FATE: Target of Grand Master

Seeing the silent crowd, the Candy Vine nodded in satisfaction.

"Very well, then, the first round of the elimination tournament shall now begin. Everyone, follow Father Kotomine to the arena."

Everyone was surprised again. Logically, there should have been a day to prepare after the draw to determine the opponent.

Seeing everyone's surprise, the candy vine revealed a mocking smile.

"Here, I am the rule. I dictate the competition, and if you're not satisfied, feel free to challenge me. If you can defeat me, I'll consider it..."

The candy vine made a thoughtful gesture, then broke into a bright smile.

"If he can defeat me, I will allow him to pass this trial directly."

The bait of the candy vines was undeniably tempting, but having just witnessed Kirei Kotomine's prowess, none of them dared to try it again.

The candy vine waited for about ten seconds, and seeing that no one dared to move, it said listlessly, "Since you don't have the guts, then you'd better go and fight!"

So, everyone followed Kirei Kotomine back to the lobby on the first floor of the teaching building. Unlike when they went there, Xia Yan had a companion on the way back.

"Hello, Xia Yan, my name is Hu Xia. As a fellow isolated individual, I think we can get to know each other better."

Hu Xia took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Xia Yan.

"What kind of understanding? If it's about our respective Servant information, I've already been completely exposed, and you'll be the one who suffers."

Xia Yan's words, which showed he was thinking of himself, made Hu Xia even more interested in him.

"You seem to be a very considerate person. Let me think...right, you're the typical gentle and kind male protagonist in Japanese anime. Girls really like that kind of personality."

Hu Xia immediately joked.

"Don't say that. I'm not that easy to talk to. When it's time to take action, I won't hold back."

"I see. Xia Yan, that's how you see yourself."

Looking at Hu Xia's smiling face, Xia Yan suddenly felt as if he had been tricked into revealing information. Sure enough, he couldn't let his guard down with this little girl.

"Why aren't you saying anything? We're just having a casual chat. Are you some kind of lone wolf who doesn't trust anyone?"

"So, do you like my personality?"

Ah, the topic has suddenly been steered back to the previous question.

Hu Xia replied without hesitation, "Of course I like him. What woman wouldn't like a man who is gentle and considerate towards her?"

"Your answer was way too straightforward. Are you some kind of player who says that to every man she fancys?"

"Huh? What are you talking about? How could you slander such a cute girl you've only known for a short time?"

Hu Xia pouted in dissatisfaction.

"You know we've only known each other for a short time, and you dare to say you like me?"

"Couldn't it be love at first sight?"

"Then tell me, who is your Servant?"

"That won't work."

Why?

"Work is work, and personal feelings are personal feelings. I have always kept my personal and professional life separate, and I will never let my personal feelings affect my work."

"I see. So, if you were ever faced with a situation where you had to kill your loved one to pass a trial, what would you do?"

"Huh? Does it have to be this extreme? Xia Yan, you wouldn't happen to be the kind of person who's all smiles on the surface but secretly enjoys seeing others suffer, would you?"

Kirei Kotomine, who was leading the way, tilted his head slightly.

"Yes, you figured it out."

Xia Yan mimicked Hu Xia and said with a smile.

Oh, they've been discovered? This man is certainly cautious enough.

After that rapid-fire question and answer session, Hu Xia was certain that Xia Yan not only realized he was being tricked into revealing information, but was also trying to trap him in return. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Normally, although he wasn't particularly slender, plenty of men would find him attractive. Even if he couldn't attract them through his sexual preferences, his universally acknowledged cuteness and sweet smile could evoke the protective instincts of most men. "Aren't all men supposed to be doting fathers? Why is this guy so wary of me?"

There was no other way but to use the ultimate move.

"Waaah... I came all the way from the other side under immense pressure, just because you were being targeted and I felt sorry for you, so I wanted to help you. But instead, you just nonchalantly made things difficult for me, waaah..."

Hu Xia used a woman's killer move—crying.

Because she was speaking quite loudly, the Masters at the back of Group B heard her and turned to give Xia Yan a disdainful look.

Damn, what's going on now?

Xia Yan looked at Hu Xia speechlessly, took out a tissue from his pocket, and handed it to her.

"That's enough. Don't you know that the more you test me, the more you'll expose yourself? Although I wouldn't dare say I know you perfectly, from this short interaction just now, your seemingly polite but actually mischievous nature has been completely revealed."

After taking the tissue from Xia Yan, Hu Xia wiped her eyes and immediately stopped crying.

"Okay, I'm done playing."

Hu Xia abandoned his attempt to test Xia Yan, and just then, the group arrived at the entrance to the arena.

"The elevator here has been modified to accommodate up to 20 people, which is enough for all of us to get in."

Ding!

The elevator doors opened, and all the Masters, including Xia Yan and Hu Xia, filed in.

The elevator slowly descended, carrying everyone. Although the number of people here would only be half of what it was now when they returned, most Masters still hoped that they would be able to return.

"The arena here has more than one floor. The elevators will descend floor by floor. Once you hear your name called, just step out of the elevator. After the match, the winners should wait at the elevator entrance; we will come to pick you up."

After Kirei Kotomine finished explaining to everyone, they arrived at B1.

The Candy Vine's voice announcement came from inside the elevator, and the two Masters whose names were called stepped out of the elevator.

The elevator then continued downwards to the B2 level, where two more Masters emerged.

B3, B4, B5...

And so, the elevator went deeper and deeper, and the number of Masters inside dwindled.

"We have arrived at B7 floor. Masters Hu Xia and Song Kai, please enter the arena."

Upon hearing his name called, Hu Xia waved to Xia Yan, who was still in the elevator.

"I'm leaving now. I hope to see you again later."

Regardless of Hu Xia's motives, such a blessing still needs to be responded to politely.

"Well, I wish you good luck in advancing as well."

Hu Xia gave an OK sign and confidently stepped out of the elevator.

The elevator continued to descend, and now only Xia Yan, Li Zhuang, and Yan Feng Qili remained in the car.

"She'll most likely not see you in a little while."

Li Zhuang retorted sarcastically.

"You still talk as much nonsense as ever."

Being repeatedly provoked by Li Zhuang, even though Xia Yan is usually kind, it doesn't mean he wouldn't get angry. Moreover, Xia Yan never hesitates to deal with someone who is clearly hostile to him.

"If you don't want to hear it, then come and hit me."

Li Zhuang said provocatively.

Xia Yan glanced at Kirei Kotomine standing between the two of them and started to loosen his joints.

"Don't worry, I'll satisfy you in a moment."