Jayr POV - Nasuverse, Moon, SE.RA.PH, Coliseum - 2030 AD
The last motes of Run Ru's data drift upward like ash in sunlight while Nero and I stand now alone in the hollowed arena until the system begins to fade it out, piece by piece, arches, dust, the phantom roar of an audience that never existed.
Nero breaks the silence by saying in a tone that is calm, but still edged with pride, "Another triumph, Praetor. Rome applauds, even here among this mockery of an amphitheatre."
Then Nero exhales softly and sheathes her sword before declaring, "You see, Praetor? I told you I required no grand finale today." Making me give her a faint smile and say, "You were flawless, Nero."
She places a hand on her hip, grinning at my praise, "Flawless is Rome's standard. But efficiency... Ah, that is your virtue."
I nod, unable to feel too content and genuinely smile at the moment while saying, "Thank you... Let's go home."
Nero's mood becomes much somber as she smiles encouragingly and nods.
Then, as if reacting to our will to leave, the elevator's doors in the distance hum back to life, and without any hesitation, we walk toward it.
We step onto it together, and the next moment, the doors close and the elevator starts rising through cascading light while the broken coliseum disappears beneath us, and I see that Nero's gaze lingers on the void below while muttering, "So many erased. Even fools deserve an epitaph."
I close my eyes for a brief moment, taking advantage of the pause to reign in the melancholy I'm currently feeling before I open them again and tell her in a quiet tone, "They'll have one. I'll remember them. And when this is over... I'll do everything in my considerable power to allow them all a second chance and a better life."
In response, Nero's gaze moves away from the empty void below us and focuses on me, meeting mine.
A warm, comforting smile formed on her face as our bond is now so strong that it allows us to understand each other without even the need to actually communicate, making us fall into a calm silence that is only broken by the humming sound of the rising elevator in the background.
Jayr POV - Nasuverse, Moon, SE.RA.PH, Tsukumihara Academy - 2030 AD
Our Private Room greets us with its usual stillness, the low pulse of all the protections I've erected, the neutral white light, while my mind thinks about what I've just seen, 'The aftermath of the conclusion of the first round of the Holy Grail War can already be felt... The Tsukumihara Academy is much quieter than before. Sure, the NPCs continue with their activities as usual, completely unchanged, but the Masters are much more tense, at least the few ones who were still wandering around the campus. Well, it is only natural... Up to this point, the Holy Grail War was for the most part very tame, but now, now it has become real. 128 Masters entered the Coliseum, only 64 came out. It was brutal, direct, and a rude awakening for those few who still didn't realize the gravity of the situation.'
For a while, neither of us speaks; the silence isn't awkward; it's the kind that follows a storm.
At last, Nero stretches and sighs out loud, "Uhmm... Even an emperor's shoulders ache a bit after glory."
That earns a low laugh from me as an idea comes to my mind, and I say, "Then maybe it's time we both took a real break."
Nero arches an eyebrow while she asks, "And what do you propose, Praetor? The Moon Cell is many things, but it lacks certain… civilised amenities. This Private Room is all the comfort we are allowed."
In response to her question, a grin formed on my face as I mysteriously said, "I can fix that."
After saying that, I slowly raise my hand while the Spiral Cosmo within my body reacts to my will.
Golden sigils bloom in the air, one unfolding into another until the light thickens into shape and sinks into one of the walls enclosing our Private Room, a mostly empty one with only a few paintings affixed on it.
The wall quickly ripples, reforms, and breathes as a set of wooden sliding doors appears in the middle of the previously mostly empty wall.
At the same time, in my mind, I imagine the changes I wish to enact in the unclaimed space I've just created and connected to, and in response to my will, the empty space starts to change.
Stone grows from light of endless data, white marble veined with rose gold, columns that climb upward, wrapped in vines that glitter faintly, and warm mist rolls across a floor of polished tile.
At the center, a vast pool shaped like a blooming rose fills slowly with steaming water, petals drifting on its surface.
A soft cascade pours from the central fountain, scattering light like shattered glass.
Wooden panels frame one corner in quiet symmetry, a nod to the oriental baths I've experienced before while relaxing with my wives.
Roman motifs run through it all, the clean geometry, the sense of grand design built for both power and peace, and, of course, a small nod at the origin of my lovely Servant.
After completing my creation, I calmly led Nero to the newly created space connected to our Private Room, which naturally enjoys all the protections of our Private Room.
When we step through the now open sliding door, Nero's eyes widen as she exclaims with wonder and awe in her tone, "By the gods, Praetor… This is magnificent."
I shrug my shoulder, pleased despite myself, and then I say, "You'll get your turn. I'm claiming the first soak."
She laughs, musical and light, and replies, "Very well. I shall permit it. But if you use up all the warmth, you will answer for it."
After saying that, Nero walks back into our Private Room, likely to lie on her royal bed, then the doors slide shut behind me, sealing the world outside.
The air smells faintly of sandalwood and rose petals; light filters through the mist like morning sun over water.
I make my clothes disappear by willing them into my Soulbound Territory, then ease into the pool.
Heat immediately envelopes me; it isn't just the temperature, it's weight, comfort, release.
The tension that's been coiled in my muscles since my awakening into the reality created by SE.RE.PH melts away.
For a long moment, I simply breathe while the ripples in the water spread outward in slow circles, catching reflections of the ceiling's golden trim.
My mind wanders back to the fight I had with Run Ru and Elizabeth, then to the many names that have already been erased.
The Moon Cell's Holy Grail War doesn't pause for mourning, yet each deletion echoes somewhere in my memory, making me mutter out loud, "How many dreams have been overwritten and erased today?"
After that, my thoughts and worries quickly turn toward the only other friendly face in this whole reality, my friend and fellow Champion Aletha, 'I'm very confident of the fact that Aletha has also overcome her opponent... I may not know what Servant she has summoned, but what I do know is how powerful Aletha truly is, and this is more than enough. After all, Aletha was able to confront and kill the Chaos God Tzeentch. At that level of power, almost no Servant of this universe is her opponent in a direct battle, much less the regular Masters. The only real threat to her is the other Champions taking part in the Holy Grail War. However, from what Aletha told me about her opponent, it is highly unlikely that he was one of them... So she should be safe, but to be sure, the first thing I will do tomorrow is search for her...'
Suddenly, I hear the sound of the doors of the bathroom sliding open, which is then quickly followed by footsteps, light and confident footsteps that cross the marble.
On instinct, I glance up through the haze of steam and freeze as Nero steps into view, wrapped in nothing but mist and the certainty of her own presence.
She carries herself as a painting come to life, the lamplight gilding her skin, the gold of her hair deepened by the rising vapor.
She pauses near the edge, admiring the architecture as if inspecting a temple built in her honor, and comments, "Exquisite. Truly. The columns, the water, the scent… You have outdone yourself, Praetor. Is this supposed to resemble an oriental-style bath? I think it is kinda close to a calidarium..."
(AN: For those who don't know calidarium are basically ancient Roman hot springs.)
This is the first time I've got a clear view of her beautiful assets that are usually smothered under her attire; so simple, strict, and formal as if her own form is plenty alluring; she doesn't need all those frivolous decorations.
She is perfect in every way, her toned belly, the curvy waist, the sumptuous hills.
I gulp, unable to take my eyes off of her enchanting figure, unable to believe my eyes, seeing her spotless, symmetrical pandora box, all of which causes my little brother to naturally react, standing in full attention.
My mind starts to wander, thinking if I should look away or approach her right there, while my hands are already feeling the itch to pull her closer.
After a short beat, I finally find my voice as I say, "You could have waited."
Nero smiles, playful and regal as she replies, "An emperor waits for no one. Still, soaking alone for a long time proves boring. And besides, I wished to see the masterpiece with its creator. So, I'll join you, my Praetor."
After saying that, she approaches the pool and trails her fingers across the water's surface; droplets catch the light and fall like tiny gems while she comments, "Warm. Almost divine. Just like you."
I shake my head, half amused before saying, "Flattery suits you, but you don't need it."
Her laughter echoes softly, mixing with the gentle rush of the fountain.
She then lowers herself to sit on the pool's edge, one leg in the water, looking at me with that familiar spark, half challenge, half affection.
For a time, neither of us speaks; the only sound that can be heard is the fountain's steady murmur and the whisper of rose petals drifting against stone.
Then, Nero breaks the silence first, "You brood again, Praetor. The battle is done, yet your eyes still measure the next one."
In response, I let out a sigh and admit, "Habit. It's hard to turn off the part that plans."
She leans forward slightly, smile softening but also becoming more mischievous and seductive, "Then let this be the one hour when you don't plan. Sit, breathe, and remember you live."
I let out a quiet laugh and comment, "You make it sound easy."
Nero purrs, "It is easy... When one chooses to be human, even for a heartbeat." Her lips curl into a seductive smirk as she locks eyes with me, making me notice a hint of mischief dancing in her gaze.
At the same time, beneath the water's surface, the subtle brush of her legs against mine sends a tantalizing shiver down my spine.
Before I can react, Nero eases into the water right next to me, making the water reach her chest; However, as both of Nero's hands relax in the water, I suddenly feel the back of her hand brushing against my erection.
Being so close, I can feel her breath as Nero cooes, her words coming out much softer and warmer than before, "I expected nothing less from the one who summoned me. You are quite formidable... and huge..."
I was unsure for a brief moment, but now I'm certain that her fingers are barely fondling my extended shaft, gently gliding up my rigid flesh; it is only a light touch, but it makes me tingle all over.
The next moment, I feel her digits grip my iron-hard little brother's girth, squeezing it ever so gently, enough for me to feel the warmth of her palm against my skin.
We continue to silently gaze at each other's faces, and Nero maintains that innocent yet seductive smile.
She doesn't stroke me, nor does she tease me in any other way; she simply holds my bulging need the entire time, barely squeezing it, making me twitch from the teasing sensation and thirst to go further.
The world beyond this bath starts to fade as our bond tells us everything we need to know.
The air thickens, not with heat but with the unspoken desire, her expression gentle, daring yet tender, and my pulse matches the rhythm of the water.
Suddenly, Nero's fingers move, clenching and relaxing, gently milking my distended little brother; her palm doesn't stroke it up and down, but my little brother still twitches from the kneading down there.
Then Nero reduces the gap between us even more, her body basically touching mine before boldly kissing me.
It was a short but deep kiss, exchanging the flavors as our tongues explored each other's mouths for a brief moment before Nero leaves my lips and mumbles, "Something like that."
I smile and, letting go of all my restraints, I reply, "I liked that…" Then, while moving my hand to comb through her golden hair, I add, "But it is not enough…"
I start the kiss this time, extending my tongue to caress her pearly whites, gently pulling her head in closer and holding her body steady.
My other hand cups her slim waist, massaging up and down her curving flank as her lips accept my hot flesh and her own mouth explores my taste, exchanging silk with heated desire.
Drunk in passion, we sloppily kiss, smearing drool on each other's lips, jaw, and neck, letting it roll down her tender skin.
We touch each other all over as if looking for that wild and reckless sweet spot.
Then I get up, pulling her up too, and pin Nero against the wall of the bath, letting the splash around with no care.
Kissing her neck while she keeps her arms around my neck and moans with drunken craving, wanting to do more, taste more, take more.
I place my hands on her lower back, pulling her body closer to my bulging need as my hand slides down her sultry curve, grabbing a hold of her hot flesh in each palm.
I can clearly feel her tremble in delight, her body quivering from my rough touch, and I like it.
Her own hand glides down my back, tracing the defined lines of my firm muscles, while her other hand starts to softly tug my little brother.
I can clearly feel the excitement building up in my loins, eagerly pointing me towards the oasis. At the same time, I grope her soft ass with one hand and knead her ample breasts with the other.
Suddenly, Nero breaks away from our kiss, panting each word out of her flushed lips, "We should get out of here…"
I happily agree, "We should," and oblige by taking her wrist, pulling her out of the bath, and towards the door leading back to our Private Room.
As we enter the Private Room, I quickly turn her body, resting her back on the cold wall right next to the door, lift her up, capturing her supple rear in both hands, and continue to kiss her.
Nero wildly runs her fingers through my hair, pulling me in, hungry to taste my flesh. Her legs lock around my waist as her taut hills press hard against my chest.
After losing ourselves in the fire of our lust for a little bit longer, I walk across the room with Nero in my arms, carrying her like a backpack on my chest.
She keeps licking and kissing my neck while I struggle not to take her right there on the floor of our Private Room.
I can feel her wiggle her hips, grinding on my straining erection, causing me to pause my steps at times, 'Never such a short distance felt so long in my life...'
Reaching the royal bed, I gently leaned in, trying to place Nero down with care; However, before I could back away for a moment, Nero didn't let go and pulled me in, forcing me to lie on top of her as her legs parted, finding myself staring into Nero's begging lime green eyes.
I know what she wants, and I am happy to fulfill it. I start to ground my rock-hard erection between her legs while my hand slowly hovers over her body, looking for those soft, marshmallow-like hills.
My fingers kept traveling up her smooth belly, making Nero lightly squirm, and I eventually found what I was looking for. Pink-tipped and beautifully formed, I can feel my little brother twitch at the simple sight.
"Umph… My Praetor…" Nero moans as she feels my hand kneading her lustrous breasts and my finger pinching her hard nipple.
Taking in her blushing face, I can't help but mutter, "You're so… gorgeous." Her eyes are closed, but her parted, panting lips reveal so much more.
"Oh~..." she yelps a little, as I pinch her hard nipple a little harder.
I can't hold back anymore and quickly take one of her pink buds into my mouth, nibbling and suckling on the sweet button while my hand keeps molding her bosom, kneading and massaging her thoroughly as if I was thirsting for milk.
Meanwhile, Nero giggled at the sight while running her nails down my sculpted chest and abs.
I go back to kiss her glossy lips while my hands crawl up her leg, relishing the feeling of her smooth alabaster skin on my palm, dipping and curving in all the right places.
I can feel her shivering goosebumps as my hand comes closer and closer to her sweltering core, salivating for me.
My hand shifts, and my fingers gently trace the slit of her pandora box, caressing the thumb on her swollen kernel, feeling the dampness spreading from it while she moans, pleading for more, "Oh ooh~…"
Her body squirms, arching her pulsating core towards my palm as I enjoy the way she moves her plump ass, knowing perfectly well she is hungry for my rigid little brother thanks to our bond. So, I gently push a finger inside the moistness between her legs.
She clenches around my digit, coating it in the wet strands of her molten need as it thrusts in and out of her. Then I add another finger, causing her lower lip to stretch around my fingers while making her body arch up in pleasure and her moan even louder, "Oh~! My Praetor..!"
Thanks to our bond, I know that she noticed my gaze at her wet, throbbing core, and that she is feeling even more thrilled and aroused by the way I enjoy seeing her squirm.
But all she can really focus on is the way my fingers wiggle inside, brushing against her wet walls.
My other hand slides on top of her sweaty, honey soft hills, clutching and kneading, wanting to make her writhe.
Nero whimpers, grabbing my hair as I lean back down to lick and suck on her hardened nipples while my digits stretch her wide as my palm pivots on her pelvis, making her wither in torment, arching to meet my hand.
The squelching, dirty sounds of her soaking wet pandora box mix with her loud cries, exciting me to no end.
"Ahhh~! Ahhh~! Yesss~!!"
Her hips jolt up, her muscles tense, and with a loud cry, she feels that flaming, ruinous reaction in her pandora box while her nectar bursts through the dam, coating my hand.
I finally pause while my fingers come out with a lewd, squelching noise, with strings of her love juices rolling down.
Then, looking at her sweaty face, her dripping wet core, and her twitching legs, I feel incredibly satisfied and aroused while thinking, 'Time for the main course.'
I move between her legs and prepare to move toward the main act; However, before I can lean back down to take in Nero's delicious body, she gets up and pushes me down on the other side of the bed, making me lie down relaxedly while giggling, "Umu! Now, it is my turn…"
She then extends her leg, straddling me, and lowers herself on my lap, carefully aiming my throbbing little brother with both of her hands.
Nero goes lower and lower, biting her lip as she lets out a sultry moan. She places her knees down on the soft bedding as my little brother spears through her blushing petals.
"Ahh... My Praetor…. You're... so... Big," Her tone trembles as her private satin flesh stretches to accommodate my size, while I drown in bliss as she starts wiggling her hips.
She kisses and licks my neck and Adam's apple, causing the burn in my abdomen to take over my mind, and all I can do is throw my head back and enjoy it.
I grunt in ecstasy, the tightness of her pandora box engulfing me, my hand clenches on her thigh, feeling the soft skin and creamy flesh under my fingers.
Then, my hand slides back to her fleshy bottom, grabbing it with force as I lean down to welcome her pink-tipped nipple into my mouth once more, making her cry out as I nibble on her breast, "Ahhhh~!"
I capture her pink buds between my teeth, pulling on them as her body moves up and down, fucking herself on my little brother.
Nero let herself go in reckless delight, letting her golden hair unwind and bounce around wildly.
My arm slides even further back, savoring the smoothness of her skin and reaching her back hole before my middle finger circles the entrance of her puckered hole, teasing the sensitive spot with the tip of my digit.
She keeps pivoting on her knees, letting my little brother strike her wet walls with its swollen head. I stretch her portal, pressing all the right places as her walls knead the hardness of my rigid shaft with its throbs, making Nero lose herself while crying out, "Oooh ohh… Praetor.. Yess… I'm coming~… Ah~!"
Her body shudders as her muscles tighten up, losing herself to ecstasy. Her moist walls clench down harder on my little brother. With a great shuddering, spasms of bliss take over, releasing the flood in her body, drowning my orichalcum-hard little brother with her sticky honey.
Before she can even recover from her previous peak, I hold her steady from her hips and start driving her up and down with a fury, making Nero yelp and cryout in bliss as I drill inside of her. The jolting motion threw her into cloud nine once more.
I thrust into her and hold onto her small waist, making Nerp start bucking her hips and grind on my thrusting hardness while I strike her deepest walls.
She moans at how deeply I am reaching into her cave of wonders, and her breasts freely heave about.
Nero then placed her hands on my shoulders to balance herself while thrusting her pandora box down onto my stirring manhood. She wants me deeper, harder, as strong as I can take her.
I also rage my orichalcum-hard length into her fiery furnace and draw her moans as her ass smacks against my lap.
I speared myself into Nero and squeezed her breasts together, feeling her pandora box growing tighter around my little brother as it throbbed with that last bit of delightful struggle.
Our eyes never left each other, a challenging gaze that made me even wilder.
Finally, my muscles tense up, sending that last powerful thrust deep within her to kiss the entrance to her womb while Nero's toes curled up in bliss, her nails almost digging into my bare shoulders.
We both shatter at the same time, climaxing together, riding the wonderful waves of pleasure.
"Ummm… Oh, Praetor~!"
She continues to ride me, shuddering on my little brother with her convulsions oozing out the heat of her climax, and feeling the fullness of my creamy batter inside makes her almost go limp, her eyes rolling in utter bliss.
It feels like an eternity to come down from that high, her body now just fallen over my chest, hugging him skin to skin before Nero whispers in my ear, "That was amazing~..."
Suddenly, I loudly spank her ass with both palms, fondling her bubble-like pale butt before grinning and saying, "Oh, I'm just getting started, Nero Claudius."
Without pulling out of her scorching, squelching pandora box, I pull her down to lay her on the bed as I stay on top of her.
Then, I kiss her neck over and over as I ground my still erect shaft in her soaking depths while saying, "I can do this all night…"
Like that, I continue to spend the rest of the night with Nero, briefly forgetting about everything.
Then there is no system hum, no distant alarms, no Holy Grail War. Just warmth and the faint scent of roses. For once, the war feels far away.