As a witch, Medea's entire life transformed into a conceptual Noble Phantasm, the Rule Breaker, capable of breaking all sorts of magic. It would be incredibly easy to break the contract between Kirei Kotomine and Assassin.
After all, in the Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works route of the fifth war, Medea even used this weapon to consecutively contract with Saber and Archer, nearly ending the war and obtaining the Holy Grail.
In the Fourth Holy Grail War, Sakutsuki's team, possessing this Noble Phantasm, naturally had an advantage that ordinary people could hardly predict.
"Unlike Tokiomi Tohsaka's clumsy performance, the mana conduits I've laid out for you connect to Imaginary Space. Even the Holy Church's 'Spirit Gathering Plate' wouldn't be able to detect your presence. Assassin, Hassan of the Hundred Personas, you have completely become shadows in this war, but I will be the one to control those shadows."
With the advantage of foresight and the Assassin who comes and goes without a trace—Sakutsuki's combination was definitely a nightmare for any Master and Servant.
"No." Suddenly, the purple-haired Hundred Personas shook her head, her tone somewhat low. "You may call us Hundred Personas. We are no longer worthy of the name 'Hassan of Sabbah'."
"Why?" Sakutsuki asked, confused.
"This is also the second question I wanted to ask you." The purple-haired woman, having removed her skull mask, bowed respectfully, as if looking through Sakutsuki to see the faith in the hearts of all past Hassans.
"Are you—connected to the First Generation?"
The First Generation? The first Hassan of Sabbah? King Hassan?
Damn, King Hassan!
Recalling the peerless Assassin's glorious achievements, Sakutsuki shivered violently. "It wasn't me, I didn't do it, don't just say things! I don't know him!"
"Is that so?" Hundred Personas nodded noncommittally, then suddenly said, "Please count our numbers."
Numbers? Sakutsuki subconsciously scanned the faces of each Hassan.
One, two, three... twenty-four... Huh?!
Sakutsuki's eyes widened in belated realization.
Why was someone missing!
[Record Condition 2 Completed, Reward Obtained: "First @ Ghost #¥%"!]
Sitting on a small stool, Sakutsuki stared at the pale blue panel before him, lost in thought.
Since he obtained the "Fates Codex," this cheat had never displayed such garbled text. Even the top-tier Heroic Spirits, one of the "Golden Triad," Gilgamesh, hadn't realized he had been recorded by the Codex and become Sakutsuki's resource for getting stronger.
From another perspective, only beings stronger than the Golden Archer could interfere with the Fates Codex...
For example, a certain King Hassan, who held a special title, written as Assassin, but read as Berserker.
Damn, thinking about it, the possibility was too high! The garbled text even gave hints!
For example, the First Generation, for example, something about a valley... all keywords for King Hassan!
Recalling Ramses II, who had to hold his neck all day, Medea Lily, who was cut to death by a single sword, and the poor Rahm, who was gnawed to death as food...
"Hiss..." Sakutsuki rubbed his arms vigorously, looking at the Hassans, no, the Hundred Personas, kneeling neatly before him, swearing their allegiance.
If it were that First Generation, he could indeed take the life of a Hundred Personas without them noticing. As for why he killed, and why he only killed one, it was probably punishment for Hassan of the Hundred Personas.
With assassination missions repeatedly failing, and ultimately being captured, Hassan of the Hundred Personas was no longer worthy of being the nineteenth leader.
As a Hassan who killed Hassans, it was only natural for the First Generation to act.
However, thanks to this incident, Hundred Personas had completely let down their guard against Sakutsuki, who possessed the aura of the First Generation, and willingly offered their contract, becoming his second Servant. Under Sakutsuki's guidance, they had already resumed their actions and continued their espionage work.
Recalling his thoughts, Sakutsuki stood up and handed a small doll to the leading purple-haired Hundred Personas.
"This is a familiar I processed with Displacement Magic. It will guide you. Take it, and I need you to send three people out of Fuyuki City to find some people. Remember not to be discovered."
"Yes, Master." The purple-haired Hundred Personas bowed respectfully. Three figures appeared behind her, took the familiar, and were about to leave, startling Sakutsuki into calling out to them.
"Wait, where are you going?"
The three Hundred Personas exchanged glances. One of them asked in confusion, "Didn't you say we should depart from Fuyuki City?"
"...I've really lost to you guys." Sakutsuki sighed and handed over the plane tickets in his hand. "The flight is in three hours from F Airport. Prepare yourselves before departing."
"Yes." Under the disdainful gaze of the purple-haired Hundred Personas, these three simpletons took the tickets and scurried away.
After the remaining clones had all departed, the purple-haired Hundred Personas turned and looked at Sakutsuki, who was issuing instructions in secret.
"Is there something you need me for, Master?"
"I need you to cooperate with me on an experiment." Sakutsuki gestured for her to come closer. "If I remember correctly, although you have the ability to scatter your soul, you also suffer greatly from the conflict between your different personalities, don't you?"
"...Precisely." The purple-haired Hundred Personas nodded, a flicker of darkness flashing in her eyes.
As one of the past Old Men of the Mountain, due to her unfathomable spirituality, whose movements could not be predicted by anyone, she was feared and called "Hundred Personas." But in reality, she was a mental patient with multiple personality disorder. Even after becoming a Servant, she retained this trait.
Having nearly a hundred people holding meetings in her mind—only Hundred Personas knew how exhausting it was.
If only the countless voices echoing in my mind could quiet down, allowing me to sleep soundly on quiet nights— Hundred Personas had wished for this more than once, but by now, she had basically given up on that thought, treating it as a delusion.
The existence of "Hundred Personas" itself implied multiple personalities. If this mental illness did not exist, then she would not be Hundred Personas.
Therefore, when Sakutsuki's unhurried voice sounded, she felt a shock rise from the depths of her heart.
"What if I can suppress those personalities of yours?"
"Wh—!" Before the purple-haired Hundred Personas could react, the young man had already extended a finger and touched her forehead.
A noble and gentle white-gold radiance illuminated the sea of Hundred Personas' souls.
Like the sun, it was dazzling and warm, suppressing all conflict and resistance.
In that instant, all the surviving Hundred Personas subconsciously stopped their steps, and beneath their skull masks, a nearly forgotten smile was drawn.
No one (soul) argued, no one (soul) clamored.
The soul world belonging to the Hundred Personas was as clean as if it had been washed.
It was a long-lost, peaceful feeling.
"Finally, I can... sleep." With a low murmur, the purple-haired Hundred Personas slowly collapsed to the ground, closed their eyes, and peacefully drifted off to dreamland.
Watching the Hundred Personas with a peaceful expression, the youth muttered, "The experiment was a success," then calmly turned and left.
However, if Irisviel or Jubstacheit von Einzbern were present, they would surely have been shocked into silence on the spot and would have revered the youth as a treasure.
For this was their clan's long-cherished wish, a miracle that revealed the future.
Its name was—
Third Magic: Soul Materialization.
Recalling the sensation of casting the magic, Sakutsuki rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
After receiving fragments of insight from using the Third Magic (rewarded by Irisviel's record) and training for a year in slumber, this was the first time he had actually put the Third Magic into practice.
The effect... was as bad as expected.
What is the Third Magic?
The term "materialization of the soul" is merely a general term, and immortality is just a bonus. The true power of the Third Magic is the ability to copy souls, transfer souls, in other words, to manipulate souls.
If it were the true Third Magic, the Hundred Personas' mental problems would be solved instantly upon its activation, rather than merely being temporarily suppressed like now, only to return to their original state upon waking.
"However, if I could master the Third Magic in just one year, that would truly be unexpected," Sakutsuki smiled, suppressing his inner unease.
"Let's go, Miyu. Before the cold night arrives, we still have a whole beautiful day to enjoy."
Prompted by the sapphire, Miyu, who clearly understood the miracle Sakutsuki had performed, responded with a hum and trotted to catch up with him, tugging at his clothes, a faint smile gracing her small face.
For Miyu, she didn't care about anything else; as long as she could be with Sakutsuki and enjoy this hard-won time, it was enough.
Because, my Onii-chan is the best!
A few moments later……
Looking at Sakura, who was happily holding the Volumen Hydrargyrum in her hands, Miyu's small face darkened, and her heart was filled with resentment.
Take back what I said…
Brother, you're the worst!
Don't go assassinating, go berserk. Life doesn't have this much time for you to conceal your presence. If you hate him, just go hack him. Killing all witnesses is perfect assassination. What's the use of stealth? You'll still be discovered. If you're discovered, hack him. If you can't kill him, throw your Noble Phantasm. At worst, you'll ask me for help and get killed by me. You can't even defeat the mere Three Knights, yet you dare call yourselves Hassans? My prostatic fluid is about to burst from laughter. You nineteen generations are the worst Hassans I've ever taught. — King Hassan
As everyone knows, the Holy Grail War is conducted in secret. For the destruction of the warehouse district, the timed demolition of the Kaiyue Hotel, the Great Sea Monster in the Mion River, and the fire in New Town, the Holy Church is responsible for the aftermath and provides reasonable explanations to the citizens of Fuyuki City.
"Don't ask, just say it was a gas explosion!" — The Holy Church.
Ahem, I've digressed.
In short, in order to adhere to the minimum requirement of "concealment of mystery," the Holy Grail War will not be conducted in broad daylight. Only after the "time of meeting demons" when night and day alternate, and the real world and the hidden world merge, will mages and Heroic Spirits belonging to the mysterious world walk in the darkness and engage in fierce battles with their opponents.
So, what are the Masters and Servants doing during the day? Are they racking their brains to gather intelligence on their opponents, or are they preparing for tonight's battle and devising clandestine plans?
In response to this, Sakutsuki and his little Caster provided the answer.
The sky is clear and the sun is bright, perfect for—
Going out to play!
Kariya's identity had not yet been exposed, and Sakura was not participating. Naturally, she couldn't accompany Sakutsuki. Thus, under Sakura's reluctant gaze, Sakutsuki and Miyu got into the Kawasaki, and with the roar of the engine, they disappeared from their sight.
Passing through streets crowded with people, crossing bridges bustling with traffic, Sakutsuki finally gently turned the handlebars, and the motorcycle drifted into a turn, revealing a wide-open view—
The sea surface reflected the shimmering waves, splashing brilliant golden particles.
White seagulls soared in the blue sky, then suddenly landed on the sea, flying freely.
The laughter of children and the calls of vendors could be heard from afar. The shops by the roadside were painted white, reflecting dazzling light under the bright sun.
They were traveling along the coastal highway.
"Wow…" Miyu clutched Sakutsuki's clothes, her amber eyes reflecting the dazzling colors, and for a moment, she was speechless.
Even Sakutsuki couldn't help but be captivated by the beautiful scenery, his tone carrying a hint of a smile.
"Are you still angry, my little princess?"
"Hmph." Miyu turned her head away, refusing to look at him, clearly not intending to forgive Sakutsuki so easily.
This was about this morning. After the battle with Kayneth last night, the information about Kayneth in the Fates Codex had increased significantly.
[015: Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald]
[Character Information]: Participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War, a Grade A lecturer at the Clock Tower's Department of Thaumaturgy, proficient in thaumaturgy, summoning, and alchemy. His magical affinity is wind and water. He is the heir to the Archibald family, a mage family that has spanned nine generations. He was known as a genius and prodigy since childhood, has a suspicious nature, and is engaged to Sola-Ui, the daughter of the head of the Department of Thaumaturgy.
[Hidden Information]:
He must be a bald mage! — Fujimaru Ritsuka
It is said that he died in the Holy Grail War in the quantum record fixation tape, which means that no matter how the world line changes, his death in the Holy Grail War is already inevitable.
[Record Conditions (2/3)}:
1. Engage with Kayneth (Completed)
2. Experience Kayneth's Magic Workshop (Completed)
[Record Condition 1 Completed, Reward Obtained: "Mana" parameter slightly increased!]
[Record Condition 2 Completed, Reward Obtained: "Magic Crest - Volumen Hydrargyrum"!]
Volumen Hydrargyrum, a Magic Crest completed by Kayneth in his twenties, the supreme Magic Crest of El-Melloi.
It was a shame that such a precious Magic Crest was ultimately just an automaton. Once its operational principles were figured out, it could be easily countered. Moreover, Sakutsuki was currently fighting Servants, and ordinary Magic Crests couldn't play much of a role.
If it were the improved version of Volumen Hydrargyrum by Webber, it would have been nice. Not only would it be pleasing to the eye, but it could also handle household chores. It would be good as a maid at home. Unfortunately, the Fates Codex rewarded the 1.0 version. After considering it, Sakutsuki simply gave this reward to Sakura, who was the one among them who needed the most protection.
As a result, Miyu became unhappy.
When she was first summoned, she still habitually maintained a calm and rational personality. However, under Sakutsuki's care, Miyu quickly succumbed, becoming like a child who loved to act spoiled. Recently, she even needed Sakutsuki's help to change clothes and comb her hair.
If one had to describe it, it was like transitioning from "Servant Mode" to "Little Sister Mode."
"And that's precisely why she's even harder to appease..." Sakutsuki thought with a wry smile.
The destination had also been reached. Sakutsuki stopped the car and, amidst his little sister's surprised cry, lifted her onto his back.
"So, I'll be with you all day today. Is this compensation enough?"
Before you continue
Explore the wiki