The 3rd Master/BEAST 1 of Chaldea

Ch 16: What Was Worth Protecting

Disclaimer: I don't own Arifureta and Fate Grand Order/Type moon characters or their respective universes.

This chapter while being a short one, will also have a slice of life, Hinted sexual themes, Nudity, Flashbacks, Slight world Building, Heavy dialogue, and character introductions

Normal Talking "WHAT?!"

Internal Monologue (Dammit!)

Spell Chant {Fight In light of evil and wickedness}

Mental Spell Chanting {Resist In Darkness opposed to good and righteousness}

Activating Noble Phantasm [Manafesting corresponding bodies. Synchronizing, Target Set. Ragnarok Lifbrazer!]

Now onwards with chapter

Horaud Town Adventures's Guild Private room#27 September 11th, 7 am multi pov

It was now early in the morning yet the town of Horaud hadn't experienced anything like what had happened yesterday and late into the night. Outside people were still sleeping on tables, mugs all over the floor with women, and men had peaceful grins plastered on their faces. Even when they were walking up slowly, the nightlife girls and guys perhaps in a long time. We're genuinely happy knowing that none of the men or women took advantage of them even when they were paid to do so. Last night had made this labyrinth town all merry and pleased. Everyone no matter nobility or what not interacted with each other as one. So much so that everyone made new friendships or formed relationships with one another.

Such as an escort woman being the girl to a nobleman who didn't mind her work. Or that a noble daughter become a gril of a kind yet honest adventurer who was a commoner. Never again at least within this time would be afraid or not bother interacting with upper or lower-class commoners. Even the fathers and mothers of said noble sons or daughters never would again look down at common ravel. Much like the commoners would look at the nobility with disdain and envy. All understood what they did and what part they had played.

And all no matter what they may say or do down the line all of them would remember this day and be forever changed. Much like in the case of Meld having woken up and clutching his head a bit from drinking a bit much. Yet likly in a long while had a very happy yet peaceful grin at remembering what happened. Even knowing why he was in the nude with the four valkyries and Hajime. But like him, all the aforementioned four were walking up save for Hajime who have a peaceful expression on his sleeping face. And so he'd spoken up in a low tone so as to not wake up his fellow veteran of war and tired man. He'd more than earned his sleep after knowing a bit about the various battles he'd fought and the war he was in.

Meld "Good morning lady Eir, Lady Gudr, Lady Herja, and Lady Sigrun. I assume your rest was pleasant as Hajime and myself yes after our evening of being merry?"

Eir "You aren't wrong to assume that much Sir Meld, likly the best we had in a very long while. And wasn't referring to our daring nightly activities once the festivities ended for us. More so being able to be at peace not needing to worry about what's to come."

Gudr "Sister is right in that regard. Though both your performances in such nightly activities were splendid if I say so myself"

Meld "I think you giving me a bit more credit than I deserve my ladies and underselling Hajime's performance as well. After all, it was a very different set of reactions between my performance and his. So much so that midway he helped out by giving a view pointers."

Herja "I thought my sister saying such things would be a comprise of sorts. But yes his skills in such areas were well...far more than we ever thought or experienced. But that doesn't mean we didn't enjoy our time with you as well. After well you're very well cut above the rest of your fellow males in terms of skill and equipment~"

Meld "If you say so my ladies I'll just take your word for it at face value and leave it at that," he sighs but has an amused smile

Sigrun "Good since we wouldn't wish our hero or future partner to lose confidence from something like this. Especially one with your great reputation and achievements in the war against the demon race. Though still don't understand why you all fought them this long and not had a single peace. Or even a mean of diplomacy with one another for a cease-fire of sorts. Only ever armistices that last a year at most before continuing to kill each other."

Meld "That is something nowadays I question myself why we fight in this holy war of ours. After all both the church and nobility within Humanity are the main reasons why such a thing hasn't happened. After all, why would we wish to make peace with supposed heretics against our rightful god?"

Eir "You still believe these demons are heretics?"

Meld "I'm a paladin after all, and was raised and told these demons are evil and heretics believing in a pagan god. But as time went on you start to question why we were fighting these demons. While more powerful than normal humans they are the same as us only in a different skin. They love, they hate, they have families, they have dreams, and they have ideals they follow to the very end. And at times since they only follow the command of the sole demon king we don't even know if he's a he or she or a thing. Are more human than us and show compassion to each other than us fellow humans."

Gudr "Heh never thought I'd hear the most zealous of Ehito's followers and strongest of humans say such a thing. Are you Sir Meld questioning your belief in the church, your kingdom, and your god?"

Meld "Questioning the kingdom I am not, questioning the faith in Ehito I am not. What I am questioning is those within the church for the past years or so. They always somehow end up with my Kingdom's soldiers dying more on the battlefield. As well as losing ground from faulty intel when once thought of as truthful. And now for some reason despite years or untold centuries of fighting. Now they decide to call upon heroes to help us fight when we could've used them a while back to end the war. So yeah after all I've done for the church and Kingdom I am not proud of during my youth...I am questioning the church's loyalty to humanity. Though if anyone besides you all heard me say this. I would be slapped as a heretic and be hung for even doubting them."

Eir "Why aren't you lucky, in any case, it's best you should get yourself dressed. After all, I'm sure you'll need to take sir Hajime and the supposed young heroes down to the labyrinth today for training."

Meld "I guess it's very obvious who the rumored heroes are considering how different Hajime and the other children look. But please don't wake the young lad up from his peaceful nap. He's earned it more after hearing what he'd gone through,"

Herja "Doesn't help either about you or the escorted detail they came into the guild hall with. But I'm sure sir Hajime would be upset with you for not going alongside you and the others into Orcus today."

Meld "Maybe but my friend here could catch up with us if you ladies went down with him. I assure you his strength is on par with what he did last night and within this room. Considering he went toe to toe and fought evenly against Gahard in a sparring match where first blood would be drawn. We're trying to kill each other two considering the movements and skills they were using. Only experience of what Hajime has is the only reason he's here with us and not six feet under."

Eir "Heh truly then I guess we could keep the young lad company for a while till he awakens from his sleep. But you aren't going along to the entrance without one of us going with you. After all, you may become a father to one of us if not all of us here after last night evening."

Meld "If you insist but the same could be said for Hajime as well. Besides I'm sure there is more of an underlying reason why one of you is accompanying me not that I mind. After all, you are all fine and lovely war maidens worthy of any man or woman who you fancy or fancies you." he says with a slightly amused smirk and bowing a bit

Gudr "Well hope you stay to words sir Meld since it is you who we fancy and one of the two that deflowered us. As such we aren't letting you go for any reason to some random knight or hussy of the streets. Much less a nun or nobility since they would suit you ill considering you've been alone all this time not having settled down with someone yet~"

Meld "My I feel honored you would deem me worthy of your time. But does that mean Hajime is included as well considering he's the second?"

Sigrun "As much I would say yes it seems he's been claimed by a few of our sisters that aren't with us at the moment. Though I would be glad if he choose to give myself and Eir a chance since we fancy this hero as we do you. Sorry, sir Meld that you can't have our full heart as you do with sisters Herja and Gudr."

Meld "Not at all lady Sigrun, I just hope the lad opens up his wounded and tired heart to let you in. So am very grateful someone else like him just as much though in a very different matter"

Eir "Well then all we could hope for now is time to dictate if such a thing comes true for us or not. In the meantime let my sisters and I held dress you and that armor of yours~"

Meld "Much appreciated though please don't touch much since I'd rather not make the other heroes wait longer for me to arrive"

Herja "We'll try not to sir Meld, now come on let's get you dressed~"

At that, all had amused yet warm simile chucking a bit as all got out of bed, Clothing themselves and Meld up in their gear and equipment. But unnoticed to them having been here since an hour ago. An unknown person to them was watching their every moment ready to strike against them should they hurt the master and friend he served. But after hearing such a conversion and the mood within the room a pleased but honest smirk dawned on his face.

Shiro (I guess I can leave you with these new comrades of yours third master. Hope you can form friendships with them as well and let them in since you need all the warmth you can get.) he thought before going away and back towards where Nea was at. Yet both he and everyone else in that room missing the sudden but joyous tear coming dawn from Hajime's left eye

Flashback/Dream 1 Within Tropical Heaven/Chaldea a month after Shinjuku Singularity Muti Pov

All could think now after getting out of that Singularity utterly hell for him. More so having to see the lengths humans would do one another and how cruel or deprived they could be. He did things he wasn't proud of as he did in every singularity he went into alongside Gudao and Gudako. But this time much like the time within Camelot singularity. He'd arrived earlier than Gudao, Gudako, Nightingale, Okita Soji, Beowolf, Minamoto no Raikou, Meda, and Meda Lily. And during the month, he was alone till he fought alongside Jalter and Salter from time to time. Mostly gone from one side to another and making sure his best effort both of them try not to kill each other.

But he'd lost more in that place than he'd liked and the lengths he'd gone to survive. Found out really quickly he wasn't the same saint or hesitant teen when he'd arrived here. It was disheartening, to say the least so much so that even the newest additions to the group James Moriarty and Emiya Alter. Told him straight up he did what he needed to do to survive in that singularity. And that he shouldn't be too bothered by the means and lengths he'd gone to survive. But even now he could still see the unease and shocked faces of Gudao and Gudako when they ran into him. Simply and effortlessly took lives left and center despite the ones there trying to kill him as his face within that month. Hadn't had his usual nice yet introverted expression but one of an emotionless killer and however brief it was. Hurt him so much that since arriving back he'd been unintentionally avoiding the two.

Like right now he's in this beautiful and bright place with lovely sights of all the comrades, guys, and girls servants in their beach attire. Much like he did in simply light gray beach shorts with no shirt. Exposing his slight well-toned body and the scars he'd gained up to this point during the long fights, training, and singularities he's been in. But as he'd sat on one of the empty white round tables with a large parasol watching everyone have a nice and relaxing time. Every so often waving to the others when they waved to him knowing he was there. Soon after 20 minutes of sitting and watching alone ended when he heard voices from behind him.

Sakamoto Ryoma "So this is where you were Hajime-san"

After hearing Ryoma's voice he turned to see not only him and Oryou in beach or Bikini attire. But Ushiwakamaru (Assassin version), Queen Medb (Saber Version), Astolfo (Saber Version), Osakabehime (Both Archer and Assassin Versions), Boudica, Sasaki Kojiro, and Nitocris (Both Caster and Assassin Versions)

Hajime "Hey guys"

Astolfo "Heyo hope you don't mind if we sit next to you for a bit okay ~"

Hajime "Not at all you are all free to sit where ever you feel like. All I'm doing is just admiring the view and doing a bit of self-reflection if being honest"

Sasaki Kojiro "Ma isn't that an interesting thing to say seito(Student)-san. Considering everything myself and your other senseis know you aren't the type to do such a thing," he said in slight earnestness but having a bit of smile on his face. As he along with everyone else fills up the entire round table while looking toward the other servers having fun even Seeing Gudako and Gudao. Intermixed with them having smiles on their faces

Hajime "Yeah well I'm sure you heard about it by now. But I found out things about myself I didn't think I could do within that last singularity that almost ended us despite it being at first. A very minor one that honestly didn't really have to go into."

Boudica "So we've heard...I guess it's still eating you up then oh master in the shadows?" she said with a bit of a smile and much like the rest of the girls in a bikini as well since she came to relax. Much like all the rest of the servants going to pour in a few minutes time to have fun and party a bit

Hajime "Thanks for trying to cheer me up with that last bit Boudica-san, it helps a lot. I'm just surprised it has taken me this long to get over this since if being honest I've done things to a similar effect. In various singularities to make sure Gudao and Gudako are kept alive. Along with an extent myself and you guys if room made itself able"

Archer Osakabehime "Still thinking yourself a being expendable huh? You know for a supposed Otaku you really trying to be an edge lord aren't you?" she said sliglty annoyed with a bit of sadness

Assassin Osakabehime "Just when we all thought all of us broke that bad habit of yours that you've created," she said with a sigh and slight sadness

Hajime "I wouldn't go that far thank you very much. But I'm sure my senseis, teachers, and masters could've told you it never went away only suppressed down since well it got out of hand that one time."

Caster Nitocris "Just the one time huh?"

Assassin Nitocris "Cause it seems to me it was more than one time that bad habit of yours took control more than once. Kind of the reason why despite being respected by all the servants like Gudao and Gudako. You aren't loved by a lot of them considering well you used them as tools or bait. They understand why you did it but still" she finished with a slightly amused grin but slightly angered

Hajime "Ah again sorry to both of and well almost everyone here is making your bait or using you as tools to delay time so that Gudao and Gudako could escape. But it's just the role I made myself out to be in this place we call home. After all, we all are protecting the light in our respective ways, mine is just a bit more harsh and cruel at times. One person needs to stay in the dark to make sure the ones in the light don't get harmed or dim out"

Ushiwakamaru "Again we've accepted your apology even if you didn't need to say it. As you said we've understood but Hajime-san you know you're part of that light as it were. Just as much the other two lords are," she said with a slight sigh and a bit of a smile

Sasaki Kojiro (Guess need to talk to Lancelot-san and the others again his bad habit resurfaced again. Dammed Ozymandias, Gilgamesh, Enkidu, Iskander, Semiramis, and the others making him go down this adorable but frustrating path.) he thought with a bit of frustration but amusement and a bit proud as well of his student

Hajime "Appreciate the gesture Ushiwaka-san, but I can't let myself allow them to dim if I stepped into the light as well. Even more so now compared to when I first started stumbling here by accident"

Saber Medb "Ah yes the others and the other me told me about that day when you first arrived with that singularity. Or rather discovered you even quite the shock for a lot of people if remember correctly," she says with a bit smirk and usual sensual tone

Oryou "Everyone was freaking out and hopefully that day when they found out you were an actual human than the ones found in the singularities. Much less knowing you aren't from this world or timeline."

Hajime "Was a hell of a day of seeing a battle of that scale much less destruction. I thought I was in a movie somehow but that turned out not to be the case and was isekai'd to this place. Well into that singularity if being technical about before being brought into Chaldea and finding out I could help"

Ryoma "Still think it was best for Da Vinchi and the others to not get you involved in this. But then again we would never get to watch you grow and see the man you fully became that you are now. Respected by all and loved by some within Chaldea for being the Master in the shadows. Still think that you should stop hanging out with James-san and the others like him though if being honest. But that's just me" he says in earnest while having a slight smile

Hajime "I'm just learning things and having fun with them. Well not learning in the traditional sense like my senses or shishous teach me, Gudao and Gudako on the daily. But more so the mindset and philosophy they bring with them like every one of you having your philosophy you'd follow. Or convicts you'll stick to not matter the cost"

Boudica "It's beacuse of that reason why we're worried about you. But guess that is why you have the respect of all everyone around here to be one to carry the hatred, anger, or blame. So that Gudao or Gudako would never have to make horrible but respectable and logical choices. Much like Gudao and Gudako, they have made this place their kingdom or empire as it were. You as well have the means to be a good ruler yourself much like I or any of the kings, queens, empresses, leaders, and emperors. Around here have done during our time alive and within history."

Hajime "Don't know if I should take that as an insult or compliment"

Kojiro "Likly both my seito and tomo(shorted version of a friend). But don't let it get to your head"

Hajime "I won't but like I said I'm not the one who should seek out the ruling. Since we all know the people whose suited to such an endeavor if we wished to seek it. And we without question would help them rule this world if asked"

At his words and smiling expression, he turned to face Gudao and Gudako playing and having fun. Like everyone at the table had the same smiling expression as he looking at the aforementioned. First and Second masters they all love, respect, and would follow since it matters little if they were a simple man or god. All would follow those two to the end of time if they could.

Saber Medb "That may be so third master-kun~. But couldn't it be said for you as well, considering I know a lot within this place would follow behind you should you wish domination and rule?"

Hajime "That may be true but it wouldn't be all of Chaldea at my beck and call like Gudao and Gudako would have. But I know if hypothetically speaking seek this world I'll likly have a better and easier time doing so. Compared to what Gudao and Gudako would have should they wish for this world. But that isn't my style and I am content to stay within the shadows"

Assassin Osakabehime "Of course, expected nothing less from you after getting to know you over the years. Now then when are you going to man the fuck up and ask Gudako already? It has been more than ample time for her, Gudao, and yourself in getting over Romani's death and selfless act of saving us"

Archer Osakabehime "Or are you saying it fine in leading those who have feelings for you? By the nose forever till you ask the question to Gudako even knowing more than not. None of you a pure anymore after the many singularities you have been and fought. You even gotten Gudao's permission and blessing to ask his twin sister?"

Hajime "Not really the best time of changing the topic to something this insane as well...I know what I'm doing to those who genuinely love me a disservice in not accepting their feelings. Despite knowing for a long while now beacuse of my selfishness in wanting the first love of my life to be mine. Much like she is to all of you and kind of the reason why for some reason. None of the other servants including my king have dared ask her for her hand in love and form a reverse or yuri harem. Much like Gudao has going on with all the female servants here besides a few. But even those few still accept his advances or he does theirs as it always has been going since the beginning. Well if being honest since Gudao and Mash finally became official and Mash allowed the others to have him as well. Instead of having various nightly fun or mana transfer in the field or well here." he continues

Hajime "But even so all of knew out of everyone here she took it the hardest at his passing. Despite I, Gudao, and all the other male servants telling Romani up to the very end. To not make her cry and go out with her already and then he does that all. Choosing to save us all instead of being with the girl he only loved as Romani despite his previous wife when he was Solomon. Or how he'd loved Da Vinci just as much causing her to grieve even to this day every now and then despite Gudao's best efforts. Of loving her as her second lover yet knowing he can never be the man, Romani...Solomon was. And neither could I, Ozymandias, Gilgamesh...or anyone else can measure up to what he did." He continues

Hajime "It still isn't time yet...a year still isn't enough time for her and our mourning of his passing. Or are you going to tell me despite Gudao having a harem he doesn't shed tears at the memory of him? Instead of having a melancholic yet sad smile as we should have?"

Oryou "...No he still does even now. Even if he thinks during those times no one could see him shed tears of grief. Much like yourself Hajime-san when your grief at his loss at being reminded of him. But even you know this situation can't last long, much less knowing your position of protecting the light as it were."

Hajime "Even I know that much...Regardless I would still ask for a bit more time. since I will not be another cause of her heart should I perish soon after confession of my love for her. As Romani did, it would break her heart completely, and never would allow herself to love again. In thinking she's a cursed person the people she loves or has feelings for would die soon after. You all know in some regarded Gudako has expressed such dumb but painful opinions of herself even if it's not often."

Saber Astolfo "...Yeah you aren't wrong sadly about that. Why do all you masters have to be this complicated and hurt so much"

Hajime "I would say it's beacuse of the roles we play and our love for humanity as a whole. Though in my case not to the worrying degree both those twins have. I wouldn't pass the chance they could become BEASTS in the future"

Boudica "Scary thought and one I doubt anyone here would wish to take arms against them should they become one. I'd say we'd likly or rather Chaldea as a whole would join them in bringing humanity salvation as it. Were, but offline optimistic of you not thinking you couldn't become a BEAST yourself. Especially after all the hassle Scatach and the others needed to do. After what happened in the temple of time with you keeping the remnants of Goetia at bay trying to sacrifice yourself to let Gudao and Gudako survive."

Hajime "Can safely say it was a close call that one. Though am certain you guys would find me again no matter what time, place, or dimension I would end up in. After the temple of time collapsed. More like Gudao, Mash, and Gudako demanding and threating you guys to find me. Though can understand why Goetia did what he did doesn't mean I have to agree with it. My body despite that day is still mine and still kicking ass when needed. But this is a big if I became a BEAST by any means even though I will never be. Or become Goetia's successor to his throne in hell. I know within my remaining heart would be glad you would stand against me and cut me down even if it was Gudao or Gudako needing to do it."

Ryoma "Perhaps you are right in that regard about us standing against you or that you do not have a chance of becoming a BEAST. But you can't deny what Goetia said to you within your brief but brutal fight. And that you understood why he did what he did that he saw something in you that he didn't see in Gudao or Gudako. His skills and clairvoyance must have seen something in you else you wouldn't be standing here. And you know that very well"

Hajime "That is something I knew way before you even told me, yet I don't know what he saw. Must have been soothing he'd deemed worthy enough to him in his dying moments. To spare my life and that to this day worries me even if a bit compared to early on."

Kojiro "Well that is something you need not worry about at present since you are you. In any case, I'd say it's time we stop this discussion and enjoy ourselves. After all, all the others are waiting for us to join them" he said with a smile while looking to where all the other servants ways away were looking at them with a bit of anticipation and excitement. Motioning or waving towards them to join in the fun.

Seeing such a sight Hajime could only dawn a warm yet honest smile at seeing his family he made here. All of them in their personal ways likly worrying for him including Salter and Jalter looking towards him. With slight amused yet smiles saying get over yourself and get the hell over here. At the same time oddly enough formed a great friendship and understanding within that awful Singularity. He kicked himself a bit now for making everyone worry for him and felt at ease once more. His turmoil at seeing the thing he'd wished to protect even after all this time.

Hasn't changed regardless of the means he used to keep this new home of his along with others who'd felt the same. Like Kojiro or Old Man Hassan, all knew regardless of the enemies they faced or how hopeless it may seem. They regardless would come back victorious s even if it ment. He would sacrifice his very soul and be to keep this home safe from those who wish it harm.

Hajime "Thank you guys for trying to cheer me up," he said earnestly and slightly embarrassed of how he felt or was acting since coming out of Shinjuku

Assassin Ushiwakamaru "Don't worry about it since that's what friends and comrades are for. Now then let's go shall we?"

At her words, they stood up with warm yet honest smiles as they headed towards the massive group where Guado and Gudako were waiting for them. From then on till the next morning either playing around, partying, eating Emiya's and Boudica's food, or having fun. Something that no one within Chaldea had in a very long time since Romani's passing. Almost as if he never left and by the morning end everything was back in place as it should be. Chaldea had become a lively place once more with all the shenanigans that entailed.

Though it seemed for the most part that none of the servants didn't have to wait long for Hajime to finally ask out Gudako and for her to accept his feelings. Opening the floodgates as it were for those who loved them to join in the fray with Gudao in the background being pleased and happy. Finally, he wouldn't be alone in the pleasant but suffering situation of having multiple lovers. And that happened during the three months within the Argatha singularity in trying to solve it.

...To be continued...Maybe...

And done really wanted to get this out yesterday but had to write a few more things before finishing the chapter. With that being said hope y'all thought the chapter was decent enough despite it being short. And didn't feel the interactions with one another feel forced either way. Still, though Next chapter when it does come will finally be Orcus. And all that it entails within the abyss that is Orcus. Though as everyone knows more servants have been added since I last updated this. Including what class proto Merlin is so I'll be changing fem merlin accordingly to her class. Didn't expect that one for sure. That is just a means of adding a different servant to a different class.

Now as to where these new servants lay within Gudao's and Gudako's respective harems, yuri harems or reverse harems can't say. Since there is a lot of them added. So that will be shown where they'll end up in the next chapter with their respective places within the harems.

That being said down below as always will be which servants Hajime will have within this story along with a new one to a different class compensate for the third caster slot. Like always do leave reviews or criticisms within the chapter and hope to see you guys in the next one. Till then guys and gals.

Hajime FGO Harem List: Gudako, Assassin/Archer Osakabehime, Assassin/Lancer Yu Consort, Assassin Mochizuki Chiyome, Avenger Demon King Nobunaga, Assassin/Avenger Kama, Rule/Lancer/Assassin/Caster Scathach & Scathach Skadi, Caster/Assasin Nitocris, Assassin/Lancer Valkyries( Hildr, Thrud, Orthlinde), Berserker Morgen/Nimue, Lancer Melusine

Servant List:

Saber: Ibuki Doji, Sigurd, Suzuka Gozen

Archer: Emiya, Chiron, Tomoe Gozen

Lancer: Cu Chulainn, Vritra, Enkidu, Valkyrie(Thrud, Hildr, Orthline), Byrnhildr

Rider: Iskander, Ozymandias

Caster: Gilgamesh, Scheherazade

Assassin: Shuten Doji, Semiramis, No Name Hassan, Kama

Berserker: Minamoto no Raiko, Ibaraki Doji, Nightingale, Kiyo Kijo, Kriemhild(New)

Alter Ego: Sesshion Kiara

Avenger: Demon King Nobunaga, Taira no Kagekiyo

Moon Cancer: BB

Ruler: Amakusa Shiro, Himiko

Pretender: Oberon, Lady Avolon(New/Fem Merlin)

Foreigner: Abigail William, Katsushika Hokusai

BEAST: Tiamat

Watcher: 000-0000