Mash was alone in her room, trying to absorb the Greater Grail. She desperately wanted to be the best for me. She felt incredibly guilty for accidentally leaking my Seraphim bloodline due to shock. If only she had been calmer and less easily startled in chaotic situations, mistakes could be minimized, and failed plans could be rectified, even if the results weren't perfect.
"Mash, are you in there?" Mash flinched, hearing a knock at her door. It was Olga.
"Director, just a moment," Mash replied, hurriedly hiding the Greater Grail before opening the door.
"Is there a problem, Director?"
"I counted the Greater Grails, and six are missing. Did you store them in your shield?" Hearing this, Mash immediately broke into a cold sweat.
Senpai, you stole some too! Mash thought, trying to maintain a poker face.
"Huh? I don't know, Director. After the Singularity, I went straight back to my room to reflect on my mistakes." Olga looked confused, seeing Mash struggling to keep a poker face despite the heavy sweat.
Senpai, you used weird magic behind the Director again. She's going to scold you if she finds out.
"Mash."
"Yes?" Mash flinched, nearly giving it away. Olga glanced around Mash's room, detecting a large Mana signature inside a drawer. Mash looked at her with a resolute gaze, as if hiding nothing.
"I see. Did Valtor give you something from 'his rewards'?"
Mash thought hard, searching for an excuse.
"Oh, yes. Senpai gave me Shielder materials. He said they might improve my assimilation with Sir Galahad's abilities." Olga watched Mash, who was practically praying that she wouldn't sound suspicious.
"Hmmm... you stole it, didn't you?" Mash immediately paled, caught red-handed.
"No, Senpai secretly gave it to me... please, don't be angry with him. I, he..." Mash was in a panic, struggling to speak because she was so easily readable.
"It's fine. I want you to use it, but this time without anyone else knowing. I'll blame another thief for the six missing Grails." Mash was safe, at least for now. Olga's reassurance made her feel relieved.
"Understood, Director." Olga then entered Mash's room, while Mash began trying the Palingenesis that Da Vinci had taught her.
The results were astonishing. Mash gained a new form and her second Ascension, becoming incredibly powerful. Galahad's spirit had assimilated well, making Mash ready to not be a burden in the next Singularity.
"Senpai..." Mash felt immense gratitude towards me, even though I was currently accumulating Chaos and Hope within myself using Gaen Mode and Seraphim Mode. It was quite good because the powers of Hope and Chaos would further increase my strength. Perhaps combining some abilities would also be useful, but for now, I had to claim my rewards
[ Racial Skill ]
Asgard Royal Prince Insignia : Grants the blessings of Asgardian warriors, enhancing combat technique and prowess. Activates a battle aura that boosts combat capability by tenfold and increases progressively with adrenaline. The aura shields the user from physical, magical, and otherworldly threats, with a suffocating presence that terrifies enemies.
[ Auto-Skill ]
Spiritual Stone of Forest : Automatically prevents physical exhaustion and the need for rest. Replaces fatigue with a burst of serotonin, boosting emotion, determination, and vigor.
[ Passive Skill ]
Light Medallion : Grants a Sage Aura that connects the user to Holy, Divine, and Light aspects. Allows seamless harnessing of Holy Power, Divine Power, and the Light Element, displaying natural talent in these forces.
Spiritual Stone of Fire : Prevents physiological exhaustion and loss of instinct. Negates negative influences on the user's soul and protects against direct harmful effects.
"Alright, next Quest?"
[Devil Quest]
C: Clear 2 Main Singularities without summoning Servants | Reward: Free 2 Archangel Summons
I was incredibly excited. Two Archangel Summons? Oh great, this will be powerful, and I need to finish the last two Singularities to obtain new Wishes.
I need to do a few things immediately, which is Skill Synthesize again. I need to enhance some things, especially my Racial Skills, to gain some interesting power from that.
[ Skill Synthesize ]
Warrior of God + Asgard Royal Prince Insignia + Bloodstained Chivalry
[ Synthesizing... Complete ]
[ Racial Skill ]
God Marshal : Grants the Blessing from the God Army, enhancing the user's combat skill, technique, and prowess with the graceful and majestic movements of a god. Regardless of the weapon used—whether primitive, futuristic, magical, or scientific—the user's actions are fluidly spectacular, powerful, and domineering. At the start of the battle or during the Battle Phase, the user activates a battle aura that boosts combat capability tenfold, increasing progressively. This divine aura enhances physical damage by 250% and shields the user from physical, magical, and otherworldly threats. The aura's suffocating presence terrifies enemies, creating a sensation of life-or-death. Each time the user slays an enemy, their ATK, DEF, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage are boosted by 50%.
Good, that's enough for that. This time, I can focus on the scenarios, though I don't really know when they'll happen, but I'm sure many minor Singularities will pop up.
"Valtor, head to the Summoning Room," someone called early in the morning. I walked there, feigning sleepiness.
"Morning," I greeted, seeing Mash, Olga, Romani, Da Vinci, and a few other staff members already gathered.
"Good morning, Senpai," Mash replied with a bright smile. I already suspected she would reach her Second Ascension, but it still wasn't perfect.
"So, we're doing a Servant summoning?" I asked.
"That's right. This time, no. I'll be accompanying you to the Singularity. I want to test your theory about using the Servants' Noble Phantasms to Chaldea's advantage," Olga explained confidently. With the help of some new Servants, this will be an interesting test.
"Please go ahead." Since we've gained some abilities from Da Vinci and Romani, as former Grand Caster, Chaldea can practically be considered a unique Mana Realm, especially with the anti-magic. It might even be a surprisingly interesting place to live.
At the Summoning Shield, we watched Olga summon a Servant for the first time. Only one appeared, but it wasn't an ordinary one: Archetype Earth.
After a brief introduction, AE's (Archetype Earth) focus shifted to me. Her eyes stared deeply, as if seeing something else.
"Master, why is there an abomination here?" AE asked, staring intensely at me. Olga almost choked hearing those words from AE.
"Abomination?"
"He possesses Purest Bloodline, Foul Bloodline, Common Bloodline, Beast Bloodline, Emptiness Bloodline, and something even beyond my comprehension. He has five unique bloodlines that frighten, mesmerize, awe, and intrigue me... who exactly are you?"
I was given a few response options:
(Proper greeting): Isn't it unethical to force someone else to introduce themselves before you?
(Arrogant): Your future husband.
(Confident): Your true Master when the Director is incapable of utilizing it.
I preferred the first.
"Didn't you listen to my introduction?" AE asked.
"My apologies, I was too captivated by your unparalleled beauty to hear it," I replied smoothly, trying to navigate the situation.
AE chuckled and looked at me softly. "Indeed, as a princess, my beauty is unsurpassed." I stared at AE flatly, but in my heart, I was already planning something. Just you wait, I'll shut that mouth.
"Alright, have it your way. Director, is the summoning complete?" Olga asked, confidently puffing out her chest.
"Certainly, that's all," she replied. I knew she just wanted to show off her new power and wanted me to acknowledge it. Unfortunately, that would be a big mistake.
I approached the Summoning Circle and immediately received interesting notifications.
(Sacrifice): Discard 90% of the skills you possess to receive new skills.
(Sacrifice): Discard all skills you possess to receive new skills.
(Summon): Summon 50 Servants at once.
I was curious about the power of the next Archangel, so I chose the first option because it was very appealing. Just take it.
[Discarding…Complete.... Summon your next Archangel]
I used the Angelic language to summon them. An incredibly bright light appeared, brighter than a star, blinding everyone until the room turned white. In that light, I saw God and Satan.
"Whoops, return back," I came to my senses, my body enveloped by Seraphim Wings. I felt the new power from the Archangel I had gained.
I emerged from my Seraphim Wings, feeling the new power, and then an interface appeared.
[ Racial Skill ]
Transcendent Heaven Marshal : Michael, God's supreme commander, embodies eons of tactical experience, making you a master of strategy and leadership. This skill grants you transcendent tactical prowess, enhancing your command, leadership, and strategic planning in every battle. You can assess the battlefield several steps ahead of your enemies, ensuring that every plan and countermeasure is flawlessly prepared. Your composed attitude and sharp observation under pressure allow you to inspire others while maintaining complete control over any battle scenario.
Power of God : Gabriel grants you unparalleled physical power and strength, making you a near-invincible force in combat. This strength extends to cosmic levels, allowing you to rival the mightiest divine and cosmic beings. Your battle technique is embodied in the Dance of Yahweh, a pure and fluid combat style that combines grace and precision with devastating power. Your movements in battle are clean and precise, allowing you to perform near-perfect attacks with seamless flow, making you a formidable opponent in any confrontation.
God's Compassion : Raphael, the archangel of healing, bestows you with the ability to instantly diagnose and heal any affliction, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Your healing touch brings soothing energy, and those under your care feel immediate relief. This skill extends to the removal of pain from acute injuries or chronic ailments, restoring individuals to full health with divine precision. Your ability goes beyond physical healing, encompassing spiritual restoration and alleviation of long-term suffering, all while surrounding those you heal with calming, divine energy.
God's System : Uriel's connection to the fundamental structure of the universe allows you to manipulate matter and higher-dimensional concepts with an unparalleled understanding of creation. This skill grants you the ability to micromanage the material world, rewriting the laws of existence itself. With God's System, you can manipulate cosmic forces, rearrange matter, and reshape reality at a fundamental level. This power extends to the comprehension and control of higher-dimensional shapes and metaphysical constructs, making you a steward of divine balance and order across the cosmos.
[ Command Skill ]
God Heal : A direct manifestation of Raphael's healing power, this skill allows you to manipulate the health and vitality of any individual or organism. You can accelerate or slow down the healing process for wounds, diseases, or mental afflictions, even restoring life to the deceased under the right circumstances. This command skill also grants insight into an individual's genetic and mental predispositions, allowing you to target specific ailments and provide optimal treatment. As a divine healer, you wield life-altering power over the health of those around you, ensuring their recovery and continued vitality.
God Scribe : Uriel's mastery over the Pleroma allows you to manipulate the archetypal forms and energies that define reality. Through the power of words and semantic energies, you can shape and distort reality according to your will. By tapping into these linguistic and conceptual forces, you have the ability to alter the fundamental meaning behind objects, events, or beings, giving you control over the very essence of existence. This skill empowers you to influence the fabric of the cosmos itself, allowing you to rewrite, reshape, or even erase elements of reality at a fundamental level.
[ Passive Skill ]
God Light : This skill allows you to harness the divine power and light of God, manipulating holy elements that are especially potent against demons, fallen angels, and other supernatural entities. Beyond combat, your control over these divine forces extends to healing, protection, and purification. The divine light you summon can purify souls, cleanse curses, and heal injuries while also preserving life. You can create and manipulate photons formed from the soul or spirit itself, giving you unmatched control over the very essence of existence, allowing you to reshape and protect reality with celestial purity.
[ Auto-Skill ]
Messenger and Advisor of God : As Gabriel's chosen messenger, you have dominion over all forms of communication, whether between humans, machines, or beings across different realms. This skill automatically enhances your ability to influence and control communication, granting you the power to manipulate conversations, signals, and even thoughts. Moreover, you possess the Primo Sensei ability, which grants you wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. You can provide strategic advice and counsel that can shape entire battles or alter the course of events, influencing both personal and cosmic outcomes.
[ Restarting the Stats, Complete ]
I checked it, then I opened a crack in reality just by my will, as if I was cutting it open. I found the source of the Throne of Heroes, which was a bunch of cards with Servant Classes on them. I just randomly picked them up and summoned:
Cú Chulainn Lancer, Cú Chulainn Caster, Artoria Saber, Artoria Alter, Medusa, Hassan of the Cursed Arm, Musashibou Benkei, EMIYA, Sasaki Kojiro, Medea, Gilgamesh, and Heracles.
Siegfried, Elizabeth Báthory, Saint George, Marie Antoinette, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kiyohime, and Jeanne.
Atlanta, Charles Henry Sanson, Elizabeth Bathory, Carmilla, Gilles De Rais Caster, Gilles De Rais Saber, Jeanne D'Arc Alter, Saint Martha, Vlad III, Le Chevalier d'Eon.
I literally forced the Probability Increase Rate Up. The application for gacha manipulation is quite interesting. Plus, I don't need to be a whale or someone who spends money or effort to obtain every item in a game.
"Working as intended," I said, clapping my hands with a bright smile. My goal was to make Olga envious because I could summon so many Servants instantly.
Although I hadn't quite expected to get 1 to 5 Servants at once, this is a very efficient method compared to regular summoning. Now, I need to make some acquisitions and changes, especially regarding a crucial aspect: Servant Selection. Which Servant suits best in a specific scenario with minimum loss and advantage for a Singularity speedrun? But instead of just speedrunning, it's better to utilize some Servant abilities that are quite useful for that.
"We meet again, Master."
"Thank you for coming. Unfortunately, due to God's Order, I can't summon all of you in the next two Singularities because there is a reason."
"Master, you seemingly received new power. I can feel something... otherworldly coming out from you."
"Good observation. Thank you for noticing." For some reason, I've become very compassionate; perhaps it's due to the Archangel's power. This is interesting to explore and develop into a habit. Maybe Envy makes me want to be the best so that everyone who tries to compare themselves to me feels envious.
"Perhaps so, perhaps. But it's something I should make a note of for future planning," I added.
"So, how can I help you this time, Master, considering you're not bringing us to a Singularity?"
"Thank you for your understanding. Perhaps you can ask for further tasks and other missions regarding what to do here. Director Olga is the leader of this Foundation, Romani is managing, while Da Vinci is overseeing this Foundation. The others are crucial for keeping this Foundation stable. Because outside here, humanity is officially extinct, and you cannot go outside because you're bound by the Foundation system. You need a human vessel to go outside, but in exchange, you'll lose your Servant abilities. Loss some, gain some. Anyway, nice to meet you again. I need to write a report about the First Singularity. Have a good morning."
I opened a tear in reality just by glancing at it, stepping through into my room. I calmly walked to my seat and wrote the report with full focus, diligently, and with a bit of my opinion and wisdom included.
I moved my finger and closed the reality tear with ease. The most important thing is how I can develop using my Archangel powers, by leveraging scenario descriptions. Through thorough study and understanding, I realized that envy doesn't necessarily stem from desire, but from a situation. This time, the situation is different because I possess immense power, ability, and connections, making some people envious. And the most envious is Olga. Perhaps she felt guilty from our first meeting, but should I hold a grudge about that? No need, but I should strive to do my best as well.
My change in mindset is becoming very significant, thanks to the Archangel's influence. It's interesting to explore further. Even so, I still enjoy fighting, even if I have to be a bit more forceful. But what can I do? As a God Warrior, the mindset of fighting against myself is eternal.
"Senpai," Mash said as I finished the report and came out of the room. Mash brought me coffee. I had lost track of time while working; I needed to check the time.
"Thank you, Mash." I took the coffee, and this time it tasted quite strange. I dismissed my assumption that this coffee might have a new, unmentionable ingredient, given that Mash uses unique materials.
We went to Olga's office, greeting some passing Servants. Sometimes I would chat with them briefly, just making small talk. Building a good first impression is important here.
After giving the report to Olga, I performed a Future Insight. The next Singularity will occur in about 4 to 5 months because it requires a large amount of Mana. So, I can use this opportunity for bonding. However, without a game-like grinding system, I decided to create a good Singularity simulation to understand how to use my powers. A small experiment involves Restriction. Perhaps that could yield high risk, high experience.
I went to the simulation room and tried to train my new powers. I created a Singularity similar to the FF7 OG Sephiroth battle platform of stars. Activating Unlimited Blade Works, I saw Gorshalach and Star Saber.
I tried lifting these two gigantic swords effortlessly, even though my body was trillions of times smaller than the size of these weapons. I attempted the Dance of Yahweh. With the destructive Singularity simulation, stars collapsed, worlds collided, and even the emptiness of the universe.
Wielding weapons too large for me was incredibly difficult, but with quick understanding and experience, I could control these two gigantic weapons capable of splitting planets in half. Not just in half, but reducing them to stardust.
It took me 3 days to master wielding these big weapons like butterfly knives. I literally juggled them as if their weight, size, or power were nothing worth mentioning. It just felt right.
I sat down and felt the other weapons instantly jump towards me, as if they were literally asking me to use them all. I laughed and decided to test their might with Chaos Demon. I created another Singularity with four Chaos Demon armies at once and decided to have a murderous spree on them in the Immaterium.
After the last Chaos Demon, I was incredibly excited because I could use all these weapons to their maximum potential with my God Scribe ability, better regulating the fundamentals of reality.
However, it seems my battles with demonic entities are more than enough for now. I just need a short break; it feels like I've been facing universe-level creatures non-stop for a month. I need to focus on the enemy and some interesting battles.
I stopped the Singularity simulation and now it's time to create a rather simple Singularity: a perfect replica of Suramar, with all its inhabitants. This city is aesthetically beautiful, with Highborne and Kaldorei bloodlines.
I wandered around, trying to relax from the stress and exhausting training. I enjoyed Suramar's culture and various other things. I also didn't realize that I was being watched by Servants, even Olga, and other staff members from a far corner of the room that looked like a gateway to another world.
I learned magic and interacted with the Kaldorei inhabitants. In this, I received several compliments from the girls here for my friendly, loving, genius demeanor, and my various other "excellences."
After clearing this Singularity, I returned to the simulation room and saw that almost 90% of them were enjoying this Singularity simulation.
"Hmmm... I didn't know you guys were in this Singularity. Next time, let me know," I said while checking to resolve the Non-harmful Singularities. Now, I started creating the next Singularities from several interesting games like Bayonetta, Asura's Wrath, God of War, Devil May Cry, and others.
Each Singularity had its own approach and unique restrictions. Bayonetta required constant engagement and skill usage, God of War combined exploration, combat, and puzzles, Asura's Wrath utilized combos, attack patterns, and abilities, Devil May Cry was similar to God of War but with more varied weapon usage and limited puzzles, and many more.
Continuing to try each Singularity based on video game worlds felt more interesting than the usual ones. For instance, in Dynasty Warriors, I had to be smart about positioning officers, just as I would Servants. Fire Emblem was similar; I had to be clever in managing individual abilities.
Granblue required setting up various card or ability sets, plus specific skills when facing enemies as they used their skill sets. Honkai Impact and several other famous Chinese games also had similarities, where I understood the entire battlefield, situations, conditions, and enemy abilities by filtering and some trial and error from careful situation assessment.
Arknights somehow made me feel nostalgic. Maybe someday I'll be there.
[Singularity Simulation counted]
I was surprised to get a notification from God, and of course, I accepted it positively.
"Senpai, that's too many Singularities," Mash said, a little worried.
"Mash, those are just imaginary worlds. They feel like Singularities because I create situations identical to Singularities, just with some limitations, as is common with Singularities in general," I explained.
"So, Senpai... this has always been on my mind, a question that always pops up... Senpai isn't from this world, are you?" A good question from Mash, and literally, it was true.
"Exactly," I replied. "I am not from here, not even born in this world or formed from this universe. More precisely, I am not from this world, or in other words, I am a traveler—as many call it, an otherworlder. A being that exists outside universes or worlds. And that is why I possess angelic power, demonic power, as well as the ability to alter reality, which is my birthright. However, there is one rule for otherworlders like me: my time is limited, depending on the task given by God. The task is to help humanity fix their altered history, to determine their future. This is called a Singularity. I have to clear at least 100 Singularities."
"When will you finish?"
"Goodbye." Such simple words, but carrying profound meaning, as if it were a farewell that would last forever.
"What do you mean by 'goodbye,' Senpai?" Mash asked, confused.
"I will return to God's embrace, to the Garden of Eden, the promised heaven," I replied, gazing at the ceiling of the simulation room, which transformed into the gate of Eden, filled with indescribable majesty—an entrance to heaven.
The gate was shrouded in clouds as bright as stars, accompanied by the chanting of angels. Beyond the gate lay an indescribable world: a promised heaven, where angels flew with fairies of unimaginable, absolute beauty beyond human comprehension.
The angel gatekeepers, whose size was far greater than planets, greeted me.
"Valtor," they hailed me, and the angels and fairies there flew around me.
"You all are very happy to see me," I answered casually. We conversed like old friends, even like family, asking about each other's well-being, conditions, and situations. They asked if I needed someone to talk to or help with power. Even so, I felt quite happy just listening to them.
On the other hand, the people around me saw the Garden of Eden and the angels, but to them, angels only appeared as brilliant rays of light in winged human form. They looked like humanoid sprites of light with beautiful wings, very simple yet mesmerizing.
We spoke in the angelic language, so no one here understood what we were talking about. From my facial expressions—laughing, smiling, joking—it was clear that we had a family-like relationship, creating an atmosphere difficult to describe in words.
"Don't forget to rest," one of the angels said.
"I'll remember, see you," I replied. They vanished in a beautiful shimmer of light, and I returned my gaze to the ceiling of the simulation room.
"Beautiful, isn't it? The Promised Heaven..." "Senpai." "Yes?" "Can I be selfish for a moment?" "You can." "Promise me you'll never go to a Singularity unless it's absolutely necessary."
I thought for a moment. Perhaps I could command from Chaldea, but that would take over Olga's role as director.
"Mash... if I stay here, who will handle the Singularities?" "Director can." We looked towards Olga, who was still processing the situation.
"Director, any orders?" My voice startled Olga. She began to sweat coldly, because even though she had grown, her power was minimal, and sometimes she feared being unable to handle the Servants.
"How about we do a test? Since Valtor can't summon Servants because, well, God's order, let's see how he utilizes Servants in a Singularity. Compare the results with me in the next Singularity, and for the record, we'll look at the Servants' reviews after they're summoned. Agreed?"
"Fair, fair!" Most agreed, but some felt this was unfair. However, I just wanted to test my abilities.
[It counts.]
'It counts? Great.'
"Alright, Director. We'll wait until that Singularity occurs." And, as if I jinxed the situation, the Singularity appeared faster than we expected.
"It seems divine intervention is making everything faster. Come on, Mash." "Yes, Senpai!" We immediately headed to the pod without a briefing and arrived at the Singularity. I immediately commanded Mash to gather information faster and more accurately, along with all our interactions there.
We met Nero and helped her gather allies faster than usual. With Servant scanning, I led them more efficiently, using counter-class Servants, Noble Phantasm arrangements, and precise skill management for each Servant.
My tactical and command abilities highly impressed Zhuge Liang. My tactics were more unpredictable, well-developed, and beneficial. The Union Roman Empire collapsed in less than two days since our arrival. When Lev appeared, I simply yawned at his long monologue.
He summoned Altera, and we immediately jumped to face her, even though Altera's numbers and strength were immense. She eventually retreated, while I caught Lev by the neck. The other Servants pursued Altera to prevent her escape.
"I want to try this." I unleashed Omega Sanction on Lev, making him experience an endless synthetic life within his own consciousness. He began blabbering all his intentions after experiencing that eternal punishment.
"Director, note this, if you wish. I'm sending his consciousness into eternal void. Everything coming out of his mouth now is the true truth from his heart." I continued the pursuit of Altera, and they successfully defeated her without my help. Quite interesting to develop further.
Altera looked at me one last time and smiled, and then I felt relieved that this Singularity was completed faster with no casualties since my arrival.
The Servants, both Rogue, Masterless, and enemy Servants, praised me for my ability to utilize them well based on their skills, Noble Phantasms, class skills, append skills, and so on. Even Nero repeatedly wished I had been born in her era, as she would surely have made me her Royal Mage. She even approved it in Roman style, making me an honorary Roman Court Mage.
"Goodbye, Master." "Goodbye, Nero." We returned to Chaldea, exited the pod, and I received a notification that 50 Grails had arrived in my room.
"Master, your display of skill utilization was truly extraordinary. You should be in a command role, not on the front lines." "Thank you for the input. I'll consider it after this test." "Good job, Valtor." "Thank you, Director." "Master, it seems your tactical brilliance impressed Zhuge Liang, the Hero of Tactics." I received much praise for my abilities, making Olga a little unsure of her capabilities in the next Singularity.
However, her pride wouldn't let that pass. As long as she could lead, she just needed to learn and review my command abilities. The Director was truly pushing herself too hard. Everyone noticed it, but they still supported her, even if she made mistakes or seemed clumsy and awkward. We understood, because she was trying her best to prove herself. As team members and employees, we had to support her efforts.
The next question is about the next Singularity, which is Air-themed. After completing the report on the Singularity and other things like Servant training and simulations, I could conclude that Michael's Leadership Buff gave me a significant advantage. I could assess the battlefield several steps ahead of the enemy, ensuring every plan and counter-action was perfectly prepared beforehand. My calm demeanor and sharp observation under pressure allowed me to inspire others while maintaining full control in every battle scenario. Even stubborn and egoistic Servants were captivated by my abilities. However, the most important point in this situation is that I should not rely too much on that power to improve my performance. I must learn without relying on that power, so that my abilities can become permanent. That is the first step I must take.
I took this opportunity to do some bonding, or rather, interact with all the Servants. Getting closer to everyone is better than focusing on just one Servant, especially since I have 50 Pure Greater Grails in my hand.
We performed Servant Summoning again, and this time, Servants from the previous Singularity appeared. They were happy to be summoned but disappointed that their Master wasn't me, but the Director. However, that didn't make the Director feel inferior. Instead, she was excited to prove herself as a capable leader and Master, imitating my interaction style, and she had done her homework well, studying Servant histories through the knowledge provided in the Chaldea Library.
This time, I just needed to observe and make some important plans. Nero confidently wanted to create a Singularity, and that's where the answer came. Olga feared that if she failed in a Singularity, the end of humanity would occur. But a Minor Singularity? That was no problem.
So, we faced a Minor Singularity, the Nero Festival, which was basically a coliseum war with Nero as the host, while I became a commentator alongside Romani and other staff. They also opened stalls for extra cash, considering Chaldea's material shortage. We let the Servants have fun without worrying about saving the world. The purpose of this festival was to enjoy glory and prosperity through cultural exchange and joy.
This Singularity was a success. Olga, as a capable leader, won everything using only AE, who was the strongest Servant here. AE's Reality Marble was no ordinary ability, and it seemed AE was trying to impress me, showing that she could do what I could do. Meanwhile, I focused on data collection habits, assessing Servants in specific conditions, and their reactions when facing Singularities with limitations. Lostbelts were also one of those challenges.
We returned, and today was an important day—a crucial part of the challenge, who was a better Master, me or Olga. However, this challenge ended in disaster because no Servant cast their vote due to certain conditions.
"We weren't utilized properly, because the Master didn't use us in the Singularity, and the Director relied too much on one Servant," one of them said. I agreed, as I couldn't summon Servants to give a definitive answer. But on the other hand, Olga relied too much on one Servant rather than everyone in the Team Comp. Meta Slave might be great, but controlling people for pleasure and challenge is more interesting.
"Alright, let's just conclude," I said, and the others began to listen carefully.
"I'm sorry, Mash. Your request for me not to go to Singularities cannot be granted, because this is my destiny," I said. Mash looked very sad, bowing her head.
"Thank you, everyone, for your participation in the Nero Festival. Let's count all of you," I said, counting the Servants and reaching a good number. I had almost 100 Pure Greater Grails, and I took almost 40 of them by tearing reality. I still had more.
I brought the Grails and gave them to them. I explained the Grail's ability to use Palingenesis, and I didn't forget to give some to the other staff, Mash, Da Vinci, and Romani, as a token of gratitude for their participation. I was generous, not stingy like Lasagne.
"Thank you for your participation and hard work. It might have been troublesome, but at least you gained something, even if you didn't try too hard. However, I hope that in the next festival, you can give your best."
"Thank you, Master."
"No problem, I'll go make a report. See you next time." I went to my room to write the report. Mash looked teary-eyed at the unavoidable fate of separation.
After finishing the report, I handed it in at the Director's office. However, AE prevented me from entering Olga's room.
"Can I help you, Princess?" Suddenly, she changed into her second Ascension, like a cheerful older sister. We talked about many things, from lighthearted to serious. Our conversation became more interesting over time. However, our conversation stopped when Olga allowed me in. As I saw Mash leave the room, she pushed my shoulder and just walked away.
Mash seemed upset with me for not granting her selfish request, and it seemed like she was experiencing a love-hate relationship. I put that aside and entered Olga's office.
"Director," Olga took my report while I stood before her desk.
"Valtor... tell me the truth. How many Singularities do you have to face before you leave?"
[Singularity: 57 / 100]
"43," I replied. Olga fell silent, carefully calculating the pros and cons.
"Next Singularity, I want you to tell Mash that she can spend time with you."
"She has limitations due to her existence as a Heroic Spirit vessel. I extended her life to a full human lifespan of 60 years, and if calculated, her life expectancy is around 78-80 years. Although she can reincarnate because her purpose is to hold Mana, she's sad that those 50-60 years will be spent in loneliness without me here. Perhaps in the future, there will be other Masters who can't meet her expectations, or even worse, misuse what I leave behind. She fears that without me... everything I've done for her will be used by someone else."
"That's right, that's what Mash fears. One day, when the Singularities are over, you will leave, and another Master will replace you. They might use stronger Servants due to your legacy and could even misuse it. Literally, 99% of the Servants here would rather have you as their Master than me. I know my weaknesses and limitations, but I don't despair. I believe I am capable of being a good director. Although I'm not a fully experienced Master, I believe that when the situation calls, I'll be ready on the front lines. I just need to learn from you. Seeing your way of being a Master, I also did my homework to better understand Servants. I need to be closer to them. I was wrong to rely too much on The Moon Princess rather than other Servants, even though we are a team, not individuals. I learned a lot from you. Thank you, Valtor."
"You're welcome, Director. If you'll excuse me."
"Wait," Olga called. I stopped and looked at her.
"Sit down," she said. I sat and looked at her.
"What is it, Director?" "Just chat with me," she replied. It seemed she heard my conversation with Arcueid, but I didn't mind. We talked about Magecraft, Astronomy, and several other things concerning personal interests.
We conversed for a very long time, and not a single conversation was interrupted. Every topic was always interesting and made us want to delve deeper. Nothing was boring; we even joked and teased each other occasionally.
After that, I returned to my room but decided to eat in the cafeteria. Seeing Emiya as the chef was interesting. Usually, I enjoyed cocktails and classic Japanese food here. Sometimes, the male Servants would come to drink, but Emiya forbade alcohol, which was a bit disappointing. Until I finally offered to serve drinks, proving that I was the best winemaker.
I remembered how angels in heaven made and pressed fruits to create the freshest drinks. Fortunately, I had learned from them. I took some fruits grown here, as well as a collection I gathered from the Asura's Wrath Universe. I prepared barista and mixologist equipment I knew, and also some of my homemade wine collection from that world.
I started concocting various drinks with passion, detail, and aesthetic reasons, using small glasses, wine glasses, mugs, and more. However, not only did the appearance need to be appealing, but the taste also had to be extraordinary.
The aroma of the drinks I made was so tempting that some people here could smell the delicious combination of my wine. The taste was strong, giving a comfortable sensation to the mind, and very stimulating.
But this was not just an ordinary serving. When the fruits were done being pressed, I tried using the angelic technique to make a heavenly drink. The pressing process had to be meticulous, the measurements precise, and the stirring and flavor blending techniques just right.
I served Angel Love, a drink I learned from the angels.
"Angel Love, this is a drink enjoyed by angels in heaven when they chat. Its taste is unparalleled. Please try it," I said, offering the drink.
They drank it without hesitation, finishing it in one gulp. I tried it too and immediately fell in love. Damn, this drink is really good! I can't explain how delicious it is; it tastes like a harmonious blend of fruits, complementing each other. Every time this liquid touched my throat, it felt as if freshness spread throughout my body. I could even feel my hair stand on end and my skin tingle from the incredible stimulation of this drink.
"So, how's that?" "Another serving, please." I laughed, and we partied in the cafeteria as if we had just conquered a god. Although alcohol should have made us drunk, we were still conscious. The cafeteria was a mess with many bottles scattered on the floor, people doing crazy things while drunk, and we even created new steps to overthrow God. Sometimes when drunk, our logic turned into chaos.
But, I was just having fun. After all this, people found ways to overthrow God, and I just learned and improved upon them. Not to make God lose power, but to focus on Craft Essence. Its implementation is interesting, using Craft Essence to infuse some buffs that can help Servants by adding Additional Status Effects and Additional Amplification.
Interesting to explore, so I went to see Romani and Da Vinci. Romani was lounging around, so I didn't want to disturb him. Da Vinci was in her room.
"Da Vinci," I called, hearing several objects fall inside the room. I pretended not to hear it and waited for Da Vinci to emerge in her Ascension 3 form. Quite intriguing.
"Master, how can I help you today?" she asked.
"A craft."
"Craft?"
"Yes, can I come in?"
"Sure." We entered, and I began crafting the Craft Essence based on the buffs I previously had, utilizing the system and statistical attributes. I successfully created a Craft Essence Card Deck, currently consisting of 52 cards. I need to take good care of these for now.
"What is this, Master?"
"This is Craft Essence, an Augmented Magic that grants special status effects, buffs, and unique skills not originating from their Heroic Spirit's original Throne, as I explained before."
"Interesting, Craft Essence... Master, I'm curious about one thing."
"Yes?"
"What does beauty mean to you?"
"Get me a mirror, please." Da Vinci retrieved a mirror and handed it to me. I pointed at her reflection in the mirror and then walked away. Da Vinci fell silent, her face flushing with embarrassment at my sudden action. Actions indeed speak louder than words, and with that, I proved that to me, she was beauty itself. I just needed to show her.
"Wisdom of Angel." I then headed to my room to do something interesting: sleep.
Sleep was something I found quite appealing at the moment. I drifted off comfortably, allowing my body to fall asleep automatically, my instincts keeping watch, while my consciousness traveled to Heaven to converse with the Angels and others.
How delightful that atmosphere was