Visiting The Old Team

( Ken POV )

As we strolled down the empty hallway, drawing closer to the futuristic white gate, we paused in front of it, observing as it slowly slid open before us, inviting us into the new room beyond.

As we entered, we could see the room full of some kind of capsule or a tube, mostly known as coffins, neatly arranged in a line. It is also called Klein Coffins, the machine that Chaldea's Masters use for Rayshifting. The machine also provides accurate vitals checks on the occupants and has a cryogenic freezer built in.

"Here we are. Most of the coffins are empty, but I'll guide you two to the occupied ones," Da Vinci announced, leading the way through the chamber.

"So, Dr. Romani and Olga were also inside these coffins when you found them, Da Vinci?" I inquired as we followed her lead.

"Yes, right alongside the rest of the A team here. However, Sion, Mash, and I woke up in our respective rooms," she confirmed.

"In my case, Fou-san was with me in my room, senpai," Mash added.

While the two girls explained how they woke up for the first time in this new world, we arrived in a more secluded area and found a couple of coffins designed slightly differently from the rest, hosting multiple figures inside them.

"They are the rest of the people who got transported into this world, but unfortunately, we couldn't open up their coffins," Da Vinci said, stepping aside and letting me and Mash get close to inspect them. "But don't worry, we can see their vitals checks from the surface of their coffins, and it shows that they are healthy and safe, still sleeping inside."

As I walked and observed each coffin, I could see their faces sleeping peacefully inside of them. When I saw them alive, my heart felt relieved and happy at the same time.

"Kirschtaria, Ophelia, Kadoc, Pepe, Renji..."

I murmured as memories of them flashed in my mind. Kirschtaria, whom I regarded as a warm older brother, Ophelia, who was strict but shy and caring at the same time, Kadoc, who was like my best friend, especially when we argued about which type of music was better, Peperoncino, who was always easy-going and liked offering advice to us, Renji, who always put on a cold-looking face but was also an honest person and protective of the people he cared about.

And lastly, I saw a face that made my heart skip a beat for a moment. Gradually, I extended my hand, resting it gently on her coffin as a flood of memories we shared at Chaldea surged through my mind.

"Hinako..."

She was the woman with whom I shared the most intimate connection. Our relationship had blossomed from a chance encounter during the early days of Chaldea when she was merely a botanist technician. Over time, as we delved into each other's thoughts and emotions, we found solace in each other's company, spending countless hours together, lost in books or engrossed in movies within the confines of her room.

There were moments when we teetered on the edge of taking our relationship to the next level, but Hinako always erected a barrier whenever the subject arose. I questioned her about what was stopping her, and she said that she was afraid I would leave her alone like everyone else she knew, considering her true nature. 

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration mingled with understanding. For someone with a long life like her, a human life like mine is very short and insignificant. So, even though we were still close and spending time with each other, we never really passed the hurdles that had been blocking our relationship.

The news of her being among those taken by the explosion filled me with both regret and anger. Yet, in this new world where I possess the Third Magic, it seems we have the opportunity to resolve our unfinished business. 

'But damn, the me in the FGO world managed to rizz a being closely related to the True Ancestors...'

[Ding!]

A notification from my system jolted me from my reverie, drawing my attention back to the present.

[ Awaken staff Hinako Akuta: Yes or No ]

'The Fate system had the capability to awaken them too?' Lost in contemplation, I weighed the decision carefully.

While I was busy with my flashback arc, Mash on the other hand observed all of her comrades with a relieved face. "Everyone from the A team seems to be okay, but it seems it's not only them who are being resurrected here. Miss therapist is also here..." She said while staring at the other coffins beside the A team.

Her words jolted me from my daydream, and I turned my attention to the coffin she was observing. Inside lay a woman with long black hair, a strikingly beautiful face marked by three pink dots on her forehead, and an alluring figure. She seemed to be in her twenties, judging by her appearance.

As I continued observing her figure, a sense of familiarity crept over me. While her face radiated with a saint-like aura, her body seemed to exude the opposite, resembling a succubus descended to earth to conquer all of "man"kind.

"Oh, yeah, you're right, Mash. Miss Therapist here is somehow also getting resurrected along with others, but we can't open her coffin. She was supposed to be a therapist at one of Chaldea's facilities called Seraphix, but she was transferred to our HQ just a day before the whole Chaldea was blown up by Lev."

Da Vinci's words brought back memories of the woman lying in the coffin. "She already arrived here but became a victim because of the explosion. That's why you guys don't know about her relocation. You, Ken, and the other Team A members also know her. She sometimes lent her services as a therapist, and that's also one of the reasons Olga called her to this place before."

"Yes, I know her. She's a kind and gentle person when I talked to her during my sessions with her. I feel sorry about her falling victim to the explosion, but thankfully, she got her second chance like us," Mash replied, her tone reflecting her closeness with the therapist.

Internally, panic began to rise within me. How could they see her as a nice woman?

'That woman is a motherfucking BEA-'

"I agree, Miss Kiara is indeed such a kind woman. If she was born in a much earlier era, I bet she would receive the title of a saint," Da Vinci nodded, complementing the therapist named Kiara.

Yes, her name is Kiara Sessyoin. A woman who was supposed to be dead and became a vessel for a demon god, before ultimately transforming into Beast III/R. My knowledge about Fate is really minuscule, but I know in a different parallel world she is one of the villains in it. As a servant, she is also qualified to be an Alter Ego and Moon Cancer class.

'Fuck! We already have one BEAST with us to take care of, we don't need another one... Even though she is so hot... A certified mommy vibe... Goddamn...'

I attempted to quell the turmoil within me, recalling her true nature from my past experiences as Ken. Maybe she is not like the one in the Moon Grail War; she seems to be genuinely sincere about helping others from my memory. But I don't dare to release her for now; let's wait until I summon a more powerful servant just in case.

"Da Vinci, yesterday Dr. Romani mentioned something to me about the Fate system being in error and inaccessible. Is it true?" I interjected, hoping to divert our conversation from the captivating yet dangerous woman for the time being.

"Yes, we attempted to activate it and summon a Servant, but it seems to be malfunctioning. Nonetheless, we still possess various data on the heroic spirits we've encountered in the past, so it's not entirely bleak, I suppose," Da Vinci replied, her tone tinged with a hint of frustration.

"Hmm, perhaps I could give it a try," I mused aloud, contemplating the possibilities.

"Huh? How so?" Da Vinci's curiosity piqued.

"Earlier, when I touched Hinako's coffin, I felt a connection, not just to her coffin, but even to the Fate system. I could open her coffin and potentially awaken her, but I need to test this feeling first with the Fate system. Besides, I don't think it's the right time to wake them up yet,"

I tweaked some details, insinuating a sort of possession of the entire Chaldea facility and the Fate system, while only mentioning a connection to it.

"You can awaken them?" Da Vinci's eyes widened with surprise.

"Why haven't we awakened them, senpai? We're currently understaffed, and a little extra help wouldn't hurt," Mash chimed in, her concern evident.

Da Vinci and Mash expressed more concern about our staffing situation. I understood that managing this vast place with just the six of us wasn't feasible, but...

"Yes, I sense I have access to it, but I don't intend to awaken them now. Perhaps later, when we have a clearer goal and establish contact with the outside world." I explained my rationale to them; I didn't want to shock or confuse my team with a sudden revelation.

"I understand. Too much information can be overwhelming, especially for those unaware that we've already cleared the first Grand Order," Da Vinci said, nodding in agreement as she tinkered with her staff and muttered incantations under her breath.

"Well, I think we should inform the Director and the others about this," Mash voiced her opinion, a sentiment I shared. "Da Vin-" But before I could finish addressing her and make a request, she silenced me with a gesture.

"Okay, I know what you're going to ask, Master. I've already contacted the others with my spell and briefed them on the situation. We can head straight to the summoning room and meet them there." Da Vinci anticipated my thoughts and devised a plan ahead of time. It seems my new Servant can anticipate my intentions and strategize accordingly.

'Sasuga, Da Vinci-chan!' 

"As expected from Da Vinci-chan, your work is incredibly fast." Mash besides me even praising her for her quick thinking with an understanding face. 

"Fufufu, of course. I'm the universal genius after all, so praise me more!" The narcissistic woman declared, placing her right hand on her hip and sporting a smug expression. Her chuckle carried a sweetness that even caused her twin mountains to jiggle and make my junior quite raging for a moment. 

'Damn, not only Kiara, but she also possesses a stunning figure and exudes an ara~ ara~ onee-san vibe. Is it a result of her EX-rank golden rule body skill?' I pondered silently, trying to maintain my composure, both facially and also on the lower part of my body. 

Meanwhile, Mash applauded enthusiastically, poised to continue showering praise upon the narcissistic woman if I didn't intervene. I couldn't allow Mash to feed her ego....

"Yes, yes, well done. Let's head to the summoning room immediately," I declared with a deadpan expression, leading the way towards the exit while taking Mash's hand and pulling her along, leaving the dumbfounded Da Vinci in our wake.

"Mou~ Master Ken, you're such a bully! How could you leave me behind like that... Oh, hey! Wait for me!" Da Vinci's childish complaints echoed as we walked on.

Glancing back once more, my attention was drawn not to the narcissistic woman who tried to catch up with us but to the coffins behind her, particularly one I had touched before. 

'Just wait a little longer, Hinako...'

.....

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A/N: Hey, it's your trashy author here! Hope you're all enjoying the story so far. I have a question for you guys, which servants do you want the MC to summon?

I plan to summon three of them, and one will be a 5-star servant that I personally pick. So, if you have a suggestion for the other two, please leave a comment and let me know!

Don't forget to also leave a review for my story! I appreciate all the criticism and suggestions. Thank you.