[Assassin·Sakatsuki has returned]
[Calculating rewards… Calculation complete]
[Obtained B-rank Noble Phantasm 'Electromaster']
[Obtained Grand Magecraft Record: Thunderous Heavenly Palace]
[Obtained Projection Data: Primordial Adam; Projection Data: Balmung; Experimental Data: Salvation of Humanity; Servant Data: Spartacus, Frankenstein…]
[Obtained original manuscript of Red Caster·Shakespeare]
[Obtained complete Assassin memories; Innate Skill: Round Table Charge Progress (1/3); Ability Extractor activated (2/2)]
The chirping of birds drifted through the window as golden autumn leaves fluttered down, a maple leaf landing perfectly on the windowsill the boy had just pushed open. Sakatsuki held a steaming cup in his hand, gazing at the autumn streets outside.
"Frankenstein's Noble Phantasm, the grand magecraft constructed together with my king, Avicebron's giant golem, Siegfried's demonic sword… Quite the haul from this trip."
Reaching his hand out the window, mana surged as the outline of the primordial homunculus and the dazzling demonic sword took shape in Sakatsuki's palm, reflected in his golden slit pupils like echoes of the past.
"What an absolutely wonderful dream."
A rustling sound came from behind. Draco, who had stealthily materialized last night and clung to Sakatsuki like a body pillow, rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up. Her red dress slipped slightly, revealing a glimpse of spring, her drowsy eyes and disheveled hair adding to her languid charm.
"Mmm… Why are you awake so early?"
"Couldn't sleep. After all, the Holy Grail War on the other side has ended." Sakatsuki snapped his fingers, and Shakespeare's manuscript appeared in his hand. He pulled out a chair and sat at the desk. "This isn't just watching a video at double speed—it's immersive memory playback. I need to digest it properly. Besides… he already completed the experiment for me."
"Salvation of humanity through the Third Magic?" The little red dragon didn't bother getting out of bed, lazily crawling from the headboard to the foot before wrapping her arms around Sakatsuki's neck and resting her chin on his broad shoulder, examining the manuscript. "That was an experiment completed before the final battle, right? Otherwise, that version of you wouldn't have chosen sacrifice so decisively."
"Because that's my nature." Sakatsuki chuckled, flicking the manuscript lightly. "Even if my personality was warped by Your Majesty."
"Mmm." Draco knew she was at fault—without her Beast's blessing, Assassin Sakatsuki wouldn't have been so twisted. But getting this proud emperor to admit her mistakes was harder than getting Old Jie to clear a raid. Her crimson eyes darted across the manuscript, quickly finding a way to change the subject.
"Now that all your memories have returned… What about Jeanne d'Arc and Atalanta?"
The rest went unsaid. Pressed so closely against Sakatsuki, Draco could clearly feel the pounding of his heart. After a brief silence, the boy let out a bitter laugh.
"Yeah."
And with that, the little red dragon promptly chomped down on Sakatsuki's shoulder, her displeasure unmistakable.
Honestly, every time he goes out, he brings back a few girls!
The sin of lust—such disrespect!
When… When just me should be enough!
Anger Meter Progress: 1%...2%...3%...
Sakatsuki wasn't the least bit surprised by Draco's outburst. Though Her Majesty usually appeared indifferent to everything, she spared no effort when it came to jealousy. "Alright, alright, my mistake, Your Majesty."
Putting down the manuscript, he turned and embraced Draco's petite frame. Perhaps afraid of actually biting Sakatsuki, Draco didn't resist and nestled into his arms, though her pouting lips and resentful gaze still clearly conveyed Her Majesty's displeasure.
I'm angry—the kind that needs proper coaxing to fix!
Gazing at the little red dragon's adorable face, Sakatsuki suddenly smiled.
Jeanne d'Arc, Atalanta... Though the circumstances were complicated, regardless of form, 'Sakatsuki' had indeed expressed his affection for them. Therefore, he wouldn't choose to run away.
But he should also cherish the one before him, Sakatsuki.
The young man reminded himself inwardly. The Holy Grail War from another world had already ended. If he wallowed in the past and ended up hurting the little red dragon before him, it would be a true loss.
Abandoning the habit of bottling up his emotions, Sakatsuki knew it was necessary to vent appropriately before moving forward on his new journey.
"Then, as an apology, let me show you something nice."
"Hmph."
Draco didn't press further. She didn't really care what apology Sakatsuki had prepared—as long as the boy continued to care for her, that was enough.
Honestly, it's not like I'm such an easily satisfied woman...
As she thought this, Sakatsuki had already carried her out of the empty church.
————
[Red Berserker·Spartacus's data detected]
[Skill Extractor activated]
[Extracting... Extraction successful!]
[Converted to Skill Entry·Crying Warmonger!]
[Skill Entry·Crying Warmonger]
[Rank: A]
[1. When loaded onto a Noble Phantasm, converts a portion of damage received from enemies into magical energy, storing it within the unit and enhancing targeted capabilities.]
[2. When loaded onto a Noble Phantasm, the unit begins to grow in size as magical energy accumulates, transforming completely into an aberration at maximum capacity.]
[3. When loaded onto a Noble Phantasm, upon receiving a fatal blow, the accumulated magical energy annihilates everything in the vicinity.]
[Skill Entry·Crying Warmonger has been loaded]
[Noble Phantasm data updated]
[Caliburn (Rayfield Caliburn)]
[Rank: B+]
[Type: Anti-Unit/Army Noble Phantasm]
[Prototype: The future motorcycle "Kawasaki Ninja H2R." Through True Name Release, it can surpass its original speed threshold. Theoretically, as long as magical energy is supplied, its speed will increase until the Noble Phantasm itself breaks down.]
[With the enhancement of God Hand, this Noble Phantasm is immune to attacks below B-rank and can race endlessly until the thirteenth destruction. It also possesses unparalleled resistance, unmatched in ground mobility.]
[At the same time, after obtaining Crying Warmonger, the Noble Phantasm would continuously evolve during its breakdown process, gradually transforming into a monstrous form designed for combat. At the moment of complete collapse, it would unleash a magical beam comparable to an anti-army attack.]
The silver-gray body of the motorcycle gleamed with a flowing luster. Sakatsuki nodded in deep satisfaction as he examined the further enhanced machine. "Perfect."
An unrealistic wish from years past had finally come true—after 'Twelve Labors,' Excalibur had once again acquired a hero's ability: 'Crying Warmonger.'
Now, this bike no longer merely signified thirteen shots of 'Heaven and Earth Share the Same Fate.' With the formidable defensive power granted by these two skills, even ordinary Servants would struggle to destroy it!
The Noble Phantasm Excalibur had finally caught up with Sakatsuki's growth, becoming one of the top-tier weapons in his arsenal!
"Not to mention the King of Knights' two famed steeds, even the Yamaha VMAX she once rode would be no match for us now." Sakatsuki ran his fingers along the streamlined body, tracing the dark green patterns as he spoke with a hint of pride.
"This bike again. If I recall correctly, you've been wanted by the police several times because of it, haven't you?" Draco crossed her arms, exasperated.
"I can't help it! It's just speeding—I even masked the engine noise with magecraft. Why do the cops still chase me?" Sakatsuki complained loudly. "Speeding is a man's romance! Don't you think their sirens are way more disruptive?"
"Hmph, I don't care." Having yet to receive any apology from Sakatsuki—only watching him fuss over his beloved bike—Draco let out a cold snort. Men's words are deceitful, she thought, turning to leave. "I'm going."
The next moment, she let out a startled cry as someone wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her effortlessly. With a boisterous laugh, Sakatsuki mounted the bike, his arms caging her against him like a prison. Draco looked up in flustered confusion, meeting the clean line of the boy's jaw.
"Y-You! What are you doing?"
"Didn't I say I'd make it up to you, my liege?" Sakatsuki grinned, his tone brimming with unrestrained delight. "I'd be overjoyed if Miss Draco could hold onto my waist and tour all of Fuyuki with me!"
"Something feels off... You're not planning to test your new Noble Phantasm, are you?" Draco narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but soon, her expression softened, even curling into a smile.
As a former Beast, she, too, thrived on chaos.
"Very well. Then do your best to entertain me, Rider of the Beast. Succeed, and I might just forgive your philandering ways!"
"The honor is mine, Your Majesty!" Ignition, gear shift, clutch release—the bike roared to life in one fluid motion. The headlights flared, as if a great beast had awakened, ready to pounce.
With warmth and softness in his arms and his beloved machine beneath him, poised to carry them across the city, Sakatsuki felt a surge of exhilaration. His golden slit pupils gleamed brighter as he laughed heartily, one arm wrapped securely around Draco.
"Then let's experience the thrill of being five-star wanted again. Come on, my little red dragon, let big bro take you for a ride!"
The engine's excited roar shattered the morning light as a storm of wind swept through, carrying the boy's cheers across every street and alley of Fuyuki City. Pedestrians turned in shock, catching only a glimpse of a streak of light racing down the road—a sight so thrilling it felt like a rollercoaster, yet it didn't disrupt traffic in the slightest.
Because that light was simply too fast, as if it could leave all worries—even time itself—far behind in its breakneck sprint!
Amid laughter and the little red dragon's screams, Sakatsuki poured out the joy in his heart, along with the melancholy and relief that followed the end of a great battle.
"Break free from restraint—on the eve of the Lord's birth, only I chase glory to its end—Rayfield Caliburn, unsheathe!"
"True Name Release?! What are you doing—HEEEEEELP WAAAAAAAH—(voice cracking)!"
Like an arrow shot along the banks of the Mion River, beneath the crisp autumn sky and golden sunlight, the white-haired, golden-eyed boy, brimming with vigor, tore open the curtain of a brand-new day!