Fate: How About a New Savior?

Looking at the wooden stick with red paint on the tip, Morgan's frustrated gaze was so intense it seemed like she might ignite it like a match.

She was the one who suggested going out with Shiomi to investigate the Singularity and take care of various field missions, and also the one who recommended reducing the number of personnel.

Yet, ironically, she was the one who wasn't chosen.

After making that suggestion yesterday, Morgan, Scáthach, and Artoria drew lots before departure today.

There were three thin wooden sticks. Whoever drew the one with the red-painted tip would stay behind in Uruk to help reinforce the northern wall's defenses. The others would accompany Shiomi on the mission.

"Ah... How about we draw again?" Shiomi reached out to collect the sticks, intending to start over.

After all, the result was undeniably disappointing.

"Forget it. We agreed to draw lots—cheating because you don't like the outcome is something even kids wouldn't do." Morgan's cheeks flushed slightly as she accepted the result with a trace of resentment.

She set down the stick, picked up the kettle, and poured water into a wooden cup. "Besides, the northern wall's defenses still aren't fully repaired. If the Demon Pillars attack again alongside the Magical Beasts, we'll be facing the same crisis as yesterday."

Not only that—given that the Magical Beast front now also has to contend with the sudden appearance of Demon Pillars, the northern defenses must be adapted accordingly to account for that threat.

At present, the only one capable of swiftly leading the troops and upgrading those defenses was Morgan.

"But today's mission is just a water quality survey in the Persian Gulf," Shiomi said, arms crossed. "Do we really need that many people going out? Maybe we should leave one more person in Uruk."

Just then, Scáthach unrolled a piece of parchment showing a rough map of the Mesopotamian plains, with cities marked across it.

"Not exactly. While it's true that we're just heading to the observation post to exchange empty bottles for ones filled with seawater, the post is fairly close to the southern jungle..." she explained. "This might be a good opportunity to follow the coastline south, bypass Ur, and head directly to investigate the situation in Eridu."

...Of course, the term "Persian Gulf" didn't exist at the time—it's just used by Chaldea for convenience.

Artoria pointed at Eridu's location on the map. "Yesterday in Ur, that Jaguar Warrior said the people taken from the city were only being used as laborers in the Temple of Eridu. We need to confirm whether that's true. At the same time, we might uncover the true identity of the goddess of the jungle and the real goal of the Three Goddess Alliance."

"What do you mean?" Morgan looked up at her.

"Each goddess governs a different domain. If they simply wanted to exterminate humanity and claim the land, I doubt their goals would be entirely aligned," Artoria replied, glancing at the others. "If we can identify a rift in their alliance and exploit it, we may be able to turn the tide in our favor."

Shiomi stared at Eridu on the map, deep in thought. "So that's why we need to press deeper into the jungle—to uncover the truth behind the Temple of Eridu..."

That said, once they entered the forest, they'd immediately fall under the watchful gaze of the Forest Goddess. There were no Magical Beasts there—but there were Jaguar Warriors, Divine Servants far more troublesome than Magical Beasts.

And if they tried to split up—leaving one person behind to hold off the Jaguar Warriors while the rest advanced—the risk would only grow greater with their forces divided.

"We still don't know enough about the Three Goddess Alliance. Maybe we should focus on Ishtar first." Morgan rubbed her temples. "Whether it's Rin Tohsaka being possessed, or the one possessed just happens to be her past self, the fact that Ishtar is shaken by Sakura might make her easier to deal with."

"But Ishtar's territory is far off in the east, on Mount Ebih. Even if we put it on the agenda, it's not something we can rush," Shiomi said, looking at Morgan. "Sort things out and have Sakura and the others bring it to Siduri. Let them discuss it with the Moon King and Gilgamesh."

Gilgamesh probably understands Ishtar better than anyone and knows how to handle her.

"Let's go with that," Morgan said, glancing out the window. "It's getting late. I should head to the northern wall. My husband, you'd better get going with them to the observation station at the Persian Gulf."

She suddenly fixed Scáthach and Artoria with a stern look.

"One of you is my husband's master. The other is his Servant. If even the two of you can't keep him safe and he ends up hurt, don't expect me to stay calm about it."

Shiomi awkwardly chimed in, "Uh... I mean, I'm not that fragile. I can hold my own in a fight too."

"How strong my dear student is has nothing to do with it. I just don't want anything to happen to you." Scáthach closed one eye and glanced at the Lion King with the other. "If you try to take the Holy Lance on your own again like last time, there's no telling what could happen."

"Please rest assured. My Holy Lance and Holy Sword will be wielded solely in service of my Master from now on. Never against him," Artoria replied with composure, her hand over her ample chest. "As long as this Spirit Origin remains, I will fight for my Master to the very last breath."

"That's... really not something you should say out loud," Shiomi muttered with a dry smile.

"Good."

With that, Morgan kissed Shiomi goodbye in front of them, then turned and was the first to leave the room.

"Heh... So those who stay behind get to kiss my beloved student goodbye? Maybe we should skip the lottery next time. I'd like to try that too," Scáthach mused, already plotting to be the one left behind next time.

"Can we really do that?" Artoria asked, genuinely unsure—apparently forgetting what she'd done at the Sixth Singularity.

"You're really forgetful, King of Knights." Scáthach waved it off.

"..."

Artoria blinked, then gave a faint smile.

Shiomi kept his thoughts to himself, simply calling out to the two of them as he headed outside.

"Time to go. Siduri prepared a carriage for us. Besides switching out the seawater sample bottles, we'll also be delivering supplies to the people at the observation station."

"This time we'll be taking the main road across the plains. No Magical Beasts in sight. It's practically a picnic," Scáthach said, stretching lazily and boldly showing off her well-toned figure beneath her tight outfit.

"Even if there were Magical Beasts, it probably wouldn't make much difference," Shiomi replied.

"But what if the Three Goddess Alliance attacks?" Artoria asked.

Shiomi paused to think. "According to the Moon King, the observation station is the only place they won't attack. Though no one knows why."

"That's not very reassuring..." Artoria said with a sigh.