, carried them away while they continued arguing verbally:
—It's not jealousy, it's emotional logistics!!
—I learned to make rice for him!!
—He gave me a pen!!
—Nonsense, Anchin smiled at me twice!!
Leonel could only watch with a mixture of surprise, tenderness, and existential panic.
—Thanks, Emiya... —he whispered, a drop of sweat trickling down his temple.
[A few minutes later]
With tranquility restored, a figure approached through the firelight. It was Nero Claudius, dressed in a more relaxed, golden and red mantle, with an empty cup in her hand.
—Fufu... so this is the celebration befitting me as empress, hmm? Although I must say the attention seemed more focused on you, Leonel.
He smiled, patting a bench beside him.
—I'm just a somewhat fortunate strategist. The empress was the one who fought on the front lines. The people sing for you, Nero.
She sat down with an expression more tranquil than usual, looking at the fire.
—Hmpf... you are different. They listen to you, they follow you, and you aren't afraid to speak to me as if I were... an equal. That is intriguing, and refreshing. I like you.
Leonel laughed softly, crossing his arms.
—I suppose... I know another you. Different, but just as brilliant. Although you, Nero, are showing me an even more interesting side.
Nero glanced at him sideways, her cheeks slightly flushed, but without losing her bearing.
—Talking like a poet now? Hmm... perhaps you deserve a personalized theatrical performance someday, Leonelus Maximus.
Both laughed as the fire continued to dance before them. The night advanced with jokes, memories of the battle, and a light conversation that gradually became more personal and warm.
Finally, as midnight arrived...
—I think it's time to rest. Tomorrow will be another day —said Leonel, standing up.
—Yes... but I'm glad I shared this night with you. Rome can sleep a little more peacefully now.
They parted, each returning to their tent with a smile on their face and new thoughts in their heart.
[Interior of an ancient Roman temple – night, torches illuminating cracked marble statues]
The echoes of footsteps resonated between the columns of the ruined temple. With each step, the figure of the man with empty eyes and an artificial smile grew more present.
Lev Lainur Flauros did not walk; he glided like a specter through the ruins of the past, with a mixture of appreciation and disdain for that structure that once represented Rome's splendor.
Before him, seated on an improvised throne made of statue fragments and shields, was a man covered in golden robes. His face was that of an emperor, but his gaze... that of a madman.
Caligula. Servant of the Berserker class.
His mouth murmured incomprehensible things, his gaze danced between brightness and non-existence. In his hands he held a small bronze statue he caressed as if it were a child.
—My beloved... my empress... my Rome... my Neronia... why do you reject me, always so distant...? Nero! Neroooooo! —he suddenly shouted, throwing the statue against the wall in fury.
Lev didn't flinch. He smiled.
—What admirable passion, my emperor. So... ardent as the flames that consumed the pillars of old Rome.
Caligula turned abruptly. His murderous energy gushed like steam from his body. But upon seeing Lev, his gaze sharpened... for an instant. Then it returned to confusion.
—You are... you are my echo? The one who whispers sweet truths from the walls of the Colosseum?
—Call me what you will, but I bring news... of her —said Lev in a silky voice.
That "her" was enough to make Caligula listen. The Berserker slowly crawled towards him, eyes wide as saucers.
—Her? My beloved empress? The goddess who inherited my fire? The crimson flower who walks among worms?
—The very same. The one who rises over corpses singing verses. Your niece... Nero Claudius.
Caligula's body trembled. A mix of fury, desire, idolatry, and madness fused in his broken soul. Lev exploited the crack.
—She is being manipulated. Used. By a foreigner. An intruder named Leonel. He whispers lies to her, makes her doubt her lineage. He wants to steal Rome from you!
—NOOOOOOO! MY NEROOOO! MY LEGACY!! —Caligula bellowed, tearing part of his robe as he struck the ground like a wounded beast.
—Will you allow it? Will you watch as another stains her with his words, with his power?
—NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
—Then rise, emperor. Do what only you can do. Reclaim Rome... and destroy the false emperor!
Caligula's eyes shone with a savage light. His laughter began softly... but grew, dreadful, echoing throughout the temple until the ravens fled from the broken rooftops.
—BLOOOOOOD! VOX POPULI! VOX DEIII! ROOOMAAAAAAA!! —screamed the Berserker, now senseless, but with an objective etched in his mind.
Lev looked at him with satisfaction, adjusting his gloves as he walked away.
—One by one, Leonel... your allies will fall. And when you are alone, I will show you what it means to defy the end of the world.