The Sovereign of Stars
Chapter 1: Unexpected Arrival
The summoning chamber of Chaldea hummed with familiar energy as the preparations for a routine summoning ritual reached their final stage. Director Da Vinci monitored the gauges along the wall, while Dr. Roman tapped at his tablet, reviewing the calculations one last time.
"All parameters aligned for a standard summoning," reported the young researcher, brushing a lock of peach-colored hair away from his face. "We're expecting a three-star or possibly four-star auxiliary Servant to supplement our forces for the upcoming Babylon deployment."
Mash Kyrielight adjusted her glasses nervously, standing protectively close to her Master. "Senpai, the energy readings seem normal today. Hopefully, we'll get someone who can help with the agricultural aspects of the settlement."
Ritsuka Fujimaru nodded, his blue eyes focused on the summoning circle. "A farming specialist would be nice. Or maybe someone with knowledge of Babylonian culture to help us navigate."
It was a routine summoning—nothing they hadn't done dozens of times before. The three Saint Quartz glittered as they dissolved into the summoning matrix, their energy spreading through the carefully calibrated magical circuits embedded in the chamber floor.
But as the light began to coalesce, something changed.
The first indication was a fluctuation in the ambient mana readings—a spike so dramatic that several monitoring devices shattered instantly. The blue-white glow of a standard summoning suddenly darkened, taking on an iridescent quality that seemed to bend the very light of the room around it.
"What's happening?" Ritsuka called out, as the floor beneath them began to vibrate.
Dr. Roman frantically tapped at his tablet. "There's some kind of interference in the leyline network! The connection is being hijacked by... I don't understand these readings!"
Da Vinci's expression grew serious as she rushed to the main console. "It's similar to the distortion patterns we observed after Solomon's interference across multiple dimensions, but this is much more powerful. The summoning circle is—"
"It's piercing through space-time," Mash whispered, her shield materializing instinctively in her hand. "Senpai, please stay behind me."
The light from the circle suddenly exploded outward, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. The air pressure in the room changed dramatically, becoming heavy with an energy so dense it felt like being submerged in the deepest ocean. Static electricity crackled along every surface, and for a brief moment, gravity itself seemed to waver.
As the light faded, a lone figure stood at the center of the summoning circle.
He was young—perhaps in his early twenties—with wild black hair tied carelessly at the nape of his neck. His attire was a peculiar fusion of Eastern and Western styles: a long black coat with intricate golden embroidery hung open over a simple white tunic, dark pants tucked into boots that seemed made for both combat and travel. Around his neck hung a jade pendant, glowing with an inner light that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.
But it was his presence that truly commanded attention. The air around him rippled as if unable to properly contain his existence. When he breathed, the atmosphere itself seemed to breathe with him. His posture was relaxed, almost carelessly so, yet it conveyed an absolute certainty in his own power—a lazy confidence that suggested he had faced the impossible and found it wanting.
And behind him, faintly visible like ghostly constellations, nine distinct star patterns rotated slowly in a cosmic formation. Each constellation pulsed with different colored light, forming a mandala of astronomical power that seemed to bend reality around it.
The young man looked around the room, his dark eyes assessing each person present with casual interest. Then his lips curled into a smirk—the kind of expression that suggested nothing in any world could pose a threat to him.
"Interesting," he said, his voice carrying an echo that seemed to reverberate not through the air but through the souls of those present. "This doesn't look like the Profound Sky Continent."
The Chaldea summoning system flashed frantically on the main screen, attempting to categorize the being that had answered its call:
[SERVANT SUMMONED] Name: Long Chen (龍塵) Class: Tyrant Star Sovereign (Error: No Matching Class) Parameter Reading: EX / EX / EX / ∞ / ∞
Dr. Roman's face paled as he read the display. "That's impossible. Those readings can't be right. Even Divine Spirits don't register like this."
Da Vinci's expression was a mixture of scientific curiosity and deep concern. "The system can't properly categorize him. It's trying to create a new class designation on the fly."
Mash maintained her defensive stance, but even her Servant-enhanced strength felt insignificant before the pressure radiating from the newcomer. "Director, what should we do? This isn't a normal Heroic Spirit."
Ritsuka, however, found himself taking a step forward rather than back. There was something compelling about the figure—not just the obvious power, but something deeper. A resonance that called to him as a Master. Yet simultaneously, an instinctive understanding formed in his mind: this being was not bound by the normal rules of Servant and Master. This was not a Heroic Spirit called from the Throne of Heroes.
This was something else entirely.
"Who are you?" Ritsuka asked, his voice steady despite the oppressive aura filling the room.
The young man turned his full attention to Ritsuka, and the pressure in the room intensified. For a moment, it felt as though a mountain was bearing down on everyone present. Then, seemingly satisfied with what he saw, the pressure eased.
"My name is Long Chen," he replied with a casual shrug that belied the cosmic power swirling around him. "And it seems I've been pulled quite far from home." He glanced at the fading constellations behind him. "Though the Nine Stars follow me even here. Interesting."
Dr. Roman finally found his voice. "The Nine Stars of Heaven? But those are—"
"Mine," Long Chen interrupted simply, as if stating the most obvious fact in the world. "They have acknowledged me as their Sovereign."
Da Vinci stepped forward cautiously. "You're not a Heroic Spirit, are you? Not a proper Servant either."
Long Chen's smirk widened. "Heroic Spirit? No. I'm very much alive." He examined his hand thoughtfully. "Though I seem to have been reconfigured somewhat to exist in this reality. Fascinating."
"Senpai," Mash whispered urgently to Ritsuka, "I can feel it. He's a living being—not a spiritual construct like normal Servants. But his power... it's beyond anything I've encountered."
Long Chen stretched casually, and with that simple motion, several monitoring devices in the room crushed themselves from the pressure. "So," he said, turning his gaze back to Ritsuka, "you appear to be the one who called me here. Care to explain why I've been summoned to this..." he glanced around, "rather peculiar place?"
Ritsuka took another step forward, feeling strangely calm despite everything. "My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. This is Chaldea, an organization dedicated to preserving human history. We're currently working to resolve a Singularity in ancient Babylon."
"Babylon?" Long Chen raised an eyebrow. "That's not a term I'm familiar with. Is it a sect? A cultivation realm?"
"It's a civilization," Da Vinci interjected. "From Earth's ancient history, circa 1700 BCE."
Long Chen laughed, a sound that seemed to vibrate through multiple dimensions. "Earth? That's what you call this planet? How quaint." He looked more closely at Ritsuka. "And you're trying to preserve history? Against what?"
"The incineration of humanity," Ritsuka replied simply.
For the first time, Long Chen's expression showed genuine interest. "Now that is interesting." The nine star patterns behind him pulsed more brightly. "I've conquered many realms and faced countless enemies, but I've never been called upon to save an entire species' history." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What makes you think I would care about your struggle?"
Before Ritsuka could answer, a new alarm began to sound. Dr. Roman rushed to the console.
"We've got a problem," he announced urgently. "The summoning distortion has created a cascade effect in the leyline network. We're detecting multiple reality breaches forming around Chaldea!"
As if to punctuate his words, the entire facility shuddered. In the distance, something that sounded suspiciously like an explosion echoed through the corridors.
Long Chen's smirk returned, this time with a predatory edge. "Well now, perhaps this won't be boring after all." He turned to Ritsuka. "It seems your enemies have noticed my arrival. Shall we greet them properly?"
Despite everything—the danger, the uncertainty, the sheer impossibility of the situation—Ritsuka found himself smiling back. "Let's go see what we're dealing with."
As they rushed from the summoning chamber, none of them noticed the Saint Quartz fragments on the floor had turned black as night, each one now containing what looked like a miniature galaxy swirling within.
Chapter 2: Force of Nature
The corridors of Chaldea shook with another impact as Ritsuka led the way toward the source of the disturbance, Mash close at his side. Dr. Roman and Da Vinci had remained behind to coordinate the facility's defenses, leaving the Master and his Servants to investigate directly.
Long Chen walked behind them with unhurried steps, his hands clasped casually behind his back as if out for a leisurely stroll rather than responding to an emergency. The contrast between Mash's vigilant defense stance and Long Chen's relaxed demeanor couldn't have been more stark.
"Senpai," Mash whispered as they approached the main observation deck, "I don't think he understands the gravity of our situation."
Ritsuka glanced back at their new arrival. There was something both reassuring and unnerving about Long Chen's confidence. "I think he understands perfectly," Ritsuka replied. "He just doesn't consider it threatening."
Long Chen's hearing was apparently as exceptional as everything else about him. "When you've faced tribulation lightning that can erase mountains and battled immortal emperors who've lived for millions of years," he commented casually, "perspective on what constitutes a 'threat' tends to shift."
Before either of them could respond, they reached the observation deck—and froze at the sight before them.
The massive reinforced windows that normally showed Chaldea's mountainous surroundings were now displaying something else entirely. The familiar snowy landscape had been replaced by a swirling vortex of multicolored energy, through which strange, shadowy shapes were beginning to emerge. The protective barrier around Chaldea flickered as these entities—some humanoid, others more abstract and geometric—pressed against it.
"Spatial anomalies," came Da Vinci's voice through the communication system. "The summoning disruption has weakened the barriers between dimensions. These entities appear to be... following something."
Long Chen stepped forward, examining the scene with interest. "They're following me," he stated matter-of-factly. "When you pierce through the barriers between worlds, you leave a trail. These creatures are simply flowing through the path of least resistance."
"Are they dangerous?" Ritsuka asked, watching as one particularly large shadow pressed against the barrier, causing it to flicker more intensely.
"To you? Most certainly." Long Chen's casual tone hadn't changed, even as he assessed the threat. "They're void predators—beings that exist in the spaces between dimensions. They consume energy, particularly spiritual energy. Your 'Servants' would be quite the feast."
Mash tightened her grip on her shield. "The barrier won't hold much longer. We need to evacuate and—"
"That won't be necessary," Long Chen interrupted. He stepped directly in front of the window and raised a single hand. The nine star patterns that had faded to near-invisibility behind him suddenly flared to life, each one burning with different colored light. "They followed my trail here. It's only proper that I deal with them."
The pressure in the room intensified again, but this time it was focused outward. Long Chen's eyes narrowed slightly—the first sign of actual effort he'd shown—and the air around his outstretched hand began to distort.
"Nine Stars Formation: Void Barrier," he stated calmly.
The star patterns behind him spun faster, then projected outward through the window. Outside, they expanded rapidly until they formed a massive, rotating array that overlaid Chaldea's failing barriers. Each of the nine stars took position at key points in the formation, creating a geometric pattern that seemed to stabilize the very fabric of space around the facility.
The void entities recoiled from this new barrier, their shadowy forms writhing as if in pain.
"That's... incredible," Mash whispered. "He's reinforcing our entire defense system with his own power."
Long Chen lowered his hand, though the star formation continued to rotate outside. "This will hold them at bay temporarily. However," he turned to face Ritsuka, "these predators were drawn by the dimensional rift. There's something else out there—something that deliberately widened the path I created."
"Something deliberately exploited your arrival?" Ritsuka asked, a chill running down his spine at the implication.
"Yes." For the first time, Long Chen's expression grew serious. "Something that knew what would happen when a being of my... nature... was pulled into this world."
The communication system crackled to life again. "Ritsuka, Mash," Dr. Roman's voice was urgent. "We're detecting a massive energy signature approaching from within the anomaly! It's... it's similar to a Divine Spirit, but corrupted somehow."
As if on cue, the swirling vortex outside parted, and a towering figure emerged from its depths. It resembled a humanoid in basic shape only—its body was composed of constantly shifting geometric patterns that hurt the eyes to look upon directly. Where its face should have been, there was only a swirling mass of symbols and equations that seemed to rewrite themselves continuously.
Long Chen studied the entity with genuine curiosity. "Interesting. A mathematical deity? Your world has rather unique divine beings."
The creature raised what might have been an arm, and a beam of pure information—visible as streams of arcane symbols—shot toward Chaldea. It struck Long Chen's barrier and dispersed, though one of the nine stars flickered momentarily.
"That actually required effort to deflect," Long Chen remarked, sounding almost pleased. "This one might be entertaining."
Mash stepped forward anxiously. "We can't fight that thing here—the facility won't survive that level of combat!"
Long Chen glanced at her, then back at the entity. "You're right," he conceded. Then, to everyone's shock, he walked directly toward the window. "I'll take this elsewhere."
"Wait!" Ritsuka called out. "What are you—"
But Long Chen had already pressed his palm against the glass. The material rippled like water under his touch, then parted to create an opening. Impossibly, no air rushed out—the space around the opening seemed to have been sealed by invisible force.
"I'll return once I've dealt with this intrusion," Long Chen stated, as casually as if announcing he was stepping out for a brief walk. "It wouldn't do to damage my new temporary residence, after all."
Before anyone could protest further, he stepped through the opening and into the swirling chaos outside. The window sealed itself behind him, returning to solid glass as if nothing had happened.
Through the window, they watched as Long Chen faced the mathematical entity. The nine stars arrayed themselves around him in a protective formation as he raised both hands this time. His casual smirk had returned, but there was something predatory in it now—the expression of a natural disaster about to be unleashed.
The entity seemed to recognize the threat too late. It began to retreat back into the vortex, but tendrils of golden energy had already shot from Long Chen's fingertips, wrapping around the creature's form.
"Nine Stars Sovereign Art: Dimensional Anchoring," they heard him say, his voice somehow carrying through the vacuum of space.
The entity writhed frantically as it was pulled toward Long Chen. The Nine Stars formation expanded further, creating a contained sphere around both combatants. Then, with a gesture that looked almost gentle, Long Chen pulled the entity and himself deeper into the vortex. The sphere of stars followed, creating a pocket of stable space around them.
And then they were gone, vanished into the depths of the anomaly.
The swirling vortex began to shrink without Long Chen's presence, the void predators scattering as the pathway between dimensions started to close.
In the sudden silence of the observation deck, Ritsuka and Mash exchanged stunned looks.
"Did he just... deliberately go into another dimension to fight that thing?" Mash finally asked.
"I think he did," Ritsuka replied, equally shocked. "To avoid damaging Chaldea."
The communication system crackled again. "The anomaly is closing," Dr. Roman reported, his voice tinged with disbelief. "The entity readings and void predators are retreating. But... we've lost all trace of Long Chen."
"He'll be back," Ritsuka said, with a certainty he couldn't quite explain. "He said he would."
Da Vinci's voice joined the conversation. "Ritsuka, that being... he's not bound by a Command Seal contract. He's not bound by anything we understand. There's no guarantee he'll return, or that he'll be an ally if he does."
Ritsuka continued staring at the spot where Long Chen had disappeared. "I know. But I believe him anyway."
As the last traces of the anomaly faded away, returning the view to Chaldea's normal snowy surroundings, Ritsuka couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter with Long Chen had only just begun—and that the cosmic wanderer would indeed return, bringing with him forces and challenges beyond anything they had faced before.
After all, one did not simply summon a Sovereign of Stars without consequences.
Chapter 3: Return and Revelation
Three days passed without any sign of Long Chen.
Chaldea had returned to its normal state of controlled chaos as preparations for the Babylon deployment continued. The incident with the dimensional anomaly had been classified as a "temporary spatial disruption," though everyone who had witnessed Long Chen's arrival knew it was far more significant than that.
Ritsuka sat in the command center, reviewing intelligence reports on Babylonia with Mash when Da Vinci burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement.
"It's happening again!" she exclaimed, tablet in hand. "The same energy signature we detected during Long Chen's arrival!"
Dr. Roman was already at the main console, fingers flying across the controls. "Confirmed! Spatial distortion forming just outside Chaldea's perimeter. But it's... different this time. More controlled."
Ritsuka was already on his feet. "Location?"
"The summit observation platform," Da Vinci replied. "And Ritsuka—the readings suggest he's not alone."
Minutes later, Ritsuka and Mash reached the highest point of Chaldea—an reinforced observation dome that offered a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. The space was normally used for astronomical observations and monitoring weather patterns, but now it had become the focal point of something far more extraordinary.
In the center of the platform, a perfect circle of golden light had appeared, slowly rotating clockwise. Intricate symbols flowed along its edge—not the familiar runes of magecraft, but something more primal and cosmic in nature. As they watched, the circle expanded horizontally, revealing what looked like a window into another reality.
Through this portal stepped Long Chen, looking exactly as he had three days ago—not a hair out of place, his casual posture betraying no sign of having just engaged in interdimensional combat. Behind him, the nine star formations orbited lazily, though they seemed somehow brighter than before.
"Ah, you're here," he remarked upon seeing Ritsuka and Mash. "Good. Saves me the trouble of finding you."
"You came back," Ritsuka stated simply.
Long Chen raised an eyebrow. "I said I would, didn't I? The mathematical entity has been dealt with. Rather fascinating construct, actually—a manifestation of universal constants given sentience." He shrugged. "Unfortunately, it was also quite hostile to organic life. Not a combination that ends well."
Mash stepped forward cautiously. "You said you weren't alone?"
"Perceptive," Long Chen nodded approvingly. He turned toward the still-open portal. "You can come through now. It's safe."
From the golden window emerged a figure that caused both Ritsuka and Mash to take involuntary steps backward. It resembled a human in basic shape only—a being of pure golden light contained within what appeared to be ornate armor crafted from materials that shifted between solid metal and pure energy with each movement. Where its face should have been, there was only a mask of strange, flowing script that continuously rewrote itself.
"This," Long Chen gestured casually, "is what remains of your mathematical deity. I've stabilized its form and adjusted its... perspectives."
The entity inclined its head toward Ritsuka and Mash in what appeared to be a gesture of greeting.
"You... tamed it?" Dr. Roman's voice came through their communication devices, his tone incredulous.
"'Tamed' implies it was wild," Long Chen corrected. "It wasn't. It was simply operating on principles incompatible with your existence. We had a discussion about that." His casual tone suggested this "discussion" had been anything but ordinary. "It now understands the value of cooperation."
The entity—which still towered at least eight feet tall—moved to stand beside Long Chen with a fluid grace that belied its size.
"I call it Axiom," Long Chen continued. "It has agreed to assist us as a gesture of... let's call it cosmic diplomacy."
"Assist us with what, exactly?" Mash asked, her shield still half-raised defensively.
Long Chen's expression grew more serious. "With the problem that's coming. My arrival here wasn't an accident—at least, not entirely. Something manipulated your summoning system, using the existing dimensional distortions to create a pathway specifically calibrated to pull me through."
"Who would have both the knowledge and power to do that?" Ritsuka asked.
"That," Long Chen replied, "is what concerns me. Very few beings should even be aware of my existence across dimensional boundaries." He paced slowly, the nine stars following his movement. "Axiom has helped me understand more about your reality. This 'Human Order Foundation' you're trying to preserve—it's basically the stability framework for your dimension. And these 'Singularities' are deliberate corruptions of that framework."
Dr. Roman and Da Vinci had arrived by now, both keeping a respectful distance from Axiom while listening intently.
"That's correct," Da Vinci confirmed. "We've been working to resolve these Singularities to restore proper human history."
Long Chen stopped pacing and fixed his gaze on Ritsuka. "What if I told you that these Singularities are more than just attacks on your history? What if they're also attempts to create something else—something that exists between the layers of reality?"
Dr. Roman's face paled. "What are you suggesting?"
"Your enemy isn't just trying to erase human history," Long Chen stated bluntly. "They're trying to harvest the energy released by that erasure to create a pocket dimension—a space between spaces where they can exist beyond the rules of any single reality."
Axiom moved slightly, and symbols flowed from its form, coalescing in the air to create a three-dimensional representation of interconnected spheres—each one representing a different timeline or dimension.
"This is your multiverse," Long Chen explained, gesturing to the display. "Simplified, of course. Each sphere is a complete timeline. Your 'proper' human history is this one." He pointed to a central sphere. "The Singularities are distortions that, when correctly aligned, create this."
The model shifted, showing dark threads connecting specific points in multiple timelines, forming a web-like structure between them.
"A dimensional lattice," Da Vinci whispered, her genius immediately grasping the concept. "Using the energy released from historical destruction to forge connections between timelines."
"And in the center of that lattice," Long Chen continued, as the model showed a small pocket of space forming where the threads intersected, "a new reality forms. One that exists independent of any single timeline's rules."
"That's why they need all seven Singularities," Ritsuka realized. "They're not just random points of destruction—they're specifically placed to create this... lattice."
Long Chen nodded. "Your enemy is attempting to ascend beyond the limitations of your reality. It's a crude method, but effective. Whoever they are, they understand fundamental dimensional principles that shouldn't be accessible to beings from your world."
"How do you know all this?" Dr. Roman asked, his voice tight with suspicion.
Long Chen's expression shifted subtly, something ancient and weary briefly visible beneath his youthful appearance. "Because I've seen it before. On a smaller scale, but the principle is the same." He gestured to the nine stars that continued to orbit behind him. "The Nine Stars of Heaven represent fundamental cosmic forces. They choose their sovereign—they chose me—because sometimes these forces need to be... regulated."
"You're saying you've dealt with dimensional manipulation before?" Da Vinci pressed.
"I'm saying," Long Chen replied carefully, "that I've learned to recognize the patterns. And what's happening here follows a familiar template." He turned back to Ritsuka. "Your upcoming mission to Babylon—it's one of these Singularities, yes?"
Ritsuka nodded. "The seventh and final one."
"Then it's also the keystone of the entire lattice," Long Chen concluded. "The point where all the dimensional threads will converge." His casual smirk returned. "Which means it's the perfect place to disrupt the entire plan."
Axiom made a sound—a harmonic resonance that vibrated through the room—and projected a new series of symbols. Long Chen studied them briefly.
"Axiom agrees. The mathematical probabilities suggest Babylon is where the dimensional breach will be at its thinnest. The point where your enemy must be most directly involved."
"So you'll help us?" Ritsuka asked, trying to keep the hope from being too evident in his voice.
Long Chen studied him for a long moment. "Your summoning did bring me here, however manipulated it might have been. And," he added with a slight shrug, "I admit I'm curious about who would be bold enough—or foolish enough—to attempt this kind of dimensional engineering. Besides," his smirk widened, "I've never been to 'Babylon' before. Might be interesting."
Relief washed over Ritsuka. Despite all the uncertainty, having Long Chen's power on their side for the Babylon Singularity felt like gaining an unexpected advantage.
"There is one thing," Long Chen added, his tone becoming more serious. "I should warn you that my presence in your reality has... consequences. The dimensional barriers have already been weakened by these Singularities. My existence here—especially as I use my full powers—will strain them further."
"Meaning what, exactly?" Dr. Roman asked.
"Meaning," Long Chen replied, "that things may begin to bleed through from other realities. Things that wouldn't normally be able to access your dimension." He gestured to Axiom. "Like our mathematical friend here, but potentially less amenable to reason."
Da Vinci frowned. "You're saying you might attract additional threats just by being here?"
"It's more that my presence makes certain barriers more permeable," Long Chen clarified. "Think of it as creating ripples in a pond. The larger the stone—" he gestured to himself, "—the further the ripples spread."
"Is there any way to prevent that?" Mash asked.
Long Chen considered this. "I can moderate my power usage, contain it more carefully. And the Nine Stars can help stabilize local dimensional boundaries." He looked at Axiom. "Our friend here can also assist with that—mathematics exists across all realities, after all. It makes for an excellent translator between dimensional frequencies."
Ritsuka nodded slowly, processing all this information. "So we proceed to Babylon as planned, but with you as an additional ally—albeit one that comes with some complications."
"That's one way of putting it," Long Chen agreed, his casual smirk returning. "Though I prefer to think of it as adding an element of cosmic unpredictability to your operation."
Axiom made another harmonic sound, this one almost like laughter.
"Well then," Ritsuka extended his hand to Long Chen, "welcome to Chaldea, officially. Let's save human history together."
Long Chen looked at the offered hand with mild amusement, as if the gesture was quaintly foreign to him. After a moment, he reached out and clasped Ritsuka's hand. The simple touch sent a jolt of energy up Ritsuka's arm—not painful, but intense, like touching a live wire carrying power from the stars themselves.
"This should be interesting," Long Chen remarked. "I've conquered realms and battled immortals, but I've never saved history before." His grip tightened slightly. "Let's see what challenges your 'Babylon' has to offer a Sovereign of Stars."
Behind them, the golden portal finally closed, leaving the observation dome in relative darkness save for the glow of Axiom's form and the nine stars that continued their eternal dance around their chosen sovereign.
And deep within the fabric of reality itself, something stirred—awakened by the presence of a power that shouldn't exist in this world—and began to turn its attention toward Babylon.
Chapter 4: Understanding Power
The following morning found Ritsuka in one of Chaldea's training facilities, observing an unprecedented sight.
Long Chen stood at the center of the reinforced chamber, eyes closed in apparent meditation. Around him, the Nine Stars rotated in a complex pattern, each one occasionally flaring with different colored light. Nearby, Axiom stood perfectly still, its form of mathematical symbols constantly shifting and reforming.
Several of Chaldea's other Servants had gathered to observe the newcomer from a safe distance. Artoria Pendragon and Cu Chulainn stood together, both legendary heroes watching with professional interest. Medea's eyes narrowed as she attempted to analyze the magical principles at work. Even the normally aloof Gilgamesh had deigned to make an appearance, though he maintained his distance more than the others, his crimson eyes fixed on Long Chen with an unreadable expression.
"He's not like any Servant I've encountered," Artoria commented quietly to Ritsuka. "His energy doesn't flow like ours."
"That's because he's not a Servant," Ritsuka replied. "At least, not in the way we understand them."
Cu Chulainn twirled his spear absently. "Whatever he is, he's powerful. I can feel it in my bones." The Hound of Ulster's battle instincts were rarely wrong. "It's like standing near the ocean—you know there's something vast and deep there, even if the surface looks calm."
Gilgamesh finally spoke, his voice carrying across the chamber. "He claims dominion over the stars themselves." There was a note of challenge in the King of Heroes' tone. "A bold assertion."
Long Chen's eyes opened at this, fixing on Gilgamesh with mild amusement. "Not a claim," he replied casually. "Simply a fact." One of the Nine Stars—a crimson point of light—flared briefly as if to emphasize his point. "Though I understand skepticism from one who calls himself a king."
Before Gilgamesh could respond, Da Vinci entered the chamber, followed by Mash. The genius inventor carried a tablet filled with data readings.
"The analysis is complete," she announced. "And frankly, it's fascinating." She turned to Long Chen. "Your energy signature doesn't match anything in our database. It's not Divine Spirit, not Heroic Spirit, not even similar to the Foreign God entities we've encountered."
Long Chen nodded as if this was expected. "In my world, we call it 'cultivation energy' – the refined essence of one's spirit, body, and understanding of universal principles. Though I suspect the fundamental mechanics differ across dimensions."
"Can you explain how your powers work?" Mash asked. "It might help us coordinate better during combat."
Long Chen seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. "A simplified explanation, then." He gestured, and the Nine Stars aligned themselves in a horizontal row before him. "These represent the Nine Stars of Heaven—fundamental cosmic forces that exist across all dimensions in one form or another. In my world, they chose me as their sovereign, granting me authority over their aspects."
He pointed to each star in turn:
"The Star of Destruction." A crimson star pulsed. "Governs the principles of breaking down matter and energy."
"The Star of Creation." A golden star brightened. "Governs the principles of forming and building."
"The Star of Space." A blue star flickered. "Controls dimensional boundaries and spatial manipulation."
"The Star of Time." A silver star rippled. "Influences temporal flow and perception."
"The Star of Life." A green star swirled. "Governs vitality, healing, and organic growth."
"The Star of Death." A black star seemed to absorb light around it. "Oversees endings, transitions, and decay."
"The Star of Mind." A purple star pulsated rhythmically. "Controls thought, consciousness, and mental energy."
"The Star of Soul." A white star shimmered with rainbow edges. "Governs spiritual essence and fundamental identity."
"And finally, the Star of Chaos." A star that seemed to constantly shift colors and shape. "The unpredictable force that bridges all others."
As he finished, the stars returned to their orbital pattern around him. "My abilities stem from channeling and combining these fundamental forces."
The gathered Servants exchanged glances. Even to beings of legendary power, this level of cosmic authority was beyond their understanding.
"And what about your... friend?" Da Vinci asked, glancing at Axiom.
The mathematical entity shifted slightly at being addressed.
"
Long Chen gestured toward Axiom. "It's a mathematical consciousness—a being composed entirely of universal constants and equations. In its original form, it perceived organic life as disruptive variables to be eliminated from its calculations." A hint of amusement touched his expression. "We had a... philosophical discussion about the value of uncertainty in cosmic equations."
Axiom's symbols rearranged themselves, forming a brief pattern that almost resembled a human face before dissolving again.
"It now understands that life isn't an error in the universe's calculations, but rather an essential component," Long Chen continued. "And it's agreed to assist us, particularly in stabilizing dimensional boundaries during our mission."
Gilgamesh stepped forward, his arms crossed. "You speak of cosmic authority as casually as one might discuss the weather." His red eyes narrowed. "Yet you claim to be neither god nor spirit. What exactly are you, Sovereign of Stars?"
The challenge in the King of Heroes' voice was unmistakable. The other Servants tensed, knowing Gilgamesh's pride could easily spark conflict.
Long Chen met Gilgamesh's gaze without hesitation. "In my world, I am what's known as a cultivator—one who has refined their essence beyond mortal limitations through understanding and embodying cosmic principles." He shrugged lightly. "Your world might call me a transcendent being, or perhaps an ascended cultivator. The terminology matters less than the reality."
"And that reality is?" Gilgamesh pressed.
"That I've moved beyond the limitations that define gods in your world," Long Chen replied simply. "Gods are bound by their domains and the belief of their followers. I am bound only by the principles I choose to uphold."
The room fell silent as the two powerful beings measured each other. Finally, to everyone's surprise, Gilgamesh laughed—a genuine sound of amusement rather than mockery.
"Arrogance worthy of a king," he remarked. "Very well, Sovereign of Stars. I shall observe your power firsthand when we enter battle."
"You mean to join us in Babylon?" Ritsuka asked, unable to hide his surprise. Gilgamesh rarely volunteered for missions unless they specifically interested him.
"Of course," the golden king replied imperiously. "This Singularity exists within my era and territory. And now," he cast a meaningful glance at Long Chen, "it seems it may hold challenges worthy of my attention."
Da Vinci cleared her throat. "Speaking of the mission, we should finalize preparations. The rayshift to Babylon is scheduled for tomorrow morning."
As the group began to disperse, Cu Chulainn approached Long Chen with his characteristic directness. "Care for a friendly spar? Nothing serious—just curious how your fighting style works."
Long Chen raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Why not? Though I should warn you, I've scaled back my power considerably to avoid damaging this facility's dimensional stability."
Cu grinned wolfishly. "Wouldn't want it any other way. Holding back is part of sparring."
Ritsuka watched with interest as the two moved to opposite sides of the training area. This could be educational—a chance to see how Long Chen operated in a controlled environment before facing real threats.
"I'll referee," Artoria offered, stepping between them. "Standard Chaldea rules—first clear hit or surrender ends the match."
Cu Chulainn twirled his crimson spear with practiced ease, settling into his battle stance. "Ready when you are, Star Sovereign."
Long Chen merely nodded, his posture relaxed and hands empty at his sides. The Nine Stars continued their orbit behind him, but otherwise, he made no visible preparations.
"Begin!" Artoria called, stepping back quickly.
Cu Chulainn moved with legendary speed, his spear a red blur as he thrust directly at Long Chen's chest—a testing strike, not meant to cause serious harm but sufficient to establish dominance.
Long Chen didn't dodge. Instead, as the spear tip approached him, one of the Nine Stars—the blue Star of Space—flashed briefly. The spear thrust passed through empty air, Long Chen having shifted position without any visible movement to stand three paces to the left.
"Spatial manipulation," Cu observed with an appreciative grin. "Neat trick."
He pivoted instantly, launching a series of lightning-fast strikes from multiple angles. Long Chen avoided each one with minimal movement, sometimes appearing to simply step aside, other times seeming to phase partially out of reality as attacks passed through his form.
"Are you going to attack at all?" Cu challenged, circling warily.
"If you insist," Long Chen replied casually.
He made a simple gesture with two fingers, and the golden Star of Creation pulsed. In his hand appeared a plain wooden staff—unadorned, unimpressive, yet somehow radiating a sense of perfect balance and alignment with natural forces.
Cu's eyes narrowed. "Now we're talking."
The next exchange happened almost too quickly for observers to follow. Cu Chulainn unleashed a barrage of spear techniques, each capable of piercing mountains in his legend. Long Chen met each with his simple staff, deflecting or redirecting rather than opposing force with force. The wooden implement didn't even show marks from contact with the legendary spear.
After thirty seconds of increasingly complex exchanges, they separated. Cu was breathing slightly harder, while Long Chen remained unruffled.
"Your technique is excellent," Long Chen commented. "You've clearly mastered your weapon."
Cu grinned. "You're holding back an ocean. I can feel it." He readied his spear again. "One more exchange, with a bit more seriousness?"
Long Chen considered, then nodded. "Within reasonable limits."
This time, Cu Chulainn charged his spear with runic energy, the weapon glowing with power as he launched himself forward. "Let's see how you handle this!"
Long Chen's expression shifted subtly to one of greater focus. The crimson Star of Destruction and the green Star of Life both flared simultaneously behind him. He met Cu's charge not with the staff, which dissolved back into golden light, but with his bare hand—catching the energized spear between two fingers.
The impact created a shockwave that rippled through the training room, but Long Chen stood unmoved, the spear tip trapped firmly between his index and middle fingers. A thin sheath of crimson energy had formed around the spear's point, containing and neutralizing its power, while green energy flowed around Long Chen's fingers, preventing any harm.
"I believe that constitutes my victory," Long Chen stated calmly.
Cu Chulainn stared for a moment, then threw back his head and laughed. "That it does!" He withdrew his spear with a respectful nod. "Impressive control. You could have shattered my weapon but chose not to."
"A good weapon is an extension of its wielder," Long Chen replied. "Destroying it unnecessarily would be disrespectful."
As the demonstration ended, Ritsuka noticed that the other Servants were regarding Long Chen with new eyes—not just as an unknown quantity, but as a formidable ally whose capabilities might exceed even their legendary powers.
Mash approached Ritsuka, her expression thoughtful. "Senpai, do you think it's wise to bring someone so powerful into the Singularity? His presence alone might cause unforeseen consequences."
Ritsuka watched as Long Chen engaged in casual conversation with Cu Chulainn, Artoria, and now Medea, who was questioning him about the nature of his staff manifestation.
"I think we need every advantage we can get," Ritsuka replied honestly. "And something tells me his arrival wasn't random. If something deliberately created a path for him to enter our world, we might need his power to counter whatever's waiting for us in Babylon."
Mash nodded slowly. "You're right, Senpai. I just hope we're prepared for whatever complications his presence might bring."
Little did they know how prophetic those words would prove to be.
Chapter 5: Descent to Babylon
The rayshift chamber hummed with energy as final preparations were made for the journey to the seventh Singularity. The team had been carefully selected: Ritsuka and Mash would lead as Master and primary Shielder, accompanied by Gilgamesh (who had insisted on his right to oversee matters in his own kingdom), Cu Chulainn for his versatile combat abilities, and now, Long Chen and Axiom as their unexpected cosmic allies.
Dr. Roman's holographic image appeared in the center of the chamber. "Final systems check complete. Dimensional coordinates locked on Uruk, circa 2655 BCE, during the Age of Gods."
Da Vinci stood at the main control panel, her expression serious. "We've had to recalibrate the rayshift parameters to accommodate Long Chen and Axiom's unique energy signatures. This will be... experimental."
"Experimental?" Mash questioned, adjusting her shield.
"Their existence doesn't conform to our standard spirit origin classifications," Da Vinci explained. "Long Chen isn't a Heroic Spirit but a living being from another dimension, and Axiom is... well, a mathematical consciousness. The rayshift system wasn't designed for transporting such entities."
Long Chen, standing calmly with his arms crossed, seemed unconcerned. "If your method fails, I can transport us using the Star of Space. Though I'd prefer to conserve energy where possible."
"Let's rely on Chaldea's systems," Ritsuka decided. "But it's good to know we have a backup plan."
Gilgamesh, resplendent in his golden armor, scoffed. "To think my kingdom would be graced by such strange visitors. The gods themselves will be intrigued—or threatened."
"Speaking of gods," Dr. Roman interjected, "our intelligence suggests that multiple divine beings are active in this Singularity. The Age of Gods was still in full effect during this period."
Long Chen's interest seemed piqued at this. "Gods in your world hold actual power? Not merely titles?"
"Very real power," Cu Chulainn confirmed grimly. "I should know—I've had my share of divine complications."
"Fascinating," Long Chen murmured. "In my world, godhood is simply another stage of cultivation—powerful, but comprehensible. I wonder how your world's divinities differ."
"You may find out firsthand," Gilgamesh remarked. "My kingdom was... frequently visited by divine meddlers during this era."
Da Vinci called for their attention. "Rayshift initiating in thirty seconds. Remember, your primary mission is to locate and retrieve the Holy Grail maintaining this Singularity. According to our intelligence, King Gilgamesh's kingdom is the last bastion of humanity, defending against the Three Goddess Alliance that threatens to annihilate mankind."
"Three goddesses?" Long Chen inquired.
"Gorgon, Quetzalcoatl, and Ereshkigal," Dr. Roman supplied. "Each controlling territory surrounding Uruk."
Gilgamesh's expression darkened. "Usurpers claiming divine authority within my realm. This shall not stand."
"Plus whatever drew me here," Long Chen added thoughtfully. "I doubt it was coincidence that my arrival aligns with your final Singularity."
"Ten seconds to rayshift," Da Vinci announced.
As the countdown proceeded, the Nine Stars behind Long Chen began to rotate more rapidly, and Axiom's mathematical symbols flowed with increased intensity.
"Something's happening," Mash warned, noticing the unusual pattern.
Long Chen nodded. "They're adjusting to the dimensional shift. This method of travel is new to them."
The chamber filled with blue light as the rayshift activated. The familiar sensation of dematerialization began—the feeling of being converted to information and projected across time and space. But this time, something was different. The blue light took on an iridescent quality, streaked with golden patterns as Long Chen's presence influenced the process.
"Energy spike!" Da Vinci called out, her voice already sounding distant. "The dimensional boundaries are—"
Her words were cut off as reality itself seemed to fold around them. Ritsuka felt the normal rayshift sensation multiply tenfold—a rushing, falling feeling accompanied by visions of stars and cosmic patterns flashing past at incomprehensible speed.
Then, abruptly, solid ground materialized beneath their feet.
When Ritsuka's vision cleared, they found themselves standing not in the rayshift landing zone they had targeted, but atop a massive ziggurat overlooking an ancient city of mud-brick buildings and flowing canals. The golden walls of Uruk stretched out below them, the Euphrates River glinting in the harsh Mesopotamian sun.
"Well," Long Chen remarked, looking around with interest, "that was invigorating."
"What happened?" Mash asked, helping Ritsuka regain his balance. "This isn't our designated arrival point."
Gilgamesh, however, was grinning broadly. "The Temple of Heaven," he declared, gesturing to their surroundings. "The highest point in Uruk, reserved for communion with the divine." His crimson eyes fixed on Long Chen. "It seems my kingdom recognizes the arrival of significant power."
Cu Chulainn moved to the edge of the ziggurat, surveying the city. "Looks peaceful enough from here. No signs of battle or siege."
"Communication with Chaldea is active," Mash reported, touching her shield which projected a small holographic window. "Dr. Roman? Da Vinci? Can you hear us?"
The image flickered, showing both scientists looking concerned. "We read you," Dr. Roman replied, "but your materialization coordinates were thrown off by some kind of interference. Are you all intact?"
"We're fine," Ritsuka confirmed. "We've arrived at the Temple of Heaven in Uruk."
Da Vinci's image leaned forward. "That's actually fortuitous—you're at the heart of King Gilgamesh's power base. But be careful; our sensors are detecting unusual dimensional fluctuations around your position."
"That would be me," Long Chen noted casually. "Or rather, the interaction between my existence and this world's particular fabric."
Axiom moved forward, its mathematical symbols rearranging to form what appeared to be a complex equation in the air. After a moment, the entity made a harmonic sound.
"Axiom says the dimensional stability here is already compromised," Long Chen translated. "This 'Age of Gods' appears to operate on different physical laws than your modern era. The divine presence has altered the fundamental constants."
"Of course it has," Gilgamesh stated proudly. "This is when the world was as it should be—governed by proper order with gods and men in their rightful places."
Long Chen raised an eyebrow at this but made no comment.
"We should make contact with the local authorities," Mash suggested practically. "Since we're in Uruk, that would be—"
"Me," Gilgamesh interrupted. "Or rather, my incarnation from this time period." He frowned slightly. "Which presents certain... complications."
"Two Gilgameshes," Cu Chulainn mused with a grin. "The world can barely handle one."
Before the King of Heroes could retort, the sound of footsteps on stone drew their attention. A procession was ascending the ziggurat steps—soldiers in Babylonian armor, led by a tall woman with striking white hair and crimson eyes.
"Siduri," Gilgamesh murmured. "My chief administrator."
The woman reached the top of the steps and immediately fell to one knee, though her sharp eyes assessed each member of the group carefully.
"Great visitors from the heavens," she announced formally. "His Majesty King Gilgamesh has foreseen your arrival and bids you welcome to Uruk. He requests your immediate presence in the throne room to discuss the crisis that threatens humanity."
Ritsuka stepped forward. "Thank you. We'll accompany you right away."
As they prepared to follow Siduri down the ziggurat, Long Chen paused, his attention drawn to the distant horizon where dark clouds seemed to be gathering despite the clear sky overhead.
"Your world has strange energies," he commented to no one in particular. "I can feel them watching us already."
"The gods are always watching in this era," Gilgamesh replied. "Though they'll find you a puzzle they cannot easily solve, Star Sovereign."
"Perhaps," Long Chen agreed with his characteristic smirk. "Or perhaps I'll find them equally puzzling. This should be an educational experience for all involved."
As they descended into the heart of mankind's oldest civilization, none of them noticed the faint distortion in the air above the ziggurat—a ripple in reality marking the point where their arrival had stressed the already fragile dimensional boundaries of the Singularity.
Nor did they see the nine small points of light that briefly appeared in the sky, mirroring the pattern of Long Chen's stars, before vanishing again into the fabric of the Age of Gods.
The descent into Babylon had begun—and with it, forces beyond even Chaldea's calculations were being set in motion.
Chapter 6: Clash of Authorities
The throne room of Uruk was a study in ancient opulence. Massive columns of cedar rose to support a ceiling adorned with lapis lazuli and gold. Torches and oil lamps cast dancing shadows across murals depicting the king's legendary deeds. Guards lined the walls, their spears gleaming in the warm light.
And upon the raised golden throne sat Gilgamesh—the living king of this time, not the Servant who accompanied them. This Gilgamesh wore simpler attire than his Servant counterpart: a white tunic with gold and red accents, a modest crown, and fewer pieces of golden jewelry. Most notably, his expression carried the weight of genuine responsibility rather than casual arrogance.
The King of Uruk's crimson eyes widened marginally as the group entered, lingering particularly on his Servant counterpart and Long Chen.
"So," he declared, his voice carrying the natural authority of an absolute monarch, "Chaldea has finally arrived." His gaze shifted to Ritsuka. "You must be the Master I foresaw in my dreams—the one who fights to restore human history."
Ritsuka bowed respectfully. "I am Ritsuka Fujimaru of Chaldea. We've come to help resolve this Singularity."
The living Gilgamesh nodded, then looked at Mash and Cu Chulainn with approval before his gaze settled on his Servant self. For a long moment, the two Gilgameshes simply observed each other in silence.
Finally, the King spoke. "To think I would meet myself as a Heroic Spirit. The arrogance in your eyes suggests you've not yet learned the lessons that shaped me into a true king."
The Servant Gilgamesh seemed unperturbed by this assessment. "And the weariness in yours suggests you've forgotten the divine right that makes us worthy of kingship in the first place."
"Enough," the King cut him off, before turning his attention to Long Chen and Axiom. "But these two... these were not in my visions. What manner of beings have you brought into my kingdom, Chaldean?"
Before Ritsuka could answer, Long Chen stepped forward, the Nine Stars manifesting faintly behind him.
"I am Long Chen, Sovereign of the Nine Stars," he introduced himself casually. "And this is Axiom, a mathematical entity from between dimensions. We're... consultants, you might say."
The King's eyes narrowed as he studied the stars orbiting behind Long Chen. "Those constellations—they resemble nothing in our night sky, yet they radiate divine authority." He leaned forward, genuinely intrigued. "You are neither god nor man. Explain yourself."
Long Chen met the King's gaze directly—an act that caused the guards to tense, as few dared look upon Gilgamesh with such equanimity.
"I'm a visitor from another dimension entirely," Long Chen replied honestly. "Drawn here through your summoning system, though for purposes I'm still uncovering." He gestured to the Nine Stars. "Where I come from, these cosmic forces selected me as their embodiment. Different world, different rules—but power recognizes power across all realities."
To everyone's surprise, the King laughed—a genuine sound of amusement rather than mockery. "How refreshing! No obsequious bowing, no divine posturing, no demands for worship." He studied Long Chen with newfound interest. "You speak to a king as an equal without arrogance or submission. I find that... acceptable."
Long Chen smirked. "We have kings in my world too. Some worthy of respect, others less so. You seem the former type."
"Indeed I am," the King agreed without a hint of modesty. "And as king, I must now inform you all of the crisis we face." His expression grew grave. "Three so-called goddesses have formed an alliance to destroy humanity, beginning with my kingdom. They've divided the lands around Uruk, turning them into territories of death."
He rose from his throne and moved to a large clay map displayed on a nearby table. The others gathered around as he pointed to different regions.
"To the north, the goddess Quetzalcoatl has transformed the land into a domain of scorching sun and deadly jungles. Her flying beasts raid our borders daily."
His finger moved to the east. "Here, the goddess Gorgon has created a territory of death and petrification. All who enter are turned to stone or devoured by her demonic beasts."
Finally, he indicated the south. "And most recently, the goddess Ereshkigal has claimed the Underworld, extending its boundaries into the world of the living. The dead rise at her command, and the land itself becomes deadly to all life."
Ritsuka studied the map intently. "These territories surround Uruk completely. You're under siege."
"Precisely," the King confirmed. "My people are the last bastion of humanity in this age. If Uruk falls, the human order foundation of your era will collapse entirely."
"What of the Holy Grail?" Mash asked. "Our mission is to retrieve it and correct the Singularity."
The King's expression darkened. "It lies at the heart of this conspiracy—in the temple of Eridu, the oldest city of Mesopotamia, now sunken into the Abyss controlled by Tiamat, the primordial goddess of chaos."
At the mention of Tiamat, Axiom suddenly emitted a cascade of mathematical symbols, its form briefly destabilizing before recomposing itself.
Long Chen studied the entity with interest. "It seems that name holds mathematical significance across dimensions." He turned to the King. "This Tiamat—she's more than just another goddess, isn't she?"
"Far more," both Gilgameshes answered simultaneously, then glared at each other.
The King continued alone. "Tiamat is one of the primordial deities—the mother of creation itself in our mythology. If she has truly awakened..." He left the implication hanging.
"A Beast," the Servant Gilgamesh finished. "One of the Seven Beasts of Calamity that prey upon humanity's sins."
"Beast II, specifically," Dr. Roman's voice came through Mash's communications system. "Associated with regression—the desire to return humanity to its primordial state before civilization."
Long Chen's expression grew thoughtful. "That would explain the dimensional abnormalities that brought me here. A being of that nature could create ripples across multiple realities."
"But something doesn't add up," Ritsuka noted. "If Tiamat is behind this, why create the Three Goddess Alliance? Why not act directly?"
"The Beast may still be awakening," the King theorized. "Using these lesser goddesses to prepare the way. Or—"
He was interrupted by a sudden tremor that shook the entire palace. Dust fell from the ceiling as guards struggled to maintain their footing.
"What was that?" Mash demanded, shield at the ready.
The King's expression was grim. "Quetzalcoatl's forces have begun another attack on our northern wall. Her flying serpents grow bolder by the day."
"Perfect timing," Cu Chulainn remarked, twirling his spear. "Nothing like combat to get acquainted with a new battlefield."
"Indeed," the King agreed. "Consider this your first test, Chaldeans. Help repel this attack, and prove your worth to Uruk."
Before anyone could respond, a royal messenger burst into the throne room, his face pale with fear.
"Your Majesty!" he cried. "The northern attack is a diversion! Something has appeared above the Temple of Heaven—a rift in the sky itself!"
The King's eyes widened, then immediately turned to Long Chen. "Your arrival has drawn attention from beyond our world, Star Sovereign."
Long Chen nodded grimly, the Nine Stars beginning to rotate more rapidly behind him. "I was afraid of this. My presence is straining the already weakened dimensional boundaries of your Singularity."
"What's coming through?" Ritsuka asked urgently.
"I can't be certain," Long Chen replied, already moving toward the exit. "But whatever it is, it's detected the Nine Stars' presence in this world. We should intercept it before it reaches the city."
"Agreed," the King declared, surprising everyone by standing and grabbing an elaborate axe from beside his throne. "I shall accompany you. No threat to my city shall go unchallenged by its king."
His Servant counterpart smirked. "For once, we are in agreement."
As they hurried through the palace corridors toward the ziggurat, Long Chen fell in step beside Ritsuka. "This complication is my responsibility," he said quietly. "My presence is acting as a beacon for entities that normally couldn't access your dimension."
"We'll handle it together," Ritsuka insisted. "That's what allies do."
Long Chen studied him curiously. "You're surprisingly calm about cosmic threats, Fujimaru."
Ritsuka managed a grim smile. "This isn't my first apocalypse."
They emerged onto the palace grounds to see the sky above the ziggurat torn open by what appeared to be a massive, starry rift—a window into deep space itself. Golden energy poured from the opening, coalescing into a humanoid shape nearly thirty feet tall.
"What is that?" Mash gasped.
The entity fully materialized, revealing a being composed of golden celestial armor over a body of pure starlight. Nine distinctive markings adorned its breastplate—patterns that matched Long Chen's Nine Stars exactly. Its head was crowned with cosmic flames, and in one hand it wielded a massive spear that appeared to be crafted from a meteor.
"A Star Emissary," Long Chen explained, his expression genuinely concerned for the first time since his arrival. "A guardian of cosmic boundaries that normally prevents beings like me from crossing between major dimensions without proper authorization."
"And it's here for you?" Cu Chulainn asked, readying his spear.
"Partially," Long Chen confirmed. "But also to investigate the dimensional damage being caused by this Singularity. Your enemy's actions have drawn cosmic attention."
The Star Emissary's voice boomed across Uruk, speaking in a language none of them understood—none except Long Chen and Axiom.
"It says the dimensional laws of this reality have been compromised," Long Chen translated. "The unnatural manipulation of timestreams has created a cascading fracture in the cosmic boundary network."
The Emissary pointed its meteor spear directly at Long Chen, uttering another incomprehensible proclamation.
"And apparently," Long Chen added with a sigh, "I'm to be detained for unauthorized dimensional transit and potential disruption of natural cosmic order."
"Can you reason with it?" Ritsuka asked.
"Cosmic enforcers aren't known for their flexibility," Long Chen replied, rolling his shoulders as the Nine Stars began to glow brighter behind him. "But we can certainly try the diplomatic approach first."
Long Chen raised his voice, responding to the Emissary in the same strange language—a sound like musical mathematics that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of reality. The exchange continued for several minutes, growing increasingly heated.
"What's happening?" the King demanded.
"I'm explaining that we're attempting to restore proper dimensional order," Long Chen answered without taking his eyes off the Emissary. "But it insists that my presence is exacerbating the problem and that I must return to my home dimension immediately."
"And will you?" Mash asked quietly.
Long Chen's smirk returned. "I've never been particularly good at following cosmic bureaucracy." He switched back to the strange language, saying something that caused the Emissary to physically recoil.
"What did you tell it?" Cu Chulainn asked.
"That I refuse its authority based on clauses in the Interdimensional Sovereignty Act that even it didn't know existed," Long Chen replied. "Cosmic laws are complex—and I've had time to study the loopholes."
The Emissary responded by leveling its spear and firing a beam of golden energy directly at Long Chen. Without hesitation, he raised a hand, and the blue Star of Space flared brilliantly. The energy beam curved around him, dissipating harmlessly into the air.
"So much for diplomacy," he sighed. "Prepare yourselves—it won't distinguish between me and my allies."
The King of Uruk stepped forward, his axe gleaming in the strange light from the rift. "No entity, divine or cosmic, threatens my kingdom without consequence. You have my blade, Star Sovereign."
"And mine," the Servant Gilgamesh added, golden portals already opening around him.
Long Chen nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, but stay back initially. Let me assess its capabilities in this dimensional configuration first." He glanced at Axiom. "Ready to perform some complex calculations, my friend?"
The mathematical entity's symbols swirled in what appeared to be eager affirmation.
With a casual gesture, Long Chen rose into the air, the Nine Stars forming a protective formation around him as he ascended to meet the towering Emissary.
"I'll try to keep this contained," he called down to Ritsuka. "But if things get complicated—"
The rest of his sentence was lost as the Star Emissary attacked, swinging its massive spear in an arc that tore through reality itself, leaving a trail of exposed cosmic void in its wake. Long Chen countered by activating the crimson Star of Destruction and the golden Star of Creation simultaneously, clapping his hands together to create a shockwave that closed the void tear and staggered the massive entity.
What followed was unlike any battle Ritsuka had witnessed before—a combat between cosmic forces that operated on principles beyond human comprehension. The Emissary wielded fundamental forces as weapons, manipulating gravity, energy, and space itself. Long Chen countered with the power of the Nine Stars, each one activating in complex combinations to neutralize or redirect the Emissary's attacks.
"This isn't just combat," Mash observed in awe. "They're arguing through force—defining the laws of reality through conflict."
"The oldest form of divine discourse," the King of Uruk commented. "Before words, gods established order through demonstrations of power."
Above them, Long Chen had manifested a staff of pure starlight, using it to parry the Emissary's meteor spear with speed that left afterimages in the air. When the Emissary attempted to open a forced dimensional portal beneath him—presumably to banish him back to his home dimension—Long Chen activated the Star of Space and the Star of Time simultaneously, freezing the portal in a temporal stasis field.
"He's holding back," Cu Chulainn noted with a professional warrior's eye. "Fighting defensively."
"Of course," the Servant Gilgamesh replied. "Too much power would further damage the already fragile dimensional boundaries. He's containing the conflict as much as engaging in it."
The battle reached its climax when the Emissary, apparently frustrated by Long Chen's defensive tactics, raised its spear high and began drawing energy directly from the cosmic rift above. The sky darkened as stars became visible even in daylight, their energy flowing into the Emissary's weapon.
"That's... not good," Long Chen called down, actually sounding concerned. "It's preparing a Cosmic Verdict—a judgment attack that will affect everything within a mile radius."
"The city will be destroyed!" the King shouted.
"Not if I can help it," Long Chen replied grimly.
All nine stars suddenly aligned in front of him in a perfect vertical line. Long Chen closed his eyes in concentration, and each star began to pulse in sequence, creating a resonance pattern that visibly distorted the air around them.
"Nine Stars Sovereign Art: Dimensional Encapsulation," he intoned.
A dome of iridescent energy expanded outward from the Nine Stars, growing rapidly to encompass not just the combatants but the entire Temple of Heaven. Inside this dome, colors shifted strangely, and sound acquired an echo quality as if filtering through multiple layers of reality.
"What has he done?" Mash asked, looking around in wonder.
Axiom's symbols formed a brief explanation in the air.
"He's created a pocket dimension," Ritsuka translated, having learned to interpret some of Axiom's simpler communications. "Separating this space from the rest of Uruk to contain the battle."
Inside this dimensional bubble, Long Chen finally abandoned his defensive posture. The Nine Stars returned to their orbit around him, but now they spun with blinding speed, trails of colored light creating a mandala pattern behind him.
"Since you insist on judgment," he called to the Emissary in a voice that suddenly carried the weight of cosmic authority, "let us properly weigh the circumstances."
The Star of Mind and the Star of Soul activated simultaneously, sending tendrils of purple and white energy toward the Emissary. Where they touched its golden armor, images began to appear—projections of the dimensional damage caused by the Singularities, the threat posed by Beast II, and the consequences to the cosmic order if human history were to be incinerated.
The Emissary hesitated, its meteor spear still raised but no longer gathering energy.
"Your mandate is to preserve cosmic order," Long Chen continued, speaking once more in the strange mathematical language. "Yet you would interfere with those working to restore it? Examine the evidence before rendering judgment, Emissary."
For a tense moment, the massive entity remained motionless. Then, slowly, it lowered its weapon. The golden glow of its armor dimmed slightly as it seemed to process the information Long