While Mash explained the situation to Fujimaru Ritsuka, Wu Ling stood where he was and released his aura without restraint, just as he had before.
At the same time, he opened his perception to the limit. As expected, he sensed three large sources of magical energy. Of course, large was relative to ordinary Servants. After his earlier comparisons, Wu Ling could tell that magical energy at this level should come from holding two Holy Grails.
"Only three Servants holding two Holy Grails each? That does not feel like Goetia's work."
Doctor Roman looked unreliable, but when he truly worked, he was serious. Since he had spent the past few days in the control room, this unavoidable Singularity Belt should not have appeared by chance. That was why Wu Ling first thought of Goetia when he sensed it.
"But if this is all, it is not even as dangerous as the last Singularity Belt. Or is there some hidden move? Something like Surtr or the Abyssal Worm, where a condition has to be met before the thing behind the scenes can wake up?"
Wu Ling thought for a moment, then decided not to think further. If violence could solve the matter, there was no reason to overuse his brain. At that same moment, he sensed many things approaching them.
Clack, clack, clack, clack.
The sound of colliding parts slowly echoed through the surrounding fog.
Mash immediately raised her shield in front of Fujimaru Ritsuka.
"Senpai, something is coming. Please be careful."
As soon as Mash spoke, several figures resembling female machines walked out of the fog.
"Hostile reactions confirmed. Your orders, Senpai."
After hearing Mash, Fujimaru Ritsuka did not issue a command. Instead, she subconsciously looked at Wu Ling.
Wu Ling had been about to help. But after seeing Fujimaru Ritsuka react that way, he changed his mind.
Her thoughts were easy to understand. Before this, she was like a ship drifting on the sea after its land had been destroyed, always one wave away from capsizing. Wu Ling was like land solid enough to dock at. His overwhelming strength, planning ability, and wide perspective had made her begin to rely on him.
Of course, Fujimaru Ritsuka did not have special feelings for Wu Ling. That reliance was more like a junior's admiration for a senior, similar to how Mash looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka. Stripped of the emotional part, Wu Ling was an extremely useful tool, one strong enough to help her survive.
Because of that, Wu Ling decided not to act this time. He would protect Fujimaru Ritsuka until this matter was resolved, but she also needed to stand on her own.
"Ritsuka, they are only a few automatic dolls. Mash can handle them. You are the Master now. Sometimes you have to make the call yourself."
After saying that, Wu Ling stepped to Fujimaru Ritsuka's rear flank, clearly showing his position.
Fujimaru Ritsuka was not naive. Someone who could become one of Chaldea's forty eight Master candidates while being almost ordinary had to have her own strengths. After hearing Wu Ling, she understood what he meant.
Smack.
Fujimaru Ritsuka slapped her own cheeks to focus herself. Then she gave Mash her order.
"Mash, begin combat!"
Hearing the resolve in Fujimaru Ritsuka's voice, Mash smiled faintly and answered with equal firmness.
"Yes, Senpai!"
About ten minutes later, Mash defeated more than a dozen automatic dolls.
"All hostile reactions have been eliminated, Senpai."
"Good work, Mash."
But before the two could celebrate, heavy thuds came from the fog. A few enormous golems soon entered their sight.
"Stone type golems. Be careful, Senpai!"
Mash lifted her shield and charged forward, but before she could attack, several sharp sounds tore through the air behind her.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Boom, boom, boom.
Several compressed magic bullets struck the golems. The golems hit by them shattered on the spot. Mash hurried back in front of Fujimaru Ritsuka and blocked the flying stone fragments with her shield.
When the explosion ended, Mash and Fujimaru Ritsuka turned around. Wu Ling was still blowing on his index and middle fingers.
"Nothing major. Judging from Mash's current endurance limit, there were too many of those golems. Three is just right."
After his explanation, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash saw that three golems still stood intact ahead.
"Mash, I leave Ritsuka to you. After we return, I will tell you which Servant is inside you."
The moment Mash heard that Wu Ling was willing to tell her the identity of the Heroic Spirit within her, her motivation surged.
"Yes, Mister Wu Ling. I will protect Senpai."
"Good. If you protect her, I can relax. Wait here after the fight. I found a Servant nearby, so I will be back soon."
"Understood. Please be careful."
As soon as he finished speaking, a visible shockwave appeared before them. Wu Ling vanished.
Mash was surprised by his speed, but she reacted immediately and raised her shield toward the remaining three golems.
"Senpai, your orders."
"Right. Go, Mash."
"Acknowledged. Mash Kyrielight, engaging!"
While Mash fought at full intensity, Wu Ling had already followed his perception to an open space.
Giant golems surrounded the area. Aside from stone golems, Wu Ling also saw special golems made of crystal and other materials. In the center of the open ground, several factory-like Magecraft devices were continuously producing more golems.
Wu Ling stepped beside the machinery. Several golems saw him, their eyes lit red, and they swung heavy fists at him.
Less than a second later, all of those golems exploded into rubble.
"Golem crafting this precise leaves only one name in my mind. I remember you are called Avicebron, correct?"
Soft applause echoed through the empty clearing.
"Being remembered by someone as strong as you is an honor. But from the look of it, you are not here as a guest."
"Correct. I want to ask a few questions about this world."
"Then I am afraid I must disappoint you. From the moment I arrived here, I have done nothing but research golems. I truly know very little about this world."
Wu Ling laughed lightly.
"Very little, or you simply do not want to say?"
A ripple spread from Wu Ling's body. The golems slowly approaching from every direction shattered into pieces.
Seeing Wu Ling act like that, Avicebron also grew angry.
"Whether I know nothing or do not wish to speak, what of it? I only wanted to research golems in peace. But now you have forced me."
"Golem Keter Malkuth!"