Chapter 9: Chapter 9 Mission... Improcess
"Allow me to introduce myself."
The tan-skinned priest placed a hand over his chest, his voice calm yet authoritative.
"I am Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, a Servant of the Ruler class."
His dark golden eyes narrowed slightly, shifting between the Extra and his Servant.
"I was summoned here by the will of Gaia, tasked with dealing with a Servant that should not exist in this reality."
His piercing gaze locked onto Scathach, his expression unreadable.
Scathach met his stare without hesitation, her body tensing. She understood all too well how dangerous a Ruler-class Servant could be. With a mere command seal, he could order her to eliminate Fate right here and now.
Fate, however, couldn't shake an odd feeling about the priest. Something about him felt... off. But he couldn't quite place what.
Amakusa turned his full attention to Scathach. "Scathach, Queen of the Land of Shadows. Your existence in this Grail-less world is an anomaly." His voice remained level, yet there was an underlying weight behind his words. "You are a Heroic Spirit walking among the living, bound neither by a true body nor a purpose. Even though you are immortal, your presence here is unnatural."
Fate clenched his fists as Amakusa continued.
"And because of that, your existence threatens to create something that should not be here—a Holy Grail."
A heavy silence filled the ruined church.
Scathach sighed, long and slow. She had known this moment was inevitable.
A world without a Holy Grail could not sustain her presence for long. If she remained, a Grail could manifest to balance the anomaly, and with it, the possibility of a Holy Grail War.
Fate said nothing, staring at the ground, his fists tightening further.
Scathach spoke first. "I understand... but what about the Class Cards?"
Amakusa's expression remained neutral. "They are fine. The Class Cards only act as a means of accessing a Heroic Spirit's power. There is almost no feasible way for the people of this world to replicate them. The Shadow Servants you've encountered likely exist as a consequence of a true Servant's summoning. The world itself is attempting to correct the absence of a Grail War, and the presence of multiple Servants might awaken it."
His gaze softened slightly as he observed the expressions on their faces.
Fate and Scathach weren't just Master and Servant. They were something more—family. He could see it in their eyes, the unspoken bond between them.
And now, they were being forced apart.
"Again... just when I was finally getting my hopes up." Fate's voice was quiet, barely above a whisper.
Scathach turned to him, seeing the sadness in his golden eyes. He wasn't just losing a Servant. He was losing his mother.
Fate exhaled deeply, then forced a small, strained smile. "It's fine, Mother. I'll be just fine."
Scathach's heart ached. She had spent centuries as a teacher, a warrior, and a queen, but never before had she truly felt like a mother—until now.
With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes and placed a firm hand on Fate's head, ruffling his hair one last time.
"You better be." Her voice was both stern and affectionate. "Or else, I'll find a way back just to kick your ass."
They both knew the truth. Scathach had no way of returning. The Land of Shadows was beyond this world's reach. Even if a path existed, by the time she found it, Fate would likely be long gone.
Yet, despite that, she still clung to hope.
"Alright then, Ruler. I'm ready."
She took a step forward, prepared to leave.
"Wait."
But Fate suddenly reached out, wrapping his arms around her waist and hugging her one last time. He doesn't know if this will work or not, but he has to try. Activating his [Data Soul] on her.
Companion Unlock: Scathach
Bone Level: 3
After a bit, Fate finally let go of her and spoke in a sad tone. "Okay... I think I'm ready now."
Seeing this, she just smiled before leaning down and kissing his forehead. "Take care of yourself, dear."
"Well then, if there is nothing more to say, let us begin."
Shirou closed his eyes, his expression calm yet resolute.
"Command Seal Override."
A crimson glow flared to life across his body as red command seals ignited, illuminating the ruined church. At the same time, the three command seals on Fate's left hand burned brightly.
"Sever the contract between Master and Servant."
The words carried an undeniable weight.
Fate felt it immediately—the bond between him and Scathach unraveling, like a tether being cut. The connection that had always been there, strong and unwavering, was suddenly gone.
Scathach, too, felt the loss. The absence of a link that had bound them together.
"Let thou return to thy rightful time."
A brilliant red light filled the space, forcing Fate to shut his eyes. When it faded, he cautiously opened them.
Scathach was gone.
The only ones left standing in the desolate church were himself and the Ruler Servant.
A deep silence settled between them.
Shirou exhaled, offering a small nod. "Thank you for your cooperation." He dipped his head slightly in gratitude. Now that they stood closer, Fate realized that, despite his authoritative presence, Shirou was only slightly taller than him.
Before Fate could say anything, Shirou continued, "Before I take my leave, there are still a few matters to discuss."
Fate frowned. "Like what?"
"Even though Scathach has been returned to her rightful place, two Shadow Servants remain in this world."
Fate stiffened. "Two?"
His luck really was terrible. If there were still two left, the chance of one being a certain golden king wasn't out of the question.
Shirou nodded. "Despite your and Scathach's efforts to eliminate the Shadow Servants, I was also summoned for the same purpose while searching for the two of you."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out eleven Class Cards.
Fate's eyes widened slightly. "Eleven?"
Shirou, however, simply tucked them away again before handing Fate a single card.
Fate examined it—a depiction of a holy woman, holding a staff in one hand and a scale in the other.
"Consider this a parting gift," Shirou said. "And a final request—eliminate the remaining two Shadow Servants. Upon finishing your task, I'll be summoned back to dispose of those Class Cards. As they shouldn't exist in this world."
Fate stared at the card before nodding, his mind was still running his mother's words on repeat and his body moved on its own. "Fine."
Shirou gave one last glance at the ruined church before his body began to fade away, his presence vanishing from this world.
Fate let out a long sigh, running a hand through his white hair.
He didn't even get a chance to see those Class Cards.
Shaking his head, he turned in the direction of the closest Shadow Servant.
Without hesitation, he started walking.
After Fate leaves, the Ruler Servant reappears again some distance away, a calm, yet sinister smile appearing on his face.
"What a fool."
Shirou began, his gaze landed on a golden grail standing in the mile of multiple magic circles.
"Now I just need to wait, and my wish could be granted." The Ruler servant remarks before entering the magic circle that conceals the presence of the Grail.
Entering a cave, the Extra looks up at the pitch-black Servant sitting on what seems to be a throne that was led by a red carpet, piles of gold and treasure lay around, a pitch-black sword still in its hand.
Before looking up at the one who dares enter its place. The Shadow Servant stands up as Fate continues to approach it, he can identify the shape of the sword this one was carrying.
Excalibur the Sword of Promised Victory, he has seen too many versions of Artoria to know that the one he is going to face is a version of the King of Knights, the main question is which version?
Saber? Archer? Rider? Assassin? or Berserker? It doesn't matter at this point, taking her down is the only thing that matters now.
"Sorry in advance, but I'm really frustrated right now, so I'm going to use you to release it. Hope you don't mind it. My king." Fate said holding his Ruler Class Card.
Install
Fate installs the power of the Ruler Class Servant, his clothes turn into the vestments of a priest and a golden cross around his neck. A red holy shroud on his shoulder with a red stole over his cassock. Now wielding the power of the Ruler Class priest.
Condition Unlocked: [Baptism Rite]
+500SP
+Bonus 200SP
Ruler Class Card: +3 points
The Extra pulls out six Black Keys, three in each hand before charging at the Shadow Servant Artoria Pendragon, whose class is unknown now, since almost every version of her that looks somewhat like her Saber version, all used the sword Excalibur.
Throwing the Black Keys at the king, who just simply knocks them away with ease as she charges at him with her Mana Burst, a skill that she favors seeing how it can help her close that gap between her and her opponent.
Change
Fate changed his class, his attire shifting instantly. Now clad in black with a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a large golden medal at the front, a long red cape billowing behind him, and a sword strapped at his hip, he embodied the presence of a true warlord—Oda Nobunaga.
Focusing on his abilities in the Archer Class, he drew his blade, reinforcing both his body and weapon with mana. But before he could fully brace himself, the impact of the Shadow Servant's attack sent him hurtling backward.
Twisting mid-air, he steadied himself before extending a hand forward, forming the shape of a gun with his fingers.
"FIRE!"
In an instant, a barrage of floating matchlocks appeared around him, their barrels glowing with deadly intent. They all fired in unison, the air erupting with a relentless storm of bullets.
The Shadow Servant reacted swiftly, swinging her blade with inhuman precision, deflecting most of the shots. Yet, a few managed to graze her, though they did little to slow her down.
Without hesitation, Fate changed tactics.
Change.
His form shifted again—this time into his Lancer Class, Enkidu. Now wielding the divine Chains of Heaven, he lashed out. Golden chains shot forth, surging toward the Shadow Servant, but she cut them down effortlessly.
She leapt high into the air, Mana Burst flaring as she propelled herself toward him, her pitch-black Excalibur raised to strike.
Fate barely had time to react. He tilted his head back just in time—her blade missed his neck by a hair's breadth, though a few strands of white hair were sliced away.
Using her momentum against her, Fate planted his foot against her and kicked off, launching himself backward while sending Artoria flying away.
Before she could regain control, he seized the opportunity—more golden chains shot out from portals behind him, pursuing the Shadow Servant as she fell. The chains wrapped around her midair, pulling her down and slamming her into a stone wall with a deafening crash.
Hovering above, Fate raised a hand.
More chains emerged, writhing like golden serpents from shimmering portals, their tips glowing ominously. His voice carried through the dust-filled air.
"Let me hear a good cry from you."
The chains surged forward, tearing through the air toward their target.
A violent explosion of dirt and dust obscured his vision.
But then—
His instincts screamed at him.
[Clairvoyance] activated.
His eyes widened in alarm.
He tried to move—
-BANG
A bullet went through Fate's head, flinging his body back but he stopped himself from falling.
"FUCKKK!" The horrifying scream echoed from the cave, the Extra was shot through the head, but he didn't die, as his body recovered, his body was now made of clay and his magic energy was used to cover the wound.
But the pain is still there, the feeling of a bullet that hit his head, entering through the forehead and out from the back, while still being alive, hurt like hell.
Holding his head in pain as his body closes up the wound, his glare narrows down at the Shadow Servant beneath. As the dust clears revealing an injured Servant on one knee holding a sniper rifle.
The Extra immediately knew which Class his opponent was at this point, but his mind was too clouded by rage to focus on that. Instead, he dives more into the Enkidu's power.
I am the Chain that binds the Heavens!
A large golden portal opened and many golden chains came out spinning around him with fury.
The breadth of the stars points to thy foe below!
He dives down toward her, and chains follow wrapping themselves around him, his body glows a golden light.
Enuma-
His body turns into a large golden chain tip.
-Elish!
The Pseudo Living Weapon crashed into the Shadow Rider Servant, the impact kicking up a massive dust cloud. As the debris settled, a thick, golden chain pierced straight through the Shadow Servant's gut, pinning them in place.
Fate's body reverted to normal, his breathing heavy. His blue gaze burned with frustration as he planted a firm foot on the fading Servant's chest. Her form dissipated into motes of light, leaving behind a single card.
He reached down, picking up the Rider Card, his grip tightening around it. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, glared at the artifact as if willing it to break under his frustration.
That bullet—
It had cost him a third of his magical energy just to survive. If he hadn't reacted in time, if he hadn't been a Pseudo Living Weapon, he'd be dead.
First, he lost his mother.
Then, he took a bullet to the head.
And now, once again, he was alone.
The weight of it all pressed down on him, his role, his responsibility, the fragile balance he had to maintain. He was an orphan, burdened with the task of keeping this world from unraveling, ensuring it didn't stray too far from its intended path. He had to keep his distance, avoid interfering too much with the main story—but at what cost?
His fingers dug into his skull, his breath uneven.
"I'm too naive..." he muttered, voice laced with frustration. "If I weren't a Pseudo Living Weapon, I'd be dead right now."
The phantom sensation of the bullet tearing through his skull lingered, vivid and unshakable. He could still feel it—the searing pain, the moment of near-death. Beads of sweat rolled down his face.
"I need… more… power."
At that moment, his Origin and Element have become clear to him.
Element, which usually alines to the magi's affinity to perform spells related to their element, While Origin is the starting point that defines one's existence and directs one's actions throughout life.
Fate and Scathach originally try to figure out Fate's unnamed Origin and Element, which is easier said than done. Seeing how the depth of his soul seems ambiguous, and while he has the ability to basically learn any type of spells or magic as long as he puts in the effort to learn about them.
That did little to narrow it down for them his true Origin and Element. Until now...
Fate was the incarnation of "Power", having "Power" as both his Element and Origin.
Change
His body glows switching into a deep dark blue butler uniform, his skin is paler, now has two pistols on his waist, a sniper rifle on his back, and Excalibur Morgan in his right hand.
+500SP
+Bonus 100SP
Seventh Class Card: +2 points
All Seven Class Cards: +5 points
Condition Unlocked: [Fast Reload] [Riding] [Sharp Shooter] [Mana Burst] [Instinct]
"Now we're talking." Fate murmured with a smirk, trying to keep his mind optimistic despite the lingering pain of getting shot mere seconds ago.
As he closed his connection with the card, he noticed something odd—his skin had turned paler. He blinked, raising a hand to his face.
"Huh? So this is what happens when I install an Alter Card." He sighed, exhaling slowly. "I wonder... what would happen if I gained the other Alter Card?"
His thoughts drifted to a black Archer, a warrior wielding gun blades with ruthless precision. A chuckle escaped him as a bizarre mental image formed.
"Yeah... I don't think I'd match with black skin."
Shaking off the thought, he refocused.
"Alright then. Time to find the last pain in the ass."
With a grunt, he made his way to the treasury, activating a rune to shrink all the valuables down to a tiny size before stuffing them into a pouch. Once everything was secured, he left without a second thought.
Install
Tapping into his Lancer Class, Fate enhanced his [Presence Detection], turning toward the location of the last Shadow Servant. His senses locked onto a presence— 27059 kilometers away.
"SON OF A BITCH!"
His frustrated yell echoed across the ruined landscape. His irritation spiked higher with each second that passed. Normally, Scathach would be here to knock some sense into him, but now—
Now, he was alone.
Gritting his teeth, he took to the skies, flying toward his final target.
Five Days Later
He hadn't stopped.
No food.
No sleep.
No rest.
By the time he reached the location, his body was barely holding itself together. [Endure] was the only reason he was still standing, but even that had limits.
And then—
Nothing.
The signal was gone.
His exhausted gaze swept across the scorched wasteland before him. A burnt forest, reduced to nothing but charred wood and ash. No Shadow Servant. No enemy. Nothing.
Heavy rain poured down.
His white hair clung to his face as he stood there, drenched, dark circles under his eyes.
Fate let out a hollow, tired laugh. "My luck... is supposed... to be high."
His voice was hoarse, broken.
His golden eyes darkened, rage bubbling beneath the surface.
"I traveled 27059 kilometers. WHERE THE HELL IS THAT PAIN IN THE ASS!?"
His furious shout was swallowed by the storm. For a brief moment, he had the impulse to pull out a gun, aim it at his own head, and pull the trigger. Maybe that would end this misery—
But then he remembered.
[Death's Door] would stop him from dying.
Fate tilted his head back, staring at the sky, rain dripping from his face. He was beyond exhausted, his vision swimming. His body screamed for rest.
"I wanna go home..."
His voice was barely a whisper as he turned his head—toward a place he had sworn to avoid.
The last thing he saw was the blurred silhouette of that all-too-familiar land.
And then, everything faded to black.