Fate: I Heard After Death, You Can Ascend to the Throne of Heroes?

(Words: 2977)

Nightfall.

In the depths of the western forest.

Rin Tohsaka, dressed in her iconic red outfit, walked alongside several of Waver's students and the Servant Hippolyta, who radiated vitality with every step.

"That guy, Promise, has finally made his move. I've been worried sick these past few days."

"Yeah, after hearing so much from Jason and then seeing him stay quiet, it was just unnerving. It felt like something terrifying was about to happen."

"Hehe, it's not just us. Even the other Servants and Masters, despite not knowing the full story, felt like this eerie calm of the past few days was just the prelude to a storm."

The group strolled through the forest, exchanging banter as they went.

In just a few days, Promise's reputation had completely flipped.

Once considered the quiet, weak, and most cared-for student in the classroom due to his lack of magic circuits, suddenly became the most troublesome guy.

"I once heard a tale about a goddess of the sea's wisdom,"

Seeing that everyone was speaking like this against Promise, Hippolyta was unable to resist speaking up in Promise's defense. "She said that because Promise's fate intersected with the great goddess of wisdom, his life would always tread the path of heroes—full of hardships and trials."

Hearing this, the others looked at each other and then burst out laughing.

"We know that, of course," Rin Tohsaka said, smiling at Hippolyta's puzzled expression. "We also know that, at his core, Promise is someone you can truly rely on. But... doesn't that just make him more interesting and more real?"

Hearing those words, Hippolyta was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but recall a moment from a few days ago when they teased Promise, and his reaction then.

Unable to suppress her laughter, she nodded in understanding, finally catching on.

"Oh, by the way, Hippolyta, we still don't know your wish," Rin Tohsaka said, turning toward her.

"Everything will be over tonight, if it's convenient, would you like to tell us?"

After her words, everyone else also looked at Hippolyta.

The latter lowered her head and thought for a while before lifting it again with a bright, carefree smile as her eyes sparkled and she replied, "There's no need. Because in a way, my wish has already been fulfilled. Though I would love to fight him one more time and leave in that way...

But having the chance to battle Promise excites me even more.

And my father God will surely be proud of me because of this!"

As Hippolyta finished speaking, the war god's belt around her body floated on its own, as if acknowledging her words.

Since the day Promise's name echoed throughout ancient Greece, when the Argo returned with its full glory, anything associated with him had become a mark of honor in that era.

Seeing this, Rin Tohsaka recalled things related to Hippolyta...well

.her death at the hands of Heracles.

And as she did so, a vague guess about her wish to the Holy Grail formed in Rin's mind.

However, just as she was about to say something,

"They're here," Someone suddenly said.

One person raised their head, their sharp eyes carrying a suppressed wildness, and looked forward—to where Enkidu sat on an ancient tree, smiling at everyone.

"The Holy Grail War... is it finally beginning?" Enkidu's soft voice floated through the night air, her long, waist-length hair swaying gently in the breeze.

"Yes, it's already begun," Rin Tohsaka nodded and added, "And it will also end soon... before dawn, Promise will finish this Holy Grail War."

"I see," Enkidu nodded slightly with a gentle smile on her face, "But actually, you didn't need to come here. I no longer have any reason to continue fighting. When Promise comes to me, I will naturally leave."

Enkidu had no interest in the Holy Grail.

Her reason for responding to the Grail's summons was simply to protect the synthetic wolf.

Now, however, that wolf was wagging its tail happily, affectionately interacting with a boy named Svin Glascheit.

Clearly, even if Enkidu were to leave, this synthetic wolf would no longer be bullied.

"We know,"

Of course, Rin Tohsaka knew this so, she had no hostility in her tone became Promise had already explained it to her from the very beginning.

What's more, just a few days ago, Rin and the others had seen the painting Enkidu presented with their own very eyes—a painting created by Promise himself.

"We came here only to keep an eye on you. We don't plan to fight,"

So she explained her reason.

Hearing this, Enkidu tilted her head slightly, quickly understanding their intentions as her gaze shifted toward a certain part of the city.

"I see... it's because of Gil, isn't it?"

So, at this moment, on the other side..

...

The city, atop the tallest skyscraper.

At this moment, Gilgamesh stood there, already wearing golden armor as he looked at the three figures before him with a calm get arrogant expression.

Two Servants and a human.

Heracles, Jason, and Shirou Emiya.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Gilgamesh's face grew darker with each passing moment as he glared at the trio.

Unable to suppress his anger, he finally yelled, "That fool didn't come himself and instead sent you mongrels? Does he think so little of this king?!"

"Promise said that you and I have some sort of unresolved connection to settle, so he left you to me,"

Heracles explained calmly, stepping forward.

Shirou Emiya, meanwhile, silently looked at Gilgamesh as the King of Heroes' disdainful gaze swept past him.

Internally, he couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.

He was almost certain...no, he knew..that Promise had sent him here to challenge Gilgamesh purely for amusement.

But it was a friend's request, after all. .

Even if that friend was probably laughing at him in the shadows, Shirou had come along regardless.

"As if we need Promise!"

Jason spoke, his tone brimming with irritation.

To be honest, he still bore a grudge against Gilgamesh for the humiliating remarks the King of Heroes had made during the Bull of Heaven incident.

This guy's condescending attitude now only fueled his anger further.

"We're more than enough!"

Jason shouted at Gilgamesh, however, despite his bold words, he couldn't forget the battle between Gilgamesh and Promise that he had witnessed not long ago.

And he because he could not forget, he still remembered the sword he had seen that night....the blade capable of slicing the very world.

Therefore, even though he had Heracles at his side, Jason didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately activated his Noble Phantasm.

[The Glorious Ship of Light That Reaches Its Final Destination]

As the blinding light of the Noble Phantasm subsided, Jason emerged clad in battle armor.

Behind him, the shadowy figures of his former Argonauts appeared, the crew of the Argo ready for battle.

"Charge!" Jason extended his arm and pointed at Gilgamesh, his voice brimming with confidence and determination. "Take him down!"

However, even after his bold words fell, the Argonauts did not move..Instead they just looked at each other, before, the green-clad huntress, Atalanta, stepped forward first and kicked the unsuspecting Jason directly toward Gilgamesh without hesitation.

Simultaneously, she nocked an arrow and loosed her Prayer Arrow, which transformed under the moonlight into a rain of arrows descending toward Gilgamesh.

While Gilgamesh calmly used Gate of Babylon to block the barrage, the bewildered Jason, who had just clambered to his feet, could only scramble away in a panic, clutching his head as arrows rained down around him.

As if that wasn't enough, Medea, the ponytailed witch, cast a spell of divine origin, targeting Gilgamesh...but also "accidentally" catching Jason in the crossfire.

"Wait, wait, wait! Ouch, ouch, ouch! What are you doing?!"

Jason wailed in protest, dodging magic and arrows alike.

Shirou Emiya stood to the side, his expression blank and confused.

After all, he had absolutely no idea what was happening in front of him.

Heracles, however, seemed to understand something and a rare smile appeared on his face.

"I've heard that the summoning of Servants often relies on catalysts or deep bonds with the summoned Heroic Spirit,"

By the way he explained to confused Shirou Emiya beside him. "I suspect Promise didn't prepare a catalyst. So, when summoning based on bonds, the result ended up being Jason. Naturally, Atalanta, Medea, and possibly even Theseus..."

Heracles trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

But Shirou understood completely.

As he watched the spectral Argonauts attacking Gilgamesh, occasionally dragging Jason into the chaos, Shirou could only sigh.

"Promise... you're truly a sinful man."

.

.

.

"Ah... ah-choo!"

Under the starry night, Pegasus, dashing across the skies like a silver comet, glanced at Promise in confusion.

"It's nothing," The latter said, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm not sick. It feels more like someone's talking about me... But oh well, it doesn't matter.

"More importantly, Brother Pegasus, you've got to work hard tonight!"

As he said this, he chuckled and patted Pegasus on the head.

With a soft whinny, Pegasus responded. Moments later, it vanished into the night, blending seamlessly with the shadows as it carried Promise away.

Time passed, and before long, Pegasus descended on the land of Snowfield, returning Promise from the Clock Tower.

They landed near a suburban residence on the outskirts of the city, where a single Servant awaited them.

Standing before Promise was none other than Saber: Richard I, the Lionheart!

Due to the peculiar nature of this true-false Holy Grail War, multiple Servants of the same class had appeared.

However, there was only one Saber—the medieval English king, Richard I, the Lionheart.

At the same time, he was also the first target of Promise's hunt tonight!

As Pegasus landed, its unrestrained magical energy naturally caught the attention of the Servant awaiting nearby.

By the time it folded its wings and stood firmly on the ground, Richard I, the Lionheart, had already stepped outside onto the open terrain.

The legendary king saw the boy seated atop Pegasus.

When Richard looked at Promise, the latter instinctively returned the gaze.

Richard was dressed in the ornate attire of ancient nobility or royalty.

His handsome features were complemented by a pair of sharp, beast-like eyes that sparkled in the dim light.

After briefly sizing up his visitor, Richard broke into a cheerful smile and spoke with his lively and open demeanor, "You've finally arrived. I've been waiting for you for quite some time."

Although the night shrouded much about Promise, yet his actions over the past days..like the Pale Rider's defeat, his clashes with Enkidu and Gilgamesh, and the chaos involving the Bull of Heaven and Ishtar, had not gone unnoticed by the Servants and magicians of the city.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty Richard I, Lionheart of England," Promise said, descending from Pegasus.

Dressed in his pristine holy robes, he bowed respectfully as Richard returned the courtesy with equal grace.

It was then that Promise's peripheral vision caught sight of Richard's Master.

Ayaka Sajou..To be exact, she is not the real Sajou Ayaka.

But all in all, it was precisely because of her that Promise had chosen Richard as his first target tonight.

The reasoning was simple.

It was well known that even the great Zelretch, the Wizard Marshall who stood at the pinnacle of magi in the Type-Moon world, had cast his gaze on this peculiar Holy Grail War.

However, his attention wasn't focused on the Servants participating on this Holy Grail Sar but solely on this false Ayaka Sajou.

Thus, despite being an unstable factor, they were an obvious priority on this night when Promise had decided to clear the board.

Seeing Richard being so polite, Promise felt a little apologetic and said, "In truth, I've robbed you of your destiny. Because if it weren't for my interference, you would've been the true protagonist of this Holy Grail War."

"Oh?" Richard was stunned for a moment, then chuckled warmly. "But I feel that I still am. Besides, to have the chance to duel a legend like you—it is my honor and my greatest anticipation!"

As he said this, he drew his sword towards Promise.

There was no falsehood in Richard's eyes, and they were burning with the desire to fight.

After all, what he had seen in the past few days was enough to make his blood boil.

"No, you're no longer one," Promise replied and to answer Richard's resolve, he unleashed his full strength as his green eyes transformed into divine golden irises, radiating a power beyond mortal comprehension.

Reaching out to the heavens, he grasped a bolt of blinding lightning and spoke calmly, "Wisdom and fate have guided me here."

With those words, Promise hurled the lightning bolt toward Richard.

The golden lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the dark night.

Many onlookers across the land were startled by its sudden appearance.

However, since the phenomenon of lightning under clear skies was not particularly rare, most dismissed it.

Only the magis, Masters, and Servants in the area understood its true significance.

As they watched the lightning arc through the heavens, a single realization gripped their hearts: the long-dormant storm had finally arrived.

"Noble Phantasm: Excalibur Galatine!"

Richard activated his Noble Phantasm, a radiant light born of his reverence for King Arthur.

It shone with a brilliance that clashed fiercely with Promise's divine lightning.

Yet, there was no suspense in the outcome.

The golden lightning, imbued with the might of Zeus himself, shattered the light effortlessly.

Unable to withstand the divine power, Richard dropped his sword and narrowly dodged the bolt.

Gasping for breath, he staggered to regain his footing, only to look up and see another barrage of lightning descending upon him.

Moments later, the battlefield fell silent.

Later, when everything returned to calm, the silver-white Pegasus once again flew into the night sky with his promise, leaving behind the false Sajou Ayaka who was standing there in a daze, watching him leave.

With Richard's defeat, Saber exited the stage, but the night's story was far from over.

It was merely the beginning.

.

.

.

Before long, Pegasus soared above the heights of Snowfield City.

The neon lights below painted the metropolis in dazzling hues, creating a striking contrast against the night sky.

Sitting atop Pegasus, Promise extended his hand and retrieved two items from the luminous moonlight—a painting and an arrow.

The painting transformed into Atalanta's Sky Bow, while the moonlight-shaped arrow rested in Promise's hand.

He nocked the arrow onto the bowstring, aiming it toward a particular figure within the city.

His target was the Master of the false Assassin, a Dead Apostle, known as Six Hearted Revolver possessing a unique ability that allowed him to possess multiple hearts, transfer his soul to a new body upon death, and sustain himself by absorbing life through murder.

As Promise drew the bowstring to a full crescent, the arrow remained fixed on the Dead Apostle.

At that moment, the target sensed the looming presence of death.

After all, even though he wielded an ability bordering on immortality, the force locked onto him was far from ordinary magic.

It was the divine power of an ancient chief god, and against such might, no escape was possible.

Sensing the arrival of death, the Dead Apostle instinctively attempted to flee.

However, before he could move, a sharp sonic boom echoed as the arrow in Promise's hand, imbued with the divine power of Artemis, transformed into a radiant beam of moonlight and shot toward the target.

The godly power purified the Dead Apostle completely, leaving him unable to even let out a scream.

As his body vanished, the Servant whose magical energy had been suppressed by this Master began to dissipate as well.

Seated atop Pegasus as his golden eyes gleaming, Promise quietly observed the scene.

Then, his gaze shifted to the Assassin-class female Servant who remained.

Suddenly, he sensed something unusual.

Turning his eyes toward a shadowy part of the city, Promise tilted his head slightly in thought before realizing the truth.

"Another Assassin, huh... If I recall correctly, this one should be Hassan-i-Sabbah, known for their EX-level Presence Concealment."

Looking around the city and then at Pegasus, Promise raised an eyebrow.

Pegasus shook its head lightly, signaling that even it could not locate the hidden figure.

"Well then... what do you plan to do now?"

Meanwhile, within a room in the city, a man named Faldeus, one of the masterminds behind this Holy Grail War..sat quietly, watching Promise through a magical projection.

Reflecting on their first meeting in Enkidu's forest, he sighed.

Back then, Promise had neither Command Spells nor any visible magical energy, so, Faldeus had dismissed him as a mere bystander.

But now, it was clear.

You are the greatest monster in this Holy Grail War.

"EX-level Presence Concealment, is it? If it were daytime, I might not have found you. But right now... it's nighttime."

With those words, Promise once again drew his bow, aiming toward the shadowy figure that blended with the night—the ancient god-like embodiment of darkness.

The night covered the sky and looked down at everything in the world.

Unless concealed by Hades' Helm of Darkness, all forms of stealth would be revealed.

Thus, she descended beside Promise, pointed a slender finger, and revealed the location of Hassan-i-Sabbah.

With her guidance, Promise nocked another arrow and as the moonlight once again transformed into a lethal shaft, the arrow flew, purifying everything in its path with divine power.

As the battle ended, Promise, still holding Atalanta's Sky Bow, spoke with a smug look on his face, "I really do have quite the talent for being an Archer, don't I?"

Hearing this, Pegasus nearly stumbled in midair, letting out a soft neigh, as if scolding Promise for his shamelessness.