Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover

Chapter 270 - [270] Nero's Anomaly and Boudica's Pain

For now, let us set aside Sakatsuki, who had returned to the stronghold and was leading his troops across the sea. Nero and Fujimaru, after a forced march, arrived in Gaul ahead of the main force.

"To all soldiers of the Gaul expeditionary force—you who have fought tirelessly for me, for my people, and for my Rome—your efforts are deeply appreciated!"

"From this moment onward, I too shall lend my strength to this campaign. And with us stands a warrior who rivals a thousand!"

"In this battle, defeat is impossible! May the glory of victory belong to me and to your beloved Rome!"

No sooner had they arrived at the military camp than Nero took to the stage, delivering an impassioned speech to the soldiers. Inspired by their emperor's words, the troops erupted in cheers, their morale soaring.

"Such overwhelming cheers... Is this the charisma of Emperor Nero at her peak?" Fujimaru murmured from the sidelines, a hint of awe in his voice.

"I believe so. But it's truly baffling—how could an emperor so beloved by her people end up in such a state in her later years...? No, I shouldn't say more. This must not be spoken. We cannot let those living in the past know of the future. That is our principle." On the other end of the communicator, the Doctor tapped away at his keyboard before suddenly pausing.

"Hmm, this reading... Fujimaru, over there—"

Before he could finish, a gentle voice interjected.

"My, you arrived faster than expected, Emperor Nero Claudius. Mmm, and this pure-looking boy must be the famed guest commander? Truly, appearances can be deceiving—I hear you're quite formidable."

The speaker was a red-haired woman with delicate features, wielding a sword and shield. Though her figure was voluptuous, her bearing exuded a seasoned warrior's sharpness.

"Welcome, travelers. I am Boudica, general of the Gaul expeditionary force."

Boudica—queen of the ancient Iceni tribe in East Anglia, England. She led the uprising of British tribes against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire, once razing three major Roman cities in Britain and slaughtering over seventy thousand enemies. A queen of rebellion who came infinitely close to victory.

That such a sworn enemy of Rome now stood as a general under Nero's command was yet another testament to the strange twists of history.

...Though, could this even be called history?

With Mash absent, Boudica did not display her usual motherly demeanor. Instead, she adopted a brisk and efficient tone as she introduced Fujimaru and the Doctor to the other Servant by her side—Spartacus, another rebel leader. Just then, Nero, having finished her speech, approached the group.

"General Boudica, to have held the enemy at bay with our current forces for so long—mm, you have my deepest gratitude!"

Just as Boudica smiled and prepared to decline the praise, a wave of dread seized her heart, stealing her breath away.

Within her Spirit Origin, the part that belonged to "Britannia" wailed in terror, screaming of prey cornered by a predator.

And the source of that fear—was the emperor herself, smiling brightly before her.

"Your hostility is leaking, Boudica." Unnoticed by most, the golden-haired emperor's smile gradually darkened, as if tainted by sludge.

"Ooooh... Oppressor...!" Sensing the shift, Spartacus hunched over like a beast, growling low in his throat.

"You are correct—at this moment, I am the Rome you despise."

Rome.

For Boudica, what a weighty word that was.

The incident began with a treaty. Nero's mother, Agrippina the Younger, poisoned Emperor Claudius I to secure Nero's succession. During the turbulent transition of power, to stabilize the western front in Britannia, Rome signed a treaty with the Iceni royal family, promising them a portion of land in exchange for their support.

Yet once Nero took the throne, she reneged on the agreement, declaring that the land had not been gifted but loaned. Not only was the original territory to be returned, but the Iceni were also forced to cede additional land as "interest."

Boudica, as queen of the Iceni, naturally refused. In response, Rome sent its armies to enforce the demand by force—seizing the land, confiscating the royal family's wealth, and publicly raping Boudica's two daughters while beating her to the brink of death.

That was the origin of the uprising.

Rome—so arrogant, so tyrannical, as if the very embodiment of humanity's deepest malice.

And now, Nero made Boudica feel that same humiliation and fury all over again.

"Nero, you—"

The smiles vanished—not just Boudica's, but Nero's as well.

"Hmm? Me?" Nero blinked at the stunned faces around her, then patted her head in confusion. "Mm... I remember standing here and speaking with you all just now, don't I?"

Boudica silently studied her foe—and emperor.

At first glance, it seemed like one of Nero's pranks. But her Spirit Origin had stopped trembling, and Spartacus had fallen silent again—undeniable proof that the Nero before her had returned to normal. This was the wise ruler for whom she had set aside her hatred, fighting instead for a greater world.

Yet those words, that smile—they pierced Boudica's heart like thorns, ceaselessly reminding her of the thick, seething darkness lurking beneath Rome's radiance.

"Ah, wh-what was I saying? I think I'm a bit tired. Boudica, I leave our guests in your hands. Brief them on the situation in Gaul. My head hurts... I need to lie down."

"Understood... Emperor of Rome."

Fortunately, Nero was too preoccupied with her sudden headache to notice the subtle shift in Boudica's tone.

***

By nightfall, Sakatsuki—having timed his movements precisely—led his forces across the Mediterranean and landed deep in enemy territory.

The timing coincided exactly with the moment Nero had uttered those hurtful words.

Yet, as if the roles in this tale had been reversed, the "invader" Sakatsuki found himself forced to rally his exhausted troops against the sudden assault of a madman the moment he set foot on enemy soil.

"OOOOHHHHH—NE—RO—!!"

His chaotic mind could only produce fragmented words. The purple-haired man who had once escaped death now charged alone at the enemy who had defeated him, driven by some inexplicable confidence.

"Battle readiness. First Legion, engage."

Suppressing his soldiers' fatigue with his Spirit Origin's abilities, Sakatsuki coolly summoned the Blood Mist, deploying the First Legion—most experienced in anti-Servant combat—to intercept Caligula head-on.

And then, they were met with an unforeseen blow.

BOOM!

Thorned spears, demonic scales—unnamable tendrils burst forth from torn flesh, lashing out at the spreading Blood Mist with devastating force.

"Th-this is...?!"

"GGRRAAAGHHH—!"

The soldiers' cries of alarm mingled with the Berserker's agonized roars. Sakatsuki frowned, sensing the Blood Mist's defenses struggling to regenerate. Spiritual particles gathered in his hands as he drew his bow and fired, pinning the flailing tendrils in place with a single arrow.

"Regroup and retreat! Shieldbearers, form up! Second Legion, javelins at the ready!"

Barking rapid orders, the white-haired commander focused his mind, bracing against this strange and perilous foe.

At last, the true "aberration" of this Singularity had bared its fangs at them.

***

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