An Impacted Grand Order

[DarthCaesar98]

2005 ​

"And that's why I am in need of your assistance in order to reach my goals, Overseer."


Otto Apocalypse contemplated over what his visitor proposed. After a long moment of silence, he said "I will admit that what you told me and what you desire for the future is interesting to say the least. That's quite a big ambition. And I imagine it is not easy for someone of your status to reveal the secrets of your family and society to an outsider like me. You must really think that I am capable of providing what you need."


The visitor furrowed his eyes in obvious impatience. "So are you willing to assist me or not?"


Otto let out a small chuckle at his attempt for him to get straight to the point. "You do not need to worry. I should be able to provide what you specifically request. But that said, I am willing to be able to provide additional support, if you are willing to accept both."


The visitor raised an eyebrow as surprise coloured his face, before saying "And what would that be?"


"Well, this is what I have in mind."


As Otto began explaining what he would be able to provide, his visitor began to closely listen in rapt attention, absorbing every little detail he was saying. Eventually, the conversation resulted in the two to begin discussing exactly how the proposition might work in the long term logistically and how it could be implemented. Eventually, after many long hours of tireless compromises, the two came to an agreement, and Otto's visitor knew that this would be a partnership that would last for a long time, for better or for worse, a kind unbeknownst to the Overseer until it's too late.

---

Many years later ​

"Are you sure?"


"If I wasn't, then we wouldn't be having this conversation, Overseer."


Otto frowned at the latest development Rita brought to him. He did not expect his partner to go out like this. Moreover, the lack of the finer details regarding this incident concerned him.


He sighed. "And do you know who his replacement is?"


"As far as I'm aware, his daughter."


Otto's face coloured with surprise as he hummed in amusement. "I see. In that case, I will welcome her with open arms. The agreement I made with her predecessor and father will continue to go forward as originally agreed."


"While I will not go against your wishes sir, are you sure that this is the right path?"


"I am very sure Rita. The conversation I had with her predecessor has shown that this development should not alter what is to come."

---

2015 ​

If Olga was being honest with herself, she couldn't help but be curious yet baffled regarding what Daybit sent her a few hours ago.


A recommendation to include three new Valkyries from Schicksal as part of Chaldea's field operative unit, with their accompanying files that the sibling organization provides on a daily basis in order for certain members at Chaldea to pick and choose ones that meet their criteria for Rayshifting and any other purposes they require based on medical testings secretly done.


However, there are two particular ones that stand out, and why he chose them in particular baffled her. While one was her president of her class, many parts of her file are censored as if someone has something to hide, immediately triggering many alarm bells in Olga, causing her to be suspicious as to how much of her file is genuine. The other however, while showing potential and excelling in the practical side of things, has not shown any particular interest in keeping up with her studies, and it's to a degree where it's on record that she skipped certain classes related to theory. If Olga was being honest, she genuinely does not think that the latter has too much potential as a Valkyrie, much less one who would be able to contribute much as a member of Chaldea in the long term. And if things weren't confusing enough, he added a note which states that she should not contact the Overseer directly and should instead send a clandestine request to the headmistress of St. Freya where the three are currently at, stating that their presence in Chaldea would not only be necessary, but also they would force her into having them join the Organization if necessary if it comes down to it.


On the surface, Daybit's action does not make any sense to Olga. Why make a last minute request for three additional Valkyries where two of them would bring more questions than answers? And what makes two of them particularly different from all of the other Valkyries who might bring more to the table? She growled in irritation. As tempting as it is for her to toss this out and lash out at him, in the end, she was forced to acknowledge that Daybit must have his reasons in doing so, however hidden they are and unwilling he is to explain. He must be seeing something in the trio that she doesn't. A recommendation from him is something to not be taken lightly, nor should it be rejected. As far as she was concerned, this was less of a recommendation and more like an order she has to follow, both in letter and by spirit, despite the fact that she ' s the Director. Olga sighed, and began making separate messages to Wodime and the headmistress. If this is what one of Chaldea's best Master Candidates and a member of Team A has to say on the matter just within sight before the Grand Order is to start, then she will comply and make sure he gets his way.

---

If Hua was being honest, she did not understand why she had to accompany Himeko and Kiana when they were summoned to meet with Theresa for a private meeting, one that would be held somewhere that would ensure that the three of them would be uninterrupted and not being victims of eavesdropping. After the whole incident with the Selene , Hua originally thought that Theresa would want to speak with Kiana either alone or with Himeko given she is her superior officer to discuss what happened, only to be surprised to see that her presence was needed. Theresa's reasonings were beyond her, as Hua does not see what she herself could bring to the table. Moreover, if this meeting is to require people more than just Kiana and Himeko, then why implicitly exclude Mei and Bronya? That decision also confused her, as she figured that they should be involved given what happened, at least assuming if this meeting is about the Selene.


Once they reached the room, Himeko knocked on the door. "Theresa? It's us. We made sure that we weren't followed."


The door cracked open slightly, revealing Theresa who conspiratorially tried to verify Himeko's statement. Once she made sure, she quickly and quietly ushered the three in, and enabled every single privacy setting she had on hand.


"Sorry about this, you three, but what I am about to say is important, and I can't let anyone close to my grandfather know about this latest development."


"What's this about, Theresa?" Hua began to say. "Because if this is about the Selene , then I-"


"No, Hua. This is not about what happened to Kiana on the Selene ."


THAT got everyone's attention. Himeko was the first to speak up to ask the obvious question the three had. "If it's not about what happened on the Selene , then why are the three of us here?"


Theresa sighed. "Firstly, do you three promise to keep things strictly between us four? Because what I'm about to tell you is a top secret."


The trio stared at each other in confusion at what the Headmistress said. But in the end, the three nodded their heads in agreement.


"Okay. Here is the rundown. The three of you are being transferred effective immediately, one that would be off the books so to speak. While I don't know where it's located, you will be working at an international group called the Chaldea Security Organization under its current director, Olga Marie Animusphere. If the name isn't obvious, Chaldea is in its own way an organization loosely similar to Schicksal in terms of goals in that it seeks to ensure the survival of humanity."


Kiana raised her hand to interrupt. "Why the sudden change? And why us three specifically? And about Mei and Bronya? Why aren't they included?"


"If I'm being honest Kiana, I do not know. The Director directly sent me a request letter wanting you three specifically. Without wanting me to notify my Grandfather it seems."


Hua raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Theresa, if you don't mind, why is the Overseer being excluded? Moreover, does he have something to do with this?"


"I was wondering if you would ask that. To make a long story short, a little over decade ago, my grandfather was approached by the current Director's father, Marisbury, who at the time was finding support for building and maintaining Chaldea. He agreed, and in addition to additional financial support, he wanted certain Valkyries to be included as part of the Organization's Field Operations Division. Once the deal had been made and formalized, he included me in this agreement to see if there were any Valkyries in training at St. Freya who met the criteria Marisbury and his daughter had for these operatives.


Now this is the part that confuses me. If Marie, and before his passing Marisbury, wanted Valkyries to be transferred, usually they would send a request letter to grandfather, not me, even if it involves ones here at Freya. Not only that, but the Director gave some words that come across as a threat. She was very persistent in wanting you three without my grandfather's knowledge. She never gave a clear reason why, just that she was recommended by someone who works for her directly that Chaldea would benefit from having you three join them effectively immediately and join them as quickly as possible.


And as for your question regarding Mei and Bronya, Kiana, don't worry about them too much. They will be transferred to a new squad while you three are at Chaldea. I'll let them know about this transfer."



Himeko sighed. "I guess this means us three have no choice but to agree, correct?"



Theresa nodded and sheepishly scratched her head in embarrassment. "Sorry about this. I know that this is not the best time, but even without the unspoken threat, I have a hunch that this might be something that would benefit you guys, Hua and Kiana especially."



Now Hua was even more lost, and looked at Kiana, who was equally confused. Just what did Theresa see in this Chaldea that the two would benefit from? But before she could speak up, Himeko asked "And how much time do we have in that case?"



Theresa hummed. "I would say two to three hours? Four tops? All I know is that Olga plans on sending a representative before the day ends, and plans to meet with you three in a clandestine location unknown to grandfather here at St. Freya. I do recommend that you guys bring everything you have. Weapons included."



And before Hua and Kiana could do anything else, Himeko nodded and said "Understood. Okay you two. Let's get packing."



The two were then ushered out of the room by Himeko before they could waste more time by asking unnecessary questions, and went their separate ways to prepare for their secret departure.

Later ​

Hua couldn't help but look at the small assortment of Divine Keys of Domination she had out; the Grips of Tai Xuan, the Xuanyan Sword, and the Shield of Zhūqué. While she packed her clothes and the rest of her possessions, she couldn't help but reminisce about two of the weapons and their owners.



Her eyes continued to soften as the memories she had with them kept flashing through her mind. It's been too long since they died. Too long since she last heard their voices. Too long since they each held each others' hands. Oh how she wished she handled things differently. Of all the deaths she was forced to live through, theirs were the ones she particularly regretted and hated, ones where she wished could have been avoided. Just as tears began to flow out as she started to grieve again, the door opened, revealing Theresa.



"There you are Hua. You're taking too long."



Hua sighed and suppressed her sorrow. "Sorry, Theresa. Just reminiscing about some people from the past."


Theresa's expression changed. "Oh. Sorry. I hate to be that person, really, but it's almost time for your departure."


"I see. Then I'll stop messing around then."


Theresa frowned. "Are you sure?"


Hua took a deep breath and braced herself. "Yeah. It would be improper for me to waste everyone else's time."


She took her Keys and with Theresa's help, began to carry them and her possessions to where Chaldea's representatives would be meeting them.

---

Like the Director when she gave her opinion when she assigned him this task, Kirschtaria wasn't exactly sure how to feel about one of the new additions to Chaldea, especially now that he has the opportunity to see her face to face.



While waiting for the third member of the trio, the one who is called Fu Hua, Kirschtaria spent the time conversing with Himeko and Kiana, and he's getting the feeling that there is more madness to Daybit's genius at play. While Himeko's character is about what he expected, and someone who should pull their own weight, Kiana's is a lot to be desired for his taste. In his opinion, she requires an extensive ironing to steam out the kinks. Given how the Grand Order is about to start right when he's expected to come back, Kirschtaria believed that throwing her into the deep end would be a high risk endeavor, with the reward's level being unknown.


But of course, that's the difference between him and Daybit. While he preferred to play things safe as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary issues, Daybit likes to go head deep into the deep end with little, if any, regard to the consequences. While Kirshtaria trusted that his fellow genius is onto something by including the trio, the why is something that genuinely confused him, and he wondered if his gamble would truly pay off.


His rumination got interrupted when he heard some footsteps, revealing the headmistress and the last of the new Valkyries. He couldn't help but be curious about what the latter brought with her. Besides her personal possessions, he could see that she decided to bring a pair of knuckle braces, a sword, and a shield as part of her armaments. He thought the sight would have been comedic if it wasn't for the fact that they were being forcibly transferred from one peacekeeping organization into another, ones where people physically active on the field were needed.


He would question if her choice was excessive but he chose to keep his opinions to himself. At this stage of the game it would be a bad idea to alienate the newcomer. To some, there is no such thing as being too prepared. He readied himself. "Is this everyone, Headmistress?"



Theresa nodded. "Yup. Everyone is here and ready to go."


Kirshtaria looked at the trio, who nodded in agreement. "I see," he said at last. "Then let's get going. Time of the essence."


As they boarded the vessel, a certain thought gnawed in Kirshtaria's head, making him wonder once again if Daybit has made a good choice in "recommending" the three.

---

After a few hours of travel, Hua, Himeko, and Kiana finally arrived at Chaldea's main base. Somewhere. All Kirshtaria told them is that it's located in a mountain somewhere up north.



But the thing that frustrated Hua more is the exhaustion. The jet lag is killing her as Kirshtaria is guiding them through the base and into the meeting room. To make things worse, they apparently don't have time to adjust to their new surroundings and have the time to bring their personal belongings, as apparently, the Director is requesting every field agent for a debriefing.



Despite this, Hua couldn't help but marvel at the base. It might be a bit too white for her taste, but it's clear that this Marisbury Otto met all those years ago was not messing around with its construction plans from the glimpses of various rooms she was able to pick up. Based on that and what information her exhausted mind was able to capture made it clear that whatever peacekeeping mission Chaldea intends to do is treated at its utmost importance.



As the four of them were beginning to reach the Central Command Room, a certain sight immediately snapped Hua out of the jet lag. No. It can't be. It can't possibly be them , right? But as she focused, not only were the appearances the same, but she managed to hear them speak, and the voices were undeniably the same. Her exhaustion was not playing tricks on her. But why ? How is it possible for them to show up on her first day in Chaldea? She immediately noticed that they entered the Command Room before them, and she rushed to follow them, leaving her companions confused at the sight.

---

Good god was he exhausted. If it wasn't for Mash's help, he would likely still be napping on the floor and be missing out on this highly important debriefing and meeting the Director, who happened to be his new boss, face to face. As he, Mash, and Lev were making their way to the Command Room, Mash spoke up for a moment.



"Senpai, if it's okay with you, do you mind if I sit next to you? I don't want you to drowse off. The Director wouldn't take kindly to that. And besides, I don't think some people would take kindly to your status as a civilian mage."


"Yeah. That would be nice." He smiled. "Thank you Mash. I owe you big time."


Mash blushed at the comment as they entered the Command Room. As the pair began to sit close to the back, the two felt a poke near their shoulders.


"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"


He looked up, and saw a young woman with blue hair, wearing a pair of red glasses, a blue qipao, and a black bodysuit. He wasn't sure if it was the exhaustion, but he could swear that there was something about her expression that felt off. However, he decided to shake it off, and said "No, it's empty. I don't mind you sitting here. Mash, do you?"


"No Senpai," she said, smiling back, "I don't mind."


As she sat down, he realized that his exhaustion wasn't playing tricks on him, because when he mentioned Mash's name, he noticed a slight shift in her eyes, one that might have not been noticeable to those not noticing. But before he could ask, she said "I'm Fu Hua. May I know yours?"


"I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka," he said. "And this is Mash Kyrielight. It's nice meeting you, Fu Hua."

---

Author's note: So the Shield of Zhūqué. That is not my creation. That would be fireblitz113's, albeit with his permission to be used in my fic, as well as naming it. I think those who are reading Absense Makes the Heart Grow Fonder and Chasing After a New Flame of Humanity in particular may catch where I'm going with Hua's backstory here.

 

[DarthCaesar98]

Hua tried to keep her composure as much as she could as her mind was swarming with questions. She genuinely did not know how to make sense of this situation. She didn't want to make a scene in front of everyone, much less in front of the now approaching Kiana and Himeko as they took to sit down next to her. Especially since the orientation was about to start.

But now she could no longer deny what she saw before and what is next to her. Or rather who is next to her.

Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash Kyrielight. While she knew objectively that they were not the exact same ones, it would be impossible for it to be so, she could not help but wonder why this was happening. Why now?

Hua wanted to speak to them, get to know why they're here. Know about their pasts. But before she could act, her mind couldn't help but let a memory flash through her head due to history repeating itself. Specifically the day when she officially joined Fire Moth…

If Hua was being honest to herself, she couldn't help but be nervous as she stood in formation. While she genuinely did not regret convincing HIMEKO into accepting her as a soldier and member of Fire Moth's Squad V, she wasn't exactly sure how to feel as someone who's green to the whole experience and not knowing if she would be able to pull her own weight.

But as she waited for her Captain to arrive, two figures approached her. A boy with black hair and blue eyes and a girl with lilac hair and lavender eyes. Evidently, both seemed to share the same look of anxiety and greenness that she has, just not the same level of self control as she has.

"Excuse us," the boy said to get her attention, "but is it possible for us to stand right next to you?"

Hua shrugged with indifference, not caring either way. "It doesn't matter," she retorted back.

But as they took their formations next to her, it was clear the boy was not content with simply standing there in silence, and spoke up.

"My name is . And this is. What's yours?"

Hua sighed in resignation at his attempt. "It's Hua. And you know that this isn't some social gathering at some school, right? We're now soldiers."

He hummed in response. "That may be the case, but that doesn't mean that we can't get to know each other, right?"

Hua blew out a noise of exacerbation in response, clearly unamused by his friendliness, but before she could say anything else, HIMEKO came into the room…

"Ahem, if I could have your attention."

The sound of a young woman and the clicking of high heels broke Hua out of her thoughts, forcing her to pay attention to the direction they came from and making her put aside the issue for the time being.

The source of the noise is a young woman with white hair, wearing an elaborate black and orange jacket, red pants, and a white dress, and sporting a noticeable scowl on her face as she walked into the area of the command room where everyone was sitting. Hua couldn't help but wonder what was the source for her mood, but before she knew it, she glanced throughout the room and before speaking up again.

"Welcome to the Chaldea Security Organization. I'm the director, Olga Marie Animusphere. You have been selected, or in some cases discovered, for your rare talents. And by talents, I mean your aptitude for-"

Hua was trying her best to follow what the Director was saying. She could pick up the fact about how the assembled group is composed of Valkyries from Schicksal and apparently Magi who are qualified to be what she called Masters. But if she was being honest with herself, she was having difficulty keeping up. Not only was the jet lag coming back full swing with how what she felt was more important was not something she could afford to pay attention to at the moment, but the Director felt the need to pay more attention to the Magi in the audience, and was droning how what Chaldea was doing is a combination of magic and science. This was a subject matter her mind was not able to keep up.

But before she knew it, she felt someone's head fall on her right shoulder and she herself saw a particularly irritated Director Animusphere approach where she's sitting and felt a strange sensation on her face before things went black….

---

When Ritsuka came to, he noticed that he was in the hallway with Mash, the girl who introduced herself as Fu Hua right before Orientation started, and an unknown young woman with red hair done in a ponytail and yellow eyes.

"Are you all right, Senpai?"

"Wha-? Mash? Was I asleep?"

"Yes. In your case, it seemed like you were in REM sleep."

"My case?"

Yeah," the stranger with the red hair spoke up. "Hua here," she said teasingly as Hua began to flush in embarrassment, "decided to allow her jet lag to overtake her and she fell asleep during Orientation."

"In any event," Mash said. "It seems that the Director's slap seemed to have woken you two up completely. Thank goodness."

"However," the stranger then spoke up again, "it seems that your little stunt was enough for our lovely Director to take you two off the first mission and decided to have me take you two to your rooms while she finishes up orientation."

Ritsuka wondered why Mash wasn't the one responsible for him and said "And may I know who you are, Miss? And why isn't Mash responsible for me?"

"Ah," she said, slightly embarrassed at how she didn't formally introduce herself. "My name is Murata Himeko. And like Hua over here, I'm a Valkyrie from Schicksal. And as for why I've been tasked and not her, I believe she's better off explaining than me."

Mash awkwardly shifted at her turn in the spotlight. "I've been assigned to Team A, Senpai. We are the highest ranking Magus team in Chaldea. As such, I unfortunately can't stay by your side as much as I would like."

Ritsuka sighed but said "That's okay Mash. If I'm going to stay put then stay safe, okay?"

Mash blushed as she nodded. Just as she began to leave, a strange white fur quadruped rushed to where the group was and slapped Mash in the face and proceeded to nestle itself onto her right shoulder.

"Mash! Are you hurt!?" Ritsuka asked with concern in his tone.

"No no, I'm okay, Senpai," Mash replied without missing a beat, acting as if this behavior is normal. "No problem at all! Fou likes to attack my face, slide around to my back, and settle on my shoulder."

"Mash, what exactly is this 'Fou'?" Hua asked, confused over what kind of creature it is.

"Well… all I can say is that he's a squirrel-like creature, a privileged Life-Form who is allowed to walk freely around Chaldea" Mash replied, giving Hua and Himeko essentially the same explanation Ritsuka got when he was introduced to the critter.

"Fou. Kuuu, Fou! Fou!" Fou barked out directly to Ritsuka.

"Interesting," Mash said while observing Fou's treatment of Ritsuka. Apparently, Fou's embraced you as one of his own, Senpai. But can a squirrel who sees humans as rivals exist in this world?"

"Fou sees Fujimaru as a rival?" Hua asked in bewilderment, wondering just how intelligent this creature is.

"Well, knowing Fou as I do, I'm sure he'll forget it by tomorrow."

"Kyu… Kyu!" Fou barked out again.

"It seems that Fou is saying that he'll look after you three, Senpai in particular," Mash translated to everyone's bafflement as to how she's able to understand him. "That sets my mind at ease. In any case, I think I spent enough time out here making sure Senpai and Miss Hua woke up and are fine. Please look out for him while I'm away, Miss Himeko."

Ritsuka could see Himeko briefly grimace at being called "Miss", but she managed to compose herself and nodded back in acknowledgement. And with that, Mash left the trio to go back into the Command Room.

"Come on you two," Himeko said once the door to the Command Room closed, "I'll take you to your rooms so that you can get some rest. We'll start with yours, Fujimaru."

The two nodded as Himeko led them to Chaldea's dormitories, having been told by Mash where the two's living quarters would be while at base not doing missions.

"So, Miss Himeko," Ritsuka said, wanting to strike a conversation as the three were on the move, "You mentioned that you and Fu Hua are Valkyries from Schicksal."

Himeko nodded, "Indeed. May I ask why you ask?"

"Well, it's just that I never particularly got to know what exactly you guys do. I just heard scant rumors."

Both Himeko and Hua both glanced at each other, unable to be sure how to respond to that at first. Hua sighed, breaking the silence, before speaking up. "Well, there's a first for everything I supposed. But let me first answer with a question of my own: how familiar are you with the Honkai Beasts?"

Ritsuka scratched his chin in contemplation, before saying "Nothing too much if I'm being honest."

Hua bit her lip, clearly showing exacerbation over his ignorance. "To make a long story short, the Honkai Beasts are creatures trying to wipe out humanity. That's where Schicksal comes in. The current Overseer, Otto Apocalypse, recruits people like me and Himeko to fight them."

"I see," Ritsuka replied, trying to process the information Hua is giving. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you two end up here?"

Hua shrugged. "To be honest, neither of us have a good idea. We were suddenly transferred here under the request of the Director."

Ritsuka raised an eyebrow. "And this Overseer, Otto, was okay with that?"

"Actually," Himeko said, taking over Hua's role as the explainer, "it was his granddaughter, Theresa, who authorized our transfer here without his knowledge."

Now Ritsuka was confused. "What? Why?"

Himeko shrugged. "We don't know. Only the Director would know why, given she's the one who directly sent the message 'requesting' our presence," Himeko said with noticeable sarcasm.

The three stopped in front of a room labeled "FR-971507". "Okay," Himeko said, "From what Mash told me, each room is meant to house a singular Master or Valkyrie, with each labeled with the occupant's initials and birthdate. Would this be yours, Fujimaru?"

Ritsuka nodded. "If it's by that logic, then yeah, this should be mine. Let me see if it's unlocked."

Ritsuka pushed one of the buttons on the handle, resulting in the door to be open. However, the sight he and his companions was not something they expected. Inside the room is a man with orange hair wearing some sort of medical uniform.

"Okay, I'm in here- Wait? Whaaaaaat? Who are you? This is an empty room! It's where I slack off! Who gave you permission to open the door?" The man spluttered, clearly not expecting the intended occupant to open the door.

"I was told this was my room," Ritsuka said, with the deadpan being evident in his tone.

"Your room? This place? Oh…" he said, with remorse and shame starting to creep into his tone. "I see, so the last Master who finally showed up, huh?"

Ritsuka nodded.

"Well, nice to meet you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. And you two must be Murata Himeko and Fu Hua. I didn't think I would run into any of you three like this, but let me formally introduce myself. I am the head of Chaldea's Medical Department, Dr. Romani Archaman. For some reason, people just call me Dr. Roman. I do not know why, but I suspect that it's likely because it's easier to pronounce, so I don't mind and you're free to call me as such."

"It's nice to meet you, Doctor." Ritsuka replied back smiling, the initial awkwardness fading away.

"It's nice meeting you as well, Ritsuka. I look forward to getting to know you." As Romani finished, he immediately noticed the presence of a certain creature on Ritsuka's right shoulder.

"Is that the mysterious creature I've heard so much about from Mash on your shoulder? I honestly didn't think he existed to be honest. Maybe I should teach him some tricks."

".... Fou…." Fou replied back unamused.

"It seems that he isn't interested given the really pitying look he's given me and the immediate ignoring. In any case, I think I get why you're here, right? You're the rookie who just got here and then got on the Director's bad side, right?"

Ritsuka nodded. "Me and Hua actually. Miss Himeko is simply our escort."

"I see. Then you two and I are alike in that case. Just so you know, I got yelled at by her too. You know the Rayshift experiment's about to start, right?"

The trio nodded.

"The entire staff's been sent to help out. But given my line of work, I have nothing to do. Due to the way the Rayshift machines are set up, the Director believes that my slacking influences the others, and thus kicked me out. But then you three showed up. This has to be a blessing in disguise, right?"

The three stared blankly, unsure how to feel about the Doctor's leap in logic.

"Since you two have no place to go, why don't we spend some time and deepen our friendship?"

Ritsuka and Hua stared at each other, before shrugging. "Sure," Hua said, speaking for the two of them. "I think you should go back to the Command Room, Himeko. I don't want you to be accidentally left behind."

The redhead nodded in response, and proceeded to leave the two with the strange doctor.

"Wahoo! This means I made two new friends!"

Ritsuka and Hua continued to stare with deadpanned expressions, still unsure how to feel about the Doctor's oddity. Hua was the first to speak.

"Actually, Doctor, I think this might be a good opportunity for you to explain certain things to me and possibly to Fujimaru."

The Doctor grinned with excitement. "Really now? What sort of things?"

"You see, I was suddenly transferred here from Schicksal without having time to get to know the inner workings of Chaldea. I don't know how much Fujimaru knows, but I need to get an overview of what you, or rather now we, do and what not."

Romani rubbed his hands with glee. "Then let's get started, shall we?"

---

Hua had to admit, despite initial appearances, the Doctor clearly knew way more than he let on.

The minutes passed by as she, and occasionally Fujimaru, would grill him on certain topics. He lectured them about how the first and late Director, Marisbury, spent some time recruiting help from various organizations across the world in order to receive the appropriate support needed for his vision, who made up the Organization's staff and where they're from, and what went into the construction of the Organization's base and its various technology, such as the Rayshift Coffins.

"... So that's the structure of Chaldea. An underground workshop built on a snowy mountain 6,000 meters above sea level…"

A beep interrupted Romani, and a male voice unknown to Hua came through.

"Romani, we're going to start the Rayshift soon. Could you come in case of an emergency? A Team's in perfect condition but B Team on down is less experienced and they are displaying some abnormalities. It's possible it might be anxiety."

"In that case, Lev, why don't I come down to give them some anesthesia?"

"Whatever you think works. But come quickly."

Romani sighed. "Well, it should take me five minutes to get to the Command Room. Lev and the Director should forgive me for being a little late. A Team is pretty good and has no issues with this sort of thing. I'm not sure if either of you met him, but that was Lev Lainur. He's the mage who was responsible for the construction of the Sheba telescope I mentioned earlier. Anyway, if Lev felt the need to contact me directly, then my presence is necessary. Sorry for cutting things short, Ritsuka, Hua. When you have the time, swing by the infirmary later. I can treat you two something sweet."
Right when he finished, things went pitch black.

"What's this? The lights are out. Did something-"

A loud bang could be heard, then a loud siren immediately turned on, interrupting Romani.

Emergency. Emergency. A fire broke out in the Central Power Station and the Central Command Room. Central Area's containment wall will activate in 90 seconds. All staff must evacuate from Gate 2 at once. Containment Wall will close in 40 seconds. Those remain in Central Area, evacuate immediately-"

"Was that an explosion? What in the world happened? Monitor, show us the Command Room now! Is everyone alright?"

A bright light illuminated Fujimaru's darkened room, showing the Command Room in obvious damage as flames raged throughout.

Hua felt fear creeping inside her, afraid of the Valkyries she knew personally. Evidently, Ritsuka shared such sentiments.

"So awful. What about Mash?"

"Hua, Ritsuka," the Doctor said. "Evacuate right now. I'll be heading to the Command Room. As the automated message said, the containment wall is about to close soon. Get yourselves out before it's too late!" He then ran out of the room to help those to the Command Room.

"I can't run away now!" Fujimaru exclaimed. "I need to save Mash!"

"Fou!" Fou barked out in agreement.

Hua agreed, even if she has different people to save. She couldn't run away and let people die senselessly. And besides, chances are Kiana and Himeko would need their help. The two stared at each other and nodded, and went to follow the Doctor.

---

Romani was baffled at who he was seeing.

"Wuu- Wait, what are you two doing? Why are you following me? You're going the wrong way! Gate 2's over there!" He pointed in the opposite direction as they were running to the Command Room.

"Wait, you don't mean to tell me you intend to help me? I don't mind the extra pair of hands, but still." The Doctor threw his hands in the air as he finished. "Oh man, whatever. There's no time to argue. Just make sure you get back before it gets too late, okay?"

Ritsuka and Hua nodded in agreement, making Romani sigh over their attempts at playing heroes.

As they made their way to the Command Room's entrance, they ran into Himeko.

"Doctor! Hua! Fujimaru! What in the hell is going on!?" she asked, baffled at the sudden turn of events.

"I don't know!" Romani replied. "But there's no time to waste. Let's go inside the Command Room, now!"

---

The destroyed Command Room felt hot in Ritsuka's opinion.

Romani tried to survey the Room to the best of their ability, but he was having difficulty finding anyone.

The Doctor grimaced as he came back to where the three were. "No survivors so far. Only Chaldeas is safe. Based on my own observation, this is where the explosion originated. This is no accident, it was sabotage.

Generator operation stopped. Power level critical. Switch to backup generator, ERROR. Please make switch manually.

"I'm heading down to the underground power station. We can't let Chaldea's light go out. I want you three to head back to Gate 2 quickly! You can still make it. Don't stop period, okay? Go outside and wait for help!"

As Romani rushed to the power station, the three could only stand in silence as the automatic messages continued blaring.

System switching to the final phase of Rayshift. Coordinates, AD 2004, January 30th, Fuyuki Japan. Laplace's shifting protection established. Singularity's additional slot factor secured. Unsummon Program set. Please start final adjustments.

"Something feels wrong," Ritsuka said once it was over. "I think we should look for survivors till the last minute."

"I agree," both Hua and Himeko replied in unison.

As they went inside, the three split and Ritsuka ran across the path he had chosen throughout the destroyed ruins to see if he could find anyone. Eventually, he found two figures trapped inside one of the fallen pieces of the room, and he shouted to get their attention.

"Hua! Himeko! I found two people! Follow my voice and help me! They're trapped!"

As Ritsuka approached them to see who they were, one of them surprised him.

"Oh.."

"Mash!? Hang in there! I'll get you out now!"

"It's all… right. You can't… save… me. Don't mind me, please… Run."

As he was struggling to lift the rubble, Hua and Himeko came over to help, and what they were about to say shocked him as they approached them.

"Kiana!? Are you okay!?" shouted Himeko as she and Hua immediately went to help Ritsuka once they realized what he was doing.

This Kiana barely chuckled. "Not really. All of this happened suddenly. I'm surprised I was able to make it this far by myself."

As Ritsuka, Hua, and Himeko tried to remove the rubble, they were unaware of Chaldeas changing color, resulting in another announcement.

Warning all observation staff. Chaldeas' status has changed. Now rewriting Sheba's near-future prediction data. Unable to detect the existence of mankind 100 years in the near-future on Earth. Unable to confirm human survivors. Unable to guarantee mankind's future.

Mash was the first to notice the change once the announcement was over. "Chaldeas.. has turned bright red… No, never mind, that-"

Central area sealed. 180 seconds till internal containment procedure. The announcement went back on, interrupting Mash.

"... they shut off, the area. … Now, we can't, get out."

"It is fine," Himeko spoke up. "We'll figure it out."

Coffin Vitals: Masters and Valkyrie Baseline not reached. Rayshift requirement not met. Searching for qualified Master and Valkyrie…. Found. Candidate No. 48 Fujimaru Ritsuka reset as Master. Candidate 95-X Kiana Kaslana, 95-Y Murata Himeko, and 95-Z Fu Hua reset as Valkyrie. Unsummon Program, Start. Spiritron Conversion, Start.

"Um.. Sen.. Pai?" Mash tried to say as all five of them were being enveloped by a strange light. "Would you mind... holding my hand?"

"What the hell!?" exclaimed Himeko. "What is happening to us!?"

Rayshifting starting in 3… 2… 1. All procedures clear. First Order, commencing operation.

As Ritsuka did what Mash wanted, a different light enveloped him, and things went to black before he could say anything.

---

Author's note: And prologue is now wrapped. Man this chapter fought with me. Why? Because for some odd reason, I've been toying with adding Shigure Kira, Yu Mei-Ren, and Cheng Lixue of all characters in this chapter. But in the end, I decided to keep the the quintet as is. Eagle eyed readers may recognize some of the dialogue. I shamelessly took them from the official NA translation. Why? Laziness mostly lmao. Although I did cut some down for ease and to feel less repeating stuff most of y'all likely know. And now onto the meat that is Fuyuki!