**[Chaldea – Leonel's Room | 7:00 a.m.]**
*Beep. Beep. Beep.*
The alarm sounded insistently, and after a few seconds, a sleepy hand turned it off. Leonel sat up in bed, ruffling his hair as he yawned widely.
"Another day in paradise..." he murmured sarcastically, dragging himself to the bathroom.
After a quick shower and a light breakfast ordered via the intercom, he dressed in his standard Chaldea uniform: simple, functional, but with a certain commander's air.
While adjusting his coat belt, he heard a knock at the door.
"Leonel-kun, are you ready? Today we'll be doing new summonings," Mash's warm, friendly voice came from the other side.
"Just a second!" replied Leonel, grabbing his communicator and opening the door instantly.
Mash greeted him with a small smile and a slight bow.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Mash. Did you already have breakfast?"
"Yes, before coming to get you. I want to see if in this summoning round we get strong allies... and pleasant ones." She murmured the last word with a slightly spicy tone, hard to ignore.
Before Leonel could respond, a cheerful voice interrupted the scene.
"My Praetor~! What joy to see you so radiant so early in the morning!"
Nero Claudius, as always, appeared theatrically, with a rose in her hand that seemed conjured from nowhere. Without wasting time, she approached and kissed Leonel's cheek with total confidence, hugging his arm tightly and with a triumphant smile.
"A new day to expand our glorious sentimental empire~. And what better way than with new summonings!"
Mash blinked several times, her face shifting from a neutral expression to an obvious blush, though she tried to maintain her composure.
"Good morning, Nero-sama," she greeted with forced courtesy.
"Oh, Mash. Will you be joining us too? Excellent, we need witnesses for important moments!"
Leonel swallowed, trying not to look uncomfortable.
"Let's go, before someone else reserves the chamber," he commented, starting to walk.
Thus, the trio headed to the summoning chamber, Nero proudly clinging to Leonel's arm, while Mash walked on the other side, in silence... though occasionally casting small furtive glances at the two, her expression shifting between annoyance and barely contained jealousy.
"What does she see in him...? Well, besides his smile, confidence, charisma, perfect figure, and that way of speaking..." Mash interrupted herself with a slight pout and quickened her pace.
Nero, for her part, whistled happily, glad to be by her "husband's" side.
"Today we will attract great heroes! And if they are beautiful women, even better. For the Praetor's harem!" she exclaimed loudly.
Leonel, frozen, felt as all the technicians in the hallway turned to look at them.
"Nero... please, lower your voice..."
"Never! Love must be proclaimed with pride. As an empress, I do not know shame. Only passion!"
Mash looked away, biting her lip.
"It's not fair..." she thought.
The summoning chamber awaited them... and with it, new bonds, new stories... and, probably, more sentimental chaos.
**[Chaldea – Summoning Chamber | 8:12 a.m.]**
The summoning chamber vibrated with mystical energy. Runes floated in the air, drawing bright circles on the white marble floor, illuminating the room with a pale blue glow. Leonel, Mash, Nero, and Da Vinci watched from an elevated control room, protected by a glass screen.
"Are you ready, Leonel?" asked Da Vinci, adjusting the controls with a confident smile. "Mana is stabilized and the ritual is prepared."
"As ready as I can be," Leonel replied, his voice tense but determined.
Mash stood by his side, watching the summoning seals with expectant eyes. Nero, on the other hand, had her arms crossed and a haughty smile on her face.
"I hope these new faces are worthy of fighting by your side, my husband."
The light intensified and the circles shone with a burst of golden energy.
*Flash!*
A figure materialized first: a woman with long, ashen blonde hair, white armor with golden details, and a serene expression on her face. Her standard waved gracefully beside her.
"Jeanne d'Arc, Servant of the Ruler class. I have come to fight for justice and humanity... and for you, Master." She bowed, with sweetness but also authority.
"A saint!" Mash exclaimed, impressed.
"Magnificent presence," murmured Nero with a smile of approval.
Leonel nodded respectfully, impressed by her bearing.
"I am Leonel, your new Master. The honor is mine, Jeanne."
"The honor is mine," she replied, gifting him a soft smile.
*Flash!*
A new figure appeared, enveloped in green fire that faded to reveal a young woman with long light blue hair, bright eyes, and a joyful expression... though a bit disturbing.
"Kyahahaha~! I knew it! I knew you'd keep your promise, Leonel-sama!"
Kiyohime ran towards him at full speed and hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his chest.
"I waited for you so long... but I knew you would come for me. I always knew we were destined!"
"W-what?" Leonel's eyes widened, while Nero watched him with a raised eyebrow and Mash paled slightly.
"I... promised you something?" asked Leonel, breaking into a cold sweat.
"In the Singularity! You said you'd come back for me! And you did! Like a good husband!" Kiyohime exclaimed with absolute adoration.
Nero huffed, annoyed.
"Another one claiming to be my Praetor's wife... I'll have to remind her of her position."
"N-Nero, calm down..." whispered Mash, though she didn't look very calm either.
*Flash!*
The final summoning completed the trio. A man with white hair, tanned skin, and a black suit with red details appeared. His eyes observed everyone calmly and with a hint of cynicism.
"True name irrelevant. You may simply call me Archer. I am here to fight." He crossed his arms, his tone practical but not hostile.
Leonel stepped forward, still with Kiyohime hanging from his arm.
"I'm Leonel. I'll be your Master from now on."
"Understood. I'll settle for you being competent," Archer responded, looking closely at Mash and Jeanne.
"Jeanne d'Arc. I'm glad to see someone like you summoned as well," Jeanne commented, nodding.
"You are... the Saint of Orleans," Archer narrowed his eyes, as if recalling vague details. "Yes, that fits."
Jeanne nodded softly.
"A part of me remembers the madness of that Singularity... but this time, I am here to prevent something like that from happening again. I will serve you with all my being, Master Leonel."
"That means a lot, thank you."
Mash smiled slightly, though she kept constantly glancing at Kiyohime, who still hadn't let go of poor Leonel.
"This... Leonel-kun, should I... separate her?"
"No... I think it's more dangerous to try," he whispered, clearly resigned.
Da Vinci clapped, breaking the tension.
"An excellent summoning! Three Servants of great power and charisma. Chaldea is growing stronger!"
Nero stepped forward with her usual grace.
"Very well, new subjects. Welcome to the service of my husband and this glorious future! I swear you will have stages worthy of your talent. Although..."
Her eyes narrowed towards Kiyohime.
"...certain serpents need to remember that one does not hug the Emperor without permission."
Kiyohime smiled broadly, not letting go of Leonel.
"Who says you have the only permission?"
Mash sighed, while Archer crossed his arms, already resigned to what would be a life full of chaos and drama.
**[Chaldea – Common Room Post-Summoning | 9:25 a.m.]**
After the ceremony, the newly summoned were taken to a common room to familiarize themselves with their new environment and their Master. Leonel had answered some questions, offered them a hot drink, and left them for a moment to process their summoning. From a corner of the room, the three new Servants watched him, each with different thoughts.
**Jeanne d'Arc**
"So... this time... there is no fire, no dragons, no betrayal."
Jeanne contemplated Leonel, who was chatting animatedly with Da Vinci and Mash. In her eyes shone a mixture of relief and determination.
"It's not the same war. It's not the same blood. This young man does not seek vengeance or glory... he only wants to save the world. And that is enough for me."
—A journey to restore humanity...— she whispered to herself. —This time I will fight to protect, not to correct. And this time... I am not alone.
**Emiya (Archer)**
"Hmph... so this is my new Master."
From his corner, Archer crossed his arms, observing Leonel closely.
"He doesn't seem entirely prepared... but he's not a fool either. There's firmness in his eyes. Something tells me life hasn't broken him yet, and that... is strange for a Master."
—For now, I'll just observe. We'll see if he is worthy of that promise he said he'd fulfill.
Although his tone was neutral, there was a slight hint of interest in his eyes.
**Kiyohime**
"My beloved Master! True to his word! Oh, what bliss!"
Kiyohime could hardly stop smiling. She was sitting very close to where Leonel was talking, curled up with a cup of hot tea.
"I knew he hadn't forgotten me. I knew my feelings weren't in vain. Who says dreams don't come true?"
—I will protect him with all my being,— she whispered softly, squeezing the cup between her hands. —And if someone else tries to take him from me... well, they'll find out what happens to liars~
**[Scene Change – Nearby Hallway]**
—Kiyohime,— Nero's voice rose, elegant and cutting at the same time.
—Huh? Imperatrix...?— Kiyohime tilted her head, not entirely taking her eyes off Leonel.
—I wish to speak with you. Alone. It won't take long.— Nero took a step forward, her regal bearing undeniable.
Kiyohime sighed softly. She wanted to stay by Leonel's side... but she also sensed what Nero wanted to tell her. And she couldn't run away.
—Very well,— she finally said, standing up reluctantly. —But let it be known that this is for him...
—Of course. For him.— Nero replied with a half-smile.
The two women walked away from the group, their steps echoing softly down the hallway. A subtle tension began to emanate between them. Not of hatred... but of competition. Because both knew, without needing words, that Leonel Cruz was not an ordinary Master.
**[Hallway near the Summoning Chamber – 9:40 a.m.]**
The silence between the two women lasted a few moments, only interrupted by the echo of their footsteps. Nero walked with imperial grace, her head held high. Kiyohime, on the other hand, looked uncomfortable, as if afraid a wrong word would unleash a trial by fire. Finally, Nero stopped and looked her straight in the face, with a soft but determined smile.
—Kiyohime... I know very well what you feel.— she said in a melodious voice. —I too love our Master.
Kiyohime blinked, surprised by the direct declaration. She opened her mouth, but Nero raised a hand.
—I was the first to tell him. The first to kiss him. And as an empress, I could say that gives me priority.— she added with a touch of vanity.
—So why did you bring me here? To warn me? To threaten me?— Kiyohime tilted her head, with a dangerous gleam in her eyes.
—None of that.— Nero replied with a mischievous smile. —I brought you to welcome you. To his harem.
—Whaaat!?— Kiyohime took a step back, confused.
—You love him, don't you? You don't have to lie to me. I saw it in your eyes when you hugged him. But, dear Kiyohime... you must understand something. Leonel is the only remaining Master in Chaldea. The only one who can command us. The only one with whom we can fight, dream... or love.
Kiyohime lowered her gaze, her emotions agitated.
—I... just wanted to be with him. Forever. He promised to call for me, and he did... Now I have to share him?
—That's right.— Nero affirmed with sweetness, but firmly. —Sooner or later, others will love him too. It's inevitable. What will you do then? Burn them all?
Kiyohime trembled a little at the mention but didn't respond.
—You are not the only one burning for him. But if you truly love him, then you will fight by his side. You will protect him. You will make him happy. Even if there are others. Even if you have to give up a part of him.
Kiyohime remained silent for a long time. Finally, she sighed with resignation, but a spark of unbreakable love still shone on her face.
—...Alright. I'll accept it. But let it be known... if any of the others hurt him, I won't be responsible for myself.
—Done!— said Nero, smiling, and extended her hand like an empress sealing a treaty. —For Leonel's sake... may this pact be fulfilled.
Kiyohime looked at her for a few seconds... and finally shook her hand.
Without Leonel's knowledge, a dangerous but sincere alliance had just been born between fire and gold.
**[Chaldea Cafeteria – 1:15 p.m.]**
The air smelled of freshly cooked rice, hot soup, and some kind of spicy curry. Leonel walked calmly alongside Mash, both with their trays in hand.
—I'm glad the food system still works in Chaldea.— Leonel commented, leaving his tray on an empty table. —I thought we'd have to survive on emergency rations.
—Doctor Romani took care of keeping the basic services online. Though... last night's curry tasted strange.— Mash replied with a slight laugh.
Both sat down and began to eat in silence, enjoying a bit of normalcy after the chaotic summoning. However, that tranquility didn't last long.
—Leonel~!! Did you miss us?— Nero's sing-song voice echoed in the cafeteria.
Kiyohime said nothing, but her sweet smile and bright eyes said everything. Both approached with their trays, and before Leonel could react, they were already seated... one on each side of him.
—Ehhh...?— Leonel looked at one and then the other. —And this tactical lunch formation...?
—It's not tactical, my dear Master. It's strategic.— said Nero, smiling with imperial brilliance. —I have decided that Kiyohime and I will share... your affection.
Kiyohime nodded with a gaze so loving it almost melted the spoon in her hand.
—Nero explained to me... that it's natural for several to love you. And even though it pains me... I accept sharing you... for now.
Leonel's mouth hung slightly open, his fork floating halfway to his curry. Mash, seated across the table, could barely hide her blush.
—An agreement...?— Leonel asked, scratching his head. —What are you talking about?
—Our pact.— Nero declared proudly, raising her glass as if toasting. —We have agreed that... you will be our shared beloved. We'll queue up if necessary!
—That was your idea.— murmured Kiyohime with a twisted smile. —But yes... for Leonel-sama's sake, I accept.
Mash looked down, blushing to her ears. Her heart beat fast. A... harem? she thought. Could that be possible...? Could... I... also...?
—Mash... are you okay?— Leonel asked, noticing her silence.
—Huh? Y-yes! I'm just... chewing!— she replied quickly, waving her spoon.
The scene was beginning to heat up emotionally... until a sound interrupted the moment.
*Beep.*
**[General Audio System – Activated]**
—"Ahem... attention all personnel. This is an urgent update: Director Olga Marie Animusphere has regained consciousness. She is currently in the infirmary. I repeat, Director Olga has awakened."— Romani's voice reported with a relieved tone.
A sudden silence fell over the table.
—The director...?— Mash murmured in surprise.
—Oh, my.— commented Nero, raising an eyebrow. —That could complicate things.
Kiyohime just narrowed her eyes, her attention shifting from the curry to the announcement. Leonel slowly stood up, leaving his cutlery on the tray.
—Then... it's time to visit her. She must be confused.— he said seriously.
Mash stood up beside him, determined. Nero and Kiyohime looked at each other for a moment... then smiled with the same thought:
Leonel remains the center of everything. And no one... will take him away easily.
**[Dream? Memory? Nightmare?]**
Darkness.
Screams.
Explosions.
Olga Marie ran, but her feet didn't touch the ground. Everything around her was red, orange, and black. The command room was falling to pieces, heat surrounded her, and the smell of ash filled her nose.
—"What is happening?! What is this?! This shouldn't...!"— she screamed, her voice mixing with the blaring alarms.
The shadows of her team vanished one by one. The floor trembled. The magical core exploded over and over. Once, twice, ten times... everything restarted like a broken tape, again and again.
"You failed to save them..."
"You were a useless director..."
"They all died because of you..."
The voices were like blades, surrounding her in a whirlwind. She covered her ears, crouched down, but the fire rose. I don't want to see it again...!
And then...
A soft radiance pierced the darkness. It wasn't red. It wasn't heat. It was... white.
The nightmare began to fade like fog before the sun. The air changed, no longer smelling of ash... but of disinfectant alcohol. The trembling ceased. The world stabilized.
A warm light filtered through her closed eyelids.
With effort, her fingers moved. Then her eyelids. Her eyes opened slowly.
**[Infirmary – Chaldea]**
—Mmmgh...
Romani Archaman was muttering something to himself while checking a box of medicine on a nearby table.
—Good... two vials of saline, five ampoules of sedatives, a box of bandages... Ugh, who organized this? It's all backwards!
Behind him, a figure stirred.
Olga Marie's golden eyes opened with difficulty, focusing on the white ceiling. She blinked several times. Her body felt heavy, but it was... warm. Safe.
—...Where... am I...?
Romani froze. He dropped a box of syringes in surprise.
—Director?!— he shouted, turning around with wide eyes. He rushed over. —D-director Olga! You're awake!
—Romani...?— she murmured, still dazed. —What... happened? Where... is the team?
Her voice trembled. The memory was still confused, but the anguish in her gaze was real.
Romani gently took her hand.
—You are in the Chaldea infirmary. You survived... and you are safe. Rest a little longer. Everything will be fine now.
Olga blinked. A couple of silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she sank back onto the pillow, exhausted but alive.
Romani straightened up, wiping sweat from his brow, and went to the communication panel on the wall.
**[Audio System – Activated]**
—"Ahem... attention all personnel. This is an urgent update: Director Olga Marie Animusphere has regained consciousness. She is currently in the infirmary. I repeat, Director Olga has awakened."
**[Infirmary – Chaldea]**
Leonel and Mash enter the infirmary with calm but attentive steps. Romani is next to Olga, checking her condition. Olga, still confused, blinks upon seeing the newcomers.
Olga fixes her gaze on Leonel with a slight gesture of recognition.
—You are... Leonel, right?— she says in a weak voice. —I remember... I was talking to you before the operation, but... you... fell asleep.
Leonel smiles sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
—Yes, director... I couldn't help it, I was exhausted. I'm glad you're awake.
Mash watches the scene in silence, while Romani approaches with a serious expression.
Olga turns her attention back to Romani, concerned.
—How is Team A? And the other Master candidates?
Romani swallows, preparing for the difficult part.
—Director... the situation is grave. Team A could not survive the final crisis... and not just them. Many other Masters are incapacitated or missing due to the attacks and sabotage within Chaldea.
Olga's expression turns serious, trying to absorb the news.
—What does that mean for the mission?— she asks, her voice firm. —Who remains to protect humanity?
Just at that moment, Da Vinci enters the room, carrying digital information and with a calm but determined demeanor.
—It's true, director. Due to the betrayal and the damage suffered, Leonel is the only active and capable Master to lead the recovery and continue with the missions to restore order and protect humanity.
Da Vinci looks at Leonel with respect.
—Resources are limited, and each mission will be critical. But I trust that Leonel has the potential to overcome this challenge.
Olga nods slowly, with renewed determination.
—Then... all hope rests on you, Leonel.
Leonel gently squeezes Olga's hand as a sign of commitment.
—I will do everything possible to fulfill that responsibility.
Mash nods with conviction by his side.
The atmosphere is charged with tension and hope as those present prepare their next steps.