The next day, Ash and Pikachu wandered through Chaldea's halls, still exploring and getting to know their new home. Despite all the chaos from training with Quetzalcoatl, Gilgamesh's pranks, and Da Vinci's wild inventions, Ash was actually starting to feel like he was settling in.

Until he turned a corner and came face-to-face with an unexpected sight.

Standing before him was a familiar, tall, striking woman with long, flowing purple hair and piercing red eyes. But what really stood out was her outfit—far different from the combat-ready attire of the Scáthach he had seen before. Instead of her usual full-body armor, this version of Scáthach wore a revealing black and purple swimsuit that perfectly complemented her form. A sheer sarong was tied around her waist, and in her hand, she casually twirled a cocktail umbrella, as if she had just walked off a tropical beach.

Ash blinked.

Pikachu blinked.

"…Uh…" Ash started.

The woman smirked knowingly, placing one hand on her hip as she studied Ash with a discerning gaze. "Hmm. You're that new Master I saw with my foolish apprentice the other day," she mused.

Ash gulped. This is definitely the same woman from the other day… but something feels… different.

Mash soon arrived and briefly explained that Servants could change classes, altering their abilities, personalities, and sometimes even their appearance. But seeing it in person was something else entirely.

"Pikapi?" Pikachu tilted his head in confusion.

Scáthach let out a small chuckle. "Ah, you must be wondering. I am still Scáthach, but in this form, I am an Assassin. And when I assume this aspect, I prefer to indulge in… more relaxed activities."

Ash swallowed hard. "Relaxed… right," he muttered, trying really hard to keep his eyes on her face. "So, uh… you're different from the other you?"

She nodded, clearly enjoying his reaction. "You could say that. Lancer me focuses on battle, discipline, and training. Assassin me? I prefer a more leisurely approach to life." She leaned in slightly, her smirk widening. "But don't think for a second that means I'm any less deadly."

Ash stiffened. "Nope! Didn't think that! Not at all!"

She chuckled again before straightening up. "Good. I like a Master who knows when to be cautious."

Pikachu, meanwhile, hopped onto Ash's shoulder and sniffed toward Scáthach curiously. "Pika?"

She glanced at the little electric mouse before giving him an amused smile. "Your companion is quite the bold one." She extended a hand toward Pikachu. "Come here, little one."

Pikachu hesitated for a moment before hopping into her arms. She caught him effortlessly and gently stroked his fur.

"Hoh… interesting texture," she murmured, rubbing Pikachu's ears. "Soft, yet I can feel the hidden power beneath."

Ash watched in shock as Pikachu simply melted in her arms, letting out a pleased "Chaaaa..." as she scratched under his chin.

"Wha—? Pikachu, seriously? You're just gonna let her hold you like that?" Ash exclaimed.

Scáthach gave him a smug look. "It seems even your closest partner can recognize my talents." She lifted Pikachu up, eyeing him playfully. "Perhaps I should train you as well? You might make a fine warrior under my guidance."

Ash let out a nervous laugh. "Uh, I think Pikachu's fine. He's already strong enough as he is."

Scáthach hummed. "Perhaps. But everyone has room to improve." She gently handed Pikachu back to Ash, who caught him with ease. "Still, you intrigue me, Ash Ketchum."

Ash blinked. "I do?"

She nodded. "You have the aura of a warrior, yet you lack the experience of a proper battlefield. You command creatures, yet you have not yet commanded true legends." She gave him a knowing look. "You are young, but there is potential within you."

Ash rubbed the back of his head, feeling a mix of pride and awkwardness. "Uh, thanks… I think?"

Scáthach turned away slightly, gazing down the hall. "I'll be watching your progress, Master of Chaldea. If you ever feel the need to spar… or if you're curious about something more leisurely," she added with a teasing smirk, "you know where to find me."

Ash nearly choked on air. "I—uh—r-right! Got it!"

Scáthach simply chuckled before walking off, the soft clicking of her sandals echoing down the corridor.

Ash stood there for a moment, stunned. Pikachu looked up at him, snickering slightly. "Pika pika~."

Ash groaned, covering his face. "This place is gonna drive me crazy, isn't it?"

Pikachu patted his shoulder with a smug little grin.

"Yo, kiddo! There you are!"

Ash turned just in time to see Cú Chulainn strolling toward him with his usual cheeky grin plastered on his face.

Pikachu perked up, waving a small paw. "Pika!"

Cú chuckled. "Looks like you're still alive. That's good! Figured you might've gotten lost or thrown into some crazy mission already." He then glanced over and noticed someone standing near Ash—his former mentor, Scáthach, in her Assassin form. Cú's grin faltered as he blinked. His sharp red eyes swept over her swimsuit-clad figure, from her exposed shoulders to her toned legs. Then his expression twisted into one of absolute disbelief. "The hell?!" he blurted out, pointing at her. "Oi, old hag! Why the hell are you showing so much skin?! And in front of the kid, no less! He's too young for you!"

Ash's face immediately turned red. "Wait, WHAT?! That's not—!"

Pikachu nearly faceplanted in disbelief.

For a moment, everything went silent.

Then, Ash saw it.

That look.

Scáthach's expression didn't change much, but the subtle narrowing of her red eyes and the slight smirk on her lips told a very, very different story.

Cú realized his mistake just a second too late.

"Oh. Crap."

And then—pain.

Before Ash could even blink, Scáthach moved like a shadow. She closed the distance in an instant, delivering a brutal palm strike to Cú's gut.

"Gah—!" Cú coughed violently, doubling over.

Before he could recover, Scáthach grabbed him by the collar and flung him into the wall with a sickening crash.

Ash flinched. Pikachu flinched.

"Pika…" Pikachu muttered, eyes wide.

"You never learn, do you, my foolish apprentice?" Scáthach sighed dramatically, cracking her knuckles.

Cú groaned, peeling himself out of the cracked wall. "Damn it… I should've kept my mouth shut…"

"You should have," Scáthach agreed—before kicking him through another wall.

BOOM!

Dust and debris scattered as Cú's body disappeared into the other side of the hallway.

Ash winced, watching the wreckage unfold. "Uh… should we help him?"

Scáthach turned toward him, tilting her head slightly. "Do you feel sorry for him?"

Ash hesitated. Then he thought about all the times Cú casually dodged death, whether it was wild boars, bandits, or even Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

"...Nah, he'll be fine."

"Good answer," Scáthach smirked.