For Emiya Shirou, who had never been taught the correct magic theory, his doubts were not difficult to understand.

When Emiya Shirou asked Emiya Kiritsugu to teach him magic, Kiritsugu informed him that he did not possess a magic circuit in his body and lacked the ability to use magic. However, after witnessing Shirou's determination, Kiritsugu reluctantly revealed that he could teach him a method that "allows ordinary people to use magic."

Unbeknownst to Shirou, both statements were beautiful lies from the beginning. As a normal person without a magic circuit, it would be impossible for him to use magic without external assistance. Furthermore, Shirou himself possessed twenty-seven magic circuits in his body, making him far from an ordinary person without magic abilities.

For a mage, a magic circuit serves as an organ that converts vitality into magical energy. This unique organ is not something that needs to be constantly created and discarded, as Shirou did when practicing magic. Magic circuits are innate and can be repeatedly used once activated.

Normally, a magician can easily manipulate their magic circuits with simple mental functions after a little practice. However, due to Shirou's misguided learning, he had been recreating and discarding the circuits in his body every time he attempted to use magic. Consequently, all of his magic circuits were currently in an activated state.

As a result of his incorrect experiences and methods, Shirou's actions only yielded incorrect results. When he incorrectly closed all his circuits, the high-density magical energy stored within them flowed out of his body instantaneously.

Overwhelmed by doubts and confusion, Shirou's mind, which had always been burdened by his uncontrollable magic eye, struggled to function properly and he lost consciousness in an instant.

...

It was noon, and on a certain street of Nagazora City, the man who had brought Shirou Emiya home skillfully maneuvered the police car with one hand, driving safely and steadily toward the police station.

Suddenly, the phone rang loudly, and the man swiftly retrieved a flip phone from his uniform's breast pocket, opening it. The screen displayed no caller ID, and its unclear visibility emitted a faint electronic glow under the glaring sunlight. In the man's eyes, the barely visible electronic glow formed the shape of an Ouroboros.

Upon seeing the Ouroboros, the man's breathing quickened, and his previously gentle and resolute jet-black pupils transformed into an expression of fanaticism. He answered the call without hesitation, activating the speakerphone. He slightly lowered his body as if bowing to the caller, and then positioned his face close to the phone's microphone, speaking in a respectful, almost humble tone. He opened his mouth and said, "The mission has been completed, Master Gray Snake. Would you like me to report the mission status?"

A deep and commanding voice responded, filled with undeniable majesty. "Why did you do something unnecessary?"

The man, now drenched in sweat, immediately realized that he had asked a foolish question. For the adult on the other end, there was no need for any reports as they could effortlessly monitor his every action through the numerous eyes embedded in the city.

Clutching his tightly clenched fist, the man's palms became slick with nervous perspiration. He remained silent for a moment before speaking in a trembling voice, "I apologize, Mr. Gray Snake. I overstepped. Please punish me."

"Because you killed his father and your comrades-in-arms who fought alongside you. You feel indebted to that child and hope to compensate for your actions, alleviating the restlessness and guilt within you, am I correct?"

The voice from the flip phone continued in a hoarse, emotionless manner.

The man hit the brakes. After the voice on the other end accurately pierced through his thoughts, he parked the police car temporarily in a nearby parking space to ensure his excessive fear didn't affect his ability to drive. He gently closed his eyes and remained silent for a long while. His palms, still gripping the steering wheel, trembled uncontrollably. Eventually, he nodded with great difficulty and said, "...Yes."

Just as the man expected the adult to further inquire about the incident and perhaps assign blame, the voice from the receiver suddenly delivered unexpected words.

"I have already sent the details of the next target to your mobile phone."

The hoarse voice, moments ago devoid of emotion, shifted the topic abruptly.

"This time, the target is different from the previous incomplete ones, and their importance to us cannot be overstated. Due to the target's unique identity, the challenges we face will be more demanding."

"Of course, since the mission difficulty has increased, the support you will receive will be completely different from before. This time, I will personally join you in capturing our target."

The man's eyes widened in surprise. "You will accompany me on the mission?"

"What? Are you dissatisfied?"

The voice on the phone remained calm, its tone indifferent, making it difficult to discern whether it was joking or genuinely offended.

"No, no, not at all!" The man hurriedly shook his head, simultaneously feeling a wave of relief. "It would be an honor for you to personally join and ensure the success of the mission. With your assistance, Mr. Gray Snake, I have no doubt that this capture operation will proceed without any mishaps."

"Compared to those who flatter me, I prefer individuals who refrain from unnecessary actions."

The hoarse voice spoke coldly.

"However, I am not a devil, nor do I intend to meddle excessively in your independent thoughts. I believe that as you gain a deeper understanding of this world, you will naturally stand firmly by the side of the 'snake.'"

"For our noble ideals, long live the world snake."

With a click, accompanied by the sound of the call ending, the mobile phone emitted a busy tone.

After the person on the other end hung up, the man slumped in the driver's seat, seemingly deflated. He raised his hand, absentmindedly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, before pressing the number pad of the phone with his sweaty palm. He accessed the target information sent by Gray Snake.

Next to the girl's photograph, a list of personal information belonging to the mission target was displayed, clearly showing the target's name to the man.

This time, the "Snake" had chosen their target—Raiden Mei.