1 'And so it begins'

The title makes reference to the chapter from when the characters came from.

If you don't want spoilers I recommend you to read 'An Archer's Promise' by NimtheWriter in Webnovel, Wattpad or Patreon.

With nothing more to say, let's begin.

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Inside of a room that resembled a high class bar there was a man cleaning and polishing a glass of whisky in his hands, making sure that not a single stain remained on it. It could be said that from all the activities that he has to do in his work, washing the dishes was his favorite one, and it was in his own words, "terapeutic"; it allowed him to think calmly and disconnect himself from the world with a simple task.

And to tell the truth, he really needed it. After all, today it wasn't like any other day where he would attend to the clients and organize the schedules and duties of his employees as always. In fact, this was supposed to be one of his two free days of the week. No one else was supposed to come during that time.

Yet, today he has received twelve eleven unexpected visitors that he hadn't known in person but yet he recognized most of them; overall the nine gorgeous women sitting in their respective tables and an old man that had a smile that for some reason was an annoying view for the bartender. Maybe because he knew that the old man was having fun while watching the chaotic situation between the women.

They were separated into three groups. In one table there were two women, one that seemed to be in her early thirties and the other in her mid twenties; both of them have brown skin with long pointy ears; if his suspicions about the situation are correct then they must definitely be dark elves. The younger one with long blond hair tied in a ponytail and with red crimson eyes that were looking at him with killing intent and wearing what could be considered as a lewd attempt of an assassin's attire. Her companion was sitting next to her with a calm and elegant semblant, just like a queen, with long silky black hair and cold brown eyes; about her outfit, it exposed much more skin than the one from the blonde one, but fortunately she was also using a large cape or she could be even more exposed.

The other table also had only two occupants, but unlike the other two that were hostile and showed certain statues these two seemed to be more humble; yet, one of them was a dark elf while the other must be a high elf because of the color of her skin. Both of them were wearing traveling attire, judging by what they considered were their survival bags and the daggers tied on their thighs for self-defense. The high elf had her blond hair tied in a form of a crown that made a great combination with her dark blue eyes, while the dark elf had black hair tied in a braid that was hanging from her right shoulder and violet eyes.

Sitting near to them, there were other two girls despite of also looking beautiful he couldn't say that they have true sex appeal like the previous pair; in fact, they both seemed to be too innocent for that kind of things while also wearing waitresses clothes that couldn't hide too much the lines of their curvaceous bodies. One had vibrant red curly hair that reached her neck with freckles on her cheeks, giving her a childish and cute appearance; the other seemed older than her companion and had short black hair that also reached her neck. They were having a conversation but making sure to not speak too loud while looking at the final table with what the bartender could only guess was nervousness and... admiration? Well, considering the identities of the majority that were there, then it is understandable for them to react like that.

Finally, in the last table, there was the largest group of all of them. Sitting at a round table, the eight of them were looking at the interior of the bar with cautious looks as if they were expecting some kind of surprise attack; maybe considering the situation it can be understandable, no one likes to be kidnapped out of the sudden. In their group was a little girl with short orange hair with copper color eyes examining one of the glasses in which he serves whisky as if it was some kind of rare piece of art with a trace of curiosity that could only come from a child; but even with her childish look she was wearing a quite outrageous and exposing clothes, only if you can even call 'clothes' a simple green cape, leather shoes, high white socks and a piece of metal covering her intimate area. Then there was the Japanese priestess with her lower half almost exposed; short black hair and brown eyes with an indifferent stare, analyzing the room for any clue of where they were. On the opposite side a girl with long pink hair and blue eyes was sitting quietly with a wide smile that for some reason seemed to be distorted. Next, there was the woman with red leather armor with blue short jeans; red short hair and red eyes; and standing behind her, a female knight, considering that she was using what could only be a bad joke of an armor because it was more like a bikini than anything else; with long chestnut hair and hazel eyes; but one characteristic about her that stood out above anything else was her bronze prosthetic arm, that seemed to move like any normal limb. She was looking with fear and anxiety at the final three women.

In fact, those three were the ones who left a greatest impact on him. The blond female knight with violet eyes and a silver with blue armor, as soon as he saw him she tried to attack him with her sword with killing intentions. If it wasn't for the old man's quick action to stop her then his heart would have already been pierced by her, and not in the good sense of the phrase. Then the one who looked like a paladin, she had light brown hair with deep blue eyes that looked firm and with authority her surroundings, overwatching the pair of dark elves that were sitting on the opposite table.

Although, the last woman seemed... off. She had long silky blonde hair that looked like strands of light, green eyes comparable to the leaves of a forest in summer, wearing white robes that couldn't do anything to cover her gorgeous and curvaceous body that could attract both men and women. However, there was something about her that concerned him. Since the moment she arrived, she hadn't spoken a single word, neither to those who were at her side, ignoring her surroundings with a dead look in her eyes as if she had just seen in hell itself just moments ago.

But that had to wait. First, he had to talk to the old man, or better known as Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Wizard Mariscal, user of the Second Magic and old vampire troll. Even if the bartender never knew him in person, from what he knows each time he appears it could only mean that he was cooking something up for his entertainment, which can be very problematic for those involved with him.

"Hi, Gabi-chan."

The bartender's eye twitched in annoyment with the mention of that old nickname. It wasn't like he didn't like to be called like that, but neither did he wanted him to do it; it was past history.

"I should have expected that from the many possible events, this would happen one day."

"C'mon, don't be sulky. In fact you should be honored to be part of my entertainment."

"Did you take that from Gilgamesh?" he asked with sarcasm.

"Hahaha. Maybe. But apart from that, I came here with a proposal."

The old vampire looked at the women in the saloon. Some were chatting, while the others stayed quiet while looking at them after they noticed them talking, listening with attention.

"And I imagine that it has something to do with them." he said while pointing with his eyes at the groups. It wasn't a question but an affirmation. Even if this was for this person's entertainment, he wouldn't do anything without a reason, so this must be something that required their presence. It's just that he doesn't know how their worlds are related to each other.

As if noticing the bartender's question in his expression, Zelretch smiled widely showing his fangs and then directed his attention towards who could be considered now as his "guests".

"I'm sure you have many questions."

And that was an euphemism. Soonly enough, all the present except for the white robed high elf started to demand for answers.

"Who are you!?"

"Where are we?

"You better let us out of this place or you'll suffer the consequences!"

"I want this glass!!"

At this, the old vampire only laughed, finding the situation funny even when there were several deadly women pointing at him with their blades and magic, ready to attack him. Well, almost everyone. And his reaction almost caused that result, if it wasn't because he was already answering their questions while bowing.

"My name is Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg; Wizard Mariscal and user of the Second Magic, right now you are in a bar-restaurant called 'Chevalier'."

"And then? Why did you bring us here?" The dark elf with long black hair asked with an icy tone, but he didn't even flinch.

"Before that, why don't you present yourselves?" Once again, it wasn't really a question.

"... Olga Discordia, ruler of the Dark Lands and also known as the Dark Queen." Said her, lowering her staff and stopping any magic she had prepared. It seemed that if she wanted an answer, she wouldn't get them by getting violent against their kidnapper.

"Olga-sama!?" Her companion yelled in disbelief. "Please don't lower yourself in front of these lower beings! I can kill them without effort!" She took out her daggers with righteous fury in her eyes.

"Stop right there, Chloe!" Olga shouted, making her companion stop in her steps. "Apart from the human behind the bar, this old man is not someone we can take so lightly."

"She is right."

"Kaguya?" Asked the female paladin to the japanese priestess.

"Even if I'm not as proficient in magic as the Dark Queen or Cellestine-sama, I can still feel a great amount of magic power coming from him. Besides, he isn't human at all."

"You should listen to her little girl; you are many leagues below me." Zelretch said, giving a smug smile while inflating his chest with pride.

"Little girl?" The paladin's eyebrow twitched itself a little, but it was too brief for her companions to notice it. Normally she would never react that way, but something about him annoyed her to the very core.

Exhaling for herself to relax she returned to her dignified demeanor.

"My name is Claudia Levantein. Great Commander of the Dawn Templars and right hand of the Goddess Reborn, Cellestine Lucross-sama."

Chloe scoffed at the title of "Goddess" as if it was some kind of bad joke, making many of the women of Cellestine's intern circle feel irritated at her attitude.

The bartender just then gave a fake cough to regain their attention and avoid any kind of fighting. Even if the tension was still present in the air, at least it seemed that they wouldn't attack each other soonly. Fortunately, in the other table there was someone who also noticed it and decided to speak to the minor as best as possible.

"M-My n-name is Alice, I'm the owner of a little inn in Grünes Bergdorf. Nice to meet- Ouch!" The nervous girl bit her tongue by accident, making the barman think that she looked very cute. He wonders if some day he has a daughter, maybe she will also be very cute.

"Oh, Alice! Aren't you the one who was working with Archer while he was the cook of Emerald inn?" Said the female with long chestnut hair with recognition.

"I-It's nice to see you too, Brynn-sama."

"Please, you can just call me Brynn. Between fellow Master's students, there is no need for formalities." She gave the red haired girl a relaxed smile that told her that everything was alright.

"Eh? Are you also Archer-san's student!?" Alice asked without being able to hide her excitement.

But with the mention of such a singular but familiar name, six people in specific could only think in one person named like that.

"By 'Archer-san', do you mean a man wearing black armor with red robes...?" Said the pink haired princess.

"Tanned skin with silver eyes and white hair...?" Said the little girl with a green cape and an orange dog tail.

At the mention of these characteristics, the pointed ears of a certain high elf with blond hair with green eyes twitched in recognition, but she still had a gloomy look. However, the pair of high and dark elf showed more excitement at the mention of these.

"Maybe a man with a cold look but a kind heart." The high elf with blue eyes said no longer as a question, while the dark elf with violet eyes blushed a little from her cheeks.

"A jerk who likes to mock other people with sarcastic comments." Said the other red haired along with the black haired waitress.

"A strict teacher." Added Alice and Brynn at the same time with a deadpan look.

"And a great chef." Finally said the pink haired princess, salivating while remembering the delicious grilled fish that she ate while she was lost in the forest that the mysterious man cooked.

"..."

"..."

"..."

The others present were in awe, and even more so was the blond haired knight who was looking at the little princess as if she couldn't believe the kind of expression the latter was making. While the others had a little hint of who they were referring to despite not knowing him in person or just having a glimpse of his appearance.

"Yep, definitely we are talking about the same man." Said the red haired woman with leather armor, then she looked at the pink haired princess. "I didn't know you met him before, Prim."

"The same for me Maia. Unfortunately I could only meet him a couple of days before reuniting with Onee-sama." She said the last part with a little trace of sadness.

"Ha! Let me guess. Alicia attacked him as soon as she saw him."

"Yes." She simply said.

"That man was going to hurt Prim!!" The blond haired knight, or better said, Alicia, yelled with anger with a maddened look in her eyes.

"Maybe just because you attacked him first." Maia responded to her with a funny tone but still with anger. "That's why you are a failure disciplining and commanding your knights."

"Y-You! I don't want to hear that from the same irresponsible person who can't take care of her own territory!"

"Fight, fight, fight!" The little girl cheered the fight.

"That's enough!"

Both Maia and Alicia flinched at the command of Templar commander Claudia. The latter was always the one who had to get those two to stop fighting before they could hurt each other. It has been like that since Maia joined to them as a Princess Knight, thing that even if Alicia didn't has other choice than to oblige due to her high respect both for Claudia and Cellestine, she still has her complains about the one who is known and adored in Ken as the Mercenary Queen.

It was like having a cat and a dog fighting. If it wasn't because of their respect for Claudia as their teacher and her constant warnings they may have already stabbed each other a long time ago. Well, maybe not that exaggerated but certainly someone could have been hurt.

"I know that you two don't get along. But right now, we must cooperate with each other so we can figure out what to do next." Then she turned at the little girl. "You too Luu-luu. Please don't incite them to fight."

The little girl just hummed in agreement as if it wasn't her problem, while the other two accepted her words with a nod and sweat on their foreheads. Then, Maia looked at the direction of the black haired waitress, remembering that she also mentioned Archer.

"I think it's your turn. You said that you know Archer, didn't you?"

"Ahahaha." She laughed nervously after almost everyone paid attention to her. "Well, I'm Bianca, and I used to be a prostitute in Ken until Archer-san helped me and offered me a job in Alice's inn."

She told all of that with a smile on her face. She was truly happy. Before meeting Archer, she couldn't attract any clients both for her inexperience and their fear for Hicks after he 'reclaimed' her as his woman trophy, which also meant that she wasn't able to get enough coins to pay her debt with Lord Blueborn. Then she knew him, and even when he was incredibly rude to her after her attempt of seduction failed, he still helped her and paid her in exchange of information. And if it wasn't enough, then somehow she was freed from her debt and was recommended by Archer for a job as a waitress in the little village of Grünes in exchange for nothing. She couldn't ask more.

However, her track of thinking was stopped after feeling a chill on her spine. There was some kind of malicious intent against her, and something told her to not look back. Alas, she did, and what she saw was Maia laughing for some reason and some kind of black aura surrounding her. Instinctively she backed away.

"I see, hehehe. I thought that those pervert elves from Heilung Dorf were the only ones, but in truth… Hehehe."

"M-Maia-sama?" Brynn along with the others backed away. Those who knew her never saw her this angry before, even during her discussions with Alicia.

"FUCK YOU, EMIYAAAA!!!" Her yell reverberated through all the room, and the bartender could have sworn that he heard the sounds of crystal breaking. He will have to clean it later.

On the other hand, Maia clearly misunderstood the relation between Archer and Bianca.

"Emiya?" The green eyed high elf muttered softly so no one could hear her, and a little light appeared in her eyes. She didn't expect that the name of the boy that she cared so much to be mentioned by one of her Princess Knights.

"Ara, so his name is 'Emiya'. For some reason I knew that 'Archer' wasn't his true name." Said the blue eyed high elf while hugging her companion dark elf. "Isn't that great, Grace? Now you know the name of 'our' future husband."

"A-Anna!?" Her companion stuttered in embarrassment, having a red blush on her cheeks. "Please don't say it like that. It hasn't been decided yet."

"So not 'yet', right?"

Grace could only hide her face with her hands against the constant teasing of her best friend.

It's true that they went out on a journey to find Archer so she could stay with him. But still, she didn't know if he would accept her as his wife.

While she was having her own mental crisis, another one was taking place between an amused Anna and an angered Maia.

"Hey. Would you mind telling me what you mean with 'your' husband."

"Well, as Grace's best friend we can always share the same husband. Of course, only if she wants to."

"Y-You. I thought you were already married."

"Does it matter?" Anna questioned back.

'Archer is truly a sinful man.' Those were the bartender's thoughts.

"It's hard to believe that a high elf is friends with a dark elf." Commented Chloe with skepticism while looking at Anna still hugging Grace.

"Fufu. The world is big enough for this kind of things to happen." Responded Anna, still maintaining her smile, which annoyed Chloe.

"Tch. Then she is only a traitor. Don't you think the same, Olga-sama?" However, her question wasn't answered, neither when another ten seconds passed, which made her worried. "Olga-sama?"

Then there she saw her, standing proudly without showing any kind of weakness, just like the mighty ruler she is, looking expressionless towards her former friend and now arch nemesis.

"You have been awfully quiet since we arrived, Celestine." She gave her a resentful look. How couldn't she, after the kind of treason she felt when Celestine chose the humans above her. However, she couldn't blame her either, after all she did something similar for her people. Even if that meant for her to be all world's evils.

"Olga." The green eyed high elf looked the tyrant in the eyes, and what the latter saw in them, made her feel concerned. Her eyes that were once cheerful and full of life were now off, and deprived of any light. She looked tired, and by the red color under her eyes she seemed to have cried a lot. But the next words that she mentioned were so unexpected that even shocked the cold tyrant to the core. "I think… you were right all this time."

Those words made her jaw drop, as well as all the present except for those who don't know Celestine personally. For her to admit that Olga was right in something was totally a shock for them, and even more for the Dark queen, as she understood what she was referring to.

'Just what happened to you?' She asked in her mind with worry.

*Clap**Clap*

Suddenly the sound of hands clapping was heard by all of them, making them look towards Zelretch who now was in his 'serious mode'.

"Well, now that we know each other's names, it's time now to tell you why you are here." All the present started to pay him attention. "All of you have something in common, and that is the you are or will be connected with certain bowman in red."

"Do you mean, Archer?" Asked Maia, as one of the two people who spent most of the last days with him, it would be a lie to say that she wasn't interested about what the old vampire was about to say.

"You are right, Maia-chan" This nickname made her a little irritated, but she let it pass. After all, she was an adult. Even if most of the time she was hot-tempered and headforward. "It could be said that he is a friend of mine, and also I was the one who helped in sending him to your world."

"What do you mean with 'our' world?" It was the turn for Kaguya to ask. "There's only supposed to exist one."

"Sorry for bursting your bubble but you are wrong. There are an infinite number of worlds and Archer is from one of them."

For those who knew Archer, even if it was during a couple of days, they were in disbelief by this information. At first Maia thought that maybe the old vampire was messing with them, but after thinking about it carefully, he doesn't have any reason for doing it. Even if it was hard to believe.

"Now then. Would you mind to continue with the explanation, Gabi-chan"

"*Sigh* At least quit the 'chan'. It's awkward to hear it. And about the reason why this old vampire troll brought you-"

"Are you a vampire and a troll!?" Yelled Luu-luu in shock.

"Hahaha. Yes, I'm a vampire, but a friendly one. And about the part of 'troll' it is only a nickname for those who I made a little prank."

'As if sending them to a random dimension out of nowhere for your entertainment could be considered as 'little'.' The bartender thought while giving Zelretch a deadpanned look for a brief time. "Continuing with what I was saying, you are here to watch one of these worlds. To be specific, Archer's world, or at least a version of them."

"What do you mean with a 'version'?" This time, it was Olga who asked.

"Just as I said. It is one of the infinite possibilities of the world. A different timeline as we refer."

"So you're saying that what we are going to see also happens in another world but with slight or even major differences."

"As expected of a dark magic user." Zelretch congratulates her with his thumbs up. "You are a quick learner."

Olga just hummed with cold indifference at his comment, but still listened.

"We are going to see an event from Archer's past. The Holy Grail War."

"The Holy Grail War!?" Celestine got up from her seat with a jump that even ended up falling on the floor.

"Celestine?" Asked Claudia concerned about the sudden reaction of her friend. "Do you know something about it?

Of course she did! After all it was the event from which that boy had more memories about. However she doubted a little if it would be right to tell them with Olga in the room, but considering the situation, it would be better if they are aware of it.

"Yes, Claudia. In fact, I had dreams about it."

Claudia in response could only open her eyes in understanding. But even after knowing the reason, it only made her worry even more. Whatever she saw in those dreams left her in a wretched state, and she would be a fool if she as her right hand and friend if doesn't know the condition in which Celestine was. The features weren't very noticeable, but she has definitely been avoiding eating her meals in her depression. Maybe Kaguya noticed it too, but she wasn't able to do something for her. It was one of those times in which she feels useless when she can't even comfort and help her friend during these times. She clenched her hands in frustration.

The others from Celestine's inner circle, the Princess Knights, on seeing this happening wanted to ask their leader how they could help. But if even Claudia, who was her closest friend, was doubting about how to resolve this, then there was not much they could do unless their leader asked them to do so.

"As I was saying..." The bartender continued. "You are going to watch the Holy Grail War, which had a great impact in Archer's life."

To say that both Maia and Brynn were curious could be considered an underestimation. Even after several weeks traveling with the bowman in red, they both didn't know much about the mysterious bowman in red. He never revealed too much about himself, and when he did he hides several other information or because a tongue slip. So maybe they could learn more about him by watching whatever the vampire wanted to show them.

"How long are we going to stay?" Asked Prim, raising her hand.

"You'll be here for some years at least." He says it as if it was nothing.

"'Some years' you say!? We can't stay here that long!" Said Chloe in panic, something that her queen disapproved of. "Right now the Dark Lands are being attacked by the despicable Black Dogs."

"Ha! Serves you well. Finally this war is going to end." That was Luu-luu speaking while trying to take a drink from the shelf.

The dark elves from the Dark Lands looked daggers at the halfling who just returned the gesture with a smug expression. But before the conflict was to escalate, Zelretch interfered.

"Don't worry. While staying here, the time of your world will remain as it is. In fact, when you return it will be as if you'd never left."

This seemed to have calmed down both of the dark elves while a disappointed expression appeared on Luu-luu's face.

"And the reason why you are going to stay here for some years is because you won't be only watching the Holy Grail War, but also studying about that world."

"Why?" For the first time, it was Celestine who asked.

The expression of the Wizard Mariscal became solemn.

"That is because your world is in greater danger than what you think." The other showed skepticism but worried about his words. "I can't give information about it, but if you are not careful, then no matter what or who you are, all of them will suffer the consequences."

They didn't know what to think. Believe him, or not. Simple answer, but not of them easy to choose.

"You will study this world's magic, history and technology so you can use them in your favor. And also you are going to reflect and talk with each other about the things you learned from there. How are you going to use your time while being here, it's up to your choice."

"..."

"..."

"Where are we going to stay?" Asked Grace.

"Next to this bar there is a little motel for you to stay. I already paid in advance so there won't be any problems with the place. In your rooms I also added a pocket dimension that connects them to a library with knowledge that I collected during my travels to other dimensions and universes."

"What about the food?" Asked Beatrice.

"You may come here to eat or also you can go to the other locals nearby. I will give you a credit card with enough money for your spendings."

"Zelretch, don't forget the clothes." Added the bartender.

"Ah, yes. Because the culture of this world is different from yours you will need new ones so you won't stand out."

Well, 'not stand out' would be to say the least. They might be arrested for exhibitionism if they are seen with those outfits by the authorities. Overall Claudia and Brynn with their exaggerated bikini armors. Even if the motel owner was hypnotized by Zelretch so she won't ask too many questions about themt, it will be better for them to meld in the society of this world while staying. Better safe than sorry.

"We understand. When are we going to begin?" Asked Celestine.

"Tomorrow. You may be tired after all the things that happened today. These are the keys with your names for your rooms."

He then throws them the keys and then they read the names so they could know with whom they are going to share rooms. Then with all ready, they started to leave the place, not before Zelretch gave them a final warning that he delayed on purpose.

"By the way. For you to adapt to this world I made a little spell to transfer you some basic knowledge as soon as you go through that door, so you might have a little headache."

"Wha-"

Chloe was the first victim after wanting to be the first to go out and make sure that the outside was safe for her queen to pass. And with her already outside, she was rewarded with a pain that could be described as being pierced by dozens of nails in her skull.

"FUCK!"

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"Tell me Zelretch. Why are you doing this?" Asked the bartender to the vampire after they were left alone.

"Hmm. Of course, for my entertainment."

"I don't doubt it. But I can't understand why you chose me for this kind of thing nor the final goal. I can at least tell that there is something more about all of this."

"Hahaha. Very perspective. Maybe this is because of your syndrome?"

The bartender smiled slightly at the question, taking it as a compliment. "Maybe. But don't avoid my question."

It passed at least a minute of silence before Zelretch started to speak again.

"They need someone who can talk to them and explain to them some perspectives of that world. And because you didn't get alarmed even when they suddenly appeared, that makes you the perfect candidate."

"Well, thanks. It's one of the advantages of being open-minded."

"Hahaha. You are right."

They spent the rest of the time talking about some other trivial things, like the weather, TV shows, movies. You know, mundane stuff. Until it was finally time to go to sleep for the bartender.

"See you tomorrow, Gabi."

"See you. And thanks for quitting the 'chan'."

Zelretch chuckled a little at the bartender's comment and then walked out from the local.

Looking at the night sky covered by smog, there was no star he could see. A shame he would have thought, but he already saw many starry nights that were even better than this one. And besides, every world has its own attractiveness.

"With this, we opened new paths. It will be up to them which one take." He took out a cigar and lightened it with a simple fire spell. He breathed the content, and then exhaled to let a cloud of smoke escape from his mouth.

While walking through the streets of Texas in the USA, he couldn't wait for the next day's session.

And so it begins.