Huh, the development of the work titled “Fate’s Sky” was nearing its final stages.
And even as the story approached its climax, the audience’s evaluation of the protagonist Yuri was merciless to an extreme degree.
“Yuri? That guy’s nothing but a babbler who can’t do anything on his own, right?”
“Seriously, a guy who’s been hiding behind women this whole time yet talks more than anyone—what is he even doing?”
“Honestly, someone might think he’s like Kai from ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ single-handedly defeating enemy heroes. But all he’s done so far is luckily block a cavalry charge.”
Compared to Kai from “Knight Shin Chronicle” or Louis from “Life and Death,” both of whom faced minor controversies but still garnered significant support from viewers, this was truly unexpected.
According to an unofficial popularity poll conducted by “My Struggle,” Yuri ranked a measly 9th place.
Not only were main characters like the Knight King or Saint far ahead, but even the great hero Chris Akemenes—who was depicted as an antagonist early in the series—was ranked significantly higher.
Currently, the third-place hero in the popularity poll was a newcomer revealed only in the latest chapter: the Hero King, whose sudden appearance had already captured immense attention across the Empire.
The runner-up in the much-anticipated popularity poll was none other than…
“… seriously, second place isn’t too bad for him, right?”
“Don’t forget, imagination knows no bounds. The hero you voted for being in second place makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?”
It was none other than the Mysterious Archer summoned by Saint.
Since the first episode of “Fate’s Sky,” the Archer has consistently won hearts with admirable actions.
Every line they delivered was pure swagger, resonating deeply with the male audience—a true embodiment of what it means to be a man.
Thus, it came as no surprise when the Mysterious Archer claimed second place in the popularity poll.
…Of course, the top spot went to the Knight King, as she was the main heroine of the series.
In this context, the results of the poll were truly astonishing.
After all, the Mysterious Archer had surpassed even the Hero King and Saint, claiming second place in the poll.
As such, fans who proudly called themselves supporters of the Archer began walking around declaring:
“The Archer is the most outstanding and well-developed character in the anime ‘Fate’s Sky,’ and this is scientifically proven!”
“… What? What are you talking about?”
“So what if the Archer is male? In an anime like this, not obsessing over cute female characters actually has some meaning, right?”
Despite other fans looking at them with disbelief, the Archer’s supporters spoke with unwavering conviction:
“Those who fawn over the Knight King or Saint are just mindlessly supporting pretty girls—they’re obsessed with females!”
“Supporters of Chris, the hero of the Federation, are traitors who’ve forgotten their own country while cheering for foreign heroes!”
“But the worst character in ‘Fate’s Sky’ has to be the protagonist Yuri.”
“If Yuri can only manage ninth place in a popularity poll, it clearly proves this character is utterly useless!”
“Therefore, exposing the identities of everyone who voted for Yuri and publicly shaming them will ensure a bright future for ‘Fate’s Sky’ fans!”
What terrifying and horrifying thoughts these were!
Yet, the Archer faction, which had previously suffered from inferiority complexes due to being overshadowed by the Knight King and Saint factions, now erupted into wild applause over this radical claim after securing second place in the poll.
Which is why…
“What exactly are you thinking?! Are you still trying to kill Yuri?”
“…Yeah, that’s right.”
“To kill a man named Yuri with my own hands…”
“That’s my final wish before I become nothing more than a fallen hero.”
“…Wh-what did you say…?”
No sooner had the Great Mage Psyche been defeated and their alliance dissolved than the Mysterious Archer resumed their pursuit to kill Yuri, acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
As though they had never cared about the Full Moon Ritual in the first place, focusing solely on eliminating Yuri.
Watching this behavior, viewers couldn’t help but wonder:
“…Why does the Archer want to kill Yuri? There seems to be no real reason for it.”
One viewer, unable to take their eyes off the Archer advancing toward Yuri with their signature longsword in hand, muttered:
“Maybe… because Yuri annoyed them?”
Someone who had poured all their votes—including those of family members—into supporting the Archer quickly responded:
“Didn’t the Archer say last time that although they resemble Yuri, that similarity irritates them? Plus, since the Archer hates hypocrites, it’s not surprising they detest Yuri, who talks big but accomplishes little.”
“But would a past hero prioritize killing Yuri over fulfilling their own wish? Does that even make sense?”
“Maybe the Archer is actually Yuri’s adoptive father from ten years ago? If he was resurrected into this ritual after dying, it could explain things, right?”
“This guy must be insane… saying whatever comes to mind without any basis?”
As discussions about the Archer’s identity continued, everyone suddenly turned their heads toward a figure quietly observing the screen under a black hood—as if on cue.
Kaizel.
The one who had noticed the identity of Yuri’s summoned hero as the Knight King before anyone else, only to be mocked by others at the time.
Later, he proved his theory correct, earning the title of “Prophet” and forgiving those who had once ridiculed him.
If anyone could have already deduced the Archer’s true identity, it would surely be Kaizel—a man who noticed subtle foreshadowing that others overlooked, someone who genuinely loved animation.
With this expectation, people hesitantly asked him:
“Excuse me, Master Kaizel? What are your thoughts?”
“…Huh? Was that a question directed at me?”
Caught up in the anime until now, Kaizel replied with a slightly bewildered tone.
“Yes. Since Master Kaizel was the first to uncover the Knight King’s identity, we thought you might have already figured out who the Archer really is.”
“So please enlighten us. What do you think the Archer’s true identity is?”
Meanwhile, Kaizel, who had been admiring the elegant posture of the Knight King dressed in a white gown thanks to Psyche, found this sudden inquiry completely random.
The true name of the Mysterious Archer?
How would I know?
I was just thinking about scenes to include in the next doujinshi while watching the Knight King in her dress.
To begin with, the reason I guessed the Knight King’s identity correctly was because I’m friends with Ragnar, the creator of this anime.
But ignoring the pleading gazes of those filled with anticipation was impossible.
Kaizel decided to blurt out whatever came to mind.
“Hmm… Personally, I don’t think the Mysterious Archer is a hero from the past.”
“Not a hero from the past?”
“What does that mean?”
“In other words, among the heroes I know, there’s no one matching the description of the Archer in any history book. If we can’t find the Archer in the past, perhaps their origin lies in the future?”
Without realizing what he was saying, Kaizel rambled on nonsensically.
“So then, the Archer’s identity is…?”
“It’s entirely possible that it’s someone we already know, just from the future. For example, could the Archer be the future version of the protagonist Yuri?”
Honestly, even Kaizel himself dismissed this statement as pure nonsense the moment he said it.
The future version of Yuri as a hero becoming the Mysterious Archer?
That’s ridiculous.
Where in the world does something like that exist?
To begin with, the faces, heights, builds, and voices of Yuri and the Archer were completely different.
Or… upon reflection, maybe their facial features were somewhat similar?
Regardless, the idea that these two were the same person was pure delusion on Kaizel’s part.
Such a thing could never happen.
“The Mysterious Archer is… Yuri?”
“Even if it’s coming from Master Kaizel, that sounds a bit…”
People around him also seemed to dismiss Kaizel’s words as absurd, trailing off mid-sentence.
Yeah, honestly, I did rush through that explanation, didn’t I?
I admit, it was a bit excessive.
Sorry.
Just as Kaizel opened his mouth to retract his previous statement…
“…Let me show you why I want to kill a man named Yuri.”
“The kind of ending your future self faced!”
Saying this, the Archer raised their hand upward…
“…Ah.”
Flames ignited.
Burning flames created boundaries and soon painted the entire world.
This transformation completely altered the surrounding environment.
Fiery infernos blazing, countless swords piercing the elongated earth.
At the center of this world stood the Archer alone.
“…Th-this…”
The Knight King could only stare blankly.
She recognized this world.
After forming a contract with Yuri, she had entered his subconscious mind several times during dreams.
Each time, she saw this very scenery within Yuri’s heart.
Now, the Mysterious Archer was showing the exact same vision—a world existing solely within Yuri’s mind.
Therefore, its meaning was clear:
“…Heroic Spirit Yuri. My future self.”
The incomplete abilities of the inexperienced Yuri had reached their full potential, transforming him into the hero standing before them.
“…”
“…”
Stunned by this unforeseen twist, everyone lost their ability to speak, mouths agape.
But at this very moment,
The person most shocked wasn’t anyone else—it was Kaizel.
Wait…?
The Archer’s true identity really was Yuri from the future?
Hmm.
I was just throwing out a random guess.
Could it… really be true?
