"So no matter what happens, I'll help Saber realize his wish."
Perhaps out of shyness, Ayaka's words came softly. Yet even so, Auram could feel the sincerity and strength within them.
"Ayaka, you…"
Three times. Such a cute girl had told him the same thing three times in a row. If he still refused to believe her, wouldn't that make him more paranoid than a scheming minister? No—that minister would never doubt a beautiful girl like this!
"Thank you, Ayaka."
In this moment, all he could do was return her kindness with heartfelt gratitude. Logically speaking, Auram still didn't understand why Ayaka was so determined to help him.
Regardless, right now, he chose to trust his instincts.
He chose to trust Ayaka.
And in turn, he ought to be more open with her.
So as they relaxed after their meal, Auram shared some of his story and his thoughts about the Holy Grail War.
"I see… Saber, you've had it rough too."
Though he glossed over many details of that grand adventure surrounding the World Legacy, it stayed a tale of ups and downs, filled with brilliance. Listening, Ayaka's heart raced; her eyes glittered like stars.
My God… what a classic hero's journey. It matched her image of a prince perfectly!
"Carrying the mission of protecting the planet… Saber, you're truly a great hero~"
"You call me a great hero? Haha, maybe. However, it was thanks to my companions—I couldn't have done it alone."
Even as Ayaka's earnest praise made him a bit giddy, Auram steadied himself.
"Back to this Grail War… before we begin, I have a proposal."
Her adoring gaze on him didn't shake his resolve as he explained his plan.
"For the duration of this Holy Grail War, I want you to stay at home, Ayaka."
"...Eh? What do you mean by that?"
"I'll set up every protection you need. I'll keep you safe. You just need to stay here peacefully until the war ends. The Grail—I can win it for you."
In a Grail War, Master and Servant fought as a pair, but the Servant's power far outstripped the Master's. It was common for Servants to battle while Masters hid in safe bases, supplying mana. Auram planned to do just that.
Harsh as it sounded, he felt Ayaka was too "weak" to keep pace. On the battlefield, she'd only slow him down. Better to keep her safe at home, surrounded by traps—extraterrestrial knights, Magic Cylinder, and the like. Even Servants would find it hard to break through.
And without her support, could he still win?
What a joke.
Though he didn't look it, Auram was plenty skilled in combat. Unless he ran into one of the handful of broken powers in the Type-Moon world, he doubted he'd lose.
And even if he did? So what? Even if it was God himself, he'd fight tooth and nail!
A vision of a purple-haired man's back crossed his mind.
'Ningirsu… that's right, we made a vow. Until our match is decided, I won't lose to anyone.'
Clenching his fist, resolve shone anew in Auram's eyes.
"Saber…"
Seeing his determination, Ayaka understood. She didn't dislike this gallant, fairy-tale-hero kind of attitude. Still, doing nothing herself? That wasn't her nature.
"Saber, it's not that I doubt you. But this Grail War is different—I don't want you hurt. Don't underestimate me. I'm actually pretty strong!"
She puffed out her chest proudly, patting it with both hands.
"Really?"
Auram smiled wryly at the tiny girl—barely 1.5 meters tall, standing on tiptoe just to reach his chin—as she thumped her chest and insisted she was powerful.
A great Magus required deep training. It wasn't that he didn't believe her. That said, looking at her delicate form, it was hard to see her as a formidable Magus.
In his past adventures, he'd met plenty of Magi. In his mind, great ones looked like… That monocled, cloaked man who seemed refined until he snapped into madness. Or that armored Archmagus ruling a magical kingdom. People like that.
As for the Sajo family? Ayaka's family might have been a minor name in Japan, but Auram had never heard of it.
"Ayaka, tell me… how many Magic Circuits do you have?"
"One."
'So weak!'
Even without deep knowledge of Type-Moon's system, Auram knew circuits reflected a Magus's talent and potential. If he remembered right, even Shirou Emiya, a back-alley amateur, had twenty-seven. And Ayaka had… one?
Of course, he didn't dare say it aloud. He simply smiled politely and patted her head.
"It's fine, Ayaka. Leave everything to me."
"But…"
Her pout showed her frustration, but the Grail War wasn't child's play. On this, Auram would not yield.
"Just as you don't want me hurt, I don't want you hurt either. So please, trust me this time."
As if mimicking her earlier gesture, he thumped his own chest.
Unlike Ayaka's flat figure, his chest swelled with solid muscle. His pectorals, chiseled and shield-like, exuded calm strength honed through countless battles.
Strong, powerful. Compared to Ayaka's chest… the difference was obvious.
…
The following is the status panel of the MC.
𓊈Servant Status𓊉
❖ Saber: Star Hero Auram
𓊈Parameters𓊉
Strength: A
Agility: A
Endurance: A
Mana: A
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: EX
𓊈Class Skills𓊉
✥ Magic Resistance: A+
↠ A natural skill of the Saber class, but thanks to a special mystery protecting him, its effect is magnified further.
✥ Independent Action: EX
↠ Unlike other Servants, Auram does not rely on a Master's mana to sustain his presence. Even without one, his existence remains stable.
✥ Card Printing: EX
↠ Monster Cards, Spell Cards, Trap Cards… In a distant mystical age, those recognized by card spirits could wield such powers. Though normally requiring prior creation, a true Duelist could print cards on the spot.
𓊈Personal Skills𓊉
✥ World Legacy's Encounter: C
↠ Counts as "World Legacy" in name. The beginning of everything. That day, when he encountered the World Legacy, he received a new blessing and began his legend.
✥ World Legacy's Trials: B
↠ Mekk-Knights, Krawlers, Knightmares… In battles surrounding the World Legacy, he grew and honed his craft. Those trials became his strength, following him onward.
✥ Heir of the Mekk-Knights: A
↠ Counts as "Mekk-Knight" in name. Once, to protect the planet's future, the world's elite sealed their wills into seven mechanical knights—the Mekk-Knights. Even as the ages passed, they upheld their beliefs. In a decisive battle, one boy inherited that will, becoming the last Mekk-Knight.
✥ Crusadia Reunited: A+
↠ Counts as "Crusadia" in name. A seed of hope flowing from past to future. In the name of the Crusadia, they gather once more. So comrades, when crisis returns, will you fight with me again to save this blue and beautiful world?
𓊈Noble Phantasms𓊉
✥ Avramax: A+++
↠ Anti-Unit. Max target: 1.
↠ The gathered prayers form a bridge, uniting everyone's strength. Thus is born the strongest knight of this planet—Crusadia Avramax.
✥ The World Legacy: EX
↠ Anti-World. Max target: ???
↠ Here, the story of the World Legacy ends. But our story does not. Starlight points the way forward. What kind of future will it lead us to? Let us witness it together.
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]