Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover

Even as Fujimaru rapidly retreated, he couldn't tear his gaze away from the dazzling radiance in Sakatsuki's hands.

"What is that?"

"Bzzt—It's a Grand, a Grand Saint Graph, Fujimaru!" Affected by the energy turbulence, the communication from Chaldea became unstable. "Just like the Divine Ancestor Romulus you once encountered—the reason he could shift from human to divine aspect was precisely because of his Grand Saint Graph, or rather, his qualification as a Grand!"

"Grand Servants are seven heroes standing at the pinnacle of their eras, chosen by the Root to serve as the apex of the seven standard classes," Waver explained, recalling secrets Sakatsuki had once revealed. "They are the Counter Force's means to combat existential threats to humanity—in other words, Beasts."

"If he manifested as a Caster... does that mean, setting aside Lord Wu'an's Saint Graph, Sakatsuki himself would normally be summoned as a Grand Caster?"

"No, impossible, absolutely impossible!" Before Waver could finish, the doctor cut him off, unusually agitated. "Any other class would be plausible, but Caster is the one class that cannot have a Grand—because..."

Romani Archiman suddenly fell silent.

"Because what, Doctor?" Sensing something amiss, Fujimaru frowned, suspicion flashing in his eyes.

"Because... right, because the prerequisite for becoming a Grand Caster is possessing eyes that see through past and future—in other words, an EX-ranked Clairvoyance skill!"

After a brief panic, the former ordinary man turned Clock Tower Lord quickly found an excuse, forcing a laugh. "Think about it—how could a modern magus possibly have Mystic Eyes of that caliber, right? Right?"

Suspicious.

Extremely suspicious.

Both Da Vinci in the command room and Fujimaru in the Roman Empire shared this thought, though neither called out the doctor's obvious evasion. Instead, they quietly raised their guard before refocusing on the battlefield.

By now, the Grand Saint Graph in Sakatsuki's hands had fully activated, dissolving like sugar yet transforming into an invisible hand that reshaped the earth—raising mountains, carving valleys, gently lifting and smoothing the land with effortless grace.

When the power to alter heaven and earth had finished its work, what lay before them was a colossal stage, standing independent upon the land!

Countless phantoms materialized—the spirits of Rome taking their seats in the stands, brandishing swords and spears as they roared with fervour.

"Aeterna Victrix!!!"

"Aeterna Victrix!!!"

"Aeterna Victrix!!!"

The legion eternal, victory eternal, the empire eternal!

The war chant crescendoed until, at last, countless heroic spirits struck their short swords against shields, crying out in unison:

"ROMA! ROMA! ROMA!"

It was the romantic tempest that swept across the Mediterranean, the voice of Rome bearing its millennia of glory!

The earth-shaking cheers seemed to make the world itself tremble, listening with reverence to this nation's proclamation.

Fujimaru rubbed his arms, goosebumps rising. "Doctor, what is this?"

He stared at the massive structure woven from mana—over 20,000 square meters in area, circular in form, surrounded by majestic stone pillars and reliefs, with seating for nearly 90,000 spectators.

"—Without a doubt, it's an amphitheater, Fujimaru!" Before the doctor could speak, Da Vinci cut in excitedly. "While the Colosseum stands, Rome stands; when the Colosseum falls, Rome falls! This is the most glorious revelry of Roman citizens—a sinful land forged from blood and wine!"

"The Flavian Amphitheater..." Nero clutched her chest, her face flushed with exhilaration. "I know of this! A miracle built eight years after my death, transformed from my Golden Palace—the brightest pearl upon the Seven Hills!"

Amid the tsunami of cheers, the crimson-clad emperor surrendered to the dizziness overwhelming her mind and strode forward, advancing toward the amphitheater without hesitation.

Even if this was a creation after her death, even if it was a reckless repurposing of her legacy—for a citizen of Rome, how could she possibly refuse such a grand spectacle laid before her?

"Come, honored guests! This is Rome's final feast!"

As if answering the emperor's words, the Colosseum erupted with radiant light, enveloping the cheering Nero and transporting Fujimaru's group into the spectator stands.

They saw it then—the man and the Beast, standing opposed in the arena.

They heard it then—the voice raised high, offering tribute to the gods.

"Let the gods above bear witness! Let the people of the earth behold!"

"By the martial glory of Mars! This is a duel of honour, a war for victory!"

The great wheel of Mars materialized, filling the amphitheater with the aura of strife as a solemn, indistinct figure took the highest seat of honour.

The God of War—Mars himself, the dignified lord of the red planet, deity of ruined cities and discord!

"By the authority of Jupiter Optimus Maximus! We offer this burnt sacrifice to the gods—may they bless our expedition!"

Endless thunder descended as the chief of Rome's twelve deities took the highest throne, casting an intrigued gaze upon the man and Beast below.

Finally, the white-haired, golden-eyed youth fully expended the Grand Saint Graph, invoking the name of the first king:

"By the legacy of the Divine Ancestor Romulus! This is the duel to sever the evil of mankind—to illuminate the radiance of humanity!"

Upon the Seven Hills, the romantic wind swept across the flora of the Mediterranean. Romulus, clad in mythic armour, opened his eyes. After a brief moment of surprise, he smiled with profound admiration and took the central seat.

This was the miracle born of the nation he founded—the embodiment of its splendor and sin. Nothing could better represent the dual nature of Rome.

And now, the gladiator standing here in the guise of "man" cried out, offering the spirits of Rome a stage and a performance—to strangle the Beast birthed by the world (Rome) in its cradle!

This was the duty and responsibility of man (Rome)!

This was the pride and destiny of man (Rome)!

As the Divine Ancestor, this was the most perfect gift his descendants could offer him!

Though... there was one slight imperfection.

This young man seemed to have... previously broken away from his (Rome's) embrace, declaring himself part of Great Qin?

Tch. The Chinese faction moves fast...

Our junior is useless—how could she fail to keep him in Rome?

Amid the tension of this battle against the evil of mankind, Romulus rested his chin on his hand, his gaze settling on the cheering Nero in the stands with an indescribable aura of disappointment.

Child, the entire family is disappointed in you.

Meanwhile, Nero was lost in the joy of reunion.

"Uncle! Lord Caesar! Boudica! All you generals—you're here too!"

***

Hey readers!

Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.

🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹