My Fate Codex in Type-Moon Chapter 43

"You don't actually care whether Kirei Kotomine lives or dies, do you?"

Normal updates will resume from now on, so please read with peace of mind!

Sakutsuki didn't react to Gilgamesh's sudden remark, his eyes merely turned cold.

Facing the youth who was already slightly annoyed, the golden king slammed the table and burst into laughter without holding back.

"Yes, that's the look! Hahahaha, that's exactly what I wanted to see! Arrogance, indifference, just nipping a certain possibility in the bud because it was troublesome. In the end, it wasn't out of justice or anything, it was just because they were blocking your path!"

Picking up the bento box, the golden king stood up, as if satisfied, and said contentedly:

"Really, the world today has become too gentle to people, so gentle it's sickening, like sweet poison. But you're different, Sakutsuki, you're different."

"If you see dirt on the roadside and find it disgusting, then if it's stubborn, you'll uproot the nearby green grass and flowers along with it; if you judge a person to be completely rotten, then treat them like trash and send them back to the trash can; if the whole world is beyond saving, then it's best to destroy it directly—truly, a thorough, more unreasonable tyrant than I!"

After quietly listening to Gilgamesh's judgment, the youth with soft white hair and golden eyes as noble as a god looked up and suddenly smiled.

"What did you see, Hero King?"

Amidst a killing intent so piercing it felt like his soul would freeze, the usually arrogant Gilgamesh did not choose to confront him directly. Instead, he leisurely said:

"Do you want to settle this here with me? Caster's Master?"

"You look like... you won't be able to live much longer, hmm?"

After tossing out a "Not bad," the golden flash, who looked more like a street bum than the Hero King, left with the box without even saying goodbye.

That being said, the empty plates on the table revealed a certain truth.

Sakutsuki was left sitting at the table, staring at the golden apple placed there.

The Golden Apple—

A wedding gift from Gaia to Zeus and Hera, a treasure in Greek mythology that sparked the dispute among the three goddesses and indirectly led to the ten-year Trojan War. Now, Gilgamesh had used it as payment for the meal and casually tossed it to Sakutsuki.

[As you have pleased me, this treasure is bestowed upon you, cook.]

The smug expression on the golden flash's face as he threw the golden apple was vivid in his memory, making Sakutsuki feel the urge to throw it away whenever he saw it.

Although the Golden Apple was precious, Gilgamesh was, after all, a Servant summoned by the Holy Grail, not the true King of demigods. The treasures in the Gates of Babylon naturally did not possess the same efficacy as in the Age of Gods.

In simpler terms, it could maintain Sakutsuki's physical condition, preventing him from self-destructing during the Holy Grail War.

"But only a fool would eat it directly. What era is this? If it's made into a potion with other ingredients, won't its effects be better utilized?"

After muttering this under his breath, Sakutsuki tossed the Golden Apple into the Imaginary Numbers Pocket, dispelled the soundproofing barrier, and got up to walk towards Miyu and the others.

After a satisfying meal, Saber was dragged by Irisviel into the car sent by Kiritsugu. She gazed at Sakutsuki "affectionately" through the car window until the vehicle started and completely disappeared into the distance.

For Saber, who was accustomed to mashed potatoes or dark cuisine, this lunch personally prepared by Sakutsuki must have been painful for her.

Brief happiness was meaningless, especially since Iris-chan, who was stimulated today, planned to cook herself...

"Pfft." Sakutsuki couldn't help but chuckle.

"Let's go, Miyu, we need to prepare for tonight's battle too."

"Okay, Onii-chan."

Following behind Sakutsuki, Miyu stared at her brother's back, a subtle worry appearing on her usually serene face.

Although she sat obediently at another table and didn't eavesdrop on her brother's conversation with Archer, ... her brother didn't forbid Sapphire from listening, did he?

Although it took some effort to infiltrate the soundproofing barrier, Sapphire still heard the latter half of Gilgamesh's words.

[You look like... you won't be able to live much longer, hmm?]

And her brother, Sakutsuki, had not denied it.

"Onii-chan..."

Back at the Matou residence, Kariya and Sakura hadn't returned yet. After all, in Kariya Matou's eyes, Sakura's happiness was far more important than the so-called Holy Grail War.

"In conclusion, Lancelot, you're quite the spare tire." Patting the Black Knight's shoulder, Sakutsuki whistled and leisurely entered the basement, showing no signs of being affected by Gilgamesh's words.

"Ah, Miyu doesn't need to come down. What's coming next is not suitable for children."

"I'm not a child anymore, Onii-chan."

Despite saying that, Miyu obediently returned to her room.

Besides the spoils from playing all morning, she also needed time to think of ways to help her brother.

Sakutsuki, who had entered the basement, put away the relaxed smile he had shown Miyu. He narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment before snapping his fingers.

"Assassin, report."

"As you command, Lord of Shadows."

The purple-haired assassin quietly appeared in the darkness.

"As per your instructions, we have successfully infiltrated the Tohsaka Estate, Einzbern Castle, and a certain Japanese-style residence you specified, and installed surveillance. You can monitor their every move at any time if you wish."

"...Wait a moment, plant a few bombs in Einzbern Castle. Remember, in Kiritsugu Emiya's room."

"As you command."

"Today was originally just a simple outing with Miyu. It's an unexpected bonus that Saber and Archer are not with their Masters," Sakutsuki closed his eyes as if weary. "But that's not what I want to ask, Assassin."

"Have you found the person you asked us to look for?"

"I am truly sorry, Master." The purple-haired woman bowed her head. "Although we have searched with all our might, we have only found traces of one person."

After a pause, she spoke the name of that person:

"Grand-Order Dollmaker, Touko Aozaki."

"To think you found the hardest one to find first... Perfect, I need to obtain some materials from her."

"Do you need us to take action?"

"No, do not underestimate this Grand-Order Dollmaker." Sakutsuki shook his head. "Once you find her, simply activate the familiar I gave you."

His tone paused, and suddenly, Sakutsuki began to laugh.

[Codex Record Updated]

[Hidden Condition 2*: 'Made food that stimulates Kirei Kotomine' completed, Reward obtained: Bajiquan - Master Level!]

The sudden news made Sakutsuki pause, but he quickly laughed.

"Good, just as I predicted. It seems the fake priest really has no resistance to Mapo Tofu."

Even though his former Master was mentioned, Hundred-Faced Hassan's bowed head showed no change. Under the miracle of the Third Magic, Hundred-Faced Hassan's loyalty to Sakutsuki soared, easily overshadowing his original Master, Kirei Kotomine.

"Continue to lurk, Assassin. Tonight will likely be another sleepless one."

"As you command, Master... Please be sure to stay safe."

Touko Aozaki is an important character from TYPE-MOON's game Mahoutsukai no Yoru and the light novel and anime series Kara no Kyoukai. She is the older sister of Touko Aozaki, one of the few existing mages.

In Kara no Kyoukai, she is a guide to the story, not a participant. She is the owner of the workshop Garan no Dou. The story of Kara no Kyoukai cannot be told without her.

Speaking of which, I wonder if that "Falling Garan" legendary quest by that certain original is from here...

After scraping the last bit of oil and flavor, he shoved it into his mouth, finally setting down the spoon.

The entire plate of specially made Mapo Tofu, with its vibrant red color, had vanished, leaving behind only a pristine white porcelain plate.

"This is the first time I've ever seen you like this, Kirei." Archer lay on the sofa beside him, laughing lazily.

Only he had witnessed the unrestrained gluttony that had consumed the meal minutes before.

After confirming through various means that it was just a normal plate of Mapo Tofu, Kirei Kotomine had tried a bite, and then—this was the result.

Whether due to a deviation in his senses or some other reason, Kirei Kotomine's taste buds were not particularly sensitive. Only under extreme spiciness, a stimulation akin to pain, could he perceive the deliciousness of food.

For him, this plate of Mapo Tofu was a rare delicacy.

However, the fact that this dish came from Sakutsuki, even Kirei Kotomine, who had seen all sorts of human affairs, found it incredibly strange.

The person who wants to kill you didn't even say any harsh words, and even treated you to a delicious meal?

What is this? A last meal?

Or... a declaration of war?

"As expected, you both share the same thought. Interesting." Gilgamesh saw through Kirei Kotomine's thoughts at a glance, his serpentine pupils narrowing with amusement. "Why not consider that Sakutsuki wishes to reconcile with you?"

"There's a limit to jokes, Hero King." Kirei Kotomine calmly wiped his mouth and stated definitively, "From the moment he started hunting me, no, I realized it a year ago. He truly wants to kill me, I just don't know why."

"That's because he sensed your true nature, Kirei." The King, with his elegant posture, picked up his wine glass and looked down at Kirei Kotomine's troubled expression. "That cook judged that your future actions would affect him, so rather than letting you act freely, it's better to nip you in the bud before you commit any sins."

Kirei Kotomine did not answer immediately. He was drawn to a single word that Gilgamesh had let slip.

"You mean... 'commit sins'?"

"Oh, did you hear something? I didn't say anything, you know?" Like a child who had torn off several pages of homework because there were too many questions, Gilgamesh presented Kirei Kotomine with such a smile.

Realizing he couldn't get any more information from Archer, Kirei Kotomine stood up and walked out without a word.

"Where are you going, Kirei?"

"Just acting freely. You don't need to follow me, Hero King."

After saying that with a hint of sarcasm, Kirei Kotomine put on his specially made mage's robe, took dozens of Black Keys, and looked through the church walls towards a certain location in Fuyuki City.

Although Tokiomi Tohsaka had not expressed anything, after Kirei Kotomine lost his Assassin, he had indeed reduced his communication with this disciple, but this also gave Kirei Kotomine more opportunities to act.

According to the information investigated by Assassin "before his death," the Einzbern family's base should be in the deep mountain forest near the national highway.

Although Kirei Kotomine firmly believed that he could find the answers he sought in the clash of blades, Sakutsuki's repeated attacks had proven his killing intent towards Kirei Kotomine was unshakeable. If he were to appear rashly, he would only be easily killed by that golden-eyed youth.

Then, the only remaining candidate was that magus killer, Kiritsugu Emiya.

What answers could he bring me?

With the purest desire for knowledge, the man with a troubled expression began to walk, starting his actions for the night.

Behind him, the golden king revealed a sinister smile.

The one who has not yet realized the joy of his own nature;

The savior who strangles his inner heart for his wish;

The one who only follows the laws of his heart with deep emotion.

For the Hero King Gilgamesh, Kirei Kotomine, Kiritsugu Emiya, and Sakutsuki were the greatest sources of amusement in this Holy Grail War. Especially the various accidents that occurred from their clashes, which would surely offer him a more interesting spectacle than a top-tier drama.

Amidst unrestrained laughter, the empty wine glass fell onto the soft carpet, and the king who had used it was nowhere to be seen.

Dusk.

More than thirty kilometers west of the Fuyuki City downtown area. A national highway ran east and west through a mountainous region far from human habitation, with dense, verdant forests on both sides of the road, as if forgotten by the overwhelming tide of residential development.

Legend had it that at the deepest part of this forest lay a "dream city." Only a very select few magi knew of this castle's true existence.

This was a magical city that welcomed its master every sixty years, serving as a base during wartime.

This castle was an alternate dimension protected by layers of illusions and magical barriers, and it was absolutely impossible for it to be discovered by the outside world except under extremely rare circumstances. Those who knew the castle's true origin called this deep forest the "Einzbern Forest."

When the Holy Grail War began in Fuyuki, the head of the Einzbern family, Jubstacheit von Einzbern, disdained setting up a stronghold on the rival Tohsaka family's territory. Instead, he used his wealth to purchase the entire spiritual land closest to Fuyuki, making it the Einzbern base.

It was the night before the Third Holy Grail War, and the human world was on the verge of World War II, a time filled with tension. Legend had it that the Einzberns used the entire forest as a barrier, rebuilding an entire auxiliary city from Einzbern there. This demonstrated their family's astonishing wealth and persistence.

And the most ironic part was that the intermediary for the land purchase and the covert work in the area were all handled by the Tohsaka family.

Meanwhile, the participant residing in this castle, Kiritsugu Emiya, was waking up from a sleep like that of a corpse.

Mental field stripping—this was the method of sleep Kiritsugu Emiya employed. It involved decomposing his consciousness through self-hypnotic incantations and eliminating fatigue along with his conscious mind using potent medicine.