Miracle Summoner

The first day of the establishment of the Mountain City passed smoothly amidst laughter and joy.

On this day, many of the Mountain People stayed up all night, enjoying themselves to the fullest, only resting when the dawn approached.

However, there were also many who didn't join in the wild celebration, but instead made the wise decision to rest.

These people were the soldiers of the Mountain People.

Artoria [Alter] had already given the order to attack the Round Table Fortress the next day. The ordinary citizens were not an issue for the moment, but all soldiers had to rest and regain their strength to prepare for the expedition. Only the troops left to guard the Mountain City could rotate on watch, but they also couldn't join in the revelry. They were to patrol and stand guard.

The soldiers had no complaints. After all, once the Mountain City had been established, they too had partaken in the celebration with the citizens, enjoying plenty of food and drink. This was enough to satisfy them, and they had no complaints about continuing to work.

After all, to stand against the Holy City, the soldiers could not afford to go hungry. Before this, the citizens had saved up much of their food to ensure the soldiers had enough strength to fight. The soldiers were deeply grateful to the common folk, and now, seeing the citizens filled and celebrating, they were content to silently continue their duties. It was their obligation and, moreover, something they were willing to do.

Thus, although the establishment of the Mountain City brought much excitement and transformation, everything still ran smoothly, without any issues.

The next day, as the citizens who had celebrated went to rest, the soldiers who had rested and regained their energy gathered in the central square.

There were not many soldiers, probably around a thousand.

Currently, the total number of soldiers in the Mountain City was about three thousand, with the rest of the troops scattered across various villages in the Mountain Region. Only a third of the total force from the Mountain City was mobilized.

According to Artoria [Alter], this was more than enough.

"When facing a Servant battle, regular soldiers are practically useless. This time, with your group of familiars joining the fight, we don't need many troops. If things go smoothly, a few hundred will be sufficient."

This was how Artoria [Alter] explained it.

According to her, the operation primarily relied on Rozen's familiars. The soldiers' role was to thoroughly loot the supplies in the fortress and transport them back, as well as to round up any personnel in the fortress and escort them.

The troops within the Mountain City would be commanded by Bedivere, who was also left behind to guard.

Now, everyone gathered in the central square.

Rozen, while yawning, looked at Mash beside him and couldn't help but ask.

"Are you okay, Mash?"

It wasn't hard to understand why Rozen asked this. Upon closer inspection, while Mash stood tall, there was a noticeable weariness in her eyes and her complexion didn't look well.

This was the result of Artoria [Alter] having trained her all night.

"I... I'm fine..." Mash said, a bit stubbornly, but the fatigue in her eyes didn't vanish.

"Alright, give me your hand."

Rozen found it a bit amusing, taking Mash's hand and drawing a rune on her palm.

Immediately, vitality and energy flowed into Mash's body, making her feel warm all over. Her spirit and complexion improved significantly.

"Thank you, Senpai."

Only then did Mash give Rozen a grateful smile.

Rozen didn't think much of it but instead looked up toward the front.

There, Artoria [Alter] was walking over, with Bedivere accompanying her.

"Are you ready?" Artoria [Alter] asked briskly. "If you're ready, let's depart."

Before Rozen and Mash could respond, a communication from Chaldea came through.

"We've planned the most suitable route for you."

Roman's voice echoed.

"Following this route, you should not encounter any enemies, and it will help conserve your energy to some extent."

Da Vinci's voice also followed.

"Unfortunately, the distance is too far, and we cannot scan the Round Table Fortress's situation. Otherwise, we could determine if there are any Servants there and what the enemy's forces are like."

Olga Marie's voice was tense.

"In that case, let's not waste time. Let's depart."

Artoria [Alter] adhered to her straightforward style.

At this moment, Bedivere spoke up.

"May you all return victorious."

Bedivere gave a solemn knight's salute.

"Leave it to us, Sir Bedivere," Mash replied with equal solemnity.

It was evident that Mash still held a good impression of this senior knight from the Round Table.

"Set off!"

Artoria [Alter] immediately issued the order for everyone to depart from the Mountain City and head toward the Round Table Fortress.

Bedivere watched them leave, his figure lingering behind.

For some reason, his figure seemed a bit lonely and desolate.

Mash looked back, and with a hint of regret, spoke.

"I wish Sir Bedivere would form a temporary contract with you, Senpai. If that were the case, Sir Bedivere's power would rise, and the King wouldn't overlook him."

Mash thought that Artoria [Alter] was cold toward Bedivere.

That coldness, which even Rozen and Mash didn't receive, seemed almost like Artoria [Alter] wanted to distance herself from Bedivere, making the loyal knight appear pitiful.

Mash assumed that Artoria [Alter] might be treating Bedivere this way because his strength was relatively weak.

For this reason, Mash had suggested to Bedivere that he form a temporary contract with Rozen, which would have boosted his spirit and possibly made him a top-tier Servant.

However, Bedivere, after showing a bitter expression, had solemnly refused.

He said this himself.

"A knight like me is not qualified to form a contract with a Master."

Mash couldn't understand this approach.

Meanwhile, Rozen, having neither persuaded nor agreed, simply remained silent.

Thus, while Mash had already evolved into a Special A-ranked Servant and Artoria [Alter] had become exceptionally strong, Bedivere remained without a contract.

Rozen smiled, ruffling Mash's head.

"Bedivere has his reasons for doing so. Don't underestimate Artoria [Alter]. Even if she has reversed, she is not someone who judges people based on strength. She has already said that Bedivere is not ready for battle. He is our trump card, and so it must be. So, don't think Artoria [Alter] is cold to Bedivere. She must have her reasons."

Rozen's words made Mash ponder for a moment before nodding.

The two of them then followed the main group, leaving the Mountain City with Artoria [Alter], heading toward their destination: the Round Table Fortress.