Look here... Savior of Humanity... For we are impressed by your dedication in saving this world...
OUR world... and so we adhere to our lives before you, the living and the dead...
for we serve with the one volition and that is to obey our Master... Even if our Master was the only one left...
Even if all your servants were to perish... Even if the world is upside down...
Even if humanity will be composed of only you... Even if the world abandoned you... Even if the world was against you...
as long as you remember US Contractor... OUR Contract...
we, the servants whose name forged upon the forgotten and lost... we, the servants who only exist in the alternate side of the world...
we, the servants were forgotten by reality ... no matter what, as long as you have the will to live... we will come for you...
Chapter 1: The Paradigm
I opened my eyes, not expecting it to dark and kind of glowing with white all over the edges. It seemed that I've been inside a room, a very small one I believe.
Thank God that I'm not a claustrophobic person but I still admit that the first thing that I felt when I found myself here is that it is uncomfortable. Especially when you found yourself sitting on some sort of a seat that looked like a throne, only that it was made of packages, boxes, and containers that you usually find in a stockroom.
Wait, am I in a stockroom or something similar right now?
Strange… I should have been paranoid right now, thinking of how to escape, how my family will react to my disappearance or how I've been kidnap in the first place but till this moment, I just feel calm.
No, the right word would be my body remained calm. I tried to move and stand up and I did it … perfectly? I just did not know what to say. The room is sufficient enough to stand on based on my perspective. Also, I felt my body lighter, in fact very light and I have this urge to jump, run and … sword fighting? Now that I mentioned that the room was indeed small, I just realized that I'm somewhat… lean and small.
This… is not how I looked.
I should look like an average Joe. With a stock build and height just right for my own age… which is 22, yes, 22. I admit that I am somewhat forgetful of my age when you are already working. With a closer inspection of my body, are those two small bags on my chest?
No, to be exact, are those my breasts? This is definitely crazy but just to make sure I cupped them with my own lean hands and the sensations are genuine and heavenly… uhm, no this is definitely a nightmare!
…
…
Nothing happened to me. I should feel some kind of tingling sensation whenever I felt fear and excitement and nothing really happened.
… and oh, I'm totally naked thanks to the semi-darkness atmosphere inside the room I just realized right now aaaaannnndd my body just did not respond to my embarrassment. It's so weird when you fully realized that you should be fully embarrassed when you have genuine knowledge that you are truly naked but it's just that my body's reaction is just… meh. Whatever.
Do I need to check my crotch area? Maybe, but now that I'm fully aware of my crotch area. That hanging, bulging feeling in my nether was gone. I tried to find it using my hands and with one tap yep, they are gone. I sort of expected since this is NOT my body and no more body exploring!
Body? Still Meh.
Clothes? Do I need some clothes? The thing called shame may have been wiped out from this body's vocabulary but I really needed some clothes to cover on for modesty's sake. Think, Think!
First, I must search for these weird boxes and – armor? I suddenly wore something. Magic? I think is called magic. I'm wearing not some clothes but I'm totally armored from chest to toe. Too bad, I can't see it clearly but I'm just glad that it 'appeared' wearing it on my body.
Body? Meh.
Forget the containers now, it seemed some kind of magic thingy made me wore some wore kind of armor. I might have no strength opening by the way.
Now how did I ended up here in the first place? I walked around to explore this kind of place.
*thunk* *thunk*
My armor might feel heavy in nature but it felt as if my body and armor are intertwined and a perfect match. I feel no heaviness nor fatigue so this is fine. Also, my boots sounded funny. Waking up being naked made me theorized that I was somewhat touched but discarded it as soon as I experience this magical phenomenon. The theory that I've been kidnapped, well that will remain oblivious right now.
I tried to touch the wal—
Holy Grail…
Heroic Spirits…
Master…
War…
I stumbled for a moment and I cupped my head in confusion. Touching my scalp made me realized that I have long hair but that thing is not to be worried at this moment.
It is as if my mind was invaded and just slapped that ridiculous information right into my head!
What's the deal with a Holy Grail War? Why I need to fight some six servants and I'm some kind of servant? Master, really? I fight for the sake of my own designated Master? Is this some kind of slavery? Holy Grail? What Holy Grail that grants wishes? It's just that these can only be found in one of the anime series that I have watched when I'm young.
Fate Stay/Night.
Fate Stawhat?! Is this some kind of joke? Did I just been isekai'd to that anime? So now I'm some kind of Self-Insert character now huh? It helps that I'm somewhat a fanfiction writer and enthusiast. Reading fanfic stories might have been exhilarating but nothing beats the kind when it became a reality instead and I'm the victim here. It's both exciting and frightening.
Alright, Fate Stay/Night has three routes in Visual Novel but a shame that I did not read it, only from the facts from the wiki alone and that old self has only watched Heaven's Feel Movie but two out of the three parts. Shame really but really no one is at fault when you expect the unexpected.
Deep Breath me now search for the magic circle or something. Something glowing is sufficed.
…
…
Nothing, there is no magic circle here. Only tube lightings that are just as dim as heck. No Master to say "I ask of you, are you my Master…" line.
What? It's just I kind of liked that iconic line.
The room is kind of advanced for a Tohsaka mansion and shut-in for Emiya's shed. Definitely zero percent for Matou basement and no worms either. Not even an Einzbern's castle. It's as if this is different and entirely else.
If it something techy and advanced, I should be in a Fate/ Extra but if it is true, then it is doom for me expectantly since I never played it before. A poor guy like my old self is just poor. Hakuno or other characters from Fate/Extra are missing here.
Lastly, if Fate/ Extra does not plays my fate then this stock room is definitely Fate/ Grand Order. It reminds me of those futuristic backgrounds whenever a dialogue within Chaldea plays. It also helps that this is my forte since I played it fervently and I have some kind of Collector attitude whenever it came to Servants. I think I knew them by their appearance alone and I can still remember some key events throughout the story.
Nevertheless, I need to get out of here but something tells me that I never needed to. If I am still lacking talent in escaping, then surely others will do it for me.
*FFFWIIISHHH!*
A loud noise caught my attention as I turn my head toward the source of it. Even though I was thoroughly surprised, my body refused to do so.
A portion of the wall slid opened moderately and light came through. Slowly, as my Servant's eyes adjusted to it faster than I've expected.
An individual appeared by the opening, who seemed to be scanning for something inside while I stood wary. I do not intend to hide since the individual does not reek of malicious intent…
…Wait, when did I acquire that ability?
The said individual spotted me and locked eyes with me for a moment and I can feel his sight being filled with surprise and recognition. Yes, he's definitely a boy. He's wearing some sort of cool uniform.
"Are you alright? Can you come out?" The boy said it to me, urging me to exit this place. Of course, I wanted to get out so badly so I agreed to his decision. I also noticed that there is quite a commotion behind him as I took my first step.
Humans and … Servants.
So Fate/Grand Order it is.
Even though they looked like a human, I can feel them differently. Maybe, they can sense me as a Servant too.
The man retreated for a moment as he observed me walking forward until I was basked by the lights within Chaldea. Oh boy, this is really the Chaldea in the FGO! How exciting and terrifying at the same time! Guessing and expectation are vastly different experiences.
My sight danced around as I looked everywhere and everyone's faces: some Chaldean staff that I do not know (they also wear some kind of Chaldea uniform) and the Servants who are also present.
A red spear-wielding lady in a black tight suit: definitely Shisou Scathach.
A stern, white-haired looking man in a black sleeveless suit and red coat: Archer EMIYA indeed.
… and finally, another white-haired, Saberface girl wearing a haori: Okita, Captain of Shinsengumi.
I could feel other Servants too other than these three and except for Emiya; Scathach and Okita have their weapons drawn out. Did they treat me as a threat? It is indeed understandable because they did not know me in the first place.
Now that the invisible tension takes place, I also subconsciously prepare to defend myself, trying to discern how I imagine the battle will take place. This experience was indeed terrifying, especially when you feel no fear anymore. It was just kind of strange either.
Then I shifted my sight toward the boy, or should I say Ritsuka Fujimaru, the last master of Chaldea, the protagonist himself and beside him was his cute kouhai Mashu. Even though the Servants are battle-ready, Mashu herself wasn't in her battle form but the spirit of Galahad was still within her. Huh, never I thought as a Servant this is so obvious to point but I was wondering why didn't they tell her, especially the KOTR servants, earlier in the first place?
Nevertheless, I retain my sight toward Ritsuka and he was indeed an ordinary boy. No doubt, if he were a girl she would still be too ordinary. He was smiling gently.
"I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, last Master of Humanity… it is nice to meet you." He introduces himself as he extended his arm as a sign of trust and acceptance. I followed his suite too as I accepted and shook his arm. I almost forgot that I am still in armor.
I also tried to diffuse the situation too. "I'm also glad to meet you too," I answered instinctively and damn it was a refreshing experience when you hear yourself in a different voice of a woman.
For some strange reasons, other than my name when I'm still a human, I can clearly remember another name that wasn't mine, as well as experiences that weren't mine either. It could be definitely the name of the Servant that I was currently contained.
So, therefore, I tried to introduce my other name—
*Thou shall not reveal thy true name…*
My head! It's as if something interfering with my memory, making it too difficult to remember. What the hell!? Even though I still acted stoically, it was kind of unbearable, what kind of sorcery is this?
If I can't introduce my Servant self, then why not my true name—
*Thou shall not reveal thy true name…*
R-really? For real?! Are you trying to deny my true self? Why the hell I can't tell where I came from?!
I am visibly struggling to introduce myself and therefore without further intrusion and to save myself from future embarrassment, I tried to make up some names on the spot.
"Saber Velvet." Sh*t. Got it from my armor, that was colored pink. Why is it pink anyway?
Emiya himself was overly suspicious. "You're lying." He said as he crossed his arms across his chest.
I released a nervous chuckle. "Mister Archer EMIYA, as much as I wanted to tell all of you my true name in instant, I, for some circumstances unknown, could not tell you. It is a matter of if I can, not if I will." That's all I can tell—
Double Trouble Indeed. Why I can't keep this stupid mouth pacified? I somehow blurted Emiya's true name.
"It's true. Saber Velvet here can't tell her true name at all because of the lingering command seals still present on her."
Thankfully, someone managed to interject before Emiya could figure out, or did he already? It was Medea, Witch of Betrayal, who was by the wall all along, seemingly studying the room where I was occupied and now studying me. It was making me nervous, especially when her hand was opened and was adorned with spell circles or something. Why didn't I detected her in the first place?
"Command seals? Doesn't that mean she has a Master?"
Yes, I'm wondering that too, who is my master anyway?
"It's no use, Master. Whoever it was, they could be long dead. As interesting as she can be, she was currently being supplied by the Chaldea itself."
Some gasps among them. Interesting fact Medea and thank you for the info.
"Sort of like Da Vinci?" Mashu in turn asked. I realized that her voice was cute.
No matter what Medea's answer will be. She's currently undetermined and I could tell that this is an interesting case. Dangerously interesting case. She kept on caressing her chin as she eyed me professionally.
Of course, I do not doubt Medea in her expertise in magecraft.
Finally, Medea shook her head in uncertainty. "I still don't know if it's the same case but the powerful command curse was too strong that it doesn't matter if her current master is dead or alive now as the seals will still remain strong."
Ritsuka himself was thinking too and the Servants, including Medea, remained standby. "It is true then this case is strictly complicated, I think we should bring this to Dr. Romani."
My eyes widened in surprise. Romani was still alive? …. I mean, of course, it could be that I am somewhere between singularities.
*gulp* singularities…
"Saber Velvet-san? Can you please come with us?"
I hurriedly agreed. "Of course, Fujimaru-kun."
While his Servants remained, I trailed the Last Master behind as the staffs as well dispersed along the way. Chaldea was indeed large as I look around. While my eyes wandered, I couldn't help but accidentally glance toward the red archer who somehow managed to lock with my sight.
… and it's telling me 'I should be better watch out…'
Surprisingly, despite the obvious reference, my body did not overtly react.
…
"Hello, I'm genius Caster-class Da Vinci and welcome to Chaldea!" Da Vinci welcomed me as she, without and reservation goes straight to me and caught my hand in the air, shaking it vigorously. It should be obvious that along with Dr. Romani, Da Vinci still exist here, uhmm, the adult Da Vinci herself.
Dr. Romani was sitting on a swiveling chair while his gloved hand carried a mug filled with coffee. Yes, that gloved hand that has a ring. Despite Da Vinci's antics thrown at me, Dr. Romani remained calm, as expected of the temporary Director.
"Just like Da Vinci said, please be at home here in Chaldea. It's nice to meet you, Saber Velvet."
Both of them stand before me and I couldn't still believe it. These two famous characters are standing right in front of me and I still couldn't believe it. I'm sort of fan of them, especially, their heroic deeds in the future reference which for a moment, made me feel sad for a while.
I'm getting good at hiding my true feelings, huh? No surprise here.
Also, being an FGO Fan here, I expected myself to be somewhere where a large scale of the globe can be found, which is in the command room where cool tech can also be found. Its name probably was SHEBA… Maybe I'm wrong.
I was quite disappointed when they led me to a room where the interrogation takes place instead. I release a small huff as they kept on talking. It seems that you can't expect everything in the FGO game though.
Dr. Romani scratched his orange head as he explained something to me. "Ano… how should I start this?" He mumbled to himself as to what Dr. Romani would act. This would lead to Da Vinci being irritated despite the beaming smile she held.
Meanwhile, I was busy tapping the floor with my boots while frowning. Even in a Servant form, it is not a good thing being bound again in another room after being trapped from the first one. I wanted to explore Chaldea more.
No matter what, they deserved to be overtly suspicious when someone like me, an unknown factor, suddenly sprung up in the Chaldea. If I felt that the security is being lenient, the servants waiting outside the room says otherwise.
It left me no choice but to wait for their orders.
"Velvet-san, can you remember what happened before you were being trapped in that room?"
With lazy thinking, (Yep, can't even remember a bit…) nothing comes out. "No, nothing Doctor. I can't remember."
"That's a bad thing."
"Yes, yes I know."
Dr. Romani looked again on a plasma tablet and fiddled something on it.
At the same time, the door opened and in came Ritsuka, followed by his cute kouhai Mashu. I instinctively looked back and Ritsuka just smiled back at me. It is no doubt that it is one of Ritsuka's abilities to have the Servants attracted at him, whether he liked it or not.
"So how's the investigation?" Da Vinci said enthusiastically.
Ritsuka shook his head sadly. "Other than a secret compartment heavily guarded with seals where Saber Velvet was hidden, nothing else is unusual."
Mashu's turn to report. "We even checked our staff, magus or not, for any magical residues but so far everything is normal."
"Good work, guys." Dr. Romani congratulated them.
This time, it's my turn to become suspicious this time. "Don't you think everything you said should be private… I should not be hearing this since I'm not even trusted here."
Dr. Romani scratched his head again while smiling nervously, even Da Vinci seemed to be agreeing with me this time. "I guess you are right, Saber Velvet but somehow this all makes sense … at least at for me." He looked at the tablet once more.
"I double-checked the summon logs since the start of the order and it turns out that we have an unregistered Spirit Origin among the known servants."
Genius Da Vinci interjected here this time. "FATE Summoning System also takes care of identifying the said servants every time it was summoned and based on what Romani claimed… you are also summoned from FATE too."
"R-really?" Even I knew less than half of what they said but nevertheless, I was marveled.
"Whoever it was summoned you it was someone with a higher rank… especially if they have the clearance to clear out your vital information." Da Vinci said.
"True. Who do you think it was, Da Vinci?"
"Definitely not you, not even Lev Lainur is stupid to do that, Director Olga has no aptitude for summoning—"
"Animusphere." Romani blurted out. I caught him staring blankly on somewhere before resuming his comfortable persona. Yep, I'm already aware that Dr. Romani and Animusphere have a deeper relationship but I'm definitely not a spoiler brat.
"Hmm. Interesting… This is getting interesting." The self-proclaimed genius remarked then she turned toward me.
"If what the reports said was true then you are really bound to some kind of strong command seals. You can't even reveal your true name, huh?"
"I think so?" I said with a hint of doubt.
"Good grief. We really are in a dead end here." Da Vinci said sarcastically.
Romani chuckled and then sighed. "Even working at Chaldea for so many years… we still did not know its entirety. Who knows what secret will be revealed next?"
"I hope it is nothing bad…" Mashu interjected with her soft voice. As a Designer Baby, Mashu treats Chaldea as her own home and it really saddened me.
"Oh, shush, the two of you!" Da Vinci scolded both of them. "We shouldn't let the visitor feel bad… Mashu-san and Fujimaru, why don't you give Saber Velvet a tour around Chaldea?"
Finally.
"Of course, Da Vinci-san." Fujimaru seemed to be pretty excited about this prospect. I stood up and begun to follow them as they made their way outside this room. I couldn't help but wondered what would be my fate here, although I knew I shouldn't be worried at all since Chaldea is all-accepting, gathering all of the help and strength it needed for clearing the Singularities.
…
After Saber Velvet, Mashu and Fujimaru left, both Romani and Da Vinci were left inside the room.
"Yosh, Another ally that would help us! Don't you think, Romani?"
Instead of answering her directly, Romani was in deep thought, one that made him deaf over Da Vinci's speech.
Romani knew they have already Servants with the questionable backgrounds but Saber Velvet herself takes the cake. Even though they readily accept her as a Servant of Chaldea, Romani couldn't help but feel suspicious about her the most.
Especially when it directly involved Animusphere…
"HELLO, down to earth Romani!" Suddenly Da Vinci invaded his personal space, one that made him jump in surprise.
"Ah, Da Vinci, s-sorry...? I went out." Romani quickly apologized.
"I don't care what you are thinking right now but it's bad when you suddenly become a worrywart of all sudden."
"I'm so sorry—"
Da Vinci immediately clipped his lips, which is just rude.
"Shush. If I were you, rest for a while… the stress has been unbecoming of you."
"I-I guess you are right." He said as he scratched his cheeks in frustration.
Eventually, after a minute of a coffee break, they left the room.