chapter 8

After a few minutes of an intense battle, Mash triumphed over all the creatures that dared to challenge her. With unparalleled skill and dexterity, she delivered precise blows, dodged enemy attacks, and employed her cunning to overcome each adversity. Sweat dripping down her face and panting breaths revealed the exhaustion of the battle, but also demonstrated her unshakable determination to achieve victory. In the end, Mash emerged victorious, exhibiting her bravery and fearlessness before those who dared to confront her.

"You have an amazing servant, Ritsuka," I said to Ritsuka, and she nodded in agreement, but she remembered what Olga had told her. That when they return from Singularity, she will give Mash to another master.

"Don't worry, my dear, you have all the time in the world to prove that you are worthy," I said, giving Ritsuka an encouraging tap on the shoulder.

Well, if there are no changes to the plot, it is a fact that you will have all of "eternity" at your disposal.

"How about we take a break to regain our energy?" Romani suggested to the group, visibly attentive to the fatigue affecting everyone. Ritsuka, with deep circles under her eyes and a tired expression, hesitated to agree. I, on the other hand, felt my body heavy and my mind foggy, and found the doctor's proposal sensible.

"I can handle a little more," Ritsuka replied, determined not to delay the group because of her own fatigue.

"Master, with all due respect, I think it would be more prudent for us to rest a bit," Mash interjected, in a solicitous tone, trying to convince Ritsuka to accept the break.

"Are you feeling okay, Mash?" Ritsuka asked, concerned about her friend's health and aware that she was a demi-servant with greater physical endurance than an ordinary human.

"Indeed, master, you seem quite exhausted. Why not take some time to rest?" Mash insisted, concerned about Ritsuka's health. However, when she addressed Director Olga, the demi-servant caught her off guard, causing her to hesitate before responding.

"Ah, yes, of course," Olga replied, trying to maintain a firm posture. "As Mash's master, it is important that you are well-rested to help guide the team. We don't want you to fall behind or impede the pace of our journey."

Noticing the director's lack of ease when speaking, I had the impression that she was trying to be more authoritarian than she actually felt. But her recommendation was sensible, and Ritsuka seemed to have agreed with it.

With a mischievous smile on her face, Ritsuka questioned the director, "Are you worried about me, Olga?"

The unexpected question caught Olga off guard, causing her to panic. As much as Ritsuka had joked with her before, the director did not want to risk appearing careless with the master's health.

I, on the other hand, did not want to take any risks and decided to intervene. I approached Olga and the other two, Mash and Ritsuka, with a smile on my face. The director became visibly tense when she saw me approaching, probably expecting some kind of joke from me.

With light and calculated steps, I approached the group, keeping my gaze fixed on Olga. Her expression was tense and worried, as if she were fearing some kind of joke. But I wasn't going to make any jokes.

"Don't worry, Olga," I said in a soft and reassuring tone. "You're doing a great job. And Ritsuka is in good hands with you as director."

The words seemed to ease the tension that hung over Olga, and she let out a sigh of relief. Ritsuka smiled, apparently satisfied with the response, and Mash nodded in agreement.

"It's true," said Mash. "Director Olga has been a wonderful mentor to me, and I'm sure she will be to Ritsuka as well."

Mash's words seemed to give Olga more confidence, and she appeared more at ease after those comments. Ritsuka also seemed to have regained some energy, and agreed with Romani's suggestion to take a break and rest.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," said Ritsuka. "Let's take the opportunity to recover a bit before we continue."

With that, the group headed to a quieter and safer place to rest, and I stepped back, pleased to have helped ease some of the tension that hung over them.

Altria let out a light, sarcastic laugh as she saw me approach, as if I were a child who still needed to learn how to behave. "You didn't play this time, master. Have you matured already?" she joked, referring to the times when I used to act childish and reckless. I was momentarily surprised by her reaction, as Altria had not played with me until now, but I ended up feeling happy with her spontaneity. "Hahaha," I laughed in response, feeling more at ease with her. Maybe my words had had an effect and helped her relax with my presence.

Altria seemed to have loosened up more with my presence, and I felt satisfied with having created a more relaxed atmosphere between us. She had always been so serious and formal, and I liked seeing her relaxing a little.

"I decided not to play with her this time. Well, never mind. Get ready to fight a Servant," I replied to Altria, who prepared for the battle that was to come. Even though she didn't sense any Servant nearby, she still trusted me.

To tell the truth, it's quite pleasant to have someone who trusts you. Putting that aside, I started walking towards Olga and the others.

"Something's approaching!" Romani spoke urgently to the resting group. Everyone got up from where they were sitting. Mash, as always, prepared for combat.

Olga and Ritsuka noticed Altria and me approaching.

"What is that?" Olga asked, looking at the figure that appeared in front of us. It's hard to see because of the black smoke that covered it, but the figure seemed to be that of a woman with long hair and a bandana covering her eyes, as well as using two daggers or swords with chains.

"That... is a Servant! You have to get out of there, Mash has never fought a Servant!" Romani spoke in panic. Olga also agreed with him, knowing that Mash had never fought a Servant, and neither had Ritsuka.

"Don't worry, Dr. Roman, I won't let any Servant harm you," I replied. I feel a little ashamed for saying that, but I won't let the Saint Quartz be lost.

"Lancer, she's faster than you! Be careful," I said to Altria, who raced towards the dark Servant on her horse.