Chapter 4: The First Resonance
The training grounds were eerily silent beneath a pale morning sun. Steam rose in faint wisps from damp stone pavers, and distant columns of Chaldea's Grand Order facility loomed over a courtyard designed for Servant duels. The air carried the crisp tang of magic—residual mana from countless battles past. My heartbeat echoed in my ears, each thump a reminder that today would define my path as Master.
Artoria Pendragon stood at the far end, her silver-blue armor gleaming, Excalibur sheathed at her hip. Behind her, Mash watched anxiously, her shield braced against the ground like a sentinel. Olga and Dr. Roman hovered at the courtyard's edge, data tablets at the ready. I felt every eye on me, every ounce of expectation pressing on my shoulders.
"Master Aion," Artoria said, her voice both formal and softly encouraging. "Are you prepared?"
I swallowed, steadying the trembling in my hands. Only hours ago, I could barely believe I stood in this world at all. Now I had a Servant, a harem yet to form, and the unknown power pulsating in my chest. This morning I felt awe; now I felt something sharper—resolve.
"I am," I said, raising my right hand. "But I'm not alone." I glanced at Mash. "Thank you for everything, Mash Kyrielight. Your support means more than you know."
She offered a small smile, pride shining in her violet eyes. "I'm always by your side, Senpai."
I turned back to Artoria. "Shall we begin?"
She inclined her head, finally breaking her stoic mask with a faint curve of her lips. "Yes. Show me your command."
I closed my eyes, centering on the bond we'd just formed. I pictured our shared goals—protecting humanity, healing fractures in time, and forging a new future together. When I opened them, my hand glowed with mottled gold, the warmth coursing into my arm.
"Artoria," I commanded, voice clear. "Draw Excalibur and strike. I will resonate with your blade."
A hush fell as mana rippled around us. Artoria drew her sword in a single, fluid motion, its blade singing with power. The courtyard walls shimmered as if reacting to the pure force between us. She advanced, footsteps measured, her intent both offensive and watchful.
I braced my stance, feeling my own hidden energy—my pure creation power—stir at her approach. My chest thrummed: the power waiting to manifest if I could just align with her strike.
Artoria reached striking distance. She raised Excalibur high, the sun glinting off its edge. "Now, Master," she whispered.
Time seemed to stall. I focused on the flow between us, imagining my power meeting hers like two rivers joining. The golden warmth surged, racing to my fingertips. Then she struck.
Excalibur fell in a graceful arc. I met the blade with my palm. Lightning crackled along the point of contact—white sparks where gold met silver-blue. The world jolted: mixed waves of power echoed outward, rippling through the courtyard like shockwaves.
I stumbled back, overwhelmed by the resonance. My creation power flared beyond my control, tendrils of light wrapping around the fallen Excalibur. For a moment, I thought I'd shattered her blade beneath my palm. Instead, the blade seemed purified, its glow ripened into a deeper hue.
Artoria staggered but did not fall. Her eyes widened in surprise—and then something softer bloomed: admiration. "Incredible… your power complements mine."
I pressed my palm to my chest, panting. The energy receded as quickly as it had risen, leaving me trembling but unscathed. The ground bore faint scorch marks where sheer mana had burned the stones.
A slow clap broke the stunned silence—Mash stepping forward, her shield forgotten. "Master, that was—astonishing!"
Dr. Roman scanned the readings on his tablet. "His resonance amplified Servant output by twenty-three percent. A successful synchronization has never reached this level."
Olga approached, expression thoughtful. "Your creation power isn't just raw mana. It seems to refine and enhance another's Noble Phantasm. We may need to revise our protocols—especially if you can resonate with other Servants."
My blood warmed beneath her words—excitement mixed with dread. If I could amplify Servants' abilities, I could protect countless lives. But if I lost control… the damage could be catastrophic.
Artoria sheathed Excalibur and stepped to my side, her gauntleted hand resting on my shoulder. "Master Aion, today you proved not only your power, but your willingness to stand in the fray with me. I am honored to serve under your command."
My heart lurched at her praise. The legendary King of Knights, recognizing me—a fledgling Master—as a true partner. I met her eyes and offered my own hand. "And I am honored to be your Master, Artoria."
She took my hand in a firm, regal grip. "Together, we will forge our legend."
As we stood side by side, the afternoon sun casting long shadows, I felt the first true bond of Master and Servant—an unspoken promise of trials and triumphs to come. The ripples of our resonance had carved a new path, not just in the stones beneath our feet, but in my very soul.
Tomorrow, I would face my first Grand Order mission. But today, I had discovered that my power could harmonize with heroes, turning my uncertainty into strength. I would learn to master this gift—and with it, rewrite my fate, one resonance at a time.