章節 1: Opportunity

Monotonous. If I had one word to describe my life it would be that. People might label me as ungrateful if they knew this was how I felt. After all, I had everything I could ask for - my parents who left me enough money to live comfortably, an abundance of companions, and a good head on my shoulders in both the IQ and EQ department. But I always felt something was missing. For some reason, I felt like I didn't belong in this world and it was because of this feeling that I turned to the world of fiction whether it be TV, movies, books, or video games I consumed them all at a rapid pace.

Most would call what I was doing escapism, and I wouldn't argue with them because that was exactly what it was. So I dived into the world of fiction and that worked for a while, until unfortunately I eventually ran out of things that caught my interest. Just when I thought I would be back to square one I got an idea - why not create my own story?

I sat down and opened a blank document on my computer and just when I had started to type something happened - I heard a voice. "Instead of creating a story using mere words wouldn't you like to create a story with your own actions?" The man's voice came from behind me which was unsettling because I lived in an apartment that prided itself on security so no one should be able to come in without me knowing. Yet when I turned around there he stood, an elderly man with white hair, a beard, and a pair of red eyes. He was wearing a suit and had a smile on his face.

"Who are you?" I asked, curious as to how this old man suddenly appeared behind me.

"That's not important, what is important is what I'm offering to you."

"Oh? What was it? A chance to create a story with my own actions, how does that work exactly?"

"Oh ho ho, good you're straightforward, I knew I didn't choose wrong. You see I've been a bit bored lately, not unlike yourself, I'm looking for some entertainment. What I'm offering is a chance to visit a parallel world, one filled with heroes and villains."

Now if someone else was in my shoes they would assume this was a dream or they had suddenly become schizophrenic. Even I was having some doubts about my situation, but I decided to let this play out. He was right after all, I had been bored lately and this seemed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Which world exactly?"

"Hmm, I could tell you but that wouldn't be any fun now, would it? But don't worry, I won't send you to a world where you have no chance. Wouldn't want your story to become a tragedy after all." I just nodded my head in response.

"So will I get some sort of power to help my chances of surviving?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Saying that the old man pulled out a set of seven cards. My eyes widened when I saw what was on the cards. The first card had a knight holding a sword, the second a man holding a spear, the third was a woman shooting an arrow, the fourth was a man riding a chariot, the fifth was a hooded man holding a staff, the sixth a man with a skull mask holding a dagger, and the final card was some sort of monster holding a broadsword. I knew what each of these cards represented:

Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, and Berserker - the seven classes of Servants from the Fate series. My mind started to race - was this person someone from Fate? I don't recognize him, but then again I have only watched Fate/Zero and Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works and that was years ago.

"Can you explain what exactly these cards do?"

"These are called Servant Cards, also known as Class Cards. Though these ones in particular are a little special, they essentially allow the owner to access the Heroic Spirits themselves."

I nodded slowly as I stared at the seven cards fanned out in the old man's hand. The Servant Classes from the Fate franchise, this was frankly unbelievable.

Saber, the gallant knight renowned for masterful swordsmanship. Lancer, the agile warrior with a legendary spear. Archer, the expert marksman capable of incredible feats of archery. Rider, the heroic fighter adept at mounted combat. Caster, the magus versed in powerful magecraft. Assassin, the stealthy killer specialized in covert operations. Berserker, the frenzied juggernaut with monstrous strength.

Each would grant me access to legendary powers and abilities far beyond any mortal. But which to choose? They all had unique strengths and weaknesses I'd need to consider carefully before making a decision that would profoundly impact my chances of survival and success in this parallel world.

So I asked a question, "Are there any side effects, such as the Heroic Spirits personality subsuming my own or something similar. This was a question I needed answered if these cards overwrit my personality I would have to decline, I disliked the idea of not being myself.

The old man smiled and said, "Worry not you shall retain your original personality."

I nodded my head, "Good, I'm quite fond of it." Now that my main concern was answered I had to think of what card I would choose.

Saber would provide unmatched close-quarters combat skills but leave me vulnerable to ranged attacks. Lancer's agility could help me avoid danger but his lighter armament may prove lacking in raw power. Archer's long-range sniping would enable me to engage threats from a distance but limit fighting capacity up close. Rider's mobility could be invaluable for outmaneuvering foes and traversing terrain, but focusing too much on mounted combat could leave me disadvantaged if dismounted.

Caster's sorcery would give me great versatility but it seemed more support-oriented. Assassin could help me operate with stealth and subterfuge but direct confrontation wasn't his forte. Berserker embodied overwhelming physical might but at the cost of rational thought and control.

I closed my eyes, visualizing how each Servant fought, their various Noble Phantasms, weaknesses, and strengths churning in my mind. After several moments of intense contemplation, I got an idea, I opened my eyes having made my decision.

"You will give me any card I choose?" I asked.

"Correct."

"In that case I choose..."