I can hardly believe my ears. This doesn't seem like a mishearing, nor does it appear to be idle talk.
An organization that observes and guarantees Human Order... Chaldea, was it? An explosion of unknown cause occurred there, the facility burned down, and a Master who coincidentally survived accomplished something called Rayshift, and at the moment of death fused with a mysterious Heroic Spirit, becoming an existence called a Demi-Servant and fighting alongside the Master in this burning city—
"Amazing, Fujimaru-kun! To summon that Hero King on your first attempt! Excellent! In terms of combat power, there's no better card than this!"
I can't see him, but I can hear his voice. He gives quite an unreliable and frivolous impression, but is he in an advisory position?
In other words... the fate of all humanity rests on these two girls?
"Um, excuse me."
As I'm digesting the information I've been given in my head, a girl in purple armor with a fragile impression speaks up.
"Thank you for responding to senpai's summoning. I am Mash Kyrielight. I'm a Demi-Servant who has fused with a certain Heroic Spirit, one of the Servants contracted with senpai."
"————"
"We are investigating this Singularity and planning to return to Chaldea via Rayshift. However, there are already many enemies patrolling here, and with our complete lack of combat experience, breakthrough is predicted to still be difficult for us."
The purple-haired girl speaks these words. Her voice is thin yet has a core, pleasant to the ear, I think.
The large shield that doesn't match her slender arms. According to the knowledge granted at summoning, Servants are apparently forced into frameworks called Classes and manifest one aspect of themselves.
What is her Class? For that matter, what Class is this hero called Hero King Gilgamesh?
That knowledge isn't given to me. What hero would ask "What Class am I and what fighting style am I good at?" I'd rather not have a Servant suffering from dementia.
...However, looking at what appears to be a shield, I feel something off.
Is that really a shield? It doesn't quite connect to my mental image.
Rather than a shield, it's something you'd lay down and use when gathering for a feast—
"Knowing this is disrespectful, I beg... no, I advise. Could you please lend your strength to senpai and me?"
A straightforward request. Sincere words that don't hint at any underhanded schemes in the slightest.
...If I can be of help, nothing could be better. Rather, that's exactly why I'm here.
That lament I cried out then... saying I didn't want to die without accomplishing anything, that's why I'm here like this.
"Very well."
Those were the only words I could manage, but my intent seemed fully conveyed. Both girls' expressions brightened.
"Such confirmation is unnecessary at this point. There would be no reason to respond to a summoning without lending aid."
"What?! The arrogant and domineering king giving such a ready answer—what kind of whim is this?! Are you really that Hero King?!"
"Judge that with your own eyes. Come, let us depart. You have accomplished what needed to be done here."
"What needed to be done?"
"Summoning me. Whether I am necessary or unnecessary to you is for you to decide. With those Command Seals there, you can dispose of a Servant however you wish."
"Was there a flaw in the summoning? No, that can't be... what is this humble Hero King?! Scary! Something's scary!"
"Doctor, please be quiet. ...Um, then... please take care of us, Hero King."
"Mm, work hard."
The tense atmosphere around Mash Kyrielight relaxes. For some reason I don't understand, she seemed prepared as if to have her head cut off.
"Oh! I worried for nothing! The Hero King is surprisingly friendly!"
The girl who had been crouching until just moments ago breaks into a smile. In contrast to Mash, she's a girl with a cheerful atmosphere.
"I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka! I somehow became a Master through a series of events! Nice to meet you! Gil!"
"Wha—"
"Gah—"
Voices ring out and Mash is speechless. These people have quite big reactions to everything.
"Mm. Do your best to fulfill the important role of Master."
"I-is that okay?!"
"What is?"
"For you to allow calling you by such a, you know, nickname! Won't you get angry saying it's disrespectful?!"
"Any form of address is fine. Why make such a fuss over something so trivial?"
It seems I'm being excessively feared. I'm not a tyrant—they can call me whatever they like.
"Um... if the Hero King is fine with it, then it's fine, but..."
"Friendly! I might have pulled the best Servant ever! Alright Mash! Gil! Our journey starts from here!"
"It feels like it might end soon, senpai!"
Ritsuka shouts cheerfully. Being energetic is good. More to the point, being full of vitality is favorable.
Now, how much can I live up to their expectations... At the very least, I mustn't show the disgrace of being defeated in the first battle.
Also, Chaldea should have books about the Hero King or something. I should at least know the details of the hero who became my vessel.
"Hey, you with the voice."
"Ah, me? I'm Romani Archaman. I'm medical staff at Chaldea, but..."
"When we return, I want to examine materials related to Gilgamesh... to me. Gather them... gather them."
"Books about you? That's fine, but... ah, is it so Fujimaru-kun can know you in detail? What a considerate hero you've summoned—"
"I will read them."
"Eh...?"