Fate: How About a New Savior?

Combining the intelligence from the first, second, and fourth Singularities, it became clear that the Holy Grail was the key to each Singula

Combining the intelligence from the first, second, and fourth Singularities, it became clear that the Holy Grail was the key to each Singularity's formation.

The only difference was that unlike the Grails used in the Holy Grail War rituals, these Grails were far more powerful—crafted by the King of Magecraft himself.

According to Lev, who appeared in the Rome Singularity and transformed into the Demon Pillar Flauros, in a moment of overconfidence, he revealed that these Grails were created by their "King."

That's why Shiomi's first question was about the Holy Grail.

But Edison shook his head. "Obviously, we don't have the Grail, which means it's in the enemy's hands."

"So it's in the east... What's going on with those Celts?" Shiomi asked.

Helena looked surprised. "You already know who they are?"

"I can only roughly guess that they're Celts," Shiomi shrugged. "I've got some ties with them, after all."

He turned slightly and introduced Scáthach to the group. "This is the Lancer who joined us from Chaldea on the way here—my master, the Queen of the Land of Shadows, Scáthach."

"You're her disciple?" Helena looked even more shocked.

"This man is telling the truth. He really has inherited the Queen's teachings," Karna confirmed.

At that moment, Edison responded to Shiomi's question. "They appeared in this era out of nowhere. They don't qualify as Heroic Spirits, but they're warriors from the Age of Myths. There's no doubt the modern U.S. military would be defeated."

The lion-headed King of Invention looked grim. "So, to save 'America,' I was summoned—"

"That's why you became President-King?" Shiomi frowned.

"To overcome this national crisis, we needed a system and authority far beyond that of a regular president! Thus, I am called the President-King!" Edison declared again, full of passion.

With that, Shiomi and the others finally understood what the title "President-King" meant.

"Under my leadership, we brought the war back to a balanced stalemate! When it comes to mass production, I won't lose!" Edison said proudly.

Shiomi turned to look at the formation of mechanical soldiers on the plain. The ones painted in Stars and Stripes—Edison's creations.

"Those machines… They're not purely mechanical, are they?" he asked without turning back.

Helena sighed and shook her head. "Right. They're called mechanical soldiers, but they're more like exoskeletons—there are people inside operating them."

So those silent machine troops actually had human pilots.

"What about those people?" Nightingale demanded.

"They've already undergone ideological education," Edison answered calmly. "The nation is united—citizens form one army. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, serves the nation!"

He spread his arms wide toward the army on the plain. "Don't worry, angel! People of Chaldea! No lives will be wasted! Every 'citizen' is now a 'soldier'! Wearing mechanical armor, they've become an invincible force!"

Shiomi broke into a cold sweat. "A nation where everyone's a soldier… That's insane..."

He knew full well that wars couldn't be won with lofty ideals—especially not against warriors from the Age of Myths.

"But even if you've armed your entire population, the tide of war still isn't turning in your favor," Scáthach said coolly, standing with one hand on her hip in the exact same pose as Shiomi. "Why not join forces with Chaldea, obtain the Holy Grail, and correct this timeline—"

"No, we're not planning to correct the era," Edison interrupted.

"What?" Caren frowned.

"I know that with the Holy Grail, our country could avoid incineration. That's a powerful draw for someone as patriotic as I was in life. As President-King, what could be more wonderful than for America to survive and thrive forever thanks to my inventions?" Edison gave a smile that reeked of hypocrisy, as if he truly believed he was doing the right thing. "Of course, other countries and timelines will be destroyed."

A cold laugh rang out from the communicator. Morgan's image appeared, her eyes cold as she looked at Edison.

"You're a Caster-class Servant, yet you fail to grasp even the most basic truths. Even if you got the Grail and built your utopia here, do you think the 'universe' would actually allow it?"

Scáthach raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Who's to say?" Edison replied, brushing off Morgan's words. Then he turned to the group. "So, people of Chaldea—what's your answer?"

"Isn't it obvious? Of course we refuse." Shiomi gave a thumbs up, then sharply pointed at the ground. "I—no, we of Chaldea—fight to resolve the incineration of humanity and save human history. We will never side with someone who plans to betray it, Edison."

"Human history... Such an empty, high-sounding ideal," Edison scoffed.

"Even so, it's better than following you, who'll lead everything to ruin and then just blame fate when it happens!" Nightingale retorted sharply.

"Even you, Ms. Nightingale? Are you impeaching me too?!" Edison roared in anger. "Karna!"

"So negotiations have broken down? Then it can't be helped."

Karna raised his golden spear, his body radiating flame-like mana.

"Just as I expected. What a waste of time, disciple." Scáthach stepped forward, her magical spear clashing with the one summoned by Shiomi, both now pointed at Karna as he stepped forward. "He's the son of the Sun God. If you're afraid, I'll cover your retreat."

"You really don't have much faith in your disciple, Master." Shiomi stood firm against Karna's pressure without flinching. "Nightingale, take Caren and fall back. We'll hold the line here."

Caren clenched her fists. "Dad, Queen Scáthach—be careful!"

Without a second thought, she was scooped up by Nightingale and carried down the hill.

Karna didn't even glance their way. His gaze remained fixed on the master and disciple. "With you two as my opponents, this battle lacks nothing."

Still, Shiomi didn't believe Karna was their only enemy. Helena and Edison could jump in at any moment.

That's why his goal wasn't to defeat Karna here, but to stall him—and both Casters—long enough to ensure Caren and the others could retreat safely.

"Don't slow me down, Master," Shiomi joked.

"You're one to talk—"

As they exchanged banter, the two spears split and shot out like twin beams of red light, racing toward Karna.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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