Just as Rin, in Misaki, was contemplating all the detailed arrangements for the upcoming Holy Grail War—
Fuyuki City.
The Tohsaka Family residence, nestled in the deep mountains of Fuyuki City. In the Tohsaka workshop located underground, a device similar to what is commonly known as a Foucault pendulum was prepared. Unlike ordinary physics experimental tools, this pendulum's bob carried the magic power gems passed down through generations of the Tohsaka Family, and its structure allowed ink flowing down the suspension cord to moisten the gems.
The stone paired with the gem of this pendulum is currently held by Tohsaka's spy. If that stone is placed at the tip of a roller to write, the resonating pendulum gem begins to swing, and the dripping ink will write an exact replica of the text on the rolling paper below. This is the mechanism.
Now, the pendulum of the magic stone and the stone on the other side of the world in London have begun to resonate, and through seemingly chaotic, strange, repetitive movements, the reporter's handwriting is being reproduced smoothly and accurately.
Tokiomi, noticing this, picked up the rolling paper, whose ink was not yet dry, and began to read through the notes one by one.
"This device always seems a bit unreliable, no matter how many times I see it."
Kirei Kotomine, who had been silently observing, voiced his unreserved opinion. If Rin were there, she would have directly criticized her father for being behind the times, but Kirei Kotomine would not; he would only remain silent.
"Oh, do you find faxes more convenient? But with this, electricity isn't needed, and it won't malfunction. There's no need to worry about information leaks either. We Maguss have mastered tools that are no less effective than modern ones, without needing to rely on emerging technologies," Tokiomi explained to his disciple beside him.
That being said, Kirei still found faxes, which anyone could use, more convenient. The inevitability of "anyone" being able to use it was certainly something Tokiomi couldn't comprehend. It was only natural that nobles and commoners used different technologies and knowledge... Even in modern times, Tokiomi still held such ancient beliefs; he was a true "Magus."
"The latest report from the Clock Tower. The child prodigy Lord El-Melloi seems to have obtained a new relic. This means his participation is confirmed. Hmph, this is indeed a troublesome opponent. It's clear now, including myself, there are already five Masters…"
"It's a bit concerning that two slots are still empty at this point."
"What's the matter? There must just not be suitable command spells bearers. Once time is pressing, the Holy Grail will gather seven people regardless of quality. To make up the numbers, there will probably be two minor figures. No need to be wary of them."
This was consistent with Tokiomi's usual optimism. After three years as his apprentice, Kirei knew his master well. Although Tokiomi was thorough in his preparations, he had a habit of overlooking details once things were put into action. Kirei had long understood that it was probably his duty to handle these minor matters for him.
"But speaking of caution, Kirei, did anyone see you enter this room? On the surface, we are already enemies, you know."
Completely according to Tohsaka Tokiomi's expectations, the truth was distorted and announced. Kirei, who had been chosen by the Holy Grail three years ago, carefully concealed the mark on his right hand under Tokiomi's orders, only revealing the existence of his command spells this month. From that moment, he broke with his master Tokiomi as an opponent vying for the Holy Grail.
"No need to worry. Whether visible or not, there are no familiars or magical tools monitoring this room. That, I—"
"—That I guarantee."
A third person's voice interjected, and at the same time, a dark shadow appeared beside Kirei.
The Heroic Spirit, who had always accompanied Kirei as a spiritual body, now manifested before Tokiomi.
That slender figure possessed a magical power vastly different from that of humans. It was "something inhuman." Dressed in a black bodysuit that clung to his body like skin, wearing a white skull-shaped mask to conceal his appearance, he was the first Heroic Spirit summoned in this Fourth Holy Grail War, the Servant of the "Assassin" class who formed a contract with Kirei Kotomine—Hassan of the Hundred Faces.
"No matter what schemes or tricks are played, they cannot escape my eyes—the eyes of the spy Heroic Spirit Hassan. There are no traces of enemy pursuit near my Master, Kirei... Please rest assured."
As if understanding that Tokiomi was the supreme ally above his master Kirei Kotomine, Assassin respectfully bowed his head and reported.
Then Kirei spoke.
"Once a Heroic Spirit summoned by the Holy Grail manifests, their class will be accurately and precisely conveyed to Father."
Father Risei Kotomine served as the supervisor of the Holy Grail War, dispatched as a special priest to the Fuyuki Church. He currently held a magical tool called the "Spirit Origin Board." It had the function of displaying the attributes of Heroic Spirits summoned by the Holy Grail.
The identities of the Masters could only be confirmed through individual reports, but the number and classes of manifested Servants, no matter where they were summoned, would definitely be displayed on the "Spirit Origin Board" for the supervisor to keep track.
"According to Father, the only Servant manifested so far is my Assassin. The other Maguss will act later."
"Hmm. But it's only a matter of time. Sooner or later, other Masters' familiars will certainly be moving around this room. Because this place, along with the Matou residence and the Einzbern family's villa, has already been confirmed as a Master's stronghold."
Compared to the Three Founding Families, the advantage of foreign Maguss lay in the unknown location of their hideouts. Therefore, in the early stages of the Holy Grail War, every family would use intelligence agents to investigate day and night.
Kirei did not distrust Tokiomi's intelligence network, but he also had to guard against the possibility of the remaining two mysterious Masters using clever methods to hide. If he were to face such a strategist-type opponent, the Servant Kirei had, Assassin, could exert his maximum power.
"You may withdraw. Assassin, continue your vigilance outside. Be extremely cautious."
"As you command."
Receiving Kirei's order, Assassin once again left in non-corporeal form. Servants, being fundamentally spiritual bodies, could freely transform between corporeal and non-corporeal states.
Assassin possessed a unique ability not found in Heroic Spirits of other classes: "Presence Concealment." He was unrivaled in covert operations.
For Kirei, who was not pursuing victory but merely tasked with assisting Tokiomi, summoning Assassin was the best choice.
The strategy was as follows:
First, Kirei's Assassin would tirelessly investigate the other Masters' strategies and the weaknesses of their Servants. Once a foolproof method against each enemy was acquired, Tokiomi's Servant would then be used to defeat them one by one.
For this, Tokiomi had to summon a Servant with overwhelmingly powerful offensive capabilities. However, he had not yet mentioned which Heroic Spirit he had set his sights on.
"Kirei, do you know? The trump card for certain victory in this Holy Grail War, the relic I prepared, finally arrived in Fuyuki this morning!"
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