Watching his disciple, Tokiomi Tohsaka finally breathed a sigh of relief. His greatest worry was Rin; with that concern addressed, all that remained was to throw everything into the final battle.
Even facing two opponents, Tokiomi Tohsaka trusted the King of Heroes to bring him victory.
Meanwhile, Kirei Kotomine put away the sealed letter on the table.
His gaze then fell upon a wooden box, also on the table, adorned with strange runes—clearly magical sigils.
"This is a personal gift. Open it," Tokiomi Tohsaka said with a smile.
Kirei Kotomine opened the box to reveal an ornately decorated short sword.
"This is Azoth," Tokiomi Tohsaka said, pausing. "Crafted from heirloom jewels, it functions as a Reinforcement after being imbued with magical energy… consider it proof of your apprenticeship in the Tohsaka magical arts."
Kirei Kotomine examined the Azoth carefully. "I am unworthy of such a generous gift, Master."
Tokiomi Tohsaka waved a hand dismissively. "I should be thanking you, Kirei Kotomine. This allows me to face the final battle with peace of mind."
Kirei Kotomine manipulated the Azoth, stroking its blade, his gaze lingering on its sharp edge.
Tokiomi Tohsaka glanced at the clock. "It's late. I apologize for keeping you so long. I hope I haven't delayed your flight."
Tokiomi Tohsaka stood and moved towards the door.
Kirei Kotomine also rose, gripping the Azoth tightly. Watching Tokiomi Tohsaka's back, a cruel smile played on his lips.
"No, Master, you needn't worry."
Or perhaps it was inevitable; was this fate? Regardless of prayers or hopes, everything was being drawn into the abyss of betrayal?
Kirei Kotomine laughed, more openly than ever before.
"You needn't worry, Master, for I never booked a flight."
With those words, Kirei Kotomine plunged the short sword into Tokiomi Tohsaka's unsuspecting back.
The Azoth, a token of friendship and trust, pierced between the ribs, directly into Tokiomi Tohsaka's heart.
The seasoned agent's strike was flawlessly accurate. There was no killing intent, no warning; perhaps even Tokiomi Tohsaka couldn't comprehend the pain in his chest.
Tokiomi Tohsaka stumbled forward, turning to see Kirei Kotomine's cheerful smile and blood-soaked hands.
But until the very end, Tokiomi Tohsaka's eyes held no comprehension, only lifeless, vacant confusion, as he fell onto the carpet.
This magus, until the very end, stubbornly clung to his beliefs, refusing to accept reality. He steadfastly believed in his chosen path, relentlessly moving forward—until he fell into the endless abyss, never awakening.
"Heh, Master, you, like my father, didn't understand me until the very end."
Kirei Kotomine's mind revisited his father's death, recalling his initial fear and anxiety, his confusion… and then, a strange sense of pleasure… perhaps his father's death was something he'd secretly anticipated.
A pity… he hadn't killed his father himself.
Golden light flickered beside Tokiomi Tohsaka's corpse; Tokiomi Tohsaka's Servant…Archer, Gilgamesh, appeared in the room.
"Hmph… such a disappointing end."
Red eyes full of disdain, Archer tapped his former Master's corpse with his foot, showing disgust.
"I was hoping for a deathbed counterattack. Look at his vacant expression. He never realized his folly."
Kirei Kotomine also showed disdain for Tokiomi Tohsaka. "With a materialized Servant at his side, no wonder he was so careless."
Archer laughed loudly at Kirei Kotomine's sarcasm.
"So quick to learn sarcasm. Your progress is commendable."
"Well, Kirei, has the regret of not killing your father lessened?"
"You have no objections, King of Heroes: Gilgamesh!" Kirei Kotomine stood, looking at Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh smiled faintly. "As long as you don't bore me. Otherwise, Kirei, you'll be the one answering that question."
Despite the sharp reply, Kirei Kotomine remained unmoved, nodding.
Indeed, this was a dangerous individual to trust with one's life. It was a pact with a demon—no righteousness, no loyalty, even the stakes were hard to judge; a tyrannical and brutal Servant.
But—that's precisely why he was perfect.
For Kirei Kotomine, the righteous individuals hadn't provided real answers. This Heroic Spirit, devoid of righteousness, was a more suitable goal for Kirei Kotomine's future battles.
Kirei Kotomine revealed the Command Seal on his wrist and solemnly chanted.
"Obey my command, my life and your sword are one, summoned by the Holy Grail, if you wish to follow this will, henceforth…"
"I swear upon this, your devotion shall become my flesh and blood, Kirei Kotomine, my new Master…"
At that moment, the Command Seal on Kirei Kotomine's left arm glowed with an eerie red light.
"Very well, Kirei, let's begin. Let your schemes bring a perfect end to this comedy. As a reward, I shall grant you the Grail!"
"I have no objections, King of Heroes. Enjoy yourself. Until I get the answers I desire, I will gladly be a clown."
The red eyes, full of joyful light, met the black eyes, filled with contemplation.
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