Fate: How About a New Savior?

In addition to the Celtic army and the U.S. military splitting the country into two opposing factions, a third force also existed. Geronimo

In addition to the Celtic army and the U.S. military splitting the country into two opposing factions, a third force also existed.

Geronimo was a Servant affiliated with that force.

However, their strength was too insignificant to stand out amidst the clash between the Celts and Americans.

The reason they sought out Chaldea this time was simple: they needed Florence Nightingale to treat an injured Heroic Spirit.

In fact, while Shiomi and the others were engaging with Edison's group, Geronimo's companions—Robin Hood and Billy the Kid—were scouting nearby and took notice.

That's what led to the plan involving the explosive-laden carriage that disrupted Karna, allowing Shiomi and Scáthach to escape.

Geronimo's camp was located in Riverton, in the northern Midwest, between the military camp where Shiomi's group had departed and Des Moines. Even at full speed, it would normally take two days to reach it.

They managed to cover half the journey so quickly thanks to Shiomi, who had enchanted the carriage and horses with Runes.

Even so, by the time Shiomi and Scáthach, guided by Geronimo, caught up with Caren and Florence Nightingale's retreating carriage, it was already completely dark when they arrived at the Riverton camp.

There, they met the injured Heroic Spirit in need of treatment—a Saber-class Servant from India, just like Karna: Rama.

Rama's condition was critical. He was on the verge of death and could disappear at any moment.

There was a gaping hole in his chest—half of his heart had been gouged out.

Shiomi immediately began preparing for treatment, with Florence Nightingale and Caren assisting in the operation.

"With half his heart missing, most Servants would've vanished by now. For him to survive like this... he must have Battle Continuation or something similar," Shiomi said, placing his hand over the wound. "But..."

There was a curse-like presence embedded in the wound. Shiomi attempted to dispel it using Rune Magecraft, but it had no effect.

He then tried regenerating Rama's heart using Authority, but the newly formed heart only managed two beats before crumbling into flesh and blood, reverting to its half-formed state. Rama, still unconscious, coughed up fresh blood.

"This curse..."

Shiomi instantly recognized its source, but the discovery only brought more questions. Realizing he couldn't fully repair Rama's body, he left the nursing and dressing to Caren and Florence Nightingale, lifted the tent flap, and stepped outside.

"You're a bit more skilled than before. That's not like you," Scáthach remarked, having watched Shiomi's treatment process.

"My master never told me anything," Shiomi replied, staring at his bloodstained hands. "I always thought I was just deepening my mastery of Primordial Runes, but it turns out I've already touched the power of Authority..."

"It's a forbidden domain after all. Even I wasn't sure whether I should let you approach or understand it." For once, Scáthach's tone carried uncertainty. "Originally, I had hoped that even if you returned to the Land of Shadows someday, you would still remain unaware of the true nature of that power."

"Is that so." Shiomi understood her concern and spoke casually, without any intent to complain.

"More importantly, the curse on Rama's heart—it's not something created by Magecraft," Morgan said flatly. "You were all there. Don't tell me you didn't notice?"

"About that—"

Scáthach glanced at Shiomi, knowing full well he had already realized it.

"It's the Soaring Spear of Piercing Death," Shiomi sighed. "So the one who injured Rama... was it you, Master?"

"What do you think?" Scáthach replied wryly. "You've still got the nerve to crack jokes at a time like this. You're awfully calm."

Shiomi sat down on a nearby log. "So it's him... my senior, the Child of Light, Cú Chulainn."

"Yeah," Scáthach confirmed.

"That's odd. We all use the same type of crimson spear. I should've been able to break that curse easily..." Shiomi raised an eyebrow. "Unless—"

"Yes, that 'unless' is right. The one leading the Celtic army is Cú Chulainn. He's also the reason this era is distorted—Chaldea's final target in repairing this Singularity," Scáthach said.

"So the spear that gravely wounded Rama was corrupted by the Holy Grail's power, making it impossible even for me to dispel..." Shiomi murmured, understanding dawning on him. "And that's why you came to see me, Master?"

"I originally planned to tell you immediately," Scáthach said, shaking her head. "But when I saw you heading to meet the President-King, I held on to a little hope... hoping my dear disciple would form an alliance with them and gather enough strength to defeat Cú Chulainn."

Though a bit delayed, the outcome had ultimately stayed the same.

"Still hard to imagine that Cú Chulainn, of all people, would get his hands on the Holy Grail and become king of the Singularity, the root of this era's distortion," Morgan scoffed. She had met Cú Chulainn twice and found it hard to believe he had the makings of a ruler. "If it were my husband, that'd at least be more plausible."

"That's a pretty over-the-top joke, Morgan," Scáthach replied with a faint smile. "If the cause of the Singularity were my beloved disciple instead, I'd advise anyone trying to fix it to just give up."

Morgan blinked, then gave a wry, conflicted laugh. "A bit irritating... but I have to agree with you."

"...Could you not make me sound like the world's top villain?" Shiomi muttered, unsure what he'd done to earn this treatment.

"Putting that aside, about what Morgan said—'Cú Chulainn couldn't be behind this.'" Scáthach leaned against a nearby tree. "The Cú Chulainn you knew, sure. But what if he's fallen?"

"Altered?" Shiomi immediately thought of the two times he'd seen Artoria in that state.

"Exactly," Scáthach said, lowering her gaze. "The one we face now should be called the Mad King Cú Chulainn."

"The Mad King, huh..." Shiomi grabbed a stick and tossed it into the campfire. "So Master, you didn't come to this Singularity to help me—you came to stop him..."

Before he could finish, Scáthach reached over and ruffled his hair cheerfully. "You keep saying you're not sulking, but clearly you're jealous."

"..."

"It doesn't matter who the Mad King is. If he's my disciple, it's my duty as his master to clean up the mess," Scáthach said. "He's not anything special—make sure you understand that much."

Shiomi was about to respond, but just then the tent flap opened again and Caren stepped out.

Rama's emergency treatment was complete. It was time to discuss the next steps.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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