In the dark, dark depths of the abyss, there is a shadow of a man in knight's attire. It resembles the attire of the Knights Templar, but it is somehow sinister, permeated with deep darkness. The shadow is staring intently into a mirror.
For some reason, it was floating in the air, and a vague figure appeared on it.
"Now, now, now, let me see it "
An image appeared in the mirror, matching the gleefully laughing shadow. It was an overall map of Nouvm Chaldea. Several points within the building were displayed, indicating magical reactions. Among them, one was shining in a special way. Pointing at the star-like glow, the shadow laughed again.
"Ah, it's definitely in this Master. I have to get my hands on it somehow; we can't leave things like this."
The shadow's laugh echoed throughout the abyss. As the shadow gazed upon the state of Chaldea with amusement, it noticed something strange.
"Oh? Oh dear?"
The dark shadow tilted its head ninety degrees.
Aside from the Master of Chaldea, another radiance caught her eye.
A beautiful yet fleeting light next to the Master.
A fantastical body of light that is impossible for humans to possess.
"I see, it seems you're on a similar wavelength to Chaldea's Master. And yet your potential power is far greater than your Master's. And inside is... Coucou Surely there's no reason not to make use of this?"
The laughter continued to echo from the abyss. Its echoes, filled with curses and hatred, were far from Chaldea, yet right next to it, and no one had noticed.
"Well then, I'll go, Master."
"Okay... come on."
At the training grounds of the Humanity Security Agency Noumu Chaldea, Ritsuka Fujimaru was facing off against the Assassin Servant, Kojiro Sasaki. Kojiro was facing his Master with a wooden sword, not his usual weapon, but with his fist held in his seigan position. Meanwhile, Ritsuka was dressed in Chaldea combat uniform, half-body and holding his fist, staring at Kojiro. The swordsman in traditional clothing slid across the floor. In time, the wooden sword was raised and attacked Ritsuka from above his head. It was a normal swing down from the front. It was not his usual sword speed.
"Tsah!"
Even so, Ritsuka dodged the blow to the right at the last moment, which would have defeated him if he had not used all his strength to avoid it. The usual Kojiro would have slashed upwards, but he did not do that and instead re-positioned his wooden sword in his seigan position. Ritsuka took his distance without looking away from Kojiro. Assassin launched another attack. This time it was a downward slash. Kojiro tried to avoid it again, but the Master exceeded his expectations. He dove deep into Assassin's chest. The Assassin couldn't help but smile at his decision.
"All-round strengthening, convergence!"
Furthermore, along with a short chant, the strengthening skill of the Mystical Outfit, which normally increases a Servant's attack power, concentrated in Ritsuka's right hand.
With the same momentum as he had jumped in, Ritsuka slammed his right fist into Assassin's torso.
"Nugu!"
Kojiro groaned uncontrollably and stepped back. Not missing the opportunity, Ritsuka pointed his right index finger at Assassin.
"Gand!"
Kojiro lost his balance as a jet black bullet of light shot from Ritsuka's fingertips, hitting him. The effect of Gand, which temporarily immobilized the target, caused the assassin to drop his wooden sword and fall to his knees.
"That's it! The game is over!"
A dignified voice echoed through the training grounds. It was the voice of Scathach, the Lancer Servant who had been watching the duel between the two. Hearing it, Ritsuka took a deep breath and placed his hands on his knees.
Kojiro also took a deep breath, picked up his wooden sword, and slowly stood up.
After somehow catching his breath, Ritsuka once again bowed to Scathach.
"Shishou Scáthach, thank you for today's training."
"Yes. It was a good fight. It was the last training of the morning, but you moved well. Your stamina has increased a lot, too."
"It's all thanks to you, Shishou," Ritsuka replied, still breathing heavily.
The jet-black magic spear master, with a satisfied look in her blue eyes that concealed a strong will, walked up to him, her cape fluttering softly.
"You are truly a master worth training. Continue to train well. See you tomorrow,"
Scathach praised Ritsuka, patted him on the shoulder, and waved as she left the training ground.
Ritsuka bowed once more and saw the magic spear master off.
After Scathach left, Ritsuka raised his head and heard the quiet yet clear sound of applause.
When he turned around, he saw a fairy with green eyes smiling and clapping her hands with all her heart. She was Artoria Caster, the Child of Prophecy and Fujimaru Ritsuka's guardian magician, clad in a cobalt hat and cloak.
Seeing him, Ritsuka smiled slightly as he walked towards the girl.
The fairy's face lit up when she saw him approaching, and she quickly picked up the towel and bottle that were beside her and stood up.
Then she too jogged towards him.
"Ritsuka, thanks for your hard work during training. You looked really, really cool today. Here, please have this."
The fairy came up to him and gently handed him a towel, smiling. Ritsuka accepted it with a faint smile.
"Yes. Thank you, Artoria. That will be a great help."
As he wiped his sweat and thanked her, Artoria smiled even brighter and handed him the bottle. Ritsuka took it with a slight nod and poured the special Chaldea sports drink down his throat.
The ice-cold drink was so delicious that he nearly drank it all. Kojiro walked up to Ritsuka, who seemed to have taken a breather, and Artoria, who was looking at him with a happy look on her face.
"That was impressive, Master. You were quite skilled at using the magical outfit on yourself."
"Thank you, Kojiro. Is your stomach okay?"
The swordsman smiled and told his Master not to worry.
"With the way you fought earlier, I'm sure you can survive this difficult situation on your own."
During today's training, they practiced a recently devised method for dealing with the situation when Fujimaru Ritsuka becomes separated from his guards. While it would be no match for Servants or powerful magical beasts, they had incorporated it into their training, thinking that it might be possible to deal with something like a skeleton.
"But if Kojiro had used his Mind's Eye skill, he would have dodged it."
"No, I'm playing the role of a skeleton this time. If a skeleton uses its Mind's Eye, there's no way a swordsman can stand a chance," Assassin said with a cool laugh, and Ritsuka replied with a smile, "That's true."
Then, the sound of a chime ringing to indicate lunchtime echoed throughout the Chaldea building. Outside the training grounds, the sounds of multiple footsteps and voices could be heard heading towards the dining hall. Hearing this, Artoria quietly walked around to stand in front of Ritsuka.
"It looks like it's already lunchtime. Ritsuka, do you want to come with me to the dining hall?" Artoria asked, tilting her head and smiling softly. The fairy was looking at him with her hands clasped behind her back, and Ritsuka reflexively nodded before stopping himself.
"Sorry. After this, Medea will be giving us a lecture on magic. I'll eat some snacks, so Artoria, you can eat in the dining hall." Ritsuka clasped his hands together and apologized to Artoria.
The fairy's eyes clouded at the boy's words and appearance. Recently, she had heard similar words from Ritsuka many times.
'Ritsuka, are you perhaps avoiding me?'
Artoria managed to clear the words that were about to come to her throat and opened her mouth.
"I-I see... I understand. Good luck, Ritsuka."
"Thank you. See you, Artoria."
Artoria waved gently back, and Ritsuka walked towards Medea's workshop. The Paradise Fairy saw him off until he was out of sight, then nodded to Kojiro and left the training grounds. Kojiro returned the nod and looked up to see Artoria walking in the opposite direction from the dining hall, with a gloomy expression on her face. A hazy darkness seemed to be floating from behind her. Kojiro sighed softly and walked in the other direction as well. Deciding that he needed to report to and consult with the Chaldea leadership, Assassin hurried to the control room.
Meanwhile, having left the training ground, Ritsuka walked down the corridor, stuffing his stomach with portable rations. For the time being, this would ease his hunger. There weren't many portable rations that the boy had permission to use freely, so he decided to go to the dining hall that night, and shook his head slightly as he quickened his pace. Lately, he had been reviewing battle records and writing reports late into the night, so he was feeling a bit sleep-deprived.
"...I might get in trouble if I don't get myself in shape before my regular medical checkup..."
Muttering softly to himself, Ritsuka walked a little further and arrived at the door he was looking for. He knocked lightly, and it slid open. Inside the room, a woman with long deep blue hair and a purple robe was sitting in a chair, staring intently at the boy standing outside. It was Medea, the master of the workshop and Caster's Servant, a witch whose name was engraved in Greek mythology.
"You're early, Master. Come on, have a seat. Would you like some tea before the lecture?"
Medea smiled faintly and motioned for Ritsuka to sit opposite her. The boy didn't resist, saying, "Thank you for joining me," and sat down opposite her. Tea and cookies were laid out on the table. The aroma of the freshly brewed tea calmed Ritsuka. He took a sip and felt the gentle flavor, which was neither too hot nor too warm, spread throughout his entire body. He also took a cookie into his mouth. This one also had the warmth and aroma of a freshly baked cookie. Ritsuka felt the moderate sweetness filling his stomach, which had been filled only with portable food. After he drank more tea and put a few cookies in his mouth, Medea spoke.
"Calmed down a bit? You've had your meal, but are you sleeping properly?"
Ritsuka was at a loss for words for a moment, as Medea's eyes, though calm, seemed to see into his heart. Then he realized. The tea and cookies had been prepared for him out of concern for him. In fact, Ritsuka's body felt lighter, and his hazy head cleared. There was no doubt that Medea had used the witch's potion to prepare the food.
"...I'm sorry, Medea. I made you worry..."
"I'm your witch. There's no need to worry about such trivial matters. After the lecture, I'll give you some tea to help you sleep well."
Medea said with a smile and closed her eyes as she took a sip of tea. She quietly put the cup down, then turned her gaze to the apologetic-looking boy and asked him a question.
"But haven't you been feeling a bit impatient lately? Certainly, training and studying are important. But it's also important for you to rest your mind and body, and to connect with your friends."
Medea solemnly admonished Ritsuka, but was also surprised at how much she had changed. She never imagined that the day would come when the traitorous witch who had become a Servant would kindly admonish the young mage.
"...I...wanted to become even a little stronger."
Medea frowned slightly at Ritsuka's squeezed-out words.
"Did something happen out there in the sea Singularity?"
Medea's question instantly reminded Ritsuka of his last day in the Caribbean. The hair ornament shining in the sunlight in the port town at dusk. The green eyes of her filled with resignation. The boy shook his head lightly to clear away the memories of the Caribbean, then looked back into Medea's eyes.
"Nothing happened. It's just that... in Fairyland... I couldn't do anything."
Medea saw something hidden in the boy's eyes, and at the same time knew that it should not be revealed, so she responded to his words.
"Really? I think you did everything you could. Even a magician from the Age of the Gods would have had very little to do there."
As Medea sipped her cup, she recalled the records of the Sixth Lostbelt. The fairies, whose existence itself was powerful, the queen who ruled over them, and the fairy kingdom where the knights, Arin, and the others lived. There were also three disasters and the Abyss Worms. They should have been praised for having weathered and survived, and they should not have been driven by feelings of remorse, Medea thought. Still, the young, brave, and sincere Master before her did not seem convinced.
"...If you wish to learn, then as your Servant I have no choice but to comply. However, Master, you must eat and sleep properly. It will not accomplish anything if you ruin your health."
"Yes. I will make sure to eat and sleep properly."
After hearing Ritsuka's honest response and seeing him bow deeply, Medea took out two handmade texts and placed one in front of him.
It was a book she had compiled to teach Ritsuka magic, and if we go back to the history of the human race, it would undoubtedly be a holy relic.
"Do you have plans after this? Let's reschedule the lecture to suit your schedule."
"Actually... I was thinking of going to Miss Crane's workshop after the lecture."
Ritsuka scratched his cheek as he opened the text.
"At the sewing workshop? Are there new spiritual garments to be sewn?"
"No, I just wanted to discuss something. Duke Vlad and Habetrot are also willing to listen, so I'm looking forward to it."
"Vlad will also teach me how to dance," the Master said with a shy smile, and Medea's mouth also turned up a little. Medea opened her textbook, thinking that she might cut the lecture short and take a look at the sewing workshop herself.
Just as Ritsuka was beginning to listen to Medea's lecture, four figures were gathered in a circle in the control room, talking to each other.
"Master, it seems that you have been keeping your distance from Lady Artoria recently."
One of the figures, Sasaki Kojiro, spoke to the three Chaldea leaders. Leonardo da Vinci leaned back in her chair and tilted her head at the Assassin's words.
"Ritsuka-kun, you've been really enthusiastic about your training and studies lately. Of course, you've always been enthusiastic, but I can sense more spirit in you than ever before..."
Holmes began speaking next to Da Vinci, who groaned.
"I think it's a good trend. His desire to grow on his own volition should be respected. It would be extremely beneficial for both him and Chaldea. Since Fairy Kingdom, he has always been with the fairies of Paradise. I don't think there would be any problem if he had a short cooling-off period."
Da Vinci cast a suspicious look at the detective who was speaking calmly with a pipe in his hand.
"Thank you for your cold-hearted analysis, Holmes. But the relationship between Ritsuka and Artoria right now is truly special. The power of the Holy Grail resides within her, but more than anything, it is Ritsuka's existence, his trust, and his affection that keep Artoria Caster in the history of all humanity. If there is even the slightest danger in that relationship, that is synonymous with her existence being in danger."
Hearing the girl's words, Holmes shrugged. He already knew that Artoria's presence was thin and that there was a possibility that she had retreated. The detective, who had almost arrived at the answer on his own, had confirmed it with Da Vinci and Shion, and was certain. Although it was not an urgent matter, Holmes understood that it was dangerous to sit back and do nothing.
"...I understand what Holmes wants to say, but for the sake of both of us, I would like you to not distance yourself from Artoria."
"That's true. However, I can't force him to do so. In that case, I will inevitably have to inform Master of Lady Artoria's condition."
Kojiro folded his arms, closed his eyes, and sighed. Shion then spoke, tracing the frame of her glasses with her index finger.
"I agree with Ms. Da Vinci. I want Ritsuka to be by Artoria's side as much as possible. That will be the best way to reinforce the power of her presence. There was a battle during the rayshift the other day, but Artoria's presence was not shaken or weakened. I think they should be able to maintain the status quo. And anyway, there was never any distance between them until they went to the Caribbean."
"Did something happen there?" Shion tilted her head. Da Vinci shook her head at her opinion.
On the last day, Ritsuka and Artoria went out to the city for about an hour, but they received no disturbing reports from Cainis and Achilles, who were hiding and guarding them. However, they didn't know what the two were talking about. The Heroic Spirits could have asked them if they wanted to, but they didn't do anything so rude. Therefore, they couldn't deny that nothing had happened. When they returned to the camp, the two looked just as usual, and Da Vinci sighed quietly.
"Oh dear... nothing's going well... Oh?"
Da Vinci was boiling over and folded her arms when the central computer of Nouvm Chaldea, Trismegistus II, sounded an alarm. Shion tapped the console, and a report came in that a micro-singularity had been detected.
"A singularity at a time like this... What, the third century is a long time ago. Besides..."
"Hmm, it's Halloween season, huh... I can't just leave it alone, so let's call Ritsuka and Artoria."
"Understood. If it's Halloween-related, then let's try out the new costumes."
Da Vinci nodded and, feeling a bit uneasy, picked up the mobile device while Shion and the others began preparing for the rayshift.
A few minutes after the singularity was confirmed, Artoria was waiting for Ritsuka just before the control room. She had rushed over after receiving a call, but it seemed that Ritsuka and Shion were still preparing for departure.
"Ritsuka... I wish he'd come soon."
There was a faint sense of expectation in her murmured voice. Upon hearing that a singularity had occurred, Artoria felt it was inappropriate to feel joy, but she couldn't contain her overflowing excitement. A gentle smile naturally formed on her face.
If they were to conquer the singularity, then as his guardian, she would inevitably be by Ritsuka's side. There was no way he would leave Artoria and act alone. Just like in the Caribbean last time, they would always be able to walk beside each other in the singularity.
"I can travel with that person again..."
This time, it was just the two of them on the rayshift. Of course, there was a high chance that they would encounter a Servant there, but even if only for a short time, they would be able to go on a journey just for the two of them. For Artoria, who hadn't been able to spend much time with Ritsuka recently, this was the greatest joy.
' I want to travel with Ritsuka. I want to go soon.'
The Child of Prophecy smiled and waited impatiently when she heard footsteps.
"Artoria, are you ready?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Artoria turned around with a smile on her face and her eyes widened.
Ritsuka was dressed in a new formal outfit.
Over his white shirt and jet black slacks, he wore a deep blue jacket, held in place by a thick leather belt. The blue jacket was further adorned with gold embroidery, trim, and buttons. With pure white gloves and a small crown on his head, Ritsuka looked like a crown prince from a fairy tale or story. Artoria stared at him with her mouth half-open, as if in a daze. Seeing her reaction, Ritsuka smiled a little shyly and began to speak.
"I haven't worn this kind of outfit much, but... it's a bit similar in color to Artoria's outfit, isn't it?"
When asked, Artoria trembled slightly but managed to nod.
"Y-yes... we kind of match, don't we?"
Artoria asked, lowering her gaze for a moment before glancing up at him. Ritsuka looked into the girl's green eyes and smiled gently.
"Yeah. I'm glad to be wearing an outfit similar to yours."
"I... I'm happy to be wearing the same outfit as you, Ritsuka... it really suits you."
Artoria's voice had turned into a soft murmur by the end, and she bowed her head again. Ritsuka thanked her, to which she replied quietly, "You're welcome." The boy adjusted his outfit lightly, checking its fit, then turned back to face the fairy of Camelot.
"Okay then, let's head to the singularity. I'm counting on you, Artoria."
"Ah... Yes! Leave it to me, Ritsuka!"
Artoria's heart brightened for the first time in a while as Ritsuka expressed his trust in her. And so the foreign mage and the fairy of Camelot set out to resolve the singularity they hadn't encountered in a month.
"But it's a lovely formal outfit. I could wear it to a dance party."
"I guess it would be hard to dance in this. I'll have to think of something different for Christmas..."
"Christmas?"
Artoria tilted her head to the side as she watched the boy deep in thought, but Ritsuka suddenly changed his mind and shook his head.
"Oh, no, it's nothing. Still, it's a Halloween singularity, huh?"
The two walked side by side, chatting about the nature of the singularity and the potential dangers of Halloween, as they made their way down the corridor and into the control room.
When they arrived, the rayshift was already prepared.
Ritsuka and Artoria informed Da Vinci and Mash that they were ready to depart, then quickly entered the coffin.
"3... 2... 1... Commencing Rayshift."
The rayshift began as usual. Just as the path to the singularity smoothly connected, Artoria's vision started to blur with noise. It felt as if everything went dark before her eyes. It lasted only for an instant, and the next moment the rayshift was complete. Artoria wondered what had happened, but Ritsuka seemed unfazed as he surveyed their surroundings. Thinking it might have been a mechanical glitch, Artoria dismissed the distraction.
They had rayshifted into a dimly lit cave. A pumpkin-headed knight roamed the cold, rocky space.
"This place looks like a cave... It's not like the usual Halloween singularities..."
Ritsuka whispered to Artoria, who nodded and gestured toward a leisurely walking pumpkin-headed figure.
"...There are many hostile creatures here. Fighting here... would put us at a disadvantage."
As they assessed their surroundings, they decided their best course was to attempt an escape first. Unlike their previous adventures, they were alone with no visible allies. They spotted a faint light to the left and silently agreed to move toward it. With nerves on edge, they cautiously navigated through the cave, mindful of avoiding detection.
"It seems like we can't establish communication with Chaldea."
"Yeah. It's a recurring issue, but we'll manage. Anyway, let's do our best, Artoria."
At Ritsuka's encouragement, Artoria tightened her grip on her selection wand.
"Yes, leave it to me, Ritsuka. I'll protect you."
Artoria smiled gently yet resolutely, and Ritsuka returned the smile. They continued stealthily through the cave for some time, fortunately avoiding detection by any enemies. Upon reaching the cave's exit, they found themselves in an open area shrouded in thick fog. They could just make out cobblestones beneath their feet.
"...No signs of magical activity or hostile entities."
When Artoria reported this, Ritsuka nodded and took a cautious step forward.
"Okay. Let's proceed while keeping our guard up."
The two continued to tread cautiously through the mist until, abruptly, a grand Western-style mansion materialized before Ritsuka and Artoria's eyes. They were stunned to find it clearly wasn't what they expected.
"Oh! It's both puppies! All the characters are here!"
Ritsuka was bewildered, but upon hearing a familiar voice, he swiftly turned around to see none other than Elizabeth Bathory standing there as anticipated.
"Elli-chan?! What's with that outfit?"
"Isn't it adorable? Artoria and Puppy are in similar dress and cute, aren't they? This time I'm a princess. Cinderella Elisabeth, you see."
Elizabeth, adorned in an elegant dress and tiara, introduced herself in an unusually whimsical tone. The vampire normally serving as Lancer had already manifested at the Halloween singularity, taking on the spirit base of Rider. She claimed to be a musical idol capable of singing and dancing this time. The boy couldn't help but smirk at the predictably absurd setting.
"Well, at least we've found Eri-chan. We can always count on her for Halloween. Right, Artoria?"
"Huh? Ah... yes. That's... reassuring... It's good to have more allies, isn't it?"
'Ritsuka and my journey seemed to have reached a pause because of this third wheel Elizabeth.' she thought and became angry at Elizabeth.
The Child of Prophecy muttered to herself, her gaze slightly clouded.
Ritsuka appeared relieved to reunite with his companions, while Artoria's expression darkened slightly in agreement. Elizabeth sighed softly, annoyed by the two and the tension in the air.
"This could be troubling for the future..." Elizabeth said, thinking that she ruined a date of cute couple.
"What do you mean?"
When Ritsuka asked, Elizabeth merely twirled the hem of her dress in silence.
"We'll talk about that later~ For now~ Follow me, puppies~ We're headed to the heart of the singularity~ Cinderella Castle, Cheyte~"
Elizabeth, dressed in a sparkling sky-blue gown, led the way confidently, singing as she went. Artoria was taken aback but shook her head and called out to her.
"Elizabeth! What is Cinderella Castle? If we find it and go there, will it resolve the singularity?"
"That's the plan~ My intuition tells me so~"
Artoria blinked, then turned to the boy.
"Ritsuka, can we trust Elizabeth with this?"
"Yes. Let's follow Eli. She's been pivotal in all the past Halloween singularities. We'll trust her intuition for now."
"If that's what you decide," Artoria nodded and joined him. They continued on, defeating enemy creatures along the way for several minutes. Eventually, they arrived at an exceedingly desolate open space where Elizabeth shouted out excitedly.
"Here we are! Get ready!"
The trio reached a vast desert stretching as far as the eye could see. Seeing the bleak expanse, Elizabeth lamented, "Why!" while Artoria cast a suspicious glance at Ritsuka. Ritsuka wore a troubled expression and a wry smile, but suddenly he spotted a figure standing amidst the desert.
"Artoria! Eli-chan! Someone's there!"
Hearing Ritsuka's cry, Artoria and Elizabeth turned their attention and positioned themselves in front of their Master. Meanwhile, the figure in the desert slowly approached them.
"I've found you! You're the cause of all this!"
The figure roared and lunged toward the Chaldea group.