Embedded Files
It didn't take long for us to get familiar with each other's presence
Or at least tolerate them, in my Servant's case
"So you're both Caster, and you're both my legitimate Servants" I crossed my arms "In other words, you should not be wary of each other. Not yet at least"
Both women pouted
"Then I suppose it should be right to give my name" The white-haired Caster nodded "I'm Merlin. If you've read a decent amount of Arthurian legend you'd know of me"
Yeah, but legend doesn't say you're also an attractive succubus with a love for making people suffer. I think Zelretch would be delighted to meet you
"I do. You're the court wizard with powerful illusion magic" I recalled some of the lore I've read of her "You've also aided king Arthur in a lot of his conquest against the Saxon"
"Her"
Excuse me what the fu-
"Excuse me?"
The white-haired woman's lips curled up into a mix between a smirk and a shit-eating grin
"King Arthur's real name is Artoria. She was born a woman" With that same easy smile, Merlin dropped the bomb that would killed every modern time historian via heart attack
Well this...certainly put a twist in the story.
I mean it's obvious from Merlin that not every historical figures will be true to their original interpretation. However, I had at least hoped the King of Knights would be exempt from the genderbending
Next thing you tell me King Artoria is going to be a magic user
A Caster-class King Artoria
Caster Artoria?
Castoria?
Even the name sounds ridiculous
"Then, what about Mordred? Is the King actually his mother and the gender role was reversed?"
"Mordred's a girl too" Merlin tilted her head as she casually dropped the historical equivalent of a nuke "Both her parents are female"
What? Why? How did they do the thingy then? How did two women conceive a child? Did she performed some magic bullshit on them or something?
I took another look at Merlin's face, before deciding I don't want to know about it
"Well, if you're curious I used my magic to give the King a-"
"I'm going to stop you right there"
The headache was only starting. I put my face in the palm of my hand. After a moment, I turned to the fox girl. I want to pretend like the last five minutes never happened
"And you?"
Her smile, which has been vibrant up until this point, cracked a little as the girl sheepishly scratched her head
"Haha, well...I think it would be better if you don't know my name yet, goshinji-sama"
I opened my mouth to point out the faults in her reasoning, only to shut it as I saw her face. Whatever reasons there are, the other Caster seems uncomfortable sharing her real name
If I force her now, that would put a strain on our Master-Servant relationship. Pulling out a Command Seals because of this would also be stupid
"Fine then" I concede "What should I call you?"
"Call me Caster" She smiled "When the time comes, you'll know my name"
So my only chance at getting a glimpse of your identity is to witness you bringing out you Noble Phantasm, huh?
"I supposed that leave only me" I shrugged
"My name is (Y/n) (L/n). An unremarkable Magus. My real house is in the east of Japan where all the ghettos are. I am not married-"
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Ha...haha...
Their voices may be muffled by the reinforced wall, but an attentive listener can make out the general of it
"How ironic...to think the one who summoned me would be you of all people"
From behind the room, the third Servant materialized from the darkness and walked away. Without a sound nor a whiff of smell, it was as though he is outside reality itself
He pushed open the door to the hideout and entered the dark alleyway of Fuyuki city, revealing a male of average stature with inconspicuous clothing on him
"It's been such a long time" He mused, navigating through the familiar scenery of the city's neon light "I don't even know where to start"
When Alaya had asked for permission to store away a piece of him in the Throne's archive, He hasn't expected to be summoned here. As an Assassin class no less.
Why Assassin? He should have been a Caster or Archer with the way he fights people. Hell, he would have had no problem with being a Rider as that would still give a boost to his Noble Phantasm
But instead he got this
Strength: A
Endurance: A+
Agility: A+
Mana: *
Luck: *
NP: *
Presence Concealment (EX)
Mystic Eyes of Death Perception (EX)
Thanks for your support!
He can't use Magic
He can't use his Noble Phantasms
He can't even use Luck
Assassin sighed
Due to him being only a spirit vessel, his stats at the current was greatly lowered. His skills, in addition, was so horribly downplayed they're only at EX rank
However, all things considered this should make him not stand out and remain as an average Servant. That, in turn, will enable him to act in the shadow to the remaining of the war
The Servant hummed and started heading West to a specific location in the city.
There are many things he could do. He could take a shortcut to the right to a nearby McDonald's. He could go left and enjoy a movie at the cinema. He could go straight and wander around a bit. But some things just has to wait
His gaze settled into the Matou residence in the distance
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A strange feeling went down my spine as I unconsciously touched the seals on my hand
"Now that I've summoned the both of you. Let's put some time to actual planning" I looked around "You both have Territory Creation, so maybe we can setup a hideout in the war first"
"A base can be our greatest advantage. But to optimize our chances we're going to need a Ley line nearby" Caster crossed her arm "Otherwise, the outer defense of our hideout would be unsuitable to counter against a Servant"
"But that's exactly the problem" Merlin said on my other side, lazily holding up the map "I've done some inspecting. There are only four major lines in the city with two of them being heavily guarded by the families there. Chances are they'll know if any disturbances can be found in the mana density around here"
"Well, what else are you suggesting?"
"Maybe use the Ryuudou temple nearby" Merlin shrugged "I don't know, maybe draining off someone's soul would help us accelerate our progress"
"You can't do that!"
"Yes I can, Caster. I can slowly...ever so lovingly...suck someone's life essence out of their body with a plastic straw in front of you...and there's nothing you can do about that"
The two argued back and forth, while I leaned back and started thinking
Right now I know both of these Servants are strong in their own right. Their statistics indicate they are magic users of the highest caliber even amongst the Servant.
The real problem is how to work with that kind of power.
"Eek! Merlin put the straw away!"
They simply get along like piss and a dead cat on the sidewalk to your home
Each has their own powers and limitation. Since Caster has her 'Witchcraft' skill at EX rank, and Merlin has 'Hero Creation' EX, I should find a middle ground for these two to settle and best combine their optimal points together
"Then an average makeshift base would suffice until we find another way" Was my solution "I'll help you with the preparation if you want?"
"No need. Just give us some times to set a convenient location and work up a foundation for it"
I watched as they started discussing with each other. Both Merlin and Caster seems to come from different culture which may influence the basic of their magic, so I hope they will work well with each other
I silently got out of the room and entered the hallway of my apartment. That feeling from before came back as I gazed at the shadow that flickered at the corner of my eyes, before dismissing it
Left alone, I wandered aimlessly in the hallway while thinking about the paths that can be taken in this war
Right now what should I do?
As a Master, there are many ways one can be targeted.
Going to the Church and announce your identity might as well be a death trap, as even the most stupid of people would know to set up an observation point near there
Actively seeking opponents might be a valid strategy if I have Saber, Lancer or Berserker. However, since I have Caster, a passive class in nature, there is no chance I'll do that
Hm, maybe I could try seducing an enemy Servant and make them kill their own Master...
...On second thought, that won't work
They're heroes. Mythical figures from legends of old who'd endured otherworldly hardships and temptations. Some flirting from an average teenager's not gonna affect them.
Sighing, I looked out the window toward the darkening sky of Fuyuki. My eyes caught sight of the skyline in the distance, only then did I noticed the estate lying on different sides of Fuyuki
It'd be a good idea to go outside and have a layout of the city first. There are three families participating in the Holy Grail War. The Matou, the Tohsaka, and the Einzbern. All of them are prestigious lines of Magus with a long history in the Tower
They are also permanent members prioritized to be chosen by the Grail. Naturally two if not all three of them should be in this city right at this moment
Matou manor, or...Tohsaka manor?
After a while I decided to go with the latter. Since the Matou is nearing the line of their members, there's doubts about their ability to participate this time. In contrast, Tokiomi Tohsaka seems like a much stronger bet to take on
Activating a Bounded Field atop my room, I notified my Servants and received a positive from them.
I then head out through the window and made my way to the East side of Fuyuki, where the family manor lies
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As I jumped from a nearby ledge toward the balcony of a higher building, an explosion occurred on the other side of the city, drawing my attention to a cloud of smoke being sent into the sky
Isn't that where the Matou manor is?
Looks like someone also had the same idea as me.
Shaking my head, I focused on the current task.
I walked through the dark alleyway passed the wealthier part of the city, before stopping short just several hundred meters to the Tohsaka house and hid myself in a shadier corner
Looking up, I could see the light in the largest room were turned on. Indication that the patriarch Tokiomi is either preparing to summon his Servant or is doing some late-night planning to win this war
I placed my hand on the wall and cast an unremarkable spell on it
[Structural Analysis]
A blue wave of energy flashed through the street, before converging on the manor. The map of the house was instantly drawn in my mind like a three-dimensional blueprints, showing me the interior inside
Four mana generators. Decently strong Bounded Field. Twenty layers of magical defense, but no physical enhancement. Several well-placed C4 will take this thing down
No, I should not be hasty. There are still the presence of a Servant inside
Lancer? No, too much mana. Maybe Rider. He is also likely to be an Archer, but I don't see a bow anywhere
An Archer can't be an Archer without a bow and arrow
Tokiomi seems to be speaking to another man beside him. A priest? I thought the Church remains neutral in this war. Unless you account for the person Tokiomi is, then it would makes too much sense to cooperate with him
He has another set of Command Seals. Ah, so that's the fourth Master. An alliance between the Church and him then.
Something behind me shifted
My hand snapped forward to catch the blackened dagger between my fingers. The masked Hassan barely made a sound as I stabbed it back into his throat and killing him
I lunged forward and caught the second Assassin by the head, breaking his neck with a twist of my arms. The third and fourth were subsequently felled, while the last one had his weapon parried and I closed in for a killing hug
My feet touched the ground as the five Hassan collapsed to the ground dead
Alright. Looks like I've gotten detected.
My instinct flared in warning. I backpedaled to avoid a hail of throwing daggers that impaled themselves to the concrete in my trail
The shadows of the street lamps flickered, revealing multiple Assassins watching me from above.
Judging by their similar Mana signature, This must be the power of the enemy Stand: To multiply themselves at their convenience. That or they already exist as a multi personnel-based unit like Bad Company. If I can use the Joestar's secret technique to intercept them mi-
W-wait. This is not JoJo
Calm down, (Y/n). Let's act natural. You're an average boy who was just walking down the street after killing off a few Hassan. What do you say to appear as inconspicuous as possible?
"Wassup my homie?" I greeted the Setvants "What you doin down the hood this late at night?"
Silence
The sound of weapons being unsheathed could be heard in the night
I started sweating
"Sorry, I'm out of drugs, ya'll"
The next moment, dozens of black-clad Hassan descended upon me with their weapons drawn and killing intent behind their masks
Okay, now it's really time to pull out the Joestar's secret technique
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The red-coated gentleman smiled sophisticatedly as he took a sip from his sophisticated wine glass in a sophisticated manner
Looking at him, nobody would believe this man is in a middle of a War with enough potential to rock the foundation of the magic world. But that's what he is, because he'd earned the right to be in it
Today he is in a good mood
"-And that's why I think we'll win this war" He stated elegantly with exquisite sophistication, his red coat fluttering in the air like a true graceful noble.
The mastermind who moves behind the scene and control everyone with the skill of a puppeteer. Tokiomi Tohsaka
"You didn't even explain anything before making that statement"
Perfection need not to be explained, merely shown and understood
He successfully summoned a powerful Servant. He stocked up on resources in his base in preparation, has the Church by his side, an alliance with his faithful student Kirei, made a foolproof plan that will most definitely trick the other Masters in this war and gain an advantage for himself
And he finally paid their family debt to the Matou by selling away his younger daughter. How lucky he must be!
...
Or perhaps he's not lucky. Maybe it's just that he's an incredibly charismatic and intelligent individual who's always ten steps ahead of his opponent?
'Yes, that is indeed the case'
Delightfully thought Tokiomi while masturbating to his ever expanding ego. He, however, did not expect to see Kirei stiffening slightly beside him
"What is wrong, Kotomine?" He smiled easily "You look tense"
"Assassin had reported the sighting of another Master near this place's vicinity" The priest stated "They are currently pursuing him down the street"
Hm...don't care. Must be some unimportant person unworthy of his attention
"Either he's suicidal or is just looking for a fight. Both sounds equally stupid" The Tohsaka patriarch sighed and took another sip of his delicate wine "Well, if he's running that means he hasn't summoned his Servant yet. Send Assassin forward and mow him down"
The poor fool...whoever they are, they could only have themselves to blame
"Tohsaka-san, there's another thing I need to add" Kirei said, looking out the window "We've just got a visual of our target. That Master is (Y/n) (L/n)"
A sudden silence descended on the room.
Tokiomi's face color soon turned from a healthy one to paler, paler, and paler by the seconds. Finally, he grabbed the priest by the cuff of his shirt
"(Y/n) (L/n)?"
"Yes"
"The Boogeyman of the Clock Tower?"
"Yes"
"(Y/n) (L/n)? Apostle Hunter? Fake Magician? Baba Yaga? Zelretch's best pupil to date?"
"Yes"
Impossible. He is no more than a legend in the Association. A cautionary tale to ward off Magus from straying too far across the line, lest they suffer a bloody fate
"He is a Master. And I just sent my Servant to kill him"
"I think so"
If you listen very carefully, you'd hear Tokiomi making a sound that is a mix between choking, crying, and whimpering while trying to hide to the suspicious brown stain on his pants
The poor fool...he only has himself to blame
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As fast as they run, the multiple Hassans could not hope to catch up with me
You may not know it, but I'm something of an athletic person myself
100 push-ups. 100 sit-ups. 100 squats. And 10km running. Every single day
It's not exactly the most intensive of training, but I did in turn have quite a healthy body. Enough to evade some average Assassins sent after me
The trees slightly swayed, revealing a group of Hassans dropping on the road before me
[Projection]
In response, an unremarkable sword materialized in my hand as I swung it down in one motion
[Reality Slash]
Space fractured. The temporal fabric torn open and killed the obstacle, allowing me to run past the street without problem
No good. That attack only took out about eight of them. There's still nearly a hundred chasing me down
I need an attack that can wipe them all out at the same time
A nuke? How about two nukes?
No wait, that didn't end well last time
It's at these moments I'm thankful that I've devised a technique specifically for this situation.
If you have to take out a large number of stealthy individuals who utilize the environment to their advantage, you just have to take that advantage away
"I am..."
"...the phantom of my forge"
My movement slowed. Or perhaps that's just my thought. Every muscles tensing in anticipation as the feeling of cold emptiness rushed through my vein
My movement slowed. Or perhaps that's just my thought. Every muscles tensing in anticipation as the feeling of cold emptiness rushed through my vein
"Ash is my body. Smoke is my blood"
Like the tolling of an evening bell, one will only hear these words once in their life
For it signifies their final moments in this world, the release of something more terrible than death itself
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Noble Phantasms
They are, to put it simply, crystallizations of a legend compressed into an ultimate technique. An ace that could turn the tides of battle the moment it was pulled out on the battlefield
"Unbound by time.
Unrestrained by rust"
Of eternity and infinity. Neither vanishing. Neither diminishing. A perpetualized existence owned only by him since the first day in this world
"Have withstood a soulless fate. My blade stays ever sharp"
They could be a lance , a cannon, a sword, or even things that are immaterial in nature like a technique honed to perfection, an attack that can penetrate all defenses. As long as they have a mythical legend to it, virtually anything can be turned into a Noble Phantasm
An average Reality Marble is not exempt from this rule
"- So heed my call"
"Infinite Lost Works"
Unlike the Hero's roar as they called out the name of their Noble Phantasm, his is sung in a silent whisper that echoes across space and time
Words incomprehensible to human tongue. Divine and Foreign in nature, they combust with powers that can alter the very foundation of reality itself
A ring of darkness comes to life and exploded forward, tearing away the Servant's existence in the real world. The dark street of Fuyuki was soon replaced with an infinite void that expands beyond the horizon
The sky darkened. The earth cracked. Space and time descended into chaos. There he stood, a single man atop a desolate hill looking back at the army of Hassans
Assassins and Executioner. Two sides of the same coin named "mortality"
One represents the inevitability of death
The other brings judgement to their sins
Lightning blitzed the heavens, allowing the shocked Hassans to bare witness to the land surrounding them
Weapons. Weapons of every kind impaled into the ground in a graveyard like fashion. But even they are not just mere weapons, nor are they Noble Phantasms. Because to say it is a "phantasm" would mean it is not real
They are as real as they can get
Black clouds covered the sky, enveloping the mountain of swords in a perpetual darkness moments later. Yet even then, they can still feel the sword's presence gripping around them
Weapons lost from the canal of history
First of the Phantasms
Weapons erased from reality
Too powerful to be controlled
Weapons that marked the beginning and end of entire worlds
Sacred Lost Works
I picked up a single blade and brandished it
"Okay, so who's first?"
The Hassans stared at me. Some of them began chuckling, before they descended into maddened laughter.
Then howling and screaming, as they charged at me
Their minds cannot comprehend the power of these numerous blades, so their sanity is simply broken
Yet even those who remains sane cannot move. They has nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Even the very darkness they used to fight in are now watching them hungrily, ready to trap their soul here for eternity
With a scream, everything went into a state of chaos as daggers, sickles, blades and multiple other killing weapons were swung at me
I simply raised the average-looking blade nearby and slashed at the fast approaching Servants
One by one, until it is done
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"Servant Assassin has been eliminated from the War"
The woman scoffed
"Mongrels died a mongrel's death. Big deal"
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Name: Infinite Lost Works
Owner: (Y/n) (L/n)
Rank: EX
Type: Anti
Description: The infinite void that contains the multitude of weapons discarded from the world, Sacred Lost Works. They are primordial in nature and represents the prototype data of pre-existing universes, effectively making them the crystallization of their origin
In a way, each failed universes are condensed into a single blade to rest in this dark place. There are limitless amount of universes and dimensions, which represents the countless weapons resting here
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