dmims Page 50
Page 50
The same incantation, different allies, the Holy Grail War is about to begin, and as the biggest anomaly in this Holy Grail War, Kenneth is still on his way on horseback.
"For the Red faction, the artifacts are not significantly different. If they don't deviate from the expected path, the only changes are for Archer and the Lancer that I stole?"
The information Kenneth had was given to him by Waver, who was just a tool. Based on the relic that condensed the legend, Kenneth could roughly determine which Servants would appear after he interfered.
"The Black Faction, apart from the Grand Duke and Avisbro, has no information on the others? This is really troublesome! Let's hope no monsters emerge!"
Closing the documents in his hand and looking out at the clouds, Kenneth began to sift through his almost forgotten memories. Perhaps influenced by Director Ken, Kenneth instinctively had a very low tolerance for the unknown in the plan. As things stand, this distorted Holy Grail War made Kenneth very uneasy, and the wandering soul in the cracks of the world always lingered in Kenneth's mind.
"Want to become one with me? Ha, I don't want to become one with you in a physical sense, Aika Sajou."
The way Ayaka Sajou's body was pierced revealed a lot. It was the wound from the old sword when Ayaka Sajou was about to sacrifice Ayaka Sajou. And the being she was sacrificing was one of the earliest but least detailed beasts in the history of the moon, Beast VI, the Beast of 666.
This is precisely what's troubling Kenneth. Just as it's common knowledge that there are five Heavenly Kings and more than seven Beasts, Beast VI has already been released—the Beast of Sodom. But this has no reference value whatsoever, because Nero the Beast once told the Old Blade:
[A knight who pursues the holy sword of the beast? But your destiny is not yours. Your true target should be G, shouldn't it?]
Nero's words almost blew Kenneth's brain out. It's one thing for beasts to be divided into L/R, but the sixth beast has an extra G. If G exists, does that mean there must also be an S?
"Sajō Aika, in this state, do you still have the ability to summon the 666 Beast? Or rather, have you already become one with that monster...?"
With a long sigh, Kenneth had to prepare to face Ayaka Sajou head-on. Ayaka Sajou had already noticed him, and with that look in her eyes that seemed to want to devour him, Kenneth didn't believe that the mere barriers of the world could stop her.
"Beast of 666, the device that Sajou Ayaka used to destroy the quantum recording tape and undermine the foundation of human reason, what exactly is the reason you represent?"
The appearance of the beast would trigger the self-preservation mechanism of humanity. In the current situation where the situation was unclear, Kenneth really did not want to face a Heroic Spirit of that level. Moreover, there was a high probability that an Old Sword would randomly spawn in the place where the 666 Beast appeared. Thinking of the sword in the Old Sword's hand, Kenneth couldn't help but shudder.
The current situation has completely exceeded Kenneth's expectations. Kenneth only wanted a traditional Holy Grail War, but Ayaka Sajou's involvement has dragged everything into a nightmare. While Kenneth was devising his plans, Jeanne, possessed by a spirit, was observing the Command Seals on her back in a mirror. Filled with unusual doubts about the Holy Grail War, Jeanne boarded a bus bound for Romania with her suitcase.
Chapter 133 Mo Zai: It's the Scent of a Bad Woman
Compared to the impoverished saintess, the wealthy Kenneth had already used his financial power to arrive in Romania ahead of time. Before dawn, Kenneth, along with Karna and Chris, had found a suitable base. Taking out the jeweled sword, now only the hilt remained, and sensing its remaining secondary magical energy, Kenneth breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"Fortunately, it's enough to set up a barrier."
The core of the Third Law's furnace emitted a serene blue light, and the extending circuits connected to the sword hilt, dragging the two-story building into the narrow crevice of another dimension. Based on the idea that if the barrier could be broken, escape was possible; if not, there was no need to run, Kenneth didn't make any further arrangements. There were too many anomalies in this Holy Grail War, and Kenneth, already a step behind, urgently needed to investigate the situation of both the Red and Black teams. Similarly, after rejecting Amakusa's invitation for an alliance, Shishikai Kairi, having confirmed he wasn't being followed, discussed his views on the Empress with Mordred after leaving the church.
"Master, why did you refuse to join forces with them?"
"You don't like that Assassin, do you?"
With a subtlety that belies his appearance, Shishikage Kairi discerned Mordred's thoughts. With the indulgence one might have for a brat, Shishikage Kairi instinctively sided with his Servant.
"It's a gut feeling. That woman named Semiramis has the same aura as my mother. She's a woman I absolutely cannot trust."
Morgan: If you dare say that to my face, you'll be in big trouble!
Recalling the legend of King Arthur, Shishi Jieli agreed with Mo Zai's analysis. Just as the two were chatting idly, Kenneth, who had just arrived from Tulipas, encountered Shishi Jieli again in the underground passage.
"What a coincidence!"
Looking at Mordred, who had already shown up and drawn his damned sword, Karna snapped his fingers, sealing off the space. He then faced Mordred expressionlessly, holding his divine spear.
"Are you... the magician from the Clock Tower a few days ago?"
Reaching out to press down Mordred's sword, in a short moment, based on his years of experience in the underworld, Lion's Roar had temporarily eliminated the threat of Kenneth.
"You're as meticulous as ever, Shiki-kai. Karna, it's alright, the other party isn't an enemy, at least not for now."
This confirmed Lion's suspicions. The barrier dissipated, and Kenneth turned and walked towards the other end of the passage.
"Let's find a place to talk. As lone wolves, I think we can exchange some information."
Looking at Kenneth, who had openly shown his back, and considering Kenneth's attitude, Shizi Jieli gestured for Xiao Mo to materialize first and then follow in Kenneth's footsteps.
"Master, why do you believe him? I sensed my mother's aura on him. Anyone who has been in contact with her is definitely not a good person!"
Mordred's words made Lion Jie Li's eyes widen. He knew very well who Mordred's mother was. As a modern person, Lion Jie Li found it hard to understand why the other party would have contact with that British enchantress.
"Could that woman's follower be that demon queen?"
Despite his many doubts, Shizi Jieli decided to follow them. As fellow loners, he was very interested in the information Kenneth was sharing.
“Let’s go, Saber. Just as he said, we are not enemies yet.”
"Master, but..."
“Saber, I know what you’re worried about. He’s not the Master of the Red Faction, and he’s definitely not the Master of the Black Faction either, but he can actually summon Servants. We have to investigate this thoroughly.”
Faced with the explanation given by Shishi Jie Li, Mordred, who was not good at using her brain, also sensed that something was wrong. Her body returned to its spiritual form, and Mordred closely followed Shishi Jie Li's footsteps.
"Honestly, since I'm your servant, I'll reluctantly listen to you this once!"
The lack of honesty from the mischievous child brought a long-lost sense of peace to Shishi Jie Li. With the eccentric Mordred by his side, Shishi Jie Li pushed open the door of the coffee shop.
"Sit down. I'm in a good mood right now. You can ask me any questions you have, and I'll answer them as long as it's within reason."
Without touching the coffee on the table, Shiki Jie Li couldn't quite understand Kenneth sitting opposite him. The other man possessed a confidence far beyond that of ordinary people, a confidence in his own strength. Faced with such a Kenneth, Shiki Jie Li instinctively began to analyze Kenneth's thoughts. However, unlike the wary Shiki Jie Li, Xiao Mo, who had a troublesome personality, immediately appeared after the Idle People Dispel was activated, slammed his hand on the table, and glared at Kenneth.
"What's your relationship with that woman?! You smell like her, tell me now! Magician!!"
Mordred's outburst was so sudden that cold sweat poured down Shishikage Kairi's back. Gripping the magic grenade at his waist, Shishikage Kairi was prepared to unleash a torrent of fire at the slightest provocation. Setting down his coffee cup, Kenneth glanced at Mordred, now clad in armor, and gestured for Karna and Chris, who had already drawn their guns and swords, to relax. Only then did he look at the tense Shishikage Kairi.
"Don't be nervous. I'm not going to get angry with a brat. You were right not to stay in the church. Those idiots are already under Assassin's control."
"You bastard, tell me right now what your relationship is with that woman!!"
Before Lion Jie Li could even speak, Mordred, whose entire being was filled with rebellious spirit, completely exploded with anger under Kenneth's indifference. He rubbed his temples in pain and turned his piercing gaze toward Mordred, who was already preparing to strike him with his sword.
"Mordred, I'm not in the mood to explain Morgan to you right now. If you don't want her to come see you in person, then you should keep quiet."
With a cold snort, Mordred, who was usually fearless, became unusually timid. His head, covered by his helmet, shrank back, and remembering Morgan's methods, Mordred obediently stood back behind Lion Clan. Having tamed Mordred, Kenneth turned his attention back to the solemn-looking Lion Clan, and then began to attack the other's fragile heart.
"Moreover, that priest is not some ordinary human being. He is the Ruler of the last Holy Grail War, a Servant who has taken human form and manifested in the world, Amakusa Tokisada Shiro."
With a crack, the coffee cup fell to the ground, and Lion Robbery Jieli looked at Kenneth in disbelief.
"How is this possible! Isn't he Shirou Kotomine?! Why didn't the Clock Tower tell me any of this?!"
"The clock tower? Ha, if they were even slightly useful, they wouldn't be completely useless."
Unbeknownst to him, Lion's Robbery had already accepted the information provided by Kenneth. Feeling that he had fooled him enough, he got up, and Kenneth removed the barrier and walked out the door.
That's all for today. If you want to know more, feel free to come find me anytime.
Chris handed a communication item to Kairi Shishikatsu, placed a banknote on the table, and walked quickly after Kenneth, who had already walked some distance away. Rubbing her head, Kairi Shishikatsu, who was numb from the beating, looked at Mordred, who had become tough again after Kenneth left.
"Saber, what do you think of the information about that magician?"
"I don't know. That guy has my mother's aura on him. He had a deep connection with my mother. I don't know whether to trust him or not."
With a sigh of relief, Shishi Jie Li, who had just picked up his formal attire, also left the coffee shop shortly after Chris left.
"Regardless, we'd better investigate the first piece of intelligence."
With Mordred deep in thought, Shikigami carefully made his way back to the church along the same route.
Chapter 134 Successive Attacks
After PUAing Shishikatsu Kairi on the streets of Tulifas, Kenneth also had a general plan. As a pseudo-Master, Kenneth had already tacitly agreed to stand on the opposite side of Jeanne. Faced with the united front of the Red and Black factions, Kenneth felt it was necessary to gather those loose groups together.
"So, next we're going to meet that Black Assassin. Who will you be?"
The sun had completely set, and the two-story buildings along the street exuded a deathly silence. The wind flowing along the street also carried a hint of gloom. As Kenneth stopped, Karna deactivated his spirit form, and Chris had already taken out the naginata that was as tall as a person. Staring at the empty street in front of them, Kenneth took a step forward as a smile played on his lips.
"I have to say, he's a local tough guy, his nose is pretty sharp."
The psychedelic visual barrier shattered, and before Kenneth, the puppets and androids from the Thousand World Tree had completely filled the street, showing no awareness of establishing a base right under his nose. Kenneth turned and walked towards the wooden barrels on the side of the street. Facing this uninvited guest, Kenneth, the group of androids raised their weapons expressionlessly.
"Go, Chris, leave one alive, Karna, the puppet is in your hands."
Immediately afterward, a blade fell, blood splattering everywhere. The red light in Chris's eyes appeared particularly alluring in the darkness, and a maniacal smile appeared on her face, revealing the true nature of a mad beauty. Karna's attack, on the other hand, was much simpler, without a single superfluous movement. He moved like a phantom among the cumbersome golems, sending dust and stones flying wherever he went. These war weapons made by Avisbroun were as fragile as tofu in front of the little sun.
"Master, cleaning is complete."
With a strong smell of blood, Chris threw a twisted android at Kenneth's feet. Her face was covered in blood and her eyes were bloodshot. Chris's cold voice revealed her barely concealed excitement. Wiping the blood from her cheeks, Chris returned to her usual expressionless state under Kenneth's gaze.
"Interesting. The potential for growth in an artificial soul?"
Kenneth withdrew his gaze from Chris, closed his eyes, and opened them again. A rainbow of light violently surged into the souls of the androids beneath his feet. Through the eyes of these unconscious dolls, Kenneth glimpsed the workshop that could be described as a fortress.
"Altorsford, Charon, and sorry, is only Black's Berserker unknown?"
He withdrew his gaze, and placed his magically imbued hand on the top of the doll's head. The magic swept through him rapidly, and the doll's structure clearly appeared in Kenneth's mind. Understanding this, Kenneth, who was sitting on the wooden barrel, straightened up.
"To simply copy Einzbern's technology? Foolish!"
The next second, the instant Kenneth looked up, a chilling sense of crisis washed over him. A petite figure, hands behind its back, leaned forward, staring intently at Kenneth sitting on the barrel. Without warning, without the slightest trace of presence, the figure was like a phantom that shouldn't exist, observing the ants beneath its feet. Glancing out of the corner of his eye at Karna and Chris, who stood motionless beside him, Kenneth, his expression unchanged, rose and passed over the ghost that had been watching him for who knows how long.
"Hey, why are you pretending not to see? Your heart is beating so fast! Do you think it will still beat if I dig it out and put it on the ground? Ah~ ah~ you're such a unique treasure, I really want to watch you melt away little by little..."
With light, quick steps, her dress billowed as Sajō Aika danced, her arms outstretched, like a work of art. Sajō Aika perfectly displayed the beauty of her body to Kenneth. Of course, if the stage hadn't been a scene of carnage, Kenneth might have given Sajō Aika's performance even more points.
"What brought you into this world? Do you desire the Dharma? I can help you. Once you become one with me, you will obtain what you've always dreamed of..."
Kenneth was interested in the idea of merging into one, but his idea of merging was in terms of distance, while Ayaka Sajou's idea of merging was in terms of physicality. As a sadist, Kenneth had no intention of spreading within the 666 Beast. Facing the incessant chatter of the Root Princess in his ear, Kenneth, who was still analyzing the other's form of existence, continued to ignore Ayaka Sajou.
"It's quite a lively night, isn't it, Karna?"
Kenneth stopped again. At the end of the street, a figure shrouded in a black cloak blocked his way. Through the gaps in the cloak, strands of black hair fluttered in the wind, and Kenneth recognized the person's identity through their bright, sparkling eyes in the darkness.
"Kyoshiko? This Holy Grail War has gone completely off track!"
With a clang, the delusional thought, this demonic hand originating from the cursed wrist, was repelled by Chris's blade. It had no intention of communicating with Kenneth at all. Its figure merged into the night, its long hair, as sharp as a blade, covered the sky. Crimson flames erupted, and strands of hair turned to ashes under Karna's magic.
"In the Holy Grail War, without relics, the Assassin class becomes the medium. I'm curious, why did you, who didn't inherit Hassan's name, appear before your predecessors?"
“My God will not possess any vessel; those who seek the Holy Grail are heretics.”
Beneath the calm yet magnetic female voice, a song imperceptible to ordinary people surged into Kenneth's brain. Sensing the unusual movement in his magical circuits, Kenneth casually waved his hand, and the rapidly spreading magic shattered the surrounding magical sound.
"What a faithful believer you are! Your faith has reached the level of miracles. But how are you so sure that I am after that broken cup?"
The hand that had flown into the air retracted, the swirling smoke dissipated, and like a ghost, Kyoko hung upside down on the lamppost in front of Kenneth. However, due to the unique anti-gravity manipulation of the two-dimensional world, Kenneth couldn't see Kyoko's true face under her veil.
"If you seek not the Holy Grail, why participate in this heretical ritual?"
In other words, the other party was Kyoko. If it were any other Servant, Kenneth wouldn't be confident that he could make the other party stop with just one sentence. He signaled Karna and Chris not to be nervous, and after passing through Sajyo Ayaka, who was also hanging in front of him, Kenneth sat down opposite Kyoko.
"The Holy Grail is just a tool. I have never regarded it as something possessed by God, an omnipotent wish-granting machine. It is ridiculous to entrust one's wishes to a false object."
Her wine-red eyes locked onto the heretics among the heretics below. The fanatical Kyoko, who had a fervent faith in the God of the doctrine, was stunned. Kenneth in front of her did not disobey the God she believed in, but he had actually participated in this heretical ritual. After a long period of thought, Kyoko felt that she had found the answer and gently floated down opposite Kenneth.
"Magician, will you believe in my Lord?"
Kenneth: ?_??
The madman's idea was simple: since Kenneth had no intention of defying God and also scorned those heretics, bringing Kenneth into the order would make him a believer. Believers participating in heretical rituals would be for the purpose of purging heretics, thus resolving all contradictions. It had to be said, it was quite reasonable.
Coming to his senses, Kenneth heard the Kyoko praising her lord and sensed the rapidly approaching sources of magic. He took a step forward and walked toward the workshop located in the alternate dimension.
"Assassin, this isn't the place to chat. Come with me."
Upon receiving Kenneth's invitation, Kyoko, who had transformed into a missionary, immediately caught up with Kenneth and began to spread the doctrines of the order, erasing the traces of the battle. Karna and Chris also quickly returned to Kenneth's side.
Chapter 135 Contract
Back at the base, Kenneth stared expressionlessly at the madman who hadn't stopped talking for the past twenty minutes. Although he had heard about him before, the fanaticism that was so obvious was really hard for Kenneth to understand. But no matter how hard he couldn't understand it, he had to admit the steadfastness of such a devout believer.
"Assassin, I can feel your faith, but my destiny does not lie with your cult."
The magnetic female voice paused. Kyoko thought for a moment, then subtly probed Kenneth's impression of the Assassin cult. As a devout believer, Kyoko wouldn't force him to change his faith; letting him naturally realize the greatness of the order was what she, as a believer, should do. Realizing Kyoko hadn't understood her words, Kenneth closed his eyes. His next words stunned Kyoko, who had been trying to convert him, onto the spot.
“I have met the Hassan of Hassans, and I have made a divine vow with him. Therefore, my destiny is not in the religious order, but in the hands of him.”
call--
With a long exhale, Kyoshiko, who had always aimed to inherit the name of King Hassan-i-Sabah, fell silent after Kenneth's words. She did not doubt whether Kenneth was lying. After a brief hesitation, as a staunch believer of the Order, Kyoshiko turned her fanatical gaze to Kenneth, who was thinking with his eyes closed.
I swear, your beliefs will become my flesh and blood.
With a magnetic yet trembling female voice, Kyoshiko met Kenneth's gaze with her beautiful eyes. At that moment, Kenneth truly felt the faith of the follower nicknamed Kyoshiko. Based solely on the name of King Hassan, this believer who was born to sweep away heretics cast a spell to Kenneth to form a contract.
You shall obey my commands; my life is entrusted to your sword.
...
The contract was formed without the slightest hesitation. After the maddened child chanted the incantation to establish the contract, Kenneth responded with his own incantation. A sharp pain shot through him as the double branding completely covered the back of Kenneth's hand.
“My Lord’s Agent, please teach me.”
Kenneth looked at Kyoko, who was kneeling on one knee with her right hand placed on her chest, and realized that Kyoko was treating him as King Hassan's representative. Although he wanted to explain, he swallowed his words, considering that her faith had been elevated to a Noble Phantasm.