Chapter 0 - It is my business to know what other people do not know
A monolith.
A glowing, expansive metropolis. The city that rose from the river, an industrial complex of megalithic proportions divided in twine by the river that runs through it. Home place of time itself. The disjointed, yet cohesive visage of skyscrapers and Victorian architecture, a cosmopolitan nexus. A melting pot of cultures and wisdom, constantly pushing forward to expand horizons. A radiant jewel among the cacophony of business and pleasure. Serving as a dining hall of global intellect, there was yet something strange about this city. London a city of prosperity, of forward thinking, of ancient, unaging magecraft.
However something plagues this magnificent construct, invisible to the ignorant, only noticeable by the astute. Leylines unusually ripe and overflowing with mana pouring fourth from the Thames and flooding the city. Magi silently celebrating, drunk on the blessings of their water.
'This shall serve as the perfect canvas, thus unto paint a war free of darkness. Yes the city of the future shall serve as our battleground.' Muttered the gentleman as he balanced atop the slowly descending gondola. His slick blue hair shining in the dying sunlight as his shadow cast against the river's reflection. His Inverness cape creating an elegant, yet intimidating silhouette. Gently he descended to the floor, reaching into his pocket as he did so, before gently resting an ornate pipe in his mouth. Puffing on the tobacco lightly, as the nicotine invaded his systems.
'It's good to be back.'
Gently he strolled through the streets, effortlessly weaving and passing through the crowds that packed into the walkways like caged rats. He adored the hustle and bustle of the city, the claustrophobia of it all. Leaving trails of smoke as he passed, he slipped down alleyways as if by instinct, emerging onto ever more familiar roads and walkways. Basking in the majesty of the bronze lions that lounged before him, his mind couldn't help but wonder. Why had he been brought back to this city? The hairs on his neck slowly standing on end as his memories crept back, with a brutal and unapologetic clarity.
-The Holy Grail War-
A phrase uttered in stories of myth and legend. The words left his lips as his smile deadpanned. That was his duty, to ensure incorruptible bloodshed. He shuddered, before slowly tidying his shirt. With magnificent, silver eyes he focused on the lions in front of him. Methodically repeating the instructions he had been given before being summoned from the comfort of his death bed.
Ruler class -
His first role was to ensure that all rules of the war be followed as such, and treated with the respect they deserve. The grail had been relinquished by the vengeful beast upon its own suicide. He was summoned to ensure it would not reclaim it, that was his second role. Thirdly he was to assemble the seven who would fight this war and guide them to this burial ground, and finally he was to protect those that fell during the war with his own life. He sighed heavily as the burden of is tasks rapidly dawned on him.
The Holy Grail War, a dreadful ritual of bloodshed and violence. A battle royale of 7 combatants as they slay each other to achieve the root and acquire their deepest desires. Requiring the grail to do so, monstrous magi would summon spirits through time to do battle in their place. The spirits in turn becoming known as servants, slaves bound to those who summoned them via command seals. Unbreakable spells capable of destroying their very will. Ruler shook his head in a resigned tone, it would be his task to summon these unfortunate spirits, these servants.
Falling into one of 7 classes these beings could be summoned:
Saber
Archer
Lancer
Rider
Caster
Assassin
and
Berserker.
Ruler being the only exception.
Though there was still one perplexing piece of the puzzle left unanswered. The five previous wars had been held in Fuyuki, what had changed this time? Ruler mused as he mentally browsed through the notes the grail had provided him. Meticulously calling each detail with brilliant precision. The Matou and Tohsaka lineages had both abruptly stopped after the 5th war as both heirs refused to bear children, the Einzburns seemingly had been eradicated entirely in a horrific slaughter. The three founding families had finally crumbled and with them the ties to Fuyuki. Sensing this the Grail instead cast it's net out wide with the intent of selecting members from around the globe. Ruler smiled, what a mess he had been sent to clear up. Massaging his temples Ruler slowly started to walk into the centre clearing, nearing the lions. Lightly laughing he smiled proudly 'A war is to be held in my city. So shall be it. With all my power I will protect London and its people.' With a final puff of his pipe and a dramatic whirl of his cape, Ruler dispersed into the air. The first command seals had finally emerged, it was time he set to work.