Did the Heroic Spirit I conquered become a reality?

Still not entirely reassured, he cast an illusion barrier around himself as a safety net.

Yu Tohsaka: "..."

He simply wanted to have a "friendly" exchange with Merlin using gem magic, and also test the power of the gem under his EX-rank magic enhancement.

As for "calling her Mom"... well, that depends on the situation, right? We haven't reached the point of desperation yet, so how could we possibly call her Mom just because things don't go our way...

On the contrary, the court mage's extremely stressed state left Tohsaka Yu somewhat at a loss for words.

It seems that the experience in Uruk left a deep psychological scar on this flower magician.

Despite his thoughts, Yu Tohsaka's hands were not idle; one after another, dazzling seven-colored gems suddenly flew towards Merlin.

This court mage was clearly holding back; his attacks were primarily aimed at restraint and interference, seemingly only wanting to prevent Tohsaka Yu from getting close to Emiya Kiritsugu.

While Merlin and Tohsaka Yu were having a “friendly sparring”, Emiya Kiritsugu, who was standing to the side, had gradually calmed down.

He lit a cigarette expressionlessly, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled white smoke.

Then, his cold sniper rifle muzzle silently aimed once again at the figure of Tokiomi Tohsaka, who was still commanding the King of Heroes on the distant battlefield.

boom!

The gem magic clashed with Merlin's magic once again. Although Merlin usually seemed carefree, as he himself said, he did indeed possess superb swordsmanship. Every gem that Tohsaka Yu threw was cut in half by him with extremely precise sword strokes.

"Give up, Caster."

Merlin smiled and looked at the boy in front of him: "With me here tonight, you can't hurt my master."

"Make him put down his weapon first." Tohsaka Yu's gaze passed over Merlin and was fixed on the man who had already raised his sniper rifle.

"Put down your weapons..."

Kiritsugu Emiya repeated softly, a hint of coldness in his voice, as he slightly turned his head to look at the boy: "Now, let's begin the questions—"

"Caster... are you treating this Holy Grail War like some kind of children's game?"

Most Servants in the Holy Grail War possess combat power that their Masters cannot defeat head-on, and Merlin is a Servant known for his 'lazy' nature. Therefore... there is only one way to win the Holy Grail War.

—Kill all masters.

As it turns out, this boy just told him to put down his gun... Even though he's a servant, he still seems a bit too naive.

Kiritsugu Emiya ignored Yu Tohsaka and adjusted the aiming direction of his sniper scope.

"You just asked me if I treated the Holy Grail War like some kind of children's game, didn't you, Mr. Emiya?"

Just then, the boy's slow, leisurely voice suddenly rang out from behind in the quiet night.

Kiritsugu Emiya ignored Yu Tohsaka and, after aiming, slowly brought his finger closer to the trigger.

"Actually, I've always known that the Holy Grail War is a very cruel thing...that's why I hope to save some people in this cruel war."

Yu Tohsaka continued, seemingly oblivious to her own words, "But some people still treat it like a game... because they find the Holy Grail War quite interesting."

Upon hearing this, Merlin's eyebrows involuntarily twitched, and for some reason, he suddenly had a vague sense of unease.

So weird...

Based on his understanding of Tohsaka Yu, if there were people Tohsaka Yu cherished on that battlefield ahead, how could he be so calm as he is now?

Is it because you don't value that person that much?

Or... did he already guess that I would show up to stop him tonight, and had a backup plan?

Just as Merlin's mind was racing, he heard Tohsaka Yu continue calmly, "The Holy Grail War is indeed not child's play... Attacking the Master is definitely the best and most efficient option."

"Now let's begin the questions—"

Yu Tohsaka slowly raised her head, gazing at Kiritsugu Emiya's retreating figure, and softly asked, "Guess where my Master is right now?"

dong dong...

For a fleeting moment, Kiritsugu Emiya's hand, which always held the sniper rifle with the steadiness of a precision instrument, trembled almost imperceptibly.

This Caster... he was too composed, too... confident from the very beginning.

It was as if he had already foreseen the bloody battlefield of Fuyuki City and the mythical monsters that roamed the battlefield.

Yu Tohsaka not only knew his own name, but also sensed Saber's presence, and even... knew his intention to assassinate Tokiomi Tohsaka.

And now, he has posed a question that is full of implications and...threats.

Where is the caster's master...? Why would he suddenly ask such a question?

Did his master not travel with him? If so, where is the other person?

Could it be——

Just as the unease in Kiritsugu Emiya's heart surged like a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm all his calm judgment—

Buzz... Buzz—

A rapid and piercing communication request suddenly rang out from the encrypted walkie-talkie in his pocket, breaking the eerie silence on the rooftop!

Kiritsugu Emiya's pupils contracted sharply, and he realized that something was wrong.

This is the highest priority emergency communication signal agreed upon between him and Maimi. It will never be used lightly unless a major event occurs that threatens the very foundation of the entire plan!

He didn't even have time to think; he pressed the call button almost reflexively.

"Kiritsugu!"

Hisayu Maiya's usually calm and composed voice was now filled with an unprecedented urgency and... a hint of barely concealed panic!

"This is the first surveillance point outside Einzbern Castle! Just now... just now, unidentified enemies forcibly broke into Einzbern Castle!"

……

On the outskirts of Fuyuki City, where the wind howls and the ancient castle of Einzbern stands like a slumbering beast in the snow, serene and majestic.

The castle is surrounded by a powerful defensive barrier, passed down through generations of the Einzbern family and meticulously constructed by countless magic masters. This barrier is strong enough to deter most uninvited guests, and even high-ranking Servants would find it difficult to sneak in without alerting the guards.

However, tonight, this supposedly impregnable barrier proved to be utterly ineffective.

A petite figure, like an elf bathed in moonlight, moved gracefully and calmly through the snow-covered forest.

She wore a pair of small uniform shoes, stepping on the snow without leaving a trace, as if her very existence transcended the physical laws of this world.

The warning runes that the Einzbern family was so proud of paled in comparison to her. The binding barriers that were strong enough to trap powerful magical beasts remained as still as docile sheep as she passed by. Even the alchemically created automatic defense familiars hidden in the shadows seemed to be unaware of her presence and remained silent.

Sajō Aika, the princess who was born connected to the source of all things, is now "strolling" through the territory of Einzbern in a way that mortals cannot understand.

Her goal was clear, her steps were light, and her emerald green eyes sparkled with a childlike curiosity and... a kind of enigmatic smile.

Inside the castle, the flickering firelight from the fireplace illuminated Irisviel's delicate yet slightly pale face.

She waited anxiously for news from Kiritsugu Emiya, her heart filled with worry about the Holy Grail War and uncertainty about the future.

Suddenly, an indescribable aura appeared without warning in the core area of ​​the castle!

It wasn't a hostile magical fluctuation, nor was it the Spirit Origin reaction of a Servant appearing; rather, it was a purer, more powerful force that, like an invisible tide, easily penetrated all the castle's defenses.

"—?!"

Irisviel stood up abruptly, her usually gentle and melancholic red eyes now filled with shock and wariness.

She could clearly feel a powerful force she had never sensed before invading the castle!

Irisviel nervously looked toward the doorway, where she saw a pure-looking girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in a pure white dress, standing quietly with a faint smile.

Her appearance was exquisite, her temperament was elegant and pure, and she was as noble as a princess looking down on the mortal world.

The girl looked up, her gaze falling on Irisviel, a hint of a smile in her emerald green eyes.

She slightly lifted the hem of her skirt and gracefully and calmly performed an impeccable lady's bow, every movement exuding classical charm and royal dignity.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Irisviel."

Sajō Aika's face still wore that innocent smile, her emerald green eyes quietly gazing at Irisviel, who was slightly bewildered by shock. In a tone that was almost an invitation, yet brooked no refusal, she softly said:

"Could you please come with me?"

Volume 1: Chapter 49 Tohsaka Yu: There's another queen behind the oriole?!

For the first time, Kiritsugu Emiya's usually emotionless and cold face contorted with extreme shock.

Caster's Master...is not on the battlefield, but at Einzbern Castle?!

why? !

This completely contradicts the basic logic of the Holy Grail War! You must know that in the Holy Grail War, the Master and Servant should keep as close as possible to facilitate the supply of magic power and tactical coordination.

Mass flow? Stir up j/attract~? Ba etc.——

Emiya Kiritsugu suddenly seemed to realize something, staring at Tohsaka Yu's eyes with surprise and uncertainty.

Caster's question, "Where is my Master now?", was not a simple inquiry at all, but a...trap! A trap he willingly walked into!

He focused all his attention on Tokiomi Tohsaka and on the chaotic battlefield, but overlooked the Holy Grail War's greatest weakness—Irisviel and the Einzbern Castle, its main base!

Caster... From the very beginning, he was forcing himself to make a choice in a way that was almost like a calculated scheme!

Should we continue the assassination attempt on Tokiomi Tohsaka, gambling that Einzbern Castle can hold out, or... immediately abandon the current objective and return to the ice castle whose alarms have already sounded?

Kiritsugu Emiya's forehead was covered in a fine layer of cold sweat. His brain, which always worked like a precision instrument, was momentarily thrown into chaos by this sudden and completely unexpected turn of events.

He couldn't believe that Caster had set up this whole thing from the very beginning, just waiting for him to fall into it.

at this time--

"Drip... drip..."

Another communicator in Kiritsugu Emiya's pocket—a backup communication line directly connected to the interior of Einzbern Castle that he never expected to ring under these circumstances—also rang!

Kiritsugu Emiya's heart sank, a strong sense of foreboding instantly enveloping him.

He pressed the call button with almost trembling hands.

This time, it wasn't Maimi's voice coming through the communicator.

Instead, it was a girl's voice that he could never have imagined, a voice filled with innocence and curiosity, yet as melodious and beautiful as heavenly music:

"Hello? Is this Mr. Emiya Kiritsugu?"

It's the intruder's voice! She actually... connected directly to the castle's internal communications?!

Kiritsugu Emiya's pupils suddenly contracted. He could even imagine the chaotic scene inside the castle at this moment, and... the danger that Irisviel might be in!

"What did you do to Irisviel?" Kiritsugu Emiya's voice was extremely low, and although he tried to remain calm, the tremor in his voice could still be heard.

On the other end of the communicator came a girl's silvery laughter, innocent and pure, yet carrying a chilling, all-knowing wisdom.

"Miss Irisviel is very well. We are currently enjoying some rare black tea somewhere."

"As for innocent people..." Ayaka Sajou paused, her tone carrying a perfectly appropriate touch of naivety, "Saber's true Master... can they be considered innocent people?"

Boom—!! (One) Ling Yinqi Si N Five Blame Eight N!

These words struck Kiritsugu Emiya's soul like a thunderbolt from a clear sky!

...She actually knew?!

She knew that Saber's true Master wasn't herself, but Irisviel?!

beep...

The sound of the call ending could be clearly heard on the deathly silent rooftop, and Kiritsugu Emiya's face twisted slightly.

He suddenly raised his head, his gray eyes fixed on Tohsaka Yu not far away.

However, Caster, the boy who had brought him great unease and a sense of threat from the very beginning, still wore that enigmatic, gentle smile on his face.

Although somewhat reluctant to leave, Kiritsugu Emiya realized the potential crisis Irisviel might face, and all his calculations and plans vanished.

To assassinate Tokiomi Tohsaka? To disrupt the battlefield? All of this depends on the premise that Irisviel is still alive... After all, she is Saber's master.

Once she dies, it means he will no longer be eligible to participate in this Holy Grail War.

Without hesitation, Kiritsugu Emiya put away his sniper rifle and turned to head towards the rooftop exit.

"Kiritsugu, wait for me!"

Merlin followed closely behind, the pink petals converging like flowing light, clearly aware of the seriousness of the situation.

However, before turning away, he gave Tohsaka Yu a meaningful look with his purple eyes, which always carried a hint of mockery.