Stripped City Adra: The Crow Flock

"What an interesting child."

Michael shielded the somewhat frightened Gray behind him and sized up Sefen, whose nose kept twitching. The beast-like phantom limbs formed from magical energy had already exposed his magecraft system.

If he remembered correctly, it was a system called Bestial Magecraft. It was quite common in the world, but unlike ordinary users of Bestial Magecraft, the boy before him had already been forged into a vessel of Mystery.

"My apologies, Lord Animusphere."

El-Melloi II stepped forward and stood in front of Sefen as well, speaking with utmost respect.

Though they were both Lords by title, he was not naïve enough to believe his status was equal to the man before him. Moreover, whenever he saw Michael, he could not help recalling that Holy Grail War—the light of the Holy Spear that had devoured everything.

That feeling was truly awful, but for the sake of protecting his student, he still chose to step forward.

"It is nothing. However, whether he should be forgiven is not a decision I am qualified to make on behalf of my disciple. I believe you understand that, Waver Velvet."

Michael spoke with a smile, then looked at Gray, who was tugging on his sleeve beside him. His tone softened.

Hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar name, El-Melloi II could not help feeling dazed. How long had it been since anyone had called him by that name? Aside from Melvin, everyone regarded him only as Lord El-Melloi.

Every doorplate was a key leading to an inheritance. He had to protect his own key.

At Guranik's words, the remaining magi's gazes flickered.

"Hmph—if you ask me, that bastard should have died in there."

"An uncultured bastard is only capable of this much."

Moebeid pressed his lips together. He could already foresee his future.

"Well then,