Fate Grand Order: Broadcasting Master Love — Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Counterfeit Singularity in Progress

“Not for self-preservation, but in the Master’s name…? If you put it that way… Ugh…” Emiya’s brows knit together. A muffled, frustrated grunt rumbled in his throat, betraying his helpless compromise. His fingertips unconsciously tightened around the hilt of his projected blade, turning his knuckles a pale ivory. He looked away, clearly awkward at having his protective instincts so thoroughly exposed.

Back in the control room, Dr. Roman gazed down at the young girl on the monitor. He tapped the edge of the main console, a gentle, deeply gratified smile touching his lips. “Mash has become so much stronger…”

“Good job, Mash. If we’re going to die, we’ll take someone down with us.” Ritsuka patted his Demi-Servant’s shoulder. His tone carried a light, cheerful frankness, his eyes curving into a smile that hid an unyielding core of determination.

“Of course! At this stage, I’m already using all my strength just to ensure Master’s safety!” Mash straightened her slender back. Her shield-bearer’s stance was steady, an immovable wall. She pressed a clenched fist against her chest, her emerald eyes shining with astonishing brightness. Her voice rang with the absolute tenacity of someone ready to give her all.

“…Ugh. Well, there’s nothing for it. I can only comply. I’ll accompany you on the investigation.” Emiya sighed, finally releasing his white-knuckled grip on his weapon and crossing his arms over his chest. The crease between his brows remained, but the internal struggle had vanished. He sounded entirely resigned to his fate as Chaldea’s unofficial caretaker. “And then? Where to first? You have a lead, Miss Da Vinci.” He lifted his chin toward the Caster, his flat tone carrying a crisp, no-nonsense edge.

“Of course! Leave this problem to me~!” Da Vinci twirled her exquisite staff, the motion sending a slight flutter through her heavy skirts. Her eyes curved into delighted crescents. “Roman, lend me a Rayshift!” Her voice lilted with charming, absolute confidence. “It’s fine. As long as Ritsuka is on the case, the incident will definitely be resolved in no time!” She patted her chest, her smile bright enough to rival the sun, radiating total trust in humanity’s last Master.

Across the boundaries of time, within the Fourth Holy Grail War.

The cold stone bricks of the Einzbern castle exuded a biting chill. Candlelight flickered wildly in the draft, elongating Emiya Kiritsugu’s shadow against the floor. Still deeply unsettled by the alien Servant shown earlier, he leaned against the heavy masonry, striking a match. The brief flare of orange illuminated the deep, weary depths of his eyes. As the flame died, he exhaled a plume of gray smoke, staring up at the mysterious light screen floating in the air.

Hearing Da Vinci’s cheerful declaration, the cigarette paused between his fingers. “It seems they all trust this Master named Fujimaru Ritsuka so much,” Kiritsugu muttered, his voice laced with quiet scrutiny. “As if any problem can be solved the moment he steps onto the battlefield…”

“Alright, starting the Rayshift now. Let’s go!” Da Vinci gripped her staff tightly, her toes lightly tapping the floorboards. “Hmm~ my first transfer. I’m actually a little nervous!”

The familiar, high-pitched hum of the Rayshift sequence echoed through the chamber. Pale blue spiritron particles cascaded downward, completely enveloping the group in a swirling vortex of light and shadow. When the blinding glow finally receded, the sterile metal of Chaldea had been replaced by a vast, verdant plain.

Soft green grass brushed against their ankles, carrying the rich, earthy scent of fresh vegetation. A gentle breeze swept across the open expanse, sending rippling green waves toward the horizon. In the distance, rolling hills stood quietly under a vast, brilliant sky.

“Alright. Based on the observation and tracking of the remaining spiritron information left by the Counterfeit, the conclusion is that the target is near this coordinate in this era.” Da Vinci waved her hand. Pale blue spiritron patterns materialized above her palm like a holographic map. Her eyes narrowed with professional certainty.

Then, she lowered her hand. “Oh… it has been a long time since I’ve set foot on land outside of Chaldea. The feel of the earth, the sensation of the wind…” She reached out, her fingertips tracing the invisible currents of air brushing past her face. She closed her eyes, a look of deep longing and intoxication softening her features. “Living is truly a wonderful thing, Ritsuka.” Opening her eyes, she turned to the young Master with a vibrant, heartfelt smile.

The melancholic moment vanished in an instant. “Alright, let’s go find that Counterfeit scoundrel!” She gripped her staff, her magical energy surging outward. The gentle scholar was replaced by a fired-up Heroic Spirit, her eyes burning with sudden fighting spirit as she marched forward.

“Da Vinci-chan is so energetic…!” Mash blinked, her eyes widening in sheer surprise at the Caster’s retreating back. She let out a soft chuckle, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and helplessness as she hurried to keep up.

“She’s been the workshop Master all this time, after all,” Emiya remarked, walking at a much slower, measured pace behind them. He kept his hands shoved casually in his pockets, his sharp gaze sweeping the perimeter. “She’s probably the stay-at-home type, but also the kind who secretly enjoys going out.”

“Let’s head towards the town first,” Emiya suggested, nodding toward a vague cluster of rooftops visible in the distance. “An investigation always starts with gathering information.”

“Hmm, the atmosphere in the town doesn’t seem to have any major problems.” Mash tilted her head, listening to the faint, distant hum of human activity carrying on the wind. Her tense shoulders relaxed into a gentle smile. “It feels very peaceful… and quite pleasant.”

In the world of the Fifth Holy Grail War.

Deep within the dark, echoing corridors of the Fuyuki Holy Church, dim candlelight flickered against the stained glass. Kotomine Kirei stood half-submerged in the shadows. A dark, meaningful glint flashed in his hollow eyes as the corners of his mouth curled upward. “Heh heh… Little girl,” the false priest murmured, his deep voice dripping with philosophical amusement. “Pleasure is not such a simple thing…”

“Yes, let’s first confirm the basic situation and ask the passersby if they’ve seen the Counterfeit.” Emiya slowed his steps, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the dirt road ahead, his flat tone laced with veteran caution.

“Understood.” Mash nodded. Her body immediately tensed, shifting back into a flawless state of readiness, her emerald eyes focused and serious.