Thanks for the invitation. I'm in Type-Moon, inheriting the legacy of Zi-O.

(It seems that the child named Alaya is the older sister. But to encounter the Counter Force right at the start, I don't know if I'm lucky or unlucky.) Although my brain is still processing, I'm still answering Alaya's question: "Your name is... esteemed Counter Force, Ms. Alaya and Ms. Gaia. I've come here to train to become a subject of the King." "Hmm? Training? Who is your King?" "Replying to the Counter Force, it is the most benevolent, kindest, highest, and strongest King, Oma Zi-O."

"A prince I've never heard of before. So why did you come to this world to train? Wouldn't it have been better to go to a world of higher power?" Alaya pondered for a moment before asking, "Besides, even in a world like this, what can you possibly achieve with your strength?" There was an undeniable hint of sarcasm in her voice. Yes, compared to the world of FGO, how could Nian Zhuo, a nerdy guy in peacetime, possibly compare to those magicians? However, now that he had the Driver, he still had some confidence. "Replying to Miss Alaya, I came out to train precisely because I understand my own powerlessness, my weakness. And since the world was randomly chosen, I don't know either. But as for what I can achieve, I'll set a small goal first: to become a hero. What heroes can't do, I'll make up for with my body; if my body isn't enough, I'll use my bones; if my bones aren't enough, I'll use my soul. No matter what, I will not give up." Nian Zhuo believed he could avoid the worst possible outcome, and for that, he was willing to pay any price.

"These kids all want to be heroes, but you have no history, no epics, no deeds, and no strength. How can you become a hero?" Alaya used taunt, and Nian Zhuo adapted! Nullifying the attack. "I understand, but I will definitely strive and fight hard, so that even if I fail, it will be a beautiful regret." Anyway, with the Demon King's buff, I won't die for now, so I won't fall here! "But, actually, Alaya, you have a way, right?" Nian Zhuo thought of something and asked back. "Don't you have a Guardian organization under you? I want to join it." "Eh?" Alaya paused obviously, seemingly surprised that he knew about the Guardians. "You think I can't do anything, then I'll become a Guardian and show you what a mere human can do." "Sure, this will also make it easier to monitor whether you are harmful to this world." Alaya agreed more readily. Then, the crystal blue sphere shot out crystal threads that approached Nian Zhuo's body. Feeling the increase in the power within his body, Nian Zhuo couldn't help but happily clench his fist.

“By the way, there’s a blank area on your spine. Do you need me to help you remove it?” Alaya asked, raising her little hand.

"No, no, no, no! Absolutely not! Removing it would actually weaken me! An epic-level weakening! A compressed one! It wouldn't be fun at all!" It's ridiculous! If this resurrection coin his Demon King gave him were deleted, even if he returned safely, he would at least face the Demon King's questioning. Making the king worry is not something a good subject should do—Nian Zhuo thought to himself as the modification was completed. "Alright, congratulations on becoming my second tool," Alaya said with a mischievous smile, waving her fist. "Then please do your best, Mr. Nian Zhuo~" With that, she sent Nian Zhuo into the Throne of Heroes.

"This place is really empty," Nian Zhuo thought, glancing at the Throne of Heroes, which seemed to have no sense of time. "The scenery is nice, but it's so boring. System, do you have a way to speed this up?" He looked around, then lost interest and asked the system in his mind to expedite the process. Soon, the system's emotionless voice replied, "Reporting to the host, this system can only speed up and advance the probability of the host being summoned. Everything else still depends on the host's luck—it's a matter of how lucky you are." Nian Zhuo's lips twitched. It seemed the system could only help him this much; it couldn't decide the Master or the opponent. This kind of start was far worse than in other novels. Besides, his luck... was indescribable. He was the one who kept saying, "Captain's supplies are guaranteed, Captain's dungeons have zero drops," and his luck was terrible.

"Let's take it one step at a time. Maybe the one who draws my number will be a cutie? Anyway! Let's wait and hold onto hope—" Lying on the calm sea of ​​time, Nianzhuo slowly awaited the arrival of the wish from the person destined for him.

"Buzz—Host, you have received a summons! Do you wish to respond?" Suddenly, the system's voice intruded into his mind again. "So fast! I'm not the chieftain anymore!" Seeing the host caught up in a secret excitement, the system decided to remain silent. "Respond, respond quickly, let me see who the Master will be this time? Is it Gudako, Gudako, or the Director? Come on, come on, come into my bowl!" Nian Zhuo looked at the stars floating on the sea, reached out and scooped them up.

Then, the world turned upside down again—the dividing line.

"But, hero, if I could, I really would like to be like that. But my future... Ha—I know this swordsman might laugh at me to his heart's content." Traveling through the spirit tunnel, Nian Zhuo recalled his conversation with Alaya.

"A reminder to the host: your future becoming the greatest and most evil beast doesn't mean you are inherently a dangerous being. Tiamat sealed herself away to await death for the sake of her child, and Fou dedicated her intelligence to beautiful things. You know all this, so I won't try to persuade you further. Finally, I'll offer the host a word of advice—"

"Those who look up at the stars should not be ridiculed."

Nian Zhuo's life as a tool begins

As he traversed the tunnel of spiritual particles, feeling his body slowly appear within the summoning circle, Nian Zhuo found it a particularly novel experience. Then, he opened his eyes and uttered the lines he had prepared beforehand.

"I have come in response to the call, I—"

Before him stood a large group of researchers in white lab coats, and silver-haired heroic spirits clad in purple armor. Seeing that his feet were planted on the King's dining table, Nianzhuo finally realized where he had been summoned for the first time.

(Hey, I'm lucky to have met Chaldea right at the start. It seems like this is the prelude to the main story. That silver-haired Servant must be Galahad. Hmm, she's quite the character.) Nian Zhuo was thinking randomly when suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps sounded.

"Oh, Romani—just let me see who this successful Heroic Spirit is, I promise I won't use him for research!" "How could that be, Da Vinci? After working with you for so long, don't I understand your personality?"

A cheerful female voice and a rather gentle male voice... that must be the doctor and Leonardo da Vinci. Let's meet them.

Nian Zhuo recalled the doctor's sacrifice in the first part and quietly clenched his fists (This time, I'll see if this Demon King Goetia can withstand one of my punches).

"Oh, hello there, an unknown organization and two Heroic Spirits," Nian Zhuo greeted the researchers with a slow, respectful bow. "Although I don't know who my Master is, since I've been summoned here, I'm here to serve you. Nice to meet you!" After their initial surprise, the researchers quickly regained their composure and returned to their posts to begin analyzing Nian Zhuo's Heroic Spirit data.

"Um, Strength is E+, doesn't seem like a Heroic Spirit known for strength." "Agility is E, a rather clumsy Heroic Spirit?" "Luck is B, seems like a Heroic Spirit with a rather unusual past, a Caster, perhaps?" "No, Endurance is C, still not a Caster, is it an Assassin?" "But based on the known information, it doesn't possess the Presence Concealment skill, and its appearance doesn't match the 18 Hassans." "Wait, Noble Phantasm, its Noble Phantasm is ??? rank, cannot be evaluated."

"What?!" The researchers were all taken aback. A Noble Phantasm of the ??? level couldn't be rated; it could be stronger than an EX-rank or weaker than an E-rank. However, the ??? level certainly gave the researchers a real shock.

"Yes, that's right. Even a genius as all-powerful as me doesn't have a Noble Phantasm of this level." Da Vinci finally appeared at his research post, staring blankly at Nian Zhuo's information.

"Hello, unknown Servant." Standing before Nian Zhuo was a man with orange hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a Chaldea uniform with a green undershirt. "My name is Romani Archaman, and I'm the doctor for this Chaldea. The director is on his way, so I'll be speaking to you. First, could you please tell me your real name?"

Nian Zhuo was slightly taken aback. When a living game character actually stands before you, you experience a completely different feeling. However, he quickly recovered from his daze and proactively reached out his hand.

"Hello, doctor, my name is... well, Tokiwa Sougo, a guy who aspires to become the most benevolent and virtuous Demon King. I have a good feeling about you, don't you think?"

“Tokiwa Sougo, hello. If this is your real name, I'm sorry I haven't heard of you before.” The doctor extended his hand to shake his. However, the topic was quite direct: “Could you tell me your class and what your Noble Phantasm is?” The atmosphere then turned serious.

(Do I need to confirm what kind of Heroic Spirit I am first? It's understandable to say this for the safety of Chaldea.) Nian Zhuo thought for a moment and decided to answer the question. First, he asked about his class. Zhuo directly asked the system in his mind, "Hey, is the system here? Is the system here? It's me, Jiao Mei~" In less than a second, the system's emotionless voice echoed in his mind, "Next time, host, just call the system directly. Please don't use such vicious methods." "Hiss, open host information." Then, the virtual screen reappeared in front of Nian Zhuo.

Host: Nian Zhuo

Strength: e+

Agile: e

Durability: c

Luck: b

Noble Phantasm: ??? (Time Driver x1, Zi-O Watch x1)

Job placement "rider"

"This is way too weak... Aside from durability and luck, it's all E-rank." Nian Zhuo pouted, a little hurt. "Replying to the host, before becoming a guardian, you were a shut-in, and your basic qualities weren't high. It was only after the Alaya Guardian's enhancement that you reached an E-rank beyond human. Please be content." "Okay, but what does 'Noble Phantasm ??? rank' mean?" Nian Zhuo asked the last question.

"Reporting to the host, this '??' level means it cannot be measured. The host's current power is not strong, but as the dial continues to collect data, the level of the Noble Phantasm will increase accordingly, helping you to succeed." After saying this, the system sank into the mind again and disappeared.

—Only a few seconds had passed—

"Alright, Romani Archman. My class is Rider. As for my Noble Phantasm, it's an enhancement type, but it can only enhance me. For the specific effects, a practical demonstration would be more helpful. How about the purple-haired guy over there demonstrates it with me?"

"Ah, this... oh—" The doctor looked puzzled and turned to Galahad, asking, "So, what's your opinion?" Galahad waved his hand dismissively and said, "No problem. If it's for a practical demonstration, I'm willing to participate, but let's limit it to three minutes. That's better for both of us." The silver-haired Heroic Spirit said to Nian Zhuo.

"Ah, of course, I'd love to." Nian Zhuo stretched his neck and replied excitedly. (This is a precious opportunity to fight against a Heroic Spirit, let's show off my power!)

Led by the doctor, he and Galahad, who had picked up his dining table shield, arrived at the combat training room.

"Well then, three minutes is the time limit, and I'll be the referee~" A cheerful female voice rang out. Nian Zhuo looked up and saw a beautiful woman waving at them from the control panel. In her other hand, she held a staff, and the crystalline cube at the top of the staff looked exactly like a Saint Quartz. (So this is where the true nature of a shrewd merchant is revealed, huh?) Nian Zhuo thought to himself.

"Also, I hope you two can be mindful of the force you apply. If you damage the equipment or get injured, I'll use your bodies for research. And if the time is up, I'll forcibly stop this demonstration!" Da Vinci waving his hand and saying he wanted to save money is a prime example of a shrewd businessman.

"Alright everyone, get ready to begin!" Pressing the button transformed the arena into a desert.

"This is my first battle!" After nodding to Leonardo da Vinci, the two assumed fighting stances.

"Three, two, one—"

*Beep*—Sound effect ends, battle begins!

The King of Time and the Pure Knight

"three, two, one—"

“go――――”

As the notification sound faded, the first real battle between Nian Zhuo and Ying Ling began!

Ten minutes ago ――――――――

"Host, congratulations on your first mission," the system's emotionless voice echoed in Nian Zhuo's mind once again.

"Mission: This is the moment when history begins."

Requirement: Demonstrate your power to the people of Chaldea.

Reward: Kamen Rider Build Watch (Speech Bubble) x1

Remembering his first mission, Nian Zhuo adjusted his breathing and took out his time-space driver.

"Time-Space Driver"

With his other hand, he took out his watch face, turned it, and pressed it.

“ZIO――”

Next, place the dial on the drive and flip it over!

"Are you ready?"

Facing Galahad charging towards him, Nianzhuo closed his eyes, his breathing becoming heavy.

"Transform!"

Afterwards, the long wheel of time enveloped Nian Zhuo.

"Hmm?" Galahad, who had rushed over, clearly noticed Nianzhuo's strange state. "It feels like his aura is increasing." Even so, the pure aura did not stop its advance, but how could the long wheel of time be interrupted at the moment of the King's transformation? It launched two shockwaves towards Galahad.

Sensing the attack from the Nen-gathering, Galahad immediately raised his shield in front of him. "Ugh—" Even so, the two impacts still forced him back several steps. Then, appearing before the Chaldea members was the black-clad Time King, Kamen Rider Zi-O!

"Da Vinci, we've detected an update to Nian Zhuo's Servant data!" an employee shouted. "Strength B, Agility B, Endurance C+, Luck B, Noble Phantasm. The Noble Phantasm is a B-rank!" Clearly, Zi-O had boosted Nian Zhuo's abilities by at least two ranks.

At this moment, Nian Zhuo felt the power surging within him and clenched his fists. "It feels like it might work! Come on, Galahad!" he laughed wildly, and Galahad naturally rushed forward as well. Using the back of its shield, Galahad struck Nian Zhuo fiercely. (Let me see just how strong my punch really is now!) Nian Zhuo punched forward with his left fist. The moment his fist collided with the shield, the air seemed to freeze, followed by a violent gust of wind that swept outwards, raising clouds of yellow sand.

Nianzhuo and Galahad quickly separated after the attack. Galahad raised his shield in surprise. "That impact... it seems that armor enhanced his strength and agility. Otherwise, my shield should have hit him when he retreated." However, Nianzhuo was far from relaxed. Looking at Galahad's relaxed expression, he clenched his numb left fist again.

Yes, he was outmatched in that simple exchange; even with the armor protecting his left hand, the force of the impact left it slightly numb.

"But that's no reason for me to back down! This is my first battle, how can I let it end so easily!" Seeing Galahad charging at him again, Nianzhuo charged forward once more.

Seeing Galahad maintain the same charging stance as in the first attack, Nian Zhuo thought, "Since I can't outmatch you in strength, I'll choose a strategy of attrition." He also charged forward, but at the very moment their attacks clashed again, he shifted to his left and threw a punch! "Oh—" Galahad exclaimed in surprise, but due to inertia, he couldn't immediately adjust his center of gravity. Nian Zhuo's punch struck Galahad's side armor. "Uh—" His movements froze for a moment, but to Nian Zhuo's surprise, Galahad, following his shift to the right, simultaneously kicked out with his left foot towards Nian Zhuo's side.

With a muffled thud, the two separated again. Nian Zhuo felt a sharp pain in his side and couldn't help but grit his teeth. "I thought I could do whatever I wanted with the power of Zi-O, but I've already been thwarted at the very beginning," he muttered, but he could feel his excitement—excitement for the battle! Excitement for his new power!

And, the excitement over the enemy Galahad!

The two charged at each other again, throwing hooks, straight punches, probing punches, and slam punches.

Shield parries, shield bashes, shield backstabs—the two exchanged blows in the blink of an eye. However, only Nian Zhuo knew the situation wasn't looking good for him. "As expected of a pure aura, this shield's defense is too strong." Feeling his hands trembling, Nian Zhuo began to consider his next move. "If I can't defeat him with physical strength alone, then—" His hand clenched, and a spear-sword appeared in Nian Zhuo's grasp.

"Time Limit Sword - Gun Form"

"It can even summon weapons from the void? The buffs from this armor are far more powerful than those enhanced Noble Phantasms!" The researchers' attention was already drawn to the armor's enhancements. "Not only that, but the matching sword is also a Noble Phantasm!" another researcher exclaimed.

On the field at this moment—

With just over a minute left on the countdown, Nian Zhuo calmed himself down and unleashed a three-shot barrage. Because Galahad's shield was so massive, even without careful aiming, it was effective! Unfortunately, the spear-form attacks struck the shield without even a slight pause before dissipating. Seeing this, Nian Zhuo transformed his spear into a sword.

"Time-Limited Sword - Sword Form"

With a resounding thud, Nianzhuo charged towards Galahad, who stood motionless. "Since spears are useless, then I'll fight you with my sword! Come, pure knight, Galahad!" Facing the charging Nianzhuo, Galahad also drew his sword. "Please enlighten me, Lord Nianzhuo."

Nianzhuo thrust his sword straight forward, but Galahad lightly deflected it with his own blade. Unexpectedly, Nianzhuo twisted his wrist, turning the hilt and sweeping the sword horizontally. Galahad naturally parried with his own sword. The two maintained a defensive stance, their sword flashing past each other repeatedly. Nianzhuo grew increasingly agitated.

"As expected, my casual sword swings have no effect on him. They were completely blocked, and I even suffered several more stabs." Feeling the loss of his stamina, the pain in his side, and the lack of system notification for the task completion, Nian Zhuo decided to take a gamble.

After another fruitless clash of swords, Nianzhuo retreated, while Galahad remained standing. "Aren't you going to attack again, Lord Nianzhuo? Or do you have some trump card? I barely managed to withstand your attack just now." Looking at the humble and pure knight before him, Nianzhuo smiled helplessly. "If you really were barely able to withstand it, you should at least take a step back. But thank you anyway. For this next attack, I will bet all my strength. Come on, pure knight, can your shield withstand this?"

Remove the watch face and place it inside the "Time Limit Sword." After pressing the lever, Nian Zhuo raises the sword.

"This magic is the key to unlocking the true name of a Noble Phantasm! Quick, end their fight!" the researchers exclaimed. However, Da Vinci waved his hand to stop them. "Don't worry, don't worry~ I believe Galahad will have his own plans. Trust the Heroic Spirits~" Da Vinci turned to the sword in Nian Zhuo's hand. "This kind of power isn't in the records of the past. Could it be—"

Nian Zhuo looked at Galahad, who stood holding a shield not far away, and roared out his true name.

“ZIO giligili SLASH!”

"Initial Liberation/Deployment!"

A golden beam of light roared from the sword and slammed into the defensive array of the snowflake shield.

"Ugh—" Even Galahad felt a tremendous force impact, and pressing his shield forward couldn't stop him from retreating.

"Haaaaaaahh ...

"Give it to me!! Charge!!!" Nian Zhuo roared, unleashing the strongest attack he could muster at the moment.

With a deafening explosion, the experimental site shut down, and smoke enveloped the two combatant spirits.