It will be a cold day in hell before I take inspiration from someone else's story and not give them proper credit. Please go and check out the Fate: Grand Eroge fanfiction written by SpatialPhoenix first, it was his story that inspired me and gave me the idea for this fic. So stop reading for now, check out his story, and then return here.
Think of it like the original Fate/Stay Night VN, where you had to complete Saber's route before getting to play though the Unlimited Blade Works.
Now if you are reading this, I'm under the assumption that you're here after reading SpatialPhoenix's story. So welcome dear reader, and without further ado– Please enjoy!
...*Beep*...*Beep*...*Beep*...
...*PING!*
Acclimatization Completed.
No Complications Detected Within Host's Body From Soul Transfer.
Final Results:- Resounding Success!
Yorokobe Player, to your first day of your new life as an Eroge Protagonist in the world of Fate/Grand Order!
• Main Quest:- Save the World!
• Side Quest:- Build the greatest harem ever!
• World Difficulty:- Rank SSS
• Special Player Skills Awarded:- Mystic Eyes of Gamer(Type: Eroge), Harem Protagonist EX, Fragmented Recollections
• Survivability Chances:- [REDACTED]; (The System doesn't wish to immediately bring down the Player's morale)
The System wishes you a happy and fulfilling new life. And also a reminder that the Player does not have access to Gamer Body, so all pain and damage dealt will not be impeded in any manner. The threat of death, the painful and gruesome kind, is very much real.
So the System urges the Player to be careful. The Player's actions will not just affect them but also the world and the people they interact with. There will be no redoing of choices.
The weight of this World rests on your shoulders. The System wishes you best of luck for your upcoming harrowing journey, and hopes that you and companions survive in one piece. Your choices in the past will shape the World and its future, so think over your choices and be sure not to mess it up and end up accelerating Humanity's extinction instead.
No pressure!
Launching Consciousness, waking up in new Host's body in...
3...
2...
1...
*Launch*
"Fou...? Fou! Kyuu... Kyuu!"
It was those sounds, accompanied by the feeling of wetness on my cheek that finally woke me up from slumber. Opening my eyes slowly, I come face to face with a pair of small bluish-purple eyes, attached to a white snout with its tongue still sticking out.
Ah, the cause of the wetness has been identified. That's at least one question answered, now to focus on the hundred or so more still swirling around inside my head.
"... What in the world are you, buddy? A fox? A dog? A squirrel? The result of an unethical cross-breeding experiment between all three? Also where am I and why am I lying on the hard floor? And why do you look so... familiar?"
That was the strangest part about this encounter, to be honest. I am positive that I have never seen such a creature as the one in front of me ever in my life– And yet it's like something is tugging at the back of my head and urging me to remember memories that shouldn't be there.
The creature has a small fluffy white body, the long and equally fluffy ears and a cute floofy tail that seemed to have a mind of its own as it moves to and fro. If it seems like I'm using the word "fluffy" a lot, that's a deliberate choice on my part. The small creature is the embodiment of the word "huggable", and the red ribbon and blue cloth tied around his neck helped elevate his cuteness to another level entirely.
At my words, the strange (yet adorable) creature tilted his head and simply blinked at me twice. "Kyu... Kyaau?"
"Yeaaaaah, that's about the kind of answer I had expected from you. But thanks for trying anyways buddy," Saying so I extend my hand, and gently but swiftly tap his nose with my forefinger. "Boop!"
"Fou!" Well, he's wagging his tail harder now and he didn't bite my finger off, so I guess he liked that. Yay me, I suppose, for making a good first impression on this strangely adorable critter!
Dunno why, but for some reason I get the feeling that I really shouldn't get on this little guys bad side... wait a second, how do I know this creatures gender?
"...Umm. Since it's neither morning nor night, please wake up, Senpai."
A timid feminine voice addressed me from behind. Or at least I assume so, as I see no other idiot in this long hallway stupid enough to be taking a nap on the floor. The creature in front of me lets out a... sound of recognition at the voice? A bark? A yelp, I suppose? Technically accurate, yet sounds kinda weird to call it that. Let me just call the fox-squirrel-dog hybrid's cries as simply "sounds" and move on with my day.
Anyways, the creature's long ears perk up at the girl's voice and runs off on its stubby legs to the source of the voice, as he lets out a sounds of recognition and excitement. Deciding I've spent enough time hugging the cold floor, I stretch my body and raise myself onto a sitting position. After basking in the satisfaction of various of my joints popping, I finally turn to look up at the girl.
"I'm afraid you were a few moments too late with the wake up call Miss, this little guy beat... you... to it..."
As I get a good look at the one who had spoken to me, my words falter in my mouth. And for good reason too.
Because holt shit is she a pretty lady!
The girl looked young, in her late teens at the oldest, with a striking combination of short lilac hair and lavender eyes. Her pale and delicate doll-like face helped those already eye-catching features pop out even more. She wore a gray hoodie over a black uniform and a red tie, with a black skirt and tights which hugged her athletic legs in a flattering manner. She how held the fluffy white creature in her hands as they both looked at me curiously.
But as I watch her, she starts to fidget on her feet and avert her eyes from me while lightly blushing. I realize with a start that I had been frozen in place, midway between sitting and standing up as I had just been staring at her for the last few seconds. Immediately I jumped up and look away from her as well, as I feel my own face heat up with embarrassment.
"A-ah so-sorry about that." I stutter out an apology, mentally cursing myself as I do so.
Great job idiot! You meet the most attractive girl you've ever met in your sorry life, and you somehow manage to immediately creep her out! This has to be some kind of world-record!
"N-no no, its okay Senpai! I know I don't have a conventional appearance, it makes sense for someone who's never meet me before to be shocked. S-so you have no reason to apologize!"
Wow. Not only does this lady look like an angel, she also has the temperament of one! Yosh! The universe has graciously given you a second chance here, don't mess it up, me!
"That may be so, but it was still rude of me to stare at you like that. So please accept my apology, and lets start over! Nice to meet you, my name is [̶͕͍̩̰̓̅Ŗ̸̦̘͗̀̈̔ȇ̷͇̐̇͐d̵̘́̌͆̿a̶͇͎̹͇͘c̶̮̅̓̅t̴̘̖͖͕̒̄è̷̙̭̓ḑ̵͓̮̗͌͋]̶̧̛̙͝ Fujimaru Ritsuka! And you are...?"
...Huh?
Wait, wait, wait... Chotto matte. Chotto matte..!
That's not right. That's not what I wanted to say. That is... that is not my name. How did I completely mess up my own god damn name? My name is not Fujimaru Ritsuka, its [̷̦̮͇̱͔͓͆̊̍̆Ṙ̸̨̡͚̜̖e̴͇̜̚ḑ̵͖͓̫͍̙̣̹́̈́̐͘͝ǎ̶͎̥̺̞̦̰̄̉͑͑̊͝ḉ̶̹̩̥̑͋̆̌́̽̚ţ̴̨̜̮̬̰̬̘̓e̸̘̞͚̓d̶̙̦̾̎͗̍̃̅]̷̰͇̝̩̹͓̅̄.
.
.
.
What the actual fuck!?
Unaware of my growing panic the lilac haired girl continued speaking, while nervously adjusting her glasses. "Ah, that's a hard question to ask suddenly. Maybe I'm not important enough to for you to know my name?"
And as the girl finished speaking her sentence, she froze. Or, more accurately, the world itself froze.
A heavily bass boosted and slowed down record scratch was the sound preceding za whole warurdo standing still, that sounded weirdly familiar for some reason.
Gaining a semblance of calm after having my literal soul scared out of my body from the sudden loud noise, I felt my previous worries disappear for the moment as I looked at what was in front of me. Or rather read the stylized text that was now floating in front of me.
Yes. Floating white words written within the borders of an opaque pink text box now floated over the head of the girl frozen in time. The contents of which read as:-
[You have gained 3 Affection Point with Mashu Kyrielight!]
[Congratulations! Achievement Unlocked: Overqualified for the job!]
[By being amiable and friendly right off the bat and having gained Fou's trust, you've managed to gain affection points with Mash even before the first Dialogue choice! That's the kind of attitude you need in this world– Keep it up! You have received +1 to All Stats!]
So upon facing this strange and disturbing new situation, as my first reaction I did what came to me naturally. And I firmly believe that any sane and self respecting person would also be having a pretty similar reaction. The reaction namely being taking in a big gulp of air, opening one's mouth and using all the strength and capabilities my lungs provide, to scream out.
"WHAT THE FU-"
Okay, after about 50 minutes, four long laps of this very long hallway, three existential crises, two panic attacks and an impromptu nap later, resulting from trying to yeet myself at the glass walls to try and break out– I'm back.
I now stand in front of Mash, with more of my buried memories unlocked after reading the game text. Or from banging my head onto the hard glass. It's either one or the other.
The text had hovered over her head until I yelled out "Understood!" out loud, before it finally faded away. Yep, the whole System seems to be voice activated. Which I discovered after almost two minutes of jumping and half-climbing on Mash's frozen body to try and physically interact with the text box.
No offence, System, but your tutorial definitely needs some more work.
Well at least getting knocked out seems to have helped me calm down and put my thoughts in order. So to recap, I've been isekai'd into the world of Fate/Grand Order in the shoes of the protagonist Fujimaru Ritsuka himself, with the powers of a Gamer. I currently carry little to no memories of my previous life, not even my previous name, save for a basic understanding of the lore of the world I have found my self in.
He, or rather I, looked to be in my late teens with black hair and a wheatish skin tone. My body was decently athletic with some visible muscle on my arms and legs and I'd say I am about a little above average in height, being almost a whole head taller than Mashu when I stood up straight.
But the most striking thing about my appearance was my eyes. Looking at them in the reflection of the windows I stared at my eyes, of which my left eye was a clear blue, while my right eye was a dark shade of chocolate brown. As far as I remember, such a case of heterochromia was not something the original Ritsuka had, so it must have been cause because of me taking over his body.
And what's the System of the game of which I'm a protagonist of, you may ask? An epic RPG System where with enough hard work (and grinding) I can become powerful enough to take on and defeat gods and heroes in single combat?
Hahahahahahahah... No. Of course I wouldn't gain an epic system like that, which would make my life easier and help me survive out in this cruel and deadly world. No, the Gamer System I got was the Dating Sim System.
How am I so sure of this fact? Well aside from the Affection Points or AP system and the dialogue choices that were floating in front of Mashu, opening the Menu (again, by saying "Open Menu" out loud) destroyed any doubts that I might have harbored.
[Stats]
[Heroine Status Bonds]
[Titles]
[Skills]
[Mystic Codes]
[Gallery]
[Achievements]
The Menu screen was about the size of an A4 size sheet and also the same opaque pink in colour with white text, which seemed to be a recurring theme with the System. It was not a physical thing, more like a hologram you would see in a Sci-fi movie to show how far technology has advanced compared to our world. But best of all, unlike the Achievement screen, the Menu actually responded to my touch!
The Heroine screen, the Title screen, the Mystic Code screen and the Gallery seemed to be locked as no matter how much I pressed on them, they simply let out an angry beep as the white text turned red. So I ignored them for the moment and focused on what I could interact with, starting with the Stats screen. Pressing on the text released a pleasant beep, and the screen changed to a new one which showed me what was I currently working with.
[Charm: 6, Basic capability of speech]
[Charisma: 6, Background mob]
[Wisdom: 6, Not the sharpest tool in the shed]
Setting aside the less than flattering descriptions for the moment, I instead focus more on the exact definition of what the stats mean and how they function, helpfully found by simply scrolling down on the screen.
[Charm:- You ability to talk your way out of trouble and into the hearts of beautiful maidens! This ability helps increase the eloquence of your words and the impact they have on those listening. Give inspiring speeches, intimidate your enemies into submission, and out-talk even the most cunning of politicians. A silver tongue can take you farther in this world than a steel sword even can!]
[Charisma:- It is your ability to draw others to yourself, doesn't matter how well you articulate your words if no one is willing to listen after all! This stat is a measure of the aura you exult, your bearing and the way you hold yourself up. Silence your opposition with a glare, comfort a crying child with a hug, and melt a lady's heart with a smile or drop her panties with a wink– Remember, confidence is the key!]
[Wisdom:- This Stat measures how well you know a woman's heart, how much insight you have on what's on her mind, and how well you can recognize what makes her tick and what makes her swoon. Know when to speak up, and when to hold your tongue. When to offer comfort, and when to keep your distance. After all, the right words will lose all meaning if you don't find the right time to say them!
Also, with a high enough Wisdom score, you even have a chance to[̶̢̧͚̣͎͚͎̻̜̆̏̆̈̀̓̀ͅR̵̛̞̪̗͚͙̻̿̀̊̂̉̄͘͝Ȅ̵̟̫̬̳̟͓̈̓̔̅͛͑͑̚͝͝D̶͙͔̙̤̈͑̈̈̚̕̕A̴̩̥̻͔̽̀̎C̴̡͍͊́̂̍̂̽͌͂̈̕͜T̴̺̼̯̖̰͓͌̂̃͋̇̿̽̚͝͠Ẻ̴̲͇̘́̃͑̿̿͋̐͝͠D̴̡̪̉̈́̇͗̽͝]̵̛̖͕̥̌̉͒̿̀̋̊̈̚͝ ]
No classic combat related stats like strength, dexterity or constitution. All these allow me to do is talk good, walk good and think good. On top of that, even the description all mention mainly on how to use the stats to woo girls! As for whatever funkiness is going on with the Wisdom description... well, I simply choose to not acknowledge its existence for the moment. I already have enough on my plate, that's an issue for future me to deal with.
Now don't get me wrong, I am someone who would much rather peacefully talk things out rather than try and escalate an argument or confrontation to a level where violence is justified. I'm no Shounen protagonist wannabe, I have no wish to fight any and everything in this world to prove I'm the strongest. Considering that I'm actually really glad there are "talking" skills that I can work on.
My only problem is that, its the only thing there is to work on.
Ever heard of the saying, "Its better to be a warrior on a garden, than be a gardener in a war,"? Here's another quote, which conveys what I'm trying to say here more directly. "In war, prepare for peace; In peace, prepare for war."
The system referred to this world as having a difficulty ranking of SSS, and I'm pretty sure its not exaggerating in the slightest. I don't remember the details but I remember enough to know that the Fate universe doesn't follow the formula of a Slice-of-Life. It is a world that is violent and brutal and bloody, where deaths are worryingly common place, especially for a "Background Mob" looking guy like me! Talking my way out of trouble sounds fine, until it isn't. How to I defend myself against someone that is not willing to listen? ... And why did the image of a grey giant with glowing red and gold eyes just flash in front of my eyes!?
I take a deep breath and choose to, again, ignore those glaring issues for the moment, and focus on the task at hand. Not the time for another panic attack, we've got work to do here, me. Namely, gathering more information on the System and how big of a mess I'm in.
So I return from the Stats screen to the Main Menu screen, done easily enough by clicking on an arrow button right on the corner of the screen. And finally I get conformation about my brewing theory as I open the Skills screen and look at the three skills already present there.
[Mystic Eyes of Gamer(Type: Eroge):- Grants the bearer the ability to play thought their life like a Dating Sim!]
[Fragmented Recollections:- The player retains their memories of the story of this new world and how the plot unfolds, but the memories are locked. Can be unlocked when certain criteria are met, until then the best they can hope for is hazy flashbacks and flashes on random and when they sleep.]
[Harem Protagonist EX:- A skill that grants the Player the potential to become someone whom the ladies will not mind sharing. At the rank of EX, you have the ability to possibly have the largest and most powerful harem in this universe!
P.S., Important point to note however, that this Skill simply gives you the potential and not the guarantee for success. No fate is written in stone, you are just as likely to become the Harem King as you are to be rejected by every women you try and court. So don't get too reckless out there, Casanova, or else the next thing you know you'll end up dying sad and alone!]
Okay, so definitive proof has been found. Good news, my theory of being stuck as a Dating Sim main character has been proven. Bad news, my theory of being stuck as a Dating Sim main character has been proven.
"Haaah, close Menu." I say, releasing a breath I didn't realise I was holding as the screen fades away. I didn't bother checking the Achievement screen as I already knew what I would find in that section. "Overqualified for the job", my ass! What is this System trying to insinuate, that I should build some kind of harem? In the Fate-verse!? Where I'm pretty sure the girls can kill me with just a flick of their wrists or a snap of their fingers?
That's like asking me to be a Host and entertain customers while the club is on fire. While I'm also on fire. And the customers are on fire. And the whole neighborhood is on fire, and the screams of hundreds of innocent people echo in the streets for a brief instant before being consumed by the heat and flames, as hope is crushed and despair prevails...
See!? I don't know where the fuck that imagery came from, but the fact that that's the first thought that came to mind does not make me feel good about my prospects to surviving in this world!
... But it's not like I have a choice now, does it? No matter how much I bitch about it, this is my reality now. So I can either keep myself hidden away in this pocket dimension and drown in self pity, or I can go out there and start getting some shit done.
And seeing as I have no wish to leave the world of the living anytime soon, specially like a pussy, I choose the latter course of action.
So with a final deep breath followed by a deeper exhale, I steel my resolve and step forward, walking the short distance until I stand directly in front of a still-frozen Mashu. She was my ticket out of this gray world and she shone like a beacon of hope.
And my words are not simply a metaphor either– As even when the world turned gray, only she retained her colours. Mashu, with her stunning lilac hair and beautiful lavender eyes, Fou cuddling in her arms and with her head slightly tilted in an honestly adorable look of confusion.
I spent a few seconds just basking in the cuteness of the scene and her expression, before realizing how much of a creep I was probably being. Lightly slapping my cheeks with both hands, I change my focus from Mashu to the text-box floating in front of her and read the text.
[Tutorial: Congratulations on coming across your first Dialogue Choice!
Dialogue Choices are an important mechanic in an dating sim, and they're just as, if not more, crucial for you! Do not take these Choices lightly, they can literally make or break your relationship with the one you are interacting with. Do not choose randomly or try to find a pattern, those you will meet will all be living, breathing people with their own thoughts, motivations, likes, dislikes and ideals. Words are powerful. Yours especially so. With the right words you can make a foe into a lifelong ally, or a friend onto a bitter enemy. Make your Choice while keeping that in mind.]
"Well, ain't that foreboding?" I state sardonically to no one in particular as I press the "OK" button, resulting in the tutorial text fading away as the choices finally appear on screen. "Well let's cut to the chase and see what we're working wit here."
A – [Huh? Are you perhaps mentally challenged? Just give me your damn name, you strange girl!]
B – [What are you talking about, O beautiful stranger!? I am probably the one not important enough to hear the name of a goddess like you!]
C – [Of course your name is important! You are the first person I've met at Chaldea and you're trying to help me. How can I thank you without knowing your name?]
Okay, if anybody thinks that the first option is the best choice here, they are either extremely stupid or literally evil. Not only is it unnecessarily aggressive and rude to a person who is trying to help me out, but as far as I remember and I can tell by talking with her, Mashu is pretty sensitive and has a bit of an insecure streak to her name as well. Such hostile behaviour out of nowhere will definitely end up mentally scarring her. So seeing as I have no wish to make her cry anytime soon, I turn my eyes to option B and C instead.
Choice B is better than A, but only marginally. It's like comparing two glasses of spoilt milk, the difference being that one glass had been out in the open for the whole day while the other one was out for half a day. One is less spoilt than the other, but both are un-edible in the end. Coming onto Mash so strongly is definitely a recipe for disaster. It's not an inherently bad choice by any means, I'm sure some girls might actually be flattered or find such an over the top flirty line funny, but it will definitely make the sheltered Mashu feel uncomfortable.
So that leaves with only Choice C, and luckily its an actually decent one! Its not over the top like the previous two, affirms that she and her name are important, and I get to thank her for her kindness at the same time. A three for one! But just as I extend my finger to click on the third choice, a screen pops up in front of me which read;
[While making a Dialogue choice, you have the option to activate System Generated Actions! This means that for a brief period of time, the System will take over your body and speak/act out the Choice you've decided on! Control over the Gamer's body will be immediately relinquished upon completion of the dialogue/action. Otherwise, the Gamer may choose to act on their own accord to fulfill the requirements of the choice.
It is possible to toggle this feature on and off for each respective choice, so don't worry about it being permanent setting or a one time thing. So have as much fun with it as you like!]
"Understood," I say and the pop-up disappears. And just as the System said, there was a new line of small text at the very top right corner of the Dialogue Choice screen.
[System Generated Actions: Yes/No]
"Fuck no!" I click the No button with no hesitation. "No offence System, but my free will is not something I'm willing to compromise with. Maybe one day this'll come in handy, but that day is not today."
After all how do I know in what way the System says the dialogue? For all I know, with how obsessed it seems to be with getting me a harem, even the most normal of conversations will become flirty with the System's interference.
Now don't get me wrong, the idea of being in a relationship with multiple women was very enticing. I am in a teenage body after all, and the hormones of Ritsuka seem to be working perfectly fine. But I don't want that to come from some otherworldly power controlling me actions. If I want a harem, I'm gonna build one myself! But first priority right now is to survive, I can think about winning over the hearts of girls later. So without further ado I click on Choice C.
Immediately colour returns to the world as time unfreezes, and I find myself standing exactly where I was standing before. Seeing Mashu staring at me expectantly, I leapt into action. Don't wanna find out how the System might deal with me not following the script.
"Of course your name is important," I begin as my mouth morphs into a genuine smile. How can I not, with Mashu looking at me with such an adorable expression? So I extend my hand for a handshake as I continue with my words. "You are the first person I've met at Chaldea, and you're trying to help me! How can I thank you without knowing your name?"
Maybe it way the lack of contact with others her age, or maybe it was my sincerity. I was, after all, genuinely grateful for her trying to help me out and wanted to thank her. But my words seem to fluster the poor girl completely as she blushed heavily and lowered her head, as if trying to hide her face with her bangs.
[Congratulations! Achievement Unlocked: Smooth First Move!]
[Good job on making the best possible first choice! You gain a +1 to both Charm and Wisdom!]
... Well, I was trying to avoid the flirty option, but I somehow ended up flirting with her anyways. Oh well, the System says I did a good job and Mashu doesn't look unhappy by any means, so that's a win for me. And I definitely don't feel any regret from getting to see Mashu's cute blushing face that's for sure!
Mash finally decides to speak up again, having regained her composure in the few moments I had been distracted while looking at the pop-up screens. "A-ah, tha-that's well... I do h-have a name. A pr-proper name! B-but I never really had the chance to use it... I'm afraid I don't leave a good first impression..."
Her eyes the fall onto my extended arm that had been hovering in the air for the last few seconds, and seemingly realizing that she was acting rude by leaving me hanging. Immediately she darts both her hands to my outstretched right one, before stopping inches away and fidgeting for a bit.
I wait patiently and study her actions, as she takes a deep breath to seemingly gathering courage for a simple handshake and lets her left hand drop, as she hesitantly takes my hand and gives it a firm shake... with a surprising degree of strength for someone with such a slight build.
"Fo-forgive me Senpai, that was rude of me. My name is Mash Kyrielight. Its nice to meet you, Senpai."
I grin in return. "Its nice to meet you as well! And thank you Mashu, I'm truly grateful to you for looking out for me earlier."
The blush re-erupts on her face as she turns her head away bashfully, and I feel my grin grow wider. I'm going to have too much fun here, if its that easy to make her blush! My thoughts are interrupted however by a bunch of screens popping up in front of me.
[You have gained 10 Affection Point with Mashu Kyrielight!]
[Mashu's Route has been Unlocked! Heroine Bonds Status Screen has been Unlocked! You can now check on your Bond with her and her AP levels in the Heroine Bonds screen.]
[Your Bond with Mashu Kyrielight has increased! Your current Bond status is New Senpai!]
[Congratulations! Achievement Unlocked: The First of Many!]
[You managed to Unlock a Route for the first time, and on the first Dialogue Choice as well! You gain a +1 to Charm! On top of that, with your natural charm and wits you've managed to get closer to a Heroine faster than the System expected! As a result, you gain a bonus of +1 to All Stats!]
As I quickly attempt to read through all the text quickly and discreetly, Mashu speaks up again. "I-its fine, Senpai! Fou-san was the one who brought me to you, and I can't just leave after seeing someone lying on the floor... speaking of which, why were you sleeping in the hall in the first place, Senpai? Can you not sleep unless you're on a hard bed"
The sheer sincerity with which she asked such an absurd question almost made me laugh, but I choose to control myself as I didn't want to seem like I was making fun of her. So instead I answered her seriously as well.
"No, personally I'm a fan of soft mattresses and pillows, not the cold hard floor. This nap was not a deliberate decision, I seem to have passed out after... training I think. That's the last thing I remember doing."
Nope. I remember absolutely nothing about what this body's past and what it was doing before I woke up, but that was the first thing that came to my mind as I tried looking through my memories to help me out here. And seeing at the way Mashu's eye's light up in recognition, I made the right call.
"Oh! It makes sense then, Senpai! It is an observed trend amongst Master Candidates to lose consciousness at least once within the next six hours after using the Simulator! There should be no more lingering side-effects, but if you feel unwell, I would recommend you consult Dr. Roman for a check-up."
Dr. Roman. A strange name to be sure, but also one that apparently held some importance in this world and its upcoming events, if the way my memories seemed to stir weirdly upon hearing his name is of any indication. I was about to question her a bit more about this doctor, but I get interrupted by a series of high-pitched mewls. Looks like the little guy doesn't like being ignored.
Apparently Mashu had forgotten that she still had the critter in her hands as she gave a startled little yelp at the sudden noise. Before smiling down at the fluffy creature and scratching behind his ears, to which his response was to lick her fingers and wag his tail harder.
"My apologies, Fou-san, I got so engrossed in the conversation that I forgot to introduce you! Senpai, this squirrel-like creature here," Her eyes sparkle as she excitedly holds him up to up to me like she was showing me the greatest thing ever since sliced bread. "Is named Fou. He is a Privileged Lifeform allowed to freely walk around Chaldea, and he was the one who brought me to you. Except for me, Fou-san doesn't really interact with anyone else here. But he seems to really like you! So congratulations Senpai, on becoming the second caretaker of Fou in Chaldea!"
"Kyou, kyuu! Fou!" The critter himself yelped in, what I think is, agreement.
"Is that so, little guy?" I chuckle and ask as I extend my hand and start scratching him under his chin, causing him to let out cute sounds of satisfaction. "So you're the one I have to thank for bringing such a cute girl to check up on me? Who're you supposed to be, the greatest wingman ever?"
"Fou! Fou kyuu!" Okay, either I'm looking way too much into this, or he literally just nodded his head. I'm going to have to keep an eye on this little guy, that's for sure.
"Se...se...senpai!?"
Oh yeah. I got so distracted by everything that's happening, I literally forgot Mashu is literally standing right there. And I just blurted out my thoughts, as if I was still in the Gray World. Quick, me, use your suave moves and smoothly stir the conversation away from... whatever this is!
"O-oh. Ummm, I-I was just thinking out loud, please feel free to erase the last few seconds of conversation completely from your memory. Please don't mention it again, or else I might just die from embarrassment."
That wasn't smooth at all!
"Ahhh... w-wha-? I-I... ye-yes Senpai! Un-understood S-senpai! I am not aware of any such medical condition, but if you say so, I will refrain from mentioning your previous w-words as I don't want to put your health at risk! Ma-maybe I should call Dr. Ro-"
"Mashu... I was exaggerating..."
"... Oh. I-I see." Fou lets out a sound almost akin to a sigh of disappointment, and Mashu seems to wilt into herself like a lotus in winter.
"... I think I better understand your feelings now, Senpai. I, too, will be grateful if you please could forget this incident ever took place Senpai."
"Deal. And also, bless your heart Mashu."
"T-thank you, Senpai..?"
[Mashu is a little confused on what just transpired, but she didn't dislike it! You have gained 2 Affection Point with Mashu Kyrielight!]
"Anyways, were you the one who tied this ribbon on Fou? It looks quite good on him." That was the most obvious attempt at changing the subject ever, but by the way she jumped onto the new topic, Mashu either chose not to comment on it, or she didn't even realize my intentions in the first place. Judging by now sheltered she seems to be, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be the latter. I get the sense that she's not as used to socializing as a teenager like her should be.
"Yes Senpai! I read about and saw some pictures of pet owners putting on accessories on their pets that made all the animals look really cute! So I asked Dr. Roman is there was any rules about dressing up Fou-san, and he just laughed said that since I was his primary caretaker it would be fine for me to do as I wished. And then I went to Director Animusphere to make sure it was okay with her, and she told me to stop pestering her about such trivial matters and to do what I wished as long as it didn't affect productivity. So I went to the Clothing Department and there they said they wouldn't mind giving me–"
... Or she was really passionate about Fou in general. Honestly understandable, the little guy really was cute, and watching Mashu fawn about him like a proud mom showing off her baby was just a treat for sore eyes.
So I just smile and listen to her ramble, as I discreetly whisper and accept the notifications so that the screens finally fade away. I've gotta find a setting which automatically makes the Achievement screens disappear after a few seconds, otherwise doing it manually every time will soon get annoying.
"–and Fou-san seems to like it as well, so– A-ah!" Mashu cuts herself off and the sparkle goes away from her eyes as she starts fidgeting with her bangs, which I notice to be a pretty big nervous tic for her.
"I-I am so-sorry Senpai for rambling like that-"
I cut off her apology with a wave of my hand and smile reassuringly at her. "None of that for me please, I was the one who asked you in the first place and I was genuinely having fun listening to you speak. There's nothing better than listening to someone speak unfiltered about something they love and are passionate about. And I can tell by the way to talk about him and the way you to interact with each other that you two love each other very much."
"Kyauu! Fou, fou!"
"See? Even Fou's agreeing with me. Don't apologize for showing me something this wholesome, Mashu, I promise that I don't mind listening to you speak at all."
"Y-you promise..?"
Mashu's voice was so soft that I almost missed her words. Her eyes then widened in surprise and she immediately brought her hands to her mouth and covered them, as if she said something she didn't mean to. Her words sounded... vulnerable almost, as she asked for confirmation that she clearly heard what I said. Her eyes held a sense of longing and trepidation in them. Like she was being offered something great and she couldn't believe that it wasn't a lie.
And while I don't understand what it means, if confirmation is what she wants, confirmation is what I will give her. Anything to erase her current expression and bring back her beautiful smile.
"Yes Mashu... its a promise," And as her eyes widened in surprise, I let my impulses win and continued. "And I know we literally just met a few minutes ago... b-but I would like to call you my friend! And one thing you should know about me is this– [̴̧͇́͗̚Ŕ̴̡̦̦̀͘͝E̸̻̫̾̽̏̈́- *ahem, Fujimaru Ritsuka may not the most upstanding member of society, but he sure as hell will never break a promise that he has made to a friend!"
.
.
.
.
[Mashu appreciates you listening to her and is touched by your genuine words! You have gained 15 Affection Point with Mashu Kyrielight!]
[Congratulations! Achievement Unlocked: Treasured Promise!]
[Your Bond with Mashu Kyrielight has increased! Your current Bond status is Nice Senpai!]
[Great job on increasing your Bond with a heroine in record speed! Keep up the good work! Gain +1 to all Stats!]
... Is it just me, or is it way too easy to gain AP with Mashu? Just what kind of a life has she been living that such a simple promise is enough to make her this happy? And how did I say such embarrassing lines without cringing?
I couldn't quite focus on such thoughts at the moment with the brilliant and almost blinding smile that Mashu was throwing my way. It was like pure happiness radiating from her face with the force of a thousand suns, and I felt my heart skip a beat at being on the receiving end of that look. it is an understatement to tell you that I feel like the king of the world for somehow eliciting such a reaction from Mashu.
"... I would be honoured to have you as a fr-friend, Senpai! And vice-versa! I-"
The rest of her words were interrupted however by footsteps echoing down the hallway, and the voice of a man calling out to her. And at that moment I hear the same ding that I heard the first time I had to make a Dialogue Choice. And just as I expected, Mashu and Fou freeze in place as the world turns gray and a text bubble pops up in front of me.
[IMPORTANT! The System recommends the Player to accept this next System Generated Option. This will be a one time offer, so as to make sure the Player can enter the main plotline without any complications.
Do you accept? Yes/No]
Hmmm. Okay, now this is interesting. And troubling. A one-off special offer... why now though? Why would the System do something like this so suddenly? Is something going to happen now or sometime soon? Try to remember, me. Focus... focus brain... harder... wait, something seems to be coming to me–
[Wisdom Check... Partial Success! Gained Memory Shard, Chaldea Burning (Incomplete)]
A bright flash of light... Immense heat... Smoke entering my lungs... screams and cries for help... a lone girl... trapped and alone... with a single wish to hold someone's hand... my hand reaches forward... a warmth in my palm... a final sad smile of pure happiness... and then–
With a start I snapped out of the daze I had fallen into, jerking so hard I almost fell flat on my ass. What... what the hell was that?
... Yeah, I think the smart move here would probably be to accept the System's help. Am I contradicting my own words here? Yes. But I can live with being a hypocrite. I can't live with knowing that because of my pride I let someone innocent come to harm.
I'll probably miss out on quite a bit of interactions but at least I'll get to the main plot in one piece. Yeah, to ensure I can get to the start of the main plotline without any "complications"? That's just code for, "not dying like a chump immediately". But I can't die. Not yet.
Not until the time comes when I can hold her hand, look Mashu in the eyes, and tell her "It'll be alright".
"Well, then. Something tells me after I press this, things are about to get really really messy. Heh, guess I'll just have to out be a bigger menace than whatever I face out there. You think I'm going to falter because I only have the powers of an eroge gamer? Well watch me then System, as I save the world and become the greatest Harem Protagonist ever!"
So taking a deep breath, I extend my finger and press on the Yes button.
"Bring it on, Fate/Grand Order! Do you have enough Waifu's stored up?"
Insert pre-Shirou vs Gilgamesh fight music over the last monologue. I was honestly hoping to make the chapter longer, but felt like this was a good ending point as otherwise if I kept writing I'd end up extending this chapter too much.
The next chapter's gonna start directly at the site of the Singularity F, Flame Contaminated City: Fuyuki, as our MC and his strange powers tackle start the First Order off with a bang! So stick around for the introduction of many of the main Chaldean characters that I couldn't fit in here, and to watch Mashu kick some ass and our MC deal with a particular white haired tsundere Director!
Thank you for reading so far and hope you enjoyed it! Hope to see in the chapter! Adios!