The city hidden in the desert bore clear hallmarks of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Surrounding it were numerous Sphinxes... over twenty of these mighty phantasmal beasts, capable of clashing with top-tier dragonkind, existing in plural.
Yet, these Sphinxes couldn't stop Morpheus and his group. They didn't even notice the team as they approached the city.
Or rather, the temple.
Before getting close, Morpheus sensed the power enveloping the city... a barrier, a force wrapping the entire place.
"This must be one of the Singularity's factions, clearly Egyptian in origin," Morpheus said with a smile. "It's protected by a barrier, likely to safeguard the city. The Sphinx we encountered earlier probably belongs to this faction."
"I can feel the power here is immense. By your terms, it carries the aura of the Age of Gods," Medea said, smiling. Her abilities let her see through most of the city's secrets in an instant.
Power on the level of the Age of Gods surprised Ritsuka and the others, but given the presence of Sphinxes, it seemed only natural.
With such formidable magical beasts appearing, the city possessing divine-era power was to be expected.
"This world's Singularity is too severe. We still haven't restored communication with Chaldea. We might need to enter the city to do so," Mash said, her expression calm despite the situation.
"Someone's… coming…" Jack the Ripper whispered, slipping into Ritsuka's shadow like an assassin ready to deliver a fatal strike.
At nearly the same moment, Jeanne Alter gripped her weapon, her face alight with excitement, watching the distance for the enemy's approach.
Unlike Jeanne, Jeanne Alter was quick to thrill, reveling in combat.
Perhaps due to Gilles's influence, this trait was amplified, making her far more belligerent than Jeanne.
So, facing approaching enemies, she was eager to fight.
Mash readied herself, shield raised to protect Ritsuka, prepared to defend her Master.
Ritsuka gripped her sword's hilt, ready to draw Ame no Murakumo and enter combat mode if needed.
Medea appeared unprepared, but Morpheus knew her concealed magical formulas were already active. If she wished, she could instantly erect a small temple and bombard her target.
Though it wasn't yet clear if the newcomers were friend or foe, the group was fully prepared for battle, ready to deliver a devastating surprise if they were enemies.
What appeared were figures in skull masks and cloaks... Assassins. The moment they emerged, an overwhelming force suppressed them, nullifying their stealth.
An impenetrable defense and crushing power weighed on the attackers like a mountain.
Removing one's mask revealed a woman's face, her thick lips hinting at African heritage.
"Hassan of the Hundred Faces?" Morpheus asked softly.
The woman's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "How do you know who I am?"
"Just a guess," Morpheus said with a smile, glancing around. "I didn't know the Old Man of the Mountain had ties to Egypt. So, like the Egyptian faction, you're part of a separate group, right?"
Hassan of the Hundred Faces said nothing, only watching them.
Morpheus noted the group around her, immobilized by his powerful mana. He hadn't killed them; this was just for information.
"Hm, food… You were heading to the city to steal supplies, weren't you? No, not just food... you took a person too," Morpheus said, eyeing the unconscious woman adorned with clear Egyptian royal motifs, sparking his curiosity about her identity.
Clearly, this unconscious woman was a Servant.
Hassan of the Hundred Faces studied the group. They resembled people from the Holy City, but their clothes were different, leaving her unsure of their faction.
Their strength was overwhelming... she was suppressed without resistance, barely able to keep from being pressed into the ground.
As she pondered, the man speaking to her continued, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Morpheus. We're not from this world... or rather, this time. We're from the future. Understand?"
Hassan nodded slightly, finding even that movement difficult.
"Good. This era faces a crisis threatening all human history. We're here to fix it. We're not enemies, right?" Morpheus said, smiling.
He watched her eyes closely for any sign of deceit as he spoke.
But there was none... beyond surprise at their origins, she showed little reaction to his words.
This reassured Morpheus that Hassan, or her faction, likely wasn't hostile. They were probably working to restore history too.
So, her group was likely an ally.
"You're carrying food. Are you short on supplies?" Morpheus asked, his eyes sharp like a merchant seeking profit. "Let's make a deal. Give us information, and we'll provide food."
"Food?" Hassan eyed the young man. "What kind of information?"
"No games. We're from the future and know little about this place. To save humanity, the more we know, the better. Be as detailed as possible."
"Fine, but what food will you give us?"
Morpheus grinned, revealing his Noble Phantasm, Hestia's Urn. The potent magical aura stunned Hassan.
A Noble Phantasm... and a top-tier one!
"It's full of milk, enough to feed your people well. It won't stay fresh long, but it's nourishing for now," Morpheus said, pausing. "Or I could visit your base later and provide more milk."
He added, "We'll let you take some now, as much as you can carry."
Hassan hesitated, then nodded. "Deal."
Food was critical. Without it, they'd face starvation.
Though she couldn't fully trust this man, trading common knowledge for supplies was a good deal.
So, Hassan quickly explained the situation.
After hearing her, Morpheus frowned, exchanging a glance with Ritsuka. The situation was more complex than expected.
"So, Goetia gave the Holy Grail to someone to summon Servants for chaos, but the summoned Servant killed them and took the Grail. That's the Egyptian faction now, led by Ramesses II?" Morpheus said, looking at the unconscious woman with purple hair and wolf-like adornments. He frowned. "She's not another pharaoh, is she?"
Hassan nodded.
"Nitocris?" He guessed.
He didn't need Hassan's reaction to know he was right.
The Sixth Dynasty's queen, the female pharaoh Nitocris, knocked out and carried off by Hassan?
How embarrassing!
Though her reign was only two years, short by pharaoh standards.
"We don't yet know Ramesses II's stance…" Morpheus muttered, rubbing his eyes. Though summoned by Goetia's chosen, Ramesses was now in charge. He seemed open to negotiation, so talking to him was necessary.
The Grail was in his hands.
If he refused to cooperate, a fight could come later.
Then there was another troublesome faction.
"The Holy City... run by the Knights of the Round Table?" This shocked Morpheus more than Ramesses killing his Master.
"The Holy City conducts a 'Holy Selection.' Those chosen live well inside, while the unchosen are killed on the spot?!"
This wasn't something the Artoria Morpheus knew would do. It completely defied her character. Even if the King of Knights sacrificed innocents for victory, she wouldn't act like this.
Morpheus had a feeling the Holy City was strange. This "Lion King" leading the Round Table might not be the Artoria he knew. She could be the true culprit behind this Singularity's severity!
Even with the Grail, they might need to visit the Holy City and deal with the Lion King.
Morpheus smiled politely at Hassan. "Thanks for the intel... it's incredibly helpful. I'll keep my promise and give you enough milk, as much as you can carry."
He added, "I know you don't fully trust me yet, but if we get the chance, I'll visit your base and provide more milk."
Hassan said nothing. As Morpheus withdrew his magic, the suppressing force lifted, and her group began filling containers with milk.
They marveled at the Noble Phantasm's endless flow, envious.
With such a treasure, starvation would never be a concern!
"Oh, about that woman... Nitocris. Can we have her?" Morpheus pointed at the unconscious pharaoh, prompting Hassan's wariness. "Relax, it's a trade. We need a way to connect with Ramesses II, and she's a good reason."
Hassan paused, then asked, "What's a good enough reason to hand her over?"
Morpheus grinned, spreading his hands. "You can't beat us."
A shameless yet undeniably logical reason. Hassan recalled how they were instantly suppressed, unable to move. This group was powerful.
Perhaps only the elder at their base could match them.
Realizing this, Hassan knew keeping Nitocris by force was impossible. Why not gain something?
"We'll release her, but we want compensation. It's a trade, right?"
"If you face danger later, as long as it doesn't interfere with our plan to save human civilization, I'll help you once. How's that?"
The offer sounded good but was useless if Morpheus didn't keep his word.
But Hassan knew she had no choice.
A promise from Morpheus, given their overwhelming strength, was generous. She could even call him a gentleman.
Without hesitation, she nodded, ordering her group to release the bound Nitocris.
She added a warning, "The Lion King wields power rivaling a god. If you're set on saving humanity and opposing her, be careful!"
***
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