[—Like sunlight piercing the night, dawn quietly streaks across the sky.]
...
...
Time passed like a fleeting horse, and in the blink of an eye, it was daytime.
Fuyuki City's morning.
[Morningmorningmorning—]
After a lively and chaotic night, the television blared news about the previous evening's fire and explosion at the Hyatt Hotel.
"Good morning, citizens. This is Fuyuki City Radio's morning news broadcast. At 3 a.m. today, a severe fire and explosion occurred at the city's premier four-star hotel, the Hyatt, causing significant casualties. After police and experts' assessments, the cause has been determined to be a gas leak..."
In a secluded Fuyuki hideout—not so secluded for Waver, as it was the home of the elderly couple he'd been staying with—Kayneth, healed by Fionn's Water of Life and rested overnight, was forcing down barely palatable toast and eggs to restore his strength. Waver, tasked with cooking, sat nearby. The television reported on the chaotic battle involving multiple Servants and Kiritsugu's bombardment.
After Kiritsugu blasted their base sky-high the previous night, Scáthach's runes and Iskandar's Reality Marble minimized losses, preserving three floors with mana furnaces, which were relocated to a safe location overnight.
As for where...
The Matou residence was out of the question—Kayneth didn't trust them.
Having had a hotel blown up, Kayneth refused to stay in another, so he followed Waver to a modest civilian home to set up temporarily.
Initially, Waver staunchly refused, not wanting to involve the kind elderly couple in the dangerous Holy Grail War.
But Kayneth resolved this concern with a few checks sporting many zeros and a suggestion spell, convincing the couple they'd won an all-expenses-paid overseas trip. They left overnight, leaving Waver to "house-sit."
Thus, this bizarre scene unfolded.
"This toast, these eggs... utterly inedible."
Frowning at the slightly burnt toast and eggs, Kayneth, accustomed to luxury, found eating them torturous. His reaction made Waver, a novice cook, wince inwardly.
But unlike usual, Kayneth didn't berate him or dismiss his efforts. Grimacing, he swallowed the food with water.
"Horrible as it is, in times like these, I can't afford to be picky. Thanks for the effort, Waver. Come eat."
He wiped his mouth, beckoning Waver to join him.
"Huh?"
Waver's eyes widened, stunned by Kayneth's words, sneaking a glance at him.
"What's wrong? Something else?"
Noticing Waver's odd look, Kayneth frowned, but the reporter's broadcast drew their attention.
"Though attributed to a gas leak, nearby residents reported seeing missile-like objects in Fuyuki's sky and sparks from explosions on the Hyatt's walls. Some even claimed a three-story building defied physics, hovering mid-air before vanishing... One resident provided photos."
The host produced blurry photos, shaken during capture.
"Professor Kayneth... that couldn't be our..."
Seeing the images, Waver asked shakily.
The photos showed not only a floating building but a chariot diving through thunder—undoubtedly their doing.
"Whoa! My heroic figure was seen again and televised? Not bad... Though blurry, it enhances my aura."
Iskandar, stroking his chin, ignored Kayneth and Waver's headaches over the massive secrecy breach.
At this, Kayneth mentally cursed Tokiomi and Kiritsugu.
The "missiles" were Kiritsugu's RPGs, and the thunder was Iskandar's Gordius Wheel.
Blame Tokiomi and Kiritsugu for their recklessness, ignoring the War's secrecy to demolish a prominent Fuyuki building for victory.
Though a headache, it wasn't their problem. This was Fuyuki—Tokiomi and the overseer should deal with the fallout.
And here came the cleanup crew.
"To address this, we've invited Father Kirei Kotomine, a priest at Fuyuki's cathedral, also a geographer, chemist, and theologian. Father Kotomine, can you explain the floating building and thunderous chariot?"
"It was a gas leak." Taking the mic from the host, Kirei answered calmly, retrieving the photos as the stunned host blinked.
Cough cough...
The host choked on Kirei's response, staring in disbelief, unsure where to begin.
Such blatant nonsense? A gas leak causing blue lightning and lifting a building for a whole street to see? At least make it plausible.
But Kirei ignored her, continuing, "Our team's thorough investigation found severe gas leaks in the Hyatt's pipelines, triggering explosions and widespread gas leaks in nearby residences, causing hallucinations."
Are you serious?!
The host's composure cracked. Hallucinations from widespread gas leaks? Absurd.
Even the crew found Kirei's explanation laughable. Any sane person could see it was nonsense.
But the host's professionalism held. Frowning, she asked calmly, "Father Kotomine, as far as I know, gas leaks don't cause halluci—"
Before she finished, Kirei produced a police report from last night's hypnosis session, silencing her.
"This is official proof. The 'floating building' and 'thunder chariot' are fairy tales—hallucinations, not terrorist attacks. Trust science."
"And don't underestimate gas leaks. They cause many hallucinations and deaths yearly. Stay vigilant!!"
Waver and Kayneth's mouths twitched at Kirei's bizarre explanation.
So, they were blown skyward by a gas explosion?
The city's gas company was doomed—bankruptcy loomed from the compensation.
"Isn't that guy the Church's overseer...?"
Waver pointed at the babbling Kirei on TV, speechless.
"Doesn't the Bible say liars fall to hell?"
"Indeed, most gods forbid lying. Christianity's punishment is hell," Kayneth shook his head. "But how many in the Church truly believe? Or aren't unhinged? Hell's probably their destiny."
"Instead of irrelevant talk, we should conserve strength. Though our base is gone, thanks to Roy, I saved some mystic codes. We'll use them for our counterattack."
Speaking of Roy...
"Where's Roy? He and Scáthach vanished after last night."
Waver asked, concerned.
"That kid?"
Kayneth shook his head. "He said this place was too cramped, and Scáthach dislikes noisy spots, so they found a safer place. Call if needed."
"Huh?"
Stunned by Kayneth's explanation, Waver paused.
"Stop dawdling. Eat, then help me."
"We need full preparations for the counterattack," Kayneth reminded, entering his makeshift workshop.
...
Fuyuki City Underground Parking Lot
"How long has it been since I made a proper appearance?"
Back at his familiar underground base, Roy settled into his chair, addressing the red-haired woman before him.
"Huh? Proper appearance? What're you on about? We just saw each other a day ago."
Aoko Aozaki, fresh from analyzing the Lesser Grail, sipped beer, puzzled by Roy's odd question. Before she could say more, a familiar voice sounded.
"Master, I'm back."
A purple-haired figure entered—Scáthach, returning from the battle.
"Good work."
Seeing Scáthach, Roy nodded.
He knew the events: Hassan's exit, Scáthach sparing Artoria, and Kariya's arrival—all under his watch.
Though a hiccup occurred with Saber surviving, it wasn't a major issue for Roy, who held the advantage.
Under his guidance, Waver reconciled with Kayneth. The impulsive, brash kouhai had grown, understanding Kayneth and forming a strong alliance with Rider.
Kayneth had changed more, ditching his hindering fiancée and swapping Servants for the wise, powerful, enduring Fionn. Sharing Kiritsugu's secrets and surviving the explosion likely shifted his mindset. He'd probably survive the War.
As for Kariya...
Compared to Fionn and Iskandar, Lancelot, who faltered at Arthur's sight, was a makeshift pawn—useful but not critical. Same for Zouken.
These three forces, under Roy's guidance, had coalesced into a torrent, ready to crush their target with a nudge.
But this force was only guided, not controlled.
Their alliance stemmed from a shared enemy and temporary goal: Tokiomi, the War's prime target.
They fought together now, but without a common foe, this force would obstruct him.
Kariya aside, Iskandar wouldn't abandon the Grail for a fleeting alliance. A conqueror incarnate, he'd initiate conquest regardless of Waver's stance, becoming a plan obstacle needing early removal.
Kayneth, with his lordly and professorly pride, wouldn't yield either, fighting fully and becoming an enemy.
Sigh...
Considering future scenarios, Roy sighed.
The El-Melloi faction was quite the family—stealing relics, joining the War, and turning on each other as a classroom tradition.
If possible, Roy preferred not to fight his professor and kouhai—it'd complicate things, though not unsolvable.
But for his plan's goal, he needed Fuyuki's Grail mana—no compromises.
Was there a way to avoid infighting and resolve this?
Yes.
Thinking of a certain figure, Roy smiled faintly.
With Assassin gone and Fuyuki's intelligence network erased, exposure was no longer a concern.
He could act more freely.
But he needed someone to draw fire, and that someone...
Tokiomi stepped up.
Undoubtedly, Tokiomi held the War's strongest card: Archer, Gilgamesh, the oldest king, unrivaled among summoned Servants.
This Master-Servant pair was perfect for solving his current dilemma...
Since Kayneth, Waver, and Kariya targeted Tokiomi, they'd inevitably face Gilgamesh.
A planned four-on-one, with Scáthach, could ensure Gilgamesh's defeat with minimal losses if prepared.
But if he slightly reduced his forces during the fight? The situation would shift.
Pitting Rider and Lancer against the oldest king would tilt the sure-win balance, making outcomes uncertain.
Or perhaps...
"Hey, Master, what mischief are you plotting? That face doesn't scream 'good guy.'"
A cool, amused voice interrupted.
Leaning on a chair, the purple-haired, red-eyed Scáthach smiled playfully at him.
Even Aoko, seeing Roy's expression, chuckled, teasing, "What's that look? Like you're about to do something naughty, Roy. Your thoughts seem dangerous."
"Huh? Just..."
Roy touched his face, reining in his smile, closing one eye, and saying calmly, "I've figured out the next steps, so I'm pleased."
"Tch, pleased? More like gleeful. I don't get what you're scheming, but it's not good," Aoko tsked, inwardly pitying a certain lemonhead.
"That face spells trouble for your professor."
"Really?"
"Totally. Like a TV drama villain."
"...Fine."
Roy shook his head, unbothered, asking Aoko, "How's your Lesser Grail research?"
"Some progress. Hands-on study gave me a good grasp of its secrets," Aoko replied, smiling excitedly. "As you said, the War hides the Third Magic. No wonder Kiritsugu's so confident in his 'human salvation' plan."
An unattainable prize was now within reach. Though she couldn't master the Third Magic, touching it soothed past regrets.
Seeing her progress, Roy was genuinely happy.
She was moving forward...
"Keep at it. Time's short—only during the War. How far you get with [Materialization of the Soul] is up to you."
After learning Aoko's progress, Roy nodded, stressing not to dismantle the Lesser Grail and to ensure Irisviel's integrity.
Realizing time was tight, Aoko lost interest in chatting, diving back into her room to study her beloved magic.
Scáthach, however, seemed odd.
"What? Something on my face?"
Noticing Scáthach's idle expression as she stared, Roy asked kindly.
"Nothing. Just, without battles, staying here's boring. You're analyzing the Lesser Grail, chasing the Greater Grail, leaving me twiddling my thumbs."
She pointed at the massive mana block above the ritual circle behind Roy, extracted from the leyline and Greater Grail—a key for his pseudo-Grail.
"If you're bored, help stabilize the ritual?"
Roy frowned at her "idle" remark.
With the magical queen's guidance, his legendary mystic code could progress faster.
"No way. I taught you the runes and magecraft. Finishing it's your job. This is my test—if you can't do this alone, forget fulfilling my wish, right?"
Scáthach squinted, countering.
"True, but I suspect you're just lazy."
Roy shook his head, not arguing.
"So, what do you want?"
"Give me money. It's dull here. No battles soon—I want to explore."
The purple-haired beauty blinked, extending her pale hand, stating her plan bluntly.
Roy briefly saw Aoko's diligent shadow in her.
Rubbed off from staying together?
Sighing, he said, "Don't cause trouble, and do as you please..."
The battlefield was set. Artoria, twice defeated and gravely wounded, was out. Only Gilgamesh remained. Letting Scáthach loose posed no issue.
She could shop Fuyuki's malls, and no one would care.
"Don't make a scene, got it?"
Roy emphasized.
"No problem, no problem."
Taking a black card with seven million pounds, Scáthach's eyes lit up, a charming smile spreading.
In the Land of Shadows, surrounded by shades or the dead, she'd been stifled. Now, she could breathe...
Fighting heroes from different eras and bonding with a compatible Master like Roy thrilled her, but she didn't want to stay in this dim parking lot until the War's end.
This era had much worth experiencing.
"Go, but stay safe. If trouble hits, fight. We've no shortage of mana."
Roy sighed, glancing at the compressing, shaping mana mass behind him.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful."
Scáthach shrugged.
Confident in her strength, she knew many Servants could challenge her, but only the Golden King could truly best her.
Winning didn't mean trapping her. If she wanted to escape, even Gilgamesh couldn't stop her. The Queen of the Land of Shadows roamed Fuyuki freely.
With that, she vanished, taking Sakura Tohsaka, neglected amid their tasks, to explore together.
In the Land of Shadows, her disciples were troublemakers. A sweet child like Sakura was novel, so she took her along.
"Be careful... huh?"
Watching her leave, Roy sighed, resuming his mystic code work, when his hand trembled...
Sensing something amiss.
"Hmph."
Raising a finger, he snorted, grasping at the air. An alchemy array glowed on his arm, and elemental mana—fire, water, earth, wind—attacked a specific mana source. A pale pink petal was clutched in his palm.
"Merlin... that guy again."
Frowning at the fragrant petal, Roy sank into thought.
This was Merlin's second attempt to lure him into sleep and invade his dreams...
Worse, because of that old creep, they'd let Artoria, who should've died, escape. Now he was back...
What did he want?
Should he meet him?
Clutching the faint pink petal, Roy's frown eased, his expression turning serious.
...
Meanwhile, in Avalon
"What? Failed again? And blocked without resistance... what's going on?"
A certain white-haired con artist was losing it after two failures.
Inspecting closely, Merlin spotted the trick.
That kid! He'd layered mental defenses and tied his mana supply to the pseudo-Grail.
In all his years, Merlin had never faced such a tough nut.
A Descender's soul strength plus an infinite mana alchemy array...
Breaking through directly was near impossible. He needed another approach.
After pondering, Merlin's eyes lit up.
"Right, with that as a medium, maybe..."
***
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