The moon hung low in the night sky, its pale light spilling across the quiet streets of Fuyuki City. Shirou Emiya, as always, had been tinkering in his workshop. The faint hum of mana surrounded him as he focused on his reinforcement magic, trying to perfect the technique with his usual single-mindedness.
But tonight was different. Tonight, something in the air felt wrong.
A sudden pulse of energy rippled through the city, its origin untraceable yet unmistakably foreign. Shirou's circuits reacted instinctively, flaring with mana as if his very being was warning him of an imminent threat.
Meanwhile, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown sat atop his throne, surveying the endless splendor of his domain. Cocytus, Albedo, and Demiurge stood before him, awaiting his orders.
"Lord Ainz," Demiurge began, bowing deeply, "our magical instruments have detected an anomaly—a fluctuation in space-time. It is faint but distinct, originating from a distant plane."
Ainz tilted his skeletal head, his glowing eyes narrowing. "A new world, perhaps? Or an intruder?"
"Unclear, my lord," Albedo replied, her golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. "But if it is an unknown plane, it could hold resources... or enemies."
Ainz leaned forward, his bony fingers tapping against the armrest of his throne. "Then it would be foolish to ignore it. Cocytus, assemble a small reconnaissance unit. We will investigate this phenomenon personally."
"As you command, my lord," Cocytus replied, his insectoid form bowing low.
Within moments, preparations began, and the vast machinery of Nazarick whirred to life.