Fate/Twin Roses Chapter 11: Make a Wish

By Bluestar076

It has been a while once again, isn't it? But somehow, we're still here after all! Hello everyone! Bluestar here with finally a new and awaited chapter! And yes, it's already the second time I made you guys wait for a long time, and I'm pretty sorry for it, but don't worry, I still worked on this story, and I'll explain more of the rest at the end of the chapter, as usual. When it comes to today's episode, as you will see below, this will be the first Interlude Chapter of the story, which means that it will serve as a break before entering into the next phase of this story! After all, after two chapters filled with pure action, it's only natural to have a pause for our characters and give them some space and dialogue time! Before starting, I saw that there weren't a lot of reviews on the previous chapter, which left him a little bit sad, but I think it's natural. Maybe there wasn't a lot to say, or you just didn't want to review, it's your choice to do it or not, after all, the important is that I make the story enjoyable for you folks! With this said, we can start! As always, I hope you like the chapter!

Note: I do not own Fate. All rights and characters belong to Kinoko Nasu and TYPE-MOON.


Chapter 11/Interlude I: Make a Wish

Britain – Gardens of the Royal Castle – 5th Century A.C

It is said that in Northern Europe, a kingdom was born after a young child was able to simply draw a sword from a stone. That simple scene was the beginning of something greater, what people could call a 'perfect kingdom'. The boy became a king beloved by everyone, and in exchange, this king used everything to put their people beyond their own life. Some naturally wondered how this sovereign could bring so much happiness and satisfaction to everyone and how they could win every battle. Yet…It continued to happen, and the inhabitants of that country could feel blessed under the protection of that lord, that almost seemed to shine with a divine aura. This king could also rely on many loyal knights that defended the kingdom from every type of threat while carrying on their main quest. One of them in particular, was known to be the most loyal warrior to this king, and he hardly questioned what the sovereign had to say.

Not many knew, although, that this knight and the king had a much closer bond than someone could think, with them considering each other as more than brother in arms.

One day, the two of them were looking at the gardens of the castle, enjoying the good weather and feeling the breeze on their hairs. The vision of the gardens almost seemed a metaphor of that kingdom: great, perfect, lush…and beautiful. Such sight made them feel calm and comfortable…though at one point…the knight wanted to talk about something that put him in doubt for quite a long.

"…May I ask you something, my lord?" He suddenly asked, getting the king's curiosity. "Hm? What is it?" they said.

"Was there ever a moment when you were afraid?" The knight made the question before turning back to the horizon. "It may sound weird, but I was thinking of it for some time by now. It's been many years since you became the king of this land…and since then…everything went just fine. I've heard that they describe you as the greatest sovereign of all times. And…in some way, I'm thinking of the same, eh eh. I've always seen you with that serious and authoritarian expression on your face, or I can always see you smile when it comes to comfort the people. You almost seem…impenetrable. So…I was wondering…is there a moment…when you are worried? ...I'm sorry…maybe I should have stayed silent…" He then explained, feeling a little bit embarrassed.

But the king chuckled instead. "This is the first time I hear something like this from one of my knights. But…I guess it's only natural for you to ask something like this. It means that you care for my health, and I'm glad to hear that. And…I may sound like the people describe me as…but…I could say that I let them do so."

"Uh? What do you mean?" The knight asked.

"There are...sometimes when I'm afraid…even if I don't show it." The king replied. "Since I was little, I've always been attached to this whole land. I still remember well the day I've extracted that sword from the stone. I could see the opportunity to repay my gratitude for all these people and guide them to a brighter future. This intent of giving my life for them had always been my intent, and even today, I still think that all of my ideals and thoughts on how to carry on this weight are righteous. Though…I do sometimes doubt of myself. There are certainly people who don't agree with my ways…and I still have a lot of enemies that aim at my head. Therefore…I think 'what If I'm actually not enough to hold the chains that hold this kingdom tightly? What if everything falls when I don't want to?' Even these gardens…I just can't afford the idea of them burning. This is why I need to be a strong, firm and resolute figure all the time. It's my duty to make sure that these inhabitants can still smile and live their lives. It's not that I don't feel fear…only that I usually put my doubts aside for the good of this land. I hope this answers your question."

By hearing this, the knight had once again the confirm that person could actually be the greatest sovereign of all times. Maybe those civilians were not wrong with this. This also made him feel proud to serve under his command, as there could possibly be no other king that could prevail over him. The knight smiled and closed his eyes. "Once again, you've given me a taste of your great charisma, my liege. Not many people could decide to do things the way you do. Even if sometimes you waver, you still decide to carry on the weight you've built through all these years. And…be a knight of yours…sincerely makes me happy. I, on the other hand, had several times when I was afraid. During all those missions…those battles…there were moments where I thought that I've reached my limit…and that my journey would have ended there after getting stabbed by the enemy. But…seeing you up there…triumphant on all of them…always gave me security…and hope. Because even in the darkest of times…you could always find a way to fix everything." He then kneeled. "I couldn't ask more of continuing to serve under you…and be your friend, my king."

The king gently smiled. "I could say the same of you. I hope that this mutual trust and friendship can continue on forever…"

And with that, the two figures looked back at the garden…until the scene as a whole…slowly disappeared in the light…leaving only a space of emptiness and darkness…where Marcus Graint Yggdmillenia stood.

The man made a sigh…but he couldn't afford to do more, as he knew how the story continued. "…I see. It seems that you were attached a lot to them."

Behind him stood Berserker of Red, who simply nodded.

"That friendship with them seemed sincere…it's a shame that things ended up in that way…" Marcus added, knowing about his Berserker's true identity and story. "I don't know if it's vengeance you are searching for…but if that's what it is, I don't have any problems on helping you…as long as you help me getting my wish."

"Aaaar…" Berserker of Red simply replied. The scene became darker and darker…until that dream…ended.

Tokyo – 16th April 2021 – 8.00 A.M

Marcus woke up and looked around, realizing that he was in the little apartment he rented to stay while participating in the Holy Grail War. The memory of the dream was still livid and it made him turn to Berserker of Red, who was still sleeping. The Servant was on the ground with his legs crossed, the arms free and with his head lowered. His sleeping noise almost sounded like hearing a steam engine.

"Berserker…it seems that there is a further meaning to your constant rage. Maybe you are not so devoured by anger and empty as I thought…" Marcus thought. "Maybe I'll discover what he really wants one day…"


[Katekyo Hitman Reborn – Boys and Girls]

*Seven Cards that represent the seven classes of Servants appear one by one before splitting in two different decks, each one having the seven cards*

[Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real, Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real]

*Kazuto and Archer of Red open their eyes, and then Kazuto with flames on his hands and on his head starts to perform various melee attacks while Archer of Red attacks with the katana, the naginata and her bow. After that, the two start to fly in the sky*

[Following the manual, jumping out of everyday, you are a boy…]

*Kazuto wakes up and quickly prepares himself to leave the house with Archer of Red while having a croissant in his mouth. The two of them leave while Hinobu looks at them with a smile from a window.*

[Not able to become an adult, but not able to stay as a child, times like that will come…]

*Kazuto and Archer of Red are reached by the remaining members of the Red Rose Faction. With Gordon give some punch to the air, Saber of Red give his Master a pat on his shoulder with a big smile, Calem walking with a smile and his guitar on his back, Lancer of Red walking with her eyes closed, Alvis looking at the phone while Rider of Red tries to get his attentions by licking her lips, Marcus giving tips to the group, Astrea joining the chat by talking alongside Caster of Red, Cahya who looks at the group with a light smile and Assassin of Red that walks happy with her hands on the back of her head*

[Where everyone is in a hurry, in the world that we live in…]

*Meanwhile from the top of a roof, Seram, Isak, Cynthia, Tygo, Adewale, Oeneus and Maximilian along with their Servant are watching the Red Rose Faction, with Cynthia giving a quite serious stare at Kazuto*

[We stopped upon a shooting star!]

*Suddenly Kazuto and the other members of the Red Rose Faction stop and turn around, noticing the constellation of a rose in the sky. Then, the camera zooms at Kazuto's eyes before the screen becomes white*

[One thing that I cannot give up, with just one, I can become strong!]

*Fergus Mac Ròich and Saber of White clash their swords and make a battle cry, while Rider of Red runs on her carriage to reach Rider of White, who summons her giant to attack her. Meanwhile, Cleopatra and Assassin of White both make a fight pose before attacking each other with melee attack. Then Cleopatra releases some golden stardust with a determined face while Assassin of White throws plates with a grin on her face.*

[You were scared and I pulled your hand, we keep walking!]

*Lancer of Red gets surrounded in purple flames before creating purple dragons that are cut in half by Vlad III with his lance, who jumps towards her with an excited face.*

[Our breath increasing in the head wind!]

*Caster of White attacks Astrea with magical beams, but the girl is saved by Caster of Red, who cuts the beams with her staff and is ready to fight, while Berserker of White dives with anger to attack Berserker of Red, who is furious as well and he's ready to attack her. *

[Boys and Girls be ambitious!]

*Then, Kanashimi holding the Black Keys with a worried face, Hinobu making a smile with a thumb up and Avenger turning around with a diabolical smirk while surrounded in a dark aura*

[ Boys and Girls keep it real! Boys and Girls be ambitious! Boys and Girls keep it real!]

*Archer of Red is preparing a flaming arrow while Archer of White is ready to shoot with his gun. The two Servants throw their blasts which clash against each other and form an explosion. Then the screen turns white and, in the end, all the Masters and their Servants are seen striking a pose while a rose stands on the center. The opening ends*


Tokyo – Red Rose Headquarter – 16th April 2021 – 8.30 A.M

The break day for the two factions started, as the sun was already high in the city of Tokyo. Due to last night's battle which also raised the pression due to Avenger's sudden appearance, the leaders of both factions decided to give everyone a break, considering the possibility that they could have been weaker if they continued non-stop. Though, while it was a day of pause, it didn't mean that it couldn't have been a day without doing some move or thought for some of the members.

For this reason, Marcus decided to still go at the headquarter of the faction he was leading. He knew that he probably wouldn't have found anyone, but at the same time, he could use that place to think on how to move for the days to come, thinking also that, since he knew Isak in the past, it wouldn't have been strange for him to expect a surprise attack from the opposite faction. He could still go somewhere else, but to be more sure, he wanted to go in there.

Once he arrived at the building, he opened the door with his pair of keys since he was technically the owner while Cahya was the keeper.

The door wasn't locked, so the Yggdmillenia mage presumed there was someone else, but when he went inside, he could see that the ground floor was empty.

"Uh? Strange…the door is open…but Cahya isn't here…" He said while Berserker of Red appeared near him. "Take a look everywhere…we might have an intruder." His Master. The two of them looked at every room, and noticed that, even if the door was open…everything seemed in place. "What the…? How is everything just fine? I'm sure Cahya wouldn't leave the door open for anyone…so…" Marcus wondered.

But in that moment, something gave him the answer: a noise from the upper floor. "Aaar?" Berserker of Red wondered, raising up his head. Marcus noticed it as well and could hear that it seemed like a bang noise. Without thinking twice, he and his Servant both went up to see what was happening.

When they went to the upper floor, which was used for training, they could see something unusual.

It was Gordon, who was making practice with his magical runes by destroying the mannequins with his magical punches. Saber of Red was sitting on a corner, looking at his Master with a satisfied smile and a bag of chips near him before noticing Marcus and Berserker of Red's presence. "Oh! Good morning, you two! Want to join in?" He asked.

Hearing his Servant, Gordon turned around and noticed them as well. "Oh, it's you, Marcus."

This sight left the leader of the Red Rose faction surprised. Gordon was usually someone who went to his own places unless he was called for his duties inside the faction, so seeing him inside the headquarter on his own initiative wasn't something Marcus would have expected. "I never thought of seeing you here. I said that this was a day of rest, so what are you doing here?"

"Don't you see it? I'm training. I need to maintain a solid resistance and strength with my magic runes. These things need to be observed and trained almost at any time." Gordon replied while pointing at his body, which had the signs of the runes, especially on the pecs, before returning to destroy mannequins.

"I see…while I don't disapprove the idea of keeping your strength trained even in a relax moment, I don't think it would be healthy for you to keep on moving your body that way, especially after what happened against Avenger." Marcus said his opinion, which made Gordon stop after hearing it. His expression was still his typical cold one, but the others could clearly see that hearing that sentence made him frustrated.

"…Don't even mention it." He said before lowering his punch. "I'm still mad at you for deciding to make me flee!" He added while slightly turning around. Marcus was shocked to hear this. "What!? Me!?"

"Don't try to play dumb! It was you who ordered that I abandoned the battlefield! You saw how I could deliver blow after blow to that Servant, but you still made me go away despite the fact that I was standing still!" Gordon retorted, starting to sound annoyed even with his voice.

Marcus couldn't accept this complain and answered with the same tone. "How can you say such things!? Didn't you see how he had reduced you!? If you had continued, he could have killed you!"

"Are you perhaps underestimating me? You can't be serious in this moment, Marcus, as someone who has a high knowledge of all the mages of the Red Rose, you should know better than anyone else that I don't go down that easily! I've even managed to deliver a blow at Saber of White a few moments before and with that Servant there wasn't any difference!" Gordon continued, standing firm on his opinion.

"There was a difference!" Marcus shouted. "Avenger's entrance was something we couldn't expect not even in the farthest of scenarios, and his lone presence was enough to put as all on our knees! I'm sure the others told you how it ended, with all of us getting blown away by Avenger's Noble Phantasm! If we hadn't weakened most of us would have been DEAD! You think that with those wounds, you could have resisted that!? I did the only rational thing I could do for you! We couldn't have afforded to lose one of our team so easily and in a situation like that! Are you saying that perhaps you preferred to die!?"

Gordon grunted and held his fist tightly. But this time, he didn't answer immediately despite being still angry. "What I would have preferred was that you didn't affect my reputation as a fighter! I just can't stand the idea of leaving the battlefield to the opponent! I've already had to do it when I faced those two Masters of the White Faction, having to do it again could only make me furious! It's true, I do not have a particular wish to ask at the Grail, but at least I want to fight in my own way, without any type of interruptions! I'm a warrior even before a mage!" He then answered back. He then had to take a breath after saying that, while Marcus looked at him perplexed.

While Fergus looked at his own Master worried that something unpleasant would happen, Berserker of Red stood there in silence, somehow interested in the scene.

"…Basing on what you're saying…you're more than offended, then?" Marcus asked in a calmer tone. After seeing him react in that way, he wanted to know why, so he decided to let him speak. Even Gordon, on the other hand, was calmer, and he turned around. "…Yes. If you put it that way." He answered.

It was in that moment that somehow…Marcus became more curious about him. He didn't admit it liberally, but seeing that type of reaction, he felt sad for Gordon, despite he still believed that he was right. And so…he asked the question.

"…May I ask…why?"

"Hm?" Both Saber and Berserker of Red turned on him, surprised to hear him say that. "Why? Why would you want to know?" Gordon asked, still annoyed.

"I just want to know more about you and your pride as a fighter. While you did wrong, I still want to know why you're stick to your opinion. A good leader must know what his subjects think about." Marcus replied.

Gordon looked at him with a sceptic face, and at first, he didn't seem convinced about it. "Guess you won't leave me until I spit it out, right?"

"That's right. Forgive me for this, but I'm as stubborn as few. It's part of our clan to always know everything." Marcus replied with the same tone and with his arms crossed.

Gordon puffed and found himself with not so many choices. His story was not that of a big deal, but due to his nervousness he insisted on not talking. Though, since he felt calmer and Marcus still wanted to know something more, maybe to understand him better…a part of him decided to slip it away. Maybe…he wanted to talk as well.

"…The reason because I care so much about fighting without repercussions…it's probably because it's in my blood…and my nature. The Fragarthach family isn't famous as some of the other families of mages, but it is known for its use of magecraft." He started to explain.

"Those runes, right?" The Yggdmillenia mage asked, making the other one nod. "Since the times of the foundation, all the members of my family had always been distinguished by the thrust of fight and become strong with their own hands. So, instead of studying and using magecraft in a more spiritual and logical way, they started to find ways to implement it in a physical way, and their methods continued to live for the generations to come…just like me." He explained, remembering when he was around eight years old.

During that time, his father already started to train him, since the formation for the Fragarthach mages always started at a young age. Since he was still young, his father limited his trainings to hitting the air and rocks sometimes.

"Due to my relation to the family through my father, I started to train as well, becoming one of the many hopes of the family…" Gordon remembered.

"How did I go?"

"So far you are doing well, Gordon, but you still make mistakes. Your fists are still solid and mechanic. You need to make them more fluid if you want to make space for other attacks and defeat your opponent. We of the Fragarthach family don't leave space, we just attack to continue the fight and do our best. It's a solid rule for us. Always remember this."

"But how can I make faster punches!? I'm going as fast as I can!"

"It's not that of a big deal, just something you must remember. The body and the hardening of a warrior come with time and pure dedication to training. And I'm sure you'll become one someday."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know you, Gordon. More than anyone else. You are a son of the Fragarthach family…and you are strong. You just need to remember…what it feels like to fight."

"I still remember well those words. Since my mother was affected by an illness that forced her to stay on bed most of the time, I've spent many moments with my father, who I started to see more as a tutor rather than a familiar figure. To be frank…at first the idea wasn't that appealing to me. But I've also remembered that I didn't have or desired a particular ambition…and…through time…I've started to embrace this idea. I've started to feel satisfaction and excitement every time I was able to throw a punch even against the air. It was a need that made me continue to even throw more attacks, so much that I could sense the desire to become a better fighter and become stronger. Not so much for carrying on the pride of the family…but for myself…it became a passion of mine…something to be proud of. And as such…I've embraced totally the nature of my clan while I continued to grow." Gordon continued. He then remembered when he fought against the other members of his family or when he was subjected to resistance tests through hard challenges like standing still on the snow shirtless

"It wasn't new or unusual for me to fight more than one time at day against members of my own clan in the wheat fields or on top of the mountains. The Fragarthach wanted people that could fight at every eventuality, and since that, our body needed to be trained continuously." He remembered when he was able to knock out most of his opponents.

"HUH! HA! TSEAH!"

"Well done, Gordon! It's the fifth one today!"

"Anf…anf…anf…"

"My father and the other members of the clan could see that I took the dedication to fight seriously, and they started to see me with admiration and hope. But unfortunately for him, I couldn't pay back that wish. I've wanted to fight more for myself, rather than just for them. But those guys couldn't see it. They were just happy to observe another fighter for their ranks grow instead of an individual warrior. I've always sensed a feeling of distance from them. And then…it happened." By saying this last phrase, Gordon closed his hand to a fist. Through this, Marcus could understand that he was about to mention an uncomfortable memory.

"Stand still. It will hurt, but you won't die."

"When I was old enough for them…they decided to inscribe on my body. the distinctive trait of our family: the runes"

That day, Gordon's father and other members stabbed their hands into his body and used their magecraft to make the runes on the man's body slowly take form. He could still remember as the most painful experience of his entire life, with both the pain of the hands stabbed in his chest and the electric shockwaves that ran through all of his body.

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"I've heard that in the past decades, the method was crueler, with the elder members stabbing directly the runes on the bodies with a knife, and when time went on, they've adapted modern ways. It may be lighter…but it was one hell of a pain to endure. Either way…I became a mage in all respects. I've got used to the magic runes almost immediately…and the others could see how strong I became while I continued on training. But…I was tired of them seeing me with those eyes that seemed hopeful just for the pride of the family. I've wanted to cut it out…and so…I've decided to take an important decision…to leave. I think it was the first important choice I've ever made." In that moment, Gordon remembered the day when he bid farewell to his father. He could still remember that it was the sunset…and he was leaving with a large suitcase.

"Are you sure you want to leave? You could…live a better life with your kind.

"You said it yourself. I'm more than a talented warrior. I know I will handle it. Plus...to be honest…this world has never been appealing to me. I want to fight my own battles…not those of the family."

"…Will you at least visit us, sometimes?"

"…I don't know."

"Once I left my family behind, I've started to wander around the world…until I've reached the Mages Association at the Clock Tower." Gordon continued.

"…And you decided to accept their offer as a mercenary." Marcus completed the sentence for him, since he knew the mage's current position.

Gordon nodded while remembering when he used to take down mages that the Association found dangerous. "When they've offered me this type of work, I've decided to accept it. I've always found them weird and wondered why they wanted to keep magecraft such a secret, but at the same time, I didn't care that much. As long as I could get something that could satisfy me like fighting opponents that could almost kill me, it was fine. And in the end…the Holy Grail chose me as a Master…and I've got Saber here. You know the rest."

"Yes…a few moments later I've found you and recruited you. It appears that your road had always been filled with fighting and competition." Marcus said.

The Fragarthach mage looked at his fists with a sigh. "Ever since I was a kid, these fists were everything that I've had. Like I said before, I've never headed towards a particular goal or dream. I just satisfy myself with what these two can do. Even the Holy Grail War isn't really a concern for me. I was selected and just accepted it. The idea thrilled me, considering that the thought of fighting terrible Masters and even Servants got hyped me up, just like the other night. Now I think you know why that decision of yours upset me not little. I would have died, but I would have been satisfied."

"Yes…it may sound strange to you, but I can understand that feeling. I, as well, felt offended the other night. In a moment, I could see my whole goal in front of me…but in an instant, everything turned out to be just a fraud. Maybe it was a false signal or maybe a joke by someone who has a messed-up sense of humor and thinks that they can make a fun of me…but either way…it irritated me. As someone of the greatest mages of this generation, this is only an insult." Marcus answered, sharing some of his feelings.

"Gee, what a narcissist…" Both Gordon and Saber of Red thought with a drop of sweat coming down from their heads.

In that moment, Marcus closed his eyes and released a deep sigh. "Ever since I was a kid, I always knew I was destined to make great things, and I've always made sure that vision of myself became reality. As a mage of the Yggdmillenia clan, I have the duty to maintain high the reputation of my name. I've always worked hard to reach the point I'm now, and ever since this war had started, I've tried to make sure that everything went. Though…knowing the identity of the enemies' leader, the delusion of not finding the Holy Grail…and the knowledge of a fifteenth neutral pair…messed everything up. As a perfectionist, I'm sure you know how I'm feeling.

"Deluded…and outraged, right?" This time, it was Saber of Red who answered. "Yeah, I know something about that. Back at my times, sovereigns used to feel that way, and I'm sure they weren't the only ones. Heh, leaders do tend to act in a similar way after all. No offense."

"Yes. I get your point. So, in a way…I kinda feel the same way as you do, Gordon. And if you feel like I've been disrespecting you, I can apologize for that, but keep in mind that I've done it for you and our faction as a whole. While it can be powerful and useful, your runes are a double-edged sword. They can power you up, but they also put you at high risk. Even if you are powered up by those runes, you're still a human, and a Servant can kill you in an instant if you're not careful." Marcus replied, looking at Saber of Red's Master.

"So, what you want me to do then?" Gordon asked, crossing his arms.

"Just that you use it more carefully next time. I'll make sure to not offend you further, but on the other hand, I want you to be more cautious. But…if you think this isn't enough for an apologize…" Marcus replied. Before finishing his line, he took his two stockfishes and apparently standing on guard.

Gordon and Saber of Red were confused yet interested in this. "What are you doing?" The mage asked.

"How about you show me directly what can you do, Gordon? Maybe you can show me that I did make a mistake last night. How about it? Do you think I'm an opponent worth of your attention?" Marcus replied with a smirk.

"He wants to spar with me…" Gordon thought. Somehow, this made him feel more at ease. Maybe, his apologies and reasonings were sincere after all. In the end, he could see that, maybe, as a leader, Marcus could see his anger and wanted a forgiveness and approbation. After all, like he said, a leader needed to understand the members of his group, and that maybe…he could think of the suggestion he made. In the end, the Fragarthach mage made a smirk. "You really are a weirdo. But maybe you're not bad at all." He spoke, standing on guard as well. "Just remember that for me fight is an art and that I live this way, got it?"

"Affirmative! And you remember that my directives are for the greater good! And remember that I won't go down easily even with your runes! I'm Marcus Graint Yggdmillenia! The one destined to reach the top!" Marcus on the other hand answered, satisfied to see that the little chat worked.

"ALL GOOD AT TALKING! YOU HAVE TO SHOW ME, BLONDIE! COME AT ME!" Gordon concluded. The two of them then ended up in spar training, wanting to know each other better, both with words and with weapons.

And Saber of Red looked at the two of them attacking each other satisfied. "And we've made a step forward even today! And I appreciate how it turned out! The only way to express a man's feelings…IS TO FIGHT!" He commented, before turning on the other Servant. "What do you say, Berserker?"

Berserker of Red didn't answer.

"…Right." Saber of Red, ended.


Tokyo – Ebisu – 16th April 2021. 9.00 A.M

Kazuto was walking along the road of Ebisu to reach a specific destination. Archer of Red was near him in a spiritual form. After the previous night, Kazuto tried to sleep with not many thoughts on his mind, so that he could be more relaxed and think more rationally on what to do during that day of rest. While he was still worried that those of the White Rose might do a surprise attack, he could see through Marcus reasoning. This was probably for the best, considering what happened last night.

Though, despite this, there was something that he wanted to do. He sent a message to his leader before doing so, and he said that it was a nice choice. Considering the last thing that happened the previous night, someone had to be informed about it. Maybe he could know something about it.

With that in mind, Kazuto continued to walk until he could see a familiar white building with cobalt blue windows.

Once again, he was at the church where the overseer of the Rose Grail War lived.

"Here we are. You can come out, Archer." Kazuto told to his Servant, who appeared in her physical form near him.

"So, this is the church. You said that it was the overseer who gave you my catalyst, right?" Archer of Red asked, with Kazuto nodding. "Hm…you know I cannot enter in this place, right? Will you be, ok?" She then added.

"Don't worry. The priest is a calm guy, even if a little bit weird. I'll handle it. You stay here in case someone gets closer." Kazuto answered with a reassuring smile.

"You seem more confident than yesterday, or is that an impression of mine?" Archer of Red asked with a smirk, making her Master blush a little. "I don't think that's the time...ahem! I'll go now."

"Ok, see you later." Archer of Red concluded before turning around. With that said, Kazuto looked at the door…and opened it.

It had already been a while since he first visited that church to get the catalyst that would have made him a Master, and he already knew what type of place that church was. But when he entered inside, he felt just like the first time. A fascinating, yet external place for him. But that wasn't his main concern for the moment.

Since it was early morning, the Tohsaka mage could see that the church was empty. There wasn't even a boy playing the organ. The only thing he could hear was the echo of his footsteps as he moved forward. A little creepy sensation, but it was what he expected from moving inside a church. The boy looked in all spots of the hall, until he found the person he was looking for.

Standing in the ambo, reading some paragraphs of the Holy Bible, there was Kanashimi, who raised his head up after hearing the footsteps. He seemed surprised to see him. "Tohsaka?"

"Yes. Good morning, father Kanashimi." Kazuto answered in a formal way. For him, it was still bizarre to see that both he and the overseer had 19 years old, but again, this was an unnecessary thought.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here. Well…usually I don't get many visits. Is there perhaps something you need?" Kanashimi then asked.

"Well…it's actually something that none of us expected and it may be more than troublesome. I suppose you've heard what happened last night at Kabuki-cho." Kazuto started to talk.

By hearing that, Kanashimi made a serious, yet sad face. "Unfortunately, yes. I don't know what all of you had in mind, but perhaps it could not be avoided. Unfortunately, this is the disadvantage of doing the war in Tokyo. Even today I wonder why the Grail decided to appear on this city. I've had to send two priests there and erase the event from those who were in there and I've already started to pay the damages."

"For someone that has to make sure everything goes alright, I'm sure it must have been hard. It was a bizarre coincidence that brought all of us there. But…there's another problem that is about what happened in there." Kazuto continued.

"What is it?" The priest then asked. Maybe the boy was waiting for him to ask this question, so that he could have some hint on the fact. So…he could tell the priest…about the unexpected turn of events.

The fifteenth Servant.

Once Kazuto finished to explain, he could see the priest make a panicked expression and breath heavily for a moment. "A-An Avenger-Class Servant!?" Kanashimi asked while also sweating.

This sudden reaction made Kazuto worried, as he came closer to him. "Father Kanashimi, are you alright!?" He asked. Seeing his preoccupation, the young priest tried to reassure the mage and made some breaths. "Y-Yes…don't worry." He then released a deeper one to compose himself. "I…really didn't expect this to happen…as we all probably knew, the only ones to participate to the Holy Grail War are those who have been chosen by the Grail itself. So…the sight of a fifteenth Servant which implies the participation of a fifteenth Master…is something none could expect…and is probably…the work of an irregularity." He explained.

"So you don't know anything about it as well…" Kazuto said, starting to be more thoughtful, now that he learned that the mysterious fifteenth Master was able to escape even from the overseer's sight.

"Maybe it's my fault…I should have been more careful…" Kanashimi then said.

"Are…you sure you should blame yourself?" Kazuto asked, feeling sorry for him. "As the one who monitors this war, it is my duty to make sure that everything in the war proceeds according to the rules. This…is a big mistake of mine, unfortunately…and it is something I need to take care of, though it will be hard for me, considering I don't have a Servant…" Kanashimi answered. "How sad…"

"What concerns me is that this person is probably going to be more dangerous than ever…considering that his Servant was able to resist for long to everyone's attack. For a moment…I thought I could die." Kazuto continued, remembering the battle.

"Avengers are known for being dangerous Servants. Their desire for revenge gives them an almost unstoppable strength, including this one here, probably." Kanashimi said before turning on the Christ on the cross. "What concerns me…is how this Avenger could appear in the first place. I'm sure you've heard of the impossibility for this eighth class to appear." He asked to Kazuto, who nodded.

"Not only the presence of a fifteenth Servant is something irregular…but even his class. Maybe…this is the work of someone who can allows these breaks…after all…everyone wants to get their hands on the Grail…" The priest continued, once again, with his melancholic stare. This made Kazuto look at him deeper. Since he wasn't talking anymore, he wondered what was he thinking, but after some seconds of silence, he turned around to Kazuto and continued. "To be honest…I must thank you to inform me about this. Now I know that I need to inspect this city more than before. Sometimes I call myself the guardian of Tokyo, but it appears that I didn't put enough effort in this job." He said with a smile, trying to ease the situation. "Therefore…from tonight, I'll start to look over most of the zones of the city and see if I can find some hint that will lead me to this person's identity."

"Are you sure you're going to be ok?" Kazuto asked.

"Don't worry. I'm ready for everything. For now, you should focus more on continuing the war and defeat your opponents. My only job is to look over all the events of the war, so I do not root for anyone. I'm neutral on this, but when it comes to this unexpected Avenger…I can only hope for good luck. It's probable that you'll meet him again. And in that case…you'll need to fight him, since he's a participant as well. Try to see it…as an additional opponent." Kanashimi replied.

"As if it was something easy…" Kazuto thought. "Thanks, Father…" He then turned around and started to walk towards the exit…but after a few steps…he stopped.

"…Is…everything ok?" Kanashimi asked.

In that moment…Kazuto thought of something he had discussed with Archer of Red…and that he kept on dwell on it. Maybe…talking about it with someone like Kanashimi would have helped him more.

"Actually…if it is not of a bother for you…there is something else…I've wanted to talk…" The Tohsaka mage started. "It's not regarding the war…but myself."

Kanashimi was confused but waited for him to explain better.

Kazuto turned around. "Is…Is it possible to make a confession in this moment?"

The young boy was surprised to hear this. He wouldn't have expected for a participant to ask a question about not him being the overseer but rather him being a priest. Someone who could hear him on the behalf of God. It wasn't the first time he would have done a confession, but hearing this request still made him feel strange, since he thought he could have done some mistakes due to his young ages, especially coming from someone like him.

Still…as a priest, this was his job after all, and he didn't have other duties at the moment. So…he could do what he was supposed to do. Hear one of the many children of the lord. He could also feel…curious to hear what Kazuto would have said.

"If…that will help you…I'll be glad to do so." Kanashimi simply replied. "Follow me." He then started to move towards the confessional, a closed spot where the people could tell a member of the church sins they think they've committed in the past to feel and set their souls free.

Kazuto nodded and looked at the confessional. For a moment, he could feel his heart freeze for a moment. Even if he talked about it with his own Servant, he didn't go deep with the details unlike what he was going to do now. So, in a certain way, it was like turn back to those events that put him into that endless well of despair. But at the same time…he knew it would have been one of the few ways to feel better, so that he could move on and focus specifically on leave that thing behind. It could have been…a start. So he took a breath and followed him.

Both him and Kanashimi sat down. There was a curtain that separated the two. "So…what bothers your heaty, Tohsaka?" The young Kotomine started.

"It's…a terrible mistake I've made caused by a betrayal that changed my life forever…even now…I'm having difficulties to forget about it even if I'm free again. Something I've had to pay with absolute loneliness and detachment from the outside world for over four years…and it is the reason why they didn't know if I would have participated in…" Kazuto answered.

Kanashimi settled down better and leaned his ear to listen better. "Go ahead…" He said with a low voice.

And with that…Kazuto started to talk about his story…which revolved around what were two of the most important people of his life. About how a single feeling from one of them changed everything…and led him to commit the crime that would have made him be isolated and almost forgotten from the rest of the world…and how this situation almost made him lose every type of emotion…

At the end of the story, Kanashimi had his eyes wide open, but didn't gasp. Though if Kazuto saw him, he could see that he was surprised. "…And that's how it all went. The rest is history…" The Tohsaka mage concluded. "Even remembering those days…still makes me feel like the weakest bug on the planet…all because of a single motivation of someone else…I've ended up feeling…"

"…Complete sorrow…" Kanashimi concluded the sentence for him, surprising the mage of the Red Rose. The tone that he used made Kazuto think that…maybe he knew something about it?

"Yes…I'm…familiar with that feeling…a feeling of complete sadness and regret put on you even if a few moments earlier you were the kindest person someone could ever find. Unfortunately…life can be cruel even for those who don't deserve to feel this sorrow. By hearing you tell this story…I'm sure that you felt terrible." Kanashimi continued.

"…Yes." Kazuto said before a deep breath to control himself. "That makes me wonder…can a person like me, who ended up getting his revenge on so many people…walk on the path of redemption? Will I…ever feel normal again?" He asked.

"…That's…a hard question, even for me. I, as well, wonder many times if I'm following the words of God in a correct way. The least I can say is that…now that you have this second chance…you have to take courage and pass through it by yourself. Unfortunately, no matter how bad it was…it happened, and now it is a part of your past. But…maybe this battle will help you turn over a new page. The road of redemption is not impossible...humans only need to have the right strength to pass through it, and if they really want…they can. And maybe…they can even get the chance to be forgiven and head to heaven. After all…it is you that must convince the lord…and it is you…who has to see if to fight over this type of sorrow…or embrace it." Kanashimi answered. In the last part he seemed deeper than usual.

Kazuto could notice his seriousness but at the same time…he didn't care. All that he wanted was to just hear him. And he was more than fine with what suggestions he made. "…Thank you, father Kanashimi…I…understand."

"I know that you are not a believer…but let me pass you a purification…" Kanashimi then said. The last passage of a confession was the prayer to be in more connection with the god of Christianity and to feel more purified after exposing their own sins. So he passed his arm and touched Kazuto's front with two fingers. "I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit."

Even if he was a Taoist, Kazuto knew how to proceed and made the sign of the cross.

"May peace be with you." Kanashimi continued. "And with thy spirit." Kazuto concluded. And with those words…The Tohsaka mage left the church, saluting the priest in a formal way one last time.

Kanashimi looked at him leave with his Servant. His gaze upon him…was still melancholic, but at the same time…envious. Maybe…hear him about his own sorrow…made an effect on the priest?

"…So, his wish is…" He spoke with a low voice. "…I see."


Tokyo – White Rose Headquarter – 16th April 2021 – 9.15 A.M

Cynthia was standing in one of the external courtyards of the castle, looking at a fountain with a dull expression. After the rash she had the previous night, she had to put some bandages over her hand due to a bleeding. Even if some hours had passed and she calmed down, she didn't seem to have moved on yet. She still needed some moment to think about her actions. Cynthia was known to be a rational girl, probably among the smartest of her lineage, and she usually knew how to react to something unexpected.

But not this time…over the past years, she prepared herself carefully in order to be a strong and solid participant of the Holy Grail War, yet she got a defeat. Maybe this was all an overreacting, but…considering what she had been told in the past, she wasn't ready to let it slip that easily, even if the war had barely started.

"Are you feeling better, Master?" Archer of White asked, appearing in his physical form.

"…Don't know if I can tell…I'm still feeling stupid." Cynthia answered with a bored tone. Archer of White looked at her with a sceptic face. "After all the days we've spent together, that reaction of yours is new to me, yet it makes me feel sad. Is this how you want to spend the day? Sounds pretty boring to me. Oh, I know! How about we think of a plan for revenge about that Master? You know, I do feel offended by Archer of Red just like you. Though she didn't make me feel angry. Oh, that honor is only given to a certain someone. Fucking detective..." Archer of White proposed, mentioning a person he met in his previous life.

While Cynthia liked the idea, she didn't answer, due to the mood she was in right now. Though…something would have made her change it, in the moment she and her Servant turned around.

"AH!"

Right behind them, was Seram, who was glaring at them in complete silence with a duller face than the one Cynthia was having. "O-Oh…it's you, Seram…dammit, don't appear like that! How long have you been-" The Rosi mage was about to ask, but Seram immediately gave her answer.

"Five minutes."

Cynthia didn't know what to say. "Is it me, or is this the first time she's talking to someone of her own initiative?" Archer of White said in a low voice. Seram then moved forward and looked at the fountain as well. "So…looking at the goldies?" She said, referring to the red fishes that were swimming in the fountain. "…It is actually relaxing."

Cynthia calmed down and looked at the fountain as well. "I was just thinking, that's all." She simply said. "Over your defeat with the spiky guy from the Red Rose, right?" Seram immediately asked, leaving Cynthia stranded. "H-How did you know!? Don't you usually stay isolated from the others-?"

"I could hear your screams. I couldn't sleep immediately because of it. Also, you've damaged that column pretty hard." Seram promptly answered with an outstanding calm.

Cynthia remained silent and defeated. "Ouch…she's delivering one critical hit after another…" Archer of White commented.

"…I'm not complaining about it. After all…I get how you're feeling…every day." Seram continued.

"Uh?" Cynthia asked. Archer of White leaned his head towards Saber of White's Master, curious of that sentence.

"Yes…you may find it weird hearing that from me but…I can understand you. When that guy beaten you to exhaustion…what you've heard?" Seram then asked, raising her head up and looking at Cynthia with a melancholic smile. The Rosi mage could see the radiance emitted in her eyes, which made her remind of her glittering ones.

She couldn't answer, since she felt embarrassed to admit it, but the Qlippah mage didn't need to hear what she wanted directly from her. Even if she wasn't there to see her, she already knew the answer. "Small…pathetic…insignificant…right? In a moment you feel that you can have the world in your hand and an instant later…you're reduced to a mere insect."

Cynthia's eye twitched due to the surprise of hearing her saying things like that. It was weird. Ever since all the members of the White Rose gathered together near the war, Seram never talked to anyone, including Cynthia. Apart from when she had to go somewhere, she was always alone and locked inside her room. This type of approach was completely new. What was going on inside her head?

"…Why do you want to know? We never spoke to each other, and we don't know anything of each other. Are you perhaps doing this because Isak told you to do so?" The girl asked, still hesitant. Seram stared at her with a dull face and sighed before giving her answer. "Hearing this makes me sad. I may be a tool for others, but unfortunately, I'm not as emotionless as a puppet. You know…it's funny that you ask me this question…because I don't know how to answer…" She said with a tone that was still sad, but somehow…new for her. Once again, the other mage of the White Rose was both surprised and confused.

"But…maybe it's because after hearing your cry last night…I've felt like you needed someone that could understand you…or maybe…I was the one who needed someone that could understand me. It's like in that moment…I've felt that I wasn't the only one to have these types of emotions after all. The more I talk like this the more it makes me remember of that homunculus they have at the other side but…it's just like that. I've felt…how do they call it? Empathy?" Seram continued.

"You've felt…empathic towards me?" Cynthia asked. "I…never thought you could feel that way…I've heard that you hated staying with other people. Is it new for you as well…have this type of feeling?" She added while sitting on a stone. Seram sat down as well, near her. "…Yes…I find it strange as well. I hate all human beings, yet I want to talk with you." She spoke.

Some minutes of silence followed between the two girls, while Archer of White was sitting on a chair in silence, intrigued by the conversation those two were having, while drinking a cup of tea.

"…So…what bothered you so much to have that reaction?" Seram asked. Cynthia looked down…at the pendant she had on her neck…and grabbed it to show it to her. "…It has partly to do with this. Considering the things you talk about…I suppose you know what means to be…tied by a pair of chains." Cynthia started.

Seram nodded, thinking of her past. "Yes…I know it well."

"You see…despite all the possibilities my family could have to reach the highest peaks of magecraft…they have always decided to stand back, even if they had an outstanding magecraft like having a complete vision of the planet…or the possibility to see a few seconds in the future, like I do. My parents, especially…didn't even try to do what was right for our family and they tried to convince me to do the same thing. Most of our branch abandoned magecraft and relied on regular jobs and slowly abandoned grades. But I always thought… 'why?', if we have so many skills…why waste them? It's just unfair. Are they afraid? Even today I don't know the answers…but every time they talked like this to themselves…just made me mad. I've felt like this wasn't supposed to be our role. Therefore…after making some research about our origins and past…and after getting the magic crest implanted on my arm…I've decided to make a step forward…and started a long operation to finally revive the Rosi lineage. I was able to make a name out of me in the Clock Tower, getting some fame. But…neither I nor my parents were satisfied…" Cynthia continued, remembering most of her past.

"…Why's that?" Seram asked.

"When it comes to me, I still think it isn't enough to reach the goal I've decided. I want to make sure that the Rosi name becomes an honorable name to be remembered in the ages to come. Even if I was able to be known by the Mages Association…this result is still too little. And…when it comes to my parents…they just thought that with the results I've obtained…I could have done something else. My father in particular…said that it was a waste of time to continue like this. His stupid pessimism was still there even when he saw that his own daughter was able to reach something he never tried to obtain. 'You know Cynthia, with those money you could get a fine job as a lawyer!' How could a mage say something like this!? His indifference just…pisses me off. Why can't they try…? They always had the potential…but they never tried. I just want to make them know that they were always wrong. And in order to do that…I must obtain the Holy Grail…" Cynthia answered.

"You want to use its power to…make your name stand among the others?" The Qlippah mage asked.

"Not really. I intend to use it to…get something that will make the other mages sure to acknowledge me…and the rest of my family…so that they know that…if I can do it…they can do it. This is mostly the reason why I freaked out last night. I was able to become a Master for this Holy Grail War, I could have a powerful Heroic Spirits as a Servant…and my power seemed to be feared by the Masters of the opposite faction. But…then…" In that moment, Cynthia remembered the final blow Kazuto gave her. "That boy…he came in…and ruined everything. Just when fate seemed to be at my side…that average mage…was able to defeat me. The…sole idea that someone else was able to outstand me…just makes me mad, because to be beaten down…just proves what my parents and the rest of the Rosi family always said. And I…just can't accept that…" She then looked at the pendant. "This pendant here is a gift that every Rosi mage gets when they start to study magecraft…and it is a device that helps us with our ability to see the world. But…the more I look at it, the more I want to throw it away, since it makes me think of those parents of mine…"

While it didn't seem, Seram listened to what Cynthia had to say very carefully, as she wanted to know the details of her sudden sorrow. "So, you feel…restrained…by your lineage. Now I can understand better the reason why you are so mad with that boy. He burnt me as well…so in some way we can share that grudge. Plus…I think I can understand you better than anyone…when it comes to father issues…maybe even too well." She said, turning around.

Seeing how Seram suddenly turned serious, Cynthia looked at her worried. "What…did your father do to you?" She asked. Hearing that question made Seram's eye twitch for a moment and she could feel her heart stop before pumping again. Just remember those fatal moments of her past seemed to be hard for her to endure.

"…Yes…let's just say that…what I've had to do…in the past…is what made…who I am now…just someone…who wants to get rid of her own sorrow…" Seram simply said. Cynthia could see that she wasn't feeling very good, she preferred to not go deeper into details. And in some sort of way, she was right. For a moment…Seram remembered those moments…when she was denigrated…when she was held in a capsule and subjected to tremendous and painful texts…just to become…acceptable.

"Do you remember what your purpose is?"

"I have to…obtain the Holy Grail…"

"And how will you get it?"

"…By taking down every enemy of mine…without any difference."

"That's what I wanted to hear…"

In particular…she remembered the person that was to blame for it…but she couldn't do nothing else but to do as he said. After all…she was born as a tool…and probably…she would have remained as a tool.

"…In some sort of way…I do want the same of you…a chance of ransom…but not to encourage others or to clean my name. But…just to release myself from this…sorrow of mine…by getting rid of the cause of it." Seram then continued.

"…Which means…erase everyone…right?" Cynthia asked. "In that case…are you intending to get rid of me as well?" She added. Surprisingly…Seram hesitated for some seconds before giving her answer. It was actually something that confused her. She hated humanity…but at the same time, she wanted to talk with that girl, who seemed to be kind enough to talk with her, even if they never talked before. Somehow…this was one of her first approaches with someone. And seeing how it went…she thought differently for a moment…but it didn't last too long.

"…I can't tell yet. Sometimes I wonder if they are the bane of my existence…or if I am the wrong one. For now…my wish of eradicate everyone remains the same. I just…want this to stop. Isak is helping me through this, but I still don't know what to think about him. Even if…he seems to be the only one who cares for me. Maybe...I can make an exception for you…I still have to see…"

Cynthia made a small smile to try encouraging her (even if this wasn't really the case). "Well…you are the one who insisted to talk with me. Considering that you've felt…some sort of bond, I suppose that you're still trying to find something in this race you despise so much." She spoke.

By hearing this, Seram widened her eyes and turned around. She didn't consider this, even if she admitted herself. "Am I right?" Cynthia asked.

"…I…I felt like you've needed to talk and…I've wanted to be there. I didn't think of this possibility." Seram simply answered, even if she wasn't sure of what she just said. "In any case…after hearing the reasons behind your actions…the least I can say is that…if you really want to change the way you live…you need to use the pain of a defeat as something that can strengthen you. Don't let it weaken and panic you…use it…as a lesson and a motivation. If you want to change your family and life, then you need to be firm on that. I do this every day…"

"That's…kinda macabre, but I understand what you are saying…" Cynthia said before a deep sigh. "Maybe you're right. After all I'm still here in this war…even if because of Avenger's sudden arrival…".

In the moment Cynthia mentioned Avenger, Seram started to tremble a little bit. "The bastard that burnt me…" She whispered.

"I never thought that I would have ended up saying this, but…thank you, Seram. I've…appreciated your effort to comfort me, even if in your own way." Cynthia then added. Once again…the Qlippah mage could feel her heart stop for a moment. But it wasn't for pain this time…rather for surprise. In that moment, that other girl said something that was…completely new for her.

Thank you.

Even among her parents…she never heard those words. She started that discussion to know why Cynthia was so desperate…and in return…she got that word that made her slightly blush. She got…gratitude…for the first time.

"Hm? Are you ok?" Cynthia asked, seeing this reaction of hers. "Yes, don't worry." Seram immediately replied.

Somehow…Cynthia could feel better and looked up at the sky. "There's still a lot of work to do, since no Servant has been defeated yet…but…we still want our wishes to come true right? If that's so…I don't intend to quit…I'm sure you won't either."

"For anything in the world." Seram answered, turning back to her usual tone. It was in that moment that Cynthia came up with something, since she had that girl in front of her in that moment. "You know…considering that we have the chance to talk…and that you have the strongest Servant of our faction…there's something we can actually do about that boy and his companions…in order to get our revenge." She spoke. "What do you say? Do you want to try it?" She asked.

Once again…something Seram never heard of: an offer. Apart from the battle at Kabuki-Cho, she usually worked on her own. But this time, someone apart from Isak was offering a cooperation. So many things were happening in such a short time. She went there to speak with Cynthia and give her something, but maybe…Seram was the one who was receiving more. She didn't know what to say, and because of this, her 'keeper' talked to her.

"Feel free to answer as you like."

"…I'm listening." Seram simply replied. While Cynthia made a smile, happy to hear that she accepted, Archer of White started to laugh in a malicious way. "That's what I wanted to hear! I've stood silent to not ruin the mood, but after hearing this I can't help but feel excited for the mess we are going to make! It seems we'll have a lot of fun, Saber!" He said, referring to Seram's Servant.

"Shut up." Saber of White simply replied. With that, the two girls started to talk on what to do the next day, and in the end…they could say that they both obtained something…from this unexpected chat. Cynthia obtained a newfound resolve to get the wish she always dreamed of while Seram…got new and unexpected emotions. She never knew she could feel like this.

Meanwhile, in one of the castle's external corridors, Isak and Maximilian, alongside their Servants, were observing the discussion the two girls were having, and the leader of the White Rose seemed pleased to see that her 'pupil' started to approach other people.

"Well…who would've guessed. Saber's Master is plotting something with that other girl…surely this is a result I didn't expect, considering how she usually is." Assassin of White commented. Maximilian turned on his leader, eager to ask him something. "Are you sure this is a good idea? You know how she can lose control…if this turns out to be unpleasant for her, it may be dangerous for the group."

"Trust me when I say it's actually the right opposite. While Seram does hate all of humanity, it is a good thing that she starts to talk with other members of the White Rose. When I've received her…she didn't want to talk with anyone, only to act, so I've had to use some ways to get close to her, and I feared that maybe this loneliness of her may have been a problem. I would have been fine to make her work through my directions but seeing this initiative of hers actually makes me satisfied." Isak answered with his usual smile.

"In a war, teamwork is essential. And considering the power her Servant owns, it could be a great advantage for us. We just need to use it carefully. Plus…if she ever tries to make something wrong, my Master knows how to put her back on the right way." Lancer of White added. That last sentence made Maximilian confused. "What…are you talking about?"

Hearing this, Isak smirked and turned on Maximilian with red eyes. "Some things, my boy…are better left as secrets." He simply explained. Somehow, that glare made Maximilian make a step backwards. He wouldn't have said it but he felt in danger for an instant. So he decided to turn around and look back on the two girls. "Still…I wonder why she choose the girl that made me do something and then scold me. If she starts to become interesting, I would like to at least want to talk to her once. She could be enjoyable!" He then said with his usual goliardic tone.

"Master! I know how you like women, but you can't say those things in front of me! I could feel offended!" Assassin of White exclaimed.

"On the other hand, I think it may be a good combo. Even if she lost against that Tohsaka mage in the last battle, Cynthia is still among the best mages in our faction, both on strength and intelligence. If she's able to correctly direct Seram's moves, they could give us great results. We couldn't get the Holy Grail, but who knows? Maybe we really are a step closer to victory. For me it's enough to lower that Yggdmillenia mage's self-esteem." Isak countered. Maximilian then used what he said to discuss another important issue that happened the previous night.

"Speaking of which…we should talk about that fifteenth Servant that appeared in the end and that took all of us down. Considering his power, he cannot be ignored."

In that moment, Isak held his stick tightly and his eyes became red for a moment. But in order to not show a change in his attitude, he made a deep breath. It was important for him to make others believe that he could always talk rationally about everything, including inconveniences. Avenger's apparition was surely something that he didn't plan, and this surely made him altered, but to make sure that everything was still manageable and that he could still achieve his wish, he tried his best to keep calm.

"I know it well, Maximilian. It was a shock for me as well, after all. I surely didn't expect such an outcome, and I agree with you that we should do something about him, after seeing what he was capable of. Though…we still have no information about him, and this is the major problem. He really looks like a shadow. And that's…really something that bothers me." He spoke.

Maximilian could notice a slight change in his tone, which was actually irregular for him. "Really? Does that mean…that you are worried, Isak?" He then asked.

By hearing that question, Isak stopped to move for some seconds, looking like a petrified person. Lancer of White could see his reaction, fearing that something might have been wrong, and he was ready to punish Maximilian for that. Assassin of White was simply listening in silence.

But then…Isak started to snort…and then laugh. "Eh…eheheheheh….ahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!" It wasn't a loud laugh, but certainly notable. Maximilian felt uncomfortable by hearing it. After taking a breath from the laughter, Isak looked up and put a hand on his face, looking apparently amused. "Sometimes you throw out some gems of line, Maximilian, that's what I really love about you. Me? Worried? Oh, dear, I think you have misunderstood. Think about it. Considering that you are the chief strategist of our faction, you should know better what our current position is. Even if there's an unexpected powerful enemy there's nothing to be worried about. You have a respectable member of the Clock Tower like me as your leader, a group of notable and talented mages as Masters for our faction and Servants that are stronger than the ones the Red Rose has. We have everything we need to get the Holy Grail in our hands, so I clearly don't see why there should be something that would make me feel…worried, as you say. It's true, he did take us down, but also because we were exhausted for the continuous fight. Really, the only think that annoyed me was that the Grail wasn't there, and I'm still trying to understand the meaning behind that message. But overall…I'm pretty calm. Remember, Maximilian, you have to show your uncertainties least possible, if you want to prevail over the enemy. If a single moment of the past blocks you, your whole future could be ruined. Think seriously about it." He then continued.

Maximilian listened to him in silence. Once again, he was impressed by the way he could deliver speeches. Though, he didn't understand why…he still felt that something was different in him.

"So, in short, there's no need to worry about this Avenger guy. I'll definitely study a way to take him down as well. Trust me when I say…that I don't want anyone to mess with our plans. If the Grail will get a color…that will be the white." Isak concluded with a grin. His tone was slightly different…the Icecolle Mage believed that there was a slight tone of anger in those words. But maybe…it was just an impression?

"Yes…understood." Maximilian answered.

"Well…in the meantime, we can think of some other plans to defeat the Servants of the enemy faction. I think we've had enough inconclusive battles. So let's do our best…as always." With those words, the leader of the White Rose simply moved away, alongside his Servant.

Maximilian and Assassin of White stood there, looking at the other pair leaving, and then they went on the other side. The Icecolle mage just couldn't think on something to say. That whole discussion for him was just…weird.

"Seriously…what's going on inside that guy's head will still be a mystery…" Maximilian commented.

"You think, darling?" Assassin of White asked. "Absolutely. Even though…I can't get rid of this thought that ever since the last night…something has changed in him. I don't know, he still remains the usual, but at the same time…he wasn't himself." Her Master answered.

"Err…are you sure? For me, he remained the same, even if he stopped for a few seconds…" Assassin of White stated, knowing what type of person Isak was.

"At first, I thought the same, but then I've felt it right in the moment he stopped and started to laugh. Maybe it's just me that overthinks too much, but that laughter…seemed a little bit forced for me." Maximilian continued.

Assassin of White looked down and then gave her answer. "Hm…he usually keeps a cool composure…so I don't really know how he would look like if he was frustrated or annoyed. But, if that was the case, what that Avenger guy could achieve could actually be something…being able to put some doubt in Isak's mind is clearly not an easy task. He was cool even with some of the Red Rose's outcomes." She then crossed her arms and leaned against a column. "Yeah…that guy with the coat seemed really something."

"You think? Hearing that from you means a lot, considering your strength." Maximilian told her. "Yes. Unfortunately… judging from what I could feel in his attacks, I think he's probably among the strongest Servants in this war. I…still remember the pain when he attacked us with his Noble Phantasm. As a demon, I don't believe in things like miracles but…maybe yesterday happened." The Servant continued.

"Right…he was even able to knock down that buff guy of the Red Rose. Just…how the hell did this happen? This also makes me worried about one thing…" Maximilian added.

"What is it?" Assassin of White asked.

"Whoever summoned him…might be actually a dangerous person. And the most frustrating part is that everything happened so suddenly that we cannot even have the time to mentally concept that moment! Just…who was that guy? And how are we supposed to know who his Master could be in a city that has over 13 million of inhabitants, dammit!?" Maximilian answered, showing some frustration. As a strategist, not knowing how to act was something that always annoyed him. To make some comfort, Assassin of White came behind him and started to massage his shoulders.

"See, it's in times like these that I actually envy Isak's composure, or the others' role in this war. At least they don't have to make tons of mental calculations to make sure that everything works fine." The boy said before a deep sigh. "I consider myself a pretty smart and handsome guy but…sometimes, my life can be really tough. I hope you get what I mean, Assassin."

"Absolutely, my precious love. Though I think you're doing your best. After all, even if that mage of the Red Rose was able to kick us out a few days ago, some of your strategies actually work. We were able to put those guys in our hand last night. It's a shame that we didn't get what we wanted. Seeing our victory thanks to you would have been really satisfying." Assassin of White commented with a smirk. To make him feel more at ease, she even licked her neck in a sensual way.

Naturally, Maximilian made a shriek of pleasure for that and had a large smile on his face. "At least I have you as a comfort. I wish other girls, or my family could have done the same. But seriously, with all of this in mind…what should I do? Isak still expects a lot from me, and I can't surely make another mistake like the one I did with the Tohsaka guy!" He asked.

"Well…while I am a notable warrior, I don't think of myself as someone who can give suggestions to a strategist. In my previous life, I just took everyone who got caught in my traps and seductions and ate him. Though, if you want to hear me…maybe an idea would be to get them when they least expect it…and where it hurts the most. I'm quite familiar with this…" Assassin of White then proposed with a grin before licking her lips.

Suddenly…a flash in Maximilian's head. The ideal strategy usually starts with something small or a hint, just like what happened in this case. Maybe that could have worked. He looked down and saw that Cynthia and Seram were still talking. That…was when Maximilian started to think about something…that could actually work.

"…Attack them when they least expect it…and where it hurts the most…"

Meanwhile, Isak was walking through the corridors while holding his staff tightly. "Worried…oh please…there couldn't be such nonsense in my history. I've already made mistakes back in my youth…and I don't intend to make everything ruined for such occasion. I'll take them all down…both the faction of Yggdmillenia and this infiltrated mage…and then…when I'll get the Grail in my hands…the very cause of all of these battles…will finally finish…" He thought. He had already a lot in mind, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by things like doubt and concern.

Ever since his whole life changed, he had waited for this moment, and he wouldn't have allowed no one to steal it from him. And he was ready to do everything to make it sure.


Tokyo – Ikebukuro – 16th April 2021 – 12.00 A.M

Inside a restaurant belonging to the Ikebukuro district, the scent of the fresh ramen spread throughout the whole place, and many employees who were on a lunch break were eager to eat those special plates as a consolation for the beginning of their hard day of work.

Even if she wasn't one of them, Astrea was there, waiting with Caster of Red for their plates to be ready.

"Here you go." The chief said to them. Astrea could give a look at her plate, and it was love at first sight. Her ramen was of the Asahikawa type, which consisted of noodles, hot soup, shallot, pig roast, lard and bamboo shoots. It surely didn't take too long for Astrea to start eating.

"Aaaah…finally! This is one of the reasons I'm so happy to be in this town! Though at the same time, I wish I wasn't here…" She spoke.

"Don't be hasty. Remember that it's boiling." Caster of Red advised her, knowing what type of girl she was.

"Sure do…what do they say here? Oh right!" Astrea then put her hands in prayer with her Servants and they both said "Bon Appetit!" before starting to eat. Just as expected, the girl loved the bowl, but in order to follow the advice of her mentor, she decided to take small sips, also to enjoy it more.

After around 15 minutes, they've finished their plates, but they remained sat. In that moment, they were the only ones inside the restaurant, apart from another person, who was far enough from them. Even if they were done eating, the two girls decided to take a moment to relax. Astrea specifically, as she released a deep breath.

"Maybe this idea of a day of break wasn't that bad at all…though I wouldn't be surprised if an enemy mage suddenly showed up and impaled me on the belly with a fist! I should rest, but instead I have to be extra cautious…" She commented.

By hearing her, Caster of Red giggled. "You surely have a fantasy to imagine a such gruesome scenario! But I don't think it will happen, especially after what happened yesterday. I still feel some of the burns that were caused by Avenger's Noble Phantasm…"

By hearing the unexpected fifteenth Servant, Astrea became bluer for a moment and started to play with her glass. "So…this…Avenger guy…was something that was not planned by this…Holy Grail thing, right?" She asked.

"Probably not. Surely it was its will to make fourteen of us appear when there are regularly only seven, but…I think that this…is an irregularity." Caster of Red answered with honesty.

The young girl released another sigh. "Great…that means that apart from those seven guys from the White Rose, we have to deal with him as well. Seriously…the more I stay on this war, the more I think that it's the most messed up thing I've ever been in. And I've been in a lot of strange adventures that put me into trouble!" She commented.

"Well, if this is really something that bothers you, you can still give up the remaining command seals and stay safe at the church until the war's over. And then you can turn back to your normal life and continue your clairvoyant business." Caster of Red suggested, seeing her Master's mood.

Astrea was surprised to hear her saying things such as these with so much lightness. "You're…actually ok with that? I thought you and the other Servants actually wanted the Grail!" She asked.

"Well, normally yes. But the funny thing is that I'm used to differ from the others, and I'm happy with it!" Caster of Red answered back with a smile. "Yes, it may be weird, but I've never had any particular wish to ask to the Holy Grail. It's just the way I've always lived. Even in my previous life I've never had any ambitions whatsoever! For me, the only faith in Buddha is enough! Plus, what really important for me is that I get to see others grow, like what happened to my previous students and with you."

"So…you're just fine with…being there for me?" Astrea then asked. "Yup! That's pretty much the context! What matters for me is that you get your wish granted. But if you think that's not the road, you can still give up." Caster of Red told her before putting her arms on the back of her head and leaning her back to the chair. "I'll perfectly be fine with it."

In that moment, Astrea looked at her Command Seals, which had the look of a staff with weird objects intercrossing with it. To her it always looked like a butterfly with some problems.

What Caster of Red said was technically true. She already used one of her Command Seals during her first fight, so all that she had to do was to just use the others two and…she would have been out. She thought about it carefully in silence for some seconds. Astrea was a girl with a complicated life, and due to this, she never wanted anything that was bigger than her. Usually, her being in this Holy Grail War would have been the same as asking her if she wanted to carry a large volcano on her back. But…the more she looked at the Command Seals and Caster of Red…the more she started to think the opposite of what maybe would have been better for her.

She took a deep breath and then spoke out. "Hmm…to be fair…I don't know if I actually want to…quit…actually."

This time, it was Caster of Red the one who got surprised. "Oooh…is that so?" Though that answer made her curious. "Why that?"

"Well…I still think this is the craziest thing that someone could ever think of. But…I don't know…I think that…ever since I've joined, and I've started to fight alongside Kazuto and the others…it's hard to say but…I'm starting to feel slightly better." The Alainosta mage started.

"What do you mean?" The Servant asked.

The young girl started to play with her fingers. "I've told you before that…during my life, I wasn't the best person to hang around with. The only person that was ever close to me was Father James. I've thought that maybe thanks to the powers related to my magecraft, something would have changed, with me starting to predict others' future, maybe I could have started to make a name. But…as you could guess…I've actually…never want further than just that." Astrea continued. In that moment, she slightly blushed. "But…even if through all of this…everything did change. Before coming here at Tokyo, I've never thought I could actually…talk to someone for more than five minutes. I don't think I've actually told anyone but…every time I stay with you or Kazuto…I really enjoy what we do." She then looked at her own hands. "I could even see that…I can do something. Yesterday when I was fighting the guy from the opposite faction, I saw that my attacks really started to work, so I've started to think…that maybe…If I kept on this pace, I could actually do something! Maybe…find something I'm actually good at…so…"

"…It would be a shame for you to leave Kazuto or me behind because you're insecure…right?" Caster of Red finished the line for her.

"Oh…you got me, eheh…but yes. That's the point. I mean…you guys are the first true friends I'm making…so…leaving you would leave me…depressed. I'm finally starting to talk with someone who actually wants to spend some time with me! Why would I want to leave!? But…as you can probably guess…I'm afraid. The guys from the other side are tough…and not only we have to deal with a fire monster that seems to come out from some Dungeons and Dragons game, but now we even have this additional guy that can handle 14 of you guys almost with ease! I want to continue…but at the same time I'm anxious…it's some sort of paradox…"

Caster of Red found this reaction cute and gave her some pats on the head. "Sometimes you can really be sweet, Master. And I appreciate what you just said! The best part of being a teacher is to see how my presence had influenced others. And it seems that it worked for you as well! I guess that…you see me as a big sister, right?"

"Big sister…I guess I should call you…uhm…how do they say it? Onee-san? AH! NO! THAT SOUNDS EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE!" Astrea exclaimed. That reaction made naturally Caster of Red laugh. "H-HEY! IT'S NOT FUNNY!" The young mage added.

"Sorry…it was just too much…but I get your point well. And…in case, If you still want to stay, I'll be happy to stay at your side, if that makes you comfortable." Caster of Red told her. And it was in that moment that a thought passed through her mind. Something that they didn't pay more attention but that it was actually important, so a question about it was a must.

"Now that I think of it…you still haven't told me what your wish is, Astrea." She spoke. That question caught the Alainosta mage by surprise, as she stopped moving. "Is there perhaps something you want to ask to the Grail in case we win?" The Servant added.

Astrea stood in silence for some seconds…but this time, it didn't take too long before giving the answer. "In case I tell you…will you promise you won't laugh?"

"On my word." Caster of Red answered.

The young girl seemed embarrassed to say it. But naturally, since she was her Servant, it was only fair for her to know the truth.

"I…still don't know."

"Uh?" Caster of Red asked.

"Yeah…pretty shocking, right? But…that's it. I don't know." The girl repeated. "It's true that I've read something about the Holy Grail War in the past…but not that much to actually thinking of getting involved. You remember right? Your summoning was an accident! And all because I've read too much Harry Potter. It all happened by pure chance, like the settings of the war as a whole so…I really didn't think of anything. And…this makes me wonder…if it's a good thing or not…"

"What do you mean?" Caster of Red asked.

"Anyone who gets chosen or decides to enter in a competition like this should at least have something they want to be accomplished. But…I don't have any…at least, not yet. And…that makes me think…a lot. So much that I end up having brain cramps! You could guess that…I'm not what a regular Master should be…but here I am." Astrea answered.

"Oh, well…it seems that in the end, we're similar! We both don't know what we actually want! Isn't it nice?" Caster of Red asked with one of her usual enthusiastic smiles. Astrea on the other hand made a sceptic face by hearing say that. "You think?"

"At least I see it that way. Plus…you said before that you've never had any particular ambitions, so in a way, this answer reflects you…at least for now. Who knows? Maybe in the future, we'll both find something to ask to the Grail! We're still at the beginning after all. Who knows what will happen? Maybe we'll both lose…but we'll be satisfied with what we could do, or maybe we could both be triumphant! That's the greatest thing about the present and the future and life itself! You can never know…what could possibly happen to you." Caster of Red explained her position, which actually made her Master smile.

"…That's…actually something I kinda like…you're weird, Caster…but you can be really cool with that!" Astrea commented.

"You know I do it only for you!" Caster of Red answered back, happy to see that her Master gave her a cute answer.

"Somehow…this made me feel…slightly motivated than before. So, hear me out. How about…after my usual time of clairvoyance work, we take some time to train! Maybe next time I could do even more powerful punches that could blow a Master of the White Rose kilometers away!" Astrea suggested, starting to get pumped up.

"Now you're starting to talk like a student of mine! Let's go right now!" The Servant answered back. With that, the two left the restaurant, overall happy and calmer than before. But they didn't know that…someone was listening.

A few tables away from them, a young policeman was eating his meal silently. He was wearing the classic uniform and had curly purple hair with red eyes. When Astrea and her Servant left, his eyes slightly turned around in their direction.

"…So that girl is a participant of the Holy Grail War…" He quietly said. He then slightly raised his sleeve to see something on his arm.

"Well…guess I'll have to start somewhere…"

What that man had…were mystic codes…similar to Command Seals.


Tokyo – Hamamatsu-Cho – 16th April 2021 – 13.30 P.M

After some time spent to walk, Adewale could finally find a public telephone. It had been some time since he travelled from South Africa to Japan, so he had to be updated about an important thing.

He simply put the coins, made the number and waited for the other side to answer. Luckily, they did, and so Adewale could hear what happened in his absence.

"Hey, Ainka, it's me. Sorry if I call now…oh, you were already awake? Heh…right, we're usually early risers, even if it should be 6.30 A.M back there…yes, I'm still fine. A lot of battles occurred since the war started, but me and my Servant are still fine…I know, I shouldn't make hasty move. Don't worry…I'm doing my best to make sure everything goes my way. But…speaking of which…how's Abayomi?"

The answer to this last question took more minutes.

"…So, it's getting worse…ngh…I knew it…it's all my fault…I should have listened….no, please…don't feel that way because of me. It's my responsibility…and I intend to correct everything before time takes it away….The Servant I have is pretty strong, I'm confident in her skills. How's the rest? …heh…glad to hear it. Tell Ayubu to not exaggerate with food. And…don't worry…I'll save our brother…whatever it takes. I'll do my best…bye Ainka…see you soon."

And with that, he closed the call. When he turned around, he could see Oeneus with his Servant, Caster of White waiting for him. Berserker of White was simply with them in her spiritual form. Due to her animal-like appearance, she couldn't be around them all time.

"So…what did they say?" Oeneus asked. Adewale looked down with a sad expression, but still answered. "Nothing positive…they said that his skin is becoming more purple…and he's starting to lose sight." He answered. Adewale talked about his conditions for the war with Oeneus in various occasions, since he felt like he was someone who could understand, so telling him about the news became normal.

"Sigh…man…I swear this is the first time I hear of something like that. It's surely not something anyone would want to deal with…what do you say, Caster?" The Animusphere mage then asked to her Servant, who started to think about it. "Hmmm…it may have been a particular deterioration of the skin that had gotten worse with age. But to verify it better, I should see it with my own eyes…" The Servant tried to guess.

"Seriously…there's no need to bother. If we get through this war…I'll be able to remedy to everything. Let's go…if I'm correct, Oeneus wanted to go in a specific place, right?" Adewale then said, trying to change argument. The other Master of the White Rose could see that he was clearly bothered by all of this, so he thought that it was better to go along with him. "Oh…right. Follow me." He simply said, taking the lead.

The two of them continued their walk-in silence for a few minutes, but then the Nwadike mage started to feel uncomfortable by not saying anything. "…So…where are we exactly going?" He asked.

In the meantime, Oeneus was looking at the navigator on his smartphone, trying to not trip while walking. "We're finding the closest hardware store…Caster here said that she's starting to elaborate something that could help us, so she needs materials." He answered.

"What do you mean?" Berserker of White's voice asked to the other Servant, who had a smug smile on her face. "Oh, trust me, it's something that you're gonna like it! I may be the weakest in our faction, but I know my business in many other feats!"

"And…you seem eager to help her…did something perhaps changed between you two?" Adewale asked, noticing a different type of approach between the other pair. This sudden question made Oeneus stun for a moment and turn around. "What do you mean by that!?" He exclaimed.

"Well…during the other days, whenever Caster had an idea, you were used to ignore her or say 'Whatever! Do as you please!', so the fact that you are accompanying her is surely a big jump to make." Adewale explained. "Err…that's actually true, Master." Caster of White added.

The young Animusphere mage slightly blushed and turned around. "It's just that…if I want to get through this alive, I have to start making some changes…especially now, that we cannot let our guard down after we've discovered that there's a fifteenth Servant out there! Come on, here it says that we're almost close." He said before starting to walk again.

Adewale looked at the female Servant. "Does he usually act like this?" He asked. Caster of White made a giggle. "He's starting. I love to tease him whenever he acts like this." She answered.

"I'VE FUCKING HEARD YOU!" Oeneus shouted after hearing them.

"Ok, chill out! No need to get angry! Though, I think it's a good thing…the more chemistry you two have, the more chances of winning you could get. I've heard that when you two got along, you could make some interesting feats. If I'm correct, you were even able to deliver some blows to Lancer of Red, right?" Adewale then continued.

"…Well…yes. To be fair…Caster of White can be really cool when she comes out with all these devices…" Oeneus confessed.

"AAAAAAAAAH! OENEUS! Have I heard it right? Please repeat it again!" Caster of White exclaimed, happy to hear a praise from her Master. Due to their previous chats, this wasn't a usual thing to hear from him, even if it was starting to become more recent. Oeneus, naturally, was of a different opinion, seeing her starting to get too much close to him. "H-Hey! Cut it off!"

"Sorry…it's just that whenever someone finds my things awesome…ooooh, I can't hold it. I just get super excited. True, I'm a genius, but it's still great to get positive feedbacks! Thank you Oeneus, let me amaze you with my next invention then!" Caster of White spoke once she got away from him.

"In that case, it better not disappoint me. It wouldn't be bad if with this we could defeat an enemy Servant…especially now that I'm getting stronger…while it is true that I still had the upper hand, that newbie girl from the other side still did a number on me! And I surely don't want to be surpassed by a girl of that caliber!" Oeneus commented.

Adewale looked at him impressed as they kept on walking. "He did start to change in these days…" Berserker of White's voice spoke. "Indeed. I do say that I'm happy for him. Considering how he started when he joined the White Rose, it's good to see him motivated." The Nwadike mage said.

They eventually reached the Hardware store and Caster of White spent some time to search for the right engines and bolts she needed, and once they were done, it was all the way back to the castle. The shop assistant was a little bit confused about Caster of White's appearance. But he tried to let it slide. Tokyo was surely a town full of strange people, after all.

"So, what did you exactly took?" Oeneus asked, seeing her Servant with a box full of things.

"Oh, just a few components that I didn't have to get on my next machine and for some weapons that I may need, considering that I end up fighting in first line quite a lot. Plus, I've also took some pieces that could upgrade your armor. It's clear that it still needs some fixing, due to it getting cracked or destroyed easily." Caster of White replied.

"That's…a lot to think about. Are you sure this isn't too much?" Adewale asked. "Oh, don't worry. Absolutely not. My whole life had been based on work. Whenever it was art or modern engineering, I've always loved to push over my limits. The mind of a creator is way too hard to contain! I can guarantee that! Even my contemporaries liked to experiment and do things that were far beyond their capacities. Just think to a certain artist that was able to fill a whole chapel with some masterpieces of paintings!" The Servant said.

"By the way you're talking, I can see that you enjoy what you do. That must be nice. I wish I could have had the same. But…you know. I'm pretty low." Oeneus said, while looking elsewhere. "And who says that? Even if we're still on a deadlock, we're still doing something! But…if you actually think that way, you could find something in the meantime. Perhaps you would like to become my assistant! Which is funny, considering that I should be the one assisting you." Caster of White suggested.

Oeneus was surprised by that question. "Are you…serious?" He asked. "Why shouldn't I? I thought that you wanted to improve to at least one thing, and considering that my purpose is to help you…we could start with that, don't you think?" The Servant continued.

At first, Oeneus really didn't know what to say. True, he and Caster of White were starting to get closer ever since they've started to work together. But their relationship was still complex overall. So…it was surprising to see that, despite the answers he usually gave to her, she still wanted to propose something. Sure, it was natural, considering that she was his Servant, but…seeing how she continued to offering new things and be ready…still hit him. Considering that not many people used to talk to him in this way. Not even his father or his older sister.

Overall, Caster of White was still confusing for him. But…in reality…what was a simple thought maybe would have become reality one day. Maybe…she wasn't as bad as he thought.

"…You know…we could try. And if I don't like it, I'll let you know. But don't exaggerate as usual, ok?" He answered.

"Oh well! We'll start, in case!" Caster of White simply said, but then when she turned around, she slightly raised her fist, happy to see him approving once more her ideas.

"At least they're getting along…for now…" Adewale thought.

In the end, the two pairs returned to the castle, and Caster of White left them to get inside her laboratory and start to work. Berserker of White could also physically appear again.

"So…will she be ok inside there?" Adewale asked to Oeneus. "Yeah. Don't worry. Like she said, this is her daily routine. She'll be fine." The other mage answered. And in fact, several mechanic noises could be heard from the other side of the door.

"…Yes. I can hear that." Berserker of White commented, while Adewale started to look at the view they could get from the castle, which was outstanding.

It didn't matter from which part, if anyone living in that castle would have watched the window, a calm and beautiful sight was there to wait them. A castle lost in the woods, where birds used to fly. This made the mage of the White Rose wonder how Isak was even able to get a place like this as an headquarter. And that calm made him think about a lot of things.

Oeneus noticed him and leaned against the cement stand near him. "…Thinking about Abayomi?" He asked. The other mage stood silently for some seconds…and instead, answered with another question.

"Oeneus…how far…would you push yourself to help a beloved one? Would you…be able to accept the consequences if it was for a dear one's sake?"

Oeneus looked down and thought about it. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he didn't have a right answer to that, because he couldn't have the same luck Adewale had.

"Man…I hate when someone asks me complicated questions…it makes it harder to give the correct response. But…I don't know. I never knew someone with whom I've made a big connection. And…I don't have the same bond you have with my family. I've always felt like…they weren't there, that's all. I just fight because I want to get this chance to…finally be someone. I don't think that what you're doing is wrong. Maybe…all you need to do is just…go with your guts."

By hearing him, Adewale made a comforting smile and looked back at the panorama. "True…maybe I've asked the wrong person, eheh…it's just that…I feel like I'm being dragged out by time. He's getting worse…but there haven't still been any results by now. Not to mention the additional fifteenth Servant we've encountered last night. Times like this make me wonder if I'm the stupid one that makes mistakes…or if it's the case that it's being cruel to me. Well…it wouldn't be the first time that I make idiocies…"

Berserker of White leaned her head on Adewale's one, as if she wanted hug him from above. "You don't need to say such things, Master. This is just how the Holy Grail War works. Everyone wants a change. But…it doesn't automatically mean you are the problem." She spoke.

"You're…strangely more comfortable today." Her master noticed. "I'm just trying to cheer you up…so that you don't fall down because of overthinking. If we want to win, we surely need to be on the right mood." Berserker of White continued.

"Yeah, she's right. True, there still hasn't been a defeated Servant yet, but you two still made some damages…" Oeneus added.

"But it's still not enough. I feel that I'm missing something…maybe a good plan…or an enforcer to my motivation…or maybe it's the fact that I try to be more diplomatic than anything. I know that it's…kinda normal that we are in this situation, but…It's this feeling that I'm out of time…and this…sense of guilt that keeps following me." Adewale continued.

"…Well…it's not said. I, too, am one who wished to save as many people as possible…and I've tried it in many ways as possible. And maybe…it's something you should do too. Maybe…there are other ways…" Berserker of White told him. Adewale looked up at her in a confused way, making her blush and look elsewhere. "Err…maybe this wasn't the right suggestion."

"…I…kinda understood." Adewale spoke. "But…I'll also try on…what you said earlier. Maybe it really is just me that I'm overthinking…"

"Good to know…I surely don't want that you suffer a loss like I did." Berserker of White answered. In that moment, Adewale started to stroke her head gently. "In that case…maybe we'll be in two who have to remedy to their past mistakes…"

Berserker of White wouldn't have admitted it, but as soon as her Master started to cuddle him, she started to quietly purr.

Oeneus looked at them and thought about Berserker of White's words as well. Sure, it would have been nice if he could continue to fight…but considering his skills…he thought that maybe he couldn't have the same calm Adewale could get. But…at the same time, he thought that trying…wasn't a bad idea. "…Maybe…Caster can help me out with this…"


Tokyo – Akihabara – 16th April 2021 – 13.45 P.M

"You're a falling star…you're the getaway car…you're the line in the sand when I get too far…you're the swimming pool, on an August day, and you're the perfect thing to say. And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute, oh, when you smile at me you know what to exactly what you do, baby don't pretend…that you don't know it's true… 'cause you can see it when I look at you. And this crazy life…and through these crazy times it's you, it's you…you make me sing…you're every line…you're every word…you're everything…"

Calem was entertaining the local people by doing his favorite hobby: playing the guitar (and gaining some money from it) to entertain the local place. The young bard of the Red Rose decided to spend the break day by relaxing and put the mind at ease, thinking of it at the best way to be ready for the upcoming challenges.

Lancer of Red was close to her, and naturally hidden while he kept on playing music. She stood still from most of the time, but at a certain point she started to slightly move her legs to follow the rhythm. She admitted that he was indeed talented.

The ones who stopped to listen to him clapped and praised him before dropping some cash and leaving. "Thank you! Thank you!" Calem said, as he picked up his stuff and put the guitar back on its bag. "Come on, let's go." He then added to Lancer of Red, who nodded and turned to her spiritual form.

"I was surprised to see so many people there listening to you. Does it happen often?" She then asked while they were walking. "Heh…not really. True, I've played in the streets various times, but…it's the first time I've seen that number, despite being still a little one. Oh well, glad to see that Japanese people appreciate my music." Calem replied.

"Hmmm. They're not the only ones who appreciated." Lancer of Red then continued. That last sentence made Calem turn slightly red in his face. "You…you actually liked it?" He asked.

"It's surely not my type of music…but it was catchy indeed." The Servant continued. Calem looked down a little bit embarrassed before continuing. "…Thanks."

"You know…recently you've started to blush a lot whenever I talk to you. May I know why?" Lancer of Red then asked. By hearing this, Calem became more uncomfortable. "Why do you want to hear it-?" He asked. "Can't I be curious? As my Master, it's only natural that I want to hear more about you." The Servant continued, staying firm on his position.

Calem stayed silent for some seconds, but he knew he couldn't even be rude. He, in the first place, wanted to form some sort of bond with her, even If small. "It's just that…I usually have…a hard time while trying to talk with girls."

"Oh really?"

"It's not gynophobia! Let me make it clear before you could misunderstand. But…yes. I don't know why, but whenever I try to talk with one of them…I get all fizzy and nervous, and it usually makes me feel ridiculous. Because maybe they just want to talk or know me, but…this nervousness I have makes it hard to talk with any of them. Especially if the make a compliment for me.

"What a strange situation…if that's so, then how are you able to talk normally with the other Servants? In our faction, there are more females than males when it comes to Heroic Spirits." Lancer of Red continued with the 'interview'

"It's different for them! I know that they belong to the others and that they don't speak that much to me apart from battles, so I can be easy with them! I mean…I usually try to say away even from Astrea because of this." Calem answered.

This made Lancer of Red pleased. The things he said made her think of a way to tease him further and…maybe help him? "Then I suppose I am some sort of…special reservation?" If she would have been there, she would have probably smirked and licked her lips.

"ICK! There! That is what makes me uncomfortable the most! And I know it's natural when you are curious! But…I just can't stand it. And…knowing it doesn't really help. I mean…if I get out of here alive, whenever I win or lose the war, I would still like to have a family, but…this thing surely will get me a lot of problem.

"I see…oh well…I didn't mean to make you feel that way. Just asking…even if I find it funny." Lancer of Red spoke. "If it makes you better…it's not the most important issue for now. But if you say that this gives you problems…maybe I could find someone that could help you. Have you ever tried asking for suggestions to the others of the faction?"

"…You…would do so? Thanks…I didn't expect this offer. But wait…why don't you help me out?" Calem then asked.

"I'm literally a snake…I don't know of how much help I could be…" Lancer of Red replied, with a bit of embarrassment. The mage then reached the station and decided to use a train to get to a closer zone to the headquarter of his faction.

"I know that this would be a break day, and if what Marcus said was right, the White Rose won't attack us today…but I would like to make sure to be there just in case." He spoke.

"Perceptive…I like it. Speaking of which…wouldn't be better if you took this day for some practice?" Lancer of Red asked.

"Heh, don't worry. Each time I play music, my magecraft gets stronger. You probably know it by now but…music is my weapon. I'm still surprised of myself when I was able to deliver some blows on the leader of the White Rose. Still…I think I got lucky if I got out of there alive…especially after what happened later…" Calem answered, thinking of the previous night.

"Oh right…that guy. What can I say…bad luck comes for everyone. Maybe next time we'll get a better meal." Lancer of Red commented.

"True…" Calem simply replied, while wondering why she was so obsessed with food. It was at this point that he noticed the man that was sitting next to him. He rolled his eyes and could see a tall and slim man with a neatly combed red hair that wore what seemed to be a butler uniform, with even white gloves on his hands.

What caught Calem's attention was that this man was holding a pocket clock, which seemed particularly valuable.

"Wow…it's the first time I saw a clock like that sir…is it made of actual gold?" He asked.

"Yes." The man answered with a deep voice. "Both the aesthetic and the gears inside it. If you're asking, I've bought it in Switzerland. They're…quite good with them."

"Really? Then…it must have cost you a fortune..." Calem commented. By hearing this, the man giggled. "Oh, don't worry. With the work I do, things like this aren't a bother. After all…everyone needs to have the right time…on their hands…right?" He said, fully turning around.

The mage of the Red Rose could notice that he had a strange mark on his left eye. By looking at it better…Calem had the feeling that it wasn't just a regular tattoo, but maybe…something else. Plus…even if he said a few words, the way this man was talking made him feel…somehow cautious. "…What is this feeling…?" He thought. He felt uncomfortable. And it wasn't because of embarrassment this time, but maybe…something more serious.

"…Yes…time is such a thing that can be both precious and cruel to people. That is why…I think everyone should use it in the best way, without wasting any second. Think about it…one loss…that may be a second, a couple of minute or even hours…could drastically change one's program. Don't you agree?"

"…Yes…I understand, sir…" Even if he didn't want, Calem answered in order to not sound suspicious.

"Right. The lost time isn't something you can get back…well…most of the time. Only the present and most importantly the future matter." The man continued before noticing the bag that Calem had on his back. "A guitar…I suppose that you are a musician?" He asked.

"Oh, this one? Yes, it's mine. Well…I'm not a professional one, but I do like to practice. Ever since I was a kid. Do you…perhaps like music?" He asked.

"Well…I'm not really a passionate one…but when I get the chance…yes. I do not mind listening to some of it. Though I think we probably do not have the same tastes." The man jokingly answered with still a smile on his face.

What bothered the most for Calem was that tone of his. Apparently, kind, but looking like he was hiding something.

"Master…I…don't like this guy." Lancer of Red told her Master. While he would have liked to go away, there was something that made him stay still and close that person. Maybe the thought to not be rude or suspicious. Or maybe…something else.

"Plus…judging by the look, you don't seem a people of the place. I suppose you come from another country as well?" The man continued.

"I should have never talked to this guy…" Calem thought before giving his answer. "You got it…I'm not of these parts. I'm here for…something."

"Something…I guess it's private. In that case we're on the same boat. I'm here too for…'something'." The man spoke, as if he found what Calem said…funny. "Whether it is the reason that moves us…it's still a good thing to travel around the world…especially in a place like this. Tokyo surely is a big city full of lights and shadows. And who knows…maybe we'll both find what we are looking for."

Calem's head started to sweat. The more the conversation continued, the more he felt endangered, and if it wasn't that they were in a public place, Lancer of Red would have probably appeared and pushed him away. "It would be nice…I mean…everyone must have a dream…right?" He spoke. He prayed that the train stopped to the station where he had to. And even if by pure coincidence, it actually did.

"Oh…it appears I have arrived." Calem said, wanting to cut it off as soon as possible. "Oh…you go here, too?" The man asked with an apparent innocent smile. Calem really didn't know what to say and he started to take deep breaths to maintain calm.

Fortunately, after they came out of the train, the discussion didn't continue that much, and they had to go into separate ways. So, all that they needed was to say goodbye and depart.

"Well…it was nice to talk with you. Maybe we'll meet again." The man said.

"I…I hope as well." Calem concluded. The two started to walk into different directions. "…Who…was that man? I…I don't feel so good now…" The mage of the Red Rose thought.

But…right in that moment…the man stopped. "By the way, boy…" He then slowly turned around with a grin.

"That's a nice Servant you have there."

Calem could feel his heart stop beating for an instant while Lancer of Red didn't hesitate to materialize, even if she risked having been spotted even by regular people. They both turned around, having the same thought.

"ARE YOU AVENGER'S-" But when they both turned around…they didn't see him, only thousands of people that were passing by.

He was gone.

"…Master?" Calem ended the line, full of questions and doubts.


Tokyo – Shinagawa – 16th April 2021 – 14.30 P.M

"Great! Now I have to deal with this little brat for God knows how long!"

"Hey! It's not me who decided to go along with you! We both have to follow our Masters, remember!? So shut up and stick with it, slut!"

"I cannot stick with it if I have to stay with a wicked woman like you!"

"QUIET! BOTH OF YOU!"

During the day of rest, both Alvis and Cahya decided to wander through the city to slowly recover their forces and maybe come out with new strategies for the war while also getting the chance to stay at peace for one day. Though, this wasn't surely a good thing for both of their Servants, Rider and Assassin of Red, two queens that were in a constant quarrel. Despite the two mages both knew that this hangout was a hard thing to do, they've still tried, hoping to get a different outcome or understanding between the two women. But, of course, their two personalities were too strong.

When they got recalled, the two Servants gritted their teeth and looked elsewhere, but still, unsatisfied with what they were doing. "Seriously, Master! Why did you come out with this idea! You know how boring it is to stay with this simple girl!" Rider of Red exclaimed. "Simple!? Are you kidding me!?" The other Servant immediately answered.

"Don't do it again. And besides…why do you hate Assassin so much? I don't think you've ever met in a previous life…so…where does this nuisance of yours come from?" The homunculus asked.

"You're even asking it? This girl clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word 'fun'. Whenever I try to pick up with cute and tasty boys, She ALWAYS get in the way to ruin everything!" Rider of Red explained.

"I simply do it because it's wrong! Love shouldn't be you covered in a pile of men! It should be consumed more passionately than just that! And unlike you, I know something about it!" Cleopatra insisted.

"Assassin...don't you think it's just that you two have different opinions? I don't really know about it…plus…didn't you tell me that you used to have a lot of admirers when you were-" Cahya was about to make a point, but got interrupted by his own Servant, embarrassed by what he was going to say. "T-THAT'S DIFFERENT! AND IT WASN'T TOTALLY TRUE!"

"What wasn't totally true? Are you telling me that Ms. Romance here has some dirty little secret?" Rider of Red asked with a grin on her face. For her, even if it was about a person it despised, all that was needed was even a slight mention about 'extreme' love to make her feel immediately interested. And of course, Assassin of Red was of a completely different opinion, with her face red as the inside of a watermelon. "NO! THERE WERE ONLY TWO MEN FOR ME, PLEASE!"

Even Alvis started to feel uncomfortable by hearing an upcoming gossip. "Err…listen…how about we pass to something else? Assassin here clearly doesn't want to talk about it…and honestly, I don't want that either." He asked.

Rider of Red looked down in disappointment. "Bah…you're not that funny as well, Master…" While Assassin of Red started to make several bows of thanks. "Y-You're so kind…"

"C-Cut that out! I didn't do that much!" Alvis exclaimed, while the other mage of the Red Rose looked confused. "So…is this…how do they call it? Gratitude?" He asked innocently. "Well…technically, but this is an exaggeration…" Alvis replied.

"I see…during these days I'm learning a lot but…things like these are still something new. Humans can be so…strange sometimes. During the last battle I could feel it myself." Cahya commented, remembering his fight with Maximilian.

"Hmm? What did you feel?" Cleopatra asked.

"I…don't know if I can say it with proper words but…in that moment I've started to feel more…emotional. The way I fought with that Master of the White Rose and the way he was talking to me…made me feel more attached to what I still wanted to learn more than anything. But…maybe it was because I've felt that I could have been killed with ease, like when I fought with Saber of White's Master." Cahya explained.

"Or…maybe it's something that it's happening inside of you! Who knows! It could be that we are starting to affect you in some way!" Assassin of Red suggested, trying to be of some comfort for him. And somehow…it worked, as Cahya made a small smile. "That…would be nice."

Alvis slightly stretched his eyes by seeing him smile. Even if he saw him for a couple of days by now, it was still a surprise to see him show some spark of emotion.

Cleopatra was extra delighted to see him with that expression on the face. "Awwww! See! That smile proves exactly what I was talking about! Ah…I wonder how you'll be when you'll be able to feel emotions completely. I'm sure you would be pretty cute!" She spoke.

"Cute, uh? Tell me more." Rider of Red asked, implying that there was something more in her affirmation. "SHUT UP!" Assassin of Red shouted.

"Guess that last night changed a lot of things to many people…while me on the other hand, got worse." Alvis stated. Naturally, Cahya came closer to him to know more. "Why's that?" He demanded.

"Nothing…just me getting owned by my opponent…even with all my tricks." Alvis answered with a self-disappointed tone.

"…Was he that strong?" Cahya continued with the question. "I think…he's feeling down because of what we had told him during these days. Is it right, Master?" Rider of Red added.

"Yes…kinda. What the others and Marcus told us made me reflect a lot, but…it's hard to accept that. It's just that, even if they are enemies, I don't see why we should kill them, and I wish the same could be for the Servant, but I know how things work. And…I can also see Marcus and the others point. A war is an event where mercy usually doesn't exist but…it's just not in my guts. And I've tried to restrain me less during that battle, considering that we thought the Holy Grail was there but…as you could guess…" The Walker mage explained.

"You've had some second thoughts?" Cahya tried to guess. "Exactly. While in the end I've got serious…there was still a part of me that wanted to not exaggerate in order to not inflict any fatal wound. And it backfired me. Maybe I was fortunate that Avenger came up and let the struggle finish, even if we almost died…" Alvis replied.

"Master! You absolutely shouldn't say these things out loud! Don't forget that you almost died both against that mage and Avenger!" Rider of Red suddenly exclaimed. Both her Master and the other pair were shocked to hear this sudden raise of voice, which made her look offended.

"Listen, I know you won't be mine in bed, but as my Master, I at least expect for you to be a mage with some balls! All the men that fought by my side or in my name never went down even if they were facing opponents far beyond their grasp! We're in a Grail War and I think we both want to win, so at least, even if this doesn't suit you at all, at least try to fight with your head high! I wouldn't become the queen of all men if I couldn't fight with a precise goal! And I expect for you to do the same! Even if you take some risks! Got it?" Rider of Red explained.

Alvis was speechless. It was the very first time she talked in such way. He heard before that she was known to be a fearless queen of war that was able to have a lot of people under her service, but he never expected her to show such a charisma and sheer force. Maybe…she wasn't just a lustful woman and…there could have been a lot more to discover about her. "Rider…I…I didn't expect that."

The female Servant took a breath and then answered. "I know, it's not typical for me either. But I've felt like I needed to tell you this! If you want to get this through, you cannot think like this! It's how a battle works! Fight with your head high! That's all." She added.

"No…I understand. Maybe…it's also time I do my part as well." Alvis answered, sounding more convinced. Maybe the speech actually encouraged him.

"Well…it's not that much but it's already something as an answer. But don't disappoint me, or I'll punish you!" His Servant recommended.

"It was a big surprise for me too. But…I get what she's trying to say as well. I know it would be bad for you to make something that would turn you into someone different but…try your best during battle. If anything…to get to our goal and our wishes." Cahya added. "Yes, I agree. Plus, I'm surprised to see our Rider here act all motivational! Maybe it is you that has some secrets?" Cleopatra then asked with a smirk.

This affirmation made Rider of Red blush, as she quickly turned around to answer. "I just want to keep my reputation high! Plus, I wouldn't go anywhere if things stay like this." She exclaimed.

"Oh well. Suit yourself." Assassin of Red concluded.

After that, the small group continued their small walk while Alvis thought a lot about what Rider of Red told him. And it was indeed true. Considering what he was capable to do with his magecraft, he could be a useful asset to guarantee the victory of the Red Rose…especially considering his personal motivations behind so. He closed his hand to a fist, starting to convince himself…that he could do it properly.

"Now that I think of…I've told you before the reason I fight…but I was wondering…why do you fight, Alvis? Is there a motivation for staying in this war?" Cahya then asked.

By hearing that question…Alvis reminded of something...that made him smile. "Well…let's just say that…I want that I want to grant…the last will of someone dear to me. And now that you make me think of it…maybe it's also for him…that I should start trying…" He spoke.

"…A friend?" The homunculus asked. The other mage nodded. "Yes…a friend. When you get attached someone, you tend to do many things for them. Maybe the same will happen to you, since you wish to feel human." He said with a smile.

"…It…would be nice." Cahya concluded. "…A friend…" He remained intrigued by that last word. And for some reason…thinking of it made him turn to Assassin of Red, who was looking elsewhere in this moment.


Tokyo – White Rose Headquarter – 16th April 2021 – 22.10 P.M

As the various participants passed the day to recover from the battle of Kabuki-Cho between discussions and confidences, time passed on…and the day turned into night. Only a few hours were left before everyone would have gone to sleep, and from the next day, everything would have started back. These were the last hours of breathing and considering the results of the last battle and the fact that there hadn't been any special results from neither side…everyone would have become fiercer, including a young mage that was standing alone in his room with his Servant.

Rider of White was looking outside the window, enchanted by the pale moon that was shining in the sea of stars. It made her remind to a person linked to the man she loved. She then turned to her Master, who was sitting on a table. "It's starting to get late. Don't you think we should rest, if we want to fight properly tomorrow?" She asked.

"Yes, I know. Don't worry…It will only be a question of minutes…" Tygo replied. He was sitting on a large and empty wooden table. The only thing that was on it was the drawing of a spiral, and on the center of it, he put the claw of the deinonychus. The female Servant came closer to him, curious about what he was doing. "What is it?" She asked.

"An experiment." Tygo replied. "I was wondering if there were any ways to power up my spells through the body parts of my spiritual evocation. By doing so, I could increase my chances of winning in the next fights." He took a deep breath and started to make some texts. Once the claw was perfectly standing still at the center of the spiral, he slightly widened his arms, as if he was trying to grab something and closed his eyes.

He waited for a few seconds and then he could feel that a reaction was about to take place. The magic circuits inside his body started to resonate with the drawing he made on the table, since the spiral started to glow of a clear aquamarine color. Once he started to hear the resonance, he opened his eyes and was amazed to see that the reaction was having place because of him. "It's…responding…" He then looked up at the ceiling. "Well, then…time to see the reaction!" He then raised his arms, as if he was directing an attack, and from the spiral, a pillar of energy with the head of a deinonychus started to appear, going in the exact direction Tygo pointed his arms on. It destroyed a part of the ceiling, but the mage of the White Rose's attention was more focused on the surprise that his simple experiment was successful.

"It…it worked!" He said with a small smile on his face. "Wonderful, Master! I didn't know you could do such thing!" Rider of White told him. "Neither do I. Considering the reins that this war is taking, especially with the appearance of that Avenger…I just thought that I needed some improvement if I wanted to stay alive. So…I thought that an upgrade wasn't bad. I took Adewale's alchemy as an inspiration for this spell…and it worked. Though…if it only works from a permanent position…it could be quite troublesome…so I should see if I can be able to use it in a comfier way." Tygo explained, showing his opinions.

By listening to him, Rider of White couldn't help but smile. "You know…the fact that you were already able to do it in this way it's already something. Maybe in the end you're not that useless as you thought." She spoke.

Tygo stood speechless and still for a few seconds after this, and then slowly moved his head towards his Servant. "Is…is that so?" He asked.

Rider of White shrugged. "It's an opinion. But…if you think you can improve yourself, I surely won't stop you. Plus…the better you become, the more chances of winning you'll get." She continued with a smile. She didn't continue with the conversation because she knew that it was a delicate argument for her Master.

And Tygo could see that she understood. He knew what she was talking about…and taking that argument actually made him think about it. He participated in the Holy Grail War, for a specific reason…but as the conflict continued and he started to face the mages of the Red Rose…he was realizing bit by bit…that it wasn't exactly what he was expecting…in particular…he didn't expect to see…such a version of himself.

It was as if the reality he knew was starting to slowly crack up and he would have arrived at one point where this vision would have been completely shattered. His last battle, in particular, made him think about it. Maybe…even if other people, like his family, didn't think in that way…he could have been wrong.

But…that feeling…that desire of change was still there. So, either way, he kept on standing and see if there was a way to win, even if he wasn't that sure.

"Well…it is yet to be seen at this point." He answered with a smile, trying to joke on it. "Speaking of which…it's incredible on how the Red Rose was able to surprise me…yet." He then added.

"Hm? What happened with your opposite of the Red Faction?" Rider of White asked, presuming that, since she battled Rider of Red, Tygo faced her Master.

"Well…it was weird. He used a lot of notable skills in the attempt to take me down, but at the same time…it seemed that he was trying to block himself, as if…he tried to…spare me? He…asked me if I wanted to stop. It's incredible how it keeps going on like this. First, that ambiguous and awkward girl and now…this pacifist guy. I'm starting to wonder…if all the people from the other side are like this…" The Geschiezend mage explained.

Rider of White was surely curious after this. "…It surely makes it more interesting. Someone who doesn't want to kill, eh? Well…it surely makes me glad that there are people with a good heart, even if they are our enemies."

"Really?" Tygo asked. "Yes. As one who could see humanity grow from its dawn, you could say that I've got…attached to it, even if the gods were of another opinion. While I take part in the Holy Grail War, a side of me is sad that the selected mages have to brutally murder each other…but I know that each one of them has a motive behind it…so I accept it. Still…his idea of trying to spare you makes me happy. Sure, you could have taken advantage of it, eheh…" Rider of White explained. Even Tygo giggled. "True…I actually did. Though…I'm not sure if I would have killed him. Maybe…but our goal back then was the Grail, so…I could not say it for sure. What I'm sure…is that I'm realizing that maybe…there are many things that are still unspoken about this conflict as a whole…like where that Avenger came from…but…" He took a deep breath. "Guess I'll only find out in the future…if I still live, that is."

"…That's a pretty mature thing to say, right now. Tygo." Rider of White told him with a smile, happy to see that he didn't seem to be anxious for a while. "Speaking of which…what did the media say about what happened last night?" She then asked.

"Many people are bewildered, especially considering that no one can gives an answer to that. I'm pretty sure that Kanashimi did something about it, since the church already started to give funds for it. In fact…it makes me hope that a thing like this won't happen again. The Mages' Association surely wouldn't like it. And…the fact that both Isak and the enemy leader both sensed something makes me wonder…what…actually happened in there? Was it…a joke from someone?" Tygo answered.

"…It's really a mystery…some things are still unspoken, like you said earlier…" Rider of White answered while looking down.

In that moment, the two of them could hear someone knock on the door. "Come in." Tygo spoke.

When the door opened, they could see that it was Maximilian alongside Assassin of White. The young boy didn't expect a visit from him. "Maximilian?"

"How is it going, boy?" Maximilian asked. "I hope I didn't disturb. I just passed by to ask something." He then added.

"I mean…sure. What is it?" Tygo asked. "Have you seen Cynthia and Seram around? I was looking for them." Maximilian then made the question.

"They…should be at Cynthia's room. You have…some business with them?" Tygo answered and then made another question. By hearing that…Maximilian closed his eyes and turned around. "Let's just say…" He then opened his eyes, which seemed to glow.

"I was wondering if they could add one more place to their seat."


And we're done! It had been a while since I've started and dropped the chapter, so seeing it over…kinda makes me feel at ease, maybe because after a while, I was able to complete the chapter of a fanfiction. I surely missed writing for this! And naturally, you're all wondering one question, since you were waiting for this chapter, and I'm here to answer it!

So…for the second time…what happened?

The first thing is to not worry! I didn't go into depression or any other sad issues I've had at the beginning of the year or back in 2021. In fact, a lot of things got better during these recent times! I've started to go to a wonderful psychologist, I've read a lot of novels that helped me to expand my way to write narrative and also, I've started a lot of new things! (For example, I've finally watched Demon Slayer! And I can say that I absolutely loved it. It's a series that has everything I want from a japanese shonen anime/manga, even if it is the simplest thing you could ever find). And most importantly, the main thing that kept me busy from writing these chapters…is that I've actually started to work on other projects external to fanfictions. Something that…if anything goes right, it will make my passion for writing stories, pass on the next level. So naturally, they took the priority. But the thought of continuing the stories was still there. Sometimes I've said to myself "Gosh, I need to find a way to balance these two things…" And fortunately, during these days, I was able to do so, by finishing this chapter and bring it to you! I could see that many people were worried that this story was discontinued, but don't worry, I didn't abandon you guys. The main problem will actually come in September and especially in November, when I'll start to get a lot busy with things that regards my future. I hope that, when that time will come, I'll still be able to find a spot to continue writing for this story and the other ones. The thought is still there and considering that I've got new ideas for this one, it would be a shame to abandon them. Sure, I'm one that makes slow updates, but I still wish to move on. So, let's all stand strong and hope for the best!

Before talking about the chapter itself, I wanted to answer an anonymus review that asked why the members of the Red Rose Faction didn't all sleep in the headquarter unlike the White Rose. The reason is that Marcus does this by purpose, in order to not make the other members of his faction uncomfortable or anxious. While he is 100% determined to win the Holy Grail War at all costs, he still makes sure to get the best of the cooperation from all the members, and so, making them all feel at ease, like making them sleep in a familiar place or somewhere where they can be lonely. Cahya is the only one that sleeps at the headquarter because he doesn't have a home. Isak, on the other hand, wants more control and worries about the faction be united, so it makes them sleep in one single and big place. Hope that answers your question!

As for the chapter itself, after all the intense battles that occurred in the last two chapters, I've wanted to make this one more relaxed to give more air to the characters and take the chance to explore them better. Later, I've decided to make it an interlude chapter to show that with the previous chapter, the first phase of the story had ended, and with this one, the second phase will begin. From now on, you could guess that the events and battles will slowly get more important (and probably make me feel more anxious when it comes to story choices XD). And since that, with the dialogues, I've wanted to make some forseshadowings of some characters. Since it has been a while since the story started, I've wanted to start a deeper analysis to each one of them, with more intense dialogues and points of view. I've also tried my best to show long scenes about everyone, not only Kazuto , to give an equal space to anyone, who are still all main characters of the story. In particular, I've wanted to focus more on the White Rose, to give them a more ambiguous side since many of you considered them the villains of the story (in a certain way they are but at the same time, they are not). Plus, I've put some small elements or characters that I think you should observe well, since they will turn back in the next chapters (Especially towards the end). Plus, i know i haven't dag up that much for Kazuto's story, but it is something i want to hold for the future, since it will be important, considering that he's the protagonist. And, if anyone is asking, the song Calem sang in his scene was "Everything" by Michael Bublè.

With this said, as always, I leave the last question to you. Did you enjoy the chapter? What did you think of the interactions between all the participants of the war? As always, let me know with your reviews, your opinion is important! And don't worry…the story is not discontinued, and I'll try to make sure that it will get to the proper conclusion. Sure, from September, life will start to get complicated for me, but I'll see if the spot of the fanfictions will still be here. It would be a shame to abandon you all guys, considering that I still see someone wish for this story to continue, even if I noticed that two more Fate SYOC stories has started! (I've also submitted a character in one of them!) And also, Fate Grand Order has finally arrived in Europe! So I can play it without APK that gave me a lot of problems when it came to updates and maybe I'll get back to the franchise to make this story richer! Time surely passes, right?

Oh well, I think I've said everything. Don't worry guys…these stories are still in my thoughts. The future is scary, but also bright. So, all we have to do is to wait and see what wonders can bring us. Thank you once again for the support, and from Bluestar here, Arrivederci!