Fate: How About a New Savior?

The original battle plan was based on the situation in Singularity F. Using the confirmed human order foundation values from each of the ide

The original battle plan was based on the situation in Singularity F. Using the confirmed human order foundation values from each of the identified Singularities, the available personnel capable of participating in Spiritron Transfer were divided into three teams, each assigned to restore human order in their respective locations.

The human order foundation value of the Orleans Singularity was the closest to that of Singularity F, so it was assigned to Olga Marie, Ritsuka, and Mash. Led by the capable Magus and director, their mission was to gain practical experience in various areas within this Singularity.

The slightly higher-valued Rome Singularity was assigned to Caren and Gray, with a similar goal of accumulating field experience.

Based on this strategy, Shiomi originally believed that once the six Singularities were resolved, everyone would regroup and head to the seventh together.

However, an unexpected situation occurred at the London Singularity—humanity was set ablaze. A man calling himself the King of Magecraft appeared before Shiomi, demanding his submission or death.

With the enemy's identity becoming increasingly clear, Tenkei Shiomi proposed a new strategy.

"So, you're saying that we should all meet up before heading to the third Singularity together?"

After completing restoration work at the first and second Singularities and returning to Chaldea, Olga Marie examined Shiomi's plan during a strategy meeting and asked earnestly.

"No. More precisely, you all will rendezvous, while I go alone to the fifth Singularity we confirmed a few days ago," Shiomi replied. "The King of Magecraft possesses clairvoyance that allows him to see the past and the future. Although he can't perceive what's happening in Chaldea, he'll definitely notice if I reappear in a Singularity to conduct restoration work."

Caren crossed her arms thoughtfully. "So, you plan to act as bait?"

"No way, that's far too dangerous!" Sakura was the first to object.

Though the incident where Shiomi nearly lost his life had been downplayed and officially attributed to signal interference—so as not to affect morale—Sakura, who had witnessed it firsthand, refused to accept it.

"I can't agree with this either. No one can say for sure whether the King of Magecraft will show up in front of Sensei again," Olga Marie said with worry as she set down the plan.

If even someone like Sensei lacked confidence, then Chaldea would stand no chance against the King of Magecraft...

"But what Mr. Shiomi means is, if he acts with us, the King of Magecraft might catch all of us in one fell swoop, right?" Ritsuka raised her hand to speak, understanding the intention behind Shiomi's plan.

"Exactly," Shiomi nodded with a smile. "But what I mentioned was only the worst-case scenario. What I actually want is to take this chance to confirm something."

Gray asked, puzzled, "What is it?"

"When the King of Magecraft appeared in the London Singularity, he said he was 'using his spare time' to wait there," Shiomi carefully chose his words as he recalled every detail of that encounter. "Back in Singularity F, Professor Lev said the entire world had already been incinerated, and only Chaldea was spared thanks to its unique magnetic field."

He looked around at everyone in the conference room.

"So, in reverse, could we speculate that the disaster of human incineration has already been completed? That the King of Magecraft has moved on to the next phase of his plan, and that his appearance before me was just a brief window before continuing his agenda?"

"Then that means..." Cold sweat formed on Olga Marie's brow.

"To the King of Magecraft, the incineration of humanity might have just been the first step. He shows an intense contempt for humanity and its history. He sees humans who cannot overcome death—or their fear of it—as utterly worthless," Shiomi explained. He had been pondering this for days, discussing it with Morgan, Romani, and even Da Vinci. Aside from Morgan, who remained tight-lipped, the others had reached similar conclusions. "If he really does have a next step, then it's unlikely he'll have the time to casually appear before us again, like he did in London."

That's precisely why Shiomi intended to head to the next Singularity alone—to act as bait, to test whether the King of Magecraft would reveal himself again.

Right now, both outcomes seemed equally possible.

So his theory did little to reassure Olga Marie, who still couldn't support the new plan.

"No matter what, splitting up like this is still extremely risky. Even if you're stronger than all of us put together, going solo means there'll always be blind spots," Olga Marie said, biting her fingertip. "That's why I'll go with you to the fifth Singularity. The others can rest during this time, and then head to the third Singularity afterward—"

"Hold on, Director!" Sakura stood up, slamming her hands on the table, staring directly at Olga Marie. "I've worked alongside Dad before. I've been by his side since I was little. If anyone's going with him, it should be me!"

"Uh..." Olga Marie was caught off guard. She looked toward Caren. "Then maybe Caren could go too?"

Caren responded with an odd smile. "Who goes doesn't matter to me. Feel free to discuss it however you like."

"If it's really that inconvenient, I'll go," Gray offered, raising her hand. "Like Mr. Shiomi, I'm a human with a Noble Phantasm. Add's performance in the second Singularity was outstanding."

More than that, after Add's release, the Holy Spear—through Gray's efforts—had defeated Attila the Hun, who had unleashed his own Noble Phantasm, bringing the final battle of the second Singularity to a close.

"That won't do. Gray and Mash are both crucial, Servant-level combatants. You two need to stay together," Olga Marie immediately rejected the suggestion. "The third Singularity is located in the Atlantis. Chaldeas shows it's Okeanos—a place that exists only in legends."

"Ugh..." Gray lowered her head, her entire face retreating into the shadows.

Shiomi rubbed his temples. He really wanted to scold them for acting so childish. Restoring humanity wasn't a school field trip.

But... this kind of arguing wasn't so bad. At least it showed that no one had lost their spirit or determination in the face of the world's crisis.

He stood up from his seat.

"There's still plenty of time before we move on to the fifth Singularity. In the meantime, everyone should focus on resting and preparing. Da Vinci seems to have made some upgrades to the Chaldean Master's Mystic Code—it needs testing as well," Shiomi said, turning to Ritsuka. "Also, considering how complicated future restoration work will be, there's something I'd like you to think about."

"What is it?" Ritsuka asked seriously.

"Whether you'd be willing to take formal Magus training. It can't be comfortable always working as an amateur, right?"