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I was hurting. My body felt like it was hit by a truck and every breath burned. The smoke probably didn't help much either.

"Kyuu … Kyuu."

Something was tapping my face too.

"Fou..Fou...Fou…"

And now he was licking my cheek. Great.

"Senpai. Please water up Senpai."

No. Let me lie here and suffer.

"... won't wake up. Maybe I should use the official title? Master, please wake up. If you don't wake up, I'll kill you."

Honestly I deserve it. But that means that you'll die too. Fine, I'm getting up. The first thing I noticed upon opening my eyes was the fire. It was everywhere. The second was the armored girl standing over me giving me a concerned look. The last thing I noticed was a shadowy figure above her about to cut her down. Without wasting a second I grabbed her, pulled her close, and rolled out of the way. Just in time to see whatever that was crashed down a second later cratering the spot we just were.

Scrambling to my feet with Mash only took a second, but that was apparently all the figure needed to continue its assault. With speed I could barely follow it was in front of me, a long dagger posed to pierce my heart. In the second I had before he struck I saw him. True Assassin. Then suddenly he was blow off his feet by on oversized shield/cross and sent through a building.

I almost died.

Not even a minute in this singularity and I almost died. Why was assassin here and not with Rider. He was only supposed to show up after Lancer Medusa died. But, that was in the game. This was real. There was no guarantee any of the servants were where they were supposed to be. Or even who they were supposed to be.

But all that can wait until later. Right now I needed to focus on surviving.

"Master, your orders!"

Right. I had help. Looking at her I heard a beep on my arm band. Taking a glance I saw a shield. Tapping on it I saw her stats.

True Name: Mash Kyrielight (?)

Level: 10

Race: Demi-Servant

Class: Shielder

Patron: Ritsuka

Alignment: Lawful-Good

HP: 10,000/10,000

MP: 400/400

STATS

Strength: C

Agility: D

Endurance: A

Mana: B

Luck: C

NP: -

Class Skill

Magic Resistance A

Cancel spells of A-Rank or below, no matter what High-Thaumaturgy it is. In practice, the Servant is untouchable to modern magi, so it would not be an exaggeration to title the Servant a "Magus Killer". Reduces Magic Effects by 50%

Riding C

One can flawlessly manage beasts and vehicles if they have received the proper training and adjustments. Most vehicles and animals can be handled with above average skill. However, they cannot ride the likes of Phantasmal Species such as Monstrous Beasts.

Self-Field Defense C

"Defense of one's own", localized as "Territory Defense" is a Class Skill of the Shielder class. A power manifested to protect allies and ally territory. The higher the rank is, the larger the defensive area increases. All Allies and Allied Territory (excluding self) within 10 Meters receives a Passive 30% Damage reduction

Succeed Phantasm

Is a special skill usable by Demi-Servants. The user can succeed one skill from the possessed Heroic Spirit, and then make it into the user's own skill. Inherited Mana Defense skill

Personal Skills

Transient Wall of Snowflakes (Lv. 1)

A skill where the user's force of will is converted into physical defense, applying a defense buff to the entire party. Applies a 10% Damage Reduction to all Allies. Costs 100 MP

Obscure Wall of Chalk (Lv. 1)

A defensive Skill that allows one to arbitrarily apply invincibility to someone in the party. The power of one's Noble Phantasm also increases a bit. Following how it is called "obscurant", the target temporarily shifts out of the time axis to avoid an attack. Allows one party member to completely evade one attack as well as applying a 5% bonus to their NP's effect. Costs 250 MP

Shield of Rousing Resolution (Lv. 1)

As a Skill that temporarily raises one's own defensive power and draws in an opponent's attack. It is only bestowed upon those who muster their courage and protect the back of those who egress before anyone else. Taunts all enemies within range and Boosts your own Defense by 20% for one minute. Costs 50 MP

Mana Defense B (Lv. Max)

Is a Skill of the same type as Mana Burst, where the user transforms magical energy into defensive ability. If it's a Heroic Spirit with a tremendous amount of magical energy, it's possible to create a wall protecting a city. Ranked down from original due to inheriting the skill. Allows Mash to create Mana Barriers that can block attacks. The more mana the stronger the defense. Barrier Cost 1 MP = 40 HP.

Noble Phantasm

Lord Camelot (Locked)

She was much stronger than I anticipated. With all those buffs not many things could actually hurt her. And even if something did it would barely affect her. Right now she has never been in combat and had no fighting experience other than the instincts left by Galahad. A glance of the stunned assassin made a skull icon appear that showed me what we would be facing.

True Name: Hassan-i Sabbah (Cursed Arm)

Level: 20

Race: Blackened Servant

Class: Assassin

Patron: Saber (Alter)

Alignment: Lawful-Evil

HP: 1320/1500

MP: 27/150

STATS

Strength: B-

Agility: A-

Endurance: C-

Mana: C-

Luck: E

NP: -

Class Skill

Presence Concealment A+

Hides one's presence as a Servant. Suitable for spying. It is possible to disappear completely and become almost impossible to be detected, even against a Servant's perception. However, efficiency will decrease once preparations to attack are taken. Reduces chance of Bering detected while hiding by 95%. Upon attacking reduces chance to 50%. All sneak attacks deal 1000% more damage

Personal Skills

Throwing Dagger B

is the expertise for throwing projectile weapons; in this case, daggers. His daggers have the same destructive power as firearms when thrown, typically spelling certain death for human targets. Thrown daggers deal 80 damage and have a x4 crit modifier.

Self Modification C

Hassan, whose abilities are below that of other Servants, uses Self-Modification to enhance his physical performance and make up for his deficits. He is able to seize another person's heart and introduce it to his own body. It's possible to fuse the arm of Shaytān with his own right arm thanks to this Skill. Each heart taken adds a + modifier to all stats for 1 hour.

Protection from Wind A

A chant that offers prayers to God, that oneself might receive a charm (spell) of protection against sandstorms and evil spirits such as Jinns. Originates from the Middle East. To call it a "charm" smacks of superstition, but the strength of its warding is tremendous. Reduces damage from all Wind based attacks by 50%. Reduces damage from all Evil Spirit enemies by 50%. Wind does not impede movement speed.

Noble Phantasm

Zabaniya: Delusional Heartbeat (Locked)

Okay. Not as bad as I thought. He was already weakened by his resurrection so he wasn't as much of a threat. To Mash at least. A single hit and I'm dead. The problem is that even though Mash can tank his attacks the speed difference is going to be a pain.

"Mash, I need to listen to me closely. This servant is Hassan of the Cursed Arm. Compared to other servants he is quite weak and his stats seem to be lower than they should be. We can beat him, or at least drive him off but we can't make a single mistake. Do you understand?"

She looked scared and confused at the fact we were already in battle. Not that I blamed her, I was barely holding it together.

"Y-Yes, Master,"

"Right. The speed difference is going to be difficult to overcome but not impossible. Are you able to use your servant skills?"

"Huh.. Oh yes I can use them, though my Noble Phantasm is sealed." She answered shocked. Right, I'm not supposed to know anything. Can worry about that later.

"Okay here's what we are going to do."


Hassan was annoyed. After the corrupted Saber had killed him and brought him back he had been ordered to roam the burning city for any survivors. After the first week of though any survivors were killed off. The other servants were each doing there own thing, with Lancer guarding the ruined church, Berserker being content to just roar in the ruined mansion in the forest. Rider meanwhile was searching for any sign of Castor so as to end this cursed war. Castor, of course, was hiding from them all. His new Contractor decided that staying in the cave guarded by Archer was more important than the only other living servant. As for Archer, he took potshots at any of the others whenever he got the chance from the temple. So it was incredibly lucky to spot two (still living) figures in the middle of the ruined residential district. An armored girl who gave off the feelings of a servant, and an unconscious boy, most likely the Master. After watching for a moment he decided that the risk was worth the mana gain he would get by consuming their hearts and that the girl would be the first due to posing the greatest threat.

Getting on into position over his target he lept down, intent on taking her head in a single strike. Only, it wasn't to be as the boy he ignored woke up and spotted him. He struck a second too late and missed his chance, with them rolling away and trying to get up. Recovering instantly, he moved to take out the boy so the girl would be without her mana supply. Only to receive a blow from the side sending him flying through one of the burnt houses causing it to collapse on him.

That was careless of him. He took his eyes off an enemy and paid for it. Even then he still shouldn't have ignored an enemy like that, Luckily for him though his targets were inexperienced and didn't immediately press the advantage, allowing him to climb out of the rubble. He wouldn't give them another chance. Leaping out of the rubble he locked onto the master and started to unleash a wave of daggers, keeping the girl on the defensive. From what he could see the she had no ranged options, so keeping her back would be best. He could still feel the lingering pain from her earlier strike.

Somehow she managed to deflect each dagger with that oversized shield, defending both herself and her Master from harm. Then she suddenly planted her shield into the ground causing multiple symbols to be summoned around her. Suddenly feeling the overwhelming urge to attack head on he charged straight for her, surprising her and struck, sticking a dagger into her neck. Except she was no longer there, his blade slashing through a mere afterimage which shouldn't have been possible considering the speed difference.

Suddenly every instinct he had, as weakened as they were, told him to move. He was, to his shame, to slow. He felt something smash into his leg, causing him to crash down as he felt one of his legs break. Using his good leg he pushed himself out of the girls range, looking for a possible way to escape. Then he noticed something. The girl's Master was gone.

It was only that sudden realization that saved his head from being cut clean off.


I had one shot and I missed. He was distracted by Mash and crippled and he somehow still managed to roll away from my swing. Seeing him turn towards me I dropped, barely dodging the daggers that flew overhead. Luckily mash was quick on the offensive causing him to abandon he attack of me in order to try to survive her onslaught. Every strike she sent at him missed by the narrowest of margins, each one getting closer than the last. Due to his injured leg he wasn't able to run, though he still had over two thirds of his health left. Picking up the dropped sword that I borrowed from Mash I once again charged the blackened servant, really hating the fact that I was now no better than a certain hero wannabe.

Due to having to focus on defending from two separate directions, Assassin started to get hit. A cut here and a blow there we were whittling down his heath. Any counter attack he made was promptly absorbed by Mash, us somehow managing to work well enough to keep it up. After taking too much damage he tried to escape and that was when we struck. He tried to leap away with his good leg when Mash performed her part perfectly. The second he was in the air she suddenly stopped the assault and focused on the skill she inherited from Galahad. A transparent blue wall of energy suddenly appeared behind the assassin, making him smash into it and fall right into my waiting blade.

Seeing his head roll I dropped the blade and collapsed to my knees. That was… intense. And it would only get worse. If I never noticed his first attack the both of us would have died. If Mash didn't break his leg and cripple his movements we would have died. If it wasn't for the fact that he was heavily weakened we would have died. If at any point Mash were to have stopped we would have died. If at any point reinforcement arrived we would have died. So many things could have gone wrong it was a miracle we were alive.

To my right I noticed mash looking around, wary for any additional threats. Right, wasn't there supposed to be a bunch of skeletons too? Well I'm not complaining. Getting to my knees and picking up the blade I noticed a few alerts coming from my armband.

Congratulations you have defeated the (Blackened) Servant Assassin.

Distributing rewards.

x1 Saint Quarts

x1 Silver Assassin Statue

x1 White Mask Fragment

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Skill Gained: Basic Swordsmanship

Skill Leveled Up: Basic Swordsmanship x3

Skill Leveled Up: Command x4

He dropped Saint Quarts. The catalyst and statue didn't even matter as much as the glowing rock that I just received. With this I could summon other servants. I could actually get help other than a Castor better suited as a lancer.

Exiting the alert screen it showed a new tab that looked like a chest. Tapping it showed the items I just got. Exiting that I brought up my status to see what improved.

True Name: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Alias: Last Master

Level: 6

Age: 17

Race: Human

Class: Magus

Secondary Class: Master

Patron: The System

Alignment: True-Neutral

HP: 87/100

SP: 67/100

MP: 40/100

STATS

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 10

Vitality: 10

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 10

Wisdom: 10

Mana: 10

Luck: 10

Skills

Magecraft Lv. 1/100

The ability to perform mysteries using a mixture of Mana and Od. Grants a +1% boost to all Magecraft effects. Reduces Magecraft cost by 1%

Command Lv. 5/100

The ability to lead those who serve under you. +5% chance your orders will be followed.

Basic Swordsmanship Lv. 4/100

The ability to hold and swing a sword without stabbing yourself in the foot. Deal an additional 4% damage with swords.

So I could now swing a sword. And the chance someone will listen to me was improved.

"M-Master, what was that just now? How did you know about Assassin?"

"I will explain later. Right now we are in enemy territory with no reinforcements and very little understanding of the current situation. Can you keep the questions for later?" I asked

She nodded and was about to say something when…

BEEP BEEP

"Right, I finally got through! Hello? This is the Chaldea Command Room? Do you read me?"

A hologram of Dr. Roman appeared in front of us, being projected from Mash's shield. I see her eyes go wide and she starts to relax a bit.

"This is Mash Krylight, a member of A Team. At this time I've completed the shift to Singularity F. My sole companion is Ritsuka Fujimaru. Mind and body both intact. Rayshift compatibility, Master compatibility both satisfactory. Please register Ritsuka as an official researcher."

Was that standard procedure for this situation? I couldn't say due to the fact I knew absolutely nothing about their procedures.

"... So Ritsuka also got dragged into the Rayshift, huh? I'm impressed you didn't "lose your existence." I'm really glad."

He seemed to lose most of the tension in his body at the fact that we survived. Then his eyes landed on Mash.

"Also, Mash… Of course I'm glad you're safe too, but what's up with that outfit? It's shameless! I didn't raise you to dress like that!"

And now the doctor is full of righteous parental anger. Mash seemed embarrassed by what he was saying though.

"I transformed into this. I couldn't protect Senpai wearing Chaldea's uniform."

Roman only seemed confused by what she was saying.

"What do you mean by transformed, Mash? Did you hit your head? Or was it that…"

Mash decided to cut him off before he got any farther

"Dr. Roman please be quiet! Please check my condition. I think you'll understand the situation better."

"Your physical condition? Wh-Whoa, whoa, whoa, WHOA! Physical strength, Magical Circuits, everything's improved! You're not so much a human, but- "

"Yes, I'm a servant."

She cut him off once again.

"I don't remember how it happened, but it seems I have survived by fusing with a Servant."

"She is a Demi-Servant"

I finally spoke up, getting both of their attention on me.

"A Demi-Servant? That's Chaldea's sixth experiment. I see. So it finally succeeded, huh? Does this Heroic Spirit still have his consciousness."

She looked down, seemingly disappointed with the lack of Heroic Spirit presence.

"... No, he gave me his combat abilities, then vanished. He never revealed his True Name even at the end. So I don't even know whose Heroic Spirit I am, nor what kind of Noble Phantasm I'm holding. At this point there's too much I don't know."

Now here was the question. Did I let her not know and wait till the Camelot Singularity? Or do I reveal the True Name of her Servant so she can unlock the complete capabilities. The first has less risk and allows her to grow naturally into where powers. But the second allowed her to get stronger quicker at the cost of some … questions being asked.

The last time I withheld information for the sake of plot people died. I don't think I could do that this time.

"The Servant she is fused with is Galahad, one of the Knights of the Round Table."

They both suddenly look at me in shock. Then Mash suddenly grabs her head as if in pain.

"MASH!" Roman yelled as he saw his probably adopted daughter almost collapse due to pain.

"I… I'm fine. It's just … difficult to … assimilate all this information." She managed to say through pained gasps.

Turning to the director who was still staring at Mash I spoke.

"Doctor, where is the nearest Leyline. We need to find a place where we can set up a base of operations."

That managed to snap him out of his daze, at least for now.

"R-Right, I'm getting a strong reading about 2 km from your current position. Get there as soon as possible so we can stabilize our connection. And Ritsuak, we will discuss how you know this la-"

And the connection cut off. Though it seemed that Mash has managed to get over the pain caused by the info dump.

"Mash, are you good enough to travel? We need to leave now."

"Y-Yes Senpai. I should be okay now."

Again I got a notification from the armband.

Due to Mash learning the True Name of her Servant her Transient Wall of Snowflakes Skill has upgraded into Exalted Imperious7 Wall of Snowflakes

Due to Mash Learning the True Name of her Servant her Noble Phantasm, Lord Camelot, had been unlocked.

Closing the alerts I brought up Mashes screen in order to see what has changed.

True Name: Mash Kyrielight (Galahad)

Level: 10

Race: Demi-Servant

Class: Shielder

Patron: Ritsuka

Alignment: Lawful-Good

HP: 9,115/10,000

MP: 120/400

STATS

Strength: C

Agility: D

Endurance: A

Mana: B

Luck: C

NP: -

Class Skill

Magic Resistance A

Cancel spells of A-Rank or below, no matter what High-Thaumaturgy it is. In practice, the Servant is untouchable to modern magi, so it would not be an exaggeration to title the Servant a "Magus Killer". Reduces Magic Effects by 50%

Riding C

One can flawlessly manage beasts and vehicles if they have received the proper training and adjustments. Most vehicles and animals can be handled with above average skill. However, they cannot ride the likes of Phantasmal Species such as Monstrous Beasts.

Self-Field Defense C

"Defense of one's own", localized as "Territory Defense" is a Class Skill of the Shielder class. A power manifested to protect allies and ally territory. The higher the rank is, the larger the defensive area increases. All Allies and Allied Territory (excluding self) within 10 Meters receives a Passive 30% Damage reduction

Succeed Phantasm

Is a special skill usable by Demi-Servants. The user can succeed one skill from the possessed Heroic Spirit, and then make it into the user's own skill. Inherited Mana Defense skill

Personal Skills

Exalted Imperious Wall of Snowflakes (Lv. 1)

A skill where the user's force of will is converted into physical defense, applying a defense buff to the entire party. Applies a 15% Damage Reduction to all Allies as well as apply a 2000 damage cut for a single attack for one minute. Costs 100 MP

Obscure Wall of Chalk (Lv. 1)

A defensive Skill that allows one to arbitrarily apply invincibility to someone in the party. The power of one's Noble Phantasm also increases a bit. Following how it is called "obscurant", the target temporarily shifts out of the time axis to avoid an attack. Allows one party member to completely evade one attack as well as applying a 5% bonus to their NP's effect. Costs 250 MP

Shield of Rousing Resolution (Lv. 1)

As a Skill that temporarily raises one's own defensive power and draws in an opponent's attack. It is only bestowed upon those who muster their courage and protect the back of those who egress before anyone else. Taunts all enemies within range and Boosts your own Defense by 20% for one minute. Costs 50 MP

Mana Defense B (Lv. Max)

Is a Skill of the same type as Mana Burst, where the user transforms magical energy into defensive ability. If it's a Heroic Spirit with a tremendous amount of magical energy, it's possible to create a wall protecting a city. Ranked down from original due to inheriting the skill. Allows Mash to create Mana Barriers that can block attacks. The more mana the stronger the defense. Barrier Cost 1 MP = 40 HP.

Noble Phantasm

Lord Camelot: Now is a Castle of Distant Ideals B+++ (Anti-Evil)

A shield made from the Round Table possessed by Galahad and now Mash Kyrielight. It is an "ultimate protection" employing the Round Table, "where the Knights of the Round Table sat at the center of the Castle of White Walls, Camelot", in the form of a shield. Its strength is proportionate to the will power of the user, and it is said that "so long as the heart doesn't break, those castle walls too shall never crumble." When its True name is used it summons the Walls of Camelot to defend the user and all allies in its range. All allies within its range gain a passive 30% damage reduction as well as well as a 1000 damage cut. All Allies (Except Self) gain a 30% damage buff. Costs 300 MP Per Minute used. (5 MP per Second)

I have no regrets. The increase to her defense support was so worth it. With this it may just be possible for us to actually beat this damn hellscape. Though first things first. Getting to that Leyline and (hopefully) rescuing Olga form some boney undead.

Focusing back on Mash I nodded in the direction of the Leyline

"Then let's be off. The sooner we get to that Leyline the sooner we can work on a plan."

"Fou!"

My eyes widened as I caught sight of the white fluff. I honestly forgot he was with me. He must have disappeared when Assassin appeared and just now came out.

"Yeah, you are coming to. Now let's go."

And so a boy who was in way over his head, a girl who just inherited a great power, and Beast of Calamity set off to save all of humanity.