I can't believe my ears. It's neither a mistake nor a jest.
A facility observing and safeguarding humanity's fate—Chaldea, was it? An unexplained explosion razed it, yet a Master miraculously survived, performing a Rayshift. Fused with a mysterious Heroic Spirit at death's door, she became a Demi-Servant, fighting alongside the Master in this burning city.
"Amazing job, Fujimaru! Summoning the Hero King on your first try? That's the jackpot! No better card to play!"
A voice, unseen but audible, carries a flippant, unreliable tone. Is he the strategist?
So, the fate of humanity rests on these two girls.
"Um…"
As I process the information, a frail-looking girl in purple armor speaks up.
"Thank you for answering my senpai's summons. I'm Mash Kyrielight, a Demi-Servant fused with a Heroic Spirit. I'm one of the Servants contracted to her."
"—"
"We're investigating this Singularity, planning to return to Chaldea via Rayshift. But with countless enemies patrolling and our lack of combat experience, progress is daunting."
Her voice, delicate yet resolute, is pleasant. She wields a massive shield, disproportionate to her slender frame. According to summoned knowledge, Servants manifest one facet within a class framework.
What's her class? And for that matter, what's the class of this Hero King, Gilgamesh?
Such details aren't provided. No hero would ask, "What's my class and fighting style?"—unless they're senile, which I'm not.
But that shield… it feels off.
Is it really a shield? It seems more like something you'd lay out for a banquet—
"With all due respect… no, I humbly request. Will you lend your strength to senpai and me?"
Her plea is earnest, devoid of ulterior motives.
If I can help, I will. That's why I'm here. That cry of anguish I let out—not wanting to die without achieving something—brought me here.
"Very well."
My simple words convey my resolve. Both girls' faces brighten.
"No need for such confirmation. Why would I answer a summons without intent to aid?"
"What?! The haughty king agrees so easily? What's this whim? Are you really the Hero King?!"
"Judge that with your own eyes. Let's move. We've done what needed doing here."
"What needed doing?"
"Summoning me. Whether I'm essential or not is your call. With those Command Spells, you can dispose of a Servant however you please."
"Is there a flaw in the summoning? No, that can't be… What's with this humble Hero King?! It's creepy!"
"Doctor, please be quiet. …Then, Hero King, we're counting on you."
"Indeed. Do your best."
Mash's tense demeanor softens. For some reason, she seemed braced for execution.
"Phew, worried for nothing! The Hero King's surprisingly friendly!"
The other girl, who'd been cowering, breaks into a grin. Unlike Mash, she exudes vivacity.
"I'm Rikka Fujimaru! Kinda became a Master by accident. Nice to meet you, Gil!"
"Wha—"
"Gah—"
Their loud reactions echo. They're an expressive bunch.
"Very well. Fulfill your role as Master."
"W-Wait, that's okay?!"
"What?"
"You're fine with a nickname? No 'that's disrespectful' rage?"
"What's a name matter? No need to fuss over it."
They seem overly afraid. I'm no tyrant; call me what you like.
"Um… if the Hero King's fine with it, then…"
"Friendly! I might've pulled the best Servant! Alright, Mash, Gil, our journey starts now!"
"Feels like it's already ending, senpai!"
Rikka's spirited shout is refreshing. Her vitality is promising.
How well can I meet their expectations? At the least, I won't disgrace myself by falling in the first battle.
Chaldea must have records on the Hero King. I should learn about the hero whose vessel I inhabit.
"Hey, you with the voice."
"Oh, me? I'm Romani Archaman, Chaldea's medical staff, but…"
"When we return, I want to see materials on Gilgamesh… on me. Gather them."
"Books on the Hero King? Sure, but… to help Fujimaru know you better? You're quite considerate—"
"I'll read them."
"Huh…?"