Chapter 1: First Impressions

1-awakening/binary heaven

The mire of the everyday sloughs off.

A war between magi.

The wheel of fate turns.

Weak one, temper your sword,

And defend the value of your life.


1st Week: The First Selection

Original Combatants: 999

Masters Remaining: 128


Week: 1

Day: 1

Days Remaining: 6


Morning

The sky burns. Houses collapse into ruin. People fall to the ground. Roads come to an end. The conflict started here. With this, the world that was will be restored.

It is here that "I" alone had survived.

Don't remember/Never forget. Oblivion is salvation and sin. Never forget. "I" was born from perdition.

This must be a nightmare. This had to be somewhere; it could be anywhere, these events that occurred in the true memories of childhood. A torrent of blood flows, and a voice resonating with bitter resentment can be heard.

Lives fade away without a thought. Friends, family, strangers: All gone. Soldiers with guns, families trying to hold together, a grotesque struggle to the last, until a gentle peace descends as death comes to claim them.

–I could not accept all I have seen. The question of "why?" never left me. Even with the divide between conflict and catastrophe, why did such a tragedy occur? No, more importantly–

Why has this world been turned into a hell on Earth?

...A gentle rain begins to fall. All things once living fade away, leaving only one behind. Amidst the helplessness and despair, their souls' last feelings are of rage and regret. The rain wets their cheeks as their eyes close one last time, dying forgotten and alone. Seeing this, I struggle to rise from the depths of death. I will not accept what I have been shown.

If I can live again, I will definitely–

And before long, the rain has cleansed the scorched earth.

Stop.


So, what did we learn today?

...That war is a bad thing?

Not quite, but close. You're improving. Continue like this and someday you will reach the true answer.

Yes, Father.


...It seems I saw some sort of twisted, distorted dream. I hear the sound of birds singing outside. With that, I wake up in the nurse's office. I must've collapsed and was brought here. So was that world, the effigy that blocked my way, and that Servant...all a dream as well?

No. This nurse's office is far different than the one I knew. It's similar, but off, somehow...ah, I see: it's the blue hexagons on the wall. Not only that, the entire room seems more...blue, the same kind of blue of the arena. I must still be inside a virtual world, but this time the difference is visible. I get up slowly, fearing for some residual pain and sit on the border of the bed.

"So you're awake at last. Don't you know is a grave crime made the King wait? Oh well, I suppose the effort to summon me must be quite tiresome even for the greatest magus. You're forgiven for this one time."

The overwhelming, unforgettable presence of someone suddenly appears in a twirl of data beside my bed–

If I wanted a proof that I have not dreaming, this is it. His golden armor with deep-blue decorations covers all the body except the head. A crimson coat stretches from below the hips, and around the waist hung some kind of belt. Now that I take a good look at him I can confirm he does not seem older that twenty, just a few years older than me.

...But as this being is not human, any normal conclusion based on gender or looks would be moot. I witnessed first hand his undeniable power.

"But it seems in your laziness you managed to be punctual, for the Holy Grail War has just begun." He continues with a condescending tone. "Now, let's make sure you know everything there is to know about it, for ignorance is unacceptable in my vassals."

Vassal? Is what I am in his eyes? The jerkish voice call me the Master and him the Servant, but to me it seems the other way around. Still, right now he is probably my only ally, so I should avoid antagonizing him.

"I just remember what that voice said: a battle to the death between magi to obtain the Holy Grail, an object that grants any wish to the holder. To win is to live; to lose is to die."

I don't like that last part, not one bit. But I have no choice.

"The basic of the basics, but just that much is enough: the rest isn't truly important." The man chuckles. "For that I will be magnanimous and allow my unparallelled knowledge to enlighten you about more important issues.

First, the Holy Grail for which we are competing is not the same holy relic many said to have held the blood of a savior, and has the power to grant wishes. The original has been lost to time, but the term remained and it is currently used to design any object with the same property. Early on, the Holy Grail War or Heaven's Feel was the name given to the ceremony magi held to gain the Grail, a bloody melee from which the sole survivor would be granted the Holy Grail."

A power which can grant miracle...I can understand why people would be prone to kill for it.

"Now new magi have emerged in this time in which traditional thaumaturgy has all but faded away. The tournament you're now in is an approximation of the original Holy Grail War, held inside a Virtual World where a new-generation magus can still use his talents to achieve digital based mysteries."

Magi...magus...Although I can hardly believe that these words apply to me, it seems that others think of me as one. Curious, it's more easy to accept the idea of technology mixed with magic than the idea that I am a person capable of such a feat. But if I'm here it must be true. Whatever the case, it is clear the Holy Grail War is a merciless fight for survival.

"The rules are simple. Two magi are assigned to fight each other and their Servants fight on behalf of them. The magus who loses to their opponent is stripped of both their Command Seals and their life."

My eyes are drawn to my left hand, where I've been marked with three strange symbols. Their form...for some reasons I can not avoid thinking about a bow made of fiery flames. The emotions behind their drawing are clear: straightforwardness and burning passion, coupled with a firm will.

"Of course, with me here worrying is needless. I'll just defeat all who will dare to oppose me and let the other mongrels kill one another. Victory is the only natural outcome."

His every word radiates pure confidence. No, it's not as if he's sure he can win, the possibility of defeat simply does not have any meaning to him. Yet, while I still have a million questions left, at least I know the basics now. And whether I want to be here or not, I'm now a participant in this Holy Grail War nonsense. And I made a promise.

I promised to myself that I will not die until I know everything. About this world. About myself.

"Now then, I'm sure you know what a Servant is?"

"Uh, again just what the voice said. He referred to them as the spear that pierces and the shield that protects, so I gather they are partners to the Masters. He also said they are Heroic Spirits, but I'm unfamiliar with the..."

Heroic Spirits: the recorded data of famous historical figures from the past and their historical records or mythological legends given form. An incredibly accurate replica of the original, an autonomous high-complexity magical construct far beyond the capacity of most of the world's computers.

You know what? Yes, is terribly weird, but as long is is useful I don't care from where those strange rushes of information come.

"No, I mean: they are Heroes of the past reborn, called to aid the Masters in their search of the Holy Grail."

He nods. "You have answered well. As a reward I'll fill you with other details.

As per the rules of the original Heaven's Feel, Servants are divided into seven classes according to their core skills: Saber: knight of the sword, balanced in all areas and hailed as the most outstanding of the seven. What a joke. Lancer: knight of the spear, the fastest and most agile class. Archer: knight of the bow, excel in projectile-attacks. Rider: master of beasts and mounts alike. Riding their mounts they are even faster than Lancer. Berserker:" Here his expression turns sour. "a mad dog who trades sanity for power. I pity whoever ends up with this class. Assassin: the silent killer, so weak it can only fight from the shadows. Caster: a magus who wields powerful magic lost to modern times. Inside here they are as efficient as the original. The same Servant can qualify for more that one class, but, unless intentionally twisted by the Master, he is assigned to the most fitting class according to his style of fighting."

Um, other RPG-like traits. It reminds me of that old series, Final Fantasy. Every class has its own specific strengths and weakness, and the Master must decide the best tactic to use the Servant at his full potential. Saber, Lancer and Berserker can attack from the front; with Rider you have to lure the enemy in an environment best-suited to his ride; Archer and Caster will attack the enemy from afar; and Assassin can kill in one swift move. You also have to take in consideration the enemy Servant's class, their specific abilities and the ones of the Masters.

"Incidentally, I was assigned to the Archer class."

He continues without stopping, but at that phrase I lift my head up in wonder.

"Eh? Archer? Are you sure? You don't exactly...appear like someone who use a bow. Not with heavy armor like that."

He shrugs. "Because I don't. When I was young I received military training, but there is not a weapon I favor. The .PH. made me an Archer because I possess a projectile ability. Remember the battle with the imitation, and how I struck it with a sword? That was it."

Memories of the effigy trying to kill me resurface. I was feeling too much pain to pay much attention, but actually I wondered from where that sword had come from.

"You...use swords as arrows? That's...that's pretty cool."

I manage to say it with a straight face.

"Cool? Ah, it's modern vernacular: the praises of my skills would require more elaborate words, but it's not a bad idea adapting to the current costumes of this era. Cool, cool...yes, I quite like the sound of it! From now on you will use such term to laud me!"

He all but orders with the exuberance of a kid who found a new toy. Archer... His personality is going to be difficult to deal with, but he's definitely a worthy ally. Wait... If all Servants are Heroic Spirits, I wonder who Archer was in real life. He must have been a truly incredible famous hero if I have to believe all of his claims.

"Archer, can you tell me who you were in you past life?"

I ask as politely as possible.

"...what?"

And immediately regret it. He didn't said it loud, but with only one word the air of the room freezes. Pure, unadulterated blood lust flows from him, a stone-like expression of displeasure and mercilessness on his face. Oh man, this time I'll really die.

"I grant you the honor of being my Master yet you can't recognize me? This unmistakably radiance is exclusive to me only in all Heaven and Earth, my reputation a clear gateway. The ones similar need name do distinguish themselves: -I- am unique. So, how do you -not- recognize me?"

Only one wrong step and the walls will be painted with my blood. Archer will kill me in the same instant I say something wrong. This is part of the priest-like voice's conspiracy, isn't it? To see me suffer more and more. I didn't escape death, it merely decided to stay close to me to amuse itself with my misfortune. Regardless, I need to say something. Now!

"Sorry, this is my first time encountering a Heroic Spirit. Portraits began to faithfully reproduce human lineaments only at the end of the Middle Age in the Sixteenth Century, while photography was invented at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century. I take you lived before those times?"

Stupid Hana is stupid till the very end, uh? Alright, goodbye world, it was fun while it lasted. Archer blinks, apparently surprised at the strange answer. He seems to ponder for a couple of seconds before clicking his tongue. All the tension and murderous intent disappear like they never were there.

"Royal painters and historians my ass. Should have known they would be incapable of properly bequeathing my greatness to future generations. When I have the Grail I will use it to resurrect them so that I can kill them."

Saved by a very flawed way of thinking, I honestly don't know how I should react. But I'm happy to still be alive.

"Concerning my true name, even if generally knowing the true name of a Servant provide hints to defeat him, in my case it won't hinder me in the least, for I possess no weakness. But it is beneath the King to announce himself to mere mongrels. If you want to know who I am first you will have to prove yourself worthy of that honor. Show me your valor in the battle ahead and that you truly deserve to be my Master."

Right, from now on I have to expect difficult challenges. And to kill...I will think about it another time. Let's see, there is something else...oh.

"Hana."

"Huh?"

"My name: Hana Hashimoto. Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm looking forward to working alongside you, Archer."

"...Heh. You are truly an interesting person, Hana."

With a last bemused smile, my Servant disappears into the ether. However, I can feel his presence nearby. The Servants must be staying out of sight when they're not needed so that their identity can't be compromised. But how their identity would be guessed just by their appearance is beyond me. Oh, wait, other heroes who knew them in life could.

I sigh. There's nothing wrong with my body as far as I can tell, so there is no reason to stay here any longer. This war will not wait for me to be ready. I have to do -something-, anything beside thinking. I get up and smooth my clothes to eliminate any crinkle. As soon as I finish someone enters. It's a girl with long purple hair: Sakura Matou, the school nurse. And Shinji Matou's sister. I never understood how a sweet girl like her can be blood-related with that abyssal jerk.

"Ah, Hana. You're finally awake? I'm so relieved."

She walks closer to me. "You don't seem to have any injuries, so feel free to leave when you feel like it. Also, all of your memories have restored by the .PH so do not worry. Any magi that seek that Holy Grail have their memories suppressed and are given those of a student. Only Masters who managed to recover themselves are allowed to enter the main tournament. Now that you have regained your memories, please review them to make sure they're complete."

"...Regained my memories?"

That's not right. Aside from my name, I can't recall anything about my past. I realize that everyone around me was forced to believe they were normal students...However, I cannot remember a single thing that happened to me before then! So that's why I was so confused... But if I passed, why do I still not remember anything?

"No, you're wrong. Aside from my name I cannot recall a single thing about my life. Are you sure there's no error?"

"Your memory restoration failed?" Sakura looks genuinely surprised. "I cannot help you. I, Sakura Matou, am just a custodial AI. I cannot perform tasks outside my programming."

My complaints were totally ignored. It seems that she can't act beyond her programming. Though I am amazed she is in reality an Artificial Intelligence. For a program she feels like a real human...amazing what modern technology can do.

"Oh, I should give this to you before I forget."

She give me some kind of portable terminal. I assume it's for getting messages and whatnot.

"As a participant, you should pay attention to any messages that appear on your terminal."

"Thanks. Let's see..." I touch the screen and a list of options pops up. "Can you give me a rapid summary of its functions, other than messaging?"

"Of course. At the bottom right there is the reading of your money count and at the bottom left is indicated your actual level and the experience so far accumulated."

Level? Come on, programmers of this thing: I know the theme is 'video-game', but this is going too far. We're real people, not characters in a multiplayer online role-playing game. Reality -doesn't- work that way. Even if it is an artificial one.

"Status allows you to check the condition of both you and your your Servant. Matrix records any information you obtain about enemy Servants, and your own as well. Equip shows if and which equipments like Formal Wears you are wearing."

Equipments? Like weapon, armor and accessories? "What do Formals Wear do?"

"They enable you to use Code Cast spells, like healing your Servant, enchanting attributes or attacking your enemy."

Pre-impostated spells? Sweet, this will save me a lot of time.

"Items store any items and equipment you possess. Finally, Systems allows you to customize your terminal. Any questions?"

"No. Thanks Sakura, you had been very helpful. Can I stay here for a bit longer before leaving?"

"Of course." He replies cheerfully. "Take your time. You should also met Father Kotomine, he can be more useful compared to me to help with your problems. Good luck in the tournament. It will test your limits."

No idea who this Kotomine guy is, but I have a feeling I'll meet him soon. Leaving Sakura to her duties I sit again on the bed and drew the curtain.

"So you lost your memory." The voice of Archer resounds in my ears without him manifesting.

"It appears so. From Sakura's description it sounds like a simple inhibition rather than a complete removal, so hopefully they are still here, and it's just a simple matter of unlocking them. Speaking of which, for some time now a strange flow of information downloaded itself into my brain when encountering things unknown to me before." I lift my face from the terminal and stare at the ceiling. "Do you think they are my memories, returning bit by bit?"

"Possible. Even with the Moon Cell in charge errors are bound to happen in the long run. Does this affect your resolve?"

"Not in the slightest. Even if I don't remember why I entered the Holy Grail War, all I have to do now is fight to recover my memory. Then I will also reacquire my reasons for fighting in the first place."

I just hope I'll also recover a greater determination. I hear Archer snicker.

"Well said. So, what do you want to do here, away from prying eyes?"

"Just inspect the terminal and its information."

First, Status. There are five different parameters: Strength, Endurance, Agility, Mana, Luck. Luck? Seriously? But that aside, I noticed there are two ranks for each parameter, one is signed 'Current' and the other 'Original'.

"Archer, why there are two type of ranks?"

"In this Holy Grail no Servant began with their full strength." He replies with strong disdain. "An incapable Master would handicap the Servant, but even one capable must still go through training to unlock his original abilities. They say it's a method to level the field...excuses from mongrels who dare think they can put the King on the same ground as them." He growls.

"I see. And I? How I'm handling you?"

"No problems. The flow of prana is quite strong and as an Archer I can economize energy."

That's a relief, my amnesia is not handicapping Archer. Ok, let's switch to the next.

Matrix. There are eight slot, one filled with my Servant. It means I have to fight seven different foes before reaching the Grail? I click my slot: here, images of my Servant and myself and other info.

Skill: Independent Action. Rank: A

The ability to remain independent even when rejecting the prana supply from the Master. At the higher ranks it is also possible to remain for extended periods of time in this world without a established contract. The Servant can remain in this world for a week even after losing his Master. However, to use Noble Phantasms of great prana consumption, back up from the Master is necessary.

Skill: Magic Resistance. Rank: C

Protection against magical effects. Cancel spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against Magecraft on the level of High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals.

Those are listed as Class Skills. Archer also possess three Personal Skills, but only one is visible.

Skill: Golden Rule. Rank: A

Measures one's fortune to acquire wealth. At this rank money problems are completely unknown.

My eyebrows rise up to half of my forehead. What kind of...? A skill to measure wealth? How it even work? Anyway, the last piece is...

Gate of Babylon: The King's Treasure

A dark red, key-shaped shortsword that connects to the "Golden Capital", allowing the user to easily access its contents. A vault containing infinite priceless artifacts such as swords, polearms, lances, hammers, shields, unidentifiable weapons and every other type of belongings. They are all the treasures the Servant collected during his life, the very symbol of this Heroic Spirit who symbolizes "an inexhaustible treasury". The items can be summoned anywhere, either directly into the users hands or anywhere in the immediate vicinity, and manipulated at will.

Due to the restrictions of the Holy Grail War the full capacities of this Noble Phantasm are currently blocked.

This time my eyebrows reach the top. Archer owns...infinite is a pretty BIG number. So that sword was one piece of said treasury. And according to the data one of the weaker.

I remember with vivid details the exquisite shape and precious decorations, the way the light glinted on the blade's surface. That was not a weapon, that was a piece of art. Who exactly is Archer? The mention of Babylon suggests Mesopotamian origins, and he refers to himself as a King.

...A pity my history knowledge isn't that great. I'll think about it another time. Now I have to explore the surroundings. I say goodbye to Sakura and walk out of the Nurse's Office.


The school hasn't changed much. The same hallways, the same scenery, the same faces...but the atmosphere is clearly different. The other students. no, Masters, don't bear themselves like normal students anymore. Some are inspecting the building in awe, others are talking with each other or their Servants. Not all of them are dematerialized: it's kind of funny seeing a modern teenager talking with a true armored knight with sword and shield like it is completely natural. Albeit I'm not sure what to think about that little girl with pink hair and a braid. Sure, she is dressed like a warrior, minus the stockings, but the furred cape is cool, but even from here I can hear her talking with the speed of a machine gun. She does not even breath! And the details of the conversation...well, her Master seems on the border of suicide.

"So this is the real thing, huh? The vibe here is totally different from the prelims. I went up to the rooftop to get a look at the sky. You should take a look; it's pretty wild."

I hear a guy saying that to another Master. The rooftop? Hm, it's not a bad idea; I want to see how the outside has changed. When I walk up to the second floor I meet Issei Ryuudou, who greets me with enthusiasm.

"Ooh, you've gotten through! That's excellent! You haven't seen Tsukumihara until you've seen our Rooftop!"

"Yeah, that was kinda my idea. Are you a Master as well, President?"

"Sadly not. I am just one of the many NPCs assigned to help and observe the Masters in the war. We of the student council are responsible for ensuring the Holy Grail War runs smoothly. If you have any concerns, speak to someone in a black uniform. We will help as much as we are able to."

"Will do. Thanks."

It's really difficult to discern the real people to Artificial Intelligences. Even if at this point I really should not be surprised. I eventually reach the door to the rooftop and step outside.

The sky...Wow. Just, wow. The sky isn't a sky, but a sea of trailing 0 and 1. It's like being at the bottom of the ocean. The entire school is like a underwater city inside a transparent dome. Compared with the normal sky of my hazy memories I have the feeling this is a more fitting environment for myself.

"I've investigated this school from top to bottom, but there's nothing unique about it."

It appears I am not the only one here. The girl pats the walls and floors murmuring something to herself. She's... We've never met, but with those twin tails and black and red clothes she can't be anyone but Rin Tohsaka. She has a nice face and figure, gets good grades, and is popular at Tsukumihara Academy. From what I hear, she even makes Shinji jealous. That alone deserves respect. However, she became popular while the school was at peace. Things are different now. That defiant gaze is nothing like the vacant smile of a popular kid. The Holy Grail War– Before I knew it, the school had been turned into a battlefield. Rin knows it, too.

...Yeah, I hadn't registered it before, but we're all predators now. It's kill or be killed. I am not the only one who wants to survive.

"...Huh? Hey, you over there."

Her eyes soften as she looks at me.

"Uh?"

"Yeah, you. Hmm, I haven't checked the NPCs out much yet. Aha, I know a simple way. Don't you move." She says approaching me.

NPC? She thinks -I- am a NPC? Well, considered I had trouble distinguishing myself it's an understandable misjudgment. But before I can correct the girl, her fingers reach out and touch my cheek. Such thin, delicate fingers. I realize how remarkable it is that so strong a gaze can come from so innocent a frame.

Innocent? Yeah, right.

"Imagine that. You're warm, though you shouldn't be...Huh? That's weird, seeing a red cheek flush like that..."

Of course I'm blushing, you're currently caressing me! But I'm so embarrassed I can't move or speak.

Badump.

Her face is just three centimeters from the tip of my nose. My heart races at the closeness. Her breath exhales warmly against my cheek and her hair tickles my bare neck. Her pat-down of my shoulders and stomach seems playful compared to the harsh gaze from earlier.

"Girl on girl? Now that's something new. I have plenty of experience, but never with more that one partner at a time."

Put THAT out of your head immediately, Archer!

"Interesting. You're more well-built than I had expected. You look and feel real. Maybe more real than most people."

She stops and looks behind her, scowling. Good, I was at my limits.

"...Hey, what are you laughing at? It's to our advantage to look into everything, even the NPCs..."

Although invisible, her Servant must be there. And apparently he's more clever than his Master.

"Huh? She's a Master too? No... A Master should be more..."

She looks right back at me with a dumbfounded expression. God, this is the school perfect student and idol? It's almost like blackmail material.

"Yup. I'm a Master. Pleased to meet you." I reply with all the sarcasm I can muster.

"W-Wait. That means when I felt up–"

Her shriek is surprisingly cute. She must be thinking about it now, because she's blushing. As am I.

"Ugh, how embarrassing..."

Speak for yourself. If the boys knew about this Hell would rise. Along with their nocturnal fantasies.

"Shut up! I can make mistakes too, you know! Don't call me a pervert! It could have been my imagination. Or a hacker– such a detailed NPC would rarely exist otherwise."

I'm pretty sure she is addressing an off-color comment coming from her Servant there. But I concur: Rin Tohsaka is an accidental pervert. And a blockhead.

"Anyway, you're to blame for being confusing." Rin suddenly glares at me." You're too bland to be anything but an NPC!"

"Whoa, wait just a second. My fault? Is my fault if you're so dense you don't realize I was a Master, my fault your sense of decorum is so low you touched a person all over her body in public and without her consent, my fault I got molested by you?"

"Yes."

She says it with a straight face. Okay, that was the last button. With my most serene expression I pose another question.

"So, I assume you will not apologize?"

"Yeah."

Wham!

"Ahiahiahiahi!"

The next instant the once proud Rin Tohsaka is holding her aching left ankle, hopping back and forth.

"Are you crazy?" She screams.

"Serves you right. And don't complain: I usually kick boys, and I am used to hit multiple times, with full strength. Consider yourself lucky."

"Wait...usually kicking boys?...!" She pointed a finger at me. "You're the crazy kicking girl of those rumors! Hana Hashimoto! The master of Savate with the mission of sending all the perverts in the world into wheelchairs!"

"They said WHAT? No! No! It's all false! I don't practice Savate and definitely don't have some weird mission. I just kick the boys in the ankles when they make a lewd comments about my initials."

"Initials?" She stares at me in confusion. Then, realization hits her. "Wait...Hana Hashimoto... H.H..."

"Say another word..." I growl. She understands the message.

"But honestly," She continues while massaging her leg. "Nothing but a blank look on your face, even now. Were the prelims too boring to jog your memories?"

I grimace. She touched on a subject that I would rather not dwell on too much, even in jest. It kind of grinds me to a halt.

"No, I don't think it was for that reason. But I really have a problem in that regard..."

Rin's face slowly twists into genuine surprise at my words and expression.

"Huh...? No way. Your memories still haven't returned? For real? That's...really not good. Once you enter the Holy Grail War, the only way out is to win. Leaving prematurely isn't allowed. Even without memories, or previous battle experience, you still have to fight."

"Good to know I have no choice."

"...Oh well. It doesn't matter. You'll be defeated in the Holy Grail War soon enough."

She says it turning her back to me, concern disappearing from her voice. Jeez, thank you very much for trying to comfort me, I feel much better now. Al least now I glimpse the real Tohsaka, not the perfect and impossible school idol. My opponent in the Holy Grail War.

Yeah, I realize, it isn't personal. She considers everyone in the Holy Grail War her enemy.

"What a tongue this woman has. As impossible as it seems, she really believes she stands a chance against us, when it is clear she and all the other are nothing more but walking corpses. I will enjoy breaking that confidence of her when we meet her in battle."

Archer's tone is dangerous. Sorry Tohsaka, you just signed your own death warrant. Unlike my Servant, I have no witty response to my future rival. The kick was enough, I think.

I have to win. Now that I know what's at stake, I have to win. I don't want... to face death again.

"...Well, I guess I pity you."

Oh yeah, I'll believe it. When Hell freezes over and pigs begin to run flying agencies.

"We're not cracking into the system and destroying it, we're hacking. I don't know what's on the other side of the .PH's wall once it goes down. Did your soul get jarred after you made it to the main event? If it's lost or unreadable, then how about you investigate later?"

Already thought about it. And I honestly hope my memories didn't just end up damaged or deleted like junk data.

"Well, in any case, you don't look like you're cut out for fighting. Thanks to excitement, or nerves, everything feels unreal. No matter if you have memories or not. You can't help feeling like you're in a dream. It'll be hard to win feeling so disoriented."

So I've lost...my memories. Who am I? What's my story? What am I even doing in this Holy Grail War in the first place?

All I know is that I'm a Master, with a Servant at my command. Well, command might not be the right word. Side, with a Servant at my side would be closer to the truth. And despite what Rin said, I have no intention on going down.


Evening

Time passes quickly. I'm back in my homeroom class, out of habit rather than necessity. I have not discovered much, only that I can still get hungry and need to eat, forcing me to buy lunch from the Commissary. Luckily Servants don't need to eat, and Archer made it very clear he has no intention of eating, I quote, "commoner food". I am not the only one here. I listen to some random comment.

"I logged in on a whim and somehow made it through the prelims. I must be a prodigy or something. My first opponent is Tohsaka, but I'm not too worried about it. I'll take her out in a flash."

His first opponent is Rin? I bid you farewell, whoever you are. I'd wish you good luck, but I don't think it would help.

"Hey, Hashimoto." A female student walks up to me. "You too pass, uh? Guess we're both prodigies. Who is your opponent?"

"Who knows?" I shrug. "I haven't received a single message. On top of that, I have yet to find this Kotomine guy."

She ponders. "Father Kotomine? I saw him on the first floor a moment ago."

I perk up. "For real? Thank you very much."

"Father Kotomine must be a NPC. Like, he's the head honcho of the black shirts or something. He's definitely not human. Well, he's not humane, at least. Try to ignore what he says, getting angry is useless."

She warns me before I left. Huh, from the description I have a sneaaaking suspicion of who he might be.

I find him in the middle of the first floor hall. A tall priest clad in bleak robes with pristine white gloves. I immediately distrust him. Noticing me, he gives me a smile that seems to be filled with nothing but mockery and sarcasm.

"Congratulations. You have been deemed worthy to be a participant in the Holy Grail War."

F-O-U-N-D you, bastard priest voice! I restrain myself from performing a flying kick only because I need information first.

Plus I think NPCs don't possess a sense of pain. A pity.

"You may call me Father Kotomine. I am an NPC assigned the task of supervising the Holy Grail War. As the 128th and final qualifier I welcome you, Hana Hashimoto. From today on you and your fellow magi have been given the honor of fighting in the Arena up ahead. The war is run as an elimination tournament with seven rounds, the Grail being awarded to the last person standing. In other words, the participating Masters will kill each other until there is only one person left. Simple enough to understand, yes? Even a complete idiot should be able to understand the rules."

WHAT?! The sheer audacity of this asshole! I swear I will sic Archer on him one day. Just wait: once you're no more useful...Zack!

"Masters get a six day preparation period before Elimination Battles, which occur on the seventh day. I'd advise you to use the time given to devise the most efficient means of slaughtering your foe. On the seventh day, you and your foe will fight. The winner lives, and the loser is...deleted."

Seven days for seven opponents...this War thing will go on for over a month. I must hold on until then.

"If you wish to make a query, speak now. The right to ask about the rules is given to all."

"I have two requests to say the truth. There was a error with the memory restoration, or rather it failed. I don't remember anything."

"What was that...?" Kotomine seems genuine surprised. "It is indeed most unfortunate. Sadly it's outside of my jurisdiction. I will report your case and inform you if an answer comes."

Which more or less means: 'Don't expect any solutions for a long time'. Jerk. He is enjoying my discomfort, I see the smile returning to his lips.

"And the second request...?"

"I have yet to be informed of my first opponent."

"I see. Hmm... Wait just a moment..."

He falls into silence and simply stands here. I guess he's communicating with the system to see what the delay is.

"...Strange. There seems to be a system error. I will locate your opponent by tomorrow. One last thing... Masters that continue to advance will be given a private room."

A new window pop in my terminal. A password?

"Your room will be located in classroom 2-B. Use this password to access it. Well, the time for conversation has come to an end. The door ahead leads to the Arena. For today, concentrate on becoming accustomed to the inner workings of the Arena. The Arena entrance uses the same door you went through during the preliminaries. Good luck. Enjoy your time here."

With that said he walks away.

...Enjoying a war? Psychopaths enjoy wars, which I'm not. I think. I hope. At least now I have a room.

"...Hana?"

"Yes, Archer?" My Servant voice is...unsure?

"I don't think my royal eyes are deceiving me but...is there a wild tiger running towards us?"

"What–"

Smash!

Before I can finish, one hundred pounds of excitable feline collided with me.

Hello Taiga.

"Hey, hey Hana, you'd be willing to do your poor teacher a tiny little favor, right? RIGHT?"

Asking if all my ribs are intact, no? Still, what I am expecting? Taiga, even a NPC, is Taiga. "Sure. What do I have to do?"

"Thank you!" She squeals. "You've made my day. So, my favorite kendo sword has up and disappeared. I stashed it in the supply room, but it somehow managed to find its way into the Arena. Since I can't go in there, I need you to get my kendo sword and hand it over during the first round. I'm not here all the time, so you'll want to check back every now and then. I will give you something nice in return. Thanks again!"

She said it all without breathing and then runs away in the same fashion.

"Weird woman." Archer comments.

"Yeah."

I go back to the second floor. Kotomine told me classroom 2-B is my private room. If I hold up my computer terminal, I can enter. When I raise the terminal to the knob, I hear a low hum. No, an incantation. The door opens.

Inside... Oh, it's not a room masqueraded as a classroom. It IS a classroom. There is just a makeshift bed and a bathroom. The chairs are been removed and the desks stacked together to form a pyramidal form. I think the correct term is 'Ziggurat'. Two long red curtains descending from the ceiling are wrapped around the top.

"Unacceptable." Archer's voice is filled with venom. "They expect the King to live in this hovel? Those mongrels are guilty of the most heinous crime possible. We need to find them and deliver slow and painful death."

He makes his way to the Ziggurat, walks up to the top and sits down, crossing his legs. He then points a finger in my direction and said with an imperious tone.

"This is my first command. Find suitable furniture to adorn this room and make it an acceptable throne room!"

"Uh...oh! Y-yeah!"

What else could I say? I haven't a damn clue about how to do it, but if I say it loud I will probably have a close encounter with a big, sharp sword.

"Good. Do it fast. Now, on the other hand: even if unsightly, we don't have to worry about eavesdroppers here, making it suitable for holding war councils. If you have any pleas you may address them to me here."

I nod. On a more important topic, what should I do now? Going to the Arena is a given, but first I'd like to have more explanations...

I suddenly realize there is someone who can give them to me.

"Archer, we're going to the Arena. But first we have to make a little detour."


Five minutes late I'm again on the rooftop. Luckily, Tohsaka is still here.

"Oho, if it isn't our resident lost little Master. Is there something else you want of me?"

"Information."

"What?" She answers dumbfounded.

"Seeing as I have no memories I want to know more about what I gotten myself into. And you will help me. You still owe me for molesting me."

"Ohoho? How bold of you. What if I refuse?" She appears amused.

"In that case, -everyone- in the school will know the great Rin Tohsaka is a pervert who molests other girls in public. You the brutal molester and I the poor victim. What do you think?" I grinned viciously when I see her paling.

"You little vixen...Fine! I'll help! But only with the basics. That should be enough, right?" I nod. "Beyond it you're on your own. Poke around the .PH or the library if you need more specific info."

Both victory and revenge at the same time. How sweet!

"Okay. What is the SE. RA. PH. anyway?"

"...That's right; you have no clue about anything. Let me start from scratch then. .PH. refers to the artificial world we are in now. Think of it as a kind of virtual reality. With that being said, it works on a level far removed from super computers and networked clusters. The creation of a single Heroic Spirit is far beyond the capacity of most of the world's computers. But in this place, there are more than a hundred currently in existence. Imagine the power needed to just run the preliminaries, with all of the necessary NPCs, etceteras. Things here are so anomalous that it requires god-like hacking skills just to gain access. And to be able to digitize yourself and exist here requires that you be a magus-level hacker."

So I'm in a super virtual reality beyond the world's current technological level. No wonders It feels so real.

"About Magi?"

"As the .PH. is a virtual world, I'm sure you're aware that none of us have any substance. Normal hackers enter systems using a program, but methods used by a magus are far more advanced. A magus will digitize their soul and then insert themselves into virtual worlds such as this one. That lets them process data instantaneously, which would be impossible for normal hackers. Of course, you can't learn to become a magus. You have to be born with the required abilities. Born into it..." She paused for a moment. "–Yes, that sounds right. Magi are ones who are born with the necessary 'magic circuits'."

Using the Soul to process data. Magic circuits, the talent of the Magus. I now know the names, but not how they work. Still it's a start.

"About the Holy Grail?" I inquire.

"Since I've never actually seen it in person, I can't fill you in on all of the details. However, I can safely say that it does exist and its power to grant wishes is beyond doubt real. Some western plutocrats have tried to seal it away. Others are here to obtain it for themselves. Even dismissing rumor, the power inherent in the Holy Grail is enough to change reality. And only the last Master standing will enter the center of the .PH. and claim the Holy Grail. That is why all Masters are enemies. Of course, this includes you and me."

Western plutocrats? Sound important, another thing to check later.

"I've heard enough. Thank you very much for the help. And sorry for the threat. I wasn't serious, but I desperately needed every bit of info."

"...You have guts, you know?" She glares at me. "You're not hopeless as I initially thought. Maybe you can be a threat after all. Just don't bother me with anymore of your stupid, pointless questions! Remember that you and I are enemies. Even a temporary alliance between us would end badly. Instead of hanging out here, you should be using the time left to you more responsibly."

"I know, I know. Bye-Bye." I answer walking away.


Arena

FIRST CHIMERIC LUNAR SEA: First Floor

The arena is another dungeon, similar to the one of the preliminaries, aside from the setting, which is an uniform blue without prehistoric skeletons. Entering here was like teleporting: I felt compressed, broadcasted and then recomposed. Is this how a downloaded program feels?

"So this is the Arena. Unimpressive. But I supposed looks can be deceptive." Archer comments, now fully materialized. "This place is full of Enemy programs created by the .PH.. The more we kill, the faster my full strength will return, so we should spend as much time as possible hunting. Ah, before I forget: Once you leave the Arena you can't go back until the next day. So be sure to complete all your shopping and data gathering before entering the Arena."

"All right. The day researching the other Masters, the evening training here."

With that agreement we proceed into the Arena. It wasn't long before we encounter our first enemy. The enemy program resemble the two half of a cube linked together by a zigzag line. My terminal informs me its name is KLEIN.

"That's an enemy?" I was baffled. "It looks pretty pathetic. The effigy was more threatening."

"I agree. This will take no more that a second."

The program spots us and began to approach fast, twisting its body. Archer don't move. However, before it can do even so much as touching him–

–Its body is impaled by the blade of a spear appearing out of empty air. Ripples in the very fabric of reality flow around it, and the entire space around Archer glows with a golden haze. The KLEIN writhes in agony before dissolving.

"See?" Archer's smile is condescending. He feels only pity for this defeated foe. As do I.

We continue our tour until we reach a red door, which prevents us from going further. My terminal says it won't open until my opponent is decided. Archer's attempt to bring it down with a mighty swing with an axe doesn't bring results.

For the time we decide to go back. We manage to gain a Level Up, another Ether Shard and a bit of money inside two treasure box. And the enemies defeated drop things too: always money and experience, and sometime an item.


Night

We're back in our room. Archer is asleep on top of his 'throne'. Even when not awake he appears stoic.

In my bed I'm still thinking about all it happened so far, cuddling my lion plushie closely. The Holy Grail War, Servants, my memory loss...I can't wrap my mind around it.

I know almost nothing about myself. I fight in order to survive and discover who really I am.

But I will be capable–

–of killing if necessary?


Chaosglory626: After this chapter he is next.

Jaksio: Sorry, Rider remain Francis Drake. The possible interaction with her and Gil is too funny.

YunaBlaze: It change. No more spoilers, sorry ^^.

Mijumaruwott: Yes.

Heavenly Observer: I will use some guys of Fate/Apocrypha. Inside this very chapter there is a cameo. Can you find it?

VirusChris: Yeah, I...admit I may have use some other format as an inspiration...included your...Gomenasai!

Bunkhead: Not so much. This Gil isn't the one corrupted from the Grail. He's haughty, yes, but not a complete bastard.