The Prelude to War (Continued)

At most, she's just a little reluctant to let go of the Third Magic she's acquired, so she wants to do everything she can to thoroughly understand it. But she hasn't truly forgotten the whole story.

Aozaki Touko knew very well that even her opportunity to touch the Lesser Grail and undo the Third Magic was only because Rovey considered her a friend and wanted to help her resolve the inner conflict that had once troubled her. For this, he was even willing to share the existence of the Third Magic and the secrets of the Holy Grail War with her, and to provide her with all the necessary support without reservation.

In comparison, what she did for Rovey was completely disproportionate.

She had originally planned to use her magical achievements, Rune, as a form of reciprocation, but when Scáthach appeared, her so-called runes became a complete joke.

After all, anyone with eyes can see how much Scáthach values and is satisfied with Rovey. Although the two only spent a short time together, their relationship is like that of old friends, trusting each other and entrusting each other with their backs.

Rovey could delegate as much authority as possible to Scáthach, to the point of being overly free. He would unconditionally provide Scáthach with whatever she wanted, encourage her to go out and see the modern world, and promised to fulfill her wishes in his own way at the last moment.

As for Rovey, Scáthach was equally willing to trust him and wholeheartedly help him achieve victory. The two were like tacit comrades- Rune, and naturally, she had already given him runes long ago.

In her time, Scáthach would teach anyone who sincerely wanted to learn, let alone Rovey, who was now quite to her liking. If time allowed, she would love to personally train Rovey and take him on as a disciple, nurturing him into a hero no less than Cú Chulainn.

In contrast, Aozaki Touko, who not only had to work like a slave but also had to please others, and yet had only obtained three runes so far, undoubtedly looked rather dejected. Who knows, she might even ask Rovey for more runes later.

Sigh, after thinking it over, I realize I'm owing more and more favors...

I no longer know how to pay it back.

Aozaki Touko sighed helplessly.

However, Rovey didn't care much about what he was thinking, and he didn't hide the information he knew from her.

"The reason for abandoning the Lesser Grail is that, in any case, it will eventually return to the place where the Holy Grail descended as the Holy Grail War is nearing its end. Even if she holds it, it won't be of much use, not to mention that the Greater Grail is currently facing some problems. Therefore, exchanging it for Avalon with Emiya Kiritsugu is the option that will maximize the benefits."

Rovey patiently explained to Aozaki Touko, then he strode up to the altar in the center of the room, and stood before the Supreme Mystic Code that was about to be completed, gently stroking its smooth and beautiful outline.

"Now I have extracted nearly a third of the Greater Grail's magic power, and with the Philosopher's Stone provided by Gilgamesh, combined with Rune and Alchemy Array, I have completed the conceptual part of it. It can be said that this pseudo- Holy Grail in my hand is comparable to the Greater Grail in all aspects except for its slightly inferior magical power. So, there is no need to worry."

"As for the other reason, Gilgamesh's King of Heroes Noble Phantasm is Ea, a terrifying Noble Phantasm capable of destroying the world. Even Scáthach would find it difficult to contend with its power. Furthermore, since Scáthach's primary role this time is Caster, even her ultimate trump card is unfortunately countered by his Noble Phantasm. Therefore, we need a Noble Phantasm that can withstand Ea as a substitute to bait his Ea. And that thing, besides the grave of a certain Sun King and the Chains of Heaven, is only the scabbard Avalon, which also possesses the attribute of Anti-Purification. Moreover, Aoko- senpai, you should know that the threat King Arthur poses to us is completely different whether he has Avalon or not. Doing this can weaken King Arthur's strength and also withstand the King of Heroes' Noble Phantasm, so why wouldn't I do it? As for the method of releasing it..."

Rovey smiled, then slowly released the pink petals in his hand, and continued, "Originally, I planned to use Alchemy with a sufficient amount of magic to forcibly activate it. But fortunately, a certain magical being, in order to get me to help him awaken a certain princess who couldn't wake up, offered to provide the method of activation. Thanks to him, the odds of winning are much higher than before, and it's clear that we can begin the final battle."

While patiently explaining his plan to her, Rovey reached out and gently soothed the Supreme Mystic Code in front of him, which was trembling slightly and seemed eager to be born.

"Be patient, be patient. Although we've reached the final moment, this is only the second half. Our battle should be saved for last."

He lowered his head and murmured softly, as if trying to soothe its emotions with words.

'Awaken the princess, a magical being—what strange things are these? Is this some kind of fairy tale?'

After listening to Rovey's explanation, Aozaki Touko still had some doubts, but she had no objections.

After all, from beginning to end, this junior student in front of her had never betrayed her or lied to her on important matters. Even though some unexpected things happened, the battle had remained entirely within his plan. Aside from offering a small helping hand, she had done nothing else to achieve the current results.

Since things have come to this, why shouldn't she trust him? Rather, since she's already indebted to him so much, at this crucial moment, she should be the one accompanying him to make a difference.

Thinking of this, Aozaki Touko couldn't help but chuckle, then a carefree smile appeared on her lips.

"Since you've made up your mind, then go for it. Although I don't know your specific plans, I'm ready to go anytime this time."

"Even if you really crash and burn, as long as you don't die too badly, even if you're left with only a breath left, I have a way to pull you back from the brink of death."

"Is that so... That's a reassuring assurance. Anyway, thank you for your concern, Aoko- senpai."

Upon hearing Aozaki Touko's assurance, Rovey couldn't help but smile slightly.

He then glanced at the ritual array in front of him, which was ready to be activated, and the ceremonial attire hanging above it. He shook his head slightly and then answered his own question.

Failure?

No, absolutely not.

Now that things have come to this point, and we've already gone this far, how could we possibly fail?

All that awaits him is the ultimate victory.

Since that's the case...

"Then let's set off together and achieve victory in this Holy Grail War."

After their final chat, Rovey noticed that it was almost time to meet Emiya Kiritsugu. He looked at Scáthach, who was already fully prepared and smiling at him while holding her spear, and Aozaki Touko, who had just lit a cigarette for him and had a carefree smile on her lips. A smile involuntarily appeared on his face as well.

"We have no rivals ahead of us."

As he spoke, he reached out and pushed open the door, stepping into the outside world. Then, he suddenly brushed his hair back, instantly changing his hairstyle and completely abandoning his humble image as a kind-hearted person. He now revealed a sharp and ambitious gaze, looking down upon this boundless world.

The two people behind him had different feelings about this situation. Aoko sighed, but didn't say anything.

Scáthach, on the other hand, found this situation rather cool, and summoned her weapon to stand beside him. Then, together they walked into this boundless world.

Yes, we have no rivals ahead of us.

He firmly believed this in his heart.

Meanwhile, at the Tohsaka Residence.

"Thank you for your hard work, Kirei. Now that we've reached the final moment, you can't be of any more help without Servant. But that's fine, I'll take care of the rest of the Holy Grail War."

Not long ago, Kirei Kotomine used the excuse that his Assassin had left the stage to bid farewell to Tokiomi Tohsaka and explained his intention to return to the headquarters of the Church.

While Tokiomi Tohsaka felt regretful, he couldn't press the matter further. After all, Kirei Kotomine had already provided him with more than enough assistance in this Holy Grail War. Whether it was the cooperation of the Assassins or Kirei's tireless efforts to manage the situation, Tokiomi Tohsaka felt deeply gratified.

As expected of Risei Kotomine's son, he is indeed shrewd and capable, destined for greatness. Therefore, Tokiomi Tohsaka also greatly admires Kirei Kotomine as a student.

If he can escape unscathed, Tokiomi Tohsaka will be happy for him.

"I'm sorry, my teacher."

But in the face of Tosaka Tokiomi's emotion, Kotomine Kirei kept his head lowered, making it difficult for people to see his expression at the moment.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. Anyway, thank you for your hard work..."

Tokiomi Tohsaka shook his head slightly, then took out an antique-looking gray box from the box he had taken out and handed it to Kirei Kotomine.

"This is...?"

Kirei Kotomine was slightly taken aback when he saw the box that Tokiomi Tohsaka handed to him.

"This is a mercury sword."

Tokiomi Tohsaka gently opened the wooden box in his hand, and then solemnly handed the silver-white ceremonial sword to Kirei Kotomine, his prized disciple.

"This ceremonial sword was passed down to me by my father many years ago. It symbolizes that I have completed all the Magecraft training of the Tohsaka Family and become Magus can stand on his own. Now, as your teacher, I am going to give you this gift."

"..."

Kirei Kotomine silently accepted the short sword without answering.

After presenting the completed Mystic Code, Tokiomi Tohsaka continued solemnly, "Kirei, just in case, I have already made arrangements for what happens after my death. But even so, I am still not entirely at ease. So I hope that if I really die in this Holy Grail War, you can support the Tohsaka Family out of our past teacher-student relationship and become Rin's teacher."

Because of the many variables that have occurred, coupled with Rovey's explanation that revealed the whole truth, the current battle situation has become completely unpredictable.

Tokiomi Tohsaka sensed that the King of Heroes was now utterly disgusted with him, even furious. If it weren't for the fact that the Master needed him to provide magical energy, Gilgamesh would probably have already accused him of a crime and executed him without hesitation.

Therefore, at this moment, Tokiomi Tohsaka was very clear that his situation was like walking on a knife's edge.

Even so, his unwavering belief in the Root of the Holy Grail War and his pride as Magus prevented him from giving up. Even knowing it was a perilous journey, he was determined to continue. Despite having already broken ties with Gilgamesh, he would persist.

Even now, all of this is for the so-called journey to the Root...

'Teacher, is it possible to die...?'

Hearing Tokiomi Tohsaka's words of advice and his reflections, Kirei Kotomine, who had been calmly stroking the Mercury Sword in his hand, was stirred by the words. He couldn't help but recall the poignant beauty of his wife before her death, and he also recalled his true thoughts at that time.

Since the teacher is going to die anyway, why not kill him yourself?

For a moment, he was caught in a deep dilemma. Then, the words that the golden king had spoken to him not long ago came to mind.

"Hey, Kirei, you know what? The point of living is to experience joy."

Pleasure, pleasure...

His mind kept murmuring, echoing those devilish whispers, tempting the clergyman before him to fall into depravity.

Then, in response to Tokiomi Tohsaka's words, he nodded slightly and replied:

"I understand, teacher."

"Well then, without further ado, you should set off as soon as possible. Don't miss your flight. Also, remember to go back to Europe and make a good career for yourself. I hope everything goes well for you."

Patting Kirei Kotomine on the shoulder, Tokiomi Tohsaka stood up and walked to the window alone, feeling a little lonely.

As expected, the path of the demonic path is destined to be lonely and desolate. Having come this far, am I destined to face all of this alone?

'Aoi, Rin, and... Sakura, please bless me. This time, I must fulfill the Tohsaka Family's long-cherished wish and not let my ancestors down...'

--puff!!

Blood suddenly splattered out, followed by a sudden chill that swept through his chest.

Tokiomi Tohsaka suddenly felt a void behind him, followed by intense pain that made it almost impossible for him to breathe.

"Teacher, since this is a certain death situation for you, then why don't I send you on your way? Perhaps it would be a good deed for you to be free from your obsession sooner?"

The demon's voice broke through that empty chest and descended into the mortal realm, echoing endlessly in Tokiomi Tohsaka's ears.

The mercury sword he had just gifted to his disciple was now pressed against his chest. Tokiomi Tohsaka's face contorted and froze in extreme pain as he stared stiffly at his most prized disciple—

At this moment, his smile seemed so unfamiliar.

His eerie appearance was like that of Mephistopheles, who had just acquired Faust's soul.

Tick-tock, tick-tock.

Crimson blood dripped continuously from his chest, quickly staining the ground beneath his feet. Tokiomi Tohsaka staggered and collapsed to the ground.

'It's Caster... It must be that Caster who never showed himself; he controlled his students when he left...'

Even on his deathbed, Tokiomi Tohsaka still couldn't believe his student's betrayal, and naturally, he tried to exonerate him by blaming Caster, who never existed.

Ah...

Ah...

I'm sorry, Kirei... it was my carelessness that caused you to fall for my trick...

I'm sorry, Aoi... Rin... and Sakura...

... My father may be about to pass away.

And, Kariya...

It is said that in the fleeting moments before death, one sees the most memorable person in their life. But for some reason, Tokiomi Tohsaka lay dying, he recalled a childhood acquaintance whom he had always looked down upon...

Perhaps he felt that if that old acquaintance were here, maybe you could...

Save... save him...

In his final moments, Tokiomi Tohsaka's consciousness gradually faded, and even his remaining consciousness began to disappear...

As if he had heard Tokiomi Tohsaka's final apology, Kirei Kotomine's eyes showed a complex expression.

He then glanced at Tokiomi Tohsaka of death, and left the room without hesitation, leaving him there to continue suffering and waiting for death.

Before leaving, he didn't forget to personally remove the two blood-stained Command Seal that remained on the back of his hand.

Then a flame completely destroyed the building that held everything between him and Tokiomi Tohsaka, marking his farewell to the past.

Amidst the flames set ablaze by his teacher's corpse, Kirei Kotomine covered his face and laughed wildly, his body involuntarily dancing a joyful dance.

Pleasure, satisfaction, distortion...

All sorts of emotions kept converging on him.

He just kept jumping and jumping...

Enjoy the completely different kind of joy you feel at this moment.

And the flames behind him will serve as the best funeral he could give to that teacher...

"Cough cough... Which damned bastard started this fire?"

Shortly after Kirei Kotomine left, a disheveled figure suddenly emerged from the Tohsaka Family's basement.

The person who arrived was none other than Matou Kariya, who had skipped the Banquet of Kings and instead came here to wait and prepare a surprise for Tokiomi Tohsaka.

He coughed and brushed the dust off his body, wondering what was going on.

So he immediately began exploring the mansion, which was engulfed in flames. When he pushed open the door to the study and saw the familiar figure lying in a pool of blood, barely alive, Matou Kariya's pupils contracted sharply, and he exclaimed the figure's name in surprise.

"Tokiomi Tohsaka!!"