Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

Watching that receding figure, Samael's previously restless heart calmed down, his eyes shimmering with a gentle light, and he felt completely at peace.

No matter how many thousands of years pass, as long as I need them, as long as I ask, they will always be my strongest support.

Perhaps this is the tacit understanding and trust cultivated through life-and-death trials and the passage of time.

After arranging the preparations, Samael turned around, looked at the closed bedroom door, thought for a moment, and made a strange request.

"Orange, do you have a wheelchair?"

What do you need this for?

Aozaki Touko was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.

"It's for Alice."

Samael raised his hand to rub his temples, his back to Aozaki Touko, and said in a deep voice the reason.

“You just said that she is now standing on the edge of a cliff, and her body could break down at any time. At present, only I have the experience and ability to stabilize her condition temporarily. Therefore, I must bring Alice with me to find Pandora as soon as possible and break the restriction of the Lesser Grail.”

Within that somber voice, Aozaki Touko could faintly detect a hint of weariness.

After all, the situation was so serious that even she doubted whether Irisviel could really hold on until the problem was resolved.

Feeling guilty for not being able to help, Aozaki Touko hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to ask.

"Would you like to take a break?"

"fine."

Samael sensed the concern in the words, smiled reassuringly, declined the disciple's offer, and then looked around, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Oh right, what about the two maids from the Einzbern family, and Saber?"

Finding transportation and taking care of Alice's daily needs should have been their responsibility.

"They were still here before..."

Aozaki Touko, realizing what was happening, looked around at the empty surroundings and couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

"boom!"

Just as the two were wondering what was going on, the tightly closed carved wooden door of the Doll House suddenly collapsed, and a dilapidated black Mercedes, belching black smoke, blocked the entrance.

Immediately afterwards, a long leg wearing hot pants kicked open the deformed car door, and two figures covered in mud and blood filed into the car. They then rushed up the stairs and together held up the old wooden box engraved with intricate incantations.

"found it!"

"Lysellet? Sera? What happened to you? What did you find?"

Samael stared in astonishment at the two Einzbern maids who had suddenly disappeared and reappeared, their clothes tattered and covered in fine, thread-like cuts, as if they had just been through a battle.

"It's the [Heavenly Garment]!"

Artoria, who followed closely behind upstairs, spoke solemnly.

what? !

Upon hearing this, Samael was first taken aback, then hurriedly snatched the wooden box from the two maids, broke the seal, opened the box, and was overjoyed to see the magnificent white dress with gold trim inside!

[Heavenly Garment], also known as [Heavenly Dress].

The magical weapon passed down by the Einzberns. It can control the heart of the Greater Grail and possesses magic that can materialize souls in just a few seconds. Although it is a pure white dress, its material is gold. It is inlaid with seven "rings" that are generally believed to be able to control all things and the souls of others.

The seven holes are caused by the ring's deformation; each time a Servant's soul is absorbed, one hole on the device lights up. Because humans who touch it will be turned into gold, the (Mystic Code's) operation can only be performed by spirits, dwarves, or homunculus.

Simply put, this is a special Mystic Code designed to coordinate the Einzbern family's human creation magic circuits and keep them running until the very last moment of the Holy Grail War.

That makes sense. If the homunculi sent by the Einzbern family were to be paralyzed midway through the Holy Grail War due to the retrieval of servant souls and the resulting backflow of magical energy into the Lesser Grail, they would be at the mercy of others.

So, the Einzbern candidates have no chance of reaching the finish line, yet they still have to spend a lot of manpower and financial resources to run alongside them. Isn't that just like making wedding clothes for others?

Clearly, those old guys in Winterhold had a plan.

This [Heavenly Garment] is the secret weapon that allows the Einzbern Master to have the strength to walk to the Greater Grail and make a wish after defeating the other candidates.

After the ancient snake obtained the item, its expression changed constantly, making Sera feel somewhat uneasy.

"Will it come in handy?"

"can!"

Samael seemed to wake from a dream, his eyes filled with excitement, and he nodded repeatedly.

Although the [Heavenly Garment] cannot eradicate the cursed power intertwined with her soul within Irisviel's body, it can act as an external simulated nerve, assisting her in regaining some mobility.

At least, a wheelchair is no longer necessary.

"That's good……"

Sera patted her chest, relieved.

"How did I suddenly find this?!"

At this moment, the ancient serpent calmed its excitement slightly and couldn't help but ask a question, its probing gaze sweeping over Artoria and Sera.

Unexpectedly, the two exchanged a glance, their gazes then lingering on a short-haired, naturally naive person squatting on a chair in the corner, munching on potato chips to replenish their energy.

"It's Liz..."

Immediately afterward, the two people who were with them, amidst a sea of ​​doubt and astonishment, had no choice but to recount what had happened.

It is well known that the more important and secret something is, the less often it is spoken of.

This is especially true of the "Heavenly Garment," which is crucial to the Einzbern family's ultimate success or failure in the Holy Grail War.

Even Irisviel was unaware of its existence.

After all, the candidates for the android can die, can be discarded, and can simply be recreated, waiting for the next opportunity.

However, the Heavenly Garment was created using techniques that are almost lost to time, making it virtually impossible to replicate.

Therefore, the Einzbern family will not easily reveal this important trump card until the very last moment.

A few days ago, since Irisviel had been abandoned, this magical costume naturally had no chance of appearing in the world.

As is customary, this important treasure naturally requires a designated person to retrieve it.

Coincidentally, the two maids, who had developed feelings and intellect after being baptized by Samael, both betrayed her, severing ties with Einzbernburg and siding with Irisviel.

Even more coincidentally, among the two maids, the most inconspicuous and seemingly the most dull-witted, Liselet, was actually one of the parts that wielded the Holy Grail's Heavenly Garment, and was also the one who should have been responsible for retrieving the Heavenly Garment.

As Irisviel's condition deteriorated, Lyselite, an accessory to the "Heavenly Garment," was also activated and became aware of the true location of the "Heavenly Garment."

To ensure easy access and prevent missed opportunities in critical moments, this item was stored in a secret underground chamber of the Tree Sea Castle.

Upon receiving the news, the Einzbern trio, while Irisviel received her medical treatment, promptly set off for the castle to investigate.

After breaking through the defensive magic and related traps inside, they finally obtained the "Heavenly Garment" that could slow down Irisviel's physical collapse.

Samael never expected that his impulsive act of endowing these two androids with intelligence would actually secure the most crucial chance of survival for Irisviel at a critical moment.

Perhaps this is what "the righteous will find many helpers, and the benevolent are invincible" means.

Chapter 231 The Palace of Stars, The Calamity Cube! (4.1k)

Half an hour later, in Xindu.

Several fully enclosed black Hummer SUVs, kicking up clouds of dust, drove down Highway 3, through secluded trails, and into the dense forest.

The engine was turned off, the car door was opened, and Samael, who had arrived first, stepped over the dead branches and fallen leaves on the ground and looked at the father and daughter who were surrounded by several killing hunters in an open space.

Koyanskaya, the princess, Scáthach, Bazett, Artoria, and others also got out of the car one after another, intentionally or unintentionally displaying a vigilant posture, wary of what was in front of them and their surroundings.

The two people on the open ground were dressed in tattered clothes, with many scratches from branches and marks from sharp blades on their bodies. The blood that had seeped from the corners of their mouths had formed some dried red spots.

Clearly, their journey has not been easy.

Samuelton realized something; his guesses had basically matched the clues. He then focused his mind and, as the leader of the seven priests of the church, approached the two.

"It's nice to meet you again, you two from the Linglong Pavilion."

Before the owner of Linglong Pavilion could even think of her opening remarks or carefully consider her words, the distinctive Linglong Pavilion owner, Misaya, rushed forward, looked up, and coldly stared at the man in front of her.

"You also want the Holy Grail?"

"That's right..."

Samael neither confirmed nor denied this, and then stated his purpose directly.

"To be honest, I'm more interested in the remnants of Ainsworth and the whereabouts of the woman behind you."

He found listening to too many veiled and sarcastic remarks exhausting, so he didn't actually dislike this kind of straightforward negotiation, especially since now wasn't the time to beat around the bush.

"Okay! I'll tell you where they are!"

Having received the answer she wanted, Misaya Reiryuu nodded without hesitation, her clenched teeth grinding together, her knuckles turning white from the excessive force in her clenched hands, and her bloodshot eyes filled with hatred.

"Take me with you, I'm going to kill that woman and avenge Lancer!"

"Just a Servant, a mere phantom existing in the past, is it worth you doing this?"

This extremely emotional response made Samael frown slightly, his dark eyes filled with a scrutinizing gaze.

"This is none of your business! It's my problem! I gave you the information you wanted, and you helped me kill that woman. It was just a deal, that's all!"

The girl with long, straight black hair retorted without hesitation, her neck stiff as she waited for the trader's response. Even when surrounded, her stubbornness and arrogance remained undiminished.

"Misaki Yoru!"

Seeing his daughter negotiating with the monster in front of him, who had almost single-handedly dismantled the entire Ainsworth, in an almost aggressive tone and manner, and even with an overbearing aura, the worldly-wise and sophisticated father, the owner of the Linglong Pavilion, was terrified. His face turned pale and sweat poured down his back. He hurriedly and anxiously stopped her in a tone that was out of tune.

However, Misaya Reirōkan completely disregarded her father's advice, decisively broke free from the pull behind her, raised her head and stared intently at Samael, asking again.

"Just tell me, do you agree or not?"

“I am a heroic spirit, not an executioner, much less a servant to be commanded by you.”

Samael looked down at the little girl in front of him, who was overwhelmed by some strong emotion, and spoke calmly.

"Sir, she's still so young! Please..."

Compared to her impulsive and rebellious daughter, the middle-aged owner of Linglong Pavilion clearly understood the principle that circumstances are beyond one's control. Hearing these seemingly dissatisfied words, she hurriedly rushed forward and shielded her daughter behind her.

But before the father could finish his plea, which was meant to be a show of weakness, Samael raised his hand slightly, interrupting his rambling. His gaze remained fixed on Misaya of the Linglong Pavilion, and his tone softened.

"However, I can promise to take you with me. Whether you seek revenge, who you want to find, or what you want to do is entirely up to you."

"make a deal!"

Although he couldn't get exactly what he wanted, the young Master gritted his teeth and readily agreed.

Lancer, this is the only thing I can do for you...

Having suffered repeated setbacks and completely lost the will to fight for the Holy Grail, the owner of Linglong Pavilion felt a surge of bitterness and resentment as she watched her daughter about to crawl back into the lion's den, having just escaped from it.

Finally, after a moment's thought, the middle-aged father gritted his teeth and volunteered to be the guide.

"Sir, please take me with you. I know the way better."

"Father, you don't need to..."

Unexpectedly, a deviation occurred, leaving Misaya Reirōkan momentarily taken aback.

"The road ahead is long, let's go."

The head of Linglong Pavilion raised his hand to interrupt his daughter's persuasion, turned around and looked at the church members following behind him, and smiled bitterly to himself.

Not going? How could that be? We don't have the right to negotiate...

Then, the old father glanced down at his daughter's young face, subconsciously moved his lips as if to say something, but ultimately did not speak. Instead, following the memory of the previous night, he got up and led the way, as agreed.

It's good that you went; at least I'll be there and can persuade you otherwise, Misaya.

With time of the essence and a guide in hand, Samael had no time to linger. He decisively teamed up with Scáthach and followed ahead, while Artoria, Bazett, Koyanskaya, and the others trailed behind, protecting Irisviel, who had barely regained her mobility after donning the Celestial Garment, and keeping watch for any unforeseen circumstances.

The remaining hunters stationed outside the dense forest maintained communication and kept in touch with the church members who were on their way.

Following the clues, the group traveled smoothly without hindrance.

However, two hours later.

In the dilapidated and secluded cave, Samael looked around, then turned to look at the guide behind him, his gaze growing cold, a sense of unease building within him.

"boom!"

Suddenly, the ancient serpent raised its hand, and a chill swept over them. The head of the Linglong Pavilion, who was directly affected, collapsed to his knees, as if a tremendous weight was pressing down on him. His muscles and joints cracked, and his face was filled with unbearable pain.