In Fuyuki City, a national highway stretches west away from the city lights of Miyama Town toward a deep, undeveloped forest.
Nestled within this dense greenery lies the Einzbern estate. They have transformed the vast primeval forest into a massive bounded field, isolating it from the outside world, and essentially transplanted a secondary castle from their homeland in Germany directly to this site. Such a feat serves as a stark testament to the Einzbern family's staggering wealth and their profound obsession with the Holy Grail.
A heavy silence permeated the drawing room. Emiya Kiritsugu sat in a chair, his eyes fixed on a set of paper files, while Hisau Maiya stood quietly at his side. Saber sat opposite them; Irisviel had been sent to her room to rest immediately upon their return to the castle.
"..."
Looking at the grim, tight-lipped expression on Kiritsugu's face, Saber opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated and ultimately remained silent. Although he didn't understand why his Master insisted on keeping a deliberate distance, as a Servant, Arthur Pendragon could only comply with his decision.
"Phew..." Kiritsugu sighed heavily, setting down the files he had flipped through several times. The battle in the warehouse district had left him deeply unsettled.
Before the war began, Kiritsugu had devised numerous countermeasures against Kamitani Yuu, even preparing his trump card, the Origin Bullets. However, the sheer intensity of the combat tonight had shattered all his pre-calculated scenarios.
For a human magus to fight on equal terms with top-tier Servants like Saber and Archer without falling behind was unprecedented. Kiritsugu was a specialist in assassination, but his expertise was limited to traditional magi. This was the first time he had encountered a human capable of physically contending with Heroic Spirits.
During the battle, Kiritsugu had tried to snipe Yuu, but his scope could never quite lock onto the man's blurring silhouette. Meanwhile, the other frail, black-haired Master (Waver) had been strategically shielded by Rider; from Kiritsugu and Maiya's vantage point, there was no clear shot.
Tonight's mission had been a total failure.
Kiritsugu looked up at Arthur and asked in a low voice, "Saber, did you gather any specific intelligence on that Master you fought tonight?"
"Well—" Arthur thought for a moment before answering. "That Master felt very strange. When we first met, he was undeniably human. But the moment he used that golden card, a Saint Graph signature appeared on him. He essentially became a 'Servant'."
Arthur paused, then continued, "I suspect his Servant is Caster. It isn't unheard of for a Caster to possess the ability to bestow power comparable to a Heroic Spirit upon a human."
Kiritsugu folded his hands beneath his nose, weighing the theory. "It's a possibility."
After a moment, he asked, "If you face him again, are you certain of victory?"
Since his and Maiya's weapons couldn't touch Yuu, Kiritsugu had to rely on his Servant.
"Master, do not worry. While he is troublesome, he is not unbeatable," Arthur said with a confident smile. "By my name as a Knight, I will bring you victory."
"I see," Kiritsugu nodded. Then, with a cold, expressionless tone, he gave his orders. "For now, continue to accompany Irisviel. Protect her safety. If anything unexpected happens, contact me immediately."
"Understood..."
In the penthouse suite of the Hyatt Hotel, Fuyuki City.
"We interrupt our regular programming for an emergency report. A severe explosion occurred tonight in the warehouse district east of Fuyuki Seaside Park. According to officials, the blast was caused by the aging of underground gas pipes—"
"The Church's supervisors are doing a decent job of hiding the mystery," Kayneth muttered, switching off the television. He leaned back on the sofa. "It seems even a remote countryside has some points to praise."
Beside him, Fionn was gently biting his thumb, a look of deep contemplation on his face.
Seeing this somewhat unrefined habit, Kayneth frowned but remained silent. He knew Fionn was using his Noble Phantasm—the wisdom gained from the Salmon of Knowledge—to deduce information about their enemies.
"Well, Lancer? What have you found?" Kayneth asked calmly once Fionn lowered his hand.
"Yes, Master. Thanks to the wisdom of the salmon, I have gathered several useful pieces of information," Fionn said with a smile. "First, Saber's identity is almost certainly the famous King Arthur. Based on his words and that resplendent holy sword, I am certain of it."
"And that strange Master? I could only deduce a few uncertain details..."
"Speak your mind," Kayneth gestured.
"The magecraft that Master used is likely Northern European Runes," Fionn explained. "Furthermore, the vermilion demonic spear he wields... it reminded me of our Irish Child of Light, Cú Chulainn."
"Are you saying he is a Servant in disguise?" Kayneth asked, his brow furrowing.
"No, I mean his Servant is likely Caster. Perhaps through a unique Noble Phantasm, Caster can simulate the power of the Child of Light and 'overlay' it onto the Master, giving him the combat capabilities of a Servant."
"A unique Noble Phantasm, eh..." Kayneth looked grave, considering the strategic implications.
Fionn then added, "By the way, Master, that magus asked me to tell you that he will visit you here in a few days."
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