Kairi Shishigou / Prelude to the Summoning

"After all, as long as Kayneth doesn't lose his temper, surviving the Holy Grail War should be quite easy."

Although the visitor didn't deliberately reveal anything about Lord El-Melloi II's question, he could still clearly hear the familiarity in his tone.

For some reason, afterwards, the Lord El-Melloi II quietly breathed a sigh of relief, and even the wrinkles on his forehead subconsciously eased a bit.

"If I may be so bold, I would also like to ask your supervisor what he is doing now...?"

"He is currently focusing all his efforts on the assessment of the Clock Tower's [Grand."

Since the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kayneth had gained a lot from his brief encounter with Medea, so after returning to the Clock Tower, Kayneth devoted himself to studying in the Magecraft Workshop.

After all, few Magecraft can resist the allure of the [Grand] rank.

However, every gain has its loss. Suddenly, news of Lord El-Melloi's crushing defeat in the Far East began to circulate within the Clock Tower. Furthermore, Kayneth was too busy with his research to bother with or even bother to defend himself against the defeat. As a result, the entire El-Melloi Faction was thrown into a state of panic amidst the spreading rumors within the Clock Tower.

Then, unexpected news came again, shocking even onlookers who dropped their melons in disbelief.

Lord El-Melloi transferred his "El-Melloi Classroom" to his disciple Waver, and vouched for Weber in his own name, making Waver a Level 3 Instructor in the Clock Tower.

When this news broke, it was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing a huge uproar within the Clock Tower.

If this news is true, then Waver Velvet, a completely unknown Magecraft, is essentially the designated successor to the El-Melloi Faction.

This news sent shockwaves through the already unsettled El-Melloi Faction.

No one knows what Lord El-Melloi is thinking, not even his friend, Marisbilly Animusphere, the Department of Astromancy Lord of the Clock Tower, has publicly stated—

"Is Kayneth out of his mind?"

It is precisely because of this that some of the more scheming and wavering members of the El-Melloi Faction have announced their departure from the El-Melloi lineage. Even some previously loyal members have been forced to adopt a wait-and-see attitude because of Lord El-Melloi, this unknown "successor."

The entire El-Melloi Faction was already in a precarious state.

Surprisingly, after a few months of adjustment, Waver's exceptionally simple and practical teaching style quickly became a topic of conversation among the New Age generation, who were not well-received by the Clock Tower. He even persuaded several lecturers who had lost in power struggles to take the stage, thus realizing an unprecedented multifaceted educational system.

Before long, a new force, even more powerful than before, had gathered under the El-Melloi Faction. However, despite his exceptional teaching skills, Waver seemed quite clueless about the relationships between the forces gathered under the El-Melloi Faction.

The person responsible for handling these intricate relationships between the divided families was a young girl, the last in line of the Archibald Family—

Reines El- El-Melloi Archibald.

"As expected, no matter which world you're in, my elder brother can't do without me."

After listening to the visitor's story, a smile bloomed on Reines's lovely lips, like a pink petal moistened by dew.

"Thank you for informing me. I will do my utmost to fulfill your request, but before that..."

Lord El-Melloi II also showed a relieved expression, then looked directly at the visitor:

"May I ask your name?"

"Tsukasa Kadoya?"

Looking at the Asian face in the photo, Kairi Shishigou tilted his head and gave a puzzled look.

I had writer's block yesterday, this is to catch up on yesterday's work (I touched on it the day before yesterday).

I'll try my best to update another chapter today!

Chapter 173. The Kairi Shishigou

In the Britain, at what is known as the "Clock Tower" of the Mage's Association, with the British Museum in London as its base, gathers self-proclaimed masters of the long history of Magecraft from all over the world, as well as ambitious Magecraft.

Meanwhile, in a room somewhere in the Clock Tower—

Sitting on the sofa was a fierce-looking man— Kairi Shishigou, a freelance Magecraft without any affiliation. However, he was not a traditional Magecraft, but a Magus.

Kairi Shishigou raised his head and turned his gaze to the somewhat withered old man before him—Rock Belfebund, the head of the Department of Summoning at the Clock Tower, and also the owner of this room. It was he who had summoned him from that godforsaken battlefield in the Middle East, and whose purpose was to have him summon Servant to participate in a Holy Grail War?

"No, this is not Holy Grail War in the ordinary sense. The opposing side has already gathered seven Masters. Although they may not have summoned them yet, the possibility of the Magecraft they sent displaying Command Spell is zero. Therefore, we hope that you can fight against the Masters of Yggdmillennia as the Master the [Red Faction]."

"What happened?"

Upon hearing Belfebon's words, Shishigou wore an expression of incomprehension.

Since the end of the Third Holy Grail War, for some reason, the Fuyuki City Holy Grail War system itself has been spread as information among Magecraft all over the world.

Therefore, Shishigou had some knowledge of the Holy Grail War. However, what Belfebund said was difficult for him to understand.

If the "Fuyuki" Holy Grail War system is used, there can be a maximum of seven Servants and a maximum of seven Masters...

"So, this is what makes this Holy Grail War so interesting. The number of Servants that can be summoned is twice as many as fourteen."

Perhaps sensing the man's confusion, Belfebon, with a shrill laugh, explained to him:

"The last surviving Magecraft discovered the Greater Grail slumbering beneath the Millennia Fortress. Thus, he successfully activated the preparatory system."

"Preparing the system..."

"The Greater Grail will provide assistance related to the Holy Grail War, such as the redistribution of Command Spell, depending on the situation. Although the possibility is almost zero, the preparation system will be activated in order to find a countermeasure when all seven Servants are unified by one faction. That's how it's set up."

"... Is it meant to make the summoning of seven other Servants possible in order to counter the seven existing ones?"

Fourteen in total. Even Shishigou can understand what this number means.

"Exactly. Trifas is one of the few lands in Romania with spiritual veins. It has probably been storing up magical energy at a faster rate than Fuyuki. Even with seven Servants summoned, there is still an inexhaustible supply of magical energy."

If this were in Fuyuki, emergency measures would have been taken long ago. If things go wrong, the spiritual veins themselves could be completely depleted.

"In short, Yggdmillennia has assembled seven Masters and Servants. And then—"

"That's right. We must also gather seven Masters and Servants to fight against Yggdmillennia and achieve victory."

"What will happen to the Greater Grail if we win?"

"Of course, we'll ensure victory afterward. The Root is right before our eyes; whether the surviving Magecraft can remain calm is still unknown."

... I see. So it means "after annihilating Yggdmillennia, you will be solely responsible for whatever happens." It doesn't matter if your wish is granted, prevented, or even destroyed. Of course, this old fox surely has a plan. He'll probably deploy a recovery force the instant the war ends.

But, but! If I can get there first—there will definitely be a chance to achieve my wish! Excitement trembled as he ran along the Shishigou's back. Perhaps having indeed observed that excitement, the old man nodded, just as he had expected:

"Can you accept the commission?"

However, it's best not to reply immediately. A hasty response will reveal your weakness.

"I have a few questions. Can we discuss them later if you can accept them?"

"Speaking"

"The first question is, summoning a Servant should theoretically require a relic as a catalyst, is that ready?"

"Certainly--"

Belfebon bent down and took out an exquisitely crafted ebony box from a drawer in the table. After carefully opening it, Shishigou discovered that inside was a piece of wood with signs of processing.

"This is?"

"Fragments of the famous Round Table from King Arthur's legend are considered sealed treasures even among the relics kept in the Clock Tower."

"The Round Table of Britain... Could it be... King Arthur!?"

Shishigou instinctively reached out and took the fragment in his hand, only to discover that the piece of wood was radiating heat.

"... However, regarding the Round Table, it remains to be seen which knight will be summoned. It will likely be Heroic Spirit heroic spirit compatible with your spirituality."

"I understand, there's no problem using this as a catalyst."

After placing the "shattered pieces of the Round Table" back into the box, Shishigou turned his attention back to Belfebon:

"Then, for the second question, please tell me the identities of the other six Masters."

"Ah, don't worry, everyone here is very capable."

Despite saying this, Belfebund still placed the relevant information of the remaining six Masters in front of Shishigou.

Clock Tower First Class Instructor Fender Wall Semperen, "Silver Lizard" Lotwell Berzinski, and the "Twins of Union" Pantere Brothers.

Shishigou agreed with these four choices. Each of them is a world-renowned Magecraft. Except for Semberon, Shishigou has worked with all of them. It seems that fighting alongside them should not be a problem.

Only--

Shishigou picked up the last two documents, which contained information about two Masters that Belfebon had not yet introduced.

"Tsukasa Kadoya..."

Looking at the photo attached to the document, the East Asian face made Shishigou ponder.

"Do you know him? He's someone Lord El-Melloi II specifically recommended. I heard he even brought his own holy relic, which has frustrated him for a long time in his quest to collect Sophiari."

As he spoke, Belfebon revealed an extremely unpleasant smile, as if Sophiari's humiliation was a welcome spice in his life.

No, I don't remember it.

After setting down the information on "Tsukasa Kadoya," Shishigou turned his gaze to the information on another Master—

"Shirou..." I have a feeling they will be two rather formidable opponents.

Achoo! *2

Meanwhile, in the Balkans of Southeast Europe, the two people being talked about by Shishigou both sneezed simultaneously.

P. S.: I have an event for Qixi Festival. If I can't make it back in time, I'll update again on the weekend.

Chapter 174. Prelude to Summoning

On the outskirts of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, a pickup truck fully loaded with goods leisurely drives along a road flanked by fields on both sides.

However, because the cargo compartment was completely covered by a sturdy and opaque tarpaulin, it was impossible to see what the vehicle was carrying.

Achoo!

For some reason, the man sitting in the passenger seat suddenly sneezed.

"Mr. Kadoya, are you alright?"

The driver beside him, though of Eastern European appearance, spoke fluent Japanese, which gave off an odd feeling.

"It's nothing, probably just someone talking about me."

The man called "Mr. Kadoya" rubbed his nose to indicate he was alright, then turned to his companion who was driving and asked about something else:

How much longer until we get there?

"Ah, we're not far now."

"Is that so? Then I'll trouble you."

After getting the answer he wanted, "Kadoya" politely thanked them and then turned his gaze to the window, watching the fleeting scenery of Bucharest pass by.

--To conceal the urgency and anticipation hidden deep within his eyes.

Not long after...

Creak--

The sound of the tires rubbing against the ground was somewhat harsh.

As the car engine shut off completely, the door opened, and the driver, who had stepped out of the driver's seat, turned to "Kadoya" in the passenger seat and said, "Well then, we'll stop here. The Bucharest Spirit Vein Land is not far ahead."

"Thank you for your help. Please convey my gratitude to Lord El-Melloi II."

Watching the car gradually disappear from his sight, the driver took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello--"

A short while later, a deep male voice came through the receiver, accompanied by some static. "Teacher, I've delivered him to the designated location, along with the materials you requested."

"Really? Thank you for your hard work."

"You're too kind. Compared to your guidance and instruction, this is nothing at all. It's just..."

Although the noise from the radio waves made the voice on the other end a little unclear, the person on the other end remained very respectful, though there was a hint of hesitation in their tone.