Continuing where we left off...
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Next day...
Ritsuka's perspective...
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I open my eyes after having a sleep without having crazy adventures inside my mind or my soul being pulled into some bizarre singularity or crazy dimension.
This time there was none of that happening. My vision starts to improve and instead of seeing a white metallic ceiling of my old room in Chaldea, I am seeing the common and ordinary ceiling.
I look around and see that I am really in my room in my house. That fear I had that all of this was a dream is dissipating and a feeling of relief is taking its place.
💭I am really back in my real home..... I still can't believe it.
I lift my body, no longer lying down, and my eyes end up looking at my right hand where my command seals were.
💭I am no longer the "Last Master of Chaldea". Now I am back to being the ordinary student Ritsuka Fujimaru.
A feeling of melancholy passes over me as I look at my right hand, which now only has the remaining marks of my command seal.
Now every time I look at my right hand I will remember my "glory days" as the "strongest Master in the world".
- Let the past stay in the past. I am back home with my mother and sister. Isn't that what I wanted? Isn't that why I fought tooth and nail against Marisbury? To have my normal life back? - I say this talking to myself trying to end the thoughts of doubt that are in my mind.
💭 Will I be able to have a normal life after everything that happened?
While I am lost in my thoughts my eyes automatically look at the giant shield that represents the table of the knights of the round table.
The shield of the holy knight and son of the knight of the lake Lancelot, Galahad. A shield strong enough to withstand any attack as long as the user has the willpower to withstand the attack.
This same shield was used by the girl I loved the most, Mash Kyrielight, my first servant and the woman who stayed by my side until the end of my long journey.
Now all that's left of her is just the shield she inherited from Galahad as a reminder to me of all she did while standing by my side.
- Ritsuka! It's already time for breakfast! Get ready quickly before the food gets cold. - I hear my mother's loud voice echoing from the kitchen to my room.
- Heh bad I'm back in society and I already have to go back to school. Hehe.. - I say this with a weak laugh and I get out of my bed to put on my school uniform.
I open my closet and see my school uniform that I haven't worn in a few years.
💭 Will it still fit me?
Fortunately, yes, but it is a little tight. The reason for this is that I didn't gain much weight, but I ended up gaining some muscle and I grew in size. This means that even the shirt still fits me and you can see a little of my waist.
💭It's a good thing I have the coat to disguise myself, but I don't think it'll help much. I'll have to order a new uniform.
I had prepared everything for my return from school before I went to sleep so all I needed to do was put on my uniform.
💭I miss Fou's presence....
Fou or rather Cath Palug stayed in Chaldea after the Lostbelts Operation was resolved. I think he is still mourning the loss of Mash since he decided to stay with Olga who is still in a coma in Chaldea.
- I wonder how Kadoc and Daybit are doing right now? - I say this as I finish getting ready.
Kadoc Zemlupus and Daybit Sem Void are my surviving Master friends from Team A who helped me in my journey against Marisbury.
Ironically we were enemies especially Kadoc who the first time we met he was very jealous of me about my victory against Goetia.
You could say he was a little salty about me, but eventually after some circumstances of fate and after some threats he received from Chaldea, Kadoc became a great ally and friend to me on my journey.
Now about Daybit, he is honestly one of the most formidable Masters I have had the opportunity to face in my life, I will probably never forget our duel in the underworld of Tezcatlipoca in the seventh and final Lostbelt.
That was a duel to decide not only the fate of planet Earth, but of the universe as well. If Daybit won, he would destroy planet Earth to save the universe from the danger of Marisbury's plan, but fortunately I won the duel and managed to continue living instead of spending eternity resting in the underworld of Tezcatlipoca.
Daybit stayed in the underworld recovering and he only returned when I arrived in Antarctica to face Marisbury.
💭 I don't know what they were doing in their home countries, but it's not my place to meddle in their personal affairs.
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Flashback
Moments after the last battle in CHALDEAS and the Earth's surface has returned to normal.
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Me, Kadoc and Daybit are on the surface of the Storm Border which is flying out of Antarctica.
We managed to win against Marisbury, confirming his true death and the end of CHALDEAS. With that, his plan to spread his "humanity" beyond the stars was stopped.
This victory obviously came with its consequences now that our biggest problem was solved but other annoying little problems arose in between.
The most obvious of these small problems is the Mages Association demanding a report from us saying what happened beyond what happened to one of the Lords of the Clock Tower who is Marisbury who is dead.
It's this annoying problem and several other headaches that Goredolf, Da Vinci and Sion are dealing with right now.
While all this shit is happening, my three companions and friends and I are thinking about what we are going to do after we have achieved victory in this long war.
- I still can't believe we actually won. - I say this sitting on the metal floor of the Storm Border looking at the landscape of the icy Antarctic sea.
- You should feel proud and hold your head high, Fujimaru. You have achieved this achievement, something I could not achieve. - Daybit said this with his serious expression and abnormal tone.
Daybit at this point probably can't even consider himself to have humanity since he probably discarded it long ago after what happened in the seventh Lostbelt.
- I'm not surprised he's like this, after all it's a miracle in itself that we're alive. *Sigh* We really are the devil's luck. - Kadoc said making a little joke to liven up the mood.
- Unfortunately, that luck wasn't with Mash... - I say this comment in a calm tone, but inside I'm very indignant, something that my two friends noticed right away.
- Ritsuka... - Daybit said, saying my first name in a serious tone. I don't even need to look at him to know the look he's using on me right now.
- I know! I know! We've already discussed this! It's just... *sigh*. It's hard to swallow, you know? That she's really gone. That there's no miracle like Fou to save her again. - I say this in a melancholic tone and with an expression of remorse.
- Look, Ritsuka. I know you and Mash had a very strong bond. And my experience when I lost my Anastasia doesn't compare to yours. However, I can tell you that Mash wouldn't want you to be like this. Mash fought with the desire for you to live your life. - Kadoc said this trying to advise me and I feel his hand on my right shoulder.
- I know. It's just... It's going to be very difficult to walk this path without her. Unfortunately, my Servants won't be able to accompany me on this journey. - I say this, holding back my sadness and mourning, and Kadoc has a conflicted expression.
- I had forgotten that the Heroic Spirits' contracts have not yet been cut. This is going to be a wave of drama. - Kadoc said, fearing the Servants' reaction to the news.
- Why do you think I called you two here? I need a moment to prepare myself for this giant bombshell I have to deal with. - I say this in a playful tone and I take this moment to change the subject.
- Hey. What do you guys plan to do when we get back? - I say this curious to hear their response.
- What to do after all this? I wanted to say that I would relax in Hawaii, but unfortunately the reality often a disappointment. I will have to go to Poland to solve some personal problems of mine there. - Said Kadoc and I look at him in surprise.
- What's wrong? Why are you looking at me with that face? - Kadoc asks.
- You're Polish?! - I say this being surprised by this revelation.
- Why are you surprised about my nationality? - Kadoc asks being confused.
- I didn't imagine you were from Poland. Now it makes a lot of sense why you fell in love with your Anastasia. - I say this casually, understanding even more the relationship he had with his servant.
💭And I feel even stranger that I had an intimate relationship with my Anastasia!
- I'm going to ignore that nonsense you just said for the sake of my remaining sanity! - Kadoc said with a hand on the bridge of his nose.
- I have some pending matters to resolve in the United States. They are small things, but I intended to resolve them after killing Marisbury. - Daybit said calmly, ignoring our little discussion that I had with Kadoc.
- And you Ritsuka? What do you intend to do now after you leave Chaldea? - Kadoc now asks me this question.
- I think a good start is to go back to my old home. See my family again and get back to normal, I think... - I say this in a tone of uncertainty.
- You're naive if you think you'll be able to be what you were in the past Fujimaru. Your past self died the year of that explosion in 2016. It's impossible for you to go back to what you were that year. - Daybit being the realist of the group told me the hard and dry truth without mercy.
- I know. But I have to try! I can't go to the Mage's Association, much less to the Church! Both of these paths will only lead to my death! - I say this showing a little of my frustration with my situation.
- Look. Due to your influence and rank, it is possible that you will be able to have a position in the Clock Tower, but obviously this is no guarantee that you will be safe from greedy and envious people for power. I will not say anything about the church since the answer is quite obvious. - Kadoc said this giving his opinion on the case.
- *sigh* And there's still Olga in the middle of all this. - I say this letting out a sigh of frustration remembering Olga's unique case.
- Da Vinci said that she will eventually wake up to the fact that her situation is quite "special". From what I know about the Clock Tower, she will probably have to deal with the succession of the title of Lord of the Tower, among many other things. When that happens, she will want you by her side. - Daybit said this mentioning a fact that is probably inevitable to happen.
It is quite obvious to everyone in Chaldea about my special relationship with Marisbury's daughter. I admit that I have feelings for her and she feels the same way about me but unfortunately due to circumstances of fate we both were unable to act on this mutual feeling.
Unfortunately, I ended up not being able to control myself when Olga Marie became a temporary ally in the seventh Lostbelt.
Having Olga by my side again after so long made me act without thinking about the consequences and I ended up having a secret intimate relationship with my "enemy".
This only made the pain of her sacrifice against ORT hurt even more. Luckily I managed to bring her back again, but now I'm afraid whether she'll remember me or not.
I don't regret what I did, but I will take this secret to the coffin with me.
- It seems like I'm going to get involved with the Mage Association either way. *sigh* I'll deal with that when Olga wakes up. For now I have to focus on what's in front of me right now.
I say this having decided on the path I will follow on this new journey.
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End of flashback
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After my breakfast I say goodbye to my mother and my little sister, but before I leave the house my mother calls me, making me stop.
- What do you need, mom? Don't you want me not to be late for school after the time I was out? - I say this jokingly with my mother a little.
- Of course not! The last thing I want is for you to make a bad impression when you return. - My mother said this approaching me and she adjusts the position of my coat.
- I know you must be nervous and anxious to be back after everything that happened. I admit that I'm worried about you and how you'll fare in the outside world while you're still recovering from your long "journey". *Sigh* But as your mother I can't stop you from facing these problems, no matter how selfish this feeling is. - My mother said with a weak smile on her face.
- I understand your concern, mom. I know it won't be easy to adapt back to a normal life, but I have to try. After all, I gave my life to have that life back, I can't waste it. - I say this with a weak smile, holding my mother's hands.
- You really grew up to be a great man, my son. Too bad I couldn't see that growth.... Well. I can't stop you anymore. Go ahead! And rock it! - My mother said, recovering from her sadness and she had an excited smile.
- Good luck at school, big brother! - My little sister said, standing next to my mother.
- Of course! Luck is always on my side! - I said this with a smile on my face and I left the gate of my house.
(A/N: A lucky Fate MC? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Only if Nasu stops changing the rules of his universe!)
But the moment I was about to start walking towards my school, I felt something suspicious and dangerous near me.
💭Huh?
As I went through intensive and harsh training from my servants, in addition to having extensive experience on the battlefield, I ended up developing a good sense of danger and in the vast majority of cases.
And it is at that exact moment that I am feeling a presence similar to that of a servant and this immediately put me on alert.
💭An unknown servant? No. It can't be... It's impossible for a servant to be here unless a Holy Grail War is taking place, but even if that's true I would know and a servant wouldn't reveal themselves in the middle of the day!
I immediately look around to see if I can spot the possible enemy, but I don't see anything abnormal other than a black cat with golden eyes behind me.
💭Huh? A female cat?
The cat was hiding behind a pole and I honestly wouldn't have found it if I hadn't been looking.
💭Don't tell me that the one responsible for this presence is the cat? Although, it wouldn't shock me if it were. It wouldn't be the first time I've encountered a powerful entity that disguised itself in the form of an animal.
- Hmm.... Did you find anything interesting, lady cat? I know I'm an attractive man, but I don't go after cats, but if you're in human form then we can talk. - I say this with a confident smile, but I soon feel immensely embarrassed when I realize the words coming out of my mouth.
💭Urgh. Being confident really isn't my strong suit. I can't believe I was hitting on a cat! I don't even know if the cat is supernatural, so why do I say that?! I shouldn't have gotten advice on how to flirt with a woman from Fergus.
Realizing how ridiculous I'm being and the silence I'm getting from the cat I let out a sigh and place my hand on the bridge of my nose.
- Ignore the nonsense I said before, I don't know why I said that. Anyway! I don't know who you are, but you're wasting your time. If you're looking for your rival, or your arch-enemy, or the person responsible for making you this way, I'm certainly not that person. I'm just a simple, normal young man going to study. - I say this to the cat, expecting a reaction or response, but I don't get any of it.
💭Hmm... So it's just a normal cat. What a shame... Wait! Why am I feeling disappointed?! Isn't it a good thing that it's just a normal cat?
Ignoring my internal conflict, I turn my back to the cat and start walking towards my school.
- Well, I have to go. Good luck with whatever plans you're trying to make, lady cat. - I say this as I say goodbye to the cat.
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Karakura High School
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I am now walking down the halls of my school after having a brief conversation with the principal about my return and where my classroom will be.
💭 It's strange to see these hallways again. Will my friends recognize me? I think Ichika probably won't remember me anymore.
With these thoughts going through my head, I arrive at the door of my classroom and knock on the door, getting the teacher's attention.
In the seconds that I don't receive the teacher's answer, I take a quick look at my right hand where the remains of my Command Seal mark are and I have a slight melancholy expression.
💭From the strongest Master in the world to an ordinary student... Fate is truly unpredictable. Well, I can't regret it now, I chose this path so I have to go all the way. My life as an adventurous Master is already over.
With a determined expression I hear the teacher telling me to come in and I open the door to my classroom and see the curious expressions of my class.
Immediately I hear whispers and murmurs coming from the class who are intrigued by what is happening.
- Attention everyone! Today we are welcoming back a student who was away for health reasons. Some of you may already know him, but for the new students this is the first time you are meeting him. - The teacher said this looking at me giving the signal for me to introduce myself.
💭 Here we go....
- Nice to meet you all. My name is Fujimaru Ritsuka. I hope you will take good care of me upon my return. - I say this with a gentle smile.
Immediately the entire class is having a shower of reactions, most of the old students are surprised to see me back, but one student in particular had the biggest reaction of all and that person is a girl with long, spiky orange hair and a delinquent air.
- Huh?! Ritsuka is that really you?! - Said the girl who I quickly recognize as my old childhood friend.
- Yes! I'm glad to see you again, Ichika. - I say this with a smile, happy to see that she still remembers me.
This ended up catching the attention of the new students, which only increased the noise in the classroom, irritating the teacher.
Seeing this little chaos that I ended up creating a small sadistic smile appears on my face.
💭I'm glad my class is still as chaotic as ever. Some things never change.
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To be continued...
Next chapter: Trick of Fate.
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