"If you can make Tiamat stay at full power, of course I'll take her!" Sanjiro rolled his eyes. "But what if she gets nerfed?"
He wasn't joking.
Tiamat was his strongest teammate.
If some black-hearted corporate god decided to weaken her, he'd have nowhere left to cry.
Alaya smiled lightly.
"If she does weaken, I'll just let her return to her nature as a Beast of Humanity. Satisfied?"
"That's more like it."
Sanjiro nodded.
As long as that safeguard existed, he was fine.
Even if Tiamat became weaker as a Heroic Spirit, she could always abandon that status and revert to being a Beast of Humanity.
In the battles to come, Tiamat would serve as his ultimate support and healer.
With her by his side, he could burn his life force freely in combat without worrying about actually dying.
Her importance went without saying.
After all—having a healer is basically having a mother.
A strong support like that is every frontline warrior's dream.
"So, where do you intend for her to manifest?" Alaya asked.
Beasts of Humanity attract other Beasts.
Therefore—
If Tiamat appeared in Sanjiro's home, she would inevitably influence the "brat" sealed there.
One slip-up, and that kid could completely break free from the seal.
In this age where Heroic Spirits glittered across the world—Each powerful Heroic Spirits was already bound to a nation or faction.
If Tiamat were to become one too, she needed a proper place to anchor herself.
Sanjiro looked down at his phone, his eyes distant.
"Let her appear in Chaldea."
In his previous life, Tiamat had rightfully been his Servant—until the Arcade version stole her away.
It was, without a doubt, one of the cruelest betrayals any Master had ever endured.
And from that pain came a single curse shared by all:
"When will the arcade version finally die?"
Now that he stood as Alaya's Guardian, Sanjiro swore to protect Tiamat to the very end.
No one would steal her again.
Chaldea—his place of rest after countless battles, where he'd met his dearest companions—
There was no better place for her descent.
"As you wish. You may inform her yourself," Alaya said casually.
Not that she had much of a choice.
Aside from Sanjiro—the last and strongest Master of humanity—there was no one else capable of linking with every Heroic Spirit and standing against those monstrous foes.
Alaya added, "Also, the next video upload is about to go live. Prepare yourself."
"You work harder than the village's draft mule," Sanjiro snapped, glaring.
This black-hearted corporate deity really had him grinding across timelines, all in the name of "protecting humanity."
Now they told him he could finally retire, to live a peaceful, ordinary life—Yet here he was, thrown into one desperate battle after another.
"You need to understand," Alaya replied calmly, "it's not that I'm in a hurry. It's that the enemies already exist."
As the embodiment of humanity's collective will to survive, Alaya's sole purpose was to ensure the continuation of mankind.
If she had a choice, she would gladly let Sanjiro grow stronger and stronger—because the stronger he became, the safer human history would be.
Unfortunately… the enemies would not wait.
The Council of Gods rampage—their attempt to cage all of humanity—was still within the realm of control.
But then Zeus devoured all the other gods, transforming into an omnipotent being on par with a Beast of Humanity.
From that moment, everything spiraled beyond Alaya's grasp.
And soon after came the Vanguard, descending upon Earth.
Those terrifying war-machines—once fully matured—were capable of destroying the entire planet outright.
Then there was the Mercurial ORT slumbering in South America, and perhaps even the Primordial Father dwelling within the Sun.
One by one, beings far beyond the planet's laws emerged—so powerful that even Alaya could no longer see a glimmer of hope.
Only one thing remained—to entrust that hope to the Nameless Heroic Spirit who had defied fate time and again.
"Ignorance and weakness are not the obstacles to survival—Arrogance is." Alaya's gaze deepened.
"To lose your humanity is to lose much—but to lose your instinct is to lose everything. If humanity is to continue, you cannot stop moving forward."
This era of countless Heroic Spirits—it had all been preparation, forged across history, to confront these cosmic threats.
Everything humanity possessed was to be spent defending its future.
"So what you're really saying," Sanjiro muttered, unamused, "is that I have to keep working overtime until I die, huh?"
Protecting humanity was, technically, protecting himself too—but endless overtime was still unbearable.
Alaya didn't bother answering, deftly changing the subject.
"Go speak to Her first."
"…Fine."
Sanjiro sighed and nodded.
A soft hum filled the air—and before his eyes, the world shimmered and distorted.
Countless stars appeared before him, burning brightly.
One by one they converged, forming a vast constellation.
But on closer inspection—these were not stars at all, but countless Saint Graphs of Heroic Spirits.
The Throne of Heroes.
It existed near the Root itself, sustained by infinite truth and wisdom, granting power beyond all mortals.
Even a brief glance was enough to flood Sanjiro's mind with boundless information—had he tried to absorb it all, he would've fared worse than Athena's near mental breakdown.
Thankfully, the Throne shielded him gently.
From that sea of starlight, a radiant glow descended upon him—and a single key formed, imprinting upon his forehead.
This was the key to the gates of the Throne of Heroes.
Also known as—
The Key of Man.
A symbol of the door to humanity's hope—of endless possibilities for its future.
It was Alaya's—and every Heroic Spirit's—greatest expectation of him.
"To wear the crown is to bear its weight."
Sanjiro sighed softly.
That weight was heavier than any mountain—far too much for any normal person to endure. Still… maybe this key could unlock the seal on Abby's forehead too?
Reality blurred again.
He found himself standing in the Imaginary Number Space—a void with neither time nor distance, where everything was nothing.
The silence was so complete it could drive a person mad.
And yet—in that endless emptiness stood a woman with dragon horns, quietly waiting.
Sanjiro fell silent.
He'd known this realm would be torment, but only now did he truly grasp how oppressive it was.
The infinite void around them was a colossal cage—a prison that bound her for eternity.
The massive figure stood upon the sea of imaginary numbers, her pink cross-shaped pupils soft and gentle as they met his eyes.
"Aaaaa (You shouldn't come here… humans aren't suited for the Imaginary World. I can come to you instead.)"
Such kindness—it hurt to hear.
Sanjiro's heart tightened.
It was true—humans weren't meant for this world. But neither were gods, nor the Beasts of Humanity.
This place was a cage to all conscious life.
His voice softened.
"Tia… would you become a Heroic Spirit, and return to the world with me?"
Every time she'd manifested before, there had been limits—she'd always been rejected by the world, always told to leave.
"I've always loved humanity," Tiamat whispered, unease flickering in her eyes. "I only ever wanted you to stay with me… but is it really allowed?"
Back in the Babylonia Singularity, she had embodied the concept of Return—the longing to go back to her children.
But her very existence was humanity's original sin.
And so, she had spoken those heartbreaking words—
"Don't go. Don't leave me… and don't love me anymore."
Because of love, she longed to return.
Because of love, she chose to let go.
That was the tenderness of the Mother of Creation.
"Of course it's allowed," Sanjiro said gently, stepping forward to embrace her.
The only issue—she was huge.
In front of her, he looked like a tiny ant.
A shimmer ran through her body—and her size shrank, until she stood a graceful two and a half meters tall.
Then she hugged him tightly.
"Ugh—too tight!" Sanjiro gasped, but then gave up struggling, letting her hold him.
"Just… stay with me for a while," she murmured softly.
This was her most beloved child.
Once she returned to the real world, countless others would take him away—but here, for now, he was hers alone.
"…Alright."
After millennia apart, staying by her side a while longer was the least he could do.
====
Chaldea.
Mash stared in disbelief at Alaya's status update.
"So they really want the Second Beast—Tiamat—to become a Heroic Spirit!?"
That was a genuine, ultimate-class Beast of Humanity—so powerful she could crush anyone with ease.
Back in the Babylonia Singularity, even after sealing away over ninety percent of her strength, Senpai had to rally gods and heroes into the most overpowered dream team imaginable—
And even then, she'd nearly wiped out Uruk while fighting defensively.
Just remembering that battle made Mash's soul tremble.
But still—
The stronger she had been as an enemy, the more reassuring she'd be as an ally.
Having such a being fight for humanity… was nothing short of a miracle.
At that moment, Fou—perched on Mash's shoulder—puffed up indignantly.
"Fou! Fou! (I'm a Beast too! I'm super scary! Grrr~)"
Fou stomped its little paw.
I was here first! Why is she getting all the attention!?
Mash reached up and scratched Fou's chin with a smile.
"Yes, yes—you're amazing too!"
In every battle so far, the cute little creature had always been by her and Senpai's side.
All the magical energy it had worked so hard to store up over time—whenever the moment came, it would offer it all up without hesitation.
And now, it was fighting alongside her again… as a Grand Shielder.
The small white beast tilted its head proudly, thoroughly enjoying the praise.
"Fou… Fou! (C'mon, say 'thank you Fou' already!)"
"Thank you—and please, continue fighting by my side from now on," Mash said warmly, gently stroking Fou's soft fur.
Recently, this little thing had been acting more and more like a kitten—its personality, its habits… everything.
You'd never guess this creature once bore the title of "Humanity's Evil."
Da Vinci looked at it strangely.
"Humanity's Evil, huh?"
She glanced at the adorable white beast showing off, then at the slightly nervous doctor beside her.
This world, she thought, was getting more and more interesting.
"If Tiamat could manifest," Romani said, eyes shining with excitement, "it would greatly increase humanity's safety."
A being of that class was practically the upper limit of Earth's combat power.
Anything stronger… you'd have to look to the cosmos.
Romani looked straight ahead, his tone soft but sincere. "That's great… It means Nameless will have an easier time protecting humanity."
If the other could summon such a being as a Servant, maybe Romani wouldn't have to fight anymore.
Just then—
Streamer [Alaya] suddenly started a live broadcast.
The title read:
[The Mother Goddess of Creation, Tiamat, Descends as a Heroic Spirit!]
The stream came barely a day after the last update.
The news spread like wildfire across the globe.
Countless people were ecstatic—thrilled beyond belief.
After all, every time she had appeared, she'd been both impossibly powerful and impossibly gentle. She already had a massive fanbase.
Da Vinci blinked in awe.
"That fast?"
Alaya's efficiency was honestly terrifying.
Under everyone's gaze—
The camera focused on the legendary Nameless Heroic Spirit.
Behind him, countless stars flared to life.
They converged into silken threads that gathered at his forehead.
There, a radiant key slowly began to form.
Standing before the brilliant starlight, Nameless began to chant—
"I proclaim."
"Your body shall serve under me; my fate shall rest within your blade."
"In accordance with the call that upholds the preservation of mankind, O willful spirit, answer my summons!"
"By this oath—"
"I am the one who embodies all the good of this world. I am the Master who safeguards humanity."
"Let the Three Great Words bind thee."
"Traverse the circle of restraint—"
"Come forth from the Throne, Heroic Spirit who fights for the salvation of mankind!"
The true incantation of Heroic Spirit Summoning.
Whether during the Holy Grail Wars or back when Nameless was with Chaldea—he always used this same formula.
Hummmm—
The stars blazed brighter and brighter. From the magnificent summoning circle emerged a familiar silhouette.
Twin curved horns adorned her head, her pink cross-shaped pupils gleaming with a divine light.
Behind her, a scaled tail swayed gently.
It was none other than the Mother Goddess of Creation—Tiamat!
She looked tenderly at Nameless, her voice as soft as starlight.
"I am both the Mother of Creation… and one of Humanity's Evils. Bearing this saint graph, I, Tiamat, answer your call."
Heroic Spirit Tiamat—has descended!
The moment she appeared from the summoning circle, the entire world erupted into celebration—
…
Perched atop a streetlight, Gilgamesh sighed. "Alaya's efficiency is absurd. Summoning her the very next day?"
Before, he could pretend nothing had happened—fighting side by side like old times.
After all, she'd be gone soon enough. No need to worry about grudges.
But now—
Now that she was a Heroic Spirit, she could remain in the world forever.
Even the proud King of Heroes felt a little uneasy.
Just then—
A familiar voice called out to him.
"King of Heroes, can we talk?"
It was Rin Tohsaka.
"Oh? About what?" Gilgamesh replied calmly, unsurprised.
After all, this girl—three Rins in one—had two versions of herself born in the same age as him.
And just like him, the news of Tiamat's return had clearly rattled her.
Vwoom—
The air shimmered, and the two entered a separate subspace.
Beside Rin now stood her divine counterparts.
Ereshkigal cleared her throat.
"So… what's your take on Tiamat's return?"
"Oh, I'm watching it on my phone," Gilgamesh said flatly.
Ishtar huffed. "Don't forget—you're the one who used Ea to blast Tiamat into the Imaginary Number Space. Aren't you worried she'll hold a grudge?"
This arrogant king had always gotten on her nerves.
Even now, facing such a situation, he still carried that ridiculous regal pride.
Infuriating!
"I am human," Gilgamesh countered coldly. "Protecting humanity is my duty. You, on the other hand, are gods."
As the King of Humanity, he would never hesitate to fight for mankind's survival.
Meanwhile, Ereshkigal—the goddess of the underworld—was technically one of the Three Goddess Alliance that rebelled against Tiamat.
"Ehem… let's not dwell on that," Ereshkigal said awkwardly.
Her position was, frankly, the most uncomfortable one here.
She'd betrayed Tiamat, even struck her down. Meeting her again now was… mortifying.
Ereshkigal continued, "Since Tiamat has manifested as a Heroic Spirit, shouldn't we formally visit her?"
If Tiamat was in a good mood, maybe she'd forgive her wayward children.
"A visit, hmm? That's… not a bad idea," Gilgamesh mused.
He, too, wanted to make amends.
Perhaps he could bring Sanjiro along, offer a few gifts, and put the past behind them.
With Tiamat's gentle nature, it shouldn't be too difficult.
But… where exactly had she descended?
Surely not at his friend's house?
Only a few Heroic Spirits knew Sanjiro's true identity—if this summoning was live-streamed, it'd expose everything!
As he pondered this—
The camera suddenly shifted. Sanjiro's figure vanished.
And in his place, the newly summoned Heroic Spirit, Tiamat, appeared inside Chaldea.
Dr. Romani froze for a moment, then quickly spoke up, smiling nervously.
"Welcome to Chaldea, Mother Goddess of Creation."
The goddess's cross-shaped pupils glimmered softly as she looked at him. Her melodic voice carried a teasing warmth.
"Aaaaa… Should I address you as Dr. Romani—or as the King of Demons?"