Melusine, Become my Noble Phantasm!

In the Type-Moon world, the ultimate goal of every magician is to reach the Root, and the Holy Grail is pursued as the gateway to this truth. Among magicians, the Three Founding Families—the Einzbern, Tohsaka, and Makiri (Matou) clans—have invested the most effort, but none have yet achieved a breakthrough.

Two centuries ago, these three families began cooperating and successfully developed a method to obtain the Holy Grail. However, since the Grail could only grant one wish, their alliance quickly dissolved into bloody wars. Over these 200 years, three Holy Grail Wars erupted, all ending in failure due to myriad complications. Now, the year is 1994.

Let us turn our gaze to Great Britain, 1,500 years after King Arthur's time. As the age advanced, many feats once reserved for magic were supplanted by technology. Industry had brought a new kind of beauty to the world. Europe—especially London, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution—retained much of that era's charm even as modernity crept in. London remained a bustling international hub, and people still preferred to live where crowds gathered; after all, humans are social creatures.

Then, something miraculous happened, unseen by most.

By a tranquil lake in the countryside, surrounded by trees, the full moon's reflection grew larger and larger on the water's surface. Across Britain, people marveled at an impossible aurora shimmering in the night sky. Yet, while all eyes watched the sky, the peaceful lake suddenly emitted a brilliant flash.

The dazzling light lasted only a moment—like a door opening, kicking something out, and then closing immediately.

Those staring closely saw a figure leap out of the shimmering lake. Although soaked in water, his clothes remained perfectly dry.

Clad in garments blending medieval and modern styles, adorned with genuine precious gems, the man's light golden hair and piercing blue eyes gave him an air of refined nobility far beyond ordinary folk.

"Ow—Merlin, that bastard!!"

Indeed, the man ejected from the lake was Aslan. Despite the slow pace of change on the other side of the world, Aslan had grown fond of visiting Merlin. He had helped the old mage build a network inside his tower, set up screens, played games, and watched modern shows.

It was this small slice of normalcy that had softened Aslan's feelings toward Merlin—though he never expected the rogue to remain so mischievous after 1,500 years. Some things never change, and Merlin still deserved a good beating.

Aslan had received a message from Merlin about a new program launched in the human world—something he would like. So, Aslan traveled to Merlin's observation tower in paradise. But before he could even sit down with a glass of water, Merlin kicked him clean out the top window!

Aslan recalled Merlin's words as he flew through the air: Merlin had glimpsed the world's impending crisis and, with strained ties to his goblin allies, could only trust Aslan to investigate what was happening in the human realm.

No wonder Merlin had been pestering him to watch modern documentaries lately. He wanted Aslan to find a way to adapt to this new era.

Rubbing his head, Aslan barely had time to react before the lake's surface lit up again, ejecting his luggage—and Melusine —into the clearing.

Due to the dissolution of the true ether in the outside world, Melusine had been temporarily suppressed into the form of a metal dragon doll. If not for the fact she could speak and move, no one would believe she was alive.

Melusine herself was a bit perplexed. Not just about her strange new form, but why that old man Merlin had suddenly thrown her out. From the perspective of today's magicians, this state resembled an alchemical familiar crafted through advanced technology.

Alongside Melusine and the luggage was a familiar—a magical butterfly sent by Merlin.

Suppressing his frustration, Aslan held out his hand, letting the butterfly land while he awaited Merlin's message. He was curious how the old scoundrel would justify this.

With a surge of magical energy, Merlin's image appeared mid-air—still looking like someone begging for a beating.

"Yo~ Looks like you've arrived in the human world. Don't worry, this is a video I pre-recorded. Although it's my first time doing this, I'm confident sending someone from Avalon to the human world will work fine.

"In the package is a fake identity I created for you. With your talents, Aslan, you should be able to live comfortably and leisurely here. But remember—your mission is to investigate any emerging problems. After all, we rely on this world for survival. If anything goes wrong, we can't stay indifferent."

"That's all. Now, I must keep my promise and remain in the tower~"

Despite knowing the whole thing was pre-recorded, Aslan still punched the air at Merlin. As expected, Merlin anticipated this and in the video rubbed his face with mock pain.

"Okay, okay, I know I should've asked first, but since you've already punched me, I have to investigate thoroughly, right?"

With that, Merlin's image vanished, and the magical butterfly disappeared without a trace.

Aslan clenched his fists, picked up Melusine and his luggage, and growled, "Merlin—just wait. Next time we meet, I'll smash you with my Noble Phantasm!!"

-End Chapter-

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