Chapter 94. Conspirators

Young Waver Velvet sat in the library, engrossed in a book. But his thoughts were far away. He kept replaying the unsuccessful argument with Professor El-Melloi in his head.

How he was stung by Kayneth's arrogant attitude! Why didn't he even want to listen to the arguments? Why was he so blindly holding on to outdated dogmas of the superiority of the pure-blooded?

Waver felt the bitterness of injustice. He had tried so hard to gather facts, to conduct an unbiased investigation! But the professor didn't even pay attention to his work.

"I will prove him wrong," Waver decided. "I will show everyone what a mage not from a noble family is capable of!"

At that moment, a messenger approached him with a small scroll:

"Please deliver this to Professor El-Melloi urgently."

After the messenger left, Waver pondered. What if this was his chance? There was clearly something important in the scroll. Maybe it would help him prove his point?

Waver knew he was doing wrong, but curiosity got the better of him. He carefully unfolded the scroll...

Summon with this artifact a Servant for the War for the Grail! Your secret guardian.

Waver's heart raced. Yes, this was what he needed! He would obtain the Grail himself and prove his worth to everyone!

But was it worth deceiving? Waver sighed heavily. Well, cunning is sometimes justified for a higher purpose. He would act nobly once he achieved victory.

Waier clenched the artifact in his hand. Today everything would change!

Fiora sat in her armchair by the window, watching the training yard of Iggdmillennia. Her brother Coles helped her with spells, but she felt her weakness.

Gordes entered, his chestnut hair flying, and his green eyes shining with determination.

"Good morning, Fiora. How is the training progressing?"

"Morning, Gordes," she smiled. "Slowly, to be honest. Sometimes it feels like I'll never be able to use magic in battle properly."

Gordes sat down next to her.

"Don't underestimate yourself. You are one of the strongest mages in our clan."

"But my body fails me," Fiora sighed. "If only I could walk..."

"I understand your feelings," Gordes nodded. "We both find ourselves in a difficult situation."

He meant the fall of the Musik clan. Fiora placed her hand on his shoulder in a sign of support.

"But I believe - the Grail can fix everything," Gordes continued. "It will restore your mobility and my domus honor. We must try!"

Fiora thought for a moment. With Dumbledore's death, their chances of obtaining the Grail had increased.

"You're right, my friend. For our dream, we must fight. Together we will win!"

Jason, Rick, and Lily were sitting in their secret hideout - an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of London.

"Well, guys, tomorrow is our big day," Jason grinned, putting his hand on Rick's shoulder. "We'll retire in comfort after this heist."

"You bet, old man, I can already picture us lounging on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean," Rick chuckled.

"Boys, just be careful, okay?" Lily said, adjusting her makeup. "I'll be worrying about you."

"Don't worry, babe! With our Slugs, we have nothing to fear!" Jason hugged Lily and kissed her.

At that moment, Agent Smith walked in. His face was as impassive as ever. He nodded silently to the group and stood off to the side.

Gilgamesh snorted, "These kids really believe they can steal enough gold for a carefree life? Naive children."

Meanwhile, Medusa quietly told Lily, "Don't worry, I'll always be by your side to protect you. You're like a sister to me."

Moved, Lily hugged her. "Thank you, Medusa! I... I think I'm pregnant with Jason's child. I'm so happy!"

"Congratulations! That's wonderful news!" Medusa replied.

Jason, hearing this, jumped for joy. "Lily, baby! This is the best thing that's ever happened to me! As soon as we rob the bank, we'll get married, I promise!"

Even Gilgamesh couldn't help but smile slightly at their genuine happiness.

Agent Smith coldly watched the scene unfold. These human emotions were foreign to him. But when Medusa happily twirled in the new dress Lily had given her, even he paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by this display of happiness.

After Lily and Jason's joyous embrace, Gilgamesh muttered quietly, "Hmm, it seems there's a spark of nobility in the hearts of these mortals. Perhaps they are worthy of something more than petty thievery."

Medusa heard this and smiled to herself. She approached Agent Smith, who, as always, stood off to the side with an impassive expression.

"Don't you want to join in on our fun, Smith? You look so lonely," she said.

"Human emotions are not in my nature," he coldly replied. "I was created for other purposes."

"Hmm, what are you exactly?" Medusa asked. "We haven't found any mention of you."

Smith smirked slightly, "Let's just say, I come from... another world. You cannot even imagine my capabilities and true essence."

"But if you're here, then there must be something human in you, right?" Medusa persisted.

Smith paused for a moment. "Perhaps... all will be revealed soon."

Bent under the weight of years, old Zoken descended the steps to the basement. In his hands, he clenched a letter received earlier that morning. His eyes sparkled feverishly, and his lips stretched into an anticipatory smile.

He found Kariya in a dark corner, huddled on the dirty floor. Despite his youth, he looked worn out and broken. Zoken handed him the letter.

"Read it," he hoarsely said. "It's news from Hogwarts."

Kariya took the parchment with trembling fingers and quickly scanned the text.

"Dumbledore... dead?" he whispered hoarsely.

Zoken's eyes lit up.

"Yes, now nothing will stop us from obtaining the Grail! With its power, I will be able to prolong my life and complete my research. And you, Kariya... you want to get Sakura back, don't you?"

Kariya nodded silently. How he missed her, his beloved niece! How he wanted to free her from the clutches of this ruthless old man, to return her to her home, to her sister Rin! But he was powerless...

"Good. Then you know what to do," Zoken whispered. "It's time to intensify your training. A great battle awaits you."

Kariya shuddered at his words, but resolutely lifted his chin. He wiped away his tears and looked the old man directly in the eyes. For Sakura, he would endure anything. He would win and bring her back home.

Zoken smirked to himself. How easy it was to manipulate this fool, playing on his weaknesses! Soon, very soon, the Grail would be in his hands.