Fate: The Rise of Shikama Douji

In an ocean of blood and flesh, a colossal and grotesque monster, resembling a giant octopus, emerged from the depths of darkness and charged toward a woman with purple hair. The appearance of these monsters was so horrifying that it seemed as if Aldrichian horrors from fantasy worlds had become reality. The creature's long, slimy tentacles lunged at Scáthach, but with a swift and precise strike of her spear, she felled the monster. Its corpse landed atop a mountain of other bodies, where Scáthach stood, continuing her battle.

Scáthach didn't know how many monsters she had slain. Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Or perhaps millions? The more she killed, the more monsters emerged from the bloodstained ocean, as if they were infinite. A mountain of flesh and bone had formed on the ocean's surface, and each of these monsters was comparable to the mythical creatures of the outside world. But what truly made them terrifying was their ability to evolve. Over time, the monsters grew stronger and more intelligent. If such beings ever reached the outside world, humanity would undoubtedly face extinction.

Yet, it wasn't only the monsters that were evolving. Scáthach, too, had grown in this endless battle. Barriers that once seemed insurmountable had now been shattered. She had even surpassed the level of a primordial god. If she hadn't learned some protective spells from Shikama Dōji, she would have likely died from exhaustion in the early days. This world was an unending nightmare.

Thousands more monsters emerged from the ocean, charging at Scáthach. Some resembled gigantic octopuses, while others took the form of enormous birds. Scáthach planted her feet firmly on the ground and wielded her spear with supersonic speed. Her spear struck with terrifying precision, piercing through the monsters. One of the creatures, its body composed of countless eyes, mouths, and tentacles, formed a sphere of energy in the center of its chest and launched it toward Scáthach.

At that moment, a golden ring formed around Scáthach, conjuring a magical shield to protect her. Before the monster could realize its attack had failed, Scáthach appeared behind it and drove her spear into its body. The monster's corpse fell into the bloody ocean, sinking into its depths. But this was not the end. Stronger and more terrifying creatures emerged from the ocean, replacing the fallen ones. With unwavering determination in her eyes, Scáthach advanced toward them.

---

In the sky, high above this scene of horror, a massive throne loomed. Seated upon it was Shikama Dōji, watching over Scáthach. As he had expected, only under extreme conditions could Scáthach truly grow. She was a monster, but not of the ordinary kind. If Gilgamesh was a genius, then Scáthach was a true beast. The domain that Gilgamesh had painstakingly achieved was something Scáthach had attained through relentless training. Unlike Gilgamesh, who could not learn Shikama Dōji's spells, Scáthach had mastered them.

It felt as though an entire year had passed. Shikama Dōji calmly observed from above. It was true—the year had nearly come to an end, with only a few minutes remaining. He did not have to wait much longer. Unfolding his wings, he descended toward the battlefield. Scáthach, still engaged in combat with the monsters, suddenly noticed that no new creatures were emerging from the ocean. She saw Shikama Dōji land gently atop the mountain of flesh and bone, and she understood that everything had come to an end. Shikama Dōji gazed at her with a serene expression.

"Congratulations, my dear student. This trial has ended, and so has my training. It is time for you to write your own story. I hope your tale will not be a boring one," Shikama Dōji said calmly.

His words made Scáthach pause for a few seconds. Now that the time for separation had come, she felt a slight pang of sorrow, but she knew that they would meet again someday. Like a bird that had grown strong and must now leave its nest, she was ready to step into a new world. Shikama Dōji tossed a crimson spear toward her, and she caught it. This spear was a powerful Noble Phantasm. Scáthach gazed at it.

"Indeed, it is time to part ways. For all these moments, I thank you," Scáthach replied, bowing slightly.

Shikama Dōji merely smiled. A portal opened, and Scáthach stepped through it. Shikama Dōji watched her disappear, pondering how this was the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one in Scáthach's story.