To Become a King and a Magician 611-615

Title: Fujimaru Ritsuka Stands at a Crossroad

Time slipped unnoticed into twilight.

Walking with the setting sun behind her, Ritsuka halted before a house.

Turning to gaze at the wooden sign reading “Fujimaru” mounted on the wall, Mash spoke softly: “Is this Senpai’s home? I know Japanese families often display their surnames beside their houses.”

Ritsuka nodded. “Yes… It feels strange. I’ve only been gone two weeks, yet it feels like an eternity since I last came home. I don’t know how Mom and Dad are doing now. At this hour, they must have returned from work and are preparing dinner, waiting for me to come back from school—if I hadn’t gone to Chaldea.”

Staring at the front door, she took a deep breath, patted her cheeks, then raised her hand to press the doorbell beside it.

*Ting-tong!*

The bell chimed.

For some reason, Ritsuka suddenly felt a flicker of nervousness. This was just an ordinary return home—yet somehow, her heart didn’t feel normal. Her pulse raced wildly, as if trying to leap right out of her chest.

Moments after the bell rang, the door opened. A woman with red hair, strikingly similar to Ritsuka, stepped out—and her eyes immediately locked onto Ritsuka’s figure.

“Ritsuka?”

“Yes, I’m home, Mom,” Ritsuka smiled.

“Why did you suddenly come back? Aren’t you working for that international organization called Chaldea?”

Only then did Ritsuka remember: Chaldea had been presented to her parents as an international research organization operating across multiple fields…

Scratching her head, Ritsuka—who had never once considered how to explain things to her parents on the way—felt awkward and resorted to a flimsy excuse: “W-well… it’s just… a regular vacation! Vacation! The Head of Department gave me time off and told me to go home and rest for two days!”

“I see. But at least call ahead and let us know you’re coming.”

After scolding her careless daughter slightly, Mrs. Fujimaru turned her attention to Mash beside her: “And who is this?”

“Hello, I’m Mash Kyrielight, junior—”

“Friend,” Ritsuka cut in. “Since the department is on break, I brought Mash along. It wouldn’t be right to leave Mash alone in the dorm, right? Isn’t that so, Mash?”

Mash quickly nodded. “Ah, yes… Sorry for the trouble.”

“A friend of Ritsuka’s? Nice to meet you. I’m Ritsuka’s mother—Oh, right, come in! Don’t stand outside the door. We’re just having dinner. Would you two like to join us?”

“Yes! I’m starving. Haven’t eaten anything all afternoon. Mash must be hungry too, right? By the way, Mom—are there enough plates and chopsticks at home?”

Hearing the word “dinner,” Ritsuka’s eyes instantly lit up. After wandering all afternoon, she was ravenous. Without hesitation, she grabbed Mash’s arm—the still-slightly-awkward girl—and pulled her inside.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same moment.

Inside the Ryougi Residence.

With dinnertime approaching, Naoki Tora and the others also gathered in the Ryougi family dining room.

Though they were a prominent local family in Kan’u City, since Shiki herself disliked unnecessary complexity, their family dinners mirrored everything else about their lives: simple and unadorned. In essence, they were no different from meals taken at Garan no Dou.

There weren’t many people at the table.

Naoki, Shiki, Angelica.

The three sat quietly around a small round table, enjoying the dinner prepared by Angelica. This had become routine whenever Naoki returned—but Angelica didn’t always cook; most of the time, Naoki himself prepared meals. Shiki rarely cooked at all.

Midway through the meal, Shiki set down her chopsticks and plate, then fixed her gaze on Naoki. “Is that really acceptable, Natsukawa?”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Fujimaru. Is it truly alright to let her go back? If we allow her to return home, she might decide she doesn’t want to leave again.”

Shiki’s question caused Naoki to pause mid-bite.

Indeed, it wasn’t an impossible scenario.

No matter how great Ritsuka’s future accomplishments would be according to Naoki’s knowledge, the Ritsuka standing before him now was still merely a child—naive, innocent, far removed from the hardened young woman he knew.

Though she had completed two Singularities, endured several battles, and shown no signs of retreat, it was impossible she hadn’t felt fear during those experiences.

Afraid she might die. Afraid she couldn’t succeed. Afraid she’d be hurt… Such thoughts were natural, understandable. Yet Ritsuka concealed them exceptionally well—or rather, forced herself to suppress them. She knew she could only move forward, never retreat or stop, so she buried every emotion beneath stoic determination.

It was also a choice made by the true Ritsuka. But here, perhaps some part of her motivation stemmed from Naoki. Deep down, Ritsuka believed that when she reached the limits of her fear, the Head of Department would appear and pull her back.

But now, things were different.

Now, there was Mifune City—a potential “escape route.”

When an escape exists, one cannot fully commit their strength. Nor can one summon complete resolve.

【Even without me, the Head of Department can handle everything.】

【If it’s just about being strong, Aoko-san is already more than capable. Let her take care of it.】

【I’ll only be a burden if I go back.】

【Battles are terrifying. I still have to fight the Demon King. Can I really do it?】

“...”

These kinds of thoughts, however faint or subtle, would inevitably surface after Ritsuka returned from the warmth and comfort of her hometown.

“You left today at noon, correct?”

“If, at that moment, the girl developed the thought of not wanting to leave… what would you do? Force her back using a Spiritron transfer? Or…”

Shiki left the sentence unfinished.

Naoki bit his chopsticks and sighed. “Then that would amount to forcing her to fight. Chaldea isn’t an organization devoid of conscience. We won’t compel a minor to fight.”

“But your point is valid. If such a situation truly arises, we’d have no choice but to accept it.”

“But…” Shiki, could it be that the outcome ends up being the exact opposite of what you suggest?”

The opposite?

Not fleeing, but becoming even more determined to fight.

“Take myself as an example.”

“If I were in Fujimaru’s position right now, returning home this time would only strengthen my resolve to end the Incineration of Humanity. After all, compared to some vague goal of ‘saving the world,’ I have a far more specific purpose.”

“That purpose—”

“To return to my parents’ side, and protect this place… the very place I will ultimately come home to.”

-

Title: Something Worth Protecting

The Fujimaru Residence

Ritsuka’s Bedroom

“Huuuh… A bath was truly refreshing.”

Wearing a cute pink pajama set, Ritsuka said as she returned to her room after stepping out of the bathroom.

On the veranda outside, Mash—who had been gazing at the night sky—turned and smiled. “Finished your bath, Senpai?”

“Yes. Oh, by the way, Mash, here’s your milk.”

As she spoke, Ritsuka walked over and handed one of the two milk bottles in her hand to Mash.

“In Japan, after a bath, you’re supposed to drink a glass of milk. It feels incredibly soothing—and you have to drink it all in one gulp.”

“Eh? Really?” Mash stared at the bottle in her hand, confused. “I’ve never read anything like that on the internet or in books.”

“Things like this won’t be in books or online. There are so many customs in Japan you only learn when you experience them firsthand. There’s still so much more you need to learn, Mash.”

While speaking, Ritsuka already opened her own milk bottle, placed one hand on her hip, tilted her head back, and downed the entire contents in one swift swallow.

Seeing this, Mash mimicked her—copying Ritsuka’s posture and drinking her milk completely.

“Mmm…”

After finishing, Mash covered her mouth with her hand and wiped the leftover milk from the corner of her lips. “It tastes… kind of comforting. Cool. Japanese culture is truly profound.”

“That’s right.”

Ritsuka laughed. “By the way, what were you looking at, Mash? Is there something special in the sky?”

“I was just watching the night. Back at Chaldea, we rarely get to see the night sky—most of the time it’s just snowstorms. Now it’s even rarer.” Mash explained. “And… I’ve never seen a night sky like this before.”

The night sky over this city felt different from the night sky over Chaldea. Though she couldn’t articulate exactly how, Mash could feel it.

After gazing for a moment, Mash suddenly turned to Ritsuka and said, “Thank you so much, Senpai—for taking me to so many places today, and letting me experience so many things I’ve never touched before. I’m so happy today. Thank you, Senpai.”

For Mash, who had never left Chaldea since birth, today was the happiest day of her life.

She had never imagined the world beyond could be so rich, so colorful.

Lying beside Mash, Ritsuka also smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s just a small thing—nothing special. And I’m really happy too… to be back here, to return to this place.”

“Your mom’s cooking was absolutely amazing. It’s almost as good as the Head of Department’s. Dad hasn’t changed at all, even after such a long time. Honestly, it’s only been two weeks—it wouldn’t make sense if he had.”

“And Atalanta-sensei is just the same too. Even though it’s the weekend and I didn’t meet any old friends, I think they haven’t changed either.”

“After a day like this… Incineration Order of Humanity feels like a dream.”

A dream.

That was the most real feeling Ritsuka had ever experienced right now.

Returning to Mifune City. Meeting her teacher again. Seeing her parents once more. Eating her mother’s cooking again… Before today, Ritsuka had never dared to dream of these things. After all, with the Incineration Order of Humanity underway, such ordinary moments should have been impossible.

Yet now—they had happened. Real, tangible, undeniable.

When she met her mother earlier, Ritsuka had genuinely wanted to cry.

She had gone to an utterly alien place, immediately thrown into bizarre trials, then half-forced into matters of grave seriousness—accidentally walking right up to the gates of hell…

Two weeks in Chaldea hadn’t been kind to Ritsuka. Sure, there were pleasant moments with the Head of Department—but far more often, whether it was Merry’s grueling training sessions or the heart-pounding battles themselves—she’d felt deeply uncomfortable.

To be perfectly honest—

“Mash… honestly, when we were in France and Fuyuki City, I was terrified.” Ritsuka admitted. “Even though I didn’t actively participate in most of the fights—you all carried the burden—I always ended up being protected. And yet… I was still terrified.”

When Hinako exploded and unleashed a curse rain that nearly killed her, she had been terrified.

When facing Solomon, watching him summon the Four Divine Demonic Pillars, she had been terrified.

When arriving in France, surrounded by countless Wyverns, she had been terrified.

“...”

Often—almost constantly—even with so many people shielding her, Ritsuka remained terrified.

Mash’s expression softened with a hint of apology. “I’m… sorry, Senpai. I’m still too immature as a Servant. I couldn’t protect you well enough. I’m sorry.”

“No, no, no—it’s not your fault at all!” Ritsuka quickly waved her hands to reassure her. “You’ve protected me wonderfully! My fear… that’s my own problem. Fighting means someone will get hurt. If things get serious, people can die.”

“When I fight, I can’t stop thinking about those things… and then… I just can’t stop being afraid.”

Ritsuka’s hand, resting on the railing, trembled slightly.

Mash noticed the subtle movement.

“Senpai…”

“Mash… are you afraid?” Ritsuka asked. “When you fight… do you fear getting hurt? Or dying?”

“I don’t know.”

After a brief pause, Mash answered honestly: “I don’t know how I feel during battle. When I’m fighting, I only think about how to deal with the enemy right in front of me. If their attack is coming for me, I block or dodge. If I spot an opening, I strike. Basically, my mind fills only with those kinds of thoughts.”

“And I think those thoughts exist because of you, Senpai.”

“Me?” Ritsuka blinked, puzzled. “Why?”

“Because…” Mash said seriously, “I want to protect you.”

Her voice was calm, unwavering. “My class is Shielder—a soldier of the shield, a protector. That class specializes in defense. The original name of the Servant I’m bound to is Galahad, the Knight of the Round Table who sits upon the Accursed Seat. A knight… must protect his Master.”

“So I want to protect you.”

“If that’s my purpose, then no matter who the enemy is, I believe I can gather the courage to fight… Does it sound strange if I say that?”

As she spoke, the earnest, serious look on Mash’s face began to crack. Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she slipped back into the shy, familiar demeanor Ritsuka knew so well.

Ritsuka smiled warmly. “No, not at all. I actually think this side of you is incredibly cool—like a true knight… almost like the Head of Department.”

(So… having someone you want to protect… does that give you courage? Can you overcome fear?)

(What if… if I found something worth protecting… would I stop being afraid?)

(Then… what is it… that I want to protect…?)

-

Title: Marching Toward a New Singularities

Over the next two days, nothing unusual occurred in the Mifune City Singularities.

As Naoki had said, this Singularities was remarkably safe—completely untouched by the Incineration of Humanity. Life proceeded as normal, unchanged in the slightest.

And Ritsuka, just as she had before, resumed a routine she hadn’t felt in so long—two precious days that felt like a gift from another world.

She woke naturally each morning, without the dread of being dragged off for Hellish training. At home, she was free to do whatever she wished—calling her classmates, meeting them after school.

For an ordinary high school girl, this familiar rhythm—a life she had taken for granted—felt immeasurably valuable during these two days.

【I want to return to a life like this】

The thought kept circling endlessly in Ritsuka’s mind.

Though inwardly she knew it wasn’t right—that there were still duties awaiting her at Chaldea, that the crisis of the Incineration of Humanity remained unresolved—she couldn’t stop herself from longing for it.

Then came the third night since her return to Mifune City.

“Ritsuka! Ritsuka!”

“Ahh?!”

At the Fujimaru family dinner table, startled by her parents’ sudden call, Ritsuka jolted upright. “Dad? Mom? What’s wrong? Why are you calling me like that all of a sudden?”

“You’ve been sitting there motionless for ages,” Mrs. Fujimaru asked, concerned. “What are you thinking about? Your face looks troubled. Is something wrong?”

“N-nothing.”

Ritsuka forced a smile. “Just… thinking about having to go back to Chaldea tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back again. So I’m feeling a little sad.”

“I see. That’s understandable. You’re only seventeen and already working overseas. It’s too early for you. By the way—I never asked. What exactly do you do there? Is everything going well? Are you facing any difficulties at work?”

Hearing her mother’s questions, Ritsuka froze instantly: “Ugh… it’s… it’s…”

“Chaldea’s job is real-time environmental monitoring of Earth, and deploying personnel to protect Earth’s environment as much as possible, Auntie,” Mash interjected with a gentle smile. “The actual situation is nearly identical to environmental officers. Senpai and I just returned from France.”

“Yes, yes! We went to a place called Vaucouleurs in France,” Ritsuka quickly added. “Everything went smoothly. There’s a very reliable senior, and the Head of Department personally cares for me, so I didn’t face any problems… Well, maybe the training was a bit tough.”

“Training?”

Mr. Fujimaru frowned in confusion. “Does Chaldea also have training?”

“Yes. Since field agents often undertake long-distance missions, they must meet certain physical fitness standards. Additionally, they may encounter dangerous wild animals in remote areas, so they’re trained in wilderness survival skills up to a certain level.”

“Oh…”

Listening to Mash’s explanation, the Fujimarus looked genuinely surprised. Meanwhile, Ritsuka—who knew the truth—silently groaned inside: Merry’s version of “wilderness survival training” was absurdly extreme.

“But Ritsuka definitely has no problems.”

“Of course not,” Mrs. Fujimaru declared proudly. “Our daughter’s determination never yields to anyone. If there’s even one thing she can’t do, she immediately resolves to surpass it. Isn’t that right, Ritsuka?”

“Dad! Mom! Please stop!”

Her parents’ sudden praise turned Ritsuka’s cheeks crimson. Especially with Mash sitting right there. She couldn’t bear being praised by her own family in front of someone she knew—it was mortifying.

Seeing her daughter’s flushed, embarrassed expression, Mrs. Fujimaru laughed. “So you’re leaving tomorrow? Exactly when?”

“It was decided for noon tomorrow. A car will pick me up, then we’ll fly to South America first, and finally take a ship back to Chaldea’s headquarters in Antarctica.”

“That’s quite a journey. Be careful on the way.”

“It’s fine. The trip will be extremely safe—just as safe as here. You don’t need to worry at all.”

“And while you’re abroad, be cautious. The outside world is still very dangerous. Don’t try to be brave alone. If you run into trouble, ask for help. In that regard, my daughter will be relying on you, Mash-san.”

Mash nodded earnestly at once. “No, it’s actually me who’s always been helped by Senpai… Please rest assured, Father and Mother—even though I’m still immature, I’ll do my absolute best to protect Senpai.”

“Don’t forget to call sometimes. Don’t disappear and forget about home entirely.”

Mr. Fujimaru added his own warning: “Next time you come back, don’t show up suddenly without telling us anything. At least give us a heads-up so we can wait for you.”

“In short, wherever you go, remember one thing—your home is here.”

“Yes, I understand, Dad.”

After a brief silence, Ritsuka answered firmly: “I’ll come back. I promise.”

(Senpai…)

“Oh, by the way. Since you’re leaving tomorrow, we should pack your things today. Pajamas, spare clothes, towels—do you need anything else over there, Ritsuka?”

“No need, Mom. I didn’t bring anything with me when I left, and I won’t be bringing anything back. This time, Mash and I will return as ourselves—nothing more.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Don’t worry, Mom,” Ritsuka smiled. “I’m… I’m fine now.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The next day, noon.

The Ryougi Residence.

In the luxurious black car provided by Shiki, they returned here. As soon as they stepped out, Ritsuka saw Naoki, Shiki, Angelica—and also—

“Sensei?!”

Seeing Atalanta standing beside Naoki, holding a small suitcase, Ritsuka blinked in surprise. “Sensei… you…?”

“I’ve temporarily resigned from my teaching position,” Atalanta explained. “I’m going to Chaldea with you. While helping resolve the Incineration of Humanity, I’ll also become your Sensei—in combat.”

“Eh…”

Ritsuka’s face instantly dropped.

Beside them, Naoki and Shiki exchanged glances, then smiled at Ritsuka.

“So since Fujimaru and Mash are back, let’s prepare for the Spiritron transfer once more. Fujimaru, after returning, you’ll immediately launch the assault on the second Singularities. I’ve given you your rest period. I trust you’re ready.”

“Yes, I’m ready, Head of Department,” Ritsuka replied firmly. “To return to this place someday, I’ll work harder than ever.”

“Good. By the way, once you’re back, tell Roman that during my absence, all battlefield command for the second Singularities will be delegated to him. Also, inform Gray and Rei not to worry.”

“Understood… Eh? The Head of Department isn’t coming? Where are you going?”

Naoki smiled and pointed toward the distant sky. “Tokyo—or rather, the Imperial Capital of Showa Year 20. I can’t leave that Singularities unattended. You and Senior Hinako will handle the second Singularities. I’ll take care of the Imperial Capital one myself. It’s simply to accelerate the process.”

“Will the Head of Department be alright on his own—Ah!”

“What do you think I am? It’s not your place to worry about my safety yet,” Naoki flicked Ritsuka lightly on the forehead. “Besides, I’m not going alone. Angelica will accompany me as my assistant.”

“I see… Understood. I’ll relay that to Doctor Roman.”

Naoki nodded. “Then, until later. See you again at Chaldea. I hope that when I return, you’ve already finished it—this time, there won’t be me shielding you. You’ll have to push yourself, Fujimaru.”

“I understand!”

-

Title: The Imperial Capital Holy Grail War

Although this has been explained repeatedly, it will be reiterated here.

The Holy Grail War.

It is a localized ritual led by a local Magus family in Japan, occurring in a city on the remote eastern island nation.

To obtain the All-Wishing Machine—the Holy Grail—seven Magi summon seven Servants to battle one another in the modern era. The final surviving Master-Servant pair wins the Grail.

Since the first Holy Grail War was held in Fuyuki City, five iterations have taken place. While each War ended in extraordinary circumstances due to various factors, among these five, the Third Holy Grail War undoubtedly caused the most severe consequences.

And the reason is simple.

Because it occurred during World War II.

In a global conflict waged for world hegemony, no one could remain untouched—not even the Magi who had hidden in the shadows of the world for millennia. Under the machinery of the state, many Magi abandoned their original quest for the Root and instead embraced grand ambitions of world domination.

If it served victory in war, anything could be used—with this mindset, in 1943, the Japanese military, which had suffered continuous defeats in the Pacific Theater, turned its attention to the Third Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City, seeking to petition the Grail to reverse their strategic losses.

Their allies, Nazi Germany, also took keen interest.

The involvement of these two great powers suddenly elevated the importance of the Third Holy Grail War from a mere “local magic ritual” to a new kind of war capable of altering the future trajectory of nations.

Yet this critically important war ultimately failed.

No—more accurately, it vanished.

At the peak of the Third Holy Grail War, all Servants abruptly disappeared, along with the Greater Grail, which vanished from Fuyuki City. Neither the Mage’s Association nor the Church could trace any remnants. After months of investigation, they could only conclude that the Third Holy Grail War had been forcibly interrupted.

Due to this sudden interruption, the three founding families suffered devastating losses. With the global situation as it was, neither the Church nor the Mage’s Association could act further. In the end, no party gained what they sought.

“—Except the one who acquired the Greater Grail.”

On a speeding train, seated opposite Angelica near the window, Naoki explained to her everything he knew about this Singularities—and the reasons behind its current state.

“There were four parties involved in the Third Holy Grail War. Excluding the Church, which acted as overseer, there were effectively three. Of the three founding local families, none emerged with any gain after the War. Excluding Nazi Germany, which was embroiled in the European battlefield and couldn’t interfere much here, only one party had the capability to move the Greater Grail out of Fuyuki unnoticed…”

The Imperial Japanese Army.

They alone possessed the resources and secrecy necessary to relocate the Greater Grail without detection. And the only logical destination for such a concealment?

Tokyo.

Or, as it was known then: the Imperial Capital of Japan.

The very heart of Japan—and its safest location. To hide something as critical as the Greater Grail, there was no better place.

This is precisely why Naoki now sat aboard this train—it was headed toward the Imperial Capital.

Since both Mifune City and Tokyo lie within Japan, the journey required little time. However, when Naoki and Angelica entered this Singularities, they happened to materialize aboard this very train—so they decided to ride it.

Of course, they did not purchase tickets.

“And after hiding the Greater Grail for two years, perhaps once they finished studying it—or discovered how to weaponize it—they reactivated the Greater Grail. Whether due to some hidden function within the Grail itself or simply fate, the Third Holy Grail War—which should have ended two years ago—suddenly restarted in the Imperial Capital.”

“I suspect the Imperial Army itself is somewhat confused by the current situation. But since the War has resumed, they must follow its rules. From their perspective, this isn’t about claiming the Grail—it’s about protecting it.”

“Well… none of this really concerns me—but—”

Raising his hand, Naoki stared at the crimson Command Spell etched onto the back of his palm like a blade, sighing helplessly. “You’ve really given me a job. I never intended to participate—why did you pick me so hastily?”

Command Spell.

The mark of a Master chosen by the Greater Grail.

Almost simultaneously with Naoki and Angelica’s arrival in this Singularities, this symbol appeared on his hand—as if forced upon him, terrified he might flee.

“Then, Natsukawa-sama.” Angelica asked, “will you summon a Servant? If needed, I can immediately provide a sacred relic. Among my treasures, regardless of which Servant you wish to summon, I can instantly supply the corresponding relic.”

As Angelica said, with countless Noble Phantasms stored within the Gate of Babylon, she could summon any Servant imaginable—this was essentially directed summoning.

But Naoki shook his head. “No need. We aren’t lacking in combat power. Summoning any Servant wouldn’t matter… Besides, I already have a choice.”

“What matters more than summoning a Servant is understanding the nature of this Singularities. What I just described—the true historical context—isn’t merely fiction. It actually occurred in a specific parallel world, constituting ‘historical fact’ to some degree, part of humanity’s broader timeline. Normally, such an event would never generate a Singularities here.”

“So… the anomaly exists because of the Grail?” Angelica clarified. “That’s what you mean, Natsukawa-sama?”

Naoki nodded, then smiled. “Yes. No matter what the anomaly is, it doesn’t matter. With you and me here, we can even restore a shattered world.”

“Thank you for your trust, Natsukawa-sama.” Angelica replied respectfully. “Then, Natsukawa-sama—should we eliminate the enemy forces already in motion?”

“Ah, that…”

Slightly tilting his head, Naoki glanced at the door directly ahead of them.

The next second—

*BOOOOOMMMMMMMM—!*

A deafening explosion and violent rumbling erupted outside. The carriage they occupied was instantly filled with thick smoke. Fortunately, there were no other passengers besides themselves—so Naoki didn’t need to bother rescuing anyone. (Though if there had been, he still wouldn’t have bothered.)

Amidst the swirling smoke, heavy footsteps approached.

A figure emerged before them.

A silver knight clad in thick plate armor, wielding a long spear.

“Angelica, handle it.”

After a single glance, Naoki waved his hand dismissively, as though shooing away a fly.

“Don’t be too rough. Don’t destroy the train. There’s still a route to the Imperial Capital.”

“Understood, as commanded.”

-

Title: The Comedy Character Appears!

The Heroic Spirit Soldier.

This was a weapon forged by channeling the residual mana from deceased Servants into a mechanical framework.

In terms of combat power, it couldn’t even be compared to a Shadow Servant. Yet, in conventional warfare, the Heroic Spirit Soldier remained an invincible foe to ordinary humans—whether Magus or soldier alike. Unless they assembled a significant force, they were nothing more than weeds before its might.

This technology was developed by Magi within the Imperial Japanese Army who had pledged unwavering loyalty to their nation. Desperate to save Japan from inevitable defeat, they deemed the power of the Heroic Spirit Soldier indispensable.

“But that only took one hit.”

Watching the Heroic Spirit Soldier fall to Angelica without her even needing to activate a Class Card, Naoki sighed. Even this weapon, regarded as a battlefield terror, performed no better than a paper tiger when faced with true Servant combat.

Though, admittedly, this also reflected how far beyond ordinary Servants Angelica’s strength truly was.

“The battle is over, Natsukawa-sama. Unexpectedly, he was quite weak.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Naoki replied. “There’s a member of the Imperial Army in the next carriage. I suspect he’s the one controlling this Heroic Spirit Soldier—though even he can only issue it simple commands. No Command Spell at all.”

There must be countless soldiers like him in the current Imperial Army.

“But still… it’s odd. Why did a Heroic Spirit Soldier appear here?”

Within Naoki’s sensory range, there were few passengers on this train. Aside from himself and Angelica, no other Magi were present—and most of the travelers were clustered toward the front of the car.

If not for their sudden arrival, this would have been an utterly ordinary train. There was no logical reason for a Heroic Spirit Soldier to show up. Logically, this wasn’t a random occurrence—it had been deliberately set as a trap.

(Could they have known I’d appear here?)

“Ohhh, wow! He was taken out so cleanly! One-hit kill, right? That was absolutely beautiful!”

As Naoki pondered this, a bright, cheerful laugh suddenly echoed from the adjacent carriage. The door slid open—and a dark figure abruptly dematerialized from thin air, stepping gracefully over the corpse of the fallen Heroic Spirit Soldier before entering Naoki and Angelica’s line of sight.

It was a girl with jet-black hair—at least, that’s what appeared to be the case.

She wore a military cap adorned with gleaming papaya-flower patterns, a modified military uniform, and held a sword that reflected the sunlight streaming through the train windows.

After sweeping her gaze across the entire carriage, her blazing crimson eyes locked onto the two occupants.

“You two… yes, you’re the great sinners the Magus foretold would destroy our nation. The final Master and Servant pair of the renewed Holy Grail War.”

“Wow… what an amazing hat you’ve just casually placed on my head.”

Great sinner destined to destroy the nation?

A prophecy delivered by a Magus?

Naoki blinked, momentarily confused. His knowledge of the Imperial Capital Holy Grail War contained no such element—was this why this Singularities had formed?

(Magus… Huh?)

“Well, forget it. I can’t puzzle over this here. I’ll investigate later. But judging by your tone, you clearly knew I’d show up—you came specifically to ambush me?”

“Archer—Oda Nobunaga.”

Oda Nobunaga.

That was the girl’s real name.

A legendary figure from the Sengoku period—the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven—who relentlessly shattered existing conventions while marching toward national unification. Later revered alongside Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa as one of Japan’s Three Great Unifiers.

Among all Japanese-origin Servants, she was undoubtedly one of the strongest ever summonable. Combined with the amplification granted by recognition within her homeland, the power she could manifest might even rival that of divine-tier Servants.

Hearing her true name spoken aloud, the girl—Nobunaga—could not suppress her laughter. “Hahahaha! You knew my real name immediately. Just as the Magus said! If I fight you, information advantage will be nonexistent… Well, this also proves just how famous I am in the future! What can I do if my true name is revealed outright?!”

The Magus again?

“This is the second time you’ve mentioned that Magus. It seems she told you a lot about me? If you don’t mind, could you tell me het name? If she’s someone I know, I’ll make sure to pay her a visit later—to settle a debt.”

“Hoo…” Nobunaga narrowed her eyes. “Facing me, standing as your enemy, are you truly confident you’ll have a ‘later’? You’re incredibly bold—for just a Master. No, wait—if what the Magus said is true, then yes, you really can say that.”

(She really does know a lot. Someone who knows me this well… and a Magus… I think I can guess who it is.)

(Next time I meet her, I’ll make sure she won’t leave her bed for a week—)

*DOR!* *DOR!* *DOR!* *DOR!*

As Naoki thought this, several gunshots suddenly rang out inside the carriage. Instantly, ever-vigilant Angelica activated Displacement Magecraft, redirecting every incoming bullet outside the train.

“Oh? Decent reaction. You managed to deflect them. But then again, that’s expected. If you were taken down so easily, I’d be deeply disappointed!”

Beside her, surrounded by an array of matchlock rifles materializing around her like petals blooming from a garden, Nobunaga now wore a sweet yet merciless smile. An unmistakable aura of lethal intent radiated from her.

Naoki frowned. “Is this your unique way of greeting people? Japanese hospitality is truly warm.”

“You’re awfully calm for a sinner.” Nobunaga laughed. “I could get even more enthusiastic, you know. By the way—I’ll answer your question… after you die in my Three Thousand Worlds—assuming any ash of you remains afterward.”

As she spoke, more matchlocks materialized around Nobunaga, as though Angelica herself had opened the Gate of Babylon. Dark, menacing barrels pointed directly at Naoki and Angelica.

“Come now, great sinner from beyond this world, daring enough to destroy our nation! Summon your Servant—and let us begin our own Holy Grail War! My name is Oda Nobunaga! I have manifested in this world in response to the cries of the people of the future—a Servant of salvation, summoned to protect this very nation!”

“For the sake of this nation’s future, I declare here and now—I shall obliterate you all completely with my Three Thousand Worlds!”