Or, you guys find another savior

"If not, then that's good... The Matou Family, the only one of the three families not participating in this Holy Grail War, their family head has been secretly active." Xi Jianxi gravely informed everyone, "As fellow Magus whose objectives are unclear, I hope you will all pay attention in secret."

Irisviel nodded silently, recalling the intelligence Kiritsugu had gathered about Fuyuki. As one of the three families, the Matou Family had also been a focus of attention.

"The Matou Family has no successor, so it's likely they're trying to take advantage of the situation if they can't find a solution."

Xi Jianxi, who also knew this information, told everyone this before departing.

Furthermore, Xi Jianxi had made plans to "visit" Zouken Matou at the Matou Family residence at some point.

Chapter 73: The Empty Church

Since receiving his Command Spells and being forced to participate in the Holy Grail War, Xi Jianxi had spent two years investigating various aspects of Fuyuki.

This included the spiritual vein conditions of Fuyuki, as well as the Magus families that had resided there for generations.

Tohsaka, Matou, and the Einzberns, who owned a castle in the forest outside the city, Xi Jianxi had thoroughly researched them all within his capabilities.

The Holy Church, as one of the potential locations for the Holy Grail's descent and having a history of such events, naturally required more attention.

However, the church, usually quiet, exuded an even more desolate atmosphere than usual, which made Xi Jianxi feel that something was amiss.

It wasn't just because the season was still deep winter.

After using a probing magic to survey the church's surroundings, Xi Jianxi nodded to Artoria, who was accompanying him, and then they pushed open the door, cautiously advancing into the church.

"Speaking of which, during the strategy meeting before we left, your tone suggested you knew that man named Kirei?"

As they walked through the courtyard towards the chapel doors, Artoria asked.

"As a Magus of the Mage's Association, I've undertaken tasks that required cooperation with the Holy Church in the past. Among the Holy Church's Rectors I worked with then was Kirei." Xi Jianxi did not hide anything.

Being vague at this point would only create a fatal rift in their alliance, which was already formed under special circumstances.

Perhaps for Kirei and Gilgamesh, this would be more in line with their interests.

"I see," Artoria understood.

The Magus society wasn't that large, nor was it small. Hidden in the shadows of human society, they dealt with mysteries their entire lives. As they were all Easterners, it wasn't surprising they knew each other.

"It's just that I don't know Kirei very well; our acquaintance is based on our work relationship," Xi Jianxi continued. "In terms of strength, Kirei is considered one of the best among the Rectors."

Artoria looked at Xi Jianxi as he pushed open the door. "But compared to you, who can challenge a Servant alone as a human Magus, he should still be a bit behind, right?"

"...I'm something of an anomaly." Xi Jianxi could only smile wryly at this.

Inside the church chapel, the furnishings were the same as always. There was no change compared to yesterday, or even two years ago.

"Instead of my business, how about you, Saber?" Xi Jianxi asked. "Although it's not very precise, when I saw you today, I felt like some of your confusion was gone."

Artoria surveyed the chapel, carefully sensing other presences nearby. "I can only say it's thanks to the two of you."

She then looked at Xi Jianxi. "That magic, is it yours, or Queen Sister's?"

"What do you think?" Xi Jianxi crouched down and checked under the altar.

It was clean, not even a speck of dust.

"It should be Queen Sister's magic," Artoria said. She didn't understand Morgan very well, so she couldn't specifically deduce what type of magic it was.

However, given the situation at the time, she, with her A-rank Magic Resistance, was easily affected by Morgan's magic. Perhaps during their previous cooperation, Morgan had used the opportunity to enter the castle to leave a contingency plan that might be useful.

The chapel showed no abnormalities, and Xi Jianxi and Artoria moved from there into the back of the church.

Xi Jianxi knew very little about the church's overall layout. He vaguely knew that the back area was where church staff worked and rested, and it was said that five meters underground, there was a sanctuary even larger than the chapel.

He assumed the one above ground was for receiving citizens, while the one underground was for the Holy Church's secret activities.

However, that was secondary. As soon as they entered the dark corridor of the back work area, both Xi Jianxi and Artoria smelled a distinct scent of blood.

As a Magus and a Sword Servant who had seen their share of blood, they weren't nauseated by it.

But it unequivocally indicated that the situation had devolved to the worst possible outcome, just as Xi Jianxi had predicted.

Pushing open the slightly ajar office door, a large pool of blood on the floor had soaked most of the carpet. The chill of winter, combined with the lack of ventilation and light, allowed them to see the dampness of the blood on the carpet under Xi Jianxi's illumination spell.

"What is this..." Artoria frowned.

Xi Jianxi crouched down to examine it. "Judging by the bloodstains and the season, the time of death would not exceed five hours."

"Are these bloodstains left by the supervisor?"

"Most likely. They probably just moved the body and didn't have enough time to clean up the bloodstains," Xi Jianxi calmly analyzed. "Father Kirei was originally a Rector of the Holy Church. For him to be killed so easily, besides his son, whom he would never guard against, there shouldn't be any other killer."

As he spoke, he stood up and took a few steps back. Artoria also moved aside.

Xi Jianxi extended his hand, and mana circulated through his magic circuits before being quietly released.

A pale blue light enveloped the bloodstains, and after a moment, countless light particles rose, gradually forming the shape of a person.

Although it was only an outline, it was recognizable as Kirei.

The figure first stood, then suddenly froze, and finally knelt forward onto the ground.

This result repeated itself, much like playing a video.

"A magic that shows the deceased's state at the moment of death?" Artoria asked. "Is it a type of necromancy?"

"It's not necromancy," Xi Jianxi said, crossing his arms. "If there is a corpse, depending on the circumstances, it can sometimes even reveal the killer's outline. Although I don't think it's very useful in this situation."

Artoria nodded, "Mm... judging by the state of the body, it's undoubtedly someone caught off guard, stabbed from behind—"

She demonstrated by placing her hand on Xi Jianxi's back, "A fatal wound that pierced through the body, causing immediate death."

"There's no need for a demonstration, no matter how you look at it," Xi Jianxi grinned.

Artoria smiled confidently, "This is a small return for you and Queen Sister attacking us under the cover of night. Next time, please attack head-on."

"I doubt there will be a next time."

Xi Jianxi walked away from her and searched the room briefly.

Besides Holy Church documents, this room contained various files related to the Holy Grail War. Xi Jianxi meticulously checked them as a precaution, but found nothing worth collecting.

Rin Tohsaka was dead. Once he confirmed Tokiomi's possible whereabouts, he could begin searching for Kirei and Gilgamesh.

After explaining this to Artoria, they both turned to leave the church.

Chapter 74: Encounter (1)

"While this might not be the most appropriate time, may I ask you a question, Xi Jianxi?"

As they walked out into the chapel, Artoria asked.

"That depends on the question. If you're asking about my magic or trump cards, I'm afraid I can't answer," Xi Jianxi replied with a matter-of-fact expression.

"Of course, I know that as a Magus, one must always conceal their foundations," Artoria shook her head. "What I want to ask is about Queen Sister."

Xi Jianxi raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting the question to be about that. "Then ask away."

After he gave his permission, Artoria let out a sigh.

"...Is that Morgan truly the Morgan I know?"

Artoria's question left Xi Jianxi momentarily bewildered.

It wasn't an inquiry about a Servant's information, nor was it curiosity about her private life. It was simply... a question of whether "she was she."

"I don't quite understand what you mean," Xi Jianxi said, standing in the sunlight streaming through the chapel window.

"My apologies, my phrasing was poor," Artoria apologized sincerely. "It's just that from our first battle with Morgan, to our subsequent cooperation, and some things after that..."

Morgan was indeed Morgan, and even Artoria didn't think someone was impersonating her.

Yet, she undeniably felt something else from that Morgan.

Similar, yet not entirely. The same person, but not quite.

Her naturally sharp intuition led the King of Knights to this doubt, prompting her to seek confirmation from Morgan's Master.

Xi Jianxi remained silent for a moment before speaking, "I have two questions for you as well."

"Please, go ahead."

"Morgan looks very much like you... When she was a girl, did she look exactly like you do now?" Xi Jianxi asked.

Artoria frowned, "I was adopted by Hector since birth and didn't see much of Queen Sister until I was fifteen and pulled the Sword of Selection, becoming king."

"Then... the second question." Xi Jianxi turned to look at Artoria. "In your era, was there a place in Britain called the 'Rainy Country'?"

The second question puzzled Artoria even more. "Britain does rain frequently, so it wouldn't be strange for the entire country to be called a rainy land. But if a specific place was referred to as such, I haven't heard of it."

"Is that so?" Xi Jianxi gradually understood.

Perhaps because she rarely discussed the customs of Britain with people, Artoria added a bit more.

"Speaking of rain, I recall that in my time, to the north of Britain, there was an archipelago called Orkney, where it was said to rain all year round. I only briefly stationed there once or twice due to political or military affairs, and during that time, the rain in that area never stopped."

Xi Jianxi nodded quietly and then expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for answering my questions. It's more appropriate to ask someone from that era about certain things."

"I hope I could help."

"As for Morgan," Xi Jianxi thought for a moment. "She is who she is, so please don't worry about it anymore. At least... she wouldn't betray you."

Artoria immediately chuckled, "I understand. Since you have such faith in Queen Sister, I shouldn't waste more words. Please forget my previous question."

Saber interpreted Xi Jianxi's words as him defending Morgan.

He intended to explain further, but as he walked towards the chapel entrance and placed his hand on the door, the sensation from outside, an aura that surpassed the chill of winter, made Xi Jianxi's heart tighten.

Artoria also quickly dropped her casual demeanor and leaned against the door with Xi Jianxi, one on each side.

Extending an arm, she slowly pushed the chapel door open a crack.

A presumptuous and arrogant golden figure stood at the open main entrance of the church, not even wearing his golden armor.

Gilgamesh.

They both confirmed the sudden appearance of this Servant. Artoria almost instantly switched to battle attire.

"It doesn't look like a surprise interception," Xi Jianxi said, looking at Artoria.

"Meaning, it's impossible to retreat through the back door before he reveals himself," she agreed with Xi Jianxi's assessment. "There's one Servant here, and one Master who rivals a Servant. If we team up, we should be able to retreat temporarily."

With all their true names exposed, only Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm remained an unknown.

Perhaps the treasury of countless Noble Phantasms was his Noble Phantasm, but what then?

Like other Servants, he should also have a trump card he hadn't revealed yet.

The original plan was to locate Kirei and the King of Heroes before launching a joint surprise attack, but the opponent clearly wasn't planning to wait and made the first move.

"The remaining question is, who is he targeting?" Xi Jianxi extended a hand, and a crimson spear appeared in it.

Artoria was slightly surprised. "Is that... a Noble Phantasm?"

Not a Servant, yet possessing a Noble Phantasm.

Could it be that, like Irisviel and the others, he found something passed down from the past in this era?

"We'll discuss that later. Let's go out."

After exchanging a look with Saber, the two of them pushed open the door and walked out together.

"Oh? Just as Kirei said, they've come to the Church to gather information." Gilgamesh had one hand in his pocket. "Saber, and the God Slayer."

As his words fell, over a dozen golden gates opened, and various prototype Noble Phantasms slowly appeared.

"This area is too open, making it disadvantageous to fight against long-range projectiles." Xi Jianxi glanced at the side of the church with his peripheral vision and quietly reminded Artoria, "Let's use the first wave of attacks to lure him into the woods over there."

"I understand. Please be careful." Artoria gripped her invisible sword, thinking that perhaps she would need to unleash her Noble Phantasm's true name.

For some reason, if Xi Jianxi were to die here, she didn't know how she would face Morgan's expression then.

Even though... for just one day, she had never interacted with that person as a sister or sibling.

"Never mind. Although it's still too early, only two Servants have retreated. Only when one or two more disappear can that thing start operating." Gilgamesh raised his hand, and those Noble Phantasms extended further. "If you don't want to die, struggle with all your might, mongrels."

With a light wave of his left hand, the Noble Phantasms flew towards the two like raindrops.

The explosion kicked up thick smoke, engulfing Xi Jianxi and Artoria. Gilgamesh stood calmly in place; if they were finished with just this attack, he would be disappointed.

Suddenly, a spinning scythe flew out from the dust and smoke, heading straight for Gilgamesh.