Chapter 1 – City of Flames
"Fou! Kyou!" Fou shouted.
"Something is licking my cheek again." - Ritsuka was saying half-consciously. She could feel the heat of the flames all around her, but there was no pain, just a slight discomfort.
"Senpai, please wake up, Senpai!" - a voice shouted.
"Um... someone…" - Ritsuka said, barely opening her eyes.
"...Maybe I should be more formal. Master, please wake up, or I'll kill you."
"Death... Wait a minute!" - Ritsuka almost screamed, looking up. Mash was standing over her in strange armor and with a HUGE shield, and Fou was standing on the ground.
"Thank god you're awake, Senapi." - Mash said.
Ritsuka instead quickly stood up, hugged Mash and just spoke - "You're okay. And me too. I thought we were both going to die there and... Wait. Did you just say you were going to kill me?"
Ritsuka suddenly pulled away from Mash who just said - "Oh. I meant more like 'You're going to get killed'. Look around you."
Ritsuka did so and the entire city was in flames and two walking skeletons were coming at her with swords.
"What is it!?" - Ritsuka shouted.
"Language communication impossible. Unknown life forms are identified as the enemy. Master, orders. We'll get through this together." - Mash said.
"Oh. Take them out." - Ritsuka said uncertainly, completely unaware of how she ended up here, but at least she and Mash were alive.
Speaking of Mash, she quickly threw herself at the skeletons and with one swing of her shield, destroyed both of them to dust.
"That was surprisingly easy." - Mash said, then turned to Ritsuka - "Is everything okay, Senpai?"
"What happened?" - Ritsuka asked.
"...I don't know." - Mash replied - "Something that doesn't exist in our era, let alone this era. It was the cause of Singularity, or something similar. I guess calling it that isn't too far-fetched, or maybe it is."
Suddenly, Mash's communicator rang. She turned it on almost immediately, and a blue hologram of Dr. Roman appeared there, speaking - "Okay, we finally did it! Hello? This is the Chaldea Command Room? Can anyone hear me?"
Mash replied - "This is Mash Kyrielight, a member of Team A. At this point, I have completed my transition to Singularity F. My only companion is Fujimaru Ritsuka. Mind and body intact. Rayshift compatibility, Master compatibility are satisfactory. Please register Fujimaru as an official researcher."
"... So Ritsuka was also sucked into Rayshift, huh? I'm impressed that you didn't 'lose your existence'. I'm really glad. Also, Mash... Of course, I'm glad that you're safe too... But what about that outfit? It's shameless! I didn't raise you to dress like that."
"So Mash was raised by a doctor." - Ritsuka thought, quite surprised by this information.
After a moment, Mash replied - "I transformed into this. I can't protect Senapi by wearing a Chaldean uniform."
"What do you mean you turned into this? Did you hit your head? Was that it..." - Roman asked.
"Doctor, check my condition and you should understand the situation." -Mash interrupted him.
"Your physical condition?" - Roman asked, then got to it - "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Physical strength, magic circuits, everything improved! You're not that human, but-"
"Yes, I am a Servant. I don't remember how it happened, but it seems that I survived by connecting with a Servant. In order to investigate and solve Singularity F, a Servant was previously summoned to Chaldea. This Servant had lost its master and was doomed to disappear. But at the last moment, he offered me a contract. In exchange for his abilities and Noble Phantasm, he wanted me to eliminate the cause of this Singularity."
"Heroic Spirit and human, combined... And Demi-Servant? This is Chaldea's sixth experiment! I see. Is this Heroic Spirit still sentient?"
Mash lowered her head and said - "Unfortunately not. He only gave me combat abilities and then disappeared."
"Well, look on the bright side." - Roman said - "Not every Servant that gets summoned is willing to cooperate. Now that you're a Servant, it works to our advantage. After all, you're completely trustworthy. Ritsuka, it seems like you're the only one who's safely gone through Rayshift. I apologize as well. Forcing you into this without any explanation. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but try not to worry. You already have a powerful weapon. The most powerful weapon of humanity - Mash!"
Mash just bowed a little - "I don't know about 'the most powerful'. They'll blame me later."
"No, no." - Romani tried to comfort her - "As long as Ritsuka understands that this is a Servant, everything will be fine. But Ritsuka, while Servants can be reliable allies, they also have a weakness. They disappear without their source of magical energy. Their Master. I'm still analyzing the data, but it indicates that Mash has become your Servant. She is the first Hero Spirit you've made contact with."
"Okay." - Ritsuka said, looking at her hand with Command Spells - "So this Singularity we were supposed to take care of, as far as we know, only me and Mash made it. I became the Master, and Mash connected with some Heroic Spirit, and somehow made a contract with me. I understood correctly."
"Yes." - Roman replied - "I see you understand what I mean, but there are a few other things I should explain to you in more detail. First, this mission has two new objectives..."
Suddenly Mash and Ritsuka saw the hologram become unstable and Mash pointed it out - "Doctor, you're parting ways. Ten seconds until the connection is lost."
Romani quickly replied - "Hem. Sheba must be unstable due to using backup generators instead of the main one. Well, I'll tell you later. I'm picking up a strong leyline reading about 2 kilometers from your position. Try to get there. That way we can stabilize the connection. Just don't do anything reckless, okay? I'll try-"
The connection was cut off. Ritsuka was the first to speak - "Well. There's no better plan. So which way-"
"Senapi!" - Mash suddenly shouted, standing in front of Ritsuka and Fou. A second later, multiple explosions began to hit the shield and smoke appeared around them.
A red-robed archer with white hair could be seen on the tower, firing another arrow at some target hundreds of meters away, if not several kilometers. The arrow multiplied in flight and all that could be seen were red streaks of dozens of different arrows. The subsequent explosions looked like artillery fire.
When the explosions ended, the archer said a simple - "Ohh." - and summoned his sword. When he put it on his bow, it transformed into an arrow.
But before he could release it, he noticed a fireball flying towards him. He instinctively dodged, and the ball hit the tower, destroying its tip in a powerful explosion.
"Looks like he retreated." - Mash said.
Ritsuka, on the other hand, was breathing heavily at the destruction around them. It looked like they were standing on a pole in the middle of a several-meter-wide crater. After a moment, she shook herself and said - "So, that was the Heroic Spirits fight."
"Senapi." - Mash said, offering her hand, which Ritsuka accepted.
"We better get to that layline already." - Ritsuka said, and Mash just nodded.
A moment later, they heard a scream and quickly recognized it as Director Olga's voice.
When they got there, they saw Olga shooting at the skeletons, but one jumped at her from above and it looked like it was about to catch her.
Fortunately, Mash jumped in front of her and stopped the skeleton with her shield, then pushed it away and quickly smashed it into dust. Then she threw herself at 40 more, quickly eliminating one by one.
"Director." - said Ritsuka, running up to Olga.
"You!" - said the surprised Ogla.
"Are you okay?" - asked Ritsuka, offering her hand to Ogla. She accepted it with slight hesitation.
"Yes. Luckily, you arrived before they got to me." - replied Olga, while watching Mash crush the last skeleton with her shield, leaving a small crater there and saying - "Mash! When did you become a Demi-Servant."
"So." - replied Mash, but Olga continued.
"And don't tell me that civilian who fell asleep in the middle of explaining the mission and has no experience became your master." - Olga pointed at Ritsuke.
"I was the one who forced the contract." - Mash replied.
"What?" - Olga asked in surprise.
"We'll explain on the way." - Ritsuka said, taking over the situation - "Doctor Roman gave us the coordinates of the nearest layline. We can connect there and maybe find others along the way."
"Unfortunately, that won't happen." - Olga said - "The three of us only had one thing in common. None of us were in Coffins. While Rayshift of flesh and blood is not impossible, it is very unlikely. Meanwhile, Coffins have a fuse, if the chance of success drops below 95%, it will automatically cut the power. So they didn't use Rayshift, and we're all alone here."
"I see, that's why you're the Director." - Mash said.
"Yes." - said Ritsuka, but her face quickly darkened - "But we're not completely 'alone'. Besides us, there's that guy who bombed us some time ago. Probably another Heroic Spirit, considering the destruction."
"What?" - asked Olga, surprised - "But that shouldn't be possible. Servants need a constant supply of mana to survive and there's not a single living person here. Just skeletons and empty, burning buildings."
"Come to think of it, Director." - Mash interrupted - "These buildings, even though they're on fire, aren't collapsing. It almost looks like they're going to burn forever."
"What happened here anyway?" - asked Ritsuka, remembering that she unfortunately fell asleep during the explanation.
Olga sighed and said - "Of course you won't know. After all, you fell asleep during it. Listen carefully. The Holy Grail War took place here in 2004. Do you know what it is or do I need to explain it to you too?"
"7 Mages Call on Heroic Spirits to fight for a magical artifact that grants wishes." - Ritsuka shortened.
"That's right." - Olga said, slightly surprised, but quickly returned to her serious demeanor - "We know the war happened, but we don't know how it ended. Was the ritual successful? Or did it fail? Whatever happened, it created this Singularity and it is a threat to humanity. Besides, you can see the effects in this city. Servants walk freely without masters. The entire city is burning, but the buildings make no difference. All the people have disappeared. Whatever happened, caused this catastrophe, but it was not recorded in our history. That's why it is Singularity. And although I don't like it, I will have to rely on you two for now."
"Yes, ma'am." - Ritsuka replied with a salute.
Olga smiled and looked at Rituska with satisfaction - "Okay. First of all, we have to..."
Suddenly, Mash grabbed her shield and said - "I detect an enemy. It's a Servant. It's approaching quickly."
"We're retreating." - Olga said quickly and ran, followed by Ritsuka, Fou and Mash.
Unfortunately, they couldn't run for too long, until they ran into a barrier of chains.
"What's this..." - Rituska began, trying to touch one.
"Don't touch!" - Olga shouted, grabbing Ritsuka by the arm and pulling her away before the chains that suddenly came to life could catch her.
"What a pity." - a female voice said. They turned towards him, and Mash stood in front of Ritsuka and Olga. As if not bothered by this, the woman came closer, leaning on a statue in the shape of a human. She had long hair and a spear with a strange tip. She continued her monologue - "You girls are unlucky, as you have entered my territory."
"These statues." - Rituska said, noticing the numerous human-shaped statues standing around, many caught in chains. Then she realized something - "Those were humans. So..."
"I see you've caught on." - the woman said - "Then perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Medusa, Lancer class." - she then ripped off the head of the nearest statue, blood spurting out from behind it, covering her face - "And the three of you will replace this statue."
Mash stepped forward a little, gathering her courage, and said - "We must fight."
Seeing Mash slowly approaching with her shield at the ready, Medusa laughed lightly, feeling the blood begin to disappear - "What courage! It's almost refreshing. But it's clear this is your first fight between Servants. So let me, as an older colleague, teach you a little."
Suddenly, Medusa disappeared and appeared right in front of Mash, hitting her shields non-stop while continuing to speak - "I love your determination, but be careful. I hold the Lance of Eternal Murder here. No wound inflicted by it can be healed. You understand. Even one scratch and you are finished as a servant."
Medusa finally pushed Mash away, but she still held her shield high. Medusa took a wide swing, aiming for the young girl's head. But she dodged and with a scream rushed at Medusa, pushing her into the air. But Medusa barely noticed and landed perfectly on the chain that had previously blocked the group's path.
"On the other hand, too much freshness can be annoying." - Medusa said, pulling down her hood. Her hair turned into snakes and then into a chain, creating a cage in which Mash and the rest were trapped. Mash quickly changed position and once again stood between the enemy Lancer and her human companions.
Mash quickly began - "I'm no match for her. Please run, Senapi."
"Mash." - Ritsuka said.
"You've got balls." - a new voice said - "A little girl, just a little girl, but you look strong. I can't just leave you like this."
"Who are you?" - Medusa said angrily.
"Who am I? Look and you'll quickly recognize an old friend." - the person said, appearing in a flash of blue light. It was a young man with a staff, blue hair and red eyes.
"Caster." - Medusa said now angrily - "Why do you ally with strays?"
"Oh." - Caster replied amusedly - "Because I prefer little girls to old sows, of course."
Then Caster quickly moved his hand, and in place of his hand, runes began to appear, from which fireballs flew out, straight towards Medusa. She barely dodged the attack, but her chains were torn apart. Caster slowly approached the group and stood in front of Mash, then said - "I am a Caster-class Servant. For certain reasons, I consider this woman an enemy. I know that the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend, but for now, you can trust me."
Caster then addressed Mash directly - "Stand up, young lady. Your skills are poor, but you have courage."
"Thank you." - Mash replied and prepared herself for battle.
"Young!" - Caster shouted, now turning to Ritsuka.
"Yes?" - Ritsuka replied uncertainly.
"You are the Master, so you are in charge here." - Caster said.
Ritsuka gathered herself and after a moment replied - "I'm ready."
"Well, I like that." - Caster replied - "It will be a temporary pact, but for this young lady's courage and your attitude, I will become your servant for a while."
"You're welcome." - Medusa replied, smiling again - "At least they'll kill you faster than I intended."
Medusa then used her powers to move the chains so that they would attack Caster. However, he quickly began to dodge, first jumping many meters in the air, and then maneuvering so that he avoided the next blows of the chains. Then Medusa also jumped and struck Caster with her spear, who blocked it with his staff. While their fight was in motion, Ritsuka and the rest went after them.
But the fight quickly turned into an escape, with Caster quickly running away as far as he could from Medusa, who only mocked him - "You keep running. You clearly don't even have time for incantations."
Finally, Caster stopped, and Medusa continued to mock him - "This is what happens when you open your mouth. Cornered like a rat."
Medusa jumped at Caster, but he just smiled and shouted - "Miss!"
Suddenly, Mash jumped between them, blocking Medusa's attack and causing her to lose her balance.
Caster stood up and said - "I don't need an incantation to use runes. Go back to school, you dumb bastard!"
Suddenly, runes lit up from under Medusa, causing Medusa to burst into flames and scream in pain. Before she could recover from the attack, Caster prepared more runes, which turned into fireballs, quickly hitting Medusa and causing a huge explosion, killing her instantly. Caster just looked at his opponent's disappearing body and said - "And one less."
Mash walked up and said - "Thank you very much."
Ritsuka also approached and said - "I don't know how we'd survive without you and I definitely don't want to die twice in one day."
"No problem, kids." - Caster said.
"If I may." - Olga said, interrupting the conversation - "Next, we need to reach the nearest layline and reestablish contact with Chaldea. And not all the enemies have fallen."
Olga pointed to a group of skeletons walking towards them.
"They must have been lured by the fight." - Caster said, then made another group of runes and quickly destroyed them, then added - "I know where the nearest lay line is. I'll take you there in a moment. And you can explain to me what you're doing here on the way."
And so the group set off with their mysterious savior.