The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting Manila in the warm glow of twilight. In a modest house, Julius Roco de Guzman was busy preparing for the arrival of the Holy Grail War's supervisor, Lysander Euryale. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety at the prospect of participating in such a monumental event. He knew that the power of the Holy Grail could bring about the change he had longed for; a world free from suffering and injustice.
The doorbell chimed, interrupting Julius's thoughts. As he opened the door, Lysander stood before him, clad in his elegant attire. The supervisor's enigmatic gaze seemed to pierce through Julius, as if sizing him up.
"Mr. de Guzman, I presume?" Lysander inquired, his voice calm and composed.
"Yes, I'm Julius. Please, come in," Julius replied, stepping aside to let the older man enter his home.
As they sat down in the modest living room, Lysander began explaining the intricacies of the Holy Grail War and the responsibilities of a Master. Julius listened intently, absorbing every piece of information he could.
"Now, Julius, it's time for you to summon your Servant. Have you prepared a catalyst?" Lysander asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Julius nodded and stood up, walking over to a cabinet. He rummaged through it for a moment before pulling out an old bamboo hat.
"I found this lying around the house. It belonged to my grandfather, I believe."
Lysander examined the hat, his brow furrowing. "Interesting. Such a small thing... an uninteresting, unimportant thing... and yet..."
Lysander cleared his throat. "Ahem, well, in any case, his will certainly suffice. Prepare yourself, Julius. The summoning ritual will begin shortly."
With the bamboo hat in hand, Julius recited the incantation as Lysander guided him. A surge of magical energy filled the room, the atmosphere growing heavy with anticipation. The hat glowed with an otherworldly light as the summoning circle beneath their feet illuminated, signaling the arrival of Julius's Servant.
As the light dissipated, the figure of a tall, wild haired muscular man with a Kampilan sword on his back gazed down at the bamboo hat.
"The sun still soaks it even now, that hat I wore to Borneo..."
The figure turned away from the catalyst, and towards Julius. Slowly, a smile cracked his stern face.
"I didn't think any of my men were so sentimental as to keep a token of our last journey together. So, whose descendant are you?"
"I..."
"No, wait, forgive my presumptuousness. I haven't even introduced myself yet. I am Saber, Lapu-Lapu. I have answered your call, Master. Together, we shall fight for justice and bring an end to the suffering of this world."
Julius could hardly believe his eyes as the legendary Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, stood before him.
"What a humble, yet effective catalyst. Take heart Mr. de Guzman, it seems you've acquired quite the potent familiar for yourself."
Julius stared at the newly summoned Servant, his heart pounding in his chest. The legendary warrior Lapu-Lapu, a symbol of courage and defiance against oppressors, now stood before him as his ally in the Holy Grail War.
It was almost too surreal for Julius to comprehend.
"Thank you, Saber," Julius said, his voice quivering with excitement. "Together, we'll reshape this world into a better place."
Lysander observed the pair, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It seems the two of you are off to a good start," he remarked, his tone neutral yet approving. "Now, I must take my leave. Remember, Julius, the Grail War is a dangerous and unpredictable affair. Stay vigilant and trust in your Servant. Good luck."
With those final words, Lysander departed, leaving Julius and Lapu-Lapu to prepare for the trials ahead. Julius, still somewhat awestruck, turned to his Servant and extended a hand in friendship.
"I know we've only just met, Saber, but I trust you with my life. Let's work together and achieve our goals."
Lapu-Lapu clasped Julius's hand firmly, his eyes filled with determination. "I promise you, Master, I shall protect you with all my might and see to it that we emerge victorious."
Over the next few days, Julius and Lapu-Lapu spent their time strategizing and discussing their approach to the Holy Grail War. Julius shared his knowledge of modern technology and weaponry, while Lapu-Lapu taught Julius about the art of war and his own fighting style. Despite their differences in background and era, the two found common ground in their shared desire for justice.
As the hours turned into days, Julius felt a growing bond with his Servant. The wisdom and strength Lapu-Lapu possessed inspired him, giving Julius the confidence to face the upcoming battles. He knew that, with Saber by his side, they could overcome any obstacle and bring about the change he had longed for.
As the time for the Holy Grail War's pre-battle meeting drew near, Julius and Lapu-Lapu gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the safety of their home. The moment of truth was upon them, and they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
As Julius and Lapu-Lapu stepped out of the house, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. They both knew that the path ahead of them would be fraught with danger, but they also knew that they could rely on each other to face whatever challenges the Holy Grail War had in store for them.
As they made their way to the pre-battle meeting grounds, Julius couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and dread. The streets of Manila seemed to be holding their breath, as if aware of the significance of the events that were about to unfold.
Lapu-Lapu, ever vigilant, surveyed their surroundings with keen eyes. "Master, stay close to me," he advised Julius. "We must be prepared for any unexpected threats."
Julius nodded, his hand instinctively reaching for the weapon at his side. "I understand, Saber. I trust your judgment."
As they continued their journey, Julius couldn't help but reflect on the choices that had led him to this point. He thought of his family, his disillusionment with the world, and the ideals that had driven him to seek out the Holy Grail. In his heart, he knew that his intentions were pure and that he was fighting for a just cause.
As they were nearly arrived at the designated meeting area, Julius and Lapu-Lapu found themselves discussing the scene they would surely be treated to. Of the other assembled Masters and Servants, each with their own goals and motivations. The atmosphere tense, as alliances and rivalries were silently formed and broken. How would they factor into it? What progress could they make towards their goals before the battle even began? The excitement was only matched by the tension that came with it.
Lapu-Lapu stood tall and proud beside Julius, his presence a beacon of strength and determination. "Master, remember that we are here to fight for what is right. Keep your resolve and focus on our goals, the wish we must obtain!"
Julius took a deep breath and steadied himself, his resolve unwavering. "Thank you, Saber. I'll remember your words."
Julius knew that the Holy Grail War would test him in ways he could never have imagined. But with Lapu-Lapu by his side, he was ready to face the trials ahead and fight for a better future.
Addendum: Character Profile
Master: Julius Roco de Guzman
Appearance: A stern man in his early 20s with black hair, fair skin, yellowish-brown eyes, and a seemingly perpetual frown.
His Command Seals are in the shape of a three pointed star.
About: Julius is a man born to a middle-class family in Manila, whom was never able to ignore the suffering of those who live in poverty. Due to this, he slowly became disgruntled when, in his perception, no one tried to help the less fortunate, not even himself, not in any way that truly mattered. He, paradoxically, considers himself a man of science, even though he knows of the existence of Magecraft. Having been trained in Magecraft from his grandparents due to his father, who refused to learn Magecraft and made a deal that his first-born will succeed as family head in his stead. In adulthood, he kept his strong ideals, though became a bit more pragmatic in the pursuit of it's implementation. He is a hypocrite in many things, and remains mostly blind to it. When he heard of the Holy Grail War, he saw it as a chance of implementing his wish of having enough power to create a free world without suffering... and to sweep away those who contradict his ideal vision of his ideal perfect world.
Abilities: Mediocre in Magecraft with a specialty in causing contradictions in the properties of objects which allows Julius to flip the properties of objects he touched at will.
He is also a mediocre in knife fighting and firearms.
Origin: Contradictions
Doesn't require elaboration, about what it sounds like.
Catalyst: Something he found laying around the house that looked old and wouldn't be missed: an ancient hand-made bamboo hat.