Or, you guys find another savior

So, he wanted to avenge his favored disciple.

"No, there's been no progress so far," Kirei said. "I came here to ask you for a favor, Teacher Tokiomi."

"Please, go ahead," Tokiomi replied, not refusing.

With the full power of the Tohsaka Family, Tokiomi would do his utmost to help Kirei find the real culprit.

"I've secured the core of the Lesser Holy Grail, but I lack a suitable vessel."

"What?" Tokiomi heard something completely unrelated.

But he couldn't process what was happening immediately.

His right hand, bearing the Command Spells, flew through the air.

It had already been swiftly and cleanly severed by Kirei. A heavy blow to the abdomen caused Tokiomi to lose consciousness before the pain could register, and he collapsed in the room.

"What I wish to borrow is precisely your body, Tokiomi, as a Magus," Kirei said with a delighted smile. "In the end, you still didn't understand my true nature, did you, my Master."

"What an utterly despicable man. Not content with killing his own father, he's now moved against his own teacher."

A golden figure gradually materialized and appeared on the sofa. Without even glancing at Tokiomi, he calmly commented on Kirei.

Since the Servant was present, Tokiomi, unaware of Gilgamesh's shift in thought, had lowered his guard considerably.

"After all, my Master still possesses Command Spells. If he had activated them before losing consciousness, even the King of Heroes would have found it troublesome," Kirei said dismissively.

"Well done," Gilgamesh sneered, looking at Kirei. "But the Grail has only recovered the souls of two Servants so far. It can't be activated at all, can it?"

"Should I have Assassin commit suicide?" Kirei asked.

"Leave that shadow for now. It may not have much power, but if handled properly, it can be useful cannon fodder," Gilgamesh said, standing up. "Though it's vexing, for now, let Tokiomi continue to serve as this King's Master and supply mana."

Command Spells were merely a means to maintain a contract. Even if the Command Spells were depleted, as long as the contract wasn't severed by the Servant, the actual Master-Servant relationship could continue.

Furthermore, Tokiomi's hand that held the Command Spells had been severed, making it impossible for him to use them.

"Then, let's leave the contract for later, King of Heroes," Kirei said, revealing the Command Spells on his right arm, managed by the Holy Church. "If necessary, these Command Spells can be used to provide mana."

Those were originally managed by his father. Even after death, special encryption methods remained, making them impossible to directly strip away.

"Oh? How did you obtain them?" Gilgamesh, who knew the inside story of these Command Spells, seemed somewhat interested.

Kirei Tohsaka revealed an evil smile. "For that, I can only thank my old friend."

He was referring to Xi Jianxi.

During a past mission they executed together, the target resisted and was reluctantly killed by Xi Jianxi before revealing any information.

Thus, Xi Jianxi taught Kirei a special necromantic magic – Speak With Dead.

According to Xi Jianxi's explanation, this magic could only be used to converse with the deceased by someone other than the one who killed them.

So, Kirei had only tried it last night, using it on his deceased father.

To his surprise, it had barely worked, managing only a brief answer before failing.

But one sentence was enough. Kirei had asked for the method to obtain those Command Spells.

John chapter 4.

Due to the sheer unexpectedness, the residual spiritual power of the deceased Risei was not even able to completely reject his son Kirei.

"It's that guy again."

Gilgamesh's interest grew even stronger.

Chapter 71: Strategy Meeting

At the same time, at the Xi Jianxi residence.

Unlike the last time Rider arrived with his bull chariot Noble Phantasm, Rider and Waver had arrived by a proper car.

"So early. I thought it would be around noon," Xi Jianxi said, teasing them as he opened the door.

"Your Familiar's message informed us, so we came," Waver pouted, seemingly displeased about being summoned so early.

"More importantly, how was your battle with Saber? Did you win or lose?" Iskandar asked, concerned about another matter as they followed Xi Jianxi into the courtyard and towards the house.

"There was no decisive outcome," Xi Jianxi said with a wry smile as he opened the door. "Originally, since Saber's faction didn't accept our discussion yesterday, we planned to control them or have their Servant retreat. However, the strategy we intended to execute with minimal bloodshed encountered some complications."

"Complications?" Waver sounded curious.

"And that complication is why I asked you to come," Xi Jianxi said, walking into the entrance hall.

After ushering them into the living room, they found Morgan had changed her attire again. Gone was the modern-style shirt and skirt from a few days ago, replaced by a striking Japanese-style blue kimono.

The tea served to guests had also changed from black tea to a more Japanese-style gyokuro.

But these were minor details. Once seated, Xi Jianxi briefly recounted the events of the previous night to Waver and Iskandar.

From curiosity to surprise, and finally to unease.

Even just listening, Waver already sensed that the Holy Grail War was once again heading into an abyss that no one could predict, solely from Xi Jianxi's description.

"Wait, wait, didn't your familiars say when they delivered the message that you'd gathered the other Masters to discuss things?"

Still processing the battle report from last night, Waver asked the most crucial question.

Xi Jianxi's familiars hadn't just sent a message to one person; they had contacted both Waver and Tokiomi simultaneously.

"The familiar that went to contact Tokiomi wasn't accepted and disappeared on its own," Xi Jianxi calmly explained his situation. "Besides the Saber faction we fought last night, I sent meeting requests to you and Mr. Tokiomi. But in the end, only your side showed up."

Although he had somewhat guessed that Tokiomi had been betrayed by his own Servant, considering Gilgamesh's words and actions throughout the Holy Grail War, he figured that Archer wouldn't have any loyalty to Tokiomi. Rather, it was Tokiomi who needed Gilgamesh's power and had to offer him the respect of a subordinate.

"So, you're saying Tokiomi Tohsaka refused your request for a meeting today?" Waver asked, lifting his teacup to take a sip.

Iskandar slapped Waver on the back, nearly causing him to scald his tongue with the hot tea. "Don't be so conservative at a time like this. From this young man's perspective, Archer has likely already betrayed his Master. No, 'betrayed' might be too strong a word; he's probably just abandoned him."

For a disciple of allied Masters, turning traitor was as easy as flipping a hand, and restraints like Command Spells had also become mere formalities.

"So, there are a few issues we need to discuss first," Xi Jianxi stated directly to Waver. "If you don't accept, then you don't accept. Regardless, Kirei Kotomine and Gilgamesh definitely don't intend to halt the Holy Grail War, whether it's to continue it or to use the corrupted Greater Holy Grail for something. A truce will likely be limited to just our two groups. The Einzberns haven't shown any signs of contacting us yet, so we'll put them aside for now, in the 'wait and see' category."

In fact, after being attacked by 'Lost Will,' the mental toll on Artoria and everyone else wouldn't be insignificant. Someone like Kirei Kotomine, who was completely unharmed and could even react quickly, intending to seize the Lesser Holy Grail container, was the true variable.

"Kid, you're the Master, so the decision is yours," Iskandar placed a hand on Waver's shoulder. The usually boisterous king was surprisingly earnest this time, like a life mentor.

In just a few days, Xi Jianxi could feel that Waver had become more composed compared to when they first met on the night of their initial battle.

"Let's hear it first. What are your thoughts?" Waver looked at Xi Jianxi and said.

In terms of magecraft skill, especially in combat, Xi Jianxi was far more outstanding than himself. Given the current situation, Lancer had already been defeated.

This meant that Xi Jianxi had even defeated Kayneth, who held titles like 'Child Prodigy' and 'Genius' even in the Mage's Association, a place filled with elites.

That person was, after all, a Lord of the Clock Tower.

"First, Tokiomi Tohsaka didn't accept my familiar's message and let it disappear. This doesn't necessarily mean something happened; he might have gone to the Holy Church first thing this morning. After all, the Tohsaka family are the administrators of this land of Fuyuki, and purifying the Greater Holy Grail is a very important matter," Xi Jianxi said, holding up a finger. "But we can't rule out the possibility that Mr. Tokiomi has been harmed. After we're prepared later, we'll need to go to the Tohsaka residence to check the situation there."

"Mm, he is an important person, after all," Waver found it acceptable. If it were him, he would also try to confirm Tokiomi's status at a time like this.

"Second, it's about Kirei Kotomine," Xi Jianxi frowned. "You should have noticed too, although he participated in the Holy Grail War as the Master of Assassin, Kirei is actually the son of the Holy Church supervisor, Risei Kotomine."

Iskandar was slightly surprised. "That old man looks to be in his seventies or eighties, and his son is only in his twenties. Was it a late child?"

"Probably," Xi Jianxi could only offer a wry smile at the Conqueror King's focus. After all, Alexander the Great had died suddenly in his thirties, so it was natural for him to find this surprising.

He straightened his posture and continued, "So, the second place is the Holy Church. I think it's necessary to visit the church again and make contact with that old priest."

Of course, this was just an ideal plan.

Considering Kirei's abnormal behavior last night, Xi Jianxi could only consider the worst-case scenario... that the man had succumbed to his nature and completely degenerated into a villain.

If that were the case, then Risei Kotomine, the Holy Church supervisor who nominally protected Kirei, might have also met a tragic end.

However, whether alive or dead, and regardless of the probability, the actual outcome needed to be confirmed.

"So, you mean our two groups will investigate the Tohsaka residence and the Church separately—"

Waver understood what Xi Jianxi intended to do upon hearing this. Just as he was about to confirm, the doorbell rang.

Chapter 72: Investigation Plan

The visitors were Saber and Irisviel. Kiritsugu Emiya, as usual, maintained his principle of not showing himself, acting from the shadows.

After inviting the two into the room, they were a bit surprised by Xi Jianxi's efficiency upon seeing Waver and Iskandar.

"Are your injuries no longer a problem?" Xi Jianxi asked politely.

"Yes," Irisviel replied. "'The Land of the Pure' is a very powerful conceptual armament. Just by being touched by its original wielder, Saber, the heart that was stolen from me began to regenerate rapidly."

"But as a price, your function as a Lesser Holy Grail has also been taken away," Morgan, who had been quietly listening, spoke up for the first time in a while.

Xi Jianxi had already reached an understanding with her on the entire matter, so there was no need for her to waste more words expressing her opinion. However, when it came to the issue of the Einzbern homunculus, Morgan knew that Xi Jianxi couldn't explain much, so she specifically spoke up to clarify.

"I gradually realized this after I woke up," Irisviel's expression was subtle, unsure whether it was joy or sorrow.

Xi Jianxi sat back down. "It seems Kirei probably never expected his malicious act to turn out to be helpful."

Jokes aside, the matter still needed to be discussed. Although they were a little late, Xi Jianxi quickly recounted the previous conversation to Artoria and Irisviel.

"So, to confirm again, we need to ascertain the situation at the Tohsaka residence and the Fuyuki Church, as well as the life and death of Tokiomi Tohsaka and the supervisor?" Irisviel expressed her understanding. "In the current situation, only Mr. Xi Jianxi's side can take the initiative. Coupled with the originally planned Greater Holy Grail purification plan, we Einzberns also agree to participate."

Hearing it from her mouth, Xi Jianxi didn't need to question whether it would be effective. He was confident that Kiritsugu Emiya wouldn't continue to object. That man had experienced the emotional rollercoaster of his wife's return from the brink last night, coupled with 'Lost Will.' Xi Jianxi speculated that he likely no longer had any desire to pursue the Holy Grail and just wanted to resolve this chaotic situation as quickly as possible.

"That's right. Now that the Einzberns have joined us, it means we have a three-to-two advantage in terms of Servants," Xi Jianxi said with a slight smile. "Given that the opposing side is the King of Heroes with an uncertain number of Noble Phantasms, it's hard to say how much of an advantage we have. But it's still something to be excited about."

His thoughts were met with the tacit agreement of the others present.

"And the last point, which we haven't discussed yet, is finding Kirei Kotomine's whereabouts. If Gilgamesh has re-contracted with Kirei, they must be acting together currently," Xi Jianxi said. "But that's a later matter; we should execute the two plans we just discussed first."

Irisviel thought for a moment. "Then Saber and I will be responsible for investigating the Tohsaka residence, and the Holy Church will be—"

"But in your current condition, wouldn't you just be a burden to your Servant if you encountered combat?" Xi Jianxi rejected her suggestion. "The Tohsaka residence will be handled by the Waver and Conqueror King pair. As for the Holy Church, we'll use the same method as when we intercepted Caster. Saber and I will go to the church to investigate, and Morgan will stay at home to prevent Assassin from launching a surprise attack and attempting to kidnap the children as hostages."

Although Morgan was a Berserker-class Servant, she also possessed the Caster-class skill 'Territory Creation.' Combined with Xi Jianxi's already established workshop, defending the territory would be no problem, even for the King of Heroes.

Of course, Xi Jianxi's selfish motive was that with Morgan guarding Sakura and Karen's safety, he could go to the front lines with peace of mind.

"Do you like acting together with Artoria that much, my husband?" Morgan suddenly asked.

Xi Jianxi touched his forehead. "Don't say things like that at a time like this. You know why I need you to stay and guard the rear, right?"

"Just joking, I want you to relax a bit," Morgan said with a faint smile. "Right now, both that priest and the King of Heroes are in the shadows. If the situation becomes urgent, just summon me with a Command Spell."

"Mhm."

The conversation, tinged with a bit of romance, eased the previously tense atmosphere. Led by Iskandar, the others burst into laughter, causing even the usually composed Xi Jianxi to feel awkward for a while.

Only Morgan continued to drink her tea naturally.

"There's also one more thing..." Aliceviel said hesitantly at this moment.

"Please, go ahead." Xi Jianxi was about to prepare for their departure, so he sat back down.

Aliceviel looked at him and Morgan helplessly. "In fact, Maiya hasn't woken up yet. It seems she was also affected by that large-scale magic last night."

Morgan was slightly surprised by this statement.

After all, she had already dispelled the 'Lost Will.' The fact that Maiya was still unconscious meant there was likely only one possibility.

That the female assistant, who appeared so calm that her emotions were smoothed away, had completely failed to withstand the 'Lost Will.'

"If it's convenient, please bring her to my humble abode. Morgan can examine her personally," Xi Jianxi said, looking at Morgan inquiringly. He spoke only after she nodded slightly.

After receiving their consent, Aliceviel's expression finally brightened a little.

She had talked with Kiritsugu for a long time last night, about the Holy Grail War, about that ideal, and about their child, Illya.

Everything.

Kiritsugu had made his choice, and Aliceviel knew it was painful. But if he didn't, what awaited Kiritsugu might be an even deeper pain that he would never be able to erase in his lifetime.

"Speaking of which, Waver Velvet." As Xi Jianxi stood up, he remembered something he had forgotten earlier. "You haven't been attacked by anyone using magic, have you? Like controlling insects or something?"

Waver looked utterly confused. "Magic that controls insects? No..."

Although he wasn't a particularly outstanding Magus, he wasn't a complete layman when it came to magic.