Fate: How About a New Savior?

"This kind of situation..."

Romani let out a weary groan.

Headache or not, the facts were plain to see—and he had no choice but to accept them.

Although the Singularity's foundational value wasn't as high as the Sixth Singularity, it still rated an extremely high A+. He suspected the reason it hadn't reached EX was likely because Gilgamesh and Hakuno Kishinami had arrived here at the very beginning. By exploiting a loophole, they had just barely managed to stabilize the Singularity enough to prevent it from becoming irreparable before Chaldea could intervene.

"Why worry so much? You've already crossed six Singularities—you should have a bit more confidence in yourselves, Magus," Gilgamesh said to Romani. "No... I suppose I should call you Doctor instead."

"Haha..." Romani gave a forced laugh, realizing Gilgamesh had recognized him.

"Originally, it should've been this king's duty to protect Uruk. There was no need for outsiders like you to get involved," Gilgamesh said with a smirk. "But that was my responsibility while I was alive. So whether Hakuno chooses to form an alliance with you or go to war, I don't care either way."

"..."

Shiomi was speechless. He leaned toward Morgan and whispered, "Sounds like he's just dressing up the fact that he can't fight anymore."

Morgan gave a soft smile. "Then what shall we do, my husband? Everyone's waiting on your decision. Whether we stay or leave, we're all in this together."

"Personally, I'd definitely prefer to fight alongside you—" Hakuno began. She could already tell how powerful the Chaldea group was.

After all, she had witnessed the end of the Fuyuki Holy Grail War from afar. She was familiar with the strength of most of those present.

But before she could finish, a palace guard burst into the hall and came to a halt.

"My apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty!"

"It's alright. What is it?" Hakuno raised her hand, signaling for the conversation to pause.

"Yes, someone is approaching Uruk! One of the Three Goddess Alliance—Goddess Ishtar!"

Gilgamesh suddenly looked delighted, like he was ready to enjoy the show. "Perfect timing. Let's see if Chaldea, after clearing six Singularities, can deal with that idiot goddess."

"'Deal with'..." Hakuno gave a helpless smile.

"What did you just say?!"

A voice—familiar to many in the room—rang out from above the palace ceiling.

Before anyone could even recall whose voice it was, Shiomi instinctively raised his arm to shield Morgan, pulling her back toward the others and away from the source—right below where the voice had come from.

The palace roof exploded with a thunderous crash. Enormous stones capable of killing on impact smashed through the pristine floor, leaving deep craters in their wake.

A woman in an outfit resembling a bikini flew down through the hole, using what looked like a bow as a flying board. She drifted through the air across the hall and came to a stop near the entrance.

"That's Lady Ishtar!"

"Everyone, fall back!"

Clearly, the guards had encountered this before—they retreated from the hall in disciplined formation.

"Uh..."

At first, everyone had been curious about who Ishtar was. But once she landed and Shiomi stepped forward for a better look, he let out a sigh caught between laughter and disbelief.

"Huh? Isn't that—" Caren's eyes widened in shock.

Gray looked just as surprised. "I remember her... she's Sakura's..."

"Out of my way! I'm only here for that golden jerk!" Ishtar landed gracefully and moved to shove the Chaldea group aside.

"Sister?! And what's with that indecent outfit?!" Sakura asked, clearly flustered.

Ishtar raised an eyebrow at the girl calling her "sister" and turned toward her. "Sister? Who are you calling—uh?"

The moment their eyes met, a chill ran down Ishtar's neck. She should've found the girl endearing at first glance, but instead, she instinctively sensed trouble.

"So it really is Rin Tohsaka?" Morgan mused, fingers on her chin.

"I heard she went globe-trotting... even hired teenage pirates to recover sunken ships..." Shiomi narrowed his eyes, clearly reluctant to admit he'd once taught her Magecraft and martial arts. "I knew she was a bit wild, but I didn't think she'd completely lose it."

Hakuno wasn't surprised. At the end of the Fuyuki Holy Grail War, it was because she recognized Rin and Sakura that Gilgamesh had backed off after defeating the Servants.

After all, this was the red devil who created the infamous "Tōsaka Money Equals Power System."

"Dad, don't talk about my sister like that... She's just, just..." Sakura tried to defend her but couldn't find the words. "Just a little... out of control!"

"A little?" Olga Marie tilted her head.

"Out of control?" Ritsuka looked utterly confused.

"That's it?" Mash blinked in disbelief.

Ishtar felt a wave of unprecedented shame—not the kind that struck at her dignity, but a raw, vulnerable embarrassment, like someone had ripped off her mask in public.

Could they know the identity of the vessel she was possessing?

No, these people weren't from Mesopotamia...

"Sister, it's not too late to stop," Sakura said sincerely, wiping the corners of her eyes. Her expression was full of heartfelt concern—like someone facing the disgrace of their own family.

Finally reaching her limit, Ishtar clutched her head and screamed, "Aaaah, I've had enough! I don't care who you people are! I came here for that golden bastard! Get out of my way!"

She raised her hand, her posture identical to Rin Tohsaka's when firing Gandr, but the magic building at her fingertips was golden—not even remotely comparable in power.

The golden blast shot forward, aimed at Gilgamesh, who was still standing before the throne enjoying the spectacle. He didn't flinch.

Because Mash had already leapt forward, shield raised, blocking the magical bullet midair.

Ishtar was shocked—but battle allowed no time for surprise.

"Now, Miss Ana!"

Gray gave a soft cue, and she and Ana moved in unison, scythes sweeping from both sides.

Since meeting her, the girls had earned enough of Ana's trust for her to willingly join the fight.

Clicking her tongue, Ishtar sprang back. Her massive weapon flew out and intercepted the dual strike.

"Don't think having numbers makes you special!"

Ishtar was getting fired up. She slipped four differently colored gems between her fingers and hurled them at the two girls.

"With my voice, my shadow rends the earth!"

But before the gems could unleash their magic, they were sucked into Imaginary Space—twisting into energy and rebounding toward Ishtar.

"What?!"

Caught off guard, Ishtar fell back, eyes locked on the girl who had just turned her spell against her.

"Sister... can we handle Ishtar ourselves, Dad?" Sakura asked, wand at the ready.

"She's a goddess. Don't overdo it," Shiomi warned. "If it gets too tough, call for backup."

Sakura's eyes lit up with determination as she answered, loud and clear,

"Got it!"