The Dungeon was quiet as always, its unsuspecting atmosphere ready to lure hopeful adventurers into its nasty traps. A soft mist that obscured one's vision filled its corridors. The few crystals that poked out of its walls were poor sources of light, hiding the occasional monster that was trying to sneak about.

A few corpses lay ahead, torn apart by some or the other beast. A woman stood in front of them, kneeling on the ground as she offered the deceased a silent prayer.

She had blonde hair that was as bright as the sun tied into a long braid that reached her hips. Her steel armor clinked as he stood up, a hand in her chest as she finished giving her respects. Blue eyes as clear as freshwater opened as she turned towards her companions.

"Mou… I already told you I gave them a blessing Jeanne. There was no need for you to pray for them as well."

The speaker was another woman with pale skin and orange hair tied in twintails. She straightened her blue kimono, sniffing haughtily as she put a slender arm to her hips. A black obi held her elegant dress together. Her orange fox ears twitched as she gave out a sharp breath.

"Tamamo, you know that she doesn't listen right? Jeanne has her own belief that she follows," said a man dressed in black and red. His white hair was pulled back and he had copper skin. He wasn't looking at the two girls behind him, instead his silver eyes glanced at the path ahead.

Beside him sat another girl, digging through the corpse of a goblin. Her skin was darker than the man's. Her short purple hair was covered in bits of blood. Her lilac eyes cold as she pulled out a small stone from the monster's corpse.

"All magical stones collected," she spoke softly. "Let us go on ahead."

"Thank you Serenity," Jeanne said as she pulled out a map from a pouch attached to her belt. "According to the map, the entrance to the next floor should be that way. Archer, take point"

The silver-haired man nodded, as he began walking ahead. The other four fell into line, Tamamo and Serenity in the middle with Jeanne last.

"Mou," Tamamo whined as they continued to walk. "You would think that this Dungeon would have the courtesy to at least have some faster way to travel to the lower floors. Instead we have to deal with all these senseless brutes on the way."

She tossed a fiery curse at a kobold that jumped out of the wall, causing the monster to burst into black dust. Serenity grabbed the stone falling mid-air and put it into her backpack.

"We don't want to attract any unwanted attention, remember?" Archer rubbed his forehead. "Honestly, I don't understand why D'Eon sent you of all people with us? You are better off using Territory Creation and making our 'home' more livable than coming down here with us."

The vixen pouted. "Even I want to know that. I could have made Master a nice hot spring by now. Instead, I am here, underground, fighting these disgusting weaklings. Don't you agree Jeanne?"

"Hmm, I think the Dungeon is a very interesting place though. It may not seem like much now but I've heard that from the 18th floor onwards, you feel like you are back on the surface."

Jeanne smiled as she recounted the things she had learned from the advisor they met at the Guild. She was the only one among the four of them who actually bothered to get information about the dungeon.

"At least someone came prepared," muttered Archer. "If it wasn't you then I would have had to buy the maps and do everything myself. Good work Jeanne."

The girl blushed slightly. "Oh no no. I was just doing my duty as a Servant. That's it. Master asked us to be careful while descending the dungeon after all."

"Aah, Master cares so much for us," Tamamo gushed out. A fire lit under her eyes. "Today, I, Tamamo shall make Master the most delicious of meals. A product of my immeasurable love for her."

Archer grimaced as materialized a bow in his arms. "As if I'm going to let you into my kitchen you vixen. 'All matters of cooking are to be left to Archer''" As he struck a stray goblin, he smirked. "That's what I believe Master said."

Tamamo gave the man a spiteful glare. "You… you dare interfere in my love for master? It is bad enough that there are a bunch of hussies after my darling husband. Master might like your cooking but don't think you can beat a superior wife such as myself."

Jeanne grabbed her friend's shoulder. "Tamamo, calm down. Archer probably didn't mean anything bad with what he said. Right, Archer?"

The silvered warrior wilted in front of the pure gaze of the girl in front of him. "No," he relented. "I'm making dinner but you can make Master dessert."

Tamamo's hostility lessened as she hugged Jeanne. "Oh you little dove. What would I do without you?" Serenity on the other hand threw one of her daggers at another goblin, before running ahead and collecting their magic stones.

Jeanne found her flustered once again. "Aah.. Tamamo. Please let me go now." The vixen eventually relented, giving the girl a mischievous grin. "Maybe I can teach you a few things to please that little cute homunculus you fancy," she whispered, causing the blonde to turn as ripe as a tomato.

The Saint began to lightly punch the Shrine Maiden, her ears red and steaming. "You promised not to mention that, Tamamo. You promised," she cried out.

"Fufufu… You should know better than to spread secrets where mischievous little vixens such as I, can pick them up, Jeanne."

"Mmmmuuuu!" Jeanne pouted,"Meanie. Tamamo is a meanie."

"Enough," Serenity interrupted coldly. "We have a mission to complete. The Contractor entrusted us with making enough money. If you don't want to complete it then go back."

"Hmph, brat," Tamamo said with her hands on her hips.

"Bitch," Serenity returned.

"Why me?" Archer asked no one in particular.

"Aieeeeee!"

A scream pervaded through the long and twisted corridors of the Dungeon. Jeanne immediately grabbed the hilt of her sword. "Someone needs help," she stated before rushing towards the source.

Tamamo and Archer shared a look before sighing. "That girl is so troublesome," they said at once.

Jeanne rushed through a few goblins, killing them within a second. She saw a glimpse of white hair, followed by a large beast. Following them, she found the two at a dead end.

Her sword swung without hesitation, cutting through the beast from its neck to its hind. It gave a confused grunt as if wondering what had happened, before disintegrating into dust.

Archer and Tamamo arrived behind her, stopping as they saw the boy. He had white hair, dyed red from the monster's innards. His eyes were red as well bearing fear and wonder within them.

He wore a brown coat and very little armor below it. The boy had fallen over, but his attention was fixed upon Jeanne.

"Mou, Jeanne," Tamamo puffed behind her. "If you were going to find a tougher monster than couldn't you save it for me? I am in desperate need of a punching bag."

Her eyes then turned to the adventurer on the ground. "Ooh," she snickered. "Who is this cutie you found?"

At this point, the adventurer finally seemed to regain his senses and jumped on his feet. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Screaming, he ran right past the two behind the blonde, running out of the dungeon.

"Hahaha… Oh my stomach," Archer suddenly began laughing, nearly dropping onto the floor from delight. Jeanne pouted once more. "What are you laughing about Archer? That wasn't funny?"

"Which part," the man sniped. "The part where he ran, or the one where he screamed?"

"Don't be mean Emiya. He nearly died there." Jeanne deadpanned, irritated at her comrades behavior.

"Right, right. Sorry. It's just that I have never seen anyone react that way to being rescued." Tamamo and Jeanne looked surprised since a comment like that meant much more than it normally did when Archer was the source.

"Say, where did Serenity disappear to?" All three of them looked around, searching for their fourth member.

"I'm here," the girl replied, causing the other three to jump in shock. Serenity was sitting crouched, examining the stone that the monster had dropped. "This will sell for a lot you know. With this, we can go back early."

"Yahoo," Tamamo celebrated, her tail now swishing in excitement. "I can't wait to see Master again. Aah… I'm feeling excited already."

"Excuse me."

A young blonde girl stood in front of the party. She had doll-like citrine eyes and a porcelain face to match. Her long silky hair reached down to her hip, a small metal headband being the only accessory she wore.

"Have you seen a minotaur pass through here?"

"Minotaur?" Jeanne asked, before realizing that it was the monster she had just killed. "Oh yes, I just killed it. It was about to hurt another adventurer so I had to step in."

The girl blinked before bowing slightly. "Thank you. Those minotaur's ran away from my party and into the upper floors We were worried that someone would get hurt."

"Non, it was nothing," Jeanne replied brightly. "Adventurers should help each other in times of need after all."

"Jeanne, it's time to go." Serenity's voice seemed to surprise the stranger, her eyes widening as she noticed the smaller girl.

"I'm Ais Wallenstein," she offered.

Jeanne gave the girl a warm smile. "Jeanne D'Arc. Hopefully we will see each other another time."

The party then left the dungeon, heading back to the surface where their Master resided.

"Say, Jeanne. Didn't that little adventurer look a bit like Sieg?"

"Tamamo!"

The city was bustling with people, each busy with their own work. The sun glared at the Earth, rays of fire landing on the surface with enough energy to cook eggs.

Four individuals walked among the populace, marveling at the city they found themselves in.

"Wow! This city is so big," laughed a boy with long pink hair that was tied in a braid. His face was effeminate, sporting soft features that made people often mistake him as a girl. His dressing choices did not help with the misconception, leaning more towards girlish.

"Hmm. I must admit. The architecture is impressive. I hadn't expected to see such beautiful construction here." The genderless humanoid next to him said. "It reminds me a bit of Babylon."

"Really Enkidu?" asked another humanoid with an inconspicuous gender. Chevalier D'Eon put a finger to her lip. "This reminds me more of a German city. I can't help but remember the days I spent in Prussia."

Enkidu gave a light laugh, his long green hair gently fluttering in the breeze. His emerald eyes radiated joy. "I was referring to how the city is a beacon of hope." He pointed towards the main gate. " Look at how the people come here with lofty dreams and burning ambitions. This is a city of dreamers."

"Oh, that explains all the good stuff they have here," responded the girl who had been eying a sword that sat behind a store window. "This place has some really skilled craftsmen."

She grinned, red eyes filled with mischief. Long brown hair framed her face, the back reaching all the way to her waist. Oda Nobunaga, the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven had hatched a plot.

"No!" D'Eon immediately said, causing the girl's fire to sputter.

"I didn't even say anything," Nobu complained, stepping away from the glass pane.

"Your expression tells it all, Nobu," Astolfo remarked cheekily. "Nothing good comes when you smile like that."

"What!"

"Yes," D'Eon agreed. "It probably involved bombs. A lot of bombs."

"How?"

"Were you planning on selling them?" Enkidu asked, causing the girl to face fault.

"I'm the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven. I cannot be this predictable."

"You are."

"Indeed"

"Predictable"

All three voices came together, forcing Nobu to reluctantly scrap her plans.

"So, anyone going to tell me what we're doing here?" Astolfo asked, his eyes twinkling as he spotted a clothing store.

"Master wanted us to find the cause of this singularity, though I am worried that there are going to be some serious complications," D'Eon responded.

"You noticed as well?" Enkidu asked.

"It's rather obvious you know," Nobu commented.

"Oi," Astolfo grumbled. "Don't leave me out of the conversation. Explain it properly."

Enkidu looked around, his eyes searching for eavesdroppers. He then looked back at the paladin. "I believe that this isn't a singularity."

Astolfo tilted his head. "Then what is it? We know that there is a Grail somewhere here right?"

"That's what Da Vinci said, however that doesn't mean that this is a singularity," D'Eon explained."At first, we assumed that the Tower of Babel was created by an enemy servant and the dungeon was being sustained by the grail. However…"

"Look around you Astolfo. Never on Earth have we had so many different races. The God's never descended from 'Heaven' either. The fact that they do not use their divine powers is absurd. Can you imagine Ishatar limiting herself in that manner?"

"Exactly," Enkidu agreed."I have spent a lot of time around Gods and Goddesses. None of them are like the ones we have seen."

"Wait a second," Astolfo said as he raised a hand. "Then where the hell did we rayshift to?"

"My guess is a parallel dimension."

Everyone looked at Nobunaga strangely.

"What," she defended. "Haven't you read the latest isekai novels? This world looks like it was pulled right out of it."

D'Eon sighed. "Nobunaga's strange tendencies aside, I have to give her theory credence. The things we have witnessed up till now do make the parallel world idea believable."

Enkidu gave a soft smile. "It would also explain the lack of Gaia's and Alaya's presence. Archer was very insistent about the latter."

Astolfo chuckled a well. "Right, if it weren't for Serenity's poison he would have blown our cover immediately."

Even D'Eon and Nobu smirked, remembering the normally cynical and grouchy Archer acting like a child on a sugar rush.

"Still, while I kind of understand what you're saying, isn't it a bit strange?" Astolfo wondered aloud. "I mean Arthur is from another universe but he still knows about Gaia and Alaya. Why is this one different."

Enkidu turned to the group. "That's what we need to find out. As of now, there doesn't seem to be anything strange going on about, but that doesn't mean nothing will happen later."

"Then I think we should return for now and compare notes with the other group. We also need to find a way to solve Master's condition," D'Eon suggested.

All four of them agreed to that.

The sun was beginning to set when they reached their base of operations. It was a rather inconspicuous hut, located a few minutes outside the city.

As the group approached, Astolfo took off, lightly jogging as he shouted.

"Tamamo, we're back."

He slammed open the door, revealing a deceptively large room, connected to several others. The smell of warm seafood and spices floated through the house, causing the paladin's mouth to immediately water.

"Archer," he ran inside, only to be grabbed by Tamamo.

"What have I told you about removing your shoes, Astolfo? What if Master gets sick because of your filth?"

"Fine, fine I get it," he complained before dematerializing his footwear.

"We're back," greeted Enkidu, with a serene smile on his face.

"Ooh, that smells really good," commented Nobu, dematerializing her own shoes before running into the kitchen as well.

D'Eon gave an exasperated sigh. "Mon Dieu! Those two are sure a handful aren't they?" He then dematerialized his own shoes, despite the fact that as a servant his clothes wouldn't really carry any dirt.

Enkidu, who didn't wear any shoes in the first place, stepped right in.

Inside, the two of them were welcomed to the sight of Archer using his height to keep a plate away from Astolfo and Nobunaga. The two troublemakers did not surrender, both teaming together to disarm the taller man.

In the living room, Mash sat on the couch drinking a cup of tea. She smiled upon seeing the pair. "Ah Enkidu, D'Eon welcome back. Did you learn of anything new?"

D'Eon was the one to respond. "Nothing substantial I'm afraid, my lady. We do have some theories, however."

Mash turned flustered and began to stammer. "Please, just call me by my name. I am not a noble or anything." Realizing that the dragoon was teasing her, she straightened her glasses and put on a serious expression. "What kind of theories?"

"It will be more prudent to discuss them when everyone is present," Enkidu answered in D'Eon's place. "How is Master?"

Mash gave him a grim look. "I'm afraid it's not very good. Despite limiting ourselves, Senpai hasn't been able to get up on her own. She is in a very weak state. Tamamo has an idea she wishes to share, but I am afraid we will have to wait for dinner for her to tell us about it."

D'Eon raised an eyebrow. "Oh… It's not often she takes another's opinion when it comes to Master? Whatever solution she must have cooked up must affect all of us servants."

"I was afraid of that as well," Mash replied. "However if it is for Senpai's sake then I am willing to do anything."

"Mash, if you're here then who is taking care of Master?" D'Eon looked like she knew but asked the question regardless.

"Ah… Serenity told me that she would take over. She was rather insistent about it," Mash responded.

Only for orange hair to peek out of the kitchen. "Serenity you say… With Master?" The foxy servant immediately dropped her chef hat on top of Nobu's cap and ran into the bedroom.

As she opened the door, she looked around angrily before giving a pleasant huff. Her Master's head poked out from under the sheets, red hair untied with puddles of sweat all across her face.

The girl looked tired, causing Tamamo to give out a tired sigh. "If all things work well, then you will be able to move around properly my beloved."

Tamamo was about to close the door when she spied some movement under the sheets. Like a cat pouncing on a mouse, the vixen pulled off the part of the blanket being used by the home-wrecker.

It was revealed to be Serenity, who was cuddling with Master. "What in the name of Amaterasu are you doing there?" Tamamo's hiss was snake-like but the legendary assassin paid it no mind. Giving the vixen a half-lidded glare, she went back to cuddling.

Tamamo quietly huffed, before putting the blanket back in place. Master was hers and hers alone, but just for today, she would let her beloved be taken care of by another. After all, providing mana for eight servants, excluding Mash, should have killed Master.

It was a miracle that she could sit and eat dinner. Her beloved was a strong one, Tamamo had no doubt, but all mortal bodies had a limit.

Gudako was reaching her own and Tamamo only hoped that the strand of hope she had found while eavesdropping in the Guild would save her precious husband.

She smiled bitterly at the irony: a girl being killed by the presence of those who swore to protect her. Especially after the girl took it upon herself to not let any of her servants disappear.

If Gudako were a traditional magus then Tamamo would have no doubts that she would have released a few of her servants from their contract, causing them to fade away. But the hopeless master of hers wasn't any two-faced prideful magus. She was a hopeful girl who was excellent at making friends.

The girl's talents started and ended there.

Tamamo still recalled the number of hours the girl had spent introducing each of her servants to modern hobbies. She had turned Nobunaga into an otaku, Enkidu into a zoologist and PETA supporter, Archer into an imitation of a strange man named 'Gordon Ramsey'.

Perhaps that last one was an unwelcome change. The silver-haired man was pleasant most of the time, except when he was cooking. At the times when he practiced his art, he turned into a madman, screaming at himself and talking to an audience. Tamamo had checked to see if he was recording but there never was any sign of a camera.

Gudako had even introduced her servants to video games, inviting the more fiery ones to games of Halo and Borderlands, and the more easy-going ones to Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart.

Tamamo even knew of the small things Gudako did to get the bees and birds chirping between Jeanne and Sieg. Those were good times indeed, especially since the vixen played a significant role in the redhead's schemes.

The memories made the fox smile sadly. "Wake up quickly Master," she said softly. "We all miss you."

Dinner smelt heavenly as dishes arranged themselves on the table with deadly precision.

"Huah! This smells so goooood~" Astolfo cheered, grabbing a fork and digging into his fried fish. The paladin dipped it in Archer's Special Sauce, and then put it into his mouth. An aura of absolute nirvana surrounded the servant, sunshine, and roses floating around him.

"Kuh, your food is amazing as always Archer," Tamamo commented bitterly, her face stuck somewhere between bliss and jealousy.

She swore to surpass the smug bastard one day.

"Senpai, say aaah~," Mash said to Gudako who weakly opened her mouth before muttering her thanks. Shielder continued to fuss about the girl, wiping some crumbs off her face with a napkin.

"So Tamamo," D'Eon spoke up, bringing the entire table's attention to him. "What was your plan to help Master? We cannot let her continue to suffer like this?"

Serenity nodded, gracefully cutting her food into even pieces with a knife. "Indeed. The Contractor will not survive for much longer with the amount of drain on her circuits."

The fox put her cutlery onto the table, wiping her face with a napkin. She adopted a serious expression, a rare occurrence for the servant.

"Earlier today I spent some time researching magic at the guild. Originally I had been hoping to find a solution for Master's… lack of prana but I ended up finding something different."

She gave the table a grave look. "The normal humans in this world do not possess magic."

All the servants displayed surprise, even the normally unshakable Enkidu who raised an eyebrow. Gudako grumbled something, showing a bit of activity as well.

"There are some races that can use magic without a God's blessing. An example is the elves who are known for their magical prowess."

Archer tilted his head. "Normal people- That means that adventurers can use magic right?"

Tamamo nodded. "Indeed. A Falna can not only give humans access to magical abilities but also increase the amount of prana they possess." Upon seeing her companions' shocked faces, she added, "I quoted that from the book I read. Though I suppose this world used the word mind instead of prana."

Enkidu was the first to speak. "Well, it isn't inconceivable. A Falna is a God's blessing and even if they have sealed their powers away, a divine spirit's power should certainly be able to work on a magus' circuits."

Archer gave a huff. "All this time those bastards at the Clock Tower have been trying to find ways to increase their prana. They would probably lose their minds if they learned how underdeveloped the magic here is."

Nobunaga raised a question. "While getting Master a Falna should not be a problem, how are we going to explain our 'unique' situation to any of the Gods here?"

"I wouldn't have expected you of all people to be open to the idea Nobu," commented Astolfo.

The girl shrugged and gave a crooked grin. "It can't be helped." She then puffed her chest. "Besides Gudako is a loyal retainer and if I must rely on the God's to keep her safe then it is a small price to pay."

Tamamo's fur stood in agitation as she snarled out furiously. "Nobunaga, you better not forget who Master belongs to!"

The brunette gave the vixen a sly grin. "Of course the retainer's life belongs to her lord. How could I forget that?"

Chaos ensued as the vixen began to chase the Demon King across the house. Nobunaga only laughed as she dodged poisoned knives and curses from the jealous women.

"That's enough I think," D'Eon said with a mischievous smile on his face. "We have more things to discuss."

Tamamo reluctantly returned to her seat, a smug demon hopping to her own.

"Yes," Enkidu added. "I believe there is another theory I wish to share. It can explain the strange things we have found in this place."

It took nearly forty minutes to explain the parallel-world theory.

"Another reality huh?" Archer muttered. "It would certainly explain what we are going through but we have no solid evidence. If we can contact Chaldea then we might be able to have Da Vinci confirm it."

Serenity decided to speak up. "Now that the discussion is over it is time for us to come to a decision. Receiving a Falna is like a contract. It will not only limit Master but also us as her Servants. I am willing to do so to save Master's life."

"I already said my piece," said Nobunaga.

"My beloved's life is more valuable than mine," declared Tamamo.

"I have no problems with it," said D'Eon.

"I always wondered what meeting the gods and goddesses would be like," Astolfo pondered. "I'm in."

"I am but a humble Servant," Archer snarked. "Master's well being is my greatest priority."

"I agree with this decision as well. Besides, perhaps they can help us with finding the Grail here." Enkidu's comments drew assent within the group.

"I will protect Senpai, no matter the cost," spoke Mash with determination.

"And you Jeanne?" Tamamo turned to her quiet friend who hadn't uttered a word the entire time.

The Saint gave a serene smile. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Then it is decided," declared Serenity. "Now, we must find an appropriate Divine to contract with as well an envoy to send to them."

D'Eon chuckled at that. "If you're searching for an envoy we have a perfect one right here."

The other servants followed his gaze, each eye turning towards Jeanne.

"Huh!"

"Well, she is a saint after all," Archer said, hiding his own grin.

"Archer!"