Type-Moon's Card Servants

After the Church issued the mobilization order, asking all Masters and Servants to put aside their conflicts and focus on eliminating Caster and his Master, Mikaela left alone, leaving Emiya Kiritsugu and Irisviel and the others inside the castle.

"Kiritsugu." Irisviel looked at Emiya Kiritsugu with some worry. From their recent conversation, she could clearly sense that Emiya Kiritsugu's emotions were not quite right.

"Iris."

Emiya Kiritsugu clenched his fist. He remained seated on the sofa, his emotions somewhat agitated. "Actually, I just realized Saber was right. He's correct. If we sacrifice those who don't matter, we can gain a significant advantage in this Holy Grail War."

Mikaela was very intelligent and knew how to best secure an advantage for them. He and Irisviel, through their overt actions and seasoned methods, had established a foundation of cooperation with three Masters.

In terms of combat power, Mikaela had also informed Emiya Kiritsugu that he was confident he could kill Tohno Shiro's Servant – the strongest Servant in this Holy Grail War – in a single strike, without revealing his trump cards.

That's right! In one strike! As for what 'Noble Phantasm' could be so powerful, Mikaela merely gave Emiya Kiritsugu a look that said "don't ask," because it was his secret.

Of course, the prerequisite for being able to slay Gilgamesh in one strike was that Mikaela could not reveal any potential threat to him. He had to make Gilgamesh believe he was weak!

Only then would there be a chance to kill him in one blow.

If he didn't constantly fight with Servants, and an unexpected situation arose, Mikaela would only be able to resolve the Servant by transforming. In that case, while others might not say anything on the surface, they would undoubtedly be extremely wary in their hearts.

Emiya Kiritsugu felt a sense of happiness at having such a cautious Servant. He believed they could cooperate perfectly and, if all went smoothly, they could win this Holy Grail War.

"Kiritsugu, then why are you...?" Irisviel was also a bit confused. She knew Emiya Kiritsugu's character very well. Logically, he shouldn't have argued with Mikaela just now.

"If I decided to abandon everything and run away right now, Iris, would you follow me?"

Emiya Kiritsugu spoke, his voice trembling slightly. "Saber is right. Others have nothing to do with him. His goal in participating in the Holy Grail War is only himself. I'm wondering... if I can be like him."

"For the sake of my family, I'll sacrifice everything to fulfill the wish of 'going back'."

Emiya Kiritsugu had been avoiding Mikaela before, not because their compatibility was poor, but because he feared being influenced by Mikaela's 'ideals.'

Emiya Kiritsugu participated in the Holy Grail War for the sake of the whole world, while Mikaela was helping Emiya Kiritsugu with all his might to win this Holy Grail War so that he could go home to his family.

Now, Emiya Kiritsugu thought of the young Illya, and of Irisviel and Maiya Hisau, who accompanied him without fear of danger. A surge of impulse rose within him to abandon this Holy Grail War, to not be a so-called "Hero of Justice," but to be a father, a husband... and dedicate all his time and energy to them.

"What about Illya? What about that child in the Einzbern castle?!" Irisviel hadn't expected Emiya Kiritsugu to say such a thing.

"I'll return to the Einzbern castle and kill anyone who stands in my way! Your body, and Illya's body! I'll find every way to cure you both!!! Finally! Finally!! I'll dedicate all my time to you." Emiya Kiritsugu was extremely agitated at this moment. He knew this was his last chance.

If tonight's operation ended, it would be too late for him to withdraw from the Holy Grail War.

Tonight! Someone would definitely be eliminated. Once someone was eliminated, then Iris... and he himself... would be unable to escape the Holy Grail War.

Maiya Hisau stood beside Emiya Kiritsugu, closed her eyes, and silently conveyed her stance. No matter where Emiya Kiritsugu went, she would follow him.

"Trust Saber. He will bring you victory." Irisviel looked at the highly agitated Emiya Kiritsugu, walked to his side, and gently hugged him. She could feel that her husband truly cared for her.

He didn't want her to die. Whether their side won or lost this Holy Grail War, she would perish... becoming the Lesser Grail for Emiya Kiritsugu to make his wish.

"Victory is no longer important," Emiya Kiritsugu said, looking up with a flicker of confusion in his eyes. He said to Irisviel, "I already possess the most precious thing, yet I'm about to sacrifice it for my own ideals."

"It is my honor," Irisviel replied with a gentle smile. She stroked Emiya Kiritsugu's hair and said softly, "After this Holy Grail War ends, you must protect Illya."

"Maiya." Irisviel shifted her gaze to Maiya Hisau, who stood beside Emiya Kiritsugu.

"Madam." Maiya Hisau opened her eyes. She still looked at Irisviel without any emotional fluctuation, like an emotionless robot, and said plainly, "Do you have any instructions?"

"After I die, you must take good care of Kiritsugu. Be like Saber and keep a close eye on him, don't let him pick up any bad habits." Irisviel spoke as if she were someone about to pass away, wanting to entrust everything she possessed to someone else.

A flicker of surprise crossed Maiya Hisau's eyes. She didn't understand why Irisviel would entrust Emiya Kiritsugu to her. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but seeing the sincerity in Irisviel's gaze, she finally nodded, "Yes, Madam."

"Alright, Saber has already left. Why don't we make something simple to eat tonight? I'm quite confident in my cooking skills."

Irisviel suddenly stood up, a smile on her face, and walked towards the kitchen, seemingly unconcerned about her future.

"..." Looking at Irisviel's departing figure, Maiya Hisau and Emiya Kiritsugu both fell silent.

"Should I knock Madam unconscious?" Maiya Hisau seemed to feel a pang of compassion. Her tone was calm. "If we take her away now, then everything will be over."

"..." Emiya Kiritsugu wanted a cigarette.

However, Maiya Hisau was faster. She picked up the cigarettes from the table and casually threw them into the trash can.

"No, this is Iris's choice, and it's my choice too." Unable to get a cigarette, Emiya Kiritsugu could only finish the black tea in his teacup. The confusion in his eyes disappeared, replaced by determination.

No matter what, he had to win this Holy Grail War! Even if it cost Iris's life.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Undercurrents

After the Church issued the order to hunt down Caster and his Master, many people took action, but there were a few exceptions.

"Caster and his Master?" In a rather luxurious hotel, Kayneth yawned and asked Diarmuid, who stood beside him with no interest, "What are your thoughts on this, Lancer?"

"Lord, I believe we need to punish that villain!" Diarmuid nodded and looked at Kayneth very seriously. "Dragging innocent people into the Holy Grail War and brutally murdering them, I think such a person needs to be eliminated!"

"It is necessary," Kayneth nodded, agreeing with Diarmuid's point. He said calmly, "A lowly fellow who doesn't even understand the concealment of magecraft. If he's allowed to continue like this, this Fuyuki City could be in danger."

"If I weren't here, then so be it. But since I'm participating in the Holy Grail War here, I'll give that third-rate magus a small lesson."

At this point, Diarmuid was already very excited. His Lord's intention was clear.

"However, it is indeed getting late tonight. I still need to chat with Sola. Lancer, you go and eliminate that filthy magus in my stead." Kayneth said casually, standing up from the sofa.

He wasn't concerned about this matter. Or rather... his participation in the Holy Grail War was merely a trip, and along the way, he intended to add an anecdote evaluated as 'heroic deed' to his experience.

Although he was a researcher and not skilled in actual combat, a genius like him! How could he think that mere combat would be difficult for Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald?!

"Lord?! What about your safety?!" Diarmuid was a little agitated. While he was happy that his Lord had given him orders to hunt down Caster, in his eyes, his Lord's safety was the most important thing!

"Me? Do you need to worry about me?" Kayneth sounded a bit impatient. He waved his hand and said calmly to Diarmuid, "The magic workshop I've created is enough to protect me. Even if Assassin comes, they won't be able to break through completely. If it comes to that, I'll use a Command Seal to summon you back."

Looking at the very confident Kayneth, Diarmuid didn't know what to say. However, besides helplessness, he felt more joy in his heart. He had truly met the best Lord.

"In the name of El-Melloi, Lancer, find Caster and his Master, then kill them. If you absolutely cannot find them, then tomorrow I will personally take action and find that third-rate magus who doesn't know how to hide."

After saying this, Kayneth returned to his room, preparing to have a long-awaited conversation with his beloved fiancée, even though only ten hours had passed since their last talk.

"As you command." With things said, Diarmuid didn't object further. He immediately spiritualized and left the room at top speed to search for Caster and his Master.

"What did you say?!"

Matou Kariya, who was wandering outside, suddenly received a call from his childhood friend, Zenchou Aoi... no, he should call her Tohsaka Aoi now.

"Rin came to Fuyuki City?! When?!" Matou Kariya's voice was filled with urgency. His body was being constantly eroded by the Crest Worms, but with his strong willpower, or rather... his desire not to reveal his 'discomposure' in front of his childhood friend, his voice sounded almost normal.

Tohsaka Aoi on the other end of the phone didn't notice anything unusual about Matou Kariya's voice. However, with her heart burning with anxiety, she couldn't afford to dwell on it.

"I don't know either. When I finished shopping and got home, Rin had already left. She left me a note saying she was going back to Fuyuki City to find Kotone." Tohsaka Aoi was completely flustered. She knew very well what was happening in Fuyuki City right now, so she called Matou Kariya knowing that he had recently been in 'Fuyuki City'.

"Kotone?" Matou Kariya didn't feel much at the mention of the unfamiliar name. While not particularly brilliant, he immediately recalled what the Church had said earlier about Caster and his Master kidnapping children in large numbers, causing serious social unrest.

Although Matou Kariya wasn't particularly interested in this matter and only wanted to cause trouble for Tohno Shiro, upon hearing that Rin Tohsaka had come to this city to find someone named Kotone.

Then, the person named Kotone must be around the same age as Rin. Her disappearance was very likely due to being captured by Caster or his Master.

If that's the case, Rin must have brought some Mystic Codes with her to Fuyuki City. If they were tracking Mystic Codes, then she would surely be able to find her friend. If so... she might also be captured by Caster or his Master.

The thought of this made Matou Kariya uneasy. He hurriedly said, "I will help you find Rin. Once I find her, I'll call and let you know."

With that, Matou Kariya hastily hung up the phone. The sickly aura he usually had was gone, replaced by a resolute determination. This might be the first time he felt how wonderful it was to have power. He could do anything for the person he loved.

"Berserker, let's go!" Matou Kariya, dragging his body ravaged by the Crest Worms, summoned his Servant and slowly walked into the darkness.

"..."

A figure shrouded in dark energy appeared beside Matou Kariya. He followed closely behind his Master like a knight, protecting him.

Meanwhile, Tohsaka Aoi, after hanging up the phone, fell into a brief daze. The reason she called Matou Kariya was to ask him to inform Shiro that Rin was in mortal danger.

Since Tohno Shiro didn't have a modern mobile phone, and Tohsaka Aoi, who didn't know magic, couldn't inform him of this emergency, she could only call Matou Kariya.

Tohsaka Aoi continued to dial Matou Kariya's number, but the call that had just gone through now wouldn't connect.

This made Tohsaka Aoi feel a sense of despair. However, she couldn't just stand by. If she didn't hurry to Fuyuki City to tell Shiro about this, not only Rin! Even Kariya, a normal person, would be in danger.

My wife! .jpg

PS: "As expected, monthly tickets are more expensive than recommendation tickets (smirk). I'm only one chapter behind now. I shouldn't do recommendation ticket rewards next time. I've always done monthly ticket rewards, and I'm still 22 chapters behind."

PS: "I originally wanted to settle the monthly ticket reward in one day, as I've been burned before and feared it would pile up to over ten chapters, but... I'm still managing! I'll postpone it to the 16th."

Chapter 33: My Dad is Called Shiro

Tonight, undercurrents were surging. Mikaela had transformed into a 'harmless' young girl and was walking down the street, holding a doll. She looked like an innocent and carefree little girl.

"Hmph, hmph, hmph~~~"

Humming a cheerful tune, Mikaela looked around. Seeing the empty street, she suddenly stopped and said calmly, "It feels so quiet."

"There are no ordinary people on the street either. It's so different from the morning."

"But even so, tonight is excessively quiet. Perhaps the Church is interfering, not wanting ordinary people to get involved in the mages' battles."

Mikaela muttered to herself. She had witnessed the magic of Kayneth and Tohno Shiro that morning and naturally understood that with some effort, they could make those who liked to go out at night stay in their homes.

In the morning, Mikaela had been with Irisviel and had witnessed the 'liveliness' of Fuyuki City. It was only around 8 PM now, and on a random street she chose, there wasn't a single person, and the surroundings were unusually quiet. She hadn't even seen any stray cats or dogs.

Therefore, this must be the Church using some special magic, or perhaps Tohno Shiro himself had taken action to allow the Servants to move more freely.

Of course, none of this concerned Mikaela. Her current goal was to find Ryunosuke and then lurk by his side, hoping to find Caster along the way.

"Mmm." Thinking of this, Mikaela broke into a bright smile and ambled down the road, humming a little song. She was quite confident in her disguise abilities. The character she was currently impersonating was a girl named 'Abigail'. Before her second stage transformation, all Servants and Masters would think she was just an ordinary girl.

As for mana consumption, as long as she didn't activate Abigail's Noble Phantasm, Emiya Kiritsugu's mana should be able to sustain it. Her normal attacks would be enough to instantly kill Ryunosuke and hold off Caster for a while.

Although she was strolling, Mikaela wasn't blindly searching for Ryunosuke. She knew very well that Ryunosuke possessed a Mystic Code for controlling children, which Caster had specifically made for him.

Magic that dispersed ordinary people had been set up all around. 'Normal people' would definitely not appear on the streets. Only Ryunosuke would take children out at night. Therefore, at this stage, the only person on the entire street with a Mystic Code was likely him. Mikaela had also used her cards to create a mana needle similar to the one Rin Tohsaka used, to specifically search for him.

Rin Tohsaka had accidentally found Ryunosuke using a mana needle back then. Why couldn't she do the same?

Although this was a clumsy method, it was the best one. Other methods consumed too much energy. Mikaela had previously considered using 'The Hermit's Purple' to find Ryunosuke.

However, unfortunately, he had been in the rather dark sewers, and she had only managed to capture his clothes and general physique, not even his face.

As for where Mikaela got the camera... well... she could create it herself.

"Hm?" Just then, Mikaela felt the mana needle hanging around her neck being attracted to something. She looked towards a small alley, where the attraction was coming from.

"Over there?"

Mikaela calmly walked into the alley and then... saw a twin-tailed loli also walking into the alley. The loli had a mana needle around her neck, similar in style to Mikaela's.

When the two saw each other, they froze at the same time.

"Rin Tohsaka?" Mikaela looked at the twin-tailed loli frozen in place before her, not expecting to run into Rin Tohsaka.

"Who are you? A magus?" When Rin Tohsaka reacted, her gaze immediately fell upon the chest of Mikaela. It wasn't because the other party's chest was as 'small' as hers, but because the other party was wearing the same magic circuit as herself.

"Huh?"

Mikaela put on a 'confused' expression, as if she didn't understand what Rin Tohsaka was saying. She looked at the other party and asked, "Why do you have the same thing as me?"

"Huh?" Rin Tohsaka was a bit stunned. She looked at the magic circuit on her chest, then looked at the magic circuit on the other party's body.

Clack!

Suddenly, the magic circuits on Rin Tohsaka and Mikaela's bodies seemed to sense something and pointed in a certain direction.

"Hide!"

Mikaela also sensed something. Without a word, she pushed Rin Tohsaka down and looked towards the direction the magic circuit was pointing.

Although this was an alley, it had four different exits. The place the magic circuit pointed to was not the way Mikaela and Rin Tohsaka had entered, but another exit leading to the main road.

"Hehehe~ Tonight is quite good." A seemingly sunny young man was in an exceptionally good mood at the moment. He held the hand of a listless child and said as he walked, "Master said that with so many people, it's not enough for him to revive Jeanne. This is really troublesome. We could just have a party, why revive Jeanne?"

"That's?!"

At this moment, Rin Tohsaka also raised her head. She didn't blame Mikaela for pushing her next to the trash can, but her gaze was fixed on Ryunosuke's bracelet.

The hereditary intuition of the Tohsaka family told her that the bracelet on that guy's wrist was a big problem!

"Shh." Mikaela covered Rin Tohsaka's mouth and made a 'be quiet' gesture. She said calmly, "We'll just follow him and find his lair."

"Mmm mmm mmm mmm!!!!"

Rin Tohsaka seemed to want to say something, but because her mouth was covered, she couldn't utter a word.

"..." Mikaela released her hand and said calmly, "Speak a little quieter. That guy hasn't gone far. I'm going to follow him now to find my captured friend. You'd best stay here, or hurry home."