The tension in the Spire of Fate Tower had settled. Ritsuka Fujimaru stood confidently before the imposing figure of Victor von Doom, Fou perched casually on his shoulder. The traces of their fierce battle lingered in the air, but the two men now shared mutual respect.
Ritsuka spoke first, his voice calm yet firm. "Well, I think proper introductions are in order. My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru, though I don't call myself a summoned hero. You can call me the Priest of Gaia. But Ritsuka would be good."
Doom's piercing gaze met Ritsuka's, and he gave a small, measured nod. His eyes then shifted toward Fou, who stared back at him with curious intensity.
"And this," Ritsuka added with a small smile, "is Fou, my friend and a mythical creature."
Fou tilted his head and gave an approving nod, as if acknowledging Doom's unspoken respect.
Doom's voice rumbled, low and commanding. "You asked Doom for help. I must praise your intelligence, Ritsuka, for you think carefully, a trait unlike many I have met."
He stepped forward, his presence dominating the room. "However, remember this: Doom is always first and never second. Burn that into your soul."
Ritsuka blinked, momentarily speechless.
'It feels like Doom just showing off. Well, he is a loner after all! Can't blame him'
Even Fou tilted his head, his tiny stomach rumbling audibly in the silence that followed.
Doom's mask tilted slightly in Fou's direction. "In Latveria," Doom declared, his tone matter-of-fact, "no pet is allowed to go hungry under my rule."
'Damn, This is just wow. Who would have thought that Doom is pet lover'
Fou perked up at the mention of food, his tail wagging enthusiastically.
'Time to eat, even the world is in danger. Always remember to take care and eat good food'
Ritsuka chuckled, summoning a small pile of food ingredients with his magic. "I'll cook something up then—"
Doom raised a gauntleted hand, cutting him off. "No. Doom does not trust the cooking skills of a summoned hero."
Ritsuka opened his mouth to argue but stopped himself, sighing in resignation. "Fine, fine. Let's see what you've got."
'let's see this in postive light, yes, I'm very lucky to eat Doom hand made food. Of course, I have Poison resistance at Max.'
In a matter of minutes, Doom had taken over, conjuring an elaborate cooking station with precision that rivaled even the most advanced technology. His hands moved deftly, each motion imbued with an exactness that left Ritsuka in awe.
'Wut? This smell is good'
Ritsuka crossed his arms, leaning back against destroyed Rock. "You know, you can call me Fujimaru if it's easier."
Doom didn't look up from his work, his tone unwavering. "You may call me Victor von Doom, or Doctor Doom. No alternatives are acceptable."
'I guess his ego rivals King Gilgamesh'
Fou snickered, earning a sidelong glance from Ritsuka.
Soon, Doom presented plates of food with an elegance that could rival a five-star chef. The aroma was heavenly, and Ritsuka couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement.
Doom turned his back to them as they sat to eat, his posture stiff. Ritsuka noticed the subtle motion of his hands reaching for his mask.
"It's fine, you know," Ritsuka said, taking a bite. "I don't care about appearances. That's not what matters."
Doom paused, then gave a small nod. He removed his mask silently and sat down, joining them at the table.
The first bite of Doom's food was a revelation. Ritsuka's eyes widened as he chewed, savoring the explosion of flavor. "This… This is incredible!" he exclaimed.
Fou chirped in agreement, his tiny paws eagerly grabbing more food.
Ritsuka leaned back, amazed. 'I didn't think I'd say this, but Doom cooking is even better than Emiya's. Poor Archer it's seems New generation took your place. Looks like that Doom going to win 'best cook of this world.'
[Imaginary emiya gets heart attack and faints by coughing blood]
"Wow."
Doom regarded him coolly. "Naturally. Doom excels in all things."
Ritsuka chuckled.
'Still, I bet he would have a hard time beating Beni-Enma in a cooking contest.'
For a moment, Doom's expression darkened, as he read Ritsuka face expression but he said nothing, focusing instead on his meal. He wondered who would be giving him challenge in cooking in Ritsuka's opinion. He will always be Number 1.
As they continued eating, Doom's voice grew quieter. "I honed this skill long ago… in hopes of impressing someone." His gaze was distant, and his tone betrayed a rare vulnerability. "It was… wasted effort."he remembered a Blondie girl.
'Reed, You are a cancer to this world, you will face consequences if you make her cry, mark my words.' Doom cursed his old friend.
'Must be Invisible women,' Fujimaru thought.
The room fell silent, the air heavy with his words.
'Well, This is awkward now!'
Ritsuka, sensing the shift, quickly tried to change the topic. "So, uh… what kind of doctor are you, anyway?"
Doom turned his piercing gaze on him, saying nothing. The weight of his silence was enough to make Ritsuka squirm.
'I can feel his emotions, Wait! don't tell me. He is not a doctor at all. Well! Even Dr. Romani isn't either but still become Doctor for Chaldea with his intelligence and hard work.'
"Right," Ritsuka muttered, scratching his head. "Let's forget I asked."
Fou snickered, thoroughly entertained by the awkward exchange.
After the meal, Ritsuka stood, holding out a hand engulfed in dark phoenix flames. The azure fire danced in the dim light, its ethereal glow mesmerizing.
'I want to thank Doom for this best food service. Let's repay it along with an interest.'
Doom's eyes immediately locked onto it, his analytical mind racing.
"This is my dark phoenix flame," Ritsuka explained. "Every magic has its laws, Authority, Rules, principles that govern its power. I've learned to understand the laws, Authority and rules behind this Dark phonix flame and control it completely as my own. I'm not great at explaining magic theory, but I'm sure you can figure it out. Maybe even take inspiration from it."
" The difference between Fire Magic and World Authority Fire destruction is similar to the size difference of Ant and Elephant. That's why "World" or "World Authority" is viewed as God itself in many civilizations. Also Nature is same as World Authority. It is very beautiful and at same point it was very destructive. And my Dark Phonix powers are same level as World Authority. I know you don't believe In Gods but you can't rule out the power of Nature right? I hope you will get enlightenment by seeing workings' of the world and its laws."
Doom stepped closer, studying the flames with an intensity that only he could muster. "Interesting theory… The World Authority… The flow of power and it's Laws. Yes, I see the foundation of its law. I think I need to understand more to get enlightenment."
Ritsuka extinguished the flames, breaking Doom's concentration. "Glad you're interested. Maybe it'll help you refine your own abilities."
'I know if I said directly I will help him in freeing his mother, then it would be disrespect to his hard work and his goals. Mainly, Doom does not beg anyone. I understand this after talking with him directly. I hope he gets strong after seeing my power. And free his mother soul with his own hands, Maybe fate brought him here for this purpose.'
Doom said nothing, his mind clearly occupied with thoughts of what he had just witnessed and heard from Ritsuka explanation. From Doom's point of view, the 'world', which is basically the 'god', the 'reality' and the 'truth of existence' of this cosmos, was right in front of him at that brief moment in Ritsuka's hands.
Just seeing that sight was enough to enlighten him about the 'workings' of the world and its laws.
He will definitely get Enlightenment in magic if he gets more understanding.
As they prepared to move, Ritsuka bowed his head slightly. "Thanks for the meal. I'll admit, you've surprised me in more ways than one, Victor von Doom."
Doom straightened, his imposing figure casting a long shadow. "Do not forget this, Fujimaru. Doom is always a step ahead. Perhaps… this alliance will benefit us both. As long as you don't break rules in alliance. Now lead the way to mephisto."
His Tone changed back to his cold tone. Meaning now it's time for business.
Ritsuka nodded and started to go upstairs.
Fou chirped happily, already looking forward to whats going on.
---
(Ritsuka Apartment)
The soft glow of the morning sun seeped through the curtains of Ritsuka Fujimaru's apartment, casting long shadows across the room. Yet, the serenity of the morning was shattered by the sound of Karen's cries, her small body trembling as she clung to the edge of the couch.
"Mama disappeared!" she wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks. The shimmering light of the portal that had taken Morgan le Fay moments earlier still flickered faintly in the air.
Before anyone could respond, Scáthach-Skadi entered the room. The queen of ice moved without hesitation, her usual air of regality replaced by an unexpected tenderness as she knelt before Karen.
"There, there," Skadi whispered, lifting Karen into her arms as though she were her own child. "You're safe. I won't let anything happen to you." She gently stroked Karen's hair, her soothing presence slowly calming the girl's sobs.
The door burst open as Hela and Fenris rushed in, their weapons drawn. Hela's sharp eyes scanned the room. "What's going on? Where is Morgan?"
Fenris growled lowly, his wolf-like instincts picking up on the lingering energy of the portal.
"Shhh." Skadi's icy gaze silenced them. "Karen needs comfort now, not more chaos."
Hela frowned but relented, watching as Karen buried her face in Skadi's chest, her cries softening into sniffles.
Moments later, Artoria Lancer and Artoria Avalon arrived. The tension in the room thickened as their commanding presences filled the space.
"Where is Morgan?" Artoria Lancer demanded, her eyes scanning the room for any trace of her sister-in-arms.
Artoria Avalon, her voice calm yet tinged with unease, added, "I can't feel her presence. It's as though she's been… disappeared."
The room fell silent. Before anyone could respond, the door creaked open again, and Scáthach entered, her crimson eyes bleary from sleep and her nightgown slightly disheveled.
"Ereshkigal vanished," she announced nonchalantly. "She disappeared while we were watching that new horror movie."
Artoria Avalon blinked, momentarily thrown off by the casual tone. "Why on earth were you watching a horror movie on New Year's Day?"
Scáthach shrugged. "Both Ereshkigal and I forgot about our duties as guardians of the underworld. We thought watching something nostalgic might help us… reconnect."
'we are watching The Conjuring movie in Netflix, and I couldn't even able to do anything to stop Ereshkigal been taken away right infront of my eyes.' she thought and don't know how to show her face to Ritsuka.
Karen, her tears finally subsiding, looked up at her with an adorably depressed expression. "Mama disappeared into the portal," she said, her voice trembling.
Scathach thought 'Wait! I too saw portal took Ereshkigal'
The tension in the room only grew as Mash Kyrielight and Artoria Alter entered next. Mash, clutching her phone, seemed distraught.
"Fou is missing!" Mash exclaimed. "I was about to upload his latest photos to his online profile, and went to Senpai room to take new pics but now he's just… gone!"
Artoria Alter crossed her arms, her brows furrowed. "And Ritsuka Fujimaru disappeared earlier today like Fou. He's gone too."
Artoria lancer says "Avalon, can't you sense master."
"No, I tried but I felt something is blocking me" Disappointed Artoria Avalon says.
The weight of the situation finally struck everyone when red light bled through the windows, casting an ominous glow across the room. The sky outside had turned a deep crimson, with red rain falling steadily.
"What is this?" Artoria Avalon whispered, her hand instinctively going to the hilt of her blade.
The sound of footsteps echoed as Karna entered, a phoenix perched on his shoulder. Rama followed close behind, his usual confident demeanor replaced by one of grim determination.
Karna's voice was calm but firm. "The Red Apocalypse has begun."
The phoenix on his shoulder spread her wings, her fiery gaze sweeping over everyone. "I can feel a demonic presence manifesting in the physical world," she said in a low, serious tone. "The war has already started."
A heavy silence fell over the group as the gravity of her words sank in.
Artoria Avalon, always the first to take charge, straightened her posture. "I'll retrieve the rest of our group from the bakery." She turned sharply, heading for the door, her long hair billowing behind her.
As she stepped out, her muttered curse echoed faintly in the hallway. "Damn you, Oberon," she growled, her frustration and worry for Ritsuka evident.
the remaining Servants gathered in a tight circle. Karen had finally calmed down, her small hands clutching Skadi's sleeve.
"We need to organize ourselves," Karna said. His tone carried authority, and all eyes turned to him. "Even with Master gone, we must act. There's no time to waste."
The tension in the room was palpable, and the crimson sky outside painted an ominous glow across the walls. Mashu Kyrielight's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the uneasy silence. She fumbled for it and answered with haste.
"Da Vinci-san?" Mashu's voice carried a mix of relief and worry.
The familiar, energetic voice of Da Vinci Rider came from the other end. "Mashu! Finally! Why isn't Ritsuka picking up his phone? The prophecy of the Red Apocalypse has started, and things are already heating up!"
Mashu hesitated, her grip on the phone tightening. "Senpai and a few Servants… have disappeared."
There was a brief pause on the other side. "Disappeared?" Da Vinci's tone grew serious, losing some of her usual playfulness. "I see… Then we'll be there soon. Tony and I are already on the move."
"Tony-san is with you?" Mashu asked, her worry momentarily replaced by curiosity. "What about Pepper-san and Yinsen-san? Are they safe?"
Da Vinci's voice softened. "Don't worry, Pepper and Yinsen are safe in Stark Tower. Tony set up some advanced defenses there. They're in good hands."
Suddenly, Tony Stark's unmistakable voice cut in, brimming with his usual confidence. "Hey, Mashu, so our enemy decided to take the heavy hitters first, huh? Smart move on their part, but guess what? We've got safe houses, suits and contingencies. Let them try. They'll regret it."
Mashu couldn't help but smile faintly at Tony's tone. "Thank you… We'll wait for you."
"Don't worry, kid," Tony said before hanging up. "We'll take care of the first wave. Sit tight."
Da Vinci Rider leaned back in the passenger seat, her fingers swiftly flying across a tablet's interface. "Jarvis, put the systems on high alert, Class red zone."
"Of course, Da Vinci," Jarvis's calm, artificial voice responded.
"Active Iron Legion, Jarvis," Tony ordered, his eyes sharp as he sped through the streets of New York in his sleek sports car.
"Yes, sir. Initiating deployment."
As the car turned a sharp corner, the top of the vehicle retracted, exposing Tony to the open air. Pieces of his Mark 5 Mage-Tech Iron Man Suit began to fly out from hidden compartments within the car. The Glowing Blue Dragon Core Protype in the arc reactor pulsed with life as each piece locked into place on his body.
"Time to see how this baby performs," Tony said, smirking as the thrusters roared to life. In an instant, he took to the skies, leaving Da Vinci in the transforming car below.
The sleek vehicle began to shift, panels sliding apart and mechanisms clicking into place. Within seconds, the car had become a massive mecha-like suit, resembling the Hulkbuster but laced with intricate Da Vinci-designed details.
"Tony, don't think you're the only one with a suit!" Da Vinci teased as she maneuvered the massive machine onto the street.
The first wave of low-level demons emerged from glowing red portals scattered across the city. Tony dived headfirst, firing precise repulsor blasts while weaving between their attacks.
"You guys didn't even RSVP," he quipped, dodging a clawed swipe. "Rude."
Meanwhile, Da Vinci stomped forward in her hulking suit, her mechanical fists slamming into the ground and sending shockwaves that scattered the demons.
"Jarvis, get me a better read on these portals," Da Vinci said, her eyes narrowing as she studied the battlefield. "Analyze these portals and send a full report to Nick Fury. He's going to want to see this."
"Data transmission in progress, Da Vinci," Jarvis confirmed.
Above, the Iron Legion—a fleet of automated Iron Man suits—deployed from Stark Tower, descending like a swarm of high-tech sentinels to join the fight.
---
(Ritsuka's Apartment)
Back in the apartment, the atmosphere remained heavy. Rama's phone buzzed, and he quickly answered.
"Steve? Yes. Red Apocalypse had begin. But Ritsuka and few servants are disappeared. We are making group meeting." Rama said, his voice tinged with surprise. Rama and Steve Rogers became good friends.
On the other end, Steve Rogers's steady tone brought a sense of reassurance. "Rama, I understand. Bucky and I are already on our way with our suits given by Fury before. We'll join the group meeting soon."
Rama's lips curved into a faint smile. "Understood. Drive safe. "
As he hung up, Karna's phone rang next. He stepped outside to answer, leaving the others behind. The phoenix perched on his shoulder flapped her wings as though sensing something ominous.
Inside, the door burst open again, and Sita hurried in, her expression filled with worry.
"Sita?" Rama turned to her, immediately alert. "What happened?"
Sita caught her breath, her voice trembling. "It's Archetype Earth Princess… She disappeared while I was teaching princess how to make sweets!"
The weight of her words struck everyone in the room. Powerful Servants and even their Master were vanishing one by one.
Amidst the chaos, Karen's small frame still shook as she sat in Scáthach-Skadi's arms. The queen of ice and snow sat on the edge of the bed, cradling the child gently.
Both Artoria Lancer and Artoria Alter knelt beside her.
"Karen," Artoria Lancer said softly, her voice steady. "Don't feel sad. Do you think Ritsuka would want to see his daughter like this?"
Karen sniffled, her big eyes glistening with tears as she looked up.
Artoria Alter placed a firm hand on Karen's shoulder. "We're all worried about Ritsuka. But that doesn't mean we stop fighting. He wouldn't want us to give up."
"Exactly," Scáthach said, her voice filled with conviction. "Ritsuka gave us all the strength to move forward, even if he's not here. He believes in us, and we have to honor that."
Hela, standing near the window with Fenris at her side, nodded. "He was always like that. Inspiring everyone around him." She paused, her voice growing softer. "I'm sorry… I'm not good with words, but I know he wouldn't want us to falter."
Fenris, his tone gruff but sincere, replied, "You said enough, Hela. Now we just wait for the others."
The group steeled themselves, their resolve hardening as they prepared for what was to come.
'Yes, Papa would inspire us. I will fight in father and mother place. And Stop the enemies. Even if I can't sence my parents. I know papa and mama are safe. Don't worry, I will save the world. Please came back in safe!' Karen thought with new determination. She is not the emotional weak kid like before. She had grown up.
---
The bakery beneath Ritsuka's apartment, usually alive with the warm aroma of fresh bread and bustling conversations, had turned into a hive of activity. It wasn't just a place for pastries—it was now the stage for Oberon's theatrics.
Standing atop a small makeshift platform near the counter, Oberon strummed a lute dramatically, his voice weaving a whimsical tale of knights, fairies, and grand heroics. Every note and verse seemed to enchant the viewers on his live YouTube stream. The comments section was ablaze:
"Oberon-sama is amazing!"
"More! More!"
"This guy's gotta be from another world."
{$20 donation from Chill guy}
Oberon grinned smugly at the stream of donations pouring in, his pride glowing as brightly as his flashy outfit. "Ah, my dear audience," he said, leaning closer to the camera, "your generosity only proves one thing: I'm truly irresistible. But alas, all great tales have their price! Pay your debts, they say—now I know what they mean!"
At the back of the room, Ned, Peter Parker's tech-savvy friend, gave Oberon a thumbs-up while monitoring the live chat. "See? Told you YouTube was the way to go! With your talent, you'll hit a million subscribers in no time."
Oberon chuckled, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulders. "Of course, of course! I'd call myself a genius, but I wouldn't want to overshadow your modesty, dear Ned."
Oberon had debts to many Servants in Chaldea for unnecessarily borrowing money, so now he needs to pay them off.
Suddenly, the room's vibrant energy came to an abrupt halt. The bakery's TV screen, which usually played reruns of cooking shows, switched to an emergency broadcast. A chilling voice echoed through every device:
[Emergency Alert! New York is under attack. All citizens are advised to stay indoors. Do not attempt to engage or approach any hostile entities.]
The cheerful banter died instantly, replaced by a tense silence. Flint Marko, who had been wiping down a table, froze. His face paled as he fumbled for his phone.
"Flint, what's wrong?" Santa Martha asked, concern etched across her face.
"My family," Flint muttered, his voice trembling. "They're just a few blocks away. I need to get them."
Martha placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Go. Bring them here. We'll keep the bakery safe."
Flint nodded, grabbing his coat and rushing out into the chaos beyond the bakery doors.
Hibiki and Chikagi took charge. Both girls provided free service without payment and told the customers they could go home. All the customers thanked them and rushed out. They already knows about Red Apocalypse.
In the kitchen, Tamamo Cat burst in, her ears twitching in alarm. "Guys! Void Shiki's gone!" she wailed, holding up a plate of half-eaten experimental sweets. "I told her to try these, and poof! She vanished into a red portal! My sweets weren't that bad, were they?"
Frigga stepped forward, her expression grim. "I sensed the portal's magic, but it disappeared before I could react. Even with all my years of witchcraft, I couldn't stop it."
Her daughters, Ortlinde, Hildr, and Thrúd, flanked her, their eyes filled with concern. Hildr placed a comforting hand on her mother's arm. "Don't blame yourself, Mother. If a portal strong enough to take Void Shiki appeared, it must be the work of something truly powerful."
---
In the manager's office, Goredolf Musik sipped his royal tea, grumbling about the stress of running the bakery while trying to keep up with Chaldea's reputation. He glanced out the window and nearly spilled his tea when a red glow lit up the skyline.
"What in the name of my aristocratic upbringing is that?!" he bellowed, rushing out to the bakery floor.
Before he could demand an explanation, Kadoc, Ophelia, and Napoleon burst in through the front doors, looking disheveled and out of breath.
"Director!" Kadoc called. "We've got trouble. Big trouble."
"Trouble?!" Goredolf exclaimed. "You mean is it new to us! No. It's an average Monday to us."
"Red portals," Ophelia explained. "They're appearing all over the city. And…" She hesitated, glancing at the others.
"And?" Goredolf pressed, his face turning an alarming shade of red.
Napoleon placed a reassuring hand on the director's shoulder. "And it seems like the prophecy of the Red Apocalypse has begun."
Before Goredolf could launch into a tirade, Artoria Avalon descended the stairs, her presence commanding immediate attention.
"Where is Ritsuka?" Goredolf demanded, his hands on his hips. "He's not answering his phone, and I've got half a mind to dock his nonexistent salary for leaving me to deal with all this!"
Artoria Avalon's expression was grave. "Ritsuka, Morgan, Ereshkigal, and Archetype Earth have disappeared. Where is Void Shiki?."
"What?!" Goredolf shouted. "This is a disaster! A catastrophe! How am I supposed to handle all of this?!"
Before anyone could respond, a voice emanated from Hibiki's smartphone, startling her.
"Void Shiki is missing as well," the AI voice said calmly.
"Would you stop doing that?!" Hibiki yelped, clutching her phone to her chest.
Artoria Avalon was shocked to know Void Shiki is gone like others. Then she saw Oberon fooling around.
Meanwhile, in the bakery's live stream setup, Oberon faced the camera with his signature smirk.
"Dear viewers," he began, "it seems our show must come to an end—for now. A new drama is unfolding in the world, one far beyond even my imagination."
He glanced at Ned, his tone turning playful. "And you, my dear tech wizard, should hurry home. I'd love for you to meet a demon on your way."
Ned's face turned pale. "Man, don't joke about that!" he exclaimed, grabbing his bag and rushing out.
Oberon's smirk faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a flicker of genuine worry. But, as always, he masked it with a lie. "bad luck out there, kid," he muttered under his breath.
Oberon only say opposite of what he wants to say. He wished Ned not to meet any demons and Good luck out for him.
But he can only lie to those he cares.
Artoria Avalon says this and forgot her angry on him.
---
Note: Hey, everyone sorry for late again. I am just busy with my College works. I got another few days break so I will try to upload chapters in future.
Also I Improved my writing in the story. I hope everyone likes it. Don't Worry I Uploaded 2 more chapters.