Chapter 5-
Calm before the storm
Early in the morning. Inside the office window, a man with black hair and dark color eyes, watches the students that are entering the school grounds. His name is Kariya Matou, member of the academy selected faculty, working as the counselor to help and relieve the students from their stress they are experiencing in their tough studies and harsh learning environment.
Despite not having any experience in counseling nor he graduated to a related degree to be even qualified, Kariya agreed to take the position and shoulder the responsibilities in aiding the many students of Tsukimihara Academy.
He knows how enduring the lessons in magecraft are, went through the suffocating pressure from failure, and the dreadful feeling of giving up. The road to become a magus isn't as magical as anyone can imagine, it's traumatic and should be avoided at all cost.
However, these innocent souls, these people that are only wanting to escape their dying planet and looking forward to a new life inside the virtual space of the moon, they unfortunately become prisoners that are forced to become one. And within the following days, they'll be fighting for the Holy Grail, where the skills they learned over the year will save them from one another.
It's depressing to think over, he wanted to save them from this fate, but his hands are tied at the moment. He could only offer them counseling, make them forget about the stress, and do the best he can for this student. But he swore to himself, he'll find a way to save everyone at all cost.
"Kariya-sensei It's Ren, you're calling for me?"
Hearing a familiar voice behind the door. Kariya closed the window curtain and headed over to answer the door. Wearing a genuine smile on his face, he greeted the young man and his sister that accompanied him.
"Indeed I was, let's talk inside." He said before opening the door widely and made way for the two. As they settled and got comfortable on their seats, Kariya proceeded to his table and sat on his office chair. "You look worried Luvia-san, did something happen?"
The girl in question glanced over at the young man before letting out a sigh. "Did he cause another trouble, Kariya-sensei?" Luvia then leaves her seat and bow apologetically at Kariya. "If so allow me to apologize, I'm deeply sorry for what he'd done, and I'll personally see that he'll be punished." She said sincerely and then sent dagger-like-stare at Ren.
"I swear I didn't do anything!" He exclaimed with a nervous voice. However, his step-sister remains unconvinced towards him. Warning bells ring inside his mind as an impending doom is creeping soon, precisely after school ends. Luvia's fixation toward the art of pro-wrestling might turn him into a mummy, instead of bandage he'll be covered in a pain relieving patch.
She really likes using him as a suplex training dummy since they're young.
Glancing toward the counselor, sending signals for help, the adult man couldn't stop himself from chuckling a little. "He's not in trouble nor cause one." Kariya replied and saw the young man sigh of relief. "But he did skip Mr. Archibald class yesterday." He added just to pull Ren's leg.
"Is that so?" Luvia murmured in a cold tone making the young man gulp nervously.
"Nevertheless, that is not the reason why I called him here." Deciding to get into the reason for his summon. Kariya pulled out a neat white-piece of paper on his drawer. "What written in this paper is the approval statement for you to become part of the Master rank student here in Tsukimihara Academy." He's been containing himself from announcing the good news at him since yesterday.
"He's going to be promoted!?" Luvia cried out in disbelief and when she receive a nod of confirmation from the adult, she quickly look on her side, facing her step-brother and then lock him into a wide hug that look both wholesome from the eyes of watcher and suffocating from the one who's experiencing it.
"I knew you could do it!" She said and began shaking his head from left to right. Though there are muffled sounds coming from Ren, his voice was ignored by the two who are genuinely happy at him.
Kariya waited for a moment until they started to calm down. Clearing his throat, he's about to speak the other half of the news. "However, he needs to triumph first against the opponent chosen for him, a one versus one duel, only by then his promotion will be official." He said.
If only Archibald isn't against Ren's promotion, his teacher's approval is what he needs to simply join the higher rank. But that man has some grudge toward the young man, something about a dispute between the two. He's been trying to pass this petition to the Headmaster over the year only for Archibald to deny it. That clearly shows his disapproval at Ren Edelfelt.
"A one versus one duel? That is different from how the current Master rank went to their promotion." Luvia accounted for the previous case that occurred. "Isn't he just supposed to show and prove his magecraft surpasses his teacher?" She questioned.
"Well…" Kariya wonders how he's going to explain the situation to the girl.
"I don't think I've surpassed Archibald-sensei. He's a prodigy in this craft and the gap between our skills is huge." Ren began to explain. "I think he wanted me to prove my skills in combat. To show our family magecraft can be effective against what an elite could do."
"Isn't that right, Kariya-sensei?"
"Yes." Kariya nodded to his statement. That is one way to look at it.
Luvia is left half-convince but she understands where it's coming. The Edelfelt magecraft is far away from its prime, before they become a lineage of assassins today, they were once a powerful magi family. They're specialized in using the magic spell called Gandr, a curse which decreases the physical health of the target.
It's also dubbed as Gandr Shot because of the way the curse releases from the caster's index finger after the target entered the field of vision to be aimed at. They're among the best users of this spell, however, this crown they're so proud of became a basic practice for any magus to use.
Archibald could cast this spell without any effort whatsoever. He probably believes that such basic spells shouldn't be calibrated among the best magus. "Is he going to fight Archibald?" If Ren proves to that man face that he is wrong, then that will settle a bit of his debt toward them, after all he pretty much insulted the entire Edelfelt family and he is not getting away with it easily.
"It seems you two haven't caught up with the wind. Most of the students here know the identity of his opponent." Kariya replied before letting out a soft sigh. It was Archibald who announced and spread the news, making him wonder how these two, especially Ren don't know about it.
"I was home early yesterday and haven't listened to any of the rumors going around." Luvia answered. The reason behind it is because she finished preparing everything she needed for the upcoming Grail War.
"Well I was…" Ren stopped before he let out what happened yesterday. The Headmaster did tell him to keep it a secret for everyone, although he is free to talk about it later today. He is also going to visit those groups that are under the school custody at the moment.
"You've skipped class...Don't worry I didn't forget." The girl answered as she crossed her arms together.
Kariya chuckled before putting the conversation on track. "Anyway, it was Archibald who chose your opponent." He said before pausing. His expression became grim and serious. "It's Akechi Matou. You two are facing each other this afternoon."
"Akechi?!" Luvia leaves her chair in surprise. "Why him?!"
"Yes." The adult man shows dejection as he answers. "Though I don't know the reason why he chose Akechi of all people." It was a surprise for him as well after hearing his choice. He knows that Akechi is only interested in fighting only one person in this academy, it's not Ren but someone else, a Master rank student who Akechi believes is the only threat between him and the grail.
But then again he does show aggression toward Ren whenever his name was brought up. Perhaps that is what made him accept the match or maybe his father pushed him into it. "Even so the match is finalized and there is no way to change it now."
Standing up from his seat, Kariya lowered his head apologetically. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you that much against him. I cannot give any advice against him since he's still my little brother." He said.
Ren simply smiled and smiled in assurance toward the counselor. "No need to apologize Kariya-sensei. I understand, I would do the same if it was my sister." He stated quite sheepishly. Luvia only hid her grin after hearing that from her step-brother.
"Worry only the result of the duel, the Headmaster will make sure that nothing fatal will happen, so do your best out there." Kariya reassured the male Edelfelt. "Still it's advice to make preparation. You're free to skip class today to get ready for this afternoon."
"I see…" Ren answered with unsureness in his voice. He has no idea what Akechi can do, only the rumors that he is the most powerful magus among the seven Master rank students, making it difficult for him to make plans for his fight against him.
Aside from that he also has a bit of a complaint that he doesn't want to bring up. He appreciates the opportunity to be promoted, but he thinks it's a bit late since the Grail War will start the day after tomorrow. He sees no benefit other than the fame of being one of the top students.
But then again he knows that Kariya-sensei has been working out for this promotion to be approved. He doesn't want to let him down after the hard work he's been putting for this.
Kariya leaves his table to meet the young man. "You're a promising student, Ren. It's about time for you to be placed where you really belong." Putting his hand on the man's shoulders, the counselor put a confident smile for him.
"It's the least I could do as your 'Club' advisor." He said and a sound of snicker escaped his lips. The Service Club, despite the boring title, and has no support from the school, it greatly helped Kariya in achieving his goal in helping the students of Tsukimihara Academy.
Since his first day as the counselor of the academy there is nothing but struggle on his part. Without any idea on how to do his job, students seeking his help simply go and leave his office while still carrying the problems on their shoulders. He doesn't want to admit it but he knew the therapy wasn't working.
If it weren't from their accidental meeting, he would still be lamenting over the students who he failed to help. One day, Ren stumbled upon his office carrying an unconscious student who was covered in bruises. The young man missed the sign and thought it was the nurse clinic. Offering a hand to help, he guided them toward the correct room and tended with the student's needs.
They have a little introduction afterwards, he notices the curiosity on his face after knowing that he's the school counselor, and to his surprise the young man visits him the next day. He sat on a chair and asked for counseling, and boy, he didn't mince his words and straight up said he's not doing a great job.
He then goes and tells him that the rumors going around the campus are true. Saying that many students thinks that the school counselor is incompetent on his job. Of course, Kariya felt very insulted by what he said, but then again those claims are true despite how bitter the truth is.
He clearly isn't suited on the job and should ask for a replacement. Heck, the Headmaster can create an AI that will do much better than him. Even so, the young Edelfelt didn't let him go easily, questioning his reason for being a counselor.
Kariya doesn't know why, but he ended up telling him the truth, why he accepted the position as the school counselor. Must be because of the honesty on his eyes that made him comfortable letting it out. In fact, it felt good having someone sincerely listening to your problem, something he didn't show to his past patient.
Once everything has been heard. Ren offered him a solution to his problem, even extending his hand to help him, the young man didn't hide his assertiveness while waiting for his answer. And thus the beginning of how his office started to reshape, straying away from counselling, turning into a club where students can guarantee to receive their help and solve any problem.
He didn't mind at all. Quite frankly, he's happy that things turned out this way. Afterall, it's not just a club for him, but also a family.
"We'll be supporting you for this afternoon duel. I'm sure those two are excited to see it." Kariya nodded to himself in confidence. Looking at the clock hanging on the wall, it's still far away from noon, but Ren should use this time to prepare.
"Like I said earlier, you're free to skip class today, so please get yourself ready. Akechi isn't someone that will hold himself off, he will go full force regardless on how strong or weak you are."
"Understood!" Luvia answered as she strongly grabbed Ren's hand and pulled him to his feet. "You need to be properly warmed up, have your code cast and equipment check, and strategy to win! Let's go and follow Kariya-sensei's advice!" She said while pulling him against his will.
"Hey! I can walk you know!"
Kariya watches the two siblings leave his office with a smile on his face. He feels quite warm and fuzzy seeing the two on good terms. "What happened to us…Akechi?" He unhappily murmured under his breath.
Inside a luxurious and decorated room. Seven individuals gather around from the round table found in the center of the room. Each one of them seems to be in a different age but all wearing the same uniform that represents their alma mater. They're the prodigies, the best among their peers, the seven Master rank students of Tsukimihara Academy.
Elated to the glass of wine in hand, a easterner man with long blond hair, somewhere in his twenties leaned playfully on his chair and balanced it on its two legs. "I think at this point, I've tasted all the wine in the world." He said while staring at the now empty glass.
"Still hope you don't mind this very advanced celebration over your victory this coming afternoon, Akechi." The man chuckled before sitting properly on his chair.
"Can't believe that our class has to be suspended for this." Replied in complaint by a girl with brilliant golden hair, pale white skin reminiscent of a bisque doll, if it weren't for the academy dress code, she'll be wearing something similarly picturesque.
"What can we do? It's the Headmaster decision." Quietly sipping on the cup of tea, a woman wearing an eyepatch over her right eye firmly answered. "Added to that, she has nothing to teach us anymore."
"We also deserve a break since we literally studied nonstop for a year." Letting an exasperated sigh, the easterner man looked at the room ceiling with a hint of tiredness on his eyes. "Makes me almost hate magecraft to be honest."
"Even so…" The bisque doll looking girl mumbled under her breath. But after seeing everyones expression, she kept the complaints to herself and proceeded to finish the tea despite not liking the taste.
No one speaks afterward, the room becomes quite not much to the easterner man likings. "Why don't we all talk about something fun? We might not have this chance tomorrow. So come on! Are you guys up for it?" He suggested while showing enthusiasm on his face.
"What about you Kazu-kun? I know you're quiet and all but surely you have something you wanted to share, right?"
The person in question is a short young man with messy white hair. He looks incredibly serious and has no slightest intention in musing the easterner man. Despite the number of tries the man did, he only received nothing but a cold shoulder treatment.
"How about someone else? Come on people! Light up the mood in this room."
Raising her hand, a girl with long purple-twintails speaks what's on her mind. "I have one but it has nothing to do with your definition of 'fun' I'm afraid." She said in a cheerful tone.
"Better than nothing I guess. Go ahead." The man said in utter defeat.
"Thanks!" Giving a quick reply. The girl glanced over at the man who will be the topic of her question. "Say Akechi-kun, Isn't it overkill to have someone like you to fight an Apprentice rank magus? It's like a level 10 mob going against a level 100 boss! Is it even justice to call it a duel in the first place?" She said in a tone of disbelief.
"I admit that you're correct on what you've said." Akechi replied and paused for a moment as he placed his cup of beverage on the table. "However, something like that cannot be avoided in the coming Holy Grail War. If we follow the same format of the last grail war, where a master and servant will fight another pair, fairness does not exist there."
"Regardless of one's rank, be it a Novice or Master, once the Moon Cell decides the combatants, there is nothing to do but to fight." He explained before looking at all of them in a friendly yet intimidating facade. "Afterall, it's kill or be killed."
"Different to how we get into this position. This opponent of yours must have the talent to get a unique treatment to become one of us." The woman wearing eyepatch chimed in. "What was his name again?" She inquired to all of them.
"His name is Ren Edenfelt. Came from a once lineage of magus, but after magic died, they are now a family of hired assassins." Quickly answered by the girl with purple twin-hair. "He got quite a reputation on the campus. Rumors said that he's a kind-hearted noble who doesn't hesitate from helping our peers. He's also charming and dreamy according to a large number of female students. Lastly, there is a popularity chart that put him on the number three spot."
"Popularity chart!? That's the first time I've heard of it!" The easterner man cried out in surprise. "So uh, what rank am I?" He huffed in jest.
"I believe you're at seventh place."
"For real? Seventh place? I thought I'm more popular than that." The dejection on his face is almost painful to stare at. "So who's the first and second?" He questioned in wonder.
"Well Akechi-kun is placed on the second, he was beaten by only a narrow point by none other than~ dun dun!" The girl playfully pointed her index finger at the person sitting across from her.
A young man with long blond hair and aqua-colored pupils. Quietly enjoying his cup of tea and the context of the book he's reading. Sensing their gaze is focused on him, he promptly closes the book and stares at them in puzzlement. "Is something the matter?"
"Are you not going to react knowing that you are the most popular student in our school?" The woman with eyepatch commented.
"Well...Despite being made for fun and games, I'm flattered to hear about the result." He answered with a caring smile on his charming face.
"Yeah with democracy playing a huge part on its outcome." Said the twin-haired girl. "Some of the students simply hate you Akechi-kun." She added before letting out a soft giggle from her.
"Nevertheless, I heard some of the Apprentice rank students are outstanding, will this Ren Edenfelt pose a problem with you Matou?"
"That is true." The easterner man then turned to the bisque-doll-looking girl. "That security guard of yours packs quite a punch, Shorty." A grin appeared on his face as he called out the girl. "What was her name again?"
"It's Bazett and you deserve getting your face punch after trying to molest her." She answered in annoyance. "You're lucky she didn't pulverize you." The girl whispered under her breath.
"I find your question offending, Wodime." Akechi scoffed as he leaned on his chair in a relaxed and confident manner. "Do you see me worrying about our match? He stands no chance against me."
"But if somehow or someway he manages to defeat you. Then he is going to be an opponent needed to take seriously."
Akechi laughed from the words that came out from Wodime's mouth. "You're quite an entertainer, Wodime." He said before wiping the tears on the side of his eyes. "But here is the surprise. Aside from the victory over him, it's also going to be a demonstration of my power against all of you." The light atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted as the Masters inside the room stared at him.
"Hope you all watch this afternoon. It will be an eye-opener for all of you, even if you summon a powerful servant in the Holy Grail War, the Grail will fall to my possession."
"Be careful, Matou. Arrogance does not have physical form, but a cunning opponent will use it as a weapon against you." Wodime answered, remaining unfazed to the statement just a moment ago.
"Oh really? I miss the part where it's going to be my problem." Akechi challenge.
Seeing the two best magus of the campus. Everyone is uneasy being in the middle watching them seizing up each other. "Look at the time, it'll be afternoon soon. We should get ready before heading over the venue." said the easterner man in a tizzy tone.
"Heh, guess you're right." Akechi huffed in agreement. "I go ahead first, I'll expect you guys there." He said before waving his hand in goodbye as he left the room followed by the man named Kazu-kun.
Everyone is finally able to breathe easily now the tension is out of the window. "Wodime, are you alright?" The girl wearing eyepatch asks in worry toward her classmate.
However, her voice doesn't reach him as he was submerged from his thoughts. Knowing the shady practices that the Matou family did in the past, the experimentation, and the countless innocent lives they took for results. The Grail should never fall into their hands.
No matter what.
Merlin could only watch the clock hanging on the wall in total boredom. Queen Sheba, on the other hand, is keeping herself entertained with the tune of a music she's humming. Meanwhile, Rin is waiting in anticipation on her seat and Archer killing time being watchful at the view outside the window.
The four of them are waiting inside the Headmaster's office after being called from their sleeping quarters an hour ago. They are expecting to continue their discussion about yesterday's event, about Kiara Sessyoin, the creatures that saved her, and how to stop that woman from whatever she's planning to harm this world.
"Merlin?" Queen Sheba called the magus' name to get her attention. Once their eyes meet, she greets her with a smile and continues. "I cannot help but to wonder. Why is there a school in this place? Isn't the Far-side supposedly the area of the fallen where things that the Moon Cell rejected from the Near-side will be put into." She inquired to the mage.
"I'm not sure myself." Merlin replies before a sigh escapes her. "This part of the Moon Cell is still uncharted, obviously there are many things we don't know about this side. It's best for us to stay vigilant."
Archer scoffs as he turns his attention toward them. "Anyone else getting a strange feeling of Deja vu in this place?" He asks. Both Merlin and Queen Sheba shake their heads.
"Tsukimihara Academy. How could I ever forget that name." Rin answered with a noticeable grim on her voice. "It's the same academy where the past Moon Cell Holy Grail War takes place." Her statement surprised the two female servants, especially Merlin who seemed shocked for another reason.
"If the Far-side is what Queen Sheba said it is. Then I see why this establishment is here, it's a way for the Moon Cell to bury the past on the ground…" Continuing her explanation, Rin couldn't hide her disbelief and anger from the others. "But why is this place still functioning? We even saw genuine humans who are attending this place as students!?"
"It's as if...as if-!"
"As if the mistake of the past is coming back." Archer finishes on her behalf. "But we don't have solid evidence to say that is true." He reasoned out despite having his bet on his growing suspicion about this place.
"You're right..." Rin replied before making a weary face. "I'm hoping we get more answers than we expected from this meeting." Looking at the clock, the anticipation is written all over her face, she begins to wonder when they're going to show up.
The door opened, revealing three women entering the room, they are the people that called them in this office. The headmaster of this school, BB. "Hope I didn't make you wait for that long." She said with a carefree sounding tone on her voice as she walked behind the desk and sat comfortably on the chair.
BB has a long purple hair that reaches her ankle, purple-colored eyes, and a cheerful yet devious face. Dressed in a long black coat with a blue logo on the side, white shirt that emphasizes her large bosom and red bowtie, and a matching mini skirt that kinda exposes the underwear she's wearing. She also wears white gloves, black floral-patterned thigh high stockings, and low-heeled shoes.
"No worries. It's not like we're here for an hour now." Archer sarcastically commented.
The Headmaster simply giggled before manifesting a tablet-like-device on her hand. "Well let's get down to business, shall we? I have a place to be with later today." She said before tapping once on the screen of her tablet. "If it's okay, Ruler can you serve our guest something to drink?"
"I hope coffee is okay." The girl who she called Ruler is a taciturn-looking girl with long and beautiful golden hair. She wears a battle-dress armor that is woven with magical energy that protects her. And her pretty face that felt scarcely real, amethyst-color pupils, her pure beauty can be only compared to the angels of heaven.
Archer knew that face. How could he when they fought against her many years ago. The servant's name is Jeanne D'Arc, the holy saint of Orleans, one of the top servants that grace SERAPH. They haven't seen her after that war, Altera would be very pleased to see a very close friend.
"And I guess you can keep an eye on our guest there, Lancer." BB said to the woman standing on the corner of the room.
Lancer looks a tad bit older compared to Ruler, she also has an aura of a strict teacher that terrorizes students. Regardless of that she looks extremely beautiful with her long purple hair that reaches her waist, fearless ruby-colored eyes, and full-body outfit that highlights her curvaceous body with metallic shoulder pads. From the stare coming to Merlin, Queen Sheba, and Rin they couldn't help but to feel envy looking at her.
Clearing her throat before she speaks. BB quickly reads the files on her tablet and easily summarizes it for everyone to understand. "We've been able to recover the bodies of the students that unfortunately met their end in that incident, they are all turned into data as a way of cremating body here inside the Moon Cell." She stated before pausing for a moment.
"The one survivor of that incident will be taking a health examination later this day to make sure that there is no damaging effect on his body. Lastly, the place where that incident had occurred are now cleaned from the scar of the battle."
Putting the tablet down on the top of her desk. She stared at the group with a nonchalant expression on her face. "While there is no sign of that wench named Kiara Sessyoin and her 'friends'. The safety of my students is the priority here, my security team will do their best to find them ASAP."
"I appreciate your effort in telling us about her, I have no idea that she's alive and all. Regardless, you people are free to go now, you don't need to get involved in something dangerous like her. Let us take care of her, I'll see it to myself that she will cause no trouble eternally." BB said and sent them a reassuring wink.
"Are you saying you don't need our help?" Rin asks in disbelief.
"Yes." The Headmaster blurted out. "Though don't take it offensively. You people came from the Near-side correct? I don't want to put civilians at risk stopping her. Senpai wouldn't want that as well."
"Senpai? Who are you talking about?"
"Who else? Hakuno Kishinami. The Sovereign of the Moon Cell." BB then shows an image of a girl on her tablet. "Senpai and I had some 'history' together. Though I'm not sure she remembers it." Her tone sounds mildly dejected as she said that.
"Then again, it's the same with you, Rin Tohsaka and Archer-kun." BB softly smiled after seeing the puzzled look on their faces. "Teehee~ It's better not to think hard about it. It's in the past."
Rin couldn't help but to look suspicious at the girl. At the back of her head, she does remind her of someone, way back then, perhaps before or during the Moon Cell Holy Grail War. "She can't be that nurse, right?" whispering under her breath, she looks again and convince herself that she's not that nurse.
That person looks more gentle and caring. BB on the other hand is straight up devious.
"Anyway, I'm hoping that you all know a way to get back to the Near-side, alright?"
Rin stands up from her chair and stormy approaches BB's desk. "We're not going back until we see it with our own eyes that Kiara cannot harm anyone anymore." She announced firmly and with conviction.
"Good grief." BB let out in disbelief. "Did Senpai send you four here for that mission?" She asked and they all nodded in answer. "So what? Are you senpai's special force or something? Are one of those servants bound on a contract with you?"
"I rather not reveal that information here."
"The what? Both of them?" Letting out a chuckle, she leaned on her chair and remained on her nonchalant expression from earlier. "I know for the fact that you rather serve than lead. So I'm taking the first question as yes. And I can easily just grab both of your hands and see if you have a command seal printed on it."
To hide her surprise, Rin clicks her tongue in annoyance. "Regardless, we will stay here and complete our mission. With or without your approval." She declared. There is also about this place that she wanted to look over. Quite frankly, she's more worried about it than stopping Kiara.
"Guess there is no stopping you people then." Grabbing the tablet once again, BB navigated through a report section that she's been wondering since yesterday. Part of the report caught her attention.
First is the rescuer of that wench. They describe it as demonic creatures in a towering pillar body. Diving into deep thought, it'll be less stressful for her if she saw these creatures personally. She might be a somewhat omnipotent being in this world, and a super cute super advanced artificial intelligence. There are rare things that put a concern on her gentle heart. Like for example, a creature that has a resemblance to ancient beings.
She's crossing her fingers that it's nothing but a familiar that Kiara or someone else has created and not an actual demon. But just in case, she will give instructions to the Sakura five who're currently searching for Kiara's whereabouts.
Last is that student involvement in this incident. She's interested to know what this 'angel' he summoned. There is no way that it's an actual ANGEL, things will be nasty if even one exists in SERAPH. However, if he is able to do something spectacular with a code cast that allows him to summon a dummy-like-angel, then she'll be very impressed about it.
"If you do not mind. Can you answer our own question?" Rin asks. The Headmaster simply gestures her hand for the girl to proceed. But before she could lay it out, the door opened and revealed Ruler carrying a tray of cups of coffee she served to everyone present inside the room.
"Hope the taste is to your liking." She said politely before standing on the opposite corner of Lancer.
"Thank you, Ruler." BB cheerfully thanked the saint. "So what question do you have in mind, Rin?"
"What is the meaning of this place?"
The Headmaster raised the cup served to her, savoring the taste and warmness running down her throat, and after that only she answered Rin's inquiress. "Tsukimihara Academy, is a learning ground for future spiritron-hackers of this world, and as you can see by my title here, I'm the one running this school." Her proud tone does make Rin look disdainful to her for a second.
"It's more than that does it?" She said coldly. "You cannot leave us in the shadows. The intention behind this learning ground doesn't aline why it's built on this side of the moon where things that are rejected are found!"
BB let out a sigh before smiling quite deviously. "I'm not leaving anyone in the shadows here. Quite frankly, everyone here knows what's happening, even the Moon Cell knows." She said.
"The Moon Cell knows…" Rin murmured to herself before momentary look in pure disbelief at BB. "But why...? Why did it allow such a thing to happen again!?" She cried out aggressively.
"For the same reason, my dear." BB's tone sound of cheerfulness is gone and replace by a darky tone. However, it quickly returns, as if nothing but an illusion to their mind. "But do not fret, I'm going to run this Grail War with honesty in my cute heart." She commented before putting a finger on her cheek. "Though with a little bit of flare...BUT nothing dangerous!"
"Did you say Grail War?" Merlin questioned with unsureness on her tone. "As in the Holy Grail War? There is one happening at the moment?" The magus' voice changed into a genuine surprise that put a smirk into BB's face.
"Well yes, you heard it right!" Nodding her head happily while looking proud. "I hereby announce you. The Far-side Holy Grail War~" BB announced as she put her hand on her waist, two pigeons hovering on her shoulder holding a banner that says the name of the tournament.
Archer doesn't look entertained or impressed. In fact, he's disgusted about it, and he knows that Rin as well.
"Is something the matter, Merlin?" Queen Sheba asks after noticing her friend's expression.
Merlin cleared her throat and reassured the queen that she's fine. "I'm just surprised that the Moon Cell knows and really allows this to happen again." BB giggled as she leaned comfortably on her seat.
"Senpai won the last Grail War, had her wish granted, and became the sovereign that ruled SERAPH. However, her sovereignty is only to the Near-side of the Moon, the Far-side is not under her jurisdiction. Quite frankly, the Moon Cell doesn't care about this side and will let it rot."
"But since I was born here, I find it in my adorable heart the dedication, responsibility, and kindness to help and save this place." BB expresses in a dramatic fashion alongside the effect on her background. "So after negotiating with the Moon Cell, which is hellish I tell you. It agreed to give the same treatment as the Near-side as long as there is a sovereign that will rule over this domain."
"Thus the reason why there is a Holy Grail War that will happen here in the coming days." BB explained as she clapped her hands together with a beaming smile on her face. "So as the rule of the last Grail War, thousands of participants will fight one another in a series of duels, and the winner of this tournament will become the sovereign of this land."
Rin looked dejected as she listened to the girl's explanation. "Is the rule of kill or be killed still applied in this war?" She said while trying to contain her emotion from showing.
BB goes into a thinking expression, putting her finger on her lips. "There is a reason for that. However, I do think that you will not appreciate the answer to that." She said.
"How about those students. Do they know about that?"
"Some do and some don't. Quite the same setting as the last one."
"How long have they been here?" Archer chimed questions with his hand crossed together.
"I say a year now. It started just the same day as where humanity's exodus occurred. The Moon Cell sent them all invitations and those who accepted woke up here instead on the Near-side."
Rin's body started to shake after hearing is nothing to feel but a building frustration inside her. She's the one behind the plan to exodus mankind here on the Moon Cell. Now she knows the reason behind the large missing number of people back then.
Thinking over the same cruelty of the last Holy Grail War. Ignorance is bliss, some of these people thought it's nothing but a competition to see who is the best, some even made friends not knowing that they're going to kill each other in the end.
"And those two? Why are they here?" Rin questioned the reason behind Ruler and Lancer.
"They are masterless servants. Both sent here by the Moon Cell for different purposes. And of course, to keep an eye on me." BB said dejectedly before moving her hand toward Ruler who nodded and stepped forward.
"For my part, I will be doing my role here as the Heroic Spirit of Arbitration also known as the Ruler class. I'm making sure that this war will be heading in its correct destination, that a certain someone, for example BB, won't do anything that will cause interference."
BB crossed her arms and pouted after hearing that from the girl.
"Mine is much simpler than hers." Lancer smirks as she glances at BB. "If BB is proven guilty to anything that is dangerous or if she messed up this Grail War. Then I'll be the one whose task is to end her." She said with a weight of seriousness on her voice.
BB scoffed and sat on her chair looking defeated. As she sulked on her table, something came to her mind, something that made her feel nervous. "What if Kiara did something before, during, or after the war. Is that considered me messing up?" She asks and gulps while waiting for Lancer's answer.
"That is considered." The woman nodded to herself. "It's your job to make sure that nothing bad will happen. That everything will go as perfectly as intended." What she said caused a sense of panic on BB.
"That's unfair!" BB complained. She wouldn't be feeling panic if the Moon Cell didn't lock a huge portion of her power. "Ruler! You need to help me, this is basically your job as well!"
"You have a point." answered the Ruler as she went into a thinking pose. "Do we have a plan against this woman? I will only act according to the plan that is made." BB let out a sigh of relief and quickly got up to her feet.
Pointing her stick at the Rin's group, the cheerful demeanor from earlier returned to her face. "Do you people have a plan about this?" She asks and they look at each other before shaking their heads to answer.
"It's presumably that she's going to repeat that crime again." The girl then clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Tomorrow is the day where the 'Garden of Catalyst' is going to be opened for all the students to enter. It will release powerful mana all around the campus once the gate is opened, after all this is the time where they'll be gifted with the catalyst of the Heroic Spirit that will serve them in this war."
"There is no doubt that wench will sense it. And that woman is crazy, I wouldn't be surprised if she boldly appears on this campus tomorrow!" BB exclaimed without an exaggeration. "It will be a buffet for her, she can steal both the master's mana and the helpless servant who's inside the catalyst."
"Then it's probably for the best to increase the security around the campus." Lancer suggested. "It's outside my responsibility, so you better not slack-off BB." BB grunted loudly from her comment.
"But I need to get ready this afternoon! You do know that Akechi Matou is going to have a duel later on." She complained and slammed her hand on the top of the table. "I cannot miss that one! I wanna see him stomp his opponent! I wanna watch his spectacular magecraft! And also he's drop-dead gorgeous!" BB cried out with excitement in her voice.
Ruler let out an exasperated sigh. "You really favored him compared to everyone, huh?" She commented in disbelief. Just by watching the girl, it reminds her of those fangirls that are cheering for him. Perhaps she's a member of that club that is named after him. Regardless, if this favoritism goes over BB's head, then she will join Lancer in putting her down.
"Anyway! We better do something to stop that wench!"
"I do have a plan." Everyone was taken by surprise after hearing Rin. "But I first need to scope the area to make sure it'll be perfectly executed. Once that settles, I'll talk to you later." She said before giving Merlin, Queen Sheba, and Archer a look. They're about to leave the room until BB stops them.
"Hey Rin. I see that you're affected about the Holy Grail War. But I'm hoping you're not going to do something that will affect my hospitality on you and your group." BB question calmy yet threatening at the same time.
"Are you people okay with them killing each other?" Rin asks, giving a quick glimpse on their faces. BB remains unaffected, Lancer looks uncaring, and only Ruler seems troubled about it.
"Then I guess we're done here." She declared before they left BB's office. This is going to be a one-time-alliance between them. Kiara comes first and after that Rin has another target to stop. Added to that, Hakuno needs to know about this as soon as possible.
When afternoon came. Every student and faculty member of the Tsukimihara Academy was called and gathered outside the school's outdoor court. There is a noticeable excitement that can be seen on their faces as they find their seats on the bleachers.
Waver Velvet, an Apprentice rank student, easily found the perfect spot to watch the duel. "Ayaka-san, over there!" The excitement in his voice was quickly noticed by the girl on his side. The two of them navigate through the crowd until they reach the desired seat that he saw.
"This looks good does it?" He asks, feeling proud to himself. "Kariya-sensei will join us later so we better save a seat for him." Waver put his bag on the chair beside him for assurance. Looking at his wristwatch, there is still a good amount of minutes before the duel starts.
They, the member of the Service club will be cheering for Ren Edelfelt on his fight against the top contender magus, Akechi Matou. He's really excited to see his friend take on a high ranking student, knowing his friend's skill and ability, and of course some of his quality and strategic advice, he's fully confident that Ren will be able to put up a fight and triumph.
Though he's also interested in Akechi's magecraft. He's after all considered one or perhaps the best student in the academy. Him and Wodime are pretty much fighting for that spot. This duel might not show the answer on who's the strongest, but it will surely put his friend into the equation if he won.
All in all, he just wants it to begin!
"Are those the Master rank students?" He heard Ayaka's unsure soft voice. Following where she's looking at, he looked slightly irritated seeing the man who put him and many students in hell under his tutelage.
Across where they are. Archibald is seen chatting with the high rank students. "That bastard…" He whispered under his breath. He still couldn't believe that after many accusations about his teaching and physical abuse, that man still retained his position in being a teacher of the academy.
"Did something upset you, Waver-kun?"
Hearing a familiar worried voice of a man. Waver let out a sigh and recollected his composure. "It's nothing Kariya-sensei." He said in an attempt to defuse his club advisor worries. He quickly removed his bag on top of the beacher. "Here sensei, I save you a seat."
"Thank you." replied the adult and seat beside the young man. "Though Ren's sister will be joining us here, hope you two don't mind." He said and then did Waver notice the elegant blond-haired girl sitting beside Kariya.
"I'm Luviagelita Edelfelt, Ren's older sister. You're free to call me Luvia." She said before giving into a slight bow toward the two. "It's a pleasure to meet people who are his friends."
Waver could only look at Luvia in shock. 'They don't look alike!' He thought to his mind while staring at the woman, trying to find any resemblance that made them siblings. Maybe she dyed her hair or perhaps Ren did….Regardless! He doesn't want to be rude and ask about it.
Seeing the surprise in Waver's face, Ayaka decided to introduce themselves on his behalf. "I'm Ayaka Souji and his Velvet Waver...It's nice to meet you..." She said and felt her heart beating fast. Despite being with them for months now, she's still an introvert in nature, such things cannot be avoided that quickly.
"Is Ren ready for his match?" Kariya asks.
"We did have problems over his equipment, but it easily got solved and now he's all set." Luvia answered with grace and confidence. Since Ren was trained and toned into an assassin, his physical prowess didn't become an issue during his preparation. He's still as agile as she remembers he is. The problem came from the code cast he's going to use.
Compared to the Matou Family, they didn't get stagnant from magecraft despite the art dying a long time ago. They have far more superior magic unlike them who are still using basic forms of magic up to this date. But despite all that, she knew that Ren's cunningness would be his greatest weapon on this duel.
'The Black Cat of the Edelfelt'. A moniker given to him by her father after reminiscent him of a cat that is deceptively docile, elegant, hiding in mystery, and one that will hide its claws, biding its time until seizing the right moment to strike.
"Hello~ Everyone!" A puff of smoke explodes in the middle of the field, revealing a cheery voice that belongs to the Headmaster of the academy. The girl with long purple-hair waved her hands toward the roaring crowd. "The moment we all have been waiting for has come! Today we will witness a fight between two aspiring magus!"
"We might even see another name join the ranks of the best!" She announced, causing the crowd to go wild in anticipation. "I will not waste any more moments. Let's get the combatant here!"
"Representing the Edelfelt family. Known to his peers by his kindness, strong sense of justice, and willingness to help anyone in need. His enemy however should watch out! Don't let his masquerade fool you! Because there is more to him beneath that facade~"
"I introduce to you, Ren Edelfelt!" BB announced with zeal as she called the young man to climb the stage. Though after seeing his face, the Headmaster is surprised realizing it's that student from yesterday, the one that Rin and her group rescue and help them in return against Kiara.
The one who says on the report summoned an ANGEL.
Noticing the puzzled look coming from him. BB swiftly proceeds on her job at the moment. "Now for his opponent. Representing the Matou Family. Took the academy's ranking system by storm, the first one entered the Masters', and has been consistently improving since then."
"Recognized by his skills, talents, intelligence, and charming personality. A prodigy and celebrity among the students of Tsukimihara Academy. Known to his adoring fans club as the Crownless Prince. I introduce to you, the one and only, Akechi Matou!"
BB isn't being biased here. But as the teacher of the Master rank students, it's only natural to support her students more. Not because he's charming, cool, dreamy or anything! NONE of THAT!
Akechi climbed up the stage with a noticeable three large compartment that has an odd shape of a coffin hovering behind his back. Unwavering and composed, he met them in the middle with a soft smile on his face. "Here wishing both of us for best." He said before extending his hand toward him.
"Yes, likewise-" As Ren accepted his formality, he felt the strength on his grip. Such hostility looks like Kariya-sensei is right, his opponent doesn't look like going to hold off on their fight.
"Let's get the match started!" BB announced. The crowd deafening cheer of excitement filled the whole area. It's electrifying without comparison. "Now you two get to your place~" She ordered the two combatants.
Ren taking a deep breath, the crowd excitement is making him quite nervous, but at the same time, such a thrilling moment is something he lives for. Whether he wins or not, he will give them a show that won't leave them disappointed. Taking his knife out, he goes into his fighting stance in preparation.
Keeping the smile on his face, Akechi entered his fighting stance. With a perfect breathing and steel composure, he raised both his arms, showing a martial arts style combat, a technique that Ren's trying to recognize. His hands aren't formed into fists, instead it's flat out.
"Come!" Akechi flat out challenged him.
He won't figure the technique out by just waiting, he needs to see his movement before he'll be able to discern it. Tightening his hold on the knife, he dashed in with a speed that no normal human can do. As the distance between them comes closer, he carefully watches Akechi's reaction.
"Fool."
Ren saw the smirk on his face and something else. Be it an illusion or not, but he saw a humongous poisonous snake staring at him in the eye. Like a predator about to strike its prey.
A/N: Here's this month update! Hope you guys enjoy it despite the flaws of the writing~
The seven Master rank students came from many different Fate series. 3 came from FGO, 1 from Fate/Extra CCC, 1 from Fate/Stay night, and 1 from the case file series. They all going to play a huge role on the first arc of this story. However, for the Hakuno fans out there, she won't make a appearance for a long term, but she will get mentioned as a important figure to meet in the future.
Well that is all for now~ Back to Ghost of Tsushima! Bye-bye~ and thank you for all the support~