Chapter 78: Isolated Demonic Realm – Shinjuku
Gudako, who had fallen from the sky, was rescued in the nick of time.
"Just like it's a prince's duty to awaken the sleeping princess with a kiss, it should also be a boy's responsibility to save a girl falling from the sky. Most stories that talk about 'love and hope' start like this…
You'd be rescued by a brave and handsome boy who catches you in his arms, then while exchanging witty banter, you'd work together to restore the Singularity!
Such a development would be subarashii! But! BUT—! Unfortunately, the one who saved you wasn't a righteous pretty boy or a warm-hearted guy ready to do all the housework after marriage… It's a shady, bearded old man!"
Suddenly appearing and catching Gudako in his arms, a suspicious man in his fifties made this declaration.
This unknown man introduced himself as Shinjuku Archer, and began explaining the state of the world to both Gudako and Da Vinci in Chaldea.
This world was completely broken — a hell, a demonic mirror, a city of sin.
All the good people were dead, and only the most wicked could survive in this apocalyptic scenery. This place was—
The Isolated Demonic Realm – Shinjuku!
The entire city was sealed off by towering walls.
There was no communication with the outside, no way to know what was happening beyond.
Life in this city was full of danger:
Mages who had fallen into delinquency, lurking in alleyways and slums, Ferocious magical wolves running wild on national highways, Animated magical dolls populating the towering apartments of Yoyogi, Mercenaries known as "Hornets" who had entrenched themselves in the city center.
The city was already broken. The lights still shining in the tall buildings were nothing more than the last glow before the end.
The only building still under construction was a cylindrical tower in the city center.
"To you, that's the enemy's main base. It's heavily guarded. If you go now, the Servants there will kill you instantly."
It was in this ruined city that Shirou encountered Artoria.
The girl had long golden hair tied into a low ponytail with a ribbon.
Her hair was neatly brushed without a strand out of place.
She wore a black trench coat, a low-cut black short-sleeved top, and an X-shaped silver pendant on a black string around her neck.
She had belted hot pants that exposed her pale thighs. Her black punk-style outfit suited her perfectly, giving off a cool and stylish vibe.
Standing tall and straight, she was as majestic as ever. Her eyes were a paler shade, more piercing, and her brows and gaze carried a regal intensity—this was probably another side of the girl he once knew.
"Hey. I'm talking to you. Why are you staring at me like that? Did you hit your head when you fell from the sky?" the girl frowned, stepping off her bike and questioning the dazed Shirou.
If I don't answer seriously, she really might cut me down, he thought.
Coming back to his senses, Shirou quickly replied, "No, I'm indeed from Chaldea."
"Your face looks familiar somehow. Gives me a nostalgic feeling. But I don't have any memory of meeting you," said the cool, ponytailed blonde girl.
"I can act as Master for now, but Saber, the person you're talking about isn't me," Shirou responded.
"No need to say it. I can tell you're not the Master who saved humanity and resolved seven Singularities.
But since we've met, and our goals align—how about we fight together? Yes? Yes, right?" said Artoria Alter, her tone forceful and leaving no room for rejection.
"Of course! I'd be glad to." Shirou smiled brightly and answered immediately.
Even if her personality and demeanor were different, the core hadn't changed—this was still the Saber he knew.
Even if she had no memory of him, just seeing her made him happy.
"Hmm! Fast response, and such a dazzling smile. You really want to go with me, huh? I'll give you credit for that," she nodded, seemingly pleased with his prompt answer.
Then, Artoria Alter declared solemnly:
"Then, my sword shall be with you. Your fate shall be tied with mine. Thus, the contract is formed. Master! Let's work together."
"Yes. Let's work together. If you don't mind, just call me Shirou," he replied to the girl in her altered spirit form.
"Shirou, huh… I like the way that sounds." Artoria Alter repeated the name twice, then nodded approvingly.
At this moment, the sword in her possession was Excalibur Morgan—a black Holy Sword with red patterns.
Just as the Lady of the Lake had both the good-natured Vivian and the evil Morgan, the Holy Sword too had a duality of good and evil.
In her current spirit form, Artoria was the tyrant side of King Arthur.
Naturally, the sword she held had changed as well.
However, being a tyrant didn't mean being cruel or evil.
Even in this world overrun by villains, she had not joined them but chose to rebel against them.
Just as Shirou sensed—though her demeanor was cold and harsh, at her core she was no different from the knightly king he knew.
Suddenly, Mash's holographic image appeared urgently.
"Shirou-senpai! Miss Artoria! Bad news—please, you must rescue Gudako-senpai immediately!"
"Let's go, Shirou!" Artoria hopped back onto her bike and patted the back seat.
"Eh? I ride in the back?" Shirou asked, surprised.
"Don't dawdle! Get on! And hold on tight!" Artoria Alter shouted.
"Oh, okay…" Shirou obediently got on the bike and held her slim waist. Even though this version of her was colder, the sensation of her body was still the same—petite and delicate, yet her spirit was incredibly strong.
It was hard to imagine that a girl with a frame around 40kg could perfectly handle the beast of a machine beneath her—a large armored motorcycle, modified to run on magical energy. It roared off the road at over 200 km/h. At full throttle, it could even chase divine beasts in the sky.
Such an outrageous vehicle could only race freely in this already-abandoned Shinjuku District.
VROOOOOM!
The exhaust roared. The tires screeched as they gripped the ground, the bike becoming a black streak as it shot forward.
Guided by Mash's instructions, Artoria Alter piloted the Armored Rider at full speed toward Gudako's location.