Chapter 8: Interlude 1: The Summoning
Ritsuka woke with a start, bolting upright in the infirmary bed. His voice cracked as he screamed, "Director!" The lingering memories of what had happened at Fuyuki clung to him like a cold sweat.
Mash was at his side instantly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Senpai, please calm down," she said gently, her lavender eyes filled with concern. "Everything is okay now."
His breathing slowed, and his heart gradually stopped pounding in his ears. "Mash… What happened to the director? Is she…?" he trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
Before Mash could answer, the infirmary doors slid open, revealing Olga Marie Animusphere, standing with Angela and Romani Archaman behind her. The director's stern expression softened slightly, though a trace of irritation remained as always.
"I'm fine, candidate," Olga said, crossing her arms. "Thanks to her." She tilted her head toward Angela, who stood silent and unmoving, her cold amber eyes fixed on Ritsuka.
Ritsuka blinked in shock, his gaze darting between the director and Angela. "But… how? I saw…" He struggled to put his thoughts into words.
Angela's expression remained neutral as she spoke, her tone clinical. "I made her a Librarian. It is an aspect of my Noble Phantasm, Library of Ruina. She is no longer merely human; she is bound to the Light and the library's essence. This is the only reason she stands here before you."
"A… Librarian?" Ritsuka echoed, still processing what he had just heard.
"Yes. By the power of the Light, her existence was restored and reshaped," Angela continued, her words detached. "She is alive, though fundamentally changed. Do not mistake this for mercy—it is simply functionality."
Olga stepped forward, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It's true. Somehow, she saved me. I… still don't fully understand it, but I owe her my life." She hesitated before adding, "Thank you, Angela."
Angela's gaze flicked to Olga briefly, unreadable. "Gratitude is unnecessary. I did what was required."
An awkward silence filled the room. Ritsuka looked between them, unsure what to say. Finally, Olga clapped her hands, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Enough. Candidate, rest up. I need you sharp. Meet me in the summoning chamber once you've recovered. Romani, let's go."
With that, Olga and Romani left the infirmary, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Ritsuka slumped back into his bed, still dazed by what he'd just learned.
Before he could dwell on it further, the infirmary door slid open again, revealing a lively figure in a white lab coat. A playful grin spread across her face as she strode into the room.
"So this is the last Master, hmm?" the woman said, her voice lilting with amusement. "A pleasure to meet you! I'm Leonardo da Vinci—the beautiful genius of Chaldea."
Ritsuka blinked in confusion, his eyes darting to Mash for confirmation. "Wait… Leonardo da Vinci? But you're a… woman?"
Da Vinci smirked, placing a hand on her hip. "Of course I am. When I designed my ideal form, why wouldn't I choose the most perfect vessel? And there's nothing more perfect than a woman, don't you agree?"
Ritsuka opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He simply nodded awkwardly, unsure how to argue with her logic.
Da Vinci's gaze shifted to Angela, her curiosity sharpening like a blade. "And you must be the Pale Lady I've heard so much about. A Servant from another world, was it?"
Angela stiffened slightly under Da Vinci's scrutinizing gaze. "That is correct," she replied coolly.
"How fascinating." Da Vinci's eyes gleamed with excitement as she stepped closer. "Another world entirely… Your presence here raises so many questions. How does the Throne of Heroes even connect to such a place? What's the nature of your Noble Phantasm? Oh, the possibilities are endless!"
Angela's expression remained impassive, though there was a flicker of discomfort in her posture. "I have no interest in entertaining idle speculation," she said curtly.
Da Vinci chuckled, unfazed. "Oh, don't be so cold. We're all allies here, aren't we? I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to learn more about each other."
With a wink and a playful wave, Da Vinci turned to leave. "Well, I'll let you rest, Ritsuka. But don't get too comfortable—we've got a lot of work ahead of us. And you too, Pale Lady. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."
As the door slid shut behind her, Ritsuka let out a sigh, slumping back into his bed. "This place just keeps getting stranger…"
Angela remained silent, her eyes fixed on the now-closed door. Mash stepped closer, her voice hesitant. "Angela… are you okay?"
"I am fine," Angela replied evenly, though her tone carried a hint of something unreadable. She turned away, her gaze distant. "This world is merely… unfamiliar."
Mash glanced at Ritsuka, sharing a concerned look, but neither said anything more. For now, rest was their only option.
---
Ritsuka, still feeling the ache of the Fuyuki battle, walked alongside Mash and Angela through Chaldea's dim corridors. Angela's cold gaze was distant, her thoughts unreadable, while Mash carried a nervous energy, her shield firmly in hand. Though the rest had been brief, the air around Chaldea was heavy with anticipation and unease.
They reached the summoning chamber, its circular walls glowing faintly with arcane symbols. Olga stood at the center, her presence commanding despite her ethereal form. Romani and Da Vinci flanked her, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.
"You're here," Olga said, her sharp tone softened only slightly by the faint flicker of relief. Her gaze lingered on Ritsuka. "Good. We have much to discuss, and not much time."
Ritsuka nodded, though the weight of Olga's words pressed heavily on him. "What's going on, Director? What's our next step?"
Olga gestured toward the large summoning circle at the chamber's center. "Chaldea's true mission begins now—the first and the last mission of this organization. The Grand Order. The restoration of the Human Order itself."
Mash's eyes widened. "The... restoration of the Human Order?"
Romani stepped forward, his holographic form flickering faintly. "Fuyuki was only the beginning. That singularity was just one of many distortions in time. If left unchecked, these singularities will erode the foundation of humanity's existence. We've identified more singularities that need to be resolved."
Angela's voice cut through the room, calm and unyielding. "And you expect this child and a single demi-servant to resolve this monumental task?"
Da Vinci grinned, her tone playful but tinged with seriousness. "Not just them, my pale lady. We'll be calling for reinforcements—legendary ones." She gestured to the glowing circle at the chamber's center. "This is where the Fate System comes into play."
Ritsuka frowned. "Fate System? You mean summoning Servants like Mash?"
"Exactly," Da Vinci said, her hands gesturing with theatrical flair. "The Fate System is Chaldea's lifeline—a mechanism that allows us to summon heroic spirits from the Throne of Heroes to fight alongside you."
Mash looked at the circle, her expression uncertain. "Summoning... heroic spirits? Like the ones we encountered in Fuyuki?"
"Yes," Romani confirmed. "Unlike the Servants of the Holy Grail War, those summoned by Chaldea's Fate System aren't bound to a single grail. They form contracts directly with Master candidates—in this case, you, Ritsuka."
Angela observed the glowing circle with faint interest. "You intend to pull legends from time itself, bending them to your will for the sake of this mission. Do you truly believe such a method is sustainable?"
Olga's sharp gaze turned toward Angela. "We don't have the luxury to debate morality. The singularities are tearing humanity apart. If this is what it takes to save the world, so be it."
Angela remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Ritsuka hesitated. "But... will this really work? What if something goes wrong?"
Da Vinci chuckled lightly. "There's always a risk, my dear Master, but that's what makes it exciting! Think of the legends you'll meet—kings, warriors, mages, and perhaps even those you've never heard of. They'll fight for you, lend you their strength, and perhaps, you'll learn something from them too."
Olga stepped forward, her voice resolute. "Ritsuka Fujimaru, Mash Kyrielight—Chaldea's hope now rests with you. This mission is unprecedented, but it's our only chance to preserve humanity's future. Are you ready to accept this responsibility?"
Ritsuka met her gaze, his determination solidifying. "I'll do whatever it takes. I won't let humanity be erased."
Mash nodded firmly. "I'll protect Ritsuka and fight to restore the Human Order. You can count on me."
Olga's expression softened, a faint smile breaking through her usually stern demeanor. "Good. Then let's begin preparations for the next singularity."
As Olga turned toward the summoning circle, Da Vinci's playful voice interrupted. "One last thing, though! Before we send you off, we'll give you a chance to summon your first ally from the Throne of Heroes. After all, you'll need more than one Servant to tackle what's ahead."
The Fate System whirred to life, the summoning circle glowing with ethereal energy. Ritsuka took a deep breath, stepping toward the circle. Mash stood beside him, her shield held tight, while Angela observed from the sidelines, her golden eyes flickering with a quiet intensity.
"Let's see who answers your call," Olga said, her voice steady.
As the summoning ritual began, the room filled with a dazzling light, the air humming with energy. Ritsuka clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
The air inside the summoning chamber was electric, the glowing summoning circle pulsating with a golden hue. Ritsuka took a deep breath, Mash standing by his side, her shield resting against the floor. Romani's standing nearby, his anxious expression reflecting the monumental weight of the moment.
"All right," Ritsuka said, steadying himself. "Let's summon our first ally."
The energy in the room intensified as the ritual commenced. Symbols etched into the summoning circle gleamed brightly, and a radiant figure began to emerge from the light. A man clad in blue stepped forward, his crimson spear glinting ominously under the chamber's artificial lighting. His expression was sharp, his grin wolfish.
Cu Chulainn had arrived.
Ritsuka's eyes widened, a spark of recognition lighting up his face. "Cu Chulainn! It's really you!"
Mash beamed. "We've missed you! It's so good to see you again!"
Cu raised an eyebrow, spinning his spear casually. "Huh? You two know me?" His voice carried an edge of curiosity, but his smirk remained. "This is our first meeting, though. Don't tell me another version of me was running around helping you?"
The excitement on Ritsuka and Mash's faces faltered slightly. "So… you don't remember us?" Ritsuka asked hesitantly.
"Sorry, kid. Must've been another me you met," Cu said with a shrug. "But if I helped you out before, I guess that makes us comrades, doesn't it?"
Mash quickly regained her composure. "Even if you don't remember, it's an honor to fight alongside you again, Lancer."
Ritsuka nodded with a faint smile. "Yeah, it's good to have you back, Cu."
Cu grinned, his sharp teeth flashing. "Glad to be here. Let's see what trouble we'll be getting into this time."
Before the group could dwell on the bittersweet reunion, the summoning circle flared to life again, its golden light pulsing steadily. The next Servant stepped out—a tall woman with long, flowing pink hair and a mysterious blindfold concealing her eyes.
"You have strange preferences. If you require a sacrifice, do feel free to treat me as you wish . I am Medusa, Rider-class Servant" she said, her voice calm yet carrying an underlying strength. "Do not mistake my blindfold for weakness. It is a measure to protect others, not myself."
Ritsuka nodded respectfully. "Thank you for answering our call, Medusa."
Mash stepped forward with a warm smile. "It's a privilege to fight alongside you, Medusa."
Medusa inclined her head slightly. "What a strange Master I got."
The solemnity of her words hung in the air as Ritsuka exchanged a glance with Mash. Before anyone could speak further, the summoning circle began to flicker erratically. Sparks flew from its edges, and an unnatural hum filled the room.
Romani's furrowed his brow. "That… doesn't look normal. Something's interfering with the system."
Da Vinci tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Interesting. The signal is… different this time. Let's see who—or what—comes through."
The light from the circle grew unstable, shifting between golden and crimson hues. Then, with a crackle of energy, a new figure emerged. The young man stood tall, his long black hair tied into a loose ponytail that draped over his shoulder. His attire was striking—an elegant black coat adorned with intricate patterns, and a massive hammer rested casually against his shoulder.
"Wow," he said, breaking the silence. "Tough crowd, huh?"
Everyone in the room stared at him, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Finally, Ritsuka managed to break the silence.
"Um… who are you?" he asked cautiously.
The Servant's eyes twinkled as he straightened his posture, his voice light and brimming with amusement. "I'm Hong Lu, a Fixer from the Fanghunt Office. It's nice to meet you all!"
Ritsuka blinked, the unfamiliar term throwing him off. "A Fixer? What's that?"
Hong Lu tilted his head, his smile growing wider. "You don't know what a Fixer is? Wow, this really is a strange place. Everyone in the City knows what a Fixer does!"
Angela, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up, her tone cold and measured. "Hong Lu and I come from the same world, a place far removed from your Throne of Heroes. This connection is an anomaly, but it seems the Fate System has found a way to bridge the gap between dimensions."
Ritsuka exchanged a glance with Mash, his confusion deepening. "How did you even get summoned here? The Fate System is supposed to summon legendary heroes, not mercenaries from another world."
Hong Lu's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Wait, wait, wait—did you just say I'm in another universe?" He clapped his hands together, laughing. "Oh, this is incredible! No wonder you're all so clueless about Fixers and the City. I mean, it makes perfect sense now!"
Romani's express a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "How are you so calm about this? You've just been pulled into another dimension!"
Hong Lu shrugged, still smiling. "Eh, I've seen weirder things happen back in the City. Honestly, this is pretty tame by comparison. You'd be surprised how many strange, unexplainable things happen when you're a Fixer."
Hong Lu turned to Angela, his grin never faltering. "Ah, so you're from the City too? Small world—er, universe, I guess."
Olga crossed her arms, her brows furrowed. "We're not in your 'City,' wherever that is. Explain yourself, and make it quick."
"Oh, of course!" Hong Lu said cheerfully, as if Olga's sharp tone had no effect on him. "A Fixer is someone who takes on jobs. You know, protecting people, retrieving lost items, solving problems… that sort of thing. In my case, I specialize in hunting bloodfiends. Nasty creatures, really. All claws and fangs and bad attitudes. You'd think everyone would know about them, but I guess not."
Mash looked intrigued. "Bloodfiends? Are they like monsters or spirits?"
"Kind of, yeah," Hong Lu replied, spinning his hammer with ease before resting it on the ground. "Think of them as a mix between vampires and werewolves, but much more aggressive. They're all about blood, chaos, and ripping people apart. That's why my office exists—to keep them in check. It's pretty straightforward stuff."
Da Vinci, however, looked absolutely delighted. "Fascinating! A completely different world with its own rules and systems… This opens up so many possibilities!" She leaned toward Hong Lu, her curiosity evident. "Tell me more about this City of yours. I'd love to hear about its structure, its culture, its—"
"Whoa, You talk pretty fast lady" Hong Lu said, laughing. "You're asking a lot of questions all at once! Let's just say the City is a… colorful place. You've got everything from megacorporations to back-alley syndicates, and everyone's just trying to survive. Fixers like me? We're the ones who keep things running—well, most of the time."
Olga pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to suppress her growing frustration. "This is absurd. How did the Fate System even summon someone like you? You're not a heroic spirit, and you're not from this world. What's going on here?"
Hong Lu shrugged again, completely unbothered. "Beats me. But hey, if you need help, I'm your guy. I might not be some big-shot hero, but I can swing a hammer pretty well."
Ritsuka couldn't help but chuckle at Hong Lu's lighthearted attitude. "Well, I guess we'll just have to figure it out as we go. Welcome to Chaldea, Hong Lu."
Hong Lu gave a mock bow, his grin as bright as ever. "Happy to be here! Let's make this whole 'saving humanity' thing fun, yeah?"
----
The room was illuminated again by the swirling vortex of mana as Ritsuka Fujimaru completed the ritual. The summoning circle pulsed with power before a figure materialized, clad in a navy coat with golden accents, gripping a long-barreled rifle with an almost reverent precision. She stood tall, her presence imposing yet restrained, as if weighed down by unseen forces.
She opened her eyes, golden irises meeting Ritsuka's gaze. Her voice was low, smooth, and edged with quiet determination.
"I am Der Freischütz, Archer-class. The pact I hold may curse us both, but if you are willing to shoulder that burden, I shall lend you my bullets."
She adjusted her grip on the rifle, her gloved fingers twitching slightly. Looking at her hands, she frowned.
"This… body is strange. Human sensations feel dulled and overwhelming at the same time. I'll have to adjust."
Angela, standing just out of sight, stiffened slightly. Her gaze flickered toward the new arrival, lingering on her rifle and the faint aura that radiated from her. She recognized it instantly—this was no ordinary Servant. It was a monster, an Abnormality. Her expression remained neutral, but her mind raced. How had one of them acquired a physical, human body? And why?
Ritsuka stepped forward cautiously, breaking the silence. "Welcome to Chaldea, Archer! My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru, and I'll be your Master. It's an honor to summon you!"
She inclined her head slightly. "Master… So you are the one who called me here. Very well, I accept this contract. May our fates intertwine, for better or worse."
Before any further pleasantries could be exchanged, Olga Marie Animusphere stepped closer, her arms crossed and her expression one of curiosity and doubt.
"Der Freischütz, huh? That's impossible. Are you truly him? The cursed marksman from the legend? The one who made a pact with the devil to gain seven enchanted bullets?"
Archer turned to her, tilting her head slightly. "A story, you say? Of me? What tale would this be, then?"
Olga blinked, slightly taken aback. "You mean you don't know? The story of Der Freischütz is famous. A hunter who made a deal with a demonic force to gain supernatural accuracy but paid the price when the seventh bullet couldn't be controlled. It's a tragic tale of ambition and despair."
Der Freischütz furrowed her brow, her grip on her rifle tightening ever so slightly. "So... my pact is known in this world. A story, you say? How quaint. I was unaware my curse had become entertainment for others."
Romani Archaman, standing nearby, stepped in, attempting to diffuse the tension. "It's not quite like that. Stories like yours become legends over time. They're passed down and shared, often as cautionary tales or examples of human ambition. People learn from them."
Da Vinci chimed in, her voice carrying an air of intellectual curiosity. "That's why you're here as a Servant. Your story, or legend, is what anchors you to the Throne of Heroes. It's fascinating, isn't it? You might be surprised how many know your name, Archer."
Archer's expression remained neutral, but her golden eyes betrayed a flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps, or unease. "To think my suffering became a lesson for others… amusing, in a morbid sense. But tell me, does your story end with me surviving, or does my pact consume me entirely?"
Olga hesitated, her confidence wavering slightly. "The story doesn't specify. It ends ambiguously, with the hunter losing control of the seventh bullet. Some versions say he perished; others say he disappeared."
Der Freischütz let out a low chuckle, her voice tinged with bitterness. "How fitting. Even in legend, the truth of my fate is obscured. Perhaps it is better that way."
Mash tilted her head curiously. "Um, Archer? If you don't mind me asking, are you feeling alright? You seemed… distracted earlier."
"It is nothing. This body is merely unfamiliar. It is a vessel, after all, not my true form."
Angela stepped forward at last, her expression carefully guarded. "Unfamiliar? You speak as though this form is not your own."
"That is correct. This body belongs to another—a mortal woman whose personality aligns closely with mine. Her will lingers, faintly, but I am the one in control."
Da Vinci folded her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "A host? I've heard of such things. So you're a Pseudo-Servant?"
"That is what I was told upon my arrival. My original form could not manifest in this age, so I was bound to a suitable vessel. Eighty percent of what you see is me. The remaining fragment belongs to her."
Mash blinked in surprise. "That's incredible… but also a little unsettling."
Angela remained quiet, her mind racing. She recognized the fragmented nature of this being. It reminded her of herself—an entity cobbled together from disparate parts. But voicing that thought would only invite questions she wasn't ready to answer.
Hong Lu, lounging near the back, let out an amused chuckle. "So, you're not really her, huh? Just borrowing the body? That's gotta be awkward sometimes, right? Like, do you get cravings for her favorite food or something?"
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Cravings? No. But this body does have certain… instincts. I suppress them when necessary."
He leaned back, his grin widening. "Weird. I love it. You're like a mystery wrapped in another mystery. Welcome to the team, Miss Curse-and-Bullets."
Medusa sighed. "Don't tease the new arrival, Hong Lu."
"Oh, I'm just making her feel welcome!"
Mash looked back at Ritsuka. "Senpai, what should we do next? Should we give everyone a proper tour of Chaldea?"
Ritsuka nod his head "That a great idea Mash. Let's go everyone I show your room and what chaldea has to offer"
---
A/N: So why did I Include Fanghunt hong lu and not the original hong lu. Well I thought that if the Throne of heroes connect not just the city but the mirror worlds too. It will be more and exiciting. Not the first time the throne can summon different version of the servant.
Also abnormality can be summon but they will have a host body just like ishtar with rin body or have a human body that can change to their original form. Happy walpurgis, I pray you'll get banner id ;)