A/N: Well, it seems practically everyone wanted Xianzhou not to be skipped.
Just letting you know that I might skip certain things in the story to keep it dynamic and avoid it being boring to read.
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Continuing from where we left off...
Ritsuka's perspective...
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It's another normal and peaceful day on the Astral Express.
I'm in the parlor car scrolling through my phone, reading news reports about my agreement with the IPC regarding Jarilo-VI.
" They're really not letting any details slip by... They're even talking about how unexpected it is that an agreement between me and the IPC was made based on a marriage.'
From the perspective of the rest of the galaxy, Jalena, who is an important person within the IPC hierarchy, agreeing to marry someone who doesn't have such an impressive history is surprising to some people.
" I'm sure everyone at the IPC already knows everything that happened in Jarilo-VI.' It will take time for the planet to return to how it was before, but with the help of the space station's resources and Jalena's efforts, the situation should improve over time."
However, even though I'm calm at the moment, it doesn't change the fact that something that happened recently is bothering me.
- Senpai, you're reading the news and drinking coffee with the face of someone about to go back to war. Don't tell me that has anything to do with the nightmare you had today?" I hear BB's voice beside me, looking at my phone along with me.
BB hit the nail on the head. She correctly guessed that I don't even have a way to argue. All I could do was stay silent.
- Looks like BB is right again! Okay. Seriously now. I know you're having nightmares because you don't have Edmond Dantes watching over you anymore, plus the fact that you're an Avenger now, but even so, you didn't make that face. What did you see that made you like this?" - BB's tone of voice shows concern.
I remain silent for a few seconds and am grateful that Himeko and Welt are chatting in their corner, waiting for March 7th, Stelle, and Dan Heng to arrive for our next stop's meeting.
- I... I saw ORT again... - I say these important words that shocked BB the moment she heard them.
- It's not the first time I've had a dream about that spider monster, but... This time it was different. Very different. Normally, after Olga's sacrifice and that monster managing to hack the heroes' throne, Kuku would appear to save me, but that's not what happened... - I continue to speak as I recall what I dreamed.
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Flashback
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The dream was an exact copy of the events of the Seventh Lostbelt, but a serious change occurred.
I... I couldn't see everything that happened correctly. It was as if certain pieces were missing, but I saw the important things perfectly.
The moment ORT reappeared as a Heroic Spirit of the Grand Servant level, I was consumed by despair as before.
Sion: Ritsuka! Mash! Get out of the deck and get inside the ship now! This new humanoid ORT will make contact with you in just ten seconds!
Like last time, I only had a few seconds before ORT's attack reached me, but by that point I had already given up on everything.
How could I defeat that monster that doesn't know the concept of death? Besides, it can reach and manipulate a dimensional plane that no being I know can touch.
Even Arcuied, one of the most powerful Servants I've had the miracle of summoning, isn't even capable of dreaming of manipulating the throne of heroes like ORT did.
However, unlike me, Mash hasn't given up the fight yet.
Mash: Master! Hold onto my shoulders!
Even in a face of absolute power, she still keeps her shield ready to protect me. Sometimes I envy her bravery.
I was too weak to walk properly. ORT made me use all the energy and mana I had left until there was nothing left. I probably couldn't even summon a single Shadow Servant.
???: Just go, Mash!
Mash: No way!
Mash refused my attempt to save her, not wanting to leave me behind.
It would be at this moment that ORT's attack would be intercepted by Kukulcan, saving us all, but...
Kukulcan didn't appear...
ORT's solar wave reached us, and immediately our flying ship couldn't withstand the monstrous power of that spider.
Having no other alternative, Mash decided to do something I never expected to see again.
She used her shield to protect us against ORT.
Mash: Mold Camelot!!!
With what remained of Galahad's power within her, Mash used everything she had to withstand ORT's solar attack, just as she did against Goetia.
However, unlike the battle against Goetia...
Mash's shield broke...
Mash: Forgive me... Senpai... I couldn't protect you...
???: MASH!!!!!
After that... I only felt the scorching heat of the sun, and my vision went black.
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End of flashback
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- After that I woke up and you already know what happened next. - I say this while taking the rest of my coffee cup.
- As an AI I don't have vast knowledge of the dream world, after all I'm not Merlin, Abby or Edmond Dantes, but from what I know this doesn't seem to be a normal dream. - BB said, being a little suspicious of the nature of my recent dream.
- I agree. That dream was... very real... too real. - I comment this with a conflicted expression.
" That dream seemed to be a memory instead of a dream... Could it be... No! That would be impossible. I would have noticed if someone from the Garden tried to tamper with my memories. After all, even if their bodies are spiritual, my flames burn far beyond flesh and spirit. They would be very foolish to provoke a natural enemy of theirs."
Fortunately Stelle and March 7th arrived after trying to bring Dan Heng who apparently didn't want to leave the room for some reason.
Even with one member absent, the meeting begins without problems.
- Passengers! The warp navigation meeting has officially begun! First, Pom-Pom wants to congratulate the Nameless for successfully resolving the problem at this stop. The Express is now able to continue along the star rail. - Pom-Pom said as if he were following protocol.
- The four of us actually managed to solve it! Although we would have already left if a certain someone hadn't wasted time being a womanizer. - I hear March 7th's criticism as she stares at me.
- I was just keeping a promise. - I say, not looking back at March 7th.
- That doesn't change the fact that you stopped us. - Stelle said,not bieng pleased with me.
- Come on, girls, let's go easy on Senpai. Not everyone gets to have a harem and live to tell the tale. - BB said, provoking me and adding fuel to the fire.
Before a potentially silly argument could occur, Pom-Pom continued her speech.
- It's time for your conductor—ahem, that's me—to reveal the name of our next stop...- Just as Pom-Pom was about to reveal the next planet, something unexpected happened.
To everyone's surprise, a certain Stellaron Hunter decided to make an unexpected holographic call. The Stellaron Hunter in question was Kafka.
- Long time no see, Astral Express crew. It's Kafka. - she said, appearing in holographic form and holding an umbrella.
- Look who decided to show up with the milk, it's your deadbeat mommy, Stelle, - I murmured, deliberately provoking Stelle.
- Shut up! - Stelle replied, elbowing me in the torso, which didn't do any damage, but I made a slight drama pretending to feel the pain.
Fou:Fou!!!
- Looks like I arrived just in time. You're all here. Every single one of you. - Kafka said, walking her hologram past us.
- No need for a mysterious introduction. Stellaron Hunter. - Himeko commented, looking seriously at Kafka, who chuckled softly in response.
- Himeko? Correct? Sorry for interrupting your friendly meeting. But I'm sure that when you hear my request... you'll forgive me. I'd like you to make a... change of destination. - Kafka said in a deliberately vague tone.
"She wants us to change our next stop? Hmph. Quite a bold request."
- I have to admit, Kafka, I'm impressed. I may have limited information about the Stellaron Hunters, but I didn't expect that the second time we talked, you'd be asking us to listen to your request? Destiny is truly a box of surprises. - I say this with my arms crossed, letting out an empty laugh at my own little irony.
Fou:Fou!
- You're right about something, Joker. That Destiny is a box of surprises. Your being here is living proof of that saying. I see you're taking good care of Stelle, as I asked. I hope she hasn't given you too much trouble during your journey. - Kafka said in a subtle tone of concern that I almost didn't notice.
- Hmph. If you expect me to babysit Stelle without compensation, you can forget about it, Kafka. - I say this with a slight ironic smile and feel Stelle's foot stepping on mine forcefully in response.
- I can't believe you can casually talk to a highly wanted criminal as if it were the most common thing in the world. - March 7th comments, looking at me incredulously.
- You're in the wrong place, Kafka. We're not about to accept your request, and we're not about to sleep with the Stellaron Hunters. It was good talking to you. Maybe next time you'll be able to pay a visit in person, and we'll continue our little discussion. - Himeko said, trying to keep the conversation from getting off-topic.
Unfortunately, Himeko's words went in one ear and out the other because Kafka completely ignored what she said.
- You may have heard of a place called Luofu? I'm certainly sure one of you has even visited that place several times. - Kafka said, glancing slightly at me, making it quite clear who she was talking about.
- Hmph. Yes. I used to make frequent visits to Xianzhou Luofu to deal with my recurring nightmares. What does the Xianzhou Alliance have to do with that? - I said, looking at Kafka seriously, but I noticed the slight looks of surprise coming from Welt, Himeko, and March 7th.
I'm not surprised by their reactions; after all, only Stelle and BB know this little secret of mine.
- It's because you're very close to the place. A couple of warp jumps away, in fact. Not to mention that 45 system hours ago... a Stellaron explosion occurred in Luofu. An unexpected calamity, don't you think? - Kafka comments, and I raise an eyebrow, confused.
- Okay? What does this have to do with us? Yes. A Stellaron explosion is a bad incident, but I'm sure the Xianzhou Alliance is capable of handling it. Get to the point, Kafka.- I say this using a certain authoritative tone that rarely comes from me.
- It's quite simple. That Stellaron has nothing to do with us, but the Xianzhou is convinced that we are responsible. My companion Blade was captured by the Cloud Knights, I want to bring him back, resolve this Stellaron crisis, and clear our name. - Kafka said, showing a hologram of Blade's appearance.
- Okay. Kafka, you made your point, but what do you expect me, Senpai, and company to help you with? From what I know, you Stellaron Hunters aren't exactly confident, so I don't see any reason to listen to you. Besides, I almost forgot to introduce myself! I'm BB-chan! The powerful AI and the most beautiful Kohai of my dear Senpai! - BB said, charmingly introducing herself.
"As always, BB never misses a moment to show off."
Fou:Fou. Fou! (Special translation: This big-breasted cow can't read the room?! What kind of stupid AI is this?!)
- So you're one of the legendary Heroic Spirits that only Joker is capable of summoning. Interesting. But you're right, BB. You might not want to get involved with us. Knowing that Stellaron didn't affect this region of space, you can make the jump to reach the next planet. But sooner or later the star trail will become more blocked than before. - Kafka said, looking at BB, but she shifted her gaze to me with a smile.
- I can tell you what the future holds. If you don't go to Luofu, the entire ship will be destroyed by two events: Stellaron and the Fury of a Beast of Humanity, - Kafka said, dropping a revelation that left me in complete shock.
Fou:Fou?!
- What?! A Beast of Humanity! How could you... Actually, how could a Beast manifest in that place?! - The moment I said that aloud, a certain memory of an incident that my shadow, Alter, discovered in Dan Heng's mind came flooding back.
"Wait a minute... In Dan Heng's nightmare, he dreamed of a Beast of Humanity. That power and presence are concrete proof of that! But could that Beast from that nightmare be the same one that's in Luofu?"
BB has the same reaction as me, and she has a thoughtful expression that's very rare to see.
- That's exactly what you heard. The rest of the Astral Express members may not know how dangerous a Beast is, but I'm sure an expert on Beasts of Humanity knows how dangerous these beings are. And I'm also sure that you, being the strongest Legendary Master in the history of humanity, won't let your natural enemy get away with it, will you? - Kafka said, making it clear that she's provoking me on purpose.
- But from what I know, Humanity's Beasts manifest as if they were tests for Humanity to overcome, however, Humanity has expanded beyond the stars. I don't see how a Beast would manifest in this universe," Welt said, also becoming thoughtful.
- Here are the coordinates. It's now in your hands how you will proceed. Our destinies may be different, but the orbits of the stars will eventually converge. See you later. - Kafka said, ending the holographic connection and leaving Luofu's location coordinates for us.
It's quite obvious that Kafka's connection shook us all up quite a bit. Himeko asked Stelle and March 7th to go get Dan Heng since we have to vote on whether or not we're going to Luofu.
While the two went to get Dan Heng, I'm talking to Welt and Himeko about Kafka's revelation about the Beast of Humanity, which is apparently in Luofu.
- So. What do you make of this, Ritsuka? Are you sure Kafka's words are true?" Himeko said, looking at me, waiting for my opinion.
- Normally I would think about it, but just the fact that she knows about the Beasts of Humanity, plus I have some evidence, makes me believe she's not lying. I just can't believe that something I dealt with in my world is present here. - I said, with a look of apprehension.
- How dangerous are these Beasts, Ritsuka? You gave us a brief explanation of what they are. - Welt said.
- Well. The Beasts are dangerous enough to threaten one of the textures of my world. Only one Beast of Humanity that came close to affecting one of the textures is Goetia. There's also the detail that the Beasts can grow and mature over time. Knowing this, a Beast that isn't being restrained by the rules of my world is a recipe for limitless disaster. As the Master of Chaldea, I can't let that happen. - I say this with a serious expression.
- So these beings can become powerful over time. This is certainly something that could go beyond the limits if allowed to happen. - Himeko comments, her expression worried.
- I say we have to go to that giant ship! We can't let a Beast of Humanity use Luofu as fuel for growth! - BB said, quite excited.
After my conversation with Welt and Himeko, Stelle and March 7th return with Dan Heng, who is not in a good mood.
He was informed of everything that is happening, including the potential danger that the Beast of Humanity could cause.
Due to this information that a great threat may be occurring, all members of the Astral Express agreed to go to Xianzhou Luofu, however Dan Heng will not accompany us on this stop.
The people going to Luofu are me, Welt, BB, March 7th, and Stelle, while Himeko and Dan Heng stay inside the train.
With everything ready, we all prepared for our jump to Xianzhou Luofu.
- Attention passengers, the train is about to make the jump! - Pom-Pom said using his interlocutor, and immediately the Astral Express began to initiate the jump.
3
2
1!
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Meanwhile in Xianzhou Luofu...
Narrator's Perspective...
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At the same time that the members of the Astral Express were on their way to Xianzhou Luofu, a certain duo had already arrived there recently.
In an alley, out of sight of the people who live within Luofu, reality is altered, becoming crystalline mirrors, and a portal is silently opened without anyone noticing.
Two girls emerged from the portal. One, a member of the Masked Fools, Sparkle, and the Beast of Humanity, blessed by the Aeon of Abundance, Gudako, return her to the spaceship where she was a prisoner.
- Ahhh! How good it is to feel the open air! So different from your wild planet, Guda-chan! - Said Sparkle, provoking a reaction from the Beast beside her.
- It seems this place hasn't changed at all since the last time I was here. I can still smell the general from here. - Gudako comments, looking in the direction where General Jing Yuan is.
- Wow! From this distance, can you smell the big boss of this place?! You're amazing, Guda-chan! Would you like a pat on the head? Can I touch your horns or tail? - Sparkle said, still trying to elicit a reaction from Gudako.
Fortunately, she succeeded. The moment Sparkle's hand tried to touch Gudako's tail, she reacted the instant Sparkle's hand was about to touch it.
With incredible speed, Gudako grabbed Sparkle's hand and placed it behind her, pulling the little girl towards her. At the same time, Gudako used her hand to hold Sparkle firmly, preventing her from moving further.
Sparkle was surprised to realize that she was practically in the Beast's hands and felt its physical presence behind her, as well as its gaze fixed directly on her. However, even though she was at risk of death or injury, Sparkle wasn't feeling the slightest fear; in fact, she was enjoying it.
- Hehehe, you finally paid attention to me, Guda-chan~. I was feeling lonely talking to myself. Heh... I see your hands are quite experienced in holding a person. - Spark said, continuing to tease even as Gudako intimidated her.
- I'm not your toy, you stupid girl. You're only not being devoured now because that damned old immortal wizard said you'll help me get what I want. After that's resolved, any further provocation of yours will have a very unpleasant response. - Gudako said, looking seriously at Sparkle in a cold tone.
- You promise?! I'll hold you back from this, Guda-chan! Now can you let me go? I'm not against physical contact with someone as beautiful as you, but I have to take my job professionally! - Sparkle said, not taking anything Gudako said seriously.
Seeing that continuing to talk to such a random girl as Sparkle wasn't leading to anything productive, Gudako released the girl.
- Ahem! Just like our agreement. My job is to take you to the man who will help you get your memories back. While he's not here yet, how about the two of us take a stroll in Luofu? We might find something interesting along the way. - Sparkle said, looking with a big smile at Gudako, who had a serious expression.
- Do whatever you want. As long as you buy your part of the deal.- Gudako said, no longer wanting to hear Spark's voice.
- Alright! Time to start our date as two tourists! - Sparkle said in a loud tone, making Gudako sigh in exhaustion.
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With this, the most important people on this journey are present, but in the vast universe, it's possible to hear several laughs echoing in the vast cosmos. A certain Aeon is observing what is about to happen, and THEY have decided to add another piece to this unpredictable game.
The piece that this unpredictable Aeon chose is one that made a surprise appearance due to the influence of a certain entity with whom this Aeon wants no contact.
However, even so, this doesn't mean THEY can't use this golden opportunity to spice up this journey even more.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
With a loud and chaotic laugh that all the other Aeons heard, another actress is added to this show of surprises.
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To be continued.....
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A/N: It seems I've become addicted to Warframe. I finally managed to get the Xaku Prime blueprint. Honestly, getting the Prime Warframe parts is a pain in the ass.
Now I have 4 Primes, one of which I got using my real money (Caliban).
I'm curious to know who the chosen Grand Caster will be. (I'll be surprised if it's not Goetia)
And I'm anxious and worried about the last chapter of the FGO story. I just hope the ending isn't the one Kirei suggested, which is an ending that erases everything Ritsuka went through, basically saying that everything that happened at the beginning of the game didn't happen.
If that ending happens, I honestly will criticize Nasu for the rest of my life. I'll be furious if it's a shitty ending like that.
Anyway, I hope I'm lucky when Uesugi Kenshin's banner arrives; I really want to get my favorite General Ruler.