ayan chal

Prologue: The Observer and the Observed

In a private office nestled at the apex of a Tokyo high-rise, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka gazed out at the illuminated cityscape below. The metropolis pulsed with human activity, each light representing a fragment of humanity's collective consciousness. To ordinary eyes, it was merely a beautiful night view. To his, it was a living diagram of the world's flow—predictable, manipulable, boring.

His slate-gray eyes reflected nothing of the vibrant city before him, remaining still pools of calculated indifference. The room around him was spartan, functional, decorated only with a single chess set perfectly arranged on a low table. Not a piece had been moved in years—he had calculated every possible permutation of the game to its end long ago.

"Ayanokouji-sama," a voice called from the doorway. "The information you requested about Chaldea Security Organization has arrived."

The young man didn't turn. "Leave it on the table, Tsukishiro."

The elderly butler placed a thick folder beside the untouched chess set and bowed deeply. "If I may ask, sir, what interest does an organization like Chaldea hold for someone of your... caliber?"

A ghost of a smile touched Ayanokouji's lips. "They call themselves 'preservers of human history.' They claim to monitor and protect human civilization's proper timeline." He finally turned, eyes holding a rare spark of interest. "An organization that believes it can control fate itself. Isn't that fascinating?"

"Will you be joining them, then?"

"Yes," Ayanokouji replied, picking up the folder. "I've grown tired of this world's simplicity. Perhaps among those who manipulate time and space, I might find something... challenging."

The butler's eyes widened slightly. "But sir, to join such an organization would require you to mask your true nature. You would need to blend in with ordinary humans, pretend to be one of them."

Ayanokouji's expression remained unchanged. "That's precisely why it might be entertaining. A game where I must hide my true capabilities while simultaneously achieving my goals." He opened the folder, scanning its contents with inhuman speed. "Besides, what better way to understand a system than to become part of it?"

As the butler left, Ayanokouji placed his hand on the window, feeling the faint pulse of the city beyond. Within him, the Dominion Genesis System hummed quietly, a cosmic force trapped in human form.

"Fifty percent completion," he murmured to himself. "More than enough to reshape that place if necessary."

He closed his eyes, feeling the pulse of omniversal mana coursing through his reconstructed body. When he opened them again, the window had frosted over from his touch, intricate patterns of ice forming perfect fractals.

"Chaldea," he whispered. "Show me what secrets you hide."

Chapter 1: Arrival at the End of the World

The Antarctic wind howled against the reinforced windows of the Chaldea Security Organization facility, a sound that might have unsettled ordinary humans but merely registered as background data to Ayanokouji. The frozen wastes outside were a fitting backdrop for humanity's last defensive outpost—isolated, extreme, and uncompromising.

"Welcome to Chaldea, Ayanokouji-san," said a cheerful voice belonging to a young woman with glasses and striking orange hair. "I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka, one of the Master candidates like yourself. Director Olga Marie asked me to show you around."

Ayanokouji nodded politely, noting how the girl's circuits flowed—average quality but unusually harmonious. She would make a decent Master, though noticeably inferior to his own capabilities.

"Thank you for the tour, Fujimaru-san," he replied with a carefully calibrated smile—warm enough to seem friendly, reserved enough to discourage excessive familiarity. "I've heard Chaldea is quite the technological marvel."

"It really is! Though honestly, half the time I don't understand how anything works," she laughed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm still getting used to this whole 'mage' thing myself."

Interesting. So they were recruiting even ordinary humans with minimal magical potential. The organization was either desperate or had technology that could compensate for natural deficiencies.

As they walked through the sterile white corridors, Ayanokouji mentally mapped the entire facility, noting security checkpoints, camera locations, and structural weaknesses. Within minutes, he had formulated seventeen different ways to take control of Chaldea if necessary, and twelve methods to destroy it completely.

"This is the central command room," Ritsuka explained as they entered a massive circular chamber dominated by a glowing blue sphere. "That's CHALDEAS—it's a replica of Earth that monitors the future of humanity."

Around them, technicians and mages worked at various consoles, monitoring data streams and magical signatures. Ayanokouji took particular interest in the massive projection of human history that wrapped around the room's walls.

"Currently, human history is projected to continue for approximately one hundred more years," a crisp, authoritative voice declared.

A woman with pale hair and sharp golden eyes approached, her white uniform immaculate. Her expression was severe, bordering on contemptuous, as she evaluated the newcomers.

"Director Olga Marie Animusphere," Ritsuka whispered, standing straighter.

"You must be Ayanokouji Kiyotaka," the Director said, consulting a tablet in her hand. "Your application was... unusual. Perfect scores across all theoretical examinations, yet you list no formal magical education."

"I'm self-taught," Ayanokouji replied simply.

Olga Marie's eyes narrowed. "Self-taught mages rarely achieve basic competence, let alone perfect scores. Where did you study?"

"Various places," he answered vaguely. "I've always had an aptitude for understanding systems."

Before she could interrogate him further, a man in a doctor's coat with curly hair approached, smiling warmly.

"Now, now, Director, let's not intimidate our new recruit too much on his first day," he said, extending his hand to Ayanokouji. "Dr. Romani Archaman, but everyone calls me Roman. I'm Chaldea's chief medical officer."

Ayanokouji shook his hand, immediately analyzing Roman's biological makeup and detecting something unusual—a quality that didn't quite align with ordinary human parameters. Interesting. He's hiding something significant.

"We're about to conduct the first Rayshift experiment soon," Roman continued. "You've arrived at a historic moment, Ayanokouji-kun."

"Rayshift?" Ayanokouji inquired, feigning ignorance despite having already memorized all documentation on the subject.

"Time travel, essentially," Roman explained. "We convert humans into spiritrons and send them to investigate and resolve Singularities in human history."

"Enough idle chatter," Olga Marie interrupted. "Fujimaru, take him to the coffins and get him prepared for the orientation simulation. All Master candidates need to complete the virtual training before the actual Rayshift."

As they walked away, Ayanokouji noticed a petite girl with lavender hair watching them from the shadows. She wore a Chaldea uniform but carried herself differently from the others—more cautiously, more observe.

"That's Mash Kyrielight," Ritsuka explained, following his gaze. "She's Dr. Roman's assistant. Kind of quiet, but super nice once you get to know her."

Ayanokouji noted the girl's unusual spirit signature—neither fully human nor something else entirely. His Azathoth Authority could sense a powerful entity dormant within her, waiting to emerge.

A Demi-Servant, he concluded. Chaldea has been experimenting with human-Servant fusion.

"Is everyone here a Master candidate?" he asked as they passed a group of people in matching uniforms.

"Pretty much," Ritsuka confirmed. "There are 48 of us total. Though I heard they're expecting the number to drop significantly once the actual Rayshifting starts."

Cannon fodder, Ayanokouji thought detachedly. They're recruiting in bulk knowing most will fail or die.

As they approached the coffin-like Rayshift devices, a tall, red-haired woman approached them. She moved with feline grace, her eyes assessing Ayanokouji with professional interest.

"So you're the new guy," she said, her voice teasing but with an edge of suspicion. "I'm Scáthach. I supervise combat training for Master candidates."

Ayanokouji recognized the name immediately—one of the most dangerous beings in Celtic mythology, the immortal warrior queen who trained Cu Chulainn. But something felt off about her presence.

"You're not actually Scáthach," he stated matter-of-factly. "You're a projection or a partial manifestation."

The woman's eyes widened momentarily before her smile turned dangerous. "Clever boy. Most people take weeks to figure that out. I'm a combat training program based on Scáthach's data. The real one would kill half these candidates in the first session."

"W-what?" Ritsuka looked between them, confused. "You mean you're not real, Scáthach-sensei?"

"I'm real enough to kick your ass in training, Fujimaru," the warrior woman laughed. "But no, I'm a complex magical construct." She turned back to Ayanokouji. "How did you know?"

"Your spirit signature lacks depth," he replied simply. "You project the appearance of a Heroic Spirit but without the anchor to the Throne of Heroes."

"Hmm." She eyed him with newfound interest. "You're going to be trouble, aren't you?"

"I certainly hope not," he responded with a polite smile.

As they continued the tour, Ayanokouji methodically filed away every detail about Chaldea—its personnel, its systems, its vulnerabilities. By the time they reached the coffin room where the Rayshift simulations would begin, he had already formulated contingency plans for every possible scenario.

"This is where we'll have our first virtual training tomorrow," Ritsuka explained, gesturing to the rows of coffin-like devices. "They say it's just a simulation, but it feels pretty real once you're inside."

"I look forward to it," Ayanokouji replied.

As night fell over Chaldea, Ayanokouji sat alone in his assigned quarters, eyes closed in meditation. Around him, barely perceptible to normal senses, motes of pure mana danced like stars, responding to his will. He extended his consciousness throughout the facility, invisibly threading through security systems, databases, and magical barriers.

Within one hour, he had silently accessed every restricted file, every hidden protocol, every contingency plan.

"So that's their game," he murmured to himself, opening his eyes. "Lev Lainur Flauros. Beast of Calamity. Goetia."

He smiled faintly. Chaldea wasn't merely monitoring human history—it was about to become ground zero for humanity's incineration. And the catalyst for this destruction was already walking its halls, disguised as a trusted professor.

Rather than raise the alarm, Ayanokouji simply leaned back on his bed.

"Now this... this might actually be interesting."

Chapter 2: The Day Humanity Burned

The simulation room hummed with energy as forty-eight Master candidates prepared for their first virtual Rayshift experience. Coffin-like devices lined the walls, their lids open and waiting for occupants. Technicians moved between them, checking readings and adjusting settings.

Ayanokouji observed the proceedings with clinical detachment, noting how the other candidates displayed varying degrees of nervousness. Beside him, Ritsuka fidgeted with her sleeve.

"Nervous?" he asked, his voice carrying just the right amount of friendly concern.

"A little," she admitted. "They say it's perfectly safe, but being turned into spiritrons doesn't sound very comfortable."

"It's just a simulation today," he reminded her. "Think of it as an advanced virtual reality experience."

"Right," she nodded, taking a deep breath. "What about you? You seem totally calm."

"I prefer to save my energy for actual challenges," he replied, which wasn't untrue. Nothing in this facility posed any genuine threat to him.

A few meters away, Director Olga Marie paced impatiently, occasionally barking orders at subordinates. Her anxiety was palpable—a fascinating mix of ambition, fear, and crushing expectation.

"All Master candidates, please enter your assigned coffins," a voice announced over the intercom. "Simulation will commence in five minutes."

As people began moving to their designated positions, Ayanokouji noticed Mash Kyrielight quietly assisting an elderly Master candidate with his equipment. The lavender-haired girl moved with practiced efficiency, but there was a resignation in her eyes that piqued his interest.

Mash briefly looked up, meeting his gaze. For a heartbeat, something passed between them—recognition, perhaps, of two beings hiding their true nature.

"Coffin 38, Ayanokouji-san," a technician called, breaking the moment.

He nodded politely to Mash before proceeding to his assigned coffin. As he reclined in the device, he subtly touched its interior surface, instantly understanding its mechanisms and magical formulations. Primitive, by his standards, but impressive for human engineering.

The lid closed over him with a soft hiss. Around him, lights flared as the Rayshift process began its initialization sequence. He could hear the system's artificial voice counting down.

"Rayshift commencing in three... two... one..."

And then Ayanokouji felt it—a sudden shift in the magical currents flowing through Chaldea. A foreign, malevolent signature blooming like a poisonous flower.

Lev Lainur has made his move, he thought calmly as alarms began blaring throughout the facility.

Through the coffin's small window, he saw flashes of light, heard explosions and screams. The simulation had been interrupted by something far more dangerous. Emergency protocols activated automatically, sealing his coffin.

Most humans would panic in such a situation, trapped in a metal box while destruction raged outside. Ayanokouji simply closed his eyes and extended his consciousness beyond the coffin, witnessing the chaos unfolding throughout Chaldea.

Explosions ripped through critical systems. Staff members fell screaming as magical energy corrupted their bodies. Director Olga Marie ran frantically between consoles, trying to salvage the situation.

And at the center of it all stood Professor Lev Lainur, his human disguise melting away to reveal something ancient and monstrous.

Time to make a decision, Ayanokouji thought. He could easily neutralize Lev with a fraction of his power. But that would reveal his capabilities too early, disrupting the natural flow of events.

Instead, he chose to observe. This was, after all, why he had come to Chaldea—to witness how these humans would face extinction.

Through his expanded awareness, he felt Mash's presence rushing toward the central chamber. Her life signature flickered, transformed, grew stronger as the Heroic Spirit within her finally awakened.

"Interesting," he murmured. "So the chaos has triggered her Demi-Servant capabilities."

He sensed another presence near his coffin—Ritsuka Fujimaru, unconscious but somehow unharmed. The girl was lucky, but there was something else too... a peculiar quality to her spirit that might explain why she'd been recruited despite her mediocre magical abilities.

The Rayshift system, damaged but still functioning, began activating erroneously. Ayanokouji's coffin and several others were being targeted for emergency deployment.

So this is what sets events in motion, he realized. Rather than resist, he allowed the process to continue, curious to see where it would lead.

The last thing he registered before the Rayshift engaged was Mash reaching Ritsuka's coffin, her newly awakened powers manifesting as a massive shield.

Then reality dissolved into blue light.

Flames. Destruction. A city consumed by an inferno that should have been impossible.

Ayanokouji stood amidst the ruins of what had once been Fuyuki City, the site of the first documented Holy Grail War. Now it was a hellscape of twisted metal and crumbling concrete, with a blood-red sky looming overhead.

Nearby, he heard coughing. Ritsuka Fujimaru was regaining consciousness, her Chaldea uniform smudged with ash and dust. A few meters away, Mash Kyrielight knelt on the ground, disoriented but alive—and fundamentally changed.

"W-what happened?" Ritsuka gasped, looking around in horror. "Is this... Fuyuki? But it looks like hell!"

"This is Singularity F," Ayanokouji explained calmly, helping her to her feet. "The anomaly Chaldea detected in 2004 Fuyuki. It seems we've been Rayshifted here accidentally during the attack."

"Attack?" Ritsuka's eyes widened. "Then it wasn't just a malfunction? Chaldea was attacked?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "By someone from within. Professor Lev, I believe."

"Lev? But he's—" She shook her head in disbelief before turning to Mash. "Mash! Are you okay? You look... different."

Indeed, Mash's appearance had transformed. She now wore a form-fitting black outfit with armor plates, and a massive shield rested at her side. Her eyes, previously uncertain, now held a new resolve.

"I'm fine, Senpai," she replied, getting to her feet. "During the explosion, I... something happened. A Heroic Spirit merged with me. I've become a Servant."

"A Demi-Servant," Ayanokouji corrected. "The fusion of a human and a Heroic Spirit. Chaldea's experimental project has finally borne fruit, it seems."

Mash looked at him sharply. "How do you know about that project? It was classified."

"I make it my business to understand the organizations I join," he replied simply. "More importantly, we need to establish communication with Chaldea. I assume your Servant capabilities include enhanced senses? Can you detect any magical communications relays nearby?"

Before Mash could answer, a crackling sound emanated from a device on her wrist. After a moment of static, a familiar voice broke through.

"—ash! Ritsuka! Can you hear me? Is anyone there?" It was Dr. Roman, his voice strained with worry.

"Dr. Roman!" Mash exclaimed. "We're here! Myself, Fujimaru-senpai, and Ayanokouji-san."

"Thank goodness," Roman sighed. "The situation here is critical. Most of Chaldea is damaged or destroyed. The Director... we can't find her. Most of the Master candidates were critically injured in the explosion."

"What about the Rayshift system?" Ayanokouji inquired. "Can you bring us back?"

"That's the problem," Roman replied grimly. "Return Rayshift is currently impossible. You're stranded in 2004 for now. But that's not even the worst news."

"What could be worse than being stuck in this hellscape?" Ritsuka asked.

"CHALDEAS has turned blood-red," Roman explained. "According to our calculations, human history itself has been incinerated. Everything from 2018 onward—gone. You three are in what might be the last remnant of human history before it completely disappears."

Ritsuka gasped in horror, while Mash's grip tightened on her shield. Ayanokouji merely nodded, as if having his suspicions confirmed.

"The Fuyuki Singularity must be connected to this incineration," he stated. "If we resolve whatever anomaly exists here, we might create a path to restoring the proper timeline."

"That's... actually exactly right," Roman sounded surprised. "Ayanokouji-kun, you catch on quick. Yes, our theory is that correcting this Singularity might be the first step in restoring human history."

"Then we have our mission," Ayanokouji said, turning to his companions. "Locate the source of the anomaly and eliminate it."

"B-but how?" Ritsuka stammered. "We're just—I mean, I'm just an ordinary person! I don't even know how to fight!"

"You won't need to," Mash assured her. "As a Servant, I can protect you. And..." she hesitated, looking at Ayanokouji. "You have combat training, don't you, Ayanokouji-san?"

"I can handle myself," he replied modestly. In truth, he could level the entire city with a thought, but revealing such capabilities would be counterproductive at this stage.

A distant roar echoed through the ruined city, followed by the sound of crumbling masonry.

"What was that?" Ritsuka whispered.

"Hostiles," Mash replied, hefting her shield. "This Singularity is populated by corrupted Servants and other entities. We should move carefully."

As they began navigating through the ruins, Ayanokouji deliberately positioned himself behind the others, observing how they handled the situation. Mash had adapted to her new powers remarkably quickly, moving with a confidence she had lacked in Chaldea. Ritsuka, despite her fear, showed surprising resilience.

They're more capable than they appear, he noted with mild interest. Perhaps this timeline isn't quite as doomed as it seems.

When they encountered their first enemy—a group of animated skeletons wielding rusted weapons—Ayanokouji hung back, watching as Mash moved to protect Ritsuka.

"Stay behind me, Senpai!" Mash called, raising her shield.

The skeletons charged, their bones clattering against the concrete. Mash met them head-on, her shield smashing through the first wave with surprising force. But more appeared from the shadows, surrounding them.

"There are too many!" Ritsuka cried.

"Ayanokouji-san!" Mash called over her shoulder. "We could use some help!"

He stepped forward calmly, sizing up the situation. He could annihilate these creatures with a thought, but that would raise too many questions. Instead, he reached into his jacket and withdrew what appeared to be an ordinary fountain pen.

"Please focus on the ones directly in front of you, Kyrielight-san," he stated calmly. "I'll handle the rest."

With a flick of his wrist, the pen transformed into a slender black baton about thirty centimeters long. To human eyes, it would appear to be an ordinary self-defense tool. In reality, it was a minor manifestation of his Dominion Vault—a weapon that could rewrite reality itself, though he would use only a fraction of its power here.

As three skeletons rushed him from behind, Ayanokouji moved with precise, economical movements. The baton touched the first skeleton's skull, and it immediately disintegrated. A sweep of his arm, and the second skeleton's ribcage collapsed inward. A third strike, and the final attacker crumbled to dust.

To Mash and Ritsuka, it would appear he was simply striking pressure points or weak spots with extraordinary precision. Only someone with divine perception would notice the faint ripples of mana emanating from each contact point, literally rewriting the skeletons out of existence.

"Whoa," Ritsuka breathed as the skirmish ended. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"Self-defense classes," Ayanokouji replied with a shrug, returning the baton to its pen form. "I've traveled to some dangerous places in my studies."

Mash was watching him with new interest, her eyes slightly narrowed. As a Demi-Servant, her perception had been enhanced. She might have noticed something unusual about his fighting style.

"You're very efficient," she remarked. "No wasted movement at all."

"Thank you," he nodded. "Shall we continue? I believe I sense a stronger magical presence several blocks ahead."

As they pressed forward through the burning city, they encountered more corrupted entities, each dispatched through the combined efforts of Mash's shield and Ayanokouji's "precision strikes." Throughout these encounters, he carefully calibrated his performance to appear skilled but not supernatural—a challenging balance for someone of his capabilities.

"Dr. Roman," Mash spoke into her communication device as they paused to rest. "We're approaching what appears to be the center of the disturbance. Can you provide any additional information?"

"The readings are off the charts," Roman's voice replied. "Whatever is causing this Singularity, it's definitely concentrated in that area. But be careful! I'm detecting a Servant-class entity nearby, and it's not friendly!"

No sooner had he spoken than a figure materialized on a pile of rubble before them—a woman in black armor, her face obscured by a helmet. A dark aura surrounded her, and in her hands, she wielded a blackened sword that radiated malevolence.

"Servant detected!" Mash moved protectively in front of Ritsuka. "Class... Saber!"

"Corrupted Saber," Ayanokouji murmured, analyzing the entity. Through his Azathoth Authority, he could sense the once-noble Heroic Spirit now twisted by some external force. "Artoria Pendragon, King of Knights. But something has tainted her essence."

The corrupted Saber raised her sword, dark energy swirling around the blade.

"Intruders," she intoned, her voice distorted. "You will proceed no further. This Singularity belongs to my Master."

"We can't fight her!" Ritsuka whispered urgently. "She's too powerful!"

"We have no choice," Mash replied grimly, readying her shield. "Senpai, stay back. Ayanokouji-san... can you assist?"

"Of course," he replied calmly, seemingly unfazed by the threat before them.

As corrupted Saber leapt toward them, blade crackling with dark energy, Ayanokouji made a split-second decision. This was an opportunity to display slightly more of his capabilities without revealing his true nature.

"Kyrielight-san," he called. "Can you block her next attack and create an opening?"

Mash nodded determinedly. "I can try!"

The Saber's blade crashed against Mash's shield, sending sparks flying. The impact drove Mash back several meters, her boots leaving furrows in the concrete, but she held firm.

"Now!" she cried as the Saber recoiled from the blocked attack.

Ayanokouji moved forward with deliberate speed. To observers, he appeared to simply dodge the Saber's follow-up strike with exceptional reflexes. In reality, he was subtly manipulating the space around him, making the Saber's blade miss by millimeters.

From his jacket, he produced what looked like a small obsidian dagger—another manifestation from his Dominion Vault. As the Saber recovered her stance, he flicked the dagger at her sword hand.

The blade struck true, embedding itself in the Saber's gauntlet. Dark energy crackled around the impact point, and the Saber suddenly found her sword arm temporarily paralyzed.

"Impossible!" she snarled. "A mere human cannot—"

"Now, Kyrielight-san!" Ayanokouji called.

Mash seized the opportunity, rushing forward and slamming her shield into the Saber's chest. The corrupted Servant flew backward, crashing through a concrete wall.

"Is she defeated?" Ritsuka asked hopefully.

"No," Ayanokouji replied, watching as the Saber struggled to her feet among the rubble. "But she's weakened. The dagger contained a paralytic enchantment that temporarily disrupts magical circuits."

This was, of course, a gross understatement. The "dagger" had actually been a conceptual weapon designed to interfere with existence itself, capable of paralyzing even divine beings. He had limited its effect to avoid arousing suspicion.

The Saber tore the dagger from her gauntlet, flinging it aside. Her sword arm hung limply, but her other hand now glowed with malevolent energy.

"Enough games," she growled. "I will destroy you all with my Noble Phantasm!"

"She's going to use Excalibur!" Mash warned, raising her shield. "I don't know if I can block it completely!"

Ritsuka looked to Ayanokouji with panic in her eyes. "Do you have any more tricks up your sleeve?"

He pretended to consider their options gravely, though he could have neutralized the Saber with a thought. "Kyrielight-san, does your shield have a Noble Phantasm of its own? As a Demi-Servant, you should have inherited one."

Mash looked uncertain. "I... I don't know. I feel like there's something, but I don't know how to access it."

"Focus on your connection to the Heroic Spirit within you," he instructed. "What is your shield's true name?"

As the corrupted Saber raised her darkened blade, gathering energy for a devastating strike, Mash closed her eyes in concentration. The shield in her hands began to glow with a soft light.

"I... I can feel it," she whispered. "The name is..."

The Saber's blade now shone with black light, ready to unleash destruction. "Excalibur Morgan!"

"Lord Chaldeas!" Mash shouted, slamming her shield into the ground.

A massive barrier of light erupted from the shield, forming a dome around them just as the wave of dark energy from Excalibur Morgan crashed down. The two forces collided with spectacular effect, creating a shockwave that shattered windows for blocks around.

When the light faded, Mash remained standing, though visibly strained. Her shield had successfully blocked the Noble Phantasm.

The corrupted Saber stared in disbelief. "Impossible... A Demi-Servant blocking Excalibur?"

"Not just any Demi-Servant," Ayanokouji remarked softly. "The fusion with Galahad, Knight of the Shield, has granted her exceptional defensive capabilities."

Mash's eyes widened at the name. "Galahad? That's... that's the spirit within me?"

Before the conversation could continue, the ground began to shake violently. Cracks appeared in the street around them, and the blood-red sky darkened further.

"What's happening?" Ritsuka cried, struggling to maintain her balance.

"The Singularity is becoming unstable," Ayanokouji explained. "We need to reach its core immediately."

Even the corrupted Saber seemed disturbed by the development. "This wasn't supposed to happen yet. My Master promised..."

A new voice cut through the chaos, emanating from somewhere above them. "Indeed I did, my servant. But plans change."

They all looked up to see a figure hovering in the air—a man in an elegant suit with an inhuman smile stretching across his face. Professor Lev Lainur Flauros, his human disguise now barely containing the ancient evil within.

"Professor Lev!" Ritsuka gasped. "What are you doing here? What's happening to Chaldea?"

"Chaldea is no more," Lev replied with a cruel laugh. "And soon, human history itself will disappear. You three are merely fortunate survivors, temporarily preserved in this Singularity before the final erasure."

"You're responsible for the attack," Mash accused.

"Guilty as charged," Lev performed a mocking bow. "Though I am merely a servant of a greater power—the Grand Architect of Human Incineration."

Throughout this exchange, Ayanokouji remained silent, observing Lev carefully. The entity before them was not truly Lev Lainur, but one of the 72 Demon Gods of Goetia, wearing human flesh as a disguise. This was merely an avatar, a fragment of a much greater threat.

"Why?" Ritsuka demanded. "Why destroy humanity?"

"Why not?" Lev shrugged. "Humanity has had its time—thousands of years to evolve, to transcend, to become something greater. Instead, you've squandered your potential, mired in pettiness and self-destruction. My master has a better vision for Earth's future."

"A future without humans," Ayanokouji stated flatly.

Lev's gaze shifted to him, eyes narrowing slightly. "Precisely. And who might you be? You weren't in the original calculations."

"No one of consequence," Ayanokouji replied with deliberate humility. "Just another Master candidate."

"Hmm." Lev studied him for a moment longer before dismissing him with a wave. "It matters not. None of you will survive long enough to interfere with our plans."

With a snap of his fingers, the ground beneath them split open, revealing a swirling vortex of dark energy.

"Farewell, last remnants of humanity!" Lev called as he began to fade away. "Enjoy your final moments in this dying world!"

As the vortex grew, consuming buildings and debris, Mash grabbed both Ritsuka and Ayanokouji. "We need to run! This entire area is collapsing!"

They fled through the crumbling streets, the corrupted Saber seemingly forgotten in the chaos. Behind them, entire city blocks were being consumed by the growing

vortex, erasing everything in its path.

"This way!" Mash called, guiding them toward an elevated highway that remained partially intact. Her enhanced Servant abilities allowed her to detect the most stable escape route.

As they climbed onto the highway, Ritsuka gasped for breath, her ordinary human stamina nearly exhausted. "I can't... keep going..."

Without a word, Ayanokouji lifted her onto his back. "Hold on," he instructed calmly, as if carrying someone while fleeing from a collapsing reality was routine.

"T-thanks," she managed, impressed by his strength. "You're stronger than you look."

"Regular exercise," he replied with characteristic understatement.

They reached a relatively stable section of highway and paused to assess their situation. Below them, nearly half the city had been consumed by the expanding void.

"Dr. Roman!" Mash called into her communicator. "Are you receiving this? The Singularity is collapsing!"

After a moment of static, Roman's voice broke through. "I'm here! Our readings are going crazy! Whatever that void is, it's accelerating the Singularity's decay. You need to find the Holy Grail that's anchoring this distortion—it's the only way to stabilize the situation!"

"Holy Grail?" Ritsuka repeated, now standing on her own again. "Like from the actual Holy Grail War?"

"Precisely," Ayanokouji nodded. "Each Singularity is typically anchored by a corrupted Grail—a powerful magical artifact capable of granting wishes. In this case, it's being used to sustain the distortion in history."

Mash looked at him curiously. "For someone who just joined Chaldea, you seem remarkably knowledgeable about Singularities."

"I did extensive background research before applying," he replied smoothly. "The theoretical frameworks for temporal anomalies are quite fascinating."

Before Mash could press further, a familiar dark presence materialized before them. The corrupted Saber had found them again, though her condition had deteriorated. Cracks of red light now spread across her armor, and her helmet had partially disintegrated, revealing a beautiful face contorted with pain and rage.

"You cannot escape," she rasped, her voice distorted. "If this Singularity falls, I fall with it. But I'll take you with me!"

She raised her sword, but the movement was unsteady. The void's expansion was clearly affecting her stability as a corrupted Servant.

Instead of immediately attacking, however, Ayanokouji stepped forward, his expression contemplative.

"King Arthur," he addressed her directly, using her true identity. "Or rather, Artoria Pendragon. The Once and Future King corrupted by the Grail's mud. Is this truly how you wish your legend to end? As a mindless destroyer serving a false master?"

The Saber faltered, confusion briefly replacing rage in her golden eyes. "How do you... know..."

"I know many things," Ayanokouji replied calmly. "Including the fact that this corruption is not your true nature. The King of Knights would never serve willingly in the incineration of humanity."

"Ayanokouji-san, what are you doing?" Ritsuka whispered urgently. "She's trying to kill us!"

He raised a hand slightly, signaling for patience. "Sometimes understanding your enemy is more effective than fighting them."

The corrupted Saber stared at him, her sword arm trembling. "My... my true nature was lost when I was summoned here. There is only darkness now."

"Is there?" Ayanokouji challenged. "Then why haven't you struck us down already? Part of you remembers your oath as a knight—to protect, not to destroy."

Something flickered in the Saber's eyes—a moment of clarity amidst the corruption. Her sword lowered slightly.

"The Grail," she murmured. "It calls to me... controls me..."

"Where is it?" Mash asked, stepping forward cautiously. "If we can find it, maybe we can free you from its influence."

The Saber seemed to struggle internally, fighting against the corruption. Finally, she pointed her sword toward a massive crater in the distance, where a crimson light pulsed ominously.

"There... beneath the city's heart. But my Master... guards it personally."

"Lev," Ritsuka concluded grimly.

"Not just Lev," the Saber warned. "Something... worse. Something that should not exist in this era."

Before they could question her further, the corruption surged within her. She screamed in agony as dark energy enveloped her form.

"Go!" she managed through gritted teeth. "I cannot... control... much longer..."

"We should leave," Ayanokouji stated matter-of-factly. "Her connection to the Grail is forcing her back under its control."

As they retreated, the Saber's agonized cries faded behind them. Ritsuka glanced back, compassion evident in her expression.

"Can't we help her somehow?"

"By finding and neutralizing the Grail," Ayanokouji replied. "It's the source of her corruption."

They made their way toward the crater, navigating through increasingly unstable terrain. Buildings collapsed around them, and reality itself seemed to flicker at the edges of their vision.

"I've been meaning to ask," Mash said as they carefully crossed a partially destroyed bridge. "How did you know my Heroic Spirit was Galahad? I didn't even know that myself until you mentioned it."

"An educated guess," Ayanokouji lied smoothly. "Your shield bears similarities to those described in Arthurian legends. Given Chaldea's focus on summoning knights and heroes for their reliability, Galahad seemed the most logical connection."

Mash didn't appear entirely convinced but nodded acceptance of his explanation.

As they neared the crater's edge, the air grew heavy with malevolent energy. At the center of the depression sat what appeared to be a corrupted temple, its architecture a twisted mockery of ancient Greek design.

"That wasn't in historical Fuyuki," Ritsuka observed.

"No," Ayanokouji agreed. "It's a manifestation of the Singularity's distortion—a physical representation of the Holy Grail's corruption."

"I'm detecting massive energy readings," Roman's voice crackled through Mash's communicator. "Whatever's in that temple, it's definitely what we're looking for. But be careful—there's something else there too. Something... inhuman."

"Understood," Mash replied. She turned to her companions. "I'll take point. Senpai, stay close to me. Ayanokouji-san..."

"I'll watch our backs," he supplied, knowing that Mash was still uncertain about his capabilities.

They descended into the crater, the corrupted earth crunching beneath their feet. As they approached the temple, a figure emerged from its darkened entrance—Professor Lev, his human form now barely containing the demonic entity within.

"Persistent little cockroaches," he sneered. "I admire your tenacity, if not your intelligence. Can't you see it's futile? Human history has already been incinerated. You're fighting for a timeline that no longer exists!"

"As long as we exist, humanity has a future," Ritsuka declared with unexpected conviction. "We'll restore history and stop whatever you're planning!"

Lev's laughter echoed unnaturally across the crater. "Bold words from a failed Master candidate. But I'm afraid your little journey ends here." He snapped his fingers, and the ground around them erupted as skeletal warriors clawed their way to the surface.

"Much as I'd love to stay and watch your demise personally, I have other Singularities to oversee. Ta-ta!" With a mocking bow, Lev vanished in a swirl of dark energy.

"He's gone!" Ritsuka exclaimed.

"But he left us a welcoming party," Mash observed grimly, raising her shield as the skeletal warriors closed in.

"Focus on clearing a path to the temple," Ayanokouji instructed. "The Grail is our priority, not these minions."

Mash nodded in agreement. "I'll create an opening. Senpai, stay close behind me!"

She charged forward, her shield smashing through the first line of skeletons. Ritsuka followed closely in her wake, while Ayanokouji guarded their flanks with his "precision strikes"—each touch causing enemies to collapse as if their very existence had been compromised.

They fought their way to the temple entrance, where the air shimmered with corrupt magical energy.

"The Grail must be inside," Mash said, catching her breath.

"Along with something else," Ayanokouji noted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sensed the powerful presence within.

"What do you mean?" Ritsuka asked nervously.

Before he could answer, a massive roar shook the temple, and a towering figure emerged from the darkness within—a colossal creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, its black skin glistening with corruption.

"A Minotaur?" Ritsuka gasped. "But that's Greek mythology, not Japanese!"

"Not just any Minotaur," Ayanokouji observed calmly. "That's Asterios, corrupted by the Grail's influence."

The monstrous Servant bellowed again, brandishing twin axes that pulsed with dark energy.

"How are we supposed to defeat that?" Ritsuka whispered in horror.

Mash stepped forward determinedly. "I'll engage it directly. Ayanokouji-san, can you look for the Grail while I keep it distracted?"

He nodded. "A sound strategy. Fujimaru-san, stay behind cover and direct Mash. As a Master, you can provide tactical support even without formal combat training."

"M-me?" Ritsuka stammered. "But I don't know how to—"

"Trust your instincts," he advised. "Watch the enemy's movements and call out patterns you notice. Sometimes fresh eyes see what experienced fighters miss."

With these instructions delivered, they put their plan into motion. Mash charged forward to meet the corrupted Asterios, her shield meeting his axes in a shower of sparks. The ground trembled beneath their clash as Servant-level strength met Servant-level defense.

Ayanokouji slipped around the perimeter of the battle, moving with such fluid efficiency that he seemed almost invisible. Inside the temple, corrupt magical energy swirled in chaotic patterns, making the air itself feel heavy and oppressive.

At the center of the main chamber, hovering above a desecrated altar, floated the Holy Grail—not the golden cup of legend, but a dark, twisted artifact pulsing with malevolent power.

"I've located the Grail," he spoke softly into a communication device Roman had provided. "It appears to be the nexus of the corruption."

"Can you neutralize it?" Roman's voice crackled in response.

"Potentially," Ayanokouji replied, studying the artifact. In truth, he could easily destroy it with his Azathoth Authority, but doing so would reveal too much too soon. "I'll need to approach it carefully. The corruption has created several defensive layers."

Outside, the battle between Mash and Asterios raged on. The monstrous Servant possessed overwhelming strength, but Mash's shield proved impenetrable. Neither could gain a decisive advantage.

"Mash!" Ritsuka called from her position behind a fallen column. "He always swings his right axe first! There's a pattern—right axe, step forward, left axe sweep!"

"I see it, Senpai!" Mash replied, adjusting her stance to account for the insight.

The next time Asterios attacked, Mash was ready. She blocked the right axe, sidestepped the forward lunge, and positioned her shield to deflect the left sweep. The momentary opening allowed her to slam her shield into the creature's chest, sending him staggering backward.

Inside the temple, Ayanokouji approached the corrupted Grail cautiously. To maintain his cover, he produced what appeared to be a small glass vial containing a luminous blue liquid.

"What is that?" Roman asked through the communicator.

"A stabilizing agent," Ayanokouji explained, inventing a plausible story. "It should temporarily neutralize the Grail's corruption and allow us to secure it."

In reality, the vial contained a minor manifestation of his Pure Mana Authority—enough to interact with the Grail without revealing his true capabilities.

As he uncorked the vial, Asterios came crashing through the temple wall, having been driven back by one of Mash's powerful shield strikes. The corrupted Servant's massive form missed Ayanokouji by mere centimeters, demolishing a row of corrupted pillars.

"Ayanokouji-san!" Ritsuka called in alarm, rushing into the temple with Mash close behind. "Are you okay?"

"Perfectly fine," he replied calmly, as if nearly being crushed by a rampaging mythological monster was a minor inconvenience. "Though our friend's entrance has destabilized the temple structure. We should work quickly."

Asterios was already rising, his corrupted form regenerating from Mash's attacks. With a bellow of rage, he charged toward them once more.

"Keep him occupied," Ayanokouji instructed. "I need approximately thirty seconds to neutralize the Grail."

"Thirty seconds," Mash nodded grimly, readying her shield. "I can give you that."

As Mash engaged Asterios again, Ayanokouji turned back to the corrupted Grail. He poured the luminous liquid over the dark artifact, which immediately reacted with violent hissing as steam rose from its surface.

"What's happening?" Ritsuka asked, moving to his side.

"The stabilizing agent is purging the corruption," he explained. "Once complete, the Grail should return to a neutral state."

The temple began to shake more violently as the Grail's corruption receded. Cracks appeared in the floor and ceiling, and chunks of masonry crashed down around them.

"The Singularity is collapsing!" Roman's panicked voice came through the communicator. "The Grail was the only thing keeping it stable! You need to get out now!"

"Not yet," Ayanokouji countered calmly. "If we leave the Grail, the corruption could regenerate. We need to secure it first."

As the purification process continued, something unexpected happened. The corrupted Asterios suddenly stopped attacking Mash, his massive form trembling as the dark aura surrounding him began to flicker.

"The... pain..." the creature groaned, its voice surprisingly human despite its monstrous appearance. "It's... fading..."

"The Grail's corruption is weakening," Ayanokouji observed. "Its hold over the summoned Servants is diminishing."

The same effect seemed to be spreading throughout the Singularity. Outside the temple, they could hear the corrupted Saber's distant cries as the darkness that had enslaved her gradually receded.

Finally, the Grail's purification completed. The once-dark artifact now glowed with a soft golden light, hovering serenely above the altar.

"It's done," Ayanokouji announced. "The corruption has been neutralized."

"But the Singularity is still collapsing!" Ritsuka pointed out as larger chunks of the temple began to fall around them.

"A natural consequence," he explained, carefully taking the Grail. "This distortion in history cannot sustain itself without the corrupting influence. It will now begin to resolve itself."

Mash grabbed Ritsuka's hand. "We need to leave immediately!"

As they rushed from the crumbling temple, Asterios stood aside, no longer hostile. The massive Servant watched them with an almost childlike curiosity.

"Thank... you..." he rumbled as they passed.

Outside, the void that had been consuming the city had stopped expanding, but the damage already done remained. The entire Singularity was beginning to unravel at its seams.

"Dr. Roman!" Mash called into her communicator. "We have the Grail! Can you Rayshift us back now?"

"Working on it!" Roman replied franticially. "The collapse of the Singularity is actually helping to establish a connection! Stand by for emergency extraction!"

Blue light began to gather around them as Chaldea's Rayshift system locked onto their signatures. The world around them was dissolving faster now, buildings and streets fading like mirages in the desert.

"Will this fix everything?" Ritsuka asked, looking to Ayanokouji. "Will human history be restored?"

"This is just the first step," he replied truthfully. "The incineration of human history isn't caused by a single Singularity. There will be others we need to address."

"Others?" Ritsuka's eyes widened. "You mean this is just the beginning?"

Before he could answer, the Rayshift engaged fully, enveloping them in brilliant blue light. The last thing they saw of Singularity F was the corrupted Saber watching them from a distance, her armor now free of corruption, a faint smile visible on her face as she faded away with the rest of the dissolving reality.

Chapter 3: The Path Forward

They materialized in Chaldea's central chamber, which now bore the scars of Lev's betrayal. Broken equipment, scorched walls, and hastily established makeshift workstations surrounded them. The once-pristine facility had been transformed into what resembled a disaster zone command center.

Dr. Roman rushed forward to meet them, relief evident on his tired face. "You made it! Thank goodness! We weren't sure the emergency Rayshift would work!"

Behind him stood a beautiful woman with long purple hair and an ornate dress that seemed oddly out of place amidst Chaldea's technological aesthetic.

"This is Da Vinci," Roman introduced her. "She's... well, she's Leonardo Da Vinci. A Servant who's been helping Chaldea for some time."

"A pleasure to meet you all," Da Vinci smiled warmly. "Especially our successful field team. You've accomplished quite the feat in resolving that Singularity."

Her gaze lingered on Ayanokouji for a moment longer than the others, a flicker of curiosity in her intelligent eyes. As a genius in her own right, her perception might be sharper than most.

"The Grail," Mash remembered, gesturing to the artifact that Ayanokouji still held. "We managed to purify it."

"Remarkable," Da Vinci approached, examining it with professional interest. "A Holy Grail purified while still within a Singularity. That shouldn't be possible without specialized equipment."

"Ayanokouji-san used some kind of stabilizing agent," Ritsuka explained.

Da Vinci raised an eyebrow. "Did he now? How fascinating." She turned to Ayanokouji. "And where did you acquire such a specialized magical tool?"

"I formulated it myself," he replied with careful modesty. "Based on theoretical principles in some obscure texts I studied."

"Hmm." Da Vinci clearly wasn't entirely convinced but seemed willing to accept the explanation for now. "Well, however you managed it, it's an impressive achievement."

Roman cleared his throat. "As amazing as your success is, I'm afraid I have to brief you on our current situation, which is... well, dire doesn't begin to cover it."

He led them to the central console where a holographic display showed CHALDEAS—the miniature replica of Earth—now glowing an ominous red.

"As we confirmed earlier, human history from 2018 onward has been effectively incinerated," Roman explained grimly. "What we didn't understand until now is the mechanism. Based on the data you gathered in Fuyuki, we've identified seven major Singularities throughout human history that are acting as anchor points for this incineration."

"Seven?" Mash echoed.

"Yes. Fuyuki was just the first and, frankly, the smallest," Roman continued. "The others are full-scale divergences from proper human history—what we're calling 'Singularities F through G.' Each one contains a corrupted Holy Grail that's creating a distortion in that era."

"And we need to resolve all seven to restore the proper timeline," Ayanokouji concluded.

"Precisely," Da Vinci nodded. "Though there's another problem. The attack left most of Chaldea's systems damaged. More importantly, almost all our Master candidates were critically injured in the explosion."

"What about the Director?" Ritsuka asked. "Did you find her?"

Roman and Da Vinci exchanged grim looks.

"Director Olga Marie was... caught in the explosion," Roman said hesitantly. "We believe she was pulled into the Singularity but in a different form than you three. We haven't been able to locate her."

"So who's in charge now?" Mash inquired.

"Technically, me," Roman sighed, looking uncomfortable with the responsibility. "As the highest-ranking surviving staff member. But that's not important right now. What matters is that among all our Master candidates, only you three successfully Rayshifted and returned."

He looked at Ritsuka and Ayanokouji. "Which means you two are now Chaldea's only active Masters."

"Us?" Ritsuka blinked in surprise. "But I don't even know magic properly!"

"And yet you successfully formed a contract with Mash and helped resolve the Singularity," Da Vinci pointed out. "That's more than anyone else has accomplished."

Roman turned to a nearby console and pulled up two profiles—Ritsuka's and Ayanokouji's.

"According to our tests, you both have high compatibility with the Rayshift system. Fujimaru-san has exceptional adaptability, while Ayanokouji-san has... well, remarkable magical potential that our systems can barely measure."

Ayanokouji maintained a neutral expression at this revelation, though it was amusing to him that Chaldea's "advanced" systems could detect only a fraction of his true capabilities.

"So what happens now?" Ritsuka asked.

"Now," Roman said with determination, "we begin the Grand Order—our mission to restore human history by resolving these Singularities and recovering the Holy Grails."

"And how exactly do we do that?" Mash questioned. "It was difficult enough with just the three of us in Fuyuki."

Da Vinci smiled brightly. "That's where things get interesting! The purified Grail you brought back has helped us restore a crucial system—the FATE summoning system. We can now summon Heroic Spirits as Servants to assist in your mission."

Ritsuka's eyes widened. "You mean... we can have our own Servants? Like in a real Holy Grail War?"

"Exactly," Da Vinci confirmed. "Though in this case, they'll be contractually bound to help save human history rather than fighting each other for a wish."

Roman gestured toward a circular platform in an adjacent chamber. "The summoning chamber is ready whenever you are. As Masters, you'll each have the opportunity to call Servants to your side."

Ritsuka turned to Ayanokouji, excitement breaking through her exhaustion. "Can you believe this? We're going to summon actual heroes!"

"Indeed," he replied with a small smile. "Quite the responsibility."

As they moved toward the summoning chamber, Da Vinci fell into step beside Ayanokouji, her voice low enough that only he could hear.

"You know, for someone who just experienced their first Singularity, you seem remarkably unfazed by all of this."

"I've studied unusual phenomena for most of my life," he replied smoothly. "One develops a certain perspective."

"Hmm." Da Vinci studied him with those perceptive eyes. "There's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Isn't that true of everyone?" he countered politely.

She laughed, a melodious sound that carried genuine amusement. "Touché! I think you're going to make our Grand Order much more interesting."

In the summoning chamber, Roman explained the procedure. "The system uses catalysts—either physical objects or your own compatibility—to call forth Servants. Fujimaru-san, would you like to go first?"

Ritsuka stepped nervously onto the platform. "What do I do?"

"Focus your magical energy and intent," Roman instructed. "The system will do most of the work."

As Ritsuka closed her eyes in concentration, the summoning circle beneath her feet began to glow with blue light. Energy swirled around the chamber, culminating in a bright flash that momentarily blinded everyone present.

When the light faded, a figure stood on the platform beside Ritsuka—a tall man with white hair and tanned skin, wearing a red and black outfit. His steel-gray eyes surveyed the room with cautious assessment.

"Servant Archer," he announced in a deep voice. "I ask you: are you my Master?"

Ritsuka stared in awe. "I... yes, I guess I am!"

The Archer studied her for a moment before a small smile crossed his face. "Hmph. You don't look like much, but there's something about you..." He extended his hand. "Very well. Contract established."

"That's EMIYA," Da Vinci whispered to Ayanokouji. "A Counter Guardian version of a hero from an alternate timeline. Quite powerful, if somewhat cynical."

As Ritsuka and her new Servant stepped off the platform, Roman gestured to Ayanokouji. "Your turn."

He stepped onto the summoning circle with casual grace, already having decided how to proceed. While he had no need for Servants given his own power, maintaining his cover required participation. However, he would need to carefully control the summoning to avoid calling forth any Servant who might have the perception to see through his disguise.

Closing his eyes, Ayanokouji channeled a precisely calculated amount of mana into the circle—enough to impress the onlookers but not enough to reveal his true reserves. He subtly guided the summoning toward a specific class of Servant who would complement his apparent fighting style while allowing him to maintain control.

The summoning circle flared with unusual intensity, causing Roman to step back in surprise. "That's much stronger than normal!"

Energy coalesced at the center of the platform, forming first into a swirling vortex before resolving into a humanoid shape. When the light faded, a striking woman stood before them, her long purple hair flowing as if in an unseen breeze. She wore a blindfold over her eyes and held a wicked-looking dagger in each hand.

"Servant Assassin," she announced in a melodious yet dangerous voice. "I am Medusa in my Assassin aspect, though some know me as Gorgon. I sense great power in you, Master. Have you called me to hunt?"

"Welcome, Assassin," Ayanokouji greeted her with a respectful nod. "I seek your assistance in restoring human history."

Medusa's head tilted curiously. "An unusual request. Most summon me for death and vengeance." A smile curved her lips. "But I find myself... intrigued by your aura. Very well, the contract is formed."

As they stepped off the platform, Mash approached with visible excitement. "Both summonings were successful! This is amazing!"

"Indeed," Da Vinci agreed, though her eyes remained fixed on Ayanokouji and his new Servant. "Though I must say, summoning Medusa in her Assassin aspect is quite rare. The catalyst required for such a specific manifestation is usually quite difficult to obtain."

"Perhaps it was compatibility rather than a catalyst," Ayanokouji suggested mildly.

"Perhaps," Da Vinci echoed, clearly unconvinced.

Roman clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Now that we have additional Servants, we can begin preparations for addressing the next Singularity. But first, I suggest everyone get some rest. It's been an... eventful day, to say the least."

As the group dispersed, Ayanokouji's Assassin remained close by his side, her blindfolded face oriented toward him despite her apparent inability to see.

"You're not what you appear to be, are you, Master?" she murmured once they were alone in the corridor.

"Few things are," he replied neutrally.

A smile curved Medusa's lips. "I am the monster who sees truth where others see illusion. Even behind this blindfold, I perceive what others miss." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Your secret is safe with me, whatever it may be. Monsters must stick together in this world of heroes."

Ayanokouji regarded her with newfound interest. He had chosen an Assassin-class Servant deliberately for their discretion, but Medusa's perception exceeded his expectations. Rather than a liability, this could prove advantageous.

"Then we understand each other," he responded quietly.

"Perfectly," she purred, stepping back with a graceful movement. "I look forward to our... cooperation."

As she glided away to explore her new surroundings, Ayanokouji made his way to his assigned quarters. The day's events had unfolded largely as he had anticipated—humanity's incineration, the revelation of the seven Singularities, and his positioning as one of Chaldea's critical assets.

He sat on the edge of his bed, palm upturned as a small sphere of pure mana manifested above it—a tiny fraction of his power, yet enough to level the entire facility if unleashed.

"50% completion," he murmured to himself, closing his fist around the light, extinguishing it instantly. "More than sufficient for now."

The true game was just beginning.

Chapter 4: Orbiting Bodies

The days following their return from Fuyuki established a new rhythm in Chaldea. With most of the facility damaged and staff numbers drastically reduced, everyone took on multiple roles. Even the Servants pitched in with repairs and system restoration.

Ritsuka proved surprisingly adaptable, throwing herself into training sessions with Mash and her new Archer Servant. EMIYA, though initially gruff, showed unexpected patience when teaching her magical theory and combat basics.

"Your circuits are underdeveloped but functional," the red-clad Archer explained during one session in Chaldea's training room. "You need to visualize them more clearly when channeling mana."

"I'm trying," Ritsuka sighed in frustration after another failed attempt to reinforce a simple wooden stick. "It just doesn't come naturally to me."

"Few things worth doing come naturally," EMIYA replied. "I wasn't born a magus either."

Watching from the observation deck, Ayanokouji found their interactions academically interesting. Human growth under pressure was one of the few phenomena he still found worthy of study.

"She improves quickly," Medusa observed, materializing silently beside him. Despite her blindfold, she moved with perfect certainty. "The girl has heart, if not talent."

"Heart can compensate for many deficiencies," Ayanokouji acknowledged. "Though talent has its advantages."

"Speaking of talent," Medusa's head tilted toward him, "you haven't been training at all. Shouldn't a Master practice with his Servant?"

A subtle challenge lurked beneath her words. Since her summoning, Medusa had been probing delicately at his boundaries, testing his reactions.

"Would you like to spar?" he asked, knowing this was what she wanted.

Her lips curved in a satisfied smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

They descended to the training floor, passing Ritsuka and EMIYA on their way out. The Archer gave Ayanokouji a measuring look but said nothing.

Once alone in a separate training room, Medusa stretched languidly, her movements deliberately sensual. "How shall we proceed, Master? Would you like me to hold back?"

"Use whatever force you deem appropriate," he replied calmly. "I'll adjust accordingly."

Her smile turned predatory. "Careful what you wish for."

Without warning, she attacked—a blindingly fast strike with her daggers that would have skewered an ordinary human. Ayanokouji sidestepped with minimal movement, allowing the blades to pass within millimeters of his chest.

Medusa immediately followed with a low sweep of her leg, which he avoided with a small hop. Each attack came faster than the last, her Servant speed creating afterimages as she moved.

To maintain his cover, Ayanokouji allowed himself to appear pressed but competent. He dodged most attacks by narrow margins while occasionally using his baton to deflect blows he "couldn't" avoid.

"Impressive reflexes for a human," Medusa commented, increasing her speed further. "Almost... inhuman."

"Good training," he replied modestly, deflecting another strike.

The sparring session continued for several minutes, drawing an audience. Da Vinci entered first, followed by Mash and eventually Ritsuka and EMIYA.

"Wow," Ritsuka breathed, watching Ayanokouji hold his own against the Assassin's supernatural speed. "He's amazing!"

"He's hiding something," EMIYA muttered, his eyes narrowed. "No ordinary magus moves like that."

Finally, Medusa executed a complex maneuver, feinting with both daggers before sweeping Ayanokouji's legs from an unexpected angle. He allowed the move to succeed, falling onto his back with Medusa immediately straddling his chest, daggers crossed at his throat.

"I win," she announced with a satisfied smile.

"So it seems," he acknowledged, his breathing deliberately elevated to suggest exertion. "Excellent technique."

As Medusa helped him to his feet, Da Vinci approached,