Fate/ Grand Crypter

Chapter 13

"Simply put, the situation is worse than we thought." Marie picked up an iPad and opened up some reports. "Through observation of CHALDEAS, we had previously believed that the Fuyuki singularity was the cause of humanity's eventual downfall. However, CHALDEAS now shows us that we were not only wrong but also in the worst possible situation."

Olga Marie looked at Leo, a grim expression on her face.

"There is no humanity anymore. The world has been engulfed in a sea of fire. We are all that is left of humanity in the 21st century."

Marie's expression was grim, as she stared at the iPad in front of her. This was her reality after all. The sudden realisation that Chaldea was all that was left to represent humanity and its accomplishments. Had Leo not been expecting it in some form, it would no doubt have come as quite a shock. As he already knew the progression of the story, he tried his best to act shocked.

"Everyone outside is gone? Then what Lev was saying..."

"Was likely true, at least in some form." Marie put down the iPad and met Leo's gaze.

"However, not all is lost. With CHALDEAS we have identified 7 points that have served as the origin of this destruction. 7 pillars of human history that have been distorted, and have led to the destruction of humanity in the current era. 7 Singularities."

"Singularities, like Fuyuki? So that means..."

"Exactly. Like Fuyuki, we can do something about it." Marie said. "Just like with Fuyuki, we believe that each of the Singularities has likely been caused by a Holy Grail. The wish-granter is one of the few things capable of changing history to this extent. So Chaldea has a new mission. We are going to Rayshift to these Singularities and finish them off for good. In doing so we will save the Human Order. This was Chaldea's mission from the start. It has just grown in scope, that's all."

Marie folded her hands in front of her. It was at this moment Leo finally noticed how tired she looked. Shadows played beneath her eyes, and for a moment fatigue overcame her face. She was holding herself together well, but knowing Marie, she had likely not slept since they returned. She would have put everything into getting everyone in Chaldea ready to go.

"I have been training the backup team for CHALDEAS's operations," Marie said. "And Team A has already agreed to take on the mission. This was why they were picked out by my father after all. Even if all 47 of the masters survived, Team A was prepared to complete the mission alone. However, you are still here, Leo."

"You have a strong servant and good judgment. You are decisive when it matters. When..." Marie swallowed painfully and continued. "When Lev betrayed us, you were the first to realise and suffered trying to protect us. I will not force you to join the mission. But I will ask. Are you willing to fight for humanity? Are you willing to help save it, even with the risk?"

Leo looked at Marie, hesitating as he gave his response. He felt a weight as he spoke, almost as if he was binding himself with each word he used.

"I... came here to help Chaldea. To contribute to its mission to save humanity. I don't think I am quite as impressive as you make me out to be. I fail regularly, and I do not have the noble soul or character that you describe. Alone, I could not save humanity. But... since you have placed such high hopes on me, and I will have the aid of everyone else in Team A... I will give my best effort to save the world."

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Leo sat alone in Chaldea's cafeteria, thinking over his conversation with Marie. She was different from the beginning of the game. A bit more confidence, and belief in herself. It was a good thing in the long run. Olga Marie's previous attitude was due to a dependence on Lev Lainur. He had manipulated her during her moments of weakness, causing her to lash out at everyone else around her. That she was growing was a good sign. With time, Lev Lainur would become a distant memory. Indeed, now that Marie and Team A had managed to survive Fuyuki, there was a solid chance that the problems he was facing would resolve themselves. Zeltrech's concern seemed to be unwarranted...