At first humanity was governed by its primitive instincts. Desire, covetousness, jealousy, envy. Those instincts are present in humankind since birth. Hobbes, a famous philosopher, spoke of "bellum omnium contra omnes", A war of all against all. A state had to be set up to govern these impulses.
Society developed over time trying to reach the best form of justice. Thus, democracy overcame authoritarian regimes and is now considered as the fairest societal model.
The story I am going to tell you is that of men and women who have fought for their ideals as they are. The story of the chosen ones in a world tainted by vice. The story of a war defying time and space with an exquisite insolence.
At the end of the path, the Grail. A cup holding the power of granting any vow. An artifact defying the principles of the world in which it resides, making possible to enslave the universe to the sole will of one only person. A true denial of democracy.
This story is the quest of miserable children in their desire to attain the incarnation of human avarice.
Paris, May 3, 2018 8:00
Every evening, since his eighteen years. When the time came to sleep, Adam was the victim of violent nightmares.
Indeed, every Grail wars passed right before his eyes. Petrified, impotent and disoriented, every night he had to watch people die.
But on that night of the thirteenth of April, something unusual happened. As he fell asleep convinced of once more having to endure the usual tortures, the tragic scenery turned into a light, a bright light. Never he had seen such pure light.
He distinguished a cup in the distance. The cup he had seen and seen. It was nothing but the Grail itself. He reached for the light that seemed to call him but then woke up calmly.
Adam was a brown-haired young adult at the dawn of his eighteenth birthday. His eyes were of an abyssal darkness. He was tall but not very robust and especially had no contact with any magus.
He was just an ordinary human.
Adam's dream was to access immortality. Not physical, but memorial. His sole vow was to mark this world with his imprint, remaining engraved in the minds of humankind throughout generations.
The sun rays of the early morning came to appease his tense face. Around him nothing had changed except the appearance of a seal on his right hand. He paid little attention to it, and undertook his preparation for his classes, all without forgetting to cover his hand with a glove.
The young man had understood it. He was going to live the hell that is the Grail war but this time, in real life.
In the course of time he had finally acquired the conviction that a force unknown to him existed. He was convinced that what he had to strive during every night was more than just a nightmare. However, his lack of reaction surprised him. Him, who had waited that day for so long. The day he may have the opportunity to radiate into the vast world in which he was born.
He looked out the window on that sunny day and realized the magnitude of the situation.
Adam realized that his hitherto banal life was going to be shook.
For a moment the breeze intensified to let escape a breath similar to the voices of damned souls.
By pure coincidence, that day, at the same moment, the chosen ones watched the horizon in the same direction. On that day, each one of them was struck by sun rays of the same intensity.
No one could know what was at the end of the road.
It's with the eyes filled with hope and the hearts heavy, that the chosen one realized that this day announced the unexpected sixth Grail war.
Adam hastened to his classroom but something was wrong. His body seemed different. As if an energy emanated from it.
The morning dew reflected the sun rays, thus making the park of the establishment to shine with a sublime refulgence.
One of the droplets perched at the top of a tree began a freefall to come and caress the young man's cheek. Mother Nature seemed to cry in his place.
Upon his arrival, he greeted his friends. Adam has always been able to integrate and had developed a great self-confidence, unshakeable until then. A pupil called him.
"Why did you put a glove on your right hand?" It isn't so cold. "
Adam responded with a smile of his own that creates a feeling of trust in the interlocutor:
"Oh that?" I burned my hand yesterday, it's ugly. I prefer to put on a glove while it cicatrizes. "
The boy who had addressed him was Malek. He was one of his classmates. Adam hated this boy because of his curiosity, his manner of speaking, and above all by the aura which he freed. His face was marked by hypocrisy, his sight was enough to provoke a sensation of disgust to Adam.
Suddenly, a girl named Adriana whom the young person highly appreciated called him on the phone:
" Hello! Are you still ok for tonight? "
Adam always with a smile answered:
"Yeah I slept well this time, I'm in a good mood"
She answered in a cheerful voice:
" Cool! See you soon!"
Adam had to go to dinner with old classmates whom he did not particularly want to see but where the mere presence of Adriana was worth it.
The courses were now finished. But the pleasing sensation which passed through the young man's body, began to turn into a slight pain.
Adam went to his home to prepare for the dinner. He inserted his key into the lock of his door, made two rotations accompanied by the sound of the opening mechanism. He grabbed the handle and pushed open the door.
The landscape he had in front of him was not the entrance of his house but a meadow in which stood a vast palace. This vision was brief. Adam then thought aloud.
"A hallucination?"
Japan, somewhere in Gifu prefecture, May 3, 2018 15:00
At the top of the Japanese mountains stood a small village sheltering one hundred and sixty-nine souls. Its inhabitants were monks who had long ago detached themselves from the clock tower to live piously.
In the center of the village was standing up a sumptuous temple. The latter possessed a pleasant garden, in which the Dean was pleased to meditate.
"Father, Kazutaka received his command seals!"
The man who interrupted the Dean's meditation was the village doctor. His distraught look contrasted with the relaxing atmosphere of the landscape.
The gentle sound of rustling escaping from the surrounding river marked a pause. The Dean, meditating on the ground, remained silent for ten long seconds then finally deign to pronounce.
"I wish I'd never have to hear that ..."
The doctor recovered from his emotions and tried to reassure the old man.
"It was to be expected, his will is unwavering."
"You're right. Since he lost his father, I never saw his smile again. Things got worse when his mother got sick. Nevertheless, he's still calm. His wisdom is limitless. Kazutaka never showed an ounce of a desire of vengeance."
The Dean spoke with emotion. After all, Kazutaka's father was a friend to him.
"His father was a hero. Peace to his soul. He freed us from the yoke of the Magi Association at the cost of his life."
Most of the villagers had exceptionally powerful magic circuits. They were well known in the association for their art mixing hand-to-hand combat and magic.
One day, the clock tower decided to study their bodies and collect their children for "scientific purposes". Alas, the unhappy cherubs never returned home. Only one has succeeded. He committed suicide few days later. Kazutaka's father sought to know the intentions of the association. Their goal was to create a homunculus capable of creating an access to the root. Nevertheless, the body of children was not enough.
The good man decided to sacrifice himself and offer his body on the condition that the village becomes autonomous.
The creation of the homunculus resulted in a failure leading to the death of the now called "hero of the village".
The Dean replied with an air of concern.
"I think it's his mother who is occupying his thoughts right now. How much time do you think she has left?"
"No more than two years father. Her illness is of unknown nature and suffering consumes her day by day."
Resigned, the Dean whispered:
"It's very unfortunate. Taking care of seven brothers and sisters isn't an easy task for a twenty-five-year-old man."
That day was a rainy day. Kazutaka had completed his martial arts training. He was sitting.
Still sweating he prayed. Prayed for his mother, his father, his family. He was well informed about the Grail War. The young monk had documented and researched the subject because it was his only hope to restore happiness in his family.
His vow was the noblest of all. It was to save his sick mother. Sunbeams came slaying the dark clouds. Kazutaka was struck by these rays. He looked straight ahead and swore to win the Grail. At the same time those who will become his adversaries did the same thing in the four corners of the world.
India, New Delhi, May 3 2018 11:30
A long silky-haired beautiful and graceful woman with smaragdine green eyes stood in front of a desk. Behind it, a man. A former mage wearing sumptuous jewels.
"Akanksha, you have proved your worth. The Grail chose you. Now bring it to me. You absolutely must achieve this task. Thanks to it I would gain power and become the absolute master of the world. To me women and money! Are you still here? Get out! Go train. "
Akanksha, in a soft and frail voice, replied:
"Very good master"
Chintamani, possessed enough goods to be considered as a "fortunate" man. However, he was none of that.
This vile old man adopted orphans wandering the streets. He appropriated these children and transformed them into puppets. By this way, Chintamani created the largest association of thieves and assassins in India if not throughout Asia. This crook was a savior to the children and behind this mask hid hideous ambitious at the image of his facies.
Akanksha was one of his victims. None of the orphans complained about the infamous Chintamani because he offered them a roof, a scholar education and food. However, it was in the unique goal to serve his own interests. The life of these orphans did not count for him if it were not to serve his ideals.
Akanksha lived a terrible childhood. Alone, without family, the little girl was wandering in the slums of Mumbai. She lived from the theft. Later she learned seduction and took advantage of it.
The beautiful woman always wished something deep inside her heart. A dream she had made since her childhood. She wanted to live in a castle with a family by her side. Yes, her own family. Akanksha was torn between two wishes.
Granting the wish of the person who saved her or fulfilling her own dream?
Her emotions had dissipated over time. She was convinced that finding her parents was a way to recover her feelings. But if he realized, Chintamani would probably send agents to put an end to her days.
Undecided, she walked along a corridor. The tapping sun of New Delhi intensified even more and illuminated Akakanksha's beautiful face.
She looked in front of her hesitantly, and went to the training session.
United States, Washington, May 3 2018, 2:00
Michael, was a slatternly man with large dark circles under the eyes. Dressed in a turtleneck that seemed to suffocate him, the man in his forties governed a secret association for the sake of the United-States. The new American president came from the world of magi. Unfortunately, he was a man of limited ideas, tainted by selfishness.
This association, the R.A.G (Research and Appropriation of the Grail) counted within it three hundred seventy-five members all coming from the field of magic. Michael, their leader, had obtained command seals. Forthwith, the entire association of the State started their activities in all discretion. Behind Michael, a bay window let passed lunar rays which illuminated his back.
"My bland life without any interest will finally become palpitating."
He told to himself.
London, Clock tower, May 9 2018
A red dressed, disoriented woman exclaimed with an energetic voice
"Sir! Sir! We found the holder of the circuit of parallelism! He was chosen for a sixth Grail War. Nevertheless, his magic circuits are very weak..."
The circuit of parallelism was a characteristic of a family in the world of Magi. Nevertheless, by dint of mixing their blood, this ability disappeared. Their specialty was the perfect projection. They had access to a variety of stable -sorts of- reality marbles thanks to an homonculus acting as a "server". The origin of the homunculus is unknown but rumors say that it's related to the second magic itself. Others think that the homunculus bypassed the concept of parallel worlds by being dedicated to the generation of reality marbles. This being is a mystery in the world of Magi, its location is unknown.
Suddenly, a long-haired tall man of imposing stature responded with a firm voice:
"Perfect we have no representative for the war. Let him enter the clock tower. It's better to have him near us."
The charismatic magus whispered:
"And to say that we made everything in our possible to dismantle the Grail."
He marked a little pause then continued:
"Moreover, we have broken our ties with the church in view of the betrayal of the last two wars. Prepare me a plane I want to go to meet him! "
Paris, May 10 2018 7:30
Adam was on his bed contemplating his seals. Suddenly, the door-bell sounds. He then went down the stairs to open it. Behind the door, one man that he had already seen before.
"Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Lord El-Melloi II, I am currently at the head of the clock tower. I'll make it short. I would like you to join us and fight during the Grail War under our banner. I know everything about your involvement in this fierce struggle for the Grail. "
Adam surprised retorted:
"You must be mistaken sir, here we do not practice the occult sciences to which you seem to have given yourself. "
In a much firmer voice The Long-haired Man replied while pointing at the hand of the chosen one with his finger:
"Stop playing dumb, we have irrefutable proofs. "
Adam's glove was disappearing progressively due to Lord El-Meloi II's ability. Faced to a dead-end, Adam was forced to say what he thought of this offer
" Impossible. I already have a wish. It is out of the question that I give up this chance to realize it. "
Lord El-Melloi II began to grow impatient, he retorted:
"You have fallen into madness! The Grail is corrupt! Your wish will only bring disaster! "
Adam let out a smile tinged with a slight arrogance and said,
"I prepared myself for it. I will invoke one special servant. The only one with enough power to purify the Grail. "
The great man, intrigued by the confidence of his interlocutor, replied.
"How do you intend to do it? You have no artifact to my knowledge. "
Adam sure of him affirmed:
"I don't care, he will answer my call. I would find the perfect incantation. I would bet everything on this one. "
Lord El-Melloi II, satisfied and amused by the words of the young man standing in front of him, explained the peculiarity of the sixth Grail War:
"There are some things you're not aware of. As you already know, the Grail is a cup fulfilling any wish. Seven magus are then chosen by the latter in order to engage in a fierce battle without mercy to see his vow granted. To that aim, each magus invokes a servant. A sort of familiar being formerly a hero drawn from legends or real facts fighting alongside their masters. These servants are listed in seven distinct classes. Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, and finally, Berserker. The war will begin within a year and seven months. However, this sixth Grail War has its own peculiarities. At first glance the Grail does not necessarily choose the representatives of each of the great families of the world of magi. Moreover, this war won't take place in Fuyuki. The Grail seems to have been anchored in the Swedish capital Stockholm. Therefore, it affects the choice of the different servant classes. The mana veins found in Stockholm are different from those of Fuyuki. We can say with certainty that the Caster class won't appear in this war and that it will be replaced by a servant of a class that we do not know. We had dismantled the Grail recently but a priori it resurfaced without any reason. According to the mana sampling that we made on the spot, it is indeed the Grail having been the cause of the five quarrels that preceded. "
Lord El-Melloi prosecuted
"Tell me, what is your wish, if it is not indiscreet? "
Adam began to sketch a smile. As if he had just realized something and replied:
"My wish? It's simple. I simply want to engrave my name on the wall of humanity. That my name go through the ages. That's what my wish is, that people value me. Won't my vow come nearer to what was yours? Isn't it, Waver Velvet? "
Lord El-Melloi II, fighting in the fourth Grail War under the name of Waver Velvet, smiling for the first time since their encounter, began to speak of a familiar manner:
"Kiddo, you have guts. I want you in the clock tower! You have very little knowledge in the field of magic. I offer you a proposition. Integrate the clock tower, we'll teach you everything you need to know. In return purify the Grail of its defilements and grant your wish."
Adam's dark eyes shone. He was happy.
India, tarmac of the airport, December 11, 2019
Chintamani owned a private jet as a result of its undesirable activities. The vile old man exclaimed firmly.
"Akanksha go and bring me my treasure!"
Akanksha in a little voice answered:
" Yes Master. "
Japan, Temple, December 11, 2019
A crowd of children questioned Kazutaka who was preparing his affairs in view of his imminent departure.
"Come back quickly brother!" "
Kazutaka, not wishing to frighten his family lied by telling them to go for a pilgrimage. It was then with a falsely relaxed face that Kazutaka answered:
" Count on me. "
United States, Washington, December 11, 2019
The American president himself had moved for the occasion and shouted full of enthusiasm by raising a glass of champagne:
"Win in the name of America"
Michael remained silent
London, Association of the Magi, December 11, 2019
Adam, seeming sure of himself, was walking along the corridor to Lord El-Melloi II's office where he had been called.
"Adam, it's time for you to leave. Be victorious. Rin will take you to the airport »
The young mage replied with a slight smile from the corner of his lip
Unknown location, December 11 2019
Two people were praying in a church. A brown-haired young woman, barely twenty years old, and a tall, robust, older man in the end of his twenties. Both of them stood upright like a rock. In front of them, a woman. She suddenly said in a firm voice:
"It's time to go. Do not forget to pray our Lord. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!"
The two adults, the cross around their necks, replied at the same time:
"Amen! "
Chinese countryside, December 11, 2019
A young girl named Niu was walking along the rice paddies staring at the sky. She was more tanned than the other inhabitants of her village. Her eyes were of a beautiful green, and her short brown hair stopped at her neck. Niu had the peculiarity of having some freckles on the cheeks. She was a beautiful innocent girl.
"So it's finally the time for me to leave this town..."
She mumbled.
Thus, the sixth Grail War began...