4 Chapter 3: The End of Singularity F

How did it come to this?

I released an annoyed breath as I stood calmly in my restraints, bands of energy keeping me in place while Mashu is forced to fight skeleton after skeleton.

It began around an hour ago when I noticed Mashu looking depressed. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me how she felt useless and that she was a faulty servant due to not knowing what her Noble Phantasm does.

Then Caster brought me to the side and explained his plan to get Mashu to activate her Phantasm. He said that I was too strong for his original plan, so instead he said he was going to bind me in the open while hordes of skeletons come after me, making Mashu work to protect me.

"If her life is ever in danger, I will save her." I stated, my sharingan glaring holes into the back of casters head.

"Yeah, Yeah. She has to be desperate in order to release her Noble Phantasm." Caster said, crossing his arms.

I just grunted before returning my attention to the Shielder servant. She's quickly tiring, small cuts in various places.

"Haah...Haaah...That's enough...Any more of this continuous combat is-" Mashu gasped.

"I'm sorry, Caster..."

"You really don't get it do ya. Was I wrong in my hopes for this lady? Well whatever. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Well then, the next opponent'll be me." I blinked in shock as Caster jumped back and threw a fireball at me, Mashu hastily coming over and blocking it. "Just because I'm an ally doesn't mean you have to hold back. I'll be out to kill with all I've got too after all."

"...!?" Mashu kept standing in front of me as I remained silent.

"What are you saying? Are you crazy!? This training's got nothing to do with Uchiha, does it!?"

"No...it's fine. I entrust my safety to you, Mashu." I spoke up.

"Indeed, a Servant's problems are also the Master's problems. Did I not say they're a collective bound together by fate? That's the case for you too right, Issen? When the missy can't stand no more, it'll be your death."

"Oh, don't worry about that! When Mashu can't stand, I'll always be there to support her. Like I said, I'm stronger then I look." I shrugged.

"Senpai..." Mashu whispered.

"That's how it should be. Well then, let's get straight to this fight with a proper servant!" Caster smirked.

"Master! Stay behind me! I won't bring you down!"

"Well it's not like I can move from here anyway..." I muttered.

|0|

Mash was getting pushed back. Everyone could see it, her breathing was hoarse and numerous wounds were all over body yet she stood in front of the bound Uchiha.

"Haa...Haa...Hah...!"

Issen started to reinforce his muscles as his anger grew and grew at hearing the labored breaths of Mashu.

'I am so going to punch that asshole in the face when this is over!!'

"Alrighty, time for the final touch! Burn to ashes, master and all!" Caster chanted as he started to activate his Noble Phantasm. "My magecraft is a cage of flames, a titan of green like that of a wild rose. Karmic Justice, shrine that purifies the misfortunes of man! That which crumbles is Wikka Man! C'mon, return all, good and evil, to the earth-!"

A giant man formed, made in the form of cages. It reached towards the demi-Servant and master.

"Ah...AH!" Mashu made a noise of fear at seeing the Noble Phantasm, fear that she will fail the person behind her and be all alone.

'If I don't protect...If I don't use it, everyone will disappear! A fake is fine too, just this once is fine too.'

The shield glowed slightly as she became more determined, though this went unnoticed by her. Issen, however, saw this and ceased reinforcing his muscles.

'If I...If I don't properly use it, Everyone will end up disappearing'

"Aaaa...AAAAAAAAAAA!!" Mashu howled as she brought up her shield, a giant barrier forming between her and casters Phantasm.

The giant dummy of cages clashed against the barrier but Mashu held strong, gritting her teeth and dug her feet!

...and she won. Casters Phantasm wore off and not a moment after did Mashu's own Noble Phantasm wear off, leaving her gasping for breath.

"Ah...Did I... Deploy...My Noble Phantasm...?"

"Whew, I thought you managed to save Only your life, but to think you managed to save everyone, master and all. Rejoice...No, guess that's wrong. Praise-!"

Before caster could finish he caught glimpse of a sight that brought up painful memories of his time with his Shishou.

Issen had appeared in front of him, his EMS spinning wildly while glowing a fierce crimson. His fist, reinforced to the max, had already sunken into the cheek of caster.

"Shi-!" Caster didn't even have to the time to curse as he was sent crashing through numerous buildings.

'Shit, that master is strong!' Caster thought, his jaw all but broken, even as a servant that punch was able to damage him that much.

Issen growled to himself as he put his fist down, his knuckles broken and bleeding even after reinforcing them.

He couldn't stand seeing a comrade get hurt like that, even if it was to get them stronger. Not while he was forced to watch. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten so angry if he was actually able to do something.

'Whatever, he got his punishment for this incident as well as perving over Mashu. This'll teach him to never fuck with an older brother.'

Issen huffed out a breath and quickly healed his knuckles before turning to Mashu who was gaping.

"S-Senpai! What was that!? I thought you were bound down!"

"The bastard made me pretend that I was tied down so you would truly fear for my life. Sorry, about that." Issen frowned as his shoulders slumped.

Mashu swore she heard a dog wimper and the image of a black wolf with its ears flat on its head and tail dropping down replaced her master.

Then she remembered what she just did.

"Senpai...Just now, I…!"

"Yep! You did it, Mashu! You were awesome!" Issen instantly perked up and gave her a wide grin as he said that.

"…!" Seeing this, Mashu got flustered and averted her gaze.

"Fou Fooouuu!"

Fou cheered as he jumped on Issen's shoulder, congratulating Mashu as well.

"…I'm surprised. To think that you'd be able to use your Noble Phantasm so quickly. And to think that Mashu's mental was this strong too…" Roman suddenly spoke up.

"Well, your way of looking at it was mistaken. The missy's one of, y'know, the people who protect." Caster suddenly appeared his face swollen.

Everyone but Issen jumped at his sudden arrival, though the master sent Caster a smirk who returned it...before wincing in pain.

"There's no helping the results if you taught a bird how to swim right? You have to teach them how to fly high." Caster continued.

"Is that how the saying goes?" Issen muttered.

"But well...even so guess you didn't manage to take hold of your true name huh."

Mashu looked slightly down at Casters words as she noded her head. "Ah...Yes. I'm able to use my Noble Phantasm now, But I still don't know the Noble Phantasm's name, or the Heroic Spriit's name…"

Issen patted her on the back, bringing a smile to her face.

"Yes, even if inexperienced…Even if temporary…" Marie spoke up. "You opened your Noble Phantasm wishing that didn't you, Mashu. To gain your true name and become one of the chosen. You didn't have a single grain of desire to become the Heroic Spirit itself. That's why even the Noble Phantasm heeded your call. Oh man, some touching story this is. Can almost call this a fairy tale."

'Oh, the irony.' Issen thought to himself at hearing Marie's sarcasm.

"Uhm...Director?" Mashu blushed, taking the directors words seriously.

Issen facepalmed. 'I have much to teach my little sister here.'

"But isn't it inconvenient to use your Noble Phantasm without it's name? I'll think up a good incantation for you." Marie put a finger to her chin before snapping said fingers. "It's an imitative deployment of the Noble Phantasm so…Yes, name it Lord Chaldeas. Chaldea is a meaningful name even to you. Is it not an apt spell for activating your spiritual foundation?"

"Y-Yes…! Thank you very much, director!" Mashu bowed.

"Lord Chaldeas...Yeah, that's good. It's very fitting for Mashu!" Roman spoke up. "If so then wanting to try it out is natural. Caster, can we trust you to be Mashu's partner?"

"Yeah, of course. Even if I held back, She did manage to completely defend against it. As your senior I'll hammer the basics of Noble Phantasms into you. Are you ready, Issen, missy?"

"Bring it on! Though don't try anything funny or it'll be a kick to the balls instead of a punch to the face." Issen warned, cracking his knuckles with his sharingan gleaming with malicious intent.

Once again the image of a certain red eyed woman dressed in tight armour, holding twin spears appeared behind Issen, causing Caster to gulp a bit.

"Yes! Please go ahead!" Mashu smiled, completely oblivious to what had occured.

|0|

"Ummm..."

I stared into the dark cavern with a weary gaze. Due to my nature as a sage, I can sense a ridiculous amount of corrupted energy coming from within, enough to send shivers down my spine.

"The Greater Grail's in here. I'm gonna head in fer a bit, so don't get left behind." Caster grunted.

"It looks like...a natural cave, But has it been here in Fuyuki city from the beginning?" Mashu asked the director.

Why does that even matter?

"Probably. This is half natural, half man-made. It's an underground workshop that magi have spent many moons to expand." The director hummed before turning to Caster. "More importantly, Servant Caster. We have yet to check something very important. Do you know the true name of Servant Saber? You sound like you've fought them several times, from the way you talk"

The magic using servant gained a slightly annoyed expression as he nodded his head.

"Yeah, I know it. Everyone whose taken her Noble Phantasm would Be able to reach her true name...her identity. The reason why the other servants were defeated is too, Because her Noble Phantasm is too powerful."

"A powerful Noble Phantasm...you say. What do you mean?" Mashu asked, sending Caster a nervous glance.

"That which comes after the sword in the stone which designates kings. It would be the most well known holy sword in your era. It's name is-"

"The Sword of Promised Victory: Excalibur. The blade weld by the one who is honoured with the title King of Knights, King Arthur." A sudden deep voice interrupted Caster.

""""!?""""

All of us turned in surprise. Damnation! I didn't even sense him!

This servant isn't as corrupted as the others. He still has the miasma, but I can make out steel gray eyes scanning us. The instant our gazes met I felt like I was looking in a warped mirror.

His eyes are like mine, no, they're worse. This man is absolutely broken.

Of course I know who this is. This is archer EMIYA, a future self of Shirou Emiya. Also known as CG (counter guardian) EMIYA.

He who had once desired to become a hero of justice, only to get betrayed by everything, even that cursed ideal. It's because of this fact that he tried to kill or change his naive past self.

I always wondered, would I have been like that if I had lost my memories in the first fire I experienced?

I remember always being scolded by the old man who took me into the orphanage after the fire happened, for being so suicidal in trying to fix everyone's problems. Maybe I still am-

"Servant Archer…!"

I snapped from my thoughts upon hearing the director say that.

"Oh, speak of the devil, the disciple makes an entrance! You still protecting the Holy Sword user as always?" Caster snarked.

"…Hmph. I don't remember ever becoming a disciple...however, I'll only do my job, nothing short of chasing away pathetic guests." Twin blades manifested in Archers hands.

"So you're pretty much a gatekeeper then. I haven't a clue What you're protecting Saber from, but let's settle our score here. A neverending game's boring right? Come what may, the players have to make their moves right?"

"Going by the way you're speaking that you know the gist of things then. Even after seeing the big picure are you greedily going after your desires…" Archer paused before settling into a stance. "I see that you don't change even after becoming a magus. I shall literally beat you anew with these blades."

"Hah? What are you talking about, archer?" Caster raised an eyebrow before shrugging off and turning to Mashu and I. "Come on now, Lad, Missy. Unfortunately as a caster I can't take this guy down by myself."

I nodded my head and unsheathed Kusanagi while Mashu brought up her shield.

Archer made the first move, vanishing and leaving a crater where he stood last. Catching movement out of the corner of my eyes, I ducked just in time to avoid getting my neck carved open by archers blades.

Switching Kusanagi into a reverse grip, I stabbed backwards at Archer who dodged and sent out a slash with Kanshou followed by Bakuya.

I quickly so flickered to the side to dodge, batting away the twin falchions that archer threw at me.

"Einz!"

A giant fireball collided with Archer, sending him a distance away. Not letting him recover, I flickered behind him and sent a slash towards his neck with wind chakra coating my blade.

Archer raised Kanshou to block, my blade clashing against it before ultimately cleaving through the weapon.

"Huh!" Archer jumped into the air, a black now manifesting and four arrows shot out at me with extreme speeds.

Mashu was suddenly in front of me, blocking the 'arrows'. Smiling, I sheathed Kusanagi and went through hand seals before using Mashu's shoulder as a step to jump up.

'Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!'

Using the staple Uchiha jutsu, I spewed out the giant fireball and without seeing the results I formed a softball sized rasengan in my right hand.

I spun around and slammed the ball of violently spinning chakra into the chest of Archer, who had used the smoke of the fireball from before to get behind me.

"Guh!"

Caster threw out a whole string of fireballs following my attack. The three of us work in perfect teamwork. Mashu defends against the arrows, I keep pressure on archer, caster sends out his stronger spells.

I looked down at the mostly beaten archer with a curious gaze.

"Why are you so broken? What made you that way? I saw your eyes, they show a man broken beyond repair."

Of course I knew the reason, but I want to hear it for myself.

Archer didn't say anything for a while before grunting. "I remember the stench of death and burning flesh, the pleas for help. While hundreds died, I alone survived thanks to the man I would later call my father. However, my soul died in that fire, being the lone survivor made me empty, so I clung to an ideal I stole from my father: to be a hero of justice. I thought that perhaps I could fill that emptiness inside me, find happiness by making other people happy."

Archer paused, looking like he doesn't understand why he's even saying anything before continuing with a sigh.

"That's when I had my eyes opened to the truth that has made me this way. After forming a contract with the world, after I died, I became someone who kills to safeguard humanity. I became the embodiment of justice: A Counter Guardian. So I kept killing and killing, saving others, but not in the way I dreamed. That was the final straw, I would never be able to fill this emptiness."

"..." I just closed my eyes, the others are too far to hear what we're saying but aren't moving closer.

"So, did you get the answer you wanted?"

|0|

Archer sat there, waiting for the pity that will be undoubtedly thrown his way, not like he could do much in the current state he's in. His legs are all but crisps, and the corruption of the grail is preventing him from using any of the stronger Noble Phantasm stored in his arsenal.

"I see, it seems like we really are somewhat similar."

That stopped Archer cold as he looked up at the curious master. Instantly he noticed that the boys eyes were an onyx color indicating that he had turned off his odd mystic eyes.

However, that's not what caught his eye.

'Ahhh...I see.'

He saw similar eyes, eyes of a broken man. Though not to the same extent as it looked like this boy wasn't shattered like himself.

"I guess you understand. I said we were somewhat alike, but only because I could have gone down a similar path as you." Issen closed his eyes, immersing himself in that horrid event. "I too remember the stench of death and burning flesh, the pleas of help, the screams of the family I had finally acquired. I was the only survivor in the fire that destroyed most of the city. It left me broken...no, I was already broken before then, it just shattered me further. If I didn't gain a new family afterwards, I would have no doubt gone down a similar path as you."

Issen sighed, opening his eyes to reveal crimson iris's with three inverted magatama spinning lazily around a small pupil. Lightning crackled to life around the Uchiha's right hand, the sound of a thousand birds chirping rings through the area.

"My name is Uchiha Issen. May I know your name?"

Archer hesitated before a small smile formed. "Emiya. Emiya Shirou."

"I see. Well then, Shirou, I hope I summon you later on. For now though, this is farewell."

'Chidori!'

Issen's Lightning covered hand pierced through the heart of Shirou, destroying the spirit core.

"Heh. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad to serve under you." Shirou smirked as he fades in golden motes of light.

|0|

I frowned to myself as we walked through the cavern towards the greater grail.

Why did I say all of that? Why did I ask him that?

...whatever. Either way, it doesn't matter now. Right now I need to worry about dealing with saber.

Thankfully the others didn't ask what Shirou and I talked about as I have no intention on spilling my life story to anyone else.

Maybe that's why, actually. Maybe I just saw Shirou as a...kindred spirit?

"We're almost at the Greater Grail. This will be the last chance to rest, so do you have anything left to do?"

"No. Let's finish this."

"Haha! Truly, I never thought that there was such a master like you. Capable of fighting a servant, having the guts to keep fighting as well. It's a good thing you aren't part of an actual grail war, you would be quite the opponent." Caster laughed.

"What are you talking about. Regardless if we're moving forward or going back, don't we need to rest first? Look, Kyrelight is tired and though Uchiha is hiding it, he is tired as well."

I raised an eyebrow at the director upon hearing her say this, but held my tounge.

"Huh? Issen's vitals are perfectly normal for the most part. Though I guess some rest to cure the mental fatigue would be good. Mashu, prepare a camp. This is a cue for a nice warm cup of tea with plenty of honey." Roman said.

"Understood, doctor. I too agree that it's time for tea."

"Oh? Last meal before the showdown eh? That case I'm gonna hunt a boar or something." Caster grinned, resting his staff on his shoulder.

"There isn't an animal like that here, is there? Besides, cut down on the meat. If you want to, have some fruits instead."

I blinked when I saw the director take out a bag of dried fruit and some coffee. What the hell!? Does she have some kind of storage seal or something!?

Shrugging, I sat down with the others and snacked on the dried fruit and tea that Mashu made.

"…I'm satisfied. To think that the chief kept dry fruits hidden on her being, I'm once again astonished by that meticulousness." Mashu sighed in bliss, to which I nodded my head at.

"Yeah..."

"I only just happened to have it on hand is all. Citruses work well on headaches you know. More importantly-" The director suddenly paused. "..."

"Er...do you want another cup?" I raised the tea pot to the white haired director.

"One cup is enough! And do remember that I prefer coffee over tea!" She snapped before composing herself. "N-no, that's not that...that's not what I mean...Ah geez!"

I watched in amusement as the director threw her hands up with a huff before crossing them in front her chest. "I'll give the work so far a passing mark. As the chief of Chaldea, I acknowledge your achievements."

We all stare at her with half lidded eyes.

"Er, you do realise that Issen has, more less, been fulfilling both roles of servant and master, right?" Roman asked hesitantly.

"Romani. If you have time to spout nonsense, Send some supplies to Uchiha. Isn't it just painful to watch uchiha pushing himself so hard, but failing because of inadequate equipment?"

"No, I've been just fine, director.." I sweatdropped.

"Oh? 'Painful'? How kind. Don't tell me that this means, that the Chief's heart has finally melted from it's icy shell?" Roman teased.

I was completely ignored again...

"You idi…! I-I mean it's pitiful to watch! You can't even understand that!?"

"Maan, no matter how many times you witness the interactions between a boy and girl, it's always a wonderous sight isn't it. It's a bit weird calling the Director a girl though."

"Really? It's true that the Director is older than me, But I feel something intimate in her preferences. I can feel deep affection from them." Mashu muttered.

Hmmm, I wonder just how old Mashu even is? I think I turned 20 a little while ago...

"What are you saying!? Haven't I said all of you are just my tools!?"

"*Nod Nod*" A dark skeleton with bladed arms nodded it's head.

"See look, even this blackish, monstrous looking thing Is agreeing!"

It took the director a few seconds to realise what she just said before she jumped behind me.

"Eh-Eeeeeeeeek!? Mashu, Issen, eliminate it quickly! I'm going to be eaten, I'm going to be eaten!"

"*sigh* I suppose we have no choice then!"

The battle was over quickly, the skeletons were stronger and those odd hand like enemies were annoying, but they didn't really prove that much of a challenge.

We trudged on until we came upon a huge opening. The disgusting energy practically hit me in the face upon entering the room, causing me to clutch my stomach while having my other hand clamp around my mouth.

"Urgh...god that's horrible." I shook my head to clear the disgust.

In front of us is some kind of...magic core along with the corrupted grail that seems shrouded in curses.

"So this is the Greater Grail...Isn't that an exceptionally advanced magecraft reactor core... Why would an island in the Far East have something like this...!?" The Director yelled in surprise.

"According to the data, it was apparently created by a distinguished family of alchemists known as the Einzberns. It appears they are a clan that does not align themselves with the Magi Association, Who create homunculi: artificial humans." Roman informed.

Caster suddenly tensed. "Sorry, but the friendly banter ends here. The buggers noticed us."

Not a second later did a woman with a light shade of blonde hair, baleful yellow eyes that remind me of a dragons, and black armour.

A frown formed on my face as I looked at Saber Alter. This person is an insult to the girl I fought alongside during the simulation, the previous beauty tainted with darkness.

"That powerful prana burst... Is that really King Arthur...?" Mashu asked, her face scrunched up in confusion.

"There's no doubt about it. It appears that there's some alteration, But she's the King of Britain, the Holy Sword user Arthur. The sex is different to the legends, But she probably had some reason for crossdressing in Camelot. I mean, you can't gain the throne unless you were a boy, right? She must have been forced to act as a boy because of familial circumstances, I'm sure. Must have been the court magician's guile. This was also mentioned in lore, but Merlin was one hell of a prankster." Roman blabbered.

"Eh…? Oh, you're right. He's a she isn't she? I thought it was a man." Mashu muttered.

"Well, if she's anything like the saber in the simulation, her Noble Phantasm will be very strong."

The memory of Excalibur was firmly etched into my brain, the ridiculous amount of prana released was simply staggering.

"She might look flashy, but don't underestimate her. That isn't muscle, but a monster of exponential power." Caster nodded. "Each and every hit is just crazily heavy. If you let up, the top half of your body will be blown off."

"It's as though she's a rocket personified, isn't it?" Mashu raised her shield and gained a determined look. "...I understand. I will intercept with all my strength."

"Cool. Once we defeat her, the anormaly in this town will disappear. You got me? Both Saber and I will disappear. After that'll be your job. I have no clue what'll happen, But make sure you do what you can and do it well."

I too got out my weapon, holding it in front of me while channeling wind chakra through the blade.

"...Oh? You have an interesting servant there." Saber suddenly spoke up.

"What!? You could speak!? You mean you've just been silent all this while!?" Caster raged, causing me to blink. She hasn't spoke at all?

"Indeed. There is little point in speaking when everything can be seen. Thus I gave it my all to become a scarecrow."

...eh? She said that without changing ehr expression in the slightest...

"However...Interesting. That Noble Phantasm is interesting." Saber Alter narrows her eyes at Mashu's Phantasm. "Take your stance, woman whose name I know not. Let this sword determine if your defence is true!"

Black energy exploded from her corrupted holy sword, Mashu standing in front of the group as she prepares her Noble Phantasm.

"Here she comes, Master!"

"It's up to you, Mashu!"

"Yes! Mashu Kyrielight, Commencing battle!"

Mashu slams her shield into the ground, a magic circle forming beneath her as saber alter raised her aword.

"Excalibur..."

"Deploying Noble Phantasm..."

"MORRGAAANNNNNN!!"

"LORD CHALDEAS!!"

My eyes widen as I swore I saw might walls form in front of Mashu, walls to a great kingdom.

The black energy released from Excalibur Morgan pounded against Mashu's Noble Phantasm, the girl skidded across the ground a bit before letting out a loud yell and stood her ground.

"Now!" I yelled to myself, charging forward to Saber Alter with my eyes in their EMS form.

Saber Alter looked somewhat winded from releasing her NP, but she blocked the attack for her neck and kicked me in the stomach. I reinforced the area she kicked so while it hurt, it didn't actually damage me much.

I flipped back, landing on my feet and quickly flickered to the side. She was on me in an instant, making me substitute myself with a rock.

Damn, her prana burst is ridiculous.

I glared at her, my left EMS spinning.

"Amaterasu!"

It seems that her instinct kicked in as she stopped her attack and dodged to the side, but a bit of the flames hit her left gauntlet.

This time I used my right eye to make the flames expand and crawl up her arm, Saber Alter growled in frustration as she attempted to put out the flames.

My eyes throbbed slightly while my right eye started to bleed.

However, to my shock she just unequiped her armour, the flames dissapearing along with the blackened metal.

"Congratulations, Master of Shielder, you are now deemed a threat."

Oh dear.

|0|

"Master!" Mashu called out, about to run and try to protect her master.

Issen was having trouble, a lot of trouble. He can't preform hand seals due to Saber Alter constantly attacking. If he were to sheath his blade, he would no doubt he vulnerable for attack.

Caster held his when in front of Mash, halting her movement. "Stop there, missy. You going out there in your current state will just slow Issen down."

Caster can't do much either, if he were to attack Saber Alter with his magecraft then he would risk hitting Issen.

'Tsk! If only I was summomed as a Lancer~!' He whined inwardly.

Issen grunted in pain as another slash made itself apparent on his arm.

'This is a real, full powered servant!' A small part of him was excited at the fight, his uchiha blood boiling. 'If only this wasn't a fight to the death.'

Saber Alter smirked to herself as she too has numerous wounds, not as bad as the master though.

'There!'

Seeing an opening, Saber Alter used prana burst to close the distance and aimed down for a critical hit to Issen's open right shoulder.

...only for a light purple ribcage to form and a skeletal hand bat her away.

"What...?"

Saber Alter regained her footing but watched wearily as the purple ribcage formed into the upper half of a menacing skeleton with bright yellow eyes glaring at her.

Issen's Susanoo is basically identical to Sasuke's, however it us a lighter shade of purple as he doesn't possess hatred or desires of vengeance.

"GGRRRRRR....." A low pitched growl escaped the giant spectral as it raised its right hand, muscle forming on it as a purple saber appeared in it's hand.

Issen had his susanoo slam the saber down onto the surprised saber alter who barely had time to get away.

The battle drastically changed course as Saber Alter was on the defensive, her attacks doing nothing against the skeleton. Occasionally her sword would crack the Susanoo but the crack would dissapear shortly after.

"Hmph." Issen grunted as another saber appeared in the skeletons hand and send a purple beam of energy at Saber Alter.

Seeing that Saber Alter was holding out, he decided to up the scales slightly.

'Amaterasu!'

Black flames sprung to life around the sabers in the susanoo's hands, Issen shaping them to surround the purple blades instead of burning them.

Saber Alter gained a grim face as she remembered what had happened to her armour when touched by those accursed flames.

A flaming sword slammed down in front of her, sending her in the air. Without warning the skeleton dissapeared and the sound of chirping birds filled the cavern.

A lightning clad hand pierced through the chest of Saber Alter, the girl in question looked dumbfounded at the sudden fatal attack.

A smirk was on Issen's face as he looked at Saber Alter, who suddenly realised that there was no longer a crater on the ground where the special warrior had hit and she was no longer in the air.

"An illusion...but when?"

"The instant you looked into my eyes." Issen's EMS spins lazily before morphing back into its three tomoe state, blood trailing from his eyes along with Saber Alters blood on his face.

Though in truth it was only when Saber Alter was tired out that she couldn't recognize that she was in an illusion.

'Thank God she didn't need the armoured form of Susanoo.'

While Issen has around half of his chakra left, his body is in pain from all the wounds he acrewed, his blood levels low. Susanoo causes the user pain when using it, the skeleton form doesn't hurt Issen but the armoured form and even the muscled form stings quite a bit.

It also confirmed that his susanoo can barely hold against Noble Phantasm without the heroic spirit actually releasing it.

'Yep, it seems that perfect susanoo is needed to block an Excalibur blast most likely. What about Ea...?'

SQUELCH

Issen pulled his hand out of Saber Alters chest, causing the corrupted saber to stagger backwards.

"To think that you would have stopped me right at the end. I intended to protect the Grail, however I ended up losing due to your devoted tenacity, both you and you amusing servant." Saber Alter closes her eyes. "It appears that in the end, no matter how fate changes, With only me the same fate would be met, huh."

"Hah? What the heck does that mean? Bastard, what are you hiding?" Caster got over his shock and stepped forward.

"You'll find out eventually, Ireland's Child of Light. That Grand Order, the fight revolving around the Holy Grail, has only just begun."

Saber Alter then faded away, leaving a ton of questions unanswered.

"Oi, wait. What do you mean-Wooah!? What the, we're being forced back now!?" Caster yelled as his body started to fade as well.

"Caster!" Issen yelled.

"Tch, ain't happy but can't complain! Issen, I'mma leave the rest to ya! Nice fight there, by the way! Really got my blood boiling! Make sure to summon me as a Lancer, then we can spar!"

A small grin formed on Issen's tired face as he nodded his head. "Very well. I look forward to it."

Caster nodded his head before disappearing completely.

"I have confirmed the disappearance of both Saber and Caster.…Can I consider this as our victory?" Mashu asked, moving to support Issen who waved her off.

"Yeah, nicely done Mashu, Issen! I'm sure the Chief is very plea...Wait, where's the Chief?"

"The Court Ranking System - Grand Order. Why does that servant know that name...?" Marie said to herself, slightly pale.

"Er, director Marie?" Issen called out.

"Eh...? Y-yes. Well done, Issen, Mashu."

'Hmm? When did she start calling me by my given name?' Issen blinked.

"There are many unknown points, but with this, the mission's clear. Let's collect that crystal first. The reason behind Saber's change…And the cause of Fuyuki city becoming a singularity, Appears to be that after all."

Marie pointed to the red crystal on the ground where Saber Alter disappeared.

"Yes, I shall do so imme-Wha!?"

As Mashu was about to go grab the crystal, Issen held her back. Not a second later did a man they are all familiar with appear in front of the party of people.

"My, to think that all of you managed to come this far. Not only was it not part of my plans, but it is not within my generous tolerance level." Professor Lev smirked as he stared at Issen. "The forty-eighth master candidate. It was a miss on my part for letting you go out of the pureness of my heart, having thought you were a completely unlikely child. To think you would possess such power!"

Issen glared at Lev, three tomoe spinning wildly. "I knew that there was somethin off about you."

"Professor Lev!?" Mashu yelled

"Lev-!? Did you say Professor Lev!? He's there with you?" Roman popped up.

"Mm? Is that voice Romani? You ended up surviving too, did you." Lev sighed. "I had told you to come to the control room straight away. You didn't listen to my directions did you. Geez, there's too many people are just pieces of junk who don't follow commands that the nausea just won't stop. I wonder why do these things called humans stray from their determined fate?"

"--! Master, behind me...quickly! That person is dangerous…That-that isn't the same Professor we know!" Mashu stated.

"I'm fine, Mashu." Issen sighed, standing side by side with his servant.

"Lev...Ahh, Lev, Lev, you're alive Lev! I'm relieved, without you, I, didn't know how to protect Chaldea anymore!"

"Wait, director-!"

Issen reached out tried to stop Marie, a pit forming in his gut.

'No...'

"Hey, Olga. I'm glad you seem fine. It must have been hard on you too."

"Yes, yes, it was Lev! The control room exploded, This whole town's all ruins, and we can't return to Chaldea! There are too many surprises that my head was going all weird! But that's all fine, with you here we'll manage right? I mean that's how it's always been. You'll save me this time too, right?"

"Yes, of course. There really were so many surprises that blood would go to your head. But the most surprising of all is you, Olga. I had set the bomb right under your feet, so to think that you'd be alive." Lev opened his eyes, showing the red iris's with a creepy smirk.

"Eh? L-Lev? Uhm, what, do you mean, by that?"

Issen clenched his fists as he listened, realization settling in.

"No, to say you're alive, would be wrong. You're already dead. Your body's been long gone I mean." The Professor talk to himself.

"Trimegistus ended up being so nice to you, Transfering you who had turned into lingering thoughts to this land. I mean, while alive you didn't have the aptitude to Leyshift did you? You can't transfer while you had a physical body. Do you understand? With the advent of your dead, You finally obtained the aptitude you had yearned for so much."

Lev laughed as if he just listened to something funny. "That's why you can't go back to Chaldea. The moment you return to Chaldea, Your consciousness will disappear, after all!"

Issen slumped down slightly. He can't revibe the dead, if what Lev said is true then he can't do anything.

'If only I can activate the rinne-sharingan...'

"Eh...Eh? Disappear, me...? Hold on a minute...I can't go back...to Chaldea? Eh? ...L-Lev? Uhm, what, do you mean, by that?"

Issen couldn't watch as Marie gained a scared face.

"Indeed. But then that would be too pitiful. For the sake of you, who had devoted your whole life to Chaldea, I shall at least show you what is happening to Chaldea right now."

Suddenly, the group found themselves near Chaldeas. It could be teleportation, or projection. One thing for sure, this Chaldeas was not the one back home, which has already been in ruins. This one, on the other hand, was completely fine, apart from one thing.

"Wha...What in the world? Chaldeas has turned completely red...?"

Lev explained how Marie failed in her mission, sending her into a rage.

"It's easy to kill you right now, but there's no beauty in that. Allow me to grant your wish at the end. You may touch your treasure. What, consider it as compassion on my part."

Marie mobed towards Chaldeas against her will, touching the swirling red orb.

"No---No, no, help, somebody help! I...I-I don't want to die in a place like this!"

"Damn it!" Issen moved forward to help Marie only for a barrier to block him.

"Ah ah ah...you shouldn't do that."

"Damn you Lev!"

Issen pounded on the barrier, knuckles shattering from the force before a purple susanoo hand slams into the barrier, but it still held up.

"I haven't been praised yet...! No one, no one has acknowledged me yet...! Why!? Why does this always happen!? No one would appreciate me! Everyone hated me!" Marie sobs as she sinks further into the orb.

"Stop! STOP!" A fully armoured susanoo arm slammed into the barrier, cracks forming.

'Hoh? You are more of a threat then I thought, Uchiha Issen.' Lev observed as his barrier started to break. 'But you're too late...'

"Since I was born, not even once Did anyone acknowledge me---!"

Marie was completely engulfed by the flaming orb.

The Susanoo vanished, Issen collapsing onto his knees with we eyes.

|0|

I felt Mash grab me and pull me back, but my gaze didn't leave the flaming orb that the director just vanished into.

Lev continued to talk with Roman, but I didn't care.

Even though I didn't spend much time with her, she was my comrade. I swore that I wouldn't let my comrades die, yet I couldn't save her.

'In the end...aren't I the same as before?' Memories of a flaming city with people crying for help flashed through ny mind.

Mashu and I were engulfed in a bright light, rayshifting is back to Chaldea as the singularity collapsed.

The instant we returned to chaldea, I felt myself losing consciousness.

"Senpai!"

"Fou Fou!"

"Issen!"

I wasn't able to save you Marie...but I will fucking kill Lev for you!