For a second, Ainz froze.
"Chevalier?" - the mage blinked several times, trying to understand what was said - "What does he want?"
The words "Chevalier had information about the Witch" were clear to Ainz. Though he did not understand the motivation for Saber's act.
"Hassan?" The mage reached for Assassin. "Have you contacted him?"
"No" - a negative answer came from the Servant - "I found Saber, who was in the open in the middle of the road, after which I gave him the opportunity to feel my presence - and he announced that he would like to give us some information, if he could meet with my Master. After that, I transfered the information immediately to you, Lord Mage. "
"Good," Ainz nodded. "In that case, retreat from Saber's position at least for a kilometer - after which I will move to you along with the rest of the Servants."
"Of course," Hassan nodded, and then disconnected from Ainz, leaving the mage alone with his thoughts.
Could Saber's proposal be a trap?
"No," Ainz shook his head. "Could it not be a trap?"
Ainz could not answer this. His whole mind, all his experience shouted to him that this was a trap - but a trap for what? Maybe Saber planned to attack them? No, that would be stupid in the current situation - after Ainz and his Servants demonstrated that they were able to fight the Witch on an equal ground he would need all the firepower the Witch possessed in order to have at least some chance.
Maybe he was planning then not to a battle, but usage of some particularly strong ability? During the days of Yggdrasil, many players - even Ainz Ooal Gown itself used similar tactics, luring opponents into the open and then launching several powerful attacks over the area to destroy the enemy in one blow. Yes, this was the most logical behavior for Saber - perhaps, seeing the strength of the Servants and Ainz, he decided to play the bait in order to lure them - and kill them with a single blow. In this case, two questions remained - regarding the Servants used in ambush and Chevalier himself. The first one was particularly difficult - in the time of Yggdrasil, there were many builds and mobs specializing in attacking from far distances, so an attack even from a distance of ten kilometers was possible - while some really special abilities or equipment, such as Ahura Mazda, were capable of causing its effect throughout the game, so there was no obstacle for them... In this case, there was a question about Chevalier himself. Was he protected from attack - or did the Witch decide to sacrifice one of her Servants in order to destroy Ainz? This question bothered Ainz, because depending on the answer to it, he needed to choose the most correct strategy.
Turning to Bathory, Kiyohime and Archer, Ainz used the teleportation spell, and then instantly appeared next to Hassan. Assassin, noticing the appearance of new faces next to him, only nodded to Ainz - "Lord Mage."
"Hassan," Ainz also nodded in response, after which he turned his gaze to the horizon, where in the distance there was an obscure cloudy spot that was Chevalier, "Are there any other Servants around?"
"No, Lord Mage." Hassan only shook it negatively, causing Ainz to frown.
'So they are hiding...' - the magician nodded to this thought - "In that case..."
"Summon Undead: First" - according to the formula of the spell, the mana of the mage instantly began to take shape. This form was not even ten percent as impressive as in the battle with Dracula - instead of the grave cold, only Archer, who was the most sensitive to magic, felt a light cool breeze, after which a small black haze began to take on the shape of a human body. Although this feeling was here only for a second - a moment later, black puffs of smoke formed a skeleton. An ordinary human skeleton, which immediately took an awkward step forward.
"Necromancy..." an instant voice was heard over his ear and Ainz turned to see Bathory's face twisted in a grimace of contempt and disgust. Her fellow traveler, Kiyohime, although turned out to be much more tactful and only covered her face with a fan, also, it seems, did not approve of the actions of the magician.
'Definitely, Necromancers are not liked in this world either,' Ainz sighed. This was not a surprise to him - necromancers were also pretty much hated in Yggdrasil, since almost all necromancers had negative karma, which is why they were a priority goal for PK, second only to players who chose a heteromorphic race. In addition, a player with negative karma could not be taken into a team by players with positive karma, of which the majority were in the game, since the NPC's and the guards reacted negatively to them, refusing to give quests or even attacking them straight away, because of that the necromancers were not respected throughout the game, so that he was nevertheless ready for such an attitude - although it seemed strange to him - 'Necromancers are extremely useful - is it really just because they are working with the dead? Why then a completely different attitude towards clerics or doctors - they also often deal with the dead... I completely do not understand.'
Of course, this was not the case at all, but the fact that in the new world necromancy was strongly associated with numerous victims and dark rituals. In addition, the need for deaths and corpses to experiment for necromancers often forced them to act in extremely dirty ways, up to unleashing wars - because of which prejudice against the necromancers was more than justified - however, Ainz himself, of course, did not know about it.
"Undeath Slave Sight," Ainz used the following ability, after which he felt a new picture from the eyes of the created skeleton began to appear just in front of him.
"Hm, then I'm going to meet Chevalier in this guise," the skeleton said unexpectedly, causing the other Servants to flinch and look at the bones of the human.
"Of course, Lord Mage," was the only answer from Hassan, to which Ainz in the body of a skeleton only nodded and, turning around, moved to meet Chevalier.
Chevalier met the approach of the unknown skeleton calmly, waiting until the undead would came to the distance of the conversation.
"So, there really are undead among yours too," Saber smiled, throwing a comment somewhere to the side, after which he looked calmly at the mage in the body of the skeleton. "Are you a messenger?"
"No," Ainz answered through the skeleton's body, "I'm listening to what you wanted to say, Chevalier d'Eon"
"Are you afraid of traps?" - Saber smiled, - "Of course, this is the most logical move that I could expect from you. My respect for your caution."
To this Chevalier took off his hat and waved it in appreciation, to which Ainz did not react in any way, continuing to remain in the body of the skeleton.
"Well, then, in that case, I believe that I should make my proposal," Chevalier sighed, "I have some information regarding the Witch — as well as some information that will be personally useful to you."
"I'm listening." Ainz just stared at Saber even more attentively, but he only shook his head.
"No, not so fast," Chevalier shook his head and put forward a finger, "First, I need guarantees."
"Guarantees?" - Ainz thoughtfully looked at Saber, - "For what?"
"My safety, of course!" - Chevalier looked at Ainz uncomprehendingly, as if he was saying some kind of stupidity, - "I need guarantees that after I give you current information I can leave independently from the results of our agreement and you will not follow me, just in case or to kill the lonely Servant."
"I would not do such a stupid thing anyway," Ainz sighed. "There is too much chance of falling into a trap."
"Oh," Chevalier was surprised, then smiled, "My respect for your forethought and honesty. In this case - I demand one more guarantee. If I give you two different data, wouldn't it be logical to receive two reciprocal courtesies?"
"I'm ready to listen to what you want to say," Ainz nodded in the skeleton's body, but nevertheless refused an unequivocal agreement with Saber's proposal, making him smile.
"I don't want to die," Saber simply said, "I've seen you in a battle, and from the results of the clash, I understand that you can defeat Jeanne — or the Witch, as she is called among her foes. When she dies, her Servants will follow her. I do not want such a fate - therefore I propose a contract. When the Witch dies, you will make me your Servant, after which you will take me with you."
"Reasonable," Ainz nodded. Fear of death has always been a very powerful motivator for people, so something that Chevalier said was completely logical and reasonable - "However, it will depend on your actions. If you die during the battle or while fighting my Servants..."
"In that case, the fault is entirely on me, I understand that," Saber nodded. "In that case, I suppose this deal was made?"
"Perhaps," Ainz nodded at this, after which he looked at Saber, "And now I need information."
"Of course," Saber nodded in response, "Regarding information about the Witch... The fact is that, as you may have noticed, my Milady is quite a vengeful and impulsive mistress, so it will not be a surprise for you to find out that she often collects prisoners whom she later tortures and throws into cells in her cities, leaving them to die for her fun after."
"Yes, I know about that," Ainz nodded in response, remembering John.
"In this case, I must say that she periodically visits Vichy," Chevalier sighed, "However, Vichy is still a city that has not been destroyed or plundered. Perhaps this is the only city other than Orleans, where Milady maintains at least some semblance of order."
"Hm," Ainz nodded, but Chevalier hadn't finished speaking.
"The fact is that Vichy contains Etienne de Vignolles, a former associate of Jeanne," Chevalier sighed, "And perhaps the only person - besides, of course, you — whom Jeanne is afraid of. By the decision of Deputy of Jeanne, instead of executing him, she decided to entice him to her side - but Etienne refused this up to this point. Once she tried to do this with John of Alencon - however, his refusals forced her to send him to death. With Etienne, the situation is similar: the only difference is that Milady's patience has not ended for now - however, this moment is not as far as one may think. Most likely, in the next meeting or two, Milady's patience will end - and she will order Etienne to be executed in public. However, such a person will be extremely useful to you - and to me. If you can free Etienne and publicly defeat Milady and her Servants - or at least make them retreat - you will be able to raise a revolt in Vichy and attract significant forces under your banner."
"Thank you," Ainz nodded. This information required reflection, but it was definitely useful in order to sow doubts in the ranks of the Witch... In those ranks that were still alive, of course. Perhaps, in this case, he would be able to call a certain number of people to battle with the Witch, to which the army would become not only a distraction, but also a force that could at least deal with the many wyverns and the undead in the service of the Witch.
"Good," Chevalier finally sighed. "But it's not so simple. The fact is that there are several Servants in Vichy who, in the case of an open attack on Vichy, will simply kill Etienne."
"Then it needs to be pulled off covertly..." Ainz sighed. "I understand."
"It is good that you understand this," Chevalier sighed. "However, there is little time left for this. After the unsuccessful fight with you, Milady planned to visit Etienne tomorrow - and, considering that she would be quite angered after losing - Etienne's resistance would be perceived by her extremely poorly..."
"In other words, you say that it is necessary to rescue Etienne today?" - Ainz looked at Saber.
"This is a possible option, but it will be best to rescue him tomorrow," Chevalier shook his head, "The fact is that if you manage to rescue Etienne - even if you fight the Servants of Milady - this can be perceived quite ambiguously. However, if you manage to take the Dragon Witch herself out..."
"Hm, I understand what you're talking about," Ainz looked at Saber, "Are you offering your powers to fight her?"
"No," Chevalier shook his head, "To battle with her will be the end for me — using her Command Spells, she will simply make me commit suicide — which is the last thing I want to happen. I am ready to help with infiltration, but I will not fight with Milady, at least, until the very last moment."
"I understand," Ainz nodded, after which he remembered, "What about the second information?"
"Ah, that ..." Chevalier sighed. "You need a dragon fighter."
At that moment Ains froze for a second.
"And her dragon is flying here now," Chevalier sighed. "My goal was to find you and hold you up until the attack — which I successfully managed."
At that moment, the skeleton looked at Chevalier, to which he shook his head - "Not so fast - you promised me the opportunity to calmly leave this conversation - and since you are not me - I trust your promise. I will contact you a little later regarding Vichy."
With these words, Chevalier made the final bow, after which he turned and headed away. The skeleton, having existed for another second with Ainz's mind inside, then crumbled to dust.
"A dragon is moving toward us," Ainz announced this news before Archer could express it, "A real dragon."
All the Servants present instantly understood the seriousness of Ainz's words.
Dragons have always been the strongest - and this was true not only for Yggdrasil; in the world where Ainz was now, dragons were also the strongest, most dangerous and powerful of the opponents - the battle with Saint Martha served as evidence of this. Even having called only the shadow in the form of her own Noble Phantasm, she was not only able to confront, but practically win the battle with two Servants, Archer and Hassan, who also used their trump cards - and even after her defeat using tactics designed to eliminate Martha, if the intervention of Marie Antoinette had not occurred, she could have defeated both of them even after her death. In other words, the appearance of a real dragon in full force meant danger - even in the current battle,even if there are seven Servants and Ainz present on their side - none of them was going to underestimate the danger that the enemy represented. At least almost no one.
"Fine!" There was an exclamation from Bathory, who only took a step forward, waving her tail in anticipation," A battle between two dragons — what could be better?!"
"I would not want to fight in this battle, so the battle of two dragons is postponed," Kiyohime just threw a phrase, and then turned to Ainz, "Although what happens next is completely up to you."
"We must fight now," - even before Marie Antoinette appeared in the field of vision of the mage, he could hear her voice full of righteous indignation - Mashu and Mozart walking behind her only looked helplessly at the girl, burning with great fury - "If we don't destroy the threat now - it will turn towards the army - or even worse, innocent people!"
Ainz could not help but acknowledge the truthfulness of the girl's words, but it could not be said that he was too concerned about such a development - on the contrary, it would be even better if the dragon were confronted with some other soldiers, since Ainz could then assess the dragon's power and abilities.
Though, with any other opponent, he would certainly follow the lead of Marie Antoinette and face it in battle - even if the opponents were Servants... Even five Servants - he could fight them. But if a dragon was his opponent, he still considered it necessary to prioritize his safety and the information gathered.
However, Ainz himself did not have time to speak out before his thoughts were voiced out by a somewhat unexpected ally in this situation.
"Although I rarely disagree with the decisions of my queen - unfortunately, this is such an occasion," was what Mozart said, before turning to Marie Antoinette, "Mari, in the current circumstances, to battle with a dragon is complete madness, especially given the reinforcement from other Servants and the Witch herself. The goal of the Witch is us - or rather, our allies, so that the Witch will continue to pursue in the event of our retreat - she will not attack the army, since she considers it unworthy of her attention - otherwise she would attack the army long before. She will continue to hunt us."
"But what about the city!" - after these words, Ainz looked at the distant houses, barely distinguishable from a distance. When he asked Marie Antoinette to help with teleportation he did not teleport to the very walls of the city, but only moved to a distance from which he could see Thiers, so he could only make out distant silhouettes of the city. It was impossible even to Archer to distinguish between hanging banners and people from such a distance, so they could not say how the city looked in detail - however at the same time, the absence of rising smoke and destroyed stone buildings spoke in favor of the fact that the city was either taken long ago by the Witch herself or, which was unlikely but still possible - is still free, so theoretically the Witch could afflict her grudge on it. However, once again, Ainz's thoughts were articulated by a somewhat unexpected ally.
"To battle under such conditions is suicide," Archer said, stepping forward, drawing the attention of all those present, "Even three Servants against one dragon do not guarantee us victory - not to mention the Witch herself and her Servants. The most logical action to take in this case is a retreat."
"But there are people!" - Marie turned to Archer, completely ignoring Ainz, - "People that we... that I have to protect! How can we leave them simply because we could die?!"
"Enough!" - Arthuria's voice thundered like lightning, silencing those who spoke, while making Ainz and Mashu that were already silent - even more silent. Marie, having heard the exclamation, only turned to Arthuria - but instead of sympathy or understanding she saw something completely alien to her eyes. Contempt, - "A true King must understand when he is obliged to accept the battle, and when he must retreat in order to fight another day. One who does not understand this simple truth is not able to be a King... Or a Queen."
"But..." Marie Antoinette began almost pitifully, and Mashu tried to support her words, but Arthuria's cold gaze silenced both of them, turning the timid speech of support from Shielder into a silent hitch.
"A true King sacrifices a lot in order to achieve his goal," Arthuria's gaze was cold and hard, forcing even Ainz, who haven't said anything and even supported her idea, to shrink, not to mention Marie Antoinette, "He who is not capable to realize this is not worthy to be the King of his people."
After that, Marie Antoinette as if wilted, only nodded slowly, allowing others to decide their fate. Ainz, of course, sympathized with the girl - she reminded him of Bukubukuchagama somehow. A defender and protector of the weak, she was ready to come to the rescue of any of Ainz Ooal Gown - however, she understood when a battle was impossible to win and did not try to fight in an unwinnable war. Therefore, Ainz, while sympathizing with Marie Antoinette, nevertheless used the teleportation spell.
"This is definitely a trap," was Archer's verdict when he heard from Ainz about Chevalier's proposal. Ainz himself also agreed to this, confirming the Servants' conjectures.
"It is most likely that this is a trap," the mage managed to think it over. Secret covert operation in the enemy's den by a trusted Witch champion, who declared himself a traitor? It definitely looked like a trap - it could have been more suspicious only if Chevalier himself had suggested an operation in the fortress under the guise of prisoners - "However, the information he provided are nevertheless crucial. If Etienne is really kept in Vichy, then we cannot simply ignore it - he will be extremely useful for the French army."
"It is true," Archer could not disagree, "However, what is the point of reinforcing the army? Yes, they can distract the Witch's troops, opening the way for us inside Orleans - however,, the current number of soldiers is enough for this purpose. The return of morale to the soldiers could be justified if they are able to fight the Servants, but - even if the army tripled, even if we raise a riot - this would not allow the troops to fight them on equal terms."
Ainz fell silent on this, but instead, Hassan intervened in the conversation.
"Perhaps this is so," Assassin said calmly, "But in this case, the morale of the soldiers is not as important as the unrest that they would cause . Even if the army itself is not able to fight the Servants - the Witch has already shown that she does not only wants to destroy, but also capture cities - which means that she will have to suppress the rebellions. And for this, she will use not only dragons and undead - she will have to send her trusted lieutenants - her Servants. As the Witch herself has already shown, she cannot use teleportation, which means that the Servants sent to these cities will not be able to return in time for the battle in Orleans. Even one Servant who is absent during the assault of the fortress will be of great help, which cannot be ignored."
"Don't you consider this a trap?" - Archer looked at Hassan carefully, to which he only shook his head.
"No, it's definitely a trap," Hassan sighed, "I give it a ninety percent chance of it - but at the same time, if it's not a trap, then we cannot ignore such an opportunity. Moreover, even if it is a trap, then the victory over the ambush will have a certain effect on the Vichy population too."
"I don't think Chevalier will agree to a dozen Servants going undercover," Archer shook his head. "If the ambush forces are too large, then those sent to this mission will die."
"Yes," Hassan easily agreed with this statement, "Therefore, I believe that we should sacrifice those Servants whose loss is not critical."
"And who do you want to sacrifice?" - Archer looked at Hassan coldly.
"Me," Assassin immediately answered.
After listening to the dialogue, the Servants and Ainz fell silent after such a calm, prudent decision.
"I'm most suited to missions of this type," Hassan nodded to his words, "And my fighting abilities are minimal at the moment. I have no other Noble Phantasm, besides what the Witch knows already, and I am not suitable for open battles with the remaining opponents - my loss is most insignificant in the current conditions."
"Hm," Archer couldn't argue with that logic, and was silent for a second, "Then Serenity..."
Ainz wanted to confirm this, but instead, Hassan only abruptly interrupted the Servant's reasoning - "Serenity is absolutely necessary for the future plan."
"Hmm?" - Archer glanced at Hassan, - "And why?"
To this Assassin only looked at Ainz, who felt a surge of panic.
'Don't tell me that I should tell you about the real reason why I left her in the camp!' - the magician felt a drop of sweat run off his forehead, but for him the miracle happened and Hassan only calmly turned calmly to Archer.
"It is necessary for the plan of the Lord Mage," after which the views of all the Servants crossed at Ainz, "If he did not consider it necessary to share this plan with you, he definitely had reasons for this."
Ainz nearly shrugged when Archer's cold gaze stopped at him for a few seconds before he nodded. "Well, let it be."
'I am saved!' - Ainz's second of contentment was instantly stopped by the Suppression of Emotions, but he still retained a deep sense of satisfaction in his soul.
"In any case," Archer nevertheless tried to argue, even feeling a reasonableness from the words of an Assassin, "Even so, as you said, your abilities are not suitable for the battle with the Servants of the Witch. You cannot defeat them all alone."
"Yes," Hassan nodded, acknowledging the truthfulness of Archer's words and fell silent, forcing the entire impromptu discussion to plunge into silence.
To help Hassan, other Servants were needed - those possessing a certain power, a certain skill in secrecy and capable of sacrificing themselves in the event of a battle - and therefore not being Ainz.
"I can go," Ainz turned his attention to Bathory, about whom he had forgotten a little, and then looked at her impressive horns that protruded above her head.
"It's almost painful how stupid you are," Kiyohime muttered quietly into her open fan, after which, at the moment when Lancer turned to her with an indignant face, ready to express everything that she thought about her friend, smacked a folded fan in her face, - "You have huge horns and a half-meter tail. Are you sure you're suitable for stealth missions?"
Bathory became silent about this, either from outrage for such a contemptuous attitude towards herself, or from embarrassment for the proposed idea.
"Good," said Archer, "In that case..."
"I'll go," Ainz's gaze shot to the side to find Marie Antoinette there.
"What?" - it seemed that even Mozart was dumbfounded by such a decision, but he nevertheless tried to gently convince her, - "Mari, maybe..."
"No," she said clearly, and Ainz could see a firm determination in her eyes, "I will go."
"If I could not fight the dragon — I must try to do at least something for my people," after that Marie turned around, looking around at everyone present. "My fighting abilities are not the best, but at the same time I possess a strong Noble Phantasm capable of defeating the ambush. It's also easy to disguise me and my voice is suitable for covert operations as it can charm other people. I am perfect for this job."
Archer looked at the girl and was forced to nod slowly. "Well, maybe..."
"In that case, I'm afraid that I also have to go," said Mozart as follows, "If this is the will of my queen."
"Amadeus, you shouldn't ..." Rider tried to say something, but was instantly stopped by the Caster's finger on her lips.
"I have also made my decision," Mozart smiled, after which he looked at Archer and then, as if the commander in this situation was Ainz, at the necromancer, "My strength is insignificant, but it will be useful in any battle as a support — besides, to me it is also will not be difficult to masquerade as someone else."
"Good," Archer said next and sighed. "In that case, I suppose I myself is also the most suitable for this mission. So four in total."
Turning his eyes to Ainz, which made the mage to remember that he was actually the commander of the operation, Archer nodded. "In that case... Master?"
Ainz hesitated for a second, but, having determined that Archer definitely understood his job and probably even chose the most suitable candidates needed for the infiltration, nodded.
Jeanne continued to look at her standard as if she had seen it for the first time in her life, again for the last few days. No, of course, she was familiar with the drawings, shapes, every scuff and scratch on her own weapons, but at the same time it seemed to her as if she had never seen her spear. It seemed as if she had never held it in her hands, inspiring the people of France to greatness - and yet it also seemed as if she had always done so. Such was the life of the Servant - especially of a Servant who had lost his strength and memories. And at the same time, if she had simply been called as a Servant, even if incomplete, she would probably not have pondered these questions.
"I have received information from the Master," Cu Chulainn appeared suddenly, peering inside the tent, where Jeanne was currently looking at her banner, forcing her to pay attention to him, "Apparently, some big operation is planned, after which we should expect the Witch's attack."
"Good," Jeanne tried to nod confidently, but judging by the fact that Cu Chulainn only looked at her sadly and disappeared, she didn't get it as convincing as the girl herself would have liked.
Jeanne continued to watch for several seconds after the disappeared Cu Chulainn, after which she turned her gaze to her standard.
Too weak.
This was not belittling her abilities or an act of self-flagellation. That was a fact.
She was too weak.
Of course, she was called up incorrectly, completely not in the quality in which she had to fight - but this remained a fact.
Jeanne was a Saint. At least everyone around her always called her it. Saint of Orleans, Holy Maiden, Savior of France. The symbol of victory.
Is that all?
She was only a symbol - and that was all she was?
Jeanne had to fight the Witch. Fight against her, as befits a protector of people. To defeat evil, as the Holy One should.
But she was too weak.
Even now, while the Witch was doing her atrocities under her guise, Jeanne sat in a camp. She did not wait for a moment to strike - even in an attack on the army she was... Not useless - but still not strong enough. All that was necessary from her was to appear when the forces of the Witch arrive at the camp, and then allow the other Servants to fulfill their mission and defeat the monsters of the Witch, stealing their glory for herself.
Even now, the mission to attack the Witch fell on the shoulders of her ally, Ainz, who had provided her with all his strength, a plan, and even a meeting with her old friend. Her entire mission depended on Ainz. Her entire mission was carried out by Ainz. In that case...
Was this still her mission?
During her life, Jeanne did not consider herself a Saint, she always called herself a servant of God, a simple girl that once heard the words of the Lord. But being called as a Servant, she called herself a Saint. She considered herself a Saint, as if it were natural. As if she really were a Saint. The Saint whom people called her.
Such was the life of a Servant. Jeanne could consider herself all the same Jeanne, which she was during her lifetime - but she was not. She was not Jeanne - a girl from Domremy, the one that played with the village boys, swinging sticks like a swords and calling herself a knight. She was the one whom the people of France saw in Jeanne d'Arc — Saint, savior, hero.
Who, then, was the Dragon Witch?
Jeanne considered herself a Saint - a sinless maiden, the savior of France. She was the image of whom she created. A Saint in whom there was not a drop of evil, not a drop of darkness or hatred. The perfect Saint.
But was there really no darkness in her?
She fought in the war. She saw blood, death, pain - burnt villages and hanged peasants. She saw what she didn't want to see. But did she see everything?
War is terrible - violence, hunger, pestilence, betrayal, death - too many things accompany war to ignore them. But it seemed to her that she... was not involved in this.
She was a Saint after all. The symbol of France and the savior of Orleans. Noble Saint. After all, she did not want blood. She did not want death. She did not want robberies, looting, despair on the faces of the soldiers who saw her approaching army. She didn't want that. But could not prevent it. For France, she was a heroine, but for England she was a nightmare.
A great army full of loyal warriors - excellent commanders who understand the intricacies of war - and an imminent victory, which meant the death of soldiers - colleagues, friends, fathers and sons.
Was the Witch what Jeanne, the Saint could not see - but ordinary soldiers did? Fighting in a distant war, carrying out the orders of their king, for his ambitions and dubious cause? Have they seen her like that - a Dragon Witch? A terrible monster, as if it had come out of their nightmares — a city destroyer, a killer of people leading an army of horrors, led by crazy champions dedicated to her alone?
And even if they saw it - did Jeanne herself see it? She always considered herself a simple girl - but could she just not notice the bloody trail stretching behind her? Could she just consider herself standing above these horrors? Could she just lay the blame for everything on the shoulders of her soldiers, of her comrades-in-arms, of her friends? Could she really consider herself to be one who is not concerned with the death of the english people - could she considers herself a Saint?
Noble Saint, in which there is no place for vice, horror, anger, pride, cowardice?
And did she continue to consider herself it now?
She was a Saint - but what does it really mean? The Holy Grail considered her a Saint, the Throne of Heroes considered her a Saint, her people considered her a Saint. But what was the truth really?
Jeanne again looked at her so painfully familiar and unfamiliar standard, and closed her eyes.
Physical Resistance: B+ (Case)
Resistance to physical damage is one of the basic parameters for Yggdrasil characters, one of the basics indicating the ability of a player or NPC to withstand damage done without using magic. Theoretically, the existence of characters without resistance to physical damage is, of course, possible - however, in practice, physical resistance is even more necessary than magical one, since no matter how common magic is among players and game mobs, physical attacks has always remained an opportunity available to any character outside of its characteristics, abilities, classes, races and levels.
In the world of Servants, such a skill is also theoretically possible, but unlike magic resistance, it is incredibly rare. Although theoretically most of the Servants have at least some insignificant resistance to physical damage due to their equipment, armor in particular, at the same time, even a fairly small level of such resistance associated with skills or even Phantasm is a rarity, the prerogative of the greatest spirits such as Siegfried or Achilles.