"A Great Holy Grail War? Romania?"
Romani was confused. As far as he knew, the only Holy Grail War had taken place in Fuyuki, and it was he and Marisbury who had achieved victory, bringing that war to an end.
But now there was another one—and judging by the scale of the Singularity, this war was extremely dangerous…
"A parallel world…"
As an innate genius, Leonardo da Vinci quickly understood how another Holy Grail War could exist. In a parallel world, the Holy Grail War could be different, and depending on the timeline, there could have been a war even before the one Marisbury fought.
Even so, she reached the same conclusion as Romani.
"The deviation from history is terrible… even we, as a parallel world, aren't safe…"
In theory, parallel worlds shouldn't affect each other. Even if one were destroyed, it wouldn't damage the other. Each had its own history, with no direct connection.
But the deviation level of that parallel world was so extreme that it was affecting them anyway…
There was no other choice. They had to stop the deviation.
"Doctor! Da Vinci-chan!"
"Doctor Roman, Da Vinci-san."
At that moment, two more people entered the control room.
The man had the average build of a Japanese youth, with short, messy black hair and blue eyes. The woman beside him had lilac hair and lavender eyes.
She wore rectangular-framed glasses, a gray hoodie over a black shirt with a white collar, a red tie, a skirt, black stockings, and brown shoes.
She was undeniably beautiful—though, compared to the "Mona Lisa," it still wasn't enough.
At the same time, perched on her shoulder was a small white, squirrel-like creature. It didn't resemble any known species, but since no one reacted to it, it was promptly ignored.
"Fujimaru, Mash…"
Leonardo da Vinci greeted them first. Their arrival didn't surprise her. With the alarm still blaring, it was only natural—and the importance of these two was crucial to resolving the anomaly. That realization helped her calm down.
After all, the man was Ritsuka Fujimaru, the last Master of humanity and the one who had resolved six Singularities.
And the woman was Mash Kyrielight, Chaldea's only Demi-Servant to date. Her existence itself was a miracle.
Not to mention that because of her, Ritsuka Fujimaru was still alive.
As a Demi-Servant who housed a Servant's power within her body, her strength surpassed that of ordinary magi.
So it was obvious to everyone that they had to take part in this mission.
"What's going on, Doctor, Da Vinci-chan?"
Ritsuka had to ask. He'd been enjoying his lunch when the alarm went off, forcing him to rush over without any context. Unlike Mash, who wasn't even breathing hard, he was completely winded.
After all, he was still just a magus, unlike Mash, a Demi-Servant.
"A new Singularity appeared… one outside the Grand Order…"
"What?!"
Ritsuka nearly shouted in shock. Romani's words left him stunned.
There were supposed to be only seven Singularities. They had already cleared six successfully, and according to the plan, they were preparing to tackle the Babylonia Singularity next.
At first, he thought the alarm meant something had gone wrong with the seventh Singularity—but he was mistaken.
This alarm didn't just ruin his meal. It brought even more trouble.
"It's okay, Senpai…"
"How is this possible, Doctor… is there something beyond the Grand Order?"
Still in shock, Ritsuka was comforted by Mash at his side. At the same time, he forced himself to speak.
Dealing with seven Singularities was already enough. He didn't want to add another one.
"We don't know exactly what's happening either, but according to the data, something went wrong in a parallel world…"
To be honest, Romani had a headache trying to make sense of it all. He did his best to explain, but even then, Ritsuka and Mash still looked unconvinced. With no other choice, Leonardo da Vinci stepped in.
"The problem isn't in our world. More precisely, it's tied to a Holy Grail War…"
"A Holy Grail War? Is it Fuyuki again?"
Remembering the city engulfed in flames, Mash frowned. Even though that level of danger couldn't compare to everything they'd faced since then, she knew how disastrous a Holy Grail War could be for all of humanity.
"No. It's Romania—and it's not a Holy Grail War… it's a Great Holy Grail War!"
Leonardo da Vinci spread her arms wide, emphasizing the point.
"...?"
Mash and Ritsuka exchanged confused looks. They knew what a Holy Grail War was, but a Great Holy Grail War was unfamiliar territory. After all, the only war they knew of was the one overseen by Chaldea's previous Director.
That wasn't a problem for Leonardo da Vinci, who calmly explained the difference.
"A Great Holy Grail War is a two-sided battle. A war involving fourteen Servants."
"Wait, Da Vinci-chan! How could there be a Great Holy Grail War? Wasn't the last war supposed to be in 2004?"
"That's because it's a parallel world…"
After nearly frying his brain, Ritsuka finally managed to grasp what Leonardo da Vinci was saying—and once again, he was left speechless.
Especially when he considered the deviation value of this new Singularity…
"We have to stop it. Let's go, Mash…"
"Yes, Senpai…"
With the world in danger, Ritsuka didn't waste another second and urged Mash forward, before the Singularity's value climbed any higher…
"Wait, you two. I'm coming with you."
Before they could leave the control room, Leonardo da Vinci followed them.
"Da Vinci-chan…"
"We don't know what's happening in that parallel world. My genius will be necessary."
"..."
Ritsuka turned his head, disbelief written all over his face. The last time Leonardo da Vinci had accompanied them, she ended up returning to the Throne of Heroes. He was hesitant to let her come again. She wasn't just a Servant—she was his friend, and he didn't want to lose her again.
But he couldn't deny that they needed her wisdom, especially when dealing with a Singularity outside the Grand Order.
"Senpai, there's no need to worry about Da Vinci-san coming with us. We can summon another Servant once we arrive…"
"Fouu~ Fouu."
As they hesitated, Mash placed a hand on Ritsuka's shoulder and spoke up for Leonardo as well.
With Mash as a Demi-Servant, once they reached the Singularity's location, Ritsuka could use the world's ley lines to summon another Servant. Leonardo didn't need to worry about her safety. Of course, Mash didn't actually think Leonardo needed protection—she was extremely powerful—but for her Senpai's peace of mind, Mash felt the need to clarify.
The little white creature on her shoulder also seemed to agree, though Ritsuka couldn't understand it at all.
"You're right. Da Vinci-chan, Mash, let's go…"
"Fufu, what enthusiasm~"
"Fouu~"
"..."
Smiling, Leonardo da Vinci gave a playful wink and followed after Ritsuka, with Mash right beside him.
"I hope I don't have to summon you again, Leonardo…"
After the trio left, Romani let out a tired sigh. He was the one who had brought Leonardo back after she disappeared. He hoped he wouldn't have to do that again—or worse, that Mash and Ritsuka wouldn't die in the Singularity.
If it were up to him, he wouldn't send them at all. But he had no choice. If they didn't go, humanity would perish.
He had a bad feeling. Whatever was causing the Singularity, it wasn't ordinary. Something terrible was waiting in Romania…
But as a doctor and acting Director, he couldn't accompany them.
All he could do was wait.
"I hope I'm wrong…"
---
