The final day of the Holy Grail War.
In the fierce clash between the King of Heroes, the Queen of the Land of Shadows, and an Outsider, the world's order was turned upside down.
As Roy, the ultimate victor, prepared to claim his prize at the final destination, Saber's sudden appearance disrupted his plans. Then, en route, he and Scáthach encountered one of this worldview's mightiest existences.
He was the pinnacle of the magecraft world, the master of the Second Magic.
A towering authority in European magecraft, one of the founders of the Clock Tower.
An observer who traversed countless futures and parallel worlds, awaiting the "final answer."
His name was Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Wizard Marshal, the Old Man of the Jewels—one of the top-tier ceilings in the Nasuverse.
How to describe his prowess?
The Holy Church's most hunted enemy, the progenitor of Dead Apostles, the Crimson Moon, the ultimate UO of the Moon, was defeated by this very old man. He single-handedly vanquished the Moon's UO, achieving a feat meant for a holy sword wielder—a deed far surpassing Scáthach's or Fionn's god-slaying exploits.
Compared to the other known mages, like the First Winter Saint Justeaze with the Third Magic or Aozaki Aoko, Touko's sister with the Fifth Magic, Zelretch's power was in a league of its own. Even unmanifested mages combined couldn't match him.
So, when Roy saw him appear in the Holy Grail War, his eye twitched.
Facing this old man, an eerie unease enveloped his heart—a danger so profound it didn't need to proclaim its might. Anyone would sense the overwhelming peril, capable of snuffing out any life.
If Roy had to compare it, it was like facing a monster that could grant death in an instant.
He knew some game plots loved throwing a hidden boss after the main villain. This felt like that, but unlike bonus stages within a hero's limits, this hidden figure's power was leagues beyond.
After defeating Gilgamesh, before even claiming the Grail, Zelretch appeared, seemingly intrigued by him. Roy didn't need to guess why—it was likely about the Grail.
Faced with this, Roy made his choice upon first meeting Zelretch.
Fighting was out of the question. He couldn't face Zelretch. Even with Scáthach or Gilgamesh's true self here, they'd lose.
If Zelretch wanted the Grail or anything Roy could offer, he'd leave with Scáthach and abandon the war.
But if Zelretch sought his life…
He'd struggle to the end and die with dignity.
Fortunately, things weren't so dire. Zelretch mentioned Merlin, and despite his unsettling aura, he bore no malice. It was as Roy suspected.
Merlin's clairvoyance had noticed an Outsider like Roy in this timeline. Naturally, the Second Magic's observer of countless parallel worlds couldn't miss it.
Zelretch had stayed idle because he found it amusing, curious to see what changes this frail Outsider could bring.
For Zelretch, with countless worldlines, he couldn't handle everything. Unless critical, he wouldn't act.
He held no real hostility toward Outsiders. He wasn't Alaya's or Gaia's lackey—no one could command him. His actions stemmed from his own will.
This appearance was merely the end of his bet with Merlin, allowing him to meet this intriguing youth.
Regrettably, Roy's unpredictability exceeded Zelretch's expectations. He awakened Artoria, winning the bet and taking Merlin's Magic Mary away.
Though not in Avalon, Zelretch could imagine Merlin's smug face.
Don't gloat too soon, Merlin. Magic Mary will be mine—you can't escape.
Thus, with a peculiar mission to save the world, Zelretch appeared before Roy, answering many questions. The most crucial was:
"Abandon the Grail, Outsider. It can't fulfill your wish. Crossing universes and parallel worlds requires mana and concepts far beyond the Third Magic's Heaven's Feel. Even my Second Magic can't do it."
No deception, no hesitation—Zelretch bluntly revealed the truth Roy sought to verify.
"So that's how it is… Talk about bad luck."
Roy wasn't surprised by Zelretch's answer. He scratched his head, listening quietly. Zelretch had no issue with this; he only needed Roy to listen and follow his instructions.
"For you, this Grail War was about defeating Gilgamesh, purifying the Grail, and wishing to return to your world. Sadly, though Merlin knew your wish, he feared you'd lose motivation if told, denying his king liberation, so he hid it. Now, with everything over, this odd old man appears to meet you and deliver the harsh truth."
"It may sound shameless, but I can tell you clearly: the Grail has been chosen by Justeaze and me for a more suitable wisher. Since your wish is too vast, the Grail is meaningless to you. As I said earlier, while bringing variables, you've also caused destruction, muddling the future. Even Alaya's Guardians and Grand Servants have appeared due to your influence, though they haven't acted against you."
His casual words carried weight impossible to ignore. Describing such events so lightly only underscored how extraordinary and exaggerated he was.
"Though the world's been upended by your interference, the future risks being severed, abandoned by Human Order. But there's still a way to fix it. If you don't want to be treated like a Beast of Humanity, listen carefully."
"…Gulp."
Roy realized the strange sound came from his own throat.
Though he and Scáthach had matched a serious Gilgamesh, he wasn't naive enough to think he'd reached this worldview's peak. Even with Scáthach, he couldn't. He knew this world's waters ran deep. The true apex wasn't Gilgamesh, the Sun King, or special existences, but figures like the Awakened One, the Holy Spirit, Zelretch, ORT, and the Beasts.
Facing these true titans, all he'd gained felt powerless.
A modern Western magecraft system, a Philosopher's Stone, and a staff with Fuyuki's forty years of mana dared challenge the true ceiling?
Laughable. If these supreme beings wanted to crush an Outsider like him, he'd be defenseless.
This awareness kept Roy cautious, only acting against Gilgamesh with full confidence. Now, as he prepared to claim his prize and pursue his goal, a titan appeared, declaring his efforts futile, the Grail assigned to another, and telling him to step aside.
It was like running a marathon, nearing victory, only to learn the win was predetermined. Yet what could he do but accept?
Zelretch bore no malice—otherwise, Roy would be half-dead.
His words were true; he had no reason to deceive a pitiful, weak mage.
So, the Grail had to be relinquished.
Otherwise, today it's Zelretch, tomorrow Red A, Black A, or a Guardian Emiya Kiritsugu hunting him, erasing him as a threat. If Alaya or the world deemed him a major danger and sent a Grand Servant, he'd have no chance.
Thus, Roy chose to yield.
Since Zelretch intervened, he could handle the world's anomalies using the Grail. Roy had planned to restore the world's damage after attempting his wish. Now, handing it to another to fix wasn't hard to accept—he had no choice.
"Go purify the All The World's Evil as planned. With your soul and preparations, that malice won't stir much. Then wish to restore the world or let Kirei use the Grail. That's it. Your strength is only notable in the modern era. Saying more is pointless for now."
Zelretch's face held no smile, only contemplation.
"I know it's unfair. Fighting the whole war, only to give up the prize—I get it. But I came in a rush, unprepared, so I'm just talking. Do as I say, handle the Grail and aftermath, and I'll compensate you. You won't feel shortchanged."
"Alright… I'll do as you say."
Adjusting to Zelretch's oppressive aura, Roy steadied himself, no longer needing distractions. His thoughts realigned. Noticing he'd been gripping Scáthach's hand tightly, he saw her half-smiling expression, awkwardly releasing it. His mind cleared, catching a critical detail in Zelretch's words.
Realizing Zelretch mentioned a Grand Servant's appearance, his hair stood on end.
"Which Grand has appeared?"
"Grand Assassin, the Old Man of the Mountain, Hassan-i-Sabbah."
A playful smile crossed Zelretch's face.
Thump, thump, thump—!!
For a moment, Roy thought he heard death's knell, his heart tightening.
"No need to worry. Thanks to your good deeds, the Old Man hasn't marked you for death. But I suggest you fix this mess quickly. When you see blue flames and skulls, no one can save you."
Zelretch turned, opening a rift to a parallel world, signaling the end of the talk.
"Time to act, kid. After purifying the All The World's Evil, keep your staff with modern Western magecraft. I'll draw mana from another world's source to cover the Grail's needs."
Pausing, he added softly, "Remember: mystery attracts mystery, anomalies draw anomalies. As an Outsider, your mystery is immeasurable. Get stronger fast, because next time, it might not be someone as amicable as me."
"Outsider… As long as you're in this world, your story won't be ordinary. I look forward to your performance."
…
…
In Fuyuki's gymnasium, a broad hand held the purified golden chalice, free of the All The World's Evil.
"I'm back, and…"
"We meet again, Saber."
Roy emerged from the shadows, his mood complex after completing the purification, gazing at those present.
"Hm."
Artoria's voice was low.
Her loose golden hair, soaked by rain, hung messily. She stood motionless, rain dripping down her armor, skirt, and blade, mingling with blood from past battles.
Kirei and Kiritsugu, seeing Roy return unharmed and the Grail's black mud gone, were stunned.
In Roy's hand was a true, complete, pure Holy Grail.
Truly…
"Magnificent…"
All eyes were drawn to the gleaming chalice in Roy's hand.
"Let me see, Master."
Unlike the staring Kirei and Kiritsugu, Scáthach happily approached, taking the Grail to examine it.
"Hmm, so this is the Grail… Quite the mana capacity. Looks like Zelretch infused the promised mana?"
"Yes, it holds all of Fuyuki's accumulated mana, practically an omnipotent wish-granter. If you have a wish, Shishou, it could likely fulfill it."
"If that's not enough for your wish and repairing the world, I can add this."
Roy nodded, unconcerned if Scáthach used the Grail. He was ready to toss his Sage's Staff in to aid her.
"What? My wish? No thanks, I don't need the Grail."
Hearing Roy offer his hard-earned relic, Scáthach shook her head, stopping him.
"No, my wish only counts if I achieve it myself. Shortcuts aren't my style."
"I see… So, it's still that, huh?"
Seeing Scáthach's choice, Roy sighed helplessly, understanding and approving. Then…
"What about you, Saber? What's your wish? Not returning to old Britannia, I presume?" Roy asked Artoria. "Zelretch's mana is ample. A small wish could be granted."
"No, my wish was fulfilled recently. I'm no longer trapped in past regrets."
Saber shook her head, her answer tinged with struggle.
Facing the Grail, her heart wavered, eyes flickering with longing, though suppressed.
She hadn't abandoned her wish, only this chance to make it. She'd try Roy's advice—travel the world, see new sights, and decide at journey's end.
Having accepted Zelretch's mana to appear here, she was ready to destroy the Grail herself if needed.
"I see… Then I wish you fortune on your journey. If all goes well, Saber, we might meet again in a British café someday."
Seeing Artoria truly let go of her heavy wish, Roy smiled, genuinely happy for her.
"I'll be there… and share my experiences."
"I look forward to it."
Ignoring Kirei and Kiritsugu's confused stares, Roy gave Artoria a heartfelt blessing.
"Oh, Roy, one more thing."
As he finished asking everyone, ready to tackle the main task, Saber turned, calling his name.
"Hm?"
Roy turned, puzzled.
Then he saw Saber's rain-soaked, beautiful face and her armored fist.
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.
Roy now felt this truth deeply.
Bang!!
A sneak attack with no killing intent, Artoria's fist struck his face, drawing blood from his nose and stars in his eyes. He faintly heard his nose crack.
But it was within Avalon's healing range.
"Hm?"
Seeing Roy hit, Scáthach's brow rose. Without hesitation, she raised her spear to Artoria's neck, ready to pierce.
But Roy, holding his bleeding nose, raised a hand to stop her.
"It's fine. Just a little tantrum." He healed himself with the Angel of Healing's power, then looked at Saber. "You really hold a grudge."
"Hmph, even I get mad after being beaten with such underhanded tactics."
Artoria turned, flashing a bright smile. The punch improved her mood, settling the score from their fight without malice.
"Ha!" Roy pinched his nose, chuckling. Artoria smiled back, their enmity dissolved, becoming true friends.
Compared to Kiritsugu, they seemed a better match.
Artoria understood why Gilgamesh, Iskandar, and Scáthach favored this youth. As a Master, partner, friend, or mentor, he was impeccable. No hero could dislike him.
"But, Roy, as a friend, a word of advice: don't hang out too much with Merlin. He'll corrupt you."
Artoria sighed. "I don't want to see you become as annoying as him."
"Relax, I'm human, always will be—something that incubus can't match." Roy grinned.
Whoosh—!!
"Here, Saber."
"Avalon…"
As rain poured and Artoria neared vanishing, Roy drew Avalon from his body to return it, per Merlin's request to restore it to its owner. He thought Merlin would collect it, but giving it to Artoria worked too.
Yet Artoria refused.
"No, keep the scabbard as my token. I lost it once—I'm not worthy to hold it again. Return it when we meet next."
"Alright…"
Roy nodded, accepting her request. "I'll hold onto it for you."
"Thank you, Mr. Roy. If you join another Grail War, use Avalon to summon me. I'll be your sword, you my shield, and we'll march together."
In her final moments, Artoria spoke, ignoring the betrayed Kiritsugu and Scáthach, who felt upstaged twice.
Kiritsugu: This feeling of abandonment… is oddly fitting.
Reflecting on his past wrongs to Artoria, he felt her rejection was justified.
Scáthach: What's this? First Gilgamesh, now the King of Knights stealing my Master? Don't you have your own?!
Having seen her Master receive tokens from other Servants twice in one night, Scáthach was far from pleased.
She could only watch, unable to intervene. These were heroes' tokens, Roy's earned glory. No matter her frustration, she couldn't strip him of it, leaving her feelings complex.
"Roy Crowley, I believe you'd be my best partner. Oh, and the food you made at the King's Banquet was delicious. Shame Iskandar and Gilgamesh ruined it. Next time, cook for me again."
"Fast food? What's so special about it?" Roy raised a brow.
He couldn't fathom what was technical about his fire-magecraft-heated fast food.
"No idea," Artoria answered honestly. "Maybe I just want to feel that reassurance again. With the scabbard, you can summon me. I might still be lost, carrying the same wish, or vastly changed. Please bear with me then."
"…If we meet again and you're still stuck on that, I'm not wrestling you again. I've had enough of getting punched."
Feeling Scáthach's icy stare, Roy gave a wry smile. He was helpless against Gilgamesh and Artoria's invitations.
He didn't know what made him so appealing, but he was popular, like his past life as Gudako in Chaldea.
As her final words fell, Saber's body, losing Zelretch's mana, began to glow gold, dissolving into particles.
"It's time."
Artoria observed her change with a bold smile, no reluctance.
"See you, Saber—no, lovely Miss Artoria." Roy smiled in farewell.
"Yes, goodbye, Roy, a man of miracles…"
With Artoria's final words, she vanished, smiling. Scáthach, irked at not skewering the wall-stealing knight like Gilgamesh, had no choice as she was gone.
With Saber's exit, the Grail held six Servants' souls and vast mana from a parallel world.
Roy raised the Grail before Kiritsugu and Kirei, speaking seriously.
"Next, I'll use the Grail to erase this war's sorrow and reverse its harm. Who's for? Who's against?"
"…"
Kiritsugu and Kirei exchanged glances, then saw Scáthach behind Roy, sharpening her spear like a butcher eyeing livestock. They shook their heads like windmills.
"We're for!!"
***
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