@Reflection

While the machinery abundant in the observatory did interest Caster, she knew very well that this was far outside her area of expertise. This place was certainly impressive for a place devoid of the usual baubbles of a Magus' workshop, and Caster was glad that the pillows prepared for sitting were comfortable. If it weren't obvious already, it was clear that Aksha was middle eastern in culture, a fact compounded by, in an ironic twist, the master revealing his True Name. Of course, Caster was curious as to how someone from centuries past managed to extend his lifespan well beyond what was normally possible, even with eastern magecraft, but for now that was of little importance. He differentiated himself from the version of him that had become a heroic spirit, meaning that rather than a form of reincarnation, it seemed he had found a way to either duplicate his body, or duplicate his mind. Curious.

His collection of texts had her attention for a moment, but his proposal was far more intriguing to her. Her thin fingers gently traced across the text present in his journal, curiously flipping through a few pages with the utmost care taken to keep from damaging this priceless tome. "I see..." Caster murmured as she read through his stagnated research. Closing the book, she handed it back before a smile began to tear at her lips. "I see no reason why I shouldn't teach you. Hoarding my secrets to myself will do little good, given that my time on this earth passed long ago," she would say as she took a seat upon one of Aksha's many fine cushions, adjusting herself to sit with her knees bent beneath her.

"However, do be advised Aksha; I cannot guarantee that the answer you seek lies within my magecraft. From the Age of the Gods it may be, but that doesn't mean that modern Magi haven't improved upon some of the basics. For example, my necromancy is likely far slower than the average magus', but it can be said to be more potent in effect. My rituals are specific and lengthy, but I've in my time shrouded armies in the night and resurrected armies at a moment's notice. Flesh is a wonderful catalyst..." Caster said, tracing the lines of her palm with her index finger. "The secrets of life and death are only my favored part of my magic, however. I can teach you how the world bends to my whims, and the arts that lie within. But, Aksha, I must know: What do you propose in exchange?"

Humming for a moment, Caster put a finger to her chin. "I've no qualms teaching, but it is only natural for compensation to be provided. Of course, it needn't be something overly valuable to you. Things of monetary value are worthless to us Servants, for the most part."

---

@vancexentan

Joachim gulped as Anderson detailed the...oddities of Berserker's madness. It seemed she had some obsession with health...was she perhaps some kind of doctor in life? Maybe she and Joachim could talk, then, but for now he'd rather not risk wandering into a mad doctor's office by himself. Leon's suggestion however had Joachim speak up, briefly stating: "I can see what Caster can make for our defenses. She's talking to Aksha still, but I'll ask her tonight." as he dug through his pockets, pulling out a small bronze pocket watch to check the time, before placing it back into his coat pocket. Tacky as it was, it was handy to have a watch on hand since his dad was one of those obstinate mages that didn't believe in cell phones. Still, he thought it made him look a bit sophisticated, and it let him know that Caster had been gone for roughly an hour.

---

Off within the forest the Greys occupied scurried the little rat recently resurrected on Caster's whim, its fleet footedness bolstered by the lack of stamina required to run its body. The faintest passing of Od through it was rebounded again and again, galvanizing the muscles to move according to Caster's will. She would feel when the rat would die, and as such was using it in a suicide run to determine at what depth into the forests the defenses began. Injury would also alert her, and as the corpse-walking rat stalked through the dead of night into the forest, it sought its second death relentlessly and quietly.

“Maybe they only want to protect their artefacts from you. Is that why you’ve been causing them so much trouble? Because you suspect them of conspiring against us?” Rider turned his head to regard Archer; the man was young, not that he of all people could judge another for that, and seemed to be a bit of an eccentric. He was not a fool though, so if he thought the church had ulterior motives then perhaps he should start paying attention to their actions himself. “People are simple; likely they only mean to cheat us out of the Grail once the Greys are dealt with; one of our Masters is a member of the church, they only need to ensure he wins. Defeating the red faction is only the first part of this war after all; I’m sure we are all taking steps to ensure our victory.”

@Reflection

****

“Just because there are more exits doesn’t mean these tunnels are any safer.” Dieter let out a sigh and followed the other Magus down the steps into the tunnels. It seemed that arguing wasn’t going to get him anywhere with Leon or the others; not that arguing ever seemed to do much good anyway. His concerns were almost always ignored.

“If the Greys control the Grail and managed to hold on to it until the end of this war, they won’t just be able to make one wish. They’ll be able to control the next war as well and the war after that.” Dieter stopped in front of one door and pushed it open hesitantly, sighing again once he saw the dull grey concrete walls and simple furnishings. “Though perhaps I am over thinking things; maybe the one wish they have is worth risking everything for.”

@vancexentan@The Irish Tree

If Saber did indeed begin investigating the faction's living quarters in spirit form, he would quickly have come across a room already heavily warded with magecraft. His ancient mystery and resistance to magecraft meant that he could surely force his way in, but there was unmistakably a "workshop" in one of the rooms.

Even if he resolved to break in, though, the presence of so many Servants in the church had already been noticed by the mage inside. A door near the back of the secret area quietly opened, and Decival slipped out into the hall. He had shed his jacket, down to a vest and button up shirt, and a keyring at his belt seemed to hold a cluster of... oblong stone tokens? It would be hard to tell without taking a closer look. None of the faction would be able to find any critical flaw in his appearance, but he gave off a distinctly alien feeling.

"Hello there. Nice to see you. I'm Decival." He made his way towards the group of mages outside the rooms. He didn't extend a hand, but gestured to himself to emphasize the point. Despite being a mage, he had not identified his family. "The good people of the Clock Tower hired me on to support their operatives- you and your colleagues. I also summoned the Lancer Servant, who is surely around here somewhere. This was also something I was hired to do."

He pulled the ring off of his belt, and held it up. The stone tokens, about the size of your palm, each had one flat side and one rounded side, the latter of which bore a fairly detailed human face with an open-mouthed grin signalling laughter, curly hair, and no eyes.

"You can take one, if you'd like. They don't do anything right now, but they'll protect you if I unleash "something" onto the battlefield. I'll create other items in attunement with them, you understand."

@ManyThings "Oh hey its a pleasure to meet you sir. My name is Leon. Leon Winchester. Its nice to meet yet another member of the Black Faction. I hope we get along well together until the end comes." Leon stated as he nodded towards the man before checking out a room down the hall finding out it was a closet full of herbs, and other assorted goods for magecraft. He closed the door, and wandered through the end of the hall before finding a bedroom, and smiling. "I'm going to set myself up soon. I won't be needing any charms, or shamanistic stuff sir. I've got my own brand of elemental magic capable of handling most dangerous situations. I'm not powerful but I am clever. Besides I'm the Master of Saber, and he's not one to shirk his duty. You're in for a treat if you see him engage the enemy." Leon said proudly as he smiled looking back down the hall. He waved at the people still gathered, "Alright well thanks every I'm going to get myself set up prepare yourselves for tomorrow. We're probably going to make a play on The Greys soon." Leon stated as he entered the room, and prepared to set up the tools he brought with him he'd need to unpack the stuff from upstairs later but that would come as needed.

===

Timeskip - Later that day - Night Time 9:00 PM

As the sky grew dark, and grim around the masters as they began their preparations they were suddenly, and unexpectedly brought together by Father Howard had gathered them all together for a meeting stating that there were suddenly alerts from the scouts along the forest line that a large amount of Od was forming around the Grey's compound. Either they were casting some sort of large spell, or things were happening that needed to be addressed, and quickly. Anderson took command, and with his experience determined that it would be best to make a preliminary engagement to find out what was happening. If it was a big deal they needed to deal with it quickly prepared, or not.

The group were forced to head out to meet Monica, and King at the line. As it turned out the wraith summoned by Joan-Mary Bernard was not a servant the ritual had failed to properly call a servant into this world in full. And thus Monica took place of her summoning an Assassin of her own. A young lady in the outfit of a typical Japanese samurai from her area appeared. Strangely she had blonde hair, and blue eyes an unusual trait. However she was kind, and gentle when speaking despite her frail appearance she assured the group she had prepared herself for the battle ahead. Berserker however quickly sussed out that he had a sickness and admitted that she may have issues fighting in the future because of it.

When they arrived near the plains of the forest they stared into it Monica stepped forward, and had been acting out various spells checks, and probes in order to test the area. "You know I'm usually in bed before twelve..." Leon lamented as he rubbed his eyes travelling had taken a toll on him, and he had hoped to rest. Secretly Leon hoped that things were going to turn out to be nothing before the night was done. "I know all too well of the trickery mages can cause. Be wary of this place it reeks of something foul. The mana that permeates the area around this forest is something I have not encountered before." Saber stated as he stared at the forest unable to get a feel for anything out of the ordinary. "What does it feel like Saber?" Leon questioned as Saber frowned deeply unable to properly express his feelings into words. "Its as if something ancient, and alien to our world is protecting that place. It is not normal magecraft. It must belong to something from the age of the gods." Saber concluded though he was no mage himself he knew enough about certain mages that this type of magic was not natural. Or at least it was completely different from the ancient magics he had experienced. Monica looked up, and sighed, "I can at least say for certain that the forest itself is at least partially from this world...but the illusions here are strong, and dangerous. If we make a move we'll need to be careful."

@The Irish Tree

But, Aksha, I must know: What do you propose in exchange?

Aksha was silent for a moment, and stood. He took a step towards a chest, that lay in the corner of the makeshift room. Hundreds of locks must have adorned it, but he brushed a finger against each, and they all unlatched. "What is your wish for the grail?" He said, as if that was an answer. "Is it life once more? Is it simple curiosity?" He pulled from the depths, something old. A book, it seemed at first glance. "This is called the Avestan. It is a collection of words and wisdom that go back to the age of Zoroaster." He let that sink in. Zoroaster. The inventor of magic. A man who enslaved the stars. A man who left the earth of his own accords. "Naturally, the Avestan has been translated many times, but... Only in it's current versions. This version was written in the original language of Zoroaster. It contains knowledge that he himself put onto stone." He book was certainly old, but not from a time so long ago.
"I traveled to his hometown, and uncovered the originals written into stone. This is a direct copy of his works. I cannot translate the language myself, but you... Who have access to the throne of Heroes, can." He placed it down on the ground between them, once more returning to a seated position.

"The words of Zoroaster can undo death, and change destiny. That is what his people believed. There is no doubt, that it contains the knowledge you seek, not just for the sake of knowledge, but a means to incarnate yourself. A true, incarnation. A living body. Even if you lose the Grail war, whatever your wish is, I suspect that Zoroaster himself holds that knowledge. I will give you this book, after we have defeated the Greys."

With that said...
______________________________________________________________________________________
@King Cosmos

"That may be the case. It could be simple. But even if it is... I do not trust men like that." Archer stood, brushing off his robes, and focusing on the distance. "Rider, even if we are enemies in the end, I wish to fight alongside you, as an ally. If we win the war, it will turn to squabbling. I want you to be my final foe. Do you understand that? Survive the war, and when we are the last two, fight me. Fight me with that force you possess! And give me a challenge worthy of the greatest heroes in history!" A deceleration made. A challenge made. Perhaps it would be a special war for them both.
______________________________________________________________________________________
@vancexentan

The scene changed. Time had passed from that meeting, and Aksha stood alongside Father Howard, looking into the distance. "If we are to move into the forest, we should send the Knight Class servants in first. They possess magic resistance. It is a skill that should protect them from whatever magical traps may lay ahead." He said, with Archer nodding in agreement. "Well, except for Archer. He is best at a range."

After hours of labour in the cramped room, Decival enjoyed the change of scenery to the open plains. He had donned his coat, and various lumps on it seemed to indicate he was equipped with a multitude of things. Beside him was his Servant, Lancer, a pale man with an etherial intensity who lacked any impression of being a "warrior". He had only joined the group as they were leaving, seemingly having been on watch for sneak attacks to the church, and investigating the features of a modern town.

At Aksha's suggestion, Lancer spoke up, "While that is my class, you should not consider me a knight. My resistance to magecraft is negligible until I have had time to observe its workings. I would say that Saber or Rider would make a fine point man, while I could follow shortly behind. Berserker will be a superb fighter once we have cleared out the worst of the spells."

Decival reached into one pocket and produced a metal canister, then passed it to his Servant. "The forces at work in that forest- I'd like you to take a sample of them. Oh, come to think of it..." He plunged both hands into his coat pockets, pulling out the same collection of stone, eyeless, joyful faces on his left, and on his right, a lattice cage of metal strips, forming vaguely into the shape and of a slightly miniature head, seemingly hollow inside. "This may be of no consequence, but I can slowly flood an area with an ever-expanding "curse" that will eat away at flesh. Nothing but a nuisance to all but the most modern of Servants, but it would gradually take more and more territory from the Greys unless they destroyed it at the source. Naturally, I can render us immune. This may aid in a counterattack once we resolve whatever so much energy was gathered for."

While his Master spoke, Lancer produced his telescope. He had not revealed to the faction that this was his weapon of choice, much less that it was a Noble Phantasm. Scanning the forest this way might have seemed like a basic and casual searching method before battle, but Antico Cannocchiale could transport Lancer's vision perhaps even further than Archer's. This tool, which had laid bare the secrets of the heavens, would root out hidden traps, magecraft, and possibly even a lacklustre Assassin.

Rider did not speak for several moments following Archer’s declaration and challenge, the warrior continuing to stare off into the distance as if he had not heard, or perhaps lost in thought. “You seem certain that you will survive to see the end of this war; I suppose such confidence is not unexpected in one like yourself.” Stepping back from the edge Rider finally turned away from the view and faced Archer. “I’ll accept your challenge then, Archer. Should we both live to see the end of the Grey’s and survive the squabbling that comes after, I will face you.”

****

“I will go in place of Lancer; my armour protects me from most magecraft and if there are any illusions my Goddess gifted sight will see through them.” Rider, who stood with his Master behind and slightly apart from the others, now strode forward to stand ahead of them. He wore his armour, golden and gleaming with boars on his chest, barring his helmet and held his spear and shield in each hand. He was ready for war.

Still at the back, Dieter stepped forward and spoke as well, feeling the need to say something as to not leave his Servant to act alone. “I-I can remove any obstacles that block our path… physical ones at least. My alchemy can remove these trees… if need be.”

@Reflection

Caster was surprised by the forwardness of Aksha's question. Her wish for the grail...well, it wasn't that she had any qualms of hiding it, like a maiden would to frivolously slam their diary into a corner under their bed, but she certainly didn't expect to be asked that question so soon. And especially not from a master that wasn't her own. His words however folded over and over in her mind, entangling her wishes with her sensibilities, and forcing a smile to her lips as she heard the description of the book, the characters upon its cover plain as day due to a servant who had been within the Throne of Heroes for centuries, if not millennia. Aksha would see for the slightest moment the facade of beauty and grace that Caster carried, as her lips contorted into an uncontrolled, elated, frightening smirk filled to the brim with her teeth as she ran a finger across the book. Certainly, this would prove valuable to her as well...However, first she would compose herself, calming down and having her face retreat from its contorted proportions. Tucking a lock of golden hair behind one of her pointed ears, she smiled, controlled once more. "You offer me something indispensible, and as such I have no reason to refuse. With such a thing, I would have no need of the grail...and would thus pose no threat to you after the Greys are dealt with."

Regardless of whether the book could bring back her beloved, she knew from his words that it could incarnate her into flesh and blood, giving her ample time to restore him herself. The grail wasn't needed at all; It likely wouldn't be her's regardless. An inexperienced Master, and a Necromantic Caster that held little power in a fight between powerful servants stood little chance, even to their rather sane Berserker. As such, Caster would certainly accept this deal, under another condition she would state. "I would, however, like to add an additional article to our little agreement. Namely, for the safety of my Master throughout the course of this war." she would say, netting her fingers together in her lap. "Joachim is...well, he's certainly no magus capable of fighting another in single combat. As such, I would ask you to ensure that he remains safe, should the need arise for me to do combat away from him. I'll also accept an additional request from you, should you fulfill this. It would do neither of us any good if he were to perish and I should fade away, after all."

As Caster waved her hand through the air, a piece of parchment seemed to burn in reverse, materializing into her hands. "Of course, this would need true binding to make sure both of us are guaranteed our wishes. As such...a Self-Geis Scroll should be required, here." she said as her thin fingers wrote upon the parchment, drafting out the unbreakable deal that she desired with Aksha. Whether he would accept that level of permanence and binding was another thing, but once Caster finished the document and showed it to him, he would find it entirely accurate to their deal thus described. There were no loopholes by which Caster could influence someone to attack him via a curse, nor was there any room for her, or any associated party under her instruction to simply steal the text from him. Caster was entirely open to fairly bargain, it seemed, and carried no ill will towards Aksha in the making of this contract. Still, it would be his choice to sign or not, one that would likely close, or shatter the deal.

---

Joachim upon being called was swift and eager to go, but questioned the idea of EVERY servant being sent to the front lines. Would it not be better to just have Berserker, Saber, and maybe Rider lead an assault? He doubted any Servant, regardless of class could withstand three powerful servants barraging them at once, especially since their Berserker seemed easy enough to convince of fighting. Regardless, he would find Caster, and depart with her alongside the others.

Caster was brisk in making way towards their meeting point, striding with confidence as Joachim followed behind, a suitcase filled with magical reagents packed for their usage had its handle clenched in his small hands. It was rather heavy, but he assumed that Caster really did need a lot of items to work her magic. Upon hearing the plans being strewn about, Caster cleared her throat and said: "Whoever is being sent in, allow me to bless them with protective magic. Even if they possess Magic Resistance, my spells should still serve as a buffer between them and any harm beyond their ability to deal with. Naturally, I possess no close range power, so I would prefer to stay and guard the Masters."

Joachim's attention was focused on the strange servant that was their Lancer, observing the forest...with a telescope? That seemed fairly modern for a heroic spirit of the spear...was her maybe some sort of pirate or famous seafarer? And his master pulled out such a ghastly looking cursed item...just looking at it gave the boy chills down his spine. However, plans were being discussed, and he felt it important to add in: "I think we should have Assassin follow in, a bit behind the Knight Classes. If there are any masters present, they should be able to sneak up on them for an easy victory. Caster can help ward off illusions from here."

As she looked at the forest, Caster would start getting a bad feeling...this magic wasn't totally unlike her own. No doubt they were dealing with a spellcaster of legend in some capacity, though the method of magic escaped her. If she were to go in she could piece together the magics woven, but...that would involve her risking life and limb on a hunch.

"We need to make sure the area is properly covered first archer should find the high ground on a hill, or something nearby. Somewhere outside the perimeter of the forest. Afterward Saber, and Rider can go in and cause first engagement." Leon stated he knew without a doubt that once they entered this black forest there was little to no chance the enemy wouldn't know about it. It wasn't natural, and it may very well be a fabrication of the mind. Leon steeled himself for whatever may come; death awaited them, and he was well aware that he had placed himself directly in front of it. However with Anderson, and the others here...they could win.

Saber sighed, and rubbed his eyes he wasn't ready quite yet to have full on combat with servants he wanted more information that he could use. But since they were indeed the faction that most likely had to attack he knew very well he had to be ready at a moments notice. As Saber reappeared in his grandiose steel armor, and gleaming blue golden sword in hand he stepped forward. "I don't feel like things are going to go as plan. I may not have instinct as a skill but I know enough of evil magicians to know that one should be careful of whats going on around you." Saber stated calmly looked at the forest intently.

"I am a doctor not a killer, Lancer. Red Faction is a disease we must purge whatever the case may be. Do not think of me as some wanton destroyer." Berserker asserted herself as she grasped a pistol in her hand. A jingle of knives, and other surgical equipment was attached to her thighs, and belt. Despite her words she seemed to be ready to do what she had to do.

"Its all the same really the world is full of horrors, and mystic arts. I dedicated my life so far to finding out as much as I could so you shouldn't worry." Monica stated happily as she breathed out she cast one more spell, Monia's face furrowed in confusion as Assassin stepped up with puffed cheeks, and a frown, "I am NOT weak! I'm just suffering for a life long illness that didn't stop me from being one of the Shinsengumi's finest warriors." Assassin asserted herself as suddenly Monica shouted, "ENGAGE! INVISIBLE ENEMIES SABER THE LEFT! RIDER BEHIND YOU!" Monica shouted as Saber heard the cracking of the earth around Leon's location he spun and slashed through the air blindly but with a educated guess based on the sound. The monster, or whatever it was had broken a twig, and dug into the earth with its feet at the last moment as Saber's weapon flashed through the air Leon was suddenly covered in blood as Saber ran through an invisible beast which slammed into Leon knocking him over. "For I am the world's daughter! Reveal all the beasts of creation to me! Let no creature escape my gaze!" Monica called out casting a spell which reverberated in the air followed by a flash of yellow light powered by od revealing hideous faceless creatures resembling dogs massive in size, and no eyes. Their wide mouths had large sharp fangs, and they made a sound more reminiscent of a snake rather than a mammal hissing in anger. There were four of them charging in the front two from the sides, and one from behind. Anderson pulled out black keys and threw them with incredible accuracy at the one to the left while Assassin stuck to the middle to protect the masters. Berserker made no move in either direction going on the defensive grasping a knife in one hand and firing a shot into another of the animals. Despite that however the creatures made no signs that they were in pain, nor hurt despite having black keys sticking out of their hides, and faces.

Leon kicked the monster off of him coughing, and backed up making his hand into a gun shape like a kid would do he aimed down his thumb, and ignored the fear. "Concussive shot!" Leon called out as he heard a sickening thud smash into the creature while Saber moved in and ran his holy blade right through the beasts head where its brain should be causing it to flail around wildly. "Fuckin' Chimeras! Aim for the heart!" Anderson called out as he prepared to do what he could against the enemy.

Archer wasn't too sure about how he felt about Berserker, much less their Saber or assassin. Strange ladies who talked in medical terms just didn't feel that trustworthy to him. But, in time he was sure they'd manage something. After all, they were all heroes. Though, heroes and villains were interchangeable. The sheer amount of heroes who were the villain of another story was staggering. Maybe one day the heroes would just be that, but he doubted it. The way Saber acted, it seemed like he was closer to a villain than a hero.

He was the first to realize an attack was coming. His eyes spotted the depression of the grass, the sudden motion of something invisible. Seated on a rock, overwatching the group, he raised his hand. In a flash, a rifle formed. Blue light fusing into a solid mass, and a flash of gunpowder sparking as the warning cried out.

ENGAGE! INVISIBLE ENEMIES SABER THE LEFT! RIDER BEHIND YOU!

Ker-POW! The gunpowder triggered and a bullet sailed through the air. Metal tore through the chimera's flesh, piercing the skull of the creature closest to Rider. Shooting it clean out of the air. There were only five of these creatures, and they didn't seem to be much of a challenge. If a servant couldn't kill a chimera then what good were they for? Another crack, and he fired again. Pumping at least five shots into the same target, and dropping five rifles that materialized soon afterwards. Chimeras it seemed possessed some kind of natural ability to cloak themselves, since he was sure the magical presence would have been detected otherwise.

Aksha stood, doing nothing as he calmly waited for the others to dispatch of the chimeras. He merely adjusted his mask, comfortable with the knowledge that the monsters would be dead in seconds. A display of physical force was something a servant could easily accomplish without the need for their noble phantasm.

Archer summoned another rifle, and began to repeat the previous actions. Each time he fired, he would drop the weapon and another would appear in his hands. Striking at each of the beasts in front, and back in order. Making sure most of all to focus his fire onto any there were attempting to retreat, to kill them before they could get far.

Rider spun to face the monster behind him only to see the creature already being fired upon by Archer, the Servant creating and discarding one weapon after another as he attacked; it seemed he had the situation in hand already. Leaving that one to his ally the Achaean turned his head this way and that to find an opponent who had not yet been engaged before sprinting to meet the two Chimera approaching from the left.

The monsters rushed to meet him just as eagerly and as the distance between them closed the nearest Chimera leapt towards him with its mouth open and teeth bared to tear him apart. Rider struck the creature in the jaw with the back of his shield, swinging his arm out to the side and diverting the airborne monstrosity so that it sailed past him to crash awkwardly to the ground. He then brought his shield around in time to slam in down on the snout of the second creature charging towards him, the rim on his shield forcing its maw shut and pushing its head into the dirt. Holding his spear so that the bronze tip was pointed down Rider drove the weapon through the top of the creature’s skull and pierced the ground below, effectively pinning the Chimera in place; the monster began to spasm and flail wildly, still able to move even with its brain damaged but unable to control its actions enough to pushing itself up and free itself.

Rider turned to face the other Chimera as it was standing, drawing his sword from its sheathe and pacing towards the growling creature. It dove for him again, leaping above him and seeking to crush him under its forelegs, and he caught its claws on his shield; as the weight of the monster pressed him into the dirt and its claws sought to gouge groves in his shield he used his free arm to drive his sword upwards into its chest, the bronze blade easily piercing through to its heart.

Pushing the Chimera off of him and letting it fall to the ground Rider turned to regard the other one still pinned to the ground behind him before sweeping his eyes other the melee to see if anyone else needed assistance.

Joachim was caught off guard as Monica yelled for them to engage, somewhat lost for a moment as his servant patiently awaited his orders, offering him a reassuring smile. "Rest assured, Master. I'm not so weak as to be unable to dispose of riffraff like this. Your orders?" she said, to which the young magus nodded. "Right! Uh...Caster, take out the chimeras and minimize damage to the other servants!" he commanded. In an instant, Caster's hands moved, with one raised high as a mass of red string unwove itself from around her wrist to curl and tie itself into knots over and over, into the form of a rod's outline, with many strands being left free to poke out of the circular massive knot placed atop this psuedo-staff. Reaching with her free left hand, Caster pinched a single strand, before dragging it down, the blood red string seeming to spark to life as her Od...or rather, her Od, and the surrounding mana began to react accordingly.

Caster's mouth moved in ways that none could process, and her feet carried her into a strange cadence, as if she were singing and dancing a ballad before all at once, a sharp rupture in the earth erupted beneath one of the chimeras that was lunging to engage Assassin, before a mass of roots, rock, dirt, and grass spiraled inwards from the surrounding landscape to unceremoniously impale the beast straight through the chest, suspending it four feet off the ground from the size of the debris spiral keeping it aloft. As if already given instructions by Caster, the sharpened materials began to grow outwards into thorns and vines of strange construction, constricting the beast, as well as crushing and piercing the inner workings of its body, the vines and thorns worming their way through its insides in order to reach at its heart.

Another strand was plucked by Caster, before a skeletal hand seized at the legs of another, then another hand, and another...three hands with the force of a dozen men yanked down one chimera, crushing all but one leg as the thin, brittle mass of their arms crushed around the fur and sinew of the chimera's ghastly legs. Opening her eyes after her little "performance", Caster seemed rather pleased by the result, holding her rod of strands in one hand, in case her magic was needed once more. "If the heart is what should be sought, perhaps our Lancer could be most effective, should we run into more of them." Caster said, knowing already how Lancer denied being a true Knight of his class, curious to see if her prodding would offer any more insight to him.

Joachim just...watched. This was far from the brutality common to melee combat, and lacked any sort of restraint due in a fight between maguses. This was just cruelty, even to mindless beasts. The one bound in brambles hadn't even died yet, as Caster had the thorns excavate the still-beating heart of the beast. Was...was she going to remove their hearts for later use? Joachim didn't understand a lick of it, but...right now, he needed to at least believe in Caster's ability to defend them from harm. He could worry about the feeling of his lunch rising up in his throat afterwards.

@ReflectionThe animals shot by Archer were quickly crippled in place however the shots failed to permanently put the creatures down. They still slowly crawled towards them. It would seem these creatures were capable taking high amounts of damage despite their weak nature. It didn't take long for Anderson to capitalize on the creatures' weakened state disengaging from his own target and trowing a set of black keys through their chest. It killed two of them but one of them remained in the front alive somehow despite its multiple puncture wounds. Saber looked around, and gutted another one trying to sneak up on the left running it fill through cutting it in half with his blade before turning around to make sure nothing else was going on.

There was a loud bang from the forest shortly afterward it didn't appear to be an attack but a smoke stack rose from the ground it was some sort of explosive blast but it would be dealt with later at least for Leon who stared around looking for more targets two more approached from the front near Archer it would seem that these things came in great numbers now that there were three, one wounded,and another two dead from Archer, and Anderson's attacks. Leon aimed down his finger preparing himself to fight back against his foes no matter what may happen he was ready. However he didn't fire a spell off he figured Archer would have the chance to kill them before he did.

@The Irish Tree Berserker, and assassin on the other hand were having little difficulty dispatching their targets assassin's quick blitzing movements, and Berserker's brutal stabbings prevented the beasts from flanking the group on their end. Asssassin was especially impressive to those who cared to watch her blurring in spurts of high speed that seem to indicate that she relied on her speed, and agility more so than her strength. With the creatures being easy prey after Caster's assist the right flank was quickly able to be quelled due to the teamwork of Caster, and the other two.

As Rider turned around he would manage to notice a young lady with a black, and yellow dress sporting bright blonde hair standing down near the tree's edge leaning back against the tree. But to his eyes she was clearly an illusion of some sort. She shimmered with a magical aura around her but only to those who could see through illusion magecraft. She made no movements to hinder them, or engage. Just close enough to be within sight of the group but not close enough to be a viable target. Still it was interesting at the very least to see someone so brazen enough to show themselves out in the open.

Rider placed a booted foot on the snout of the flailing creature, holdings its head down to the ground and he gripped the haft of the spear driven through its skull and pulled it free. Even now the chimera still lived, legs spasming and tail lashing as the monstrosity tried to buck its way out from under his heel. Turning the spear around in his grip Rider held the weapon above his head before stabbing it downwards with both hands through the creatures back and through its heart.

As the monster stilled the Achaean warrior pulled his weapon free from its body once more. He lifted his foot from its head and was preparing to turn and assist his allies when he noticed the woman standing at the forest's edge; even at this distance it was clear to his eyes that she was merely an illusion, though that fact didn't make he presence any less significant or worrying. Was this a distraction or bait? Was it more dangerous to ignore the figure or to pay it too much heed?

"Archer!" Perhaps one with better vision than himself would be able to see more of the figure than he could; maybe the far sighted conqueror would even be able to discern some clues about her identify from her attire or appearance, assuming this was even what their real self looked like that was. "It seems the enemy has decided to entertain us with an illusion!" Rider pointed towards the forest with his spear to indicate the figure he was referring to, in case her yellow and black dress wasn't enough to make her stand out against the trees.

@Reflection