To reach this realm, I endured countless trials;
I built a graveyard of blades from tens of millions of forged edges;
This realm was the convergence of all things;
This realm was the wish of all things;
This realm was the non-karma of all things;
My entire life was for this blade;
The sword was ringing—!
This was my Tsumikiri, Muramasa—!
The black Reality Marble was split in two. The Demonic Beast nest completely collapsed beneath the might of that single strike. Every Demonic Beast within turned to black dust, and the incomplete giant monster at the very center was destroyed along with them. This was the ultimate strike of a god. Nothing could escape it. Everything had already ended.
The surroundings returned to silence, and everything before his eyes was swallowed by dazzling white light.
Justice Always Triumphs Over Evil
The Servant Saint Graph from another world gradually dispersed and returned to the Throne. In a white void, the naked Youth, existing in spiritual form, saw Gorgon in the same state. Though she still bore obvious Demonic Beast characteristics, she was no longer covered in the pitch-black sludge from before.
Instead, she was adorned in magnificent gold and purple. Beneath her golden wings, she wore a white dress, and the rational woman seemed to retain a trace of a goddess's sanctity.
"Thank you, Youth from another world," Gorgon said with a light smile.
"I didn't do anything that deserved your thanks." Shirou shook his head.
"No. Whether it was killing Perseus in that state or freeing me from control, both are worth my gratitude. Until we meet again. As a monster, I cannot grant you a goddess's blessing, so let me tell you something as thanks instead," the purple-pink-haired monster goddess said.
"Those eyes of yours possess the potential to surpass even my Magic Eyes. Perhaps they will bring about a miracle. Perhaps the future you seek lies within them. Use them well."
After saying that, the remains of Gorgon, the former goddess turned monster, also transformed into fluorescent light and dispersed, returning to the Throne. Shirou's vision was covered in white light, and the Saint Graph within his spiritual body separated from his flesh, each returning to its proper place.
"Senpai... Senpai, thank goodness! You're finally awake."
When the Youth's consciousness returned to his body, he frowned slightly. A girl's delighted voice reached his ears. The top of his head hurt a little, but the back of his head rested against something warm and soft that felt very comfortable.
"Mash?" Shirou opened his eyes to see the pretty face of the pink-haired girl. Deep concern flickered in her large eyes.
"Senpai, you're finally awake! Does anything feel uncomfortable? That was far too reckless!" Mash brushed aside half her long bangs and lowered her head to carefully examine the Youth's condition.
Earlier, Shirou-senpai had suddenly unleashed an incredibly powerful Noble Phantasm she had never seen before. Then the Spiritron Dress on his body began to dissipate and return to Chaldea, while he lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground. She had been terrified.
Fortunately, Da Vinci's examination showed that Shirou had merely exhausted himself by pouring out all his magical energy and had fallen asleep.
So after recovering the Holy Grail, Mash had been taking care of Shirou like this the entire time.
Shirou was touched by his junior's concern, but when he noticed the surroundings, he could not help laughing. Helplessly, he said, "No, I'm fine. But, Mash... thank you for taking care of me, but isn't giving me a lap pillow in the middle of the street a little embarrassing?"
Shirou was currently lying beneath a wall at the corner of the street, enjoying Mash's lap pillow. Since the wall blocked the sun, it was not hot. She deserved praise for considering the heat and moving him here.
But the girl, lacking common sense, had apparently completely forgotten that this was the pedestrian walkway beside the road near the gymnasium. Now that the battle was over and the world's consciousness was no longer interfering, people were streaming past them.
Passersby all turned their gazes toward the young pair openly displaying their affection with a lap pillow in the street.
The elderly watched them and repeatedly shook their heads, sighing, "Society really has gone downhill."
At that moment, a mother and child passing by stopped. The elementary school child pointed at Shirou and Mash and shouted.
"Mom, look! There's a pair of idiot lovebirds here!"
"Don't look over there, children! It might be contagious. Hurry, let's go." The woman grabbed the child and hurried away.
"Ugh... then hurry up and get up, Shirou-senpai!" Mash shouted, her face flushed red.
"Ah, sorry. It was so comfortable that I completely forgot I should get up." Shirou sat up as he spoke.
"Hey! Shirou, Mash, are you two okay?" Yuihama ran over, waving her hand.
Asuna and Yukino followed behind her. It seemed their battle had ended as well.
"We're fine. Did you settle things over there too?" Shirou waved back.
"Of course! Suzuka Gozen and I are super strong." Yuihama said with a proud grin.
At that moment, Shirou's phone vibrated violently. Since they were in the real world and it was inconvenient to use a holographic projection, Da Vinci sent a video call.
"This is bad! After Perseus disappeared, the tens of thousands of Demonic Beasts in the beast nest lost control. Many of them passed directly through the passage to this world and are now rampaging through the alternate spaces."
"How could that be? Didn't we defeat Perseus already?" Mash asked with a frown.
"It seems these Demonic Beasts were not simply summoned. The magical energy sustaining their activity is still abundant. Shirou, your world should be in chaos too. The Demonic Beasts that Perseus had originally confined to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area may have already scattered across the world."
"I understand. Fortunately, the Huameng nations now have mutual visa exemptions, so travel through Asia, Africa, and South America is unhindered. I'll go home and pack immediately. I'll deal with the Monsters overseas." Shirou nodded.
Hearing the Youth's words, the girls all looked over anxiously.
"Huh? Shirou, what about school?" Yuihama cried out.
"I'll take a leave of absence from school for now. As for money, I've saved quite a bit from scholarships and part-time jobs over the years. It should be enough for travel expenses. I'll figure out food and lodging when the time comes," Shirou said.
"You're rushing into this. We should discuss a concrete strategy properly first, Shirou," Asuna said.
"That's too reckless. Don't carry this burden alone. We'll solve this together," Yukino said as she looked at him.
"Shirou-senpai! I'll go with you too!" Mash raised her hand.
"Then... me too..." Yuihama could not raise her hand. She wanted to go with him, but when she thought of her family, her voice weakened.
"Wait! Wait! I never said you had to solve it right now! Let me finish!" Da Vinci shouted.
The boys and girls all looked over at once, wearing expressions that clearly said, Then you should have said so sooner!
You were the ones who got worked up on your own, damn it! Da Vinci suppressed her anger and continued explaining.
"Ahem. Because Perseus broke through the world's barrier last time, the rules of this world have changed. Chaldea's FGO system has been acknowledged. The supply of magical energy and connection to the Throne of Heroes have both become much smoother.
According to the data collected by Chaldea, the compatibility between humans here and Servants has increased by at least thirty percent, and there are now many more humans capable of Pseudo-Servant summoning.
So with the protection of alternate spaces, those ordinary Demonic Beasts are not actually much of a threat to humanity. Even if someone gets dragged into an alternate space, Xiao Da can instantly go there to provide support."
"Is that so... then that's great." Yuihama patted her chest and sighed in relief.
"More troublingly, I have confirmed that aside from Perseus, there are at least six Blackened Heroic Spirits. Perseus has already identified this world's coordinates, so they could come here at any time. We have to be prepared," Da Vinci said gravely as she looked directly at Shirou.
"I understand." Shirou felt the pressure too. He had never expected there to be six more Servants like Perseus. He truly had to proceed cautiously every step of the way.
Da Vinci nodded, then looked at the pink-haired girl with an apologetic expression. "Mash, although Chaldea is no longer under attack and has stabilized, we still haven't figured out the cause of the abnormalities in this critical world. It seems you'll have to remain in this world for some time longer."
She had finally, miraculously received a second life, and Da Vinci had hoped Mash could live happily. Yet after saving humanity, there seemed to be even more problems than before.
Mash shook her head, placed a hand over her heart, and smiled with determination and sincerity.
"No. Of course, I want to bring Gudako-senpai and Fou back as soon as possible, but solving this world's problem comes first. If Senpai were here, she would definitely make the same choice. Da Vinci, leave things here to me."
Perhaps waiting was something she had to go through, just as Da Vinci had taken on the role of Chaldea's commander while waiting for the doctor to return.
Gudako-senpai in another world was surely working hard too. Then Mash had to become stronger and wait until this world's problems were resolved, before meeting Gudako-senpai again with pride in her heart. When that time came, she absolutely had to bring Shirou-senpai, summoned as a Pseudo-Servant, along with her. The red-haired Shirou-senpai really resembled her. It would definitely be interesting.
A quick recommendation!
A book by the author Yejue, a true cross-dressing master. Friends who enjoy this type can check it out.
Title: Me, a Manga Artist, Also a Doujin Artist
When Zuo Qiu woke up, he discovered that the world had changed beyond recognition.
For example, there was a wild blonde loser dog over there, the kind who did not even like manga.
When Zuo Qiu became a manga artist, his manga attracted the loser dog, and she eventually became his assistant.
Even after his manga and Light Novels were adapted into hugely popular games and anime, and Zuo Qiu was regarded as the god of manga and the Godfather of ACG, he still believed his main profession was that of an ordinary manga artist.
Just when Zuo Qiu thought he would continue living so peacefully, Eriri's startled cry came from his room: "Zuo Qiu! Did you draw this doujin?"
W-What? My dark history had been discovered...
The second one.
Title: Changing the World Through Culture and Entertainment with Yokai Girls
A Literature Department Youth who dreamed of becoming a big shot like Sakamoto was especially suited for cross-dressing.
Fated to fall into an Asura Field between his childhood friend and yokai girls.
This was a story about living with yokai girls and spreading yokai culture across the world together.
A semi-original work written by me, with fewer than fifty average subscriptions (￣へ￣)
Komachi's Entrance Exam
The last rosy clouds of dusk painted the approaching night with unusual colors. Lights had already come on in every household of the residential district, and tonight, the Hachiman family home was far livelier than usual.
Hachiman's father and Hachiman's mother had gotten off work early and returned home today.
Hachiman's father drove out to buy bags upon bags of ingredients and drinks, while Hachiman's mother busied herself in the kitchen with her son Shirou, preparing all kinds of exquisite and delicious dishes.
All of this was for Komachi. Tomorrow was the first day of her entrance exams. Admission to International High School was strict, so the entire family was nervous.
The first soup served was Red Carp Black Bean Soup. The fiery red scales, stir-fried black beans, and red dates represented good fortune and the carp leaping over the dragon gate.
Then came Stir-fried Spinach and Shredded Carrot Stir-fried Minced Meat. The ample beta-carotene and various vitamins would help fight fatigue.
Finally, there was Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms, fragrant but not overly greasy.
"Tomorrow morning, let's have Multigrain Porridge. Rice provides basic energy, while beans are rich in protein and easy to digest." Shirou had already begun discussing tomorrow's meals with his mother.
"That sounds good, but what should we do about lunch?" Hachiman's mother asked.
"She probably won't feel like eating much during the exam anyway. The school should arrange for them to use the cafeteria. Otherwise, should we make some rice balls or bring bread?" Shirou said.
"There's no need to make it that complicated! Even if she doesn't eat at the cafeteria, Komachi will go eat ramen with friends who know their stuff!" Komachi said.
"Is that so? Then take care of yourself. And don't kick off your blanket and catch a cold tonight," Hachiman's mother said worriedly.
"I know! Mom, you've already said that three times. Eat your chicken already, here." Komachi kept placing chicken into her mother's bowl.
"It's only natural for parents to worry about you, just like you're nervous about your exam. It's not something we can control. It would be nice if you could get special admission like Shirou." Hachiman's father, unusually home this early, filled himself a large glass of beer, took a big gulp, and laughed heartily.
Time really flew. It felt like she had only just been a baby lying in a cradle, yet now she was about to take her high school entrance exams. In the blink of an eye, she might even get married. Just thinking about it made his heart ache. He ought to drink all night tonight.
"If the school recruited students with culinary talents, Komachi might have had a chance," Shirou said. After all, he had taught Komachi personally. Even compared to professional chefs outside, she would not fall short. Unfortunately, International High School had no such admissions category.
That sort of passionate cooking competition where everyone burned with fighting spirit, like an athletic event, probably only existed at culinary schools in anime.
"What are you talking about, Brother? Komachi will get in on her own merits! All my hard work these past few days wasn't for nothing!" Komachi said unhappily, feeling underestimated.
"Mm, and the late-night snacks I made for you won't be for nothing either. Do your best." Shirou smiled. He was not worried. He had personally watched his younger sister work hard. Though she could be a little carefree at times, Komachi was the kind of girl who could accomplish anything if she put in the effort.
"Mm-hm, Brother's snacks are super delicious." Komachi grinned, showing her little canine tooth, then repeatedly winked at Shirou.
"I know. When the results are announced, I'll throw you a celebration feast." Shirou agreed with a helpless smile.
"That's great! I want a grand meal then, not a nutritious meal like this one," Komachi reminded him, though tonight's dinner was delicious too.
"Sure. We can even have Roman-style Roast Meat with an exotic ancient flair. I recently met a Roman who is particularly good at eating, and I learned the specific recipe from him," Shirou said.
"Rome? Umu? I want to meet Umu too!" Komachi's eyes lit up.
Shirou shook his head. "No, not Umu. He's male."
Why did people always associate Rome, Red Saber, and Umu together? Caesar, the son of the beautiful goddess and lifelong dictator, was clearly far more famous.
"Eh... the male one... if he loses weight, that might be another matter," Komachi said.
"What? Male? Father absolutely will not allow it!" Hachiman's father stood up.
"Dad... you've only had half a bottle of beer. Don't talk drunk nonsense," Komachi said disdainfully.
"Enough, stop fooling around, dear. Komachi has an exam tomorrow. After dinner, she should review for a while and go to bed early," Hachiman's mother said.
"..." Hachiman's father immediately fell silent and drank his beer sullenly.
Shirou sat beside them, drinking his soup. He simply felt that having the family get noisy like this from time to time was actually quite nice.
Before you continue