Fate: How About a New Savior?

The Servant Florence Nightingale called the "President-King" was, in fact, Thomas Edison. While she introduced the Chaldea team at the top o

The Servant Florence Nightingale called the "President-King" was, in fact, Thomas Edison.

While she introduced the Chaldea team at the top of the hill, overlooking the American-style mechanical troops below, Shiomi took the chance to formally contract with Scáthach.

"Hmm... As expected of my beloved disciple's Mana. It's truly reassuring," Scáthach said with a gentle smile, placing a hand to her chest.

Shiomi pressed his lips together in exasperation, suppressing a grin that threatened to earn him mockery, and turned to Nightingale.

"Edison? You mean that Edison? The inventor? All I see is a guy with a lion's head..."

He channeled Mana into his eyes and clearly saw several figures atop the hill where the troops were being reviewed.

Seated on a lavish chair was Edison, unmistakable with his lion head. Next to him sat a purple-haired girl, no older than her teens.

She was clearly a Servant as well.

But the one who caught Shiomi's attention the most was the golden-haired man standing to the side.

His long, flowing hair was an ethereal white, and his sharp eyes gleamed like freshly forged blades. A ruby embedded in his exposed chest glinted in sync with his gaze, exuding an enchanting aura. Yet even more striking was the golden armor that enveloped his entire body—so seamlessly fused with his form it radiated a sacred brilliance.

Each detail exuded beauty, but taken together, the man left a powerful impression that went beyond mere appearance. He was an extraordinary figure, hard to describe with words.

That man... is powerful. At the very least, he's in the same class as Gilgamesh, Shiomi thought.

"Oh? Comparable to the original King of Heroes? That's quite the compliment," Scáthach said with a sudden chuckle.

"Don't just read my mind like it's nothing!" Shiomi nearly lost his footing and stumbled off the edge.

Servants and Masters could communicate via Mana pathways, allowing for telepathic exchange. But Scáthach, ever the exception, seemed to have no trouble tapping into his thoughts after forming their contract.

"Flirting can wait, Father. We've got a potential enemy right in front of us, and you're looking way too relaxed," Caren said flatly.

Shiomi raised an eyebrow. Ever since Scáthach showed up, Caren had been especially stern with him. "It was Master who acted on her own..."

"Even so, are we going to approach them or not?" Caren asked, lowering her binoculars and ignoring his protest. "We need to figure out what's happening in this land—and what that formation is for."

"If they're hostile, we can just fight our way through," Shiomi said, standing. "But until we know for sure, it's best not to treat them as enemies."

At that moment, Florence Nightingale stood up and picked Caren up, lifting her effortlessly around the waist.

"Then there's only one option."

"Wait—" Shiomi tried to stop her, but Florence was already on the move.

That was a proper Berserker for you—acting purely on impulse.

"Let's go, Master," Florence said.

"Ah..." Caren let out a faint gasp, realizing what the head nurse was about to do.

And with the force of a cannonball, Florence leapt from the hilltop, carrying Caren straight toward the platform where Edison and the others were gathered.

Shiomi sighed.

He bent his knees, took Scáthach's hand, and the two of them leapt into the air, following the trajectory toward the opposite hill.

Only one among Edison's group noticed their approach—the white-haired youth who calmly spoke:

"Edison, we have guests."

As his words fell, Florence landed hard, cracking the solid ground beneath her feet.

"You are...?" Edison narrowed his eyes in scrutiny.

"You must be Edison. I've come to speak with you about eradicating disease." Florence drew her revolver and pointed it directly at him. "Tell me—are you prepared?"

"Wait a second—!"

Shiomi, landing soon after, rushed over and pushed her gun down with a mix of panic and exasperation.

"Who starts a conversation by pulling a gun?! Are you trying to start a fight?!"

Edison burst into hearty laughter. "Hmph, welcome! What a joy to see you! The Angel of Crimea, and Chaldea's finest!"

Shiomi released Florence's hand and raised an eyebrow at the three figures before him. "You know we're from Chaldea? Do Servants in Singularities get that kind of intel?"

"Someone told us. But we're keeping their identity confidential," the purple-haired girl said as she introduced herself. "I'm Servant Caster. My true name is Helena Blavatsky."

Shiomi recognized the name. A 19th-century occultist, often associated with the spiritual realm in modern interpretations.

In the world of Magecraft, Helena was also known as a remarkable Magus.

"You gave your real name that easily," Shiomi said, placing one hand on his hip as he looked toward the lean, pale-skinned young man beside her. "Then how about you? Mind sharing your name too?"

The youth answered plainly, "Lancer. My true name is Karna. Edison invited me here to lend my assistance."

"Oh..." Shiomi nodded, then stepped subtly in front of Scáthach—not out of fear, but to stop his Master from getting too eager and challenging a top-tier Servant like this one, which would throw their plans off course.

So he was the great hero from the Mahabharata—the son of Surya, the sun god. No wonder he radiated an aura on par with Gilgamesh.

"Caster—Thomas Alva Edison! King of Inventors! And now, President-King!" Edison announced with thunderous pride, forcing Shiomi and Caren to cover their ears.

"Even though I've got the head of a lion now, I assure you, my genius remains undiminished!"

"Since introductions are done, let's proceed with the cure—" Florence immediately tried to cut to the point.

But Shiomi stepped in, turning to Edison.

"Let's take this one step at a time. The fact that you're all stationed here, in formation, and were waiting at this halfway point suggests you knew we were coming."

He offered a calm, confident smile.

"We've only just arrived in this Singularity era. Would you be willing to explain the situation to us?"

Behind him, Scáthach rested her chin on one hand, her lips curling slightly as she murmured, "Haven't seen him in a while, and he's already capable of standing on his own."

"Or maybe he just wants to impress his Master. In the end, Dad's still just a man," Caren whispered back.

Shiomi resisted the urge to complain—he'd heard all of that—but stayed focused.

"First question: do you have any information about the Holy Grail?"