The Prelude to War

The sheer size of this soul meant that the origin of this world could not confine him, and he was free to choose and obtain everything he needed.

The soul of a god?

It's somewhat similar, but that description isn't very specific.

Treasures from beyond this world...

For me, this is quite a nice collectible, and it's a decent trophy as spoils of this Holy Grail War.

Thinking this, Gilgamesh smiled.

On the other side, Iskandar, listening to Rovey's eloquent explanation of the Holy Grail's principles and origins, couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"Strategist, you actually know so much about the inside story of the Holy Grail War... Sacrifice, and wish-granting machines, which means that this Holy Grail War is indeed real. This is really good news for me."

'So, is this another result of Parallel World Observation?'

Compared to Iskandar's excited expression, Weber's expression was noticeably calmer.

He knew some inside information, although it was all just Rovey fooling him.

Kenneth's face contorted at that moment.

Second Magic User, Third Magic...

Such niche terms, I never expected him to encounter them all at a Magecraft ceremony in the countryside.

For a moment, Kenneth felt that the Holy Grail War was far too complex and unpredictable.

Could this small rural area really be so full of hidden talents?

"As additional information, there's something amiss with this Holy Grail, so I plan to observe it for a while. Even if I eventually obtain the Holy Grail, I won't use it directly. Instead, I'll examine it and purify it myself until I'm certain there are no problems before using it."

This information wasn't in any of the Three Families' databases, so it can be considered firsthand information provided by Rovey.

Even if not everything was explained clearly, the question was answered without any concealment.

"Interesting... I had a feeling something was off a while ago, and it turns out I was right."

Gilgamesh, very satisfied with Rovey's honesty and his soul, slowly raised his palm. The three unsuitable Noble Phantasm on the ground disappeared, replaced by a dazzling gem that radiated seven colors and floated in front of Rovey.

"Boy, your answer is good, so keep it safe. This is the most appropriate reward for you, and it is also a sign of my benevolence."

After all the questions were answered, Gilgamesh nodded with satisfaction. "I am very pleased with the offerings you have presented tonight."

Looking at the magical gem radiating seven-colored light floating in front of him, even the usually calm Rovey couldn't help but twitch his face slightly when he saw it.

Originally, he only intended to get a decent Age of Gods wand or Noble Phantasm from Gilgamesh, but to his surprise, the king was so generous that he actually gave it away.

—The Philosopher's Stone.

This is the lifelong pursuit of all Alchemy, a treasure owned by the Old Worm's former best friend, von Paracelsus von Hohenheim.

He is a great treasure of the Magecraft World, and his achievements are in no way inferior to that of the genius who wrote the Law Book. He organized and summarized natural True Magic into an excellent theoretical system.

In its theory, four spirits exist in the universe: the earth spirit Gnom, the water spirit Undine, the wind spirit Sylph, and the fire spirit Salamander. Even now, much of Alchemy still uses this system.

Regarding the legend of von Paracelsus von Hohenheim and the Philosopher's Stone, no clear record has been found in the Magecraft World that von Paracelsus von Hohenheim successfully forged the Philosopher's Stone. However, a book on alchemy called "The Golden Sail" records a story about the Philosopher's Stone.

But no matter what, this thing is indeed the most suitable treasure for his demonic cultivation system.

With the help of this treasure, the potential of the thing he's about to create might be raised to an incredibly high level; perhaps he really could summon some extraordinary behemoth.

Under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Rovey grabbed the Philosopher's Stone that was floating in front of him and instantly absorbed it into his body.

'Well, as for what happens next...'

Seeing that things were almost resolved satisfactorily, Gilgamesh glanced behind him. Tokiomi Tohsaka, whose expression had been uncertain since Rovey's words, and whose eyes held a murderous glint, had a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth.

Although I'm already tired of him, killing him so easily would be too lenient and boring. Perhaps he's a decent clown, and keeping him around would bring its own unique kind of fun.

Only...

"Boy, how about I give you one more chance to choose?"

"Please speak."

Gilgamesh stared at Rovey and asked with a rather serious expression.

"Abandon that useless Servant behind you and choose to submit to me. After the Holy Grail War ends, I can bestow upon you the Holy Grail and even more treasures."

"... Archer!!"

Upon hearing that Gilgamesh Tokiomi Tohsaka no longer sit still and almost roared out in anger.

But in response, only a few golden blades shot out and pierced right in front of him, startling Tokiomi Tohsaka suddenly sat down on the ground.

Gilgamesh's meaning was clear at this moment: if Tokiomi Tohsaka dared to interrupt him again, then there would be no need for this clown to exist.

"To pledge allegiance to you... that is a difficult choice indeed. Although I know that if I were to pledge allegiance to you, my future path would be smooth sailing. With your mercy and generosity, my path of magic would be unstoppable, and even the Holy Grail would be within my grasp. But unfortunately, I have already promised my Scáthach that I will personally help her fulfill her wish, and my life will be entrusted to her spear. Therefore, I cannot comply."

"... I see. It seems I'm late this time."

Gilgamesh glanced at Scáthach, who had somehow ended up standing next to Rovey, and didn't press the matter. He then laughed heartily.

But soon, the smile that had been plastered all over his face vanished, replaced by a domineering and greedy look. His gaze was fixed on Rovey in front of him, and then he spoke without any attempt to conceal it.

"However, even so, all the treasures in this world still belong to me! This naturally includes you, a treasure that I have never controlled."

Upon hearing this, Rovey couldn't help but shudder.

'I have a feeling I'm being watched by some ominous person. Could this guy have... that kind of fetish?'

Thinking of the unofficial history recorded in the Epic of Gilgamesh, he suddenly felt a sharp tightening behind him.

"You want to steal my Master? Arrogant King of Heroes, my silence doesn't mean I have no objections. If you want to take my treasure from me, then ask this Crimson Magic Spear if it agrees."

Faced with Gilgamesh's threat, Scáthach stepped forward, her beautiful and intoxicating crimson eyes, as red as wine, clashing with Gilgamesh's dragon-like pupils, and she retaliated without hesitation.

"Hmph, Queen of the Land of Shadows, I know what you desire. Queen of the Demon Realm, do not be arrogant, for I will personally grant you the death you seek."

Gilgamesh sneered and said that no one in this world could stop him from getting what he wanted, not even the Queen of the Demon Realm.

"Kill me? Heh, you mean you think you can cross the seven gates of the Land of Shadows and bring me death with this body that is controlled by humanity and has been defeated by death? Don't make me laugh, Gilgamesh. You have been defeated by death once and suffered terribly. Now you have all sorts of confidence and shamelessly tell me that you want to defeat death."

"As my Master said, we have made a pact. His fate is entrusted to the blade of my spear, and my life will be ended by him. So this time, I am determined to win the Holy Grail and hand it over to my like-minded Master. Anyone who stands in our way of fulfilling our pact, whoever they are, will be killed without hesitation by my spear."

Scáthach responded with a cold laugh in return.

His words made no attempt to conceal his high regard and favoritism towards Rovey.

This scene moved Iskandar, who was standing to the side.

The strategist truly lived up to his name, managing to gain the favor and recognition of himself, the King of Heroes, and the Demon Queen simultaneously. If he weren't already quite satisfied with his own little Master, he would have been tempted to snatch him away right then and there.

Kenneth shook his head at the sight of the war started to win over Rovey, while Fionn mac Cumhaill found it amusing. If he had met such an outstanding and interesting person in his lifetime, he would have gone to great lengths to recruit him into his knightly order.

Tokiomi Tohsaka, who was disliked by his own Servant and had to watch Gilgamesh and Scáthach almost fight over a Magus, was completely speechless.

... I was here first, so how did things turn out like this?

"Very good, very good! That's the kind of spirit I need, otherwise I won't feel any pleasure when I kill you, haha ..."

Upon hearing Scáthach's answer, Gilgamesh laughed heartily, his face filled with anticipation and excitement.

"The pinnacle of martial arts! I truly wish to experience it for myself!"

"Not bad, not bad, really not bad, you mongrels, I had a great time tonight." After laughing, Gilgamesh's figure gradually disappeared from the courtyard, leaving only a few golden specks of light fading away and the sound echoing in the courtyard.

"When we meet again, I will kill you without hesitation and claim my spoils."

The sound faded away, Gilgamesh's figure completely disappeared. Only the remaining Servant and Master remained, along with Tokiomi Tohsaka Gilgamesh had abandoned there.

Rovey walked up to Tokiomi Tohsaka and casually patted him on the shoulder.

"Tohsaka Patriarch, if you wish to return, I can offer you a ride."

Kenneth's eyes lit up behind him.

Now that the guests have left, the banquet can no longer continue.

Rejecting Artoria's offer to stay, Rovey smiled slightly and reminded her that she could only open the letter after she had figured out those three questions. The answers could be asked when they met again.

He let out a hearty laugh. Then, having amassed a full load, he didn't linger any longer and left with Scáthach.

The assembled Heroic Spirit were also tacitly aware of this.

Because they knew that after this banquet, the fighting would no longer be just minor skirmishes.

Some are ready to bring this Holy Grail War to a close.

Chapter Sixty-Three: The Prelude to the War (7,000 words)

'Is it... about to begin? The true Holy Grail War.'

"It seems that after some minor skirmishes, it's time to get serious."

The young man leaned back in his chair, gazing at the gray ceiling, and let out a soft sigh. However, there was no trace of melancholy on his face at this moment; instead, there was more of an excitement.

"Gilgamesh really something, he managed to get most of what I said out of him... This made Professor Kenneth realize that I obviously had an ulterior motive."

"Even if I go back now, I won't be able to gain their trust so easily anymore. Once the seeds of suspicion are sown, it's hard to remove them easily. And Tokiomi Tohsaka, when I laid out the whole truth, his life should be in grave danger, right? I was even planning to give Matou Kariya a chance to face him head-on, what a pity... but..."

Why didn't Matou Kariya come? Is there some problem with Berserker again?

Recalling what happened at that banquet and all that he had experienced, Rovey couldn't help but sigh and kept muttering to himself.

"Master, do you have a headache?" Scáthach suddenly asked, leaning back in her chair, and then asked him in return, "I can't tell at all. Anyway, what you paid for tonight is nothing, right? You shouldn't even have any emotional reaction to it."

"As expected of Queen Scáthach, she really knows me."

Upon hearing this, Rovey slowly stood up from his chair and said confidently, "They should be the ones with a headache. Whether it's revealing their little scheme to sacrifice Archer to reach the Root, or having their attack plan exposed prematurely, these are all trivial matters to me. After all, we've already achieved our biggest goal, haven't we? And we've even gained something quite unexpected. Next, all we need to do is use Irisviel as a bargaining chip to exchange with them."

"Tsk tsk, junior Crowley, your remarks really make this senior sister feel quite sad..."

Just as Rovey was talking to Scáthach, Aozaki Touko, who had been ordered by Rovey to pack up Irisviel, pushed open the door and came out. She was wearing her signature trench coat, and because she had spent so much time in the workshop with all sorts of messy experimental materials, Aozaki Touko's hair was a bit messy, and she was covered in an unpleasant mixed smell of materials.

"You should take a shower, Aoko Senior."

Upon seeing the other party appear, Rovey fanned his nose and then kindly reminded him.

"You have the nerve to say you have a place to take a shower here?"

Aozaki Touko rolled her eyes at Rovey's complaints, then looked around at the parking lot beneath her feet, which Rovey had completely sealed off with special Magecraft.

This place is more than ten meters above the ground. There is no bathroom, let alone any living facilities. No wonder Scáthach keeps clamoring to go out and play. After all, the environment here is not much better than the Land of Shadows. It is really not a place for humans to live.

However, those so-called flaws are all worldly issues; in the eyes of Magus, this place is close to the Leyline and also near the Greater Grail. If one wants to extract magical energy and maintain secrecy, this is indeed an excellent location, one could say a uniquely auspicious place.

As for comfort, Rovey never even considered it.

Compared to those unimportant things, what he cared about now was the seven-colored gem hanging in the very center of the hall, and the white cup below that was emitting light and constantly merging with it. At this moment, the two complemented each other and reflected each other, and what he had been looking forward to had now begun to take true shape.

Even when Rovey witnessed this important scene, his eyes couldn't help but become excited.

'It's finally almost over, my Supreme Mystic Code is here.'

"What an amazing ritual! It uses the magic power accumulated from the Leyline and the Holy Grail as materials to create this, and then combines your unique theories and techniques with the Rune engraved on it. It feels almost like a creation of the gods."

Scáthach, standing nearby, shared her opinion. She also expressed growing admiration for her Master's methods.

The formal attire before me is an absolute treasure that only a god of craftsmen could forge, let alone in the Age of Gods. It's hard to imagine that it was created by a modern Magus, especially in this era.

That's amazing, truly amazing.

Scáthach was already anticipating the power this thing would unleash when it was fully unleashed. Perhaps only something of this caliber could ultimately satisfy her.

"Yes, after all, this is Supreme Mystic Code that incorporates the Philosopher's Stone..."

Rovey nodded. Through his tireless efforts, nearly a third of the magical energy accumulated in the Leyline of Fuyuki City and the Greater Grail had been extracted and, under his precise manipulation, gathered here, forming the new pseudo- Holy Grail before him—his planned Supreme Mystic Code. Now, with the addition of the Philosopher's Stone bestowed upon him by Gilgamesh, what was already a certainty suddenly became even more intriguing, and the progress had taken a huge leap forward.

The formal attire before him had become even more perfect than he had anticipated.

It has truly reached the level of divine creation; it looks absolutely magnificent...

"Sigh, really, their research was just at a crucial juncture, and as soon as you came back, you asked me to bring that android out, and even said you wanted to exchange the Lesser Grail for Avalon. It's really baffling."

Aozaki Touko, who had just been summoned from the workshop, was somewhat annoyed by the interruption of her research and by Rovey's decision, and also harbored doubts.

"Avalon is valuable, but it can't compare to the Lesser Grail, can it? Apart from King Arthur, none of us can use that Noble Phantasm. Even if we got it, it would only be a healing and curse-removing amulet at best. Is it really worth exchanging the Lesser Grail for with Emiya Kiritsugu?" Aozaki Touko asked.

She was completely baffled by Rovey's thoughts, and couldn't understand why he would exchange the Lesser Grail for an unusable Avalon. After all, the meaning of the Holy Grail War was to achieve final victory. And clearly, in this respect, the Lesser Grail's value far surpassed that of Avalon. So... what exactly was Rovey doing?

Despite her confusion, Aozaki Touko did not refuse Rovey's request.