"Whew, I figured you'd at least survive, but to come through unscathed with your Master? Praise her, Master. She's a top-tier Heroic Spirit, no doubt."
The Caster stamps his approval, laughing heartily.
It was truly splendid, I thought sincerely.
Overcoming hardship through unity—once, I dismissed it as mere fairy tales, resigned to a world where such ideals had lost all value. Friendship and effort, I'd seen, were trampled by calculation and schemes.
Yet now, that belief was overturned before my eyes. Something enduring stood here, an undeniable achievement.
The result was exhilarating, and a smile crept onto my face.
"Go on, say something. Your friend's finally spreading her wings," I urged, nudging Olga Marie's shoulder. She dashed toward them.
"Are you okay?! Ritsuka! Mash!"
"Of course! I'm alive and kicking, thanks to Mash!" Ritsuka beamed.
"Yes… thank you, Director. It was your rallying cry and Senpai's support that let me unleash my Noble Phantasm…" Mash said softly.
"Who cares about that…! I'm just glad you're safe… truly…!" Olga Marie's voice trembled.
"Those girls have some serious guts. If they were a bit older, I'd be charming them myself," the Caster quipped.
"Oh? For a beast, you've got some sense. Not bad for a dog," I shot back.
"Always with the sharp tongue, huh? You were watching like your life depended on it. Don't lecture me about getting fired up."
"I'll get fired up as I please. This Master summoned and commands me. I won't tolerate half-hearted work. Though, failing to release her True Name means no gold star."
"Gold star, huh? You only deal in absolutes, don't you?"
"It's too early for judgment. Expecting perfection from someone just picking up the pen is harsh, no?"
Exactly. It doesn't need to be perfect. Progress, even gradual, is enough.
Keep moving forward, never slacking. I want them to advance unwaveringly.
In such extreme circumstances—especially because of them—truly valuable things shine brightest.
I need to stay sharp myself.
Relying on this vessel, I can't afford to keep my fighting style so vague.
There may be a next time for the King of Heroes, but no guarantee for the soul within.
With a premonition that the next battle will be critical, I steeled myself.
"They're different with peers around, aren't they? It's nice," Roman's voice chimed in.
"Doctor, what were you doing, hiding like that?"
"Working! The First Order's almost done. We've pinpointed the Singularity's cause!"
"What? The cause? I already know it," the Caster scoffed.
"What?! So I missed Mash's growth while chasing leads?!" Roman wailed.
"Fool. A parent who misses their child's growth is unforgivable. You'll face punishment later," I said.
"No way! I shouldn't have tried to show off…"
Following Roman's discovery and the Caster's guidance, the group ventured into an underground cavern tied to the Singularity's cause.
My vessel's assessment suggests this is a workshop, crafted by three noble families in Fuyuki aiming for the Root. Beyond it being an artificial cavern, their true goal eludes me.
Perhaps it's simply beneath this vessel's interest.
"Let's take a break. Ritsuka's vitals are lower than usual, likely from overusing unaccustomed circuits," Olga Marie suggested.
"Good eye, kid. The climax is near. Better to be at our best," the Caster agreed.
"Nice work, Director! Breaking out of your shell has given you some mental clarity!" Roman added.
"Open your mouth again, Roman, and I'll cut your pay," Olga Marie snapped.
"That's tyranny!" Roman protested.
"Yay, a break!" Ritsuka cheered, then faltered. "Oof."
"Is that alright, King of Heroes?" Mash asked.
"Collapsing before the final battle would be troublesome. It's fine," I replied.
Being fully prepared is never a bad thing.
And yet, the fated parting draws near.
In truth, Olga Marie cannot leave this Singularity. My vessel's judgment indicates her body is long gone—her presence here is a lingering thought, a remnant of spirit.
Ritsuka and Mash will soon lose a newfound friend.
"…"
"What's wrong, Gil? Staring at the Director like that," Ritsuka asked.
"Nothing—"
Perhaps all I can offer is resignation.
No means exist to preserve her fading life.
I might be too soft.
If parting is inevitable, perhaps I shouldn't have helped her at all.
If death awaits, maybe I should have granted her mercy myself.
But as long as there's will, a spirit, she's still alive, isn't she?
Otherwise, I—a mere soul, a Servant—couldn't call myself alive either.
"No, I was just thinking it wouldn't hurt to share some of my treasured sweets."
"Really?! Yay, candy!" Ritsuka exclaimed.
"That's great, Senpai," Mash smiled.
"Honestly, it's like you're taming them…" Olga Marie muttered.
"Eh, it's fine, right? This guy sharing anything's rare," the Caster said. "For real."
"Agreed. Got any bonuses for me, Your Majesty?" Roman asked.
"How about scandalous photos of that net idol you fawn over?" I teased.
"No! Don't show me my idol's dark side!" Roman pleaded.
"Idol worship is quite the sin. No wonder you're still single," I remarked.
"That's harsh! And how do you know about Magi☆Mari?!" Roman cried.
"King of Heroes, what's wrong? Everyone's gone ahead…" Olga Marie called, pausing.
"Your judgment earlier was commendable. Noticing the Master's condition so swiftly deserves praise."
"—!"
Her reaction confirmed it.
She's unused to praise, likely surrounded by enemies all her life.
Her high position must breed envy. Her shoulders trembled.
This is a gamble, staked on my uncertain existence.
A cheat only the King of Heroes could pull off, anticipated and executed.
No, a cheat only the King of Heroes can execute, here and now.
"Here, take it."
Reaching into the golden ripples, I tossed her something.
"Ouch! …What's this?"
"A useless vessel. It's yours. Use it as you like—I permit it."
It was a golden goblet, the size of a mug.
"Uh… thank you," she stammered.
What happens next is known only to the gods.
No, I won't pray to them. Relying on gods with this vessel feels like the ultimate taboo.
It's up to Olga Marie and that to answer.
The first Singularity nears its climax.
I hope you're excited to see what changes the King of Heroes' peculiar intervention might bring.