I can hardly believe my ears. This does not sound like a mistake, nor like a joke.
An organization that observes and safeguards human history… Chaldea, was it? An unexplained explosion occurred there. The facility burned down. By chance, the Master survived and performed something called a Rayshift. At the same time, she fused with a mysterious Heroic Spirit at the brink of death, becoming a Demi-Servant. Together, they were fighting in this burning city.
"That's amazing, Fujimaru! On your very first summon, you pulled the King of Heroes himself!" A disembodied male voice crackles through the air, sounding tinny and remote. "Excellent! There's no better card than that when it comes to raw power!"
I cannot see him, but I can hear his voice. It sounds light and unreliable, but he must be their strategist.
So… the fate of all humanity rests on these two girls.
"Um…"
While I am replaying the information in my head, a fragile-looking girl in purple armor speaks.
"Thank you for answering my senior's summoning," she says, bowing her head slightly. "My name is Mash Kyrielight. I am a Demi-Servant, fused with a certain Heroic Spirit. I am one of the Servants contracted to my senior."
I remain silent, studying her. "..."
"Well, we are investigating this Singularity and plan to return to Chaldea by Rayshift. However, many enemies are already patrolling the area. Since we have almost no combat experience, we believe it will be very difficult to advance on our own."
The girl in purple continues speaking. Her voice is gentle, yet firm, and pleasant to the ear.
In her slender arms, she holds a massive shield. According to the knowledge given to me at summoning, Servants are forced into something called Classes, which reveal only one aspect of them.
What is her Class? And more importantly, what Class does this Hero King Gilgamesh belong to?
That knowledge was not given to me. No hero would ask, "What Class am I, and how do I fight?" A Servant with such confusion would be unwanted.
…But as I look at what seems to be her shield, I feel something is off.
Is that really a shield? It does not match the image in my mind.
Rather than a shield, it looks like something placed on the ground, used when gathering around a table—
"Please forgive my disrespect for asking—no, I mean, I wish to advise you," Mash stammers, tightening her grip on the strange weapon. "Would you please lend your strength to my senior and me?"
A straightforward request. There is no hidden scheme, only sincerity.
…If I can help, there is no reason not to. In fact, that is why I am here.
That cry I let out back then… saying I did not want to die without accomplishing anything… that is why I am here now.
"Very well."
That was all I said, but my intent seems to have reached them. Both girls brighten with relief.
I cross my arms, looking down at them. "There is no need to confirm such a thing now. I would not answer a summoning if I had no intention of lending my strength."
"Eh!?" The strategist's voice shrieks from the communicator on the Master's wrist. "The arrogant king agreeing so easily? What kind of whim is this!? Are you really the King of Heroes!?"
"That is for you to judge with your own eyes," I reply calmly. "Now, let us depart. You have already done what needed to be done here."
The Master tilts her head. "What needed… to be done?"
"Summoning me," I state simply. "Whether I am necessary or not is for you to decide. With the Command Spells you bear, you could dispose of a Servant however you wish."
"—Was there a flaw in the summoning?" The man on the radio sounds frantic now. "No, that can't be… What is this polite King of Heroes!? It's scary! This is somehow scary!"
"Doctor, please be quiet," Mash whispers urgently toward the wrist communicator before turning back to me with a stiff nod. "…Um, then… we look forward to working with you, King of Heroes."
"Mm. Do your best."
The tension around Mash Kyrielight eases. For some reason, she looked as if she had been ready to be beheaded, her resolve that firm.
"Huh. All that worry for nothing! You're surprisingly friendly, King of Heroes!"
The girl who had been crouching earlier breaks into a smile. Compared to Mash, she gives off a bright and cheerful vibe.
"I'm Fujimaru Rikka! I somehow ended up becoming a Master! Nice to meet you, Gil!"
"Wha—" The Doctor gasps.
"Ah—" Mash freezes.
A shocked voice rings out, and Mash is left speechless. These people really overreact to everything.
"Mm," I nod, accepting the introduction. "Fulfill your duty as Master well."
Rikka blinks. "I-is that really okay!?"
"What is?"
"You're really okay with being called that, like a nickname!?" She points a finger at me, eyes wide. "You're not going to get angry and say it's disrespectful!?"
I sigh. "Names are meaningless. Why get so worked up over that?"
I feel like I'm being feared far too much. I'm not some tyrant. They can call me whatever they like.
"Um… if the King of Heroes is fine with it, then… it's fine, but…" Mash trails off, looking between us uncertainly.
Rikka, however, pumps a fist into the air. "So friendly! I might have summoned the best Servant ever! Alright, Mash! Gil! Our journey starts now!"
"That sounds like the ending, Senpai!" Mash protests.
Rikka shouts cheerfully. Being energetic is good. More than that, her vitality is admirable.
Now then, how much can I live up to their expectations… At the very least, I must not embarrass myself by losing in the first battle.
Besides, Chaldea should have records about the King of Heroes. I need to know at least the details of the hero whose vessel I inhabit.
"Hey, you there with the voice," I call out.
"H-huh? Me?" The static clears as the man responds nervously. "I'm Romani Archaman. I'm part of Chaldea's medical staff, but…"
"When we return, I want to read materials about Gilga… about me," I correct myself quickly. "Gather them… prepare them."
"Books about the King of Heroes?" Romani pauses, sounding puzzled. "That's fine, but… ah, is it so Fujimaru can understand you better? You're surprisingly considerate for a hero."
"I will read them."
"Eh…?"
(End Of Chapter)
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His tolerance and friendliness stats have been boosted to +++.
Do you like a "nice" King of Heroes?