UPDATE 04/7/2016: Grammar and typo fixes, some small editing.


I saw familiar faces, in a town where age seemed like it had long stilled from advancement, secluded from the entire world like a caged beast in a forest, deep within a castle a Lord of Romania once ruled in.

Before, what I saw was nothing but pure white. Awareness came and I began my relentless pursuit of wisdom to understand the world. It was then that I saw two persons, one was a small prodigy that later became a sacrifice, and another was a man who despised humanity while seeking a way to save them.

They spoke of interests, Magecraft, as they discussed the flow of a battle. One that long ended in the distant past, and they spoke of my fate, our fates as a foundation that supported the system of a holy artifact.

My fear of death appeared upon I recognized my imminent fate. My blood ran cold, chills clawed my heart as the acknowledgement of having my Magic Circuits be taken out meant destruction would claim me. Death would claim me, spurting my aversion and fear of the horrifying prospect. The dread I felt made me to crave, like a swirling madness deep in the abyss.

I want to live, I thought.

I want to live, I wished.

I want to live, I desired.

With rapid growth of my mind, my awareness as an entity as well as my will that I believed I have gained, I searched for a way to live, seeking for a method to survive in mad desperation. I wanted to be free from the tank, the cage that imprisoned me, thus I thought of methods to break it free. I gathered knowledge, I devised plans, then a result was born.

Logic path \ open
"Straße\gehen"

Wishing for 'destruction' of the cage, the spell obeyed my calculation, my magical energy to transform it into a material as brittle as weak piece of wood. I didn't waste my chance to free myself. Even so...

I was weak. So very weak that I could not even walk like a human, or even crawl like a baby would.

As a Homunculus built solely to supply magical energy of the Servants, it was obvious that even if I were able to escape from my cage, my fate was still sealed. After all, with a body as weak as a fetus, wisdom no different than a child's, and lifespan that was set extremely short...

I had no chance to live.

"What's the matter with you? You're going to catch cold like that, you know?"

Then, a person arrived. A powerful living human a long time ago, revered and sang as Hero throughout history inquired while looking down on me with eyes containing warm concern.

At first, I was scared. Scared of the powerful individual capable of killing me without blinking. It was so easy for a Heroic Spirit to rip apart an ordinary human, and it was even easier for a lowly, nameless and purposeless Homunculus designed as an energy supply to be a squashed ant in their hands.

That was why I was scared, scared of the monster that could kill me. I was scared if my meaningless life would end before I could find something to deny that statement.

"Tell me, what you wish for."

But the Servant offered to me his help. He hid my existence from those that desired my Magic Circuits, he did his very best to ensure that I could live independently. Of course, at the time, I was perplexed, not knowing what to do nor what to answer. Even so... even knowing my existence was nothing but a meaningless one...

"Save... me..." I made a wish from the bottom of my heart.

It was then that the Paladin smiled. As lightly as feather, lightheartedly as if thinking it was of no concern... like a maiden who had just received the letter foretelling safety of her beloved hero.

And the Heroic Spirit, Rider of Black answered.

"Alright, I will."


When I woke up, once again I was greeted by the lonesome sight of a barren, wrecked ruin which had lost all trace of divinity or even propriety. Shaded by the dawn light, any semblance left of the interior gave off a sense of abandonment which easily fostered sadness in the corner of one's mind.

In fact, the degree of neglect this church received would give Ruler a heart attack for sure.

"Maybe I should repair this place...?" I mused as the thought sounded... plausible.

Nobody would protest and I doubt it will trouble anyone. Ah, but... This church is under the territory of a Devil. A high-class one which was once contracted by Solomon's, the 72 Pillars of Ars Goetia. Perhaps I will need to ask for permission and...

"If I can't, should I rebuild it from scratches?" I tilted my head.

"Hah ha...! That is not necessary, young man! Your good will is more than enough!"

Oh? I peered at the doorway, finding one handsome man with gentle smile overlooking me. He's here again... The powerful being in human shape.

The man nodded, "It's a pleasure to meet you again, lost lamb. How are you?"

"I guess... fine. Did you come to talk again?" I asked.

"Indeed I am. Still, would you like some tea?" The man nudged.

Tea...? But what he pulled out from his coat was only a cylindrical aluminium... oh, so that's how it is. One of the products of technology, the so-called 'canned drinks'. Setting aside my awe over a product of civilization, I believed that since he's treating me, then I shall accept it.

"Certainly." I answered.

"Good! You are showing more and more interesting light, young man!" The man chuckled.

After handing me the canned tea, he took a seat on a bench across mine. He crossed his legs as he opened the lid and took a sip. Since he's drinking it readily like that, I chose to follow along though I had slight problems before understanding how to open the can's lid.

Taking a small sip, my throat was refreshed by the cold liquid stroking down and the bittersweet flavor reminded me of something. What is this... could it be... chamomile?

"Fascinating, isn't it? To think humanity is capable of preserving food... Even the flavor remained strong for a long period of time. Hundreds years ago, this is no different than a new trend. A novelty like no other people would kill over." He raised the can to shake it lightly, the content rocking against the thin container made from aluminium.

I once again nodded, "Human has intelligent mind, and a heart. They're far more complex than anything, yet simpler than anything."

"Precisely. You cannot judge humankind by selecting individuals as representatives. If you do, it simply shows a barbaric view that closed off so many lights of undiscovered stars." The man calling himself as 'Watcher of Stars' laughed.

I heard his voice. Boisterous, energetic, wise, but also warm. It was a free-spirited laughter, one I could associate to many people who chose to live their life without regretting their past choices. A nature closely resembling legendary heroes of old.

It was more than enough for me to understand him.

A soul... A heart. He learned of it, developed it in his own way and making use of it as a compass. We were born not as humans, but as monsters so we didn't exactly understand what it meant to have a heart. Even so, we too bred the seed of possibility as times passed, just by encountering the mortals called as humankind.

Still I wondered whether or not I...

"Young man, you are confused, I believe." Noticing my state, the man pointed with an index finger of a hand still holding the can. "Are you wondering if the path you chose is the correct one?"

...I wonder. Even if I were asked that, I found myself stumped very quickly. My decision... is it truly correct, to live by my own will?

I was reminded of the last few days. I tried to initiate it, forming my choice into reality. I wanted to talk and so I spoke with the people. I intervened and so I helped someone.

But... by putting myself in the front, what will happen to the others? What about the people that were pulled into troubles? What about them? The people who decided to fight back even knowing how hopeless the outcome is?

"...I... I don't know." I answered honestly.

But on the contrary, I received a slow applause. The man had already placed the canned drink on the bench, its content empty when I identified it with Structural Analysis.

Then I met his gaze, "Young man, not knowing is not a sin. Sometimes, being ignorant can save someone from falling into pit of hell. Your answer is not wrong."

"What can I do if I don't know...?" I asked, genuinely worried.

"Then find it. Learn as much as you can, experience it and seek your own answer."

...isn't that... What I always did? What's the difference then?

The man smiled, "After knowing comes understanding. Why people become evil? Why people do good deeds? It is your... everyone's job to understand the weight of an action, the weight of purposes, and the weight of life. By doing so, you will realize one day..."

"Realize...?"

The man chuckled. As he stood up from the bench, he readjusted his coat and for some reasons had a hat in his hat. The question how and why didn't escape my mouth as he turned toward the door while saying "That will be for another day, young man." like a teacher that ended an interesting lesson just because of the bell ringing.

But as he waltzed away, he halted at the doorstep, "Ah, one piece of advice."

I perked up to see his face from the side. Glistening under the moonlight, it was the first time I saw a different light in his eye. It was... it was melancholy, as if remembering a fond memory that was washed away by many, many ill conclusions in life.

"Young man... It is fine and all for you to choose your path. However, Solitude does not suit you. For nobody, even the Holy Father could bear existing in their lonesome." The man said, and then vanished into the light outside.

I stayed still, understanding not a thing about his words. However, they quickly latched in my heart and forced my brain to comprehend them. One after another. Phrase after phrase. Unaware that during the process, my hand had moved into the pocket of my waistcoat and held something that seemed familiar.

The last thing in my head was the flapping of wings that didn't sound like any bird's at all.


Later, past afternoon, I invited myself to the ORC building only to find it empty and locked.

"Ah, that's right. They went off for training camp huh?" I murmured to myself, walking back to the gate.

I felt bad for suddenly interfering their affairs. It's not that I wanted to apologize again but I have created a problem, an inconvenience to someone else. I know that if I can't fix it, I can at least lend a hand.

Still... even after I remembered the Watcher's advice, I couldn't find a word to put up as an answer. I couldn't find anything I could help them with. To begin with...

"Who am I to them?" I asked myself.

"What are you talking about, Sieg-kun?"

Huh? Oh, it's her. The girl with glasses, another High-Class Devil like Gremory. I think her name is...

"Sona Sitri?" I mouthed out her name in a questioning manner.

The girl exasperated, " 'Sitri' or 'Kaichou' is fine. Sieg-kun, come this way."

She nudged me. I raised an eyebrow.

"Why?" I asked.

"It's supposed to be I who asked you. Why did you waltz in without any permission again?" She scowled.

Ah. Now that I think about it...

"I... forgot?" I tilted my head. The girl pinched the bridge of her nose.

Grumbling silently, she seemed to whisper some words but I couldn't find anything when a wind blew between us. Sitri readjusted her glasses, the lens flashing with a distinctive sound. She seemed angry but not knowing where to vent it out...

"...erm... "

"In any case, please follow me. It's better than staying idly like this. Understood?"

I nodded hastily.


The school building was large, refined in design and having practical functions more than I expected. Of course, the amount of windows may deem a degree of caution should a battle broke out but school is simply that, an area for education. It was not built as combat infrastructure.

Even so, if one were to enter some rooms such as the Student Council office, the interior changed dramatically.

Gaudy furniture such as U-shaped table, authentic carpet and president chair. A large bookshelf installed in the wall. A wide window like in a chapel. Then a set of tea party utility of the highest-grade.

"I must say... Devils are indeed related to greed. You didn't hold back in setting up your base, Sitri-san." I commented without a shred of lie.

"Oh?" The subject quirked her eyebrow, "Flattery will bring you nowhere, Sieg-kun."

Then the girl walked and sat behind a desk that looked to be reserved for the president of the Student Council. A few of her Peerage members, a girl with sharp eyes and a blonde-haired boy...

"Aren't you the one from before?" I pointed out.

"Geh?!" He gasped.

A distinct sound that I recognized as readjustment of glasses of the High-class Devil in the area made me to turn my head. The girl was smiling thinly, her hands crossed together under her chin as she asked with an oddly serene voice.

"Sieg-kun, may I ask you where you met Genshirou-kun?" She asked.

Genshirou? I glanced between the boy and the girl.

Hmm... I guess there's no harm to answer right?

"Yesterday, when I discovered Gremory-san's Peerage spying my movement, this boy suddenly shouted to distract me from questioning her."

I see, Sitri nodded. She gave a brief look at Genshirou.

"Now, Genshirou-kun. Since you forgot to report you were found out..."

"Hii?! Have mercy on me, Kaichou!"

The Devil commanded, "Tsubaki, please guide Genshirou-kun to his post."

The one standing near Sitri nodded simply and walked to the boy, grabbing his collar before dragging him out from the office. During the process, I found the poor Reincarnated Devil having a session of hysteria with deathly pale complexion. Then the door closed.

Somehow, I want to pity him but I didn't know why I wanted to do so.

"Please excuse my Pawn's insolence, Sieg-kun. If I had known you have met Genshirou-kun..." Sitri apologized.

"You'd have prepared yourself for a more suitable hospitality right?" I finished.

The girl quieted down. Had I never tried to learn anything in the Great Grail War, I would never notice the instantaneous change in the Devil's expression. Her lips twitched, and her glasses flashed an eerie light as it overlapped with the shadow of the chair that fell upon him.

"Did you foresee this development, Sieg-kun?" Sona Sitri asked.

I nodded once, "I have met someone that resembled you to an extent, Sitri-san. While she often covered it with a radiant mask, you are slightly different. Colder, as if putting up a wall of ice rather than wearing the mask of a pierrot."

"An interesting comparison." The girl chuckled.

Even though she chuckled, there was no emotion in it. No, it was not like she suppressed it, sealing off her heart. That response... it was rehearsed, as if she was treating a conclusion of a formulated scenario. I wondered if it was a feint. In chess game, to lure the opponent by acting as if you misinterpreted your enemy was a common strategy.

"Hmm... I am honored, although you probably didn't invite me all the way here to engage in idle talk, Sitri-san." I answered.

"Really? Then do tell, what do you think I wish to do with you?" The Devil elaborated.

I shrugged, "Perhaps to know what I know. Or maybe my Sacred Gear. Or maybe my method in tearing through your bounded field."

Now I realized how perceptive she is. The girl before me did not react to my words that should have raised a few alarms in her mind, but it was exactly because she did not provide a subtle response that I knew she had gone through a lot to at least anticipate my method. This is no longer a talent, but a polished skill honed with years of experience.

"You raised a few points. Then Sieg-kun, if you permitted me, can I ask you one question?"

Acknowledging my silence, Sitri pushed her glasses up.

"What are you?"

And so the world stilled.

Ah, it is not that it actually stilled. It was hard to explain as the air turned frozen, cold and excruciating even though it was nearing summer. I wondered what other change was apparent but when I gazed up, I saw the surface of the window slowly painted with a layer of white; a thin film of ice.

"You broke through the bounded field as if it was denied of your presence. I investigated the matter and rather than it being hacked to pieces, the protective layer was instead downgraded to the degree of the lowest that they barely acted as a one-off warning bell." The girl explained. "Not only that, your distinct scent is stronger than the Welsh Dragon. Your resistance against Phoenix's flame outclassing even Ultimate Devils' and you do not fear for your life despite being threatened be it by number or quality."

And once again, she repeated her question.

"What are you? You can't possibly be a human, Sieg-kun."

...

...truly a surprise. To think that my cover would be blown away even though not even a week have passed... This person certainly requested something absurd, something beyond my offer, something almost anyone would never catch had they not try to learn in reading between the lines.

However, her demand was too simple. Too one-sided. And too naive for no resident of the Moonlit World would ever answer with true honesty, especially when it centered in the Mystery of their identity. Only those with large egos would lecture their opponent in the middle of combat, be it in battlefield or in negotiation table. And only the likes of Magi who prided themselves in their bloodlines would live while looking down on the general populace.

It was the misconception often carried by those proclaiming as 'purebred'.

Therefore... "And what will you do if I told you what I am, Sona Sitri-san?"

The girl stared at me, observing my every movement with keen eyes. But soon she smiled a thin smile. A soft smile that obviously showed her feeling like an ice thawing, even if only for a moment.

"Had you been a human, I would have requested you to be my contractor."

Contractor?

"As in... having a geas contract? One that bounds you as a familiar?" I reaffirmed.

"Yes. That sort of contract. After all, you do not have any desire in surrendering your humanity no?" Sitri-san asked.

Well... If it's that, I don't know how should I respond. I am neither a human nor a true dragon. I am just an aberration with the heart of a Heroic Spirit, one who gave up His only chance to be granted an omnipotent wish. In fact, beings such as I were considered as 'Magic Circuits in the shape of a human' rather than 'a human with superior Magic Circuits'.

Even so...

"I do not wish to change what makes up who and what I am. I am fine as is, Sitri-san." I replied while placing a hand on my chest.

"Hence why I intended to offer you an equivalent-exchange alliance rather than that." The girl nodded.

I see... She deduced that far. A very promising tactician-in-the-making indeed. If she couldn't persuade me to join her Peerage, why not forge a healthy relationship where she could reap benefits whenever she is summoned forth, then slowly uncovering the truth surrounding me.

A very excellent plan. Though not without flaws, it is still remarkable enough that Archer of Black would praise her.

"Then, since I am not a human... you wish to at least know which force I belong to?" I asked, unable to stop my lips from fully twitching upward.

"Yes. If I could clarify your identity and faction, I can relay a report to the Maou that may allow you to live in this city." Sitri said.

"Ah... As I thought, this territory belonged to your kind. No wonder the church is left as is." I remarked.

And... maybe my tongue slipped once again. The Devil was staring at me very hard, and she pursed her lips in a suspicious manner.

"Sieg-kun, are you a member of the Church?" She asked, venom dripping at the last word of the sentence.

I executed a dry look, "My faith is placed not in any higher being who may or may not exist out there. To tell the truth, I distrust such beings very much."

"So you are an atheist." She concluded.

The tension on her shoulders vanished all at once. I wondered if I said something bad. Usually, people would react in varying ways if it involved religion. Ruler as the prime example, but I also knew other Heroic Spirits who never tried to pray to their Gods like Saber of Red. Her faith lied in her twisted view of her father instead.

Still, what I believed in was always one thing. And I doubted any could ever hope to change my faith. Not even the Fake Priest with his inhuman mastery over words could do it.

"Then what are you? Which faction do you belong to?"

Hm... which faction do I belong to? Dragons? But they never acknowledged my presence. Magi? I would rather die than being lumped together with them. What about Heroes? I... doubt a Poser such as I could ever be called as one. I am not worthy of the title anyway.

"I wonder which faction?" I asked myself, my arms crossed as I looked down to the floor.

"...you never associated with those of your own kin?" Sitri asked.

"I have lived for centuries in isolation, and I just left my hideout some days ago." I chuckled.

...eh? Did I blurt out another important fact again? I hastily checked on the Devil before me and...

Ah. She gaped. She must be stunned still. What have I done...?

"...Sieg-kun, how old are you?" The bobbed-haired girl inquired, though I could tell she was treading in delicately.

At least I could appreciate her concern. And now that the cat's out of the bag...

"I'm... not sure? I think thousands of years have passed ever since I lived on my own." I tilted my head.

Thousands, she reiterated slowly. The Devil gawked for a while before she breathed in and exhaled, spewing a large breath of air from her lungs in one attempt. Her expression once again returned back to the formal mask she always put on.

"I take back my question, " She announced, "Starting over again, may I know your identity, Sieg-kun?"

Well... "I am... a Homunculus, I think?"

"You think?"

Sitri's deadpan stare somehow frightened me... I wonder why? Did I do something wrong? Almost everyone I knew closely always wore that expression whenever I did something similar to fighting a Servant with a borrowed sword...


After the complication had passed (Sitri decided that she had none with it until another opportunity arose), the student council members all gathered. Looking over, it was only I who sat on the sofa while drinking a tea prepared by the Vice President Tsubaki Shinra.

Then, I was also introduced to the rest of her Peerage members. The last one, Saji Genshirou, was excluded due to being out of commission or probation if I heard it correctly. Well... tough luck out there, kid.

"Hey, hey! Your name is Sieg, right?" A pig-tailed girl asked me with sparkling eyes.

I tilted my head, then nodded slowly. The twinkle in her eyes were like the brightest star in the dark sky and she leaned closer that I started to feel uncomfortable.

"Is it related to the Wagner?" Reya Kusaka innocently asked.

I stilled right at once. No... it can't be...?

"You know, the Hero that was adapted from a Nordic lore, Sigurd the Dragonslayer! I think the character that appeared in Wagner was..."

Ah, so that's it. She doesn't mean anything other than the legend and that performance, huh...

I exhaled in relief, "Siegfried the Dragonblooded Knight."

"Oh, yeah! That one! Can it be that 'Sieg' is also from that name...?"

Ugh... I was quite sure she didn't mean any harm. Truly, the petite yet attractive girl before my eyes was an enigma I needed to be cautious of. However, I also knew that from her voice and to her gesture, she was a blatantly honest child down to her curious heart.

It meant... she is probably an avid reader of mythology, one I could classify as 'a nerd' if my recent investigation on modern age proved correct.

Or maybe she is a researcher or an information trader...? Considering her position as both an authoritative figure as well as a Reincarnated Devil serving one of the 72 Pillars, I believe she has enough skills to be acknowledged by Sitri. If not, not even her looks could ever permit her from joining the Student Council. A very formidable being indeed... This school organization.

"It seems so." I shook my head, smiling wryly as I answered, "to tell the truth, this name was formed under the reason to honor his existence."

"Hoh... That sounds incredibly romantic." Kusaka commented.

Ah, a certain Knight would definitely scoff at my attempt though. She never liked an impostor since all they did was imitating without having a sense of originality. It might be related with her being a fellow Homunculus too.

Still I digress, "it came at the spurt of moment though. Mainly because Siegfried was... I guess he's a true Hero whose legend ended far too soon."

"Because his brother-in-law is a total wimpy excuse of a man right?" Kusaka smirked viciously.

And I can never disagree about that. Truly, had the king been able to prove his worth then the legend would have continued on, or perhaps ending in a better note. However, I also knew that lamenting the past was not something ought to do.

That Man picked his choice. Back there, he gave all he had to save my life, to revive me by giving this body a new heart. A chance to weave a new tale, even if it was not of his own. Even so, the Heroic Spirit was said to have passed on with satisfaction, genuine happiness filled his stoic feature as he faded away into glittering golden dust of light.

Thus in that moment, 'Siegfried' died, and in his place, 'Sieg' was born.

"Truly. I could never express how immensely grateful I am for knowing You, even if only for the briefest moment." I murmured to myself.

Then there was a clearance of a throat.

"So," Sitri suddenly exclaimed, loud enough for me to notice it as a mean to be conspicuous, "Tsubaki, have you found them?"

"I have, Kaichou. Would you like to send another team out tonight?" Shinra asked.

"As much as I'd like to, I didn't expect the numbers, and the place is set to their advantage." Sitri sighed.

Hm...? The other members are very attentive to this topic. Now I wonder why? What would make these young Devils tensing up, enough to show nervousness usually seen on new recruits before their first dive into a war?

A... war? Now that I think about it, the situation was like a bomb fuse ready to be ignited. A precarious situation where internal as well as external conflicts were capable of disrupting a short peace that usually would drive Gaia and Alaya to send out their most powerful Beasts. Could it be...

"Sitri-san? Is something wrong?" I asked after placing the teacup onto the table.

She glanced at me only to exasperate.

"That's right. Sieg-kun, you haven't been in touch with civilization 'recently'. Would you like to come with us?" She offered.

I raised an eyebrow, "and what are we going to do that requires everyone to move out?"

"Hunting Stray Devils." She answered, the last two words spoken out in utter distaste.


Devils possessed a society not dissimilar to humanity's.

It was said that before the current system was implemented, Devils lived like Devils. Spreading destruction and chaos, enticing humans to indulge in sins, torturing the good while draining everything from the poor. Anything Devils would do in the Bible, they did it all in the distant past.

After some times, specifically after the Great War, they reformed their societal structure and rebuilt everything from scratches. From the invention of Evil Piece system to Rating Game to election of the Satans, everything had changed so much; all for the purpose of bettering their lives and sliding the mortality rate.

However, it's not like all is good, even for a system that prioritized people's livelihood above everything.

"Stray Devils are what you call as criminals. Most cases are due to them running away to the human world without permission or killing other members of the same Peerage. And during their periods as fugitives, their power go haywire due to their Evil Piece having no supervisor linked to it, causing them to go berserk and becoming mindless monsters." I reviewed the information I have obtained an hour ago.

"The first case is usually salvageable," Sitri raised her index finger, "if negotiated before the time limit, they could be brought back to be sanctioned for their crimes. At least they still have the chance to regain their sanity before the Evil Piece within them running out of control completely. On the other hand..."

"Murdering their own family is something unforgivable, and they have less chance to protect their sanity from the corruption of their own power. I can understand that reasoning."

After all, I could never imagine myself killing my comrades when their dying whispers echoed in the back of my mind. I fought because I wanted to prevent those whispers from echoing. I jumped into the fray of an inhuman magical ritual all because I wanted to protect them, to protect everyone from embracing senseless death.

If there was a day where my hands would be forced to eradicate one life of a brethren...

"Sieg-kun, please stay sharp. This is already the enemy's territory." I heard Shinra's firm voice and I nodded.

In front of us was a warehouse at the western outskirts of the city, detached from residential complexes and no longer had any proper road to reach it. Late before midnight, the Student Council gathered here to conduct an investigation which resulted into a sudden war council.

The objective was to defeat traitors, Stray Devils that broke the laws of Devils. The targets consisted of a dozen from various places where they huddled together to form a moving group of fighters with several magic users backing them up in their mad conquest to flaunt their twisted powers.

My right hand lingered to a sword sheathed and hung at the left side of my waist. It was a simple eastern sword passed down in Shinra's house. One would wonder why but she hailed from a demon slayer's lineage. Obviously, the reason why I held it was because I requested her to lend me a weapon.

"I understand." I drew out the bladed weapon which was thin enough that ordinary human could break it if the flat side was stomped down. "Hunting Devils who already lost their reasoning is a dangerous business right?"

From what I've heard, Stray Devils who had lost their entire Peerage were doomed to lose their sanity because nobody could supervise their Evil Piece. Because Evil Piece was something akin to a black box that enhanced one's potential, anything that could go wrong would go wrong. And the longer they were left alone...

"...clearly, they are threats that must be disposed of." I stated though I held bitter feelings about it.

Killing their own kind in cold blood, and in return, hunted by enforcers who were also of the same kind. Unexpectedly, this dimension possessed a darker shade where not even eternity could permit one to escape from their sins. Like Primate Predators antagonized by humanity due to them preying on humans, the Stray Devils had no place in the territory of proper Devils.

Perhaps that is also the reason why law of equivalent exchange emerged.

"But Sieg-kun, can you do this? Are you going to be alright?" Kusaka chimed in.

"I have my Sacred Gear. And I doubt any magic the enemy have could touch me." I answered in matter-of-fact tone. "But since I am new around here, I will be under your command, Sitri-san."

The King shuddered a little for reason I didn't know of. Probably at my blatant lie that I possessed nothing such as Sacred Gear. Still, she cleared her throat without turning her back away from my sight.

"Very well then. Unfortunately, I do not know how you fight, Sieg-kun. I'd like you to guard the perimeter with Nimura-san and Genshirou-kun."

The only boy of the Student Council gasped, "B-but kaichou...?!"

"Genshirou-kun. Our targets this time are different. They're too much for the current you. Same goes to Nimura-san."

"Guh..."

And so the strategy was laid out in two parts. I listened carefully about my role as both an outsider as well as an observer. Even though I was not obliged to fight, I have the duty to ensure my promise. I too have a reason to not treat those who held out goodwill to me poorly.


Once the bounded field was erected to cover the entire warehouse, I heard shrill noise, the ground trembling while fluctuation of prana in the air changed from high to low for several occasions.

"Looks like it's beginning." I remarked as I heard an anguished, definitely inhuman roar traveling across the air.

It was followed by a large dent on the reinforced steel wall of the warehouse. Near the back entrance, I observed the surrounding by paying attention to the flow of magical energy in the air while gluing my sight at the old building.

"Ugh... why am I here when I could help Kaichou..." Genshirou lamented next to me.

"Because you are not allowed?" I quipped, earning myself an irritated scowl.

"You... and why are you here anyway? Hell, who are you?" He asked.

Hmh... somehow, his scornful look resembled Saber of Red's to an extent. When was the last time I ever saw that expression again?

Ah, yes. It was when I came back to life through Berserker of Black's suicide attack. Also when I survived even though I was overwhelmed by her Noble Phantasm. She sure liked to make a fuss over everything if it didn't go the way she wanted.

"A guest trying to learn the Devils' customs." I shrugged in a noncommittal way.

What the heck is that, the boy gaped. Even so, all I have as an excuse was that. Nothing more and nothing less. Minutes soon passed by in silence, a time I could be comfortable with gazing the starry sky above-

"Gaaaaaah! How long are they going to finish?!"

Until Genshirou snapped.

"Take this!" Then came a serious shout coming from the inside of the warehouse, followed by the shattering of window and a shadow flitting across my sight.

"Ah." I looked at the falling figure, clouded by dust as inhuman growls and hacking filled the air.

Glancing at the boy who stood frozen like a stone statue, I decided to snap him out from his daze by pointing out.

"One is about to be done for here."

"You tell me THAT now?! And what the heck is that-!?"

A ferocious howl spread across the bounded field, enough to instill fear in Genshirou's panicking heart. I shifted slightly, locking my eyes at a monster that slowly stood up in languid fashion akin to an undead. Glowing red eyes, putrid breaths that made even I to frown upon, with the stature coming close to Berserker of Red's.

A monster... no. A... minotaur? Or perhaps a baphomet? It was wounded heavily but judging from the ferocity of its eyes...

"Looks like you refuse to go down without a fight." I commented. "Tenacious, just like other from your myth."

I readied a stance, even as noise erupted from the back entrance. Ignoring Sitri-san's curses, the monster was not moving as did the Devils.

And I stepped forward.

The Stray Devil howled, it's muscular arms larger and longer than human's stretched out in attempt of squashing me in their grasps. It rushed in a blinding speed that probably had something to do with the Evil Piece running amok within it.

"Straße \ gehen"

In an instance, a hammer fired within my mind. The magic circuits activating as heat enveloped my entire body. I felt energized, the od circulating and accelerating as a spell was executed toward my intended target - the sword in my hand.

An eastern sword, known as katana. Nameless, an inheritance passed within a family descended of a warrior's lineage. A tool of killing, yet holding no malice or even goodwill. It's blade was 83-centimeters long, forged through a dozen folding of iron. Hence - it was a weapon meant to slice and stabbing rather than to cleave.

"And so - it must not break so easily against you." I brandished the altered sword with my right hand as I kicked the ground, leaping forward.

Bluish silver flash traveled alongside me. As the Stray Devil skidded to a halt, the wind that followed it went past it along with a cloud of dirt where I plowed through it.

I heard a shriek as a shadow fell upon me. The Stray Devil swung a bloodied fist downward, intending to pulverize me with one strike.

"Ha!" I spat out a mouthful amount of air while swinging the katana to meet the fist.

Usually, the fragile blade would have shattered. It would have broken down into pieces, becoming nothing but fragments of iron. But my Magecraft proved the possibility wrong as the silvery-blue blade seared through the fist, cutting deep into the arm of the Stray Devil.

I didn't waste time as I continued and sliced the entire arm into two. Blood sprayed as the Stray Devil shrieked in agony but at the same time, I was already upon him; the reinforced katana pulled to the left before letting loose a diagonal slash from the bottom of the enemy's right side all the way to the left collarbone.

Only when the severed body part touched the ground was the time for silence to regain it's dominion.

"Gbh... gha... you... Hu...man...!"

Or maybe not. I stared at the severed upper body of the Stray Devil. With blotted purple smokes, the monstrous form shrank and slowly reformers into the shape of a... young man.

Aah... could it be, that was the influence of the Evil Piece? Such monstrosity was almost no different than Mad Enhancement in nature. Still, it allowed me to have a few words with him.

"Why?" I asked as the tip of the sword lingered at the space between his eyes, "Why did you betray your own kin?"

The dying Stray Devil snorted in disdain. With a smug smirk, he glared at me and raised his nose as if he was looking down on me.

"I've got no need of useless fools as my equals! Don't you dare to insult this Middle-Class Devil!" He shouted.

Middle-Class? A rank in nobility? I glanced at Sitri who was obviously frowning at the chauvinistic display of arrogance.

Still, I wished to know, "what about those Devils you murdered? You were relied upon, treated as a friend. Why did you kill your friends then?"

The youth's eyes narrowed. He growled, and finally...

"Oh, please... As if some lowlife could ever be my friends. Even minions are too high of a praise for them, including that son-of-a-bitch King!" He spat out.

I heard his words. No fallacy could be detected. I gazed at his dark eyes that were clouded by darkness, by greed... And I closed my eyes, promptly exhaling and pierced the head of Stray Devil. With a short shriek fading away along with it's body, nothing remained except black traces of the being. I turned my back and walked toward the enforcers.

"Sitri-san," I called out, "Is this how all Devils are?"

The girl shook her head, "No. Although, as much as I'd like to deny that, many people, including the pureblooded clans of the Pillars are brought up with too much privileges. But there are still many who are not as blackhearted like this thing."

"I see..." My voice faded in both lamentation as well as relief.

I lamented for the fates of the humans who chose to abandon their humanity only to be corrupted by their own power. But I was also relieved that even Devils, the embodiment of sins such as the Sitri and Gremory possessed hearts that did not lean to evil.

Even so... If the majority of them are acting in this way...

"Sitri-san." I called out again, staring straight to the pair of clear eyes.

The girl seemed to have gone rigid as a small red tinted the edges of her cheeks. I wondered why her reaction looked nostalgic but in any case...

"Do you... have any chance to treat you Peerage like he did?" I asked, careful so as not to bring up misunderstandings.

"No," the answer was instantaneous, "I will never forgive myself should I ever treat my Peerage, my family whom I gathered by my own will as mere expendable pawns."

"Can you... promise me that?" I asked back.

"Ah. I promise. In the name of House of Sitri, my ancestor and the Lucifers, I will never allow myself nor anyone of my Peerage to ever stray into the wrong path."

And so I smiled. It was little, and I doubted the words of a Devil. Even so, that promise resounded in my mind, reminding me of someone who took up the oath in assisting me until the end of days.

"Thank you."

Hence why I expressed my gratitude. In honoring the Heroic Spirit who guided me during my most turbulent time... and as 'friends'...

Those words meant everything for me.


Still, I wondered if I had done it terribly.

Perhaps I did. If not, I wouldn't have received excessive praises from Sitri-san's Peerage. The Devil even went to a length that she rewarded me with money, the number with which was quite confusing me as I didn't know for what to spend it all for. The parting was also quite difficult since the President of Student Council requested to know my address, a topic I earnestly avoided due to the amount of suspicious factors that may come up should the truth be discovered. Thankfully, the opportunity to return the sword allowed me to bolt off in the last second.

"Either way..." I stalled. "Why are you here again?"

Four hours before dawn, in the abandoned church, I encountered the Watcher of the Stars once again. He looked like he was marveling the broken crosses that fell off its stand on the wall, and only when I was near him did he respond. Turning around, he greeted me with an apologetic smile.

"Pardon my intrusion, young man. I was thinking to myself." So he said.

Is that so... I chose to not question since there was something odd with his behavior. I also noticed his politeness seemed like it was forced, as if he was holding back from letting his emotion running rampant.

Regardless, knowing the correct time and situation to act is something I have yet to master, even though centuries had passed.

"Hm...?" The man frowned, "Young man, what have you been doing earlier?"

Ah? I looked at myself. Certainly, the creases and unkempt lines in the clothes displayed a rather rough impression. To tell the truth, there was also a faint scent of rust. It seemed I need to wash these clothes soon.

"This?" I raised my right arm, flexing it slightly. "There was... A scuffle. Nothing worth of note though."

Is that so, the man trailed. He looked anxious, seemingly worried for a split second. But then again, I also remembered a particular matter.

"Say... you have been living around here for a while right?" I reaffirmed.

"Indeed I am. Is something the matter?" He asked.

My hand scrambled and pulled the brown envelope. Showing it to the man, I then looked straight at his curious eyes.

"I have amassed wealth. How should I spend it?" I asked for an advice.

"What?"

Later, I found out that expression was something many people, even his Father never saw. After blurting out that fact, the man's workplace was taken by a storm that would last for seven days and seven nights as if the Apocalypse Dragon left his hideout only to drink coffee in a roadside caf・

Of course, that's a story for another time.


"Sitri-san, may I ask for some mission such as the one you took up several nights ago?"

Once again, I was in Kuoh Academy's Student Council office. After the pleasantries, a short reading over a novel, and the regular shifting of documents, I struck up a conversation.

The King alongside her two Bishops, Kusaka and Hanakai, turned their heads to me as if I had grown a second head.

"Now... why would I offer you a work strictly related for devils?" The King asked, "To begin with, Sieg-kun. Do you not work?"

"As much as I'd like to have one, my position does not allow me to have much interaction with the mundane part of the world." I scratched the back of my head, my other hand placing a bookmark between pages where the young Shadeslayer was about find out his origin.

The novel itself was a very interesting one, revolving around the concept of medieval fantasy where a dark empire encroached the entire continent, led by a tyrant capable of eradicating the dragons with the aid of dark arts, nonhumans, undead called as Shades and skinless monsters from a land beyond the deadly seas. Although what interested me the most was the dynamic between the protagonist and his trusted partner.

It is simply thought-provoking, to wonder what the last dragon of her species sees in her turbulent life.

"...wait. Then how did you... never mind," Sitri shook her head, "I intended to arrange something for Rias, so would you like to deliver it to her?"

Hm? A delivery... is it? After all the sudden spending I had done, I guess this could be a start. I badly needed it after all.

"I thought the Gremory has yet to return from their training camp?" I pointed out.

"That doesn't mean we have no way to contact them. There is a teleportation spell to allow us Devils to travel from one point to another freely." Sitri answered my curiosity.

And I was pleased. Teleportation. Instantaneous transportation from a point to another, a kind of Sorcery for humanity was a common spell among the Devils? As I thought, the magical civilization of Age of Gods could never be underestimated. Now I could understand a little why so many Magi desired to attain what the ancient people could do.

It doesn't mean their entire methods are still justifiable.

"Very well then. I too am interested to see how far they have progressed to." I closed the novel, placed it back into the bookshelf.

"Ah, here, Sieg-kun!" Kusaka presented me a cardboard box covered neatly with elegant wrappings.

"So this is the one...?" I raised my eyebrow, feeling something strange from the box.

Why does it feel it was leaking out prana? Could it be... A Mystic Code?

"Well, it depends on her if she'd accept it or not. Rias is genuinely stubborn if she was helped in solving a mess she created herself." Sitri sighed.

Hanakai chuckled, "Kaichou sure is shy~ even though she's as stubborn as Gremory-senpai!"

Suddenly the Student Council president glared at her Bishop.

"Hanakai-san, would you like to sign all of these printouts?" She asked with a cold smile.

Ignoring the frightened yelp, the other Bishop tugged my sleeve and dragged me away from the office.

"Alright, Sieg-kun! This way here!" Kusaka uttered in an overly innocent and singsong manner.

...hm... mortal realm sure is vibrant with colorful aspects.


The sensation of being broken down into particles of magical energy, transferred to another place and reformed back by the mechanism of Magecraft was something I experienced for the first time.

It wasn't all-too-pleasing, really.

As a dragon, my Magic Core is something enormous and powerful that a little imbalance might create a havoc upon a piece of land. It didn't help that my species lived through reaping prana by a hefty amount in an instance and that meant I must limit myself to the extreme if I wanted to prevent genocide from occurring. I was somewhat thankful that this dimension held a superfluous amount of prana in the atmosphere else I would have devoured the entire city when I exited the Dimensional Gap.

That is why... "I have no desire to go through that spell again."

"Ah... well, you'll get used to it whether you wanted or not." Kiba Yuuto chuckled dryly. "Still, thank you for coming all the way here in a short notice, Sieg-kun."

"It's fine. I volunteered for this after all."

Walking through a gaudy hallway, the villa the Gremory Peerage trained at was something I recognized as yet another symbol of Devils' measurement of wealth. It held nothing like the defensive purpose of a castle but it served well in fascinating those who would enter the place.

The marble-sculpted pillars, luxurious furniture from age of antiquity, paintings drawn by famous artists... Anything that may appear in a noble's household could be confirmed in this villa.

"However, where are the rest?" I asked as I glimpsed a swimming pool from the windows.

"Issei-kun is still training in the backyard with Koneko-chan, while Buchou and Akeno-senpai are teaching Asia-chan support magic that may help in the Rating Game." Yuuto answered readily.

Hm... even so, I heard faint sounds almost as if projectile-type Mystic Codes were blasted to the ground like a form of bombardment. The chain of sounds and slight tremors also came from the back of the villa.

"I wonder what kind of training methods you all use?" I asked honestly.

"It varied depending on the person, I guess. Since Issei-kun is our Trump Card, his training consisted of enhancement of his foundation so that he can at least last until the opportunity arises."

Trump... Card...? I tilted my head, wondering why would they assign such role in that boy.

I admit having a dragon soul sealed in a sacred weapon is something beyond remarkable but treating the wielder who looked as if he had next-to-no experience in combat as a vital asset in a strategy is just... too readable. Even with my short experience, I could at least anticipate such simple tactic with three different countermeasures.

"Are you sure?" I stalled, "I don't believe placing Hyoudou such role will guarantee your Peerage's chance in victory."

For the first time, the blond Knight's smile faded, exchanged with pursed lips and narrowed eyes that seemed to provoke my battle instinct for a moment. Before he could retort to my words, however...

"Sieg-kun... Can I ask why do you think my tactic is insufficient to achieve victory?"

In front of us was the King of the Knight. Rias Gremory stood with arms crossed under her bosom as she stared hard at me as if I was her archenemy.

I breathed out. Yet again, my slip of tongue have drawn me to a vortex of problems. I can now say for certain that Rider was a bad influence to me.


"Thus, it is very hard to say you can win against Phoenix, even if you tried to have Hyoudou's assistance."

In a place befitting as meeting room, I met the gaze of the young lady of Gremory even when I was surrounded by her entire Peerage. There was no fear, no arrogance in my voice. I simply stated the common facts anyone could grasp if given the time.

For example, the Phoenix was a seasoned Peerage who had participated in Rating Games for many times, and they were known to have amassed successive winning streaks. No group could ever achieve such height with brute force alone.

"But Sieg-kun, Issei here has something that can help us in outdoing Riser's regeneration." Gremory stated stubbornly.

It seemed like she had pride over her Peerage. It was good that she thought of her family highly but she forgot something.

"And because of that, don't you think they would anticipate his role in battle?" I glanced between the anxious boy and the stern girl.

It was easy to come up with a strategy, but to actually execute it flawlessly was an entirely different matter. I understood because I have experienced firsthand what a real war felt like. Conducted by two sides, with one having a reactor that could have allowed them winning the war so easily had no internal struggles occurred, and another side who foresaw and manipulated every factor to do their leader's bidding.

I shook my head slowly, "Rias Gremory, do you know the pain of losing something?"

The girl quieted down, her form rigid and I noticed the hands on the hem of her skirts trembling. I decidedly ignored that reaction and simply met her bluish-green gaze.

"In war, you risked everything in exchange of what you wanted to achieve. Yourself, your possession, or perhaps your comrades and family." I explained. "If you believed that everything will be alright, then you are sorely mistaken. War is cruel. Reality is the limit of your dreams. And you can never expect your enemy to be so foolish that they will do everything you wished them to do."

When the Black Faction believed they would win, a third party interrupted a carefully laid out plan. In the inside was a Master who looked down on his Servant, in the outside was a Priest who had waited for decades to have his wish be granted even if he had to manipulate everyone as his pawns.

But the ones who truly suffered were those that wanted none with war.

My comrades were ordered to plunge into their untimely deaths, vanishing into the void with nothing but faint whispers that could never reach anyone. The one who helped me was punished for his involvement in assisting my escape, and another sacrificed his life to give me a second chance to walk on earth. Even the maiden who pledged her entire existence for her God ended up surrendering her life once again just to stall a madman who believed he had the right to give everyone his own version of salvation.

"If you wish to win your battle, do not stop at creating one opportunity for victory. It may be hard, it may be difficult, but it is never impossible to find another way in defeating your adversary, Rias Gremory." I stated my intention.

"...are you saying that since I only have one plan, I have to make more?" The Devil inquired.

I nodded, "As backups, yes. There is never one way to grasp victory. Even if it's unsightly, even if it's not honorable, even if it's painful... It is far better than losing everything."

And so - my discussion with the Devil ended. Everyone who was in the room breathed out a relieved sigh as the young crimson-haired girl pondered over my advice seriously before slowly nodding deeply. I was thanked upon, was given a gaze similar to the one Lancer of Red gave as he dissipated into golden dust of light.

Still I wondered. Have I done the right thing...?


"Hey, Sieg!" Hyoudou called out to me during my walk back to the teleportation array room.

I turned around, facing him as he grinned and extended his right arm forward, his hand balled into a fist.

"Thanks for that help, man. Now we've got something more to win against that fried chicken bastard." He said with an impressively enthusiastic intonation.

I tilted my head, "I didn't do much though?"

"Still, that was nice to hear. You offered buchou important advice and you even tried to consider our worries." Hyoudou snickered, "you're a great pal, ain't ya?"

Pal...? As in... friend? I looked at the extended knuckle. Could it be... He expected me to do the same?

"...but I didn't do anything that can help you for real right? The Rating Game hasn't even started yet." I tried to reason with Hyoudou.

But the boy waved a hand in protest, "you were amazing! I also got an idea too so we're going to win!"

That's why...

"So, again. You're a great friend, Sieg."

...

Ah... If only... If only you were here. That line. That cheerful grin.

Honestly, I missed it so much. I wish I could do more. I wish I could have done a lot more. But only someone like you could have stopped me from going down the same path as that Fake Priest.

"Ah. Make sure you win, Hyoudou." I replied.

"Issei is fine. We're buddies after all." He said.

"Got it, Issei. Well... good luck."

Bumping our fists, exchanging wide smiles as one side was about to face a storm without no place to retreat...

Truly. If only you were here... Rider.


Getting up from a comfortable bed, a pair of eyes lingered on the darkness before shifting to see the starry sky outside the windows. Flowing soft hair brushed slender frames of shoulders as a small lock of white hair blocked one eye from seeing.

Even so, the owner of those brilliant eyes that seemed as if they held no fear against any kind of trial gazed up. Long after a crisis was averted, the world seemed to continue to progress forward. There was a rise and fall of civilization. Another crisis that needed to be prevented. And so many Holy Grail Wars to fight in even though That Person had long vanished from the world together with the vile Greater Grail.

The rosebuds lips quivered. The heart thumped quickly as memories surged back and washing over the tiny body in the hotel room. It could not be seen but surely, a stream of hot tears traveled down the soft cheek of the one who was left behind. A special keyword, one which had resided in the back of memories for so many years was uttered.

"Master...?"


-Author's Rambling (may contain spoiler to Fate/Apocrypha)-

"64 Reviews... 132 Followers... 103 Favorites... 4,220 views... Oh? Eh? What!? No, I'm not drooling!"

Moving on, I apologize for the delay. I decided to remake the entire chapter due to sticking with canon too much is not good. I think that following after Gremory peerage with their training does not benefit Sieg very much, and he's not the always-helpful Shirou. Fundamentally, Sieg has less emotions and wants and the first instance where he tried to help is when he wanted to free his comrades (homunculi) from being slaughtered senselessly. He's got no obligation but after knowing what life is, and after listening to their dying voices, Sieg summoned the will to fight for their rights to choose.

After that... He's basically a lost kid boarding a ship in a raging storm without any beacon.

Thus, I opted for this scenario instead. It might look unhelpful and his role is nothing major. Hell, from Issei's pov, Sieg would be a passing by wise guy, a support character. But I think nothing's bad with calming yourself, sitting down and have a nice talk once in a while. Nothing might change, the outcome may not change but there's definitely a step toward it. Every problem has their own solution, be it instantaneously or slowly. And really, I don't believe subtle change doesn't mean nothing will ever change.


RAC!

guisniperman: Yes, I understand now. It's somehow good to hear that the evaluation is not because of something like OP characters or OP curbstomps happening. I'm getting bored of reading simple stories where the characters can breeze through everything with brute strength alone. That's why western stories can be good due to the mundane life being peeled scene-by-scene, though I found it often as redundant at times too.

T-B-R: Balmung is acquired when Sieg turned into a Servant. But of course, the Balmung in DxD is different but there'll be a teeeeenny bit of twist in the plot when it came to it. Mo-chan is Mordred. In the TYPE-MOON circle itself, Mo-chan is often nicknamed as 'Mo-san'. Even Yuuichirou Higashide-sensei called her thusly.

thisissupposedtobeblank: Great Red is technically the Dragon of Apocalypse. He can do what Zelretch can do, and he lives as he please like a biker delinquent.

Gawain-Knight of the Sun: *chalks +1 for each servant*

blarg7856: Beowulf can be interesting due to Grendel appearing once again in DxD, but he's the archetype of all Dragon Slayers and Western Dragons lore, so he is a very powerful force to be reckoned. *looks up at his bio* Scratch that, his younger self is more of a brawnhead battle maniac, and he shrugged mad enchantment that you can have a high-grade conversation out of him. A storm like that will be hard to control and may broke the plot if not done right.

RedRat8: So no your mentioned servants then. Good, I need a list of 'must-not-appear HS' because I loathe writing half-assedly. Scathach also cannot be summoned since the Land of Shadow has yet to disappear.

The Ultimate Balance of Chaos: Thank you for your kind word. Hope you will enjoy the ride then.

Wernher von Braun: *chalks +1 for Astolfo* Yeah... I can certainly see that so those that can do that is limited to Super Devils and above. ...wait, at this rate, the heroine of the story will be that guy!?

Shin XIX: My apology, my Nasuverse wisdom is waning. Still... *+1 Tamamo (caster)* Nightingale...? Wow, her personality truly shocked me. She comes close with Kerry but her 'doesn't listen to people' trait is a tall hurdle to overcome. Anyway, an interesting HS so-*chalks +1*

Guest-san: Oh, these Command Spells are... slightly different in purpose. You'll see later. Also, the Sieg!fried part... well, he's distancing himself away from the HS so there'll be some surprise about it.

xxoblivionxxx: Yes, yes, I regret checking on Solomon now. Feels like it has spoiled the FGO storyline. And fate/extra is not something I have touched (yet) so I have zero idea of what you meant, or the event you referred from.

DragonXDelinquent: Thank you. A character who grew to want a desire for his own selfish reason is something I found refreshing among the many Ally-of-Justice fanfics out there, especially in Nasuverse. And the Greater Grail... *cue creepy laughter* ...oh, there'll be something, sooner or later. Well, Fafnir would notice the uncanny resemblance of Sieg with his slayer anyway, and the descendant... maybe I should prepare That famous OST?

faresjojor: Because nothing major has happened... I'm sorry if the flow looked too slow but I like going in my own pace.

Ipman: Personally, that Demon King is a hax HS. No, I don't know if she(?) can be called as a hero either, and she'd OHKO Loki so... *chalks +1 and label 'tread with extra cautions*

Eurigos: Thank you, reader-san.

Ehh Im a guest: The system Great Red mentioned is a New System derived from Gaia's and a certain dimension's. It's something that is said as 'improved' from existing Systems so yeah... it's a total unknown built from the power of crossover. Also, there's no ONE Grail. At the end of canon!FA, Sieg mentioned even after he departed, 'many similar wars' erupted on earth after times went by. And the person is that possessor of Vritra Sacred Gear. Forgot his name somewhat.

Azum: At some point... there'll be chaos around it! And let the hate rain down!

King0fP0wers: Not quite sure of the tier of Longinus. If you can enlighten me then you are very welcome. And Kintaro? Did you mean Kintoki? There are several types of Servants (Possession, demi, High, and Grand) around and to be honest... I think I'm going to implement several (Grand excluded) in the story. Meanwhile, the HF... Muahahahaaa! It's going to be even more shocking than that!

mike21: Probably. Welsh is technically the symbol of Britain after all. And I apologize since my wisdom of Nasuverse is waning.

Student: Fumu... thanks for the info. I need to be cautious of the power balance so I'll keep it in mind tightly. *+1 for Demon Archer*

taovkool: And may you enjoy the ride~

RandomBoredGuy: Well, it depends on the votes actually and to be honest, even if Tamamo were to appear, Sieg has yet to reach the point where he's reunited with Jeanne. He has a lot to learn, really. Like seriously, he's a newborn existence thrown into a war between Heroes and left the realm within what? A week? Several weeks? There's definitely not enough time for him to understand the world.

Guest-san: Please consider why I chose to opt out Casters from Fate/Apocrypha and allowing votes from all fate-verses for that position.

Kirin: I think Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing are often compared with each other. Some said Boosted gear is stronger and other said Divine Dividing is the more excelling one. Rias probably wishes to boast a little since she has high pride over her Peerage she gathered. And yes, Shakespeare would writhe in delight just to watch some dramas, but he's infamous in wanting to twist everything for a tragic ending. Not a good material to be Sieg's entourage unfortunately.

Thunder Dragon: At first glance: long! *read carefully...* Now let's see...

1A: Nasuverse's Phantasmal Beasts are too much to be true. But the Dimensional Gaps are cracked allover so the possibility of leakage are quite high.

2A: As long as it's not too OP that he become able to One-Punch everything, it's okay! I need some second opinions after all!

3A: May~be? I can't reveal spoiler so have some anticipation okay?

4A: Pairings will still be undecided for now. Sieg has got some more things to learn before he can move on having harem. He's not a self-sufficient entity with common sense after all, and way too pure (or probably too blockheaded) to recognize what love is. Still, I accept the inputs for the pairing in mind.

P1: He's already got EX Magic Resistance due to his nature. But yes, he can learn it if I find it needed.

P2: Sieg is no longer 'Pure' due to him having experienced life. There will certainly be various difficulties in utilizing Siegfried's ability but what he experienced when he became a Possession-type Servant meant he could absorb the techniques.

P3: Sieg is not fond of magic. He has personal distaste since Yggdmillennia used Magecraft to control his comrades (the Homunculi) into soldiers and energy supply for a war where they don't participate in the frontline. But that's exactly why a Caster can (hopefully) assist him in the matter.

P4: DxD dragon powers. I'm not sure Fafnir likes to see the one who killed him. Sieg has similarity with Siegfried (and probably Sigurd as well) so it may not go well. Still plausible though.


The Guests: Thank you for the vote and reviews. It means very much for me since feedback are rarely given for my past stories so it's just HARD to improve further. However, I don't know how I am supposed to answer the exceptional questions if I don't even know to who I am addressing the answers to. Mh... I'll hold them for now until I can find some way to do it. I'm sorry if I look like I'm ignoring you all but things happen often.