Purifying the Greater Grail

Before long, the "Irisviel" who had been cut in half melted into a puddle of black mud like a puppet that had lost all life.

The black mud slowly flowed across the ground as though it possessed a will of its own. It gradually gathered together, eventually forming a twisted humanoid shape.

The figure had no distinct features, only a vague outline. No matter who looked at it, they would ultimately see their own reflection.

In a low voice, he said, "Aren't you tempted at all? You should be able to tell that everything I said was true."

"Selective truths are still lies. Your tricks are seriously outdated, Angra Mainyu." Iori shook his head disdainfully, paying no attention to his words.

Although Angra Mainyu's deception had improved somewhat since the Fourth Holy Grail War, it was still far behind the rapid evolution of modern humanity.

During the Fourth Holy Grail War, he had honestly shown Kiritsugu Emiya the outcome of his wish—and had gotten brutally beaten for it.

This time, he had learned his lesson. He showed no visions and spoke only the truth, merely withholding what would happen after the wish was granted. Yet Iori had never believed him in the first place and attacked without hesitation.

"Then become my puppet!"

Seeing that his tricks had failed to beguile Iori, rage surged within him. Unable to restrain his desire to be born, he revealed his true form.

As his words fell, the entire castle began to melt, turning into a pitch-black swamp. This was what the place truly looked like: a domain filled with malice and darkness.

Iori stood atop the black mud. His body sank slightly, but he quickly steadied himself.

After a brief hesitation, he slowly reached a hand into the black mud, scooped some up, and