Fate/Marvel: Chaldea Descend

( 3rd POV )

The next morning, the cafeteria of the Chaldea headquarters carried an air of muted tension. Stainless steel counters gleamed dully, and the faint aroma of spices and simmering broth wafted from the kitchen section, where Ophelia and Peperoncino were busy preparing breakfast.

At one of the long cafeteria tables, Kadoc Zemlupus sat across from Daybit Sem Void. Kadoc leaned forward, his expression tight with frustration, while Daybit remained characteristically calm, his sharp gaze focused on some unseen point in the distance.

"Are you seriously okay with this, Daybit?" Kadoc's voice broke through the quiet hum of the cafeteria, carrying a raw edge of exasperation.

Daybit's dark eyes flicked toward Kadoc, his impassive expression giving little away. "What are you trying to say?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with an undercurrent of curiosity.

Kadoc let out a sharp breath, throwing his arms wide in a dramatic gesture. "This! All of this!" He gestured to the nearly empty cafeteria, his frustration bubbling over. "The Singularities, the betrayals, and now being stranded in this messed-up world with just a handful of us left! How am I supposed to accept all of it in a single night? And don't even get me started on that so-called 'great sage' and his colossal mistake!"

His voice echoed against the sterile walls as he slammed both hands onto the table. The force rattled the tray in front of Daybit, though the latter remained unbothered, his expression as stoic as ever.

"Are you done venting?" Daybit asked, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.

Kadoc froze, his shoulders heaving as he tried to steady his breathing. After a tense moment, he slumped back into his chair with a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his pale hair.

Seeing that Kadoc had settled, Daybit shifted in his seat, leaning forward slightly. The subtle change in posture signaled that he was about to speak more seriously.

"Good. Now listen," Daybit began, his tone steady and deliberate. "Your complaints are a waste of time."

Kadoc's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and indignation flashing across his face. Before he could interject, Daybit raised a hand, silently commanding him to listen.

"I understand you're upset. Anyone in our position would be. But dwelling on the past achieves nothing. The Singularities, the betrayals, even our past world—it's all behind us. No amount of frustration or anger will change that. Instead, you should focus on what's in front of you."

Kadoc's jaw tightened, his fists clenching on the table, but he remained silent. There was something about Daybit's measured tone that forced him to listen, even if it stung.

"I know you've always despised the magus world," Daybit continued, his voice cutting through Kadoc's thoughts. "You believe that fate is predetermined, that someone like you was doomed to mediocrity from the start. But don't you see? This new world—this chaotic, unpredictable world—is your chance to rewrite everything."

Kadoc's eyes flickered with uncertainty as Daybit's words sank in.

"You've read the reports," Daybit said, his gaze unwavering. "Mutants, aliens, demons—this world is teetering on the edge of chaos. If you're so dissatisfied with the hand you were dealt back in the old world, then prove yourself here. Be someone who can shape this world, just as Ken and Mash did."

Daybit's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Kadoc stared at him, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The bitterness in his chest warred with the glimmer of hope that Daybit's suggestion ignited.

Before either could speak again, Peperoncino's cheerful voice broke the tension. "Breakfast is ready, my lovely masters~!"

Both Kadoc and Daybit turned their heads, their momentary conversation coming to a halt. Peperoncino's radiant smile was a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere that had gripped the room moments before. While Ophelia, though quieter, offered a small, reassuring nod.

"Time to eat, boys," Peperoncino said, placing the trays down with a flourish.

As Peperoncino settled into the seat beside Kadoc, his tone shifted to something more thoughtful, though his smile remained intact. "Besides, Daybit's right. There's no point lamenting the past, Kadoc. The future's where all the excitement is!"

Ophelia finished placing the remaining dishes on the table and smoothed her hands over her skirt before offering her own thoughts.

"I have to agree," she said softly, her voice steady but tinged with an almost wistful undertone. "Honestly, I never liked our old world much either. Too many family politics back at the Clock Tower. Being here... it's almost refreshing in a way." Her calm demeanor hinted at a sense of quiet relief, as though she had left behind unseen burdens.

Kadoc sat silently for a few moments, his gaze fixed on the table. His hands hovered over his serving as if he were unsure whether to start eating or keep fuming.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, he reached for his plate. "I guess... there's some truth in that," he admitted reluctantly, his voice subdued.

"Fufu, that's the spirit, Kadoc!" Peperoncino chuckled, his amusement bubbling over. "Young people shouldn't overthink things. Just go with the flow and enjoy the ride!"

The light-hearted moment was interrupted by the soft creak of the cafeteria door opening. All heads turned as Ken walked in, his footsteps slow and lethargic. His unkempt hair and the dark circles under his eyes painted a vivid picture of exhaustion. He stifled a yawn as he approached the table.

"Morning, guys," Ken mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice carried the weight of someone who hadn't slept in what felt like days.

"Ara, good morning to you too, Ken," Peperoncino replied, his eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.

Daybit offered a silent nod in acknowledgment, while Kadoc appeared too preoccupied with his food to greet him, though his lack of response seemed deliberate.

Ophelia's gaze sharpened as she took in Ken's disheveled appearance. Her lips curved into a subtle smirk as she asked teasingly, "Did Hinako drain you dry?"

Before Ken could answer, Peperoncino leaned in conspiratorially, his tone dripping with mischief. "No need to be shy, darling. It's perfectly understandable. You two have been apart for so long—such passion must be exhausting, fufu."

Kadoc, who had been steadfastly ignoring Ken until now, glanced up with a mocking grin. His amusement at Ken's bedraggled state was all too evident. Daybit, as usual, ignored the banter entirely, focusing on his meal with detached look.

The dynamic between Ken and Hinako was a well-known subject of speculation within Chaldea. Though neither party had ever confirmed anything, their closeness was undeniable. From the beginning, the connection between them had been the subject of whispers and knowing smiles.

They never addressed the rumors directly, brushing off inquiries with vague deflections, but it was enough for everyone to assume they were a couple—albeit a reluctant one when it came to public acknowledgment.

Ken sighed as he dropped into the seat beside Daybit. His fatigue was palpable, and he wasted no time grabbing the nearest mug of hot coffee, which just so happened to belong to Kadoc.

"Hey, that's mine—" Kadoc protested, but Ken waved him off, raising the cup to his lips without hesitation.

"Geez, Kadoc. Sorry, okay? I didn't know it was yours," Ken said dismissively before taking a long sip. His tone carried the sort of half-hearted apology that came more from exhaustion than actual regret.

"Ugh, whatever," Kadoc muttered, returning to his food with a scowl.

Ken set the mug down with a heavy sigh. "And no, it's not what you guys are thinking," he clarified, his tone weary but firm. "We just had a long talk. She wanted to hear everything—my journey, my battles... everything. I barely got any sleep."

Though he brushed it off with a bitter smile, Ken's words held a deeper weight. The truth was, their conversation had been more than just a recounting of his adventures. He had shared with Hinako the secret he had been hesitant to reveal: his acquisition of the Third Magic and the awakening of his Mystic Eyes.

Hinako's initial reaction had been one of disbelief. She'd stared at him, waiting for the punchline to some elaborate joke. But the seriousness in his eyes silenced any hope of humor. Slowly, the realization dawned on her, and with it came a torrent of emotions. Her voice, usually so composed and calm, had cracked under the strain of conflicting feelings.

On one hand, there was undeniable joy. The Third Magic, also known as the Heaven's Feel, carried with it unparalleled power and the tantalizing possibility of immortality. For someone like Hinako, who had long since transcended the bounds of an ordinary human life, the implications were monumental. But alongside that joy was confusion, frustration, and even anger.

Yes, anger.

Because she knew that gaining either of the two was definitely not an easy matter, especially for the latter that you could only obtain if one was immersed in "death."

In the magus world, there is no free lunch. Meaning that a person needs to pay a certain price to get these powers. Hinako, as an "ancient" being, certainly knew about these things, so she thought that Ken had experienced something horrible just to get it.

This is also where she was entangled. She was happy with the possibility brought by The Heaven's Feel to their "fragile" relationship, but on the other hand, she was also upset and mad at Ken for putting his life in danger because of it.

The whole night they had an argument, which mainly involved Hinako expressing her concern while Ken explained it as best as he could. Ken could only bullshit his way out of this because he himself didn't know how he got both of these abilities.

He couldn't say that maybe he got both of them when his reincarnation happened, could he?

After a full night of arguments, Hinako kicked him out after being frustrated at how perfunctory his explanation was. That's why he was here now, having breakfast with his other team members.

"Just talking?" Kadoc sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "I bet you either got beat up by her or spent the whole night trying not to get beat up." He crossed his arms, clearly relishing his friend's misery.

Ken's eyelid twitched. Not because Kadoc was entirely wrong—he wasn't—but because the smirk on his face made it all the more irritating. He sighed, forcing himself to respond calmly.

"Anyway," Ken interjected, eager to shift the conversation, "where's the captain? I didn't see him in the halls."

Ophelia was quick to answer. Her tone was even, tinged with a hint of professional pride. "Lord Kirschtaria is in the Director's room. Director Olga summoned him for something important. I'm not sure what, though."

She was like Kirschtaria's right hand or more like a secretary in this team, knowing almost everything about his movements.

In fact, she knew too much. To the point of knowing his shoe size, his habits before going to sleep, etc. Everyone besides Kirschtaria himself knew that Ophelia seemed to have an unhealthy amount of admiration for him, bordering on obsession even. 

Ken hummed thoughtfully, his mind turning over possibilities. "Hmm, I guess it's about the company plan."

Daybit finally looked up from his meal, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Company?" he asked, his voice low and measured, yet carrying a subtle edge of curiosity. The others leaned in slightly, their interest piqued.

Ken nodded, leaning forward as if sharing a secret. "Yeah. Director Olga's been working on a project to set up a company. Its purpose is to provide Chaldea with the resources and intelligence we need. Well, but for now, it's more like a shell company because of how scarce our manpowe–"

He trailed off, his expression shifting abruptly to one of alarm. His hand slapped the table, making the dishes rattle. "Oh, crap!"

"What?" Peperoncino asked, tilting his head with a playful smile. "Did the plan go wrong?"

Ken shook his head, his movements frantic. "No, I just remembered something Director Olga asked me to handle. Damn it, I completely forgot!" His gaze snapped to Kadoc, who recoiled slightly under the intensity of his stare.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Kadoc asked, warily eyeing Ken's sudden shift in demeanor.

Without answering, Ken grabbed Kadoc by the arm and yanked him out of his chair. "Come with me. There's no time to explain. I almost forgot her assignment. We need to get to the summoning room, now."

"Stop dragging me, you lunatic!" Kadoc shouted, struggling against Ken's iron grip. "I can walk on my ow—ow! Watch where you're going, you idiot!"

Their voices echoed down the corridor as Ken half-dragged, half-pulled Kadoc out of the cafeteria, leaving the rest of Team A staring after them in stunned silence.

Finally, Peperoncino broke the quiet with a rich, melodious laugh. "Fufufu, some things never change, do they? Even after all this time, Ken's still the same whirlwind of chaos."

Daybit, ever unbothered, returned to his meal, while Ophelia's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. For a brief moment, the tension that often loomed over their team seemed to dissipate, replaced by the quiet camaraderie of shared amusement.

.....

Las Vegas, NV, USA

10 hours earlier

Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot. Even from an early age, the son of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with his brilliant and unique mind. At age four, he built his first circuit board. At age six, his first engine. And at 17, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT.

Then, the passing of a titan. Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal son returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries.

With the keys to the kingdom, Tony ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Tony Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe.

The lavish conference room gleamed under the brilliance of crystal chandeliers, their light refracting in a cascade of golden hues across the walls adorned with the Apogee Award emblems. Rows of dignitaries, scientists, and military personnel filled the plush seats, the atmosphere charged with a mix of admiration and expectation.

The applause that erupted as the screen dimmed was thunderous, underscoring the weight of the event held.

"As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee Award to Mr. Tony Stark."

The man in a formal military suit announced. Music and another round of applause soon followed, but something strange was happening on the scene.

All eyes turned toward the stage doors, expecting the charismatic billionaire to make his entrance. But the seconds stretched into awkward silence.

He looked around the audience before he saw a certain bald man shaking his head toward him, sending a clear message.

The military man understood the signal and gestured for the bald man to come up the stairs and receive the award on Tony's behalf.

The bald man soon took over the scene and received the award in his hand. "Thank you, Colonel Rhodes," he said with a smile amidst the spotlight.

Colonel Rhodes whispered something before retreating to the back. "Thanks for the save."

The bald man nodded before giving a speech on the podium as he held the award.

"This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful. Well, I'm not Tony Stark. But if I were Tony, I would tell you how honored I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award. Tony, you know..."

He paused for a moment, before continuing. "The best thing about Tony is also the worst thing. He's always working."

Meanwhile,

Several floors below, the casino buzzed with life. Neon lights pulsed in rhythm with the upbeat music, casting vibrant colors across the sleek black-and-gold decor. Amidst the clatter of chips and cheers of gamblers, Tony Stark stood at a craps table, his signature sunglasses perched on his nose and a devil-may-care smirk on his face.

The billionaire playboy threw the dice with practiced flair, his entourage of admirers cheering as they bounced across the green felt. "Work it! Come on! Let's keep this party going till morning!" Tony exclaimed, his voice carrying the infectious energy of a man who lived life on his terms.

Tony's grin widened, his trademark charm radiating as he prepared to engage further. But the moment was cut short when a familiar figure in military uniform stormed onto the scene.

"You are unbelievable," Rhodes growled, his jaw tight as he pushed past the entourage to confront Tony.

Tony blinked in mock surprise, his grin fading into feigned innocence. "Oh no! Did they rope you into this, too?"

"Nobody roped me into anything," Rhodes snapped, his sharp gaze cutting through Tony's nonchalance. He gestured toward the woman, dismissing her with a polite but firm, "Excuse us."

"I'm so sorry," Tony said quickly, though whether the apology was directed at Rhodes or the woman was anyone's guess.

Rhodes wasn't buying it. "They told me that if I presented you with this award, you'd be deeply honored." His words dripped with sarcasm, his frustration palpable.

"Of course, I'd be deeply honored," Tony replied, his tone breezy as he picked up the dice for another throw. "And it's you, Rhodey. That's great. So, when do we do it?"

Rhodes sighed, pulling the Apogee Award from behind his back and shoving it into Tony's hands. "Here. It's right here. You're welcome."

Tony inspected the trophy casually, turning it in his hands like a trinket from a vending machine. "There it is. That was easy." His expression softened as he met Rhodes's glare. "I'm so sorry," he said again, this time with genuine sincerity.

Rhodes let out an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes. But even he couldn't suppress the faint twitch of a smile. "Yeah, it's okay," he muttered.

Tony's expression brightened instantly, his contrition melting away like snow under the desert sun. "Wow! Would you look at that? That's something else," he said, holding the trophy up for dramatic effect.

Then, without a shred of ceremony, he handed the prestigious award to the woman he'd been flirting with earlier. She blinked in surprise, clutching the trophy as though it were a fragile piece of fine china.

Rhodes was baffled seeing his action. Tony already tossing the dice in his palm with the ease of a gambler who'd made luck his companion.

"We're gonna let it ride! Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something." He extended the dice to the woman beside him, waggling his eyebrows with his signature charm.

She giggled and leaned forward, blowing softly on the dice. Encouraged, Tony turned to Rhodes with an impish grin. "Okay, you, too. Come on, honey bear. Don't be shy."

Rhodes raised an unimpressed brow. "I don't blow on a man's dice," he replied flatly, crossing his arms.

Tony tilted his head, his tone turning coaxing. "Oh, come on. Don't be such a stick in the mud, Rhodey."

"I said I don't blow on a man's dice, Tony," Rhodes repeated, his voice is impatient as he slapped Tony's hand lightly. The dice tumbled out of Tony's grip, rolling across the table.

"There it is! Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls!" Tony announced with exaggerated enthusiasm, leaning forward with mock anticipation. His eyes followed the dice as they clattered to a halt. The dealer's voice cut through the chatter.

"Two craps. Line away."

A ripple of disappointment passed through the gathered crowd.

Rhodes shrugged, his tone tinged with smugness. "That's what happens."

"Worse things have happened," Tony shot back, brushing off the loss with his usual devil-may-care attitude. "Color me up, will ya?" He motioned to the dealer before stepping away from the table, his long strides cutting a path toward the exit.

Rhodes and Happy trailed after him, the two exchanging knowing glances as they matched Tony's pace. The din of the casino faded behind them as the trio moved through the corridor.

"This is where I exit," Rhodes announced, slowing his steps.

"All right, all right," Tony said, waving a dismissive hand without turning around.

Rhodes stopped, "Tomorrow, don't be late." He reminded Tony.

Tony spun on his heel, his face lighting up with mock incredulity. "Me? Late? Never!"

"Seriously, Tony," Rhodes pressed, stepping closer. His voice dropped to a hushed tone, a mix of concern and frustration. "You better go to bed early and don't do anything stupid. Stop investigating those Chaldea people on your own. You've been obsessed with them since The Brotherhood incident. We don't know how dangerous they are. Even the government is taking a wait-and-see approach despite a lot of disputes on their end. I'm seriously worried, man."

But despite his friend's advice, Tony was Tony after all. He wouldn't simply give up before unraveling this intriguing organization's origin. "Yeah, yeah. I'll do that for now," he lied, to avoid making Rhodes worried.

Rhodes sighed, shaking his head. "I'm serious! And don't be late!" he called again as they parted ways.

"I know, I know," Tony replied casually.

As Tony and Happy stepped outside, the crisp night air hit them, a welcome contrast to the artificial warmth of the casino. Just then, Tony spotted a person cosplaying as Caesar. He handed his award to Caesar while saying, "Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar's. There you go." he quipped, leaving the cosplayer staring dumbfounded at the award in his hands.

Happy opened the car door for him, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. As Tony slid into the seat, he muttered under his breath, "Sorry, Rhodes, but I'm not dropping this. I'll find those kids and prove that their power is technological. Not some kind of mumbo jumbo shit."

Happy, catching the tail end of his boss's monologue, raised a brow. "You know, the 'kids' part makes this sound kinda creepy, boss."

Tony shot him a sideways glance, his lips twitching in amusement.

"Really?"

.....

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A/N: Double release!

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