Ash was sitting in Chaldea's lounge, sipping a hot chocolate and enjoying a rare moment of peace when a new figure approached. He was tall, with spiky blue hair, a red spear slung over his back, and a cheeky grin that immediately gave Ash the impression of someone who didn't take life too seriously.

"Well, well! So, you're the new rookie Master everyone's been buzzing about," the man said with a cheeky grin. "Name's Cú Chulainn. You can just call me Lancer, though. Nice to meet ya, kid."

Ash blinked, taking in the newcomer's confident and laid-back demeanor. "Uh, hi! I'm Ash. Nice to meet you too, Lancer."

Mash, standing nearby, quickly stepped in to give some context. "Lancer is a Servant known for his incredible combat skills and resilience. He's also one of the friendlier Servants here in Chaldea, so you're in good hands."

Cú waved off the compliment with a laugh. "Aw, you're makin' me blush, Mash. Anyway, I heard about your run-in with Goldie the other day. Don't sweat it, kid. That guy's always high and mighty—doesn't know how to relax. Just let his nonsense roll off your back."

Ash couldn't help but smile at Lancer's easygoing personality. "Thanks. You're way easier to talk to than some of the other Servants I've met."

Cú clapped him on the back, grinning. "Glad to hear it! Tell ya what, why don't you let me tag along on your next mission? You can see how a pro handles things."

Ash's curiosity was piqued. "Really? That'd be great! I've been wondering how you guys fight in action."

Mash nodded approvingly. "That sounds like a good idea, Senpai. Lancer is a skilled warrior, and having him with us could be really helpful."

The group headed out on a simple reconnaissance mission in a forested area. Mash explained the objectives, while Cú casually strolled along beside them, spinning his spear like it was a toy. Ash couldn't help but marvel at how relaxed the Lancer was, even in potentially dangerous territory.

The first sign of trouble came when a group of wild boars charged out of the underbrush, their eyes glowing red with some kind of magical corruption. Ash and Pikachu leaped into action alongside Mash, but before Ash could give an order, Cú grinned and stepped forward.

"Leave this to me!" he declared, charging headfirst into the fray.

The battle started well enough—Cú's spear flashed in the sunlight as he expertly dodged and countered the boars' attacks. However, things quickly took a turn when one of the larger boars managed to knock him into a tree, where he collapsed dramatically.

Ash rushed over. "Lancer! Are you okay?"

Cú weakly opened one eye, grinning despite the blood running down his face. "Don't worry, kid. I've got this. Just... need a minute."

Mash sighed, muttering under her breath. "Here we go again."

True to her words, Cú suddenly glowed with a faint light as his Battle Continuation skill kicked in, allowing him to survive what should have been a fatal blow. He popped back onto his feet, looking like nothing had happened.

"See? Good as new!" he said with a wink, before charging back into the fight.

Ash stared in disbelief. "Wait, so you were pretending to die?!"

Cú laughed as he speared another boar. "Not pretending! Just... taking a quick break!"

Throughout the mission, Cú seemed to have an uncanny ability to attract the worst luck. Whether it was a group of bandits ambushing them or a random rockslide narrowly missing him, the Lancer constantly found himself in situations where he should've been taken out—only to bounce back every time thanks to his skills.

At one point, after Cú was knocked off a cliff by a particularly aggressive bandit, Mash turned to Ash. "Senpai, maybe you should use a Command Seal to help him. It could turn the tide."

Ash frowned, looking at the red markings on his hand. "I still don't really get how to use these…"

Mash nodded, trying to encourage him. "Just focus on your intent. Visualize giving Lancer a direct order, and the Command Seal should activate."

Ash tried, clenching his fist and focusing with all his might, but nothing happened. He groaned in frustration. "This is harder than it looks!"

Meanwhile, Pikachu was watching Cú climb back up the cliff, clearly annoyed. The electric mouse sparked with determination and, without warning, sent a Thunderbolt straight at the Lancer.

The bolt hit its mark, jolting Cú just as he reached the top. His hair stood on end, and he twitched as smoke rose from his armor. "Agh! What was that for?!"

Ash winced. "Pikachu! I didn't say to attack him!"

Pikachu crossed his arms, clearly unrepentant. "Pika-pika."

Mash stifled a laugh. "Well, I guess that's one way to energize him."

Cú shook himself off, grumbling. "Man, even the kid's rodent is out to get me. What did I do to deserve this?"

When the mission finally ended, Ash, Mash, and Pikachu were exhausted, but Cú looked as lively as ever, despite everything he'd been through. He clapped Ash on the shoulder, grinning.

"Not bad for your first time tagging along with me, kid. You've got potential."

Ash groaned, rubbing his temples. "I don't know how you're still standing after all that. You're like... indestructible."

Cú winked. "It's all part of the job. Stick with me, and you'll see worse than a couple of boars and bandits. But hey, you did good out there."

Mash smiled at Ash. "You handled yourself well, Senpai. And you'll get the hang of using your Command Seals soon enough."

Ash managed a small smile. "Thanks. But next time, let's try to avoid so many near-death experiences, okay?"

Cú laughed. "No promises, kid."

The cafeteria in Chaldea was a lively place, filled with the chatter of staff, and Servants. Ash, Mash, and Pikachu were seated at a table, enjoying a well-deserved meal after their eventful mission. Cú Chulainn, ever the energetic one, was devouring his food like he hadn't eaten in days.

"You know, kid," Cú said between bites, "for a rookie Master, you're holdin' up pretty well."

Ash chuckled nervously, still slightly traumatized by the series of disasters they had narrowly survived earlier. "Thanks, I guess? Though I think Pikachu did most of the heavy lifting."

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, puffed out his chest proudly. "Pika!"

The atmosphere was light until an imposing presence cast a shadow over their table. Ash looked up to see a strikingly beautiful woman with long purple hair, piercing red eyes, and a full-body black and red outfit. She stood with her arms crossed, her gaze locked on Cú Chulainn, who froze mid-bite.

"Well, well," the woman said in a dangerous tone. "I hear my wayward pupil has been causing his usual chaos."

Mash leaned toward Ash, whispering, "That's Scáthach, the legendary Queen of the Land of Shadows. She's Cú's former mentor and a renowned warrior. Be careful—she's very strict, especially with him."

Ash blinked, staring at Scáthach in awe. "Wow, she looks... intense."

Cú decided to greet her with his trademark cheeky grin. "Hey there, old hag! Long time no—"

The words barely left his mouth before Scáthach moved with lightning speed. Her hand shot out, grabbing him by the ear and twisting it mercilessly. Cú yelped in pain, dropping his food as she loomed over him.

"What did you just call me, you insolent brat?" she hissed.

"Ah, c-come on, Master!" Cú stammered, trying to wriggle free. "It's just a joke! No need to get violent—ow, ow, OW!"

Scáthach sighed. "I see your attitude hasn't improved since the last time we spoke. Clearly, I've been too lenient with you."

Before anyone could intervene, she delivered a swift but firm kick to Cú's side, sending him sprawling onto the cafeteria floor. Ash and Mash watched in stunned silence as Scáthach grabbed the dazed Lancer by the back of his collar and began dragging him out of the room.

"Wait! Where are you taking him?" Ash blurted out.

"To the training grounds," Scáthach replied without looking back. "It seems he's forgotten the meaning of discipline."

Cú weakly raised a hand in protest. "Save me, kid—urk!"

The cafeteria fell silent for a moment as the door closed behind them. Ash stared at the spot where Cú had been, sweatdropping. "Is he... gonna be okay?"

Mash sighed but smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Senpai. This happens more often than you'd think. Lancer and Scáthach have a... complex relationship. She's strict, but she won't actually hurt him. Much."

Ash nodded slowly, still processing what he'd just witnessed. "Right. Complex. Got it."