As Berserker laid out a series of solutions encompassing Zouken, Sakura's liberation, and even Kariya's own restoration, a sense of disbelief tinged with hope crept over him. The prospect of resolving these longstanding issues seemed almost too good to be true. The question formed in his mind before he could stop himself, his thoughts laced with skepticism. Why would he need to claim the mantle of the Matou family's Head?
Su's response resonated through their mental link, measured and thoughtful, revealing a deeper layer to the plan. It wasn't just about freeing Sakura from Zouken's grasp; there were intricate threads of cause and effect at play. Berserker's insights illuminated unforeseen repercussions, shedding light on the complexity of the situation. In a moment of clarity, Kariya recognized the stark simplicity of his initial assumptions. The notion that liberating Sakura would guarantee her happiness now seemed painfully naive against the backdrop of newfound understanding.
Sensing the weight of Kariya's realization, Su's presence seemed to envelop him in a comforting embrace, their mental link facilitating the exchange. (Your plan isn't inherently wrong,) Su's voice flowed like a soothing balm through their telepathic connection, his empathy reaching across their bond. (Given the constraints of time and resources, it's one of the best courses available to you.)
Kariya's inner turmoil was met with understanding as Su continued, (Summoning a Servant like me is a rare occurrence, a one-in-a-billion chance, and an unforeseen stroke of aid that you should credit yourself for) Su's words carried a reassurance that permeated Kariya's doubts. (You've invested immense effort and made significant sacrifices. Instead of blaming yourself, be proud of how far you've come.)
Kariya's smile broke through the cloud of doubt that had hung over him, a glimmer of gratitude for Su's unwavering support conveyed through their mental connection. (You're quite adept at offering comfort,) Kariya commented, his thoughts tinged with appreciation.
Su's smile in return held a warmth that mirrored his words, and his response held a touch of wisdom, (Being a healer encompasses both the physical and the emotional.)
As the weight of uncertainty began to lift, Kariya's mind cleared, allowing him to focus on the practical matter at hand. (What should be our next step?) he inquired mentally, looking to Su for guidance in this complex endeavor.
Su's response echoed through their telepathic link, holding a gentle but unwavering clarity as it addressed the heart of the issue. (The crux of the matter, Master, is your current lack of qualifications to ascend as the Matou family's Head,) Su's voice reverberated in Kariya's thoughts, a mix of understanding and straightforwardness. (Taking on that mantle demands both influence and power, encompassing authority and strength.)
Kariya's mental focus remained steady on Su, an unspoken plea for guidance evident in his thoughts, a belief that Su wouldn't present a problem without a potential resolution. Su's next words flowed through their mental connection, holding a glimmer of potential that threaded hope into their conversation. (However, influence can often be harnessed through the acquisition of power,) Su's voice carried a note of optimism within Kariya's mind. (I might possess the means to enhance your capabilities through a specialized surgical procedure. But for that, I would require intricate knowledge of magus physiology, particularly within the Matou lineage.)
Kariya's thoughts quickened with a spark of realization, prompting an eager interruption, (Hold on, Zouken's amassed a vast collection of magus knowledge, a repository of generations. It might hold the answers we need.)
Su's acknowledgment flowed back, a glimmer of optimism conveyed through their mental link. (Indeed, that could potentially provide the insight we're seeking.)
With a plan in mind, both Master and Servant advanced stealthily in the direction of the Matou Library, with Kariya acting as their guide. Their progress was swift, and soon they found themselves standing before the grand doors of the library. As Kariya reached for the handle, his intent to access the knowledge within was met with an immediate disturbance—a swarm of repulsive insects erupted, causing him to instinctively recoil.
A short distance away, another congregation of insects coalesced, taking on a grotesque form that could only belong to Zouken. The old man regarded them with suspicion, his presence both unsettling and ominous. "What brings you here?" his voice croaked with a tone that hinted at his underlying intentions.
Su stepped forward, addressing Zouken with a measured tone. "I believe I may possess the means to enhance my Master's capabilities through a surgical procedure," he began. "However, for such an endeavor to succeed, I require a deeper understanding of the Matou lineage's magus physiology."
Kariya, echoing Su's intentions, nodded and explained, "It was I who informed Su about this library, and it's the reason we've come here. We need access to its knowledge."
Zouken regarded them with a calculating gaze, his aged features contorted into something resembling a smile. "Access to our family's knowledge is not freely given," he stated, his voice dripping with insinuation. Kariya felt a wave of disappointment and suspicion wash over him, his eyes flitting to Su.
In response, Su's voice resonated in his mind through their mental link, a reassuring whisper of assurance. (Don't fret,) Su's mental voice reassured him. (I have contingencies in place if Zouken is already aware of our plans.)
Su's next words were carefully chosen, seeking to understand the motivations behind Zouken's refusal. "May I inquire as to why you withhold your knowledge? Our access to it could significantly improve our chances of victory in the Grail War."
Zouken's response was unexpected; a crooked smile crept onto his lips as he leaned on his gnarled cane. "There is no point in that," he replied cryptically.
Kariya's bewilderment grew, but Su, attuned to the nuances of the conversation, understood the deeper meaning. "You don't expect us to win, do you?" Su's words were sharp, and Zouken's laughter confirmed their accuracy.
"Indeed, I do not," Zouken admitted, a glint of mirth in his eyes as he elaborated on his perspective. "I am not truly expecting both of you to succeed," he admitted his tone a mixture of amusement and indifference. Zouken looked at the dumbfounded Kariya with a smirk before continuing, "Our bargain, Kariya, was struck on a whim, in anticipation that you might surpass my expectations." Despite his lack of faith in Kariya's victory, Zouken couldn't help but offer a modicum of praise, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration. "It is true; your ability to summon such an extraordinary Berserker, with remarkable statistics and intellect, is exceptional."
Yet, his commendation came with a caveat, "But such factors do little to sway my overall opinion on the matter." It became increasingly evident that Zouken's motives and amusement were deeply interwoven in this twisted game of the Holy Grail War, and Kariya's struggles were the source of his entertainment.
As Zouken's words sank in, a burning anger welled up within Kariya. He had endured torturous training, sacrificing his health and lifespan to become a better Master, and yet Zouken only saw it as a source of amusement. "Zouken!" Kariya's voice erupted in fury, his mind clouded by anger. He was on the verge of rash action, ready to confront the old magus, but before he could take any reckless steps, a calming hand settled on his shoulder. Kariya turned to see Berserker gazing at him with serene understanding.
Through their unspoken connection, Su's voice reached him, a soothing presence amidst the storm of emotions. (It's natural to feel anger, Master,) Su conveyed, his mental tone gentle. (But remember, it's crucial not to let it control your actions.)
Berserker's words carried a sense of assurance, his calm demeanor a grounding force for Kariya's turbulent emotions. (Let me handle this,) Su proposed through their mental link. Kariya, taking a few deep breaths to regain his composure, finally nodded his consent, giving Su the authority to proceed as he saw fit.
Su acknowledged the unspoken agreement with a nod, his fuchsia eyes turning to meet Zouken's amused gaze. The Head of the Matou family might not have been privy to the details of the Master-Servant communication, but an inkling of suspicion flickered within him. Nonetheless, he dismissed the notion with a wave of indifference, confident that a Servant like Berserker posed no real threat to him.
"I don't know what you both planned nor do I care," Zouken taunted, a malicious glint in his eye. "But do not forget that Sakura is within the grasp of my hand, and the consequences should you dare to defy me will be dire." Kariya's agitation was evident, but Berserker's response was unexpected. Instead of anger, the Servant regarded Zouken with a profound sadness in his eyes.
"I wonder," The Servant spoke, his tone carrying a weight of sorrow, "what has led you to become this way."
Before Zouken could even process the meaning behind those words, his mind went utterly blank.