What Holy Grail War? Let's Play Cards!

"Does this Servant know Senpai Ritsuka?" Mash looked at Jiang You in surprise. Only her Senpai, Fujimaru Ritsuka, would call her that way, which at least meant Jiang You was familiar with her.

Jiang You felt a phantom pain in his liver, along with a foreboding sense: he was probably never going to play the actual game in his lifetime.

"I do, but Mash, since you're wearing your Mystic Code, which Singularity are you currently headed toward?" Jiang You tried to get a sense of Mash's timeline.

"We just performed Spiritron Transfer—it's the Sixth Singularity: Camelot. You actually know about it?" Mash realized the place she was in was a modern-looking living room, not the year 1273 Camelot. "No way, did something go wrong with the transfer?"

"You don't need to worry. Just consider this a special kind of Servant summoning. Your so-called father, Lancelot, wishes to fulfill his desire, and thanks to my Noble Phantasm, he can summon Servant cards related to him. Once the duel is over, you'll return to your original place."

The information Mash provided left Jiang You uncertain whether to feel regret or relief. The good news: he didn't have to grind through Fuyuki's Singularity. The bad news: the crossover event was now much smaller than expected.

"Alright... I hope it ends soon. Senpai is still waiting for my turn," Mash said hesitantly. She wasn't good at rejecting others, especially when it came to someone as closely connected to her as Lancelot.

For the first time, the artificially created Mash was confronted with the concept of "father."

"M-Mash..." Even after having his embarrassing history exposed, Lancelot hadn't wavered—but now, he seemed hesitant. His Spirit Origin was persistently whispering to him that Mash was indeed his daughter. "I didn't prepare any gifts for our first meeting, but..."

"The cloak is enough." Mash shook her head gently. She wasn't a complete Heroic Spirit, so she was still affected by temperature. Lancelot's cloak genuinely made her feel warm. "I'd love to chat with you more, Dad, but Senpai is still waiting for me. I'm worried she might be in danger."

"Senpai?" Lancelot sharply caught the hint of excitement in Mash's voice when she mentioned the word. His grip on Arondight tightened instinctively.

"Yes, she's a very reliable person. Throughout our journey to restore the Singularities and save humanity, it's only thanks to her tireless efforts that we've overcome so many hardships."

Lancelot sighed in relief. "I see... she sounds dependable."

Seeing Lancelot's expression shift from tense vigilance to relaxed acceptance, Jiang You seized the opportunity to stir the pot.

"Oh, Fujimaru Ritsuka is actually the kind of person who charms both men and women alike. The way she seduces Servants is more terrifying than even a succubus. Your innocent, naive Mash has most likely already been completely devoured."

"Alrrr—"

Lancelot's instincts kicked in, ready to activate Madness Enhancement, but Mash cut him off with a soft punch of protest.

"Sir, please don't joke like that! Senpai is an incredibly dedicated Master, training tirelessly every day to prepare for the challenges of the Singularities. She's not at all as frivolous as you say. Dad, let's continue the ritual."

Jiang You shrugged. Looks like this version of Fujimaru Ritsuka was unusually traditional.

"You really have a twisted sense of humor," Lancelot muttered, looking at Jiang You like he reminded him of a certain white creature.

"Let's proceed. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Glorious Knights of the Round Table]. If my field consists solely of [Round Table Knights] Servants, I can activate this effect once per turn to Special Summon a [Round Table Knight] from my Deck! I Special Summon [Round Table Knight - Tristan]!"

[Round Table Knight - Tristan] ★★★★★★ ATK: 2000

"To be summoned in such an incomplete state... truly sorrowful," muttered the red-haired, blindfolded man as he stepped onto the battlefield, his harp-like bow in hand.

"So my summoner is you, Lancelot? What a foolish Noble Phantasm—summoning past comrades... how unexpected," Tristan remarked, digesting the information provided by Jiang You's ability.

"Yes. This Noble Phantasm can even summon our King. There are things I must say to her," Lancelot declared, sharing his wish with his old comrade.

"You are as shameless as ever... but then again, so am I." Tristan first sneered at Lancelot before his expression softened. "Then convey these words to our King on my behalf: 'My King, you are too just, too selfless—you have ignored your own heart. You must not only understand the hearts of your people but your own heart as well!'"

Tristan let out a laugh, one that was unmistakably forced. "If only I had said it properly back then. Lancelot, there's no need to let me meet our King—I doubt she would want to see this disgraceful face of mine anyway."

Lancelot agreed to Tristan's request. Raising Arondight high, he shouted toward the heavens.

"Three Level 6 Round Table Knights are on the field! Thus—I summon the one we all follow! My King's sword guides us, and our hearts follow its path! Xyz Summon! [King of the Round Table - Artoria (Saber)]!"

The three knights transformed into pillars of light, converging into a swirling nebula of magical energy. A lone figure emerged from the radiance.

Altria Pendragon found herself abruptly transported to 2004's Fuyuki City in the most incorrect way possible.

[King of the Round Table - Artoria (Saber)] ATK: 2500

"Lancelot? What are you doing here? And… what is going on?"

Moments ago, she had been mourning at Camlann Hill, only to be suddenly pulled into an unfamiliar place. Not yet a Heroic Spirit, she had no way of perceiving modern information, so she turned to the only familiar face for answers.

"My King, you are here at last. I have long yearned for this day."

Instead of answering her questions, Lancelot continued his move.

"I activate my King's effect! When [King of the Round Table - Artoria (Saber)] is successfully summoned, I can equip her with a [Holy Sword - Excalibur] from my Deck or Graveyard!"

[King of the Round Table - Artoria (Saber)] ATK: 2500 → 3500

The radiant golden blade appeared in Artoria's hands, gleaming with the light of the lake. Her once-weary presence regained some of its former majesty.

"This… is the King I remember."

Lancelot turned to Jiang You.

"Caster, if you have any means of transferring control of a card, I entrust it to you."