Fate: How About a New Savior?

The successive exits of Queen Medb and the Mad King Cú Chulainn marked the curtain closing on this decisive battle—just a hundred or two hundred kilometers from Washington.

The Celtic warriors Medb created using the Holy Grail and her own power faded from the battlefield along with their master. The U.S. forces suffered heavy losses; mechanical units moved through the war-torn area, gathering their fallen comrades.

Thankfully, the Celtic warriors dissolve without remains, so sorting friend from foe was unnecessary—though that didn't exactly make the cleanup any less grim.

Shiomi woke to find himself leaning against a rock that overlooked the southern battlefield—and beyond it, he could see the central and northern fronts. Florence Nightingale crouched before him, watching his condition closely.

"…What are you doing? Did you think I was dead?" Shiomi asked, a bit embarrassed.

"No—just that she didn't believe anyone could recover so quickly," came Scáthach's voice from behind him. "See? I wasn't lying, Florence Nightingale?"

"What a remarkable person," Florence said, surprised yet unable to argue. Shiomi had taken only a short nap, and yet his injuries had healed unnaturally fast.

The Servants watching him breathed a sigh of relief as he stirred.

"All right, stop staring. Being surrounded by everyone is really not my thing," Shiomi said, half-smiling, half-sighing.

He moved to wave them away—but found Caren still holding his hand.

"Sorry for worrying you," he said, squeezing it.

"It's fine." Caren only shook her head, unwilling to let go.

With her support, Shiomi rose slowly and scanned the battlefield. The Servants had withdrawn; only soldiers remained, tidying the aftermath.

"The North American Singularity was repaired thanks to your incredible support and effort. If it weren't for all of you defending human history—defending human order—perhaps I'd still be running around this land with Caren, Master, and Florence Nightingale," he said solemnly, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Servants who hadn't been able to take leave.

Though many were injured and much had been sacrificed, they reached their goal. Chaldea lost no one at Singularity V—and that was enough.

"We only did our duty," Florence replied, "but as Master of Chaldea, you fought even more bravely than us. Facing the Mad King alone... we can only admire your courage."

She paused, her tone shifting. "Still, fighting like that—getting wounded just to fight—is something I can't approve of. For a Magus and warrior like you, that's a 'disease.'"

"You can't go into battle without getting injured, Florence. Don't exaggerate," Shiomi said, taken aback.

After all, Florence's original purpose was to heal the wounds of this land. That Berserker had an extraordinary obsession with curing sicknesses.

"But it's no longer my concern," she said firmly. "I've already relayed my thoughts to Chaldea via the Master's communicator."

Shiomi had no words.

Caren, smiling sheepishly, said, "I'll keep an eye on Dad from now on. If he gets hurt again, I'll pinch the wound."

"You just want to see me writhe in pain, don't you?"

Shiomi's teasing drew laughter. Over the comms, relaxed chatter came from Chaldea.

When the laughter died down, Florence Nightingale extended her hand. Shiomi shook it, and they nodded to each other in thanks. She then withdrew from the Singularity.

Moments later, the Spiritron Transfer began anew. Shiomi and Caren prepared to return home as well.

"The Servants have mostly withdrawn. The Singularity's repair and the human-order calculation are about to begin." Scáthach leaped down from the rock and approached Shiomi. "It's time to say goodbye."

"Master…" Shiomi's voice trembled with reluctance.

"Don't give me that face. We'll meet again." Scáthach pinched her chin thoughtfully. "This is about the fate of human history—if human history vanishes, everything I did vanishes with it. Including myself."

"A colossal undertaking," Shiomi murmured, recalling her words. "What mindset, what purpose drive someone to surpass even the gods?"

Scáthach grasped his arm. "Whether it was goodwill or ill intent, once you reach that level, it's no longer for Heroic Spirits like me—recorded in the annals of humanity—to judge. But you're still alive, living today. You need to understand why the King of Magecraft did it."

Shiomi shook his head. "Does someone without even knowing his own origins truly have the right to do such a thing?"

"The right isn't granted—it's earned. No matter who you were, where you came from, or what your title is," Scáthach replied, stroking his hair. "You remain my most treasured disciple."

Shiomi nodded earnestly. "Yes."

Then, her form began to dissolve—transparent. She lingered, taking her time to bid her final farewell.

As his consciousness blurred, the Spiritron Transfer with Caren began, bearing them back to Chaldea.

When Shiomi opened his eyes again, he was inside a clear Spiritron capsule. Systems detected his awakening and automatically opened the hatch.

He leaned on the door as he stepped out—directly into Morgan's stern, displeased gaze.

"Morgan…" he began, knowing words wouldn't suffice. Actions would be the answer.

Around them, Romani and other staff stood by. The first step after returning was a full medical exam in the infirmary.

"About the North American Singularity—" Shiomi started to speak.

"I'll be in my quarters. Come alone," Morgan replied flatly, then turned and walked away.

Romani scratched his head. "Oh man, you're in serious trouble."

"How can this be trouble?" Shiomi asked, walking alongside Romani toward the infirmary.

"I mean it—something happened while you were unconscious," Romani said.

"Something happened?" Shiomi thought it must relate to the Singularity.

But then a familiar voice echoed from nearby—unexpected yet unmistakable.

"I arrived just ahead of you, but looks like someone wasn't all that welcoming."

Shiomi's eyes widened as he spotted Scáthach lounging by the Spiritron Transfer door, her elegance intact as she waved at him.

"…What expression should I be wearing right now?"

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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